A13128	----	A true and fearfull pronouncing of warre against the Roman Imperial Majesty, and withall against the king of Poland, by the late emperour of Turkey, Soloma Hometh which said Turke is since happily prevented (of his cruell purpose) by death, but by all appearance the now surviving Turk that succeeds him hath the like bloudy purposes to prosecute his designes against Christendome, as may appeare by the approaching of his formidable armie upon the frontiers of Poland at this present / confirmed by diverse letters from severall places, which you shall finde heer truly set downe. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A13128 of text S2913 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 23424.5). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 8 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 5 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A13128 STC 23424.5 ESTC S2913 29443606 ocm 29443606 27970 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A13128) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 27970) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1858:55) A true and fearfull pronouncing of warre against the Roman Imperial Majesty, and withall against the king of Poland, by the late emperour of Turkey, Soloma Hometh which said Turke is since happily prevented (of his cruell purpose) by death, but by all appearance the now surviving Turk that succeeds him hath the like bloudy purposes to prosecute his designes against Christendome, as may appeare by the approaching of his formidable armie upon the frontiers of Poland at this present / confirmed by diverse letters from severall places, which you shall finde heer truly set downe. Süleyman I, Sultan of the Turks, 1494 or 5-1566. [8] p. Printed for Nathaniel Butter, London : 1640. Attributed by STC (2nd ed.) to Süleyman I (The Magnificent). "With privilege." Reproduction of original in: Harvard University. Library. eng Süleyman -- I, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1494 or 5-1566. Murad -- IV, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1612-1640. İbrahim, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1615-1648. Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683. Turkey -- Foreign relations -- Austria. Turkey -- Foreign relations -- Poland. Venice (Italy) -- History -- Turkish Wars, 17th century. A13128 S2913 (STC 23424.5). civilwar no A true and fearfull pronouncing of warre against the Roman Imperial Majesty, and withall against the king of Poland, by the late emperour of [no entry] 1640 1351 2 0 0 0 0 0 15 C The rate of 15 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-10 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-11 Chris Scherer Sampled and proofread 2002-11 Chris Scherer Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A TRVE AND FEARFVLL pronouncing of Warre against the Roman Imperiall Majesty , and withall against the King of Poland , By the late Emperour of Turkey , SOLOMA HOMETH . Which said Turke is since happily prevented ( of his cruell purpose ) by death ; but by all appearance the now surviving Turk that succeeds him hath the like bloudy purposes to prosecute his designes against Christendome , as may appeare by the approaching of his formidable Armie upon the frontiers of Poland at this present . Confirmed by diverse Letters from severall places , which you shall finde heer truly set downe . LONDON , Printed for Nathaniel Butter . 1640. With Privilege . FRom the Great commanding God in the Heaven , We alone SOLOMA HOMETH , god upon earth , of great grace and mercy ; invincible Great and mighty Emperour of Babylon and Iudea , from the rising of the Sunne to the setting thereof ; King of all Kings upon earth , of great grace and mercy ; King of whole Arabia and Media , Duke of the Noble Race in Greece and Armenia , a borne Triumphator , as also King of Ierusalem , Lord and protector of the Sepulchre of the Crucified Christ . Challenging you Emperour of Germany , King of Poland , and all your Princes and Peeres ; as also the Pope , Cardinalls , Bishops and all your Adherents , by oath of the Crownes of all our Dominions , give you to understand , with great power , that we will come before your City of Vienna with 13 Kingdomes and Nations , and with 1300000 men , both horse and foot , with tyranny and Turkie power and Armours , yea with our Imperiall strength ( more than ever you have seen or heard of ) and will pursue you Emperour with fire and sword , and your helpers ; and your neighbouring Polander , with military power and force , with burning , robbing , and murthering and destroying of the whole Countrey , and put you to the miserablest death that ever we can invent , banish you into great misery , detaine you prisoners , and use you like dogs . This we absolutely purpose to force you ( being you your selves do cruelly tyrannize amongst the Christians , and possesse but a small Country ) and to take your Kingdomes with the sword , as also we wil suppresse the Seale of Rome , together with the golden Scepter : this we thought to give notice of unto you Emperour of Germany ▪ and King of Poland , and all your Adherents , that you may regulate your selves after it , because you shall find it so indeed ▪ Given in our mighty City of Constantinople ( which comprehends in her 1658 Streets , 100 Hospitals , 800 publick Hothouses , 997 Conduits , 112 Markets , where all sorts of wares are sold , 115 appointed places and Stables for Mules , 400 Innes for strangers , 1652 great and small Schooles , 1600 Mills , 417 great and small Churches : this great City comprehends in her walls , 4 German Leagues ; of the great Steeples standing upon the wall are 3600 Which City our Ancestors have taken by force , according to our will kept and maintained to your great shame . Done after our Nativity 39 yeares , after our mighty Reigne the tenth yeare . Venice the 13.23 . of March . It is confirmed , that the Emperour of Turky being 33. yeares of age in the 17. yeare of his raigne is departed out of this life , and that in his place is chosen Emperour , the 10. of February his Brother , being 27. yeares of age , and was called Ibraim the first , who would not accept of the government , unlesse they did shew him first the body of his deceased Brother , and having looked upon him , said , here lies dead a good Souldier , a mighty King , but also a great Tirant , and although he refused the government till such time , notwithstanding hee is now resolved , ( being the peace with Persia is now concluded , and the Primo Vezier confirmed in his high Offices ) to goe against the King of Poland with an Army of 500000 men , to which end 70000 Tartarians are sent already into the Wallachey . Stetin 12.22 . of March . Is written that the Tartarians have defeated in Podolia the Podolian troopes . The Lord Koningspotzky levieth at Dantzick and Prusia a Regiment at his own charges : It is likewise certaine , that the Emperour of Turkie is resolved to warre against the King of Poland , wherefore the said King hath sent the Lord Palatin in embassage to Rome , in the meane time great preparations for warre are made in Poland . Gen : Baudis hath likewise commission to leavie 2000. Curassiers for the King of Poland , the Count of Denhof is likewise to leavie a Regiment of foote . Venice 20.30 . March . It is writen the Turks have taken not far from Cadix two English ships with some 100 barrs of Silver to the value of 800000. Crownes , which were appointed for the Cardinal Infant in the Low Countries : two Turkey Pirats which were kept block'd up by our galleis at Modoy , are got out of the harbour by a faire winde , but our Gallies pursued presently after them , and sunck them : and from Constantinople they certifie , that fortie thousand Tartarians have alreadie made an invasion into Poland , whereof the King of Poland hath sent alreadie divers troopes and peeces of ordinance towards the frontiers to oppose the Tartarians . He hath likewise called a Diet against the 3 13. Aprill . March 21.31 . From Marseilles is writen , that the Turks of Tunis and Algiers are gone to sea with 60. Galleys and saile of ships . The report goes , that they are setting out yet a Navie , 120. Galleys ; wherefore the Knights of Malta keepe a watch full , and cause divers harbours , where they might land , to be paled up , and divers sconces and watch-houses to be made . Venice March 27. April 6. From Constantinople is written , that the new Emperour of Turkie , with great joy and triumphing , and and the Tartars strengthen themselves more and more , and lie but five leagues from the Polonian frontiers , which fell unawares about 12000. strong upon the Polonian Gen. Laska , who was gone with 400. horsmen to descrie the strength of the Turkes , slew the most part of his men , and the said Generall Laska himselfe came shrewdly wounded back againe . April 4.14 . Another letter from Poland is written , that in the same Kingdome great terrour and feare is , because of the Turke which lies very strong upon the frontiers of Poland : wherefore the King of Poland levieth in his Dominions , as also in Prussia , great forces ; and that the said levying may goe the speedier forward , all other levying about Dantzick is prohibited : And in the said Citie diverse Fasts have been kept , that God may turn off the great danger of the Turk . March 31. April 10. From Dantzick is written , that before the Dyet in Poland , the 27 of this moneth , a generall meeting is appointed to be at Moriaberg in Prussia , because the King of Poland was warned againe by the King of Persia , and the Emperour of Russia of the Turkes , and that already 80000. Tartars are already arrived neare the Nippe on the frontiers of Poland . 
A08166	----	A true and faithfull relation, presented to his Maiestie and the prince, of what hath lately happened in Constantinople, concerning the death of Sultan Osman, and the setting vp of Mustafa his vncle Together with other memorable occurrents worthy of obseruation. Roe, Thomas, Sir, 1581?-1644. 1622 Approx. 37 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 18 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A08166 STC 18507.71A ESTC S120714 99855908 99855908 21416 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A08166) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 21416) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 998:01) A true and faithfull relation, presented to his Maiestie and the prince, of what hath lately happened in Constantinople, concerning the death of Sultan Osman, and the setting vp of Mustafa his vncle Together with other memorable occurrents worthy of obseruation. Roe, Thomas, Sir, 1581?-1644. [34] p. [By F. Kingston] for Bartholomew Downes, and are to be sold at his house neere Fleet-bridge [by B. Downes], and in Popes head Alley, by William Sheffard, Imprinted at London : 1622. Printer's and bookseller's names from STC. Written by Sir T. Roe--STC. Signatures: A-D⁴ (-D4) E² . Running title reads: The death of Sultan Osman, and the setting vp of Mustafa. Formerly STC 18882. Identified as STC 18882 on UMI microfilm. Reproduction of the original in the Harvard University. Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Mustafa -- I, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1591-1639. Osman -- II, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1603-1622. Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683 -- Early works to 1800. 2003-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-09 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-11 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2003-11 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A TRVE AND FAITHFVLL RELATION , PRESENTED TO HIS MAIESTIE AND THE PRINCE , of what hath lately happened in Constantinople , concerning the death of Sultan Osman , and the setting vp of Mustafa his Vncle. Together with other memorable occurrents worthy of obseruation . Imprinted at London for Bartholomew Downes , and are to be sold at his house neere Fleet-bridge , and in Popes head Alley , by William Sheffard . 1622. THE DEATH OF SVLTAN OSMAN , AND THE SETTING VP of Mustafa his Vncle. THe Grand Signior Sultan Osman discontented since his disgrace in Poland , as soone as he came to Constantinople , pretended a iourney vpon the Emir de Saida , who was reported to bee in Rebellion , hauing taken Armes to other ends . But being diuerted from this purpose by the great instance of the Viziers , and that it would not so well serue his secret designes , because he must then keepe an Army on foote ; he gaue out that he would visit Mecha , the tombe of his false Prophet . To make this voyage the more secure , in apparance , he seemed content to accept of any Treatie with the Polacks , euen to conditions both of disaduantage and dishonour ; for his estates in Hungary , he reenforced the frontiers with diuers troopes , and though hee were much troubled at the league betweene the Emperor of Germany and Bethlem Gaber , yet hee dissembled it so , as that he would not displease the Transiluantan , but rather offered new succors , and forbearance of his Tribute . From the incursions of the Cossacks , he hoped to assure himselfe , by the treatie of the Poles , and in occasion of breach , he had the Tartars ready to requite them ( it being both their trades to liue vpon spoyle and robbery ) and for more security he appoynted twenty Gallies to keepe the blacke Sea. The common people and Uiziers that loued rest , and knew not the designe , were much troubled and discontent at this iourney , who made many Remonstrances to him of the inconuenience and danger to leaue the seate of his Empire to the trust of a Deputy , in a time when Bethlem Gaber was newly reconciled to the Germane Emperour , and therefore not to be trusted , and the Polacks newly reconciled to him , and therefore to bee mistrusted . Diuers other reasons were made to him , many Petitions deliuered from the Church-men , Lawyers , and from all estates . But Melancholike reuenge had wholy possessed him , so that by no meanes he could be perswaded to desist . The Soldioury pasted so farre , as to threaten publikely , and to protest , they would not follow , but rather set vp another King in his absence that should stay among them . In conclusion , carried by his owne fate to destruction , the seuenth of May hauing first commanded away all his Gallies to the Leuant , and thereby disposed away many of his Souldiers , he began to passe ouer his Tents and Pauilions to Asia side , with great quantities of Treasure : The Ianizaries and Spahees , who had also secret intelligence vpon the King , his owne words and actions betraying some further designe then a Pilgrimage ( for he made preparations to carry away all his Iewels and Treasure , euen defacing his Palace , and taking from Churches , and his Wardrobes , whatsoeuer could bee conuerted to Bullion ) suddainely met at the Hippodrome in the Citty vpon a word giuen ; and from thence ranne to the Seraglio in tumult , but without Armes , and there according to their barbarous mutinies cried out for the King ( hauing first taken order to stop the passage of anything vpon the water ) who appearing to them , asked what this insolency meant , and what they pretended . They then by the mouth of a multitude ( for they had no head but that of the monster ) demanded first that he should not proceed in his purpose to goe to Mecha nor into Asia , but that he must abide in the Cittie ; Secondly , they would haue deliuered to their fury the great Uizier de-lauir Bassa , the Hoia or Confessor of the King , the Cashariaga gouernour of the women , the Tefterdar or Treasorer , the Caddee Leskar , or Chiefe Iustice , and some others , as enemies to the State , and consenting to this Voyage , which they pretended would be the ruine of the Empire . The first , after a little dispute , the King granted vnto them ; promising to giue ouer his iourney , but they not content , exacted it in writing . To the second he replied that it was dishonour to him to haue his Seruants so vsed without order of Iustice : but perswaded them to haue patience to stay vntill Saterday , the next Diuan or publike Councell , where they should all appeare , and if they were found culpable , they should receiue punishment ; not meaning to performe any of this , but to get time and allay their present fury . These fellowes not content with this moderate answer , vndertooke to know that they were guilty , and therefore that they needed no other witnesse , trials , nor Iudge , but themselues , and with extreme clamour called to haue them deliuered . But the King refusing to giue them any other satisfaction , and they vnprepared for force , returned into the Cittie , which now was all in feare , euery house and shop shut vp , expecting a generall sacke . But they followed the way of their owne hatred , and first went vnto the house of the Hoia , which they brake and pillaged : but not finding him , they proceeded to the great Uiziers , who made some defence , and ( they being vnarmed ) beat them off ; and so they separated being now euening , but yet kept a Guard in some parts of the Towne . This night the King made an attempt to send ouer to Asia side , but was preuented ; and to fortifie and defend his Seraglio , which is walled strongly about , and hath alway in it of household Seruants about three thousand , but it seemes no man would Arme in his cause : For the next morning the Mutiners assembled againe , and taking their Armes , went first to the Mofti , or Arch-priest among them , and forced him and diuers others to accompany them to the Court , where they anew demaunded these men , but with more instance and fury . In the meane time the Hoia , Caddee Leskar , and Tefterdar fled , and were yet neuer heard of . The Uizier retired to the King , and perswaded him earnestly to goe ouer in person in his owne boates ( which from his Garden hee might easily doe ) to Asia , and there to take Horse , and he would secure him from all perill ; but the King would not mooue , bidding him stay confident and assured that he would punish these Rebels . The wise old man seeing this constancy or obstinacy , desired leaue to shift for himselfe , which he either tooke or obtained , and so got away to the Hermitage of a Saint renowned amongst them , who ( like himselfe ) betrayed him to a Captaine of the Ianizaries ; yet did him the fauour as not to deliuer him to the multitude , but carried him backe to the Kings house . At this time it was disputed in the Seraglio about the deliuerie of these Officers , the Emperour refusing , the Rebels clamouring and threatning , in somuch as he began to feare they would breake in , and in their rage doe worse then was yet pretended . Whereupon , whether by the Kings order , or by his owne consent ( willing to be the peace-offering ) the Uizier went out to them , and with a good assurednesse demaunded what they sought of him , and wherein he had offended : But they answered him with their swords , and suddainely cut him in pieces . The Emperour seeing their fury so outragious , had now more cause to doubt , and retired himselfe then too late , when hee had lost his braue Counsellor , would haue fled into Asia , and could not , but conueyed himselfe into a priuate place prepared by his Bustengi Bassa , or chiefe Gardiner . The Rebels continue without in their madnesse , asking for the King , and for more sacrifices . But the Seruants protesting they knew not where he was , they said they must haue a King , and if hee would not appeare , they would make another ; and hauing a while attended , they resolued to enter the Palace ( but first tooke a generall oath not to sacke the Imperiall Throne , which they called their house and their honour ) and there seeking for the King , not able to finde him , they extorted by confession the Caslariaga , and slew him , and then they demanded for Mustafa , Vncle to Osman , by him formerly deposed , a man esteemed rather holy ( that is franticke ) then wise , and indeed fitter for a Cell , then a Scepter . The King the first day of this tumult had put Mustafa into a vault with two Negro women , without bread or drinke , in which estate these new Electors found him almost naked , & halfe pined . At first sight , he thought they had bin the messengers of death : but that feare passed ouer , he begged of them a cup of water . Whom they tooke , and instantly proclaimed their Emperour , which he was loth to accept , vti pudebat aucti nominis ; How vnstable are the estates of the greatest Princes . Quem dies videt veniens iacentem , hunc vidit dies fugiens regnantem ; He that was now in the Iawes of death , naked , starued , and dying for thirst , is become the Emperour , and may drinke gold , or the blood of men . They as yet not knowing what was become of Osman , and loth to trust Mustapha in the Palace , carried him in triumph to the old Seraglio , and there left him , departing to the sacke of the Viziers house , and so in the euening to their Rendeuous , where they kept both good guard , and good order in the Cittie from fires and other Insolencies . Sultan Osman amazed with these newes , so soone as they had left the Court , came out , and called to Councell in the night , Huzein Bassa , late Uizier in the Polish warre , and the Aga of the Ianizaries , both faithfull to him , and demanded their aduice , first , hauing sent to the old Seraglio , to practise the women there , to strangle Mustafa ; but some taking his part , a new vprore began in the house betweene that sexe : and the Souldiers that kept watch , taking the Alarum , entred in , and rescued him , and from thence remoued him to the Chambers of the Ianizaries , where they garded him for that night , in an ill lodging . All this while Osman consults what course to take . These two his friends , and some others , tell him that the case was desperate , and could not be cured but by a desperate remedy . And therefore they agreed that the Aga should goe and perswade with the Mofti , and that the King in the morning should suddainely present himselfe to the Souldiers at their owne dore , and make experience , what his Presence , his submission , and his beneuolence promised could worke , to moue them to Loyalty , or compassion ; which counsell early in the morning they put in practice . The King accompanied with the Mofti ( who neuer consented to his deposing , though he fauoured the Souldiers against the Vizier ) with Huzein Bassa , and about twelue Horse-men , went directly to the Ianizaries Colledge where Mustafa was kept , and there in teares made them an Oration , offring great recompence , repenting of his errour , and finally inuoked them by the merits of his father and all his Ancestors to haue some pittie vpon their true Master . The multitude ( tam prona in misericordiam , quam immodica saeuitiâ fuerat ) now knew not what to do ; a silent murmure ran among them , and they were halfe conuerted : But the Aga of the Ianizaries , thinking to merit of the King , and beginning to plead vnseasonably for him , with some harsh words of vpbraidure , vt natura Maris omni flatu ventiturbida , anew moued their furie , so that they creid out Treason , and fell vpon him and Huzein Bassa , and cut them into pieces , euery man taking a part of their flesh to satiate their reuenge . The Mofti would speake , but is withdrawne by some , for respect to his place , and with difficulty is conueyed away . Now the poore Osman sees his friends slaine , and knowes not which way to conuert himself , but binding vp his eyes with a napkin , expects death as the last of their furie ; But they carrie him first before Mustafa , and accuse him as the disturber of the Peace of the Empire , and demand sentence against him , more vulgi suum quisque flagitium alits obiectantes . The forsaken Prince pleads for life , and the new King knowes not how to condemne , but nods and agrees to all that is propounded . At last they consult with themselues , and put him vpon an horse ( an insolent Spahee changing Turbants with him ) and sent him away prisoner to the seuen towers vnder good guard , and then returned to their new Master , and placed him in the Seraglio and Imperiall Throne , where hee hath neede to haue good broths and nourishment to restore his decayed body . The Souldiers thinke all is done , and ( onely sacking the houses of Huzein Bassa and some others their conceiued enemies ) returne in quiet to their seuerall lodgings , and haue no further malice . But the new Uizier Daout Bassa , made by Mustafa , knew well , if Osman liued , that this storme might passe ouer , and hee would as easily and by the same meanes returne to his estate , as he fell from it , Uulgus vt mos est , cuiusque noui motus cupidum . Therefore he consulted with some few interessed in Mustafaes preferment , and thereby obnoxious to Osman , to search how many of the Royall blood were left aliue , and resolued if there remained two , to make an end of Osman . Two of his brothers were found , the one about twelue , the other about seuen yeeres of age : and thereupon the Uizier went himselfe to the prison with a packe of hangmen , and gaue order to strangle the vnfortunate Prince : who now hauing had no rest in two nights , and thinking himselfe secure for a season , was newly falne asleepe : but awaked by the comming of these Messengers , asked what newes , saying he did not like their suddaine intrusion . They at first stood amazed , and the King made shew to defend himselfe ; but a strong knaue strooke him on the head with a Battle-axe , and the rest leaping vpon him , strangled him with much adoe . Thus one of the greatest Monarkes in the world , is first affronted by mutined troops , his owne slaues , almost vnarmed , and few in number , no man taking vp a sword to defend him : and they who began this madnesse , not meaning to hurt him , by the increase of their owne furie , which hath no bounds , depose him against their owne purpose , and at last expose his life against their will , to the counsels of other men , whom they equally hate . And now they mourne for their dead King , as freshly as they raged vnreasonably , knowing they haue stayned their honour , being the first of their Emperours they euer betrayed , and that they haue set vp another that in all likelyhood they must change for disability : Nonunquam tulit documenta sors maiora , quam fragile loco starent superbi . This is the last act of the life of Sultan Osman : but his intents and great designes , which drew vpon him this fatall blow , I suppose will not bee vnworthy the communication , the practices , reasons , secrets and counsels of all actions being the soule of history , and res gestae but the bare carcasse : and I am perswaded , as many ages haue not produced so strange an example of the incertainty of humane greatnesse ; so in the disposition thereof , and in the waies leading thereunto , there is seene euidently the wonderfull prouidence of God , in confounding of the counsels of the worldly wise , who had laid a foundation of new greatnesse , whereby he aspired the vniuersall Monarchy , ambitious of the honour of Traian , in whose time the decayed Empire was said primum mouere lacertos & senectutem Imperit , quasi reddita iuuentute reuiuiscere . And lastly , the world may see vpon how weake foundations this Monarchy was at first builded , but it is now shaken and corrupted ; how their Kings are subiect to the rage of a few Slaues , how Anarchy hath prepared it an easie prey to any able hand , that would attempt it . From the Inuasion of Poland all these changes tooke their beginning . Sultan Osman aduanced to the Throne in his youth , full of heate and blood , being of a great and haughty spirit , very couragious , strong of body , and a mortall hater of Christians , enuious of the glory of his Ancestors , and ambitious to raise his name aboue any of theirs , had proiected in himselfe the Conquest of the remaines of the bordering Europe . But to so great designes he had one vice that resisted all hope of prosperity , which was extreme auarice , and he fell into the latter times and decrepit age , vbi vires luxu corrumpebantur , contra veterem disciplinam & instituta maiorum , apud quos virtute quam pecunia res militaris melius stetit . His first enterprize was that of Poland , mooued by the incursions of the Cossacks , which yet hee vndertooke of his owne head , without the counsell of any his Uiziers ( who in a Monarchy growne to the height by ease and wealth , & perhaps longa dominatione inertes , are euer corrupt and lazie ) and against the liking of all the Souldiers , who now contrary to their institution being married , and fathers of a family , entred into trades , receiuing nothing in warre more then in peace , praeter periculaet labores , are not easily drawne from their owne chimneies . This action he thought so easie , as he had disposed of his conquest , and deuided the liue Lyons skinne . But being met vpon the borders with a poore Army in comparison , he was first arrested at Chotyn a little fortresse , which he was faine to leaue behind him vntaken ; And then seeking to aduance into the plaine countrey , by forcing the trenches of the Chancellor of Poland opposed against him , he could neuer procure his Ianizaries to fight , though engaging his person once or twice beyond the regard of his quality , and his own Troopes ready to mutine against him , or to forsake him , he was at last enforced to raise shamefully his Campe , and to accept of any treatie to saue his outward honour . In this attempt he lost aboue 100000. horses for want of fodder , and 80000. men for want of fighting : for they would rather die , running , or pillaging , or eating , then in the face of the enemie . For this disgrace he cōceiued so inward and rooted an indignation against the Ianizaries , and so iustly , that he often lamented himselfe , and complained hee was no King , that was subiect to his owne slaues , vpon whom he spent great treasures , and yet they would neither fight in warre , nor obey in peace , without exacting new bounties and priuiledges . Delauir Bassa a man of great wit and courage , lately called from the Easterne parts , where he had long gouerned with honour , who came in , though late , yet in a very braue and warlike equipage , aboue all other his Captaines , was suddainely made great Uizier , the former Huzein Bassa being in the same disgrace , common with the souldier , though not in the same fault . This man was neuer bred at Court , but had liued many yeeres in Action , and so had neither faction nor dependance here , but stood vpon himselfe and his owne merit : And being now vnlooked for , and aduanced to this high dignitie , he wrought vpon the Kings discontent , and nourished it : and in conclusion , brake with him , that it was true , he was no Emperour , nor could be safely aliue , while the Ianizaries had the power which they lately vsurped : Informing him , that they were corrupted from their ancient Institution , & were lazie Cowards , giuen ouer to ease and lust , et animo per libidines corrupto , nihil honestum inerat . But if this Maiestie would pull vp his spirits , and follow his aduice , he would prouide him a new Souldioury about Damascus , and from the Coords , of men euer bred in the frōtier , hardnes , and warre , of great courage and experience , and that of them he should erect a new Militia , that should wholy depend of him , entertaining onely 40000. in pay , which should alway be his Guard , and that in the distribution of euery Prouince , he should constitute that the Beghler begh in his Gouernement should traine some of the Inhabitants , who in all occasions of making a great Army , should bee in readinesse , and hereby he should spare infinite treasures spent vpon these Drones that eate vp his estate ; And with men of new spirits and hopes , he should bee enabled to doe greater matters , then any of his Ancestors : but withall he desired the King to communicate this counsell to no man , nor to trust his life vpon anothers secrecy . Delauir Bassa neuer reueling himselfe to any but the King , who extremely pleased with this aduice , that flattered his owne humour , consented , and remitted all to the Uiziers direction , who was a true souldier , and a very wise man , able by his credit in Asia , to performe all hee had vndertaken : for hee was exceedingly beloued in those parts , very rich , and had kept Damascus , whereof he was Gouernour , for himselfe in the last rebellion . Vpon this conclusion betweene them , it was first agreed , that the king should pretend to goe in person against the Emir de Zaida , who was moued to take Armes really to assist in the designe : but they vsed it , to colour the departure of the Emperour ; which when it was welwaighed , itwas found , that then the Armie of the Ianizaries must be kept together , which could not agree with their ends . Hereupon the iourney of Mecha was divulged , that the King might , vnder the shadow of an holy pilgrimage , goe out with a small trayne , and disperse those who were suspected to him . And for this , preparation was made , but somewhat to grosely , by melting of all the Plate , Saddles , Furniture of house , Lamps of Churches , and whatsoeuer could more easily bee conueyed away in metall , with all the Iewels and Treasurie . This gaue the first suspicion , which was confirmed by diuers vnaduised words let fall from the King , of disdaine against the cowardize of the Ianizaries , and that hee would shortly finde himselfe souldiers that should whippe them ; and lastly , dismissing all his houshold , except some few elect , the discontented obserued and betraied him . Delauir Bassa kept his owne secret , and in the meane time prepared by his friends in Asia 10000. about Damascus , 10000. from the Coords , besides those in readinesse of the Emir de Zaida , and all vpon pretence of defending the borders of Persia , who hauing Intelligence of some change in those parts ; And gaue order that all these should meete the King at Damascus , where he would presently cut off his Guard and stay there , vntill he had regulated his new Army , and Discipline , and then to returne triumphant to Constantinople , and vtterly roote out the order of Ianizaries , Spahees and Timariots , and to exauctorate all their Captaines and officers to settle a new gouernement , and to change the name of the Citty . And these things succeeding , hee then resolued vvith his new Souldiers to attempt the recouery of his honour in Christendome : in the meane time to hold a dissembled friendship there in all parts . Certainely this was a braue and well-grounded designe , and of great consequence for renewing of this decayed Empire , languishing vnder the insolencies of lazie slaues , if God had not destroyed it : It being very true , that the Turkish Emperour stands at the deuotion of his owne troopes for peace or warre , life or death , and is in effect nothing but the Steward or Treasurer of his Ianizaries . If this proiect had taken effect , what euents it might haue produced by a Ciuill Warre , is not easie to iudge . For doubtlesse , the Souldioury here would haue set vp another King , and maintayned him as well as they could , and this European part had beene in danger to haue beene torne away by the diuision . Besides , Delauir Bassa hauing the King and the Treasurie in his possession , and his owne credit so great , and his inclination velle imperare once discouered , it may well bee thought that hee had some ends of his owne to share a part of this mighty estate : If on the other side the Uizier had prooued true and faithfull , the reformation and new erection of the Discipline of Warre , and the increase of Treasure consequent to the dismission of the old Militia , would haue beene fearefull to all Christendome : But , Ubiest sapiens ? Ubi disquisitor saeculi haius ? Nonne infatuauit Deus sapientiam mundi huius ? Perdam sapientiam sapientum , & vanam reddam intelligentiam intelligentium . It is a great question whether is the wiser wish , that these Counsels had succeeded or not : for either diuision and subuersion , or a new prosperity and enlargement of their Dominion had necessarily followed . Some obseruations vpon this occasion , will not be very impertinent to those that desire to know as well the disposition and vse , as the things themselues . First , in the purpose of the Souldier , not at all to violate or hurt the King , much lesse to depose and murther him ; but only to take away those about him , whom they thought assistants in this proiect : yet the furie once on foot , they proceeded by missensible steppes , to the vttermost of outrage , against many innocents in that businesse , though otherwise obnoxious , and against the Throne and life of their own Emperour , vbi furor ingruat innocentes ac noxios iuxta cadere . Secondly , in the degrees , that yet the King had not falne thus low , if first he had not lost that awe & reuerence which alway attendeth vpon Maiesty , by vnseemely offices , done by him in the streetes and Tauernes , apprehending many souldiers for pettie faults , like a Constable , making his person common , cheape , and despised among them which were wont onely to be seene and feared , as somewhat supra humanitatem . And this he did also in hatred and disdaine of those that had in the war forsaken him . And now in this last act , if his own obstinacy had not plunged him into destruction , but that he had softned them by a seasonable yeelding to time , he had preuailed onely by time . Thirdly , in the order , That these Mutiners hauing no head , or direction , kept that Reglement , that they tooke oath in their fury , in hot blood , in the Kings yard , not to dishonour , spoile nor sacke the Imperiall Throne , neither committed nor suffered any insolence nor violence in the Citie to the Neutrals , but rather proclaimed peace and Iustice. Fourthly , in the consequents , that at the third daies end , all was at quiet , and all men in their trade , as if no such thing had happened ; Onely the Ianizaries suffered no Diuan nor Councell , vntill they had receiued a Donatiue , as Guerdon of their Iniquity ; In which also the infinite waste of Treasure is worthy of consideration , which must of necessity be exceedingly exhausted by three changes in foure yeeres , and by the late warres in Persia and Poland : For euery Ianizarie in the Citie , absent or present , whose roll is about 40000. receiue 25. Chequins gold , besides Spahees , Iamoglans , and other orders at euery Alteration , which amounts in all neere to two Millions . And now these fellowes all liuing , that haue tasted the sweete of prosperous mutinies , haud ignari summa scelera incipi cum periculo , peragi cum praemio , they haue taken such a head as cannot safely be suffered on , nor securely be taken off . Fifthly , of certaine presages that fore-ranne , it being related to mee from the mouth of a Cadee , inward with the King a moneth before the tumult : That Osman dreamed in the night , that he thought to ride a Cammell , and being mounted , he could not force him to goe by faire meanes nor stripes , and that then he descending in a rage , the body of the beast vanished , and left the head in the Kings hand . Who next day troubled at this fancy , sent to a Learned man , familiar with him , for the interpretation . He excused himselfe as vnfit to giue opinion in a matter of that Consequence , but perswaded Osman to send to the Mofti . Hee also craued pardon , but withall said , there was none so fit to interpret it , as Mustafa the Kings vncle , and now Emperour , who is esteemed a holy man , that hath visions , and Angel-like speculations , in plaine tearmes , betweene a mad man and a foole . The King repaires to Mustafa , who briefely tells him , The Cammell signifies his Empire : his riding , abuse in gouernment : his descention , his disposition : the vanishing of the body , the reuolt of his Subiects : the head remaining in his hand , onely a bare title ; and that he should shortly dye within few Moneths , and lose his Kingdome , but the empty name of Emperour should accompany him to his graue . A second of lesse consequence in the Uizier Delauir Bassa , from whom the Lord Ambassadour hauing receiued particular friendship about sixe dayes before this vprore , hee went to visit , and hauing no other businesse but to perswade him to stay the King from this intended Pilgrimage , the Ambassadour gaue him many reasons in the present estate of their owne affayres , especially the Treaty of Poland yet depending . To which the Bassa replyed very grauely . Then the Ambassadour vrging the feare of some tumult , collected from the licentious speeches rumored in the Towne , and hee was bold to deale plainely , sincerely and friendly , That if any such thing should happen , the fault would be imputed to the Bassa , as being of authoritie to perswade the King , whom his qualitie and youth would excuse , but all the fury would be discharged vpon the greatest Minister ; desiring him to consider the euent , at least , to take his affection in the best part . The old Renard stayed a while from reply : at last , smiling to himselfe at the Ambassadour , who perswaded him against that which was his owne counsaile , hee gaue him a finall answere , that there was no remedy , hee durst not hazard himselfe to oppose the Kings resolution : but assured him , he would so order the matter , as this iourney should not proceede so farre , as was expected . The Ambassadour concluded for himselfe , desiring then that he would leaue him a particular recommendation to the Chimacham or Deputie as his friend . To which he suddainely replied , Trouble not your selfe , nor feare ; I will neuer remoue so farre , but that I will leaue one of my legges in this City to serue you : which the poore man fulfilled ; for being murthered in few daies after , one of his legs whole and entire , was hanged in the Hippodrome , the most publike place of the City . Lastly , in things yet to come , and probably to be suspected , That the Souldiours in Asia , who haue now lost their hopes , will not sit downe by this affront , but rather will attempt some Reuenge , for the death of that king who was their Martyr ; Or that some great Bassaes farre remoued from Court , will apprehend this occasion , not to obey an Vsurper , set vp by treason ; And vpon this colour ground their owne Ambitions , or that all euery where will fall into Combustion and Intestine warre ; For I dare not hope , that God will open the eyes of Christian Princes to see the littlenesse of their owne vnciuill quarels , while this mighty Monarchy inuiteth them to Concord , and to diuide it as a prostituted spoile . FINIS . THE CONTINVATION OF THE STORY , PRESENTED TO THE KINGS MAIESTY from the same Person . ON Saturday euening , the first of Iune following , the Capiaga or Maior Domo of the Seraglio , hauing receiued a secret order to remoue the brethren of osman from their lodgings , and in the night to strangle them : as hee was performing his command , aided with a few of his Carnifices to carry away the Princes , they cried out : the Pages running to the noise , and incouraged by the Casliaraga , who had some suspition , without further examination kill the Capiaga , now almost euery order hauing risen against their owne head . That night they sent secretly to the Ianizaries and Spahees , to informe them what they had done , and in the morning early hanged his body in the Hippodrome for a publike spectacle . The soldiers returned in fury to Court , in fauour of the Pages , and demanded iustice against those that had consented to this wicked order ; which had made an end of all the Ottoman race , only this Mustafa being left aliue , who is so holy a Saint , that he will not people the world with sinners , nor indure any women about him . The innocent King protests hee knowes nothing of this purpose : and if his command were procured , it was gotten by subreption , and he is easily beleeued . But his mother another Liuia , and the new Uizier , Daout Bassa , who had her daughter to wife , were vehemētly suspected . It was a day of Diuan or Councell ; But these Souldiours would suffer none , vntill they had an account of this treason . The Vizier denies all ; the mother is a woman , & hidden in the house : yet it is very likely , they both were guilty to vphold and secure their owne authority : It being rumoured , that the Uizier determined to place Subdititiously , in the roome of the elder Prince , his own Son , and very like him , and so to gouerne Mustafa for a time , and by his remoue to establish himselfe and his Race for euer . But now somewhat must bee done to appease the people ; Therefore Daout Bassa is degraded from his office , and one Huzein Bassa newly arriued from the gouernment of Cairo , aduanced to his place , with promise of further examination . Since , the fury once ouer , there hath beene no great search nor discouery made . I thinke the Sultanes Chequines haue quieted the matter . This new Uizier , a man here without friends , yet very rich , of a stubborne and obstinate nature , reported iust in his wayes , but peremptory and inflexible ; audax , ferox , & prout animum intendit prauus aut industrius eadem vis one from whom almen may expect much good or much ill ; Begins his gouernement roughly , vndertakes to punish Insolencies early , and professeth a reformation , or to be a Sacrifice . A man fit for these times that are desperate : For the worst will be , that he must at last endure their furie : In the meane time he procures a little awe , & hath restored the face of Iustice : yet I am perswaded it cannot last long , the Ghost of Osman will not be at rest , vntill there are some parentalia made vnto him ; The nature of this Vizier is vnsupportable ; But if he preuaile , and once settle , he will a new change the King , and lay an obligation vpon the Brethren of Osman ; For he will neuer thinke himselfe secure vnder a man gouerned by an insolent woman , Dominandi auida : And what assurance can he haue in that Prince , cui non iudicium , non odium est nisi indita & iussa ? And though I cannot foresee the particulars , and where the Sore will breake out , yet I am sure the whole body is sicke ; And Princes of Christendome shall haue breath three yeeres , before they shall haue cause to feare this state , whose present King is mentis inops , and the next in expectation , a Child , vnfit for action , and all the great men and Souldiers decayed , mutined and corrupted . FINIS . 
A17260	----	A Iewes prophesy, with newes from Rome of two mightie armies, aswell footemen as horsmen, the first of the great Sophy, the other of an Hebrew people, till this time not discouered, comming from the mountaines of Caspij, who pretend their warre is to recouer the land of promise, & expell the Turks out of Christendome / translated out of Italian into English by W.W. 1607. 1607 Approx. 22 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 8 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A17260 STC 4102.7 ESTC S257 22160476 ocm 22160476 25197 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A17260) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 25197) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1747:28) A Iewes prophesy, with newes from Rome of two mightie armies, aswell footemen as horsmen, the first of the great Sophy, the other of an Hebrew people, till this time not discouered, comming from the mountaines of Caspij, who pretend their warre is to recouer the land of promise, & expell the Turks out of Christendome / translated out of Italian into English by W.W. 1607. Buonaccorsi, Andrea. [15] p. Printed by W.I. for Henry Gosson, and are to be sold in Pater noster rowe at the signe of the Sunne, [London] : [1607] Illustrated t.p. Also published under title: Newes from Rome. "A modernized version of Ǹewes come latle fro[m] Pera, of two most mighty armies, ́which is signed on A6v: Andrew Ben accorto"--NUC pre-1956 imprints. Attributed to Andrea Buonaccorsi by STC (2nd ed.). Dedication signed: Signior Valesco. Place and date of publication suggested by NUC pre-1956 imprints. Signatures: A-B⁴. Reproduction of original in the Harvard University. Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Prophecies. Turkey -- History -- 1483-1683. 2006-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-05 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-09 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2006-09 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A Iewes Prophesy , WITH Newes from Rome . Of two mightie Armies , aswell footemen as horsmen : The first of the great Sophy , the other of an Hebrew people , till this time not discouered , comming from the Mountaines of Caspij , who pretend their warre is to recouer the Land of Promise , & expell the Turks out of Christendome . Translated out of Italian into English , by W. W. 1607. Printed by W. I. for Henry Gosson , and are to be sold in Pater noster rowe at the signe of the Sunne . ❧ To the renowned Lord , Don Mathias de Rensie of Venice . AFter the particuler thinges alleaged in my former writings vnto your Lordshippe , I thought it good and conuenient by this my Letter , to aduertise your Lordship , of certaine great , horrible , and fearefull things that hapned in this quarter . Purposing to certifie your Lordship of the pompe and great triumph at the presenting of the Captaines of the Sea , vnto the great Turke : the miserie and vnhappines of the poore prisoners : the discorde & contention that came by the sonne of the Vice Roy of Naples , being prisoner : the threatnings made to the Christians : the receiuing of the Ambassadors of the Soffy : the pompes , tryumphes , and entertainments made vnto them , and yet dissembled enough , with mocking one the other at their departing : the presents giuen : the going of the great Turke a hunting , and all other thinges written at large , as your Lordship shall vnderstand . But now your Lordship shall vnderstand at thys time , the greatest , the most wonderfull , and most strange thing that euer was heard of . The which partly hath so troubled the great Turke , and all the rest , that they haue left of all other affayres , to prouide for the perrill and danger that at this time hangeth ouer theyr heads . Your Lordships to vse , Signior Valesco . The Iewes Prophesie . THe newes are come that the king of Hungarie waketh a great Army , which shall haue for his ayde the gailies of Buda , and of many other Princes of Christendome . And they say moreouer , that the King of Bohemia will helpe therein , and that the most part of Christian Princes will come and ayde him in this enterprize against the Turke , except the Signorie of Venice , which meddleth nothing at all in it . These reporters of newes affirme , that there shall come aboue a hundred gallies , besides other Barks , ships , & Hulkes without number , which is occasion that they hasten the Warre the more . Notwithstanding , men esteeme not so much hereof , as of the war that is made beyond the Mountaines ▪ as you shall vnderstand not without wondering at it . The Tartars make friendes vpon the greater Sea , & haue made a league and friendship with the great Turke , requiring ayde , for they are molested with war by the great Emperor of Moscouia , & Prince of Sagodie , of Pogore , of Sme●●ngie , of Drossy , of Gazam , of Virgolosam , of Tartarie , of Cham , and of diuers other people and regions lying toward the South : they say that this Emperor or Duke hath two Armies , and is called Iohn Dwatillo , a young Man , of the age of xxiiii . yeares , noble and valiant , and a Christian , after the institution of the Greekes , and presumeth that by reason of his bloud , the Empire of Constantinople doth belong to him . And these two Armies are about a two hundered thousand horse . They were not wont in times past to be so strong , nor so feared of the Turkes , for they had not the vse of artillary in the warre : but nowe they haue maruailous great preparation in theyr warre . Hee hath in wages certaine Dutch Captaines , and about tenne thousand Maister gunners , and is maruailous well furnished with harquebushes and artillery , and because men vnderstand that hee hath so vanquisht the Tartarians , and brought thē to such a state , that they cannot much more resist him and that if the saide ▪ Muscouite should bemaisters ouer the Tartars , they should consequently be Rulers of the great sea , & the way should be open and easie for them to come , not onely to Constantinoble , but also to driue the Turke out of Europe : And because that the saide great Turke is assured of this enterprize and commotion of the Greekes : he hath cōcluded and determined , to send to the sayde Tartars a good assystance of fifteene thousand fighting men , and also for this purpose , he hath sent to the Sea ten Gallies to passe them ouer . Men make mention and doubt of Mondaccio , which is a great Prince and Ruler , and able to make fourescore , or a hundred thousand Horse : and yet men are vncertaine whose part he will take , because he is a tributary vnto the great Turke . There is newes also from Affrica , that the King of Bugien , the King Tramece , the King of Tunis , the Children of Serif ; the Lorde of Murocho , and of Gran , with the Arabians & other , haue taken in hand to dryue and expulse the Turke wholy out of Affrica , & to endomage him as much as they may . Men know not yet in what place they will war , but we shall know it shortly . The newes also is , that the Soffie is in Campe with a great Army , and hath the Medes to helpe him , which border vppon the Caspian Sea , and of one side neighbur to the Hircans , called at this day Correxans and Zecatans , with whom he hath made a league and peace . There are on his side also the Ibeans and Albians , and also the people of Mel●●ar , which harbor vpon the Indians , & likewise with the King of Bosphorus , all beeing people maruailous swift and nimble . In this so mighty an host and armie , is also Bascet the Sonne of the great Turke , by meanes whereof all in those partes is in great trouble , as well as heere . It seemeth that the Ianissaries bring him the lot of Turkie , as Baduget , Zermonia , Alepo , and all the Regions lying neere to the Sossi is reuolted , all the which particularities shall be vnderstood more at large . This newes is great , & hath made the great Turk to muse enough vpon it , but aboue all these maruelous and dreadfull newes which are hapned , there is yet chanced another , which hath greatly feared and abashed all men , which although it seemeth to bee incredible , yet vpon my credit it is most true , and that is , that a people heretofore vnknowne , mighty , swift , & marueilous nimble , hath taken weapon in hand , to the disaduantage and losse of the house of Ottoman . They saye that Alexander the great did in times past driue beyond the mountaine Caspe nine tribes and a halfe of the Haebrewes which worshipped the Calfe & Serpent of Gold and draue them away , that neuer since there was no newes of them , neither knew any man if they were in the Worlde or not : because the Sea of sande , or the sandy Sea , by a certaine inconuenience of sand Grauel or Beche , swelled and rose so high , that it vtterly took from them the way into this our Region . But now by the meane of the new Nauigation that the Pollanders haue made , they are arriued in their country , and haue espied out all their dooings : and after y t the sayd Hollanders had instructed and taught them in the science and knowledge to artillery , and gun-powder for Harquebushes & dags , whereunto they are maruelous apt and ready , they are become in all thinges very perfit . After this they egged them forward ▪ to take weapon in hand , and passe the sayd Mountaine by Land. And because the sandy Sea did hinder their passage , it appeareth y t some Dutchman or Italian , which yet men knewe not , but notwithstanding some great Astrologian or Cosmographer taught them the way , making some hill plaine with fire , whereby they might easilye passe , which is a thing of great wonder . These people haue two mighty great armies , and infinite store of victualles , by reason of the fruitfulnesse of their Country , they are also well prouided of all maner of preparation for war , and cunning in the practise of their Weapons . They say they will come & recouer the land of Promise , towards the which the first army is already very neere , to the great terror and dread of euery man which hath either seene or hearde of them . The spyes which haue beene sent out by the great Turke to descry them , do affirme , that beside a hundred and two Armies , there followe an infinite number of people , as well foot-men as horse-men , and theyr first army is already arriued vppon the limmits of Turky , putting all to fire and sword . Theyr language is bastard Hebrew : and because men speake much of it here , I will not forgette to speake also something thereof woorthy to bee noted , and well vnderstoode : The Hebrewes of Constantinople say , that they haue certaine prophesies , among the which one maketh mention , that ftom the foure parts of the world , shall rise a people , and come into Gog and Magog , and then shall appeare ( as they perswade themselues ) their Messias in might and power , and then they shall haue dominion and rule in the world , whereof they secretly reioyce , and are wonderous glad . They say moreouer , that there is a prophecie grauen in a piller set at Podromo which saith thus : A mighty Prince shall rise , whose beginning shall be of smal reputation , who by his Issue shal wax of such force and strength ( with the helpe of God ) that he shall bring to nothing , the empire and rule of Ottoman , and shall be the right possessor and inheritor of the Empire of Constantinople , & they beleeue all that ii shall be this Emperor and duke of Muscouia . which is already in great estimation among the Greeks . The Turkes haue a prophecie , which they sing often and weepe bitterly the while , for it betokeneth and denounceth vnto them , their vtter ruine and destruction . And although it seeme straunge , to say that the Turkes haue prophecies , it is no meruaile : for Balam was a false Prophet : the Sybilles also prophecied and were Pagans . For all these causes the great Turke hath forbidden wine , & will that all men goe fiue times in a day to the Moschea , and pray to GOD for theyr helth and safetie . And so he prepareth three great armies , one against the Muscouites , another againste the Soffie , and the third for to goe against the Haebrewes of the Mountaines of Caspij . Within these fewe dayes you shal haue other newes , wherefore thus making an end , I commend me vnto your good Lordship : From Rome , the first day of Iune , 1606. Your faithfull and trusty seruant , Signior Valesco . The description of the first Armie , conducted by Zoroam a Iew , Captaine generall of the Armies . FIrst of all a Iew of verie great stature , of a fleshlie colour , more red then otherwise , with broad eyes , called Zoroam , is Captaine generall of all the Armies , hee leadeth vnder his Ensigne twelue thousand horse , and twenty thousand footmen . The horse-men are armed after a light sort , but very good Harnes , almost aftet our fashion : they carrie Launces of longe Reedes , very hard and light , yet so sharpe pointed , that they passe thorowe a thing with incredible lightnesse : they carry also shields or targets of bone , and in steede of swords , they vse certaine Courtilaxes . They are apparrelled with the colour of their Ensigne , and all clothed with silke : the foote-men carrie Pikes of the same sort , with Helmet and Habergin : their Ensigne is of blacke silke and blewe , with a Dog following a Hart , or Bucke , and a saying written in it , which is in our language thus : Either quick or dead . 2. Of the Armie of Don Phares . THere is one called Phares , which is an Carle , yong and valiant , not regarding this present life : this man hath vnder his commaund fifteene hundred Horsemen armed lightly , onely on the fore-part and head-peece : yet this Armour is so well tempered and wrought , that it keepeth out a Launce and Harquebush shot . This manner of arming themselues , is to the intent they may neuer turne their backe to runne away : they haue also fierce and light horses : they are eighteene thousand footemen , apparrelled with a kinde of sodden leather , made of the skinne of a certaine Beast , so that no pike nor Harquebush can pearse it . These men are beastly people , and wil neuer flie for any thing , they are very obedient and subiect vnto their Prince , and their ordinary apparrel is Silke . The Ensigne that they beare , is a falcon pecking or billing with another Byrde , with a sentence that saith , Either thine of mine shall breake . 3 Of the Marquesse of Galair . THere is a Marquesse of Galair called Goes , this man leadeth fifteen hūdred men of armes , which be all exceeding well armed and stout , strong , and rebust men : their horses be moriskes , the greatest , the strongest , the fairest , and the best that be in the world : there are also seuenteene thousand souldiors , very wel appointed with Launce and harquebush : theyr Ensigne or armes is a redde field , with a maide clothed in greene , holding a Lion in her hand , with these words , I hope to subdue a greater thing . 4 Of the Duke of Falach . THere is a Duke of Falach , called Obeth , who hath vnder his conduct xx . thousand footmen , armed with a certaine mettall like yron , but it is light and hard , they haue many good swords , launces , and otherforce , harquebushes , and wiflers : their Ensigne or armes , is a mermaid in a blacke field , and the deuise thus , My singing shall not cease vntill the end . The description of the Armie conducted by Captaine Nauison : THere is a captaine called Nauison , which hath vnder him xx . thousand men , appointed and armed with the skin of a serpent , most hard & stiffe , they haue Axes , pollaxes , pikes , harquebushes , and other kind of weapons : their Ensigne or armes , is a white snaile in a blacke sielde , with a deuise about it , By litle and little men go very farre . Of the tribe of Simeon there is a Prince of Arsay , whose name is not yet known , but they say he is a deuill , great , grosse , & thicke beyond measure , with a flat nose , and both he and his men are of the stature of Giants : he leadeth with him xx . thousand footemen , almost all Alfiers , which are also so swift & nimble , that they will take horses running : they make a meruailous noise , such as no people vse : their Ensigne is , an Eute in a blacke field , and hane for their posye , Such is my gouernment . 6 Of the Duke of Barsalda . THere is a duke of Barsalda , and he is the conductes of xiii . thousand footmen , which are all Harquebushers , & carry no fire matches , but strike it with a stone : they are apparrelled & armed with such a hard kinde of leather , and so enchaunted , that no yron weapon in the world is able to perse it thorow . They bee also very swift and light : their Ensigne or armes , is a dry tree in a blew field , and their deuise thus , I hope to spread , and be greene againe . 7 Of the Armie of the Duke Pasill . THere is a duke of Pasill called Abia , he hath vnder his conduct a thousand footemen , very cruell , hauing all kind of weapons to push or pricke far off , and to strike night , but farre different from ours , they are very expert in artificiall fire , and make the greatest and most dreadfull thinges with all y t a man can imagin : they do it either by arte or enchauntmen , so that it seemeth that it raigneth fire vpon their enemies , and yet notwithstanding hurteth not themselues at all , by reason they are apparrelled with a certaine Serpents skin which preserueth them . Their Ensigne is a Cat holding a Rat in her paw in a blacke sielde ; and their posy thus , Euen so hapneth it to him that is not gouerned . 8 Of the Army conducted by the Earle THere is an Earle of Albary caled Orut , which hath vnder his gouernaunce a thousand Horse-men with Crosse-bowes , some of them weare certaine light armour of a kind of hard mettall , with Rapyers and daggers after theyr manner , they sight alwayes running , and their horses are so swift that it is wonderfull . This man also hath xx . thousand horses barbed with very fine leather . Some cary pikes and Partisans , & such like weapons . Their Ensigne or armes is a man in chaines , in a field parted halfe with greene and Purple , and this deuise withall , My chaines shall bind another man. 9 Of the Marquesse of Vorio . THere is a Marques of Vorio called Manasses , who hath vnder his conduct xvii . thousand footemen , Armed with a very hard & strong leather , which men beleeue to be enchaunted , because that no weapon nor harquebush is able to perse it thorowe , yet it is as light as Linnen cloth , and a thing very fayre to see to . These now haue all sorts of weapons that an Armie may haue : and they are diuided and set in a very faire , comely , and decent order : their Ensigne is an old man in a chariot , in a blacke fielde , saying thus , After a long iourney I shall be happy . Caleb Shilock his prophesie , for the yeere , 1607. BE it knowne vnro all men , that in the yeare 1607. when as the Moone is in the Watrye signe , the world is like to bee in great danger : for a learned Iew , named Caleb Shilock , doth write that in the foresaid yeere , the Sun shall be couered with the Dragon in the morning , from fiue of the clocke vntill nine , and will appeare like fire : therefore it is not good that any man do behold the same , for by beholding thereof , hee may lose his sight . Secondly , there shall come in the same yeare a meruailous great flood of water , to the great terror and amazement uf many people . Thirdly , there shall arise a meruailous great wind , and for feare thereof many people shall be consumed or distraughted of their wits . Fourthly the same yeare , about the month of May , will arise another wonderfull great flood , and so great as no man hath seene since Noyes flood , which wil continue three daies , and three nightes , whereby many Citties and Townes which standeth vppon Sandie ground will be in great danger . Fiftly , Infidels and Hereticks , through great feare and dread , will flye and gather together , and asmuch as in them lies , make war against Christian princes . Sixtly , in the same yeare after the great waters be past , about the end of the yeere will be very great and fearefull Sicknesses : so that many people are like to die by the infection of strange diseases . Seauenthly , there will be throughout the Worlde great trouble and contention about matters of Religion , and wonderfull strange newes vnto all people , as concerning the same . Eightly , the Turke with his God Mahomet shall bee in daunger to loose his Septer , through the great change and alteration in his Regiment , by reason of famine and warres , so that the most part of his people will rather seeke reliefe from the Christian , then from him . Ninthlie , there will also arise great Earth-quakes , whereby diuers goodly buildings & high houses , are like to be ouerthrowne and ruinated . Lastlie , there will be great remoouings of the earth in diuers places , so that for feare thereof , many people will be in a strange amazement and terror . These punishments are prognosticated by this lerned Iew , to fall vpon the whole Worlde by reason of sinne , wherefore it behoueth all Christians to amende their euill liues , and to pray earnestly vnto GOD to with-hold these calamities from vs , and to conuart our harts wholy to him , whereby we may sind fauour in our time of neede , through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen . FINIS . 
A22327	----	These are to certifie you that the bearer hereof, by name Angelus Jacobi, a merchant of Cyprus, sayling out of Egypt unto Creet, fell most vnfortunately into the hands of Turkish pirats England and Wales. Sovereign (1603-1625 : James I) 1624 Approx. 3 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 1 1-bit group-IV TIFF page image. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A22327 STC 8737 ESTC S3886 33151130 ocm 33151130 28946 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A22327) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 28946) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1876:7) These are to certifie you that the bearer hereof, by name Angelus Jacobi, a merchant of Cyprus, sayling out of Egypt unto Creet, fell most vnfortunately into the hands of Turkish pirats England and Wales. Sovereign (1603-1625 : James I) James I, King of England, 1566-1625. 1 sheet ([1] p.). s.n., [London : 1624] Date and place of publication from STC (2nd ed.). Includes cover letter signed and dated by Abp. of York, 11 April 1625, by bp. of Peterborough 28 October, 1625, and nine other bishops, undated. "Giuen at Our Palace at Westminster the thirteenth of September." Reproduction of original in: Society of Antiquaries. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Pirates -- Mediterranean Sea -- Early works to 1800. Turkey -- Foreign relations -- Great Britain -- Early works to 1800. Great Britain -- Foreign relations -- Turkey -- Early works to 1800. Great Britain -- History -- James I, 1603-1625. Broadsides -- London (England) -- 17th century. 2003-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-09 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-10 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2003-10 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THese are to certifie you that the Bearer hereof , by name Angelus Iacobi , a Merchant of Cyprus , sayling out of Egypt into Creet , fell most vnfortunately into the hands of Turkish Pirats , who not only robbed and spoyled him of his Goods and Merchandises , but also tooke from him his Wife and Children , and as yet keepe them in Slauerie and bondage , not to be redeemed till the said Angelus Iacobi pay their seuerall Ransomes . Wherefore , We out of our Princely compassion , taking pittie o● the miserable estate and condition of this poore Christian , as also being moued thereunto by the example of other Princes , who by their Letters witnessed vnto vs the truth hereof , which cause we deferred vnto the Right Reuerend Father in God , George , Lord Archbishop of Canterburie , Metropolitan of all England , who did approue of the same , hauing granted and permitted him by Our Letttrs Pattents , to aske , collect , and gather the charitable Almes and Beneuolence of Our well disposed Subiects , during the time of his continuance in these Our Realmes . And for that hee now desireth to returne into Cyprus , his owne Countrey , Wee haue granted him these Our Letters for his safe conduct in his Iourney both by Sea and Land , as shall be most conuenient , as also that you by whom he shall passe , might the rather bee moued to relieue him by your Christian Charitie : So shall you lay vp your Treasure in heauen , and binde this poore man to pray for your safetie continually . Giuen at Our Palace at Westminster , the thirteenth day of September . God saue the King. HAuing perused of late his Maiesties Letters Patents , on the behalfe of this Bearer , Angelus Iacobi : These are to desire , as well the Prebendaries , Residensaries at Yorke , vpon some Sunday in the Metropoliticall Church there : As also to require all Parsons , Vicars , Curates and Church-wardens throughout my Diocesse of Yorke , to be ayding and assisting vnto him , in receiuing the free and Charitable beneuolence of all well affected Subiects , in their seuerall Chruches and Chappels , according to the tenor of the said Letters Patents , signified in that behalfe . At Bishopthorpe the eleuenth of Aprill 1625. Tobias Eboracen . and in our Diocesse of Peterborough . 28. October . 1625. Tho. Peterbor . Fr. Heref. Miles Glocester . Iohn Wigorn. Tho. Couen . and Lichf . Theophilus Landauensis Ric. Assaphen . Sa. Noruicen . Tho. Parke Procan . Cantrbrig . Gu. Peirs Uicecan . Oxon. 
A32751	----	A new letter concerning the Jevves written by the French ambassador, at Constantinople, to his brother the French resident at Venice ; being a true relation of the proceedings of the Israelites, the wonderful miracles wrought by their prophet, with the terrible judgments that have fallen upon the Turks. Chaumont, Alexandre, chevalier de, d. 1710. 1666 Approx. 12 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 5 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A32751 Wing C3737A ESTC R39210 18271730 ocm 18271730 107280 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A32751) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 107280) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1629:110) A new letter concerning the Jevves written by the French ambassador, at Constantinople, to his brother the French resident at Venice ; being a true relation of the proceedings of the Israelites, the wonderful miracles wrought by their prophet, with the terrible judgments that have fallen upon the Turks. Chaumont, Alexandre, chevalier de, d. 1710. [2], 6 p. Printed by A. Maxwell for Robert Boulter ..., London : 1666. Caption title, p. 1: The translation of a letter from Constantinople, written by the French Ambassador Monsieur de Cheaumont, &c. Reproduction of original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Jews -- History -- 70-1789. Jews -- Migrations. Jews -- Restoration. Turkey -- History -- Mehmed IV, 1648-1687. 2006-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-09 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2006-09 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A New Letter Concerning the JEVVES , Written by the FRENCH AMBASSADOR , AT , Constantinople , To his Brother the French Resident at VENICE . Being a true Relation of the Proceedings of the Israelites , the wonderful Miracles wrought by their Prophet , with the terrible Judgments that have fallen upon the Turks . LONDON , Printed by A. Maxwell for Robert Boulter , at the Turks-Head in Cornhil , 1666. The Translation of a Letter from Constantinople , written by the French Ambassador Monsieur de Cheaumont , &c. HEre are great Novelties about a Messiah of the Jews ; he is expected here in brief . It 's said , That the Grand Signior will be content to yeild him the Crown of whole Palestine . The most part of the Jews here meddle no more with Trading , but prepare to go for Jerusalem : At the first we mocked at them , and made no account of it ; but now by all appearances we fear that it is good earnest . From a French Consul at Smyrna , unto one Sir Rosano a Christian at Livorn . Here are great Novelties by the arrival of a King of the Jews in this Town , who is a Person of great Consideration , and of great Wisdom , of whom the Turks have great esteem . Our Nation remains in some fear , God grant it may not cause us some damage . From Paris , Febr. 19. 1666. The rumour concerning the Jews , continues here daily , and that they are gathering together under one Man , who saith not , that he is the Messias , as it is reported ; but only , That by Divine Revelation he is raised , and sent to gather up the whole Nation of the Jews from all parts of the World , and to teach them to know the Messiah to come , which hitherto they have not known : It 's said , That something of God appears in him . Abraham Perena , a rich Jew of this Town , parted on Monday last with his Family for Jerusalem , after he had taken his leave of our Magistrate , and acknowledged his thankfulness for the favour he and his Nation in their dispersion had received here , &c. It 's said he offered to sell a Countrey-house of his worth Three thousand pounds sterling , at much loss , and that on this Condition , That the Buyer should not pay one farthing till he be convinced in his own Conscience , That the Jews have a King. On the tenth of March came divers Letters from Gaza , Smyrna , Livorn and Venice , bringing our Jews such comfortable News , that yesterday they testified such joy , as never was seen here before : The matter was this , That now the four Prophets which the King Sabbathi expected from Aleppo , to accompany him for Constantinople , were come ; and that on the 18th of December , the King , who a while had kept in at Smyrna , went forth in publick ; which the Turks perceiving , went to the Cadi of the Town , saying , There was one that professed himself to be King of the Jews : The Cadi or Sherif of the Town judging that matter pertained to the Bassa , sent to him about it . He at first grew angry , resolving to Massacre all the Jews , and to that purpose gave order to his Captains to be ready for the next morning : But that very night appeared to them the Prophet Elias in a fiery Colomn , saying to him , Take heed of doing any harm to the Jews . This so terrified and struck down his mind , that he craved pardon ; and consequently , instead of executing his Cruel Design , he g●ve forth order , not to do any harm to any Jew . And from thenceforth the King marched up and down the City without any molestation . On a night as the King went to bathe himself in a River , ( that is , as is the manner of Penitents , to wash themselves with cold water , yea , in the midst of Winter ) the Constable of the Watch met him , and asked if he was a Jew ; and because the King did not answer , he lift up his Staff to strike him ; but feeling his arm grow st●ff , and not able to move it more ; he cryed out , I now acknowledge thou art the King , pray pardon me : He said , Stay till it be morning ; and then he restored him in the Name of the God of Israel . On the 5th or 6th of January , the King with his four Prophets took Ship to go to Constantinople , without any Mariner , ( as some say ) or Pilate . He being aboard the Ship , was taken up in a fiery Colomn , and went so swift , that the King commanded to take some Port , because he was to arrive at Constantinople not before the 17th of Schebet ( or January 21. ) Note , that the number of Prophets doth encrease daily , amongst Women and Children , as well as amongst Men ; and that Elias had shewed himself at Constantinople , Smyrna , Aleppo , and divers other places , and that publickly , speaking unto the people openly . There are Prophets likewise at Constantinople . And by reason of Elias his appearing and speaking to them , there was celebrated great joy in their Synagogues . This the Great Turk having heard , sent for some of the chiefest of the Jewish Synagogue , and askt them about their King : They said , They knew none but himself : He commanded them to deliver him into his hands within seven days , if not , that they all should be put to death . This made a great stir at Constantinople amongst both Jews and Turks : The Mother of the Great Turk being warned by Elias himself , came to her Son , beseeching him to Revoke his Sentence ; but to no effect . The next day arose a great Obscurity in the Town , which lasted two dayes and two nights , so that one could not see another ; and afterward there fell a showr of Hail stones as big as Hens Eggs , able to kill a man ; whence the common people were so affrighted , that they cryed out , That all this was occasioned by the Sentence pronounced against the Jews ; and prayed the Great Lord to revoke his Sentence : But all this was in vain , had not God sent to him the Prophet Elias , warning him not to do any harm unto the Jews , and instructing him how he should deal with the King. This then being hapned , and the Great Turk being quite changed , he sent again for the chief Rabbies , and told them , he would send an Ambassadour for their King and receive him honourably , as he did indeed . But it came not to Smyrna , till after the departure of the King. So much for a Compendium of those forenamed Letters . Now concerning the arrival of the King , at Constantinople , it 's affirmed from Venice Jan. the 6. that the Great Lord received him with much respect ; setting him on Horseback , and on his right hand , &c. But to be sure in these particulars , we must expect yet one seven-night longer . As for the two Tribes and half , they are said by these Letters not to be in , but near Gaza . The Copy of a Bill , written by Mr. Plettenberg , Resident for the Emperor at Dresden , Feb. 6. He that dispersed Israel , will gather Him : The Mouths of all from the East are enlarged concerning the New King : of which it is said , Psal . 149. Sing unto the Lord a New Song , Thou mayst say , I pray Sir your opinion , whether an earthly King may satisfie the hope that hath been conceived touching the MESSIAH ? Lift up your Heads , this is the Wonderful Year , Feb. 26. 1666. Much beloved , and Brother in the hope of Israel : being returned out of North-Holland , I found your most acceptable Letters , Dated Feb. 9. wherein I see how to you , to M. I , & M. K , my News concerning the progress of the Israelitish affairs , have been most welcome . Now that I may add this to your joy , I would have you take it for certain , our Jews yesterday received from Alcaire , Livorn , and Venice , so many letters , and of so great credit , that all of them publickly in their Synagogues do now believe , that the Tribes of Ruben , Gad , and the half of Manasseh are come to Gaza , as the Prophet Nathan foretold . And that at Smyrna , King Sabbathai Levi , doth now publickly shew himself abroad , and professeth himself to be King of the Jews . For hitherto , for a time he lay incognito , untill by signs and many wonders ; he had demonstrated he did act in the name of God , and not in his own . Among which signs whereby he proved himself to be sent of God ; is , That he foretold the sudden death of some men , and the very day thereof . And that he premonished men of an obscure darkness , with a marvelous showre of Hail . And especially he commanded a Fire to be made in a publick place , in the presence of many be holders ; as well of Christians , as of Turks , and Jews ; and entered into the fire twice or thrice , without any hurt to his Garments , or to an hair of his head : With these , and the like prodigious signs he hath now gained so great authority to himself ; that he is not afraid to go in the streets of the City in kingly manner , with a great Retinue of Attendants . Yea , moreover the King said ; he is suddenly to go to Constantinople ; And that in the month of June next , The Redemption of Israel will be published throughout the whole World. And which is more , now came some Letters from Venice , and Vienna , which affirm the King is arrived at Constantinople , and is there Reverently received : which thing , if true , this day or the next , tidings from Constantinople will tell us . The cause wherefore our Merchants at Smyrna have hitherto written nothing concerning this King , is , that by reason of the Incredulity of the Jews , as well at Smyrna , as at Constantinople , he kept himself so long in private . Now by the passages and votes of all , he is come forth from his private withdrawing , and will go straight on to Constantinople , and that in the company of 400. Prophes , sent to him from Aleppo ; and with a great multitude of Jews : so that the doubting touching the fact will cease , when the Great Turk shall spontaneously yield the King his Request : but there will remain a dispute touching the equity . Behold here the Title of a little book of Prayers , written and prescribed by Nathan the Prophet for all the Jews ; which takes much among the Jews , and hath some esteem among Christians . I have begun to translate it . Thou shalt Meditate therein day and night . The Order of Dayly prayers to prepare every man , that he may Order his steps in the way which is right and straight before God , and may turn himself to the Lord ; that he may have compassion upon us ; and we may behold the delight of the Lord , and view ; and behold his Temple . In the Year , wherein God bestowed upon me an Annointed of my People . Zecb . 8. 7. FINIS . 
A27013	----	Learne of a Turk, or, Instructions and advise sent from the Turkish Army at Constantinople, to the English Army at London faithfully and impartially communicated by M.B., one of the attendants of the English agents there. M. B., one of the attendants of the English agent there. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A27013 of text R4935 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing B138). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 60 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 14 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A27013 Wing B138 ESTC R4935 11792326 ocm 11792326 49270 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A27013) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 49270) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 806:17) Learne of a Turk, or, Instructions and advise sent from the Turkish Army at Constantinople, to the English Army at London faithfully and impartially communicated by M.B., one of the attendants of the English agents there. M. B., one of the attendants of the English agent there. [4], 22 p. [s.n.], London : 1660. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. eng Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683. A27013 R4935 (Wing B138). civilwar no Learne of a Turk, or Instructions and advise sent from the Turkish Army at Constantinople, to the English Army at London. Faithfully and imp M. B., one of the attendants of the English agent there 1660 10380 19 0 0 0 0 0 18 C The rate of 18 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2008-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-02 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-03 John Pas Sampled and proofread 2008-03 John Pas Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Learne OF A TVRK , OR Instructions and Advise sent from the Turkish Army at Constantinople , to the English Army at London . Faithfully and Impartially communicated by M.B. one of the Attendants of the English Agent there . Eccles. 1.9 . The thing that hath been , it is that which shall be , that which is done , is that which shall he done : and there is no new thing under the Sun . LONDON , Printed in the first moneth of the great Platonick year , Called anciently by some in English , As you were . 1660. To the READER . REader , Although thou hast not much skill in forreign Names , yet if thou hast any little skill in Domestick affairs , thou mayest out of this discourse pick some knowledge of our Miseries past : of our Miseries present , with the root and spring of them , and of the most probable means of redeeming them for the future . God make our Grandees in the Army , and out of the Army , wise by the harmes of others ( they that build much upon the confidence of an Army , build upon a quick-sand ) And God make them honest after the Example of others , or else the men of Niniveh shall rise up in judgement against this Government , Matth. 12.41 . And the Turks Circumcision shall judge and condenm these mens Baptisme , yea , though it be Anabaptisme . The meaning of several Names mentioned in the following discourse . JAnizaries . The Turks foot souldiers . Spahies . The Troopers or Horsemen . Seraglio . The great Turks Palace . Divan . The publick Councell . Sanrack . A Colonel . Beg. A petty Lord or Governour of a small Province . Beglerbeg . A great Lord that hath many beys under him . Segmen Bassa . The Lieutenant General of the foot . Imbrahir Bassa . The Master of the Horse . Bostangi Bassa . The chief Gardiner , who is ordinarily the Turks Executioner . Aga of Janizaries . Captain General of the foot . Bassa . The greatest Commander and Governour the Turk hath abroad . Vizier a Bassa . Called from abroad , and made of the Councel at home . Grand Vizier . The Lieutenant General of the Empire , Viceroy , the second man in the Kingdome . Chimacham . The third man in the Kingdome , Deputy to the grand Vizier . Teftardar . The Treasurer . Cadelescher . The chief justice . Cassiaraga . The Governour of the women . Capi Aga . The Emperours mouth by whom he speaks in publick . Hoia . The Emperours Confessor . Mufti . The High-Priest of the Mahumetans . Their Popo . AChmat , eighth Emperour of the Turks suddenly dying , Novemb. 15 , 1617. Left behinde him three sons , but all under age ; wherefore by the advice , especially of his mother Flatua , who was mother both to him and Mustapha , he appointed his brother Mustapha his success out in the Empire , who by a special providence had been ( contrary to the manner of the Turks , whose Emperours slay all their brethren as soon as they ascend the Emperial Throne ) reserved thus for the Scepter . This Mustapha had not long raigned , but that growing cruel and odious , the Grand Vizier came with an Army out of Persia and deposed him , forcing him to returne to his Cell ( where he had lived like a relgious man all the Reign of Achmat his Brother ) and fetching Osman , the heire of Achmat , out of prison , set him in the Imperial Th●one , with the general applause of all the Bassaes and whole Army , and this in the year 1618. Sed fourtuna vitrea est , cum splendet maxime frangitur . This young Prince was scarce well warm in his fathers Seat : But taking discontent at his souldiery , especially the Janizaries , he had a design upon them to disband and disarme them , if not wholly destroy them , and erect another Militia in their roome . To cover which designe of his the better , he gave out a pretension of a Voiage to Mecha , to visit the Sepulchre of their great Prophet , from which uundertaking no Reasons , Advises , Petitions could disswade him , although the souldiery passed so far , as to threaten publickly , and to protest they would not follow , but rather set up another King in his absence . On Wednesday they seventh of May in the year 1622. while his Tents and other accommodations for his journey were passing over unto Asia-side , the Janizaries and Spahies suddenly met at the Hyppodrome in the City , upon a word given , and from thence ran to the Seraglio , which is the great Turks Palace , in tumult , and there cryed out for the King , who appeared to them , asked what this insoleney meant , and what they pretended ? They then by the mouth of the multitude ( for they had no head but that of the Monster ) demanded , First , that he should not proceed in his purpose to go to Mecah , nor to Asia . Secondly , to have delivered to their fury the great Vizier Delevir Bassa , the Hoia , or the Cassiaraga , the Teftardar , the Cadelescher , and some others as Enemies to the State . The first after a little dispute , the King granted to them , promising to give over his journey ; but they not content with words , exacted it in writing . To the second he replyed , that it was dishonour to him to have his servants so used without order of Justice , but perswaded them to have patience to stay till Saturday the Divan or publick Councel , where they should appeare ; and if they were found culpable , they should receive punishment ( not meaning to performe any of this , but to get time and allay their present fury . ) These fellows not content with that moderate answer , undertook to know that they were guilty , and therefore they needed no other Witnesse , Tryal , or Judge but themselves , and with extreame clamour called to have them rendred . But the King refusing to give them any other satisfaction , and they unprepared for force , returned into the City , which now was all in feare ; every house and shop being shut up , expecting a general sack . But they followed the way of their own hatred , and first went to the house of the Hoja , which they brake and pillaged ; But not finding him , they proceeded to the great Viziers , who made some defence , and they being unarmed , beat them off : and so they separated , being now evening , yet kept a guard in some parts of the Town . That night the King made an attempt to fortifie and defend the Seraglio , which was strongly walled about , and had alwayes in it of houshold servants , above three thousand ; but it seems no man would arme in his cause : So the next morning the mutiniers assembled againe , and taking their armes , went first to the Mufti , or Arch-Priest among them , and enforced him and divers others to accompany them to the Court , where they anew demanded these men , but with more instance and fury ; in the mean time the Hoia Cadelescher and Tofterdar fled ; and were not in long time discovered ; the Vizier retired to the King , and perswaded him earnestly to go over in person in his own boates to Asia , and there to take horse , and he would secure him from all peril ; but the King would not move , bidding him stay , confident and assured that he would punish these rebels . The wise old man seeing this constancy ( or obstinacy ) desired leave to shift for himself , which he took or obtained , and so got away to the Hermitage of a Saint renowned amongst them , who ( like himself ) betrayed him ; yet did him the favour , as not to deliver him to the multitude , but perswaded and carried him back to the Kings house . At this time it was disputed in the Seraglio about the delivery of those Officers , the Emperour refusing ; the rebels clamouring and threatning , insomuch as he began to feare they would break in , and in their rage do worse then they yet pretended . Whereupon ( whither by the Kings order , or by his own consent willing to be the peace-offering ) the brave Vizier went out to them , and with a good assurednesse demanded what they sought of him , and wherein he had offended ? At first they were amazed , but one insolent villain breaking the general modesty , they answered him with their swords , and suddenly cut him in pieces . The Emperour seeing their fury so outragious , had more cause to doubt , and retired himself then too late , when he had lost his faithful Councellour , and would have fled into Asia , but could not ; yet he conveyed himself into a private place prepared by his Bostangi Bassa , or chief Gardiner . The Rebels continued without in their madnesse , asking for their King , and for more sacrifices . But the Servants protesting ☞ they knew not where he was , they resolved to enter the Palace ( but first took a general Oath not to sack the Imperial Throne , which they called their house and their honour ) and there seeking for the King , but not able to find him , they extorted it by confession from the Cassiaraga , & slew him ; and then they demanded for the deposed Mustapha , Uncle to Osman , a man esteemed rather holy ( that is frantick ) then wise , and indeed fitter for a Cell then a Scepter . The King the first day of this tumult had put Mustapha into a V●ult with two Negro women , without bread or drink , in which estate these new Electors found him almost naked and half pined . At first sight he thought they had been the Messengers of death , but that fear passed over ; his first request was a cup of water , whom they took up and instantly proclaimed him their Emperour , which he was loath to accept , in a manner ashamed to be raised to that dignity . How unstable are the states of the greatest Princes ? For he that was even now in the jaws of death , naked , starved , and dying for thirst , is become a great Monarch , may drink gold , or the innocent blood . They as yet not knowing what was become of Osman , and loath to trust Mustapha in the Palace , carried him in triumph to the old Seraglio , and there left him , departing to the sack of the Viziers house , and so in the evening to their Rendevous , where they kept both good guard , and good order in the City from fire and other insolencies . Sultan Osman amazed with these newes , assoone as they had left the Court , came out , and called to Counsel in the night Hurein Bassa , late Vizier in the Polish Wars , and the Aga of the Janizaries , both faithful to him , and demanded their advice ; first having sent to the old Seraglio to practise the women there to strangle Mustapha ; but some of them taking his part , a new uproare began in the house between that sex ; and the Souldiers that kept watch , hearing the noise , entred in , and rescued him ; and from thence removed him to the Chambers of the Janizaries , where they kept him for that night in an ill lodging . All this while Osman is consulting what course to take ; these two his friends and some others tell him , that the case was desperate , and could not be cured but by a desperate remedy , and therefore they agreed that the Aga should go and perswade with the Mufti ; and that the King in the morning should suddenly present himself to the souldiers at their own doors , and make experience what his presence , his submission and his benevolence promised , would work , to move them to loyalty or compassion : which counsel early in the morning they put in practise . The King accompanyed with the Mufti ( who never consented to his deposing , though he favoured the souldiers against the Vizier with Huzein Bassa ) and about twelve horsemen went directly to the Janizaries Colledge , where Must●pha was kept , and there in teares made them an Oration , offering great recompense , repenting of his errours , and finally invoked them by the merits of his father , and all his Ancestours to have some pity upon their true Master . The multitude ( as prone to pity as they were before to hatred ) now knew not what to do ; a silent murmure now ran among them , and they were half converted . But the Aga ☜ of the Janizaries thinking to merit of the King , and beginning to plead unseasonably for him , with some harsh words of upbraidure , anew moved their fury , so that they cryed out TREASON , and fall upon him and Huzein Bassa , and cut them in pieces ; every man taking a piece of their flesh to satiate their revenge . The Mufti would have spoken , but was withdrawn by some , out of respect to his place , and with difficulty was conveyed away . Now the poor Osman saw his friends slain , and knew not which way to turne himself ; but binding up his eyes with a napkin , expected death as the last of their fury . But that they might seem to proceed in a course of JUSTICE , they carried him first before Mustapha , and accused him as the disturber of the peace of the Empire , and demanded sentence against him . Mor● vulgi , suum quisque flagitium aliis objectans . The forsaken Prince pleaded for life , and the new King knew not how to condemne , but nodded and agreed to all that was propounded . At last they consulted with themselves , and put him upon a horse , an insolent Spahi , changing Turbants with him , and sent him away prisoner to the seven Towers under good guard ( in his passage begging a draught of water at a fountain ) and them returned to their new Master , and placed him in the Seraglio and Imperial Throne , where he had need have good broths and analepticks to restore his decayed body . The souldiers now thought all was done , and onely sacking the houses of Hurein Bassa , and some others , returned ☞ in quiet to their several lodgings , and had no further malice . But the new Vizier Daout Bassa made by Mustapha , knew well if Osman lived , that this storm might passe over , and he would as easily by the same means , returne to his estate as he fell from it ; therefore he consulted with some few interessed in Mustapha's preferment , and thereby obnoxious to Osman , to search how many of the Royal Blood were left alive ; and resolved , if there remained two , to make an end of Osman . Two of his brothers were found , the one about twelve , the other about seven years of age ; and thereupon the Vizier went himself to the prison with a pack of hangmen , and gave order to stragle the unfortunate Prince , who now having had no rest in two nights , and thinking himself secure for a season , was newly fallen asleep , but awakened by the coming of these Messengers , asked what News ? saying , he did not like their sudden intrusion . They at first stood amazed , and the King made shew to defend himself . But a strong knave struck him on the head with a Battle-axe , and the rest leaping upon him , strangled him with much ado . Thus one of the greatest Monarchs in the world was first affronted by his mutined Troops , his own slaves , almost unarm'd , and few in number , no man taking up sword to defend him ; and they who first began this madnesse , not meaning to hurt him , by the encrease of their own fury , which had no bounds , ☞ deposed him against their own purpose ; and at last exposed his life , against their will , to the Counsels of other men , whom they equally hated . And now they mourned for their dead King as freshly as they raged ( while he lived ) unreasonably , knowing that they had slained their honour ; this being the first of their Emperours that they ever betrayed , and having set up another , that in all likelihood they must change for disability . Some observations upon this occasion will not be impertinent to these that desire to know , as well the disposition and use as the things themselves . ☜ First , in the purpose of the souldier not at all to violate the King , much lesse to depose or murther him , but onely to take away these about him , whom they lookt upon as enemies ; yet the fury once on foot , they proceeded by unsensible steps to the utmost of outrage , against the Throne and life of their own Emperour , ubi furor invaluit innocentes & noxios juxta tollit , where rage and fury hath got the upper hand , there the Innocent and nocent fare both alike . ☜ Secondly , observe how this Monarch fell by degrees ; he had never fallen thus low , if he had not first lost the awe and Reverence which alwayes attendeth upon Majesty ( if it be kept up ) by unseemly offices done by him ; and now in this last act , if his own obstinacy had not plunged him into destruction , a seasonable yeelding to time , had softned them , and saved him . ☜ Thirdly , in the order , that these Mutiniers having no head nor direction , kept such Regiment , that in their fury , in their hot blood , in the Kings yard they took an Oath not to sack nor dishonour the Imperial Throne ; neither committed nor suffered any violence in the City to the Naturals , but rather proclaimed peace and justice . Fourthly , in the consequents , that at the third dayes end all was quiet , and all men in their trade , as if no such thing had happened ; onely the Janizaries suffered no Divan or Counsel , until they had received a Donative as a reward of their iniquity . And now these fellows having tasted the sweet of prosperous Mutinies ( haud ignari summa scelerà incipi cum periculo perseci cum praemio ) knowing that the greatest wickednesses are begun with hazard , but perfected with reward , took such an head as could not safely be suffered on , nor securely taken off . On Saturday morning , the 1. of June following , the Capi Aga , or Major Domo having received an Order to remove the brethren of Osman from their Lodgings , and in the night to strangle them , as he was performing his command , the poor Princes cryed out , the Pages running to the noise , and encouraged by the Cassiaraga , who had some suspition , without further examination , killed the Capiaga . That night they sent secretly to the Janizaries and Spahies to inform them what they had done , and in the morning early hanged his body in the Hippodrome for a publick spectacle . The souldiers returned in fury to the Court in favour of the Pages , and demanded justice of those that had consented to the ☞ wicked order , which had made and end of all the Ottoman race ; onely this Mustapha being left alive , who was such a Saint , that he would not people the world with sinners , nor endure any woman near him . The innocent King protested , he knew nothing of the plot , and if such command were procured , it was gotten by subreption ; and he was easily believed . But his mother and the new Vizier Daout Bassa , who had her daughter to wife , were vehemently suspected . It was a day of Divan , but the souldiers would suffer none , till they had an account of this Treason . The Vizier denyed all : the mother was a woman , and hid in the house . But now somewhat must be done to appease the people ; therefore Daout Bassa was degraded from his Office , and one Hurein Bassa , new arrived from the Government of Cairo , put in his place , with promise of further examination . But the fury once over , there was no great search nor discovery made . The new Vizier audax ferox , & prout animum intendit , pravus aut industrius eadem vi , upon some spleen towards the Aga of the Janizaries , took occasion to cashier him , and sent him to the Islands to be strangled , and gave order to murther some other Bassaes and Officers , that so he might make way to depose Emperour Mustapha , and set up Morat the child , the brother of Osman , many being of his party ; whereupon the souldiers rose all in armes at the Seraglio , taking the alarm at the medling with their Aga , rescued their Captain and the rest , and demanded the head of the Vizier , whereupon he fled , and order was given to kill him where he could first be found ; the Viziers house was sacked , and infinite treasure taken , so that the souldier was quieted for a day or two by making a new Vizier Mustapha Bassa , who was of a soft nature , and scarce durst do justice for fear of offending any man . Now a new faction was made between Mustapha and Morat , and it was expected hourely , when there would be some great slaughter or Massacre in the City ; for of necessity one side must fall . There was then no security for any man , when the King , ☜ and Viziers , and all Officers held their lives and Dignities at the courtesie of the mutinied souldiers , who had tasted the sweet of Rebel●ion , and cast off all awe and reverence , and could not easily be reduced to order without much blood and hazard of the whole . Therefore the WISER ☜ MEN retyred from OFFICE , and the insufficient did cause their own daily change and RUINE . The souldiers adhered to the King of their own Creation ; for he was in effect their creature , and they did wholly govern ☜ him . The Lawyers and Churchmen made secret conventions , and feared not to say openly , that the foundation of their State was dissolved , their King unlawful , and all that adhered to him lapped into heresie , having despised the institutions of Mahomet . The souldiers still continued in their mutinies at Constantinople , and grew to that height of insolency , that going in Troops to the Court , they demanded all Offices of Game ; to be Stewards to the revenues of the Churches , which are great ; to take Farmes of Customes , and committed many other outrages which are unsufferable ; the Viziers themselves ☜ durst deny them nothing : if complaints of any insolencies or injuries were made to the chief Vizier or Magistrate , they answered , none durst meddle with them , that had murthered their own King ; and desired the Complainants patience , and ☜ that they would bear a part with the general sufferings . By this time the wickednesse of some of the chief Leaders in these commotions was ripe for vengeance , and their day is come . The great Vizier Georgi envying the authority of Daout Bassa brother in law to the Emperour , Mustapha who had been the Counsellor and the instrument to murther Sultan Osman , scorning that he should underhand Govern in his Reigne , he therefore practised to put him to death ; but not daring to do it by his own Authority , and knowing it to be in vaine to think to procure it from the Court , he stirred up the Spahies to demand justice upon him for the death of the last King . This looked further then the first assent ; for the subtle Vizier , who was faithful to his true Lord , knowing the rage of an unguided multitude , aimed at a by-revenge upon others , who he hoped would be involved and accused of the order . The soldier soone raised and mutinied in the Seraglio , demanded Daout , he fled . But now that the businesse was on foot , if he were no found , the Vizier himself is in danger : but the poor man was taken , and brought to the Divan , and there being called to publick Justice , he must excuse himself upon some greater person ; wherein the Emperour and his Mother ran a new hazard , which was the secret end . Therefore both of them forsook him and left him to the Law , and without any tryal , he was brought before the souldiers , stript , and his Turbant taken off , and on his knees ready to receive the stroke of death . But suddenly the Janizaries came to his rescue , and carried him away to their Chambers . The Spahies who began this action , took it in ill part , and followed with great out cries , that they would have him die ; the ☞ others demanded that he might be heard in publick Justice . Thus those two mutinied faction were ready to come to blows . Daout Bassa now in some hope of life bribed the Janizaries , and that day distributed fourty thousand Chequines of gold , and they promised to protect him . Who did not now think but he was taken away for safety ? But the Spahies followed their first resolution , and to appease the dissension , it was agreed he should die . They that meant to save him , could not , but reserved him for a greater example of Justice . They would not let him now loose his head in the Court , that death was to honourable for him , that had murthered his Prince . Therefore they put him into the same Couch wherein he had sent Sultan Osman to Execution . Twice in the way , being dry , with sorrow he drank at the same Fountain where his late Master begged drink : and so was conveyed into the same Chamber , wherein he had murthered him . The Executioner beginning to tye him , himself shewed the very corner where he had committed that foul fact , and desired that there he might , if possible , expiate it . And so at last he was miserably strangled . An here observe the justice of God even for the wicked , who seldome suffers the blood of any , scarce ( if at all the blood of Kings ) to passe without an exemplary retaliation ; the same Couch , the same Chamber , the same Corner , the same Death . And observe again , the power of conscience , even in a mahometan , able to make him , if not his own Executioner , yet almost a voluntary sacrifice to the Ghost of his murthered Prince . Which yet is not so appeased , but must and will have yet more sacrifice ; and to demand them , comes the Bassa of Arrivum , with a great Army towards Angria , marching the direct way to Constantinople . He held a general Counsel in his Camp , and sent to the Port to desire the presence of the Mufti , Cadees , Bassa's and ancient Beghs to take knowledge ; and to punish the Traytours that murthered the late King ; and to settle a New one lawfully that should be able to governe , to reduce the mutinied City ☜ souldier to obedience and discipline , and to place about the Emperour some great Vizier chosen by the State , able to direct and applie remedies to the diseases then grown to a Crisis . Complaining , that every three or four moneths , by the change of the Vizier , the Provinces were destroyed ; for ☜ they placed and displaced the Governour according to their own Factions , and so contrary orders were s●nt abroad daily , insomuch that no man knew whom they should obey . These were his pretences ; and if the present State would not assent to this Assembly , he then resolved to come to the Port , and settle all things at his pleasure by the sword . The Great Officers in possession of the Emperour and Government , loath to be called to account by the souldier , took a worse resolution to make a Warre , and make choice of Cigala Bassa for General , which he refused upon the same pretence , that in his absence alterations would be so frequent , and that he should not please , or at least uncertainly and according to interpretation . Therefore he would have an absolute Dictatorship for the time , equal to that of the great Vizier , or else he would not stirre . This was granted him , and money given out , and order to passe the water , speedily enrolling for his Army 15000. Janizaries , and 30000. ☞ Spahies . But those did demur , and alleadge it was a War against their own BRETHREN , and sought any excuses , rather then come to blowes . But the secret was , it was then Ramazan , or their holy Lent , at the end of which they were to receive their pay , and therefore they ☞ would not move , but pretended Religion . Next day after their Feast , when they should march , they shewed themselves carelesse ( having first held many consultations ) and would not march at all , unlesse the Emperour or great Vizier would go in person : so every day brought forth new trouble , and the Empire to a great deal of hazard and danger . That State , for fifteen moneths after the death of Osman , was a stage of variety , the souldiery usurping all Government ; placing and displacing as the winde of favour or disfavour moved them . In that time there were three Emperours , seven great Viziers , five Agaes of the Janizaries ; Two Captain Bassaes , three Treasurers , six Bassaes of Cairo ; and in proportion , as many changes of Governours in all the Provinces . Every new Vizier making use of his time , displacing those in possession , and selling their honour to others , so as the whole Empire was in a manner fined four or five times over . Hurein Bassa the last Vizier of them , consumed the public treasure so fast , and exacted money of private men so violently to maintaine his Faction with the Janizari●s , that even the receivers themselves were afraid and weary , and the wisest of them foresaw their own ruine in the general consumption ; when there was any murmure against him , he presently silenced it either by guifts or blood . Assoon as he had dispatched away Cigala Bassa with his Army against the Bassa of Arrivum , whom they termed the great Rebel in Asia , which he did rather to disburden himself of fears by sending the Spahies out of the way ( who were his opposites ) then for any love to the publick state ; he sent privily to strangle Halil Bassa , Georgi , and Mustapha , late Viziers , hoping thereby he had removed all competitors ; whether this gave the occasion , or that his sinne was ripe for revenge , the Spahies suddenly gathered head , and the old wolf fled to his trusty Guard the Janizaries . The City was almost divided , but the Spahies sent their resolution plainly , being the weaker in number , that they were loth to come to blowes with their BRETHREN , but if the Janizaries would protect him , they should keep him Constantinople and Greece . But they themselves would depart , and disposed of Asia , which was a bold profession , but easie , the forces of the Rebels being of their society . The wisest foresaw the peril , and they all agreed to change him , and so the Seal was given to Ali Bassa , a man reputed honest , but melancholick and unexperienced for so great a charge . The Army for Asia arriving at Nicomedia five dayes journey from Constantinople shewed little obedience , many disbanded , and the rest having no desire to fight with these of the same Profession both in Religion and in humour . News came daily to the Port of the taking of Forts by Abassa Bassa , the Head of the Rebels , and other defections and combustions in those parts , and that that quarrel was taken up against the Janizaries and the present Government , of whom he slew all that came into power , as guilty of the blood of Osman . This sudddenly waked and ripened the project of those who had plotted an alteration . Hereupon the new Vizier Ali , with the Counsel of the Mufti , and some Captaines of the souldiers of both Orders laid their foundation . They SHEWED the imminent PERIL , and difficulty to resist or prevent it by Armes . The Janizaries saw that they alone must , as the mark of Envy , bear the whole burthen ; and therefore ALL RESOLVED that THE EASIEST and SAFEST WAY TO APPEASE THEIR ☜ TROUBLES WAS TO RESTORE THE TRUE HEIR ; hoping that they who pretended their rising for the love of his brother , and in revenge of his cause , would obey that Prince , and quiet themselves ; upon this resolution they assembled at the Seraglio without any tumult , and desired to have Sultan Mustapha come forth and speak to the souldiers , and to answer to some questions which he refusing as truly unable ; they took out Sultan Morat , and declared him King with universal joy and acclamation , insomuch as the Janizaries ( but the day before his opposites , so easily can God turne the heart of a multitude ) being shewed the wants of Treasure , and the necessity of the State , were content to remit their Donative , and encrease of Pay ☞ usuall at every change , Vade tu O miles Anglicane & fac Simile . Go then O English Souldier , and do likewise . Asia was in this new settlement of Affaires , either forgotten or neglected . The Army that was marching thither was stayed from proceeding . For it was believed that Abassa Bassa depended upon the new Emperour , and would make his submission : But they had proceeded too far to make any safe retreat , although they were the indirect ( if not direct ) occasion of the raising of the new Emperour . Besides there rested still another difficulty , to introduce the awe of Majesty , which had been trampled under foot ( and it was a great one ) when people , like the sea , had made a breach into ancient Reverence , and prospered , the taste of wickedness was not so easily lost . In the midst of this appearing calme , the Janizaries , some repenting , and some denying that ever they consented , to remit the Donative or encrease of pay , did now sharply demand it with threats of innovation , so as they were forced to content them . About this , Abassa Bassa began to discover , that he had some further game to play , then the setting up of the Brethren of Osman ; for notwithstanding all pretences of obedience to the new Emperour , he suddenly assaulted and took the Castle of Tocat , which is the Mint of Asia ; seven B●glerbegs , and sixteen Sanracks , being joyned with him , all that part of Asia obeyed him ; for he oppressed none , onely executing his wrath upon the Janizaries . This advice being brought by a Captain of that Order made much rumour at the Port ; the souldiers rising in tumult at the Seraglio , demanded to be led out to fight , and to have these of Asia declared Rebels ; a Counsel to this end was held , where they received so cold an answer , that they grew into some rage , accusing two Bassaes , by name , Hali and Georgi to have correspondence with them ; and seeming to doubt that the whole State did connive with this action , to prosecute the first design of Osman to root out the Order of the Janizaries ; insomuch as they openly professed , if we be true Musulmans , and the Emperours slaves , let us go out and fight with his Enemies and ours ; if not , and that you maintain them against us , we are resolved to die together , and not to be wasted by pieces . Therefore to satisfie the souldiers , the Banner was set out at the Gate of the Court , and that of the Aga of the Janizaries at their Gate , and Warre proclaimed . That all the force of the Empire should be ready to march within four dayes ; when they saw this resolution in the great Ones ( whether dissembled or in good earnest ) that ●ay being Octob. 18. 1623. The Janizaries and Spahies held a Counsel , and changed their mindes , alleadging , ●hat Winter approaching , and no provision made , they would not move . The Viziers were glad , respecting their own ends , and so all Asia was lest to the courtesie of the Rebels and Winter . In the mean time Abassa Bassa advanced , and took the City of Angria , which was surrendred to him as soon as he came before it , but the Castle held against him ; and it is reported , That he wept at the Gates thereof , publishing the cause of his taking up of Armes , which he said was onely in revenge of the blood of Osman , desiring such as favoured him to come on his side , the rest to depart in peace every man to his own house . He did no harme , nor took the value of a penny : His Army was very great , and every Janizary that he could catch , he sacrificed to the Ghost of the dead Emperour . The Astrologers publickly augured his prosperity ; and every mans discourse was full of fabulous fears and Prophesies . It was said he would come to the Port and demand audience by justice . And it was generally thought from the coldnesse , both of the Emperour , and of the Viziers , that he was secretly maintained by them , and that he came to fulfil the design of Osman , to wrest the ☞ Government from the mutinied souldiers , and to root out their Order . For all the Lawyers and Churchmen smiled , and rather rejoyced then feared . The Janizaries openly murmured , that they were betrayed , and accused many , yet they escaped , and now few spoke against him as a Rebel ; yet the first of November ( whether for colour or in earnest ) the great Viziers Tents were passed over the water in haste with these of the Aga of the Janizaries , and all the force which could be then made at the Court , to Winter on the other side in Brusia , to amuse the rebels , and stay them till the Spring , being willing the blow should be taken on the other side to save the Citie from a Generall sack . It was afterwards considered , that to prevaile against Abassa Bassa with Armes was a doubtfull matter , and therefore the Sultan sent to him a Capigi Bassa , with a Vest , a Sword , and a Letter , giving him thanks for the love shewed to his brother and his Blood : But that now the Revenge belonged to him himself , of which he would take care ; and therefore desired him , If he were a true subject to return to his Government of Arrivum , and to dissolve his Armies , and there to rest until further occasion of service . Upon this Order from the Emperour he excuseth himself ; That the incommodity of Winter would not suffer him to retire , but promised to live in peace untill the Spring , and then he would returne in obedience to his Government . About which time , namely , March 24. 1624. Ali Bassa the great Vizier was beheaded , and Cerques Mechemet Bassa advanced to the place , a man of an honest and sincere nature ( for a Mahometan ) and one too good for those times , and that people , who after he had enjoyed his ☞ place ( one of the greatest Dignities in the world ) but a short while , by an example scarce to be parallel'd , laboured to surrender it as unable to support or content the insolency of the Spahies in their unreasonable demands of impossible benefits . In the mean time the preparation for the War in Asia ( which had been once again impeded ) was advanced , though the resolution to set forward was deferred upon hope , that Cherques Mechemet Bassa , and other new Ministers might by their perswasion and authority reduce Abassa Bassa , looked on , they having undertaken to endeavour it ; though it appeared very difficult , being that he yet continued the siege of Argria , and that his scattered Army that Wintered abroad began to return to him from all Parts , and it was concluded he would be loath to trust his life upon a pardon , though the Grand Seignior had sent him another . Yet suddenly ( contrary to the feares of many , and the expectations of almost all ) Abassa Bassa rose from Angria , and departed Eastward , having done no spoile at all to the City nor Inhabitants , but left behinde him a farre better fame then any Governour sent from the Port ; he had now accepted the Grand Signiors pardon , and in obedience to his Command and shew of submission was now marched away to unite his Forces with Achis Achmet Bassa against the Persian ; yet whatever might seeme to be between the Port and him , there was not so much as a seeming reconciliation between him and the Janizaries : for after this the Janizaries coming over into Asia with Cerques Mehemet Bassa against the Persian , put a whole Garrison of Abassa Bassaes to the sword , man , woman , and childe , though they had set open their Gates to entertain them as friends . In revenge whereof Abassa Bassa falling in upon the quarters of the Janizaries , slew 3000. of them , and had done further execution , if the whole Army had not come to rescue . This was the strte of affaires abroad ; in the meane time at Constantinople the Spahies assembled in the Hippodrome , discontent with the Government of the old Chimacham , Georgi Mechemet Bassa , who had the Authority of the great Vizier in his absence at the Warre , and in great fury ran to the house of the Mufti , and demanded of him to donounce sentence of death against him , and that he would rise and inform the Grand Signior of Their Will ; which if he refused , they threatned a general revolt , and to do their own justice ; There was no remedy , the Emperour being informed instantly , displaced him , and gave the Office to Regeb Captain Bassa , and his to Imbraher Bassa , hoping thus to quiet all the matter : but this gave them no satisfaction , they demanded in greater fury his life . The poor old man was retyred into the Grand Signiors protection , who used all means to appease them offering to banish or confine him ; but nothing would content , or separate them , until he had delivered him up , who the next day was strangled , and thrown into the streets ; where the Barbarians vented their spleen upon his dead bodie , cutting off his eares and nose , and carrying them in triumph to their fellows . Presently they demand the life of some others , principally of Moret Chians the Customer , whom when they could not find , they sacked his house ; within a day or two after they begin to be quiet , upon promise , that if he could be found , he should be rendred to them , and others be brought to Justice . That great Minister the Chimacham was ninty six yeares old , had been fourty five years Vizier , their Chimacham ; when the sentence of his condemnation was delivered to the Bostangi Basse , he came to the lodging of the Chimacham in the Kings Garden ( where he thought himselfe in Sanctuary ) and for reverence to his age and place , held it , being written in his hand , rather to intimate them to be the ☞ Messengers . The poor old man perceiving it , desired one houre to pray , and conjured him to warn the Grand Signior hereafter not to be so ease to consent to shed innocent blood , which within a few dayes he would repent . The Executioners , whether for fear , or for want of skill , could not dispatch him in one houre , so great was his old heart . But see how God , to whom vengeance belongeth , avength the blood of his enemies , and wicked men unjustly spilt , to preserve his image even amongst them that study to destroy it . The Janizaries either envious that they had no part in the last sedition , or being innocent , unwilling to participate in the infamy , or rather it was their faire to do somewhat , forced the Boats of the Gallies which lay above Constantinople in the channel , and came down to a Garden-house upon the Sea in the night , where the Emperour privately reposed , and began to exclaime against the death of the innocent , protesting they had no share therein , but as obedient slaves , they desired the peace of the State , and that JUSTICE and QUIETNESSE miget returne to the City : and requiring revenge upon divers whom they accused as the ☜ Authours of these Tumults : They named their own Segmen Bassa as the principal , and eighteen of their own Officers more , and divers others of the chiefe Spahies , who held Counsels together , and were become heads of Factions ; which untill they were All cut off , there was no hope of good Government and peace . The Grand Signior gave them mild words , and promised to do Justice , and to punish all such as should be found guilty , but nothing was done to satisfie them ; and being conceived that the new Chimacham connived , and had been a party to all their Counsels ( at least his preferment made him obnoxious to that suspition ) and it was true that Segmen Bassa and his faction were the contrivers of the fall and murther of Georgi Mechemet Bassa , and very probable that he of favoured , if not practised by the new Ministers : the Janizari●s rose again , and by force brought down the Galleys neer the City , and landed , and held a Counsel very secret in their Chambers . This bred much suspition and feare . But the day of publick audience being come , according to the custome , they repaired all to the Seraglio , and waited in their Order ; their Segmen Bassa onely did not appear , and it was thought he absented himselfe purposely , by agreement with the Chimacham , lesr there should be some occasion offered to examine the past businesse which would not endure the light . The Divan being finished , the Viziers and Cadeleschers coming towards the Gate , they were stopped by the Janizaries , and told plainly they would speak with the King ; such perswasions as were requisite were used ; but there was no remedy , they would deliver their own message . The young Emperour at first was afraid , and retyred ; but to avoyd greater inconveniences resolved to come out to them . Order was instantly given to send for the Mufti , and the ancients of the Law , and many Santons ; for the Segmen Bassa , and others of quality to be present at this action . In the mean time a Throne was brought out , and placed in the great Court , and the Grand Segmen came forth and sate in his Majestie , attended and assisted by all the great Officers and Ministers of his Empire , to strike a reverence and fear into his souldiers , whose purposes were not yet discovered . Contrary to all expectation , an Electo spake for them ; In all humble manner professing their obedience , and lamenting the sicknesse of their State , and the daily insolencies ; and declaring that as they were not guilty of the last mutiny , so they were ready to spend their blood in defence of their PRINCE . And for the Reformation of those disorders , to which there could be applied no remedy , but by the sword of Justice to cut off all those heads , that held Conventicles , and plotted daily alterations , onely to governe the whole Empire at their Will . They desired their Petition might be accepted , and those disturbers of the Peace sought out and executed , in which they would assist ; and that new Names and Titles might be forbidden ; which many had taken up as heads of Factions , and the Souldiery reduced to their ancient Discipline ; which if his Majesty would grant , and speedily put in practise , they were ready to die in his service ; otherwise , as there was no hope of quietnesse , so they did foresee greater mischiefs daily , which they would oppose as they were able . At the end of this Oration , which might have become a Cato ( yea , a Christian , Vade tu Miles Anglicane , & fac Simile , Go thou English souldier and do likewise ) they delivered a brief Petition in writing wherein they modestly accused the new Chimacham of confederacy , and connivence with their Segmen Bassa , whom they anew appealed and gave up the Names of their Officers and Spahies , upon whom they laid the burthen of their daily tumults . The Emperour gave them a short but satisfactory answer , yeelding to their request , yet mingled with some admonition , such as became a Prince . And so they departed every man to their own rest . But the Segmen Bassa having some intimation that his name was renued in that list of death , took the first opportunity , fled and hid himself , and divers others conscious of their own merits retyred , and thereby condemned themselves . With much diligence the Segmen Bassa was apprehended and brought to the Court , he was examined rather to finde his own Treasure , which was infinite , then to discover other men . The Grand Signior sent for him , and after a few words , gave sentence to have his head struck off , which was instantly done before the door ; afterwards divers of both Orders ( that is Janizaries and Spahies ) were taken to the number of twenty two , were taken , and privately strangled and thrown into the sea ; these ( principally branded ) were hidden or fled . And suddenly , as if peace were risen out of the old Chimachams grave , there was an end of the tumults and disorders among the souldiers ; the Spahies shrunk , not one revenging Spahie to be seen in all the City ; and the Janizaries , as their glory , took upon them an austere Reformation ; and all things were so calme as if Astrea had come down from heaven among them . THe reading of History having in it no recompense but delight , unlesse it look forward to use and action , either to correct errors past , or direct wayes for the future : it will not be unprofitable upon the foregoing discourse to raise som Observations , First Theological , Secondly , Moral and Political . First , Theological . There are in this discourse several things of God discovered , worthy our taking notic of . As first the absolute and uncontroulable Soveraignty of God over the greatest Monarchs and Emperors of the world . Behold one of the greatest Monarchs of the earth , suddenly turned out of all , by his own Vassals , who at their first rising intended no such thing . He cuts off the spirit of Princes ; he is terrible to the Kings of the earth , Psal. 76.12 . Secondly , observe here the infinite wisdome of God , who can by the Passions , and lusts , and furies of men accomplish his own , wise , and just holy ends . This Army in all their mad fury did not what themselves plotted and intended , but what God decreed . Thirdly , behold here the exact justice of God ( in revenging first the blood of Osman , then the blood of Georgi , though wicked men ) to his Enemies ; shall he not much more avenge the blood of his Elect ? Fourthly , observe here the wonderful power of God over the spirits of men ; how soon can the Lord calme their greatest rage and fury ? and none can do it but he ; he stilleth the raging of the sea , and the tumults of the people . For Moral Observations take these . First , how dangerous a thing it is for any supream power to stand in need of a constant standing Army ; they do but bestride an unruly Camel , which they cannot manage , as this unfortunate Osman dreamt , before his death . Secondly , what a dangerous thing it is for the Civil Power , to permit the souldiers and Officers of the Army to hold their Counsels and Conventicles . These were the root of all these troubles in the Turkish Empire . Thirdly , how much better it is to be under the worst of Monarchies , then at the courtesie of a mutinied Army , appears by this story . Fourthly , that the common souldier having been debauched by their own Officers , may at last prove honest , and delivering their misleaders to Justice , may return to their duty and obedience . Amen . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A27013e-840 The Army upon an apprehension of a design to disband them Mutiny . Demand some chief Officers of State to justice , which the King denying , They assemble in Arms next morning . Cut the Vizier in pieces . Force the Emperour to hide himself . The mutiniers 〈…〉 g him et up ●● mock-King . The true King addresseth himself to the souldiers . They begin to relent , But being anew enraged by the rashness of one of his attendants , they Attach him , Arraign him as a disturber of the peace . Commit him to prison , Where he is murthered . The Army mutinies a second time ; Occasions the Creation of a new Vizier , Against whom they also rise in mutiny . All from the greatest to the least at the courtesie of the Army . Against whom the Lawyers and Church-men unite for the publick good . The souldiers demand the Churches Revenues , and all Offices of gain . The Spahies set on by the present Vizier , demand justice for the death of their King , though occasioned by themselves . Upon which the Army is divided into two Factions , and ready to light . To prevent them , he that mu●thered the King is delivered to justice . The Army abroad under the conduct of a great Commander , rise to avenge the death of their King ; who calls a general Councel . Makes Declarations of his honest intentions . Against whom the Governor , set up by the mutinied Army , guilty of Osmans blood ▪ proclaim a War . But the mutiniers demur , & pretend loathness to fight against their brethren , held consultations , refuse to march , Yet at length perswaded to move ; But upon new discontents the Spahies mutiny again . Which quieted They march , But no mind to fight . The Councel at Constantinople at their wits end . They consult . Resolve upon the onely expedient for safety . Which is to declare for the right heir , and make him King , which is also done ; Yet the Janizaries mutiny again for their pay . The Army in Asia still prosecute their pretences . Cruel to the Ianizaries , but just & friendly to all others . Whereupon the Ianizaries demand to be led out to fight them . War proclaimed , the Army to march within four days . Whereupon the Army held a Counsel , and change their Mindes . By which news all Asia's left to the other Army . The Bassa of Asia taken into the Emperours favour ; Promiseth to lay down Arms . New Vizier chosen at the Port. And withdraws his forces . The Spahies again mutiny , And Cause the old Chimacham to be put to death The Ianizaries rise , Declare against this act of their fellow souldiers , the Spahies . Desire justice against divers o● their own Officers , and the Officers of the Spahies , as men that had debauched the Army , and led them into , and encouraged them in all thier mutinies ; Accusing them of Factions , and holding Conventic●es and Counsels . The Ianizaries come to the Port and desire Peace . All the Grandees of the Empire assemble together . One in the name of the rest , delivers first a speech , then a Petition Both sitter for Stat●s men then souldiers , for Christians then Turks . The Segmen Bassa , the man principally accused , hides himself , but being found is put to death , with some 2● . others of both Orders . After which the Army returns to their duty , and peace to the Empire . 
A08258	----	The three English brothers Sir Thomas Sherley his trauels, vvith his three yeares imprisonment in Turkie: his inlargement by his Maiesties letters to the great Turke: and lastly, his safe returne into England this present yeare, 1607. Sir Anthony Sherley his embassage to the Christian princes. Master Robert Sherley his wars against the Turkes, with his marriage to the Emperour of Persia his neece. Nixon, Anthony. 1607 Approx. 107 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 41 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A08258 STC 18592 ESTC S110177 99845777 99845777 10698 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A08258) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 10698) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 723:12) The three English brothers Sir Thomas Sherley his trauels, vvith his three yeares imprisonment in Turkie: his inlargement by his Maiesties letters to the great Turke: and lastly, his safe returne into England this present yeare, 1607. Sir Anthony Sherley his embassage to the Christian princes. Master Robert Sherley his wars against the Turkes, with his marriage to the Emperour of Persia his neece. Nixon, Anthony. [80] p. : ill. (woodcut) Printed [by Adam Islip?], and are to be sold by Iohn Hodgets in Paules Church yard, London : 1607. Dedication signed: Anthony Nixon. Printer's name conjectured by STC. Signatures: [A]⁴ B-K⁴. The first leaf has a woodcut of a ship on verso. Reproduction of a photostat of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Sherley, Thomas, -- Sir, 1564-1630? -- Early works to 1800. Sherley, Anthony, -- Sir, 1565-1635? -- Early works to 1800. Sherley, Robert, -- Sir, 1581?-1628 -- Early works to 1800. Turkey -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. Iran -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. 2004-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-04 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2004-04 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE THREE ENGLISH BROTHERS . Sir Thomas Sherley his Trauels , vvith his three yeares imprisonment in Turkie : his Inlargement by his Maiesties Letters to the great Turke : and lastly , his safe returne into England this present yeare , 1607. Sir Anthony Sherley his Embassage to the Christian Princes . Master Robert Sherley his wars against the Turkes , with his marriage to the Emperour of Persia his Neece . LONDON Printed , and are to be sold by Iohn Hodgets in Paules Church yard . 1607. TO THE RIGHT HOnourable Thomas , Lord Howard , Earle of Suffolke , Lord Chamberlaine of his Maiesties houshould , and one of his Highnes most honorable Priuie Councell . WEaknes ( Right honorable ) hath need of helpe and supportance , as wel in Politick , as naturall bodies : the like in studies & labors of the mind . Caesars commentaries needed no Apologie , because his power was able to defend thē : Nor his Triū verborū literae , to the Roman Senate , Veni , vidi , vici , craue any other inlargement , because his fame went stil before him to dilate his acts . In priuate , & inferior studies , that want countenance in themselues , the extensiue power of greatnes and authoritie giues strength , and encouragement , to intensiue weaknesse , when our indeauours though vnworthy of acceptation are suffered in their minoritie , and insufficient age , to grow vp and prosper in the defensiue bulwarke of protection , against the stormes of enuious and calumnious tongues , that by continuāce , through vse and practise , they may happely afterwards proue worthie of regard . In the want therefore of mine own worth , I haue presumed to shield my selfe vnder your worthines : and finding cause to distrust mine own strēgth , I haue aduentured to shrowd my selfe vnder your power : Humbly desiring your Honour so farre to grace these my labours , as to vouchsafe them a passage vnder your Patronage , that therby ( though happily they haue nothing in them to deserue your priuate reading and account ) they may yet the better by your countenance finde admittance and respect to publique view . For I must confesse they come much short , as well of the worthynes of the Subiect , that they treat of , as also of your regard and estimation . If therefore out of your generall respect to all , your Lordshippe shall bee pleased to vouchsafe mee this particular fauour , I shall hereafter admit all times , and pretermit no occasions to manifest my dutie , Euer remaining Your Honors in all seruice : Anthony Nixon . Sir Thomas Sherley his Trauailes , together with his three yeares imprisonment in Turkie , his Inlargement by his Maiesties Letters to the great Turke : and lastly , his safe returne into England this present yeare , 1607. IT is a naturall qualitie , both customarie , & commendable in all Countries , to enlarge their fames , by divulging the memorable Actes of such worthy personages , whose Noble Spirits , showne by their honourable attempts and atchieuements , haue drawne other Nations into admiration of their valours , and emulation of their vertues . It were then a fault vnpardonable in vs of the English Nation ( whose acts and high attempts haue not giuen place to any people ) to burie in obliuion the vertues of those our country Men , whose noble deedes deserue for euer to liue vpon the tongues of men , with honorable mention . Amongst whom , the Three Heroes of our Time , the hopefull issue of a happy father , haue so glorified their names by their honourable Actes , and hostile imployments , against the common Enemie of Christendome : that honour by them hath added to her glory , and Enuy lost the sting of her Detraction . And here am I drawne into a deepe meditation of the Minde of man how infinite it is in opinion , and weening , and vnquiet by Nature : that where it is once set vpon the desire of honour , nothing can stay , or limite her aduentures : But as the Clowds are harried by the windes from one part of the Hemispheare to the other , so the Body is carried by the Minde , euen through the world , by land , by sea , with toyle and danger , making it to suffer hunger , watching , and cold ; where at home , it might slepe with peace , and feed with plenty . The manifestation wherof , is knowne in the tedious Trauailes , & dangerous Aduentures of these three excellent spirits , that hauing no other Motiues , but the honourable desire and pursuit of Glorie ( which indeedeis the Spurre to euery noble minde ) haue iustly by their deserts obtained her , both for themselues , and for their Countrie : whose fame and renown , being by them made known , me thinkes they were vnkindly vsed by vs , to be made strangers here at home . Hauing therefore receiued some particulars of their trauels , and their Occurrents in them , though ( I must confesse . I am but lame as well in the instructions of their Aduentures , as also in mine owne worth , to display their worthinesse ; I haue neuertherlesse attempted , though not to satisfie , yet in some sort to make knowne to expectation ( which euer gapes after Nouelties , ) their variable fortunes , and honorable imploiments in strange Countries , and vnder great Kings , so farre as my knowledge of them , and hability in my selfe , will giue me leaue . And first to begin with Sir Thomas Sherley the yonger , who as hee was eldest by the Fortune of his birth , so is he not inferiour to the rest in the commendable parts , and honorable qualities of his minde ; though happily not so succesfull in his Trauels , as his other brethren : Hee began his last voyage in Anno 1602. who hauing long time kept the Seas vnprosperously , and with vnequall fortune to his hopes and deseruings at length landed in Italie , and was for a time highly respected in the Duke of Florence his Court , where hee carried himselfe in that honourable port as became both a Souldier and a Courtier , in all those commendable qualities that serue both for vse and ornament . But to stay there long , was no life for him : the State beeing setled , and no imployments forraine , or domesticall , fit for the leuell of his thoughts and purposes ; which ayming at a higher proiect , grew soone weary of the pleasures of Italie . Which the Duke perceiuing , and knowing the wants that his long vayage by Sea had before bronght vpon him , did honourably furnish him with such necessaries , as for his purposed imployments did fully satisfie his longing expectation . Beeing thus once more at Sea , full of hope and courage , he lay houering too , and againe a long time vpon the Straites of Giblater , in a cōtinuall expectation of some purchase or other , to satisfie the desires both of himselfe , and of his company . In whom of late hee found a strange alteration , both in their countenances , and behauiours towards him , sauouring of Discontent ( the dāgerous disturber of any setled state ) whether it was deriued from a despaire they had of the successe of the voyage , or from a desire of returne to England , I know not ; but afterwards it turned to a mutinous reuolt . He first perswaded them with faire words of hope and comfort , and afterwards for the time appeased them ; by applying himselfe in many things to their humors : but as fire cannot be hidde , whose smoke betraies it , so this poison of their minds and intents , could not bee long contained , but at last it brake out into an vlcerous falshood , and mischiefe which occasion afterwards did thus reueale . Sir Thomas hauing spent some time , and much part of his victualls in the Straits , and doubting of successe to satisfie the greedy hopes , and vngorg'd desires of his company , and fearing least through idlenes hee might adde more matter to their mutinous mindes , hauing three Shippes , and fiue hundreth men , held on his course towards Turkie . In the mouth of the Straits hee met with a great Hulke , and ( hauing cause giuen ) fought with her a long time before hee could come to boarde her , and afterwards fought 8. houres aboard , before he could take her . In this fight hee lost aboue an hundreth of his owne men , besides those that were hurt and maymed : and when all his cardes were told , hee found that the gaine did not answere the losse hee had sustained . Thus the hopes of his company being frustrate , and failing of their expectation , are readie vpon the least cause to turne the nature of commaund into contempt , wherof at that time some of his company gaue an ill president ; for that present night one of his three ships forsooke him , and ranne away . From thence with his two bigger shippes he went to Legorne , where he stayed eight dayes , as well to refresh his hurt men , and to furnish himselfe of fresh water and victuals , which hee then wanted ; as also to receiue directions from the Duke of Tuscan , during which time diuers Marchants corrupted his men and made them mutinous , alleaging that the course hee tooke was indirect , and dangerous , his plots shallow and vnlikely to succeed , & that he faild of warrant and authoritie for his proceedings . Thus the matter of their mutinie being set on fire , which burnt vp all dutie in thē , possessing them with nothing but a neglect of obedience , which in their lookes , wordes , and behauiours was soone made knowne . Sir Thomas being much perplext in minde through this vnnaturall reuolt of his men , and vsing all meanes he could to appease them , with much care and discomfort tooke sea againe . But the third night after when hee came within kenne of Capaslera , a Towne in the Island of Scicilia , one Peacocke an English Pilot , whome not long before hee had taken in at Legorne , went away with his second shippe . Of Sir Thomas his attempts in Turkie , and the trecherous reuolt of the rest of his company . IT is the nature of Fortune seldome times to bee singular either in her frownes or fauours , but that one is commonly heaped on the necke of another , as appeared in this wayning state of Sir Thomas his hopes , for the next morning after this reuolt of Peacocke , a like part was plaid euen in his own ship , for the most part of his men begun a dangerous mutiny against him . They plainly told him that they would be no longer vnder his command , and did absolutely refuse to follow the courses and plots that hee had laid , alleadging with vnkind wordes & vncomly speeches , that their hopes and expectations were deceiued of him , that he was both vncircumspect in his attempts , and vnfortunate in his actions , they vtterly dislike his intendments , refusing to heare any thing that might sound of it , there being no possibilitie of good , and a certaine and continuall assurance of danger ; lastly they protested vnto him that they would still keepe the Sea , and be no longer restrained of their owne purposes , but lay hold vpon all occasions that should be offered to inrich themselues , and satisfie their longing hopes Perfas , aut nefas , by any meanes whatsoeuer . Sir Thomas being much perplext with the contempteous & vnruly behauiour of his men in his own ship first vsed threats & menaces besitting his place & command : but the mutinie being general , and that he that was their Generall being forsaken and left alone , he did but thereby adde fuel vnto that fire that raged so fore in the minds and tongues of his mutinous company , that hee was inforc't at last to leaue all the extent of the authoritie of a Commander , and as a common and a priuate person , with tongue , gesture , & countenance vnanswerable to his mind , in milde tearmes and gentle wordes , to intreate them that they would not thus dispise and forsake him , whome they before had called their Captaine , and their Generall , and had vowed to follow him in all his Fortunes . Let not ( quoth hee ) the conceit of our hard successe discourage your hopes so farre , as to make a desperate account both of your selues and mee ; neither suffer the remembrance of those runagates that haue so trecherously forsaken mee , draw you on to doe the like , by their example , I haue made choise of you , into whose handes I haue committed my life , & whatsoeueris deere vnto me . Two ships I haue already lost , not by the vnsteadfast fortunes of the Sea , but by the vnfaithfull dealing of my followers : I haue onely this one left me , and you in it , in whom I haue hitherto put a speciall trust ; wherein it you likewise deceiue me , let mee not liue any longer , lest one day I record the place , where you vnkindly & vnmanly forsooke , & betrayed your Captaine : We haue yet a liuing hope of our successe , which if you kill not by these Mutinous dissentiōs , may yet ere long inrich your expectations : for mine owne part , I shall omit nothing that may doe you good , nor doe any thing vnfit or vnworthy either your account of mee , or mine owne reputation . His men nothing satisfied with these words , but bearing still a mutinous and rebellious minde against their Captaine ; Sir Thomas in doubt what to doe , calles before him the Lieuetenant , the Master his Mate , the Master gunner , and other principall Officers in the Ship , and demaunded of them , whether they ioynd in minde and malice with the company against him : They answered him , that they had no such meaning ; but protested vnto him , they were willing to sollow him , and obey him , as it should please him to dispose of them , and to partake with him in all his Fortunes . Whereupon Sir Thomas taking aduantage of their proffers , ioyned with them in the perswasion of the rest : and so for the time the mutinie was appeased . Sir Thomas to keepe his company still imployed , directed his course towards Millo , with a purpose to haue taken an English Pirate that was there ; but fowle weather & contrary winds draue him to Geo : where he found a Venetian Ship at Anchor : and here againe his men began to mutinie , and hee had much a doe to keepe them from spoyling that Ship. The greedines of that prey , and the ill affection they had to make triall of their Fortunes , elsewhere , increased their mutinie extreamely ; which with much adoe , was once againe pacified : and in this place , by contrary windes , he was forced to stay eight daies . And to diuert their humor , by putting Idlenesse from them , hee attempted the surprizing of an Island belonging to the Turke , which was not farre off : the inhabitants beeing both Turkes and Greekes ; which in this sort was managed , and put in execution . The 15. of Ianuarie 1602. Sir Thomas landed one hundred of his men betweene 3. or 4. of the clocke in the morning , the Moone beeing at full , and shining very cleere ; hee diuided them into two squadrons : whereof the vanguard was commaunded by his Lieutenant , and hee himselfe lead the Rere : and thus they marched vp towards the Towne , beeing three miles distant from the Sea : after they had passed thorough a plaine , which was about a Mile in length , they came to a crooked rocke , through the which , there was a way cut so narrow , that not aboue two men could march afronte . Hauing passed the rocke without any interruption , they came to a hill , which was very high & steepe , and hauing recouered the toppe thereof , they saw the Towne , and were soone masters thereof , it beeing a place vndefencible : and suddainly abandoned of the inhabitants , who fled into the woods and rockes , and other places vnpassable . Here he gaue charge vpon paine of death , that no Souldier of his company should touch the person or goods of any Christian ; but that needed not , for they had carried all their goods with them , leauing naught behind , but their naked and empty houses . Being thus in possession of the Towne , where finding nothing to satisfie their expectations , & in doubt what to doe , whether to goe forwarde , or to returne , he suddainly had intelligence by his Espials , that a great rabble of the Islanders had gathered head together , with purposed resolution to set vpon them , and of greater force then they were able to withstand : which Sir Thomas vnderstanding : and perceiuing his men to murmur , and be afraide , commaunded his Liuetenant to lead them downe the hill , in a Souldierlike retreat , and to keepe an easie pace towards the Shippe , encouraging them not to feare the number of the Turkes , for that they were a people in those parts vnpractized and vnskilfull in any Militarie Discipline , and their best weapons were but staues and stones . Hee further gaue directions , that when they came into the plaine , they should make a stand , assuring there could bee no danger for them there : and for his owne part , he promised to doe the like with the rereward . But his mē being now changed from mutiners to cowards , not obseruing any charge or direction of their Captaine , without any order posted downe the hill , as fast as they could trot : which the Rere perceiuing began to doe the like . Whereupon Sir Thomas , taking a Gentleman by the hand , wēt a head the Rere , and so stopt the passage , that except they would haue trode vpon him , they could not passe in that troubled and disordered maner . Here they were sore beaten with stones , and many of his men hurt , and himselfe hurt in the legge : howbeit , they maintained skirmish a while with them , and kild some of them , and then marched quietly for a quarter of a mile , the inhabitants still watching all aduantages to endamage them : but at last they recouered the plaine , which was within a mile of their Ship ; where , when the Rere perceiued that the Uanguard was fled so farre before , that they were ready to goe aboard , they followed as fast after , leauing their Captaine in the midst of all his enemies , where hee could not make any of his men to stay , and share fortunes with him , notwithstanding be commanded , perswaded , and intreated all he could . Sir Thomas beeing thus forsaken of his mē , and enuironed of his enemies , hauing neither minde to flie , nor desire to liue with a setled resolution , and out of all hope of life , yet desirous to sell it at as deere a rate as he could , prest vpon his enemies , and hauing tenne Greeks assayling him at once ( onely accompanied with two that could not escape ) forced himselfe to make way through them , bestowing his blowes on all sides , that the Islanders themselues well perceiued , how hard a matter it had beene for them to haue ouerthrown , or defeated his company , if the rest had retayned his courage , and resolution . But hee beeing ouercharged with multitudes , was in the endesore wounded , and beaten downe : where beeing thus taken , and disarmed , they only can iudge , that haue vndergone the like danger ( if any such there be ) what thoughts possessed his minde , when in this change of Fortune hee found himselfe forsaken of his own men & nowe in the handes of a trustlesse , bloody , and barbarous people . The miserie of Sir Thomas Sherly his imprisonment in a Turkish Island . THough it bee a heauy thing for a man to fall from a happie and prosperous estate into a wretched and lamentable condition , yet is affliction the true and perfect triall or touchstone of the soule and mind of man : for shee makes a deepe search into our inward parts , whether shee can finde a residence of those heauenly and humane vertues , that in the time of calamitie ought to be in euery Christian : wherof , shee found such store in the immutable mind of this most worthie gentleman , that notwithstanding this forlorne and miserable change of his estate , hee neuertheles held on the setled course of that confidence and constancie , that he before had in the time of his prosperitie . But to returne to our History : Sir Thomas and two of his men being thus taken , and in the hands of tenne of the Inhabitants , nine of them were resolued to kil him , howbeit the tenth by intreatie and perswasion saued his life ; but they stript him of all hee had , euen to his bootes and stockings , and binding his handes with one of his garters led him backe bare footed through the rocke , so into the Towne . In all which time there was not a Grecian man or woman that they met by the way , but either did , or assaild to strike him : His Shippe staide ● . dayes after in the harbor , but neuer made any attempt either by force or intreaty for his deliuerie . All the while the shippe staid there , they kept him in irons , but when the ship was gone , they tooke them off , and vsed him in better manner then he expected from the handes of so barbarous a people . Here was he kept prisoner for the space of a whole moneth , and from thence was sent in a small open boate to Nigro Ponte , and there deliuered to the Caia , for so is the principall officer of that Island called : at the first hee was vsed kindly , and intreated well , but safly kept , and watched euery night with a guard of eight men , 4. Turkes , and 4. Greekes . After the end of fiue dayes , he lent him a Ianissarie to carry his letters to the English Consul of Petrasle , which was 5. dayes iourney from thence , howbeit hee receiued no answere of his letters from the Consull ; but vpon the Ianissaries returne , hee was presently committed into a darke dungeon , & with a great gally chaine , bound fast with a slaue that was before taken , which greeued him worst of all . He continued in this loathsome prison , from the 20. of March , 1602. vntil the 25. of Iuly 1603. during which time , his best diet was but bread and water , and his warmest lodging , the cold ground : hauing oftentimes besides the miserie of his imprisonment , many threates and menaces sent him , sometimes of death , sometimes of the Gallies ; being thus out of al hope of liberty , and in a daily expectation of death , without any comfort , but such as his patience ministred vnto him , where nothing was presented to the eye , or eare , but matter of horror and dispaire ; yet did he still retaine in his mind , that guidance & command of his affections , as they were neuer much moued , or inwardly disturbed with the outward distraction of his sences . In this time hee wrote diuerse letters to the English Embassador at Constantinople , intreating him that in regard of his country , hee would deale with the Admirall Bashaw ( whose prisoner he in right was ) for his inlargement , protesting that as he was a gentleman , ( whose name and family hee knew well ) he would in as short time as he could postbly requite his kindnes at full to his contentment . But prisons are like graues , where a man , though aliue , is neuertheles buried from the regard , or respect of any ; for the Embassador did not answere any of his letters , but told the Bashaw hee might vse him according to his discretion . During this time of his miserable imprisonment , some or other had enformed the Bashaw , that hee was able to pay 50. thousand Chickeno's for his ransome : whereupon the Bashaw sent him guarded by 4. Cappages , ( whome wee here call Pursiuants ) from Nigro Ponte to Constantinople . Thus were his miseries ended in one place , to bee begun and continued in another . His miserie in his imprisonment in Constantinople . THe sicke man that shifteth place , yet alters not his disease , findes little comfort in the change of ayre , or climate , for that the nature of sicknes doth kill , or controule that pleasure and delight , which commonly keepes company with a healthfull bodie . Such was the conditiō of Sir Thomas in his remoue from Nigro Ponte to Constantinople , for both his vsage by the way , and his entertainment there gaue him small cause of comfort , in that only he found the place was changed , but not the nature of his imprisonment . Betweene Nigro Ponte and Constantinople is fiue hundreth miles , & all that way he was carried vpon a Moyle , riding vpon a pack-saddle with a great gally chaine about his legges , and another about his waste , and many times his legges bound vnder the horse belly , sometimes he lay in houses , sometimes vnder trees , and whensoeuer he lay in any Towne where there were any stocks , there they lodged him : & when they faild of such a place , they bound his legges together with a little chayne , besides the great chaine about his waste , & his hands fast lockt with manacles of iron : his guard were the 4. Cappages which were sent by the Bashaw : It would haue moued the patience of the best tempered mind , to heare , & be forced to indure the dispightful taunts & approbrious speeches , which though not by their language , yet by their stearne countenances and behauiours , he might well vnderstand in all his iourney between Nigro Ponte , & Cōstantinople , The 12. day after their setting forth , about three of the clock in the after noone , they entred the Cittie : Immediately vpon his cōming , he wrote againe to the Embassadour giuing him to vnderstand the cause of his imprisonment , together with the manner of his former vsage , and the nature of his present misery : he much importund him that he would not leaue him in his calamitie , nor suffer him , being his Countryman , and a Gentleman , to spend his hope , his youth , his fortune , nay his life , in so vild and dishonorable a prison , vnder the cruell tyranny of an vnbeleeuing people . But hee flatly sent him word , That hee would neither meddle nor make with him . Sir Thomas being thus left all desolate and disconsolate , stil armed himselfe with his wonted patience , and setled confidence against the horror of despaire , not suffering his minde to bee chained , and fettered ( as his bodie ) with seruile thoughts and fearefull apprehensions ; but in the freedome of his Spirite maintayned her libertie , and in the midst of all his feares , made hope the predominant . The next day after his cōming to the Cittie , he was brought before the Bashaw , who demanded what he made in the Arches , and why in that hostile maner against the law of Armes , and conditiō of the League betwixt both kingdomes , without any leaue or admittance , hee had landed a forcible power , with purpose to spoyle and prey in that part of the Turkes Dominion ? sir Tho. answered , that being violently driuen into wants by the Fortunes of the sea and his long trauels , hee was compelled to land , onely to refresh his men , and the rather in that country which hee knew to bee friend vnto his King. The Bashaw replyed againe , that his entrance was against law , and right and that hee was iustly his prisoner , & therupon asked him presently , and in peremptory manner , what ransome hee would pay for his deliuery ? Sir Thomas told him he knew no reasō he should be enforced to pay any ransome being in a friendes hands , whome neither in substance nor circumstance he had offended : & that if his cause were rightly scand by an impartial Iudge , together with the long time and vilde manner of his imprisonment , it would bee thought but equity , that he himselfe should both require , and receiue a sufficient recompence for the wrongs and miseries that he had sustained . Finally , he told the Bashaw that he held him in his own conceit and opinion , to be too iust , and honorable to demand a ransome of him , that neuer deserued to bee a prisoner . But ( to be briefe ) the Bashaw told him that he knew he was a malefactor , and that his acts were violent and indirect , which hee auerd he could not answere , or otherwise the Embassadour would not haue abandoned him : withal protested with a high voyce , & stearne countenāce , that he would haue 50. thousand Chickeno's for his ransome , or his head for satisfaction . sir Tho. doubting the crueltie of this barbarous Turke , and being much wearied & weakned with the misery of a long and vilde imprisonment , to buy some ease and quietnes , was content to promise the payment of 12. thousand Chickeno's , with condition that hee might bee well vsed , & weare no more irons : the proffer was neither taken , nor refused ; howbeit a promise was made that he should be wel intreated , but it was slenderly kept ; for hee was had presently into the porters lodge in the great Turks Court , and put into a filthy common Gaole ; where , though the first night hee had a good supper , hee founde no other bedde to lie vpon , but the colde stones : Now ebeit , this had beene well , if worse had not succeeded : for the Bashaw belike hauing new intelligence both of his state and aliance , & supposing that no better meanes could bee vsed for the recouery of his ransome , then rough handling , gaue straite charge that he should from time to time be worser handled then hitherto he had beene , since the first time of his imprisonment . Whereupon , the next morning at breake of day hee was remooued to a worser place , and both his feete put into the Stockes , a great yron chaine about his necke , both his hands tied before him , and his body stretcht out all along , with a great sharpe stone laied vnder the raines of his backe ; so that it was impossible for him to stirre , beeing also vexed continually with lyee , which was not the least torment hee endured : so that hee often wished that the sentence of his death had beene pronounced , & did willingly frame his thoughts , and order his minde , to entertaine with patience the destinie of such a doome : for this miserie toucht him so neere , that he was content to relinquish all hope and desire of life , and to meditate on nothing , but of death . He continued in this estate , from Saturday the 23 of August , 1603. vntill the Tuesday following ▪ in which time , hee was suffered to rise but 4. times in 24. houres . That Twesday , about nine of the clocke , he was brought againe into the presence of the Bashaw , as he fate in opē Court , where he renued his olde demaunde of filtie thousand Chickeno's . All Christian Embassadours haue in the Bashawes Court continually two Interpreters , to haue a care and regard of such causes and occurrents , as may concerne their Country . This day the English Embassador had none there , belike to avoyde the unportunities that Sir Thomas in this his Tragicke state might haue vsed . But to return to the Bashaw his demand : Sir Thomas answered him , that hee found little constancy in his wordes ; that if his life might make satisfaction , that was in his power : and more iust , and honourable it were for him to take it , then to prolong it still with torment : for his own part , hee would promise no more , because hee could performe no more . To be briefe , he told him , hee might haue his life , but neuer his demaund . The Bashaw neuer replied , but presently commanded his head should bee stricken off . But though he was rash in the doome , he did deliberate in the deede : for Sir Thomas was carried backe into prison , where though hee found rather an increase , then any mittigation of his former torments , yet was his life still preserued by the miraculous power of Almightie God. The Continuation of Sir Thomas Sherleys miserie in his imprisonment in Constantinople . SIr Thomas beeing thus returned into prison , and his old torments renuing , hauing small hope of life , and lesse expectation of release , euery houre awayting the execution of his doome ; a certaine Iewe dwelling in the Citie , vnderstanding his imprisonment , and his vild manner of handling ; and that he was also a Gentleman of account , and estimation in his Country : in pittie and compassion of his estate , found the meanes to come and speake with him in prison : where , after a few salutations , the Iew reasoned with him in this manner . As you are a stranger both by your birth , and language , to this Nation ; so you also seeme to bee strange and ignorant of their Natures & Conditions . I haue heard of your long imprisonment , and though I know not the cause , yet I grieue much at the manner of your handling . You shall doe well in this , rather to follow my counsell , that haue a little experience of their customes , then wilfully to cast your selfe away by ignorance . Be ruled by me , and make promise of this great summe of money to the Bashawe , but take a long time for the paiment . It can bee no way preiudiciall to you , if you way your owne state , and his case aright : for if your King hold his amitie with the Turke , and that the league bee continued , whereof there is yet no doubt , you may before the prefixt day taken for the payment , by the benefit of your King , bee freed without ransome . If that faile , and a farre lesse summe be brought in the meane time , and that he findes there is small hope of more ; they will rather accept that , though it be little , then hazard your life , and so loose all . And I will also giue you a further comfort , which though it proceedes but from mine owne opinion , without particular intelligence of any such matter , ( for in this blindfolded state of Turkie , men may obserue , howbeit knowe nothing , but to obey : ) This Bashaw , this great aduersarie of yours , that now hath your life in pursuite , is like ere long to loose his owne , for the nature and qualitie of his place will not hold an officer long . Sir Thomas hauing a Woolfe by the eare , wherein there was danger , either to hold or let goe ▪ doubting whether he were best follow the counsell of a Iewe , or trust the cruelty of a Turke : yet hauing well wayed his wordes , wherein he could finde nothing that sauoured of deceipt , hee thought it best to follow his aduice . And so holding that determination , he found means shortly to send vnto the Bashaw , to whom he promised fourtie thousand Chickeno's , conditionally to haue reasonable day for the paiment , and in the meane time to be vsed like a Gentleman , to bee kept in a house by himselfe , and not to bee troubled with all manner of Rascals : to haue allowed him two hundred Aspers a day for his diet , which is tenne shillings sterling , and a seruant to waite vpon him . The Bashaw was glad to receiue this proffer , and promised him more then he demanded : that he should haue a good house , and a faire garden ; that he should haue two hundred Aspers a day allowed him , and two seruants , at his choyce , either men or women to attend vpon him : and that for his money he should haue good meate , & wine , because ( quoth the Bashaw ) I wil haue you contented . Though Sir Thomas was glad of this proffer , yet was there an occasion ministred very soone after to dislike it : for the next day the English Embassadour wrote vnto him that hee was as sorry for his error , as for his imprisonment , and that hee intangled himselfe into an intricate laborinth ; out of the which , he could not winde himselfe , without payment of the money . He therefore aduised him , to reuoke his promise , and by no meanes to accept the Bashawes proffer : for if he did , he was either tied to his worde , or his life to the Turkes disposing : and to comfort him withall , hee told him that within tenne daies hee would procure his release , get him home to his owne house , and become his Baile . Whereupon Sir Thomas trusting the Embassadours promise , refused the Bashawes proffer , and so was carried backe into his olde prison , where with great miserie and distresse , hee lay long after . About Michaelmas after , this Visior Bashawe his great Aduersarie was hangd , according to the Iewes Prophecie , which gaue him cause to entertaine a newe hope of his Deliuerie : for presently vpon the death of the Bashawe , hee wrote agame to the Embassadour , requesting him that now he would remember him , or neuer , for nowe was the time , if it pleased him to extend his eredit in the Court , to procure his Release , his Aduersarie beeing dead , and no barre in the way to hinder it : and this hee did with the greater instance importune , because ( quoth hee ) I am not able to holde out long , hauing endured so many grieuous , and strange afflictions : and beeing so much weakened with the tedious and miserable indurance of the same . Howbeit , the Embassadour returned him this discomfortable answere , That hee coulde doe nothing , till there were a newe Visior Bashawe ordained in his place , and then he would doe what he could for him . It was tenne daies before there was a new one made : As soone as hee was installed , the Embassadour ( as Sir Thomas was informed ) dealt with him for his libertie : but to no purpose , for the Bashaw answered him , that it lay not in his power to doe him any good , for that hee was a prisoner belonging to the great Turke , and therefore could not bee deliuered without his consent . Wherupon the Embassadour preferred a petition to the great Turke in his behalfe , who presently gaue commandement hee should bee enlarged the day following , which was Thursday : and vndoubtedly , had the Embassadour not slacked this matter , but presently laied hold vpon the Turkes commaund , it had beene an easie matter to haue set him at libertie that night . But whether it was the too much confidence that hee had in the Turkes variable and vncertaine humour , or that other businesse and intendements of his owne carried his thoughts other waies ▪ or that it was so ordained , that Sir Thomas his miseries should not yet haue ende , I cannot tell , but the matter of his release was lingred , till the Sunday following . At which time , vpon new aduertisements the commandement of his libertie was reuersed , and hee retained stil in prison , loaden with more cares , and lesse hope then euer he had . The maner of Sir Thomas Sherley his deliuery , by the benefit of the King of Englands princely and gratious letters to the Turke . THe Marchant after a long , & dangerous voyage , hauing recouered with safetie the Hauen of his desire , though vtterly lost the fruit of all his labours , recounts with pleasure the perils past , leauing a glad memoriall to be told in after times by his posteritie : for Contraria contrariis magis elucescunt , Contrary is best knowne by his contrary : we should neuer know the excellencie of rest , but by labour ; nor of plentie but by want ; nor of safty but by danger ; nor of libertie , but by restraint . And I doubt not also but sir Thomas , together with the pleasure that he now conceiues in the remembrance of his forepassed miseries , doth not forget in his daily prayers the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiuing , vnto that diuine power that preserued him so wonderfully in all his troubles , and deliuered him so happily , euen from the very gate , and gulfe of death and danger . But to returne to Turkie , for wee haue not yet brought him to England . Within a fortnight after the countermaund of his deliuery , the great Turke died-leauing his sonne , ( a boy of some 14. yeares ) to succeed him : sir Thomas in this new world , retaines a new hope of his deliuery , and not slacking to lay hold of any occasion , writes againe to the Embassadour , requesting him with much importunitie , that it would please him to take the opportunitie of this tune for his release , for that he had a hope , the yong King whose mind was flexible , might easily bee wrought to deale gratiously with him . Howbeit the Embassadour sent him word , that they boy King could do him no good , he being by reason of his youth vnder gouernment and protection ; till either the Admirall came , who was then vpon the confines of Turkie ; or the Protector , who was shortly to returne out of Egypt . At the arriuall of either of them ( whosoeuer was first ) he protested he would sollicite him in his behalfe , and doubt not but hee should soone worke the meanes of his deliuery ; in the meane time hee willed him to comfort himselfe , for he would not pretermit any occasion proffered to doe him good Sir Thomas lingered on this hope , and bare out the brunt of many a cold and bitter houre , vntill the first of December , at what time the Admirall was returned : who being importuned by the Embassador ; answere was made , that hee would not deale with the Prisoner , till the comming of the Protector . Not long after the Protector returned , whome the Embassador belike finding vntractable , soone gaue ouer his suite . The first day the Protector sate in Iudgement , was Christmas day , before whome Sir Thomas was sent for to appeare , & this day also the Embassadour had no Interpreter there . The Visior Bashaw hauing called him before him , askt him why hee was committed to prison ? Sir Thomas answered boldly , that his fortune , and the mistaking of his attempt and enterprise in the Island was first the cause of his restraint , but the malice and ill opinion that Hashan Bashaw conceiued against him , without cause , had held him so long , a poore and miserable prisoner : Honorably desiring the Protector , that sith there was nothing questionable that might touch his life , except the enforc't power , and extent of authoritie ; and that if any fault were committed , his punishment was greater then the cryme : That it would please him now at last to giue him his liberty . But here was no such grace seated in the Protectors heart , for without any reply , processe , or order of law , he gaue a present , and peremptory command , That hee with his two men should bee hang'd . It booted him not to aske why ; but hauing prepared his mind before to such an horror , and liuing long in a continuall expectance thereof , hee yeelded himselfe willingly thereunto ; for he knew wel that nought but his death would satisfie the doome . Hereupon was sir Thomas & his two men bound all together , and lead presently away towards the place of execution : what could he wish in such a case ( besides his diuine meditations ) but that his mind & thoughts might suddainly bee transported into England , to execute his tongues office , ( that is ) to commend his humble dutie to his Father , and his kind remembrance to his friends and allyes ; to let them vnderstand the miseries of his imprisonment , and the vildnes of his death , occasioned by the trecherie and cowardice of his own men : from thence he might wish them sodainly posted to Spaine and Persia , that his honorable brethren might vnderstand the manner of his life and death , that in their hostile imployments against the Turkes , they might bee sufficiently reuenged of his death . But God did suddainly possesse the heart of one of the Interpreters to the Venetian Embassador with a Christian pittie , & regard of his estate , who sodainly repaired ( for otherwise that had bin too late ) to the Protector , beseeching him that hee would not in his furie take away the life of so gallant a gentleman , vpon bare surmises that if he held him worthily a prisoner , ( and that but supposed ) being no greater , it might please him rather to take his ransome , then his life . At the first the Protector was very obstinate , being importuned , and hauing a hope of the gaine of 40. thousand Chickeno's , ( which were proffered ) made him a little to relent : and so hee commanded to stay his Execution . Thus Sir Thomas brought from the place of death , and presently carryed to another place little better , it being a prison called the seuē Towers , where he was put into a miserable darke dungeon , and extreame cold . There he continued till one of the clocke in the afternoone the next day ; at which time the Embassador hauing vnderstood of the misery of that place , sent one of hismen to the Gaoler to intreat him , that hee might bee remoued to some better place : whereupon hee was had out of the dungeon , and put together with his two men , into a little shed , but two yardes square , built against a wall ; hauing neither cloathes , bed , fire , nor any good meat . In this state hee continued foureteene dayes , in extreame cold , weather , of frost and snow : during which time , one of his men perished , and died euen of very cold : and he himselfe was so benummed in all his limbes , as he feared he should neuer againe haue the vse of them . In this poore estate hee continued till the beginning of Aprill , 1604 , at which time there were Letters sent from the Kings Maiestie to the great Turke , and money from his Father ; for before that time , hee had receiued no newes out of England : But whether by negligence , or some ill accident , the letters were lost ; Notwithstāding , by reason of his money , he was admitted to buy a Chamber , and to hire a Seruant to attend vpon him , being stil a prisoner , and hauing a watchful guard about him . Thus he continued till the Christmas following ; In which time his father hauing vnderstanding of his great miserie sustayned , together with the losse of his Maiesties former Letters , and his Sonnes present case ( as it stood ) became againe an humble suiter to the King in his Sonnes behalfe , and eftsoones obtained his Maiesties gratious letters to the great Turke for his deliuery : howbeit those letters did not worke his release , for hee was still continued in prison : But by meanes of them he had not torture , nor torment inflicted vpon him , as before , but continued a prisoner till the middle of Nouember . 1605. It which time his Maiesty of his Princely grace and fauour , directed new Letters to the Turke , of greater force then before : by veriue of which , and God assisting ) he was deliuered , vpon friday , the sixt of December , in the yeare aforesaid : which was in this manner . The Protector Bashaw that day came in person to the prison , and causing him to be brought forth ; deliuered him , together with his man , into the hands of the Lord Embassador with these wordes , Hee is your Prisoner till the morning . Thus being deliuered , but not absolutely freed ; the Lord Embassador receiued him , promising to send him the next morning to the Duana , which is the name they giue to their principall , Court : because the Bashaw tould him the Emperour held him to be his lawfull prisoner , & that he had forfeited his life vnto him . Howbeit to gratifie the Ma. of England , hee was pleased to giue him as a present to his King , and therefore hee should be deliuered to his Ma. officers in open Court. The next day following , beeing Saturday , he was brought into the Duana , there was no great doubt or question made of his deliuery , onely the Testados ( who is , as we tearme him , the L. Treasurer ) cast forth a word about the Kings Letters , aduising the Bashaw to consider what he did , in the deliuery of him , for that hee seemed to be a great man. The Cadiliscar , ( that is as it were the chiefe Iudge in deciding mens causes ) answered , hee knew that well enough , and it was so generall vnderstood , for so great Kings , ( quoth he ) as is the Maiestie of England , vse not to write for meane men ; and that their Emperour had freely giuen him to the King of great Britaine , and therefore willed him to holde his peace : but his man ran a daugerous fortune that day , for diuers great men of the court stood much against him , affirming the Bashaw had no reason to deliuer him , because he was neither mentioned in his Maiesties Letters , nor in the Emperours graunt . But the Bashaw hauing vnder hand the pronuse of a great summe of money , after a speech made , and some solemnitie vsed , deliuered both . Howbeit , the Monday following , beeing the 16. of December , remembring himselfe began to finde his error , and to bee afraid that hee had runne into danger for releasing of his man , and thereupon presently sent to the Lord Embassadour , that hee would send both Sir Thomas & his man to him againe . The L. Embassadour went to the Bashaw himselfe , refusing to send either of them backe , and with much adoe perswaded the Bashaw , for though he found no danger in Sir Thomas , yet hee teared much the Bashaw had a purpose to stay his man : and Sir Thomas was very loath to haue his man returned againe to his miserable kennell . The Turke is very strickt and prccise in punishing faults in his Officers , for that very Euening the Bashaw was depriued of his place , for ro other cause , but deliuering of his man without Commission . Thus ended the tedious trouble and miserie of Sir Thomas Sherley in his imprisonment , which beginning in the Island where he was first taken , the 15. of Ianuarie , in the yeare 1602. was afterwards continued in Nigro Ponte , and at last ended in Constantinople vpon a friday the 6. of December , 1605. So that the whole time of his imprisonment was 3. yeares , sauing a fewe daies . And here is to bee noted what a stampe and impression of duty and regard the countenance of a Kings Letter makes in the hearts of subiects , though in places farre remote . For the Embassadour that before that time did but faintly assist him in all his attēpts and intreaties , and was many times afraid to speake in his behalfe , and often refused to trouble himselfe in this businesse ; vpon the receit of his Maiesties Letters , stood so stoutly by him , that he flatly refused to send Sir Thomas or his man backe , notwithstanding the strickt command of the Visior Bashaw , who in his place was a man of principall authoritie in the countrey . Sir Thomas staied in Constantinople ( a free man ) from the time of his deliuerie , which was the 6. of December , vntill the 15. of Februarie following , 1605. during which time , hee tooke pleasure to solace himselfe there , where before he had endured so much sorrow and miserie , taking a view and surucy of the seat , and scituation of the Citie obseruing their lawes , customs , and ceremonies , beholding their Courts , Synagogues , and Temples , with other things not vnworthy a strangers obseruation . And vpon the 15. of February hee departed from Constantinople in a Ragousian Ship , called the Maria de la Rosaria , and landed at Callipoly the 19. of the same moneth , from thēce to Naples , and so at last to England : where beeing ioyfully receiued of his Father , and his Friends , hee now liues by the benefit of his Maiesties fauour . FINIS . ❧ SIR ANTHONY Sherley his Aduentures , and Voyage into Persia. MAnkind doeth vniustly , and without cause complaine of the state and condition of his life , for that it is fraile , subiect to infirmities , of a short continuance , and gouerned rather by Fortune , then by Uertue . But if we shall consider what excellent sparks of ornament there are yet left in Mans nature , notwithstanding the soyle of some , which by the corruption of Adam , is vniuersally centracted vnto all : and that we would but descend into our mindes , to see what matter of worth there is , or might be lodged there , both for the life , Actiue , and Contemplatiue : we should not find Mankinde so wholly depraued in his degenerate nature : but that we may obserue some signes and tokens yet left in him , of the notable light and resplendant beautie of his first creation , which by the two principall parts whereon the mind consisteth , viz. Vnderstanding and Will , and the faculties belonging vnto them , may easily be made mauinifest , what notable memorials both of their studies , and trauels , haue beene recorded to the world , and worthy to bee continued to all ages , vntill the end of time , and the beginning of eternitie , by the naturall instinct , and industrious labours of the mind , to checke and controll the dull and sluggish conditions of such men , as in their home-bred affections consume their time in base humor , and the delights of idle pleasure . And when I thinke vpon the circumstance of the subiect I am to intreat of , I am drawne into an admiration , that Sir Anthony Sherley , hauing so slender beginnings , should neuerthelesse continue that state , coūtenance , and reckoning , as hee hath done euer since his departure out of England , euen in the Courts of the greatest Princes , in , and out of Christendome : so farre exceeding Stukeley , that I am afraid to bee taxed of an impartiall , and rash iudgement , but to intimate a comparison between them , there being so great difference , both in the manner of their trauels , the nature of their imployments , and the ende of their intendements . The one hauing his desire vpon a luxurious , and libidiuous life : The other hauing principally before him , the proiect of honour : which , not in treacherous designes ( as Stukeley attempted in the behalfe of the Pope , against his Countrie ) he hath impaired , or crazed : But contrariwise hath so inlarged , and enhaunsed the same , that his fame and renowne is knowne , and made glorious to the world , by his honourable plots and imployments , against the enemie of Christendome : which , according to the instructions I haue receiued , I will briefly relate vnto you . After Sir Anthony his departure out of England , he landed in a short time at Vlishing , where beeing honorably entertained , & feasted by the Lord Sidney , Lord Gouernor of the Garrison , hee held on his iourney towards the Hague , as well to visit his Excellencie , as to receiue his passe for his better conuoy through the Countrey . From thence he past along by many parts of Germanie , as Franckford , Noremberge , and so to Augusta , and from thence passed the Alpes , and within 10. dayes after came to Venice , hauing a purpose from thence , to take his course to Ferrara , in aydance of the Duke against the Pope . But the matter being before compounded , and agreed betwéene them , that iourney was stayed . He continued for the space of 10 weekes in Venice , where the Duke gaue him Princely entertainment ▪ sending a mightie and Courtly banquet vnto him , of al sorts , of Italian delicates : but being soone tyred with the pleasures of Venice , in May following , hauing with others compounded for one Italian shippe , in one and twentie dayes he landed in an Island called Zane . In which time hee was much distressed for want of victuals , certaine Italians being in the shippe , vsing them vnkindly , of whome they could not get any for loue or money . Howbeit some Persians that were likewise in the shippe , releeued them , and did very kindly supplie their wants . There fell also a iarre betwéen the English , and the Italians , about the baffeling of one of their Countrey , for wordes of Contumely , spoken against the late Quéenes Maiestie , which iu the end was pacified to the disgrace of the Italians , and the honour of the English. At Zane he stayed 10. dayes , & was driuen to take Sea in a little old open boate , in which he passed with danger into the Isle of Candie , where he stay . 12. dayes , and was honourably intreated of the Gouernour of that Isle , it being vnder the Venetiā State. From thence he passed into the Isle of Ciprus , which is part of the Turkes Dominions : Here the Italians that before had iarred with them in the shippe ( being landed before them in the Island , and bearing in mind their old grudge ) had so incensed the Inhabitants of Ciprus against Sir Anthony , and his company , by telling them that they were Pirates , and Rouers , wayting onely for prey aud spoyle : that Sir Anthony and his company were no sooner lāded , but they were stayed by the Turkes , and threatned to be sent prisoners to Constantinople , but this storme was with a little money soone ouerblowne . From Ciprus hee purposed to passe into the holy Land , and had hyred a little boate of some tenne tunne for that passage , but contrary windes droue him vpon Trypoly , passing the famous riuer of Orontes , where they were driuen to endure many villanies , and approbrious speeches by the Turkes that dwelt vpon the borders of that Riuer . From hence he sent to Antioch , to hire certaine Ianissaries to safeconduit him to Aleppo , being 6. dayes iourney . At Aleppo he was much honoured , and respected by the English Consull , and other Marchants there resident . Sir Anthony stayed at Aleppo 6. weekes , after which , hauing receiued the Bashaws passe , ( which is gouernour of that place ) together with the Consuls , and Vicconsuls for their safeconduit , through the heart of Turkes Countrie , hee prosecuted his iournie through the heart of Turkie , which he found to bee much vnanswerable for the strength and populausnes , to the report and opinion that the world conceiues of it . From Aleppo he came to a towne called Birrah , by which runnes the famous riuer of Euphrates , that parteth the two Countries of Mesopotamia , and Syria : From hence after 7. or 8. dayes tarriance , hee sailed in the company of certaine Turkish Marchchants along Euphrates , by the space of 2. or 3. & twentie dayes , and were stayed by the King of Arabs , ( his Court and abiding being at that time vpon the Riuer side in Tents ) Before whome , Sir Anthony and his company being brought ( after they had kist his hands ) he demanded what they were ? Answere being made they were English Marchants , and come to trafficke in those parts : the King was very desirous to see their Marchandize , which they not daring to contradict ; hee borrowed without any specialtie , thirtie yardes of the richest cloth of siluer , to be payed , ad Calendas Graecas . From thence hee iournied to Babylon , where , by the Bashaw , all his goodes were stayd , and arrested to bee sold at his rate : & they were constrayned to take halfe that they were worth for payment . Hee also extorted a great deale of plate from Sir Anthony , made of pure Emerald , which hee pretended to send as a present to the Persian King. Hauing stayed a monteh or more in Babylon , hee receiued Letters from Aleppo , wherein hee was councelled to make what hast hee could from thence , for that their were letters shortly to come to Babylon , by which the Bashaw had a strict commaund to make stay of him , and all his company : whereupon sit Anthony made what hast he could out of Babylon , being both wearie of his entertainment there , & throughly weakned with this newes , and so passed through the waste Countrey of the Medes , in company of a Carauan , which is a great many Camels together , and men to driue them not much vnlike to our English Carriars . Within sixe dayes after they entred the Consines of Persia. Of Sir Anthony Sherleys entertainment in Persia , and of his imployments to many Christian Princes , to ioyne in League against the Turke . TO set downe the whole proces of Sir Anthony his voiages and trauels , both by Sea , and Land , with his variable fortunes in them , from the time of his departure out of England , till his comming into Persia , and the manner of his receiuing , and vsage in seuerall Courts of many forraine Princes , were a Subiect of it selfe , fit for a large volume , which happely my selfe or some other more worthy ( vpon better intelligence of the occurrents thereof ) may hereafter publish to the world , as a matter worthy of memoriall . I will now relate his comming into Persia , his honorable entertainment there , and high imployments in those partes , according to the notes & instructions I haue receiued . Sir Anthony after his long and wearie iourneis , at last entered y e King of Persia his Countrey , hauing his brother Robert Sherly in his company , who still continued with him in all his trauels , a kind and naturall partaker of all his fortunes . He found his entertainment good , the climate healthfully , the soyle fruitfull ; and full of pleasure ; the people ciuill , and very gentle ; farre differing from the nature of the Turkes , whose Countrey hee had already passed : Insomuch that hee wondred with himselfe , that being so little difference ( as there is ) betweene them in climate , there should be so great diuersitie in condition . The borderers vnderstanding that his comming was to their King , attended him with the more regard , and obseruance , and still as he past , sent past before to the principall Officers of their townes , and citties , to giue notice of his comming , where he wanted not any thing that was worthy of acceptance , both for himselfe , and his traine . When he came neere Casbin ( their Capital city in those parts ) he sent word to the principall Gouernor , to giue him to vnderstand what he was , and that hee was come to see the King , hearing of his worth . Whereupon the Gouernour prepared one of the Kings horses for him , richly furnished , and appointed many gentleman of the best reckoning to entertaine him But Sir Anthony not desirous of any solemne entertainment , beeing in his trauelling apparell , ( his carriage yet behinde ) and vnfurnished of shewe , stole by night at vnawares into the citie . Howbeit the Gouernor , the next morning , accompanied with diuers of the chiefe Gentlemen of the Kings house , with certaine Officers also of the Citie , came to his lodging , where after many Courtly salutations , according to the custome of the Countrey , hee told him , he was welcom , and that his presence would be very gratious , and acceptable to the King : in whose absence , hee should not want those things , which either his owne worth deserued , or the citie could affoard , for his pleasure , or prouision : and that hee would speedily direct Posts vnto the King ( who was then in Person in the warres of the Tartarians , his borderers ) to inform his Maiestie of his comming : and that in the meane time he would rest , and solace himselfe in the Citie . Sir Anthony gaue him thanks , and after some complement between them , they parted for the cime each from other . The next day , a post was dispatched to the King to giue him notice , that a Christian , a man of some account and reckoning , very well accompanied , vnderstanding of his great fame and power , was come from farre to see him , and to doe him honour . The King sent word backe , that he should be well intreated , vntill his owne returne . In which meane time , the Gouernor of the citie , and the Kings Steward , did many times feast Sir Anthony , & his company , bringing them to the Kings Palace gate , to doe that homage that all Strangers vse to doe : viz. To kisse the entrance of his Palace 3. times . Not many daies after , the King made his returne towards Casbin , and approching neere vnto the citie , sent to the Gouernor , giuing him commandement , that hee should furnish Sir Anthony & his company with horses , the next day to meete him on his way , beeing then not farre from the cittie . Which beeing performed accordingly , Sir Anthony set forward towards the King , in this manner . His whole company past not the number of xxvi . their apparell beeing rich , and differing from the Persians , made a faire and delightfull shewe : Sir Anthony himselfe in cloath of gold , and his brother Robert in cloth of siluer , both their vpper and vnder coates : some Gentlemen of his traine , hauing their vpper ceats of cloth of siluer , their nether coates of silke . The chiefe of his seruants in silke vnder coats , the vpper crimson veluet : the rest in a faire kind of stuffe , all their vpper coats beeing watched Damaske . The King came forward , in princely and triumphant manner , in honor of a late obtained victory , against the Tartars : hauing a thousand of their heads aduanced vpon Pikes , and carried before him , according to the custome of the countrey . Sir Anthony beeing brought in presence of the King , dismounted his horse , obseruing the manner of the countrey , and comming towards the King , bowed downe his body , to kisse his foote : which the King perceiuing , did preuent , for in an vnusuall manner he suddainly put his hand betweene his mouth , and his foote , and so in a princely fauour gaue him his hand to kisse . The rest of his company , according to the custome , performed that dutie . The King hauing welcomed Sir Anthony , caused him againe to be mounted , and so holding their way towards the city , Sir Anthony riding next vnto the King : many signes and tokens of fauour and acceptāce were all the way shewed vnto him . Hauing entered the citie , and the state and solemnity of the triumph beeing that time to be performed , according to the custome , in honour of the late succesull victorie , the King commaunded one of his greatest men to accompany Sir Anthony , and to conuey him and his company to the principall place of the city , there to behold the solemne manner of the triumph . Which done , and the King repaired to his Palace , he caused Sir Anthony to bee brought before him : who beeing by the Kings appointment , and his brother placed neere vnto him , sitting vpon his Throne , where he discoursed vnto the Sophi of Persia , his countrey , the state , power , & Maiestie of his Prince , the religion , and conditions of the people , the manner of gouernment , with the nature and discipline of their warres : then he descended to particularize the cause , and the seuerall occurrents of his Trauels : Lastly , he declared the speciall matter and occasion that drew him into Persia : namely the fame and renowne that he heard of his Actes and Gouernment , and the inueterate hatred hee bare vnto the Turkes . The King was highly pleased with his discourse , and al this while hauing well obserued his speech , gesture , and countenance , hee held him in his conceipt to bee of very honourable reckoning , which after Princely thankes giuen , and many graces and fauours showne , hee made manifest : for he tooke Sir Anthony by the hand , & leade him into other inward Chambers , where beeing that night royally feasted , hee was after Supper by many principall Gentlemen of the Court , conuayed and attended to his lodging , which in a farre more sumptuous manner then before , was newly prouided for him . Not many daies after , the Persian King sent him a rich and costly present by his Steward , to demonstrate his loue , and the account and estimation he had of him . Of the Manners , Conditions , and Customes of the Persians . OUr English nation within these fewe yeares , by reason of their trauels ( wherein I suppose they are at this day second to no countrey ) haue such knowledge , and experience of all people , of their customs and conditions , that it is an easie matter to controll a writer , that discourseth only vppon report , except he be truly and directly instructed , but so farre as I haue read & heard by the testimony of such persons as knowe somwhat , ( & haue little cause to say more then they know ) I will be bolde , for the better vnderstanding of those that are ignorant , in some sort , to relate the Manners & Conditions of the Persians , as not impertinent to this present purpose . For their deuotion , it is much after the Turkish ceremonies , their Priests somewhat differing in their Orders , and habit , their Temples and religious places , much after their building and fashion . The Persian praieth to Mahomet , and Mortus Ally , The Turkes both to them , and three others , that were Mahomets seruants : against which three , the Persian still inueighs , and is an enemie . Their conceit of Christ , is , that hee was a great Prophet , a most holy and religious man , beloued of God , & mighty both in deed and word , but no way to bee compared to Mahomet , for Mahomet ( say they ) was that most excellent and final Prophet , through whose grace , vertue , and power , all things concerning the Resurrection , and saluation , are made full and perfect . Further being onely gouerned by Naturall and Carnal knowledge , and wanting the illumination of Gods heauenly and powerfull Spirit to lighten the vnderstanding part of the Soule , with the inward apprehension of the excellent misteries of faith , and mans redemption , they affirme , that because God had neuer no wife , nor neuer knew woman , it was therefore impossible that Christ could be his sonne : So hard a matter it is for naturall reason to comprehend the misteries of Faith. And therefore as Pallengenius saith in his Zodiake : Succumbat ratio fidei , et Captiua quiescat . But to leaue their religion to themselues , and their conuersion to his diuine power that hath their hearts in his disposing , let vs speake a little of the commodities that their Country affords . They haue great plentie of silkes of all colours , great store of spices , drugs , pearles , and pretious stones , Carpets they make of diuers kindes , in which workes they are excellent . Their principal marchandise among themselues , is , to buy and sell men and women in their markets , They are a people for the most part vnlearned , ignorant in all kind of liberall Sciences , yet are they good warriours , polliticke and valiant , obseruing order , and discipline , they haue heretofore beene held a people fierce and vnciuill , little better then the Turkes ; But of late they are growne very courteous , and respectiue vnto strangers , by whose conuersation they haue much bettred their manners & conditions . Certaine Townes and Prouinces , belonging to the Persian , bordering vpon the Turkes , were lost by this Kings predecessors , which he hopeth to recouer , being now better able then euer they were , or he himselfe hath beene in times past , for he hath lately taken in certaine other Townes , vpon the frontiers of the Turke , that will much aduantage him , whensoeuer he begins to warre . For the vndertaking whereof , Sir Anthony ceased not , during the time he lay in the Cittie , by all importune meanes , and forcible reasons , to animate and incense the Persian : alleaging how easie a matter it were for him , by his meanes , being a Christian , to ioyne many of the Christian Princes , his borderers , in League and friendship with him , & draw them to the assistance of these wars , both with supplies in his owne Countrey , and also with powerfull inuasions in many other places of the Turkes dominions , farre remote : that hee being thus driuen to sunder his forces into many partes , his armie should bee the weaker against Persia , & hee himselfe being the head of this League and combination , would be the surer guarded . He further alleaged how honourable , and easie it would be for him not onely to recouer those his Townes and Prouinces , which now the Turke holds in his possession : But be also able in short time to winne vpon him euen in his owne Countrey , and that no time could bee fitter then now , for that of late hauing obtained a great victory against the Tartars hee had no cause to feare them , they being so weakned with their ouerthrowe , that it was an easie matter for his garrisons being manned , to keepe them from all incursions , or other Acts of hostilitie . The Persian being tickled with this deuise , and proiect of Sir Anthonies , set the Lordes a worke in councell and consultation of this ouerture , whilst he himself in wordes and opinion gaue his approbation , hauing now nothing in his conceipt , and phantasie , but plots , draughts , and stratagems , concerning this warre , and there was not a day past ouer his head , but hee would send for Sir Anthony and his brother , to conferre with him about these matters , sometimes at midnight into his bedde chamber : at last the King and his Councell fully concluded and resolued to further these dessignes , and negotiations in what they might , and by a speciall direction from the King , and a generall consent of all , Sir Anthony was made choise of , as a man most fit for these imployments : not onely for that he was a Christian , and so might the rather induce the friends of his religion , to the vndertaking of this worthie enterprize ; but also that he had such an assured trust , & confidence in his wisedome , and resolution , that hee thought nothing could miscarry wherein he was imployed . So the managing of that was committed to Sir Anthony , and a greatman of Persia appointed to accompany him ; but the whole burthen of that imploymentt , obee vpon Sir Anthony , who vndertooke it . This concluded , they resolued to depart , and to take their iourney from the Persian Court , to some conuenient place , where they might bee imbarked to passe the Caspian Seas : for their intent was first to the Emperour of Russia , and so forward to other Princes . To shew how he was entertained in the seuerall Courts of such Christian Princes , as hee had to deale withall in those affaires , is needles , for it may bee imagined , his entertainment to bee so great and honorable , as befitted the State of such worthy imployment . All things sorted to his desire , & expectation , but that this crosse fell by the way , namely a iarre betweene Sir Anthony and the Perasin , that accompanied him , who striued for the first place of that Embassage , albeit the dispose thereof was wholy committed to the order and discretion of Sir Anthony : But his high Spirit not borne to brooke such indignitie , did so thwart the Persian in his pride , as that he followed his daring presumption euen to his deepe disgrace . Of the Manners and Fashions of the Turkes . THere are two sorts of Turkes : the natural Turke , and the Renegado . The Naturall Turke hath his originall in Scithia , not farre from the Caspian Seas , and they are , & haue beene euer the most inhumane of all other Barbarians . Their manner of liuing is for the most part vnciuill , and vitious . For their vices , they are all Pagans , and Infidels , Sodomites , and Liars . They are a very scornefull people , and their pride is so great , as it is not possible to be described . Next that , followeth their crueltie ; in which their Kings exceed , Nero , Calliggula , or any other Tyrant whatsoeuer . They take pleasure in bloodie delights , and to see men put to death : For their breach of promise , they hold it an high , and commendable vertue : for they say , if a man speake what hee thinketh , his purposes will be preuented . Touching their Iustice , that is the most ordinary Marchandize , that is bought and sold amongst them . For first the great Turke selleth all his offices , and gouernments to such Bashaws as will giue most for them : And the chiefe Visior Bashaw sitteth euen in Iudgement : If any other Bashaw offer no littie more then he giueth for his place , the Tyrant will presently send , and cut off his head without any further circumstance . So did he to Mustapha Bashaw , the last of December 1604. and to Hashan Bashaw in September 1605. Their Renegadoes are for the most part Roagues , and the skum of the people , which being villaines and Atheists , vnable to liue in Christendome , are fled to the Turkes for succour , and releefe . And of these are most of the Bashawes made . Their auncient respect is now quite lost , and weakened , because the arrogance of this king , and the dissolute negligence of his three Predecessors , Selim , Amureth , and Mahomet , haue caused the Turkes to loose the awfull regard , which they vsed to beare their King in former times . His chiefest forces by land consist of Ianizaries : these Ianizaries are al made of the sonnes of Christians , that are taken from their Parents , when they are very young , and are called Tribute children . They are at the first diuided into two sorts , when they are first brought to Constantinople , & Adrianople : for in these parts , they are brought vp . The one sort , the Turkes call Hitch Oglandes : of them are made the Sphayes . These are horsemen , and haue fifteen Aspers a day , he that hath most : but many of them but twelue . The other are called Iam Oglandes , of these are made the Ianizaries : no Ianizarie hath aboue nine Aspers a day : many of them but fiue . The manner of the fights the Turkes vse , are strange , and altogether vnsouldierlike , for they are all vnarmed , and the horsemen haue for weapons , a Launce de gay , a bowe and arrowes , and a Semitary , which is their best weapon . They weare no armor , nor euer fight in ranke , or troope , but disperse themselues , and come to fight more like mē that would play at iogo de taro , or iogo de caro , then Souldiers . Of the foote : the Ianisaries doe vse a certain peece , as long as a Musket , and the hight of a Calliuer , which makes it carrie farre : they haue very good Match there , but no good powder , but what they haue got from ouerthrowne Christians , or els brought them out of England . The other sort carrie halfe Pikes , or short axes , and their bodies vnarmed . The Turkes are beyond all measure , amost insolent , superbous , and insulting people , euer prest to offer outrage to any Christian , if he bee not well guarded with Ianisaries . They sit at meat , as Tailors vpō their stalls , crosse legged , and their meat serued them vpon the ground , passing the day for the most part in banquetting , and carousing . They will not permit a Christian to come within their Churches , for they hold their prophane and irreligious Sanctuaries defiled thereby . They haue no vse of belles , but some Priest three times in the day mounts to the top of their Church , and with a lowd voice cries out , & inuocates Mahomet to come in haste , for they haue long expected his second comming . They that haue passed through the heart of the Turks Countrey , report the strength thereof to be very small , & that if the Christian Princes knew as much as they do , that in their Trauels with all circumspection obserued it , doubtlesse they would with no great difficultie vtterly suppresse him , or at the least , so put him to the worse , that they would constraine him to embrace the Christian faith , and rest at their deuotion : or else remooue his seat from the help land , and parts adiacent . To giue a taste how probable this is , they alleadge that in all Palestine , and Syria , there are but one thousand and fiue hundreth Ianisaries , that guard the cities of Aleppo , Damascus , Antioch , and Ierusalem : as for Grand-cagro they are not able to stirre , for diuers Arabs that lie in the hills betwixt Ierusalem and it : Betweene whom , and those Turkes of Grand-cagro , there is a deadly emnitie . As for Babylon and Balsera , they haue like wise continuall warres with those Arabs of Arabia Foelix . Besides , there are a great number of Christians borne , and bred in those parts , which would most willingly be assisting for their liberties . Sir Anthony his receiuing into Prague , by Rodolphus , Emperour of Germanie . SIr Anthony failing of his expectatiō in Russia , made what haste he could in Germany , but for want of true instructions , we must let slip his occurrents in the way , and with a pace as swift as thought , bring him from Russia to Prague . The Emperour vnderstanding of his comming , ( as wheresoeuer he came , his fame went still before him ) commanded 13. Coaches to be sent for him , the Persian , and their traine . There came also to meete him , and to doe him honor , at least fiue thousand men , whereof the most of them were Coronels , Captaines , Lieutenants , and Gentlemen of note and account , together with many of the Nobilitie ; and with his traine and attendance hee was brought with solemne & obseruant state and regard into the citie of Prague : where beeing royally entertained in the Emperours Court , and hauing deliuered the purport and tenor of his Embassie , found al things answerable to his worth and the weight of his affaires . His lodging , together with the Persian , was prouided in a faire house , not farre from the Court , they were serued all in plate parcel gilt , but in diuers manner , according to the seuerall customs of their Countreys . Hee lay in Prague at least halfe a yeare , in all which time , hee found nothing but Reuels , Feastings , and other pleasures of Court. Whensoeuer he went abroad , he had allowed him by the Emperours appointment , a faire coach drawne with 6. horses : the Persian had the like , but still Sir Anthony had the chiefest place and regard , which was the onely cause of the often iarres and breaches that was between them : for the Persian beeing haughtie and ambitions , would many times in his pride , and insulting humor , as well opēly in wordes , and behauiours , as closely vnder hand with plots and deuises , attempt many things to bring Sir Anthony into disgrace , which still was reuealed , and in the end reuenged , euen by his owne Prince , in his owne country , as you shall afterwards heare , to Sir Anthonyes honor , and the Persians shame and confusion . But to returne : hauing taken his leaue of the Emperour in all reuerend and solemne manner , he came from thence to Norremberge , where , by his welcom and costly entertainment , the citizens shewed what account & estimation they helde of him : where also , besides many stately banquets , and rich presents , they bare all his charges for foure dates ; and at his departure , they presented two cups of gold , the one to Sir Anthony , the other to the Persian . Howbeit the lining of Sir Anthony his cup , was better then the outside , for it was stuft full of gold . Hauing taken his leaue at Norremberge , he came to Augusta , where he was well entertained : from thence to Minikin , where also the Duke of Bauier gaue him great entertainment . From Minikin he cam to Insbrooke , where stands the stately house of Austria : from thence to Trent , and so to Rome : in all which places , hee still found his entertainment beyond expectation . At Rome the Persian and hee fell againe at oddes , about superioritie , where Sir Anthony plainly told him , that he had many times borne with his prowde and insolent behauiours , more then stood with his own honor , and naturall condition , onely for the furtherance of the negotiations they had in hand , which since ( saith he ) you haue done what lies in your power to crosse , obseruing rather your own ambitious humor , then the nature , and qualitie of our imployments , I will giue you to vnderstand , that from henceforth I will take a more strickt note , and vse a more peremptory controlement , both of your words , gestures , and actions , and you shall learne to know I am your superiour , and that I doe nothing that becomes me not , both in the worthinesse of mine owne person , and in the vertue and authoritie of my commission . The Persian beeing thus gauled , hauing neither a mind to suffer , nor a heart to rauenge , in a sullen maner departed from Sir Antho. & tooke his iourney towards Persia , plotting and deuising by the way all means he could to article against Sir Anthony , letting nothing slip either from his owne mischieuous conceit , or the false and malicious suggestions and informatiōs of his followers , to bring Sir Anthony into contempt with his King. But as many a man digges a pit for others , and fals into it himselfe : so this vnhappy Persian , supposing he had carried the poyson of Sir Anthonies disgrace , brought in his heart the haue of his owne vndoing : for being come to Court , and hauing deliuered before the Persian King in the presence of Ma. Robert Sherley the whole processe of their trauels , hee did in a particular manner , and with an enuious and a malicious tongue preferre his suborned , and suggested accusations against Sir Anthony : which Robert Sherley hearing with countenance and wordes , both befitting himself and his wronged brother , humbly besought the King , that there might be an indifferent hearing of this matter , and himselfe admitted to pleade his brothers cause : which being graunted , he did so trip & confound the Persian in his informations , that being found guilty in the breach of his Commission , and that hee had demeaned himselfe in these great affaires with actes and behauiours derogatorie to the honour of his King , and daungerous to the effecting of so great a businesse , his accusations also against Sir Anthony sauouring of malice , and not of truth , he was finally doomed by the king to haue his hands cut off , and his tongue cut out , in the presence of M. Robert Sherley , who being demaunded what he would haue more done vnto him , in the reuenge of his brothers wrong , he answered that he tooke no delight in his torment ; and that which was already done , was more then he was willing , or consenting to : and that now he would 〈◊〉 in the behalfe of the miserable Persian , for that he supposed there could not bée in his case a greater pleasure done vnto him , thē to haue his head follow the fortune of his tongue and hands . Thus ended at one time both the pride and life of this vnhappy Persian . Of Sir Anthony Sherleyes Voyage and Trauels into Spaine , vvith his entertainement there . MAn in regard of his mind and body , being compared to Heauen and Earth , is said to bee a little world : the one subiect to corruption , the other to immortalitie . Gold and siluer therefore , which Saint Bernard calleth Terra rubra & alba , are not said to bee the riches of the mind , but vertue is her diuine substance : by the power whereof shee doth extinguish that immoderate fire of sence and appetite , wherwith mans Nature is dangerously inflamed , drawing it to bee gouerned by the qualified and temperate rule of reason : and in the excellencie of her owne account being caried aloft with her celestiall wings ( her obiect being drawn another way ) she either beholds not or doth not esteeme the riches , pleasures , and profits of the world , or whatsoeuer the base delights and erronious desires of men holds to bee precious . From hence it comes , that hauing the bodies gouernment and vertue to be her owne guide , she doth so rule and order it in al her proiects and intendments , that she suffers it to commit nothing vncomely or vnworthy her direction : but with a mutuall sympathy and agréement they passe the whole progresse of this life , shewing themselues in all their desires and designes , to bereligious , temperate , iust , honorable and worthy the image of their Creator . They are not seruilely tyed to any place , or countrey , nor lulled with the delight of idlenesse and home-bred pleasures , but as wel to enrich the intellectuall part with knowledge and experience , as also to exercise the body with the practises of labour , and grace the life with vertuous attempts , they seeke out other climates , preferring the honourable drift of their desires before the respect of life , or whatsoeuer is deerest vnto man. And thus hauing the assistance of the diuine power , what a memoriall do they leaue behind , worthy to bee recorded to all posteritie . Such was Paulus Aemylius , and Publius Cornelius Scipio , who in their hostile employments and successefull attempts against Perseus and Hanniball , the two obiects of their honorable emulations , and the daungerous enemies of their countrey , besides their valours , directions , policies , stratagemes , ordering , and ending of the warres were otherwise : also euen in their victories , and all their ciuile actions so temperate and so vertuously gouerned , that at their returne , men of all Countries repaired to Rome , onely to sée them , and honour them , as men excéeding the state of Mortalitie . And when I compare the time of Sir Anthony Sherleyes departure out of England , together with those great attempts he hath vndertaken & compassed ( wherof I cannot discourse at large , being solemnely instructed ) I am drawne to wonder , that neyther the desire which euery man naturally hath to his owne Countrey , nor the ioyfull welcomes nor honourable entertaynements that attend him here , can any whit stir his mind , or draw his affections from his purposed intendements against the Turke , as well to shew the Christian respect he beares to his Religion ( it being the principall Square and Rule of all his attempts and actions ) as also to make god his promise and protestation to the Persian King , still to persist in stirring vp the minds and powers of the bordering Kings , enemies to the house of Ottoman , & the Turkish Alcoran , that there is a great hope and expectancie in short time to see a sodain darkning and eclipse of that glaring beautie and out stretched bounds of the Turkish Empire . Let vs therefore attend him a while into Spaine ( hauing already passed Russia and Germany , and other parts ) where , being entertayned with all the honour of the Court , and hauing deliuered his Message , ( wherein was included the scope and purport of his cōming thither , both in regard therof , and ef the honorable League newly made , and likely to be continued betwixt the two famous Kings of England and Spaine ) he found his entertaynement doubled , his lodging and prouision both for himselfe and his retinue in sumptuous manner prepared . To be briefe , nothing wanting that might eyther satisfie the delights and pleasures of an honorable Stranger , or set forth the state and Maiesty of so great a Prince . But Sir Anthony not desirous to bury his thoughts in the delights of the Court , nor sleeping in the pleasures of that flourishing Kingdome , had still his minde waking vpon his affaires , holding al time mispent that was not spent in the reuoluing , consulting , and concluding of the businesse he had in hand , that his toyling minde scarce gaue his body rest , so great a desire had he both to redeem his brother , whom he left as pledge with the Persian King , but chiefly to restore Religion to those vnhappy conquered Kingdomes by the Turke , where now the holy Churches and sanctified Temples of our Sauiour are changed to be the idolatrous places of the blasphemous Synagogue of Mahomet . He stayed not long in Spaine , before the King installed him one of the Knights of the Honourable Order of S. Iago , and created him Captaine of his Galleyes for the warres against the Turkes : So great a liking and loue he séemed to beare as well to his person , as to the State and condition of his affaires , which Sir Anthony at all conuenient times did vrge and prosecute , pretermitting no occasion that might still stirre vp & enflame the mind of this young King with an honourable desire to vndertake this warre . As he had thus many honors done vnto him by the King of Spaine , and was well intreated by most of his Nobility , so was he as much crost by some other of that countrey , whō he had fréed from captiuitie . For hauing by suit obtained the liberty and ransome of three , who had bin taken prisoners : the said prisoners vpon this inlarged , and Sir Anthony expecting the payment of their ransomes , receiued very good dealing at the handes of two of them : But the other vnthankfull wretch to saue the ransome which he was to pay , ministred a dramme of poyson to him : which wrought so far with him , that it caused both the haire of his head and the nayles of his fingers to fall off ; but yet tooke not that diuellish effect that he desired : for in short time he recouered , and God restored him to his former health . Sir Anthony his expedition into Turkie , vvith his respectiue kindnesse done to an English Marchant at Lisborne . BUt to returne to Sir Anthony , his expedition into Turkie being thus concluded on , great preparation was made for the warre : Souldiors and Saylers takē vp in all parts ; prouision for armour and artillerie , rigging of ships and gallies , great suite for places of commaund & offices of account , new Coronels , Captaines , and Lieutenants made : In all which , Sir Anthony had the most speciall place of commaund . In fine , his Commission was signed , wherein hee was established Captaine Generall of the Nauie , consisting of 200. great ships , besides Gallies , and many other smaller vessels for prouision , and 30. thousand land Souldiors . All things being thus in a readinesse , Sir Anthony repaired to the Court to take his leaue of the King. The King after many great signes & tokens of grace and fauour , tooke from his owne necke a Iewel of great price , with the picture of Philip his father on the one side , and his owne on the other , and deliuered it to Sir Anthony with these wordes : When you looke vpon it , thinke on me . Sir Anthony receiuing it in all humble and thankfull manner , protested , that his life & that should part together . Thus when all solemnities and complements of parting were ended , Sir Anthony made what hast he could to Lisborne , where his Army stayed his comming ; and where in a second state of entertainement he found his welcome beyond expectation . But the winde ioyning with the necessitie of his affaires ( that required expedition ) stayed him not long there . Howbeit , before his departure from Lisborne , wee should doe him wrong , vnkindly to forget the remembrance of a great benefit and good turne done by him to a certain English Marchant , whose name and credit is well knowne in London : for Sir Anthony had euer a care in al his trauels to relieue such whom he found distressed , and especially his countrey men , as among others , this for instance . This Marchant hauing against the lawes & customes of Spaine , embarked 12000 duckets of gold of the Spanish coyne , with a purpose to haue transported them into England : The searcher and other officers for the K. hauing knowledge thereof , seised the whole summe into their owne hands , it being by authority prohibited , and therefore forfeited vnto them by the Lawes of the land . The Marchant being much mooued with this vnfortunat and vnexpected chance , it being the principall stocke whereon his state relied , with a heauy heart repaired to Sir Anthony , vnto whom complaining of his miserable estate by this accident , besought his fauor , that it would please him to extend the credite of his place for the recouery of this great somme : which being lost , he knew wel would be the vndoing , both of himselfe , his wife & children : protesting , that in lieu thereof , he should cōmand what part of it , it pleased him , and that hee should euer hold himselfe so much bound vnto him , as that he would thence forwards still acknowledge him to be the principall vpholder of his state and fortunes . Sir Anthony being moued with pity of the Marchāts mischance , so charmed the watchfull kéepers of this Treasure , that to his great honor & cōmendation , without improprating any part thereof to his owne vse , hee soon returned back this great summe into the Marchāts possession , who like Iason with his cōpanions did merrily saile homewards with this golden fléece . Shortly after Sir Anthony with all his Nauy weighed anker , and with a presperous gale of winde soone lost the sight of Spaine & Portugall , and we must now ( for want of further intelligence ) leave him vpon the Leuant Seas , to that hopefull happy fortune that attends this honorable Enterprise . Of Master Robert Sherleys imployment in the warres of the Persian against the Turke , after Sir Anthony his departure : Of his Victories , and his Marriage with the King of Persia his cousin Germaine . MAster Robert Sherley after his brothers departure was made Generall , and possessed the chiefest place in the King of Persia his warres against the Turke , wherein hee so valiantly bestirred himselfe , that the Persians gaue him a crowne of Lawrell for the victorie : for being armed and made ready for fight , taking a Pollaxe in his hand , he himselfe gaue first such an honorable attempt , and so amazed and repulsed the enemies , that his souldiers imitating his courage , put all the foes to the edge of the sword : onely reseruing aliue some thirtie of the chiefe Commanders among them , whom hee led in triumph to the King , hauing taken them prisoners : and forthwith dispatched a messenger to the Turke with letters to this effect : That for the redemption , and liberty of one that he kept prisoner ( meaning Sir Thomas his brother , who was then vndischarged ) hee should command the liues of those thirtie , & haue themsafely without danger , or ransome deliuered vnto him . But enuie that hangs vpon the sword point of the Turke , did so stirre vp the mind to reuenge , that he was so farre from entertaining this proffer , as hee did not onely make refusall thereof , and bid him doe his worst with his prisoners , but he also returned wordes of defiance , and menared that the sunne should not twice step from the bed of Aurora , but he would waken him with such an Allarum , as should strike his whole company into wonder and amazement . This might haue daunted the mind of Robert Sherley , knowing his men to bee weake , and weary , and ouertoyled in the late battel and victory , to be so suddenly called againe vnto Armes : & considering the strength of his enemie , and that the Turke had alwaies three hundred thousand men in readines , but that honor ( the chiefest marke he aimed at in all his actions ) abandoned Feare and Timiditie : for he no sooner receiued the daring threats of the Turke , and the deniall of his gentle offer , but he presently cut off the heads of those 30. Commanders , and ( according to the custome of Persia ) caused them to bee carried in triumph about the Market place , on the top of his Souldiers Pikes , and swore in great choller , that that day should prooue dismall vnto his enemie , for either he was resolued to returne Conqueror , or to leaue his carkasse in the field . And thereupon set his Souldiers in array , and imbattailed them with all speed : who comming within view , might coniecture by computation their enemies to bee ten to one , which much affrighted the mindes of his men : but hee perceiuing it , began to giue them encouragement , on this manner . Master Robert Sherley his Oration to his Souldiers . I Need not ( worthy Gentlemen , and souldiers of Persia ) seeke to encourage you with a long discourse , lest putting oyle in the flame , I should adde spurs to a frée horse : your former valiant resolution manifested as well in this last , as in many other battailes , assure me , that were the enemies multitude greater , yet ( our quarrell good and honourable , and our mindes armed with true valour ) in despight of Fortune , wee shall , ( as hitherto we haue done ) returne in Triumph , and victorie . And for that it toucheth mine honor , I will be the first man in the battaile , and the last man in the field , vnlesse death giue an honorable quittance to my life : Let mee be this day a mirror of your Magnanimitie : let my actions be your presidents : presse but as farre as your Generall , and courage Gentlemen , the victorie is ours : & with that catching a strong staffe , pulling down his be●er , and putting spurres to his horse , he furiously rushed vpon the Enemie , his souldiers following with such a desperate resolution , that the Turkes were amazed at his valour : for he ran without stoppe through the troops , and like alyon massacred whom he met : which the Enemie perceiuing , & what a great slaughter hee had made amongst them , many of them fled , many laid down their weapons , and yielded , the rest hee put all to the sword , without partialitie or sauour . Out of this his second ouerthrow of the Turkes , hee againe reserues aliue some threescore of the chiefest of them , and sends the like proffer to the Turke , for redemption of his brother ( the Kings Letters not then come for his enlargement . ) But the Turke enraged that Fortune had thwarted his high hopes with such contrary euents , vtterly refused to subscribe to his request , but bad him still continue to doe his worst , for he intended not to depart with his prisoner . Vpon which reply , Ma. Robert Sherley , as he did the first , so put he the last to the sword , in remembrance , and reuenge of the crueltie done to sir Thomas , whose miseries ( in the time of intercourse betweene the Turke and his brother ) were much more aggravated , and made so great , as the truth vpon report will hardly be beleeued . In these warres against the Turkes , this yonger brother purchased such honour and estimation , as the cousin Germaine to the King of Persia ( beeing the widowe of a Duke in that countrey ) entred into such liking of his worthinesse , as shee resolued ( with Andromache ) to rest her whole estate vpon his prowesse : saying , Tu dominus , Tu vir , Tu mihi frater cris . The which affection of hers , was likewise on his part answered with equall proportion ; so that after their priuate interchanging of faith and troth , their seuerall desires were made ioyntly happy in the honorable ende of marriage . Cuius virtus valde efficax est ad concordiam faciendam , quae adeò Deo placet , sicut discordia multum ei displicet : Whose vertue is of great force to make peace and concord , with which God is as much pleased , as he is displeased with discord . The King himselfe also was so well pleased with this match , that for many daies together he solemnized the marriage . It is reported , that Ma. Robert Sherley since his marriage with the Kings cousin Germaine , hath had isiue by her , two children , both Christened in that Countrey , in the Christian faith , the King himselfe beeing a witnesse to one of them in Baptisme . He labours the King very much to christianisme , to which ( it is said ) he lends such attentiue eare , that he doubteth not , but by Gods assistance and his good perswasions , he may in time bee brought to become a Christian. To strengthen which hope , Robert Sherley hath already erected there a church , called after his own name , in which he hath diuine seruice as duely read , as here it is on this side the seas . Hee hath also obtained of the King a number of young infants of that country to be brought vp in a house appointed for that purpose , that altogether estranged , & kept from hearing or speaking their owne Language , may in time learne our English Speech , and come at length to Christian knowledge , being brought vp & educated among Christians . Howsoeuer the effect answere the intent , his purpose is most honourable and religious , & deserues such worthy commendations , that what Princes soeuer lend furtherāce to his godly procéedings , I may say with the Euangelist : Merces corum copiosa est in coelis : Their reward is very great in Heauen , where they shall enioy the aboundant fulnes of all felicitie . FINIS . 
A42937	----	John Gadbury, student in astrology, his past and present opinion of the Ottoman or Turkish power together with what he hath wrote concerning the great and puissant French-king, a prince, if there be truth in the stars, not born to be miserable, as some boldly write, but to be one of the greatest bulwarks of Christendom. Past and present opinion of the Ottoman or Turkish power Gadbury, John, 1627-1704. 1683 Approx. 19 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 5 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A42937 Wing G96 ESTC R11535 13791717 ocm 13791717 101860 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42937) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 101860) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 454:37) John Gadbury, student in astrology, his past and present opinion of the Ottoman or Turkish power together with what he hath wrote concerning the great and puissant French-king, a prince, if there be truth in the stars, not born to be miserable, as some boldly write, but to be one of the greatest bulwarks of Christendom. Past and present opinion of the Ottoman or Turkish power Gadbury, John, 1627-1704. [2], 6 p. Printed by Nathaniel Thompson ..., [London] : 1683. Place of publication from Wing. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Louis -- XIV, -- King of France, 1638-1715. Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683. 2007-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-01 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-03 Jason Colman Sampled and proofread 2007-03 Jason Colman Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion JOHN GADBURY ( Student in ASTROLOGY ) HIS Past and Present Opinion OF THE OTTOMAN OR Turkish Power : Together with what he hath wrote concerning the GREAT and PUISSANT FRENCH-KING ; A Prince ( if there be truth in the Stars ) not born to be Miserable , ( as some boldly write ) but to be one of the greatest Bulwarks of Christendom . — — Veritas odium parit . Printed by Nathaniel Thompson , at the Entrance into the Old-Spring-Garden near Charing-Cross , 1683. JOHN GADBURY His Past and Present OPINION OF THE Ottoman , or Turkish , Power : Together with what he hath wrote concerning the FRENCH-KING . BOoks , as Knives , are by the Learned esteemed Adiaphorous ; and it is by our applying of them , that they become either good or bad . Ill Stomachs convert the wholsomest Food to Poyson ; and what 's design'd for Nourishments , through defect of our Constitutions , proves oftentimes pernicious , and helps to support our Distempers . — Neither was it any design of mine , in what I wrote concerning the Turks , in my Ephemeris , Anno 1678. to bring them in [ Prophetically ] to destroy Christendom at this time , or that the Grand Seigneur should go into Italy , pull down the Pope , and exalt himself in his room , ruine the Emperour , &c. nor yet to doom the Puissant French-King to Death , either in this very year , or any other year : But my Book falling into some peoples hands , who , either out of prejudice to Me , have thus interpreted me , or not understanding me aright , have nois'd me to have been the Praedictor or Prophesier of these amazing and amusing matters . It is true indeed , that , considering the notable and spreading Differences among Christians , and an advance of Atheism , to the great decay of Christianity ; as also , the sober Remarks made thereof by some of the most Learned in our Nation , I did signifie my Fears of a Turkish encroachment upon Christendom , Anno 1678 ▪ in these words following : — It is in Mundane Affairs as in a Watch , which when men would put out of order , they either stop the Ballance , or displace the Spring thereof : Religion is the Ballance or Spring of a Nation , the Soul of the Body-politick the whole World over ; the true Spiritus Mundi ; the Philosophers Stone in Government ; and without it , all Empire woul● soon run to ruine . — How choice and curiously careful ought Nations , therefore , as well as Persons , to be in the preservation of their Religion ! — Religio neglecta maximam Pestem in Civitatem infert , omnium scelerum senestram aperit , saith a learned Author : Religion neglected , despised , or brought into contempt , brings the greatest Plagues upon Kingdoms , Countreys , Cities and People , and opens a door to a Wickedness . The Stars not only in this Year , ( as you have been told ) but in this Age , do seem to direct their Beams of Influence more particularly and perpendicularly upon Religious Persons , Affairs , and Interests , &c. than in sundry Ages past . I would enlarge upon this Theme a little , if I thought I might not give offence . And here , I think it not amiss to mind the World of a Chronological mistake , which I find in the Writings of that Learned man du Plessis , concerning a Prediction of Albumazar , which he is pleas'd to urge against Astrology ; 'T is this , Albumazar wrote , That the Christian Religion should continue but 1460 years ; and yet ( saith he ) God be thanked , it lifteth it self up , and shineth more and more . I could , and do earnestly wish , That du Plessis , as to this his Prediction were in the right , and Albumazar mistaken ; But Albumazar , from his Skill in Astrology , understood that the Christian Religion first got ground God permitting it so to be , according to the course of second causes ) under the Regency of the Sun , whose great years are 1460. ( Cardan says , 1462. ) which said number of years are not to be accounted from the Birth of our blessed Saviour , but from the time that Constantine moved by God ) first promoted Christian Religion by a Law ; and that was above 300 years after Christ's Birth . For the Birth of Christ was but the Conception of Christianity , and Constantine was the happy Midwise of that Divine and Heavenly Production . So that the mistake , you see , is not ( yet ) in Albumazar , ( whatever it may ) but in du Plessis , who , I conceive , did not fully apprehend him . And if we shall add 1460 to 312. ( the year wherein the Christians were first own'd by a Law ) the sum will fall upon the year 1772 which clearly tell us , that we want 94. years of Albumazar's intended time . Spineus tells us , among other vain things , that the ☌ ♄ ♃ , 1603. signified the Destruction of Mahomet , and Glory of Christians ; but we Christians have not so found it , but rather the contrary ; for , as it is truly , though sadly , observed by the Learned Glanvill , — Providence seems now , by glorious Successes , to countenance the Alchoran , and the Tyrant Ottoman spreads his Victorious Arms , and is flesh'd in Tryumphs , vide Seasonab . Reflect . p. 126. And the Reverend Dr. Cave notes in his Epistle to Primitive Christianity , — That our Religion is ready to draw its last Breath , being stisled and oppressed with the Vices and Impieties of a debauch'd and prosligate Age. And ▪ if we consider the great progress the Turks have made against Christendom these last 100 years , and observe therewith the present great Division among Christian Princes and Prelates , and how the Poles and Hungarians are distressed by that Potent Enemy , — we may ( perhaps , without Astrology ) be able to prefage , — That if they proceed for the next 100 years after the same manner , Albumazar may be found to be truer than we would be willing to have him ; and a Turkish Barbarity may come to be planted in the place of true Christian Civility among us : which God of his Mercy avert . And here , I cannot but crave leave to collect a few Lines from the Travels of the Worthy Dr. Edw. Brown , Son to that University of Learning , the Author of Religio Medici , viz. in p 111. he writes , — A great part of upper-Hungary ( through which I travell'd ) had a different face from that of Austria , and from what they formerly had been . Some places had been burnt or plunder'd by the Turks and Tartars in the late Wars , and divers pay Contribution to them : so that many live warily and meanly , to be less noted , even in parts of the Countrey better provided ; and under the Emperour , a great part of the People being of the Reformed Religion , are under such hard measure and fears , that they live in little content : and being of a stout and persevering temper , they may in time become so desperate , that if the Turk should powerfully break in , 't is probable they would not fight so heartily against him as in times past . — And in pag. 82. of the same Book , he writes , I am apt to think or fear , if he who putteth bounds to the Sea , and saith , Hitherto shalt thou come , and no further , doth not put a stop to their further Incursions , they may probably obtain and conserve a far larger Empire , and even all Europe to the Western Ocean . Certain it is , they are not satisfied with their present bounds , and look beyond Hungaria ; and I heard them say , We must in due time come to Beatch , ( sor so they call Vienna ) and try our Fortunes again . At this day the Star and Half-Moon are above the Cross upon the Steeple of the Cathedral-Church of St. Stephen , in the Emperours chief City , Vienna ; and it griev'd me to see in all the Confines , a Cross which our Heraulds dream not of , which is , a Cross Lunated ; — Whereby They , the Inhabitants , as they testifie their Christianity , so they acknowledge the Turkish Power . Thus far this ingenious Author . Nay , that illuminate man Michael Nostredamus hath a Prophetical Quadrin somewhat leaning towards the present Argument ; 'T is this : " Par la discorde , negligence Gauloise , " Sera passag a Mahomet ouvert : " De Sang trempè la Terre & Mer Senoise , " Le Port Phocen de voiles & Nefs couvert . Which seems to sound thus in English : " Through French - mens Discord and Neglect , " A way is made for Mahomet ' s Sect : " Sienna ' s Land and Sea shall bleed ; " Port-Phocen full of Ships decreed . I know the learned Garenciers is of opinion that this Prophecy was fulfill'd Anno 1559. But I am of belief , that if it intend any thing , it must be of far greater consequence than any of the actions of that year could be : although I must allow , that Henry II ▪ of France and Sultan Solyman were then concern'd in each others Affairs . But H. II. had Gemini for his Horoscope , a Sign not beholding the Palladium of the Mahumetan Faith : A Monarch of France therefore , of the same Horoscope with That , or in Trigonal Ray unto it , must be the Fulfiller of this ambiguous Prophecy . The former-quoted Spineus tells us , That there are yet two other Faiths to succeed viz. of Mercury and the Moon : But so to write , is not Praediction , but Prophecy ; there being no Rules in Astrology to countenance such Praesages . Howbeit , we have great cause to fear , that if the Turks should once more advance against Christendom powerfully , ( and it is not the Valiant and Fortunate Sobietski can always live to prevent them ) the grand Ecclesiastical Differences among us will not be so much between Papist and Protestant , as between Turk and Christian ; and the grave Mufti and Mussulman may ( to the sorrow and loss of Christians ) vie it with the Venerable Bishop and Cardinal . And this possibility of enlarging the Turkish Power in Europe , thus presumed from Natural and Political Causes , viz. the Influences of the Stars , and the grand Animosities among Christian Princes and Prelates , &c. together with the Universal , and ( almost ) remediless contempt of the Clergy , may reasonably suggest unto us , that the Ark of God , even Christianity it self , is nearly ready to depart from our Tabernacles . God willnot always be mocked ; and the true Worship and Adoration of his Name shall not for ever be profaned , contemned , despised . They are the words of Horace : — " Dii multa neglecti dederunt " Hesperiae mala luctuosae . When men abridge God of his Honour , God will shorten them of their Happiness , Omnia prospera eveniunt colentibus Deos , adversu supernentibus , saith Cicero . Those People that have a Reverence for Religion and the Worship of God , are ever prosperous ; but the neglecters thereof are always unhappy . 'T is Religion alone , as Plutarch witnesseth , that is the Ligature of all Communities , and Firmament of Laws : It is that which is the band of Families , and Foundation of Republick . Let every Christian , therefore , use all just means and ways to preserve his Religion , and implore Heaven , that the Horned Moon in a Turkish sence , may never be exalted above the Cross , the Ensign of our Religion & Salvation . — The alteration or shaking of Religion , is commonly the most desperate Paroxism that can happen in a sickly Empire , saith the learned Bishop of Down . And once dissolve the Snow of Religion , a great deal of dirty weather will infallibly follow , as the Divine Leontius Bishop of Antioch wisely observ'd , when he strok'd his Reverend Silver Head. Strive we then , I say , each of us in our proper place and sphere , to advance the Peace of Christendom , against the menaces of the Stars , and motion of the Turks ; and in so doing , we shall be able to continue in the rightful possessions of our minds , Honours and Fortunes : and as being born and bred Christians , we may hope so to die , leaving our Posterity to inherit what our Progenitors , by Gods Providence , and their great care and industry , had bequeath'd unto us . — Then shall we not need to be either afraid of the Turks Power , or yet of the Judgments inculcated to befal a wilful and obstinate People , as mention'd in the Wisdom of Solomon , chap. 18. 14 , 15 , 16. — For whilst all things were in quiet silence , and that the Night was in the midst of her swift course , thine Almighty Word leap'd down from Heaven out of thy Royal Throne , as a fierce man of War , into the midst of a Land of Destruction , and brought thine unfeigned Command , as a sharp Sword ; and standing up , fill'd all things with Death . Thus far in my Ephemeris 1678. which is all that I can remember I ever wrote concerning my fears of the Turks . And then , concerning the great French Monarch , that I may compurgate my self from any imprudent Predictions relating to him , as some have idly & falsly boasted me to have wrote , I shall here relate all again I have particularly mentioned of Him , — viz. Having some years since had a scribling Contest with an Anti-Scorpiouist , in defence of that my Theme , in my Oblequium Rationabile , I produc'd this Illustrious Princes Nativity , as it was printed by Morinus in his Astrologia Gallica , ( that in the Collectio Geniturarum being wrong timed , as I have since prov'd to near 8 degrees in the Horoscope ) and thence I wrote as follows , — Let ( my Antagonist ) but consider how he hath blasted persons of the highest Honour and Grandeur , and of the most glorious Fame in the World , by this his wicked and invidious charge exhibited against Scorpio , and all persons born under it , and then tell me whether he believes he hath done well in so doing : But Kings and Princes are his Tennis-balls , ( as well as the Heavens and Stars ) and must be toss'd and struck up and down as he is pleased to bandy them with his black and envious Racket , I mean his infamous Pen. And in an Encomium on the Caelestial Scorpio , printed in the same Book , I subjoyn'd these Verses , — viz. The Glorious Christian King when he was born , ( The Heavens themselves intending Him no scorn ) Had SCORPIO arising in the East ; And who in War was e'r more fully blest ? Whoe'r had greater Honour by His Word ? Whoe'r did nobler Actions with a Sword ? And this is all that I have said about this glorious Prince's future Destiny , which I am sure must needs excuse me from having any hand in predicting His Destruction by a Stab , or otherwise , in this , or any other year . There are some indeed among us , that are a little too impudent with the Honour and Grandeur of Princes ; and will be so still , unless Astrology have a Licenser that understands it : Treason and Rebellion being to be spoken in Figures as fully and as mischievously ( to some Peoples understandings at least ) as in words at length . But if , after all this , it should be expected that I give my opinion concerning the present matters before us , and that I may beg leave to do it without offence ; — then I shall presume to say , ( notwithstanding all Enthusiastick Prophets or Prophecies to the contrary ) That , 1. The Grand Ottoman Power will , either upon Articles or Conditions , in short time retreat , or else be forced back . The Illustrious and Victorious Sobietski is yet alive ; and God grant him long to live , to the Honour of Christendom , and terrour of its Enemies . 2. The French Monarch ( if Morinus's Scheme of his Glorious Birth be true ) will ( according to Starry Edicts ) out-live his present Menaces either by Death or a Stab , ( which of late are dropt from foolish and Enthusiastick Pens ) and survive yet ( by Gods blessing ) many years , advancing in Power , Honour and Grandeur , to the success and support of Christians . This I thought fit to publish now , ( 1. ) to excuse my self from any pretence to Prophesie , or of being Author of any of those clamorous Reports , or yet any way privy to them , until their obtrusion upon the World. And ( 2. ) to vindicate Astrology it self from the Infamy that such spurious Praesages must necessarily bring upon it . FINIS . 
A36024	----	The dilucidation of the late commotions of Turkey containing an exact and distinct account of all causes and motives of the deposing of Mahomet, and of the advancing of Soliman to the imperial throne of Constantinople, gather'd from the letters of a person dwelling in, and minutely inform'd of the affairs of that city, and consecrated to the ever august merit of the most serene elector of Bavaria / printed in Italian at Venice, and translated into English by the author of the Monthly Account; to be annex'd to numb. 10 of the Monthly Account. 1689 Approx. 90 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 21 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A36024 Wing D1491 ESTC R19122 11759570 ocm 11759570 48635 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A36024) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 48635) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 488:25) The dilucidation of the late commotions of Turkey containing an exact and distinct account of all causes and motives of the deposing of Mahomet, and of the advancing of Soliman to the imperial throne of Constantinople, gather'd from the letters of a person dwelling in, and minutely inform'd of the affairs of that city, and consecrated to the ever august merit of the most serene elector of Bavaria / printed in Italian at Venice, and translated into English by the author of the Monthly Account; to be annex'd to numb. 10 of the Monthly Account. Phillips, John, 1631-1706. [2], 38 p. Printed by J.B. and publish'd by Randal Taylor, London : 1689. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Mehmed -- IV, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1642-1693. Süleyman -- II, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1642-1691. Turkey -- History -- Mehmed IV, 1648-1687. Turkey -- History -- Süleyman II, 1687-1691. 2002-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-10 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-11 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2002-11 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Dilucidation of the Late Commotions OF TURKEY . Containing an Exact and Distinct Account of all the Causes and Motives of the deposing of Mahomet , and of the advancing of Soliman to the Imperial Throne of Constantinople . Gather'd from the Letters of a Person dwelling in , and Minutely inform'd of the Affairs of that City , and Consecrated to the ever August Merit of the most Serene Elector of Bavaria . Printed in Italian at Venice , and Translated into English by the Author of the Monthly Account . To be Annex'd to Numb . 10. of the Monthly Account . LONDON , Printed by I. B. and Publish'd by Randal Taylor , near Stationers-Hall . 1689. A Full and Distinct ACCOUNT OF THE Late Commotions IN Constantinople . AMong the Considerations that may move the minds of Great men to enquire with exact Diligence into things that daily occurr in matters of State , none of the smallest is that of shrifting into the rises and Motives of Changes and Tempests of Government , by reason that very often from a a most inconsiderable Cause are derived the total subversions of Kingdoms , though barely to reflect upon the beginning of these vicissitudes , would be esteemed a thing rather worthy of ridiculous Contempt , than of mature Consideration . The first Monarchy of the World , which was that of the Assyrians had its fall from a most frivolous and accidental Contingency , through Sardanapalus their last King suffering himself to be seen in a Female Habit by his Generall , whence that of the Modes had its rise , which again meerly by a Dream was tumbled down the Precipice , and so the others that started up can hardly boast any more considerable Origine of their Ruine . Thus it is not only usefull , but also necessary for Princes to observe minutely the train of things , in the matter of the winding up the fate of Great Potentates , that so in the School of the Events of others they may find their own instruction , and so provide themselves with Preservatives against the intervention of the like Cases . The Ottoman Monarchy , which for many Ages has been raised up to the highest pitch by Victories and Conquests , now like to the former , is running on to a ruinous Precipice : And though it has used its utmost efforts to uphold it self against the violence and Impetuosities of contrary Accidents , which guide it to a Fall , yet must it suffer the vicissitudes of Natural things , which after having encreas'd to a certain pitch of greatness , pay the necessary Tribute to their Decay and Debasement . The late Convulsions which have been for some Months at Constantinople have more than a little contributed to the Depression of that Empire , with the Deposing the Grand Signior Mahomet , and the advancing of Soliman his Brother ; adding thereunto the total Change of the Principal Ministers , who with the spilling of their own Blood have stained the new Monarchs Purple . The Knowledge of this is come to and spread throughout the whole World , but alter'd either by passion or affection , conformably as Interest or Adulation requires , and the particulars of those Convulsions have been divulg'd neither with that Evidence nor that Clearness , as my intention is to do at present , desiring to give the ensuing Account , as it was taken upon the Place of the Occurrences herein related , and from such Persons as would secure it of the judicious consideration and virtuous Curiosity of the most noble Geniusses . Before that the Elector of Bavaria seconded by other Imperial Squadrons had near Esseck disorder'd , put to flight and utterly routed the Ottoman Army , Intestine Dissentions overwhelm'd the same by the means of Soliman Pacha , Grand Vizier , and Osman Chiaus Pacha , because that this Latter having ever before been us'd to be the head of the Asiatique High-way-men , and to scowr over all without any Military Discipline , one while Plundering one Village , and then another , and withall not scorning to robb and strip Passengers , he could not confine himself to the streights of a Pass assign'd him by the Grand Vizier in order to guard it , and very bitterly bore with the being subordinate to other Peoples Commands , whereupon the Pass being attack'd by the Imperial Troups , the Most Serene Elector of Bavaria having advanc'd at the head of them with incomparable Resolution , he presently made Osman sensible that his Dastardly Retreat was the having to do with Martializ'd Men ; that his pretended Valour was only the false Bravery of Highway-Men , and that it was a Temerarious Presumption in him to think chat the Conduct or flashy Gallantry of a Robber could entitle him to the Soldiery . This occasion'd the Grand Vizier's and Osmans Impraching each other at the Port of the Unhappy success of the Ottoman Armies . But the Viziers Party prevail'd as being grounded upon Reason , and as having made appear that he in the Retrenchments of the Quarters , and in ordering of the Troups , had not been wanting to exert the Talents of a Prudent and Experienc'd Generall ; if the other had shewn that of a Faithfull Minister in maintaining so very important a Post as was left to his Fidelity and Custody . In the mean while orders were dispatcht from the Port to the Grand Vizier to secure Osman and his Adherents , by putting them in Prison or else to Death , conformably as he should judge most Expedient for the weal of the present Posture of Affairs . He , however being of a Nature very distant from imbruing his Hands in the Subjects Blood , considered , that it was not then a time to foment the boiling humours of the Army that was in over-great Dejection and Confusion through the late Defeat , he judg'd it more advisable to conceal and surcease the supream order , and to connive at all patiently till a more convenient season , or that a more happy conjuncture afforded him the opportunity of executing it without a noise . But Osman who had by other means penetrated the secret , manag'd himself with Extraordinary Caution , ever labouring under Apprehensions of being unexpectedly surpriz'd , and being a Person that knew how to captivate the Affections of the Militia by the hopes of Booty , attempted , and sped in making them Mutiny against Soliman , who having neither forces to resist , nor means to pacify the Soldiery , esteem'd it a judicious Resolution by flight to escape from the Rage of the Mutinous Troups , as he did in the Company of the Tefterdar or Grand Treasurer , and the Rais Effendi or Great Chancellor , going in a Boat upon the Danube as far as Russe , and from thence passing Post to Adrianople , where he stay'd to attend the Grand Signiors orders . But because the rout of the Army had occasion'd a more than ordinary Confusion in the Grand Signior's Mind , Regeb Pacha , the Kaimecam , found it a difficult Province to pacify him , and to make him sensible that it was an effect of fortune , and not any want of failure in the General : It becoming Regeb to be more than ordinary urgent to uphold Solimans Reputation , as having been advanced by him to the Office of Kaimacam ; And accordingly he at length succeeded , and withall obtain'd a Promise from the Grand Signior to be made Grand Vizier . In the mean while Osman Chiause's Mutinous Troups gave no small matter for Apprehension ; seeing after having Sack'd and Plunder'd the Tents and Moveables of the Vizier Soliman upon his flight , they would also make appear to the Port , this to have been done through a Motive of just Resentment , and not the effect of a Rebellious Spirit . For this intent they elected out of the Body of the Army four Commissioners , whom they sent to Constantinople , at the same time that the Grand Signior to quiet them had ordered that a Vest and Sword should be dispatcht to Osman declaring him Seraskier , and had permitted Soliman to repair to Constantinople . While Soliman was on his way thither , he had notice from sure hands of the foresaid Commissioners or Deputies journey , and understood , that the Demand they had to make in the name of the whole Army , was , that they would absolutely have him deposed from being Grand Visier . Upon this he made a halt , and having consulted severall Opinions , he determined to consigne the seal and Prophets Standard to the Tefterdar and to Rais Effendi , that they might present them to the Grand Signior , and he having left the high Road god privately into Constantinople . He would not go directly to hazard his own Person at a time that the Deputies of the Army might have inculcated some distaste in Grand Signier's Mind , whom fear did easily make suceptible of any impression ; but thought expedient to keep private , hoping that by the means of the Kaimecan his Creature to facilitate his ingresse to the Grand Signior , and that he might with the more Security make his vindication , when the Deputies were departed . These Deputies had their Audience , and their Demand being understood , the Grand Signior was at a loss for Councill , and compell'd by the present necessity , he determin'd Osman Chiaus Pacha for Vizier , dispatching the Seal to him with the Prophets standard by the Selicter , who is the Officer that carries the Grand Signiors Sword ; furthermore commanding expressly Rais Effendi , and the Tefterdar to return with all dilligence to the Camp. While that in Constantinople such Resolutions were preparing to apply speedy Remedies to all these Evills , came notice to the Court , that the Soldiery being become more contumatious than ever , were not only intent upon their own satisfaction , but proceeding from Military to Politicall matters , pretended to lay hand to the Helme , and with the Sword cut through the Chain of the present Government . The Soldiers consider'd , that the Principall Ministers , being brought into discredit with , and Suspition of the Prince , he would have neither force nor Councill to resist the Violence of a Resolute Army . The Grand Signior labour'd under such a daunting surprize that he would have postpon'd any Political consideration to the Preservation of his own Person and Degree ; whereupon the Soldiers having gain'd their Point of placing in the management of publick Affairs Ministers depending on them , might the more freely give a loose to their Rapines , Insolencies and undue and boundless Pretentions of Pay , without fearing Correction , seeing those who were to obviate such exorbitances were of their party ; and then having once set foot upon the Authority of their supreme Lord , it would be no difficult matter in other Occurrences to improve the same means for the attaining of their Demands . In the mean while they marched away for Constantinople with a firm Resolution and most solemn Vow to reform the present Government , and to cause to fall as victimes to their own establishment the Head of the Kislar Aga , and Chief of the Black Eunuchs , who was the Grand Signiors Chiefest Favourite , and many Others as well within as without the Seraglio . This unexpected Advice did in such manner surprize Mahomets mind , as not being a person us'd to such like Encounters , that he absolutely lost all hopes not only of interrupting the execution of this Design , but also of making the least opposition . Indeed Regeb Kaimecam did with a Courageous and undaunted Spirit face all these threatning Dangers , and advis'd the Grand Signior to retire into the Great Seraglio , and to provide it with his choicest and valiantest Troups as a Bank against the inundations of the Rebellious squadrons . He made a shift to give his Prince to understand that the suddenly giving way to the temerity of mutinying Subjects , was a giving them Liberty and Encouraging them to have often recourse to the like disloyall way of proceeding , which they would the less doubt their succeeding in , seeing they had allready trac'd out a path to the accomplishment of their rash and insolent Demands . That the making head in such like cases was the shewing that to Command and Authority he had united sense & Courage to maintain them . That the insolent Multitude was like an airy vapour , that upon the bare appearing of the Raies of it's Lawfull Prince immediately dissolves away , and is reduc'd to the state of true Obedience . That did he but stand Firm and Constant in not suffering the Rights and Prerogatives of his Crown to be Usurp'd , he would by the effects find the steadyness of his Councills . But such Exhortations as these prevail'd little upon the Grand Signior , because that fear having possess'd and darkned his understanding , did not suffer him to discern the Clearness of these Reasons . This notwithstanding , this Trusty Minister would needs have recourse to new Means to obviate the Inconveniences , that were abrooding , and repairing to the Mufti he would have procured of him to issue out a Proclamation or Sentence , by which to declare guilty of High Treason and Rebells all those that should have the insolence to oppose and not punctually obey the orders of the Grand Signior . But the Mufti knowing such a Declaration to be void , when the not executing the Supreme Orders is an immediate Offence of Delinquency , judg'd it sounder Counsel , to decline such a Province , and the rather , seeing Force and not Law prevail'd in the present Juncture . Regeb being excluded from those hopes , did for his last shift feel the Aga of the Ianizaries Pulse , meaning , ( upon a supposition of his being stedfast and constant in his Loyalty to his Prince ) to try whether he was able in some manner to bring down the Arrogancy of the Tumultuous Soldiery , and both fix the staggering Throne to its Lawfull Sovereign , and divert the impending ruine ; and he found him not averse to his Intentions . But so much Diligence us'd by the Kaimecam for the Grand Signior's good , brought forth a most sinistrous effect , because while he was contriving and procuring the Safety and Maintenance of his Emperour's State and Grandeur , he pull'd down upon himself the loss of his employ , Liberty , and finally of his very Life . For the Kizlar , seeing so many motions of the Kaimecam , grew more than a little jealous of all these Goings and Comings , doubting that he kept Intelligence with and fomented the Seditious Army , and was minded to strike in with the Mutinous Troups : Yet this suspition , however contrary to the Truth , being communicated by the Kizlar to the Grand Signior , had such efficacy , that Orders were given to take the poor Kaimecam into Custody . This must necessarily have been a piece of wantonness in Mahomets Fortune , that must needs make him himself the Author of his own Ruine , and thus push from him the only Prop that contriv'd all manner of means to uphold his sinking Authority . Wherefore Bostangi Pachi being commanded to secure Regeb , he went to his House , and shewing him the Supreme Order , it was received by him with all manner of seeming unconcern and Resignation ; And thus shewing a most ready Obedience , he immediately order'd his Servants to get him a Horse ready , going along with the Minister to the Stairs foot , where being come he told the Bostangi Pachi , that it would not be inconvenient that he return'd to his Lodgings , to take some Zecchins along with him , & knowing frankness & Gayety to be very efficacious means to speak his Innocency , he cry'd , jestingly , Money even makes those Clean , that are really tainted , & the Ministers train being already far advanc'd , he was only accompany'd by the Aga to his Closet-door , wherein entring , and having open'd a back-Door that led into the Garden , he that way slipt out of the hands of his Guards , and rov●d from Constantinople through the fields for the space of twenty Miles ; but his flight being known by the Grand Signior he ordered some to go in pursuit of him with all Celerity and Diligence , and he was found in a field not only over-whelm'd with his misfortunes , but likewise with weariness and hunger , and thence conducted a Prisoner into the Seraglio . Every shaddow of suspicion that came into the Grand Signiors Head was sufficient to put him upon the Extremest Resolutions : And now doubting that the Mufti confined to Bursia , and the Deposed Vizier Ibrahim , Exil'd to Rhodes , did foment the tumults of the Army , he thought Expedient to Banish the former to a more remote Place ; that so the Distance might deprive him of the Conveniency of Tampering with the Militia ; and then sent the Capigi Pachi to Rhodes , with orders to take off the said Ibrahims head . This Pachi was carried by a Beg , who was much Ibrahims friend ; and was the same that with his own Galley had conducted him to his Banishment in Rhodes . Insomuch that this Beg being come to Ibrahims House , he found him discoursing with some Company , & having paid him his Respects , he was ask'd , if there were any orders concerning him , he answer'd no , for that the Capigi had kept them secret : While they were discoursing in came the Capigi , and having kiss'd Ibrahims Vest , he sat down to drink Coffee in the others Company , which being done he laid his hand upon his Breast , from which Ibrahim conceived some suspicion , as conjecturing what effectually followed , for immediately he imparted to him the order for the having his head . This News so much afflicted Ibrahim that having embrac'd a little Son that sat upon his Knees , he remain'd a while without speaking , then kissing him , & weeping , he commanded that they should take the Child away , then turning to the Capigi he said him : Was it not sufficient for the Court the having divested me of all my Wealth and means , confined to this Place divested of all conveniences and of Liberty it self , but that it must also deprive me of my Life ; what can the Blood of an Vnfortunate Wretch avail the Prince , and what suspicion can redound to the Crown from a Man deposed from all Authority & Conveniency . I must indeed confess that misfortunes never go alone , but like to a Chain one ring is link'd within another : and casting his eye upon the string that was to strangle him , and perceiving it to be too thick , he cry'd that such a Cord was only fit to dispatch a Dog or other Beast , and immediately sent a servant to fetch a Bow-string , and he himself made a knot in it , and while he was washing , before he said his Prayers , he lather'd the Bow-string with sope , and then having ended his Prayers , he was strangled , and his Head being cut from his Body was caryed to Constantinople . The foresaid Scelectar being sent by the Grand Signior with the Seal and Standard for the new Visier Osman met the Army at Nisse near Sophia , just in the time that the Soldiers had in a Tumult kill'd Emir Pacha , and the Tefterdar , for having abandoned them and followed the Vizier in his flight : They also kill'd Ali Effendi the said Emir's Predecessour in the Treasury , and one Aghen Zade , a man of above Eighty years old , who formerly was Rais Effendi , meerly because he admonish'd them not to spill Mussulmen Blood , was by them pursued to death , but he escaping into the Vizier's Tent , was by him cover'd with his own Vest ; but then seeing the Soldiers would inexorably take away his Life , that he might not endanger both his own Authority and Throat , he gave him over to their fury . In the Beginning of their rage Rais Effendi made his escape , and since that time we have had no certain Knowledge of him . The two Secretaries of the Chancery , desired to be strangled secretly , rather then to be put into the Soldiers hands , and were gratified in this their Request , and were put to Death behind the Vizier's Tent , and afterwards their Bodies expos'd to the view of the whole Army . The Ianizary Aga Mustafa Pacha , who was in the same Employ at the Siege of Vienna , and in the Attack of Buda was made Seraskier , did in these tumults run a great risque of his Life , and it was not without very hard shifts that the Vizier was able to save him ; But because he was a Ianizary , they contented themselves with divesting him of his Employ , sending him to Command at the Dardanells instead of Mustapha Pacha the Son of Kiupergli ; who was sent for by the Grand Signior and created Kaimecam of Constantinople . Mahomet judg'd that this man being a Person of great fame as well for his own merit and virtue , as in regard of his Father and Brother , who were Viziers , but much more for being the Chiaus Bacha's Kinsman , his Wife being Mustafa's Sister , he would be the most proper man to divert the Imminent Mischiefs , and allay the tumults of the insulting Militia : Insomuch that being come to Constantinople on the 22d . of October in the night , he repaired the next day to the Serraglio , and was declared and invested by the Grand Signior with the Employ of Kaimecam . On the 4th . Ditto in the Morning was held a Councill , at which time there entred into the Grand Signior's Serraglio , the Mufti , the Kaimecam , Nachib Effendi , or Chief of the Green-Heads , the two Coodeleskiths , and four other Old Preachers , or Scheyhs . There they consulted with all Secresy of the Course they should take to repress the Insolency of the Mutinous Soldiers , but none had the Boldness to speak freely , as not trusting one another , but fearing that having given besitting Council to the Grand Signior , some Partizan of the Troups would reveal it to the Army , and so they might draw their own Ruine upon their Heads : All knowing , that People arm'd without Law and Authority , give themselves a loose into all manner of Injustice , and Woe be to him that does at that time provoke their anger . Whereupon it was concluded on by a Common Consent , that considering the present posture of Affairs , the Grand Signior had not sufficient Power to suppress the Military Arrogancy , and that therefore the most Efficacious Course was Dissimulation , using all means to quiet and lull them asleep , in order to which there was not any more powerfull potion than Gold , and the blood of those whom they esteem'd their Adversaries . This Opinion being embraced , the Grand Signior to begin the Execution of it , did two hours after send the Chiaus Pachi to the Gate-house of the middle of the Serraglio , where Soliman Pacha was imprisoned , and who the day after Regebs flight , was taken by the Bostangi Pachi in his own house , upon the Canal of the Bosphorus , and put into the Gate-house of the middle of the Serraglio , with order to take off his head . As soon as Soliman saw the Chiaus Pachi : I know said he , to what purpose you are come , but the Will of God be done ; I have wash'd , but I have not said my Prayers , and then going into a Withdrawing Room , and having said his Prayers , he did anew call the Chiaus Pachi ; who had been his Creature , and weeping told him : My Hands shall be upon the● in the Day of Iudgment , if with all Sincerity thou dost not acquaint the Grand Signior with the things I have to tell thee : The first is , that all my Slaves both Males and Females are Free , and I declare I have given them full and total Liberty : The other , that my Servants be not Tortur'd to discover my Wealth , because I protest before the face of God never to have been a Man of much Money , and the little I had was left a Prey to the Soldiers in my Tent , when I made my escape from the Camp : True , indeed , that in my House in Scutary , I have some pretty things , but of no great value , which I humbly beseech the Grand Signior that he would vouchsafe to leave to my Son , if out of his Clemency he should not think fitting to conv●●● them to his own use , in which case he is absolute Master : And this is all I desire thee to tell : And having said this , he turn'd his face to the Wall & bid the Chiaus do his Office , and then was strangled and his Head being cut from his Body , was carried to the Kaimecam's House , and from thence to the Grand Signior , who the day following sent it by the Nassachi Agosi to the Army , further offering them the Heads of all those they should require , even those of his own Sons : Promising likewise to satisfy them in all their Pay behind-hand , which was about fifteen Months , and to augment it , and give them a Donative , as if he was a New Emperour , and to this purpose sent them four thousand Purses , each containing above five hundred Dollars , to Adrianople , in case they would stay there , esteeming that place convenient and befitting to Winter in , both for that it abounds in all things , as also that it lay near to take the Field again in the Spring . The Grand Signior did too much dread the coming of the Army to Constantinople , knowing the great Dammage , that must thence ensue ; seeing that but some days before the bare suspicion conceived by the People , that some Troups had entred the City in the Night time , and that the remaining part of the Army was at hand did in a trice Occasion all the shops to be shut up ; but these fears immediately vanished , because that Nissangek Pacha was forthwith dispatcht throughout the whole City and proclam'd that on pain of Death they should all keep open their shops . In the mean while the Soldiers did not shew themselves any wise pacified with the satisfactions given them by the Grand Signior ; and as concerning that of Solimans Death , they openly cry'd , that they had not in the least required his head , but that they aim'd at having him alive in their hands , to make him give an Exact Account of the Moneys Leavied the last year for the Service of the War , and wherein he had consum'd them . The Nassachi , that return'd from the Army with their Answer , found that the Kislar-Aga was imprison'd in the Seraglio , and that in his stead Ali-Aga was made Kasnadar . In like manner the Bostangi Pachi was taken into Custody , and he declared to have the superintendency of that Employ . There were also imprison'd the Seigmen Pachi , or Ianizar-Aga , the Tefterdar , with whom were likewise the Empresses Chiaus and Steward , the Moxur Aga , the Chief Tekragu , Stanni Effendi , Casan Elebi intendant of the Arsenal , Ornar Aga , Regebs Kiaia Giaban Age , or Chief Commissioner of the Customs , who was imprison'd the day of Regebs flight ; and then tormented to reveal the Treasure and the place where he had hid it ; And all these were sent to the Army , by whom they were clapt under Arrest , but the Bostangi Pachi , and the Seigmen Pachi were set again at Liberty , the former being further sent Pacha to Metelino , and the second for Seraskier against the Venetians in the Morea . Nay and the Mokur Aga was sent to command the Ianizaries in Candia , and all this was done by the Armies order . But the freeing the Kizlar-Aga was not with the Consent of the Souldiers , but of the Grand Signiors own Motion , though Condemn'd to pay three hundred Purses , and all the Estate he had in Constantinople to be confiscated . He took his march for AEgypt where he possessed vast Riches , having been in that Employ for 18 Years together in which time he always stood possess'd of the Grand Signiors favour , who suffer'd himself to be govern'd by him more than by any other Minister , insomuch that all the Visirs and Fachas caress'd and presented him to be in his favour . But the Grand Signior on the 22th of October was resolved to put Policy upon the stretch , and like a Candle that is ready to go out , he tryed the most efficacious means to revive the Blaze of his decaying Authority ; for that reflecting , but too late , that he was depriv'd of his most trusty Ministers and Confidents , and surrounded by those that were assign'd him by the Army , and that all the means he had rais'd , to satisfy the Militia , did in no wise avail but render'd them bolder than ever , he came at Midnight into Constantinople . He attempted the Cunningest stratagem to fix himself by main force in the Throne , even to the shame of angry fortune , and feigning to know it to be impossible to maintain himself in the Imperial seat , He askt to speak with his Brother Soliman , giving to understand that he meant to recommend his Sons to him , seeing it became him to give way to the force of his Destiny ; but nevertheless under this fiction he foster'd a resolute Spirit to take away his own Sons and Brothers Lives , that so the Army might be compell'd to continue him at the Helm , there being no others of the Imperial Line . But the Bostangi Pachi and Kizlar-Aga conceived some suspicion of this matter , and immediately made the Kaimecam acquainted with it , who coming instantly ordered the Giuka Aga to go into the streets near the Wall of the Seraglio , and admonished the Grand Signior not to make any Attempt against his own Blood , and to forbear giving any suspicion , by seeking to enter into the Apartments of his Sons and Brother , because that the Ianizaries had surrounded the Seraglio , and would surprize him if he did not remain quiet . This Enterprize being also thus interrupted , he found himself Excluded from all means of maintaining himself in the Sovereign Degree . But now was the hour come that he was to Experience the Vicissitudes of Humanity , passing from the Possession of a vast Empire to the narrow Compass of four Walls , and the first storke that presag'd the effect , was his being given to understand that his Sons were taken from him and put under a safe Guard , with the greater security to cooperate for the Brothers safety . Then he more evidently knew it when he saw himself under Confinement , the Bostangi Pachi having Express order from the Kaimecam , not to suffer him to enter into a Boat , nor so much as to stir out without his first being made acquainted with it . Thus was the Unfortunate Grand Signior penn'd up in the Serrail , without having other Recreation in his tormenting Circumstances , than a harsh Remembrance of his pass'd Grandeurs , which serv'd the more to rack him : He repair'd often to a Kiosch upon the Sea-shore under the Wall of the Serrail , to divert himfelf a little from the Melancholly thoughts which possessed his Mind . In the mean while his Greatnesses terminated on the 29th of October , and upon his Ruines his Brother Soliman laid the first foundation of his felicities . The Army was come within two days journey to Ponte-Grand , and at Midnight entred Chiabeck , where the Lieutenant-General of the Ianizaries , with ten Companies of that Militia , study'd to bring about the alteration , without any Hurly-Burly in the City or Serrail . In the mean while , the Bostandgi Pacha , and the Kizlar-Aga repair'd about Midnight to the Grand Signior Mahomet , in pursuance of the orders they had received of putting him into safe Custody . He in great Confusion knew not what answer to make , but that he did not know of his having committed any Errour , by which he might merit such a punishment ; to which the Ministers reply'd , that he should call to mind , that he had reigned forty years and upwards , and that this ought to suffice him , being the Course of a Man's Life . Before day the Kaimecam , Mufti , Caydelesker , and some Principal Persons of the Law , re-assembled at St. Sophia , and having performed their morning Devotions , at the first Dawn of day they sent the Chiaus-Pachi to the Serrail , and followed him : As ●oon as they were admitted , they required Sultan Soliman , who being brought forth was immediately placed upon the Throne , auguring him all manner of felicity , and that God would bless his undertakings for the Honour and Weal of the Empire . He upon so great and unexpected tydings was not at all ruffled or chang'd ; but with great Modesty and Humility laying his hand upon his Breast bowed down , and in few words render'd them thanks , and they thus leaving him went their ways , and at three a Clock in the Afternoon he was proclaimed Emperour thronghout all the parts of the City . It is a matter Worthy of Reflection , that a few Squadrons of Mutinous Soldiers should be sufficient to bring about the Changing of an Emperour by so long a train of years rooted in the Command of so great and populous a City , without the least Combustion or Disorder , attending such a Revolution , and without meeting Opposition and Resistance ; and this case seems to renew the ancient practise of the Roman Soldiery , who at their pleasure Elected their Emperours , and by barely appearing at the Walls of Rome , forc'd the People to concurr with their Opinion . But however , he that shall consider the consternation , under which People labour'd in Constantinople , will have little Room for Wonder , that they had so quietly suffered the totall Topsy-Turveying of the Monarchy , because that their minds being dejected by continual advices of unhappy Successes , and their Persons terrify'd with the Presence of armed Soldiers , they had neither means nor forces to oppose themselves against the Current of these respective Events . And besides , the People hoping to change fortune with the shifting of Persons , did the more easily comply with the New Government . Moreover the Ministers proceeded with a prudent Cautiousness in the Exaltation of the New Emperour , not staying for all the Soldiery to come into the City , whence would have ensued most heavy Inconveniences , and of considerable Prejudice , if the Military Insolence had had the honour of solely advancing Soliman to the Commands . It s thought that the Deposed's Life will be but very short , by reason of it's being the usual Custom of that Nation to step out of Prisons into the Grave , as allso because that Mahomet being for so many years accustomed to Pastimes , to the Exercises of Hunting , and to Riding dayly , and what is more to Government , could very ill brook to see himself clapt-up in a Chamber , deprived of all Recreation and Authority , whence he must in a short time be conveyed to his Tomb , altho' his Death should not be hastned by the new Grand Signiors Command . On the 31th of October the Kaimecam , and all the Great Personnages went to meet the Vizir , accompanying him two Miles from the City . The Chiaus-Pachi was secured by the Soldiers , and in his stead was elected the Person that had the same Employ about the Vizir . On the first of November the Vizir made his Solemn Entry into Constantinople , accompanied by a Cavalcade of all the Great Men Military and Civil , and on his Left hand rid the Mufty , and in this manner repaired to the Serrail , delivering up to the Grand Signior the Seal and Prophets Standard , from whom he received a new Seal with his own name . Afterwards , the Spahies and Ianizaries assembled in the Hippodrome and Meidan , requiring the Heads of their Enimies , their Pays and other Dues . The Former were in the Hippodrome and the Latter in the Meidan , and they all demanded that Regeb the late Kaimecam should be put alive into their hands , but prevail'd not . He was indeed strangled in Prison , and his Body Exposed upon the Place of St. Sophia before the great Gate of the Serrail upon an old Matt untill the Morning of the sixth day , and then it was removed . This was a great Man both for his Capacity and Courage , and if the Deposed Sultan had listned to his Persuasions , he would either have continued upon the Throne , or at least made his fall a difficult Enterprize by some Act of Generosity . After Regebs Death one Cochiuc Mehomet a Ring-leader of the Mutinous Spahies , endeavoured to persuade the Soldiers to be quiet , and content themselves with three Pays instead of five ; This man had indeed great Authority among the Soldiers , nay more than the Vizir himself , and because great Persons sent him rich Regales , and that he dwelt in a Sumptuous Palace , went abroad in a Magnificent Garb , and rode about with a Guard of Armed Men , these things made the Soldiers jealous that he was corrupted with Moneys , and at their cost procured his own Greatness ; wherefore towards the Evening the Soldiery went to find him out in his own Pallace , and meeting him with slaves and knives miserably killed him . There is some appearance , that the Spahies and Ianizaries will jump in Accord with what concerns their own Interest , but nevertheless are not really united . However the Vizir to pacify them , promis'd to give them all their Pays that were owing to them , and that on the 8th of the same Month they should certainly be satisfied ; but this not being performed , they were forced to deferr the Solemn repairing of the Grand Signior to the Mosch of Iup , for the receiving from Nachib Effendi Chief of the Green-Heads , or the true Off-spring of the Prophet , the Sword with which he had been lately girt . This Pomp was appointed to be on the Fryday , but if Moneys be not to be found out to satisfy the Militia , they , thinking they are impos'd upon , will occasion new Tumults . In the mean while the Soldiers would not suffer the Prey of Kizlar-Aga to escape out of their hands , He having been freed by the deposed Grand Signior , and was going for Cairo . For they dispatcht some after him to seize him , & having overtaken him at Nicea , the Eunuch Capigi Pachi , had not the Courage to attacque him , as having 200. Persons with him ; but having united the Country People , they enclos'd him on all sides , and so being taken Prisoner by the Souldiers , they carried him Prisoner to Constantinople , where he will certainly in a short time be beheaded ; in the Interim they have made him Confess where he hid all his Wealth , knowing him to be Extraordinary Rich. Mahomet , the late Grand Signior , has anew besought the Emperour to grant him the Company of his Sons , and he is indulg'd in his Request , they all being in the very Apartment where for so many Years , the same Soliman was confined in the Serrail . So short a space will not allow Us to pass a Judgment on this Emperours Inclinations ; We know indeed that having for so many Years been us'd to study and the reading of Books , he has levell'd his Genius that way ; Whence he would make a better Master of a School than a Head of Armies . His Mother was removed from the Old-Serrail , where she has allwaies been kept from the time of Sultan-Ibrahims Death to the Grand-Serrail , to participate in the Honours and felicities of her Son , and she is Valide ; but she is said to be crackbrain'd . We since understand by the Letters of the 26th of November , that Tumults had ensued between the Spahies and the Ianizaries , who joyntly refus'd to receive the Pays , without the usuall Donative of the new Emperour ; but the Scarceness of the publick money , by the Exchequers being wholly Exhausted , occasion'd no small Difficulties . The Ianizaries being discontented with their Aga , turn'd him off , and requiring , as has been Customary in former times , a Ianizary-Aga out of the Serrail , the Scelicter was put into that Station , a Man in no wise fitted for the Dignity , having ever been shut up in that Serrail , and of no Practise in Military matters : but this was much for their purpose , desiring to have a head that had need of being rul'd by them , and not they commanded by him . These to provide themselves with money , sent for the Principall Commanders , who are four , of that Cursed Crew , and they Sess'd severall Persons some a hundred Thousand , some fifty thousand Realls , according to each mans means , and made use of their Houses for the Quartering of Soldiers at Discretion , untill they had fulfill'd the Payment of the Summs prescrib'd . In other matters the Concerns of the Soldiery go on quietly , and the Reigning Grand Signior went on the 7th to the Mosch of Iup , in order to the being Solemnly girt , as has been said , with the Sword of Nachib-Effendi , and chief of the Green-heads , which is the Equivalent of a Coronation . The four Chiefs of the Mutinous Soldiers , leading the Militia , as it were , in a string , do truly command the Visir , without his being able to contradict them in any thing , their Insolence owning no other Authority then their own pleasure . After the so many foremention'd Butcheries , there follow'd not any shedding of Bloud , save only that of Lokiuk Mahomet , their Principall Commander , out of a suspition of his being corrupted with the money of the Serrail : and that of the poor Regeb Kaimecam , who was strangled , ( as was before related . ) He that fled towards Cairo is imprison'd in the Seaven Towers , and they have despoil'd him of all his Wealth , but it is not known who will Succeed him . The Reigning Grand Signior has prevail'd for the life of the new Kizlar-Aga , he having got his Redemption by dibursing a hundred thosand Realls ; the like befalling all the Minions of the deposed Grand Signior , by whose favour having enrich'd themselves , they must now buy their Lives at a Dear rate . The new Kaimecam Mustapha Bacha Kiuperli is the favourite of the present Emperour , who has declar'd himself that he would not take away the Life of his deposed Brother , but only that he should be kept as he himself had been . They are now in hopes of enjoying Tranquility in Constannoble , for that the Soldiers having receiv'd all their paies , if they do not harbour other perverse Designs , they will return to their own homes : the greatest pressure they labour under it present is , to find out Money sufficient for the Ensuing Campaign , giving out that the Grand Signior will go in Person to the War , and will Assemble his Army in Adrianople . Great Reformations have been made in the Expences of the Serrail , calculating that they have spared a Million of Reals for this year ; because that this Grand Signior is not used to the Luxuries of the Court , and pretends to govern wholly in Conformity to the Laws , and the Writ his Mother make's not any figure in the Court. Since these Occurrences we have Letters of the 17th . of September , in which we have the Confirmation of all before related , assuring us that there had not only ensued the slaughter of all the Ministers of the deposed Grand Signior , but likewise that all those of his Party are slain , and their estates confiscated , the management of the Government being left to the new Kaimecam , and his Kinsman Chiaus Grand Vizier . They further advise us of the frequent sitting of the Divan to consult about the means of furnishing to the Occasions of the ensuing Campagne . The truth is that they have been hamper'd afresh by the tumults of the Soldiery , part of whom still adherr'd to the deposed Sultan , whence they have judg'd it a prudent Resolution to Separate the Peaceable from the Tumultuous , whereupon a number of the Militia were transported into Asia , and thus the Hurly-Burlies were a little allay'd and quieted . After which the Divan came to a Determination of utterly abandoning the thoughts of Hungary , seeing there were no hopes of keeping it , thinking it sufficient to send some Troups for the defence of Belgrade , and the neighbouring Places , contriving to unite the whole strength of the Soldiery under the Grand Vizier , and send him to Negropont to maintain that Country , which much more conduces to the advantage of the Ottoman Empire , and at the same time the Tartars should with their own forces oppose the Muscovites and Poles , as they had done in the late Campaign . But these Resolutions were quite interrupted by the coming of a Tartarian Envoy , at the same time dispatcht by the Cham of the Crim Tartars , who in the name of his Prince represented to the Port ; that the Tartars ever constant in their fidelity and good Correspondence with Turkey , had at all times exerted their Affection , even at the Cost of their Lives and fortunes . That they had the last Campagne by artifices deluded the formidable forces of the Muscovites and Poles , without suffering them to gain any Advantage over the Countrys that are at the Grand Signiors Devotion . But that is for the ensuing Campaign , they know it impossible for them to make Resistance against the great Military Preparations , that were making by those two forementioned Potentates , in case they were not assisted by the Port with notable Succours of men and money . This Seemed a Thunder-bolt , that put the Divan into the utmost fright , Insomuch they were all Nonplust and in confusion at this unexpected proposall . Wherefore they alter'd all the Resolutions they had allready taken , and made new Projects more sutable to the present Exigency , some Ministers urg'd that it would be a mighty help to dispatch Ministers to the Christian Potentates & Allies and by any means to procure Peace . That they should send a blank signed Paper to Poland ; that so that Crown laying hold of so great an Advantage , might serve for a means to quiet the Muscovites , though not give Peace ; and 't is thought this opinion may prevail ; thus we expect what Resolution they will six upon ; because that the Ottoman Monarchy is certainly at present like to a man in great danger of being cast away , and who to save himself catches hold on the very Briars . Thus it will strike in with any Course , though Disadvantageous , so as that it but tends to re-feat it , and buoy it up amid the Tempests that toss it at present . The End of the First Part. The Second Part. The Prosecution of the Account of the Commotions of Turkey , Correlative to the Dilucidation , taken upon the Place , and fitted for the Publick Curiosity . WHoever lives toss'd amid the Tempests of unhappy Successes , has not any other Glimmering left of friendly Light , save the hopes of getting at the long run out of those Intricate Labrinths of Misery by the thrid either of Prudent Resolutions , or of precipitous Attempts . In the Dilucidation of the late Commotions of Turkey , we left the Ottoman Ministers busy in providing means to procure a Peace with the Confedrated Princes , as the scope of all their Desires , and this not speeding , to make ready all the forces possible ; to stem and make a Bank against the Current of the Catholick Victories , which being more then ever aggrandiz'd by vast Additions of Troups and Warlike Preparations , they foresaw were likely to Seize the nighest and most Important Places of their Dominions . And after the manner of expert Physicians knowing that is is in vain to apply Remedies to outward Distempers , when the inward and Principall parts are infected , they attempted to purge Constantinople of the Seditious Soldiers , and giving them entire satisfaction in all their paies besides opulent Donations , they remanded the Asiaticks with all their Leaders to their own Homes . But because that every bettering of a distemper'd Person is ascrib'd by Persons concerned for a sure Prognostick of restored health , the Turks thought to have enjoyed most peaceably the new Government , being allured by a momentaneous Serene of Quiet , because that the Asiaticks being separated from the Europeans , almost all the Spahies dismiss'd , they had hopes that the remaining part of the Army would peaceably attend the Grand Signior's orders , and march for such Places as should be appointed for the ensuing Campagne . But they do not consider , that when they do not utterly root out the Distemper , every appearance of health , serves only to brood more pernitious ills , and more dangerous Relapses . For Six Chieftains of the Mutinous Troups being left in Constantinople , one Chieftain and two Assistants for the White Banner , and the like for the Red , and likewise four hundred Bolakhaski , or Captains , two hundred for one Party and two hundred for T'other , these pretended that the Grand Signior ought to own the aggrandizement of his fortune to them , aiming to regulate the Government according to their own sence and pleasure , without ackowledging either the Superintendency of the Ministers , or the Soveraignty of the Emperour , and mingling the Profession of Arms with the Exercise of managing the affairs of the City , they fram'd out and demized the publick Revenues with an Intention , perhaps , of Exacting from but of never satisfying the Prince . They went to Audience of the Vizir with their Swords by their sides , in a posture rather of Commanding than of representing Requests , and in short would needs be Judges of all the most Important affairs of the Monarchy . The Vizir durst not openly oppose himself against the temerity of the Mutiniers , the Example of the preceding Ministers miserably butcher'd by the Soldiers serving him for a rule to square his measures by , he made a shew of condescending to all their Demands ; but it is not known whether out of an Intention of lulling them asleep , that he might afterwards surprize them unprovided , and overwhelme them with a blow , so much the heavier as it was Unexpected , or through the faintness of his Spirit , or the want of artifices and evasion , being a man absolutely void of the knowledge of Letters , and so forc'd basely to submit to the Will and Pleasure of a few Soldiers , fearing perhaps that as their tumults had rais'd his fortune , the same means would bring his ruine . Certain it is that hitherto he has not given the least Instance of a Polititian , nor of a man vers'd in publick Concerns , some further questioning whether in the Soveraign Command of the Armies he is like to Speed better than he has hitherto done in Politicall Administrations ; But time which unfolds all will f●rther make known the effect of these suppositions . True it is that the giving way so easily to a few Youths rais'd from an abject Condition , to some fortune , by the Infamous means of Rebellion , is the Maxim of Cowardly Men , when they will not confess , that they themselves having likewise by the same ways obtain'd their Employ cannot shew ends different from the means which serv'd them for their Agrandizement . And because among all the weighty Considerations which the Port may have at present , the principal is to accumulate Moneys by all manner of means , as being the main Nerve of Armies , and the securest way to remove all Turbulencies , by sending the Soldiery away , hence it came that instead of shedding the Bloud of those they deemed worthy of Punishment , they now squeez them of their Gold ; and because the Kizlar-Aga , who as we said in our foregoing Dilucidation , had been Imprison'd in the Seaven Towers , he was freed thence , being nevertheless bound to pay to the Publick Five hundred thousand Crowns , besides vast Sums disburst to the Ministers for the obtaining his Delivery . It was no difficult matter for him to find out so many Sums of Money , because that having been , as has been said , so many Years in Possession of that Employ , and what is more in the Deposed Grand Signiors favour , he had heap'd up infinite Treasures , and principally in AEgypt he had made Acquisitions of vast Territories , and therefore being now made free he took a journey by Land towards Cairo . Nor had Ali Aga Asnadar , who was the formers Successor , any better fortune , seeing he was likewise compell'd to redeem his own Life with the disbursement of a hundred thousand Crowns , and likewise with his repairing to Cairo by Sea having left as Successor in his Employ the Aga of the Old Serrail . There went likewise for Cairo the Selectar , or Sword-Bearer of the Grand Signior , having been appointed by the Court for Pacha of those Countreys , and it is reported that for the making that Voyage he had hired two French Ships for Alexandria , and that further from the Ambassador and Merchants of the said Nation he had borrowed a hundred and fifty Purses , yet with depositing Pledges proportionable , which were to remain on board till such time as that the said Moneys were fully paid in Alexandria . The Life of the degraded Grand Signior seems to give no small suspicion to Soliman's Ministers , as Persons that have a Prospect of the Progress of their Fortunes from upholding the New Emperour . Besides they have insinuated into him that he should not grant Mahomet the favour of the Physicians he requir'd , to cure the Indisposition of his Legs , that were very much Swoln , and to open anew certain parts that had been cut , all having proceeded from a Totall Change of this Princes way of Living , seeing now he is forc'd to remain penn'd up in a Chamber without any manner of Diversion whatever , whereas before by the Exercizes of Riding and Hunting , he was , as it were , in continual Motion . And to palliate this Act of Barbarity , they have persuaded him to answer his Brother : that as for his own part he would most willingly cooperate in all things to his satisfaction , and should chiefly desire to see him recovered from his Indispositions , under which he labours , , if he was sure he should be freed from the Distemper ; but that the Cure being uncertain , and there being no security that the Physicians will be helpfull to him , he will not incurr the Blame of having occasion'd , nay procur'd his Death ; and that this he look'd upon as a necessary Result , well-knowing that the People would suspect , and with reason , that he under the pretext of having him Cured would procure his Death by Contrary Medicines . In the mean while , he supported ( with a Constancy worthy of him ) the Malady , praying God ( in whose hands is the Life and Death of Men ) that he would grant him perfect Health : and with this feign'd Pretext denied the poor Prince so just a demand . This notwithstanding , there are not wanting Adherents to Mahomet that breath after the reprocuring him his lost Estate , and there are Others that propose it as a matter more Expedient to advance his Son to the Throne , giving out , that Soliman being alltogether inexpert in Government , by having through the whole space of his Life been confin'd to a Chamber , without knowing the Maxims , which ought to concur for the Establishing a fortunate Monarchy , and without experience of politique Management , from which every Body of Monarchy receives its Spirit and Vigour . And then the seeing him far from Veneriall Inclinations , by having reform'd the Serails of the Women , under colour of taking away superfluous Expences , makes them believe that as he promises little ability for the Establishment of the Empire , so he affords no great prospect of giving a Succession of Progeny , so necessary to Monarchs . Nevertheless the Concerns of the new Government are far from being well settled ; Nay they give less hopes than ever of continuing in any good posture ; for there are three Factions on foot , the first for the Reigning Soliman , the second for the deposed Mahomet , and the third for his Son , who being in his one and twentith year of Age seems much more capable than the others to receive the Crown ; because that Mahomet who was lately shoulder'd out of the Throne , will very hardly be plac'd again in his former station , seeing this will never be assented unto by those , that have been the Occasion of his being depos'd , with justice suspecting , that being advanc'd anew to the Helme , he will aim at securing to himself the Dignity , by laying the foundations of his establishment upon the Carcasses of his Adversaries . Now Soliman being as it were deprived of the Spirit , Vigour and Capacity requisite for the ruling such a Monarchy , by having been bury'd in the Sloth of so long an Imprisonment , has neither the Age nor Capacity to learn those Maxims , which Constitute a reall Emperour , seeing by that time he can get information and insight into those matters , he must through old Age leave the Helm together with his Life . Thus the only hopes remain in Mahomets Son , a Sprightfull youth , fit to receive all Impression as well of a Martiall as a Politique Prince . The very People , though such as ought not to be medling in matters of Empire , discourse things conformably as they are directed by their Desire or Inclinations : Giving out , that the Vizier , to give some essays of his valour and to acquire merit with the Port , will go into the Morea the ensuing Campegne , with Armies of between forty and fifty thousand Soldiers , with a Prospect of recovering that Realm , and of Signalizing his Name by setting anew in the Ottoman Crown the precious Gem of that lost Kingdom . That for this Purpose the Capigi Pachi was dispatcht to Algiers to let them know that the Port would assign them ten of its ships , that so being united to those of that Republique , the Algerines might make head against the Naval Power of the Venetians . But as these Particularities are not grounded on an evident Certainty they give Occasion to our suspending our totall Belief , expecting that the Benefit of time will Clear the event of such like Reports . Besides there is great Probability that the Turk will , in the Ensuing Campagne , bring greater Forces against the Republick than they did the year before . In the mean while the Ministers of the Port put their wits upon the stretch to find means to raise money , making Diligent Enquiry into all Peoples Estates , and after forfeitures , and such as may be liable to fines and Confiscations , that so by such means they may furnish the things Necessary for the Ensuing Campaign , yet all Contrivances of this kind falling short , for that the Insolency of the mutinous Soldiers having quite drained the Exchequer , and gorg'd a great part of the Revenues belonging to the publick , the Vizier tryed one method which made him absolutely incur the Odium of the Soldiery , and finally drew on his Ruine . Certain publick Revenues were assign'd for the Soldiers which the Vizier advis'd to be stop'd and detain'd , therewith to supply the present Occasions , thus despairing the Soldiery of their Security of being satisfi'd as to their Arriers . The other Ministers propos'd that in imitation of what had been done at other times , when the Prince had labour'd under a want of money , and that he had no other way to be furnish'd , that a Tax of a Zecchin should be laid upon each firehearth of Constantinolpe , Bursia & Adrianople , nevertheless only taxing the Turks Chimneys , not those of the Christians , because that the latter having been burdened with other manifold Impositions , they had not wherewithall to answer this new Leavy . But the Mahometans , being beseig'd on all sides with Distress and Penury , did absolutely deny to assent thereunto ; because that the interruption of all Trade and Commerce with so many parts of Europe had more than a little diminish'd their Gains and Incomes , and the temerity of the mutiniers had made them contribute large Summs beyond what was customary , and besides the methods to augment the Burdens of Subjects , afflicted on all Parts , are not so easy to practise , when they do not perceive that such Courses redound to their Benefit , either in securing their Commerce , or defending their Religion , their Estates , substance and goods from Enemies and Seducers ▪ whence seeing that so many sums that had been exacted had been converted to the Benefit of a few Mutiniers , and the publick drain'd and exhausted to pamper and fatten private Persons , nay & the very Enemies of the common weal & quiet , it is not to be wonder'd at if the People assess'd did so openly declare that they neither could nor would assent thereunto . Thus was the Execution of that Decree suspended , Employing the Moneys they had in sending Men and Provisions to Negrepont & Canea , & to make the Necessary Preparations for the fitting out the Fleet , consisting in forty three Fusts and Briganties , and one Galley , which they built , Twenty of the said Vessells being now in a readiness , the speedy Equipping of the rest are recommended to the Ministers upon severe Penalties of Non-Performance , the Publique Cry being that the aforesaid forces ought to be Employ'd to secure the Black-Sea , from the pinching Invasions of the Cossacks , who continually scouring that Sea occasion'd infinite Damage , as well to Commerce , as more particularly to all Commodities that furnish'd to the Maintainance of Constantinople . And the more to quicken and spirit the People to Contributions , and to Encourage the Soldiery , the Sultan had given order for the setting up the Horses Tails , by them call'd To● , which serve for an infallible sign of the Courts taking the ●●eld , giving the Vizier also to understand that he must in Apr repair to Adrianople , reporting at the same time that he was to send & go along with the greater part of the forces into the Morea , leaving the Residue for the Defence of Belgrade , and that little of Hungary they have remaining . But the Accidents which afterwards ensued , broke to pieces these Resolutions , having given clearly to understand , that the tolerating the Insolencies of the Rebellious , without Punishment , was the flushing them still to commit greater , in hopes of coming off still at the same rate . In the mean while , the Immoderate Pretensions of those Rebellious Officers at Constantinople did daily encrease , who not contented with seeing under their feet the Sultans Supreme Authority , and that of the Principal Ministers , wresting the Government conformably to their Interest or Caprice , but would needs be continually the Abettors of Innovations , whence the Grand Signior coming at length to know that he had foster'd and nested a Serpent in his Bosom , that would at the long run deprive him of his Life , and that the any longer tolerating the temerity of those , was to shew himself utterly deprived of Authority , and in a worse Condition than his very Subjects , seeing he suffer'd himself to be rul'd at their Will and Pleasure , he determined upon making use of his Force and Power , seeing Reason had not sufficient Light to make known to those Minds , adumbrated by Contumacy , the Duty of Subjects , and the terms wherein they ought to contain themselves ; In order to which he commanded the Ianizary-Aga , that he should speedily remedy these matters , by Employing Chastisement for the Reducing to due Obedience , such as were repugnant to and would not comply with their Duty . The Aga , not willing to hazard himself in acquanting unitely all the Rebells with the supreme order , derived allso from the common Consent of the Divan , well knowing that the opposing the Resolute will of the worst People does often lead into those precipitous Resolutions , that are the Daughters of Turbulent minds , and alienated their due Obedience , he repair'd to Fetuaggi the Rebell-Leader , and shew'd him the Grand Signiors Decree , endeavouring by all the means of Persuasion to bring him to a sence of his Duty ; but he more Insolent than ever , esteem'd a note of Infamy what was only a petty Resentment in respect of his perverse Operations . This Carriage , nevertheless , very much provoking the Aga , he commanded his follower to seize the Rebell , but he thinking to find the same faint-heartedness in the Soldiers he had Experienced in the Populacy , he laid his hand to his Sabre , attempting to defend his own Liberty , by hewing his way with Iron through the Midst of those Armed Men , as resting secure that if he should have the luck to get out of their hands , and run into the Midst of his Adherents , he should easily have escap'd all manner of danger : but the effect prov'd contrary , because that being surrounded by the Aga's Soldiery , notwithstanding his Resistance , he was cut to pieces , they thus Sacrificing this Infamous Victim to the beginning of the Publick Repose . In the mean time , the notice of this being brought to the Ears of forty Rebells , the followers and Adherents of the aforesaid Fettuaggi , not being sure of their being able alone to remedy the Accident , and take their Revenge for their slain Leader , moreover suspecting that they might possibly be surprized by a greater Multitude , they ran immediately to the Meidan , where the other Rebells were assembled , informing them of what had happen'd , animating them to maintain with the most steady Resolutions & the most grievous Extremities their Authority , which was threatned with Ruine , unless they made head against and us'd their utmost Endeavours to disappoint this beginning of Depression then impending . Whereupon they resolv'd upon not giving way in the least to the Grand Signiors Resolutions , but on the contrary more than ever to assert their own Power , ever hoping that Soliman having been advanc'd by them to the Dignity of Emperour , and the Vizier made to ascend to such an Employ by the means of their Valiant Assistance , would in no wise have forgotten such a Benefit , nor have attempted any Innovation against those People , whom they knew to have as well the forces and means as the Will and Pleasure to give and take away Dignities . The meeting these Rebells being understood by the Aga , and thinking with the Grand Signiors bare name to have pacify'd all the Tumults in a Trice , and that the wanting of a Head would dishearten all the Rest from adventuring upon new Commotions , being so well farther tutor'd aud instructed , as he thought , by the so very fresh Example of Fettuaggi , he leapt on Horse-back , repair'd to the Meidan , to make them understand publickly the Grand Signiors Intentions , and the Punishments that menac'd such as should neglect the Execution of his Wills. But the Mutineers temerity did not permit his Publication of the Supreme Decrees , but perceiving him to be the Minister appointed to correct their temerarious Insolencies , without having any regard to the Personage he represented , or to the figure and Employ he bore , they laid hands to their Sabres , made a Miserable slaughter of the Aga , and of all such as went about to make any opposition , only leaving such alive as by flight found Protection from their Rage . The truth is , the Aga shew'd but little Experience , not only in Political matters , but likewise in Military , confirming by so unhappy an End the Prognostick pass'd in our foregoing Dilucidation , that he was like to prove a Minister of small Credit , having been ever penn'd up in a Serrail , far from all Intrigue and Management , and consequently void of all Experience in Affairs either Military or Civill . Wherefore he ought to have been satisfied with having surprized a Rebellious Chief in his own House , and with having sacrific'd him to the Wills of the Grand Signior , without Exposing himself to the fury of an Army in Mutiny , with the bare Attendance of a few Soldiers , well enough knowing that he should be received by the Mutineers as an Enemy , having deprived them of their Leader . But he ought after Fettuaggi's Death to have united himself to the Vizier , & with a greater nerve of men , and so in the language of main force make the Rebells acquainted with the Grand Signiors orders , without hazzarding the Supreme Authotity to an Evident Contempt , and his own Life to a Certain Peril . Be it as it will , the Rebells not accounting this Revenge sufficient to attone for the loss they had suffer'd in their Leader , their Stomach and Courage being augmented with the preseut issue , did esteem it an easy matter to accomplish their other Meditated Enterprizes . Whereupon being hurry'd with the same fury , they went to the Treasurers House to serve him in the same manner they had done the Aga ; but he being better vers'd in the course that is practis'd of flying from the Encounters of an incens'd Army , having understood the Pertinaciousness of the Soldiery , and the Butchery of the Aga , did not suffer himself to be found , meaning to give time opportunity , which probably might afford him a more secure access to his Appearance abroad . In the mean while their vexation at their being disappointed of venting their Rage upon the Person made them Exercise it upon the House , plundering it with all imaginable fury , and only leaving there the footsteps of an implacable Rage . All these Attempts reach'd the Viziers Ear , altho' being made cautious by the Perills of others , and besides knowing that the Soldiery stood not well affected to him on the score of the above-mention'd Exaction and Detainment of the Moneys appointed for their pays , and also doubting that they might suspect , that the order issued out by the Grand Signior proceeded from his Contrivance , he thought sitting to secure both his House and Person with four Companies of Ianizaries , and with three Pieces of Canon , not being willing to be taken unprovided , being sufficiently inform'd what the fnry of a Mutinous Army may attempt , and truly a Prophet of what was like to ensue ; for lie was no sooner got home and had caused his Gates and Doors to be lock'd and barr'd with all Diligence , but that the Rebells came thither , and having Surrounded the House , began to try with force to break open the Gates , those within oppos'd them with a Dauntless Courage and thus follow'd a fray and Combat , those on one side fighting as being guided by fury , and urg'd on by the hopes of getting a rich Booty , and of Extinguishing with the Viziers Bloud , whom they accounted the Abetter of all the Councills taken against them , the implacable thirst they had of Revenge , and the other side in defence of so great a Minister , and to suppress the Impiety of Rebells to their Prince . The Conflict lasted for many hours in such sort , that on both sides there remained four hundred kill'd , and in those of the Vizir's there would not have been wanting Constancy , if they had not had want of Ammunition ; but being depriv'd of Arrows , Powder and Ball , not finding any longer the means to resist so much greater a Multitude , and such too as were provided with all necessaries for a longer Engagement , and for that fearing to remain a prey to such enraged Enemies , they esteemed it a more advantageous Expedient to provide for their safety by flight , and having open'd a Gate they made all hast away , abandoning the House with their Patron and Master into the hands of implacable Enemies . The Vizir was left alone but not without Military Courage ; for seeing the Soldiers enter his House , valour did not depart his Breast , but he resolv'd to honour his Death , with a Glorious End , selling his Life at an Extraordinray Dear Rate to the Enemies , for having made a vast slaughter of them with his Sabre in his hand , being Surrounded by the Multitude , and cover'd with Wounds , he was compell'd to yield to his Destiny , falling Extinguish'd upon a Mountain of the Rebells Carkasses which he had slain with his Right hand . This Minister did manifestly give to understand that tho' Fortune had disappointed him of giving Instances of his valour by taking him out of the way before he had had Occasion of engaging in Enterprizes becoming and worthy of his figure and Character , it could not however deprive him of the means of making his worth known at least in Death , thus curing the World of the Conceit that he had not given any token of an Experienc'd Person . And the Truth is , that Dignities acquired by infamous means , do often come to terminate in an end much of the like nature , and those very Persons that are the founders of a Fortune acquired by unjust courses , are often also the Origine of the Ruine of those very People whom they Exalt to the first Honours , and that a Dignity which has not for its Basis Merit and Honour , does easily meet with a Fall , as it easily got its Advancement . Be it as it will , the Vizier being thus slain , the Soldiers after having vented their Rage upon his Body , vented their Avarice upon his Goods , plundering his House and carrying away all that was in it . Nor did here their fury stop , but they Exerciz'd their Avidity upon the Deceas'ds very Women , despoiling them of all they had , and finally the very little Sons of the Dead Vizier were the Innocent Reliques consign'd to the unextinguishable Covetousness of those Perfidious Wretches , seeing that having taken them from the House , they dragg'd them to the Market Place , and at the Price of three hundred Piastres sold to a Turk those that were the Sons of the First Minister of so great a Monarchy . Nor ended here the Military Insolence , but gradually with their Wicked Actions the Rebells boldness being augmented , they Proceeded to Exercise their Barbarities upon the Grand Siguior's own Servants , and having the force in their hands , they had a Design in their minds of putting him himself to a most Enormous Torture : In the mean while they kill'd two of their Emperours Querries , as also his Capigilar , leaving no means untry'd for the Establishing their Usurp'd Authority upon the common Ruine . The Grand Signior being overwhelm'd with so many unhappy Events , void of all Prospect of remedying the present Insolencies , seeing those means , which he had made use of to give Peace to his State , had produc'd so much the more pernicious Tempests , he was utterly deprived of Councill . He had often thoughts of assembling Men that he might with force oppose the stubborness of the Rebellious Soldiers : but as he had neither the Heart to make himself their head , nor the means to make himself obey'd , he laid aside this form as useless and impracticable . Then he was enclin'd to convene the Divan , in it to consult about the means of repressing so intollerable a Malep●rtness , but considering that the Greater part of the Ministers were either taken from him by the Rebells Swords , or distanc'd through the fear of Incurring the like unhappy Exits , neither did he strike in with this Course . But at the long Run suffering himself to be guided more by fear than Courage , and fixing upon the Vilest of all Remedies , namely his Inclination and the Dictates of his own Genius , he caus'd publickly to be Expos'd out of his Serrail the Standard of Mahomet , causing to be proclaim'd , that all those who had any spark of Religion and Obedience should repair ●rm●d under the Ensign of the Great Prophet without any Delay , in not doing of which they should be esteemed Rebels to God and their Prince , and that they ought openly to take up Arms against the Mutineers , and with their Blood Extinguish that fire of Rebellion , which those Persidious Wretches did more th●n ever endeavour to spread in Constantinople . The truth is , this Resolution taken by the Grand Signior was that of an unexperienc'd Person , meaning that Religion should serve for a Buckler to defend his own Authority , and to secure himself from the forces of the Mutinous Soldiery . The Relying alone upon the Law when the juncture requires the Chastisement of Rebells arm'd and at war with the force and Power of Justice , and incapable of being reduc'd to a sense of their Duty , otherwise than by the Dint of Iron and open Resistance , is to shew , not the Spirit of a warlike Prince , but , the faint-heartedness of a timerous Religious . If Soliman could not do , like Semiramis , who only with her Royall Presence and with Powerfull words was able to interupt the Course of a most furious Insurrection made by the People of Babylon , because that being a new and green Prince , not advanc'd for his Merits nor in vogue for his Enterprizes , nor having experience or Address in Affairs , but lifted up upon the Throne by Tumultuous Squardrons upon the bare consideration of his Birth , he had not the Credit to suppress such Sturdy Commotions , he ought at least to have conven'd all the Militia , and arm'd men that had no hand in the tumults and were not infected with Rebellion , and with open force make head against the Mutiniers , making them experience , that as they had judg'd him worthy of the Crown , he had a Head to sustain it , and a Spirit to exert his Dignity . Yet this shift of Setting up the Standard , dictated to him by a Desperate necessity , did so far avail him , that if it did not serve to make him known for a Prince of High Mettle , it at least suffic'd from the Military Insolences to secure both his Life and the Imperial Crown : Because that upon the bare sight of this Standard , an innumerable Body of arm'd men got together , and thorough all the Burroughs , Wards , Quarters and Serails of Constantinople the People flock'd in arms , by which Concourse the Grand Signior being animated , he caused Proclamation to be made , that the Soldiers of the Insurrection were Rebells to the Prince and the Laws , and by Consequence Worthy of the Severest Punishments , and that therefore every man of them ought to be sought out with exact Diligence , to make them with their Lives pay th● penalty of so many slaughters as they had committed in the Princes Ministers and Servants , and to give Life to the Publick Peace by utterly extinguishing those Contumacious Enemies of the universal Wellfare . Their Temerity was become Intollerable , and if this Pestilence had not been quite rooted out , it would quickly have infected all the Country with evident Danger of the totall fall of the Ottoman Monarchy . These Words seem'd a Trumpet that reviv'd in all Peoples minds the Desire of running precipitously to the slaughter of the Mutiniers , Insomuch that in a Trice the People were seen with their Swords in their hands to search the most hidden Recesses and most concealed sculking Places , that so they might not leave any seed of so pernicious a Brood . Thus were they cut to pieces in all parts of the City , without any distinction of Degree or Person , having no hopes of any Refuge , seeing the Grand Signior had caus'd Proclamation to be made , that all those should be judg'd Guilty of High-Treason , and worthy of Death , that should give Aid , Harbour , or in any wise defend or conceal the foresaid Rebells , so as to impede the Correction due for the Crimes they had committed ; By which means was rooted out in a little time the Plant of this Contumacious Brood , which from a despicable seed had in a trice grown to such a Height , as to shade the whole Monarchy with its Branches . A Ring-Leader of the Mutineers being surprized by the Loyal Party , he would have redeemed his Life and Liberty by disbursing three hundred Purses ; but he offered what was no longer his own , seeing the bare declaration of a Rebell did deprive him of whatever he possess'd , which devolv'd to the Imperial Fiscal and Excheequer , and besides these were Moneys pinch'd in sacking the Houses of the Grand Vizier and Treasurer , thus he only restored part of the Booty , and not paid out of his own stock a Redemption for his Life . Therefore was he also strangled , and his Carcass thrown with others into the Publick Place , Yet durst they not do the same to the Mufti , seeing the Reverence to the Sacerdotal Degree did not permit them to embrue their hands in his Sacred Blood , notwithstanding he had been no small Abettor of the Commotions of the Mutinous Soldiery ; but they contented themselves with deposing him from his Office , esteeming it a greater Punishment than Death it self , seeing he must ever live a private Man , with the tormenting & infamous Remembrance of his having been deposed from his Dignity by having fomented the Insurrections of Men against their Lawfull Prince . The Mufti his Predecssor was restored to that Post , and in the Place of the slain Vizier the Grand Signior put the Nisangi Pacha , pro Interim , being a man almost decreped , but of great Merit , and this possibly to honour his Death , and to have time to provide another , the Importance of such a Dignity not allowing of its being left vacant . In the mean while , the Grand Signior laid mightily to heart the Death of the Vizier that was slain by the Mutineers , as well because he owed all his Greatness to his Procurement , as that by his Death he had given signal Instances that he would have prov'd a Valiant General , if the Barbarousness of his Soldiers had not nipt off the flower of their conceived Hopes . Wherefore to remunerate in part his good service , He caus'd immediately Proclamation to be made , that whoever had , held , or knew the Place , whither the Goods of the said Vizier were removed by the Rebells upon the Plunder of his House , they should within the term of three Days bring them or declare them to the Imperial Chamber upon pain of Death to the Transgressors , commanding that the same thing should be done with the Treasurers Goods . This Proclamation was of great use , for almost all the Goods were restored , and about thirty Greeks and Armenians , that brought not in the Goods they had bought , were stak'd . The Grand Signior caus'd all these recover'd Goods of the Viziers to be restored to his Sons , having had them again from the Turks , who had bought them . Constantinople seem'd to breath again after the Oppression of so many Tyrants , but was under Apprehensions of being tormented with new Impositions , because that the Rebells in the Sacking of the aforesaid Houses , had Seiz'd on fifty thousand Purses of Reals , which they had divided among themselves , and these being to have supply'd to the War , the Treasury was quite drained . And what likewise augmented the suspicion of new Disturbances was the answer given by the Pacha of Natolya , of whom the Divan having required Succours in the Grand Signior's name , he freely answer'd , that he knew no other Sultan than the deposed one , and that if they did not replace him upon his Throne , he would come with all his forces to Constantinople , and joyning with the Christians make slaughter of all the Turks ; During these Transactions the Christians have been much better treated by the Turks than they were ever heretofore , nay the Divan has issued out a Proclamation , that if any Turk should upon whatever Occasion molest any Christian , the Artizans should be bound under the severest penalties to rise up against the Offender . I suppose the Turks do this , hoping by the means of these good Treatments to facilitate with the Confederated Princes the attainment of the so much desired Peace ; seeing that to this effect they had design'd to send a Minister to those Princes to require it , though upon understanding the small Disposition they have thereunto , had made them suspend the Mission . Besides they do this to recompence by some Acknowledgement the good intention of the Christians themselves and the Desire they have shewn for the publick Repose , seeing that in their Quarter of Galata they had kill'd about eighteen Rebells , not allowing any Harbour to the Mutiniers in the Places of their Habitation . These are all sufficient Causes whence to deduce the effect of the aforesaid better usage ; but some look upon as the most essential one , the great Zeal and Assistance of the Most Christian King's Ambassador in those parts , who with Singular and ever Memorable Earnestness to second the good Intentions of his Sovereign , omits no manner of means untryed to procure Repose , which has been so often interrupted and deny'd them ; and Employs the utmost force of Authority to acquire for them still greater advantages in what concerns the usage of those that live free , but with incomparable Exemplification trys all forms to get out of the Chains of Slavery those Miserable Christians , that live oppressed under its weighty and insupportable Yoke , and accordingly now lately he has dispatcht from those parts into Countrys of the Christian Religion about six hundred or upwards of Slaves that were the followers of Christ , and thus freed out of Servitude . No small augmentation to the Afflictions of Constantinople has been occasion'd by a Fire accidentally kindled in that City about the same time , having reduc'd to Ashes thousands of Houses , and what more especially regards the Publick damage is the Custom-house which was also Subjected to the fire , Abundance of Commodities being thereby consumed , and which belong'd not only to Turkish , but also to Christian Merchants . But what is further worthy of note is the advice brought to the Port , that the Soldiery that was sent back to their Quarters being risen under a Rebellious Leader , do now ravage and infest the Countrys hostilely , seizing on all that offers it self to their hands ; having lost all respect for the orders issued out by the Grand Signior , they resolve no longer to pay any Military Obedience , but freely to scour those Territories and Countreys , living upon the means , Product and Incomes of those wretched Inhabitants . This is Exactly the present state of Affairs of the Ottoman Monarchy , whence , whoever shall minutely Examine all the Circumstances of the fore-related Events will have occasion to deduce the Necessary Consequence ; that the Port this Year is manifestly reduc'd to an impossibility of making any Resistance against the Confederated Arms , as being utterly depriv'd of Soldiers vers'd in Martial Exercises , some being gone to their own Habitations in Asia , others in Mutinying and in an Insurrection in the Country , the Vizier made for form sake , being old and unable to undergo the fatigues of Travelling and of War. The Ministers either suspected , or unexpert . The Prince in no wise fix'd in the Throne . The Factions more vigorous than ever . The Deposed Mahomet not only fomented by his Adherents in Constantinople , but also by those Abroad . His Son esteemed by many , and look'd upon as the Rising Sun , born to disperse the dark Shades of so many unhappy Successes . Soliman now reigning , not only deprived of the ability to six & settle his fortune , but likewise Impotent to rule it . The Exchequer Exhausted in such manner that there seems not any possibility of restoring it to a state of contributing to such various Expences as are required , because that the People being burden'd by so many impositions they have undergone to pay the tumultuous Soldiery , and besides compell'd by the Rebells to unjust and Exorbitant Contributions , there seems not the least prospect of their being able to contribute the least assistance to the present Exigencies . In short all Concurrs to better the cause of God ; Insomuch that if Christian Princes minding the Benefit they may reap from the present Conjunctures , did not spare any means to make notable Acquisitions , they might not only procure the Augmentation of their States , but also the Encrease and Extention of the Catholique Faith. FINIS . 
A94946	----	A true and perfect relation of a great and horrid conspiracie, discovered by a Jew in Turkie, against the English. With the names of the conspirators, and the proceedings of the Great Turk thereupon. Also. The unchristian like dealing of Francis Hardedge, master of a ship, with his passengers, bound for Barbadoes; as it was in a letter specified, by one that had a fellow-feeling of the misery. / Published at the request of many godly Christian people, by Iohn Headley. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A94946 of text R201113 in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E355_14). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 9 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 5 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A94946 Wing T2541 Thomason E355_14 ESTC R201113 99861673 99861673 159897 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A94946) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 159897) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 57:E355[14]) A true and perfect relation of a great and horrid conspiracie, discovered by a Jew in Turkie, against the English. With the names of the conspirators, and the proceedings of the Great Turk thereupon. Also. The unchristian like dealing of Francis Hardedge, master of a ship, with his passengers, bound for Barbadoes; as it was in a letter specified, by one that had a fellow-feeling of the misery. / Published at the request of many godly Christian people, by Iohn Headley. Headley, John. [2], 6 p. printed for E.E., London : Anno Dom. 1646. Annotation on Thomason copy: "7ber [i.e. September] 25". Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Conspiracies -- Turkey -- Early works to 1800. Ocean travel -- Early works to 1800. Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683 -- Early works to 1800. A94946 R201113 (Thomason E355_14). civilwar no A true and perfect relation of a great and horrid conspiracie, discovered by a Jew in Turkie, against the English.: With the names of the c Headley, John. 1646 1543 14 0 0 0 0 0 91 D The rate of 91 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2008-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-09 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-11 Megan Marion Sampled and proofread 2008-11 Megan Marion Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A true and perfect RELATION Of a great and horrid CONSPJRACIE , DISCOVERED By a JEW in TVRKJE , against the ENGLISH . WITH The Names of the Conspirators , and the proceedings of the Great Turk thereupon . ALSO . The unchristian like dealing of Francis Hardedge , Master of a Ship , with his Passengers , bound for Barbadoes ; As it was in a Letter specified , by one that had a fellow-feeling of the misery . Published at the request of many Godly Christian People , by Iohn Headley . LONDON printed for E.E. Anno Dom. 1646. 〈…〉 speaker and 〈◊〉 do so too , till God & Authority stop their mouths , Quod fax it Dens . _____ Imprimatur Ja : Cranford , Sept. 2. 1646. FINIS . A true Relation of a great and horrid Conspiracy discovered in Turkie . THere are Letters lately come from Constantinople of Sir Sackvile Crow our English Ambassadour there , intimating his barbarous dealing with our English Factors at Aleppo , Scandaroon , and other places , the particulars whereof follow , viz. That the said Sir Sackvile Crow being at the great City of Constantinople , summoned together ( as he had power to do ) all the English Marchants and Factors , under pretence of holding a Consultation , &c. who according to his Summons met together , all but three or four , and at their meeting , the said Sir Sackvil Crow acquainted them , That by reason of the Wars in England , what by his Estate in Lands , and his place , he had sustained dammage to the value of a hundred thousand pound , or upwards , and that he expected reparation , &c. from them ; And perceiving themselves innared by him , they yeil-and to alow him the Summe afore-mentioned ; but the said Sir Sackvil Crow refused to accept thereof , saying , that that would not serve his turn ; and on a suddain clapt them all into a Dungeon , and sent out Warrants on Aleppo , and other places to seize their Goods . This Plot was discovered by a Jew , who made it knowne to the Turks Bashaw . To the courteous Reader . READER , I Shall desire christian patience to peruse these few lines from a forreign Part , and from a Kinsman , who last year upon urgent occasions , best knowne to himself , undertook a voyage to the Barbadoes , with one Francis Headley of Wapping which when he gave me notice of , I perswad●d him to desist , and to take his pillage upon some other ship ; For first , I told him , that he would find his name , by nature , both alike ; and likewise that he had shipt a very sufficient Surgeon ( which he was advertized of ) and by that meanes the Passengers were like to suffer , if it should please God to send sicknesse among them , which seldome failes ; my Kinsman replyed , that if he had his things ou● of the ship he would otherwise provide ; but it was then to late . So I seeing an ultra posse desired him ( that God sending him well thither ) hee would give me notice whether my words prov●d true , or no : now having received a Letter from my Cozen , and very well knowing , that in these Halc●onall Parliament dayes , things so enorm●ous are tollerated to be discovered , I thought it first my duty to God , and secondly to my Country , to discover the same , for my Conscience tells me , should I have kept this secret , and not divulge it , I had been accessary to his cruelty ; As also that such men as have employed him , may be more circumspect hereafter : So I rest , Thine I. H. A perfect Relation of the unchristian like dealing of Francis Hardedge , Master of a Ship , with his Passengers at Barbadoes . To the Printer SIR , AS unknown , I salute you , having at present an imperfection of lamenesse , which is the occasion of me not coming unto you my self , but have sent this bearer : The businesse is , that last year having a Kinsman , a Marchant , that was desirous to go to the Barbadoes upon such affaires as seem'd best to himself , he telling me , that he was to go upon a ship , whereof one Francis Hardedge was to go Commander , and according to my knowledg he had shipt a ve● insufficient Chyrurgion , not worthy to undergo that place in a Spr●t He●ch , which without doubt he very we I knew , I did dis●wade my Kinsman from proceeding with him , telling him , that he would find his nature nor differ from his name ; his reply was , would he had known of it sooner , for then he could otherwise disposed of himself , but now it was to late . Then at parting , I desired him , that ( God sending him well thither ) he would write to me by some friend , whether my words were true or no : And now I have lately received a Letter from my Cozen , and have drawn our a true Copy of it , and have sent it unto you , and very , well knowing that in these times , things of such enormity are tollerated to be discovered , I thought it first my duty to God , and secondly to my Country , to discover the same , that both his Owners and Merchants who are his Imployers at present , may ( by Gods grace ) be more cautious hereafter of employing of him ; the reasons whereof you shall presently understand ; ●or if any scruple bee made , I have the originall to shew , to quit both you , and my self : So rest , Yours , I. H. Indian Bridge in the Barbadoes , the 25. of Ian. 1645. Loving and kind Cozen Headley , MY love remembred unto you , we arrived here the 13. of this moneth I came very sick ashore , and am not well yet , I think if I had been two dayes longer at Sea I had fed fishes ; for Mr. Hardedge victualled his Ship with stinking Beefe and Fish , and that infected our blouds ; insomuch , that there was sixty , seventy , and eighty sick at a time , our Surgeon a Dunce , and kept his Cabbin all the cold weather ; hee laid a man so fast asleep , he never waked again , and being asked why he gave him so much opium , he answered , he did not know , hee was bound in his body , And our Master allowed us but meal a day , and stinking Bevaradge , and not enough of that neither . There was not one person but was sick two or three times , except one Gentleman and my self , who held out till within four days of our arrivall : In our sicknesse our Master would not allow us water to drink , notwithstanding he brought ten Tun into the Harbour , and hath sold thirty Tun of Beer for himself and others . Neither would he allow us Oatmeal to make water-grewel ; And if he had , there was not one corn of Salt in the ship to season although we lay a moneth in the Downes , and often desired him to buy some : The sick people had nothing but the thin broath of the Peas , and because they could eate no bisket he took that from them , and when they were well , they would have eate five or sixe Cakes a day , it they could have got them , insomuch they looked like death it selfe . He denyed a woman with child beer , that was brought to bed two dayes after , and perisht , and three more , and the Child : wee cast over-board my Lord of Carlile his Secretary , I pray remember me to Mr. Crews : So I rest , Your loving Cozen , WIL : EDLIN . One of the Seamen having bled twenty foure houres , desired the Master to take his wages , cloaths , and all that he had in the sh●p , upon condition he might have sweet bee●e and not suffer him to perish . To the impartiall Reader . Take notice that the Letter came from a Gentleman of good worth , and what he hath written , question not of the truth of it , I hope it may be a meanes to make the Schoole phrase good , Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula ●autem , which God grant it may . Fare thee well . FINIS . 
A37114	----	The Turkish secretary containing the art of expressing ones thoughts, without seeing, speaking, or writing to one another : with the circumstances of a Turkish adventure : as also a most curious relation of translated by the author of the Monthly account. Secrétaire turc. English Du Vignau, sieur des Joanots. 1688 Approx. 174 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 43 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A37114 Wing D2922 ESTC R22181 12264302 ocm 12264302 57932 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A37114) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 57932) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 141:12) The Turkish secretary containing the art of expressing ones thoughts, without seeing, speaking, or writing to one another : with the circumstances of a Turkish adventure : as also a most curious relation of translated by the author of the Monthly account. Secrétaire turc. English Du Vignau, sieur des Joanots. Phillips, John, 1631-1706. [2], 80 p. Printed by J.B. and sold by Jo. Hindmarsh ... and Randal Taylor ..., London : 1688. Translation by John Phillips of: Le secretaire turc. Written by Du Vignau. Cf. BM. "Licensed July 3. R. Midgley" Reproduction of original in British Library. Includes index. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Harem. Turkey -- Court and courtiers. 2002-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-10 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-11 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2002-11 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Turkish Secretary , CONTAINING The Art of Expressing ones Thoughts , without Seeing , Speaking , or Writing to one another ; With the Circumstances of a Turkish Adventure : As also A most Curious Relation of several particulars of the Serrail that have not before now ever been made publick . Translated by the Author of the Monthly Account . Licensed July 3. R. Midgley . LONDON , Printed by J. B. and sold by Jo. Hindmarsh at the Golden Ball over against the Royal Exchange , and Randal Taylor at Stationer's-Hall , 1688. TO THE READER . THE Book now presented to thee , kind Reader , was written some few Weeks ago in French by a God-son to the most Christian King , and one that had been a Secretary of an Embassy of His Majesty at Constantinople . It was dedicated to the Grand-Duke of Tuscany , and met with so very kind a Reception at the Courts of France and Florence , that the Author had extraordinary Prais● and Presents conferred upon him by the two Soveraign● and this his Performance has an universal vogue among the two Nations . As the Translator flatters himself he has done the Original justice ; and as no Countrey is more fam'd than Old England for Hospitality , he does not question but the Turkish Secretary will meet with as kind Treatment here as among the French and Italians . He has , at least , the Charm of Novelty . All our other Relations concerning Turkey , treat only of Policy , Fire and Sword , whereas this displays nothing but Flowers , Fruits and Gallantries , which I should think most seasonable ; so that I may well expect it to be kindly taken . And as a long Grace to a good Meal and Appetite is unmannerly ; so Gracious Reader , adieu . THE TURKISH SECRETARY : OR , The Art of making ones mind understood without Speaking , Seeing , or Writing to one another . THere are several Ways of Expressing Love. The first School is that of Nature , and all the Lessons which the Poets have given for this purpose would be useless without the assistance of that Universal Mistress . All Animals in general make use of it , but it is only for the Conservation of their Species . Man to whom the use of Reason is peculiar , never Loves without endeavouring to augment his Pleasures by new Inventions . He Employs all manner of means to make the beloved Objected sensible of , and acquainted with his fond thoughts . A Lover full of the Troubles which his Love occasions in him , Expresses himself sometimes by Word of Mouth ; He makes use of Writing by the liveliest strokes to represent the ardency that burns him , and upon failure of Voice and Writing , he endeavours to make known by the Different motions of his face , the Sentiments of his heart . This is much the manner of making Love in a free Countrey , where it is easy to communicate , and where you may speak , see , or write to one another . There are Nations that do not enjoy this advantage . The greater part of the Turks can neither reade nor write , and have not any freedom of communicating with Women . Yet are they not insensible ; On the contrary they seem to be more susceptible of Love , than any other of the Eastern Nations , where the Commerce of Women is equally difficult . They abandon themselves entirely to this Passion ; they make it their Sovereign Pleasure ; they push it even to fury . Nay , it has been averr'd to me that there are Turks , both Men and Women , who to prove their Love in their Extravagancies , run Daggers into their Arms , and cause burning Sulphur to be dropt into the Wound ; and I have commonly seen them , bite a piece of the flesh from off their Arms , suck and drink the blood of it , and leave a burning Match to consume it self upon the Wound . Thus it is not to be wonder'd if a People of so hot a Constitution , when they want the usual means of making known their Passion , endeavour to invent such as are Extraordinary . Flowers , Fruits , Woods , Odoriferous Simples , Silks , Gold , Silver , Colours , Stuffs , and in short all things that serve to the Commerce of Life , do among the Turks partake in that Love. This Skillfull Master whose Empire , by Establishing it self strongly over all Creatures , proves it self by this maxime of giving Wit to such as have none , of Suggesting Inventions for the bringing about Designs , which it causes to be conceived , does not fail to Exercise its Power in the need Lovers have of it in Turkey , where the more difficult is the frequentation of Men with Women , the more Projects and Enterprizes does this Passion seem there to occasion , particularly in the minds of Women , to overcome the Obstacles they meet withall in their Amours . Surprizing stories are told us upon this Subject , and which seem incredible . Certain it is that this Sex being the most attackt by that Violent Passion , is not the most blame-worthy in the World , if it studies all possible means to procure its satisfaction . The Custom of a Turk 's taking a Young Person for his Wife , without having ever seen or known one another , but only in concert with the Maids Father , or with some other Relation ; the usage of Marrying a Maid as soon as she is thirteen or fourteen years Old ; the Number of Wives the Turks are allowed to have , and their manner of considering them in that Estate , not otherwise than as being proper to afford them Children , and for all the World as they do their Horses , when they think fitting to use that which pleases them most ; All these Reasons and many more that cannot handsomly be unfolded , are very prevalent to take away from Women the pleasure of their Husbands , and to Excuse them if in spight of the rigour which keeps them penn'd-up and inaccessible , they Employ all sorts of Inventions to revenge themselves of such Injuries and Provocations , by a Commerce of Gallantry with some Lover . This is a Subject that would lead me too farr , but to come to the manner of their writing to one another without Pen , Ink and Paper , by the means of Flowers , Fruits , Woods , Silks , Colours and other things , we cannot positively affirm that this was invented by the particular Genius of Lovers . There is reason to believe that this comes from the Ancient manner of Explaining ones mind by Cyphers , and by Figures such as were the Hieroglyphicks among the AEgyptians , before Letters were invented . Be it as it will all these things which the Turks call Selam in this use , that is to say Safety , or desire of Peace , have their Naturall or Allegoricall Signification and Worth , insomuch that a little Packet of about an Inch bigg , if you have a regard to what it contains , composes a very Expressive Discourse , which is understood by the Interpretation of the name of Each thing they send . For Example , a bit of Sugar in Turkish call'd Cheker , will signify seni Madem tcheker , which is as much as to say , My Bosom longs for you , My Heart wishes for you passionately . A Stone which in Turkish is called Tach , will be interpreted Koyalum bi r yastuga bach , that is to say , let 's lay our heads upon one and the same Pillow . This is also Explain'd by a Phrase , whose first Syllable is like to the first of the Name of the thing which one sends , as Mavi , which signifies Blew , will signify Mail oldum , I am fallen in Love. Karenfil , which is a Pink , or a Clove-Gilliflower , will signify Karenfil sen Kararung yok , ben seni tchoktan severem meyer benden hbaherung yok ; Which signifies you are a Pink , a Beauty not to be parallel'd ; a long long time have I lov'd you without daring to let you know it . A Plum in Turkish call'd Erik will give to understand Eridik , which is as much as to say , We are dissolv'd away in grief , and the like of others , which custom authorizes rather than any certain Rule ; for the Turks do not only take the just Explication litterally ; but also sometimes Metaphorically , and by helping on a little for the Connexion of the sense . For Example , they are minded to Express these words . I am Extremely in Love with you , the Torment my Love makes me suffer makes me faint away and almost run distracted . My Heart breaths after you with passion , wishing you to bring it the necessary Remedy , &c. They wlll take a Grape , Blew Silk , a Plum , a Pea , a bit of Sugar , and a little Aloes Wood , which is common in Turkey , and they will observe to range all these things well , and bind the Silk in such manner , that each thing may gradually discover it self , and be orderly Explain'd as the following Table will let you see . Selam , Or a thing that is sent . Aloes Wood. Sugar . A Pea. A Plum. Blew Silk . A Grape . All this is call'd in Turkish Names . Eud Agadgi . Cheker . Nohoud . Erik . Mavi . Usum . Whose Signification is Signification . Iladgi . Seni madem tcheker . Bachimung Derdunden oldum beihoud . Eridik . Mail oldum Iki giaizum Which in English is litterally Construction . Physiciaen , Remedy of my head . My Bosom longs after you . My torment makes me mad . We dissolve away . I am fall'n in Love. My Eyes . All these Phrases joyn'd together frame a Letter by tacking them a little for the Connexion of the Sense . Thus when you write , My Eyes , I am fall'n in Love , We are Disolv'd away , My Torment makes me Mad , My Inclinations , My Bosom attracts you , Physician Remedy of my head . This is as much as to say , My Heart , My Dear , I am fall'n in Love with you , and the Torment I am under from my Passion , makes me sometimes faint away and then again almost run distracted . My heart passionately desires you to bring it the necessary Remedy . Though there are Selams to which the Turks give severall Significations , of which they ever take that which sutes best with the Other things that go along , I have only applyed my self to give them one simply , that so I might not occasion a Confusion that could be only unravell'd by long practise ; But it is to be observed that as the Turks have no Gender , and that they equally say with us , a handsome Man and a handsome Woman , the same Terms and Phrases serve for Lover and for Mistriss . This way of Expressing a Passion , as Extravagant as it may 〈◊〉 has , nevertheless , it's prettinesses , and that it only proc●●●s from a great want of Liberty , and from the ignorance of the most Common Science which is that of Reading and Writing ; Yet is it so Gallant and Ingenious that those who know how to read and write , do not disdain to make use of it . They Phancy these Selams to have more efficacy , and to make greater Impressions upon the mind , then the Characters that are form'd in a Letter ; which besides , being liable to interception , would endanger the two Lovers secret , which is but too usuall in Amorous Commerces . The Persons that are wont to make use of Selams have ever a little Cabinet full of all the things that compose them , and they know their Significations so well by heart , that they use them with great readyness , either in Writing or making an Answer . Perhaps you may object to me , what I my self sometimes said to the Turks , that with these Selams one cannot act so freely in the search of some quaint turn of Phrase , or of some new Expression which the Wit and Hearts of Lovers may Suggest , so to distinguish ones self with the beloved Object , and to insinuate our selves into its Affections after a more agreable manner . And indeed , these Selams being common to all sorts of Persons , The Woman of the least Ingenuity may say as fine things as the most Understanding Man in the World. In answer to this I shall quote what the Turks retorted upon me . Though that the reason I have alledg'd may be destroyed , since the Wit does not in some manner leave to employ it self , and express it's-gallantry and politeness in the Choice and ranging of the Selams that one sends , though it were absolutely true , what necessity is there of spending time in needless words ? This is good for Infidells , say the Turks , who have only windy flourishes of Discourse ; but for their parts they go directly to the point in all things , particularly in a matter , wherein they hold that all Discourse is Superfluous . For this reason is it that without making use of Circumlocutions or Equivocations , they make no difficulty as well Women as Men to explain their minds freely and express things as they think them , believing ( saving some Rules of Decorum ) that there is no more harm in the one than the other , since the Sin consists in the Intention . It suffices them that with these Selams they give to understand all that can be said and written in a Commerce of Amity and Correspondence as is very feasable , as will be made manifest in the Series of this Discourse . But that we may the more delightfully introduce the usage of those Selams or mute Characters , and give a more perfect understanding of the Turks manner of interpreting them , I will relate a little History that has happen'd in my time , which I learnt from an old Jewess called Boul-Ester , who was the Principal Actress in it , to which I will add a Character of all the Phrases that may be employed , and a little Dictionary of Flowers , Fruits , Stuffs , and other things that serve instead of these same Phrases , such as I had at Constantinopie in Turkish Terms and Characters : I have here retrenched them that so I might not perplex the Reader by words of a Forreign Tongue , wherein he would not be bound to believe me , having only contented my self with faithfully Translating them , and with instancing the Approbations thereunto annexed , and which I took upon the places , as well as to my History , which he will allow Credence to if he thinks fitting . As to the Turkish proper names that may be met withall in this Book , they are to be pronounced exactly in the same manner as they are writ in English Characters , and not by Corrupting them , as most of those do , especially the French , who read these sorts of things , out of a meer Fancy of strange Difficulties in pronouncing a Language , against which they are unjustly prejudic'd . From thence is come the errour of Pronunciation , which is committed when one is obliged to read in English proper Names , and other Turkish words , which it would be much more easy to pronounce naturally as they ought to be pronounced , than after the manner People do pronounce them . For example the name of Murad , as it is pronounced in Turkish is much softer and easier to be read and pronounced in English than is Mourat or Amurat. Sarai which is the true word , would be much smoother and easier than Serraglio . Ahmet is easier than Akhomet , which is often taken for another name than Ahmet , though it be the same . It is the like with a world of others , which People seem to have taken delight in maiming and guelding . This would be very blameable , if a too antient usage , and a Complaisance for the Publick , which I my self have had , did not render those excusable that have written in this manner ; but they too often commit a fault , in which it is convenient to give an explication that will not bevoid of use for those that daily read Gazettes , and the most considerable matters that concern Turkey . In speaking of the Pacha's , some will absolutely call them Bachas , others read Pacas , or Bacas , others write Bassas , and none of all these speak right , confounding together the words of Pacha , Bacha , and Bachi . Certain it is that all the world is not bound to know the difference there is between these three words , but those that write concerning them ought not to be ignorant in this point , that so they may make them to be well pronounced , and understood in such manner as they ought to be understood and pronounced . Pacha , which imports Viceroy , is a Diminitive of Padichah which signifies Emperour . This Title is conferred on the Governours of Provinces , as Pacha of Aleppo , Pacha of Cairo , Pacha of Candia , &c. It is likewise given to Lieutenant Generals ; to the High Admiral Capoudan-Pacha , derived from the word Capitano ; to the Controllour General of the Finances Defterdar-Pacha ; to several other great Officers of the Empire , and to those that have stood possess'd of the Dignities to which that Title is annexed . Pacha is subordinate to Vesir , not Visir or Visier , which in its Arabick Etimology signifies Porter , as if one should say the Person in whose Prudence and Conduct is confided the whole weight and Government of the Empire . Bassa was never said in Turkish ; It has been borrow'd from the Greeks , who not being able to pronounce the Ch otherwise than as two ss , say Passa instead of Pacha , and the change of the P to the B is made by Corr●p●ion or mistake 〈◊〉 the word Bacha , which is a very mean Title , and that of 〈◊〉 which is annex'd to very Honourable Employs , nay ar 〈…〉 that are the Principal of the State. Bacha and Bachi do both derive themselves from the same word Bach , which signifies Head , Chief ; But they are extream different in Application : Bachi is bestow'd upon seve●al very considerable Officers of the Empire , and to all the Chief Commanders of any Body , Company , Brigade , or Party . Bacha is commonly taken for the J●nizaries , and for all sorts of People of the lowest Condition whom they call Ibrahim Bacha , Osman Bacha , Eumer Bacha , Mustapha Bacha &c. As if we should say in English to People of the lowest Rank , Master Peter , Master John , Master Thomas , &c. And as it would be very ridiculous to confound Master Peter , Master Thomas , Master John , with Master of Accounts , Master of Requests , Master of the Wardrobe , &c. so it is no less ridiculous in regard of the Turks , that one confounds the word Bacha with that of Pacha , which signifies Vice-Roy Governour of a Province , or with that of Bachi , which signifies Master , Chief , Superintendant , or Commander , as the Topchi Bachi Grand Master of the Artillery , Chief of the Canonniers ; the Bostangi Bachi , Master Gardiner , Lieutenant of the Policy of Constantinople , and Superintendant of the Imperiall Gardens and Houses ; the Capidgi Bachi who are as it were the Grand Signiors Gentlemen in Ordinary . The Tcha●uch Bachi , Commanding the Companies as it were of Gentlemen-Pensioners , and Sundry other considerable Officers of the Port. After this petty Observation which does not ill become the Character of the Turkish Secretary , since it concerns the speaking and Writing well , I proceed to the History of the Old Jewess . THE HISTORY OF YOUSSUF-BEY and of GUL-BEYAZ . IT is the Custom of the Turks in publick Merriments to spend the three days of the Bairam , which is their feast , of all the year the most Solemn , after a Fast of thirty Days , as is that of Easter among the Christians . The Turkish Princesses and Ladies of the first Quality that have their Palaces and Abodes in the City of Constantinople , and in the Neighbourhood , repair to the Grand Signiors Seraglio to visit the Sultana's , that are not to be seen at another time , and there they spend those three days in sports and Gallantries . The Slaves that are not Employ'd in Singing or dancing , which makes up the Principal Divertisement of the Princesses , withdraw into some By-Apartment where they contribute to each others Mirth and Recreation . Upon a certain Day that Bournaz Hatidge Sultan , Sister to Sultan Murad , went to the Seraglio to visit the Sultana Valide , Mother to the Grand Signior Mahomet the 4th , now lately Depos'd , these two Sultana's meaning to be private , dismiss'd for a time all their Slaves , out of their Presence . Some that were most Intimate struck off from the rest , that they might discourse with the more freedom , and went to sit in a great Kiochque , or House of Pleasure to take the Air. This Banquetting-house look'd upon the Gardens of the Seraglio , and upon the open Sea , that washes the great Front of the City of Constantinople , on the sides of the Isles of Princes . Their Discourse happen'd to fall upon the Amours of Gulbeyaz , which signifies White-Rose . She was the Sultana Valide's Principal Slave , and had some Years ago been taken out of the Seraglio to be given in Marriage to the Son of a rich Pacha , thro' adventures as Whimsical as they were propitious for her . All the Slaves Mutually entreated their Companions to tell that Story ; but as one of them called Fatma , was better acquainted with it than the Rest , thro' her having been concern'd in it , and by Gulbeyaz having made her her Confident without Reserve , they earnestly entreated her to relate it , which she did in these terms . Gulbeyaz had reach'd to Fifteen or Sixteen years of Age , without being acquainted with Love , though she had dayly heard the other Maids her Companions discourse of that Passion , which produced such strange effects , that it made them at the same time proceed from joy to sadness , and from Love to Jealousy and Despair , Insomuch that their Countenances chang'd as often as their hearts were ruffled with different Motions . So pitteous an Estate had made Gulbeyaz afraid of such like Engagements , and she had shunn'd them as much as was possible for her ; but at length Love being provok'd by the resistance of so beautifull a Person , constrain'd her to buckle to his Power , and inspir'd her with Sentiments of tenderness for a Young Turk , the Neighbour of a Jew , at whose house she had been boarded with several other Slaves above her Age. She was plac'd in that Family to learn to Read , Write , Sing , Dance , Play upon Instruments , and the other Exercises that are commonly taught us , so to polish and render her worthy of being introduced into this Seraglio , where Gulbeyaz remain'd for three years , after which she went out hence , with a fortune equal to her Merit , and the greatness of her ove . This Turk call'd Youssuf-Bey , the Son of Mehemmed Pacha , Seraskier , was the Neighbour and much the friend of the Jew , at whose House Gulbeyaz was plac'd , and he frequently went thither to hear her Sing , and play upon a Psaltery , which she did incomparably better than any Body in the World. She was then in her Sixteenth year , and Youssuf conceived so much Love for her , that to see and hear her the oftener , he spent Days and Nights in his Garden , which was contiguous to that of the Jew , or at Windows that look'd upon a Place where Gulbeyaz was wont to walk : Nay one day he would needs discourse her upon the Passion she had produced in his heart , but his Amorous Cajolleries made so little Impression upon her mind , that as then she had not the least Sentiment of tenderness . Some time after , the Person that had plac'd her at the Jews House finding her sufficiently instructed , presented her to the Sultana our Mistress . Absence which is a great Remedy against Love , instead of stifling Youssuf's Passion , did only serve to augment it , while that Gulbeyaz lived very peaceably in the Seraglio , where Love as yet had not disturb'd her Repose . Youssuf try'd all manner of ways to have some Account of the Dear she he adored . All his Endeavours were in vain ; the Doors of the Womens Apartment are inaccessible Places . The Eunuchs that keep them being peevish , and vex'd to see themselves depriv'd of what might render them agreeable to so many Beauties as they have under their Charge , become jealous of them even to fury , and have piercing Eyes that discover their very least steps . So many Difficulties had almost pawl'd Youssuf , who had spent near three years in Abortive Endeavours . He gave himself up to Grief and Complaints , when that one of his friends , who shar'd in all his Afflictions , inform'd him that a Jewess , call'd Boul-Ester , had a free Access into the Seraglio , where she sold a World of Toys to the Sultana's . Youssuf who had Wit and Money , avail'd himself of his Friends advice , and thence conceived good hopes , both for that he was prodigiously rich , and that he knew with Money the most Difficult Enterprises are brought about , He resolved to entrust his Passion in this Jewess , and to make her his Friend , wherein he found no great Difficulties , because that considerable Presents , and the promise of redoubling them in case of good success , immediately engag'd the Jewess to serve Youssuf in his Amour . He encharged her with a pair of Pendants , which were two Emeraulds of the Pear Cutt , with a pair of Diamond Bracelets and with a Girdle garnished with Rubies enchac'd in enamell'd Gold. He accompanied this Present with a Letter written with his own hand , and with a Selam , contained in a Gold enamell'd Watch Cover enrich'd with Diamonds . He conjur'd this Toy-woman to use her utmost Industry to make Gulbeyaz sensible of the excess of his Love , and to represent to her the Disorders which this Passion had occasion'd in his Bosom ; the State challenging pity to which it had reduced him ; that Gulbeyaz had been now near three years in the Serraglio , without his having been able to find out an occasion to have the least tydings of her , and that he was ready to dye if all he had suffer'd for her sake was incapable of inspiring her with some Compassion and Acknowledgment for him . The Jewess , who was extraordinary Sly and Cunning , coming to the Serraglio , after her usual manner , watcht the time that the Sultana Valide was not visible , and seeking for an occasion to speak conveniently to Gulbeyaz , she entreated her to give her leave to rest a little in her Apartment , which Gulbeyaz could not civilly refuse her , being of all the Maids this Toy-woman was the most familiarly acquainted withall , by reason of her employ of the Sultana's Treasuress , to which she had attained in a very little time by her merit , and by that Princess's most peculiar esteem . Women are naturally curious ; Gulbeyaz immediately askt the Jewess what she had new to shew that day , and having told her that she brought Jewells , she extoll'd their Beauty and Perfection , and taking out of her Bosom a Box wherein they were contain'd , she shew'd them to Gulbeyaz . The fire and lustre of these Precions Stones which Gulbeyaz ey'd attentively and with a wishing look , put her upon decking her self with them for a moment , and the Jewess did not fail by her flatteries and praises to engage her often to consult her Table-Glass , which she found by Chance , and which made her observe an Extraordinary flushing in her face , occasion'd by Vexation and Spight , for that fortune had not favour'd her with the like Treasure . Boul-Ester who plainly perceiv'd all that pass'd in Gulbeyaz heart , and that she was falling into the snare , judg'd that all Moments were precious , and fancy'd it to be now time to play her part , and to discover to this fair one the subject of her Commission ; by delivering her Youssufs Letter and Prefent . Charming Gulbeyaz , ( said she to her ) I must own t' ye that I cannot but wonder that the Sultan is not taken with so many Beauties , and with so many Attractions as I observe in your Person . There is nothing in you , but what is capable of inspiring Love , and if his Highness had seen you thus adorned , the Sultana would be jealous , and I can easily persuade my self of the Truth of what has been affirm'd to me of the passion which a Young Turk , call'd Youssuf had for you . Tho' since Gulbeyaz had been in the Seraglio , she had neither heard talk of the Jew , at whose house she had been boarded , nor of Youssuf-Bey , yet that name made her change Colour . This young Man's Passion was not unknown to her , since he had discours'd her upon the torments she made him to endure . She did what she could to dissemble her surprize , and conceal the Disorder of her mind , but the poyson that had so long been shed therein , without her perceiving it , discover'd it self in spight of her , by a sigh that broke forth from the bottom of her heart , and which she could not keep in . Boul-Ester availing her self of the Disorder she knew Gulbeyaz to be in , did so lively represent to her Youssuf's Passion and Merit , that she perfectly insinuated him into her heart , tho' this fair one durst not yet however declare her self openly . The Jewess presented her at the same time with the Box of Diamonds , and as she fancy'd it to be a thing that she only shew'd her , Curiosity made her open it ; but instead of a Watch-movement , she found a letter in it , which oblig'd her to shut it again immediately to restore it to the Toy-woman . She pretended to be vex'd , though she would willingly have been inform'd of the Contents of the Letter , not doubting but that it was a Declaration of Youssuf's Passion , who began to , please her . The Jewess who had too much Experience to be a stranger to and not understand this feint , press'd her so earnestly to take the Box again , that she could not decline it , but she protested to her , that it was only out of Complaisance , and to free her self from her Importunities . In taking out the Letter Gulbeyaz found underneath a little Pacquet , which contain'd a Selam , but as she was impatient to read , she immediately open'd the Letter , which was conceived In these terms . To see and Love you , Divine Gulbeyaz , were to me but one and the same thing . Heaven that made you so beauteous , ought to have made you more sensible , or not to have inspir'd me with so much Love with so little hopes . My Passion is as old as the knowledge I have had of your merit , and time which consumes all things has only served to augment it . Now for several years have I not been my self ; and only live for you . I spend both days and Nights in that part of my Garden , whence I heard you Sing , and Play upon Instruments , and whence I some times discours'd you . That Place which was the Confident of my Pleasures , is at present of my Torments ; and will be quickly that of my Grave , unless you cause my destiny to be chang'd , being no longer able to live without seeing you . I know the difficulty of this Enterprize ; but , incomparable Gulbeyaz , if you would have a little Compassion of him that languishes away for you , and grant him the happiness of throwing himself at your feet , leave all things to the Care and Contrivance of the prudent Boul-Ester , she 'l know how to manage both my good fortune and your Reputation . The reading the Letter gave Gulbeyaz the Curiosity to open the Selam ; It was compos'd of Ginger , with Yellow-Wax , a bit of Cloath , of Coal , Alum , Cypress , wrapt-up in Pearl-colour Silk , whose Signification is ; Feign would I , My Eyes , that you were fully inform'd of the Love I have for you ; It robbs me of my self , and if you do not take pitty of the Condition I am in , I shall dye while you enjoy a happy Life . Honour me with an Answer , and put a period to my torments . Though Gulbeyaz pretended the not being well pleas'd with this Declaration which she found 100 free , yet was her heart Extremely well Satisfy'd with Youssufs Constancy . This Heart of hers spoke to her in his behalf , & there needed no great Endeavours to persuade her that he lov'd her , and inspire her with tenderness . The Jewess , who studied Gulbeyaz's Countenance , perceiving the effect of the Letter and Selam , offer'd her at the same time the Jewells with which she was already deck'd . Her reason which was not as yet wholly prepossess'd , made her refuse them flat and plain . She gave her to understand the injury that this would do her Reputation , if the Sultana discover'd it , and that she ought not to accept a Present , much less embrace an Intreague that might be the occasion of her ruine . At the same time she took off those Jewells , and restored them with the Box , only keeping the Letter and Selam . Boul-Ester , whom long Practice had rendred a Person of large Experience , was persuaded that an over-great Earnestness does sometimes hinder the success of what one most wishes : wherefore without insisting longer to make Gulbeyaz take the Jewells , she contented her self with min●ing her of the acknowledgment that is owing to Persons that have favourable Sentiments for us , and that the Law of Nations required that she should at least return an Answer , without which there would be occasion to doubt of the fidelity of her Message . Gulbeyaz fell happily into the Trap , and fancy'd she should gain a mighty Victory over her self , by returning Youssuff an Answer quite contrary to what her thoughts were for him , nay and to what she had newly done in keeping his Letter and Selam : For her Answer was as now follows . I know you to be a Romancer , and think to expose me to your Raillery , Recollect your self , and remember that I am very angry at your temerity , and that I will never consent to your fond Pretensions . This was express'd by a Pepper Corn , a little bit of Parchment , of Velvet , a small Splinter of Box , a Pistacho , a piece of Glass , and all these things made a small Pacquet in a piece of Cloth , by which forsooth she would feign let Youssuff know that Gulbeyaz was weary of his Importunities . She was too high and arrogant both in Language and Action to continue so long . And this Consideration did in a great measure comfort Youssuff , for otherwise Spite and Vexation would have sent him to his Grave , if his Mistress's over-great Affectation to oppose his Addresses , had not made him guess she would yield in a little time . Thus , far from being pawl'd , he grew more and more fortified in his Resolution . The Jewess did more than a little contribute thereunto , by giving him a faithfull Account of all the Circumstances of her Conversation with Gulbeyaz , and by encharging her self with a second Mute Letter , which he gave her for that beauteous Person . He was not willing to make use either of Ink or Paper , for fear of some Accident , and besides he perceiv'd by experience that she perform'd but too well in the other way of writing . He contented himself with justifying himself after a modest sort of manner , 'till such time as that he had answerable Returns from Gulbeyaz , who he foresaw would not be long in Debt to him . Some days after did Boul Ester return to the Serraglio , and in entring the Sultana's Apartment , she Embrac'd Gulbeyaz in the presence of her Companions who were there , and told her I give you the good morrow and this also . At the same time she put into her hands a very little Box of Gold , that contained Tow , and a bit of a kind of Coverlet , and took out of her bosome a pair of Cizars very curiously wrought , and a pocket Looking-Glass , which she pretended to make her a present of . As Gulbeyaz was the she of all the Slaves , who stood the Jewess in most stead with the Princess , this present gave no matter of suspicion to the Rest ; on the contrary , they would have been suprized if Gulbeyaz should not have accepted it . Now she interpreted this new Selam in the manner following . If it is possible , My Dear Mistress , that I have been so unhappy as to displease you , pardon me , I beseech you , that fault , or command me to dye . I am just ready to sacrifice my Life to Express to you the Excess of my Love and of my Obedience . Boul-Ester staid a long time in the Chamber with the Sultana , who consulted her upon the Quality of certain stuffs for a furniture , and in putting up an Extraordinary fine Herons Top which she had shew'd her , she entreated Gulbeyaz to order a Glass of Water to be brought her into the Anti-chamber , for her to drink at her going away , which was as much as to say that she desired an Answer . The obligation of being always with the Princess , had hinder'd Gulbeyaz from getting a Selam ready as baughty as the first . This Constraint occasioned her entertaining a secret joy , though otherwise she labour'd under an extraordinary impatience to discourse Boul-Ester . Yet had she not the opportunity of doing it that day , by reason of the world of Maids that flock'd from all parts of the Lodgings to see what the Jewess had brought . All that Gulbeyaz could do was to give her hastily a Selam , in bidding her Adieu in the same manner as the other had bid her good morrow . This Selam was more succinct and much less severe than the former , in which Gulbeyaz has told me several times that she pretended so much rigour only on the account that she thought Honour and Decorum engaged her thereunto , that so she might not yield otherwise than in form , and that she might charge to time and the perseverance of her Lover the excuses of a Passion , which she had been but too sensible of from the first Declaration . Wherefore Gulbeyaz told Boul-Ester just as she was going away that she had several Commissions to encharge her with , but wanting the opportunity of unfolding her mind to her , she entreated her only for that time to take a * Themen , and with it to buy her Pens to write , like to one she gave her in pressing her hand , to which she added that this was all that time and her Devoir to her Mistress did permit her to tell her ; as , indeed , was true . Her Eyes and the tone of her Voice gave Boul-Ester much more to understand than did the Themen and the Quill , which signified however , that as she had not any proof of the Sincerity of Youssuff's words , she did not advise him to suffer any longer for the love of her . This was for all the world like casting Oyl into the fire , and does plainly manifest the blindness of those that love . Gulbeyaz would not have her Lover think of her , and yet could not forbear thinking continually of him . In short , there was no resisting Destiny , which treated them both in the manner you are going to hear . The more Youssuff and the Jewess grew sensible of Gulbeyaz weakness , or rather the violence of her Love , the more did they push things to extremity ; though in the up shot , Youssuff was found to deal upon the square . They contrived so well together the means of persuading his Mistress of the truth of this , that she could no longer decline owning that she was convinc'd of his Sincerity , and that she should willingly and delightfully make suitable returns to it , as far forth as her good Fortune would allow her the occasions . Youssuff redoubled his Presents and his Promises to Boul-Ester , & engag'd her so far in his Interests , that she resolved to watch her opportunity to go to the Serail in the same manner she did the first time , that is to say , when she knew the Sultana not to be visible , that so she might have an occasion of speaking freely to Gulbeyaz , and of using her utmost endeavours to satisfy Youssuff's Love by bringing him some favourable Declaration from his Mistress , which accordingly fell out three days after . While that the Sultana did , after her usual rate , take her Repose , all the Slaves went into the Gardens to gather Flowers therewithall to adorn their Apartments , saving two , who according to Custom staid in the Princess's Chamber . During that time , Gulbeyaz out of a kind of fore-knowledge would needs remain alone to take the fresh air in a Balcony that looks upon the Court of the Serrail . There was she pensive and musing upon the Jewells which Boul-Ester had shewn her from Youssuff , and on the Disorder she was brought into by being acquainted with his Passion . Nay she began to repent her having shewn her self so scornfull , when that she perceiv'd the Jewess coming into the Court of the Serrail , and directing her steps towards the Valide's Apartment . Gulbeyaz went down immediately to meet this Toy-woman , and having askt her without thinking on what she said , thro' what malice on her part , and thro' what fatality for her heart , she came just at a time they might have the leisure to continue a long while together , and discourse in her Chamber ; Boul-Ester knowing , by the hurry and quality of this Discourse , what past in the Bosom of that Lovely Person , answer'd her that she was in hopes of gaining that day a great Victory . Being both got into Gulbeyaz Chamber , the Jewess represented to her all that Cunning and Fancy can suggest to bring about what one has undertaken ; and as it was easy for her to perceive the Progress that what she said to her made in her heart , by Gulbeyaz fond and hasty way of asking her whether she had a Selam to give her ; Yes , answered the Jewess , taking out the Jewells she shew'd her the first time , accompanied with a very large Diamond which Gulbeyaz had not yet seen , and with a little Box made of one sole Emerauld . Here 's the Selam I have orders to give you with an absolute prohibition of carrying the least part of it back . Gulbeyaz was agreeably surprized , and beginning to open the Box , she found it to contain a Letter , which she tell immediately to u●cifring , being much more eager to know what concern'd Youssuffs Person and the Sentiments of his heart , than to view the Jewells , which , however fine they were , much less affected her . This Ticket was the Kernel of a Nut , Sea-green-Colour'd Silk , a Grain of Corn , a little Plum , a bit of Corrail , Cherry-Colour'd Silk , Jessamin , and a little Tobacco , wrapt up in Peach-Colour'd Silk : All this was as much as to say , I ever was in hopes that you would at the long run put a period to your rigours and my torments ; but since I see the Impossibility that is met withall in this matter , and that you are inflexible to my Entreaties , not withstanding the piteous Estate to which you have reduced me , I abandon to you all I have in the world with my Life , after Swearing to you that I act with the utmost sincerity , and that you are the only cause of my Death . This Ticket's tenderness and sincerity , which were sufficiently proved by Youssuffs Magnificence and Generosity , afforded Boul-Ester a free Field to tell Gulbeyaz all she was minded . At last after many replies and great Contests on both sides , she fully convinced her by a means she could not resist . This Toy-woman represented to Gulbeyaz that her Beauty being set off with the Stately Attire and Lustre which these Jewells gave her , she might chance to please the Grand Signior , and , perhaps , come to be Sultana . The pretext which Gulbeyaz used of the Desire of reigning at least in the heart of an Emperour , was a mighty help to her , to cover the Complaisance she had for Youssuff , and this reason having prevailed over all her own , she consented to receive the present , and began at length to declare her self for him that sent it . Boul-Ester could have wisht that she would have become as easy to have received him himself in her Apartment : She mentioned it to her , and employed her whole Address to make her consent to it . Gulbeyaz heart indeed , was not altogether averse to this Proposal , but the greatness of the Undertaking and the dangers she should have exposed her self to , did absolutely hinder her from thinking on it , and whatever endeavours the Jeness used to gain her Compliance , she could not as yet obtain any thing further from Gulbeyaz , save that the would place her self at the Windows to see her Lover in the Gardens , provided he could come thither without too much hazzard . She allowed him three days to contrive the means of it . Boul-Ester would needs have this Permission in writing , that so she might shew it to Youssuff ; But though Honour and Reson made Gulbeyaz refuse this , Love engaged her on the other side to make known to her Gallant by a Selam the true Sentiments of her heart , and that his Passion had nothing that displeased her . This Selam was put into a Silk Handkerchief Embroidered with Gold , wrought with her own fair hand , after which the Toy-woman went her ways , pretending before the other Slaves who had caught them in Discourse , that she lest those Jewells with Gulbeyaz to shew them to the Sultana . Youssuff being impatient to learn the success of his Enterprize , waited his Confident's return , who gave him a full Account of what had passed , as also the Handkerchief sent him by his Mistress . The joy he had in receiving this Pledge of the allowance of his Passion , transported him in such manner , that without minding what it contained , he kissed it a thousand and a thousand times , and water'd it with his Tears with the softest Expressions that Love can inspire . When he was a little recovered from this Extasie , Boul-Ester made him view the Selam . It was of Isabella Silk , a little bit of Spunge , Myrrhe and Mint . I cannot express to you the excess of joy this afforded Youssuff . It was so great that it robbed him of Speech , and this Ravishment had lasted much longer , if Boul-Ester , as curious as he was satisfied , had not pressed him to give her the meaning of this Ticket , which she guess'd to be very propitious . He did so , and it was as much as to say , I accept of your Vows , and be persuaded of my fidelity , provided you be constant . I pray to Heaven that it would bestow you upon me , and that our Souls may be inseparble . Is it possible , most Lovely Gulbeyaz , did Youssuff then cry out , that my Passion is pleasing to you ? Is it not to amase me , and to laugh at my torment , that you study to ensuare me and engage me further ? And kissing the Handkerchief , he said , Dear Pledge of the fidelity of her I adore , will you be also of the Sincerity of her heart ? Then addressing himself to the Selam , And you , Mute Mouth , do you assuremt of the Continuance of her budding Passion ? That Wish of his Mistress's put him into a sweet Fit of Resvery and Musing , whence he would not have quickly recollected himself , if the Moments had not been pretious to him to prepare for the intended Interview . The Difficulty of this Enterprize made him more than a little fretfull . He despaired of being able to find in the Serrail a Friend so faithfull as to entitle him to be made a Confident in his Amours , and his Impatience augmented sutably as it drew near the so much desired term . After having tormented himself extreamly about the means of bringing his Design about , he remember'd that there was an Old Chief of the Ga●diners called Ousta Mehemmed , who had great Obligations to his Father , and hoping that this consideration would dispose him to serve him , he resolved to go find him out . Ousta Mehemmed , who had a natural Inclination for Youssuff , received him with great estimonies of kindness , and expressed to him a large Sense of Gratitude and Acknowledgment for the Benefits he had received from the Pacha his Father . Though Youssuff was persuaded of Mehemmed's Fidelity , and that he knew that if he could not grant him the favour he meant to ask of him , he would , at least , keep his Secret , he , nevertheless , exacted an Oath from him by the head of the Prophet , that he would never reveal what he had to impart to him . Then he discover'd his flame to his Friend , and did it in such melting terms , that though Mehemmed should not have had a desire to serve him , he could not without much ado have declined it . I Love , said he to him , but what avails my Love , since I may not speak to her I love ? My heart is inflamed by a beauteous Prisoner . The Inside of the Serrail which is the Guardian of this Treasure , is almost impenetrable , or at least the access of it is so difficult , that there is no attempting it without great perils . Yet this is not what witholds me ; My Passion which is boundless would make me attempt the utmost , if the Person I love would suffer it . I have only obtain'd to see her from a little Garden of Flowers , which is under the Sultana's Appartment . My Dear Mehemmed you must facilitate my Entrance into it , It is on you alone that the Success of this Enterprize does depend : I have built my hopes on your Friendship , and if you were formerly in Love , you will know the importance of the Service , and the greatness of the Obligation I shall have to you . This Discourse affected the Old man , and the Impression it made upon his mind , with the remembrance of the Disorder which the like Passion had formerly wrought in his Bosom , made him easily consent to Youssuff's Request , without considering the danger to which he exposed himself in case the Intrigue came to be discovered . He promised to introduce him in the Habit of a Gardiner , and told him that he needed only to take the time which his Mistress should prescribe to him . Youssuff immediately dispatcht Boul-Ester to the Serrail . He did not encharge her with any Letter , the joy he felt being too great to permit him to write , and to hazzard his Enterprize by confiding it to Paper . He only sent Gulbeyaz a little Selam composed of a Pomgranate Kernel , of a little bit of Bread , with Lilly-Convally and Cinnamon . Of which the Sense is this . The Flame which your Love has kindled in my heart , has impos'd an absolute necessity upon me of seeing you . I will do all that is requisite for that purpose , and surmount all the Difficulties that may interpose in this Design . Though Gulbeyaz had a great share of Love , yet had she Reason also . She was detained by the fear that if the Intreague came to be discovered , the Sultana would cause her to be rigorously punished , thus she would and would not . But this notwithstanding there was no help , way she must give to what her Passion exacted . Gulbeyaz promised that the next morning at half an hour past nine a Clock , she would repair into a low-Room which looks upon the Garden , and which is only parted from it by a Wooden Trellis like a Lettice , whence she would open a little Wicket which should be the Signal of her being come ; that this was the most convenient time , for that the Sultana took her Repose after Breakfast , as well as all her Maids , and that the Eunuchs were at the outward Gate for fear of making a noise . After this Declaration Gulbeyaz immediately dispatcht away the Jewess giving her a Box containing a bit of Radish , a Grape-Seed , a little of Brick , twisted Thrid , a Pear , Myrtle and a Flower of Narcissus , of which the Signification is as follows . My Eyes , it is too difficult for me to repair to you , but come to morrow and take the place which I design you in my heart . I beseech Heaven that the Enterprize may succeed , and that I may be free to express to you upon all occasions that I am wholly yours . Youssuf was ready to dye of joy upon receiving this Selam . He was nevertheless uneasy through the Apprehension that his ill fortune might make him lose so favourable an Occasion . He spent the Night in cruel Agitations occasion'd in him by Hope and Fear . At the hour prescribed he repaired to the Serail . His friend Mehemmed made him shift the Sumptuous attire he had on , for that of a Gardiner , which was of Coarse Red Serge , and a Cap a foot long , of a stuff of the same Colour . He put a Spade into his hands , and led him to the Garden , ordering him to dig the Earth , and to work upon a Bed that is under the Windows of the Apartment . At each stroke he gave with his Spade , the Young Gardiner lift up his Eyes , to see if the Wicket of the Lettice did not open , but Unhappily the Sultana falling asleep a little later than ordinarily , our pretended Gardiner had the leisure to digg almost the whole Bed , before that Gulbeyaz could come to the Assignation . You may judge , my Dear Companions , pursued Fatma , how horribly Youssuf was rack'd with impatience . He sometimes heard certain great Flies , that seeking passage beat against the Lettice . He Phancy'd his Mistress view'd him , and that she laugh'd to see him in that Equipage , and at the Martyrdom she made him suffer . When that Gulbeyaz drew near the Window , and that through the Trellis she perceiv'd Youssuf with the Spade in his hand , she no longer doubted of the force of his Love , and tho' she could not without a great deal of trouble see a Man of his rank digging the Earth to have a Minutes Satisfaction of seeing her , this afforded her joy , and without considering what the delay of this happiness made him suffer , she took delight in viewing him for some time before she shew'd her self . As he had been already at work above an hour , and that so harsh an Exercise for so delicate a Body as his , did often oblige him to rest himself upon his Spade , and to cast his Eyes from time to time to the place where his Mistress was to appear , she open'd the Lettice , and plainly perceiv'd her Lovers pain to redouble . The Spade fell from his hands , and he remain'd motionless like a Statue ; but happily he was not taken notice of , by reason Mehemmed , who had foreseen the Consequences of this first Interview , had sent out of the way the other Gardiners that were to work in the same place . No Torture greater than to be in the presence of what we Love , without being suffered to discourse the Party . What Youssuf endured in being depriv'd of that Consolation , by reason of the nearness of the Sultanas Apartment was no less sensible to Gulbeyaz , and what ever scornfull carriage she thought to have affected , she partak'd in all the Vexation that besieg'd him . Luckily the Language by signs , which is much us'd in that Court , and which they both perfectly understand , did so well supply the failure of the voice , that they parted very much satisfied with their Interview . The Eyes , Motions of the Face , the Finger signs and gestures of the two Lovers , said more than the most Eloquent tongue could have done , which is often Mute in such like occasions , and says nothing by reason it finds too much to say . They so very much delighted in this mute Conversation , that it would have lasted much longer , if Gulbeyaz had not heard a walking in the Sultanas Apartment , which obliged her to tip the Wink upon Youssuf to be gone , and she immediately shut the Wicket . During all these Intrigues which I was not then acquainted withall , Boul-Ester who was become the Mutual Confident of their Amours , made many and many a journey to the Serrail . Gulbeyaz took no less delight in hearing from her Dear Youssuff , than he from his lovely Mistress . He was extremely rich , and promised her to use his utmost endeavours , and set all his Friends to work to get her out of the Serrail and marry her , as accordingly happen'd at the long run , after they had both exposed themselves to tryals of Love , which the more dangerous they were , the more they render'd those two Lovers worthy of each other . The Jewess came twice or thrice a week to the Serrail , tho' she sold but very little , but she was abundantly rewarded by these Lovers , whose Presents were sufficient to enrich her . Their Passion became boundless . Youssuf being ever impatient and restless that he did not see his Dear Mistress , would needs attempt a second Interview , wherein he might freely and not by Signs , express by word of Mouth the excess of his Love. He laid his Design with his Confident , reiterating to her great promises if she so order'd matters as to accomplish it , and at the same time he gave her a Purse of two hundred Sequins , worth about five hundred Crowns . Gain thus inviting the Toy-woman she promised to omit no manner of endeavours for the making him successfull in his undertaking . She came to the Serrail . and gave Gulbeyaz a Selam contained in a Cup of a most perfect Agath . It must be own'd that as Love gives wit , it borders also upon folly . Youssuf was minded to engage his Mistress by a rich Present . This Cup was garnished with Circles of Gold enrich'd with Diamonds , and he endeavour'd to persuade her of his Passion by a Selam composed of the hair of his * Pertchem , of a little Rose-colour'd Silk , Aloes wood , Antimony , Nutmeg , a sprigg of Broom , a little bit of Cloth , of Coal , of Pearl-colour'd Silk , and of a little Allum ; which is as much as to say , Pretious Crown of all my wishes , Nightingale whose warbling Notes are alone capable of charming the anguish of my Soul , true Remedy of the evils I endure , consider the tears that flow from my eyes , while that , perhaps , you laugh at my torture ; take pity of me , and mind but the Condition you have reduced me to . Dye I must if you do not bless me with a Letter and afford me a certain Answer . This Selam and the Account Boul-Ester gave Gulbeyaz of Youssuff's piteous Estate , whom she described to her languishing and dying for her , affected her so very much , that being egg'd-on with Love and Compassion , she consented to a second Interview ; but the place and Maiden Garb for Youssuf which the Jewess propos'd to her perplexed her cruelly . She could not well so far comply with Youssuf's Disguise , as to introduce him into her Apartment , which was next of all to the Princess's . This was a ticklish matter , and which stak'd no less than Honour and Life upon the venture of this Intrigue's being discover'd . All these Considerations were sufficiently prevalent to have broken off such a Design , if Love which was still more prevalent had not absolutely crampt them . In short , Gulbeyaz without further pause gave her self to Boul-Ester's Persuasions , and permitted her to bring Youssuf disguis'd as a Maid . She even gave him the assurance of it by a little Selam composed of a little Cucumber , Barley , twined Silk , a bit of Latin-wire , a Grape , Millet , a little Tabby , and a little Bean ; of which now take the Interpretation . Whatever apprehensions I may harbour that you will tumble us into strange Misfortunes if the least Suspition be conceived of your Enterprize , yet do I hope that Fortune will not abandon us . Come , my Eyes ; I am too sensible of your torments , my heart is yours , be persuaded of my Eternal Constancy . It was requisite to deferr it , for five or six days , because that too frequent visits might have been suspected . These wereas so many Ages to the Enamour'd Youssuf , for whom they fitted a very neat Habit , that so his Garb answering the Beauty of his Face , whereon hair did not as yet appear , they might the more easily deceive all the Guards . On the seventh day Boul-Ester and Youssuf disguised as a Maid repaired to the Serrail . The Toy-woman , who was well known , having said that she who accompanied her was her Daughter , tho' she was not wont to bring any along with her , she deceived the Eunuchs who suffering them to enter , they were conducted to Gulbeyaz's Chamber . It would be a hard matter for me , my Dear Companions , to express to you Youssuf's concern and trouble when he found that beauteous Person almost dying in Bed , wherein she had been for two days attackt with a Pestilential Feavour , which is so common in that Countrey . You may judge whether the surprize of so unforeseen an Accident as this was not capable of breaking all the Measures of this Disguise . Little did it want but that he had made himself known ; But Gulbeyaz who kept her judgment entire in the midst of her illness which was of three days standing , entreated her Companions to leave her for one moment alone with this Jewess , to dispatch some business they had together . When Youssuf saw himself alone near Gulbeyaz , he abandon'd himself to his Grief , and forgetting the place where he was , he snatcht off his Veil , and planting himself at his sick Mistress's Beds-head , he bathed her with his tears , without being able to utter a word . Gulbeyaz on her part received such pressing onsets of Love , besides the violence of her Distemper , that having made a general Revolution throughout her whole Body , it gave her a Crists that saved her Life , and little did it want but that she had been Youssuff's Death , who being in no wise to be prevailed with to forsake her Pillow , drew in the air of a Malignant Sweat , which struck him to the very heart and made him fall into a Swoon . Boul-Ester being much perplexed at her pretended Daughter's swooning away , and so much the more through fear of the Consequences that must redound from the unravelling of this Intrigue , if Youssuf's Malady augmenting they should have been sorced to have put him to Bed , called me to help her . When I enter'd Youssuf began to breath again , and to sigh , turning his eyes towards Gulbeyaz , whose name he utter'd with so melting and so Amorous an Accent , that I wonder I did not take notice of the Disguise . I made no Reflexion either upon giving the Sigh or the uttering of Gulbeyaz name , and I attributed to an Amity of a long date , what was only a pure effect of Love. It was not so with Boul-Ester . She was so surpriz'd that all her Senses having forsaken her , and her face having changed colour she fell into a Fit. I was alone and in a very great perplexity . I left the Daughter near Gulbeyaz Bed , and I ran to the Mother , who was not long in that condition . After both of them were come to themselves again , I went to prepare a Cordial for them . The amorous Youssuf improved that moment to the entertaining of his Mistress , which he did with a very weak and languishing voice . Death that pursues me , said he to her , is much less sensible to me , adorable Gulbeyaz , than the grief for your sufferings ; I should with pleasure embrace it if I thought to ease you . This you may be persuaded of , and that I should dye a thousand times rather than abandon you , if in staying here I did not expose you to a much greater peril than your Malady . I go , and I go to die , being no longer able to stand up under so many Griefs . Gulbeyaz being dejected by the force of her Distemper , concern'd at heart for Youssuf's torment , and weakned by the vehemence of her Crisis , could no otherwise answer to such soft assurances save by tears , which made her faint away . Then was it that Youssuf had occasion for all his Reason to resist so many evils at a time , and do nothing to betray the Secret. Gulbeyaz was a long while in that condition , and having begun to breath again , Boul-Ester , who was afraid of some new Accident , endeavour'd to get Youssuf away from the sick fair one and take him along with her . He could not resolve upon so harsh a separation , which he had a dread might become eternal ; fain would he have expired before the eyes of her he loved . However he could do no otherwise than obey his Mistress's Orders , who not being able to speak made a sign to him to be gone , and presented him her hand , which he kissed , protesting to her that he would not long survive her . All the Accidents that had newly accompanied so perillous an Interview , were not sufficient to counter-ballance the happiness of these Lovers . For as ill luck would have it upon passing through one of the Gates of the Serrail , where there are Baltadgi's , who are the Servants without , one of them suspecting by the Gate of the feigned Maid , which she no longer studied to make answerable to what she represented , by reason of her grief and weakness , that it was a Disguise , stopp'd her by the arm . Boul-Ester who had ever a ready wit , said nothing to the Baltadgi for fear of drawing others thither , but making up to him she gave him a Ring which she took off her Finger , & slipt it secretly into his hand to oblige him to open the other that held Youssuf . Thus she set that poor Lover at Liberty , who thought much less of the present danger than of Gulbeyaz piteous condition . As soon as Youssuf was return'd to his Palace , he went to Bed , where he was seiz'd with a violent Feavour . He was so circumspect in all that concerned his adorable Mistress , that he durst not send for Boul-Ester , out of fear of giving a suspicion of their Correspondence , and he could not trust in any of his Domestiques . Four days were spent in this manner , during which our two Lovers suffer'd incomparably more by having no tydings of each other , than by the pangs of their Distemper ; but at the long run that of Youssuf coming to Extremity , he would needs make use of the time he sancy'd he had to live , to bid a last farewell to his Mistress , and without thinking of ought else , he caus'd Paper and Ink to be brought him , being not in a Condition to do otherwise . Now this is what he wrote , I dye for you , Incomparable Gulbeyaz , and Death is so much the more Wellcome to me , for that I hope its Cause which is your Crisis , will be the Prolongation of your Days . If I had a certain assurance of this , I should dye without Concern . My Malady is hastening me away , and I employ the little time I have left , in giving you testimonies of a Love I shall carry with me to my Grave ; happy if that last Moment can better convince you of it , than years of sighs and tears have done . Adieu , Most Lovely of all your Sex , Live and remember that the same Love , which restores you to Life gives me my Death . As soon as he had finisht his Letter , thinking he was at the last moment of his Life , he sent it to Boul-Ester with the ring he wore on his finger , whereon was Engrav'd her Name and his own , upon a very neat Ruby , and he was seiz'd with new Convulsions and Redoublings of his Feavour , which depriv'd him at the same time both of his Reason and Speech . He continued two days in this Condition , which having occasion'd a General Report of his being Dead , this made Boul-Ester to carry this false and killing News to Gulbeyaz . That Amiable Person whose Crisis had freed from Danger , the sweat having dispers'd the tumours of the Pestilence , was Sicker in Mind than Body . Youssuf's silence , and Boul-Esters deferring to go and give her an Account of all that pass'd since their parting , put into her sad forebodings and mortal Disquiets . She wept all the Day , and spent the Nights either in restless tossings , Dreams or Visions , which seem'd to prognosticate to her the misfortune she dreaded . She had chosen me out for her Confident since Youssuf's Interview . I endeavour'd to divert her so to drive away the fatal thoughts that tormented her . Nothing was capable of giving her Comfort , but it was still worse with her when that Boul-Ester came to the Serrail to acquit her self of the Commission given her by Youssuf . As soon as Gulbeyaz saw her , she with Extreme Earnestness inquired how he did ; but the Jewess's silence , and the tears she could not keep in , gave that Impatient Fair-One to understand what she had to say to her . Ah , cry'd she , Youssuf is no more ; and at the same time she swoon'd away in my Arms. After she was come to her self , Toussufs Letter and Ring , which Boul-Ester put into her hands , without being able to utter a Word , seem'd a certain Confirmation of the misfortune she had dreaded . Gulbeyaz did several times kiss those dear Pledges of her Lovers Affection ; she watered them with her tears , and hung the Ring at her Neck , to shew that she devoted her self to the Manes of what she loved . Then she remain'd for a while without speaking . Her face became red , and she burst out into such touching Complaints , as would have mov'd the most insensible to Compassion . And God knows how long she would have continued them , if they had not been interrupted by the coming in of her Companions , and which oblig'd Boul-Ester , to withdraw . The Constraint she put upon her self in curbing her transports , cast her into a new fit of a Feavour and that too so violent , that she could never have recover'd it , but for the happy News . I brought her the next day . Boul-Ester was no sooner got out of the Serrail , but that she ran to Youssufs Palace , where she expected the Confirmation of the Account of his Death . Joy succeeded to Sadness ; they told her that he not only breath'd but that he was perfectly recovered from the Condition she had left him in , and that the Pestilence having made its way thro' a great tumour under the Armpit , he was held to be out of Danger ; It was impossible however to speak to him as yet , but the Zealous Jewess without staying for that , return'd the next Morning as soon as she could , to impart to me this happy News . I fail'd not to acquaint Gulbeyaz with it , who would needs see Boul-Ester for certainty's sake . When she had no longer any reason to doubt of it , she put on a smiling Countenance , and we began from that Moment to perceive in her Eyes all the tokens of an approaching Recovery . Youssuf on his side no sooner saw his health so well restored as to permit him to bestow his Cares upon his Passion , but that he set his thoughts wholly upon securing to himself the Possession of his Mistress . In order to this he made his Address to Gulistan Kadun his Mother in Law , a Woman of Extraordinary Beauty , and an infinite Deal of Wit. She was the Daughter of Sultan Ibrahim , and by Consequence the Grand Signior Regnants Sister , but by another Mother than the Valide ; and his Highness according to his Custom of thus disposing of his Sisters and Daughters , had given this for a Second Wife to Mehemmed Seraskier Pacha , the Father of Youssuf , on the score of his vast Riches . She was still very young , and dwelt in a Serrail , in the Countrey since the Death of her Husband Mehemmed Pacha ; and as she had ever very much valued Youssufs Merit , and always retain'd a most peculiar regard for him , she immediately became affected at the Confidence he put in her , by imparting to her his Adventures , and promis'd to spare no manner of means that might tend to render him happy . She so earnestly besought the Valide , and the Grand Signior himself to bestow Gulbeyaz upon her as a Slave , for whom she had a mighty Inclination , without telling them her Design or Youssufs Passion , that she obtain'd her . Thus Gulbeyaz left the Serrail to go to Gulistan Kadun . This Generous Princess to shew the Grand Signior , and the Valide her Gratitude and Acknowledgment for their Present , and the Esteem she had for it , gave Gulbeyaz , as of her own accord , and with a rich Portion , to Youssuf-Bey , her Son in Law , who , as you may believe , found no reluctance in himself to give his consent to it , and thus did she take delight in uniting those two Lovers , whom we now know to enjoy all the Sweets and Comforts of a perfect Affection . Fatma thought she could not better end her History than in telling all her Companions that she wish'd the like happiness might befall them . They unanimously answer'd , Amin. This Cry having been heard by Tacham Sultan , and Bournaz Hatidge Sultan , made them send to inquire what was the matter . Fatma , who had with an admirable readiness of Wit a facetious jocund humour , went to tell them that having tun'd out a lay to their Prosperity , as it is commonly practic'd in the time of great Festivals , her Companions had answer'd all together , and with a zeal equal to her own , Amin. This Extremely pleas'd the two Sultana's , who to reward them distributed among them several pieces of Stuffs , Jewells , and other Gallantries . This is what the Old Jewess told me of the Adventures of the Beauteous Gulbeyaz . 'T was she who gave me an Exact Memorial of all the Selams I have made Fatma to rehearse in the relation of the fore-going History . What is left for me to do is to impart to the Reader the Testimonials I brought from Constantinople , both of the Common use of Selams , and of the Truth of the Story . ATTESTATIONS . HAving seen and Examined the Work of the Turkish Secretary , I have found nothing therein but what is conformable to the things whereof it treats , which I affirm thro' my having practis'd them my self , and seen them practis'd by the most Intelligent Persons in that matter . At Pera , lez Constantinople the Eighteenth day of April , 1681. Bekir Tchelebi , the Son of Hassan . Another from an Officer of the Artillery . AFter that the Mercifull Creator of the World had bless'd me so far as to suffer me to return from the Campagne of Cheherim , in company of many innumerable Legions of Soldiers faithfull to the Law of God , and Slaves , like me , of the Sovereign Emperour of Lands and Seas , King of Kings , Distributer of Crowns , Refuge , Azilum , and Protector of all Nations , who with the Dreadfull Mahometan Spear , whose Conduct he had confided to the piercing Eye and invincible Arm of the most High and most glorified Lord the Supreme V●zir Cara Mustafa Pacha , comes from tumbling into the Abyss of Hell , and from dethroning the Infidels from the Throne of Pride and Blasphemy , which they had scandalously erected to themselves in the inexpugnable Fortress of Cheherim , which we have subdued and reduced to Dust , putting to rout and in Confusion all the Infidels that had the temerity to go about to oppose the Exploits of the Tryumphant . After , I say , having seen with my own Eyes all these Prodigi●s which appertain only to the sole Nation of the True Believers by the Mercy and infinite Graces of the Almighty , and by the Merit of the Chief of the Prophets , I have recreated my self after the fatigues I underwent during that severe Campagne by an abode of near two years in the Center of Happiness and Pleasures , I mean the Excellent and Antient City of Constantinople , which is at this day , as it was at all times , the Principal and most worthy Subject of the Admiration of Mortals , and the Place of Residence of the most August and ever-victorious Family of the Ottomans , Head , Foundation , and Formidable Support of the Mussulman Law. I have employ'd my self in several Exercizes as well of the Body as of the Mind , but as among these latter I have m●t with none that have been more sensible to me than in the practice of the things of which the Turkish Secretary gives an Account as well real as succinct and diverting , I have found my self obliged without otherwise knowing the Author's Person in any manner , to give my Approbation to his Work , and to the History of Youssuf-Bey , which he has added thereu to , and which has made too much noise in this Country , for any Doubt to be harboured of it . This is what I affirm and certify by the Impression of my Seal . At Tophana of Constantinople the twenty nineth Day of March , One Thousand Six Hundred and Eighty . The Servant of those that fear God , Osman-Chorvadgi the Son of Cara Eyub , Another . We have examined the History of Gulbeyaz and her Lover , and the rest of the Work of the Turkish Secretary , according to the Report and just Interpretation that has been made to Us thereof . Wherefore We give it our Approbation . The humble Hatidge , the Wife of Hassan-Aga dwelling at Constantinople in the Quarter of Comcapi ; the poor Emine , Daughter of Suleiman Bey , in her House at Tophana ; the indigent Salhe , Wife granted to Mustafa Tchelebi , Son of Emir-Bektach , lodging at Scudaret , near the Grand Mosch ; Aiche , the slighted Wife of Abtelrahman-Bey , Son of Hussein , dwelling at Cassompacha , behind the Arsenal of the Gallies ; Alime , Nourou , and Rabbie , Wives of Kieur Ibrahim Pacha . The following Catalogue contains the Phrases which the Turks express in sending or in giving themselves the things that signify them . They would for example note to a Person , that he has the Power to dispose of them as he pleases ; they will find this thought in the Number 19. of the Catalogue , and then a Pear which is the Selam , or the thing which they must send to give to understand that one has the Power to dispose of them . Or if you send them Coal , they will seek in the Dictionary which is after the Catalogue for the word Coal , whose explication will be markt to them in the Catalogue by the Cypher 83. and they will find that it signifies , I consent to dye provided you ever enjoy a most happy Life . And the same with all the other things that may be sent or received , whether that there be but one alone or several together according to the more or less of what you have a mind to make known . It is also to be observed that to supply the things of which they shall have need , having them not at hand , they may write and send upon a bit of Paper just as many Cyphers as are in the Catalogue , as they would signify thoughts that should suit with them , which they would interpret in the usual manner of decyphering Letters , provided that each have a Book at his Elbow . CATALOGUE . 1. TO give to understand , We are both of the same mind , I approve very much of what you say , they must send an Ambrette Flowe , 2. I weep continually , but you make a mock of my tears . A Rose , either the Leaf or bit of the Rose-Tree . 3. I Swear to you that , &c. Jessemin , either Flower or Leaf . 4. You are a Flower , a Beauty beyond Compare ; a long long time have I lov'd you , without daring to let you know it . A Pink or the Stalk of a Pink. 5. The torments you make me suffer are the occasion that my Body is become as dry as a Tooth-pick . A Tulip . 6. Let me partake of your Carsses . A Violet . 7. You must surmount all the Obstacles that may interpose in your Designs . Liricumfancy . 8. I will in all occasions give you proofs that I am your Slave . A Narcissus . 9. Have a care that God do not punish you for the evil you may wish me , as I wish he may reward you for your good intentions . A Hyacinth . 10. I will do for you things which you your self shall be Witness of . A Lilly. 11. I 'le Answer to you for all Events . A Wind-Flower . 12. You must be perfectly Discreet . A Dazy . 13. The more pains we shall have , the more we shall relish Pleasures . A Tuberose . 14. We are cross'd by many People . The Flower Paunsy . 15. Let nothing trouble you . A Mary-Gold . 16. My Constancy is weakned by your InfidelIties . An Orange-Flower . 17. I know that you have sufficiently deceiv'd me . A Peach . 18. Don't think on me . An Apple . 19. You may dispose of me as you please . A Pear . 20. Pish ! Your making so much ado is but meer Fooling . A Quince . 21 Why do you torment me at this rate ? A Wallnut . 22. We are broke off . A Hasel-nut . 23 I was always in hopes you would have some kindness for me . The Kernel of à Nut. 24. Why are you so scornfull ? A Gallnut . 25. I am angry with you . A Pistacho . 26. Bestow some small favour upon us . A Cherry 27. I am quite spent with Anguish and D jection . A Plum. 28. I know how matters stand with you . A Pome-Citron . 29. May all the Mischiefs in the World over-whelm you . An Orange . 30. None has Compassion of Me. A Fig. 31. It is impossible to find any one that Excells you in Beauty and Goodness . An Apricock . 32. I am intoxicated and distracted with my Love. A Chessnut . 33. I very much fear that the Suspicion which People may have of our Concerns , will occasion their being fully detected . A Cowcumber . 34. You 'l never attain your Designs . A Date . 35. My Heart burns with Love. A Pomegranate . 36. Draw a little near us . A Sorb Apple . 37. I begin to perceive that if you grow Luke-warm , I shall grow indifferent . An Almond . 38. You have made me endure sufficiently . An Apple or slip of Cyprus . 39. Let your Inclination for me follow its own Dictates . A Jujube Plum. 40. I hope to see your Funeral . An Olive . 41. My Eyes , ( as one says my Heart , my Dear Soul ) A Green or Dry Grape . 42. Change abode to see us the more conveniently . Rosemary . 43. May God bestow you upon me . Mirrhe . 44. If you act sincerely , so much the better for you . Marjerom . 45. Leave off those ways of yours . Wild Time. 46. I will bring you up in my Bosome . Sweet Bazile . 47. Let 's Love with as much passion as sincerity , and let our Souls be inseparable . Mint . 48. Do you dwell by your self ? Parsley . 49. Your Slaves , Your Servants , are not they to be suspected ? Sorrel . 50. Inconstancy must be punish'd . Fennel . 51. If you study silly Evasions , you will find Numberless Difficulties . Lettice . 52. I assure you you are the most in the wrong in the World. Beats . 53. Let 's have Condescention for each other . Nettle . 54. Leave me , Perfidious Wretch . Ivy. 55. What reason can you have to authorize all you do against me ? Colewort . 56. Do but so much as once glance upon the unhappy Condition I am in . Woollen-Cloath . 57. I grow weary of your Importunities . Linnen . 58. Tell me where your House is ? Glaz'd-Callicoe , or Coarsc-Cloth . 59. We shall be together to morrow . Canvas . 60. Methinks you have droll'd sufficiently upon me . Velvet . 61. No Body vouchsafes to look upon me . Satin . 62. My Heart is theirs I Love. Tabby . 63. This Cheat suffices us . Taffety . 64. Your Love has fetter'd me . Cambrick . 65. I leave my Concerns to Destiny . Twisted Silk . 66. You have robb'd me of my very Senses . White Silk . 67. Agreeable Nightingale of my Bosom , who charms the Melancholly of my Soul. Rose-Colour'd-Silk . 68. Write me a Letter . Pearl-Colour'd-Silk . 69. I consent that you have your Revenge , your Turn . Issabella Silk . 70. We are fallen out . Grass-Green-Silk . 71. There 's no doing what is impossible . Seagreen-Silk . 72. You have chosen a Convenient Place . Gall-green-Silk . 73. You have taken my Liberty , take also my Soul. Cherry Colour'd Silk . 74. Know that you are the cause of my Torments . Peach-Flower Coloured Silk . 75. Rid your self of all ill People . Sulphur-Coloured Silk . 76. You must not think to use me so scornfully . Crimson-Coloured Silk . 77. Is there any Conscience in using us as you do . A Crimson-Violet Silk . 78. I am fall'n Extremely in Love. Blew-Silk . 79. Since that I love you I am hated and envyed by all the World. Violet-Silk . 80. Let 's Embrace . Yellow-Silk . 81. There 's a great Difference between your way of Loving and Mine . Musk-Silk . 82. I am ready to sacrifice my self for you . A Mirrour or piece of Glass . 83. I consent to dye provided you ever enjoy a very happy Life . A Coal . 84. Let 's lay our heads upon one and the same Pillow . A Stone . 85. I shall cost you a great deal . A Pistol or other piece of Gold. 86. I have not any proof of the sincerity of your Words . A Piece of Money of 5 pence value . 87. Take all due Courses to have me , and come to me . A piece of thres Aspres , or a three pence . 88. Keep always a good Understanding . An Aspre , or a Penny. 89. Don't engage us in a Difficult Bus'ness . Barley . 90. Precious Crown of all my Wishes . Hair. 91. Do not slight those that submit themselves to you in all . The Twig or Wood of a Vine . 92. My Face is like the Earth which is at your Feet ; my Submission to you is infinite . A Vine-Leaf . 93. You are a Treasure of Youth and Beauty . A Grape . 94. All my Riches are at your Disposal . Corral . 95. Let 's not let slip any occasion of improving our Pleasure as far as we are able . A Spoon . 96. Summons all your Wit together in your Head ; Recall all your Senses : do but reflect upon the Course you take . Box. 97. You kill me with laughing . A Pipe. 98. I love you even to Madness . White Wax . 99. D' ye consent to what is just and reasonable ? Aniseed . 100. Send me a certain Answer . Pepper . 101. Know that I love you . Ginger . 102. My Heart passionately desires you . Sugar . 103. Though you be cruel to me , I 'le be faithfull to you . Sugar-Candy . 104 : I suffer much , while you have only Pleasure . Nutmeg . 105. I 'le be at all the necessary Charge . Cinnamon . 106. D' you find in your self any kind Disposition for me . A Clove . 107. The Bow of your Love cannot draw , you are inflexible to my Entreaties . Wheat . 108. You are a perpetual inconstancy : You go from fair one to fair one . Bruised Wheat . 109. I am sensible to your Torments . Millet . 110. I have lost my Senses by loving you too much . A Pea. 111. Keep me in your Bosom . A great Bean. 112. Come to our house this Evening , I am wholly yours . A little Bean. 113. Will not all the Service I have done you in any wise avail ? A Leek . 114. Have a care how you expose us to Peoples railleries . Rice . 115. Answer me sincerely and without Affectation . Allum . 116. I desire you to pass a day at our House . Incense . 117. You 'l ruine us if you push on your Design . Sulphur , or a Match . 118. We go to the Bath to morrow . A Sweet-Ball . 119. Give me your Soul. Amber . 120. The Difficulties I start are the better to fix our concerns . Musk 121. You are the true Remedy of all my evils . Aloes Wood. 122. The Sun of my Life . A Sugar Cane , or Powder Sugar . 123. You are an Inconstant , you never keep your promise . Common Wood. 124. I in no wise consent to what you propose to me . Glass . 125. I suffer much for that we are at a distance from each other . A Comb. 126. I grow daily leaner and leaner , but your Plumpness does visibly augment . Iron . 127. Come to me . Copper or Lattin Wire . 128. It 's easy for you to deceive me . Pewter . 129. I must by all means have the honour of seeing you . Bread. 130. I only breath Revenge . Meal . 131. Come and see us when you have an opportunity . Porcelain . 132. I have undeniable proofs of your deceiving me , and of your Infidelity . Bone. 133. How d' you do ? Carpet-Work . 134. Think no more of your former Inclinations . Earth . 135. Come and see me to morrow . Brick or Tile . 136. I act with all possible Sincerity . Tobacco . 137. Is 't possible I 'me so unhappy as to have displeas'd you . Tow. 138. You have afforded me mighty satisfaction . Ivory . 139. I 'de fain speak with you . Cummin , a small black Grain . 140. I shall ever pride in being your Slave . Matt. 141. I desire nothing of you , and I abandon you to your Destiny . Straw . 142. Take me and carry me along with you . A Tooth-pick . 143. Wherein have I fail'd ? Packthread . 144. Have you need of Illustration ? Raw Thrid . 145. Take place in my Heart . Common Thrid . 146. I 'le stick t' ye as close as the Button to your Vest. A Needle . 147. The more violence you use , the less will you prevail upon my mind . A Pin. 148. Submit to no Body . A Button . 149. I advise you to suffer no longer for the Love of me . A Pen to Write . 150. Get at a distance from those that may perplex you . A Musket Match . 151. I beg of you to pardon me . Marble-Paper . 152. As long as I live I shall wish for nothing else . Linnen . 153. Don't trust in so many People . Paper . 154. All you urge to me as good Reasons , seems to me a meer Imposture ▪ Parchment . 155. If you have several Mistresses , it 's better to quit them all than to enjoy but one of them . Lime . 156. Turn not your Eyes from me , do not forsake me . Gold-Wire . 157. You are a Person that wears two Faces , you betray me . Gold twisted upon Silk . 158. Command me to dye and I am ready to do it . Cizzars . 159. If you reduce me to Despair , I shall commit some mad thing A Knife . 160. What reason have you to laugh so ? Soot . 161. You are a known Lyar. Spanish - Leather . 162. I have not yet sufficiently seen you , and I cannot sate my self with seeing you . A Spiders Web. 163. Come and dwell with us . Cotton . 164. Your Absence kills me , and the Difficulties of seeing you plunge me into Despair . Wool. 165. I should never have thought this of you . Wadd . 166. My Eyes dissolve into tears . Antimony . 167. You have reduced me into a perpetual Languishment . Soap . 168. Come hither , Fair Maid . Mastic . 169. Let 's see one another sometimes . Garlick . 170. Never speak to me , you appear hideous to me . Onion . 171. It 's a very hard matter to find you . A Radish , or bit of Radish . 172. Remember to keep your word . Spunge . 173. Pity me once at least . A Sprigg of Broom . 174. Rustical , Inhumane , Salvage , Cruel . Humain Nail . 175. You 've forgot those happy Moments , when you took delight in listening to my Addresses , and in indulging them . Marble . 176. If Fidelity dies in you , I 'le produce Inconstancy in my self ; If you change me , I 'le change you . White Iron . 177. In giving my self to you , I have robb'd my self of my-self . Yellow Wax . 178. I could not find out where you dwell . A Nail . A Dictionary of Flowers , Fruits , Stuffs , and all other things that may be sent to express the thoughts that are contained in the foregoing Catalogue . A AN Almond . 37. Aloes Wood. 121. Alum . 115. Amber . 119. Ambrette-flower . 1. Anis , 90. Antimony . 167. Apple . 18. Apple of Cyprus . 38. Apricock . 31. B BRoom , or bit of a Broom . 174. Button , 149. Brick . 135. Box-Wood , 96. Bean , Great Bean. 111. Bean , Little Bean , 112. Barley , 89. Bone , 133. Bread , 129. Brimstone , 117. Brimstone-Match , 117. C CArpet , 133. Cambresine , 84. Canvas , 59. Corn , 107. Corn , Beaten or Malted , 108. Cinamon , 105. Cherry , 26. Coal , 83. Chesnut , 32. Colewort , 55. Cyprus-Wood , 38. Cizars , 159. Cowcumber , 33. Colours , see Silk . Corral , 94. Cotton , 164. Cloth , 56. Cloves , 106. Comb , 125. Cobweb , 163. Crows-toe , or Jacint . 9. Cummin , 140. D DAce-fruit , 34. Dazy-flower , 12. E EArth . 134. F FEnnel , 50. Fig , 30. Franckinsence , 116. G GOld-Wyre , 157. Garlick , 170. Gall-Nut , 24. Glazed-Callicoe , 58. Glass , or breaks of a Glass , 124. Ginger , 101. Grain of Raisin , 93. Gold & Silk Thread , 158. Gold Money , See piece of Gold. H HAir , 90. Hirse , or Millet , 109. I IVory , 139. Iron , 126. Iron , or Lattin-Wire , 127. Jacint , or Crows-Toe , a Flower , 9. Jasmin , 3. Jujubes-fruit , 39. Ivy , 54. K KNife , 160. L LIne of Flax , 153. Line of Tow , mixt together , 138. Lilly , 10. Lime , 156. Lemond , 28. Lettice , 51. Looking-Glass , 82. Liricumfancy , 7. Lentil , 113. Linnen Cloth , 57. Leafs of Vine , 92. M MArble , 176. Marjerom , 44. Marygold , 15. Marbled Paper , 152. Mastick , a Sweet-Gumm , 169. Mint , 47. Mat , 141. Match , 117. Meal , 104. Millet , or Hirse , 109. Mony of Gold , See piece of Gold. Musk , 120. Myrtle , 43. N NAil , Finger Nail , 175. Nail , or Spicker , 179. Narcissus , 8. Needle , 147. Nettle , 33. Nutmeg , 104. O OLive , 40. Onion , 171. Orange , or bit of Orange-Tree , 29. Orange-flower . 16. Ordinary Wood , 123. P PAck thread , 144. Paper , 154. Parchment , 155. Parsley , 48. Paunsy-flower , 14. Peach , 17. Pear , 19. Pearl , 93. Pease , 110. Pen , or Quill to write with , 150. Penny , See piece of a Penny. Pepper , 100. Perry , Drink . 52. Pewter , 128. Piece of Gold Money , or bits of Gold , 85. Piece of 5 pence , 86. Piece of 3 pence , 87. Piece of a penny , 88. Pin , 148. Pink-flower , 4. Pipe , 97. Pistacho , 25. Pistol , a Gold Pistol , 85. Plum , 27. Pomegranate , 35. Porcelain , 131. Powder-Sugar , 122. Q QUill to Write with , or Pen. 150. Quince , 20. R RAdish , 172. Raisin , 41. Raw ( or Undyed ) Thread , 145. Rice , 114. Rose , 2. Rosemary , 42. Running ( or creeping ) Thyme , a Sweet Herb , 45. S SAttin , 61. Scent ( or Sweet ) Ball , 118. Silk of Blew Colour , 78. Silk of Cherry Colour , 73. Silk of Crimson Purple Colour , 77. Silk of Gall green Colour , 72. Silk of Isabella Colour , 69. Silk of Musk Colour , 81. Silk of Peach-flower Colour , 74. Silk of Pearl Colour , 68. Silk of Red Colour , 76. Silk of Rose-Colour , 67. Silk of Sea-green Colour , 71. Silk of Sulphur ( or Brimstone-Colour , 75. Silk , that is twisted , 65. Silk of Violet , ( or common Purple ) Colour , 79. Silk of White Colour , 66. Silk of Yellow Colour , 80. Silk of Young-Grass-green Colour , 70. Small-nut , 22. Small-nut , without shell , 23. Soap , 168. Soot , 161. Sorb Apple , 36. Sorrel , 49. Spanish-Leather , 162. Spoon , 95. Spunge , 173. Stone , 84. Straw , 142. Sugar , 102. Sugar-Candy , 103. Sulphur , 117. Sweet-Bazil , 46. T TAbby , 62. Taffeta , or Sarsenet , 63. Thread , 146. Thread , undyed Thread , 145. Tile , 135. Tin , 177. Tobacco , 136. Tooth-pick , 143. Tow , 137. Tow and Line-Wax mixt together , 138. Tubereuse-flower , 13. Tulip , 5. Twigs , Vine-Wood , 91. Twisted Silk , See Silk . V VElvet , 60. Vine-Leaf , 92. Vine-Wood , 91. Violet-flower , 6. W WAd , 166. White-Wax , 98. Wind-flower , 11. Wood , Common Wood , 123. Y YEllow-Wax , 178. After having shewn you in Gulbeyaz History , the strict manner of confining Women in the Serrail , I thought that the Turkish Secretary could not well dispense himself from giving you some knowledge of the place where they spend their Life , though it is no easie matter to attain to such knowledge of it as is certain . For indeed people never go thither to make their Court , nor do they attend at the Sultana's Toilets . Nevertheless I cannot but flatter my self that I have got very exact Instructions as well from the Eunuchs and Bostangies that were my Friends , and shew'd me the accessible parts of the Serrail , as from several Jewish Women , and others that have been in its most impenetrable parts , or who have exactly learnt what is there done from the Sultana's themselves that had been taken out thence to be put into the Old Serrail after Sultan Ibrahim's Death . As I as well sifted as frequented these various Acquaintances with more ease and convenience than any other could have done during seven years continual abode in Constantinople , and having the Turkish Tongue in pretty good perfection , I would give an ample and large description of all I could be inform'd of even to the least circumstances , if I was not willing to spare the Reader the repetition of what so many others before me have written upon the matters of Turky , and particularly Monsieur Tavernier , and Monsieur de la Croia , formerly Secretary of the Embassy at Constantinople in his Memoirs . Wherefore I shall now only dwell upon the secrets I could attain to , concerning the Sultana's and Women that serve them . Of the Women Of the Serrail in general , and of the Sultana's that have partaken in the favours of the Emperour . THE Harem , or Women's Apartment , is divided into several Chambers , where they are separated and kept with extreme Regularity . All the Maidens , there confined , ought to have been taken in Countries Enemies to the the Ottomans , as Poland , Russia , Moscovy , Circassia , Mingrolia , and others . The Turks , Greeks and Armenians , Subjects of the Grand Signior may not be confined there , and His Highness cannot without Adultery admit them to the Imperial Bed , unless he has married them , which is contrary to the Laws of the Empire , which forbid the Sultans to ally themselves , or in any wise share the Soveraign Power with Women , but permits them to have as many Slaves as they think convenient . Those Emperours have rather chosen to take this course , and this reason is said to have obliged Sultan Murad to cause an Armenian Woman to be strangled , with whom he was desperately in Love , because that she being become with Child , he was oblig'd to execute through a Devoir of Religion what the Law of the Empire forbad him . And thus was he constrain'd to make his Love give way to Reason , so to avoid a popular Commotion , which might have drawn on his Ruin. The Dorters where those Unvoluntary Virgins dwell are long and spacious Chambers . There are great Scaffolds on each side , and separations of Curtains that are drawn by day , and by night form a kind of Bed. They are two and two in each little Apartment , lye by themselves , and their Beds are parted by that of the Eunuch who looks to and serves them . The Mattresses , Cushions and Quilts , which are very fine do by day make the Ornament of the place : At their rising they are obliged to range them in form of Sofa , where they work in the day time . Besides the Eunuchs , there are ten or twelve old Women in each Chamber , who have an eye to the Conduct of these young Women , who are watcht as exactly as if they were Nuns . These old Women are called Boula ' , their Functions consist in instructing the New-comers in the particular Exercises , and all the good Grace and Breeding of the Serrail . They have their Sofa at the further ends of the Chambers , whence they see all that passes there . They rigorously chastise those Maidens upon the least fault , and have no more Indulgence for this fair Sex , than the white Eunuchs have for the Pages . Each Chamber has its particular Officers . The Odabachi commands all the rest ; she wears three Poniards at her side , which distinguish her , and shew her Authority . The Bulukbachi's are a sort of Female Brigadieres , and govern a number of Maidens , and wear a Heron's top in their Head-gear which denote their Character . All these Maidens are Virgins ; and generally perfectly well taught before they are introduc'd into the Serrail . The Jews buy them very young , have them learn'd to Dance , Sing , Embroider , and other things capable of pleasing , and sell them for considerable sums to the Pacha's and other Lords who present them to the Sultan . He sees them all at their coming in , and appoints them what Chamber he pleases , or sometimes he sends them to some one of his Favourites . It is the greatest Misfortune that can befal a Maiden to enter into the service of a Sultana ; not but that their Mistresses Love and Caress them : They raise them up to Places about them , and bestow great advantages upon them : But unluckily the more they render themselves worthy of the Sultana's kindnesses , the less worthy are they of those of the Grand Signior ; the years they consume in acquiring the favour of the Ladies , wear out the brightness of their Beauty , and all that might render them recommendable to the Sultan . His Highness maintains them ; They have two Habits a year furnish'd by the Treasury , and their food comes out of his Kitchin. Besides this they have twenty five Aspers Pay a day for their small Expences , and Liberalities from time to time . Their hours are regulated as well as those of the Pages . They rise very early to pray , they go not to the Mosch , One of the ancientest of them says Prayers . These old Women are Otourak or Veteranes . They are Maidens that being past the Age of Marrying , devote themselves absolutely to the service of the Serrail , and renounce going thence ; their Pay is augmented , and they mount to the Places of the Chamber . Their daily Occupation after Prayers and Breakfast , is teaching to Read and Write ; which they do with great success . The other hours are appointed for Handy-works , Embroidering , Sowing and Spinning . They are not suffer'd to talk . They eat with as much frugality and modesty as silence . They are ten to each Dish . One of them has the care of laying the Cloth , of going to receive the Meat from the Eunuchs hands , to whom the Zulufli Balt adgis give them , and to wash the Dishes ; this is the Office of the Last-comer . They have no other pleasure than that which they take at the Meetings and Assemblies which the Grand Signior causes to be held for his Diversion . If this Emperour goes to any of his Pallaces either by Land or Sea , he ever takes along some Favourite and Maids . They hang Cloths eight foot high on each side the way , from the Door of the Womens Apartment to the Coaches or Galliotts : The Bostangi's hold them behind , and the Women pass without being seen . The Eunuchs are very careful to shut close up the Boots and Doors of the Coaches , and to keep at the Cabbin Doors of the Galliots , to which the Rowers turn their backs . The Grand Signior does very often go out with them into the Gardens , and in that case a Halvet is made , that is to say , Prohibitions against any Man's coming as near as sight can distinguish an Object . If it be at Constantinople , Guards are plac'd both by Land and Sea. Nay , even those are forbidden that cry in the Moschs near that place where the Halvet is to mount into the Minurets for fear the height of those Towers might occasion the discovering of something ; and if through imprudence any one should mount them , and that he was perceiv'd by the Eunuchs , who with Prospective-Glasses look on all sides , there would be no Pardon for him . While the Sultan reposes in some Arbour or Grotto with his Favourites , the Maids run , leap and play a thousand Apish Tricks , to divert him , and inspire him with Love. They horribly plague the Eunuchs , who are armed with Bows and Arrows to shoot at the first unhappy wretch that should have the curiosity to peep : They pull off their Turbants , which they throw into the water , and often tread them themselves under foot , as well out of Revenge for the severity of those Monsters , as to make the Sultan laugh . A Maid having been for several years in the Serrail , and seeing no likelyhood of Fortune for her with the Grand Signior ; or the Sultanesses , may request the favour of going out and marrying ; she presents a short Petition to his Highness , who does not refuse it , and if the Sultaness bears her any good will , or that the Maid has , as we say , Friends at Court , she has a Dowry given her ; they make her her Bundle , they give her Jewels , which she joyns to all she had been able to get during her abode in the Serrail by her Pay , her Industry , and the Emperours Liberalities . Till then they keep from the Maids all the precious Stones and other Jewels which they have been able to purchase , and leave them only what pleases the Sultan ; but they precaution themselves by sale , and by sending them underhand to some one to keep them . If any one on the contrary is so unhappy as to have displeas'd the Grand Signior , or any Favourite , or that she has committed some other fault , they turn her not away as they do a Page , but they banish her to the old Serrail , where the has leisure to deplore her misfortune . The Turks call this Chastisement Surgan , Banishment , Exile . Those who die in the Serrail without Relations , which is common , since they are Slaves from all sorts of Nations , have for their Heiress the Sultaness they serve , if not , their things are sold , and the money thence arising is put into the Treasury of the Chamber . The Accession of an Emperour to the Throne is immediately followed with Presents from all the great Lords , who amongst other things chuse out the handsomest Maidens they can find , that so if haply some one should have Charms sufficient to engage their Sultan , He that presented her may have a powerful Protection , and a continual Advocate with him . The generality of those great Officers do extreamly want such a Protection to shelter themselves from the Tempests , which the Complaints of their Justices do often bring down upon their heads . All those who partake in the Grand Signior's Favours , and are admitted to the Imperial Bed ; are not thereby Hasseki or Favourites : This is a Title which is only conferr'd upon those that have had Children , the others are barely stiled Odalik , Chamber-Maids or Concubines . The Hasseki and the Odalik have all their Trains , and as many Slaves as they need to serve them . Their happiness is annexed to the Emperour's Life , and the Quality of Mistress procures them considerable Offerings and Presents , but after his Death they are sent to the Old Serrail , where they bewail the loss of their former Fortune . The Sultaness-Queen only who is become Valide , staies in the Serrail with the Emperour her Son. If these Sultanesses , who are confined in this honourable Prison have Male-Children , they remain perpetually with a double Anguish occasion'd by the absence of their Children , that are kept in the Serrail , and whom they are in a continual fear of losing , through a cursed Custom , which , however , has begun to be more moderate since Sultan Ahmet . There is but one sole thing which flatters their Ambition , and which a little mollifies the Anguish of their Exile , that is , the hopes of seeing their Son mount the Throne by some unexpected hit , and to become Valide . The Daughters of the Emperour Dead or Deposed , that are not married , follow the Fortune of their Mothers , whom they accompany to the Old Serrail . This change of Residence neither changes their Quality nor Train : The manner of Living is equal , they keep their Eunuchs and their Slaves , and the Grand Signior takes care to marry them and give them Portions . If the Sultanesses that have no Children are still so-so young , and that having had the sense to avail themselves of His Highnesses Liberalities , they have scrap't up Wealth , they are at liberty to Marry again , so to free themselves from that perpetual Prison ; nay , and the Sultan obliges the Pacha's to Marry them , which they avoid as much as they can , by reason that the like Matches render them the Slaves of those Princesses who pretend that the Quality of Widdows of an Emperour renders them Mistresses , and that they do such men a great deal of Honour , whom a harsh necessity of obeying has made their Husbands . Of the Valide , Mother of the Grand Signior Mahomet the 4th . A Story concerning her . VAlide Sultan , Mother of the Grand Signior , is a Quality which makes that Princess to be considered both within and without the Serrail , and all the Sultanesses Honour and Respect her , by reason she has commonly a great Influence over her Son. She has a separate Apartment where she is serv'd by the Eunuchs , and by her own Slaves , and a Pallace in the City where her Intendant Lodges , and a world of considerable Officers , who are encharg'd with the gathering in of her Revenues , and with her Expences , both within and without the Serrail . Haznadar Boula , the Principal Officeress of this Sultaness , is her Treasuress , taking care of her Money , Jewels , and most precious Attire ; she commands five Maids that are appointed to help her . Okomich Boula is she who reads and writes , and she holds the second rank among the Sultaness's Maids . Tchamachir Boula is the Laundress , she has the Direction of the Linnen , and those Maids under her . The Intendant of the Bath , the Rubber , the Dresser , the Mistress of Ceremonies , whose Function is to serve at Table , the Intendant of the Offices , the Keeper of the Gold and Silver Plate wherein the Sultaness eats , and she who prepares the Coffee , and gives to wash , are the most considerable of all the Maids that are Attendants of this Princess . They are ever with her , and compose the Haz Oda , that is to say , the Chamber . The others endeavour to render themselves worthy to fill the Places that fall . As soon as the Sultaness is awake , they throw over her shoulders a Furred Night-gown , and they give her to wash in a golden Bason and Ewer . She saies her Prayers and Dresses . Her Winter Cloths and Drawers are of Broccard of Gold , those for Summer are of Musseline : She wears a Girdle and Bracelets of Massy Gold enriched with Jewels : Her Head-gear called Selam Takie , is a round thing of Past-board in the form of a Plate covered with Cloth of Gold , beset with Pearls and Jewels ; it is plac'd upon the top of her Head , sloaping a little upon the front . Her Hair is hid under a Musseline Scarf , embroidered with Gold , and adorned with a Garland of Jewels , with which they surround her Head. Pearls are not us'd about the Neck , they make them accompany the Face , they hing on the sides of the Cheeks in the form of a Demy-Circle , and they are fastened by Roses of Diamonds and Emeraulds . Her Shooing is of white Spanish Leather , enriched with Gold ; the little Slippers are of the same Matter and Work. The Sultaness Breakfasts after she is drest . The great Bason , the little Dishes , and the Banquette on which they rest , are of Gold. The Repast consists of new laid Eggs done in a Chaffindish , Pitty-patties , and boiled Chickens serv'd up in their Broth. The Grand Signior does in the morning send the Treasuress with a How d' ye to the Sultana ; then he visits her himself , ( at least this was Mahomet the fourth's Custom ) she affects such a Gravity , and the Sultan so great a Respect , that he does not sit till his Mother has entreated him three times so to do . He mounts upon the state , and takes his place upon the Carpet that is spread . He sits upon his Knees and Heels without any Cushion , having his Vest close wrapt up , which is the mark of the greater submission . He informs her of what he is to do that day . Coffee is brought , the Sultaness takes it first , and when the Emperour is upon withdrawing , he kisses his Mothers hand ▪ asks her Blessing , and she accompanies it only with a nod of her Head. After the Grand Signior's gone , the Kizlar-Aga asks leave to come in , and though he has full power in the Womens Apartment , he would not dare to shew himself if he were not introduced by the Treasuress . He informs this Sultana Dowager of all that passes : He presents her the Requests with which he is encharg'd concerning that Princess's own Affairs , about the Disposal of Places that are in her Appanage , the renting of her Lands , or the Complaints that are brought against her Officers , on which she consults with this Black Intendant , who sends back the Requests with the Sultaness's Deliberations to the Kiahia to have them executed . This Kiahia , or Intendant abroad , is a great Lord considered by his Mistress , and though all his care be to look after the receiving the Revenues , and to pay upon the Sultaness's Orders , yet is he in great Credit with her . For the most part they chuse some powerful Man to officiate this Place . His Houshold is compos'd of an Intendant , a Secretary , a Treasurer , sixty Itchoglans or Pages , ten Aga's or Gentlemen , of a Hodgia , a Preceptor , Chaplain , a Steward , and twelve Blacks for his Womens Guard. These Aga's and other Principal Officers have each of them three Servants . He has thirty Grooms , and three hundred Horses for his own service , and that of his People . He is oblig'd to give four Meals a year to his Mistress at the end of every three Months : She presents him , besides the Charges of the Houshold , with 1200 Sequins for each Meal , which are about three thousand Crowns . This Occupation for the Regulation of her Affairs , employs her till Dinner , which is dress'd in the Grand Signior's Kitchin. The Zulufly Baltadgis goes to take the Dishes , and carry them to the Eunuchs , who put them into the Female Officers hands . These Dishes of green Porcelain , with great Covers of White Iron covered with Red-Spanish-Leather , are wrapt up in Clothes and sealed . The Sultaness does never in eating put her finger to the Dish , her Carver does it , and serves it to her in golden Plates . Her Principal Female Officers eat after her what comes from her Table , and the other Slaves live on the Remnants of these former . The Sultanesses Repast is seasoned with the Divertisement of She-singers , Dancers and Buffoons , who continue it till after Dinner , and with that of reading some History or a Chapter in the Alcoran . The Sultana-Queen does commonly about that time go to pay her Devoirs to her Mother-in-law . This Visit is as full of Ceremony and Respect as is that of the Sultan : They are not wanting however to divert themselves in Songs and Dances ; Coffee , Sorbet and Perfumes are given to the Sultanesses , being the common Entertainments , but they very rarely eat together . It is the Custom to sup betimes , and they reserve their fruits to eat them before they go to Bed ; they eat them pill'd and cut into pieces . The Sultaness's Bed is a Cotton Quilt , and Musseline Sheets : The upward one is sow'd to a Coverlid of Gold-Broccard , more or less heavy according to the season . This Bed is surrounded with Cushions and Curtains fasten'd to the Cieling , which they raise or let down like to a Field-bed . A great Flambeau of Wax burns all the night in the midst of the Chamber in a Candlestick of Massy-Gold , enriched with Jewels . Eight Maids are on the Guard at the foot of the Bed. There are as many at her Chamber-door , who lie upon Carpets and have only a plain Coverlet over their backs . The Valid● has eight female Itchoglans clothed like Men with Vestments button'd from the neck to the waste , and Sleeves close at the wrist : Their Head-gear is a long Bonnet border'd with Sable : They have a Ponyard by their side like the Grand Signior's Pages . This Princess's setled . Revenue is four hundred thousand Crowns , the casual is much more considerable . The Presents which the Tributary Princes continually make , as also those who are willing to share in the Imploys of the Empire by the Credit of this Princess , do extraordinarily augment her Income , which she cannot exhaust by the Subsistence and Maintenance of those that serve her within and without ▪ seeing it is the Grand Signior who is at all these Expences . Thus it is only Extraordinaries , and little petty Expences that draw her Purse . These Princesses most commonly heap up Treasures to be imployed in Pious works , if not , all these Riches return to the Emperour . Tachan Sultan , the Mother of Sultan Mahomet the 4th . who lately was depos'd , died about five years ago , but before her death caused a magnificent Mosch to be built . She had almost an absolute Power over her Son , who respected and honoured her really : She was a Muscovite , a little lean , and markt with the small Pox , her Eyes blew , her Complexion fair , and her Hair , which the Turks love best , inclining to reddish : Her Wit was nice and piercing , and she made good use of it for the keeping the Empire to her Son during his Nonage . The Tartars took her when she was but twelve years old . But she had the good luck , that having been sold and presented to the Serrail at Sultan Ibrahim's Accession to the Empire , she pleas'd him . He lay with her , had Sultan Mahomet by her , and she was declared Hasseki . It happened some time after that Tachun Sultan , who was then Sultana-Queen , passing by a Fruit-man's shop in Constantinople , and curiosity putting her upon viewing thorow the Lettice of her Coach what pass'd in the Street , she by chance cast her Eyes upon a young Boy of thirteen years old , handsom enough that was in that Shop : His Master , who had a very great love for him , and had bought him for a hundred and fifty Crowns , had at the very first taken care to have him Circumcised , and to Cloath him pretty neatly according to his condition of a Slave : Nay , he left to his care the Management of his Traffick . The sight of this young Slave , called Youssuf , did so very much affect the Sultaness , that having caus'd her Coach to stop on pretence of buying fruits , she caus'd him to approach , and having view'd him nearer at hand , she order'd the Kizlar-Aga to carry him to the Serrail . Youssuf was in no small peck of troubles , and did more than a little regret his being taken from that shop , where he lived very well satisfied with his Slavery , and in that he had gain'd his Patrons good will. He was extreamly in pain to think what they meant to do with him , and whatever he could imagine , he thought of nothing less than of what was to befal him . I tormented my self , said he one day to one of his Friends , who told me the story , I was afraid , I intreated them to let me go ; I askt pardon , thinking I was accused of some great Crime , and I should have rather chosen to have been in my shop , than in the Serrail . In short , he confess'd his having been much more griev'd at his being thus taken away , than at his having been made a Slave . The Sultaness was no sooner return'd to the Serrail , but that she had him brought into her presence , question'd him about the place of his Birth , the name of his Parents and his Age , and askt him particularly if he had not a Sister , and a mark in his Body ; He answer'd pat to all these questions , that he had a Sister that had been taken by the Tartars some years before him , and that he himself was markt in the side by having been bitten by a Wolf. Joy interrupted the course of these Interrogations ▪ The Sultaness found him to be her Brother , and Caress'd him to the highest Degree imaginable . This news was immediately spread about the Serrail , and came to Sultan Ibrahim's Ears , who at the same time sent him a Vest of Samour , which is as much as to say Sable . The Empress caus'd him to be cloath'd ; and gave him in charge to the Kislar-Aga . He continued some days in the Serrail , during which they prepared one for him , adorning and providing it with all things necessary to while away Life pleasantly . All the great Lords made him Presents to please the Sultaness , and He that but a little before was a Slave , and had bounded his Fortune in having a little Fruit-shop , saw himself in a stately Palace surrounded with Domestiques , Slaves and great Men , who make their Court to him , and throng him with Offerings . The Sultaness procured him an Arpalix , or Appanage of five and twenty thousand Crowns Revenue , which is the recompence of those that having done good services to the Empire , are become uncapable of continuin● them by being deep stricken in years . This wa● the most stable settlement for Youssuf Aga , and the most suitable to his Inclination , and the Tranquillity of his Spirit . His Sister could have rais'd him to the highest Dignities of the Empire ; but she had then expos'd him to the jealousie of the Viziers , who endeavour to ruin those who have over much credit with the Sultan , whereas Youssuf is cherish'd by all his Ministers , who respect him , and pay him the same honours as to Pacha's , though He has not any Place nor other Quality than of Aga , which barely signifies Lord. Besides this Revenue , the Grand Signior furnishes him with all things necessary for his Maintenance , and that of his Domestiques , and the Sultaness while she liv'd gave him fifteen Purses a Month , for fear that after her Death some Sultan out of Caprice might withdraw his Revenue , and deprive him of the means of subsisting . The Sultaness rewarded her Brothers Patron . Besides the Price of his Redemption , she sent a Gift of a thousand Crowns , and caus'd a Pension of forty pence a day to be assigned him upon the Customs . Youssuf Aga often saw the Grand Signior during his Nonage , but has not seen him since . He frequently visited his Sister Incognito , and secretly . Not but that the Sultaness was permitted to see her Brother when she pleased , and the Law authoriz'd it , but they took this course rather out of Policy , and not to give a scandal to the people . He lives as a private Person , at least if he be not dead within these two years , and his greatest pleasure is to spend the Summer and Autumn in Tents in a great Meadow full of Springs , which terminate the Port of Constantinople . He employs his time in Reading , and diverts himself with seeing his Itchoglans Mount his Horses , and Dart the Javelin . One may by this Adventure observe the Caprices of Fortune , which in various manners shew themselves throughout the whole World. It 's most surprizing effects are seen in Turky where we find Countrey Girls become Queens , Princesses ; Slaves , and Men of the lowest Birth rais'd in a moment to the highest Dignities of the Empire . Of the Sultana-Queen , Hasseki-Sultan . THE Quality of Hasseki-Sultan , Sultana-Queen , is commonly conferr'd on Her that brings forth the first Male-child ; all the rest , though they have Children , are barely called Hassek Favourites , and the addition of Sultan is only due to the Queen , and makes a particular distinction of the Mother of the Presumptive Heir from the other Favourites . Nor does any besides her wear the Diadem and Imperial Badge . It is a little Crown enrich'd with Jewels , fasten'd upon a Velvet Bonnet , fac'd with Sables . The Hasseki-Sultan is not only considerable because she represents the Empress , but also because that being the Mother of the Presumptive Heir of the Empire , she is lookt upon as a future Validé . All that I have said of the Valide , is to be understood of the Sultana-Hasseki , only the Revenues are somewhat less . This Sultana-Hasseki did in the late Reign much ballance the others Credit , which occasion'd Jealousie in the Valide , but the Sultana-Queen was oblig'd to dissemble , that she might not displease the Grand Signior , who would have taken his Mothers part against his Favourite . I have not yet heard who are the Sultanesses of Soliman the third , who was lately proclaimed Emperour , but his Brother Mahomet's Principal Hasseki , called Guveche Sultan , was a present of the deceased Valide ; she was given to her by Bournaz Hatidge Sultan , Sister to Sultan Murad : She is thirty six years old or thereabouts , beautiful , and prettily shap'd , though little , fair complexion'd , though her visage is a little long , blew Eyes , and Chesnut colour'd Hair : She has a great deal of Wit , with an extraordinary gay and jocund humour , which gave her an inconceivable Ascendant over the Grand Signior , whom she govern'd absolutely , and often through her Intrigues were the most considerable Officers of that Empire made and destroyed . She has had four Children , two Princes , and two Princesses . Guveche Sultan was jealous to the highest degree of his Highness's favours . She lov'd rather he should caress his Male Minions , than his Female Darlings , for fear they should ravish her of what she carefully cultivated , and she hindred , as far as in her lay , Amours prejudicial to her Credit and Repose . And of this I will here give two Examples which have made sufficient noise . The Valide could in no wise bear with Guveche Sultan's Arrogance , as aiming to stand Candidate with her for the Authority . She was afraid that the Absolute Empire which the Hasseki had over the Grand Signior , might occasion some disaster to the Princes his Highness's Brothers , the design of whose Ruine she might have insinuated into him , the better to secure to her Son the Succession of the Empire , and to her self the Quality of Queen-Mother , which might have happen'd in these last disorders of Constantinople . This apprehension induc'd the Valide to contrive the preservation of the two Princes whom the Soldiery had committed to her Guard , particularly Soliman at present upon the Throne , for whom she was suspected , to have a little too much affection . She judg'd convenient to counterballance the Love the Emperour had for the Sultana-Queen , that so she might lessen her Credit , and by this means divert the storm which menac'd the Head of the two Sultans . A Present had been made her of a Circassian Slave , very beautiful , well educated , and well instructed in all the exercises that a Maid is capable of . The Grand Signior going one day , after his usual manner , to pay a Visit to his Mother , she told him , that a Maid had been given her equally beauteous , graceful and knowing . The particularizing so many merits forthwith inflam'd the Sultan , and gave him the curiosity to see her . The Valide , the better to cover her Intention , oppos'd this desire of his , on pretence that he would , perhaps , deprive her of a Maid , that was her whole diversion , but pretending compliance upon the Assurance he gave her , that he would not take her away , she had her call'd into the presence . The young Slave being well instructed by the Valide and the Old-woman , and egg'd on with Ambition to see her self rais'd in a little time to a station which all others aspire to , and for which they sigh in vain almost all their life long , made it her whole study to inspire Love into the Emperour by her gayety , facetiousness and gallantries . Happy was the success , the Sultan fell into the Trap , and nothing perplex'd him so much as the promise he had pass'd to his Mother of not depriving her of her Slave , whose Charms and Merits he so highly extoll'd ; so that the Valide seeing the Affair at the point she had desired it , offer'd her to her Son , who express'd to her a large sense of gratitude , and thus she satisfied the desire she had of traversing the Sultana-Queen's repose , she knowing nothing of all that pass'd . The change of Apartment , and the preparing a Train for a new Mistress , gave the Sultana-Queen no small matter of disturbance , Jealousie forthwith possess'd her , she made great complaints to the Sultan , curs'd the Validé , and her Passion proceeded so far as reproaches of the Love the Validé had for Sultan Soliman , to the prejudice of her own Son. She said the Validé's design was to dethrone him and introduce another in his stead , whose Mother she was not , and to enjoy at the same time the favours of him she loved , and the pleasure of seeing him Reign . The Sultaness after this caus'd the young Slave to be brought to her , and cruelly misus'd her , which put the whole Women's Apartment into a Hub-bub ; but the Grand Signior having had notice of it , caus'd his new Mistress to be remov'd to the Serrail of Chataldge ; which is in the Neighbourhood of Constantinople , and went thither to recreate himself with another Pleasure after the Fatigues of Hunting . The Empress perceiving it to be a remediless mischief ▪ fear'd lest the increase of the Sultan's new Passion might make her totally lose her credit , which was already much diminish'd . She fancied it her best course to sooth the Emperour in his new Inclination , and let him know that her extravagance was an effect of the passionate Love she had for him ; that , nevertheless , she was minded to Sacrifice her private Interest to his Highnesses Pleasure , and that she should be fully satisfied did she but know that Prince to be content . The Artifice sped . Whether that the Sultan's Passion that had been augmented by the Sultaness's jealousie , was diminish'd by her feign'd indifference , or that really he very little minded all these Women , which is most likely , he went again after his usual rate to the Hasseki Sultan , whom the news of her Rivals being with Child did strangely torment . Yet was she forc't to dissemble , and curb her Spirit for fear of spoiling all , and wait the success of the others lying in , who happily for her had a Daughter at Baba in Bulgaria while that the Grand Signior was in his Carminiek Expedition , and this did more than a little solace her . She was very much afraid of her having a Son , which would have confirm'd her in the Grand Signior's Affection , who had designed this young Sultaness his Daughter for the Grand Vizier Cara Mustafa Pacha . He was to have married her at his return from the Siege of Vienna , if he had taken the Place , and if it had not been his ill fate to have perish'd at Belgrade . The other example of the Sultaness's jealousie is fresh , seeing the thing pass'd within these four years . Custom will have it that the Grand Viziers at their Accession to the Ministry make Presents to the Emperour . Cara Ibrahim Pacha , the Successor of Mustafa , who had been newly strangled , among other Oblations he made to his Highness , presented him with a young Polish Slave call'd Hatidge ; the most perfect that could be found among the Jews who Trade in that Merchandise . She was cull'd from out a vast number . She had an advantageous Shape , round Visag'd , blew Eyes , large , well cleft , her Nose a little turning up , her Mouth and Teeth beautiful to perfection , her Complexion of a dazling brightness , and her Hair of an admirable Ash-colour . She was then in her eighteenth year . The Jew got considerably by Hatidge's Charms , selling her for fifteen hundred Crowns , and the Vizier sent her to the Kislar Aga , to present her to the Sultan , who falling in Love with her , ordered the Keeper to observe secresy by reason of the Sultana-Queen , and that she should be brought to him the night following . It is to be believed that this new Mistresses secret Charms compleated what a bare sight had so much advanc'd . His Highness knowing the Sultaness's Spirit , and fearing the sallies of her Temper , caus'd her to be remov'd from the Grand Serrail to another upon the Channel of the Black-Sea , to see her with the more freedom . She continued there for some time without the Guveches Sultans seeming to take notice of it , or manifesting the least concern or trouble , but she was brooding very different Designs in her Head , and meditated a fatal and cruel Revenge . Upon a certain time that the Emperour was a Hunting at a days Journey from Constantinople , the Sultaness commanded the Galliots to be made ready to go take the Air upon the Canal of the Sea. The chief of the Eunuchs having given the necessary Orders , she stole on board with a small number of her most trusty Slaves , and being come near Kandil Bakhtchei , so is the name of the Serrail , where this new Odalik was kept she would needs go on shore on pretence of going to divert her self in some one of the Grotto's of the Gardens ; when that Hatidgé , who lov'd Fishing was in a Pleasure-House upon the Sea enjoying that innocent Pleasure . The Maids that were about her went to meet the Sultaness-Queen , and joining with their Friends , conducted her to the finest Place of the Garden . She staid there with two of her greatest Confidents , the others struck into By-places , to be at the more Liberty . This Sultaness whom jealousie and the desire of revenge did cruelly torment , lost no time . She stole from the Grotto whence she was followed by two Accomplices of her wicked Design , and went directly to the Pleasure-house of the Unfortunate Hatidgé . They surpriz'd her , threw her into the Sea , and went their ways without being perceived , at least so is the Account the Eunuchs give of that matter . Hatidgé's Death extremely startled and afflicted the Emperour , who nevertheless dissembled it , and thought fitting to seem to believe it to have happen'd according to the Gloss they gave it in their relating it , though he had been fully informed of the contrary , and that he did not doubt but that it was a trick of the Sultana's , but there was no remedy . He caus'd the Body to be sought for , that he might not lose with a Mistress he loved , a vast quantity of Jewels he also valued . Of the Grand Signiors Daughters and Sisters ; of their Marriages , and Ceremonies therein observed . THE Sultaness's condition is much happier than that of the Sultan's , the Emperour's Sons . His Highness is ever careful to provide for the Daughters , and the greatest favour the Princes can hope for from him , is the preservation of Life , to pass it , as the Emperour now reigning did , in a perpetual Prison , to be brought up and fed like Women , and serv'd by Old-women , who take care to give them often a certain Conserve proper to extinguish the flames of Concupiscence . The Sultanesses on the contrary are married in their greenest years , and have sometimes had three or four Husbands before they have attain'd to the Age of Wedlock . Nay , this is a stroke of Policy , and a piece of Husbandry in the Court to rid it self of them betimes , and to encharge some rich old Pacha with the keeping of a Princess , who is most commonly the occasion of his Downfal ; they are not wanting to find Pretences to take away his Life , and give the Confiscation of his Estate to his Dowager . When the Grand Signior is minded to rid himself of a Daughter or Sister , and that he chuses her a Husband , he signifies this his Intention to the Party by a Hatcherif or Royal Command , that he should prepare himself for the Honour he means to do him , and he regulates the Sultana's Dowry , which consists in all sorts of Jewels , Vests of rich Stuff , Furrs of great value , Cushions , Quilts , Carpets and Tapestries of admirable work , a world of Plate , and a bundle of Linnen , Sheets , Shifts , Handkerchiefs embroidered with Gold. The Pacha on his part sends Presents , not only to his future Bride , but to the Grand Signior , to the Sultanesses , to the Princess's Nurse , and to the Maids that are about them . If the Bride be the Sultan's Daughter , the sending of these Presents is done with great Pomp , which is also practis'd at the removing of that Princess to her Husband 's Serrail . The Mufty makes the Contract , and settles the Dowry Nekia . Formerly it did not amount to above twenty five thousand Crowns , it now sometimes reaches to a 100000. The day appointed for the Nuptials being come , the Pacha does with his Friends attend in his own Apartments till notice is brought him to enter into that of the Sultaness . As soon as he sees the Kiahia Kaden appear , she being the Intendant , encharg'd with this Care , he rises , goes to meet her , kisses her hand , and follows her while that his Friends make Vows for his happy Marriage , and for his Prosperity . The Sultaness being cover'd with a Veil of Red Taffety , which hides her quite , is seated upon a Stool at her Chamber Door : As soon as she perceives him she rises , and withdraws into a corner of the Sofa . The Eunuchs take away this Bridegroom's Slippers , and make him stay a while upon the Threshold of the Door , as a mark of Supremacy , and then introduce him into the Chamber . He makes three low Bows at three several times ; he falls upon his knees with his face to the ground , and says a short Prayer , which being ended , the Intendant conducts him to the Sultana's feet , joyns their hands , and utters some words which make the Marriage . He sits down upon the Sofa near his Bride , and entreats her to unveil her self : She makes no semblance of hearing him , and affects a haughty , arrogant , scornful Carriage , which nothing is capable to make her recede from , save the considerable Presents he promises her , and she asks for Drink to have a pretence to take off the Veil which hides her face . The Husband starts up , takes at the same time a China-Cup full of Water that is set there on purpose , and continues standing till such time that the Bride nods to him to draw near . He kneels down at her feet , and presents her the Cup She takes off her Veil , and drinks a little out of Ceremony . The Slaves immediately bring a Bason , on which there are two Plates garnish'd , the one of two rosted Pigeons , and the other of Sugar-candy . The poor Husband is here forc'd to undergo another Fatigue , so to oblige the Sultaness to sit down to Table , and to tast those Meats which are of the essence of the Ceremony . She redoubles her disdainful Carriage , and nothing can sweeten it but the sight of the Presents . Then she suffers the Pacha to take her under the Arms and conduct her to the Table . He serves a Pigeon to her , to let her know by that Bird , which is the symbol of Fidelity and Union , that they ought to live together like two Turtles . She eats , and presents him with Sugar-candy to express her sweetness , which is not over great , seeing that most commonly those Sultanesses continue in their insupportable airs of Arrogance , and availing themselves of their Birth , and the Grand Signior's Authority , treat those Husbands like Slaves , without their having the liberty to complain of their usage . This Repast ends almost at the same time it begins . The Sultaness goes again to her Place , and the Pacha by her . All the company withdraws , and leaves them at full liberty , though not to consummate the Marriage : It may , indeed , be the season , but 't is not the mode . The Husband employs those precious moments in expressing to his new Bride the Obligation he has to the Sultan for the honour he has done him in chusing him for the Husband of so charming a Princess . He assures her that he will use his utmost endeavours to render himself worthy of this Blessing by extraordinary Assiduities and Respects , that she is his Patroness , and he her Slave . Those Complements are slightly enough received , and if any returns be made them , 't is only by a nod of the head , I do not say a kiss ; the Pacha would be happy were he but permitted to touch her fingers end , if she has not yet been married . And though she have already been married , yet he thereby finds but little more Indulgence , the fashion being to spend all that time in merriments till the morning . After the Pacha has discours'd a while with the Sultaness , his Friends come into the Hall , where they set the Instruments a playing , to let him know that they expect him ; and this is the signal of the Bridegroom 's coming out , and of the Lady's return to the Sultaness . The whole night is spent in Feasts , Sports , Musical Divertisements , Dances , and Puppet-plays each apart . The Bridegroom diverts himself with his Friends , and the Bride with the Ladies . Two hours before Day , they prepare the Nuptial Bed. The Intendants undress the Sultaness , they put her to Bed , and the Ladies withdraw into other Rooms . None stays with her save the Yengue Kaden , Mistress of the Nuptial Ceremonies , who instructs her in what she is to do , that so she may not derogate from her Quality or the Customs . An Eunuch goes to acquaint the Husband that it is time to leave the company , and this is done after a manner pleasant enough , since it is without speaking to him . He only presents him his Papoushes , a kind of Slippers ; then gets up , and withdraws into his own Room , and leaves his Friends , in nodding to them with his head . The Musick leaves off , the Pacha undresses , and goes in his Night-Gown to his new Wife . He does not presently flounce into Bed ; he kneels at the Sultaness's feet , kisses them , and scratches the sole , and then steals gently under the Quilt ; he laies himself at the side of her , but out of respect he would not dare to embrace her ; 't is she must make all the Advances , and kiss him , to give him the boldness to caress her . If she is a Virgin , he contents himself with these Caresses , & attempts no farther without having a supreme order for his so doing . This is a priviledge which the Grand Signior reserves to himself . One must by a Request let him know that the Princess his Daughter , or Sister , will not consent to the consummation of the Marriage , and ask his permission to constrain her to it . His Highness gives a Hatcherif , by which he orders the Pacha to consummate the Marriage , as soon as he shall have receiv'd the blessed command : These are the very terms . He reads this to his Wife , entreats her anew , and if she does not obey , which is very rare , he has the power to act as Master in the case . After the Consummation of the Marriage the Husband goes to the Bath , and an Eunuch on behalf of the Sultaness brings him a Shift , a pair of Drawers , and an Handkerchief . At his coming out of the Bath , he returns to his Friends in his own Apartment : They wish him joy upon his new Marriage , and a Meal is serv'd up all of Sheeps Petty-toes . Thus the Day by us call'd the Weddings Good-morrow , is by them called the Day of Petty-toes , Pacha-guni . The Sultaness gives the same entertainment to her Friends . The Diversion of this Day quickly ends by the drinking of Liquors , and taking of Perfumes . The Guests take their leave of the new Married Couple , and the Pacha shuts himself up for eight days with the Sultaness to accustom her to him , and render her familiar . Of the Grand Signior's manner of spending His time , and of his Highness's secret Pleasures . THE Daily Occupations of this Prince are pretty well regulated . He rises an hour before day in Winter , and at break of day in Summer , and sometimes earlier . He washes his Face and Hands , then says his Prayers . This was Mahomet the Fourth's Method . On the days when the Grand Signior Bathes , he rises an hour sooner than ordinary . If he has lain in his own Chamber , he goes into the Bath of Men , and it is the Hammamdgi-Bachi , Master of the Bath that rubs him ; If he has lain at the Sultaness's , He goes into that of this Princess . At his getting out of Bed , she puts a little Quilt o'er his Shoulders , she accompanies him with the Treasuress , the Laundress , she who makes the Coffee , and a Female Buffoon for their diversion . 'T is the Sultaness who rubs and washes his Highness ; the others prepare the Linnen perfum'd with Amber and Aloes-wood , and at his coming out of the Bath they put upon his head a great Veil of Goats-hair , finer and more curious than Silk . They call it Chal , and instead of returning to the Ladies Lodgings , he goes to his own Apartment . After Prayer they serve up Breakfast , consisting of Eggs of all sorts , Sheeps petty-toes , boil'd Chickens and Fruit. Then he assists at the Divan , if it be one of the days appointed for Justice , or confers with the Vizier about Affairs of State ; if not , he reposes an hour or two , or else takes Horse . At nine a clock he goes again to Prayers , which is followed with a walk in the Gardens , or some other Divertisement till Dinner time . Before he sits down to Table they spread a great Indian Carpet of Silk Embroidery , and upon that another smaller one of Gold Broccard , to cover two Cushions between which the Emperour sits . They cover his Knees with an Embroidered Toilet , and they set before him a Banquet garnish'd with Plates of Gold , on which they place a very large silver Bason , which is at least four foot in Diameter . The whole is set out with all sorts of Sallads , and the midst of it is empty to receive the Dishes . The Grand Signior eats always alone in the Hazoda , or in the Gardens . All the Dishes are cover'd and wrapt up in Toilets , and seal'd with the Clark of the Kitchens Seal ; and are not unseal'd again but in his Highness's presence . They serve him up but one Dish at a time . During the Repast , the Mutes and Dwarfs make a thousand pleasant postures to divert the Emperour , who throws Morcels to them to have the pleasure of seeing them scramble and snatch 'em from one another . It is an errour to say , that the Turks neither eat in Gold nor Silver , and 't is rather an effect of their Policy than a prohibition of the Law. They are afraid lest an over-great use might diminish a Metal , the Mines of which are not over-abounding among them . The Grand Signior has Dishes of Gold and Silver which he makes use of in his Progress both in the Field & Army , by reason that the green Porcelain Mertabani , wherein he commonly eats , cannot without danger be carried up and down . There is another reason which induces the Turks to make use of this green Porcelain which comes from Tartary ; they fancy that it cannot suffer any poyson'd thing without breaking . Their Spoons are of some precious Wood , or of the Beak of a Bird , by reason that Gold and Silver growing hot keep their heat too long , but it is not the same with Wood , whence it is easy to conclude that the little use of Gold and Silver Plate , is less a Superstition than a very wise Reason . The Grand Signior eats with his Fingers which he cleans at each mouthful ; he does not drink while he is at Dinner . After they have wash'd his hands with very fine Soap and sweet scented Waters , they serve him up a great Porcelain Cup , full of Sorbet . The Coffee and sweet things follow this Beveridge . After his Highness rises from Table , he reposes again for a while , and then takes the Divertisement of Hunting , Walking , the Exercise of the Itchoglans , Wrestling , Buffoons , Mutes and Dwarfs . He goes very often to eat in the Gardens of the Pachas , and of other considerable Persons , who , besides the Treat , are obliged to make him great Presents of Jewels and Money , which they put under a Cushion by that Prince's side , and which the Selictar is careful to take along with them upon their going away . Every Tuesday the Grand Signior's head and face are shaved amid the sound of Instruments and Voices . This is practised with great Respect . Two Itchoglans hold the Linnen on which falls all the hair which they burn . Formerly they put it into a Gold Box , and the Emperour made a Present of it to his Barber . This Custom was introduced by Sultan Murad , for the abolishing the Barber's Priviledge , who might demand what Boon he pleas'd , while he had the Razor in his hand , without fear of being denyed . In case the Grand Signior should not go to the Bath all the week long , he is by Religion oblig'd to go into it on the Friday , the better to sanctifie the Day , and to wipe away by this solemn Ablution , in washing extreamly all the parts of the body , what may have sullied the soul. His Highness sups about five a Clock , and goes to Bed about an hour and half after it is night , and after the last Prayer is performed . They make his Bed when he is ready to lie down . It is composed of three Quilts lined with a very rich Stuff , and in Winter the last is garnish'd with Sables . They spread a Sheet of extraordinary fine Cloth , and the second is fasten'd to the Coverlet of Broccard , or Embroidered Sattin . There are a world of little Pillows stuff'd with Cotton , and cover'd with Musceline Embroidered with Silk . The Bed is surrounded with great Cushions . In the midst of the Chamber are two great Gold Candlesticks with two huge Wax-lights , that burn all the night long , as well as a Perfume of Amber and Aloes wood . The Sultan sleeps with a little Turbant on his head , a Wast-coat and a pair of Drawers . There are always two Old-women watching by him . If the Grand Signior means to visit the Sultana-Queen by night , he signifies his Intention to her by the Basch Mascara Beula , the chief Female Buffoon , that diverts her , and prepares her for the Imperial Visit by Stories and Discourses befitting to make her expect that honour . She comes to receive the Sultan at the door of her Apartment , kisses his hands , which she lifts to her fore-head , leads him under the arms , undresses him her self , and goes to Bed after him . The Slaves , who commonly lie in the Sultaness's Room , withdraw ; there are only two upon the Guard at the outward door , to enter upon the least signal . His Highness only goes to the Sultaness's Apartment , the others go to him in his , which so much the more confirms her Preheminency , and her Quality of first Hasseki . When the Sultan means to make a new Mistress , he orders the Kiahia Kaden to assemble the Maids . This order is sufficient to create an Emulation in all those lovely Prisoners , each of them would please , and fits her self out the best she can , to gain the Grand Signior's Affections by displaying all the beauty and finery afforded her by Art and Nature . He goes to the place where they are , and if there be any one has the gift of pleasing him , he throws her his Handkerchief . This most happy creature immediately prostrates her self upon the floor , takes the precious Pledge of her future happiness , kisses it and puts it up safe in her bosom . In this Court , as in all the others of Europe , the Caresses of the Prince invite the Complements of those that are sometimes the most jealous of the good fortune of those they congratulate . All the other Maids come to partake in the joy of this new Mistress . The Old-women repair immediately to her , lead her to the Bath , dress her up gorgeously , deck her with Jewels , and conduct her at the usual hour to the door of the Imperial Chamber amid the sound of Instruments . The Eunuch on the Guard goes to give notice to the Grand Signior of this new Mistress being come , and to receive his Orders for her introduction . If his Commands be for her to enter , as soon as she is over the threshold of the door , she runs to the feet of this Emperour's Bed ; the door shuts , and the Musick continues to sing and play Tunes suitable to what is to pass behind the Scenes . This fair one does not content her self with falling on her knees at the Bed's feet , she lifts up the Coverlet a little , kisses the Sultan's feet , and continues in this posture till he commands her to come to Bed ; which she does by stealing in at the feet , and slipping up softly by his Highness's side , who , upon his dismissing her , puts a Handkerchief over her face , for a mark that he has tryed her , and that this Maid's Modesty does not permit her to shew her self before she be purified . Nevertheless this Ceremony is only a meer Grimace , since she takes off that Handkerchief as soon as she is got out of the Grand Signior's Chamber , where the same Old-woman waits her coming , to conduct her to the Bath . She has then a Place given her in the Ouz●un Odes , long Chamber ; It is the Apartment of those that have had the favours of the Emperour without having Children , and whom they call Odalick . She has Eunuchs appointed her , and some other Maids for her Attendance . If she proves with Child , and is brought to Bed of a Son , they confer upon her the Quality of Hasseki , first , second , or third , according to her rank . The Emperour lately deposed made but two Hasseki's ; The Sultana-Queen did dexterously divert these sorts of Intrigues , to which he was not over-prone , his Inclinations being , indeed , somewhat faint for all things save Hunting , that was his predominant Passion , and he spent the finest Days of his Life in that Recreation with so great an Avidity , that it frequently made him lose his Repose and Eating . In all likelihood Soliman the third , his Brother , will not be so wedded to that Exercise , as well through his Humour and Inclinations , which are very different from those of Mahomet , as through the necessity of his Affairs . There was formerly in the Serrail a Chamber of Falconry with Eighty Pages ; commanded by the Grand-Falconer called Dongandgibachi . They govern'd , fed and clean'd the Grand Signior's Birds . They alone had the Priviledge of walking in the Serrail , under pretence of looking to their Birds , and , indeed , they were oblig'd to carry a Bird upon their fist , if not , they would have been chastis'd . After the suppression of this Chamber , there has ever been an Arsagalar , who out of honour bears the name of Grand-Falconer . The Birds are at present in the hands of three Officers , who no longer dwell in the Serrail ; they are called Dogandgi , Tchakirdgi-Bachi and Chakindgi-Bachi : The difference of these three names comes from three different species of Birds which the Turks make use of , namely , of the Dogan , which signifies a Spar-hawk , Tchahir , a Merlin , & Chahin , which signifies Falcon , each Officer governs those whose name he bears , and has a world of Servants appointed to look to , air and exercise them . When the Grand Signior means to fly , these three Officers carry the Bird , & are followed by all their servants in the same equipage . These Officers have considerable Incomes , which they derive from the Haz-arpalick assign'd them for their subsistence , and for the maintenance of their Equipages , Birds , and the servants that have them in keeping . There are several Villages that pay not any Tax , on condition to furnish annually a certain number of Birds for the Falconry . They are bound to teach them , and to put them into the hands of the Officers , from whom they take a Receipt , which exempts them from all sorts of Impositions . The Grand Signior has above 1200 Greyhounds , Hounds and Mastiffs , or Bull-Dogs , the last are for Bull-baiting . They are all fed differently according to their species . They give the Mastiffs Bread and a Goat's-head a day , half the head in the morning , and as much in the evening . The Greyhounds have two loaves a day , and a Goat's-head a week boil'd , without fleaing it , taking off the hair , or taking out the bones , by reason that this purges them . The Turkish Greyhounds are the most beautiful Dogs of their kind : Their Tails and Ears are like those of Spaniels , principally those of the Isle of Cyprus ; nay , there are some that quest and have a very good Nose . Sometimes wagers are laid upon the fleetness of these Dogs . The Masters for three days only feed them with the yolks of Eggs. They must be carryed evening and morning , and walk'd out to empty them . The Turks have a great value for this kind of Dogs . The Hounds and Beagles are fed like the others . The Grand Signior has a vast number of Poland-Tygers , which are beautiful , but worth nothing . They have all housses that are of Broccard when his Highness marches in Ceremony . There are a sort of little Tygers , by the Turks called Ch●par , which they make use of in Deer-hunting . It is so fierce an Animal , that if it does not take its Prey in three Leaps , it is pawl'd ; and if he that governs it does not caress it to comfort it , it would burst with rage . The Falconers that have the care of them , carry them behind them on Horseback , and notwithstanding their fierceness they are so-so docible . When the Emperour is minded to make a general Hunt , after he has appointed the place , he issues out a Command for the raising of the People that are to beat the Countrey ; this Command specifies the number . The Hasseki's of the Bostandgi Bachi , who are encharg'd with the Execution , appoint the number which each Bailywick of the Province where the Hunt is performed is to furnish . They sometimes get together full forty thousand , and there would be many more , if the Bostandgis , made the Leavy exact , and did not exact money from those they exempt . The Grand Signior does not give any maintenance to these Hunters , those that are obliged to furnish them , feed them . They surround a vast Countrey , and these Hunters who still march in a Circle , drive all the Game that is within the compass , and which retires into a Wood wherein they shut it up . There they make a number of Glades , which end in a vast empty space , which is in the midst of this Wood , and wherein they erect a little Amphitheatre , whence his Highness views the whole Chace according as it is rouz'd and started . Sometimes the Grand Signior does not mount upon this Amphitheatre , he continues six or seven hours on Horse-back , spurring on all sides during an excessive Cold , without taking any nourishment , saving some mouth-fulls in passing from one place to another , where Men are set with Basons , which they put upon their heads as soon as they see his Highness appear . They take Hinds , Fallow Deer , Staggs , Wolves , and particularly , a world of Hares , which they knock on the head , according as they would make their way through the Circle . The hooting of these Hunts is very pleasant , when they are performed in a good season , and it is diverting to see Men , Dogs and Animals Pell-mell within about a Leagues compass , with the shouts of those that form the inclosure to hinder the Game from going out . The manner of tossing Hares in the Plain of St. Dennis is a slight Image of it . FINIS . An Advertisement . MODERN HISTORY , OR , A Monthly Account Of all considerable Occurrences , Civil , Ecclesiastical , and Military . With all Natural , and Philosophical Productions and Transactions . Printed at London , By J. B. and Sold by Joseph Hindmarsh at the Golden Ball over against the Royal Exchange , and by Randal Taylor near Stationers-Hall in Ludgate-Street . AS Curiosity is natural to Mankind , it has been likewise the Care and Bus'ness of This Age to furnish Novelties and Entertainments toward the gratifying of that Humour : But many People are so hasty , or so heedless in the discharge of this Office , that they do not attend as they ought to do , either to the Dignity of the Subject they are to work upon , or to the Truth of what they Report : By which means a Thousand Fables and Falsities are impos'd upon the world : Matters of moment , promiscuously confounded with things of little worth ; and for want of separating the True from the False , the Good from the Bad , and useful Notions or Curiosities from matters unprofitable , men are at a loss what to take , and what to leave . Now for the preventing of these inconveniences for the future , there is Order taken for the drawing of all Memorable and Notable Events and Relations out of the several Fragments that have been published concerning them into one entire Collection : That is to say , in the regular Series of a Monthly Account . This to be done in the most succinct and faithful manner possible ; and nothing to be inserted , but what is of weight , and verified from the best hands . And for the perfecting of this work , there is such a Correspondence setled abroad , that very few Occurrences of any kind will scape us , whether Civil , Military , or Ecclesiastical , beside Philosophical Transactions and Emprovements , which we suppose will be as well beneficial as delightful to the curious : And as we shall on the one hand be very careful not to let any thing slip within the compass of our pretensions , so on the other hand not to intermeddle in the secrets of any Church or State-matters beyond our Province . The reason for Publishing this Relation once , and but once a Month ( as that 's the course resolv'd upon ) is this ; First , that the notices of things to be made publique may be carried-on Methodically upon equal distances of time , and without wracking peoples expectations by any longer Intervals . Secondly , That matters may be deliver'd with as much caution for the certain truth of matters as such an undertaking will bear : But if any mistake of what kind soever shall happen ( this care and industry notwithstanding , ) the Publisher of these Sheets will take it very kindly to be inform'd ; and that whatsoever is amiss shall be constantly rectify'd in the Account ensuing to the said Information : And we shall give further to understand , that this Collection ( God willing ) shall be constantly publish'd the second Wednesday of every Month. Eight of these Monthly Accounts have already been Publish'd , and the Ninth is in the Press , and they are to be had for Six-pence a piece , and once in a Year they will make up a Bound Book in Quarto , of a considerable Volume ; besides , their containing ( as we have already said ) the whole History of all Modern Occurrences they will be intermixt and beautified with Tracts of Geography , Criticism ▪ and generally , all that falls within the Commonwealth of Learning ; as for example the foregoing Turkish Secretary being to be bound up with them : All which advantages joyn'd with their certainty will recommend 'em not only to the Cabinets of all the curious , but to all Publick Houses , as Coffee-Houses and others , where the Entertainment they afford must of necessity invite great resort . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A37114-e2570 * A Current Piece in Turkey of about a Groat or five pence value . * The Lock which men wear on the Crown of their head . 
A69440	----	An account of Monsieur De Quesne's late expedition at Chio together with the negotiation of Monsieur Guilleragues, the French ambassadour at the port / in a letter written by an officer of the Grand Vizir's to a pacha ; translated into English. Officer of the Grand Vizir. 1683 Approx. 116 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 29 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2006-06 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A69440 Wing A211 ESTC R6119 12904393 ocm 12904393 95291 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A69440) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 95291) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2:24 or 444:2) An account of Monsieur De Quesne's late expedition at Chio together with the negotiation of Monsieur Guilleragues, the French ambassadour at the port / in a letter written by an officer of the Grand Vizir's to a pacha ; translated into English. Officer of the Grand Vizir. Defoe, Daniel, 1661?-1731. [7], 50 p. Printed for Richard Tonson ... and Jacob Tonson ..., London : 1683. Translation attributed to Daniel Defoe (in manuscript on t.p.). Probably a translation of: Substance d'une lettre écrite par un Officier du Grand Vizir un pacha, touchant l'expedition de Monsr du Quesne à Chio et la négotiation de Monsr de Guilleragues avec la Port. [Paris?] : 1683. Cf. BM. Copy at reel 444:2 incorrectly identified in reel guide as A212 (second ed.). 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Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Duquesne, Abraham, 1610-1688. Guilleragues, Gabriel Joseph de Lavergne, -- vicomte de, 1628-1685. France -- Foreign relations -- Turkey. Turkey -- Foreign relations -- France. 2005-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-12 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2006-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion AN ACCOUNT OF Monsieur De Quesne's Late Expedition at CHIO ; TOGETHER With the Negotiation of Monsieur Guilleragues the French Ambassadour at the PORT . In a Letter Written by an Officer of the Grand Vizir's to a Pacha . Translated into English LONDON , Printed for Richard Tonson at Grays-Inn-Gate in Grays-Inn-Lane : And Jacob Tonson at the Judge's-Head in Chancery-Lane near Fleet-street , 1683. To the Right Honourable GEORGE Lord MARQUESS OF HALLIFAX Lord PRIVY-SEAL , &c. My LORD , IT is not that this little Piece is thought to deserve so Great a Patron , that it presumes to wear your Lordships Livery : But as Epicurus neither Worship'd the Gods for any good he expected from them , nor feared them for any harm they could do him , but Ador'd them for the Excellency of their Natures : So for the same reason is your Lordship chosen the Object of this Dedication . It is a Novelty , so may be indur'd ; short , therefore cannot be extremely Troublesom : And relating to Affairs of State , knows not where so Naturally to apply it self , as to your Lordship , whose steddy Maxims , and direct Counsels , have in a short time put out of breath , a Head-strong , Pamper'd , and unruly Faction , more then all the Doublings , Windings and Turnings of some Apish Politicians could have done in an Age. Your Services to the Crown , and Merits from the Nation are so great , that Time and the Memory of them must be of equal Durance : And but to mention them here , would appear gross Flattery ; a Crime , which could the Dedicator be guilty of , it must be meerly for guilt sake ; since Fortune has placed him below Hope , and his small Philosophy beyond Fear : But your Lordship's Admirers being no fewer then all those who wish well to their King and Country ; He presumes in that huge Crowd to place himself , being Your Lordships Devoted Servant . TO THE READER . IT seems to be a kind of Law of our Natures , that our Minds should be often busied about things , which do not immediately , or perhaps not at all , relate to our own proper Happiness , which is an Extravagancy we find nothing but Man infected with ; Other Creatures desires , and indeavours being confin'd to their Necessities or Pleasures : But this afflicting quality of ours , never appears so much a Disease amongst us , as when it is imployed unseasonably in matters of Government ; nor never , I believe , was more Infectious in one Nation , then it hath been lately in ours . To search for the Cause , or prescribe a Remedy , would in a Man of my Station only prove it Epidemical , and my self full of the Tokens : But however being one of these thinking things , I have followed the Dictates of my Being . And meeting with this Letter in French , have made the Sense of it English , I had no purpose in doing so , but that being retir'd and indispos'd , I had nothing else to do ; I publish it , as well to shew the Pride and Insolence of Humane Nature , when Ignorance is possest of Absolute Power , as the Dissimulation , Fraud , and Corruption of any Sect , who pretend to be God's Elect , or only chosen People , which the Mumelans do : Such ever claim , by the Title of Gods Children , a right to every thing ; and consequently think nothing unjust that puts them in possession of their own . There may too by this piece ( as the French Translator saith ) be seen , the perfect manner of Negotiating with the Turks ; their Pride and good Fortune ; and the Judgment of God upon the Christians , who contribute so unreasonably to the increase of a Power which tends to nothing so much as to their own Destruction . The Government of that People , though Arbitrary , shall not be censured by me , since I never read they imployed the Terrible Mute and Bow-string on any Man , who like my self , pretended to no Power amongst them . Nor indeed can I discern the difference of being Nooz'd without noise or with it : for if I am unjustly to be put to Death , Twelve Mutes or Twelve sworn Enemies to me or my Principles , who can talk me to a Hangman , are all one . And I have cause to believe some wretches we have heard of , might have been making Silver Bullets , and charging Guns without Powder there till Dooms-day , before their Names had been Registred amongst unfortunate Statesmen : But it is no miracle in England , that poor crawling Creatures should be rankt amongst Politicians , and busie their no Brains about Turning of States and Kingdoms ; since it is to such , under the notion of the People , that all our half-witted Republicans Appeal , in their whims of Reformation : But that Pestilence being a little stopt at present , I hope will never in my time so rage again , as to be the most devouring of Plagues , which it prov'd to be within these last Fourty Years . So Farewell . A LETTER FROM One of the Principal Officers of the GRAND VIZIR , Written to a PACHA , Concerning the Business of Monsieur Guilleragues . HAVING prostrated my Face to the Ground , and being Rub'd with the dust of the Feet of my very good and happy Lord ; to whom God will grant a prosperous End : I shall give him an Account of what hath Arrived to the Glory of our most Invincible Emperour , King of Kings , Mehemet Khan ; to whom the Divine Bounty will subject all the Countries of Infidels , to place him at last in Paradice , with his Glorious Ancestors . You know , my most fortunate Lord , that the French Infidels , whom God will Extirpate ; a restless People , being never quiet , came to Chio , under the Command of an Old Captain , in a brave Gallion , Guarded by five or six others , where they Fired during four or five hours on the Vessels of Tripoly in Barbary : They also damaged the Fortress and the Mosques ; nor had they then ceased , but that the Cannon of the Faithful ( with Bodies of Brass , and Wings of Draggons Vomiting Flames and Bullets ) accomplish't upon them this Expression of the Noble Scriptures ; He threw Fear into their hearts . Terror having in this manner seized on these Accursed ; to whom Hell must be the last Stage ; they were no longer able to use open Force ; yet ceased not however to keep their Station before the Port of Chio , stopping all Merchant Ships that brought assistance to the Tripolines ; there sayling up and down like Mad-men , making mighty Threats . But their Brains seemed to be more settled , when the Capoudan Pacha , absolute Lieutenant to the Emperor of the seven Climates , over the Seas of this vast World , had honoured the Rode of Chio , by bringing thither the Galleys of the Emperour of the Earth , whose Glory shall be perpetual . This Soveraign of the Seas , whom God will always favour with Winds and Happiness ; for the propagation of Muslemanisme , and the Grandure of the Invincible Rewarder our Master , had no sooner stopt his Conquering and Formidable Course , by casting Anchor , but the French Admiral ( that the end of his days which are not far off might be happy ) sent one of his principal and most trusty Captains , to deliver his Submissions and Respects , as well as to discourse him of some important Affairs ; and to assure him , of his desires to do nothing that might make the least breach of their Amity , which had for more then one Age been Establish'd , between the Great and Sovereign Emperor of the habitable World ; and the Greatest Emperor of all the Potentates of the belief of the Messia ; to whom be Salvation . This Ambassador , an able Man , and worthy so fair an Imployment , having rub'd his Face on the Vest of the Lieutenant Sovereign of the Sea ; and well acquitted himself of his Commission , appeared not at all astonish'd , when after the welcome of the Safa Gueldy , pronounced with that gravity and decency , peculiar to him , and which makes him be obeyed by Sea ; he heard these words : What sign of Amity dost thou bring us , to have rashly affronted the Mosques , where we Adore the great God of Heaven and Earth , without giving him Companions , or defacing his Worship by Idolatry : And where is the proofs of that Respect you boast ? Is it to have Fired on the Fortress of the Emperor , refuge to the Princes of the World ? You may perhaps be able to batter down a corner or two ; but God by the Faith of Abraham , which we defend , and from whom we draw our Original , can from those tumbling Stones raise many Thousand invincible Defenders . Tell thy Commander , I advise him as a Friend to have recourse to the Imperial Clemency , by procuring the French Ambassador to supplicate for him at the Port of Felicity . The Christian Captain Accused the Tripolines of all the misfortune , who being Enemies to the French , violated on their Merchants the surety of the Capitulations . Then promising to consider of the Advice had been given him , he intreated the Capoudan Pacha to Negotiate at the Port , as well concerning those of Barbary , and the damage at Chio , as about the Audience of Monsieur Guilleragues ; desiring him besides , to dispose the Tripolines to make Peace . During this , the Grand Vizir ( who is the Rule and Order of the World , and who can fully finish all Causes , to whom God perpetuate his Grandure , and redouble his Power ) was in dispute with the French Ambassador about the Sofa ; it being the Grand Dowanier that Conducted that Affair , who likewise serv'd himself of other Persons therein , which were the French Interpreters : It being below the Dignity of the Emperour of the World , that one of his considerable Officers should go to an Ambassador , unless it were to conclude a business . It was a long time , that this Mediator had amused the Ambassador , by sending him Discourses , that the second generally destroyed the first ; repairing those again , perhaps by a third , which just signified nothing : Sometimes the Interpreters would tell him , That the Dowanier saluted him , and said , he had good hopes : The next time they would bring him word , That he appeared Shagrin , thô he failed not to salute him ; and perhaps might have some particular Affair of his own that disquieted him ; but that he had too insinuated , that the Ambassador did himself no good Office by being so Obstinate in the Point of the Sofa ; for that Kieupruli the Father proceeded as the Vizir pretends : And though Kieupruli the Son did give the Sofa during his latter time , it was at Constantinople , where he was in a manner Incognito ; and not at Adrianople , where indeed there is no Sofa in the Chamber of Audience : Another day would bring him news , That the Dowanier appeared very merry , and did not cease his indeavours , but returned him thanks too for the Wine he sent him daily . He likewise sent his Interpreters to the * Kaihaia of the Vizir and the Lord of the Clerks , who bid them Salute the Ambassador on their parts , and assure him , they took pains for him ; saying too , That the Dowanier was his sure Friend , as well as themselves . The Interpreters coming another time from these Officers , would tell the Ambassador , that they could not yet find a proper time to speak to the Vizir , because that Minister is ever busied about the great Affairs of the World ; which tumble in upon him every moment of the day ; sometimes like the Waves of the Sea , assaulting him with fury ; but are by him resisted , and drove back , as by an unshaken Rock , surmounting all difficulties by his Grand Genius , which penetrates and resolves , with ease , the most Mysterious and Doubtful Matters : That it was necessary , great Affairs should precede small ones , and that this of the Ambassadors , would have its time ; for which he should not be impatient . The Ambassadour knock't too at other Doors , as at that of the Chief Gardiners ; who likewise amused him , and found his account in this Negotiation : He attempted the Mediation of the most Illustrious * Kaimmakam , formerly Kahaia or Chief Secretary to the Sovereign Vizir , who appeared with a frowning Countenance to the Interpreters , with difficulty permitting them the Honor to kiss the bottom of his Vest , and deliver the Complement of their Master ; which when he heard , appearing astonish't , though he knew all the business before : How ! saith he , have you not yet finish't this matter ? On what can you think , that you make not your Ambassador resolve ? He cannot of himself be so Obstinate ; it must be you that give him ill Counsel , contrary to your own proper knowledge ; for you cannot be ignorant , how things have past , at former Audiences : beware of your heads . They excus'd themselves by saying , Their Master was resolved rather to dye , then be wanting to the Orders of the Emperor of France : And that for themselves , they were only poor Interpreters , always ready to receive the high Commands of the Sublime Port ; and to report back , the most humble Reasons of their Ambassador ; to whom they would most faithfully Relate what it pleased the most Illustrious Kaimmakam to Command them , who stroking his Beard brought it together ; then pulling it a little , and casting down his Eyes , as if he were thinking , Very well , says he , Salute the Lord Ambassador on my part ; bid him be Obstinate no longer , for it is not his best way of Serving the Emperor of France . They were forced to return to the Kehaia of the Vizir and the * Reiseffend , who told them they had spoken to their Master in Favour of the Ambassador , ( God knows in what manner , ) and that his Answer was , He would speak to the Sultan Emperor of the World ; the Issue whereof they expected with good hopes . The Interpreter of the Port of Felicity was moved in it too , who Imployed all his Eloquence to ingage the prudence of the Ambassador , to take the best course ; assuring him there was no better then to yield ; for in giving satisfaction to the Vizir in this , he would oblidge a Lord , able to return it a hundred times double in other occasions . One could make the Ambassie of Monsieur Guilleragues Glorious , so as to deface the Memory of all his Predecessors : In fine , this was no longer the business of the Grand Vizir , but the Sultans . The return again to the Kehaia and Reiseffend , who told them their Master had not yet spoke to his Highness ; The Clerks too sent some Complements to the Ambassador ; from whom one of his Interpreters came one day to tell him , as a thing had been Communicated in good Will : That if he would relax his pretence to the Sofa in all other things , he would have more honour then he could desire . Sometimes the Interpreters told the Ambassador , that having been delivering the Petitions to the Grand Vizir , concerning the ordinary Affairs , they had been well received by him , who had asked News of their Master , and made some advances , which seem'd Demonstrations of plain dealing : So that if things were not ended before his going to Adrianople , all would be agreed at his return . In fine , my most Honoured Lord , whilst this Affair remained in t he Clouds of Retardment , even after the Vizir's return , we had the news of what had past at Chio. The Grand Vizir was in a Rage , but as his great Soul never yields to the extreamest difficulties , so it submitted not at all to this , which was but of the middle ones : He expos'd it at the Foot of the Throne , of the Soveraign Master of the World , where having prostrated himself , and received his Orders , he returned to his House , and sent for the Grand Dowanier , Commanding him to let the French Ambassador be told , That it was no longer his business ( at least at present ) to dispute the Sofa , but to repair the Mischiefs done at Chio , as well to the Mosques , as Fortress ; and to try by all manner of Submissions to obtain a Pardon From the King of Kings , for that Action : And that in the first place he should begin by a Letter to the French Admiral concerning what he had done ; and to Command him to do no more , nor come nearer Constantinople , till they tryed to obtain his Pardon : For if not , the Sultan would let loose his just Indignation , and stop his Ears to Mercy , to the utter Destruction of him the Ambassador and the whole French Nation : That they knew he had exceeded his Orders ; The Emperor of France being too great an Emperor , too Just , and too Good a Friend to Command an Enterprise so contrary to the Antient Amity . The Dowanier Replyed , That the Head of our Invincible Master , and yours , may be at Repose ; I dare answer for the Embassador in this : I can oblige him to submit to any thing you please : If he make some seeming Resistance , it will only be for Form-Sake . He hath no desire to Ingage himself in any thing may put him out of his Imployment : He is for getting of Money , as his Profession , and manner of Living demonstrate ; and has been here too small a time , to desire to be gone so fast . These words were not given in vain , for the Embassador writ divers times to the Admiral , who thereupon remained without doing any thing , like a Lyon bound in Chains ; These Letters were full of real Fear , and perfect Terror lest his doing more , might displease the Sultan in the least . But to hasten things the Embassador went himself to the Kehaia of the Grand Vizir , who made him thoroughly sensible of the mighty Crime the French Admiral had Committed , able to overturn the whole Negotiation , and reduce into Captivity all the French within the Ottoman Empire ; was there not some reason to hope that he as a Prudent Ambassador , would procure Mercy , and Forgiveness from the most happy and most Invincible Emperor of the Earth . The Ambassador would have defended himself , by pretending that nothing past at Chio , could in the least be interpreted to intend a Breach of the Antient Amity : That if they had Fired on the Fortress , and hurt some Houses , it was but by accident , and in a Just defence : since those from thence , had first Fired on the Ships , belonging to the Emperor of France . That this Storm of the Just Indignation of his Master , had been restrained for a long time by his Natural Moderation ; but must at last , by Gods permission , fall upon the heads of those Thieves , Rebels to the Grand Seignior himself ; The Trippolins unworthy to injoy the Protection of his Highness ; They who had taken the Merchants Goods and Vessels of the French , entring the Ports of the Ottoman Empire ; Nay , in the very Ports themselves , and under the Command of the Sultans Forts . That these Pirates only were responsible for all pretended Damage , since only they were true occasions of it . But the Kehaia made answer to the Ambassador , Let us seperate the Tripolins from the injury done to the Sultan , they are your Enemies I allow : But the Emperor of the World , is he your Enemy ? Doth he not give you daily convincing proofs of the contrary , by his Imperial benefits ? You are you say , carried on by the Force and heat of a Just vengeance to persue your Enemies : But on the other side , could not the Respect due to the King of Kings , our invincible Master , who had protected the Tripolins under his Forts , stop it ? was there no middle way to be found , as well to preserve the Submissions due to the Soveraign of the World , who has the Universe in his Guard ; As likewise to prevent the escape of your Enemies ? There appears to me one , very easy , persues the Kehaia , which is to have kept the Tripolins Besieged , till you had sent to the Port of Felicity , to Implore the High and Sublime Justice against them : Then had that been refused , there had been some pretence of Reason perhaps , for coming to that extremity you have done . The Ambassador strove to support himself by many weak reasons ; And tho' he often protested he had something Essential to offer : All he could say appeared meer Amusements , which obliged the Kehaia , to stop his Mouth , with these words . The Emperor of France , which we distinguish Infinitely beyond other Potontates , as the most Powerful , best Born , and ancienest Friend to the Port of Felicity , the end of whose days be happy , who surpasses all his Ancestors in Strength , Wisdom , and every sort of Merit ; and who is formidable to all Christendom : Would he take it well , if we should do to him , as his Admiral hath done , to the true Kalisé , or Successor , to the greatest of all the Prophets : the Sultan Elbarrein , and Khaijan , and Bahrein , King of the two Continents , and Emperor of the two Seas , the Cayzar Cezar , the Distributer of the Crowns of Cozroes . To whom God perpetuate his Grandure , to the very day of Judgement . If one of our Invincible Armies ( as Numerous as the Sands in the Sea ) should Attaque our Enemies , under one of your Masters Forts , what would he say ? What Complaints had he not reason to make ? Is it not known , that the Commander of our Galleyes , let escape from his Fury , the Ships of the Enemies of Cheincha , King of Kings , because they took Sanctuary , under the Standard of Padicha , Emperor of France ? And was it not done as it should be ? Could I , Lord Ambassador , produce a more pertinent Example ? But yet take another , that may guide you to take right measures , in seriously thinking , how to conclude this , and to bring your self out of the present danger : We have heard by certain Confus'd reports , That some Souldiers , belonging to a Spanish Garrison in Flanders ( a Land of Vices ) Incouraged by the strength of the Place , which they thought Impregnable , had grown so Insolently Foolish , as to go forth like Furies , Meriting Hell , to Attaque and Rob some French Souldiers , immediately Retiring with their Booty , into that Center of their Cowardice ; much mistaken in thinking they were there Safe : For the Emperor of France , resolving that this Injury , which hurt the Peace should be repaired : Reserved the Conquest of the Place , whence it was done , to another time ; It being not yet predestinated to be his : Therefore remaining Embarrast in the Clouds of certain delays , he contented himself , that they should make amends for the Rashness of these Madmen , undoubted Limbs of the Devil , by Money . We know , continued the Kehaia , that the Governors of this Country , by Order of their Master , thinking themselves happy , in not seeing Roll in upon them , the mighty Forces of the Emperor of France , whose very shadows make them Tremble ; delivered Hostage , and sent the money agreed upon , with Solemn Presents : which he was pleased to accept , not for their Value , but as proofs of their Homage , Submissions , and Reparation they were forced to make : He made this little Sacrifice Considerable by his acceptance , and Imperial Clemency : Here was nothing but a few French Plundered to contest about , but we have the Faithful Kill'd and Wounded , who call for Revenge , and the Holy Stones that demand it , which are Rent from some of our Mosques : There must be Blood , or Repentance , by Submissions , Exposed to the view of the Publick , or your Person must answer all , and be Lyable to great extremities : Therefore think well of all these Circumstances . Thus ended the Discourse of the Kehaia to the Ambassador , who pretended , that the last example , was not truly Reported : He affirmed that the Emperor of France , always Invincible , never amused himself about trifling Presents : And that he knew how to make his Enemies , render true Homage , and ever punish't those , that violated his Amity without a cause , by Fire and Sword ; Not forgeting neither a Generous Clemency , truly Noble , and dissinterested , when he thought it convenient to suppress his Anger . In fine , the Ambassador concluded , That he had no fear for his Person , sufficiently protected by the Power of his Master , and the Right of Nations : Saying , He had nothing to give . The Kehaia told him , He had time to think , because the Soveraign Vizir , stayed for the Answer of the Capoudan Pacha , Admiral of the Seas , to know truly how all things past at Chio ; Whereupon he would receive the Orders , given at the Fleet of the Soveraign , who pronounces the destiny of the Universe : There upon the Ambassador Retired to his House at Pera. The most Serene and Illustrious Vizir , who knows how to make use of his Prudence , and his Force , as is most proper , contented himself not to hasten the Matter . His faithful Councellor the Grand Dowanier Negotiated constantly by the usual Persons with the Ambassador , who gave him positive assurances of his yielding ; and that he would oblige him to submit , assuring him , he had made the Ambassador sufficiently apprehend a Rupture , as a thing would be of little advantage to the Affairs of France in General , or his own in particular . But during these delays , the Capoudon Pacha , obedient to the Orders of the Soveraign Vizir , had entred the Port of Chio , the better to understand the cause of the Disorder ; and fully to inform himself of every particular , that he might the sooner Contribute to the Peace he intended : There he was informed the that Cursed Old Admiral of the French , who surely knows how to live by Air , and takes pleasure to dance on the most Inraged Waves of a Tempestuous Sea ; living on them as on the most Firm Ground ; and like a perfect Fish values neither Winter nor Summer . This Man who ceases not to Live , tho' a hundred years Old ; and four score of them hath made good provision in the Market , where they Sell Cheats , Tricks , and Fourberies cheap : Took advantage of the Narrow entrance into the Port of Chio. And after having made so many Compliments and Civilities to the Capoudan Pacha , did now intreat him , not to think of stirring out till he had Surrendred the Tripolins , or obliged them to submit . Nay more , this daring Old Man , who seems to forget Death , and yet remains in Life , by the permission of God , meerly to augment his Crimes , the more to Burn in Hell , had the presumption to search several Turkish Galleys . The Capoudan Pacha had not fail'd to go out to punish his Insupportable Insolence , had not the Sea and Season Inconvenient for Galleys prevented it ; so he could do no more then give Advice of all , to that High Tribunal whose Foundations are unmovable . The Grand Vizir whose Angellick understanding knows a perfect remedy for every thing , had no sooner notice of the vain Glory , Presumption and Ill-Built Pride of this Old Commander of the French Galliens , in presuming to keep ( as it were Imprisoned ) the Admiral and Galleys of the Emperor of the World ; but he sent for the Grand Dowanier to debate the Business , between whom it was thought convenient , that the Ambassador should be Frighted ; they both being Confident he would yield , rather then expose himself to the Affronts to which Revenge too much Ingaged their Master ; and that all the Pride of which he made so great appearance , was only to save his Honour , and preserve a Profitable Imployment . We now ended the Moon worthy of Blessing , which is that of our Fast of Ramazan ; it being the Eve of the Feast of Bairan , which is begun by rendring thanks to God for giving us the Grace to Fast thirty days compleat : The Grand Vizir Indefatigable in the Obedience he pays , as well to the Great Master of Nature , who has no Companions , as to his Lieutenant on Earth , his most Perfect Image ; the Emperor of the Mussulmans , Revenger of the Divine Unity : This Grand Vizir having kept so long a Fast , was come to the thirtieth day , which he had past , without Eating or Drinking , from the Rising of the Sun to its going down : ceased not however to preserve his full Strength and Prudence , of which he gave convincing proofs to the French Ambassador . He sent for him in the Evening before the Feast of Bairan , just as the Canons ending their Fast , denounced the next days Solemnity ; so that he who doth not too well understand our customs arrived at the Grand Vizir's in the midst of that Thunder , sufficient to terrifie him , as being the presage of that Rage and Threats , was going to fall upon him . They made him attend above an hour in a Chamber , whilst the Grand Vizir was doing his Devotions ; where some mov'd him to accrept his Audience below the Sofa , which he absoutely refused , proposing to remain where he was , or in some other Room , from whence he would answer the Vizir by Message . But this Lieutenant to the Emperor of the World was resolved to discourse him face to face ; that he might dart at him , Glances like Lightning from that Majestick Presence , Adorn'd with Eagles Eyes . He placed himself on a Seat prepared on the Sofa , having first Gravely returned , by an almost Imperceptible declining of his head , the Submissive Reverence the Ambassador made him : You must know this Christian had but few with him , many not deserving to enter that Place : he was invited to sit below ; But having Generously resisted several Motions , something Violent , by which they attempted to Constrain him ; and seeming as if he would Revenge by Blows the Force , they desisted : By which he had Liberty to deliver a Letter from the Emperor of France , to the Vizir , concerning the Sofa ; It was considered too , that remaining standing as he was , it seem'd to be in a posture more Respectfull , and readier to obey the Orders he was about to receive : It was then agreed , that the Interpreter of the Port should explain for the Vizir , and the Ambassadors for him . The Discourse of the Vizir touched the Grandeur of the Emperor of the Mussulmans , of the respect due to him , of the Danger to offend him ; of the necessity readily to make Satisfaction for such a Crime : And Lastly , Of the Goodness and Clemency of the Master of the World , willing always to Pardon those that humble themselves , and repair the Injuries done to his Slaves : Adding these words , It is for thee therefore * Estchibeig , as the Surety of the * Gadicha of France , thy Master ; and Hostage residing at the Soveraign Port of Felicity , for confirmation of the Peace , to repair all that weaknes it , during the Embassie . It is for thee then to pay the Damage at Chio , for the death of some Faithful : The Breaches in the Mosques , and the Mischief done to the Cittadel ; I demand of thee for this , three hundred and fifty thousand Crowns : And a due Submission to such an Emperor as my Master , who is Protector of the true Belief . This thou must perform or go to the seven Towers , I tell thee as a Friend , thou must obey the Inevitable Doom of the Great Master of the World , pronounced to me , when prostrated as his Slave at the Foot of his Throne , the perfect and bright Resemblance of the Celestial one . The Ambassador by Amusements sought to alter the Vizir's Resolution , alledging the necessity of obeying the Emperor of France , who had Commanded his Admiral to persue to Death , the Thieving Tripolins , Enemies to France , and Rebels to the Port ; a People unworthy the Protection of his Highness , having Seized the Merchants under the Forts of the Ottoman Empire : And taken the Consul of Cyprus out of his House , where he ought by the Capitulations of Peace to have been safe : He then alledged , that if he was to be consider'd as a Hostage to Answer for what should happen on the Emperor of Frances part ; It could only be Intended to relate to things Ordinary , and not to those that were out of his Power , as the business of Chio was : The Circumstances too of which , he say'd , were aggravated : He professed himself troubled , that Chance and a Lawful defence against the Fort , which had first Fired on the Standard of his Master , should produce some Disorder ; But protested too that he cou'd promise nothing was demanded for it , and had only power write to France the true State of things , and wait his Answer thence . That as to the Seven Towers , it was easy to send him thither , but it was the way to make a Rupture : He then declared he would medle no more in any thing , for a Prisoner contrary to the Laws of Nations , was no longer Capable of Negotiating : The Vizir having declared he knew nothing of the business of Cyprus , said , they might have Besieged the Tripolins in the Port of Chio without Fyring into it ; and that during his Imprisonment , the Commerce should continue , provided there arrived no other Acts of Hostility ; telling him too , that other French Ambassadors had been Imprisoned , which the Emperor of France had not taken ill . The Ambassador Reply'd , That his Master had not foreseen this Accident , which was indeed Morally Impossible he should ; that if the same usage had been to some of his Predecessors , it was not totally without cause , as in the Case of Monsieur La Haye , who was Imprisoned , as a Spye for the Venetians : But for himself he had Prerogatives above other Ambassadors , and had been ever Faithful to the Port : That , in fine , He was Ambassador of France , and it behov'd them to consider well , before they did any thing might wrong that Character . The Grand Vizir demanded Proofs of this great Fidelity he boasted ; doth it , saith he , consist in Consederating with the French Admiral ? to demean himself as Enemy to the Grand Sultan of the Osmans : And how shall we discern this mighty Prerogative above other Ambassadors , in one who can meerly complain concerning Trifles , with which the Port hath such constant Troubles ; and pretends no Power to treat about an Affair of Importance , wherein they had Just cause to complain . The Ambassador urged , That the business of Cyprus , and many others , concerning which he had delivered Memorials to the Vizirs Officers , were no Trifling matters ; and that he had no knowledge of the Orders which the French Admiral had , more then what he had received from him , by Letters . But the Vizir remained firm to his Resolution , repeating to him , Pay or thou goest to Prison : what I say to thee , is nothing but an effect of my Friendship ; take time to consider of it , and do thy best , before there happens to thee some great affront . But the Ambassador persisting in the same useless Reasoning ; was by the Grand Vizir thus admonished . It becomes a Servant like thee , who Mediates Affairs , between a Mighty and Invincible Emperor , and thy Master the King of France , whom we distinguish much before all other Christian Kings , to behave himself with all Care and Wisdom , having ever before his Eyes the danger of suffering any thing to slip between them , might occasion Enmity or Coldness ; to the end that the Subjects of two such great Monarchies may be free from Trouble : think therefore of Submitting , and speedily paying , or thou goest to the Seven Towers . The Ambassadour having no more to say , retired ; but instead of sending him to the Seven Towers , they convey'd him to the little Lobby of the Chamber belonging to the Chiaoux Barhy : So he stirred not out of the Vizir's House , but there remained Prisoner , soon comforting himself , as we may think in that Consinement , since he boasted , that he had prevented being sent to the Seven Towers : One may indeed rationally conclude , That he thought of nothing but the Prison , with which he was threatned ; and therefore seemed not to resent the other , in which he was kept . He seem'd to be pleas'd , and studied to appear free , refusing all was sent him from the Vizir's Kitchin , and eating nothing but what came from his own . He shew'd too a kind of false Resolution , to be steddy , against all the Overtures were made him , to accommodate the matter , declaring by Reiterated Protestations , that he neither could nor would give any thing , except some Curiosities he had by him : Whereupon the Vizir sent him this Message , The Amity I bear thee , and my most earnest Solicitations , have almost prevailed to make acceptible thy most humble Discourses , before the Foot of the Imperial Throne ; an Object worthy all the submissions and respect of Mortals : Thou shalt therefore within six Months of this time , cause to be brought hither some Curiosities of France , worthy the Acceptance of the Sublime Majesty of the Emperor of the Believers ; with a Letter from the Padicha of France , by which he shall declare to the Sultan his ignorance of the Fact that hath 〈◊〉 committed ; and that he did never intend his Ships should have done any thing , could alter the Ancient Friendship : And that if by chance something had happen'd at Chio , contrary to his intention , he was troubled at it . The Ambassador explain'd himself on the Message , not allowing any Crime , but said he would procure such a Letter as was proper in the Case : And that for the Presents , they should be in his own Name , and not in that of his Masters . Things being thus prepared , they brought the Ambassador , the fourth day of his Imprisonment , to a Chamber of Liberty , which was that of the Kehaia , to which the Interpreter of the Port conducted him : There he met the Kehaia and the Chiaux Barhy , who first magnified the kindness of the Vizir , and his dexterity in appeasing the Rage of the Sultan ; and then mutually fell to commending their own , as well as the endeavours of the Dowanier . They seem'd to approve too , the Conduct of the Ambassador , but would not confide in his word , saying , it was necessary to be cautious in things relating to the Great Emperor of the Osmans : And therefore the promise of the Ambassador must be in Writing under his Hand and Seal . There hap'ned some dispute in forming it , but at last it was agreed , That the satisfaction should be exprest , to intend a reparation for the mischief done by the Emperor of France's Ships at Chio : They would have ascertain'd the Presents , but the Ambassadour would only promise they should be honest or proper ; and undertook too , for a Letter from the Emperor of France , in which consisted the Matter of the Writing he gave for his Liberty ; whereupon he departed to his own House ; however protesting before he went , That he would perform nothing , except the Sofa were granted him : And that the Tripolins were obliged to make a Peace : They bid him be contented , and not doubt of satisfaction . There was , indeed , effectual Orders sent to the Capoudon Pacha , to conclude the Treaty with the Tripolins , since the Ambassador had promised to repair the damage at Chio ; the Treaty was Concluded at the Foot of the Throne of Heroes who have the World in Wardship ; and ended to the satisfaction of the Old Admiral of the French Fleet ; whom it had been well to have sent dead into his Country ; for instead of retiring thereupon as was expected , he demonstrated a Resolution of making a longer stay , and of keeping in the Gallys , covering however his actions with a pretence of Civility and Fair dealing ; sending word to the Capoudan Pacha , that after so sure a proof of his great Genius , in reconciling him and the Tripolines , it was unjust he should be stayed longer there , desiring him therefore to procure satisfaction might be given to the Ambassador , or that he might have leave to return , declaring he was bound to stay till one or the other was granted . The Vizir consider'd , as he ought , the Resolution and Boundless Obstinacy , of this Old Captain ; who though he had many causes hourly to fear death ; yet acted as if death were afraid of him ; negotiating like one of Thirty or Fourty , that had hopes of many years to live . The Grand Vizir making just reflexions on the steddy Obstinacy , meriting Hell of this Old Seaman , sent for the Domanier , who as a Secret , I must needs say , my most Honor'd Lord , is a true Devil Incarnate ; to whom this Illustrious and Fortunate Lieutenant to the Emperor of the World thus expressed himself : If all the French were as Resolute as this Old Admiral , we should be hard put to 't to find the Moments of their wavering , and ordinary inconstancy . But if on the one side , the great God gives us this proof of their steddiness ; he shews us too on the other their Natural Genius , in the facility of changing the Ambassador . Should we imploy the Invincible Naval Forces of the King of Kings , the success would be doubtful , for the French lye too far from us ; but easily approach our Fortresses , having the Christians Harbours for their Succours : This makes me think my self predestinated for another Conduct , which will be more to the purpose then hazard , or to say better , the assistance of God , which is never wanting to the Faithful , will divide the French Councils , and make them Combat one another , as they did at Candia : Do you therefore to this purpose Negotiate with the Ambassador , who believes you his friend , serve your self with all your understanding , upon his Credulous Temper , to divide him from this other French-man , who is a thorough-pac'd Infidel , covetous of Blood and Slaughter , and one who seems to have forgot his Country , so Jealousie between the two Infidels . The Dowanier is one full of the Slights and Tricks , natural to those of his Race , being by Birth a Chinquene , who has improv'd his Subtleties and Fourberies by his Imployment in the Customs ; so he received the Orders of the Sovereign Vizir , with great Submission , promising , at the peril of his Head , to execute them . He made it be told the Ambassador , that now things were in a good way , this Old Mad Admiral would spoil all ; and it was to be feared by his restless Temper , produce an absolute Rupture : That he was an Ambitious , and Aspiring kind of Genius , that could not be contented to have ended the Affair of the Tripolines which only concerned him , to his own hearts desire , but must now be medling too with that of the Embassie , that the glory of gaining all Points might seem to be his ; and that since all things were adjusted , only that Point of the Sofa , which the Vizir was resolved to grant too , it was necessary to remove this busie Obstacle , to a perfect Reconciliation . The Ambassador gave credit to this Man , whom the Musulman's themselves believe but by force ; he therefore writ to the French Admiral to depart to Milo , on pretence of refitting , and to return again , if things were not accommodated as he expected : This Letter made him separate from the Sea of Chio , which he seem'd before to have espoused ; first sending his humble request to the Capoudan Pacha , that he would Mediate at the Foot of the Sublime Throne , that satisfaction might be given to the French Ambassador . The most fortunate Vizir , whom God will always prosper , was not a little pleas'd , to see enter into Constantinople the Fleet which had been so long detain'd at Chio : And was extremely well satisfied with the Conduct of the Dowanier , whom he ordered to continue his usual Amusements to the Ambassador ; who for four or five Months was perpetually Imbarrast with delays : He boasted mightily of his Fidelity to the Sublime Port , in having put a stop to the violent Resolutions of the French Admiral ( though before he had pretended to have no power over him ) he therefore continually urged their keeping promise with him about the Sofa ; sometimes it would be promised him , and then again made doubtful : Then it would he suggested as designed in a Chamber without Sofa , to be purposely dedicated to the Audiences of the French Ambassador : But at last he was plainly told , nothing at all could be done in it , till he had performed his promise concerning the Presents ; and that then they would think of contenting him . The French Admiral , during these delays , was returned again , near to Chio , being at the Isles of Ourlar , on the Coast of Smyrna : where the wise Vizir by the help of the Grand Dowanier found means a long time to amuse him . But the Ambassador beginning to discover , that he was deluded , writ to this old Madman , to approach to the Cape of Janissaries , near Smyrna : But commanded him too not to come nearer the Dardanelloes , those Keys of the World , assuring him if he did , it would prove the destruction of all the French Fleet ; And then these would be no Quarter for the Merchants , nor Ambassador himself We knew these Circumstances by reason the Dowanier , at the beginning , whilest the Matter of Chio depended , had so possest the French Ambassador with the assurance of that danger ; that , that terror still possest him , which had prevented the French Admiral coming nearer them before : And was now again the Cause that he only came to an Anchor , as I said before , at the Cape of Janissaries , which is the entrance of that Gulf which Conducts one by a space of seven or eight Miles to these Castles , which are the first Keys of this vast and strong City : the desire of Kings , the splendid and proud Town of Constantinople . The Dowanier had likewise receiv'd intelligence from Smyrna , that the French Admiral was troubled , he had obey'd the Ambassador , declaring he knew that was not the way to do themselves good . You must know too , my most Honoured Lord , that the Grand Vizir was assured that this French Admiral , had received Orders to make a speedy return Home , to go against Algier . The Theater of War and Foyle of a Mighty d' Gachar of Germany who now burns in Hell. But be it as it will , as a secret I assure you , the most Serene and Illuminated Vizir resented the whole matter with great satisfactions , in having it Conducted so that he hazarded not the Reputations of these two Castles , which are the Jaws of this great Giant of Constantines : But that they appeared Formidable to the very French , the most powerful of all Infidels ; who seem to fear neither Storms , Famine , Fire nor Water . Their Admiral being thus as it were Chain'd from passing the Cape of Janissaries , was certainly as we are inform'd all fury for being forced to return so soon ; and that he must be reduced to Prayers for having been obedient to an Embassy . He therefore against his will Writ a most submissive Letter to the Supreme Vizir , Intreating him that satisfaction might be given to the Ambassador by having Audience on the Sofa , or that he might take his leave ; He being obliged to stay to carry him back . The Messenger who brought the Letter was one of the Captains of the Gallions , and one we knew to be a most particular Friend to the Ambassador . This Envoy came to Constantinople well perpar'd with many good reasons to have offer'd to the Supream Arbitrator of the affairs of Mankind , the Lieutenant to the Emperor of the World. But being unworthy to appear in his Presence , that Honor was refused him , and he was referred to the Chief Steward of the Houshold of this Councellor , full of the Glory of the King of Kings . The Grand Vizir who knows well how to preserve the Honor of his Supream Dignity , refused to receive the Letter from the French Admiral , declaring he would have no business with him . And as to two sent him by the Ambassador of France , wherein he desires leave to depart except he might have Audience on the Sofa , Alledging it was the Order of his Master : He made no other Answer but commanded him to send him those Orders of the Emperor of France . But the most Illuminated Vizir having made them to be Interpreted to him , returned them without saying one word ; which obliged the Ambassador to a Third : Wherein with Counterfeit earnestness he desires leave to retire , pretending that the French Admiral was bound to stay for him . This useless refinement caused the Grand Vizir to smile , who knew that General was immediately to depart , and that the Envoy from him hourly pressed the Ambassador to dispatch him away . The Wise Vizir perceiving the subtile design of the Ambassador , who made not the least mention of discharging the Obligation he had given in Writing , sent him this Answer . The most happy Port , which is the Sanctuary of the Empires of the Age , is ever open to all those who desire the Glory to enter : And those that would have the shame to depart , we never detain by Force , except they be Debtors . Thou mayest then be gone ; But first think of Paying thy Debts , comply with thy obligation ; make thy Money and Presents to the value of three Hundred and fifty Thousand Crowns be laid at the Feet of the Emperor of the Osmans . And with this Attonement , for the business of Chio ( unworthy our Master , but which he is pleased to accept as a Mark of thy Humility ) thou shalt have leave to be gone . The Ambassador , who it seems , had not before , well consider'd the consequence of his promise , not dreaming perhaps it extended so far ; protested he had nothing came near those demands . They told him he was bound by his Writing to make honest Presents to the Grand Seignior ; demanding of him , what that word Honest Imply'd : Declaring to him in Fine , that since the six Months time agreed upon was past , he was obliged to perform his promise . He declared that those Curiosities he had provided were rare and rich , worthy the acceptance of the Invincible Emperor . It was then required that they might be View'd ; to which purpose some Persons were sent by the Soveraign Vizir : But upon their description contain'd in a Catalogue upon the first sight of them , the value the Ambassador set upon them , and his offer of some small Summ to Augment them , were both rejected . But there being no other way to conclude : The Envoy of the French Admiral was forced to be gone without taking with him the Ambassador , whom he was constrained to leave as a Debtor at the Port of Felicity . The Grand Vizir whom nothing escapes , understanding the hasty departure of the French Captain , to joyn his Admiral to Sail with him for France : was then Confirm'd in the advice had been given him of the speedy departure of the French Fleet ; and though he knew well enough that the Embassador did not intend to fly stript away , yet he counterfeited a care to prevent it , as a thing unjust that he should go without paying . The time came on which makes it necessary that the Naval Force of the Emperor of the World should go forth ; Of which the Grand Vizir took particular Care ; going himself divers times to the Arsinal about it : So when it was ready to Sail and Salute with all its Cannon and Artillery , the Soveraign of the Earth sitting upon his Throne of Felicity , the Admiral went to prostrate himself before the Invincible Emperor , and to receive his Orders . He was commanded to shape his Course for the Archipellagues , and to receive the submissions of the French Admiral as he past : who would not as the Ambassador promised , ( fail to do his Duty : ) After which he was to proceed as occasions required . All was performed as was Order'd . The Capoudan Pacha doubled the Point of the Seraglio with his Fleet : and having past the Jaws or old Castles , came to an Anchor at the Mouth of the Gulf , where having received the Respects of the old French Admiral , he weighed and continued his way : It seem'd as if this French Admiral only waited for that happy moment , for it was no sooner past but he hoysted Sail for his own Countrey : very joyful no doubt to escape that just punishment his rashness had merited . The most honor'd Vizir well satisfied so to have mortified the Old Man , applied all his Thoughts in contriving the reparation was in Publick and Solemn Pomp , to be made in the presence of the August Monarch of the Universe : To which purpose he sent for the Grand Dowanier , merrily asking him , when he would make an end of his very good Friends business ; adding , though with Authority , that it must now be dispatcht . They both were of opinion there would be little difficulty in bringing it about , being certain the Ambassador would not be sorry to get forth of the trouble ; especially now , when the Admiral was gone : But they thought some Arguments would be necessary to persuade him ; as first , That he was obliged by his promise , made as Ambassador , to repair the damage done by his Master's Ships : That there was an appearance too of Orders come from France , which left it to his discretion , as things should occur upon the place ; upon which , and other Arguments , they both concluded , that if he was prest and threat'ned he would yield . But the Dowanier went on with the Discourse to the Vizir in these Terms : I can assure you , my most happy Master , that the Ambassador demurs not but only for appearances ; he disputes of the quality of the Presents and quantity of Money , that it may not be supposed in France he yields too easily ; give him a little time to please his fancy with feigned resistance , and he will make the less Reflection on the manner he is to make his Submissions ; he desires to have it thought , that he gives no Money , and desires extremely to have that remitted or conceal'd ; but how can that be , when it must be borrowed of the English and Hollanders ? He would have it likewise thought , that he Augments not his Presents , when already they are increas'd , and trust to me shall be more yet ; I know besides , says the Dowanier , that there is a Letter come from the Emperor of France , containing excuses for the business of Chio ; therefore there will be no more to do but to hasten him : They then consulted the manner of proceeding ; first , he had been told beforehand , that it was a Custom to send to Debtors , even Ambassadors themselves , a Chiaux to mind them of what was expected from them , that they might comply : But to amuse the Ambassador , they concluded to give him occasion to feed his vanity , by the quality of the Messenger was sent unto him , which would be a little comfort to him , for what he was to suffer . They sent therefore an Officer , that is , him who is Judge of the Chiauxes ; which indeed was contriv'd to make the business more publick : When he came to the Ambassador , accompanied by the Interpreter of the Port , and had Communicated to him the Imperial Orders for payment , and the necessity of appeasing the Sultan's wrath , by publick Submissions and Satisfactions , capable to procure the effects of his Clemency : He again flew back to his former Allegations and Imaginations , desiring to defer the business , protesting he would not in the least increase his Presents . But they being sensible of his dissimulation , advis'd him as soon as might be , to get out of the difficulty : Which done the Judge of the Ushers , and the Interpreter of the Port left him : His Interpreters too , received daily the same advice , with frequent Threats of the Seven Towers : yet still the Ambassadour seem'd both by Discourse , and a Letter he writ to the Kehaia , to be ready to suffer every thing , even death it self , rather then give ready Money , or indeed any other Presents , then what he had offer'd . But the Dowanier assuring the contrary , made it be judged a fit time for Conclusion , which it was necessary should be made with Solemnity . And because it was judged to be too much honour for the Ambassador to agree it with the Vizir , it was resolved it should be with the Prime Secretary to this Lieutenant to the Emperor of the World. Your Lordship is to consider , that the Ambassadors of France did not use to attend the Kehaia , but Incognito , and Clothed in Turkish Habit , with few followers , pretending it to be a Condescention below them , only comply'd with to expedite business . But now it was judged necessary to change that Custom , and oblige the Ambassadour to come in his own Habit , with his Interpreters , Secretaries , Merchants , and Foot-men ; that all the Town might know it was the French Ambassador , who came publickly to attend the Secretary of the Vizir , to end the business about the Pardon for the attempt at Chio , and to agree the reparations for the damage done there . He made no difficulty to come publickly as was desir'd , though perhaps he might be ignorant of the Cause . The Kehaia propos'd to him the Augmentation of his Presents , which he pretended to refuse ; they seemed earnestly to press him , and he as earnestly to resist ; but all his seeming Obstinacy , and their Reiterated Instances to perswade him , was no more but a meer Comedy , for the Sum to be presented the Sultan was adjusted before : And the Dowanier had undertaken for the Augmentation of the Presents . So the Ambassador went back with an Imaginary satisfaction of a Mock-bravery : He had caused a Rumor to be spread , that he was to be sent to the Seven Towers ; that coming back to his House , it might be thought his Conduct had preserved him , which would make both that , and his Courage be admir'd at by Strangers : To which vapour of Vain-Glory for his comfort we may quietly leave him ; whilst the most prudent Vizir thought of nothing more then the manner to make most visible , most submissive , and most acceptible , his Sacrifice of Expiation for the attempt at Chio : It was first resolved to take the opportunity to reduce the French Ambassador , by this occasion , to a custom refused by all his Predecessors , and to which none of them would ever submit ; which was , to have their Presents seen and valued before they were offer'd : It was supposed the Ambassador would hardly refuse it , if his Interpreters did but tell him it was the Custom ; And we were very desirous he should yield to it at this time , the more because the People would the sooner think he was ready to Augment his Presents , in case the Sultan should not in his Clemency agree to accept those he had prepar'd : He yielded the Point , and now nothing was in dispute but the place where the Presents , the Money , and the French Emperors Letter should be receiv'd , who should receive them , who should carry them , and in what manner they should be presented . The Great Divan was thought one , as the place where Ambassadors are receiv'd , the Army paid , and Justice distributed : But this proposition was rejected , as not publick enough ; and because that things , which were to pass in the Submission , might be confounded with the Ceremonies of the Ambassadors Audience , which he ought not to receive till some time after he had expiated that disorder at Chio , the only thing able to render him worthy the presence of the Emperor of the World. There were divers other places propos'd , but after full Consideration , that the injury for which Reparation was to be made , had been done on the Sea , in the Port of Chio , in the sight of many Nations , and in a manner at the very Gates of Constantinople ; it was by all agreed , That no place was more proper to receive satisfaction in , then the Palace of Cara Mustapha , most advantageously situated on the Sea side , at the Entrance of the safest and largest Port in the known World ; a Port which is the Theatre of the Maritine Strength of the Great Sultan of the Osmans , and the Refuge of the French , English , Holland , and Venetian Merchant Ships ; a Port , which is at least a third part of it , incompast about by the incomparable City of Constantinople , standing in manner of an Amphitheatre for five Miles together on its Banks ; on the other side being seen many Cities and Towns fit for Capital Cities to great Realms : On the Waters whereof may be constantly seen an infinite number of Vessels fill'd with People from every Nation of the World. All these Reasons made the Dome of Cara Mustapha favoured with so advantageous a situation , and expos'd to the view of most of the Ambassadors , Ministers , Residents , and Agents of the Christian Princes , be thought most proper ; that they as well as all the People and Grandees of the Empire might see , that none could with impunity offend the Sovereign Majesty of the Emperor of the World. They likewise the sooner agreed on the choice of that place , as being a sumptuous Palace , including the Maritine Throne of the Emperor of the two Seas ; where the Musick that diverts him , is that of Trumpets , Kettle-Drums , and Cannons ; which , with the noise of Oars , and continual hurry of Ships and Galleys , fills the Air with an agreeable Confusion : It is in this place too the Admirals pay their Homage , bringing thither the proofs of their Victories , in the Spoils of the Enemies of the Faith. So there being no place more proper for the Design of the Supreme Vizir , it was agreed , that if the Sultan did not chuse it of himself , it should be proposed to him . It was then debated , who should receive the Submissions of the French Ambassador ; and some propos'd either the Kehaia or Intendant of the Grand Vizir : But because the Enterprise , for which Pardon was to be demanded , regarded directly the Person of the Sultan ; and that it belong'd to none but him , to sit upon the Throne of the Sea , the Vizir resolved to take the time when this Sovereign of the World was come ( as he often did ) to this Dome of Cara Mustapha : That he would know in the mean time , if His Highness were ready to receive the most humble Repentance of the French Ambassador , who till then should be kept in suspence of that happy Moment : It rested then to determine , how the Ambassador should perform his Duty : about which some were of Opinion he should do it in Person ; But because he had not yet receiv'd Publick Audience from the Vizir , it was concluded he should send his Principal Officer , that was his Secretary , to make satisfaction , by carrying and exposing the Presents , and Money , and to deliver the Letter from the Emperor of France . They had a President of the like nature with the * Bailo of Venice , about the Vallone , where the Venetians had attack't those of Barbary . As likewise the yearly practice of the Secretary of that Republick , when he brings the Tribute of five thousand Chiquins . In fine , they promis'd , the Vizir so to conduct all things , that it should appear a perfect Submission , or Publick Penance for what had past at Chio. The Grand Dowanier , who had charged himself with every thing , Congratulated the Soveraign Vizir that the business was so well adjusted : You have , saith he , My Lord , part of what you desire , and shall have the rest ; whilest we leave the Ambassador the vain satisfaction to repent and say , That his Condescentions are only Personal , and his Negotiation as a private Man , That it was for his own proper account he made his Presents ; That the Money is for another occasion , and that he hath Writ nothing to France of all this bustle , All these Pretences are but bad Colours , and worse shadows , agreeing ill with the quality of him they are designed to serve : For if he be not Ambassador , can he be worthy to rub his Face with the Dust of the Feet of the Invincible Sultan , whose Grandeur God will increase to the very Day of Judgment ? Is it not certain , it was not the Ambassador who fired the Cannons against Chio , but the Emperor of France's General , pursued the Dorwanier ? And is it not as plain , that he for this , as Ambassador must submit ? He is obliged to it by Writing , in which he engages to procure his Masters Letter of excuse , and in six Months time to have Presents brought from France ? These are here and not intended for his Audience : he has too procur'd the Summ of Money agreed upon . I know he boasts that all has been done is agreeable to the Emperor of France : From whence may be concluded that his Imprisonment , his promise of Presents , and of a Letter of excuse to the Sultan , are agreeable to the Emperor of France : And that it is time therefore to come to a Conclusion . Let the Ambassador then , say what he pleases , and form to himself pleasant Chymera's : Provided the Reality of his Submissions conformable to our Customs and Manners , which ought to be a Law to the World ; clears away the shadow from the true Throne which is the Sanctuary to the Emperors of the Age ; surrounded by those Mountains on which stands the Capital City , from whence the Noise and Reputation of the Action will fly to the rest of the Earth . This was very near the Discourse of the Dowanier , who said too that he would go and send for the French Interpreters , and command them to insinuate to their Master ; that all things were contriv'd for his Honor , as would appear to the astonishments of all Strangers ; that the Presents and Respects would be receiv'd by the great Emperor of the Osmans , and that perhaps he would come for that purpose to a place where he only goeth for extraordinary Ceremonies , they shall advise him too , that for his greater Glory he must intreat as a signal favour , to have his Presents carried by his own People , as his Secretary and some Merchants . The Dowanier having said this kist the Vest of the Soveraign Vizir , and retir'd . He performed all . The Interpreters found the Ambassador ready to put in Action every thing he advis'd him , and extreamly earnest quickly to receive the imaginary Glory was promis'd him . There were some days past since the visit of the Ambassador to the Kehara of the Vizir : That he might not therefore be in doubt , word was sent him that his Affairs were in so good a posture , and so near a Conclusion , that he would soon see a glorious end of them : It was then insinuated to him that the grand Dowanier was one of the most considerable Officers of the Empire ; That he commanded all the Seas , from the Basphore to Smyrna and Chio : That all Merchandizes and every Slave of the World , as well Male as Female paid him Tribute : That he had the Honor to provide for the pleasures of the Sultan , by whom he was sometimes visited , being lookt upon as one of his Favourites . This was suggested to make the Ambassdor know , that if the Dowanier visited him , it was a particular Favour , and a Prerogative with which the P●rt would honour him : And that though the Merchandize and Wealth of all the World found Legs to attend this Officer to obtain leave to be Sold , or the Honour to be detain'd for the Sultan : He himself would come to the Ambassador to see and examin his Presents , and to contribute all he could to make them in some measure worthy the acceptance and clemency of the Invincible Emperor : The conclusion was , That he was not only to receive the Grand Dowanier with demonstrations of acknowledgment and Friendship ; but with all kind of Honor , being to be attended by his principal Officers , Turks and Jews ; that is to say , those of his Tribunal , proper for the business he was sent about . The Interpreters that were instructed in the main Circumstances , were the first that by Order of their Master , put them in execution : One of them went to fetch the Dowanier from his House ; bringing with him a Horse of the Ambassadors . He was receiv'd at the Gate of the French Palace by the Secretary , Chief Interpreter , and other Domesticks ; the Ambassador met him in the Hall , and led him upon the Sofa , where being placed in a Seat of Honor , the first Interpreter having kist his Vest , said to him : That the Ambassador considering him as one of his best Friends , bid him heartily welcom , That he was extreamly pleas'd to see him , after all the trouble he had given him , That he might personally return him thanks , which he did sincerely ; That he had often , and would continue to inform the Emperor of France of all the good Offices he daily did his Subjects , in point of Commerce : That all the Factory as well as the Ambassador himself , were indebted to him for the conclusion of a business , had made so much noise . To which the Dowanier made Answer ; I boast , saith he , nothing , but am a Friend at need ; God knows what I have done , and shall do : you have many Enemies , those of your own Religion , and Francs , as you are , do not much love you , nor are they much troubled to see the French ill us'd , some of them gave continual Intelligence of things might have anger'd the Vizir , if his Moderation and Prudence had not retain'd him : He has not long since had assurances , that the Padicha of France sent to the Emperor of Germany ; offering him assistance , in case our Master the Invincible Sultan , broke with that Prince , or to make him if he could declare War by way of Advance against us : Others on the contrary side would perswade us , That the French would suddenly be at War , both with the Germans , and most part of Christendom : But the Grand Vizir confider'd all these reports as the meer effects of base Envy , and sordid Jealousie , being resolved ( pursued the Dowanier ) to give you proofs of his Friendship ; I come therefore to tell you , he as presented the offer of your Submissions to the Imperial Estrier ; and conjectures they may be near acceptance , that is , of being acceptible . The Ambassador denied all those things which seem'd to wound the Reputation of his Master : And the Dowanier seeming to believe him , changed the discourse , saying , come let 's to work , I have brought hither my Officers that value the Customs , to make Estimation of your Presents according to usage ; and offer you my advice , as a friend , wherein to augment them , that they may in some degree be worthy to be offer'd the Emperor , Supporter of the World ; and that we may the better prevail with him to accept them . They thereupon brought the Dowanier into the fairest Chamber of the French Seraglio , where he was much surprised not to see the Principal Wall garnish'd with Looking-Glasses : But applying himself to the Observation of the Presents , and advising with the Praisers , he told the Ambassador that these he brought with him , but he must add to them those he had since sent for from France , besides some Jewels : These last the Ambassador desired him to buy for him , which he promised to do : He mention'd too the ready Money , but the Ambassador protested he had none , and intreated him to lend him some ; which he consented to do : But the Ambassador desiring that the Money might be delivered secretly , could obtain only a doubtful answer from the Dowanier ; though to comfort him he readily granted him another request , which was , That his Presents might be carried to the Sultan by his own People . This , though the surest proof of his Submission , was by the Dowanier magnified to him as an exceeding favour , who told him , it must be done then by his Kehaia , Clerks , and some Merchants ; who must be well Instructed , to comply with all the Ceremonies would be taught them ; and to behave themselves with Modesty , Silence , and Gravity . He then mention'd the Letter from the Emperor of France , which the Ambassador would have excused , but at last promised to deliver . This whole Intertainment , and great Negotiation , was mingled with those ordinary ones of Cahu , Sherbet , and Sweet-water , and more then one Collation of Fruit. The Ambassador often reiterated his Protestations of Friendship and Acknowledgment to the Dowanier ; the Praisers neither were not forgotten : So when it was time to part , the Dowanier bid him fear nothing , for he would go to the Grand Vizir , to know whether he had received Orders from the invincible Emperor , for ending the business : The same honours were done him going , as when he came , with repeated intreaties for a speedy Conclusion : He came immediately to the Sovereign Vizir , and gave him a pleasant account of all had past ; but above all , they were pleas'd at the Ambassadors hast , whom therefore they agreed should be made solicite some days ; which he did to the Dawanier earnestly for the three following , receiving only dilatory Answers : But then the Dowanier went to his House again , and carried with him the Jewels he had bought with the ready money , receiving the same Honours , as at first , but could not appoint a positive day for a Conclusion ; pretending the Sultan had not yet appointed one ; but he perswaded the Ambassador not to be discouraged , but in the mean time send the Letter and Presents to the Grand Vizir's , that the manner of carrying them might be Regulated , which was immediately done : They brought too the ready money , having in some manner agreed it should be received privately . There was in the mean time a certain Memorial presented to the Emperor of the World , sent him by the Grand Vizir in this Form : My most Magnanimous , most Valiant , and most Happy Emperor , be pleased to behold what is brought before you by the greatest of your Slaves ; It is that your Slave the Ambassador of France makes continual Supplications , to implore Pardon for what past at Chio : He hath never since that misfortune ceased to use his utmost endeavours , to escape the terrible Grief of Chastisement , so great a rashness Merited ; and to preserve the whole French Nation from the extirpating furious Sword of the Monarch of the World : To which purpose he is fled to the Cittadel of Submission , and there humbly waits for the happy Moment , wherein he may be admitted to rub his Face with the dust of the Feet of your Invincible , and ever Triumphant Highness : He begs you would be pleased to cast an Eye tending towards acceptance , both on the Letter of the Emperor his Master ; and on the Money and Presents he ( according to the Orders he hath received ) is ready to expose at the Foot of Your Sublime Throne : And which at present are in the possession of me , who has the honour to be Your Slave : He confesses them to be mean , if consider'd with the Majesty of the Person they are designed to , but hopes they may become of value by the Acceptance , being sure proofs of his Vassalage , and Testimonies of his most Submissive and respectful Repentance , for the disorder at Chio. It remains in the breast of your Highness to Command any other thing you please , which your Slave the Ambassador is ready to perform . The wise Emperor , who penetrates into the most secret and difficult things , to whom the Almighty God grant for ever a Happy and Glorious Reign , Commanded the Grand Vizir to appear at his Foot ; of whom he Inquired , Whether all he writ was sincere ; and whether there was no Trick , by which those Infidels might shelter themselves in the Valley of Treachery and Insolence . The Grand Vizir assured him he had reason to believe , that the Ambassador was in earnest : Whereupon this Sovereign , who is the Delight and Glory of the World , spoke thus : The French , though obstinate in Error , are nevertheless protected by our High and Imperial Power , in hopes we may one day reduce them to receive the true Faith : Their Emperour boasts to be our most Ancient Friend , yet have they acted like Traytors , and Enemies at Chio : But because they readily humble themselves , I submit to the most high and absolute Commands of the holy Prophet , which saith , When you have Power over your Enemy , pay me the Tithes of the Victory , by the Pardon you shall give him . I am therefore disposed to Pardon and forget the Ingratitude of these Infidels , whom I have loaded with my Sublime Favours ; having granted to their last Ambassadour , with considerable advantages , the Renovation of the Capitulations denied to so many of his Predecessors . The Emperor paused a little , and then addressing it to the Grand Vizir , who durst not yet speak , pursued thus : Let the Ambassador be well instructed in the Glory he is going to receive by his Submissions , Humility , and Publick Repentance ; whereby he not only disarms our Rage ; but procures to his Master the Confirmation of a Friendship , and Alliance , to him so Glorious , that it will render him terrible to his Enemies . The Grand Vizir with a most submissive bow , intreated the mighty Sultan of the Osmans to appoint the place , where he would have his Slave the Ambassador make publick to the World , his Repentance and most submissive Respects , with the proofs of a Fidelity , should be no more subject to a change the Emperor Replied , he would send his pleasure in Writing ; which came in this Form : I shall God willing , to morrow , and next day divert my self with the noise of the Waves of the Sea ; to reflect my Grandure in that Liquid Crystal Miroir ; and to delight my ears with the Artificial Thunder and confusion of Voices , which Reigns usually on that Element . I go to Seat my self at the Entrance of the Port on my Maritime Throne , in the Kieusk of Mustapha Pasha ; where the Sea seems to be summon'd into a long and large Court , only to do Homage to my Imperial Seat , the vast City of Constantinople . It is there , its natural inconstancy cannot hinder it from rendring me perpetual Homage , in the name of other Seas : And to glory in bringing me Tributes and Submissions constantly , from all the Princes of the World. There I inspire my Officers , with power of Gaining Victories with ease , in granting them the glory at setting forth , to prostrate themselves at my feet : And there at their return I receive the proofs of those Victories they have gain'd in my name . It may be truly called the Abridgment of the World ; Being the refuge of all the Nations of the seven Climates , who think themselves happy in bringing thither their most precious Merchandizes , for the use of me and my Slaves . Nature alone contriv'd this Royal Port , which is constantly cover'd with vast numbers of Ships and Galleys , and Beautified by those Mountains cloath'd with Mosques , Towns and Forrests which encompass it about ; Whilest I there divert my self , true Emperor of the World , and make reflections of what I owe to God , the unchangeable Lord ; for giving me so beautiful a Residence in this perishing World ; as an earnest of that he hath prepar'd for me in the other , which shall never end : You may cause to be brought before me , the submissions of the French Ambassador ; in a manner , as much proportion'd as can be to our Grandure , and ●he quality of Protector of the true Faith , a Title we more esteem than that of all our Dominions : This is what we Ordain ; And thou who art our Grand Vizir , and Counsellor , full of Glory , must give odedience to this . The most discerning and prudent Vizir , was extreamly pleas'd , that a Soul like his , so much Inferior to that of our most invincible Master ; should enter into Sentiments so agreeable to the clear thoughts of that incomparable Emperor . He sent presently for the Dowanier , and Communicated those Orders to him , which none must disobey without the danger of being lost : He assured the Grand Vizir , that he was continually sollicited for a dispatch by the French Interpreters , who were scarcely ever from him . So it was concerted that the next day but one all should be finisht ; of which the principal Officers of the Port had notice : And things were so order'd that the Common People might not be ignorant neither . The Emperor of the two Seas , being accordingly come to the Kieusk of Mustapha Pasha , there took for some time the pleasure of a true Emperor ; and being set at Dinner , they caused the French Ambassadors Presents to be brought from the Grand Vizir's ; where , as I before told your happy Lordship , they had been deposited three or four days ; and placed them in a House near the Palace , under the conduct of an Officer of the Port ; And over against the Kendi , were expos'd to publick view the Ambassadors People , his Secretary and chief Clerk , a Merchant and three Interpreters , who were the principal together with ten or twelve Footmen : These had waited with great impatience from day break , expecting this happy moment ; Then by Order of the Principal Usher , and Master of the Caftans , the six first had each of them a Castau or Vest of honour delivered them ; Thus with the Interpreter of the Port , and a Turkish Officer , in Caftans at the head of them , they marched followed by the Footmen . These eight in Robes with the rest of the Ambassadors People , took each of them a part of the Present , and fyled one after the other , with all the Gravity , Modesty and Silence , becoming a business of that nature : They were made stop at one of the corners of the Pallace : And being drawn into a Rank , with their Backs towards the Seraglio , and Faces to the Sea , Eyes cast down , their Feet streight and closed to one another , each man held his part of the Present , elevated with both his hands , as high , and as much expos'd to the publick as might be ; in which humble posture having stood a sufficient time for the People to view and distinguish every thing , they were discharged from that honour by the Officers of the Emperor , supporter of the World. It is not certainly known , how many Purses of Money were amongst the Presents , but some there were , and these carried to his Highness , by him who had Order'd the whole Ceremony , which is the Telkedgi . The Emperor of the World cast one corner of his Eye upon them , which Communicated to them all their value and esteem they ought to have : This Corifee and Master of the Kings of the World , This mighty Emperor of the Osmanli ; had the pleasure to read the excuses of the Emperor of France , in his Letter deliver'd him by the Grand Vizir ; in which he assures him , he had given no Orders to his Admiral to disturb the Antient Alliance , but on the contrary to strengthen it ; But if in pursuing and fighting the Tripolins his Enemies there had happened any wrong to his Highness's Territories , he was troubled at it , and desired him not to take it ill ; but consider that those Thieves had before set upon the French Merchants in his Highness's Ports : That though he had great reason to complain that the Fort of Chio had fired upon his Flag , yet he freely forgot it , to shew to what degree he would be a Friend to the most invincible Emperor of the Musulmans . Whilest his Highness was accepting these protestations of Fidelity , which he believed sincere ; to prove them so , the Telkedgi and Interpreter of the Port appeared , followed by the three Interpreters of France ; who being come to a certain distance stayed , and had the honour to touch the Ground of the Field , before the Sultans Throne with their Faces ; there holding them as long a time as is required to boyl an Egg : In this manner , without being held , they saluted the Emperor ; being by Birth Slaves to the Grand Seignior : But the Kahaia , and Clerk to the Ambassador , with the French Merchant , who are only to be reckoned Slaves by Force , and Representers of their Master ; were held by two Ushers , each in Vests of Ceremonies , who extended their Arms with one hand , and carried in the other Silver Staves which they often rub'd on the ground with great noise , and a certain Motion of Grandure and Ostentation . These Conductors who led their Slaves like Victimes in seeming hast , made them stop as suddenly ; saying to them in a rude Tone * Dour . When the Telkedgi , and Interpreter of the Port , with the three French Interpreters had done prostrating ; then might be seen these chief Porters or Ushers , like Maskers of Ceremonies , so well instruct their French-men , that without quitting their Shoulders or prejudicing the extension of their Arms , they all kneeled softly down , and imprinted their Faces in the Dust , in the open view of the Sun , remaining in that posture so long as it pleased the Emperor of the World ; who being well satisfyed with so full a reparation , made a sign almost imperceptible for taking them away . The Capidges are so perfectly instructed in these Ceremonies , that the least motion of the Field is to them enough , so they rais'd hastily these prostrated Slaves , and made them return back without giving them time to behold the sublime Majesty of the Emperor of the World , who was seated at a great disttance . Thus the French-men performed their Commission in representing the true submissions of their Ambassador . The August and terrible Sultan of the Osmanli , was Seated on his Throne at the entrance of the open Gallery , which Ranges on that side of the Kieusk , which is towards the Sea : The * Chesade was by him ; For tho the Emperor his Father doth not yet admit him to his Councels or Divan , but keeps him in a plain Equipage , having him only often with him at Hunting , Walking , Riding , and other diversions ; yet his Highness would have him with him , to be a Witness of the respects , submission and publick Repentance of the French Ambassador ; to make this young Prince sensible how much the name of Osman , which he must one day support , was rever'd through the whole World , since the Emperor of France , the greatest Monarch of the belief of the Messia , and terror to the rest of those Infidel Princes , whose Armies and Garrisons are innumerable , and Treasures inexhaustible , did permit this Ambassador to make such full satisfaction for what past at Chio : There was beside ranged about the Throne in respectful posture the principal * Itheoglans : The Grand Vizir attended too on oneside near a corner of the Gallery , with his hands clos'd , his Feet streight and joyn'd , and his Eyes cast down : there was neither * Kalibulick , Noise , Croud or Confusion , but an awful silence , which exprest that it belonged to none but the Master to speak or give leave to them that should . Thus my most honoured Lord , you see the particulars of this most remarkable Affair : the chief Circumstances whereof are Recorded in the Registers of the Empire . The great ones , nay the very People talk of it with delight in Constantinople , and the news of it is gone to Persia , Armenia , and the Indies ; the * Droguemans of our Friends Allies , and Tributaries of the Law of Messia , are well instructed in all particulars , to the end they may inform their several Masters ; many of the Secretaries and Clerks of the Imperial Register ▪ have writ exactly to the Pachas and Beglarbeigs of this vast Empire , preserved by God , concerning it . And I think my self happy to have been chosen to Communicate all these glorious circumstances to my most honoured Lord. The matter is in it self so splendid , that it needs no more but the pure and simple relation to make it be admir'd ; and Eloquence would but serve to hide some part of the Luster : I have therefore used no disguises , nor indeed hesitated to mix some particulars in my relation which deserve to be kept secret ; so that I have made this rather a little Book then a Letter , nor have I yet fully done , having forgot to relate to you the satisfaction of the Ambassador in having got out of so difficult an Employment : he magnifies his own Conduct , and has writ about it to his Countrey , as well as given an account thereof to the Ministers residing from other Princes , at the happy Port. And he is so strongly perswaded that he hath done his Master considerable Service ; that he hath sent proofs of his acknowledgment to all those he thought instrumental in procuring so mighty an advantage as the Pardon of the most invincible Emperor of the Musulmans . The most discerning Vizir , so conducted this whole affair , to the sole Glory of our invincible Suitan ; that there is not the least Circumstance , or most minute passage can be Interpreted to the contrary , except by men of shatter'd understandings ; we are therefore confirmed by it , in that esteem which is due to his Merit : and may avow with justice the most submissive acknowledgments and thanks given him by the Ambassador , which were accompanied with Presents that testified the Gratitude due to this Minister , for so well re-establishing the Negotiation , Trade and Alliance with the French , which without his Mediation to his Highness , was in hazard to have broke : The effects whereof could not have been otherways then Bloody . The Ambassador believ'd himself much honoured by certain words of Gratitude , which lookt a little like thanks from the Grand Vizir : Nor has he wanted to acknowledge the pains and endeavours of the most illustrious Kehaia , the Resefendi Lord of the Clerks of the two * Teskeredgis , Chaoux Pacha , Principal Usher of the Interpreter of the Port , and many others of whose Friendships he makes sure account . The Dowanier who mediated all , did not labour for nothing : his reward was not forgotten , nor will be wanting hereafter for the proofs he will daily give the French , Merchants of his Friendship to them , or rather that he bears to himself . I must , My Lord , say one word or two concerning the many mercies which God pours forth , on the Mighty Sultan of the Osmanli ; of which , though we have a thousand Examples , in my opinion none are more visible or stronger proofs , then the Jealousie he is pleased to sow amongst Christian Princes : We know some of the effects this passion produces in the Countries of those Infidels : But if our Grandure and Power , which is arriv'd to so great a height , makes us not neglect to enter into the thoughts of this Subject , in certain particulars , which we have now before us , and which will instruct us in many things ; we shall easily perceive it to be the perfect hand of God , which in Mercy to us so blinds the Christians , that most of their Princes are reduced to the necessity of seeking the friendship of the Port , to divert from them the fury of those Armies which Command Victory . And there may be discerned amongst the Christian Ambassadors a most particular Application for the destruction of one another . They seem indeed only so many spyes , not upon our Government , but of what passes in the Countreys of their Neighbours : And above all of any weakness amongst them , of which they think themselves so happy to Inform us , that they even make us deaf with their news ; and so the Glory of our Master , which permits not that we should have Ambassadors rende in their Courts , doth not the least prejudice to his Affairs . This Curse of God upon the Christians has gained us many Victories , and gives us easie Conquests : And you may discern a part of their Conduct , by what I have said about the business of Chio ; and I may add truly , that there never appear'd so much Zeal amongst the Christian Ministers against those of France as then . They would come and tell us . That the Emperor of France is an Ambitious and restless Prince , very Powerful and Fortunate , who disturbs all his Neighbours , and gives them great trouble by his Victories and Money , that he would seem to be a friend to the Port , whilst he gives great Succours in all places against it ; that he values himself to the Pope by the great designs he hath against the Turks ; that we ought to consider him as a dangerous Enemy , and the greatest Politician of the World ; that all the rest of Christendom was Confederating against him ; and that the King of Germany expected but the renewing of the Truce with us , to put himself in the Head of the League against him . The Venetians , though for their particular Interest they should desire a War between us and the Germans , yet nevertheless have not ceased to excite as much as possible , the hatred of his Highness to the French ; and it is certain the Hollanders and others did the same : They would all have ingaged us in a Rupture with France ; but the most discerning Vizir , who knows how to make his advantage of every thing , is very well pleased with the Reparation of the French Ambassador . He can likewise , when he pleases , sell very dear to the German Minister , the Renewing the Truce ; and in appearance preferrs doing so to that of the War , notwithstanding the interests of those would perswade the contrary : He will Attaque the Venetians sooner then they dream of , and not fail to draw Money from the others : He hears when he pleases , and sometimes lends an Ear to a business of which he will seem to understand nothing : He will cast out hopes , when necessary , the more easily to deceive believing that most of those Negotiate with him , do but watch for opportunities to Cozen him ; so it is very difficult to please him with any thing : Delays , spinning out time ; a hastiness like Anger , and haughty Fierceness are to him Natural , and of great Advantage : He never Treats directly , in the beginning of a Negotiation , but leaves it to be managed by his most experienced Creatures , the better to take his Measures , for its Conclusion : If he loves Money it is to Augment the Treasures of his Master ; As his reason is Infinite , and capable of discerning what is in his Power , and what not , so he governs with an absolute Authority , and cuts off the heads of any dare oppose him ; and this way cannot chuse but be good , and pleasing to God , since it is for the Preservation and Propagation of the true Faith , and for increasing the Glory , and Prosperity of the Emperor , who is the Protector and Defender of the Divine Unity ; and the most worthy Successor of the greatest of the Prophets , Mouhamet Moustafa : I have thus weakly mention'd a few of those Qualities , which recommend our Grand Vizir ; and I is may safely add , that it impossible but he should be a very able Man ; having been Educated under the Conduct and Authority of the blessed Kedgia Mhammed Pacha , and of his Son Ahmet deceased , which were the Two Kieupruli's ; He Acted and Govern'd under these two great Men : But to compleat his Character , we need only say , he is the Choice of the Emperor of the two Continents and two Seas ; the Possessor of the two most August Cities , our Master ; the Kalise of the Age , who has Conquer'd the Realm of Candia ; and the most Impregnable Fortress of Cameniek , whose Grandure God will increase , and give him a blessed end : See my most honor'd Lord all I have to write to you : I beseech the most High God to fill you with his Grace , and to grant me that of ever serving You. AN OBSERVATION By way of Continuation of the former Letter , concerning the Negotiation of Monsieur Guilleragues . THe Affairs of the Port may justly occasion very serious Reflections , since it is very visible , That the Motions of the Sultan , and his Grand Vizir , do hold all the Christian part of Europe in suspence : We have seen on the one side the Emperor hope with a little too much Confidence the renewing the Truce ; but he had certainly obtained it without all those pains he hath taken , if he had not so long given Ear to those Politicks , which advis'd him not to draw the Forces of the Ottoman Emperor too hastily upon him : His Imperial Majesty without this fear , had vigorously opposed the Progress of the Male-contents in Hungary : A Resolution so necessary had subdued those Rebels , and made the Infidels know he was ready to receive them : but whilst that Court became Ballanced with a desire of carrying the War another way , they delayed both ; and through an untimely Fear of the most remote danger , stood still in an unactive Speculation , which perhaps may draw upon them Enemies from all sides . Sultan Mehemet the Fourth is in Warlike Pomp set forth from his Capital City , followed by Count Alberte Caprara , whose Negotiation appears to be brought to Extremity : But because there is often seen strange Changes in great Affairs ; he flatters himself with hopes that some remedy prepared upon the Frontiers , may work effectually , even when the Disease appears most desperate : The Grand Seignior in the mean time , has remained certain days in the Camp of Davont Pacha ; and notwithstanding his obstinacy of remaining in his Tents , in defiance of Eighteen hours violent Rain , he was at last forced to quit them , and the danger he ran of being drown'd , fell upon three or four of his People , who were lost at a passage through certain Waters , where the Bridge was broken down : There was also lost several rich things , both of his Highness and other great ones , who accompanied him ; but this Emperor after a little rest , to give time to the Waters to fall , continued his march to Adrianople . The Grand Vizir , who has been in his Tents ever since the march of the Emperor from Constantinople , began to follow on the Nineteenth of October very early in the Morning , to joyn his Highness ; carrying with him the satisfaction of having deluded Monsieur Guillerdgues to the very last : But may not one think that this Minister deceives himself in that pleasure , since it is apparent , that Ambassador hath contributed more then he to his being cheated by him . He Negotiates no longer about the Firing at Chio , that business was determined sufficiently to his Glory , if you will credit the Paris Gazette ; Or as it is well Explain'd by another , It is the business of the Sofa continues . We must remember that whilst Monsieur De Quesne , besieged the Galleys in the Port of Chio , to oblige the Vizir to grant the Sofa ; that Minister being much astonish'd discours'd as if he was resolved to give that honour , as soon as the Galleys were returned to Constantinople : Monsieur Guilleragues , who believ'd him , procured them liberty to come ; but the Promise , which was the Foundation of all , remained unperform'd . See then how this Minister deceived himself in letting escape a sure way of obtaining his desires ; and in believing the Turks capable of fair dealing in a nice Rancounter . It is known how long the time was delay'd before they came to an end of the business of the Presents , that is to say , the Reparation for the attempt upon Chio : But the more we perceive the Turkish Ministers to have a desire to finish it , the more , it is evident , he should have refused to put an end to that fine business , without having first the Sofa : But Monsieur Guilleragues is content with the words they gave him on this Subject , and post pones the matter , till after delivery of the Presents , which was executed ; he remaining still without the Sofa : There we see him cozen himself the second time . There has past a long time since the glorious Victory on the 21st of May , the day on which they Triumph over the Grand Seignior , in forcing him to come himself to receive their Trifles , even to the Sea side ; and since the fifth of June , the happy day on which Monsieur Gilleragues's promise in writing was restored ; and the 29th of the same Month when the Presents were sent by him to the Grand Vizir ; to the 19th of October , the day whereon this Minister began his march for Adrianople . All this time of five or six Months was vainly imployed to soften this Minister in the point of the Sofa : Monsieur Guilleragues the more prest it , to the end he might obtain it before the departure of the Vizir : And being necessitated to use all Peaceful ways , having let slip those of Force , which struck at the Interest and Glory of the Turks : He hath not Hesitated to hazard a second Letter of his King 's , which remains as well without Effect as Answer : He delivered the first himself , and had a verbal Answer to this purpose , That he ought to be contented with the great Honor the Sultan had done him in receiving his Presents , and not to pretend to a thing so extraordinary as that of the Sofa ; and that it was not usual with the Port to grant so many advantages at one time . It is true , he insinuated that his Masters Fleet would return to fetch him back ; But he that had sent it away before , and render'd it useless when there , where it might have procured his pleasure , had not his Bravadoes much valued ; but at the same time there was a certain Rumor spread , as if he was to repair the Subjects losses at Chio , pretending that was distinct from the satisfaction made the Grand Seignior . All this was not able to discourage him ; he applies again to his incomparable friend the Dowanier , who as readily undertakes to cheat him ; so his Interpreters must make many useless Journeys to the Vizir's Camp , in the last of which they presented a Request from the Ambassador , wherein he Remonstrates to that Minister the necessity of his Retiring , for which purpose the King's Fleet would come to the Dardanelloes to fetch him ; he therefore intreats Order might be given to the Kaimmakam of Constantinople , not to hinder his departure , grounded upon so indispensible Necessity , it being not just , that the Ambassador from the greatest , and most powerful Monarch of Christendom , and the Antientest Friend of the Port , should stay longer without those distinctions of Honour and Prerogatives , which were his due ; that in all things besides the Vizir might use his pleasure . The Grand Vizir took this as a conclusion for all requests , and thereupon plainly declared his pleasure , That he would neither grant the Sofa , nor should the Ambassador go till the Grand Seignior pleased ; and in case he continued obstinate , they should take good order about him . The Interpreters hearing these angry Menaces , found a way to soften them by the Kehaia , who , as was pretended , had moderated the Vizir , so that he declared himself willing to give him Audience in his Pavillion upon equal place , to let it be seen , That he understood well the Grandure and Power of the Emperor of France , above other Christian Princes : But for granting Audience , on the Sofa , it was not in his Power ; The Grand Seignior , having order'd that Ambassadors should receive it , below , even all , not excepting that of France . They pretend too , That the Grand Vizir after his Avowing , this indeed wilful want of Power ; should say he would try to alter his Highnesse's Resolution , as soon as he came to Adrianople ; where he was going to find that Emperor : And that in the mean time he intreated Monsieur Guilleragues , that as he had not come to the Port without leave of his Highness , so he would not go without it : finishing all this fine Discourse with many offers of Service to the Ambassador ; as well relating to his own particular , as to that of Trade . Monsieur Guilleragues , came not of his Embassy by leave of the Grand Seignior , nor is the Vizir accustomed to intreat this Ambassador ; such Discourses are not common with that haughty Minister , no more than his offers of Service : And promise of Audience on equal Seats : Nor can we unriddle the Mystery of saying , The French Ships should come to the Dardanelloes ; since why not to Constantinople ? But in fine we may conclude , That if Monsieur Guilleragues expects the Vizir should intercede for the Sofa , he is cheated the third time . For it is certain , the depriving him so long of it can justly be imputed to none but himself , who in that is Master . Therefore his best excuse will be to say that his Interpreters surpriz'd him : But all these Cheats would appear but Trifles , so he be not cheated too by the renewing the Truce with the Emperor . And should there be a War , it would advantage him but little ; and it is plain , nothing would be of more use to him , then the playing again , the Cannon of his King ; It must not be forgotten that the Ambassador would have it believ'd , that he had ended the great Business at Chio , for Baubles , even just nothing : And that he had in a manner forc't the Grand Seignior to give Audience to his Servants . This ridiculous Report , and groundless Vanity , is come to the Ears of the Grand Vizir , to whom they Interpreted the Paris Gazets , that are fill'd with the Glory of Monsieur Guilleragues ; and seem to insinuate a low Condescension in the Port : But since this Infidel Minister knows the folly of these Brags ; which he sees destroy'd by the Relations Printed in other Countries : They serve only , for a Subject to augment his Pride ; and gives him a Pleasure , the mor to Chagrine and Mortifie the French Ambassador . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A69440-e390 Turkish Admiral . Chief Customer . Two last Gand Vizirs . Chief Secretary . * Governor of Constantinople . * Or Lord of the Clerks . * L. Embassador . * Emperor Chief Usher . Emperor . Gipsie , or Fortune-Teller . Caesar Charles the Fifth . Or Ambassador . So the Turks call all Western - Christiars . Pallace . Master of the Robes . Master of Kequests . * Stand. Porter● . His eldest Son. * Boys of the Court. * Whispering . * Interpr●ters . * Registers . 
A36824	----	A discourse historical and political of the War of Hungary and of the causes of the peace between Leopold the First, Emperor of the Romans, and Mahomet the Fourth, Sultan of Turky / by Louis De May ... ; translated in English. Dumay, Louis, d. 1681. 1669 Approx. 223 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 67 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A36824 Wing D2520 ESTC R15861 12036956 ocm 12036956 52894 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A36824) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 52894) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 65:3) A discourse historical and political of the War of Hungary and of the causes of the peace between Leopold the First, Emperor of the Romans, and Mahomet the Fourth, Sultan of Turky / by Louis De May ... ; translated in English. Dumay, Louis, d. 1681. [8], 125 p. Printed by Robert Sanders ..., Glasgow : 1669. Errata: p. [7]. Reproduction of original in Cambridge University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Leopold -- I, -- Holy Roman Emperor, 1640-1705. Mehmed -- IV, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1642-1693. Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683. Hungary -- History -- 1526-1683. 2006-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-10 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-05 Robyn Anspach Sampled and proofread 2007-05 Robyn Anspach Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A DISCOURSE HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL OF the War of Hungary , AND Of the causes of the Peace between Leopold the first Emperor of the Romans , and Mahomet the fourth Sultan of Turky . By LOUIS DE MAY of Sallettes , Knight , and Counsellor of his Highness the Duke of Wirtemberg . Translated in English . GLASGOW , Printed by ROBERT SANDERS , Printer to the Town . M. DC . LXIX . EDENBURGH 18. February 1669. ORdered by the Lords of His Majesties Privy Councel that a Book , entituled , A Discourse Historical and Political of the War of Hungary , &c. Translated in English , shal be printed : And discharges all other persons , after the first Impression , to print or import any Copies thereof for the space of ten years , without licence of the Translator , under the pain of two hundreth pounds Scots . Ext. per me THOMAS HAY. TO THE READER . THIS Book , which was written for the satisfaction of a particular person hath been esteemed worthy of the publick view ; neither had the intention been good , to have kept it from the sight of the world . These who have seen it , say , when it sees the light , it will be well received . In this conjuncture of affairs , every man talks of the Peace the Emperor hath made with the Turk according to his own fantasie , without enquiring what moved that great Prince to come to an accommodation with the Infidells . Many do importunatly desire to hear the Relation of the late war of Hungary , with all its circumstances , and yet are ignorant of the original of the troubles , the cause of the Hungarians misfortunes , the pretentions of the Ottomans , the designs of the Transilvanian , and the rights the House of Austria hath to that Kingdom : This Book doth exactly clear all those things ; It gives us a short abridgement of the Turks wars with the Hungarians . It mixeth Policy with History : It descrives succinctly the Ottoman exploits in that Countrey , how they have afflicted it three hundreth years , since Bajazet was invited to come to it : And it gives us a pretty Relation of the late troubles till the Peace was concluded . And upon that Peace hath a particular Discourse , which showes what moved the Emperor to imbrace it , and of the interest the greatest part of the Princes of Europe hath in it . And still the Author with a polished politick style , speaks like a faithful and uninteressed Historian . And though he be not a French-man , yet there is nothing of rudeness to be seen in his discourse . His expressions are not strained or affected : And his language on this subject , is no other then what would have becomd a native of France . If you will be at the trouble , Reader , to peruse the Book , you will be the better able to judge of it . And if you reflect upon the Dialogue of which it is composed , you will cry up the dexterity of the Author , who assumes the more liberty to speak , because he is to answer the demands of a Prince who interrogates him . THE TRANSLATOR . I Have seen Florus Hungaricus , and another piece entituled , The History of the Turkish Wars in Hungary , Transilvany , &c. The Authors of both which , acquits themselves very well ; but if their intelligence , especially of the late troubles in Hungary and Pole , be not so exact as that of this Counsellor of the Duke of Wirtemberg , it is no wonder ; for he might more easily draw clearer water then they , as being nearer the head of the fountain . They do not determine the causes of the last war between the Christian and Turkish Emperors , so well as he seems to do , neither doth any of them speak of the Peace , or the motives to it , both which he doth . If it be said , that the late rupture between the King of France ( of whose praises , and some other French-men , this Writer is profusedly liberal ) and Spain , doth show that his conjecture of the continuance of Peace between them , proved not right ; it may be answered : First , that he could but guess , with probability , of future contingencies . And next , if the Emperor did forsee that breach , he had the more reason to accept the Peace was offered him by the Grand Visier . A little time , perhaps , will tell us , that the Author hath not taken up his measures right , in his discourse of the election of a King of Pole , yet it cannot be denyed , that he hath written very rationally on that subject . And who knowes , but the result of the Polonian consultations at this time , may be such , as may make it appear , he hath not far over-shot his mark ? For these reasons , I thought that they who understand English best , would not think it unworthy of their labor , to hear him speak in that language . Errata . Page 5. line 3. for all read it . p. 8. l. 6. for with , read by . p. 12. l. 28. for banded , read bandied . p. 13. l. 19. for adress , read address . p. 15. l. 22. for number , read numbers . p. 16. l. 4. for specoius , read specious . ibid. l. 8. for spake , read spoke . ibid. last line , for Sciticum , read Scithicum . p. 17. l. 6. for fatihless , read faithless . p. 23. l. 1. for was , read were . p. 26. l. 9. for successors , read successor . ibid. l. 15. for vigorus , read vigorous . p. 27. l. 2. for they are , read he is . p. 29. l. 18. for excluded , read exclude . p. 35. l. 12. for he conjured , read he had conjured . p. 51. l. 15. for forces , read forceth . p. 55. l. 8. Rodolp , read Rodolph . p. 72. l. 2. for never , read neither . p. 83. l. 9. for maring , read marching . p. 86. l. 3. for amuniton , read amunition . p. 94. l. 14. for ever , read every . p. 95. l. 23. for Cossaks , read Cassacks . p. 103. l. 13. for settling , read setting . p. 106. l. 29. the cōma should be at Burgundy , and no cōma at Austria . p. 110. l. 14. for it as easie , read it is as easie . A DISCOURSE HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL OF THE causes of the Turkish War. Or an Abridgment of the History of Hungary . By which may be seen how injuriously the Great Sultan hath attaked us : And all that is passed since the year 1350. to the end of the year 1664. By way of Dialogue . P. THE Spaniards , whose words ordinairly weigh much , say , There is no good which doth not arrive , nor evil which is not accomplished . I am of the contrary opinion ; for we enjoy no sweets in this life , which are not mixed with bitterness : and we find the end of one evil to be but the beginning of another . These persons whom we account happy , have often more reason to lament then rejoyce : And the misfortunate , who far exceed the other in number , fall continually from a less disaster in a greater . I remember that George Ragotchy , Prince of Transilvany , entered Pole , not long ago , as victorious , and came out of it with broken wings . At that time you discoursed with me of the inconstancy of Fortune , and shew me , that these alterations were no new emergencies , in regard many have been seen led in triumph , who triumphed but a little before . G. What ever I have said to you before , I did ever believe , and I hold it still for a certain truth , that most part of men have more reason to be thankful to God for the good they receive from him , then to petition him for a deliverance from the evils which afflict them : And yet we hear more complaints then praises , because we are more sensible of pain then pleasure . A Prince is not so much contented to have been victorious all his life , as he is afflicted to see Fortune turn her back upon him in one single rencounter . A great Man who almost found nothing impossible to him , till he was fifty years old , and who had seen his most redouted enemies brought under his power , said , That Fortune was a woman , and loved young men better then old . And retired himself to a solitary life , because he saw his ambition limited by one of the greatest Empires that ever was . There are some who take a permission , rashly to hazard on any enterprise that pleaseth their capricious humor ; and do excessively complain , when these things which themselves began without judgement , contributeth to their misfortune . Certain it is , that the Divine Providence , which the vulgar nick-name Fortune , often abateth the pride of the most successful , to make them acknowledge that what they have obtained , proceded from his Bounty , and not from their prudence . We see many States-men , who see , or think they see all things , and yet are blind as moles to these calamities ; which threaten both their Countrey and their persons . This I could confirm with infinit exemples ; but I pass them over in silence , that I may hear your Demands , and answer them as exactly as possibly I can . P. Let us speak then of the present wars of Hungary : And because a Discourse you had with me three years ago , led us to the sight of a dangerous cloud which rose above Transilvany , and that out of it since hath issued a tempest which hath dejected George Ragotchy and Janos Remin , to mount Abaffion the throne , entertain me with the cause and effects of that alteration , that I may know , whence it cometh that the Grand Seigneur , who hath been but a pure spectator of the Tragedy which Europe hath acted full thirty years , should now insolently invade our Neighbors , and thereby give us opportunity to take armes , and with joynt forces and affections , make him repent his enterprise . I am confident , that this rupture hath so many circumstances , preceeding , accompanying , and following it , that I may with advantage spend some days to weigh and ponder them ; and that these who shal consider them after me , may thereby reap both pleasure and profit . G. I have always looked upon your will as a law which should over-rule me , yet I am to obey you in this with some reluctancy ; because , I fear , I must speak more then perhaps willingly I would : And because you must know from whence the remedies must be taken which are intended for application , I shal endeavor to satisfie you ; And that you may have reason to acquiesce to what I say , I will lead you to the source and fountain from whence sprung our miseries ; and will briefly represent to you , what the Turk hath done in Hungary since Bajazeth came there to support the rebellion , and foment the discord . I know , that these who know no better , say , when the Turk intendeth a war , he hath little regard to justice ; & that the smal difficulty he proponeth to himself to meet with in the prosecution of his enterprises , is the principal cause of his undertakings . For my part . I profess , that little faith should be given to an infidel ; and that the end of the Turks designs , is seldom other then his advantage : yet it is not impossible , for all that , but that he may many times find a specious pretext , wherewith to cover the ugly face of these disorders , which his ambition procureth in the world . And therefore I will show you what reason the Otthomans conceive they have to keep the soveraignity of Transilvany , whereby you will also learn the causes why we are now calling our forces together , and begging assistance of Strangers , to defend it against them . And then I shal come to these resolutions that are now concluded at Ratisbone , by which these will be satisfied who desire to know the manner our Princes use to contribute for the preservarion of Germany , and for the maintenance of the war we are engaged in , for our defence , against so mighty an enemy . P. I should not receive that contentment which I promise to my self by your discourse , if you should only relate simply to me what is a doing on our frontiers , how numerous our forces are , and of what worth and merite the Commanders of them be ; for these who look upon any novelty , desire to know the cause of all . And this war of ours having had its rise from the disrespect was given to the Sultan of Turky by Ragotchy , and the protection which the Emperor vouchsaved to give to Remin Janos , I cannot choose , but hear with much satisfaction the reasons why the Grand Seigneur offers to chastise these Princes of Transilvany , who offer to raise a war without his consent , and the causes which oblidgeth the Emperor to defend them against him . Speak then to that as clearly and succinctly , as possibly you can . G. You demand two things of me , which seem to be incompatible , yet I shal not despair to reconcile them , provided you be attentive . In the year 1350. or as others write 1383. Lewis the first of that name , reigned peaceably over the people of Transilvania , Moldavia , Valachia , Mysia , Dalmatia , Sclavonia , which were appartenances of his Kingdom of Hungary : But his repose was interrupted by a mischief which he could not prevent , because he could not foresee it . Joanne Queen of Naples , a Princess extreamly dissolute , having preferred in her affection some young Neapolitanes to her husband King Andrew , put him to a cruel death . The news whereof , with the letters of those who abhorred the parricide , did quickly stir up a desire of a just revenge in the soul of King Lewis . This generous Prince finding himself oblidged in honor and justice , to take armes , to avenge the death of his brother , raised a puissant army , and marched straight to Naples . His expedition was fortunate , for having chased away the Queen and routed her party , he very soon reduced the Rebells to obedience , and then punished the principal Counsellors of that detestable Regicide . This being done , supposing Hungary stood in need of his presence , he bethought him of his return to his ancient Kingdom , but not till he had provided for the preservation of his new acquired one . He had brought with him , many brave and noble persons , both for birth and merite ; amongst the rest Steven Vayvod of Transilvany , who though young , had a very hie place in the Kings favor : Him he appointed his Lieutenant , and with him left sufficient forces to keep the new conquered Neapolitans within the limits of their duty . The departure of Lewis encouraged Joanne , & the Prince of Tarente her new husband , to make an attempt to remount the throne . But the prudence , valor , and fidelity of the Transilvanian , rendered their endeavors ineffectual , till Pope Clement the sixth put an end to the war. The signal services which the Vayvod had done to the King his Master , both in Naples , and to his friend and Ally , Francis Carcarius , Prince of Padoua , made him dream of vaste recompenses , wherewith his hopes fed him : But he did but flatter himself ; for Lewis not only frustrated him of his great expectations , but recalled him also from the Government of Naples jealous of the worth and vertue of so eminent a person . P. Other great Potentats have done the like , before and after King Lewis . Narses and Gonzale have furnished matter enough to the Writers of their times , to lay foul imputations on the Emperor Justinian , and Ferdinand King of Arragon . But how did Steven carry himself in this his disgrace ? G. This Transilvanian , as accomplished a Courtier as he was a Captain , dissembled his ressentiment till some favorable opportunity should be offered , whereby he might with advantage revenge himself . This proffered it self by the death of the King , who left no other successor but a daughter , named Mary , affianced to Sigismond of Luxemburg , King of Bohemia . The non-age of this Princess , the unconstant humor of the Hungarians , and the practises of our Vayvod , procured such a contempt of Mary , that many said publickly , They would not be governed by a Girle . This Cabal knowing the dexterous adress of the Bishop of Zagabria , who was an Italien , both by extraction and inclination , sent him to Charles the second King of Naples , the son of Andrew , and Cousin-germane of Mary . The Bishop did exactly that for which he was sent . He offers the Kingdom of Hungary to the King of Naples , and prays him to come & take possession of the Estates , which ( as he said ) of right belonged to him . Charles gave a favorable audience to the Bishop , and finding his mind perplexed with passions of diverse natures , required a time to resolve of a business of so great importance . He broke the matter to his Queen , who forgot not to disswade him , both with reasons and tears , from an entreprise dangerous , for the wavering unconstancy of the people ; and shameful , for the great injustice he should commit , in robbing his near Kinswoman of her inheritance , without any color of reason . But at length , both Equity , Justice and Reason , must yeeld to Ambition . Charles equippeth a great Navy , and accompanied with an army suitable to such a King , he landeth in Dalmatia , and in few days came to Zagabria , where he was met with many of these Nobles who favored his entreprise . From thence he marched to Buda : and though he met with some resistence by the resolution of Nicolas Gara , and some other faithful subjects of the Queen , yet he was established in the Kingdom by the favor and assistance of the Transilvanian Vayvod . Sigismund King of Bohemia , and husband of Queen Mary , seeing the loss of Hungary inevitable , retired himself to his own Kingdom . And then Charles thought he had struck a nail in the wheel of Fortune . His joy notwithstanding was but short , and his usurpation no longer lived then other violent actions are . Sigismund is recalled by the enemies of the Usurper ; and having routed Charles , killed or chased all that offered to resist him , reestablisheth himself in the Dominions of Mary his Queen . P. These were marvellous alterations , and no question , such as were of hard digestion to the Transilvanian . G. The loss and defeat of the King of Naples , made the Vayvod dispair , and forget all that is dear and precious to men , Religion , and Countrey . He trode upon all considerations , divine and humane , and hath his recourse to Bajazet King of Turks , to whom he promiseth his daughter , on condition that he should assist him to chase Sigismond and Mary out of their Kingdom of Hungary . This was the beginning and original of the miseries of this ( till then ) flowrishing Kingdom ; and of the hopes the Infidels conceived to make it a part of their Empire . Bajazet layeth hold on Occasion , marcheth with a mighty army towards Hungary , meeteth with King Sigismund near Nicopolis , between whom was fought a fierce battel , where twenty thousand Christians , and three score thousand Turks , were laid in the dust , upon the 18. of September 1396. P. I believe it was there where John Duke of Burgundy was taken prisoner , with the loss of a thousand Gentle-men , whom he had carried with him to that war. But if I be not deceived , the Turk made no great progress in Hungary during the reign of Sigismund . G. These Burgundians kept company with the Hungarians who died at that time . But in Sigismund and his Successor Albert of Austrias reigns , the Turk gained but little ground in Hungary . He resolved to go softly , and to be first Master of Constantinople , before he would fix his thoughts else where . But for all that , he learned the way to give us visits . Mahomet the first beat the Hungarians at Tautemberg , in the year 1400. And the Infidels advanced by little and little immediatly after the death of Albert of Austria . This Prince at his death left his Queen with child , which occasioned great divisions amongst the Nobility . Some thought it fit to wait till the Queen were brought to bed , before any thing should be done in order to the election of a new King. Others made difficulty to obey a child , though she should be delivered of a son , and therefore resolved to choose a King , capable to govern them . Hungary being thus divided , a faction of the Great Ones sent an offer of the Kingdom to Vladislaus , the son of Casimir King of Polen . Another party preferred Ladislaus the son of Albert , though he was yet in his cradle , and in it they set the Crown upon his head . P. Truth it self doth teach us , what danger Estates are in , when they are divided amongst themselves : And assuredly Hungary hath suffered irreparable losses by its divisions . G. This division of affections and forces moved Amurath the second to take the field : and taking his advantage of the discords of Hungary , pierced to the heart of the Countrey , and besiedged Alba Royal. Yet he got not all done he desired ; but on the contrair , he lost almost all his army , and was forced to raise the siedge . This affront did irritate the Tyrant . who to have his revenge , entered Hungary with new forces , where he was defeated by John Huniades Corvin . This action , as it gained much reputation to Corvin , so it enflamed Amurath with spite and rage : and therefore opposeth to Huniades , who was constantly General of King Vladislaus his armies , two of his bravest Captains , these were Isaac and Mezets , who entered Hungary and Transilvany both at once , and filled all places where they came with terror , fire and confusion . Huniades runneth to the rescue , renconntreth them loaden with spoil , chargeth them gallantly , but unfortunatly ; for he was beaten back , and put to flight . Amurath encouraged with this victory , thought on nothing but the utter ruine of the Christian Countreys . Mezets returneth to Hungary , spoileth and wasteth many fair Lands : and having destroyed and put to the sword a world of poor innocents , was thinking of his retreat , Huniades thought he had a fair occasion offered to repare his former loss , meeteth with Mezets , chargeth him , and defeateth him so entirely , that scarce one Turk was left alive to carry the unwelcom news to Sultan Amurath . P. This good success should have encouraged the Hungarians to have attaqued the Turks territories . G. And so they did with much advantage : and without all doubt , there had been a remarkable change of the face of affairs between Hungary and Turky , if the general good had not been sacrificed to particular interest . King Vladislaus had in his Court Julian the Legat of the Holy See , and George Despot of Mysia , who speaking of nothing else but the great fortune and happiness of Vladislaus , the generosity and gallantery of Huniades , and how easie it was to recover what had been formerly lost to the Turks , carried on the young King to an high enterprise . Preparations being made , and the troops gathered together , Huniades is sent away with the Vanguard . His expedition was so fortunate , that he regained many places : And if he had not been kept up by the irresistable cold of a rigorous Winter , it was believed he had marched into the heart of Thracia , and subverted the Turks Europeans Dominious . In this expedition , Huniades fought eight conflicts with Carambo , a valiant Turkish Captain ; in all which , he came off with honor and advantage . The rigide violence of the Season prohibiting him further action , he retireth to Buda , carrying along with him , as a Trophee of his victory . Carambo , who having fallen in a pit of snow , was forced to yeeld himself prisoner . After these atchievements , which tended so much to the glory of Vladislaus , and the immortality of the name of Huniades , the Embassadors of the Constantinopolitan Emperor , the Venetians , and the Genouays , came to complement the Hungarian King , and exhort him to the continuance of the war , which he had so gloriously , and fortunatly begun . They assured him , that all the forces of Christendom would second him . That they should send a Navy to stop the Turks passage over the Hellespont : And that the Grecians seeing their deliverance at hand , would pluck up their hearts , renew their ancient courage , and break in pieces the iron bonds of their servitude . The Despot of Mysia added to these motives , all such reasons as his vehement desire to recover both his Principality and his children ( who were in the hands of the Turk ) could suggest to him : So that all things , accidents and emergencies seemed to dispose the King to the prosecution of a War , as profitable , as honorable for the Christian Common-wealth . P. I am in expectation to hear the happy success of so strong a Confederacy . G. But it tended to the disaster and ruine of Hungary , and I shal tell you how . Amurath the second King of Turks perceiving all Europe banded against him , and fearing the powers of Asia , in so great an exigent , had his recourse to prudence ; and by an admirable dexterity , obtained that peace of Vladislaus , which the evil aspect of his affairs made him so vehemently desire . He sent Embassadors , in appearance to treat concerning the ransom and liberty of Carambo ; but in effect to conjure that thunder , and divert that storm which threatned to destroy him . The Turks Ministers knowing what power the Despot had in the Kings Counsel , and in the affection of John Huniades Corvin , cast up a right account , and concluded , that if they gained him , they had done their business . They cast up therefore two strong batteries against him , and out of them roared upon him with the great Ordinance of Affection and Interest , against which few men are proof . They offer him a full restitution of his Estates , with the liberty of his children , if he would obtain of King Vladislaus that Peace which they desired of him on reasonable conditions . The Despot was marvellously well pleased with this proposition of the Infidels : And by his dexterous adress , got Huniades to be of his party . These two having agreed upon the matter , found no great difficulty to move the King to an accommodation . The Peace is concluded , Amurath retireth his guarisons from all these places he kept in Mysia , and restored them faithfully , and kept exactly every article of the Peace , not failing in any one of his promises . But while both parties are busied about the execution of the Treaty , cometh letters out of Grecia , showing that the Greeks , who knew nothing of the Peace , did expect every minute the beginning of the war. That in a game wherein they were so much concerned , they intended not to sit still with crossed arms . That the absence of the Sultan , then in Asia , gave them a favorable occasion to advances their affairs . And that the Italian Navy , which then advanced towards the Hellespont , with great importunity demanded the same thing . When these Letters were read in the Kings Counsel , there were not any ; nay , even of those who had most violently carried on the Peace , but were extreamly grieved that it was concluded . But no man durst propone the breach of an agreement which was confirmed by oath made in the most solemn manner . Cardinal Julian , the Popes Legat , a man powerful enough to perswade , of great eloquence and credit , instigated by an indiscreet zeal , and by an impious piety , endeavored by a stout , but well ordered and learned Discourse , to prove that the Treaty concluded with the perfidious Turk , should be broken . He chid the scrupulous , encouraged the fearful , and comforted the afflicted , till he moved the King , and the Great Ones , to a rupture of the Peace , He said , he had sufficiently fore-seen the mischief ; but he would not oppose the Treaty , lest he should seem to accuse John Huniades Corvin of want of prudence , or be esteemed merciless to the Despot of Servia , who could not get his beloved children out of the Turks power , but by a Peace . He assured his Audience , that the business was not past the hopes of a remedy , in regard they might safely break Covenant with the Infidel , who by craft and fraud had brought them to the breach of the sacred knot of a Christian League and Alliance . He represented to them , that the Hungarians could not make Peace with the Turkish King , without the consent of their Brethren : and that men could not keep an oath unjustly taken , without a double breach of Justice . He endeavored to prove , that the promise made and sworn to Amurath , was void , and did not at all bind their consciences : and that they ought to give trust to him , as to one best seen and known in affairs of that nature . And concluded , that they should bring their forces together , and march to Thracia , there to joyn with the rest of the Christians , before the fault they had committed should be known over all Europe . These and such like reasons pronounced with the authority of a Legat , and by a person extreamly eloquent prevailed so far with the Hungarians , that they agreed unanimously not to disert their Christian brethren in this fair occasion . And for this effect , their forces are rendevouzed , and Huniades marching with the Vanguard , is followed by King Vladislaus with the gross of the army . On his march , Dracula Vayvod of Valachia , came to him , who told him he wondered of his confidence , that would with so inconsiderable troopes hazard to seek and provoke so mighty an enemy , who used to go a hunting accompanied with as great number , as those the King then had with him , and counselled him to return . His advice was rejected , and so the Vayvod leaving four thousand horse under the conduct of his own son with the King , retired himself . Amurath being informed that Hungary armed against him , left Asia , and came to Europe ; drew his forces together , as speedily as he could , met Vladislaus at Varna , a town in Bulgary , and gave him a total overthrow . The loss of this day , so dismal to the Christians , and so joyful to the Infidels , did let us see by the death of Vladislaus . of Julian the Legat , & a world of brave Gentle-men , that faith should be punctually kept : & that God punisheth the perjured , though they cover their perfidy with cloaks of specoius colors . They say that Amurath seeing his men worsted at the beginning of the battel , pulled out of his bosome the Treaty that was concluded between him and the Hungarians , and looking towards heaven , spake these words with much zeal and passion : JESUS CHRIST , Behold the agreement which the Christians made with me , and swore to me by thy Godhead ; and by breaking it , hath mocked thee and me . Now , O CHRIST , if thou be a God , as they say thou art , revenge the injury they have done to both thee and me : And make it appear to these who yet know not thy Name , that thou knows how to punish such as violate the Religion of faithful promises , confirmed and sworn by thy Divinity . This prayer was seconded by the entire defeat of the Christians . The head of the King was carried on a lance through many places of Greece and Asia , as an assured testimony of a compleat victory . The body of Cardinal Julian , the detestable Author of the perfidy , was found stark naked , pierced and hacked with many wounds . The Epitaph of this King , both valiant and fortunate , so long as he was careful to keep his promises , is worthy your knowledge : and it is this . Romulidae Cannas , ego Varnam clade notavi ; Discite mortales non temerare fidem . Me nisi Pontifices jussissent rumpere foedus , Non ferret Sciticum Pannonis ora jugum . As Varo Cannaes fatal fields did dy With noble Roman blood , so Varna I Stain'd with Hungarian gore . Learn , mortals , then To keep your faith and promise made to men . The Pope importun'd me the Truce to break , Which I with Osmans faithless race did make : Hence the brave men of fair Pannonias lands , Must now obey the barbarous Turks commands . This misfortune fell on Hungary the 11. of November , S. Martins day 1444. P. You have often told me , that the promises of men ought to be inviolable , and I was ever of that same opinion , and this sad example confirmeth me fully in it . But did this mischance spread it self over the whole army ? G. It was then the Almighties pleasure only to chastise this unfortunate Kingdom ; but not wholly to ruine it , and so preserved John Huniades Corvin , who seeing all things in a desperate condition , after the death of the King , saved himself by flight . The year following , the Hungarians who till then had rejected Ladislaus the posthume son of the Emperor Albert of Austria , unanimously acknowledged him for King , though he was but five years old : and because of his tender age , they committed the management of affaires to John Hunniades who two years after increased Amuraths trophies with the loss of 22000 Hungarians , which he had brought in the field against him . Not long after , Sultan Amurath died at Adrianople , and left his son Mahomet to succeed him ; who surpassed all his Predecessors in greatness of courage , and subtilty of spirit . This daring Prince in the third year his reign beseegeth Constantinople , and taketh it within the space of fifty days , on the 29. of May 1453. As this loss discouraged the Christians , so it raised Mahomets thoughts to a hie pitch , and furnished him with hopes to add Hungary to his conquests of Greece . To effect which , he laid Mysia waste , and laid siege with two hundred thousand men to Belgrade , which in ancient times was called Alba Graeca . But the place being notably defended by Hunniades , who for that purpose had cast himself into it , the proud Turk lost almost his whole army , with an hundred great pieces of Canon . Hunniades did not long survive this gallant action , but died the 8. of September 1456. Mahomet carrying his hie designs to Persia and Italy , gave liberty to Hungary to breath a while , hoping the ambition of the Nobles , and the non-age of the King , would raise intestine troubles in time of Peace , which would give him some fair opportunity to subdue the Kingdom , sparing it for some smal time . P. But it was no smal good fortune to King Ladislaus , that the Tyrant did not molest him in his younger years after the death of Hunniades . But tell me , what did he when he came to age ? G. The History tells us , that when Ladislaus was 19. years old , he married Magdelene of France , the daughter of King Charles the seventh , and that he dyed of poison at Prague in the time of the solemnity of his marriage , so that he had but little time to make either his vertues , or his vices appear ; yet there passed some considerable contingencies between the death of Hunniades , and that of his Master the King. Hunniades having left two sons , who were perfect imitators of the vertue of their noble father , gave some occasion of jealousie to Ladislaus , and of an earnest desire to his favorites , to be rid of them both . These being envyous of Hunniades his glory , wrought the matter so with the King , that he caused Ladislaus the eldest sons head to be struck off , for killing the Count of Cilie in a combat , to which the Count had appealed him . About the same time they clapped Matthias , the second son of Huniades in prison : and not being able to suffer the children of that famous worthy , who had saved the State , they had assuredly made his process , if the death of the King , and the Almighty Providence , which had ordained him to wear the Hungarian Crown , had not put a stop to their malice . The Kings death , which fell out in the year 1457. occasioned a wonderful alteration , Matthias Corvin , the son of John Hunniades , is brought out of prison , where he expected a sentence of death , and placed in the throne : And all these who envyed both his fathers glory , and his own , could not hinder a man but of an indifferent quality , to be preferred to the whole family of Austria , in the year 1458. P. These effects of the Divine Providence , are admirable . But reigned he gloriously ? G. Hungary hath had but few Kings like to Matthias : He was ignorant of nothing that belonged to the knowledge of a great Prince , & his reign was glorious , both in the time of peace and war. Many great Hungarian Lords opposed his election : and after it , they importuned the Emperor Frederick the third , to set the Crown ( which he had a keeping ) on his own head ; which , some say , he did . Once certain it is , he did not restore it till six years after he got in exchange of it , three score thousand dukats at Newstadt , a town in Austria . A little before its restoration , some of the factious offered the Kingdom to Casimir , the son of another Casimir King of Polen , who sent his son to receive it , with a powerful army : but Matthias made haste to the frontiers , from which he forced the Polonian to return . These intestine broils gave both the courage and the opportunity to the Turk to make himself Master of Bosnia , Rascia , and a part of Servia . But King Matthias after his Coronation , valiantly regained all was lost , and reduced Transilvania and Valachia to their duty . This happy progress prompted Matthias to undertake an irreconciliable war with the Grand Seigneur : and without all peradventure , he had given him work enough , if his heroical design had not been obstructed by the Emperor and the Pope . And this doth evidently appear by the letters which he wrote on that subject to the Electors of the Empire , and to the Cardinal of Arragon . To the first he remonstrats , that when he was on the river of Savus , going to fight with the Infidels , he received certain intelligence that in a Dyet at Vienne they had resolved to invade him . To the second he wrote , that the Pope favored the Venetians , who had taken from him the I le of Valga , without any occasion given by him : and not satisfied with that , his Holiness endeavored to take from him the power to confer Ecclesiastical Benefices within his own Kingdom , of purpose to disgrace him with his own subjects . P. But I think there is little appearance that these two Princes , whom it most concerns to chase the Turk out of Europe , should endeavor to keep the swords of those in their sheaths , who would gladly draw them against that common enemy . G. I should also be of your opinion , if Peter de Reva had not told us , that he copied these things out of the original , and adds that which seems more incredible . In his fifth Century of his Monarchy of Hungary , he tells us that the Emperor seased on all the moneys which the Spiritual and Temporal Lords of Hungary had contributed for the war which Matthias intended against the Turk : and that the Pope helped to drain the Kingdom of moneys by ordering Collections to be made for the Knights of the Rhodes . Yet all these blocks that were laid in his way , did not hinder Matthias by his Generals Paul Canisi , and Steven Battori , to defeat and chase Ali Beg out of the field , with the loss of threescore thousand Turks : and thereafter in person to regain Jaitsa , and reduce Bosnia to his obedience . Yet these traverses at home necessitated him to make a truce with Mahomet : And the Tyrant dying in the year 1481. Matthias with all his force resolves to renew the war ; and for that purpose desired a Safe-conduct from the Emperor for his Embassadors to come and treat of an accommodation ; but could not obtain it . He intreated also the Pope to give him Zemini , the son of Mahomet , that he might make use of him against his brother Bajazet , who a little before had taken upon him the government of the Turkish Empire . But this was refused him by his Holiness , which spited Matthias the more , that it was done , not to loose a piece of money which was yearly payed to the Pope by Bajazet , for the detention ; or , as it was called , the maintenance of his brother Zemini . Besides , this Pope by his Spiritual Authority obliged Matthias to confirm the Truce with Bajazet , which he had made with his father Mahomet . Shortly after , this brave King , looking upon all the indignities he had received from the Emperor , as insupportable for any generous soul , declared open war against him : which proved so fortunate on his side , as having brought the greatest part of Austria under his obedience , at length he over-masters Vienne and Newstadt , the two great bulwarks of that Arch-Dukedom : From thence he marched to the Kingdom of Bohemia , and made himself Master of Silesia and Moravia . But Casimir King of Polen , would have a share of the booty , and therefore entered Silesia with a mighty army ; but by the mediation of the Princes of the Empire , these two Kings agreed , that both Matthias and Vladislaus , the son of Casimir , should bear the tittle of Kings of Bohemia : but Vladislaus should alone enjoy the Electoral dignity , and the Kingdom : Matthias keeping in his possession the Provinces of Silesia , Moravia and Lusatia , redeemable after his death for four hundred thousand Crowns . While Matthias was busied in these wars , the Turk breaks the Truce , and seaseth on Killen and Nester-Alba , which ( at that time ) were accounted strong holds on the river Danube . At length this valiant King , having reigned five years at Vienne , and while there was a Treaty on foot for the restoration of it to the Emperor , he dieth on the tuesday before Easter , in the moneth of March 1490. His corps was carried to Alba Royal , and interred with his Predecessors the Kings of Hungary . P. It was fitting this martial Prince should die on Mars his day , and in the moneth which hath its name from Mars . But it is pitty his valor was not still employed against the common enemy : and I am sory that these who should have exhorted him to it should have diverted him from so glorious an undertaking . But I pray , who succeeded him ? G. Matthias Corvin having no lawful issue , wished that his natural son John Hunniades , might have been elected to be his successor . But after his death , the spirit of division possessed the Hungarians . Four Princes pretended to this divided Kingdom ; and the Nobility being divided in four Cabales , favored him with their votes whom they conceived most worthy of so great an honor . John the son of the late King , had the suffrages of these who reverenced the vertues of his Grand father , and father , which eminently appeared in him , and of such also who would more gladly obey a born Hungarian , then a stranger . The second party stood for Albert Jagellon , the second son of Casimir King of Polen , whom his father furnished with forces to fight against Vladislaus his elder brother , who made the third party ; Casimir thinking his son Vladislaus might well enough be satisfied with the Crown of Bohemia . The fourth Cabale inclined to elect Maximilian , son of the Emperor Frederick ; but he was excluded , because Vladislaus his party prevailed . During this interraign , the Emperor recovered all that Matthias had taken from him in Austria : and at length Vladislaus , maugre all the Competitors , mounts the throne . The beginning of his reign was troublesom ; for his brother Albert , assisted with his Uncles the brothers of Casimir King of Polen , beseegeth Cassovia , the capital City of the higher Hungary , and so gave him work on that side . Blaise Magger a dependent of John Corvin , being offended that his Master was rejected , refused to deliver the Crown which was in his keeping , to the new King : upon which , he was beseeged at Vissegrad , which he held bravely out , and would neither deliver Town nor Crown , till he had command so to do from his Master . Maximilian having recovered his losses in Austria , advanced towards Hungary : and being assisted by these who had favored his election in the interreign , made a successful progress . Vladislaus fainting under the burden of so many troubles , came to an agreement with Maximilian : the tenor whereof was so hateful to the Hungarians , that the Palatine Emeric Prini , caused proclaim through all the streets of Presburg , that he neither did , nor ever would consent to it . But this generosity of his lasted not long ; for being gained by presents , he signed the articles of Peace by which the Crown and Kingdom of Hungary is entailed to the House of Austria , if Vladislaus died without issue . You may see here a disease cured by the application of a remedy odious to the whole Nation . This tempest not yet well allaid , ushered in another , conjured up by Albert , another Polonian pretender , whose heart could not brook it , to see his brother King of Hungary : he takes armes , and beseegeth Cassovia the second time . But while he endeavors to take it , he is taken himself , and forced to give surety to suffer Vladislaus to live in quyet . Shortly after Vladislaus married , and within three or four years had a son and a daughter , Anne and Lewis ; both of them famous in the Hungarian History . Anne was married to Ferdinand of Austria , Grand-child to the Emperor Maximilian , who by her had a numerous issue , whose posterity reigns yet in Germany and Hungary . The accidents of the birth , life and death of Lewis were extraordinare . He was born without a skin , which made his subjects fear he should be spoiled of his Kingdom . He wore a beard when he was but fifteen years old , and was gray haird of eighteen ; which made most men conclud his life to be short . He died in a marish , at Mohats , when he was but twenty years of age ; at which time , the greatest part of his Kingdom fell in the hands of the Mahometans : Which makes us see , that these preter-natural accidents proved truly ominous , as we shal find hereafter . Vladislaus making no more account of what had passed between him & Maximilian of Austria , caused crown his son Lewis at Alba Royal by the hands of Thomas Cardinal of Strigonium , in the year 1508. And the year after , he got him to be crowned King of Bohemia at Prague , when he was but three years old . The Emperor Maximilian was hugely dissatisfied with these things ; but Vladislaus entertaining peace with the Turk on the one side , and supported by Polen on the other , he was forced to dissemble his ressentment . P. Ordinarly a great calm is followed by a great tempest : and if it fell not out so with Vladislaus , he hath been fortunate beyond his merite . G. Towards the end of his life , and after the death of Bajazeth , a civil war began in Hungary , which was like to ruine it entirely , upon this occasion . The King had a great desire to invade Selim Emperor of Turky , who was kept busie at home disputing the Crown with his brother Achmet : which design he communicates to Pope Julius the first . The Pope approves of it and promiseth his assistance ; but prevēted by death , left the management of it to his Successors . Mean while Vladislaus bethinks himself better , and renews with Selim the Peace he had made with his father Bajazet . This Peace exceedingly displeased those who loved war : and a little after , Cardinal Thomas Legat for the Holy See , came to Hungary with a Croisade , to joyn the Nobility and Commons in a vigorus pursuit of a war against the Infidels . The common people who had been ever till then used with much rigor , thinking the time to recover their liberty was now come , turned their armes against the Nobles . Their numbers made them insolent : and they elect one George Sekell , first for their General , and then for their King. He and his rable having cōmitted a world of mischiefs , laid siege to Themisware , where his army is defeated , and himself and brother Lucatius taken prisoners by John Zapoliha , Vayvod of Transilvany . This action put Zapoliha in so high credit with the better sort , that Vladislaus was contemned , and nothing more spoken of then degrading the King , and mounting the Vayvod in the throne . But Vladislaus prevented the disgrace by his death , which fell out in the year 1516. P. By what you tell me , I am perswaded the Hungarians are hugely loyal and affectionate unto their King , when they are gallant ; and that they are easily moved to change him for another , when he is not so . G. A warlike people desires ever to see their King a horse-back when the preservation of his Estate requires him so to be . And though experience ofteu teach us , that the preservations of the persons of Kings preserves Kingdoms , yet a people is ever desirous to see their King on the head of their army . But for all that , the Hungarians have reason to be of another opinion : and their History will let them see , what a misfortune it is to loose a King with loosing a battel . Lewis in his tender years succeeding his father Vladislaus , was vilipended by Sultan Soliman , who knowing his weakness , and the divisions that then were amongst Christian Princes , thought this time convenient to bring Hungary under his subjection . To this effect he makes peace with the Persian , and rusheth upon Lewis with all his forces . This young King knowing how unable he was alone to grapple with so mighty an enemy , prayed other Christian Potentats to send him succours , and not to permit the Bulwark of Christendom to fall into the hands of the common enemy of believers . His prayers prevailed not , for Christendom then was tearing it self in pieces ▪ so Lewis was forced to take the field , yea even before these troopes were brought together , of which his army was to be composed . The Turk had already passed the Save and the Drave ; and meeting with the Hungarians , both few in number , and evil provided of a General , did without any difficulty obtain the victory ; and that so compleatly , that the King and the most part of these that followed him , were lost , one way or other , either in battel , or the flight . P. I have heard say , that two and twenty thousand Christians died at this fatal field : and that besides horses of service , five thousand wagons , fourscore pieces of great canon , and six hundred lesser ones , with all furniture and amunition necessare for such a train of Artillery fell in the hands of the Victor . G. The loss of the battel was but a smal matter , in comparison of that which followed . The Turk killed and took more then two hundred thousand persons . And did so far advance in Hungary , and fixed himself so firmly in it , that till this hour he could never be removed out of it . And no doubt , he hath now more hopes then ever to abolish our Religion in that unhappy Kingdom : so we have reason to write the 29. of August of the year 1526. amongst the most dismal days that ever afflicted Christendom , or Christianity . This King died without children ; and his want of issue did much augment the right which the House of Austria pretended to have to the Crown of Hungary . Yet that illustrious family did not find the Hungarians much inclined to submit themselves to their domination . John Zapoliha , Earl of Sebusia , and Vayvod of Transilvany , who came too late with his forces to defend the Crown , thought he was come soon enough to set it on his own head . He had of a long time imployed both his means and his pains to gain the affections of the whole Kingdom . And by the defeat he had given not long before to George Sekell , and the peasants who had made him King , he had opened to himself a way to the Royalty . Seeing himself now in a condition to have the greatest hopes , he prays , he exhorts the whole Nobility , and every one of them in particular , not to loose the right and priviledge they had to elect a King , and to make their generous resolutions in order thereto known at the next Dyet . He remonstrats to them that Hungary had never been happy in subjecting it self to the dominion of a strange King. That Sigismund of Bohemia and Vladislaus of Pole , the first by his defeat at Nicopolis , the last by his overthrow at Colembat and at Varna , had given sufficient evidence how misfortunatly strangers govern that Kingdom . He endeavored to make them believe , that though a strange Prince might reign gloriously in Hungary , yet it would be both more profitable and honorable for them to have a King of their own Nation . That the best governed Common-wealths excluded the feminine sexe from the Scepter , for fear it should come in the hands of strangers . That the Hungarian Nobility was not so degenerated , but there was heads amongst them worthy to carry a Crown . And though himself was none of the bravest , yet he thought not himself incapable to govern a great State , and defend it with the point of his sword . P. There are few Nations who do not abhor the yoke of a stranger . What was the result of the Hungarian consultations ? G. The great merits and exhortations of Zapoliha prevailed so far with the greatest part of the Nobility , that they invested him with the Royal dignity , and caused crown him by Paul Deverda , Archbishop of Strigonium , on Martinmas day 1526. But to help the course of this miserable Countrey to its ruine , Stephen Battori , and some other Great Ones , who looked upon the advancement of Zapoliha with an envyous eye , sided with Ferdinand of Austria , and supported his interests . This Prince fortified with the accession of his new Kingdom of Boheme , with the victorious forces of the Emperor Charles the fifth , his brother , with the marriage of Anne , sister of the late King , with the pretensions which Ladislaus , son of Albert the first , left to the Austrian family , and the help of some Hungarian Lords , thought that the Kingdom could not escape him . In effect , Ferdinand assisted by his right , and his friends , declared himself King , and takes the field with an army : and knowing the readiest way to kill a creature is to strike it at the heart , he marcheth straight to Buda , the capital City of the Kingdom . King John astonished at this blow , abandons the Town , Ferdinand makes himself Master of it : and shortly after beats his Competitors army , and chases him entirely out of the Kingdom . The course of this good fortune was stopped by the Turk , who regains Jaitsa , the chief town of Bosnia , which Matthias Corvin had taken with extraordinary valor . This loss , and the safe retreat of Zapoliha , made King Ferdinand believe , he had not yet done his business ; but that Soliman and John would cut out more work for him , then he had reason to desire . P. I would gladly know whether this titular King retired himself , & what he did to recover his Estates ? G. This poor Prince beaten by Ferdinands force , and the revolt of his subjects , betook him to his shifts . He went to Pole , & adressed himself to Jerome Lasco , Vaydod of Siradie , an illustrious person , both by birth and vertue . Lasco over-joyed with the presence of such a guest , offered him all that was in his power : and having maturely considered and reconsidered all means for his reestablishment , at length adviseth him to have his recourse to Sultan Soliman . And because these who give counsel should ever be ready to put it in execution , he undertakes the journey himself : and having obtained a recommēdatory letter from Sigismund King of Pole , he goes straight to Constantinople . This great Man , who had been before Embassador at the Port , made it soon known how fit a person he was to agent a business of that importance . He gained on his side by presents of great value , Abraham the first Vizier , Lustibey , and Lewis Gritti , who were in hie favor with the Grand Seigneur . These being well instructed by the dexterous prudence of Lasco , easily perswaded the Sultan that it would be both honorable and profitable for him , to take the exiled King in his protection , and restore him to his Kingdom . Mean while , Ferdinand fearing the practises of Lasco , sent John Oberdans , a Hungarian Lord , Embassador to the Port , to desire the friendship of Soliman , and to demand ( a little unseasonably ) the restitution of all he had taken in Hungary since the death of Lewis the second . This highly offended the proud Sultan , who answered , That the Ottomans were not accustomed to grant their friendship to those who had offended them . That Ferdinand was in the wrong to desire it , after he had invaded an Estate to which he had no just pretension . That he thought him unworthy of that he desired , That he would be revenged of the injury he had done him : And commanded Oberdans to be instantly gone out of Constantinople , and tell his Master , that he denounced war against him . That he would come into Hungary and bring the keys of these places with him wh●ch Ferdinand demanded . P. The Turk speaks with a wide mouth : and if his actions corresponded with his words , assuredly he made Ferdinand repent that he had given an interruption to Zapolihas repose . G. Soliman did not all he would ; but desiring to be a man of his word , he took the field with a dreadful army , and in the Spring advanced to Hungary . King John went to wait on him at Bellgrade , accompanied with Lasco , and as splendide a company of the Nobility , as was possible for him to bring together . And in that great Assembly he did homage to the Infidel , and acknowledged him for his Lord. The Sultan a little moving himself in his seat , gave him his hand , and assured him that nothing could be so pleasing to him , then to support and restore the afflicted and oppressed . He bid him be of good courage , and told him , He would restore to him all he should recover from his enemy Ferdinand . These promises were confirmed by a most solemn and pompous oath , after the fashion of these unbelievers , who in all their actions will appear beyond that which they are . All things being set in order , Soliman marched to Buda , which he might easily take , in regard it was abandoned by the German guarison . And then he forced Thomas Nadasdy to give over the Castle whereof he was Governor . This victory gave opportunity to the Turk to reestablish John in the Royal dignity , which accordingly he did . Then treading over the bellies of all that durst offer to resist him , he laid siege to Vienne . He battered it with all imaginable fury and artifice : but if it was well attaqued , it was as well defended by Philip the Victorious , Prince Palatine of the Rhine , and Nicolas Count of Solms , who forced him to retire with shame ; and to confess , that who would take Vienne , must have good mittains . P. That place hath been for more then an age the mark at which the ambition of the Ottomans hath aimed . They fancy to themselves , if they had once possession of the seat and ordinary residence of the Emperor of the West , they would quickly pluck from us the head of the Roman Eagle , which is yet amongst us . But in regard , the Turk did rather fly then retire , and that he was rather covered with Cypress then with Lawrels , let us follow him , and see what he did afterward . G. I shal pass over all he did which makes not to our purpose , neither shal I speak of his inhumane cruelties , or the horrible marks he left of his indignation . Let it suffise that I tell you , that being arrived at Buda , he caused bring before him all the Royall Ornaments , and in presence of many great persons , as well Christians as Mahometans , he said thus to King John : Brother , and Friend , Since next to God , thou had thy recourse to me in thy calamity , I was pleased to be favourable to thee , and I have handled the matter so , that thou art Master of thy Kingdom : Now I deliver in thy hands the City and Castle of Buda , with all Hungary ; whereof I declare thee King. And turning to the Hungarian Lords , he proceeded thus : I command you to be faithful and obedient to your King here present : If you do so , I shal be your friend : If you do otherwise , I will destroy you with my seimeter . And thou , O King , my friend , Rememher of the great benefit thou hath received of God , and of me . Thou hath the Crown , which thou and thy Successors shal enjoy peaceably , if all of you continue in my friendship , and the duty you owe me . When he had spoke so , he left Lewis Gritti ( son to Andrew , since Duke of Venice , by a Graecian concubine ) in Hungary with some Cavallery , and so returned to Constantinople . P. I wonder that Soliman having suffered so great losses in Austria , did not recompense them by the detention of Hungary : for I have heard that the Turk is not a slave to his promise . G. Soliman did as these who break young horses , he used this gentleness to tame the Hungarians : and he gave that to John , which he was afraid he could not well keep to himself . But then King John fearing with much reason , that the Grand Seigneur would weary of his succours , and perceiving his affaires to be in a bad condition , he sent to Vienne that same Lasco whom he had imployed at the Port. This active man procured a years truce ; in which time , the edge of their animosity being somewhat blunted , they came to an agreement ; By which John was to enjoy the Kingdom to his death ; after which , Ferdinand or one of his sons should succeed him . But because it was not impossible but John might have children , it was provided , that if he had a son , that son should enjoy all these Lands and Castles which belonged to John before he was King of Hungary : And besides all that , he should be Prince of Transilvany . This treatie was ill observed . Ferdinand caused invade Transilvany , by Baltasar Bamfy : Sclavony , by John Coatenerus , & the Province of Sebuse , by Leonard Baron of Velts . But all these attempts were rendered vain by the prudence of King John , and the valor of George Martenusias a Monk , and the Kings great favorite , commonly called , Frier George . And so they came to another accommodation . The calm which John enjoyed after he conjured away the tempest , gave him leasure to think of his marriage : And for that effect sends to Sigismund King of Pole , and demanded his daughter Isabel or Elisabeth for his wife . And having obtained her , the nuptials & coronation of the Queen were magnificently solemnized . P. I believe King Ferdinand was not well pleased with a marriage from which might proceed an addition to his troubles , and an opposition to his pretentions : neither do I think Soliman could approve of the transaction which John made with Ferdinand , without his knowledge , or at least without his consent ; in regard a vassal can innovate nothing of that he holds in fee , without the approbation of his Soveraign . G. In this exigent , John was like to him that holds the wolf by the ears He saw well enough that he had reason to fear as much mischief from Soliman , as from his Competitor , yet he conceived stronger hopes of a Christian Prince , then of an Infidel : notwithstanding whereof , we shal presently see that his successors submitted to the Turk , to preserve a part of their dignity . Not long after King Johns marriage , Stephen Meylats and some others , take arms against him in favor of Ferdinand . John desirous to quench the fire before it grew inextinguishable , leaves his Queen at Buda , and marcheth to Transilvany , where he easily received these in his favor who acknowledged their fault : which act of grace moved many to return to their duty . But Meylats shuts himself up in the strong Castle of of Fogaras , to wait for the succours which Ferdinand was to send him under the conduct of Nadasdy . The King beseegeth the Castle , and after a long siege , takes it . Mean time comes a Courrier , who brings him the glad tydings of the birth of a son whom God had given him . Such News useth to be very acceptable to these who have no children , especially to such who are stricken in years : You may easily imagine that John received them with an excess of joy , which he witnessed by drinking ( after the Hungarian manner ) more then enough . This augmented his sickness , which at Sassebs sent him to his grave a few days after his sons birth , and in the fifty and third year of his own age . His death was kept quyet , as much as possibly might be done ; but at length it was published with the tenor of his testament : by which he declared his son the universel heir of all his goods , and George Martenusias , or Frier George , Tutor of the pupil Prince . Some days before he died , he exhorted the Nobility to have a regard to the honor of the Hungarian Nation , and to prefer his son to any stranger whatsoever , if they should fall upon the election of a new King ; assuring them that the grand Seignior would protect him , if they had their recourse to him . The desire of a dying King , and the jealousie the Hungarians had of a strangers domination , moved many of the great ones to set the Crown upon the head of the Infant , the very day of his Baptism , and to send to the Port to beg Solimans protection . P. Hungary is most misfortunate , yet little or no mischief hath come upon it , which it hath not deserved . What an eternal shame was it for a Christian King on his death bed , to exhort his Subjects to have recourse to a Turk , to free his posterity from that obligation himself had put upon it by a solemn Treaty ? What inexcusable folly was it in them to crown a Child , and thereby render him the object of the indignation of a powerful neighbor Prince ? What insupportable impiety was it , to run to an Infidel for shelter , before they knew , if he whom they feared , would exceed the bounds of Reason ? Certainly , the Hungarians had lived more happily and quietly , if they had religiously observed the Treaties and Promises of their Kings , and the faithless Turk would have found stronger bars to his Ambition , if the House of Austria had not been so much traversed and crossed in its just pretensions . G. When the ruine of great Estates approacheth , all things contributes to their destruction . Kingdoms that have changed Masters , have been the principal framers of their own misfortune . The condition of Hungary was so depraved , that almost every one gloried to be inconstant and perfidious : But let us follow the threed of our story , that we may come near our own times . King Ferdinand having heard of his Competitors death , sent Nicolas Count of Salms to the Queen Douager , to dispose her to the observation of the Treaty which had been made between him and her husband , and willingly to grant that to reason , which she would be constrained to yeeld to force ; That she and her son would find it a greater advantage to them to acquiesce to what the late King had concluded with mature deliberation , then to draw upon Hungary the mischiefs and evils of an obstinatly sought for war. That himself was ready to perform all he had promised , and to use her with favor more then ordinary . The Queens answer to the Earl was , that her sexe , her age , and her grief , rendred her incapable to fall upon any resolution in a business of so great importance , till she had the advice of the King her Father ; and therefore intreated Ferdinand to allow her some few months for that effect . That the Emperor Charles his Brother and Himself , would reap but little honor , to make war on a woman drowned in tears , and a Child swadled in his Craddle . This answer did not at all please Ferdinand , who immediatly sent Leonard , Baron of Velts with an army to bring her to reason . The Queen in this extremity sends Embassadors to the Port , who were well received by Soliman , and graciously dispatched . They returned with an embroidered scarlet robe , a Mace of Iron , the Pommel of which was of Gold ; a Shable , the sheath whereof was set with precious stones , as tokens of his Amity and Protection . And at the same time , ordered all the Governors of the neighbor places , to draw to the field without delay , to succour the Queen . While these things are a doing , Lasco who had changed his Master and taken himself to Ferdinands service , and was then his Embassador at Constantinople , demanded of the Sultan the Kingdom of Hungary , upon the same conditions which were granted before to John Zapoliha : which proposition did displease the Turk so much , that he clapped the Embassador in prison , and said , he deserved to die , for offering to mock him . Soliman having absolutely refused Ferdinands demands , and sending strong supplys to Queen Isabel , Hungary became the Theatre of most horrible confusions ; and was dyed with the promiscuous blood of Germans , Turks and Hungarians . Rogendorff a new General of Ferdinands , beseegeth Buda , This siege put Soliman on his way to raise it : But he might have saved himself the labor , for his forces had done the work before his arrival . Rogendorff having lost twenty thousand men , saved himself by flight . The Turk notwithstanding keeps on his Journey , and being come near the City , sends Presents to the young King. But afterward , desiring to have satisfaction for the great charge and trouble , he and his forces had been at , he desired the Queen to send her son to him , assuring her , he demanded it for no other reason , then to oblige his children to love the young King more tenderly . At the same time his messengers had order to tell her , the cause why the Grand Seigneur did not give her self a visit , was , that he would not do any thing that might bring a blemish upon her reputation . The Queen returned her humble thanks to the Sultan for his civility ; but wavered in her resolution , whether she would send her son to him , or not . George Martinusias told her , that she neither might or could refuse it . Overcome by invincible necessity , she puts him in a craddle , worthy such a child , and having commanded his Nurse , and some other Matrones , and a great many Lords to accompany him , she sends him to the Turkish camp . Soliman to do him honor , caused meet him with a gallant troop of horse , he looked upon him , embraced him , courted and dandled him , and caused his children do so also . And in the mean time caused seize one of the ports of the Town , by which his troops entered , and secured all the streets of the city . Then were the Citizens commanded to deliver up all their arms , if they desired to save their lives , which was instantly done without any noise , This being past , Soliman sent back the young King to his mother , but keeped the Lords who had convoyed him . The Queen seeing her Town and Officers of State in the Turks power , laments , weeps and prays ; but her lamentations , tears and prayers availed not , nor did hinder the Infidel to put it to the debate in his Divan , whether he should keep the Kingdom of Hungary for himself , or restore it to the young King ? P. The great Turk is so absolute and formidable to his subjects , that I presume in his Councels , all speak according to his humor and inclination . G. It was not so here , for all the opinions ( which were several ) were well debated and considered ; neither did Soliman fall upon the election of the most unreasonable result . Mahomet and Ustrofi , were of opinion , that the Sultan should carry the King to Constantinople , and with him the principal Hungarians : That he should place a Governor in Buda , who using the people which loved liberty , with moderation and sweetness , might bring them piece and piece , and by degrees , to receive the Ottoman yoak ; and in the mean time , permit them to enjoy their goods . Rustan , Solimans son in law , gave a more honorable advice , perswading him to keep his promise , wherein he was so deeply engaged : that the violation of it , could not but bring with it the irrecoverable loss of his honor and reputation . But Iahaoglis Basha of Belgrade , void both of honesty and humanity , advised his Master , to rid himself , once for all , of the necessity to come so often and so far to relieve a woman and a child . He represented to him the impossibility , the mother and her son would meet with , to resist the Germans without the forces of his Highness , and consequently his troubles should be endless . He desired him to remember , that within these twenty years , he had marched into Hungary five several times , to his infinite charges and hazard of his person . The first time , to reduce Belgrade to his obedience , which before was a den of thieves . The second , to revenge an affront done to his Embassadors , to which he sacrificed King Lewis , and that then he had given with a prodigious prodigality , the Kingdom to a person , who was considerable for nothing , but for the mischief he had done to the Ottoman armies . The third to succour the said King against Ferdinand of Austria , and at the said time he had shaken and wasted Germany by the siege of Vienne ; and by his roads and cavalcades , which brought threescore thousand Christians to chains and fetters . The fourth , in regard his Highness retreat had encouraged the same Ferdinand to attack King John , with hopes to wrest his Kingdom from him , he was forced to return and relieve him . And the fifth time , for these affairs concerning which the present question was . This Basha who had been present at all these expeditions , did exaggerate the evils that his master had endured , the great and vast waste of treasure , the great and many persons he had lost , and the obligation he had laid upon himself , to neglect all his other affairs for this alone . And concluded , that war being only made to procure the means to live in peace , the Sultan should reduce into a Province , a Kingdom which he had so often taken and defended . He should send the Queen to her father Sigismond King of Pole. He should carry the child to Constantinople to be bred in the Mahometan Law. He should put the whole Nobility to the sword , and raze all their forts and strong holds ; transport a number of families to Asia , and keep the rest in subjection with sufficient guarrisons . P. This last spoke like a true Turk , for they are all cruel and merciless , and sworn enemies to Christians . G. Jahaoglis advised nothing , but what Soliman might have done , and what many of his predecessors would have done , in the like occasion . But he resolved for all that to use greater moderation . He left a strong guarrison in Buda , intreating the Queen to be satisfied with what he did , and to retire her self with her son to Lippa , and reign over Transilvany , in the neighborhood of her father the King of Poles Dominions . And gave her assurance of the affection he would ever keep for her son : He ordered some troops of his own guards to convoy her , and caused furnish her with waggons , chariots and beasts for carriage , to transport all the moveables she had . The Queen perceiving the necessity of her departure , endeavored to seem willing to go from a place , where it was not in her power to stay longer . Some noblemen of the Countrey followed her joyfully , as if they had been delivered out of prison . The Transilvanians swore fealty to their young Prince , with the Turks consent . And remembring , that his father John had governed them mildly , and with much moderation the space of thirty years ; they promised to the son a perfect obedience , without constraint . The affairs of Hungary being in this condition , King Ferdinand would gladly have appeased the Turk , whom he much apprehended ; and for that purpose , he directed Presents to him worthy of him who sent them , and of him who was to receive them . There was besides other things , a great cup of pure gold , enriched with precious stones , and an horologe of silver , of an admirable workmanship . It was a globe , which before had honored the Cabinet of Maximilian Ferdinands grand-father . It shew , besides the hours , the course of the Planetes , with the distance of the Sun and Moon , imitating the fabrick of the world , as far as art could reach . And the motion of all did not terminate , till a whole year went about . P. Did these Presents produce any good effects ? or did they acquire to Ferdinand the tranquillity he hoped for ? G. Soliman was extreamly well pleased with the globe , and looked upon it with much delight ▪ as one who had some skill in Astronomy , but it did not oblige him to repay any civility . Ferdinands Embassadors demanded the Kingdom of Hungary , upon these conditions , which were granted formerly to John Zapoliha . Which being very honorable for Soliman , and advantageous to his Estates , there were strong appearances he should have granted them : But the contrare appeared by the answer delivered to them , out of Rustan Basha's own mouth , which was this ; That his Highness would grant peace to their Master , upon these termes , that he should deliver up all these places which appertained to Lewis the second : That henceforward , he should not come near the Frontiers of Hungary . That the House of Austria should be obliged , to pay Soliman such a tribute , as he should be pleased to impose , to preserve the honor of the Ottoman Majesty , which notwithstanding should be but a small one , in comparison of the great pains and travel the Grand Seigneur had taken , and the immense charges he had been at in the war. And if these conditions seemed heavy to Ferdinand , then Soliman would make use of his power to force him to that accommodation . After this final answer , the Turk returned to Constantinople , having first wasted and spoiled some Provinces . This proud and imperious procedure of Soliman , was looked upon at Vienne , as a Declaration of the war. And therefore , Ferdinand appoints three Generals , to oppose so formidable an enemy , and made application to George Martinusias , who refused not to serve him . This Monk whom King John had chosen to be Tutor to his son , prime Minister of Estate , and Director of all his revenues , intending to tyrannize over his Master , and the Queen his Mother , had constantly more strings to his bow , then one . And whatever he promised either to the Queen , to the Turk , or the King of the Romans , it was only to serve himself with the one of them against the other , and in the mean time , by his dexterity , to keep the absolute power of the Government to himself . Such was the ambition of this petty gentleman , who from a contemptible and underling domestick of John Zapoliha's Mother , came to be a Monk , from an ignorant Monk , to be King Johns servant , and then Bishop of Varadine , and first Minister of Estate , and could now suffer no equal . He possessed the Queen with fears , that he would do her self a bad office , and dethrone her son . The just apprehension of this danger , moved Queen Isabel to represent to Soliman , that the proud Monk had demanded assistance of King Ferdinand , to bring about the design he had to establish himself in the Throne , by the suppression , and perhaps the death of her son . Martenusias on the other hand , represents to Ferdinand ; that having had infinite obligations to the late King John , he could in gratitude do no less , then employ all his power to procure the standing , welfare , honor and utility of the son of so deserving a father . But that the quality of a Prelate did oblige him much more to have an eye to the preservation of Christendom . That he had to do with a fearful woman , who upon the least suspicion , would not miss to implore the Turks succours . And if the Government were not taken out of her hands , then undoubtedly Transilvany would fall in the Turks hands . To obviate which , he intreated Ferdinand to offer the Queen a recompence to yeeld up her Estates : and he conceived it would be prudently done , to offer to her son , all these advantages which were offered to his father . Ferdinand , who knew Martenusias well enough , made no doubt , but that he intended to cheat him ; for all that , he resolves to make his profit of the Monks craftiness . And therefore , making fair weather with him , he praised his Christian zeal , and conjured him to persevere in so laudable an intention , sends him some Canon , and a thousand Horse payed for four moneths , Things tending thus to a change , every one of the parties endeavored to make his advantage of the present conjuncture of affairs : Ferdinand acquaints his brother the Emperor with all that passed , and of the hopes he had to be a gainer , if he would be pleased to assist him with his counsel and his forces . Charles relisheth the proposition , and sends to his brother , John Baptista Castaldo , a Spaniard , a prudent and valiant gentleman , whom he might intrust with the conduct of the whole design . Queen Isabel of Iagello , who knew and apprehended the practises of Martenusias , called a convocation of the Estates of the Countrey , to gain the good will of the Nobility ; thinking by this mean to preserve to her self and her son , that rank and dignity which belonged to them . The Monk fearing the Estates should fall upon some resolutions , which might diminish his greatness , makes all possible haste to Agnabet , where the Dyet was assembled , breaks it up , forceth the Queen to retire to Alba Julia , and commenceth the war against his Master . While this is a doing , Castaldo arrives at Claudiopolis , which the Hungarians call Calesvar , and the Germans , Clausemburg : from whence , in order to his instructions , he intreats Martenusias to perform what he had promised to King Ferdinand . This Prelate then knowing the Queens fears , went and payed her a visit , shew her her escapes , and exhorted her to an accommodation with Ferdinand , to which she consents . To this effect , the Transilvanian Estates are convocated at Claudiopolis , where Don Castaldo lets them see the Commission he had to treat with the Queen . He endeavored to make it appear to her , that it was purely impossible for her and her son to defend Transilvany against the Turk . That for the good of Christendom , it would be expedient , perhaps necessare for them both , to make a resignation of it to the King of the Romans . And in lieu thereof , he promiseth to John Sigismund , the two Dutchies of Opeln and Ratibore , the revenue whereof extended to five and twenty thousand ducats a year , and Joanne the daughter of Ferdinand , with an hundred thousand crowns of portion , and to the Queen fifty thousand crowns , with the payment of all her debts . This was Castaldo's proffer . P. When I consider Transilvany , I think this compensation was very insignificant : yet it may be thought considerable enough , in regard by the renunciation , the Queen and her son did fairly rid themselves of an inevitable necessity to make war , either with the great Turk , or the House of Austria : and the sexe of Isabel , and the non-age of John Sigismund rendered them both incapable for that . But did the Queen accept the proffers ? G. This couragious and prudent Princess being exceedingly desirous to free her self from the yoke of Martenusias , acquiesced to what Ferdinand had offered , and instantly delivered up all the Royal Ornaments to Castaldo , and intreated that Spanish Lord to move the King of the Romans to perform without delay that which was promised on his part , and immediatly retired her self to Cassovia , which was given her for a retreat , till the entiere execution of the Treaty . Castaldo having now the Hungarian Crown in his hands , believed they should all acknowledge his Master for King , and therefore desired the Transilvanians to take the oath of fidelity to King Ferdinand , who unanimously did it , after George Martenusias , who by the bargain had got the Arch-Bishoprick of Strigonium , and a Cardinals hat , procured by the King of the Romans . The matter having passed so , each party prepared for war , the Hungarian well knowing the Turk would not so easily suffer a Province which had acknowledged his Soveraignty , to fall in the hands of another without his consent . The event made it appear they had made a right conjecture : for he enters Transilvany with an army , but made a sory progress , so long as Martenusias lived , or that the Queen had any hopes that Ferdinand would observe the agreement she had made with him . As to Frier George , it was observed he desired to serve the Christians , without giving too much occasion of offence to the Turk ; for at the surrender of Lippa to Castaldo , he saved Ulmani Bey , whom they resolved to cut in pieces ; and protected within his Castle of Vivaria , him who received the tribute which Transilvany payed to Soliman . These actions cost him his life ; for Castaldo having entred in a deep distrust of him got Mark-Antony Ferrero his Secretary ( who because of his charge had frequent access to him ) to stob him with a dagger . Sultan Soliman being informed of the death of Martenusias , and of the oath the Transilvanians had made to the King of the Romans , commanded Stephen Prince of Moldavia , the Governor of Buda , and some other neighboring vassals of his , to take arms , and fall upon them . This order was no sooner issued out of the Port , but it was put in execution . And Transilvany in a short time had reason to say , that the death of one Tyrant had not delivered it from slavery . Mean time Queen Isabel seeing she could not obtain the performance of the promises were made to her , prayed the Grand Seigneur once more to have pitty of her son . Soliman either moved with compassion of the widow Queen , or touched with his own interests , assists her powerfully , and reduceth the Transilvanians to that necessity , that they implored Ferdinand to permit them to treat with Soliman in favor of John Sigismund . Ferdinand , though much against his will , gave his consent . And they obtained for their Prince , that same favor that was granted to John Zapoliha his father , for these submissions , duties and tribute that it should please Soliman to impose on him . This fell out in the year 1551. The Queen having entred in repossession of her Estates , her brother Sigismund August mediated another treaty between Ferdinand and her . By it she obtained more advantagious conditions then by the former one . Her son should espouse Joanne the daughter of Ferdinand , and enjoy for ever in Soveraignty for himself and his heirs , Transilvany , the County of Abavivar , Muran , Huzth , Marmet , and a part of the revenue of the territories of Ceregh , and of Ugocha . P. I am of the opinion few Countreys are to be found which have changed their Masters so oft as Transilvany . And I know not if I be obliged to believe , that a King of the Romans , brother to one of the puissantest Emperors that ever reigned in Germany , and father of so many children , should put on a resolution to part with a Principality , which he had acquired , partly by consent , partly by right , and partly by force . G. I know that Potentats do not give away willingly that which they have gained . It is notwithstanding true , that Ferdinand gave up that Soveraignty whereof we speak , and that he permitted John Sigismund to do what he pleased in Transilvany , except the assuming the tittle of King. Yea , the business was carried on a greater length , for this Transilvanian supported by the Turks forces , demanded that the Danube should divide Hungary and Transilvany , and that the Kingdom of Hungary should be entailled to him and his successors , in case the masculine line of the Austrain family should chance to be extinct . This insolent demand vexed Ferdinand : he takes armes , and constrained the Transilvanian Prince to be contented , that the river Tebiscus should be the utmost bound of his Estates . This agreement displeased either Sigismund , or the Great Turk , who prompted him to act , because he might not enter publickly on the stage himself , in regard of a truce he had made with Ferdinand for eight years . Hereupon John Sigismund denounceth war against Maximilian the second , who succeeded his father Ferdinand , and took Zackwar , Hudad and Corazzo , and had taken Cassovia also , if the rigor of the Winter season had not hindered him . But these victories were short lived , Maximilian grievously offended with these insolencies , takes armes , and attacks him vigorously , regains what he had lost , and forces his enemy to a Peace Soliman being returned from Malta , where fortune had not favored him , begins a new war in Hungary , where he dies at the siege of Zigeth , which was surrendered to Basha Mustafa , his Lieutenant General , the 7 of September 1566. Selimus who succeeded to his father , made a truce with the Hungarians for eight years , and in it comprehended the Transilvanian , who by the recommendation of his Uncle Sigismund August King of Pole , got an addition to his Dominions , of some Territories which the Emperor yeelded to him , and the town of Guila , which he bought from the Turk , in the year 1568. John Sigismund perceiving the dy of war run favorably for him , offered to corrupt some Hungarians , to carry on his designs with more advantage in that Kingdom . But his endeavors and practises dyed with himself in the year 1570. and in the thirty and third year of his age : And in him , and with him , ended the race of Zapoliha . He had chosen Gaspar Bekez for his successor , but he was rejected by the Grandees , who put in his place Stephen Battori , on the 14. of May 1571. This Prince acknowledged the Grand Seigneur for his Soveraign , as his Predecessor had done . And being elected King of Pole , after the retreat of Henry of Valois , he made it appear that vertue and fortune are not incompatible in one and the same subject . This brave Gentle-man was within a very few years , a Baron , a Prince , and a King , and eminently worthy of the highest of these degrees . Being chosen King of Polen , he delivered up Transilvany to his brother Christopher Battori ; who not finding the House of Austria favorable to him , because his brother Stephen in the election of Pole , was preferred to Maximilian the second , was forced to seek support at Constantinople . This was a most vertuous Prince , who having suppressed the boldness of Bekez , who endeavored to supplant him , reigned gloriously till his death which put him in his grave 1581. To him succeeded his son Sigismund , being yet a child . Stephen Battori his Uncle , King of Pole , having appointed him three Tutors , sowed jealousie amongst them , which gave him shortly occasion to thrust them all three out , and to put the person and affairs of his Nephew in the hands of John Geczi , Governor of Varadin . This was a gallant and an orderly Gentle man , who quickly made himself known to be a man of courage , as well as conduct . Scarce had he laid his hands on the reins of the Government of his pupils Estate , when King Stephen dyes in the year 1586. The powerful factions which bandied one against another in Pole for the election of a new King , gave Geczi an opportunity to show what worth was in him . He joyned his forces with these of Samoisky , who favoured Sigismund of Sweden against Maximilian of Austria , his Competitor , who was beaten , taken , and forced to quite his pretensions to the Swed . In the mean time , the Turk made a fierce war in Hungary against the Emperor Rodolp the second . And though the Officers and Commanders of his Imperial Majesties forces were men of sufficient worth , and gallantery , who sold to the Sultan all the victories he obtained at a very dear rate , yet in the year 1595. Sinan Basha Lieutenant General to Selimus , reduced to his obedience the admirable fort of Javarin , at that time deemed impregnable . P. I have heard say that Sinan vaunted , that he had brought the Emperor Rodolph to the necessity to beg Peace , by the loss of that wonderful strength . But Sansovia saith , that Sinan lost there fifty thousand men , and that a little after the war began again hotter then ever . G. The Emperor had too much courage to seek Peace after so considerable a loss : He knew he could obtain none , but that which would have been exceeding disadvantageous : and for that reason he resolved to continue the war , and so sought the help of all those who were able to give it ; and got Sigismund Battori Prince of Transilvany , to be of his party . This Prince was easily moved to be pertaker of so noble a design , because he was a person of a great spirit and courage ; as also , because he thought it a shameful thing for a Christian to joyn with these who aimed at nothing so much as the entire subversion of Christianity . He concluded therefore a Treaty with the Emperor , whereof these were the principal Articles . That Sigismund taking arms against the Turk , it should not be permitted to the Emperor to make Peace without him . And if the matter should come to an accommodation , the Principalities of Valachia , Moldavia , and Transilvania , should be comprehended in the Treaty . That Sigismund should enjoy the name , the honors and prerogatives of a Prince of the Empire . That an honorable rank amongst them should be assigned to him . That the Emperor should give him a Princess of the House of Austria , for his Consort . That as long as the war lasted , the Emperor should furnish him every year one hundred thousand florins of the Rhine , which will amount to thirty and three thousand pounds sterlin . And should entertain to him a good Body of Germane horse and foot . That all these places that Sigismond should take in the war should remain in propriety to him , and these that should be of his issue , of both sexes . That if the mischance should fall out , that the Turk should by force of arms expell him his Dominions of Transilvany , the Emperor should be obliged to assign him as many Lands within the Empire , as should be sufficient to entertain him like a Prince . That there should a general act of oblivion pass for him , and all those who had served under the Turks Banner , against his Imperial Majesty . That the Prince should enter in possession of all these Lands which he enjoyed before in Illyria and Hungary . That the Emperor should provide him with canon , powder , & other munitions of war. That the Transilvanian should take the field with fourscore thousand fighting men , Valachians , Moldavians , and Transilvanians . This agreement was sealed with the marriage of Prince Sigismund , with Mary Christine daughter of Charles Arch-Duke of Grats , with the Order of the Golden Fleece , which Philip the second of Spain sent to him . By Pope Clement the eight's present of a Hallowed Hat and sword , and by a great mass of moneys , which was sent to him from several places of Christendom . This League did much satisfie many great Potentats ; but did so displease and exasperate Sultan Amurath , the Princes of Sigismunds own family , and the greatest part of the Transilvanians , that presently followed terrible invasions , troubles , and murthers . Upon which , the Prince called these Nobles to him , who he knew to be affectionate to his person and interests ; and having all his thoughts taken up with the meditation of horrible revenges against his kinsmen , and the Great Men of Transilvany , he summoned his Estates to meet at Claudiopolis . There it was that he put to death Balthasar Battori his Uncle , and many other Lords , and declared them guilty of rebellion , and leze Majesty : and amongst the first , Stephen and Andro Battori , his cousin germans , the sons of Balthasar . At the same time , Sigismund thinking he had extinguished the fire of the Rebellion , caused publish thorow all his Territories , the League which he had made with the Emperor against the Ottoman family ; and exhorted and commanded all his subjects to take arms , to deliver themselves from the tyranny and slavery ; under which they had so long groaned . A few days after , he brought fifty thousand men in arms ; and having provided them with sufficient and able Officers , he advanced with them towards the Danube , to act the first part of the Tragedy . Now he is in the fields , Fortune sides with him ; he takes seven ships loaden with silver , and other rich merchandises , which Sinan Basha was to employ to corrupt the Officers of Vienne , to betray it to his Master the Grand Seigneur . This good luck put Sigismund in a capacity to beseege Themiswar . But he had scarce begun to attack it , when he receives intelligence , that the Tartars were wasting and making havock of his Territories and subjects , which called to him for their defence . Having raised his siege , he marcheth against them , but finding them lodged in an inaccessible place , where valor could not avail him , he hath recours to policy : he fires theirs quarters , and having smoaked them out , gives them a total overthrow , without any difficulty , and with no considerable loss on his side . P. Thus far Prince Sigismund Battori was fortunate and gallant , and if it were not , that the death of his Uncle , and some other Transilvanian Lords , seem to argue him of some cruelty ; I see not wherein his conduct can be blamed . I would gladly know , if fortune accompanied him to his grave , and if he left any children behind him to inherite his vertue and Estates ? G. I come softly to that ye desire to know : The Valachians and Moldavians admiring the Transilvanians victories , would gladly share with them : and therefore , make a conjunction of their forces . Sultan Amurath seeing that his losses occasioned this revolt , endeavored to set his affairs in better order , and to that effect , commands the Basha of Themiswar to attack the rebells , and make them feel the rigor of fire and sword . The Basha takes the field , but is defeated by Prince Sigismund towards the latter end of the year 1594. This victory of the Prince was seconded by another , which he obtained by the overthrow of twenty thousand Tartars , who were returning home loaden with spoil and booty . About that time died Amurath the second , leaving Mahomet the third to succeed him ; who coming to the Crown about thirty years of age , gave great largesses to his Janizaries , and made huge preparations for the war against the Christians . And understanding , that the Cossacks and Podolians had entered in League with the Transilvanians ; he sent an Army of one hundred thousand Turks , under the command of Sinan , whom he commanded to chastise these rebels exemplarly . Sinan prepares himself to give a full obedience to the commands of his impersous Master ; and while he studies to gain friends in Moldavia , he gathers a formidable Army for the execution of his design . But all his preparations came to nought by the industrious vigilance of Sigismund , who brought up Sinans rear so close , that as he repassed the Danube , the bridge overcharged with numbers of flying Turks , broke , and Sinan falling himself in the river , was in danger to have born company with an infinite number of his Army who were there drowned ▪ This great action joyned to many more , in all which the prudence , valor , conduct and good fortune of Prince Sigismund appeared to admiration , acquired him the name of Invincible : And forced Sultan Mahomet to take upon himself the conduct of his Army . You might see him then in the field in person with two hundred thousand fighting men , and these dreadful forces gave him the confidence to advance as far as Agria . There it was that the Arch-Duke Maximilian and Prince Sigismund , by the custom they had gotten to overcome , contemning the Turks great numbers , gave him battel ; which had in all appearance bettered the condition of Christendom , if the infamous desire of spoil and booty had not made victory , which hovered over the Christian Army , take wings and fly to the Infidels . We lost twenty thousand men , and the Turk a great many more : but after that time , it seemed that fortune , which had gone hand in hand with Prince Sigismund , turned her back upon him ; for forgetting his former valor and magnanimity , he resolved to make an exchange of his Transilvanian Principality , with some Territories in Silesia . And to come the better to his purpose , he brought as many of his forces together as possibly he could , to make his last attempt . He layes siege to Themiswar , and was forced to raise it , as he had done before : Not long after , Ibrahim Basha beseegeth Varadin . Basta the Emperors Lieutenant General intreats Sigismund for the relief of it , to joyn his forces with these over which he commanded , which he promised to do , but proved not a man of his word . After that there was nothing to be seen in him , but irresolution and unconstancy . He caused proclaim his Cousine Cardinal Battori , Prince of Transilvany : but not being able to maintain him in it , he resigned to the Emperor Rodolph all his Estates , who gave him the Dutchies of Ratibore and Opeln for his life time , with a yearly pension of fifty thousand Crowns , and a Cardinals Hat , which the Emperor promised to procure to him from the Pope . P. I thought the Transilvanian Prince had been married , and you say , he sought to be a Cardinal . G. I told you before , that Sigismund Battori , Prince of Transilvany was married to Mary Christine of Austria , but being as great a coward in the rencounters of Venus , as he was brave in those of Mars , he declared himself to be impotent , and so his marriage was declared null . But I have not yet told you , that after infinite miseries , which his change procured to Transilvania , Valachia and Moldavia , resigned by him to Rodolph : and after that he had repented himself of that folly , and given sufficient testimonies of his unconstancy , he died at Prague the 17. of March 1603. His death did not at all confirm the possession of his Estates to the Emperor , for the Turk never wanted these who practised for him in the Countrey ; and the people believing , that their liberty was infringed by the agreement made between the Emperor Rodolp , and their late Prince , there was not any content with his present condition : George Basta , the Emperors Lieutenant General tyrannized over the Countrey . The Turks , the Tartars the Polonians had made Transilvany the theatre of a long and bloody tragedy ; so that the people longed and breathed for nothing so much , as for their former condition . In end , Stephen Boskay , having chaced away the Decemvirate which the Emperor had entrusted with the Government , established himself into it more by the good will of the people , and by these faults and disorders which the Emperors Generals committed , then by his own proper forces . The commonalities complained grievously of the Inquisition , of the insolence of strangers , and of the abrogation of their ancient priviledges and immunities . Boskay fomented the discontents , and by aggravating the faults of the Government , he took a powerful and deep footing in the possession of the Principality . For this cause Gabriel Bethlem ( to whom the Turk had given hopes of the province ) seing it was not time for him to have such thoughts , submitted himself to Boskay . But in the mean time , joyning himself with Bechtes , Basha of Themiswar , endeavored to surprise Lippa , but was near surprised himself , and forced to fly in his shirt ; fear made him forget his breeches behind him , and in them the treaty of his conspiracy . This paper coming to the hands of Count Belljoyoso , put a flea in his ear , and seeking for a remedy for this disease , he found it to be incurable . In fine , Boskay lost no time ; he beats Beljoyoso and reduceth him to a great extreamity ; and puts himself in possessiou of many places : And having the favor of the Nobility , the Towns and the Commons ; he found himself in a condition to speak like a Master . But fortune , who delights to make her self to be admired , turned suddenly on Basta's side , who having obtained some victories , exhorted Boskay to lay down Arms , and submit himself to the Imperial yoak . But he who pretended to no less then the whole Principality , made answer . That if they suffered him not to enjoy Transilvany ; if they did not place Hungarians to be Governors of the Provinces and Towns , if they did not send their militia of strangers sume where else , if they did not permit the free exercise of his Religion : He was resolved to prefer war to peace . Fortune who is frequently a friend to rashness , takes Boskays part , and made him surmount all the difficulties he rencountered with in this war. Basta , who most opposed him , saw his victories followed with an intire disobedience : his sojors mutines , and tells him , he payed them with nothing but words . They set upon him in his lodging , and these who were appointed to be a guard to nine and twenty waggons loaden with money , cloath and other things robbed them , and went away ; some to Pole , and others to the Enemy : Transilvany being delivered of the fear of Bastas Army , many of the hundred towns of it were taken by Boskays friends , the rest rendered themselves to him before they were summoned . This progress of Boskay forced the Emperor to send Demetrius Nabradi Bishop of Vesprin , and Sigismund Forgas to treat with him . These Deputies found that prosperity had made him insolent ; all the answer they got from him was , That if they had come from the Nobility of Hungary , they should have been very welcome ; but if they came from the Emperor , they might return , for he was so far advanced , that he could not retire . This language was so well understood by the Emperors deputies , that they knew they had no more to do there , and that Transilvany had changed its Master . And in effect , the Estates of the Province being assembled at Kerene , Boskay was confirmed in the usurpation he made of the Principality : upon condition , that he granted a tolleration of the exercise of the Roman , Lutheran and Swisse Religions . Then under him , Sigismund Ragoski was made Governor of the Countrey , and Valentin Homanay General of the troops . The Grand Seigneur who had keeped a watchful eye upon all these commotions , sent a Chiaux to Boskay , who presented him with a Mace , a Shable , and a Cloath of State , to confirm him in the possession of his new Principality . In acknowledgement of which favor , Boskay sent to the Port Stephen Corlat , and George Kikedi , to assure the Turk of his fidelity , and to present him with the marks of his homage and obedience . P. They say , this Embassie of Boskay was infamous , because of the present his Deputies made to the Great Turk , of some Germane boys and girles . G. These who dare invade the Estates of another Prince , & sacrifice to their ambition infinite numbers of mankind , feels no sting of consciēce at all , to plunge some poor innocēts in unredeemable slavery ▪ Machiavel saith , That men can hardly become perfectly & entirely wicked . But Boskay gave him the ly ; for having endeavored to take , and taken these places which gave lawful obedience to the Emperor , his wickedness and fellony went a greater length : for though he , and his party , did mask their Rebellion with the pretext of Religion , yet they made it no scruple of conscience to accompany the Turk in his courses and roads that he made in Moravia , where having put a world of poor Christians to the sword , he sent four thousand to the chain . Never was seen any zeal like that of these religious troops . They sold to the Turks numbers of their Christian brethren . And as their crime had no precedent , so that which followed on it , was an unheard-of prodigy . Blood was seen to run out of the gold that they received for the Christians , which they had sold to the Infidels . These civilities & marks of friendship which Boskay payed to our common Enemy , were followed by an agreement between them . The Turk offered him the tittle of King of Hungary : but Boskay fearing a change of Fortune , refused the favor , alleadging the Emperor had been lawfully crowned . But by the accord , Boskay was made proprietare of Transilvany , and it made free for ten years of the tribute it used to pay formerly : and that time being expired , it was to send yearly ten thousand duckats , in token of vassallage . Things passing so in Europe , the Basha of Aleppo and Caramania , cut out some work for the Sultan in Asia . For this reason , desiring to be free of the obligation lay on him to assist Boskay , he gave him permission to agree with the Emperor . On the other side , his Imperial Majesty being weary of so long and chargeable a war , and perceiving that Boskay had no children , and therefore a change of the Government would quickly ensue , he agreed easily to all was desired of him . The principal Articles of this Peace , were these : An act of oblivion to be passed on all sides . That the Religions of Rome , Augsburgh and Switzerland , should be tollerated through all Hungary . The Palatine of Hungary should be elected by votes . That the Government of all places should be given to Hungarians , except Comore and Javarin , which the Emperor might bestow upon Germans . That all Transilvany , and that part of Hungary which belonged to Sigismund Battori , should be given to Boskay , and that thereto should be added Zacmar , Ugoc and Totkai , with Bereg . That endeavors should be used to make Peace with the Turk : and if it could not be obtained , then Boskay should joyn his forces with the Emperor against him . This treaty was approved and sworn by the principal Lords of Hungary , Bohemia , Austria , Silesia , Moravia and Lusatia . Neither did any make difficulty to sign it , except Melchior Clesel , at that time Bishop of Newstadt , and since Cardinal ; because , said he , no succours ought to be given to an Heretick ; yet at length he gave his consent . This Peace was followed with a Truce of twenty years between the Emperor and the Turk . By this Accord , the Grand Seigneur was obliged to call the Emperor , Father , and the Emperor to give to the Sultan , the tittle of Son. They should both be called Emperors . The controversies that might in the future arise between them should be determined by the Governors of Javarin and of Buda . All forts and strong holds should continue as they were for the present : neither should any new ones be built by either of the parties . The Emperor should give to the Turk two hundred thousand crowns at one time : And after that , they should send presents one to the other every third year , by their Embassadors , to continue the firmness of their friendship This Transaction was made in the year 1606. and followed by the sickness and death of Boskay , who declared for his successor Valantin Homonay , but the Estates of Transilvany any preferred to him Sigismund Ragosky . But he loving his repose and quiet more then honor , refused the offer ; But seeing it would be forced upon him , he accepted it with as much reluctancy , as he could have against an honorable slavery . P. Though they say that Crowns are heavy , yet it falls out seldom that any refuseth them ; and if I be not deceived , the moderation of Ragoski was a sure token , that he deserved to govern . G. There is no less glory in refusing Crowns , then in endeavoring to deserve them ; and I avouch unto you , that if I did not know that this refusal proceeded meerly out of contempt of honor , I should say it proceeded from fear . The Emperor Rodolph repented he had agreed to the tolleration of more Religions then the Roman Catholick . The promises of the Persian Embassador , with the rebellion of Gambolah , who had drawn on his side Aleppo , Damascus and Tripoli , made his resolutions waver in order to the observance of the Treaties . This gave occasion to the Hayducks to continue their insolencies , and to the Arch Duke Matthias , to take arms to reduce them to obedience . Which being done , Matthias resolves to pursue his design , so long as he was in a capacity to do it with an Army : which proved the strongest Argument he could use to perswade his brother Emperor Rodolph to resign Hungary and Austria to him . Having then the power , he had not the scruple that Rodolph had , but instantly signed the Treaty of Vienne , and added one article more to it , which was the expulsion of the Jesuites out of Hungary , and received homage from Ragosky for his Principality : Shortly after , Ragosky gave an infallible demonstration of his contempt of sublunare greatness , for being in peaceable possession of Transilvany , equally cherished by Matthias and the Great Turk ; he resigned his Principality to Gabriel Battori , when he had reigned but one year . Achmet Emperor of Turky confirmed the Election , and Matthias did not oppose it . Battori was neither so moderate nor so modest , as Ragoski thought he should have been ; his insatiable lust rendered him insupportable : and the honor of the most vertuous Matrons and Virgins , not being assured under the Domination of a Prince so horribly debauched , they conspired against his life , and assassinated him in the year 1616. Bethlem Gabor , who had contributed much to his death , seized on his Estates ; and to appease Matthias , who was then Emperor , and Sultan Achmet , who were equally offended with him , he promised to the first a reasonable obedience , and delivered some Places in the hands of the second . P. I believe , Gabor be very famous in the History of our time , and that he gave no small trouble to the Emperor Ferdinand the second . G. This Transilvanian , made it his study all his life to fish in troubled waters ; but his fortune being much inferior to that of Ferdinand , at the long run he was forced to submit to him : mean time , let us see , how things went in these parts , during the reign of Ferdinand . This Arch Duke was the most zealous Catholick in the World , and one who could least suffer the diversity of Religions , which his predecessors had permitted in their Territories . His zeal and good fortune , moved his Cousine Matthias to prefer him to all the other Princes of his family . And intending the succession of the Empire for him , he caused him to be acknowledged King of Hungary and Bohemia before he died . Ferdinand begins his reign with the oppression of the Protestants , he caused shut up some of their Churches , and demolished others in Bohemia ; He recalled the Jesuits to Hungary , and rejected all these articles which favored any other Religion , then the Roman Catholick , in all the Treaties that had been made by the former Emperors with the Hungarians and Bohemians . This action , which bred much evil blood in a Body formidable at that time , gave occasion to the Bohemians to reject Ferdinand , and to elect Frederick Prince Palatine of the Rhine , to be their King. And Ferdinand was forced to see in a short time the Bohemians and Hungarians before the wals of his capital City of Vienne . At the same time , Gabor cloaths himself ( as all rebels do ) with the pretext of Religion , and for the maintenance thereof , enters in a League with the Bohemians , and sets an Army a foot of eighteen thousand men , and eighteen pieces of canon , and with it enters Hungary ; where finding mens spirits prepared for rebellion , his progress proved successful , which furnished him with the confidence to proclaim himself King. At this time , Ferdinand was at Franckfurt , where he was elected Emperor . This high dignity administred to him both authority and forces , neither did he think of any thing else , then shortly to recover the Kingdoms which he had well near lost , and to humble those , who durst so insolently attack him . He spoke loud of the wrong , dishonor and injustice was done him : he remonstrated to the Electors of the Empire , to the Kings of Great Britain , and France , the just right he had on his side to look for his own . He drew to his party all the Roman Catholicks of Germany , and the Elector of Saxe also , who was one of the great Pillars of the Protestants , and endeavored withal to keep the swords of strangers within their sheaths . Not long after , the Elector Palatine , whose forces were very considerable , was put to flight ; Gabor made more resistance , and had put the Emperors affairs in a bad enough condition , if his associats had done their duty better at Prague . Count Dampiere General of the Imperialists lost his life , viewing the Castle of Presburg , in which Gabor had put a garrison : And Charles of Longueval , Count of Buckoy ▪ having reduced Moravia to the Emperors obedience , and made a great progress in Hungary , died there , after he had received sixteen wounds . The death of this great person gave means to Gabor to recover many places , to dissipate those who opposed his designs , and to over-run all the Countrey . But at length seeing his Confederates beaten , and his own forces scattered , he desired peace , and obtained it in the year 1622 , upon these conditions ; That he should retain all Transilvany , Tokai , Cassovia , and seven other Lordships of Hungary . That he should deliver up the Hungarian Crown , and all the other Towns that he keeped in that Kingdom . That he should absolutly quite the name of King , and content himself with the tittle of Prince of the Empire , with the Dutchies of Opeln and Ratibore , and that he should re-possess the Jesuites of these places they enjoyed before the war. This peace lasted not long . Gabor gives Vaczia to the Turk , who sends him fourscore thousand men , which the Count of Torne had obtained for him . With these he once more invades Hungary , alledging the conditions of the Treaty of Odinburg were not keeped to him : That his Religion was oppressed , and that the money they owed him was not payed him . The Emperor desirous to be at an end of this business , caused remonstrate to the Grand Seigneur , that Gabor did but abuse his authority and his forces ; and that he was invaded by him without any reason . To his words Ferdinand added the powerful arguments of arms , and by them constraineth his enemy to an accommodation less advantageous then the first . By this Treaty in the year 1624 , Gabor lost the tittle of Prince of the Empire , and some of these Territories in Hungary , which had been granted him by the former Treaty . Shortly after , this restless spirit joyned his forces with these of Charles Ernest Earl of Mansfield . But forty thousand Tartars , who were coming to him , being defeated by the Polonians , he left him to go and take care of his own Estates . And having only for the space of four years enjoyed the company of Catharine , Daughter of John Sigismund Elector of Brandeburg , he died in the year 1628. having suffered incredible torment in his feet ; and at his death he made it known that he honored the Emperor and the Turk equally , for he left to every one of them a horse , whose Caparison was garnished with rich stones , and forty thousand ducats in speces . He left to the Princess his wife one hundred thousand pieces of Gold , every piece of the value of ten shillings sterlin , one hundred thousand dollars in silver , and one hundred thousand Florins , and three Lordships , which she was to enjoy during her life . P. This Princess having above four score thousand pound sterlin in coyned money , and Jewels sutable to a personage of her quality , had enough to help a younger brother of a noble family ; and it is probable , it was for that , that Francis Charles Duke of Saxon Lauemburg married her some years after the death of her first husband . But I would gladly know who succeeded to Bethlem Gabor , and what fell out in that Countrey after his death ? G. When the heir of a Principality is not certainly known , the death of the last Prince is ever followed with trouble ; Princess Catharine , the widow of Gabor , not having learned the Art to reign , nominated Stephen Czac to be her husbands successor , and intreated the Turk to confirm him . But this Election displeased all the Transilvanians , who divided in two factions , the one favoring Stephen Bethlem , the brother of their late Prince , and the other inclining to George Ragoski . The first was so misfortunate , that his own children rose up against him : the second having overcome all opposition , made an agreement with the Emperor , and gained the favor of the Turk , and so enjoyed Transilvany peaceably , yet his good fortune was not constant . Stephen Bethlem who had yeelded all his pretentions to him , chanced to kill one of his kinsmen ; and fearing the punishment he deserved , endeavored to shun it by a greater crime . He demanded assistance from the Port , from whence he received an army of Turks and Tartars , with which he beseeged Giula . Ragoski detesting the infidelity of the faithless Turk , submits himself to the House of Austria , who assisted him with three Regiments of foot and one of horse : with these and his own troops , he routed five and twenty thousand Turks near Szabuta . At length Bethlem returning to his duty , was received in favor , and Ragoski confirmed in his Principality by the Sultan . While these things are a doing , Ferdinand the second dies , and left his son Ferdinand the third his successor to the Kingdom of Hungary , and all his other Estates . This Prince having a most dangerous war to mannage in Germany , was exceeding desirous to preserve peace in Hungary , yet it was broke by the advice of these who counselled him to discharge the Lutherans the use of a Church they had at Presburg , and to revoke all he had promised in their favors , This stroke of State relished not well with these Polititians , who thinks good actions lose their price , when they are done unseasonably . There is nothing that more exasperates mens minds , then the violence that is offered to their consciences , and there are few things in the world which need more circumspection , then doth the work of reforming an Estate . The Lutherans of Presburgh , who could never endure the loss of their Church , or recover it without the assistance of strangers , call to Ragoski for help . This Prince fearing to embark without bisket , and to enter in a war , in which he could not rationally expect much assistance from the Turk , who was kept busie in Asia , prayed the Emperor , and his Concel , to perform what was promised to the Hungarians . But he received no satisfactory answer from the Emperor , who seemed to contemn both his prayers and his power . Therefore conceiving he was more obliged to his Religion , then to his Bene-factor , he suffered himself to be perswaded by the Embassadors of the Confederates , who earnestly sollicited his alliance : And having denounced war to the Emperor , he entereth Hungary with seventy thousand fighting men . And that the world might see he began not the war without reason , he declareth by his Manifest , that since the year 1619 ▪ they had put Hungary in the number of the hereditary Provinces of the House of Austria . That they gave these Offices to Church men , which belonged to secular persons . That the Protestants were thrust out of all Charges ; nor could their complaints be heard . And that against their wills , the Jesuits were settled in the Countrey . Ragoski his first action was to waste and spoil the territories of George Homonay : after which , he brought to his obedience all that resisted him , even to Cassovia . It being taken , the Emperor desirous to calm this storm sends against him the Count of Bouchaim , with an army of eight and twenty thousand men ; and with it was the Palatine of Hungary also . But not being able to regain Cassovia , he hearkened gladly to a Peace . By the agreement , seven Lordships of Hungary were given to Ragoski : And to please him , fifty Churches were opened to the Protestants , wherein they might freely teach their doctrine , and the Hungarians restored to all their priviledges . This Treaty seemed disadvantageous to the Catholicks ; but it was more prejudicial to the Sweds : for the Emperor having picked this thorn out of his foot , sent secours to Brin , and forced Torstenson to raise the siege he had laid to it . At which time , Lewis Count of Souches , a French Gentleman , and who had been the principal cause of the preservation of the place , received the Governmēt of it , for the recompēse of so signal a service . P. I can hardly believe that such remarkable , and so frequent alterations are to be seen any where so much as in Hungary and Transilvany . And I admire , that a people which cannot almost stir without drawing into their Countrey either the Germans or the Turks , doth run so oft and so readily to arms . G. These Countreys breeds a very warlike people , & such an one , as can hardly live in quyet : And their Princes very oft throw them in the fire , when they think to draw them out of the furnace , making their condition worse , when they endeavor to make it better : whereof Ragoski hath given a demonstration , when he espoused the quarrel of the King of Sweden , and thereby equally disobliged the Emperor and the Grand Seigneur . This Transilvanian being ambitious to have a share of the glory and conquests of King Charles Gustave , marched with very considerable forces to Pole , and joyned with him . And not having done any great feats , was forced to return , either with much shame , or with very little reputaion . But his misfortune did not stop with the loss of his army , it pursued him further , and armed the Great Turk against him , and made him die in a battel , where with his life , he lost his Principality , which he should have left to his son . Some writes , that they were Christians who stirred up the Turks hatred against him ; and that that should be one of the causes of the present war , and one of the truest too . Remin Janos , his Lieutenant General , endeavored to step up to the Throne , in the room of his dead Master : and for that effect , submitted himself to his Imperial Majesty , sought , and obtained his protection . But he was not able to preserve these Estates , on which he had seased . Then it was that the Court of Vienne , endeavoring to save Janos , and not to offend the Ottomans ▪ did neiter the one , nor the other . Janos lost his life in a conflict , and the Turk was very evil satisfied with the Emperor , who ( as he said ) had contraveened the Truce which was between them . This mis-understanding occasioned a great alteration on both sides , and procured several Embassies and Negotiations from one party to the other . The Sultan protested constantly , that he breathed nothing but the continuing the Peace ; and his Ministers complained modestly , that we were desirous of war , which they intended not to make , unless necessity constrained them to it . While things stood thus , Nicolas Count of Serini , thinking the war was already at our doors , fancied it would be very advantageous for him to build a fort on both sides of the river Mur ; which he did , and began some acts of hostility . This Fort augmented the Turks complaints , who demanded the demolition of it by a Chiaux , and an Aga ; whom I saw at Vienne in January 1662. These demands obtained no favorable answer ; and it seemed they were made to men who had no ears . And to speak truth , seeing them put on a fierce resolution to grant nothing to the Turk ; I imagined , they sought nothing but war ; and that Serini's Fort was a place of that hie importance , that it was able alone to give work to many Ottoman armies ; yet experience hath made us see , that it is worth nothing , and that we needed not to have engadged in a war of such consequence . I will not give my reasons , because any man may imagine them . It shal be enough for me to say , that the Imperial Court seeing the Turkish forces in Transilvany , and fearing to be taken napping , they sent the Earles of Montecuculi and Souches , with two little bodies of armies , whereof a great part perished without any stroke of sword , and without hindering either the loss of Remin Janos , or the establishment of Abafi . The Grand Seigneur then seeing Transilvany in his power , and that Abafi was firmly enough set in his saddle , and obliged to serve him , demanded the demolition of Serini's Fort , with greater instance then before ; as also a reparation of the wrong which he alledged was done unto him . But the Court could not resolve to grant his desires : and therefore without further tergiversation , he resolves to do himself reason , and make a tryal if his first arms would prove as fortunate , as he hoped they should . Then he began that war which he prosecutes yet with great vigor . and in which all Christendom seems to concern it self . I adjure you to consider well all I have hitherto said , and then ( I doubt not ) but you will be able to judge of the equity of the cause of both parties . We must now see in what manner the Turk attacked us in the year 1663. what forces we opposed to his , and that which both parties hath done since the beginning of the war , that so you may see what grounds we have , either for our hopes , or our fears . P. I should think , that his Imperial Majesties interest should have obliged him rather to have demolished the Fort of Serini , and to have given the Sultan that satisfaction he demanded , then to have entered in a war against him , for both Hungary and the Empire stand much in need of Peace , and we see but little probability to wrest Transilvany out of the Turks hands , which he hath seased upon with some appearance of Justice . G If it were permitted us to measure Counsels by their successes , we should have just reason to blame the resolution was taken at Vienne . But I suppose the Court did believe , that these who sate quyet with crost armes all the time that our intestine bloody wars gave them a fair opportunity to attack the Empire , would not have the boldness to measure the length of their scimiters with our swords , now that we enjoy a wished-for Peace . But we have seen the contrare ; for Mahomet the fourth resolved to begin the war by that rupture which he made , after he had kept us long in suspence . For to speak truth , I doubt not but all his Embassies , and the great show he made of moderation , was done for nothing else but to amufe us . These who were sagacious , and pierced deeper then the outside of affaires , thought it hie time to make leavies . The stupidest could say , we ought not to trust these who had no faith . The Emperor seeing he would stand in need of help , sought it : and the manner it was given , and received , was the only cause that he was not ready when the war was at his doors . The Confederates offered considerable troops which they had already on foot ; but they would continue Masters of them . His Majesty thought it an affront to his Imperial dignity , to receive them upon that condition . The Empire making these same offers , and these same demands , rencountred with these same difficulties . Hence it came that the Grand Visier having advanced to the higher Hungary , attaked Newheusel , which the Hungarians call Vivar , defeated three thousand men , who sallied with intention to surprise some of his army , sent the prisoners to Constantinople , as marks of his victory ; and at length forced the guarrison to render the Town upon articles , and triumphed not a little for the acquisition of this strong place , which gave him means to make his courses to the ports of Vienne , and to waste and harrass the frontiers of Germany . P. I have heard already of the loss of Newheusel , and of the Incursions the Tartars made in Moravia ; But I know not what you mean by the Confederates , or what difference you put between them and the Empire . Do me the favor to clear me in that , and then ye may speak of our forces , and the exploits they did after the retreat of the Grand Visier . G. The Treaty of Munster , which was concluded the 24. of October 1648. having given some Territories to the French , some to the Swedes , and others to some German Princes : All of these were afraid , the House of Austria , and the Princes thereof might repent that they had bought peace , that they might attempt the recovery of these limbs of the Empire which the Treaty had cut from it , and that some others might redemand that which they had lost . To obviate which considerable inconvenience , Cardinal Mazarin perswaded those who had any cause of fear , or who loved the quiet and peace of the Empire , to make a strict union , whereby all of them should be obliged to defend one another mutually , in case any of them should chance to be molested in the possession of that which the Treaty had adjudged to belong to him . Ten or twelve Princes , Ecclesiastical and Temporal , and of all these Religions that are permitted within the Empire , entered in this League , twenty thousand men , or thereby , being to be intertained by this League for their mutual defence , under the command of the Counts of Solms and Hollach ; each of the Confederates were to contribute for their intertainmēt , according to their several proportions . The Emperor extreamly displeased with this Confederacy , endeavored to dissolve it ; but not being able to do that , he resolved to make his profit by it , For this effect , seeing himself threatned with a war from the Turk , he remonstrates the danger , and desires that these forces already on foot , should be employed for the defence of the Empire . The Confederates consents , provided their Army should not be obliged to take any oath but to them , and be employed only against the common enemy . In the contrare , the Emperor desired , that these forces should absolutely obey him , and that they should be sent to him without any condition at all . The business was so long debated , that these troops came very late to Hungary ; whence you may easily judge , that though the greatest part of this League be composed of German Princes , yet it is accounted to be a thing different from the body of Germany ; either because some strangers have signed it , and contributes to the maintenance of its Army ; or because the two Kings of France and Sweden who are members of it , are more powerful then all the rest of the Confederates together . For the present , their Army is under the command of Wolfgang Julius , Count of Hollach , and make a body a part , separated from the forces of the Emperor , and these of the Empire . P. Speak now of these forces which the Visier imployed against us last year , and whence it came , that the storm was not diverted by a quick conclusion of the Treaty which was then on foot ? G. That I may satisfie you in order to your demand , you may be pleased to know , that the Sultan having resolved to cut out work for us , sent into Hungary his Great Visier , who arrived at Belgrade the eigth of June . The Baron of Goes Embassador for his Imperial Majesty came there the day after , and upon the tenth of the moneth was brought to the Visiers presence . This great Basha had upon his left hand two of his Brothers , on his right hand the Mufti , and round about him , no fewer then two hundred Officers : At this first audience , the Baron told him , after he had complemented him , that he was come there to conclude the Treaty that had been begun between him and Ali Basha . He was told that he was come too late , and that they would think further of the matter when they came to our Frontiers . The Baron replyed , that then they had done him wrong in making him come so far , that he saw no reason why they should not come to a conclusion at that time ; that greater difficulties would arise after the war broke out ; and that God would punish those , who occasioned the shedding innocent blood . The Grand Visier subjoyned , that he had thought very deliberatly on all these reasons at Constantinople ; and if that had been offered there , which was done here , he had not undertaken so long a voyage ; neither would he hear any thing of the Treaty of Themiswar , but made grievous complaints of those who had violated the peace . The Baron told him , All these things had been already spoken of , and fully answered . This was all was done at their first meeting , but the Visier said , that the Baron might yet send a Courrier to the Emperor and tell him , that if he would disburse such a sum of money as should be demanded of him , evacuate the places , which yet he keeped in Transilvany , and Zekelheid in Hungary , and demolish the Fort of Serini , there was yet hopes of an accommodation . P. I believe by this proposition the Visier intended only to amuse the Imperialists : for I cannot fancy that the Turk having advanced so far in Hungary with an army of seventy thousand men , and an dred and thirty pieces of Canon , would return without so much as one blow . G. I think so too , for I do not fancy , that any Minister , how great soever he may be , either in merite or credite , dare fall upon any resolutions , but such as his Master hath prescrived to him . The Army then began its march the eleventh of June 1663. with so great pompe , that one would have thought that it consisted of two hundred thousand fighting men . The noise of Camels , Horses and Mules , the ratling of Drums and Timbals , the sound of Trumpets continued almost night and day , till the eighteenth of the same moneth . The Officers moved but slowly , for though every day some went away , yet it proved to be almost none but Bashas , and their equipage , which being splendid , made a show brave to admiration . At length upon the fifteenth day , the Agae of the Janisaries marched with four thousand of his Body , and was followed by the rest of his Army till the eighteenth day : on which the Grand Visier put himself on his way with royal magnificence . He sent before him a thousand foot-men , each of them having one or twoled horses . After them came the Spahi Alagarsi , who is General of the Gentlemen that serves a horse-back ; his great Standard went before him , and he was followed by six hundred Spahi Edeli , the valiantest men in Turky , having their banner exceedingly fine . These were followed by a long stave , at the end of which , there was a button of brass , from which did hang a horse tail . A little after you might see two great Banners which were carried before the Visiers two Brothers , and other Persons and Commanders of quality , who were accompanied with seven hundred Hosvadars or Grooms , almost all covered with Jacks or Coats of maile to their knees . At length the Collors , Ensigns and Banners of the Great Visier marched , and were close followed with sixteen led horses , decored with Saddles and Caparisons , embroidered with gold and precious stones . The Grooms who led them , had coats of cloath of gold , and breeches of crimson velvet . Eight Lackeys of the Visier were in the same habit ; and amongst them Himself marched , accompanied with two Janisaries , carrying on his Head a Turban of a great value . After the Visier came the Rosevendy , or Great Chancellor ; the Testadir , or Commissar General , with some others of the Principal Officers of the Army . The Gentlemen of his Chamber , all young men , between twenty and thirty years of age , covered with Cossacks , six hundred Hosvadars , or Grooms , forty Cimbals and Trumpets , two hundred ordinary horse-men , and threescore horses , which carried the Great Visiers Tents and Pavilions . With this formidable and magnificent Company , he arrived at Bukovar the twenty fourth of the moneth ; and there he was told by that Aga , whom he had sent to the Cham of Tartary , that in stead of fourscore thousand men which he had promised , he would send ten thousand under the conduct of his own son . The excuse he made for not keeping his word was , that the white Tartars and the Muscovites had made incursions in his Territories , which obliged him to keep his troops for the defence of his Frontiers . Two dayes after he arrived at Esek , where he sojourned ten dayes , waiting for these who were to come and joyn with him . At length he passed over the Bridge which is twelve thousand paces long , and came to Buda the fifteenth of July . There after many consultations , the Seege of Newheusel was resolved on , and on the seventh of August the place was invested . Three thousand men which Count Forgas Palfi , and Marquess Pio commanded , maring out to surprise the enemy , were taken in the net themselves , and either killed or taken prisoners . The place was so close beseeged , that it was forced to capitulate and render on composition the eighteenth of Sepetember that same year . P. The defeat of so great a number that sallied , without doubt weakned the garrison , and occasioned the loss of the Town . G. It is probable it might have held out some longer time , but having no hopes of relief , it would have been constrained at length to submit to the yoke . It endured three assaults , in all which the Turk was vigorously beat off and repulsed . Yet Count Forgas was put in restraint , accused not to have done his duty in the Siege . But I believe his misfortune was greater then his fault ; they talked here when that place was taken , that the Officers were young and unexperienced : And in the contrare , the Visier is a man of thirty and five years , very active and diligent in his expeditions , skilled in the Mathematicks , and of an heroical courage ; and it is certain he was night and day in the trenches , exhorting and incouraging his sojors both by precept and example . The Town being taken , he caused fire seven pieces of Canon in sign of victory ; and having sent one of his brothers to the Port to carry the news to the Grand Seigneur , he caused repair the breaches , and then retired to prepare for the next expedition . This loss wakened the Empire , which till then seemed to be asleep ; and the Dyet being appointed to hold at Ratisbone , some Princes appeared in person , and the rest by their Embassadors . There might a man behold the magnificence of our Germany : for though the Emperor had intreated the Princes to come without pomp , yet nothing was to be seen but that which was glorious and splendid . Many old Officers came and presented their swords to the Emperor ; and these Princes who had been accustomed to smell powder , offered themselves to be disposed of as his Majesty thought fit . The number and known deservings of these who pretended to be Commanders , took away the liberty of choyce from the Emperor , as the variety of flowrs doth with Ladies , when they walk in a garden in the month of May. But there was a necessity to choose some for the new levies that were to be made . His Imperial Majesty having already three Armies under the Command of the Earls of Serini , Montecuculi , and Souches , thought it expedient by the addition of some more Officers , to render them more able to act . To this end , without making any change of the inferior Officers ; and leaving the supreme Command of the three Armies to these three Earls , he adjoyned Philip , Prince Palatine of the branch of Sultsback , and Count Spar , who are persons of great merite and high reputation . The first was to command his Majesties Cavallery in the quality of Captain General , and the second was to conduct his Infantery and his Canon . Leopold William Marquess of Baden was to be Captain General in Chief of the Army of the Empire : Under him Count Fugger , Governor of Jngolstadt , commanded the Infanetry , and Ulrich Duke of Wirtemberg was General of the Cavallery . John Adolph , Duke of Holstein , and Gustave Adolph Marqucss of Baden served in that same Army , in quality of Mareshals of the field , the one for the horse , the other for the foot . The Army of the Confederates having lost the Prince of Solms , a little before the beginning of this war , was ever since under the command of Wolfgang Julius Count of Holach or Hohenlo , who had under him Officers and Sojors of good account and reputation . Count Serini commanded an Army of Hungarians and Cravats , who were very numerous . Count Souches had a flying Army , with which he made incursions in the enemies Countrey , and defended our Frontiers , and obtained with it frequent victories . He took Neutra and Levens in the beginning of the Campagn , and fell upon the camp of these Turks , who were endeavoring to regain these two places , that they might the more easily come into Germany . By this action he layd six thousand Turke in the dust , and put five and twenty thousand to flight ; whereby he much encouraged all the rest of the Christian forces . P. I would gladly know the number of the sojors of whom these Armies were composed , by whom they were leavied , by whom they were intertained , and by whom they were furnished with provisions and amunitons , without which they could not subsist . G. Armies are ever more numerous in paper , then in the field , so that I cannot certainly tell you the strength of ours ; but they say the Army of the Empire consisted of four and twenty thousand , and that of the Confederates of twenty thousand . The Emperor was said to have in Montecuculies Army twelve thousand light horse , seven thousand Curassiers , and eighteen thousand foot : In that of Count Serinis , there were between five and twenty and thirty thousand Cravats and Hungarians . In the Count of Souches Army were ten or twelve thousand men of several Nations . If ye adde to all these , the Voluntaries and French Auxiliaries , which amounted to four thousand horse and as many foot ; you will find that the number of all our forces far exceeded one hundred thousand men , so many the Christians have not had in the field in a long time , and which might seem to be of sufficient strength to chace the Turk out of Hungary . And it is probable they would have proved able enough for it , if all these several bodies had acted with one Spirit , or that there had been one Generalissimo of such a quality , that all the rest of the Generals should have been obliged to pay him respect because of his birth , and to give him obedience because of his charge . If then our misfortune was such , as that our Armies suffered our strong places to be taken by the enemy ; we must attribute it to the want of order , and to the hatred that was amongst the several Nations , whereof our Armies were composed . As to the rest of your demand , the Princes then at Ratisbone , when it was resolved to assist the Emperor , every one promised to do according to the proportion of his Revenue and Estate . And in the mean time every one levied sojors , who were entertained at the charges of those who raised and sent them . But it was necessare , notwithstanding that the Emperor should make Magazines from which all the Armies might be furnished with munitions , both for the belly and the war. And certainly , if the orders of his Imperial Majesty had been well observed , the forces had wanted for nothing : For every Prince , Lord and Commonwealth being careful to send that pay each to his own as was promised , it is more then probable the souldiers had been well enough entertained ; and so nothing to have been wanting but the spirit of union , to have made them act with success . It is true that as the great body of the Empire moves but slowly , so the troops came too late to the Rendezvous , and Canisia was relieved by the enemy before our forces were together . P. The Gazets assured us , that the Forts of Serini , Little Comorra , Vesprin and Papa , were taken in the very sight of our armies , and that these who were stoutest , were apprehensive the Visier would have followed his good fortune further . G. Ordinarily victories and losses are followed by others of that nature , and the one increaseth , the other abates the courages of men . The Grand Visier having retired to Constantinople after the taking of Newhausel , caused attack the Earls of Serini and Hollach . They having repulsed the enemy with a notable loss , breathed after nothing but conflicts and victories : In effect these brave men taking the advantage of the Bashas retreate , run over a part of Hungary which belonged to the Turk , took and plundered Raboska , Segues , and five Churches ; burnt the Bridge of Ezek , carried the terror of their name throughout all the Countrey , and burnt to ashes all the corns , hay and straw , which the enemy had on the border of the river Drave . The fame of these victories spred it self over all the Empire , gave great reputation to the Generals , inflamed the courage of their soldiers , filled their purses with money , and furnished them with abundance of proviant whereof they stood in need . These two Earls seeing affairs look with so favorable an aspect , sought the means to lead them to victory : they went to Ratisbone , and proponed some military exploits , made it known that the Bridge of Ezek could not be rebuilded , till the season were farr spent ; that in the mean time they might beseege and take Canisia , which already they had blocked by the taking of Buzats , Ziguet , and by the garrison they had in Serinswar . They demanded all these things that were necessare for the siege of so important a place , and undoubtedly believing they should be sent to them , they vigorously begun it at the opening of the spring . This siege proved a Murtherer , for it hugely diminished the number of the beseegers , and endured longer then they at first did imagine ; the enemy approaching for Canisias relief , the siege is raised , and before the Christian forces could draw together , the Turk takes Serinswar and little Comorre . These successes were followed with greater : For after our Army was assembled , he continued his victories by the taking of Vesprin . But fortune weary of following the wrong party , turned on our side , after which time the Visier and his Turks were not so successful . Lewis Count of Souches Governorof Comorre defeats the Infidels at Sernevits , and pursues them so vigorously , that he made them abandon Barcan , and ruined a bridge of boats , which they had upon the Danube . Raimund , Count of Montecuculi made them repent that they offered to pass the river of Raab , and the Earls of Coligni and Fueillade , cut in pieces all those that had passed the same river near to Saint Godard . P. They say indeed , that the Count of Coligni and Fueillade did great things , and therefore I should be glad , before this discourse be at an end , to know something of the assistance the Emperor desired of forreign Potentates ; for I suppose it hath been one of the great members of our Armies , and one of the great motives that obliged the Grand Visier to hearken so soon to a peace . G. There is no doubt to be made of that , for the Emperor being very careful to make himself strong against so powerful an enemy , sent his Embassadors to implore assistance from all these who were able to give it . These he sent , found good words in all places , and in some , good deeds ; all Germany was alarmed , Italy , Sweden , Lorrain , Spain and France , took the preservation of Hungary to heart . Spain and Italy promised to furnish great sums of money ; Sweden Lorrain and France offered to send troops entertained at their own charges . I cannot tell precisely what the rest did . But it may be said truly , that the zeal of the French surpassed that of all other Christians . The King who hath as much piety as Saint Lewis , as much valor as Philip August , as must wisdom as Charles the fifth , and as much courage as Henry the Great , and more zeal for Religion then all his Predecessors , did hear with much grief , that the Turk had begun the war ; and with much joy , that the Emperor sought his help . The mischiefs the Tartars had done upon our frontiers , and the numbers of poor Christians that were every day brought in slavery , and put in fetters , moved him to so much compassion , that when Count Strozzi limited the succours which he sought in name of his Imperial Majesty , to four thousand foot , and two thousand horse , he wished they had not offered to set bounds to his liberality . Then the words Christian & Royal which came from his mouth , did make it appear , that all that can be said of his piety towards God and his pitty towards Hungary , is far below his merite . He exhorted his Nobility to this glorious Voyage ; and told , even those whom he loved best , that they would make their Court as advantageously in Hungary , as at the Louver . He protested in presence of many Princes and Lords , That if his son the Daulphin were ten years of age , he would send him in this expedition . And which is more strange , he assured his Audience , that if it should be Gods pleasure to afflict Christendom so much , as to suffer the Emperor to be worsted in this Campagn , he would go in person the next , to repair his losses , & repulse his enemy . These Discourses full of martial heat , and Christian zeal , did put such an edge upon the French Nobility , that instantly hundreths were seen who preferred the satisfaction of their consciences and generosities , to all the pleasures and contents they could expect , either in the Court , or in this life . Prince Philip , Knight of Lorrain , knowing his Predecessors had reigned in Jerusalem ▪ after they had expelled the Sarasens , and that the Count of Harcourt his father , was grieved that his age would not suffer him to put on armor , nobly supplyed his place , and gave in this occasion so many proofs of his courage , that it may be said , he hath revived the memory of these Princes of Lorrain , who in former times conquered the East ; and of the Duke of Mercoeur , who in the beginning of this last age , made himself be admired at the retreat of Canisia , and the taking of Alba Royal. The Princes of Rohan and Soubize , having a thousand of their Predecessors to imitate , did make it appear at this time : that if the Dukes of whom they carry the tittle , knew how to defend these of the Reformed Religion , they knew as well to expose their lives for the defence of Christians . The Duke of Brisac remembring the reputation which the Mareshalls of Cossé and Brisac his Ancesters acquired , did neither spare his body , nor his spirit ▪ to follow their trace , and to win glory to himself . The Count of Sault , and the Marquess of Ragny and Canaples shew a burning desire they had to equalize the merit of the Constable of France the Duke of Lesdiguieres , the Mareshalls of Crequi , the Lords of Pontdormi , and an infinit number more of their illustrious Predecessors who went before them in the road of Military vertue . The Duke of Boüillon , and the Count of Auvergn his brother , led by the example of their brother and their Uncle , and by that of the glorious Godfrey , who filled all Europe with admiration in the year 1096. did so signalize themselves ; that if they did not reign in Jerusalem , as their Ancestors did , at least they will reign in the hearts of those who were spectators of their valors , and who knows the laudable ambition they have to equalize the ancient Earles of Bologne , of Nassaw , of Berg , and the Princes of Orange . The Count of Selle , the Knight of Saint Aignan , the Marquess of Castelnaw , and all the other French Lords & Gentle-men , who were about two thousand horse , remembring they had Lewis the Victorious both for their King , and their Pattern , made the world see , some by their glorious deaths , and the rest by their heroical exploits , that they were resolved , either to pluck the palm out of the Visiers hand , or die honorably in the quarrel . In a word , the Auxiliaries which the King sent us , under the conduct of the Count of Coligni , and the Lieutenant Generals Bodewels and Gassion , did contribute much to the Victories which we gained : and we may say , that there was not amongst them a simple soldier who had not been an Officer , nor Captain , who had not very much experience . So that this little Body , which might have furnished an army of fifty thousand strong with Officers , had a great share in these advantages we acquired of the Turks in this Campagn . And the glorious actions of the Count himself , hath gained him as much reputation as may make him shine in History , as bright as an Admiral , an Andelot , or a Gaspar , his Ancesters . P. I doubt not but the gallantery and courage of all these brave men , did exercise the valor of the Grand Visier to some purpose . G. The destruction they made in all the Ottoman troops , their covering the fields with the carcasses of the valiantest of the Spahi , their passing the river of Raab over the bellies of the Janisaries , struck such a terror in the Turks , and abated the courage of the Great Visier , in such a manner , that fearing a Rebellion , which cost him his head , he thought on nothing else but to obtain an honorable Peace for himself ; and profitable for his Master . The Emperor , on whom Fortune did then smile , fearing the turning of her wheel , consented to what the Visier desired , and against the opinion of his men of war , agreed to his demands . P. I have heard , that this Peace was as soon concluded , as proponed . And the Discourses which I have heard upon that subject , seemed to me not to be favorable to his Imperial Majesty : wherefore , I conjure you to defend him : I shal only hearken to you , provided you examine all that is said against him : and that you show me wherein the Gazeter hath probably mistaken himself . G. I did imagine , that the Gazets would awake your curiosity : I have examined them all , and finding some things in them that brangles some spirits . I have set down in writing , all that I thought worthy your knowledge upon that subject . I pray you , take it , and read it at your conveniency : I am hopeful you will rellish the reasons which I bring in his Majesties favor : and after you have well considered them , you will be pleased to tell me , whether you approve of them , or not . A POLITICAL DISCOURSE OF THE TREATY OF PEACE , MADE BETWEEN LEOPOLD the most August Emperor of the Romans , and Achmet , or Mahomet Sultan of Turky , the 21. of October 1664. THE witty Boccalini , having weighed the vaste Empire of the Ottomans in the balance , found it did grow lighter ever day , and that the weight of it was but half that it was in the days of our Fathers . I am of that same opinion : and the facility Emperor Leopold met with , to bring the Grand Seigneur to an accommodation , will permit no rational man to doubt it . These wise coüards who offer to abuse us , by telling that the Turk will shortly water his horse in the river of Rhine , must change their language , and say with me , that Hungary and Transilvany are the limites which he shal never pass . These who have heard of the threatnings of the Great Turk must imagine , they are like the waves of a tempestuous sea , which seem to approach with so great fury , as if they would overflow the whole earth , and yet are resisted and broken by the smallest rock that stands upon the shoar . A few Christian forces , a great many whereof were but novices , gave a stop to the power of the Great Visier , covered the fields with his valiant Spahi , and passed the river of Raab in spite of his Janissaries . These gallants who make it an article of their faith to contemn death , did learn here , that nature perswades more efficaciously then their Alcoran , when she taught them to fear the hail of our muskets & the thunder of our canons . Sernevits and Saint Godard are names they will never forget : And while they live , they will imagine , that the Counts Souches , Hollach , Coligni & Fueillade , are in their rear , and with them the Princes of Baden and Sultsbach . Their posterity will never hear speak of these Lords but with terror , & ours with admiration . The Janisaries never saw so fearful a thing , as the French Cavallery , nor will they ever see Blew Cossacks chamarried with silver , but they will call to mind the extraordinary valor of our Volunteers . The Moldavians will tremble , when they think of the battel of Levens , so will the Turks when they remember the fury of these blows , which forced them to abandon Barcan , before they had formed the design to beseege it . Hungary and Germany hath made war with the Mahometans with advantage , under the Ensignes of Vladislaus , Matthias Corvin , Charles the fifth , Ferdinād the first , & Rodolph the second John Hunniades , George Castriot Scanderberg , Sigismund Battori , George Martenusias , Nicolas Serini , & Philip Emmanuel of Lorrain Duke of Mercoeur , made the Turks repent many times , that they crost the Hellespont . But never were they reduced to the necessity to seek Peace , but by the forces that threatned them in Asia ; and now by the good fortune of Leopold , and the conduct of his Majesties Generals . This Peace hath made it known , that the Grand Visier imagined our swords were in his reins , and that there was no assurance for him , but by a reasonable accommodation . The Emperor then seeing the terror which accompanied his enemy , and being apprehensive the discord that was amongst the Chiftains of the Christian Armies , might convert the pleasure we had to be victorious five or six times in one summer , in sorrow and tears , layd hold on occasion , entered in Treaty with the Visier , and granted him Peace , whereof we stood as much in need as he . The discourse of this Peace , is the ordinary entertainment of curious people . These who are taken up with other important affairs , busie their thoughts notwithstanding with this Peace . Men of abilities talk of the consequences of it , and every one speaks of it according to his fancy . Some blame it , others praise it , and few or none believes but there is a mystery in it ; yea the common people , whose apprehensions seldom go deeper then the out-side , will needs be Judges of what the Gazeter writes . And the most ignorant will needs pierce into the Intrigues , yea the Interests of both the Emperor and the Empire . We see none but such as carry evil news , and who to alarm Germany , say , that Peace is made with the Turk , of purpose to make war in the Empire ; and that we have spared the blood of strangers , to shed the blood of Patriots . And they talk openly that the Emperor intends to break that Union , which is amongst the Confederate Princes ; that he desires to favor one of the parties in the war of Erfort , and force the Lutherans to go to Mass . Some Prophets who will needs fore-tell the downfall of the Turkish Empire by the French Armes , will assure us , that the smel of the Lillies will suffocate the Roman Eagle ; and that he who favored us with so seasonable succours , must now be the object of our valor , and the subject of our misfortunes . And because these malicious spirits know , that some of the German people have obligations to the Swedes , and that they do bad offices to the Emperor , when they say that he hath some business to do with them ; they endeavor to perswade the world , that the Swedes have an eye upon Silesia , and that his Majesty hath concluded this Peace purposely to oppose more vigorously their unjustice . My purpose is to stop the torrent of this malice , and to show the reasons which probably moved his Imperial Majesty to this accommodation . I know not if I shal do all I intend : At least I am very assured , that his Majesty hath infinite more religious thoughts , then these suborners , who dare blame his pure and pious intentions . And I am verily perswaded , he minds nothing but the good of his Estates . I know if these seditious persons durst ask him , why he entred in a Treaty with the Port at a time , when all Europe believed he might have remounted the Throne of Hungary , and been crowned with Lawrels , he would give them reasons for it , to which no reply could be made . But Soveraigns have not yet been obliged to submit themselves to the judgement of the populace or commons , or give them an account why they have made Peace , or why they have declared war. And yet if they will hearken to me , I am hopeful to satisfie their curiosity . The wise Pilot who knows and sees the marks and fore-runners of a storm , causeth pull down his sails , before they be torn by the tempest , or that his ship be in danger to be lost . The Emperor did the like in this rencounter . He saw that his own forces , those of the Empire , and those of the Confederates , were in a continual difference one with another ; he was justly afraid , that this discord might give the Turks forces , which were more unanimous , an advantage to give such a blow , as might not only make the rest of Hungary submit to the Ottoman yoke , but also brangle Germany so , that he should find it in an extream disorder . He was likewise weary of begging assistance from his equals and inferiors , and was forced with grief to hear continual complaints of those who were obliged to send recruts , and entertainment to the troops they had levied . He knew that many of our Patriots looked with no good eye upon the Auxiliarites , and that every mean fellow endeavored to refuse them both victuals , and lodging for their money : He knew he ought not quarter all the Armies in his own Territories , and that he was not obliged by the ruine of his own Estates , to preserve these which belonged to other members of the Empire . He saw well enough the dangerous misunderstanding that was creepd in amongst the German Princes , upon the account of the City of Erfurt , and had reason to believe if the matter came to blows , they would recall the forces they had in Hungary , & leave him alone against the whole power of the Turk . Italy in this rencounter did move but little for his Imperial Majesty : and he whose lawful and holy designs carried him to be most favorable to him , could not do much , in regard , his frequent sickness and indisposition : The great affairs he had to do , and the conjunctures of time , had ever been contrare to him , as all the world knows . A twenty years war had so drained the Venetians , that they were not capable to do great matters ; and though they should attempt something , yet their naval forces would not make the Grand Seigneur recall those Armies of his , who lay heavy upon the Emperor , The King of Spain hath not yet had time to breath , and though his Interests are mixed with those of the Emperor ; yet being busied to quench the fire that burns his own house , he is not in a capacity to assist Leopold with either great sums of money , or numbers of men . All he can do , is to counsell him to take up his measures right , and rather buy Peace , then want it : and thereby put himself in a condition , to enter to the inheritance of his Ancestors , if he be called to it by the Laws of that Kingdom . The King of Great Brittain hath made an alliance with the enemies of the Illustrious House of Austria , which probably will hinder him to joyn his forces with ours against a Potentate whom he never feared , or ever will be afraid of . The Hollanders having been once members of the Empire were obliged to the Emperor Ferdinand the third , for acknowledging them to be Soveraign , and free Estates , at least indirectly , after the Peace of Munster , have some reason to embrace the interests of his son , but they will not do it for all that , because they can gain nothing but honor by it , & that is a morsel which doth not rellish their Palats , as also because they may stand in need of all their forces themselves , if the English chance to give them any work to do . The Hungarians are fickle and volage , on whose resolutions , no certain foundation can be laid . And because they find the inconveniences , and discommodities of the war , ( their Countrey being the Stage of it ) the Emperor did believe , and had reason to do so , that there was no better mean to keep them within the bounds of their duty , then to procure Peace and Quiet to them , and to get them to lay down arms under another pretext . The Polonians and Muscovites , whose interest it ever was to weaken this formidable enemy of the Turk , were by the ears , & destroying one another , at the time when they should have taken that advantage against him , which we furnished by giving him work elsewhere . And the affairs of these two Nations are in such confusion , that we have but smal hopes to put them in order , and reconcile them . The Cossacks are in the same Category , and that warlike Nation , which in former times made incursions to the Euxin sea , sides now with the Polonians , or else we ungloriously quiet Spectators of their differences , without daring to hazard the enterprise of any important action . These are , as I conceive , the reasons which moved the Emperor to embrace Peace : and it may be , the Pope , fearing he might be obliged to contribute to the maintenance of the war , hath advised him to do so , for his own particular interest . These reasons should , if I do not flatter my self , sufficiently disabuse those , who have entertained themselves with a contrare opinion . But because some ill natured Patriots , whom I would gladly convince , bring reasons on the other part which seem plausible ; I will be at the pains to examine them , & cast them one after another . They say , the fear the Emperor had , that the Swedes would invade his Dominions , while he was busied in the war of Hungary , gave a stop to the pursute of his victories there . I am not at all of that opinion : But if it were so , what can any truly honest man speak against it . And certainly , no Polititian will blame his Majesty for having such thoughts . And if such considerations of importance moved him to accept of an advantageous agreement , there is a great deal of more reason to commend his prudence , then accuse him of precipitation . I suppose , there are few or none in the world but knows , there are some animosities between the Emperor and the Crown of Sweden . The Swedes show themselves constantly ready to own the Protestants , whom the House of Austria endeavors to bring back to the bosome of the Church of Rome . The wars which the Sweds made in Germany under the conduct of the Great Gustavus Adolphus , and the auspicious reign of Queen Christina , being directly against the Imperial Majesty , hath imbittered their spirits , & rendered their distrusts & misunderstandings immortal . King Charles Gustave , wasted , spoiled and ruined Pole and Denmark . He who is now Emperor , and was then but King of Hungary and Bohemia , opposed his victorious conquests , which inflamed that King with such a desire of revenge , that it is not dead with him . These considerations , & that of the great number of Lutherans , that the Emperor hath in his hereditary Dominions , the desire they may have to change their Master , to preserve the liberty of their consciences , the great preparations the Swed incessantly makes , though he be alwayes constantly well armed ; were capable to give just apprehensions and jealousies to a Prince , whose forces were scarce able to resist that powerful and dreadful enemy , whom he had in head of him . These who will bring France in the play , and dare alledge that the fear the Emperor had , that the Most Christian King might sease on the Spanish Netherlands , forced him to this accōmodation with the Turk , seems to have far less reason on their side . The controversies which the Crown of France had with the Austrian Family , are intirely removed by a solemn Treaty : And two Queens , one whereof hath the possession of the Body , the other of the Heart , and both of them of the Ear of the King ; the one in the quality of his Mother , the other of his Consort , will never permit them to come to a rupture The tender love the King bears to the Queen his wife , and the reverence he carries to the Queen his Mother , are these indissoluble bonds of the good intelligence he intends to keep with their kinsmen ; and if this be not sufficient , yet there is one reason that is infallible : This Prince is extraordinarly religious , and though the heat of a gallant youth , a courage heroically martial , and immense riches , might perswade him to a breach , yet his conscience will never suffer him to enterprize any thing , that hath in it the least appearance of unjustice . And if he find he cannot live without the exercise of his valor , and the strength of his admirable Genius , he will choose rather to go and gather palms in Palaestine , then to imploy against us the flashing sword of his warlike Nobility . The Duke of Beauforts setling foot in Africk , is a fore-runner of what the Infidels have to fear , and the Christians to hope for . The Kings great soul aspires to great things , but he weighs all his actions in the ballance of reason . The zeal he witnessed , by resenting the injury done us by the Turk , the Christian words he spoke upon that subject , the brave and seasonable succours he sent us , hath blotted out of the Emperors mind all suspicions and jealousies he could harbor of him . The affronts , which Charles the eigth put upon Maximilian the first , and the wrongs done by Lewis the twefth , Francis the first , and Henry the second to Charles the fifth are buried and intirely forgotten . The attempt of Henry the Great , and the assistance which Lewis the Just , & Lewis the Victorious , have given since to the enemies of Ferdinand the second , and Ferdinand the third , and the opposition was made by the French to Leopolds election to the Imperial Dignity , have now no more power in the Emperors heart , then if he had never heard of them . His Imperial Majesty knows , that his Predecessors have served the Kings of France in the same manner , imploying both Policy and Power against them . He is not ignorant , what evil usage , Lewis the eleventh , Charles the eighth , and Lewis the twelfth received from John and Ferdinand Kings of Arragon ; and he hath read in the History of his Family , how Charles the fifth keeped Francis the first prisoner , till he was reduced to great extremities : And how Philip the second used all means to rob Henry the fourth of the Inheritance belonged to him without any dispute . And in one word the jealousie of State hath ever been so great between these two most Illustrious Houses , that the one never endeavored , or enterprized any great action , but it was vigorously opposed by the other . But Lewis following Maximes wholly different from these of his Ancestors , it is fit Leopold do the like , and not suffer himself to be surpassed in any act of generosity : and that there be now an entire good understanding between them . The propinquity of Blood , the uniformity of Religion , the equality of Age , and which is much more then all these , the Glory of God , the propagation of the Faith , and the quiet and repose of Christendom , which depends much upon their Union , should oblige them to love one another , to succor one another , and to have but one soul and one will. It may be said , that upon the death of this King of Spain , the Interests of these two great Princes will prevail more with them , then all these considerations that I have alledged . And ▪ that both having pretentions to the Inheritance of their Father in Law , they will share it with dint of Sword , and the strongest will carry away the greatest part . To which I answer , that the King of Spain dying , and leaving a lawful Heir Male , the administrators of the Pupil will dutifully render to the Most Christian King all these respects , all that friendship and good offices and neighborhood , which were promised to him in the last Treaty of Peace by the Catholick King. The Emperor will do the same upon his part , and knowing , that the love and amity of great persons is entertained by Civilities , by Embassies , and other testimonies of honor and respect ; he will not be wanting to give all these Demonstrations of Curtesie , that can be required for the preservation of so precious & so necessare a friendship . But if it should please God ( which we pray him to avert ) to call to another world , both the King and Prince of Spain without any other heir male , I fear , we should be in danger to see bloody Tragedies . Yet we hope so much from the prudence of the Spaniard , and the moderation of the Emperor , and the King , that they will suffer themselves to be over-ruled by reason , more then interest ; and every one of them quitting something of their right , come to a fair and arbitrary accommodation . Peaceable men would wish , that the King of Spain might live yet twenty years , and that his son the Prince comd to a mans age , might succeed him . Yea , I know some , who would gladly quite some of the years of their own life , to prolong theirs who are so necessare for the repose of Christendom . But these being vain wishes , I hope that he who hath taught us not to care for to morrow , will provide for his people , and will make it known to men , that what seems impossible to them , is easie to him ; and will let us see , that he who can bring good out of evil , and light out of darkness , knows how to bring strength out of weakness : And turn that to the glory of his Great Name , which humane prudence made the matter of their fear and despair . For my part ▪ I think we ought not to dive in the uncertainty of things to come . But if it were permitted us to think of them , we should meet with that which might feed our hopes . I speak truth with some repugnancy , I am of the opinion , if Potentates would suffer their differences to be removed , as easily as particular men do , it would not be impossible to satisfie the pretenders , who it may be , will demand their Inheritance with the mouths of Canons , and so clip the wings of the ambition of all others . Don John of Austria may read in History , that persons of his condition have reigned in Castile , as well as in Naples and Portugal . But seeing the dignity and power of his Competitors , he will let his sail fall , and will content himself to be Great Master of the Order of Saint James , if they will not gratifie him with some temporal appenage . These of the House of Lacerda hath been so long subjects , that they think not now of reigning ; and if they do , they will stiffle their hopes , when they see the Emperor and the King agreed so , that France shal enjoy what belonged to Mary of Burgundy and Austria , that which appertained to Joanne of Spain . Other Grandees will rather choose to be governed by a Prince , who hath alwayes been more eminent then themselves , then be Vassals to one who formerly was but their equal . And if they would rather have a Spaniard for their King , then a Germane , let them cast their eye upon the King of Portugal , and so reunite all Spain in one body , and at one pull pluck up the root of all these differences which have brought them so low . But I go too far , & enters ( before I be aware ) in a strange labyrinth . It is better for me to remit this so important an affair , to the prudence of these great Souls , who knowing how to govern & manage great Estates , knows also how to divide them , when necessity requires it . I pass therefore from this odious subject to another , which is little better : to answer those who assure themselves , that this Peace was made that the Emperor might be in a capacity to force the Protestants of all his hereditary Dominions , yea those of Hungary , which is elective , to go to Mass : and if that succeed with him , he will go a further length , and try if his fortune in that attempt , will prove better then that of his father , and grand-father . They say , and all the world believes it , that the Princes of the House of Austria hearkens much to the perswasions of devout and religious persons : and that there is not one of them who would not gladly look upon the picture of the last Protestant that should ever be in the world . Histories teach us , that Philip the second King of Spain , lost a considerable part of his Low-Countreys , with a great deal of more zeal , then policy ; and that by introducing the Inquisition in these places , he banished obedience out of them . The Emperor Ferdinand the second brought Germany to the brink of a precipice , when he made his aversion to the Protestants known , and commanded them to give back the Church-goods to their ancient Masters . This Mandate put rebellion in the hearts , and arms in the hands of a world of persons , who never laid down either their swords or their animosities , till that Emperor and his son had sufficiently drained their Provinces of men , and their coffers of moneys ; nay , till both of them had learned that God had reserved the Empire of consciences to himself . I have seen with my eyes , and I have heard with my ears , some Hungarians , men of quality , who said openly at Vienne , that the Emperors Counsel would force them to submit to the Turk , by offring to constrain them to embrace the Roman Religion . There are many in other places , who in the like case , will do the same thing . And almost all men prefer the liberty of their mind to that of their body . Men have been seen become fierce as Lyons , and women to eat their own children , rather then submit to these who made war against their tenacious opinions . Many who live yet , will prefer death to the Mass ; and will show as much zeal against it ▪ as these of Flanders did in the time of our fathers . Austria had better imitate France , and in stead of fire and sword , apply meekness and doctrine , to bring home these who they conceive are out of the way . I suppose an age and a half hath made the Emperor and his Ministers know , that violent courses are not effectual for the conversion of souls . The nature of man opposeth it self to all things that restrains its liberty . These Priests who advise mens consciences to be forced , had better sing in the Quire , & read their Breviaries , then frequent Courts , and give counsel to Kings . If any Church men be found who are fit to govern , it is not they who are bred in Cloisters : Their maximes and resolutions being all taken out of the Canon Law , are fitter to bring the world in confusion , then to keep it in good order . There are an hundred occasions wherein the Law being executed in its rigor , proves manifest unjustice : And therefore in such cases , prudence is more necessare then knowledge . The Almighty hath given to Princes the soveraignty of the body , but hath reserved that of the soul to himself . Men may be forced to go to Mass , but cannot be constrained to believe the mysteries of it . Fearful people may be threatned to a bowing the knees of their bodies , without any reverence in their spirits . And some may be forced to acknowledge themselves Catholicks with their mouths , and yet are not Catholicks in their hearts . Spain hath seen a thousand deplorable examples of this undoubted verity . The fourth , yea the fifth generation of those who have been constrained to be baptized , have been banished for their unbelief : and those who yet stay there , renounceth every day their Baptism , and participates not of the Sacraments without sacriledge . And in matters of Religion , to be forced by the power of the arm of flesh , produceth ever such effects . The extraordinary and ill governed devotion of these Bigots who will have constraint to be applyed to consciences , procures the desolation of Provinces , and profanation of holy mysteries . I have known some prating fools , who durst exclaim against Queen Christina of Sweden , because she consented to the Peace of Germany , before she had chased the Pope out of Rome . And , no doubt , there are hundreds of petty Monks , who have thought , perhaps , said as much against those who signed that Peace , before the Lutherans were brought to renounce their Belief . All such are fiery zealots , whose maximes are grounded on their own capricious fancies . And assuredly their zeal would wax cold , if they were put but for three days to the duty of musketeers , and be allowed no other entertainement , but a pitance of bread and water . But these fools imagine , that in every place a bell rings to give notice of dinner time ; and that all things are to be got in armies , as in Convents ; and that it as easie to win battels , as to tell their beads . If the Emperor would not look upon such a people , but at the Altar , and in the Pulpit , we should not have so much occasion of fear . His Majesty hath traversed almost all Germany , and having seen the bitter fruits of the former war , hath put on a firm resolution not to plunge any more his people in new calamities . His principal Ministers and Counsellors of Estate , have sufficiently felt the evils and devastations which both civil and forreign wars have produced : And know , that it is easie to begin , but almost impossible to end business of that nature . They are not ignorant that the entertainment of armies , make the richest coffers of treasure empty , and layeth the most fertile Provinces waste . They know that a war for Religion is the most plausible , and the most obstinate that can be fancied ; and that they cannot begin it , without bringing all Europe in the play , and putting their Masters Estates in an evident danger to be for ever lost . We may then be confident , that the prudence of the Emperor , and the aversion he hath from domestick broyls , will choak all the designs of incendiaries , who would put a sword in his hand to thrust in his own bowels . I am also informed , that some talk of designs the Emperor should have against the Confederate Princes of the Rhine : and that there are some , who say , His Majesty is dissatisfied with them , that the forces they sent to Hungary would not obey his orders entirely , and therefore he thinks upon the means whereby he may reduce them to the obedience they owe him ▪ For my part , I think they speak so without ground , and shal desire all who have such thoughts , to consider what I am to say to them . This League is a hard bone to gnaw ; and I am of the opinion , that his Majesty may more easily impose his yoak upon all that of Hungary which the Turk possesseth , then force ten or twelve German Princes , supported by the most considerable powers of Christendom , to submit to him . It is not to be doubted , but this League making the distrust that is between the Head and the Members of the Empire , known , cannot but infinitly displease his Imperial Majesty , making his power less by the half , himself less to be regarded and honored amongst the Germans , and more vilipended amongst strangers . Good Patriots should wish that all causes of jealousie might be buried in perpetual oblivion : and that the several Princes would both seek and find the preservation of their authority , in the good graces and favor of their Chief The Allies themselves wisheth the Emperor would banish that which occasioned their confederacy ; and that he would bring back that mutual trust which the unhappiness of the times hath chased from amongst them , and so his Majesty should oblige them to think of nothing else but his service , to seek the honor of his favor , and to procure with all their power , his content and satisfaction . But I shal never be perswaded that the Emperor will make use of his power , where it will not only be unprofitable , but very hurtful to him ; yea , & where moderation it self will serve to little purpose , if it be not sustained with the favor of the times , & by many examples of an extraordinary friendship . They say there was no good understanding between his Majesties Generals , and those of the League : And our speculative States-men will assure us , that there is as little between their Masters : But conjectures are not always convincing . And because the Emperor hath little inclination to love those who do not trust him , it is not permitted to conclude , that he will attack them with open force . I should rather think , he intends to gain them by demonstrations of kindness and love , and that he hopes their own good nature and duty to their Countrey , will be strong motives to induce them to contribute both their counsels and forces for the preservation of the Empire , and to assist him to remove all mis-understandings from amonst them . And if these thoughts seem below the flight of a young Eagle ; at least , I would have them to perswade themselves ▪ that he is extreamly generous , and that will not permit him to have any obligations to these who serve him out of no kindness or love : and therefore , seeing these Confederates to be always puissantly armed , he concluded the Peace , that he might be in a condition to resist them , or any else would attack him . If it be said , this League is meerly defensive , that it hath no other end then the good and quyet of the Confederates ; it will be answered , that the taking the Cities of Munster and Erfurt , and the danger other Towns apprehends , lets us see , that this defensive League , & these who made it , can lay their hands about them when they think it time to attack , or enterprise any thing . The Bishop of Munster , as brave as he is , durst never have hazarded to besiege the Capital City of his Diocesse , if he had not been assisted with both the troops and moneys of his Allies . The like may be said of the Elector of Mayence , who is a Prince both rich , and wise , yet the City of Erfurt would not have been afraid of him , in the time of the war with the Turk , if the Confederates of his Electoral Highness , had not contributed to the misfortune of that insolent City . It is therefore very expedient , that his Imperial Majesty should be in a posture to concur with these confederated Princes , when their pretentions are reasonable , and to oppose them when they are unjust . And this was not in his power to do , while he was busied in a war with the Infidel ; and this is that which serves for a justification of the Peace he hath lately made , that by it he is in a condition to countenance those , who shal stand in need of his Arms , and of his Protection . I suppose there be some in the world , who will grant , that this discourse bears with it ▪ some show of truth ; and these who are not too much wedded to their opinions , I hope , will believe that his Imperial Majesty had no suspicion of either the French or the Swedes : yea I shall find some , who dare give assurance to both the Protestants & the Confederates , that this Peace shal not trouble their repose ; as also to all Germany , that it is an advantageous Peace to both great and small ; and that none of them shal have reason to complain of it , unless it be , that the Emperor made it without seeking the advice of the Princes of the Empire . I made this objection , before any spoke of it to me , and I thought as my adversaries do , that the war having drawn these Princes to an extraordinary trouble and expence , they would look joyfully on that Peace would rid them of both . And in regard contempt is insupportable to men of quality and courage , I perswaded my self , they could not hear without some emotion of spirit , that his Majesty had valued them so little , as to conclude a Treaty of such importance , without seeking their advice . I know there be many who complain , that these of the Court of Vienne never consult with them , but when they stand in need of either their troops or their moneys , or both , and that this manner of acting is altogether unsufferable . I should acknowledge this complaint to be just , if the Peace had been subscribed and published without the approbation of those who contributed to the war. But I do not believe , that any persons of Judgement and experience , will think it strange , that to shun the tedious delays . which accompany the resolutions of all Imperial Diets , affairs have been debated , & brought to the point of a conclusion , without seeking the advice of these who might have re●arded it . The interests of the several Estates of the Empire are so different , and so hard a matter it is , to get them all to agree to one thing , that the Treaty should not have produced that effect , which his Majesty desired , if he had called them all to Councel . These who complain , sees not , nor knows not so well what is in the Emperors coffers , as they who advised him to this accommodation . The affairs of Transilvany having obliged his Imperial Majesty to keep numerous forces a foot five or six years , hath eaten up his Fronteer Provinces , and even forced his Councel in prudence , to shun more quarterings on them , lest they should have been laid entirely waste . If all the Germans loved the Emperor , as well-bred children love their Fathers , they would believe all he does , aims at nothing but the good of the State. None would blame his conduct , but all the world would praise him , for the care he hath had , and the pains he hath taken , to acquire to us the inestimable benefit of Peace . But I shal suppose , that the Estates of the Empire , have some reason to complain : and therefore will ask of these who are most capricious , and least reasonable , if they will be satisfied , if the Emperor tell them , that he waits for their approbation to conclude a business advantageous and profitable to all Germany , and particularly to them ? It is like , there are some who will say , that will not satisfie , and will offer to assure us , that the charges they have been at , and the trouble they have suffered to succour his Imperial Majesty , hath deserved something more then that . And here , I profess , I had rather hold my peace , then speak . I know the services the Emperor hath received from the Estates of the Empire , cryes for a thankful acknowledgement , and that he is unworthy of any favor , who intends to pay it with ingratitude : As also , that he who exacts more then is justly own to him , serves to be paid with little , or with none at all ; for I hold it to be unquestionable , that the acknowledgement should be proportionable to the favor . It will be rash and insolent , to demand of the Emperor an entire submission of his will to that of his Princes , because they assisted him , and it were to oblige him to an impossibility , to pretend , he might do nothing of himself in a Kingdom , which hath no dependance on Germany . I should think it sufficient , that his Majesty descends so low , as to demand their consent and approbation : And that he lets them see , that he entertains as high an estimation of them , as he should , and values them as much as ever any of his Ancestors valued any of theirs . If all this will not satisfie , the Emperor will let them see , the succours they gave him , tending to the preservation of his Estates , aimed also at the preservation of the Empire . His Majesty will confess , that his hereditary Dominions are more exposed to the injuries and incursions of the Turk , then any other of the Empire ; But he will never be induced to believe , that they only are in danger . The common enemies ambition is not arrested by the conquest of some places , a world will no more satisfie him then the Great Alexander . And Hungary shal no sooner fall in his hands ▪ but he will advance with his victorious arms further , if the united forces of Christians retain him not within the bounds of his duty . The Princes then assisted his Imperial Majesty , by saving themselves : And whoever will expostulate with him for such a favor , will lose the fruits of it , and will show that he knows not , that the Grand Seigneurs ambition hath no other limit , but that of his power . Believing then , that the Estates of the Empire will easily acquiesce to his Majesties just desires , I shal leave them , and make a step over to Pole and Venice , and see with what assurance , and upon what grounds it is said , that the Emperor made haste to make this Peace , to prevent the Venetians , who were busie in clapping up one with the Sultan , and to be in a condition to receive the Crown which the Polonians promised him . As to Pole , all Europe knows that in the year 1655. the King of Sweden invaded that Kingdom ; and that in a short time he reduced it to the necessity to implore assistance from its neighbors . Neither can any be ignorant , but it found the Emperor disposed to furnish it with means to resist its enemie , and ready to send sixteen thousand men to restrain his further progress . They say , that amongst the conditions of the Accord , that of the Election of Leopold , after John Casimirs death , was the most considerable : And upon this , they ground their opinion , who say , that the Peace of Hungary was made , that the Emperor might with less opposition enter to that great Inheritance . Treaties of this nature comes to the knowledge but of a few , and therefore it were rashness to avouch it to be true , and folly obstinatly to deny it . It seems not improbable , but the Polonians being brought to misery , might promise all could be desired of them , by these who would put them in a more hopeful condition . But I see very great difficulties in the performance of this promise , as well on their part , who made it , as on his to whom it was made . These who made it , are the Polonians , who in a business of this nature , do not easily agree , and yet an accord amongst themselves is necessare to make the election of their Kings valide . He to whom it is made , is Leopold , Emperor of the Romans , who cannot receive that Crown , without putting Europe in a flame , his own Estates in danger , and imposing on the Empire a necessity to take arms . No Prince or State will sit with crossd arms , when a powerful neighbor acquires new Provinces . The Swedes , the Muscovites , and the Turks , cannot see Pole in the power of the House of Austria without resentment . The first will be afraid , they may be forced to give back that which they have gained with the point of their sword , and with solemn Treaties . The second will apprehend , they may be necessitated to keep within these bounds which they would gladly enlarge . And the third will imagine , that upon the union of Pole with Austria depends the ruine of Constantinople . The Muscoviter will make Peace with his neighbors , the Swed will conjure up his old practises ; And the Turk will raise up Asia ; and all of them will endeavor to hinder the Emperor to enjoy the fruits of his election in Peace . The Turk will imploy all his industry and wiles , the Swed all his Arsenals and Magazins , and the Muscoviter all his riches and treasure , to divert Pole from the performance of what it hath promised , Germany will not desire to see the Emperor on the Throne of Pole , nay its Princes will bind all the nerves of their power and prudence together , to hinder him to mount upon it . The most understanding of the Polonians themselves , who fore-see the sad consequences of this election , will be well contented , it prove abortive . These who in all ages envyed the growth of the Austrian Family , will open their purses to hinder this addition to its greatness . And in a word , all Europe will take arms either for the Emperor , or against him : So that it is uncertain , if this election will go on to the content of the pretenders , and if they be not very well assured , that it will have that success they propose to themselves , they should in prudence seem not to desire it . For my part , I believe the Emperor makes it rather his work to guard himself from the storm that menaceth him on the other side , by opposing himself to any choice may be made of one of those who envy his family , then to procure his own election . Certainly Pole hath need of a King , who can repare its losses , and put it again in that flowrishing condition , which made our fathers look upon it with admiration . But the jealousie the Polonians would give to their neighbors by the election of a Potentate already considerably eminent by the power of other Kingdoms , should lead them to the choice of a Prince , who would give no cause of suspicion to any . I know some , whose high vertues and qualifications speak them worthy of Crowns , whom the Houses of Austria and France , would be content to see sit on the Throne of Pole , whom Sweden and Muscovia will respect without fear , whom the Ottoman Port would suffer without displeasure , and whom the Polonians would not reject , if they have not entirely forgot the true interest of their Republick . It is to such that all Europe wisheth the Polonian Scepter : It is such who can accept it , without troubling the quyet of Christendom . It is to such that Pole may give it , without fear to sow the bitter seed of discord in its own bowels . Not knowing then whether the Emperor be desirous to have the Crown of Pole , or not , I shal not doubt but his Counsel will reflect seriously on these difficulties that will rencounter him , and upon these horrid wars which will accompany an honor which all his neighbors will envy him , and which none of his friends should wish to him . As to what they say , that the Emperor knew that the Venetians were in treaty with the Turk , to obtain a Peace from him for themselves , and let the whole burden of the war fall on his Majesty alone : I profess freely , I do not know what to believe of that intrigue ; but if we shal narrowly examine the circumstances of affairs , and of the time , we may make a conclusion of the contrare : for though we need not doubt but the Venetians with all their hearts wish to have Peace , and that they would willingly empty their treasure to recover what they have lost in their last war with that enemy ; yet I suppose there be none who thinks they would do it at that time when the Peace of Hungary was concluded . It is more then ten years since the Senate of that Republick could have spared all the expence they have bestowed on the maintenance of the war since that time , if they would have given over their right of the Kingdom of Candia to the Grand Seigneur : And the Peace they could have expected at this time , would have been no more favorable then before : And the Venetians having then a repugnancy from so disadvantageous a Peace , when they alone sustained the whole Turkish forces , there is little or no appearance at all they would consent to it , when Germany made so considerable a diversion of the Ottoman power ; and that they might perswade themselves , that time would give them an opportunity to repair the breaches of their Estate , and force the Turk to an accommodation less hurtful to them . I shal rather believe , that his Imperial Majesty inclined to bring the common enemy of Christians to an accord profitable to all Christendom . But that the unhappy conjuncture of affairs took from him the means to bring his heroick designs to so glorious an end , he was forced to be contented to do all he could , and leave the accomplishment of the rest to Divine Providence . It is that will care for the Venetians , and will prepare friends for them , able to deliver them from these evils that now presseth and threatens to oppress them . All Christendom wisheth and prayeth for this to them , and I as much as any , because I know that the piety and valor of the illustrious Venetians , deserves that both heaven and earth should favor them . I suppose what I have said will satisfie these who are governed by reason , and not by a capricious humor : and that all those who shal read this paper , will acknowledge with me , that his Majesty was not carried with any violent thoughts to conclude this Peace . I know , honest men will confess the Emperor hath reason to love and honor the Most Christian King , and that prudence and reason of State , will oblige him to dissemble the displeasure which the Confederate Princes have given him occasion to conceive against their proceedings ; that his interest will oblige him to defer and delay the Reformation of the Protestants . That he hath no other concern in the business of Pole , but to hinder any person of whom he may have just cause of jealousie , to receive the Scepter of that Kingdom . That he hath no intention to pay the Venetians in their own coyn : And that the Sweds shal have him for their friend , so long as they keep themselves within their bounds , and live as good neighbors , and true and faithful members of the Empire . I do now only imagine , that it will be told me , that the Hungarians have some reason to complain : And that it would seem the Emperor behaveth himself to them , rather as a stepfather , then a father , in regard to spare his men and his money , he hath made a Peace disadvantageous for them . But they will alter their opinion who say so , when they understand that ( which none should be ignorant of ) this people did so often threaten the Emperor to lay down arms , and make their own agreement with the Visier , that they imposed a pure necessity on his Majesty to prevent them . The Christian sojors received as much , yea more hurt from them , then from the Turks . And none were assured of their lives , where they were strongest . Our horses , yea our men starved for hunger , in regard none could go abroad to fetch either proviant or fodderage , without whole Regiments to guard them . I have seen letters writ by the Officers of our armies , wherein they complained , that the throats of most of their servants were cut by those for whose safety they were generously exposing their lives . Many French in their return from this expedition , have told me , that these of them who went never so little astray , or who straggled , were presently sacrificed to the fury of that merciless people . And that amongst them , it was accounted a crime to be well cloathed , or to look like men that had money . It will be answered , that sojors , though friends are insupportable to the inhabitants of any Countrey which is the seat of the war , that they take with strong hand , not only what is necessare for their subsistence , but much more , and so robs the people of that wherewith they should maintain themselves and their children , and consequently drives them to dispair , from whence proceeds these excesses whereof I have spoken . Let us grant all this to be true , and let us add to it , that the orders of his Imperial Majesty have been ill observed ; and that the Officers of his armies wanting bread to give their sojors , were constrained to slack the reins of discipline , and to permit them to do that which is discharged by the Military Laws of the most licencious war. Let it be granted , that the disorders were as high as they can be imagined to be , and that it was impossible for the sojors to do worse then they did ; it cannot be denyed , that the greater mischiefs the war drew upon that misfortunate Countrey , the less reason the Emperor had to continue it : And the more hurt the Hungarians suffered by the war , the less reason they have to complain of the Peace . This Peace hath taken a thorn out of their foot , and hath freed his Majesty from the misfortune to see his friends and his subjects made the objects of their dispair . Some will say , that by this Peace this people have lost a part of that they had in Hungary , whereas they hoped to have recovered by the war what they had lost , and this sad consideration hath put tears in their eyes , and mournful complaints in their mouthes . I confess , they have reason to bewail their losses , and that all Christians should pitty the wretched Hungarians , and be sory they are no more the Bulwark of Christendom , and the terror of Infidels . He must have a heart of Marble , who will not be grieved for the losses Jesus Christ suffers , and the advantages Mahomet gains . He must be a brute , who hath not a kindness for the warlike people of Hungary . The Hungarians are volage and unconstant ; but they are Christians . They have often contributed to their own misery , both by their malice , and their inadvertency ; but they are Christians . They have often called in the Mahometans to assist them against their lawful Kings ; but they are Christians . And though they had done worse then all that , I should still bewail their misfortunes , because they are Christians . And I do believe , though we be in a better condition then the Hungarians , yet we are not better men . But the time of their deliverance is not yet comd : and we do but yet expect the ruine of the Turks Empire . We hope notwithstanding that so great a deliverance is not far of . And we know assuredly , that our hopes shal not prove vain . The Turkish Monarchy hath no more priviledges , then these who have been before it . And the Hungarians will be unhappy in no higher measure , then others who have called upon the Name of JESUS . God grant it be soon that this afflicted Nation , and we who are pertakers of their affliction , may have occasion to wipe the tears from our eyes , and to rejoyce when we see the Almighty hath a care of his own people , and delivers them from the oppression of their enemies . To him alone belongs honor and glory for evermore . P. I have attentively red and perused your papers , and having nothing to oppose to what you have said , I return you them , with many thanks . I can assure you , I will never forget the good instructions you have given me . You may therefore go and repose your self a little : after which , I shal intreat you to entertain me with a Discourse of forreign affairs : And running over with me the best places of Europe ▪ to speak of them , as you have done of our own Germany . FINIS . 
A06425	----	The beginning, continuance, and decay of estates vvherein are handled many notable questions concerning the establishment of empires and monarchies. Written in French by R. de Lusing, L. of Alymes: and translated into English by I.F. De la naissance, durée et cheute des estats. English Lucinge, René de, sieur des Alymes, 1553-ca. 1615. 1606 Approx. 367 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 88 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A06425 STC 16897 ESTC S107708 99843404 99843404 8135 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A06425) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 8135) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 846:08) The beginning, continuance, and decay of estates vvherein are handled many notable questions concerning the establishment of empires and monarchies. Written in French by R. de Lusing, L. of Alymes: and translated into English by I.F. De la naissance, durée et cheute des estats. English Lucinge, René de, sieur des Alymes, 1553-ca. 1615. Finet, John, Sir, 1571-1641. [12], 163, [1] p. Printed [at Eliot's Court Press] for Iohn Bill, London : 1606. A translation of: De la naissance, durée, et cheute des estats. Translator's dedication signed: Iohn Finet. Identification of printer from STC. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Political science -- Early works to 1800. Turkey -- Politics and government -- Early works to 1800. 2006-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-12 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-10 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2008-10 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE BEGINNING , CONTINVANCE , AND DECAY OF ESTATES : VVherein are handled many notable Questions concerning the establishment of Empires and Monarchies . Written in French by R. de Lusing , L. of Alymes : and translated into English by I. F. LONDON , Printed for Iohn Bill . 1606. TO THE MOST REVEREND Father in God , RICHARD , Lord Archbishop of Canterbury his Grace , Primate and Metropolitane of all England , and one of his Maiesties most Honorable Priuie Councell , &c. MOst reuerend Father , it pleased your Graces right woorthy predecessor , to vouchsafe my vnwoorthy letters sent him in my trauailes , a gracious acceptance . The greatest trouble they put him to , was to peruse them ; so were the proofes he gaue of his vertue , and the signes of his loue towards me , the onely end and vse I euer had or made of them . Your Grace hath had the happines , with the merit , to succeed him in his dignities : his vertues were already yours in proprietie . Of his loue I may say , as of your Graces ; that I then did , as I now doe , rather desire to deserue it , then deseruing it , desire to make bold vse of it . Loue that descends on vs from men of vertue and eminencie , is it selfe both hope and reward , hire and paiment . That to-boote which we call doing good , or a benefit , as it is an effect that true loue matched with ability , will euen striue to produce , so is it then most welcome when it cōmeth sooner imparted then expected . With this freedome of minde , and dutie of respect , I present to your Grace this new apparelled discourse : It hath alreadie put on the habit of three seuerall languages , and if my iudgement erre not , our English fashion will not ill become it . I met with it in my wandrings , and brought it along with me , with an intent , for my priuate exercise of that tongue it first spake in , to translate it : that performed , my determination to recommend it to your Graces patronage , fell to be at this late dangerous time , when the diuell ( arch-enemie of trueth ) and his execrable ministers held their generall counsaile how they might make but one fire-worke of our whole estate : but the consideration of your Graces most iust imployments in so weightie a businesse , withheld me with a reuerend feare of their disturbance , till I weighed that euen this subiects handling might perhaps doe good to some bad that had a head , if not a hand ( for so great a clock could not strike without many wheeles ) in so damnable a proiect : since if they will needs out-strip former ages , or forreine countries in strange plots of ruining kingdomes and cōmon wealths , they may by this discourse be drawen to practise them vpon the common enemie of Christendome , and not vpon vs that acknowledge with them one Iesus , one Bible , one Baptisme . Your Grace seeth the reasons and scope of these my well intended endeuours , which subiect their allowance or disallowance to your Graces most graue censure , so doth my vnworthy seruice with my selfe , to your much desired imployment , as Your Graces most seruiceably deuoted , IOHN FINET . The Epistle Dedicatorie of the Author to the Duke of Sauoy . OF all we admire in these times there is nothing comparable to the fortune of the Ottomans , and the increase of their greatnesse ; if we examine their beginning and meanes , for they are by nation Tartarians , sprung from the most base and remote parts of Asia , in former times as vnknowen as vnworthy : If we consider their conditions , they bewray no feeling of ciuility or curtesie : If we regard the parts of their minde , where shall we see ought more rude , and rough hewen then the spirit of that people ? What haue beene the souldiours they haue had through whose valor they haue aduantaged themselues by so many memorable victories ? No better then slaues haled in their infancy from the breasts and laps of their mothers , children of tribute tythed euery yeere from amongst the miserable Christians ouer whom they command and domineere . Yet we see that with these feeble meanes they haue , in lesse then three hundred yeeres , conquered Asia as far as Tigris , and the Gulfe of Persia , possest themselues of Aegypt , Numidia , and all the red sea . More , hauing atchieued these glorious cōquests they haue beene seene to march , as they say , with colours flying thorow Europe , to ouerrun large countries , seaze themselues of kingdomes and most puissant Estates , finally to become Monarches of Greece , and to haue caried the Empire of Constantinople ; whose neighbours haue not bene exempt from the hauocke of their forces , so many armies ouerthrowen , so many Princes ruined , so many rich cities and townes sackt and rased . Their power , ouerflowing in happinesse , is at this day the scourge of the East and the terror of the West : In sum , they are feareful to the whole world . But the greater is the astonishment , when we consider , that naked and vnarmed , they haue marched victorious ouer the bellies of the most warlicke nations vnder the heauens , the best prouided of forces and all munition necessary for the wars , that such a people as they vnskilled in nauigation should become masters almost of all the seas . Many haue gone about to search out the cause of this thriuing greatnesse , and I amongst others haue for my part with no small diligence perused such authors as haue written their history ; but when I haue narrowly sifted all they haue said of that matter , I finde not this my honest appetite and curiosity as I would contented ; rather as one ill satisfied with the diuersity and negligence of their Historiographers , all of them nothing neere approching the course and knowledge of the first and essentiall cause of this their so raised fortunes , I haue sought to please my selfe with setting down as I haue , the many acts and obseruations I haue thereof collected , and which well deserue to be published : not that I so far forget my selfe as to thinke my selfe able to flie a higher pitch then others whom I much honour and esteeme ; but because I haue taken cleane an other way ; with this hope neuerthelesse , that huely representing and distinguishing by order as I doe , the establishment of this Monarchy ( answerable to what may be vnderstoode thereof ) the apparence and truth of my discourse wil somwhat inlighten this subiect & affoord me an honest excuse vpon the defects which may be discouered in my opinion . The argument then of this book consisteth of three points , whereunto the order of the whole discourse hath reference : In the first place I summarily handle the meanes they haue practised for their aduancement and greatnesse ; secondly with what cunning and deceit they maintaine what they haue gotten : and lastly how we may be able to assaile them , and turne the chance of their victories and powers . This my trauaile ( most mighty Prince ) taketh his flight straight to your Highnesse to range it selfe vnder the shelter of your protection , armed with the allowable opinion , that your Aighnesse as a generous Prince cannot but take especiall pleasure to heare , see , & waigh such speculations . To say the truth , the ordinary discourses of your Highnesse table are no other but sundry questions , which it pleaseth your Highnesse vsually to propound to all those noble spirits that attend you ; but aboue all , when any one awaketh matter cōcerning either Estate affaires , or the atchieuement of deedes of armes ; then is the time your Highnesse lendeth an attentiue eare to such as discourse thereof , and to all mens admiration resolueth the most difficult points of the matter in handling , wherein you discouer a iudgment so far beyonde the vulgar and surpassing your age , as we cannot but confesse that the propositions you make are so many proofes and resolutions which you deliuer , and please to draw from out the capacity of your seruants . Which considering often with my selfe , I finde forthwith allaied in me the heat of the intention I had to dedicate this my booke to your Highnesse , but at the same instant finding represented before mine eies ; the excellency of your iudgment , together with your noble and gentle disposition , which knoweth how to accommodate your greatnesse to the honest designes of your subiects , such especially as reuerence you like me , feare immediatly vanisheth and my desire gathereth strength , with assurance that you wil be so gratious , as , though I be the least of your seruants , you will not spare to entertaine and honour this my little labour with your iudgment : practising vpon me what the Sunne ( common father of generation ) doth on the earth , bestowing his beames indifferently as well vpon the low plants as high trees . It may please your highnesse then to vouchsafe to receiue this treatise with the like coūtenance as you would ought else especially labored , in imitation of the diuine Maiesty ( only Idea of all perfection ) which as well excepteth the offering of the poore widow , as the presents of great Princes . Againe , it may please your highnes not to thinke amisse so farforth to protect the whole discourse , that it may , supported by your authority , passe with that credit as I wish among men , and remaine free from the many censures of such as take no other delight then in reprehending other mens inuentions . This assurance will make me lift my head higher then otherwise I would , for two causes : The one for the honour and particular contentment I shall receiue hauing performed ought pleasing to your Highnesse , the other for the testimony I shall heereby haue of the participation of your fauour beyond my merit and expectation : for which I offer vp my selfe not to die vngratefull , as Your Highnesse most humble Subiect and vassall , R. de LVSING . To the Reader . THe world had neuer more Bookes , Bookes neuer lesse woorthy matter : learned , vnlearned , all will be writing , and of these the most affecting the glorious names of Authors , become the authors of their inglorious names . Pro captu lectoris habent sua fata libelli . The Readers skill , Makes Bookes thriue well or ill . But the true life of a worke , and sound discretion of the writer , appeere not more in the well handling , then wise choice of a subiect . I know diuers courses may meete with one end , as many waies leade to one citie , so may one theame entertaine a world of inuentions ; but of these ( like the same meate serued in in seuerall fashions ) some few onely shall carry the true pleasing relish and temper ; the rest ( as knots in names ) stand rather for ornaments or flourishing differences , then matters regardable or of consequence : well may the will or appetite for a time transport vs , but reason as soueraigne must in the end controle and checke vs. In the compasse of my obseruations , I haue seene discourses and stiles , otherwise hollow and vnsound , sway euen the best iudgements , not alone to allowance , but imitation . Whether this were the infection of ignorance , that seasing the most might spread to the best ; or the tyrannie of fashion , which must , howsoeuer monstrous , ( if our selues will not seeme monstrous ) be followed , I know not : one thing I am sure of ; time hath discouered their weaknesse , and trueth his concealed daughter is come to light , when such light owles liue ( or to say better ) die confined to perpetuall obscuritie . This worke seemes to haue passed the pikes of such dangers ; it hath for a sufficient time vndergone the view and censure of the best discerning nations of Europe : it hath beene taught to speake both their and the old Roman language : if England should not now affoord it kind entertainment , I should thinke it in an error ( not to say of iudgement ) of custom , as being not yet cleere of the imputation it carries of harshnesse towards euen woorthy strangers ; but since I finde ( as doe themselues that suffer ) that this discourteous fault is laid vpon the common sort , and the contrary extolled in the gentrie & persons of more eminent quality , Vilia miretur vulgus : We will appeale from their ignorance , to the more generous and better bredde vnderstandings . And to awake these , let me tell them , they shall finde it a discourse not faint or languishing , but such as like a wel breathed runner , gathers more strength towards the end of the race , then was bewraied in the beginning . Now to others which shal perhaps obiect , that the scope hereof lying out of our distance , asketh as small heede , as it smally concerneth vs ; I answere , that then the gout or gangrene is not to be regarded because the great toe onely hath it . Time and sinne may one day ( which God turne from vs ) make vs more sensible , and this subiects debating more necessary : such as it now is , or may prooue ( Reader ) I heere expose it to thy view and censure . I know some acquainted with me and my courses , will expect rather matter of mine owne , then others inuention . They haue reason in this , howsoeuer I haue abilitie : but I cannot yet forget an honest learned Physician I once obserued , who ( it seemes ) to spare others , so spent his owne spirits in the personall practise of his medicinall conclusions , as his bodie yet suffers the iniuries of such selfe-offered violence . I am not so charitable ; neither hold I him the vnwisest , that out of others triall frameth his owne confirming . It is time that begets iudgement and assurance . And to this purpose I will close with a saying of that euer most reuerenced Master of moralitie Seneca , Non ignoro etiam quae in speciem laborant , dignitatem dico & eloquentiae famam , & quicquid ad alienum suffragium venit , mora conualescere . I. F. The Table of the Chapters of the first Booke . THe Turke hath applied his thoughts wholly to the warres . Chap. 1. He hath alwaie● sought to make offensiue war. Chap. 2. He hath made no account of fortresses . Chap. 3. He hath trained vp his souldiours to valour and hardinesse . Chap. 4. He hath maintained his souldiours in military discipline . Chap. 5. He hath made no reckning of other forces then his owne . Chap. 6. He hath to power ioyned cunning and deceit . Chap. 7. He hath beene alwaies serued in his warre by good and valiant Captaines . Chap. 8. He hath made no skip in his enterprises . Chap. 9. He hath not spent time vpon enterprises of small importance . Chap. 10. He hath laide hold on occasion . Chap. 11. He hath behaued himselfe with nimblenesse and celerity vpon his occasions . Chap. 12. He hath gone himselfe in person to the warre . Chap. 13. He hath euermore gone well appointed to the wars . Chap. 14. He hath neuer fought out of season . Chap. 15. He hath neuer diuided his forces . Chap. 16. He hath not long held warre with one alone . Chap. 17. The Table of the Chapters of the Second Booke . OF religion . Chap. 1. Of the direct dependency of the Turkes subiects vpon their soueraigne . Chap. 2. How he hath depriued his subiects of strength . Chap. 3. The causes that may moue a people to fury . Chap. 4. The common remedy applied by the Turke against the force and fury of the people . Chap. 5. How the Turke curbeth the power of the great men of his Estate . Chap. 6. How he confoundeth the practises of forraine Princes his neighbours . Chap. 7. The Table of the Chapters of the Third Booke . THe causes of the fall and ruine of Estates . Chap. 1. From what coniectures the continuance of Estates may be gathered . Chap. 2. That the Monarchy of the Turke is comprehended within the number of great Estates . Chap. 3. Whether the Empire of the Turkes draw towards an end . Chap. 4. By what kinde of causes the Empire of the Turke might most easily faile . Chap. 5. That it is not an impossible thing for the Christians with open force to vanquish the Turke . Chap. 6. Why the leagues amongst Christian Princes are commonly of small effect . Chap. 7. The defects which may be obserued in the leagues of the yeeres 1537. and 1571. Chap. 8. A league which may be treated without danger of the former defects . Chap. 9. Wherein consisteth the greatest forces of the Turke . Chap. 10. Where the Turke might be most easily assailed to ouercome him , either by sea or by land . Chap. 11. Of the inward causes whereby the Empire of the Turke may come to ruine . Chap. 12. Of the mixt causes . Chap. 13. How particular persons may be gained . Chap. 14. How the people of the Turke may be wrought from his obedience . Chap. 15. CONSIDERATIONS VPON THE GREATnesse of the Turkish Empire . Wherein are handled the manner how it is become so great , the meanes whereby it is maintained , and how it would be easie to bring it to ruine . 1 The summe of this discourse . 2 The diuision thereof into 3. principall parts . 3 The argument of the first booke . 4 Steps to the Turkish greatnesse . FIrst : My purpose is to examine in this treatise how the Empire of the Turke is growne to that height and greatnesse . 2 : And the better to effect it I will diuide the whole discourse into three principall parts . The first , what way he hath taken to attaine to the top of such a raised greatnesse as his now is . The second , with what meanes and arre he behaueth and maintaineth himselfe therein ; and finally I will declare how the pride of this Tyrant may be abated ; his greatnesse diminished , and his Empire ruined . 3 : The subiect then of the first booke shall be to examine what haue beene his courses in his conquests ; and though they haue beene without any order , reason or faith : yet will it be no hard matter to discerne , by the successe of such counsailes as he hath put in practise in his most difficult enterprises , the good from the bad , and also to separate in the course of his actions all whatsoeuer hath beene profitable ; from what hath beene hurtfull and ill vndertaken : heerin imitating the Bee which from bitter herbes sucks most sweete hony . These are in my opinion the steps and dessignes he hath followed to attaine to his greatnesse , wherby as by degrees he hath built his strange fortune which makes vs at this day so much to feare him . 1 First he hath applied himselfe wholy to the wars . 2 His war hath beene alwaies offensiue . 3 He hath made slender account of fortresses . 4 He hath fashioned his wisdome to valour and hardnesse . 5 He hath maintained his great and mighty armies in military discipline and policy . 6 He hath made no reckoning of other forces then of his owne . 7 He hath to power ioyned cunning and deceipt . 8 He hath beene serued by excellent Captaines . 9 He hath not made any skip in his enterprises . 10 He hath not spent time vpon matters of small importance . 11 He hath laid hold on occasions . 12 He hath speedily put in execution his dessignes . 13 He hath gone in person to the war. 14 Well appointed . 15 In a fit season . 16 He hath not diuided his forces . 17 He hath not long continued war with one alone . CHAP. I. That he hath applied his thoughts wholly to the wars . 1 Bookes held by the Gothes a let to armes . 2 Charles the 8. his expedition to Naples . 3 Christians held vnfit for wars , because so intent to studie . 4 The Turkes wholly addicted to the wars . 5 The Romans most martiall . 6 Barbarous nations most warlike and prompt in their attempts . 7 The Turks despisers of Liberall arts . 8 They inuade Italy . 9 Their military vertues . 10 Whether liberall artes disable their followers for the wars . 11 The vse of History and the Mathematikes . 12 Letters and armes fitly maried together . 13 Learning and valour necessary in a Commander , obedience in a Souldier . 1 AT the time that the Gothes made a most fearefull sacke of Greece , and as a violent streame ouerflowed her fruitfull plaines , ransacking her many cities and rich townes ; amongst other spoiles there fel into their hands a great number of bookes of all sorts of professions ; wherewith not knowing what to doe , as vnprofitable stuffe , they would haue burnt them , if one amongst the rest had not opposed himselfe : who stepping foorth cried out ; it was requisite they should carefully preserue them , and leaue ( quoth he ) this poison amongst the Grecians , since in time they will bereaue them of all martiall courage , as ordinarily they do all such as apply themselues too much to the like learning and knowledge , making them become tender , effeminate , and altogether vnfit for the vse of armes ; so as failing of courage they will prooue more easily the pray of our fortunate conquest . 2 When Charles the eight of France with so smal an army made his way thorough Italy , and that without vnsheathing his sword or couching his lance , he became master of the kingdome of Naples , and of the greater part of Thoseany ; the French Nobilitie reasoning among themselues whence such a base cowardlinesse , as they had founde amongst the Italians , should proceed , imputed the cause thereof to the studie of learning , as that which softeneth the courage , and is not fit for ought but to make a man fearefull , vnapt , and of a weake resolution for the wars . 3 Heeretofore and at this day , the Turkes haue and doe esteeme the Christians of little valour in martiall affaires , becaus of the varietie of Arts whereunto they vsually addict themselues ; and though a man be so smally durable as he cannot attaine to perfection in diuers sciences , nor so inable himselfe to the attention of sundry matters as hee may game the mastery for which he striueth ; yet all men will busie themselues about knowledge , and intermeddle with all Arts and practises , not heeding that in stead of forwarding themselues , they recoile from that perfect knowledge which is requisite for them , and so remaine vnfurnished , or but weakely grounded in one onely profession . 4 On the contrarie , the Turkes fashion their whole dessignes to the war , and bend all their thoughts and studies to the exercise of armes , reiecting all other courses , and pleasing themselues onely in what may stand them in stead for that profession . 5 There is nothing more true ( and we finde it in histories ) then that the Romanes were most excellent Souldiers , but especially before they opened their gates to Arts and Sciences presented them by the Greeks , and that they gaue themselues ouer to the pleasures of the East . Then were they at the best for true cariage of marshall affaires when their Consuls scorned not to hold the plough ; when Physicians , Surgeons , & men of such like profession were in no credit amongst them . And to say the truth , we finde that if afterward they did atchieue any worthy enterprise , it was not by meanes of any valour which was remaining with them , but by the reputation & strength they had formerly gotten . For proofe heereof we may plainly perceiue that as soone as they had giuen entertainement to forraine sciences , made tender by study , they receiued notable and dishonorable ouerthrowes , as well at the hands of Iugurtha , Mithridates , the Cimbrians , Numantins , Spartans , the Parthians , as of others . 6 For confirmation whereof we obserue in ancient histories , that the most warlike people , & withal such as haue performed the memorablest acts , haue beene the most grosse , rude and inured to paine and hardnesse , far from all ciuility ; free from such delicacy and wantonnesse as is corruptly stept in amongst vs ; such as had no learning or taste of any knowledge or action which might allay or neuer so litle shake their couragious resolutions and warlike dessignes . Of this composition were long since and are at this daie the Scythians , who sometimes made their worthy armes resound as far as the most remote parts of the East , as far as the Danow and the bankes of Nilus . It is not long since that they , conducted by Quingus their King , ouerran all the East , harrowed the plaine country , and replenished all with misery and desolation . The memory of the famous acts of great Tamberlane is yet fresh , who only hitherto may vaunt that he hath in a ranged battel vanquished the Turkish armies , & led their Cōmander captiue , making him serue as his footstoole . In our time the Mogores , a grosse and ignorant people sprung out of Scythus ( or to say better ) out of Tartaria , haue atchieued great conquests towards India . Euery man also knowes that the great Cham , as rude & rough hewen as these , is neuerthelesse one of the most mighty potentates of the world , ruling ouer a people of the least ciuilitie that can be imagined . But not to wander out of Europe , let vs behold the Swizzers , & we shall finde that for knowledge and ciuility they are no better then these , yet haue they performed many worthy exploits as well at Nancy , Dijon , Nouare , Marignan , Dreux , as else where : In such sort as , not infected with our vanity , they giue ( as a man may say ) the law to the mightiest Princes that seeke their assistance . 7 Now the Turks aboue all nations haue euer profest to follow this course of life so barbarous and rude , and euen at this day they contemne all knowledge and profession of whatsoeuer arte , be it neuer so noble or industrious ; among the rest they abhor painting and ingrauing , neither make they any account of architecture : and in very deede we see that they haue euer held it an especiall offence towards God , to ingraue or paint him . As for learning they recken it as meere foolery : In a word , there are none amongst them so slenderly esteemed as men learned and seene in any kinde of knowledge . In their garments they affect not stuffes wrought , imbroidered or curiously cut and fashioned , but such as are whole and lasting ; laces , fringes and other ornaments are by them reiected : beaten and massie gold is only in request amongst them . In the wars they seeke rather to appeere fearce and terrible , then gallantly set forth and apparelled : their whole delight is set vpon war and armes ; insomuch as it is hard to finde any one of them who will not manifest by his fashion of liuing that he is rather borne for the wars then ought else : so as when there is any leuying of Souldiours , such as are left at home hold themselues highly iniured ; so honorably doe they esteeme of the life of a souldier . Whence it proceedeth , that they are so feared in all their attempts , either for beseeging , battering , or forcing of places of greatest strength ; for skirmishing on foote or on horsebacke , in set battailes by sea or by land , or for fortifying and defending . 8 Whereof they gaue sufficient proofe when hauing gotten Ottranto they valiantly made it good against the forces of all Italy ; euen till the death of their master Mahomet the 2. leauing behinde them , trenches , bulwarkes , ramparts and all other sorts of fortifications , so well contriued and disposed , as they haue serued since for patterns and models to our Commanders of Christendome . 9 Such is their laborious vertue in the wars , as there is no place so strong , or enterprise so difficult which will not prooue easie at the enforcing of their powers . 10 Returning now to that I said concerning knowledge : I expect that some one should say : And what I praie , is learning a let to military vertue , or a meanes to hinder a man from becomming a perfect souldier ? surely no : I am of a contrary opinion , and I ground it in part vpon the experience of such Captaines as I will heere reckon . Alexander the great and Caesar who were of the principall most aduenturous , and politicke Masters of the wars were most excellently seene in all sorts of knowledge ; for my owne part I hold it very difficult for any without the aide of Historie or the Mathematiques , to deserue the name of a great Captaine and sage conductor of armies : 11 Since Historie by the variety of examples both of good and bad successe furnisheth a man with heedfulnesse and discretion , with resolution and aduice in all occurrents , and makes him more considerate in what he vndertaketh ; like as the Mathematikes refine his knowledge and iudgement , as well in engines of war as in fortifying . 12 In conclusion , it is not to be denied but that learning is most proper to mould and perfectly fashion a heart and courage borne and disposed to armes : for this cause they would in old time , that Pallas armed should signifie vnto vs the marrying of letters with armes . Now to come againe to the Turkes rudenesse , we shall finde ( examining some of their Princes ) that somewhat must be abated . Let vs consider what were Mahomet the 2. and Selim and Soliman his sonnes ( the most valiant Princes of the race of the Ottomans ) and we shall see that they delighted in reading Histories , and in studying the Mathematikes : so as though nature dispose a man to hardinesse and magnanimitie , it is sure that if he be wholy vnfurnished of artes and learning , he will be of a disposition doubtfull , vnassured , vnresolued and without any true stomacke or valour ; parts especially required in a Souldier . This hath beene seene in those of the Ottomans which wanted the vertues of the three aboue named ; and amongst others Baiazet the second and Corcas his sonne can witnesse it . These indeed had in some measure the knowledge of good letters , but these performed no valiant act , because they had not hearts and courages borne to the wars . 13 Whence it followeth that the study of learning auaileth much to the forming of a wise and discreet Captaine , and to helpe him to attaine to the perfection worthy his name ; nature withall disposing him to valour and generositie . As for the priuat Souldier I hold that he needes not know more then to obey it , not being necessary he should be instructed in so excellent an vnderstanding of matters as the Commander , considering that humaine Sciences and the liberall arts in an vnsetled minde make it embrace ciuility , wantonnesse and ease in stead of trauell ; make vs loue quietnesse ; feare death , flie hunger and thirst , with other paines and periles of the wars : In sum , they imprint in a man rather a desire to husband his life then to lauish it for the glory and good of his country , and for his particular honour : which is more dangerous in a souldier then in a man of any other profession : for this reason such an one neede know no more then to obey , goe well armed , and valiantly defend himselfe against his enemy . CHAP. II. That he hath alwaies sought to make offensiue war. 1 Of offensiue and defensiue war. 2 The authors opinion thereof . 3 Others opinions . 4 Reasons in behalfe of the offensiue , and inconueniences of the defensiue war. 5 Commodities of the offensiue war. 6 Spoiles in our enemies or our owne countrie : their difference . 7 Machiauel confuted . 8 The chiefe cause of the Turkish greatnesse hath beene the Christians idlenesse . 9 The war vpon the Turke must be offensiue . 10 Examples of good successe in that kind . 1 IT is a doubt often disputed , and not yet resolued , whether it be better to assaile the enemy at his own home , or to attend till he assaile vs : The Lord of Langei , Machiauell , and others of our times haue discoursed heereof to the full . 2 For my part I am of opinion ( as also the worthiest captaines haue beene ) that it is alwaies better to assaile , then stay till we be assailed : Alexander the Great , Hannibal , Scipio , Caesar , and many other Romans serue to approue it ; and all these would haue laughed at such as should haue otherwise counselled them . 3 Yet some there are in our times which haue endeuored to proue the contrarie by demonstrations subtill enough ( but vnsound ) and to this very purpose of the Turke , to wit , that it were better to attend him then to seeke him out vpon his owne dunghill : These are counsailes more curious then well grounded , whereof consequently ensue few effects of moment : we may couple such men with those vaunting Ingenours or Artists , who discoursing vpon some worke of their inuention promise of it wondrous effects , and set foorth some simple module which serueth but for demonstration only ; but when it commeth ( as they say ) to the push , and that they must put their instrument to his true triall and vse , then is it that they are far to seeke , and that they confesse the difference betweene an essentiall effect and a superficiall flourish , such as their first module afforded . Iust in this manner these contemplatiue state-Philosophers will attend the Turke at their owne home , whom they dare scarce looke in the face neither in nor out of his country . 4 It is most certaine that hee which assaileth hath alwaies more resolution and courage then he that attendeth . For he hath already formed his determination and prouision when the other goeth by heeresaie and likelihoods : moreouer in assailing , the war is vndertaken with more aduantage , and commodity then otherwise it would be ; and he which mindeth to force a country or prouince may make his vse of all such aduantages and commodities as he findeth may serue his turne in the country he intendeth to conquer . As among others , if he haue set on foote some practise , or hatched some treason in the minds of two or three , such of the subiects of the prince he assaileth as he knoweth offended or malecontent . Or if he haue plotted some matter of purpose for an vniuersall rebellion . All which incountring with the dessignes of the supposed conquerour , he makes them serue his turne with more aduantage in going to seeke out the enemy ; then he should doe in staying for him at his owne home . By these meanes Charles the eight King of France found the way open to the conquest of Naples ; and Lewes the 12. possest himselfe of the estate of Milan : by the like occasion also the Empire of the Mamelucks subiected their neckes to the yoake of Selim the first . 5 But of all this we may collect a more sure proofe of my proposition then when the enemy is at our doores , and that the astonishment surpriseth vs , ouerthroweth and confoundeth all counsaile and courage ; at such a time vnexpected disorders hem vs in on euery side ; necessitie presseth vs ; all things become suspected and difficult , so as most commonly we know not to what Saint to recommend vs ; nor what course were best to be taken ; for since we must haue an eie , misdoubt , make prouisions in sundry places , bestowe garrisons where most need requireth ; we shall finde that applying remedies on the one side our affaires will grow desperate on the other . Moreouer by distributing garrisons in this sort , it must needs follow that we so much the more weaken the body of our armie , and that through this constraint we quit the field to the more strong ; which disaduantage commonly drawes with it the ruine of our whole estate . If contrariwise we will preserue all our forces in one bodie , we leaue to the assailer many passages and places where he may set downe and fortifie himselfe there to hold vs play and traine vs on at his pleasure ; but if it should so happen that the assailer were encountred by him which attendeth with equall force , with as braue a countenance , and like courage , the retraict and defence rest at his election , so he be a Captaine wise , and aduised , such as was Solyman when he marched into Hungarie , and when the Emperour Charles the 5. went couragiously to meet him . 6 And because the Disastrous chance of war may sometimes light vpon the assailer be he neuer so warie and valiant ; it is to be presupposed ( that being granted ) that he will sell his skin at so deare a rate , as the forces of the assailed shall remaine thereby so disordred , as he will not be able to offend the vanquished , or disturbe his affaires , notwithstanding that his countrey be farre distant from the countrey assailed : this may be seene by the example of the ouerthrow the French receiued , and the taking of their King prisoner before Pauye insomuch as that losse ( besides that of their Prince ) did not afford ought to the victorious whereby he might aduantage himselfe vpon the kingdome of France . Also it is much more easie to set a foote againe an armie discomfited , abroad then at home ; because if fortune haue shewed her selfe aduerse and our foe at our home , then is the time that such as are malecontents and mutinous lift vp their heades , and that our people stand amazed and for the most part vntractable . Then must we trauaile amaine to put our men in hart , then must we make much of those few good men , the remaines of a battell to bestowe in our Townes and trust them with the gouernment thereof . On the other side if these losses betide vs far from our home and in another country , the feare and the stonishment will be the lesse amongst our subiects , and they more pliable and forward to succour vs , were it but to keepe the danger aloofe from themselues . 7 Me thinkes Machiauel much abuseth himselfe when he so opiniatiuely mainteineth , that if the Romans had receiued out of Italy the blowes Hannibal gaue them by the ouerthrow of * three armies , that they had neuer beene able more to haue held vp their head or re-established their affaires as they did : Machiauel laieth this ground ; That they had neuer found meanes againe to set a foote so soone as they did the residue of their forces , had it beene out of Italy . Marke I praie how he erreth ; for it is well knowen that the ouerthrowes they had in their owne country made them lose , besides their souldiours , many good townes , and bred reuolt in their Colonies which followed the fortunes of the victorious , with diuers other accidents that shooke their estate ; all , which had not succeeded with such disaster if the losse had befell them far from Italy : for in this case both heart and meanes had serued them more abundantly then they did , to assemble new forces and as great as they had lost . It is also certaine that if Hannibal had knowen how to make good vse of his victory the Romans had beene vtterly ouerthrowen . It must needes be , that their meanes and power were very great , and that God had an especiall hand in their affaires , seeing that in such disorder they should recouer themselues ; & that with such corage , as they refused to serue their turns with those which had by flight escaped from their ouerthrows , neither made they any account of redeeming those which were taken prisoners , nay rather in stead of doing this they depriued some of them of all honour and confined others into Sicily . It seemeth to me that these reasons may serue to confute those of Machiauel , and that it is high time we returne to that principall point concerning the fortune of the Turke . 8 We will say then that the faint-hearted slacknesse of the Christians hath made way to the Turke for the inlarging of his limits , so as they abut almost of all sides vpon Europe , and hath beene a meanes that he can now not only attend the enemie ( as Machiauel saith ) but goe to rowse him at his owne home . It is the course he hath obserued and taken ; to ruine his neighbours round about him , and increase his power , which he hath so doone as he hath cleane bereaued vs of all stomacke to assaile him , yea or once to dare to attempt it . For though there be Princes enow which hold it necessary for the good of Christendome to set vpon him at his home , yet to this day we see none that will begin to strike the first stroake , or set first hand to the breaking of this ice . 9 But if euer God gaue vs the courage vertuously to attempt this enterprise in reuenge of the oppression and wrongs Christendome hath endured at his hands ; we must not thinke to vndertake it by other meanes then those he hath himselfe put in practise against vs , & that is to seeke him out at his owne home and nobly to embrace the dessignes himselfe hath obserued ; which doing , and hauing God to guide , we shall doubtlesse obtaine those victories of him which he hath had of vs. Admit he haue beene for a time our Schoole-master , and that we haue learned of him to our cost , it is now high time that wee shew how we haue profited by his instructions , and that we know how to put them in practise and pay the interests of our damages . 10 Now to make it appeere that it is not a matter of that difficultie and danger that some imagine , let vs note these examples which are in a maner familiar vnto vs. Had not Andrew Dorea the courage with a small number of ships to enter into Greece where he got Patras and Coron ? Don Iohn of Austria , did he not affoord a notable proofe hereof in the yeare 1571. when being Generall of the league , he sought the enemie out in the inmost parts of the Leuant where he gaue him battaile with that courage , that though he were inrferior to him in men & galleies , yet failed he not ( assisted by God ) to ouerthrow the most puissant & great armie that the Ottomans euer set foorth by sea against the Christians : There is nothing the Turke so much feareth , as to be set vpon by the Christians , both because he knowes they haue valor in them , as also for the iealousie he conceiueth of the great number of them vnder his obedience : All which would without question rise in armes if they might but once see the Christians Coulours flying , and so accompanied , as that they might to some purpose make head against the Ottamans . CHAP. III. That he hath made no account of Fortresses . 1 We must endeuour as well to keepe as conquer . 2 The reason and vse of Colonies amongst the ancient . 3 Their discommodities . 4 The causes of rebellions . 5 An other discommoditie of Colonies . 6 The Portugals manner of planting Colonies . 7 Their benefite . 8 Fortresses the second meanes of preseruing an estate . 9 Their vse and necessitie . 10 Machiauels vaine opinion confuted . 11 Forces euer in readinesse , the third meanes of preseruing an Estate . 12 Whether is better to maintaine Fortresses vpon the borders , or to haue an armie euer ready . 13 How the Turks cuntries liue in peace by means of the latter . 14 In keeping the second meanes , in getting the third is most approoued . 15 Whence the power of the Turke doth grow . 16 Wars abroad beget peace at home . 1 PRinces generally striue by all meanes to preserue not onely their own estates , but such prouinces also as they haue conquered ; obseruing what the time , the humour of the people , and their meanes will permit . But because each one takes a different course , and of this difference hapneth both good and euill , I iudge it necessarie to say somwhat thereof by way of discourse : I will spare to meddle with the forme each one keepeth in the politicke gouernment of his dominions or principalities ; and will draw my selfe within compasse of handling , in three seuerall points , all that may be said or alleaged vpon this subiect . First then we will speake of Colonies , next of Fortresses , and last of Armies , entertained for the defence of the countrey . 2 Colonies haue beene one of the meanes which the Ancients haue most ordinarily obserued ; and at this day they are practised to mainteine a subdued people vnder the obedience of a new soueraigntie . Such then as allowed of this manner of preseruing Estates , by way of Colonies bestowed the lands of those they had conquered vpon their naturall subiects , equally distributing them according to their merits ; supposing that in so doing , they should sowe the countrey conquered with new men , which might behaue themselues with a like deuotion and dutifull obseruance towards them , as vassals performe toward their Soueraigne . 3 The Grecians vsed them first ; and then the Romanes : but this manner of assurance is not so commendable , as many may suppose , insomuch as it draweth after it these two dangerous consequents . The first is , that when a Prince depriueth such of their goods as are naturall owners thereof , to bestow them vpon his owne subiects , it winneth him and his immortall hatred , accompanied with an euerlasting thirst of reuenge , and of regaining their libertie , for though such as are so despoiled of their goods be but few in number in regard of the Colony , yet it is to be imagined that they haue many kinsfolkes and friends interessed in their miseries , and that there need but three or foure men of resolution to draw all the rest to a mutinie and reuolt . If this be held a difficult matter , yet is it a thing naturall to become wise by anothers mishaps , and to feare and be prouident lest we fall into the like inconuenience as our neighbours . The apprehension of which calamitie makes vs ofttimes conceiue worse of the euill then it deserueth , especially when the actions of the conquering prince are grounded rather vpon force then reason , as ordinarily they are . 4 Most commonly the rebellions and insurrections of people and cities , happen not so much for the outrage done to a whole communaltie , as for the iniuries particularly receiued by some of those which haue reuolted : but howsoeuer , such wounds alwaies breed the vniuersall destruction of a common weale . To this purpose we may alledge the example of Roderick King of Spaine , who hauing rauished Cuba the daughter of Count Iulian , the indignity of the fact entred so far into the harts of al the Nobles of the country , as euery one took the wrong to be his , and hauing thereupon taken armes to aide the father in his reuenge , it grew to a worse matter ; for hereby they gaue the Moores entrance into the Estate who put to death their King : and were themselues beholders of the spoile of their country by persecuting vengeance vpon so infamous an act performed by the disordinat lust of him who ought to haue reproued and chastised it in others . 5 The other discommodity which they meete who will settle the establishment of their fortunes vpon the erections of Colonies is , that in succession of time those men so remoued from their owne country into another newly subdued , fashion themselues vnto the climat , humors , and complexions , and to the same minde of preseruing their estate , as those amongst whom they are sent to inhabit . And hauing thither transported their goods and begotten children , they thenceforth make more reckoning of the country whither they are come as Colonies , then of their naturall country whence they were displaced : like trees which planted in an other soile change much both of their nature and taste . This the more easily happeneth to Colonies by how much the more remote they are from their natiue place of abode . For proofe , finde we not that euen the neighbour Colonies of Italy during the time of the second Punicke war would not in any wise contribute to the necessities of Rome their originall mother ? 6 The Portugals obseruing these inconueniences haue to assure the Indies , practised a manner of Colonies much more sure , tolerable , and lesse enuied ; which is thus : They plant their Colonies not all at once , but few at a time by Carauans or companies according as neede requireth , to inhabite the countries by them newly discouered ; yet not throughly to people them , but after as they shall see they thriue , and so accordingly they by little and little replenish the Colonie . Goa is the best prouided of all they haue established , and there they contract alliances with the ancient inhabitants , and take and giue their daughters in mariages : by this meanes ( which is as I haue said the more plausible ) they liue free from violence , assured of the good wils of the first inhabitants who inrich themselues greatly by their trafficke and commodities . In this manner they multiply and are scarcely perceiued how , growing to such a multitude of people as they serue to inlarge and establish the name and gouernment of the Portugals . From yeare to yeare they ad to this increase which serueth them instead of a fortresse amongst such as they subdue , and in such prouinces as they will people and accustome to their fashions and rule . 7 Time and experience make it plainly appeare , that these formes of Colonies are more tollerable and sure then any heeretofore practised , for in these the naturall inhabitants are so farre from being thrust out of their houses , as on the contrarie , they are therein maintained and more confirmed in the peaceable inoying o● their goods . Moreouer the vnion and commixture of blood one with another softning their naturall roughnesse , retaineth and redoubleth the affection as well of the auncient inhabitants , as of those of the Colony . The Spaniards do the like in the West Indies that which I finde most notable heerein , is , that the one and the other rest not satisfied onely with establishing Colonies , but further they conuert and instruct the Indians in the Christian faith , to Gods glorie and theirs : It is that which the king of Spaine performeth and continueth by meanes of such religious orders as he hath planted among them : for not being able to store so many and so large countries as those are with naturall Spaniards and Portugals , they by this conuersion and Baptisme , make those people become Portugals and Spaniards . 8 Hauing discoursed of the forme of Colonies , and how the conquering Prince may profit himselfe by them , it is now time that we come to the second thing which may afford assurance to an estate . The meanes are many , but the Christians most vsually make choise of fortifications , as seeming to them most strong bridles to raine in and curbe both the auncient and newly subdued prouinces . There they appoint their Magazins for munition and other prouision for the wars ; there they bestow garisons of souldiers for their defence ; some places they fortifie vpon the frontiers , where they constitute for Gouernors and officers , creatures of their owne fashioning , the better to containe all vnder the obedience of the victorious . 9 Yet is it that which Machiauell reproueth and reiecteth as vnprofitable : but because they are reasons or opininions so weake as that like Spyders cobwebs , they are easily broken , I will not spend time farther to confute them ; onely I will say thus much , that Alfonso king of Naples , a most iudicious prince , whose authoritie should carrie credit , alwaies esteemed this practise of fortification most necessarie and profitable , especially in a countrey newly conquered , and not to leaue it open and consequently subiect to iniurie and reuolt . The proceedings in this kinde , of Francis Sforce duke of Milan , of the Emperor Charles the 5. and of so many other Princes and Captaines which haue woone reputation and renowne amongst men , are such as who well considereth them will laugh at the opinion of Machiauel . Without seeking any further , haue we not the French for example ? who made no account of erecting cittadels in the I le of Sicily : but after they had conquered it , they assoone lost it not without a most lamentable slaughter executed on them by the inhabitants ; but contrariwise deriuing their wisdome from their owne miserie , after they once tooke in hand to make fortresses in sundry places of Italy , there was no meanes but by peace to dislodge them . The Mamelucks who were in the same error of not trusting to Fortresses , found themselues in lesse then two daies depriued by Selim of the most part of their liues , estate , and powers . The Spaniard imbracing the indifferency of this opinion , and desirous to gratifie the Flemings whom they thought to appease by this moderation , returned into their hands the strong holdes of their Prouinces : which they had no sooner done , but they were neere-hand expelled the Low-countries . 10 And though all these examples are but too sufficient to confute the opinion of Machiauel , yet will I bring him once more vpon the stage , and sift him a little better : See heere the substance of what he saith : Either thou art able ( saith he ) to bring sufficient store of men into the field ( in which case fortresses are not any waies necessarie ) or thou hast not meanes to leauie such forces as are requisite to defend and warrant thy estate , and then they are vnprofitable . Marke , I praie , the wrong course he taketh , walking as he doth in extreames , without keeping the meane , most necessarie in these propositions : to say the truth , he is much mistaken ; since this matter as others , should be distinguished by the portions and qualities thereof , the better and more easily to vnderstand it . In my opinion then ( which I deliuer not to exclude others ) we must say thus : Either a Prince hath meanes to leuie men out of hand by an ordinarie continuance of armes , or else he must haue time to doe it , be it either by leuying a sufficient number of his subiects trained vp to armes , and by the assistance of friends and associats , or of neighbours , which in regard of their particular interest , will willingly ioyne with him , that he may protect them from the same iniurie he may himselfe receiue . In these two first cases , Fortresses would prooue more profitable then necessarie : or else a Prince is of that power as he is able at once to assemble so manie men as he will keepe or winne the field from the enemie , or will be able , at least , commodiously to succour the place besieged . In these two respects , Cittadels are necessarie though not much profitable , because they by their constant defence , stoppe and intertaine the enemie , affoord by such temporising , meanes and leasure to order matters ; for ( as the Venetians say ) Chi ha tempo , ha vita , who hath time , hath life . 11 The third meanes for a Prince to preserue his estate , is that which those allow of , who not trusting to Fortresses , and making no account of Colonies , doe ordinarily intertaine strong companies of horse and foote , and in such numbers , as they may alwaies containe their subiects in naturall obedience , hinder rebellions , and which most importeth , repell , and oppose the enemy , and as occasion requireth , visit him at his owne home . In time passed the Mamelucks practised this forme of gouernment ; and the Turkes at this day obserue it in all points . The Visconti sometime Lords of Milan , vsed this forme of preseruing their estates , and amongst others Azzo-Visconti ordinarily gaue intertainment ( yea euen in time of peace ) to 22000. horse , and they did him no small seruice . 12 A man may yet put one doubt more of this matter , the resolution whereof shall fit very well for the course and concluding of the discourse . That is , which is best either to erect Cittadels or alwaies to maintaine a great army . Experience ( our common Mistres ) teacheth vs that for the conseruation of great Princes estate sortresses are the best ; because they doe not so much incumber nor dislike the subiect as doth an army , whose troupes dispersed in diuers parts of the country waste and disorder all : on the other side souldiours shut vp in a fortresse are not so insolent and licentious as those commonly are which keepe the field , yea and that oft-times with more hauocke then if the enemy himselfe had ransaked and ouerrun it . The liberty which armies dispersed thorowout an estate challenge and assume to themselues , is such as makes them forget all policy and military discipline : the example of the Milanois heerein will not be beside the purpose . They neuer complained of the Garrison of the Castle , but when it came to that that Lewes the 12. would haue lodged his horse within the towne they presently reuolted ; whereupon ensued the losse of the estate . What was it that wrought the reuolt of the Flemings ? was it not the obstinate mutining of only 1500. Spaniards , who crying after their paie ouerran and made spoile of all the country ? The selfe same Spanish nation disquieted the Estate of Milan vnder the Marques of Guasto and the I le of Sicily vnder Ferdinand Gonzaga . The Sorians and the Egyptians no sooner saw Selims standards displaced but they rebelled against the Mamelucks , whose armies had maruellously oppressed them , they hauing beene constrained to maintaine them at their owne charges . 13 Whereto I know may be replied , that the Turke neuerthelesse peaceably holdeth his estate after the same manner we speake of , his forces being euermore on foote and in a readinesse : it is true , and so is it that to cleere this , two principall reasons may be alledged . The one that he hath depriued such his subiects as are Christians and of a different law , of all vse of armes ; and that he hath brought them to this passe that they cannot vant to hold any thing in propriety : which was not practised towards the aboue mentioned ; moreouer all assemblies vpon whatsoeuer cause are expresly forbidden them : he keeps them vnder and makes no more reckning of them then of sheepe pend vp in a fould vsing them like brute beasts , not once vouchsafing to imploy them in the wars . The other reason is that they haue no power of themselues to oppose the Turkes so mighty forces ; and ( which is worst of all ) they neuer haue had any forraine succour to incourage them to such an enterprise . 14 I will forbeare to diue any deeper into this subiect ; me thinkes we may see sufficiently by this how much more supportable are Cittadels , then armies ordinarily intertained . But if we speake of conquering , I allow that armies are more to be preferred before fortresses , considering that we thereby inioy meanes to embrace all occasions offered , and at an instant to execute both the will and designe of a Prince so prouided . 15. To say the truth it is that which the Ottamans haue practised , to aduance their Empire to such greatnesse as at this day we see it ; it is that which hath heaped on them the honors of so many victories , and which hath endowed them with authoritie , reputation and meanes . They haue alwaies had ( as they yet haue ) their armies in a readinesse , and haue fought with their neighbours in a manner with as much aduantage as a man armed against one that is naked . 16 Some I know will maruell how such a number of people so armed , can containe themselues from reuolting . I am of opinion , that if they were not ordinarily imploied as they are , in attempts of warre , that in the end their multitudes growen ranke with quiet , would easily be drawen to rebellion or mutinies ; which the souldiers of Alexander the Great can witnesse , for whilest the enemy kept them in doings , who were then they more hardy and valerous ? but after their victories , who more insolent and vnsufferable ? The Roman armies , how fortunate were they whilest they had continuall warre , atchieuing all their interprises in a manner as they could wish ? but after their conquest they became so turbulent and vnquiet , as they assumed to themselues the authoritie of creating Emperors , and for the most part so licentiously , as euery armie made his particular choise , so as there was no remedie but to trie by fight who should carie it ; which occasioned the ouerthrow of the state . The French , haue they not euermore faithfully serued their king against strangers ? but so soone as they had peace with the English , and after with the Spaniard , they filled euery corner of their country with sedition , sackings , cruelties , and slaughters ; and that with such obstinate persisting , as the contagion thereof hath not beene able for 25. yeeres space to be remooued . But that which is most to be lamented , is the scandall they haue brought vpon the church . This selfe thing may be appropriated to the Flemings , and the cause may be imputed to idlenesse , and the exceeding plentie wherein they liued . The example of Bajazet the second shall serue to close vp this discourse , for he being giuen ouer to his ease ; the soldiours , who could not brooke such idlenesse , so awaked the courage of his two sonnes , Selim and Acomath , as all the forces of the Empire ( which had established the Turkish scepter ) were diuided into two , and it lacked not much of being vtterly ouerthrowne , euery one for his part seconding the rebellions of the sonnes against the father . CHAP. IIII. That he hath trained vp his soldiours to valour and hardinesse . 1 Why the armies of these daies consist not of so good souldiers as in former times . 2 Principall causes of victories . 3 What care is to be had in leuying of good souldiers : and this to be wrought by a fourefould meanes . 4 By election . 5 Exercise . 6 Honors and profit . 7 The Turkes proceeding heerein . 1 IT is seldome seene that the armies of these times consist of good souldiours , for the more we vary from the course our forefathers tooke to bring them to perfection , by so much the more are we depriued of that happinesse which were to be desired and seriously sought after by Princes , and those which as Commanders would reape honor and profite by the wars . 2 Victory ( which dependeth of the diuine will ) deriueth her successe and principall ground from the multitude of men , but especially from the wisdome of the Commanders and from the valour and generositie of the Souldiour . 3 It is requisite then that we looke more narrowlie then we doe vnto their choice , and that they be such as we may honour and profit our selues by them : now we must deliuer how we may light vpon , or make good and hardy souldiours , which is doone in my opinion by a foure fold meanes , by election , exercise , honor , and profit . 4 By election , because all those which we leuie for the wars haue not that naturall inclination to valour and courage , nor a constitution of bodie fit to indure the trauailes and dangers incident thereunto . Moreouer a gallant fashion and spirite are not found in euery one , much lesse a resolution to attend , defie , and assaile the enemy ; also euery mans hart will not serue him to enter the trenches , throw himselfe desperatly into the dike , scall the wals , offer himselfe valiantly , to make good a breach in despite of the Cannon , of stones , of wilde-fire , and of death it selfe : Their complexions perhaps will not brooke that they should spend the whole day in continuall turmoiles without eating , and the night without rest , so as where some make account that Antwerpe is able to make 30000. men , Venice 40000. Gant 60000. Paris 100000. all fit and able to beare armes , me thinkes they should be vnderstood that they are such as haue the age required , but not the disposition proper to such a profession . For proofe hereof haue we not of late seene that the Prince of Parma hath ranged vnder the obedience of the King of Spaine euen with small forces those of Gant & Antwerp which had formerly together with those of the low countries rebelled against their Soueraigne ? The Romans held in such esteeme this manner of making choise of their Souldiours as when they would expresse a leuy of men they termed it Delectum agere vel habere to make a choise . In our times no man hath beene more carefull and circumspect in the choise of his souldiours ( at the least of the Captaines of Italy ) then Cosmo de Medici Duke of Florence ; and indeede he was prouided of the best and most approued souldiours of his time . 5 To election we are to adde exercise , without the which there is no forwardnesse or constitution of body be it neuer so strong , able to attaine to the perfection requisite to execute and accomplish , as appertaineth to a good , braue , and noble souldiour . 6 But if the Generall be so wise as to ioine to exercise profit and honor , then is it that there is no danger or difficulty be it neuer so great which his souldiours will not ouercome ; no incounter which they will not force ; no enterprise which they will not happily compasse . As for a Prince there is no mony better bestowed then that wherewith his Captaines whet and intertaine the courage of the Souldiour . This was the cause why the Romans beside the ordinarie pay of their armies , ordained crownes for them which had in the wars saued the life of a citizen , first entred the breach , or boorded a ship : these were termed Coronae Ciuicae , Murales , & Nauales . 7 The Turkes , to our confusion , are not inserior to the Romans , be it either for the choice they make of their souldiours , or for rewarding them . For they chuse from among the nations vnder their obedience , the most warlike , and take of them but the flower and such as are most proper for the wars , sparing not afterwards to recompence them at the full . It is a thing incredible with what continuall excercise they inure their souldiours , in so much that euen from the cradle ( if a man may so say ) they traine them vp vnto the wars . The intertainment the Turke giueth them is sufficient ; but as for the rewards , honours , and commodities he shareth among them , it is hardly to be expressed : There is not any Prince at this day liuing that may in this regard bee compared to him ; and which is more , the meanest of his souldiers vpon his vertuous behauiour in armes is capable of attaining to the most eminent charges and dignities of his estate , and of inriching himselfe with inestimable treasure . To confirme this , the goods which Meehmet Bassa left behinde him , ( who of a Christian Apostate aspired to that greatnesse ) were valued at two Millians of Crownes . In a word they are sure that rewarde waiteth alwaies vpon valour . Moreouer the prowesse of the priuate souldiours cannot be smothered amongst them , it is rather immediatly discouered and notice taken thereof . Of all the Ottoman Princes Mahomet the second was the most bountifull , for he gaue beyond measure , so as sometime he increased the souldiours pay a thousand fould . Selim the first did the like ; and it is worth the noting , that as those two surpassed the residue in liberality , so did they in honourable and triumphant victory . CHAP. V. That he hath maintained his Souldiers in military Discipline . 1 A very great army may be easily ouerthrowne by a meane army . 2 The cause hereof , and benefit of the latter . 3 Care is to be had that an army be not ouercharged with baggage . 4 A Generall-with more ease may command a meane , then too great an army . 5 Souldiers are animated by the perswasion and presents of their chiefe commander . 6 They are in seruice to be well acquainted with one an other . 7 The incumbrance of huge and ouer great Armies . 8 How it commeth to passe that the Turkes so great numbers of men proue victorious . 9 Defects in Christian armies . 10 Obedience of the Turkes . 11 Battailes lost through disobedience of the Souldiours . 12 The military discipline of the Turkes notable . 1 THe happy successe of battailes by those of ancient times with such wisdome atchiued , makes it most apparent vnto vs that most commonly the meane armies haue ouercome the great . Alexander the Great , diuers Grecian Captaines , amongst others Miltiades and Themistocles , and among the Romans Lucullus , Scylla , Pompey and Caesar alwaies assailed and vanquished the barbarous people rather with vnequall then equall numbers , if we respect the multitude ; but they went far beyond them if we consider their militarie vertue . In these latter times the Commanders of the Emperour Charles the 5. and of King Philip his sonne haue likewise gained the victory of many armies greater then this . 2 To such as demaund the reason of it , I wil answere that it was because the principall strength and sinew of an army consisteth , in affection , in military Discipline , and in a well disposed order in the day of battell : without which parts an army is as fraile as glasse . A few may be more easily and orderly ranged then many . Vertue vnited is alwaies more powerfull then separated and disiointed . Hence is it that bodies of an indifferent stature are for the most part more vigorous then such as are ouer great and huge , which the Poet ( speaking of Fidaeus ) expresly signifieth in these words . Maior in exiguo regnabat corpore virtus . Great vertue in a little body raignd . And Virgil alluding to the Bees saith , Ingentes animi angusto in corpore versantur . In slender bodies they haue mighty mindes : questionlesse a meane army must needes be more stable and vnited then a great , because multitude is naturally accompanied with confusion , commonly waited vpon by disorder . 3 Moreouer , it is a thing of high consideration to be able to take such order that a campe be not incombred with baggage : rather that it be free and manageable , so as it may be euery where commodiously cōducted , ranged and euer in a readinesse to gaine and make good dangerous & difficult straites and passages ; that it be not tired and discouraged for the long marches it must often vndertake ; that it doe not faint for such accidents as diuersly chance , nor for any exploits or executions which present themselues vnexpected . All which a meane campe will be more proper to performe then a great : for it shall not neede so great a quantity of victuals , nor so great an incombrance of baggage or cariage as the other . 4 Moreouer seeing it is more profitable and necessary that an army be conducted & gouerned by one only Generall ; and that it depend of no other then him ; It will be more easily effected in a meane then a great army , especially compounded of diuers nations . And this dependance shall be better ordered if the Generall can content himselfe with small store of luggage and that well trussed vp . The multitude of meane causes slacketh alwaies the course of the efficient , and keepeth backe the fruite thereof . A little army hath not neede of so much luggage as a great . 5 And it is much better that the Captaine himselfe know his souldiours and they him ; then to rely vpon the credit and report of such as are vnder his charge ; for the souldiour that shall heare himselfe named by his Captaine aduanceth himselfe so much the more , and becommeth more desirous of honor . Whereas if he see himselfe forgotten and vntespected of him which commandeth , he groweth distasted and out of heart , and almost carelesse how matters haue their procedings . Who doubteth that the presence of the Captaine or Generall of an army doth not serue as a motiue to the souldiour to make him diligently preserue his reputation , and to shunne the reproch of cowardise ? which he will not so carefully performe , if he finde himselfe out of the presence of his Commander , or that his Commander make as if he did not see him . 6 It is good also that the souldiers frequent brotherly together , for that assureth them more , and maketh them trust to one anothers assistance in time of the most crosse fortunes . All these parts incounter and are intertained more easily in a meane , then in a great armie . 7 Which is often attended vpon by more inconuenienences then the other , as by famine , plagues , contagious mutinies and dissentions . There is yet another dangerous inconuenience which is most vsually the companion of a multitude ; that is , that they forme to themselues a confidence of their owne forces greater then they ought : of this confidence followeth a contempt of the aduerse power , of this contempt a presumption , author of infinite mischiefes . 8 But how happeneth it then ( will some say ) that the Turkes haue euery where gained the victorie by multitude ? Would you know how ? Because they haue betimes trained vp and instructed their great armies , to keepe so good an order , as well in execution , iudgement , military discipline , readinesse , as disposition to armes , that they are become as tractable , and easie to manage as ours though meane and few in number . 9 On the other side we haue suffered our armies to slide into such insolencie and libertie , as we can hardly rule and conduct them without so many dangers , confusions and luggage , as it were enough to trouble Captaines of great policie and experience ; and to say the trueth , see wee not that the Turke more easily furnisheth an hundred thousand men with vittailes , then we fiftie thousand ? for besides that his souldiers make not , as ours , any account of the diuersitie of vittailes , of delicacie or of toothsome morsels , they drinke no Wine nor Beere , which importeth the consideration of almost the one halfe of our munition and charge . 10 What need I speake of obedience , nurse of the order obserued amongst them ? since it was neuer seene that the Turkes euer lost battaile through disorder , much lesse left off pursuing any attempt for their souldiers mutinies . 11 Whereas almost all the battailes we haue bid them , had not beene lost , but by the meere disorder and disobedience of our men . Whereto may we impute the miserable losse of Nicapolie , but to the disordinate rashnesse of the French , who serued at that time in the armie ? Sigismond king of Bohemia ( afterward Emperour ) seeing that contrary to his will and commandement they aduanced themselues as couragiously as vnaduisedly . What shall we speake of the ouerthrowe of the same Sigismond which hapned some few yeeres after ? came it not to passe by meanes of the disordering of his infantery ? which being not yet fully set in battaile array were couered with a cloud of arrowes , let flie by the enemy so to the purpose as they were all hewen in peeces euen vnder the noses of his horse ; which seeing themselues destitute of foote were strooke with such a feare as they betooke themselues to flight not without the losse of many good souldiours and worthy Captaines , all to the shame and confusion of the Christians . Ladislaus King of Polonia , was he not ouercome at Varna through the disorders of the Bishops of Strigonia and Varadin ? who to the end to chace inconsideratly the enemy , shaken and flying in one part of his army , forsooke their rankes to pursue them , so making way for them : who laying hold on the occasion came with the rest of their army to charge them there where they lay most open , in such sort as they wan the victory most miserably slaughtering the Christians . At Buda , at Exechium , at Gerba , and in sundry other places where we haue bene ouercome , it proceeded rather of our disorders then of the Turkish forces . 12 So as we must acknowledge that the Turke excelleth vs both in number of good Souldiours and in all other military discipline : He is followed with such numbers of men as it seemeth he relieth wholy on their multitude , but it is in so good a manner as if he respected nought but order & military discipline , parts ( to our dishonor ) far from vs. CHAP. VI. That he hath made no reckning of other forces then his owne . 1 The wars are to be maintained by our owne strength , neither must we rely vpon forraine powers . 2 The good and ill that resulteth of both these . 3 Conditions of confederate forces . 4 Other inconueniences which arise from assistance of forraine powers . 5 Examples of Leagues against the Turkes . 6 Their defects , hindrances of their successe . 7 The Turkes not accustomed to make Leagues with any , but vsing their owne forces , haue ouerthrowne many armies confederates . 8 With whom they might well haue ioyned in league to their aduantage . 1 ALl high enterprises either for preseruation of an estate , or for denouncing of warre , haue beene ill plotted and as ill caried when they haue relied vpon the assistance and fauour of a third power , and not of our owne ; seeing that from hopes and proiects so ill grounded we neuer come to inioy the fruits which such a succour , the desseigne of him that enterpriseth , & his extraordinary preparation promised vs ; rather they are infallibly attended on by some lamentable accident which vtterly ouerthroweth them . 2 Since oftentimes it falleth out that the expectation of such succour promised , serueth rather to slacke the course of our endeauours , and lessen the preparation of the enterprise , then otherwise to forward or better them ; were it not for the confidence of such succour he that attempteth would prepare his forces proportionable to his proiect , and not trust to outward helpes either of friend or confederat . Who doubteth , when we so repose our selues vpon an others forces , and that he is at charge for our loues sake , that he doth not make vs more backward to prouide and disburse of oure owne store ? But this is not all : the worst is , that while we thus expect , time wasteth vnprofitably , and occasion ( which once escaped cannot be laid hold on ) is let slip and lost without recouery : for whilst we so attend our assistants our practises are discouered . 3 And who will beleeue that a friend or associat will embrace the desseign of him he assisteth , or wish his good fortune with such harty affection , as he wil not be ready vpon the least occasion he shall desire to finde , to leaue him in the lurch ? And without question this occasion will offer it selfe at any time whensoeuer he hath a purpose to dissolue the league and couenants agreed vpon betweene them ; especially if he be the stronger and more mighty , and finde not himselfe interessed in the successe of the enterprise , for which he tooke armes and became confederate . 4 We may also adde another defect and imperfection ; & that is , if the succour we attend be to be assembled from diuers places , or , that the windes ( if it be by sea ) or some vnlooked for accident ( if by land ) hinder by so many meanes the preparations for the war and intended voiage , as that the season fit for execution escapeth him that enterpriseth ; so as before he begin to march or set forward to the Rendeuous his opportunities of attempting or atchieuing any memorable act , vtterly faile him in a matter which he had before discreetely enough plotted and disposed : moreouer he cannot beare swaie as master of the confederate forces , insomuch as he which sendeth succours may vnderhand deliuer to his Commanders memorials and instructions more strict and limited , then the necessitie of the vndertaken affaire would permit . Also the least distaste either of the Prince which assisteth , or of the Captaine which conducteth such succours , serueth oft-times to dismisse the promised forces , deceiue the others expectation , and bring all he vndertaketh to nothing : So as he remaineth not onely more weake by this disappointment , but his owne forces also become vnprofitable , and consequently himselfe exposed to all wrong and ruine : for as if one only wheele of a clocke be out of temper , it sufficeth to disorder the whole motion ; so where the vndertaker faileth but of one part of his promised troupes , the effects , which in part depend thereon , likewise faile , and the course of his warlike designes remaine crossed and peruerted . I will not forget also to say that a campe consisting of such borrowed peeces , hath necessarily need of many heads to command it , and an armie compounded of so manie heads ( because of the diuersity of opinions and affections ) will most commonly haue the woorse when it commeth to handie blowes . 5 We may illustrate these discommodities with examples that touch vs neere , and are familiar vnto vs , and were not long since practised ; for this cause I will more willingly , then otherwise I would , heere produce them . In our time we haue seene two most memorable leagues between the Pope , the king of Spaine , and the Venetians , consenting and vnited to vndertake one warre against the Turke : the one was vnder Pope Paul the third , and the other in the life time of Pius Quintus . The first was caried with an excessiue charge , yet without any effect woorthy so great an assembly : The cause in my opinion proceeded of the difficulty that was found to ioyn in one body the confederat forces , and draw them together at the Rendeuous in due season : for they met not till the end of September . Although an other inconuenience may be alledged to this purpose , which ouerthrew , the good successe of such a holy and Christian attempt ; yet it may appeere that to auoide the shame and dishonour that followed thereof , it had beene easie to haue performed somewhat of more memorable consequence , then was the taking of Castle-nouo , if we had knowen how to husband the times and occasions fit for the imployment of so combined a power . Concerning the second , which was ( as I said ) in the time of Pius Quintus , the army of the Venetians , very gallant and strong , spent all the sommer in attending the Galleis of Spaine which were to conuoy succours into the I le of Cypres then attempted by the Turke ; so as this slacknesse of assembling the Galleyes was a cause that the army became almost quite vnfurnished of good souldiours drawen together to their great costs by reason of the plague which had made a most pitifull hauocke amonge them . Notwithstanding all this they forbeare not to make towards Cypres so late , as by the way they receiued the newes of the lamentable taking of Nicosia : Which made them imagine that the Turkes had , vpon that commodity , most strongly manned their Galleys ( as it was likely enough ) with land Souldiours , and that therefore there was more appearance of danger thē of good successe in assailing them : vpon which consideration they held it best to turne their course homeward and refer that businesse to an other time ; hauing then thus dishonorably behaued themselues : returning they incountred so many misfortunes , as well weather beaten by reason of the Winter then approching , they at length arriued at their home sorely brused and spoiled . The yeare following the army of the consederats met , notwithstanding all this very late , yet vndertooke they to incounter the enemy , of whome they got that so renowned victory in the yeare 1571. if God had permitted vs to reape thereby those worthy fruits that we had reason to expect . Now for all this Cypres was not recouered but remained to the infidell as the reward and wages of his valour . The third yeare of the league the king of Spaine , in stead of pursuing his enterprise against the Turke as he had determined , caused Don Iohn of Austria Admirall of his fleete to stay at Messina , because he then doubted that the French would assaile Flanders , with such forces as they had that yeare rather suffered to take breath then wholy cased and dismissed : So as the whole season was spent vnprofitably without attempting ought worthy such preparation , as the confederates had in due time set forth . This was an occasion of excessiue charge , and that the armies did not once stirre till it was too late , attending what their neighbours would do , who , as I haue said , seemed to threaten the King of Spaine with some attempt vpon his country of Flanders . In the meane time the Venetians , tired with the charge and trouble they were at to no purpose , treated a peace with the Turke . 6 Who will make any question now ( those things well weighed and considered ) that if the leagues ( both the first and second ) had beene well caried without these crossings , iealousies and suspitions which accompanied them , ( though vainly and vpon no ground ) but that they would haue brought foorth some woorthie and honorable fruite , to the glory and honour of God , the peace of his church , the encrease and establishment of the Christian common-wealth ? This may be enough to prooue that forces compounded of diuers nations , depending of many and different heads , are in marching more slowe , and at a time of need lesse effectuall then others . It may appeere to some that I heereby inferre , that leagues betweene Princes are vnprofitable , and therefore not to be made : so farre is it from me to maintaine that opinion , as I rather willingly embrace the contrarie : but I reserue a time to handle how and in what manner it would be good to make such a league , ( especially against the Turke ) when I shall arriue at the place appointed for this purpose , to the end I may discourse of it at full . Now let vs returne to the argument of discourse in handling . 7 The Ottomans neuer made league , either offensiue or defensiue with any : and neuer had helpe of strangers : on the contrarie , they haue alwaies had to doe with armies compounded of different nations confederate , and conducted by sundrie Commanders , all which ( as ill vnited , not vnderstanding one another ) they haue euermore vanquished . Moreouer we haue ordinarily seene them more forward and deliuer about their enterprises being alone , then accompanied ; and consequently more vnited in their force , more nimble in execution , and ( it must needes follow ) more renowned and fortunately victorious . 8 Yet they had no lacke of whom where with to practise their associations ( if they had approoued them as good & necessarie ) as among other with the Soldan of Caito , with the kings of Carmania and of Persia , and with many other great princes al of their owne sect and religion , who would not ( as it is to be supposed ) haue set light by their league and amitie ; especially then when they saw them so increase in power and greatnesse . But they haue euer made verie slender account of such practizes and confederacies , esteeming them vnprofitable for him , who of himselfe hath a high courage , and forces answerable wherewithal to goe thorough with a conquest , which they iudge will admit no sharing or diuision , since the ambition of rule striues to be alone and brookes no fellowship , no not betweene brothers ; as little betweene father and sonne . It is true , the Turkes haue sometime taken to their seruice some few troopes of Allarbs paied as mercenaries , in like manner as now a daies the French entertaine the Switzers and other forreigne nations ; but they neuer termed them , as they now vse , Confederates or Associates , titles inuented purposely to giue colour and applause to such leuies . CHAP. VII . That he hath to power ioyned cunning and deceit . 1 Machiauels peruerse opinion of not obseruing faith , reiected . 2 The ground of a Princes authoritie and estimation laide by the obseruation of his faith . 3 Confutation of Machiauels opinion . 4 Breach of faith a heinous crime . 5 Other mischiefes that spring out of Machiauels position . 6 To obserue faith is godly , honest , and profitable . 7 What we are to conceiue of the Turkes falshood and periury : MAchiauel amongst other vertues wherewith hee would adorne his imagined Prince , woonderfully commendeth disloyaltie in a great person , affirming that he ought not to make reckoning to obserue his treaties of peace or ought else he vndertaketh , at the least when his game is faire : and that he may at such a time without scruple of conscience , or other honest respect , violate his faith , breake the lawes of nations , and his oath . A thing questionlesse vnbefitting a magnanimous spirit , and which ought neuer to haue place among the actions of a Christian Prince , to the end he may not by so foule and dishonest a staine disgrace the residue of his vertuous operations . This makes me esteem this axiom so lewd and detestable , that we should blush , so much as to imagine it , much lesse to propound it as a precept for Princes ; who are not to professe other then Iustice and generositie . It is good for none but those whose case is desperate , and who respect not that their posteritie condemne them for men of foule and cauterized soules . 2 To say the trueth , no man can with reason gainsay , renowne and a good reputation , as well at home as abroad , to be the most firme foundation of all principalitie . And what reputation can a Prince haue either among his owne people or strangers , if he be noted for a disloyall , vnfaithfull , and periurde person , one that stands neither to his word nor agreement ? 3 Machiauel to conceale the fault he not ignorantly committeth , saith , that this is sometimes most requisite for the good of Princes affaires , since occasion once passed is irrecouerable . What more meere folly could he discouer to his confusion , then in thus concluding , that a Prince is not to regard the bond of his faith , if the good of his estate present an occasion to violate it ? Truely none at all : neither were it necessarie according to Gods lawes , or the carriage of humane affaires , that Christian Princes were of that minde ; for it would prooue the direct course neuer to see but fire and sword amongst vs. 4 Such as are good detest these opinions , as did heretofore Frances the first ; who professing faith and honour , reiected such counsaile when the Emperour Charles the 5. about the establishment of the affaires of Flanders , passed thorow France , and vpon the Kings word , crossing his country came to Paris . That word this Noble Prince preferred before the greatest good that could betide his estate , if he would haue retained the Emperour , and constrained him to forgoe the places and estates he held in Lombardy and Italy , whereto the King pretended a right , which he often vnprofitably disputed , as did also Henry the second . 5 By the same reason a man may also say that sometimes it is well done to ransacke Churches , robbe Altars , oppresse innocents , and succour the wicked : for there is not any vice so detestable , or crime so hainous that sometime carrieth not with it a shew and colour of good , and proueth not profitable to him which in due season performeth it ; were it for nought else but because he attaineth the effects of his corrupt will. If that were not , should wee haue so many murtherers , falsifiers , sacrilegious persons and men giuen ouer to all reprochfull vices ? if thereby they did not reape some temporall commodity ? 6 I will yet adde further , and maintaine it to the end , that for a man to keepe his promised faith , and be so accounted of by the world , is a worke of God and without comparison much better then to violate it and embrace such a damnable opinion as that of Machiauel , yea though the profit were immediat and such as might afford wherewithall to ballance his breach of faith and promise : Not to keepe touch with one is enough to incurre the suspition and ill conceit of all ; neither is there any which will not thinke he doth God good seruice in performing the like towards all such Princes as shall take such courses ; which will yet farther administer matter for an other repentance , to see that when they shall tell or meane truth no man will beleeue or trust them . I could illustrate this proposition with infinite examples but I will content my selfe with that one of Duke Valentine sonne of Pope Alexander the 6. cited by Machiauel , as a perfect Captaine ; who without respect of truth , his oath , reuerence of religion , or honour , which is so charily to be preserued amongst men ordinarily , abandoned himselfe to all disloialty , breach of faith , and whatsoeuer other wicked and traiterous courses ; so they caried with them some shew of present commodity . This man during the life of his father went thorow with certaine his designes , borne out rather by the Popes authority then any fortunate successe of his mischieuous attempts . After the death of his father it was quickly seene how smally durable are all such estates as are founded vpon deceit . For he found himselfe immediatly forsaken of his friends and pursued by his enimies ; so as more liuely to expresse what he came to , after he had most maliciously hatched & atchiued so high enterprises , he serued ( as they say ) but for a cipher , and was as one that had no being , leauing nought behind him but only the footsteps and a cursed memory of his wickednesse , which made his life and name infamous to all posterity . 7 Some one will tell me that the Turkes haue done the like , and haue vsed all sortes of cunning , deceit and trechery , towards their neighbours , and that neuerthelesse they haue thriued by it . It is true , but the causes are different , and yet we see that the most disloiall amongst them were not the most assured in the forces of their trecheries . Amurath the second , Mahymeth the second , Baiazeth the second , Selim the second , were held the most subtile Princes of their race ; but we must grant that if those their wicked procedings thriued for a time , it was more through the coldnesse and dissentions of the Christians when they should haue reuenged and repelled their iniuries , then that we should therefore beleeue that it is well done to proue periured and disloiall . Amurath the second made proofe of it to his cost , and hauing receiued an ouerthrow at the handes of Ladislaus King of Polonia , he speedily made peace with him and turned his forces against Caramania , where whilest he was busied , Ladislaus iudging ( so perswaded and backt by Pope Eugenius ) that hee should not doe amisse to falsifie his faith with a Barbarous Turke of so insolent a nature , and so capital an enimie of Christendome as all breach of peace might seeme as a true performance thereof ; resolued to make war vpon him on the sodaine , which proued so dangerous as Amurath was neere tumbling from the top of an high and glorious fortune to the lowest degree of misery ; so as his estate was neuer more shaken and endangered ; if the Christian army ( which followed their victory ) had not , as I haue said , disordered thēselues : Whereupon the glory and triumph fell to the Infidels to the great misery and confusion of the Christians . Selim the second , hauing vnlooked for , attempted vpon the Venetians to the preiudice of his vowed faith pulled vpon his necke the forces of the league , & had too late repented himselfe if God in regard of our sinnes had not in such sort sealed vp the eies of the Christians as they could not see nor make their benefit of the gate his diuine Maiesty had set open to a more high enterprise then the losse they receiued at Lepanto . Soliman that was held the most wise Prince of all the Ottomans ( if wisdome be able to shine where there is no light of true faith and Christian beleefe ) hauing vnderstood at such time as he caused his army by Sea to fall downe towards Ottranto the yeare 1537. that Mercurin de Gatinaro and the Citizens of Castro were made prisoners after they had surrendred the place contrary to promise , hee foorthwith commanded that they should be released , saying that disloialtie to violate their faith and word once passed , was not the meanes to win the hearts and likings of strange nations . CHAP. VIII . That he hath beene alwaies serued in his wars by good and valiant Captaines . 1 Whether an experienced Commander and rawe Souldiers : or experienced Souldiers and an vnskilfull Commander be the better . 2 The first best allowed and the reasons . 3 Examples heereof . 1 IT is ordinarily disputed amongst Souldiers and martiall men , which is the better , a good Captaine emploied about the conducting of an armie consisting of raw Souldiers , or an armie of old Souldiers committed to the command of a raw and vnexperienced Captaine . 2 As for me ( if my opinion may carie credit amongst so many , sufficient to decide this question ) I hold it better that a worthy and valiant Captaine should haue the charge of an armie of vntrained men without experience , then that an armie of old Souldiers trained and beaten to the wars , should be recommended to a Captaine , yet a nouice and vnskild in the profession of armes . The reasons proper for the maintaining of this proposition are so plaine to such as without being obstinate or passionate , in behalfe of either party , will entertaine them , as they are not to be gainsaid : for is it not much more fit and easie that a good Captaine make and fashion a campe of rawe Souldiers , then that good and experienced Souldiers prepare and fashion their Captaine to the conduct of an armie ? who can without shame denie that an armie doth not rather obey the voice and command of their Captaine , then the Captaine of his armie ? otherwise it were as they say , to set the cart before the horse . 3 Now we must come to such examples as may instruct and make cleere the truth of my proposition . If we will as we ought , examine how many times the Christians haue beene ouerthrowne by the Turkes , we shall vndoubtedly finde , that it hath euermore hapned rather through want of experience , courage , sufferance , concord , and authoritie in the Commanders ; then for any other default . So at the battailes of Nicepolis , for that such like Captaines did set light by the Turkes forces , and tooke not a sufficient suruey of them , they receiued a most shamefull ouerthrow , a woorthy reward of their weake experience , in not knowing how to fight with those barbarous nations , whom they might well thinke wanted neither skill nor valour . Did not Lewes king of Hungary by meanes of the Bishop of Tomerea ( who brought him almost to the slaughter ) indure the like disgrace , at the battaile of Mogoria , for want of experience in matter of warre , and of iudgement sufficiently to discouer the enemies forces , and the passages of the countrey where he was to buckle with him ? In like sort was not the vnskilfulnesse of the Italians cause of that victorie the Turkes gained at Grado , who had then for their leader Homarbay , Generall of the Turkish armie ? Also the yeare 1537. at Exechium ( Mahomet Iahiaoglis being Gouernour vnder Soliman of Belgrad and the frontiers of Hungarie in the time of king Iohn ) the great Caziauer losing his courage , did he not abandone to spoile , death , and ruine a faire and strong armie , which he commanded for the Princes of Germany and Italy , some one troupe excepted , which dishonorably togither with him saued themselues by flight ? Also before this heauie losse , did not Anthony Grimani Generall of the Venetian armie faile of courage when with great aduantage he might haue charged the Turkes , and put them to the woorse ? The very like want of experience and valour was seene in an other Venetian Generall , who shamefully left the I le of Negropont to the spoile of the enemy . To conclude , haue not the Christians beene so many times put to the woorse neere about Buda , for want of valiant and experienced Captaines , as it cannot without griefe be related ? On the contrarie , the Ottomans haue neuer suffered misfortune of warre ; at the least for lacke of authoritie , command , or wisedome in managing their armies : for they themselues haue in person conducted them , and beene present at all their high exploits and important enterprises by them atchieued . They haue likewise euermore committed the charge of their difficult actions and affaires of warre to the most valiant and experienced Captaines amongst them , whom they had formerly well knowen , trained vp , and exercised to such charges by infinite proofes of their courage and wisdome in most dangerous and difficult occasions . In summe , experience is that which perfecteth valor . The Turkish Emperors haue alwaies giuen to their Captaines ample power & commission freely to dispose of their most important affaires , wherin they haue bene thus happy that we cannot finde that euer such Captaines lost battaile for lacke of command or obedience ; or that they euer for want of courage or experience in the arte military , made stay or question of their proceedings . Of all the Bashas that euer had the managing of matters of importance , & had greatest hand in the affaires of their Masters , Acomet was the chiefe ( who serued Mahomet the 2. and added much to his greatnes by obteining many glorious victories ) insomuch as he was no lesse feared then his Soueraign . To him Sinam may be ioyned who liued vnder Selim the first , and being slaine at the battaile of Matarea ( wherein he wan the victorie for his Master ) Selim said of him that the death of so worthy a man as he , was cause of such great griefe vnto him as it equalled the ioy he conceiued for so happy a victory : such also was Barbarossa that famous pirat , who for his many warlike acts wan the renowne of a valiant Captaine , and was most highly reputed of his Master Soliman , for whom he performed many memorable enterprises as wel by sea as by land . Hence we may gather that vndoubtedly a great Prince cannot doe worse then commit the charges of his wars , the dignities and conducts of his armies , to them which inioy his fauour but vnworthily : he should consider the deserts of others , & especially of such as with more sufficiencie would render an honorable account of so worthy an imploiment . We see it fall out oftentimes that for default of wel measured elections a Prince plungeth himselfe and his estate in a thousand dangers and confusions through the insufficiency of his vnskilful ministers : the examples of such infortunate euents would fill this volume if I would stand to relate all such as my memory presenteth vnto me . But omitting all I will only put you in minde of the Emperour Charles the fifth well knowen for most iudicious in all his elections , meruellous in his actions , mighty for the great number of his excellent Captaines bredde and trained vp vnder him ; all which can witnesse the care he had in his choice , and in very deede they did him such seruice as by their meanes he enlarged his dominions with many rich Prouinces , adorned his scepter with most memorable victories , and his house with triumphes to his immortall glory . CHAP. IX . That he hath made no skippe in his enterprises . 1 Vnited vertue strongest . 2 The strength of kingdomes by their situation . 3 What it is to skippe in an enterprise . 4 Kingdomes preserued by the coniunction of their subiect prouinces . 5 Confirmation of the Roman Empire . 6 The meanes of establishing an Empire by confederacies . 7 The French as quicke in losing as in conquering countries . 8 We are not to indeauor so much to conquer as to keepe . 9 The Portugals and Spaniards distracted gouernment . 10 Industrie of the Ottomans in conquering . 11 An admonition to Christians . 12 Horror of the Turkes . 1 NOthing would be so strong as a poinct , if it were to bee found in nature ; at the least if the rules of the Mathematiques be true as they be held , because being most simple , it cannot be corrupted either by inward beginnings , or outward causes ; so is a body more induring and powerfull , the neerer it approcheth to the resemblance of a poinct , that is to say , the more it is vnited and compact in it selfe . And in very deede as nature vnable to bring to passe that all the world should be one only body , made it continued and ioining one part vpon another ; and as to preserue this continuation , she in all she may opposeth Vacuum , which is onely able to corrupt and destroy her : 2 So estates become more durable , and of greater abilitie to maintaine themselues when they are ( as I may say ) sowed , linked , and bound together , the one helping to entertaine and preserue the other . Hence we may gather that such prouinces as haue their situation trussed vp together in a round forme , are more strong and mightie then such as extend themselues in length : as for example , one may say of France in comparison of Italy , because this latter resembling a legge stretched out is lesse fit to defend it selfe then France , which is round , as her prouinces lie and are situate : whereby she is consequently not only more vnited in her forces then Italy , but also more nimble and able to maintaine herselfe then the other . 3 Now let vs come to our discourse and make it appeare what it is we vnderstand by this discontinuation , and that which we tearme to skip in our enterprises . It is properly when we regard not the contiguity ( if I may so say ) or neere adioyning of our estates ; and that happeneth as often as we leaue an enimy behind vs , at one side of vs , or otherwise , in such sort , as he may crosse , cut off , beseege , or inclose vs when we so inconsideratly skip or stride ; we may likewise saie that he truly skips who crosseth from one country to another so far distant , as by that time he hath finished his voiage , his strength failes him and his troopes proue so out of heart and tired , as they become vtterly vnprofitable . We may alledge for example that which befell the Emperours of Germany , the king of France and of England in their voiages of the holy land , for the length of the iourny , the far distance of the country , the diuersity of the Climate , the change of the aire , and many other such like inconueniences , so tired and discouraged them by reason of the trauailes and miseries they had suffered vpon the way , as they could not attempt any matter of importance , or goe thorow with their enterprise according to their proiect : not vnlike a ball which stirreth not from the place where it is once setled , through want of that moouing power which should tosse and raise it . So if these Princes at the first arriuall did affoord any proofe of their courage , valour , and likelihood of good fortune ; the languishing of the principall motiue suddenly made them lose their aduantages , and reduced the whole to tearmes vnwoorthy the merit of their holy intentions and trauels . 4 We must then allow that it is requisite for the preseruation of estates , either that their prouinces touch and intertaine the one the other , or that their forces be of ability to maintaine themselues of themselues : for this continuation hath of it selfe such force and efficacie for the lasting and preseruation of estates , as we see that common-weales and meane kingdomes haue thereby longer maintained themselues then great and rich monarchies . Wee may alledge for example the common-weales of Sparta and of Venice ; of the kingdomes of Persia and France , whose rule hath much longer endured then that of the Sarazins , of the Mamelucks , or of other more mighty Empires . The cause proceedeth , as I haue said , of the vnion of that entertainment and coniunction of prouinces , abutting the one vpon the other , which is of such vertue and efficacie to giue strength and continuance to a monarchie , as it almost exceedeth conceit and imagination . 5 The Romans which saw wel enough that the inlarging of their Empires limits , trained after it a consequence of a necessary dispersing of their forces , endeuored by al means possible to reunite this body , augmented and made huge by their aduantageous conquests ; reducing to their obedience and rule , all they got both by maintaining sufficient forces vpon the frontiers of their Empire or garrisons in places of importance , as also by establishing Colonies , and infranchising many strong townes , with bestowing on them the like liberties as the people of Rome enioyed , by them tearmed Municipia . In other places also they instituted certaine fraternities and assemblies of people , with prerogatiues of the Romanes priuiledges , which they named Conuentus : Moreouer , they committed estates and intire kingdoms to the gouernment of certaine Princes held and esteemed as friends of the people of Rome . By these meanes ioyning them to their loue as well by gratifying them with their liberty and bounty , as with other priuiledges , honours and dignities , whereof they did partake in their towne as in right of Citizens : They tearmed these townes and people their confederates , and the Kings their friends . As for example in Africke they had Massinissa , and Iuba ; in Asia , Eumenes , Prusias and the King of Egypt . In Europe those of Marseilles , Autum , Auerg●●● , Rennes and others ; making account more to auaile themselues by such confederacies and amities then by meanes more strickt and seuere : so then power is established and continued either by our owne forces , or by annexing of the forces of our friends which serue vs as a continued rampart and conducteth vs out of danger euen into the country which we intend to inuade , and that with so much the greater aduantage , when vpon some part it confineth with the country of our confederates . 6 But because we are neuer able with good assurance ( especially Princes amongst whom this is a tickle point ) to maintaine so good intelligence , it is requisite if we will make this vse of an other , to make him confident either through the hope of participation in our conquests , or else by intimating vnto him ( if he be our inferiour ) an euident assurance in our proceedings , and such a plainnesse and integrity in all our other actions , as euen that may rid him of the distrust he might conceiue of being one day praied vpon and brought vnder by that insolencie which accompanieth the prosperitie of fortune , and may serue to stretch the conscience of a conquering Prince . After we haue in this manner framed an impression of our integritie in the heart of our neighbour , we may march in his countrey as securely as in our owne , and rest assured that we shall by him be furthered and assisted . 7 The French could neuer keepe any countrey by them conquered abroad , vnlesse it were Piemont and Sauoy : for it one day they had gained a foote of land , they were enforced to forgoe it the next , no sooner winning it , but they lost it . 8 We commonly say , that there is no lesse vertue in him that keepeth them in him that getteth . I affirme that there is neede of more dexterity in keeping then in getting , for an amazement of the people we inuade , a rebellion in our behalfe , or any other such like sturre makes vs easily masters of that whereto we aspire ; but to preserue what we get , we must maintaine a continuall counsaile which must haue all the parts thereto appertaining , as grauity of iudgment , ripe deliberation , nimblenesse to dissemble , industry ioyned with a daily heedefulnesse and patience to attend occasions . The French ( which are reputed the most warlike nation vnder the sunne , ) are but too sodaine , open , impatient and of too stirring a nature ; for proofe you shall obserue that what they atchieue not when they first attempt , they almost neuer compasse it : all their boilling heat is soone exhaled and spent by the sodaine feruencie of their courage , which most commonly transports them beyond all moderation and aduice most requisite in what wee vndertake , without heeding the end for which they begā . This negligence together with their impatience hath made way to all the misfortunes which out of their countrie they haue induced : The voyage of the Terseras and certaine other attempts vpon the Portugales haue not long since confirmed this opinion , and made the wound of their vnhappines bleede a fresh . Lews the eleuenth , a prince of an approued wisdome and cleare sighted in matters of estate , would neuer lend any eare to the perswasions of sending an army into Italie or other remote parts ; reiecting all such practises , as well for the reason formerly alledged , as because of the infidelitie which he thought to be in the Italians , and particularly in them of Genoa . If Charles the 8. his sonne , Lewes the 12. Francis the first , and Henry his sonne had inherited this their predecessors opinion , they had not with such excessiue charge , mishap , and misery attempted Italy . 9 Heere some one will obiect that neuerthelesse the dominion of the Portugals is of 90. yeares continuance or thereabout in the Indies , so far distant from the first spring and originall . The like appeareth in the gouernment of Philip King of Spaine spread and diuided in so many places aswell in Europe as in India . Surely it is not possible to imagine a greater distance then from Lisbon to Ormus , Goa , Malaca , and Ternate , so as from Portugale to their farthest Conquests , there are no lesse then twentie thousand miles ; and although they endeuour to ioyne these estates so seuered , by the neerenesse of sundry fortresses heere and there bestowed in the midway ( as Zofala , Mohambique , Melinde , which belongeth to a certaine King their Ally , besides other like meanes ) yet all these are but weake sinewes long to sustaine the vnion of so far separated members . But it is Gods pleasure that by how much the foundations of this rule are more feeble and subiect to be shaken , by so much the more we should admire the omnipotency of his diuine Maiesty , whereby they are maintained , fortified , and protected . The dominion likewise of the King of Spaine is spread into so many parts of Asia ( especially by meanes of annexing the crowne of Portugale ) of Afrike , of Europe , and of the new found world , as there appeareth in this preseruation a greater miracle then counsail or humane prouidence , for in very deed to rule so many and so seuered nations differing in religion , manners and tongues without stirring from home , is it not a worke of heauen rather then of humane policy or discourse ? God therefore which hath of his goodnesse made him owner of so many and so goodly countries , hath not denied him wisedome and counsaile to know how to order and maintaine them , as he doth , vnder his obedience . 10 The Ottomans haue ordinarily behaued themselues more iudiciously in this one part of conquering ( without inconsiderat skipping ) then in any other of their actions . For neither couetousnesse of inriching or inlarging their estate , nor the easinesse of attempting , nor the inticements of peoples insurrections , nor the thirst of reuenge ( which commonly makes Princes mighty in men and mony , forget themselues when the maintenance of their authority & credit is called in question , especially perceiuing the law in their hands to execute more readily then can particular persons ) nor any such like motiues haue beene able , as I said , to induce the Turkes indiscreetly to skip or to ingage themselues in any enterprise far from home . Rather on the contrary they haue marched faire and soft from country to country , and deuoured ( as they continue still to doe ) all such as confine and are neighbours vnto them . Hence hath growen the consequence of so many happie victories , the benefite of so great and rich conquests ; the course of so easily preseruing what they haue gotten . 11 I haue said that for the most part they haue not inconsideratly skipped or strid in their enterprises , as the Christians doe and haue done : and as we see , when any of them haue taken such waies to greatnesse , the fruits and effects haue not prooued answerable to their proiect and promised fortunes . This vnhappinesse , common with the error founded vpon the reasons formerly alledged , ought hencefoorth to serue as an instruction to make vs become more wise and regardfull then we yet are , to the end that after we haue by an holy and vniuersall amendment appeased the wrath of God , we may war against them with the same policies and aduantages as they haue practised in raising themselues to our cost and confusion . These examples also should admonish vs of what is to be feared , to wit , least failing to chastice & humble our selues , his diuine Maiesty inflict vpon vs a more seuere punishment , then that we haue hitherto indured , and for this cause open a more large gate to those infidels vtterly to ruine and destroy vs. 12 Now lest any one should thinke I haue against reason held that the Turkes haue not , as we , forgotten thus inconsideratly to skip , I will recite certaine examples to that purpose . The first then that did it , was Mahomet the second , which vnfortunatly attempted Italy , Soliman performed the like against the same country , after the interprise of Diu in the Indies , which was vndertaken the yeare 1537. then that of the yeare 1542. that of Ormus 1552. and finally vpon good grounds the attempting of Malta which was so valiantly defended by the Knights of the order , as ( next the honour due vnto the diuine Maiestie ) all those braue Gentlemen , who with their grand Master Parisot , made it good against the Infidels , deserue to be consecrated to all praise , and to a most glorious and eternall memory . CHAP. X. That he hath not spent time vpon enterprises of small importance . 1 Get the greater , the lesse will follow . 2 The besieging of some small holde , may be the hinderance of the whole expedition , this exemplified . 3 The Turkes discretion in their expeditions and sieges . 4 The best course is , to become masters of the field . 5 Error in the siege of Malta . 1_NAture as wise and prouident , doth not busie her-selfe about the birth of euerie particular thing , but rather setteth her hand to the generation of the substance , which without any further paine , is afterward attended on by the accidents euery where inseparably accompanying her . In like sort a good and discreet Captaine in the carriage of his enterprises , should not aime at ought else but to conquer the places of importance ; for of their consequence other inferior parts of the estate come tumbling in ( as it were ) of themselues , which as vnseparable accidents or qualities , vndoubtedly follow the first examples of greater moment , whereon dependeth and subsisteth the others being . 2 We haue often seene , that a paltrie Sconce ( either because of the naturall strength of the situation , thicknesse of the wall , goodnesse of the matter , couragious obstinacy of the defenders , or some other accident not foreseene or dreampt of , hath stopt the proceeding of a royall armie , and hath prooued it selfe as able to withstand the force thereof , as a citie greater , richer , and more peopled . And though we become after masters of such blocke-houses and small fortes , yet that is no furtherance to a more important conquest ; or helpe to the enterprise begun . We finde written that the Emperour Maximilian , because he to no purpose spent so much time about Asola ( which he striued to subdue by the way , for the reputation and credit of the armie , he conducted to Milan ) inconsiderately lost the occasion offered him to become Lord of that Dukedome ; and performed not any thing after to the good of his affaires . The French also , after they had passed the Alpes in the time of Lewes the 12. thriued not in their attempts of the kingdome of Naples ; hauing vpon an ill ground vndertaken Rocca-Secea , where they engaged both their honors and liues ; for hauing besieged it certaine daies , and giuen the assault in vaine , they lent leasure and courage to the Spaniards , to bethinke themselues : made their powers lesse valued for so badde a beginning , and discouraged the people for euer attempting any thing in their behalfe , as no doubt they had done if they might haue seene a fortunate and better digested proceeding then theirs was , the name of the Spaniard being then odious amongst them . This fault made the Spaniards so bold as to say , that the rest of the kingdome was reserued for them , and not for the other , who had so ill husbanded their opportunities . In the yere 1556. holding on the said designe for the conquest of Naples , did they not vainely spend time , money , their forces , and paines at Ciuitella , to the ruine of that goodly armie which Henry the 2. of France sent thither vnder the command of the Duke of Guyse : who was neuerthelesse a valiant and discreet Captaine , and who had perhaps done better if his particular interest , or the ouermuch trust he reposed in the Popes Nephewes , had not blinded him : Other reasons may be alleaged for the small good this armie did the king , who had conceiued of it great and honorable hopes ; but I will referre them to such as write that Historie . The Spaniards also haue thrice attempted the I le of Gerbes , and euerie time lost a goodly and florishing armie , able to haue performed a farre greater matter then they could hope for by getting the henroust ( if I may so tearme it . ) The yeare after the battell of Lepanto the armie of the confederates , which was then in the Leuant , hauing their forces augmented by the arriuall of Don Iohn , made Ochiallo Generall of the Turkish armie , retire to Modon , as fearing those of whom he had made triall the yeere before . If they had put him to it as they should haue done , no doubt but they had found him dismaide , and hardly bestead how to defend as well the fortresses as his armie by sea : for he had not left aboue 60. gallies , to garde the hauen , and had bestowed the rest of his forces one yeare . But when he sawe they went to besiege Nauaria neere Modon , and that they had no saying to him at his landing , as he feared they would , he tooke heart at grasse , and after made a iest of the designes of the Christians armie , which he in such sort held plaie and entertained , as it performed nothing woorthie such a power assembled immediately vpon the good successe of a former victory . 3 The Turkes in what concerneth the ordering , commoditie , and assurance , in their enterprises , surpasse ( to say the very trueth ) all other nations for well managing of warlike affaires : for they neuer attempted place that the designe thereof was not farre more woorth then the paine they emploied about it ; or that the enterprise did not deserue the like or more expence : carying themselues thus , they are by the effect of their enterprises growne mightie , for force and meanes , and haue opened the way to the encrease of their greatnesse and successe of their affaires : which in such sort assuring ( wherein they haue aimed principally at profit ) they haue more and more weakened our forces , not without an euident consequence of extreame danger : when they tooke in hand the conquest of Cypres , they were wise enough not to bestow time in taking Cerynes a fortres almost impregnable . They foresaw that it was of small moment , at the least not to import much in that they intended to compasse , but they rather directed their course and indeuours against Nicosia , as against the principall place of all the Iland , whereabouts they so well imploied their paines as they caried it . By which conquest it was found that Cerynes soone followed , ( as of a necessary consequence ) the disaster of their capitall towne . 4 In all the executions of their hardy dessignes they haue alwaies at the very first beene Masters of the field , which hath so furthered them as thereby the strongest holds of the country , which they could not otherwise haue gotten but by force of armes , haue beene surrendred vp vnto them . Such fortresses being vnable long to hold out when all hope of succour is cast off by the opposition of so strong and mighty armies as theirs are . 5 At the war of Malta it seemeth God did dull them , ouerthrowing the policies and practises which are ordinary with them . For the Bassa ( who would needes begin with S. Hermes because it seemed commodious to stop vp the hauen and after to get the suburbs where the knights made their aboade ) consumed much time about it , and lost the better part of his best souldiours . In the meane space the season of the yeare spent so fast , and the resolutions and valour of them in the towne prooued such , as in the end he grew confounded , perceiuing too late how flenderly he had preuailed , and that he must necessarilie begin a new with the principall place , which he should haue at the first attempted , if God ( as I said ) for the good of Christendome , had not blinded him in his enterprise . Dorgut Raiz Vice-roy of Argiers , who was to second this Basha in all his warre , and to whom he was commanded to communicate his designes assoone as he should arriue , ( which he did some few weekes after his first setting downe and beginning to batter ) soone discouered his error , and could vpbraid him with it , telling him he shuld haue gone right on to the fountaine , without stooping to the shallow streames . So as after the taking of S. Hermes , they did not performe or attempt any matter of importance , but as men tired and discouraged , they trust vp bagge and baggage to be gone assoone as the succour appeared before Malta ; these leauing behinde them the memorie and testimonie of their shame , and ill grounded aduise , and the knights of their honour and valour . CHAP. XI . That he hath laid hold on occasions . 1 Occasion pourtraied . 2 It is to be obserued . 3 Examples of the Ottomans diligence in laying hold on occasions offered by the Christians . 4 The difficulties of a defensiue and offensiue league . 5 The false guesse of the selfe-ruine of the Turkish Empire . 6 The weaker Princes are easily subdued by the mightier . 7 Other occasions offered by the Christians to forward the Turkish greatnesse . 1 THe ancient Romans signified vnto vs by the picture of occasion ( whom they adored as a goddesse , putting wings to her feete , supported with a bowle , behinde bald , and before hairie ) that we must bee diligent to apprehend her when shee presenteth her-selfe , and not in any case to let her slippe : considering that if she once escape vs , she leaueth vs nought but a vaine and vexing repentance . 2 And to say the truth , in all a mans actions . There is nothing more commendable then to be able to make the best vse of occasion and especially in mater of war. In as much as he that knoweth his aduantage , how to take it and to carry the time before him is furnished with the principall adorning vertue of a Captaine , occasion being no other thing , then an opportunity that the time more by accident then prouidence offereth vnto vs , for the well performing of what we haue in hand , and for the abstaining and well comming off from a dessine vnsesonably attempted , as the euent of the aboue mentioned interprise may sufficiently witnesse . This is that these Infidels haue studied at such times as God hath made them his instruments to afflict and chastice vs , and this is that we ought to doe against them , for the glorifying of Gods diuine Maiesty , not yet for ought I see pleased with vs. In a word all such as haue inlarged their estates haue either inioyed or hammered out some notable occasion which they wisely laid hold on , and haue consequently reaped the fruites of an vnusuall aduancement . The Grecian and Romane histories can teach vs this , but I omit them as too far from vs , to betake my selfe to such as are more familiar and neere vnto vs. Pepin and Charlemaine were by the Romish church called into Italy : the like was Charles of Aniou into the kingdome of Naples . Those of Aragon were inuited to Sicily by the people and to the conquest of the kingdome of Naples by Queene Ione the second : The house of Austria is at this day inriched with many goodly kingdomes brought them by their alliance and mariages : one whereof subiected vnto them the Lowe countries , the other gaue them Spaine with her apurtenances , the third for a perfect raising of this howses gretnesse , annexed vnto it the crowne of Portugale and the east Indies , so as if we neerely consider humaine casualties , we shall finde that force without occasion is fruitlesse or smally auaileable . 3 The Ottomans haue not attained to the height of so mightie an Empire but by such occasions as we haue too carelesly , vnworthily , and as of our free bounty , presented vnto them . The first sprang from the negligence and cowardice of the Emperors of Greece , who through their extreame lasciuiousnesse and sloath ( Sardanapalus and Heliogabalus like ) became deformed monsters of all loosenes and riot : So as abandoning themselues to all voluptuousnesse and excesse , that martiall vigor which had till then honored and preserued them , began by little and little to decline amongst them , and next amongst their people , ( these framing their manners after their gouernours ) which prepared meanes and occasions for the Turke to set foote one while into some inferiour prouince , and ere long into a mighty kingdome . The second occasion which shewed it selfe fauorable and proper for the Turkes , was , when the Grecians vpon a malicious enuy began to disfauour and oppose the dessignes of the Christian Princes which had by league vnited themselues for the conquest of the holy land , and so ill aduised they were as insteade of seconding them they crossed them in all they might , to the end to stop the fortunat proceeding of their woorthy armies , not heeding poore soules that they thereby befriended the Turke ; who did but watch his opportunities . For they well obseruing this fault , and temporising the occasion which after appeared , failed not to spie when they might surprise them ( as they did ) all beaten , tired , and disunited in force and meanes , whereupon it finally insued that the Christians were vtterly expelled Iury , by the Turkes , who after turned their armies against the Greekes themselues and bereaued them of their Empire . These were mischiefes and wounds by them well deserued , neither are they to be pittied , but so far forth , as they haue bread the calamities and ruines which haue and doe still continue to afflict Christendome . The iarres and diuisions of the Princes of Greece ministred the third time an occasion to the Turkish thriuing greatnesse : This hapned at such time as the Emperour of Constantinople was so ill aduised , as to craue the aide of Amurath the first to defend him . This Prince which lay still in waite , willingly sent his troupes , not to succour , but to discouer the country for the better aduancement of his designes ; and in very deed the souldiers returning from that voiage , deliuered so aduantageous reports of the riches , pleasantnesse , and fruitfulnesse of that country , painting it out vnto him so abounding in all commodities necessarie for the life of man , as he foorthwith resolued to attempt it , so as not long after without bidding , he in person passed the Streight , and so well husbanded the occasion to settle himselfe in Europe , as since his successors haue there made the principall seate of their Empire . The diuorce and separation of the Greeke church from the Romaine , prepared a large way for the fourth occasion , embraced by the Turks , more aduantageously to ouertop vs : since this diuision was a meane to distaste and allay the courage of the Princes of either partie , neither hath it euer since beene possible to reconcile or vnite them by any good or firme intelligence , so as remaining in this sort diuided , they haue neuer beene able to enterprise ought woorthy Christian pietie , or the greatnesse of their powers and monarchies ; thereby to cut off and ouerthrow ( as they might and ought ) the proceeding of the common enemie of Christendome ; who getting by his negligence , scope and libertie , is growne greater to our vniuersall hurt , which those princes haue euermore fostered ; a disease now by their obstinate diuision growen remedilesse . This euill hath prooued the more lamentable because of the discord amongst other Christian Princes which refuse to make their benefit of others calamities , or to acknowledge them as corrections comming from the hand of God. This mischief grew greater at such time as some Potentates of Italy inconsiderately called the Turke to their succour , shewing him the way into our seas farther then was conuenient . In this regard our portes stood open vnto them , they entred and conuersed with vs as with friends and associats , a thing most abhominable before God and man , and of most dangerous consequence . And to the end I be not held an outlasher , I will reckon some of those that haue so ouershot themselues . Alfonso the second king of Naples , and Lodouick Sforsa duke of Milan , were those that brought in Baiazet the second : that against the French , this against the Venetians . Isabell Queene of Hungarie craued aide likewise of Soliman , against Ferdinand king of the Romans . Francis the first of France , and Henry the second that succeeded him , d●d not onely let in the Turkish power into our seas , but suffered them also to land at Nice and in Corsica , leading captiue at their returne , an infinite multitude of poore Christians , ( without respect of amitie , age , or sexe , which they snatched vp in those places and along the Adriatick coasts . The sixt occasion obserued and embraced by the Turkes , may be said in my opinion to proceed from the consideration they haue had of the pluralitie of Christian Princes , supposing ( as it is true ) that it could not be without that iealousie and suspicion which ech man particularly conceiueth of his owne estate , ranke , and dignitie , and and so the whole being deuided into diuers gouernments , it must follow the parts should be more feeble and scanted of meanes to vndertake against him : since ( as we haue saide ) vertue vnited in one entire body , is alwaies more strong then separated into many parcels . That which is woorse , is , that in this diuision of Monarchies , the ambitious thirst of greatnesse , hath taken dangerous footing amongst Princes , and hath bred ( as by a necessarie consequence ) discord , separation of willes , diuersitie of designes , and varietie of pretences , of all which partialities , hath sprung suspition , the common plague amongst princes . This suspicion like a canker hath contaminated the vnion and rid the meanes how to knit and establish a holy league and confidence amongst them for a defensiue or offensiue war. 4 Now to make a defensiue league against the Turke is in these daies a hard matter in so much as the princes of Christendome are so far from one another , and some especially from the enemy , as like men out of danger they weigh it not esteeming themselues most assured : And to vndertake to establish an offensiue league is no lesse difficult seeing the profit of their conquest cannot be drawne to a proportionable equality , it may be also euery man feares the greatnesse of his companion ( although neuer so much his partner for aide and common association ) but aboue all he that hath the most commodious hauens or his Prouinces most proper for the mannaging of the war. Or else he who can better maintaine his conquests would proue the most suspected and maligned . These considerations hinder them from vniting and assembling themselues as they ought for the common good . 5 Moreouer euery one flattereth himselfe that time and the worlds ordinarie change will breede ruine and alteration in the estate of the Ottomans , and settle their affaires without being constrained to expose themselues to danger , trauell , and charge . 6 Another reason and inconuenience may yet be alledged that each of these princes being weake in respect of the other they cānot so couragiously resolue to vndertake what were profitable and necessary for them ; whence it groweth that the feeblenesse of their strength is yet made more feeble by this irresolution ; so as a mighty power charging them they shal remain subiect to the discretion of the indiscreet enemy : by these means the lords of the seueral parts of Lombardy became the pray of the Venetians who subdued them with as much facility as resolution ; But had the repulse when they attempted the state of Milan , vtmost limit of their power , dominion , and conquests . After the same sort also the French in time past brought vnder all the Prouinces of Gaull , but when they would enter the confines of Spain , the opposition of that neighbour-greatnesse stopped their course and was a rampart to defend them from further proceedings . In the very like manner the Turkes hauing deuoured all the Princes of Greece , Macedonia , Bulgaria , and Seruia attempting the inuasion of Hungaria , they had their hands full , since the valour of these Kings and people ( so fashioned , hardned and enured , of a long time to the wars , as they were the better able to make head against them ) discouered it selfe to be greater then the consideration of their indifferent estate could well beare , as witnesse the exploits of Ladislaus and Mathias Coruin , who found the Turkes play to their cost . But so soone as those Kings and people did forgoe this first valour and suffered the exercise of armes to degenerat , Soliman ouercame them both at Belgrade and at Mogacia . After the Turks had gone thus far , they met with that bar of the house of Austria seconded by the German forces , and supported by the power of the king of Spaine ; who shewed himselfe alwaies fearelesse of the Turkish forces : As for the Venetians they haue euermore ( backt with the Popes and the Spaniards power ) behaued themselues most honorably : one happinesse there is that those places of Christendome which border neerest vpon the Turke were neuer in more mighty hands , nor had euer so few Princes to rule them , as at this day : whence groweth an infallible consequent that they are more easily defended and maintained , especially hauing that particular coniunction of the power of Spaine , which is such as the Turke cannot stur without incurring an apparant danger ; It being manifest that besides that the king of Spaine is of ability without feare to resist him , he can also with his owne forces curbe him and bring him to reason . So as the Turke awed by so mighty a king , will not , as he was wont , so so one bend his forces against the Christians his neighbours . The Muscouit on the one side , and the kings of Polonia and Persia on the other , are of such power and courage , as they will alwaies make the fame of their particular forces , to be both respected and feared . 7 The diuersitie of opinions in matter of religion , haue made way to the seuenth occasion , haue disunited the courages , spent the forces of the Christians , & haue made them rise vp in armes one against an other . In the meane time the Turke getteth footing , groweth great in sight of all men , and is become a terror to Christian Princes . Disloyall and traiterous Renegades or Apostates , are those which haue discouered to the Turkes the Christians secrets , haue acquainted them with the aduantages of landing and inuading , haue beene guides to their armies into the very hearts of our richest countries , and haue opened the doore of the eight occasion . But for the ninth , let vs consider what subtilties they haue practized , and whereon that hath beene principally grounded . I am of opinion , that the better to order their affaires , and seize vpon the Christians with more security , their leagues , treaties of peace , and suspensions of armes , passed betweene them and our Princes , haue beene their greatest furtherances : for the Turkes neuer warred with anie Christian Prince or Infidel either to defend their owne estate , or with hostilitie to assaile an others , but they first of all made their countrey sure against the power of their neighbours , but aboue all , such as ( seeing them elsewhere busied ) had meanes to disquiet their affaires , inuade their territories , and assaile them at vnawares . The peace they haue so long maintained , with the Polonians can testifie as much : Againe the quiet they haue suffered the Venetians to inioy for these many yeares sufficiently bewraieth with what care they handle this businesse . The continued peace they keepe with the French teacheth vs likewise with what prouidence and wisdome their matters are caried ; to the end not to receiue any incombrance or interruption by meanes of strange enmities , at such time as they proceed in their enterprises ; They take truce with the Emperour alwaies to their aduantage ; and lately intending to war vpon Persia they dealt for a suspension of armes with the King of Spaine , so as making all sure on one side they in a trice assaile the other , heereby so well playing their parts , as hauing the law in their hands they remaine as arbitrators of peace and war , pursuing alwaies the course of their dessines with an aduantage too great vnworthy and preiudicious to the Princes of Christendome ; whose greater part is so awed by their forces , as they haue often chosen to enter into conditions of a dishonest peace or truce though neuer so vnassured , rather then to expose themselues to the danger of their mighty armies : not heeding that thereby they haue lost many faire occasions of doing good vpon them : whereof we neede not seeke farther for examples then now that the King of Persia keepeth them in continuall war ( at least if such newes as comes thence be true ) and that he hath lately giuen them an ouerthrow neere Taurijs of aboue foure score thousand men . Which if it be so , what better occasion can you desire ( ô ye Princes of Christendome ) to set vpon them and reuenge the dishonour of our passed iniuries ? Can it be otherwise but that in their former incounters and in this last they must haue lost the flower of their captaines and choice souldiours , and is it possible that the swelling pride of their command and greatnesse should not shortly vndergoe some change and decrease if you will intertain the occasion which God offereth you ? ô but you sleepe and are altogether vnprouided to assaile them . They are our sins that hinder vs and haue bred the disorders of ciuill wars which disquiet France and the Low countries , with such obstinacie and cruelty as these Princes haue worke enough to order their owne affaires : their neighbours in the meane time hauing their eares filled with the noice thereof , looking what will become of such sturs and fearing lest the fire which so cruelly burneth their neighbours house , should fasten vpon theirs , which makes them stand vpon their guard to keepe out such broiles & disorders . In the mean time the Turke wanteth no time to recouer his losses ; and to laugh at oure inconsiderate follies ; follies indeede for vs , but wisdome for him . It is a maruelous matter to consider with what succes and aduice he hath quieted his neighbours , in such sort as he hath beene neuer knowen to haue had two quarrels in hand at one time . Imitating heerein the wisdome of the Romans who had an especiall care not to haue two enemies to deale with at once , but if they assailed one , they tooke order by deuice and friendly meanes that the other were lookers on , or associats in their trauailes . Selim the first , which warred with the Persians , so ordered the rest of his estate , as during all the time he was imploied that way , the Souldan of Egvpt neuer disturbed him : his sonne Amurath continuing the same enterprise , neuer receiued let of any Christian potentate . The dessignes of the Princes of Europe , & the wars they haue so long and so wilfully maintained one against the other , haue affoorded the Turks a large passage for the tenth occasion to benefit themselues by their obstinacies & diuisions ; neither haue they omitted nimbly to lay holde on it to some purpose for the good of their affaires . What enmities were euermore cruelly exercised with fire and sword then those our ancestors and we our selues haue seene betweene France and Spaine ? What malice was euer more deepely rooted then that of the two Kings ? What nations are there in the world more mighty or more valiant then these are ; and hence let vs consider what profit , what comfort would haue redounded to Christendome , and what fearefull ruine to the Turke , if by some holy league they had beene vnited ; such vndoubtedly as there should haue beene no memory of them , whereas they are now most mighty , and most dreadfull . If we will descend to particulars , was there euer Prince that had better meanes to conquer the Turke then Charles the fifth ? For besides his valour , inuincible courage , and other notable parts which shined in him , he had sufficient force to execute his enterprises : he was followed by Captaines of incomparable vertue , his souldiers were most resolute , his people and Prouinces were all most desirous of so holy a war , he had hauens and roades fit wherein to harbour his ships , and in a word he had whatsoeuer was necessary , but how ? He was alwaies constrained to haue an eie behinde him , to stand vpon his gard , because of his neighbours who spared not to molest him as soone as he did but once aime at so holy an interprise . King Philip his sonne hath met with the like incombrances : so as we may well say our sinnes haue ministred occasions enowe to the Turkes to assaile vs with such aduantage , as it hath beene an increase and establishing to his estate , we alwaies shrinking at the cruell shocke of his mighty forces . Amongst all the Ottomans Amurath the first was the most diligent to hunt after , and embrace occasions , who ( as we haue already deliuered ) sent his supplies to the Emperour of constantinople , passed the straights in person and got into his hands the two Castles . Baiazet the first , his sonne shewed himselfe nolesse politicke and prompt to discouer his aduantages , patient to attend his occasions , and diligent to gather the fruits wherewith his hopes presented him . CHAP. XII . That he hath behaued himselfe with nimblenesse and celeritie vpon his occasions . 1 The fortune of warre consisteth not in discerning but in the vse of occasion . 2 Celeritie in wars most expedient . 3 The Turkes readinesse and wisdome in that kinde . 4 Furtherance of this celeritie . 5 Impediments of the Christians in their expeditions . 6 Treasure requisite . 7 Exact obedience in Captaines and Souldiers and an obseruation of militarie discipline . 8 Strength and abilitie of men and horse . 9 Examples of the Turkes celerity . 10 In their sea-actions and their order : 11 Defects of the Christians shipping . 1 BEcause this Chapter , in regard of the continuance of the matter in handling , is but as one dependencie and coniunction with the former , we will still make vse of this word Occasion , heeretofore discoursed vpon , as of a table wherein is represented all whatsoeuer our forefathers haue conceited of it ; and what we ought to admit thereof : following this path we are to remember that who in time laieth not hold on occasion , shall neuer more inioy a like time to recouer it with the like commoditie of wel doing as he once had , if he had knowne how to entertaine it as hee ought . To discouer then the opportunitie of affaires , is not al that is required : That which most importeth , is to serue our turnes with it at an instant , when it presenteth it selfe , to guide our intentions to that perfection we aime at . 2 Celeritie is an especiall matter in all affaires of importance , but aboue all in the warres , wherein it is more necessarie then in any our actions . Because ( as saide Selim the first ) the least delay we therin vse , turneth to a grosse error , especially since it bereaues vs of the commoditie and aduantage offered to put in execution , what we had wisely and with studie determined : Hannibal a woorthy and renowned captaine , was noted of slownesse , not in resoluing but in embracing his occasions of victory which might haue assuredly established his affaires . That great Pompey was likewise subiect to the same imperfection , which did vtterly vndoe him . In a word , no motion wanting speedinesse , can be of much force , or produce woorthy effects : Violent agitations loose alike their force with their swiftnesse , but such as are naturall attaine it , and fortifie themselues in it . 3 This is that the Turkes know well enough how to practise , fashioning themselues to quicknesse , nimblenesse , habilitie , and to a certaine store of whatsoeuer may seeme necessarie to that purpose , so as their promptnesse and forecast hath neuer omitted the occasions presented vnto them without reaping the fruites and glory thereof . 4 But some one will say , that it is requisite for the suddainnesse of occasion that many things relie in the power of him that will follow this course . I grant it , for they indeed who will fitly make vse of such aduantage , must be alwaies in armes , and heerein also the Turke surpasseth vs , for he continually entertaineth so many souldiers , as it were hard to take him vnprouided , or to finde him ( when need requireth ) without a mightie army , which serueth to hearten him , and to awake his courage : but aboue all , he hath so great a number of horse ordinarily in a readinesse , as that is but too sufficient to make him proudly humour his owne will ; so as thought and execution are in a manner one with him . This is yet farther accompanied with a powerfull commoditie which addeth facillititie to his promptnesse ; and this is , that his horse and foot are lightly armed , and without incombrance of luggage , so as by this meanes he more easily assembleth his troups , ordreth them , and conducteth them wheresoeuer he pleaseth , without distinction of time . Againe , sobrietie and sparing ( familiar among his souldiers ) make much to the aduancement of his enterprises , contenting themselues , as they do to drinke water and eat rice and salted flesh , which they reduce into powder , so as euery one carrieth with him his prouision almost for a moneth , and when that faileth , they liue by the bloud of their horses , which they salt themselues , like as doe the Muscouites and Tartars . 5 On the other side , when our souldiers march , they must haue such store of munition follow them , to their so strange confusion and hinderance , as they are neuer able to goe thorow speedily with any notable attempt . This bringeth a twofold let to their enterprises . The first in their prouision , which in the vnmeasurablenesse thereof is neuer made in due time . The second , in the conuoy thereof , neuer so well ordered as it ought , whereof the euent of the enterprise of Exechium , is but too true a testimonie , the souldiers then suffering more in regard of the famine and difficultie of conueying victuals vnto them , then of-the enemies forces . Whose attempt had beene vnprofitable if the campe had not beene disordered by this inconuenience , whereby the souldiers became halfe dead for hunger , and grew so feeble , as the courage to defend themselues vtterly failed them . Which the General of the Turkish armie foreseeing , waited till such time , as the famine had brought them low , and made them strengthlesse , that he might vpon their enforced retrait assaile them behinde , and so wearie them with continuall skirmishing as they should at length chace and ouerthrow themselues , as indeed it came to passe . I remember I haue heard one worthie to be credited , say to this purpose ; that when Emanuel Philibert Duke of Sauoy , deceassed , was Generall of the armie in Flanders , he found no difficultie in the wars more important then the discommoditie of proportioning and carriage of necessarie prouision as he had oftentimes approoued . On the contrarie , it may be said to the Christians shame and confusion , that neuer any of the Turkish armies were knowen , through such default , to suffer extreamitie or to be disordered . 6 Let vs now come to the point of sodaine execution , and to the instruments thereof , and let vs dwell somewhat thereupon . I finde the most necessarie and profitable is to haue alwaies store of money in our coffers : and that is a hard matter , especially for such as are not prouident , and that in all things so pamper themselues as the Christians doe ; but not for the Turke , for he hath ( when and what he will ) in store to serue his need for the warres , and for whatsoeuer belongeth thereto . This is the sinew of warre , and the onely meanes to hasten forward occasion , and attaine ( as he doth ) to a happie end of his enterprises , but at his returne home , he obserueth a barbarous and insolent course of remboursing his charge : After he hath performed what he vndertooke , he repaieth himselfe by new impositions , whereto he enforceth his subiects to contribute : This to him is easie : but to vs the most difficult materiall point is the procuring of money : for the greater part of Christian Princes are so bad husbands and of so small forecaste , that they haue scarce one crosse in store : and are alwaies at the borrowing hand , or enforced to pawne their lands and demaines . And though the Christians be not so couetous as the Turkes , yet they are of so good a hold fast , as no small time will serue to draw money from them , so as while that is doing , occasion hath alreadie turned her backe and left vs nought , but the shame and sorrow of our enterprises ill successe and effect . And if it chance that we hold on our courses , it is with such headlong rashnesse and ill aduice in all we doe , but particularly in prouiding of armes , horse , munition , and other necessaries , as all being performed out of season , there is neither the forwardnesse , the array , the election , the aboundance , the resolution , nor the well disposing of matters which would otherwise haue beene , and which we see to be in our aduersaries . 7 There is another thing which addeth much assurance to the Turkes designes , and makes them more easily to execute : and this is the incredible obedience of the Captaines towards their Generall , and of the souldiours towards their Captaines and such is the loue amongst them as there is no danger or difficulty ( be it neuer so great ) which they will not easily ouercome , so willingly they performe what is inioyned them . It was neuer heard that any reuolt or mutiny stopt or slacked the course of their conquest . 8 They haue yet another most considerable aduantage and that is the strong constitution of their men , spirit and speed of their horse . Where on the contrary our forces dare scarce bouge vnlesse they be backed and strengthned by forrain succors either Almines or Switzers , people faint and of little courage vpon a sodaine and vnexpected action , as being framed of a dull and slow mettall seruing for nought but to make good the intire body of a battaile , and be vnto it as a solide and vnmoueable rampart . The incounters they haue had with the Turke at Buda and elsewhere haue taught vs how vnprofitable they are & of how slender effect for the speedy and happy aduancement of the affaires of Christendome in those parts : Moreouer the Turkes horse are of more speede and strength then ours : the spanish Genet is indeede nimble and full of Spirit , but wanteth strength and breath : Contrariwise the horse of Germany is able and strong but tender withall and not ready vpon the hand , so as he is more proper to make a stand and defend then to assaile , skirmish , or giue the chace . The Napolitane is good and strong but of such a nimblenesse as is not held for perfect speede , on the other side the enemy hath the Hungarian good for seruice , the Barbary horse of incredible swiftnesse , the Valachian , the Turkish , and the Moore almost hard for induring of trauaile and well breathed , so as we may conclude that he inioyeth whatsoeuer is necessary for the war , better , more redy , and in greater aboundance then we , and that this is it which makes him speedily and with aduantage , to serue his turne with all occasions which present themselues . 9 There are so many examples of this aduantageous celerity in their actions as they are almost innumerable ; but I will only note two or three which may seeme in a manner prodigious so admirable hath beene their successe . Amurath the second hauing intelligence of the great forces leauied by Ladislaus King of Hungary ( with whom he had formerly concluded a peace ) with an intent to ouerrunne him , being then busie in the wars of Caramania ; he sodainly quitted that interprise , and with such maruelous speed crossed all the Helespont as in seuen daies he ariued at Varna with fower score thousand men , In like manner Scheder Bassa imploied by Baiazet the second to diuert the attempt of the Venetians vpon Milan , came with such extraordinary speed as he appeered in the territory of Treuiso before they could haue newes so much as of his departure , lesse of his arriuall in those parts . Selim the first marched so speedily from Cesaria to Aleppo , crossing the mountaine Aman with his army and artillery , as he came vpon the Souldan before he dreampt of him supposing him to be as then rather vpon his way to encounter the Persian then to attempt him . 10 This particular dilligence of the Ottomans is not to be limited all only with their land wars : they haue performed as much by sea , so vigilant and wary haue they shewed themselues in exalting the honour of their names , and of their great estate , by them maintained euen vnto this day : And since they are so incredibly nimble and aduised in maritine exploits , I hold it not from the purpose to touch briefly the order they obserue in assembling their forces . They reiect the vessels and ships of great burden as ouer-heauy and vnwealdy if the wind faile them , rather hindering then furthering him that conducteth them . Their Gallies and Galliots are speedy , well manned and well appointed . 11 Wee on the contrary drag with vs a great number of ships and Gallions as our best strength and choice prouision , but they are in proofe the cause of such incombrance to the seruice in hand , as we for the most part waste the season vnprofitably and spend our opertunities in rigging and attending them ; being also oft times enforced to disorder our Gallies , to the end these great cartes may keepe with vs. Hence groweth yet another discommodity , and that is , that hauing placed a kinde of hope in our ships , we in forgoing them , finde our selues too weake and failing of courage to assaile the enemy ; who is not to be forced to fight but when he please , hauing too open a field to flie and espy his occasion , as it hapned at Preueza the yeare 1537. and at the battaile of Lepanto which was the yeare 1571. for then the ships of the league remained behind with a good number of souldiours vnprofitable for that action , in regard they could not ariue there time enough . The yeare after they encountred the like discommodity : since for the very same cause the army of the league , goodly and mighty fought not at all , neither performed ought worthy so great a preparation . And when the Gallies of the Pope and Venetians met , and that they attended Don Iohn ( who aboade still at Missina , because of the then beginning troubles of Flanders ) the army of the Turk being then commanded by Oechially , he once presented battaile , but because of the aduantage of the winde which without other helpes draue our ships , and fearing the incounter of our round vessels , he made his escape by meanes of a certaine stratagem , which for the strangenesse thereof put the counsailes and iudgments of our army to a plunge . In verie deede it is worthy the noting : for seeing the whole strength of our ships vnited with such confederat Gallies as were then there , make towards him , he gaue commandement that in euery one of his Gallies they should put fire to a barrell of powder and row backewards ( not making for al this any shew of flight , the prowes of their gallies still appeering towards them ) and as soone as the smoake had couered his fleete he halled on a maine , and in an instant hoissing vp al his sailes shaped his course to Napolis in Romania , our ships not daring to follow him . In regarde he had gotten the aduantage of them they bearing but their mizen sailes , and knowing how dangerous it was for them being ignorant of his designes , to breake company : eight daies after we comming neere together there followed some light skirmishes , but so soone as they perceiued vs to faint , as being depriued of our ships , they charged vs with the whole army , in like sort as when we had them for succour they retired . So as it was then found by experience that the great ships serued but to keepe vs from buckling with the enemy . I haue made mention of this incountre in my commentaries of the notable occurrants of these times written in Latine , and somewhat more at large then I heere deliuer , for I was present in the army during all that voiage , vnder the command of the Duke de Mayne . CHAP. XIII . That he hath gone himselfe in person to the war. 1 A question concerning the Princes presence in the wars : 2 The first commodity is , if the Prince be there in person , it ads courage to the souldiour . 3 The second is , it causeth plenty of all things in his army . 4 The third , it increaseth the army . 5 The fourth , it worketh facility and speede in aduice and execution . 6 Of the power of Lieutenant Generalls in the wars . 7 The fift commodity , is the Princes authority and dignity . 8 The first discommodity growing from the princes presence , is , that thereby the enemy proceedes more prouidently . 9 The second , that his Commanders vse lesse diligence in discharge of their places . 10 The third , is emulation of the leaders , whence groweth contention . 11 The fourth , the emulation of the Lieutenant generall toward the Prince . 12 Examples to this purpose pro and contra . 13 The preposition defined by distinction . 14 The Ottomans wars in their persons haue succeeded well . 15 Exhortation to Christian princes to vndertake wars against the Turke . 1 WHether the prince should in person goe to the war , or else send his Lieutenant , is a question often disputed with such reasons and earnestnesse by sundry graue personages , as whatsoeuer may be now deliuered to that purpose would proue but an vnprofitable repetition of what hath bene formerly digested by so many rare spirits . This then excusing me , I will referre the deciding thereof to men of more experience then my selfe ; yet will I not forbeare by way of discourse to deliuer my opinion ; and cite such examples as may helpe for the clearing of these doubts . First then we are to recken the commodities the Kings presence affoordeth in his armie , and so in order of the other consequences . 2 Whereof one of the principall is , that it putteth spirit and courage into the souldiers , it so neerely presseth them as they must of force , as it were , make their valour appeare , especially when they ioine battell where the Maiestie and life of the Prince , yea and their owne too is in hazard . Then is it that the honest desire of preseruing their masters life groweth feruent in them , and so much the more by how much it is farre more pretious then the life of a captaine or generall , either mercenary or subiect which the Prince might haue sent to command them . This occasion more then any other moueth them more freely to hazard their liues and meanes for their Princes seruice , which they would not so couragiously performe vnder any other that should command in his stead . They likewise expect greater and more assured rewards from him then from others . 3 Againe , the king is alwaies better followed ; he is attended on with the consequence of farre greater prouisions either of victuals , munition , money , or whatsoeuer may be necessary for the enterprise , than his lieutenant , who hath his power limited , his allowance stinted , and cannot dispose but in part of the credit and authority of his master , to whom he remaineth as countable . Moreouer , the subiect fixeth his eies and affection vpon his Prince , and lauisheth his life and meanes according as the businesse is , and he is addicted . Francis the first , King of France , being before Pauy powred money foorth ( as a man may say ) by bushels , yet Odet de Lautrey his lieutenant generall , lost the Duchy of Millan for lacke of three hundred thousand crownes that were assigned him for his charges , but were neuer deliuered him . Whereupon the Switzers failing of their entertainment ( whom he had till then fed with hopes of pay ) he was constrained to fight with such disaduantage as hee miscaried , and his whole army was put to flight ; which had not happened if the King had beene there in person , for either money had not failed , or else the credit and authority that accompanieth the Princes presence had wrought them to patience and contained them in entire deuotion . 4 Moreouer the great train of Nobility and men of quality that the Prince bringeth with him is a strengthening to his army , and addeth to it life and beauty , euery man striuing to appeare more gallant then other ; which they would not vouchsafe to doe nor to subiect themselues , commanded but by an ordinary Generall ; for there are alwaies about the King , by election or necessity , many great personages equall in power and dignity , and some differing too in rancke and charge , either as being Princes of the bloud , or for honor and authority woon by desert , al which would perhaps doe little for the Generall , but would most willingly obey and expose all for their King and master to whom they owe a duty both of nature and benefit . These great mens followers serue also to increase the army . 5 Beside these considerations the King bringeth euermore with him a resolution of his enterprises , wherein a Generall most commonly proceedeth with a restraint and aduise , as fearing in his too forward attempting , to exceed his commission . In the meane while , time passeth , and occasion escapeth , most often to the Princes hinderance and blot to his reputation . 6 In this regard if the wisedome and loyalty of the Captaine be approued , Princes ought not too strictly to limit their charges : but if they doubt of them , it is indiscretion to put them into their hands , as we may see by these examples . Don Emanuel King of Portugal hauing sent the Duke of Braganza General into Africke , he fortunately wan and made sure for his Prince the towne of Aza Azamor : but that performed hee would not take Marocco ( as at that time he might haue easily done ) though he were counselled thereto by the wisest and greatest of his army , because that ( said he ) it went beyond his Commission : Lopez Zoares Generall for the same King lost in like manner the opportunity to take the city of Aden , of especiall importance for the affaires of his master ( for it standeth iust in the mouth of the Red sea ) though the inhabitants would haue deliuered him the keies . Insomuch as hee should haue taken vpon him ( as he said ) more then his commission allowed him . The thing was of that consequence as hee might well haue forborne the obseruation of his fast , to swallow such a morsell . Neither had the seruice beene one of the least , he could haue performed for his master . 7 In conclusion we are to grant that the presence of the king bringeth with it a certaine greatnesse , and more aweth the enimy then his Lieutenant ; as it was seene at the enterprise of Tunise ; for Barbarossa sharply tooke vp and reproued those who said that the Emperour Charles the fift was himselfe in person in the Christian army , inferring heereby that he should then haue his hands fuller then he made account , and that nothing could be lacking in the enemies campe , when their Prince was there present . This is that may be saide of the good redoundeth from the presence of the king in his army . Let vs now see what may be alledged on the contrary . 8 First it may be said that the King which goeth to the wars in person ministreth greater occasion then he would to his enemy to prouide himselfe of forces , meanes and friendes : and affordeth him matter also of pretending a more glorious victory , with the hopes whereof and of rich spoiles , he putteth courage in his men , disposing them to attempt valiantly all things be they neuer so hazardous , so hartning them to fight . 9 It may be said likewise that the presence of the King maketh his Captaines lesse heedefull and diligent at all occurrants and aduantages , because they in part relie vpon the vigilant eye of the Prince , who is to carry away the whole honour of the enterprise , their valour remaining as dimmed and eclipsed . This hapned at the battaile of Pauie . For the Commanders relying vpon the kings presence and discreet carriage of matters , had no regard but of their pleasures in stead of diligently bethinking themselues of the duty of their seuerall charges , which in the ende turned to the ruine and dishonor both of their masters and themselues . 10 Againe an army where the King is in person , is alwaies replenished with Princes and great personages , all which promising themselues great matters , seeke not but to excel one another in place and command , whence grow among them iealosies , enuies , and sundry differences breeding infinite disorders , to the ouerthrow or hinderance of their Masters affaires . Who is not without his part of feare to discontent some in contenting others ? This plague of ambition , is such as it will sometimes so wrest the consciences and honours of these great men , as they will not sticke to hinder the seruice of their Masters only to oppose the fortune and woorth of such a one , as they see out-strippeth them in preferment ; yea oft times their ambition groweth so extreame , as for despitethey wil vtterly forsake their Princes seruice : Their vertue and valour being perhaps in the meane time not of the meanest , and such as if it were well imploied would gaine honour and victory to the army . 11 There is yet another discommodity , and that is , that the king carying with him the party , whō in his absence he intendeth to constitute his Lieutenant , he in the mean time repineth at his Masters worthy exploites , considering how the honour should haue beene his , if alone he had the managing of the army ; againe , knowing that all such misfortunes or discomfitures , as may befall , it shall be attributed to the insufficiencie of the Prince , and not to him , he the lesse regardeth it . In a word , the glory we pretend , and the iealousie we haue of our particular honors , are two especiall powers , to shake and curbe generous spirits . The Emperour Charles the fift , had sufficient triall of it : for some of his Captaines and Lieutenants could oft times with small store of money , and few men , gaine triumphant victories , as well at Milan and Naples as else where , which perhaps in presence of the Emperour , would not haue beene so fortunately atchieued . Notwithstanding all that hath beene said , the question is not yet fully determined , rather it remaineth diuersly ballancing to and fro , as appeareth by these and the following examples . 12 Charles of France , surnamed the Sage , neuer set foot out of his studie to command his armies , yet knew he so well how to make the best vse of his Captaines valour , and manage his affaires sutable to the time , that he finally recouered his whole kingdome , and expelled thence the English , who possessed the greater part thereof . On the contrarie , the Emperour Ferdinand , who warred by his Captaines , himselfe not stirring out of Vienna , receiued great and dangerous ouerthrowes . Charles the fift , on the other side , wan more honour and victories by the valour of his Captaines , then euer he did in those warres and enterprises himselfe vndertooke in person . If the attempt vpon Marseilles had taken effect , it might haue beene truly said that his Captaines had beene in all places victorious : witnesse Pauie , the Bicock , Landrino , Naples , Coron , Genoua , Rome , and Africk ; but where he went in person , as in Saxony , at Tunis , Dura , and Vienna , his fortune prooued indifferent betweene good and bad . But at Argiers , in Piemont , and at Metz , he encountred on all sides such misfortune , as it deemed ( as a man may say ) the luster of his renowne and victories formerly gained . 13 Marke the effects of successe and fortune so different , as it were a hard matter to passe a sound and determined iudgement vpon this proposition : so as the more I imagine by the contrarietie of these examples to inlighten it , the more obscure me thinkes I make it ; the finall deciding thereof , may be framed thus . The King which vndertaketh the conduct of an armie , is either a discreet and aduised Captaine , or else he is altogither vnskilled in the mysterie of warre . In this last case I should thinke that it were most for his good , to relie vpon an others relation and execution , especially if priuie to his owne imperfections , he want a dexteritie to make the best vse of another mans valour , wisedome and counsaile . But if so be he be capable of the gouernment , and conduct of an armie , and that he haue courage to execute , in mine opinion he cannot doe better then to vndertake the warre and attempt himselfe in person : for if in all militarie vertues he equall the most valiant of his armie , he will surpasse them in fortune , credit , and authoritie , and in all the other good parts aboue mentioned . Kings compounded of these excellent parts , alwaies crowne their eminency with honourable triumphes . Theodosius the Emperour , Charles the Great , and sundrie others can witnesse this sufficiently ; Lewes the 12. of France , hauing beene alwaies conquerour , and neuer conquered in whatsoeuer he vndertooke himselfe in person , was put besides the kingdome of Naples , by means of a battaile which his captaines lost neere the riuer of Garillion , for lacke of resolution and aduice ; which mischance was by that good prince so lamented , as he made a vow , thence forward to command personally in his wars ; And to say the truth , if the Captaine be not discreet , valiant , and of long approoued experience , it is strange if he euer performe woorthy act : in such cases the presence of one only Turnus is more auaileable then of a thousand such Captaines . 14 The Turkish Emperours who goe themselues to the wars , haue tasted the sweetnesse thereof by so many and so notable victories , as we are at this day their admirers . Selim the first was wont to say that battailes gained in the Princes absence were not to be tearmed accomplished victories , and we see that they haue scarce euer enterprised ought which hath not taken effect in the ende . Yea it hath beene obserued that when their Captaines haue beene ouerthrowne , if they themselues went afterward in person , they alwaies returned victorious . Amurath the second went himselfe after Carambeius generall of his army ( who was ouerthrowen by Ladislaus King of Polonia ) to war vpon that Prince , whom he ouercame and cut his whol army in peeces : Mezat Bassa was imploied by Mahomet the second in the enterprise of Rhodes , which he shamefully abandoned ; but Soliman going himselfe in person , caried it by plaine force , and chased thence the Knights of Saint Iohn of Ierusalem , who disquieted his estate by their ordinary excursions in the Leuant . Amurath Captaine of the said Mahomet receiued a notable ouerthrow at the hands of Vsumcassan King of Persia : but Mahomet going after himselfe in person vanquished the enemy already victorious , and put him to a desperat plunge . The Mamelucks ouerthrew Querseolus and Calubeius , Baiazet the second Commanders : Selim the first after personally vndertaking them , ouercame them , and wholy rooted out both them and their Empire . Amurath the third now raigning hath been so many times beaten by Cudabenda King of Persia in person , and through the vnskilfulnesse of his Commanders , that a man may well say that neuer any of the race of the Ottomans receiued so notable ouerthrowes as this hath : Whereto may be added , that he met with last of all before Taures ; where he lost about 80000. men together with the Bassa Generall of his army ; a great blot to the glory of his ancestors , yet the losse being so far off from his estate , he receiued not so great a shake as if it had beene neere him or in his country . 15 But who will take hold of such aduantages to doe good vpon him , seeing the greatest Princes of Christendome are turmoiled in ciuill wars and troubles of their owne estates ? surely none : Nay rather he is like to gather strength more then euer , which he would not so easily doe , if he were to incounter the Christians well appointed , resolute and in a readinesse ioyntly , and with one consent to make their benifit of so goodly an occasion . CHAP. XIIII . That he hath euermore gone well appointed to the wars . 1 That our deliberations may take good effect , we must proue all courses , but vndertake nothing rashly . 2 Rather superfluous then but necessary prouision is to be made of what belongeth to the wars . 3 Aduantages of errours committed in military prouision . 4 The wisdome of the Romaines and Turkes in their prouision . 1 NOthing can be imagined more contenting the spirit then the happy successe of that euery one vndertaketh answerable to his condition : much more a great Prince when he hath resolued vpon anie thing , espeically the war , is not to forget any one thing of what soeuer may perfect his designe , which he ought to conceale and keepe to himselfe all he may . We haue one notable example hereof yet fresh in memory , and that is of the Prince of Parma Alexander Farnese , who for a time had the managing of the troubles and wars in Flanders , where he almost neuer attempted any thing which according to his intent , he did not performe : In very truth his actes were such as he deserueth to be reckoned as one of the most iudicious , wise , and aduised Princes of our age , particularly in this point of making prouision of things necessary in due season . And to say the truth , who soeuer disposeth his affaires , is euermore attended on rather by shame , reproch , and repentance , then honour , glory , and contentment : That Prince which once loseth his reputation by this default , hardly recouereth it , but remaineth infamous ; he is lesse feared of his neighbors , and which is more , he himselfe entreth into a certaine ill conceit , and distrust of himselfe , which in such sort accompanieth him , as in whatsoeuer he afterward a new vndertaketh , he resteth vnassured , doubtfull , confounded in all his determinations , and is vncapable of constant and resolued counsaile , carying alwaies the repentance of his former fault with a sorow which tormenteth his verie soule , so much the more strangely , by how much such a Prince is the greater , or is well conceited of himselfe . 2 This is an aduertisment which should open the eies of all such not to vndertake any thing but what is well digested , and with such order and forecast , as there be rather abundance then necessity : for when the prouision is small and that it neuer so little miscary , it depriueth the Prince , not of courage but of confidence and aduice , of whose lacke insueth the want of wherwithall to warrant and shelter his reputation , vnlesse it be that he will say , I had not thought , words most dangerous in the wars where he can erre but once , and vnwoorthy euer to proceede out of the mouth of one wise and aduised , vnlesse he meane that the misse of these two vertuous partes be to be borne withall . 3 Prospero Colonna a great Captaine proued this to his cost at such time as he vndertooke to assaile Parma without cannon or other munition of war requisite wherewith to take such to taske as were the French souldiours then in the towne . For they sent him away well laden with blowes , shame and displeasure , vnable to performe ought of what he too vnaduisedly attempted . Fredericke of Bossola met with the like at the same place for want of counsaile , mony , and other meanes which are not borne as Pompers souldiours in striking the ground with our foot : Guicciardin was then within the towne and had a command within that garrison . And though the Captaine be wise , yet if the armie once discouer that their prouisions faile them , that they be far from succours , farre from places of retrait : then is it , loe that they become astonished , that feare and disobedience seiseth them , and that all these meete in one , make a foule adoe ; which the enemie perceiuing ( as it is vnpossible but he should ) will if he be wise , make his benefite of our necessitie ; which will serue him as a rampart and bridge at his pleasure to assaile and harme vs , but to preserue himselfe safe and vntouched : It is that the Turkes taught our men at Exechium . 4 The Romans more wary , neuer fought but in grosse and answerable to the proportion of the enterprise , their armies were either Pretorian or Consulary : the Turke hath alwaies sent to the field mighty forces , and aduantagioussy furnished ; neither hath he euer quitted enterprise for lacke of men , munition , or money . What was his prouision of artillery at the siege of Malta , but in a manner infinite . For not to reckon his other charge , he there discharged threescore thousand cannon shot . At the siege of Nice , where the French were , Barbarossa Generall of the Turkish armie , brought such store of artillerie , as the French that were at their own doores had lacke of powder to continue their portion of batterie which they had vndertaken ; and were constrained to borrow of the Turkes , to whom they should rather haue lent ; since the enterprise was theirs , and they brought the other thither . CHAP. XV. He hath neuer fought out of season . 1 Especiall wisdome to be vsed in giuing battaile . 2 Errors of Charles the 5. and other Christian Princes in their Sea-fights . 3 The Turkes wisedome in that kinde . 4 Sea actions vnseasonably vndertaken . 5 Aduantages that the Turke hath in such cases aboue the Christians . 1 EVery man is able to resolue that he wil fight with whatsoeuer force shall present it self , & with hopes of victory , or else to sel his life at a deare rate ; but to perform it against heauē and time , was neuer heard of ; for in such cases courage , wisdome , and power become danted , so as consequently there followeth a despaire rather then any honorable fruit of a labor & indeuor wel imploied . In a word , who so precipitates his enterprise without attending fit time and season , seeketh nought else but to lose his time , his pain , charge , and reputation ( which is the maine point ) to his ruine and confusion . 2 The Emperour Charles the fifth might make vs wise , since hauing obstinatly vndertaken the seege of Metz our of due season , and without mature aduice ; he was constrained to rise from before it with such a disorder , shame , and losse , as he afterwards hardly thriued ; Not long before that , for lacke of applying himselfe to the time when he enterprised vpon Algiers , how many ships and men lost he ? so many as it was a long time ere hee could recouer himselfe , learning this lesson to his cost , That earth cannot force heauen . And though the valour and policy of the Turke can challenge no part in that action , yet can he make vse of the Christian losses to his aduantage . Now if tempests and inconstancy of weather opposed this prince both at Algiers and Metz , they did not lesse at such time as he attempted the voiage of Tripoli in Barbary : for the contrariety of windes made him waste much time at Saragossa , and after by the like constraint and violence , as much at Malta , during which time the most part of his souldiours died , and in the end vtterly despairing to reach Tripoli in due season , the army a boade at Gerbes , where it was after ouerthrowne as well by tempest as by the Turkes , who knew well enough how to aduantage themselues by this disorder . The first yeere of the war of Cypres , the armies of the Pope and of the Venetians incountred notable losses by tempest of sea , euen in the mouthes of their own hauens , and all for too late assembling themselues . 3 The Turke neuer fought , especially by sea , but when the season and opportunity would permit him . 4 Some one that may perhaps long to ouerthrow this position will alledge that the Princes of Christendome haue neuerthelesse in the winter attempted voiages by sea . It may be , but I should thinke it was either in regard of the hope they had , not to incounter the Turke as they might , in the sommer , then for any assurance they had or might haue in the well-speeding of a voiage inconsiderately attemted . 5 In breefe , if we must aduenture beyond reason , it were better we did it fighting against the Turkes , then against the windes , with the Moores then with stormes and shipwrackes . To say the very truth , our Princes of Christendome haue their forces and estates so far separated one from the other , that before we can reduce them to one consent and body ; time and opportunities are fled . But the Turke hath his powers so limited and ranged , not depending but of one only head , as he is alwaies in a readines to repell all assaults almost before the threatning of them can be with him . In conclusion , if all these reasons suffice not to cleare the proposition , yet should they teach vs at the least to proue wise , resolute & aduised hence forward not to enterprise ought so out of season , as that we should be driuen to fight with time rather then men ; they should teach vs to gaine rather then to lose occasions ; to abound rather then want ; to seeke to be honoured and to thriue rather then to receiue dishonour and losse : but the maine point in all is to haue God on our side as our chiefe strength and most assured conductor . CHAP. XVI . That he hath neuer diuided his forces . 1 Wisdome of the Turkes in vndertaking one , not many wars at once . 2 Diuision of forces dangerous . 3 Those few good Commanders that are found in a confused multitude are not to be farre separated . 4 The ouerthrow of one army may breed terror in the rest . 5 Prouision cannot be made at once for many expeditions . 1 SVch hath beene the wisdome and foresight of the Ottomans , as they haue neuer almost had to do with two enemies at once . Contrariwise they haue so well ordered their enterprises as the finishing of one hath drawen on the beginning of an other ; but when they forsooke this beaten and sure way , then loe miserie ouertooke them , as it hapned to Mahomet the second , who would needes warre with three armies at one time , sending one for Italy , at such time as he tooke Ottranto : the other to Rhodes , where his Generall and armie were well beaten : the third he himselfe went to conduct against the Mammoelucks , if by death he had not beene preuented . He had in these three armies aboue three hundred thousand men , besides his armie at sea , consisting of aboue fiue hundred saile . The voyages and designes ill digested , all these three armies were discomfited ; for that of Italy , though it tooke Ottranto , got nothing by it ; seeing that assoone as the souldiers vnderstood of their masters death , they quitted the place vpon composition . 2 But me thinkes this proposition , whereby I maintaine that it is not good at once to set a foote diuers enterprises , may be thus impugned . That the successe of the Turkes death , and the commotion it wrought amongst his people , was cause that those armies miscaried , and not the separation of them and their enterprises . I confesse as I ought , that whatsoeuer betideth vs , necessarily hapneth by way of a first or exciting cause . But to come to the ground of our principall matter ; without farther subti●●tsing this discourse , it is easily seene how hard it is for a prince to prouide sufficiently at one time for sundry enterprises , at the least vpon a sound foundation thereby to reape honorable fruites : since all diuision of forces bringeth with it a debility , and becommeth rather a subiect of iniurie then to be able to iniure others , to be beaten then to beat , to be others pray rather then to pray vpon others : for as a body diuided by parcells is not of that weight taking it seuerally , as when it is reduced to the first vnitie : In like sort the forces of a prince , when they are diuided and disunited haue not that vertue and subsistance as they would haue in their vnitie and well-ordered consunction : for proofe , who considereth that Mahomet had three hundred thousand men , will say that the vnitie of such force was inuincible ; but diuided it proued not so ( though indeed each of these powers by it self ( at the least in regard of the Christians ) was a most mightie army , had it had proportion squared to what it would attempt ) and if this masse of 300000. souldiours had marched in one intire body it had beene easie for them to haue attained their purpose , one seconding another as he might haue done with that of Rhodes , Patros , and Ottranto , which he had in this case vndoubtedly conquered . 3 An other reason may be yet alledged , and that is , that it is hard to finde such Captaines as are fit for the conduct of armies ; that in these great assemblies of forces there are few resolute souldiours ; and that they which are such being once by their diuision ( as a man may say ) diminished , it is a kinde of gelding the army of those which may serue by their example to assure and incourage the other confused multitude . 4 Moreouer when we vndertake three enterprises at once ( as Mahomet , who serueth to this purpose did ) if it happen but one of them to faile , the newes of their misaduenture , maketh the rest ( vndoubtedly depending the one vpon the other ) to faile of resolution . 5 Again , as we haue before deliuered , it is necessary that the war be vndertaken in grosse , and that assay be made of our forces as soone as may be , that we may not be driuen long to entertaine a great army ( which for delay of execution doth oft times disband , breake vp and ouerthrow it selfe with it selfe , but especially with answerable prouisions the better to inioy great happinesse with smal charge ; which will neuer befall him that diuideth his forces and at once attempteth in diuers places . We will then conclude that the Ottomans for the most part haue not had but one enterprise in hand at once , and that to atchieue it they haue so well prouided for it , as the victory hath remained on their side . CHAP. XVII . That he hath not long held warre with one alone . 1 Why the Turkes haue not continued war with one alone . 2 A long war addeth courage and experience to the enemy . 3 It moueth neighbours out of the feare of their owne like misery to aide the oppressed . 4 The Turkes manuer of shifting his wars , and making peace at his pleasure . 1 WHat more assured testimony can wee haue of a continued wisdome , or to say better of a well caried subtilty amongst the Ottomans , then in that they haue alwaies come off well in concluding their wars , and haue not maintained them long against one and the selfe same enemy ? The practise of this policy hath beene most aduantageous vnto them ; such people as they haue not been able at the first to subdue , they haue left in peace , yet haue not forborn in the meane time to turne their armes elsewhere . I haue fashioned to my selfe two especiall causes of this discreet course . 2 The first is the feare they haue euer had lest they might make good souldiours of those against whom they should wilfully maintaine a lingering war. A thing ill practised by the Spaniards in Flanders and the low-countries ; for continuing war many yeres together against them , they haue acquainted that people ( before soft and effeminate ) with the fearfull clashe of their armes , they haue so encouraged and imboldened them , as at this day there are few nations more industrious about their fortifications , or more resolute in the field . 3 The other occasion which hath withheld the Turke from making war long time together vpon one people , is , in mine opinion the feare he hath to incite their neighbour Princes to take armes against him . For if the compassion & fire which burneth our neighbours house doc not mooue vs , the feare of the like to light on vs will make vs bestirre our selues . 4 The Turke then following these steps one while assaileth the Venetians , despoiling them now of a Prouince , then of a good towne or place of strength . And hauing there made vp his mouth he praieth next vpon the Hungarians , doubting lest he might pull vpon his necke a generall league of the other of Italy . He euermore pretendeth in shew that hee will attempt no further : rather that hee meaneth to plant the vtmost of his limits at the place by him last conquered : In the meane time he forgetteth not to be watchfull where he may sease himselfe of some other place of more importance , more easily to incroch vpon vs. After he hath gotten from the Hungarians some peece of their country , he retireth himselfe before their neighbours be assembled , or that they haue meanes couragiously to reuenge themselues of their iniuries . In conclusion he so well behaueth himselfe as he hath neuer suffered vs to fasten vpon him whatsoeuer wars he hath made vpon vs , and he hath alwaies so timely made his retraite , as he hath not enforced the neighbours of the country assailed to ioyne and be in league together ; he in the meane time resting vpon his aduantages of hauing a great number of souldiours well trained and entertained in continuall wars whereby they become more experienced in all occurrents , then ours ; by these meanes attaining to the triumphes of so many crownes and estates . The end of the first booke . THE SECOND BOOKE . CHAP. I. Of Religion . 1 Religion the principall bridle of the subiects . 2 Excellencie of the Christian religion . 3 The vainnesse and abhomination of the Mahometan religion . 4 Disputation of religion forbidden amongst the Turkes . 5 The great Turkes example is a confirmation of his religion . 6 So are the calamities of the Christians , and of others different from them in opinions . IN like sort as by the disposing of what hath beene before handled we haue made it apparent by what wayes & meanes the Turke is become great ; so are we now to deliuer the manner how he holdeth , and maintaineth what he hath already gotten . 1 All such as haue gone about to lay the foundation of souerantie haue begun with religion , as that wherof princes must necessarily make vse , to containe their people in obedience and worship of one God true or false ; if this were not , it were impossible they should acknowledge one Soueraigne in earth ▪ were they without the feare & knowledge of one Supreame in heauen : We might alleage ancient histories whereby it would appeare that all such as haue gone about the establishment of a monarchy , haue had an especiall care to grounde it on the pretence of religion , by whose mysterie and ceremonies they helde in those whom they sought to range to their lawes , by this scruple making them more tractable and pliant to receiue instruction ; Numa Pompilius , Lycurgus , Sertorius , and others are sufficient proofes , whose credit grew from the communication they gaue out they had with som Diuinity ; others that could not hit of the way to frame a new religion fortified themselues neuerthelesse with a pretence of it , in reforming the old , as did not long since Ismael King of Persia and his Coosine Harduellas , who performed great matters in the partes of Asia by introducing a new superstition of religion . 2 But to the purpose , we must auow that as there is no religion more true , so is there none more fauorable to Princes then the Christian , for the quiet and preseruation of their estate and minde . In somuch as this by way of conscience subiecteth to the king & all other superiours ( howsoeuer peruerse and vitious ) the heart , the person , & goods of the subiect ; what greater reason or instrument of state can we meete with then that which bringeth the people vnder a full and perfect obedience ? If our Sauiour Christ submitted himselfe to the law of the Emperour and paid taxe and custom for himselfe and Saint Peter , who will doubt that his disciples are not to doe the like as true obseruers of his precepts ? I remember a discourse written by the Iesuites of a certaine Prince of a country newly dscouered in India , who as one very politicke and wise perceiming the simplicity and purity of the Christian doctrine , though himselfe were an Idolater , permitted that his subiects should be baptized , cathechized and instructed in our faith ; and was present at their baptisme ; furthering to his power all the actions of the Iesuites ; because ( said he ) I am assured if these men obserue their law as they are bound , they will faile neither of loialty nor obedience , and will pay me my tributes and reuenues without fraude or contradiction . 3 Let vs now enter into the principall matter of the subiect which we haue vndertaken to handle . The law of Mahomet is full fraught with fables and grosse absurdities , and so far from reason to maintaine them , as it would be an easie matter by way of some holy manifestation of their errors to alter the estate & gouernment of the Turkish Empire . What more strange impertinency can there be then that of their Alcaron ? It is impossible to deuise more absurdities , dreames and cousenings , then those their law giuer Mahomet hath introduced : but he perceiuing well enough that the foundation of his falfe doctrine was such as it would be easie to ouerthrow it ; knew cunningly how manie ways to remedie it . First he framed all the precepts of his law according to naturall sense , and made them sutable to the course of things base and earthly , therby to make their obseruation so much the more pleasing and easie to be admitted and maintained , as being founded vpon the pleasures of the flesh and the world ; he could neuer better charm the reason and lull asleepe the spirite of that dull and wholly illiterate nation , then to tie them to the performance of a law altogether sensuall . 4 The other meanes he held to make his law lasting , was the expresse forbidding to enter into disputation about any one point of it , vnlesse it were with the edge of the sword : In regard whereof he tearmed it , the law of the sword . Thus the Prince of the Turke who hath in his hand the sword & force , is also consequently the Arbitrator & Iudge of the doubts and controuersies which arise in his law , and determineth them as he seeth good , so as he is wise enough to suffer any newe opinion to take footing . For as soone as that hapneth he turneth his sword against the authours thereof , and that with such rigour and cruelty as he vtterly rooteth them out not leauing so much as a seed or any parcell of them . The troubles and dissentions which heresies haue brought in amongst the Christians serue him for examples , he seeth such histories daily verified ; he is very well informed of them , and turneth them to the best vse beyond the experience his predecessors haue had of such fruites as spring from a new interpretation of their law . Harduclles in a very small space wan such credit amongst that barbarous people , that by means of a certaine new interpretation of the points of their sect , he busied all Asia , where he sowed so many troubles , as he well neere indangered the whole estate of Baiazet the second . 5 But that which maketh the law of this cursed race more durable is , that the Emperour himselfe obserueth it with that deuotion , honoreth it with that reuerence , embraceth it with that religion , and preserueth it in that credit and authority ; as it is hard to imagine a man more deuout and affected towards it . 6 Againe , the misery and vexations that the Turks ( depriued of all other light but that their mother sense affordeth them ) beholde other nations dispersed thorow their dominions and of a contrary beleefe to indure , wholy weddeth their dull soules to this false doctrine : neither is there that misery which that vile Mahometane race make not all those to suffer who embrace not their religion , but aboue all the Christians . CHAP. II. Of the direct dependency of the Turkes subiects vpon their Soueraigne . 1 Subiects must haue their eies chiefly vpon their Soueraigne . 2 Tyrants strength and guard of strangers . 3 The absolute authority of the Ottomans . 4 The Princes seuour , the subiects safetie . 5 His subiects exact obedience and the cause thereof . 6 Rebllions whence procceding . 1 THe best cement that can be made to giue long continuance to an estate , is to worke so , as that the subiects , of whatsoeuer qualitie or condition they be , may haue alwaies neede of him that is their Commander , to the end they may immediatly depend vpon him and reuerence him : but because it is hard to bring all the world to this passe , especially in a great monarchy : those at the least are to be drawen to it , as farfoorth as is possible , who should be the sinewes and supporters of the Princes power . 2 This moued such Tyrants as durst not assure themselues of such people as they had subdued , to haue about them Captaines , Souldiours , and seruants which were strangers and had neither kinsfolkes , nor friendes in that country , but relied absolutely vpon them . This heeretofore was the maner of the Soldans of Egypt ; and though they be courses so violent , barbarous and vnworthy of Christian Princes , as they should neuer be set before them , yet may they somewaies aduantage them in the consideration of their ends and aime of their intentions , applying them and appropriating them so far forth as Christian policy and the interest of faith may permit . 3 Now then we will deliuer what vse the Turke in these times makes of them . He to establish his Empire and amplifie his greatnesse and authority , intitleth himselfe not only Prince and Monarch of his estates , but Lord also and peaceable Master of the persons , habilities , goods , houses , and possessions of his vastals ; neither is there inheritance or succession so assured , be it neuer so lawfull , but it dependeth of the disposition and free wil of the Turke , so as if any aske of his subiects whose house it is wherein he dwelleth , and to whom belongeth the land he tilleth , he makes no other answeare , but that they are the great Turks his Master ; moreouer they all tearme themselues slaues of their Prince : whence followeth that they can not any waie maintaine the quiet possession of their goods , nor account of any thing as of their owne but by his especiall fauour . Much more if they aime at raising themselues to any eminent place of honour they are to beg it of the magnificence and pleasure of their Prince ; meanes which serue to curbe those barbarous people , yet to be reiected of Christians and abhorred of lawfull Princes , who receiue and hold their monarchies of the hand of God. There are more honest precepts to be giuen , whereby they may purchase and preserue the loue and obedience of their people , without vsing such cruelties and tyrannies . But because the argument propounded requireth that I relate the meanes this barbarons race hath obserued to become great , and that I am fallen into that matter , I will continue it : yet not as approuing any such course , or as indeuoring to set them downe , by them to forme a receiuable example , or to induce Christian Princes to make them their paterne of gouerning their estates . 4 By this former discourse then we haue deliuered how the Turkes subiects haue neede of him , some to preserue what they haue gotten , others to attaine to dignities and places of honour . And in a word , their being and life depending indifferently vpon the Prince , their principall care is to winne his fauour . 5 Thi● dependency fortifieth it selfe & increaseth by the obedience and gouernment of great personages , imploied by the Turke in his seruice , and fashioned by himselfe to this end , who are from their infancy brought vp at the Princes charge , and instructed euery one according as hee is naturally inclined either in the excercises of armes or any other laborious trade , so as such not knowing other father or benefactor then their soueraigne ( from whom they receiue both goods and honours ) : neuer thinke of kindred or friends , neither haue they any touch of bloud or naturall alliance , dedicating their body , minde and whole deuotion to the only goood of their masters affaires , whose creatures they acknowledge themselues to be , to whatsoeuer degree of honour they be preferred : neither is it in their power to amasse other wealth then that which is rawght them by the hands of the great Turke . To make it more plaine to the Reader who these are ; they are the Spachi , Spachioglani and Ianizzars ; in these consisteth the strength and guard of the Turkish Empire . I hold it not amisse to discouer in a word ( as by the way ) what is the forme and condition of these bandes and companies : so to deliuer a more cleare vnderstanding of their manner and power . The Spachi and Spachioglani are horse men , whereof there are a thousand in number , which march at the right hand of their Lord. The Selactari or Soluptari , are other thousand horse , which accompany the great Turke on the left hand , when he marcheth , as the Spaihioglani on the right ; of these two companies are chosen the Gouernours of Prouinces , and vpon these according to their merit , the Turke bestoweth his daughters in mariage . The Vlufezgi are other thousand which march after the aboue named , who in part are called out of the bands of Ianizzars , as men noted for their especiall valour : or they are such as haue beene slaues , and for their notable seruice performed toward their masters , or for hauing saued the life of some Bassa or Beglerbee in the wars , attaine to this degree of being one of the Turkes garde . The Charipies are of like number as the Vlufezgi , and march after them . The Ianizzars follow after , who are foote , and appointed for the guard of the Turke : These at their first institution were few in number , but now they amount to 4000 : In these two sorts of foote and horse , consisteth the strength of the Turke , being as the seminarie of the Sangiaks , Bassas , and Lisirs . This great number we speake of , giue no armes or any other marke of hereditary gentry , being in such sort ordained as they cannot attribute to themselues any thing in particular , nor attaine to any preheminence , but such as by their vertue they may inuite their Prince to bestow vpon them . It is the onely meanes whereby the Turke gaineth all the obedience and loialtie he can wish ; obedience in regard they are ( as I haue said ) trained vp vnto it from their infancie , which in them turneth to a naturall habite , placing the fruit of their labours in the assurance of such a seruitude : Loyaltie , in as much as they expect from him their whole aduancement , and acknowledge to receiue more benefits of him then of any other Prince ; neither hath it beene knowne that they euer committed treason of importance , vnlesse it were the reuolt of Gazeles at Damasco , and of Acomat Bassa at Cairo , in the time of Soliman . Which was but ( as a man may say ) a fire of stubble extinguished at the very first appearance and pursute of their Master . Now the Ianizars , and the other mentioned , who are the sinewes and principall foundation of the Ottomans greatnesse , and who receiue so many commodities by this dependencie , and doe daily expect more ; haue no more deere care , then to vphold their Masters safetie , and preserue the greatnesse of his estate , whereunto their owne fortune is linked . 6 To shew by what meanes the Turke maintaineth this dependencie , let me say that all dependency of the subiect vpon his Master and Soueraigne , may receiue an alteration either by force furie of the people : authoritie , of some great man of the country . by the support of a for●en Prince . Matters thus disposed ( not to enquire nicely after al sorts of inconueniences ) it resteth that we see how he remedieth these kinde of accidents , and preuenteth the causes of such like infirmities as these , which in time might weaken and ruine his Empire : let vs begin then with the strength of the people . CHAP. III. How he hath depriued his Subiects of strength . 1 Wherein consisteth the strength of an estate . 2 The Turkish Empire maintained by the vse of armes , as that of the Romans . 3 Tithing of Christian children by the Turkes . 4 The manner of their education : and the commodity accreweth thereby to the Turkes . 5 Great assemblies amongst them forbidden . 1 THe strength of an Estate consisteth in the valour of the Nobilitie , loue and faithfulnesse of the Subiect , reputation of armes , multitude of Souldiers , and commodities of horse , which may bee therein bred or nourished . 2 The Turke then which would attaine to this poinct , onely by armes , horse , and Souldiers , obserueth euermore this rule : He taketh away all vse of armes from such Prouinces as he hath newly reduced to his obedience , he forbiddeth them the commoditie of horses fit for the war , & endeuoureth all he may to choake in them the springing vp of men proper for the exercises of arms ; and hath an ere that in all his dominions , not any man haue in his house weapons for the warre , no not so much as a knife , vnlesse without a point ; Moreouer , he alloweth not any Iewe or Christian to haue or keepe any horse , imitating heerein the manner of the Romanes , who obserued both the one and the other , especially at the surprises and surrenders of townes ; The principall conditions were alwaies , that they should forgoe their weapons , their horses , and deliuer hostages : hence is it that we reade so often in Caesar , Arma proferri , iumenta produci , obsides dari iubet . Heereby depriuing the subdued people of all meanes to vndertake or maintaine a rebellion . Againe , Hostages gaue them a future assurance of the fidelitie and obedience of their subiects : for amongst such as they admitted , the chiefe of the Counsaile and such as were valiant men at armes , were the first mentioned : but aboue all , those of whom they might conceiue any doubt or suspition . We reade that Caesar hauing taken Auxerra ( which was not one of the greatest not best peopled townes of France ) drew thence sixe hundred Hostages : So as it is to be thought , that the rest after such an abatement , could not be of any great courage or strength to reuolt . 3 The Turke without troubling himselfe with the care how to traine after him an vnprofitable multitude of Hostages , in an instant riddeth his subiects hands of their best forces , and strangely armeth and fortifieth himselfe with themselues , against themselues ; and heerein he thus proceedeth . He maintaineth in pay about two hundred Commissaries , who as Superintendents trauell vp and downe all the countries of his obedience , to see and ouersee all that is saide and done by the Christians . These men goe throughout Grecia , Wallachia and Bosnia , and extort by way of tenthes , the children from the bosomes of their fathers and mothers , according as they esteeme them fit and likely to be fashioned to the wars . 4 These childrē thus culled & assembled from al cuntries of his obedience are after sent to Constantinople and distributed amongst the Merchants , and Citizens by name , and inroulement ; to the ende they may be there instructed in the lawe of Mahomet , and taught the Turkish tongue : After ( when they come to the age to beare armes ) to be of the number of Ianizzars . For during their youth they are trained vp to all such military exercises as may put valour in them , and make them souldiours ; and this by particular Masters appointed to teach them to shoote , wrastle , leape , vault , and so to harden their bodies as the tranailes of the wars may be after held but as pleasures and naturall actions . Thus the Turke by this tithing of Children assureth himselfe of his people in a two-folde manner ; in despoiling as he doth the Prouinces of the flower of their martiall men ; and applying them to his owne strengthning both at home and abroade . 5 Hereunto he addeth the expresse forbidding his subiects all assemblies , or building of any strong houses , which may stead them in time of sedition or tumult , neither are they allowed the vse of bels , by whose sound they might call themselues together to the execution of some plotted reuolt , or mutiny . In a word , they are naked of all meanes , to fortifie , to arme , to assemble themselues or to become any waies ; fit for the wars ; no other subiect is left them to worke vpon but the tillage of the land , whereto , as to al other mechanical artes , they apply themselues ; so becomming base , abiect , and vnapt for the wars . CHAP. IIII. The causes that may moue a people to fury . 1 Despaire armeth the weake . 2 How to auoid tumults and ciuill commotions . 3 Feare amongst subiects is vpheld by Iustice , and plentie of thinges necessary . 4 Praise of peace and Iustice . 5 Execution of Iustice amongst the Turkes pleasing and tollerable , though vniust . 6 An exhortation to Christian Princes to administer Iustice . IT hath oft hapned , and in our times we haue had triall of it , that the people , though vnarmed , haue in their despaire and fury disquieted a whole estate , and brought the common-weale into an exceeding distresse and perplexity . Furor arma ministrat ( saith Virgil ) Iamque faces & sax a volant . We haue the testimony of the Romans time , in those ciuill wars which hapned in Italy & in Sicily , & of the mischiefes which followed those rebellions ; as much hath beene seene to happen in these times in the I le of S. Domingo about the change of gouernment introduced vpon those conquered people , forced to subiect themselues to a new kinde of seruitude . In very deede that people is not weakely armed which hath a heart , a good spirite , and a nimble hand . 2 This is the cause why the Turke to preuent these popular commotions , hath depriued the people of all sorts of armes , to the end they may forget both the vse and courage to handle them , and that they may not by them take occasion to mutiny . Now to prouide that so barbarous a yoake driue them not to despaire , he maintaineth a general peace and tranquillity throughout his estate : he hath a care that iustice be equally distributed : that they haue plenty of victuals , and all other vsuall commodities , the better to lull asleepe their fury . 3 By these meanes euery one maketh the best of his fortune and liueth quietly at home , embracing that naturall desire of holding his owne , which to performe euery man emploieth whatsoeuer may proceed out of himself : moreouer this quiet and ease of minde doth so soften men , as they rest free from the thought of plotting or vndertaking sturs and rebellions : Iustice , quiet , and plenty , are three things which haue for their opposites , the violence of soldiours in time of war , the corruption of Iudges in time of peace , and scartsiy and famine in both . The iniustice , the abuse , and auarice of officers and magistrates , are those which procure the subuersion and vnauoidable ruine of a country . I could adde to this discourse many examples & domesticall proofes , but not to enter into too deepe a sea I will spare them , and will content my selfe to say only that all those of ancient times , and such as haue had any touch of a good minde ( either Christians or infidels ) haue euermore confessed that the sincere execution of iustice is the strongest piller of all well ordered estates , as on the contrary iniustice is the ouerthrow , not alone of men and countries , but of beasts also . To returne to our matter , it is sure that when the common subiect hath wherewith to nourish , cloath , and handsomely accommodate himselfe and family ; when in the middest of armes he is safe in his owne home ; when he standeth not in feare of forged crimes , or bribery of Iudges ; then is it that he falleth asleepe in securitie , and careth not but to entertaine that tranquillitie , reiecting all thought of rebellions . This is it which the Turke ( who warreth continually with his neighbours ) putteth in practise to maintaine peace throughout his dominions , and to be beloued and faithfully serued of his subiects , whom he tieth to him with those strong bands , which are to say the truth ( besides Iustice and tranquillitie ) most proper for preseruation . A great helpe heereunto is his continuall imploying his Captaines and Souldiers in the wars , especially out of his owne countrey , and to the spoile of his enemies . 5 Peace is the horne and true mother of abundance : Then is it that euery man tilleth his land without disturbance , and quietly inioyeth and encreaseth his owne store , since as the Poet saith , Pax arua colit : Iustice Queene of vertues , is that which serueth as the base and most sure foundation to peace , which could not otherwise subsist , nor the lawes likewise ; then is it that they gaine strength and vigour . 5 And though the forme of the Turkish Iustice be not without much vanitie and oppression , and though all matters be determined amongst them by way of witnesses , who are alike bought and sold ; and that iudgements passe as gold and siluer is stirring : yet the quicke dispatch they receiue , maketh them forget this inconuenience ; and though the sentence of such Iudges be often pronounced against all order of Iustice ; yet is there thus much good gotten by it ; that men consume not themselues bodie and goods in pleading and trotting after Lawyers and Atturnies , which haue their consciences as large as the other , who are bought more deerely : besides the delay , vexation and vncertainety of the iudgement . And though the sentence of such men be much displeasing , yet the people haue this to comfort them , that they many times see them endure most notable and exemplary punishment : for the Turke sometimes vpon the least complaint brought against them , putteth them to death , be they neuer so great personages , as well to inrich himselfe with their spoiles , as to manifest himselfe to be a Prince most respectiue of iustice and equity , and to giue also a manner of satisfaction to his subiects so oppressed as Selim , left that example of Bostand Bassa . 6 Hence Christian Princes are to fetch an aduertisment how to be more carefull then they are in making their ministers obserue a more vpright and speedy distribution of iustice amongst their subiects : not vpon the grounds and intents of this barbarous Turke ; but rather because they are one day to render an account before God , who to this ende established them in place aboue others . Questionlesse the long delaying of suites is the most damnable plague to be found at this day in all estates : The abuses committed otherwise by the ministers of Princes are more to lerable then these ; where the whole is in question . For this cause Princes ought to looke more neerely to this then to any other thing . CHAP. V. The common remedy applied by the Turke against the force and fury of the people . 1 Another way of preuenting popular seditions , by hauing alwaies bands of foote and horse in a readinesse . 2 The Turkes strength in his court . 3 His other strengthes . 4 Inconueniences that grew by the Romane Legions : 5 Preuented by the Turke . 1 THough the meanes formerly deliuered be sufficient to keepe the Turkes subiects from rebelling , yet there are stronger by him practised , wholly to preuent and extinguish euen the least sparke of sedition , and to prouide against other like inconueniences . He maintaineth a great number of horse and foot alwaies armed , alwaies in pay , and distributed in garrisons thorow out his Empire , especially in places most proper to resist or assaile . These curbe the people , and vpon the least shew of rebellion lay hands on them , represse their insolency , and suffer not the least apparance of sedition to take roote , remouing the causes euen at the first without respect to any . This is the reason that there hath neuer beene knowen any popular rebellion in his estate . 2 The port of the great Turke , as they tearme it ( as who would say his courte and gard ) consisteth chiesely and ordinarily of foure thousand horse , distributed into foure companies , to wit the Spahioglani , who are in al a thousand besides their seruants , which march not in their rancke but apart , and of these euery one hath seauen or eight . These range themselues on the right hand of their Lord wheresoeuer he become ; and the Solastri ( equall in place and authority ) on the left . These two sortes are accounted as children of the great Turke , and are nourished and brought vp in the Sarraglio at his charge ( as hath beene said ) and there trained vp in all exercises of armes . After these , march the companies of the Vlifezgi & Charipici , inferiour to the other in rancke and authority . Those on the right hand , these on the left , either consisting of a thousand horse . And wheresoeuer the great Turke goe , they neuer forsake him . These foure thousand horse together with twelue thousand Ianizzars are the strength and gard of the person and port of the Turke , with these forces he is alwaies able to hold in awe and subiection a city more populous then Constantinople , and not stand in feare of any attempt against his person . 3 In other places of his Empire he bestowes other great numbers of the Ianizzars to be assistant to the Gouernors and Bassas , besides the succours they are to haue of such horse and foote as those are bound to furnish on whom the Turke hath at other times bestowed such arable lands as haue beene conquered by armes , whence he draweth one man or more as the necessity of his affaires requireth , and according as is the value of what they possesse . These are called Mozzellini . Such as are tied to this contribution may be compared to the Feudataries of our Prince , towards whose seruice they are to finde a light horse or musket , and some of them two , more or lesse according to the imperiall institutions of such fees and tenures as so binde them . After all those we haue named , march the Alcanzi , or Aconizij , as a man would say Aduenturers , which haue no wages , & are appointed to march a daies iourny before the campe , pilling , harrowing , and hauocking all before them , whereof they are to answeare the fift parte clcere to the great Turke : of these there are thirty thousand , besides them there are the Azapi ( of meane quality ) but such as serue his turne for Gally-slaues , mariners and pioners to intrench , fill vp ditches , raise engines , and perform other such like seruill offices , their number is 40000. Ouer and aboue these vnder two Beglerbees or Lientenants generall , the one in Europe the other in Asia ; he hath neere an hundred thousand horse in ordinary intertainment . The Beglerby of Grecia or Europ ( which is as much to say as Prince of all Princes ) hath his place of residency at Sophia a towne of Seruia . That of Asia abideth at Culhea a towne of Galatia . Each of these hath vnder his obedience many Sangiacks ( as much as to say sherifes or bailifs ) the very children of the great Turke which gouerne in the Prouinces where they command are bound to obey them . This great multitude of horsemen are so well mounted and armed , as none can chuse or wish a more fit or direct meanes then their ordinary strength to hinder all popular reuolts or rebellions , be they neuer so great . That which hapned to Gazeles after the death of Selim doth sufficiently approue it ; he thought to stirre against Soliman , and to moue Syria to rebell ; but he was preuented by that mighty power which Soliman found euen then in a readinesse , wherewith he ouerthrew him . These ordinary prouisions of war are the more terrible and effectual , in regard that all the people of his obedience are intirely disarmed of whatsoeuer offensiue weapons . 4 The Romans obserued this custome , to distribute diuers of their legions about the frontiers of Germany alongst the Rhene and Danowb , to the same end and purpose as the Turke entertaineth his horse . But it seemeth that he proceedeth therein more discreetly then did the Romans , for they kept all their forces together in one place , and vnder one Generall , of whom depended the absolute command of the armies : whence it fell out that to accommodate themselues , they ouerthrew the houses of particular men , ruined , and famished the countrey , as well by the hauocke they made ( which alwaies attendeth so great a multitude ) as by their large prouisions most necessary for an armie : The other prouinces farre distant were exempt from this oppression , yet not from contribution , but those which sustained the armie , were so ouerburdened , as their miserie incited them to rebell , and shake off their obedience . But contrariwise , the Turke which disperseth his horse and foote into diuers Prouinces , vnder the command of sixtie and six Sangiacks , draweth not after him such disorder or ill satisfaction as did the Romans . Their great assemblie in one place was cause of seditions , debates , mutinies and other mischiefes , most difficult to be preuented . They did not perceiue how this manner of proceeding was a means that the Souldiers grew too much to affect their Captaines , and that the Captaines found themselues by them enabled to attempt ( as they often did ) many things to the preiudice of the Empire . And in very deed it oftentimes hapned that their armies made choice of their General for Emperour , in despite of the Senatours authoritie ; either in regard of the valour they knew to be in them , or of some pecuniarie corrupting their affections , which the Senate could not remedy : And in trueth it was a very easie matter for the Generall , so farre from home , and holding his forces vnited in one body , to practise the Colonels , and the Colonels to bargaine and buie the harts and affections of the Souldiers , by them to possesse the Empire , so as sometime the armie of Spaine chose their Generall Emperour , and at the same time that of Germany theirs : whereof we haue many examples , as also of the calamities and miseries which did thence accrew to the Estate and subiects . 5 It is an inconuenience whereto the Turke cannot be subiect ; for keeping his troups and armies so spread abroad and disperst , they haue not the meanes to mutinie ( especially being in no place ouer strong ) nor yet grow to affect their Beglerbyes or Gouernours , whom they seldome see or repaire to : much lesse can the Beglerbee in his owne behalfe easily winne or entice the hearts of the Sangiacks , or affections of the Souldiers , as he might well doe if the troupes were alwais together in time of peace , and abroad in one and the same prouince . CHAP. VI. How the Turke represseth the power of the great men of his estate . 1 The authoritie of a Prince ( if his vertue be not eminent aboue all the great men of his kingdome ) is by their vertue obscured , whence groweth the diminution of the subiects obseruance . 2 From whence the authoritie of the Nobilitie doth proceed . 3 The detestable crueltie of the Turkish Emperour against the next of his bloud . 4 Vsage of great men taken by the Turkes . 5 The vncertaine fortune and estate of the Turkes officers . 1 TO the end the dependencie and authoritie whereof wee haue hitherto entreated be without alteration maintained , it is requisite that the Prince haue a care , that there be none in his countrey who for their greatnesse may incourage the people , and embolden them to attempt ought , backt by their authoritie , countenance and conduct . 2 This greatnesse may grow from three principall causes : either in regard they are Princes of the bloud , or for that they are noted to be nobly descended and rich , or else for the reputation they haue gotten , and a long while preserued , either by cunning , or by their owne valour , and merit : things that winne credit and name amongst the common people . Concerning the first cause , the children , brethren , and kinsmen of the Turke , are great by consanguinitie . The Barons of the country obtaine the second ranke , whereto the noblenesse of their family calleth them : for the third , such ministers and officers as beare a stroake and swaie in matters of the highest consequence , are accounted great . 3 The Ottaman Princes , of nature barbarous and cruell , ordinarily shelter themselues from these inconueniences , with courses far from all humanity , in as much as without all respect of Law , religion , or other ciuill consideration , they vpon the least scruple that may be , ridde their hands by execrable murthers , of their neerest kinsfolkes and friends , yea euen of their fathers and brethren , alone to inioy and by their death to assure to themselues the quiet possession of their kingdome . Selim the first murthered two of his brethren , procured the death of all his nephewes , yea and of his father also . He would often say that there was nothing more sweet then to raigne out of the suspition and shadow of his kindred ; and that he deserued pardon for what he had committed , since it was the same play and vsage he should haue receiued , if any other but himselfe had attained to the crowne . Amurath the third which now raigneth , made his entry by the death of his brother , and searched the establishing of his Empire , euen in the belly of his mother , then great with childe , making for this end , one end of her & what she went withall : these cruelties are monstrous in the sight of God and man , and full of horror and infamie : yet hath it not beene knowen for all this , that euer any citie , any people , or armie , did reuolt or mutine . This inhumanitie is amongst them growne to that lawfull and ordinarie consequence , as they vsually put it in practise , without feare of blame or reproch . The examples thereof are as infinite as their memories , stinking and abhominable . In a word , this butchering is amongst them an hereditary succession , descending from one to another , which God would reuenge with our hands if we would amend our liues . 4 As for the Barons and Lords of the countrey , Mahomet the first , destroied their seed , expelling them out of his estate , as he did all the originarie Turkish Princes his allies ; and if by chance there remaine any of the Ottoman race , he is so kept downe , as he traileth ( as they say ) his belly vpon the ground , liuing most poorely without all charge , and manage of affaires : so as neither valour nor riches can make him appeere or shine in the worlds eie ; rather he remaineth eclipsed amongst the vulgar sort , without honour , credit , or estimation . As for the Princes and mightie men of the countrey by them subdued , they know well enough how to ridde their hands of them , in sort as we haue before declared : so as neuer Empire was raised , or maintained with more execrable murthers , then this hath beene in these daies ; they neither sparing Princes of their bloud , nor the chiefe Potentates of their prouinces ; for they blinde them , if not kill them . 5 Now concerning the ministers and officers , who by long managing of waightie affaires , haue attained to Honorable places , authority and reputation ; there is not one , be hee neuer so great , which at the least winke , wrath , and pleasure of his Lord , loseth not his life immediatly . Baiazet caused Acomat Bassa to be put to death , an excellent man of armes and a woorthy Captaine , saying the too much reputation of the seruant was a cause of the too great ielousie of the master . Selim likewise put many to death , and amongst others Mustafa Bassa , whom he caused to be strangled at Prusa , and after to be cast out to the dogs . This was his recompence for fauoring him in the vsurpation of the Empire against Baiazet his father then liuing , and for making riddance of his two brethren Acomat and Corcut. He suspected it was he that had reuealed his secret ( as indeed he had ) to Aladin and Amarath children of his brother Acomat , because contrary to his expectation he sought their death . It is in a manner an ordinary course with Princes that one light offence obscureth and maketh them forget a thousand good seruices performed for the good of their affaires . For my part I am of opinion that this rage , and inhumane cruelty familiar with the house of the Ottomans , is but a true and iust iudgment of God , who will by their parricid handes chastice the Apostasies and wickednesse of one by another , considering the greater part of them are Christians who haue denied their faith , and by that miserable act climed vp to the height of those eminent charges and dignities they possesse . As not long since his diuine Maiestie permitted a poore simple souldiour to kill Mahomet Bassa , a man most mighty in credit and authority ; but more rich of power and meanes ; yet such a one as had beene a Christian and had taken vpon him the orders of Priesthood . CHAP. VII . How he confoundeth the practises of forraine Princes his neighbours 1 The diuorce of the Greeke church from the Romish confirmeth the Turkish Empire . 2 What were requisite to stir vp the Turkish subiects to rebellion . 3 The Greekes vtterly destitute of meanes for such proceedings . 4 His owne subiects throughly curbed . 1 ONe of the most assured meanes practised by the Turke , as an infallible course of setling his estate against the intelligence which his people might hold with Christian princes , is the diuorce & separation he maintaineth betweene the Greeke & the Romish church , supposing while this schisme shall continue amongst them , that they will neuer establish betweene them a sound amity . This made the conquest of Constantinople easie vnto them ; this hath forwarded the proceeding of his victories , and as it were , put into his hands all those rich and goodly Prouinces , whereof he is at this day the peaceable , but Tyrannicall owner : moreouer he so narrowly obserueth our vnhappie discord , as he by a perpetuall counsaill endeuoureth all he can possibly , that the Patriarkes render no obedience to the Pope : neither is it long since Zacharias , Patriarcke of Constantinople , was like to be staked for hauing admitted the new Callender and the reformation of the course of the yeere , made in the time of Gregorie the 13. 2 Now to returne to the principall point , it is to be presupposed that the proiects and carriage of popular rebellions , cannot be vndertaken without the support and direction of the mightiest for wealth , meanes , and authority , in the country which we would surprise ; and that Princes will not bouge to set a foote these plots and enterprises , but by offered occasion of some fortresse which importeth the assurance and consequence of the estate , and may serue for a refuge to recouer their decaied strength : or else that their destigne relieth vpon some promised succour , or finally vpon the consideration that those who inuite them to this conquest are so strong within themselues , as they may hope for an honorable issue of their enterprise . 3 These are all necessary particularities , but not any of them resteth now in the hands of the Greekes abased by extreame seruitude , and so far from hauing any fortresse at their deuotion , as they cannot once stir without being discouered ; and though they were disposed to vndertake , they haue at their backe so great a number of men at arms , as at the least breath of a rebellion , they would cut them off before they should haue meanes once to peepe forth of their shels . 4 The Turke againe maketh them sure to him so many waies , though all barbarous and vnciuill , as he scarcely alloweth his subiects leaue to draw their breath , nor suffreth his mighty men once to hold vp their heades ; or forraine Princes to be able in due time to attempt ought against him . The end of the second Booke . THE THIRD BOOKE . CHAP. I. The causes of the fall and ruine of estates . 1 Estates are subiect to change . 2 Some of longer , some of lesse continuance . 3 Great , small , and meane estates , and their causes of ruine ; externall , internall , and mixt . 4 Lesse estates come to their endes soonest by externall causes . 5 The great by internall . 6 The meane more durable , yet subiect to alteration . 1 THe order that nature obserueth in all things created doth plainly enough teach vs that whatsoeuer is borne passeth and hastneth towards death ; and that all things which haue a beginning necessarilie and interchangably roule towards their end . This proceedeth either of an ordinarie and naturall course , or of the violence and alteration of compound bodies . Hence we drawe this construction , that estates change , monarchies faile , and the ruine of one serueth as the raising to the other . 2 Againe , as of humaine bodies some are more strong , vigorous , and of a better composition then others , and so are of longer continuance ; so we see the same difference in kingdomes and estates : in as much as some preserue themselues longer , either because by their nature they are more surely founded ( as for example the Signory of Nobles is more lasting then the popular estate , and a Monarchal estate more then a common-weale , because a Monarchy keepeth the causes of corruption more aloofe from her ; or is policed with better lawes ) or because of the situation which is naturally more strong then the other , as we see at this day in the Signorie of Venice . 3 But because this assertion is subiect to diuers obiectiōs , we will diuide it only into two propositions . First then of principalities , some are small , some great , some indifferent , either in regard of their subsistance or first essence , or of the comparison which may be made betweene them and their neighbours : Secondly , the efficient causes of the vtter ruine of estates are either inward , or outward , or mixt : The inward are to be fetched and conceiued in respect of the negligence , ignorance , and riot of Princes which giue themselues ouer to all voluptuousnesse ; whereto may be added the factions , secret practises , ambitions , and desperate humors of subiects , with sundrie other occasions , all fit to bring estates to their vtter ruine . The outwad causes are the stratagemes , armes , and force of the enemie . The mixt are such as participate of both , as are the rebellions of the people , treasons of particular men , put in execution by forraine ayd and force . Since then it is so that all principalities are subiect to ruine by one of these three causes ; we are now to vnfold what maladies may infect , as well great and indifferent , as small estates ; and draw all within the compasse of inward , outward , and mixt causes . Now like as in naturall things naturall corruption is more tolerable then violent , so must we consider whether the alteration and impairing of estates and common weales chance by reason of age , or by the violence of some not forseene cause . 4 Returning then to our former diuision and well examining it , wee shall finde that small Estates come to their ends rather by meanes of outward causes ( brought in by force and violence ) then otherwise : In as much as their power being insufficient to withstand their mighty neighbours ambitious attempts , they are at the first incounter ouerset with the storm of his conquests ; in this maner the seueral Signories of Lombardy fel in subiection either of the Duke of Milan , or of the Venetiās ; the free cities of Thoscany became a pray to the Duke of Florence : The Princes of Africke to the King of Fez-Marocco , and Algiers . 5 On the contrarie , great Empires are vsually subuerted by meanes of inward causes ; either by ease & plenty , which customarily makes Princes to swell with insupportable pride ; by voluptuous riot ( whereto people amidst their abundance are most prone ) or else by insolency and presumption seazing the great ones of the country when they see themselues much followed and reuerenced , all fit inticements to dispose a hart ( but indifferently generous ) to plot for his owne raising . Nec quenquam iam ferre potest Caesarue priorem , Pompeiusue parem . Then is it ( as one saith ) that Caesar cannot brooke a superior , and that Pompey stomaketh an equall . 6 Meane estates vndergoe danger as well as the two former , yet far lesse , since they hold the meane as the other the extreams , for they are not so vnfurnished of strength , as that it would be easie for euery one to inuade and oppresse them , neither are they of that greatnesse and wealth , as to afforde matter to particular men to grow mighty , or else abandon themselues immoderatly to delights & pleasures , or to transport themselues beyond the limits of reason . This is it that so long preserued the common weales of Sparta & of Venice , which euermore respectiuely intertained a meane and equality . The mixt causes of the ruine of Estates are inward treacheries and outward force . Treason hatched within an Estate much more indammageth a great then a small or meane Empire . For a monarke is not able to turne his eie vpon euery corner of his Kingdome ; and sturring spirits are fortified in their attempts either with the hope of impunity ( the nourse of vices in all Estates and gouernments ) or with the opinion they haue conceiued of not being discouered till such time as their proiects meete with some good successe . These things happen sooner , when the Prince is far off then at hand . Spaine can witnesse it , which was so vnhappily betraied by Count Iulian , as it thereby fell into the hands of the Moores . So was the Empire of the Mamelucks by the treason of Caierbeius possest by Selim Emperour of the Turkes . Who would search more narowly into Christendome shall finde that the ciuill wars of France minister more examples for proofe of this then is necessary . Thus wee see that small estates are most to stand in feare of forraine force , since they haue not wherewitheither of or in themselues to be able to resist or to take breath : That the meane estates are alwaies lesse offended by outward force then the smallest , and more free from inward treason then the greatest . CHAP. II. From what coniectures the continuance of estates may be gathered . 1 Causes of the change of Estates . 2 The ruine of Estates is most answearable to their beginnings . 3 The rootes of common wealths how maintained . 4 Security especially to be auoided . 1 I Will no farther extend the discourse of the former chapter , nor diue into the other efficient causes of the ruine of estates : for should I handle what might be farther said of this matter , I should wander too far frō the propounded subiect , and perhaps racke the argument beyond his due pitch . I will then tie my selfe only to the coniectures of the continuance or fall of estates , omitting other causes , as also all that may be referred to the iudgement of the heauens , the influence of the stars , and to their vertue ; sithence this knowledge is fraught with so many obscurities and contrarieties in what is written thereof , as I will spare to search too far into it : Though otherwise we are to imagine that nothing is made in vaine , and that those celestiall bodies moue not by chance , but rather by diuine order and disposition . Againe , the errors of their Ephimerides and the different supputation of the first masters of their profession , make the knowledge to be vncertaine and their so surely grounded maximes to afford contrarie resolutions . Let vs not meddle then with the aspects of the stars , or the natiuities of estates , but regard and consider the effects of what is at our owne home without taking so high a flight . We say then that estates suffer either by the vnremoueable ordinance of God , or by the naturall course of time , wherewith in time they grow feeble , and change : or else by the wils of men , so vnstable and light , as they ordinarily breede an vniuersall alteration thorow out a whole estate and common-weale . We will only drawe our coniectures from naturall causes ( not to meddle with the iudgement of the diuine Maiesty or mans inconstancy ) nakedly and simply to speake of them as neere and familiar , to the end we may not enter into the chaos of causes heauenly and most remote . 2 So then we are to thinke that the continuance of estates is proportioned to their beginning . It is with them as with sensible creatures , which the more they hasten to arriue at the perfection of their being , the sooner also they faile and die : the contrarie is seene in those which with a slow and measured pase attaine to a more faire maturity and perfection : as for example , among beastes the horse , amongst trees the willow are of no long indurance : but those that ( as the Hart and Oliue ) make by degrees and slowly towards their ripenes , are likewise more lasting . We may say the like of Empires and Estates : for as we see them slow or swift in their increase , so are they more swift or slow in their ruine . Haue not the French more then once conquered the duchy of Milan and the kingdome of Naples , and that as a man may say almost in a moment ? so haue they many times lost it and all in a moment : such conquests resemble Torrents tumbling downe the mountaines , which in lesse then an hour , by reason of the great shoutes of waters they bring with them , become fearefull and dangerous ; when soone after in an instant , we see them fallen and shallow , so as a childe may wade thorow them without trouble or danger . Now not to leaue this conquest of Milan and Naples , we must to this purpose by examples contrary to the former make good the ground of our proposition : which to performe , I will set before you the manner how the Spaniards conquered and held these prouinces . I finde it hath been by a long course of time , and infinite trauaile accompanied with all the paines and troubles , which those who set vp their rest vpon a conquest and resolue to abide out the wars , ordinarily indure . Hence their labour hath taken such roote , as nothing since hath been able to escape their hands , howsoeuer they haue been oft times galled and put to their plunges . It is requisite then that Empires haue their rootes to sustaine them , which must be deepe and sound , otherwise it is impossible they should long continue . Now that they may be such , there is an especiall wisedome and many yeeres required . 3 The true rootes of an estate are the loue of the people towards their Prince , the sincere and holy distribution of Iustice amongst the subiects ; military discipline well policed and obserued by the souldiours ; honours , rewards , and benefits bestowed according to vertue and merit : that great men be not slightly set by , abased or contemned : that the common sort of people be intertained with all honest satisfaction : necessary prouisions for the maintenance of places of strength ; well husbanding of the treasure ; friendly intelligence with neighbour Princes ; vncorrupt election of officers ; modesty in their proceedings : these are the very true rootes able to fortifie and make monarchies to flourish and raise them to eternity : which rootes can neuer proue setled spring , or send foorth worthy fruit , vnlesse they be planted in the soile of wisdome , aduice and industrie , and husbanded by the continuance of time . 4 It is often seene that great Conquests and victories attained without losse or labour , so blinde the Conquerour , as they make him become like one of those long reeds or canes which carry outwardly a good apparance , but are inwardly hollow and of fraile substance . They cause him to contemne his companions , and those who assisted him in obtaining his victories , but more the subdued people , whence ordinarily followeth , that the higher is his fortune , the neerer is his fall . Wee haue straied sufficiently . It is now high time to returne to our principall discourse : and as we haue heretofore made it appeare that there are three sorts of estates ; so wee are now to vnfold in what ranck of the three the Turke is to be bestowed . CHAP. III. That the monarchy of the Turke is comprehended within the number of great estates . 1 The substance of the ensuing Chapters . 2 Greatnesse of the Turkish Empire . 3 Compared with the Romaines . 4 The marueilous successe thereof inwarre . 1 From the diuision of estates deliuered by vs in the former chapter , this is to take his foundation , and by these causes wee are to make choice of that of the three which is the surest ; by what accidents or infirmities both the one and the other may vndergoe a change , either outwardly or inwardly , and in which rank of the three wee are to lodge the Turke . Some one perhaps will iudge this question superfluous and vnprofitable , seeing his renowne , his conquests , and his long rule doe but too much teach vs what he is : notwithstanding all this I should not thinke it besides the purpose a little to particularize the causes of his greatnesse . 2 The estate of the Turke is held without question to bee one of the greatest and mightiest , as well in regard of the large circuit it containeth , as of his power : he is great because of so many Prouinces reduced to his obedience ; and though he haue not so great a share in Europe as the Romaines sometimes had , he hath to counteruaile this , more aduantaged himselfe in Asia and Africke : for when the fortune of the Romaines was at the greatest , and that they had their armes most at libertie , yet went they not beyond Euphrates : It is very true , that Traian went farther , but all the Prouinces he subdued were soone abandoned by Adrian his successor . The Turke hath not done so , for he hath extended his dominion as far as Tigris ; he possesseth all Mesopotamia , or as they terme it Diarbecke . From thence he reacheth as far as Balsera or the Gulfe of Persia , which the Romans neuer saw , and the Gulfe of Arabia . And to say better , all is his from the red sea to the Cittie Aden , which is in the maine continent beyond the mouth of this sea , more then an hundred and fiftie miles : he hath also inlarged his dominions toward the South far beyond Aegypt . In Africk all is his , except three places of strength which the king of Spaine holdeth , Pegnon de Veles , Oran , and Melila : Mauritania also is his , only three fortresses excepted , which are Tanger , Arsilla , and Mazagan , conquered by the Portugall : when I name Africk , I intend that country commonly termed Barbary , and not Ethiopia . 3 Hauing now seene the largenes of his dominions , we are next to discourse of his meanes and power . I finde that he hath better established the one and the other , then the Romans euer did whē they were at their intirest greatnes , because in such a most large compasse of his country , there is no king or common weale beareth sway to distinguish his dominions : which was otherwise with the Romanes , who had many such wedged in , within the continent of their Empire . There is not any one of his subiects that dareth to say that the house wherein he dwelleth , or the land he tilleth , is his owne . They acknowledge to hold all they haue of him : he ordinarily intertaineth diuers great and mighty armies both by sea and by land . So as it must needes be granted that he is greater in his estates , meanes and power , then euer were the Romans , for he so peaceably maintaineth what he hath conquered , as he can no waies vndergoe the troubles and wars which the Romans endured at the hands of Mithridate , the Parthians , Farnaces and others . Moreouer , next Europe the Gaules are not his enemies . The Cymbrians are his associats ; so as he fostereth such a tranquillity and obedience on all sides , as he amasseth inestimable treasure . 4 And more , ( a thing worth the noting ) in three hundred yeeres space since he began first to reigne , he hath receiued but foure notable ouerthrowes ( that excepted which he receiued the yeere past neere Tauris ) But the Romaines in lesse time receiued more and greater at the only hands of the Carthaginians . In sum , there is not that nation in the world which can vaunt of so many victories in so short a space , or to haue triumphed of the captiuity or death of so many kings and great Princes , as the great Turke ; or that haue with such happie successe and discipline so soone raised so mightie an Empire as his is at this day . Is it not a fearfull matter to heare it related that Mahomet the second ( an infidel ) hath had such fauour of the heauens , as to haue beene able in the space of 32. yeeres raigne , to subdue two Empires , vsurpe twelue kingdomes , and take by force two hundred cities ? That which affordeth the greatest cause of wonder , is , that all this hath succeeded in the very time when the art of military engines & fortifications were in their perfection , and wherewith we might haue armed our selues to withstand him . In conclusion , what shal we say of Selim the first , who in lesse then foure yeeres space vanquished the Mamelucks , subdued all Syria , Palestina , the red sea , a great part of Arabia and all Aegypt ? These are questionlesse goodly and notable Tropheys of the Turks greatnesse , but most dishonorable and dangerous for all Christendome . CHAP. IIII. Whether the Empire of the Turke draw towards an end . 1 The Ottaman Empire leaneth toward ruine . 2 The reasons are the bordering princes vpon the Turkes estate , and their prouiding for their safety . 3 Made wise by others harmes they stand vpon their defensiue war. 4 They are bridled by strong fortresses . 5 Contrary arguments . 1 WE haue discoursed as briefely as might be of the fall and ruine of estates , of their efficient causes , and vpon what coniectures a man might gather them . It is now time that we see and examine in like sort whether the empire of the Turke be nere his end , and abatement of his greatnesse , according as a man may draw from coniectures it leaneth towards his declining ; and though the foundation heereof be built vpon reasons so cleere and euident as they are not to be contraried , yet will I alledge one that carrieth more apparence then all the other ; and that is , that the greatnesse of his empire is at the highest that it may be by the ruine of Princes by him expelled , vanquished and made away one after an other , whilest he hath in the meane time triumphed of their estates and rich spoiles ; but now that he hath none to oppose him with hopes of so fauourable issue as had the other : his ambition , heart , and courage will grow idle and languish ; whence in time will spring the ruine of his Empire ; Is he not already come to that passe ? The Princes that confine vpon him , though more weake then he to bid him battaile , assaile , or defend , haue neuerthelesse so ordered their affaires and meanes , as they are able at this day to sheeld themselues sufficiently from his attempts . 2 Amongst others the King of Persia , doth he not so ballance his power as he hath giuen him many great ouerthrowes , and one lately ( as I haue said ) neere Tauris ? The Tartarians also hold him plaie and more prouoke him then he them ; and of late they got from him Caffa a strong and wealthy towne ; moreouer whilest he was busied about the wars of Persia the Georgians took and sacked Xistis ; but they were not able to hold it ; so as the Turke hath repossessed himself of it . The Muscouit doth not only defend himselfe from the incursions of the Turks , but he oft times also skirmisheth with them , commanding as he doth aboue an hundred and fifty thousand horse . The King of Polonia likewise more mighty then the Muscouit , is so strong as he will not take wrong ; but is able rather at all times to repell the violence of his enemy . The house of Austria together with the aid of the Princes of Germanie , hath wherewithall to make their party good and to oppose him : the Venetians , vnited with Italy and Spaine ( which in such a case will not abandon them ) are likewise able enough to defend themselues and hold their owne . As for the king of Spain , he is so mighty by sea and by land , both of men and mony , as he dareth vndertake himselfe to incounter the Turke in battaile , much more to defend himselfe if assaulted . The King of Fez is not anie way awed by him , and is more strong then he , at the least in Africke ; which he approued to the common hurt of Christendome by that ouerthrow and death of the King Don Sebastian of Portugall , where so many Christians miserably ended their daies . The last of those which abut vpon the Turke is Prester Iohn , who hath hitherto behaued himselfe so honorably against him , as he hath neuer shewed any token of fearing his forces . So as being now vnable by reason of the concord & stout opposition of his neighbours , to gaine farther ground ; he must of necessity ( vnlesse God in regard of our sinnes be otherwise pleased ) begin to recoile ; and that greatnesse which he hath built vpon others ruines must decay and lessen ; since the matter which gaue the increase is on his part wanting . 3 There is yet an other point which fortifieth this opinion , and that is : that all such Princes as confine vpon the Turke , are by others example made more wise , aduised and considerat , then they were before the ruine of such as serued for a pray to the Ottomans ; whereby they will discreetly looke to themselues how they courageously hazzard their persons or estates at one battaile : they will rather be content to stand vpon their defence , attending while time beget some apparent occasion , roundly and to the purpose to set vpon him . 4 Againe , there are at this day so many fortresses , so strong and so well appointed , as they are in a manner impregnable , so as the Turke is not like to finde the way so open as heereto fore he did to carry them : but if he should put himselfe vpon that hazardous enterprise of forcing them one by one , it were as much as to become the author of his owne ruine . 5 Neither ought any man in opposing this , alledge the losse of Cypres , since it hapned not so much through the Turkes power , as because of the distance of Venice , which was to supply them with men and munition . A man may by a contrary argument say as much of the sauing of Malta ( speaking according to humaine causes ) for it was not protected either by the forces within it selfe , or by the succor sent thither from other parts : but only because the Iland was so far distant from Constantinople as the army could not in due time and season receiue their prouisions and bee refreshed as was requisite , nor well imploie such as were sent thither . If it would please God that the Turke might often make such voiages , he would prepare vs faire occasions to attempt the reuenge of the outrages Christendome hath by him sundry waies receiued . CHAP. V. By what kinde of causes the Empire of the Turkes might most easily faile . 1 The power of the Turke not to be easily ouerthrowne by outward causes . 2 The power of Princes & estates bordering vpon the Turke , as the Persians , Tartarians , Moscouits , Polonians , Germans , Venetians , Spaniards , &c. 1 AS wee haue at large intreated in the chapters going before by what causes all estates may be brought to their last end and ruine ; so are we now to come to that of the Ottomans , as one of the greatest ; and examine by what inconueniences it may vndergoe a change . I am of opinion that this their so raised greatnesse can hardly decay by vertue of outward causes ; seeing the Princes bordering vpon their estate , are euery one in particular weake to assaile them , as they might well doe if they were peaceably vnited . 2 This weakenesse presupposed , it followeth that it will proue a hard matter to ruine him by forraine force , whose strength and meanes it is requisit we examine to inlighten this opinion . First , those that confine vpon the Turke next Africke , are the King of Fez , of Marocco , and Prester Iohn : next Asia , the Sophi and the Tartarians : in Europe the Duke of Muscouy , the King of Polonia , the Emperour , the Venetians , and the King of Spaine . As for the King of Fez he hath men enow , but small store of mony , so as he hath not the meanes or ability to maintaine a lasting war : Againe , though I should suppose he were able to be at the charge , yet I finde him naked of other things necessarie to aduantage himselfe vpon the Turke , such as are places of strength to forward his proceedings , and assure his retrait : so as he is like enough to come short of his aime : and if he should performe some worthy exploit in Africk , doubtles the King of Spaine his neighbour would soone be iealous of his good fortune . And in very deede this is not the point , for it is all one with Christendome whether the King of Fez be too strong for the Turke , or the Turke for the King of Fez , since both are the Christians enemies . As for Prester Iohn , all the world knoweth he hath enough to doe to defend himselfe against the Turkes forces ; neither is it long since he wan from him all the hauens he had vpon the red sea , and amongst others that of Archiech and Mazzua : now for the Sophi , if we search their histories we shall finde that the kings of Persia haue alwaies had the worse of the Turks , & among all other Mahomet the second ouercame Vsumcassan ; after him Selim the first did as much to Ismael whom he forced into the remotest parts of his country . Tarmas also met with the like measure at Solimans hands : and on the contrary we see that Cudabenda hath had such a hand of Amurath the third now raigning , as he hath often vanquished his armies , and now of late at Tauris : and though he haue atchieued most worthy victories , yet hath he nothing aduantaged himselfe . In the Turkes country , he hath not wan one fortresse of importance , or ought else that might counteruaile the charge of his wars : This hath succeeded in regard the Soph●is strōg of horse , but vnprouided of foote , which should be the principal force of such as besiege or defend . Moreouer , to force places of strength there is required great store of cannon & other munition , all wanting to the Sophi , who may well meete the enemy in the feeld and bid him battaile , but not pursue and assaile him if he retire into his fortres ; because of the aboue said defects of foot & artillery ; & though he were prouided of them , yet wants he the skill how to vse thē like others . The example of Tauris approueth this sufficiently , for after he had this last yeere vanquished the armie of the Turks , and slaine an hundred thousand men , he could neuer take the Cittadell wherein the Turks had drawne all their munition of war , and left aboue eight thousand men ; neither is there any newes hitherto that he hath taken it & expelled them thence . The Tartarians are as ill stored with foote and artillery as the Persians , and except that they last got of the Turke , it may be truly said that they neuer did him harme . As for the Moscouit which abutteth vpon him ( as doe also the Polonians ) they haue in regarde of the Turke small store of men , horse and mony ; so as the most they can doe is to hold their owne . Now concerning the Germans , they haue lost much of their ancient reputation by the ouerthrow they receiued of the Turke at Exechium , Buda , and sundry other places ; so as they are glad to keepe home without daring to assaile him . The Venetians haue beene so vnfortunate , as they haue neuer moued war against the Turke but it hath succeeded contrary to their hopes : and which is the worst of all , they neuer consented to anie treatie of peace , but they did forgoe some important member of their estate . And to say the truth Mahomet the second got Negropont , Scutari , and Groya ; Baiazet tooke from them Lepanto and Modon , and after in a treaty of peace they made with him they parted with S. Moore ; in an other treaty they left to Soliman Napoles of Maluasia : Selim the second wan by force the I le of Cypres , Duleme , and Antiuari : And though these be heauy losses , yet in regard they were far distant from their estates they are more supportable then if they had beene neere hand , so ought they now more then euer aduise how to strengthen themselues against the Turke by their braue resolution and prouision , which they may better doe now then euer , in regard their forces are more liuely , and the members of their common-weale more vnited and compact then heeretofore . Now we are to come to the king of Spaine . Let vs say that he hath store of mony and all prouision necessary to be imploied in the wars ; that he is not without sufficient numbers of foot and horse alwaie in pay ; that hee hath the commodity extraordinarily to leuy so many men as may make the Turke stand in feare of him ; that his forces by sea are good and strong , and that he can increase them at his pleasure ; that he hath store of victuals , commodity of hauens , for conuenient landing in his countries ; and in a word that he is so mighty , as that neither he standeth in awe of the Turk , neither dareth the Turke assaile him : yet this power and hability could neuer hitherto be imploied to the purpose against the common enemy of Christendome . Not for want of will or inclination thereto , but because he is hindred by the reuolt of Flanders . The suspition also and feare of his neighbours armes , would neuer permit him to display an vnited and firme power against the Turke : he hath rather beene enforced to wast his time and meanes vpon the particular preseruation of his estates somewhat distant one from an other , in stead of courageously exploiting them against the Turkes to the good and consolation of Christendome . But our sinnes are they especially which haue depriued vs of the glorious fruits and aduantages we might haue gained by so worthy a power . In conclusion , we must grant that since the Empire of the Turke cannot receiue any damage or alteration by outward causes ( which are wont to ruine estates ) it is necessary that inward causes either separate or mixt effect it ; yet before we discourse of these two meanes I hold it not amisse a little to examine , whether his estate may be by maine and open force ouerthrowne . CHAP. VI. That it is not an impossible thing for the Christians with open force to vanquish the Turke . 1 The Turke is not inuincible . 2 Examples of their sundry ouerthrowes . 3 A comparison of their good and ill successe in battailes . All proofes that they may be conquered . 1 THe conclusion of the argument of the former chapter , is , that the Turke cannot by way of open force receiue harme or ruine of importance ; because of the mighty power and meanes he hath of his owne . But heereby is not inferred that therefore Christian Princes should faile of courage or hope , to goe thorow with their affaires to his preiudice ; rather otherwise placing their confidence in the Almighty , they are to hope better then euer , for the reasons I shall heereafter alledge ; by the handling wherof I hope to proue that so far is he from being inuincible , as on the contrary he may be easily vanquished as many experiences may resolue vs. 2 We haue elsewhere said that Baiazet the first was ouercome and taken aliue at the battaile he fought at Mount-Stella against the great Tamberlain , vnder whose hands he died a captiue . Carambeius Bassa of Amurath the second , was discomfited by Ladislaus King of Polonia in the valley of mount Hermus : he came with an intention to reuenge himselfe of the losse and dishonor that the Bassa of Notalia had receiued at the hands of Iohn Huniades , which at one time recouered from him a part of Seruia and all Moldauia : but instead of performing this he became himselfe prisoner of that King , and had almost al his army put to the sword . Baiazet the second sent Calibeius and Querscogles his sonne in law into Asia against Caitheus Soldan of Aegypt with a great army to reuenge the intertainment the Soldan had giuen Zizimus his brother , whom he had succored with men and mony against him : his army was ouerthrowne neere Adena a towne of Cilicia , where the Turke receiued the most notable ouerthrow that was euer giuen him . For of an hundred thousand which presented themselues in the battaile , the third part remained not aliue ; yet those that performed this noble execution , were scarce one against sixe ; but the aduice of two Italians and of the Mameluckes so furthered the affaires of Caytheus , as he spied a time to charge the Turkes when they least expected it . Soliman left the siege of Vienna with losse of 60000. men which were there slaine , hauing giuen twenty generall assaults to the towne . The yeere following he assembled an other army of 200000. men , with intention cruelly to reuenge the harmes he had receiued ; but the Emperour Charles the fift went to meete him , with such forces , as the other fled so hastily as he had scarce leasure to saue his baggage . Don Iohn of Austria naturall sone of Charles the fifth in the yeere 1571. got at Lepanto that so renowned victory of the army of Selim the second ; this hath since made them walke ( as they say ) with the bridle in their hands , and confesse they had passed too rash a iudgment vpon the power of the Christians either by sea or by land : I omit to speake of the prowesse & noble acts of Scanderbeg against the Turkes , and how many times he ouerthrew the Commanders of Amurath the second : and valiantly recouered Albania the place of his birth whereof he and his predecessors had beene depriued by that Tyrant , neither will I again cite the examples of Iohn Huniades or Mathew Coruin , who in a manner with a handfull of men opposed and discomfited the Turkish forces , nor of the Portugals , though they haue at sundry times assailed the Turk neere the red sea , barred him of passage , and rid him of the meanes of farther issuing out of the mouth of that sea . What should I speake of the Tartarians , who but lately tooke from him Taurica Chersones ( called at this day Perocopsky ) if the reports which come from those partes be credible ? 3 Such as haue beene curious in the search of the Turkish history haue obserued , that in the space of two hundred and fourescore yeeres they haue fought with their neighbours thirty and sixe battailes , whereof they haue only gained eighteene and lost the rest . These are all signes and successes whereby a man may conclude that they are not inuincible , and that their fortune hath beene ballanced betweene gaine & losse , so as we may beleeue , if God for our offences did not busie the forces of Christian Princes elsewhere then against the Turke , where he hath had the ouerthrow once , he had had it thrice : by all these foregoing examples we may collect that this proud enemy hath not his head so hard as it may not be broken , or else sorely brufed . And though Christian Princes are not of power sufficient apart and of themselues to take him to taske , yet may they doe it by ranging themselues to that vnion and concord , as that there be amongst them but one common fortune . This being granted ( as I presume it shall ) we are to vnfold how they may purchase his ruine . CHAP. VII . Why the leagues among Christian Princes are commonly of small effect . 1 Leagues are concluded for the respect of honour and profit . 2 The inequality of gaine bringeth a difficulty to the conclusion of leagues . 3 Christian Princes the farther they are from the Turke , the lesse haue they feare of dangers wherewith other more neere him are possessed . 4 No man vainely exposeth himselfe to an apparant danger but where an euident commodity inuites him . 5 While each striues to protect his owne frontiers from the Turke , others are neglected . 6 The inequality of aide begetteth a contention who shall command most in the wars . 7 Remedies against such difficulties and calamities . 1 THere are many respects and causes , which customarily make the leagues of Christian Princes altogether vneffectuall , which may appeere to some a matter of hard disgestion , and for this cause I hold it requisite particularly to cleere it . It is a receiued maxime that all the actions of Princes are vndertaken for two principal causes , honor and profit : that the consideration of honor often masqueth vnder the pretence or good of their affaires : we will then only meddle with profit which we may tearme interest . 2 Now this interest ( a common maske for all faces ) cannot be a like equall betweene Christian Princes with one consent vndertaking the war against the Turke : for they diuersly confine vpon the common enemy , and this diuersity breedeth a difference also betweene their resolutions and interests ; and though this be an inconuenience not in the case in handling to be contemned , yet the principall difficulty dependeth not heerein : It rather consisteth wholly in the concord of the treaty of the league , and this concorde is hard to be wrought for these following reasons . 3 All these Princes are not neighbours of the Turke in the same equallity : some are more strong then other : this difference of strength affordeth to some a commodity to defend themselues or offend him with their owne forces : others are weake , and consequently exposed to the incursions and spoiles of the Turke . It is an infallible maxime , that the farther Princes are from the danger , the lesse forward are they to stir , prepare for the war , or contribute to the charge or meanes requisite for the vndertaking thereof with the like feruency and affection as they would if they saw themselues so neere to the mischiefe , and that there were apparant danger . 4 Againe , that Prince which seeth no great profit or interest in such an enterprise doth lesse regard it then he whō necessity inforceth to stand vpon his garde , and feare that tyrants inuasion . Moreouer , if the Princes vnited to this league and combination shall once know that they shall get little or smally aduantage their estate , it is not to be expected ( when they enter into it ) that they will bring with them that courage , resolution , affection , and forwardnesse as the businesse would require . See then how the disposition of the interest makes the beginning difficult , the proceeding and issue vncertaine , by reason of the diuers alterations and varieties which accompany euery associated Prince , sutable to his passion or affection ; Whereupon would vndoubtedly follow an impossibilitie of establishing this league , and vnion vpon so sure foundations , as that the beginning may be good , the middle and end better : since the effect without vnion amongst many agents remaineth euermore as nothing or nothing woorth . 5 We fall then farre short of our reckoning , vnlesse wee can minister some remedy to the diuersities of this interest and profit . This inconuenience is attended on , and counterpeized by an other of as great or greater consideration : And this is the interest and particular consequence of the neighbourhood that euery one indifferently hath with the Turke ; by the which indifferency , each one according as his feare is , will desire the warre may be vndertaken to his aduantage . As for example , Spaine feareth the neighbourhood of Algiers ; Venice of Albania : hence will grow that the league taking effect , the Venetians will striue that the forces of the league may be imployed in the Leuant , the Spaniards toward the South : so as it will not be possible to manage the enterprise to both their satisfactions . 6 There is yet another inconuenience that our Princes wil not be able by an equall portion to enter into the league , inasmuch as one wanteth meanes to contribute thereto in money more then a sixt part , another a fift part ; others that haue no money , will contribute men or ships ; others more mightie in both , will vndertake halfe or a second . These are all the portions by whose assemblie a league may be formed . Of their indifferencie groweth yet another difficultie or inconuenience ( as we list to tearme it ) and that is , that whosoeuer contributeth the halfe , would likewise haue in his handes ( as the greatest and mightiest ) all the power and swaie . In which it will follow , that the other shall not vndertake or performe ought but by his aduice , direction , and assistance : If he will make a stand , they are not to go forward ; if he list to march elsewhere , then their desires carrie them , they must follow him : If his affaires presse him to alter his resolution and minde , and that hee will retyre to his home , they are constrained to doe the like , so as all their charge , paines , and holy intentions , are vtterly ouerthrowne , and they oftentimes rest exposed to the iniurie and reuenge of their dangerous neighbour , against whom they iointly rose in armes . 7 These are , to say the trueth , considerations and inconueniences of that value and consequence ( measuring them by their parts , and not by the whole ) as we must conclude that none but God is able to tune this league to an agreeing harmony , which we are most humbly to craue at his Almightie hands with a strong faith , a true amendment of life , and a more perfect charitie then this age affoordeth . CHAP. VIII . The defects which may be obserued in the leagues of the yeere 1537 : and 1571. 1 The conditions , successe and errors of the league in anno 1537. 2 Of that of 1570. 3 How a league may be established to auoide the formerly committed errors . 1 COntinuing the matter of the former chapter , it will not be beside the purpose , by the way to touch the defects which were found in two the most memorable leagues that haue beene made in our time betweene the Princes of Christendome . The first resolued vpon in the time of Pope Paul the third , betweene him , the Emperour Charles the fifth , and the Venetians . It was then , beside the conditions , agreed vpon that the Emperour and the Knightes of Malta should set foorth 82. Gallies , the Venetians a like number , the Pope 36. only . Andrew Doria was chosen Generall of the Emperours army , Vincentio Capelli of the Venetians , and Marco Grimani Patriarch of Aquileia of the Popes , hauing for his Lieutenant Paul Iustinian ; and for the maine land seruice Ferdinand Gonzaga was chosen Generall . Moreouer it was concluded betweene the princes , that whatsoeuer they should get from the Turkes with the forces of the league either in Greece or Dalmatia should be left to the Venetians as in recompence of their so great expence and losse that they should suffer by warring vpon the Turke . Soliman seeing the forces of the league assembled , made hast to lanch his Gallies foorth into the maine . Such was his diligence as they were within a few daies in a readinesse and went for Candy , where they made some hauocke , but of no great moment . After these roades Barbarossa made a stay of al the army in the gulfe of Larta , there to attend the Christians which came onward , but so slowly as the season passed without performing ought , or without that they once met together , and that which was yet worse , our men inforced by tempest , retired themselues to Corfú whence they set foorth . Barbarossa followed them as far as Antipaxo within an hundred miles of Corfú , but perceiuing them to prepare themselues to fight he speedily retired to the gulfe of Larta , so as our army was resolued for Dirachium , otherwise called Drazo or la Velona , but that being a dangerous harbour for the gallies , they turned their force vpon Castell Nouo which they carried by assault : an exploit ( to say the truth ) of that small importance ( respecting their charge and prouision ) as it wan them as much dishonor as profit , the towne being won the Spaniards seazed themselues of it . The Venetians disputed it as a thing appertaining to them according to the articles of the league ; but it was to small purpose , wherefore quieting themselues since it was not to be remedied they tooke an occasion thereupon to shift themselues of the league . The yeere following Soliman recouered Castle Nouo with the losse of those Spaniards which kept it , who were all put to the sword , those which escaped induring a most miserable seruitude : and though the peace treated by the Venetian was somewhat disaduantageous , yet they indured that more willingly , then to be otherwise dealt with then was agreed vpon : other causes might be alleaged , as the ceasing of trafficke and many other discommodities , besides the impouerishing of their Estate , all which necessarily attende the intertainement of armies . 2 The last league of the yeere 1571. yeelded not much better fruits , for after a great charge , and the gaining of so famous a victorie , no other good redounded thence to the Christians , but that the Turke made an assay of their valour ; and by little and little the confederate forces diuided themselues : the Venetians departing vpon occasion of almost the same iealousies , as in the former league . 3 It will be now time to deliuer how all these inconueniences may be stopped , and the league become firme and durable , without consideration of any particular interest , to the end that euery one may voluntarily in deuotion consent thereto to the glory of God with a free heart , and an vndaunted magnanimitie : In which case , the conditions being rather free then forced on either side , we may reape thereby fruits woorthy and honorable : These two leagues heeretofore mentioned , hapned in a time so dangerous for the Venetians , as it was more then necessarie that the Christian Princes ( though not interessed ) should vnite their forces to assist and protect the other . So the one standing in the water vp to the throat , and incompassed with danger , and the other on the contrary , free from feare of perill , they entred into the couenants and conditions of the league , not such as they ought to haue beene to make them lasting ; but such as were presented to men standing in neede of them , who inforced by necessitie , might not refuse them , to the end to cleere themselues of a neere threatning mischiefe . Leagues wil then be durable when they shall be stablished at a time whē men are free and exempt from all constraint ; and not to attend as they do , till the Turke affright one of the confederates , and that he be alreadie come into the field so strong both by sea and land , as the Venetians or some other of the confederates are already by him assailed . At such a time to seeke a remedy by their hastie assembling , is the way to imprint a certaine feare in their people ; and make them flocke together in the fold as sheepe in presence of the woolfe . It is requisite then that the league be contracted at leisure , in a time of peace , and in a season when the associates may be inuited , not by any vrgent danger , but voluntarily , and with such an alacritie of heart , as they may vnite their persons , their meanes , their powers , and their courages all together to offend the common enemy . CHAP. IX . A league which may be treated without danger of the former defects . 1 The qualities of perfect leagues . 2 The conditions of leagues , and what each of the confederates is to attempt vpon the enemie . 3 The commoditie of them so concluded . 4 Aduise for a generall contribution against priuate gaine . 5 That the danger we stande in of the Turke , is greater then many suppose , and that therefore those that are most remote , ought willingly to contribute . 6 What should mooue vs to ioyne in league against the Turke . 1 NOw then to reape the woorthie and honorable fruits of a holie league & association , we are to remooue the defects and inconueniences which haue made the former leagues prooue abortiue : And the better to effect it , it is necessary that their treaties be voluntarie : that Princes voluntarily ioyne their powers & meanes to one end , though by different courses : so as growing to capitulations , the one doe not aduantage himselfe vpon the straightning of the others affaires . This is it which equalling the conditions , will cause euery one to partake in the enterprise , without all suspect or particular iealousie : It is not enough that the defects of these leagues be discouered , if they make vs not more wise in the framing of other to come : to the end we may with all deuotion and sinceritie builde them on a strong and vnmooueable foundation ; and thus in my opinion may be the manner of our proceeding . 2 It is not required that to establish this league and make it fructifie , the confederate forces should assemble in one place , but at one time : my meaning is , that our Princes must bee readie to assaile the enemie at once in diuers places , and that euery one bende his forces towards parts which are neerest to him , so to begin the warre to some purpose : As for example , the Spaniards should inuade the parts of Algiers : the Venetians and the Pope , of Albania : the gallies of Sauoy , Malta , and Florence , should continue their ordinarie courses against the Turke ; vnlesse they would ioyne with the Venetians or the king of Spain : the Polonians should set vpon Walachia : the Emperour and Princes of Germany vpon Hungary . 3 Questionlesse if each of these did in this manner assaile him , their courage and force would be the greater , as would likewise be their desire to persist in their enterprise , without any respect of paines or expence , hoping all would redound to their honour , profit , and particular securitie : which they cannot expect from the other leagues , and this is that which hath in part made them defectiue . The enemie that should be so many waies set vpon , would be constrained to diuide his forces , which consequently would become lesse able to protect him , on all sides whersoeuer he should be assailed . First , the gallies of Malta assisted with some other , and scouring ( as they might ) the Leuant seas , would keepe in such awe those that guarde Alexandria and Rhodes , as they would not dare to peepe out : Againe , if Spaine would inuade Barbarie , the gallies of Algiers would be sure to keepe home : so as the strength of Venice ioyned with that of the Church , would doe what they list , and would meete with no encounter by sea which they should not easily ouermatch : especially if at the same time the Emperour and the King of Polonia , would warre likewise vpon the Turke . We haue an example of the times which verifieth our position . When Soliman vndertooke the warre of Hungary , against Charles the 5. Andrew Doria Generall of his galleies , with a very small armie troubled all the Leuant , tooke by maine force Coron and Patras , and harrowed all those seas without controule or encounter of the enemies : whence followeth , that if the Christians would as I haue saide , at one instant set vpon the Turke , they would force him no doubt into a narrow straight . 4 There is one point that would make the enterprise easie , more forcible and lasting , but it would hardly be disgested , and that is to draw all Christian Princes which confine not with the Turke , to contribute vnto it . All these suppose themselues free from danger and make no reckning of others sufferings , in whose behalfe they thinke they should not cōtribute , as those that were like to haue but the charge and the other the profit . In a word , all catholike Princes are so wedded to this particular interest , which is euer more differing and vnequall among them ( as hath beene before alledged ) as the league would neuer be thorowly concluded or of long continuance , this must of necessity be forgotten , and the only desire of the exaltation of the Church of God must be that which must range them to the necessarie point , whereof they need not trauell to seeke examples out of their owne houses , which if they would but imitate all would succeed wel , to inuite them to it I wil alledge one . The principall aime of the league set on foote by Godfrye of Buillion , and of so many Princes and Nobles some greater then himselfe which accompanied him , was not placed but vpon the particular honour of the Maiesty of God , whereabout euery man emploied himselfe with such zeale and deuotion , as without attending the succours or furtherance of any great King or Emperour , they drew together an army of an hundred thousand horse and three hundred thousand foote , wherewith they subdued almost all the east . 5 Leauing apart all these considerations let vs come to the opinion that some haue of their being far from danger , and we shall finde peraduenture that they are neerer thereto then they are aware . When Amurath came first out of Asia into Europe was not Hungary ( which is now subiect to the Turke ) farther off from the confines of the Ottomans Empire then are now the countries of Saxony or of Bauiers , then they of Franconia , the Swichzers and the French ? yet we see it now most in his possession . 6 Shall we then say because we haue a mountaine before vs , or a riuer betweene vs , or some estate that seemeth to shelter vs , that therefore we should hold our selues happy and in security , and not be touched with others danger and misery ? No surely . For if we be Christians we ought not only to haue compassion of others calamities , but afforde them also our good and charitable assistance : moreouer he that measureth future things but by the consequence of things present , findeth himselfe oft times beguiled ; we are to haue such prouident care of what is present , & to come , that we may leaue to ours the same assurance we wish to our selues , to the end to preserue them by this prouidence from such danger as they might incur after vs. And though we should not carry that regard of our children and posterity , and that the consequence of our estate did not spur vs on to such an enterprise , shall there remaine in vs so little courage and charity , loue and deuotion to the glory of God , from whom we haue our being and of whom wee hold our powers , as that we should all forget to husband his vineyard , and expell thence such as intrude themselues into it and pollute it ? wherefore serue all those heapes of treasure which the Princes of Lombardy amasse , one in enuy of an other ? whereupon will those so mighty Princes of Germany and the Imperiall townes spend their reuenues and incomparable riches ? what occasion can all of them finde more goodly then this to attaine to an immortall glory ? It is then for the inlarging the kingdome of Christ that we must imploy all we haue , and for the deliuerance of those sacred places ouer which those barbarous infidels tyrannize , to redeeme so many thousand of poore Christian slaues which suffer and grone vnder the yoake of that inraged dogge , to giue life to an infinite number of Christians , to reuenge their wrongs , to punish the iniurires & blasphemies which that tyrant and his helhounds haue breathed out against the glory of God , his holy name and church . And if humaine appetite must needs be an actor in this theater , it would be an easie matter for great Princes that send their forces , to vrge this consideration in the capitulations , that they should haue in fauour of their contributions part of the spoiles and conquests that they might happily obtaine . Againe , if the loue of the seruice of God had a working in them , they might vndertake in person the Generall conduct of the army , or command part of the confederat troupes . Godfrey a poore Prince , in comparison of those that now sway Christendome , alienated the Duchy of Bouillion for so godly a voyage . Stephen Count of Chartres did the like with his estate , as did also many great men , who had no other motiue thereunto then the enterprise of the holy land . Charles the seuenth King of France , did he not succor the Emperour of Constantinople with a great number of horse which he sent him vnder the conduct of the greatest personages of his kingdome ? And must we sit idle with crossed armes whilest the cruell flames of this infidels tyranny burne and consume the houses of our neighbours ? CHAP. X. Wherein consist the greatest forces of the Turke . 1 Whether the Ianizzars be the chiefe strength of the Turke . 2 That horse are more necessary in the war then foote . 3 The progresse of the Turke before and after the institution of the Ianissars . 4 Victories gotten by the horse . 5 Ouerthrowes giuen by the enemies horse to the Christians . 6 Conclusion that horse in seruice excell foote . IT seemeth that the greatest part of such as discourse of the forces of the Turke attribute his chiefe strength to the band of Ianizzars , as the only sinew of his power : and amongst other reasons wherewith they striue to fortify their oppinion , this is one . It hath hapned many times that the army of the Ottomans hath beene so hardly laide to , as the battaile hath been in a manner lost , yet haue they gathered strength and kept themselues on foote , yea they haue gotten the victory , and all through the vertue and valour of these Legionaries . 2 Machiauel discourseth vpon this point , and as one much passionate holdeth himselfe to this argument , that foote are more necessary then horse in all exploites of war , and he laieth his principall foundation vpon the example of certaine Romaine Captaines , which ( saith he ) to breake into , and force the enemy on foote haue caused their men at armes to alight from their horses and fight on foote against them : It is a poore argument and of small importance , since that for once that they made their horsemen alight , an hundred occasions were offered to make them mount on horse backe if they had the commodity of horse ; he which is on horsebacke may when he please alight , but a footeman cannot get vp on horsebacke when hee will. This mony shall serue to pay Machiauel whom I leaue to proceed forward . I affirme , that in a ranged battaile , and in the plaine field the forces of the Turke consist and principally rely on the horse . The proofes are cleere and at hand , as the processe of this discourse shall discouer . 3 First no man is ignorant of the great victories the Turk got long time before the institution of the Ianizzars . Amurath the second the yeere 1420. was he that first ordained them : yet Ottoman had before that taken Sebasta ( a city of importance in Asia ) where he slew aboue an hundred thousand of his enemies . Orcan his sonne had dispoiled the Emperour of Constantinople and of Bithinia at seuerall worthy incounters . Amurath the first had passed Asia into Europe , with his forces tooke Gallipoli , Filipoli , and Andrinople ; and we may thinke that he did not obtaine those victories without dangerous and bloudy incounters : he conquered also diuers other cities and wan many other victories of the Princes of Seruia and Bulgaria , whom he compelled to stoope vnder the yoake of his obedience . Baiazet the first ouercame Sigismonde King of Bohemia , and put all those French to the sword which Charles the 6. of France sent to his succour . Calepin his sonne vnderstanding that Sigismond had raised an army , vpon the newes of the ouerthrow giuen by Tamburlaine to Baiazet , to salue his losses went to meete him at Salumbezza , and so valiantly incountred him , as his whole army was cut in peeces , so as it cannot be said that the victories the Turke hath obtained since the institution of Ianizzars haue beene either greater or more memorable then the former , rather they were the steps to these other happy atchieuements . The beginning of things containe in them the efficient vertue of the whole . This disputation might proue great and might ballance on either side , if I did not ad waight to one of the opinions . I will then say , that before the institution and seminary of Ianizzars , the Turks receiued but one memorable ouerthrow at mount Stella at the hands of Tamburlan the most strong enemy that euer they assaied , and that after their institution they receiued more and greater , as were those of Vsumcassan , of Iohn Huniades , of Mathew Coruin , of the Mamelucks , of the great Scanderbag , of Don Iohn of Austria , of the Kings of Persia and others . 4 The second proofe which I will produce to fortifie the truth of my proposition , is , that all such as haue had the better hand of the Turkes , euer had it by the meanes of their horse , wherein they did exceed the enemy in number and strength , as we haue so often saide of the Persians and of the Mamelucks . The great Sophi ●●mael , had he not vanquished Selim the second with the strength of his horse , if when he did set vpon the rier-ward , where the Turke was in person , the thunder of his Cannon had not so affrighted the horse , as they ran away with their masters , to the disordering of the whole armie ? The onely thing that ouerthrew the fortune which the Persian had almost alreadie in his possession . Cudabeuda King of Persia , hath many times ouercome the Turkish forces , by the onely strength of his horse , whereof he hath more and is better armed then the other . The Hungarians in like sort haue many times put the Turkes to the woorse by their fight on horsebacke . 5 The third and strongest proofe of my assertion , is , that all the harmes we haue receiued of the Turke , haue come by his horse , as at Nicapolis , at Salembezza , at Varna , at the riuer of Moraua , at Exechium , at Buda and elsewhere . 6 And if it euer hapned that the Ianizzars recouered the battaile halle lost , it is to be imputed to this , that they were reserued for the rierward ; so as it was easie for fresh men to repell those which were already weakned and tyred . But I thinke no man but will grant , that if instead of the Ianizzars they had beene as many horse , they had performed as much . As on the contrarie , if the other had kept in store some fresh troupes of horse , as the Turkes , they had dealt otherwise with them , and kept them well enough from bereauing them of the victorie . In conclusion , the horse are they that defeat the enemie , and become masters of the field , that prepare the way for the foote to the beseeging of townes , and giue them time and leisure to force and take them . CHAP. XI . Where the Turke might be most easily assailed to ouercome him either by sea or by land . 1 Examples of sea victories . 2 The goodnesse of our hauens . 3 The number of our skilfull mariners . 4 The Christians farre beyond the Turkes in maritime matters . 5 The Turkes horse fearefull to the Christians , vnprofitable at sea . 6 That the Turkes are easily to be ouerthrowne at sea . 1 THere were much matter for doubt and disputation vpon this question , if reason and experience did not cleere it : for experience we haue it fresh in many accidents ; which instruct vs that an attempt by sea , would be lesse difficult to vs , and more hurtfull to the Turke , for the reasons and examples which I will deliuer . As often as our forces haue to some purpose put themselues into the Leuant seas , they haue beene euermore victorious , as at Metelin , at Cafalonia , at Preuesa , at Scorsolari . If any one opposing me obiect the ouerthrow of our armie at Gerbes , which hapned about the same time , let him read the discourse of the Historie , ( as is requisite ) and he shall finde that that chanced not through the force and valour of the enemy , but rather through our owne fault ; insomuch as our armie could not take their opportunitie to dislodge in due time ; but suffered themselues to be besieged by the hardnesse of the season , and by tempests ; which so disordred them as it was easie for the enemie to force them . Grimani Generall of the Venetians , let slippe the occasion of a woorthy victorie , when he knew not how to take his time to charge the enemie , as he might well haue done at Sapienza . But on the contrarie , as often as the Emperour Charles the fift set foorth an armie to some purpose , the Turke durst neuer looke abroad ; as when he vndertooke the voyage of Tunis and of Algiers , where neuerthelesse he encountred many disasters , he brought before Tunis seauen hundred saile , and before Algiers fiue hundred onely . Thus much for experience . 2 Now we must see what reasons we haue in store to prooue that we may more easily assaile the Turke by sea then by land . Among others this may passe , that our seas are more frequented , and our ports more rich and safe then those of the Leuant . For first ( set aside Constantinople ) there is not thoroughout their obedience , any one Porte that may be equalled to those of Venice , Lisbone , Siuill , Antwerp , London , Amsterdam , Lubec , or Danske , &c. and very few also that may be compared with those of Naples , Genoua , Villa-Franca , Nessina , Palermo , Ragusa , Marsseilles , Tolon , Bourdeaux , New-Hauen , Rochelle , and Rouane , &c. 3 It is cleere then that we surmount the Turke not only in numbers of Portes and good harbers for the retraict and shelter of our armies , but also in Mariners and men accustomed and experienced in both the seas . Moreouer , there is not perhaps in the world a coast that affoordeth greater plentie of men then that of Genoua , Dalmatia , Sclauonia , Venice , Candye . Againe , there is not a nation to be found of more resolution or better proofe for sea affaires , then are those of Marseilles . I omit to speake of the Catalonian , the Portugal , the Biskayan , the English , the Norman , the Hollander , and Zelander , all people marueilous skilfull in Nauigation . 4 I would willingly demaund , what it auaileth the Turke to possesse a large and spacious sea bordering country , if it remaine vnhabited ; neither were it enough if it were : for the exploits of maritime warre , it is requisite they be valiant , resolute , and such as can endure trauell and paine . Alongst all the coast of Africke , the Turke hath not one Hauen of account besides Algies . In all Egypt hee hath only Alexandria , and Dalmatia , at the least which are held in any consideration . In Soria , take away Saffo and Pamphilia , those neere Tirus , Ephesus , Cicize , and the rest so celebrated in ancient times , remaine at this day namelesse , and buried in their owne ruines . They haue Gallipoli which is of no great traffike : they haue that of Constantinople , whereof they steade and vaunt themselues most of all : Moreouer , all these Ports are not so good or so conuenient as ours , either if we consider the forme , or the commoditie of situation , nor so well stored with artillerie as ours are . 5 Againe , fighting by sea , wee shall not need to feare their horse , whose encounter in regard of their multitude cannot be but a terror vnto vs ; relying as they doe vpon them , as the principall nerue of their forces ; but as for foote , we excell them in number and valour : 6 For conclusion , it is most certaine , if we could once depriue the Turke of the vse of the sea , he would be soone ouerthrowne by land with a sufficient number of gallies , which might be maintained in the Archipelago : we should cut him off from all trafficke with Egypt and Soria , as also keeping certaine gallies in the Straight and chanell , we should hinder the commerce of Asia and Constantinople , which he could not be long without , so that by continuing this manner of warring vpon him without intermission , we should by little and little heaue him out of the whole Empire of Greece , where there would be enough to satiate the greedie ambition of the Christians . CHAP. XII . Of the inward causes whereby the Empire of the Turkes may come to ruine . 1 Of inward causes by which an Estate may be ouerthrowne . 2 The occasions of the change of the Turkish Empire , are , a defect that may happen of the Ottoman race : 3 The hatred , contempt , and disobedience of the Turkes officers and seruants : 4 The discorde that may arise betweene his children about the succession . 5 That it is hard now to stirre vp and maintaine dissention amongst them . 6 Another occasion may be the Iannizzers libertie and insolencie towards their master : 7 Another the rebellion and reuolt of his countries and their Gouernours . 1 AS we haue before deliuered by what outward causes the Empire of the Turks may soonest receiue an alteration , so we are now to handle the meanes whereby he may be inwardly weakened , and whether by the infirmities which are begotten in other estates , that of the Ottomans may be likewise distempered and corrupted ; of the inward causes of this corruption , some concerne the Heads and Ministers , others are deriued from among the people . I will then produce some few examples noting the errors of such as sway a Soueraigne authority , and so orderly come to the other , to collect thence what may serue to procure the Turkes ruine . 2 That which would fall most to our purpose would be if the great Turke should die without heires of the true line and race of Ottoman . For in such a case it is likely the Beglerbyes , Vizirs , Bassas , Sangiacks , and the greatest personages of the Turkish nation , would each one for himselfe indeauour to possesse himselfe of whatsoeuer he could most easily compasse . 3 The second cause would be , if in regard of his cruelty , or negligence , the Prince should giue his subiects occasion to hate and contemne him : but the mischiefe would proue yet greater if it did arise from the cowardlinesse or sloath of the Prince . For his strength consisting wholly in the great numbers of his souldiours ordinarily intertained , how could he possibly containe such mighty armies in deuotion and quietnesse ; if he did not daily busie them in the exercise of war ? And lesse how could so many nations be held within compasse of feare and obedience without the feare of ordinary armes ? It is not to be doubted then if they had a Prince who were giuen ouer to idlenesse and a loose life , or that they discried him to be a coward & slothfull , but they would be forward to draw their swords against him , and thence worke their owne destruction . Baiazet the second had proofe of this , for abandoning himselfe to all pleasures and resoluing vpon a priuat and retired course of life , to spend his time in reading good authors ; his sonne sought his destruction , and in the end fauored by the Ianizzars depriued him of his life and kingdome . For though Baiazet repressed the first violence of his sonnes ambition , yet he was at the last forced by the Ianizzars not only to pardon his rebellion , but also to send him with an army against his other sonne Accomat , who supposing his father ment to prefer Selim before himselfe , who was the elder , caused the noses and eares of his fathers messengers most shamefully to be cut off ; the enormity of this fact ill digested , and worse interpreted was that which cancelled the greater faults of Selim , to take vengeance of this last & lesse outrage ; whence it came to passe in the end that these same Ianizzars possest Selim of the empire , who soone after put to death his vnhappy father . Amurath the third now raigning hauing withdrawne himselfe from the actions of war to liue in ease and quiet hath lost much of his souldiours and seruants ancient obedience , zeale , and obseruance , such as they were wont to carry towards their Soueraignes greatnesse . The Bassa of Cairo who had the gouernment of Aegypt , named Ragusei , being summoned ( according to their Emperious custome ) to make his appearance at the port , flatly refused to come thither and made his escape with a world of treasure which he had amassed by extorsions and pilling of the people , during the time of his administration . The Ianizzars which were at those times appointed for the wars of Persia , would not once moue a foote to march thitherward : but as halfe in a mutiny said plainly they would not any more go vpon any enterprise vnlesse the great Turke their Lord would vnchamber himselfe from among his concubines , and vndertake the voyage himselfe in person , so as he was constrained by vertue of giftes and increase of pay to win them to the war. Moreouer of late after the ouerthrow of Tauris , the Turke hauing appointed a new generall for the succoring of his vanquished army , and reenforcing of such as remained within the cittadell ; all the commandements he could lay vpon him , could not preuaile so much with him as to get him to march forward , rather he grew to capitulate with him , and that finished , he made the most adoe in the world to muster vp twenty thousand men , who refused likewise to goe to that war , otherwise then vpon all the aduantages they could deuise to demand : not like subiects and slaues , but as if they had beene neighbours , allies , and confederates . These breaches already made in the obedience they were wont to render thir lord and Master , may perswade vs that they will easily rebell , vpon the first occasion that shall present it selfe without respect of their Princes greatnesse , or obseruation of their ancient military policy . 4 The third occasion might befall , if there were many brethren to debate the Empire after the death of their father , as it hapned between Zizimus , and Baiazet , sonnes of Mahomet , and betwene Acomat and Selim , sonnes of Baiazet . This Baiazet was fauoured of the Ianizzars against his brother . Zizimus was vpheld onely by the aid of the Soldan of Cairo , and King of Persia . Selim likewise was borne by the Ianizzars and Bassas , and Acom●nt by forraine Princes : they incountred and fought cruel battailes , whose victories brought the whole Estate in danger : Baiazet and Selim remained conquerours , each one his party by meanes of the great numbers of men that accompanied them , and of the valour of the souldiours of the old bandes which serued vnder them . Notwithstanding all these opportunities which God so to the purpose prepared , not one Christian Prince once stirred , or so much as made offer to arme in fauour of the weaker of those which contended : which would no doubt haue entangled both of them in a long and dangerous strife , enough finally to haue ruined or much decaied the house of the Ottomans , when they should haue called such an one to their succour as would haue rather blowen then quenched their fires . Amongst all the Princes of Christendome there was none but the great master of Rhodes , which sent some supplies of artillery to Zizimus , and which after receiued and defended him from the hands of Baiazet , when he was driuen to retire himselfe to his protection . 5 These domestique quarrels cannot now become so strong ( especially such as might happen betweene brethren ) as then they might , considering that the Mamelucks , who as neighbours might haue fomented and giuen intertainment to such differences , are now extinct and their name no more mentioned . They were in their time the only emulators of the Turkes glory : Rhodes hath made an exchange of her fortune , and is now in the power of this tyrant . Cypres beareth the like yoake . These two Ilands affoorded an especial commodity to sow dissentions among the Turks , to fauour and succour one of the parties . 6 The fourth cause would easily arise from the presumption and head-strong rashnesse of the Ianizzars , likely enough to attempt and execute as much as sometime did the Pretorian bands of the Romans , who made slender account to fill the Empire with slaughters and massacres , wherein many Emperours ended their daies : they electing others at their pleasures against the authority of the Senat , and the loue and reuerence they ought to haue borne towards their country . The like may we hope or expect from the Ianizzars , that they will one day assume to themselues the same power and learne to performe the like , whereof they gaue an assaie at such time as they compelled Baiazet the second to resigne the Empire to Selim his sonne . They did almost the like when Soliman caused his sonne Mustapha to be murthered ; for they besieged him and inuironed his tent for certaine daies space , crying out they would know the cause of that yong Princes death . In the end by the deuise of the Bassa and with stoore of coyne , he wan to him foure thousand of them , who disengaged him of the feare and danger wherein he was plunged . 7 The fift cause may be fetched from the ambition or discontent of the great ones of the countrie , or of ministers swaying the supreame authority & credit in places of gouernment . Gazeles gouernour of Soria made way for a reuolt of the like quality , as did also Acomat Generall of Aegypt : Gazeles , assisted by the Mamelucks , Arabians and those of Rhodes , endeuoured to set himselfe vp against the great Turke : but he was discouered by Cayembeius whom he had acquainted with the conspiracy . This man either for feare ( as looking into the danger of the enterprise ) or for enuy of his companions greatnesse , reuealed all to his Master Soliman , who presently dispatched against him Faratha Bassa , by whom he was vanquished in battaile . Acomat had not the leasure to proceed far in his attempt , for as he did inconsideratly precipitate himselfe into the triall thereof , so was he as speedily discouered , and in an instant suppressed and slaine , without hauing thriued ought in his dessignes . CHAP. XIII . Of the mixt causes . 1 What are the mixt causes . 2 How Estates are ouerthrowen by mixt causes . 1 IN this third booke we haue at large discoursed how by inward and outward causes , Estates may be indangered : now we must speake of causes compounded , of the one and the other , which , to discourse more intelligibly , we tearm mixt , which likewise are of power of themselues to alter an Empire and to bring it , either by an vniuersall or a particular change , to a lamentable ruine . These mixt causes then are those whereby both the enemy abroad , and the subiect at home may by a common consent conspire against an Estate and subuert it . 2 One of the causes or meanes may be a popular insurrection nourished by the enemy , or else the conspiracy of some particular men set on by forraine practises ; or to tearme it better , the treasons which subiects may hatch in fauour , and by the meanes and authority of their neighbours . This hapneth in a twofold manner , when the subiect beginneth and setteth on foote the practise , or when a stranger laieth the way open vnto them vnder some coulered pretence , or else when some one particular person or all a whole communalty frame the occasion thereof in regard of some displeasure or oppression . Finally , this falleth out also when the enemy abroad tempereth with one , two , or three , of the principall men to reuolt against their prince and take armes in hand to ouerturne and ruine the Estate . CHAP. XIIII . How particular persons may be gained . 1 How his people are to be prouoked to rebellion . 2 How his great men and chiefe officers are to be gained . 3 These courses at the first not succeeding , are to be oftner attempted . 4 Wary proceeding is requisite , lest those that manage the businesse incurre danger . 5 To whom such businesses are to be committed . 1 IT resteth now that we make it appeere how such practises may be set on foote and cherished : we will then beginne with the enterprise to bee plotted by some particular person , by whose assistance it may take effect . We must presuppose that this person is either priuat or publike , the priuat persons are those which suffer themselues most often to be corrupted by mony , and with these there neede not so many ceremonies or bro●kings , but if they be publike persons of rancke and authority , either in regard of the greatnesse of their family , or managing of state affaires ; there is far greater difficulty in corrupting them then the other : yet if we may but discouer in them the stinges of ambition and desire of greatnesse , and that we propose to them the assurance of speedy succours , for the execution of the des●●gne ; then is it that we bring them to dare any thing , especially if they haue neuer so little disposition to be reuenged of some receiued indignity . It is indeed a hard matter to worke particular and priuate persons without great vncertaineties and dangers . 2 But if we must haue to doe with the great persons of the Estate , we must warily make choice of our time , sound them whether they be male content or ill affected towards their Prince , either in respect that some one is aduanced to their preiudice , or for some other cause which may awake in them a longing to shake off their yoake and seaze themselues of the Estate . These are the meanes and occasions , which should be chosen and diligently husbanded by our Christian Princes , smoothly and with dexterity to procure the ruine of the common enemy ; putting on ( as they say ) the foxes skin when the lions is wanting . The displeasure and ielousie which Faratha Bassa conceiued against Hebraim Bassa because he saw him raised by Soliman to greater honour and estimation then himselfe , so depriued him of all reason , as suffering the desire of reuenge by little and little to transport him , he began to plot a rebellion , but discouered he was forthwith put to death : the selfe same occasion was the ouerthrow of Pirrus and Mustapha raised by Soliman . In our time in the court of Amurath the third now raigning , these ielousies and hart-burnings haue beene great betweene Mahomet and Mustapha , and since that betweene the same Mustapha and Cicala ( who hath outstript him ) and all for fauour of their Master . If these humors and ill dispositions had beene well looked into and wisely imploied to their best vse by some great Prince of Christendome , they had beene fit matter to haue bred a dissention and reuolt amongst those barbarous people . 3 Now though such practises should not perhaps at the first be of sufficient power to worke that vniuersall change which we wish in that tyrants Empire ; yet are we not therefore to desist as men dismaied ; remembring that most commonly the beginnings of innouations and commotions so extraordinary , are feeble , and that that wisdome sheweth it selfe like it selfe which can so diligently suckle and nourish them as they may attaine to a happy growth . I am of opinion , that when we incounter with instruments that are not without ambition , courage , and a thirst of reuenge ; after we haue felt and sounded them once , twise , or thrise , we shall in the end make a breach in their loyalty and obedience ; especially if we set before them ( be it vnder a true or false title ) the certaintie of some mightie succour , whereof they may see the preparatiues ; for so they will the more couragiously attempt against the life and estate of their Prince . 4 Moreouer it is not to be forgotten , that when such practises shall be discouered by the Turke , and that he shal see the Christians more diligent then hitherto they haue beene , to sound the affections of his seruants and subiects : he will thereupon enter into such a distrust of them , as euen that will make him offer them some hard measure . This distrust will be enough to beget a thousand suspitions and hard conceits in his seruants , and subiects , either for the managing of affaires , or for the danger that the opinion of loyaltie incurreth , when it hath to deale with such a distrustfull and suspitious Prince , as this would prooue : so as by little and little it would worke vs out some occasion fitting our purpose , especially , if whilest this practise were hatching , and on foote , the children of the Turke should take armes one against the other , or that during their fathers life , they should dispute the possession of the Empire : for the ice being already broken , there would be a more easie passage and better successe , then if it had not beene taken in hand at all . 5 But because an especiall iudgement , patience , and much wisedome are requisite in such businesses , we must make choice of men furnished with all these parts , to the end they may wisely know when to take their opportunities and times , to sow these dissentions , and that there be not want of mony to distribute amongst this people , which are farther in loue therewith , then any other nation the world affoordeth . CHAP. XV. How the people of the Turke may be wrought from his obedience . 1 How the Turkes Christian Subiects are to be wrought to rebellion . 2 A place must be chosen for refuge of such as rebell . 3 The vaine fooleries of their Alkoran are to be discouered . 4 How bookes written to that purpose may come to his subiects hands . 5 How such bookes are to be composed . 6 What fruites are to be hoped from their reading . 7 Exhortation to the Ianizzars . 8 The conclusion of this worke . 1 THe Turke hath two sorts of people subiect to his Empire ; one followeth the sect of Mahomet ; the other the truth of the Gospel of Iesus Christ . The Mahometanes are quiet , as those which being of one and the same law , haue no cause to make any tumult . The Christians cannot stirre , as being ouer topped and awed by a greater power then their owne , which curbeth them so , as there is no better way to moue them to rebel , then to make them handle ( as it were ) and see the assurance of an approching succour , to prouide them of armes and all other furniture for the wars : for otherwise it is impossible they should dare to make the least shew once to mooue , whilest they haue the enemie ouer them alwaies in a readinesse and armed , who would in a moment confound them , especially being as they are naked and vnprouided of armes , offensiue or defensiue . Selim the second doubting the woorst , by the counsaile of Occhially , caused al the Christians inhabiting the sea coasts , to retire themselues farre vp into the maine land , to the end the presence of the Christian forces should not incourage them against him , as it hapned at such time as Andrew Dorea atchieued the enterprise of Patras and Coron . 2 If the Christians should euer vndertake the like dissigne they ought to take especiall heede how they vnship their succours in those parts of the continent where the horse are at hand , since they were likely enough by their strength to choake at the first the reuolt of the Christians , for so mighty are they in horse , and of such speed and dexterity , as they would in an instant beare downe before them whatsoeuer should oppose them . Wherefore it would be better to enter by Albania and by places mountanous and of difficult accesse , where the horse are not able to serue , as in the plaine . This is as much as we ment to say of such Christians as are vnder the Turkes dominions , all which I will imagine want not will to rebell , if the Princes of Christendome would furnish them of meanes . 3 Now let vs see what way were best to be taken to prouoke the Mahometans to reuolt , and to fill their countries with troubles , and ciuill dissentions . If we will but consider how their religion is fraught with vntruthes , their Alcoran abounding in follies , we shall finde it easie to picke matter enough out of it to set them together by the eares , especially if wee doe but disperse among them certaine bookes fit to conuert them , or make them doubt of the foolish superstitions they obserue , composing them for Europe in the Sclauonian tongue , and for Asia in the Arabian . 4 But because it would be hard to conuey these bookes into the countries of the Turkes obedience but that they would soone perceiue the deuice and speedily remedy it : It were best beginning far off , in the Indies and in the parts of Asia and Africke held by the Portugales : for because of the trafficke which is great in those parts many Turkish Marchants and others ariue there from all quarters . They come to Mozambique in Africke , to Zophala and Quiloe in Asia . They descend also as low as the Moluccas , Cochien , Goa , Dia , Ormus , and sundrie other parts appertaining to the crowne of Portugale . These bookes also might be dispersed abroad in the countrie of the Gentiles , which are friends and confederates of the Christians , as in Calicut , Zailan , Cambeia , and others ; and the like at Oran , Arzilla , and in other parts of Arabia subiect to the crowne of Spaine and Portugall , and in all other parts of Europe which border vpon the Turkes . 5 There must be a care had that the title of the booke be so coloured , as it doe not at the first discouer the intent of the author , but rather that it intice them to peruse it with a certaine curiosity and shew of pleasantnesse and delight . It is requisite also that the discourse be not fraught with any disputations or subtill point against the Articles of their beleefe , but that contrariwise it be full of tales and matter fit to moue laughter ; yet with some well conueied passage which may by the way discouer or make them doubt of the fables of their Alcoran . 6 The Turkish Marchants or others , into whose hands this booke should light , would cōfidently reade it in those parts where the Turke is not obeied . And though perhaps they durst not aduenture to carry it with them , yet the impression and substance of what they had read would remaine fixt in their mindes , so as they would after relate it as newes to their friends and families , in such sort as it would grow by little and little to be diuulged thereabout , whence would spring a longing in others which should come and goe into those countries to buy & reade them : In this manner the Alcoran in processe of time would grow out of credit amongst them , and those things which with scruple and obseruation they collect thence , would turne to a iest and subiect of laughter , whence there could not but insue some schisme and diuision amongst them , for the most religious men of their sect and the most interested would oppose themselues wilfully to maintaine it . Neither would it make for the purpose to make mention in any sort of our Sauiour Christ , much lesse to let it be knowen that the author thereof were a Christian : for the immortall hatred they beare to that name would make it odious , and would bring it at the very first to be reiected . It should rather be so contriued as if it came from some other of an other sect , wherein a man might borrow the hand of the inhabitants of Cambaia , of India , of Arabia , or of Persia . In this manner it would be better welcome and would carrie with it more estimation and authority . 7 It were well also if there were framed and published a remonstrance to the Ianizzars in the Sclauoman tongue , whereby might be signified vnto them their originall , and howe in their infancy they were cruelly halled from the bosomes of their Christian fathers and mothers , conueyed into Turky , and there nusled vp in the sect of Mahomet , not hauing iudgement as then to distinguish of good and euill ; that they are the pillers to vphold this Tyrant which hath set his foote vpon the throat of their fathers liberty , and which keepeth them as slaues vnder the yoake of a dishonorable and barbarous seruitude . This would auaile much , especially if there were thereto annexed an exhortation to take better knowledge of themselues , and hence , forward like good children to imbrace and free their miserable parents , which daily lament them ; and aboue all to perswade them to returne to the deare bosome of the church wherin they were first , regeuerate and which attendeth with spread armes to receiue them , entertaine them , and saue them . 8 These things well caried would in the end make the Turke so suspitious , and vntractable , as he would offer occasions enow to his people hencefoorth to rouse vp themselues , and better aduise how to shake off that cruell and vnsupportable yoake which so mightily oppresseth them , and to fashion themselues to a more happy and secure life for the quiet of their consciences and saluation of their soules . This is that whereof the Christians ought diligently to bethinke themselues ; and not to worke one an others ruine and destruction , as they spare not to doe against the expresse commandement of God , which so often recommendeth vnto vs loue and charitie towards our neighbours . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A06425-e890 1494. Guicciard . li. 1. Zingis . 1397. 1477. 1513. 1515. 1480. 1482. 1494. 1499. 1516. 1524. Mac. disput . lib. 2. c. 12. At the riuer of Trebia , where Sempronius was slaine , at the lake of Thrasimenus where Flaminius was ouercome , and at Cannas where Terentius Varro and L. Paulus lost the field . Maharbals saiing to Hannibal , was , Vincere seu Hannibal , sed victoria vti nescis . Liu. Dec. 3. l. 2. 1532. ●●●●t . lib. 3. c. 8. Rer. Hisp . Ri● Neap. l. 2. Reg. Hisp . 〈…〉 de Christ ●oem . lib 1. Lin. dec . 3. li. 7. 7. Annal. v. c. 545. Olymp. 144. Dis . l. 2. c. 24. 1281. 13. Ap. 1516. Aemil. lib. 3. Tuicae . 1765. 1526. Paul. Iou. lib. 7. de Vita vir . ill . 1584. & 1585. Veget. lib. 1. c. 15. Eo enim impenditur labor & periculum aplirisque vnde emolumentum & honos speratur : T. Liu. Plut. lib. 2. c. 5. & 6. li. 1● . c. 4. Gel. lib. 5. cap. 6. 1396. 1409. 1444. 1541. 1538. 1560. 1537. 1570. Vid. l. 3. c. 7. 8. 9. Princ. c. 18. 1539 Iou. lib 8. hist . At the Mountaine Hemus . At Varna . 1444. 1570. Male imperatur cum vu●gus regit duces . Senec. trag . 1396. 1526. Sabel En. 10. l. 9. 1471. Non min●r est virtus quàm quaerere , part● tueri . 1560. 1572. 1560. 735. 800. 1263. 1476. 1579. The Christians ministred occasion to the Ottamans of their owne ouerthrow 1 The first occasion : the sloth of the Emperours of Greece . 2. Occasion : enuie of the Emperours of Greece . About anno 1290. 3. Occasion : the ciuill wars of the Emperors of Greece . Iohn Paleologus . 1363. 4. Occasion : the separation of the Greeke Church from the Roman . 5. Occasion : the Turkes aide called into Italy . 1498. 1540. 1543. 6. occas . the plurality of the Christian Princes . 1408. 1412. 1438. 1521. 1526. 7 Occasion : the diuersity of opinions in Religion . 8 Occasion : treason and disloialtie . 9 Occasion : the Turkes peace with some Christians , to warre with others . 1514. 1536. 10 Occasi●n : Christian Princes warring one vpon an other . 1360. 1363. Veg. lib. 3. c. 26. 1538. Qui frumentum necessariumque commeatum non praeparat vincitur sine ferro . Liu. l. 3. c. 26. 1557. 1542. 1444. 1498. 1516. Antiently called Nicoplu a city of Epirus . 1572. 1525. 1522. Guic. lib. 14. 1523. About 1364. 1524. 1503. Guicc . lib. 6. 1444. 1481. 1522. 1469. & 1407. 1474. 1583. 1585. Iou. lib. 20. Capienda saepius seius in malis praeceps via est . Sencca . Agamem . 1481. 1482. This was Licurgus rule to the Lacedemonians . P●ut . vitu . Lic . Notes for div A06425-e10110 Vid Pluit in their liues . About 1499. 1520. Iou. l. 13. about 1529. Notes for div A06425-e11890 Anno 714. 1516. 1570. 1565. Quae non prosunt singula , multa ●uuant . 1474. 1397. 1439. 1440. 1482. 1529. 1537. 1570. 1532. Alcut 1088. 1363. Machiauels opinion for foote . 1305. 1363. 1396. 1397. 1580. Vid. 181. 1511. 1482. 1513. 
A53493	----	Politicall reflections upon the government of the Turks ... by the author of the late Advice to a son. Osborne, Francis, 1593-1659. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A53493 of text R23027 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing O518). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 244 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 104 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A53493 Wing O518 ESTC R23027 12366937 ocm 12366937 60432 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A53493) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 60432) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 218:17) Politicall reflections upon the government of the Turks ... by the author of the late Advice to a son. Osborne, Francis, 1593-1659. [9], 194 p. Printed by J.G. for Thomas Robinson ..., London : 1656. Attributed to Francis Osborne. Cf. BM. Reproduction of original in Yale University Library. (from t.p.) Nicolas Machiavel -- The King of Sweden's descent into Germany -- The conspiracy of Piso and Vindex against Nero -- The greatnesse and corruption of the court of Rome -- The election of Pope Leo the XI -- The defection from the church of Rome -- Martin Luther. eng Leo -- XI, -- Pope, 1535-1605. Piso, Gaius Calpurnius, d. 65. Vindex, Gaius Julius, ca. 25-68. Machiavelli, Niccolò, 1469-1527. Gustaf -- II Adolf, -- King of Sweden, 1594-1632. Nero, -- Emperor of Rome, 37-68. Luther, Martin, 1483-1546. Turkey -- Politics and government. A53493 R23027 (Wing O518). civilwar no Politicall reflections upon the government of the Turks. Nicolas Machiavel: The King of Sweden's descent into Germany: the conspiracy of Pis Osborne, Francis 1656 42717 8 0 0 0 0 0 2 B The rate of 2 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2002-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-01 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-04 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2002-04 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-05 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Politicall Reflections UPON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TVRKS . NICOLAS MACHIAVEL : The King of SWEDEN'S Descent into GERMANY : The Conspiracy of PISO and VINDEX against NERO : The Greatnesse and Corruption of the COURT of ROME : The Election of Pope LEO the XI : The Defection from the CHURCH of ROME : MARTIN LUTHER . By the Author of the late Advice to a Son . LONDON . Printed by J. G. for Thomas Robinson in Oxford . 1656. To the READER . SInce our blessed Saviour drawes a Precedent for Prudence , from the unjust deportment of a wicked Steward ; and recommends to his followers the Subtilty of Serpents , with a no lesse Emphasis than the Innocency of Doves ; I trust ( in this Juncture when the Presse groans to be delivered of the burden she sustaines from their more seditious and prophane Off-spring , who desire to foment War ; and Christian Magistrates reckon their Subjects Disobedience in the heaviest Item , they account for with God , in their solemn Humiliations ; ) I shall not be the worse esteemed by men judicious and moderate , for taking some choice Observations out of the Turkish Arcana , which garbelled & weighed according to the true balance of the Sanctuary , may not impossibly minde those at the Helm of Expedients more proper for Unity , than have yet been employed among Christians : where though Christ be owned under the greatest demonstration of Selfe-deniall , yet Uncharitablenesse abounds , and lesse awfull Obedience is given to Gods Vicegerents , in Christian Common-wealths , than the Apostle Paul did award to infidells . Nor doth the Church , set in the Firmament of Regality for the Luminary and direction of all Subjection due to our heavenly and earthly Guides , keep to her proper Sphere , if , from a Medium between us and our Maker , she becomes a stickler in things purely belonging to the Magistrate , our Obedience , like that of the Catholicks , must still stagger betwixt two Supremes ; It being impossible for the best or worst of Governours to be longer in quiet , than she is pleased to permit them : And this apprehended by some ( better fitted and resolved for the discovery of Errors , than able or willing to mend them ) they conclude , all the mischiefs arising through the loud Fulminations , the spirit of Contention hath , or may have , darted out of the Pulpit , flow from the Riches and Splendour of the Clergie , that upon a more serious account may be laid to the abuse and ill-admiration of their Office and Power , which duly regulated , is the wholsomest Flower in the Crown of Government : it out-reaching the kenn of example to find a State happy , where the Priesthood is exposed to the Peoples contempt , or Religion suffered to be weighed at the common Beam ; which must needs happen , where their Maintenance is scandallous , and their Persons despicable , or not vigorously protected by the hand of Authority ; to whom they doe , or at least might , bring Obedience , without putting it to the trouble of reward or punishment . Nor would the Laity so much grumble at the payment of Tithes , were they wise enough to weigh the great advantage they have through the Churches dependance on their welfare , which would be quite lost , did their maintenance drop out of the immediate hand of the Prince , as it doth among the Turks ; who are too well read in Policy , to break or dismember so usefull an Engine , because it may or might , for want of Circumspection , have bruised the fingers of those it ought to preserve . But if this points at any prejudice in Church or State , I am resolved to remaine no obstinate Heretick , but to cast it at the feet of the same Authority , Providence hath set me under , and for whose sake I first took it up . And this I hope will satisfie the wise Reader ; but for Criticall Fooles , the ordinary sort of Book-wormes , who , like Iron moles , discolour the sense and obliterate the naturall meaning of Authors , by their spurious and tart Censures ; esteeming nothing fit to passe current , that hath not descended from their Ancestors , whose foulest blots they paint over with fairer Glosses , than they can finde colour for in the generall Ignorance ( some few Pens excepted ) that did then bleer the understandings of Subjects , extending in the mean time the no lesse innocent , if not more usefull moderne endeavours upon the cruell rack of a severe Scrutiny , till some pretext is found for to ground detraction upon : This , I say , cannot discourage me from prosecuting what Conscience informes me may advance Settlement , who have long been taught , that the way lies to the Paradise of Peace , through the Purgatory of Censure , which all must expect to find their Sailes fill'd with , that steere contrary to the current of Antiquity , imagined , onely by idle Dunces , to have pinn'd the Basket : For since this age hath the use of their Plat-formes , and the same Tooles , it lies not in my Cap to apprehend , why it may not operate as well and wisely . To conclude , such as have , or doe hereafter modestly prosecute a farther revelation of Knowledge , ought not to be discouraged , or unwillingly employ their Talents , as many doe that come betrayed to the Presse , or led more by Friends Importunity , than their owne Genius : For though their Contemporaries serve them as the Jewes did the Prophets , yet when Death hath laid them out of the reach of Envy and personall Contempt , Posterity shall not only commiserate the Cruelty of that neglect they lay under in their life-time , but build Monuments to their Immortall Fame . THE TURKISH POLICY : OR , OBSERVATIONS UPON THE Government of the TURKS . NNot to ascend the highest step of the Turkish Pedegree , ( whose primitive Actions , no lesse then those of the Goths , lye buried in the rubbish , their huge Vastation have formerly made through the Easterne Empire , and since in that of the West , upon the score of whose eternall reproach , they keep their Royall Port in the Emperiall City : ) I shall only observe the prudent Deportment of Mahumet ( owned by all for their Founder ) without taking more notice of his , or their extraction , then what may serve to illustrate the following Dicourse , projected rather to delineate the wise Track he hath chalked out to his successors , and what exact followers they have been of it ( which few have done ) then the Deeds themselves , usually found scored at the end of every street . Though , I believe , with great Partiality , and many Omissions , in relation to the Shame and Terror they have brought upon Christendome through the division of whose Princes they have attained this grandure ) the Fate of their Atchievements , who want Pens of their owne to register their Stories : In which this Emparour , no lesse then his successors , have been still defective : Yet he that considers what hath followed , cannot take it for an hyperbole , to say , the main disference between Alexander , Caesar , and Mahumet consists in a Feather , or the Quill of a Goose . 2. He had the happinesse to set up under a most auspicious juncture ; the greatest Polititians then extant , being more employed in moulding an Ecclesiasticall Monarchy , and mending the Rents , the Schismaticks of those times had made in the Church , then in improving any temporall Power , or raising banks , that might stop such an inundation , as so great a Snow-ball was likely to cause upon the face of that Earth , where ever it came to refund . 3. His Followers were owners of no vaster Understandings , then might render them plyable to Labour and Discipline : Who being of a brutish and wilde employment , did not onely undergoe the hardship of Warre , but were ready to yeild all awfull Obedience to such marks of Worship , or religions Observations , as he was pleased to impresse upon their yetunsuborned imaginations : Not so easily obtained from acuter heads , who are apt to pretend a sufficiency in determining the truth or falshood of that , Authority hath allotted for an unquestioned Creed : The more to be avoided by all new Legislators , because known so pernitious to established Common-wealths and Monarchies , as the promoters of Sedition , are seldome found to take horse at any other block , then what they perceive the People aptest to stumble at , in relation to Gods Worship . No Colony having been observed for to dilate it selfe , that held not at least so long constant to one Profession in Religion , till Time and Successe had estated them in a power able to resist any Enemy ; by nothing easier brought about , then a confident Report of some Miracle , which once riveted into the Opinion of the People ; by Custome and Education , cannot after be removed , without the hazard of all . This made him professe a daily Commerce with Angels , and pretend , the terrible Fits incident to his Disease , as holy extasies , in which God did mind him of the way and meanes , how to lead his People . And according to this Patterne , a Law was founded , so suitable to the highest Taste of humane Sensuality , and obvious to a carnall apprehension , that it was swallowed by this Rabble for the undoubted and pure Will of God , and he looked upon for his most holy Prophet . To the advancement of which Beliefe their Ignorance did mainly contribute , found by experience , the strongest assertor of what she confidently believes , though in it selfe never so improbable . And after some farther commerce had throughly estated their Consciences in this perswasion , they grew zealous , that is , affectionate , and desirous to propagate where ever they came , such opinions as their Governors had contracted them to , out of no higher sanctity at first , then to keep them entire and chast in their worldly obedience . 4. Neither were the Proselites of this new Prophet checked , in the earnestnesse of their pursuit after Empire , by the confluence of contrary Accidents , and the number of rubbs the unsteady hand of so contingent a Warre , could not choose but cast daily in their way ; but the more enflamed , as taking them rather for incitements to further cruelties towards others , then any stop to the unjust encroachments they made upon the Principalities of their Neighbours ; looked upon by them as Enemies to God , and so , like the Canaanites , fit only to be eradicated , for the better ease and advantage of themselves . Or if any crosse event was apprehended relating to them , they put it off as if it onely concerned their Remisnesse in the intended Worke of the Lord , which was to spoile others , and enrich themselves . This abates the wonder of their Victories , who have the Art to draw encouragement from the best or worst of successes : For through the clashing of these contrary events , Mahumet kindled such a blinde zeale amongst their over-heated Ignorance , as it consumed all before them , without the least consideration had of things Sacred or Prophane . 5. And to preserve this childe of his Ambition , from being stifled in the swadling cloaths , through an overlaying of Neighbours ( who were called in prudence to the crushing of such designes , had they not been rendred deafe by the janglings between the Greek & Latine Churches ) he gathers the chiefest ingredients of his Institutes out of the Gardens , both of the Jewish and Christian Religion : Leaving his Sectarists in grosse , to their more loose and acceptable primitive Heatheuisme ; inserting few Novelties , but what respected his owne person , which he doth not stile a God , though he arrogates to himselfe a Supremacy over all his Prophets . 6. Yet did he not only forbid the use of Images , as may be thought , in imitation of Moses ( who by that bred such a hatred in the Jewes against all Nations , as hath kept a considerable part of them from mingling to this day ) but out of as deep a Reason of State , in relation to continuance : Since it is impossible , if a Nation once attaines an universall prudence , but that the deceitfull knack of such a carnall adoration must needs grow loathsome , or lye obvious to their Reproofe , that shall make it their full employment to finde faults ; and after an opportunity is easily gained , to foment a change , by discovering to the people absurdities in their Worship ; which is better prevented in one directed , as his is , to the onely invisible and omnipotent Creator , whose Nature and Power is so far remote from the weake apprehensions of men , as the sharpest reason is not able to batter a Faith built solely upon it . 7. And by this prudent election , he hath so far prevailed against the corruption of Innovation ( a Rust all other Professions have contracted in lesse time ) as no considerable Schisme hath yet broke out amongst them : For that between the Turke and Persian , lies rather in the Genealogie of their Prophet , then the body of the Beliefe he first founded . At such time , lest Novelty and want of Proofe should detect him too apparently , he takes Abraham into his Party , whom he ownes for the Father-of himselfe and his Followers ; giving a no lesse honourable Character of Christ and his Mother , to please the Christians , then of Moses to amuse the Jewes ; yet hath no milder designe , then the destructiō of them both : And by this universall complyance , he rendered his detestable Errors more glib to the wide swallow of that Ignorance , the world did then gape withall ; The cause his Doctrine was embraced by as unquestion'd a beliefe , as that of the Jew or Christian , whom they looke upon as owners of more improbable Opinions , then theirs , and lesse tending to the honour of that universall Goodnesse , which respects the profit and well-being of his Creatures . 8. In relation to whom the Turks Sabbath , no lesse then the Jewes , was without doubt instituted , to give a comfortable relaxation to the poore Beast , as well as Slaves , whom Moses observed to lead a life in AEgypt worse then death it selfe . Therefore he derives the Institution of the Sabbath , from the mouth of God , to be of no lesse antiquity then the Creation . And on this day men were suffered to doe no labour , but to keep a holy rest unto the Lord : by which a Terror was strook into the contemners of the Law , and a great Love and mutuall Confidence infused among Neighbours , no small promoters of Conquest ; such staning closest in time of danger as are of nearest relations in Religion and Friendship . Besides , these weekly meetings , doe much civilize a Nation , satisfying no lesse the mindes of the zealous then they moderate the Passions of the Factious and Disobedient , by the great allay received from the solemne Devotion observable in their Priests , who use such humble prostrations , and catching Ceremonies , in the exercise of their Divine Rights ( which yet admit of no scandall , because prosecuted in suit of no Representation , but to the imploring of the onely omnipotent God , in whose service all things are to be employed ) as such are terrified into an Obedience of the Law , out of a future Feare , that could not else be restrained by a present secular danger , or after-hope ; Imagining a number of possibilites to hide that from Men , which nothing is able to cover from the sight of God . 9. Of such vast concernment is a grave and prudent Clergy to well-being , though of late much slighted among some sort of Christians , not so wise as to observe that the Eye for the most part , is caught before the heart ; and that Austerity and Reverence in externall Worship ( if devested of all advantages else ) cannot be denied to have a huge operation upon Obedience to the civill Magistrate . It being unlikely , that such as take Decency in Divine Worship for Idolatry , should not soon be worne out of Reverence to their Governours , since the most destructive Parity begins alwaies in the Church . 10. No Law is more intent upon the Honour and Profit of Monarchy , then the Turks : For though a Munke had a finger in the Pie , yet Mahumet was so skilfull as to season it to his owne palate . Neither were many Christian Princes lesse absolute at first , then he , till their Subjects by Money , Importunity , or Armes had moderated their power , which we doe not finde this Nation ever went about : Servitude , by use , becoming a second nature : But , had their Ordinances , like ours , been voted by such a Composition of Estates , wherein the Priestood had made the principall Ingredient , for Wisdome , if not Authority , it is very possible they might have more related to Religion ; which , like the Indian Fig-tree , is of so vast an extent , as it hath been able , not onely to harbour an Host of Church men , but their Bag and Baggage , together with all the plunder they are able to make , by breaking the Hearts , and ransacking the more tender Consciences of Dying men ; as is apparent in Rome , and might have been the same at Meca , had he not prevented it by a choiser prudence , then our Emperours have formerly contributed to their affaires . 11. Nor is it a contemptible Paradox to maintain , that the approach of Ruine or Slavery to a Nation , is visible at first in a too Rich or Meager Face of the Church . That Causing a Consumption , by sucking too much from the Estates and Power of the Laiety ; as This doth a Feaver , by putting all into a present hazard , under the destructive pretence of an over-heated zeale . The same counsell being necessary to all Princes , in relation to Religion , and the guiders of it , as Phaeton is said to receive from his Father , when he undertook the conduct of the Horses of the Sunne ; The Church being a Planet of that nature , that if it soar too high , it choaks Vertue and Sanctity in the superfluous Ceremonies , she is apt to produce , which , like too much paint , adulterates the face of Truth : but if she be kept too low , it doth not onely burne and consume all superfluous excrescencies , but Decency and Order ; Allayes , without which we can have no Uniformity in a religious commerce : Since the Mysteries of our Salvation cannot be presented to us but in Earthen vessells , from whence , if they did not retaine some tincture , we could not so naturally own them as relating to us : Nay , an indiscreet zeale doth so farre participate of the qualities of the Aire over-heated , that it hatcheth the Plagues of Rebellion , where ever it is found , pretending their Prince negligent in Religion , or too exorbitant in his affection to Courte Minions , or an infringer of the Law , and obstructer of Justice ; weapons of Sedition , easily forged , if not found to lye ready before the Gates of the best of Kings ; which subtill men snatch up , and put into the hands of such , as they have formerly intoxicated with a desire of Reformation , who seldome give over , till they meet their owne ruine , or the States . 12. If Mahumet exceeded the Comission of Discretion , in swelling his Alcaron to so large a volume , ( multiplicity of words breeding , in the same plenty , Ambiguities , among Divines as Lawyers ) Yet he provided against this inconvenience , with as much caution as a by-past error is capable to admit , in prohibiting the Reading of it , to any but the Priests , and the Interpretation to all but the Mufty . For though the Jewes were injoyned to score the Commandements on the Walls , as they did weare them after written on their Cloaths ; Yet none but the High Priest was suffered to enter into the Holy of Holies , or make any neer approach into the innermost place of the Temple , from whence the Oracles did proceed . 13. Neither is it a slight occasion of the Turkish Unitie , that their Alcaron lies patent to the Exposition of none but their owne Pope : And that Petitions to God are frequenter made among them than Exhortations or Sermons to the People : Because by the first they are humbled , through the repetition of their sins and wants ; and by the other , puffed up with the ostentation of their good parts : Or , ( if it may passe in no worse sense then it is uttered ) in Praying we beg something of God we need ; in Preaching he seems to demand Obedience from us , which no reasonable creature will think he can want . To say truth , the frequency of Preaching ( to avoid the tedious repetition of the same things ) hath created such a Familiarity between us and our Maker , and a Feud against all that serve him not our way , as some take the boldnesse to predicate , He cannot doe this or that , limiting his Mercy so farre as to exclude from Salvation , not onely the Turkes , but all the rest of the world ; so small a spot excepted , as a Flye may cover in an ordinary Globe . Doe not these vaine pleaders give the Devill more then ( I hope ) is his due ? contrary to the verdict passed by God himselfe , who saith , The Earth is the Lords , and all that therein is ; without excepting those many and vast Territories , too happy , rich and faire , to be let out to the Prince of Darknesse , by the great and magnificent Landlord of the world . 14. The whole scope of the more charitable Turkish Doctrine , concludes in these Ules ; The Honour of God , Obedience to their Prince , Mutuall Love , Resolution in Warre , with an invincible Patience in bearing all terrestriall wants : The last , as a Hoop compassing the rest , by which they are rendered the rightest Vessells against Sedition , and the aptest to retain all things necessary to compliance in Government . 15. Yet , the more to strengthen this tye upon the Subject , all hope of perfect Happinesse in this world is suppressed , and their Imaginations wholly engaged on that which is to come : By this , the feare of lapsing into grosser Idolatry , or profounder Atheisme , is preventeds being bred only in expectation of Miserie here , and so more guilty , then sensible of that ridiculous folly David so much upbraids them with , that consume time in the service of Gods , that have neither Eyes to see , Eares to heare , nor wills to helpe such as pray to them : For this Stupidnesse once found in That we have been taught to make the Object of our worship , and joyning forces with the Afflictions , that doe ordinarily attend the Best , and the Blessings , not observed to baulk the most Impious ; This , I say , doth often hurry such as have had their hopes deluded , or adjourn'd beyond the extent of a small Faith , into wretchlesse Infidelity , or which is worse , a low and despicable opinion of their Maker ; avoided by the Mahumetans , who look for no remoter causes of Afflictions , then what result from personall miscarriages , or the will of those in Authoritie ; assigning their Maker an higher imployment , then the attending or accomplishing our earthly desires , which if attained , they might possibly hinder us from greater in Heaven , to which this world is but a troublesome and dark passage . Nor can the Turks prevarications , upon a most partiall Scrutinie , bear that stresse of wickednesse , the more seared consciences of some Christians doe daily endure , manifest in the French Massacre ; the foulnes of which story hath not yet been matched by Mahumet , or any of his disciples , never found to have borne such bitter fruit . But not to insist upon the Equity or Reason of their Law , it gives them ( as the Priests manage it ) a satisfactory pretence , to esteem all wayes decent and consonant to Religion , that are able or likely to enlarge their Empire : Not questioning the Quarrell , no more then the future happinesse of such Soules , as have the Fate to expire in it . And if upbraided herewith , they desire the Pope to catechize his most Catholick Son , How he came by Portugall , Naples , Milan , Sicily &c. And what warrant he is able to produce , from the Avenger of Bloud , that might authorize him to shed that Ocean he let out in America , upon no more serious occasion , then Gold , & the Conversion of the people into slaves to dig it ? Can there be a ranker Blasphemy offered against the Lord of Hosts , then to set up his Standard in so vast and sanguine a field of Ambition , and the Crosse of his Son in a greater Golgotha , then that wherein he was Crucified ? And all this under pretence of Religion ; as if God were lesse jealous of the honour of his Church , then the Priests were of their Temple , into the verge of which they would not admit the price of bloud ; much lesse then can the Judge of all things accept the persons of those that shed it . 16. The awfulnesse the Turks beare to the Name of God is so great , that they dare not employ the paper wherein they find it written , to any base office , but leave it hid in a hole to the farther disposure of the Owners Providence ; And therefore possibly not so likely as Christians ( who observe no such decency ) to call it to the witnesse of an untruth ; much to the advantage of Governours there , as it might be in Christendome , did Custome or Law screw the peoples minds up to as high an esteem of it . Neither would this lessen , but encrease the benefit States-men make by dispensing with its abuse , which is now so often and grosly practised , as it is apparent to the multitude , who are apter to follow the Example of their Kings , then the Doctrine of their Teachers ; and might , ( if any apparition of Justice or Religion were extant in their Governors ) have their Passions , as the Turkes , stirred up to approbation or dislike , proportionable to the more or lesse dismall relations their Priests read to them out of their Mahumetan Legend ; so much the more excusable , because the awe borne to these , though but Fictions , doth help to spare the more ungratefull Rod , the too frequent use of which , hath in all times produced more Feare then Love . 17. This proves , A false Religion doth contribute more to safety , then Atheisme , or a stupid neglect of all Worship ; and that a Clergy is of excellent concernment , provided they keep close in their Doctrine , to Reason of State ; not to be brought about , but through the mediation of their own Interest , by nothing so easily biassed , as comfortable Livings , and severe Deaths or punishments , in case their exhortations goe contrary to the grain of the Civill Government ; whose Administrators have not so much cause to complaine of the Church-men for their recoyling , since , by their frequent setting them upon the people , they taught them at last to worrey themselves : Their Tongue , like a Sword , being as well able to wound one side , as another , & moves according as it is enclined by profit or feare : Neither can any breach they have formerly made in the affaires of their Patrons , disparage the Calling , more then it doth a piece of Ordnance , that being lost through imprudence , and miscarriage , doth after batter down the house of her Founder ; since all their Fulminations tend that way , to which the Hand that fills their Bellies is pleas'd to direct them , there being none easier warped then they , nor more violent assertors of what their own Wisdome or the worlds Folly hath given them leave to call Theirs , as were easily deducible from their frequent changings ; which gives me the boldnesse to believe , that if all , which is without question the Churches , were restored , and the dignity of their Tenents and Calling vindicated , the truly honest would comply with any Government , out of Conscience , and the rest batter contrary Parties in hope of Preferment . Such as look upon the Mahumetan Profession , as of the grosser allay , because so farre subservient to worldly Policy , that the Grandees and Priests , like Juglers , carry the coale of zeale only in their mouths , not being heated themselves with what they goe about to enflame others ; suffering their Threats and Promises to rise no higher , or fall no lower , thē suits with the politick reaches of the Prince ; may find other Courts standing in as prophane a posture , especially that of Rome , ( not unworthily looked upon for the Magazeen , from whence the rest of the world is supplied , with Wisdome , shall I call it , or Deceit ) where Church-men , like Burning-glasses , cast the Rayes of a Celestiall Fire into the Consciences of others , carrying in the meane time , themselves , a cold , Chrystaline , & Fragil Creed , towards what they endeavour to informe the People ; taking upon them a publick curè of Soules , out of a no more religious respect , then to provide against their private wants ; yet connived at here , as well as by all wise Princes else , because Law can promote no Good , nor prevent Evill , but what is open to publick cognisance ; whereas Religion penetrates so low , as to erect a Tribunall in every minde , where imagination sits , like a terrible Judge , pronouncing the charge she hath been taught from Power , Custome , and Education ; which , through the compunction of a tender Conscience , doth so rack the most intrinsick thoughts of all prepossessed with the dread of a future account , as they doe not seldome confesse themselves guilty of such hainous offences , as none else are able to accuse them for ; expecting more ease from the sentence of the publick Magistrate , then they can find in their private Consciences , which daily excruciate them with the terrors of Hell , and the losse of Heaven . To conclude , by the heat of Religion many Vertues are hatched , and more Vices stifled in the shell . 18. Yet little is observable in the Rites of Mahumet , that is Chargeable to performe , or grievous to the Nature of Man ; Perhaps the cause why Sacrifice is not taken in , amongst the number of things borrowed from the Jews ; as thinking it incongruous with a Divine Essence , to be appeased or delighted by the losse and blood of poor Creatures , incapable of the Will or Power to transgresse ; Though the inclination to Oppression , Covetousnesse ; and Cruelty , is no more a stranger to their natures , then ours ; which proves Sin an effect of Law and constraint , rather then of Liberty , or Nature . But the People of God had a higher Prospect from these bloudy Ceremonies , then the dark mist about Mahumet would suffer him , or any other out of the true Church to apprehend ; else Wolves , and not Sheep , had furnished their Altars . Neither did this new State Founder believe , any merit could reside in a voluntary Maceration , or persecution of our Bodies , ( as if the most mercifull God , confessed to have prepared in future all celestiall beatitudes for those that love him , should for the present so farre divest that nature , as to delight to see us miserable ) which makes me think , that the putting out of their Eyes before the Tombe of their Prophet ( now in use among them ) to prevent the sight of any thing after , and the wearing of such huge and painfull Kings in the most tender parts of their bodies , grew not from any Institute of his , but are rather Bastards of that Church , reputed for nothing more justly , the Whore of Babylon , then for burning her Proselytes with such exorbitant zeal , as the Anchorites and Monks are led by , when they Whip and Stigmatize themselves , out of hope to purchase Heaven : A lunacy superlative to theirs , who lend mony in this world , upō human security , to be paid in the next by God himselfe ; No ways suitable with this Foūders Philosophy , who would have thought it lesse Blasphemy , with Plutarch , to acknowledge no God at all , then to imagine him owner of such Passions , as are unworthy , and below a Divine Essence . 19. THe totall Abstinence from Wine is the most materiall Sacrament of the Turks Obedience to Mahumets Law . Now least any should passe it as a lesse pertinent piece of Prudence , then really it is , I desire those that take more delight in condemning then acquitting the actions of Antiquity , to suspend their Judgements , till these Reasons are weighed . 1. He was not so poore a Naturalist , as not to know , Wine effeminates , no lesse then enervates the body of Man ; the cause , Sampsons Mother , together with himselfe , abstained from it ; otherwise he might ( by the Witch , his Mistresse ) have been as easily charmed into Drunkenesse as Sleep For though it may , not unpossibly , conjure up a present furious Resolution , it was never yet fam'd for a friend to the Habit of valour . 2. It is a Sworne Enemy to Discipline ; rendering the most obedient Souldiers , during that Distemper , deafe to all necessary words of Command . 3. Wine dries the Braine by Nature , and besides , by Accident , informes the Understanding , through the Commerce and Familiarity it breeds with men of different Judgements : And so might have easily called up acuter Spirits , and caused a stricter Scrutiny into the Miracles , Life , and Procedure of their Legislater , then an infantine Power was able to correspond for : There being no humour so bad , but this strong liquor is able to make worse and inflame ; by representing miscarriages in Commanders , and affronts from their Fellowes , which in a calmer temper could never have floated in so weake Imaginations : And thus led on by Chimera's , they , like Samson , snatch up the most improbable weapons , which they doe , not seldome , employ in almost as miraculous Successes . 4. The Transparency of Drunkennesse , able to conceale nothing to its owne Shame ; And Flexibility to all things , rather then Reason . 5. Being yet in an itinerant condition , and so not likely to find Wine alwaies at hand ; it could not have layn in the power of any earthly thing , but a premeditated & religious Injunction , to have kept such an untutor'd Rabble within the cōpasse of moderation , when ever they had met with it ; Not seldome the Fate of Armies , who upon such disadvantages , have been all cut off by farre inferiour Powers , being themselves first overcome by Drinke . 6. To end this Digression , in which more might be said ; Wine could be no fit ingredient to mingle with the heat of the Country they marched in , and the labour they must needs encounter in the rough way , leading to so high Designes . 20. Not to presume to vie Instances with the people of the Jewes , who besides the prudence of Moses , had the unerring Spirit of God , to direct them in all emergent occasions ( which , by the way , renders their frequent Grumblings no lesse prodigious , then blasphemous ) I find few Nations more constant to their Founders Aphorismes , or that give lesse way to a refining , by the agitation of experiences , drawn from a confluence of differing events , then the Turke ; for which he stands obliged to his own firme Constancy in Religion , and his Neighbours often variations , which have opened the gap to his most signall Conquests : It being impossible to shake this Tree of Paradice , but to the prejudice of the Prince in possession , and benefit of such subtil Serpents as desire to Supplant him ; therefore not to be done out of any wantoner instigation , then an absolute Necessity . For though the Change of an opinion that is antient , may stop a leake for the present , it breeds such a worme , as doth cause a perpetual Colick in the State : Apparent in France , where the Queen Mother fomented the Protestants , to maintaine her Regency , and could never after be free from the danger of Civil War . This makes me wonder to find Toleration of Religion so common an Article in the Transactions of Princes ; Since it no way sutes with the complexiō of Prudence to palliate a present defect by such a Recipe , as may breed for the future an incurable Disease . 21. Yet because many Customes passe current in the Minority of Power , would prove childish and defective in a more Setled Condition , and after Posterity is swelled to so considerable a bulk , as that the most numerous part may be allowed to exchange Battleaxes and Swords into Shares and Pickaxes ; it could not be avoided by humane Providence , but something should be wanting in relation to so vast an Empire , no lesse terrible to the Eare then admirable to their Eyes , have seen it ; A Fortune perhaps as far above the hopes of their first Founder , as it transcends the ordinary extent of the like endeavours . Therefore he deserves , in my opinion , more Commendation , for foreseeing so much , then blame , in omitting Provisions against such accidents , as none but a Prophet indeed could be ever able to presage : Many Carriages being necessary to the Sword , are superfluous , if not destructive , when the Scepter is obtained : The first intending the death of Enemies , but the latter the Preservation of Subjects and Friends . 22. Whereupon his Successors finding that though the Keyes of the Church can hang no where so quietly , as at the Girdle of the Prince , ( of which Moses is an unerring Example ) yet to give a greater lustre to the beames of Religion ( esteemed by all , if not quite corrupted , yet far lesse pure in Secular Vessels , then those set wholly apart for the worship of God ; ) And to have withall a favourable Umpire of a seeming more indifferent & sanctified allay , ready to compose any Discontents , that might be fomented between the civill Power and the Subject , either through others Ambition , or their own Oppression , not unlikely to result from so absolute a Jurisdiction ; A Religious man , call'd the Mufty , is set up , whose Habit is Green , a colour none but the Kindred of Mahumet are suffered to weare , of which number he is alwaies supposed to be one . Now the better to enable him to strike an awfull Reverence into the People , in case a misled Zeale should melt them into Divisions , or a colder Licence freez them into a chill Atheisme , the Emperour honours the Mufty in publick , with the highest reverence and most solemne attention , Denying him nothing he dare aske , No Malefactor being suffered to dye , hath the fortune to see him or be seen by him as he passeth ; The Prince placing him , upon all weighty occasions , next the Throne , where , by his publick Gestures , he acts a lively and terrible dread of those Crackers , that contain no other Sparkes of a celestiall fire , then what resides in true Reason of State : Which is the Art of Governing to the best advantage for Prince and People . And though this Circumcised Pope yeilds an infallible obedience to all the Emperour inspires him with , yet being rarely seen , the Generality reverence him , as if they apprehended something about him more then humane . And let our new Polititians practise what they please , Experience hath made it sufficiently manifest , that A too prostituted Familiarity breeds contempt , not only in things civill , but Divine . Now such as think the Prudence , absolutely necessary to the Conduct of humane affaires , uselesse in those relating to Heaven , may be out ; For since Miracles , and the audible voice of God is silent , nothing is so likely as a Sanctified Policy , to retaine a competent Reverence for Religion , or maintain so much Probity , as is requisite in a generall Commerce , to keep us from murdering one another , upon the instigation of Covetousnesse and Revenge . Therefore the way for Prince and Priest to be thought more then men , is to doe nothing unworthily , say nothing unproperly , nor weare any thing undecently . 23. The Turk in this is happy , that the Mufty his Pope , no lesse then Meca his Rome , are within the reach of his power ; so as he is not to seeke for the Oracles of Religion out of his own Territories ; denied by custome to the most considerable part of Europe , whose Princes are regulated by the Popes Inspirations , not only in things concerning God , but what else may be fetched in , by his Pastorall Crook ( In Ordine ad Spiritualia . ) And left this absurd proceeding should be exposed to a generall Reformation , the Bishop of Rome tolerates all Incestuous Matches , and other base ad unjust actions , Princes desire to have indulged , for feare , like Hen. the 8. they should doe it of themselves . The consideration of which makes them beare the heavy weight of so many Ecclesiasticks , who scarce acknowledge any obedience but to the Sea of Rome . 24. Though the Turkish Court no lesse then the Common People , do afford the Gaudy plumage of Honour to the Mufty , the highest Bird in this earthly Paradise ; yet if he but offers to tune his note contrary to the true Dialect of State , he is straight unperched : It having been long observable in this Empire , That neither Friends , Money , Sanctity , Love of People , former Desert , or any present need of the persons accurate Parts , were ever found Antidotes sufficient to expell the poyson of the Emperours Jealousy , who esteemes no number of Lives ( though never so innocent ) equivalent with his safety , or the Nation's . Yet if this Holy man comes to his death by an unnatural Obstruction , the honour of his place is so far from receiving diminution by it , that his Body goes to the Grave with the least aspertion to his Fame ; his Life being rather commended . So as his Successor mounts into his Chaire untainted by any Prejudice ; which Christians contract to their Popes or Patriarchs , by the errors they discover after their Deaths ; The cause , such as succeed are not in so great esteeme , as their Offices require ; Thought capable to be tainted with the same faults , their Predecessors were owners of : not here imagined , because the Mufty , how ill soever he deserved of Church or State , is registred among their Saints . In which appears the highest point of Policy , it being unlikely , any should question the truth of his Judgement , when he is in being , whose Actions they dare not arraigne after he is dead . And for his Removall , it passeth without the least notice given to , or takē by the Generality ; who are otherwaies employed , either in caressing their plurality of Wives , or dispatching the businesse necessary to their Professions : Abominating us Christians for walking to no more profitable an end , then to talke of Newes , &c. 25. This discourse of the Mufty's dispatch may afford some room , by the way , to enquire into the justice of Clandestine Deaths ; a Custome with the Mahumetans , but such an one , as I hope never to see concocted into a more generall practice among us : yet observing how our Chronicles lie overflowed with such vast Oceans of Bloud , spilt upon no more urgent and publick necessity , then what relates to the ends and ambition of a single person , I will venture to say of it , and that only for the Meridian of Turkey , That a Physitian or a Felton may be cheaper employed , then an Army , and with lesse prejudice to the good of the Generality , Voted by all Right and Reason , the Supreame Law , And for whose Salvation Innocency himselfe was willing to dye . For where the sole power of Life and Limbe resides , as it doth here , in the breast of the Prince , under the warrant of an uninterrupted Custome ( the malice making the Murder , and not the blow ) I cannot think it so hainous a Crime , that , in case a Subject hath justly forfeited his Life to the Safety or but the conveniency of the People , it should be taken the most advantagious way , to make the better compensation for the dammage , it had or might have brought to the publick . A private execution being esteemed here no more Murder , where the cause is just , then one made publick is able to expiate the bloud of an Innocent . I know , so many Inconveniences lie in the way of this Custome , as it appears too unwieldy to be mannaged without danger by a single person , whose Judgement cannot be so cleerly separated from passion , as meerly to intend his Countreys preservation , without the mixture of some gall of revenge ; A candor not unpossibly to be found in the State of Venice , by nothing so long preserved in being , as a Custome they have sometimes to make away their greatest Senators upon no stronger evidence , then what meer Suspicion brings in against them ; preferring rather the cutting off a Limbe , in which appears the first Symptomes of Putrefaction , then to hazard the whole body by an incurable Gangrene . But whether the dammage of this practice , exceeds the profit , or the benefit the danger of the consequence , cannot be easily resolved ; Since Princes and States-men carry often such pernicious humours , as they convert that into a dayly practice , which , like David's eating the Shew-bread , is only permitted in case of Necessity . 26. Queen Elizabeth , in other things the best consulted Monarch that ever filled the English Throne , forfeited more good opinion and honour , in using the Hangman in the death of her sister Mary of Scotland , then if she had employed all the Mountebanks in Europe : For though Princes stand as neer the Grave as other Mortals , in relation to Diseases , no lesse then Desert ; Yet the hand of Justice cannot decently appeare in their Executions , without debauching the Majesty of her own Power ; Princes being esteemed the mouth of the Law . Now since the Council of England were too pious or hypocriticall , to use the Fig in the sence of Italy , Spaine , and other Nations , celebrated for more wisdome ; they might under an higher repute of Sanctity have spared the Leaves , and not laid the fault on poore Davison , that did nothing but by Commission ; an Apron that discovered more shame then it could possibly hide : All looking upon it , not only as the desire , but the act of the Queene and her Council , who by this publick procedure dilated the reproach over the whole Nation . Now I appeale to all not indulgent to a Form of Justice , though never so ridiculous , who obligeth his Prisoner most , he that takes away the irkesome Ceremonies , Dishonour and Expectation of Death , or he that accumulates them all on a Block ? As if that which is Murder in a Chamber , were not only far greater , but more terrible on a Scaffold , where nothing but Death and her attendants appeare . 27. But to returne to Turkey . It lies not out of the way of possibility , but that the Grand Signior , in regard of his abundance of Wives , may have two , or more Children at one and the same time : Therefore to break the neck of all Disputes , apt to result from contrary claims , the Emperour in fact strangles all the rest ; a confest tyrannicall Tragedy , not to be heard without detestatiō ; yet we fear too often acted among Christians , else the Line of the Catholick King , no lesse then that of France , and those smaller ones in Italy , might long since have choked their Felicity in a crowd of Rebellions : Neither need I end here , were it my designe to exceed the Counterpane by home-born examples . Yet such a Querie may be seasonably made , If the good of All ( as I said before ) be the Supream . Law , & grounded upon that of Nature , whose chiefe businesse is to intend the preservation of the whole , without any nicer relation to particulars , then to place or remove them according as they suit or bring profit to the generall occasions , a duty all are born to ; why should such be blamed , as take the most probable ways to promote peace , & stop the Posterne gates of the Court , by which more dangerous Warrs enter , then do ordinarily proceed from the invasions of Strangers ? And here , by the way , we may note , That Republicks have not such impulsive causes to shed innocent blood , as Kings : especially after that Sluce is stopped , which the most for their preservation are forced to let run at first , till the State is reduced to an wholsome Parity , and the ambitious itch of all Pretenders cured . 28. Nothing is penall by the Lawes of this Nation , but what is alwaies , or , at least for the present , destructive to the well being of the Prince or People : By which the more active Youth ( the strongest ingredient to compose an Army of ) remain so fully satisfyed with an uninterrupted License to attain the farthest extent of their desires . , as they apprehend no felicity beyond the Liberty they enjoy : And in such as Time and Weariness hath exchanged the humour of Lust , for one more Thriving , the Priviledge they have to exact on strangers , hinders their apprehensions from finding that loathsome tast , Forraigners imagine to result from so absolute a Jurisdiction , as is , and hath been for many ages exercised by their Emperours over them . And thus the State is a double gainer ; this Indulgence affording opportunity for all to lay out themselves to the advantage of their Country , either in getting Wealth , or Souldiers to defend it . 29. Contrary to the practise of Christians , that plant the Canons of their Law and arm the Messengers of Death and Damnation against the Gnats of juvenilelapses , but permit the weightier sins of Oppression , Schijme , and Ambition , which never leave boyling in slie heads , till they discover an opportunity , by which they may overflow the ancient Government in turning the peoples eyes towards the Faults of their Prince , and stopping them with prejudice against his Vertues : which may be done under the Scale of so secure a Caution , as the Actors are often upon the Stage , before those intended to be the subject of the Tragedy are able to take notice of it , especially in Nations glutted with Peace and plenty , or such as long to cast off an usurped Power ; whereas it is possible , if Nature were not so hard curbed , and deprived of vent ( by which sh● is not seldome carried through an impetuous Lust , out of the true rode of Generation ) such mindes might be taken up with lesse destructive diversions ; This desire being as hard to be appeased , as that of hunger or thirst : Neither can the defects daily observed to increase in our Issue , be justly imputed to any thing else , than the meager desires , so strict a confinement breeds in us , by which the spirits are so curdled and quell'd , as they rarely produce any thing admirable for Strength or Stature , the highest perfections of Nature , and no lesse usefull in Peace than Warre ; so as the Names and Estates of the most illustrious Families this age affords , depend on Children our fore-fathers would hardly have christened ; being fit for nothing but Learning ; a Trade had never been so over-laid , but to find employment for these Changelings ; who Fairy-like throw about Fire-brands in State and Church , upon the least apprehension of any want or superfluity in Ceremony or Decency . To conclude , Such as too rigidly expell by their forked Lawes , any naturall desires , forget they will returne , or breake out into a worse mischiefe ; No lesse then the more prudent Advice of Solomon , not to wring the nose of the People to voide excrements , lest Blood should follow : For if Law did not outwrangle Nature , she might possibly be heard to plead , that our ordinary Marriages doe rather tire then satisfie her desires . And though it may not be owned as a decent Poesie for the Ringleaders to Sedition , yet the setting too high a Mulct upon the peoples Peccadillio's , and dissents in Judgement , no way in their power to prevent , though possibly to dissemble , is the cause of a loathing of the present Goverment , and a certaine presage of ruine to all in Authority , if not the whole State , to be brought about under the pretence of zeale to Religion , and care of the peoples Liberty ; though the first is no more visible in the Church , than the latter is in the civill Administration of affairs ; Far exceeding the Cheat of Ananias and Saphira , who gave a considerable part of what was their own , whilst these swallow all the primitive Charity had laid out in pious uses , belying so farre the holy Spirit , as to pretend , the worst they can say or do , is dictated by it . And I wish Mahumet were only guilty in this , who made not his Religion alone , but his loathsome Disease a Baud to his Ambition & Rapine . 30. Punishments in Turkey are more sharpe than common , which doth rather stupifie than waken the humour to Rebellion ; and are executed on open Malefactors , not the Darlings of the people , removing the latter upon occasion by a clancular procedure ; As in case a Mad-man ( one of the Prophet of their Rable for such they esteeme so ) should inveigh against Authority , they are far wiser than to stigmatize or whip them through the City ( as we used to doe ) before the people , who take themselves not only concerned , but wounded in the generall Liberty , through their sufferings ; It being their nature to take hold of , and believe any evill report of such Governours ( at least ) as are employed in Taxes , or any other ungratefull service , though most necessary for the use of the State : therefore in such cases , if they cannot tempt him over to their side , by Gold , they stop his mouth with something lesse cordiall : and if his body be found , no diligence is omitted in the enquiring after some Ruffin , on whom the people may be likely to father the Murther ; or the Corps not appearing , they pretend him rapt up into Heaven by the mediation of their great Prophet , at whose feet he sits pleading their cause , and guarding them from some Plague , they say , impends over them for their disobedience to the Emperour , the Vicegerent of God upon Earth . Nor doth this often times serve , but a solemne Fast is appointed , where the Statesmen do in shew , and the Ignorant in pure zeale , afflict themselves ; during which time , the newes of some victory or happy accident , is brought and owned as the returne of their Prayers , no lesse than a heavenly approbation given to the Actions of those in Power : Thus after the multitude have been sufficiently chastised for the Courtiers faults , they become humble and quiet , submitting their backs to any burden , out of a feare of worse , and an opinion they have that it is consonant to the will of God . Yet in my judgement no wise Prince ought to tire out this remedy by a too often application , lest it should not only loose its vertue , but breed a worse Disease ; an over heated zeale consuming not seldome the wrong end to that for which it was at first kindled , being apt to be driven by the contrary winds of Ambition and Covetousnesse upon the Church , where the Buckets use to hang , likeliest to quench the flames of any other sedition , than what results from this Wild-fire ; which for the most part melts the Lead , & consumes the foundation of the House of God , under pretence of his Service ; a course that is so far from edification , that it makes all , not acquainted with the true knack of Ambition , hate to be reformed : Whose second remove is to the Court , where finding all things in a rotten condition , or at best obnoxious to be construed to a sense contrary to the prepossessed minds of the Major part ; the whole Fabrick is consumed , to the very person of the Prince , out of whose ashes another ariseth that proves a Bird of the same feather , if not a worse : The Subjects returning home laden , for the generality , with no more benefit than the Beggers , that in a drunken fit expose themselves to the danger of the Law , Wounds , Beating , and Death , only to burne the old Whipping-post ; though dayly experience informes them , they can neither be quiet or safe without it , which is the cause that in all places they set up a new one , when the fury of the distemper is over . Thus are Subjects no lesse vaine , that doe rebell , than Governours mad , that provoke them to it . 31. The Subjects in Turkey have nothing hereditary : All Honours , and places of profit , being peculiar to Desert , and determine with Life , without the least partiality shewed to greatnesse of Birth , unlesse that it produceth more jealousie than favour , to have descended from a Father formerly in power . This hangs no lesse weight of Restraint on the Ambition of all in actuall Administration of publick Affaires , than it adds Industry to such as have not yet attained to that height . By which a foule errour in Europe is obviated , where men ascend to the highest places by the mediation of Friends and Money , rather than any advantage their worth brings to the Common-wealth : It being most ordinary for Fools to be admitted into the Temples of Honour and Riches , whilst the choicest endowments of Art and Nature are suffered to pray , if not beg , without . 32. The Emperour 's being here Administratour to all dead mens Estates , forceth their Children to be solicitous after trades ; as having none to rely on for a future maintenance , but themselves . And to adde reputation to this laudable custome the Grand Segnior professeth some Art himself , in which he disdains not to consume his spare time . From whence accrues this benefit to the State , That Disbanded Souldiers ( the pest of Christian Nations ) are one day in Armes , the next at work in their Shops . Neither have they such confluence of Idle men , Lawyers , and Scholars , which among us make up a third of the people , and are , for the most part Contrivers and Fomenters of all the distractions found in Church and State : From whence results the severest of the Curses , God left to the choice of David ; For the Plague and Famine terminate chiefely in Children and the weakest of men ; whereas the Sword ( like some Monsters recorded ) makes the fairest Women and choicest Men , the object of its lust and fury , and therefore brings an incomparable infelicity whereever it reignes . 33. This Custome of Trade and independency on future hope religiously observed , doth cut the cords of such Vanities as draw Christians into Luxury , by a profuse expense in Furniture , and no lesse excesse in Building , to a treble proportion of what the Owner needs , in relation to his particular Family ; the buriall of Timber and other rich Materials : much to the prejudice of Shipping , besides the Rent charge it puts upon the possessors Revenue to maintaine it in Repaire . 34. Neither is this people apt to follow the Eupopeain vanities of Horse-rases , Hunting , Hawking , and amorous Entertainments : Their plurality of Women quenching with more security in regard of Health , and lesse Charge , the thirst of Change ordinarily attending the tedious cohabitation with one . 35. The Turks are very magnificent in publick Buildings , especially such as relate to the service of God ; none of the weakest effects of their Teachers sufficiency ; who by working upon tender Consciences , are able ( like ours ) to make them so unnaturall fooles , as to skip their nearest Relations , and to designe what they got , they know not how , in providing conveniencies for they know not whom : By which meanes such Baths and Moscos are erected , as do increase the case of Travellers , no lesse than the zeale of those that make the purchase of Heaven the object of their endeavours ; whilst Christians raze the names of Benefactors out of the fore-heads of sumptuous Piles , suffering the ill-mingled ingredients of Covetousnesse , and a burning desire of Change in Religion , to consume brave Monuments of Charity , by alienating the Lands , and melting the Lead of the Houses , which a more ancient and fervent zeal ( though now indited of Superstition ) had solder'd on : Therefore if I were worthy to give Advice to our publique Spirits , they should hereafter assigne their Legacies and Contribution towards the mending of Common Wayes , and erecting usefull Bridges ; more likely to carry their Names to eternity , than Chuches or other pious Foundations , apter to have their conveniency questioned by covetous and ungratefull Posterity ; since earthly Paths are more trodden and better indulged , than those leading to heaven : Nothing being likely to continue long , that is able to bear the charge of its own ruine . Therefore those that accumulated these rich Donations , on the Church and Seminaries of Learning , instead of perpetuating their own fame , laid a foundation for the ruine of that , they only intended to preserve . It being unpossible that any humane Institution should continue without so much shew of Corruption ( especially if rich & splendid ) as may give a pretence for the rapine of those , who being inapprehensive of the sence of Honour and Religion , are instigated by Avaric● or a present necessity . This makes me , though with trembling presage , that the ruine of Christianity in Europe is not very far off : because the greatest Revenues of the Catholick Church are looked upon with more Envy than Religion ; which once proclaimed corrupted , or unnecessary , she lies open to the plunder of all . Upon which consideration , the Pope hath not done imprudently to gather a Church in America , whether he may one day be forced to retire , whose Zeale is likelier to be hotter than the Europeians , that have had theirs cooled with the winds of so many contrary Doctrines . Thus doth Religion run from one Meridian to another , thriving best at first ; for after a long abode she so far sharpens and refines the spirits of men , as they are able to discover such Abuses and Errors , as may afford them a pretence to cut her own throat for what she possesses : when , God knows , it is not the Doctrine that is changed , but their Apprehensions : for if the heat of Zeal be misimployed , which is able to concoct any opinions into the nourishment of Religion , all things after will prove flat and nauseous . This might tempt Mahumet to stuff his Alcaron with such high and mysticall expressions , to busie and amuse such as can tast no Doctrine , but what may bite the Conscience and perplex the Understanding . 36. THough it be naturall for Founders of Nations to enlarge their Confines , to the farthest extent , Prudence or Power is able to stretch them ; I finde the Institutes of none suite better with such a Designe , then those Mahumet and his more immediate Successors have followed : Yet to spare my own memory , no lesse then theirs ( if any be ) that will venture such a Jewell as Time , in the survaying & purchase of so a wild a field of Observations . ; I shall fix upon Three things they chiefely labour to promote : Out of which it will not only be easie to extract their First Principles , but deduce the subsequent materialls imployed in the edification of this vast Body ; whose stride , though it extends not so farre as Spaine , yet it is more compact , and in that better able to remove , without danger of falling , any blocks that neighbour Princes may , out of jealousie cast in the way of its felicity : not to be parallel'd in any part of the world , with which Profit or Curiosity hath made us familiar . 37. The first lies in Obedience ; which , being divided between Religion and Empire , asketh the more prudence to prevent danger ; least such as pretend to be the sole Heirs of God , do not cozen the Prince of his Birthright , under a popular discovery of a too rough hand in Government , or error in divine Worship , in which the poor claim no lesse ample a share than the rich ; all being noted to fight with the greater animosity for the world to come , the lesse they finde themselves possest of in this : it appearing to them unsuitable with the Goodnesse and Justice of a Supreame Power , that the Creature should not some where meet with felicity . And to prevent all sinister misprisions incident to the Religion of the Prince ( the gap with which the babes of Rebellion and Novelty are pampered ) Though the Ecclesiastical and Civil Powers be both radically in the Grand Segnior ; yet the pontificall Mufty hath Studied the Art to make the people believe , these two Streames doe flow , one from a lesse , and the other from a more Sanctified fountaine : By which is gain'd this huge advantage , that the Emperor hath all he dislikes , condemn'd as it were out of the mouth of God , no lesse then what he likes , approved ; It being upon no slighter penalty than Death , to refuse to acquiesce in any Sense , this holy man puts upon the Alcaron : nor can the Interpretation , State-reason requires this day , perplex one quite contrary , the next , if it may be more usefull ; because nothing is registred but what respects men ; things relating to God being left free to the disposure of the Prince , who by the lips of the Mufty directs the knowledge of the people ; himself like a weather-cock pointing only that way which the breath of Policy blowes ; the inferiour sort of Priests in the mean while screaming like Lapwings in the ears of the Rabble , lest they should observe the proceedings of the Court , which is the Nest wherein all their Grievances ( as they call them ) are hatched . 38. Now , concerning Obedience in things meerly civill , though the hand of the Priesthood be not out in all emergent cases , yet the Subject having no Vote in the proposall or consent to Lawes , all being solely at the will of the Prince , they have nothing but Patience to fly to , in the highest exactions he is pleased to impose ; no Instrument appearing of any mutuall Compact betwixt Him and the People , so as Life and Estate are meerely arbitrary ; better endured , because the Crown being Heir to all men , none can be made poorer than they were born ; it being the nature of all , to esteem highest of their Birth-right , a Terme here not understood . 39. The second thing promoted , is an impartiall Parity throughout all his Dominions , in relation to everything but Desert ; none appearing higher or lower then the rest , but according to the Plate he fills in the State ; all Offices remaining wholly in the disposure of the Emperour : This removes the Subjects eyes from the Grandees , who might else be tempted to Faction , and fixeth them upon the Throne as their naturall Object , and most auspicious to their Fortunes . Thus are the Rich humbled into Thraldome out of Feare , and the rest out of Hope ; two Reines , which whosoever hath the art to handle , may guide the world whither he please : This keeps the Turks chast from Rebellion , either out of scorne to follow one of no more noble extraction than themselves , or through the basenesse bred in them by receiving Injuries , not onely from the legall Magistrate , but the Souldier , whose Authority lies in his Sword , which the common people have as little warrant to wear , as skill to use ; yet like the Head-prentice they execute the same Tyranny upon Strangers , their Masters are pleased to exercise over thē : where terrour is augmented , because Punishments are not confin'd either by Law or Custome , though they oftener exceed then fall short of the merit of the cause . And here it cannot be observed without a serious reflectiō upon the force Imagination borrowes from the religious reverence they beare to their Prince , that such as will contemn all dangers in his defence , are rarely found ( till of late ) in Arms against him , though provoked by the most heavy oppressions . Thus we see how far they may erre , that make successe the Touchstone of the truth of a Profession , or the peace it brings to a Nation ; or the owners Conscience ; and experience can produce millions of Examples , that men only steeled with erroneous opinions have been no lesse daring upon fire and sword , then those marching under the target of truth . 40. The third thing is Fortitude ; endowed so richly by no Nation as the Turks , whose Emperour placeth all Offices in the Van of brave Actions ; whilst his Priests and Prophets are no lesse diligent in mustering up the joyes of Heaven in the Reare : And for Cowards , they have not only Poverty & Reproach attending them in this world , but Hell and Damnation in the next . Thus by baiting all the ends of his Militia , he doth not only catch the covetous and ambitious , but those attached with the invincible humours of superstition & melancholy ; By which , like oxen , they are rendred not only fit , but willing to endure both labour and Slaughter . Thus Phantaly but a weake shell in it self , yet if fill'd with Sulphureous zeale , & the opinion of Truth , and future Happinesse , confounds not only all that dare appeare in opposition of it , but the very Designe ( if capable of so much prudence and moderation as to project one ) that she intended to promote . Therefore such as consider , how far the Turks Conquests are indulged by their Religion , have more cause to wonder , they are not masters of the whole world , then that they enjoy such a proportion thereof , as they doe ; where the Sisters and Daughters , of the Emperours own bloud , are often given in marriage to reward that which was bravely ventur'd by the meanest Souldier ; whose Issue by custome can chalenge no higher place in their Unkles or Gransires favour , then they are able to purchase by their own Desert , he owning none for Kindred , beyond such as are allied to Vertue , Wisedome , or some other quality that may render them usefull to the State : Unlike the practice of Germany , where ten or more bear the Title of one Principality , having nothing to feed on but the air of Honour , looking like solitary and demolished Castles , quite destitute of Strength or Territory , the name of the place being only left to uphold them . 41. In the pursuit of their Fortitude , I shall say something more of their proceedings in Warre : and first of Eunuchs , by many thought lesse propense to Valour , and therefore possibly to be noted in the Turks as a blemish , by such as doe not warily observe , that Caution and Circumspection are no lesse , if not more , necessary in the Generall , and often times harder to be met with , than Daring and undaunted Resolution in the Souldier ; it being one thing to execute , another to direct . Therefore the Grand Segnior doth not seldome make Eunuches Commanders in Chiefe , never Common Souldiers ; the Feare , which is necessary in the first , being destructive in the latter ; more Armies having perished for want of Moderation , than Valour , in the Head : Besides their incapacity of Children gives such caution for their Fidelity , as cannot be expected from one more virile ; a perfect man being in a condition to gain honour and profit by the Change of Government , whereas one so mutilated is capable of little more than shame and losse . And because it is unlikely to cut the throat of this Empire with any sword but her own , such are imployed with most discretion in these high places , as are least apt to rebell . 42. The Janizaries , on whom they fixe the beliefe of Victory , are by a primitive Institution prohibited Marriage ; yet least this should make a gap in their felicity , the wives , and daughters of the lesse usefull , especially those their Sword hath subdued , are without question subject to their desires . This wings their obedience in the performance of Commands , though pointing at never so remote Employments . For quite unshackled from the magneticall force of an affection to wife and children , by use made naturall ( which chaines Christians , like fond Apes , to their own doors ) every place is fancied their proper sphere ; because it cannot afford courser Meate , harder Lodging , or severer Discipline , than they have at home : Neither doth the want of Wives raise such cries as are made by the Relicts and Children of slaine Souldiers ; the appeasing of which swells in other Nations to little lesse than would pay a small Army : This Emperour being Heire as well to the Lives as Estates of his Subjects . 43. They seldome grant Quarter till all is subdued : By this they prevent fighting twice with the same Adversary . Neither are they forward to exchange Prisoners , left in their abode with the Enemy , their affections should be warped towards any more moderate discipline , observable in those they oppose : And out of the like Jealousie they seldome continue Warre long with the same Naton ; Change not only preventing all Contagion , that may arise from Commerce with worse-ordered people , but affording the Souldier at least a seeming delight , in variety . And in farther relation to Quarter , a Prince rich in Subjects doth rather spoile then mend his Market by such kind of barterring , by rendring Enemies the bolder , as being readier to dispense with the danger of Imprisonment than Death : Neither are any miraculous effects of Despaire much to be feared , where there is roome enough left to evade : This humour being as single and rare , as the Phoenix , and not to be generated but out of the ashes of hope . And he that considers , that the Turke is not of so poore an allay , as some Princes , which are undone by a victory , if it costs too deare , may see his designe in a great part satisfied by the Employment and losse of his Souldiers ; the too great encrease of such Spirits being all he hath reason to feare . This makes Warre ( an Art in other places ) an absolute Nature and necessity here . 44. He is not yet so fond of Honour , as to lay out his endeavours in the purchase of places not able to pay for their own Chaines ; A charge the Catholick King is never like to abate so long as he is Master of Naples , Millan , &c. that cost more to keep , then the profit made of them can compense ; the like may be yet said of Ireland , &c. 45. Their Ordnance , found the largest in the known world , are carried into the field in the Common Souldiers Pockets . 46. The generall Food of the Turks , both in City and Camp , is Rice & Water ; Their most dainty addition being but a Hen , or some small lump of Flesh . This makes them pursue victory over desolate Places , and starve such Armies as presume to follow them , who are as certainely overwhelmed with an Ocean of Necessities , as the Egyptians were by the Red Sea . 47. Their Expeditions are not ordinarily undertaken , but in Summer ; By which many great dangers are prevented , lesse-advised Princes do daily cope withall , in meeting with Contingences that arise from Want and bad Weather , harder to be vanquished than the Enemie himselfe . For though their Numbers be great ; yet the little , Use hath taught them to be content withall , is easily met with at that Season , and renders them so impregnable against what we call Fortune , as she may possibly bend her Bow , but is not able to distresse them by the strongest Arrowes her Quiver affords . Besides the Echo the Report of the Emperours strength makes in the hollow hearts , those Princes , it concerns , carry one to the other , is not onely Harbinger , but in a great part , Operator of his Victories ; when Christians march but with part of their strength , leaving the rest to follow in the nature of a Reserve , ( as if there were hope a paucity should prevaile when the gross is beaten , who , if joyned , might possibly have warranted Success ) and do by this not only lessen the repute of their Power ( of no small consequence in the Art of War ) but discourage any other from joyning with them , who upon the sound of an invincible Army would prick-up their Ears . 48. If a Shock be given to the Emperors Forces , he stayes not long enough in that place to receive another , but returns home without tempting his Fortune farther that Summer ; Wisely concluding it much unlikely ( as in truth it is ) for a disheartened Army to perform what she could not bring about when the Souldier was in full plight . Neither can the certain cause of an Overthrow be easily penetrated into ; and till that be throughly surveyed , on Prince may in discretion hazard the chance of a second Battaile , though the Commanders appeare never so confident of good successe ; it suiting with their interest both in honour and safety , to venture all , rather than come out of the Field with so great a reproach ; Considerations below a Superlative power , to whom Security ought to be more deare , than any thing that carries the countenance of greater losse then gaine ; It not being impossible but that the former disgrace might arise from some Treachery in the Principall Officers ; Therefore it is good Policy to examine every Card in the Pack , before the dealing of a new Game , especially upon a fleshed party : Yet with this caution , that many things must be put to the venture by the Founder of an Empire , which suite not with the Prudence of one already established ; For Repute , far more necessary then Safety to the first , is below it many degrees in the second ; since he that holds but part of a Cudgel in his hand , may retreat in quiet , but he that hath quite lost it shal be bit by the same dogs that gave way to , or fawned upon him before his force was spent . 49 The Grand Segnior ( after augmentation of the Empire ) is in nothing more studious then of meanes to Employ the Superfluous quantity of Souldiers , his vast estate produceth . By this making those instrumentall to the propagation of honour and dominion , that in such narrow yet fruitfull Cockpits as England , breed nothing but Sedition ; and for want of ease and plenty , strive like Jacob and his Brother for more room ; it being possible for evill Goverment to convert the blessing of Increase and multiply into as heavy a curse , as ever yet fell from the mouth of God : Therefore a too zealous prosecution of Peace ( which some Princes , not unwise in their single judgement called King-craft ) is a no lesse vain , than destructive Art ; and so unsuitable to the good and safety of any Goverment , that it hatcheth Plagues , or which is more contagious to a State , Civil Warre : Neither can this Plurisie be easier cured , or the Spirits of Rebellion better evaporaed , then by openning the peoples veins in some Forraigne Imployment . 50. The Turkey Cavalrie are seldome in evill plight , because their Horses are still under the owners eye , who for the most part doe serve upon them , and have to that end large proportions of land allowed them , with other immunities not common to the people , to whom they are both a curbe and a protection : And between these and the Foot such a feud is bred , either by Custome , Nature , or Art , that it is reported , the Horse will ( if unprevented ) burne their litter , least the Infantry should imploy it to their better accommodation : Now though this may looke like a prejudice in the field it secures all feare of combination at home . Neither is it a slight addition to security , that the greatest part of this Militia consists of such as were selected out of Children , paid for tribute by conquered Nations , who composed of severall aires , cannot associate with that ease as Armies made up of one Language ; which like the Swiss , doe not seldome call for Gbelt when they have the Enemy in view . 51. Their strength lies in the Field , and not in Fortresses , looked upon as nurseries of Rebellion , especially in so absolute a Tyranny , where it is more common for the Emperour to send for the Head of a Bashaw , then to be denyed ; A power that would be buried in stronger Holds , out of which few would come to such entertainement , as is given to the Grandees upon the least invitation of Jealousie . Not to beat more upon this Argument , long since driven up to the head by the best of Judgements , That fortified places suite the affaires of weake Princes , better then those of greater strength , &c. he that hath men in abundance needs them no more , then those of narrower confines and lesse populous are able to subsist without them . 52 They make not Religion the cause , or at least proclaime it not for the principall Motto of a Warre ; which wakens the attentions and invokes the assistance of all the contrary profession ; the poorest man taking himselfe so farre interested in the vindication of his Faith , that if he hath nothing else to venture , he will account it sacriledge to deny his life : But no sound of that being heard , the voice of hope and feare drownes that of danger and concernment , in the prejudice and hatred they beare to their Neighbours ; Fathering all misfortune that fals to them upon divine vengeance , in opposition of which they dare not engage ; no more then most Princes are willing to part with their Gold till it is too late ; like the wretched inhabitants of Constantinople , who chose rather to loose all in an entire sum , than to breake it for the preservation of themselves & their Country . And if any thing could have tempted Christians to the rescue of their own interest in the costody of others , it would have been then , when this Emperiall City was in such danger . But the moderation of Caesars power was so gratefull a Spectacle for the present , as it dazeled their apprehensions in relation to any future inconveniences ; yet when this key of Europe was lost , those that before were quiet , if not contented Spectators , began to mistrust their own doores , and bewaile their ignorance , in not foreseeing that the effects of such a neighbourhood was not so easily to be resisted , as the Siege ( which was the cause ) might have been raised , had there been a cordiall conjunction amongst those tied in policy to have kept him farther off . Thus by presuming more on the strength of others , than there is cause for , most states at last come to be distressed themselves . 53. Their Militia is observed to be more daring in their Christian expeditions , than those undertaken against the Persian ; a people looked upon as too neer of kin to them in Religion , to warrant their Murdering : The same sinne committed by Princes in grosse , which private persons doe by retaile , yet are punished for it in this world , where the other are commended ; though the people l describe are too wise and affectionate towards the more substantiall part of their Creed , to prosecute those of their own profession to the farthest extent of their power , out of no more serious consideration , then whether their owne , or the Persian Priests delude the people with the greatest shew of Truth , especially both owning one and the same supreame Jugler , Mahumet . In this exceeding the prudence , if not the piety of Christians , who make the sword an Umpire in the smallest differences of Opinion ; as if successe , ( found as great an assertor of the designes of these Infidells , as ever it hath yet appeared in the favour of Saints ) could be able to beare so great a stresse , as the weight of Religion , on which depends Salvation , not possibly to be brought about by the wicked Engines , dayly employed by Princes and men in power , to keep Victory fastened to their Tentdoors : It being the Sufferings , not the Valour of our Champion CHRIST , that can enroll us in the Heavenly Host : For though weda e not give successe to Fortune , any more than we are able to wrest her out of the hand of God ; yet we finde by experience , that the wheeles of her Chariot are too weak , durty , and unsteddy , for Truth to triumph in , much lesse to be made captive to any others Interpretation than her own . 54 And though the paint of Religion is the ordinary Charme that raiseth the impetuous spirits of the people into stormes ( by which they can sooner destroy others than save themselves ; no reparations being to be procured but out of their own purses , who may far easier change their Masters , then find better ) yet is Bloud very unsuitable to the tast of true Religion , which participates more of the Lamb , than the Lion , having been ever readier to suffer wrong , then do it ; till the Priests of old , as some think , first , for the Princes sake , and after for their own , had , not only taught her the art of Jugling , but made her so tetchey by the corroding doctrines they instil'd into mens consciences , upon the least wordly occasion , that brought their Honour or Profit under question ; farre repugnant to the first intent of Religion , which was to set a bar against strife , and all other unnaturall desires , men , without the awe of God , are apt to fall into ; Oppression being a generall mischiefe , all are liable to , either in childhood or old age : This brought Government into use among such as had felt the heavy experiment of Anarchy ; to avoid which nothing contributes more than Unity in Religion , and where that cannot be compassed without much strife , a Liberty to professe what opinions men please , provided they be not repugnant to the generall welfare . 54. Wherefore Mahumet and his successors , the better to gain the love of the people to Religion , tempered it with so much moderation , as it rather enclines to Hope than Feare ; wisely foreseeing , that nothing makes Subjects recoile more from their Obedience , than when they are loaded with a conceit that their Governours lead them in the way to Hell . This gives me occasion to think , that the Goblings armed by the Catholicks with so much terror , may possibly like the Elephants of Pyrrhus fall foule upon themselves , and bring their Religion into a low contempt , through an apparent detection , or a panick feare ; not so likely to attach the Creed of the Turks , who have no painting to communicate any thing subject to gather so much drosse , as might enforme the people , they are but the effects of humane Art ; nor Priests that dare be so bold as to put a greater Excise upon the sinnes of the people , or the price of Heaven , then stands with the conveniency or Reason of State . Thus are the Turkish Souldiers bred in no lesse Obedience than Valour ; which are indeed the most saving Articles of their Beliefe ; and though undervalued by , us that expect after death a lesse carnall Heaven ; yet nothing causeth their Unity more , or is a greater provocation to augmentation of Empire , then the conformty held by their Priests in the inculcation of their Doctrine , not perplexing their consciences with uselesse terrours or hard questions ; making no sinnes so damnable as Cowardice and Disobedience to the Commands of their Leaders ; Eying Christians with a high disdaine , for casting so many doubts , and bushing the way to Heaven with Purgatory and other Bugbeares , which they place in the dark Entry , all are to passe between this world and the next : Though a blind man may see , it is not consonant either to the beliefe of Prince or Priest : And these Chimera's are thought , by the Mahumetans , to intimidate Souldiers , by making them Atheists , and so in hope of no better ; or superstitious , which keeps them still in expectation of a worse : This people being no lesse hardened with Discipline , against the pleasures of this , than assured by Doctrine , they shall enjoy the same and greater in the world to come : according to an ordinary saying among them : That if Christians carried the same opnins concerning Heaven in their Hearts , as are every where found in their Books , they would not be so afraid of Death the only way thither . 56. The Turks esteem Fate inexorable ; which steeles their foreheads no lesse against the sharpest danger , than it smooths them towards the severest Discipline ; yet in the midst of this belief , admit a necessary use of Prayer : As if importunity could be any way prevalent , where an unchangeable Resolution is acknowledged . It cannot be denyed , there is a wide room left for giving Thanks , and praising God , for disposing things so much to our advantage ; but this perhaps cannot so seasonably be done till his will be revealed . 57. Images , reverenced in Christian Churches , bar the doores against both Turk and Jew ; who count us worse than Canibals for eating our God , as they say we doe in the Eucharist : a scandall we owe to the Court of Rome . 58. Notwithstanding the incomparable strength of this Lion , you may find all his Treaties lined with the fur of a Fox , not tying himself up so straight by Promise or Obligation , but that he hath still a muse open to break through upon any great advantage : And in this he is not a little beholding to the manner of his Stile , alwaies fuller of hyperbolicall Civilities than reall Assurances : yet rather than leave his Repute under the reproach of a broken Faith , he layes the fault upon the Mistake of some Minister of State , by whose bloud he expungeth all stains of Dishonour , not leaving them legible by any of his own , but such as have learned to decypher the Character of Princes , who are but few in this well composed Government , and those comfortably employed in publick Service , or decently laid by , for prevention of mischeif : It remaining past peradventure , That such as have Heads apt for Counsel , may , upon a Discontent , find Hearts as apt for Rebellion . 59. Though this Monarch , if he stands right in his Subjects esteem , is not very solicitous after Repute from Strangers ; yet , by reason of his vast Power , he is not often necessitated to tread such base paths , as our weaker Princes are forced to walke in , that have for the most part nothing but Shifts to subsist by ; which like Mines under the walles of Townes , bring more prejudice than gaine , if they come to be discovered by the contrary party ; from which it is not easie to conceale them , if once they are flown out of the bosome that hatched them : such folly and falshood is bound up in the hearts of Embassadors . Besides the frequent Perjury of Princes hath so vilified the pri●● of Oathes , as they serve for little more than Ceremony of State , and to bait traps for their poor Subjects and other weake and ill-advised Strangers . Which may give an occasion for an Enquiry , that since all men cannot agree , Whether a Toleration of their severall Religions may not be with more Charity admitted , then every one persecuted , as we find they are in one place or other ? And because one God is universally owned , all Protestations should be taken under that single Name , without any other addition ; many bearing an awfull reverence to That , who look upon the rest as products of Policy , and therefore leave room for such mental reservations as the Priests , no lesse then the Grandees have too long abused the world withall . And till a reverence , still begun at the Head , be reall , or unapprehensibly feigned , it is folly to expect performance of Oaths in the Members . This arraignes all Princes of madnesse , that rest secure upon the Fidelity of their Subjects , after they have forfeited their own by illegall and exorbitant Taxes . Nor is Perjury found so frequently amongst those esteemed Infidels , as our dry Professors , that have Religion still in their mouths , and the Bible in their Eye ; Not that a practice of holy Duties can possibly be more the reason of Falshood in the one , than Profanesse , of Truth in the other ; But having made themselves more familiar with the Mercy , than Justice of God , and presuming upon the certainty of their own Salvation , and Damnation of others , for which they have no better warrant than the voice of a Spirit , conjured up only in their Imaginations ; the more to be suspected , because it befriends no other interest but their own , they think to make God amends some other way ; whereas a poore Sinner , that hath once been hunted home with the fierce conflicts of a wearied Conscience ( sharper far than the Humiliations , these outward Professors proportion to themselves ( dares not venture on so deare an Impiety , out of hope to digest it the next Fast . And if I am not much mistaken , the Turks beare a more awfull reverence to Oathes , than Christians●or are they found to allay it with the poysonous mixture of AEquivocation , though the Jewes that live among them are more indifferent what they attest . A sad thing , that such as were formerly , and those that are now the people of God , should exceed Infidels in so foule and unsociable an Impiety . Which that they may the better prevent ; Though the bare attestation of a Mussleman , or Turkish Believer is often taken for an authentick Proofe against a Stranger ; Yet in their ordinary Trialls between one another , they proceed with more Caution , so as not to rely upon Oaths themselves ; but from private Examinations , and Questions so unexpected and artificially put , as no premeditated Combination can evade , they extract grounds for Sentence : By which , malice is defeated , & perjury prevented , frequent amongst us , where the Lives and Estates of conscientious people are without remedy exposed to their mercy , who scruple not the calling God to the witnesse of a Lie . Nor can there be imagined any better way how to avoid this mischief , or yeild a sincere and faithfull Obedience to the Precept of our Saviour , Sweare not at all , &c. ( which the corrupt glosses of Expositors labour much , though all in vain , to elude ) then , if , instead of that slight and irreverent manner of Swearing , or rather prostituting the Word of God to the kisse of impure lips , according to the loose custome of all our Courts of Judicature , the Judges themselves , or those appointed for that purpose , would take the paines , by the touch-stone of a diligent scrutiny , and scrupulous examination of Witnesses apart , to distinguish the pure and golden Truth , from the baser Alchimy of the most cunningly-forged Falshood . 60. They preferre Christianity so farre , as no Jew can turne Turk till he hath been Christened : The vulgar thinking God best pleased with such a gradation , though Authority interjected this Ceremony to fence them against a too great concourse of this subtill people , who in relation to Circumcision , are apter to embrace their Religion then ours ; & doe by their Conversion lessen the profit arising from them as Jewes . Now least the Impiety of casting blocks in the way of Proselytes should seem to relate only to this so much abominated Nation , I desire to be informed , if there be not a Law in force here , at the Jewes being in England , as there is still in some other Nations , That such of them as turned Christians , should loose all , or the greatest part of what they had . For which this pious reason was given , That many remained Jewes still in their hearts , notwithstanding an outward profession : Thus a greater Hypocrisie cheated the lesse . 61. I finde them , though constant to their own , yet so indulgent to the opinions of Strangers , as to afford such a safe passe among them : which , besides the profit it brings to Commerce , keeps them in so moderate a temper , as the plague of Hypocrisie ( which like an Iron-mole , staines , and in a short time eats out the purity of Religion , by acting a sublimer impiety than the nature of man unsuborned through Ambition or Covetousnesse , is able to make reall , longer than a Fanatick heat inspires it ) hath not yet there broke out farther than among some few particulars ; though by such the Cockatrice of Civill Warre is ordinarily disclosed in the Bosomes of Christians , concluding all damned which rest not in their Expositions and Customes , how ridiculous soever : Not considering the mischiefe they doe , that remove old uncertain Errors , before they have found as certaine Truths to put in their roome . The same may be said of reputed inconveniences ; such as is their conniving at Courtesans ( chiefely done to prevent Adultery , Sodomy , and B stiality ; sinnes infesting these hot Countrys therefore ) possibly lesse abominable than some Divines make it . This sort of Cattell being as ancient as the Patriarch Judah : Neither did divers others , looked upon as men after Gods own heart , blush to keep droves of them : Nay , if some be not foulely out in their Expositions , they are reckoned to David in the Bill of Gods Blessings : And he that doth by this publique sin , as some have done by Religion , exchange it for a worse ( though perhaps more solitary ) I pray what hath the Nation left to brag of ? Faults of greater privacy , though lesse naturall , increasing Hypocrites more than Saints . And if our Blessed Saviour should now speak to the Consciences of men , as he did to the Jewes , He that is without sin , &c. I believe Fornication would scape , whatever became of Adultery . To conclude this point , it is so much the greater boldnesse , to adde to , than diminish from the severity of God , as we stand more in need of his Mercy than Justice . 62. The gross of their Revenue is employed in securing the Empire at home , or fetching Victory from abroad : The Grand Segnior being only luxurious in Women , and domestick pleasures ; which like Fontanels in the body , may possibly evaporate worse humours than they foment : Though contrary to the better inculcated , than practised Doctrine of our Theologues , especially those of the Church of Rome ; Catholick Kings rather conniving at this mischiefe , than the perpetuall inconveniences resulting from a married Clergie , who by giving their Children better breeding than Estates , are the cause they do not seldome fall into exorbitances . 63. REpute hath swell'd the Sultan's power to such a vast Monstrosity , and so farre dazled the eyes of Christian Princes , weakned by divisions in Religion , that they dare not look upon him without a Present ; Neither is the Persian much bolder , which gives him the advantage , no lesse than honour to be still on the offensive : And in this the generosity he useth , to divulge the Prince , if not the place he meaneth next to attacque , turns more to his advantage , than may appeare to every eye ; other Nations resting so secure upon this , as they doe not provide , if at all , a defence proportionable to the danger ; which if once made ready , could not be laid out to a more probable advantage for themselves and Christendome , than in stopping the progresse of this Polyphaemus , who is likely , if not prevented by some civill Rupture , to devoure all the Italian Principalities , if once he ravish the Venetian , whose hands have been weakened by the longest Warre that ever any single State maintained against this Monster , who for want of assistance , cannot choose but shortly yeild up Candy to his Lust : And then our drousy Princes , who were no more affected with her Cries , than wakened by the noise of her Canon , and the voice of Prudence daily roaring in their eares , shall lament their Errour , and curse themselves , and the Counsell that moved them to observe this unnaturall Neutrality , and to preferre a little pleasure they take in gratifying the envy they have ever borne to this more magnificent Republick ( tyed by all reason to maintain the smaller States of Italy in being ) before the assuring of their feares by a cordiall combining against this common enemy , of whose mercy they can have no hope ; Nothing being more suitable to his former procedure , or future security , than utterly to eradicate them , long looked upon by him as the only obstructers of his farther progresse into Christendome ; Though apparently known , that what the Venetians doe , is rather by the strength of their Heads , than Hands , having not yet made themselves very famous for Valour , participating not so much of the Lion , as Fox , with whose skin most of their Atchievements are found to be lined ; being themselves , if fooles in any thing , in the excessive awe they stand of Death , the cause they employ Strangers . Neither is it a lesse wonder , that France , Spaine , and other potent Nations , doe daily passe by greater affronts received from the Ottoman Empire , without the least notice taken , then they are observed to fight for among themselves ; as if nothing could be dishonourable or unsafe , but what ariseth from the injuries of men of the same Religion ; an argument of as great Imprudence , as Impiety , especially resulting from the Omission , if not Commission of the Court of Rome : For did the Jesuites and other active Priests turne the tide of their Policy ( which hath already immerged Europe in bloud ) towards the Turks , they might soon be overflown by as great a deluge of Schismes , as we are now plunged in : But the feare of losing the Bird in hand , makes the Pope unwilling to imploy his Engines for the taking of this : Not considering that the Mahumetan profession is grown up to as high an earthly Felicity , Universality , and Consent , as the Papacy ; Neither do they want as great an Antiquity for some of their Tenets , the which if they once come to be washed over by the varnish of Learning , the Mufty may , assisted by his Master's force , turne his Holinesse out of Rome , as that Bishop did the Emperours ; and so avenge Europe and Asia both , for the rent the subtill Priests made between the East and the West Churches ? , for no more religious respect , than to beautifie their own habit and increase their Power . And if the Virgin City of Venice comes to be wholly prostituted to the lust of this Monster , who hath already intangled his Sword in one of her strongest Locks , it is possible the Catholick King shall not be able long to injoy those Concubinary Principalities , made his by no juster Contract , than the Procuration of his Chaplain , the Pope , his own Subtilty , and the impertinent Quarrels of lesse advised Neighbours : But to give the Pope his due ( looked upon by the dazled eyes of our Zelots , for a more terrible Devil than it may be he is , were he confined within a narrower Circle , in relation to temporall power ) Christian Princes are apt to take so much advantage from the harping irons , Luther , Calvin , and other Divines ( perhaps better skill'd in subverting Errors , than reconciling of Truth ) have fastned in the sides of this Ecclesiastical Leviathan , not to be kept floating in a narrower Sea , than that of Rome , ( formerly as Magisteriall in things temporall , as now she remaines in spirituals , which prudence might manage to as universall a tranquility , as appeared in the dayes of Augustus ) that he hath no leisure to look abroad , for feare the same Spirit that troubled the waters in Germany , should dry up those in Italy , &c. It being in the power of every Prince to cut the banks of the Church , which in France is the feare of Schisme , and in the Catholick King's Dominions , the Inquisition . Yet in case his Holinesse should make it a cordiall endeavour to foment a League against the Turk , France and Spaine would fall out who should head it , and endeavour to spoile the others Subjects in the meane time : Such incomparable Charity resides among Christian Princes , that value Religion no higher than the profit it brings : so as the Roman Bishop , with all his Emissaries , have full imployment by adding and taking away , to keep the scales even between these two tottering Princes , and to heighten their spirits against England , and other Nations at enmity with Rome ; least we should have a Great Turk of our own , that is , an Universal Monarch , under whose absolute power the Pope and all other Christian Princes could expect no higher places than those of Vassals . And though a Combination were feasible , small advantage would accrue ; since every considerable confederate must have a Generall of their own ; from whence would proceed more Cry than Wooll , by perplexing Counsels with contrary commands : Because , if it were probable Kings should so far forget their Honour , as to lay down all disputes about precedence , yet their particular Interest could not but remember them , that the strength designed against the Turke , might , after successe , recoile upon themselves : not without a president in Story : and therefore not likely to employ any other in Chiefe , but their own Subjects . And what contrary affections , ends , and endeavours are covered under a Force patched up of so many Nations , is manifest in the Maritime battell of Lepanto : where , though the desire of all might be to ecclips the Ottoman Moon ; yet it was in many so faint , as they could not endure it should be removed quite out of its Sphere , or lose the Interest it doth exercise within the Christian Pale ( which by a through persecution of that naval victory , might easily have been brought about ) out of feare , the greater Princes , by that secured , should after have made it their endeavour to devour the less : And this ( with some Un brages of Jealousies the Catbolick King had of his Brother Don John of Austria ) made the Confederates return without doing more than shew the Grand Segnior wherein he was defective , and by this chastizing to make him mend the fault he had committed in being no better provided of Commanders and Provisions for Sea , which he hath since repaired at our cost , by maintaining an Arcenall in Algeers , of which the King of Spain denyed his Brother to be Governour ; so jealous are Christians one of the other , that they have more confidence in Turks , than those of their own Religion : yet , to speak Gods troth , whosoever shall command an Army against this Epidemicall Enemy , with such successe as Don John had , will be owner of too popular an Honour , to be less than superlative whereever he comes ; and therefore liable , like him , to receive a Fig out of the venemous hand of Jealousie . Which warrants me to think , the fittest for such an imployment as the heading an Army raised by a League , is the Pope , who lying within gun-shot himselfe , is the most likely to take the truest aime at the finishing of the work : But this the Lutherans and Protestants would oppose , no lesse than the Princes of Italy , who cannot but feare , that the power of the Ottoman Family being sufficiently moderated , he could have no better employment for the Army , than to face them with it , looked upon perhaps in his esteem , as greater enemies : Yet if there were an unity in Religion , and a totall abatement of his Holinesse pretences to any secular power , farther than the extent of Peters Patrimony , it might with more probability be brought about , than any temporall Prince is able to give caution for : And thus Policy might not onely make use of him , in opposing the Turk , but in reconciling such Kings , as when they are weary of their inconsiderat Quarrels , know no other way to bring about peace , than by the mediation of the Bishop of Rome . But as things now stand , Experience hath taught us how vain a Composition of Force is , in the attempt of moderating the Ottoman Grandure : Nor is any Prince yet in a capacity to undertake him alone ; The Emperour being shackled by the links of contrary Opinions , and now utterly disabled since the Swedes Ineursion : I confesse , the Catholick King , upon whose skirts he sits , were the most likely to get ground upon the Turks Dominions , did not the French perplex him with the feare of losing his own : Between which Nations there can be no reconciliation , so long as the Pope's greatnesse is supported by Division ; An Universall Monarchy in Europe being more against the graine of the Court of Rome , than it yet apprehends danger from that in Asia ; so as it is no improbable Paradox to maintain , That the Turk by accident supports his Holinesse : And if the Pope and Inquisition were put down , Atheisme would break in like a Torrent ; or , which is worse , Religion would be divided into such destructive , bloudy , and hypocriticall streames , as her name would be quite lost in the dilatation , or render her professors as odious as ever they were to the Heathen Emperours : especially since she hath in all places , and under every profession , learned of Ambition to lay out the price of her Salvation in a field of blood , without respect had to Covenants , Oathes , Allegeance , or the most naturall and obliging Relations ; therefore formidable to Kings , whose single and open bosomes render them a fair mark , not only to the forked Tongues , but the venomous-tempered Steel of an exasperated Zeale ; so , not likely to be entertained in any place , but where her own Sword shall be able to bid her welcome : The Beauty of Holinesse , with which she was wont to allure Proselytes , being now shrivel'd into uglinesse , by her frequent application of the sublimated paint of Hyporisy ; so generally observed among Christians , as neither the Turk , or any other Mahumetan Nation can , in Prudence , if in Piety , barter their Faith for ours ; The drought of whose Charity hath obstructed the means of Conversion in relation to all Forraigners not formerly ingaged by Birth and Education : so as no probability resides in any endeavour can be used to tempt the Turkes from Mahumet , unlesse ( as I hinted before ) some Jesuite were able to personate his Ghost , and proclaime himselfe risen , according to their Prophet's long-delay'd promise : for such an one might possibly prevaile so far upon the Rabble , as to make them fall foule among themselves : A breach in Religion being found by experience the readiest way to let in that Ocean of Calamities , we see overflows the Kingdoms of the Earth . Another Expedient may lye in supporting such Cedars of State , as are marked out for ruine by the Feares or Fury of the Prince ; and if possible , to give shelter to some of the younger Royall Branches , who are sure upon their Father's death to be sacrificed to the security of the elder ; and may , as occasion serves , facilitate a Rebellion , by landing an Army able to make good the Field , whilst the Snow-ball is gathering : A project most convenient for the Wisedome and Situation of Venice , were she owner of the Power and extent of Territory belonging to old Rome , whose Heire she deserves best to be , since she alone retaines more of her Freedome than all the known world besides is able to produce : Her Government being built on such rationall , if not infallible Miximes , as might bear the weight of a far greater frame , if Italy were wise enough to see it ; who need not be concubinary to so many wanton desires of Strangers , would all her small and newhatched Governments shelter themselves under her wings , who are known to spend more severally in hiring of Peace from the Turk , Spaniard , Pope , &c. than wisely laid out in an intire summe , would purchase the power to command it . From whence may be concluded , If the Grand Segmor doe not fall through his own weight , he may live to see Europe under as great a thraldome in every relation to body and soul , as Turkey , unlesse he be cordially opposed at his own door : Tyrants , like Dogs , having their fiercenesse , rather whetted than rebated by a defensive opposition : whereas he that breaks resolutely in upon them , makes them not seldome take their heels : All changes in such an extremity being looked upon with delight and affection at home , by those that abroad would die to extend the same Government over others : Oppression being so odious to Subjects , as all will upon any probable advantage promote its destruction to the very persons that share in their desires with the Monarch , wanting the power more than the will to perpetrate the like degree of injustice themselves . 64. The Turk deduceth this Doctrine out of the perfidiousnesse of the Christian Practice , That it is to little purpose ( by reason of the contrary pretences of Princes ) to make leagues Offensive and Defensive , which he hath seldome done ; yet considers his Neighbours dangers as his own , before delay hath rendred them incurable ; Apparent in the large offers he made to Venice , whilst she lay under the interdict of Paul the fift ; and might , if her Subjects had not been wiser , through civill divisions have lapsed into the hands of Spaine , as divers Nations lesse prudent have done , by their own folly and a stupid patience of their neighbours , whose ordinary custome is to forbeare giving assistance , till it is rendered unseasonable , and that they are not able to redeem them by all their endeavours , much lesse by a too late repentance ; as in the case of Navarr , neglected by the Crown of France ; and Ditchy of Loraine , by that of Spaine : Any Augmentation to one of these Kingdomes being an equall Diminution from the other ; the consideration of which keeps Geneva in being . And the aversenesse the Turk hath towards any strict Confederation with Forraigners , gives him not onely the liberty to preserve his friends , but to take any advantage to inlarge himselfe : His Subjects not having such vast Estates abroad , as might deterre him from taking a revenge in case of injury , for fear of an Embargement : whereas Christians have Ware-houses in Constantinople full of wealth , and to such a value , as give this Infidel caution for his using us at his pleasure without danger : Nor have we more than the Emperours bare word to secure our Trade , which it is likely you may tell me , he observes as religiously as other Princes . Neither is he prodigal in Embassadors : for , keeping still the offensive end of the Staffe , he is often sued to , but seldom sends a wooing for Peace ; which obtained is found of no longer life than it suits with the occasions and counsels of both parties : Therefore Consederations , Truces , and Leagues , signifie nothing but danger to the weaker side , who by these are not seldom tempted to neglect the guard that cannot in prudence be lessened upon this score , it being an infallible certainty , that nothing moves another , but Profit , Honour , or Nature ; The last of which doth lesse concerne the Grand Segnior , because he seeks not to match his Daughters out of his own Territories , esteeming no blood Royall , but what runs in his own veines , and his that is to succeed him : Neither is he lycorish after the choice of the Issue of Kings for his own Bed , finding the same content in the embraces of a Subject or a Slave , that a more bewitched Imagination apprehends in those of a Princesse : Nor doth his modesty abuse him , but acquits him from the danger of having a Spie in his Bosome , or a coequall in his Counsells ; giving him leave to put to death or exchange his Wives upon occasion , without the feare of any other frown but that of Heaven ; amongst whose joyes ( according to his Creed ) is Change of Women , and all carnall Delights . And by the division he makes of his Love among many Wives , he renders the Government lesse-factious ; the Distaffe having been found no friend to the Scepter , opening often a back door to Innovation ; apparent in Christians , who Marrying the daughters of more potent Princes than themselves , are so farre over-awed by them , as to make them partners in their most secret designes , else they are able to distresse them through the strength of their own friends . Thus a Prince comes to have an Enemy in his bosome , and such an one as he dares not question , for feare of a shower at home and a storme from abroad . So as if all the benefit Story can record to have ( at least of late ) accrued to Kings from the great Allyes of their Wives , were put together , you shall find it inconsiderable , computed with the losse , especially if their Religion differs ; for then she looking upon him as out of the reach of Gods mercy , can think nothing an injury to his person , or a losse to his estate , if her ghostly fathers are pleased to encourage her ; Considerations without bottome in this conformity in Profession , and parity in Subjection ; where the birth of the first Son gives the title of Sultana to a slave , the highest honour or employment a woman can be borne to : and what might abundantly content them also in Europe , where they are made the Arbitrators of the Royall Line . 65. The Emperour appeares not in Publick , but on Horseback , where all Deformityes , if he owes any , are best concealed ; And is then in such Splendor : as the former-ingaged opinion of the multitude renders him more than Humane whereas our lesse Majestick Princes become so cheap by their daily figging up and down the streets after their pleasures unattended , whilst this graver Monarch enjoyes them all under his own roof : where none are suffered to enter , but those that are dumb from their Births , or are rendered so through feare or use ; no action or word breathed out of the Seraglio , to the Emperours disadvantage , but proves mortall to the divulger : Not possible to be observed among Christians , whose Meales , like Puppet-playes , are made the object of all eyes , and their lightest Discourses ( apt then to break out ) the scorn of Strangers , that blow them over the four corners of the earth , with no small addition ; whilst their own Subjects calculate a crooked nature from the Deformities of their Bodies , evil Gestures , or a too luxurious taking in of their Wine or Meat : It not being easie to shew a man at a greater disadvantage , than whilst he is taking his Repast , the most certaine Symbol of Mortality This altogether cast ; no lesse cloud over their Majesty , than their Cheats and Perjuries , to procure Money , are observed to doe upon their Probity : which raiseth such a damp of Contempt about the Throne , as the Obedience they own , proceeds rather from a dread of their present power , than any voluntary or naturall affection their Subjects bear to them or their vertues ; of which they have so low esteem , as they think them easy to be matched , if not by themselves , by a number their Commerce and Experience hath coped withall . 66. In Progresse his Train is not inferiour to an Army ; in which he receives all graciously that come to see him : And by this Strength and Affability the remotest parts are not only wooed to Obedience , but terrified from Insurrections ; calculating by the Power attending him in his Pleasures , the terriblenesse of a Force that should be raised in his Fury : Notwithstanding at this time nothing appears about him but Love in his words , and Charity in his actions ; For where he sees the earth covered with Poore , he casts his Mony , which , like water put into a Pump , gives him the opportunity safely to drein the more affluent Rich. This makes the Generality look upon him as a God , that may give way to Punishment , never to Passion . 67. He owns not in his Royall Person any ingratefull Imposition , but appeares ever before his people like the Sun ; carrying in his looks no less Serenity than Splendour in all about him ; and answers any clamours of Joy with as cordiall Blessings and Thanks : knowing it as uncomely for a Prince in publick to seem angry , as poor ; That threatning no lesse danger to the Lives , than This doth presage incroachment upon the Fortunes of all that come to see him . And though none can more freely command what belongs to his Subjects , he discovers no will to employ any Arbitrary power in his own person , how well so ever it suits with his Nature or Occasions ; Handling all Grievances to his people by the mediation of others , whom upon emergency he delivers up to their Fury . Neither doth this lessen the number of these Harpies , any more than it doth Conjurers , to hear their Predecessors were torne in pieces by the command of those they had formerly nourished with their Blood . Thus by such amiable gestures , and the high price he seems in publick to set upon the Nations content , so great a Love is kindled in the hearts of his Subjects , that all the evills that fall upon them are removed from the principall cause , and attributed to such as are only instrumentall in their promotion . A practice waved by our lesse advised Monarchs , who sit in Parliament , as Jupiter is painted , with Thunder in their hands , as if they had already the will and power , and wanted nothing but their peoples consent to make them miserable ; not affording a gratefull concession , but by the high and rugged way of Exchange ; nor good words , but to usher in a more chargeable Request ; scorning to reckon with the Subject , & make even for their Minions and Officers Faults , till they are so far run in the account of Prejudice , that all Love and Obedience is quite forfeited , and the Crown exposed to the purchase of any that hath the subtilty and power to buy it . 68. For to obviate the like miscarriage , the Turk gives often a favourable hearing to such as complain of the Grandees , not seldome gratifying them with the Heads of their Oppressors : By which he doth not only stop the mouths of his people with a shew of Piety and Justice , but fills his Exchecquer with the reall Coin he finds about those thus complained of : Yet if he takes the party's Life to be more considerable to his affaires than his Death , he satisfies the publick discontent , by translating the Offender to some remoter employment , where , being farther from the Court , severity may be more necessary , at least not so dishonourable , as when it appeares at the foot of his Chair : Thinking it not safe , to gall the many-headed Monster twice in a Place , with one and the same Engine . And by this even and constant procedure , an uninterrupted Prosperity hath been intailed to this Empire , that the voice of Liberty continues still such a stranger in their streets , as if their Language were barren of a word to expresse it . Thus by claiming nothing , he enjoyes all , and , by defending none of his bad Instruments , hath been secure himself , till these latter yeares , in which some Constellation seems to hover over the World , inclining all Nations to Rebellion . This imboldens me to assert it as a Maxime , That Princes contract more hatred from the injustice and oppressions of their Favourites , than their own : A farre lesse Revenue , than doth legally depend on a Crown , being able to correspond for a greater summe , than the follies of a single person can possibly consume , unlesse attached by the bottomlesse humour of Play , which a prudent Prince cannot choose but look upon as farre below the dignity of his person ; it being impossible for him either to win or lose , but at the prejudice of his Courtiers or Subjects . 69. Here is no medium between the Anger of the Sultan & Death : A great man flea'd out of Office , being rarely or never permitted to mingle among the people , who are easily suborned out of pitty , to believe such persecuted for their sakes : Therefore Discontent is not suffered to live ; the Power being as severely punished , as the Will to do Mischief : This makes the Grandees to carry their bodies swimming between Popularity , and an Epidemicall Dislike : since though the first be the most certain messenger of Death , yet the latter doth not seldom bring the same errand ; For , such as by Taxes or perverting of Justice ( though by the Emperors command ) are found abusers of the people , die some cruell death , to give the more publick satisfaction ; whereas those who fall under his Jealousie , in relation to his particular safety , leave the world by a lesse painfull Exit ; which may breed an opinion in the Multitude , That their Prince is only cruell on their behalf , and at the worst but severe in his own . Here the vanity of Court Minions is manifest , who like Beasts for Sacrifice , are crowned and honoured , till their Masters sinnes require their blood to set him right in the opinion of the people ; in the fury of whom lies all the Hell , the Religion of most Princes teacheth them to apprehend . 70. THe Priests scrue up to the height of Miracles all unusuall Contingencies , which make not a few in such a Mass of Events ; neither is their Report wanting to augment them : And these are still hanged before the eyes of the People , either to terrify or allure them , as it suits with the present humour of State . And thus the Popish Legend came to be gilded by so many miraculous effects of Saints , and their Reliques , which , after all contradiction was buried , appear'd to the world under no lesse then a cloud of witnesses : Being capable of no stronger confutation , than what they receive from a present incapacity of doing the like . Now if the Turks have been too numerous in their election , or hyperbolical in the predication of these pious , or rather usefull deceits , the error is committed after the example of the Court of Rome , the most exact Copy for Policy the world affords . Nor is there place left for blame in relation to either , since what was obtruded upon the Catholicks heretofore , suited as well the apprehensions of those times , as these do now the Turks : Therefore the Imprudence lies not in the folly of the Miracles , but theirs , who suffered such a criticall Learning to blaze out , as pretends matter of Reproof in all things extant : Knowledg being as great an enemy to our present felicity , as it was to that in Paradise : So as Rome is forced at this day to let Miracles fall , out of fear to finde her self detected by the now-supernumerany issue of tatling Apollo , which , out of too much Wit , or too little Faith , make an over-strict scrutiny into their Truth ; hanging like Locusts , and croaking like Frogs , about all things that seem green or rotten in the Church : Nor will they fall off , till their mouths be stopped by Preferment , or their heads satisfied with Reason : Yet had she but enough of the first , it might suffice to purchase a competent proportion of the latter , or at worst so much Sophistry as might serve her turn : But the ancient Piety being blended in Luxury , & her Revenue in a great proportion swallowed up by the covetousnesse of Princes ; the Pope & Clergie hold the Remainder by no better Tenure than by rendering themselves necessary to the ambition of Monarchs , especially that of Spaine ; Republiques being naturally not so auspicious to the Priesthood . Neverthelesse , lest the Catholick King should attain to an absolute power in Christendome , under which his Holinesse would be totally ecclipsed , his principall endeavour has been to foment a difference still between him and France , and so by their banding to keep himself up in play ; Shifts the Church was never put to , during the Golden Age of Ignorance , when Learning and all Books lay at her mercy ; so as shee had power to cut them shorter , or extend their sence as best fitted the occasion : The Laity being so perplexed between the hope of Heaven , and feare of Hell , that the dark entry of Death gave the Priests as opportune a way to become their Executors , as the bloody night of the Passeover did the Jewes to rob the Egyptians . But now in the absence of the ancient Piety and Ignorance , the Church of Rome hath no better way to keep Reason from breaking in upon her ( who like a Woolfe hath , this last Century , lain gnawing at the Pope's Honour and Profit ) than by sacrificing more men yeerly to the fury of the Inquisition , than Solomon did Beasts at the dedication of the Temple : An Impiety not chargable upon the Turk , who kills none for the profession of any Religion , though never so contrary to his own ; leaving God to avenge his Truth , which no question he would not be long in doing , were he so angry with the opposite Tenents , as they in their furious Sermons are pleased to represent him . 71. The Turk finding Printing and Learning the chief fomentors of Livisions in Christendome , hath hitherto kept them out of his Territories . Yet , whilst wet tire out our best time in tugging at the hard Text of a dry Book , or the study of strange Languages ( which are but the Bindings of Learning , and do often cover lesse Knowledge , than may be had in our own Ideom ) they come more adapted into State-employments , and sooner furnished with clearer Reason , drawn from the quicker Fountains of lesse-erring Experience ; And were never yet found to be out-reached in Prudence , by the most politick and learned Princes in Europe . Nor can any think this strange , that considers what the custome of Universities requires at the hands of Students , viz. knowledge in the Arts so called , and a nimble mouthing of canting Termes , coyned by themselves , and so current in the commerce of no larger Understandings than their own , & such as are sworn to the same Principles : The vanity of which is in nothing more apparent than in this , that they can easier start ten Errors , than kill one , as is manifest in the differences between us and Rome ; concerning which , though in right reason we do , and cannot but agree in many things , yet the heat and rancour of the dispute is no whit abated . 72. All Sciences any wayes resembling those we call Liberall , are taught no where but in the Seraglio , where the Grand Segnior hath the power to increase or diminish the number of their Professors , according as it suits his occasions . Able men resembling wanton Boyes , that , rather than be unemployed , will do mischief ; None attaining to any perfection but what he hath use for : Idle Valour being the tool , as Learning & Knowledge are the operators of all Civil Dissentions . A course quite contrary to the ill husbandry of Europe , or more particularly England , in whose Body Mercury and Sulphur exceed Employment , which should be the Salt to fix the rest , and keep them from putrefaction : For want of which her Schooles do man out as many Enemies as Friends , legible in the vast volumes of Controversies that lie vendible on every Stall . This results from the multitude of Grammer-Schooles ( in the building of which appears more Zeal than Knowledge ) where all come that are but able to bring a Bag and a Bottle , no unfit Emblem of the future poverty of their Trade ; In which , like a Lottery , ten take their chance in Beggery , for one that meets with a Prize ; and that , when it comes , is scarse worth the labour , cost , & time required in making thē capable : No mens fortunes being confined in so narrow a Circle , nor built upon such shaking Foundations , as those of Scholars : The fire already kindled in Church and State , by their clashing in Opinions , having melted the Basons and larger Plate , our Ancestors set up for the incouragement of Learning , which , like a Viper , doth now endeavour to eat out the bowels of her Mother . For the Parents of Schoole-boyes not being able to advance them higher , all the rest is lost but Reading and Writing , and they rendered by seven or eight yeares lazy living , uncapable of the labour belonging to the more profitable Plough , and so become Serving men , and Lawyers , and Justices Clerks ; by the vertue of which profession they turne cunning Knaves , and cozen their Countrey : A charge circumcised in Turkey , by mixing the expensive Callings of Law and Divinity together , by which the Priests are so fully employed , as no leisure is given to study Innovation in either profession , and consequently dries up the Fountaines of Rebellion . Which foreseen by the prudent eye of the divine Legislator , Moses , directed him to the uniting of the sacred Rites , and civill Sanctions into one Body , making the Law of the Land a piece of Gods Law , and the Justice of the Magistrate , Religion : which stamps no lesse authority upon the Law , then it procures Reverence to the Judges , and promiseth to the Government , where it is entertained , Length of dayes and Safety on the one hand , with Riches and Honour on the other . Which course affords also such Expedition as gives one side , at least , cause to applaud Justice ; whereas here the better'd party is left so little to boast of , that he returnes home as ill satisfyed , as he which had Sentence pronounced against him . 73. Neither are these Delayes any whit remedyed by the ill-Husbandry of breeding so many to the long Robe , as are found in England : which excesse springs from the multitude of Pedants that reign among us ; who , like Flies , blow one another in such quantities , over the Nation , as they doe not onely supplant those of their owne Calling ( which is it selfe were mischiefe enough ) but infect all Government . Their Scholars , if they arrive to any maturity , at length turne Academicks , whose Cloystered and Monkish Learning is by Statesmen looked upon as resembling dead Honey , which is stale , course and lesse usefull , none being pure and Virginall , but what is sucked from every Flower , that may be found in the wilde fielde of a generall Commerce . For though out of the huge heap of University-men Providence hath snatched such choice Brands , as are able to illuminate the world yet let these towring Eagles speak sincerely ( who like the Soul of Learning appeare above that vast pile of Fathers , Schoolemen , Linguists , Critick's , &c. heaped up by the Court of Rome , for a Funerall to all farther enquiry after Truth ) and they must tell you , that the least part of this excellency came from their Mother : The Tongues being at the best but the Crackers of Knowledge : the Kernell remaining uselesse , if not bitter and loathsome , till picked & dressed by Employment & Experience . Nor can this be admired by such as consider the practise of ordinary Tutors , who throw to their Pupils the dry Bones , and not the Marrow of Erudition : By which more time is often consumed in the setting out , than a wise man perhaps would have thought well spent in the whole Journey . 74. This is not said to bring any water towards the clensing of their hands , who either have or doe intend to imbrue them in the Sacrilegious Spoiles of Colledges , to the utter discouragement of all future Charity ; I wish them rather cut off : For though thousands are found to bury their Talents in the ocean of Controversies , and an implicit adhering to the writings of the Ancients ( who might possibly erre out of no lesse policy , than the Church of Rome hath since maintained them ) yet all ages do afford some that scorne to be tied up to Patternes . but inrich the world with such new Inventions , as may not onely expiate for the Charge , but the Ignorance of all Foundations . 75. Thus I have shewn , that the Turk's want of knowledg in our Learning or Religion , leaves him neither so Imprudent or Wicked , but that he is able to promote his owne Interest , and willing to make his Subjects so far happy , as may suit with an Absolute power . AN INDEX OF The particulars contained in the Observations upon the TURKISH GOVERNMENT . 1. THe Preface ; Mahumet the Founder of the Turkish Empire : his Story disadvantagiously recorded , for want of Pens of their owne . 2. The time lucky for his Attempts . 3. His Followers ignorant , and ( so ) apt to take any Religious impression . 4. Crosse Accidents hindred not their Progresse . 5. 7. His chiefe Rites gathered out of Judaisme and Christianity . — 6. Images prohibited , and why . — 8. The institution and Use of ( the Jewish & ) their Sabbath , And — 9. Priests . 10. Their Policy directed more to the Princes Interest , than the Priest's — 11. Who are to be kept in a Mediocrity . 12. The Aliaron , by whom interpreted . 13. Prayers more frequent then Preaching . 14. In what Uses their Doctrine ends , — 15. Not to expect happinesse here , but in another world . — Their Practise not so bad as some Christians . 16. The advantages to the State from Oaths and Religion . — 17. Though a false one ; and from Church-men , who yet drive on their owne interest . — 18. The Mahumetan Rites not chargeable or grievous to Nature . — Sacrifices , why omitted . 19. Their Abstinence from Wine , and the Reasons thereof . 20. Their Constancy to their Primitive Institutes ; the mischiefe of Change , and — 21. Their Provisions against it . — 22. Reasons of State for the Mufiy's Advancement and — the Emperour 's honouring him in publique . 23. ( Meca within his owne power . ) — 24 , Which yet cannot allwaies secure him from his Jealousie ; but upon occasion he makes him away privately ; yet without aspersing his Fame , and why . — 25. Of the Expediency of such clandistine Dispatches . — 26. A Reflection upon Queen Elizabeth for executing Queen Mary of Scotland , — 27. Of the Custome for the Grand Seniour to strangle his Brothers . 28. Lust and covetousnesse tolerated by the Turks . — 29. Christians more impolitickly intent upon Penall Lawes . — 30. Punishments in Turky not so common as severe : popular Incendiaries removed out of the way , privately . — The Folly of Subjects to rebell and Rulers to provoke them . 31. Turkish Honours and Offices not Hereditary . — 32. Nor Estates , — which makes all apply themselves to Trades : The benefits thereof , and mischiefes of Idlenesse , — 33. Luxury , Excessive Building , Furniture . — 34. Horse-races , Hunting , &c. — avoided ( much ) by their Poligamy . 35. Their publick Buildings magnificent ; which some Christians demolish : Advice to publick Spirits , rather to build Bridges , and mend Highwaies . 36. In order to augmentation of Empire , their interest promotes three things . 37 First , Obedience , either sacred , to the Mufty , &c. — 38. or Civill ●● the Emperor , who is very absolute . 39. Secondly , Parity . 40 Thirdly , Fortitude , 41. Eunuches made Generalls , and why . 42. Janizaries , why unmarried . 43. Quarter seldome granted , or not till after full victory , — 44. which they will not throw away upon poore places . 45. Their Ordinance . 46. Their Food not dainty . 47. Their Expeditions why in Summer : Their Armies so strong , as not to need Reserves , 48. Upon a losse they retreat , without hazarding another , and why . 49. They are able to keep the Souldier employed . 50. The Cavalry encouraged ; a Feud between them and the Foot ; which prevents Conspiracies ; the like doth their being raised out of severall Nations . 51. Forts pernicious to such great Princes , though of use to weaker ones . 52. Religion , why not proclaimed the cause of War . Constantinople unworthily lost . 53. They fight not so couragiously against those of their owne beliefe . Successe an ill Judge of Truth . 54. The Sword an unfit instrument to Plant Religion . — 55. That of the Mahumetans , why it rather enclines to Hope than Feare ; — Contrary to the Popish Goblins , which intimidate Souldiers : The Turks breed up theirs to Valour and Obedience . 56. They count Fate inexorable , yet pray : though Praise were more proper . 57. Mahumetans and Jewes abhor Christians for their Images and Reall presence . 58. The Turk subtill in his Treaties , and if necessitated to break his word , charges the blame upon his Ministers . — 59. Yet by reason of his strength , is seldome driven to such base shifts , as weaker Princes make use of . Perjury of latter times more frequant among Christians , which these Infidels avoid ( in judiciary Trials ) by examining witnesses apart , &c. instead of taking their testimonies upon Oath . 60. Why Jewes must turne Christians , before they may become Turks . 61. Opinions of Strangers indulged , and — Courtesans tolerated . 62. The Grand Seniors Revenue employed in his Wars , — his Pleasure . 63. His Wars , by reason of his strength , effensive , and — openly proclaimed , why . The Venetians impolitickly deserted . A Combination of Christians against the Turk , — how unlikely to succeed upon severall accounts : — who should head it ? — The Pope , — The Emperour , — The King of Spain , — The Venetians . Expedients to weaken the Turk , — The Jesuits ( if the Pope could spare them ) to foment Schisme , &c. among the , — To shelter some of the younger Royall Branches , or Grandees , that may head an Army , &c. — 64. Why the Turk seldome makes Leagues , — sends Ambassadors , or — marries Forraigners , — though he take many Wives . 65. Why the Grand Senior appeares not in publique , but on horsback , and in such splendor ; yet takes his Repast and pleasures privately in the Seraglio ; The contrary use how disadvantageous to Christian Princes . 66. His vast Traine in Progresse ; yet — affable and winning carriage . 67. For Impositions and such like Grievances he useth Instruments . — 68. Whom , upon occasion , he either delivers up to the fury of the People , or removes farther off . 69. His Wrath fatall . 70. The Turkish Priests cry up all strange Events for Miracles , as well as the Papists — whose Juggles have been detected by the Learning of this last Age . — 71. Which , together with Printing , the Turk tolerates not ; A reflection upon University-Customes . 72. Those Sciences the Turks have , are taught in the Seraglio onely . The multitude of Grammer-schooles among us do more hurt than good . In Turky the Offices of Priest and Lawyer are united ; as the Lawes of the Jewes , both Divine and Civil , were into one Body by Moses , — The best form of Government . 73. A modest Censure of and — 74 An Apologie for Universities and Colledges . 75. The Conclusion . A DISCOVRSE UPON Nicolas Machiavell : OR , An impartiall examination of the justnesse of the Censure commonly laid upon him . MACHIAVELL is branded by all , neither can any absolve him quite from Blame : Yet , considering he was not onely an Italian , but a Courtier , few can doe lesse than admire his bad fortune to see one man inherit , in particular , the masse of Reproaches , due to all Princes and Statesmen in generall ; so far as to style , in way of Contempt , such Machiavellians , who in a truer sense might be termed Followers of Charles the fifth , Lewis the eleventh , or Henry the seventh . By this , embracing the bare Apparitions of Vertue and Vice , without observing the true Substance , which they quite let passe ; marking for Blemishes in precedent times , what Historians note for Prudence , if not Beauty in ours : So as he that impartially examines the lives of those formerly named ( who are yet no Prodigies in the Nature of Government ) may find more Evill , than can be deduced out of this man's Scaenes , or ( for ought we know ) the worst of his Thoughts : Yet they have Wisdome inscribed on their Tombs , by the Penners and Readers of their Stories , in which they lie quiet under the favour of some elegant Apologie , hitherto denyed to Machiavell by ignorant and ungratefull Posterity . He was Secretary to the State of Florrence , of which he hath left an incomparable History , with other Bookes so full of Truth , Learning and Experience , that the hand of Detraction hath not been able to asperse them ; onely it endeavours to attach some stragling expressions in a small Pamphlet , called His Prince , which are with farre lesse Charity remembred , than so many larger and better pieces forgotten . That he was imployed in honourable Embassies , is manifested from Story ; And what umbragious and false Positions Embassadors Professions oblige them to , the Transactions of all States abundantly declare : For , as the Italian saith , The best of Women with their Pettyacoats devest their Modesty , to render themselves more gratefull to their Husbands Embraces ; So Publique Ministers can hardly pay the endeavours they owe to their Countrey , without exchanging for worldly Policy a great part of that Candor which should be current in the more sacred Commerce of honest and religious men . Nor can any expect lesse hope of forgivenesse in relation to such as by these oblique meanes advance the preservation of God's people , then the Midwives of Egypt may be supposed to have had , who purchased themselves Houses by such uncertain Protestations , as , if extended on the Rack of a nice Scrutiny , could not choose but confesse , and appeare to all , little better than Lies . Few humane actions can be separated from the drosse of Deceit ; onely such are of best esteeme , as carry the greatest mixture of Charity ; which makes me humbly conceive , this learned man deserves lesse censure : since such Princes onely as Jerchoam ( whose Interest is alwaies to damnifie others in order to their owne preservation ) and not their Instruments , may justly be said to cause Israel to sin . His was no new Designe , but in all ages projected by the most faithfull Historians , who make it their businesse to personate and represent the behaviours of Princes , though never so undecent ; and did ever purchase the more applause , according to the greater or lesse faculty they had to doe it to the life . Neither can the strictest Religion condemne the Speculation of ill , without betraying her Professors , if not her selfe : For with what vast disadvantage should a good David cope with a son of Belial , were there not prudent Hushai's to countermiae the Insidies of wicked Ahitophels , and to learn men in power the art to catch their wily Neighbours in their owne Traps ? Nor doe we finde his Directions shun'd in a lesse publick Commerce than that of Princes , since it lies not out of the way of Instance to prove , some sharpe inveyers against Machiavell have attained to Church-Preferments , under the favour of worse or the same Principles , Alexander the sixt ascended to the Papacy . Do any lay obscenity to the charge of Albertus , or is he not rather stiled the Great , for having so plainly set open the Closet of Nature ? If any sort of men have reason to tax this Author , they are onely Kings and Persons in power : For as it is the Custome of light women , imperiously to blame all broad expressions of what they captivate their Servants affections by ; so Statesmen may with more shew of Justice , complaine of the publication of such Axiomes , that being undiscovered , their use might be with more secrecy and successe . Neither doth any greater Reproach redound to him from such as pervert them to the prejudice of others , than to a Fencer , if his Scholars make use of his skill in the destruction of their Friends : It being only his aime to teach them how to guard themselves , and resist other that shall , contrary to the Laws of God , Nature , and Probity , endeavour to assault them . Ignorance and lack of Experience in the Customes of other Nations are the Parents of these spurious Censures ; for had they been where he writ , these Documents would be no more admired , than the most monstrous of those Chinnes we observe in England , are , in comparison of some to be found at the feet of the Alps. Neither will a small abatement appeare in his Charge , if the dayes he lived in be seriously considered . His misfortune was , to be contemporary with Pope Alexander the sixt , and of intimate acquaintance with his Son Caesar Borgia : And what these were , is sufficiently apparent to men versed in Story : a study such proclaime themselves ignorant of , that can so bitterly exclaim upon Machiavell : For were they conversant with the procedures of Superlative Powers , his Rules would seeme rather impertinent , and below the practice of Princes , than to deserve such severe Reproofes ; the sting of which lies in their owne ignorance , not the more usefull Knowledge , they condemn . No Age abounded more with Action , or shewed the instability of worldly Honours plainer than that he writ in : Therefore from a man wholly conversant in Court-employments ( where it is thought a Lunacy to look beyond the second Causes , or to act upon the ●edit of any higher Providence than their owne ) worse things in reason might be expected , than his , which are really no other than the History of wise Impieties , long before legible , and since imprinted with new Additions in the hearts of every ambitious Pretender ; yet He undergoes a Censure equall with those that commit farre greater wickednesse , than his or any Pen else is able to expresse . Divers Estates , in Italy , did in his time desire , or actually change their Lords : A junctore opportune to teach nothing so naturally , nor require any thing more necessary than Aphorismes of Policy . For Naples was torne on t of the house of Aujon , by Ferdinand , and the people opprest under Father and Son . Lodowic took the Dukedome of Millan from young Galeas , with the like treachery as Francis Sforza , Father to Galeas , had done from the Dukes of Orleans . He saw the Descent of the French into Italy winked at by Pope Alexander the fixt , in expectation of raising an House for his Son Caesar , out of the gleanings of the French Kings Conquest ; In which he prayed without his Beads , being so farre out , in the account , as that after Charles had got a large share in Italy ( through the mediation of the Jealousie of Princes , no lesse than the Discontent of the People , arising from the uneasy posture they lay in , so as all Changes were considered with delight ) he entred Rome , forced His Holinesse into St. Angelo , from whence , after some time , he came out swearing to such Capitulations , as the victorious King was pleased to profer him : And though at his reception , the French King kissed his foot , yet he durst not trust to his single Infallibility , but took his Son Caesaer for an Hostage ; and to hide it from the Envy of other Catholick Princes , he covered his detention with the title of an Embassie , still to reside neere him in token of Amity . But , not long after , Caesar procuring an Escape , his Father , contrary to his Oath , contracted a League against the French ; so much to the prejudice of that Kingdomes affaires , as it may not onely excuse Machiavell , but all writers of Politicks , if they labour to abate the faith of Princes , in relation to the strictest Stipulations made with Neighbours , found seldome observed , but broken as oft as kept by absolute Powers , to the irreparable losse of the weaker Party : Whereas an Errour in private Persons may be expunged by an after-Game , or helped by complaint , &c. Remedies too weake to cure the Wounds of Princes , who in such cases are saved onely by their unbeliefe , and seldome perish , but through unadvised confidence , in giving too much credit to the Protestations of lesse religious performers of Covenants ; which rise and fall ; not according to the more constant Standard of Religion , but the various successe of worldly occasions : And he that knowes not how rare a Commodity Probity is , in the Market of Princes , is no fit Reader , much lesse a competent Judge of Machiavell . Leagues , Truces , Compacts , and Peace , are become so crack'd and invalid , through a dayly miscarriage in performance , as they serve for little better use , then to buy in smaller Territories , such as Loraine and the lesser Cities and Principalities in Italy and Germany , that have little else to trust to , but the promises of Protection they receive from more Potent Monarchs , which they know would devoure them , but out of dread of each other : Therefore bound by the strongest reason of State , to balance them upon the accesse or desertion of every fortune good or bad . Which makes Oaths among States-men , upon a true survey , to signifie nothing ; at best , more danger than profit : Binding onely such , as , in relation to Impotency or Honesty , stand in least need ; And becoming , like Juglers Knots , no waies astrictive to the more Potent , who are ever able to elude them by slights , or break them by power . Now since Italy , for whose Meridian he calculated his Advise's , consists , for the most part , of weak pieces , it shewes him more excusable , if not commendable , in fitting them so accurately to their practice and conveniency . And till all Kings agree ( which is never to be expected ) to keep their Stipulations and Covenants , you cannot thinke it reasonable that a Subject to the Duke of Florence should have advised his Patron to begin ; so contrary to the examples of those times , as it was knowne , the Pope did then contract an Amity with the Grand Seignior , which , in Charity , may bee thought he meant not to observe , though for his sake , he suffered himselfe to be hired to poyson his Brother ( fled into Christendome for feare of tasting the fate of the rest , after his Father's death ) and might have been of great advantage to any . other that had designed to abate the Ottoman Empire : Now after the breach of Faith , so contrary to the promise made to this poor Infidel , at his being put into his hands : and his Holinesse's owne interest , in case the Tunke had envaded Europe , it cannot be more passion than discretion , to condemne Machiavel for his seasonable Advice in relation to the Oaths of Princes . After all this , he saw Charles the French King dose Italy , with the like facility he had gained it , all the advantages he might have made being snatched from between his legs , by the Catholick King . And the Pope and his Son , by mistake , poysoned with the same Bottle of Wine , prepared by themselves for others ; by which the Father was taken away presently , but the Son , fortified with Youth and Antidotes , had leisure to live and see , what he had gotten , torn out of his possession , and himselfe forced to fly to his Father-in-law , the King of Navarre , in whose service he was murder'd . It were heartily to be wished , that unlawfull practises were onely vendible in Italy , and not the traffick of all the Courts in the known world : where the marks , the Text hath set upon Jeroboam , who ( according to the Dialect of England , for I finde it not so elsewhere ) may be styled , The Machiavel of the Jewes , cannot scare Princes out of the same path : For what King hath failed to set up altars at Bethel and Dan , when their power is in danger , by the peoples going to Jerusalem ? When Saul was but a Subject , he sought to the Prophet for his Fathers Asses , but after his assumption to the Throne , a Witch is consulted , about the successe of a Battell . Christ saith , Not many great , &c. are called : Men's out-sides , at Court , are soft , but their hearts ( within ) seared and hard . Pride is the roote of all Evill ; which Princes do not onely foster in themselves , but water by preferments in all others they find able to promote the ends of it : whose effects cannot be comprized in a narrower circle , than the whole Masse of Impieties , Ambition is able to commit : That prompted Phocas to kill his Master the Emperour ; Caesar to ruine the most glorious Republique ever the Sun saw ; It teacheth Children to pull undecently the Crownes from their Fathers Heads ; it is this that fills Hell with Soules , Heaven with Complaints , and the Earth with Bloud ; It made Charles the fifth , to arme himselfe against him , be believed , if he believed any thing , to be the Vicar of our Saviour , and would have led him in triumph with Francis the French King , made his Prisoner the same yeare by a like fate of War : Neither did Philip the second do lesse then mingle the blood of his then onely Son Charles , with the great quantity he spilt upon the face of Europe ; yet his thirst unsatisfied , he set a new world abroach in America , which he let run , till it was as empty of people , as himselfe of Pitty . Are not the Heads of Nations presented by Historians , like that of the Baptist in Chargers of blood ? Nay what are Chronicles lesse than Registers of Murders & projects to bring thē about , to the best advantage of ambitious Pretenders ? Yet none are so severely blamed that writ thē . I would not be so far mistaken , as to be thought to apologize for tyrannicall Principles and practices , knowing they render both Doers and Sufferers miserable : my aim being onely to prove ; that if Machiavell stood legally indicted , he could , not be condemned by those at the Helme in any State , who in all ages were his Peeres , & could not therefore in equity take up a stone against him . Bad advice , without Execution , hurts onely the Giver : Besides , I cannot believe , the generality of those that cry out upon him , in publique , ever saw or read his Writings , but take their Clamour upon trust , as they do against Julian , stiled the Apostate , how truly , I leave to such as are better able to judge , than thousands of men so impudent as to extend incomparable Wits upon the erring Rack of Common Fame , in imitation of their ignorant ' Ancestors , who looked upon Mathematitians as Conjurers ; though Wisdome hath justified these her Children so farre , as to informe the world , that no Learning is a greater enemy to Falshood then theirs . Yet Machiavell is so modest as to ask , Who had not rather be Titus then Nero ? But to him that will be a Tyrant , he proposeth a way least prejudiciall to his temporall Estate : As if he should say , Thou art already at defiance with Heaven , therefore to preserve thee in an earthly power , no mean is left but to be perfectly wicked , a task not higherto performed , no not by the worst of Usurpers ; it being as far beyond example , that any Tyrant hath done all the mischiefe requisite to his own and Childrens safety , as that the best of Kings have , in any age , put in execution all the good . Now of the first he proposeth Caesar Borgia , for the most absolute pattern , who used all Artifices to removeevery impediment standing between him and his desires , but his owne being sick at the time of his Fathe'rs death , which perplexed his affaires so , as he could not bring in a Pope of his owne Faction ; for want of which ; his so well-built Designes / as he fondly supposed ) fell to the ground , as most of their do , that prosecute Empires by oblique meanes ; into whose lap Divine Justice not seldome throwes Destruction , or some louder Discontents , that over-vote the pleasure , Ambition takes in the accomplishment of her ends . But since it is sometime the will of God ( for Reasons best knowne to himselfe ) to give a happy successe to bad meanes wisely contrived , why should this Florentine be so bitterly inveyed against , who cannot be denyed but to have had at least as vertuous Principles , for a Member of the Roman Church , as Alexander the sixt , that was Head of it ? with whom all Impieties were as familiaras the aire he breathed in , so farre , that it could not be so well guessed , when he spake true or false , as by the abundance of Oaths he used when he meant to deceive . Worldly Wisdome is recommended to us in the person of the unjust Steward ; & , I pray , what doth Machiavell say more of Caesar Borgia , but that he was a perfect Tyrant ? And if he presume so far on your ( better supposed ) Honesty , as to propose him for an Example , yet it is still of Evill ; and what fitter pattern can there be for an Usurper , than one of his owne Coat . Neither are the Rules he layes down , waved by the best of men if wise ; for who executes not ingratefull actions , by Deputies , acceptable in Person ? And all these his Documents he gives onely to a Prince ; for had he assigned this practise to a Son , or any else circumscribed in a narrower roome than a Kingdome , he might be more justly condemned : But undertaking to make a Grammar for the right understanding the Dialect of Government , why is he blamed for setting downe the most Generall Rules , and such as all Statesmen make use of , either to benefit themselves or hurt others ? That they make no conscience of falsehood , is manifest by Lewis the eleventh , that learned Father in King-craft who pronoūced him ignorāt of the way to live , that knew not how neatly to deceive . That Breach of Faith in private Persons , is not only destructive to wel-being but also damnable , he cannot deny : but Princes pretend larger Charters in relation to a more universall Cōmerce ; which they extend to Embassadors , & Ministers of State ; as counting all things honourable that are safe : & if this be an Evill , it is the Kings , and no way curable , but by the King of Heaven . To conclude , a Body Politick is like that of a Man , which when it is altogether , shewes outwardly a beautifull and comely sight ; but search into the Entralls from whence the true Nourishment proceeds , and little is to be found but Blood , Filth and Stench : The truth is , Machiavell is observed to have raked deeper in this , than his Predecessors , which makes him smell , as he doth , in the nostrills of the nice and ignorant ; whereas those of more Prudence and Experience , know it is the most naturall savour of the Court , especially where the Prince is of the first Head ; of which , such as come in by Succession may abate much . OBSERVATIONS Upon the King of Sweden's Descent INTO GERMANY . WIthin an Age or two , sometimes more , sometimes lesse , according as the World is enclined to Happinesse or Infelicity there hath still risen up some Ambitious Pretender or other , that hath laboured to build himselfe a Name by the effusion of humane Blood : And these offering fine subjects for Discourse and Romances , are by the Antients stiled Heroe's , by the Moderns , Conquerours , and men of high spirits . The first of these we hear of , is Nimrod , branded by God himselfe ; To him Alexander , Caesar , and innumerable others succeeded , who for the most part stand highly registred in Historicall C●●enders , because they afford good Pens an easie way to render themselves immortall by a neat expression of their Butcheries ; when indeed they both deserve rather the curse of Mankinde , the one for doing , the other for recommending to Posterity such cruell examples , without giving them the true name of wol-fish Ambition which all merit , who infest others Territories out of no more pious reason than Augmentation of Empire . The principall Errand , however palliated ( to purchase Partakers ) with more plausible and gilded Mottos in their Flags , which they hold out to the People . And I believe , if God had continued the King of Sweden in life and successe , he had gone as high in Blood , and as deepe in Devastation , as his Ancestors and Goths did in Italy , where they ruined such Monuments , as Time could not have , yet demolished , but that she received assistance from their barbarous hands . And now I have set him under his naturall colours , I am bold to maintain , that he that looks to the end of his Prospective , shall see his Actions reach beyond the Darings of all ( in that kind ) that ever went before him●●● may appeare by these Circumstances . 1. He did not fall on men drowned in sloth & Luxury , but on a Prince whose Prudence was lately wakened with the losse of a Crown & his Peoples valour new whetted by regaining it : Being so far from wanting all necessaries for War , that , besides new ones of his own , he was Master of all such Magazines , as were provided by the Elector and his party : So as it may with reason be believed , that if the Swede's little finger had been in the endeavour to lessen the Austrian Family , when the Palsgrave put in his hand , the King , long before his death , had possessed the Emperiall Throne . No party ( in any extant Relation I have seen ) is heard to call him in : All the Forces he had , or could raise , appearing to the world as inconsiderable ; till he had shewed them such a Miracle , as a puissant Army upon one Horse . After whom they ran to gather up the Spoile , who , till then , had their heels shackled with Caesar's Successes . 3. The Duke of Saxony , the most potent Prince of the Protestant party , had no stroger Title to his Estate , than what he derived frōCaesars power who had placed him ther for the like fault , in his Elder Branch ( which yet remain'd in being to claim his right ) he must have fallen into , had he yeilded succour or assistance to the Swedish Crown . 4. He had seen the King of Denmark coming on the like errand , bassled ; A Prince inferiour to him in little but Valour and Temperance ; having the Sound at command , not to be over-matched with any advantages the Swede could properly have called his own . 5 The jealous hatred , this and all other Nations have to these Northern people , as desirous by nature to better their Heaven , with an incroachment upon Neigbours , that live under a more auspicious Sun . 6. The new Protests of Fealty made by the Princes & Hans Towns to the Austrian Family , procured by his late Victories ; the terror of which had so cooled the zeal of the people , and evaporated the heat they formerly were in to regain their Liberty . 7. The assurance he had , that James of England , who refused to heare his owne Honour and the cries of his Children , would never listen to the voice of a Stranger , that had no better Cards to shew for his future Successe , than Valour and good Conduct , in which the old man had as little Faith as Knowledge . 8. The Hollanders , his most considerable Friends could not help him , but by way of Diversion ; being far off both in respect of distance and quality of their Power ; the States chiefe strength lying in Ships , no waies serviceable to the Swede in his Inland expeditions : And to counterpoise this , as if Fate had renounced all assistance but his owne , the Duke of Lorain had cast himselfe blindfold into the Arms of the Spaniard ; with whom was as madly joyned the French Kings Brother , both in Alliance and Person at that time very considerable , in regard of the known weaknesse of the K. of France his body , & the surmises of his Sterility , thought to be supplyed by the Cardinall's industry . 9. He could not expect such cordiall help from France , as a naturall Prince of Germany ; because upon successe he was ready to assume the Title of Emperour to himself ; the onely baite likely to draw in the most Christian King : Neither could that Nation be assured , that , his ends attained in Germany , he might not be prompted by his good fortune to invade them ; Ambition swallowing all opportunities of gaining , without the tast of any former obligations . And for the French King's being chosen by the Reformed Princes Head of the Vnion ; He knew that King looked upon it , rather as a scorne put upon James of England , for his neglect , than as an honour done to himselfe ; the Germans being wholly compelled to it by necessity , in that juncture of occasions . 10. For Money , accounted by all the onely Oyle , able to make the Engines of War move , he could not have much , being numbred among the poorest Kings in Europe . And to make this defect the more impossible to be dispensed with , he knew the Emperour like a Colossus , had not onely a leg of Iron in Germany , but one of Gold in Spain to assist it upon the least offer of any motion to offend him . 11. The best he could expect at first ( till Successe had made him formidable ) from the Landgrave Van Hess , Witenberg & the rest of the meaner Princes , was a modest Neutrality : Or if they were so mad as to rush themselves into a sudden declaration for him , there was a large compensation made to the other side , by the unfeigned assistance of the Duke of Bavaria , who had his affection newly purchased by the rich donative of the Palatinate , together with the principall Lay. Electorate ; which could hold no longer good , than the Emperour was maintained in a Superlative power , 12. It is true , that Wallestin and the Emperours Veteran Militia had parted from the last Action with some discontent : But this is so ordinary at the Disbanding of Armies , when there is no farther use of them , that it could not infuse so deaf an ill Spirit into the generality of the Souldiery , but that the sound of the next Advance money would soon cast it out : And , one to command in chiefe was not hard to be found , where the late Combustions had created so large a choice . Had he been beaten , or sneaked out of the Action , as Denmark did , such Reasons might have been upbraided to him , as rashly neglected : But since he was able to breake through them all , they multiply the weight of stronger of his owne , which led him on against these ; not to be found but in his owne Head , and the confidence he had of his Conduct & Valour ; doing many things wherein appeared a Hand more powerfull than Fortune's ; who was not able to make her selfe Mistresse of his Sword , but by taking away his Life : And that done , Victory had been so much his that it could not be denyed to his dead carcase . If the strength of the Enemy adds to the Conquest : who could cope with a stronger , & upon more disadvantages ? so as who ever reades the Advisoes of those times , shall finde that the King of Sweden made , not onely Rome , but Constantinople , to tremble ; the Turke standing in such admiration of his Valour , that he lost his activity , and did not onely forbeare to make in-rodes into Germany , which upon lesse occasions he used to doe ; But gave off all thoughts of offending others , as if he feared he should have worke enough to defend himselfe . And had the Swedish Sword made as deepe impressions in his Empire , as it left in the Germane , they would have been looked upon as Miracles ; And , instead of Antichrist ( which by reason of his successe , some Catholiques fondly call'd him ) he would have been styled , The Champion of the Gospell . All the advantage I can find the King had , out of himselfe , was the Emperour's Ignorance of that Common Lesson , so often repeated to the Prejudice of the wisest Princes ; That Slighted parties are followed with the greatest traine of inconveniences , in relation to such as despise them . Now if men esteem of Soldiers , by the quantity of Blood and Land they have wasted , King Philip the second of Spaine , will out-goe them all , in his Conquest of Peru , and the rest of those weak people : But if Reason may be heard , the least part of Germany asketh more difficulty to reduce it , than both the Indies , or all that Alexander and his like are able to boast of . A DISCOURSE UPON PISO and VINDEX , Who both conspired the Death of NERO , Though with a contrary Successe . PISO a Noble-man borne , beloved of the People , drawn into the Action rather out of the perswasion of others , than his owne affection , associated with the choisest Wits in the Roman Empire , followed by the bravest Spirits , and armed with pretences that were proof against all the darts Reason or Religion could cast at them ; yet miscarried in the midst of these Advantages , falling soone after into the same Grave , he had most justly measured out for Nero , The foundation of whose Ruine was laid by Vindex , that had no stronger materials to work his destruction , than what he hammered out of his owne invention , & the advantage he took from the love of a broken Legion , no way considerable in respect of the rest of the Princes Forces , that stood at this time firme to him , having had their affections newly warmed by divers Largesses and a dayly Impunity ; strōger engagemēts in such corrupt times , than all the vertue & piety incidēt to flesh . It 's true , Vindex never lived to see the effect of his brave attempt , as the most stately Fabricks are cōmonly least enjoyed by those that build them : Yet the Reasons why his beginnings did succeed , rather than Piso's , may be some of these . 1 Of which the first lies hid in the dark Book of Fatality , where all things are kept from perishing till they are arrived at the utmost period Providence hath set them ; which is for that time as constant in the preservation of the Instruments of her wrath , as the Dispensers of her Clemēcy : But whē the criticall minute , appointed for their destruction , is come , they lie levell with their feet , whose hands before were not able to reach them 2. The manner of Piso's attempt , which was to assasinate Nero : An endeavour no lesse indecent for men of Honour , than unproper for a Tyrant ; who as he is Enemy to all , so ought he to perish by the hands of all ; which , by a Clandestine dispatch , had not only lost the pleasure , but the example of their Revenge . Neither was it in any degree of possibility likely to be concealed ; & therefore the harder to succeed , having been communicated to so many , and of so different tempers , who out of hatred to others or love to themselves , could not choose but reveale it . 3. As the body of Man , be it never so sound , is maintained in being by contention of humors , the bloud flying to the heart upon any sudden assault : But if a Bruise be made in a remote place , it falls not out so , but affords the virulent matter leisure togather . Thus are bad Princes with more ease and safety destroyed by a remote and open hostility , than a sudden and private attempt : For , neere , men see dayly so many effects of their cruelty , that they are afraid , studying more their own safety than the freedome of the Common wealth . Besides the familiarity with Tyranny makes it so domesticall , that those within the Verge of the Court know not well how to live without it : Therefore they must be tender of his preservation , to maintain their own power , having rendred themselves either actively or passively as odious to the people as their Master . 4. As any thing that ministers occasion of discourse , the farther it extends , the more sound it makes ; and he that gathereth Snow , hath a Ball proportionable to the distance he rolls it in : So those that cry out a farr off , upon the abuses of the Court , doe not onely draw attention from some about them , but tickle the eares , and stir up the Spirits of all such as have felt , or do feare the weight of Oppression . Nay , such persons themselves , as at a neerer distance , would , out of hope or feare , labour to quench it , will , a great way off , look upon a combustion , with delight : Novelty being of that nature ( especially following things ill ) that it raiseth more expectation of good , than it can destroy . 5. Open force doth assure the Malecontents , that there is pretence made of no more than what is cordially intended ; to which the soft whispers of a few confederates cannot enough perswade : It being the ordinary practice of tyrannicall Governours , by such instruments to entrap others for whose lives and estates they long . But in this case , Report , that represents nothing in its due proportion , instead of the danger that is , musters up all that may be : And in this the concerned Tyrant seconds her ; who looking through the false Spectacles of guilt & feare , reads his fortune worse , than possibly it is written , and above prevention ; so farre , as though Hope ( the last friend in such adversities ) cannot quite be shook off , she fixeth upon lower objects , than the continuance of his former power . This flattered Nero , that though they drave him out of Rome , yet for pity , or to satisfie his Party , they might be drawn to leave him Egypt quiet : As foolish an opinion in him , as it had been madnesse in them , to think any power meet to be left in the hands of an exafperated Prince ; whose Revenge cannot be buried but in his grave , especially if it respects his Subjects : For though himselfe might be of a nature to forgive it , those about him cannot , but will be ready to incite him to take it upon all occasions . 6. Where there are many that conspire , the apprehension of any one will soone detect the rest ; whereas the like resolution taken by a single person , and not communicated , seldome failes , being secure from all feare , and hastened by no accident but what opportunity presents . 7. Ill Counsell is rather to be hearkened unto , than none at all ; there being a possibility to mend it with better : whereas a dull suspension looseth time , a thing it recoverable ; and doth not only assure the Adversaries , but disheartens Friends , giving them leisure to listen to the free offers of the contrary Party . It may be observed in the fall of Nero , that the meanest Conspiracy is not to be slighted . For in a crazed Common wealth , the least jangling will bring the multitude about the eares of their Governour ; who , having offended all , knowes not whom to trust , that hath any power with the people : And this perceived by his own ; they desert him , or by his destruction labour to purchase their particular safety : For what hope can another have in him , that distrusts himselfe ? He that hath lost the love of his people , cannot be certain of his present safety or moderate ruine when it comes ; for the most part sudden in regard of his owne knowledge , though presaged and wished by all the world besides . No prudence can maintaine a Tyrant long in power : for though he may divert the people from making inspection into his disposition , by exposing his Agents to their mercy ; yet at last the succession of the same abuses will direct them to the true cause ; which being once discovered to lye in his Nature , nothing he doth shall please , but he suspected for more evill , than it can in probability produce : The worlds Opinion exercising no lesse authority over Kings , than meaner men . Besides , the delivering up men in Authority to the rage of the People , like letting of Blood , may stop the progresse of a present Fever , but much weakens the power of the Prince , to resist a future distemper . After the disorders of a Tyrant are laid before the eyes of the people , it turnes thousands his enemies in an instant , that out of Custome or Conscience prayed for him the day before . Who are more solicitous to advance his destruction , than carefull to choose a Successour that might be fit to govern . Their Discretion extending no farther than their Nourishment , which they only receive frōhand to mouth . Therfore all the use that can be made of this popular Monster is , during their first heat : For , their expectations deloded ( being incapable of honour or reward ) they are ready , with the Dog , to lick up the same Nero they had vomited out . And , that it is easier to expell a Tyrant , than to finde a Prince in all points worthy to succeed , appeared by Galba : And by Otho we find , when the multitude are up in Swarmes , they care not , what Bush they light on . If Seneca had got the Emperiall Diadem from under Piso , it is uncertain , whether he had been able to have kept it : Vertue having shewed her selfe as great an enemy to a fresh Family as Vice , to whom Cruelty is for the most part more necessary than Clemency , especially towards the Nobility , who are observed to carry the most naturall affection to the old line , that first wound them up to honour . I would be loath to blame Seneca wrongfully , though the immense Treasure he left behind him doth , not onely , by consequence , accuse him of too much covetousnesse , as some Authors are bold to lay Ambition to his charge ; which the worse became him , because unpossible to be satisfied but at the cost of his Maker . But admit this Stoick in outward Profession , though an Epicure in his Gardens , &c. to be as good as he desired to be thought , yet if he had not restored to the Romans their lost liberty , but sought to establish the Government in his owne house , he had onely imitated their Charity , that take a Slave out of one cruell Family to put him into another , that might in a smal time prove as bad : or if he had governed moderately all his life , it had been like the good day in a Feaver , which is so short and uncertaine , that it takes away all tast of Ease and Delight , &c. A DISCOURSE Upon the Greatness & Corruption OF The Court of Rome . THere is nothing , Idlenesse and Peace makes not worse , Labour and Exercise better : The Tree that stands in the Weather , roots best , and deepest ; The running Water , and Aire that is agitated , are most wholsome and sweet . The Cause of this may be deduced from Gods eternall Decree , That nothing in Nature should remain idle and without motion : This also extends to the Children of Grace , who goe more nimbly about the works of their heavenly Calling , being driven by the stormes of Persecution , than when they have nothing but the smooth voice of Prosperity to allure and perswade them . The Martyrs professed Christ more boldly , amidst the flames of the hottest Persecutions , than we dare do in the Sunshine of the Gospell . God never made a larger promise of his continuing Truth in any place , than to the Nation of the Jewes : Yet how often do we find it buried in the rubbish of Errors and Impiety ? Their Kings and Priests either teaching , or at least tolerating Idolatry : The Church being driven into so dark and narrow a corner , as the Prophet Elias could not discover a righteous man : Neither was Jerusalem in better plight , which had the Temple , and in that the Oracles of God , in possession . For if it did scape profanation during the worser dayes of Solomon his son Rehoboam saw it plundered , and in most of his successors raignes it lay neglected or misimploied . So that if a stranger , led by the glorious title the Jewes had , to be the people of God , should have conformed himselfe to their worship , he had scarce mended his markt , though he were before never so great an Idolater . Yet God never gave a larger Charter to any Church ; part of it being contained in these words , I have hallowed this House which thou hast built , to put my name there for ever . This proves Gods Promises conditionall , and that outward Felicity seldome accompanies inward Integrity ; or if they have the luck to meet , they presently part ; mens hearts being ordinarily to narrow to entertain goodnesse and worldly pomp . The Churches we read of in the New Testament , with whom the Holy Ghost was so familiar , as to direct particular Letters unto them , are not now to be found . Onely Rome brags , she remains the same in purity of Doctrine , though for Manners she is as corrupt as her elder Sister Sodome , so that if Italy be a Circle of Impiety , the Court of Rome is the Center . Yet these plead their Title with God himselfe , grounding it upon the tottering Foundation of worldly felicity : Forgetting that it is against the example of all times , that any Nation , much lesse a Church , should so long saile under the merry gale of earthly prosperity , & not long ere this discharge herselfe of that rich lading she was fraught with all , when she traded for Soules , under the Fathers of the Primitive times . There having been such a succession of imperious greatnesse in that Chaire , as Rome is now more like the proud & triumphant Chappel of Antichrist , than the poore and militant Church of God . All the calamities that have of late fallen upon her , may be said to have dropt from her owne Ambition , in seeking to enlarge her power at the cost and prejudice of others , and therefore more naturally to be styled Punishments than Persecutions . You cast your eyes on no Story where the villany of Popes is not at large discovered ; who can then believe that the pure Spirit of God should indow with infallibility of judgment Monsters so visibly corrupted ? We finde , the Holy Ghost did under the Law hate and forbid all impurity though in meer outward Ceremony ; how then should he under the brighter light of the Gospell , suffer himselfe to be poured out of one uncleane Vessell into another ; beginning again with a Conjurer where he left with a Sodomite . Yet they say , Rome is the true Church , out of which there is no Salvation : Not remembring that the holy Scripture , Charity and Reason tell us , Gods Church is as universall as the Earth ; and shall one day be gathered together under Christ the Head . Now in the meane time , that harmony of Opinions they pretend to , may be rather wished , than hoped for . In Pauls time some made conscience of eating things sacrificed to Idols , others of Circumcision ; yet he condemnes them not for schismaticall . And it is but a weak evasion to say , He bare with them in regard of the infancy of the Church : For in these dayes of knowledge she is as infantine in some places , as she was then : where he that taught had the strength of Miracles to justifie his Doctrine , which these want , and are driven to this shift in lieu of them , to cozen the people with such as are supposititious Now if there be no salvation out of the Church of Rome , not to speak of our selves , &c. what Charity is it to think all the Water cast away , that is poured in Christs name , upon the faces of those Christians in Greece , Rushia , and remoter places , to which this Ages curiosity & covetousnesse hath taught thē the way ? This makes me think there is no room for such monopolizing Opinions : But I leave this to Divines , returning to the Pope . After the Piety of the first Bishops of Rome had purchased them Reputation , and that God had not onely opened the hearts of Potentates to receive the Gospell , but their hands to build and endow Churches : They being advanced first to the Dignity of Arch bishops , thence to Patriarchs , & so at last to the Papal Supremacy ( a name derived from Pater Patriarcharum , which for brevities sake was written Pa Pa ) exchanged their Piety for Promotion . It being the Custome of fraile Humanity , to conclude goodnesse at the beginning of Felicity . For taking the advantage of new kindled Zeale , wisely observed by them to be the hottest , the Popes were able to lead King and People whither they pleased , & in the interim had the opportunity to proportion what power or riches they thought fit for themselves . Now as Policy is not able to keep long the right way to Heaven , so at last it led them into a world of Impieties , by encroaching , under pretence of Religion , upon higher Jurisdiction and Power than could naturally belong to Subjects : which wanting strength of their own to maintain , they sheltered them under the Donation of such Princes , as had no better titles to their Crownes , than was derived from an Vsurpation over the weaknesse of those in former possession ; glad of the Popes Protection , because they found the generality of men , either out of Religion or Ignorance , made their estimate of the truth or falshood of the Titles , and legality of the Claims of Princes , according as they were more or lesse current in the opinion of their Clergie , whose judgements depended wholly on the Bishop of Rome , who afforded his approbation to their illegitimate Titles , out of no weaker Reason of State , than they at first desired it : Laying up with all diligence their Petitions and his Grants , to remain as Precedents for their posterite to be guided by : Therefore it is no wonder , why these Tyrants & Usurpers should strengthen the power of the Pope , since the foundation of their own was laid upon the exorbitant excesse of that of Rome : which is so improved , as the Emperour hath , for many ages , received his Crowne from their Successors , to whom his Predecessors had formerly given the Miter . The cloud of Ignorance , that did then cover the face of the world , was a great help to keep their jugling undiscovered : For that little Learning extant in those times was wholly included in the Monasticall Clergie , ( the Laity being intent upupon nothing but Wars and Pleasure ) so as they had opportunity to make all Books and Records speak in their favour ; which being Manuscrips , & so but in few hands , it was no hard matter to corrupt them . Besides being prohibited Marriage , they did neither respect nor acknowledge other Posterity or Alliance , than those to succeed in the same places , of whom they had so religious a care , as they thought none merited well of the Church , that did not leave them endowed with more Power and Immunities then they found them : Making it an Article of the faith they owed to their Profession , to suppresse the Laity , & advance the Clergie : And if this was the End , they esteemed no Means ill , conducing to it . Thus by Time , the Indulgency of good , and Necessity of wicked and illegitimate Princes , they freed their whole Society from the Jurisdiction of the temporall Magistrate , not suffering them to be liable to any punishments , but those eternall , & such as their own superiours shall think fit to lay upon them ; seldome suitable to the fault , unlesse in case of Schisme from their generall Tenents : & in this their Jealousie , no lesse than prudence makes them very severe . Now having purchased Ease , Honour , and Impunity , such as were Poore , Guilty , or Ambitious , besides Younger Brothers , and those in Debt , entered their Fellowship ; which freed them from present want , and feare of punishment for former Offences , how capitall soever : And these being , for the most part , of the best naturall abilities soon learned the skill , so to work on the consciences of Dying people , and those affrighted with their sins , that the Church was left Heire of the best part of Christendome . And taking encouragement from the blinde Zeale then raigning , ( which till Printing had opened a way to Knowledge , rendred all things possible unto them ) they did not onely make use of such profitable Errors , as their fore fathers left them , but brought in new ones of their own contriving , gilding them with the spendid titles of things necessary & of religious use ; Amongst , which were Images , brought in at first only to encourage others to imitate their constancy , whom they saw painted , with the manner of Death they had been put to by the Persecuters of those Times : Of the Crosse , wore anciently only for a Cognisance , they have made a Tutelary God , looking no higher in their Extremities : The blessed Saints were scandalized with the Worship given to them & their Reliques : whom , in a full imitation of the Heathen , they made Protectors of their Cattell , and smaller Pleasures , as Hawking , Hunting , &c. And because the Bible did not , in their opinions , afford a store sufficient for all uses , they have added a number more , as may be found in the Legend . To the Monks , and all sorts of Friars , the Popes have successively given immense Priviledges and Indulgences , wisely considering , they gain them victories , without the Sword , & are a strong & faithfull Militia , fed & paid by the respective Princes of Christendome , who , though they know they depend on a Forraigne Power , yet few dared to explode them : so sharp and terrible was their fear of the Knife , and more deeply wounding dart of Excommunication . And because , in case all Kings should have joyned , it might have gone hard with his Holinesse , be kept them employed abroad at the Holy War , or at Enmity one with another , or at least at Unity with himselfe , by maintaining their usurped Titles , or dispēsing with their Incestuous or Adulterous Marriages . But finding , in these latter dayes , Knowledge hath exposed him to a Reformation , and that Princes would no longer make the vindication of his Temporalities , or what , under the notion of Spirituals , he is pleased to call His , a matter of Religion : and not daring to alter any thing formerly admitted by his Predecessors , for fear of falling under this undeniable Conclusion , That he which hath erred in one thing , may in more : He most politickly call'd in the Inquisition , which turneth no less to the profit of the Secular Prince ( who hath all he dislikes condemned by an Authority uncapable as well of Envy as Revenge ) than the Preservation of the Ecclesiasticks , and his Holinesse's power from falling under ordinary Dispute : which Policy he borrowed of his younger Brother Mahumet , whose errors remain to this day in Credit , because it is death to question the Truth of them . No man can say the Pope imitates Peter , except in denying his Master ; who following the example of Christ , did in humility wash his Companion 's feet , which this doth in jest , during the holy Week , as they call it , but suffers his owne to be , in earnest , kiss'd by Kings & Emperours . It is true , he styles himselfe the Servant of Servants , but is content to be worshipped under the title of Lord of Lords : Nay some of his Flatterers have given him the name of a God , yet with Paul & Barnabas , he doth not rend his Cloathes , saying , He is a man subject to infirmities , as others are ; but rather seekes to seem worthy of this Title , by proclaiming to the world , That he cannot erre , a power God hath wholly reserved to himselfe ; or if communicated ( which I will not now dispute ) it is onely to the Church in generall , when , in his feare they shall meet to determine matters of Religion , Which is so contrary to the nature of his Greatnesse , that no sound is so terrible to him , as that of a General Council , a thing this Age cannot hope to see free & intire , by reason of the contrary Interests of Princes , who , together with Religion , mingle their covetous and ambitious Pretences : For if such interruptions had not been , so undecent a proceeding should never have taken place , as was in the Council of Trent ; where the Emperor suffered the Pope to be Party & Judge , & the Bishops bereft of all power , either to propose or determin . Nor were the Plaintiffs admitted to more favour or liberty of Disputation , than to remain quiet , & heare themselves condemned ; so as , in conclusion , though this Synod was desired only to abate the power & reform the abuses of the Court of Rome , it was managed by them with so much Policy , that it did rather much strengthen & confirm the exorbitant power of that See . The greatest things in dispute between Papist and Protestant , are matters concerning Profit or Honour , which may satisfy any not delighted with blindnesse , that they were brought in by the diligence of the Priests , taking advantage from the ignorance of preceding Ages . From all which I may conclude , that such amongst them as are wise , conversant in history , & acquainted with the present practise of the Court of Rome , are souly to be suspected of Atheisme : because Conscience can never be perswaded against a convincing experience : which is also made good by the irreligious Italians , from whom comes this Proverb . The neerer the Church , the farther from God : For such abhor Religion , because they see the Pope makes but a politick robe of it , taking the liberty himselfe to put it on or off , as becomes his occasions . A DISCOURSE UPON THE ELECTION OF POPE LEO the XI . IN the Negotiations of Cardinall Peron may be found a perfect Journall of so much of the Election of Leo the Eleventh , as was possible to bee knowne by one side ; to which Discours I shall refer all those that do believe the Pope can be the true Successor of Peter : It being incongruous both to Prudence & Religion , to imagine the Holy Ghost should mingle Interests with the ambitious ends of Princes , who shun no impious means , to make him succeed , that is thought the truest friend to their Occasions . I know it is not onely in the power , but the practise of God , to raise his ends out of ill means ; Yet it were presumption in men to shape out his work , though he be able to fit our endeavours to his own Honour . But the Court of Rome seeks to make the people believe , that , notwithstanding these Considerations , after the Masse of the HolyGhost is said , he is as really present in the Conclave , as he was with the eleven Disciples , when they chose a Successor to Judas , who betrayed Christ . In which they acknowledge themselves either Atheists , or presumptuous fighters against God ; For if the Choice be his , how dare they interpole their mediation , or hope the French or Spanish Factions can possibly prevail ; one side ever interrupting because both cannot be pleased . They have of late been made , sometimes by the other which must conclude the Holy Spirit subservient to humane Endeavours , or no more friend to this Choice , than to that of the Grand Seignior . Here you may see how they labour to hire or force the HolyGhost to fix upon sōe such subject , as may be most auspicious to the prevalent Party ; who is invoked out of Ceremony , leaving the rest to be hewed out by themselves . Before these Monarchs grew so potent , the troubles in the Conclave were rather more than lesse : For the Cardinalls made Elections so tedious by their towsing , that sometimes the Romans , sometimes other Princes , forced them to resolve . And to avoid such constraint , they did often pitch upon Impotent men , such as for Age or Weakness were not likely to hold out long ( as this Leo , who died in few weks after his assumption ) during whose time the Pretenders are at leisure to concoct their Designes better ; which is ordinarily done by Bribes , or in case they prevaile not , by Poyson , nay the Devill is not left unsought to : So as Balzac , saith , None , on this side the Alpes , labour more to look well , than some of them , to seem-sickly and weake ; hoping by that means to obtain the Chaire which is able , of a gouty Cardinall , to make a sound Pope . In antient time the Bishops of Rome were chosen by the Parish Priests of that City ; And how , since , Cardinals came in , is no more known , ( though not antient ) thā the date of many Novelties , that have most shamefully been imposed upō the Church : Yet to this day , no Ecclesiasticall Cardinall ( for they have others ) but retains among his titles , the name of one of the Parish Churches in Rome , though he be ordinarily called by his own name , or else some other Bishoprick or Dignity , he hath in Cōmendā . By the institutions of a former Pope , which for shame they dare not revoke , all his Actions that gets into the Chaire by Simony , are null : Now what are all these sinister Endeavours , but so many severall sorts of Simony ? If Simon Magus had attempted by Policy , mediation of Friends , or Flattery , to have obtained the Gift of the HolyGhost , should his fault have been lesse , or not rather greater ; Money being the richest offer he could make , and most suitable to the Apostles wants , which he saw others , indued with the same Spirit , daily cast at their feet ? And if this be granted , when had the Church a Head able to utter any thing but Falshoods , or Nullities ; All Popes having , for many yeares , entered at one of these Gates ? In Civil Kingdoms , the Crowne is to be obeyed without questioning how the Wearer came by it ; but to tie the Ecclesiasticall power to these conditions , were to binde the Holy Ghost to the Popes Chaire . The Bishop of Rome layes an absolute claim to an unerring Spirit ; but is not able to demonstrate the time when he had it : If it were alwaies , the Errors found inherent in the persons were uncapable of blame or retraction . Yet out of this Cloud of uncertainety , say they , the Holy Ghost dictates onely to his Church , & such as deny it are Hereticks . If at any time he hath the Spirit of infallibility , it is , perhaps , at his first entrance into the Chaire , as Saul had a greater measure upon his new anointing , than in all his Raign besides ; yet in the Election of this Leo the XI ( of the House of Medici , and before his Assumption known by the Title of Cardinall of Florence ) appeares no such matter , which would not have been omitted by the penner of the passages of their Conclave ; being an eye witnesse & a Cardinall , who doth pride himselfe much in his fortune , & the policy both he & the French Party had used in his advance . But it may be , Paul the Fifth , who succeeded this Leo , had it , when he made so great a present to the Devill , as at once to excommunicate the whole State of Venice , with all the territories belonging unto it : But this was afterwards condemned by himselfe as rash & inconsiderate , terms most unbefitting a thing done by God . And wise men may here justly take occasion to conclude , that no Pope doth think , or ever thought , he had a power of not erring : For if such a Spirit were an usuall companion of that See , Paul the Fifth would have expected the operation of it , and not have troubled a State to so little purpose , without the assistance at least of a Revelation . He that desires to be informed of the Illnesse of Modern Popes , may be abundantly satisfied , if he Consult Historians , who are not dumb in declaring the faults of the Court of Rome . The truth is , were it not for the strict ( or if you will , call them pious ) Lives of a few melancholick Friars , it is impossible so much wickednesse should not be booted out of the world . Yet the Court of Rome hath as strong Supporters as Policy is able to bring , though her truest friends are Ignorance , the Inquisition , and Interests of Princes : The first lies in every particular manto reform , the second for the most part in the King of Spaine , the third onely in God . Politicall Occasions Of the DEFECTION From the CHURCH OF ROME . AS some Diseases , and other Mulcts ( but accidentall in the first result ) become , after a small Succession , hereditary to a Family ; So Opinions , if once inveterate , tender their Professours Ears , like those of the Adder , deaf to the wiser & more probable Charmes of Reason . I come just now from talking with a Papist , and find him ( though a Scholar ) so wrapped up in the old rags of Tradition , and inspired with so strong an Implicit Faith , that I think it had been one of the nearest things to impossible , for the Bishop of Rome to have lost so many , had he not fallen into such Errors as these . 1. The seeking to maintain a greater shew of Piety in the Church , than was suitable to humane Frailty , & the comforts of Life : The Friars Habit being no lesse nasty than unseemly , and therefore shunn'd by nicet Judgments & those of parts , not so capable of temptation from any thing , as Pleasure & Profit : Or if such Austerity was called for , in relation to externall Zeal , ( the parade of all Religions , and fit to be mustered up often in the eyes of the people ) yet the generality might have been left to more decent Acoutrements , by which they had become sociable unto others , & not loathsome to themselves . 2. Though such Austerity was exacted from the Members , the Head , and capitall Clergie observed not the like : which alarum'd not onely their Maligners , but those of their owne Coat , whose Desert or Fortune had not raised them to the same Transcendency . 3. The admittance of Printing , unpossible but to prove disadvantageous unto those , whose strongest evidence , for the maintenance of their Power , lay in the Ignorance & Patience of the World , which this could not but be thought probable both to informe and disturb . 4. The suffering Nations to swell into such vast Bodies , as France , Spaine , &c. The most obtained under the Churches pretence , which in favour to one , and malice to others , did blast Princes titles by the thunders of Excommunication , and set the people at odds with their Naturall Soveraigns . By which Exorbitances they taught the Germans and our Henry the eight to find out a Remedy by applying to this proud flesh the powder of Reformation ; the strength of which made the same Zeal , that swell'd the Priests to this height , as ready to teare away the ground frō under them . 5. The mixing a desire of temporall power with what is purely spirituall , put such an allay upon their Sanctity , that it became lesse current , than otherwise it might have been , had they not used the Sword , which Peter only drew ( & yet not without acheck ) in his Master's cause , to purchase Principalities for their Children & Nephewes . 6. The falling into the common Error of weaker Princes , who , to palliate some extēporary mischiefe , do oftentime scontract an incurable inconvenience , as was done in the case of John Husse , & Hierom of Prague : in relation to whose proceedings the Fathers in the Councill of Basil enacted , That No Faith was to be kept with Hereticks . By which they have rendered themselves incompatible with any other Tenents than their own ; To whom they do by this almost as much as confesse , that upon the accesse of a power sufficient , none are to expect milder conditions , than to lay their heads upon the Block , or cast their consciences at the Popes feet . 7. The irrepealable Authority given to the Decrees of all approved Synods , opposeth the Custome of Nature , and course of all sublunary things , whicy are apt to change ; no lesse than true reason of State , that abhors to be shackled by any severer restraint than she is able to cast off upon approach of a greater advantage : The dispensing with an unsociable Tenent being far lesse prejudiciall , than the continuance of it against the grain of the generality . 8. The Pope should have removed at least so many of the Hundred Greivances , presented at the Diets , as he found all Estates cōcurred in the dislike of : The charge and trouble incident to the Roman Religion afflicting mens temporalities as much almost as their Falsehood could their Consciences : It being more Policy to part with things not absolutely necessary , willingly , than by constraint . 9. The open partiality shewed in the affairs of divided Princes : By which the one side is made perpetually his enemy , & the friendship of the other no longer permanent , than it receives benefit ; being wise enough to see , that the same Arts and Power that are able to help now , may , upon the recoil of Interest , be as apt to hurt : All strength conjuring up jealousie in Kings , that is not absolutely at their own dispose . 10. The ordinary & slight Provocations the Pope took to draw the dagger of Excommunication : which acquainted Princes no lesse with the bluntnesse of his Weapons , than the keennesse of his Malice : By which they were taught to abate , so much as possibly they could , the reach of his power , lest it should have increased to an universall prejudice ; nothing being more notorious than the Ambition of the Church , not possibly to be moderated , but by an absolute restraint , & an open discovery of the Arts used to twist the Interests of Christ with those purely their own : a medly of Colours apparent to judicious eyes : with which Religion was so dapled , that it was embraced by the most , rather out of ostētation than love , or pure zeal , and so not likely to continue long . 11. Had he turned the edge of his Ecclesiasticall sword against Turks and Infidels , which he hath , since Gregory the great , chose rather to sheath in the bosome of Christians ( whose differences , especially if they intrenched upon his Supremacy , he fomented into flames ) he might have inlarged the extent of his own jurisdiction by a supply of new Proselytes , who are ever fonder of their Nurses , than those whose sharper experience of the covetousnesse , and Ambition of the Church hath weaned from being so highly pleased with the Roman Gue-gaus . I confesse it unsuitable to his Interest , to suffer all or the major part of Christendome to fall under the jurisdiction of one person , for then his power would be eclipsed , as the Moon , in Opposition ; or quite lost , as the Stars upon the approach of the Sun : which arraigns him of Indiscretion , for suffering the German Empire to be Hereditary : easily to have been fore-seen , when once it fell upon so powerfull a Prince as Charles the V , not likely to part with any thing he had once possessed , & now too strongly rooted in the Austrian Family , ever to be eradicated but at the cost of a totall subversion , either by the Turke or Lutheran Professors . 12. The severall Orders and distinct Names they gave the Friars , known to breed Emulation & Division among them ; as is evident about the Conception of the V. Mary , &c. And the irreconcilable feud between the active Society of Jesus , and all the other duller Fraternities . 13. Ceremony ( though the Body of Religion , yet ) is too weak to bear that Stresse the Priests laid upon it ; who should rather have built upon faith , to which nothing is impossible : Considering withall that though externall behaviour may add warmth to zeal , yet a redundancy of it doth not seldome suffocate & extinguish it , by converting it into Idolatry , which is a palpable mistake in the worship of God , and cannot long , among knowing people , be held from clamouring for a Reformation ; which the Pope should ever have prevented by a hasty doing it himselfe : For if once undertaken by the uninterested Rabble , they will never leave , till the forme of worship is bruised & beaten out of all comlinesse , so as nothing can satisfy but the molding it anew . Which the win of no single Age , much lesse that contained in a few Heads , is able to make compleat : Church Discipline , well instituted , being the highest result of all Prudece , God hath intrusted men withall : whose materialls too neer scrutinized , seem to discover more Policy then Piety ; by the contemplation of which mens Judgements being once dazeld , they are ever after propense to Athoisme , and a prejudiciall jealousie of their Teachers . 14. The Pope neglected the prudentiall carriage of a Miller , who being supplied with a larger stream than the conveniency of his Trade requires , suffers it to run wast , rather then endanger the subversion of the whole Engine , he hath liv'd so long happily by . Whereas the Pope permitted the Ecclesiasticks , not onely to appropriate to their particular profit , all that which ignorant zeal did voluntarily & plentifully shower down upon them ; but connived at the Mists and Thunders they raised in the Consciences of Dying men : By which they became co-heirs almost in every Family : Forgetting that A great Booty invites Theft , at best Envy ; it being unlikely , Princes should long forbear squeezing such Spunges , out of awfulnesse to Religion , as had no better authority for their dreining their Subjects , than they drew from a forraign power ; owned by the most , rather out of Policy than Piety , especially since it was ordinary with his Holiness himselfe to make great Leavies upon no other reason , than to augment his own , or raise new Empires for his Sons or Nephews . 15. The abundance of such contingencies bred a neglect of their surer & more legitimate Patrimony , consisting in Tithes & unquestiond Churchoduties ; very sufficient to have maintained a number large enough for the loading the patience and conveniency of the most prudent States , without the additiō of such vast Revenues , not possible to be apprehended but under the notion of things superfluous in the Church , since Christ in person never owned such Plenty , which made it seem more undecent in him that pretended to be his Vicar . 16. Fallacies discovered in Miracles which call in questiō as well those antiently & truly done , as such as are reported to be new . Thus the pious Deceits our Ancestors used to bring men to salvation , are not only made Stales to catch Profit , but instrumentall to Infidelity . A DISCOURSE IN VINDICATION OF Martin Luther . HE may be suspected of Hypocrisie , if not Atheisme , that too suddenly leapes out of one Opinion into another ; It being impossible for meer flesh and blood , to pull up all at once a Religion rooted by Costome and Education in the Understanding , which must be convinced , before it can let in another with any cordiall welcome . I speak not of the antient and extraordinary Callings of God , but those experimented in our times , in which over much hast doth often-times bewray Deceit ; As appeared in the Bishop of Spalatto ; who in my dayes left Italy for fear of Paul the fifth , his enemy , and reconcil'd himselfe to the Church of England ; but the old Pope being dead , and his Kinsman in the Chaire , he resumes his former Errors , and goes to Rome , in hope of Preferment , where contrary to promise , he dies miserably . When Falshood is fallen-out with for any other respect , than Love of Truth , it inclines to Atheisme , and is so far from mending the Condition of the Convert , that it renders it worse . None ever shewed greater signes of Gods Spirit , than Luther did ; who observed such Gradations , as it may appear he found faule with nothing ; he was not first led to by the dictates of Conscience : Falling first upon the abuse of Indulgences , too apparent an Impiety , to passe by so acute a Judgment undiscovered ; From this he ascended to higher Contemplations , which afforded him the opportunity to take notice of remoter and deeper Errors . His Wit & Learning having that vast advantage over the stupid Ignorance of those times , that he bare down all before him , without any other Opposition , than the contrary Faction was able to raise out of power ; much weakened by the desire all Princes had , to set limits to the Pope's daily Usurpations . And as for the Books , then writ against him , they did rather shar pen , than blunt the desire of Change : For the Friars had so long enjoyed a free current of their Doctrine , without interruption , that they were more intent on the reaping of such Fruit , as grew from the Errors sown by their Predecessors , than upon Arguments to defend thē . So as if Princes , that were weary of the Yoak of Rome , had wanted the guidance of Luther , it is not easle to say , whither they might have wandered . And though Charls the fifth , then Emperour , to keep his subjects in obedience , did seem to discountenance the Schism ( as they call'd it ) yet he was content to shut up the Pope in the Castle of S. Angelo . Which proves his small affection , and the truth of this Tenet , that if ever Christendome falls under one Monarch , or turns into popular States , the power of the Pope will be lost , or confined to Rome ; being at this day onely kept up , like a Shittle-cock , by the bandying of Princes . 'T is objected against Luther , That he was too passionate , using irreverent speeches towards some in Authority ? Yet so much of this fault , as Zeale leaves unexcused , may be imputed to his Education . All can be said , is , He was but a Man , and subject to Common Infirmities ; And because his ene mies do so often object this , it is strongly to be presumed , his worst fault . I could have wish'd , he had not married a Nun : but I believe he did it to shew People , The Quarrell was irreconcilable , as Absalom projected when he polluted his Fathers bed : And in this sense , the benefit takes away much of the blame ; which lay not in the unlawfullnesse , but the inexpediency of the fact . And to shew , God did not curse his Match ( Though he might participate of the fate of other learned men , who seldom finde their abilities , represented in their Issue ; yet ) he left three such Sons , as did not give his enemies occasion to upbraid his memory with them . For the Reall Presence , maintained by him in the Sacrament , it doth not so much condemn his Judgement in this , as it justifies his Integrity in all the rest : He being as resolute to vindicate what he thought true , against the perswasions of his Friends , as he was against the threats and promises of his Enemies : For if any by-respect could have warped him , it would have been a desire to appease the hot Dispute , the retention of this error raised in his Own Party , wholly of his judgment but in this particular , in which Zwinglius , and the Helvetian Church did oppose him . And if this be not enough to wash him clean from the imputation of Self-ends and Covetousnesse , the Proverb used in Germany may , That Poore Luther made many rich . As he was protected from a number of apparent mischiefs , so the same had freed him from many hidden , in respect of the eyes of the world ; it being impossible , that he , who had gall'd so many Grandees , should not have Revenge laid in wait for him , in every corner : Experience proving , that Kings themselves can scarce whisper against the Court of Rome , but the Knife is ready to give them a finall Answer . His Death was with as little Molestation , as his Life was full : For being call'd to the County of Mansfield , the place of his birth , to determine a Case in controversy between two Princes of that Family , he died there in the sixty third year of his Age . Had the Apostles , nay our Saviour himselfe been alive , and maintained what Luther did , they had been persecuted by the Clergie : Therefore the Crucifying of Christ is no prodigy in Nature , but daily practis'd : among men : For he that can find the heart to stigmatize and whip his Brother , for an Error meerely in Judgment , would never have spared Peter or Paul , coming with no more visible Authority then they had . But this is not the way to suppresse an Heresy , since most are jealous of that opinion , which useth the Sword for her Defence ; Truth having been long since determined to be most strong : And where Oppression is , there for the most part , she is supposed to be . This shews as little Discretion as Charity in such as persecute those , that may be in the Right ; or ; if not , shall by this means , be kept the longer in the Wrong . If a Horse starts , the more he is beaten , the harder he is kept in the way ; but let him stand , & have leisure to consider what he blanched at , & he will perceive it is a Block , & so go on . Yet it is neither cruelty nor imprudēce , to restrain such furious Spirits ( as they do Dogs ) that will bawl & fly at all they do not know : But I should be utterly against burning their Books in publick , if they have once gained the light : which onely adds to their price , & saves them a labour ; because , if the State did not put them in credit , by their notice , they would perhaps , after a while for shame , burn them themselves . The Whip reforms not so much as he that endures it ; but is taken as a triumph by the Faction , increasing their animosity , if not their number ; So that in effect it proves a punishment to none but the honest and tender-hearted of the people , who cannot choose but be scandalized , to see the Image of God defaced , by cutting Eaves , and slitting Noses , &c. And this raiseth a strong suspition , that the Hand of Justice would not lie so heavy onely on the preciser fide , but that something inclines it that may at last turne to the subversion of the most moderate part . The Dutch , though they tolerate all Religions & Tenents , yet none increased to their prejudice , till they strove to suppresse the Arminians , who are in tast as like the Papists , as Scallions are to Onions ; all the difference is , that the latter is the stronger : Yet since they have let them alone , this Opinion is observed to be lesse numerously attended . Had the Pope seasonably reformed the Error Luther discovered so apparently , in the publication of Indulgences , and rewarded him a Bishoprick . for his Learning and Zeale , let him afterwards have said what he pleased : it would have been looked upon by the people as of no credit : who like nothing so well , as what goeth crosse to the grain of Authority . The Lord Treasurer Cecil , having been unsufferably abused by Libels , sent for the Poet , and , after he had ratled him soundly , began to take notice of the poor fellowes good parts , saying , , It might be , vexatious poverty compelled him to make use of false , though common Rumours , given out by such as hated all in Authority ; To ease which he gave him 20 pieces , promising to take the first opportunity to advance him . This favour ( most contrary to his expectation , who would willingly have given one ear to have saved the other ) did so worke with him , and the rest of the Pasquillers of the time , that , till the Treasurers death , none used the like Invectives . Bancroft , Archbishop of Canterbury , used the like demeanour towards some Gentlemen that had laid the imputation of Sodomy to his Charge , &c. Clemency seldome causeth repentance in an established Kingdome , or if it proves a fault , it is easily mended ; Whereas Cruelty can never be recalled , raising a far greater Party out of a thirst of Revenge . than ever yet could be mustred up from the hope of Impunity . Therefore to conclude , since Luther alone had the power to do so much , let us not be thus severe against others , that having their zeal kindled ( though perhaps at the wrong end ) run madding through the world ; but rather pity them , if they be in an errour : Because they something resemble the first Messengers of Truth . FINIS . 
A12609	----	The Ottoman of Lazaro Soranzo VVherein is deliuered aswell a full and perfect report of the might and power of Mahamet the third, great Emperour of the Turkes now raigning: together with the interestes and dealinges which he hath with sondrie other princes, what hee is plotting against the state of Christendome, and on the other side what we may practise and put in execution against him to his great damage and annoyaunce. As also a true description of diuers peoples, countries, citties and voyages, which are most necessarie to bee knowen, especially at this time of the present warre in Hungarie. Translated out of Italian into English, by Abraham Hartvvell. L'ottomano. English. Soranzo, Lazzaro. 1603 Approx. 411 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 117 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). 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A12609) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 18221) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 399:5) The Ottoman of Lazaro Soranzo VVherein is deliuered aswell a full and perfect report of the might and power of Mahamet the third, great Emperour of the Turkes now raigning: together with the interestes and dealinges which he hath with sondrie other princes, what hee is plotting against the state of Christendome, and on the other side what we may practise and put in execution against him to his great damage and annoyaunce. As also a true description of diuers peoples, countries, citties and voyages, which are most necessarie to bee knowen, especially at this time of the present warre in Hungarie. Translated out of Italian into English, by Abraham Hartvvell. L'ottomano. English. Soranzo, Lazzaro. Hartwell, Abraham, b. 1553. [10], 107, [1] leaves Imprinted by Iohn Windet, London : 1603. A translation of: L'ottomano. The last leaf is blank. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Mohammed -- III, -- Sultan of the Turks, d. 1603. Turkey -- History -- Mohammed III, 1595-1603 -- Early works to 1800. 2004-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-05 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-06 Rachel Losh Sampled and proofread 2004-06 Rachel Losh Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE OTTOMAN OF LAZARO SORANZO . VVherein is deliuered aswell a full and perfect report of the might and power of Mahamet the third , Great Emperour of the Turkes now raigning : together with the Interestes and dealinges which he hath with sondrie other Princes , what hee is plotting against the State of Christendome , and on the other side what we may practise and put in executition against him to his great damage and annoyaunce . As also a true Description of diuers peoples , Countries , Citties and Voyages , which are most necessarie to bee knowen , especially at this time of the present Warre in Hungarie . Translated out of Italian into English , by ABRAHAM HARTVVELL . LONDON Imprinted by Iohn Windet , 1603. TO THE MOST Reuerend Father in God , the Lo. Archbishop of Canterbury his Grace , of all England Primate and Metropolitane , one of the Lords of her Maiesties most honourable priuy Councell , my singular good Lord and Maister . MOst Reuerend father in God , and my singular good Lord : It pleased your Grace in the beginning of Michaelmas terme last , to demand of me a question touching the Bassaes and Visiers belonging to the Turkish Court , and whether the chiefe Visier were promoted and aduanced to that high & supereminent authority aboue the rest , according to his priority of time and antiquity of his being Bassa , or according to the good pleasure and election of the Graund Turke himselfe : wherein although I did for the present satisfie your Grace to your contentment by the smal skill & knowledge which I haue in those Turkish affaires : yet bethinking my selfe of this Discourse which hauing been by me translated out of the Italian tongue , had passed the Print , & had lyen by me these two years not published to the viewe of this English world , vpon some speciall considerations , that moued me for the time to conceale the same . I thought it would bee a very acceptable and pleasing matter now to thrust it forth , for the better satisfaction of your Grace and others , that are desirous to vnderstand the ful truth & estate of that tirannical and Mahameticall Empire . The Booke was written and penned by one Lazaro Soranzo a Venetian Gentleman , in the yeare 1598. at what time Mahamet the thirde of that name , now raigning , was expected to haue entended warre vpon the State of Christendome , eyther in his owne persō , or by sending forth some one of his Bassaes or Visiers to bee his Generall in that action , whereupon the Gentleman author of this Discourse , beganne to enter into a very deepe and subtle consideration of al the designments & purposes which the Turke and his Councell had plotted at home , against the poore distressed seuerall States & commō wealths of the christian Empire : & hauing performed the same did publish it in print for the general plesure & benefite both of his own country and also of al others , that may haue any interest in so waighty & important a busines : In which treatise if he haue somewhat trespassed by terms and wordes against the Caluinists , the error will soone be pardoned , if we shall remember that he is but a relator of others opinions & speeches , though himself indeed be greatly addicted to the popish religion , and the maintenance thereof . It containeth first a perfect and true discouery of the present estate , wherin that Easterne Empire now standeth , together with a speciall report of the reuenewes and forces thereof : secondly , the particular discourses , that were made , where , and vpon what parte of Christendom this war should be first attēpted : and thirdly a most christian & resolute aduise giuen by the author to all Christian Princes , how they may cōbyne & confederate themselues togither in this sacred war , & be able euery way to meete withall or any of these Turkish deuises & plots , wheresoeuer & whensoeuer they shall be put in practise , which aduise I wold to God might deeply and foundly sinke into the heartes and mindes of all our western princes , to the end they might ioyne altogether with prayer and force to eclipse that cressant Moone , being now ( I hope ) at the full , and according to the Turkes owne fearefull presages , as it is mentioned in the 83. page of this little worke , like vtterly to bee extinguished , whensoeuer it shall please the Moderator of all kingdomes to call away this present fatall Mahamet , who dooth as yet domineere in that vaste and huge tyrannie . I was once minded ( my most gracious good Lord ) to haue added hereunto a more ample discourse of the estate , forces and reuenues of that Empire , comprehended in a Treatise ( entituled , Il Turco vincibile in Hongheria , viz. That the Turke is vanquishible and to bee ouerthrowne in Hungary ) written by an other Italian Gentleman , called Achillis Tarducci of the Marquisate of Ancona . But the time preuēted me , so that I could not couple them together , according to my desire . And therfore I most hūbly beseech your Grace to accept of this my poore trauell , being performed by starts and at idle houres , which I should & ought to haue employed in your more serious seruices : not doubting but that ( if it shall please God to adde any moe yeares to this my Quinquagenarian yere of Iubile , for which I most hartily thanke his diuine Maiesty ) I shal be hereafter , if not more able , yet assuredly more willing to discharge my dutie to your Grace and my country , by doing some further seruice , that may be pleasing & acceptable to any indifferēt reader . In the meane time , I do hereby ( as I am bound ) wholy deuote my selfe to your seruice , beseeching the Almightie still to preserue & maintaine your Grace in al health , honor , and happines , to the continuation of the peace of this English Church , and the comfort of all your friendes and followers : Among whome I must acknowledge myselfe , though the least and the worst , yet in all dutie and affection . Your Graces most loyall , faithfull , and obedient seruant . A. H. At your Graces house in Lambhith , the first of Ianuarie . 1603. The Preface . EVen as for Princes that would learne wel to gouerne and maintaine them selues , aswell in time of peace , as of warre , there is no one thing more necessarie , then the knowledge , first of their owne affaires , and next of the state of other principalities , ( as those do write , who haue the greatest vnderstanding in ciuil causes , & as Experience it selfe doth manifestly declare : ) so is it most fit and cōuenient for them , to vse their vttermost care & diligence , that they may haue perfect skill & discretion to iudge betweene truth and falshood . For if the second part of their knowledge , I meane touching other mens states & Principalities : ( for of the first it is not my purpose to discourse ) bee not founded and established vpon truth , it will neuer be possible that their counsailes shall sort to any profite or aduauntage , because it is well knowne , that a false information , either of a speech , or of an Astion , or of a place , may oftentymes breed no lesse damage , and daunger , then a Counseller that is either of small capacitie , or else a lyer , or a Captaine that hath neither wisdome nor experience . And therefore verie greatly are those Princes to be commended , who not onely endeuour to enforme themselues of the wittes and loyaltie of their owne seruants , but also for the more certaintie how matters do passe in truth , maintaine either at home in Court , or abroad in forreine places , Men of learning , and of practise : the one for matter of Historie , and properly appertaining to good ciuill gouernment , and the other for the knowledge of the estates , inclinations , designements , interests , treasures , armour , weapons , confederacies , preparations , and all the forces of other Princes : whereunto may be added also as a matter of great impertance to know those Countries , which haue not onely beene knowne many a yeare ago , but also those that haue beene lately dicouered , or may hereafter bee made knowne to the world . In respect whereof , assuredly aboue all other Don Iohn king of Portugall , and Isabell of Aragon , are most worthie of eternall memorie , for the discouerie of the East Indies , and of the new world , which was performed by their fauour and assistance . And the reason of that which hath beene said , is this , touching the first , because such matters hauing beene reported or written , for the most part either to please , or for some aduātage , or falsly penned by persons that neuer were present at the Action , or for feare haue concealed the truth , their reports and writings haue need of great caution & censure , before they be beleeued : and touching the second , because one eye-witnes , as the Poet sayth , is more certaine & worthy of beleefe , then a thousand eare-witnesses , as they do most manifestly approue , who by the view of their own eies , which they haue made in diuerse Prouinces , do find & acknowledge , that in bookes of Cosmographie , Geography & Chorographie , there be many faults and errors to be noted in the gouernement of sundry principalities , in the maners and customs of diuerse peoples , and in the true situation of seuerall places and Countreyes : besides many other tales and fables , which are here and there dispersed , as well in writers of old , as in writers of late times , and onely because the Authours of them haue written and recorded either all these matters , or at least verie many of them , without euer seeing any part of them , but referring themselues wholy to the ancient descriptions , which in deed do not fully answere to the knowledge and experience of these dayes , and without iustifying the same by such persons as haue not onely seene them , which euery common Curseters and prating cousener , can also do : but also such as haue had the skill to obserue euery action , and an intent truly to report it againe . Homer called Vlysses a wise man , ( which is the goodliest title that can bee giuen to a Prince , or to a Captaine ) not because he had heard , but because hee noted and obserued the manners and customes of sundrie peoples , and sawe many Cities . And peraduenture it was the reason which moued Plato to make a law , that none of his Citizens should trauaile abroad before hee was xl . yeares olde , to the end that being growen wise by age , he might with more iudgemēt obserue the affairs of the world , and then report them to his Countrey for the common benefite thereof . True it is that those Princes , which doe not willingly admit any trafficke with straungers , contrary to the law and course of all Nations , as for example the Moscouite , and Presbyter Iohn , but especially and aboue al other the Princes of China , who being strengthned by fortifications , and keeping continuall watch and ward for that purpose , will not suffer their subiects to passe or trauell into forraine Countries , because they hold Platoes opinion to bee true , which he setteth downe in his common wealth , that strange fashions and customes may corrupt home-borne natures : such princes ( I say ) haue no neede in deed , to be any diligent inquisitors or searchers of other mens actions . But for other states , that with all humane intertainment and entercourse do admit all forreiners , and cōuerse kindly with them , and embrace their enterests and confederacies , and therfore are more strongly & entirely enforced of necessitie to guard themselues from their neighbors that are of great power & might , to the end they may the better maintaine their owne seigni●uries and dominions : for such states ( I say ) it is great reason & verie conuenient , that they should throughly informe themselues , & endeuour to their vttermost , not only ingeneralitie , but also in euery particularitie to vnderstand all matters whatsoeuer which may be referred not vnto priuate Interestes and commodities , such as , matters of trafficke , and marchandizes be , but to the state of the whole common wealth , which are properly belonging to Princes themselues . For as we do read written Hystories to the end we may learne how to gouerne and manage matters , aswell present as to come , by vnderstanding and reading how things haue fallen out , that haue beene heretofore recorded in particularitie : so ought we also to knowe how the affaires of the world do presently stand , to the ende we may prouide remedies in time , and meete with all inconueniences according to the generall knowledge which we haue learned by our reading : for such is the course and order of our knowledge , that by singularities we proceede to the notice of vniuersalities . And therefore the Venetian Magnificoes , who are not meanely exercised and experienced in matters of state , do not onely send vnto other princes such Embassadors as are of quicke wit and conceit , according to the custome of other principalities , but also haue established for a lawe , that at their returne they shall in the Senate make a true and particular report of the Prince and state , with whom they haue beene Ledgers during the time of their Embassage : and so by that meanes they shall instruct the yonger sort , which are trained vp in the studie of politike affaires , to be the better enabled for the seruice of their Countrey . And to the same purpose , that their Common-wealth may be also better gouerned , as well by the example of such matters as haue alreadie passed , as also by the fresh information of things presently in action , they preserue and keepe the said writings with great faithfulnesse and secrecie in a Register especially appoynted therevnto . And this was the cause , that I perceyuing how the actions of the Turkes , were publikely either too much extenuated and diminished , or else beyond all truth magnified , and enlarged rather vpon want of true instruction and information , then vpon any sting of passionate affections , which oftentimes make report of many matters to diuerse priuate persons verie indiscreetly , and inconsiderately , began to bethinke my selfe , that it could not choose but proue verie profitable to the state of Christendome , if I would take vpon me the care to examine the present estate of the Turkish Empire , and endeuour to discouer the disignements which that Prince hath plotted against the Christians , in the best manner I could . And forasmuch as it is not alwayes good , to giue too much credite to auncient Records , though they be neuer so true , because Principalities and states are easily altered and chaunged , either vpon the nature or disposition of the new succeeding Prince , or vpon condition and circumstance of time , or vpon some other accident : ( yea and so much the rather , for that the Venetian records which were woont to be most faithfull and sincere , are not now imparted or communicated to any man by a speciall prohibition which they haue made amongst themselues , the auncient reportes also beeing now to no purpose , and the briefe that is ordinarily deliuered abroad , being rather imagined and full of errors then containing matter of truth ) I haue resolued with my selfe , to be more diligently enformed , as farre as possibly I could , of all those particulars which I thought meet and necessarie to bee knowne in these times , because I am verily perswaded , that the present warre now in hand , is a matter of the greatest consequence that is at this time currant in the world . All which I haue done vpon speciall and priuate conference that I haue had with persons of great experience and iudgement , who are lately come out of those parts , not trusting mine owne selfe in such matters , which I haue heretofore seene , and oftentimes verie deeply considered of . And so at last I haue reduced the whole into a briefe or compendious Method , for the benefit and seruice of Christian princes , & specially of those , who in regard of their interests with the Turke , haue greatest neede of such information . For seeing I was not able , by reason of mine infirmitie , to follow the warres , as I ought to haue done , after the example of Benedict Soranzo my father , who died at the conquest of Gorzolari in fighting against the Turkes , yet had I a desire at the least to doe some seruice to the common-wealth , which alloweth it to be a matter lawfull for euerie man to labour and write , as Polyaenus of Macedonie writte to the Emperours Antoninus and Verus , rather then by choosing to liue idle and free to my selfe , I shoulde seeme altogither vnprofitable and vnfruitfull to all others . So did Diogenes , when the rest of the valiant and couragious Citizens were verie busie in defending the walles of their Countrey , he went vp and downe in the Market place , rolling his Tunne to and fro , because he alone would not be idle ( as he said ) whiles other were valiantly labouring with their weapons . And therefore in this discourse or report , I will entreate of the Ottoman Empire and specially vnder Mahamet the third , vntill the yeare 1597. The time I do of purpose set downe , because I know verie well , that the euent and successe of warre may alter many things , according to the mutabilitie of the Prince , or necessitie of sundrie occasions , which euen to this houre haue altered and changed sundry matters . And this will I doe principally and chiefly regarding that which apperteyneth to the knowledge of this present warre , which the Turke now wageth agaynst the Emperour , and the Transiluanian , or any other matter , which by occasion of the same warre may fall out to be considerable . For if I would haue vndertaken a longer course , I should haue too much enlarged this volume , peraduenture to the griefe and tedious conceits of other men . Besides that a great part of the remnant of this hystorie , I haue at large extended in other my writings , and part thereof I may perhappes performe in other occasions . Howbeit I will not forbeare to tell you of many matters , especially of such as may be at all times profitable and beneficiall to all Christendome : to the ende , that aswell those which liue at this day , as also those which shall succeede vs in posteritie may in some sort reape some benefite and pleasure of this labours , wherein that I may proceed methodically , and orderly , I will distinguish and diuide this present relation into three parts . In the first it shall be entreated of the Head , of the Members , and of the forces of the Ottoman Empyre . In the second , of the Cogitations and Designements of the Turkish Prince : of the causes of this present warre , together with the beginning and proceedings thereof : wherein for the better vnderstanding of euery thing , the original of the said warre shall be fetched and repeated , euen from Amurath , father to this liuing Mahamet . In the third and last , it shall be discoursed , that suppose the Grand Turke will be reconciled , whether it be good for the Emperour , and the Transiluanian , to entertaine peace wiih him . Wherein also many matters shall be discouered , which ( if the warre shall continue ) may be plotted agaynst him by the said Princes , and which at all times may bee practised by other Christian Princes , to meete with such perils and dangers as are now imminent , or any other which may hereafter light vpon Christendome by the Ottoman forces . An aduertisement to the reader . COurteous Reader , if in all this discourse you do not reade , that Mahamet Satarzgi , ( of whom mention is made pag. 9. ) is now become the General of the Turkish campe . That Sinan Cicala ( pa. 6. b. ) beginneth to recouer the fauor of the Emperor Mahamet . That Hassan Bassa , who had the gouernment of Constantinople in the absence of the great Turk ( pag. 6. ) was first created chiefe Visier , and afterwardes put to death : And lastly , that the Prince of Transiluania hath surprised Feulac , and Canaal , and such other like matters . And especially , that the Christian Emperour hath recouered the strong Fort of Giauarino , chiefly through the grace and fauour of God , and next by the notable valour and labor of Adolph Baron of Schwartzenberg , most worthy of eternall memorie : I pray you remember how the Authour in his former Preface doth protest , that touching certaine accidents he writeth no further then till the yeare 1597. wherein hee also dealeth like a Politician rather then like an Historiographer : & therefore referreth those matters to some other workes which he had then in hand . Farewell . Errata . page 21. b , 3 , & 4 , as the Dutch do Kiocai in Beluacensis . pag. 28. b , lin . 10. drinke for the Turkes , considering . pag , 34. li. 1. for Gally-slaues , read pilots . pag. ead . li. 3. for row them , read guide them . pag. ead . l. 21. three hundred thousand . pag. 37. b. li. 1. goodliest . pag. 40. li. 9. Fortes therein , which should be scited pag , 55. b. li. 23. the Turkes make euery day . THE FIRST PART , Wherein is treated of the head , of the Members , and of the Forces of the Ottoman EMPIRE . IN the Ottoman Empire , there new raigneth , Mahamet the third of that name : a name verily no lesse dreadfull and terrible vnto Christendome , if ye obserue and marke the actions of the other two former Mahamets , then fatall to the Turkes themselues , euen in their owne opinion : for they doe greatly feare , that as the Citie of Constantinople , had her second beginning and increase from one Constantine , and afterwards was lost and destroied vnder another Constantine , both being the sonnes of two Helenes : and likewise the Empire of Rome , began in one Augustus , and ended in another Augustus ; so this Citie shall be lost againe vnder a Mahamet , euen as it was with armes conquered by Mahamet the second . §. I. THe now liuing Mahamet , Emperour of the Turkes , is by nature wittie , and by disposition fierce and cruell : but by accident myld , timorous , and greatly effeminated , as hereafter shall bee shewed plainely , by certaine examples of diuers matters that haue beene done by him , both before he came to the Empire , and also after . Mahamet , while he was but young , being shut vp into the Serraglio , and bearing great hatred against the Dwarfe Nasuf-Agà , for the many fauours which he continually receiued at the hands of the Emperour Amurath , endeauoured so diligently to pry into his actions , as hauing obserued , that euerie day he sent out of the Serraglio , a basket of flowers , hee imagined with himselfe , that vnder those flowers , hee conueied forth some things of greater moment . And thereupon , one morning hauing staied the Carier by force , and powred the flowers out vpon the ground , he found the basket full of Gold , and with exceeding indignation , accused him to his Father , telling him , that he was lesse fauored then his slaues : For ( quoth he ) they abound in that which is denied vnto me . And this he spake , because hee found his Father to be verie couetous . Moreouer , hee was so haughtie and disdaine full , as he could not endure that his grand-mother , who was ( if all be true ) a Gentlewoman of Venice , and of the house of Baffo , should domineere in the Court , and ouer his Mother , who was born at Rezi , a towne in the mountaines of the Ducagini in Albania . In so much , as quarrelling with his Father for the same verie oftentimes , and ministring dayly vnto him new oecasions of dislike and feare : ( for the Ottoman Emperours are so iealous of their owne life and safetie , as both in regard of the common ambition of aspiring minds , as also , and much the rather of their owne particular and peculiar crueltie , they will not pardon nor spare their owne bloud . ) After hee was circumcised according to the Lawe of Mahamet , ( wherat were present the Embassadours of the Emperour , of the Moscouite , of the Persian Sophi , and for the State of Venice , Giacomo Soranzo my vnkle , who in that businesse , had the chiefe place aboue the Christian Princes . ) presently he was sent by his Father into Magnesia , there to abide and keepe his residence . But when he did there euerie day more and more discouer his fiercenesse and crueltie ; by causing ( sometimes in deed of an indignation and rage , but sometimes of a fantasticall humour ) the teates of women to bee pinched off with hote burning tongues : by putting to a most cruel death , two thousand Softì , ( that is to say , Schollers ) onely because they had made a signe vnto him of some vnchast cogitation : and by killing many other persons , vpon verie light and slender occasions : and finally when he shewed himselfe to be vtterly alienated from venereall and wanton pleasures , and wholly occupied in Martiall actions : His Father grew into such a conceite against him , as adding thereunto sundrie other weightie suspicions of secrete intelligences , which vnder the colour of friendship hee entertayned in the Court with Sinan Bassa , ( he that surprised Giauarino , and died the last yeare : ) entred into a cogitation with himselfe not onely to haue him better guarded , but also to depriue him of his life , if he did not change his course . Whereof being oftentimes aduertised by the Ladie Sultane , his mother , and also aduised by her to plucke this suspition out of his fathers head by addicting himselfe to pleasure , hee was obedient vnto her therein . And afterwardes he was so farre giuen ouer thereunto , as either altering or dissembling his proper nature , hee is by this accident , and of his owne accord growne to bee a most sensual Prince : and whether it be by habite and custome , or by enchaunting besotment , as some think , ( wherein the Greeke , Hebrew , and Turkish Ladies are most cunning and skilfull , ) hee cannot now liue , no not when he is in armes amongst his Souldiers , without those pleasures , not without communicating the most important secrets of his state with his Fauourites and Miniones : Then which there is nothing more dangerous and pernitious to Princes . Notwithstanding , I cannot agree in opinion with those who doe attribute the cause of this late going forth into the warres in his owne person , to this his sensualitie : for there are diuerse other truer reasons , that may be alleadged of that his lingering . § II. FOr Mahamet being now become a new Prince , determined to informe himselfe first before all other things , what were the forces of his state . Hee did well know the dislikes and braules which were amongst the Bassaes , and especially betweene Sinan and Ferat : in whose handes remained at that time the whole management of his Empire , as in due place we shall shew hereafter . There was in Constantinople , a verie great dearth of all things necessary for vittaile , and specially of bread . He perceiued that the subiects were much discontented for many debts , which his father had not payed , but afterwards he satisfied them himselfe . He was not fullie perswaded , what stirres the Persian might make , for the death of the young hostage Haidar , sonne to Emir Hamze , who was eldest sonne to Mahamet Codabanda : which was thought to haue happened not without some suspicion of poysoning . Besides that his principall Captaines promised , that they would follow the warres without his presence : ( for they thought , that so they might the more easily enrich themselues . ) He gaue exceeding credite to the important counsel and aduise of Sinan , who had vowed the vtter ruine and destruction , not onely of the Prince of Transiluania , but also of the Emperor without any great difficultie : ( and all this , because by continuing still in that supreme degree of gouernment which he then enioyed , hee might make his persō the greater . ) Moreouer , most true it is , that Mahamet loueth peace : for that fiercenesse and crueltie which is naturall in him , and yet mollified by pleasure and ease , as Iron is by fire , is rather the disposition of a tyrant , then the hardinesse of a true warriour . And that was manifestly declared on a time , when one of his dearest women , with teares & most affectionate praiers besought him in his gardens , that he would not go forth to the warres , by reason of a certaine strange and wonderfull dreame which she had the night before : but hee , growing into a great rage , for that shee went about in such sort to hinder the glorie , or rather , ( as he said himselfe ) the safetie of his state , with his owne hand slue her : and did not sticke likewise to threaten his mother , that he would also kill her , though otherwise shee was greatly esteemed and dearly beloued of him . True also it is , that it was most conuenient for him to applie himselfe to the necessitie of the time , because he was but little esteemed , and not so willingly obeyed by his subiects , as the most part of the former Ottoman princes were : by reason that the authoritie , which in times past was wont to be in the chief Visier , he suffered to be communicated and diuided among the other Visiers : so that whensoeuer any fauour or benefite was graunted to any by one of them , it was verie often repealed and reuoked by the rest : A course that of all other doth soonest abate loue , and ingender contempt . And so much the rather , for that his father Amurath had taken order that the Visiers might bee remooued vpon euerie light occasion , and had also brought vp a new custome to create many for money , and increased the number of them from foure to nine . Lastly , hee was enforced thereunto by the often chaunge and alteration , which he vsed to make of his Heades and Captaines , either vpon some wrong information , that he had of the state , and of their natures , or else because it is a naturall propertie belonging to the Turks to chaunge their honours , and also their purposes , according to the euents of fabulous Fortune . For hauing receiued diuerse and sundrie discomfitures , he was of opinion ( and indeed he doth alwayes put it in practise ) that with the alteration of the head , hee shoulde make the members more couragious and hardie . But against all these reasons aboue rehearsed , there were other respectes that preuayled indeede with him , and caused him to goe forth to the warre : and in particular , because the Souldiours being poore , newe , and discontented with the auarice of the former Generals , desired greatly the presence of their Lord and Emperour : and that principally for the largesse and giftes , which hee vseth to bestowe vpon them , when hee is in the campe himselfe . Where hauing now at the last appeared in person , hee hath obteyned great reputation , hee hath cancelled the dishonourable opinion that was conceyued of him , and he hath yeelded a singular satisfaction to his subiects : and so much the more , for that he endeuoured himselfe to gaine the beneuolence of his Souldiours , by shewing himselfe not onely verie liberall in bestowing largely vpon them , but also prouident and circumspect in walking on foote and visiting their lodgings . For which action being reprooued by some of his Counsellers , for that hee exposed and offered himselfe too much to manifest daunger , contrarie to the custome of his predecessours , hee aunswered them with the wordes of Cyrus , That all those which followed him in seruice being his brethren , it was fit he should make as good account of them as of himselfe . Another action of his there was , which did greatly reconcile their loues vnto him , viz. that being in his iourney , one Euening hee mounted vp to the top of his Pauilion , and espied two Tentes of Spahogl●ni , disunited from the rest of the Campe , to murther and rob such as scatteringly went abroade from their lodginges : whereof being certainly assured , hee gaue them for a pray to the Gianizzaries , and afterwards caused their bodies to be fixed vpon stakes in the Campe. Nowe to referre other matters to a more fitte place : hitherto it hath beene discoursed of the nature and conditions of the now liuing Emperour of the Turks , whom they call Sultan Alem that is to say , The Lorde of the worlde , or ( as others interprete it ) The Emperour of all , and King of Kinges : and therefore they call him also , Vlu Padi-Schach , that is to say - The supreme or Soueraigne Emperour : and to be short you haue here heard of the Chiefe head of the present Ottoman Empire : For as touching his Children , although they doe also somewhat appertaine to the Head of this Empire , yet I doe not intend at this time to enlarge this discourse about them . § III. ONely thus much I will say , that hee hath two Sonnes : For his first and eldest dyed not long agoe . The eldest of those that are aliue at this day , is of the age of 14. yeares or there abouts , and hath not as yet beene seene : for the sonnes of the great Turke may not be visited nor seene abroad publikely , vntill they be circumcised . And it is verie likely , that keeping companie ( as hee doth ) with many women , ( among whome his greatest Fauorite and chiefe Dearling , is one La Flatra a Gentlewoman of Ciprus ) he is to leaue behind him vnto his successor , many other children , for matter of the vsuall and wonted Tragidies of the Ottomans . But now I come to the mēbers , and first to the Principals . §. IIII. MAny men hold an opinion , that this Empire wanteth verie good Captaines . Whereunto they are peraduenture induced , because they haue vnderstood , that there are now dead , Piali , he that attempted the Isle of Malta : Mustafa , he that supprised Cyprus , Pertaf , Ali , and Vlucchiali , who were ouerthrowne in the Sea by the League of the Christian Princes , in the yeare 1571 : afterwards Osman , Ferat , and Sinan , who performed memorable exploites in Persia , and else where : and hereupon they do thinke that together with these , there are wanting some valourous persons among the Turkes . A suspition verily , not altogether varying from the truth . For most certaine it is , that the long and troublesome warre in Persia hath depriued this Empire of many warriours , that were of credit and valour : howbeit the power and mightinesse of this state being at the first instituted , and sithence encreased by Armes , and hauing maintayned it selfe hitherto rather by force then by loue , all such as haue any spirite of glorie among the Turkes , applie themselues to warrefare , hoping thereby onely to grow rich , and honourable aboue the rest . For they are not the most noble among them , but ordinarily the most valourous ( excepting those that serue in the Serraglio , and in the Chamber of the great Turke ) that are aduaunced to honours , which necessarily must haue infinite riches waying vpon them . And thereof it followeth that this Prince can neuer want Captaines of approued experience and valour : and so much the more , because euen euerie priuate Souldiour may mount from one degree to another , yea , and sometimes also per Saltum , by Skipp , to the verie chiefe Generalship . But for as much as it is an ordinarie custome , that in all Armies the glorie is not giuen to any other , but to the chiefe Captaines , hereof it commeth , that because the most famous and best knowen Captaines were wanting , all ( as it were ) at one time , it is commonly reported , that this Empire wanteth other men , that are worthie of Militarie gouernment . But I will put downe the names of the principals , which gouerne at this present : to the ende , that if perhappes they should die , or be depriued of their charges and places , yet in regarde of that , where of they shall giue mee occasion to speake , the memorie and mention of them will serue mee to good purpose in this present discourse . § V BEfore that Mahamet the Emperour departed from Constantinople , in the most important gouernment of that Citie , which is full of sundrie Nations , and humours , and is the seate of that most huge Empyre , hee set Hassan Bassa , the Eunuch , by Countrey an Albanian , of a towne of the Cicalessi , in the territorie of Elbasana . This man was Bassa of Cairo , in Egypt in the yeare 1582. at what time beeing recalled to the Court , because he was accused of diuerse misdemeanours , hee was in a great doubt with himselfe , and almost indeede resolute , eyther by fight to saue himselfe , or else to retyre towardes Ormuz , and so to passe into the Indies , but yet at last to Court hee went : where beeing imprisoned , and afterwardes raunsomed , by his Stewarde for fiue hundred Crownes , and nowe againe by his witte remounted to so high an honour , he will ( in mine opinion ) passe a great way further , if he liue . He is a man verie wise and gracious : a great enemie to the Iewes , and a friend to the Christians . § VI. THe chiefe Generall in the Campe before the battaile at Agria , was Hibraim , borne in the prouince of Herzecouina , and cosin to the grand-Turke . Hee is a man of small braine , and most vnfit for any commaund : but liberall , and pleasant , or rather fantasticall and ridiculous . He calleth the Sate of Venice , and the State of Ragugia , his Cousins . He sayth he will take Milan with an Armada or fleet of shippes : and surprise the Isle of Malta , by making a mine vnder the Island : with diuers other such like fooleries . He sheweth himselfe greatly inclined to peace , not onely because he is verie timorous , but because he would please the Ladie Sultane , Mother to the great Turke , and also his owne wife . §. VII . TO Hibraim , there succeeded Sinan Cicala , for that in the last fight with the Christians , as the one shewed himselfe verie vnfit for so principall a gouernment , so was this man iudged to be very valourous euen by the Turkish Emperour himselfe , because he had brought backe the Armie , saued him his life , and left the issue of the battaile , doubtfull . Whereupon he thought him worthie not onely of such a charge , but also of the chiefe Visiership . Yet at the last he was depriued both from the one office and from the other , because he went about ( somewhat too boldly ) to aduise and counsell the Emperour , that he would not giue so much credite to the Sultane Ladies , and especially to his mother , who , because they would not loose his companie , sought by all possible meanes to make him an effeminate and cowardly person ; and in the end hee was banished into Bursia a Cittie in Asia , sometime the seate of the Ottoman Princes , where hee remained not without danger of his life . For the mother ( as women are wont to do , which either loue or hate extreamly ) ceased not daily to entreate her sonne , that he would cause him to be put to death , because shee could not endure that a slaue should be so bould , as to goe about to bring her into disgrace . This did Cicala feare , and great reason he had so to do , not onely in regard of the vnstayednesse and inconstancie of the Prince , and the great affection which he bare to women , but also because he knewe , that Hibraim being now returned to Constantinople at the instant suite of the Sultane Ladies , and especially of his wife , ( for the chiefe Visier , being once displaced , cannot returne againe vnlesse he recouer his former degree , ) he would continually persecute him , and foster the quarrels that were lately picked against him , by the adherents and followers of Ferat , who was an arrant enemie to Sinan , with whome Cicala had combined himselfe , euen to his death . Notwithstanding Cicala being verie rich , of a good wit and great valour , and especially verie skilfull in Land warfare , as one that was trayned and brought vp in the wars of Persia : it is to bee thought that if hee can escape these first violences of his Lorde , he will with such dexteritie manage the matter as he will recouer that which is lost . For so did hee , after his depriuation from the Generalshippe of the Sea which was taken from him , not so much in regard of the suspition conceiued for his brothers going to Constantinople , as to giue satisfaction to the State of Venice , whome the Turke himselfe was verie willing to content . The malice , that Cicala bare to that common wealth , beganne and was grounded vpon a discourtesie , that he tooke against them , whiles hee was but yong and a Christian , onely forsooth , beecause the Venetian Galeyes had detained a Galeon of his fathers . He is by his fathers side a Genowaye , but his mother was a Turke of Castelnuouo : and himselfe was borne in Messina . He is verie respectiue of courtesies , and reuengefull of iniuries offered vnto him . He hath to his wife a Neece of the daughter of the late Rustem Bassa , and of a daughter of Sultan Soliman , shee that not long agoe , with incredible expences made a verie long conuayance of water in the desertes of Arabia , for the benefite and ease of the Pilgrimes , that go to the Mecca or Macca , as the Arabians tearme that Cittie , which ioyntly they call Medina Alnabi , that is to say , the Cittie of the Prophet , meaning thereby that Impious Seducer Mahomet . Which Gentlewoman being now mother-in-lawe to Cicala , is verie famous in these times , for that she was the chiefest perswader of the last Emperour Amurath to moue warre against the Christian Emperour , for the death of her onely deare Son , who was slaine with Hassan Bassa in the battail at Cupa . §. VIII . THere was Generall or rather Lieutenant for all Hungarie , from Belgrado hetherwardes , in the yeare last past one Giaffer the Eunuch , by Nation an Hungarian . He was depriued of that charge for the same reasons , for which Hibraim was depriued . He hath warred in Persia vnder Osman , Sinan , and Ferat , vntill he was made Bassa of Tebrisio , now cal - Tauris : where being besieged by the Persians , hee shewed great valour , wisedome and liberalitie . § IX . HAssan Bassa , borne at Herzecouina , sometime the Dukedome of Santa Saua , is now the Beglerbey of Grecia , as we call it , but of Rumelia as the Turkes tearme it : for the Greekes call that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which we call Europe , by which name [ Romania ] not onely Asia was called ( as we reade in histories ) after the translation of the Romane Empire to Constantinople , but also Europe , and particularly Grecia . This Herzecouina is a part of the Prouince of Bossina , which stretcheth it selfe towardes Ragugia , in the high way that leadeth to Constantinople . The foresaide Hassan , was sonne to Mahomet Soculeuich , so called of Socol , a place in the same Prouince of Herzecouina , and was sometime Visier Azem , that is to say , the head of the counsell , and chiefe gouernour of the Ottoman . Empire vnder three Emperours : which office or charge the Mamalukes in the gouernment of the Souldan of Cairo do call Diadar or Deuidar , and the Grecians call it Protosymbolo . Hee is verie well beloued of his Souldiours for his great pleasantnes & iollitie . Hee leadeth with him continually many women , and through his great expenses is halfe banckroupt . Hee hath beene in Persia , and was also in these warres of Hungarie : and being the greatest person among the rest of the gouernors of Prouinces ( for dignitie and authoritie , and beecause his iurisdiction stretcheth into Bulgaria , Seruia , and Albania ) he keepeth a verie great trayne . First he was employed by the greate Turke at Rasgrad in Bulgaria , aswell to hinder the Walachians and Transyluanians from passing ouer the riuer Danowe , as also if occasion should so require , that hee might be there readie to passe it ouer himselfe . But now he hath hand-ouer-head and verie rashly without any consideration sent him to Vidino , sometimes called Bidene , a Sangiackshippe , not subiect to the Beglerbey of Temesuar , as some haue written , but to him of Graecia . If hee liue , he will proue without doubt the greatest Captaine of that Empire . § X. HAfis Hacmat , sometimes Bassa of Cairo , and Eunuch and an Albanian of the towne of Vonari , not farre from the Cicalessi , was Generall in Croatia and Bossina : but being accused of default for not hauing recouered Petrina , hee was degraded : yet now he is returned into fauour againe , and is in Scopia . He is a iust man and a wise , and one that for religion , or rather superstition accepted this charge . He was at the first a Mahometane Preacher , ( for so signifieth the word Hafis . ) He was the first man , that waged Turkish souldiours on horse-backe , with pay and prest-money : in which point , no doubt if the Ottoman Princes would resolue themselues to imitate our Princes , they might haue ( as it were ) an innumerable company of horsemen and footmen . §. XI . THere were also in the Campe of Persia , Sinan , Bassa of Buda , an Albanian of the Mountains of the Ducagini , a man esteemed among the Turkes to be wise and valourous : And Mahomet Satarzgi , an Albanian also : for the most valiant Captaines of the Turks are for the most part of that Nation . This Mahomet was a long time Bassa of Caramania , where he made himselfe knowne to be a man of great wisdome : but now soothing ( forsooth ) the humors of the Ladie Sultane-Mother his countrey woman , by shewing himselfe to be desirous of peace , hee hath not onely obtained the office of Tzader Mechei Bassi , that is to say , Chiefe Master of the Pauilions , but it is also thought that through the same fauour hee will be aduanced to greater dignities . They say , that while he was Peich to the great Turke , that is to say , his Footeman , hee beehaued himselfe so well in a fray that happened not farre from the olde Serraglio , where the Regall Palace is , as hauing hardly hādled his aduersaries with a Butchers knife , he was thereupon called Satarzgi , or rather because indeed he was a slaughterer . §. XII . THere was also one Haidar Bassa , hee that beeing Beglerbey was sent by Amurath into Moldauia , who by his maner of proceeding there was in a certaine sorte the occasion , why the Polonians resolued with themselues to pay a yearely Donatiue or Beneuolence to the Turke , and so to bee agreed with him . He is now in Persia. . § XIII . THere were likewise in Belgrado , Odauerdi and Velli , Bassaes both , the one of them well tried in the warres of Croatia and Bosna , the other in the recouerie of Madauia out of the hands of Srenipetro , who with a band of Cosacthi had gotten possession thereof , rather by rash temerity , then by any great wisdō . There are also in the Campe many other Sangiacchi and ordinarie Bassaes , whose names , because they are men of no great fame , are not yet come to our knowledge . §. XIIII . MOreouer , it is reported , that there is recalled from Gemen or Gimin in Arabia Felice , one Hassan an Arabian , a Foster-childe and kinsman to olde Sinan . This Hassan hauing cunningly procured the reliques of the kindred of Mudahar , to rise vp in a commotion , who had also before rebelled against Osman , he obtayned ouer them a very honourable victorie . And because he is verie rich , he will haue also some good meanes to maintaine himselfe , euen with the satisfaction of the souldiours . §. XV. HAlil Bassa , Generall of the Sea , second Cousin to the now liuing Grand-Turke , is of Bosna or else of Hungaria , a Fresh-man , and such a one , as hauing hetherto had no more skill but to collect and take vp the donatiues and beneuolences of the Maritine Capes of the Arcipelago and of Morea , and this last yeare to set on fire the Monasterie of the Calogieri in Striuali , called in times past Strophade , because they had entertained the Spanish Armada : is held in no great estimation . And therefore it is supposed , that he shall be discharged of that office , & perhaps there shall be substituted in his place one Giaffer a Calabrian , brought vp by Vlucchiali : who although he fled at the ouerthrow in the yeare 1571. yet is he esteemed to be a man , that will proue well in Maritimall warfare . §. XVI . OVt of all questiō , that Empire wanteth men that are excellent in the profession of Sea-matters , for so much as the Turke hath not since the yeare 1572. hetherto made any Armada or Fleet of any acaccount : and when occasion of imployment faileth , no meruell though men of worth and valour be not known , nay though they do wholy want indeede . And yet when soeuer he shall be peraduenture enforced to set forth a good bodie of an Armada , hee may take that course which his Predecessors haue done , that is to say , he may vse the seruice of the valiantest Pyrats , that he entertaineth in Tunise , in Bona , in Busca , and elsewhere . Among whome the most famous that liue at this day are Cara Deli , Amurath Bei , Mahamet Bei , the three Memi , ( whereof two are Albanians and the third is of Corsica . ) Sala Bei & others . There is a certaine French politike author which writeth , that Ariadino Barbarossa , the famous Pirate , was allured by Soliman into his seruice , with verie honourable rewards , euen with the chiefe Generalship of the Sea , aswel to adde strength to his Empire with the great riches of Ariadino , as also to the end that Ariadino should thereby bee weakened in such sort , as he should not be any more able to annoy the Ottoman State. And now after this discourse of the Captaines , I will speake of the common souldiours , and such members as are not so principall . § XVII . THe great Turke hath two sorts of souldiours : that is to say , souldiours of his owne , & souldiours Auxiliarie . 1. such as come to aide and assist him . The souldiours , that are his owne , be either horsemen or footmen . I will therefore first treate of the former , because the verie sinews of that Empire consist wholly in the horsemen : and afterwardes I will speake of the rest . The best horsemen , that the Ottoman Empire hath , are the Spahi , who liue vpon their Timari . For the great Turke giueth two kinds of wages to his souldiours : one is called Timaro , and the other Vlefe . The Timaro is properly a certaine pension or an assignement of rents , which for the most part are leuied out of the lands that are gotten in war , and are proportionately distributed amōg the souldiors that are of good desert , & do answer in some sort to the ancient Colonies and to Fees , or rather to Commendams . The reward , which the Romanes bestowed vppon their valiantest souldiours to enioy during life , was called Beneficium , and those Beneficiarii , that were so prouided for : the Greekes call it Timarion , and those that enioy the same Timarati , and Timarioti , deriuing the tearme from the Greeke worde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifieth Honour . Wherevpon we do read of Theodorus , ( not the Tiro , but the Stratelates , that is to say , the Pretor or conductor of the souldiours , ) that Licinius Augustus the Emperour , gaue vnto him a Castle in Heraclea for a Timaro , long before he was wickedly martyred by his owne band of souldiours , as it is written in Phile the Greeke Poet , Damascene , and Nicephorus Calixtus , and as it is read in the Menaco , that is to say , in the Monthly Register of the Greeks . The said word Timaro may also be deriued , and peraduenture more truly from the Turkish it selfe , whereby is signified a certaine kinde of procuration or prouision for some charge or gouernment , which the Timarioti are bound to haue ouer the lands that are graunted vnto them . The Vlefe is a payment , which is daily disbursed by the Treasurers to the Souldiours that serue for pay , and to those of the Turkes Court , who are therefore called Vlofezgi , or rather Olophagi , that is to say , prouided as it were only for their diet , deriuing that term from the Greeke worde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , The Timari , which the Turke hath in Europe , may bee some sixteene thousande ? Euerie Spahi , that hath from three to fiue thousand Aspres , of yearely rent , is bound to go to the war with one horse : from fiue to ten thousand , with two horses , and so by proportion to a certaine determinate quantitie : and some there bee that will carrie moe or fewer , according to their abilitie , and the desire which the● haue of honour . The greatest part of these Spahi are subiect to the Beglerbey , and may contayne some nine thousande Timari : the rest are vnder the Bassaes of Bassina , of Buda , and of Temesuar . § XVIII . BEsides these Spahi , there are also the Spahoglani , who beeing such as commonly come out of the Serraglio , are some what more daintie and delicate , and are neatly apparraled like Courtiers after the Persian manner . They ride ( like the Asians ) vpon little Saddles , so that they may easily bee vnhorsed . In times past they were not bounde to go to the warres without their Emperour : but at last many of them were ( as it were ) enforced to goe forth by Sinan and Giaffer , for verie want of good Souldiours : who afterwarde wintered in Seruia , and Belgaria , did so destroy and consume the Countryes and the Peasants thereof , as they did more harme to the Turkes themselues , then if they had beene the verie Tartarians , whose apparell also they counterfeyted , to the ende they might easily and handsomly couer theit misdemeanours . Among the Spahoglani , are accounted those also which are of the great Turkes Court : who are distinguished into foure orders , viz. the Selectari , Vlefezgi , Guraba , and Spahoglani . But because the number of the Spahoglani is the greatest of al the rest , they are all generally and indifferently called Spahoglani . The Selectari and the Spahoglani , are diuided into troupes ▪ v●z . the Selectari of the right side , and the Selectari of the left side : and so the Spahoglani of the right , and Spahoglani of the left : and different badges they haue one from the other . These foure troupes of Spahoglani and Selectari , with the two troupes of the Guraba and Vlefezgi , make vp sixe in all . Guruba is in the Turkish speech the Plurall number of Carib and signifieth Poore and naked soules . And Vlefezgi is as much to say , as Hyred , or waged , as we haue tolde you before . Euerie one of these orders hath his Aga , which commaundeth two or three thousand horse . § XIX . THe Acanzii , are for the most part Countrey Clownes , and are not like the Hayducches of the Hungarians , as some haue written : for the Acanzii serue on Horsebacke , and the Hayducches on foote . And peraduenture Giouius , and other writers of our time do not well to call them Venturieri , or Voluntaries : for in cōsideration of some exemptions , and priuiledges which are graunted vnto them , they are bound to goe to warre . True it is , that somtimes they will stray abroad , and robbe the Countrey , as the Zingari and Tartars vse to doe . They are men of small woorth . They dwell for the most part in Dobruccia , a Prouince of Bulgaria , towards the Riuer Danow . The Gionli are Venturiers , or Voluntaries , in deed , who togither with sundrie others , whom the Turks call Baratli , that is to say , such as liue in expectancie , doe goe to warre euen of their owne meere good will. Among these , as also among the Muteferagà , ( which are of the principall Courtiers of the Court , not bound to go to the warre , but only with the Sultan himselfe , ) there are many Christians that serue voluntarie . They haue speciall exemptions and priuiledges . They go wandring abroad euerie where with great libertie , alwayes preuenting the armie , like Out-runners : but they giue the fift part of their bootie to their Lord. The other Baratli are comprehended in the families of the Bassaes , and Sangiacches , and in the number of the seruants to the Spahi . § ▪ XX. THe Timari of Asia , may bee about some fiftie thousand : and so by consequent about a hundred and fiftie thousand horse and foote , and seruants : that is to say ▪ two thirds more then the Timari of Europe . But they are vnarmed , of small valour , and not apt for warre , excepting onely some few of them that keepe vpon the Sea coastes , and serue in the Galleis . § XXI . THe Beglerbeyes of Asia , before the last warres of Persia , were thirtie : but since there are some moe added vnto them . In Affrica there are three : the kingdomes of Fesse and Marocco are rather tributaries to the Turke : And in Europe there are sixe . But because I haue made often mention of this worde Beglerbey , I thinke it will not be amisse to tell you what it signifieth . The Turkish word Beglerbey , signifieth a Captaine of Captaines , or Prince of Princes : for the Beglerbeyes are the Supreme Lordes ouer all that haue any militarie commaund in the Prouinces which are subiect vnto them : and are the verie same , that the Melicul Vmerca be with the Arabians , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , with the Greekes . Three Beglerbeyes there be , that are in authoritie aboue the rest , and sit in equall place with the Bassaes , whome the Turkcs call Visiers , when they sit together in the open Diuano , that is to say , in the Counsell or Court of audience in the presence of the Great Turke : some doe verie ill and corruptly call it Douana and Tiphano . The first of them is the Rumeli Beglerbeg , that is to say , the Beglerbey of Romania , or of graecia , or ( as I tould you before ) of Europe . He resideth in Sophia , which peraduenture may bee the auncient Tibisca : but it is not ( as some write ) the Metropoliticall Cittie of Bolgaria or Volgaria , so called of the people that came thither from the riuer Volga : nor yet is it Nicopolis , which is so famous for the victorie which Traiane the Emperour had ouer Decebalus King of the Dacians . Neither is it true that Sophia is the same that Scopia is , which is a Citie either of Dardania or of Macedonia , as other some haue written : nor was it Sardica , which is famous for the Synode there kept vnder the the Empire of the Sonnes of Constantine : For at this day that is not called Sophia , but Triaditza . The Anatoli Beglerbeg is the second , that is to say , the Beglerbey of Notalia , otherwise called Asia the lesse . He resideth in Cutheia , in former times called Cotyaio , a Citie of Phrygia . Some call it by another name , and seate it ( peraduenture amisse ) in Galatia . The Denizi Beglerbeg is he that is the Beglerbey of the Sea , otherwise called , the Captaine Bassa . Hee resideth for the most part in Constantinople , which the Turkes by a corrupt word call Stamboli : and hath the chiefe charge of the Arsenall , or Store-house for shipping . Before that Soliman made him a Beglerbey , he was called the Sangiacch of Gallipoli . He hath for his maintenance , the Reuenues of the office of the Subassi of Galata , that is to say , the Treasourer of Pera , which office is let to ferme , for the yearly rent of about some sixteene thousand crownes : he hath also the reuenues of the nine Islands that lie in the Arcipelago , the chiefe whereof is Nixia . And now , seeing we haue tould you of the horsemen , let vs tell you likewise of the souldiours that serue on foote . §. XXII . THese are for the most parte Giannizzaries , which are drawne out of the Masse or company of the Agiamoglani , that is to say , vnexpert youthes culled out of the tenthes of the Christians . The rest of the Agiamoglani do serue in Serraglioes to row in the Caicchies , which is a kind of Boate , and to dresse their gardens , and to do such other seruices . The greatest part of them haue not aboue one Aspro a day . The Grecians call Aspro ( and not Aspero , as some would haue it ) the verie same money which the Arabians call Osmannes , and the Turks Asce , so termed for the whitenesse of it , because it is made of siluer . Of Aspres there bee two sorts , the lesser , and the bigger . The lesser are but of small goodnesse , and beautie , though they be most in vse , and common among the people . The bigger are of better siluer : and with them are payed the wages of the Souldiours , and the fees of the Courtiers . They are by some writers called Siderocapsia ▪ of Siderocapsa , a Castle in the Prouince of Thasso , which is neere to the famous mountaine Athos in Europe , called by the Greekee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Mons Aegaeus , the Goat-hill , either because it reacheth into the Aegaean , sea , or because it is full of Goates and Kids : or rather , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Holy hill , commonly called by the Turkes , Seitbag , because there are on it three and twentie Monasteries of Calogieri , or Monkes , that loue to liue in the Wildernesse . One Aspro is worth 24. Manguri : ( the Manguro is a Brasse-Money , and is worth as much as the auncient Numulus . ) Fiue good Aspres in weight make a Dramma , or Drachma , ( seuen pence sterling : ) twelue Drammaes make a Taller , ( or a Doller : ) and one Taller and a halfe make a Venician Cecchino , which is as much as a Turkish Sultanine being a coine of gold , and the greatest price that the Turkes haue , and is worth some sixteene Paules of Rome , or much there about . The Soltanine or Soldano , ( as others tearme it ) is truly so called of the Sultanes , that is to say , of the Ottoman Emperours , euen as the Cecchino is called a Dukate , of the Dukes of the Venetian estate : and as the Bizantii , or Bizantini , in the times of the Grecian Emperours , were so called of Bizantium , now Constantinople : and were euen as much worth as the Sultanini . Some writers there be , that haue set downe diuerse opinions of this foresaid account , because they haue had a consideration of their seuerall prises at seuerall times For some times the Aspro hath beene worth no more but onely eight Manguri , the Dramma but foure Aspres : Nine Aspres made a Taller : and so the Cecchino , as also the Sultanino , were no more but 54. Aspres the peece . But now all these Moneyes are altered : For the Taller is worth seuentie , or 80. Aspres : the Cecchino 110. 120. and 125 ▪ And this came to passe especially by reason of the heauie impositions that were imposed in Constantinople , by occasion of the Persianwar . The auncient mony also that went currant in the Ottoman Empyre was prohibited , because it was stamped with sundry Images vpon it , which was forbidden by the law of Mahamet : but rather in deed , and in verie truth , because it was good siluer , and so by coyning it againe somewhat baser , the Treasurie and the Officers did gaine greatly thereby . But now ( forsooth ) they are not so superstitious as they haue beene : for they do holde that money onely to be good and lawfull , which is of the best allay . This little I haue thought good to set downe touching their money , to the end ye might haue a perfite knowledge of the true wages , which the Ottoman Princes doe giue to their Souldiours . The rest of this matter , togither with the Aegyptian , Arabian , Sorian and Persian coines , that run currant thorough all this Empire , ye may haue ( with the licence of the Venitian superiors ) out of a late moderne writer : who if hee had not shewed himselfe somewhat irreligious , no doubt hee would haue deserued great commendation for the knowledge that he hath disclosed in many Turkish matters . The Giannizzaries then ( as it hath beene sayd ) are the best souldiors on foot , that the Turkish Empire hath . They serue as the Praetorian souldiours did , and the Mamulukes , for the sauegard of their Lord , and as did those valiant youths that alwayes accompanied the kings of Persia , who were called also Ianitores , or Porters , as saith the Authour of that booke , whose title is De mundo , amōg the works of Aristotle . And thereupon it pleased some peraduenture to think , that the Giannezzaries were so called of Ianua : i. a Doore , alluding to the word Porta ▪ that is to say the Court of the great Turke , because his Court of Audience is ordinarily kept in the gate of his Palace . But in truth , they are greatly deceyued therein : for a Gate in the Turkish language is called Capi , and so is not Ianua . i. a Dore : and therefore the chiefe Porter is called by the Turkes Capisi Bassi. The word Giannizzaro is compounded of two Turkish wordes , Iegni-Zeri , which signifie Noua Militia , a new Souldierie : New , not because it was newly brought in , ( for it was instituted euen by Osmanne Gasi , otherwise called Ottoman , and renued , or rather bettered and enlarged by Amurath the first , vpon the aduice and counsell of Cara Rustem , who was then helde by the Turks to be a verie holy man : ) But new or fresh they are called , because the Giannizzaries are the sonnes of Christians , taken from their fathers whiles they are but children , by the Officers of the great Turke , as it were for a tribute , euerie fift or seuen yeare , and sometimes oftener : beeing of the age some peraduenture of eight , some of ten , some of twentie yeares , and some aboue . And afterwardes they are for the most part destributed among the Turkes in Natolia , to the end they may be instructed betimes in the lawes of Mahamet , learne the fashions and language of that Nation , and accustome themselues to labour and hardnesse , and then are they called Agiamoglani , as it hath beene told you before . When they are growne fit for the warres , then they are sent to the Court , to be admitted into the order of the Giannizzaries . Those that are not found fit for the warres , are sent to the Shippes , and to the Gallies , that they may be employed in the Arte of Sea-faring . But they that are of a pregnant wit and good Spirit , are at the verie first shut vp in one of the Serraglioes of Andrinople , or of Constantinople , or of Pera , and so by means they come to be employed in the seruice of the great Turke about his Chamber , vnder the rule and subiection of certaine particular gouernours . The Giannizzaries haue for their stipend betwene fiue and sixe Aspres a day , and so haue the Agiamoglani likewise : but they are distinguished by liueries . For the Giannizzaries haue two liueries euery yeare , and the Agimoglani haue but one . The Giannizzaries doe handle the Arquebuse very well , and are properly called the Arquebusiers of the great Turkes guard . They will fight resolutely for honour . Some of the Giannazzaries remaine in the frontiers , and in Garisons : some of them also keepe on the sea , and serue in the Gallies , but the greatest part of them are resident , where the great Turke is : and hereupon it commeth that there are so many in Constantinople , where principally they may sooner become Giannizzaries . But those that are made Giannizzaries at Damasco at Cairo & elswhere : perhaps , when they come to Constantinople ; vnlesse they be there confirmed , may not wear the Coyffe , which is called Zarcula : the last time that they wēt out to wars with their Aga ( a thing not verie vsual ) they rather caused great disorder , thē did any seruice : partly because they do not willingly obay their Generall Captaine , ( whō by the Persian word they call Ser-Dar , and by the Arabike Ser-Asker : ) and partly because in our times their order is indeed imbasterdized , and nothing so valourous and faithfull , as it hath beene heretofore . Aga , is the name of the Giannizzaries Captaine , and is the chiefe of all the Agalari , who are principall Horsemen , that alwaies accompanie the person of the great Turke , and are so called of the word Aga , which signifieth a staffe , and is a token of the authoritie which they haue ouer the Chiliarches , the Tribunes , and the Droncarii or Troncarii , so tearmed a Tronco , of a Bastone or Tronchion which they carie in their hand . Moreouer the Giannizzaries are verie insolent , not onely towards priuate persons , who greatly respect them per-force , but also towardes the great Turke himselfe . For hauing in their hands all the principall forces of the Ottoman Empire , and being verie seldome , or verie sclenderly chastised for any fault and thereupon knowing themselues to be very mightie and greatly feared , they haue not forborne many times to threaten , that they would depose their great Lord and Maister , and set his Son in his throne : yea and verie oftentimes they haue violently with most barbarous furie enforced their Emperour to yeelde vnto them in most vnrighteous causes : As for example , ( to leaue those that are auncient , ) they so dealt with the last Amurath , as they compelled him to giue them into their handes either quicke or dead , the chiefe Dephterdaro , and Mahamet Bassa the Armenian , ( a man whome hee loued beyond all measure , ) accusing them , that through their fault , they were not payed their wages by them with good monies . These Dephterdari or treasourers are three , one is the chiefe , and as it were the President of the chamber , the other two are as Collegues or Assistants in the Exchecker . It hath fallen out also , that they are thus become the more sedicious and insolent , because the number of them is greatly encreased and multiplied , and that through the default of the officers that are sent to make the choice of the youthes : for they doe not choose the best and the most able for warfare ( as it was wont to be vsed in times past , ) but such as they may haue for want of better men , shuffeling in oftentimes , by fauour and bribes , many natural borne Turkes , and sonnes of the Giannizzaries themselues : as indeede it came to passe in these last yeares , wherin they haue had no consideration of any other thing but onely of the disposition of bodie , and ripenesse of yeares , to the end they might the sooner shew themselues in the warres , and so passe for old and experienced souldiours , though in truth vtterly voide of any militarie discipline . §. XXII . SOme Spahi there be also , that serue on foote , as those which are at Negroponte , Misitra , and other maritimall places , and are emploied for ouerseers , of the Gallie-Slaues : they are subiect to the Captaine of the Sea. There is likewise an Infanterie or company of footemen in the Garrisons , which is comprehended vnder the name of Asappi and of Besli . The Asappi or Asepi , are not the same , which the Hungarians call Hussaroni , as one Greek author hath written : for the Asappi go to warre for wages on foote , but the Hussaroni on horsebacke . §. XXIII . FInally the last Amurath , perceiuing that he had not such a number of souldiours of action and seruice as that Empire was wont to haue in times past ( for the reasons which I will touch hereafter ) hath brought in a new kind of souldierie , both of foote and horse , consisting of townesmen and peasaunts being naturall Turkes : and hath granted vnto them many priuileges of profite and honour , calling them Culcardasi , a word that signifieth , brethren to Slaues , proper onely to the Slaues Rinegate and is a most honourable tearme among the Turkes . §. XXIIII . IN Africa the Turkes haue either no horsemen at all , or else verie few : but some footmen they haue , which remaine in the Garrisons of Algieri , of Tunisi , of Tripoli , of Goletta , and of other places on that coast : where for feare of the Spanyardes , who are verie well fortified with Garrisons , and strongly fensed in those parts , because they are afraid of loosing that which they haue there in possessiō , it is verie necessarie & behouefull , that they should continually reside and stay . And these are the Souldiours aswell horsemen as footmē , whom the Great Turke may vse in his warres as souldiours of his owne . Touching whom I am to aduertise you , somewhat of mine opinion . §. XXV . FIrst , that the said souldiours are rather in opinion and fame , so great a multitude as verie many haue reported them to be , then in truth they are : for as much as good souldiours there are but few : meane souldiours not many , and of such as make a multitude , namely seruitors , victualers and others that follow the armie , a mā shold make but small reconing . Secondly that the horsemen , in whome principally consisteth the power of that Empire , are not at this day so lustie , resolute , and painfull , and to be shorte nothing at all such as they were wont to be , for that they haue been greatly wasted and consumed in the warres of Persia , and particularly in this war of Hungarie , where barley was so scant , and all other kinde of victualles , for men , horses , cammels and other cattell verie deere . Thirdly , that the Spahi , who are the best horsemen that the great Turke hath , haue not had any meanes to buy good horses , not only by reason of the dearth of all things , ( which I tell you was verie great ) but also because all their good horses are spent and consumed , neither haue the Spahi any commoditie or benefit to maintaine them withall , or to buy them any new , but only that which they defaulke out of their Timari . Moreouer , they beeing become men now a dayes greatly giuen to ease and to gaines , do not sticke to take money to interest , rather to the end they may buy some Timari withall then buy any horse-flesh with it , yea and to lend it out at vsurie to others that afterwardes become banckrouts . And although peraduenture it may seeme to some , that in these last yeares , the horses were many : the cause thereof was this , that the Turkes are now become so tender and effeminate , ( especially since the Delicacies of the Persians haue wrought euen the very selfe same effect in thē , which riot and excesse wrought among the Grecians and the Romanes ) that euery man ( for sooth ) will carie with him to the wars , so many easments of bedding , kitchen & victual , that they are enforced to vse many horses for those purposes : neither is there any horsemen ; ( be he neuer so arrant a clown or peasant ) but he carieth more thē one with him : & yet all of them ( God wot ) stark nought , very leane , & altogether vnseruiceable , as we haue tould you , & as the experience of the battail of Agria hath manifestly proued . But forasmuch , as touching the diminution of the Ottomā armies , diuers men do diuersly reason , it will not be perhaps far frō the purpose , or at least not incōuenient , if I tel you also what I thinke of it . §. XXVI . VVIthout all question the Ottoman Empire doth want of that number of souldiours which it was wont to haue in their armies . And the reasō of it is this : 1. that the Turkish estate being now greatly enlarged , those Turks , who in times past for the straitnes of rowme & narrownes of the countrie , ran all to the wars like the Tartarians , haue now gotten more ease , greater pleasure , & better countrie thē they had before , so that they do not verie willingly resolue with thēselues to leaue their own houses , & to go to the Campe. 2. Moreouer the countrey by reason of the largenes thereof is so far distant & as it were diuided frō the places where they must fight , that it breedeth great tediousnes in thē to go to the wars : & to people or to replenish it al with inhabitāts it is a very hard matter , especially cōsidering that the Ottomā Princes haue alwaies vsed to extirpate & ( as a man may say ) vtterly to root out the ancient inhabitants , of any new Prouinces , which they haue cōquered & gotten into their possession : or at least to transport thē into some other countries . 3. Ye may also adde hereunto , that the Cōmoditie & encrease of the countrey hath opened a way to the Turks for diuers other , and greater traffiques then they had in times past : wherin the greatest part of thē being employed , they cannot so easely bee resolued now to leaue thē & to go to fight , vnlesse they bee enforced to it against their willes : because by that course they must seeke to enrich themselues with more incertaintie and greater hazard of their liues , then by this of traffike . 4. Besides all this the Turkish armies consist ( for the most part ) onely of Rinegate slaues , and those , Christians : for the Turkes doe not make any slaues of the Persians or Tartarians , because they will not part or diuide with them their Militarie honours and aduauncements , wherein all the riches , credit and authoritie of their estate doth wholy consist , and wherewith that Empire doth counterpoise the perill and daunger , whereunto it might bee subiect , if they should admit so great a number of armed Rinegadoes . 5. Those of Asia , who in times past were wont to execute all Militarie functions , are now held in small reputation , or none at all , euen as the naturall Turkes are , and esteemed to be verie base minded and cowards , no lesse tender and effeminate , then the auncient Asiatici were thought to be : and therefore they graunt vnto them onely the honours of Cadileskieri and Cadi : excepting some few , that are admitted to be souldiours , and do serue the Sangiacchi , and the Bassaes , who ordinarily and for the most part are themselues slaues of Europe , and sent to be gouernours in diuerse places of Asia . The Cadiliskieri ( or as the Arabians call them ) Casiaskeri , that is to say , chiefe Iudges in the Ottoman Empire , and the ordinary Iudges of causes both Ciuill and Militarie , are two , the one in Natolia , and the other in Romania . He of Cairo is not properly called Cadiliskiero ( as some haue written ) but the Graund-Cadi , and was instituted by Selem , after that he had subdued a great part of the Armenians , the Aegyptians , the Sorians , and the Arabians . And although there be some , that do attribute the want of Turkish Souldiers , to the diminishment of men , by example of the Arcipelago , and of Greece , which is for the most part disinhabited , and of all Macedonia , which is the best part of the Turkes possessions : it may be answered , that Greece euer since those times wherein the flower of her greatnes and Maiestie was extinguished , hath also remained so barren & void of men , that it was neuer so reinhabited as it was before . Paulus Aemilius in one onely day destroyed threescore and ten Cities in Epirus : and many Ilandes there be , which are vtterly waste , and not habitable for barrennesse . Besides that , the Ciuill warres of the Romans , the simplicitie of the Greeke Emperours , the Armadaes , and fleetes of the Saracens , and also of the Latines , and last of all of the Turkes , togither with the notorious iniuries of rouers and Pirates , haue neuer suffered those Ilandes , and the rest of that most populous Countrey , so much as to take breath . True also it is , that a man may walke many a mile through the Turks Countrey , and find neither men nor houses . But the reason of this is , for that the Inhabitants hauing left the townes and walled places , which are situate either vpon the beaten and common high wayes , or very neere vnto them are eloyned afarre of , and haue scattered themselues further within the countrey , and retired into places among the Mountaines that are more strong , where they haue setled themselues in verie populous numbers , because they would be safe & secure from the murthers , and robberies of the Souldiers : who are wont euen among the Turks ( I would to God it were not so also among vs Christians ) to liue at their owne discretion , without all discretion , spoyling and wasting whatsoeuer they can attaine : for such is their vse and wickednesse , not the profession of true Souldiers , as more at large I haue shewed in my booke called Militia Christiana , Christian Souldierie . And these are in mine opinion , the most certaine and true reasons of the Diminution of the Ottoman armies : but why they are now so full of people that are poore , and as it were vtterly spoyled , this reason may be yeelded , viz. for that onely men of euill disposition , and such as are the basest persons , and of no woorth , runne headlong to their warres . And so much the rather , for that the Spahi themselues doe send thither in their owne rowmes their seruants & knaues , who togither with the rest of the Souldiers , haue no sooner taken a bootie ( or peraduenture no sooner want an occasion to catch a bootie ) but they will flie out of the campe , and returne home againe . As for example , the souldiers of Sinan did in Walachia the last year , who hauing nothing left , but their shirt-sleeues , and being almost vtterly spoyled : because they would not die for cold and hunger , and because they found nothing to steale for their relief in the fieldes , began almost euen at the first to forsake him : yea and at the returne of the great . Turke himselfe from Belgrado to Constantinople , all the souldiers almost would needes follow him , and none of their Captaines were able to hold them . Now that I haue tolde you of the Souldiours , which the Great Turke hath of his owne , I wil tell you of his Souldiers Auxiliarie . § XXVII . AMong all the Auxiliarie Souldiers , whose seruice and helpe hee vseth in his affaires , without all doubt , the chiefest , the most in number , nay the onely men are the Tartarians : the knowledge of whom , because it is not peraduenture so manifest to euerie man , I will truly and faithfully display , as I haue done in all thinges before , and will doe also in those matters which are to bee set downe hereafter : following that which I haue learned and vnderstoode from many persons that are verie worthie of credite , and haue had long practise and traffike with the Tartarians themselues , and auoyding especially those fables , which diuerse men haue written of them . I will adde also thereunto somewhat of the Circassians , as partly depending vppon them , and likewise of the Curdians , of the Drusians , and of the Arabians . But because there be diuerse sortes of the Tartarians or Tartars , so called peraduenture , because they are the Reliques ( as the worde in deede signifieth in the Syrian tongue ) of those Isdraelites , that were transported beyond Media being then not inhabited : I will treate but onely of those that serue for our purpose . And those bee they , which are subiect to a King that keepeth in Taurica . Whereof some doe dwell in Europe , and some in Asia , betweene the Poole Meotis , called at this day Mar Delle Zabacche : the Riuer Tanais , called by the Tartarians Don : the riuer Volga , which they call Rha , and Edil , and the Mengrellians , and Circassians : and all these are called Nogai . For the other Tartarians , on this side and beyonde the Volga , betweene Moscouia , and the Sea of Baccu , that is to say the Caspian Sea , and the Georgians are partly subiect to the Moscouite , partly free and of themselues , and partly vnder the iurisdiction of the Turke , there where Demir Capi standeth , sometimes called the Caspian or Iron Gates . This foresaide King is called the Tartar of Crimo . Nowe Crimo or Kriim ( call it as you list ) is the chiefe and principall Cittie of all the Kingdome , although hee bee resident for the most part in Iegni Bascca , a place in Chersonesus Taurica , called at this day by the Polackes and Russians , Perocopska . The Crimo is beyonde that , neere to the Ditch , whereof the Tartarians , especially by the sayde Polackes , and Russians are called Precopisi , which is as a man may say Zappahsi innansi , Digged or delued foorth , so tearmed of the worde Procop , which signifieth a hollowing or a digging , and not of a certaine King of theirs , whom some will needes haue to bee one Procopio . Neither is it true ( as others affirme ) that such a Ditch was made but of late , as it appeareth by Herodotus , there where hee maketh mention of the Market of Cremne . The tytle of the Tartarian King , is Han , ( which signifieth a Lorde ) and not Chan , vnlesse wee will pronounce C. for H. as the Italian vseth sometimes to doe in certaine Latine wordes : or with a more harde pronounciation as the Dutch doe Kiocai , in Beluacens is signifieth Kioc-Han , that is to say , Gog-Han , a worde familiar and welknowen in the holie Scriptures . Ezekiel . 38. and 39. Reuel-20 . The Polacckes call him Zar , that is to say , Caesar. The Familie or house of the Tartar King , which giueth him his Surname , is Kirei : whereuppon they haue beene called Mahomet Kirei Han , Islam Kirei Han , Hassan Kirei Han. The King nowe liuing is called Alip : So that by his stile , you may call him , Alip Kirei Han. i. Alip Kirei the Chan , as in Fraunce Hugh Capet the king , Henrie Valois the king , Henrie Burbon the king , &c. The coast of Taurica , that is watered with the Blacke Sea , till yee come to the streyte of Osphorus , ( which is the Cimmerian Bosphorus ) at the entrance of the Poole Maeotis , belongeth to the Turke : But betweene the Continent , and that part which is watered with the sayde Poole , belongeth all to the Tartar , although many Christians that vse the Greeke rites and ceremonies , doe dwell there also . Of these Tartarians , the Moscouite standeth in greate feare , because with sundrie In-roades they enter into his Countrey , and carrie away manie of his Subiectes , to sell them afterwardes to the Turkes , and others : and in the yeare one thousand fiue hundred and seuentie : they burnt the very Cittie of Mosco it selfe : howe much more then woulde hee feare them , if hee shoulde goe out of his owne Countrey ? In deed the Moscouite may annoy the Tartarians that dwell in Asia , and keepe them from dooing any hurt to the Christians vpon the banke of Volga , where they are to bee founde as soone as they haue passed ouer the Riuer . And herevppon it commeth to passe , that they goe out but in a small number . and that in this present warre , the report of their multitude is farre greater then in truth it is . These Tartarians that are vnder the Moscouite , are those of Cassan , Asdrahan , and Citrahan : of whome , because they serue not to our purpose , I will not say anie thing at this time . The Tartarians of Europe , that dwell in Taurica , and out of Taurica , from the Poole Maeotis , to the greate Sea , can not bee hindered by the Moscouites , without the good leaue and pleasure of the Polaccke . For they must needes passe through his Countrey , eyther by the way of Smolensko , or else somewhat lower , by the way of Tanais , neerer to the Poole . But those wayes are verie difficult , both in regarde of the Riuers , and also of the Fennes and Marishes : and besides that , they are verie long . And these are the verie selfe same Sarmatians , which are of Sarmatia in Europe and Asia : For the Auncient Writers doe make Scythia , and Sarmatia , to bee all one . The Weapons of the Tartarians are Scimitarres and Bowes . And because they want that quantitie of Steeles both of wood and Iron , whereof they haue great neede to make their arrowes withall , they make them of Reedes , whereof they haue great aboundaunce . They are verie keene and sharpe , which they can handle verie well and nimbly , as well in shooting them foorth outright , as also backewardes , when they make as though they woulde retyre and flie away : which kinde of fight they vse more like to theeues then souldiers . They all ride on Horsebacke : their horses are small , and vnshodde : when they passe ouer the Ices , which in those partes are verie great , they driue a crooked nayle into their horses feete , to auoyde the daunger to slipping : couragious they bee , and verie apt to labour , and take paynes . § XXIX . THe Turkes vse the Tartarians in their warres , both because they are all of one offspring , ( for Mahometanes they bee all : ) as also , and especiallye because they shoulde not vnite themselues with their enemies agaynst them : for they are the onelie men whome the Turkes doe greatliest doubt : and the rather , for that ( as Sultan Soliman saide once in a Counsell which hee helde in his owne presence , touching those Princes whome the Ottoman Empire ought chiefly to feare : ) the Tartarians may of a soden runne with infinite numbers euen to Constantinople it selfe , and arriue there , before that euer the Turkes can be prepared for defence against them . And hereupon it commeth to passe that the Turkes do endeuour by all kinde of good offices to hold them in friendship , and to be allied with them in mariage : ( for in that respect Solimans mother was maried to his father , she being a Tartarian , and the daughter of Mehemet Kirei : ) the Turkes also for the same reason doe bestowe diuers contributions and beneuolence vpon the Tartarians , yea , such and so great , as in the time of warres a Leauie of the Tartarians is verie costly to the great Turke , because hee must of necessitie giue them so much , as may bee sufficient not onely to maintayne themselues , but their wiues also and children which they leaue at home : so that to tie them the faster and safer vnto them , besids the bonds of alliance and kindnesse they are enforced to vse this necessarie exigent , whereas on the contrary side , in the time of Soliman the Tartarians were enforced vnder Sedac Kirsi to gratifie the Turke . The Moscouite and the Polack likewise do bestow great gratuities vpon the said Tartarians , for feare of their soden in-roades which they may make vpon them in the time of haruest . The Moldauian also , although hee pay tribute to the Turke , yet is he bound in many respects to grafie the Tartarians , who are in those parts none otherwise held to be friends to any , then the Switzers are to the Princes in our countries But because the passages of the Tartarians into Hungarie in this time of warre , are diuers and vncertaine , and so may also be in times to come , it shall not bee vnfruitfull and inconuenient , if I touch the courses and voyages , which they may take , to the end that we on our side may the more easily endeuour and prouide either altogether to hinder them , or at least to make their arriuall there to bee more difficult vnto them . . § XXX . THe Tartarians , when they will ioyne thēselues with the Turkish armies , must needes of necessitie passe through the Polack countrey , either inhabited , or wast and desert . The countrey inhabited , is Russia , & Podolia , two Prouinces which are on their right hand . They may passe also on a soden vnder Premisla , by the vallies that lead into vpper Hungary . But both these former waies may be easily stopped by the Polackes , and the last also by the Imperialistes , and the Transyluanians . They may likewise passe at Sumber , or somwhat neerer to Transyluania : but this is a more difficult way then the rest . Through the wast or desert countrey , they may passe two wayes , the one farre from the Sea , the other nigh to the Sea. If they will go that way which is farre from the Sea , they arriue at the Riuer Niestro and so enter into Moldauia , and from thence trauersing Walachia , they come to Zuerin or Seuerino ( so called by the christians in memorie of Seuerus the Emperour : ) but this may be stopped by the Polacches , the Moldauians and the Walacchians . At Seuerino , if they had the countrey friendly and fauourable vnto them , yet they may peraduenture haue somwhat to do , before they can passe ouer the Riuer Danow : but now forasmuch as that place is at the deuotiō of the Transyluaniā , they shal be enforced to passe it , & to make way to thēselues by force & arms : which will proue no lesse difficult vntō them , then if they should haue attempted the voyage by land . The Tartarians also may come to the Niestro , by the way that is nigh to the Sea : for they may passe to Achermano , ( which the Polacckes call Bialogrod , the Moldauians Cittat-Alba , and the Hungarians Nestor Alba , ) a territorie and Sangiacche-ship belonging to the Turkes , at the mouth of the said Riuer Niester , and not at the mouth of Ister or Danubius , as some haue written : and it is neere to the Sangiacche-ship of Bendero , called by the Polackes and Moldauians Tegina , and is a place in the Prouince of Maldauia , but subiect to the Turke , through the default of that Aaron the Vaiuode , who in this present warre , thinking to reconcile himselfe , for the reuolt which he made from the Turkes , would not surprise it , when he might . In the said Sangiacke-shippes , the Tartarians may take two wayes , the one by passing the Riuers of Pruto and Sereto , and so annoying Walachia : the other without passing the saide Riuers , and by going ouer the Danowe in Bulgaria , which is a countrey belonging to the Turke . This last way , though at this time it would be the safer , yet for all that it would not be without great difficultie , yea , and somuch the rather , for that the Turkes themselues will not willingly yeeld their consents that the Tartarians shall take that way , for feare least they should wast their countrey . The first time , that they passed to this present warre , they tooke the way of Premisla , and in their returne they went home by Seuerino : but after that they were discomfited and ouerthrowne by the Walachians and Transyluanians , to the end they might more easily saue themselues in their returne homewardes , they tooke the way last before named . §. XXXI . BEsids the Tartarians aboue mentioned , there are also certain other Tartarians called Giebeli , which may be to the number of about two thousand , they handle the Scimitarre and the Bow : they weare a Salate and a Iacke , whereupon they haue gotten the name of Giebeli , that is to say , men of armes . They dwel commonly in Dobruccia , between the Danowe , and the Ruines of the wall , that was caused to bee made by the Greek Emperours , from Gorasui , neere to Silistria , as far as Constane , vpon the banke of the Greeke Sea. These Tartarians do the Turkes verie often vse , because they would make the worlde beleeue that the Tartarians of Crimo , are come to assist and succour them : and so causing these few Tartarians to passe ouer on this side of the Danowe : ( for they dwell in the vttermost parte of Moldauia , beetweene the Niestro and the Danowe , ) euen vntil they come to the great sea in the Sang●ack-ships of Bendero and Achermano ( whereof I tould you somewhat but a little before , ) they doe mightily encrease the rumor of them , and breede a great feare in our people . Lastly , I will conclude this discourse touching the Tartarians , with a conceite worthie of consideration and memorie , and it this , that as the Tartars of Europe in the time of the Romanes went euen as farre as Persia , by the way of Demir-Capi , that is to say , the iron gates , a place verie famous and renowmed in regard of Alexander the great , passing through the countrey of the Georgianes : euen so the verie selfe same way was taken in our daies , particularly by Osman Bassa , who therein did greatly labour to imitate , or rather to ouergo Domitius Corbulo , and Pompeius Magnus , as yee may reade in Tacitus and Dion . §. XXXII . THe Circassians , sometimes called the Zighi , are by the Polackes named Pientzcorschii , that is to say the Inhabitants of fiue mountaynes , and therefore they are also tearmed Quinque-Montani ▪ i. Fiue-Mountayne-men . They doe not reach to the Caspian Sea , as some haue written , but only to the Cimmerian Bosphorus , to the Poole Maeotis , and to the great-Sea . Some of them are Freemen : but some of them are tributaries to the afore named Tartar of Crimo . They liue all after the Superstions and rites of the Graecians . They goe with the Turkes to warre , but they serue them euen for poore pouertie . They vse to sell one another of themselues : and many of them are become Sclaues , as well by the way of Mengrellia , and by the Tartarians , with whome they haue to doe sometimes , as also by the meanes and conueniencie of Asaf , which is a Forte belonging to the Turke at the mouth of the riuer Tanais . They are well accounted of , for their good disposition and liuely courage . In the time of the Souldanes all the Mamalukes almost were Circassians , and thereupon came the Mamalukes to be called by the Turkes , Zercas . In Circassia was Osman heretofore ouerthrowne by the Cassacchi : ( what they are , it shall be told yee in due place : ) in his returne from Persia to Constantinople , after he had passed the Riuer Phas or Phasis , ( which is so famous for the Golden Fleece ) in Mengrellia , which is vpon the great-Sea in the confines of Trabisonda , a Riuer which Pompey durst not passe ouer , when he pursued Mithridates , for feare of the Tartarians , the Circassians , and other people neere thereaboutes . And let thus much suffice to be spoken of the Tartarians and Circassians . The Turke is also wont sometimes to inuite the Curdians or Gurdians to his warres : who are Mahometanes , and liue like Freemen , and are verie couragious . They dwell in the region of Bagadat , and in that part thereof , which now is called Curdistan , that is to say , Chaldaea , named by the Arabians Keldan . Some are of opinion , that they may one day do great hurt to the Turkish Empire . Some thinke the same also of the Drusians , who are souldiours by profession , and dwell in the Mountayne Libanus : as also of the Arabian Bandoliers , who are Lordes and Maisters of the Champeine , as sometimes our Fuorusciti or outlawes are wont to be among vs. But in trueth I do doubt , that the Maiestie and State of that Empire shall haue small cause to feare either the first , who do inhabite but a small countrey , or the second , who are but some few Mountaine people , or to be briefe the last , who are indeede a confused number of theeues . Now lastly , it will bee verie conuenient , that I shewe vnto you , the strength and forces of that Empire , that is to say , how the great Turke is able to prouide himselfe and his Armies with victualles , with Armour , and with Munition , aswell by land as by Sea. For in vaine were it to haue an Armie , and not to be able to arme and feede both men and cattell , or to make an Armada without timber and people . I will also by the way touch vnto you , how these prouisions of the Turkes , may bee either stopped , or verie hardly be brought vnto him : and by the knowledge thereof it will the more easily appeare , what the enimie can by all likelihoode doe against vs. § XXXIIII . ANd to beginne with victualles , as a thing more necessarie then any other prouision whatsoeuer , for the maintainance of an Armie , most certaine it is , that the Turke wanteth not corne : For he may haue great store of it out of Asia , and to conuay it into Hungarie , he hath many diuers and sundry wayes . But that which is by the great Sea at the mouth of the Danow , hath no good free passage , in regard of the Walacchians , who do now depende vpon the Transyluanian . That by Constantinople is to long a iourney , and yet there can none be caried that way neither . The most free and easiest way of all the rest for this purpose , is that by Sea to Salonicchi , and from thence by the way of Scopia to Belgrado , where the countrey being verie plaine and euen , the Turkes may verie commodiously make their conuoyes , and much better they might do , if they had any cartes . In Europe , the Turke hath not now any great cōmoditie of victualles . For Maldauia and Walachia , although they be Prouinces , that are by nature verie fruitfull of Barley and Wheate , yet by the occasion of this present warre , they are beecome almost altogether vnfruitfull , not onely because they are not now sowed as heretofore ordinarily they haue beene , but also beecause that little which the grounde yeeldeth , is purloyned by men , and trampled with horses . Beesides that , the Walachian and the Moldauian , who beeing as tributaries to the Turke , ought to minister vnto him all the helpe that possibly they can , yet at this present they will faile to doe it : the Walachian , beecause hee is vtterly alienated from him , and the Moldauian , because hee hath enough to do to furnish himselfe . The Turkes may also conuay some vittailes out of Macedonia , and Seruia , ( two Prouinces that are woont to bee verie plentifull of corne : ) which they may easily do , because the Country is partly plaine , and partly hilly , but without any stones . They may also take the same way of Salonicchi , by passing through the Champaines of Moraua in Seruia , not farre from the most fertile plaines of Cossouo , which our writers do call the Champaines of Black birds , by reason of the great multitude of them that were seene there before the battaile , wherein Amurath the first was slaine . Whereupon I do note by the way , that the ancient writers were in an errour , whiles they thought , that a man coulde not possibly passe through all the Mountaines of Macedonia and Seruia , : considering that they are verie easie to bee passed , excepting onely that part of them , which out of Epirus entreth into Macedonia , for that is in deede vnpassible with carriages . Now touching the point , how to hinder the Turkes vittailes , that they may not be conueighed and brought into those Countryes , where the wars now are . I doe thinke that it will proue a verie difficult and hard matter for vs Christians to bring it to passe , either by sea or by land . The vittailes of Asia , which come out of Aegypt , and are embarked at Alexandria , Damiata , and other places , cannot be impeached or stayed , without an Armada , or a fleete of shippes , nor without fighting also with the fleete of the enemie . Besides that the Arcipelago , where this must specially and principally bee attempted , hath many channels . And by land , they can be stopped but in one only case ( vnlesse the Turke might bee debarred and kept out of his owne Countrey , which is the hardest thing of all . ) And this onely way is for the Transiluanian , togither with the Walachians , to passe ouer to the hither side of the Danowe , and interpose themselues betweene Bulgaria , and Seruia , which in times past were called the two Misiaes . And yet when all comes to all , there is no remedie but we must looke to fight , and therefore it will behoue vs to haue a verie mightie armie in a readinesse . Moreouer , euerie Spahi , is bound to bring to the campe , one load of corne for his owne vittaile . All the Sangiacchi doe send thither , Meale , Barley , and Graine , when and as much as they can . And all the villages also are bound to send a certaine quantitie of Barley , whensoeuer they are commaunded . And in Belgrado , there is ordinarily made great store and prouision of Bisket , Meale and Barley . § XXXV . IT is verie true , that the Turke cannot set forth his armie towardes the warres before the grasse bee growen , or rather not before haruest-time as well in regarde of the prouisions ( as I haue told you ) which the Spahi & others are bound to bring to the camp , as also because it is necessarie , that both men and cattell should haue good meanes to maintain them selues in the field , yea and so much the rather for that the armie is verie populous , as indeede all the Turkish Armies are for the most part , of people , of horses , and of Camels : whereupon it falleth out also , that that they cannot long bee maintained nor stay togither by great heapes and multitudes in one place by reason of their great expences . Out of Scopia , they haue some little store of Rice , whereof the Turkes doe make themselues a peculiar kinde of pottage : they haue also some quantitie of it out of Alexandria , and other places , whither our Marchants do vse to transport it . § XXXVI . THey haue great aboundance of flesh-meates , al their Countrey ouer ( specially where their souldiers meete togither , and goe to warre : ) namely of Muttons , and of Beeffes , which are ( as a man may say ) innumerable in those huge and wide Champaines where they feede and pasture : yea and so much the more store of them they haue : because the Moldauian is content that the Turkes shal passe through their Countrey , with their cattell , their honie , and their Butter , in regard of the great custome and toll which they gaine of them for the passages therof . Although ( to speak the truth ) there doth not now passe that way , so great a multitude of Muttōs , as in time past there hath done , because there was not heretofore so good a riddance of them into Polonia , as now there is . Which in deede is no small griefe and displeasure to the Turkes , who doe vse to eate the flesh of Muttons with great delight and verie sauourly , whereas on the other side they do not so greatly care for the flesh of Beefes . The Turkes also vse to carrie with them a certaine kinde of salt poudred flesh , which being beaten into powder , serueth them for a verie great nourishment , especially if they mingle it with their pottage , or broath : and this meate they call Tzorba . § XXXVII . ANd now to their drinke . It is most certaine , that there want no good waters ouer al the country where the warres are . And for water , it ought not to seeme a straunge drinke : for the Turkes considering that by their law they are bound to drinke it , as the Carthaginians also do : and as for Religion sake likewise it is vsed to bee drunke by the inhabitants of the Kingdome of Tarsus , which on the East confineth and bordereth vppon Cataio , and is famous in the holy Scriptures for the three wise kinges , that came from thence to worship Christ. But what a great aduauntage it is to the Turkes to haue this commoditie of water , let them consider that haue conuersed and practised with the Dutche , ( although at other times also , as Tacitus writeth , they vsed to drinke at the Well-head . ) certaine it is , if we mark the matter well , that Mahamet their Law-giuer , did for none other cause so straitely commaund his followers , that they should so precisely abstaine from wine , but onely because that hauing throughly resolued with himselfe to haue his law defended with force & armes , he thought it conuenient by meanes of sobrietie to make them as fit and apt for the wars as possibly he could . And besides that also , he did inthrall them to the imaginary opinion of the gouernment of Destinie , to the end hee might make them the more obedient to their Captaines , and the more resolute in fight . He also ordained , that they should often wash themselues , to the ende , that his Armies might the more easily bee kept cleane and free from those euils and diseases , which do ordinarilie breede of filthinesse , and likewise make them the more able to endure the hardnesse and distemperature of the weather , with other such like policies . The Turkes also haue a certaine kinde of Breuuage or drinke ( which they call Tzerbet , and wee S●rbetto , a Soupe or Broath : ) and it is made of Raisins and water , sometimes mingled with the iuice of Lemmons , and with Muske : most daintie and delicate it is , to the taste , and will often strike vp into the heade like Wine . Whereof also if any of the Turkes are desirous to drinke , especially the Giannizzaries , who will swill of it beyonde all measure , they may haue some in Hungarie , and chiefly in vpper - Hungarie , where the wine of Toccai is verie famous . § XXXVIII . LAstly , the Turkes cannot want prouision of wood and timber , which ( as Cyrus sayth ) is as necessarie for an armie , as any other thing whatsoeuer . True it is , that in some places of Seruia there is no great store of it : but there is as much as may be desired , in the rest of the voyage from Constantinople to Belgrado : and in the way of lower Hungarie , on this side of the Danow , euen vnto Vesperino : but specially in Bazca , & also in Srema , which is a Prouince so called of the Cittie Sirmio , so noble and renowmed , principally for the Councill that was kept there . These two Prouinces doe lie on this side of the Danow , betweene the Danow it selfe , and the riuers of Draua and Saua , and haue great abundance of wood and timber , by reason that they haue not felt the miseries of the warre , because the Turkish armies haue not taken that way , but onely in the beginning vnder the conduct of Sinan . And now that we haue discouered whatsoeuer is necessarie for the vittaile and foode of their men and cattell : it followeth also to be considered , how the Turkes are at this present armed , and how they may haue munition sufficient for the warre , whether it be Defensiue , or Offensiue . § XXXIX . THe Spahi of Europe , to strike a farre off , doe vse to weare a light Launce with a pommell , and to strike at hand , an Iron Club or Mace , which they call Pusdogan : or else a Scimitarre , or Cimitare : for so by a barbarous worde they call that weapon , which by little and little groweth crooked towards the poynt , and is like for all the worlde to the Knife , that Xenophon attributeth as proper to the Persians , called by the Turkes Cedare , by the Arabians Seife , and by the Dutche Sabell , a corrupt worde taken from the Hungarians , and Sclauonians , who call it Sabla . Some of them doe also weare an Axe , and a short sword . Some few Iacks , and Targates they haue : but the rest of all their bodie is vnarmed . None of them doth handle the Pistoll : and many of them doe onelie vse the Dart. The greatest part of those Spahi , that kept in the frontiers of Croatia , and of Hungarie , had Cuirasses , and Corslets , but they are almost all extinguished , & those that are of late gone thither in their roomes are not accustomed to such armour . All the Giannizzaries , and some of the Asappi , handle the Arcubuse , but for the most part not so wel as it is handled by vs Christians . Which what aduauntage it may be vnto vs , let those iudge that saw the handling of the Arcubuse , Da posta : that was so profitably vsed in the actions of that most glorious Gentleman Alexander duke of Parma . The Acanzii , the Spahoglani , the Chiaussi , ( which vse ordinarily to go as Messengers or Embassadors ) and other Caualieroes of the great Turkes Court , do handle the Dart , and some of them the Launce , after the Asian maner . To be short , all the footemen almost go with a Scimitarre , and without any Murrion , but the most part of them with Daggers after the Greeke fashion . The horsemen of Asia doe carrie , as it were , half Pikes . Many of them are Archiers : they ride vpon low Saddles , so that they may easily be ouerthrowen to the ground . § ▪ XL. THere are also in the Turkish armies diuers Officers or seruants , as the Giebegi , that is say , Armourers , that surueigh their Armour . The Topigi or Bombardieri , that looke to their Guns : whereof some haue pay , and some haue none , but diuers fees and recompences they haue . The Armenians for the most part do serue for Pioners , and do such workes among the Turks , as our Spazzacamini or Chimney-sweepers doe among vs Italians , and thereupon are in scorne called Bochgi . There go also with the camp many Voinicchi , who are villaines or slaues . They liue after the Greeke maner : they serue for any vse , and dwell in Seruia and Bulgaria . Vonicchi is a Sclauoine worde , signifying Bellicos , warlike men , because in times past they were much imployed in the warres . Many other there be likewise , that voluntarily follow the Armie to be Pioners , and to doe such other base seruices , and are called Sarchor . And here in this place I will omit at large to entreate of the Militarie discipline of the Turkes , because that point hath beene better examined by others then I can do . Onely I will tell you some speciall matters , because I will not leaue the Reader fasting and vnsatisfyed in this behalfe , as peraduenture in other poyntes I haue alreadie glutted him . § XLI . VVIthout all doubt , the Turkish souldiers are farre inferiour to our souldiers that are exercised . By our Souldiers , I doe vnderstande not onely the Italians , but also those of Spaine , of France , of Hungary , of Germany , & of other natiōs that vse to go to warfare in our armies . And by exercised soldiers , I mean such as haue not only bin wel instructed in the arte of warrefare , but also such as haue beene accustomed with the exercises of a Christian souldier , to the end that accompanying valour and vertue both together ▪ they may the more surely in the seruice of our Princes become victorious , although they be peraduenture farre inferiour in number to our enimies . Most euident and plaine are the examples of the victories obtayned by a few Christians vnder Marcus Aurelius , Constantinus , Theodosius the elder , Theodosius the yonger , Honorius , Aetius and many others : but more particularly ouer the Saracenes , vnder Pelagius the first , King of Castile , who with one thousand slew twentie thousand of them : and vnder Charles Martell , who at one onely time ouerthrewe and vanquished three hundred , threescore and fifteene thousand of them : I leaue to tell you what the Christians also did , vnder Alfonsus the Chast , Ranimiro , Ferdinando , and Waltero the great Master of the Duch order , who slew a hundred thousand Tartarians with the death of one onely of his owne souldiers : and Corui●us , who after hee had obtayned seauen victories against the Turkes , with fifteene thousand onely , most valourously fought the eight battail against eightie thousand of them , as ( among others ) Thomas Bozius writing against Macchiauel hath at large described . Moreouer , euerie man that hath warred with the Turkes doth know well enough , that they lodge at large : and that in their marching they go verie confusedly , so that they may verie easily be endamaged in the tayle of their Armie . George Castriota , was one of the most famous Captaines , that euer fought with the Turkes , and was otherwise called Iskander-Beg , i. the Lord Alexander , a name that was giuen him by Sultan Amurath , when being his Hostage or Pledge he caused him to bee circumcised at seauen years of age : ( for the Turkes at circumcision change the name , as we vse to doe at baptisme . ) This man fighting thus with the Turks being in this disarray , had such victories of them as were most worthie of triumph . Besides all this the Turkes , when they do fight , put more confidence in their Multitude , in the opinion that they haue of Destinie , in the noyse of their warrelike instruments , and in the horrible cry of their barbarous shoutings , then they haue in any good order , or in true discipline . And yet many good things they haue , as namely , a Supreme authoritie in their Captaine Generall , an obedience in the souldiers , though now it be somewhat diminished : forces alwayes readie , so that they shall not neede to go about , begging of souldiers , as our Princes doe , who verie oftentimes make more account and better reconing of other mens forces , thē they do of their own , and to make a leauie of souldiers , are enforced to euacuate and emptie their treasuries and to consume the greatest part of their time vnprofitably . The Turkes spend their treasure either in matters of greatest importaunce , or in bestowing liberally vpon their souldiers : which is a most sharpe spurre to animate and encourage them to battail . They neuer attempt any enterprise at a iumpe or vpon a soden . They do not employ their forces in matters of small moment . They vndertake no action , but with order and great militarie preparation : and for the most part they fight not out of season . And although some be of an opinion , that the Turkes want Engyners , yet it is daily seene , that with great facilitie and ease they ouerthrowe the greatest fortes and fortresses of the worlde , whereof they make no account at all : for sometimes they will corrupt the enimies officers , with honours , with gifts , and with prouinces , and sometimes they will make breaches into the walles with continuall batteries , working with the mattocke , filling vp the trenches , and other whiles also ouerwhelming Citties , either with huge artificiall mountaynes of earth , or with vndermining : and lastly , disquieting the inhabitants with perpetuall and importunate assaults and neuer giuing ouer the enterprise till it be performed . Moreouer , they do not want any munition , of Bullet , Artillarie , Powder . For Bullet , they alwaies make it when they haue neede of it . For Artillarie , they haue great quantitie of it , at Constantinople , at Pera , at Belgrado , and at Buda : the most part of it taken from the Christians . They haue also learned to cast Artillarie : the more shame for vs , who haue not beene contented to transport our arrant cruell enimies out of Asia into Europe in Amurathes time , but haue also become Maisters vnto them in this Arte : and I would to God , that we did not likewise carrie them great store of Armour and weapons besides : nothing regarding or fearing the wrath of God , the excommunication of the Popes , nor the vtter ruine of our selues . And as for Powder , it is made at Cairo , and at Acque Bianche . i. the whitewaters , ( which is a place not farre distant from Constantinople : ) and elsewhere in great aboundance . The Turkes do also greatly practise militarie stratagemes , or wilie pollicies in warre , whereby they do vse to mingle deceite with force , according to the commandement of Mahomet their law-giuer : neither do they want meanes and ministers , that are cunning and skilfull to practise the same , both because all such , as among them do attend the Arte of warrefare , do endeuour themselues to learne and knowe whatsoeuer is necessarre for the good managing of an exployte , and also because fraud and deceite is a thing most proper to the Turke . Much other matter might be set downe touching this poynt : but if any bee desirous to vnderstand more hereof , let him read , ( among others that haue written of the Turkish affaires , ) the discourses of Renato Di Lusinge , Lord Alimes , in his booke intituled , Of the beginning , conseruation , & decaying of States . And now that I haue shewed you the Land-Forces of the Ottoman Empire , it is also verie fit and conuenient , that I should , likewise shewe you , the forces thereof by Sea. §. XLII . THe great Turke hath many Tersani , that is to say Arsenales or Storehouses for shipping . The Arsenal or Storehouse of Sinopoli neere to Trabisonda is one of the best . At Constantinople there are a hundred & thirtie seauen roomes in one vaulte ; and at Midia and Achilo they haue space enough to make some if they will. Besides that , the Turkes do vse also to make Galeyes in such places , where they may most commodiously haue timber for them : the charge and care whereof they lay most commonly vpon the Raislari or Raisi , that is to say , the Captains of the said Galeyes . Moreouer they haue great aboundance of timber in many places , & specially in the golfe of Nicomedia in Asia , ouer against Constantinople : and in the mountaines of the Ducagini , from whence they may conuay it by the Riuer Drino vnto Alessio a territorie of Albania : in which prouince also they haue some quantitie at Velona , and at Polona , which is verie famous by Augustus , who was there studying , when Caesar was killed . The great Turke hath also an Arsenal or storehouse in Africa at Suez , in the mouth of the Red Sea , with certaine Galeyes , which were made heretofore against the Portingales , for the enterprise of Diu & Ormuz : but it is of small reconing because in that countrey there is no store of timber , and to bring it from the portes of Bithynia and Caramania to Cairo by the riuer Nilus , and so to Suez vpon Camels is a matter of great difficultie and expense . §. XLIII . IT is most certaine and true that the Turkes do put their timber to worke , so ill seasoned , so greene , & so fallen without any obseruatiō of the course of the Moone , that their Galleyes cannot proue very good & durable : and the rather , because they vse to make them for the most part in great hast : besides that the houels or vaults , that are made to couer them , are not so well fitted , nor safe from the raine . They haue Pitch , both hard and soft from Velonae , and from Rissano in the golfe of Cathare : the one out of the mines , the other from the trees . And tallowe they want not , by reason of the great aboundance of Beefes and Muttons , that are in those countres . But they haue not hempe enough , and so by consequence they are not well prouided of Sayles : and so much the worse , because the Sultane Ladies ( who haue thirtie Galeons of a thousand & fiue hundred tunne a peece , and eighteene great Hulkes , which they send into Alexandria with diuers marchandise , ) do draw out of the Arsenal , with the good liking and pleasure of the Grand-Turke , sayl & chordage , asmuch as is requisite for the seruice of their said vessels . Besides that the officers , who haue the charge of the said Sayls , & such other like furniture for ships , do keepe them but ill fauouredly and lend them out easily for gaine . The Turks do also want nayls , so that very often in steed therof , they are fain to vse sharp wooddē pins . Of Mariners they haue great store . They entertayne the Asappi principally to serue them in Sea actions . And if they should happen to want any , they would compell the Candians to serue in their Galeyes ( for there is alwaies a great multitude of thē in Constantinople ) & other Graecians that are their subiects , which do wholy attend that trade . To this purpose also they keepe many boies exercised that way , in their watch-Gallyes , in their shippes , and other Boats. But gally-slaues they want which is a matter of great consideration : for vnprofitable are their Gallies , without people to row them . And neither will the Christian slaues be enough for that seruice , nor yet those that are supplied out of Barbarie . Besids that the Turkes do not make any slaues of the Tartarians , of the Persians , nor of the Georgians , because they will not admit thē into their militarie gouernment , which wholly resteth in the handes of their slaues , as it hath bin somewhat touched heretofore , and more at large shall be hereafter in the third part of this treatise . Sometimes they will also command the Asappi to go and serue for Gally slaues , as a base kind of people and of no worth : and sometimes others of the countrey : for whose stipend and wages there was applied in times past , an Auariz , that is to say , an exaction layd vpon the christians of Europe , which amounted to the summe of three hundred thousand Cecchinoes or Duckats : but now it is employed vpon other land-matters . In their great necessities they vse also some of the Armenians , some of the Iewes , and some of the Christians , euen by force & compulsion , as namely Cicala did in the last yeare of his generalship . The Spahi likewise go for souldidiers in the Gallyes , that are kept for the defence & safegard of the Islandes of Barbarie , and other places , but without any other pay , sauing only the profite of their Timari : and thereupon they growe wonderfull greedie to robbe and spoyle . If they make a fleete of a greater number of Gallyes then ordinary , ( which may be about some thirtie , ) they will send some Giannizzaries into them . They make great aboundance of Bisket , at Velona at Lepanto , at Negroponte , at Volo in the gulfe of Salomicchi , whether the wheate is brought and conuayed , that is gathered out of Macedonia and Seruia in Zataraes or Lighters by the Riuer Vardaro , which in old time was called Auxius . And thus much let be sufficient to haue spoken of the Turkes forces by land and by Sea. But for as much as according to the opinion of some auncient Captaines , Gold is the Sinewes of warre , and ( as it were ) the Spirite and Soule , that quickeneth and giueth life to an Armie : I will briefly adioyne hereunto some matter touching the Ottoman riches : Wherein a great parte of the Forces of that Empire and of other principalities doth consist . §. XLIIII . FIrst , if wee doe consider the value and account of the Timari , it is manifest and playne that the Great Turke , is the richest Prince , that is vpon the earth : because hauing bounden vnto him by his Timari , moe then three hundred persons , to serue him in his warres , without any interest , hinderaunce or charge of his owne , it may easily bee perceyued , what a great matter it would bee for him to maintayne so many Souldiours , with his owne pay . Moreouer , the great Turke hath two Hasnads , ( or as many do pronounce it with a stronger aspiratiō , Gasnads ) that is to say treasuries whereof the one is called the outward or cōmon treasury , the other the inward or priuate Treasurie . The former hath about some nine or ten millions of yearly reuenue , which is wholy imployed in the expences that are needfull and necessarie for the state . The later is exceedingly rich , by reason of the many and great giftes or presents , which are giuen to the grand-Turke by sundrie Princes , and specially by the Christians , by his owne seruiters and subiects , and by all such as haue any thing to deale with him , not permitting any person to come before his presence with emptie handes , for hee doth attribute that , which indeede turneth to his chiefest gaine , rather to be a signe of his great pompe and Maiestie . And truly if yee shall well consider the nature of the whole generation of the Turkes , ye shall find all of them to attend none other thing , but onely to gather that they may giue it afterwarde to the great Turke : so that by this meanes , all the riches of that large Empire doe passe through their handes , as it were through water-pipes , into the huge Ocean of their Emperours couetousnesse . Into the same priuate Hasnad , or Treasurie , there runneth also the yearely reuenue of Miszir ( for so the Arabians and Turkes doe call the ancient Memphis , that is to say , Cairo , by a corruption from the Hebrew worde Mizraim ) which reuenue amounteth to the summe of aboue one Million . There runneth thither also , the yearely value of all the inheritances of the richest persons in all his Empire , whose heire he maketh himselfe to bee , euen at his owne pleasure . For all the wealth of those , which beare the title of slaues , doth wholy depende vpon his supreeme will and disposition . Thither come likewise , all confiscations and forfeytures , all fines and amercements ( which are verie many ) all the goods of such as are condemned by law , all the Reuenue that is gathered of Custome and Impost : all the rent of the Salt-pits , and the Tithe and tents of all prayes that are taken by land or by sea , of all cattell , and of all Haruests in the fields : the profite also of the Mines , whereof there are verie many in Seruia , ( insomuch as it is called , Prouincia d' Argento , 1. the Prouince of Siluer ) in Bosna about Iaiza , in Macedonia , and elsewhere . All which ioyntly togither , amounteth to a most huge quantitie of golde more or lesse , according to the greedie auarice of the Prince , and to the diligence , or rather insaciablenes and extortion of his officers . Besides all this , the Turke doth also leuie a tribute vpon the Christians , which is a Sultanine vpon euerie Head , or Poll of them , assoone as they are aboue xiiii . yeares olde : which tribute is now encreased to a higher rate , by occasion of this present warre . There is likewise a certaine redemption of that , which is payed by the Turkes according to the rate of fiue and twentie Aspres a peece , and is called a Gift , because it is expressely forbidden by their law that the Turkes shoulde take any tribute of the Turkes . Lastly , the now liuing great Turke , did finde in this priuate Hasnad or treasurie , great store of gold , but not in that excessiue quantitie , as some haue bin bolde to write , which was gathered togither by his father , who was very auaricious and greedie beyond all measure , and as insatiable and carefull to hoorde vp , as he was miserable and sparing in spending and giuing . He was of the minde that he would sell euen the flowers of his owne Gardeines : hee payed no debts : he gaue nothing , or at least verie little to his souldiers : a thing that was farre different from the custome of that Empire . To bee short , he was most respectiue and heedie in all his expences as well ordinarie as extraordinarie , those only excepted which he laide out vpon his women , who ( although they were his slaues ) yet was it his pleasure , that when they departed from his entertainement , and embracement , they should bee greatly enriched , and well furnished with Iewels . To all these things before rehearsed , there may be added a matter , which without teares cannot bee remembred , and that is , the tributes ( or rather to vse a more modest name for it , the Beneuolences and Gratuities ) which the Christian Princes do vsually giue to the great Turke . The memorie whereof ought to enkindle , yea and enflame them with a most iust disdaine and indignation against so barbarous and vniust a tyrant , and to cause them , that ( as indeede they doe in their consciences acknowledge it to bee more profitable for Christendome , and honourable for themselues : ) so they would all ioyne togither with one consent to spend the same money for the glorie of Christ , and for there owne safetie . § XLV . THe Christian Emperour payed vnto the Turke for Hungarie , and to haue peace with him ( if I do well remember my selfe ) fortie and fiue thousande Dallers . The Vaiuode of Moldauia paieth one and thirtie loades of Aspres , or little lesse . A hundred thousand Aspres make a loade , which at the time of the imposition make two thousand Crownes , euerie Crowne being worth fiftie Aspres , which is now worth more then a hundred . And besides , he payeth also to the Tartarian twentie Cart-loades of honie , with foure Oxen in euerie Cart , and fiftie Mares besides . but it may be that by some new composition he payeth now somewhat more or lesse . The Vaiuode of Walachia , before it was at the deuotion of the Transiluanian Prince , paied fiftie loads . Such is the information that I haue had from such as haue seene the bookes of Moldauia , and Walachia : and therefore I do differ somewhat from those , that haue written otherwise hereof . The Prince of Transiluania , payed to the Turke before this present warre 15000. Cecchinoes or Duckets . The state of Ragugia payeth . 12500. Cecchinoes . The state of Venice , for the Iland of Zante ( i. Zacinthus ) 1000. Cecchinoes : as Selem also chalengeth a certaine summe of money , before it was bereaued of the Kingdome of Cyprus , because the Ottoman Empire was somewhat entered into the Soldanes accounts and reckonings . The Moscouite also gratifieth the Tartarian for Taurica , to auoyde the incursions , which the Tartarians are wont to make into his Countrey , either of themselues , or at the instance of the Turke . The Polack payed to the Turke in the yeare 1591. so many furs of Sables , as were worth 25000. crownes of gold : but it is not a yearely tribute , as some haue written . Indeed hee giueth to the Tartarian euerie yeare a certaine summe of mony , to buy Scimitarres , and apparell withall , by an auncient capitulation or composition , as it is read in the Histories of Polonia . I haue noted also the giftes which some Princes do bestow vpon the Tartarian , which although they began at the first indeed , before the Turke had any thing to doe with the Tartarian , are yet still continued by the said Princes , principally to please the Turke . There be also certaine tributes and giftes , which the Princes of Africa , and of Arabia , and the Ge●rgiani , and others do vse to giue , but I wil omit them , because they are not of any moment , nor serue any thing to this present purpose . Finally , there be also many Rewardes and Gratuities , which the foresayd Princes do bestow extraordinarily vpon the officers of that barbarous Prince to keepe them to bee their friends : and which vpon diuerse and sundry occasions they bestow also vpon himselfe , either to holde him in friendship , or to pacifie his rage and furie ( which is sometimes eager in deed , and somtimes but counterfaite ) or else they giue it for a certaine Ceremonie : because ( as I haue signified before ) he doth account this kinde of profite to be verie honourable vnto him . Besides that all such as desire Offices and Dignities , or returne from the gouernments of Prouinces , or from some notable enterprice , do bestow vpō him ( as it were by bond and dutie ) the godliest and most precious things which they haue gotten : Neither is there any other cause why his pleasure is that all the presentes , which are offered vnto him , should thus openly and in publike view be presented to his owne presence , but onely with this barbarous pride and ostentation to enflame and prouoke both his owne subiects & strangers to bestow the more vpon him . The end of the first Booke . The second part . Wherein is treated of the purposes and Designments which the Ottoman Princes haue towards other princes : Of the cause of this present warre in Hungarie ; the beginning and proceeding thereof : wherein for your better vnderstanding , the originall of the said warre shall be fetched , euen from Amurath , the father of this now liuing Mahomet . NOw that we haue seene the nature and conditions of Mahomet , the heade and chiefe of this Ottoman Empire , and what are the members , strength , and forces of this most monstrous bodie , as I may call it : fit and conuenient it is : that for the full and perfect knowledge thereof , we should goe about to search the purposes and designements , which the said Mahomet hath against other Princes , and specially against the Princes Christian : to the end we may the better vnderstand the true causes of this present warre , togither with the beginning and proceedings thereof . But forasmuch as this warre began , euen in the time of Amurath , father to the now liuing Emperour , it will be necessarie for our better intelligence to speake somewhat of him , and to fetch the true originall of the said war euen from thence : wherewithall there shal be also discouered vnto you more plainly , all the greatest interests and dealings which hee hath with the rest of the Princes in the world . § I. ANd to begin the same accordingly Amurath , the Lord and Emperour of the Turkes father to the now liuing Mahomet , was a prince ( of a Mahometane ) verie tollerable and discrete . He was a zealous obseruer of that most vaine superstition of the Mushaphum , ( for so the Turkes call the Booke of their law , as the Arabians tearme it the Al-koran : that is to say most wickedly , as it were by excellencie , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Scripture , as though there were none other Scripture like it : euen as the Iewes and Hebrewes call the holy Scriptures , Kara . ) He took great delight also in reading the Hystories of his predecessours , as Selim the first did the Hystories of Alexander the great , and of Iulius Caesar : and because he was so studious in Philosophie , he was called by the Turkes in mockage , Bongi , as Baiazet the second was also called in the same respect . Hee was no drinker of wine , as his father Selem was . In the pleasures of sensualitie , which are so familiar and tollerable among the Turks , he was rather cōtinent , thē otherwise , especially in that most abhominable sin of lecherie , and chiefly for many yeares before the end of his life . Moreouer , if a man that is a niggard & avaricious , may be called a louer of iustice , he was a great louer of that iustice which is known amōg the barbarians : very careful & desirous he was likewise to vnderstand al the affairs of other princes , but aboue all other things , most exact & perfit in the knowlege of his owne estate : insomuch as he had a perticular memoriall of all his businesse , of all his reuenues ordinarie and extraordinarie , and of all his expences , which he kept in a booke appointed by him for that purpose , and layd continually vpon a little table in his owne priuie Chamber , and came ( as it were ) by inheritance to the now great Turke , euen as that of Augustus came to Tiberius the Emperour . And it may be peraduenture , that by reason of these his too diligent occupations and businesses , or rather in deed by his naturall inclination , he was for the most part verie full of melancholie : which besides that it made him somewhat still and sparing of speech , and oftentimes irkesome and tedious to himselfe , it also procured him to be exceedingly suspitious of any matter : so that to lighten and quicken himselfe , hee did vse sometimes to take Opium : for the Turkes do hold opinion , that the said Simple or Drugge doth breed a good colour , and reioyce the heart , as also that he who hath once eaten of it , cannot any more abstaine from it . He entertained likewise in his Serraglioes many Dwarffes and many dumbe persons , whom hee would cause to fight togither one with another , to the end hee might take some pleasure in the sight of so vaine a pastime . Hee made warre rather for religion and exercise of his people , then for that he was giuen to warre by Nature : and that also he folowed not by himselfe , but alwayes by his Officers . For he would still glorie to himselfe , that hee had enlarged the confines of his Empire , euen as farre as the Caspian sea , only by his owne wit and aduise , and by the execution and exployte of his saide Captaines : a matter which his predecessors could neuer performe or bring to passe in their owne persons . He warred for the space of fifteene or sixteene yeares with Mahomet Codabenda king of Persia , sonne to Sha Tamas , who was the sonne of Ismael : and with Abas , that liueth at this day , whom some doe falsly call the Miriza : for Miriza is the proper title of the eldest sonne to the king of Persia , called Sophi , but is not in deed the title of the king himself . He was wont to say that he had fully resolued with himselfe neuer to cōclude peace with him , vntil he had takē Casbin , which now is the seate royall of the Persian kinges : & that for two causes . One was to recouer the ashes of that Baiazet , who was sonne to Sultan Soliman , and fled to Tamas to auoid the indignation of his father , but was put to death by the same Tamas , to the end he might by that meanes be reconciled to Soliman . The other cause was to ruinate and vtterly destroy the Sepulchre of Arduelle , father to Ismael , the Authour of the Persian sect or religion : who was called Sophi , either of the Greeke worde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( that is to say wise ) as though he had beene discended from the auncient Magi , or Wise-men of Persia : or because he was accounted and esteemed to be a Wise-man , ( as also for the same reason Sempronius was so called ) or else of the Arabian worde Sophi , which signifieth wooll , because all the Persians doe weare a Tulpante on their heades , not of verie fine linnin cloath as the Turkes doe , but ( to make shew of greater religion ) made of Woll , died into a red colour , wherevpon they are by the Turkes tearmed in mockage , Keselbassi , that is to say , Red-heades , or Red-Cappes : that thereby they might make a difference from the Tartarians of Zegatai , in times past called the Bactriani , and dwelling beyond the Caspian sea , who because they professe themselues to be of the right and true discent of Mahomet , doe vse to weare it of a greene colour , and thereupon are called Ieschilbassi , i. Greene Cappes . Now by the way : A Tulpante , and a Tocca is all one , and signifieth that Globe or Sphere , full of Circles , great and small , which are in the many turnings and wreathings of those Linnen Rolles , which the Graecians of this time do call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and serueth them both for a Cap , and a Hood . And indeed properly it should be called a Turbante , of the round shape thereof , tearmed by the Greekes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 growing sharpe in the top like vnto a Sugerloafe , or a Cypres tree , as the Turkes were wont to weare it at the first : but now they weare it more round . And thereupon it may be peraduenture called in the holy Scriptures Pomum ( that is to say , an Apple ) namely in the 79. Psalme , where King Dauid bewayling the taking of the Citie Ierusalem , sayth , The Temple of the Lord was giuen into the custodie of Apples according to the vulgar and common translation , which place certaine Writers not without some reason haue interpreted to be ment of the Turkes . And so likewise it may be , that not of Constantinople , but of the Persian Kingdome , the Red-Apple is to be vnderstood , which the Ottoman Emperour shall bring into his subiection , before he be vtterly subdued by the sworde of the Christians , as is to be red in the Turkish Oracle or Prophecie ( if so it may be called ) and is now a long time knowne to euery man , and is by diuerse men diuersly interpreted Others there are , that would expound the Turbante to be a Symbole or token of Fortitude : whereby those that do weare the same should be admonished , that when they go to the warres they should not thinke to returne ; but therein gloriously to die , whiles they may remember that they carry with them the Syndon or winding sheete , wherein they vse to wrap their dead carkasses . The Giannizzaries do not weare the Turbante , but a Zercola , which is of white Felt , and is iumpe of the same fashion and shape , as may be seene in diuerse pictures , to make a difference from the rest of the Turks , that weare it of a red colour . § II. ANd now to returne againe . At the last Amurath was pacified with the Persian : but weary he was and so were his people also , of so long a warre , and therefore he might be well contented with this pacification considering especially that hee had conquered so much Countrey , and atchieued so great glorie withall . Moreouer he thought also , that by ths meanes hee might the more soundly establish his state , and better secure the new Inhabitants , which he had planted in his new conquered countreyes , by distributing among them all the Timari , that were to be raysed thereof , and by building diuerse fontes therein , which should be cited and seated in such maner as one of them might easily helpe and succour the other . §. III. VVHiles Amurath thus enioyed this peace , from which as being a man giuen to studie and Melancholie , he did not of himselfe greatly abhorre , he was counselled and aduised by his Visiers to renue the warre . Now these Visiers are the chiefe counsellers of warre , and of estate : and the councell or assembly of these men , is called by the Turkes Diuano , as hath beene before declared , and not Capi , that is to say , the Porta , which properly is the Court ; wherein is also in diuerse other thinges the Turkes do imitate and follow the Persians , who ( as ye may read in Xenophon ) did call the Court by that name . The reasons wherby they moued & aduised him to renue the warre , were these . Namely , that great Empires & states cānot be maintained without the helpe of force and armes : that as long as the common wealth of Rome kept warres with the Carthagenians , and the Emperours of Rome in Germanie , that Empire lasted and continued . That so likewise had the Ottoman Emperours done in times past , who doe not holde the end of warre to bee peace , as the Princes of Christendome , and other weake princes doe , but they take the onely ende of warre to bee warre , whereby the Turkes haue not onely amplified and enlarged their Empire to that huge greatnesse , wherein now it is , but haue also kept their subiects occupied and busied : and so haue diuerted them from ciuill seditions and insurrections , which for the most part are bred & nourished by ease and idlenesse . To be short , that the subiects , whiles they continue in peace , some grow to be cowards , some apply themselues too greedily to trades and traffike , and some to spoyling and robberie , insomuch that thereby there will be vtterly lost the knowledge of the Sea-warres , which hath now a long time beene almost abandoned , and of the land-warre also , if for any long space they should ceasse to make warres . And consequently they should want Captaines , and valiant or hardie Souldiers , because the onely vse of war doth inure men to become good warriours , and maketh them exceedingly couragious . And certaine it is , that matters which are atchieued and gotten , are preserued by the same meanes whereby they be gotten . Besides these Visiers and Bassaes , that laboured to perswade him hereunto , in regard of their owne interest and benefite , especially the two concurrents and opposites Sinan and Ferat , who without warres were held in no great credite , or account , nor could enrich themselues according to the greedie desires of the Barbarians : their were also the Agentes of Fraunce , of England , and of the Prince of Geilan , which endeuoured to perswade the same , by such reasons , as shall be tolde you in due place . § IIII. BVt Amurath would not resolue vpon any thing : not because he was not perswaded to make war , but because hee was not throughly certified , what aduantage would grow vnto him by mouing war , rather against one prince then against another : & so much the rather , for that the Visiers did differ in their seuerall counsailes and aduises among themselues . And for as much as their sundrie opinions did comprehend the chiefest and most principall interests of the world and specially of Christendom : I thought with my selfe , that it woulde bee a matter not displeasing to such as willingly shal read this discourse , to relate them all in particular , and with such good order and facilitie , as the reports themselues , and the pronunciation of that barbarous tongue will suffer me . And so by that meane I shall giue you a more full and certaine knowledge of the Ottoman affaires , and therewithall note also vnto our Princes the purposes and designements of that tyrant , not onely to the ende that they might in time looke about them , and bethinke themselues of fit remedies for the same , but also the sooner resolue , valiantly to band themselues togither in one , for the vanquishing and ouerthrow of him . § V. THeir opinions were eight in number . The first : that in any case the warre should be renued agaynst the Persian . The second : that they should rather bend their forces against the king of Fez , and Morocco . The third : against the Isle of Malta . The fourth : agaynst the king of Spaine . The fift : against the state of Venice . The sixt : agaynst Italie . The seuenth : agaynst Polonia . And lastly , the eight against the Emperours . § VI. THe reasons of their seueral opinions were these . And first , touching the renuing of the warre against Persia ( a kingdom which the Turks comprise vnder the name of Azemia : ) they argued , that when soeuer the king should see the great Turk entangled in other enterprises , he wold surely break the peace , as well for the recouerie of his Country , which was lost with smal honour & credite , as also to be reuenged at one time or other , of all the olde griefes and iniuries that he had receyued of the Ottoman Emperours . That hee should be prouoked thereunto and assisted therein by the Christian Princes , and specially by the king of Spaine , who could verie wel doe it by the way of the Indies , and by sending vnto him ( as at sundry other times he had done ) enginers , Gunners , and such other helpes . That the Countrey was not yet well setled , the fortresses were new , and the Inhabitants ( lately planted ) in great danger , and somewhat too farre off , to be relieued in time . That if the Persians would do nothing else , but ransacke and forrage the Champaine , the said Inhabitantes should be compelled and inforced to yeeld and giue place , vnlesse they would perish for hunger . That not to atchieue or obtaine , but to prosecute and follow a victorie , is the true glorie . That the Turke should take good heede , not to offend the great prophet Mahomet , nor to moue him to indignation or wrath , considering that he had obtained greater victories agaynst the enemies of his Religion , then euer his predecessors had obtained in former times : and therefore it was fit and conuenient , and it was also the dutie of a religious and thankefull prince , not to omit the iniuries that were done both to God and man. There was added to this , that Vsbegh-Han had voluntarily offered to serue him in this warre , and so had the prince of Geilan also . This Vsbegh-Han , is the Prince of those Tartarians , that dwell at the furthest ende of Persia , in that part which the Turkes do call at this day Bahera , in olde time Bactra , and are called Ketzie-Bassi , because they weare Caps covered with felt . It is not long ago since the said Vsbegh died , and left behind him a sonne , who may now be about some twelue yeares of age . Geilan , is also a Countrey more toward the East of the Caspian sea . Moreouer , that he need not to make any doubt of victorie , considering the good successe that he hath had heretofore . That hee had no cause to feare their Harquebuses : for they had but few , and the Turkes can better handle them then the Persians : nor yet their horses , although they were of the Arabian and Caramanian race , the relikes of Amurath the second , for they had many times and often bin put to flight for verie cowardise . And lastly , that hee could not doubt , least the Gurgini ( so doe the Turkes call the Georgiani , in times past the Iberi ) should make any stirre in aide and fauour of the Persians . For part of them are his owne Subiects , and vnder the iurisdiction of the Bassaes of Teflis , and of other places thereabouts , after they were made Bassalucches by Mustapha : part also of them are his tributaries : and it is well knowne , that the rest are contented to liue vnder their Lordes , Simon and Alessandro , without attempting to seek better fortunes , but to defend their owne Countrie . Which although it be but small , and not verie hard to be kept and defended , yet is it verie strong by situation , and almost vnpassible , for the Mountaines , for the Woods , and for the straite places that compasse it about . § VII . TOuching the second opinion , which was for the bending of their forces against the Siriffo in Africa , it was thus debated . That it was a great dishonour to the Ottoman Empire , that they had not as yet ouerthrowne and subdued those Moores . That it was as great a shame , that they had so small a portion in Africa , considering that it was the third part of the world , and being so neare vnto Italie , did so greatly vexe and trouble the Romanes . That Algier and Tunise would neuer be secure , nor the Subiects and Sea-rouers thereof satisfied , vntill they had gotten the full rule and dominion of that kingdome . That if they wholy reduce into their power and possession the Cape of Aguero , and the Hauen of Araza or Larace ( which indeede is situate without the straite , and not within it as some haue written ) places verie fit and conuenient for the English , that get many booties in those seas , as also for diuerse others both friends and enemies to the Moores , the Turkish nauigation should be thereby the more secured . That this king of the Moores , although he be a Mahometane , and a Tributarie to the Ottoman Empire , yet verie lately he had held secrete intelligence with the King of Spaine , and also with the knights of Malta , who by means thereof were like to to haue taken Tripoli : and that hee had likewise maintained and assisted the insurrection of Marabut , and of his successour . That though he were mightie for men , yet he was poore in mony . And lastly that although the Spaniards do holde in Africa , Maraschebir , Oran , the Pegnon , Tanger , Arsilla , Mazagan , and Ceuta , or Septa and therefore may combine themselues with the Moores to the great domage of the Turkes : yet notwithstanding they might bee brideled with an Armada of shippes , and by passing also if need were , euen into Spaine . And withall , that the examples of Tunise , and Goletta , which was held to be impregnable , and yet was taken by Sinan , to his exceeding glorie , were so fresh in memorie , that they could not choose but remember them . § VIII . TOuching the third opinion , which was for the sending of an Armada to conquer the Isle of Malta , it was said : that considering the Mahometanes , both in their traffikes , and also in their pilgrimages , as they went to Mecca , receiued most notable losses by the Gallies of those knightes : the great Turke ought to commaund that in any case order might be taken to secure that voyage , not onely for religions sake , but also to bee auenged of the trespasses and wrongs alreadie done vnto them , or rather to recouer the glorie of Soliman , who in vain , and without any good successe attempted to surprise it . That all the Subiects cried out and Exclaimed for the inlarging and deliuerie , some of their friends , & some of their kinsfolkes that were there in captiuitie : saying , that so did their forefathers , when they spoyled and depriued the same knights of the Isle of Rhodes , the chiefe fortresse and defence of the Christians in the East . Moreouer , that they deserued due chasticement also , aswell because they had furnished those that rebelled against the grand Turke in Africa , with munition of warre : as also because they endeuoured to surprize Modone on a sodaine . § IX . TOuching the fourth opinion , which was to moue warres against the King of Spaine , it was said : that if the Ottoman Empire were determined to attaine the Monarchie of the whole world , it was not possible to be atchieued , vnlesse the mightines of that Prince were first weakened , who without al doubt was the greatest both for state and riches that Christendome had . That it could not be feared least the said King of Spaine should assault Algieri , for that it was now a great deale better fortified then it was in the time of Crai the Spaniard : ( for so by a Sclauoinetearme , the Turks of the Court do call Charles the fift . ) That although Spaine should take courage to enterprise such a matter , in regarde of the losses which it receyueth continually by the Pyrates of Africa , yet it would be restrained from so doing for verie feare , least it should bring an Armada of enemies into those seas , who might peraduenture endomage it greatly . That the Spanish Gallies would not hazard themselues to come into the Leuante , because they woulde not bee so farre from home . Moreouer , that the resolutions of that King , either in regard of his many businesses , or in some other respect are verie slowe . And as it is manifestly seene by that which they did at Preuesa , and Nauarino , the Spaniards doe vtterly refuse euen for their owne commoditie and benefite to encounter with the Ottoman forces . That the said King of Spaine walketh with great cōsideration : for ( if it be true ) in the latter end of the Persian war , he denied to aid the king of Persia , when hee might haue succoured him as before he had done . That although he would peraduenture stirre in defence of himselfe , and his state against the Turkish forces , yet he could not so doe in deede : considering that he is so greatly occupied in the maintenance of Flanders , and recouerie of the lowe Countries ▪ which are verie strong both in regarde of the Sea flouds , and of the many riuers that are therein : and so much the more troubled hee is , by reason of the obstinate and constant resolution of that people , for the preseruation of their libertie and religion : and likewise in respect of the great enmitie which is betweene that king and the Queene of England , who doth greatly ease that warre , by troubling him in his state of Portugall , by intercepting his treasures of the Iudies , and by sacking his kingdomes , as particularly she did at the Groine , which is a place of verie great importance to annoy Spaine , to disturbe the nauigation of the Indies , and also to attempt diuers other places in that other nauigation of the Ocean . Moreouer , that he was so farre interessed in the wars of France , that he could not wholy turne himselfe any whither else . To bee short : that suppose he be reconciled , and at peace with the said princes , so that with more safetie and ease hee might attend this principall enterprise in tended against him , yet might the Turke damnifie him in his Spices and other Marchandizes , yea , and ( if neede were ) he might diuert him into the Red-sea , otherwise called the Persian Gulfe , by meanes of the Gallies , that lie so conueniently and commodiously for that purpose at Suez : or hee might surprise some good fortresse of his , as was attempted against the Portingales for Diu , and Ormuz , and as Alfonso d' Albuguerque , the Portugall Viceroy in the Indies , thought once to haue done , when he meant to haue stollen away the bones of Mahomet , by a sodaine incursion into the Countrey with certaine light horsemen , euen as farre as Mecca : and as it was done at other times , while the Soldans reigned : and also as Tratan the Emperour was minded to haue done in his time . Againe , that the passages into Africa might be much troubled , especially if the Turke would set vpon the Spanish coast in the Mid-land sea , which would bee a great contentment to the subiects , who doe continuallie make humble petition and supplication for it , as well in regard of the safetie of their traffique and pilgrimages , as also that the poore Moores might once bee deliuered from the dominion of the Spaniard , as Selim at the lest was perswaded to haue done . And so much the rather , for that the said Moores , who are now multiplied into a great number , although they keepe close both for feare , & also for their traffique , whereby they are growen to bee verie rich , yet as well by nature , as also for Religion , doe beare a mortall hatred against the Spaniards . Moreouer , that this course might easily bee performed by reason of the conueniencie of the hauens in Africa , which lie neer at hand : and also because the said Princes of Fraunce and England , haue offered to continue their warres , with him : the King of France , by disquieting him in the parts of Nauarra , for the chalenge which hee hath thereunto : and the Queene of England ( as it hath beene said ) not onely by setting vpon him in the West Indies , and in the Ocean , which she may doe both by North and by West , but also by raising againe some new stirres in Portugall , where there doth not want great store of Mal-contents . For that people doth thinke , that with the losse of their last king , they haue also lost all their wealth and prosperitie : because that as vnder his gouernment they grew rich by the peace that he intertained with the said princes of France and England : so vnder the Spaniards dominion they do find , that by the warres they liue in continuall perils and daunger . Againe , there be many banished and discontented persons , not onely of the kingdome of Portugall , but also of the kingdome of Aragon in France , in England , and in Constantinople , who togither with many Moores , ( which also were in Constantinople ) haue offered many aydes and helpes both secretly and openly : and haue promised that the enterprise will be verie easie , when so euer Spaine shall be set vpon , especially if it bee done vpon a sudden . For the greatest part of that kingdome doth want the vse of militarie knowledge : because the people of that Countrey do not applie themselues to armes , neither are there any ordinarie bands of Souldiers ouer all the realme : and but a small number of horses neither . Moreouer , that the Subiects , which Spaine sendeth forth into the Indies , into Flanders , and into Italie , are so manie in number , as they doe greatly weaken it : yea , so much , that if occasion should so fall out , it should not onely want helpe of their owne , but also should stand in need to be relieued with the ayde and assistance of other states that are neere vnto them , and subiects of the same crowne , who peraduenture would proue to be of no great good seruice , and so much the lesse , because they may easily be stopped , and diuerted some other way . § X. THe fift opinion , was to breake the peace with the state of Venice : For this said they , which endeuoured to perswade the great Turks mind thereunto , rather with apparent reasons , then with such as were true in deede : ( though peraduenture , euery man easily beleeuing that which he desireth , they might seeme verie probable and likely to the Turkes : ) that no enterprise happily would proue lesse hard and difficult then this , as it might be found by the experience and examples of such actions as had passed heretofore : especially seeing the Turkes not many yeares agoe hauing warred with the Venetians , and surprised somewhat of theirs , had receiued many and great satisfactions at their hands to make peace with them . That the said Common-wealth & State of Venice , accounting peace to be the end wherat it shooteth , it should seeme that the people is timerous and cowardly , and by their ancient ordinances and customes , do neuer prepare themselues to war , but when they are drawne vnto it by force : that peraduenture they will thinke to be ouercome , before they looke for it , as it fell out with them for the kingdome of Cyprus . That if the said state would make resistance by it selfe alone , perhaps it hath not forces sufficient : if ioyned in confederacie with others , it could not performe any great matter in haste , by reason of the many difficulties , that depend vppon leagues : and namely of the seuerall cogitations and interestes , wherewith the Spanish king is now intangled : in regard whereof it was inforced at last to make peace with Selem . Moreouer , that it was a hard matter , if not impossible , that the said king , being so greatly occupied in his other warres , could at this time ioyne in league with that state : and also that without him all other confederacies , to ake warre by Sea , were of no importaunce or consideration . And as for the Pope , though it be very likely , that he will do al that possibly he can do , to keepe the Christian princes from annoying the said state , but rather will aduertise and admonish them to ayde and succour it : yet the most that he can doe himselfe is onely that he may yeeld it some assistance , either of moneys , or of some Ecclesiasticall profites , or else peraduenture hee may send to ioyne with their Armada , his fiue Gallies , which togither with the Gallies of Malta , of Sauoy , and of Florence , can make no mo but twentie in all , at the most . And besides , that the said state of Venice hath not happily that good intelligence , with all the rest of the Christian princes , which in such a case were needfull for it , ( but the Turkes are therein greatly deceiued . ) And to be short , seeing it hath spent great store of golde in discharging the debtes of the Treasurie , whereinto it had runne by the last warres , and by building many fortresses , it will be found peraduenture not so well prouided and furnished with money . And lastly , that all that state being verie full of forts , it is impossible at one time to keepe them all well fenced , and sufficiently strengthned . But for as much , as it seemed , that the greatest part of the Visiers did concurre in this opinion , but yet varied among themselues , how to attempt this enterprise : I will set downe their differences in particularitie . Sinan the Albanian , of Topoiano , a town of the Sangiaccheship of Preseremo , who died the last yeare of a naturall death , but peraduenture somewhat discontented , because the warre of Hungary succeeded not according to his mind : ( and yet some thinke rather that he died of poyson : ) hee perswaded , that Corfu should be attempted , vnder the pretence of 3. hundred Duckats a yeare , due to the Emperiall Chamber of Turkie , euer since the yeare 1537 : for La Bastia , because it was yeelded to the Corfiottes but vpon that condition . La Bastia is a wast and desert place , being vnder a towne of the Turkes in Epirus , twelue miles right ouer against Corfu , neare to the Salt pittes , which are in the Turkes possession at the mouth of the riuer Calamatta : and is the principall port and Staple for the Marchandizes , which come from a great part of Greece , to bee imbarked at Corfu . But in verie deed Sinan endeuoured to perswade this attempt , because the Fortresse of Corfu was thought to be vnuanquishable , both by Nature and by Arte : and hee being exceedingly ambicious to atchieue the name and title of a great Conquerour , was so bold and hardie , especially vpon the exployte which he did at Goletta , as to promise to himselfe a verie easie conquest of this also : as in truth hee did not sticke to vaunt that he could performe it , when he passed by Corfu , in his victorious returne from the enterprice of Goletta . Ferat , who was called Carailam , that is to say , the Black-Serpent , and died also the last yeare , being by Mahomet caused to bee strangled : ( how wisely and considerately , I leaue to the iudgement of those that vnderstand matters of state better then I do . ) For he was accused to haue practised intelligence with the Tartarian of Crimo , that he should refuse to come to the Turkish campe , because Ferat himselfe was not Generall thereof : and to haue endeuoured also a reconciliation for Michael the Vaiuode , and the Trāsiluaniā , both at one time , by giuing the court to vnderstād that they had not rebelled for any hatred which they caried indeed against the Turks , but rather vpon an indignation conceiued agaynst Sinan . Al which he laboured onely of purpose to bring the said Sinan into disgrace , whom hee helde to bee his most capitall enemie , because hee was made Masul , that is to say , hee was degraded , for the tumult and stirre that fel out betweene the Iannizzaries and the Spahoglanes , at the circumcision of the now-reigning Turke . This Ferat aduised , that Catharo should bee conquered , because he thought that the saide Fortresse did keepe Castell Nuouo ( as it were ) in bondage , and that it was the principall key of Dalmatia , of the Adriatike Sea , and of Venice . And also that hee being borne at Adronici , a Castell of Albania , could verie well know euen from his yongest yeares , that the said Fortresse , which is famous in that prouince , was of so great importance , as in truth it is . I haue somewhat inlarged this Discourse of the particulars touching Sinan and Ferat , because I haue had occasion many times ( as I shall also haue hereafter ) to make mention of them , as the most principall men in this Empire , and in this warre . Sinan Cicali , an errant enemie to the state of Venice , for the reasons which we haue aboue alledged , he perswaded that Cerigo should bee attempted , for the selfe-same causes , for which he calleth it the Lanterne of the Archipelago , and the spie of the Turkish actions , especially for that it is manifestly perceiued and seene : how the Christians may easily passe ouer into Morea , out of this Island . So did Damaratus king of the Lacedemonians , when he was banished out of his kingdom , aduice and counsell Xerxes , that if he would attaine to the Lordship and gouernment of Greece , hee must possesse himselfe of this Island which at this time was called Cythera . Other Bassaes there were , which held opinion , that to be reuenged of the spoyles and robberies committed by the Vscocchi ( of whom I will speake somewhat hereafter ) and to meete with other their wrongs and iniuries , they should surprize Nouigrad and Zara : or at the least , that the Venetians should be inforced and of necessity constrained by that means to be bound , to pay al the losses and damages which those rouers and theeues had wrought against the Turkes , both by land and by sea . For the Venetians had denied to be bound to make any such recompence , because in the publike Bookes and Registers of Constantinople , there was not to bee found any agreement , or any payment for the same , as in truth there was not . The same Bassaes also were of opinion , that it were fit the Venetians should bee spoyled and bereaued of their Fishings at Buthroto , which at this day is corruptly called Butintro , ( a place directly ouer against Corfu , and ten miles somewhat more West of La Bastia . ( Wherunto they were moued , not because the Turkes were neuer heretofore possessed of them ( although the Venetians had possessed the same , long before the Turkes had any possession in Albania ) but onely because there runneth a rumour among them , that the said fishings are rented at a hundred thousand duckats , where as in deed there is no more payed for them , then six thousand or thereabouts . Some other Bassaes were of opinion , that the Turkish fleete should vpon a sodaine go forth with a good wind , either from Morea , or from the gulfe of Lepanto , or from Preuesa , or else from Velona , and run all along the coastes of the Adriaticall sea , with a full resolution to surprise that part that should bee found most cōuenient and commodious for them . Which course they did thinke would very easily sort to verie good purpose , because they presumed , that all the places which lay vpon the sea , might verie fitly bee annoyed also vpon the land , for that the Turkes haue almost all that Countrey in their possession . These Bassaes likewise aboue all other attempts , propounded the easinesse and also the great importance of possession Pola , and Ragugia . The one because it is a Citie , which is altogither disinhabited , and hath a verie faire hauen , and is situate in Istria , and is also a prouince not verie wel furnished with Souldiers and inhabitants , nor greatly strengthened or fenced with Fortresses : and principally , because it seemeth that the said City of Pola , is not distant from Venice , aboue a hundred and twentie miles . And the other , that is to say Raegugia , because it is ( as it were ) the second Gate , ( for the first and chiefest is thought to bee Corfu ) whereby you may enter into the Maritimall and Sea-state of the Venetian Common-wealth in the Adriaticall sea , and also because the situation therefore , is most fit and conuenient for preparation to be made therein , for annoying of Italie , if they should meane so to do in good earnest : especially , for that the state of Rugugia hath within it most safe and spacious portes and hauens , whereof indeed the Turke hath great want in that quarter of the sea . For Durazzo hath not any hauen able to receiue foure Gallies , and also in the entrance thereof , there are many flattes and shelfes which are verie daungerous . Twelue miles beyond Durazzo , vnder the Cape or Promōtorie of Lacchi , there is an other harborough for twenty gallies , or there aboutes , but it is not verie safe : neither are there any great good waters about it . In the Gulfe of Velona , there is also an other harborough vnder the land for so many gallyes likewise . Somewhat nearer on this side , about some eight miles , is the Hauen called Porto Raguseo , where may lodge some thirtie Gallyes , but not verie safely on the North , on the Northwest , nor on the West . Without the Gulfe , at least in the coast of Albania , or rather within the Gulfe ( for the ancient Authours doe bound the Adriaticall Sea with the mountaines of Cimmeria ) there is first the Hauen of Santi quaranta ( i. the fortie Saints ) where likewise they may entertaine some few Gallyes . And a little on this side of that , is Neribo , sometimes called Orico : where the Romanians touched , when they departed from Ottranto , to the end they might afterwards saile all along that coast . And this Hauen is able to receiue fortie Gallies : but it is not verie safe . The onely hauens of Ragugia , which be fiue or sixe , are of the greatest receyte : in three whereof especially in the Hauen of Santa-Croce , there may be intertained and harboured all the Armadaes of the world , much more the fleete of the Turkish Shippes . The same place also is verie fit and conuenient for the Turkes , because they may easily conueigh thither their timber for ships , from the Mountaines of the Ducagini in Albania : which cannot so commodiously be brought into the other portes aboue mentioned as I haue somewhat more at large declared in other writings that I haue penned vpon the occasion of this warre . But the greatest part of the Visiers enclined most to the attempt of the Isle of Candie , for ( said they ) seeing it is most necessarie to secure the nauigation , which the Turkes continually make from Constantinople to Alexandria , for Marchandises , and for deuotion to Mecca , that they might bee safe from the Gallies of Spaine , of Malta , and of Florence , it could not otherwise bee brought to passe , but by one of these two wayes , as a captain of the Emirs once said . ( These Emirs professe thēselues to be of the right & true descent from their Law giuer Mahomet , and therefore they weare a greene Turbante : ) that is to say , eyther by binding the Venitians , that they shall not onely forbeare to giue entertainment to the saide Gallyes within there Seas , but also make satisfaction for all losses , that the Turkes shall sustaine , as often as they shall not safely guarde their said ships from all such dangers . Or else by causing the Venetians to suffer and permit a good companie of Turkish Gallyes to be resident at Candie for that purpose . Herevnto they added also , that this attempt would proue the better , & come to good successe , because that kingdome is diuided in it selfe , by reason of the difference which is betweene the Greeke Religion , and the Latine , and for the great discontentments , which some ( but falsly and vainly peraduentur ) do report , to be growen betwene the noble men of Venice , and the Noble men of Candie , betweene those that are priuiledged persons , and those that are tied to impositions and taxes , and betweene the Clownes and the Gentlemen there . And so much the rather , for that it is a verie easie matter to set vpon it with a Turkish Armada , seeing it is ( as it were ) compassed about with Natolia , with Caramania , with Barbarie , with Alexandria , with Morea , and with the Arcipelago , which are all Countreys belonging to the Turkish Empire : so that they may easily from hand to hand ayde and succour those that should first attempt to disturbe therein . Moreouer , that by the purchase and winning of this most fruitfull Island , they should obtaine the absolute commaund and rule of the Sea , for that it is ( as it were ) the verie Center in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea , or rather of the world , considering that it is almost equally distant in situation from Asia , Africa , and Europe , so that it was by the auncient Authours adiudged the most fit and conuenient seate of all the worlde . And this also might so much the more easily bee brought to passe , for that thereby the number of the Venetians Galleyes should be diminished , and the Ottoman Empire should encrease the meanes to make many moe Gallyes , then now they haue . Lastly , seeing there are many Candiotes remayning in Constantinople , they may haue good information , and some aide also of them , and so much the more , because many of them are banished persons , and haue eyther withdrawne themselues into that Citty to get their liuings , by labouring in the Arsenall , and in Pera , or else are come thether with marchandises , and specially their most pretious wines , which they bring thorough the Greater Sea ▪ and from thence to the mouthes of the Danowe , and so to Chilia , to Galaz , to Rene , euen to the Floz in Walachia , and then in Cartes into Polonia : For into Germanie they are brought , not by that way ( as some write ) but by the Ocean to Hamburgh , and to Lubeke , and some fewe to Danske : and yet there are some carried thether also by the way of Venice . §. XI . THE Sixt opinion was , that leauing all these other courses and enterprises , all the Forces , that the Turkes could make aswel by Land , as by Sea , should be sent against Italie : And the reasons were these , That if they were minded indeed to attempt the conquest of the Monarchie of the worlde , the Turkish Empire should neuer attaine vnto it , vnlesse it first obtayned the Rule and Lordshippe of Italie : because out of that Prouince , as from the Centre of the vniuersal world there doe proceed all the counsels and principall assistances , that may hinder and crosse the proceedinges which are attempted elsewhere . That the Romanes became to bee Lordes and Maisters of the world , because they had the gouernment of Italie in possession . That the Hunnes did alwayes direct all their designementes to that onely end , when they passed into Italie out of Hungaria , by Dalmatia , and by Carso . That the Alanes and the Gothes , aswell those that dwelt on this side , as those also on the other side of the Danowe , after they had conquered Grecia , entred into Italie by the waye of Bosna and Croatia . That the Vandales also , hauing subdued Spaine , went thether with an Armada of shippes out of Africa : And lastly , That the Germanes , the Frenchmen and the Spaniardes , had oftentimes done the like . Moreouer , that the Saracens ( of whome it was wont to bee said in the Romanes times , that it was very conuenient either not to haue them enemies , or to keepe them friendes , ) had ouerrunne it all thorough , kept it a long while in their possession , and sacked Rome it selfe , the Ladie and Empresse of the world : A Citty , which ( as Sultan Soliman very fondly sayed according to the reporte of Iouius ) did of right belong to the Ottoman Empire , because it was alienated by Constantine , to the great preiudice of his successors . To bee short , that there could no enterprise be attempted , either more glorious or more profitable , then this of Italie , for that it is the Prouince , which is Queen of al the rest , for conueniencie of scituation , for temperature of ayre for fruitfulnesse for all thinges necessarie for mans life , for the maiestie and beautie of so many most famous and noble Cities , for riches , for the verie Sea , and seate of the Christians religion , for the auncient Glorie and mightinesse of that Empire , and for many other respects . That it would also bee a verie easie matter to bring to passe , for that Italie is at this day ruled and gouerned by manie Princes which are diuided among themselues , as well in regarde of their owne priuate interestes , as also of seuerall nations , whereof they are proceeded : and that peraduenture they are not all verie willingly and louingly obeyed of their Subiects and peoples , who by reason of the peace , which they haue so many yeares enioyed , will proue to be but cowards and weakelings : and for that also they are growen to such a huge multitude , as if entraunce should bee made into the Countrey , either in one part or in many , at such times as their corne were yet ripening in their fields , as the Turks should on their behalfes want no vittailes , so should the Italians be of necessitie constrained either to shut vp themselues within their fortresses , or else to perish for hunger . Which thing will be made more manifest and cleare , if yee shall consider , that now whiles they liue in peace , they haue not corne sufficient for their sustenance , but are enforced to prouide the some abroad , and to cause it to be brought to them from Morea , from Constantinople , and euen as farre as from the Ocean . Moreouer , that the Italians are accustomed for the most part to procure their liuings with handi-crafts , or with traffique , in such sort , as if their trades were hindered , they should bee compelled so much the rather to yeeld to such conditions as the conquerour shall impose vpon them , or at least to become tributaries , and acknowledge the Ottomans power . And besides , that the Turkish Souldiers would willingly goe thither , because they are not to passe through Countryes , which are barren , frozen with Ice , and disinhabited , or through thicke bushes and woods , or mountains vnpasseable , but as it were in the sight of their own houses , and through their own proper Countryes . And lastly , that if the Turkes haue entered therinto at other times , when their borders and confines were not so conuenient , nor so near as now they are : much more may they , or rather ought to attempt the same at this time , seeing they haue them now so nigh and commodious . § XII . THE seauenth opinion was that they should make war first in Polonia , and then afterwardes in Hungarie and Germanie . The reasons thereof were these : That forasmuch as it did not stand with the dignity of the Ottoman maiesty , to suffer the king of Polonia so often to refuse the payment of his Tribute , it was very fitte , that all forcible meanes should bee vsed to recouer the same . That for the many discontentmentes , which haue passed in that Kingdome , there was very good hope that hee might the more easily bee enforced to pay it . That the warre should be verie conuenient and commodious for the Turkes , because Polonia was so neare , & bordered vpon Moldauia , and vpon the Tartarians , and also vpon the Sangiackeshippes of Achermano , & of Bendero , and vpon Vosia . Againe , That the entier and quiet possession of Moldauia , and Walachia , could neuer be kept & maintained , vnlesse the hardie boldnes of the Polackes were brideled : and so much the more for that the Vaiuodes of those prouinces , although they were greately enriched , yet could they neuer recouer thēselues in any distresse , nor bee relieued any where but in the Turkes kingdome . That by these meanes also the iniuries might bee reuenged , which were wrought against the Turkes by the Cosacchi , when they sacked Coslou , a place in Taurica belonging to the Turkish state : that therby likewise the passage should be eased for their Marchandises , that goe from the Turkish States into Moscouie : that the Moscouite himselfe should bee put in a bodily feare , ( and that peruaduenture to his great losse and domage ) because his Countrey laye so neare , especially , considering that hee was the impediment , why the Ottoman Empire atchieued not the to rall conquest of Persia. That growing in this sort so nigh unto Germanie , it may bee that one onely discomfiture would vtterly ouerthrow the Emperour , for that hee should see his Countrey the more easily compassed about with the Ottoman Forces : That to bee short , all the Countrey of Polonia is very open and without Fortresses , and that the Polackes themselues were not now to bee accounted any great warriours , because they haue liued so long in peace . For the wars which they made with Maximilian were but of small continuance , and the other warres which were made before by King Stephen with the Muscouite , were made by him as hee was an Hungarian , and rather with Hungarian Souldiers , then with Naturall Polackes , and rather with besieging , then with fighting . § XIII . THE eight and last opinion was , that warre should bee made against the Emperour , whome the Turkes call , The King of Betz , that is to say , of Vienna , in times past peraduenture Vindoniana . Those which were of this opinion , were moued thereunto : for that the Vscocchi were become so insolent in praying vpon the Turkes both by land and by sea , as not only in regard of the losses , which they continually wrought , but also euen for the honour of the Ottoman maiestie , they could no lōger be endured : & so much the rather , for that the marchants subiect to the Turke , both to the publike and to their owne priuate detriment , haue beene constrained to change the Port of Narenta , and to go to Spalato , a Countrey belonging to the Venetians , to the end they might carrie their Marchandizes into the Christians Countryes , and bring backe other Marchandizes for them into Turkie . And yet they could not by that course goe and come safe , neither notwithstanding the peace , that hath beene continued with the Emperour and the Venetians . Moreouer , that they also ranne vp and downe by land , stealing mens cattell , burning townes and villages , and taking children euen out of the verie armes of their naturall mother . So that there is great reason to feare , least in time they wil be able to become the Lordes and maisters of some neighbour-Fortresse , which would be a matter that might turne , not only to the great losse , but also much rather to the exceeding shame and dishonour of the Ottoman Empire . Againe , that forsomuch as the Emperour had carried so slender a respect towards the grand-Turk , whiles he was busied in the warres of Persia , as that he delayed in deed for a long time to send him his tribute : ( for so the Turkes call it ) hee made shew thereby that hee was rather minded to breake the peace , then to maintaine it . That the victorie would proue both easie and certaine , for that on the one side he might be assaulted in Croatia , and on the other side in Hungarie , and in Austria . That the countrey was fruitfull and abounding in all things , verie commodious and fit for the Souldiers , both in regard of the neerenesse thereof , and also because they should passe thither ( almost all the way ) by their owne houses . That the principall Holdes of the Kingdome of Hungarie , namely Belgrado , Buda , and Alba-Regale , and the rest that are of the greatest importance , were possessed and garded vetie well with the Turkish garrisons . And that although some discomfiture might peraduenture happen , yet would they be most conuenient receits for the Reliques of the armie , where they may be as well defended and preserued , as also repaired and renued with such helpes and aydes , as are there nigh at hand . That the Emperor seemed to be inclined rather to peace then to warre : and it may be also , that hee is not so well esteemed and obeied by all the Princes of Germanie , as his degree requireth . That all the Princes of Germanie were diuided , as well in regard of their interest in Religion , and in state , as also particularly in respect of the election of the Newe King of Romanes . That they are almost wearie ( as some of the Protestant Princes doe seuerally reporte ) of the gouernement of the house of Austria : and that they are also too much giuen to the loue of their treasures and riches . And finally , that seeing there are many yeares passed since the Germanes haue handled neither Launce nor Arcubuse , they cannot now tell how to take Armes , nor to vse them : besides that they will hardly bee obedient to their Capitanes . Lastly , That euen as the saide Almanes themselues would alwayes dwell in murmur and distrust with the Hungarians , with the Italians and with the Spaniardes , as often as they should goe to the warres together , because those nations are naturally not well liked , ( I will not say hated ) by them : So the sayde Dutchmen , being enemies among themselues for the diuersitie of Heresies which they follow , will alwayes bee afrayde , least if the Emperour should obtaine the victorie and remaine Conquerour , that then they shall bee compelled to forsake their licentious liberty , and to obey the Pope : So that there is no doubt , but that they will rather forbeare to fight , then to helpe their prince and themselues . To bee short , that there could be no feare of any aide or succours , which the Emperour might haue of other princes . Not of the Polacke , nor of the Transyluanian , aswell in regarde of the peace , which is between the Great Turke and thē , as also for that they will be in doubt , least they shold drawe all the tide and force of the warre into their owne States and Dominions . Besides , that the one of them would be afrayde , least hee should bee enforced to abandon the Frontiers , and retire himselfe to the frozen Sea , and the other least he should bee depriued of that Estate , which hee possessed by the Graunt of the Ottoman House . Moreouer , that the King of Spaine , who is the onely Man that can helpe the house of Austria in deede , is otherwise imployed and busied . That the pope cannot yeeld supply for all , that shall bee needefull in this busines . That the Italian princes will not runne in haste to spend their Treasures , nor consume their subiectes for an other mans benefite . And for conclusion , That the State of Venice , doubting that it shoulde thereby prouoke the Ottoman Forces against it selfe , would rather stay to see the issue and successe of the warre , then it would put it selfe to a certaine , or at least to a doubtfull danger of ouerthrowing it selfe . And these were the seuerall opinions of the Visiers , inconsiderate no doubt for the most parte , and agreeable to their barbarous temerity and rashnes , whereby they faine vnto themselues that those thinges are easie , which afterwardes by experience they proue not onelie to bee difficult and hard , but also very dangerous and pernitious . § XIIII . BVt for as much as my meaning is to satisfie those also , that may in any sort doubt of the varietie and truth of the things , which I haue spoken , I will adde hereunto in briefe , how the Turkes come acquainted with our matters , and how wee come acqainted with theirs : though it be most certaine , that the like consultations are proper to all Princes , and particularly to the Ottoman Princes , as among other examples , we know that Soliman , and the last Selim , did vse the same , the one of them by examining with his Bassaes the forces of all the Princes of the world , and the other by aduising with them , which might be the most certaine way to conquer the Christians . Without doubt the great Turke , and the great men of that Courte are verie well informed and aduertised , aswell of all actions that daylie happen , as also of the designementes and purposes , yea and of the most secret counselles of our Princes , sometymes by the merchauntes , which of all nations are at Constantinople , and sometymes by the Slaues , whom the Turks euery day . A great number wherof , doe also verie oftentimes most impiously denie and renounce the faith and religion of Christ , either for rewards that are propounded and offered vnto them , or else to auoyd the most horrible and cruell punishmēt , which they had before endured at their barbarous hands , or peraduenture for some other end and purpose , as did of late yeares one of the Emperours Secretarie , who was resident at Constantinople . Besides that the Hebrues , who are the most cunning and craftie searchers and inquirers of matters , and most mortall enemies to the Christians are dispersed in great number ouer all the Turkish dominion , especially by reason of the traffique which they vse continually in the Ottoman Market townes , and also for the tolles and customes which are almost wholy in their handes , through all that state . And they thinke , that by seruing the Turkes for spies and priers into our actions and affaires they shall not only secure themselues of their goods , their owne persons , and their children , but also that they shall reape great gaine and commoditie of importance , whereby they doe much gratifie and pleasure the great estates of that Empire . The last war which the Venetians had with the Turke , was much occasioned by one Iohn Miches an Hebrew , who was discontented with them , because hee could not by stealth conueigh away certain marchandizes , which vnder a forged name he had caused to be brought to Venice . Of one John Lopez , an Hebrew also ( whose picture by order of the holie Inquisition was of late yeares burned at Rome ) it is most certainly knowne for a truth , that hee imparted and commnnicated with Amurath many secretes of Pope Xistus Quintus which he by espiall had found and learned whiles he remained in Rome . Lastly , it is not to be doubted , but that the Turkes doe also keepe diuerse Spies in pay , that are neare to al the Princes in Christendom : yea ( and that which is a great matter , but yet it is true ) euen among the Zwitzers , and Grisons of purpose to vnderstand what leuies of Souldiers are made of those peoples . § XV. ANd as touching our Christian Princes , the expences are most notorious and well knowne , which they bestow , not onely to learne the counsels one of another , ( and that oftentimes to the great shame and domage of those that serue them in these actions ) but especially and principally to vnderstand the counsels and designements of the Turke their common enemie . For those Princes which haue the greatest interest and entercourse with him , do keep ( euen within the Citie of Constantinople ) many Spies in pay , yea giuing wages and stipends to the verie Iewes , and also to such Turkes , as are most in trust , and neerest in credite with the chiefe Bassaes , besides the large gifts which they liberally bestow vpon others , when they haue any matter of moment communicated vnto them . Moreouer , the Bassaes themselues will not sticke sometimes to impart to our Embassadours such matters , as are propounded among them in their secrete and priuie Councell before the great Turke himselfe : although he doth vse verie oftentimes to call his Councell into the fielde , taking occasion to go on hunting , to the end it shuld not bee so easie for any particular persons to sound the depth of his deliberations . But the Bassaes are hereunto moued vpon diuerse and sundrie considerations : sometimes vpon affection , as heretofore did Mahomet Socoleuich the chiefe Visier of Selim , and the Muphti of that time , to the Agents of the state of Venice . Muphti is the chiefest man among the Turkes in their spirituall Superstitions , & the chiefe Interpreter of the law of Mahomet , and is of so great authoritie in shew and apparance that in matters of counsel his opinion is neuer contradicted or gainsaid : I say in apparance , because when the Turke is disposed to haue any matter goe forwarde in deed , the Muphti either for flatterie , or for feare , is the first and chiefest man to commend it . Sometimes the Bassaes are moued so to doe , for that by quarrelling and iarring among themselues , they thinke by these meanes the more easily to disturbe the designements and purposes of their opposites , as peraduenture the aforesayde Bassaes did , and as Sinan and Ferat at last were wont to doe . Or to be short , they are verie oftentimes moued thereunto , because all Turkes generally are beyond all measure greedie of bribes and gifts : as for example among the Bassaes , that same Hassan shewed himself to be , who was a Venetian of the Cilestri , and Generall of the Sea before Cicala . For when one of the Visiers had offered in Councell to the great Turke that he would surprise the Citie of Venice , and was not hearkened vnto , but rather reproued for his ridiculous vanitie , hee went straight to the Venetian Bailo , or Agent , and told him , that whereas such a matter was propounded in the Councell by others , he withstoode it , for the naturall affection which he carried towardes that Common wealth : for the which he receiued a most rich present . Lastly , it is true also , that the Ottoman Counsellers do rewarde their seruants , and enrich them by imparting their secretes vnto them , to the ende that they may afterwards acquaint such withall , as vse to bee most liberall to them . And so doe they likewise to their women : whereupon it commeth to passe , that the Sultane Ladies ( who are either the Kins-folkes or the fauorites of the great Turke , dwelling continually in the Serraglioes , where al principall businesses are managed and handled ) become acquainted with these secretes , which afterwardes for verie rich gifts and presents that are sent to the said Ladies , from the officers and Agents of such Princes as the secretes doe concerne , by the Eunuches that wait vpon them and keepe them , are verie easily disclosed and reuealed . Moreouer they do sometimes indeuour with all their studie and industrie , to performe some notable seruice towards some Prince , to the end they might receiue the oftner and richer Gratuities from him . The mother of the now reigning Turke , pretendeth to honour the state of Venice , and craueth of it verie many times some reward for the same . It is not long ago since all the Sultane Ladies requested of the sayd state , that it would forbid the carrying out of certain feathers that are counterfeited and forged of glasse , at Murano : which being ioyned and set togither , do much resemble the plumes made of a Herōs fethers . And this request they made , because the said counterfeit or forged feathers , were sold so good cheape at Constantinople , and yet did so please and satisfie the people , that the said Sultane Ladies could not sell at so high a rate , as before they did , the goodly bunches and bundles of feathers of seuerall birds , which were sent vnto them for Presentes , from diuerse quarters in great quantities : for it is the vse not onely of men , but of women also , to weare such feathers on their heades : following therein the manner of the Tartarians , ( from whome it came to the Turkes : ) for that Zingi Chan ( who by some is not rightly called Chan-gio , ) was saued aliue by the meanes of an Owle : for this Birde hauing alighted vpon a certaine thicket of young trees , among which Zingi had hidden himselfe , for feare of his enemies that pursued him , they did verily thinke that there could not be any body there , because the Birde remayned there so quietly . Whereupon the Tartarians ( sayeth Haytho ) do holde the sayde Birde in great reuerence , so that hee , which at that time could get any of her feathers , accounted himself a happy man. And euer after , all the other Tartarians from hand to hande haue still continually vsed to weare the like feathers on their heades in memorie of that action , and for a kinde of Reuerence . § XVI . BVt to returne to our discourse where wee left it : Amurath , after hee had floated and wauered certaine dayes betweene the contrarieties of these his Visiers Opinions , resolued with himself to moue warre against the Emperour , hoping in this part of the world also to surpasse the memorie of his predecessors , as hee thought hee had done in Persia , and so much the rather , for that hee was to make warre in a Countrey adioyning to his owne , and consequently very conuenient for Vittailes , and not inconuenient for his Subiectes . Hereunto hee was also encouraged and heartened by Sinan Cicala , after that hee perceyued hee had not perswaded the enterprise of Corfu : hoping withall to obtayne the Generalshippe , whereby hee might put downe his Opposites , and purchase greate riches : especially hauing authority , as indeede for the space of seauen yeares hee had , to doo whatsoeuer the Great Turke himselfe might haue done , if hee had beene present in the Campe. Moreouer Hassan the Bassa of Bosna , a man rather temerarious and headdie , then valorous : ( if yee consider what he did in Croatia ) continuallie solicited Amurath to the same purpose : both for the selfe same end , which is common to all the Turkes , that is to say , to enrich himselfe by the meanes of warre , and also because hee verilie beleeued , that by this course he should safely attaine and come to those supreme honours and dignities , which were foretold him by the superstitious South sayers . For beeing the Great Turkes chiefe Cutthrote or Executioner , he was a most vaine obseruer of such diuinations : Whereupon to satisfie Sinan and himselfe , hee did continually aduertise and inform the Turke of the losses and domages that were wrought by the Vscocchi , and by the Subiects of the Arch-duke , and of the burninges and spoiles that they committed whiles they ouerranne the Countrey : wherewith he did also assure him , that the best course hee could take , was to beginne the warre in those partes , and afterwardes pursue the same either against the Emperour , or against the Venetians , or else passing ouer on a sodaine into Italie ( as was done in the dayes of Mahomet , of Baiazet , and of Soliman ) to put all the princes of that Prouince into an exceeding feare , and so to reape and bring home most rich and wealthie spoyles . Yea he solicited him so farre , that at the last hee obtained licence of the Turke to begin the warre , by making himselfe to be seene and knowne that hee was in the confines of the Emperour : but yet with secret commission , that he should not say he did it vpon his commaundement . He erected the Fort of Petrina vpon the riuer of Cupa , which he called of himselfe Hassan Grad : a place from whence he might easily runne ouer the Countrey , and bridle Carlistod , Zagabria , Metlica , and all the Countryes round thereabout : and spoyling the villages euerie where , hee filled all places with terrour , with teares , and with lamentations . And one thing I will note by the way , which is memorable , and notable , Namely , that the first man also , that ouer-ranne the Countrey in the confines of Persia at the last warres , in token that the Turke had broken the peace with him , was called euen by the same name Hassan , being the Bassa of Van , which is a Citie either of Medea , now called Seruan , and Vaaspracan , or in the confines thereof , and was somtimes the vttermost place that the Turkes had toward Persia : and the same Hassan was none otherwise ouerthrowen by the Persians , then as afterwardes it happened to this Hassan , in fighting with the Emperialistes . § XVII . BVt because I haue oftentimes made mention of the Vscocchi , it will not be farre from the purpose , before I passe to other matter , briefly to tel you , who they be , and so much the rather , because they were the occasion of so great a warre . It is not true , that those whom wee call Vscocchi , ( which signifieth by the Sclauoine worde Scoci , Skippers , or Leapers , because they skip and leape like Goats , with their corded shooes vpon the toppes of the Mountaines . ) It is not true ( I say ) that they are Inhabitants of Chimera , as Iouius and others that follow his opinion do beleeue . For the Vscocchi do dwell about fiue hundred miles distant from the Chimeriottes ( and yet they are both people of Albania ) in the Mountaines that are called Acro-ceraunii , in the mouth of the Gulfe , right against the Cape of Santa Maria , the vttermost Promontorie of all Italie . The Vscocchi speake the Sclauoine speech , but the Chimeriottes the Albanian : The one liue after the Romish rite , the other after the Greeke . The one are a companie gathered togither , and that but of a few , the other naturall by coūtry , and many in number . Among the Vscocchi there bee many Murlacchi , which cannot stay vnder the Turke , and many that are banished by the state neer to the Venetians and other Princes therabouts , and fled to the Vscocchi for verie pouertie . There are also among them many Martelossi , that are Spies , and theeues in those quarters : for so in deed signifieth the worde Martelos , so that it is the name of a profession , and not of a Nation , as some haue thought . And because I haue also made mention of the Murlacchi , I will not omit to tell you what they be . The Murlacchi are called in those partes all the Christians that dwel in the Mountaines , but specially those that inhabit the mountaine Lica , which is betweene Nouigrad and Segna . The originall of the Sclauoine worde Moralacchi , was at the beginning , when the Barbarians came into Italie , because after that they had passed Walacchia , they called the peoples that dwelled at the Adriatike Sea by that name , as if they would say , Dwellers on the Sea. For euen as the Turkes do call all the Italians by the generall word Franchi , of the particular nation of the Frenchmen , so did the Barbarians terme all Italians likewise by that tearme of Vulacchi , or Vuloschi , as though they were Walacchians . The Vscocchi doe dwell vpon the Sea at Segna , and Buccari , and within the land of Othozaz , and ouer all Vinodol , which is a territorie belonging to the Conte of S●rim . And although they runne vp and downe all those quarters , spoyling and robbing , and stealing all that they can get , no otherwise then the Turcomanni did in times past among the Grecians , yet are they tollerated by the Imperiall Officers , because they would not loose the deuotion and beneuolence of that people , who without any expences or charges of those estates , and with great brauerie defend those Frontires , euen as the Cosacchi do in Polonia , of whom I will speake more hereafter . But because they are thus tollerated and also protected , contrarie to the couenaunts and agreements that haue passed betweene the Imperialistes and the Turkes , and also concerning the sea betweene the Venetians and the Turkes , they haue oftentimes giuen occasion to the Turkes to put handes to their weapons , for the defence of their subiects and of their marchādises , which they carry to Ancona , & to Venice : yea & the Venecians thēselues haue bin occasioned to do the like , as wel for the maintenāce of the iurisdiction which they pretend to haue in the Adriaticall sea , as also because they would take away al occasions frō the Turks to come with an Armada , for reuenge of the iniuries and losses , which they haue receiued by thesaid Vscocchi : and finally , because they would not bee troubled with the great Turke , as alwayes they are , when his subiectes are spoyled , by demaunding amendes for the same . Moreouer , the Vscocchi haue within this little time laid their hands to robbe the Christians also of their marchandizes , and particularly the Venitians , not ( as their Vaiuodes and Arambassi do say ) for the losses which they receyued these last yeares , whiles they were besieged in Segna , but in truth to enrich themselues , by all the iniurious wayes and meanes they could . Wherevnto they doe the more willingly applie themselues , because they know verie well that they cannot be hindred or at least verie hardly , by the said Venetians , for that they come backed and assisted by the Imperialistes , and can quickly recouer their owne home , as in deede they doe both safely and securely , and whensoeuer they list . These Vscocchi , may come forth into the Sea , to pray and spoyle by foure wayes : that is to say , betweene Fiume , Veghia , and Cherso : betweene these Islandes and Arbe , betweene Arbe and Pago , and betweene Pago , and the firme land of Zara. This last passage hath somewhat a straite Channell , and may bee of some 100. paces . The Venetians do keepe diuerse Gallyes , and Barkes armed , that walke continually vp and down these Channels to hinder the Vscocchi , but by reason of the many disorders , that haue hetherto hapened , there are now but some Gallyes onely , or at least accompanied with a fewe Barkes of small auaile . It were verie necessarie , principally to multiplie the number of Barks , which being backed behind with Gallyes , might easily set vppon the Vscocchi : and then without all doubt they might make the passage for Marchantes to bee more safe and secure : and somuch the better if there were appointed certaine watches , euen in such places as were fittest for that purpose . And although to doe this , the costes and charges would be of some moment , yet they might well bee borne , considering they shall bee vsed but for a small time : for the Vscocchi being once seuered and scattered , they cannot so easily vnite themselues together againe : And the Marchants also no doubte , would willingly contribute to the charges , forasmuch as it concerneth their benefite and interest principally . There might also a remedy be had against their Theeueries in another sort , that is , by contributing to the chiefe Captaines of the said Vscocchi , a certaine summe of money competent , to the end they should abstaine from doing any domage by Sea , eyther to the Turkes or Christians . For to hinder theeues from robbing , especialy such as these bee , who are very couragious and hardie , is a thing almost impossible , vnlesse it might bee performed in deed by an open warre . And if any man should thinke , that this course would displease the Turke , for that hee could not but suspect that the Venetians did not effectually employ themselues against the Vscocchi , so long as their owne Marchants did passe to and fro in safety : and forasmuch also , as this deliberation and agreement could not be kept so secret , but that it must needes come to the knowledge of the Turkes : I doo thinke verily , that it may be prouided for by one of these two meanes : eyther by signifying so much to the great Turke himself whose satisfaction is principally respected , or else by making supplication to the Pope , that in regarde of the publike quiet he would enterpose himselfe to cause payment to bee made to the said chiefe Captaines , with the monies of the state of Venice , or of the Marchantes , to bee deliuered to his Holines secretlie . Moreouer the Emperour himselfe might be treated withall , that his Emperiall Maiesty would bee pleased to accept of a conuenient Garrison for the defence and custody of Segna , and of those Confines . Or rather , which would be the true remedie indeed , they might by generall consent and agreement bee driued quite out of those Countryes , considering that they are publike and common theeues , and authors of the greatest troubles in Christendome : yea and so much the rather , for that otherwise they can neuer be diminished , much lesse vtterly extinguished , aswell because they are not forbidden or hindered from multiplying themselues , and receiuing new supplies dayly into their troupes : as also and principally because they haue a law , that when the husband dieth , the wife remaineth heire of all , and he that afterwards taketh her to wife , becommeth Lord and Maister of all that she possesseth . And hitherto let it be sufficient to haue spoken of the Vscocchi , and of the meanes how to represse their insolencies : wherein I referre my selfe , as also in all other things which I haue heretofore sayd , and am hereafter to say , to better iudgements then mine owne , and to persons that are better informed then I am . § XVIII . AMurath then hauing moued warre agaynst the Emperour , Sigismundo Battori , the Prince of Transiluania , shewed himselfe openly to be agaynst the Turke a matter verily not expected by him , and little hoped for by those that examined things onely by reason , and according to state : for assuredly it was the worke of the onely prouidence of God. For by this open declaration of this prince , there is arisen without all doubt , the securitie and safetie of Germanie ond Italie , with the most notable diuersion of the warre , that euer hath happened hitherto against the proceedings of the Turks , by all the princes Christian that haue fought with them . Whereupon Sinan hauing offered himselfe , after the death of Hassan , to goe in person for the recouerie of that which was lost , and to restraine the tongues of such as did sting and backbite him to his grand Seignieur as being the Authour of this councell , and being gone forth in deed with supreeme and soueraigne authoritie , there happened betweene the one side and the other , all those actions , which shall be particularly written by the Historiographers . And behold , whiles this Sinan was at Belgrado , the Emperour Amurath died the 9. day of Ianuarie in the yeare 1595. and was buried at Constantinople , in a Meschita , or Meszita , which he had made in his life time , and dedicated to Bahalzebuf , that is to say , to the Idole of Flies : for thereupon peraduenture such fabrikes or buildings are either corruptly or in mockage called by vs Christians Moschee , of Moscha which signifieth a Flie. Prince Mahamet being returned frō Magnesia to Constantinople , after the death of his father , by the great carefulnes of Ferat , who presently dispatched a Gally vnto him , and being inthronized according to the accustomed Ceremonies of the Ottomans , the deliberations and consultations touching the war , were renued . It was thought at the first , that Mahamet was rather inclined to peace then otherwise , hauing found ( as it was noted vnto you in the beginning of this discourse ) the Citie full of dearth , his subiects not well pleased with this warre , the Bassaes diuided among themselues , and specially the two chiefest of them , Sinan and Ferat : for the one chalenged the chiefe place , because hee was alwayes most louing towardes him , and had disswaded his father from a certain determination that sometimes he had to put him to death , for iealousie of the state , and had euer aduertised him from time to time , whatsoeuer had happened in the Empire The other thought that he had purchased great merite , because he had in so short a time brought him into the possessiō of his Empire , that he had so greatly desired , and that at such a time , as was most important for the estate of all his affaires . In such sort , as for these causes , and for others also which I haue told you before , they iustled lustily one agaynst the other● till in the end they were both brought to their deathes . Notwithstanding Mahamet , after that hee had somwhat setled his houshold & domestical affaires , was of necessitie constrained to go forth to the war in his owne person : and principally besides the reasons before alledhed , because the Souldiers did not sticke openly to giue him to vnderstand , that to the camp they would go no more without the presence of their great Lord : for that they were greatly discontented with the former Generals , Sinan and Ferat , who had intreated them verie hardly . Besides that the seedes of ciuill discords , did as yet remaine aliue , in those that were affectionate , some to one of them , and some to the other : And lastly because Cicala had promised him assured victorie , if hee would so doe . § XIX . IN this yeare , which was the first yeare of his going foorth , hee surprised Agria : a place which although it bee not verie strong in regard of the hill , that commandeth it , yet is it of great inportance for the situation , because the vniting of the Transiluanians forces with the Emperours will be now more difficult , for that the Turkes will continually haunt and beate the way that leadeth from Toccai to Cassouia : for the other vpper way of Sacmar , is much longer . And it is so much of greater importance , because if the walles of Agria bee repaired , the Turke may there maintaine a puissaunt armie , betweene both his enemies . § XX. IN this yeare also happened the battaile , whereof without doubt it may be said , that either both the armies remained victorious , the Imperiall in the beginning , and the Ottoman in the end : or else that neither of them was vanquished by the other , seeing both of them retired vncertain of their owne estates or how the matter had gone with them . And so do we read , that it happened euen alike in the battaile betweene Lewes the xi king of Fraunce , and Charles Duke of Burgoine : to leaue the examples of the Greekes and Romaines , that are more auncient . Whereupon it was , that both the armies following the aduise and counsaile of Leo the Emperour , did rather giue encouragement to their seueral peoples , with signes of apparant ioy on both sides , then confesse their losses . True it is in deed , that Mahamet saw with his owne eyes , that at the beginning his armie was so discomfited and confounded , as greatly fearing his life , he fled to a hill in the sight of Agria , accompanied with some few of his Agalaries , and there dryed and wiped his eyes with a peece of Mahomets apparrell , which for reuerence hee carried about him . Trne it is that our Men had shewed very great valour : for lesse then 50. thousand Souldiers ▪ ( so many iumpe , as Francisco Maria , Duke of Vrbino required , for the extirpation and rooting out of that tyranny , ) went to meete with the enemie , fought with him , and discomfited an Armie of 300. thousand persons , euen in the presence and viewe of their Prince , who had gathered the same together , almost out of all the Forces of his Empire . Insomuch as it cannot any way bee doubtted , but that if our men had been lesse greedy , more vnited , better aduised and instructed , and aboue all if they had beene the friends of the Lord of Hostes , they had obtayned one of the most singular victories , that peraduenture was euer obtained by the Cbristians , yea and had taken Mahamet prisoner , as Baiazet the first was at Mount Stella , by the Greate Tamur Chan , that is to say , an Iron Lorde , who is otherwise by some corruptly called Tamerlan and Tamburlan . In briefe , to conclude this parte , the Turkish Captaines hauing shewed small knowledge and little valour , and therefore many of them were degraded and put to death , and almost all the common Souldiers hauing likewise shewed great cowardize and astonishment of mind : it is very likelie that their Great Lord and Maister will thinke better of his businesse in the yeare to come , eyther by making peace , or by continuing the warre with lesse daunger . Whereupon , whiles Christendom attendeth and waiteth in great perplexitie of her doubtfull cogitations , peraducnture it shall not be vnprofitable , if ( asmuch as shal lie in me ) I go about a little further to search out the thoughts and counsels of our enemies , and examine what may or ought to bee done by our Princes Christian to aduance their businesses , to the glory of God and man. The end of the Second Part. The third part . Wherein is treated , That suppose the Turke will growe to Peace , whether it bee good that the Emperour and the Transyluanian make peace with him : with a discourse of such matters , as if the warre continue , the said Princes may worke against him : & what the other Christian Princes may also doe , to meet at all times , with such daungers as may alight vppon Christendome by the Ottoman Forces , IN this last Part then , I will shewe first , That let it be supposed , Mahamet the Emperour of the Turkes , hath a desire to grow to a Peace with the Christian Emperour , and with the Transyluanian , whether it be good that those Princes should make peace with him : and secondly I will discourse vpon such matters as the great Turke feareth , if the warre bee continued , may bee wrought against him , as wel by the said Princes , as by the other Princes of Christendome . Wherewith I will also endeuour my selfe to giue you such notice and knowledge of peoples and places , as peraduenture this my trauaile shall bee deemed altogether vnprofitable . § I. EVen from the verie beginning of this warre , Amurath refused to treate of peace , whereunto he was greatly solicited by the Embassadors of France , and England : to the ende they might haue procured him to make warre by Sea , ( as before I noted ) against the king of Spaine , of purpose to diuert him from the warre , which the said king continued against their Princes . Their instant motions they reinforced againe after the two ouerthrowes giuen to the two Hassans , the one in Croatia , and the other in Hungarie : and a while after that , the stirres and tumults of almost an open rebellion that were perceiued in Constantinople , which after the death of Amurath , were much more renued in Mahamets time . They did also most manifestly set before his eyes the difficulties of this present warre , & brought him to a consideration how much more easily the other might be effected . Moreouer , they considered also the open declaration , that the prince of Transiluania had made , whereby without all doubt the difficulties of the warre might grow greater to the Turks : for that the said Prince being a yong man & valiant , and hauing gained a verie great reputation among diuerse peoples and nations , as well friends , as enemies , he would neuer be drawen backe by any other meanes , but only by necessitie : wherunto it would be the hardest matter in the world to driue him , as long as there was no peace made with the Emperor , which peace could not by all likelihoods be hoped for at that time , considering the common interestes of both the said Princes , the new confederacie concluded betwixt them by their late alliance , the insurrection of the Ra●cians ( of whom I will speake in their due place ) the rebellions of the Vniuodes of Moldauia and Walacchia , and lastly the feare which all the Turkes had , least the Transiluanian should be the man , that was to bring low , or peraduenture quite to ouerthrow the vnmeasurable hugenesse of the Turkish Empire . Insomuch as Mahamet giuing eare to the foresaid reasons , & fearing aboue all thinges to prouoke and raise against himselfe a league and confederacie of the Christian Princes , ( a matter greatly feared of all the Ottoman Princes ) it seemed as well by the answere which hee caused to be giuen to the said Agents , as also by that which he went about to worke , that hee had a minde not altogither alienated or estraunged from peace , and so much the rather , for that he permitted the Beglerbey of Grecia to negociate and treate with the Agents of the Emperour , of the Transiluanian , and of the Walacchian . § II. HOwbeit , the truer opinion was , that this Mahamet was encouraged to warre , yea neuer a whitlesse then his father Amurath was , especially after the ouerthrow which he receiued in Croatia , to recouer the reputation that hee had lost : for so was it the opinion of the olde Archduke Ferdinando , that it would come to passe . But in deede it was thought , that he rather negotiated the peace ( besids those reasons that are aboue specified ) as well to follow the vse of all warres , and specially of the Ottomans , as also by that meanes to make vs Christians , the more negligent and carelesse in our resolutions and preparations : hoping aboue all other things , that we while peace was intreating , would walke more fearefully and warily in annoying him , least we should thereby prouoke him further : Euen as it fell out ( iust ) to the Emperour Maximilian the second , who for none other respect forbare to surprise and reduce to his subiection Alba-Regale , but onely because he would not anger Soliman , with whom he was then in treatie of peace : which although it was indeed concluded , yet was it afterwards broken with the great losse of the said Emperour . But let vs suppose , that Mahamet either desired at that time to make peace in good earnest , or at least desireth it now at this time , it is fit and conuenient to consider verie well , whether in regard of the present state of our affaires , we on our behalfes ought to make peace with him , I will report the principall points , whereupon in mine opinion this whole businesse , and the resolution of so important a matter dependeth . Of which poynts some doe belong to the Emperour , and to the Transiluanian , and some others to the honour and interest of all Christendome : leauing the same notwithstanding to the iudgement of other men . § III. THE first thing to be considered is , that we may probably beleeue the Turke will neuer make peace , vnlesse on the one side the Emperour , and the Transiluanian doe make restitution vnto him of all his places which they haue surprised : and on the other side , he must remaine free and vnbound from making any restitution , especially of any thing that is of moment . For the Turkes holde it for an inuiolable law , that the ground which is once troden with the feet of their horses , & takē into possession , ought neuer to be restored : & specially if they haue built any Meschites , or Temples therein , or else when the places which they haue gotten , be conuenient for them , and for their aduauntage . And although we do read that Amurath the second ▪ after he had spoyled and depriued the Despote , George Wocouiche of Seruia , yet hee restored him to his estate which he had lost : yet ye must vnderstand that Amurath did so , because hee was desirous to make peace with the Hungarians , whose valour hee greatly feared . Besides that he was also his father in law , because he had a daughter of his to his wife , althogh shee were of the Greeke Religion . One of those sinnes , for which it hath pleased God to spoile and depriue many Rulers of those Countries , euen of their States and Liberties , as it happened to the said George himselfe , after the last ouerthrow of Laodislaus : whereupon in their Sclauoyne songes , hee is to this day called Heuiernish , that is to say an Infidel . True it is also , that Cephalonia the Island , belonging sometimes to the Turke , is now in the possession of the State of Venice , after it was conquered by the helpe of Consaluo di Cordua , called the Grand Captaine , eyther because the Turke thinketh it is a matter of no moment , or els that it is not very easie to be recouered . So Selim in the last peace that he made with Venice , was contented that there should be restored to Giacomo Soranzo Commissioner for that State , by Ferat Bey , ( he that of late yeares dyed Bassa of Buda , ) thirteene villages that were by the bordering Turkes , surprised in that warre , in the territorie of Zara : foureteene more in the territory of Sebenico , and somewhat also in the territorie of Spalato : For by that meane hee thought he should bee the better assured of the breach and dissoluing of that League , whereof at the last hee was greatlie afrayed . The Restitution , which wee may feare , that Mahamet looketh to haue from the Emperour will be in Croatia , of the contentious Fort of Petrina , and of all that which hee hath surprised vpon the way of Canisa , beyond the riuer Draua , euen as farre as Baboz , which is neare vnto Zighet his Frontier . In the lower Hungarie hee looketh for the restitution of Strigonia , and Vicegrado : and in vpper Hungarie of Vaccia , Filec and Nouigrad . And it may be moreouer , that hee will challenge the repayring of the burnt walles of Attuan , or some encrease of Tribute , ( as hee calleth it , ) for his expenses in the warre . Of the Prince of Transyluania , hee will challenge the restitutition of Walacchia , and require that hee deuest and depriue himselfe of all pretenses and tytles , which hee sayeth hee hath thereunto . Moreouer that hee restore vnto him Lippa , which is of great importance to Transyluania , because it is in his confines , and within the Bassanate of Temesuar vpon the riuer Marisso : And finally , that the Sangiacke-shippes of Ianoua and Bezcherech with diuers other places of lesse name which hee had burned may be repayred , or els that hee may be well payed for thē : besides some other giftes and yearely augmentations , which he looketh for . On the other side , yee may almost be assured that there will neuer bee gotten of Mahamet the Countrey of Tureuopolie , which is betweene Saua and Cupa , now vnder the iurisdiction of the Bano : Bani are certaine Gouernors of Prouinces , but are of lesse authoritie then the Beglerbyes , though some haue written otherwise . Neither shall ye euer get of him Biz , or Bicagi , a place of some importance , because it is more towardes the Sea coast , neare to the territorie of the Venetians to come to Nouigrad : nor in Hungarie on this side of the Danowe , Vesprino , and Giauarino , with the Castles neare adioyning , and beyond the Danow Agria , the last place that he hath taken . I haue thought good to set downe the said places by their particular names , to the ende that by knowing what matters of greatest moment and importance are in the possession of either side , my narration and discourse may proue the plainer . § IIII. THE second thing to be considered is this : if the Turke refuse to make peace ioyntly with the Emperour and the Transiluanian togither , whether these Princes ought to agree to a peace the one without the other . Certaine it is , that to doe it seuerally and disioyned , would bee to the great daunger of him that is the weaker , or of him that is excluded out of the peace , and also it would bee agaynst the confederacie , against the couenants and conditions wherunto they haue sworne , and against the promises , which they haue both made to the Pope . Moreouer , who can doubt but that it would also bee against all law and dutie of gratitude on the Emperours behalfe , in regarde of the singular benefite , which hee hath receyued by this open declaration that the Transiluanian hath made against the Turke ? and on the Transiluanians part , would it not bee agaynst the obseruation and keeping of his worde , which he professeth to be inuiolable , and quite contrarie to that which he hath hitherto refused to doe , although he hath beene therunto required , both by the last , and also by this now present Emperour of the Turkes , with most ample and large conditions of benefite , of hononrable tytles , and of perpetuall protection ? Which if the Emperour Ferdinand● had regarded , most certaine it is , that little lesse then all Hungarie had beene at this day in the possession of our enemes . Moreouer , who can euer promise to himselfe any faith in an Infidell , without feare , that he will not breake the bonds of all lawfull peace at his pleasure ? considering that princes , & specially the barbarous Princes neuer wanted plausible and likely pretenses so to do as the Venetians do know verie well by the faith and promise , that Selim did breake with them , in the yeare 1570. besides almost an infinite number of examples , that might be alledged thereof . Which point of breach of faith , although in truth no prince can in reason feare , yet certaine it is , that the Transiluanian Prince hath an exceeding great cause to feare it , because the Ottoman house thinketh , that from him onely it hath receiued all the iniuries and al the losses of this present warre , and that by his onely Rebellion ( for so doe the Turkes call this his iust and lawfull desire , which he hath to withdraw himselfe from the Turkish soueraigntie ) all their designements and complots haue beene interrupted and frustrated , and the course of their hoped victories vtterly stopped : and so much the rather ought he to feare it , for that if the whole tide and force of the warre should come vpō him alone , hardly could he defend himselfe from so mightie an enemie , if he should not be ayded and succoured , neither by the Polacke , nor by the Emperour : for of himselfe alone he is but a poore and a weake Prince . And although it may seeme , that he hath a state fortified by nature , and therefore might peraduenture be defended for some time , yet in the ende he should of necessitie be constrained , either willingly or by force to yeeld to that power , which is now growne to be so terrible and fearefull to the whole worlde both for number of people , and also for treasure , and in respect of all maner of furniture for warre , almost inuincible . Neither should the Emperour be free from feare in this point , if the Transiluanian should be at peace with the Turke : because it would be inough for the Ottoman Emperour onely to haue these princes disarmed for a time . For hee knoweth verie well with how great difficulty Souldiers are brought togither againe vnder their ensignes , after that they are once returned home : and especially how hard it is for the Emperour , who is constrained to make warre rather with auxiliarie Souldiers , then with his owne , who also cannot come to succour him without some time , and the meeting togither of circuites and dietes , which are to be holden , before any thing can be done . And thus vpon these reasons that haue beene set downe , it may be concluded verie resolutely , that to make peace on this fashion , would not onely not be helpefull to the two Princes , but also much more daungerous and pernicious to both their estates , for that the enemie may shortly after take vp armes againe , and renue the warre with greater aduauntage , whensoeuer hee shall thinke it fit and conuenient for him . § V. THE third and last consideration , which appertaineth not so much to the aforsaide Princes , but to all Christendome togither , is , that suppose the Turk do make peace , and keepe it for a while , where may we thinke in reason , that hee will hereafter direct his arrowes ? For we haue established this for a most certaine ground and foundation , that the Ottoman Empire doth keepe her Subiects alwayes occupied and emploied in new warres , against some state or other , as hauing had her originall and maintenance by force and armes . Of truth it is not to be thought , that he will renue the warre against the King of Persia , at the least as yet , and not being prouoked thereunto : because the Souldiers of Europe , who are the sinewes and strength of his Armies , doe abhorre to go thither , by reason of the length of the iourney , the want of vittailes , the roughnesse of the wayes , and the braue valour of the Persians . And so much the lesse is it likely that he will renue the warre there , because it is but a while agoe since hee made peace with that king , and for that he hath not as yet fullie established the foundations of his new Fortresses . And to bee briefe , the Persian indeed wanteth no Souldiers for there are three sortes of Souldiers that goe to warre vnder him : The Turcomanni , who are vnto him as Feudataries be with vs , and hold their landes of him . The Corizzi , or Coridschi , who are stipendaries and waged by him : and Auxiliaries , who are such as come to ayd and succour him , and namely , the Armenians , the Georgians , and others all verie valiant and hardie , especially those that goe to warre on horsebacke , as all of them for the most part doe , which is the greatest imperfection in the Persian Armies . § VI. NEither is it to bee thought , that hee will moue warre in Africa , against Mulei Ameth the king of Fez and Marocco , whome the Moores call the Siriffo , which signifyeth as much with the Turkes , as the title of Sultan , vz. King and Lorde . For in so doing , hee shall get but little , and much hee may loose , besides that , hee shall be somewhat too farre from home . Moreouer Mulei Ameth , who was the Brother of Abdala and of Mahamet , is a man very hardy and warlike : insomuch as although to diuert the suspition , which his Brother Abdala had conceiued against him , whiles he raigned , and was King , hee shewed himselfe euen for all the worlde as the Ottoman Mahamet did , to auoide the wrath and displeasure of his Father , altogether geuen to pleasures and sensualitie , yet did hee afterwardes conquere the Kingdome of Gago , towardes Guiney : from whence there is brought the most fine & pure gold xxiiii . Caractes : and holdeth in possession al that parte of the Countrey , which is more then a hundred dayes iourney from the Ocean sea , euen aboue Tripoli . § VII . NOr against the Isle of Malta , because ( as Amurath was aduised by Sinan Cicala , whilest he was Generall of the Sea ) it would turne to the smal credite and reputation of the Ottoman Empire , to imploy so huge Forces against so small an Island , & so much the rather , because it might peraduenture fall out , that hee should neuer obtaine the possession thereof , or at least it would bee verie hard to get it , aswell in regard that it is now much better fortified and strengthned then it was in the dayes of Soliman : as also because it would bee very couragiously defended by the auncient brauery of those most valiant knightes , and sooner relieued and succoured by the Christian Princes , who are now well taught and instructed thereto by their former experience . § VIII . NOr yet against Spaine , vpon a vaine hope , that the Moores which are there , woulde make an insurrection and rebell against the King : For it is not true ( as some thinke ) that they are so readie to put in execution , as indeed they are all confederated to desire innouation , yea so much the lesse may the Turke hope for any such insurrection , for that the said Morescoes are diuided in many seuerall places , which places are also verie open and without strength : they are also vnarmed , and a people of no certaine faith : and therefore in such a case they will not be ouer-hastie , and specially for feare of loosing their wealth and riches . As concerning the Portugals and the Aragonians , of whom also according to the opinion of the Bassaes , it seemed that the King Catholike might stand in some feare : the truth is , that they are not onely humbled by a tollerable kinde of inforcement , but euen of their owne selues they haue applied and setled their mindes to an honest necessitie . Moreouer , those that haue good intelligence in matters of state , doe knowefull well , that to lend the eare to the aduices and encouragement of Outlawes and discontented persons , is a verie vaine thing , and oftentimes proueth verie daungerous . Besides it is verie likely and credible , that the Turke will verie well bethinke himselfe , before hee will rashly run to prouoke and stirre vp the greatest king in the world against him , notwithstanding that hee bee greatly busied and occupied in other wars : as wel for that if he should be molested by the Ottoman forces , he may very easily cōclude a peace , or at least suspension from warres with his enemies , as also because he is so mightie a Prince , that he may wel quite himselfe against the Turks , especially with his Armada , and Fleete of ships , which without encrease of any expences vnto him , he may cause euerie yeare in good time to scoure the Ottoman Seas . For out of all doubt , he is not inferiour to the Turk , neither in forces , nor in greatnesse of Empire . Considering that the Turkish Empire ( if notwithstanding it be lawfull to call that state an Empire , which is vnduly vsurped and kept from the lawfull Emperours ) is in deede verie huge and great , for that in Asia it possesseth all that is betweene the greater Sea , and the Ocean of Arabia and Persia : and from the Caspian Sea , and the riuer Araxis , and the other more Easterly confines of the Kingdome of Persia , euen vntill the Mediterraneall Coastes of the Hellespont as farre as Nilus . And in Africa , all the coast of Nilus , till ye come beyond Algieri , and also a great part within the land of this prouince , where it bordereth vpon Egypt , and the red Sea. And in Europe , all that Countrey which is from Buda euen to Canstantinople , and betweene the riuer Niestro , and the Danow , and the AEgean Sea , and the Adriatike , with all the coast of the greater Sea , as farre as Tana . Besides all the Islandes of Asia , and the greatest part of the Islands of Greece . And yet notwithstanding , the Empire of the most potent king of Spain is nothing inferiour vnto it , for it stretcheth her power and iurisdiction in the West , it inlargeth the confines of her most mightie estate in the East , and passing ouer the new world , and arriuing euen to the Islands of the Moluccaes , the vttermost part of the Orientall Islands it reacheth ( like a true Monarchie indeede ) ouer all those maritimall or Sea-parts as farre as the straite of Gibraltar . Neither truly is it likely ( as some thinke ) that he will moue warre against the Polackes , or against the Tartarians , or against the Moscouites . § IX . NOt against the Polackes , because they are ( as a man may say ) in the verie bowels of the Turkish estate . They are verie wel armed both with men and horse : and if they doe possesse Moldauia , and Walacchia ( as easily they may doe ) and then passe ouer the Danow into Bulgaria , they may fortifie the banks of Danow as the Romans did , and hardily pierce with their Armes , euen into Constanstinople , which is the verie heart of his Empire , and so vtterly ruinate and destroy all his Country , with the same brauerie and valour which the Polackes haue sundry times shewed when they warred with the Turkes . § X. NOt against the Tartarians , because they are of the selfe same Religion with him , and also his confederates : with whom if he should warre , hee should gaine either little or nothing of them , because they are but poore , and for the most liue abroad in the fieldes , so that whensoeuer they shall perceiue the approach of their enemie , they may easily retire themselues , and when the enemy is departed , recouer that which was lost . And finally , if the Turke shall keepe and maintaine them as his friends , he may reape many and great seruices at their hands , whereas on the contrarie , if hee hold them his enimies , they may worke him much harme . § XI . AND lastly , not against the Moscouites , because they dwell among frozen Ices , and fennie Marrishes , in a barren Countrey , farre distant and diuided from all his estates : whose Prince is continually enuironed and garded with a great number of Horsemen and Footemen , who are also very well trained and exercised in managing and handling the Arcubuse . If then it be a matter in reason not to be feared , that though he should conclude a peace , he would moue warre against any of these aboue mentioned , yet of a certaintie we may greatly feare , that he will resolue to bend his forces , either against the state of Venice , or against all Italie . § XII . IF against the state of Venice : in verie truth , the troubles of Christendome , would then be greater then now they are , because the nearer the daunger would thereby be vnto Italie , and vnto the verie state of Religion , so much the more considerable and troublesom would it be . The Princes of Greece because they did not succour the princes that were their next neighbours , who were exposed and open to the Ottoman forces , all of them wholy lost their estates : God himselfe in the meane while permitting the same to be effected , not onely for their riot and voluptuousnesse , and for the ciuill discords that were among them , but also yea and much more for the Schisme , which the Greekes had made in the holy Church , so that first by the Gotthes , then by the Bulgarians , afterwardes by the Sarracens , and last of all by the Turkes , they were brought to that lamentable miserie wherein now they are : euen as Pope Nicholas the fift foretold , when he writ to the Emperour Constantine , surnamed the Dragon , as Gennadius the Patriarke of Constantinople hath obserued , and I in another place haue touched more at large . Cardinall Bessarion writing to the Princes of Italie , sayeth , that because they would not in time relieue Constantinople , onely with 50. thousand Crownes , they were the cause and chiefe occasion , why the Turkes afterwardes , hauing gotten possession thereof , with a continuall course of perpetuall victories , subdued Trabisonda , Sinope , the Islande of Metelino , ( i. Mitylene , ) La Morea , Caramania , and the Countries adioyning , Bossina , Bulgaria , the Lower Hungarie , Epirus , and a great part of Dalmatia , of Albania , and of Sclauonia , and lastly of the Island of Negroponte . But forasmuch as the worlde ringeth to this day with the wordes , which the Great Pope Vrban vttered , when in Cleremount of Aluernia , he mooued and encouraged the Christian Princes to the glorious conquest of Ierusalem , which is called euen by the Turkes Cuzzimu Barec , that is to say , The famous and holy place , for the reuerence which they beare to the Sepulchre of our Lord , & in that respect is visited ( as Bethlehem likewise is , ) by their Chazilarii , that is to say , their Pilgrimes , in their returne from Mecha : And forasmuch also , as euery man dooth well know the godly and wonderfull entreatie and perswasion made to the saide Christian Princes , by Petrus Heremita , and the Sermons of the blessed Fryer Iohn Capestrano , who had already gathered together 40. thousande signed and marked with the Crosse , to goe against the Turkes , euen in the very selfe same countryes where now the warre is : And lastly , forasmuch as besides the holy and very zealous exhortations of many Popes , and other holy Men , ( whereof there is great store to bee founde in the Councels , and ecclesiastical Hystories ) there resoundeth now in our time ouer all Christendome , the liuely voyce of the now liuing Pope Clement , who like another Iacob , watching day and night , without any tyring or wearinesse , for the seruice and maintenance of Labans sheepe , that is to say , of the faithfull flocke of Iesus Christ , cryeth out with a loude voyce , by his holie prayers and deuoute teares to the Lord for mercie towardes our saluation and safegard : It shal bee sufficient at this present , briefly to recount the substance of those matters , which pope Pius the second , ( euen the same that wrote a long letter to Mahamet the second Emperour of the Turkes to conuert him vnto the Catholike Faith ) being full of the holy Ghost , vttered at the Councell of Mantua , in presence of the Christian Princes , after hee had bewayled the ruine of the Greeke Empire , and of other kingdomes in Christendome , that were fallen into the Turkes power , vz. Surely , it would bee a verie righteous aud religious matter , O yee most generous and Noble Princes of Christendome , if once at the last yee would waken your selues , & enter into an earnest cogitation , not to suffer those poore & dismayed reliques of Christians , vtterlie to bee lost , that are forgone into the most cruell rage of the Barbarians , which of you , in good sooth doeth not clearely and manifestly see the common and imminent daunger , that hangeth ouer our heades ? Andrinopolis , and Nicopolis , ( because I will not at this time remember so many other most goodly and rich Countries , which most vniustly that most cruell and outragious Tyrant doth now possesse ) were of no long time heretofore , Cities further distant , then were those Christians that haue beene lately taken , and are now most cruelly and miserably tormented by our enemies . Oh that you might bee moued , yee religious and godly Princes , with the incomparable bond and obligation , wherein yee are bound to Christ our Lord , who hath not onely freed and deliuered you from the iawes of the auncient Serpent , but also hath appointed you to be Princes of his people , to the end that like watchfull and charitable Pastors ye should couragiously keepe the same from the mouth of the Wolfe . The blessed God hath put into your handes the Scepter , and the sworde , because it should bee your care , as well by doing iustice , and shewing mercie to maintaine his people in peace , as also by warre to deliuer those that are vnduly and vniustly oppressed . Let your perticular interestes cease , when the Interestes of God commeth in place . Let the discourses of mans wit giue place to the cause of God. Nay rather , euen your owne peculiar and proper interestes , and humane respects also do perswade you of themselues to take weapons into your hands , and to represse and daunt the pride of this most cruell and fierce wilde beast , who like a Lion raungeth about continually , ouer all the Champeine and field of Christendome greedily to deuoure some part either of our owne Countries or of our neighbours . Alas , let vs learne by other mens expences and losses . Let vs quench the fire of our brethren , least we burne vp our selues also with them : Let vs in time meete with this great tide , that like a headlong streame is like shortly to surround all our Countreys . Vp ye generous & noble champions of Christ , resolue couragiously with your selues ( to the end that our age be not thought to be lesse glorious then former times ) in some sort to imitate & follow Godfrey , Baldwyn , Boemound , and those other famous Argonautes , who to recouer out of the prophane handes of the enemies of holy fayth , the sacred Sepulchre of our Redeemer , sold their owne proper goodes , abandoned their landes and houses , passed ouer the Seas , and for a long time endured exceeding great trauailes and troubles , because they thought that they could not better employ their treasures , ther weapons , and their valour , then in so holy and laudable an enterprise , who then will bee the first man that will take the Crosse , and giue example to others ? Who will he be , that will be Captaine and guide herein ? Where be the Souldiers of Christ , that will follow this glorious standard and Ensinge ? And finally who will shew himselfe so impious , that he will not lay aside all priuate iniuries and hatreds , for the common safetie ? But hereof let it be inough for me to haue spoken , being carried therunto out of my determinate discourse and narration , by a iust zeale that I beare towardes the honour of God , and the saluation of so many soules , which are redeemed by the bloud of Christ , and liue at this day in the most miserable thraldome and slauerie of the Ottoman Empire . And therefore if the great Turke shoulde mooue warre agaynst the Common-wealth of Venice : ( which God forbid , because the saide estate of the Venetians doth deserue to bee kept and preserued a perpetuall Virgin through all ages , as well for the comfort of her subiects , for the ornament of the worlde , and for the defence of Christendome , as also for the pietie thereof , and for the excellent manner of gouernment therein vsed ) the daunger would be of great importaunce , and it would then bee verie necessarie ( if the loue of my Countrie doe not deceiue mee : ) that all the princes of Christendome should earnestly and throughly aduise themselues , how to maintaine it in her former estate , so that no notable damage may light vpon it : and so much the rather , for that enioying her lawfull and auncient libertie and neutralitie , with her publike consultation it doth neuer offend any Prince in the world . And aboue all the rest , it behoueth the king Catholike so to doe , either by combining himselfe with the Venetians , or by succouring them otherwise : as well because it is verie likely , that the Turke will not imploy his forces , onely for the subduing of the Venetian estate : but thereby to haue a more easie way to attempt Italie , wherof the crowne of Spaine dooth possesse the fairest and goodliest partes : as also because the other Princes are not peraduenture altogither sufficient by Sea to vanquish the enemie with any securitie , vnlesse they shall helpe one another with monies , with vittailes , with Souldiers , & specially with Gally-slaues , and Marriners , which certainly is a matter very considerable : For without doubt the true way & means vtterly to defeate and destroy the enemie , will bee to vanquish him by Sea , especially in these times , wherein hee hath not an Armada of any account , and is also greatly destitute of Marriners , and men of commaund , that are skilful and couragious in that profession . Moreouer , the Turkes do abhorre these battailes by Sea , both because they are most cruell and daungerous , and also for that in such fights they are alwayes discomfited and ouerthrowne , and doe know full well , that afterwardes they shall bee the more easily vanquished and ouercome by land . So Euagoras of Cyprus , and Conon of Athens counselled the kings of Persia to doe against the Lacedemonians . So Augustus hauing defeated Marcus Antonius by Sea , subdued also his olde and victorious armie consisting of eightie thousand footemen , and two & twentie thousand horsemen , without any fight . The like was done by Roger the Calabrian , Admiral to the king of Aragon , who notwithstanding that his king was vppon the land ouerthrowne by the king of France , yet assaulting the French Armada by Sea , discomfited the same , recouered that which was lost , and carried away the fruites of both the victories . And who knoweth not , what might haue beene done , after the Turkish fleete was dispersed and ouerthrowne in the yeare , 1571. And when it ranne away of it selfe in 1572. If at the first occasion and oportunitie that was then so happily offered , there had beene made a choise of the best Gallies , to haue gone presently and met with the enemie in the Arcipelago , and in Morea , and euen as farre as Cyprus : and if in the second good oportunitie we had followed the happie and iudicious courage of Soranzo , the generall Prouidatorie of Venice ? Verie true it is , that the state of Venice is at this day become so potent and mightie , not onely in respect of the great store of golde which it hath gathered in this long peace , and of the debts payed , whereunto it had runne in the last warre , and somewhat before that time : but also in regarde of the manie Gallyes , munitions , and other preparations for warre , which it hath prouided in this time : that if occasion so fall out , it will peraduenture bee well able to defend it selfe of it owne selfe : and specially , if it would resolue it selfe at such time , as it dooth little feare the enemie , to bee the first that should assault and strike him , yea and to doe it indeed , ( as Alcibiades was wont to say to the Athenians ) by sending forth a mightie Armada to annoye him , and vpon a sodaine to surprise some of those places , which I will name in the ende of this thirde Parte . Moreouer it hath also at this present so wel fortified her estate , that in all reason it neede not greatly doubt the conceites and designementes of the Ottoman . Corfu , Cathara and Zara are among other Fortes esteemed to bee inexpugnable , and so much the rather , for that by reason of their moderate and reasonable distance from Venice , they may easily bee succoured and relieued , and being as it were the keyes of the Adriatike Sea , they may also hinder the entrance of the enemy , or enforce him of necessitie to returne backe with all speed , least hee remayne entangled and caught in the nette . The Isle of Candie is likewise so wel prouided for defence and is thought to bee so strongly guarded with Garrisons and Munition , as it cannot bee attempted by the Turke , without incurring his great hazard and daunger , yea and so much the more , for that if the enemy shoulde endeauour to disbarke his people there , one great part of the Island hauing no hauens or Harboroughes , is defended by nature it self & the other part may be so well kept both by the valour of forrain souldiers , and also by the braue manhood of the Countrey-inhabitantes , who are no lesse tender and carefull of their owne wel-fare , then faithfull to their prince ( prouided alwayes that they bee by iust proportion and good aduise distributed and deuided , some for the defence of the Hauens , and some for the defence of the shore , ) that hee shall neuer bee able to disbarke there , or if hee doe , it will bee to his great losse . In which accident it will bee an easie matter to disperse the Reliques of the enemies armie , partly because they can very hardly bee succoured by the Turke , in regarde of the farre distance of his Countrey and States ? and partly because his Fleete of Shippes cannot well brooke those Seas , eyther without daunger of breaking and rending in pieces , or fighting with the Venetian Armada . Lastly , the Forte of Palma , which is also built by the Venetian Common wealth , with as religious as iudicious an aduisement , will not onely serue ( if it please GOD ) at all times for a secure and safe defence against the enemie , if hee shoulde bee so bolde as to trouble Istria , and to passe to Friuli , but it will also bee a continuall and most necessarie a Bulwarke , against all the Barbarians , which may attempte to come and annoy Italie . And thus much let bee saide touching the State of Venice . Now touching Italie , forasmuch as I haue already heretofore touched the reasons , which might one day moue the Ottoman to thinke of such a course , I will in this place set downe the most principall wayes , whereby he may come thither , and that to answere to such persons as doe thinke the same not onely to be a verie difficult matter , but almost altogither impossible . § XIII . THE Turke hath two wayes , whereby he may passe from his owne Countreys and States into Italy by land : one is ( and that is the better way for the ease of his horsemen ) by departing from Belgrado through the higher way , which is betweene the riuers of Draua and Saua : the other on this side of the Saua . Both of these wayes doe meete at Lubiana , called by the Dutche Luback , and in olde time Nauporto , a Countrey of great abundance in all thinges , and most fit to bee ( as it were ) the seate of the warre . The Citie it selfe is verie easie to bee surprised . From hence they may goe to Goritia , or rather by Piuca to passe by the Carse aboue Montfolcon : both these wayes likewise doe meete at Lisonzao , which the Turkes cal Ague-bianche , or White waters , a riuer that is verie memorable for the battaile of Theodorico king of the Gothes , and of Odoacre king of the Heruli , and also for the last approach of the Turkes , when they arriued euen as farre as San-Cassano in Mesco vpon the Campardo , burning and spoyling all the Countrey with most barbarous crueltie . That way which leadeth to Goritia , is for vittaile and for horse , more commodious then this of Carse : which for all that , though it be verie stonie and rockie , and also that in the Piuca there bee some wooddes and straits , not so easie to be passed , being neare to Scelescnytabor , which is a holde kept by a few Clownes , yet notwithstanding the saide way is not vnpassible for horses , and was made by Attila , when he came to Trieste , and passed on to Aquileia . And hereupon it came that Theodorico , after he was become the Lord and conquerour of Italie , was moued in this way to fortifie Mont-falcon euen as Gradisca , a little while before , was erected and builded in the other way by Odoacre , when hee lorded it in Italie . A fortresse which was afterwardes surprised by the same Theodorico , when he was sent against Odoacre , by Zeno the Emperour , and which was also erected for the selfe same ende and purpose , for which the Seignieurie of Venice haue now builded Palma against the Turkes . The Turkish Armies , departing from Constantinople , without comming to Mandor-Alba , or Alba-Graeca , ( which is called Belgrado , and in times past Taurono ) may also come into one of these wayes , by passing through the townes of Nis , and Precup , where are certaine straites on this side of Sophia , and leauing Belgrado on the right hand : or else without touching Sophia to meete in any sort at Nouibazar , and from thence through the Dukedome of Herzegouina in Basna , at Bagnaluca , to meete at the last euen in the high way , a little more then two dayes iourneyes distant from the territorie of Venice , and very neere vnto those places , where somtimes the Turks made their musters when they came into Italy . This is a verie plaine and euen way , fit also for carriages , and for conueying of stuffe and artillarie . Wherevpon Ammianus Marcellinus reporteth , that by the same way Gallus the brother of Iulian was carried in a Chariot from Betouia to Pola . § XIIII , MOreouer , the Turke , to the ende hee might the more grieuously vexe and trouble Italie , may at one and the selfe same time , sende an Armie by land into one part of it , and an Armada by Sea into another . So thought the other Mahamet to haue done , & this Turke also that now is , was there unto perswaded the last yeare by Sinan , of purpose by that meanes the rather to diuert the king of Spaine , and the State of Venice , that is to say , by his fleete troubling and molesting the Adriatike Sea , euen iust in the same sort as is afore declared , and his armie assailing the coasts of Sicilie and Naples , or of a Calabria and Puglia , replenishing all those quarters with feare and dommage . There is yet fresh in memorie the surprising of Otranto by the Turkes , in the dayes of the other Mahamet , and the fearefull fright which the Court of Rome did sometimes take at the arriuall of the Ottoman nauie , in the Tyrrhene sea . For costing all along Italie with the land windes , the Easterne winde , the South-East winde , and the South winde , and comming out of Barbarie with a North-east winde , and a Westerne winde , hee may most easily ouerrunne all , euen as farre as Ciuita Vecchia . Besides that it is well knowne what the Turks haue done diuers times at Augusta , at Cotrone , at Reggio , and in more auncient times what the Saracens did at Mount Gargano , now called Sant-Angelo . I know verie well how hard a matter it will be for the Turkes to put in execution those Designements , which I haue touched before to that purpose in the second Part of this Discourse : for that ( to be briefe ) this most noble Prouince of Italie , being the Garden and pleasure of the world , is without all doubt so well fortified both by Nature and Art : so full of Gold , and people , and vittailes also : ( especially if by Gods punishment , or by some other accident the haruests do not proue so barren as they haue beene these last yeares : ) and lastly so carefully kept and gouerned by her Catholike and valourous Princes as a man may resolutely conclude , that if the Turke do come thither , either he shall retire and returne , as heretofore diuerse his elders and predecessours haue done , or else Italy shall become his Graue and Sepulchre , euen as it hath alwayes beene to all Barbarians . But for as much as it is the office of true Politike prudence to feare an enemie , not thereby to become a Dastard , or a Coward ( as Thucydides sayd ) but with all diligence and circumspection to procure and prouide such remedies , as may vanquish and ouerthrow him : I will briefly set downe , how wee may diuerse wayes meete with those and such other daungers , that may hang ouer Italie by reason of the Ottoman Armies , and also what remedies may be most profitable and effectuall in this present warre , and therefore are greatly feared by the Turks themselues . § XV. AMong other remedies , that were proposed , when Mahamet the second surprise Ottranto , ( as I tolde you ) to diuerte him from Italie , one Martiu de Segoni Bishoppe of Dulcigno , as wee reade in a Treatise that hee wrote thereof to Pope Sixtus the Fourth , propounded this present remedy , which it delighteth mee to report in his owne verie wordes . Pannonum Rex ( sayeth hee ) cum suo Exercitu , confederatisque populis , praesentet se ad Danubium , fama praecedente quod in Rasciam sit traiecturus : futurum inde omnium Turcorum multitudine sibi obuiā ad I strii traiectum progrediente , Gentes nuper Valonam & ad alia Epiri maritima loca missae , ad Italiam transfretandae , statim ob metum Pannonum ad castra Turchi reuocentur . That is to say , Let the King of Hungarie with his Armie and Confederates present himselfe at the Danowe , with a fame and rumor first geuen out , that hee is minded to passe ouer into Rascia : and thereupon will it come to passe , that al the Turkes multitude proceeding to meet with him at the passage of the ( Danowe where it is called ) Ister , the souldiers which were lately sent to Valona , and to other maritimall places of Epirus , of purpose to bee transported into Italie , presently for feare of the Hungarians , shall be called backe to the Turkes Campe. Now wee hauing in steade of the king of Hungarie , the Emperour , and the Prince of Transyluania , I will discourse to the same purpose , as well of the one as of the other , so far forth as shall bee sufficient most clearely to make knowne , what hinderance and detriment it would bee to Christendome , if these two Princes , should make peace with the Turke , at the least so speedily as it is doubted they will : because among all the good meanes that may bee vsed to secure a state from their most mightie enemies , there is none so safe and approued by great Captaines then this course of diuerting warre . As among others Hannibal told Antiochus when hee aduised him to set vpon Macedonia , to the end King Philip might not send ayde to the Romaines : and Hieron King of Syracusa , when hee aduised the Romanes to set vpon Africa , to the end the Carthagenians might not send succours to Hannibal in Italie . § XVI . THE Emperour hath already his weapons in hand : and although indeed hee haue lost some places , yet hee hath also gotten some others . The warre is not altogether inconuenient or incommodious , by reason of the nearenesse thereof . The Souldiers haue now begunne to enure themselues to the warres , and to take courage against the horrible shoutinges and outcries of the Enemie , and are alreadie accustomed to endure cold and frost . The Captaines haue learned the Militarie Discipline , and the manner of fighting with the Turkes : if our Souldiers issue foorth into the field before our enemies , wee may attempt to recouer eyther by siedge , or surprise some of those places that haue beene lost : yea and so much the rather , for that it will bee a harde matter for the Turkes to succour it , because those that are gone home to their houses , cannot in time returne in so great a multitude for want of grasse and vittailes : and those that remaine in the frontiers are not able and sufficient both to offend and defend . Moreouer , there is not a small number of those , that haue refused to stay in Hungarie , because they had not wherewith to liue , and because they would auoyde the distemperature of that colde ayre , which will vse all their arte and cunning to stay at home . Let vs adde hereunto , that now is the onely time , wherein it is to bee hoped , that all the Princes of Germanie , both great and smal , wil waken and rouse themselues in earnest , because it is not now so much in question to defende the Hungarians , who are naturally hated by the Dutch ( as many other Nations doe also hate one another ) as it is to defend themselues , their wiues , their children , and their owne riches . In which point , if they conceyue peraduenture , that they might keepe and enioy al these things aforesaid , more safely and securely vnder the gouernement of the Turke , they may bee verie easily certified of the truth of this their conceit , when they shall beholde the Tragicall spectacles of Greece , which since it hath beene vanquished by the Turks , hath remained like the Iewes , without King , without Scepter , without libertie , without titles , without riches , yea , and ( a most horrible matter to report ) euen without the comfort of the tender embracements of their owne naturall children . Whereas , if the warre continue , who can with any reason doubt , but that the Princes of the Empire shall of necessitie be enforced earnestly to assist and ayde both the Emperour and themselues ? because it is in all likelihoode to be feared , that Mahamet will set forward his Armie either towards Toccai , of purpose to hinder the vnion of the Emperour and the Transyluanian , or to Vienna , as he was perswaded to haue done , not long ago by Sinan , who shewed vnto him the easinesse of winning it , the glorie that would redound vnto him thereby , and the great importance of the enterprise : And also for that from the languishing of the head proceedeth the weaknesse of the members . And it may be , that he commaunded his armie to retyre out of Croatia , not onely because he knew the iealousie which the Italian Princes doe carrie of their owne affaires , and specially the Venetians , who in that respect haue put themselues in defence with their new fortresse of Palma : but also because hee would vnite all his forces togither , & so become the stronger to performe the said enterprise . But howsoeuer it bee , certaine it is that he hath not withdrawne it for any giftes or rewardes which he hath receiued from the Venetians , as some haue falsly beleeued . Againe , that wee may thinke the better of this daunger , it is a matter worthie of good consideration , that Mahamet was enclined to this enterprise from his childhoode , in so much as euen at that time hee made humble supplication to his father , that hee would reserue that glorie for him : which without all doubt , if ( as God forbid ) it should so fall out and come to passe in deed , would not onely proue to bee a most notable losse to the Empire , but also in particular to all Italie . For so hauing gotten the possession of that key , which is of greatest importaunce to open him the way into the entrance of all those Countries , he shall also haue a more readie and easie passage into the fairest and goodliest part of the world , which is the verie vttermost scope and end of all the Ottoman designements . For that , euen as he hath a free way to come to Vienna , by passing betweene the Danow and the Draua , in lower Hungarie , and so without any impediment to Giauerino ( a Fort , that by the aduice of Alfonso Duke of Ferrara was caused to be made at the verie selfe same time that Soliman arriued there by the selfe same way , and where at this day also , being possessed by the Turks in maner and sort ( as Philippo Pigafetta hath written ) they may easily passe to trouble and vexe both Astria , and Stiria . ) So if hee should be possessed of Vienna , hee may without all doubt the more easily assault Italie by two other wayes , which I haue not as yet named . The one is , by the way of Tiroll , descending by the Alpes of Trento into the Champaignes of Verona , where Alarico entered : or by those of Bassano , which is a way that hath beene often vsed by the Dutche : the other is , that of Villaco , wich commeth directly from Vienna , and meeteth either at Frioli , or at Venzone , or at Ciuidale . The Turkes also in such a case may take another way , which was heretofore made by the Barbarians , that is to say , the way of Tolmezo in Carnia , which may also meete at Cadore : but that shall not be to any great purpose for them . But for as much as among those things , which hinder the Emperour from such aydes and succours as he desireth and as without all doubt would be most sit and conuenient for this present businesse , there are three especially that are worthy of greatest consideration : it shall not be amisse to touch them . § XVII . THe first thing is , the voice that runneth amongst the many Protestants of the Empire : that if his Emperial Maiestie should become the cōqueror of the Turke , they shall bee of necessitie enforced to yeeld obedience to the Pope of Rome ( as they call him ) a matter that is abhorred by the common sort of people , but much more by the great Princes and Potentates there : by the great Princes especially , because they haue vsurped a dominion vpon the greatest Ecclesiasticall liuings and reuenues : by the common people , because they are perswaded therevnto by the Protestant Ministers , as namely by the Caluinists and Lutherans , who doe resolutely aduise them rather to obey the Turke then the Pope , and therefore Caluanisme is a kind of disposition to Mahametisme , as many very learned men haue written . Besides that both the great Potentates , & also the common Subiects there haue suffered themselues most easily to be perswaded to this impietie and vngodlinesse , onely in regarde of the most sensuall and licencious life , which they are thereby permitted to lead . The second thing is ( which is so peremptorily disputed by many ) that the Emperor is to make peace with the Turke , because the Empire sheweth it selfe so backewarde and faint to relieue him : as well for that it feareth to spend her treasure to no purpose , as also for that it being of it selfe enclined to peace , it doeth willingly take aduauntage of this occasion : which also ministreth matter to many Christian Princes , especially to the Polack , and to the Venetians , that they doe not stirre eyther little or much against the Turke , because they suspect they shall bee abandoned and forsaken , when the cause is at the best , and that they shall spend themselues without any gaine or profite . And it seemeth that it is made the more credible by this , for that it is malitiously giuen out and published to the world by those Imperialists , which haue no greate inclination towardes that most religious house of Austria , vz. That the Emperour is not greatly inclined to warre : That hee keepeth himselfe continually retyred in Bohemia , in Prage , in his pallace because hee feareth some violent death ? whereunto hee is the rather induced eyther by reason of the conspiracie which was lately discouered , or of that which a certaine Englishman called Dee , foretold him ( a matter in sooth no lesse superstitious then vnworthie to bee apprehended and beleeued by a Prince that is so wise and feareth God. ) But certainely if it were true , that the Emperour either for these or for som other reasōs did now incline toward peace , it had beene more safe counsell and aduise for him , to haue resolued on it , euen in the beginning and at the first , rather then at this time , in regarde of such reasons as I haue heretofore declared , and also more at large in a certaine discourse , which I haue made vpon this point euen to this day . And thus also was Archduke Ferdinando aduised by Peter the Vaiuode of Moldauia , who if he had not dyed in the yeare 1594. in the mountaines of Bolzano was vtterly resolued ( though hee was a man of the Greekish sect and religion ) to haue come and kissed the feet of our Pope , as I haue declared in due order and place . The thirde and last thing is , That if the Empire on the one side bee not willing to contribute to so great expenses , vnlesse the Conquestes that may bee made and atchieued , become vnited to the Empire it selfe : and if the Emperour on the other side will not consent thereunto , by reason of the pretenses and challenges , which hee hath to Hungarie , being a state of his own , it seemeth that both the one partie and the other , doe propound matters so difficult , that none of them are likely to bee effected . True it is , that wee ought to thinke and belieue that the Emperour knoweth full well , if hee should shew himselfe contented to doe that which the Imperiall Princes doe request at his handes , hee should thereby preiudice himselfe , & yet those Princes would afterwardes forbeare to doo that in deedes , which they offer in wordes . And thus much let bee sayde touching the Emperour . § XVIII . NOw touching the Prince of Transyluania , who may now serue ( as the Second Champion ) in stead of the former King of Hungarie , there is no doubt to be made , but that hee is both in religion and in heart a most fierce and eagre enemie agaynst the Turkes . That which hee hath done hitherto , ( say what they list of him , such as either are not well informed or too affectionate and passionate in the cause ) doth yeeld vnto all the world a most cleare and manifest testimonie , that hee is no lesse braue in bestirring himselfe to fight , and resolute in his courses , then fortunate in his actions , and euen such a one as the auncients required a Captaine to be . And this not by the fauour of fabulous fortune , but in truth by the grace of that Lord , who in the holy Scriptures is called the Lord of Hostes , by whom like a new Dauid or Iudas Machabaeus , hee is louingly defended and protected . He is also greatly feared of the Turkes by reason of certaine popular and common predictions of theirs , which although they be in deed but light and vaine , yet doe they make a great impression in the mindes of barbarous and base people , and specially of the Mahometanes , who do absolutely beleeue Fatum , or Destinie . Among these their diuinations and Foreboadings , they hold this one to be of great account and reckoning , which saith , That from the cliffes of the Mountaines of Transyluania , there shall one day come forth a Prince , who shall ouercome and bring to nothing the Ottoman Empire . So saith Flauius Vopiscus , in the life of the Emperour Florian , That in his dayes it was prophecied of an Hungarian prince which in time should reduce all the Barbarians vnder his commaund and gouernment . And the like also is read in Suetonius Tranquillus of the Emperour Galba ( For neuer yet did Princes want their flatterers . ) Moreouer the Turkes doe also constantly beleeue , that the Sect of Mahamet is not to last any longer then for a thousand yeares , which tearme according to our computation cannot be farre of : and that the Musulmani , ( for so the Mahametists doe call themselues , that is ( Truly religious people which beleeue aright ) are not to haue aboue fourteene or fifteene Emperours : and therefore they do greatly erre , that recken seuenteene of them at this day . This Mahamet , who now liueth may bee reckoned the foureteenth or fifteenth : for Mose or Musa ( as they call him ) some doe reckon him among them , and some doe not . Lastly it is also most true , that the Turkes doe greatly feare the Transyluanian , and in that respect doe diuerse and sundrie wayes endeuour , not onely most diuelishly to weaken that valorous courage , which he sheweth against them , but also to depriue him of his life : persuading themselues for certaintie ( besides all that which hath beene touched before ) that he hath secrete intelligences , euen with in the Citie of Constantinople , to ouerthrow that estate : & that if his glorie & renown do encrease , the matter will easily be brought to passe , for that he is so willingly followed and accompanied by the Transyluanians themselues , who doe most readily obey him , and for that also hee is greatly desired and wished by the Walachians , the Rascians , the Bulgarians , the Sicilians , and all other warlike and hardie Nations to bee their Lord and Maister . And that this is true , I will briefly declare , because I do thinke that for the better vnderstanding of the state of this present warre , it will bee verie necessarie to know what these peoples are . § XIX . THe Transyluanians without all doubt are esteemed to bee the most warlike people of all Europe . These togither with the Moldauians , and Walachians , are the auncient Dacians , whom the Romans so greatly feared : insomuch as when they had ouerthrowne the Armies of the Emperour Domitian , the Romanes were forced to pay them tribute vnder the same Domitian , vnder Nerua , and in the beginning of Traians Empire , vpon condition that they should not passe ouer the Danow to annoy and endommage their Countries . This is manifestly made knowne to the Turkes themselues , by the discomfitures which many times haue beene giuen them by Coruinus , by the two Battories , and lastly by this third man , who at this day is in warre agaynst them . Moreouer , Michael the Vaiuode of Walacchia , although in times past he held that gouernement of the Turke , yet now he is vnder the obedience of the Transyluanian : and withour doubt it standeth him greatly in hand to cōtinue in that protectiō , because hee may not now any longer trust the Turkes , who haue beene so oftentimes displeased and discontented with him , and specially for the slaughter which he made of those , that vnder his promise of peace were sent by Hassan Bassa into Walacchia . Besides the Walachians , whose valour is verie well knowne to the Turkes , when they serued vnder the conduct of Dracola their most valiant Captaine , the said Vaiuode is attended for Souldiers with many Hungarians and Transyluanians , some few Albanians , Grecians , Bulgarians , and Rascians . Hee hath not many Arcubusiers , as also the Transyluanian himselfe hath no great store of them . For all these Nations , and especially the Hungarians doe vsually fight at hand , and on horsebacke with Launces , and with a wonderfull courage shew their faces to their enemies . The Rascians , who in the Councill of Constance be called Sirfi , are a people that haue their originall offspring , from the vpper Misia , which now is called Seruia and Rascia . They by reason of the Turkish wars did heretofore retire thēselues to the further side of the Danow , and not to this side , as some haue writtē : & at this present they dwel nigh to Temesuar , Lippa , & those parts . They did in times past rebell against the Turke & now do serue the Transyluanian . The Bulgarians , some do inhabite all that Country which was called the lower Misia , euen to the Danow , ouer against Walachia : some inhabit Thracia , togither with the Grecians , and others in Macedonia , which now also is inhabited with Grecians , with Seruians , and with Albanians . The Bulgarians are a braue and valorous people . Some of them that haue fled out of their owne Countrey , doe serue the Transiluanian , and no doubt many others woulde runne also vnto him , if he had sufficient meanes to entertaine them . They are verie apt to make a tumult and insurrection , as well in their owne Countrey , as also among their neighbours , if they were cherished and heartned thereunto , especially by the Transyluanian , whome they do admire no lesse , then that Alexander the Great , who was halfe their Countryman , that is to say , Pella , a place of Macedonia : and vnto whome hee hath with great iudgement beene likened , by Girolamo Frachetta in those orations , which he hath written to this valourous Prince . The Siculi or Sicilians , who inhabite the mountaines towardes Polonia and Moldauia , and that parte of the Countrey which is somewhat more hilly , are fierce and sturdie Clownes , resembling the Tartarians , more then any other Christians of those quarters : and therefore they should bee called Sythuli : They are rather footmen then horsemen , and haue also some Arcubusiers . They followed the Prince of Transyluania in the yeare 1595. when hee passed into Walachia against Sinan , at which time the said Sinan did most shamefully run away : But hauing receiued a promise of the Prince , that their Noblemen should bee exempted from some subiection , in regarde of an offer , which they made to conquere as much Countrey more , as that was which they did enioy : when they perceiued that their intention & his promise was not kept and performed , they rebelled and made an insurrection , while the prince was at Prage : but afterwardes with the punishment of some of the Principalles , and two hundred others , they were well quieted and pacifyed . § XX. THE prince of Transyluania doeth not entertayne and receiue vnder his Enseignes , all those peoples that doe thus admire him , and so greatly desire him to be their Captaine and Lord : because he hath no good meanes for money to pay them : for without stipends or wages , it is not possible that souldiers can bee satisfied and maintained : neither are their spoyles , prayes , and booties sufficient to feede them , and keepe them contented , nor their Haruestes and Collections , to supply the wantes of so great a number , especially in the times of warre , wherein all things grow from worse to worse . In such sorte as I doe conclude , that forasmuch as our Christian Princes haue no better means to maintain this warre against the Turke , and that in some remote place , and farre distant from their own countryes and States , nor a more easie and safe waye to ouercome him , then by obeying and following euen the very selfe same counsell which Demosthenes gaue to the Athenians , when the people of Olinthus ( a Cittie of Thracia ) craued their aide and succours against Philip , the Father of Alexander , and King of Macedonie , at such time as hee went about to assaulte them : I will bee also so bold ( though not in such eloquent termes as that most famous Oratour did vse ) to tell them , that the fittest and meetest counsell which can be giuen them for the common good , is with all speede to succour and relieue this couragious youth ( as in part the Pope , & the most religious king of Spaine haue done ) with some part of those treasures which they haue receiued from God , to be spent in the seruice of his diuine Maiestie , and their owne saluation . For there is no one thing that doth more hinder the propagation of the Gospell of Iesus Christ , and the good successe of their actions against the cōmon enemy , then to want money sufficient for his necessities , or rather not to make some greater preparations and prouisions for so weightie an enterprise . And so much the more , for that hee is compelled to spend a good portion of that little , which he hath in mainteyning his forces that are diuided , partly in Walachia to keepe them in awe for feare of their reuolt to the Turkes , and partly in diuerse places of Transyluania towards Moldauia , for feare of the Moldauians , of the Tartarians , and of other his enemies . Besides that it may be with great reason suspected and feared , least if this Prince shall want meanes and habilitie to maintaine himselfe with forces in the field against the enemie , rather then he will yeeld and submit himselfe againe to an Infidel Prince , he wil resolue vpon some such course as he thinketh more godly and pleasing to God , and more safe and secure for himselfe : which peraduenture may redound to the great damage and hinderance of Christendome , for the losse that it should receiue in those partes of so valiant a Prince , as ( I feare mee ) it hath some sauour and taste of it alreadie . And now for as much as I haue shewed , that it is not good for the Emperour and Transiluanian to make peace with the Turke , I will for the last poynt discouer vnto you , the thinges which the enemie doeth greatliest feare , and what may be performed on our behalfe to annoy him most . § XXI . FIrst the Turke feareth least the Princes of Italie will resolue in earnest to succour the Emperour and the Transyluanian either with men , or with money . He seeth , that the great Duke of Tuscane hath sent his brother and his Neuewes to the one , and Capitaines and presents to the other . That the Pope sent the last yeare his Neuew with a good armie into Hungarie , by meanes wherof the Garrison of Strigonia and Vicegrado was the sooner yeelded : and moreouer that he furnisheth both the one and the other with money : yea , and likely it is , that as he is able , he will do so still , vntill the warre bee ended . He perceiueth also , that the going of the Duke of Mantua into Hungarie made his Souldiers beleeue , that the other Italian Princes would likewise make some stirre . He doubteth , least the Venetians will be at the last of necessitie compelled to take vp armes against him , either for their owne proper interest and benefite , or by the continuall and instant motions of the Pope , as they did in the times of Leo the ix . of Nicholas the 2. of Gelasius the 2. of Alexander the 2. of Galixtus the 2. of Clement the 3. of Nicholas the 4. and of other Popes : so that not onely for the singular benefites which they haue done to Christendome , they haue deserued and obtained verie great preheminencies and priuiledges , at the hands of the Emperour and the Popes , but also for their pietie and obedience to the Sea Apostolike , but also by common consent to bee called the defenders and fortresse of Christian Religion . And hereupon it commeth that the Turke dare not at this time minister vnto them any occasion of the least discontentment in the world , but doth readily satisfie them in any matter , which they request of him . § XXII . MOreouer hee doubteth that Polonia also will rise vp against him : knowing for certaintie , that the Pope offereth to furnish it with good store of money , whereof the meaner and poorer sort of the people in that kingdome are verie greedie , and desirous . For they think , that they cannot in any better sort purchase desert to themselues from their Prince , for which they may afterwards in conuenient time craue reward at his hands , thē to serue him in his warres . This suspition and doubt of his , is the more encreased in him , because hee knoweth that the king of Spaine did not answere the letters of the King of Polonia , but vntill now at the last , when hee was somewhat discontented with the peace which Maximilian had concluded with that kingdome . And further , the Turke knoweth full well , that if Polonia , should once in earnest resolue vppon this point , he should of necessitie be compelled to make a defensiue war , rather then an offensiue , to his exceeding great disaduantage , and that for 3. reasons . 1 The first , because thereby he must needes loose Moldauia , for that the Polack hath appointed for Vaiuode of that prouince , one Hieremie , who is a man that sheweth himselfe not altogither alienated misseaffected towards our affaires of Christendom : and who also in respect that hee may in good time vnderstand any stirres that the Turke shal make , and minister good store of vittailes to the campe is one , that will be worthie of no small regard and consideration in this present warre . And therefore I may not forbeare in such an important poynt to tel you , that it shall alwayes be good for our Lord and his Ministers to maintaine good intelligence with the said Hieremie , and that they be carefull to looke what sort of persons they send to treate with him , and how they write vnto him : for these people , who be the verie Daui & Getae in Terence , are by nature most suspicious . It will be good also to honour him greetly and to seeme most willing to visite such as he shal send either to Rome , or to treate with the Nuntioes Apostolike . For the Turke endeuouring by diuerse and sundrie meanes to bind him to himselfe , or wholy to alienate him from vs , or else at the least to cousen and deceiue him : ( all cunning fetches much vsed by the Ottomans ) it cannot bee but verie helpefull and beneficiall to vs , to maintaine him , as much as may be , in good loue and amitie with vs. 2 The second reason is , because thereby , he shall haue the Cosacchi more openly to oppose themselues against him , as wel for that they be subiects of the K. of Polonia ( as the Vscocchi be of the Emperour ) and receiue their Generall from him , whome the Souldiers doe ordinarily obey : as also for that they may at their pleasure burne and destroy Vosia , which is a Fortresse of the Turkes , situate at the mouth of the Riuer Boristhenes , called by the Polackes Occhiacouia , and by the Moldauians Dassoua : as in the yeare 1583 , they burnt Bendero , their Generall being then Ianzo the Hungarian , who was appointed ouer them by K. Stephen of Polonia . Many other harmes and annoyances they may also doo vnto him , as they did vnder Suita the Russian , and vnder Conte Ianus sonne of Basilius the Duke of Ostroua , and other their Captains , which they likewise receyued from the Polonians . These Cosacchi doo dwell in an Island of Boristhenes , almost foure dayes iourneyes aboue Vosia . The Island is called Chirches , and the Riuer Boristhenes is by them termed Nis , which is the Niepro . They are Arcubuziers , and excellent Archers , and both by nature and open profession verie greate enemies to the Turkes . Many of them doo serue at this day the Transyluanian , the foresaid Hieremie and Michael . Others doo attend and goe with the Chanceller of Polonia : and others are also dispersed and scattered in Podolia . But all of them with great courage doo shewe their faces to the Tartarians , and Turks . 3. The last reason is , because the Polacke onely , or at least more then any other Prince , is able to make the passage to Constantinople more easie for our people : for that is the place , whether we must needes goe at the last , if we meane to doo any good in deed . And so much the more , for that if the Polack , doo shew himselfe to bee an enemie to the Turke , then the Transyluanian shall not neede to feare the passage , which his Armie must make into Walachia . For the way of Moldauia without touching Walachia , would bee verie incommodious for it , aswell because it runneth too neare vnto the sea , as also because if hee would passe into Bulgaria , hee must returne backwardes to goe into the Countrey , that they may keepe and feede his horses , and to auoyde the vnlucky place of Varna . And here by the way , I will not forbeare to aduertise you of an errour , which is of no small moment , as I haue also endeauored my selfe to doe , in sundry fitte places of this narration , of diuers others which peraduenture will not proue altogether vnprofitable , to such as are delighted with the like studies . And the error is this , that P. Iouius describing the said Prouinces of Walachia and Moldauia , beeing deceiued by the ambiguous and doubtfull worde of Polackes , confoundeth the one of them with the other . And so are others also deceyued who doo thinke that to bee Walachia , which the Hungarians call Transalpina the lesser , whereas in comparison of Moldauia , it should bee called Transalpina the Greater . Those are likewise in an error , who do hold , that walachia called by the Turkes Islakia , deriuing the name from the ancient Romane Flacci , is also termed by them Bogdania & Cara Bogdania , for by that name they terme Moldauia ( and not Walachria ) eyther because it is very plentifull of that kinde of graine , which wee call Saracino , and Formentone , that is to say , Wheat , whereof Formentie is made , Or because one of those Princes of Moldauia , with whom the Turkes had some long warre , was called Bogdano , that is to say , Deodato . i. Gods gift , adding therevnto for his praenomen or forename Cara , which signifieth Blacke . And it is called also Moldauia of the Daui , who were the frist inhabiters therof , and rather for the softnesse and fatnesse of the moulde of that soyle , then for the blackenesse of it , as he thought , that called it Mori-Dauia . But returning backe againe to Polonia , I will here set downe also the aunswere , which the Chanceller of that kingdome made to Sinan Bassa , at such time as he required and demaunded the tribute , which he wrongfully pretended to bee due to his Lord and maister : to the end that thereby may be knowne the benefite and profite , that in all reason is to bee expected of this cōbination , if the Polonian will yeeld vnto it . Sinan caused a message to be deliuered to the Chanceller , that without delay hee should pay the said tribute : or else he would force him to leaue the Frontiers , and to retire to the Icie Sea. The Chanceller caused answere to bee redeliuerd backe vnto him , that hee would not stay for him in his owne Countrey of Polonia , but that he would enter into the Ottomans Territories , and proceed with all speed euen to the banks of the Danow , & fortifying them on both sides , would make the place more easie to passe vp further into those Countreyes of the Turke . This is Dacia Ripensis , which as you may read in Procopius , was fortifyed by the Romanes . Zozimus doth greatly blame Constantine the Emperour , because he forsooke and abandoned the Fortes of the Danow : the reliques whereof are yet to be seene in Roscic , Vidim , Nicopolis , Silistria , and other places that are possessed by the Turkes . § XXIII . MOreouer , the Ottoman not only esteemeth the Pope to be the head and chiefe of all the princes Christian , so that by his auctoritie hee may easily vnite now some , and then some of them against him but also accounteth him to be as a temporall prince , in regard of that which he possesseth in Italie : and thereupon he calleth him Franch-Beg , the Prince of Italie , or of the Italians , and Rum-Beg , the prince of Rome , whom the Persians call in their language Rum-Schach . Halife and Califa the Turkes call the Vicar of God , a title , which most impiously the ancient Agarenes began to appropriate to themselues . So that the Turke dooth greatly feare , least the Pope should send some person of credite into Moscouia , to solicite the vnion of that prince with the Emperour , which would bee a matter of great losse vnto him : or at least that he should perswade him to let or hinder the comming foorth of the Tartarians : as we haue shewed before , how hee may easily doe it . He also feareth the armies and power of the Czar or Zar of Moscouia , for so the Moscouites doe call their prince : besides the reasons before alledged , as well for that he doth absolutely commaund and gouerne his subiects , and therefore it seemeth that among al the princes of the world , he is the only man that may compare with him : as also for that he doth verie well remember the discomfitures which the Moscouites haue giuen to the Turkes ( for the Turkish princes doe vse to record in writing the actions of their ancesters ) and in particular , when thy went about at the last to draw the Tana into the V●lga , they were by the Moscouites ( who had vnited themselues with the Tartarians of Precop , ) scattered and put to flight . Hee feareth the Czar likewise , because hee doubteth least vpon this occasion there followe a treatie of the vnion of that prince , with the Church of Rome , as it hapned in the times of Adrian the 6 , of Leo the 10. and of Clement the 7. Popes of Rome , in maner and sort as it is written by Albertus Campensis , and as it is more at large recorded in the Moscouia of father Antonio Posseuino , a greate minister of the seruice of God , sent of late for the same purpose by Gregorie the 13. to Iohn Basilius , vpon occasion of the warre , which the said Iohn had with Stephen king of Polonia . Or rather he feareth the Moscouite , because hee suspecteth , that if he should become the head and chiefe of all the Grecicians , it would so much the more encourage and hearten that Nation to make an insurrection and rebellion in the Ottoman state . These are matters that might peraduenture be brought to passe and sort to good issue , if among the Moscouites there were lesse ignorance in matters appertaininh to God , so that a man might freely conuerse with them , and preach the worde of Christ : and in briefe , if these vnions were not of purpose negociated and handled , rather by such cunning and craftie deuises the more easily to enlarge Dominion and Schisme , then for any thing else : euen as the Turke vnder the amitie and friendship , which hath beene sought and offered vnto him by many Princes , hath entred and pierced into the bowels of Europe . But of this point we doe not nowe stande in feare : and therefore I wish that we would hope in the Lord , and pray that he would take away from their eyes that vaile of obstinacie , which hath hindered them from seeing the goodly light of the euangelicall truth , and that he would renue in the great duke now liuing , or in his successors those spirites , which were in that same Basilius , who by the meanes and mediation of Iohn king of Denmarke , requested of Pope Iulie the second , that hee might send his Ambassodours to the Councell , not for any ambition , or ostentation , or priuate interest , but onely to humble himselfe in truth , and sinceritie vnder the mightie hand of God , and to visite the Pope . This suspition is increased in the Turke , by the late humiliation , which was made to the Church of Rome by the Maroniti , ( who ( as Haythone writeth ) doe inhabite about the Mount Libanus in Soria ) procured and wrought by the Iesuites , and by Vecchietti , with the protection and patronage of pope Gregorie the 13. and of Ferdinando the great Duke of Tuscane . But much more is he dismayed at the obedience which those Bishops of Russia haue of late yeelded , who in the names of themselues , and of the Russians which are subiects vnto them , by the zeale of Sigismond king of Polonia , haue humbled themselues to Pope Clement the viii . whereof Cardinall Baronius hath more particularly written in his learned Annales Ecclesiasticall . And this matter is so much the more considerable , for that especially by the meanes and helpe of the Russians , the conuersion and vniting of the Moscouites , may exceeding easily bee procured : and also for that with lesse expenses and danger , passage may be made by Moscouia into Asia , for the sowing and planting of the Faith of Iesus Christ , then by all the other parts of the world besides . Lastly , the Turke feareth the Moscouite , because he suspecteth , that hee will-dispose himselfe to moue warre against him , as often as hee seeth the Emperour and Empire to doo the like in earnest . And in this point consisteth the whole matter , as it was signified to the Emperours Maiestie by the Embassadors of Moscouia , that were last sent vnto him from the Prince of Moscouia with verie rich presentes , at the instigation and exhortation of Alessandro Cumuli the Popes Agent . § XXIIII . THE Ottoman likewise feareth , that his Holines will send Agentes , especially men of great authority and good iudgement to the Tartarians , aswell those that are free , as those that are subiect to the Tartar of Crimo , to the end that by offering & giuing Money to certaine chiefe persons , which are of greatest reputation among them ( as it is vsed also among the Swizzers ) they should prouide , that they stirre not out of their own Countrey : with an open publication of the Popes name , as at other times it hath beene done . For all the Tartarians are of an opinion , that the Pope hath exceeding store of treasure , and is a man of great power and authority , and therefore they will bee very readilie resolued to pleasure him in any thing . And it is holden for certain among the Turkes , that the Emperour and the Transyluanian did so this last yeare , because the Tartarians came vnto them in so small a number , and not in that multitude , as they had prouided , and as some of vs ( Christians ) did vainely and falsly belieue . And so much the more is our vaine opinion confuted , because it is notoriously known , that Alipe Chan , treating with Visconte the Nuntio for some aide , that hee might bee preserued in his State against his Brother Hirach , was not able to procure many of his owne people to be sent foorth out of his owne Countrey . I know it wel that some haue attributed the cause of this defect of the Tartarians to the discontentmentes , which they haue conceyued against Amurath , for the peace which hee made with the Persians : For ( say they ) they had thought to haue gotten vpon the Persian , before this peace had beene concluded , so safe a passage to goe to Mecca , as without passing thorough the Turkes Countrey , they might freelie haue gone thether . But I know that these men are greatlie deceyued . For they were not the Tartarians of Crimo , that were so greatlie discontented with the Turke : but those that were vnder the obedience of Vsbeg-Chan ( of whome I haue somewhat spoken before : ) and those also not for that cause which they alledge . For ( if I be not in an errour ) although they would haue gained and gotten into their handes all the whole Persian Estate and kingdome , yet they must algates of necessitie passe through the Countrey of the Turkes , when so euer they would go to Mecca . But the reason thereof was because Amurath had concluded a peace with the Persians , without making them acquainted therewithall , and to the exceeding great detriment of their designements and affaires . And in sooth euen as true is it , that the Tartarians did forbeare to come to the Turks in so great a multitude as they expected , because they were kept backe by the Moscouite , although the Tartarians themselues did vse it for an excuse : but the verie truth is , that the Tartarian two brethren being become great enemies , the one to the other . Alipe Chan to maintaine himselfe in the state , and Hirach to driue him out of it , they held all the Countrey in a faction , and busied wholy in the defence of their owne priuate quarels , as yet they doe . For Alipe though he be the King now reigning , is not obeyed by all the Tartarians : and Hirach is acknowledged to be king , onely by such as haue serued him as generall in this warre . Who although it is verie likely that in the end hee will get the victorie , because the Turkish Emperour Mahamet hath commaunded them all to obey him , and acknowledge him for their king , and the greatest part of the Souldiers doe follow him : yet is the contrarie opinion holden by such as haue the best intelligence of the Tartarian affaires , not onely because euen among the Barbarians . Ius Naturae , i. the right of Nature caryeth a great stroke , but also because Hirach is lesse beloued , more auaricious , and esteemed among them to be a man of small braine and valour . § XXV . LAstly , the Turke feareth that the Pope and the king of Spaine are minded to trouble his state and Countrey , both by sea and by land , and by that meane to diuert him from his purposed designmēts . But forasmuch as this may bee done by diuerse and sundrie wayes , it will not be amisse in plaine and distinct maner to tell you , what I thinke . The Christian princes , and especially the pope , may send diuerse Agents into the Turkish Empire , who ( that they might haue the more credite ) would be of the selfe same Countreys , wherein such a trouble and insurrection should be attempted . It were verie fit also that they had the tongue , to the ende they might both vnderstand , and be vnderstood : and lastly that they be men of good cariage and iudgement : but aboue all other thinges , that they haue conuenient supplie of money , to spend vppon such chiefe men and Captaines as are of greatest credite with the people , and that they haue authoritie withal to promise to such as are the mightiest among them , that they shall be well rewarded and recompensed . Finally , it shall bee verie needfull , that for their more easie admittance and intertainment in the Country , and not on a sodaine to be driuen away , they should couer all their treaties with the couer of Religion , not to couch the Snake vnder the grasse , as our naughtie Polititians do , but ( if so it may please the Lord ) among the thornes of their errours to sowe the seede of Gods worde , making shew for the time that they wil reforme and repaire the Churches that are in Tartaria , Circassia , Bulgaria , Walacchia , Moldauia , and Graecia . Moreouer the territorie of the Turkes , and especially that part which the Turkish Empire doth possesse in Europe , inhabited partly by Turks Natural , partly by Rinegados , and partly by Christians , the Ottoman Prince may with great reason feare , that if either his Armies shall receiue an ouerthrow , or some of his principals be corrupted , his peoples wil make an insurrection and tumult to his exceeding great losse , yea , and peraduenture to his vtter ruine , euen as Caesar wrought and effected against Iuba . But because the knowledge of these peoples is verie necessarie , for the better vnderstanding of this point touching these insurrections and rebellions , I will enlarge the matter somewhat farther . § XXVI . THE Turkes naturall , that is to say , those that be Turkes of the auncient ofspring , although they be by nature not of so euill a disposition and inclination , as the other Rinegate Turkes are , yet bee they as greatly discontented and displeased as the Rinegates are : so that it will be no great matter for them one day to make a rebellion , especially if they shall find a Head , or a Captaine fit for the purpose . The occasion of their discontentments springeth from hence , that they see all the militarie charges and offices , whereon only the profite , commoditie , & honour of that Empire doth chiefly depende , ( as it is before partly touched ) are giuen and bestowed vpon the rinegate Turkes , those few onely excepted , which are graunted to some of the naturall Turkes by exceeding great fauour , or to the children of the Sultane-Ladies . And herevpon it commeth , that among the Musulmani , there is no terme or title more honourable , or more in request , then to be called Schiauo del Gran Signore , the vassall or slaue of the great Lord : nor any more infamous and more abhorred , then the worde Turke : for Turke in their tongue signifieth a villaine : as among the Greeks Nomade doth not signifie onely a man of Numidia , but a Sheepheard , and therfore Strabo calleth the Scythians , Nomadi . And hereof likewise it is , as it hath beene also obsetued by a late moderne writer , that euen as the Italians doe in their Comedies bring on the stage a Zani , which is a Bergamaske slaue or villaine , so the Turks in their playes do bring vp a Turke , that is to say , a rusticall or rude Clowne . Others there are , which deriue the worde Turke from the Hebrew , and wil haue it to signifie an Exul or a banished man , for the selfe same reasons , for which we told you before , that the Tartarians calthemselues Reliquias , reliques . The rinegate Turkes , out of all question it is certaine , that when by the grace of God they shall feele and vnderstand the benefite which they haue lost , they will easily ouerturne that state vp-side downe , with the totall and vtter ouerthrow of that Empire : considering that they haue in their hands ( as it hath beene tolde you ) all the reputation and riches , which are the thinges whereon both Credite and Obedience do necessarily depend . But for as much as they are men of a most vitious and wicked nature , and are tollerated in all kind of beastly insolences , so that they dare doe any thing that them listeth , they are willing and content to liue in that infamous liberty , without attempting any innouation . The Christians , who by the Turkes are called Ghiauri , that is to say , Gentiles and Infidels , euen in regarde of the diuerse and sundry Rites that are among them , especially in the Turkish Countrey , ( not knowing poore vnhappy soules , that there is but one onely true Church , one Baptisme and one true Faith ) they are eyther of the Greeke Sect , or of the Latine Rite . I doe not entend at this time to discourse particularly of althose that haue strayed from the purity of the Greeke sect , as the Georgians , the Armenians , the Aethiopians , the Iacobites and many others , that dwell ( as I told you ) in the Ottoman Empire , aswell in Europe , as in Asia , and Africa , both because it hath beene diligently & curiously done by others , and also because it is a very intricate and difficult matter , by reason of their differences in opinions , and distances of Countryes , and for many other respectes , to bring them to conspire together in one , ( without the great miracle of GOD , ) for the subuersion and ruine of that Empire . I ouerpasse also the Heretikes that are among them , for that although they doe remaine in the Ottoman State , eyther as Reliques of their ancient Forefathers , or else of late retyred into diuerse partes of that Countrey , to liue the more licentiously , or like the Sonnes of Sathan , to disperse their poyson euen among the Turkes : yet being so greatly abhorred of them , as disturbers of the publike peace and tranquilitie ( as Sultan Soliman wrote to the Queene Dowager of Transyluania . ) They cannot bee permitted to make any great trayne , or worke any innouation among the people . I wil onely speake of those Greekes , which serue best for this our purpose , not regarding them for this time touching their Religion , but considering them for so much as in policie may bee expected and hoped for at their handes , in this particular point of rebellion and insurrection . The Greekes without al doubt , are by a certaine pricke and eagre desire to dominere and rule , which they haue had by nature most desirous of Nouelties : and because the Turks doe so greatly tyrannize ouer them , they doe willingly and readily embrace any alteration or tumult , hoping by that onely meane to shake off the heauie yoke of their most miserable slauerie . And this is chiefly and especially desired by the Greekes of Morea and of Thessalie , and by those rather which dwell towardes the sea , because forraine aides and helpes may more easily bee supplyed to them , then to those that dwell within the land . But farre aboue all others , it is most desired by the Seruiani , being a Nation that inhabiteth in the mountaines of Albania , euen to the Danow : among whom those that are in Dardania , and most neare vnto the saide Mountaines , are best able to make the greatest stirres . And they be the Piperi , the Cucci , the Clementi , the Bellopauligi , and others in the Countrey of Plaua , and among them there are many Albanians that liue after the Romish rite . And these be they , that because they haue a strong site for dwelling , and are by nature verie fierce and hardie , haue not as yet suffered themselues to bee subdued by the Turkish forces . And therefore they did ( at the last ) attempt to withdraw themselues out of the Ottoman tyrannie . For hauing vnderstood that Mahamet was discomfited and slaine in the battaile at Agria , they all arose in a tumult vnder the commaund of Gardan Vaiuode , and made a great slaughter of the Turkes that were in their Countrey : but when they were minded to passe further , they vnderstood the contrarie , and so in a discontented maner retired themselues into their mountaines . And for as much as these poore miserable Greeks haue endured so seuere chastisement at the handes of the Turkish officers , that they remaine not onely most pitifully afraied , but also most grieuously oppressed , their chiefe heades and gouernours being cruelly put to death , their children taken from their parents , some killed and slaughtered , and almost all of them bereaued and spoyled of that little which they had , and brought to extreame miserie : a man may verie plainely and clearly see and know that to be most true , which is written by Iohn Botero in his Africa , and more at large by Antonio Bruni in his treatise of the Beglerbey-ship of Graecia , that is to say , That it is not good to attempt such enterprises and insurrections , but with a strong resolution , and forces sufficient to bring the intended purpose to passe . For otherwise they waken and arme the enemie , and serue to none other end , but to worke losse to the Authours of them , and to themselues that are in the action : and so much the rather because such rebellions ( for the most part ) are not throughly considered of , nor well aduised , nor raised in fit time & oportunitie . And that this is true , it may bee perceiued & known by that which the Turke did , whē he vnderstood that the Armadaes of the Portugals had oftentimes entered into the redde sea , and were there entertained by the Officers of Prestre-Ian , and that they also gaue ayde to the Portugals agaynst him . For thereupon he tooke away from Prete-Ian almost all the Prouince of Bernagasso , and made the Arabians to fortifie their hauens , which alwayes before were wont to be open and common . Moreouer , the Chimeriotes , of whom I haue spoken somewhat alreadie , hauing lately made a rebellion , by some perswasions giuen vnto them ( and specially by the meanes and helpe of Athanasius Bishop of Ocrida , who made them beleeue that hee had intelligence with the Emperour , and that he expected aydes from the king of Spaine ) were enforced to reconcile themselues to the Turkes , as diuerse other times they had done before , with such conditions as were of great disaduantage vnto them : which likewise ( to leaue now al older examples ) happened in our dayes to the Ducati their neighbours , who after they were well chastised by Pirri Bassa , then being the Sangiack of Deluino , and brought not to many mo then two hundred housholds , were transported to Neriho . Lastly , the taking of Clissa ( to leaue those of Corone , of Castle Nuouo in the time of Charles the fift , and others ) which fell out now last of all , hath not wrought that benefite and profite , which was highly desired by the popes holy minde : and principally because the Murlacchi , by whom the imperialists did verily beleeue they shoulde haue beene ayded against the Turke , perceiuing so small a number of them to come , quite contrarie to their hope and expectation , because they would not make their estate worse with a greater affliction & punishment , came downe from the mountaines and fought on the Turkes side , who did helpe them to defeate Lencouich , telling him plainly that they would be true and faithfull to the grand-Turke . But returning to those peoples , that dwell in the Turkish Country , it remaineth now to speake of the Latines . Some of them dwell there as forreiners and straungers , and some make their continuall abode there . The forreiners attend and employ themselues vpon trades and trafficke , either by themselues , or by others for them : and little harme can they doe , hauing neither a Head or Captaine to guide them , nor weapons sufficient to fight withal , especially being in number so few , and dispersed scattringly here and there ouer all that state . Some there be that making these Latines to bee all one with other Christians , that are of a seuerall sect , do hold opinion , that they which dwell in Constantinople , by conspiring togither , vpon any occasion of some notable tumult and vprore raised by the Turks thēselues , may make some stirre not vnworthie of good consideration . For they do think , that the Latines being ( indeed ) of greater number in Constantinople , then in the other most populous Cities of that Empire , such as are Cairo , Aleppo , and Tauris , adding Pera therevnto , where all the Latines almost do remaine , those few Caffaluchi excepted , which keep in Constantinople after they were transported thither from Caffa by Mahamet , they may the more easily confederate themselues togither , and be prouided and furnished with armour , whereof the Turkes are wont most strictly to spoyle the Christians in other places , therby the more to strengthen and secure their own estates . And hereupon Amurath the last , hauing accused the Christians that they had set on fire certain streetes in Constantinople ( euen like for all the worlde as Nero did , when hee accused the Christians that were in Rome in his time of the like crime ) & therfore had giuen order , that the Iannizaries should hew them in peeces , he reuoked that commaundement , when he was aduertised by the Aga , that in regarde of their multitude it could not bee put in execution without great daunger : besides that it would breed an exceeding notable losse of his customs , and greatly disturbe the trafficke which would bee a thing against reason , and the law of all nations : and therefore he caused diuerse Iewish women to be put to death , that had counsailed and aduised him therevnto . Others are of opinion , that some persons might bee vsed without any suspition of the Turkes , who vnder the colour and by occasion of traffique , in the Ottomans Dominions , and speciallie in Constantinople , might eyther by large bribes , or by soothing and fostering the ambition or discontentmentes of the chiefest great men , ouerthrow that Empire with a ciuill warre , and the rather for that their Prince is a man of small witte or forecast : as peraduenture it had fallen out , if wee Christians had furthered the discontentmentes and iealousies of Ferat , of Hibraim , of Pirri , and of Mustafa , and of Mahamet Bassa , and lastly of Sinan and of Ferat , and those iarres that are not yet appeased betweene Cicala and Hibraim . And this matter might the more safely bee brought to passe , if any occasion should fall out , that diuerse Brethren should meete in pretense and challenge of the Empire , as it happened among the Children of Mahamet , of Baiazet , and of Soliman : or if the Empire should chance to want a Naturall Successor . And forasmuch as the will of Man , may bee wonne and bowed two manner of wayes , that is to say , eyther by force or by reason : Some thinke that the Turkish State may bee ouerturned not only by such meanes as are aboue mentioned , but also by discouering vnto the Turkes , and particulatly vnto the Ianizzaries , on the one side their birth and ofspring , and the Baptisme which they haue had , and on the other side the fables and mad fooleries of the Alcoran , which are verie learnedly declared by Cardinall Cusanus , and other writers But the more auaileable course would bee , to make some easie and witty bookes of this matter in the Sclauoyne tongue , and in the Arabike , as in particular hath beene alreadie done by Iohn Andrea , somtimes a Moore , and Alfacqui , of the Cittie of Sciatiua : and the bookes of the one language to bee dispersed and scattered in Europe , and the other in Asia , causing them to passe from the Indies , to Mozambique in Africa , and from thence to Zofala & Quiloa which are in Asia : Or to the Moluccoes , to Gouien , Goa , Diu , Ormuz and other places where the Turkish merchantes doe haunt and frequent : or els to Oran , to Arzide , and to other places subiect to the King of Spaine : or lastly thorough the Countryes of the Gentiles and Heathen , that are in amity and confederacie with the Christians , as Calicut , Zeilam , Cambaia and others , and ouer all the partes of Europe , that confine and border vppon the Turkes . which course in mine opinion , although it will not peraduenture worke that which such like bookes doe vsually worke among vs Christians , being sowen and scattered abroade for the most part by men , that are desirous of Nouelties , especially for that the Turkes are as farre from employing themselues in reading and studie , as wee are too much addicted thereunto , and curious therein : yet notwithstanding , it may peraduenture one day worke some great good , if some Great man among them should become the Head of a new sect : for thereby it may easily come to passe , that hee should bee followed by the multitude , as it hath happened in Germanie , in England , and in France , and oftentimes among the Turkes themselues in Africa , where learning flourished for a long time , and in Persia among the Sophilarii , who are the followers of the Sect of Hali , one of the fower companions of the seducer Mahamet , which sect was afterward rather renewed then inuented by Erdeuil , whome Paulus Iouius calleth Arduel the Father of Ismael the Sophi . And here I cannot but vpon this occasion recount vnto yon a matter most worthie to be recorded in Historie , that happened in the life time of the last Emperour Amurath at Constantinople . And thus it was . That one of those youthes which are brought vp in the Royal Serraglio , hauing leasure & conueniencie to reade the Holy Bible , and therevpon by the mediation and working of the grace of God , being brought to the knowledge of his error wherein hee liued , caused himselfe to be carried into the Presence of the Great Turke , and there with a Christian courage and boldnesse told him , That if he would preserue his soule from the eternall fire and damnation , hee must surcease from following that impious superstition of Mahamet , and humble himselfe vnder the obedience of the true law of Iesus Christ the Sauiour and Redeemer of the whole world . But hee was for the same , as though he had committed a most heynous and grieuous offence , condemned publikely to bee spitted aliue vppon a stake , where hee iterated and repeated the same words to all the people , with such effectuall termes replenished and enflamed with the fiery spirite of the holy Ghost , that many of the beholders feeling themselues inwardly inkindled therewith , did burst foorth in commiseration of his death , into verie disdainefull and despitefull speeches against Amurath : and if the tumulte had not beene appeased at the first , by the Praetorian Bandes , certainelie there had followed thereupon a most daungerous and perilous sedition . So that in truth , the Great Duke of Tuscane , deserueth exceeding prayse and commendation , for causing many good and godly workes to bee imprinted in the Arabike Character or Letter , of purpose to disperse them afterwardes , as hee doth in Africa , and else where . A course out of all question , that although it was heretofore disturbed and hindered by the Siriffe of Africa , vpon the insinuation of Antonio di Flores , a Neapolitane , yet one day perhappes may bee so happily promoted and furthered , as it will bring foorth that fruit which was affected & desired by Pope Gregorie the XIII . a man in that respect worthie of euerlasting memorie , and is also at this time greatly endeauored by the Pope that now liueth . But forasmuch as the greatest part of those Christians , which doe continuallie dwell and remayne within the Turkish dominions , are Albanois , I will somewhat insist vpon telling you somewhat of them . § XXVII . SOme of these Albanois or Albanians do liue according to the Latine rite , others after the Greekish rite : but all of them dwell not onely in that part which is called Albania , beginning on the west at Dulcigno , and the lake of Scutari , and ending on the East at Bastia , which I tolde you was right ouer against the Island of Corfu : but also in other places of Morea , and of Grecia , where they haue withdrawne themselues eyther by occasion of the wars , or beene transported thether by the Emperours of the East , thereby to remedy their often rebellions . Touching these Albanois Latines , the same Bruni their Countryman in his Treatise before alleadged doth write , that as they are the best armed people so are they the most true and faithfull Christians in all the Ottoman Empire , holden also to be the most valiant and greatliest feared for their continuall insurrections , raysing trouble and tumult vpon any the least occasion that they can catch : and this is the qualitie both of those that dwell in the playne Countrey , and also of those that keepe in the mountaines . Howbeit they are constrayned in despite of their teeth to submit and humble themselues , because they are not able alone and of themselues to resist the Turkes , and much lesse their neighbour Christians , by whome they are verie many times more vexed and troubled for their rapine and spoyling of Christians , then for fayning themselues to be faithfull towardes the Turke . Besides that oftentimes the Sangiackes doe minister good cause vnto them to rebell , eyther because they vse to praye vpon them , or for that they would be reuenged on them , or else that they might haue a likely excuse for not going abroad to any warre a farre off . And for the same purpose the Sangiack of the Ducagini doth neuer depart from thence , like as also he of Castell-Angelo doth , who vnder the colour and pretense of defending that Countrey from the Christian Armadaes , stayeth alwayes at home . These Ducagini do dwell in the mountain Scardo , at the confines of Preseremo , called in times past Parrecopoli , or Perenopoli which is in Dardania vpon the borders of Albania , inhabited more by the Albanois , then by the Seruians : neyther is it that which is called Iustendil , as some doe think : for the one Cittie is distant from the other by the space of three dayes iourneyes , and yet they bee in one and the selfe same Prouince . They are are also greatlie deceyued in my iudgement , which are of opinion , that Iustendil is Iustiniana the first , and not the second , and that Preseremo or Iustendil , was the naturall Countrey of Iustinian the Emperour , and not O crida , which is in truth Iustiniana the first , and was called in the old time Lycbindo . Those that do dwell somewhat farre off out of the common high-way , doe pay no tribute , because they are defended by the rough and craggie passage of their mountaine scituation . The mountaine is called Nero , Blacke , and so are many mountaines in Turkie , called likewise by the same name . This Albania at the Adriatike Sea is compassed about by verie high mountaines . A plaine countrey it is , and watered with many very great riuers , so that they debarre passage for footmen to trauell to those Christians that inhabite the other partes of the Countrey . They haue no Horse , neyther haue they any meanes to make Bridges . Those places that are inward and inclosed within the waters are in the possession of the Turkes : and although they be not all garded with Garrisons , nor strongly kepte , yet the principall of them are verie safe , so that they cannot couertly bee robbed or spoyled by the Christians : which point ( sayeth the said Bruni ) I thought good to note vnto you , in regarde of the opinion , which is , conceiued of these peoples , that they are able of themselues to performe soome good , without the helpe and succours of any forraine Nation : and that the fame and rumor onely of the aides that should come from Italie and Spain , with a shew likewise but of one Regiment vnder an Ensigne , ( euen as the Embassadour of Lewes Duke of Myllane , told Charles the VIII . King of France , ) is sufficient and enough to stirre them vppe to an insurrection . But God graunt that the vnhappy wretches be not brought into daunger hereby , and that by these open and publike treaties , there bee no losse indeed of the oportunity of some good , that may be expected in times to come . And thus much bee spoken of the Turkes naturall , and of the Rinegadoes , and of the Grecians and Latines , that dwell in the Turkes dominions . § XXVIII . AND lastly the Turke considereth , that if the Gallyes of the king of Spaine , that is to say , the Guardes of Naples , Sicilie and Genoa , should ioyne themselues with the Gallyes of the Pope , of Malta , of Florence , and of Sauoy , they would make so good a bodie of an Armada , that being assisted by fauourable winds , they may very easily on a suddaine assault , either Castle-Nuouo , or the Velona , and other places of Albania : or else if they forbeare so to doe in regard of the Common-wealth of Venice , who chalengeth iurisdiction in the Adriatical sea , for such reasons as are at large displayed by Girolamo Bardi , they may assaile Morea , and perhaps also the Dardanelli , or some other notable place of his Empire to his exceeding losse . Which poynt being verie considerable and of good consequence , it will not be amisse , for the better information of such , as shall courteonsly reade all these discourses , aud doe not so well know the particulars of those places which belong to the Turke , and may by vs Christians be easily assaulted , that I tell you somewhat in particularitie , and specially touching their situation , and the manner of winning them , whether it be likely to proue well or no. Castle-Nuouo is within the Chanell of Catharo called in olde times the auncient Ascriuius . The entrance therevnto is verie hard and difficult , by reason of the straites in the mouth of it , where Iacomo Soranzo the general Proueditorie for the Venetian Armada , had made the fort of Verbagno euen with the ground , which was there built by the Turkes . To get that place , the spade may worke much , but it may easily be succoured by land . It was somtimes possessed by the Spaniards , who although they did not maintaine and keepe it against Barbarosso , for the reasons that are most manifest , and knowne , yet are they greatly commended by the Turkes in their Chronicles . Velona , called in times past Aulon , is situate at the mouth of the gulf of the Sea Adriatike , ouer against the promontorie of Santa Maria , in old time called Iapygia , in Pulia , not aboue threescore miles from Otranto . This place hath no conuenient Port or Hauen for the Gallies , but some three miles off : the entrance thereof , being well defended , and barred with marishes , with Pooles and Saltpits . It is not verie strong , and yet if you should be minded to conquer it , you must batter two Castels , the one , which is in the plaines and almost conioyned with the Burgo , and built in times past by the aduise of Pignatello an Out-law of Naples : and the other , which standeth aloft , lesse then a mile distant from the Citie , and is called Canina , now inhabited by the Turkes , who had driuen the Christians from thence , vpon a suspition , that they had taken of them in this present treatise of reuolt . Touching the rest of Albania or Arbania , the places which may bee gotten , are within land , and those that are on the sea-coasts haue no Hauens . Besides that the Inhabitants are for the most part verie base and cowardly people . And although the time was indeed , wherein the Albanois did shew themselues verie valiant against the Turkes , and specially in the dayes of George Castriotte , yet now they cannot shew themselues to be the same men , because they haue their enemie not onely their absolute Lord and Maister at home in their houses , but they haue him also on their backes , as in tymes past they had not : to which calamitie they haue been subiect , euer since the Turke hath gained their Countrey , and the Countrie adioyning vnto them . Moreouer , the Albanois are greatly diminished , and want such a couragious Captaine as Castriotte was , who had good intelligence of the Turkish affaires , well experienced in the Countrey and highly beloued and admired of the Countrey inhabitants , and also of his souldiers . Dulcigno , called heretofore Olcinio , or Colchinio , may be assailed by an Armada . For although it want a Hauen , yet in good weather the Fleete may disbarke vpon the shore . It is by situation verie strong , but a great part of it is fallen by an earthquake : and therefore if it should be wonne , it wil be most needfull for the maintaining and keeping of it , to fortifie it anew . If Dulcigno be wonne , Scutari , in times past called Scodra , may peraduenture be woone also . For although it bee fortified in a situation that is by Nature most strong , yet is it so ill guarded by the Turkes as it may easily bee entred in the night time vpon a sodaine . Durazzo , of old called Dyrracchium lieth in the plaine Countrey . It is not strong , but in trueth it would be the aptest and fittest of all other places to make entrance into the enemies Countrey , bee cause it is situate in the middle , and neare vnto Italy , although it bee very subiect to the expectation and feate of the enemies assaults . The Turke may also be greatly damnified , by entering in Peloponesus , which is at this day called Morea , either for the many Mulberie trees which are there , or because it hath the shape or forme of a Mulberie leafe . This prouince lying in the midst of the states , which the Turke hath in Europe , if it were entred , wee should make warre with him at home within his owne Countrey : which is indeed the true Art of warfare : for so did Cyrus , Caesar , and Hanniball , and so haue the most famous auncient Captaines aduised to do , whatsoeuer other moderne men of later times do say to the cōtrarie . Moreouer , by this meanes he should easily be diuerted and turned away indeed , and his Armada hindred from going any further . Lastly , if Salonicchi , sometimes called Thessalonica might be gotten , it is most certaine that it would be verie auailable for the forwarning of our affaires . For our people and Souldiers being disbarked at that place , they may afterwardes very conueniently and commodiously passe vnto such places as lie vpon the high way which leadeth to Constantinople , and cut out a way into Greece , as did the Romanes , and Alaricus king of the Gotthes , who with thirtie thousand men onely , subdued and conquered the Romanes themselues . And so much the easier will it be , if at the verie selfe same time the Polack and the Transyluanian be pricked forwarde to passe ouer the Danow , and so going on through Bulgaria , to annoy the enemie in earnest , euen to the Citie of Constantinople . § XXIX . BVt most true it is , that it will be verie necessarie for the safe and sure effecting of these other like resolutions , if our Princes shall happen to bee resolued to put them in execution in deed , that they vse the greatest secrecie that may be . One thing ( sayeth Haytho the Armenian , writing vpō the iourny to the Holy Land , ) among others . I dare bee bolde to put you in mind of that in any case , as soone as the Christians shall bee resolued to doe any good , they doo warily and curiously keepe secret their intents and counsels , to the end that the enemie be in no wise informed or acquainted with their purposes . For the Christians in times by-past , because they would not conceale their designementes , found by experience , that they fell into many disaduantages , whereas on the contrarie side , the enemie hath auoided many daungers , and so bereaued the Christians of their opportunities , to bring their wished desires to effect . To leaue the examples of the Gentiles , when Iudith was resolued with a couragious minde to goe and kill Holofernes , for the deliuerie of the Cittie of Bethulia , it is written in the Holy Scripture , that shee would not make any partaker of her purpose , but sayde to two onelie , and afterwardes to the Priestes : Vos nolo vt scrutemini actum meum , & vsque dum renuntiem vobis , nihil aliud fiat , nisi oratio pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum : I will not haue you to enquire of my Act , and vntill I declare it vnto you , Let no other thing be done , but prayer for mee to the Lorde our God. This course if it were practised in our times with true deuotion and Faith , certainely it would not fall out , that our Princes should haue any neede at all to feare a happy and prosperous issue of their counsels and deuises , and thereby they might also more curiously search and find out the designementes of their enemies . For euen as God doth neuer abandon or forsake those , that with pure zeale do fight for his most holy name , so dooth hee well know , how to find good and conuenient meanes for the discouerie of all the secrets of his enemies vnto the true ministers of his Holie will , as hee did to Elizeus , when hee disclosed vnto him the Counsels of the King of Syria , although hee vsed all the care and cunning that hee had to conceale them from him . Moreouer it would bee also necessarie to haue such persons in the Armada , as are verie expert in the knowledge of the Countryes , least it happen to them , as it happened to the Knightes of Malta , who fayled in the surprise of Modone , because they did not know at the first that there was a Bridge to bee passed ouer , presently after they had made their first entrance . It were likewise very fitte and conuenient , that the saide persons ( as I haue told you alreadie ) should haue the language , a sound iudgement , good credite , and quicke vnderstanding , but especially , and aboue all , that they haue a desire to doe good to Christendome . Qualities ( no doubt ) that are to bee found in plentifull manner in some that liue at this day , and would be verie apt and meet instrumentes to bring greate enterprises to good passe , if our Princes by their good seruice and meanes would resolue themselues to doe it in deed as did Pope Iuly the II , by the helpe of Constantine Cominianus , and Pope Pius the V. who called Fryer Gasper Bruni , the commendatorie of Ierusalem from Dulcigno , of purpose to vse him in the Armada against the Turke and other matters of moment appertaining to that warre . But the mischiefe is , that for the most part our Princes doe giue credite to such persons , as neither know nor vnderstand the mysterie and Art of warrefare , either because those places are carried away by fauour , yea and verie oftentimes disposed vpon those that vnderstand least : or because they make a promise to performe the enterprise with lesse charges and expenses then others will doe : or by flatterie , or by ambition , or rather ( as I thinke ) to make a gaine thereof : wherevpon there ariseth great losse and shame , both to the Princes themselues , and to the Promoters and furtherers of such goodly instruments . § XXX . TO be briefe , the Turke is afraid , least the Armada of Spaine , or any other fleete of ships might depart in Iune with some North-westernly windes , not to goe ( as it went the last yeare to sacke Patarasse ) or into Alexandria ( as it thought to haue done long ago ) or into Africa ( as peraduenture it will be no difficult matter for the Spanish Armada to doe ) or lastly to endomage and annoy some other place both within and without the Adriatike Sea , which I will not name , because I will not discouer or disclose that which is not so well knowne in Hystories , as some other things also are ( that I haue touched ) and which peraduenture may one day be happely attempted : but to goe , and vpon a sodaine to assault the Dardanelli , called in auncient times Sestus and Abydo , which are ( as it were ) the forewals and the first hate of entrance into his pallace , and Mahamet the second fortified them as soone as hee had gotten Constantinople . And so much the rather , for that if they haue the said windes fauourable , the voyage will be but of a fewe dayes iourney : and by sayling to the Gulfe Lanciato , the passage will be also more safe from the enemies Armada . For although our Armada should bee perceiued by the Turkes that keepe on the sea coasts , yet would they thinke that it were the Turkish fleete . And therefore it will bee verie needfull for those that desire to attempt this enterprise , that they would remember , not to put this deuise in execution , vntill such time as they shall know for a certaintie , that the enemies Armada is gone forth . And yet I do not say , that when the Dardanelli are surprised & taken , Constantinople will presently be gotten , as some haue written : but this I say , that it wil put that Citie in such a fright , as it will be no great matter , if any tumult be raised to make the entrance into it , verie easie of it selfe and open , especially if they shall haue before hand entertained some intelligence within the Citie , or that the Turke shall haue receiued some notable ouerthrow , eyther by land or Sea. The Dardanelli , that is on Europes side , hath a hil that doth wholy commaund it . The other which is in Natolia , or Asia , as they call it , lieth in the plaine . They are both easie to be gotten , because they are built after the olde maner . Against that which standeth in Asia , the Abbay may also bee vsed , and so by making great hilles of sand ( for it is built vpon the shore ) it may be vndermined , as the Turkes vse to doe . They are in breadth distant the one from the other more then a mile : and in length from Gallipoli , thirtie myles , and from Constantinople about a hundred and threescore . § XXXI . THere are likewise many other wayes , whereby the Polonians , the Hungarians , and the Transiluanians may attempt also by land with diuerse outrodes in the time of Haruest to gaine vpon the Turke some place of good moment , and so enter within the enemies Countrey , by some way which they would little dreame off , and specially by keeping themselues towardes the Sea , to the end they may be succoured by our Armadaes , if need should be . For so we reade , that heretofore fiue hundred Taifali alone ( as Zozimenus writeth ) which now are the Transyluanians , and Walachians , made an incursion vnder Constantine , euen as farre as Constantinople , to the exceeding affrightment and terrour of the inhabitants of that Cittie . The wayes , whereof the Turkes are most afrayed , are those of Sophia , of Andrinopolis , of Philippo-polis , and of those quarters . But to the ende that our Princes may bee assured , how after their departure from Italie , they may enter a great way within the Ottomans Countrey , and passe euen to Constantinople it selfe , let them reade the voyages of Constantine and Licinius , of Constantius and Magnentius , of Iulian and Theodosius , of Eugenius , of Arbogastes , of Theodoricus king of the Gotthes , of Odoacre king of the Heruli , of Alaricus king also of the Gotthes , & of Attila , of whō I haue before made mention . And lastly let them very well consider , of the purposes and deuises that Mithridates had to come into Italie , when he departed from Pontus , and Scythia , that is to say , from Circassia and Tartaria : The Designements of Philip king of Macedonie to passe into the Adriatike sea . The disbarking and landing of the Romanes vpon the Macedonians , and the returne which the Captaines of Vespasian , of Antonie the first , and of Mutianus made into Italy out of Soria , and also the iourney of Boemond , and others , when they went to the conquest of the holy land , and other such like voyages , that may be collected out of Histories . § XXXII . FInally , I will set downe for the last poynt , as it were for a Conclusion or Epilogue , of so much as hath beene spoken , what Francis Guicciardin writeth of Pope Leo the tenth , when he greatly feared , that Selim would haue passed into Italie , not vnlike to that which other Popes haue done , as P. Iouius writeth in his counsell giuen for the warre against the Turke , and sundry other Authours likewise . The Pope ( saith Guicciardin ) like an vniuersall father , bethinking himselfe of the Common good of Christendome , after hee had first caused verie deuout prayers and supplications to bee celebrated to God , whereunto hee went himselfe bare-foot : he sent writtes or Brieffes to all the Princes Christian , warning them of the great daunger that was imminent and at hand , and comfortably exhorted them , that laying aside all discordes and contentions , they would readilie attend vpon the defence of religion , and their owne common safety , by vniting their mindes and their Forces against the Turke , and by going to assault him , euen at his own home : Hee published vniuersall and generall truces betweene the said Princes , with the punishment of the heauiest censures of the Church to be inflicted vppon such as gainesaide the same , to the end , that onely such matters as belonged to so great an enterprise , should bee entertayned and handled . He dispatched vnto them for the same purpose diuerse Legate-Cardinals , men of great authoritie , and renowned aswell for their experience in this businesse , as also for their opinion of learning . He aduised and consulted with the Embassadors of euery Prince , and examined the seuerall conceites and iudgementes of militarie men , and of such persons as were well acquainted with the Countryes , with the disposition of the Prouinces , and with the Forces and Armes of that Empire . Last of all hee resolued with himselfe , that it was most necessarie to prouide a very great summe of Moneyes , partly by a contribution voluntarie to bee made among the saide Princes , and partly by an vniuersall Imposition to bee leuied vpon all Christian Nations : and therevpon the Emperour accompanied with the Hungarian and Polonian Horsemen ( who are verie warlike Nations , and well exercised with continuall warres against the Turkes ) and with such an armie of Dutch Horse and Foote , as were requisite for so great an Enterprise ; to sayle by the Danowe into Bossina : ( hee would say into Seruia , for so was the vpper Mysia called in auncient times ) and so to goe from thence into Thracia , & approching neare vnto Constantinople , the verie seate of the Empire of the Ottoman : Secondly , that the king of France with all the Forces of his owne kingdome , of the Venetians and of other Princes of Italie , accompanied with the Footemen of the Swizzers , should passe from the Hauen of Brindes , ( aunciently called Brundusium , ) into Albania ( an easie and very short passage ) to assault Grecia , which is full of Christian inhabitants who both in that respect , and in regarde of the crueltie of the Turkish Empire , are very ready and well disposed for a rebellion . Thirdly , that the Kinges of Spaine , of Portugall , & of England should ioyne their Armadaes together at Cartagena , and at other Hauens thereaboutes , and so with CC. shippes full of Spanish Footemen , and other souldiers , addresse themselues to the Straites of Gallipoli , of purpose to assault Constantinople it selfe , after they had wonne the Dardanelli , otherwise called the two Castles , situate in the mouth of the saide Streytes . In the which iourney the Pope himselfe would sayle likewise , taking shippe at Ancona with C. Beaked shippes ( hee would say Gallyes ) in his Companie . So that the State and Empire of the Turkes being assaulted both by land and by Sea , on all sides , with these preparations , ( especially for that the Turkes doe principally build vpon this foundation , to defend themselues in the open field : ) it were likely ( chiefly by Gods helpe and assistance ) that a happie end might be expected and atchieued of so pitifull and lamentable a warre . § XXXIII . I Would to God it might please his Maiestie , that euen as the vniting togither of all the Princes Christian agaynst the Turke , either by a proportionable contributing to the expenses of so vniuersall and holie an association , or else euerie one of them by himselfe ( I speak● of such as are more conueniently able to do it then the rest ) by setting vpon the enemie all at one time , as this ( I say ) is thought to bee a matter in the eye and iudgement of man , surely not altogither impossible , but in deed verie hard and difficult , especially in these dayes , for the sinnes of the world , which require wrath and calamitie : So hee would vouchsafe with the eie of his iustice to looke vpon the Ottoman , that he bee no longer the rodde and scourge of his Diuine furie against vs , but like an vnprofitable wretch , and proude Colossus , he may at the last bee broken into verie small peeces , by the stone of his Diuine power : or at the least , with the eye of his mercie , to beholde the Christian Princes , and to enspire into their heartes a minde and desire to binde themselues togither in one , with the bond of true Charitie , euen as there is but one faith which they professe , and one Church wherein all true beleeuers do liue , ( and therfore is called a cōgregation : ) to the end that leauing those subtill cōsiderations of their priuate interests and commodities , either in regard that their states are verie neer vnto the enemie , or in respect of the power of some , and the weaknes of others , or because the gaine and profite can not be equall and alike to euerie man , without any greedinesse of commaunding , and without ambition of reigning , one in the East , another in the South , they would vnite themselues , not ( as it were ) for cerimonie & fashions sake , ( for so Guicciardin himself saith ) as these matters and practises haue heretofore been handled . But with effect , and in the zeale of true religion and pietie , with the glorie of his diuine Maiestie , and their owne saluation , against al the enemies of his most holy name : Imitating therein , that great Godfrey of Boleine , not onely in resolution , but also , ( if need should so require ) in alienating their owne proper states & dominions , as he did with the dukedom of Boleine , that so he might haue means to make & maintaine war against the same tyrant : as many other of those Lords did , that concurred in that holy league , whereof we haue told you before . Wherevpon it pleased the Lord of Hoasts , either for our instruction , or for our shame and confusion , so to work with them that they recouered the holy Sepulchre , and with verie great glorie subdued all the East . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A12609-e750 Mahamet , a name dreadful to Christians , and fatall to the Turkes . The nature & conditions of Mahamet . Why he hated Nasuf-Aga , the Dwarfe . Who were his grand-mother , and Mother . The suspition that Amurath had of him . Examples of Mahamets crueltie . VVhy Mahamet lingred his going to the warre . Why he killed one of his dearlings . He threatned his mother . How the authoritie of the visiers was diminished . How he gayned the good will of the Souldiers . How the Turkes call their Emperor . The sonnes of Mahamet . When they may be seen openly . Who is Mahamets chiefest Minion . Whether the Ottoman Empire want good Captains or no. How the Turks arise to militarie honours . 〈…〉 〈…〉 Hibraim and his toi●s . Sinan Cicala . why he succeeded : Hibraim in the generalship ; and chief Visiershippe . Cicala degraded and confined into Bursia . Why Cicala is no great frend to the Venetion state . Mecca in Arabia . One occasion of the present war in Hungarie . Giaffer , why degraded . Tauris . Hassan ( Sonne to Mahamet Socoleuich , ) Beglerbey of Grecia . How the Turks cal him that is chiefe next after the great Turke himselfe . The state of Hassan . Vidino . Hafis Hacmet why degraded . Sinan . Mahamet Satarzgi . Why fauoured by the Sultane mother . Why called Satarzgi . Haidar Bassa . Odauerdi & Velli . Hassan : why he stirred vp the reliques of Mudahar to an insurrectiō . Halil Bassa general of the sea & his simplicitie . Giaffer . Captains at sea Famous Pirats Why Soliman vsed the seruice of Ariadino . Two sortes of souldiours of his owne and Auxiliarie . Souldiours of his owne . The Spahi . VVhat wages the Timari are Niceph. Call. Eccles. Histor. Lib. 7. Cap. 44 What wages the Vlefe are . The Spahoglani . The selectari . The Guruba . The Vlefezgi . The Acanzii , The Heducchi . The Gionli . The Baratli . The Muteferaga . The Timari of Asia . The Beglerbeyes of Asia . of Africa , of Europe . What Beglerbey signifieth . The Diuan ▪ The Rumeli Beglerbey . The Anatoli . Beglerbey . The Denizi Beglerbey . The Agiamoglani . The Turkish coynes . Aspri . Manguri . Dramma . Tellero . Cecchino . Sultanino . Brizantini . The diuerse values of these coynes at seuerall times . The Giannezzaries . Not so called of the worde Ianua . The true Etymologie of the Giannizzaries . The Giannizzaries wages . &c. Their Captain Generall . What Aga is ▪ and what Agalari are . The insolence of the Giannizzaries . The Dephterdari . Footmen of the Spahi . Asappi & Besly footmen . The Culcardasi . Souldiours in Africa ▪ The Authors Aduertisemēts touching the Turkes soulours . The Authors opinion touching the decreasing of the Ottoman Armies . The Cadileskieri , and the Cadi . Why Greece is not now so well peopled as it hath bin . How it commeth to passe that the Turks countrey is so much disinhabited . Why the Turks armies are so full of poore rascals . Souldiers Auxiliarie . Crimo . Iegnibasca . Why the Tartarians are called Precopisi . The title of the Tartar king . Han. Kiocai . Zar. The surname of the Tartar King. Which part of Taurica belongeth to the Turke , and which to the Tartar. VVhy the Moscouite feareth the Tartarians . Tartarians vnder the Moscouite . Tartarians of Europe . The Tartarians are Sarmatians . The Tartarians weapons . Why the Turkes vse the seruice of the Tartarians . The opinion of Sultan Soliman . Why the Turke and Other Princes seeke to keepe friendshippe with the Tartars . The voyage that the Tartarians may make into Hungarie . Through the Polack countrey inhabited : By Russia and Podolia . By Premisla . By Sambur . Through the wast Polack Countrey . By Seuerino . By Achermano . By Bendero . Which way the Tartarians went & came to and from this presēt war The Giebeli Tartarians , their weapons & habitation . Why the Turkes vse them . The voyage of the Tartarians of Europe into Persia in old time . And of Osman Bassa of late time . The Circassian Their maner of life . Osman ouerthrown by the Cassacchi in Circassia . The Godlen Fleece . The Curdians The Drusians The Bādoliers of Arabia . Victuall , Armour , & Munition of the Turke . Corne in Asia . The wayes to conuay it into Hungarie . Corne in Europe . Corne in Macedonia and Seruia : and how to conueigh it into Hungarie . An errour of the auncients touching Macedonia and Seruia . How the Turk may be hindered from his vittailes by sea . By land . What vittaile the Spahi ; the Sangiacchi , all villages , and Belgrado do furnish . Why the Turks cannot set forth to warre in the beginning of the yeare : nor keepe long in one place . Rice from Scopia , Alexandria , &c. Great store of flesh meate , mutton and beefe . Their drinke . Water . The Country of the 3. kings that came to worship Christ What meanes Mahomet vsed to make his followers to be souldiers . A drinke called Tzerbet . The Turkes especially the Giannizzaries will drinke wine . Prouision of tymber . Basca & Srema plentifull of wood . Armour of the Turkes . Armour of the Spahi , Launce . Pusdogan . Scimetarre . Axe . Short sword . Iacke . Targate . Dart. Armour of the Giannizzaries and some Asappi , Arcubuse . Armour of the Acanzii , Spahoglani , Chiaussi , &c. Armour of the footemen . Horsemen of Asia . Armourere ▪ Gunners . Armenians . Voincchi . Sarchor . Militarie discipline of the Turkes . Qualities required in Christian Souldiers . Victories of the Christians against the Infidels . Victories of the Christians against the Turkes . Scander-Beg . Good gouernment among the Turkes . A fault in Christian Princes . Good qualities in the Turkes . Engyners . Bullet Artillarie . Powder ▪ Stratagems . Storehouses for shipping in Asia . Europe . Africa . Timber and Gallies . Their Gallies not very good . Pitch hard and soft . Tallow . Hempe not much . Sayles why scant . The Sultane Ladies Galeons . Nailes scant . Marriners Gallyslaues . An Auariz ; or exaction raised vpon the Christians for the maintenance of Galley-slaues . Bisket . The riches of the Ottoman Empire . His Timari . The Turkes Hasnads or Treasurie . The common or publike Treasurie . The priuate Treasurie . Giftes . Reuenue of Cairo . In heritances . Confiscations , fines , &c. Mynes . Tribute of the Christians . Tribute of the Turks themselues . Treasure left . The couetousnesse of Amurath the third . Yearly Tributes of Christian princes to the great Turke . The Emperor The Vaiuode of Moldauia . The Vaiuode of Walachia . The prince of Transiluania . The state of Ragugi . The state of Venice . The Moscouite . The Princes of Africa , Arabia , and Georgia . Gratuities extraordinary to the Turke and his Officers . Notes for div A12609-e16450 The nature and conditions of Amurath the third . The name of the Turkes Law-booke . Why Amurath was called Bongi . Why he did sometimes take Opium . What Miriza is . The true causes why hee warred with the Persians . Why Ismael called Sophi . The Persians called Keselbassi . The Tarrarians of Zegatai called Ieschilbassi . What a Turbante is : and what it may signifie . An exposition of a Turkish prophecie . The Iannizzaries Zarcola . Why Amurath was content to be at peace with the Persians . Who the Visiers be . What the Porta is . The reasons of the Visiers to moue Amarath to make warre . The reasons why Amurath would not resolue vpon warre . A note for Christian Princes . The 8. seuerall opinions of the Visiers . The first opinion , to moue warre against Persia : and the reasons therof Who Vsbegh-Han is . What Tartarians are called Ketzie-Bassi and why ? Where Geilan is . The Georgians . The 2. opinion to make war vpon the king of Fez and Morocco , and the reasons thereof . The cape of Aguera . The hauen of Araza . The rebellion of Marabut . Certaine places which the Spaniards hold in Africa . Tunise and Goletta . The third opinion to conquer Malta , and the reason thereof . Pilgrimage to Meka . The Isle of Rhodes . The fourth opinion against the king of Spaine : and the reasons thereof . Algieri . How the Turks call Charles the fift . How greatly the king of Spaine may be troubled with the Moores , the French , & the English. How the king of Spaine may be diuerted to the Persian Gulfe . Alfonso d' Albuquerque . The Moores wearie of the Spanish gouernment . Spaine not well exercised in militarie knowledge . Spaine wanteth men . The fift opinion , to break peace with Venice : & the reasons therof . The king of Spaine cannot helpe Venice against the Turke . What reliefe the Pope can yeeld to Venice . Diuersitie of opinions among the Bassaes , how and where to annoy Venice . Sinan and his death . He perswadeth to attempt Corfu . La Bastia . Goletta● ▪ Ferat Bassa , & his death . Ferat degraded . He aduertiseth to attempt Catharo . Andronig . Sinan Cicala perswadeth to attempt Cerego . Demaratus K. of Lacedemonians . Other Bassaes perswade the attempt of Nouigrade and Zara. The fishings of Butintro . Others perswade to attempt the coasts of the Adriatike sea . Others Pola . Others Ragugi . What ports the Turke hath in the Adriatike sea . The hauen of Santa Croce . Others perswade to attempt the Isle of Candie . What the Emirs are , and why they wear a greene Turbante . The waye● how the Muscadels of Candie are conuayed into Polonia , Moscouie & Germanie . The Sixt opinion to attēpt Italie , and the reasons thereof . The Romans . The Hunnes . The Alani . The Gothes . The Vandales . The Dutch. The French. The Spanish . The Saracens . The foolish speech of Soliman touching Rome . The praise of Italy . How the Italians prouide themselues of Corne. The seuenth opinion , to warre against Polonia , and the reasons thereof . The Cosacchi Coslou . The eight opinion to war against the Emperor : and the reasons thereof . The insolencies of the Vscocchi . The easinesse of this warre . The Emperour can haue no aid of other Princes . The consultations of Soliman & Selim. How the Turks come to the knowledge of our affaires . Marchants slaues . The Emperors Secretarie became a Renegado The Jewes . Iohn Miches a Jew . John Lopes a Jew . Spies among Christians . How we come to the knowledge of the Turks affaires Spies , Jewes and Turkes . The Bassaes. Why the Bassaes disclose the Turkes secretes . What a Muphti . The cunning knauerie of Hassan Bassaes The Ladie Sultanes . Feathers made of Glasse . The vse of wearing feathers , how and where it began . Amurath resolueth to make warre vpon the Emperour . Incouraged thereunto by Sinan Cicali . By Hassan the Bassa of Bosna The fort of Petrina . A Parallele of two Bassaes. What the Vscocchi be . The Vscocchi and the Chimeriotti not all one people . What the Martelossi are . What the Murlacchi are . Where the Vscocchi do dwel Why they are tolerated by the Imperialists . The Turkes greeued with this tolleratiō . The Venetians greeued at it also . How many wayes the Vscocchi may come forth to the Sea. How the Vscocchi may be hindered from their Theeuing . A law among the Vscocchi . Sigismundo Battori the Transiluanian declareth himselfe an open enemie to the Turke . The offer of Sinan . The death of Amurath and his sepulchre . Why the Turks temples are 〈◊〉 Moschee . Mahamet succeedeth . The pretence of Sinan to be chiefe Visier . The pretence of Ferat to be chiefe vtsier . The death of them both . The reasons that moued Mahamet to go forth to the warre in person . The taking of Agria and the importance thereof . A doubtfull battaile . Lewes the 11. Charles duke of Burgundie . The flight of Mahamet . Hee dryed his eyes with a peece Mahamets vesture . Tamerlan . Notes for div A12609-e23860 Aduice giuen to Mahamet to make peace with the Emperour . The Turkes feare the Transiluanian . Mahamet cōtented that peace betreaed of . Mahamet resolued to continue warre . The presage of Ferdinando . Why the Turkes negotiate peace . Why Maximilian the 2. did not surprise Alba-Regale , when he might . Points of consideration . Conditions of peace , which the Turke will looke for . A law of the Turkes not to restore any thing once gotten . ●eogie Wocouich Dispote of Seruia , father in law to Amurath the second . George Wocouich tearmed an Infidell because he ma●ied his daughter to the Turke . Cephalonia recouered by the Venetians . Selim restored diuerse places to Giacomo Soranzo , for the behoofe of Venice . What restitution Mahamet looketh for of the Emperour What restitution hee looketh for from the Transyluanian . What places the Turke for his part wil neuer restore . What a Bano is . what danger if both Emperour and Transiluaman do not ioyne togither to make peace with the Turk Ingratitude in the Emperor ▪ Breach of faith in the Transiluanian . No faith in Infidels ▪ The Transiluanian is to feare breach of faith in the Turke . The 〈…〉 ●eare the same Where it is likely the Turk will bend his forces next . Not against the king of Persia. Nor against the king of Fez and Marocco . The Siriffo of Africa . The kingdom of Gago . The finest gold . Nor against the Isle of Malta . Nor against Spaine Insurrection of the Morescoes . Portingals & Arrogonians . The Turkes Empire . In Asia . In Africa . In Europe . In Islands . The Empire of the King of Spaine . Nor against Polonia . Nor against Tartaria . Nor yet against Moscouit . But either against Venice or against all Italie . If against Venice : thē what trouble to Christendome By example of Grecia . And of Constantinople . Pope Vrbanes exhortation to moue christendome to the recouery of Ierusalem . Petrus Hermita . Iohn Capestrano . Pope Clement the eight . The substance of the speech of Pius the second in the Councell of Mantua . Why Venice should bee relieued . Specially by the king of Spaine . The true way to ouerthrow the Turke , is by sea . The strength and power of Venice . Corfu . Catharo . Zara. Candie . Palma . If against all Italie , then which way the Turk may come thether Two waies for the Turke to passe into Italie by land . Why Theodorico builded Montfalcon . And Odoacre Gradisca . And the Venetians , Palma . Another way for the Turke to come into Italie . How the Turk may annoy Italie both by land and sea at one time . Ottranto . Examples of Augusto Cotrone , Re●gii , & 〈◊〉 Sant-Angelo , The pleasure strength , and gouernment of Italie . The aduice of Thucydides to thinke vpon daungers . The opinion of Martin de Segoni for diuerting the warres from Italie . Counsell● to make a diuerting warre . Hannibal . K. Hieron . Why the Emperour should not make peace with the Turk The Princes of Germanie to ayde the Emperour . The lamentable state of Greece . Reasons to continue the warre . Toccai . Vienna . Why the Turk withdrew his armie out of Croatia . The way for the Turkes to come to Vienna . Three other wayes for the Turke ( if hee obtaine Vienna ) to come into Italie . The speches that hinder the Emperour from necessary aydes of the Christian Princes . The backewardnes of the Empire in relieuing the Emperour . M. Iohn Dec. The aduise of Peter the Vaiuode of Moldauia . The difficultie of the requests made by the Imperial princes . The Prince of Transyluania , and his valor . Why the Turks feare him . A Prophecie of the Turkes for Transyluania . Another prophecie touching the end of Mahamets sect . Musulmani . Why the Turkes do go about to bereaue him of his life . The Transyluanian Nation . Why the Romans paied tribute to the Dacians . Michael the Vaiuode of Walachia . Captaine Dracola . The Vaiuodes souldiers . The Rascians . The Bulgarians . The Prince of Transyluania compared to Alexander the Great . The Siculi or Sithulians Why the Siculi rebelled . The Prince of Transyluania wanteth money . How his want is to be supplyed . The Counsell of Demosthenes to the Athenians , applyed to this purpose by the Author . The Transyluanian may peraduenture be forced to take some other corse that may be dangerous to Christendom . What thinges the Turke especially feareth . The Princes of Italie . The Duke of Florence . The Pope . The Duke of Mantua . The Venetians Polonia . Three reasons why if Polonia rise against the Turke , hee shall be forced to make a defensiue warre . Hieremie the Vaiuode of Moldauia . The Cosacchi Vosia . Boristhenes Bendero . Ianzo . Suita . Gonte Ianus . The passage more easie to Constantinople . Errors touching Moldauia , and Walachia . Islakia . Bogdania . Cara Bogdania . The answer of the Chanceller of Polonia to the demaunds of Sinan . Dacia Ripensis . Constantine the Emperour . Why the Turke feareth Moscouia . By whar names the Turkes , and Persians call the Pope . The Califa . The Czar of Moscouia . The Turke feareth the vnion of the Moscouite with the church of Rome ▪ He feareth the Moscouits attempt to trouble his state . A wish of the Authors , that these things may come to passe , & how . Basilius . The submission of the Maroniti to the Church of Rom. The submission likewise of the Russiou Bishops . The Moscouites Embassadors to the Emperour . Why the Turke feareth Tartaria . Why the Tartarians haue come in so smal a number to aide the Turke . Why the Tartarians were disconted with Amurath . The difference and quarrell betweene Alip Chan , and his brother Hirach The Turke feareth to be troubled by the Pope , and the king of Spaine . Conditions requisite to be in such as should be sent to trouble the Turkish state . What pretense or colour they may vse . Howe the Turke may be ouerthrowen by his owne nation . The naturall Turkes . Why the naturall Turkes are discontented . What the word Turke signifyeth . The Rinegados . The Christians called by the Turkes Ghiauri . Georgians , Armenians , Aethiopians Heretikes . Sultan Soliman to the Widdowe Queene of Transyluania . Greekes . Rebellion of the Greekes in Plaua vnder Gardan Vaiuode . Iohn Botero Antonio Bruni . Caution to be obserued in rebellion . Why the Turk tooke Bernegasso from Prete Iani. Rebellion of the Chimeriotres . Athanasius B. of Ocrida . Pirri Bassa . The taking of Clissa . Why the Murlacchi went against Lencouich . The Latines The forren Latines . The Caffaluluchi . Why Amurath meant to put to death certaine Christians of Constantinople , & yet did not . The meanes to raise ciuill warres among the Turkes . Iars betweene the Great men of Turkie . That the Turkish estate may be ouerturned rather by learning then by Force . Iohn Andrea Alfacqui of Sciatiua . Bookes to bee dispersed in Turkie , to aduertise the Turks of their errors . The Sophilarii . Erdeuil . A notable hystorie of the Confession & death of a youth of the Serraglio . Commendation of the D. of Florence for printing in the Arabike tong . The Albanians Their habitation . Their Conditions . Their weakenes . The Sangiacks of the Ducagini . The Sangiack of Castel-Angelo . The Ducagini . Preseremo is not Iustendili . Iustendil is not Instiniana the first . Albania described . Antonio Brun Lewes D. of Milan . Charles the VIII . K. of France . The Turke feareth the ioyning of the Popes Gallyes with the Spanish Gallyes . How the places possessed by the Turkes on the seacoast may be assaulted . Castel-Nouo . The Fort of Varbagno defaced by Iacomo Soranzo Velona ▪ The Promontorie of Santa Maria. Pignatello an Out-law of Naples . Why the Armenians cannot doe that which they did in times past . George Castriotta . Dulcigno ▪ Scutari . Durazzo . Morea . The true way how to warre with the Turk Salonicchi . Alaricus king of the Gotthes Aduertisemēt● how to bring their matters to passe . Secre●●e . Haytho the Armenian Iudith . cap. 8 Elizeus . 4. King. 6. cap. Knowledge of the Countrey . Knights of Malta . Languages , Iudgement , Credite . Vnderstanding and desire to praise God. Why Princes do oftentimes entertaine the opinions of such as know least . The Turke feareth the assaulting of the Dardanelli . By taking the Dardanelli the entrance into Turkie will be easie . The distance of the Dardanelli , the one from the other : and from Gallipolis , and from Constantinople , How the Polonians , Hungarians , and Trausyluanians may make outroades into the Turkish territories by diuerse waies ▪ The Taifali , what they are , The wayes which the Turke chiefly feareth . The reading of hystories in this point verie auailable . The consultation of Pope Leo the tenth , about the attempt of making warre against the Turke . Frances Guicciardin . ours 〈◊〉 Godfrey of Boleine . 
A05751	----	The history of the imperiall estate of the grand seigneurs their habitations, liues, titles ... gouernment and tyranny. Translated out of French by E.G. S.A. Histoire generalle du serrail, et de la cour du Grand Seigneur, Empereur des Turcs. English Baudier, Michel, 1589?-1645. 1635 Approx. 429 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 100 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A05751 STC 1593 ESTC S101093 99836917 99836917 1212 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A05751) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 1212) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 697:05) The history of the imperiall estate of the grand seigneurs their habitations, liues, titles ... gouernment and tyranny. Translated out of French by E.G. S.A. Histoire generalle du serrail, et de la cour du Grand Seigneur, Empereur des Turcs. English Baudier, Michel, 1589?-1645. Baudier, Michel, 1589?-1645. Histoire de la cour du roy de la Chine. aut Grimeston, Edward. [8], 248 p. Printed by William Stansby, for Richard Meighen, next to the middle Temple in Fleetstreet, London : 1635. Translations by Edward Grimeston of "Histoire generalle du serrail, et de la cour du Grand Seigneur, Empereur des Turcs" and "Histoire de la cour du roy de la Chine" by Michel Baudier. "The history of the serrail, and of the court of the Grand Seigneur, Emperour of the Turkes" and "The history of the Court of the King of China" each has separate title page: pagination and register are continuous. Both author and translator are named on the last title page. Only the first work appears on UMI microfilm. Reproduction of the original in Cambridge University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Harem -- Early works to 1800. Turkey -- Court and courtiers -- Early works to 1800. China -- Court and courtiers -- Early works to 1800. 2007-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-01 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-02 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2008-02 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE HISTORY OF THE SERRAIL , AND OF THE COVRT of the Grand Seigneur , Emperour of the Turkes . WHEREIN IS SEENE the Image of the Othoman Greatnesse , A Table of humane passions , and the Examples of the inconstant prosperities of the Court. Translated out of French by Edward Grimeston Serjant at Armes . LONDON , Printed by William Stansby . TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL HIS WORTHY Kinsman , S. Harbottell Grimeston Knight and Baronet . SIR , IT is the vsuall manner of Men , whom GOD hath blest with the goods of Fortune , when Death summons them to leaue the world , with all their wealth , they are then ●ous and carefull how to dispose of that which they cannot carrie with them . Then they call for Cou● to aduise them in the drawing of their last Wills and Testaments , bequeathing large 〈◊〉 or to their Children , Kinsfolke and best respected Friends , to remayne as a future testimonie of their bounties : But if fareth not so with mee ; I must say with poore Bias , O●nid 〈◊〉 m●cum p●rto I am now creeping into my Graue , and am freed from that care , how to dispose of my worldly estate . But I feare that my disabilitie will leaue some staine of Ingratitude vpon mee , when I dead ; that I haue left no testimonie of my thankfulnesse to so worthy a friend as your selfe , from whom I haue receiued so many fauours . To make any reall satisfaction , I cannot , neither doe you need it . Yet to free my selfe ( in some sort ) of this imputation of ingratitude , I haue be 〈◊〉 you● 〈◊〉 Legacie , the last of ●y ●aid ●s . I hope you will giue it acceptance and countenance it for your owne , who●e you may at your best leisure ( without any labour , trauell , or expences ) enter into the great Turk's S●raglio or Court , and there ta● suruay of the life , lusts , reuenewes , power , gou● , and tyranny of that great Ottoman . I bequeath it you as a testimonie of my thankfulnes when I am gone . If you make it your recreation after more serious affaires , I hope you will receiue some content , to reade the State of the proudest and most powerfull Monarch of the World. If it please you , I shall thinke my selfe very happy , hauing performed this last dutie . And will euer rest , Your truly affected poore Vnckle , Edward Grimeston . THE GENERALL HISTORY OF THE SERRAIL , and of the Court of the Grand SEIGNEVR , Emperour of the TVRKES . The first BOOKE . THe wisest among Men aduise vs to goe vnto Kings as vnto the fire , neither ●o neere nor too farre off : It burnes when wee approach indifferently , and doth not warme hi● that stands farre off : The glorious lustre of Royall Maiestie , cons● their re● presumption of those which approach too neere , and the bea● of their bounty doe neuer warme those sauage 〈◊〉 which rec●e in flying from them . The true examples which Histories supply , haue confirmed the excellency of this counsell : yet a desire of the publique good hath enforced me to violate this respect , and my vowes to serue it carries 〈◊〉 into the danger there is in ga●ing too neere vpon Kings . I approach vnto the proudest of all other Princes , and the most seuere of Men , yea so neere as Id●e into his secrets , visit his person , discouer his most hidden affections , and relate his most particular loues . If I loose myselfe , yet I shall giue proofes of this veritie , that in the age wherein wee liue , whosoeuer imployes himselfe wholy for the publique , in the end ruines himselfe : But Man is not borne only for himselfe , and the barbarous ingratitude of the times cannot serue for a pretext but vnto idlenesse . He that will labour , must passe ouer these obstacles ; for he is not worthy of life , which doth not imploy it well ; and to consume himselfe for the publique good , it to reuiue againe gloriously out of his ashes , like vnto a new Phoenix . I haue conceiued , that hauing giuen you the History of the Turkish Empire , from its beginning vnto our times , it would not be vnprofitable to let you see what their manners are , their kind of liuing , their conuersation , and the order of their gouernement , which so powerfull and redoubted a Conquerour doth obserue . To doest safely woe must enter into the Serrail , where the secret of all these things is carefully shut vp . But for that in going thither we must crosse thorough the Citie of Constantinople , let vs speake something of the situation , antiquitie , and beautie , of this pompous Citie , the fatall abode of the most powerfull Emperours of the Earth . CHAP. I. Of the Citie of Constantinople . THe Grecians consulting with the Oracle of Apollo l'ytheus , what place they should choose to build a City in Thrace , had for answere that they should lay the foundations right against the Territory of blind Men ; so terming the Calcidonians , who comming first into that country , could not make choice of the fertility of a good soyle , and were seated vpon the other side of the Sea vpon the borders of Asia , in a place which was vnpleasing and vnfruitfull , in old time called the Towne of Calcedonia , but now the Borough Scutar● . Pausanius Captaine of the Spartians had the charge to build it , and Byze Generall of the Megarian Floet , gaue it his name , and called it Byzance : It hath carried it for many ages with the glory to be esteemed among the Grecians , the most fertile of their Townes , the Port of Europe , and the Bridge to passe thither from Asia ; vntill that Great Constantine leauing Italy retired into the East , and carried with him the most powerfull Lords which might trouple that estate : He built after the Modell of Rome , a stately Citie vpon the Antiquities of Byzance where he erected the Eternitie of his Name , and called it Constantinople , or new Rome . The greatnesse of the Wals , the safety of the Forts , the beautie of the Houses , the riches of Columnes , which seemed to haue drawne into that place all the Marble , I asper , and Porphyry of the Earth , were the rare wonders of the Architecture , but aboue all these things appeared a magnificent Temple , which the pietie of this Prince had consecrated to the Diuine Wisdome , vnder the name of Saincta Sophia , whose building the riches seemed in some sort to enuie the glory of King Salomon , in the like designe ; at the least according to the time , and the power of Constantine . Seuen rich Lampes ministred occasion to curious spirits to obserue their rare art , they all receiued at one instant the substance which did nourish their flames , and one being extinct all the rest were quencht . This was in the yeare of Grace , three hundred and thirty . Since two tumultuous factions grew in the Citie , who after they had cast the fire of an vnfortunate Sedition into the spirits of Men , brought the flames into this goodly Temple and burnt it . For this cause Instinian the Emperour employed in the restoring thereof , a part of the Treasures which he had greedily gathered together : He caused it to be re-edified with more state then it had beene , and in seuenteene yeares he imployed thirty foure Millions of gold , which was the Reuenew of Egypt for that time : He laid a foundation of eight hundred thousand Duckers of yearely rent , and caused this holy and reuerend place to be serued by nine hundred Priests , Men who had the merit of their beginning from Learning and Pietie . The Citie being the Queene of the World , within few yeares after , saw her restorer triumphing ouer the King of Persia , and had the grace to keepe in her bosome , the precious treasure of Christianity , a part of the Crosse of the Redeemer of the World , found by the carefull pietie of the Emperours Mother : her joy , pompe , and lustre , were growne to that height , as it seemed there could be nothing more added : it is by succession of time the seate of the greatest Monarches of the Earth : Senerus and Anthonin his sonne did enuy it , and rauished from its restorer , the glory to haue named it , calling it Anthonia , by one of their names . But whatsoeuer hath a beginning in this World must haue an end : and the goodliest things paie tribute to change . In the yeere 1453. on Tuesday the seuen and twentieth of May , it was after a long siege made a prey to the victorious Turke : Mahomet the Second of that name , and the eleuenth Emperour of the Turks entred it by force , spoyled it , and sackt it ; The Emperour Constantine Paliologo lost his life , with a great number of men of quality , and all the Christian men were subiect to the Sword , or to the rigour of bondage : the women were a sport to the lubricity of the Turkes , and their goods subiect to their spoyle , in reuenge ( some say ) of the sacke and burning which the Grecians made of Troy , from whom they will haue the Turkes to be descended : but rather for a punishment of the impiety of the Grecians , who blaspheming against Heauen , deny that the Holy Ghost proceeds from Iesus Christ the second Person in the ineffable Trinity . Mahomet the Second of that name , was the first that setled the Othoman . Throne there , They changed the name among them , and called it Stamboll , that is to say , the great , the Royall , and the abundant . Her goodly places suffer the like inconstancie , and are called Baestans , the stately Hippodrome , is called the place of Horses . Atmaydan , and the wonderfull Temple of Sainta Sophia , is become the chiefe Mosquee of Mahomets superstition . This Citie is situated vpon a point of firme Land aduanced into the channell which comes from Pontus Enxinus , or the blacke Sea , which Geographers call the Bosphorus of Thrace . It is watred of three parts by the Sea : towards the North by a Gulfe or Arme of the Sea , called the Horne , which the Bosphorus thrusts into Europe , and make the Hauen of Constantinople the goodliest , the deepest , and the most commodious in Europe : Towards the East it is watred by the extremitie of the channell or Bosphorus ; on the South by the waues of the Propontique Sea ; and vpon the South it hath the firme Land of Thrace . The forme is Triangular , whereof the largest side is that towards the Serrail , which lookes to the Sea towards the seuen Towers , and its vast circuit containes about fiue leagues : The wals are of an extraordinary height , with two false Brayes towards the Land , and inclose seuen Hils within it . The first serues as a Theatre to the Imperiall Palace of the Prince , where it is commodiously and proudly feated : The last lookes vpon the extremity of the farthest parts of the Towne opposite to this , and vpon the way which leads to Andrinopolis by Land. But betwixt the third and the fourth , where a Valley doth extend it selfe called the great , is an Aqucduct of rare structure , which Constantine caused to be drawne seuen leagues from the City , and Solyman the Second aduanced it two Leagues beyond , and increased the current of water in so great abundance , as they doe serue seuen hundred and forty Fountaines for the publique , not reckoning those which are drawne into diuers parts to furnish the great number of Bathes which serue for delights , and the Turkes superstition . Vpon the last of the seuen Hils are yet to be seene the ancient buildings of a Fort strengthened with seuen Towres in the midst of the situation ; the Turkes call it Giedicula , that is to say , the Fort of the seuen Towres , in the which the wonders of Art was so great in old time , as what was spoken in the one was heard in all the rest , not all at one instant , but successiuely and in order . Two hundred and fifty Souldiers are in guard , commanded by a Captaine who hath the charge , who may not goe forth without the leaue of the Grand Vo●ir , except it be on two dayes in the yeare , when they celebrate their Feasts of Bayrans , or Easter . The first Turkish Emperour which possest Constantinople lodged their treasure in these Towres : The one was full of Ingots , and coyned gold ; two of them contained the siluer that was coyned and in Ingots : another had diuers armes and ornaments for Souldiers , and the Caparisons for Horses , enricht with gold , siluer and precious stones : the fift serued for ancient Armes , Medales , and other precious remaynders of Antiquity : the sixt contained the Engines for Warre : and the seuenth , the Rols and Records of the Empire ; accompanied with a goodly gallery , in the which were placed the rich spoyles which Selym the first brought from Tauris , when he triumphed ouer Persia . All these treasures were carefully kept vntill the Reigne of Selym the Second . But it is in estates as with priuate Families . In these some gather together with much toyle that which their heires waste prodigally ; and some Kings heape vp treasure which serue as a subiect of prodigality to their Successors . For this Prince base and effeminate , who it seemes , was not borne but for the ruine of his Empire ( if Christians could haue imbraced the occasions ) wasted in the expences of the Nauall Army , which the battaile of Lepantho made subject to the Christians , and before in the warre of Cyprus , the best part of the immense treasure which his Father had heaped vp in these Towres : the rest serued for his lasciuious and disordered passions with his Concubines . Since Amurath his Sonne changed the place of the treasures of the Empire , and from the Towres transferred them into his Serrail : so they draw vnto him that which he loues , and seeing that money doth possesse the hearts of Men , it is reason they should haue a lodging in their Palace . This alteration hath since appointed these places of the treasure , to be Prisons for the great Men of the Port or Court , whom the Sultans will not put to death : For the Fortresse being of a great extent , such Captiues haue the more libertie . They shut vp in the Towres of the blacke Sea , which is a Castle vpon Europe side ioyning to the Sea , Christian Prisoners of qualitie , where in the yeare 1617. Duke Koreski a Prince of Moldania was lodged . Constantinople hath within the inclosure of the wals aboue two thousand Mosquees , or Turkish Temples built by their Emperors : for we will make no further relation of the rarities of that Imperiall City , but such as are at this day . Wee may read the wonders of that ancient City in other Authours ; and particularly in the Bookes which P. Gillius hath written . The chiefe of all these Mosquees is that which hath been erected in the ancient Temple of Sancta Sophia , called by the Turkes Ayasophia ; it hath sixe goodly and sumptuous Forefronts , the walls are of bricke , couered in old time both within and without with white Marble , Porphyry , and other rich stones ; they are now of Lead . The open Porches about it haue six doores which augment the beauty ; foure doores of the Church open at the entry ; the height of the Vault couered with Lead , shewes the magnificence of the worke : sixteene great Pillars support it , foure are Iasper of the I le of Cyprus , foure are of white Marble , foure of Porphyry , and foure of another stone as rich : forty eight other Pillars of lesse bignesse , but of the same matter serues to support this great Fabrique , and a lesser and lower Vault is supported by foure and twenty Columnes of the same Marble and Porphyry . The rare Statues and rich Images wherewith Constantine had adorned it , are no more to be seene : Mahomet the Second had vowed them to the sack of the City when he tooke it : only an Image of the Virgin who bare the Sonne of God , remaynes whole and vntoucht in the midst of the Vault , not without a particular prouidence of Heauen : Yet the Turkes draw a vaile crosse to prohibit the sight ; but this doth not hinder the Christians by creeping vp by ladders to satisfie their deuotion , when as at lawfull houres they may enter into the Mosquee : Now the Turkes haue white-cast the Vault in diuers parts , to write the Name of God in the Arabique tongue . The breadth and length of this Church may be well comprehended by the height , the which is limited by the shot of a Harquebusse : vnder it is a Vault full of Altars and Sepulchres , in respect whereof the Turkes haue caused the doores to be walled vp . In a place neere vnto it are found ten great Piles full of Oyle since the time of Constantine , which haue continued vnto this day free ( by reason of the low vault ) from the fire which consumed the first beauties of this Temple , the long continuance at yeares hath made this Oyle white like Milke : It now serues for Physique which the Apothecaries vse for the Grand Seigneur . By these vaulted places they descended into two hollow Caues which goe vnder the streets of the City , the one leads to the Grand Serraill , and the other goes farre vnder Constantinople , vnprofitable at this day , except the one which hath receiued light by some breaches which time hath made , serues only to winde silke , and brings vnto the Coffers of the Shasna , or Exchequer , three or foure hundred Zequins of yearely rent . But the goodly and ancient buildings which did adorne this admirable Temple , haue beene ruined by the Turkish Emperours , except those which serue for a dwelling to some Congregations of the Priests of the Alcoran . Besides this great and admirable Mosquee , there are foure others of note , the durable markes of the magnificence of the Turkish Emperours . The first was built by Mahomet the Second , after that hee had triumphed ouer Constantinople : He caused it to be erected after the Modell of Sancta Sophia , but much lesse ; he enricht it with threescore thousand Duckets of Reuenue ; hee caused two hundred faire Chambers to be built about it couered with Lead , as well to lodge the Priests which did serue , as to receiue all strange Pilgrimes of what Nation or Religion soeuer they were , where they are entertained for three dayes : without the Cloyster are also built fiftie other Chambers for poore men . The second Mosque was made by Baiazet the second soone to the said Mahomet . The third by Selym the first sonne to this man : and the fourth by Solyman second sonne to Selym. These three last Princes are euery one buried within the walls of this Mosquee in stately Tombes , vpon the which there are continually a great number of Lampes burning , and Turkish Priests mumbling of the Alcoran , who pray after their manner for the soules of these Monarches . The most stately of these foure Mosquees is that of Solyman the Second , it exceeds in Marble and other rich stones the pompe of Sancta Sophia , but it yeelds to the wonders of the Architecture , whereunto few could yet attaine . Selym the Second built his Mosquee in the City of Andrinopolis : Achmat the last employed excessiue summes of money in the Fabrique of that which he built of late yeares in Constantinople : the magnificency of the structure exceeds those which we haue mentioned , the Turks call it the new Mosquee , and their Priests the Incredulous : for that Achmat caused it to be built against the aduice which they gaue him , that such a worke would not profit his soules health , seeing that hee had made no conquests to enlarge the Empire of their Predecessors . For the Law of the state conformable to that Religion , forbids Turkish Princes to build any Temples , if they haue not extended the limits of their Empire in the Territories of Christians , where they may cause their Alcoran to be preached : for such workes of piety cannot be vsefull to the health of their soules ( the Mufties say ) who are opposite to such designes , if their Emperours would vndertake it . The Grecians which are Christians , haue within Constantinople forty Churches for their diuine Seruice ; the Armenians haue foure , and the Latines ( lesse fauoured than these ) haue but two : It is true that most of them are lodged at Galats , now called Pera , which is on the other side of the channell , where they haue nine Churches for their Deuotions and holy Mysteries . The Iewes haue the credit to be within the City in nine seuerall quarters , and haue eight and thirty Synagogues . They haue gotten more libertie and power then they haue in Christendome , for that they obserue the formers of the Grand Siguior , and moreouer they haue the managing of the Domestique Affaires of great Men and Officers of the Port , where they are the common giuers of aduice . The walls of this Imperiall City are yet firme and entire . They are double vpon the firme Land , except it be towards the Gate of Ayachapeza , that is to say , the holy Gate , by reason of the great number of Religious bodies which were in a Church neere vnto that Gate . Mahomet the Second entred thereby to defile the holinesse of the place : there are nineteene Gates aswell vpon the firme Land as towards the Sea , which serue for an entrance into this City . Many great places are extended for the commodity of the Publike , some haue preserued the ancient Pyramides , and the workes of Brasse erected by Christian Emperours , amongst others that which they call Petrome , where there are to be seeene whole Obelisques ; and three great Serpents of Marble creeping vpward wreathed one within the other : One of the which hath a breach in the throat , for Mahomet the Second entring into the City , had a conceit that they were the worke of some enchanting Sorcerer , and spurring on his Horse to be satisfied , hee made this breach with his Launce . There is euery day a publique Market in some one of these places . One Friday it is in three , and the most famous are of Wednesday , Thrusday , and Friday , They call them Schibazars , that is to say , Markets of things necessary for vse . About these places are erected aboue two thousand shops for Breakers , who sell any thing wherewith to furnish the necessity of those which desire to repaire their want : The sole of this old trash is not so little but it yeilds yearely vnto the Princes Coffers six Charges of Mony , which is in value eleuen thousand Sequins , or foure thousand , foure hundred pounds sterling for the Turkish exaction makes profit of euery thing . The shops for Merchants exceed the number of forty eight thousand , they are diuided according to the diuersity of trades or Merchandizes into diuers places ; but euery trade thath his quarter , and in diuers parts for the commoditie of the Publique . Only Goldsmiths , Iewellers , and Merchants of cloth of gold are in one place called Bayst●● , that into say Market , the others ●●zars : This 〈◊〉 place is in 〈◊〉 with wa● fiue foot thicke ; there are foure double Gates our before the other , like vnto a little Towne , vaulted round aboue . This rich 〈◊〉 place 〈◊〉 foure and twenty Pillars which suppo●● the 〈◊〉 , vnder the which there are many little shops like vnto bo●● in the wall , or in the Pillars , euery one is fine foote broad , and foure long ▪ There they shew sorth their rich Merchandizes vpon little Tables which are before them . Without doubt the gaine must be exceeding great , and the sale ordinary , seeing they paid vnto the Prince yearly fiue hundred Sequins , or two hundred pounds sterling , to haue leaue to sell there . These are only Iewellers and Merchants of cloth of gold : The Goldsmithes are without about the wals of this place , and euery one payes yearely a hundred Sequins , or forty pounds sterling to the same end . Besides the Bayston , there is another lesse inuironed with a wall , and supported by sixteene small Pillars ; in the inclosure whereof they sell linnen cloth and silkes , but without it is the detestable Market where they sell men and women ; on the one side they buy slaues which are already instructed to serue , or to practise some trade , and on the other those which know not any thing . These places represent better then the former , the fearefull Image of the Turkish tyranny : It binds them to slauery which the God of the World hath crated free : the Merchants visit such Merchandizes , and such as haue an intent to buy , doe first see the persons of either sexe naked : they handle the parts of their bodies , to obserue if they be sound , and they vncouer that which Nature herselfe hath laboured to hide . The women if they be faire are bought at a deare rate to serue the 〈◊〉 passions of some ●ous and fearefull Moo●e : they to whom Nature hath denied such graces , are taken to empty the close-stooles of great Turkish Ladies , and to wash with water the parts of their body , which serue to discharge their bellies , as often as they haue 〈◊〉 . We will relate the rest of the miseries of this seruitude in another place , diuiding them of purpose to make them the more supportable . For in truth they are in this worke the most tedious subject of this History . Who could without sighing see an infinite number of Christians laden with the fetters of a violent slauery by the barbarisme of the Turks ? And in a place neare vnto this the Infidels keepe another Market where they only sell Nurses : and from this vniust traffique the Princes vndertakers draw sixteene thousand Sequins for the toll , of sixe thousand foure hundred pounds sterling . Many other places of this starely Citie yeild vnto the treasury the Reuenues of many good summes of money . The Tauernes which sell wine publiquely to Christians , and to Iewes ; but in secret to Turkes ( being aboue fifteene hundred in number ) pay thirtie sixe charges of monie , and euerie charge is valued at sixteene hundred thirtie three Sequins . The Sea shoare towards Pera , payes for the toll of fish which it sold there , eighteene hundred charges of siluer yearely . The Market whereas Corne , Meal● and Pulse is sold , yeelds yearely foureteene charges of monie . That where the Merchandizes which comes from Caira is ●ted , is worth yearely to the Chasua or the Imperiall treasure , twentie foure charges of siluer . The great custome which is leuied from the Castle of Gallipoli vnto that of the blacke Sea , vpon Spices and other Merchandizes which comes by shipping is worth a hundred and fourescore charges of siluer . The great Shambles of 〈◊〉 and Muttons ; which are without the Citie , and furnish it with necessarie meate , yeeld two and thirtie charges of monie : they are called Chaanara , two hundred Capsapl●rs , or Butchers , serue them : A Superiour called Capsa●assa commands them , who had a charge they shall furnish f● 〈…〉 kill an Oxe or a Sheepe without his permission , 〈◊〉 it be for the Sacrifices of the Turkes . The 〈…〉 from him to furnish their 〈…〉 should through co●etousnesse raise the price of 〈◊〉 aboue the ordinarie taxe which is set downe , and that his corruption shall come to the knowledge of the Gr● Seign●ur ; there is nothing could free him from the rigour of cruell death : Hee is to●●● in ●ces , and cut into foure q● , which they send vnto the Shambles to be an example to other : So as f●●re keeping him in awe , 〈…〉 before this 〈…〉 which 〈…〉 September and October , vpon the 〈…〉 which 〈◊〉 from 〈…〉 great to be easily 〈…〉 people only and not the 〈…〉 , you shall 〈…〉 of five and twentie thousand Oxen , and 〈◊〉 thousand 〈…〉 also 〈…〉 by the side of Horses , Ships , Vessels , and 〈…〉 hundred of all sorts of Merchandizes by Sea , amounts to great and inestimable summes . The taxe of those which imbarque themselues to trauaile , which is an Aspre for euery head if they be Turkes , and two if they be Christians or Iewes , is of no small importance . The Tribute called is Turkie Charay , which is leuied vpon the Iewes in Constantinople , after the rate of a Sequin for euerie male Childe , is worth eleuen Millions , three hundred Sequins yearely , although there be many of that Nation which are free from this Tribute . They doe also giue a present of three thousand Sequins euerie yeare , for the confirmation of their Priuiledges , and to haue a Rabbin to command their Synagogues , and twelue hundred Sequins to haue leaue to burie their Dead . The Christians , Grecians , within three miles or a league of Constantinople , pay for euery Male a Sequin ; which amounts to the summe of aboue thirtie eight thousand Sequins : They doe also giue fiue and twentie thousand yearely for their priuiledge to haue a Patriarch , and to preserue the number of their Churches . The priuiledge of their Burials cost them aboue three thousand Sequins . The imposition called of Virgins , helpes to fill the Grand Seigneurs Cofers , or his Tr● 〈…〉 vpon Maids which marrie ( whereof they keepe a Register ) if they be Turks , they giue two third parts of a Sequin , the Iewes pay a whole one , and the Christians a Sequin and a halfe . The Christians , Latines are for the most part freed from the violence and oppression of these vniust taxes , for they get their dependance from some Kings Embassadour , or from an inferiour Prince . The Albanois , they of Raguse , and the Geneuois , pay not any thing . For the payment of so many Tributes wherewith the people is opprest by the Tyrant of the Easterne Regions , it is necessarie there should be many sorts of Coine mi●●● . In Constantinople the great Imperiall Mint workes continually in Gold and Siluer , but no man can bee admitted be a Farmer to these precious 〈◊〉 if hee be not a Grecian borne , by a speciall priuiledge of the Grand Seig●eur , who hath conferred this grace vpon the Gretian , in consideration that the Mines of Gold and Siluer , are within the 〈◊〉 of Greece , wherefoure hundred men labour daily . And the Master of this rich Mine , is to furnish into the Serraile , the first day of euery moneth in the yeare , ten thousand Sequins of Gold , and twentie thousand of Siluer 〈◊〉 coined , the Grand Seigneur hauing so appointed , that the monie which is employed in the Serrail shall bee new . The said Farmer hath power to make Proclamation , that whosoeuer hath any forraigne Coine , hee should bring it in within three dayes and receiue the iust price , vpon paine of Confiscation . He hath likewise power to take the Ingots from the Mines , so many as shall bee needfull for his worke . The Mines which furnish most of the Gold and Siluer , which is mi●●ed in the Turkish Empire in Europe , are fiue in number . The one is digged in Macedonia vnder the Roots of a Hill called M● 〈◊〉 , and this ye●lds Gold : The other which is of the same substance is opened in Bulgaria , vpon the Confines of Macedonia ▪ The three of Siluer are in Greece , rich and very plentiful . Out of all which they draw that which Nature had wisely hidden , to be conuersant among men : the which doth breed 〈…〉 ▪ dissolues Friendship , corrupts 〈…〉 Chastitie , troubles Estates , obscures M● wits , rauishes li●e , vnthrones reason from her seate , and robe● of himselfe ▪ But to returne to this great Citie of Constantinople , the Magnificences of the Princes which possesse it at this day , and the riches of some 〈◊〉 , or great Men of the Court , haue caused aboue three hundred C●vana serrails to bee built : these are great and vast places to lodge Strangers . The number of this Hospitals for the poore and 〈…〉 to the number of fourescore : 〈…〉 , the Turkish Emperours which haue built these pound M●squees , haue added them vnto their R●bric●s , where they are eternall markes of their Pl● ▪ Moreouer , there are 〈◊〉 Colledges for the instruction of young 〈◊〉 ▪ and the 〈◊〉 of the Scho●lers , which they call in their 〈…〉 , that is to say wise Students , although they be nothing lesse . 〈◊〉 of them hath a Chamber for his Lodging , a Carpet for his Table , foure loaues by the day , a proportion of Pottage and a Candle : They giue them two suites of clothes yearely and they are paid out of Reuenewes of the Colledge , by the Masters and Pr●ceptors which teach them , who are called Soscha●i ; that is for the first yeare when they enter into the Colledge : for to the second they adde to their entertainment an Aspre by the day , which is a fift part more then a pennie ; afterwards they giue two , three , or foure Aspres by the day , according to the number of yeares they haue continued . With this poore pi●●ance these Turks can keep no great ordinarie , vnlesse they receiue it from other places : But the gaine they make in writing of Bookes , ( for the Turkes vse no printing ) is not little but doth furnish their necessitie abundantly , yea , their Riots : they goe also to houses to teach the children of men of qualitie . But there is not in all Turkie more dissolute youthes then these Turkie Schollers : there is no kind of villanie but they commit with all impunitie . The priuiledges wherewith the Turkish Emperours haue honoured them , or rather the abuse of them hath drawne them into all sorts of impudencie : no man can apprehend them for any crime , vnlesse their Generall be present , to whom only this power is giuen . It is true that the Princes presence in Constantin●ple doth restrain the insolencie of their riots : But the Townes of Carama● and Na●ol● are wonderfully pesteted . Amurath the third desirous ( by reason of some troubles which happened ) to know the number of such Gallants ; they were found to bee aboue nine thousand , aswell in Greece as Natolia , not reckoning those which studied in Suria , Caire , Arabia and else-where . Another great place inuironed with wall , and shut vp with good Gates , doth likewise beautifie the Citie of Constantinople , the Turkes call it Seracy●●a , that is to say , the Sellerie , or the place where they make Saddles , and rich Caparisons for Horses of Seruice and Pompe . It is an vnspeakable pleasure for those that loue Horsemanship , to see foure thousand workmen in this place , labouring in their shops , artificially vpon diuers Capari●ons for Horses . Some 〈◊〉 great round Pearles vpon the Saddle of an Arabian Horse out of the Grand Vizirs stable : Others fasten a Bitt of Gold to Reines of rich red Leather of Russia ; some doe fit stirrop Leathers to stirrops of Gold , enricht with a great number of Turkishes of the olde Rocke : Others fasten vpon a large Crouper a great number of precious stones : In another place you shall see a rich Saddle cast forth a thousand flames , the number of the Diamonds wherewith it is enricht make it inestimable : The Bitt and stirropes of Gold couered with Diamonds , the Tassels of Pearles which are at the Reines , and at the Trappers of the Crouper , and the other beauties of this royall Harnesse , rauish the eyes of such as looke of it with admiration of their wonders , and some silently perswade themselues that Fortune adorned with these precious things which depend on her , meanes to goe in triumph through Constantinople , to let the Turkes see that she dwels amongst them . In the midst of this place there is a Mosquee built for the deuotion of these workmen , and a goodly Fountaine in the same place which powres forth abundance of fresh water for their vse . Two other great places likewise walled about , serue for the Lodgings of the Ianizaries , which are the best Footmen of the Turkish Armies : the one of these places is called Eschiodolar , that is to say the old habitations . It is of a square forme , and diuided into many small Lodgings , in the which the Corporals remaine , called Ayabass● , which signifies the chiefe of glorie : there are about a hundred and fiftie of this qualitie , and either of them commands two hundred Ianizaries , who dare not goe out of the place without leaue : the Gates are shut by night , and the keyes are kept by the Captaine . The Arsenall is one of the goodliest and rarest things in Constantinople , it is vpon the Sea shoare , and containes a hundred and fourescore Arches , vnder either of which enters a great Galley , yea , three may be safely lodged . The Officers which serue in this Arsenall , and receiue pay , are commonly fortie six thousand men : But its greatest force is the good order that is obserued by the which there are certaine Merchants which haue contracted to entertaine fourescore Gallies alwayes furnished with all things necessary , and readie to put to Sea : the Munition of Powder is kept in diuers Towres in the walls of the Citie which looke towards Pera : they bring it from Grand Caire , where the Sultans cause it to be made . The Garners in the which they keepe their prouision of Corne and other graine are built in a corner of the Citie towards Pera , the walls are very strong and the Gates of Iron : there is sufficient to serue for many yeares , but euery third yeare they renew it : In the time of Amurath the third , there was found a great quantitie of Millet , the which had beene preserued sweet and vncorrupted for the space of foure score yeares . But this great Imperiall Citie cannot bee happily gouerned without the execution of Iustice , which is the soule of the World , and the order of Reason ; A Soueraigne Iudge is the chiefe , the Turkes call him Stambolcadisi , that is to say , the Iudge of Constantinople . He takes notice indifferently both of Ciuill and Criminall Causes , and no man is put to death in that place , if hee hath not condemned him . There are foure Lieutenants generall , distinguished into the foure principall Quarters of the Citie , and execute vnder him the same Iustice , but from their Sentences they appeale vnto the Iudge . Besides these there is a great Captaine of Iustice called Sonbasi , who doth execute the greatest Function of his charge in Prisons , to heare the Causes , and to make report vnto the Grand Vizir : There are also foure Lieutenants vnder him , separated into the Quarters of the Citie , by the order of the Policies ther 〈◊〉 and a great number of inferiour Officers , as Sergeants , a●●ther base persons which serue him . The Prisons of Constantinople are diuided into two , either of them is beautified ( if there be any beautifull Prisons ) with a great Medow in the midst and a pleasing Fountaine : It hath two stories , in that below are lodged criminall Offenders , in that aboue are such as are committed for ciuill causes . Heere the Iewes are separated from the Turkes , and the Turkes from the Christians , but in the lowest they are altogether , as Persons whom their Offences haue made common . The Almes deeds & good workes which are exercised there by the Turkes , surpasse in few dayes those which are done in our Countries in many yeeres : The Turkish Charitie towardes his Neighbour surmounts ours , and it seemes , that for such good deeds , Hea●en suffers them in the Empire of the World ; for his equitie doth recompence the good , in any subiect whatsoeuer , aswell as it doth punish the euill . The Turkish Emperours themselues shew great compassion , they many times deliuer a great number of ciuill Prisoners , paying their debts for them . The other particularities which concerne the Turkes Iustice , shall bee handled in another Tract . In the meane time seeing wee are come neere vnto the Imperiall Pallace , which is the Serrail , let vs striue to enter , although the Gates bee carefully garded , and let vs see the rare beauties of this famous place . CHAP. II. Of the Grand Seigneurs Serrail . THree Serrails doe augment the glorie of Constantinople , the one is called Eschy Saray , that is to say , the old Serrail , which was the first Royall House built within the Citie , after that the Turkes became Masters : It is scituated almost in the midst of it ; the forme is square , and the Circle containes an Italian mile and a halfe , or halfe a French League , such as are in Languedoc , or Prouence . The women which haue serued the deceased Emperours , their Sisters if they bee not married , & their Childrens Nurses , haue it for their L●ing from whence they may not depart vnlesse they ma● A Dame whose age and discretion hath purchased merit , hath the care and conduct of the rest as Superiour ; they call her Cheira Cad●n , that is to say , Great Dame. The Grand Seigneur in his most solitarie humours retires himselfe sometimes into this place to seeke the consolation which he cannot find elsewhere ▪ The other Serrail is of a lesse extent , it is scituated at the Hippodrome , and serues at this day for the solemnizing of Playes , Pompes , and Sports for the Turkish Princes : and for an Academie to foure hundred of the Grand Seigneurs Pages , which are there instructed in the Turkish tongue , to manage Armes , and other Exercises fit for them , and they goe not forth vntill they be made Espayn , that is to say , Men at Armes : they are bred vp and taught at their Masters charge : this place is called Ebrayn Bassa Saray , that is to say , the Serrail of H● Bassa , who was sonne in Law to Sultan Solyman the Second , and his Fauourite for a time . Hee caused it to bee built at his owne charge . The third is called Boyu●h Saray , that is , the great Serrail , now the ordinary abode of the Turkish Emperours : It is of this which we meane to speake . This great Serrail the Mansion of Turkish Emperours and of their Family , is pleasantly scituated in the same place , where as Byzance was in old time , built vpon a pleasant point of firme Land which lookes towards the mouth of the blacke Sea : Its forme is triangular , two sides thereof are warred by the waues of the Egaean Sea : the third is supported by the Citie , it is ●nuironed with high walls , and fortified with many Towres which doth better the defence . It hath three miles in circuse , Many Gates serue for the entrie ; aswell towardes the Sea as Land : one principall neere to Sancta Sophia , is vsually open , the others are not ; but when it pleaseth the Grand Seignour . This Gate is guarded day and night by Companies of Capigis who are Porters ; which relieue one another , and in the night some I am i●●ies which are without the Gate in little Cabins of wood mounted vpon wheeles are in Sentinell , and when need requires aduertise the Corps de Gard of Capigis . In the Towres which are vpon the Serrail , certaine A●amoglaus , that is to say , Children without experience , or Rusticks , of those of the Tribute ▪ to see if any one doth approach by Land , or any Vessels by Sea neere to this Imperiall House : And in that case they discharge certaine Peeces of Artillerie , which are ready charged to that effect , vpon a little platforme of fiue ●athomebroad , which is betwixt the wall of the Serrail and the Sea. The Chambers and Royall Hals of the Sultans Lodging are disposed according to the diuers seasons of the yeare : Those whither hee retires in Winter are built vpon plaine and eeuen ground : The others where hee seekes after the coole and fresh aire during the importune heats of the Summer , are scituated vpon diuers naturall Hils : Some of them view the agitations of the Sea ; and these are termed Ch●schi , that is to say , Cages , and places of goodly prospect . The Sultan goes sometimes to these places to take his pleasure alone in this goodly view , and sometimes he cals his wo●nto mingle with this recreation the soft deliges of their lasciuious conuersation . Neere vnto this goodly place , is that where the Turkish Emperour giues Audience to Embassadours ; receiues or dismisses those whom hee sends to gouernment of remoted Prouinces . It is scituated in the plaine of a Court vpon a little Island , enameled with many goodly flowres , and watred by some pleasing Fountaines , richly imbelished according to their custome . Within it , is s●●●s a Sophia , that is to say ; a Throne , couered with somerich cloth of Gold , where is also to bee seene one of Crimson Veluet , embroydered with great round Pearles : this Throne is called the Throne without , to distinguish it from that within the Grand Seigneurs Chamber ; and in this , Os●●● the Second , did sit , when hee could not●y the other which was within , where his Vncle M●stap●● was shut vp in the yeare 1617. There the Turkish Emperours are set in such actions . The walls of his Chamber are lined with certaine white stones which are cast and burnt , and painted in diuers colours , which yeeld a pleasant sight . The Chamber which is ioyning to it hath the walles couered with Plates of Siluer , pourfiled with Gold , and the Plancher is couered with rich Topestrie , after the Persian manner with Gold and Silke . The Q●●●ter whereas the Women and Virgins are lodged , which are des●●●ted for the Emperours pleasure , is like vnto a great Monasterie of Religious Wom●● ▪ But they doe not obserue the Vow of Chasti●ie : There are 〈◊〉 , or ●●●ping places , Refectuaries , ●●ths , Galleries , pleasing G● , and goodly Fountaines , in so great a number , as they abound in all the Allies , and of all sides powre 〈◊〉 the s●t noyse of their charming murmurs . The other Lodgings for the D●●●stiques of the Serrail , haue with the beautie of their structures , the commodities of their scituation . Two great places are ioyned to these buildings , whereof the one serues for the Chasna without ( for they haue another within more retired from the houshold ) the Mosquees , Bathes , Schooles , Kitchins , places to run Horses , to wrastle , shoote , and to represent any action , augment the wonders of this Imperiall Pallace whereof we haue spoken in generall : Now let vs descend to the particular description of the places thereof , at the least to those which wee could yet see ; for no man that liues abroad may enter into the Serrail vnlesse the Emperour bee absent ; and yet hee must bee highly fauoured by some person of credit and authoritie in that place : For the Turkes would imagine they should offend the Maiestie of their Prince , to giue entrance into his Quarter of the Serrail , to any one be he stranger or other . The first wall of the Serrail is neere vnto the first Mosquee of Sancta Sophia , with the great and chiefe Gate of that stately Pallace , adorned with a great Portall painted with letters of Gold , in branches and compartiments after the manner of Iaua ; fiftie Capigi● with their Armes ( which are Harquebusses , Bowes , Arrowes , and Semiters ) keepe the Guard : By it they enter into a great place or Court about threescore paces long , and a hundred paces broad , in the which vpon the right hand is the place for the sicke persons of the Serrail , kept by an Eunuch , who hath vnder him a great number of men employed in the seruice of sicke persons ; on the otherside on the left hand there are seene a great number of Waggons , with a great quantitie of wood for the vse of the House : aboue it , is built a long Gallerie , in the which they keepe ancient Armes , as Mortions , G●untlets , Coats of Maile , Pikes , and Harquebusses ; wherewith they arme the Officers of the Arsenall , and some other troupes to goe out of Constantinople in pompe , when as the Sultan or some other powerfull Bashaw makes his entre . Into this Court the Bashawes and great men of the Port may entrie on horsebacke ; but they must leaue their Horses and got on foot into another great Court , which hath neere three hundred foot in square , made in fashion of a Cloyster , with a low Gallerie round about it , supported by Pillars of Marble ; it is more richly adorned then the other ; the Gate is likewise guarded by Capigis , armed as the first . They passe on to a third Gate into a lesser Court , but more delicious ; Many goodly Fountaines powring forth abundance of water , and some Alleyes drawne by a line , and shadowed with a great number of Cyprus Trees planted vpon the sides which beautifie the place : And there are many squares of Medow diapred with diuers sorts of flowres which augment the pleasures of the sight : No man passeth thorough this Court on horsebacke , but the Turkish Emperour , who descends at the third gate : On either side are many goodly Portals supported by rich Pillars of Marble : without these Portals are ranged in Battaile the Companies of Ianizaries , well apparelled and better armed , when as they are commanded to shew themselues at the entrie of the Serrail , when as some strange Embassadour goes to kisse his Robe . In this Court are the Kitchins of the Serrail , the which are nine in number , separated in their buildings one from another , with their dependances , and serued by particular Officers : The first is that of the Emperour ; The second , that of the Sultana , which is most esteemed for her graces or for her fruitfulnesse : The third , that of the other Sultana's : The fourth , that of the Capiaga , who is great Master of the Serrail : The fift , that of the Diuan , which is the Councell , whereas the Prince doth administer Iustice by the mouth of his Officers , of the which we will speake hereafter : The sixt , that of the Aga●●ris , which are the Sultans Familiars , many are Eunuches , the rest are vntoucht : The seuenth , is that of the lesser Officers of the Serrail : The eighth , is for the women which serue the Sultanas : The ninth , is for the Officers which attend the Diuan , as Guards , Porters , Vshers , and such like . On the left hand in the same place , are the Sultans stables , to containe only fiue and twentie or thirtie goodly Horses , which are appointed for his Exercises with his greatest Familiars in the Serrail : Aboue these stables are many Chambers , in the which they keepe the Saddles , Bridles , and other Furniture for these Horses of pleasure : But all so rich and so glistering with Pearle and stone , as the price is inestimable : There are some which the very Reines and Crouper , exceed the value of a hundred thousand pounds sterling : What must the Saddle and the rest of the Furniture amount vnto ? Along the bankes of that Channell which doth water the walls of the Serrail , there are built seuenteene great stables , whereas the Grand Seigneur hath a great number of Horses of rare esteeme , whereon he mounts when hee goes to the Warre ; or when to dazle the eyes of some forreine Embassadour , with the lustre of his greatnesse , hee makes a solemne and stately entrie into Constantinople . A little beyond in the same Court is the Quarter for the publique Diuan , where as the Grand Vizir Lieutenant Generall of the Turkish Empire with a good number of Officers keepes the Audiences foure dayes in the Weeke : Neere vnto it is the Chamber of the Chasna , or Treasure without , where they lay vp the Rents and Reuenewes of diuers Prouinces , wherewith they pay the Officers : They likewise furnish the Chamber of Accompts , the rest is carried into the Chasna , or secret Treasure within , whereof the Grand Seigneur keeps the Keyes : The first is vsually sealed by the Grand Vizir . In the same Court on the left hand is the great Gate which enters into the Sultana's lodging ; It is carefully kept by a troupe of blacke and hideous Eunuches , to whom the Sultan hath intrusted the Guard. And as hee hath lodged therein ( by the number of goodly Women which are brought vnto him from all parts ) the liuely Images of Loue and the Graces ; so he hath set at the Gates those of Hatred and Terrour : He himselfe goes vnto them by another passage neere vnto his Chamber . The last part of this goodly Court makes the entrie to the Emperours Lodgings , the which is forbidden to any whatsoeuer , except the slaues that serue him : If any great Basha pressed with some important businesse desires to enter , hee must first haue leaue from the Princes mouth . The entrie of this Gate leads towards the Hall , whereas the Sultan sits , when hee will giue Audience , and suffer any forreine Princes Embassadour to kisse his Robe . At their entrance they discouer the new beauties of this place more particularly : A goodly Court paued with fine Marble in Mosaike worke , serues for a passage for those which are entred , and the goodly Fountaines which beautifie it , will not suffer them to goe farre , without fixing their eyes vpon their pleasing structure : The Pauillions and stately Chambers which are within it , seeme to haue beene built and embellished by the hands of delight and pleasure : For in them the Grand Seigneur eats most commonly , and takes his Recreations . The Bathes , Hals , and Galleries of this place , surpasse in their Magnificence the force of imagination : Wee may only say of them , that they are the buildings of the most powerfull and rich Monarchs of the Earth . In another part of the Serrail , vpon a little pleasing Hill is built a lodging for Summer , whither the Sultan retires himselfe during the Canicular dayes , to enioy the fresh aire which is found there , and the pleasures of his Gardens , vpon the which he hath one prospect , and the other lookes towards the Sea : The place is exceeding beautifull , but amidst this great diuersitie there is a Hall which opens towards the East , supported by rich Pillars of Marble like vnto the ordinarie Mansion of pleasure : It is enricht with the goodliest workes the Tenant can affoord , and furnished after a royall manner : The windowes haue their prospect vpon a little Lake of a square forme , made with admirable art : Thirtie Fountaines diuided vpon a Platforme of fine Marble which doth enuiron it , furnish water to fill it , and pleasingly trouble the silence of the place by their continuall murmurre . The Sultan goes often vpon this Lake in a Brigantine , being followed by some Ieasters , and Mutes , who minister occasion of delight , some by their pleasant encounters , the other by their ridiculous faces and gestures , and sometimes tumbling them into the water they giue him occasion of laughter : Hee himselfe is pleased to lay ambushe , for them , to make them fall by the Platforme into the Lake . From this Hall they passe into the Grand Seigneurs Chamber , it is proportionable in greatnesse to those of the Royall Pallace : The wals are after their accustomed manner couered with fine stone , in which are grauen many flowres : the Portals are of cloth of Gold , some are of Crimson Veluet embroidered with Gold and rich Pearle . The Bed is not inferiour in riches , the posts are of massie Siluer , vpon which are set Lions of Chrystall of the Rocke : The Curtaines are of greene Cloth of Gold , the richest that are made at Bursia in Asia , without any fringes , but in their place there hangs certaine Bels made of great Orientall Pearle : The worke is excellent and the price inestimable . The Couering hanging to the ground , is also of rich Cloth of Gold , the Cushions and Pillowes are of the same stuffe . This Bed is rather a piece of the Turkish pompe then for any necessarie vse : For the Turkes doe not vse these kind of Beds , but sleepe on the ground vpon Mattresse : whereof we will speake in the sixt Chapter . The floore of this royall Chamber is couered with Persian Carpets of Gold and Silke : The Sopha , that is to say , the places where the Sultan sits , are about a foot and a halfe from the ground , and couered with the like Tapestrie , vpon the which are Cushions of Cloth of Gold. Ouer this seate is a Cloth of Estate of Wood couered with plates of Gold , enricht with stones , and supported by foure Pillars adorned in the same manner . In the midst of the floore of this Chamber hangs a rich Candlesticke of a meane greatnesse , and of a round forme , the midst whereof is of exexcellent Chrystall ; the other parts are of Siluer gilt , set with Turkeyes , Rubies , Emeralds , and Diamonds , whose diuersitie giue a pleasing lustre : In a corner of the said Chamber , vpon a Table of massie Siluer , is a little Bason to wash his hands , It is of pure Gold enricht with many Turkesses and Rubies , with Ewre of the same . Against the walls are set two Cupboards , whose doores are of Chrystall , which through their transparent light , shew about two doozen of Bookes richly couered , in the which the Sultan sometimes spends his time , and passeth away his cares in reading . Sometimes one of their Histories , and sometimes the true examples which are mentioned in the Old Testament . Aboue these Cupboards there is one lesse , into the which the Treasurer of the Serrail doth euery Wednesday , put three purses filled : whereof the one is with Gold , and the other two are of Siluer , which the Sultan employes in his almesdeeds , and the gratifications which hee giues to the slaues that serue him , and which are his ordinarie Companie Doubtlesse this kinde of people doe much imbase the glory of so powerfull a Monarch , and the shame to haue none about him but base persons , causeth him to be disesteemed . Soueraigne Princes should admit none but the ablest men of their Estates about their Persons . For as God hath in Heauen the Ministerie of the Angels , and other intellectuall creatures : So Kings , who are his liuely Images , should haue about them Men whose vertue and rare qualities of the mind haue raised aboue others . What entertainment can a great Prince find , in such abiect persons and so ill bred ; and what seruice can hee receiue from a man drawne from the Stable , and from the profession of a Horse-keeper , or a Coachman , from a Huntsman , and the bawling of Hounds ? What contentment from a brutish Faulkoner , whilest that Men of merit are in contempt ? This disorder is sometimes seene in the World , yea , in the Courts of great Princes to their shame , and to the great preiudice of the publique . Neere vnto this Chamber is a goodly Librarie , where are many Bookes , rich for their stately couerings , and precious for their workes , the immortall markes of the glorie of their Authours : This is called the secret Library ; it is the most renowned of all the Serrail . There is another towards their Quarter which serue the Chamber , and the Grand Seigneurs Pages , filled with a great number of Bookes in all Languages , among the which there are to bee seene at this day sixe score Volumes of the ancient Librarie of Great Constantine of an extraordinary bignesse : They are aboue a fathome broad and two in length : Their leaues are of such thinne Parchment , as they seeme rather to be of Silke then Skinnes ; most part written in letters of Gold , especially those which containe the Old and New Testament ; their couerings are of Siluer gilt after the antique manner , set with a great number of precious stones . The price ( without doubt ) hath preserued them from spoile and ruine , where as the rest haue perished by the barbarousnesse of the Turkes , who sackt Constantinople in the time of Mahomet the Second : The Sultan holds them so precious as he will not allow any one to handle them . The number of Gardens in the Serrail are not fewer in number , then are delightfull to looke on : The Prince hath his the Sultana's theirs , and without this Imperiall House , there are eighteene planted towardes the Sea , whereof the fruites and reuenewes are by the Law of State employed for the entertainment of the Princes Table ; whereof we will speake elsewhere . He which hath the chiefe charge is called Bostangibassi , that is to say , great Gardiner , and is one of the most eminent Dignities of the Empire , he is many times much affected by his Master , and feared by the other Bashaes , to whom hee may doe good and bad Offices with the Prince , when hee gouernes him alone in his walkes , and entertaines him in affaires of Estate . Two Mosquees serue in the Serraile , for their Deuotion : The one is towardes that Quarter where the Prince and his Officers lodge ; and the other is neere the Lodging of the women and their slaues . And although the Turkes will not admit of the vse of Bells ; yet there are a great number of little Clockes in the Serrail , which strike the houres both by day and night . The Grand Seigneurs Pages are instructed to keepe them : and most part of the men of qualitie in the Serrail , and likewise the women haue little Watches , whereof they make vse . This is all that can be written of the Grand Seigneurs Serrail , at the least that can come vnto the knowledge of Christians , to whom the entrie ( vnlesse it be vpon the dayes of Diuan ) is expresly forbidden , and the inward parts of this Imperiall House , whereof wee haue spoken , may not be seene by them , vnlesse the Prince be absent ; and yet hee must haue some particular friendship with the Officers of the Serrail , and monie in his hand , the which doth not only open them the closest Gates in Turkie , but doth facilitate the most difficult affaires , through the auarice of the Turkes , to the which all their other passions seeme to yeeld . Let vs come now to the Grand Seigneurs Exercises , to his manner of liuing , to the number of his Officers , and other particularities of his Crowne : But let vs begin by his Coronation . CHAP. III. Of the Coronation of the Turkish Emperour . AFter that death ( who strikes with an equall hand , aswell the stately Pallaces of Kings , as poore Cottages couered with straw ) hath taken out of this World some Turkish Emperour , he of his Children which is destinated to the succession of his Scepter , parts from the gouernment whither his Father had sent him ( the which most commonly is Magnesia a Prouince in Asia ) and comes secretly to Constantinople , and into the Serrail by that Port which lookes towards the Sea ; for the passage whereof the Bostangibassi , which is the great Gardiner , goes to receiue him in the Imperiall Galley vpon the side of Asia , passeth the straight , conducts him into the Serrail , and leads him into his Fathers Throne , whither the great men of the Port , that is to say , of the Court ( for so they call it ) come to adore him , and to acknowledge him for their Prince . Presently the Basha which is Gouernour of Constantinople causeth Proclamation to be made in the Citie , & then throughout all the Empire : That the Soule of the inuincible Emperour Sultan N. enioyes an immortall Glorie , and an eternall Peace ; and that the Empire of Sultan N. may flourish and prosper in all felicitie for many yeares . The third day after they hold the great Diuan , which is the generall Councell , where as all the great Men of the Court and Officers of the Crowne assist , and resolue concerning the affaires of the Estate : The Emperour doth not assist ; yet he is in a Chamber neere , and sees but is not se●ne , and heares through a Lattice window what they treat of , and what they say . At the end of the Diuan all these Officers , goe by foure and foure , or by sixe and sixe into the Chamber where the Sultan is , and there without speaking any thing make a low reuerence , and so passe on , going forth to another doore : They returne to the Diuan , where as Dinner attends them . The Sultan dines at the same time ; and after halfe an houre , ( which is all the time he spends at the Table ) he mounts vpon a stately Horse , being followed by the chiefe Commanders of the Warre , hee shewes himselfe to his people of Constantinople , and receiues from them their cryes and acclamations of Ioy : which are , Liue , and long may Sultan N. Raigne . Hee goes to some Mosquee where his Predecessours haue beene buried ; Hee makes his prayers , which being ended one of the twentie Preachers of his Court goes into the Pulpit , and by a short discourse giues him to vnderstand after the Turkish manner the greatnesse of the charge whereunto God hath called him , exhorts him to haue a care of his Estate , and especially to the maintenance and increase of Mahomets Law. The Sermon being ended , the same Priest doth blesse him seuen times , and at euery time the people answere Amen . At the same time the Moufti , or high Priest of the Law who is present , makes him to take the Oath vpon the Alcoran ; Girds him with the Sword which in old time Ottoman did weare ; and blessing him sayes these wordes , God send you Ottomans Bountie : They doe so much honour the vertues of this Prince , who raigned about three hundred and twentie two yeares since , as they wish them to his Successors . I haue heard a Prince of the Turkish Emperours house say , That the Learned in their Historie report , that Ottoman going thorough the Towne of Prussia , beeng the chiefe of his Empire , hee said aloud vnto the people , that whosoeuer were an hungrie , thirstie , or naked , let them come vnto his house , he had wherewithall to feed and clothe the poore . After the Mufti the people blesse him with their loude cryes : Thus charged with all these blessings hee goes to horsebacke , and carries them backe to the Serrail ; where he busies himselfe to cause his brethren to be strangled in his presence , whom hee had caused to come from the places where they were resident : For it is written in their custome , One God in Heauen , one Emperour vpon Earth : They beleeue this is the only meanes to settle the Estate , and to diuert the Ciuill Warre which the pluralitie of Princes might breed : They haue often this Prouerbe in their mouthes , That a Kingdome and Lo●le , admit no Companion : Their Errour makes them beleeue that the Princes of their bloud are such . This bloudie custome hath been rigorously obserued for three hundred yeares and more , vntill the Raigne of Achmat , who died in the yeare 1617. who gaue life vnto his brother Mustapha , and at his death left him his Scepter : But the Officers of his Crowne tooke it from him with his libertie , and kept him prisoner in the Serrail , to make Osman his Nephew Raigne in his place , who was afterward miserably massacred by the people , and the same Mustapha restored to the Throne , where the inconstancie of his Fortune suffered him but few dayes , after which the Bashae's shut him vp in his first Prison , and seated in his Throne Amurath the Fourth a young Prince brother to the vnfortunate Osman . The Largesse which the Sultan makes at his comming to the Crowne , is distributed after this manner . Hee must giue vnto the great Mufti two thousand fiue hundred Sequins , as much to the Grand Vizir ; the other of the Vizir or Bashae's haue either of them two thousand , the Cadilesquers euery one two hundred and fiftie Sequins , the Tefterdars euery one of them as much ; the Capigibassi euery one a hundred ; the Aga of the Ianizaries two hundred and fiftie , the Iman Royall hath but fiue and twentie : the most famous Doctours of the Law receiue threescore , the other which are inferiour haue euery one thirtie two Sequins . They giue fortie to the Basrousnamegi , that is to say Iournalists , fortie to the Carasmaesabegi , or Comptrouler of the Royall Tribute ; twentie to the Mucatagis ▪ which keepes the Bookes of the Diuan ; sixteene to euerie Mutaferagas , which are men at Armes ; eight to euerie Spahi , or light Horseman , and moreouer fiue Aspres by the day in augmentation of their pay . Euery Deputie of the Teftardar , hath fiue and twentie Sequins : The chiefe of the Pauillions of the field , called by the Turkes Almiectar Bassi , are set downe in the Roll of this Royall distribution euery one for fiue and twentie Sequins : They that lead the Horses before the King , called Sarrassis , haue either of them eight : The Serchais haue as much ; The Meirery , which beate the Drums before the Prince the like summe ; the Sardigis , foure ; the Capigis , eight ; the Casnadaris , eight ; and the Snalaris , who carrie water to the Grand Seigneur , the like summe . The Emirs haue a better portion , either of them hath a hundred . The Ianizaries by their violence haue broken the bounds of the Monarchs liberalitie to them , they giue them more or lesse according to the time and necessitie they haue of them ; their pay is alwayes increased at the least an Aspre by the day . The Groomes of the Stable and Cookes haue equally eight Sequins a piece ; and they which pray vnto God after the Turkish manner , in the Chappels where the Sultans are buried , haue no more . This largesse and distribution of Sultanins , or Turkish Sequins , amounts ( by reason of the great number of those which receiue the Portions ) to great and immense summes of monie . The fourth day following , he takes his Gallion , and goes by Sea to a Garden inuironed with a Parke neere vnto the Arsenall ; the Turkes call it Ase●i , that is to say , the house of Pleasure ; and there he hunts some houres , and courseth what Beast he pleaseth ; If he take any thing , the Turkish Superstition teacheth him to hold it for a good signe . From his sport he goes to affaires , he visits his Arsenall ; and hauing neere him the Generall of the Sea , called Captaine Bassa , hee makes him to giue an account of the affaires of the Sea , what number of Vessels there are fit for the warre , what Men , what Armes , and what Munition is in them : being thus informed of his Sea forces , he returnes to his Serrail . The next day which is the fift after his Coronation , the Grand Vizir , or according to the Turkes , Vizirhazem , that is to say , the Supreame Vizir , goes vnto him , and in few words yeelds him an account of the generall affaires of his Empire . And as the Turkes haue Almes in singular recommendation , these first dayes of Coronation , after the Prince hath giuen a Largesse vnto the people , in casting of money in the streets where hee passeth , hee vseth great Charitie to Hospitals and Prisons , in such sort as the charges of the pious Actions , were found to amount during the Raigne of Am●rath , Father to Mahomet the third , who liued when as Henrie the Great made France happie by the felicities of his Raigne ; to the summe of one hundred and threescore thousand pounds sterling , which is in their money foure hundred thousand Sequins . Doubtlesse , the presages of their Raigne cannot bee but fortunate , when as they are accompanied with good Works , and Charitie is a powerfull support to a Crowne . It were to bee desired ( said a great Man ) that Soueraignes had tried the condition of a priuate Man opprest with misery ; to learne compassion , for no Man is sensibly toucht with the estate of a miserable Man , but he that ●●th beene so . After the fift day , the Ladies of his bloud , be they Virgins or married to some Basha , goe to visit him : He receiues them very graciously , honours them with many rich Presents of precious stones , and grants them what fauours they demand , be it for th● 〈…〉 of their Husbands , or for his bountie ●● some other persons . But this 〈◊〉 Sultan is no sooner sealed in the Imperiall Throne of the Turkes , but hee doth presently imitate the proud arrogancie of his Predecessours , and takes with the Scepter the vanitie of the proud Title , wherewith they are p●● vp the following Chapter will shew it . CHAP. IV. Of the Titles and Qualities 〈…〉 THe prosperities of the World are a triall of the force of the minde , ●●ther t● 〈…〉 These are more easie to beare : those doe 〈…〉 men vnto a 〈…〉 insolencie . But where are g● 〈…〉 with Princes ? 〈◊〉 they vse them soberly , their m● 〈…〉 H●●uen to the preseruation of their Estates , and would force 〈◊〉 to cherish their memorie . The Turkish Emperours are neuer crowned with this me●it ; their breeding to the excesse of vices rather than to the continencie of vertue , doth not make them capable to know themselues , and the excesse of the prosperities of their Empire transports them to pride . So as if Heauen suffers them to continue in the Monarchie of the East , it is to punish our disorders . Their actions doe not only shew their Pride , but their Titles speake it more plainly : S●lym the First of that Name stiled himselfe Master of all 〈◊〉 ●raignes of the World. Behold the Qualities which he did assume . Sultan Solym , Othoman , King of Kings , Lord of all Lords , Prince of all Princes , Sonne and Nephew of God. Hee caused it to be written vnder his Portraite , the which Solyman the Second his Sonne did 〈◊〉 keepe by his bed side . This man was no modester then his Father , for if he ●●th not set downe in his Titles that hee would be the only Prince of the World , hee hath often deliuered it in his words ; By the Soule of my Father ( said he being in Hungarie at the siege of 〈◊〉 ) seeing there is but 〈◊〉 God G● 〈…〉 reasonable there should be but one 〈…〉 the inferiour Worlde The rest which haue followed 〈◊〉 ●uccession of the Othoman Estate haue vsed the same vnto our dayes . Achmat the First , who died in the yeare 1617 , treating with the inui●ible Monarch Henry the Great , by the meanes of the Seigniour of 〈◊〉 his Embassadour at Constantinople , causeth to be set downe in the beginning of the Articles which were sent into France , the Titles which follow : In the name of God , a marke of the high Family of the Othoman Monarches , with the beautie , greatnesse , and splendour thereof , so many Countries are conquered and gouerned . I , who am by the infinite graces of the Iust , great , and all powerfull Creatour and by the abundance of Miracles of the chiefe of his Prophets , Emperour of 〈…〉 , Disposer of Crownes to the greatest Pri● 〈…〉 of two most sacred Townes , Mequa and Medi●● , Protector and Gouernour of the holy 〈…〉 , and Africa ; ●●ly 〈◊〉 by our 〈…〉 them somewhat longer , and his shooes are without buckles , and cut in leaues : But when hee adornes himselfe to honour with his presence the solemnitie of some great day , at the Circumcision of the Princes his Children , or to make his entrie into Constantinople : his Robes of Cloth of Gold , forwith Pearles and great Diamonds giue the Maiestie of his person a glorious lustre : This is the glory of such Princes . Maiestie consists in Vertue , and not in the pompe of Habits . A King should rather shew himselfe a King by his 〈◊〉 carriage and his authoritie , than by his Robes . The Sultana's differ not much in their Habits from their Soueraigne Prince : They weare breeches like vnto his , and vnder them linings of fine Linnen ; Their Robes are of the same stuffe , and their shooes in like manner : They steepe like vnto him in their Linnen lynings , and little Cassocks of Silke pinckt , which goes little beneath the waste . The Prince riseth with the Day , and the Morning sees him begin his Prayers after the Turkish manner , wherein hee spends halfe an houre : After this hee writes asmuch , during the which they bring him some cordiall thing , which hee takes presently : Then reading followes for a whole houre , but it is many times without fruit ; for that hee entertaines the time with fabulous Bookes : It is true that some Sultans haue taken delight to read the life of Great Alexander , and some others haue caused Aristotle to be expounded vnto them . An ignorant Prince is a Pilot without Card or Compasse . Alphonso King of Arragon , called such Princes by a Name which I forbeare to mention , for the re●nce I owe to Kings . Hauing read , if it be a day of D● or of Counsell , he giues Audience to the Grand Viz●r , who come to make report of that which hath beene done , and he receiues the veneration of other Officers . From thence he descends into his Gardens or walkes , contents his eyes with the 〈…〉 F●●●es , and pleasing Alle●e● and 〈◊〉 his eares with the 〈◊〉 and ●r●●lities of his ●e●tres 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 which follow him . At his returne hee fals 〈…〉 haue any 〈◊〉 in it , or to some other 〈…〉 for Dinner , the which is speedily serued : Hee neuer spends aboue halfe an houre at the Table , from the which hee goes to his Prayers at noone , where after his manner hee entertaines the Diuinitie . But how variable is humane inconst●ncie : from this 〈…〉 to the embracings of humanitie , and 〈…〉 with his Women for soo●● houres ; vntill the time of Prayer at Night doth force him to leaue them : When 〈…〉 another walke into his Garden , 〈…〉 by his 〈◊〉 and Dwarffs , he entertaines himselfe with 〈…〉 . The last Office calls him to his Chamber , it is that which the Turkes say , when as the day is spent and in the obscuritie of the night , where hee imployes himselfe vntill Supper time . These are his imployment i● generall : Let vs now speake of them in particular . CHAP. VI. Of the Grand Seig●rs Table of his ●te , and of his sleepe . THe Grand Seign●r eates three or foure times a day in Summer , but lesse in Winter : He sit●es crosse legged after the Turkish manner : Most commonly his Table is low , made of 〈◊〉 Siluer , with a little bo●der about it two fingers high , like vnto a Table of Accompani● which ●ll money . There is 〈◊〉 of pure Gold enricht with diuers precious 〈…〉 in the years : He 〈…〉 and another vpon his 〈…〉 many leaues made of three 〈…〉 whereof the Graine is gathered 〈…〉 for his 〈◊〉 . They 〈…〉 thereof they feed a great troupe 〈…〉 of the Serrail . His Coo●es are at worke 〈…〉 ▪ they 〈…〉 call 〈◊〉 : The Essay is taken at the Kitchin in the presence of the Capiaga , or Master of the Houshold , and they serue it vp in dishes of gold couered : His Agalaris , or Familiars goe and receiue it at the hands of the Capiaga without : For there is another of the same Office within , who goes not into the Kitchin , hee carries them to him that serues at the Table , who is vpon his knee : They serue out thirtie Dishes , in the which are thirtie forts of meates ; the Table is round , and stands vpon a Vise which turnes as it pleases the Prince , for no man carues him , neither doth he himselfe vse any Knife ; his bread is so tender as it will not endure any , he breakes it with his fingers without any trouble ; so doth he his meate prepared with the like delicacie : They serue no Salt vnto him , and whatsoeuer hee eats is not seasoned with Spices , his Physicians forbidding it in the Kitchin. The daintiest meat for his royall mouth are roasted Pigeons , whereof they serue a dozen in a Capson or Platter : Pullets , Lambe , or Mutton , rosted & boyled are after the Pigeons , which hee loues best : Hee makes a signe ( for at his Table no man speakes any thing ) that they should carrie of this meat what he pleases to the Sultana's whom he affects most : Sometimes the dumbe men and the Iesters haue a part : His Agallaries or Familiars are highly gratified , when hee casts them one of his L●aues , they kisse it , and giue it vnto others for a testimonie of a singular fauour . In the silence which is strictly obserued at his Table , as well by himselfe as those which doe assist , there is an ordinary entertainment in a dumbe fashion by signes and the gestures of the Mutes , and the Iesters which are instructed therein , practize the abilities of their wits . He doth vsually drinke a liquour made of many sorts of fruits mingled with the juice of Citrons and Sugar : He swallowes it in a spoone of wood , although they serue him with little Cups of Porcelaine and others of Indian Nuts , set vpon a foot of gold enricht with stones . They do not serue any fruit before Dinner , his last coorse is a Tar● , and if he eats any fruit , it is at his after-meales , and likewise Parmisant , whereof they make great esteeme in Turkey . In the time of Ramadan , which is the Turkes Lent , they doe not serue him in vessels of Gold , but in yellow Porcelaine which is most precious and hard to be recouered . Hee fasts from the Sun-rising vntill night , when it is lawfull for him to leaue his fast , and to eat what meate hee pleaseth : Fish comes seldome into the Servant , but when the desire of the Sultans , or the Appetite of the Agalaries causeth it to be brought from the Sea. The Grand Seigneurs Bed is not made while it is day in the Chamber where hee lodgeth , they make it only when he goes to his rest : that whereof we haue spoken is only a Bed of State The Groomes of his Chamber lay vpon the floore a Mat , and vpon it a fine Turkey Carpet , whereupon they lay a Matteresse and a Bed of Feathers . The sheets are of fine Linnen , and the couering of goodly Carpets : In Winter they vse Couerings of white Wolues or of Sables , which keepe the Prince from cold . After his Bed is thus made , they straine ouer it many strings of Silke , vpon the which they lay Cloth of Gold , or rich Tapestrie to make the Tester and Curtaines : This Couch being made , the same Gabo●pes of the Chamber goe and fetch the Emperour , and being him to his rest with a little Turbane on his he●d in stead of a Night cap : Whilest hee steepes they watch ; one stands at the doore of the Chamber , another at his Beds side , to raise vp the Clothes and to couer him if it be needfull : Two others are at the Beds feete with two Torches , which they neuer put out vntill the Sultan bee risen . Their Guard continues three houres , after which they are relieued by their Companions . Thus hee rests which troubles all Europe , disquiets Asia , and afflicts Afrrica , and the shoare of the M● Sea with his Fleet. CHAP. VII . Of the grauitie of the Grand Seigneur and of the ●be discourses which are made in the Serrail . THat Prince of the Iewes which made choice rather of the scourge of Pestilence them the rigour of Warre , had reason to say that hee had rather fall into the hands of God , than to those of Man , for the one is a plentifull and in exhaustible Fountaine of all Mercie : The others are vnpittifull , although they be created after his Image . It is lawfull , yea , it is commanded to speake vnto God , and to begge those things which are necessary ; and in the World it is a crime to presume to speake vnto Men. The true Table of this humane Pride made be drawne from the Serrail , at this day the principall seat of the Arrogancie of Princes : for there it is not only forbidden to speake vnto the Grand Seigneur , but he that dares to lift vp his eyes to looke him in the face , is guiltie of a great crime : so as all the Bashaes of his Court , except the Vizar , the Mufts , and the Physician , going towards him to reuerence him , or rather to adore him , haue their hands ioyned and their eyes cast downe , and in this posture inclining themselues to the ground , they salute him without seeing him , although they be before him . When he goes into the Citie , they which present any Petitions vnto him , to haue Iustice from him , when they cannot obtaine it from his Officers , lift them vp vpon the end of a ●●ed , and themselues lie prostrate on the groundily humiliation , another men which are of his Family , speake not vnto him but by signes , and this dumbe language is practised , and vnderstood as readily in the Serrail , as a distinct and articulate voice among ●s . For which cause they vse the seruice of as many dumbe men as they can find ; who hauing accustomed others to their signes and gestures make them to learne their Language . The Sultana's doe the like . The grauitie of his person , and the custome of the Empire forbids him to speake to any . The Sultana's his women practise it , they haue many dumbe slaues at their Serrail . Sultan Mustapha Vncle to Os● , who in the end of the yeare 1617 held the Scepter of the Turkish Empire , for that he could not accustome himselfe to this silent grauitie , gaue occasion to the Counsell of end to ch●plaine of him ; and to say that to 〈…〉 did , 〈◊〉 more fit for 〈…〉 Turkish Merchant , then for the Emperour . They 〈…〉 him , held his freedome and similiaritie vnworthy of the Empire . To play the Sultan its state , h●e must out speake , but by an extraordinary grauitie make men to tremble with the twinkling of his eye : For the frowning arrogancie of the Turkish Princes is growne to that insolencie , 〈◊〉 liues amongst his Subiects as some diuine thing , adored by the dumbe admiration of his slaues . The Emperour of the Abyss● , whom they doe vulgarly call Prete-Iean , is also blamed for pride , although it differs from the Turke : He speakes but he suffers none to see him ; saying , that being the Image of God in the Soueraigntie of his Empire , he must imitate him in his answeres , wherein God speaks and is not s●ene . When as the Master of the Ceremonies brings any forreigne Embassadours vnto him , it is most commonly by night : His H●lls and Chamber are full of Torches burning ; and he himselfe i● hidden in his Musta●a , or Royall Bed , before the which there are fiue Curtaines drawn , whereof that in the midst is of Cloth of Gold , the rest are of Silke . The Master of the Ceremonies speaks with a loud voice Hunca , Hialchuchia 〈◊〉 : that is to say , I bring those vnto thee whom thou hath commanded me : Hee repeate it often , vntill he heare a voice from within which saith , Cafaci●ali , which signifies enter in : At this voice all they which heare is h● downe and make a low 〈…〉 Then they aduance a little making 〈◊〉 euery sin steps , repeating the same worde , and being come 〈◊〉 vnto the C● they heare the same voice Ca●ingles : Then they aduances little farther , to heare the words of Prete-Iean who speake and is not se●● and answers the demands which they make vnto him . 〈◊〉 pe●tie Kings of the Indies , 〈…〉 , which they will 〈…〉 of ●●fti● 〈◊〉 , who deliver it 〈…〉 it comes vnto him . The grauitie of a Prince 〈…〉 appeare in his manners then in his 〈◊〉 and his wisdome : should wherein more ●●rable than all 〈…〉 fashion speaking and commanding . If the Prince will 〈…〉 liuing Image , let him know that there 〈…〉 in the diuine Maiestie , Power , Wisdome , and Bountie . Let them adde vnto their Soueraigne power of Command , the effects of wisdome , and those of a Royall bountie . By these they shall raigne securely in their Estates , and shall be more cherished and honoured , then by the vaine gestures and signes of their puft-vp grauitie . CHAP. VIII . How the Grand SEIGNEVR receiues the Embassadours of Forreine Princes , and the forme of his Oath in an Alliance . THere are two sorts of Embassadours which come to the Turkish Court ; those of Kings , and others of inferiour Princes : The first who without contradiction haue the precedence , must likewise haue it in this Historie . We will speake of their Reception , and will take for a President that of the Embassadour of France , Being arriued at Per● , hee passeth within few dayes after to , Constantinople , sees the M● , visits the Grana Vizir , salutes the B●stang●bas●i , or great Gardiner , vseth some complements to the Teftardar , or high Treasurer , and performes some testimonies of honour and courtesie to the other great men of the Part , to make them fauourable vnto him vpon occasions . After this they aduertise him of the day , when he shall be receiued to kisse his hand ; It is vsually vpon a day of Dinan , when as the Sultan giues audience to his principall Officers : The Grand Vizir cals the Dinan or assembly of the Councell hee sends for all the Chaoux the M●feragat which are those of the light Horse , 〈◊〉 Spa● who are al●o of the Canallerie , the Ianizaries which are Footmen : All which with their Leaders haue commandement to arme and attire themsel●es with as much state as may be , to be the Embassadour see with the curiositie of their A● , 〈…〉 his great Court. They come 〈…〉 ( whereof we haue formerly spoken ) where all together make a bodie of stately troupes . The Embassadour aduertised of the houre appointed , parts from his lodging at Pera attired vpon his own Clothes with a Robe after the Turkish manner of Cloth of Gold curled , and furred if the season require it with Sables : His Gentlemen and Secretaries are attired in the like Robes , but the stuffe is not so rich , wearing on their heads caps of blacke Veluet like vnto the Masters of the Accompts in France : He hath twenty seruants attired in Robes of Scarlet , which the Turkes call Ferrages : and vpon them other long Robes of the same stuffe , and on their heads caps of blacke Ta●fatae : The foure Dragomans , or the Kings Interpreters are of the number , the Captaines , Masters of Ships , and other Frenchmen doe accompany him . Being thus followed , hee passeth the Channell of the Sea , which separates F●ra from Constantinople , being twice as broad , as the Riuer of Seine is at Paris before the Louver : Being come vnto the other shoare , hee findes many goodly horses for him and his followers , which the Turkes that are friends to France , send him to carry him to the Citie . At the entry whereof hee finds many Chambrand Ianizaries which attend him to conduct him to the Serrail : ●wo Choux Basti one of either side of him , the other Turkes goe before : In this order hee comes to the Imperial Pallace , at the Gate whereof he finds two Capig●●asi● who 〈◊〉 him , and had him to the Grand Vi●r in the Hill of the 〈◊〉 , ( the day they dispatch little 〈…〉 against the Grand Vizir vpon a forme without 〈…〉 with Cloth of Gold. Therefor a 〈…〉 or Dra● , they 〈…〉 , vntill that the 〈…〉 has brought : The S● of the 〈…〉 , where some other 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 the Cha● of Ac● 〈…〉 . There is a Dragoman which 〈…〉 〈…〉 in a low Gallerie , where a Table is prepared in this manner : A great Tapestrie is laid vpon the ground , and somedishes are set very thinne and sparingly : Their Meates are Panado made with Sugar , and some broths with Pullets , two men carrying as in a Scarfe a certain vessell of boiled Leather , like vnto a Bagipe , in the which they carrie Cerbet , ( the which is a Drinke made of the juice of Citrons , water , and Sugar ) They giue to euery one drinke in his turne , in a Cup of Copper tinned , and they goe betwixt the Dishes to serue them more commodiously . The Embassadour and his people hauing dined in this manner , hee retires to a certaine place neere vnto the Gate of the Sultans Quarter , where they attend vntill the Officers of the Di●an haue had Audience of their Master ; after which they all retire , except such Bashaes as remaine about his person : Then the Master of the Ceremonies goes for the Embassadour , and brings him to the Emperours lodging ; The Capiaga assisted by many Eunuches receiues them at the Gate , and conducts them into the Imperiall Chamber , whose walls are within couered with great plates of Gold and Siluer , enricht with stones and Pearle : At the entry thereofewer 〈◊〉 or Porters take him vnder the Armes , not to kisse the Emperours hand , but his Robe . This vnworthy custome to lead the Embassadors of forreine Princes by the Armes , growes from the treacherie of the Turkes themselues . Baiazei the Second , sonne to him that tooke Constantinople going one day to a Monasterie , hee found in his way a Religious man of his Law of the order of the Deruis : This Monke of the Alcoran seeing the Emperour , ran towards him to execute his detestable designe : comming neere vnto him he demands an Almes : and in saying his A●labithi , that is to say in the Name of God , hee drew a Semiter from vnder his ●obe of Felt , with the which Baiazet had beene murthered , if his Horse in bounding had not receiued the greatest violence of the blow ; yet hee was hurt , and this wretched Parricide had alreadie lifted vp his arme to double the blow , if Bassa Scheuder had not suddenly beaten him downe with his Bus●gutu , or Poll● . After which it was ordained , that whosoeuer should come to salute the Grand Seigneur , should be led vnder the Armes by Capigis ; And this custome hath hee carefully obserued . Wee doe not read that there was euer any stranger but suffered this Rigour , except an Embassadour of France , named Monsieur Nouailles Bishop of Aix , who was sent to Selim the Second , by King Charles the Ninth , to mediate some accommodation for the Venetians affaires : comming into the Chamber , when as the Capigis had laid hold of his Arme he scattered them with his Elbowes , and spake aloud , that the libertie of a Frenchman , and the dignitie of a Bishop could not endure to be led like a slaue : And so leauing the Sultan and those that were in the Chamber amazed , he went freely to his Reuerence , and would not cast himselfe at his feet , as others doe , but inclined a little to kisse his Robe . When the Embassadour had kist the Sultans Robe , who sits vpon Cushions of Cloth of Gold curled , he retires backward with his face alwayes towards the Prince , and plants himselfe against the wall of the Chamber , to giue way to the Gentlemen of his Traine , who goe likewise to kisse his Robe : And then he presents the Letter which the King sends written in the Turkish Tongue . The Grand Seigneur answeres nothing for the present ; his Grand Vizir doth only speake some wordes to dismisse the Embassadour , who goes out of the Chamber hauing made a Reuerence in bending downe his head , but doth not vncouer it . But you must obserue that no man comes to kisse his Robe , vnlesse hee be attired in Robes after the Turkish manner , giuen him by the Sultan , the which is the Present of a Soueraigne to a subiect or slaue : For this cause the Grand Vizir forgets not to send vnto the Embassadour such Robes as are set downe by the Ordinance of the Custome of the Empire , that is to say , two that are rich for the Embassadours person , and one for either of his followers . Moreouer euery Embassadour must haue a Present for the Grand Seigneur , the which he sees first before him thorow a Lattice window , whither he is carried by Capigis : There he busies himselfe to looke on it , whilest the Embassadour and his Gentlemen doe their Reuerence ; so as they can see but halfe his face . To this purpose a generous action performed by the said Monsieur Nouailles Embassadour to Charles the Ninth is worthy to bee related . Mahomet Grand Vizir to Selim the Second prest him much not to forget a stately Present for his Sultan , and sent him word that if he had none readie hee would furnish him . This Embassadour went , of purpose , to kisse his Robe without any Present . The Basha reproacht him , and imputed it to contempt that hee had not giuen any . The Seigneur of Nouailles made answere that the King his Master , who was the first and greatest Monarch of Christendome , hearing that Selim demanded it as a Tribute , had forbidden him to present any . Thus in giuing none , he serued his Master profitably and honourably ; leauing among the Turkes a great admiration of his generous dxteritie , and carried backe into France the glorie which those Embassadours deserue , whom vertue and not fauour haue aduanced to such Charges . Other Embassadours of inferiour Qualitie to a Royaltie , receiue Robes in like manner to goe and salute him : But they enter not into the Serrail with so much Pompe , neither are they feasted , nor haue so much familiaritie with the Grand Vizir , yea , there are some which sit not in his presence . Thus the Turks can measure the honour which they doe vnto men , according to the Qualitie of the Princes which send them , whose persons the Embassadours represent . They haue long hands and portatiue eyes , to see into the Realmes that are most remote to their Estates : The forme which the Turkish Monarches vse to sweare a League or Alliance with any Forreigne Prince , is no lesse specious than fraudulent ; for most commonly they hold nothing that they promise , and their Oaths are as false as those of Louers ; thus they Court all the Estates of Europe . When as Marin Cabalus a Man doubly famous aswell for the lustre of his Birth as for knowledge , was at Constantinople Embassadour for the Venetian to renew the League with the Turke , Selim sware it in this manner : I sweare and promise by the great God which hath created Heauen and Earth , by the soules of seuentie Prophets , by mine owne , and by that of my Ancestors , to obserue with the Seigneurie of Venice , all the points and rights of the League and Friendship which hath beene entertained to this day , and to hold them for sacred and inuiolable , as they are declared by my Signature But he brake it suddainly ; for Iean Mique a Spanish Iew , chased out of Spaine by King Ferdinand , as a dangerous Spie , to Europe , who had runne thorow all the Prouinces , hauing related vnto him that the Arsenall of Venice had beene burnt , and that there was want of victuals in that State and Seigneurie , he perswaded him to the warre of Cyprus , which he said did belong vnto him as Sultan of Egypt , and King of Palestina , whereon Cyprus aswell as Rhodes depended , as Homagers . Selim vndertooke it without any other subiect , and made himselfe Master thereof in short time , taking this Realme from the Venetians , who had kept it long : So to be a Turke and to keep his faith , are incompatible things . CHAP. IX . Of some Manuall Workes of the Turkish Emperours , and of the Religious custome which they obserue , to liue of the labour of their hands . THe Authour of the Alcoran , hath deckt the deformities of his Law , and couered the falshoods thereof with some lustre of truth , to make them passe the better amongst his followers : Among the many Rules which hee prescribes them , he enioynes them to labour and doth assure them that hee is not worthy to liue , that doth not labour with his hands ▪ The people doe not only obserue it , but the respect of this precept is crept into the Imperiall Throne of the Turkes ; The Sultans embrace it , and of twentie Emperours which haue swayed the Othoman Scepter , yee shall hardly find one which hath not laboured for his liuing . Mahomet the Second manured his Gardens , and of the reuenew of the Fruites which were sold , he caused meate to be bought for his mouth . But as the actions of such men , how religious soeuer they be , haue not true Charitie for their Guide , they doe easily incline to vice . This Prince added to his Manuall labour so horrible a crueltie , as it was to be wished his hands had beene idle . We haue written in the Historie of his Empire , that visiting one day , ( being followed by his Pages ) the Squares of hi. Gardens which he did manure himselfe ; one of the young Boyes seeing hastie Cowcumbers , gathered one and eate it : Mahomet returning that way found it wanting , his choler enflamed him to crueltie , hee saw by the stalke that it was newly gathered , and hee knew that hee had no company but his Pages , and therefore some one of them had done the deed , the which he would know at what price soeuer : Hee calleth the Bastangies or Gardiners , puts sharpe Kniues into their hands , and commands them to open the stomacks of his Pages : They take them one by one and open fourteene , finding the Cowcumber not yet disgested in the stomacke of the fourteenth : Such was the rigour of this Prince , who for a light offence , caused fourteene of the goodliest young Boyes ( the flowre and choice of all the youth of his Serrail ) to be murthered . Solyman the Second , hee which tooke Rhodes , spent his idle houres in making of Shooes , the which he sent to the Bazar or Market to sell , and with the money he caused victuals to be bought for his Table . Selim the Second who lost the battaile of Lepantho , made little Crescents or halfe Moones , which the Turkish Pilgrimes carrie vpon their staues , when they goethe Voyage to Meque . Amurath his Sonne made Arrowes , and others made little Kniues , all which is sold at a deare rate , in regard of the grossenesse of the worke : Hee thinkes himselfe happie that can recouer any for monie . They ground this Custome of labouring for their liuing , not only vpon the rules of their Alcoran , but also vpon that passage of Genesis : Their Schoolmasters make them learne it by heart : In the sweat of thy browes thou shalt eat thy bread , vntill thou returne to earth , whereon thou wert made . It is only in the time of peace ; for in the time of warre the Prince must liue vpon the charges of the people , for whose defence and increase hee takes Armes . But in another season if the Sultan should employ the Money which he leuies of his people in his delights , the Law and the custome of the Empire would hold it a crime . They call their Taxe and Subsidie , Aaram Agemini Cani , that is to say , The prohibited bloud of the people : And for that the labour of their hands cannot furnish the expences of their diet to keepe a Table worthy of their Qualitie , they adde vnto it the reuenewes of their Gardens , which in truth is great , and almost incredible . I haue learned from some Turkes , that they yeeld two hundred thousand Crownes a yeare rent : some others say a hundred thousand pounds sterling . Besides those which he hath in the Serrail , hee hath along the Sea side , and towards the Arsenall , great Gardens which are very fruitfull . Foure Leagues from Constantinople , and further at Andrinopolis , and vpon the side of Asia , at Scutary ( where the Citie of Chalcedonia did sometimes stand ) there are the goodliest Gardens in the East . The fruits which are gathered are sold at Constantinople , and elsewhere in so great abundance , as they furnish all the Countrie . The Bostangihassi or great Gardiner , who is an Officer of the Crown : hath a care of this Reuenew , causeth it to bee brought to the Serrail , and the Sultans hold it for their true Patrimonie and Demesnes , wherewith they may feed themselues without any oppression . To these Manuall workes of the Turkish Emperours , wee must adde their Religious custome to plough the Land , when as they come from their Gouernment to Constantinople to take possession of the Empire , they are bound to hold the Plough and to make some furrowes . Amurath the Third Grandfather to Achmat obserued it , after the decease of Se●● his Father , when as comming from Magnesia ( where he was Gouernour ) to goe and take possession of his Scepter , he met with an Husband man in the fields , where lighting from his horse he laid hold on the Plough , and made three or foure furrowes : After which he drew a handfull of Gold out of his pocket , and gaue it in charitie to this Labourer : and withall he put off his Robe , which was of rich Cloth of Gold , furred with Sables , and gaue it him . The Law which makes him to obserue this Ceremony is mentioned in the Glosses of the Alcoran , in these termes : That the Emperour comming to the Empire and going to the Imperiall Citie to take possession , hee must manure the Land to banish sterrilitie from his Countrie , and to make it fruitfull . It is nothing the more for all this : For the Prince employing so great a number of his Subiects in his warres , much good Land lies waste , for want of men to till it . Thus doe the Turkish Sultans employ themselues , and yet they doe not flie idlenesse , to the which they many times abandon themselues : Wee shall see something in the following Chapter . CHAP. X. Of the Grand Seigneurs Loues . AMong all the passions which rule the affections of Princes , Loue ( as the most powerfull ) triumphes more ouer great men , then all the rest together , for they obtaine no victories , but to encrease its glory : Couetousnesse heaps vp to furnish the charges , Ambition aspires to make it great . So we see the most powerfull Princes after they had subdued all other passions , were vanquished by Loue. Alexander laid the honour of so many victories in Persia at the feet of his Captiue Roxana . Coesar being in Alexandria , submitted all his triumphs to the beautie of Cleopatra , who afterward was friend to Anthonie . And the Turkish Monarches make subiect vnto the allurements of their Sultana's , the glory and lustre of that Soueraigne power , whereby they are Masters of the best parts of the World. But behold how these singular beauties enter into their Serrail , and the bonds where with Loue doth captiuate their wils . After that the Rights of birth haue brought a Turkish Prince to the Imperiall Throne of his Ancestors , the women which his Predecessor did honour in the Serrail , are put forth , and conducted to a place called in their Language Eschy Saray , that is to say the old Serrail , as a man would say the old place : for Saray in the Persian Tongue , signifies a place or Hostell : There they are shut vp , vntill they be married to some great Men of the Port. In the meane time others must supply their roome , to bee new subiects of Loue to the new Emperour . Then the Bashaes which are at the Port , and others which represent the Soueraigntie of their Master in remote Prouinces , imploy all their care to find out Virgins in the Leuant or else-where , the rarest in beautie , and of the sweetest perfections of their sex ; whether that the greatnesse ●f their treasurs force the necessitie of miserable Mothers to deliuer them for money , or that the chance of warre hath made them Captiues at the taking of some Towne , and so fall into their hands : They cause them to bee instructed after the Turkish manner in all gentile Qualities fit for their sex ( if they be not alreadie : ) they learne to sing , to play of the Lute , and the Gittern , and to dance , & hauing had a speciall care for the keeping of their Virginity , they bring them to the Sultan , and present them vnto him : The Princes Mother , & his Sisters which are married labour in the same designe , and make him the like presents : for the law of Poligamy or pluralitie of women , allowed by the Alcoran and receiued in Turkey , giues them leaue to keepe as many as they will , so as they bee able to feed them . The Sultan doth recompence their care that bring them such gifts , with some rich present to buy ( saith he ) these Virgins which they bring , that they may bee his slaues : But hee will be soone fettered in their beautie . The Serrail of women being thus furnished , hee passeth thither when he pleaseth , and is not seene by any man , by a doore right against his Chamber , whereof he hath one Key , and the Chissar Aga or great Eunuch of the Sultana's another : He doth aduertise the Cheyachadun , which is an ancient woman their Gouernesse , to ranke them in a Gallerie , in the which he passeth and repasseth often , beholding their allurements or else he causeth them to dance in a round , in a goodly Hall , where he doth assist and place himselfe in the midst , like vnto a Butterflie in the midst of many glistering fires , where heloseth himselfe : For feeling his heart suddenly enflamed by the eyes of some one of them , which pleaseth him best he casts her his handkercher , for a signe that he is vanquished : she receiues it with great demonstrations of humilitie , kisses it and layes it on her head ; presently the Cheyachadun or Mother of the Maids , takes this faire slaue , which comes to triumph ouer her Masters libertie , she leads her into a Chamber appointed for the sports of loue , decks her with the goodliest Ornaments she can deuise , perfumes her , and addes to her naturall beautie the cunning of her Art : This is while the Sun shines ; for imitating his course as well as his lustre , this faire Creature lies downe as soone as this Planet sets : The Chadun conducts her into the same Chamber where the Sultan is lodged , layes her in the same Bed , where shee enters by the feet for the greater reuerence , and during the night season many old Moorish women watch and stand sentinell , one at the Beds feet , another in the midst of the Chamber , and a third at the doore : They are reliued euery third houre by others of the same hue , vntill it bee day : There is one stands at the Beds head , with two Torches burning , and doth carefully obserue on what side the Prince doth turne least the light should offend his eyes . I haue learned from a Iew , a learned Physician which had serued the Grand Seigneur , that the Chadun watcheth at the Beds feet , and doth sometimes speake some words to encourage they young Maide , giuing her to vnderstand that night would be the cause of her good fortune , and that she would attaine to the dignitie of a Princesse . It is the custome in Turkey that on the Marriage night , an olde woman doth assist in the Chamber of the married couple , and imployes the experience of her time past , to encourage the and her Pension is 〈◊〉 sixteene Charges of Money . The rest of the Serrail which are yet Virgins , or haue had the Princes company but once , imploy all their allurements to please him , and finding their cunning deuices too feeble , they adde the help of Charmes and Sorcerie , which they purchase at any 〈◊〉 whatsoeuer . But if any one of these women be deliuered first of a Sonne , which is to succeed in the Empire , shee is called Queene , the Grand Seigneur honours her with a Crowne of pretious stones ; hee causeth a cloth of Estate to be carried into her Chamber of Presence , inlargeth her Lodging , and giues her a Family sin for a Queene , on Empresse of Turkey : Shee hath a sufficient Reuenew to supply her necessities and her bounties . If shee be deliuered of a Daughter , they send her a Nurse , three thousand Sequins and Slaues to serue her , the honour is the lesse ; but the joy which shee concerneth ( if there be Male Children formerly borne ) is incomparable , for shee is assured that the young Princesse shall be bred vp with her , and that shee shall be one day married to a Grand Vizir , or to some other Basha of the most powerfull in the Empire , who will 〈◊〉 , and fill her old age 〈…〉 if shee had beene deliuered of a younger Sonne , he should be taken from her at the age of twelue yeares or thereabouts , and put into the hands of Schoolemasters to instruct him , where shee might not se● 〈…〉 foure times in the year● , and in the end hee should bee 〈…〉 ●o the saf● of 〈◊〉 elder Brothers Raigne , and soone strangled by M● . This is that which makes them desireth haue Daughters , w● is alreadie a Sonne 〈◊〉 . All these woman although they 〈…〉 the true Successours of the 〈◊〉 , yet they are but the Emperour● Concubities ; he 〈◊〉 marries any , vnlesse be wonderfully surprised with 〈…〉 , which hath first brought him a 〈◊〉 , then be followes the blind motions of his passion . And doubelesse when as loue makes him to feele in this sort the r●our of his 〈…〉 Tyr●●t should 〈…〉 for if the one doth captiues that 〈◊〉 , the other torments one to the succession of the Empire , brings him to ruine , and makes him to end his dayes miserably by the Sword. Solyman hath beene the only Prince since 〈◊〉 the First vnto this day , whereof there hath beene fifteene Emperours , & twenty in all , by a direct succession from Father to Sonne , which hath married a Wife , Amurath the Third his Grandchild being charmed with the beauty of Asachi , being enformed of the practices of Rouilana in the Serrail by the power of her infranchisement , and the authoritie of the Princes Wife , refused the Letters of Sabyn although he had had fourteene children by her , and loued her aboue all his Women . Yet they say that Osman which died last , had married the Daughter of the Muftie of Constantinople . But the History of the extraordinary Marriage of the Turkish Prince , hath made vs abandon the relation of his loues with his Concubines : But let vs returne and follow him into his Garden , where hee is in the midst of his 〈◊〉 loue imbracements . It is dangerous to see him : but no fear of danger should deterre vs from seruing of the publique . He goes 〈◊〉 out of his 〈…〉 goe and daily with his women in 〈…〉 Eunuches which 〈◊〉 the Women , are the only 〈◊〉 which accompany him , all the 〈…〉 they ca● . The 〈…〉 to worth the Sea , 〈…〉 Master . For if there should 〈…〉 Serrail , that should 〈…〉 when they walke with the 〈…〉 Thus the 〈…〉 . Thus the 〈…〉 that they 〈…〉 is 〈…〉 which he obserues against those which would see him , forbids to reueale the secret : Only wee know that in the effeminate delights wherewith the women charme him , hee is pleased with the ridiculous encounters of his Iesters and Dwarffes , and shewes that Loue is an entertainment of Men that are Birds . A curious person which hath had authority in the Leuant , enformed me that in these places there many times happens light riots of Loue betwixt the Sultan and his Women : Hee vnderstood it from a blacke Eunuch of the womens Serrail : and he told him that if the jealousie of these faire creatures did raise them , they were supprest by the discretion of the Chadun , which is their old Gouernesse , and by her humilitie which is interessed in the Quarrell . Thus the giddie Quarrels of Louers , are the winds which kindle and enflame their foolish passion . And the Pigeons bils , which were the armes of their choller , are the sweet instruments of their loue . That which we haue formerly written of the entertainment of the Turkish Prince with his women , is not the most blameable of his affections . The greatnesse of his power , which makes all mens wils obey him , and the contagious example of his Courtiers , carries him to the detestable excesse of an vnnaturall passion . Hee burnes many times for the loue of men , and the youngest Boyes which are in the Leuant , the flowre of beautie and the allurement of graces , are destinated to the filthinesse of his abominable pleasures . The Bashaes bring them from remote Prouinces , and present them vnto him . This disorder is so inueterate in the Serrail , as of twenty Emperours which haue carried the Turkish Scepter , you shall hardly find two that were free from this vice . Achmat the last which died , abandoned it a little before his death , by the wise aduice of the M●f● , and his Sonne Amurath the Fourth who raignes at this present 1626. is yet so young , as bee may be easily diuerted from this excesse , and framed to vertue , eschewing the Rockes , where his Predecessours haue suffered shipwracke . What doth it auaile such great and redoubted Monarchs to be the glorious vanquishers of so many Nations if they themselues be captiues to vices ? The Prince is the Physicion of the State ; but how can hee cure it if hee himselfe bee sicke ? Hee is the heart ; but what meanes is there to giue it life , if it hath weaknesse and faintings : Hee is the eye , and how can he see and lead others , if it be troubled and darkened with passions ? Euery Prince that loues his Throne , his Scepter , and his Estate , must flie vice and cherish wisdome : For a wise Prince is the assurance of those , and the support of his people . CHAP. XI . Of the Grand Seigneurs Women , of their Lodging , their Liues , their Gouernment , and their Fortune . THe precedent Chapter hath related the fire of the Grand Seigneurs Loues , this will shew you in particular the manners and life of all those which cause it . Faire women are to vnstaid spirits , flames which burne a farre off . Those of the Serrail which make the greatest shew by the lustee of their graces are most commonly strangers taken in the warre , or rauished by force : But bred vp with an incredible care , to make them learne Ciuilitie , to play of some Instruments of Musique , to Sing , and to worke with their Needles , most decent for Maids of Qualitie : These good parts added to their naturall perfection , make them the more commendable : They are for the most part Christians ; but their disaster causing the beauty of their bodies to serue the dishonest pleasures of Turkes , prostitute their soules to the false worship of their Law. They are no sooner come into the Serrail , whither some Basha sends them as a Present to the Sultan , and sometimes the great Cham of Tartaria , but they cause them to make profession of the Turkish Faith , by lifting vp the second finger of the hand , in signe that they beleeue but one God only in one only Person , and they speake this word Mehemet : There are old women which haue the charge to instruct them in the rest of the Turkish beliefe : And thus the Princes Serrail is furnished with women . They are of two sorts , the one haue had his company and are women , and the others are yet Virgins . The women lodge a part and more a● large , they are better serued , and haue greater libertie in the royall Pallace . The Virgins eate by troupes in the common resectory , they retire by day into Chambers , vnder the guard and gouernment of old women , who gouerne them by tens , to labour in some workes ; and in the night they lie like religious women ( but not very chast ) in long Dorters , where their Beds are made of soft Mattresses and Couerings ( for the Women in Turkey as wel as the Men lie clothed ) and are ranckt of either side ; there is a passage in the midst and many Lamps burning in the night time : And euery ten Maids haue one of the Gouernesses lie by them . They which know not the Turkish Tongue , goe to learne it in Schooles appointed to that end in the same Serrail . These see not the Prince but when they first arriue , and conuerse not with him , but when he will make vse of them . They are furnished with all things necessary for their Entertainment with that abundance which is found continually in the Sultans Serrail . The Eunuches which bring them their meate obserue the same order which wee haue described in the Sultans seruice . But the Queene ( who is Mother to the Prince , Successour to the Empire , is serued in her Quarter ( where she is stately lodged ) by her owne Officers : Her vessell is not of Gold like the Emperours , but of excellent porcelane artificially wrought : In her Lodging are the most sumptous Feasts of the Womens Serrail , where as many Sultana's meet , to shew themselues 〈◊〉 the Emperour , who is of the Party , to giu● the disordered appetites of all his senses in their company . There he● makes a dangerous triall , that Beauty wounds deeper then a Dare , and the respect which all these women yeeld him , carrying themselues towards him with a singular Modesty , and a sweet pleasing , exempts him from making that troublesome experience : that a bad Wife is the shipwracke of her Husband , the tempest of the House , a trouble-rest , a slauery of Life , a Quotidian Euill , a voluntary Combat , a Chargeable warre , a Sauage Beast which we nourish , a Lionesse wee imbrace , a Rocke adorned , a malicious Beast , and finally necessary Euill . The Ladies , the Subiects of the Sultans delights , liue deliciously neare vnto him : Their Serrail containes so great a space , as there are within it foure and twenty great Courts , most of them paued with polished Marble , beautified with their Fountaines , inuironed with stones and baths , very commodiously , where these Nymphes wash themselues , and plunge their fires , but doe not quench them . A stately Mosquee serues in the same place for the exercise of their deuotion . The number of the Chambers and goodly Halls are fourescore , adorned with precious moueables , the Planchers are gilt , the walls are painted in flowres of rare Art : The floore is couered with rich Persian Carpets of Gold and Silke , with a great number of Cushions of Tinsell , the Bedsteeds are of Iuory , or of Aloes wood , and of great pieces of Corall , whereof one of them cost in the time of Amurath the Second nintie thousand Sultanins , or three hundred and sixtie thousand Liuers ; They are garnished with rich stuffes of Cloth of Gold. The Gardens in great number are the places where as Nature assisted by Art , sets forth the beauties of the Spring : The Bird-cages and Fountaines adorne them , and the Alleys by their shadows defends the beauties of the Sultana's from the heat of the Sunne . Seeing that in this stately Pallace the most powerfull Monarches of the Earth serue the beauties of these Sultana's , it is fitting that others should serue their persons : So they haue many women that doe that office : Some are Moores , others are white . But the Men that serue them are blacke Eunuches , from whom they haue taken all : They were only mutilated of the inferiour parts which serue for generation . But Solyman the Second , who ended his Raigne , when as Charles the Ninth gouerned France , seeing a Gelding leape vpon a Mare , he iudged thereby that the Eunuches which kept his women might busie their lasciuious passions , and then he caused all to be cut off ; the which hath continued euer since . These Eunuches are all blacke , to distinguish them from those of the Sultans Serrail : and their perfection consists in their deformitie , for the most hideous are the fairest : For being neare vnto those beauties so perfectly accomplished , they serue for a lustre . They bring them from the Grand Cairo , the chiefe Citie of Egypt , instructed to serue in this Court , by the care of the Basha who is Viceroy there : If they be not , there are Men in the Serrail appointed to teach them what they should know : From this Schoole they passe vnto the Ladies , they giue them names fitter for their handsomenesse than for their Moorish deformity . For to some Boyes which haue flat Noses , wide Mouthes , thicke Lips , Eyes almost out of their heads , great Eares , their Haire curled like Wooll , and their Face fearefully blacke , so as there is no white to be seene but their Eyes , and Teeth : They call them Hycinthe , Narcissus , Rose and Gilliflowre . Doubtlesse such flowres are soone withered and vnable to fructifie . They assigne them a hundred Aspres by the day ( an Aspre is about a penny of our sterling Money ) two Robes of Silke , a piece of linnen cloth , and some other thing for their meaner necessities : They are vnder the obedience of an old wretched Eunuch , blacke like themselues , who is their Commander , called Chissar Agassi , that is to say , the chiefe of the Virgins : Hee is , as it were , the Chiefe and Superintendent of this Pallace of Women , speakes when hee pleaseth to the Emperours , and hath most commonly a share in the fauours of the Court : For the Prince being inclined to Women , he is the Mercurie of his affections : the other inferiour blacke Eunuches passe many times to the Grand Seignours Serrail , to carrie the secrets of the Sultana's in some note to the Capiaga , who presents it to the Emperour : Their Office honours them with this priuiledge , aboue the white Eunuches which serue the Prince , who neuer enter into the Womans lodging , neither doe they see them . The blacke goe not out of the Serrail , without the leaue of the Sultana Queene , Mother to the eldest of the Sultans Children In other places they would make some difficultie to giue vnto Queenes , yea , to women of an inferior condition , Moores to serue them , for feare that comming to conceiue , their imagination should make an impression in their Children , of the complexion and forme of such Groomes : But the Turkes doe not insist vpon that . And I haue neuer heard that any Sultana hath beene deliuered of a Moore , although I know this may be done : Histories furnish vs with examples of such accidents , women haue borne children like vnto the pictures which were in their chambers . There are fiue hundred of these blacke Men , from the age of twelue yeares to fiue and twenty , and at the most thirty , The women are vsually three hundred or thereabouts , aswell of the Sultana's as of those that serue them : To tell the number of the Sultana's directly , it is difficult : For they daily present Maidens vnto the Grand Seigneur , who seeing his Pallace sufficiently furnished , sends them to the old Serrail . The women slaues which serue them haue fiue or six Aspres by day , two Robes of Searge , and one of Silke yearely , a piece of fine Cloth of twenty Ells or more , and many gifts from the Sultana's their Mistresses , who reward their fidelitie and diligence with many Presents of Money and other things : For they abound in all sorts of Presents , as Bedkins se● with precious Stones , Earings , Iewels , Plumes of Feathers , Cloth of Gold , rich Furtes , and other Moueables which the King sends the more willingly for that they cost him nothing . The Bashaes at the returne from their gouernments present him . The Embassadours of the Prince of Tartary , & other Soueraignes in Asia , bring vnto him and fill his Wardrobe with rich diuersitie of Presents . But aboue all things these Ladies loue to make prouision of Money ; for their beautie doth not hinder them to participants with the defects of their Sex , which is subect to Auarice . This is the cause why they draw into their Serrail , some cunning female Iew , with the Emperours permission , whom they giue to vnderstand that it is to teach them new workes with the Needle , or to make triall of some excellent Receipts in Physicke for the cure of their infirmities , or the preseruation of their healths : Thus the Iew being entred into the Serrail , she gaines affection of the Eunuch which commands at the Gate , in giuing him Money and other rich Commodities , and in a short time she goes the loue of the Sultana's ; yea , she hath a transcendent power ouer their wils , bringing vnto them from abroad whatsoeuer they desire to buy , and receiuing from them what they are willing to sell . This trade is kept secret ; for the Sultan would not take it well that they should sell that which he giues them . But these women desirous to make prouision of Money , which hath alwayes been the most precious of their Moueables , to the end that if their Soueraigne dye● , being conducted to the old Serrail , they may get forth in being married to some great men of the Port : The which is easie to effect in gaining the friendship of the Chadun their Gouernesse by great gifts : They giue vnto this Iew rich Diamonds , great round Pearles , great Turquoises , and most precious Iewels for a base price : For they which haue no conuersation out of the Serrail , know not the worth of things , and part with them as it pleaseth the Iew : shee sels them to strangers , and buyes such things as shee brings vnto the Ladies at a deare rate : So as the great wealth which they enioy in a short time , doth shew that they frequent the Serrail of women : But goods euill gotten are many times wasted in the same manner . The Iew is sometimes stript , and for a punishment of her frauds , leaues her life comming out of the Serrail . The Bashaes aduertised of this deceitfull trade , caused it to cease , and the Tefterdars or Treasurers , when their Cofers are emptie , seeke to fill them with the gaine of these Brokers . If the Emperour be a child , and that his Mother hath any part in the administration of affaires , the traffique of these Iewish women mounts higher , and from precious Stones they passe to the Offices of State : They which affect them rather by the power of their purse , then by the merit of their vertue addresse themselues vnto them , and their affections being bought they doe easily purchase the fauour of the Sultana Mother : we haue obserued a famous example in the seuenteenth Booke of our Turkish History which will not be vnfitting to make a briefe description , for the commodity of such as haue not that first Volume . Cheira Chaduna Iewish woman being crept into the Serrail of women , by the meanes which we haue mentioned , enioyed the friendship of the Sultana Queene by the cunning of her indusirious trade , and the sweetnesse of her pleasing humour : Soone after Mahomet the Third left his life in his Serrail , and his Scepter to Achmat his eldest Sonne , being about fourteen or firteene yeares old : The Sultana Vulida or the Sultan Mother , if called by her Sonne to assist in the Gouernment of the State. Cheira was in fauor with this Princess , who in short time purchased him that of the Emperour : For this Prince falling sick of the small Poxs , the Iew did visit him with his Mother , attended him in his Bed , is she was cunning and indued with a good wit , she did ease the importunities of his Feuer by telling of pleasant tales , and sometimes repaired his forces with a little wine , which shoe brought out of the Citie , and made him to drinke contrary to the prohibition of his Law : The Sultan recouered his health ; he remembers the Iewes good seruices , and giues her no lesse share in his affection , than she had in his Mothers : Thus she growes doubly powerfull , and she deales no more in selling the goodly trash of the womens Serrail : The most eminent dignities of the Empire are her Traffique . The great Vizar buyes the Scales at her hands , and the Dignitie of Lieutenant Generall of the Turkish Empire . The Mufti mounts to that supreame Ecclesiasticall Dignitie by her meanes ; and the other great Men of Port follow in the current of their Portunes the winde of her desires : Money and the Iew do call things in Constantinople : And he which before durst not thinke of Offers in 〈◊〉 to admire them , doth now enioy them by these two meanes : Auarice calls all disorders into the State , and leaues valour , and the rare vertues of Men of merit to contempt , if they were not furnished with Money : And the Prince did not only suffer them , but commanded it . for that the Iew said it must bee so . This must not continue long , and the Qualities of Cheira being of the Nature of those of the Court are found passable and perishable . The Ianizaries who are the force of Constantinople , and many times the violent reformers of the Turkish State , deale in it , and to this insupportable mischief they bring the rigour of their remidie : They goe to the Serrail in armes , demand the Iew , and they refuse her , they threaten to breake the Gates , and to dragge her , with many others , into the midst of the place , to reuenge vpon them the disorders of the State : They were ready to execute their words by effect , when as of many Mischiefes they made choice of the least , and thrust the Iew out of the Serrail , to the mercy of their rage : There were none grieued in the Serrail , Nouelties are pleasing , when they happen they loue them , and Enuie swimmes in ioy and pleasure when as they see any Fauourite fall . And what could they doe in this case ? What meines were there to calme the spirits of Men that are armed , and the force of the Empire , who at that time did not acknowledge any other Master but their passion ? Moreouer , the people followed their motion , and demanded Iustice of this Horseleeth who suckt all , swallowed all , and ledt other to suffer : Thus they abandoned her to force and to the rigour of the Sword. An example which tels vs that the fauour of the Court which doth not aduance any to dignity but such as are incapable , which contemnes vertuous Men , and builds the continuance of his fortune in the heaping vp of perishing wealth , runs headlong to his owne ruine , and makes himselfe fat to bee an oblation which they will offer vp vpon the first sedition . The Ianizaries take Chiera , they strip her , whip her , and put a burning Candle into her priuie 〈◊〉 , and so drag , her laid all along thorew the Citie of Constantinople , to serue for a spectable vnto the people : In the end they teare her in pieces , and naile the principall parts of her body , to the Gates of the greatest Officers of the Empire : That of the Mustice High Priest of their Law , had the head with this writing . Behold the hand which hath sold thee thy Office , & the fauours of the Port : The Head was set vpon the Grand Vizirs Gate , & these words vnderneath it . This is the head which hath giuen thee counsell to the preiudice of the State. They did hand her Tongue at the House of the Cadi or chiefe Iudge of Constantinople , with this reproch in writing : Receiue the tongue which hath taught thee iniustice . Thus in the year 1604. ended the Iew which practised in the Serrail of women : & the rest haue as bad an end : if not so exemplary , which is for that they attain not to the like fauour . This is the successe of the Iewes couetousnesse which frequent the Sultanes Serrail : But none of them enter , before the Eunuch of the Gate vnuailes her , and sees what shee is ; lest that some man vnder the habit and trade of such Brokers , should enter into this Pallace , to make traffique of his amorous passion . The order which they obserue in guarding these faire creatures is exact : They doe not only search the women which enter , and the Eunuches at their returne from the Citie : But moreouer they haue a care of beasts : They will not allow the Sultanaes to keepe any Apes , nor Dogges of any stature . Fruits are sent vnto them with Circumspection : If their Appetites demand any Pompeons which are somewhat long , or Cowcumbers , and such other fruits they cut them at the Gate in slices , not suffering to passe among them any slight occasion of doing euill . so bad an opinion they haue of their continencie . It is ( without doubt ) a signe of the Turks violent jealousie : for who can in the like case hinder a vicious woman from doing euill ? She is too industrious in her Designes ; and hee which had his body couered with eyes alwayes watching was deceiued . In the meanetime if any woman in the Serrail be discouered in the effects of her lasciuiousnesse , the Law long since established for them by the Sultan , condemnes her to die , the wh● executed without remission : she is put into a Sack , and in the night cast into the Sea , where she doth quench her flames with her life . This seuere punishment doth follow the enormitie of their Crimes : for lesse faults they suffer lighter correction : Their Superiours beat them , and if they continue obstinate , the Sultan causeth them to be put out of his Pallace , and sends them to the old Serrail . At their departure the Cheira Chadun strips them of their goodliest commodities , and addes to their misfortune the losse of their most pretious things , and most necessary for the comfort of their liues in that sad and troublesome abode . The others which enioy a better fortune in the Royall Pallace , doe sometimes try that beauty is a fraile good ; The violence of an infirmitie , and the burning of a Feauer makes the Roses which adorne their Cheekes to vade , and the Lillies of their countenances to wither . When there is question to seeke for remedie for their diseases , they labour after an extraordinary manner . If the sicke person be none of the Sultana's , whom the Emperour doth most affect , the old women which gouerne them , goe downe vnto the Apothecaries shop without the inner Gate of the Serrail , and shewing the Physician her Vrine , she relates the estate of the sicke person . He prescribes without seeing her , vpon the report that is made , so as many die for want of helpe . But if the Queene who hath giuen a Successor to the Empire , or some other whom the Sultan loues with passion , falls sicke , they aduertise the Lachin Bassi , which is the chiefe Physician , who hauing obtained leaue from the Prince to goe and visit her , hee enters into the womens Serrail , where the Eunuches receiue him , for all the women retire at his comming . They lead him into the Chamber of the sicke party , who hath her face couered with her couerings , for they vse no Linnen , to the end the Physician should not see her ; shee hath her arme only out of the Bed , couered with fine Cypresse , vpon the which hee feeles her pulse , and knowes the Qualitie of the Feuer , but it is not lawfull for him to speake , whilest hee is before the sicke person . After this he retires ●ard for that hee may not turne his backe towards her : ●medies which hee doth prescribe are most commonly so●us potions , all other Physique is in a manner neglected in that Court : For the Turkes beleeue that from the day of their birth , the time and continuance of their liues is written vpon their foreheads , by an ineuitable destinie , which no kind of Physicke can change . If it were neccessary for the sicke person to change the aire , this remedie would be very difficult . For the women neuer go out of the Serrail , but in the Sultans company , and they goe to no other places but to the old Serrail , and to his houses of pleasure , and are not seene by any Man : The black Eunuches which guard them , helpe them into their Coaches , which they shut vp close before they goe out of the Serrail : The streets of Constantinople by the which they are to passe , are made cleane and hanged with cloth , to the end that no man should violate by his lookes the absolute content which the Prince hath of these goodly creatures : who seeme to be only borne for him : Hee alone doth see them , hee alone doth conuerse with them , and he only doth enioy them . But seeing the relation of the life of the women of this great Serrail , hath brought vs to the Gates of the old Serrail , let vs enter into it , and finish the History of their Fortune . This Imperiall Pallace was sometimes the stately designe of Sultan Mahomet the Second , whom the Turkes call Conquerour , who after he had taken Constantinople , caused it to be built for his Mansion , in that part of the Citie , which his Architects did hold to be the most beautifull and the most commodious . It is spacious enough to lodge a great Prince , with all the Officers of his House . It s circuit containes aboue halfe a French League or a good English mile , the walles are high and strong , there is but one Gate guarded by a Company of white Eunuches , by the which no man enters but the Emperour : If the necessitie of his house drawes him thither , they cause the women to retire into a priuate place vntill that he be gone . It hath aswell as other Royall houses beautifyings and commodities ; delightfull Gardens , pleasing Fountaines , commodious Bathes , and a Moschee for their deuotions . The three strange Harbingers , but all three allied , haue lodged many faire women in it , that it to say , Death , Inconstancy , and Contempt : Death hath sent a great number thither , when shee hath taken away the Prince , which cherish their beauties ; and amongst those are the Sultana's . Mothers to the Princes Children , his Daughters and his Sisters , and the Monarches Aunts which is newly seated in the Throne of his Predecessour . Inconstancie ; when as the Sultan wearied with the lasciuious imbracements of the women which haue beene the Idoll of his affections suffered himselfe to be perswaded to a new Loue , that they haue abused his fauours , and that they haue made themselues vnworthy to continue in his Pallace . Contempt , when as some of these Virgins which are presented vnto him , haue not in his judgement , allurements sufficient to captiuate him : Or when as yeares ( an Enemy to beauty ) doth blemish them with wrinckles , and doth rauish the honour of their delicate complexions , and the glory of their countenances . These vnfortunate Ladies which haue beene that which they are no more , haue no other consolation , in this kind of exile but the hope to be married to some Basha , or some other great Man of the Port , at the least such as had no children by the Sultan : For the condition of others which are Mothers binds them to a perpetuall widdowhood , yet they may easily attaine vnto it if the Sultan giues way , if the Chadun or Gouernesse be pleased , and if they haue mony : Of this last the other two depends , by it they gaine the Chadun , and she perswades the Prince that they are worthy : Thus Gold may doe any thing in all places , and the dares which loue imployes in such places , haue golden heads . This is the reason why they gather together all the Money they can , partly by the sparing of their Pensions , and partly by the sale of their most rich Commodities brought from the other Serrail in secret , and without the priuitie of the Gouernesse , who strips them at their going forth ( but vnjustly ) of the pearles , pretious stones and other rich gifts , which their graces haue in their season deserued from the Princes bountie : This feuere old woman restores them to the Sultan , but most commonly she keeps a share to herselfe . A strange alteration of humane things , they which formerly had possest the Empire in Mastering its Monarches , suffer the disgrace to be shut out of his Pallace , and to lose their moueables : They which are more politique , which haue foreseene their putting out , and haue secretly conueyed their richest stuffe , they haue the aduantage to be rich : They winne the Lady which commands them , and by Eunuches let the Bashaes , vnderstand the number of their Sultanins & wealth : These without any further bruit demand them in Marriage , and promise the Prince to make them a rich Dowrie . Others which by their fruitfulnesse are depriued of this search , liue in stately Lodgings in this Pallace , with abundance of all sorts of commoditie for life , with the which they enjoy the Qualities of Sultanaes and Queenes : But those which haue had Fortune aduerse vnto them , wh●ch hath depriued them both of the fauour of the Court & of their goods , liue in care with a small allowance in this Serrail , and if they can make any delicate Workes , they haue the gaine by the Traffique of the Iewes which visit them , and therewith they doe in some sort case their discommodities . In this old Serrail there is a quarter where as no body lodgeth , royally furnished , and reserued for the Prince when he goes to visit his Kinswomen , or practizeth the commerce of his Loues . Carrying with him close Coaches full of his faire Sultana's , as we haue said else-where , with whom he spends the best of his dayes , and abandons all noble exercises , more worthy of a Prince , to enjoy their charming company . Thus these women detaine him , possesse him , and diuert him from vertue . In this sense an Ancient had reason to say , That if the World were without Women , Men should conuerse with the Gods. This must be vnderstood of vitious women , and not of those that loue vertue , the which is to be esteemed and embraced in what subiect soeuer it be found . Chap. XII . Of the Grand Seigneurs Sisters , and his other Kinswomen , and of the Marriages of his Daughters . THe Turkish Emperours Sisters lodge and liue in the old Serrail ; their Quarters are distinct from the other women , furnished according to their Qualities : Pleasures and continuall delights , are their ordinary entertainment : In the which they attend vntill the Sultan giues them in Marriage to some of his great Bashaes . When that happens they goe out of that place with their rich Stuffe , their Coffers full of Iewels , and their slaues to serue them , to the number of fiftie or threescore , besides those which their Husbands adde vnto them , who are bound to furnish them with a traine fit for their Qualities , and to make them a rich Dowrie ( according to the custome of the Turkes where the Men endow their Wiues ) at the least with fiue hundred thousand Sultanins , which are two Millions of Liuers , with the great expences hee makes in presents of precious stones . The Prince their Brother continues the same pensions they formerly had , and augments them thirtie six charges of money yeerely , to buy them Pattins ( saith the custome of the Empire ) the Husbands which marrie such wiues , verifie this truth to their losse , that a great inequalitie in Marriage doth many times breed a contempt ; the authoritie of the House fals then vnto the Distaffe ; they command them , they call them their slaues , they doe them good or harme , according to the satisfaction they receiued from them , and when the 〈◊〉 giues way , they repudiate them to take others better to their liking , and many times make them to lose their liues : So for a signe of the insolencie of their power ouer their Husbands , they weare at their sides a Cartar , which is a little Poniard inricht with precious stones . If the Marriage continue equally to the death of the one or the other ; the husband must arme his spirit with an extraordinary patience , to indure the imperfections of a wife , who knowes that all things are lawfull for her , and who is not restrained by the loue of any vertue , within the bounds of a commandable Modestie . The Bashaes auoid as much as they can the vexations of this Royall Alliance , which is bought by their seruitude , entertained with great charges , and many times ends with their bloud : They seldome imbrace it if the Princes commandement doe not force them . Such women haue libertie by the fauour of the Sultan their brother , to go when they please vnto the Serrail of Sultanan's , and to visit him in like manner . The Grand Seigneurs Aunts and his other Kinswomen liue also in the old Serrail , with a traine fit for their conditions : The Princes Mother is in like manner lodged there , she is often visited by her Sonne , hee honours her , and supplies her with all the things she can desire : she hath leaue to goe to the Imperiall Serrail to see him when she pleases ; and if hee fals sicke , she parts not from his Beds side , where as naturall loue makes her imploy all her care for the recouery of his health . The Princesses , Daughters to the Sultan are bred vp neere their Mothers , vntill they bee married to such great Men of his Court as shall please him , so as he be a Renegado , or taken out of the Children of the Tribute which they leuy vpon the Christians , or some other which hath abandoned the Law of Iesus Christ to follow that of Mahomet . These Marriages are made when as these Royall Daughters haue attained the age of eighteene yeares , with a magnificence and pompe worthy of the Orthoman House . The thirtieth of Iune 1612 , was famous for the like Solemnitie , when as the Emperour Achmat gaue his eldest Daughter to Mahomet Bassa Captaine of the Sea : It is here briefly described according vnto the order which was then in Constantinople . The day before the Consummation of this Marriage , the Moueables and Iewels of the Spouse ( which we call the trusse or bundle ) were carried from the Serrail to the Bridegroomes Lodging : Before it , marcht fiue hundred Ianizaries on foot , of the Gallantest Men in all their Regiment . The high Prouost of Constantinople , and the Grand Vizir follow on horsebace , in rich Robes of Cloth of Gold. The Aga or Colonell of the Ianizaries came alone after them vpon a Turkish Horse of great price : Two hundred Men of Qualitie mounted and stately attired , followed with a gentle pace ; the Talismans , Alfaquis , Santons , Emirs , Seriphes , and other men of Mahomets Clergie marcht after with the puft vp grauitie of their condition . About fiue and twentie paces off , came Ameth Bassa Taftardar , or high Treasurer , chosen by the Emperour to be Sag● , or Father to the Bride , in rich Robes mounted vpon a Horse with a royall Caparison , hauing about him twelue Foot men , he conducted these precious Moueables , or this Royall bundle , which had in the head of it Musique on horsebacke of Hobbies and Drummes after the Turkish manner : It was distinguished into seuen and twenty Presents , diuersly carried by seuen and twenty Men. The first was a little Hatte of Massiue Gold couered with rich stones . The second was a paire of Pattins after the Turkish manner also of pure Gold , enricht with Turquoises and Rubies . The third a Booke of Mahomets Law , the couering whereof was of massiue Gold set with Diamonds . The fourth vnto the sixt was three paire of Bracelets of Gold and precious stones . The seuenth and eighth two great Bodkins of Diamonds . The ninth a little Cofer of Chrystall of the Rocke , with the corners of Gold halfe a yard high , and halfe as broad , in the which were seene great Diamonds , and huge Pearles of the value of eight hundred thousand Liuers . The tenth vnto the fifteenth , were six Smocks imbroydered with Gold and stones . The sixteenth to the one and twentieth , were six head-bands for her forehead of the same stuffe and as rich The two and twentieth vnto the seuen and twentieth , were sixe stately Robes of Cloth of Gold , richly set with Pearles and Diamonds . After these Presents followed eleuen Chariots full of young Virgins slaues to serue the Bride ; they were couered and close , and either of them accompanied or rather guarded by two blacke Eunuches : Twentie other Virgins slaues followed on horsebacke , and so many blacke Eunuches richly attired and mounted in like manner accompanied them . After all this marched a hundred and forty Moyles laden with Tapestrie hangings of Cloth of Gold , of Sattin , of Veluet , with the ground of Gold , and a great number of Cushions of Veluet and of Cloth of Gold , which are the Chaires of the Turkish Ladies , with great store of other rich and sumptuous Moueables . All these things made the Spouses Bundle , giuen by the Emperour her Father : Not comprehending the Presents and Moueables which the Bridegroome gaue her . The next day which was the day of the marriage , this Princesse was conducted to her husbands lodging , with no lesse pompe and state then her moueables . The Iannizaries made the front of this royall Conuoie : The great Preuost and the great Surueyor followed as before . The Emirs or Cerafes , which are the cursed remainders of the race of Mahomet the Impostor , and only carry among the Turkes a 〈◊〉 Turbant ( the marke of their sottishnesse , and of the 〈◊〉 of their predecessor ) came after with a graue march of their vaine holinesse ; The Priests , Santons , Talismans , and about two hundred schollers in the Alcoran diuinitie , came after . The Vizirs or chiefe Iudges of Turkey , shewed themselues in this pompe , and before the Grand Vizir who came in his rank , hauing on his left hand ( which is the most honour a 〈◊〉 Turkey ) the Mufti , or high Priests of the Law , thirty men on horsebacke with Drums and hobois made the musique after the Turkish manner ; seuen or eight Egyptians shewing of a pish tricks following them , made it knowne that foolery had a ranke in the greatnesse of the World : forty Musitians marcht two and two playing on Lutes , Harpes , and Gitterns ; A foole mufled with a Cap and a Cloake couered with sheepes bones , and held for a Saint by the Turkes ( for folly is esteemed in the Court and is reuerenced for holy ) danced alone , and shewed tricks . Fiftie of the principall Officer of the Arsenall well attired did honour this Solemnitie , or rather were honoured . Thirtie men followed them with Hammers and other instruments to breake downe the houses which aduanced too farre vpon the streete and might hinder the passage of two great trees of a wonderfull height , laden with diuers sorts of fruits , wherein Art did imitate nature ; They were carried by many men , and supported in the midst by many Ropes ; vnder the shaddow of these trees marcht twenty Officers of the Testarder or Treasurer A●●● Bassa Sagon of Father to the Bride ; Hee himselfe came after richly attired and royally mourned . Two great touches light carried by many slauen followed him A●her Torch of a wonderfull great proportion , burning likewise was carried a part ; It was couered with places of Gould . A man would say in seeing it , that this precious Metal had beene moulded into a Torch , and kindled by a new stone , to giue light in this Celebritis as well to the eyes of the body , as it did deele , yea , blind those of the minde . Moreouer , this Torch was more glistering with precious stones , then with the flame which burne it . The Raisser Ag● with ●●tie of the Princesses Officers followed these stately Light● . After these , there was carried a great Canopie of Cri●●●n Velvet , where no man was , couered . Another came after richer than the first , all couered with plates of pure gold , with great Curtaines like vnto a bad hanging downe to the ground , and close of all sides : Vnder it the young Princesse was on her backe , being the only subiect of this joy : Some of her blacke Eunuches were about her : her Coach couered with Cloth of Gold , drawne by foure goodly white horses followed 〈◊〉 : Eight other Caroaches came after this , in ●he which were set among the blacke Eunuches many faire Virgins belonging to the Bride , as glistering starres amidst darke and blacke Clouds : In the number of these Gentlewomen slaues they had made choist of fiue and twenty of those whose bountie seemed most accomplished : They were on horseback richly at●●●ed , their haire confusedly dispersed waued with the motion of the Westerne winde , like waues of Gold in a Sea of Love vpon their delicate shoulders : They made the pleasing end o● this pompous shew , it may be artificially , but it was cunningly enough for Turkes , to the end the spectorom of this Royal 〈◊〉 , should for the last obiects of their eyes for ●he 〈◊〉 of b●●ut●e , which might 〈◊〉 in their imagination 〈…〉 Marks of pleasure , and of the greatnesse of this po●pe . Yet it doth not 〈◊〉 the Children that shall be borne of this Marriage , a fortune equall to the Qualitie of the Emperours Grandchildren : the fundamentall Lawes of the Turkes Estate , ( which supports it by all the meanes they can , and sometimes 〈◊〉 it with bloud 〈◊〉 them euer to haue any charge , or gouernment which may make them eminent in the Court : The highest degree they can attain vnto , is to be a Saniac ; which is the Gouernour of a Borough or little Town ; or to haue the charge of Capigibassi , which is the chief of the Porters of the Serrail , as in France the Captaine of the Port at the Louver . Thus they keep them vnder to the end they may neuer trouble the Estate by their authority , and Birth , which makes them Kinsmen to the Crowne . Contrariwise , if the Bassa their Father hath children borne of his slaues before the Marriage , these shall precede them , and without contradiction may attaine , if they deserue it , or be fauoured , to the greatest Offices of the Empire . The Sultans Vncles by his Wiues and his other Kinsmen , haue not in regard of this proximitie of bloud , any ●re●t accesse into his Pallace , and neere vnto his person , then that which their places giue them . They carry themselues towards him with the same basenesse and submission as others do● , with the which they are equally his slaues . The reason hereof is , that the Turkes make no great esteeme of women , and they doe not beleeue that they giuing them to base slaues ▪ or to great Bas●●s do dishonour or honour their Family : The Alliance which comes by their meanes is little regarded : Moreover the preseruation of Maiestie is so recommended vnto them , as fort his reason they keepe in subiection all the men of their Empire , and in like manner those which might aduance themselues by the rights of their birth , the which makes them allied to the Prince ▪ CHAP. XIII . Of the Grand Seigneurs Male Children , of their Education , and of the solemne Pompe at their Circumcision . THe Sultans Male Children are after their birth , lodged and bred vp together in the Serrail , if they be borne of one woman , but if they haue diuers Mothers they are separated hav● 〈◊〉 lodgings . Their Mothers see them bred vp to the 〈…〉 yeares , with the iealousie and enuie which 〈◊〉 proudly among the women of diuers beds . After this time ●he 〈◊〉 causeth the Nurses to bee recompenced , and sends them to the old Serrail , if they be not married nor haue any houses in Constantinople . These young Princes from the age of fiue yeares vnto eleuen or thirteene which they are with the wom●n , ●e their Schoolemasters called Cozas , whom the Father giues them : Th●se enter daily into the Serrail of wom●n , and are led by blacke Eunuches without seeing any of the Ladies , into a Chamber where these young Princes remaine : They instruct them in the presence of two old 〈…〉 as it i● allowed them to continue , after which they returne with the same guides , who bring them to the Gate of the Serrail . This exercise is continued vntill the Prince comes to the age of thirteene yeares , which is the ordinary ●earme of the Turkes Circumcision , after the imitation of Ismael , from whom they glory to be descended , who was circumcised at the same age . Sometimes the Father seeing him grow great and neare him , stayes not so long . He causeth him to be out at eleuen yeares , to send him out of the Serrail , and to re● him from him into some Gouernment of Asia . The Ceremony of the Circumcision is in Turkey the most famous of their Pompe , they call it Marriage , but a Marriage of the Soule : And for that the Soule is more excellent then the Bodie , so the solemnitie of these Marriages doe farre exceed those of Corporall Marriage . We will succinctly describe the particularities , and will take for a Table of this royall Magnificence , the Prefines , Playes , Feasts , and gallant Showes , which were made at the Circumcision of Maho● the Third . Grandfather to him that now raignes : Some dayes before 〈◊〉 : For the Circumcision followes the Feast ; which was 〈◊〉 vpon his occasion . The Hippodrome is a great place in Constantinople , about fourescore fanthome long and sortie broud , artificially built vpon a great number of Pillars and Bashaes which suppose it strongly , and keepe it from drowning by the waters of the Sea , which run vnder it , by certaine Channels which giue it entry : It was the ancient mannage and course for Horses as the word doth signifie , where the Greeke Emperours caused their Horses to be ridden , and gaue vnto the eyes of the people which beheld them from a goodly Theater built at the end , the pleasure of their stately courses . The Theater is now ruined , and the goodly stones wherewith it was built haue serued for the proud Pallaces of Bashaes , which they haue raised thereabouts : This place is called at this day Atmeiden , that is to say Mannage ; There the Magnificences of the Circumcision of the Turkish Princes are performed . The day being come when they are to begin the Feast , the Emperour goes on horsebacke from the Serrail , to come to the Hippodrome ; the young Prince his Sonne is on the right hand , ( which is the lesse honourable among them ) attired in a rich Robe of Cloth of Gold , couered with an infinite number of Diamonds , and great round Pearles of inestimable value : The point of his Turbant glistered with precious stones : He was mounted vpon a goodly Horse , with the richest Caparison that could be found in the Sultans Serrail : The Bitt was of massiue Gold set with many Diamonds , the Stirrops of the same mettall couered with Turquoises , the Buckles were also of Gold enricht with Rubies , and the rest of the stately Furniture accordingly : The Grand Vizir , the Begtierbeys of Asia , and Europe , with other Basha's of the Port follow their Lords , the Ianizaries , Solaquis , Spahis , Capigis , and the other Guards and Officers of the Court accompany them , all of them attired with so great lustre and pompe , as it seemed that all the wealth not only of the East , but of the whole World had beene transported to Constantinople , to adorne the Men which shewed themselues in this Solemnitie . Being come to the Hippodrome , they were receiued with a double harmony : The first consisted of Hob●yes , Fifes , Drums , and Trumpets , with such a noyse as the Ayre and Earth ecchoed againe : The second , the acclamations of the the people , who cried with a loud voice , Liue Sultan Amurath , and liue Sultan Mahomet his Sonne . Hee to let the people know , how much he did cherish their affection , gaue them a Largesse , and cast many great handfuls of Gold and Siluer amongst them . Whilst the Princes crosse the place , they caused to march before them fiue great Tapers of waxe kindled and enricht with Chugnant , and beautified with all sorts of flowres : They we●● for their proportion of bignesse and height rather like vnto great Oakes than Torches : They carried fortie foot in height . The Sultans hauing crost the place entred the Pallace of Hibraim Bassa , where the pauement of the Court was all couered with Cloth of Gold , whereon they marched , and went to take their Places , to be the Subiects and Spectators of this Royall Pompe . The Father entred into a Pauillion which was prepared for him , hauing a Portall adjoyned beautified with rich pictures of Arabia , which looked towards the place : The Sonne went into a Chamber vpon the left hand , where his seate was prepared . The Sultan●es place was ioyning to the Pauillion ; In the which were only the Mother of the young Prince and Wife to the Emperour , his Sister the young Princesse , and the woman of their Ta●ine : Their Robes and glorious lustre of pearles and precious stones which they carried were worthy of the wife & Daughter of the most powerfull and rich Monarch of the Earth . All the Agaes and Captaines of the Port were in a Gallery neere vnto them : At the end of the same lodging were other Galleries erected of three stories : They had diuided them into little Lodgings like vnto Cabinets ; In the first and highest was the Grand Vizir , and the other Vizirs , with the Begliar●ey● of Asia and Europe were placed next , and the Bassa Oachiali Captaine of the Sea , or Generall of the Galley , and of all the Fleets of the Empire , whom Fortune had d● from the Trade of a base Fisherman of Calabria , and aduanced to that degree . In the second story were many Lords & Courtiers of the Port. In the third and lowest they had made places for the Embassadours of Kings and Christian Princes : That of the French Embassadour was in the first Ranke , the Emperours had the second , the Polonians the third , the B●iliffe of Venice the fourth , and he of Raguse the fi●st : They were all in Cloth of Gold , and their Gentlemen in like manner . He of France did not assist , holding it vnseemely for the Embassadour of a most Christian King and eldest Sonne of the Church to be spectator of a superstition , contrary to the Law of his Religion , yet his lodgings were kept void , aboue those of the Imperiall Embassadour , and no man held it during the Feast . On the other side of the place there were Theaters and Lodgings erected for the Embassadours of Mahometan Princes , who would not haue their places neere vnto the Christians . The first place was giuen to him of Persia ; who was stately attired in those goodly Robes of Cloth of Gold after the Persian manner , buttoned about him band● it ●wise ; The Gentlemen of his Traine did equall in pompe and gallantnesse any other of their condition whatsoeutoer . The top of their Turbants couered with goodly Turquoises , whereof their Country abounds , made a goodly shew : They had brought their wines with them , who were wonderful faire , and attired with great aduantage to 〈…〉 : They couer their heads with many 〈…〉 Gold wretched with their haire which they suffer to hang downe vnto their girdles and they artificially make two little hornes of ha●re enricht with Pearle and precious stones , the which fall vpon their faire fore-heade : They made the B●itana's to enuy them , who beheld them and admired their grace thorow their ●a●tice windowes . Persia hath alwayes had the glorie to haue had the fairest women in the World. The Daughters of Cyrus , and the Wife of King Darius , had so many ●r●ment● in their beautifull countenances as Alexander durst not looke on them , fearing to be vanquished , and Roxan● although of ●ase condition , was found so beautifull , as she deserued the honour to be wise vnto the great Prince . The Turkish women enter not into comparison with the Persians for beautie , to whom they yeeld it ; and they say that their Prophet Mahomet would neuer got into Persia ; and when they demanded the reason , his answers was that the women 〈◊〉 so beautifull courtesie and friendship , that which the others brought for tribute : Hee gaue hi● 〈◊〉 f●ly Clocke of 〈◊〉 which strooke the houres melodiously in Musique , by length and twentie Bels of siluer ; and with it thirtie p●ks of Sca●her . The Bailiffe of Venice prose●d● Cupboard of siluer pla●e , the one h● fragile , and the other white , sixe great Bay●es of siluer to draw water , ten peeces of Cloth of Gold ; ten of Silke , Sattin , and Veluet , and twentie of Scarlet . The Polonian brought 〈◊〉 ●ter , whose 〈◊〉 and scabba● was all couered with precious flower . He of Ragusa geue fifte●ne goodly Cups of siluer , many Tapet● of white Wa●● , which the Turkes esteeme , and some peece of Scarlet . The Persian presented two ●o●an● , and some other Bookes of Muham●a Larv● , couered without 〈◊〉 Gold , many Persian 〈…〉 silk● , and a good i●●her of gr●●t 〈◊〉 : Th● Embassadour of T●rt● gaue many skins of Sa●es and other exquisite P● of great price . All the rest t●e their Presents according to the order and rancke of the Princes 〈◊〉 M●●●th●● . They 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 loue , and the rigours of 〈…〉 ●dered this 〈◊〉 , yet they did celebrate the First , in those goodly places 〈◊〉 they are 〈◊〉 : For the 〈…〉 the Grand ●g●s C●●bl●c● made Pi●y to 〈…〉 Serrail , where the 〈…〉 rich Presents , and ga● another time vnto the S● As●●hi , that is to say crowned , whom we haue lodged 〈◊〉 him in the P●l● of 〈◊〉 Bassa , a Crowne of 〈…〉 of the 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 brought 〈…〉 all made of Sugar presented to the life , of the 〈…〉 proportion they ought to be of , as Camels , Lions , Elephants , Tygers , and many 〈◊〉 . The Embassadours had their p● 〈…〉 were 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 . This was 〈…〉 〈…〉 . The Mufti who is the high Priest of the Turkish Law , opened the beginning ; he appeared first in the place , being Maiestically set in a Tabernacle carried vpon a Camels backe : He had a Booke in his hands which hee turned alwayes ouer : About him were on foot a great number of Priests , and religious Mahometans , who held Bookes in like manner . But their fantasticke attire did shew plainely the humours of their brutish spirits : Some had their heads couered with hoods , others with Mitres , some with Crownes , Many had Robes of beasts skinnes . They were no sooner come vnto the place , but they made shew of their Religious modestie , in whistling , howling , beating vpon Pans and Basons , ringing of little bels which they carried in their hands , as a man would say that these testimonies of their zealous deuotion , were an insolent jangling , at the sound whereof they did leape & friske without ceasing . In this posture they made three turnes about the place , after which they stayed before the Grand Seigneurs window , who looked vpon their fooleries . There they made their prayers , during the which some religious Men of the troupe drew out great Kniues , and cut their flesh in diuers parts of their bodies , for the leue of the Prophet , and of their Sultan . The Mufti descended from his Tabernacle , entred into the Pallace , and made his Presents , which consisted in some Bookes of the Law. After which he retired with the brutish company of this monstrous Clergie . And for that this first troupe was ridiculous , that which followed was lamentable : They were the two Christian Patriarches , the one of the Grecians , the other of the Armenians , attired in long blacke Copes , which are their Patriarchall Robes , the true colours of their seruitude and heauinesse : They were followed by some Christian Priests : Their Gate was pittifull , hauing their heads hanging downe , in such sort , as the Christians that were come thither to laugh , found a worthy subiect of weeping , seeing the Church captivated to the cruelty of Turkes , and the Reuerend Pastors thereof forced to goe and humble themselues at the feet of their Tyrant , and Enemy of their Law , in a superstitious Ceremony , and contrary to their Religion : to life their sacred hands vpon him , and prostitute vpon his person the grace of their blessings : This is the estate whereunto the Diuision of Christians hath reduced them . When they came before the Sultan , they prayed vnto God with a loud voice to blesse him , they presented him with a great Bason of siluer full of peeces of Gold , and so returned poorer than they came . The Merchants followed , to vent without profit the most precious of their Merchandize : They were a thousand in a troupe , Turkes , Christians , or Iewes , all attired in Robes of Gold , and followed by a pleasing band of young men attired like maidens , hauing Bowes in their hands , and Quiuers at their backes full of golden Arrowes . A childish troope of daintie young Boyes like so many Cupids crowned with flowers , and holding Darts in their hands , drew without any difficultie a Chariot which followed them , whereon was set and opened a shop full of Cloth or Gold and Silke , with Tapestries of all sorts , which they presented to the Sultan , and cryed ; Liue Sultan Amurath . The Goldsmiths followed after ; their decking did shew that they traded in precious Wares : They were all couered with precious stones : Some of their number drew a rich shop full of Vessels of Gold and Siluer which they gaue vnto the Grand Seigneur . A small troupe of other Goldsmiths made a band a part : They were those of Baiestan , whereof we haue spoken before , stately attired : The stones and pearles which were vpon their Garments , were valued at a Million of gold : The Presents which they made were great and rich . All the other Tradsmen came in their order , and all laboured in their profession . The makers of cloth of gold and silke , to the number of fiue hundred men well attired , caused two Loomes to march with them , whereon they made a peece of cloth of gold , and another of silke before they had gone thrice about the place . The Lace-makers did the like in their kind : They were in the midst of many sorts of beasts made of silke , which marched with them by Art : The Linnen Weauers , Tapestric men , and Cotton makers , laboured also in their Vocation . The Feather-makers fed the curiositie of the spectators with Feathers and winde : They made many artificiall Birds , which did flie in the Aire , as if they had beene naturall . Tailors made Garments in passing vpon the place ; Smiths did worke in Iron , Potters made Pots , Cutlers made Kniues , and Sadlers Saddles , Masons did build , and Glasse-makers did blow their Glasses , Bakers did bake ; and that which was not pleasing , the sluttish Butchers did kill and slay Beasts , and gaue the flesh to the people . The Gardiners were there laden with Flowres , the Ploughmen with their Ploughes tilled the Sand : The Shepheards with their fat troups made their three turnes : The Keepers of Moiles , Asses , and Carters , brought their Moiles , their Horses , and their Asses : Their grosse speeches did not greatly tickle the Sultans cares : Nor their Presents did not draw his eyes to the contemplation of their beautie : He had nothing but Wood , Stone , and Water : and that which he did , as I conceiue , suffering their foolery to entertaine his leisure , was only to represent vnto his ambition the fabricke of the World , to the gouernment whereof he aspires , in receiuing such homages as th●se men could yield . The Iewes were the last which gaue Presents : They were three hundred young men separated into three bands , disguised in diuers Nations : The one was attired and armed like French , the other represented Spaniards , and the third seemed to bee Swissers with their great Cod-peeces ; They had for their traine an infinite number of Dragons , Sirens , and Tortoyses of the Sea , which marched artificially : And with this , pleasant Antiques , as women which had resigned their Distasses vnto their husbands , and made them to spin : They were gotten vpon their shoulders to shew their Empire , and to let them see the miseries of these Coxcombes , charged with such importune burthens . These Homages and Presents being thus ended , the Combats of warre , did shew the force of their art , and the sports the pleasure of their brauerie : The Grand Vizir would haue the honour to expose vnto his Masters eyes , the representation of his victories against the Christians . He caused to be drawne into the place two great Castles of Wood , diuersly painted , mounted vpon Wheeles , garnished with Towres , fortified with Rampiers , and furnished with Artillerie : The one was kept by Turkes , who had planted vpon their Tower , many Red , White , and Greene Ensignes : The other was defended by Men , attired and armed after the French manner , who seemed Christians : Their Ensignes carried white Crosses ; without doubt they had beene taken in some encounter , or at the sacke of some Towne of the Christians : either of these Castles had thirtie Horse , which made diuers sollies : The Turkes forced the others to make their last retreate into their Fort , where they shut them vp , besieged them , battered their walls , made a breach , sent to discouer it , and marched to the assault with their vsuall cries and howlings : The little resistance they found made them soone Masters and vanquishe is , although they were themselues vanquished , for they fought against themselues : If they had had to deale with Christians , they had not preuailed so easily . As soone as they were entred , they abandoned the place to their cruelty , put all to the sword , cutting off the heads of the principall , and lifting counterfeit heads aboue the walls . The contempt which they make of vs ended the triumh ; They let slip into the place about thirty Hogs which they had shut into a Fort , and ranne after them crying and howling in mockerie : Thus the Turkes doe not sport but in contemning the Christians , nor labour seriously but in ruining them : And they by a fatall diuision prepare their victories , and dispose the triumphs which they obtaine of them with great facilitie . Occhiali Bassa great Admirall of the Sea , exceeded by his industrie , the Vizirs inuention . Hee caused to come rowling into the place , a great Island , admirably well made of boords and pastboord , which represented Cypres : Two powerfull Armies held it besieged , the one by Sea and the other by . Land : There was artificially seene their descent into the Island , the siege of Famagouste , the sallies , skirmishes , batteries , counter-batteries , mines , counter-mines , breaches , assaults vpon assault , fire-workes , and whatsoeuer the furie of Warre could inuent . Sometimes the Turkes were Masters of the Wals , and suddainly the generositie of the Cypriots repulsed them : But time , force , and the want of succours made them receiue the composition which they offered them ; yet the disloyaltie of the Turks did not obserue it , for some they made slaues , and the rest they put to the Sword : All this was seene in the place : When as the sound of Trumpets , the noise of Drums , the howling of Turkes and the thundering of the Canons seemed to be at the taking of another Island at Cypres . The wonder of this artificiall representation did much please the Sultan , reioyced the people , and reuiued in the Christians minds the griefe of their losse : Heauen would haue it so to punish their great curiositie , for assisting with these infamous Mathometans , and to be spectators with them at the Pompes of their Superstition . But he did not suffer their insolencie to be vnpunished ; Hee made it knowne that if his Iustice suffers them to bee ascourge to the Christians , yet hee doth not alwayes suffer them , to haue them in derision : The Cannonadoes , where there was nothing but Powder , slue many of these takers of the Island in Picture vpon the place , & wounded a great number . Some other artificiall Castles appeared after , shewing the like thing to that of the Grand Vizir : One among the rest , the least of all , carried two Towers , in the which there were two men armed , which fought on against the other with their Semiters , they did mannage greene Ensignes , and Battleaxes of glasse without breaking them . The Romeliens and Albanois , whom the Turkes hold for the best men at Armes , came after with their Launces and their Targets vpon the left arme , they haue no Rest to beare it , like vnto the Franques , it is only tied to their Saddles by a leather thong , for they carrie no Cuyrasses : Many of their Horses were slaine there in combating . After the Encounter , they did runne at the Ring after their manner , which is to set a little rod of Iron on the ground , on the end whereof they put a Ring somewhat bigger than those which they vse in France . They which tooke it , carrying the Ring on the end of their Launce being on foot , went to present it vnto the Sultan before his window , who threw him out a Ring of Gold in recompence ; the manner of receiuing it was not without a Mysterie : In raising it from the ground , the Cauallier kist it , laid it vpon his head , and bending downe very low made a Reuerence and so retired . When these men had voided the place , they brought in thirtie Christian Souldiers , lately taken in the Wars of Hungarie : They followed with their Irons the triumph of certaine Turkish Captaines which had taken them ; some Ensignes and Drums of their Companies made vp the Trophie of these Barbarians . A goodly troupe of Archers on horsebacke arriued soone after with a more generall joy ; They Actiuities which they shewed are admirable . After they had finished their courses , with a Target in the left hand , and a long Dart or halfe Pike in the right , sometimes ranged in battaile , sometimes disbanded , casting them one at another , and taking them vp from the ground in running : They ranne their Horses with their full speed , and in the swiftnesse of their course , drew their Semiters thrice out of their Scabbords , and put them vp as often without any stay : In like manner they shot thrice with their Bowes , with the first they hit an Iron on the hinder part of the horse ; with the second they strooke an Apple of Gold , which was vpon the top of a great Mast of a Ship set vp in the midst of the place : with the last they hit the Ring at which the Albanois had runne : Then standing vpright in their Saddles , they did run their Horses with full speed , and did mannage their Armes as before . Some of their Troupe did things which were admirable : There was one who tooke the Saddle from his horsebacke , laid it vpon his necke , and set it in its place againe all with running . The same m●n set an Orange vpon the Turbant of his slaue , and in running pierced it diuers times with his Arrowes , and neuer hurt his slaue ; Hee pierced a great brazen Morter with an Arrow ; Moreouer , hee tied two Horses together , set a foot vpon either of them , and standing vpright , supported a young Boy who shot with his Bow as the Horses galloped . Another of the same Archers ran with all speed his head in the Saddle , and his feet vpwards betwixt foure Semiters , which had their points set against him : Two men of their troupe put themselues into one Saddle , and vaulted before and behinde while the horse did run , lighting and remounting againe without stay . An Arabian which was amongst them added the force of his jawes to their dexteritie : He did set a packe Saddle on a horse with his teeth , hauing his hands bound , hee put on the panniers , and then set on his Boy to load it , hee did also saddle his horse after the same manner , and leapt vpon him ; doubtlesse the biting of such a Gallant would be dangerous . This day ( for all these wonders were not one dayes worke ) ended by some actions of piety after the Turkish manner , which the Sultan caused to be performed at the Gate , by the which they got to Andrinopolis : Thither he went going from the place with the young Prince Mahomet his Sonne , and all the great Men of his Court , where being ariued he caused foure thousand sheepe to be sacrificed , and a great number of Beeues which he caused to be rosted whole , in either of which they put a whole sheepe , and in the sheepe a heu , and in the hen egges , and caused all to be distributed to the poore . Hee then receiued newes of the defeat of his Army in Persia ; for the pleasure of humane Pompe is neuer so absolute , but it is accompanied with some cares and crosses : The feeling of this Rout fell vpon the Embassadour of Persia . The Turke offers violence to his person , and commits him to Prison , and in the open day , and in the view of the people , and of other Embassadours , caused his Lodging to be sackt and spoiled . But this was no hinderance , but the day following the Feast was continued . A troupe of excellent Tumblers and Mountebankes ( whereof Turkey abounds aboue all the Regions of the Earth ) did to the common amazement of all the Spectators these things which follow . The first which shewed himselfe in the place , shut a young Boy naked into a Hogshead , with fiue and twenty or thirty great Serpents , and rowled it about the place , and then drew out the Boy whole and sound : The same Serpents stinging and biting others which came neere them . After this they buried a young Boy deepe in a Ditch , and couered him with Earth as if hee had beene dead , and yet he answered as distinctly and intelligibly to that which they demanded of him , as if hee had beene out of the ground . Another presented himselfe naked without shame , but not without more than humane force , hee layed himselfe flat on his backe vpon the edge of two Semiters ; being in this posture , they laid vpon his Belly a great Anuile of Iron , whereon foure men did beate with great Hammers ; and moreouer they did riue many great pieces of wood without any offence to him . When this man was retired , a troupe of other naked men exposed themselues to the view of the World all couered with wounds , their bodies being yet larded with the same armes which had made them , some with Arrowes , others with Kniues and Swords ; But before these mad men had gone thrice about the place , two of the troupe fell downe dead , which shewed that their wounds were rather markes of their folly than inchantments . Another shewed the force of his jawes , and his hands : he held a horse-shooe betwixt his teeth , and puld it in pieces with his hands ; He brake a Plough-share , with three blowes with his fist ; and hee caused a piece of Iron to be made red hot , the which hee tooke in his hand licked it with his tongue , rubbed it on his face , and yet was not burnt : Afterward hee caused a Goat to dance pleasantly vpon his shoulders , and neuer toucht it , causing it to passe from one shoulder to the other without mouing . A headie-brain'd fellow followed this man , vpon whose head they did breake with Hammers a great stone , which a man could hardly lift from the ground . Hee caused them to couer him with so great a heape of stones as he could not beseene , and yet for all this hee felt no discommoditie . Another b●d came after , whose ●eet were so hardned , as they went bare vpon a Harrow full of sharpe Pikes and cutting K●ines : There was one followed them , who with a cord , tied to his haire without the helpe of his hands , did lift vp a stone of a hundred and fifty pound weight . Many Beasts instructed in this Art of tumbling augmented the pleasure of the Assistants : little Birds , went to fetch a piece of siluer as farre as they diuided them , and brought it to their Masters , Asses danced , Dogges and Apes shewed a thousand pleasant tricke . The Grand Seigneurs Wrestlers , came to shew their force and actiuitie , 〈◊〉 and greased to auoid the surprize of their Enemies ▪ These are the most continent men in Turkey , they keepe their Virginity pure and vntoucht , and say with reason that it doth e●●it●e and preserue the force of their bodies . The Speech● , which are the Sultans Footmen , would also be of the p●●ti● , they came vnto the place with their feets●oe , running and leaping with admirable swiftnesse and disposition . These men ha●e ●e ●kin of their feet so hard as a Smithton hardly make a 〈◊〉 to enter ; they doe harden them see pleasure . The Dancers vpon Ropes shewed strange Form of Actiuity ▪ In those places they exceed all others what 〈◊〉 for their A●i●i●y . Two Elephants , and a Giraffe , were brought into the Hippodrome , to augment the Sultan delight by this nouelty . The Elephants differed in forme : One was grant and the other li●e . The great one was thri● one high , and bigger than a Buffle , or small Socere , heads that vpon his 〈◊〉 a little Castle of light wood , in the which might 〈…〉 six souldiers without crowling : The 〈◊〉 in comparison of the rest of the body 〈◊〉 : Fro● the end of the vpper part of the Muscle , then did 〈…〉 , whereof this beast on 〈◊〉 vse as readily as a 〈◊〉 doth his 〈◊〉 , takes what his 〈◊〉 〈…〉 him , carries his entire to his 〈◊〉 , vse 〈◊〉 for a 〈◊〉 with incomparable force , 〈◊〉 are small 〈◊〉 to those of a Bore , his another chap is 〈◊〉 vnto the 〈…〉 Her hath two great 〈◊〉 , about 〈…〉 round and great , lying vpon his backe , hee sometimes raises them vp : his legs are euen like vnto pillars , in the which there appeares no joynts , yet this Beast hath some ; he doth but halfe bend them , and therefore hee suffers himselfe to fall vpon his side this feet are round , and haue fiue nailes ▪ his skin is black ; and hath little haire . The Naturalists obserue , and experience doth confirme , that this beast hath so powerfull an instinct , as it seemes , hee is indowed with judgement : Examples are familiar in Histories : This beast being brought before the Grand Seigneurs window , lifted vp his head to looke on him , then he bowed it downe very low in signe of reuerence . They cast vpon the ground a handfull of Aspres , which is a little Coine like vnto the French Carolus ; the which hee gathered vp with his heauy trumpe●s handsomely as any man could haue done with his hands ▪ Eight strong Turkes held a long Pole in their hands , and gaue him the end ; as soone as he had seized on it with his trumpe , hee made them to turne about as easily as if they had beene feathers : Afterwards hee lifted vp the Pole , and strooke it so hard against the ground , as those men were fore 〈◊〉 abandon it : ●ing Master of it , hee did flourish with it like at two hand● sword with admirable dexteritie . Wherefore the Indians haue reason in their warres to make vse of the force and addresse of these beasts : They carrie many men , and when they tie a Semiter to the trumpe , one of them kils more than a company of Foot could doe ? The Giraffe . The Giraffe , whereof the portraite is here represent to was at the same time brought into the Hippodrome . This beast for that it is little knowne in Europe was much admired . It is not only beautifull of it selfe , but it is also gentle and very tractable : It hath a head like a Stagge , armed with two little harmes halfe a foot long , couered with 〈◊〉 ; the eares ; the feet and the talle are like 〈◊〉 a Cow : It hath a neck 〈◊〉 into a Camell , it hath hard knees vpon the ha●s , and brest ; The 〈◊〉 speckled like vnto a Leopard , and some beleeue that it is that Ca●par● of the ●●dear ; his 〈◊〉 before are foure or fiue times longer then those behind , so as his naturall posture represents a Goat standing vpright against a Tree to b●ou●e the buds : The which makes him to feed with discom●●●ic : for in this action but is forced as open his legges to make passage for his hand . If we had not vndoubted proofes of the wisdome of Nature in the wonders of her workes , wee might say that this beast alwayes standing vpright is one of her fantasticke Creatures . Being led aboue the place , they were carried backe , passing thorough the Citie , the Giraffe had such aduantage in the foreport , as his head looked into the windowes of their houses . Such were the pompe of the day , the night wanted not here , if there were any eight during the solemnity of this royall Circumcision : For at such time as the Sunne did not shine in their Hemispheare , they had raised a ship Must in the Hippodrome , whereon there was a great Circle like a Crowne furnished with burning Lamps : and neere vnto the Obelisque which is the ancient ornament of this place , there was a longe wheele set vp , the which did time continually , and made twelue other smaller to moue , all which were inuolued with lights , which remayning some , 〈◊〉 notwithstanding to follow the motion of the wheeles , not without a wonderfull content to the eyes of those which beheld them : Besides this there were many ship Masts with their 〈◊〉 and ta●lings , all couered with lamps , which gaue so cleer a light , as in the dark night they made an artificiall day ; by the fauour of which light , most of those goodly things which had appeared in the day , come after Supper to giue 〈…〉 to the company by their 〈◊〉 . After this , 〈…〉 Fire-workes , some drowe by 〈◊〉 , ●hers by 〈…〉 which did vo●ie for all ●ames , filled the aire 〈◊〉 agreeable 〈◊〉 , and pleasant thunderings , and the 〈◊〉 of the spectatours with ●●●●ment : But their 〈…〉 , their thundering 〈◊〉 and their 〈…〉 to those which did behold 〈◊〉 those●● and smoake of powers , 〈◊〉 ●heth ( If they 〈◊〉 comprehend it ) that humans 〈◊〉 , and the shewe● of 〈◊〉 greatnesse of the World , dissolue in the end into winde and smoake . The most stately of these nocturnall sports was the representation of a nauall fight so artificially exprest , as it made the Christians that were present see , that the recompence of labour , and the reward of merit , hauing drawne into Turkey the goodliest inuentions of men , haue made them to lose the name of barbarous to send it vnto vs , where as vertue is not acknowledged . There they saw many Shippes and Gallies vnder saile , furnished with Artillerie , adorned with their flags , the Trumpets sounding , fight , inuest , leape from one beak-head to another , kill , cast into the Sea , burne , and sinke the Enemies Vessels , with admirable dexteritie . The battailes at Land , Sieges , and taking of Townes , were represented with no lesse art . But if the description of this Royall Feast hath beene a pleasing diuersion vnto vs in the toile of this Historie , let vs end it according to the naturall course of pleasure , by the griefe which followes . Doubtlesse it will be great enough to impart it to those which shall read the issue of this Chapter , where we obserue than during the spectacles of this solemnity , the wretched Grecian ●y ●roupes in this place to make themselues Mahom●tans : Some abandoned Christianitie to auoid the oppression of the Turkes , others for the hope of priuate profit : The youngest and most beautifull were sent into the Serrail , with the Ichi●glans , and the rest among the Azamoglans : This hope of better fortune drew the Idlenesse of many young men , so as they could hardly find Masters enough to cut them : This detestable troupe of Rascals , went to shew themselues before the Grand Seigneur , their Bonnets vnder their feet , in signe that they did tread their law and honour vnder foot : There a Turkish Priest did cause them to lift vp the demonstratiue finger of the right hand , in signe that they did not beleeue but one God in one person , & to say with a loud voice , Laila ey lala alla Mehemer ●asoul alla ; Then they led them into c●taine Pauillions , which were erected expresly at the end of the place where they were circumcised : hee The number of these cast awayes was found to bee aboue foure thousand soul● . These sports and triumphs being thus miserably ended , the young Prince for whom they had beene made , was brought into his Fathers Chamber , where hee was circumcised by one of the great Men of the 〈◊〉 the p●s●re of all the Basha's . His wound being cured within few dayes , hee goes to take his lost leaue of the Sultans his Mother , whom she shall see no more vntill hee comes to take possession of the Empire , after the death of his Father , if hee be the oldest , or to end his life with a halter if hee be a younger brother , when his ●der shall Raigne . She giues him presents : and the other Sultana's doe the like : All the Basha's present him , and the Emperour his Father appoints his Family , giues him a Pra●r , an Eunuch for Gouernour , with many other men to serue him , and sends him into As●a , Sa●qua only of the Citie of the Magnesia , the chiefe of Alysia , as Lieutenant in that Region vnder the authoritie of a Basha who is Gouernour whilest he carries the Title , hee must gouerne his Actions with prudence and modestie ; for if he should haue any designes of innouation by the Counsailes of some dis●ed seditious persons , he should worke his owne mi● by his owne hanes . The Eunuch which is the most ●pp● about him , hee is bound to aduertise the Sultan his Father , and the principall Basha'es , of all his carriage . CHAP. XIV . Of the Presents they make unto the Grand Seigneur , and of that which hee himself giues . THe custome to giue Present vnto the Prince 〈◊〉 beene so practiced in the Turkish M●thio , 〈…〉 Law of State , so as it is written in the 〈…〉 Empire , that all the Basha's and great men of the Port shall at certaine seasons of the yeare , and at the Circumcision of the Emperours Children , giue him Presents , and likewise when they returne from the Gouernment of Prouinces , where they haue continued some yeares in the administration of their Charges of Viceroy . The Generals of Armies at the returne from their victories , are bound to present gifts to the Sultan : They doe it vsually in a great quantity of Vessels of gold and siluer , Swords and Daggers enricht with precious stones , and bowes of the like manner , Plumes of Feathers with precious Iewels , rich Girdles , exquisite Furres , and sometimes pieces of cloth of gold , with Tapestries of silke and gold : whereof the Princes Wardrobe is commonly well stored , to supply his bounty to his Sultana's & slaues , and to send to forreine Princes : All these men being slaues to their Master , and as it were forced to these liberalities , cannot when they please follow their good aduice which say , that It is a noble folly to giue vnto great Men , for they beleeue they oblige a man much when they receiue that which he presents . The Basha's which returne from the gouernment of Egypt , parting from Cair● , dispose the value of the Presents into ready money , and ariuing at the Serrail , they sometimes present vnto the Sultan foure or fiue Millions of Liuers , which is foure or fiue hundred thousand Pounds sterling . The Generals of Armies doe many times practise the same liberality , they are the better receiued by their Master , and the glory of their magnificence flyes into the mouth of the people , and they find by their great gifts , that the offering of Presents , pacifie both Men and Gods , ( as they said in old time ) These notable summes ouer 〈◊〉 the inward Chasna , which is the Princes secret treasure . The Christian Patriarch giues vnto the Sultan newly crowned an honourable present , which the Greekes call Pesquesian , or when the Patriarch co●ers into his charge , by the death or deposition of another . Besides this the Turkes giue vnto the Eunuches which are familiar to the Prince many rich Presents , to make them speake from them vpon all necessary occasions : for the ballance doth alwayes decline on that side which is heauiest , and the only meanes to gaine the affection of these gelded men , is to glut their auarice , which is no small labour . Nassuf Bassa , who ended his fortune and his life in the yeere 1614 , did often say that the Eunuches of the Serrail were insatiable : They doe also hold , and they practize this Maxime in the Turkish Court , the which is generally receiued by all men , that The sweetest action of men is , To take , although in truth it be more generous to giue , for him that is able . As pleasure and griefe are naturally ioyned together , haue one Temple , and their Offerings are vpon the same Altar : The Othoman Monarch who takes a great delight to see himselfe glutted with Presents ; not only by his owne subiects , but also by strangers , yet he sometimes finds a distaste in it : As it happened to Sely●n the First , whose example shall suffice in this Chapter , that by its breuity wee may ease the long descriptions of the former . This Prince hauing taken the Othoman Scepter , his hands being yet bloudy by the death of his Brethren and Nephewes , and the chiefe of his Basha●s ; thinking to be honoured according to the ordinary custome of his Predecessors , with Presents which forreine Princes make , hee saw his cruelty taxed , by that which the Persian Embassadour presented vnto him , who gaue him in his Masters name , a great furious Lyon , inaccessible , alwayes fo●ing for rage , and neuer made tame by any Man. This present being brought , Sely●n fell into a rage , stamps with his foote , complained that hee was wronged , and sware that hee would be reuenged , and demanded satisfaction from the Embassadour ; who being aduised and cunning , couered the part which hee had played with many goodly worde ▪ Herald , Sely●n that this Lion did rather represent the 〈◊〉 of his courage , and that of his generosity rather than any other thing ; but this did not pacifie him , he ch●sed him out of his Territories , and gaue him to present vnto his Master many great Dogges with bloudie mussels , as if hee would say , they had 〈◊〉 his Lion in pieces , and that in the assaults of Warre hee would intreat him in like manner . Seeing then the Turkish Prince doth continually receiue Presents from others , it is string he should likewise giue : For it is more seemly for a King to giue then to take , so his Wardrobe is vsually open to giue . The Sultana's are enricht by his Presents ; The Mufti and his Praceptor are honoured , and the Bashaes receiue : and all this consists in precious stones , Purses full of gold coyned , Robes of cloth of Gold , Plumes of Feathers , Iewels , rich Armes , and other things of value . The Chasnadar Bassi , who is the high Treasurer , hath the charge to buy what is needfull for Presents , hee imployes yearely in cloth of gold , for Robes which they giue , the which is made at Bursia in Asia , foure Millions of Liuers , besides that which comes into the royall Wardrobe , by the Presents of Basha's and other great Men : but as all Riuers come from the Sea and returne vnto it , so all the Grand Seigneurs Presents returne backe in the end to his owne Cosets : The Sultana's die , and their goodly stuffe comes to him ; The Bashaes end their liues , he takes all as the Master doth of his slaues : Sometimes hee leaues a part for the execution of the Will which he hath made . So as he doth not giue but lends for a time , seeing that the fundamentall Law of his Estate , which makes all men his slaues , restores that vnto him which he had giuen , and moreouer , all the wealth of his Subjects . But all the Presents of the Turkish Emperour are not pleasing to them which receiue them , they are sometimes fatall fore tellings of death to him to whom hee giues them ; For when hee sends for any great Men of the Port into the Serrail , to feast him , or to speake with him , after the Feast or at the end of his discourse , meaning to take away his life in his presence , he giues him a blacke Robe wrought with gold and silke : as Basa●et the Second did to Bassa Achomat , who had supt in the Serrail with the other Bashaes at his Masters Table , amidst the delights and pleasures of a royall Feast , whereas Wine forbidden by the Law of their Religion , was poured forth as plentifully , as in any part of the World , Supper being ended and the Table taken away , the Bashaes humble themselues before their Prince , some kisse the ground in his presence to obtaine pardon for that they had drunke Wine , and so returned to their houses . The Sultan stayed Achomat , with their sweete Words , Milalah ( that is to say my Protectour ) tarrit here with mee . When the others were gone , hee caused a rich Robe of blacke silke wrought with Gold to be brought vnto him , ●t the fight hereof Acha●at entred into fur●e , hee knew well what it meant , and assured himselfe of his ruine , hee accuseth Baiazeth of injustice and crueltie , and tells him in his rage . Why didst thou Sonne of a Whore suffer mee to drinke wine against the holy constitutions of any Law , if their wilt presently put mee to death ? Hee ended his rage with the rest of the discourse which his passion had dictated . But his life was freed from the present danger : his Sonne seeing him not returne with the other Bash●●s , informed himselfe from them what was become of his Father . They tell him in what a pittifull estate hee was , whereupon hee flyes to the Serail , moues the Ianizaries to compassion , who loued Achomat for his valour , as he whom they had followed in the Warres , in Battailes , and assaults of Townes , they filled the Serrail with the honour of their cryes , Br'e , Br'e , that is to say str● 〈◊〉 . They beate at the Gate of the Emperours lodging , threaten him , ra●●e on him , called him drunkard , and force him to restore Achomat who was pale and warne ha●ling the ●alter about his necke , with the which the Princes made ●sed were ready to strangle him . In this manner force hindred the effect of this fatall Present of a blacke G●ne wrought with Gold. But besides these accidents hee that receiue it must aspect his infallible Ruine . This Present is the 〈◊〉 by the Othoman Monarch to any but to 〈…〉 , but hee sometimes sends others , which show the contempt which hee makes of forreigne Princes , as when hee sends a Robe how r●●h soeue● vnto a soueraigne p● , for a Robe is the Present of a superiour to his inf● . So 〈◊〉 the first 〈…〉 The●●r , or T●mberlan , Emperour of the 〈◊〉 , when hee sent him a Robe in disgrace to contemne him . Th● was much offended , and answered those which brought the Present from the Turke , that he should not 〈◊〉 those of his s●●t 〈◊〉 that manner : but hee soone had his reuenge . Hee entred Baiazets Countrey in Asia , ( Constantinople was then held by the Christians ) and with eight hundred thousand fighting men , tooke Sebaste the S●ate of his Empire , slue his Sonne Orthogules , defeated his Armie in Battaile , tooke himselfe Prisoner , reuenged this contempt by many others , and afflicted him so in following him , as hee died of griefe , sorrow , and paine : to be an example to Princes , not to contemne those which are Soueraignes like themselues , and therein Images of the Soueraigne God. But thus they giue Presents of Death and contempt in Turkey , the one is of crueltie , and the other of offences and not Presents , for the Presents of Enemies are no Presents . The Sultana Queene that is crowned , and Mother to the young Prince Successour of the Empire , giues many Presents a Shee receiues daily from the Great Men of the Port which send vnto her , and therefore shee is bound to giue ; to this end the Emperour doth furnish her with much goodly stuffe , and peeces of price which are giuen vnto him , and with great summes of money to buy others . The Grand Vizir doth also giue many Presents both within Constantinople and without : Hee sends many Roabes of Cloth of Gold and Silke , to Embassadours which arriue at the Port : and when hee is in the Armie , performing the the Change of Lieutenant Generall to the Sultan , hee giues to draw strangers vnto him that may be vsefull , or to recompence the generositie of some valiant Captaine . And for that all these Presents are giuen in the Sultans name , he doth furnish those things which he giues . And to this end the Teftardar deliuers him Money , pieces of Cloth of Gold , of Silke and many other Stuffes . This is all that can be spoken of the Sultans Presents . CHAP. XV. Of the Treasures of the Serrail . THe Och●mas Monarch hath his Treasures : what Soueraigne Prince can preserue and ●ine his power and estate without their force : It is gotten by Armes and Money , preserued and underlined by the same meanes . Hee doth lodge it in his Serrail , one part in the Co●he which is without his Quarter : and the other within it : In the Treasurie without it layed the money for the ordinary and extraordinary expences , which is buried vpon all the Reuenewes of the Empire . The Grand Vizir and the great Teftardar , or Superintendent of the Treasure keepe the Keyes , But it is sealed only by the Grand Vizir . The other place for the Treasure is more important : it is within the Quarter of the Sultans lodging , or most commonly vnder the Chamber where he sleepe , taking his rest vpon the subject of his disquiet . This is vnder the cha●ge and care of the 〈…〉 , who is a white Eunuch , and a Fauourite as the Prince ; hee hath one key and the Emperour another : The Treasure which is said to yearely there , is that which hee sp● out of the Reuenewes of Egypt : When they haue paid the 〈◊〉 of Ca●re , their Commanders , and others which are the force and defence of that rich Kingdome there 〈◊〉 vsually 〈…〉 thousand Sultanians , which makes two 〈◊〉 foure hundred thousand Liuers of French money . Besides this Treasure the jealousie of Turkish Emperoure 〈…〉 ●other in the Serrail of the Sultana's , in 〈…〉 where as the Sultanas Queene doth lodge , 〈…〉 of his Serrail should enter into it : The doores are 〈◊〉 Iron , and they will is vp as often as they put any Treasure into it , and they which carry it are Mutes , to whose silence the Sultanas ●sides the ●●cret : They carrie it in great s●●he of Leather like vnto Purses , and let it downe into ●mes , which are made of purpose to keepe it : Thus the Money which 〈◊〉 with gaine , is kept with feare , and if it be lost it is with griefe . The Prince which doth waste it by his prodigalities , weakens his Estate , and exposeth himselfe to the dangers of many violent necessities . That Turkish Monarch which first made the place for the secret Treasure in the Sultanaes Serrail , was Selym the First , who hauing drawne together all the coyned Gold which hee receiued of the Reuenewes of Caire and other places , hee caused it to be moulten , and made a great Ball , which his dumbe Men did roll to put into the Cisternes of this Treasurie . Doubtlesse , it must needs be very painfull to roll it , seeing the weight of this precious metall is so cumbersome , as it ●●rawes all the World after it . Hee himselfe had the Key of this secret place , making vse of his dumbe Men , to the end they should not reueale the rich treasure which he had drawn together . Amurath the Third did afterwards seeke a more secret place , vnder the Chamber of the Sultana Asachi , ( that is to say the crowned ) where he caused Cisternes to be digged to that end : He entred into it foure times in the yeere , and at euery time he put into it aboue two Millions of Gold : This Prince drew together more Treasure than any of the rest , hauing in few yeares filled those Cisternes with coyned Gold. Wherefore we must not wonder if the Turkes Armies be so strong , seeing they furnish them with so many sinewes ; if they vanquish and triumph , seeing they haue both Men and Money in abundance : But rather wee haue cause to wonder that they doe not get all the rest of the World : For what is there in it that is not to be sold for Money ? The King of the Numidians had reason to say in beholding that Citie which was the seat of the most powerfull Monarchie of the Earth : A Citie that is to be sold , is nere its ruine , if it find a buyer . Men haue giuen the Turkish Emperours that fearefull greatnesse which they enjoy , but Money hath bought the men . CHAP. XVI . Of the Reuenewes of the Turkish Emperour in generall and in particular , and of the extent thereof ▪ THe greatnesse of Monarchies consists chiefly in three things , in the number of men , in the extent of Countries , and in the abundance of his annuall Reuenewes . Which three things are found in Eminencie , aboue all other Estates of the World , in the Turkes Empire : His Armies are many times 400000. fighting men or more ; the Townes and Champion Countrey are inhabited and abundantly peopled , by the Law of their Religion and State , which forceth Men to marrie being fiue and twenty yeares olde , and they haue libertie to keepe as many Concubines as they are able to feed . The yearely Reuenew is proportionable in this abundance : Wee may comprehend it in two sorts ▪ In the ordinary Reuenew which is alwayes equall , and doth not alter ; and in the extraordinary and casuall . The ordinary amounts yearely to twenty Millions of Gold ; the extraordinary is not lesse , but more vncertaine , for it is not raised but vpon Escheates and casuall things ; as when the Turkes die without Heires , all their goods come vnto the Prince ; If they leaue any Children , he takes only ten in the hundred ▪ most of the rich Bashaes , and wealthy men of the Court , leaue the best of their Estates to their Prince , although they haue Children : For being all slaues by the fundamentall Law of the S●●●e , the Sultan seizes vpon their Pallaces of their most precious moueables , and doth not suffer that the great summers of Money which they leaue should be otherwise imployed , but to fill the Cofers of his Chasna , or Treasury . Besides all this hee is the first and chiefe principall Steward of the Benefices of his Empire : For if any pious person according to his Religion , leaues any great Legacies to the Priests of his Law , to read the Alc●r● , or to performe some other deuotion after their manner , hee lookes what is necessary for the nourishment and entertainment of a number of Priests , which are appointed , not according to the Lawes of Excesse , but in termes of modesty and Ecclesiasticall Sobrietie : He causeth it be deliuered vnto them , and puts the rest into his Cofers . So as he that could justly calculate the Revenewes of the Turkish Empire , without doubt he should find it to exceed forty Millions yearely , aswell the Ordinary as the Casuall : whereunto no Monarch of the Earth doth come neere . They which haue seene the Turkes Court , dwelt in Constantinople , and conuerst with the naturall Citizens thereof , vnderstand the greatnesse of the Annuall Reuenewes of this spacious Empire . And others who haue not trauelled so farre , to attaine vnto this particular knowledge , will not call this truth in question , if they consider the vast extent of the Othuman Empire ; for the Soueraigne Princes thereof are Lords of Africke ; they possesse a part of Barbary , they rule beyond Thu●● and Argier ; they draw Tributes from the Crownes of Fesse and Morocco . They are Kings of high and low Egypt : they force obedience in Asia : The three Arabiaes , that is to say , the Stony , the Desart , and the Happy , acknowledge no other Lord : The Holy Land suffers the rigour of their command , which is absolute in Syria , Mesopotamia , and Chaldaea , a part of Persia doth acknowledge them : Media and Assiria are theirs : Armenia the lesse bowes vnder their Lawes , and a part of the greater , with the Countrey of Mongrelia : All Asia the lesser obey them , and in it the Prouinces of Caramania , Calicia , Cappad●cia , Pamphylia , Paphlagonia , Gallacia , Phrygia , Bichynia , Lydia , Caria , and Magnesia : The Emperour of Trebisonde acknowledgeth them for Masters : Their power is not lesse in Europe , which is the goodliest , the most flourishing and the ciuillest part in the World : All Greece , as Thr●● ; Macedonia , Bulgaria , Polopos● now called Mor●a , B●sina , and Ser●ia , doe what they command : Sla●ia is subject vnto them : A part of Sa● , Dasia , Hungaria , and Valachia are peopled by them : The Prouinces which lie vpon the blacke Sea and the Archipelagus , belong wholy vnto the Turkes● and the Ilands of the Mediterran●an Sea , which make the greatest number yeeld vnto their 〈◊〉 . They haue 〈◊〉 from the Venetians the Crowns of G● and Ierusalem that goodly Island of Rhodas , leauing 〈◊〉 in that Sea vnder the obedience of the Christians , but Candoe , Sicely , Corfon and Malta . Thus the 〈◊〉 of the great and redoubted Turkish Empire , 〈…〉 North at the Riuer Tanais , the most famous bounds 〈…〉 E●rope : Towards the South it joynes with the Countries of Preste-Iean , or the greater Neg● of ●thi●pia Towards the East it extends its limits to the Persian Gulfe , yea , it passeth beyond ●als●t● ▪ and in the wa● they are 〈◊〉 Neighbours to Ragousa a 〈…〉 . And if God did not restraine the course of their great prosperities , they would adde vnto their Monarchy many other Prouinces of Christendome , which the dis● of Christian Prin●ces , and the carelesse neglect of their subjects seene to expose to their Ambition : For if the Sult● doe what they can to inlarge their Estates , these furnish them occasion by their diuisions . CHAP. XVII . Of the Grand Seigneurs going forth of Constantinople by Land , and his returne i● Pompe where ●e displayes to the view of strangers , the greatnesse of his 〈◊〉 . THe Otheman Emperour 〈…〉 , moneth at the 〈…〉 vnto his Subjects , 〈…〉 which they might conceiue of him , and 〈…〉 dangerous effects of any 〈…〉 the Friday ( which is with the Turkes 〈…〉 to goe vnto the Mosquee to performe his deuotion , and to sheare himselfe in publique . When he goes forth in this manner it is vsually by the great Gate of his Serrail : Hee is alwayes on Horsebacke , simply attired , and in the same manner as he is in his Pallace . His head is couered with a little Turbant , to be more at his ease : Few Ba●●u's accompany him , the most part of his traine are the men of his Family . The Sonbasse , who is Captaine of the Iustice , or as the Knight of the Wa●ch at ps , goes a little before with fiftie Souldiers of his 〈◊〉 , to free the streets from all incumbrances , which might hinder the Princes passage , and to keepe euery man in awe while hee passeth . His most familiars accompany him , the Eunuches of his Chamber ; his Pages and therest which attend his person follow him : The Captaine of the Pages , hee of the Capigis , and the foure Captaines of the 〈◊〉 of his guard goe before him well mounted , and at his horse head there march foure Capigis on foot , and foure Solarbis at his sti●ope ; These men most commonly are very tall , 〈◊〉 being on foot , and the Prince on horse backe , their hands must bee equall with his 〈◊〉 ▪ They haue 〈…〉 instructious and petitions , which are preserued on the 〈◊〉 the which containe complaints of the insolencies of Basha's , the injustices of Cadis or Iudges ; the theft of T●ftardar● or Treasurers , and the other bad behauiour of his Officers . The Sultan hath in speciall care to haue these papers collected , which many times poore miserable men , lying flat on their bellies in signe of humilitie , and lifting vp their hands offer vnto him , the which they present vpon the 〈◊〉 of a Reede : Being returned vnto his Serrail , hee 〈◊〉 them to ●etread , and finds that which flattery had concealed from him , and learnes these thinges which 〈◊〉 of the most sincere men durst not 〈◊〉 Presently has giues order , and loseth no time in the search of 〈…〉 the wicked to 〈…〉 and slip away 〈…〉 the power of their 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Presently they 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Royall 〈…〉 Many Officers are ●wovel . from their places , which they 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 Mans●d● , and some others are put to death : Such is the vertue of these flying Notes and Peti●ions ; yet they vse prudence and discretion , and cause the crime to be well ●rred before they punish : For this cause the Basha's and other great 〈◊〉 of the Port , who are i●ssed in th●se 〈◊〉 , are not well pleased when they see their Prince goe forth in publique ; seeming that the newes of their vnjust actions should come vnto his eares . In these issues the people blesse him with their accla●ai●n● , and he sal●es 〈◊〉 by nodding of his 〈…〉 ●times , to binde their affections more vnto him , 〈…〉 forth handfuls of gold and siluer and casts it amongst them . Two of those 〈◊〉 which are of either 〈◊〉 of him , carry in two purses of V●l● , two little fla● of gold enrich● with precious stones , which are full of boiled water , C●diall and delightfull to drinke . The Sultan makes vse of it , when he is dry . The rest of his t●i●e come after : The Dwarffes and Iesters make a part , as the Apes of the Court , which neuer goes without them , to pre● 〈…〉 haue alwayes something ridiculous 〈◊〉 all 〈…〉 of about 〈◊〉 hundred . These are his issues when he goes from his Serrail ●to Constantinople . But when he goes out of the 〈◊〉 the fields to make a glorious returne in 〈…〉 followed , and adorned in 〈…〉 some forreigne Embassadour , and 〈…〉 to him of ●●rsia the magnifi● 〈…〉 report to his Master 〈…〉 ●ee that hath 〈◊〉 yea looked vpon 〈…〉 Envy . Hee take occasion to 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 , 〈…〉 ●sed it 〈…〉 built two 〈…〉 . The 〈…〉 doth aduertise hi● 〈…〉 to the Citie , and to 〈…〉 〈◊〉 for the way and 〈…〉 send from his Country 〈…〉 his great men of the Port , and all his 〈…〉 as is fitting at so Royall an entrie . Achmat the First in the yeare 1612. giues vs a president . A troupe of aboue two thousand men at armes 〈…〉 first they were armed and mou●d as was fitting for 〈…〉 . A sharely Regiment of Turkish foot , exceeding 〈…〉 followed them : After these came the Cadis or Iudges of Constantinople , with all the Body of Iustice , which were many in number : The Talismans and other Doctoral and Priests of the Al●an in the order of their puft-up grauity , ma●ched after these Iudges , which is the only way of the Iustice which they hold in their life . The Grand Vizir , accompanied with all the other Vizirs , and the Bashaes and Beglierbyes of the Empire , made so sta●y a Body , as in seeing them , a man might say they were so 〈◊〉 things , who 〈◊〉 by an extraordinary miracle drawne themselues together , much lesse to haue taken them for the slaues of the Othoman 〈◊〉 : When these were past ; there followed the ●en of the Serrail , or the officers of the 〈…〉 with the to● of their 〈…〉 The first 〈◊〉 then on foot , who fed ten goodly 〈…〉 other Turkes , with royall 〈◊〉 , whereof the 〈…〉 the Dirt and ●word of 〈◊〉 Gold , 〈◊〉 with precious stones : the Saddle was 〈…〉 and glistering with Diamonds : The S●●s 〈…〉 with strings of gold , at the 〈…〉 did 〈…〉 ground two great men of rich Orientall Persian vpon the Saddle they had cast a long Horse cloth , of rich Cloth of Gold , 〈◊〉 ordered so thicke with 〈◊〉 ▪ as they 〈…〉 〈…〉 follower so like order , 〈…〉 〈…〉 either of the● 〈…〉 〈…〉 presented by the French 〈…〉 negligent care of th● 〈…〉 from hunting . The 〈…〉 well 〈…〉 goodly entry , with a band of young men simply attired , entertained for their Seruices , with all the other Pages of the Serrail . The Embassadour of Persia , the chiefe subiect of this magnificence , caused to be cast before his Lodging when the Sultan past , a hundred clothes of Silke : the Archers of his Guard tooke them vp and kept them for themselues . This Pompe is made when as the Turke is in good termes with the Persian : But when as they differ , and that matters are disposed to warre , the estate of things change . The Turke 〈◊〉 shew in his entrie before the Embassadour of Persia , of such Souldiers which he hath in Constantinople and thereabouts : and entring into the City , from his Countrey Pallace of Da● Basha , hee marcheth about the streets with aboue a hundred and fifty thousand fighting men well armed ; as Amarath the Third did a li● before he sent his Army into Persia , where hee defeared his Enemies , and get in a short time twelue rich Prouinces from the Persian . When as this Prince had made shew of so many war like tro●pe to the Embassadour of Persia , who was to 〈◊〉 wi●h admirall of 〈◊〉 some tribute which had 〈…〉 hee sent him 〈◊〉 by one of his Bashaes then all the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 which hee had s●ene in Constantinople , were but the 〈◊〉 which bee kept in 〈◊〉 , and that he should 〈◊〉 of the great ●mber which he had in field ; the which being led into his Masters Countrey , they would 〈…〉 Commanding him in the 〈…〉 of Constantinople within three dayes , 〈…〉 goe into Persia , there to attend his slaues which would 〈…〉 Turkish 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 place . CHAP. XVIII . The Grand Seigneurs going to Sea , to 〈◊〉 himselfe . SEeing that the Othoman Monarch domin●es ouer the best parts of the Earth , and extends the power of his Empire vpon the waues of the Sea , it is fit and reasonable hee should take his recreation and pleasure vpon either 〈◊〉 . The precedent Chapter hath 〈…〉 going ● by land : This shall describe him taking his pleasure at Sea , where wee may follow him without danger ; for 〈◊〉 neuer imbarques himselfe but the wind● are still , the 〈◊〉 are calme , and the superficies of the water p● and 〈◊〉 . He goes out of his Serrail by one of the Gates of his goodly Gardens , which haue a prospectes the Sea , whose 〈…〉 with many Pillars of P●phyry : Her into his 〈◊〉 called in the Turkish Language 〈◊〉 , hauing aboue 〈◊〉 ●anks and 〈…〉 to a Banke ▪ He 〈◊〉 his selfe 〈◊〉 the Po●pe , the which is gorgeously 〈◊〉 with Vel●t and such like stuffe , imbroidered with gold . Hee 〈…〉 Cushions of Crimson Vel● ▪ which serue● him for seats 〈◊〉 the Turkish 〈◊〉 His 〈◊〉 Familiars , Eunuches of his Serrail 〈…〉 him : Only the B●stangi●assi , which is his great G●rdin ▪ and his Pilot in his recreation , may sst in his 〈…〉 more commodiously , whereof 〈…〉 . A troupe of young 〈…〉 with such 〈…〉 th●rough 〈…〉 . They 〈…〉 and haue Caps of the same 〈…〉 Oare with such care , as they imploy themselues without failing : foure other Caques goe some little space before , to aduertize all other Vessels to passe out of the way , or to stay , & not to pester by their encounter the way of this redoubted Sultan : they do it speedily ( what is there in the Lou● which doth not obey him ? ) & seeing him farre off salute his greatnes and by the acclamations of their joy , wish him all happinesse : Some other Caiques follow his , in the which are those of his family , to whom he would giue leaue , to be partakers of these pleasures . During this , hee hath a wise lesson of the vanity of greatnesse , by the consideration of the inconstancie of the Element which beares him , if he would apply his mind vnto it : But hee passeeh that time in the ordinary trade of Kings , which is to raise vp , and ouerthrow the fortunes of men by the effects of their loue or hatred . For the Bostangi●assi , who is at his backe , with the helme in his hand , and who alone hath leaue to speake then vnto him , informes him as hee pleaseth of the affaires of his estate , of the carriage of the Officers of his Crowne , of the designes of his Basha's , and of the insolencie of such as he fauoure aboue the rest . Sometimes he deliuers the truth nakedly and plaine vnto him , and sometimes hee doth disguise and dissemble it as his passion doth aduise him , and doth cunningly practise the ruine of those which thinke themselues assured , and are many times without crime . A president to ●ch● 〈◊〉 ●uch it doth imp●r● them to know the estate of by themselues ▪ and not by others , and to learne in seeing the carriage of their subiects , and to doe in their Monarchy , as shepheards doe in their troups , haue a care of them , for the eye is not circumuented so soone as the eare , and truth enters seldome or disguised into their Pallaces , if they themselues 〈◊〉 di●t by the hand . The greatest lyars among men remaine in Court , and there doe easily vent out their fabulous inuentions : Priuate interest is the 〈◊〉 Diuinitie which they adore to the which they referre the ambition of their thoughts , the flattery of their disco●rse● and the malice of their actions . The Bostangibassi finding his Mastermind be 〈…〉 had from all knowledge of affaires 〈◊〉 vnto a plaine Table , he paints thereon what he pleaseth , friendship for 〈◊〉 and hatred for others : Hee makes the guilty innocent and the innocent guilty : He raises and ruines according to his humour ▪ Soe at the 〈◊〉 from this 〈◊〉 walke , the Bas●a's haue sometimes felt the stormes of a new disaster in the change of their fortunes : Doubtlesse the fauours of the Court are very fraile and inconstant , seeing that a puffe of wind , a word may ouerthrow them : And as wind disperseth smoake , so the great Gardiners discourse doth cause the greatnesse of the Bassa's of the Port to wither and fade . The which should teach the Fauourites of Princes , seeing their fortunes are transitory and fading , to imploy their credit in vertuous actions , which may serue them for a solide support , honour their liues , eternize their memory with posterity , and preserue them from ruine . But to speake these thing ▪ to most part of those of that condition , were to sing vnto the deafe , and to shew colours to the blind : for the great prosperities of the Court blind the mind , and dull the judgements . When as the Sultan hath glutted his desires , with the delights of this Marine walke , and filled his eares with the Bostangibassi's tales , he returnes to the Serrail , where being landed , the Azamoglans draw the Caiques out of the water , and lodge them in Vaults made for the purpose , which are within the walls of this Pallace : The which they doe , and put them to Sea againe commodiously and with great facilitie . CHAP. XIX . Of the Grand SEIGNEVRS Physicians , Chyrurgians and Apothecaries . GReat Princes in the midst of their humane felicities are not freed from the crosses and discommodities of life , and much lesse from the infirmities that afflict them , to the end their pride might be humbled , and they should acknowledge themselues to be men . The Sultan Emperour of the Turkes seekes ease for his griefes aswell as other Monarches : He entertaines vsually for he seruice of his person , ten Physicians of the most skilfull of the East : Most part are Iewes , for the men of that Nation study carefully in Physicke , and prosper well . And seeing that the Turkes neglecting Learning doe not attaine to those Sciences which are necessary to make a good Physician . Amidst this number there is one superiour to the rest , called in their Language Lecchin Bassi , or the first Physician : Their entertainments are great , and the Presents they receiue make them rich : The first of them is reuerenced in the Serrail , they serue him with the same bread they giue vnto the Sultan , which is a dainty kind of bread made of the Graine which is gathered at Bursia in Natolia , reserued for the Princes mouth : He hath what fauour hee can desire in Court , and his Master honours him extraordinarily : Necessitie is a powerfull Daemon , and his vertue makes him also to be honoured . But the merit of Physick hath made it so commendable in the World , and in Court , that many Kings haue crowned it with their owne Diadems : Sabor and Gyges haue practised it in their estates of Media : Sabid married it to his Scepter of Arabia : Methridatus to that of Pontus : and Hermes held it as great a glory to bee a Physician in Egypt as to be a Soueraigne King. When the Sultan is sick , his Physicians are cald to visit him ; if they hold his infirmity to be of continuance , they are presently lodged in the secret Serrail which is the Princes quarter , in Chambers neare vnto him : They giue them two seruants to attend them ; and they may not go out of the Pallace , what necessity soeuer doth presse them , vntill the Sultan bee recouered or dead . But when hee is in health , they are only bound to goe three of them euery morning , into the Apothecaries shop in the Serrail , and there to attend vntill noone , if there be any need of their helpe . The Sultans Chyrurgions and Barbers haue lesse libertie : They may not goe out of the Serrail where they lodge , but on the day of Bairam , which is the Turkes Easter , vnlesse it be by the Princes permission : The youngest of this profession serue him as Pages , some others are Eunuches , which attend the seruice of his Chamber : These shaue him when hee desires , and wash him in his Bathes , when hee goes to temper the heate which troubles him , or to satisfie the commandement of his Law. The Apothecaries are also lodged in the Serrail , their number exceeds both the others : So their Seruice is more ordinary . There are eighteene Masters which worke , and three hundred Boyes which serue them , most of which goe once a yeare to search for Simples on the Mountaines and Valleyes for the composing of their Physicke : Foure Masters most expert in their Art are Superiour to all those : They call them the Priors . The shop of these Apothecaries deserues so many men as serues this great Prince , it is aboue fifty fathome long , and halfe in breadth : The great Vessels which doe beautifie it , furnish it abundantly with all sorts of Oiles , Sirrops , Ointments , Waters , and other liquors proper for Physicke : On the side of it are foure goodly Chambers full of diuers sorts of Drugs . Besides these there are two others scituate towards the Gardens , where during the Spring which doth enamile the Earth with flowres , and the Summer which doth crowne it with Fruits , they draw the essences , and distill the Waters which are fit for Physicke . But in all these Vessels , amidst these Drugs and diuers Quintessences , they find not any remedy which can mortifie the amorous Passions of the Prince , wherewith hee is continually afflicted : They deuoure his leisure , interrupt the exercises which are more worthy of his person ; and ●eiect him vnder that which hee is , and make him a slaue to his slaues : for louing them desperately , he liues more in them then in himselfe . The end of the first Booke . THE GENERALL HISTORY OF THE Serrail , and of the Grand SEIGNEVRS Court. The second BOOKE . CHAP. I. Of the publique Diuan in the Serrail , where they dispatch and iudge all Affaires . IN the second Court of the Serrail , where as a goodly Fountain , couered with the shadow of many pleasing Cypresse trees which enuiron it , powres forth a cleere streame , as if it were liquid Christ all , is built vpon the left hand , at the end of a long Gallery , a great Hall , where as the Sultan causeth the Diuan to be kept foure dayes in the Weeke ; that is to say , on Saturday , Sunday , Munday and Tuesday . This word Diuan signifies a Colledge , whither many men repaire : whereas they distribute Iustice equally to any that demand it , for what cause soeuer : And the greatest benefit they find , is that the parties are admitted to deliuer their owne causes , hauing no necessitie to consume their goods and their time , ( whereof the losse is irreparable ) among wrangling Pettifoggers , who enrich themselues by other mens follies . The Turkes policie giues this case vnto the people , that they will not allow of any : Whosoeuer hath an action against any other , hee brings him to the Diuan by the fist , and the other dares not refuse : there by the Iustification of their Acts , if they leaue any , or by a summary and verball deposition of two Witnesses , the cause is iudged with great facilitie , and the execution is not difficult : Or if the judgement be refered after the audience , and committed to some one of the Iudges , the importune delayes , and the horrour of wrangling which is practised in France , being not admitted among the Turkes , hinder not a speedy dispatch . The Officers which assist at this Diuan are the Basha or Grand Vizir , Lieutenant Generall of the whole Empire , who precides : The other Vizirs or Basha's accompany him , the two Beglierbeys , the one of Nat●lia , and the other of Romania , two of the prime Dignities of the Crowne , after the Grand Vizir : The two Cadilesquers or great Iudges of Armies Superiour to all the Cadis or Iudges of the Empire : The three Teftardars , or generall Treasurers for the ordinary and extraordinary treasure , who keepe the Sultans Cofers , and receiue that great Reuenew which is leuied in his Estates : The Nassans Bassa or high Chancellor : The Netangi , who is as the Secretary of Estate with vs , which serues mo●ethly , who signes the Commandements , and dispatches with the Royall Signature : The Bassa's Secretary with a great number of Iafitschi or Notaries , which are as Regist●s : The Cha●ux Bassi who is chiefe of all the Cha●ux of the 〈◊〉 , which carries the Sultans Commandements both within and without the Estate , they goe in Embassies , although they be but vild and base Messengers , and execute the Decrees of the Basha's ; is at the doo●e of this Dauan with a great member of his company , to execute that which the Grand Vizir shall command : Hee carries a Staffe of siluer in his hand for the marke of his authoritie . And all these men aswell Basha's as others of inferiour qualitie , come into this Hall of the Diuan by foure of the clocke in the morning , with a commendable diligence , to discharge their duties in the administration of justice , vntill twelue . The places and rankes are obserued according to the eminencie of their Offices : The Grand Vizir sits first in the midst of two long formes fastned to the wals , which looke towards the doore , like vnto the Seats of Audience for justice in France : On his right hand ( which is the lesse honourable in Turkey ) the Bassa's seate themselues : The two Cadilesquers are on the left ; He of Romania or Greece , as the most noble Prouince , precedes him of Natolia : At the entry of the Diuan on the left hand , are set vpon a forme by themselues the three Teftardars : They haue at their backes all the Notaries or Registers , sitting on the ground with paper and pens in hand , to write what shall be commanded . On the otherside of the Hall opposite to the Teftardars , is another forme set apart , where the Netangi hath also a pen in his hand , being enuironed with his Clerkes and Deputies . The parties which demand justice , being many in number , are placed in the midst of the Diuan , with so great a respect and silence as they dare not spit . This publique Councell is like vnto that of the parties in the Louver , with this difference , that in the Diuan euery man is admitted for any cause whatsoeuer , All these Officers being thus placed , the parties plead their owne Causes , & they direct their speech to the Grand Vizir , who precides in this Councell : The other Bassa's neuer speake : If he doth judge that the businesse propounded ought to be presently dispatcht , he then decides the controuersies betwixt the parties : If it require a longer inquisition , hee referres the judgement to one of the Cadilesquers , if the matter belong to the Ciuill Law : If it concerne the Treasure or Accompts , a Teftardar is committed : and when there is Question of any falshood , or the verification of a hand or writing , he deputes a Netangi . The affaires of greater importance , or differences of consequence , which concerne strangers , hee reserues them to his owne judgement . These imployments detaine them from the breake of day vntill noone : When that comes , one of the Stewards of the Serrail appointed for the Diuan , presents himselfe in the midst of it , to whom the Grand Vizar makes a signe to bring Dinner : Then the parties retire , and the Diuan is free for the Rasha's ; the seruice is made with that frugality that is fitting for Iudges : For a Table , they bring before the Grand Vizir a plaine stoole of wood , where on they set a siluer Bason , and sometimes of Copper blancht , round in forme , and as big as the bottome of a pipe , vpon the brims thereof they set many lo●ues , in the midst the meate , which they serue one dish after another ; One or two of the Rassa's are called to eate with the chiefe of the Councell ; they bring to euery one a Napkin , wherewith they couer their knees : Their meats are Mutton , wild Fowle , Pigeons , & somtimes Pullets ; the drink is of Sorbet after their manner , made of water , the juice of Citrons , and of Sugar , for the Grand Vizir alone ; the rest quench their thirst with falle water : Their fruit is a Tart or some Cake , wherewith they end their Dinner , which doth not continue aboue halfe an houre : The like is ordained for the Cadilosquers , ●eftariturs , and all the rest of the Diuan : Their slaues dine at the same time . The Bassa Captaine of the Sea , is also of the number of those which assist in the Diuan , he takes his place in the last ranke of all the other Bassa's if hee be not a Bassa Vizir ; in that case hee mounts higher towards the Grand Vizir in the order of his inception . Dinner being thus ended without pompe , without excesse , and without dissolution , the Grand Vizir disposeth of the most notable resolutions which haue beene taken in the Diuan , and prepares himselfe to god and make report thereof to the Grand Seigneur ; On Sunday and Tuesday , which are the dayes of Diuan for publique affaires , and the Councell of Estate . This Prince descends to that effect into a Chamber which is neere vnto it : being arriued , he cals his Officers vnto to him one after another . The Capigilar Agassi carries this command . He holds in his hand a long staffe of siluer , like vnto a Beadles Mace : First of all they call the Cadilesques , they rise vp , make a low reuerence to the Grand Vizir , and follow this Mace-bearer and the Chaoux Bassi , who is ioyned vnto him with his other staffe of siluer : Vnder their conduct they goe before the Grand Seigneur into his Chamber , they reuerence him and in a manner adore him : For there is not any Soueraigne Prince vpon the earth , whose subiects stand in more feare , nor yeeld him so much reuerence . After this they yeeld him an account of their places , then they retire backwards like men that had consulted with some great Diuinity , and so goe to their houses . The Mace-bearers goe to fetch the Teftardars , these yeeld the like salutation to the Grand Vizir that the others had done ; they goe before the Grand Seigneur , they speake vnto him of his treasure and of the affaires of their charge ; and hauing satisfied him , they retire like the rest , with their heeles first . This custome alwayes to turne their face in retiring is not only practised with the Prince , but also obserued with the Bassa's , who according to the Lawes of Turkish Ciuility , would hold it a contempt , if in parting from them they should turne the backe . After the Teftardars , the Captain of the Sea if he had been in the Diuan , goes to relate vnto the Grand Seigneur , the estate of his Vessels of Warre , with that of Armes and Munition which are in his Arsenall . The Aga or Colonell Generall of the Ianizaries , which are the Turkish foot ▪ enters not into the Diuan , hee remaines in the second gate of the Serrail , being set vnder a Gallery assisted by the Souldiers : He goes first of all to audience to his Master ; and returnes to his seate , vntill all the rest be retired ; for hee goes last out of the Serrail : The Vizirs goe one after one vnto the Sultan , and being come into his presence they frame themselues to an incomparable respect : They ioyne their hands , and bend downe their heads and eyes to the ground , and stand silent : For amongst them only the Grand Vizar may speake vnto the Prince ; He comes last with a graue pace , as the party that beares the burthen of all the affaires which haue beene treated in the Diuan ; hee yeelds an accompt vnto his Master , who confirmes the judgements , or disanuls them , as he thinkes good . Moreouer , he leaues him instructions in writing , in a Purse of Crimson rais'd Veluet , the which hee laye● before him with vnspeakable reuerence and humilitie ; then he retires like the rest , vnlesse the Emperour stayes him longer to informe himselfe of the estate of his most important affaires . Thus the Turkes doe justice to men , whereof the quicke expedition might repaire the defects which they meete with , and yet in that place particularly they are reasonably exact to yeeld vnto euery man that which is due vnto him : The feare of their owne ruine if they had no vertue , were sufficient to make the ballance eeuen and straight . For the Turkish Princes are accustomed to goe by one of their Chambers vnto a Window , only shut vp with a Lattice , the which lookes into the Diuan directly ouer the head of the Grand Vizir : From thence he heares what is spoken , and treated ; with the complaints of parties , and the Decrees of Iudges ; if iniquitie doe sway the minds and mouths of those , to deny vnto the weakest the reliefe which justice doth owe them , against the violent oppressions of the Mighty , the punishment which hee takes is very exemplary . Doubtlesse , as the foundations vphold a house , so justice is a strong support vnto an Empire , without the which it cannot long subsist . Kings , whose principall office is to yeeld it vnto men , ought to cherish it aboue all things ; It doth aduance them aboue other men , and makes them to raigne happily ; and without it violence drawes all disorders in their Estates , troubles them , and ruines them in the end : They themselues without justice , are like vnto those bodies which are troubled with the falling sicknesse , whom weaknesse and paine afflicts : This diuine vertue should not only be the soule of their Decree , but the soule of their soule : In justice they shall possesse all the other vertues , for it containes them all . CHAP. II. Of the Azamoglans , or Children of the Tribute of base condition which serue in the Serrail , and elsewhere . THe Christians labour so profitably to inlarge the Turkes Empire , as they not only furnish them with occasions , by their wretched diuision , but they also breed them vp men , which in time are the most generous of their troupes , the greatest in their Court , and the most triumphant in Townes & Christian Prouinces : But in this last , force and the constraint which these Barbarians vse towards them , makes them more excusable , than when they abandon the reason and the interests of Christianity , to the blind passions of a fatall discord : For they see come into their houses , thoroughout all Greece or Morea , and in the Countrey of Albania , a troupe of the Grand Seigneurs Capigis , deputed to make the exaction of the richest , and the most exquisite Tribute , that can be leuied in a Country , the which is of men , the best proportioned , and enricht with the gifts of Nature . There they choose the soundest , the goodliest , and the most actiue of all their Children , out of euery three one , the which they doe euery third yeere ; and hauing drawne together aboue two thousand , they lead them to Constantinople . At their arriuall , they attire them all in Robes of Cloth of diuers colours ; they giue vnto euery one a yellow Cap of Felt , like vnto a Sugar-loafe . In this Equipage they are led before the Grand Vizir , who being accompanied with al the other Bassa's and Ministers of the Serrail , he makes choice of those that are most actiue for the war : These young men are set apart , and conducted into the Serrail by the Bostangibassi , or chiefe of the Gardiners , and a part of them distributed where they wanted . Then they circumcise them : being children of Christians they become yong Turks , and for an inconstant fortune of the World and of the Court , they lose the eternall happinesse of Heauen , in the way whereof their first beliefe had directed them . They cause them to learne the Turkish Tongue , and if their spirits be capable of more , to read and write . But all indifferently are instructed to wrestle , runne , leape , shoot , dart an Azegaye , and in all other Exercises , which are fit for them which will make profession of Armes . The rest of this goodly choice of the young Children of the Tribute is in the power of the Grand Vizir ; Hee doth lodge them , and distribute them diuersly ; some are sent into the Sultans Gardens and Houses of Pleasure ; others are put into the Gallions and Vessels at Sea , which make Voyages for the Sultana's ; The Patrons charge themselues , and are bound to restore them when they are demanded . They place a good number in Artificers shops to learne diuers trades , whereof they may serue for a Squadron when they shall be Ianizaries and especially in the time of Warre . The Basha's and all the great Men of the Court haue their part ; They are deliuered vnto them by their Names , Countries , Markes of their face or elsewhere , and by the colour of their haire ; they binde themselues in writing , which is contained in a Booke for that purpose , to the end that if the necessitie of the Warre should force the Captaines to fill vp their companies , in the place of those that are dead , they may take these to that effect . But most commonly they giue the rudest and grossest to these Basha's ; and they imploy them in their Stables , Kitchins , and other base Offices of their Houses . They which remaine of these Azamoglans , are sent into diuers Seminaries , vnder the conduct of diuers Eunuches which haue the charge , and take the care to breed them vp , to bee one day capable to beare Armes , and to serue in the Warre in qualitie of Ianizaries . These Children thus placed the Grand Vizir represents them in a Booke to the Grand Seigneur . This Prince assignes them an entertainment according to his pleasure , and augments the pay which the great custome doth allow them , which is of foure or fiue A●pres by the day besides their nourishment and apparell : Hee assignes the assignation with his owne hand , and sends it by the Vizar to the Testardar , to the end he may be carefull to pay it according to the order : Hee sees them euery three Moneths , and visits them one after another , calling them by their names , to know the number of those which are dead , and to see how they be fed and gouerned . But the Azamoglans appointed for the seruice of the Serrail , are imployed about base and vile things as the meanest of all those which are of the Royall Family : They serue for Labourers in their buildings , they imploy them in their Stables , Kitchins , Gardens , to cut wood , and to carry it , to lead Dogges to the field as their Seruants , and to doe whatsoeuer their Superiours command them , whereof some haue charge of tens , others of hundreds , and these are also vnder the authoritie of the Chicaia , or Steward of the Bostangibassi ; the toyle they vndergoe , the paines they take , and the miseries which they indure make them the most patient men in the World , and their Masters instruct them to mortification by most rigorous courses : the least fault is rewarded with fiftie blowes with a Cudgell , the which are soundly set on . But their basenesse is not without honour nor recompence : There are charges and eminent Offices among them to the which they succeed by the order of their antiquity , and their patience may make them hope and aspire to the place of a steward , yea of Bostangibassi , to shew that there is nothing so base but long labour and inuincible sufferance , may aduance in time . For to come vnto the dignity of Bostangibassi , is to be familiar with the Prince , to be great in Court , to speake vnto him when hee walkes , to conduct him at Sea , and to gouerne his Brigandine , and to haue an honourable priuiledge to weare a Turbant in the Serrail , which is no lesse than among the great Men of Spaine to speake vnto the King with their heads couered . The Gates of the Serrail are the limits of their courses , they neuer goe forth vpon any occasion vnlesse the Bostangibassi leads them with him when hee goes out of the Pallace to execute the Princes commandments , and to ruine the fortune of some great Man of the Court , as hee did in the yeare 1614. That of Bassa Nassuf , whom hee caused to be strangled in his Bed , for these secret Commissions are most commonly put into his hands : When hee takes what number of Azamoglans shall be needfull , hee slips in amongst these , the children of naturall Turkes at the entreaty of his friends , yet with the consent of the Sultan , and placeth them where they may be aduanced , their Lodgings & abode are about the wals of the Serrail towards the Sea , where they dwell in Chambers , they haue their Bathes , their Stoues , and their Kitchins , and liue at their owne will ; for they haue their allowance apart : when they haue leisure , they imploy it in fishing , they sell what they take , and reserue the gaines to themselues : They neuer see the Sultan but when he comes to walke in his Gardens , or goes a hunting , then they follow him , and Quest in the fields like Spaniels . They doe not supply the companies of foote , when there is any want of Ianizaries , out of this number : If they goe out of the Serrail , it is to be better bred in other Seminaries , whilest they are yong : or when they are of riper age , the Grand Seigneur giues some of them to his Fauourites , whom he sends out of the Serrail , as Bassa's of Caire , Damas , or some other Gouernments of his Empire ; they make vse of these Azamoglans for their Stewards , Quirries , Treasurers ; and such like Offices in their Family : Moreouer , when the Prince goes a Voyage , or to the Wars , hee leads a great number with him to pitch his Tents , vnlade his stuffe , and to doe other manuall workes . CHAP. III. Of the Azamoglans , of better breeding and condition , who in time attaine vnto the Lignities of the Turkish Empire . VErtue hath this proper to her naturall beauty , to make her selfe to be generally esteemed , and acknowledged euen by most barbarous Nations : she doth not only make those admirable which doe possesse it , but doth also giue the Title of their Nobility to their Posterity , and makes them commendable . The children that are well borne taken for Tribute from the Christians , make triall thereof in Turkey , whereas the Turkes honour their Birth , and separate them from the rest , to bee better bred and instructed in Exercises which make them worthy of the greatest Officers of the Empire : They teach them the Texts of Mahomets Law , the ornament of the Turkish Learning , they instruct them in armes , and in all things which may adde perfection to men , which are to attend continually neere vnto a great Monarch . They are all Christian slaues ; but we shall see in the course of their fortune , that their slauery is a way , by the which patience doth lead them to the liberty to command Prouinces , or whole Realmes : and their condition doth teach vs , that it is a happy infelicitie , and an vnfortunate happinesse . The Capinga or great Chamberlaine of the Serrail , brings some into their number , borne of naturall Turkes , commendable for their good dispositions , yet seldome and with the Princes leaue . For the custome of the Empire in its most ancient Constitutions requires that such Children should be Christians Renegadoes , the noblest and most ciuill that can be found . So when the aduantages of the Warre , giue vnto the Turkish Armies victories against Christians , or the taking of their Townes , and they find therein young children to the age of twelue or thirteene yeares , the Bassa's reserue them for the seruice of the Grand Seigneur . For the Turkes hold an opinion , that the Nobility of bloud makes spirits generous and inclinable to vertue ; especially when the care of a good education doth polish and make perfect the gifts of Birth , as they doe in the Serrail with these young men . The Discipline , which they cause to obserue is , so rigorous , as whosoeuer performes it in all points , becomes the most modest , the most patient , and the most mortified man liuing . The Masters which haue charge of their persons , are white Eunuches , seuere , froward , fantastique , and suspicious , as most of your gelded men be . They neuer speake vnto them but in choller , and spare not their Bastinadoes , whereof they are very charitable ; they make them watch and indure all paines ; so as many of these young men , when they come to the age of twenty yeeres , they seeke all meanes to flie this seuerity : And although they know that they are in the course of a great fortune ; yet they had rather get out of the Serrail , with the simple qualitie of Spain or Mutaferaga , which is like vnto our Men at Armes or light house , than to suffer any longer the rigours of this Discipline . Their number is not certaine , the Serrail receiues as many as they send ; but vsually they are about three hundred . The order and method wherewith they breed them vp , doth testifie that the Turkes haue retained nothing of barbarous but the name , and haue sent vs the effect . They call the formes where they instruct them Oda ; this word signifies a Chamber : They ordaine foure , by the which these young men must passe , before they attaine to Offices , whereunto the capacity which they learne doth aduance them . In the first are placed all those of this condition , which enter into the Serrail at a childish age : There they circumcise them if they were not before ; being made Turkes , they teach for their first Lesson Silence , and the Countenance they must carry for a marke of their Seruitude , and withall a singular Reuerence towards the Sultan , which is when they are neere him to hold downe their Head and Eyes , and to haue their Hands joyned , or their Armes crost . For most of those which s●rue the person of the Oth●man Prince , neuer speake vnto him , nor looke him in the face . At their comming into the Serrail the Prince sees them , causeth them to be enrolled in a Register , by their names and Countries , and commands the ●●●●ardar to be exact in the present payment of the Money which is appointed for their entertainment . A white Eunuch ouer-seer of all the other Eunuches which teach them , as it were the Principall of a Colledge , takes also care to see them well instructed . After the first Precepts they teach them to read and write , and aboue all to pray after the Turkish manner , and the worship of their Religion , with an incredible care , 〈◊〉 the space of six or seuen yeeres , which is the time they remaine in this Oda . After this long terme they passe vnto the second Oda , where more vnderstanding Masters than the first , teach them the Persian , Arabian , and Tartar Languages , and practise them in reading all sorts of written Bookes ( for the Turkes vse no other . ) Moreouer to speake Turkish elegantly , the which they may doe by the knowledge of those three Tongues , whereof the Turkish Language seemes to be composed . For to heare them speake they do easily discerne the difference there is betwixt them and those which are not bred vp in like manner . They adde to these exercises of the mind , those of the Body : In this Oda they teach them to handle the Sword or Semiter , to shoot , to cast a Battle-axe , to dart a Ia●ehn or Azagaye , and to runne lightly ; all this is done in places separated from the Oda , at certaine houres appointed with great attention , where the Eunuches spare not their Cudgels , but beat them soundly for the least fault . They continue six yeares in these Exercises , after which they are Men and sit for all paine and labour . Then they come vnto the third Oda , where they doe not forget what they had learned before , but practise it still ; and moreouer they learne to be good Horsemen , and to vault with disposition , to be the morefit and actiue for the Warre : Euery one according to his inclination doth likewise learne an occupation , to serue the Princes person ; one to make Turbants , another to shaue Haire , to cut his Nailes , to wash him in the Bath , to make cleane and fold his Clothes handsomely ; some to lead Dogs to the Wood , others to be skilfull in Hawks and Hawking , to serue for Stewards or Queries , to be imployed in the Chamber , and to other Offices necessary for the seruice of great Princes , wherein they grow to that perfection in the space of fiue yeeres as they are able to instruct others : Whilest they are in this third Oda , they may not see any one abroad but with great difficulty , and in the presence of an Eunuch ; all conuersation with others is prohibited , but with those of their Oda : But they must doe it with all modesty and honesty : For if the Eunuch who is their Superiour , shall enter into the least suspition of the contrary , they shall be assured to be soundly beaten , either vpon the soles of their feet or vpon the backe after the Turkish manner , so as many times they leaue them for dead . They sleepe in long Roomes which may containe fifty little Beds made only of Matteresse : They lie in their clothes , in the night time they haue many lights burning , their Eunuches sleepe among them , betwixt euery ten Beds lies an Eunuch , to keep them in awe : Day and night their Masters examine them , to see if they be firme and constant in the beliefe of the Alcoran : For being ready to passe to the fourth Oda , and from thence to the greatest Offices of the Empire ; if they had in their soules any loue of their first beliefe , they might procure some great prejudice to the Turkes estate . Hauing imployed all care , and finding them truly Mahometans , they conduct them to the fourth Oda . At their entry into it , they enter their names and Countries again into another Booke , for all passe not into this last place of their continuall trauels : But those only which haue finished their time in the other forme , and by their diligence haue made themselues capable to serue the Prince and State profitably : As labour and rest touch one another , so the end of one is the sweet beginning of the other ; These men finde it in this Oda , their Pension is augmented ; insteed of cloth wherewith they were formerly attired , the Sultan giues them Robes of Silke and Cloth of Gold : They haue liberty to conuerse , with the greatest men of the Serrail and with the Bassa's , who seeing them entring into great places , adore the Sun rising of their Fortunes , make them great Presents , and seeke to winne their friendship by rich gifts . Besides these pleasing signes of a new happinesse , whereas they were before all shauen , they suffer their haire to grow vpon their Temples , to couer their Eares , an assured signe , that they shall be speedily of the Royall Chamber , they follow the Grand Seigneur in all his walkes ( where hee is without women ) and out of their number he takes the most familiar Officers of his person , and of his Fauourites . As the Sechletar Aga , who carries his Sword. The Chioda Aga , which is he that carries the Roiall Robe , called C●am●e● . The Rechioptar , or Rakduntar , hee which goes at his Stirrop , when he is on horsebacke , or his chiefe Footman . The Materagi Aga , hee which carries a Vessell of Gold full of water when the Sultan marches . The Tubenter Aga , hee which doth garnish and carry his Turbant . The Chiamaci Aga , hee that doth wash his Linnen , or his chiefe Landrer . The Camedir Bassi , or great Master . The Chilargi Bassi , or chiefe Butler . The Dagangi Bassi , or Master Faulconer . The Sarrigi Bassi , or chiefe Cutler . The Nunasinugi Bassi , or chiefe Comptroller of the Treasure . The Turmachi Bassi , or Firnaagi Aga , he that pares his Nailes . The Berber Bassi , or chiefe Barber . The Amangi Bassi , he that washes him in the Bath . The Teskelegi Bassi , the great Secretary , or first Secretary of State. All which are the most ancient of the fourth Oda , and stand before the Prince when hee comes out of his Chamber , with that respect and reuerence which they learned in their youth in the first Oda ; which is to bee silent , to hold their heads downe , and with their eyes fixed vpon the ground , for they neuer speake , nor looke their Master in the face ; If he commands them any thing , it is by signes after the manner of dumbe men , and they doe execute it speedily , they carry his meat , which they receiue at the Court gate from the Stewards hands who is without , and they deliuer it from one to another , vntill it comes to the Grand Master , who sets it before the Grand Seigneur . This Prince is much pleased with the mute conuersation of such men , who dare not entertaine him but by signes : hee causeth them to ride , and to practize running and leaping , hee causeth them many times to cast a barre of Iron , and to make such like proofes of their force and actiuity . Hee fauours them with many Presents , as Robes of Cloth of Gold , Swords enricht with precious stones , Purses full of Sultanins , and many other things of value . Moreouer to the end that his Agalaris may gather the more money , to supply the expences of their Equipage , when they shall goe out of the Serrail with the Titles of Gouernours of Prouinces , hee giues them dispatches for Embassies : These men sell them to the Chaoux , or bargaine with them for a Moietie or more , of the present which they shall receiue from the Prince , to whom they are sent , the which is of no small importance : For the Princes which hold and depend of the Othoman , when he confirmes them in their Dignities , and sends them the markes thereof , by a gilt Staffe , a Throne , or a Crowne , they are bound to giue to him that is sent a Present of that value which is set downe in the great custome of the Empire , the which doth taxe euery one to a certaine summe : And of this number is the Vallachian , the Moldanian , the Transiluanian , the Tartar , and many other Vassalls , and Tributaries of the Othoman Crowne . This Present is diuided betwixt the Chaoux , who receiues it , and the Agalari who gaue him , or rather sold him the Commission : Thus they enrich themselues , and make a stocke to furnish themselues vpon the first occasion , the which presenting it selfe by the death of some Bassa , they are made either Captaine of the Sea , or Bassa of Caire or Damas , or elsewhere . Besides these great and glorious Dignities , the Grand Seigneur doth honour them sometimes with the quality of Musaip , that is to say , hee that may speake vnto the Prince , and goe to him in priuate : The which the Turkes esteeme aboue any thing in the Empire , the which the Othoman Monarches doe for a double intent , both to gratifie those whom they loue , and to haue men among the greatest of the Court , to enforme him of the Bassa's actions , and to discouer their Enterprizes against the good of the Estate and the Princes person . But all the Agalaris are not so bountifully aduanced . Those whom the Sultan will send out of his Serrail , with meaner dignities , he makes them Aga of the Ianizaries , Spacular Agassi who is Captaine of the Spahis , or at the least Cap●igi Bassi who is chiefe of the Porters . When they goe out of the Royall Pallace , by any great or meane dignity , they carry with them all the wealth they haue gathered together . Many young men whom a desire of libertie , and a curiositie to see the World , rather than any care to aduance themselues , hath made them abandon the exercises of the Oda , and their importunities haue forced the Prince to dismisse them , goe forth with the rest without any qualitie or office , and with little entertainment by the day : But when as he that is aduanced to the quality of a Bassa , and Gouernour of some remote Prouince , is ready to goe out of the Serrail , the Grand Vizir sends to receiue him at the Gate , by his Chicaia , who is a Steward or Ouer-seer of his house , with a troup of Horse to doe him honour , and causeth him to be conducted to his Pallace , receiues him with all curtesie , giues him many Presents , and doth accommodate him with lodgings for three or foure dayes , vntill his owne be prouided in the Citie : After that he hath giuen order , he settles his Family , and giues the chiefe places , to such as came out of the Serrail with him , he stayes sometime in Constantinople , vntill his haire be growne , for he was shauen at his comming forth , and likewise to receiue the Presents which the Sultana's send him , as goodly Linnen and rich Workes : And those which the Bassa's present him , as Tapestries , Horses , Robes of Cloth of Gold , and all sorts of moueables necessary for a man of his condition : He may be at that time about forty yeares old , hauing consumed the best of his dayes , in the expectance of this fortune . They of the other Oda's succeed him by the order of their reception , the which is exactly obserued in the Serrail , and fauour cannot depriue any man , if he hath not cōmitted some notable fault in the royall Pallace : so as they of the third Oda do partly know by the succession what shall become of them , and wish daily , that it would please the Sultan , to send some of his Agalaris to Offices abroad , to the end they may make place for them . This new Gouernour parts not from the Court to goe vnto his charge , before hee hath giuen thankes to the Capiaga for the care which hee hath contributed to his aduancement , terming himselfe obligeth vnto him , and that he would depend of him for a perpetuall acknowledgement of his fauours , intreating him to hold him in his protection , neere vnto the Princes person , vpon all accidents that might happen . He makes this Complement in the Serrail , without the Gate of the Sultan's Quarter ; for being once forth hee enters no more , vnlesse the Prince calls for him , to treate with him , concerning the affaires of his charge . Such is their fortune , which haue suffered their actions to be gouerned by patience , and haue laboured to make themselues capable to serue . But such in the choice which the Othoman Monarch makes of men , bred and seuerely instructed in their profession about their persons , to be in time the greatest Officers of their Empire , where they neuer aduance to such Dignities vncapable men , who in the whole course of their liues , haue not learned any thing but to play as Tennice , to cast the Dice , to speake brutishly , and to practice all sorts of vices . Wherefore we must not wonder if the Turkes Estate prospers , seeing that amidsts great number of young men , they 〈◊〉 the choice of the best Wits , to be 〈◊〉 vp with care vnder good Discipline , which makes them honest men , and 〈◊〉 to the gifts of a happy birth the perfections of 〈…〉 must of necessitie serue for the 〈…〉 great Man , Hee that is borne a 〈◊〉 will 〈…〉 them make choice of the best Wits to supply their Religious House 〈◊〉 they haue alwayes amongst them most Learned and most rare Men , and as long as they shall follow this course , they shall make themselues 〈…〉 , and admirable : Without a naturall disposition , they may well sowe , but they shall neuer reape , and no man euer made a good Sparrow-hawke of a Buzzard . CHAP. IV. Of the foure White Eunuches , the chiefe Men of the Serrail , and of some other Eunuches . WE haue said elsewhere that the womens Serrail hath no other Guard but blacke Eunuches , which are sent young to the Court by the Basha's of Caire , to be bred vp to that place . The Sultans Serrail receiues none but white , the which are chosen in their infancie , out of that pleasing troupe of children well borne , which are taken for Tribute from the Christians , whose fortune the precedent Chapter doth describe . They are cut or mutilated with their owne consent , and not by force , the which would in danger their liues : The promises of the greatest Offices in Court , and the hope one day to enjoy Dignities whereunto they see such men aduanced , ouer-swayes their will , to suffer themselues to bee cut , the promise are true , for in time they attaine to the greatnesse of Turkey , But the principall of these Eunuches , and the most ancient among them , which are about the Princes person , the first and most powerfull Heads of the Serrail , are the foure which follow . The first is the Capiaga great Chamberlaine of the Empire , in most authority in the Serrail ; as he who may speake vnto the Grand Seigneur , when he thinkes good ; he doth alwayes assist neere vnto his person , wheresoeuer he goes , whether he goe out of his Royall Pallace , or enters into that of his women , he followes him vnto the doore , where he leaues men to aduertise him in his Chamber , when the Sultan retires . Embassies , Packets of Importance , Instructions of Estate , and all great Affaires passe thorough his hands ▪ to come vnto the 〈◊〉 which make him necessary to all others , and gets him as many rich Presents , and as much money as he can well desire . This without comparison is more beneficiall vnto him , than the entertainment he hath in the Serrail , the which is regulated at ten Sultanins by the day , which make foure pounds of our sterling Money , many Robes of Silke and Cloth of Gold , with such moueables as he desires . Moreouer , his Table is furnished at his Masters charge , and at the same time that his is . Hee carries a Turbant in the Serrail , and goes on horsebacke where he pleaseth . The second is the Chasuadar Bassi , or the Treasurer of the Princes secret treasure ; hee hath one key and the Grand Seigneur another , who doth also set his Scale vnto it . He hath care to lay vp the gold and siluer which comes from Egypt , keepes an accompt of it , and enters alone into this Treasure with the Sultan , hee aduiseth him for the gathering together of money , and entertaines him with a subject which was neuer displeasing to Prince : The importance and necessity of his charge , make him to be much esteemed : For gold being the delights of men , whosoeuer hath the ouer-sight , makes himselfe both powerfull and necessary among them : Moreouer , he hath the keeping of all the Iewels of the Crowne , and likewise of those which they present daily vnto the Sultan ; hee gluts his eyes with the lustre of the goodliest Pearles , and the richest Diamonds that the East doth produce : Those which his Master giues , and wherewith hee doth adorne himselfe on a day of pompe , passe thorough his hands . Hee liues in the midst of the Treasures of the Serrail , with hope to succeed to the place of Capiaga , if death forceth the other to abandon it . The third hath the charge of Chilergi Bassi , that is to say , great Dispencer . He is , as with vs , the Master of the Kings Wardrobe ; by his place he hath a care of the Sultans Apparell , and of other things which belong vnto his person . Moreouer , the pieces of Cloth of Gold , which they send for Presents , the exquisite Furres , the rich Swords , the Plumes of Feathers , and such like which they giue vnto the Prince , and those which hee himselfe giues , are vnder his custody . Hee keepes a particular 〈◊〉 , to the end they may see the price of that , which enters into this sturdy Wardrobe for Princes , and the value of that which goes forth in the same qualities : This exercise keepes him alwayes in breath ; for the custome of Turkey , ( well practised in the Serrail ) being to giue and to receiue , doth furnish him with imployment enough to passe the houres of the day farre from idlenesse . He hath vnder him to assist him in this painfull labour a great number of Eunuches . The diligence which he must shew herein , bindes him to remayne in a manner continually within the Serrail , his entertainments are his Table , many Robes of Cloth of Gold , a thousand Aspres by the day , or eight Sultanins , with many rich Presents . But the fauour wherewith his Master doth honour him , makes the greatest article of his Reuenew : he hopes by the meanes hereof to enter into the place of Chas●adar Bassi , when it shall be void . He carries ( for a marke of the honour which he enjoyes ) a Turbant in the Serrail , and rides within it , aswell as the two former , and he that followes ; for these foure Eunuches haue this prerogatiue aboue the other Officers of the Othoman Monarch , residing in the Serrail . The fourth is also an old pale withered Eunuch , aswell by the course of his yeares , as the want of that which they haue cut away , who enjoyes the Office of Sarai Agassi , which in Turkey is like vnto the Captaine of the Castle of the Louver in France , but with more lustre and authority , and so he hath more labour and care : For being to look vnto the whole Serrail , the ordinary Mansion of the Othoman Monarches , hee must performe his charge so exactly , as such Princes will be serued ; he doth often visit all the Quarters and Chambers of this stately Pallace , to see in what estate they are , and hath a care to see the meanest Officers doe their duties , ( which is more then with vs , to adde vnto the charge of the Royall Pallace the Office of a Master of the Houshold ) that the Serrail be furnished with all things that are vsually needfull , hee remaines within it in the Sultans absence , to maintaine order , and to see that this royall Lodging be alwayes in good estate . He hath the same entertainment with the Chil●rgi Bassi , and hope if his yeares de●●iue him not , to succeed in his place : For the order of the Serrail , doth not suffer suffer them to flie vnto great Officer , but it will haue them mount by degrees . You shall not see men there , grow vp in one night like vnto Mushrums or Toad-stooles ; long attendance , and long seruices aduance them to the places which they deserue . Thus the Shasnadar Bassi aspires to that of Capiaga , the Ch●lergi Bassi to that of Shasnadar Bassi , and this last to his . These foure Eunuches attend vsually in the Princes presence , only the Capiaga may speake vnto him , and not the rest , vnlesse the Prince doth question them about their Offices . Besides these Honours and Offices of the Serrail , the Prince doth sometimes honour them with the quality of Bassa , and Gouernour of a Realme , as of Egypt , Damas , or else-where : They also attaine vnto the place of Grand Vizir , which is the first of the Empire , and by the authority thereof lead Armies into Prouinces , where they goe to make warre . The which gaue occasion to a generous Gouernour of a place belonging to the Christian in Hungarie , to answere an Eunuch , Generall of an Army , who had summond him to yeeld , that the practice of women was to sewe and spinne , and not to take Townes . The Grand Seigneur aduanceth them in this manner to great places without the Serrail to a double end ; the one to acknowledge their long seruices , the other to haue their places , wherwith to aduance other Eunuches , who during their long seruices haue attended , that they should either die or be sent Basha's into some remote Prouinces . For the Serrail doth nourish many Eunuches vnder the sweetnesse of these hopes : They may be about two hundred of all Ages . Such as cannot be aduanced by order of antiquity to these eminent places in the Royall Pallace , are notwithstanding imployed in things of lesse quality ; some keepe in distinct places , as Closets or Cabinets , those exquisite things that are giuen as Presents to the Prince , as great places of Ambergreece which the Bas●a of 〈…〉 in his Gouernment , and sends to the 〈…〉 God 's of Masque , giues Vessels full of excellent 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 thridate , Balme of Cairo , Terra Sigilat● , 〈…〉 Bezar-stones , Vessels of Agath , Turquoises , 〈◊〉 Chrystall , and other things of price , which they 〈…〉 and neatly for the Princes person , others haue a care of rare Furres , the vse whereof serues for his health , with a thousand other Rarities which they bring from the Indies . Besides all this there is employment in the Serrail for many other Eunuches , which keepe one place , whither they carry all the rich moueables confiseated , of the great men of the Court , who haue beene executed for the enormity of their crimes , or by the sinister inuentions of Enuie ; and likewise of other persons which die rich , for being all slaues their goods belong vnto the Prince . Those Eunuches receiue these goodly moueables , and giue aduice vnto the Sultan who goes to see them ; and makes choice of what doth like him : the rest is set to sale in the Serrail , only to the Officers thereof , and if there remaine any thing vnbought , it is sent to the publique Market of the City , and sold to them that will : The Money that is raised is deliuered into the hands of the Chasnadar Bassi , who puts it into the secret Treasure . Some other Eunuches haue for their imployment the charge of other Serrails and Seminaries , where the Prince doth cause the youth to be instructed at his Charge , as in royall Colledges , both at Constantinople , Andrinopolis , Bursia and elsewhere . Thus by the wise Policy of the Serrail they which serue are aduanced , for an example to the younger sort to flie idlenesse , and assurance that their continuall labour , shall be one day crowned with an honourable and profitable recompence . CHAP. V. Of many other Officers seruing in the Serrail , and the Sultans Person , and of the number of Men which serue in this Palace . BEsides these Eunuches aduanced to great Offices , and those which are vnder them , there is a certaine number of other men , which do vsually serue the Sultans person : Some are Groomes of his Chamber , others in a more eminent Dignitie : all ordred by thirties , as thirty for his Shirt , thirty for his Wastcoat , thirty for his little Cassocke , which the Turkes weare vnder their Robes , thirty for his Furres , thirty for his Turbant , thirty for his Girdle , thirty for his Breeches , thirty for his Stockings , thirty for his Shooes , thirty to make his Bed , thirty to dresse vp his Chamber , and thirty to order and dispose of the Moueables , thirty for his Armes , as his Bow , Arrowes , and Semiter , thirty for his Scepter , thirty for his Imperiall Crowne , thirty for his rich Hangings , and as many for his Cushions ; not that they serue all at one instant , but by order from time to time . They which serue for his Mouth , are many in number , gouerned by foure principall Officers subordinate one vnto another : The first is the Argihassi , who hath a care that euery man doe his dutie . The second is the Mimmute Pag● , who doth furnish the money daily , that is necessary for the expences . His place doth giue him a priuiledge to speake often vnto the Prince , to learne from him what he desires to eat . He hath like vnto the former foure Sultanins by the day , his Table and two Robes yearely , the one of Silke , the other of Cloth of Gold. The third is the Checaya , an Office like vnto the Comptroller Generall of the Kings House in France , he is in a manner equall in authority to the Master of the Houshold , he reconciles the Quarrels , which Enuy or Pride do breed among the Officers . He hath foure Sultanins a day , and yearely two Robes of Silke and Cloth of Gold. The fourth is the Mutpariazigi , which is as a Clarke of the Office ; All these men imploy their cares , and the authoritie of their places in the Princes Kitchin. Without there serue many Sahangylers , as Stewards , or rather Gentlemen seruants , which carrie the meate ; They are neere fifteene hundred men , which serue at diuers times in diuers troupes . The number of other inferiour Officers in the Serrail shewes that this stately Pallace is of great expences , and that the Prince which liues there is powerfull and magnificent . The Baltagis which fetch wood for the Bake-house and for other fiting , are aboue two hundred ; The Bostangies or Gardiners , are eight or nine hundred , so vast and of great entertainment , are the Gardens where this great Monarch doth walke . The Purueyours only for wilde Fowle or Poulterie , are fiue hundred , the Groomes of the Stable eight hundred , and the other men of the like condition increase the number of the inferiour Officers of the Turkish Emperours house : So as they doe number within the Serrail , thirteene or fourteene thousand Mouthes , which are daily fed at the Sultans charge , comprehending the Quarter of the Women . CHAP. VI. Of the ordinary Victualls of the Serrail , and of the Prouisions thereof for the nourishment of the Prince , and of those which serue there . AN order being so judiciously established in the Serrail , and so exactly obserued , it hath not forgotten the necessarie prouision of victuals : They are brought and preserued with admirable husbandrie , contrarie to the ordinarie confusion of Princes Houses . First , the Corne is gathered for the Sultans mouth , for the Sultana's , the great Bassa's and the Mufti , ( for all of them haue their part ) in the Territory of Bursia , a Towne in Bithynia , where retaine for the purest and best of all the Easterne parts : They retaine for the Serrail eight or nine thousand Quilots , euery Quilot is two Bushels of Paris measure : The Mils erected to that end in Constantinople grind it , the great Ouens of the Serrail bake it into bread , and this goodly order distributes it by rule , as to the Sultana's twentie Loaues a day , to the Bassa's ten , to the Mufti eight , and to other inferiour persons much lesse , and to some but one . This distribution is contained in a Book , which the chiefe Baker keepes , to cause it to be obserued . The Corne which is appointed for the great number of men , which serue in the Serrail , is gathered in Gracia , and brought to Constantinople , to the quantitie of fortie thousand Quilots , and distributed with the like order to those for whom it is ordained . For there they feed men with necessarie sobrietie , to make them labour seriously in any businesse whatsoeuer . The Victuals , be it for the Annuall prouisions , or for the ordinarie of the day , are brought and distributed with the like order : About the end of Autumne , the Grand Vizir appoints certaine dayes to see the Pastromanis made , for the Kitchins of the Sultan , and of the Sultana's ; They are made with the flesh of Cowes that are with Calfe , that they may be the more tender , they salt them as they doe Stags or Hogs in Christendome ; about that time they kill to the number of foure thousand . The Serrail esteemes this kind of meat , among the delicacies of their Feasts , and the Turkish Families if they haue any conuenient meanes make likewise their prouision ; this great store of flesh is for the whole yeere . But the Purueyours doe furnish the Serrail daily with two hundred Sheepe , a hundred Lambes , or a hundred Kids , in their season , fortie Calues , fortie Geese , or Goslings , a hundred couple of Wild-fowle , a hundred couple of Hennes , a hundred paire of Pigeons , with some other small Birds which the Poulterers bring . There comes no fish into the Serrail , but to please the appetite of some of the Agalaris who desire to eate it ; then they cause it to bee taken on that side of the Pallace which lookes towards the Sea , the which doth abundantly furnish all sorts of fish . The excellent Oiles which the Sultans Kitchin doth vse , comes most commonly from Coron and Modon , in Grecia , a plentifull soile for Oliue-trees . Candi● only doth furnish that which is imployed for the Princes seruice : for besides the delicate bountie of this liquour , it is without any ill sent , the which growing old in others makes them vnpleasing . They haue great prouision of Butter in the Serrail , the which is brought from M●ldouia , and other places thereabouts ; It comes downe by the blacke Sea in great quantitie but salted , the Turkes doe not seeke after fresh Butter ; either for that they know not the quality , or neglect it : Milke is little in vse among them ; that which is brought to Constantinople , is only bought by the Christians or Iewes ; If the Turkes make vse of it , it is after it is sowre , for then they say it doth quench their thirst . Other prouisions of Victuals are drawne from those Prouinces where they most abound , and are best . The Gallions make two Voyages yearely to Alexandria , to fraught themselues with Pulses , Sugars , and Spices , as much as shall bee needfull for the Serrail , and the chiefe Bassa's of the Port ; yet the Turkes vse not much Spices , lest it should prouoke them to drinke wine , so expresly defended by their Law. Egypt doth furnish Dates , and the best Prunes that come into the Serrail . Apples which are the chiefe delights in their Turkish Feasts , and whereof they make a plentifull prouision , are gathered in Vallachia , Transiluania , and M●ldauia , and brought vnto the Serrail in great abundance : those which they serue vnto the Sultan , are for their delicate sweetnesse bought in Candy . Italy doth also contribute to the Prouisions of this great Serrail ; the Bailiffe of Venice , residing at the Port , causeth a great quantity of Parmasant Cheese to bee brought for the Grand Seigneur , his Sultana's and Basha's : they are pleased in the taste , and the Feast would not be acceptable if this meate were wanting . All these things concerne the food , for their drinke they make a liquour in the Serrail , called Sorbet , composed of the juice of Citrons , Sugar , and Water , and sometimes they adde Ambergreece , most excellent to drinke ; so it is only reserued for the Sultan and his women : The greatest men of this Imperiall Pallace make for themselues , as the foure principall Eunuches , of whom wee haue spoken , and some few others : The Ice refreshing it in Summer makes it more delightfull ; They make their prouision of Ice from the Mountaines about Constantinople , they bring such great store , as the charges ( before it be put into those places where they keepe it ) comes to twenty thousand Sultanins , or eight thousand pounds sterling . The rest of the Royall Family quench their thirst at those goodly Fountaines , which powre forth delicate water abundantly for the whole Serrail : Wine enters not into it without violating the Law of the Alcoran , which hath so seuerely forbidden it ; and whereof the wisest of the Turkes detest the vse ; they call it the Spurre of Sensualitie , and the Tombe of Reason . The Wood which serues for their Kitchin , is supplied with the like abundance ; they measure the quantity by the weight , for so they sell it in Constantinople , aswell as in some Prouinces of France , and particularly in Landguedoc : They cut it in the Grand Seigneurs Forrests , and this prouision costs him least of all those that enter into his Pallace . Thirty great Caramonsailes , chosen among an infinite number of his Shins take it in , and sayling by the channell of the blacke Sea , deliuer it into the Serrail ; his slaues haue cut it downe , sparing good summer of money to the Chasus or Treasure without , whereunto the charges would amount , both for the cutting and carriage . But if the victuals of the Serrail be furnished in abundance and excellencie , the Kitchins which imploy them are supplyed with the goodliest Implements , which can be seene in a Soueraigne Princes house . Most part of the greater Vessels are of Brasse , kept so neat and clean , as the very sight of them will giue content and amazement 〈◊〉 other Implements which are of Copper blanche , are so great in 〈◊〉 they cannot well be numbred . The losse which happens many times is not small ; the foure dayes of Diuan , many strangers eate in the Serrail , and they which haue learned to ●●nish themselues at anothers cost , take occasion to practize their Trade , and to take it where they can find it , and 〈…〉 a quantity of Vessels , as the great 〈◊〉 hath sometimes beene of opinion ( to auoid this great losse ) 〈…〉 of Siluer ; and to commit the 〈…〉 who might answere for them ▪ 〈…〉 the great charge and the feare of an 〈…〉 might befall 〈◊〉 hath alwayes diu●r●ed him . Such are the victuals and other punishment 〈…〉 ●●nish the Pallace of the 〈…〉 ●●der finde the relation of the 〈…〉 the subject of these lines , let him consider that without this Chapter , the others which compose this History could not be : For this wanting victuals to supply the Othoman Cou●t , the glory and lusts of his great Serrail could not be without them , nor be able to furnish matter for this worke . The members of mans Body ( saith the Fable ) did one day mutine against the Belly , who they thought slept in perpetuall idlenesse : The rougue speaking for all the rest shewed , that whilst the eye see , the eares heard , the hands laboured , and the feet walked , only the belly was idle and at rest , that it was fitting , that in his turne hee should discharge some one of their Officer : They so resolued , they employed it , but nourishment failing them , for the want of the naturall exercise of the belly , they gr●w cold ; pale , and without motion . The truth of this take reacheth vs , that by labour we must liue , food maintaines life in its naturall functions , and this Chapter furnishing this stately Court wherewith to subsist , giues this History the subject of his imployment . CHAP. VII . Of the sicke Men , and of such as die in the Serrail . THe infirmities of the bodie , doe most commonly follow the dispositions of the mind , and dissolution doth sooner cause them than any other thing ; Courtiers feele the inconueniences of their 〈◊〉 . Where they of the Serrail fall 〈◊〉 , they put them into a clost Waggon , in the which they are drawne by men , and con●●cted to the Hospitall , whereas the order of this 〈◊〉 house , and the Turkish Charitie , doe what they 〈…〉 them , the one giues care to the ordinary Physicians , 〈◊〉 the other ( which as we haue said is very great ) forgets 〈◊〉 to assist them : They are so exactly guarded , as no stranger may speak vnto them , vntill they haue recouered their health , after which they are restored to their first Lodgings , and the exercise of their places . But if they die , the Law of the Court enjoynes , that they of the Chamber or Oda , whereof the dead man was , shall be his heires , and share the goods which he hath left , except it be some one of the foure chiefe Eunuches , before mentioned , or the Chistar Aga of the Sultana's , who is blacke ; for then the Prince is sole heire of his precious moueables , and of the abundance of money which this wretched man had so greedily gathered together , by the sinister meanes , which followes the ambitions of the Court ; hauing liued poore in his seruitude , to die rich in the same , and to restore to the Sultans Cofers , that which his auarice had drawne away . Such Eunuches doe vsually leaue great wealth in Moueables ( for the Turkes haue no Lands ) and particularly when their long seruices haue aduanced them to the Dignities of Gouernours of Prouinces , then they haue liberty to dispose of a third part of their estates , to make a Will , in the which the Sultan is alwayes Executor , hee giues shares to the Legataries , and many times takes all for himselfe , by the right of his Prerogatiue , and that of Master , not only of the goods , but also of the persons of his Empire : for all men being his slaues , hee is their first and lawfull heire . Chap. VIII . Of the Grand SEIGNEVRS hunting . MOst of the Turkish Emperours , in the effeminacie of their Idlenesse , where they wallow wretchedly in the bosomes of their Concubines , haue taken hunting for a pleasing diuersion : But some finding it more pleasing than others , haue loued it with more passion . Baiazet the first of that name , ( who raigned in Turkey when as the weaknesse of Charles the sixth , suffered the disorders in France , which had like to haue ruined it ) was so transported with this exercise , as he therein spent the best of his dayes : his Court was fuller of Huntsmen than any other ; whosoeuer went to aduance his fortune , must goe with a Hawke on his fist or a lease of Greyhounds in his hand ; for the best course to rise in Court , is to follow the inclinations of the Prince , how brutish soeuer they be : Then a Faulconer grew great , and a Rider got an Office , but a vertuous man was rejected and grew poore . What priuate men did , to merit this Monarches fauour , forreine Princes did imitate to winne his loue . Iohn Earle of Neuers sonne to Philip the Hardy , Duke of Burgundie , accompanied by the Lords of Tremoulle , La Marche , Couey , Philip of Artois , Earle of Eu , Constable of France , Vienna , Admirall of France , Boucicault , Marshall of France , the Lords of Breze ' , Montrell , Helly , and many others , led to succour Sigismond King of Hungary , a generous army of French , against the Turkes which were in N●copolie : Bad intelligence and rashnesse ruined them , their troupes were defeated by the succours of Baiazet , the men were put to the sword , the Earle of Neuers taken Prisoner , with the chiefe of the French Nobility : The Turkes Prison is rough , and a Prince how great soeuer must suffer . Philip the Hardy to mollifie the sauage humour of the Turke , and to bind him to better vsage of his Sonne , sent him Presents , and particularly many white Ger-faulcons , whereof he made great accompt : and to testifie the pleasure which hee receiued , he inlarged the Prison of this young Prince , and led him often a hunting . Therein the French obserued the brutish passion of Baiazet : His Faulconers had cast off a Ger-faulcon after a fowle vnsetsonably , he grew into a fury , and would presently haue put two thousand of those men which followed him to death with their Hawkes vpon their fists , if the earnest iutreaty of the Earle of Neuers had not diuerted him : Then hee vented out his choller in words , and told the Busgonian , that hee did more esteeme a good Hawke or a good Dogge than any of his men and ( adding this brutish speech ) he said he could haue as many men as hee pleased , but for good Hawkes , or good Dogges he could hardly find them . In his hunting whosoeuer did hurt a Dogge vnaduisedly , he was guilty of Treason , and was punished in like manner : But Hee , who with his powerfull Hand controules the pride of Princes , measured him in the like manner . Tamberlaine King of the Tartars defeated him soone after in battaile , tooke him with his Wife , and made lesse account of his person than of a Dogge or a Hawke : When hee dined hee caused him to be set vnder his Table in a Cage of Iron , and cast him bones to gnaw : Ministring matter to History , to write this example to Posteritie , to the end that Princes that loue hunting , may not suffer their reason to be surmounted with the fury and brutish impatiencies of this exercise . The hunting traine of this Prince was so great , as for hawking only hee had seuen thousand Faulconers , which were entertained vntill the raigne of Mahomet the Second , who comming to the Empire , looked vpon this fearfull troupe of Faulconers with amazement ; and as he had no inclination to hunting he casheer'd them all , and answered the intreaties of great Men , who spake to haue them restored , with these words : God forbid , that I should giue my bread to such vnprofitable persons , ordained for so vaine a pleasure . Hunting is an honest recreation , easeth the minde , exerciseth the body , and he that loues it , shewes the quicknesse of his spirit , and the agilitie and disposition of his person : But the time which hee imployes must be measured , free , and not stolne by violence from more serious imployments , the which ought alwayes to be preferred before this commendable pleasure . Hunting must be generous , and they must take that by force which they pursue , and not by cunning and policie , as to set Nets and Toiles for beasts , then it is base , idle , and forbidden by the wise , who haue laboured to settle flourishing Common-weales vnder the gouernment of good Lawes . Solyman the Second , he which tooke Rhodes , and erected the Turkish Crescent in the best Townes of Hungarie , did often spend his time in hunting ; during his Raigne , hee imployed a whole yeare , which was in the yeare 1531 , when as Italy apprehended that the great preparation of a fearefull Nauall Army , had beene made for their ruine , and the Venetians prest with jelousie , that it should cause some dangerous tempest in their Gulfe , vnder pretext of seeking the Pyrats of Malta , which did annoy the Turkish Merchants . they sent vnto the Kings of Hungarie and Polonia , to the end they would intreate Solyman not to trouble himselfe to send his Army into their Seas , and that they would promise and vndertake , to keepe the Leuant Seas free from all Pyrats : It succeeded according to their desire , Solyman being retired to Andrinopolis , spent the whole yeare ( as we haue said ) in the pleasure of hunting . The Turkish Emperours which haue succeeded him loued this exercise . Osman the last dead , entertained a great number of Huntsmen and Faulconers . These Princes hold it a glory to make a shew of them in their stately entries into Constantinople , as wee haue formerly obserued , where among the troupes of Huntsmen , wee see Faulconers with their Hawkes on their fist , haue a Leopard at their Saddle pomell couered with Cloth of Gold ; they hunt the Hare or the Stag many times with some content ; they pursue the Boare , although the vse of it be forbidden by their Law : If they take any , they giue the flesh to Christians , or cast it away , and reserue the skinne to couer Bookes for the which it is very good , and preserues their Volumes long : Those which haue come into my hands bound at Constantinople , are excellently well couered with Boares skins , although they be not artificially done as with vs at Paris . But Superstition the Soueraigne Mistris of Turkish Spirits , hath a share in this pleasing exercise , when they hunt vpon the day of their Coronation , or when as they conceiue the designes of an important warre , they hold it for a good presage if they take the first beast that is put vp ; but this pleasure of hunting doth not so possesse them , as it makes them forget the care of serious affaires . The Turkish Emperours haue been accustomed in these sports to take the aduice of their Bassa's , of the occurrents which concern the estate ; they cal them vnto them in the field , they speake vnto them , and command them to deliuer their opinions : In Court they call this manner of consulting , The Councell on horsebacke : whereby wee may learne that this Nation is not so barbarous as men conceiue , and that if they raigne so powerfully ouer so many Prouinces and Realmes , it is not accidentally and by chance ; their care and judicious Councell giue vnto their Empire a wise Gouerment . CHAP. IX . Of the traine which followes the Grand Seigneurs Court. THe number of men lodged and fed in the Serrail , which amounts to fourteen thousand mouths , would make those imagine , which know not the power of the Turkish Emperours , that many Soueraigne Monarchs , lodged together , had drawne all the Officers of their houses into one Pallace . And truly he whom they serue hauing vanquished and ruined many Kings hath made an vnion of their Crownes : His Serrail , when he lodgeth there , containes in him alone the Emperour of Constantinople , him of Trebisonde , the Kings of Ierusalem , Babylon , Damas , Egypt , Cypresse , Thunis , Algier , Fez , and Morocco , with an infinite number of other smaller Soueraignes , whose Empires , Realmes and Principalities hee doth possesse : So as so many Officers as are in his Pallace , seruing his greatnesse , serue many Crownes . But when he goes out of his Serrail , to vndertake a Voyage into some remote Prouince , the traine and followers which increase his Court is wonderfull . Thirty sixe thousand Iamzaries , make the number of his ordinary Guard on foot , fortie foure thousand Spabi , which areas light Horsemen , make the Cauallery ; two thousand Capigas or Archers of the Port follow him : These beside their ordinary Guard , execute the Office of the Ministers of Iustice , with men of meaner condition that are vnder them : Two thousand Solachis , which are Guards on foot about the Sultans person , are of his traine : Foure thousand Chaoux , Men imployed in Embassies , and in the executions of Iustice march after him . There are also fifteen hundred Sahangylers , or Gentlemen Seruants , which carry his meate vnto the chamber doore , where the Pages receiue it and deliuer it to the Capiaga , who sets it vpon his Table . The number of men for baser vses is not lesse , if we consider wherein they are imployed , there are three thousand Groomes of the Stable , and a thousand Riders for hunting ; the Balthagis which cut the wood , and bring it to the Kitchin are eight thousand : There are a thousand Thauegys , which are Purueyours , or Victualers : two thousand fiue hundred Therezi , or Tailors to the Court , sixe hundred Bakers . And if the Voyage be made for the warre , the Officers of the Arsenall , which are Commissaries of the Artillery and others , make fortie six thousand men : The Gebegys which make Armes , and repaire and keepe cleane those which are already made , are fourteene thousand : seuen thousand Tufechgys or Gun-makers , follow with their Tooles and ambulatory shops : eight thousand Topeys , which are the Cannoneers , increase the traine of this monstrous Court. I omit a number of pettie Officers , for that I haue not their names . The beasts of burthen are vsually twentie thousand , that is to say , ten thousand Camels , and ten thousand Moiles , which is the ordinary for the Sultans house , not reckoning the troine of the Bassa's which follow , the which is not so small but in seeing them march apart , you would take it for the traine of a Soueraigne Prince ; for the Turkes carrie in their Voyages all sorts of Commodities , to the end they may be accommodated aswell in Field , as in the Townes of their abode . The supputation of the number of men that follow this Court , amounts to a hundred fiue thousand , sixe hundred , when the Sultan trauels in a time of peace ; but if hee goe to the warre , his Court is composed of a hundred and fourescore thousand men , beside the Souldiers . So as who is hee , that seeing this fearefull Court to march , would not beleeue that it is a whole Nation , who hauing abandoned their owne houses , goe to conquer new habitations . Certainly , that which History relates of the Descent of the Northerne Nations , as Cimbrians , Sicambrians , Gothes , Vandals , Burgonians , Normans and others , is plainly seene there by the number of men ; but with this difference , that those did but passe , and these remaine still , and adde to the continuance of their tedious Raigne , the Rule and power ouer many other Nations , neere and afarre off , from the principall seat of their Empire . CHAP. X. Of the greatnesse of the Turkish Bassa's . THe brightnesse of the Sun doth not only shew it selfe in the body of its Spheare , but it doth also shine in the greatest Starre● . And Kings who are in their Estates what the Sun is in Heauen , do not only shew in themselues the lustre of their magnificence , but it doth also shine in the wealth of the great Men of their Court. This is seene more visibly in Turkey than in any other place of the World , where the Turkish Bassa's display in the pompe of their great riches , the proud power of the Emperour , from whom they haue receiued it . Machmut Bassa , Beglierbey of Europe enjoyed so great treasures during the Raigne of Mahomet the Second , as the annuall Reuenewes thereof , would haue defraied a powerfull Turkish Army . This example would put them to silence , which bragge so much of the treasure of old Crass●as , the yearely rent whereof , they say was able , to entertaine a Roman Army . The least of the Turkes Armies would containe many of theirs . As this Bassa had beene the most powerfull , and the most sumptuous , that euer the Othoman Court had aduanced to the height of an extraordinary fortune , it shall not be vnfitting to deliuer briefly by what meanes hee came vnto that greatnesse . He was by Nation a Graecian , and in his infancy his Mother who was a Bulgarian , led him one day with her , from the Towne of Nebopride , to that of Sendero●●a ▪ she met casually with the Turkish horse , some of them seeing this young childe wonderfull beautifull , tooke him away by force , and carried him as a Present to the Sultan their Master : The Prince loued him , and in a short time made the greatest of his Court know , that beauty is many times a powerfull motiue to a great fortune , hee was placed among the best respected Pages of his Chamber , where hee spent his younger yeeres in the midst of the delights of the Serrail , after which he had the charge of Aga , or Colonell Generall of the Ianizaries ; afterwards he was honoured with the qualitie of Bassa , then he became Vizir , & mounting daily higher , Romelia or Europe had him for their Beglierbey : The magnificences which he shewed , during the possession of so much wealth , would be tedious to relate . One only example shall suffice for all . Mahomet the Second , caused the eldest of his children to be Circumcised ; the custome of the Court will haue great Men to giue him Presents , as wee haue formerly spoken : all performed it ; but that of Machmut , mounted neere to a hundred thousand Sequins , which would make fortie thousand pounds sterling . The Ocean must bee vast and great , which doth breed such great Whales , liuing and walking Mountaines : And the Othoman Court must be stately , seeing the Bassa's encounter with such fortunes . But it may be that of Machmut will seeme stale , for that it happened an age before ours : to satisfie those which loue new things , and to augment the proofes of this verity , that the Turkish Bassa's are great , we will adde an example which many haue seene of late yeeres . It appeared in the Leuant in the yeere 1614 , and in the person of Nassuf Bassa Grand Vizir of the Empire , whose treasures were so great , as they found in his Cofers at the time of his death a Million of Gold in Sequins , and in siluer Coine eight hundred thousand Crownes , three bushels of precious Stones not wrought , a bushell of Diamonds not set in gold , and two bushels of great round Pearles of inestimable value : His other furniture was equall to his treasure ; he had a thousand goodly Horses in his stable , whereof the least was valued at a thousand Crownes : Moreouer , he had foure hundred Mares of Arabian , Egypt , the goodliest that could be found in those Countries , with many thousand of Camels and Moyles . His Armory was full of the richest Swords that could be found in the Leuant , and elsewhere : The least had the hilts of siluer : One was so enricht with Diamonds vpon the hilt , as it was valued at fiue thousand pounds sterling . The rest of his moueables were no lesse precious , his Persian Carpets wrought of Gold and Silke . The great quantity of Cloth of Gold & of Silk of most excellent workes ; the rich beds , and all , that excesse of a monstrous fortune can draw into the Pallace of a Fauourite , exceeds the imagination of men , and giues occasion to say , that with the spoile of such men , they might not only enrich many houses , but many Cities . Such rich and sumptuous Courtiers go with no smal trains : when they march in field , and vndertake a Voyage , be it for their owne particulars , or to receiue the possession of the Gouernment of Prouinces , wherewith the Sultan doth honour them , the baggage which goes before , and the great number of men which follow them , doth equall , yea , exceed the attendants of the Soueraigne Princes of Europe : Such a traine may busie the eyes of those that see them passe , for a whole day , for so much time is necessary for the least entry into a Towne , and yet many times they supply the want of day by Torch-light : It is the care of such Bassa's to shew themselue , great to the eyes of the World : which makes them prodigall in their expences , to be attended by many thousands of houshould seruants , ( if they bee not ill serued being a difficult thing , but such a number and troupe should be importune and troublesome ) to whom they giue many Enunches to command them . They take a delight to bee well mounted , and withall to haue as many horses , as would serue for diuers Regiments . They will haue their Baggage , to seeme the more stately , to be carried by twelue or fifteene hundred Moiles , and as many Can●elis . The number of the Concubins which they entertaine in imitation of the Prince their Maister , imployes the care and watchfull diligence of many black Eunuches , which they appoint to keepe them , and consume their great wealth . Their Lodgings are stately Serrails , which they haue built with incredible expences ; as wee may see in the Hippodrome of Constantinople , by the Serrail of Hibraime Bassa , whereof the Turkish Emperours haue beene heires , the which is capable to lodge a great King. Their Moueables and Ornaments of their Hals , are equall to their greatnesse , wherein they spare no cost , as the only acquisitions which the Law of their seruitude doth allow them : for being all slaues , they can purchase no lands nor possessions , the which doth generally belong to the Sultan their Soueraigne . But if of Caitiue slaues they be so great and so proud in their wealth , what must the Master be who hath made them such ? CHAP. XI . Of the affronts which the Turkish Bassa's are forced to pocket vp in Court , and the disgracefull Chastisements which they suffer . THe honours and greatnesse of the World haue their counterpoise ; shame and contempt followes them at the heeles : All that clime vp may descend , yea fall . Thus the diuine Prouidence hath wisely ordained , to teach man not to build his assurances thereon ; and to binde him to seeke them in that which is constant & eternall . The Court is the Theater , wherein the Tragicall Scene of change , shewes it selfe ; griefe goes hand in hand with pleasure , and is an inseperable Companion ; he cannot belong a Courtier that hath not tried it . That of the Turkes doth many times make it sensible to the greatest Bassa's ; in the midst of the glorious dignities of the Empire , they feele the displeasure , to see themselues shamefully intreated by the commandement of their Soueraigne . For when he hath an intent to blemish their Names with eternall infamy , hee causeth the crouper of their Horses to be cut , whilest they are vpon them ; an affront held in Turkey , the greatest that a man of their condition can receiue . So was Mu● 〈…〉 in the 〈◊〉 of Sely the first , Father to great S●ly● . This Prince hauing vanquished the Sophy of 〈◊〉 , at triumphed in Tuaris , the chiefe Citye of that Repl● , was forced to leade it , when as he saw his souldiers into 〈…〉 , saying plainly that they had rather lose all , when to spend the W●ter in Persia . This 〈◊〉 was very sensible , the thought to be reuenged on those whom hee should find to be the Motiues : they perswade him that Mu●ap●a Bassa , who had credit among the ●ootmen , had induced them to 〈…〉 hangeth his 〈◊〉 vpon him , and seeing him on 〈…〉 by a Iester which followed him : The Bassa perceiued it , and the disgrace which he receiued , made him to end his dayes in the midst of the cares and griefe , which a man of his qualitie doth feele , when he thinkes he hath 〈◊〉 the reputation , which made him to liue gloriously in the World and Court. The infamy of this affront comes not alone ; it hath for a companion , the 〈◊〉 of a shamefull punishment , which the great men of the 〈…〉 ●ue , when hee holds him guilty of some small crime : When he hath caused the Crouper of some of their 〈◊〉 be cut , he doth likewise ●au● others to be 〈◊〉 by his 〈◊〉 ▪ as it happened in the 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 Co●ell of the 〈…〉 who 〈…〉 co●ed to haue 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 the Emperour caused him to be taken and 〈◊〉 . But 〈…〉 is not so 〈…〉 ●ble vnto the● , is the 〈…〉 the Crouper , as if the Leather of the 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 horse were mor● 〈…〉 them 〈…〉 ▪ so much 〈…〉 which 〈…〉 things which 〈…〉 〈…〉 ●d Croupers to be cut , tha● 〈…〉 whip vpon the body . But 〈…〉 which follow the greatnes of the 〈…〉 of their Basha's . CHAP. XII . In what ●i●e the Grand SEIGNEVE 〈◊〉 vnto his Bassa's . The greatest dignities of the World are not the most happy , ( said an Ancient ) and the condition of 〈◊〉 Monarches hath secured miserable to some 〈…〉 had , little to desire and much 〈◊〉 feare ▪ for being 〈…〉 height of humane greatnesse they cannot desire 〈◊〉 , but continuing in the languishing of their spirit , they sometimes conceiue jealousies and imaginary , terrours , and many times such as are true the which troubles , their 〈…〉 their liues , and fils them with tedious conceit . So saith the Master of Princes in the holy Writ in these true words deliuered by a Prince , The heart of Kings is inscrutable . Certainly truth doth teach vs , that if Crownes and Scep● be weighty , as charge of ●re and trouble , the Office of Kings is painfull ; for there is nothing so difficult to man , 〈…〉 well , whereon depend● the knowledge of 〈…〉 . The Prince which commands must obserue three things , that what he desires may be just , for the publique good , and concerne his owne glory . The which is done by word or ●ing . The Othoman Monarches , as Princes , retired within their Serrail , and not much communicable ; command in 〈◊〉 not daily by writing , and the stile which they vse in writing that which they command , is particular vnto them ▪ We shall hardly find in Histories any one example of a Monarchi 〈…〉 wealth , in the which the Superiour● haue 〈…〉 so imperiously , and hath beene obeyed secondly ; as with the Turkes ; their letters breathe nothing but threats ; and they speake no other language but that of cruelties . Behold some examples of those , which the Sultan● haue 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 In the 〈…〉 third ●ring of the 〈…〉 in H●ria , which the Ch●st● had recouered , and holding this 〈…〉 very great must make this Bridge or die , hee labours , hazards all , and loseth many thousand men , yet notwithstanding this ouerflowing of the water , hee finished a Bridge in sixteene dayes ouer the Riuer of Draue , being fiue thousand fiue hundred fathome long , and fourteene broad , supported by Boats tyed one to another with chaines of Iron . Solyman past his Army ouer it , and went to lay his siege to Segher , where he died . Assa●b●g had good & strong excuses , not to attempt the making of this Bridge , any other Prince but a Turke would haue allowed of them : But hee who was ( as the Turkes be ) a bad husband of mens liues , would haue it done at what rate soeuer . The threat of those Letters which wee haue related are with some condition . But the Turkish Princes many times write absolutely ; as it happened in the yeare 1614 , in the person of Nassuf , Bassa , Grand Vizir of the Turkish Empire . The Emperour Achmat the first would haue his life and his treasure : He sends vnto him being in Constantinople , the Bostangibassi , with two Letters written by his own hand , whereof this was the tenour of the first : Faile not presently vpon the receipt hereof , in s●nd 〈◊〉 by the Bostangibassi the Seales of my Empire . Nass●f obeyed , and deliuered them into the great Gardiners hands ; hauing receiued them , he drew another of the Sul●ans Letters out of his pocket to Nassuf , wherof these were the words : After that thou hast sent me my Seales , send mee thy Hand by him that shall giue thee this Note . This command was rough , and the stile of his Letter troublesome , yet hee must obey , not of force , for Nassuf was in his house with a Family of aboue two thousand men , and the Gardiner had 〈…〉 staffe , and was only assisted 〈…〉 Rascals v●med , which were Capigis , or 〈◊〉 of the Serrail . Nassuf suffered himselfe to bestrangled , and the Bostangibassi carried away his hand in the view of all his g●as Family , whereof the least Scullions might haue 〈◊〉 him with their 〈◊〉 , with his goodly traine . Y● 〈…〉 〈◊〉 the people of the Serrail , and knowing that it was the Princes pleasure , their Armes were their teares and sorrowes . Thus this rough meanes of writing prooues very beneficiall to the Turkish Princes , and they reape many co● 〈◊〉 thereby . First , they are not forced to 〈◊〉 money to the Gouernour of a strong place , who is not faithfull or profitable to draw him out of it , and to buy with great summes of money ( as they doe in other places ) , the Townes and Forts of their Estates ; the least of their Letters drawes forth a Gouernour , where they place whom they please they compasse great enterprizes , causing that to be done by feare which loue cannot doe ; they are lesse betrayed in affaires of importance , and are generally exactly obeyed . CHAP. XIII . Of the malicious in●ent 〈◊〉 and poys●nings which the Turkes vse the against another , and ●sse● tally great Men. AMbition hath brought other Vices into the Cour● , where s●e imployes there , in her designes : Slander and Treason are the 〈◊〉 of her ●●estable inuention , and poysoning y●rs them in execution . But this last finds more imployment in the Court of Mabo●an Princes than in any other part of the World● They resec● in al●●mi●able meane to reuenge 〈◊〉 , and to content their passions . And after ●heir ●xample the great Men and Bassa● imploy it : Former ages , and the disorder of that wherein we liue , turnish exampl● . In the yeare 137● , 〈◊〉 told King of Gram●e , a Ma● Poi●t● , 〈◊〉 where 〈◊〉 that 〈…〉 King thereof , 〈…〉 rich 〈◊〉 〈…〉 things , 〈…〉 . Hee 〈◊〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈…〉 with an infinite number of 〈…〉 to Castite ; Don Henry 〈…〉 pleased with so rates Present , hee doth publiquely commend the magnificence of the Turkish Prince . But hee doth soone learne to his cost , that poyson is rather among gold and precious stones than among pouerty . Hee puts them on the next day , but presently the poyson where with they were infected , layes him in the bed of death , and depriues him of life : Spaine hath beene alwayes subject to such accidents whilest the Mahometans commanded there , and the Kings thereof had cause to feare a double poyson : For whilest the Turkish Princes did attempt their persons by poyson , the Alphaquis , and Priests of the Alcoran , poysoned the soules of their subjects by the contagious impurities of a false and brutish Doctrine . A little before the death of the King of Castile , he of Leon called Don Sancho , was poysoned by the inuention of a Turke , who taught Gonzales , his Lieutenant at Leon , the detestable meanes to kill his Master in giuing him an Apple , the which this wretched Lieutenant performed : This was at the same time when as a Deluge of fire come out of the Ocean , the which carried its flame farre into Spaine , burne a great Countrey , and of many Burro●gh● and Villages , made heaps of ashes as farre as Z●ora . These examples shew the malice of the Turkes against the the Christians ; but they doe no lesse among themselues . A Turkish King of Fe● , not able to indure the prosperities of him of G●anad● , called Ioseph , a Mahometan like himselfe , he resolued to take away his life : Hee sends to visit him oftnes than he had accustomed , he makes a greater shew of friendship , and after he hath receiued many effects of his , hee sent him for a 〈◊〉 Cassocke of Cloth of Gold of great 〈◊〉 , King Ioseph receiues it , and puts it on , not hee had not worne it a day , but the poyson wherewith the Prince of Fe● had infected i● , 〈◊〉 vpon him , and gaue him such cruell convulsions and 〈◊〉 , as his flesh fell away in piece , and the Physician● 〈…〉 the true cause of his disease , nor could apply ●hy re● that hee of Granado and by the damnable 〈◊〉 , Moorish King. The like villanies which were practiced among the ancient Turkes , are vsed at this day in the Louant , at the Court of Constantinople , and in other places , whither they send great Men to 〈◊〉 charges . In our dayes a Turkish Courtier affected by all meanes possible the dignitie of Bassa of Al●ppo ; the beauty of the place , the lustre of this dignitie , but rather the great gaine which the Vice-royes make , inflamed his desire to the possession of this Gouernment ; to attain vnto it he purchased by great gifts the affections of the Agala●is , or Fo●i●s of the S●rrail , which are the Eunuches attending the Princes person : These men content his ambition , and obtained the gouernment which he desired from the Sultan ; hee receiues the Letters , takes his leaue to goe vnto his charge , hee arriues and is receiued with the applause of the people ; but he had scarce begun to enjoy the first honours of this new dignity , but another doth dispossesse him by the same meanes which he had vsed ; hee gets the friendship of the Eunuches , and gl●ts their a●arke with greater gifts obtaining Letters for this place . He was aduertized hereof ; the displeasure which he conceiued to see himselfe deceiued by the Courtiers of the S●rrail , to whom hee had giuen much more money than hee had gotten in so short a time , that he had 〈◊〉 Bassa of Al●pp● , made him to draw his dearest friends about him , to resolue with them how hee should gouerne himselfe in this important businesse . Many were of opinion that he should 〈◊〉 the entry i● the Town to this new Bassa who was vpon the way , vntill he informed the Sultan , the M●f● , and the Grand Vizir of the couetous disloyaltie of the Agala●ie ; and this Counsell was conformable to his apprehension . But one of 〈…〉 him aside , told him , Th● 〈…〉 him , brought a 〈…〉 , wherein i● was dangerous to vse 〈…〉 was the safest way in such 〈…〉 him a 〈…〉 make the 〈…〉 than his had beene , that 〈…〉 the Bassa which came , and 〈…〉 him a 〈…〉 , and all loue and friendship to him , and 〈…〉 him out of the World by the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Persons . They resolued it , and laboured in their designe . In the meane time the new Bassa arriues , the other receiues him , and yeelds him the place . It is the custome of the great men in Turkey , to giue Presents to the new Gouernor when they enter in charge , some to testifie that they are welcome , and others to gain their affections . This discontented Bassa , who left his charge before the ordinary time , would not be the last to present this new commer . He giues him a poysoned Handkercher , imbroydered with Gold and great round Pearles , the price thereof could not be easily valued : The new Gouernour receiues it with vnspeakable joy ; for great men hold nothing so sweet in their places , as to take whencesoeuer it comes ; but God doth many times suffer that such greedy Takers , are taken in taking , as it happened to this Bassa of Aleppo : The Handkercher of price , which was the price of his life , contents him : Hee admires the worke , lookes vpon the great Pearles , and his hands doe not abandon it , vntill the poyson forced him , the which exhaling and infecting the Bassa , they grew weake and make him to leaue it ; whereupon hee died and left the gouernment which he had not enjoyed : The other Bassa flies speedily to Constantinople , redemands the gouernment , whereof he had beene dispossest , and grounds his reason vpon his speedie obedience , and forceth the iniquity of the Fauourites to consent that hee should enjoy it . Thus couetousnesse had depriued him of a Dignity where it had first placed him , and poysoning restores him : Whereby wee may Iudge what these Gouernours can be that are setled by such meanes . It is certaine that the like offences are committed daily in the Turkes Court by the Bassa's thereof , who imploy their greatest care , to find out the most subtillest poysons , and how to employ them cunningly one against another . The most ordinary which they vse is drawne from Toads : They cause a Toade to sucke the Milke of a woman that hath an extraordinary red haire . When it is full they beate it gently with a little wand , they put it into choler , its poyson mingles with this Milke , and it bursts in its rage ; this poyson is so violent and strong , that in rubbing only the stirrop of his horse whom they meane to poyson , it is an assured death . Thus corruption is absolute in Turkey ; for if their Prophet hath poysoned their soules with filthy Doctrine , they poyson their bodies with all sorts of venome . CHAP. XIV . Of the filthy and vnnaturall lust of the Bassa's and of the great Men of the Court. THe great fortunes which are found in the Courts of great Monarches , produce great riches : and these furnish Courtiers with delights , in the which they glut their sensuall and brutish appetites . The Bassa's of the Court , great in dignities and abounding in riches , plunge themselues in all sorts of voluptuousnesse , and their spirits mollified in the myre of filthy pleasures , they seeke them by a contrary course , and demand that of nature which she hath not : Being many times tired with the loue of women , they abandon their affections to young Boyes , and desperatly follow the allurements of their beauties : They imbrace them , and vse them in the place of women . This abhominable vice is so ordinary in the Turks Court , as yee shall hardly find one Bassa that is not miserably inclined vnto it : It serues for an ordinary subject of entertainment among the greatest when they are together ; they speake not but of the perfections of their Ganimodes : One sayes , they haue brought mee from Hangarie the most beautifull and accomplished Mi●i●a , that ouer was borne among men : he is the height of my felicitie , and the only object that my thoughts adore . Another saith , I haue lately bought a young Infant of Bassa , who hath not his like in all the East , and I dare assure you his 〈◊〉 is not humane , but that of an Angell : Some So● of the company intreats him earnestly to haue a fight , and that hee may bee satisfied by his eyes . These are the discourses of those lustfull ●ts . The care they haue to keepe neatly , and to attire richly those poore ●tures , destinated to so damnable an vse is not small : the Eunuches which haue them in guard are alwayes neere them , to beautifie them outwardly , they plaite their haire with Gold , and sometimes with Pearles , they perfume them , they attire them in Robes of Cloth of Gold , and adde to their naturall beauty whatsoeuer Arte can inuent : what vertue , what wisdome , what pietie can be found in a Court composed of such men ? He that is the Head and commands them , doth furnish this pernicious example ; for the Sultans Serrail is full of such Boyes , chosen out of the most beautifull of the East , and vowed to his vnnaturall pleasures : This doth countenance this disorder and corruption in the Othoman Court : Such as the Prince is , such are most commonly the Courtiers which follow him : the principall Maxime which they giue for a precept to their fortune , is to follow the humours and manners of the Prince , whatsoeuer they be , yea , many times they incite the Prince to these disorders . The miseries and diasters which happen daily in Turkey , are too many to be coucht in this Historie . The great Men kill or poyson one another for such subjects , Families are in combustion , Wiues make away their Husbands , and Husbands their Wiues . Mabemet the second Emperour of the Turkes , was ●abde in the thigh , and if any misfortune seeme monstrous among them , this vice which is so monstrous doth produce it : Men well bred abhorre it , Heauen detests it : When it was borne vpon the Earth , Idolatry was her sister Twinne . So being the auersion of Nature and the contempt of the Author thereof , Heauen doth punish it , and casts forth the fire of his wrath vpon those which are polluted therewith ; whole Townes haue been consumed , men eternally lost , and the memory of the one and the other in execration vpon the Earth . The Turkes doe not punish it ; they alleage , as wee haue obserued in the History of their Religion , that God hath reserued the chastisement to himselfe , and they bring an example of a miserable wretch who had abused a young Boy which stab'd him . This Sodomite being thus slaine , Mahomet their Prophet sent his Kinsmen to open his Tombe , and see how many wounds he had ; they came and saw no body , but found in the place a blacke and smoakie stocke . Hence they say , that seeing the diuine Iustice doth punish those that are culpable of this offence , they must leaue the execu● him , and in the meane time suffer this vnnaturall ex● . The Turkish Ladies detesting these damnable affections of their husbands , haue also abandoned themselues by their example or for reuenge , to another disorder : the following Chapter will shew it . For the husbands are many times the cause of the losse of their wiues ; and the contagious example of their vices , giues them occasion to ill , and to faile in their faith to him , who had first broken it . CHAP. XV. Of the Loues of the great Ladies of the Turkes Court , and of their violent affections among themselues . THe prouocations of a hot Climate , the seruitude of women restrained , and the bad example of loose and luxurious husbands , are the principall Motions of the loues , wherunto the Turkish Ladies abandon themselues . Some to haue free exercise , take occasion to see their Louers , when as they are allowed to goe to the Bath , to receiue the Purifications which their Law doth enjoyne them : others better qualified , from whom the commoditie of Waters and Scoues which are in their houses , hath taken away this pretext , make vse of other man. Sometimes they borrow the habit of their slaues , and thus disguised goe to find them they loue : When this course is difficult , by the encounter of some great obstacle , they imploy man and woman ( whom they reward ) to find them subjects which may please their eyes , and content their passions ; but this last meanes is more apparent and better knowne in Constantinople : for such Messengers of 〈◊〉 discouering themselues to some that refuse them , they di● their secret . They addresse themselues vsually to Christian strangers of the West , and if they can finde Frenchmen , the seruice they doe vnto their Mistresses is the more pleasing : The disposition of their humours , the grace of their bodies ( say they ) and the ordinary courtesie of their Nation , makes them more desired . But it is dangerous to serue the passions of such Louers , where the recompence and the reward or a painfull loue , is a Dagger or a Glasse of poyson : For these cruell women , when they haue kept some young stranger three or foure dayes hidden in their Chambers , and haue made vse of him vntill he be so tired and weary with their lasciuiousnesse , as hee is no longer profitable , they stab him or poyson him , and cast his bodie into some Priuie : Whether it be that they feare their affections should be discouered , or that their light and inconstant humours , doth alwayes demand new subjects , or that it is the nature of their lasciuious loue , to change into Rage and Fury tragically cruell . They which are aduertised at Constantinople , auoid this danger , and reward their pains which speake vnto them with a flat deniall , but not without danger : For such Messengers aswell as the great ones that imploy them are Witches , and reuenge a deniall vpon the person of him that made it , as it happened of late yeares to a French Gentleman , which was at Constantinople , when as the Baron Sausy did serue the King there as his Embassadour : This Gentleman going to the Diuan , which is the publique Audience of the Serrail , was encountred by a woman , whose age , habit and discourse did shew plainly that shee did pleasures for the Turkish Ladies : Shee came vnto him and vsed these words : Hast thou the courage to see a faire Lady , which is in loue with thee ? He who knew well with what Mertils such Ladies are accustomed to crowne their Louers which haue serued them , excuseth himselfe for that time , pretending some important businesse which drew him to the Serrail : But he promiseth at his returne to content her desires , imtearing her to attend at the passage . In the meane time he goes to the Serrail , followes his businesse , and hauing dispatched in , ro●es to his Lodging another way , and leauing the woman in the impatiencie of a deceitfull attendance , she saw herselfe in the end deceiued by this Frenchman : who to reuenge this affront , had recourse to her Witchcrafts , and imployes them against him : They worke their effect , and this Frenchman found himselfe suddainly seized with a kind of Palsey : The sicke man tooke his bed , and was continually afflicted with sensible paines and convulsions . The Physicians were called to his help , but all their lerning could not find out the cause of his infirmitie , nor prescribe a remedie : Some dayes past in these extremities , after which an old Turkish woman offers to cure him ; she visits him , and hauing looked vpon him she told him in her gibbridge : I will soon cure you : But tell the truth , haue you not refused some Lady that sought your loue ? By her Charmes she expelled those which tormented him , and restored him to health : After which , this man going in Constantinople , hee encountred a woman which told him in his eare ; Remember another time not to abuse the courtesie of Women which affect you , and deceiue them no more by your vaine promises . All the women of Turkey , and especially those of Constantinople , doe not tie their affections to men only , they grow passionately in loue one with another , and giue themselues to false and vnlawfull loue , especially the wiues of men of quality , who liue coopt vp in Serrails , vnder the guard of Eunuches . This vitious appetite doth domincere ouer them so tyrannously , as it smothers in them the desires of a naturall and lawfull loue , and many times causeth them to loathe their husbands . This disorder may grow for that their affection wanting a lawfull prize , they tie it to a strange object : Moreouer , the reuenge of the vnnaturall loue to their husbands , carries them vnto it ; for most men of those Easterne parts , and the greatest are giuen to that beastly and brutish lasciuiousnesse . These Ladies loue one another most ardently , and come to the effects of their foolish loues , they imbrace one another , and doe other actions which loue seekes , and modestie forbids to write . They whom this strange loue makes slaues to others , goe to finde them in the B●th to see them naked , and entertayning them vpon the subject whereof they languish , make such like discourses in their Language : They had reason to say that the Sun did plunge it selfe in the waues , seeing that you are in this water , the which by Nature should quench the fire , but it kindles my flames when you are in it . Is it possible that you should receiue to the enioying of so rare a beauty , other persons than those of your owne sexe , which are like your selfe ? Fly the imbracings of Men , which contemne vs ; and haue no loue but for their like , and enioy with vs the Contentments which they deserue not . When as a foolish womanish Louer , hath made such like discourses , shee goes into the Bath , and burnes with a flame which it is not able to quench , she imbraces her Louer , kisseth her , and attempts to doe that ( although in vaine ) which I must heere conceale : And these loues of woman to woman are so frequent in the Leuant , as when any Turks are resolued to marrie , the chiefe thing which they inquire of , is whether the party whom they affect be not subject to some woman whom they loue , or is beloued . Thus these people liue farre from the light of true Faith , in the darknesse of Mahometan ignorance , which haue carried them to the excesse of all sorts of vices . CHAP. XVI . Of the foure principall Bassa's of the Port. THe foure chiefe Bassa's of the Port , and the foure prime Wheeles , which mooue this vast and powerfull Turkish Empire are the Vizir Azem or the Grand Vizir , the Captaine of the Sea , the Aga of the Ianizaries , and the Captaine of Constantinople , called the Captaine Bassa : Their places are the chiefe of the Empire , and the glory there of giues them respect with the Prince , to be honoured by great Men , and feared by the people . The Vizir Azem , or Grand Vizir holds the first place next vnto his Master , he is Lieutenant Generall of the Empire , and Armies , high Chancellor and chiefe of the Diuan , which is the Councell where Iustice is administred ; the Captaine of the Sea is high Admirall , and Generall of Nauall Armies . The Aga of the Ianizaries commands all the Turkish foot , as sole Colonell thereof . And the Captaine of Constantinople gouernes the Citie , and takes knowledge of the chiefe affaires which passe . These foure Bassa's differing in Offices and Honours are notwithstanding powerfull in authoritie , the which is of such weight , as they giue and take the Crown from their Soueraigne Prince when they thinke good . We haue seene the experience of late yeares , in the persons of Sultan Mustapha , and Osman : Achmat ended his life and Raigne in the yeare 1617 , hee left two young sonnes ; Osman and Amurath : He knew by experience that the weight of such a Crowne could not be borne by a Childe , and that the absolute gouernment of the Turkish Monarchie required a man : He called to the succession of his Scepter , his brother Mustapha who had beene fourteene yeares a Prisoner in his Serrail , and made him to taste this sweet change , to come from a Dungeon to a Throne , and from the fetters of a tedious captiuitie , to that power to command the greatest I state vpon the Earth . But the great rigour of his command , and the extrauagances of his inconstant humour , made him odious to the Captaine Bassa ; he gained the other three , who drew the Souldiers and some great men vnto their party , they vnthroned him , put him into his Prison , and set vp Osman sonne to his brother Achmat. This example was in our daye● : but that which followeth is so fresh , as the newes hereof came when I was labouring about this worke . Osman not well satisfied with the affection of the Ianizaries , ( who are the sinewes of his Estate ) and disliking some of the foure Bassa's , had an intent to change the Seat of his Empire to Caire , and to abandon Constantinople ; he prepares himselfe , gathers together as much Treasure as hee could , and couers his designe , with the pretext of a Pilgrimage to Meque , where he said his intent was to accomplish a vow , and to make as great a gift as euer Prince made vnto a Temple of what Religion soeuer . When as he had mannaged his enterprize vnto the day of his departure , when as his Galleyes were readie , and the Bassa of Caire come with an Armie to receiue him ; the Ianizaries were aduertised , they runne to the Serrail with the consent of the Aga , the people are moued , the Captaine Bassa stirres them vp , they take the Sultan in his Chamber , kill some great Men in his presence , dragge him into a prison , and there make him to suffer a shamefull death by the hands of an Executioner , hauing drawne Mustapha his Vncle out of Prison again , and crowned him the second time Soueraigne Sultan of the Turkish Empire . That which is here set downe for true proofs of the authoritie and power of these foure great Bassa's . They are not alone in greatnesse , although that no man doth equall them in all the Othoman Court ; There are two Beglierbeys ( that is to say Lord of Lords ) the one of Romania or Greece , the other of Natolia or Asia the lesse . The Nissanzi Bassa or ordinary Chancellour , who signes all the Dispatches of the Court ; three Teftardars which are the high Treasurers , thorough whose hands the Reuenewes of the Empire doth passe . The Rais Kintap , whose charge is to keepe the Books , Papers and Records of the Empire . Besides these there are many others of lesse consideration . Doubtlesse , as Whales are in the vast and deepe Seas ; so great and eminent Dignities are in great Empires , and those of Turkey make those which enjoy them to seeme like so many pettie Kings about the person of a great Monarch . CHAP. XVII . Of the Tymar , Tymarriots and Pensioners of the Port. THe Turkes giue two sorts of pay to their Souldiers , the one is called in their Language Vlefe ' , which is payed daily by the Treasurers of the warre and is the entertainment of ordinary Souldiers : The other is called Tymar , or pension assigned vpon Houses , Lands , or whole Burroughes ; this is not giuen but to men , who by their valour haue done some notable seruice to the Prince , and deserued well of the publique : These Pensions are honourable , the recompence of their vertue , and the marke of their merit . It seemes that the Turkes haue borrowed the name of this recompence from the Gracians , who called it Tymarion , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies Honour . Such Pensioners are called Tymariots , they are most commonly Spahis and Horsemen , who enjoy the honour and profit of such Pensions taken out of the Lands in Turkey which belonging all vnto the Prince , by the right of Soueraigne Master of the persons of all his Subjects , who are his slaues , he giues them to such as haue made themselues worthy by their good Seruice ; as they doe with vs the Commanders of Military Order , or the Fees or Lands which the Princes haue instituted in our Countries to honour Gentlemen of merit , and to binde them to serue them vpon all occasions . It is true that the continuance of such fees , doth farre exceed that of the Tymar , for they passe vnto their Successors , and this is temporall , and no man is suffered to enioy it any longer than it shall please the giuer . If the Spahi be not in his Equipage fit for a Souldier , if hee doth not serue with that care and diligence as hee ought , the Iudges which the Sultan appoints to visit the Tymar , depriue him , and recompence another that may serue better , so that Tymariots , or Pensioners of the Turks Court , are not vnprofitable mouthes , as in other places ; there the credit of an insolent Fauourite , cannot take them from vertue , to giue them to the idlenesse of some one of those which follow him , and idolatrize the greatnesse of his fortune . CHAP. XVIII . Of the Grand SEIGNEVRS Favourites aduanced to the greatnesse of the Empire , and of their fall . FEw Kings haue beene without Fauourites ; and what reason were it to 〈◊〉 the most eminent among men from that which is allowed to the most object , that is to loue one man aboue all others , and to honour him with the effects of their friendship , by honours and greatnesse , whereof they are the Masters and absolute Disposers ? Doubtlesse the Soueraigne of Kings , who came into the World to teach both Men and Kings perfection , hath not denied them this libertie , when as he himselfe gaue them an example , louing and fauouring aboue the small number of men which were in his Ordinary Court , him whom hee thought most worthy of his fauours . But few Fauourites haue beene without insolencie , whether it be that most Princes are not much carefull to make choice of men , whose vertues haue made them worthy of their friendship ; or that the nature of fauour and honour which follow them , be such , as it blinds their vnderstanding , and puffes vp their spirits with pride . This History hauing taken for its principall Subject , the Court of the Othoman Monarches , it shall seeke no farther for examples of this truth . Hibraim Bassa Fauourite to Solyman the Second , had attained to the height of greatnesse which hee enjoyed by such degrees . He was a Christian , borne of a very base extraction ; at the age of seuen or eight yeeres , they which exact the tribute of Christians Children , tooke him from his Fathers house , and conducted him with a troupe of other young slaues to Constantinople : At his arriuall he was giuen vnto a Bassa , who caused him to be bred vp carefully , and soone after presented him to Solyman ; This Prince to whom Hibraim was equall in age , tooke him into his affection , his seruice was alwayes more pleasing vnto him , than that of the other slaues : He honoured him with the charge of Capiaga , who is Captaine of the Gate of the inner Serrail : From this place hee came to that of Aga or Colonell of the Ianizaries : Then the example of some great Men of the Othoman Court , ruined by the inconstancie of Fortune , gaue vnto his spirit the first apprehensions which the great Dignities of the Court giues vnto Fauourites which enjoy them , and serued as a bridle to restraint his passion : hee besought Solyman not to aduance his fortune so high as he might full with the greater ruine : Hee shewed him that a meane prosperitie , was more safe than all the greatnesse , wherewith he would honour him : That his seruices should be sufficiently rewarded , if hee gaue him wherewith to spend his dayes in rest , farre from the necessities of life . Solyman commended his modestie , and meaning to aduance him to the chiefe Dignities of his Empire , he sware vnto him neuer to put him to death whilst he liued , what change soeuer should happen in his Court. But the condition of King , which is humane , and subject to change , and that of Fauourites which is proud , and vnthankfull , shall cause Solyman to faile of his promise , and Hibraim of his faith and loyaltie , as wee shall see . In the meane time this Fauourite becomes a Bassa , and soone after Grand Vizir , and Lieuetenant Generall of his Masters Empire ; his credit , his traine , his wealth , and the pompe of his greatnesse , teach euery man that hee is the Arbitrator of Turkey . But his fortune is too great to be without Enuie ; and it seemes vnreasonable , that the highest trees which are on the tops of the highest Mountaines , should be free from the violence of the windes . The Princesse Mother to Solyman , and Roxillana his wife , the best beloued of his Sultana's , enuie the credit of Hibraim , and his vnlimited authoritie is insupportable vnto them : They practize his ruine , and imploy all their power both within and without the Serrail , to dispossesse him : he finds it , and judging that the affections of a Mother and a Sonne are so naturall , and the loue of a Wife and a Husband so strong , as there is not any fortune nor fauour in Court , which should not feare the encounter , he resolues to draw his Master out of Constantinople , and to remooue him from the imbracings of the one and the conuersation of the other , and from the perswasions of them both . To effect is with the more pretext , he propounds the designe of the Warre of Persia , and being in Counsell with three or foure Bassa's , he perswades Solyman in this manner . Sir , Great Kings must haue great 〈◊〉 Their principall office is not only to preserue the 〈…〉 their Ancestors haue left them , but also to inlarge is 〈◊〉 ●tand the limits ; the Sword wherewith the M●s● 〈◊〉 your Greatnesse , on the day of your Coronation , is not so much a signe of your Soueraigne power , as that you are bound to maintain and defend the truth of our Alcoran , and to publish its beliefe farre : The Persian hath alwayes beene an Enemy to your Estate and Religion , and their Kings haue not had any stronger passion , then to see the ruines of the one and the other : The Historie of the Warres which our Predecessors haue had against them doth furnish many examples ; now you may be reuenged of their insolencie , and lay at your feet these ancient Enemies of Turkey . Tachmas who is their King , is a man without valour and experience , his people are yet in necessitie , being the remainders of the warres past : Your Empire is flourishing you are borne to great matters , and to you alone the destinies haue reserued the glory of an absolute triumph ouer the Persians● Heauen doth promise it , Honour binds you , the weaknesse of your Enemy inuites you , your Treasures and a great number of fighting men , which attend your Commandements in Armes , furnish you with meanes . Goe , goe , then great Prince , adde vnto your Crownes that of the Realme of Persia , and to the Bayes which your valour hath gathered in Hungarie and at Rhode● , the Palme to haue subdued Persia , and to haue tamed the most troublesome of all your Enemies . To these perswasions hee added a tricke of his Trade . In Damus the chiefe C●tie of the East , there liued an excellent Magician , called Mule Aral , he drawes him to Constantinople , and makes vse of his Predictions to further his designes ; he speakes with him , and hauing caught him what to say , hee brings him to Solyman . This Sorcerer foretold the Sultan , that hee should take the principall Places of Persia , and should be crowned King of that Realme : All this makes him resolue to goe to horsebacke , and the warre was concluded : The teares of the Mother , nor the sweet kisses of the Wife , could not frustrate this designe : These poore Sultan's see the order of the Estate ouerthrowne by a Fauourite , and their persons contemned by Hibraim , who carried him from them , and drew him farre from their just jealousies ; but the mine , into the which insolencie dragges it selfe , is in●itable Hibraim by this retiring , deferrs his losse , but doth not auoid it ; hee shall returne from the warre of Persia to dye in Constantinople strangled with a Haker : The sequell of the historie will tell vs. In the meane time Solyman departs , with aboue six hundred thousand men , most Souldiers : Hibraim goes before to make the way with a powerfull Armie , he passeth at Aleppe , and fortifies it : From thence he goes to Carahomide a Towne vpon the Frontiers of Mesopotamia or Dierbetch , built vpon a strong situation : Vlama a great Noble-man of Persia commanded therein : his qualitie and valour had bound Solyman to make him gouernour ; hee had formerly married the Sister of Scach Tach●as , sonne to Ismaell Sophi , and then King of Persia , who discontented for some disgrace in Court left Persia , and came to serue the Turke . Hibraim gaue him thirtie thousand men , and sent him before to discouer the Enemies countrie . Vlama who know the language and the countrie , approached neere vnto Tauris , whereas Sultan Musa a neere kinsman to the King commanded : Being aduertised of the approach of the Turkish Troupes , and finding himselfe too weake to attend them , abandons the Citie : Vlama enters and takes it : Hibraim who followed him neere came speedily , fortifies it , and in a new citadell which he caused to be made , hee placed three hundred and fiftie pecces of Ordinance , and sent to aduertise Solyman of this good successe . Neuer fauorite held himselfe so happie , nor so powerfull ouer the enuie of his Enemies : But he shall finde his misreckoning . Solyman aduanceth , comes to Tauris , and stayes three weekes , to see if Tachmas had any will to come and encounter him . But hee had neither power nor will. Hee was retired into the Mountaines , expecting greater forces than his owne , that 〈◊〉 say , that 〈◊〉 and the necessitie of all things , with the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 , might force his Enemie to retire : They followed 〈◊〉 after the Northern winds , the Snow , Frost , and went of victualls forced Solyman to take his way to Curd●stan , which is Assyria , hauing left thirtie two thousand men in Garrison within Tauris , vnder the command of Vlama , of I●digiarberg and Serum Ogly . Fa● 〈◊〉 was watchfull seeing the Turkish Army farre from Tauris , approcheth with ten thousand men : The Garrison go forth to encounter him and charge him ; but Iadigiarberg a notable Coward , growing amazed fled , and put all the rest in disorder , and gaue the aduantage to Tachmas , who recouered Tauris , and brought a notable change , causing the three hundred and fifty Cannons which were in the Citadell to be moulten , whereof he made Manguris , which is a Coine of Persia , and so that which was the terrour of his people , became the delights of their affections : Solyman in the meane time conquered Curdistan , and Baggadet ; he tooke Babylon , where he was crowned King of Assyria by the Caliphe , but not of Persia , as the Magitian had promised him . Winter was now spent , and the Spring approached : Vlama and Hibraim perswaded Solyman to returne to Tauris , to punish the rashnesse of Tachinas : He returnes with his Army , and being within few dayes march , Tachmas abandons the City and retires , burning and razing whatsoeuer he found in the way , to stay his Enemy from following : The Turkes re-enter Tauris and their rage puts all they find to fire and sword , not sparing sencelesse things ; the stately Pallaces became the subject of their furie , and the Citie was the pittifull remainder of a sacke and a cruell spoyle . Solyman retires , giuing order that his chiefe forces should be in the Reare , lest the enemy should follow and charge them behinde . Tachmas was wonderfully discontented , to see this fearefull spoile in his Country , and in the Capitall Citie of his Realme , and could haue no reuenge ; when as one of his Satrapes , or Gouernours , a Caramanian by Nation and the most resolute man in his Court , sirnamed Delimeus , for his courage , ( that is to say Foole ) offered himselfe , and promiseth ( so as hee would giue him troupes ) to follow the Enemie and to ouertake him , and when hee should thinke least of it , to make him pay for the spoile which he had made in Persia . Tachmas grants whiche demands ; Delimeus goes his way , he runs or rather flies towards the place where the Enemie was : His Spies being him word , that the Turkes were camped neere vnto Bathlis , ●yrod with long marches , and with the toile of a troublesome way ; that they slept without Guards , without watch , and without any Sentinels , so as it would be easie for him to surprize them , if he would make his troupes to double their pace : Deliment makes more speed than they requi●ed , hee drawes neere vnto the Turkes at the shutting vp of the day , and in the night goes to surprize them , inuirons them , chargeth them , beats them , kils the greatest part , and takes the rest prisoners , few escaping by flight . Solyman vnderstood the next day of the losse of his men , and seeing the small troupes he had remayning , findes foure hundred thousand men wanting , of those which followed him from Constantinople , the which were dead in Persia , either slaine by the Sword , or famished with hunger , or frozen with colde , the which made him returne towardes his Serrail . He comes to Aleppo , and soone after to Constantinople , and detests in his soule , the Counsellour of this Voyage and the Warre of Persia . The Sultana's finde at his returne , a ample subject to ruine Hebraims fortune , and to be reuenged of the presumption hee had vsed against them . They obserue the murmuring of the people against this Fauourite , and what the great mens●e of him , and make it knowne to Solyman . Moreouer , as they were busie to ruine his greatnesse , they discouer that this Bassa fauoured the House of Austria , and that he had secret intelligence with the Emperor Charies the Fift , an Enemy to his Master : This treachery being auerred , it did wholy ouerthrow that which the Sultana's had already shaken . Solyman to whom they had made knowne the truth of all this , concludes his death ; but the promise and oath which he had made vnto him not to put him to death whilest hee were aliue , suspends the execution vntill hee might find a Dispensation by the aduice and ●ritie of the chiefe Preists of his Law ; 〈…〉 of the most Learned ; one of the number giues him a pleasant 〈◊〉 , to free himselfe of the Bassa , and yet to keepe his Word . You haue sworde , Sir , saith he , not to put him to death , whilest you are liuing ; 〈◊〉 him up be strangled when you are asleepe : Life consist 〈◊〉 ●gilam action , and he th● sleepes doth not truly 〈◊〉 to you may punish his disloyaltie , and not violate your oath . Doubtlesse if Solyman were dead when hee slept , according to the saying of this Talisman , hee hath reuiued many times whilest he liued . This Prince seekes noe more , he contents himselfe , to haue found a Clergie man which absolues him for this deed : He sends for Hibraim Bassa to the Serrail , hee causeth him to supp with him , and supper being ended hee letts him see his crymes by his owne letters written to Charles the fift , and Ferdinand his brother ; hee reproaches his ingratitude and commands his dumbe men to strangle him whilest he slept , and thereupon went to Bed. Thus ended the life and greatnes of Hibraim Bassa fauorite to Solyman : For an example , that if the fortunes of the Court shine like gold , they breake like glasse . His Maistes had aduanced him more then hee desired , fearing a fall in the beginning of his fortune , into the which he did precipitate himselfe by his disloyaltie : he supported the continuance of his greatnesse vpon his Princes Oath : But they were humane , and their nature is to haue no other stay , but the declining where they slide . A Courtiers fauour is neuer durable , if it hath not Iustice and Pittie for Companions , which makes them zealous towards God , and well deseruing of men : If these parts be found in a Fauourite , they make enuie to yeeld , and impose silence to the bitterest slanders Hibraim Bassa had not these good qualities : his formes seruices had deserued some share in his Masters affection ; but his pride against the Sultana's , and his treachery against Solyman made him vnworthy of that which he enjoyed . So the Lion of Lybia wipes out with her long taile the steps of her feet : the insolencie which followed , defaced all the good which went before . To enjoy the fauour of the Court , they must haue so strong and generous a spirit , as they must neuer suffer themselues to be transported with pride , nor dejected with amazement but remayning in a commendable equality , continue couragiously in doing well . The example of the fortune and disaster of Hibraim Bassa shall be followed in this History with that of the great credit , prosperities and disgraces of Bassa Derueir , a Fauourite to Achmat the first , Brother to Sultan Mustapha , who raigned of late yeares . This man of a base condition laboured in the Gardens of the Serrail , when as hee began to enter into fauour : Achmat in his Garden-walkes , seeing his jouiall humour , tooke many times delight in his tales , stayed to see him worke , and in the end so affected him , as without knowledge of any other merit , he made him Bostangibassi , or great Gardiner ; This charge ( as we haue said ) is one of the goodliest of the Turkish Empire , being then void by his death who had enioyed it : Therein Deruier serued with so great care , and made himselfe so pleasing to his Master , as he bound him to make him greater . The Generall of the Sea dies , and Achmat giues him the place : he doth it with that lustre and pompe which followes this dignitie ; he causeth the Galleyes to be armed , goes to Sea , takes all he meces with , and sailes so happily as the inconstant windes seemed to fauour him , and the most inconstant Elements seeme to joy in the happinesse of this new Fauourite ; his courses are fortunate , and his returne glorious : But the Sea of the Court more stormie than the Sea it selfe will one day teach him that it doth amaze the best Pilots , and will make him feele to his disgrace , a more troublesome shipwracke , than he could haue found vpon the waues of the Louant Seas . The reception which hee found at his returne , and the triumph wherewith hee is honoured after the taking of many Christian Vessels , are felicities which flatter , and deceiuing him , make him imagine that happinesse it selfe did him homage . Achmat cherished him more than himselfe , and had no rest , vntill hee had aduanced him to the height of the prosperities of the Court : That is to say , to the Dignitie of Grand Vizir , Lieutenant Generall of his Empire : Soone after it fell void , and hee bestowed it on him , with these words of affection : There is not any thing in my Estate , how great soeuer it be , which thy vertues , and the affection thou bearest to my seruice , hath not well deserued . Thus De●r became the first man of the Turks Court , and his Master was sorry , that hee could not make him the prime Man of the World. In this charge hee restored many good Lawes , which disorder had ouerthrowne ; hee reduced euery man to his duty , strooke terrour into the Magistrates : and let the Souldiers know that they were vnworthy to make their Musters , and to receiue the pay , if they be not in case to serue . These things doubtlesse had crowned his name with new glory , if violence and crueltie had not blemisht him : He caused more men to be executed in one day , than his Predecessours had done in a whole yeare : The least suspition of a Crime was culpable of punishment , and this Fauourite made lesse account of the life of men , than of the Coleworts which hee had sometimes planted in the Gardens of the Serrail . But violence is neuer durable , and that Fauourite which followes it suffers himselfe to bee led to his owne ruine . Hee that kils , shall be killed ( sai● God ) hee that loues bloud shall perish in bloud . Doubtlesse , it is a miserable thing in Princes Courts , and prejudiciall to a whole Estate , that a base fellow , and a man of nothing , without vertue or merit should be aduanced to the qualitie of a Fauourite ; master the affections of his Soueraigne , and enjoy the prime Dignities of an Empire : For such persons are most commonly cruell ; contemne the Nobilitie , and make no account of vertue , as being ignorant of the one and the other . Derueir in all these Offices had gathered together great treasures , the which with his extraordinary seueritie , furnish matter of Enuy to the other Bassa's , who all joyntly vndertake his ruine , and labour so carefully therein , as they find meanes to entertaine Sultan Achmat , with the insolencies of his carriage : he heares them , belieues part of that which they tell him , and growes so violently jealous of the credit and authoritie of Deruier , that he resolues to free himselfe of him ; he concludes his death , and commands the execution to a troupe of the Capigis of his Serrail , who receiued commandement to strangle him , as soone as he should come : But hee will trouble them to performe it , they shall not finde in him a delicate fauorite , bred vp from his youth in the softnesse of the Court , he will defend his life couragiously , and let them see that a man , which hath long time handled a Spade and a Mattocke , is not soe easily mastered . Achmat sends for Deruier to the Serrail ; he comes and is scarce entred when he suspects the partie which was made against him ; he goes into the Grand Sigueurs quarter , being there , this troupe of Capigis fall vpon him to seaze on him , and to put the Halter about his necke ; he frees himselfe from them , and stands vpon his defence although he had nothing in his hands , and with his fists scatters them brauely ; hee beates one of their Noses flat , puts out the eye of another , and strikes out his teeth that held the Halter , and puts him out of breath which had taken hold of his Arme , and remaines free in the midst of al them which did i●biron him , and durst not take him : The feare of punishment which doth attend those which doe not speecily execute the will of the Sultan in such affaires , and the shame that one man alone disarmed should slay them all , ●uised one of the troupe to fetch a Leauer , wherewith approaching to Deruier , he gaue him so great a blow as hee brake his thigh , and ouerthrew him ; then they put the cord about his necke and strangled him . Thus hee ended his life , which gouerned the whole Turkish Empire , and strooke a terrour into the greatest : The iouiall humours and the humble discourses of the Gardiner , had raised him to the greatest fortune that a Courtier could find in all the world ; and the insolencie and pride of the Grand Vizir had humbled him , and deliuered him to the mercie of a dozen Rascals which strangle him : For a new example , that fauour is not durable , if it hath not moderation for its companion , and Iustice and Piety to support it . His bodie is buried without pompe or honour , his treasure came vnto the Sultan , and his name was so forgotten , as in three dayes they did not know in Court if there had beene any such man. The which may serue for a lesson to great Men , which possesse their Princes , that the course of a boundlesse and proud fauour in Court is like the flight of a Bird in the Aire , the passage of a Ship at Sea , or the gliding of a Serpent vpon the stones , where there remaines no shew . This thing happened at Constantinople in the yeare 1606. But of a later date in the yeare 1614. Nassaf Bassa , of whom we haue formerly shade mention , Grand Vezir of the Turkish Empire and fauorite to the same Sultan Achmat , gaue ( by the fall of his fortune ) as much amazement to the East , as his prosperities had given admiration his riches were greater and his credite more absolute then the two former fauourites ; but his extraction and Birth as base as theirs , and his pride equall . Hee was Sonne to a Greeke Priest , borne in a little Hamblet neere to Salonica . The Collectors of the tribute tooke him from his Fathers house in his infancie , and led him to Constantinople , where hee was sold for three Sultanins , ( which is foure and twentie shillings of our sterling money ) to an Eunuch of the Serraeil , who bred him vp vnto the age of twentie yeeres . Then hee sold him to a steward of the Sultana Mother to Achmat , to serue him in his charge . This Man soone found in his slaue the eminent gifts of a free spirit , which is inlightned with dexteritie : and holding him fit for greater affaires then those of the houshold , wherein hee imployed him , hee gaue him the ouer-sight of the building of a rich and stately Mosquee , which the Sultana Mother caused to bee built at her charge , to bee an immortall marke of her pictio and magnificence . Hee prospered so well in this charge , and gaue so good proefes of his Iudgement , as hee gaue good content vnto the Sultana , and hard such part in her liking and affection , as shee made him Superintendant of her house . In thi● Dignitie hee let the whole Serrail See , what an able and sufficient Man may doe when hee is imployed in affaires ; his merite came vnto the knowledge of Sultan Achmat , who would haue him to his seruice . Thus hee changed Master , and mounted to a new Dignitie . Achmat gaue him the place of Capigibassi , soone after he made him Bassa of Alepp● , where hauing finished the time , which they giue to such Gouernors , they honoured him with the Dignitie of Gouernor Generall of Messopotamia : hee parted from Constantinople , hauing the traine , attendance and pompe , of a Turkish Vice-roy . The commoditie of this Prouince , Frontier to Persia , filled his Cofers with treasure , and his Spirit with ambition . Hee knew that hee was very necessarie for his Master , he saw that the Neighbour-hood of the Persian , might by secret intelligences with him bring him great wealth . This imagination flatters him , and his auarice followes him : hee abandons his fidelitie to the offers which the Persian King made him , and practiseth in secret with his Ministers , and fauoureth what hee can , the Enemy of his Soueraigne Prince . Achmat is aduertised , and louing him still with passion , dissembles his cryme and resolues to gaine him to himselfe , to dis-ingage him from the Persian , and to content his ambition with any thing hee could desire in his Empire . To this end hee sends for him to Constantinople , and at his ariuall gaue him the place of Grand Vizir , which Serdar had newly left , and with it the best and richest of this Bassa's spoyles . Moreouer he promised to giue him the Sultana his Daughter in Marriage . All these things are signes of the great bountie of Achmat , thus to honour a Traitor , who deserued rather a shamefull death , then the first dignitie of the Turkish Empire ; they will in like sort be a testimonie of the ingratitude of the fauourite , who will abuse them . For an example that too indulgent a Prince to a notable Traitor , doth furnish him with meanes to do worse . Nassuf being now Grand Vizir & with assurance to be Sonne in law to his Master , goes to horse-backe , and in qualitie of Generall of an Armie , leads the forces of Turkey against the Persian , enters with them into his Countrie , makes a generall spoyle , and forceth Ka Abbas , who is King at this Day , to demaund a peace , and in the meane time grants him a truce for six Moneths . Hee parts from Persia , leading with him the Embassadour of Ka Abbas , hee comes to Constantinople , enters in pompe , hee is receiued not onely as the vanquisher of Persia , but as the restorer of the Othoman esta●e . The custome of Turkey binds the Bassa's when they returne from their gouernments , and the Generals of Armies from the Warre , to make a present vnto the Sultan . Nassuf at his comming exceedes the magnificence of all the Presents that euer entred into the Serrail , since the Turkes estate was setled , for besides a thousand rarities which hee brought from Persia , to the Sultan his Master ; he presented him with a Million of Gold coyned , and within few dayes after married his Daughter . This is the ascent and height of his fortune : Behold the descent . Achmat saw that Nassuf exceeded the ordinary of all the other Vizirs which had serued him , that his treasure did equall his , if not exceed it : He conceiued a jealousie ( abundance of riches is many times criminall and offensiue to Princes ) and growes into distrust of his actions . The Bassa's hauing some vent thereof by some of the Agalarie , Eunuches of the Chamber , labour to informe him of the carriage of Nassuf . The Bassa of Babylon knew more than any Man , they cause him to come to Constantinople , and obtained secret audience for him : This Man did plainly discouer vnto the Sultan , that the Bassa Nassuf betrayed him , for the which hee drew great Pensions from the Persian , to whom hee wrote the secrets of his most important affaires . Achmat well informed of the disloyalties of his Fauourite , resolues not to leaue them vnpunished , and presently concludes his death : He giues the charge to the Bostangibassi , which is the great Gardiner : Nassuf is aduertized by the Sultana , which was most fauoured , being his Pensioner , that Achmat was much discontented with him : This amazeth him , hee faines himself sicke , and keepes his bed ; the Bostangibassi comes to his Lodging , and demands to speake with him in the Sultans name , hee excused himselfe vpon the discommoditie of a violent purgation which troubled him : The Bostangibassi presses it , and tels him that hee would not returne vntill hee had spoken with him ; that the Sultan had commanded him to see him , in what estate he was , & to learn from himself the newes of his health . Then Nassuf commanded they should suffer him to come : There the Bostangibassi complements with him concerning his indispostion , and assured him that he should be soone cured : he might boldly speake it , seeing hee carried the remedie in his pocket . After such like discourses of courtesie , he drew out of his pocket a commandement from the Sultan written to Nassuf , to send him the Seales of his Empire . Nassuf obeyeth , causeth them to be brought vnto his bed , wraps them in his Handkercher , seales them with his owne Seale , and giuing them to the Bostangibassi kisses them , and intreats him to assure his Master , that he had kept them faithfully , and had neuer sealed any thing which was against his seruice : Then hee thought that the discontentment whereof the Sultana aduertized him , would haue no other sequell but to depriue him of his charge , which they call in this Court to be made Mansul , and that by the helpe of his friends and the force of money , hee might be restored in a short time . His misreckoning was not farre off ; the Bostangibassi , being now in possession of the Seales of the Empire , drew forth another Commandement to Nassuf from the same Sultan , to send him his head : Then Nassuf cried out , calling Heauen and Earth to witnesse of his innocencie ; he desired to speake with the Sultan , and intreats the Bostangibassi to conduct him ; he excuses himselfe , that he had no other charge but to see him strangled by ten or twelue Capigis which attended him : Vpon this refusall he contested long ; but seeing to deferre his end , was but to prolong his distemperature and griefe , he resolues to die , only hee demands of the great Gardiner to suffer him to goe and wash himselfe in a Chamber neere by , to depart this World in the estate of puritie , according to the Turks beliefe , which hold the washing of the body for the purification of the soules : This grace also was denied him . Then he abandons his life to the Capigis who were about his bed : they put a cord about his necke , and not able to strangle him so speedily as they desired by reason of his extraordinary fatnesse , one of them drew a Knife out of his pocket , and cut his throat . Achmat would see him dead , to be the better assured ; and then appointed his buriall among the common people without any honour . Such was the fortune of Bassa Nassuf and such his fall : His good wit had raised him to these great Dignities of his Empire , and his pride cast him downe , hauing long enjoyed the fauour of his Master , and made no good vse of it : His riches equall to his fortune were extraordinary ; the Officers of the treasure , which were imployed to take an Inuentory of his goods , found in his Cosers in Sultanin● , ( which is a Coyne of Gold ) fiue hundred thousand pounds sterling , in Siluer coyned three hundred and eight thousand pounds sterling , the quantitie of three bushels of precious Stones not yet wrought , a bushell of Diamonds not set , and two bushels of goodly round Pearles . His Armory was furnished with aboue a thousand rich Swords , whereof the least had the Hilt and Pomell of siluer , and amidst this number there was one all set with Diamonds , valued at twentie thousand pounds sterling money : The Chambers of his Lodging and his Wardrobe , were richly hanged with Tapestry of Persia and Caire : Many rich stuffes of silke and gold excellently wrought , did augment the quantity of his precious Moueables : In his Stables were found aboue a thousand great Horses of price , foure hundred and fortie Mares of Arabia and Egypt , as beautiful as any Painter could represent , with this there were many thousand Camels and Moiles for his Baggage when hee trauelled : In his base Courts they numbred a hundred thousand Oxen , Kine and Sheepe : the number of his slaues exceeded foure thousand . With this great wealth he might haue done great good , if he had had a friend to giue him good counsel ( but great prosperities haue not any ) who might haue contained him by wise aduice , within the limits of his dutie . Thus the fauours and pomps of the Court passe away . Those of Turkey , culpable of the least crymes , yea those which are innocent are of no longer continuance . For if the Court in what place soeuer , bee a Sea full of waues , that of the Othoman is alwayes beaten with stormes , and tost with Tempests : The winds of the Sultana's passions , which are most cherished by the Prince , the couetous desires of the Enuches which serue him , and are his familiars , banish the calme , and are the cause of such like shipwrackes , if they doe not pacifie the greedinesse of the one , in glutting them with presents , and the auarice of the other by great pensions . And although they take this course most commonly , yet notwithstanding they are oftentimes allarmed , suffer troublesome apprehensions , and liue alwayes in feare and disquietnesse . To teach men , which admire and adore the lustre of such fortunes that their perfectest ioyes are fruitfull in sorrowes : And when they thinke to make their Paradice in this World , then they carry their Hell with them . CHAP. XIX . Of the Grand Seigneurs Armes and Seales . THe Turkes who esteeme vertue by its price haue no Armes , nor Sirnames : The Lawes established and seuerely obserued among them , which haue made them so powerfull vpon earth , would thus banish out of Turkey ( although somewhat preposterously ) this subject of vanity in Families , and force men rather to support their glory vpon their owne merit , than in the vertue of their Ancestors which is not theirs : For this cause in their Monarchy , the sonne of a great Bassa , is lesse esteemed than he of a Waterman , if he hath lesse vertue : All the aduantage hee can challenge , to be borne of vertuous Parents , is to tearme himselfe their sonne . As for example , Mustapha the sonne of Siruan shall be called Siruanogli , that is to say , the sonne of Siruan : The rest of his glory must be supplyed by himselfe , and not borrowed from his Father . Their Emperours haue no Armes , and the Family of the Othomans neuer beare any . They defaced in the siege of the Gracian Empire , those of the most Illustrious Family of the Paliologus , who were the Soueraigne Monarches , who carried gloriously the Titles of their triumphant prosperities , by foure Letters separated distinctly , which the Greekes call Vita , and not Fusils , as some haue dream't , these Letters signified in the same Language , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is to say , King of Kings , raigning ouer them that raigne . It is true the Turkish Princes , haue some kinde of Marke or Ensigne , rather of their Empire than of their Family : for when as they represent it , they paint the Globe of the World , with a Crescent or halfe Moone on the top ; and in their Armies , their Ensignes haue no other deuice but the same Crescent : their Towers and Steeples carry it , yea the Pilgrimes which goe to Mequa , carry it on the top of their slaues : the which shewes that this Crescent is rather a marke of their Religion , then of the Imperiall Race . Wee haue obserued in our History of their Religion , the Miracle which Mahomet their Prophet brags hee had done , when as he repaired the Moone which was torne , and all in pieces , after he had drawne it from Heauen and put it into his sleeue : The Turkes which count their Moneths by Moones , shew the veritie hereof , when as they prostrate themselues in the beginning thereof , before the Moone , and lifting vp their eyes to his brightnesse , they pray unto God that hee will grant them the grace to begin happily , to continue in like manner , and to end with good successe the course of this Starre . The Imperiall Seale of the Grand Seigneurs of Turkey , hath no other figure , but certaine Arabian Characters , which expresse their name , that of their Father , and note the pride of the felicity whereof they brag . Achmat the Emperour , who died in the yeare 1617 , had caused these words to be grauen in the Seale , wherewith his Patents were sealed : Achmet ibni Mehemet Cham Sadet : that is to say ; Achmet sonne to Mehemet , Emperour alwayes victorious . The other Othoman Monarches , haue in a manner the same deuice , the names only changed : It is true that the Arabique Letters are so interlaced one with another ( in a manner like the Cyphers , wherewith they expresse their names in France ) as few men in his Estate , can expound them : only the Vizir , or he which scales hath the perfect knowledge . This manner of grauing their Seales only with Letters , hath beene imitated only from their Prophet : For the Turkish Monarchy , and all that depends thereof , hold it a glory to haue for their principall support , the Religion which he professeth , and to haue no other interest but his : Mahomet the Authour of the Alcoran , caused words only to be grauen in his Seale , and wordes without truth ; which were these , Mahomet the Messenger of God. This Seale was made seuen hundred and fiue or six yeares before that Othoman the first Prince of that Family , which raignes at this day in the East , had setled the Turkish Monarchy : and since , we doe not read that any Turkish Emperour hath had any other Armes for their Seales than the Characters and Arabique words : Thus these men by words not cast into the wind , as many other Princes doe , but grauen , haue by the esteeme which they haue made of the vertue of men which haue serued them , subdued the Emperour of Constantinople , rauished that of Trebifonde , seazed vpon Egypt , Palestina , Damas , Pamphylia , Cilicia , Caramania , and all Natolia , vanquished Rhodes and Cyprus , triumphed ouer Graecia , Albania , Illyria , and the Triballieus , and likewise doth by his Armes possesse the best parts of Moldania , Transilnania , and Hungary , and without doubt , their Conquests had extended farther into the Prouinces of Christendome , if Heauen had not giuen them bounds , and stayed their courses , by the troubles of the Othoman House , and the death of its Princes . CHAP. XX. Of the Death , Mourning , Funerall , and Burying , of the Grand SEIGNEVAS , Emperours of Turkey . THe Kings which receiue tribute from so many Nations pay it vnto death , and the condition of their perishing life , makes them to suffer this equalitie with other men , to returne vnto dust the common beginning of all euen liuing : the which should incite them the 〈◊〉 to forget the glory of their Name , and to repaire by their goodly and royall actions , the shortnesse of their dayes , 〈…〉 they may past from the disquietnesse of an 〈◊〉 Religion , 〈◊〉 eternall rest of a heauenly command , and change their Crownes which are not durable , to the Diadem of an Empire which hath no end . The Turkish Sultans spend their dayes farre from those wise thoughts in the 〈◊〉 of their 〈◊〉 , in the midst of pleasures , with their Sultan's ; the 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 , doth blemish their glory , and 〈◊〉 their 〈…〉 the humours of their Bodies , and shortens their 〈◊〉 . For delights kill more men than the sword . When they can sick , 〈◊〉 ni Bassa , who is the chiefe of the Phisitians , assembles the rest within the Serrail , and shuts himselfe vp with them , where they labour for the cure of their Maister , with that care which wee haue formerly mentioned . Remedies are but for helpes , they draw them not from the Bed , whereas their life and pride must haue an end : They die , and leauing their Scepters and Crownes , with all that which the World adores , they carry nothing with them but the good they haue done liuing , yet vnprofitable to their soules health , seeing they haue not Truth for their Guide . The Prince which is to succeed puts on Mourning , and attires himselfe in blacke for a short time , hee couers his head with a little Turbant , and doth testifie by his exterior shew , the griefe hee hath for the losse of his Predecessour , although that in his soule , hee feeles the most sensible joy that euer hee had . Thus Selym the Third shewed himselfe before the Body of Selyman the Second , his Father , who dyed in Hungary at the siege of Sighet : All the Bassa's weare little Turbants in signe of Mourning : And if the Emperour dies in the Warre as Solyman did , all the Ensignes and the Standard Royall , are turned downward towards the ground , vntill the now Sultan takes his Royall Robes , and puts on a great white Turbane , the which is done soone after : Then they cry as wee haue formerly related ; That the soule of the Inuincible Emperour Sultan N. enjoyes the immortall glory and eternall peace : That the Empire of Sultan N may prosper withall felicitie . But they interre them all in Constantinople , since they setled the Seate of their Empire in that place : Before , their Tombes were erected at Prussia in Asia , the place of their first Domination : their 〈…〉 in this manner . The Emperours Body is carried in a Cossin couered with Linnen very rich , or of Veluet : His Turbant is set before it , with a Plume of He● Feathers : The Talismans , San● , Alpha●uis , Der● , and the like rabble of the Alcoran , carry in their hands T●pers lighted , to shew that their Prophet is the Ape of Christianity ; goe before singing in their Language such Verses , A●a rahmmani arh● Alla , illa Alla , Alla 〈◊〉 Alla , that is to say , Mercifull God bane pittie on him , there is no God but God , God is God. They also say these words : Iabilac ●illata Mehemet ressultaha tungari bi r berem berac ; which signifieth , God is God , and there is no other God , Mahomet is his Counsellour , and his true Prophet . Before the Corps doth march the Mutaferaga , who carries the Emperours Turbant vpon a Lance , with the tayle of a Horse tied neere vnto it : The Ianizaries , the Solachi , and the rest of the Imperiall Guard follow the Hearse : After these the Officers of the Sultans house march in order vnder the conduct of Casuegirhassi , or Master of the Household : The Malundarb bedith mandura , carrieth the deceased Grand Seigueurs Armes , and the Royall Standard dragging vpon the ground : The Bassa's and all the great Men of the Port , yeelding their last duty vnto their Master , assist at their Funerall pleasantly attired in mourning : They haue a piece of Grey-cloth hangs before and behind from the head to the foot , like vnto the Fro●k which the Brethren of the Hospitall , of the Charity , in the Suburbes of Saint Germain at Paris do weare : some of them for that they will not seeme too sorrowfull ; tie only a long piece of Linnen cloth , to the end of their Turbants , which h●ng downe vnto their heeles . In this great Mourning the most 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 Cou●t , hold their Rancks in this Funerall Pompe , whereas the Men make but a part of the Convoy , 〈◊〉 supply the rest , with lesse griefe and more ●cares : For all the Sultans great Horses are at his Interment ; they carry their Saddles turned vpward , and better couered than the Bassa's in their Grey Froches , they haue blacke Veluet hanging vnto the ground : They weepe and sigh without 〈◊〉 : They put Assagoth or Tobacco into their 〈…〉 , and into their eyes to draw forth 〈…〉 is the 〈◊〉 pompe of the Turkish Sultans , who being 〈…〉 men to weepe f● their losse , constraine 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 : In this 〈◊〉 they conduct the body ( the hard first after the Turkish manner ) to the Tombe where they wil inclose 〈◊〉 is usually 〈◊〉 to the Mosqu●e , which the deceased Sultan hath cause built , in a Chappell apart : the Sepulchre is couered with black Veluet . If the Prince died in the Warre , they lay his Scmiter vpon it ; if not , his Turbant is aduanced , and set against the wall neere vnto the Tombe , with rich Plumes of Herons feathers for an Ornament ; two Candlestickes which carry great Tapers gilt , are at the foot of the Sepulchre : Some Turkish Priests which are instituted to that end , repeate continually the Azoares of the Alcoran in their turnes , and one after another sayes the Turkes Chapelet ; whereof wee haue spoken in the History of their Religion , and pray continually for the soule of the deceased . On Fridayes these Imperiall Tombes , are adorned with new Couerings , and strewed with flowres : They which come on such dayes pray for the dead , or powre forth theirteares , and take a Nosegay when they returne . Sometimes they doe also set much meat , to giue Almes vnto the poore , and they call to these Funerall Feasts , not only poore Beggers , but also Beasts , as Dogges , Cats , and Bi●s , the which are honourably receiued , and feasted with as much liberty and safety as the Men , who seeing the pawes of Cats in pottage with their hands , dare not chase them away : But contrariwise they owe them respect and succour , as those whom misery hath made their equals , and therefore capable to receiue the effects of the Turkish Charity : For the Mahomets hold opinion , that to giue Almes vnto Beasts is a worke no lesse meritorious before God , than to giue vnto Men : for that , say they , these poore animals possesse nothing in this World , where they are destitute of all temporall goods , necessary for the maintenance of life . Thus they shut him vp in sixe foot of ground whom all the World could not containe , and whose vnrestrained ambition aspired to more Empire than the Earth containes : And after that he had bin a terrour to Men , and the cruell scourge of many Nations , he is made the subject of Wormes , and their ordinary food . In this manner passeth , and ends the glory of the World. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A05751-e320 The scitu●tion of Constantinople , and its forme . Description of the Serrail in generall . The Kitchins , Diuan . Chasna . The Sultans lodging in Summer . The Grand Seigneurs Chamber . Great Monarchs should haue able men about them , & not Groomes whom they aduance , and are entertained by Fooles and Ignorants . Libraries . Nec Regna socium ferre nec taedae sciunt , Senec . The Sultans bountie at his Coronation . Gaspard Ze●lick , Chancellour to three Emperours , Optarese dicebat omnes Reges aliquando priuat●s pauperesque suisse . Neque enim satis miseretur qui nunquam suit miser . Aeneas Syluius lib. 1. Comment . de reb gest . Alph. ●ecunda res a● 〈◊〉 animos explor●●t ; quis miserie toleratur , f● 〈…〉 said it to Plato in Taci●●● , lib 1. ●ist . In the description of Aethiopia by Don Francisco Aluarez , printed 1558. Andrew Corsall 〈◊〉 Florentine ●ices it to Ju● de Me●hein , in a Let●er from Co●hin a Towne of the Indies . In sudore vultus tui voscéris panem donec revertaris in terram de qua sumptu●es , quia puluises , & in pulu●em reuert●s , Gen. 3.19 Diogenes speaks it in Laertius , lib. 6. Amantiumirae amor● redi●tegratio est , Terent . Que modo pugnarunt iungunt suar●stra culumbae ; Quarum blandittas , verbaque , murmur habes , Ouid . 2. de Art. Terrena potest●● vult esse victrix gentium , cum sit captiua vitiorum , D. Aug. lib. 15. de ciuit . Dei , c. 8. Sidelect amini in sedibus & sceptris , ● Rege● populi , diligite sapientiam , Salom . sap . 6. Secundus Philosophus interrogatus , Quid esset mulier malae , respondit , viri naufragium , demus tempestas , quietis impedimentum , vitae captiuitas , quetidianum malum , voluntaria pugna , sumptuosum bellum , bellua conuiua leana complectens , exornata scylla , animal malitiesum , malum necessarium , Max. Seuerus . 36. thousand pounds sterling . Mulierum genus est auarum , Cic. Rhet. li. 1. Mase parta , mase dilabuntur , vetus poeta . The exact guard of the women . Their punishment . Their diseases . Forma bonum fragile est , quantumque acce●t ad annos , Fit minor & spacie carpitur illa suo , Ouid. de Art. lib. 2. Theit going out of the Serrail . The old Serrail Cato Vticens●s in Plutarch . Two hundred thousand pounds sterling . Fourescore thousand pounds sterling . The place of pompes and sh●e . In what Equipage the Turkish Princes goe to the Hippodrome . The places for the Sultans . The place of the Sultana's . Those of the ●●●haes . Those of the Christian Embassadour . Those of the Mahometan Embassadours . Feasts of the Sultanaes that were shut vp . Mahomets Clergie . The Patriarchs of the Christians . The Merchants . The Goldsmiths . Tradesmen of diuers sorts . Artificiall Combats . A representation of the taking of Cypres . Artificial Castles . That is to say , Italians , French Spanish , &c. Archers on horseback and their dexteritie . Elephants and Giraffe . Looke Lips● Epist . in his Centuries where hee speakes of this Beast . Et vna noble necedad dar à los Regez , perque creen hazer merced . quando reciben , Antha Perez en las cartas segund● . Munera cre●● mihi pla●ant hominesque Deisque , Placatur d●nis Iupiter ipse datis , Ouid● de Arte. Omnium est dulcissimum etcipere , Senec. Foure hundred thousand pounds sterling . Hostium ●era non 〈◊〉 , Hom. Iulius Caesar pote ●●iam diua●●● rebus , pecunia scilicet , & mi●ibus p●●●ri , conseruari augeri di●●e sa●bat , Ciphili●us in Caesario Two hundred and forty thousand pounds sterling . Iugurtha Roma egressus , cam saepe tacitus respicicus , postrem●grave ; ●risse sertur ; vrbem ●●nal●● , & maturè perituram , s●emptorem inueneris , S● hist . de bello Iugurth . The Sultans carry in pompe . See what Marcilius Ficinus a learned Florentine doth write in the first Booke in the Epistle to Thomas Valerius a Physician . Null● emor est medica●ilu herbis . Quid. Metamor●l . 1. fab . 9 Notes for div A05751-e14340 Let this be spoken without violating the respect , which lowe vnto such persons which relleue the publique by their care in Suits , of whom I haue no intent to speake in this place . 1. Oda . 2. Oda . 3. Oda . 4. Oda . Plato amongst others in his booke , de le g●b . d●cl . 7. Mimio ●i ing●i● , natur●●firma , & m●●iri● , ipia 〈◊〉 i●i●ria , ins●i●entia , 〈…〉 , quo● par● 〈…〉 interp●t●ti● , Senec. lib. In sapientem vi● 〈◊〉 cade● 〈◊〉 . Cor Regum inscrutabile , Prou. 25.3 . Experiendo di●ticisse quam arduum quam subiectum fortuna , regendi cun●ta onus , Tacitus lib. ● . Annal. The Spaniards write it , and Mayerne Turquet in the seuenth Booke of the historie of Spaine . Sodomia & idololatria simul inceperantsimul creuerant , D. Tho. 4 sent . dist . 1. q. 2. ● . t. 1 Iesus Christ had Saint Iohn the Euangelist for his Fauourite . Hibraim fauourite to Solyman Vel●t arbitrum ragni agebat serebatur● digre● to , magna profiquentium 〈◊〉 it u● , saith Tachtus in the 15. Booke of Annals , speaking of P●lta● a freed Man to Clo●tius and his Fauourite . Cuncta mortalium incarta ; quanto pl● adeptus forot tant● se magis in lubrico dissitants Tacit. li. 1. Annal . speaking of Tiberius who discoursed in in this manner to the Senate . Deruier F●rites to At● Nibil esse tam e●elsum , quod non virtutes isla , tuusque 〈…〉 ●●ntur , Tacit. lib. 1. Annal. Tiberius spake so to Sci● his Fauourite , who demanded Lanis in Marriage . Nassuf Fauourite to Achmas Auri vim atque op●s principibus insensas essè , said Sosibius Gouernour to Britannicus in Tacit lib. 11. Annal. Tacitus in the ●ourth Booke of his Annals , speakes as much of Suilius in these words , Quem vidit sequeatatas prapotentem venalem & Claudij Pri●cipus amiciti● as a propere , nunquam bene 〈◊〉 . 
A07605	----	The Mahumetane or Turkish historie containing three bookes: 1 Of the originall and beginning of the Turkes, and of the foure empires which are issued and proceded out of the superstitious sect of Mahumet. 2 Of their conquests and the succession of the house of Ottoman, vntill the present reigning of Mahumet the third. 3 Of the warres and seege of Malta, which Solyman the great made to the great maister and brothers of that order. Heerevnto haue I annexed a briefe discourse of the warres of Cypres, at what time Selimus the second, tooke from the Venetians the possession of that iland, and by reason thereof I haue adioyned a finall discourse conteining the causes of the greatnesse of the Turkish Empire. Translated from the French & Italian tongues, by R. Carr, of the middle Temple in London, Gentleman. Dedicated to the three worthy brothers Robert Carr, William Carr and Edward Carr, in the county of Lincolne, Esquires. 1600 Approx. 470 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 130 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A07605 STC 17997 ESTC S112763 99848008 99848008 13080 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A07605) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 13080) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 895:12) The Mahumetane or Turkish historie containing three bookes: 1 Of the originall and beginning of the Turkes, and of the foure empires which are issued and proceded out of the superstitious sect of Mahumet. 2 Of their conquests and the succession of the house of Ottoman, vntill the present reigning of Mahumet the third. 3 Of the warres and seege of Malta, which Solyman the great made to the great maister and brothers of that order. Heerevnto haue I annexed a briefe discourse of the warres of Cypres, at what time Selimus the second, tooke from the Venetians the possession of that iland, and by reason thereof I haue adioyned a finall discourse conteining the causes of the greatnesse of the Turkish Empire. Translated from the French & Italian tongues, by R. Carr, of the middle Temple in London, Gentleman. Dedicated to the three worthy brothers Robert Carr, William Carr and Edward Carr, in the county of Lincolne, Esquires. Carr, Ralph, of the Middle Temple. Foglietta, Uberto, 1518-1581. De causis magnitudinis imperii Turcici. English. [6], 122 leaves Printed by Thomas Este, dwelling in Aldersgate streete, At London : 1600. Original title not traced. The final discourse is a translation of: Foglietta, Umberto. De causis magnitudinis imperii Turcici. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Turkey -- History -- Early works to 1800. 2006-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-12 John Pas Sampled and proofread 2007-12 John Pas Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Mahumetane or Turkish Historie , containing three Bookes : 1 Of the originall and beginning of the Turkes , and of the foure Empires which are issued and proceded out of the superstitious sect of Mahumet . 2 Of their Conquests and the succession of the house of Ottoman , vntill the present reigning of Mahumet the third . 3 Of the warres and seege of Malta , which Solyman the great made to the great Maister and brothers of that order . ¶ Heerevnto haue I annexed a briefe discourse of the warres of Cypres , at what time Selimus the second , tooke from the Venetians the possession of that Iland , and by reason thereof I haue adioyned a small discourse conteining the causes of the greatnesse of the Turkish Empire . Translated from the French & Italian tongues , by R. Carr , of the middle Temple in London , Gentleman . Dedicated to the three worthy brothers Robert Carr , William Carr and Edward Carr , in the County of Lincolne , Esquiers . ¶ AT LONDON , Printed by Thomas Este , dwelling in Aldersgate streete : 1600. The Right Honble . Francis North Baron of Guilford 1703 ¶ To the right worthy and worshipfull his louing cosen Robert Carr of Asuerby in the countie of Lincolne Esquire , one in hir Maiesties Commission of peace there . SIR the worthie estimation which first your Father , then your selfe with your Worshipfull Brothers haue gotten , and euer retained in your countrey ; for hospitalitie and many other your much commended vertues , together with the desire I haue alwayes naturally had to do that declining name : ( arightly so cald if in you & them it decay , whom all the rest hop'te to haue seene the euerlasting propagators of the same , and in which number I a sapplesse braunch of that trunke am one ) to whom I owe all seruice or aught which might adde therevnto reputation ; hath drawne mee to make tender of these my traductions , from the French , Latin , and Italian tongues , of this Mahumetane or Turkish Historie , to your saide selfe with your brothers , as true tokens of my deuoted minde , whereof to the vtmost of power you and they may dispose ; Not for I thinke this Dedication or any other acte of mine , can giue aught to the fulnesse of your prayses whereof euery tongue that knows you plentifully speakes : But onely for I seeke in some honest office being an admirer of your and their vertues , to make knowen my affection ( though my selfe vnknowen ) which in many meditations hath often wished any occasion , that in trew coullers to you and them might once make it appeare ; And now not expecting longer any greater : ( for what might he in occasion expect further whose valew onely consists in his minde ) being importuned by the much intreatie of friends , that these my paines taken in this Historie might come abroad , I thought none so fit as well in regarde of my saide affection , as of your and their worthinesse to whom to consecreate these my lesse worthie labors . Wherefore to you sir the first both in time and place I present this first booke cōtayning the Originall of these Turckes with the foure Monarchies discended of them as the forerunner both in time and place to the other following , and not vnfitly appertayning : Because this booke being furnished with much varietie of matter as translations of Empires , chaunge of gouernment , small things from their meane beginnings growing to great persection ; great things by indiscretion and litle consideration , ruined , and ouerthrowen : Occasions hapning and happely pursued , drawing estimation and aduancement ; neglected , pulling on dissolation and distruction . I say these and such like in this euerie where appearing to whom might I commend then your selfe whose ripe age cannot but be freshly stored with multitudes of such good obseruations , gathered from presidents , and examples , foraine and domestique , both of these and former times : And surely when my selfe aright enter in consideration of these thinges ( whereof these bookes are a rich store-house ) let mee speake it with a reuerend regarde alwaies ( and vnder controule of religion ) I am in opinion often a Platonist , assigning all mortall affaires necessarelie a periode in theyr perfection , to which hauing attayned , they fall into a retrograde of declining , vntill they be brought to the lowest degree which miserie , can alot : nor there long continuing , againe and againe reuiue and arise from foorth the ashes like to the Arabian Phaenix , ( or as the Phisitions talke of the state of our bodies ) alwaies either mending or impayring but neuer standing at one stay ; So as houlding on this continuall course , the vtmost point euer of felicitie or infelicitie is conioyned in the selfe same instant to his next contrarie ; which Macrobius well obseruing hath worthely depictur'd in these wordes . Non possunt primi esse omnes omni tempore Summum ad gradum claritatis cum veneris Consistes egre , & citius quā discendas decides Cecidi eg● , cad●t qui sequitur , l●●s est publica : And as wee see in casting vp accompts those , and the same counters to fall in places now of poundes now of pence , without any certaine continuance other then sorts to their course : So not vnlike is our condition heere , commaunded still with the chaunge either of better or worse , whereof Seneca according to his graue manner hath thus saide ; Nulla sors longa dolor & voluptas ▪ I nuicem ●adunt : breuior voluptas . I ma permutat breuis ho●a summis : Nemo confidat nimium secundis . Nemo disperet meliora La●sis . Which reasons whilst more narrowly I doe examine ( though not so nicely as Plato to say that thorough the operation of the superior bodies in these inserior , or by the reuolution of the heauens in this or that time this or that shall fall foorth ) haue beegotten in mee a beleefe for maintaining a second of his assertions viz. Omnes serui ex regibus & omnes reges ex seruis oriundi . For if in the restlesse variation of things and progresse of time , vnauoydable ruine attend the succession of greatnesse , but aduauncement on the posteritie of miserie : who liues in so base and abiect fortune who may not chalenge his being from worthie auncesters , and assure himselfe in him or his to see the arising Sunne of bright shining honor ; As on the contrarie , what other aduanced to the highest degree of dignitie , who may not suspect the meanes of his first beginning , and iustly feare in the weaning of his fortunes to what cōdition ( by the violence of this currant ) he or his may be brought ; All this I say am I drawne more redely to leane too ; by reason of this present historie , for behoulding heerein from how lowly and small beginnings the victorious & neuer degenerating race of these Ottamans , together with the inuincible nations of their Turkes are growen ; that being but bare breach Tartars only , runne out of the caues of those horrid countryes of the Rifean and Caucasus mountaines , yet haue with glorious successe in their attempts ledde captiuitie captiue , made themselues now conquerours ouer the whole East ; & in fine are become euen the terror of the West . Sacking infinit numbers of Citties and Countryes : dispoyling multitudes of Princes and high discended families of theyr liues , together with theyr crownes and kingdomes : and this done in so few yeares space aboue all opinion , or what else before was euer executed by the antique world . It cannot be but to that which the course of things doth daylie cast vpon them ; ( if there be a course in things which is not my purpose further heere to dispute : ) God almightie in his secret iudgements doth hasten their proceedings , to chastice the ingratitude of vs Christians for the small thankefulnesse wee shew for so many his gratious benefits liberally , ( though vnworthely ) bestowed on vs. But my office is not of a diuyne , hauing in purpose to make knowē onely what they haue euen from the first done , and daylie doe , rather then the reason of the deede , how it is or can be done . In which I heere present you and your Worshipfull brothers with three bookes . This of their Originall , and the seuerall Monarchies discended from them ; Another of their conquests and the succession of the house of Ottaman , whose greatnesse hath in manner drownd all the rest ; The third of the small gainefull attempt giuen by Soliman ( great Grandfather to Mahumet the third of that name who now reigneth ) to the Isle of Malta , or Melita , defended chiefly by the forces of the great Maister , and the valiancy of the worthy brothers of that order . By which last booke I wold thus much inferre , that since the prowesse of so small a handfull was not onely able to withstand , but repell the furie and huge forces of so confident an enemie , puffed vp with pride & assurance of so many rich spoiles and gayned victories : O what then would the forces of Christian Princes vnited doe , so we might but once see the glorious beams of that bright shyning day appeare . To this I haue annexed likewise an abstract ( borrowed frō the Italians ) of such causes as are saide to giue greatnesse to the Turckish Empire a breuiate onely of a larger worke yet by me vnfinished , deuided into three bookes which by gods grace shal come forth shortly , shadowed with the fauours of you & your brothers names . These former in the meane time if it shall please you to respect with that kinde acceptance which from you they seeke , though not well deserue : I of my paines receiue a large requital , who desire nothing more ; Lastly whereas seuerally I assigne dedications of these books to you & your brothers , vpon my seuerall reasons in their Epistles set downe : it is not of any purpose to deuide you or them from the pleasure of any part , which I wish should bee common vnto all : but rather to expresse thereby your mutuall natures cōformities , for as these books though diuersly directed , yet thus together perticipate theyr content to all readers alike if they please , whereto the dedication giues no hinderance . So you of all liuing brothers ( with the mightie admiration of men ) in distinct bodies are sayde to haue in euerie good thing one and the same vnchangeable will & minde alwayes resident : where meum and tuum the worlde 's sole contentions neuer take place . Thus wishing to your Worshippe all content of your desires , and therein the full fruition of your health , with much affection prayed for by many , I take my leaue and to your good opinion commend mee ; From the midle Temple this 20. of March. 1600. Your kinsman in all faithfull seruice at commaund R. Carr. I : S : To his kinde friend R. C. THe well fed paunch , sound sleepes and proud attire From face of men hath banisht vertue quite VVhereby the course of natures free desire Is cleane corrupt by customes foule despite . So euerie light is spent which gratious heauen Assignd ▪ this lyfe our staggering steppes to stay That now a worthie wonder it shall seeme If any one shall glorious actes assay . The Lawrell wittes reward , the Mirtle eloquent Drownd in contempt with faire Philosophie The gayning people hould for time mispent And few folkes feete the strayter path doe trie Yet gentle friend let mee of you require , Pursue ▪ the prayse due to your harts desire . C : S : To his louing cosen & good friend . R. C. I Speake no prayse to thee my Cosen kinde 〈…〉 ( For well of aught I know you seeke no prayse ) But ioy to see that these our better dayes Shall bee adornd with beauties of thy minde . O how I feard thy modest thoughts inclinde To sit in silence musing mourning layse In scorne of fame and all that honor rayse would drowne the parts which heauen to thee assignd I know thy worth and so shall many moe ( Vnlesse thy selfe and many moe thou wrong ) And since begoone to set thy selfe in shoe Bring out thy store in darknesse hid too long , Nor doubt not aught for if ( as earst ) I see , That pleaseth others which once pleaseth mee . R : M : To hiis friend . R : C : NO little glorie gaine they I confesse who fitlie fo●ein● tongues our language teach : Yet he farre more deserues without impeach , His owne braines birth who well dyd e'er expresse . Then gentle friend make you your selfe not lesse To post vs French and Latine in our speach : But broach those quieres of rare conceit and reach , Which I haue seene most worthie of the presse . Those loue sick Sonets , those pleasing Comedies , VVhich oft with much attention I haue heard ; That rich discourse , where loue in louing dies : And of all wittes those , paradoxs preserd . ( O ) let this age but some of these behold And prayse thy pen writ in a veyne of gold . The answere to his friend . R : M : MY dearest friend I willingly confesse , That I whose life should other lead & teach , Am not deuoide of blame , and foule impeach , VVhich ( O , ) I would no tongue could ere expresse . Now for I haue my selfe in wotth made lesse : Too stale a fable to the publick speach , Is 't not enough : but that I furthther reach To blaze my follies in a printing presse . No pardone no , both songes and Comedies , And what besides pleasing applause hath heard , VVithout remorse in their creation dies : To byrth and buriall rites at once preserd . Too much of these dyd men in me behold , O would time past could be regaind with gold . FINIS . The Preface , To the curteous Reader . IT is no small wonder vnto me gentle Reader , though the worth of the argument contayned in these bookes were lesse , why the examples of other nations ( as in other things ) should not so much preuayle with our countrey men , as to stirre vp some , according to the presidents in many other languages ( wherewith the world in large volumes is fraught , ) to haue written somewhat of these Turkish affayres ; For if wee regard the greatnesse of their attempts , their fortunatenesse in successe , their discipline , or what else may adde aught to militarie glorie : you shall finde them in my conceite not inferior but superior farre in euery thing which hath giuen estimatiō to former ages , of which bookes we see euery hand and studie full , whilst these alone are hid from our people for want of some paine taking pen that might transfer so rich treasure from straungers vnto vs. If new things delight , ( according to the naturall ingrafted condicion of man , ) these are new ; If benefit be expected in bookes , ( & especially in histories , ) for counsayle & forewarning mischiefs in the examples and harmes of others , frō what former historie may we reap greater then this : stored with so many and notable presidents of all sorts , fresh bleeding as it were before our eyes , ( and which should be a greater motiue ) telling of ensewing danger , not much deuided frō our owne doores , when daylie we lamentably see our neighbours houses not farre of flaming . New fashioned clothes deriued from straungers , are euery day much esteemed , new fashioned manners , new fashioned wittes are affected : then either for the worth or fashion , let these French and Italian traductions receiue your fauorable censures : I dyd propound no greater gaine in my paines , and hope of your curtesies to obtaine no lesse , which graunted shall encourage me to shew you yet somewhat more worthie ere long in this argument , wherein I hauing first ( for aught I know ) broken the ice ( sauing onely the Historie of Scanderbegg of the late Persian warres , & that of Tamberlain though exceding well done yet but perticuler parts of this discourse ) shall be glad to heare of any companion ▪ for further paines , to whom this subiect will afford enough of sufficient and worthie matter ; And so crauing you would friendly correct what faults in the Impression haue passed either by me or the Printer , I take my leaue , and rest the seruant of euery well willing reader . R. Carr. The Originall and beginning of the Turkes , and of the foure Empires which are issued and proceeded out of the supersticious sect of Mahumet . COnsidering that I haue the penne in hand , I make so mine accompt , that I were as good to make an ende as to staie , vntill you required of me , from whence the nacion of the Turkes are come , & what manner people they be , that haue bene so much vnknowen to our predecessors sauing about three hundreth yeeres agone , and that Pomponius Mela , and Pliny haue made some mencion of them and numbered thē among the Scythians . But , to declare truely , their originall and beginning , it behooueth to beginne at the Sarazines , and than to write of the Empires , that haue beene engendered of their wicked and abhominable superstition and sect , as the Caliphe of Baudras , the Miramamolin of Aphrick , the Souldain of Egipt , the Assan or Sophie of Perse . For these are they from whom the Turkes are proceeded . MAHOMET , ( whom some doe call Muhamet , and the Turkes mehemet , that is to say , loued or praysed , ) was an Arabian ; & borne in a village ( nigh to Mecque ) called Itrarip , about the yeere , of our Lord & sauiour Iesus Christ 600. at such time as the Emperor Heraclius gouerned in Grecia , & king Dagobert reigned in Fraunce , his father was named Abdala , which word may be interpreted , the seruaunt of God , though in deede he was a Gentile and very Idolator . But Mahumet being an Orphan at the age of eight yeares , was left in the regiment of one of his vncles , named Abutaliph , who caused him to be instructed by a Iewe in the Mathematical and naturall Sciences ▪ and after that to be married at the age of fifteene or sixteene years , and then instructed him in the trade of Merchandize , which hee practized both in Egipt and Sury , wher not a litle he frequented the company of Iewes & Christians , but chiefely with a Moncke of the order of saint Benet called Iohn , ( as the Bishop of Ptolomais or A●on reporteth , ) as also with another Monck called Sergius an hereticall Nestorian , of whō he learned the holy Scriptures , & especially the old & new Testament . To which knowledge whē he had attaigned & cōsidered with himself , that it was no great difficult matter vnder the shadow of Religion , so to draw to him the Arabians being but grosse , rude , and Idolators : he therefore absented himselfe out of companie and remayned secret by the space of two yeares . And after that presented himselfe to the people saying , that all the while of his absence , he was with the Angell Gabriell who taught and gaue to him the law of God ; and that to beleeue in Idols was foolish & vaine . But perceiuing , that at that time , his woords could obtaine small credit , he inuented another policie . For which purpose he had an Esclaue called Zeidimy to whom he told that the will of God was , that all men should be free , & therfore dyd giue him immediatly his libertie , wherby frō euery part , all the Esclaues in a countrey repayred to Mehemet , and gaue him such credit , that whatsoeuer hee commanded , they obeyed him : In so much as this companie , thus drawne togethers , brought no litle dread and feare to some great and welthie families in Mecque , as were the Caraxins , Haximins , and Benimitains , who vpon the intelligence of the drawing togethers of this wicked packe , tooke armour against them . Whereof Mehemet getting intelligence , fled immediatly , and retired himselfe to the towne of Almedine , sithens called Medinathalmaby , which is so much to say , as Medin of the Prophet , where he began in such sort to preach to the Iewes , that in steede to beleeue him , they beat him in sundrie fights and his Esclaues also . So as in one of these skirmishes Mehemet gat such a stroke ouerthwart his face , that not onely hee lost two of his sore teeth , but also was left for dead in a dike ther , wherin he was cast : though in the ende he ouercame the Iewes . And because the Arabians , ( which indeede be discended from Ismaell the sonne of Abraham , and of Agar his wiues maide , ) were called Agarins ; hee caused to be ordained ( in that it was not honorable for his people to carie the name of a woman seruant , ) that from thence forth they should be named Sarazins , deducted from the name of Sara , the lawfull wife of Abraham , alledging that Ismaell was engendred of Sara and not of Agar hir maiden . The which name of Sarazins , so long endured , vnto such time as the Turkes dyd abolish both the name and the nation , as heereafter I will declare . Mahumet hauing thus crept into credit among ths ignorant and rude people , that hee was a Prophet and messenger of God , hee acquainted himselfe with a Lady of no litle wealth and riches ; named Tadiga or Cadiga being a widow , and so to the purpose , hee behaued himselfe towards hir , that hee married hir , although hee had three other wiues besides hir , whereof the one was called Anosse , the second Ahasse , and the third named Seick , or Zeich , whom he rauished from one that was one of his bringers vp , beesides a Concubine that he had called Marie a Christian woman of the sect of the Iacobits . And than he began to publish his damnable law that it was lawfull for any man to haue foure wiues . Howbeit , thorough the marriage of this Lady , Mahumet was wonderfull re'nforced and strengthened , in such sort , as that thorough his welth that hee dyd get , he was able to wage soldiours . Whereby partly by sorce , and partly by good oppinion that was had in him , all his neighbours obeyed him , and so as his trayne growing to such a number thorough the multitude of Sarazins that repaired to him , the Emperour Heraclius ( who at that time had vnder his dominion , both the countries of Surie , Egipt , and Africk ) serued himselfe with these people in his warres against the Persians . Howbeit , it so afterwards came to passe , that at a pay of the Emperours army , among whō at that time vvere certaine bands of the Sarazins , so as mony vvas not so plentie there at that instant , able to pay the vvhole army : And that hee , which had the order of the pay of the army among vvhom the bands of Sarazins also were attending for their vvages , vndescretly gaue ansvvere to the Sarazins , that the Emperor had not mony ynough , there to pay the Chrictians , that vvere Souldiours ; and therfore they being but dogges , ought not to demaund for vvages . With vvhich aunsvvere , the Sarazins being not a little moued , departed from the seruice of the Emperour , and returned into Africk where they found Mahumet . The Emperour Heraclius , afterward sent into Africk to leuie his tribute there , which seemed to bee not a little greeuous to the Africans to be so much troubled with subsidies , as they were : they falling into a mutinie , ( and stirred thereto also with the subtill perswasions of Mahumet , that told them , the pleasure and will of God was that each one should liue at liberty , ) the Commissaries of the Emperour were there slaine , and the countries of Egipt and Africk reuoulted wholy from the obedience of the Empire ; of which rebellion ; Mahumet was chiefe and their Generall : Who by reason of the same was immediately pursued both by the Christians and Iewes . And albeit the Emperour did send against him a great army vnder the leading of one of his Nobilitie called Theodore , who fought sundry battelles with the Africans : yet in the end Theodore being ouerthrowne and slaine . Mahumet with his Sarazius after this victorie departed from thence , & inuaded the countries of Sury & Mesopotamia , and made conquest of the same . Thus then the Greekes , lost the countries of Sury , Egipt , and Africk , & other territories which the Emperours of Rome and Grecia , had euer in possession from the time of Iulius Cesar , sauing that part of Africk which the Vandalls held who were Christians , though Arrians , & there had continued from the time that the Romaines , suffered them to inhabit : And so Mahumet was crowned king in Damasco , about the yeere of our Lord God 630. and liued after about tenne yeeres . After the death of Mahumet the Sarazins preferred to his kingdome one of his disciples & familiars , named Othamar whom ▪ the Turks doe call Othmar . Howbeeit some affirme that hee that next succeded Mahumet was one called Bubacher , otherwise named Caliph which word signifieth enheritor or successor , beecause hee was placed in the rome & authoritie of Mahumet , and so after him were called all his successors , though some Italian authors doe call them Alipha . The chiefest place where the Caliph had his residence , was established at the citie of Baudars which the Italians call Baldat , & the Turks Bagdet , that sometime was the famous citie of Babilon though others hold opinion that this Citie , was that , which in times past was named Susa , and is situated vpon the riuer of Euphrates . About this time the Sarazins conquered in a little space ( vpon the Greekes ) the territorie of Caramanie aunciently called Cilitia where the citie of Antioche standeth , and Pamphilia which at this day is called Scauri , and the towne of Selucia named by the inhabitants there Scandalor , and after that they made enterprize vpon the kingdome of Persia , which they call Pharsie and this was about that time when the Greekes did cut of the nose , and the tongue also , of the Empresse Martine and Heraclion hir sonne and of the Emperour Heraclius , beecause they enpoisoned Constantine the eldest sonne of Heraclius begotten vpon an other wife at such time also the Lumbards entred into Italy . Of Persia , at this time , was king one called Hormisda , named also by Hayton ( that writeth of these matters ) Ascaiorth elected king next after Adaesar , sonne of Syroe sonne of Cosroe or Cosdroe whom the Emperour Heraclius tooke prisoner when he recouered the city of Hierusalem . Hormisda , hauing assured intelligence ▪ that the Sarazins were comming to inuade him , ●ought for succours at such as were his neighbours and chiefely of those of Turquesten who frontered vpon the Persians on the West & towards the East on the realme which Hayton calleth Tarsie , and vpon the famous riuer of Indus towards the North , and to the Corasmins and Med ▪ on the South ( which are the verie confines and limits which Plinie and Strabo doe appoint to the Parthes ) whom the Turkes doe call Turguestain as Francis Freinston saith . This nation which sithens by the Frenchmen & other haue bene named Turguimans , and afterward Turks , ( who among them at that time had no manner of law or policy , departed out of their countrie , to the number of six thousand fighting men , to come to the succour of king Hormisda . But beecause ( according to their custome ) they brought their wiues and children with them , they were the longer in comming , so as before they came , the Sarazins and king Hormisda had sought togethers , and Hormisda ouerthrowen and slaine , about the yeere of our Lord God 640. And so the Sarazins became Lords of Persia and of the whole countries about , sauing the realme of Abeas , which is in Georgia , & a part of the greater Armenie called Haloen who were the refuge & receptacle of Christians . The Turqui●●ains being by this ariued , ( in that part of Persia named Chor●●●e● or C●●●osley and by some C●roz●i● ) they vnderstoode of the ouerthrow and death of Hormisda : for which cause , they staied there , and fortified themselues in the best wise they could , and sent vnto the Sarazins , requesting to accept them as their friends , & withall that they would receiue tribuit from them , for vvhich alvvaies they vvould bee at their commandement to serue them faithfully in their vvars , if it vvould further vouchsafe the Sarazins to beestovv on them the place , vvhere they at that time vvere to inhabit . The Sarazins receiued their ambassage curteously & accepted them as their friendes and offred Tributaries , hovvbeit they caused the Turks to lodge further of in a part of another countrie vvhich they appointed them ; to th ende that if they reuolted ; they should doe the Sarazins lesse harme . In this manner remained the Turkes or Turquimains , tributaries , & as it vvere subiects to the Sarazins , vvhose customes , lavvs , & maners , they quickly learned through continuall trade and frequentation vvhich they had a among the Sarazins ; insomuch , as in the end ther vvas no manner of difference betwixt ▪ thē , either in religion , law , or forme of life , which was very easie for the Turks to doe considering , that be ore they liued without any law , rule , or pollicie , which they wer sooner moued to embrace onely to be pertakers of the honours and riches which the Sarazins , of whom these Turks became familier companions and meruailously well beloued , for that they tried themselues to be euery where in their warres , their best souldiers . Thus they liued togethers about three hundred yeeres , that they were accounted in manner to be of one nacion . Howbeit the Turquimains kept themselues alwaies a part by themselues and grew to bee of such wealth and might , that about the yeere of our Lord God 1400 they became maisters ouer the Sarazins , by occasion of discord growing among the Sarazins themselues , as hereafter shal be declared . This first Caliphe , endured not very long , because another Sarazin named Ascaly , chased him from his place , purposing to haue vsurped his rome , howbeit he could not so attaine it , for he was slaine by the Sarazins , who preferred another ( to that dignitie ) called Haly. Haly the second Calphe : was coosen Germain to Mahumet , & his sonne in law ( as some affirme ) hauing maried Fa●●ma , ( whom the Turks pronounce Fatma ) the daughter of Mahumet , whose lawes Haly chaunged , or rather anulled , and made new of his ovvne inuention , through vvhich innouation of religion , or rather supersticion , the Sarazins beecame meruailously deuided : Insomuch as those vvhich follovved Mahumet made a Caliph in Egipt . The others remained in Persia vvith Haly vvho alvvaies continued in such reuerence and estimacion as vvell among them as vvith the Turks at this day , that incontinently next to Mahumet vvhen they goe about any of their affaires , they say Alla , Mahumet , Haly , God Mahumet and Haly. Thus the Sarazins began to be deuided among themselues the vvhich diuision hath euer sithens continued and endureth yet : For albeit the Turks & the Persians also are in effect very Mahom●●ists , yet differ they so in ceremonies , & other contrarieties of opinion , that the one do account the oother very heretiques . The Caliphe doth execute his office as though he vvere both their Pole and their Emperour . For these Caliphes doe ordaine gouernours and officers through euery prouince vvhere they haue authoritie , vvhich they call Sultans , vvhich may be interpreted Prouosts o● gouernours ▪ But by succession of time , this terme Sultan , ●s conuerted to an ●ppellation or name roiall , and signifieth the word king . At the time of this first deuision there was a Sultan of Alexandrie named Selym that killed the first Caliphe of Egipt , and returned in obedience to the Caliphe of Baudras to haue fauour . After this , part of those Sarazines of Egipt that would not come to the obedience of the Caliph of Baudras , passed into Africk & chased from thence the Vandales , which were Christians , but heretiques , maintaining the abhominable error of the Arrians , wher these Vandales had domination sithens the time of their king Gencericus , who with his nation being Vandales were chased out of Hispain by the Gothes ( that were Arrians as they also were ) and so arriued in Africk in the time of the Emperour Theodosius the yong sonne of Arcadius about the yeere of our Lord God 410. and after were tributaries to the Emperours of Constantinople where they remained vnto the yeere of our Lord God 668 , that the Sarazins ( as aboue said ) ther first entred ; and established a generall to rule ouer them , whom they named a Miramamolin , which is so much to say as a ruler or lord ouer the people , & ordained his residence & place of dignitie , to bee at M●r●hque , at this day called Tunes nigh to Cartage . Which name of Miramamolyn hath sithens beene chaunged : for at this day they call their king Moulee , as he that at this day reigneth at Tunys , is called Moule Assan that is to say , king or Seigneur Assan . I would not discribe to you further at length what the Sarazins did , after their conquests of Persia & Afrique . But will admit a little intermission vnto the yeere of our Lord God 1040. at which time they were subdued by the Turkes or Tursquimains their tributaries . For otherwise that were against my purpose , determining rather to make an Epitome or abridgement , than a whole large Chronicle of their dooings . THE yeere of grace 660. Mehua ( which signifieth suddaine or hastie ) Sultan of Egipt , successor of Selym tooke the Isle of Rhodes , and carried away the famous Colosse or piller of Brasse that was esteemed on height three score and tenne elles , which an Earthquake ouerthrew as Plinie affirmeth . IN the yeere of our Lord God 660. Abdalla ( the Sultan of Egipt after Mehua , ) came to Syracuses ; where sometime was slaine the Emperor Constantins sonne to Constantine , whom his mother in law Martyn , wyfe to Heraclius caused there to be poysoned : where the Sarazins sacked the towne with a great part of the riches of Rome which the said Constantins before had caused to bee brought thether to haue conueyed the same to Constantinople . ABOVT the yeere of 690. Abimelech ( which woord may bee enterpreted the father of the King ) inuaded Hispain , with a nauie of 270. shippes , but was repulsed , and from thens , passed into Africk , from whence , againe the Sarazins were chased by the Emperor Iustinian the second : And so Abimelech was the first Miramamolyn among the Sarazins , against whom , the Emperor Leonce sent a Captain of his , named Tiberius who by the armie was made Emperor , and so without executing further his charge , returned to Constantinople , against his Maister Leonce , where after he had taken him , and cut of his nose ; he cast him in prison in which the miserable Leonce remained all his life : These matters being done at the time , whan Sergius , the first of that name , was Pope . And Theodorick or Thierry sonne of Clouys reigned King in Fraunce . IN the yeere of our Lord God 712. Sultan Selyman ( which is so much to say as peasible ) whom , some doe call QVLEMEN , the Caliphe of Baudraz besieged Constantinople , but thorough pestilence and famen , poslessing his Camp , he was driuen to raise his siege , which before had beene continued by the space of two yeeres . And this was , at what time the Emperor Theodoxe had taken his pre●ecessor Anastasius & made him a Monck , when Giegory the twelfth was Pope , and Chilperick the last King of the line of Pharamonde reigned in France . IN this time , also Mizza Miram●molin , successor of Abimelech , ●t the request of Iulian the Conte of Consuegra ( who was sent as Embassador to him , fr● ▪ Rodrigo King of Hispain ) caused twelue thousand men vnder the leading of his generall called Cariph , to passe into Hispain against the sayde King Rod●rigo to reuenge the iniurie done to the sayd Conte Iulian , in that Rodrigo had deflowred the daughter ( or as some doe say the wife ) of the sayde Conte Iulian , called Caba , as the Chronicles of Hispain doe make mencion : Who landed at Gibraltar which place our auncients name Calpe and the Sarazins , Gibelcariph ( the Mount of Cariph , ) and from thence marched alongst the famous Riuer of Bet is ( and by the Sarizens named Guadalquiber ) which is so called vnto this dav . Where nigh vnto the same , in a foughten battell the saide King Rodrigo , ( who was the last king of the line of the Gothes ) was slayne . And taking hold of occasion the Sarazines so farre then proceded , that they conquered in manner the whole kingdome of Hispain , where they lost the name of the Sarazins and were called by the Spanierds , Moores of the name of the countrie in Afrique ( from whence they came ) called Mauritania . THE yeere 725. Eudes Duke of . Aquitain , otherwise called the D●chie of Guien ( discended from Alarie king of the Gothes , who in the yeere of our Lord 412. at such time as the Emperour Honorius reigned ) dyd possesse the same duchie of Guien , from whence passing into Hispain , and from thence chasing the Vandales , as before I haue sayde , brought into Fraunce ( against Theoderick brother of Chilperick , sonnes of Dagobert the second of that name : which Theodorick was the last king of the ligne of Pharamond . ) Those Sarazins , ( who at that time were in Hispain , conducted by Abderaman ( whom the French Historiographers doe call Adramar ) King of Cordoua , who after their entrie into Fraunce , tooke the townes of Bourdeaulx , Tholose , Narbone , Nimes , Arles and Auignon , Platina , Blondus , Sabellicus , and other Historiographers doe write that those Sarazins came euen to towres , where they were fought with , by Charles Martel , ( father of Pipin , ) and ouerthrowen so as all that euer was wonne by them before , was againe recouered by the same King Charles , and the Sarazins chased into Hispain , where after they remayned more than 700. yeeres . Vnto such time as Ferdinand the king of Aragon did win from them the Citie and Countrie of Granado : ( which was in the yeere of our Lord God 1487. ) Howbeit , ther tarried and remayned still sundrie townes and villages entier , peopled with the Sarazins whom the Emperour Charles ( the fifth of that name ) comming to his dominions in Hispain found ther dwelling , and caused to embrace the christian faith , yet they could neuer bee cōpelled to chaunge their habit or the language of the Sarazins , nor perhaps secretly their abhominable Mahometical sect , what face outwardly so euer they shew . In the yeere of our Lord God 500. the Sarazins of Africk , did take the Isles of Corsica and Sardinia , and two and twentie yeeres after they pilled and sacked the Isles of Candia and Sicilia , and so held them more than two hundreth yeeres : at what time Pope Leo was persecuted by the Lumbards , and succoured by Charlemain . The yeere of our Lord God 837. The Sarazins vnder the leading of Sultan Saua wan the port of Ciuitauechia , in Italy and sacked the citie o Rome , and the Church of Saint Peter , with the Mont Cassin ( otherwise called Saint Germain , which is the chiefe monestary or abbie of Saint Benet . And twentie yeeres after that they tooke the port of Ancona and ouer ran all the coasts on that side of the Golfe of Venice , and likewise those on thother side on the coast of Sclauonie : and this done in the reignes of Lotharie son of Lois le Piteux king of Fraunce , and Michaell Emperour of Constantinople about the yeere of our Lord God 900. they likewise assailed the territories of Pulia & Calabria in the kingdome of Naples , & wan Mont Gargan , otherwise called Le Mont Saint Auge ) when as Constantine sonne of Leo , who was sonne of Basilius . Emperour of Constantinople reigned and that Berengier ( of the ligne of the Lombards ) caused the eics of Lewes ( who was last Emperour of the ligne of the French men and sonne vnto to the Emperour Arnold ) to bee put foorth . In the yeere 923. Roman the Emperour of Constantinople , did stir the Sarazins to inuade the territories of Pulia and Calabria which rebelled against him : Howbeit the Sarazins were ouerthrowen at the riuer of Garriglian by the Marquiz of Tuscan named Aulbry or Alberic , at the especiall instance of Pope Iehan the eleuenth of that name . In the yeere 930. the Sarazins wonne the towne of Gennes , and spoiled all that coast of the Sea , when the Berengiers occupied the Empire , & fortified the towne of Fraxinet which they kept 100 yeeres . Thus the Sarazins continued inuading and spoiling the sertile regions of Italy ( while the controuersies were depending about the right of possessing the Empire , betweene the French , the Greekes , and Lombards , & the discentions were on foote betweene the Popes & the people of Rome in such sort , as they enioyed the most part of Pulia and Calabria which they kept euen vnto the yeere of Grace 990 or thereabouts , that they were chased both from thence and out of Sicilia also , by Tancred de Haulte Ville , or Haulte Fu●ille in Normandy , ( who first beegan with them ) but ended by Guillaume Ferrabach sonne of the said Tancred , with the help of Maloch leiuetenant of Michaell Cathalau Emperour of Greece : And so they did bring back from the hands of the Sarazins Pulia , Calabria , and Sicilia , whereof the said Guillaume remained lord , in the time of Robert the French king , and of the Emperour Otho , the third of that name . In the yeere of our Lord 1040. the number of Sultains or Soldains began to be many : For in euery Prouince , the Caliph ) as I before declared ) did institute one as at Damasco one ; at Hames another ; at Halep the third : in Egipt another , & the like in sundry other places ; who falling at dissention one with the other , did in the end reuoult from the obedience of the Caliph . In Hispain likewise , euerie of the Moors that could get vnder his obedience a citie or towne , would immediately vsurpe the name of a king , as at Granado , Cordoua , Toledo , Sarragosa , Ciuilia , and Valentia . In like manner was it vsed in Africk , as at Tunes , Tripolis , Bugia , Maroch , Fesse , and Tremessen and other places also there , so as in manner no kinde of amitie or friendship was maintained among these kings , but for the most part continuall dissention & wars . Wherof when the Turks had got intelligence ( who as yet rested vnder the obedience of the Caliph who were meruailously this while encreased both in wealth & number of people ) and withall perceiuing that the Sarazins were wonderfully weakened and diminished through these intestine deuisions & wars thus among them selues ; they made a king whō they called Sadoc ( which name is so much to say as Iust ) and inuaded the Sarazins whom within short time they ouerthrew , so as therby they made thēselues shortly dominators ouer whole Persia and Syria , alwaies with great reuerence regarding in no wise to touch the Caliph , for the high estimation that they bare him who was suffered still to liue quietly at Baudras . And at whose hands the said Sadocke would be named and created the Sultan of Asie , howbeit he liued not long afrer . After Sadoc , his sonne Dogriz succeded , who did annex to the gotten Empire of his father the country of Mesopotamia which Diogines the Emperour of Constantinople had recouered from the Sarazins at such time as they had warres among them selues as likewise the whole countrie of Cilicia , which hee gaue to his cosen Arthot . To Dogriz succeeded Aspalam his sonne ; who about the yeere of our Lord God 1080. did send his Nephew Solyman into Cappadocia ( being than vnder the possession of the Greekes ) to whom he gaue all there , that he could conquer : Who in such sort guided his affaires , that he brought vnder his obedience the whole Asia the lesse ; except the Sea coasts towards the South , and the Isle of Cipres : And this was that valiant Soliman that gaue charge vpō the famous Godefroy de Buillon and the army of the christians remaining in siege before the towne of Niece , in Asia the lesse , as before I haue shewed ; which Solyman the said Hayton doth name Solimansa . About this time a Gentleman of Hispain named Rodrigo de Vuiar , chased the Moors out of a great part of the realme of Valence in Aragon and from much of Castile , who was named by the Moores , through his excellencie , Cyd : ( that is to say , Lord ) and Cyd Ruydas , from whom the noble & famous race of the Mendozzas are descended . To Aspalam succeded Melechla his sonne who sent Arthot the Sultan of Mesopotamia to Antioche , whervnto also by his commaundement , came the said Solyman and tooke the same citie with all the country about , and thus you see how the Greekes lost all Asia the lesse . Belchiarot , sonne of Melechla reigned after his father , who liued whan as Godefroy and the christians passed into the holy land , and besieged the citie of Antioche in Suria , being then vnder the dominion of the said Belchiarot , and by him committed to the defence of a Turk named Assan or Cassan whom in Antioche hee had ordeigned his Generall , to whom after he sent in succour one named ( by Hayton ) Cerbagat , and by the Frenchmen Corbadas , who ariued there when the christians had already gotten Antioche , where vpon hee beseeged them in the same citie a long time , but in the end Corbadas was fought with by the christians ouerthrowen & put to flight , as in the Historie of that iourny plainely appeareth , wherfore Corbadas now returning back into Persia found that Belchiarot was dead , & that his yongest brother pretending right to the crowne was slaine . Now when the Turks of Persia could not accord and agree whom to make their King , but fought long among themselues thervpon , the fame of their dissention came to the eares of the Georgiens and Armenians their neighbours , being christians , who considering the great army of the other christians than remaining in Sury , immediately inuaded the Turkes thus deuided among themselues , and did beate & chase them out of Persia , so that such of the Turks as could escape some retired towards Solyman , and some to Arthot , and others of their nation , being than in Asi● the lesse . And this was in the yeere of our Lord God 1106. at such time as Baldouin brother to Godsrey reigned king in Hierusalem . This Georgiens after that they had thus chased the Turks out of Persia pilled and spoiled the country , & forbearing from farther pursuit of their good fortune ( as they should ) against the Souldans of Damasco , Halep , Hames , and others that remained in quietnesse . But with the Armenians departing from the realme of Persia , a certaine people among the Corasmins ( whom some Latin Historiographers doe call Grossiones ) neighbours to that prouince which diuers doe thinke to bee those whom the auncients doe name to be the Medes who vpon the East haue the Sea called Mare Caspium , Hircanum or Abucuth , and on the South Turquesten or Parthia , and vpon the North Cumania or Alania , and vpon the Occident or West Persia and Armenie the greater ) who had none other vocation , trade or condition of life , but liued like herdmen and keepers of cattell , hauing among them neither house or towne ( howbeit very valiant in warres ) these entred then into Persia , where , of very poore catiues , they beecame a rich people and made a King among them called lalaladin ( which signifieth the gift or grace of God. ) With this their king they became so hardy and bold as to inuade the Turks beeing in Asia the lesse : howbeit they were encountered by the Souldan of Turque named Aladin & ouerthrowen in a sore foughten fielde in which conflict lalaladin their King lost his life , & the rest that escaped did assemble themselues in the plaine of Rohai● , with purpose to haue entred into Sury . But the Souldan of Aleph did enbarre them of that passage , & chased them euen vnto the deserts of Arabia , who from thence , trauasing the territory of Caldee or Assyrie , they passed the riuer of Euphrates nigh to a castell there named Cacabe , and entred into Iudea ( otherwise called the Hierusalem ) wher they cōmitted much outrage and damage . Howbeit in the end this multitude of disordered people could not long abide togethers considering euery of them would bee a ruler , so as their Captaine that should haue commanded could not be obeied , and so they departed by troopes and companyes , whereof some retyred towards the Sultan of Damasco , others towards him of Halep , & some to him of Hames , but the most of them repaired to the Soldan of Egipt , to whom likewise repayred their Captaine Bartat ; seeing himselfe so abandoned and forsaken of his owne soldiors . And thus decayed the force of this nation of the Corasmins ( whom the writers of the passage and iourney of Godfrey doe call Hoarmins , ) who maynteined their reputation but a litle time . IN this manner the Turkes remayned in Surie , chiefely the Corasmins . Now for the Sarazins they deuided themselues into litle realmes vnto the yeere of our Lord God 1240. or thereabouts , that the Tartares ouerthrew them as heereafter shall be declared ; whilst in the meane time the Turkes daylie continued wars against the kings of Hyerusalem as followeth . IN the yeere of our Lord God 1103. the Turkes tooke prisoner Boemund the Prince of Antioche ( sonne of Robert Guiscard surnamed Courbespine discended from Tancred , the Norman of whom beefore I made mencion . ) Who , three yeeres after , was redeemed by his nephew Tangrey . IN the yeere 1105. the Turkes made head against Baldwyn the first of that name ( King of Hyerusalem brother of Godefray ) as he besieged the towne of Acre , and were ouerthrowen , after which that towne ( otherwyse called Accon and Ptolemais ) was taken by Baldowyn together with the towne of Licquee , which the auncients called Laodicea . And foure yeeres after that hee tooke the towne of Baruth sometime called Berythus , and so likewise the towne of Sydon . In the yeere of our Lord 1115 the Turks vanquished and put to flight king Baldwin the second of that name at Montreal . In the yeere 1120. King Baldwin tooke Gazis ( whom some doe call Gary , ) from the Souldan of Damaz . In the yeere of our Lord 1122. King Baldwin was taken prisoner by Balach ( named by some Alaph ) Souldan of Hames ( aunciently called Camela or Gamela and Gaucamela . ) which word Balach signifieth a destroier : So as he remained there prisoner by the space of one yeere . The yeere of our Lord God 1128 King Baldwin discomfited Doloquin ( of some named Baldoquin ) and of others called Baldecan , Souldan of Damaz , who succeeded to the Souldan Gazes . The yeere 1132 Foulques Daniou who maried the daughter of King Baldwin , & succeded in the kingdome of Hierusalem , ouerthrew the Turkes at Ybelim which Place holy Scripture calleth Geth . The yeere 1140 or ther abouts , Alaph ( or Balach ) Souldan of Hames , tooke the towne of Rohaiz & there vnmercifully murdered a great number of Christians . The yeere 1143 King Baldwin the third of that name , sonne of king Fulque discomfited at Hierico , the valiant Norradin ( son to Baldecan , ) Soldan of Damaz . The yeere 1146. The Emperour Conrad and King Lewes of Fraunce , sonne of Lewes le Groz passed into Surie , where with king Baldowin they besieged the towne of Damasco , but could not take the same , and therefore they returned home into their Countries . The yeere 1148 after the departure of these said two Princes , Norradin the Souldan of Damasco besieged Antioche , wher Raimond the Conte of Antioche issuing forth in a skirmish was vnfortunately slaine , the Contes of Rohaiz and Tripoli taken prisoners , which Contee of Tripoli , after , was shamefully murdered by an Assassin . The yeere 1160 Almery king of Hierusalem brother to king Baldowin , tooke the towne Alexandria , & beesieged the great citie of Caire in Egipt . The yeere 1170. Saladin the Souldan of Egipt began to inuade the holy land in the time of king Baldowin the fourth of that name king of Hierusalem , at what time likewise the Emperour Frederic made war vpon the Pope & the church in burning & destroying Italy . The yeere 1174 king Baldowin discomfited the Souldan Saladin , at the towne of Tabaria ( which sometime was called Tiberias ) & after that ouerthrew a second time at the towne of Ascalone . The yeere 1179 king Baldowin aforesaid fought againe with the Souldan Saladin at Margelion nigh to the towne of Tabarie , where king Baldowin then was discomfited . The yeere 1184 began that discention among the Christians in the holy land , which was the cause of the losse of the same : The originall of which was this Guy of Lusignen , hauing married the Lady Sibil sister of the late king Baldowin ( and widow of William Longuespee Marquis of Monferrato ) by whom she had a son named Baldowin who at that time but sucked his Nurce to whom appettained the kingdome of Hierusalem ; the said Guy of Lusignen father in law of the infant would needes haue his title and wardship against the will & minde of Bartrand Contee of Tripoly to whose tuition and gouernance the childe was giuen by force of the testament of king Baldowin , brother of the said lady Sibell , when in the mean time the infant died & ther vpon Guy of Lusignen named himselfe king in the right of his wife , wherwith the Contee of Tripoly was wonderfully wroth . The yeere 1186 Saladin tooke prisoner Guy of Lusignen king of Hierusalem , with the maisters of the Templars and of the order of Sainct Iohn that came to succour the towne of Tabarie , which the said Saladin had then besieged , so as vpon restoring of king Guy , & the both aforenamed maisters to their liberties , Tabarie , Lique , and Ascalone were rendred to Saladin , who in the end wan also the citie of Hierusalem , & after that the towne of Acres . The yeere 1147 the Templars reencountred Saladin , nigh to Casal Robert , where Saladin ouethrew them , & slew in fight the maister of the order of Sainct Iohn Hierusalem named Brother Roger dez Molins , which hapned the first day of May that yeere . In the yeere of our Lord God 1149 ther passed to succour the holy land the Emperour Frederic Barberossee , Philip the French King , and Richard King of England : Frederic tooke his way by land , and comming into Cilicia , where thorough extreame heate , desirous to bath himselfe ( or as some say in passing the riuer , which some doe call Cauno , and the frenchmen , the riuer of Salif , & the latins doe name Cydnus which passeth through the famous citie of Tharsus , at this present named Therasso ) was vnfortunatly drowned . The two kings his confederates ariued in Sicilia , & frō the towne of Mossana they passed into the holy land , & came to the towne of Acre , which after two yeeres beesieging they tooke . King Richard in his passage thether tooke the Island of Cypres which he gaue to king Guy of Lusignen in exchaunge for the kingdome of Hierusalem : But after the taking of Acre king Phillip being sickly returned into Fraunce . The yeere 1204 Baldouin Earle of Flaunders and Henry Conte de Sainct Paul , with his brother Loys Conte de Sauoy , and the Conte Boniface & Mont ferrat , with a great company assembled themselues at Venice , to passe from thence into the holy land . To whom the Venetians did graunt ships vpon condition that beefore they passed they should aide them to recouer the towne of Zara in Sclauonie ( which before had reuolted from them ) and so hauing done they after proceeded on their voyage to Constantinople whereof they possessed themselues in the Empire which remained in the frenchmens hands about threescore yeares after . The yeere 1210. Ichan de Brene , maried the daughter of Conrad of Montferrat , and the Lady Isabell daughter of king Amaulry : who was sister of Baldouin the Meseled ; and of the Lady Sibel that was wife to Guy of Lusignen : Which said Ichan de Brene was made king of Hierusalem , & crowned at the towne of Tyrus ( which commonly is called Sur and Sor ) by reason that it is situated vpon a rocke in the sea . But Alexander the great to the intent to winne that towne filled vp all that distance of the sea betwixt the same and the land with stone and earth , so as at this day the same remaineth firme groūd , which towne of Tirus , came into the possession of the said Conte Conrad who afterward was shamefullie , on a suddaine , murdered , by a couple of the sect of the Assassins . In the yeere 1216. Pope Honorius the third of that name did send the Cardinal Colonne into Surie accōpanied with Henry Contee of Neuers and Gualtier of Sancerre constable of Fraunce with others in a great nūber : who after their landing in Acre , discended into Egipt , & tooke there the towne of Damiat , which within sixe yeeres after , vpon composition , was surrendred to Cordier son of Saladin , Souldan of Egipt : whom the frenchmen doe call Le Admiral des Cordes ; In which time also Iehan de Brene king of Hierusalem accōpanied with his brother Garin de Montaguae great maister of the order of Saint Iohns came into Fraunce , & in passing through Italy , the said king of Hierusalem gaue his daughter Yolant in marriage to the Emperour Frederic ( second son to Henry , who was sonne to Frederic Barberousse ) with the whole interest & title which he had to the kingdome of Hierusalem , which the Kinges of Sicilia doe intitle themselues to & claime at this day . The yeere 1229. the said Emperour Frederic departed out of Italy giuing hopes that hee would passe into Surie , but incontinently hee returned againe as one hauing small deuocion to performe that voiage . In the yere 1230 the aforenamed Soldan Corder caused the vvals of Hierusalem to be ouerthrovven at such time as the Emperour Frederic persecuting the church , gaue beginning to the partialities of the Guelfs & Gibelins & therwith not contented ; did call in the Sarazins of Africk to his seruice , and gaue to them the towne of Nucera in Italy ( vvhich yet is called Nucera des Sarazins ) from vvhich aftervvard they vvere expulsed by the Frenchmen . In the yeere 1237 Theobald king of Nauarre , Emery Contee of Mont fort , & Henry Contee of Campaign , & Barre vvith a great army passed through Hungary & Constantinople into Surie , and recouered sundry townes which the Sarazins beefore had wonne , but encountring with the Soldan Corder beetwixt the tovvnes of Acre , and Gazera ( sometime called Gaza ) there they vvere discomfited and ouerthrovven by the same Soldan . In the yeer of our Lord God 1244 the christians were discomfited at a place called Forbye , where were taken the Maister of our order of Sainct Iohns called brother Guillaume de Chasteln●uf and the Maister of the Templers named brother Herman de Pierresort , the Archbishop of Sury , and two sonnes of Signeur de Boteron , ( which otherwise was called Botrus ) with moe then three hundred Gentlemen ; At which time likewise the cruell wars by sea began betwixt the Venetians , & the Geneuoys about the intrest & possession of the Monestary of Sainct Saba in the towne of Acre in Sury , which may wel be said another cause of y losse of the holy land . In the yeere 1249 Lewes the French king , otherwise named Sainct Lewes , passed the Seas and was taken prisoner before the tovvne of Damiat in Egipt , by the Soldan Melechsalem , but after his atteined liberty hee recouered the tovvnes of Sidon and Iaffe aunciently called Ioppe before that time taken by the said Soldan . I am now come vnto the time that the Tartares inuaded the Turks or Turquimans , but to the end it may be better vnderstood how this came to passe , & frō whom this people of the Tartares haue their being , it behoueth me a little to turne back , & to begin a little before this time . In the yeere 1231. in that country of Tartaria vvhich at this day is called Catay , ( and the Orientall Scythia ) at vvhich time the Tartares liued vvithout knovvledge of any law , or sorme of gouernment : there was one ( by Hayton ) called Cangy , and by Paulus Venetus , Chinchis , but by Michael a Michou , ( Cinguis ) beegotten vpon a widdow during hir widdowhood : who hauing other children by hir former husband , they would haue staine hir all for shee had conceiued this Cangy while shee was widdow : howbeit shee so wittely behaued hir selfe in hir words , that shee caused them beleeue , how she conceiued that birth by force of the beames of the sun ; & other father in name the child had not , which opiniō so taking place , was not onely auaileable to the mother , but also afterwards to Cangy , who cōming to perfect age , brought this barbarous people to beleeue that the almightie God , had sent him to bee their king ; & to make them Lords of those other nations to whom euen vnto that time they had ben tributaries , by reason they neuer had head to guide the. And so prudentlie this Cangy can led himselfe that he subdued all his neighbours , and therefore was ●u●named Cangy Can , ( or Cham ) hee reigned twelue yeeres , and died by the stroke of an Arrow which had wounded him in the knee at the aslault of a castell●● his Cangy was the first that perswaded the Tartares to beleeue in one God. To Cangy Cham , succeeded Hoccata his son , who to know countries further of , sent ten thousand horse men to inuade the territorie of Cappadocia than possessed by the Turks by whome these Tartares were ouerthrowen : with vvhich losse Hoccata being not a little mooued , he sent againe , thirtie thousand men , whom hee called Tamachi ( that is to say conquerers ) against whom , vpon the fronters of Cappadocia ( which the Turks call Genech ) came Guijatadin king of the said Turkes , ( whom Sabellicus doth name Goniat . ) In whose army were two thousand christians ( the remainder of the forces , that before came into Surie ) conducted by two ● aptains where of the one vvas called Iohn Liminad of the Island of Cypres , and the other Boniface du Chasteau a Geneuoys ( Sabellicus calleth this Boniface , Boniface du Molin vvho he saith vvas a Venetian , ) but in that daies deed Guijatadin and his Turks vvere discomfited in the yeere of our Lord God 1239. about vvhich time also Hoccata died , leauing behind him three sons , the one named Cin ( vvhom Paul the Venetian calleth Cui ) and of others Guys & Guyscan , ) the second vvas called Iochy , & the third Baydo or Batho ( as Michaell of Michou saith . ) After Hoccata , his son Cin or Cui succeeded , vvhose reigne not long continued . Next to him , Mango or Mongu whom ( Sabellicus calleth Metho ) cosen to the faid Hoccata possessed the Empire of Tartaria . This is that Mango Cham , to whom Pope Innocent the fourth , of that name , did send Frees Ascelin , ( one of the order of the Freers Preachers : ) . in the yeere of our Lord God 1266. as Vincent the Historial and Michael a Michou doe report . IOCHY whom some doe call Iachis one of the sonnes of the sayde Hoccata tooke his way towards the West ( being the countries of Turquesten and the Corasmins and part of the Region of Persia ) euen vnto the riuer of Tygris which Hayton calleth Phison ( but I beleeue that Phison is that Riuer which is called Ganges ) where Iochy remayned . BAYDO or Batho , the third sonne of Hoccato passed thorough Russie , Cumanie , or Comanie , and Moscouia and entred into Polone , Hungary , & Austruhe burning and destroying the countries beefore him which afterward thorough famin he was enforced to abandon and so , to returne into Tartarie Comanie , which is beeyond the sea Maior , ( called Pontus Euxinus ) but at this day Zauolha and Zahady . Some doe affirme that this countrie of Comanie is that which Strabo calleth Cataonia part of Capadocia , at this day called Cricassj . The sayd Baydo was called by the Polonians , Bathy & Zaim Cham , of whom Tamberlane the great discended ( as Michael a Mechou saith , who did write of these great distructions in these North Regions done by Baydo ) which was in the yeere of our Lord God 1263. To Iochy in the orient , succeded his sonne ( named according to Hayton , ) Barath , and ( after Paulus Venetus ) Barachim . IN the yeere of our Lord God 1250. or there abouts at such time as king Lewes ( otherwise called S. Lewes ) the French king passed the seas : The king of Armenie being a christian ( & named Hayton , perceiuing that the Tartaires had conquered so many countries , and were entred into Natolie , purposed to enterteine amitie and league with the said Mango Cham or Mongu ; VVho ( as before ) succeded to his cosin Gin or Cuj , son to Hoccata in the realme of Tartarie , onely to haue ayde against the Caliph of Baudraz and the Turkes of Damasco , Halep , Haman & other places : for which he sent towards him the great Constable of Armenie named Sinebaud , but the yeere after , he went in person ; where he obtained such fauor with the said Mango Cham , that the same Cham receiued the holy law of the christian faith & was baptized by a Bishop being the chancellor of Armenie , with a brother also of his whom Hayton ( being cosen Germain of the said king of Armenie ) calleth Haullon , and Paul the Venetian Allau . This Allau was sent by his brother Mango Cham with the king of Armenie aforesaid , accompaned with a mightie armie to make war on the Turkes , who passed the riuer of Tygris and tooke the realme of Persia which remayned without gouernour sithens the Corasmins had inioyed the same . After which hee inuaded and tooke the countrie of the Assassins ( whom the Latins doe call Arsacides ) of which people there is much mention made in the histories of the passage of the famous Godefride de Boillon . For which cause it cannot be much from my purpose if I declare partly wher this countrie of the Assassins lieth , and what people they be . This territorie being no great countrie is situated at the foot of the mountain Libanus towards the Orient ( as Brocard the Monke affirmeth ) beyond Antaradus otherwise called Tortosa , and frontereth vppon Persia towardes the North ( which both the said Hayton & Paul the venetian doe call Mulete . ) The Lord of this countrie was called Aloadin or Aladin which signifieth Diuine or of God. THE Histories of the sayde passage doe name it le viel de la Montaigne ( as also do Hayton and Paul the Venetian , who were then liuing . ) This territorie is , as it were a plaine , enuironed round about with mountaines , into the which , was but one onelie entrie & passage : vpō the which , Aladin aforesayde caused a great fortresse to be builded named Tigado . All the sayd plaine naturally is very fertile and pleasant to the eye , by reason of the faire medowes , brookes , woods & groues , wherwith the same doth plentifully abound . Besides which naturall contents , this Aladin had furnished the said plaine euery where with beautifull Gardins , vergers , rich palaces , and houses of pleasure , in most sumptuous wise that could be deuised ; and therewith caused the same to be enhabited with the fayrest young men & women of the best faces that any where he could finde . For which purpose too he waged certaine soldiors , to awaite and watch the getting of such young men and beautifull women . Hayton saith that this Aladin cared for no manner of Religion . Paul the Venetian sayeth that hee was a Mahemetist . When Aladin had thus surprised any young man , hee was brought to this castle of Tigado , and within a litle time on some faire day when the sunne dyd shine verie cleere , one should come and bring this man ( thus taken ) a drinke , which would enforce him so strongly to sleepe ▪ that he should so remaine a very long space without any manner of moouing or feeling as though he were plainly dead . Than would he cause him to be borne into this vallie and so thorough his faire palaices and gardens among his beautifull women , and withall , to be clothed in rich apparell . So as , whan hee waked hee found himselfe an other man , & as though comde into a new world . In such his galantrie , hee was straight wayes enterteygned feasted with the Ladies there , and wonderfullie welcommed , with the shew of all manner of pastimes and trayned to all kinde of pleasures : which youth and lust could desire , and this so long as all that day would endure . At night after a certain banquet prepared , whervpon to repast , the like drink as before , to make him sleepe , againe was giuen him . Thus being made to sleepe ; his sumptuous apparel was taken of , & his former garments put on , & so brough againe into the said fortresse from whence he went , and into such place as might be much vnlike to that which he had beene before . So as vpon his awaking , he should soone perceiue himselfe in an obscure & euill sented old chamber cleane chaunged , from the place , where he could not but remember he had beene before . When Aladin vpon conference with him , would declare that the place where hee had beene was Paradice , and that it was in his power to send him thether whan hee would , if therefore the young man had minde to continue such blessednesse for euer it was graunted vpon condition that he would take courage and hardinesse to aduenture his life and to die for him in such seruice as vpon occasion hee would commaund . To which numbers of young men for recouerie of that felicitie and Paradize whereof before they had tasted , would soone giue their consent , as not esteeming any aduenture dangerous whereby to atteigne that which hee most desired , when Aladin to make these men the more feruent to execute his desires would cause them sundrie times to bee had to these places of pleasure and to tast thereof as beefore : And thus serued this pestilent Viel de la Montaigne for sending abroad his wicked Ministers to murder and kill Princes euen in their owne houses , who cared not of the losse of their owne liues in executing their dampnable purposes , so that they might atteigne their vain Paradize as they expected , before hand promised by Aladin . Of this pernicious band , were those Assassines , that had almost killed Richard King of England in his owne Pa●iliō being in the holy land , one of which likewise murdered at Sur , Conrade the Contee of Montferrat ; and an other that valiaunt Contee of Tripoly in his owne house , whereby I thinke the Italians doe call those to be Assassins ▪ which we in our French tongue doe call Brigans , that is to say , spoylers and cut-throtes . The saide Allau therefore besieged the same stronge fortresse of Tigado ; where before he could get the same hee dyd lye there in siege the space of three yeeres . Hayton sayeth hee beesieged it by the space of seauen and twentie yeeres and in the ende for want and lacke of clothes to couer theyr bodyes ( though they had victualls ynough ) the Soldiors defendaunts yeelded the castle which afterward was razsed and laide leuell with the earth : while the siege thus continued Allau returned into Persia , & king Hayton into Armenye . IN the yeere of our Lord God 1255. Allau with the king of Armenie returned and came against the Caliph of Baudraz , where they besieged him in Baudraz , which in the ende they tooke , with the Caliph also , and all his treasure , being of an inestimable value . Which treasure whan Allau had seene , he demaunded of the Caliph , why hee dyd not therewith , leauie & wage soldiors for his owne defence , considering his so great meanes . Wherevnto the Caliph aunswered ; that vnto that time , hee alwayes supposed , his owne subiects had beene sufficient ynough to haue resisted any ●orreine enemie , which Allau vnderstanding , immediatly caused all that treasure to bee had into a tower and the Caliph there to bee set in the middest of the same treasure , prohibiting that any should giue him eyther meate or drinke , whereby hee miserably dyed thorough famin in the middle of his riches . And thus ended the Empire of the Caliphes of Baudraz which vnto that time had endured aboute sixe hunderd yeeres . THE yeere of our Lord 1260. Allau and the King of Armeny againe did assemble their armies in the plains of Rohaiz , to the ende to recouer the Citie of Hierusalem and the residue of the holy land . Who when they had taken the tower of Rohaiz , they remoued to Alep , which was rendered to them , the ninth day after the besieging thereof , though the castle of Alep held foorth vnto the eleuenth day after that they besieged the Citie of Damasco , which also was rendered where the Souldains of these two places , beeing taken prisoners , were sent into PERSIA with theyr Wiues and Children . The Prince of Antioche at that time was called Raymonde de Austriche , that married the daughter of the sayde King Hayton of Armenie , to whome were giuen backe all the landes and territories which the Turkes before had bereft him . And to the sayde king of Armenie was giuen the sayde towne of Alep and other places which were frontering and nigh to his dominions . Howbeit , as Allau was nigh to Hyerusalem , there came intelligence that his brother Mango was dead : Wherevppon Allau , purposing to depart into Tartarie , leaft in Sury with the king of Armenie , a nephew of his called Guibogan ( named by Sabellicus , Garbocao , and by others Guithboga ) with tenne thousand horsemen . And so ALLAV departed out of Sury towardes the towne of Almalech where MANGO deceassed . But there hee vnderstood , that the Tartaires had chosen to theyr King another of his brotheren named Cobila , ( whome Paul the Venetian doth call Cublay ) with which Cublay , the sayde Paul was verie familyar ; by whome , the same Paule was sent into Fraunce vnto Pope Clement the fourth of that name in the yeere of our Lord God 1268. at such time as the French lost the Empire of Constantinople , and that Carles de Aniou brother of the king sainct Lewes , was made king of Naples and Sicilie . Guibogan pursuing his enterprise , conquered a great part of Surie , with the help of the king of Armenie . Howbeit he would not vtterly driue forth the Turks , but onely made them Tributaries . Whereby it came so to passe , that the Christians of Sydon could not there abide the Turkes to bee so nigh their neighbours , inuaded certaine villages of the Turkes , theyr neighbors being tributaries to the said Guibogan ; and spoyled them and tooke prisoners of them , and draue away their cattell : Such as escaped , came to Guibogan to complaine . Who immediatly sent to the Christians at Sydon for redresse : Howbeit in stead of amendes , the Christians slew the messengers of Guibogan . Wherevpon Guibogan gathered his power against Sydon , and in the ende hee ouerthrew the wall of Sydon , and the castle of Beaufort , and therwith also did set a side a great part of the amitie that beefore hee dyd beare to the Christians of Surye . The Christians in Sury , being thus at dissention with Guibogan who also was a christian , and come vnto their aide : the Souldan of Egipt named Cathos , and surnamed Melechmees , that is to say , a King of people , made wars vpon Guibogan , so that in a battell , Guibogan was ouerthrowen and slaine , wherby the countrie of Surie remayned vnder the obedience of the said Melechmees sauing certaine townes which the christians kept still ; in the yeere of our Lord 1274. At which time the towne of Damasco was shamefully lost and beetrayed and sold by a Sarazine that had the same in garde , to Melechmees . Allau , this while being in Persia , and aduertised of this ouerthrovv of Guibogan and the victorie of Melechmees , & thereof giuing intelligence to the kinges of 〈…〉 ie , & Georgie , he raised a great army , that ioyning with the forces of these two kings , he purposed to haue entred into Surie , to haue recouered that which there was lost , and being in readines to haue set forward , hee was sodainely taken with sicknes , wherof within a while after he died . Abagan sonne of Allau succeeded his father & would not become a Christian , as his father was , but tooke vpon him the supersticion of the sect of Mahumet , and made wars vpon his neighbours , whereby the power and might of the Souldans of Egipt began meruailously to augment and encrease , insomuch as Bendecar otherwise called Benedecadar whom Hayton calleth Benededar , and by himselfe named Melechdaer which signifieth the aboundant or puisant king , being Soldan of Egipt , did winne the citie of Antioch vpon the christians , with sundry other townes , and after allied himselfe with the sarrares of Cumdnie and Cappad●●● , & after inuaded Armenia , during such time as king Hayton the king of Armenia was tournied and gone to A●●al●●● towards Cobila or Cublay cham . The two s●●● of the king of Armenia , vpon such inua 〈…〉 made by the Souldan , encountred ●he Souldan with a great Armie , which consisted of twelue thousand horsemen , & fortie thousand f●●●●●●n : 〈…〉 Souldan ouerthrew them & did 〈…〉 with the 〈…〉 of one of those sons of the king of Armenia , & the other so● led captiue into Egipt . Hayron hearing of this ouerthrow hastely 〈…〉 Armenia , & p 〈…〉 g that he could not 〈…〉 of Abagan to 〈…〉 , he proceeded no farther but fell to composition , with the Souldan Melechdaer , and rendred to him the towne of Alep with Sangolassar a nigh kinseman of the said Souldan for the recouerie of his said sonne , beeing prisoner as aforesaid , who vpon the same conclusions was accordingly redeliuered to his said father . King Hayton vpon the returne of the same his sonne did crowne him king of Armenia , whose name was Thyuon ; & after that Hayton entred into religion , and named himselfe Macarie , which signifieth blessed , whē he had reigned ouer the Armenians fortie & fiue yeeres , & died soone after , how beit afore he died he pacified king Abagan with his neighbours the yeere of Grace 1273. After the death of king Hayton , Melechdaer that had conquered Antioche & Cilicia , purposing further to enter into Natolye where were sundrie gouernours & Captains of the Tartares beeing subiect to Abagan , among whom thene was a Sarazin named Paruana , who had secret conference with the Soldan Melechdaer , wher of Abagan getting intelligence , raised a great army , and marched towards the Souldan , which the Souldan vnderstanding , the Soldan would not abide him but fled , & Abagan folowed him into Egipt , so far as he could for the great heats of the countrie , which enbarred him to proceede any further , neuertheles in this chase he ouerthrew ●oe than two thousand ●●●●emen pertaining to the said Souldan , and after Ab again returned into Natolie , & tooke Paruana , & caused him to be sawed in sunder with a sawe after the manner that the Far●●res doe vse , & so to be cut in go●●i●s & pecces , wherewith they being serued at their table ▪ they did ●ated 〈…〉 as the same meat endured . After that Abagan , had thus set in quietnesse the countrie of Natolie , hee offered to giue the same to King Thyuon of Armenia , but hee durst not receiue the same , through seare of the Souldan of Egipt , in excusing curteously himselfe & aledging that the realme of Armenia was big inough for him to gouerne , so that to haue greater dominions were but further troubles to him , & therfore most hartely he thanked him of his most gentle offer ; which he was bounden to remember vpon due occasion , vpon which refusall Abagan committed the gouernāce & regement of Natolye to sundrie of his owne Captains , among the which one named Othoman was one , from whom the Princes of the Turks , that presently reigne , are descended . Abagan returned into Persia , wher he staied a certaine time , and in the meane season he was stirred by the said king Thiuon of Armenia to make war vpon the Soldan of Egipt , named Melechsayt ( that is to say the king desired ) who succeeded next to Melechdaer & molested the said king Thiuon : for which cause Abagan did send Mangodanior his brother with thirtie thousand horsemen ioyned with the army of the same King of Armenia against the said Souldan Melechsayt , and came before the towne of Hames , where they found encamped the armie of the Sarazins , and therevpon each side preparing to fight ; they ordered their armie , and deuided them into three battelles , whereof the one was vnder the leading of Mangodanior , the second was guided by King Thiuon , and the third by a Captaine Tartarian named A●●●ech or Achmat , ( which signifieth gracious ) these two , so worthely behaued themselues with their battails against the like number of Sarazines , that those Sarazins were vanquished and put to flight . The meane time , Mangodanior who had no manner of experience ( as it seemed ) in wars , without giueing any manner of charge vpon the enemie , which towards him was readie to encounter against him , hee gaue himselfe shamefully to flie , & staied not a whit vntill he came to the riuer of Euphrates which they call Euphra , though hee was not pursued or chased at all by the third battell of the Sarazins , which consisted of those people called Beduins : who in the holy Scripture are named Madiani or Madianites , and to succour their companions that were ouerthrowen and fled , followed their fellowes so fast as they could ; but the next day , when king Thyu on and Achmet vvere returned frō the chase to Hames , & perceiuing that Mangodanior vvas in such order departed , they follovved him , and ouertooke him at the saide riuer ; and instantly required him to returne , declaring to him hovv they had vvon the battaile & put the Sarazins to flight , but for any thing they could say or aledge he vvould not returne but immediatly retired tovvards his brother into Persia , about the yeere of our Lord God 1282 Abagan beeing not a little displeased vvith the flight and cowardnesse of his brother , was purposed to haue gone in his owne person against the Souldain , howbeit he was enpoisoned by a Sarazin and died leuing behinde him two sonnes , the one named Argon and Ragait . Tangodor neuertheles succeded to his brother Abagan being elected by Tartares to be their king , this Tangodor was sometime a christian , and at the time of his baptisme hee was named Nicolas , but through his tomuch keping companie with Sarazins , he became a Mahomatist and was named Mahumet , he caused to be destroied & ouerthrowen all the churches of the Christians within his dominions , and entered in amitie and league with Melechsayt Souldan of Egipt , wherfore one of his owne bretheren together with his said nephew Argon , accused him before Cobila Cham of the aforesaid crimes , wherevpon Cobila Cham sent him word and commaunded him to amend and redresse those iniuries which he had done and from thence forth to liue in a better sort , or otherwise he would extremely punish him : but Tangodor , nothing amended with this aduertisement from Cobila Cham , in dispight , he caused his said brother to be apprehended , and to be put to death . Howbeit his nephew Argon , vpon this escaped from him , and fled to the mountaines , and after , with the aid and helpe of his friends and seruants of Abagan his faide father , he surprised and tooke Tangodor and caused him to bee sawen in sunder in the middle after that he had reigned three yeeres in the yeere of grace 1283. Argon after that hee had put to death Tangodor his vncle was elected king , but hee would neuer accept the name and title of Cham without the leaue of Cobila who perceiuing the same gladly thereto did condiscend . This Argon was a christian and caused to bee reedified & repaired the Churches which his vncle wickedly before had destroyed . He vvas visited by the kings of Armenia and Georgia to whom hee promised hee would goe vvith them to recouer the holy land , but the meane time he died , as one that had not the leasure to performe that worthie promise , after that he had reigned three yeeres , at such time as Melechnazer Souldan of Egipt florished . After Argon , succeeded Ragayt his brother , called by Sabellicus Queghat , and by others , Tagadayt , a man most vnprofitable to rule without either faith or law , hated of his owne , and vtterly abhorred of straungers , he had a son named Cassan Baydo or Bathy and according to Sabellicus called Bandon , and had a cosen also called Cassan which succeded him anno domino 1290. This said Cassan Baydo was a christian , and honoured the Churches of God , and prohibited that none should speake of Mahumet , which those that followed the sect , tooke it in meruailous euill part , and secretly aduertised the said Cassan or Assan which was sonne to the saide Argon that if hee would forsake the christian faith beeing also a christian , they would proclayme him king ; vnto whom this Cassan , son to Argon accorded , & vnder this promise & hope Cassan son to Argon raised war against his cosen Baydo , which Baydo hearing gathered his power togethers & encoūtred Cassan ; & ioyning in battell Baydo was shamefully forsaken by his owne subiects being Mahometists , that reuolted to the part of Cassan , & so Baydo ther was slaine . After the death of Baydo , Cassan was called king , but at the first , he durst not declare what was resting secretly in his mind against those who brought him to this dignity by the meanes abouesayde . Howbeit when he thought himselfe assured and confirmed in his regall authoritie , hee beegan first to shew himselfe a friend to christians , and then hee commaunded to bee put to death those who counsailed him to denie the christian faith . And after he addressed an armie against the Soldan of Egipt & the Sarazins of the which his purpose Cassan aduertised the kings of Armenia & Georgie , who with their armies came & ioyned with him at Baudras , and from thence marched to the towne of Hames which is situated in the midst of Sury , where the Souldan of Egipt called Melechseraph who had chased the christians out of Sury came against them with a great army & encamped in a great medow , thereby supposing to haue surprized the christians , and albeit he found the christians partlie in disorder , and so gaue charge vpon them , yet Cassan with the rest of the christians so manfully fought it out , that in the end the Souldan was there vanquished & put to flight : this battell was fought the seauenth day beefore Christmas day in the yeere of our Lord God 1300 At which battell the said Hayton ( that was cosen to the king of Armenia ) saith that he was present , & did put the acts & doings of the same in writing . Cassan pursuing his victorie marched vnto the towne of Casana , wher the Soldan had lodged a mighty deale of his treasure , insomuch as Cassan tooke the towne with all that treasure there , & meruailed greatly what the Soldan meaned that in going to the wars he would bring so much treasure with him , which treasure Cassan tooke , and deuided it among his souldiours . After that he marched to the citie of Damasco which was rendred to him , wher he sound that Citie was no otherwise furnishied but onely with victuall very plentifully , wher the whole army of Cassan staied forty fiue daies , sauing sortie thousand horsemen vnder the leading of their Captaine Molay vvhich pursued after the Souldan . Harton not a little meruayleth that in so little as this Cassan was , vvere resident so many vertues and valiaunt courage , though among thirtie thousand men , ther vvas not a worse shaped and deformed person then he vvas . Cassan being at Damasco , he receiued intelligence that one of his Cosen 's named Baydo vvas entred into Persia vvith a great army , to inuade him . For vvhich cause he returned into Persia to encounter Baydo , leauing behind him in Sury , one called Molay vvith tvventy thousand horsemen and at Damasco a Sarazins named Capehach to bee generall of the same , vvho sometime before vvas in meruailous fauour vvith the Souldan of Egipt & through certaine displeasures betvvixt them reuolted from the Souldan , and to obtaine his fauour againe this Capehach shamefully rendred to the Soldan the tovvne of Damasco , and other tovvnes therevnto adioyning . Molay thus perceiuing vvhole Sury stirred vp into rebellion , he vvithdrew and retired himselfe into Mesopotamia , and after gaue intelligence to Cassan of the troubles of Syria , who purposed the next winter ensuing , to retourne into Syria because through the feruent heat of the sommer then present there was noe grasse or other feeding for horses , how bee it the meane time Cassan sent an other Captaine named Cotuloze otherwise called Caroloz with thirtie thousand horsemen giuing him also in charge , to aduertise immediately the king of Armenia , and other christian Princes nigh to him adioyning of the iourney , who vpon the intelligence , with their powers repaired and chiefely Thyuon king of Armenia , Emery of Lusignen king of Cypres , the maister of the hospitall of Sainct Iohns Hierusalem , named brother Guillau de Villaret , and the Maister of the Templars , who all arriued by sea , at the towne of Sur , and from thence marched with their armie , to the towne of Tortosa aunciently called Antaradus : But the meane time Cassan fell sicke of a greeuous disease , that so as these wars for this time , proceeded no further , and euery of the saide princes with their powers returned home into their countries . Two yeeres after Cassan determining to returne in to Surie , againe gaue intelligence of his purpose to the king of Armenia , & that he should meete him at the riuer of Euphrates , where he and his armie should abide for him , which armie of his , was so great , that the same occupied the grounds of three daies iourny in length . And as Cassan entred into Sury the said Baido inuaded the kingdome of Persia againe , out of the which , before Cassan sundry times had chased him , & therefore Cassan made towards him , with so much expedition as hee could , leauing Cotuloz with the king of Armenia and forty thousand horsemen , to proceede in warres against the Souldan , who marched forward & toke the townes of Hames , and from thence went & besieged Damasco , where , Cotuloz and the king of Armenie had intelligence , how that the Souldain came to raze their siege : wherefore they leauing certaine bandes to continue their siege , with the ●est of their army , they marched towards the Souldain , & finding him so strongly encamped in such a place where they could doe him small harme , and that the Tartares through scarcety of fresh water , departed from them by troopes : Cotuloz and the king of Armenia retourned to their siege of Damasco , whereas in one night after , the waters about Damasco , began in such sort sodainely to grow , & that the Sarazins thereabouts brake in sunder the Sluses ; that in lesse space then an houre , all the places where the army of the Tartares and christians encamped , was drowned and ouerflowen with water , which through the sodaine comming of the flud , and the darknesse of the night , was the more dreadfull to the whole armie , as those that did not fore-see that water and inconuenience , whereby many of the Tartares there were drowned , as ignorant of the passages to escape , considering the dikes that inuironed the place of their encamping were both deepe and filled with the ouerflow of this water , so as a great number of the horses of the Tartares there likewise perished , and all their baggage likewise : so as they that escaped had none other minde but in hast to retourne home into their countrey ▪ and the truth to say , they beeing thus turmoyled with waters , they were not good or meete to abide any fight . Considering aswell their bowes as arrowes ( which are the chiefest weapons that they doe vse ) were all to wet , and made vnprofitable thereby to serue : so as if the Sarazines that were very nigh them , had in this disorder giuen charge vpon the Tartares , they might haue had a ●ight good market on them : Howbeeit , the Sarazines as it seemed durst not issue vpon them : so as the Tartares had leasure inough to escape , who stayed not much vntill they came to the riuer of Euphrates which they passed according to their custome ( for Michaell de Michou sayeth , that euery of them that had a horse did packe and fasten his wife children and baggage vpon the horse , and than the husband would take the taile of the horse fast in his hand : and in swimming , the horse brought them all , so to land , and thus , they vsed to passe riuers , were they neuer so great or broad . The Armenians and Georgians that were in this army were enforced to retire , as the Tartares did , though a great number of them also perished & were drowned , and durst not abide , through the great doubt , they had of the Sarazins . Hayton the Historiographer beeing an Armenian borne , saith , that hee himselfe among others was in this army , when this departure chaunced , and alledgeth , that the whole fault of this disorder and departure was in Cotuloz , that would not bee aduised by the King of Armenia , but onely would follow his owne wilfull braine : But the King of Armenia marched on to the Citie of Niniuie ( which standeth on the riuer of Tygris , ) called by Eusebius , Nicibis , vvhere most curteouslie hee vvas receued by king Cassan , and at his departure Cassan commaunded tenne thousand horsemen , paied at his owne charges , not onely to attend and conduct the King of Armenia , into Armenia : but there to abide at the kings appointment , to garde and defend the dominions of Armenia : vnto such time , as hee the same Cassan could conueniently raise an other army to returne againe in person against the Souldain of Egipt , but ( alas to the great infortunity of christendome ) this valiant Cassan dyed soone after . Some doe suppose that of him Sury , toke the name of Azamie , for that the Turks call Azam or Assam , Assamie : Howbeeit , it may bee , that this worde Azamie is deriued from the auncient name of Aram , son of Sem , who were sons of Noe , of whom , the same country once was named , & by the Hebrux , Aram , that is to say high or excellent , which they would pronoūce Aramie . After this Cassan or Assan , succeeded Carbagan , whom some doe call Cerbagat , & the Frenchmen name Corbadan son of the sayd Cassan , who also was christened & at his baptisme was named Nicolas , & so remayned a good christiā man during his mothers life , but after his mothers decease , he wickedly fell into the abhominable sect of Mahumet , which all his successors after him , did neuer forsake , and at this daye doe maintaine the same . Of the said Cassan or Assan are discended the kings of Persia , who in honour of this Cassan , haue taken vpon them the Surname of Cassan , vnto Vssun Cassan of whom otherwhere we haue made mencion . But now , we name the princes of Persia , Sophies , for that Seichayder Sophi , maried the daughter of Vsun cassan , & begat vpon hir , Ismael Sophi , who reigned a little before our time , & was father to Taamar Sophi , who at this day reigneth in Persia . The Turks doe call Persia , Pharsie : and the Persians , Quezelbach : that is to say red heads , as before of them I haue spoken , which Persians and Turks , are perpetuall mortall enemies one against the other , & very different in opinion touching their supersticious law and beliefe . A little beefore , I haue made mention of the beeginning of the Empire of the Caliphes of Baudraz , vnto their end . Likewise of the Miramamolins vnto their deuisions , and in such sort of the Persians so much as I could get knowledge of them . Of the Othmans I haue amply inough spoken before , so as I neede not , further so entreat of them , least I should passe and exceede the measure of a Summarie or an abridgment ? I haue written also of the beginning of the Empire in Egipt , & therfore now it behoueth me to shew how the same fell into the puissaunce and dominacion of the Mamaluchs . In the yeere 1160. that Almery king of Hierusalem besieged the great city of Caire as before I haue spoken , the Souldain named Quare who as then was also called the Caliphe , perceiuing that he was not able to resist the christians , hee required succours at the Souldan of Halep , who sent him a Captaine named Saracon or Syracon , and by some called , Syrasson , who ( by his nation ) was a Corasmin : this Syracon hauing in such sort giuen aide to the Caliph that his countries were defended from the enemie , and therewith perceyuing how vnmeet the Caliph was to rule through his cowardnesse & to much feare in him resident ; & considering also how few friends he had to leane to him , in time of necessitie , he tooke the Caliph & put him in prison wher he died , and Saracon made himselfe Souldain of Egipt . Thus the Empire of the Sarazins or Arabians was transferred into the handes of the Corasmins or After Melechnazer , was Souldain , Melechseraph ( which word signifieth the ardent or bright Prince ) who did win vpon the christians the towne of Acre in Sury in the yeere of our Lord God 1293. and chased the christians out of all Sury , which he ioyned to the kingdome of Egipt : he was the first that caused to be coined in Egipt the Ducats of Golde , which are there called Seraphes . This Soldain is named by Sabellicus and others Melecastraphus . Thus proceeded the said Mammeluchs , to dominate and rule in Egipt , and did choose their Souldains either vpon christians that became renies or that were christians children , bought as abouesaid , and educated in that forme of religion & trained so , to the warres as aboue is declared , albeit therwere none of these Māmeluchs that durst goe alone through the city wher they were , but by expresse commandement of their Emyrs , who were their superiors ; they should goe two at the least togethers : and to bee briefe , these Mammeluchs had the authoritie and dominacion ouer all the people of Egipt & Surie , from the time they chased the christians out of Surie vntill that Selim the great Turke , as afore is mencioned , vtterly ouethrew them & their name for euer . Thus , the first of the law of Mahumet , that reigned in Asia , were the Arabians , whom the Hebreus and Suriens doe call Saba , and the Greeks , Sab●i , & they themselues doe name Sarazins : after the● ▪ ther did the Turquimans or Turkes rule , who chased from thence the Sarazins : these Turks were Parthians as Hayton doth fronter and limit them . The Turks likewise were driuen from thence by the Tartaries , beeing Scithians orientall , who haue taken vpon them also the name of the Turks though they be none in deed , and at this present reigning vnder the name of the Turks , who of very truth are but Tartaires and Scithians by their discent , which , their maner of fight and weapon therewith that they vse , as their bowes made of horne , which our elders doe appoint and attribute to the Scithians , sufficiently doe witnesse . Againe the language Tartaresque , and the Turks speech , are not much different : for Michael de Michou saith that the Tartairs who destroied Russia , and the regions thereabouts named in their language Tartaresque , the tops of steeples of Churches there , Altum Bachne , considering those toppes of steeples were gilded ▪ so in the Turks language this word Altum Bachne signifieth a head of gold or gilded . Wherefore according to the opinion of Authors , one may iudge that they are Scithians and Tartares to whom the name of the Turks are giuen at this day , whose elders , in that they possessed the countrey of Turquestan ; of that region , they haue left the name of Turks , to the Turks that presently reigne , beeing their posteritie , which to others perhaps is vnknowne , being ignorant both of the difference of these two nations , so far of , and barbarous , and of the chaunges fortuned in their kingdomes . Heere endeth the first booke . To the VVorshipfull his very good Cosen William Carr of Stafford in the county of Lincolne Esquire , and one in hir Maiesties Commission of peace there . SYR , to you who are the second possessor of my heere expressed rich will , though weake power : I commend this second booke of my French and Italian traductions , concerning the succession of the great house of Ottoman , and those their fortunate armes whether in offence , or defence taken ; The rather for that your selfe beeing resident in court where this argument ( by reason of the present Hungarian wars and the often assemblies of the Germaine Princes to prouide some remedy for their feared harmes ) is much spoken of ▪ you may with others see the manner and growing of this continuing and admired felicitie , ( heere by me deciphered ) though the meanes how , by very few is seene , saue such onely as are true spectators and obseruers of high reaching pollicie ; what my paines hath effected in this point , I freely giue as you may boldly chalenge it for your due ; who desire nothing more then euer to be found the generall and perticuler seruant of your selfe and your most worthy brothers true iointenants by vndeuided moieties ( as our lawiers terme it ) of mee and what I may , whereof the suruiuor whilst I suruiue may dispose of the whole : And so with all duety done which may be demanded of a most affectionate kinsman and seruiceable friend : I take my leaue , from the middle Temple in London this 20 ▪ of March 1600. Your worships of all others most at command R. Carr. The second Booke Of the conquests made by the Turkes , and the succession of the house of Ottoman . I Supposed to haue ben acquited & dispatched from your earnest suits , and fully to haue satisfied your demaunds , to the best of my knowledge and power , touching the affaires and matters concerning the Turks . Now you desire of me their progresse , and continuances , as it were from the father to the sonne , how they haue proceeded & attained vnto the conquests of so many regions , which at this day they possesse and keepe : Yet you consider litle the affaires , wherwith I am cōtinually occupied , nor the imbesilitie of my memorie , that so redely should write vnto you a Historie of matters that haue passed two hundred yeeres & more in Countries , so far of & sundry , full of vocables & names , both right strange and different , from our vulgar language . Wherefore in this request , if I satisfie you not in such good sort as your desire , yet you ought to accept my paines in good part , for be it well or euill , it beehoueth mee to ▪ doe as you will haue me . In the yeere of our lord God one thousand & three hūdred , at such time , as the Emperour Henry , the seuenth of that name , purposed to renew in Italie the partialities & diuisions of the Guelfes & Gibelins ( at which time also reigned in France Philip le Bel , ) there were in Natolie or Asia the lesse , certaine Captaines of the Turks ( wher this nacion had continued euer sithens the passage and famous iourney of Godefroy de Bologne , duke of Boullon , and there had remained , euer since the time that they presented themselues against the army of the christians , before the citie of Nice , which we may name Victoire anciently called Antigonia , vnder their valiant generall named Solyman or Soleyman . After which passed an hundred yeeres & more , that not any did speake of this Nation , vnto such time ( as I haue said ) there were in Natolie sundry Captaines among the which , more famous than the rest , were Othman , Caraman , and Assan or Azam , called by way of dignitie Begy or Bey , which is as much , as Seigneur or Mounsi●ur , & in our English tongue Lord , howbeit the Turks doe abstract and withdraw from this word Begy , this letter y , and so doe call them Othmanbeg , Caramanbeg , & Assambeg . Othmanbeg ( who was very valiant and a man of great actiuitie ) allied himselfe with two Greeks Reniez , and a third being a Turke borne , the one of these Greeks was called Michali , & the other Marco . Of the saide Michali , are discended the Michalogli of whom , there continue some at this day , as likewise such of the lignage of Marco , who are named Marcozogli , the Turke was named Aramy , of the race of whom , called Auramogly , none can be found , that any knoweth : the successours of this Auramy , are accounted and reputed to bee of the bloud royall of the Turks , and to them , the Empire of the Turks should appertaine , if euer the Othmans line should be extinguished . With the helpe & aid of these three , Othmanbag aforesaid became of meruailous credit & puissance , in such sort as he cōquered sundry cities & townes situated vpon the sea side of La Mer Maiour otherwise called in latin Pontus Euxi●us , & amōg them the towne of Syuas which the Greeks call Sebasie was one , which is named by vs , in fraunce Auguste . Caraman did draw himselfe towards Cilicia , where he rested , & called that region according to his owne name Caramania . Assam repaired into Persia , which the Turks do call Pharsic , as also into Assiria which according to his name , he caused to be called Azamie . These last two and their successours haue euer sithens beene vnmercifully persecuted by Othman and his posteritie : In such sort , as vtterly they haue destroied Caraman his bloud , & gotten his countries . But Assambeg notwithstanding ( which is called the Sophi ) right valiantlie doth defend his owne , and liueth in continuall warres and enmetie with the Othmans . This Othman reigned twentie and eight yeeres vnto the beeginning of the reigne of Phillippe de Valloys the french King. Which Othman was so surnamed of a certaine towne or castle called Othmanach situated in Natoly betwixt Synope and Trebisonde the famous cities , and left a sonne named Orcan , who succeded his father in his dominions . Or●an the sonne of Othman maried the daughter of Caramanbeg , and after made cruell war vpon him , causing to bee put to death his eldest sonne brother to his wife , whom before hee had taken in battaile : he tooke also the citie of Bursie , which the auncients named Prusias . At this very same time Andronico Paleologo , then Emperour of Constantinople dieng , did leaue his sonnes named Caloiany and Andronico vnder the gouernance & regiment of Iohn Catacusan , who though hee very prudently , behaued himselfe during the time of this his regiment , yet through the malice of the Patriarch , and of an other person of base conditions and birth ( howbeit of meruailous credit after with the Emperour ) Catacusan was expelled , who notwithstanding found the meane , after , to returne againe to Constantinople more strong than beefore , and for the more assurance of himselfe , he caused his daughter to bee giuen in mariage to the young Emperour Caloiany : howbeit they could not so long remaine in concorde , but that the Emperour secretly departed to the Isle of Tenedo , where an army of the Geneuois to the number of threescore Gallies came to succour him , who brought him backe to Constantinople and chased from thence Catacusan . Now he immediatly repaired for aide to the Venetians , through whose help retourning home assailed the army of the Geneuois riding with their Gallies in the Canall of Constantinople aunciently called Propontis : howbeeit the victorie remained to the Geneuois , and the Citie with Caloiany , who in recompence of their worthy seruice , rewarded them and their Captaine named Francis Cataluz , with the gift of the Isle of Methelin , in times past named Lesbos : Who continued the possession thereof vnto the time that Mahumet the second did winne the same from Nicolas Cataluz the last Duke thereof : This little deuision engendred after most cruell wars betwixt the Geneuois and the Venetians : which as it brought the Citie of Venice to such extremety , that it seemed readie to render it selfe to the mercy of the Geneuois , so in the ende it was cause by the alteration of fortune that the Geneuois ( beeing in sundry fights and conflicts on the seas a●ter ouerthrowen by the Venetians ) came to miserable ruine and seruitude , for thereby they were enforced to yeelde themselues , to the Archbishop of Milane whom they made gouernour of their Citie of Geanes , and to sell all their lands and Seigneuries to the communaltie and brotherhood of Saint George , which is within their Citie , and lastly to submit themselues to the french Kinges protection vnder whose subiection they remained a while , vntill hee gaue them to Iohn Duke of Calabre sonne to Reignard King of the realme of Naples , vntill they reuoulted to Philippe Duke of Milane , whom in the end they forsooke to , in such sort as ( through their inconstancie , ) they did not know well , to what good Saint , to vow themselues : howbeit the greatest mischiefe was , that this forenamed warres gaue an vndoubted occasion to the vtter losse of Surie & the realme of Hierusalem ( & what was worse then that ) the same opened to the Turks , the gate and entry to Greece and other parts of Europe , as heereafter I shall declare , all which was about the time that Lewes de Bauiere , & Frederic of Austrich contended about the obtaining of the Empire of Alemaign . The said Orcan reigned two & twenty yeres vnto the beginning of the reigne of Iohn the french king which was in the yeere of our Lord God 1350. leauing behinde him his sonne Amurath . Amurath ( whom the Hungarians and the Scla●●nes doe call Ammarat , and the Turkes Moratbeg which is as much to say , as the Lord Morat , ( but Frossart supposing to pronounce this name , as they doe , calleth him Lamorabaquin , ) entred to his dominions when as Catacusan , pursued the Emperour his sonne in law , through the aide of Mar● Carlouich the Despot of Bulgaria : this word Despot is so much to say in our English tongue as Prince or Lord : and the Prouince of Bulgaria is that Country which anciently was named Gaetae and Gepidae . This Amurath was secretly fauored among certaine of the Nobility of Grecia , whom the Emperor Caloiaun hated , who finding that hee was to weake , to encounter with the Nobilitie that reuoulted , hee was constrained to demaund and require aide of Amurath , who forthwith sent him twelue thousand horsemen , through whose help , when the Emperour had pacified his affaires , hee gaue the Turks leaue to returne home . But they hauing seene & tasted the sweetnesse & beautie of the region of Grecia , after their returne perswaded ( as it was easie to doe ) Amurath to goe in person to inuade Grecia . Which he so did , who accompanied with threescore thousand men , by the help of two great ships of the Geneuois ( among whom he bestowed a threescore thousand ducats ) Amurath passed the famous straits called by the ancients , Hellespontus ( and now the straits of Calipoli or the Castells by reason of two castells whereof the one is situated in Asia , and the other in Europ ) wherin ancient time were also the townes of Sestus and Abydos . The french doe call these straits Le Bras de Sainct George , Saint Georgesarme , where the said Amurath wan the towne of Calipoli beeing on this side those straits in Grecia , & than tooke Adrianople and Philippopoli aunciently called Olympias ▪ and so ▪ ouerran the Prouince of Romany , in times past called Thracia , vnto the Mountaine Rhodope , which the Greekes doe name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Queene and Lady of those Mountaines , which some a so do call , the mountaine of Siluer by reason of the mines of siluer that are found in the same : and after ouercame in ●attaile the aforenamed Marc Carlouich taking prisoner the Conte Lazaro of Seruia , which is Misia Inferior , ( whom Frossart calleth Le Conte ●e Lazaran ) whose head hee smote off , which was when Charles the fourth was letted from resisting the sonnes of the Emperour Lewes of Bauer to de●end himselfe against Frederic Marquiz of Misne & the Countie of Wittenberg his competiteurs , leauing the Empire after him to his sonne Lancelot , who sold the Cities and Segneuries of Italy ( as Milane ) to the family of the viconts and others . In the ende Amurath was slaine by a seruant of the said Conte Lazaro as reuenging the death of his saide Maister , the yeere of our Lord God 1373 after that hee had reigned 23 yeeres , about the beeginning of the reigne of Charles the fifth the french king , and left two sonnes Pasait and Seleyman . Pazait or Basait as the Turks doe name him , who neuer pronounce this letter P. ( and called by Frossart le Roy Basant , sonne of Lamorabaquin and sometime ●morabaquin , according to his fathers name . Enguerran & Master Nicol●● G●les that collected the Annales of Fraunce call him the king Basaa●g . This Pazait was hardy , diligent and very couragious , he s●●w●ia● battaile Marc Carlouich , where with him the whole Nobilitie of Seruia and Bulgaria ended their liues , and after did ouerrun the territories of Thessalia and Macedonia , now called Thumnestie and Albanie . He wasted whole Grecia vnto Athens which at this day is called Cethine and spoiled the territories o● Bosna ( which is called Misia Superior , ) Crocia and Sclauonie ( that are named aunciently Dal●●tia and Liburnia ) and this at that time when the Emperour Lancelot sonne of Charles the fourth liued so vertuouslie , that his subiects sundry times did enprison him , but in the end was deposed by the Alemans , who elected at one time two Emperours , the one called Ioce Nephew to Lancelot , and the other Robert of Bauiere otherwise called Ruebrecht which is interpreted in their Alleman language Trouble Peace . But to returne to Bazait , who then inuaded Hungary , & there ouerthrew king Sigismond , ( that afterward was Emperour of Alleman , called by the Historiographer Engerrant de Mountralet , Sagimont ) in the renowned battaile of Nicopoli : the cause of the losse wherof was , for that the french men ther seruing would not bee aduised by the king Sigismond , nor frame themselues according to the pollicie of these wars as the Allemans also counsailed them , the which Frossart imputeth likewise to the orgulitie and pride of the french , where was taken prisoner the Conte of Neuers , Iohn who afterward vvas Duke of Burgoign sonne of Philippe the first duke , Philip Darthois , Conte de Eue constable of Fraunce . Iohn le Maingre called Boucicault and sundrie others beeing men of estimation to the number of seauen or eight , vvho all vvere sent to Bursie , the rest of that nacion vvere slayne to the number of a thousand horsemen . This battaile was foughten on Michaelmas euen Anno Domini 1396 and these prisoners , vvere after redeemed for no little ran some , in expedicion vvherof great dilligence vvas vsed by one Iames Hely a gentleman of Picardie , vvho also vvas taken prisoner among them , and beefore had serued in the Court of Amorabaquin . After this battaile , Bazait beesieged the Citie of Constantinople , and had wonne it , if it had not beene that into Natolie was entered the great Prince of Tartary called Tamerlaine or Tamburlaine , ( but by the Turkes Demirling , ) and by some French Historiographers ( as Enguerrant ) named Le Grant Tacon de Tartarye , but the Tartariens themselues doe call him Temircutlu , that is to say , the Fortunate Sw●ord or luckie iron , descended of the race of one Cham of Tartarie called Zaym Cham , of the Horde or multitude of Zauolba and Czahaday , which is towardes the riuer of Rha or Volha , which falleth into the Sea Dabacuth , by the latins named Mare Caspium and Hircanum , which Zaym was he whom the Polonians doe call in their Histories Bathy , the first Mahum●tist of all the Tartares . Tamerlaine , was afterward Lord of Tartarie Precopie , called by them Prezelzoph , situated betwixt the riuers of Tanais which they call Don , and Boristhenes called N●per and D●r●●z , the which countrie of Precopie was in auncient time called Scithia Inferior , now in possession of the Turke . This Tamerlayne was for the most part resident in the great Citie of Samarcand , which is toward the sea Caspium , who caused himselfe to bee called the Scourge of God , though his verie title of his dignitie was Vlucham , which is to say , the mightie Lord. Bazait hauing intelligence of the entrie of Tamerlayne into Natoly , thought it requisit to raise his siege of Constantinople , and with all diligence , to encounter with the innumerable army of Tamerlayne , where nigh the city of Dangory , by our ancients called Ancira ( not far from the mountaine Stella , which Enguerrant de Monstrelet , doth call Appadi , where Pompeius Magnus ouerthrew the famous Mithridates , ) the mighty armies encountred , and cruelly did fight , in which conflict Bazait was vanquished and taken prisoner , whom Tamerlaine caused to bee bound and made fast with chaines of gold , and so to be put in a cage as though hee had beene a Lyon , in which sort hee carried Bazait about with him , through euery region of Asia as he passed , so long as Bazait lined , which was not aboue two yeeres after or therabouts , who died Anno Domini : 1400 after he had reigned twentie seauen yeeres , about the twentith yeere of the reigne of Charles the sixth the french king . From this conflict escaped certaine of Bazaits sons , who supposing to haue passed into Europe , chanced to fall into the hands of the Emperour of Constantinople who caused the seas surely to bee kept at that time . An other of his sonnes named Cyris , and by the frenchmen Quirici , whom some also doe call Calapin or Calepin escaped ouer to Adrinopoli whose sirname beeing called Ciris Cheleby was but a little of dignitie and Noblesse giuen to the children of the great Turk , as Achmat Cheleby , Mahumet Cheleby , or Mustapha Cheleby , which is as much as to denominate a gentleman , according as the Spaniards doe name their Nobilitie Don Alonso or Don Rodrigo , and the frenchmen Charles Monsieur or Loys Monsieur , being appropriate to their blood roiall . Cyris reigned sixe yeeres or thereabouts , and left behind him a son named Orcan , when as his three bretheren named Musach , Mahumet , and Mustapha escaped out of Constantinople , while the Emperour was gone into Fraunce to the sayd king Charles to require succours against the afornamed Cyris , Musach slew Orcan his nephew , & for recompence himselfe was after slaine by his owne brother Mahumet : And than first began they to deuise how the one brother might kill another , which vnto this time , they haue right well practized and put in vre . Mahumet the first of that name , after he had slaine his brother Musach , vsurped the Empire , and recouered all the whole Countries of Natolie which Tamerlayne before had wonne of Bazait . This Mahumet remoued his seat imperiall from the citie of Bursie in Natolie , to Adrianopoli in Grecia . He made wars vpon the region of Valachie ( which some french histories doe call Valaigne and other Blaquie , and of the ancients named Bessi and Triballi . ) He also ouerthrew in battaile the Emperour Sigismond in the plaines of Selumbez and was the first of his nation that passed the riuer of Donaw or Danuby : hee subdued the countrie of Bosnia made war vpon Caraman and died the yeere of our Lord God 1418 and in the xxxviii yeere of the reigne of the said King Charles , after hee had reigned eighteene yeeres reconing therewith the yeares of Cyris ( which some doe not ) and left a sonne called Amurath . Amurath the second of that name was in Natolie , when his father died , whereof so soone as hee was aduertised , passed into Europe ; albeeit the Emperour of Constantinople did what he could to stop his passage , who sent against him Mustapha his vncle , sonne of Bazait , whom the said Emperour had kept prisoner sithens the taking of Bazait , as before I haue tolde : howbeit Mustapha beeing to weake , was vanquished & slaine in battaile by Amurath , who to reuenge himselfe vpon the Emperor of Constantinople ▪ spoiled and burnt the whole territory of Thracia in Grecia : and tooke from the Venetians the notable towne of Thessalonica called now Salonichi , which Andronico Paleologo before had sold them in dispite of the Emperour Constantine his brother : after that , the said Amurath entred into Seruia or Rascia & constrained George Vucouich the Despot or Prince of that country , to giue him in mariage his daughter named Irinye , surnamed Catacusine , notwithstanding which affinity hee afterward came against this Despot with an army , and enforced him to flie into Hungary , towards the Emperour Albert sonne in law to the late Sigismond the Emperour , leauing his sonne George for the defence of his said Countrie , this George was taken by Amurath , who caused his eies to bee put forth , though he was his brother in law . After the death of the said Albert ; Lancelot brother to the king of Pole was chosen by the Hungarians for their King , albeit that Albert had left his wife with childe , who after the death of hir husband was deliuered of a sonne , that at his Baptisme was also named Lancelot , who after , wa● nourished and brought vp vnder the keeping of the Emperour Frederic the third of that name , and was the onely cause , that the said Lancelot of Polen , durst make no maner of enterprize against the Turks nor to inuade them , least in the meane time the Emperour Frederic should haue annoied him vpon some other part , and so haue set the other Lancelot ( the true king in his realme of Hungary . During this time , Amurath who could not long rest , besieged Belgrado ( which they call Nandoralba , and Alba Greca , and by the Hungariens , Chrieschisch , but by our elders Taurinum , ) situated betwixt the riuers of Danubia or Donaw , and Sauus or Saua vpon a verie necke of lande , where those two riuers doe ioyne togethers , the which towne of Belgrado the said George Vucouich before had giuen in exchange for others to the said Emperour Sigismond for that it was the key and entrie to the kingdome of Hungarie : After which at the suit and perswasion of the same George Vucouich , the said king Lancellot raised a very great army against Amurath , and therewith recouered the territories of Seruia and Rascia , which he rendred againe to the said Despot George Vucouich : to reuenge which wrong , Amurath leuied a great power , vnder the leading of one Carabey who encountring with the Christians , nigh the mountaine Costegnaz ( anciently called Hemus ) was there ouerthrowen , and Carabey taken prisoner . The which two victories , with sundrie others before and after , were obtained by the famous prowesse , and valiantnesse of Iohn Huniad called by Enguerrant de Monstrelet , and Philip de Comines , Le Blanc Cheualier de la Velaign , and by the Hungarians Ianc● Ban , or Vaiuod , that is to say , Prince of Transiluania at this present Moldauia , and by the Hungarians named Sibenbourg , that is to say , Septemcastrum , but by our elders Dacia . This worthy Iohn Huniad was father to the valiaunt Mathias king of Hungary , who not long agone reigned there . After this battaile there was an abstinence from armes condicioned betwixt the Hungarians and the Turks , for two yeres , by reason wherof , & with the paiment of fifty thousand ducats of ransome , Carabey was deliuered : the which trewse beeing soone after broken by the said king Lancelot , at the instance and perswasion of Eugenius the Pope , the fourth of that name , to king Lancelot was very infortunate , for afterward he was slaine in the battaile soughten beetwixt him and Amurath nigh the towne of Verna , aunciently called ●yonisiopolis vpon Saint Martins day , the eleauenth of Nouember Anno Domini 1444 wher the said Iohn Huniad was put to flight . Of this victory Amurath had small cause to reioyce considering it cost him very decre both in losse of his ▪ best friends , & choice souldiers : after this Amurath toke the towne of Sophie , beeing the head towne of whole Bulgaria , Scopie , and Nouomont , and ouerran all the territories of Acarnania ( called at this instant , Ducat or Duche ) and the Prouince of Cymera ( aunciently called Epirus ) where hee spoiled and wasted alongst the riuer of Achelous ( at this day named the riuer of Pachicolan ) vnto the mountaines Du Diable ( in times past called Acroceraunii ) which are part of the Mountaines called Pindus , hee tooke also the famous port towne , named Velone ( sometime called Aulon ) and passed the Gulfe of Larta , in latin called Sinus Ambracius , vnto the towne of Oricus ( now named Rigo ) and so went forward towards the Gulf of Cataro ( which is called Sinus Risonicus ) beeing fiue and twentie miles from the towne of Ragusa , ( in ancient ●●me named Epidaurus . ) Hee enforced Iohn Cos●●i●th the Despot of Cymera to giue him the enpregnable towne of Croia with his three sonnes in hostage , and pledge of fidelitie , all which hee caused to be● come Turks the yongest named George Castrioth , at that time not aboue nine yeeres of age , was called by the Turkes Scanderbeg that is to say Alexander ▪ the great , who after , became so valiant a Captaine , that for his worthie acts hee was comparable to the famous and most renowmed Pyrrus , and others his worthy predecessours , dominators and rulers of Epirus : for hauing commaund vnder Amurath , he conquered Seruia , and did bring to the Turks obeisance the Countrie of Carmania ▪ how beit afterward this Scanderbeg retourning to the christian faith , caused Amurath to loose the territorie of Seruia , and then toke from him the strong towne of Croia with all the countries , townes , & castells that before belonged to his said father Iohn Castrioth , besides that in twentie or thirty battels , wherein valiantly he fought with the Turks , he alwaies caried away with him the victorie , so as Amurath had neuer iuster matter to obiect to this Scanderbeg , then to reproch him with vnkindnes , that beeing so carefully brought vp by him , in his tender age , should so without cause reuoult ▪ calling him by sundrie letters the ingrate & vnthankfull sonne : howbeit Scanderbeg cared so little for Amurath , that vpon occasion he departed from his owne Countries , to succour in person Ferdinand king of Naples against Iohn Duke of Galabre , which Ferdinand hee restored to his realme , & expelled the Duke from the same : for which deede Ferdmand afterwards , curteoushe receiued the spoiled and calamitous children of Scanderbeg ( whom 〈…〉 the second , after the death of their father exiled and 〈…〉 of all their liuelihoode ) & gaue them lands in the kingdome of Naples , so as they became Marquizes of Saint Angelo , and of Tripaldo : so as a worthy gentelman of that race named Ferdinand Castrioth Marquiz of Saint Angelo was slaine , valiantly fighting on the imperiall part in the late battaile before Pauia . Amurath after that did winne the countrie of Moree ( which in latin by our elders is called Peloponesus ) through the discord of two bretheren , the one called Thomas and the other Demetrius , Despots of the same country , being brothers of Constantine Paleologo last Emperour of Constantinople , who by reason that the Albanois moued warres against them , sought for succours to Amurath , and became his tributaries , but after denying to pay their promised tribute , Amurath draue them out of their whole countrie of Moree . Howbeit Demetrius afterwards retired himself towardes the Turque , but Thomas repayred to Rome , to the Pope where hee ended his life , leauing foure children , two sonnes and two daughters . Amurath beeing now become aged , and wearie both of the world and of his victories , withdrew himselfe among certaine Heremits and other Religieux , of his supersticious sect , pretending to leade the rest of his daies solitarilie and in quietnesse : & established in his place his son . Mahumet being but yong of yeeres , to reigne and gouerne his Kingdomes , appoynting for his gouernour one Haly Bassa , called of some , Caly Bassa . Howbeit when the famous Iohn Huniades , with the Hungarians had gathered togethers a mightie army , to haue inuaded the dominions of this young Mahumet . Amurath ( at the great instaunce and suite both of his sonne as also of the sayd Haly Bassa ( that could not bee obeyed ) was enforced to take vppon him the administration and gouernment of the present affaires , who making head against the saide Hungarians in the ende , vanquished and put them to flight . After which Amurath inuaded the dominions of the valiaunt Scanderbeg , beesieged his strong towne of Croia , howbeeit hee could not winne the same . And in his retyring by the Mountaynes there , hee was spoyled by the Paisaunts , and verie manie of his armie slaine , whereby Amurath entered into such a meruaylous melancholie and displeasure , that what by disease therewith taken , and his olde age togethers hee dyed , in the yeere of our Lord God 1451. of his age seauentie fiue , and of his reigne thirtie two , and of the reigne of Charles , the French king the seauenth of that name twentie sixe . Thus Amurath was the first , that instituted the Iannisaries . MAHVMET , the second of that name , called by Enguerrand , and other french Historiographers Morbesan , perhaps they would haue said Morbesalem , which is as much in the Surien or Moresque language , as these woordes in the Gospell , Vade in Pace , depart in peace . This woord Morbesan among the Turkes signifieth so much as Duke or Duchie . This Mahumet was sonne of the saide Amurath , and of Iriny a Christian woman daughter to George the Despot of Seruia , who beganne to reigne the one and twentie yeere of his age , and two yeeres after did winne by assault the Citie of Constantinople Anno Domini 1453. where the Emperour Constantinie was slayne , by which it so came to passe , that as one Constantine sonne to Helen , was the first Emperour of Constantinople : so an other Constantine sonne of an other Helen , was the last Christian Emperour there . This Mahumet proued in the ende , neither Musulman or Mahometist , for in his infancye hee was instructed in the christian faith , by his said mother , and after by others in the Turkish supersticion , howbeit , whan he came to age , he cared neither for the one nor other . In the beginning of his reigne , he caused two of his bretheren being but of very tender age ( the one , of a yeere and a halfe , the other not passing sixe moneths olde ) to be slaine : howbeit some doe affirme that the elder sonne was secretly saued , an other childe beeing put in his roome , who was caried to Venice , and from thence to Rome to Pope Calixt , who caused him to bee baptised and named Calixt Othman , vpon whom the Emperour Frederic afterwards did bestow great liuings . Mahumet hauing thus taken Constantinople as I haue declared , did inuade the dominions of Hungary , and besieged Belgrado , from which , hee vvas repulsed by the worthie Iohn Huniades , that was then within Belgrado , with the Cardinall Angelo , and the famous gray Frier called Iohn Capistran ▪ From this siege Mahumet withdrew himselfe and his army with shame inough , for beesides his owne hurts & wounds , he lost wholy his artillerie & baggage , with his for euer hope to haue the realme of Hungarie : besides hee was compelled wholy to attend the recouerie of the dominion of Moree , which the Venetians had wonne from him , hauing repaired the Examilo ( which is a long wall of the length of sixe Italian miles extending from the Gulfe Patras , which the latines doe call Sinu Corinthiacus , vnto the Bay of Egino named in latin Sinus Megaricus , betweene which two Gulfs , ( as it were in the midst of the Istmus , not passing sixe miles broad , being a peece of groūd comparable vnto a bridge tyeng the dominion and territorie of Peloponesus , vnto the maine land of Grecia ) the Citie of Corinthe stood sometime of notable fame , but now reduced to a little village called Coranto ) the which long vvall named the Examilo , Amurath in his life had caused to bee demolished and cast downe , to the end to haue the more easie passage into Peloponesus : but when Mahumet came , the Venetians hoping they had beene strong inough , in a battaile which they fought vvith him , vvere cleane ouerthrovven , vvhere a great number of Italian Captaines vvere slaine : so as Mahumet recouered the chiefe of the territory of Peloponesus , foorthvvith againe after vvhich in the very sight of the Venetians hee did vvinne from them the vvhole Iland of Negropont called also Euboea , ioyned to the firme & main land vvith a bridge , vvith the Ilands of Stalimene anciently named Lemnos , and Methelin called Lesbos , appertaining then to Nicholas Cataluz a Geneuois : and so prosecuting his good fortune hee tooke the Isle of Saint Maura ( called Nerytus , and by some Leucas , & Leucadia ) together vvith the Isles of Zante ( aunciently named Zacynthus ) and Cephalenia , ( called novv Chiphalonie : ) Hee recouered the strong tovvne of Croya , after the death of Scanderbeg , spoiled the tovvne of Scodra called novv Scutare from Seigneur Aranith Comino , or Comnenus surnamed Golent father of Seigneur Constantine , vvho then gouerned the Marquesdome of Montferrato , after the death of the Duchesse his niece , at vvhich time Charles the eight the French King retourned from Naples : after all this Mahumet inuaded the territorie of Bosne , and tooke the Despot thereof called Stephan Hierchec , and of some Historiographers the Duke Latic , and caused his head to bee smitten off , compelling a yong sonne of this Despot to be made a Renie , and to be circumsised , in surnaming him Achmath . Hee tooke from the Geneuois , their towne of Capha ( auncientlie called Theodosia ) situated in Prezocopie , named by the Geographers Taurica Chersonesus : which is as though it were halfe and sland , as is Peloponesus , and hath on the one side the Gulf of Nigropila ( called Sinus Carcini●●s ) & on the other , the Baye called La Mer Noir , named in latin B●cis Paulus , from which not very far distant is the famous Gulfe called Palus Meotis commonly named the Gulf de li Tana , during which time of these his expedicions & exploits in war in countries so farre distant the one from the other ; hee was assalted in Natolie by Piramet Caraman , who enforced him to relinquish his further enterprises . Notwithstanding before his departure , he tooke the strong fortresse of Mancup or Manlzup , situated in the Isthmus or strait peece of ground which knitteth or ioyneth Prezocopie vnto the firme land called by the ancients Taphre , now Azan or Assou ▪ standing vpon the shore of the Gulf ▪ of T●na . That done , Mahumet retired into Natelie , and repulled from thence Caraman , inuading the countries of the same Caraman , whereof he did win a great part : and in his returne tooke the citie of Sinopes , the Metropolis of Pap●lagonia , which standeth vpon the coast of the sea called anciently Pontus Euxinus , & now La Mer Maiour , as also vpon the same coast ▪ the renowned citie of Trapezonda , being the chiefe city of the Empire of Trapezonda , where he did put to death the Emperour therof called Dauid Conino or Comnenus , who was a Christian , discended of the valiaunt Isaac Conino , who from a meane Captaine became Emperour of Constantinople , after the Emperour Michaell : all which troubles aboue said came to passe , when as the Hungarians , and those of Austrich moued wars against the Emperour Frederic to recouer Ladislaus ( whom some doe call Lancelot ) the sonne of Albert , to be their king and lord , whom Frederic had in keeping , yet would not restore him , though he was adiudged meete to reigne : while Mahumet became thus victorious , there did spring a new enemie against him named Vssuncassan or Assambeg the prince of Persia , who with a great power of the Persians ( whom the Turkes doe call Keselbach , that is to say , red heads , by reason that they did weare red hoods ) entered into Capadoce and Trapesonde , and fought two battailes with Mahumet ; in the first of which Mahumet was ouerthrowen , but in the second Assambeg had the worst , and therby lost sundry of his dominions . This Vssuncassan or Assambeg was sonne in law to the saide Dauid Conyno Emperour of Trebisonde , of whom beefore I made mencion , who reigned in the yeere of our Lord God 1472. Mahumet thus deliuered of his aduersarie , retourned into Caramany after the death of Pyramet Caraman , and enforced Abraham his sonne to seeke for succours from the Christians , and chiefelie of Pope Pius the second of that name , who was determined in person to haue gone against the Turke , and for that purpose was repayred to the Citie of Ancona , where hee had in readinesse a great army on the sea : but while hee stayed there for the Venetians that should haue accompanied him in the voyage , Pius dyed , without any further exploit done at that time . Whereby it so came to passe , that this army being scattered , and the Allemans and the Hungarians continuing still at warres , this infortunate Caraman not able to resist Mahumet , was in the end miserablie slaine by him , and by this meane the race of Caraman was vtterly ouerthrowen , and his dominions rested in the subiection of the Othmans . Mahumet now assured and safe vpon this coast of Cilicia , sent Omarbey , the Sangiac of Bosnia , who was sonne of a Geneuois , to pill and ouerrunne the countrie of Istria ( called Liburnia ) as likewise to spoile the territorie of Carinthia ( commonly called Crayn ) & so to furrow the land of Stiria ( anciently called Valeria , now at this day named Steirmarck ) all which countries are comprehended vnder the name of Illirium . This Omarbey in executing his princes commandement , passed vnto the region of Frioll , ( which in latin is called Forum Iulii , ) trauesing mightie and great riuers , both by foords and bridges made on boates as occasion serued , and ouerthrew the armie of the Venetians that came to debat his passage , in which conflict were slaine & taken a great company of notable good Captaines of Italy . Of another part Mahumet did send Athmath Bacha ( surnamed Ghendich , that is to say with a great Tooth , sonne of Stephan sometime Despot of Bosnia , of whom I dyd speake beefore ) with a great army by sea into Italy who tooke the towne of Otrant● ( called in latin Hydruntus and of the auncients I●pigium ) situated in the territorie of Apulia in Italie : a little beefore which Mesith Bacha Paleologo , discended of the race of the Emperour of Constantinople , did beesiege the famous citie of the Rhodes with a mightie army , from which hee was repulsed by the Christians that valiauntly defended the same . Now Mahumet not contented thus with these three Armies , in person went against the Soldain of Egipt , but being arriued nigh vnto Nicomedia ( a Citie of Bithynia in Natoly , which Citie at this day is called Comidy , and of the Turks Nichor , Mahumet died in the yeere of our Lord God 1442 of his age 54. And of his reigne 31. About the ende of Loys the eleuenth , and the beginning of the reigne of Charles the eight the French king . This Mahumet was called by the Turks , Mahumet Boiuc , that is to say Mahumet the great , who left beehinde him , two sonnes the one called Pazait and the other Zizimy , which is to say loue , for Mustapha his eldest sonne , who was Gouernour of Icony called Iconium in Latin , dyed soone after the second battell fought as aboue saide against Vsuancssan , in which battell Mustapha had very valiantly behaued himselfe . PAZAIT otherwise called Bazait the second of that name , and the yongest as was supposed of his three Bretheren ( thorough the aide and fauour of the Ianizares of whom their Laga or Captaine was his sonne in law , ) seized and atteigned the Empire . And Zizimy his brother , was planted in the Citie of Bursie wherewith and the dominions of the same hee could haue very well contented himselfe . But Bazait would not let him rest so nigh , for which with the armie that was put in redinesse by his father to haue gone against the Soldan of Egipt he draue his brother Zizimy out of Bursie . So as Zizimy for succour , was enforced to repaire to the Soldain of whom he was aided both with men and money , yet neuerthelesse , after he had fought two battels and lost them both , hee was in the ende vtterly put to flight by Achmat Ghendich Bacha , and not knowing how to recouer himselfe , retired into the Isle of Rhodes to require succors of vs Christians , being then of the age of eight and twentie yeeres . Whereof Bazait beeing aduertised sent great gifts and presents to the great maister and counsaile of the Rhodes , beeseeching them to keepe well his brother Zizimy and for the maintenaunce of his estate and entertainment , he would cause yeerely to bee payde to them the summe of fortie thousand Ducats , as also during the time of his keeping he would make no manner of inuasion vpon the Christians . For which this Zizimy , for saftie , and to keepe Bazait in continuall feare and subiection was sent , into the realme of Fraunce where hee continued very long in a house of the order of the Rhodes , called Bourgeneuf , but after hee was giuen to P. P. Innocent the eight of that name , and had to Rome where hee was resident , whan Charles the eight inuaded the Realme of Naples , who needes would haue Zizimy away with him , hopeing by his meanes to recouer the Empire of Constantinople but the P. P. Alexander the sixt of that name ( perceiuing hee must depart with Zizimy whither hee would or no ) enpoysened him in such sort ( as was said ) that after such his delyuerie hee dyed within three dayes at Tarracine . Baizait thus dispatched of his brother ; beeganne to inuade the Countries of Transyluania and tooke Moncastro standing on the Riuer of Neper called in Lattin Boristhenes , with the towne of Lithostomo at the mouth of the riuer of Danubye . After which , he caused to be put to death , his famous Generall Achmat Ghendich Bacha , comparable in valour to any excellent man of warre of his time . He was sonne to Stephan sometime Despot of Bosnia as beefore I declared . This being done , to pursue the entent and purpose of his father Mahumet against the Soldain of Egipt and partly to reuenge himselfe vpon the same Soldain for mayntaining of his brother Zizimy against him , hee sent a mightie armie into Sury . Of the which the Mammaluchs getting intelligence , assembled themselues at Antioche , marching towardes the Turkes whome they found encamped vnder the mountaine Amanus ( now called Monte Negro ) wher they couragiously encountred their enemyes betwixt the same mountain and the Golfe of Layasse ( which is called in Latin Sinus Issicus . Where sometime also Alexander the great , discomfited king Darius ) ouerthrew the Turkes armie , and tooke prisoner the Generall of the same , called Cherseogli sonne in law of Bazait whom they brought to the Soldain than being at his great Citie of Cair ( which the Turkes called Mitzir . ) But seeing I am thus chaunced to make mencion of these Mammaluchs I shall not much digresse from my matter , if first I shew you what these Mammaluchs are . This woord Mammaluch in the Surienne tongue , ( beeing the common language vsed in Africk which wee call Moresque and the most enlarged and extended vulgare speech that at this day is vsed in the world ▪ ) betokeneth or signifieth a seruiteur or soldior . This Soldain and the Mammeluchs were of one manner of Religion , and liued without marriage , as those that are of the order of the Rhodes & the knights of Malta doe , who aboue their other apparrell , vsed to weare a gowne of white Bocassin bright & artificially made to shine . And as the great Turk hath foure Visir Bacha exceeding the others in dignitie : So hath the Soldain foure Emir Quibir surmounting the rest in honour next vnto the Soldain . For this word Emir betokeneth an Admerall and Quibir signifieth great . So as this woord Emir Quibir , is as much to say a great Admerall . Besides , they had in their society a great constable called in their tongue Derdard Quibir , whom Paulus Iouius calleth the great Diadaro . The Soldain being but a Mammaluch is chosen to that dignitie by the rest of the brothers , as they doe elect the great Maister of the Rhodes , and most often hee is of one of their Emirs . Who being thus elected to be Soldain giueth to euery of the other Mammaluchs by way of reward a hundred Duckets for his welcome . All which Mammaluchs were Christians Renies , or sonnes of Christians as are the Ianizaries ; ( who in no case would receiue any Turke Moore or Iewe to be of their societie ) being all Liuerous for so the Turkes doe name them . This Liuerous were aunciently named Hiberi and Circassi ( whom they call Cercaz , ) among whom the Colchi , Georgii , Albani , and others Christians who were Iacobits and Nestorians , remaining about the riuer of Phaso otherwise called Phasis ) were accounted . This Circassi beeing young whan the Tartarians dyd surprise and take them , were carryed by troopes and solde to the saide Emirs , with whom they were brought vp in the exercise of armes but chiefely on horsback , who beecomming very valyaunt ; were made Mammaluchs obseruing the Mahumeticall law . This order of the Mammaluchs beganne at such time as the king saint Lois was taken prisoner before Damyate ( which some cal Heliopolis ) among whom the first Soldain was named Melechsalem whom they dyd kill and was the cause that the sayd saint Loys was the more easily deliuered . But to returne to Bazait , this ouerthrow that the Turkes thus receiued nigh to the Golfe of Layasse by the Mammaluchs , was the greatest calamitie that euer came to the Turckes , whereof Bazait hauing receiued intelligence , and perceiuing that his affaires had small good successe on that side , retired his force into Sclauonye , and there tooke the towne of Durazo ( aunciently called Dirrachium ) and Epidamnus perteigning to the familie of the Carlouichs who affirmed themselues to haue descended out of the house of the kings of Fraunce . That is to say from Charles of Durazo surnamed de le Faix sonne of Peter Duke of Grauyn sonne of Charles second king of Naples , and of Hungary in the right of his wife . The which Charles was sonne of Charles D'aniou king of Naples brother to the said king saint Loys . IN the yeere of our Lord God 1493. Bazait sent eight thousand horsemen vnder the leading of Cadum Bacha to ouer runne the Countries lying betweene Hungarie and Sclauonie , against whom , certaine of the Nobility of Hungary Croace and Sclauony dyd assemble themselues and encountered the Turckes nigh vnto the Riuer of Moraua ( auncientlie called Moschus ) where the Christians were ouerthrowen . Fiue yeeres after , Haly Bacha the Albaneze and Enuch with a great armie by sea made towardes the towne of Iara or Iadera situated on the shore of the Golfe of Venice in the coast of Sclauony . And albeit that the forces of the Venetians ( which was very mightie on the sea , ) pursued the Turkes yet durst they not charge thē , which Haly Bacha perceiuing , tooke at their noses the towne of Lepantho , aunciently called Naupactum . IN the yeere of our Lord God 1500. Bazait came in person to Modon , that somtime was called Methones , in Moree and tooke the same . And after , when Lewes the twelfth , the French King ioyned in aliaunce with the Venetians against Ludouic Sforza the vsurper of the Duchie of Milayn , Bazait at the request of Sforza caused tenne thousand horsemen to inuade the territorie of Friol , insomuch as they approched euen to the towne of Triuiso in the view of the Citie of Venice . For which the Venetians prepared immediatly a great armie on the sea against the Turkes , with whom the Gallies of Fraunce vnder the charge of Seigneur Rauestaing , as also the Gallies of the king of Aragon vnder the leding of the famous Don Ferrando Consaluo ioyned , with which armie they dyd win from the Turks the Islands of Cephalonia , and saint Mauro . But ( vpon certaine conclusions of peace traicted by the meanes of Messire Andreas Gritti ( who afterwardes was Duke of Venice ) betwixt the Venetians & the Turkes ) were againe surrendered , yet the Gallies of Fraunce , passed forwardes to the Isle of Lesbos , ( otherwise called Metheline ) hopeing to haue subdued the same , but not able to bring their enterprise to passe , they returned home againe . About this time beeganne the fame and renowne of Siach Ismael the king of Persia , by surname called the Sophie according to the name of his father , who was sonne to the Daughter of Vssuncassan , and of one Seich Ayder ( that is to say the good Religioux ) for he was reputed among the Persians to bee a very good and holy man , and a Prophet called Sophi , of that sect new begunne among the Mahumetists , which they call Sophi or Sophilar , of the which I dyd speake beefore , according to the which hee lyued . Some holde opinion that hee was called Sophi of the Countrey of Sophena which was vnder his dominion . But neyther the Turkes nor yet the Persians know what Countrey Sophena is : The sayde Seich Ayder after the death of Vsuncassam was shamefully slayne by the commandement of Iacopbeg his brother in law , doubtting that the people of Persia ( who meruailously were affected owardes Seich ) would haue deposed the sayd Iacopbeg and made Seich to haue beene theyr King. For which Seich Ismaell hearing of his fathers death beeing than not passing eyght yeeres of age , fledde to the towne of Leziam situated vppon the Sea of Abacuth ( commonly called Caspium , ) where hee remayned vntill hee came to mans age , and than returned into Persia , where finding meanes to assemble but three hundered men thorough theyr help hee tooke the towne of Sumach , and after , increasing his number , hee wanne the Citie of Taurys in Armeny with the towne of Syras , where the good Armours are made . Hee afterwardes vanquished and slew in fight Aluant sonne of Iacopbeg who made him-selfe King after the death of his father , who was sonne to Vsuncassan ( Vncle to the sayde Ismaell ) and entered in league with the Prince Aladulad or Anaudule and the Soldain of Egypt by whome hee was drawne to mooue warre against Bazait , against whom he obtayned sundry victories . About this time Selym , the youngest sonne of Bazait , departed from Trebisconde whereof he was gouernour , and without the knowledge of his father , married with the daughter of the Cham of Tartarie Prezecopie . Thorough whose aide and a great number of Horsemen , which his brother in law ( called of the Turkes Chamogly or Canogly : ) brought to accompany him , ( hauing already gained the hearts of his fathers Iannizaries . ) Hee enforced Bazait his father to leaue to him his Empire . Which Bazait , purposing to draw himselfe to the cost of the sea Maior otherwise named Pontus Euxinus and there to leade the residue of his yeeres in quietnesse , dyed in his going thither , empoysonned as was iudged by his sonne Selym , in that they did drinke togethers at their departure . Bazait reigned thirtie yeeres , lyued threescore and three yeares , dyed in the yeere of our Lord God , one thousand fiue hundered & twelue . And in the fourteenth of the reigne of Lewes the twelfth , the French king , leuing behinde him Selym , Achmat , and Corchuth . SELYM , thus hauing attained to the Empire , through the meanes aboue declared , endeuored himselfe aboue all things to dispatch himselfe from the feare of his bretheren . For which first hee caused Corcuth his brother to bee put to death , who before had fled to the sea cost ouer against the Island of the Rhodes and there had hidden himselfe vntill hee might haue gotten shipping to haue past vnto the great Maister , but being shamefully discouered by one of his owne men , in the ende was strangeled with a bow string . Achmat his brother dyed by lyke death , being taken in battell , accompanied with an able armie which hee had gotten togethers thorough the ayde of Siach Ismael , and of Campson Ciauri Soldain of Egipt . Yet through his fatnesse and vnweldinesse of body whereby hee was not able to abide labour on horseback and so to flye , was taken & put to death . Selym , being thus deliuered from his father & bretheren , deliberated to inuade the Sophy , aswell for the auncient enmitie that was betwixt them , as to reuenge himselfe of this new iniury , for ayding his brother Achmat , to make wars against him . Howbeit , that the more easely he might bring his purpose about , he found meanes first to make peace with Lancelot the king of Hungary , & than for his greater suertie , renewed the alliance & league that he had with the Venetiās : after which he set forward towards the Persiās , whome the Sophy met , accompanied with a great nūber of men at Armes , nigh to Assiria , wher these great Princes with their Armies fought a wonderful sore battell , in vvhich the Sophy through the Turks Artillery had the worst , & was put to flight : forsomuch as the Persian horses vvere neuer frequented to the noise & thundring of artillery , which they could not abide to heare . This battell vvas fought in the plain of Calderan , betwixt the cities of Tauris , and Coy : which citie of Coy sometime hath bene called Artaxata . The maner of this battel is painted in the counsail chamber at Venice , vvhich ther I haue seene , & is reported that Selym caused so to be done , & sent to Venice , to the Senat ther. After vvhich conflict the citie of Tauris came into the hands of the Turks , vvith a great part of the Realme of Persia : Howbeit the Turks had no long possession of the same : For Siach Ismael recouered al that he had lost , right soone after . In such sort as Thomas the sonne of the said Ismael holdeth the same at this day . Selym now retourning out of Persia came to Trebizonda , where he taried all the winter , but the sommer next ensuing he inuaded the prince Aladolus , othervvise called Anardule , ( vvho frontered vpon the Soldain of Egipt , towards a Towne of his called Alep , by the french men named Halappe , by the Turks Adelphe , & by our anciants Epiphania , supposed to be called Aleph , because it is the first Towne which that vvay leadeth into Sury ) . Vpon an other coast , he bordereth on the Turks , toward the prouince of Icony , & vnto Armenia the lesse pertaining to the Persians . All this country of Anadule , vvas subdued by Selym , Anadule himselfe taken , and his head smitten off , by commaund . There rested now no mo in the contrary of Selym , but onely the Soldain of Egipt , vvho vvith a great Armie vvas come against Caythby , the Emyr of Alep , vvho being subiect to the Soldain , had reuolted against him . The armie of the Soldain was supposed to be about eight & twentie thousand Horsemen , the most part of vvhich consisted of the order of the Mameluchs , vvho litle estemed the Turks , considering that heretofore they had encountred them in other vvars , & giuen them the ouerthrow , as before is declared . But Selym politickly feigning as though he purposed to inuade the Sophy , vvhereof he made a bruit to runne : vvhan he vvas come nigh vnto the Towne of Aman , ( called by our ancients Apamea , situated betwixt Alep and Damas , ) vvas instantly required & prayed by the sayd Caithby , to giue him succours and ayde against the Soldain : Wherunto , Selym accorded right soone , as he , that found vvhat he desired , and a redy occasion , for vvhich he had long looked . Yet vvould he not vtter his thoughts therein , least the two armies of the prince and subiect , being ready in the feeld to fight , and perceuing his purpose , ( vvho in taking part sought so to ouer throw them both ) should accord togethers against him . Wherfore immediately he raigned with the Emir Caith by , bidding defiance to the Souldain Campson Ciauri , with vvhom he fought in set field , vvhere the Souldain vvas slaine , and Caithby also as some doe say , ) vvherby Selym remained Lord ouer all Siria , Damas. Hierusalem , & Iudea . The M●mcluchs vvho saued themselues in that battaile , returned into Egipt , vvhere vvith the others there , they chose an other Souldain named Tomombey , vvho before , vvas Emyr of Alexandria , hovvbeit Selym hotly follovving his fortune and victories , entred into Egipt , vanquished Tomombey in an other battaile , tooke the great citie of Caire , ( vvhich of some , vvrongfully is called Carra ) & named of other by more aparant reason Memphis , ) vvhere vvhilst Tomombey vvould haue saued himselse on the other side of the riuer Nyle , he vvas pursued by Canogly , vvho passed the riuer by ships , vvith ten thousand Horsemen , ( the bridge that vvas made on boats ouer the same , being cloyed vvith Ianizaries , so as he vvas not able to passe that vvay , ) by vvhich Canogly Tomombey , being taken and brought back to Selym , caused him straight to be strangled , vvhereby the said Selym remained King of Egipt , Anno Domini . 1518. These victories thus attained , Selym returned to Constantinople , and purposing to remoue to the Citie of Adrianople , died in his iournyeng , at a village called Chiorlich : vvhere before vvith his Tartarians , he did fight vvith his father Bazait , and vvas ouerthrowen . Thus he died in the yeere of our Lord God one thousand fiue hundred and twentith , of his reigne the eightenth yeere of his age the sixe & forty yeere : and of the reigne of the right Christian king Erancis the French King , the eight yeere After that he had put to death three of his most worthy Bachas , Chenden Bacha , because he would haue mutined his Iannissaires , entring into Persia . Bostangi , otherwise called Constantin Bacha his sonne in law , for sundry exactions and spoiles that he had committed : & Ianus Bacha , wher of none could tell the cause , sauing that Selym thought him to be high minded . This Selym left but one sonne named Solyman , called by the Turks , Selyman : whom he recommended to the custody of Peribacha , who before had gouerned him in his youth . SOLYMAN came to his reigne the xxviij . yeere of his age , who the yeere next ensuing by the coūsail of Peribacha , beseged Belgrado , & did win it from king Lewes of Hungary ( the son of Lancelot . ) who at that time was very young , hauing the Princes & Lords of his Countrie at discord among them selues , about the Regimēt of their King and of his Realme : Whereby it came to passe that no maner of Order was foreseen , either for the defence or succoring of that famous Place . The next yeere after , hee beesieged the Rhodes , espying alwayes after the custome of his elders , the discords & diuisions among Christian Princes , the which enterprice was cleerely against the minde and counsail of Peribacha , who accompted that Iourney very doubtfull and of no litle aduenture : Howbeit the same succeded too well with him , as he desired . In the yeere of our Lord God 1527. whan Italy was in wars & troubles , Solyman entred into Hungary in fauour , as he said , of Iohn de Ziphs , the Vayuod of Sibenbourg , who pretended that the kingdome of Hungarie dyd to him onely of right appertaine : wher it came to passe , that the young King Lewes , comming in person to the fight , was slaine : after which , the said Iohn attaining the kingdome , dyed , leauing a yong son , an Infant , behinde him , vnder protection of Solyman , with his Kingdome likewise . The same Selyman in the yeare 1535. going in expedicion against Thomas king of the Persians toke from him the whole country of Mesopotamia , vvith the citie of Babilon , and in 1538 continuing at Aulona hee gaue an attempt to the vvinning of the Isle of Corcyra . 1540 hee both besieged and tooke the strong fortres called Castell Nouo in Dalmatia . In the yeere 1541 Iohn de Ziphs king of Hungaria being dead as aforesaid , & his widdow calling Solyman to hir aide , who as then vvas besieged in the citie of Buda , by Ferdinand king of the Romains . The said Solyman not onely came to releeue hir , but beating back the army of Ferdinand , tooke the said citie , placed therin a Bassa , and sent the vviddovv vvith hir infant son into Transiluania . The yeere following the same Solyman defended the city of Pestum in Hungaria against the vnited and assembled forces of the whole Germain Empire , and after toke from them the two strong holdes of Strigonium and Alba Regalis , and in fine concluded peace with Ferdinand king of the Romains and Hungaria , vpon condicion of a yeerelie pension ( which they doe call a tribute ) to bee paied him . In the yeere 1549 and 1550 hee vndertoke another expedicion against the Persians , and established a Beglerbeg at Vanum in the confines of Media and Armenia , after which he possessed himselfe of Tripolis in Africa , Temeswar in Hungaria , the which with the adioyning countries he committed to the defence of a new Bassa . In the yeere 1553 ▪ he commanded his eldest son Mustapha to bee put to death at Halep : gaue order though in vaine , that Zegethum in Hungaria , should be besieged & afterward enforced his son Baiaseth ( desirous to succeed his father ) hauing first ouercome him in battell , to fly to the king of the Persians , where being apprehended , he the said Baiaseth , with his foure sons , Solyman , his nephews , were cruelly slaine ▪ 1560 the Turks gaue a great ouerthrow to the Christians , at the Iland of Garbe , while the saide Christians were desirous to recouer the towne of Tripolis , formerly taken , as is said by the Turks . After which the said Solyman attempted ( but with small succes ) the Iland of Malta , yet toke that of Chios belonging to the state of Genua . Lastly being againe recald into Hungaria by Iohn of Transiluania he died before Zegethum in the yeere 1566. and of his age seauentie sixe . To whom succeeded his son Selimus the second , this Selimus made peace with Maximilian the Emperour euery eight yeeres to be renewed , toke from the possession of the Venetians , the Isle of Ciprus , & in the yeere 1571 receiued that memorable ouerthrow in that worthy sea fought battell at Lepanto . Hee likewise by Sinamus Bassa his generall , toke in the kingdome of Tunis in Africk , forty yeeres after that Charles the fift the Emperor had held it in his command , & caused that famous fort of the Gulet , to be ouerthrowen & leueled with the ground : This Sinamus Bassa , is he who at this day is the great cōmander of all ● Turkish forces in Hungaria . And so the said Selimus in the end of the yeer 1574 died . Who left behind him a son called Amurath the third , the which Amurath , for the space of 14 continued yeers , held wars both long some & variable with the Persian king called Mahemet Hodobende , ( as much to say as the seruant of God , ) which wars scarce determined he began to make head against the Christians & the Emperour Rodolphe , by whose soldiors the Bassa Bosnensis 1593 and others at Sisciam in Hungaria had ben slaine . This Amurath after many miseries inflicted vpon the poore remaynder of Hungaria , & the confines of Austria in the end of March , the yeere 1595 concluded his daies . To him succeeded Mahumet the third his son , who now reigneth , a yong man then of the age of thirty two yeeres , little more or lesse , of a great spirit , able body , & infaligable minde , who before the performance of his fathers funerall rites , caused xviii of his brothers , & fathers sons by seuerall concubines to bee strangled , all which with their said father he toke order should honorably in the same monument be enterred , seauen & twenty of his sisters he inclosed in the Seraglio , a place in manner of a monestary , deputed for the retyring of the great Senior his children , & the safe keeping of his concubines . This Mahumet is thought to prosecut the wars against the Christians , which his father left vnfinished , with more feruent desire & greater forces then any other before him . In this sort as you see , haue I for your content entred and finished this matter , which required more largely to haue ben touched , & to haue busied one of better knowledge , which things though but slightly run ouer , may suffice to make aparant , that since but meane princes in regard of the vnited Christian forces , haue thus encombred the course of their conquests it is not Impossible the like againe may be done , & greater when God shall encourage vs thervnto . The end of the second booke . To the VVorshipfull his very good cosen Edward Carr of Sleford in the countie of Lincolne Esquier , and one in hir Maiesties Commission of peace there . SIR , one and the same loue and duetie , deriued from an infinit desire to serue and honour you , formerly protested to your worthy brothers , and now continued towards you , hath drawen on this third booke , in such sort , as you see , not without some speciall reason , for heerein beeing in most liuely and faire lines , laide forth , the perfect modells of true valour , and resolution , with many other parts of action and exact military discipline , admired presidents both for rule and example : I could not in my owne conceit better dispose of , then in commending vnto you , beeing as I heare , a man in action , and one whom your countrie hath built their better hopes , when seruice or the like occasion may call them therevnto : what I wish , and well hope , that the two first bookes haue obtayned from them , of fauourable acceptaunce and entertaining , my honest will according to my meaning : the same I would intreat most earnestly of you , for this : which granted shall engage mee ere long to some greater taske , better fitting your worth , and in conformety more fullie squared to my owne desire , till when I take my leaue and rest , for euer in what I can . Your worships exceedingly deuoted R. Carr. The third Booke . The Historie of Celimus secundus : of the warres and siege of Malta . WHO soeuer that complaine of the inconstance and imbecilitie of humaine affaires , & the estate of mankinde , truely they doe it not without cause : for well obseruing they shall see all things , with the heauens themselues , sometime flow , & somtime chaunge , though not according to the face of the heauens , and the positions , motions , and courses of the starres , ( which in their times appointed , doe make returne , ) the matters and state of mankinde are alwaies like , for neither mankinde it selfe , nor their worthie acts , pollicies , arts , regiments , and lawes , ( whereof the most part are either at this present , chaunged , or els vtterlie decaied , ) which any conuercion or retourne of the heauens can come againe , whereof example vnto vs , are the Assyrians , Meds , Persians , Aegiptians , Carthagians , Greeks , and Romains : For ▪ time chaungeth and consumeth all worldly things , which had enfolded and vtterly ouerturned , the famous acts of these worthie nations , in the horrible darkenesse of obliuion and forgetfulnesse , if that an other ( as it were a resplendishing and most bright sunne , ) had not ben reserued from the first beeginning of mankinde , that should counteruaile such in constance and imbecilitie of humaine thinges , whereby not onely to prepare an immortalitie , to sliding and fluxible matters , but chiefelie which all wee mortall creatures ought to desire , ) to shew the perfect way , to ioyfull felicitie . And that is , the memorie of the acts and dooings past of mankinde , which wee vse to call and name a Historie : for when that in mankinde , there is by nature an engraued appetite and desire of that goodnesse , which is called felicitie , so as what soeuer wee thinke , we iustlie doe any thing , wee refer it to that end of goodnesse and felicitie , but verelie that true goodnesse , and most certaine felicitie consisteth in this point , that we may bee assuredly ioyned and knit with almightie God , and to bee like to him , as hee hath appointed vs : Which vnfainedlie they may affirme , to haue attayned and gotten , who that hauing brought in obedience to reason , the desires of their mindes , and appetites , will found and establishe their vniuersall life vpon vertue , accordingly as to the perfect dignitie of mankinde is required : howbeeit , none there is , that would suppose to haue gotten certainlie and absolutely this felicitie , except hee will liue and be conuersant in that kinde of societie and company of men , which by pollicie and wholesome lawes , being congregated and gathered togethers is rightly to bee called a citie or common wealth , which truely , then shall be accompted happie ▪ if that three things , ( whervpon due felicitie consisteth , ) shall aide and helpe the same , that is to say , That it may bee , that well it may bee , that alwayes in that stay it may bee : And for so much as there bee two especiall points , whereunto euery well ruled Citie or Common wealth ought to haue regard , that is to say , to peace and war , and that by peace , rather than warres , wee inioy and haue happie liues , considering that warres ought to bee taken in hand to the ende , that wee may in peace liue quietlie : and such desire of peace is in mankinde , that no trauaile , no charge , no daungers and perilles will bee eschewed that peace may bee attayned and gotten , when as thorough the same , each necessarie matter for quiet life is purchased . But truely , of that kinde of peace I meane , nor whan armour is layed a part , wee stay from moouing of warres , and in the meane time rancour and malice to haue domination in our breasts : but rather of such peace , I meane , that is grounded vpon the loue of God and beneuolence in the hartes of each good Citizen , to bee good vnto euery one . Albeeit , Sapience and Wisdome must bee the Queene and vnfallable guide of vs mortall people , who if shee bee our guide to felicitie , shee is plaine and able inough , of hir selfe to accomplish the same , it is shee that hath Fortune in obedience , it is shee that giueth vertue , deligence , and other good acts , and the same can make fast to remaine in vs : but vnto hir ther be two waies addressed , the one by Philosophers and establishers of wholesome lawes , the other , by Historiographers , the one by generall precepts of good life & demonstrations of reason , the other , ( by shew and declaration of worthie facts , comming to passe , and sequels of the acts and doings of mankinde , ioyned with varietie of examples , & matters of themselues . ) leadeth & guideth vs to wisdome , & so much this exceedeth the other , as the very acts & doings hath the superiority ouer words & sayings , and as it may be well perceiued of what force it consisteth to alure the mindes of any , to the enbrace of the same : for this path way of history , both kings , generals in wars , and chiefelie rulers in common wealthes , citezins young , and olde , rich and poore , miserable , and fortunate , ought to haue in price and estimation , in this to delight , this to loue , and of this to make to themselues a fellow , companion , and familiar , as it , which vnto euery age , degree , and fortune , is most apt , and replenished with euery kinde of examples , aswell of priuate as publique fortune : for when we perceiue , how that fortune changeth or ouerturneth and abolisheth high , low , and meane , men , families , common wealthes , nations , Empires and kingdomes ; if there bee any thing amongst men , that hath power to encounter and counteruaile fortune , and to stop hir of hir pretended course , it must bee either , onely history , or else none other art can be found , that with the consideration of the ends & examples of the good and euill of all estates and callings , set before our eies , we may thereby bee brought vnto the desired port of felicitie : For in history , as a most pure and cleere glasse , or as a most ample and large Theatre , and high scaffolde , one may ponder and way , the course the race , and mutations of humaine affaires , the causes , and motions of the euents and commings to passe of the fortunate and infortunate , and of their prudencies and temerities : wherewith , except we be to much guided with follie or slouth , wee may bee brought and led ( as it were with hand ) to the seate of quietnesse and felicitie : in which , onely tranquilitie , and aboundance of all things to bee desired , glorie and immortalitie is found . Wherfore hauing not a little considered of what valour , the memory of thinges done is , and how much vtilitie and profit the same bringeth to the affaires of mankinde : I haue ( so much as in meelieth ) not onely endeuored my selfe in much reading of histories , but also the same written in other languages , haue put in latin , and I my selfe likewise , to write the historie of the warres of Malta . Howbeit in the great plentie and abundance of the famous acts and doings of worthy persons as , that which pleaseth one , liketh not an other ; so to me , though not a little it seemeth hard and difficult to giue due ornament of words , vnto the arts and doings of valiant seruiters , I haue taken in hand , to put in perpetuall memorie , the worthy warres done in the said Iland of Malta , of the which so briefelie as I can , I will shew vnto you the truth . The warres , which Solyman the Emperour of the Turkes moued against the knights of the order of Saint Iohn , heeretofore founded in Hierusalem , & now resident in the Iland of Melita commonly called Malta , I purpose to write : not onely beecause the same seemed to bee meruailous cruell , and doubtfull to which of the parts the victorie would encline , but rather the worthie vertue and force of those excellent defenders , no lesse may vnto each one appeare , then likewise it may bee well perceiued , how much the force of Christian nations , ioyned togethers may preuaile , and which being sondred and disioyned how little the same can doe : But before I make mencion of the beginning of the warres , it is requisit that I should touch somewhat of the originall and beginning of the knights of this order of Saint Iohn , & by what meanes they first came into this Iland of Malta , to the end that euery thing may the more easely & plainly be vnderstood & knowen . At such time as the christians of the Latin Church , moued wars against the Sarazins & Turks , & other barbarous nations , for obtaining of Hierusalem & other cities of Syria : there were that vowed themselues , & all the goods that they had to serue in defence of the most sacred religion of our sauiour Christ : Among these , were some that builded Hospitals in Hierusalem , for receiuing and lodging of Pilgrimes , & that defended the waies and passages of Pilgrimes from the inuasions of the Infidels , who alwaies studied to annoy the christians● of these , some were called Ioannits , some Templars , some Teutones . Howbeit the Templars ( about CC. yeres agone ( by meanes of Philip le Beau the french king , & Pope Clement the fift of that name condemning that order ) were vtterly destroied , the orders of the Ioannits , and Teutones did remaine : Neuerthelesse the truth of the name of the Ioannits , is not according to the common fame , which supposeth that it tooke name in the honour of Saint Iohn the Baptist , but rather ( as saith the Bishop of Tyrus , who at that time right grauely wrote the acts and worthy doings of the Christians in the Orient : ) that the hospitall & house , ( whereof the Ioannits doe account themselues to bee bretheren ) was founded by the Amalphitans people of Italy , who traded about affaires of merchandize into the Orient , ( at such time as the Egiptian Bishop whom the Egiptians called their Caliph ruled in the city of Hierusalem ) and by them , their order was consecrated to Saint Iohn a Ciprian borne , Patriaroh sometime of Alexandria , who by reason of his great charitie towardes the poore people of God , was called Saint Iohn the Eleemozinar ▪ But vnto those , that think the name to bee ascribed to Iohn Hircanus one of the Machabais , they seeme , they would craue authoritie from to much antiquitie : Howbeit I will leaue the credit thereof , vnto the authors and inuentors of the same . Notwithstanding , it is most manifest , that the white Crosse , ( which the Ioannits vse vpon black apparell , ) the first toke of one Gerard sometime maister of the hospitall in Hierusalem : but their institutions & rules , ( wherwith their order is gouerned ) one Raimund● Poggio a Florentine ( created with no little authoritie Magister Equitum , ( according to the warlike order of the ancient Romains ) did establish , & so in processe of time ( both by the liberality of Princes , & other nacions ) they encreasing with wonderfull wealth , & riches , they builded to themselues ( by vertue & good order , ) such dominacion as it were another king do me , & attained therwith no little fame & glory , howbeit when as by the space o● CC. yeeres , they had worthely serued in Siria against the infidels : at the last when the infidels had taken Hierusalem , they retired themselues vnto Ptolemais , a city in Phoenicia , & from thence , being expulsed by the Souldan of Egipt , then with a great nauie ( which they gat together , partly by their owne wealth , and partly by the help & aide of the Templars , and other christian nations , which succored them ) they inuaded the Isle of the Rhodes , being possessed at that time by the Turks , whom they expelled from thence , where they & their posteritie remayned , vnto such time as by the aforenamed Solyman , with a great and meruailous nauie inuading and besieging the Rhodes ( whan as with their owne onely force they could no longer resist , and were forsaken , as it seemed , of all other Christian aide and helpe ) they were compelled to yeeld vp the Iland of the Rhodes into the hands of the Turkes , and so to forsake the same . This fortresse of the Orient in such sort beeing lost , and that the Ioannits , had retired themselues into the Iland of Sicilia : than by the liberalitie of the Emperour Charles the fifth of that name , they obreigned the Iland of Melita commonly named Malta , in the yeere of our Lord God 1529. and there euer sithens haue staied themselues , which Island ( as oportunitie shall serue when heereafter in this historie , I shall entreate of the besieging of the fame , and of the counsailes and preparations of Soliman , ) I will at length discribe . The Ioannits , thus rested and setled in Malta , and their power not a little encreased , they sea●ed not by all the waies and meanes they could to endamage and anoy the Turkes , aswell on the ●eas to spoile the Turkes , as also in euery war that our Emperour moued against the Turkes , they euer ioyned their forces with the powers of the Emperour . With which so doings Solyman moued aswell by his vsuall insatiate appetite of dominacion and rule , as with his auncient hatred conceiued against Christian religion , was meruailouslie offended , and beegan to note and marke this their doings , and deuised with himselfe by what meanes he might driue the Ioannits , from the seas , and vtterly ( if hee could ) to destroy them : therefore with no little dilligence and hast , hee caused a great nauie to bee prepared and rigged forth , and so commaunded to his Admirall and Captaines of his places on the sea costs , to be in a readinesse at the next spring , whan as , a litle after , in person hee had viewed part of such things as hee had before commaunded , and part by intelligence hee had vnderstoode , to bee in readinesse . Than calling his nobilitie together in counsaile , he vsed these kinde of woords to them ( as was reported ) which follow . That , which by these fortie yeeres I haue alwayes desired , that after myne other warres , I might get so much leisure , whereby I might once driue out from their nests these bosting Cruciats , glorying so much themselues , to bee the chiefest propugnacle and fortres of the Christians . The same occasion , ( mee thinketh ) I haue now obtayned thorough the help of the great God and Mahumet . For , as touching the attempts of the Persians I haue in such sort repressed , that they cannot harme vs. And as concerning the troubles fained to bee in Hungary , I trust to giue such orders in that behalfe , that our enemie ther , shall bee glad to get and hide himselfe in the furthest part of Germany , and to be fayne to demaunde & craue peace at our hands . You , your selues , are not ignoraunt what complaints are daylie made vnto vs by our subiects and marchanuts whom those of Malta ( whom rather pirats than soldiors I call ) whan they get themselues to the Seas , they vtterly spoyle and reaue from them all that they haue . The iniuries of whom , and others vnto vs done , both Gods law and mans , doth mooue vs to reuenge . Nor truely there can be any thing more acceptable , or ioyful to me , or more aptly can purchase to me an Immortall fame , than that I might bring to passe ( beefore I depart from this mortall lyfe , ) two things , the one to winne the Island of Malta , the other is to haue whole Hungary and the landes and dominions of Sarmatia in subiection . Except some will thinke that it will bee greater difficultie to mee , to expell these Cruciats out of their Rocks of Malta , than to our elders that droue theyr predecessors both out of Hierusalem and whole Syria , and to vs also that after , expelled them out of the Isle of Rhodes . But this Island ( you will say ) is more nigh Itally , from whens ayde may soone come , and with their Nauies the easilier to bee defended . Beeleeue and credit mee , that the Itallians dare not fight against vs on the seas ; whan they remember howoft they haue had the ouerthrow at our handes . As for any great garrisons , the place being so litle and straight , they cannot haue . And if they haue , they cannot feede them long . Wherefore for their affaires , wee entende this next Spring , to set forwards our mightie Nauie , and for that purpose wee haue already giuen in commaundement to euerie of our Captaines of the Seas , that with theyr Gallies and Shippes , they may bee in a readynesse to depart . The King of Arger will bee there to serue vs. Our Garrisons remayning at ALEXANDRIA , in EGIPT are in readinesse . The Nauie of Dorgutes , are lykewise rigged foorth to serue vs , by my meanes . To this great and mightie Nauie of ours , wee doubt not but that the force of the Occident wil● giue place : Which with the ayde of the grear God and Mahumet , and your inuincible courage , I firmely hope will come to passe . There resteth no more , but for you to thincke , how these warres may conuenently proceede , and to giue to vs your faythfull aduises and counsayles in the same . Which that you may the better doe , beeholde heere beefore your eyes the plat of the whole Island of Malta , and of euerie fortresse in the same , which I receiued from certayne friendes of myne right expert in discryuing of such matters . The woords of Solyman thus declared , and throughlie considered by those , to whome both the Island and the order of the same , was right well knowne , and by them declared , what , conuenientlie was in that beehalfe to bee done . It was fullie resolued and concluded , that the Nauie so in a readynesse at the appoynted tyme should set forward , and to depart . And so the Nauie beeing vitailled , and the Soldiours shipped , tarryed onelie for windes . Of these proceedings of the Turke , Seignior Iean Valet , a French man borne , and at that tyme great Maister of Malta , both by letters and Espialls getting intelligence , for that hee had at Constantinople such friends , as most prudently gat knowledge of the secret counsaile and doings of Solyman , as one not affrayde but alwayes thincking that victories remayned in the handes of God , and that the part of a prudent Generall and others at his commaundement , is to bee alwayes vigilant , dilligent and to woorke by Counsyle , and therefore hee called togethers a Counsayle of the Knights of the order , to whom in few woords hee dyd speake to this effect following . What , Solyman the Turke ( most noble and valyaunt knights ) prepareth , and how great and mightie warres hee entendeth to mooue against vs , I thincke of late you haue vnderstood , so well , as I doe , whereof to make any long circumstance of woordes to you , ● neede not . The enemie is knowen , his insatiat desire of dominatiō and rule is knowen , his might and force is knowen , yea , & his continuall hatred against vs & the Christian faith is no lesse knowen to you . But now rather let euerie of vs , doe our endeuour to haue first almightie God to be our friend , and than to prepare euerie thing for the warres . Almightie God would be our friend , and we assuredly shall please him , if wee doe two things . One , if wee from hence foorth , amende our liues , the other is , if wee honour him with pure religion and to haue a firme hope & trust in him , which is called Pietie . With these vertues , our famous elders , obtained innumerable victories against the infidells , in the Orient . And there is no doubt , but , if with the like vertues , we be furnished , wee shall giue ouerthrow to the cruell purposes of this bluddie Tyrant . Howbeit , for so much as Almightie God is ready to aide such as would be circumspect & apt to doe well , and not the slowthfull , and cowardes : Let vs therefore prouide for those necessaries as both our profession requireth , and order of warres , willeth . Whereof part , in our selues consisteth , & part in other Christian Princes remayneth . As for victuall , money , armour , and other things which order of warres desireth , wee shall so prouide for the same , that you shall well vnderstand , that money , in necessaries , I will not spare , and much lesse , labour , where I may enploy it . In these affaiers I will bee ready to spend all that I can make . And for any safegard of my lyfe , I will not eschew any perill . As touching other Princes , I cannot beeleeue , that ( vpon such waightie occasions whereof the perill no lesse toucheth them , than vs , ) they would bee negligent to giue vs ayde . As for the Popes holynesse , the Emperour , and the king of Hispain , I doubt not ( for the Pietie and godlynesse in them remayning ) but that they will succour and aide vs to the vttermost , and that also they will mooue others to doe the lyke ; And as for you , most worthie lampes and lights of Christians and others of our most louing bretheren knights of this sacred and martiall order , I doubt not but that you all , will so couragiously and valiauntly fight against this most cruell tyrant , subuerter & ouerturner of the true religion of God , and oppressor of all good conditions , manners , Artes , and discipline , in defence of our Christian Religion , liues , goods , and glorie of the Latin Church , that the view of the glorious Crosse of ours , ( which this vile dog ) so much abhorreth and contempneth ) may bee seene to his perpetual care in Constantinople ( where he dwelleth . ) Wee haue not now affaires in the Isle of Rhodes , farre from our aydes and succors out of Asia , Europ , and Aegipt , compassed about , with the enemie , both by land and sea : but rather in the view and face of Italie & strong fortified places , wherby the enemy may be easilie ouerthrowne . That it may so bee , let vs make ernest prayer to almightie God. When the great master had thus giuen ende ●● his most prudent woords . The Knights of the order which than were present , with one voyce aunswered , that sooner theyr liues should take ende , than that so comman a cause for want of theyr endeauours should quaile , or that they on liue , to come into the handes of that cruell tyraunt Solyman . After common prayers and generall processions , commaunded to bee done in euerie Church in the Island of Malta : there were immediatlie of the order of the Knights , three chosen , to bee Tribuni or generall surueiours , whereof one an Italian by surname called Imperadore ; the other a French man borne , named Bornye ; the third , a Spaniard , borne in Aragone , called Quatrius , gentlemen of great prouidence , foresight , and right expert in knowledge of warres . Who according to theyr prudence hauing considered euery thing meete to this warre , they immediatly dyd put the same in readinesse . For they , considering , that the suburbs and trees , nigh vnto places of fortification would not a litle bee an anoynce to the fame , they immediatly caused them to bee cast downe . Thus the fortifications being viewed , and the Garrisons of euery fortresse there , augmented , and the same aboundantly victualled according to the considered necessitie thereof . Letters were immediatly sent from the great master both to the Popes holinesse and other Princes , together with diuerse messengers into sundrie places , that might giue intelligence heereof as well to the knights of this order remaining among other nacions , as to others . Of which letters , one written to Pius the fourth of that name , Pope of Rome , that of this , the others may bee well considered , this ( as followeth ) is the Copie . WHile that I endeauored my selfe with the force of this our order to withstand the great Turkish nauie now in readinesse to approch towards vs : I found my selfe in manner vnarmed from euery necessary , which of my selfe I colde neuer haue furnished , if your exceeding goodnesse ( most holy father ) both with your Letters , money , and one Ensigne of valiant Soldiors had not ayded me . So that otherwise I had not knowne , how wel to haue done . For considering by reason of the sundrie threatnings which the Turcke made these sundrie yeeres past , against this place and order ; I haue beene brought to such intollerable charges that I know by no meanes , how to come out of debte , of the money that I haue borowed , besides the interest daylie thereof encreasing . Howbeit a greater matter encombereth my mynde , which is , ( whether this armie of the Turkes eyther shall proceede , or stay , ) whan I perceiue , him , beeing our generall enemie , so dilligent to set forward his Nauie and continually busie about his other afayres of warres , and wee of this order , to bee put to these intollerable charges . Will not any thinke , that , right great is the folie of vs Christians , that will suppose , that whan the power of the Christians is such , that scarce it beeing able to defende themselues : The Turke will feare to receiue any detryment at our hands . What courage will hee conceiue , when none of vs encountereth his intollerable pride . Besides hee well knoweth , that if he might get but togethers his onely pirats that remayne heere in the Ponent or West parts , hee were able , of them , in mine opinion to make a greater Nauie and Armie by sea , than that we Christians with no litle difficulty made against him the other yeere . Which the like againe , this yeere , I would bee right glad to see . Howbeit who is so ignoraunt that if such a Nauie and force may bee made of his onely Pirats , what if a great part or the whole power of his Countries in the leuant and Orient , were ioyned togethers , may not hee than doe vs a greater detriment , if God of his goodnesse doe not stay him , vnto such tyme as Christian Princes haue cōuenient space to gather themselues together to encounter so puissaunt and mightie an enemie . And whan as it seemeth that the Princes of the Christians so much neglecteth the fauour of God , that with no detriments and with no infamies , they will awake from their too long sleepe and slouth , it is to bee feared that God will take of his hand and to let slip to this cruell tyrant , occasion and power to accomplish his long desired minde and furie vpon all vs Christians , that no power which heereafter shall bee against him made , can bee able to withstand his crueltie . Which inconueniences , I doubt not , but that your holynesse , long , beefore this time , hath considered , and that worthie minde of yours is enflamed with the desire of so holy and Godly reuengement as is to bee done vpon so common a cruell enemie & hethen dog . But I feare to seeme to much arrogant , in your holynesse sight , that haue taken so much boldnesse vpon me to intreat vpon such affaires so rudely with your holynesse , to whose diuine prouidence these things are better knowne than to mee . Neuerthelesse whan as such things , which by eies are seene , doe a great deale more moue vs , then that which we heare with our eares , then I hauing these thinges continually before mine eyes , am so afected , that I cannot in such waightie affaires hold my tongue , but most humbly and lowlie doe beseech your holinesse , not for this sacred order of knights sake , onely , which alwaies is and shal be ready to liue & die for the defence of the Christian religion , ( considering by our profession no kinde of death must be refused , where due occasion shall be ministred , ) but also in the name of whole christendome that so much already hath tasted your most godly and paternall zeale and loue towards them , that for the publique tranquilitie of the same touching matters of faith , you laied aside all your owne priuate commodities and affaires , calling together of late a counsaile generall : now that you would vouchsafe , to call some other counsaile togethers ( being a matter of no lesse importance , to repaire the wofull ruines of long times past , and to eschew worse to come ) whereby Christian princes gathering themselues togethers may conuert and turne their powers against this pestiferous serpent ; and to driue him into his auncient limits , that no longer , hee haue power to deuoure such multitude of Christians ; as to the great shame of Christendome he hath done : For so far wee haue seene him spred his deadly poison , that now hee hath in maner compassed the little limits of the christian kingdomes : now considering that all domesticall and ciuill warres beeing vtterly extinguished , and assured amitie and peace by the prouidence of God beeing resident among Christian princes , it beehoueth vs now to awake . For if by misfortune our princes againe should fall to any new vvarres among themselues , this importunate beast would not sleepe , but would seeke how hee may worke our vtter ruine . Truely most holy father , for the great pietie and singuler prudence in your holynesse remaining , I hope that so great an occasion of laude and perpetuall glory ( whereby you may deserue well towards both God and man , ) you would leaue to no successor of yours : With this hope I will comfort my selfe , trusting before I shall depart fro this mortall life , to see this saored●ourny to bee aduanced against our cruell and commoneenemie of Christes religion , beesides which , nothing can happen to mee more ioyfully , or bee to mee a greater felicitie : If therefore in these matters , I haue beene either longer , or more liberall of writing , than to mee hath appertained , I hope that of your fathely clemency , you will giue pardon vnto me , whom no little care of our Christian religion rather then rashnesse hath mooued mee thus to wright : And for my part for your perpetuall goodnesse or rather pietie towardes this our order , I most humbly render to your holynesse immortall thankes , and so will continue to doe during life , and so doe beeseech almightie God to preserue your holinesse in good and prosperous life . About this time Dom Garza di Toledo , the Viceroy of Sicilia , vnder Philip king of Hispain , and gouernour of all his graces nauy in those parts , fearing that the nauie of Solyman , vnder coulour to seeme that hee would inuade Malta , would straight passe to the Gulet , a Castle standing in the straites and entering of the poole or stagne of Tunes , and to beesiege the same , therefore he passed ouer to the castle of Gulet , both to furnish the same with new supplie of Garrison , and other necessaries thereunto appertaining , and in his way , the Viceroy touched at Malta , and there landed to confer with the great master , touching the warres pretended against Malta : But they hauing intelligence that the nauy of Solyman was departed from Constantinople , so as by reason of small time , they could not tarry so long togethers as the waight of the cause required , Dom Garza immediatly departed from Malta , vnto the castle of Gulet in Barbaria , which when he had viewed , and furnishing the same with such necessaries as it lacked , hee retourned with all possible diligence into Sicilia , to rig & set forward ther the kings nauy . But the meane time , the nauy of Solyman the xxii . of March in the yeere of our sauiour Christ M. D. lxv began vnloose from Constantinople , & the next day after departed from that port towards Peloponneso , & so came to Methone . Ther Mustapha Bassa a man of the age of lxxv yeres , being appointed to be generall of the Turks army by land , ther mustered his army where of his horsemen called Spachi , which came out of the lesser Asia , were seauen thousand , hauing to their captaine a gentleman of the same prouince of Asia , with two liuetenants . Out of Cilicia came v. C from the Iland of Mitilena came also iiii . C that of euery of their prouinces had captaines from whence they came : he had also of olde souldiers , whom they call Ianizers , foure thousand fiue hundred , to whom Solyman himselfe appointed two Captaines to bee their leaders , considering that their generall whom the Turkes ( in their tongue ) call Aga , neuer departeth out of Constantinople : Beesides this , there be among the Turkes , a kinde of souldiers that liue of the fruits and stipends of their spiritualtie , of these in this army were thirteene thousand , who at Constantinople had vowed thēselues to serue for the defence of their faith and Emperour . There came also out of Thrasia and Peloponneso two Captaines , and one liuetenant with a thousand two hundred horsemen , & three thousand and fiue hundred other souldiers that came from diuers places , voluntary to serue for wages : there likewise , did Pial Bassa the Turkes Admirall , muster his nauy wher he found to be a hundred & thirtie gallies , eleauen ships of burden of the lesser sort , a eleauen ships of burden of the greater making , beesides a great ship that was broken beesides Methone , in which were then sixe thousand barrells of gun pouder , thirtie thousand shot , and sixe hundred Spachi , of the which scarce two hundred were saued . There came also from the Island of the Rhodes ten gallies , vnder the guiding of Haliport a man of the age of threescore and tenne , two gallies from Mitylene vnder the leading of Salach , brother to the king of Alger , that newly was dead , also there were othersoists & pirats ships , about the number of seauenteene . With this great and mightie nauy , the Turks departed from Methone the thirteenth day of Maie , and ariued at Malta the eighteenth day of the saide moneth of Male , and tooke first port at the North cast part of the Island , which the inhabitants call Marzasirocco . But the Turkes perceiuing that they had not a safe rodested there , they remoued from thence to an other rodested of that Island , called Maiaro . All this time the famous pirate Dorguta was not come , it was said , he was tarieng in the Island called Meninges , commonly named Gerbas , with his ships , and in readinesse to come , and that hee had sent to the king of Tunes , foure peeces of artillery of brasse , and other things , which hee gaue to him , to the end that the king should not aide the Christians in these wars , but rather to help the Turks with a certaine porcion of victuall according to the agreement made beetwixt them , and for these and other causes it was fayned that the Turks would first goe vnto the Gulat , or else of purpose these newes were sowed , to the ende that those of Malta crediting the same , should at vnawares be surprised : But the great maister of Malta ( being a man of a meruailous quicke and ingenious wit , and therewith right expert in the act of warres , and also wonderfull constant and circumspect against the practises and pollicies of the enimie ) did fore cast these deuises and counsailes of the enimie , and right well did espie their purposes on euery side in his gentlemen and souldiers all , there was espied to rest an assured constancy and meruailous liuelinesse to serue in so worthy and most honorable cause : how beeit beefore I further proceede , this place requireth , to discriue vnto you the situation of this Island called Melita otherwise Malta . & of the especiall places thereof ( wherein so many worthie acts were done , ) to make mencion . The Island Malta is placed beetwixt Africk and Sicilia , and doubted whether it should belonge to Africk or Europe , if it had not ben that the ancient inhabitants of Melita time out of minde , hauing vsed the common language of those of Africk , ha●e alwaies reputed the Iland to bee a member of Africk . This Iland from the North east to the North west is drawen in length twenty miles , & in breadth twelue miles , & from the place wher it is broadest , it proceedeth to be strait & narrow vpon the south towards that part of Africk , where those famous quicke sands remaine that are called Sirtis Minor , vpon the cost whereof is situated that towne which is named Leptis Parua , & vpon the North faceing Silicia , being more towards the Promontory or lands end therof , called Pachino than vnto Lilybeo , & in compasse and circuit threescore miles the Carthagians first inhabited this Iland , & after , as I vnderstand one Battas , the first builder of the famous citie of Cyrenes , did reigne there in the time of Dido , which afterward came againe in subiection of the Carthagians & so remained vnder their dominion vnto such time as the same in the second wars of the Carthigians , that they with their nauy on the seas , being ouerthrowen came into the hands of the Romaines : at which time those of Malta were supposed to be very wealthy by reason of the repaire & much concourse of s●ndry nations , through trade of marchandize that frequented thether , and famous , through sundry notable artes there vsed , & also of their notable Cotton which is very soft & white , there growing , of which sundry garments are made by those of Malta and had much in estimacion . This Iland is well replenished with hony there growing , whereof some suppose this Iland to haue the name , and also very famous with the growth there , of sweet roses : the trees there , haue fruit twise in the yeere , and oft times two haruests there , in one yeere , chiefely of barly flax & Cotten : How beit the ground ther euery where , is stony , vneuen , as heere an hill , there a valie , very vnfruitfull for trees , albeeit there groweth , the figge tree , Aple tree , Almonde tree and Vines planted with the much labour and diligence of the inhabitant , they haue wilde date trees but vnfruitfull , they haue exceeding plenty of great thistles , which they vse for their fewell and fire . In this Iland of Malta is meruailous scarcetie of sweet water , which neither the skies ( by reason of little rayne there ) giueth , nor yet the grounds there , yeeldeth . And ●● for such fountaines and wells that there bee , 〈…〉 y I beeleeue that it is the rayne that falleth in winter 〈…〉 t maketh them , and yet they bee halfe ●alt and brackish , and drie in sommer . The Inhabitants through the exceeding heate of the Sunne are so ●anned , that they looke in colour much like to the A●thiopians so that rather in winter each thing that there groweth , seemeth to bee more pleasant to the view & sight . The men of this Iland for the most part are very healthfull of bodie , of sclender diet , very diligent and painefull rather than apt to wars , whom old age soner than disease and sicknesse , doth take them from this life : Their forme of buildings ( except their citie which is situated in the midst of the Iland somewhat more towards the South which also is called Melita ) hauing certaine suberbs about the same , are long & low not much vnlike the sheepe cotes of Barbaria , couered with reede or thacht : the little and prety dogs called the Miletean Dogs , are supposed to come forth of this Island , which Pliny rather ascribeth to the other Island likewise called Malta , lying in the gulfe of Venice , betweene the Island Curs●●la and the shore of Dalmatia . In this Island of Melita called Malta , some affirme that Saint Paule the Apostle after shipwracke there did land : howbeit let them beeware , it be not the other Malta , in the gulfe of Venice that Saint Luke makes mencion of , when as Saint Paule in the the sea Adriatico otherwise called the gulfe of Venice , was tossed too and fro with cruell tempests of weather , but that he came out of that sea , into the other sea of Mediterraneum , where the Iland of Malta standeth , it appereth not in Saint Luke . And as to that , which they say , no venemous beast neither there is engendred , nor , if from any other place , any venemous beast be brought into that Iland doth harme , and the same so hath continued there , sithens that time Saint Paule , did cast of from his hands the viper and adder , that would haue stung him : howbeit it may be thought that this Iland hath naturally had that property , as likewise those Ilāds therabouts called Gaulo , Galata , and Clupea , at this day haue the like vertue by nature , & sundry other Ilands in that sea of Mediterraneum , as others other wher : for the Iland of Candye nourisheth no manner of venemous beast , as England hath no Wolues , nor Ireland any Serpent , considering both the aire of the places and nature of the grounds , are contrarious to the same : but touching this matter , as sundry haue their diuers mindes , so , that which hath seemed to make against the common opinions by any probable maner , I haue thought good by the way not to let passe but to my purpose I will returne . Malta vpon that part , which is towards Sicilia , is bowed and croked into sundry bayes and rodesteids meet for the riding of shippes : as for hauens and ports this Island of Malta hath two , besides the hauen vpon the East part of that Island , called Marzas●●acco ▪ and besides also the rodested of Saint Thomas , and an other which is not far distant from the same , called Seal or Scala : of these two aforenamed hauens or ports , there is one which st●●●●heth from the South to the North , alongest the side of a long peece of ground of the said Island , in forme like vnto halfe an Island , and this hauen of the inhabitants is called Marzamusetto , the other hauen stretching from the East to the West is likewise named Porto Maior . Vpon the vttermost part and front of this halfe Island is situated a Castle or fortresse right stronglie fortified both by nature and art , called Saint Elmo , whom heereafter I will name Saint Hermes . To him that entreth into the other hauen called Porto Maior , there doe appeare vpon the left hand thereof , foure long peeces of ground towards the sea , as it were certaine little halfe Islands or promontories , with as many rodesteds or baies for ships thervnto appertaining : vpon the first of these said foure promontories is situated a certaine Gallos , being the common place of execution for offenders : vpon the second promontorie is planted an exceeding strong castle vpon an incredible high and ragged rocke of stone , called the castle of Saint Angelo , nigh vnto the which , there is adioyning a towne seuered from the castle but with a dike and wall called B●rgo , and sometime the new towne , cut and made out of a rocke right well fortified both with the sea , and art of the souldiour . In the Castle of Saint Angelo , the great Maister of Malta remaineth , & in the towne , the knights of the order are resident . Vpon the third promontorie there is a towne also called B●rgo , and a Castle called Saint Michael . The fourth promontorie is vninhabited : hauing a mightie baie in the same , stretching to the water of Marza , and in manner to halfe the Island as beefore I haue said . Againe from the hauen or port of Musetto towards the West , there appeareth an other rodested , which is dedicated to Saint George , and an other called Benorrat : beyonde lieth the port of Saint Paule , not much lesse then that , which is on the Orientall part of the Island , after , is the rodested called Salynarum . Vpon the other side of the Island which is towards Africk is the rodested called Miliaria : there bee also sundry other little Islands not farre from Malta , as the Island of Gaulos , which some suppose to be C●sira , at this day called Gozo , in compasse thirty miles , towards the West of Malta , not passing fiue miles distant , by sea from Malta , which Islande of Gozo , in the yeere of our Lord 1551 was taken and wasted by the Turks and sixe thousand captiues , out of that Island were taken & had away , at such time as the towne of Tripolis in Africke , ( which sometime was called Leptis Magna , ) was wone by the Turkes , from the knights of this order . Betweene Goza and the West side of Malta , there lieth two other Ilands , whereof the greater , commonly is called Cumino , and the lesser Cuminetto , seuered the one from the other , with the sea , beeing there verie narrow . At the South and by West part of Malta , there is an other little Iland called at this day Piper : All which Ilands are in obedience to the great Maister of Malta , the rest for the mos● part are compassed with huge rockes , and raging seas , thus of Malta and the inhabitants thereof , ( somuch as appertaineth to the knowledge of this present matter , ) I thinke there is inough saide . The meane time , what power and army Mounsier Valet the great Maister of Malta , had to withstand the Turks ariuall , I will shew vnto you first of all . In the Iland were a thousand and three hundred souldiers , that tooke wages : of a thousand of those , some were Spaniards , some French men , and some Florentines , the rest were Neapolitai●s : There also were a thousand , that frequented the seas , pertaining to the Nauie of the Knights of Malta , and fiue hundred in the towne of Saint Angelo : Of the inhabitants of the Iland were about fiue thousand , that were trained for the warres , and were retired from their Countrie habitations to Borgo , where the great Maister was resident . There were also fiue hundred Knights of the order , beesides the Priests and esquires , for there bee three sortes of them , that in this order of Malta are called bretheren : And this was the vvhole number that defended the Castles and Tovvnes of Saint Hermes , Angelo , and Michael , into the vvhich the souldiers vvere distributed , accordingly as each place was thought requisit to bee defended . In the Citie of Malta ( vvhereof beefore I mencioned , ) vvere placed two hundred souldiers besides the citizens , & foure hundred chosen out of the rest of the vvhole Iland , and three hundred , also that serued on horsebacke , vnto this garrison of the citie of Malta , was appointed to be generall , one Sor ▪ Io ▪ Vagno a M●ncalerio , a gentleman borne in the countrie of Piemont : besides these things , was prepared a meruailous furniture of victuall , armour , weapon , and necessaries , which vsually was to be prouided , meet for abiding of a long siege and other wants , and aboue all other , that which is to be desired against euery infortunitie , there was planted in euery one that there serued , an inuincible courage , which oft times maketh the ouerthrowen to be victorious . Things beeing in this order and readinesse , and vnderstanding that seauen and twentie of the gallies of the Turkes had taken the port of Marzasirocco , and had landed certaine of their souldiers : Immediatly Gyon the Captaine of the nauie of the order of Malta , a right diligent and forward gentleman accompanied with fiftie Arquebusiers was sent to view the enemie , and in so much as he could to endeauour to draw the enimie to some open places : But the Turks espying them , right quickly retired to their gallies againe : at an other part , where the greater part of the Turks nauie rode , ther were landed two hundred Turks , & vpon them gaue a charge , one Riuier a gentleman of france , accōpanied with eight other horsemen , who hauing his horse slaine vnder him , and with the losse of one of his companions , came into the handes of the enimie . While these matters were in doing , a christian man a captiue among the Turkes slipt from them , as they rode in the port of Vulturno , and fled into the citie of Malta , and discouered there to the general , the purpose of the enimie , saying that the deuise of Mustapha the generall of the Turkes army was , that the most part of their army should land with their great artillery , and to besiege and giue batterie to the fortified places , whose opinion Piale Bassa , the Turks Admirall , did vtterly mislike , saying that if he so did , he should but come to his manifest destruction , considering they had not passing eight thousand Ianizers , and ten thousand Spachies , besides a rude and vntrained companie of mariners to be left in the shippes , wherefore vnto such time as Dorguta should come , who euery houre was loked for hee would enterprise nothing ▪ at whose comming , hee would then agree , that the castle of Saint Hermes should first bee beesieged . For Solyman the Emperour of the Turkes , did commaund that nothing should bee done without the aduise and counsaile of Dorguta , such confidence and credit had this barbarous prince in the warlike knowledge and practise of Dorguta : But whether this intelligence were true or fayned , the Turks neuerthelesse riding in the port of Vulturno , landed twentie thousand of their souldiers , with fiue field peeces , and encamped themselnes right stronglie in a place , which those of Malta call Azorbar : that done Pial Bassa accompanied with seauen thousand with him departed to view the situacion of the fortresse of Saint Michael , vpon that part which loketh towards Saint Katherines Church , and durst not approch nigher , beecause the artillery of the fortresse began to shoote of a pace , against him and his company , besides , certaine of the garison of the fortresse , made a salie and issue vpon the enimie , and in such sort behaued themselues that one named Curfeline , by surname called Prata a gentleman of right singuler worthines , hauing in his company but one onely Spaniard , valiantly berest an ensigne from the enimie , & killed a Sangiaco , and certaine others of the Turks . So the Turks retired to their campe , vvher among the Princes of the same , consultation vvas had , vvhether it were better , that battery should be first layed to the fortresse of Saint Hermes , or to the towne of Saint Michael : Finallie it was concluded that the fortresse of Saint Hermes should first bee beesieged . So the Turkes to view the fortresse , mounted vpon a hill , who beeing perceiued by those of the fortresse , issue and salie was made , and therewith a skirmish on both sides beegan , and after a few slaine on each part , each side retired . Matters in this sort growing hotte , the Prince of Malta , hauing in memorie those thinges that were to bee done , thought it most conuenient to vrge and stirre the Viceroy of Sicilia , in hast to set forward his Nauy , that then was in rigging . Therefore hee commaunded a gallie to bee with all diligence , set in a readinesse to depart towards Sicilia , for the conuaying of one named Saluago , a knight of that order , for the exploit of such matters of charge , wherewith he then commanded him . The meane time the Turkes began to erect a Mount , of intent both to batter the fortresse of Saint Hermes , & to anoy the ships of Malta , as they rode in the port , that therby they might open a more safe entry for their galies that were abroad . Howbeit the fortresse of Saint Elmo otherwise called S. Hermes , so troubled them with the strokes of their great artillery , that the Turkes were saine to forsake that peece of fortification , before the same could take end , which partly discouraged the boldnesse of the Turks . During which time , the Turk Ochial with sixe ships hauing in the same nine hundred souldiers deducted , out of the garrison of Alexandria in Egipt , came as a supply to the encrease of the force of the Turkes . Therefore the Turks beegan an other fortification vpon an higher plat of ground then before they did , whereby , not onely they wonderfully annoied , the port where the ships of Malta had their rodested , but also troubled with their great shot , the castle of Saint Angelo , and besides with entrenching they gate night the Castle of Saint Hermes , albeit , at the first they had much to doe therewith , considering they of the fortresse did what they could to enbar them , notwithstanding in the end the Turks with much labour and diligence wherein they exceede all other nations , they accomplished their trench . Wherefore the Turkes , with no little expedition , in such sort and place planted their great artillery , that they determined , both the castle of Saint Angelo & Saint Michael , should be encombered with the stroke of their Canon . This while , there was in the Campe of the Turks , a Spaniard , a gentleman , albeit a slaue , he , when he had assuredly learned a part of the pretences of the Turkes , gaue intelligence of the same to Mounsier Valet the prince of Malta by a Christian that was a fugitiue , which when the prince vnderstood , he sent two ensignes of Spaniards into the castle of Saint Hermes , vnder the leading of the valiant captaines Cerda and Miranda , to supply a certaine want ther ▪ which after was to the great defence of the castle of Saint Hermes , & detriment of the enimie . This season ariued Dorguta the Turk , the general of Tripolis accompanied with thirteene ships and one thousand sixe hundred souldiers in them , after him also came tenne Brigantines , which brought two ensignes of men of war , from the towne of Bona in Barbaria , and out of the Island of Meninges . The meane time Saluago ( a Genuan borne , a knight of the order and a very forward gentleman ) who ( as before ) was sent into Sicilia , arriued at the citie of Messana , who ( after hee had declared to the Viceroy , his charge , and the state wherein Malta was , ) was commaunded to ship himselfe againe in a barque that was prepared for him to depart , for whose safe conduction two gallies vnder the regiment of the Captaines Cornissone and Santalo , knights also of that order were commanded to accompany him , who left him not vntill hee was nigh the Iland of Malta , and then retourned backe into Sicilia , but Saluago , not without meruailous daunger of his person , and but with losse of one of his men , passed with his ship through the middest of the enimie into the towne of Burgo , about three of the clocke in the morning . This while , the Turks seemed to change their deuise , where they once determined to haue besieged both Saint Hermes and Saint Michael , but now encamped themselues at the water of Marza , beeing a fountaine there , which made the entrie of Saluago to be more difficult and perillous : Howbeit after Saluago had declared to the great Maister his charge , from the Viceroy of Sicill , immediatly the great Maister caused him to depart into Sicilia againe , and to shew to the Viceroy , that they had great neede to haue more aide of souldiers , and that for the time hee would vouchsafe to helpe them with the supplie of an other ensigne or two of chosen souldiers , that the better they might withstand the furie of the enemie vntill further ayde came . Saluago neither sparing labour , or dreading perill , immediatly gat himselfe to the sea , and in short time landed in the Port of Sarragosa ▪ in Sicilia , where hee found those two Gallies , whereof I tould you before , and in them caused foorthwith to bee shipped ( as was appoynted ) foure hundred souldiors , among whom , were sundrie knights of the order of Melita , and with them also were sent certaine expert Gunners and Cannoners . These so shipped , Saluago gaue aduise that they should eschew the West part of the Island Melita , and compassing about , should endeauor themselues to draw towards the East part thereof , and so to get vnto the South coast of the Island , and there to land at the port called Miliare , and from thence by night to conduct the souldiors ( by places of couert , ) vnto the Citie of Melita which from their landing place was not past foure miles distant , and so from thence easilie to get vnto the Castell of Saint Michaell . Which aduise so giuen Saluago departed to Messana , and there shewed to the Viceroy the furie of the warres in Melita , and the great lacke of souldiors there , and required that hee might haue but a thousand footemen beesides those which hee had already sent , and than hee verilie hoped that the furie of the Turckes should for a time bee endured , vnto such time as the Viceroy with his nauie should giue further succour . While these matters were putting in redinesse , which might haue had more hast , if that our Christian Princes in so weightie and daungerous causes had not seemed to haue slept too much : the third day of the moneth of Iune , which was the holy day dedicated to saint Hermes , the Turkes sodainely went to assault the fortresse of saint Hermes , supposing to haue gotten by scaling of short ladders that part of a new fort which the Christians had builded ioyning nigh vnto the conterscarpt of the Castell . But the Christians with the help of a new Casemact made strong and large in the dike , with faggot & earth , ( which before had no manner of defence there ) and by the ayde of the Castell also , worthelie withstood the enemie ; In such sort as that they filled the dike of the fort with the dead bodies of the Turkes . The Turkes notwithstanding ( by reason of their multitude , wherewith rather than manhoode they obtaine the victories that they get ) dyd meruailously stand to their marke , in such sort , as that with very force ( though late at night ) they dyd win that part of the fort which vieweth the port of Mussetto , and immediatly there , with a meruelous expedicion they entrenched thēselues with a new work , to the ende they might not bee endamaged by the Christians . For by the help of the Turks artillerie which were planted vpon the other side of Marzamusetto they were not a litle ayded to entrench , considering vpon that part , their Artillerie in such sort scoured , that our men durst not abide there , in that part of the fort to resist , wherwith also the corner of a bulwarke & the curtaine of that part of the fort were likewise beaten in sunder . Whereof though the height and greatnesse was very troublesome to the enemie ; yet was the same litle profitable to vs , because the sides thereof was not bending & crooking ynough that therby both the same might the better haue ben defended , and the enemie more conueniently haue beene beaten on the flanke . But for as much as the night approched on , the Turks to the number of fiue thousand remained ther still , for about nine thousand gaue the assalt ) & the Christians were compelled to retire themselues out of the fort into the fortresse , & to leaue the fort to the Turks that wan the same . The Turks through the benefit of the darknesse of the night with pokes stuffed with okam and earth , filled that part of the dike , that was vnder the ramper , that the breadth and deepenesse of the same , vpon the approach , might lesse annoy them . In this aslalt , aboue eight hundred Turkes were slaine , whereof part were Ianizaries , & part of the Spachies , besides not a few that were hurt , of whom a good part remained in the dikes , halfe dead & halfe aliue , for that part of the dike which was filled with them , did stop both them and vs from comming to help them , considering there was no passage to them , but onely that one which was in the front of the rampire , wherefore those that so remained hurt , of very force must needs perish , when none could come to helpe them . Of vs christians at the first encounter , were slaine about xlv , of the which were certaine knights of the order of the Ioannits , as Gaurdamps borne in Auern in fraunce , Masius of the prouince of Narbon in france , Contilia a Spaniard , Somatia a Florentine , & Ninecas a German , & certaine wounded , as Captaine Motta , who afterward dyed in the fortresse , of his hurts . The great Maister thinking requisit , as reason was , that a supplie of soldiers should be sent to succour the fortresse , to the aide therof , immediatly he sent not onely ii C soldiours but also ii C gentlemen of his owne , that were knights of the Ioannits , who if they had ben moe , together with the foure hundred that were in the castle , perhaps they might haue beaten the enemie both from the walles & the vtter forts also , & to haue defended the place longer time : But because the great Maister lacked soldiors , therfore he did send Saluago into Sicilia as before is declared , that he might obtaine but fiue hundred souldiors for the time . And in the meane season hee would abide the mallice of the enemie and to eschew no labour or perrill : Albeit he thought that he had no litle occasion to lament the infortunitie of christian Princes , that by their long stay , the apparant occasion to ouerthrow so cruell an enemie , should bee ouerslipt . Howbeit hee dyd greatlie meruaile that hee heard of no manner of ayde out of Sicilia , nor of the two Gallies furnished with souldiors , which Saluago ( as before ) dyd send : but the Gallies thorough the fault of one of the Marriners kept not their appoynted course ; For whereas they were commaunded to eschew the West part of Melita , and to keepe course towards the East , they dyd not so , but sayled onely towards the West vnto the Island of Gozo , which onely was thorough the default of the Marriner affirming that hee dyd see certaine Gallies of the Turkes riding in the port of Miliare for the defence of the same . Which ( as it was after well knowen ) was vtterly vntrew , whan in deede , the Marryner onely thorough feare ( which oft times not a litle hindereth notable enterprises ) durst procede no further . Whereby the great maister wanted his most necessarie ayde , which meruailosly grieued as well the Viceroy and others , as chiefly Saluago , for they euidently dyd see , that if the Turkes dyd winne the fortresse of saint Hermes , being the chiefest hold of Melita , the rest of the places there not onely should be brought in meruailous daunger , but also those of the Island Melita should bee vtterlie debarred from their entrise to haue succors . It was not impossible but that the fortresse might be easilie wonne and gotten , considering that the enemie had gotten one of the Bulwarks of the fortresse , and that the fortresse beeing but narrow of it selfe , was in manner on euerie part continually assalted , which beeing considered by those , that could skill in warres , dyd greatly mooue them , chiefely when they perceiued that ayde so secretly came . The meane time by the commaundement of Pope Pius the fourth of that name , certaine souldiors were gathered to the ende that by his example , other Princes might the better bee encouraged to giue succors to the order of the Ioannits , and therefore hee commaunded that one hundreth pound of golde should bee giuen to Cambiano , Lieuetenant of that order in Rome , and certaine furniture of ponder to bee deliuered to him out of the Castall of sainct Angelo at Rome , that nothing should on his part seeme to want , that possiblie he could doe . For , vnto his holynesse souldiors , which were in number sixt hundereth , hee appoynted Pompeio Colono to bee Captaine , and Camillo Medices to bee Lieuetenant . After this bande , followed manie voluntarie souldiors that both vowed themselues to serue in so holie a cause , and also to winne immortall fame , proceeding with such ardent and couragious mindes , that euery litle stay , seemed to them to be an whole yeere . Therefore they departing vnto Naples , found there Ioan Andrew Auria , with a leauen long shippes , and the Prince of Populonia with nine , Lanicio Prouano with three , and so many other that were rigged foorth at the charges of other priuate persons . Into these ships that came from Rome , all the bandes of footemen there , were shipt and carried ouer into Sicilia , to the Citie of Messana , where the kings nauie was in riging . While that the Christians , considered not that the perill was so great as it was in deede . The Turks not ignorant of the same , determined to proue the vttermost , beefore that the powers of the Christians should augment , thinking that if they could get the fortresse of Saint Hermes , the rest were easily to be had , first thereby they should be onely maisters of Porto Musetto , wherby they should gaine a safe and sure rodested for their nauie , so long as they liked . Besides , to haue all that peece of land , betwixt the two ports , both for the beating of the fortresse of Saint Michael , and that no ship should enter , or goe forth out of the hauen of Porto Maiore , without their leaue . These things and others , when the Turks had pondered , they beeganne to giue a terrible batterie to the fortresse of Saint Hermes , in such sort , as the great artillerie seafed not to thunder by the space of foure daies continually . The next night after , the Turks sodainlie assalted the breach with ladders , and almost had gained the toppe of the curtaine , when as our Christians desiring nothing more then to come to hand strokes , couragiouslie gaue charge on them , that in the end the Turks , were in such sort repulsed , that neuer after ( vntill they wanne the fortresse ) they durst rayse a ladder against the same . While on this side these matters were in dooing , the souldiours of the Turke Dorguta , puffed vp with a certayne pride , as though they would seeme to exceede the rest , gathered themselues togethers at Martia Scala , beeing a little baie , beetwixt the place of execution and the rodested of Saint Thomas , whom whan the garrison of Borgo perceiued , they immediatly issued , and so hotte handeled them , that after the killing of a great number of them , the rest of those Turks were compelled to retire from whence they came . In which conflict was slaine Bonnemio a gentleman of Fraunce a knight of the order of the Ioannits , with seauen others . At that time , Monserrato was sent into the castle of Saint Hermes , to bee Captaine there in the place of Brolio , who beefore , there was Captaine , and thorough his intollerable watchinges and trauayles , about his charge , was fallen verie sicke . Which Brolio oft times beefore did write to the great Maister that the fortresse of Saint Hermes , was in such sort fortified and furnished , with euery thing thereunto appertaining , that hee thought that it was in manner impossible that the enimie should get it , for the knights of the Ioannits and others that there serued , tooke such encouragement by his worthy exhortacions , that comming to hand strokes they fought it sorth aboue all mens expectation , nor the Turks though they had these repulses , left off so , but beegan a new batterie with their artillerie by the space of certaine daies , and assalted most suriously the fortresse , with all the ingins that they could deuise . Among which they had inuented a meruailous bridge framed vpon mastes , of such a bredth that tenne persons might easily fight on front thereupon , and of such a length , that it ouerreached the dike and rested vpon the cortaine of the fortresse : Besides they placed foure thousand harquebusars alongst the dike , to beate the top of the Cortaines that none within should approch to the defence thereof , and than caused all their nauie to come neerer the shore of Saint Georgis port in landing theyr whole force . And whan as by the space of eighteene dayes they had battered this poore fortresse , and had cruelly rent the bulwarks and Cortains thereof with thirteene thousand shot , and in assured hope to haue wonne the fortresse . Beeholde one Baragamo a Biscaian borne , one of the order of the Ioannits , accompanied with Captaine Medrano a Spaniard , and sundrie other valiaunt seruitures repayred to this dreadfull Bridge , and to the great meruaile of all that dyd see them , there incountred the Turkes . The fight on both sides was meruailous vehement , and in such sort the Turkes manfullie beehaued themselues that they had planted one of their Ensignes vpon a Bulwarke there , which when as Captaine Medrano , had worthilie bereft , and held in his hands , and departing therewith , both hee and Baragamo , with the shot of harquebuses were slaine . At that time those three hundred souldiors whereof I told you beefore , which were sent thether from the great Maister , shewed themselues , in dooing notable seruice : For so soone as they perceiued the fortresse to consist in that apparant daunger , some of them hurled wilde fire vpon the bridge , some burning pitch and brimstone , another sort of them tumbled mighty great stones vpon such as would haue entred , another part of them , kept the enimie occupied with continuall shot , that they durst not come nigher . So that after a dreadfull fight this new deuised bridge of the Turks was burnt in sunder , & with the ruine ther ▪ of perished eight hundred Turks , the remnant , so well as they could ( whereof few escaped vnhurt , and the most part very sore wounded , ) retired to their shames , leauing behinde them whether they would or no , two of the chiefest ensignes they had , the one pertaining to Mustapha , the other to Dorgutes , which our Christians to the great griefe of the Turkes , fixed vpon the height of the Cortaine . During this cruell assalt vpon the one side ; the Turkes vpon the South West part of the fortresse , gaue another vehement charge , in such fort , as they had wonne the Va●mure of the same , which when the garrison that remained in the Castle of Saint Angelo did perceiue , and thinking that with their artillery they were able to driue the Turkes , from the place which they had gotten , they vnbended at the Turkes , a great peece of artillerie , and in steede of them , taking one for an other , seauen of our Christians , beeing on the Ramper of the fortresse , were pittifully slaine , which when they had perceiued , and to amend their former errour , they caused another great peece to bee blowen off , with the stroke whereof , were torne in peeces foure of the Turkes most notable Captaines , and twelue other of their best and hardiest souldiers , that the Turks had . While thus furiously that the fight continued , the Turkes entrenched vpon that part of the fortresse of Saint Hermes which is towardes the Castle of Saint Angelo . But our men espying their dooing , with pots filled with wilde fire and burning pitch , hurled among them , caused the Turkes right soone to depart . The Turkes ( thus beeing expulsed by the valiant hardinesse of our Christians ) retourned carefully , into their campe , leauing beehinde them dead in this terrible assault about two thousand of their souldiers , where two hundred of our men were slaine , & as many hurt . In the day of this assault the great Maister espying oportunitie caused a foist to bee prepared , and to bee had ouer a peece of a ground vnto Martia Scala , and one therein with certaine Marriners to passe into Sicilia , with letters to enforme the Viceroy , and the Popes holynesse also , of the manfull defence of the fortresse of Saint Hermes ▪ and in what extreame daunger , the same remained excepte speedie aide and succour , were giuen to the same : the tenor of which letters written to the Viceroy , is as followeth , hauing of purpose thought conuenient not to set forth vnto you the contents of the Popes letters , when as the effect of both the letters being one , the rehearsall of the letters of the Viceroy may well inough suffice . To Dom Garza di Toled● Viceroy of Sicill and High Admirall of the Kings Mauie , most bartie greeting . SIthens Saluago departed hence , I haue sent vnto your Grace two seuerall letters , which were conn●i●d through the citie of Malta , vnto the Ilandos Good , which I would of god , that they had come to your hands . But after , perceiuing that neither messenger nor yet letters came from you , I commanded one of my men with certaine letters , to be put in redinesse to depart vnto you , vnto Messana ▪ who after that hee had prooued to get foorth , sundry nights , and at last escaped , hee had not fully passed two miles on the sea , when hee was espyed by the Turkes Nauie , that in all hast made towa●d● ▪ him , which when my messenger perceiued , with all the speede hee could , retired from ▪ 〈…〉 de parted , and so ranne his ship on land , ●●d with the losse of his letters hurled into the sea , saued himselfe and his company from the handes of the Turkes . Albeeit perceiuing now that the Turkes haue brought their Nauie out of the Port of Vulturno , and thinking with my selfe , how much it is requisit that your Grace should haue intelligence of matters heere already passed , I haue therefore caused a foist to bee set in readinesse at Martia Scala , while the Turkes were occupied vpon an other part of this Iland , so as now I hope these my letters may shortlie and with safetie come vnto your handes . But what I haue thought conuenient , your Grace should vnderstand , are these . The fifteenth day of this month , the whole Nauie of the Turks , about night passed this port , and because the night was darke , wee could not perceiue the inconuenience of their nauie , for we learned so much after that their gallies though they were left in manner vnarmed , they could not well bee towed from the place they had them , and chiefely for lacke of water , they were enforced to departe from the port of Vulturno , and perhaps the feare of your Nauie , which they vnderstoode ( as I was enformed ) to be a hundred and fiftie ships riding at an ancre in the port of Messana , was likewise the cause that they would not ride in the port of Saint Paule , but planted their ships aboue Porto Musetto , and a good part of their gallies at Saint Georges , howbeit their ships & gallies are not so farre in sunder , but if your Graces nauie should come at the sudden , in the feare that they are in , they would make speede , a pace to their nauie , if they were further off distant . At the port of Vulturno , appeareth not one Turcke , as for their first encamping places at Saint Katherines , and Saint Iohns , after the burning of the villages , they haue forsaken : and now the Turks haue their nauie riding , whereas I tolde you , and their army on land lieng before the fortresse of Saint Hermes , which as almightie God hath hetherto defended , so I hope , he will still conserue the same , and the more it is to bee hoped , in that ( as yesterday ) it so came to passe , that after a most furious assalt continued by the Turkes , by the space of foure houres , with foure charges giuen , and valiantly sustained by our worthy souldiours , with the ouerthrow of a bridge , which the Turkes had planted ouer the dike of the fortresse , the Turkes had the repulse not without some losse of our Christians , where among others Captaine Medrano , ( to my great care ) was slaine : with this victory our christians are so incouraged , that I hope with Gods helpe , the fortresse ( vntill your Graces comming ) may bee defended , chiefelie , in that the enimie hath partly deminished the feruent heat of their vsuall shot of their great artillerie , so as if I had now any aide or supplie of souldiers from your Grace , or mine owne two gallies that are with you , furnished with souldiours , I am in assured hope that the enimie should neuer get the fortresse from me , for the defence whereof , while I loke euery houre for succour , both the souldiours and municions , which I had , in maner are consumed , determining not the lesse , with that little number which is left , to continue in the defence thereof , though it should cost vs all our liues , vntill such time your Grace shall send aide , who ( as wee assuredly hope ) for the pietie and famous vertue in your Grace remayning , you would not forget vs in this distresse , but rather your Grace considering the great danger that we are in , ( which must needes be the ruine of vs all , if you defer any longer , ) you will help vs out of hand , with some supplie of souldiours , when so easilie you may now send them , for the Turkes are departed from the East part of this Iland , so as those which you will send may without any perill land at a place in this Iland called Saxa Nigra . In your Grace ( after Almightie God ) is situated our health or hope , therefore wee most hartely beseech your Grace , forsake vs not in our imminent dangers , for vnto your approued wisedome & pietie , we commit all that we haue , and so fare your Grace most hartely well . From Malta this seauenteene of Iune . The Viceroy hauing receiued these letters , and considering the great daunger , of the besieged fortresse , was as it appertained wonderfully moued therewith , and shewed a meruailous desire to set forward the kings whole nauie against the Turks , howbeit because the ships that should come vnto him from Geanes , was at that time not arriued , it was thought expedient , that his Grace should not aduenture to fight with the Turkes , vntill their comming : therefore it pleased his Grace to send Signore Giouanni Cardono , with foure long shippes called Galliaceis , of the which two pertayned to the knights of Malta . Vnto Cordono the Viceroy ioyned a gentleman called Robles , with an ensigne of Spaniards , beeing chosen souldiours . There were shipped , also with these about foure score knights of the order of the Ioannits , that onely at Messana , tarried for passage into Malta , among these of the order of the Ioannits , were Signore Parisoto the nephew of the great master of Malta , Vincentio Caraffa , Boninsegna , and Maldonado , both Spaniards , Centio Aquitano and others , who though through tempests and foule weather , they came not timelie inough to the Island of Malta , as was desired , yet their comming was a meruaylous great helpe to the other Christians . Which new supplie if the same had come beefore the losle of the fortresse of Saint Hermes , perhaps therewith the fortresse might haue ben saued . These foure Galliaceis departed from Messana the seauenteenth of Iune . But the Turks , the meane time ( not caring for their great losse of souldiers , no more then they had ben beasts gone to the slaughter house , determined desperately to renew their fight , ) beegan their furious batterie againe , with the great artillerie , continuing the same , both day and night , vnto such time as such breaches were made , as conuenientlie were to assault , then the Turkes gaue so furious a charge with such a multitude , and courage therewith , that vnlesse the most valiaunt vertues of the defenders , ioyned with contempt of death , and hope of immortall glory , had had the superioritie of the apparaunt terrour : truelie , the Turkes had either put our Christians to flight , or else to haue compelled them to yeeld willingly the fortresse . Right hot was the fight on each side , in such sort , that both parts seemed to bee so desprate in fight , the one to win the fortresse , & the other to defend the same , that it appeared that day would haue giuen end to those wars : fiue houres it was furiously fought , so that in the end the Turks through the worthinesse of our christians were repulsed , howbeit the Turks the night following rested not , but still beat at the fortresse with their great artillery , that therwith the curtaines being so torne & rent , our christians had much a doe to stop the enimie from scaling , a●●o●● th● which our christians had meruailous prouid 〈…〉 . In this terrible conflict , were slaine of the side of the christians two hundred , & of the Turks part , an innumerable sort , among whom the famous Pirat Dorguta , while he executed no lesse the part of a prudent captaine , then also the function of a worthy souldior , through the stroke vpon his head with a great stone at this assalt , was wounded to death , and so within two daies after died , and his dead body from ●●●n●e , honourablie was transported to Tripolis in Barbaria . But with this worthie Constancie , and valiaunt acts of our Christians , the Captaines of the Turkes ( beeing made more furious and raging , then beefore they were ) collected all their Nauie into one place , and commaunded that the fortresse on euery side , both by land & sea , should be assalted and that euer fresh souldiers should continually be sent , vntill the fortresse were wonne by assault . Therfore the Turks immediatlie caused , both bridges , ladders , ingins , weapon & other necessaries meet for the assault , to be with all diligence put in readines which when Mounsier Valet being then in the castle of Saint Angelo perceiued , fearing ( as reason was ) that the fortresse was not able to abide & beare the furious charge that was in preparing against the ●●me , therefore about two daies before this last assault , hee called together the counsaile of the order of the Ioannits , shewing them , that they all did perceiue , so well as hee , in what meruailous daunger , those rested , that were defenders of the fortresse , nor he doubted but that euery of them , for the pietie , & Godly harts in them remaining , had no little compassion of the perill of the rest of their bretheren , and other worthie souldiours , there yet remaining , no less● then if the cases of the defenders were their owne , and therefore required , to shew their best aduise , what were requisit for the safegard of such valiant persons . The matter being throughly considered , the counsell gaue immediate resolution , that forsomuch as the fortresse no longer could bee kept , that the liues of the defenders should be saued , and that for the bringing awaie of the defenders , twelue foists should be sent . For which cause there was elected , three knights of the order , that they in the night following should passe ouer to the fortresse and not onely to declare to the defenders , the determination of the great Maister and counsell , but also to suruey , in what state euery thing in the fortresse were , after so many cruell assaults suffered , and that , if there were cause , to forsake the fortresse , then the waters ther to be poisoned , and the whole artillerie , to be cloied vp with nailes . For executing of which embassade foorth with departed Medina a spaniard , Rocca a frenchman , & Constantino Castriota an Italian , not without meruailous danger of their persons , considering the Turks espying thē , charged at them sundry shot of the harquebuze , & after their ariuall in the fortresse , they expressed to the defenders , the pleasure & determinaciō of the great maister & counsell of the order . The defenders vnderstanding , the great care & thought , that the great Maister & counsell had for their safetie , most humbly gaue thanks to them all , for the same . Then so much as concerned the estate of the fortres , if the straitnes therof , the small number of the defenders , & the great number of the enimie , should be considered , truely the fortresse were in meruailous daunger , chiefely in that the enimie was purposed to giue of new another desperate assalt , howbeit insomuch as hetherto , they had tasted of the mercifull aide of almightie God , that vnto that time had defended them , from the rabious furie of so terrible an enemie , in that the place as they thought was defensable , with munition inough , there yet remaining , and that chiefely they had required of the great Maister the honour of the charge in defending of the peece or place if they knew all to loose their liues , they intended to defend the fortresse , to the death , perhaps such occasion of most honourable defence , neuer would come to them againe , therefore they were vtterly determined to spend their liues , for the glory of almightie God , and his holie religion . The race and cource of this britle life is but short , but the glory of eternall life , is perpetuall . And considering that to each one there is an appointed death , it is to be desired of euery good man , that this life of ours beeing subiect to casualties , might rather be emploied about the seruice of Almightie God , and his common wealth , than to be reserued to the extremitie of olde age . And if their chāce should be that there were none other way but to dye , they hoped to leaue such victory to the enemie , that the ioy and pleasure , which they would gaine therby , should cost them the best blood that remained in the worthiest Soldiours that the Turks than had . And therfore they required the messengers to shew to the great Maister , what they had vowed , and to continue his good opinion in them , as pertained to haue , in worthie Seruitures : & chiefely of such as had giuen themselues to that order of Knighthood . The three Messengers hauing thus receaued the defenders answere , containing greater courage than good hap , returned to the great Maister , who calling again the Counsail togethers , & hearing the valiant answer of the defendours , was likewise desirous to heare the opiniōs of the messengers , Castriota was of opinion , that insomuch as the defendours were yet Maisters of the dikes , the fortres might be kept , & that he Castriota , ( if he were commāded ) would take the defēce of the Fortres in charge , and that rather he would lose his life , than to forsake the place . But Rocca the French man was of contrary minde , saying , that he verely beleeued , the Fortres was not able to be kept , if Iulius Caesar were on liue , & had the defence therof , & saw to what extremities , the place was brought vnto , & that euery Bulwark ther for the most part , rent in sunder by the enimies artillery , & hurled downe , & compassed with such number of desperate enemies ; he would neuer suffer , that the liues of so many worthie soldiours should , through inconsidered partinacitie , haue end , but rather to forsake the place , and to reserue the liues of so many valiant Seruitures for other places of greatet importance . It is a valiant & worthie mans part , to doe that which a man may doe , and not to stretch beyond that , which a man cannot doe . And , that to be done , which as he thought , was vsed to be considered in diseased membres incurable in mans body : that for the safegard of the life & the rest of the whole bodie , it was meet the incurable member to be cut away , and not to care of the losse therof . The Spaniard agreeing in opinion with Castriota , thought conuenient , that the place should not be forsaken ; for that the dikes and Rampers of the Fortres for the most part were yet not beaten in sunder , and that a meruailous vnitie of mynde was resident in the defendours , ioyned with a liuely courage and desire to come to hand strokes with the enemie , which in manner promised an assured victorie to the defendours . The seuerall opinions of these three Messengers being throughly considered , it was thought good , by the most part of the Counsaill , that the defenders should continue in their charge for certaine dayes : For that it was neuer the vsage of that order , to forsake with ease such places , as once were committed to their gard : but rather to cōtinue in defēce of the same to the death ; to th end that the barbarous enemie might vnderstand , with what kinde of men he had to doe , to the repressing of his temerarious arrogance and pride : Least , in forsaking the place , the enemié would perhaps think it were done through feare . Whereby the courage of the enemie would encrease , and the auncient honour and estimacion of this sacred order would abate . The Turks this while , minding to put in effect , which they before determined , the three and twentith of Iune , with their whole Armies both by land and sea , about my dnight , assalted cruelly the Fortres on all sides , erecting their ladders , bridges , and other Ingins meet for that purpose . First vnbending at once two and thirtie great Cannons , that with the furious strokes thereoff , that which remained vp of the fortificacions , were vtterly throwen downe . The Christians on thother side manfully stode to theyr defence , some they ouerthrew into the dikes , some they repulsed , & some they slew , but a great deale being more couragious , to vvound & annoy the enemie than to looke to their owne safetie : insomuch vvere the greatest concourse and thrust of the enemie vvas , there vvere the Christians euer ready to shew theyr force and prowesse . The noyse of each side vvas great , mixed with vehement exortations , ioies and mournings : the face & countenance of the fight vvas variable , ambiguous , incertain , horrible , and pitifull to behold . Thus it vvas foughten vnto three of the clock , vvhan yet vvas doubted to vvhat part the victorie vvould encline . And except the Turks had begun againe furiously to vnbend continually their great Artillerie , ( vvhereby they ouertbrew all the Courtains and Bulwarks vnto the hard Rock vvhereon the Christians stoode : ) the Christians might vvell ynough haue sustained for a few daies more , the furie of the enemie , but the Rock thus made naked both of the defendours and vvalls , and more than foure hundred of the garrison slaine , rested nothing vp , scarce that could hide the head of the Souldiour : So as none , could once mount or shew himselfe , to stand to the defence , but immediately he vvas torne in peeces vvith the shot of the Canon , that neuer seased . And now Monserrato the Generall of the Fortres , together vvith one Garas , ruler of Euboeae , vvith one bullet vvere miserably slaine togethers , gentlemen of like vertue , pietie , and vvorthinesse , vvho for this short lyfe , and most honorable beehauiour in the same , haue now togethers gained eternall glorie . Neuerthelesse , the other . that remained on liue , and that stoode manfully to their charge , nothing discouraged vvith the losse and slaughter of their compagnions , but rather as such as seemed to haue receaued new force and strength out of Heauen , they encountred the enimie most couragiously , in tearing and rending the Ensignes , vvhich the Turks had fastened vpon the Fortres , and killing the Ensigne bearers , Captaines and others , of the chiefest of the enemie . So that the Christians looked for none other thing than to giue vp theyr lyues , for the Religion of Christ , to obtaine eternall lyfe . Now the Sunne in his race , had ascended the middest of the Heauens , vvhereby vvas such raging heate , vvearinesse , and continuall thundering of Artillerie , again the multitude of the enimie so great ▪ that still sent fresh men to renew the assalt . On the other part , the little number of our Christians lest on liue , weakened with meruailous labour , watchings , drought , & wounds . The Turkes at last gayned by force the fortresse of Saint Hermes , but with such an incredible losse of their souldiours that it was wonderfull that so great a multitude of the Turkes , could bee slaine by so little a number● of the Christians : thus our Christians valiauntlie fighting were euery one slaine . Heere I cannot let passe , to touch the vnmercifull crueltie of these Turkes , exercised against the knights of the order of the Ioannits , whereby one may vnderstand , of what nature & propertie Cruelltie is of , which euer sheweth , what will it hath still to reuenge , when the death of the person cannot suffice . For after the winning of the fortres , the Turkes finding there , certaine knights of the order , beetwixt death and life , caused most cruelly their harts to be cut out of their breasts , & their bodies inuested with their scarlet cassocks , & white crosses ( for that the knights of the order of the Ioannits , in warers doe euer weare scarlet , & in peace black ) to bee hanged vp by the feet to the number of a thirtie of them , in the sight of the Castles of Saint Angelo , & Saint Michael , but when this beastly crueltie seemed not to be inough to Mustapha , he also caused these dead bodies to bee tyed togethers , and to bee hurled into the sea , howbeit the sea being moued as it were with greater mercie , then was in the Turks , the next day after did cast the dead bodies fleeting into Porto Maiori , where the great Maister knowing who they were commanded that the corses should be taken vp , and buried honorably , with no litle lamentation made for them . In such sort that the great Maister straightlie commanded that from thence forth no Turkes should be taken , but immediatlie to be slaine , whereby such as alreawere taken , by and by were put to death , and their beads throwen ouer the walles . From the beeginning of the siege , vnto the winning of the fortresse of Saint Hermes , there were slaine of that garrison , the number of a thousand three hundred persons of the which there were a hundred & thirtie knights of the order of the Ioannits . The great Maister Valet , hauing thus lost the fortresse of Saint Hermes , though he had ( as reason was ) a carefull hart , yet in dissembling the same , hee shewed outwardlie a good countenaunce , to the end , that hee should not discourage the rest of his souldiours . Saying that nothing hath chanced but that almightie God hath prouided the same , for such is the fortune of wars , and the will of God , that sometime one , and sometime another , may suffer ouerthrow . It is onely cowardnesse and not the worthie vertue and immortall courage of these valiaunt seruiters , beeing dead , that should cause vs to make care and mourning , nor , for all this the enimie ought so much to bee dreaded , considering his losse in deed , that rather it seemeth hee should accompt himselfe to haue receiued the ouerthrow then to bee named victorious . And as to such of our christians as are dead in this worthie seruice , let vs firmely beleeue , that they are recompenced with glory & immortallitie in the kingdome of heauen , which ought to enflame the harts of euery good man , to serue as they haue done , & as for himselfe , hee had not yet laied aside his hope of assured victorie to bee gotten of the rest of the enimies , rather by the help of almightie God , then by his owne power , and that hee supposed , all there beeing present , to be of like minde , and so to be and continue , hee required them . These words beeing spoken , the great Maister being readie against all extremities of Fortune , departed from the rest , and after much deuising with himselfe alone , he determined with himselfe in the end to write to Petro Mesquito generall of the citie of Malta , and to aduertise him , and the bretheren of the Ioannits at Messana , together with the Viceroy , of the losse of the fortresse of Saint Hermes . The copie of whose letters I haue thought expedient to discribe to you , to the end that the meruailous prouidence of Valet the prince of this order of the Ioannits , may the more appeare vnto you , which is as followeth . DVring such time as the knights of the order , abiding at Messana , are preparing their passage hether , the miserable ouerthrow and taking of the fortresse of Saint Hermes hath chanced , which as you ought to know , hath left vnto mee no little care , so I assuredly thinke , the ●ame hath fortuned , not without the secret permission of almightie God , which I take in such good part , that rather the father of Heauen , will correct vs by this losse , then vtterly to suffer vs to perish . And albeit in mine opinion , it is not requisit , to doubt any wise of his mercifull goodnesse and mightie power . Yet I cannot but complaine that it hath seemed , I haue beene forsaken of those , that should not haue becommed them so to haue done , that in the space of seauen and thirtie daies , wherin our most worthie Christians now dead , susteyned such furious charges of the enimie , ( as rather a meruailous matter done by God , then man , ) of our owne ( who of duetie ought to haue regarded vs ) wee haue beene succoured with no manner of aide , which sundry times in this space , they might haue done , how beeit as I perceiue , we must hope no longer of mans help , considering that neither our letters , diligence , earnest requests , admonicions , or commandements , can in any wise take place with them , whom duety rather ought to haue moued to obedience , then negligence to haue staied them all this while . Lacke of time will not permit me , to write as I would to the Viceroy , but rather your part shal be , to giue intelligence as well to his grace , as to others our bretheren there of the occurrants of this Island . Which our bretheren , if they had obeied our commandements as had appertained , or else had sent vs any aide at all , perhaps we had not lost the fortresse of Saint Hermes , about the defence wherof , so valiant & worthy seruitures as euer liued , haue lost their liues therin . Wherefore except the Viceroy make hast to deliuer vs , I feare hee shall come to late to doe vs good , chiefely if we be besieged , before we haue the litle succours , which as I dreame , are in comming to vs , & as I feare scarce will come in time . Neuerthelesse we doe not mistrust of the loue & prouidence of almighty God towards vs , but that the deuine vertue of the Viceroy , within few houres , to be moued & stirred vp by the holy ghost , will with speede deliuer vs. The meane time , the enemies hath gotten together all their nauie into the port of Musetto , & are very dilligent in purging of the places of the fortresse , & reedifieng of the rampers & bulwarks which with the strokes of their artillerie they did cast downe . Therefore vpon the sight heereof , I require you to send to vs , the captaines Catharinensis , Belcarensis , Belmestio , and Zoric , with their bands , that in our necessities , we may vse their faithfull and valiaunt endeauours . So requiring of God to send vs aide from some place , fare you hartely well . From the castle of Saint Angelo the foure and twentith day of Iune . MEsquita the generall of the Citie of Malta , after that hee had read the letters of the great Maister immediatly caused a foist to be rigged to the sea , & in the same sent one Masio Co●onello , to whom hee gaue both the great Maisters letters to him sent , and also other letters of his owne of like effect directed to the knights of the order of the Ioannits remayning at Messana , requiring Masio with all the hast hee could , to passe into Sicilia . The meane time , Mustapha Bassa sent a messenger to Mounsier Valet , and with him an old Spaniard , a prisoner to the which prisoner Mustapha promised libertie vppon condition that he would goe to Borgo with his messinger , commanding them both that they should practise with Mounsier Valet to yeeld himselfe , and the whole Island vpon any reasonable appointment . Who after they had ariued at the towne , the Turk remained without , & the christian entred in & was brought to the prince , to whom he disclosed the charge & commandement to him giuen by Mustapha . When Mounsier Valet heard the Spaniard once name appointment & yelding , he began to enter into such a choler , that if he had not beene a christian man , he had commanded him immediatly to haue ben hanged , therefore he gaue the Spaniard choise , whether he would tarry still among the Christians in Borgo , or else immediatly to depart , & to tell to the Turke that came with him , except he did get him away in hast , he would cause the artillerie of the castle to constraine him to speed him away . The Turke with this answere retourned to the campe , wherewith Mustapha fell in such a rage , that hee openly sayde that from thenceforth hee would vse all the crueltie that hee could against the Christians . At this time with Mustapha was a gentleman named Philip , discended of the noble familie of the Lascares in Greece , who at such time as hee was a childe , was taken by the Christians , when as they wonne the towne of Patras in Achaia . During which time , that hee was a prisoner , hee was so curteously vsed by them , that euer after hee bare meruailous affection and good will , towards Christians . This Philip beeing priuie to sundry counsailes of Mustapha , ( moued as it seemed by deuine inspiration from Heauen ) thought that hee might meruailouslie aide and profit the Christians , if hee should come to them , and therfore determined with himselfe to passe to the fortres of Saint Michaell . Which as hee prooued many times to doe , so in the ende in the Calends of Iuly , hee did cast himselfe into the sea ( considering hee could not get to the castle by land ) and so did swimme to the castle , not without great daunger of his life , for he being espied by the Turkes he was shot at , with sundry arrowes and arquebuses . Vpon his landing , he was immediatly brought to the great Maister , to whom not onely he discouered sundrie counsells of the enimie , but also shewed , what ought to bee done at a corner of the fortresse of Saint Michaell , to the end to make frustrate certain deuises of the enemies , which they purposed to practise against that place , and of sundry other things which afterward turned to much commoditie of the christians . Who also , as oportunitie serued , right valiantly , after , fought against the Turks : So as , that after the siege , and Malta being deliuered , he repaired to Rome , with meruailous commendacion of the great Maister , where the Popes holinesse courteously entertained him , and for his vertue and good seruice done aswell towards those of Malta , as towards vvhole Christendome , he rewarded him vvith sundry guifts . Where likewise , be dyd forsake his Turkish faith , vvherein he vvas brought vp , vtterly detesting the same , and from Rome he repaired to King Philip , to vvhose Maiestie he discouered likewise certaine pretences of Soliman the Emperour of the Turks . While these things ( as aboue ) vvere done , Colonello ( of vvhome before , as I shewed you , that vvas sent into Sicilia ) ariued safe at Messana , vvher he found the Christian Nauie not as yet readie , so that the afflicted affaires of Malta could not out of hand be succoured . For neither the ships that should come out of Spaine vvere than come , nor yet Gouianni Andrea Auria , vvith his eight & twentie Galliaceis , vvho staied to enbarque foure thousand footemen , vnder the leading of Capino Vitellio , that vvere collected in Etruria . The knights of the order at Messana considering this tedious tarieng , and vvhat perill vvould ensue vppon longer staie , fully determined vvith Gods helpe , to succour their bretheren of the orderin Malta . And vvith such power as they had gotten togethers , vnder the leading of two notable gentlemen , knights of the Ioannits , the one of the house of Messana , & the other of Baroleto ; they purposed to passe into Malta . Albeit before their departure , they repaired to the Viceroy : & in consulting vvith him , they required his Grace , to call to memory vvhat seruice the knights of the Ioannits had done , not onely for the King of Hispain , but for all Christendome ; and vvhat charges the Ioannits vvere at the other yeere , at the vvinning of Pinon de Beles , vvhere they neither spared victual , artillerie , or ships , nor yet theyr owne proper liues ; vvhere theyr seruice might either profit the Kings highnesse , or any part of the Christian common vvealth . And besides this , that he vvould vouchsafe to consider vvith himselfe , that the losse of the Iland Malta , not onely should touch the Ioannits , but vniuersall Italy , and chiefely the Iland of Sicilia ; by reason it should be a neighbour to so mightie an enimie as the Turk . For vvhich causes and others , that shortnesse of time prohibiteth to report , they required of him foure thousand footemen , vvith vvhome all the knights there , of the order of the Ioannits , accompanied also vvith sundry noble personages and other voluntary soldiors , vvould passe ouer into Malta , to succour their bretheren there : vvith vvhich supply , they sayd they assuredly hoped , if at the least , they could not repulse the enimie or vvinne againe the lost Fortres , ●et to stay the further procedings and pretences of the furious enemie , vnto such tyme as the vvhole Christian Nauie beeing in a redinesse might inuade the Turkish Fleete , and also ( as they trusted ) vtterly to destroy the same . Vpon these words , vvhile the Vice Roy , deliberated with himselfe vvhat he should doe , there came a messenger out of Hispain , but vvhat the effect of his letters vvas , vvhich he brought , though some iudged one vvay and some an other , none certainely could tell : but so it came to passe , that through his comming , the Vice Roy gaue a briefe answere to the Ioannits , saying , that he could not satisfie their request , considering the same vvere an vtter vveakening & diminishing of the force of the kings nauie . vvherby it should come to passe in so doing as they requested ; that he could not giue them such succors , as shortly he pretended to doe . Howbeit if they vvould transport all the Ioannits that were at Messana ( vvith a part of the souldiors vvhich the Popes holinesse sent ) into Malta , in those two Galleaceis vvhich they had prepared ; hee himselfe vvould furnish an other Galliace to bee sent vvith them . The knights hauing receaued this determined answer , vvhan as they otherwise could not amend themselues , they tooke the offer of the Vice Roy. While these ships vvere making readie to depart ; the foure ships vvhereof before I made mencion , vvhich transported the 600 Soldiours , & foure score knights of the Ioannits , by the space of twentie dayes vvere on the Seas , tossed vvith meruailous tempests , & other stops and staies , that they could not attaine to Malta . And chiefely they had commaundement giuen them , they should not land , except they knew certainly that the Fortres of Sainct Hermes , vvere still in possession of the christians . But approching to Malta , they sent their spiall on land , & promised him , to tarry on the Sea , vnto the next day for his retorne . The meane tyme the Seas by tempestious vveather began so to grow , that the Spiall could not retourne at his appointed tyme. Wherefore the shippes that dyd abide him , dreaded that either he was perished in the tempest , or else come into the enimies hands . Whereby , they sayled back to Pozalo , a place on the coast of Sicilia , to the ende to learne somewhat there , of the state of Malta . Where , vpon their arriuall they certainely dyd know , that the Fortres of Sainct Hermes was yet vngotten by the Turks : Which whan they had learned , they departed to the seas againe . But comming within sixe miles of Malta , wher at their place determined , they were apointed to land , they spied a fier from land , as a signe made vnto them , wherby they iudged , both that their former Espiall was taken by the enemie , & that some Ambush was there layed for them . Wherevpon they retourned to Pozalo againe , at which place , they learned of one of the Knights of the Ioannits , a French man , that came out of Malta , of purpose to them , that the forenamed fire by his commandement was made , that they being instructed by that signe , might safely proceede to their landing place in Malta . Vpon the vnderstanding whereof , they all with speede dyd get them to the Seas againe , and failed to Malta , where at a place called Saxa Nigra , ( which is situated in that part of Malta , which is towards Lybia , ) they landed in a quiet night , the nine and thirtith of Iune , & so being not seene of any others , marched without impediment , to the Citie of Malta , where , with incredible Ioy they were receaued , and there tarried vnto the tyme they knew the further pleasure of the Great Maister . The meane time there grew about Borgo , and the other places thereabouts such a mist , being not oft times seene there , that none in maner could see therabouts , when as a boy scarce of the age of twelue yeeres , lokeing out at a window of the castle , and all afraied , cried immediatly , that he saw the Turkes marching towardes the castle o● Saint Michael , which being perceiued , and certaine of the knights making towards that part , in their way , they gate a certaine Grecian borne that dwelt at the citie of Malta , who being brought backe to Borgo , and straitly examined of the cause of his departure from thence , considering he had no pasport , without which , it was lawfull for none , to stray abroad , in the end this Grecian confessed , that he was purposed to haue fled to the campe of the enimie , and to haue giuen him intelligence of the ariuall of this new supplie , to the end that the Turks , might in the marching of this supplie towards the great maister , surprise them by some ambush . Whervpon the Ioannits considering , that by some occasion heereafter , this fugitiue ; might worke to them no little detriment , they caused him to bee cut in foure peeces . Three daies after , this new supplie of souldiours that came out of Sicilia , about night sa●elie came to the great maister , sauing two or three lacques , that were charged with certaine armour and other fardels , who came into the hands of the enimie . It is in maner , incredible what courage was augmented in the hartes of the beesieged Christians , through the comming of this new supplie , and chiefely Valet , the great maister , seeing beefore his eies , assembled , the flower of the Ioannits , and other most worthie seruitures sent to him by the prouidence of Almightie God , saied ( vvith teares in his eies for Ioy ) I thank thee humbly , most mightie God and heauenly King , that of thy mercifull goodnesse doest heare my prayers , and doest not forsake this pitifull flock of thine ; trauailing vnder my charge , being compassed ( as thou assuredly knowest ) vvith these most raging and furious vvolfes ; What shall I say more ? but these are the works of thine onely parpetuall goodnesse , apparant omnipotencie , and inscrutable vvisedome . This new supply , that vvas come to the great Maister , vvere earnest sutors , that it vvould vouchsafe the great Maister to graunt them that benefit , that they might serue in the Fortres of Sainct Michael , the great Maister praising their valiant courage , did condiscend to theyr request ; vvithout changing at all , there , the ancient garrison . The next day following , such of the garrison of Sainct Michaels , as had desire to come to hand strokes vvith the enemie , issued forth , & meeting vvith the enemy at Saint Margarets ; so vvorthely behaued themselues that they killed aboue 200 of the Turks , & hurt as many of them , that none of the garrison retourned home to the Fortres , vvithout blood drawen of the enemie ; yea and vvithout losse of any of their company , at that time . Which vvhē Mustapha parceued , he knew right wel that it vvas the new supply come to the Fortres of Saint Michael , therefore he found meruailous fault vvith those that had the charge by sea ; that by their negligence , this supply gate landing & entrie : So as they , to vvhose charge the vtter parts of the Iland vvere cōmitted , came in vvonderfull suspicion of Mustapha . Whose suspicion also vvas augmented through the departure of three Gallies of Argire , that stole away , vvherby he had small credit to the rest of the Argirians there , and much lesse confidence to the Renegants that vvere Christians , and there seruing the Turke . Wherefore hee ordayned that none of those persons should tarry on land out of their shippes vpon paine to be thrust through on stakes , and to bee burnt to ashes , and so in chaunging that watch , hee appointed the gallyes , of Salach the Turke , to take the custody of the Iland , that no supply should enter . And to the end that neither of his owne , nor any Christian should surprise theyr Nauy , he caused sundry of his owne shippes to be set a longst the breadth of the port of Musetto , and the one to bee chayned to the other . And forsomuch as that the blody flixe and other diseases had inuaded his campe , he ordained for the sick three kindes of places , one for the wounded , at the water of Marza , vnder the gard of 2000. Turks , another on shipborde , for the voluntary souldiours , & the third vpon scaffolds deuised betwixt ship and ship for the Renegants . At which time Mustapha made Ochial the Turk , generall ouer Tripolis in Barbaria , who passing thether with fiue Galliaceis ro take possession of his charge , & after setting euery thing in order ther , he returned to the campe in Malta . And for the better furniture of bread for the campe , the Bassa caused two ships frayghted with wheat to be transported to the towne of Leptis , and there to be made and baked beecause the campe of the Turkes had much neede of bread . Likewise Mustapha sent to Solyman the Emperour Zaloth the Turke , to shew him how he had wonne by assault , the fortres of Saint Hermes , and bare with him the plat of the Iland , as he found it at his entry there , & to declare to him that he found those of Malta ▪ better prepared , & more strong , then he hoped in the beginning , to haue found them . And that it his pleasure wer , that he should continue the wars ther in that Iland it were not a little requisit , to aide him with a great supply of men , victuall , and more furniture of municions . Which if he send , he trusted to win the remnant of the fortresses of Malta , though not so sone , as perhaps would be loked for . And in the meane time while he receiued aunswere hee would foreslow and protract no time , to proue by assalt & otherwise , to gaine the fortresses if he could . And because , he should seeme , not to haue written vaine matters to his Prince , Mustapha had beegun his battery with seauentie great peeces of artillery , ( among which , were three mighty Basiliscoes , ) in foureteen seuerall places , insomuch as from the Promontory of the place of execution vnto the water of Marza , and from thence vnto the fortres of Saint Hermes , where they had placed 300 Ianizaries in garryson , they entrenched and fortefied all that compasse of earth right warlike , with meruaylous strength . With which cruell battery , contynuing day and night , they tormented the townes of Borgo and Saint Michael , that the walles , bulwarkes and houses were there wonderfully ●ndammaged , so as none knew well where to bee safe , whereby at the first , both women and children were meruaylously annoyed . And the Turkes themselues were driuen to keepe within their fortefied campe , nor durst issue abroad without great multitude , and for all that they escaped not home againe to their campe all free , for the horsemen of the Garrison of the Citie of Melita , now & than scouring the countrie , vvould charge them on the back and kill many of them . Whan the newes of the losse of the Fortres of Saint Hermes came to Rome ; the Citie was replenished with meruailous care and feare for the tydings : insomuch , as some there , mourned to see that auncient glorie of the Latin Name vvas in such sort diminished . An other sort , was in no little dread that the calamitie of Malta vvould redownd to Rome . There were also an enuious and detracting kinde of men more liberall with carping tongues , than expert in knowledge of warres , that layed the vvhole blame of the losse of the Fortres vpon Mounsier Valet the great Maister : vvhome , both his Inuincible courage , and no lesse the valiant and noble personages there accompanyeng him , than also this Historie making mencion of all theyr most vvorthie Actes , vvould parpetually deliuer him from such infamy and sclaunder . But such , as care not for theyr owne estimacion , by lykelihood would not spare to defame the Renome of an other . For as Ignorance cannot Iudge well of the Pollicies and Inuencions of the learned sort . No more can Coward Varlets rightly discerne of the vvorthlie Acts and valiant doeings of Couragious olde and practized Soldiours . But to retourne to the matter of our History , before we told you how three Galiacies were in preparing , at Messana , and what diligence they vsed about the same that had the charge thereof ; in such sort as the seuenth of Iuly , they departed out of the Port of Messana . There were in those three ships beesides the Knightes of the Ioannites , sixe hundred Spaniards , and three hundreth of the Popes Soldiours , vnder the charge of Pompeio Colona , among vvhom , wer some that voluntary rowed , & some that vver constrained . To the constrained , libertie vvas promised if they vvould doe their endeuours , to bring thē into the port of Borgo , they should , after , be aduanced to roomes of Soldiours as the others vvere . So as not onely their purpose was to succour those that wer beseeged , with men , but also vvith victuall . For vvhich cause , they shipped 250 Medimni of Wheat , besids Gun pouder , Sall-peter , and Leade , meete for Artillerie and like vses . And albeit they supposed it very difficult , to enter the Port , being so strongly garded by the Turk : neuerthelesse such desire rested in the mindes in the Ioannits present in those Shippes , that they made accompt the entrie might easely be brought to passe , both to them and thother . Whan they approched nigh vnto Malta , these shipps made foorth a Fragot to see if any signe from the Castle of Saint Angelo could be espied , vvherby they might vnderstand , vvhether the ships might proceed to enter or retire . Whan the Fragot vpon his proceeding , parceuing a signe that he should retourne back , retourned to the shipps shewing the signe of retyring : though the Turks vvhan they prouided the signe dyd vvhat they could to obscure the signe by shotte of great Artyllarye at the same , vvhereby they replenyshed the Skyes vvith meruailous obscurities , as though the same had bene thorough darke Cloudes ; vvhich the shippes vnderstoode vvell enough : and so retourned backe into Sicilia . In deede , it was not thought meet by Valet that most curteous prince , that so many worthy knights of the order , and so many noble personages and valiaunt fouldiours , beeing togethers in those ships , should bee brought in manifest danger , for hee did see apparauntly how that certaine of Turks ships , lay by night , at the in comming of Porto Musetto , at a place called Arenula to enbar all entrie and issue , to and fro Porto Maiore , without their leaue . At which time , when as the garrison of the citie of Malta , had intelligence what good successe the new supplie had vpon their issue made ( as before ) against the Turkes , they taking courage thereby ; made likewise asalie vpon the enimie , that spoiled abroad in the Iland , as they wer driuing certain cattell , which they had taken , & in such sort they of the citie valiantly behaued themselues , that after sundry of the Turks , by them slaine , not onely they recouered the cattell , but draue the rest of the Turks to their shippes . The campe of the Turks understanding the chase to come towardes them immediatly stroke a l'arme , and repairing to the pauilion of their generall Mustapha , seased for that time , the battery . Which matter , caused the Prince Valet to suppose , that the Turks was marching to giue assalt at the breach ▪ and therefore the prince fully determined with himselfe to be ther present at the defence of the breach , thinking thereby that his presence should not a little encrease the courage and hardinesse of the garrison of Saint Michaels . For which purpose , immediatly he caused a bridge vpon boates to passe both the halfe Ilands to Saint Michaels to bee made . But knowing what the a ●arme ment , he returned to the castle of Saint Angelo . There were some that indged this dooing of the Prince to bee meruaylous bolde & couragious , but not voyd of great daunger occupyeng such a place & function , as he dyd , and therfore was worthie to be blamed for the same : Alleadging , that matters of great waight & importance , ought rather to be put in effect by the force of the mynde , counsail , & direct order ; giuen by the Generall , than by any force of body by him to be shewed . Vnto which affaires , though the Generall be absent , yet by his prudent orders established , he may be present among his soldiours . For the decay of the General ( which if he come to handstrokes may easely happen the ruin of the rest wherof he had charge , may likewise ensue : as we dayly see , whan the lyfe is gone , the body is dead . Other again affirmed that the prince Valet , was worthy of much commendacion , Iudging that the presēce of the General was most necessary in perils , cōsidering that the Soule cannot rightly gouerne & direct the bodie , except it be present , yea , in the body : For in such doeing hath but followed the examples of the most prudent Generals Alexander , Themistocles , Caesar , Marius , and sundry others vsing these kinde of words in effect following : Ego met in agmine , in Praelio , consultor idem & sotius pericul● vobis cum adero : Me vosque in omnibus rebus iuxta geram . Both , in the Esquadron & fight ( O worthy soldiors ) you shal haue mee present a Counsail & compagnion in all perills : Wherein , as your fortune shall be , the same shal be myne . Who is so rude of witt , that if the same be requisit in other things , in Peace , it is much more to be desired in warres . The presence of the Maister oft times causeth his affayres , with dilligence and greater facility to haue fortunate proceedings . Nor truely the prudent Poet ( discriuing the wars beetwixt the Latins and the Ruteli , ) was of other minde , sayeng Vrget Praesentia Turni , the presence of Turnus prouoked the courage of his souldiours , by which most euident reasons it was iudged that Valet the prince of the order of the Ioannits should haue done both manfully and most prudently according to his function , if according to his determination hee had ben present at the defence of the breach among his soldiours , if the Turks had assalted the same . The same time the king of Argire with seauen gallyes & ten other ships , in which were two thousand and two hundred souldiours , came to the aide of the Turks army in Malta . Who seeming to be very sory , that he was not there at the beginning of the warres , required of Mustapha , to haue so much honour shewed him , that both for the declaration of his good will , for the exployt of some notable seruice & to proue what courage rested in his owne souldiours he might haue the formost place with-his souldiours to assalt the fortres of Saint Michael , which not onely was graunted to him , but also Mustapha caused two thousand chosen soldiors of the army of the Turk , to be ioyned to him , which being granted to him , about 90 small ships were commanded to be brought from Porto Musetto , vnto the water of Marza , for that vpon that side the king of Argire purposed vpon the water to giue the assault vnto the fortres . Which when the Prince Valet did perceue , as also , hauing had intelligence of this the Turks preparation & deuise , by a certaine fugitiue that came out of the campe to him . Immediately he called before him two of the best practised & faithfull pilots , that were in Borgo , & of them demanded by what meanes the Turks might be enbarred from the approching to the foote of the wall of the sortresse . The pilots answered that their opinions were , if of masts of ships , and other timber ioyned togethers at the ends with ringes of Iron , and thereof as it were a long chaine to be made , and the one end ther of to be sastned from the corner of the castle of Saint Angelo , vnto the other side , where the enimie with their boates were determined to enter , the enimies deuises should bee vtterly stopped in that behalfe . This pollicie liked the great Maister in such sort , that in the night following , the chaine was ended , and placed accordingly . The Turkes in the dawning of the morning , seeing this chaine placed to enbarre their pretences , were stonished , not knowing how to land the souldiours : but while the king of Argire and his company were in this mase , a fugitiue a Christian , a man of meruailous hardinesse , ( to which kinde of persons , rashnesse serueth for vertue , and desperation in stead of constancy ) came to the king , and promised that he would breake this chaine afore aid . Wherevpon ( taking an axe with him ) did enter into the water , after whom followed two or three others , to aide and help him , and so swimming to this chayne , this fugitiue began to strike at this chayne with his axe . Which when the Christians in Borgo , did perceiue , about fiue or sixe of them with their swords drawen did on their part by and by swimme likewise to the desence of the chayne , where , after killing two of that company , those Christians did put the other to flight . After that , none was so bold to put in proofe the like againe : Neuerthelesse , the king of Argire , dyd not leaue his purpose , for the xv day of Iuly , at the breake of day , he proceded to the assalt , both by land and vvater . The Christians perceuing the pretence of the Argirians , had prepared the most part of their Artillerie to be laied towards that place vvhere the Argirians came to giue the assalt . So as , vpon the repaire of the Turks , the Artillerie of the Christians vvere vnbended with such violence by the space of three houres , during the time of the assalt , that with the bullets of the Canon & other Artillerie , about two thousand Turks were torne in peces & drowned , with twelue of their ships . Howbeit the most part of their ships approching to the Chaine , & perceauing the same to enbarre them to land where they purposed , they turned the shipps vpon an other part towards the Fortres of Saint Michael , but doeing nothing , they likewise vvere enforced to retourne . Vpon the land , likewise , it vvas meruailously fought , so as many Turks vvere slaine , and two hundred of our Christians vvanting , among vvhome Frederic , the sonne of Dom Garza , Viceroy of Sicell , vvas torne in peeces vvith an Iron Bullet , also one Gordio a Frenchman : Francis Senoghera , vvith his Neuew Iohn , Hispapaniards borne , and knights of the Ioannits , Medina , there , likewise was vvounded to death , vvho afterward dyed of the same . But the Prince Valet , perceauing in what perills the state of vvhole Malta should stand in , if many such battailes vvere often fought , vvhan as , those that were vvearie , both day and night should continually haue to doe with the fresh and new Soldiours of the Turks , and to haue no maner of supply of soldiours , sent to succour them . Therefore the seuententh of Iuly , he sent a messenger into Sicilia , who by swimming passed from the Castle at the vtter bay : leading to the water of Marza , and from thence escaped vnknowen through the middest of the enemies , vnto the Cittie of Malta , and so from Malta taking shipping , came with diligence to Messana . To this messenger , Valet , gaue letters , by the which he required that he might haue those two Gallies of his owne , there remaining , and the same to be furnished and sent with those number of knights of the Ioannits , as were remaining at Messana , and with so many other soldiours as might fill and replenish those Gallies . And that , vpon their comming nigh to Malta , they should abide a loofe before the Port , vnto such time they had a conuenient signe made vnto them whether they might safely enter the Port yea or no. At which time that the messenger of Malta , came to Messana , there came thether a fleet of ships out of Spain that brought in the same sundry knights of the order of Ioannits , of diuers nacions . Whan as the Viceroy purposed to send away to Malta , the two gallies written for , he first thought meet to write to the great Master certaine letters Ciphered by two seuerall little shipps , wherby he signified to the great Master , that with those he sent the two Gallies for that which he wrote howbeit he required that the Gallies might haue assured signe made vnto them , whan they came in sight of the Iland , whether they might enter without euident peril or no. These two litle ships , thus departing from Messana towards Malta , ( whereof the one was furnished with sundry simples and medicaments pertaining to Phisick & Surgerie , dyd not both keepe one course of Sayling ▪ Whereby the bote that had the Medicaments for Phisick and Surgery , came into the hands of the Turks , as afterward vvas learned , the other arriued ▪ safe in Malta . Neuerthelesse because , a few daies before , all the waies betwene Saint Michaels and the Citie of Malta , vvere vtterly enbarred by the Turks , and that three Christians vvhich vvere vsed to goe and come betwixt those places , in their passing vvere surprised & taken by the Turks , and most cruelly put to death . And besids , the entries of the Ports vvere vigilantly garded , that none vvithout the knowledge of the Turks could vvell enter . Whereby the knights of the order , resting at Messana , could not tell how to send safely the two Gallies away to Malta . Notwithstanding considering that the great Maister so earnestly vvrote to haue them , & that they thought , Vbirerum agitur summa , vnius particulae periculum , minus esse metuendum . Where the vvhole affaires rest in daunger , the perill and losse but of a part & particle thereof for the conseruacion of the rest ought the lesse to be regarded and feared , they determined vvith themselues to commit the two Gallies to the guiding of Fortune ; alwaies aforeseeing , that all those knights of the order , should not passe in that hazard , but onely fortie of them ioyned vvith a good number of soldiours , that furnished vp the two Gallies . With these passed Captain Salazar , an Hispaniard , in a bote towed by the Gallies , into the Iland of Goza vvho after from thence passed ▪ into Malta to espie both the state of the Citie , and the Turks Armie . The meane tyme , the Turks not forgetting , the great ouerthrow and repulse that they receaued at their late assalt at Saint Michaels , and not a litle desirous to reuenge the same , therefore they began vvith terrible sury theyr batterie againe , against the Fortres of Saint Michaell , in such sort , as that so much as the defendours repaired vp in the night , the Turks by day by their Artillery ouerthrew and brake . While the enemies Artillerie , dyd their feate , the Turks deuised theyr bridge , vvhich they finished , and dyd sett ouer the dyke before the Sunne rysing , the twentith of Iuly , vvhereby they might come to hand strokes ▪ vvith our Christians . Which being perceaued by the defendours , and considered , vvhat detriment the bridge vvould import , if the same vvere suffered ▪ Immediately seignior Parisoto the great Maisters Neuew , and Agleria , knights of the Order , vvith a good company of other soldiours , issued forth of entent to haue burned the bridge . Who in such sort vvere receaued by the Turks , that vvithout executing the matter , they came for , all those that issued together vvith Parisoto and Agleria , vvere vtterly slaine . The Turks ( this space ) seased not to continue the sury of their Artillery ▪ in battering the walls ; vntill the xxviij . day of Iuly ; So as , that afternone , they couragiously assalted the For tres on sundry parts thereof ; and thrise did send fresh men , to supply the roomes of their soldiours that were either vvery in the fight or ouerthrowen in the assalt , & so manfully the Turks stood to their mark , that they doubted not to gaine the Fortres that day . But our Christians on their part with no lesse valyant courage resisted them , & with very force , what by Gunshot , arrowes , wildefire & handstrokes , at last they compelled the Turks to retire from the assalt , with incredible losse . With this victory , the harts of the defenders in such manner encreased that they cared nothing for the malice of the enemie . And because there was not so often skirmishing on our side , as was wont , and that the artillery of the Christian side , began to stay from shoting , the Turks supposed , that there was few souldiours left on liue in the fortres , & that their furniture of pouder , shot , and other things , were spent . Which stay from skirmishing & shooting , was rather done of purpose by the counsaile and deuise of the Prince Valet , then for any want of those matters in the fortres , & for a good cause , considering that he heard of no maner of certaine aide , at that time , & that euery day more & more the enemies fury & malice did grow the greater , hee thought it not requisit , to consume his garrisons & other furnitures idely & to no purpose . But the Turks perceyuing , that by these often assalts of theirs , theyr pretences toke litle effect , they determined with themselues to prooue what they could by myning , and one mine they had in maner brought to passe , beefore our Christians did perceiue the same , & to the end they might blinde the eyes of the defenders , they caused two gallyes towards the water , to aproch the wals of the towne of Saint Michael , & to beate at the same with theyr artillery , supposing by the same that the garrison to haue forsaken their charge , & to haue aided the rest , would haue neglected the custody of the wals of the castle , & so by this mine , to haue entred into the fortres . But the defenders , vnderstanding the subtile pollicies of the Turks , by the meanes & prudence aswell of certaine of the garrison , as chiefely of one of the ensignebearers ther , brought vtterly to naught the mine of the enimy , by a contermine . For the ensigne bearer first entring the mine of the enemy , with a lanterne in hand , & casting certain arteficial fire among the enemies in the mine , that whether the enemy would or no , hee draue them out of the mine . For which good seruice done , the great master rewarded this worthy ensigne bearer with the gift of a chaine of gold wayeng fiue pounds , & because that Virtus virtutem parit , eaque in arduo sita est , one vertuous act , allureth another to do the like , though the same be very difficult to attaine vnto . The next day after which was the first of August , certaine of the garrison of the fortres issued forth , & with pouder burnt to peeces the bridge which the Turks before had deuised & layed ouer the dike , which worthy deed so done , turned to the whole fortres a wonderfull commodity . For the next day after , at the Sun setting the Turks assalted agayne the fortresse , vpon that part which was garded by Carolo Roffo , where by the space of three houres , it was valiauntly foughten on each side , but in the ende the Christians repulsed the Turkes , leauing beehinde them three hundred slaine . And on the Christian part remayned dead , Roffo himselfe with one Bareso , and certaine other souldiours . This while during the assalt the Turks in such sort exercised their great artillery with continuall shot , that none of the defenders durst scarce shew his head to looke into the dike , but immediatly he was dispatched , but for all that , where occasion of any worthy seruice was at that instant to be shewed , the souldiours of the fortresse would not spare his life , to execute the same . As well appeared in Calderonio the Hispaniard , who when hee doubted that the enimy was breaking that part of the wall of bulwarke , called the bulwarke of Castile , hee issued immediatly to espy and know the same , but in a moment hee was slaine with the bullet of an arquebuse . Whose infortunity as to some it would haue beene a terrour and feare , so was the same not the lesse an encouragement of the rest , to endeauour to doe the like seruice . For when they perceiued that the enemy did what they could to fill vp the dike of the fortresse , they of the garrison determined rather to ende their liues with honour , then to come into the handes of a most cruell enemy , and therfore concluded togethers to issue forth that night vpon the enemy , and to enbar them of their purpose . Wherevpon a hundred of the garrison issued forth , part where of were Ioannits and part souldiours that tooke wages , and so worthely gaue charge vpon the enemy , that they enforced them to forsake the dikes and to flie away a pace , leauing behinde them slaine fourescore Turks , and ten killed of our side , among whom of the Christian part remayned dead two knights of the order Giouanni Cantabro , and one Macrino , whole heads the cruell Turks had cut from their bodies , and planting them vpon speares , did set them in the valie of Saint Sauiors ▪ to be viewed of the fortresse . That day at night , those that were in the citie of Malta ▪ made many bone fires , and therewith shot of their arquebuses , shewing thereby a great token of reioyce : Which both those that were beseged , and the Turks also hard very well , whereby the Turks supposed , that either the Nauie of the Christians began to approch the Iland of Malta , or else such supply of Christians were landed , that was hable to encounter with the Turks Armie there . But it was none of those two matters , and onely of purpose done , aswell to shew their owne courages , as to make the Turkes estonished vvith the newnesse of the matter . The Turks the meane time filled the dike of the Bulwarke of Castile , which thing caused that neither the Turkes could be endamaged by the Casemacts of the dyke being cloyed vp ▪ nor yet by the Flankers from the Bulwarke of A●●rne . Whereby the Turks without any maner of impediment , might easelier enough assalt the breach which they with their Artillerie , before , had made . Also from their Mount placed vpon the right hand of Saint Sauiors , they began to beate vehemently , with two brasen peeces there planted , so as , that at the first stroke , they beat in at a window made for the shooting out of Artillerie , vvherwith the enemie vvas vvont to be encombered , of the vvhich place one Francis Castilia had the charge : so expert vvere the Canoners of the Turkes part . Also one Giouanni Barnardo Godineto a Spaniard , and knight of the Order , vvith the stroke of an Arquebuze ended his lyfe . That day Francis Aquila●es , a Spaniard , one of the Garrison of Saint Michaell , hauing vvife and children in the Isle of Gozo , allured by two vvicked counsaillours , that is to say , Feare and Hope , shamefully fledde out of the Towne of Saint Michaels , vnto the Enemie , counsailing the Enemie to Assault the Towne againe , saying , that vvithout all doubt , they should vvinne the Towne , if they vvould attempt the same againe , because there vvere scarce foure hundred Soldiours left , and yet vvhat with extreme labors that they had suffered during the seege , and vvhat by their hurtes and vvounds , they vvere not able to endure longer , as for the rest of the Soldiours that vvere ther , they vver vtterly consumed & dead . Wherefore the Turks perceuing , that such breaches alredy wer made , by their Artillery , in the townes of Borgo & Saint Michael , that Carts vvere able to passe thorough them , they purposed to assalt both those townes at once , and to proue vvhether there rested in the garrisons of those two townes such courage and force , as vvere able to giue them such repulse againe , as before so often they had receaued . Therefore vpon the seauenth of August , at one instant houre , the Turks assalted Borgo at the Bulwark of Castile , and the Fortres of Saint Michael , vvith such a fury and multitude , that the vvhole earth thereabouts vvas couered vvith the enemie . And such vvas the thunder of the great Artillerie , the haile of the Harquebuze shot , the noise of Armour , the faufare of Trūpets , the sound of Drummes , and cries of men of each side , that Heauen & Earth seemed to beate togethers . Which vvhan the bands of Horsemen that vvere in the citie of Malta heard by the thundering of the great Artillerie , and saw the Skies obscured vvith the smoke of the same , and doubting that the Turks vvould not leaue the assalts , vnto such tyme they had vvonne the Townes , as they dyd , before Sainct Hermes : Immediately all the Horsemen most valiantly issued out of the Citie of Malta , and to the ende to turne the enemie from the Assault , they gaue charge vpon those bands of Turkes that garded the sick and vvounded persons resting at the vvater of Marza . Who thus being assailed vpon the sodaine , fled , and our Horsemen chasing them in killing and ouerthrowing them meruailously . The noise , and cryes of such as fled , being perceued by those Turks ( vvho all this vvhile vvere occupyed in the assalt of Sainct Michael ) they were enforced at that tyme to leaue the fight , and to come to succour the rest that fled . Thus vvere the Turks repulsed from both the Townes , leauing behinde them slayne , aboue 1500 Turkes beesides those that were slaine by the Horsemen of the Citie of Malta , before they had succours from the Campe. Of the Christian part of both the Townes vvere slaine more than an hundred , and as many wounded : both the assaults continued more than fiue houres . Heere Mounsier Valet , beeing thus deliuered that day , and many other , from such euident perills , caused generall Prayer to bee made to Almightie GOD , and hee him selfe vvith the vvhole Townes men , repaired to the Church about the same . While these things , vvere thus in doeing , Dom Garza the Vice Roy of Sicel , had secret intelligence out of Calabria , that Soliman the Emperor of the Turks had caused certaine ships to be set in a redines at Constantinople which were furnished vvith soldiours , victuall , & other necessaries appertaining to the vvarres , to be sent to Malta . Wherefore to meet with them , the Viceroy sent the Lords Altamira and Gildandrada , accompanied with fiue Galleaceis : vvho departing to the Seas , and sailing vntill they came vvithin xxx . miles of Malta , they could not see nor heare of the ships that they sought for ; but onely of a Gallie and a little Barque of the Turks . The Gallie vvas taken , and the Barque escaped away to the Turkes . This vvhile , Mustapha thinkeing there vvas none so strong , but that continuall labour and vvatching vvould in the ende breake and vveaken him vtterly , he thought conuenient , to keepe the defendours occupyed vvithout giueing them any maner of rest , in all that he could : therfore he commaunded that the Fortres of Saint Michaell , should be assalted againe at the breaches before made by the Artillery . But the Turks by the valiant defenders vvere quickly repulsed : vvith no litle destruction of the enemie . These often assalts , this Bassa dyd not make , in that he had any great hope to vvinne these Places , but rather to shew him selfe to execute the function and office of an expert Generall , and to satisfie the minde of his Prince Solimane , vvho had commaunded them , either to winne the places , or else there to losse their liues about the same . But also the Bassa had dispatched and sent a litle Barque away vvith Letters to Solimane , by the vvhich he gaue him intelligence of the state of his Nauie , vvith what meruailous inconueniēces his army was afflicted , what small hope he had to win the places of the Christians , and what preparation the Christians were in making to giue succours to Malta , & other such like things . The meane time the two gallies of Malta , departed from Messana , and came to Sarragoza , where they tarryed one day , while the ship of Salazar was set on ground to tallow , to make hir more swift of saile , and that the better the next day after they might passe togethers , the famous promontory and lands end of Sicilia , called Pachino . The next day , as they departed out of the hauen of Sarragoza , they encountred a boate that came from Pozalo , hauing in the same one of Malta , beeing very sore wounded , who beeing demaunded , who had in such sort euelly entreated him answered that when as he & a companion of his , that other night , ariued nigh that port , and so required by two Sicilians , that had houses vpon the shore , to come on land , and to lodge with them that night , which they did , sodainely the night being quiet , fiue Turks landed , by whom the two Sicilians were taken , and his companion slaine , and he himselfe hurt , as they did see , which two Sicilians that were taken also told those Turks , that in the port were riding two gallyes , hauing in the same sundry knights of the order , with other souldiours , to passe in Malta , by whose words the knights of the order , in those two gallyes well perceiued , that theyr going into Malta , was discouered to the enemy , whereby they knew it was either most dangerous for them , to enter the port of Borgo in Malta , or else vtterly impossible . Neuerthelesse they dread not to keepe on their course towards Malta , toweng at their sternes the boate of Salazar . While these two galleyes thus sayled they perceiued not farre beefore them two other Gallyes , and a little Barque , who espying the two Gallyes of the Christians to follow them , made all the hast they could towardes Malta from them , whereby the Christians thought , that without doubt , they were the Gallyes that had sent the fiue Turkes on land , who had done those hurts , which hee of Malta , beefore recounted to them . Howbeeit the two Christian Gallyes continued theyr course vnto Pozalo , from whence by theyr letters they gaue intelligence to the Viceroy , of occurrants to them happened in theyr voyage . And forsomuch as they could not proceede on their course , in that the South and Southwest windes , were so much contrarious to them , they retyred with their Gallyes to Sarragoza agayne , and so to proceede as the Viceroy should further aduise them . About the which , immediatly a knight of the order , was sent from thence to Messana , to the Viceroy , whose counsell was , that the two gallyes should stay at Sarragoza , for the rest of the whole Nauy , that right shortly would come and accompany them into Malta . But Salazar being brought to Pozalo , determined in his boate to continue forward his course , and albeit at the time , that hee departed from Pozalo , the seas were meruaylously troubled with windes , thunders , & other stormes , the other daies following wer so quiet & calme that within a short time , Salazar ariued safely at the citie of Malta , and there taking apparell of a Turk vpon him , and like weed for a companion of his , that could speake the Turkish tongue as hee could , by night they departed thence into the Campe of the Turkes to espy the estate of the Turkish armie , where they espying that , they came for , they perceyued that the whole number of the Turkes left on liue in theyr Campe , amounted scarce to foureteene thousand men , wherof many of them were ●●urt , and very sicke , the residue , were but an vnmeete and vnwarlike company , considering that their former fights and assaults had consumed their best souldiours , and after hauing secretly viewed the manner and forme of theyr encamping , Salazar vvith his companion retourned backe to the citie of Malta againe . The next night after , Salazar vvith one Pietro Paccio a Spaniard a gentleman of meruaylous hardinesse and courage , repayred to a place nigh vnto the beacon or vvatch place called Maleca , vvhich place when hee had thoroughly considered , hee left Pietro there , and keeping in memory the signes and tokens of the cities of Gozo and Malta , as Pietro shewed him , to the ende to declare the same to the Viceroy . Salazar taking passage in his owne boate againe , found fortune so much to bee his friend , that shortly after hee ariued at Messana , vvhere hee discouered to the Viceroy , vvhat hee had seene , amongest many talkes , hee shewed how vveake the Turkish Nauy remayned , how slender theyr Armie on land was , voyde of good souldiours , and weapon , that theyr whole number of Turkes were not able to encounter , with tenne thousand Christians . To affirme the wordes of Salazar to bee true , at that time returned one of the two little shippes , wherof I told you beefore , that were sent to bee espialls in Malta , bringing with him a Spaniard , and a fugitiue out of the Turks campe , beesides , also retourned foure gallyes that before were sent from Messana , who brought with them foureteene Turks , whom they had taken about Malta , who all approued the words of Salazar to be true , that is to say , that the Turks army was meruailously diminished , and that with beatings , they could not be compelled scarcely to aproach to the walls , for which cause the Bassa , had slaine sundry of them . And the thing that made the Turks so affraied , was that they saw neuer any of them whom the Christians wounded , but hee lost his life . Besides that , they said , they did see the Christians , with incredible hardinesse defend their places , & that no peece of artillery of the Christians side , was at any time vainely blowen of , wheresore the Turks affirmed , they had right good cause , to bee weary and repent & to detest such wars , which made them to eschew vtterly to fight , and vtterly to flie away , and chiefely such as were Renegants , that had forsaken the Christian faith and become Turks . For which cause there was right strait watch set by the Bassa , and commandement giuen by him , that either they should winne the towne , or else to loose their liues all , for so had Soliman their prince commaunded . These words and such like ( which the Turks that were taken did tell to the Viceroy , ) made the Viceroy to set forth his nauie in a readinesse more soone then otherwise peraduenture he would . In the Fortres of Borgo , this vvhile , vvas one Francis Giuara , a Captain , a very hardy gentleman and vvonderfull Ingenious , he a litle from that place vvhere the enemie vvith Artillerie had beaten downe a part of the vvall of the towne , builded a peece of Fortificacion , contayning in length fiftie paces , & in bredth 〈…〉 paces , vvith two flanking Corners : vvhich being finished vvithin two nights , turned afterward to a meruailous help and ayde of the defendours of that Towne . The enemies , the meane tyme , vnder the corner of the Dike vvhere Boninsegna the Spaniard , a vvorthie Knight of the Ioannits had his charge , began to myne , vvhich vvhan the defenders perceued , they encountred the same vvith an other myne , & thereby brought the myne of the enemie to none effect . During this tyme , vvhile a Fugitiue vvas comming from the enemie towards Borgo & swimming the vvater , the Turks tooke him , vvhich vvas meruailous hinderance to the Christians that vvere vvonderfully desirous to know of the estate of the Turks Armie , and of their Counsaills . But the enemies seeing the small successe of their purposes , vvould yet proue further deuises , and therefore caused two mynes to be made , one towards a Bulwark of Saint Michael , and the other to the Bulwark of Castile , into the vvhich Mynes for doeing of the feate , vvere certaine Barrells of Powder bestowed . Howbeit the pretences of the Turkes could not so prudently be vvrought , but through the vigilances of the defendours , the same vvas espyed , and so came to passe , that theyr Mynes came to none effect , and the Turks slaine in their owne Mynes , vvith losse also of such barrells of Pouder , as they had layed there , vvhich the Christians recouered from them . With these offences and difficulties , the hopes of Mustapha and Pial , the Bassas of the Turks , being vtterly ouerthrowen , they vvith the residue of the Captaines entred in Counsaill to know vvhether it vvere expedient to tarrie any longer , or else to retourne home : Whereof the most part , vvere of aduise , that they should depart . But Mustapha vvas of an other opinion , saying , that hee thought conuenient they should tarry vntill the Gallie vvhich he sent to Constantinople to Solimane their prince , vvith letters , retourned againe . Whereby they might vnderstand vvhat the pleasure of the Prince vvere for them to doe in such behalfe : and in the meane tyme , by force or guile , to seeke some good Fortune of victorie . Which in deede the Enemies prooued and attempted more often , than that they gained thereby . For as they themselues vvere vnquieted , so they purposed not to lett bee in rest the poore Christians , sometime in exercising their vsuall fury vvith Artillerie , sometyme either myning , or entrenching , or filling the dikes , or else assalting some breach to theyr owne losse : howbeit , all vvhich that they dyd , they executed the same vvith meruailous diligence and in small time . Therefore vvhan as , Robles Maister of the Tents , in the night came to view the ruine and ouerthrow of a part of the vvall , he vvas suddenly smitten in the head vvith a bullet of an Harquebuze , and immediately dyed , to the great lamentacion of all such as had knowne him . For in him vvere resident sundrie good artes ; vvith vvhich he profited much those that vvere beseeged . Wherefore the Great Maister sent a notable gentleman right expert in the vvarres , that vvas Coronell of the Fautery ( vvhome vnto that time he kept about him selfe ; ) to be generall of the Fortres of Saint Michaells , vvho vvith such singuler prudence guided his charge , vvith vvatching , counsailling , and prouidence , that so often as the Enemies gaue attempt to that peece , they vver alwaies repulsed , vvith no litle detriment & losse . The meane time those two gallies vvith thother ships of the Turks ( vvhich ( as before I did tell you ) vvere espied by the two Christian gallies of Malta , ) arriuing among the Turks Nauie , shewed vnto Pial Bassa , the Admirall , that the Christian Nauy vvas in redinesse to come to Malta , vvho dreading the sodaine comming of that Nauie , commaunded 70. of his long ships to be put in a redinesse , leauing 40. ships in the Port of Musetto , being the residue of his Nauie , which vver vtterly out of furniture , & vnarmed both of men & tackle : the masts of which 40. ships , wer cōsumed about making of bridges , & other necessaries , for the assalting of the places in Malta , & the men therof likewise wer spent with sūdry diseases , & fights wherin they serued : Therfore Pial , for certaine daies , abode all the day time nigh the shore of Malta , about a place ther called Maiaro , & in that time he staied abrode vpon the high Sea ; abiding the comming of the Christian nauie . But he perceuing none to come , he landed his company again : & forsomuch as that the furniture of powder began to decaie in the Turkes Campe , therfore vvas giuen that of euery thirty barrels of Pouder , in euery ship twentie or fiue & twenty barrells according to the appointed porcion should be taken . Whereby the Turks , vvith greater fury than euer they did before , battered the vvalles of both the Townes , vvith such great peeces of Artillery as are called Basiliscois : vvhereof euery bullet shot out of the same waieth two hundreth pound , and in compasse seauen spannes . With these peeces of Artillerie the vvalls of the Fortres of Saint Michael , vvere throwen downe and made flat . Likewise at that time , Mustapha Bassa , in such sort at Borgo beat the Bulwark of Castile vvith Artillery , that in maner the same vvas ouerthrowen . Whan as the enemies perceaued that both the townes vvas vtterly made voide , both of their vvalls and other peeces of Fortificacion , so as the Turks might looke vpon the Christians , and the Christians on them : vvithout further tarrieng : the Turks vpon the eightenth of August , at noone tyme of the day , vvith their vniuersal armie gaue charge vpon both the towns , at the vvhich the Enemies , vvere three times put back , and thrise returned , and in the end the Turks were vtterly repulsed , after fiue houres fight . In this most dreadfull assalt , the inuincible courage of the Prince Valet , was apparant to each one , who armed with his Curace , and formidable with his Picke in hand , was seene beefore the rest of the Christians most valyantly fighting . Whose manfull presence , not onely gaue courage to his soldiors ther , but also moued vp the harts of the boies & women in such extremity to doe notable seruice . For so it commeth to passe oft-times , Magis homines mouentur exemplis quam verbis . That men are more stirred forwards with examples of well doeing , then by onely doeings . Of this great number of the Turks , a part of them had gotten downe into the dikes of Borgo , and there tarried , and to the end they should not bee damaged with the flankers of the bulwarke of Castile , they fortefied themselues on the flanke with earth and fagot , which they accomplished right quickly . And for this purpose they did the same , that they might vnderminde and sape the walls , about the which they had occupied the space of fiftie yards . When the garrison of Borgo vnderstoode the pollicy of the Turks , who thus had gotten into the dike , they immediatlie caused certaine of the great artillery to be shot off , alongst that part of the dike , wherewith & with fire also hurled into the dike , a great sort of the Turkes with theyr fortyfication in the dyke , were destroyed . The next dey after the enemyes renewed at the same places , their fights agayne , euer supplyeng the places of their wearied souldiours , with fresh men . But first of all , ensuing theyr vsuall custome , they beat at both the townes with their artillery vntill night , then about midnight , when the Moone shined vpon the earth , this furious assalt with raging cruelty and force began , which at the first made our Christians somewhat afraied , who hauing yet memory of their former manhoode , & vertue , so behaued themselues , with their wilde fire , shot , & other weapons , that the enemyes were enforced to depart right euelly handled , into their campe , after three houres fighting . That day , another mine of the enemyes was found made towards the fortyfication of the bulwarke of Castile , in the which were perceyued to bee a hundred Turks , who vvere all slayne , and the mine broken . Nor for all that , the day following the enemy was quiet , but seauen times inuaded those places agayne , and sending fresh souldiors , who not onely with vveapon , but also with bags of pouder and fire , continued their fight . At the which Boninsegna hauing his face burned , lost an eye . Likewise , at that instant the enemy assalted the fortres of Saint Michael , at a place called Sperone , assayeng at that part , to haue entred the fort , wher Centio Aquitano , vvith an inuincible courage , mounting on the ramper , vvith his Picke most manfully fought to the ouerthrow of such of the enemyes , as enterprised to ascend the ramper , & after killing one of the enemies , to the feare of the rest , beeing shot thorough one of his armes vvith the stroke of an harquebuze , and retyring himselfe , vntill hee had dressed his wound , manfully hee retourned againe to his place , & from thence he departed not vntill such time as the enemy forsooke the assalt , & hee remayned victorious . Thus the Turks at both the places , with meruailous losse of their souldiours were repulsed , leauing the victory to the Christians , of which our Christians were then slaine , to the number of an hundred , wherof the most part were torne in peeces , with the Turks artillery . Among whom at the ruine of the bulwarke of Castile , was slaine one Frago , and at the fortres of Saint Michael , Scipio Prato , Giouanni Baptista Soderino , Paulo Boniporto , Marino Fagiano , Ruffino , all knights of the order of the Ioannits , and sundrie others , worthie of longer life . The Turks againe wrought an other mine , at the fortres of Saint Michael , which when the defenders perceiued , they so prouided for the same that the mine tooke none effect . With such and many attempts and fights , certaine of the knights , & not of the lowest sort of them , fearing that , which so often is assalted , at the last may be gotten , said to the great Master , that they thought good that all the bookes of good learning and tables , and reliques of Saints , and other matters of religion , were meet to bee had out of the towne into the Castle of Saint Angelo as into the most sure and safest place . The great master though hee knew right well , that all which they spake proceeded of a right good zeale & minde , neuerthelesse nothing moued therwith , he answered them in this sort , that this their aduise , was none other thing thē an vtter discouragement of the minds of all the Christians ther , who vnto that time had shewed them so valiāt , a great deale aboue any mans expectation , therefore he was fully purposed to saue all , or loose all : & to the end that none should haue further confidence in the castle Angelo , he was fully determined to bring forth the garrison there , to ioyne them with the rest to fight against the enemy , & to leaue in he castle onely gunners to beat at the enemy as neede should require . An aunswere right worthy giuen of such prince , & to bee commended to perpetuall memory of posterity , for how should the soldiours hope , when he seeth his generall in dispaire , or to doe any hardie act worthy of commendacion , wher the generall is full of vaine feare . While the great master , thus with this answere , not onely made them ashamed that gaue him this said aduise , but also renewed the harts of some that feared , with further courage . The Turkes determyning with themselues that , that day ( no lesse than the other three dayes were before ) should not bee voyde of some fight , furiously assalted be times in a morning , those two townes , with greater force , then hee dyd before , chiefely at the ruines of Castile , wher Sanromanus of Aruernia defending that quarter , lost this britle lyfe , gayning immortality for the same . At Saint Michaels , Adornio , a knight of the order , with one Fagio , and sundre others , were wounded , for the enemy tarryed not long at the assault , but retyred . When as immediatly the enemy began the vsuall thundering of his artillery agayne , that therewith the whole Island seemed to tremble , & the Skyes to be set on fire . The meane tyme Valet beeing weary with the morning fight , departed for the time , to recreat himselfe , when sodaynely a Spanish Priest , with his hands holding vp ●o heauen , ran , and met with the Prince Valet , sayeng & cryeng out , Malta alas is lost , for three or foure ensignes of the enemyes , are already entred the towne , in at the ruynes of Castile . Which when the Prince Valet heard , forthwith hee did put on his head his Burganet , & with his Picke in his hand , came among his souldiours sayeng . Beeholde most worthy companions the houre is now come , wherein you must shew your selues valyant defenders of the Christian religion , for if you still haue with you that noble courage , which you haue alwayes hetherto shewed in the former assaults , there is no cause why you should doubt in this extremity , for you see but the same enemy , and we haue still our former God with vs , who as hetherto hee hath mercifully saued vs , so he will now defend vs. Therefore most worthy sons all , come on with mee ; & let vs couragiously giue them the charge . With these words , Valet him selfe gaue the onset , fighting stoutly wher the greatist peril remained , after him , mansully followed his Soldiours , yea , the townesmen , children , women & old men , right fearsely striking at the Turks that were entred . Where the fight on each side was exceding cruel & perillous , some stopped the enemies from further entring , some killed them entring , some gaue them the chase in wounding & driuing them forth againe . The Turks resisted meruailously , and thus it was couragiously fought on each part : within and without the grounds was couered with all sorts of weapon , dead bodies , and blood . The Great Maister as cause serued , was alwaies present , prouiding euery necessarie : some he praised , some he encouraged , some he monished , & he himselfe right liuely fought , executing sometime no lesse the act of a worthie Soldiour , than also the function of a most prudent Generall . At last , with the Sunne set , this cruell conflict ended : and the Great Maister remained victorious , but not vvithout losse of two hundreth of his men . Where , of the enemies were slaine to the number of two thousand , besids those that entred , vvhereof none escaped . These vvere foure of the sorest conflicts that the Christians vvhich vvere beseeged , had vvith the Turks . During this time , the Viceroy of Sicel , for setting forward his Nauie into Malta , staied for none other maner but onely for the retourne of Giouanni Cardono , vvith his twelue long shippes that before vvas gone to Panhorm , to conduct and bring vvith him foure Shippes there vvith victuall . But perceuing that he tarried too long , he sent a Post to him to byd him come away vvith all the speede he could , and if he could not bring away those ships vvith victuall by towing them , for their better speede , than to shippe theyr victualls in his owne shippes , and leauing the others behinde at Panerme , to make hast away , his owne selfe . Therefore the Viceroy vvith his Nauie of 72. Gallies the xx . of August , departed from Messana , and came to Sarragoza , bringing vvith him in his Nauie ten thousand chosen men , among vvhom vvere 200 , and moe , of the knights of the order of the Ioannits , and about fortie knights of the new order of the Stephanits , which order of knighthood vvas lately founded by that most prudent Prince Cosmo Medices , Duke of Florence , in the yeere of our Lord 1561. In this they differ from the Ioannits , vvhere the Ioannits vveare the White Crosse , the Stephanits vveare a Redde Crosse , vvritten about vvith Gold ▪ againe the Stephanit , may be once married , vvhich cannot be permitted to the Ioannit . The Iland named Ilua , anciently called Aemathia , lyeng in the Sea called Tuscum , is the place of their residence , but vnto such time as their new Citie called Cosmopolis , be finished , being in building by the Duke of Florence , being likewise the Great Maister of the same , as hee is the founder thereof . The knights of the Stephanits , remaine at Pisa , a Citie in Italy , vnder the dominion of Florence . And in that they be called Stephanits , it is not that they deduct or haue their name of Saint Stephan the Prothomartyr , but of one Saint Stephan , sometime Bishop and Patron of Florence ; Canonized amongst the nūber of Saints . Besids the knights of th●se two aforenamed orders , there vver in the Christian Nauy sundry Noble men , as Ascanius Cornia , the Marquis of Pescaro , and his brother Annibal Estensis , Hercules Veraus , Aeneas Pius , Capinus , Vincentius , of the Familie of the Vitelli● , and sundry others of Noble parentage , and famous in the vvarres . The Christian Nauy being thus arriued in the Port of Sarragoza , the Viceroy sent immediately D'auri vvith a Gallie and a litle boate into Malta , to the end he should land some person , and to speake vvith Pietro Paccio vvho ( as I shewed you before ) vvas left at the Watch place of Malta in the Iland , and of him to learne vvhat he had spied , sithence the departure of Salazar . From vvhome he vnderstoode , that no shippe , that vvay , vvas seene in the Seas , sithence Salazars departure sauing a Foist vvhich the one and twentith of August in the morning made towards Gozo , and that , that day at night ( as he receaued intelligence from the vvatch of Malta , ) sixteene Sales of Shippes came and rode at the rodested of Salinas , but vvhether after they went , he could not thorow the darknes of the night obserue the same . Our Christians ( this vvhile , right trimly fortified themselues nere the Ruins of Castile , in sundry places thereof couched their Artillery in such sort , that both it was able to beat the enemie on the flank , & to scoure also alōgst the rampers ioining to the bulwark of Boninsegna . The Turks , meaning again , to assalt both the towns of Borgo & S. Michael , they first deuised as it wer a scaffold made of Timber & boards able to hold the nūber of 30. soldiors , & these to be set at the breach of S. Michael , that thorough the Artillery that should be shot from that scaffold , none of the defenders should be able to shew or mount vp his head to defend the place . Which our Christians perceuing , they thought the same to be intollerable , and immediately made issue forth , and putting to flight the Turks that garded the scaffold , and setting fire in the scaffold , did burne the same . In like maner , vvere the Turkes reiected from Borgo , that at the ruins of Castile , had prepared such an other scaffold , vvhich likewise by the defenders there vvas burnt in peeces . The next night after , our Christians that garded the ruins of Castile , issued vpon the Turks and not onely destroyed the enemies Fortificacions towards that part , but also killed those that had the keeping and custodie of the same , and vvithout losse of any one of the Christians , safely retourned into their charge againe . And albeit that daye and others after , the enemie prooued both vvith theyr Scaffolds againe , and repairing their Fortificacions that vvere cast downe , and other Ingins , to driue the defenders from the vvalls : yet all their pollicies and labours , through the vigilancies and vertues of the Defenders , came to nothing . The Christians deuised a Myne vnder the Ruins of Castile ; and in the same couched an eight barrells of Pouder , that if the enemies made attempt againe , that vvay , they vvould giue fire to the trane , and so blow them vp . And vvhile the Christians vvere thus vvorking , the Turkes vvas likewise myning towardes that part : But the Christians perceauing the same , dyd get vnto the Turkes Myne , and not onelye getting from them certaine barrels of Pouder , and putting the enemyes to flight , but also destroyed the Turks mine , performed their owne mine . In this manner things passing on both sides , Mustapha the generall , being very famous & right expert in the art Militarie , considering that the most part of the sommer was spent , and that longer he could not well abide , and that stifly to stand & continue against an enemie , openeth oftentimes an assured way vnto victory , hee determined therefore with his whole power to assault agayne the Fortres of Saint Michaell , wherefore he caused to bee brought forth the chiefe standerd of Solyman his prince , vpon the top wherof was a globe of fine gold , and commanded with the same , the souldiours to giue the assalt , and with force to enter the towne , thorough the ruines there made . The souldiours of the Turks therwith gaue the charge , and the Christians right couragiouslie resisted , a doubtfull conflict was on both sides . And when the Turkes were twise repulsed , Mustapha in person came vnto the trenches , with his souldiours , & perceiuing them to remaine discouraged , he began to require & exhort them not to faile him at that extremity , for that day should performe their former trauailes and victories , and not to permit his enemies , in manner ouercome , to spoile them of their long hoped victory , for the Christians haue not a peece of fortyfication left to couer themselues , all are cast downe , and that neuer a good souldiour of them were then left on liue , sauing a few wearyed & maimed sort of them , that were not able to abide the sharpe edges of their swords , with such pertinacie and stifnesse , they gat at last the castle of Saint Hermes . Then according to the vocation of each souldiour , Mustapha promised either mony or honours , mixing threatnings to some , & gentle words of desire , to others . The Turks through Mustaphais pretence , whether they were stirred vp vvith his fayre promises , or enforced through his threatnings , they ran freshly againe to the assalt , where the conflict of each part was vvonderfull furyous , but in the end the Turks vvere enforced to retire . For our Christians had made a dyke , and in the same had couched two field peeces , with vvhich they beate on the flanke , a scaffolde couered with ravv hydes against burning , which the enemyes had gotten in there . And at the first stroke , the scaffold was beaten in peeces with the artillery , and forty Turks vnder the scaffold vvere also torne in peeces , with the bullets of the same . And the same night those Christians that garded in Borgo , the bulwarke of Castile , issued forth vpon the Turks , and brake downe all the places of defence of the enemy , nigh vnto the bulwark , & besides wanne a ramper from the Turks , vvhich exceeded in height any peece of fortyfication that the Christians had left to defend themselues , and from the same ouerthrew the Turks , and dyd put them to flyght By this , the Christians vnderstoode right well , that the Turks had no great will to fight , and that theyr courages deminished , for at that ramper for the garde of the same , were left in manner three hundred Turkes , and our Christians that gaue the charge vvere not aboue twenty fiue persons , and yet those three hundred as it seemed durst not abide our twenty fiue . Again our Christians had made a myne nygh vnto the ramper of Castile , and perceyuing that a certaine number of Turks vvere come to that place to reedefie the places of strength vvhich the Christians did before cast downe , the Christians gaue fire to the place , vvherby sixty Turks ther being were blowen vp and slayne . Whyle these things , thus vvere in doing , Dom Garza the Viceroy of Sicel with his whole Nauy departed from Sarragoza , and hauing conuenyent windes , kept his course vnto the promontorie of Pachyno , whan a great shippe was espyed in the sea , which by foule weather as afterward was learned ) was brought to that place . That ship came out of the Iland Meninges , and was fraighted with victuall , gunpouder , and a great number of shot to haue beene conueyed to the Turks campe in Malta . The great ship espyeng the Christian fleet , yeelded hir selfe . Which the Viceroy in changing hir marriners sent backe to Sarragoza , when he with the rest of the fleet kept forth his course towards Malta , but the winde changing vpon him , and blowing with such a fury , he with the whole Nauy was driuen to the Island Aegusa , being 220 miles towards the West from Malta . Now was the first of September come , when the letters of the Viceroy came to the great Maysters handes , by the vvhich hee signified vnto him that hee would shortly bee with him with his vvhole Nauy , that a Christian , a prisoner , escaping out of the Turks shippes , gate in to the towne of Borgo , and told that very few Souldiours meete for any conflict was left on liue in the Turkes campe , and that the most part of that army , left on liue , with wounds , famine , & sicknesse was wonderfully weakened , & that daily innumerable of them dyed , saying further that the Turkes were purposed to lay siege to the citie of Malta , and had for the same put in a readinesse fiue great peeces for the battery , and for the drawing thereof thether , they had gotten first twelue horses , and then foure , which sometime pertayned to garrison of the citie of Malta . In the meane time the Viceroy with the Nauy of the Christians , which by tempest was put vnto Aegusa , hauing conuenient winde to retourne , came backe againe into Sicilia to Drepano , and from thence did set saile towards Gozo . In sayling , the two gallyes of the Ioannits espying two foists of the Turks gaue charge vpon them , and tooke them , and so the fifth day of September came to Gozo . But the Viceroy espying no signes out of Malta , for conuenient and safe landing there , returned to Pozalo in Sicilia againe . After whom Auria followed , and shewed that he had seene most certaine signes , out of Malta for safe landing there , to whose vvords the Viceroy giuing credit , came the day following in the morning betimes with his whole Nauy to Gozo . That day a fugitiue a Christian , stale out of the Turks campe , and came to Borgo , sayeng hee came of purpose to bring him glad tidings , that the Turks , the day following would proue an assalt at Saint Michaels fortres , and if they sped well , they would abide , and if not , to giue vp the siege and depart . And to the end that the Turkes should haue the better courage to serue , hee promised to him , that first worthely would sasten his ensigne vpon the walls , he should haue the reward of fiue talents of gold , and to promote him also to the higher roomes in the warres . The great Master thinking ( as alwayes hee did ) that almighty God euer prouided such men to giue him intelligences , he gaue most humble & harty thanks to God , and then caused euery thing to bee set in a readinesse , to ouerthrow the purpose of the cruell enemy . The Turks all that day , with their great artillery , bett at the houses in Borgo , & at the ships riding in the port , wherewith a great ship there , was sunke . But Dom Garza , in the morning betimes departed with the Christian Nauy from Gozo , and passing the straits ariued in Malta , and there landed his Army sercretly by point of day . And while his shippes stayed for him , he marched forward with the army about a foure furlongs , shewing to the Captaynes and their lieuetenaunts , what they should doe , and admonished them all , vnto such time as they came to the great Maister of Malta , euery edict and commandement that generally should bee made among them , to passe in the name of the king of Hispain , and than at their comming to the great Maister to obey him as they would doe vnto the king , if hee were in place . And in the meane time , commaunded the army to bee vnder the regiment of Ascanio Cornia , and hee to be aduised as the most part of the counsaile there should order . And so with exhortation of a few words , leauing the army marching towards the citie of Malta , the Viceroy about noonetide of the day came to his ships againe , and with the same sayled towards the East part of the Iland , and stayed in the sight of the Citie of Malta , beeing but three miles on the South from the sea . Whom when the citie espied it is not to be demanded if they were ioyfull , for in an assured signe and token of gladnesse , they vnbended the whole artillery of the citie . The Viceroy agayne hearing the same , caused the gunners of the whole nauy , to answere the citie , with blowing of , twise of all the artillery in the Christian fleet . That done the Viceroy returned into Sicilia , to receiue into the Nauy , the bands of the duke of Vrbine , and of certaine Spaniards , that were stayeng at Messana & Sarragoza , and with them to returne towards Malta , to follow and persecute the Nauy of the Turks , which in manner was vnarmed . The Turkes this while , that purposed to assault the fortres of Saint Michael agayne , & so to proue if they could win the same , a few dayes before the comming of the Christian nauy , had begun to packe , and gather together their necessaries , but vnderstanding of the arriuall of the Christian fleet , and landing of the Christians army , immediately some sounded the alarme , some crying to remoue , and so meruaylous fearefull , euery one seeking for the coūsell that was thought best ▪ some began to fly away , some to take weapon in hand , but the most part of the Turks marching to the trenches retired theyr artillery , and did set fire in the forty fications that could bee burnt , and so with as much expedytion as they could they drew their artillery and the rest of their baggage into their ships . Which when the garrison of Borgo perceyued they manfully issued out , and gaue charge vpon certayne bands of Turkes that were at a place called B●rmola , garding a great and mighty peece of artillery . The Turks hauing no lust to fight , fled away a pace leauing the great peece in the possession of the Christians , which the Christians with force drew into Borgo , and if at that time , the new supply of the Christians had beene there in a readynesse , and to haue giuen charge on the backe of the enemyes , while they were thus in hasting to theyr shippes , either they had opened to themselues a manifest path way of victory ouer the Turks , or else to haue spoyled them of the most part of their great artillerie . But I thinke if the new supply had bene there present perhaps they would rather haue followed the ancient , opinion of famous men of warre saying , Hosti abeunti viam sternendam esse , pontemque vel argenteum faciendum , giue way to a flying enemie ▪ yea and if you make for him a bridge of siluer . Albeit the garrisons of Borgo and Saint Michael , ( by reason of their fresh victuall & other necessaries appertayning to further besieging if neede were , which through the vnequallitie of the wayes & lacke of horses , was verie difficultlie and with much labour on foote brought to them from the citie ) thought not requisit to trouble the flying enemie , with further skirmishes . Wherby the Turks shipped their carriage artillery , and the most part of their army , without great let or impediment . So the xi of September the Turkish nauy departed from Porto Musetto , when a fugitiue a Genoua born came to the prince Valet saying , that 10000 Turks were landed againe , & marching towards the citie of Malta , to fight with the armie of the Christians , which were comming towards Borgo . Which when the great Maister heard immediatly hee sent certaine bands , to seaze the sortresse of Saint Hermes , and there to fixe the ensigne of the sacred order . Who accordingly forthwith departing , tooke the possession of the Fortres vvherein they found foure and twentie peeces of Artillerie , great & small : vvhich the Turkes ( hauing no further leasure ) could not take away vvith them . The Nauie of the Turks this vvhile departing from Porto Musetto , passed vnto the Port of Sainct Paule , and there dyd set on land seuen thousand Turkes , vnder the leading of Mustapha , their Generall by land . Who had intelligence giuen him that the vvhole Armie of the Christians vvhich newly vvere come , exceeded not the number of three thousand soldiours . And therefore being the more bold to fight , by reason of the litle number vvhich he supposed that vve vvere of , he marched on proudly towards the Citie of Malta , and in his vvay thetherward , Mustapha discouered the Armie of the Christians . Who espyeng the Turks , and ready to fight , marched forward couragiously against them , and encountering vpon a hill , the Christians valiantly gaue charge vpon the Turkes ; at vvhich first encounter few vvere slaine of either side . But in the ende by reason that our number vvas both greater and our force therwith the more , the Turks gaue back and fled , the Christians followed , killing and ouerthrowing them , vnto such tyme the rest vvere driuen to their shippes , but vvhilst each one clustered to get to their nauy through to much hast , there perished in the sea about foure hundred Turkes , and a thousand and eight hundreth slaine on the land . So as if our Christians had bene expert of the places , and knowne the land , there needed not one of the Turkes to haue escaped away on liue . The Turks beeing thus beaten into theyr ships , stayed still with their Nauy in the port of Saint Paule , all the next day following , & a great part of the next night then before day in shoting of a warning peece being a signe of their departure , they set sayle and departed towards Grecia , leauing the Iland of Malta , shamefully wasted and enpouerished . Thus the Turks beeing driuen out of Malta , to their notable calamitie and ouerthrow , the Prince Valet made victorious with immortall glory , caused generall processions and prayers to bee made to almightie God for his infinit benefits to them shewed in this carefull time , ascrybing the chiefest cause of this victory to his inexpressable goodnes , then Valet distributed to the worthy seruitures , that honorably had behaued themselues al this while , condigne rewards , in praysing openly euery one according to his demerits with continuall thankes to them all for their great paines , and trauayles passed . Vnto the wounded and sicke he had such tender regard for the restitution of their health , as though it had ben to himselfe . Hee lamented much the destruction & wasting of the country of Malta , and earnestly deuised for the repayring thereof againe . Amongst all these things he did not forget to learne , which way , or whether , the enemy this while passed , & what he pretended , which many , in the middes of theyr victory , letteth passe , for which cause euery one hath giuen this worthy Valet the name of a most prudent , valiaunt , and courteous prince , and as one prepared of God , to remaine on the earth , to the defence of his sacred religion , that during his life , euery thing vnder his charge , cannot but remaine fortunate and prosperous . About this time Soliman sent a mightie Armie to inuade Hungarie , vvhich , the Spring time after , he himselfe in person followed : thorough vvhose comming , vvhole Germany ( as it had good cause ▪ ) vvas meruailously afraied , and gathered themselues together . The Germans of auncient tyme haue , vvith other nacions , rather for glory than their owne safegarde , made warres ▪ But vvith the Turks rather for their owne safetie they haue alwaies foughten , than for any glory that they haue sought thereby . Howbeit Maximilian the Emperour gathering together a great Army against Soliman , proceded and layed seege to a place ●●●led Vespe●●● , and dyd by assalt vvinne the same from the Turks . But Soliman vpon an other part vvan●●●om the Emperour Segest and Iula , being two places of no litle importance . Whan as the fifth of September , Anno 1566. Soliman the Emperour in the course and rase of his victories ended his lyfe in the famous ▪ Citie of ▪ Quinque Ecclesie : vvhich of fiue Churches in the same is so called . To vvhome his sonne Silimus succeeded in his Empire and dominsons ▪ vvho if he were like in condicions , either to his father Soliman , or to his grand father Selymus ▪ and Germany to continue in his Intestine and inward contencions and diuisions , as it still doth , it is to be much ▪ f●a●ed ▪ but that it vvould happen to Germany ●vvhich alredy ●ath ▪ chaunced to the infortunate countries of Thracia , Dacia , Maesia , and the most part of their vvofull and miserable neighbour the Kingdom of Hungary . For it is an assured and very true sayeng that Nulla tam magna tamque firma potentia est , quam discordia non comminuat et perdat . There is no Kingdome or Power , be it neuer so great and mightie , vvhich discord and ciuill discencion in it selfe , doth not distroy and bring to confusion . The end of the third Booke . ¶ To the three worshipfull brothers worthy Patrons of vertue and all good Arts , Robert Carr , William Carr , and Edward Carr , in the Countie of Lincolne Esquiers : Raffe Carr their most affectionate kinsman wisheth all content . HAuing Right worthy Gentlemen , formerly made knowne to euery of you : by such simple remembrances as my power could aford , how much I desire & dayly studie in perticuler to serue & honor you : I thought it now not amisse , treating of one argument comd of the same kindred , & deriued from the general obseruations which euery where with profit in these three first bookes are to be gathered , thus ioyntly to you all to perticipate this common good : For if the vse which euery one ought arightly to make in the reading of Histories , be grounded chiefely in the election of taking , or leauing , the better , or worse , of such things as by examples are faithfully propounded : which vpon occasion should be applied either to the well gouerning of a priuate life , or to the inabling of our vnderstanding for counsell in our countries seruice : In either part I say I know none , ( of many who haue had these Turkish affaires with the perpetuall felicitie in consideration ) to whome with more credit a man may giue beleefe , then to Hubert Folieta the Genuoys , whilst with much wisedome , grauitie , and discreation , he handleth though briefely , the causes of the greatnesse of the Turkish Empire , to his deere friend the famous Captaine Marcus Antonius Columna . A treatise I suppose to euery conceauing man , or such whome the care of a common good doth possesse very acceptably . This same therfore for the former alleged reasōs , haue I heere annexed ▪ so faithfully as I could persuade the nice Italian tongue to speake our proper language . To which I haue further added , ( that the occasion of this discourse might the better be apparant , ) the narration of the war of Ciprus , held betwixt the Turk and Venetians , some xxx . yeeres agoe . In which their wars , the Venetiās being excedingly ouerborne , ( notwithstanding that notable victorie obtained by them and their confederates in the Gulfe of Corinth , ) made priuely their peace , without knowledge giuen therof either to the Pope , or king of spaine , who in these wars had ben their associats : whilst Marcus Antonius Columna , Pope Pius quintus general , alwaies in opinion against the same , persuaded to his power the contrary : & that so worthy an occasion of further victory , should not so vnworthely be relinquished . Of which matter imparting his mynde to his friend Folieta , it became the subiect of this ensuing discourse : wherin Folieta not intermedling with what the Venetians had done , onely layes downe in general such causes , ( as by great reason may be thought ) of those fortunate successes which hourely attend the Turkish Ensignes . To which I had rather remit you , then longer to deteine with the harshnes of an ill pleasing Epistle . And now hauing for the present done that due obseruance to you all , of me long both determined , and desired : I most earnestly beseech you to take my boldnesse in good part , void of all saucie presumption : my meaning as it is , clothed in a sincere will alwaies to serue & honor you : & my request as I shall deserue , for euer to be preserued in your good opinion . Wherwith if you shall so much grace me , I protest there can no one thing giue more fulnesse to much of that happinesse which in this world I affect : wherof nothing distrusting , though meanely deseruing , I take my leaue and rest . Your most bounden for euer Raffe Carr. ¶ THE NARRATION of the warres of Cyprus , held betwixt the Venetians , and the Turks , ● during the yeeres . 1570. and 1571. CYprus , so called by reason of the rich Copper Mynes therein conteined , plentiefull , and abounding in excellent Wynes , Wheate , Oyle , & Suger : being in deed that true Mecarian Isle vnder xxxv . degrees of the Poles eleuation : standeth in the Gulfe Issicus , distant twentie German myles from Syria , conteining in length fiftie miles , of the sayd German measure , but in breadth ten or twelue at the most , and in diuers places lesse . Salamis , the Citie of Cyprus , built by Teucer Aea●ide : held for their Kings for many discents : the same Teucrians , of vvhich race Euagoras , and Nicocles vvere , men celebrated and made famous by Isocrates Orations : To these Teucrians succeded the Ptolomees : to them the Romans : vnder vvhose gouernment , although much and grieuously vexed by the Saracines , they cōtinued firme and constant , vnto the time of Andronicus Commenus , and Henry the sixt Emperors : For about the yeere 1190 Richard the sonne of Henry the second , King of England , sayling towards Palestine , and put from landing in that Island , by Isaac Commenus then the gouernour ; tooke the same by force : vvhich afterwards he gaue to Guy of Lusignan , ( sonne in law of King Almerick , vvho had lost the Citie of Hierusalem ) in exchange , for the bare tytle and name to him and his posteritie , of the sayd Crowne of Hierusalem . The issue and lyne of vvhich Guy , enioyed the sayd Kingdome of Cyprus 250. yeeres , vntill the tyme that Peter reigned , vvho vvas taken prisoner by the Souldan of Aegipt , but afterward vpon Tributarie condicions restored , to vvhich Peter succeded Peter the sonne , vvho at the death of his Father , being very young , vvas afterward married to Haelena Paleologa , and by hir had issue Carlotta , married first to Iohn , King of Portugall . But lastly to Lewes , Duke of Sauoy , vvhich Lewes for a small time reigned King of Cyprus . This second Peter , ●ad likewise a bastard issue , called Iames , vvho by the help of the Souldan of Egipt expelled from the kingdome of Cyprus the sayd Lewes of Sauoy . Iames tooke to vvyfe Katherin , the daughter of Marcus Cornelius , adopted by the state of Venice , vvho being vvith childe by hir husband , ( and he before hir deliuerie dyeng , in the yeere 1470. ) The said Common vvealth , tooke to their charge , both the mother , child , and Kingdome . But shortly after the enfant dyed , supposed to haue bene poisoned by the practise of that state : vvho solely thereby possessing themselues of the kingdome , reduced the same into the forme of a Prouince : Katherin the mother being brought back to Venice , vvho liued to the yeere 1510. Now Selymus the first Emperour of the Turks , after the vtter oppressing of the Souldans , and taking of the kingdome of Egipt , caused the yeerely reuenue vvhich beefore vvas accustomed to be paied to the said Souldans by the kings of Cyprus , of all such merchandise as were brought in or transported thence , to be set in certaine 8000 Duckets , vpon condicion of which paimēt by way of a yeerely tribute he freely graunted to the Venetians as to his vassals , the possession of the said I le : which paimēt of 8000 ducats ▪ the Venetians onely would suppose to be graunted as an honorable reward , or gratuitie , & in no sort as a tribute ▪ But Selymus the second demaunding of the said Venetians by a Harrauld , the Fee & possessiō of Cyprus , which hetherto hee alleadged they had held vnder condicion of a yerely tribute , affirmed their whole right , ( so they had any ) to be extinguished , & the Intrest to be deuolued , & comd back to him , as the superior & Paramont Lord : Because contrary to the allegance due to the lord of the Fee , the said Venetians had giuen harborough , and receit , vnto certaine Spanish Pirats , enemies to the sayd Selymus , who by the licence of the Venetian Magistrates , had brought into Cyprus , & ther made sale of great pillage & certain booties taken out of Cilicia : And although diuers other of the Turkish Emperours had tollerated the said Venetians to vvith-hould vvhat vvas not their right , yet he the said Selymus had in determination to haue his due : vvith vvhich if in good accord they vvould be content to depart . he vvas not in any sort to violate their bonds of amitie , or breake the peace , but vvould endeauour in euery degree to aduance the estimation of that common vvealth . If otherwise , yet he the sayd Selymus , vvas not to forgoe his right , vvose meaning vvas to recouer the same by force . The Venetians vpon this message , although ( by the scarcitie of prouision and vittailes vvhich for diuers yeeres before they had endured , as likewise by the firing of their Arsenall , ( wherein the yeere precedent , their whole sea preparation had ben consumed , ) they were mightely perplexed and amated , yet with noble resolution they returned aunswere , that the sayd Selymus had no iust cause why to bereaue them of their iurisdiction in Ciprus , which now for a hundred yeeres , in right of inheritance they had peaceably possessed , and that the yeerely pension accustomed to be paid to the Soldans of Egipt , was no tribute dew to him , as to the superior lord , but onely an honorable gratuity , whereby the kings of Cyprus were accustomed to acknowledge their thankfulnesse vnto the said Souldans , as to their benefactors and friends , by whose help Peter sometimes the king there had recoueted the same . In which their good cause they made no doubt of gods asistance . by whose aide and help , they had decreed & nothing doubted with force of armes to repell the violence and iniuries of Selimus : and to defend Ciprus . This answere returned to Constantinople , all the marchants of Venice trading there , were presently apprehended , their goods seased , and Pial Bassa Admirall at sea , with a nauy , Mustapha Bassa with an army by land , ( conducted through Asia and Cilicia ) were sent against Ciprus . Whilst in the meane time at Venice , Petrus Lauredanus duke of that common wealth , by griefe and discontent dyed , during whose gouernment many heauie mischances , and calamities , had beefallen that state , others more daungerous daily ensuing . To this Lauredanus with great applause of the people , Lodouicus Mocinega succeded . The generall appointed for this war of Ciprus , was Hieronimus Zanius an old man , high fourescore yeeres of age , yet of much viuacitie and abilitie in body , who slowly coasting along Iadera and Corcyra , made thereabouts , whilst the rest of the Nauy should approch , an idle and vnprofitable aboade , but in the end houlding course towards Creet , hee there continued , as he had in commaund expecting the ayding forces of the Pope , the king of Spaine , & of Cosmus duke of Florence . But now whilst these affayres , were in this sort carried by them , Piall Bassa the Turkish Admirall , first putting a strong garrison in Rhodes , aryued at Micarium in Ciprus , vpon the Calends of Iune , whether Mustapha Bassa had likewise transported both his foote and horse forces , without any worlds resistance . Now the Venetians a little beefore had fortified the citie of Nicosia ( distant from the sea coast seauen Germain myles , and which in formerages had both ben the seat of theyr kings & an Archb●shops s●a , ) with eleauen bulwarks & a garrison of two thousand soldiors , vnder the gouernment of Nich●●●us Tond ●●us & Astor B●leonius . This city Mustapha ( being without impeachment master of the field ) besieged , erecting round about the same many fortes and sconses ; which hauing by a whole month both battered & often assalted , was in the end taken by force , where hee repayring the ruins of the said fortifications , and planting therin a garrison , enforcing the course of his further victory , vpon the 16. of September , the same yeere he began to laie siege to Famagosta . On which day , the Christians who had lingered all this while about Creet , with a nauy of 200 ships , wholie ignorant what things had hapt at Cyprus , and now setting sayle from Heraclea Sentia , not far of encountred Lodouicus Bembus , who recounted the losse of Nicosia , whervpon the generals of the fleete Hieronimus Zanius , Iohn Andreas Auria , & Marcus Antonius Columna , with others calling a counsaile of war , through different & delaying opinions , whervnto may be added the misfortune of a horrible tempest which dispersed the fleet , lost both opportunity , & the aduantage of executing any honourable attempt . In which their consultations it was chiefely argued , that now the haruest being far spent , & the winter drawing neere , the nauigation of the Pamphilian seas would be exceeding dangerous , besides if ought should fall out otherwise then well , there was no where thereabouts safe harborough for the ships . That the Turks now becomd insolent through the successe of their late vctiory would fight with greater courage then before , hauing besides all the hauens & other harboroughs friend vnto them , whom it was not now possible by any meanes as matters were fallen forth , to expel from Ciprus . The confederates further alledging that they were sent onely in ayde of the Venetians , not to recouer things once lost , but to giue let least ought shold be lost , which occasion since it could not be holden , it was thought most conuenient againe to returne ●o Creet & the gulfe of Venice . Andreas Auria likewise alledged for himselfe , how he had in cōmand from the king of Spaine his Maister to come back with his nauy in the end of September , wherevpon this Christian captaines casting away both hope , & counsell , of recouering Ciprus : & retyring backe were before they could recouer Creet , with great stormes of winde , they and their whole fleete miserably afflicted . Now when they were ariued at Creet , Andrea Auria craued lisence to depart , that so he might obey his princes command , from whom hee had in charge , for the reducing of his fleet to Messana in Sicilia ▪ which the generall of the Venetians did not deny him . Whom Hieronimus Zanius himselfe , within few daies followed , leauing behinde him with the charge of the army & chiefe command Sebastian Venerio , but the said Zanius ariuing at Corcira , the senate of Venice , with much contempt did there abrogate his authority , and from thence sent him to Venice prisoner . So this yeere thus vnprofitably spent , and with infinit charge wastfully cast away , this Christian fleet furnished of euery thing requisit , as souldiours , captaines , munityon , mony , victualls , and in deede what not , who had in admirable expectation of some worthy exployt drawen the eyes of all Europe , most by their variable , different , and deldying counsells , partly by tempests & the pestilence , which in short time had consumed many numbers of gallie slaues , and marriners , became vtterly frustrate . When Pialis Bassa ( who by spyes had vnderstoode of the departure of Auria , and the Venetians from Creet ) passing by Rhodes , and after by the 〈…〉 Ilands , returned to Constantinople . But Mustapha . Bassa , that had taken Nicosia , and now enforcing the course of his victory , had besieged Famagosta , hee I say leauing in the harborough and other parts of the Iland sufficient strength against incursions , drew the residue of his forces to winter in other garrisons . Now the Venetians hauing theyr Nauy thus returned vvithout aught vvorthelie executed : created a triumuitate Capitall , for the finding forth and punishing of all such as arightly might be sayd to haue bene faultie in that fleet , vvhereby that expedition had no better successe , their vvars prouision to so small purpose spent , and so great an ouerthrow , vvith derogation to the honor and reputation of the Venetian name , had happened . They likewise laboured to compounde a Peace vvith the Turks , for vvhich cause they sent to Constantinople , Iacobus Ragazonus , to deale vvith Mahomet Bassa , vvhom they vvell hoped to haue found fauorable and better inclining thervnto , then the rest . But all this in vaine , therefore vvith great care and industrie they procure the contract of a league , or confederacie betwixt themselues : the Pope Pius Quintus & Phillip king of Spaine : by sundrie extraordinarie meanes they leuie huge●summes of monie , and repaire vvith larger prouision , their vveather beaten and vnarmed Gallies of Corcyra . Committing the vvhole charge and commaund of these affaires to Sebastian Venerio , then Gouernour of Creet , vvhilst in the meane time Pertai Bassa made by Silimus high Admirall of all the Turkish forces by Sea , landith in Cyprus , a new power , and Mustapha Bassa , chiefe Generall of all the Armie by land , vvith much extremitie , as hardly beseeged the Citie of Famagosta : vvhan the vvorthie Captaines Marcus Antonius Bragadenus , Astor Beleonius , Lodouicus Martinigus , and Laurencius Tenpolus , most valiantlie for the said Venetians defended . The Citie Famagosta , is seated in the East part of that Isle towards the Syrian sea , not farre from Constanti● , famous for that vvorthy Bushop Epephanius , vvhich is supposed to be the same Salamis antiently inhabited of those kings of Teucria . This Citie of Famagosta , vvas built and enlarged by Henry of the Famely of Lusignana , King of Cyprus , about the yeere of Christ 1295. at vvhat tyme Ptolemais vvas lost , ( vvhich vvhilst it was possessed of the Christians , vvas that famous Staple vvherein the trafficke of all commodities comming either from the East or West continents , vvas exercised . ) But Famagosta although both by Nature and Art strongely fortefied , beeing beefeiged and assalted by this huge Armie of the Turkes , with all meanes which open vvarre , or secret pollicie , could deuise : at length after eleauen monthes defence , vveakened vvith extremities , and voyde of all hope or ayde , vvas brought to those difficulties , as they vvere enforced to render the same to Mustapha , vppon composition , that so their liues , goods , and the vse of Religion to those Christians that would remaine ther , should be free : & to the rest not willing , passage might be had & safe cōduct to depart . But the perfedious Turke , ( litle regarding his faith , or Soldiours assurance formerly giuen ) vvhen the said Captains and Magistrats , accompanied vvith a trayne of their valiant & vvarlike companions , ( to whom by name he had giuen their safe conducts ) approched his tent , gaue order all , should be kild , Anthonius Bragadenus onely excepted , to whom after three seuerall cōmands in his presence to haue his head cut of , yet changing his purpose for the greater ignomenie , permitted his nose onely & eares to be lopt away . And vvheras three hundreth besids of the Christians , vvere come forth into the Camp vpon securitie of the peace , these as the rest , he bid should be pittifully slain . And for such as were gone abord the ships in hope to haue sailed for Creet , he caused them besids the dispoiling of their goods , to be made all Gally slaues . After which , Mustapha the next day entring the Citie , Teupolus by his command was strangled . And Anthonius Bragadenus the cities gouernor thus deformed & dismēbred in his nose and eares , after he had by way of mockery carried in show about the most special , & famous parts of the citie , reuiling him with all kinde of villanies , caused his skin whilst he was yet quick , to be fleane of : the which torment Bragadenus with great constancie endured , calling God for witnesse & reuenge of so monstrous crueltie , and perfedious brech of faith . These things thus executed in Cyprus , the Turkish nauie on purpose to vvith-hould the Venetians from attempting aught for the regayning of the sayd Is●e , entred the Gulfe of Venice , persecuting all such Cities on the coast of Dalmatia , both by sea and land , as vvere vnder the obedience of the sayd Venetians . Whilst in the meane tyme the confederate Nauie of the Christian Princes verie leasurely vvere assembled at Sicilta ▪ The Generall whereof vvas Don Iohn de Austria , the base begot ▪ sonne of Charles the fith , and brother to Phillip King of Spaine , vvho enbarking at Barcilona , brought vvith him along to Genua , Rodolph , and Ernestus , the sonnes of Maximilian , the second , then Emperour . From whence goeing to Naples , and thence sailing to Messana in Sicilia , he there expects the rest of the associate leaguers , vvhich vvere one hundreth and eight Gallies of the Venetians , from Creet , and elsewhere , thirtie from Naples , twelue from Panormos , twelue from Genua , vnder the conduct of Andreas Auria : twelue from the Pope , vvhose Captaine vvas Marcus Antonius Columna , foure from Malta , vvith some others out of Spaine which all of them should ther meete together . Where now though late , being assembled vpon the fourth of September , they vveyed their Ancors in Messana Port : and coasting the Salentine , and Lacinian promontorie , they passed the Ilands of Corcyra and Cephalenia , and came to the Gulfe of Corinth , vvhere they vnderstood that the Turkish fleete at the Ilands Echinadas , vvere then remayning . In this Turkish Nauie , vvere chiefe of commande : Hali Bassa the Admirall , Pertai Bassa , Lusalis King of Algier , Hamsam sonne of Barbarussa , the Sir●ch of Alexandria , vvith others to vvhome the great Seignior had giuen command , that in any case the Christian fleete should not alone be fought vvith , but ouercome . Where ioyning in Battell vvith the Christians , in the sayde Gulfe of Corinth , vpon the Nones of October , GOD giueing vs the victorie , the Turkes vvere vvhollie discomfited and enforced to flye . Their great Admirall shippe taken , Haly Bassa slaine , and some thousands of Captiue Christians vvho wer slaues in the Turkish Fleet , sett at libertie . For vvhich Victorie , generallie thorough Europe there vvas thanks publickly giuen to God , vvith other spectacles & shewes of ioy , ●et for all that those worthy captaines left no sooting of any other memorable exploit or trophe puld from the empire of the Turkish ty●ant , as was well supposed they might , who notwithstanding the same , held no● onely the whole Isle of Ciprus , but many townes besides in Dalmatia before taken , amongst which Vlcinium and Docleum wonne by force were not the least . In the yeere 1571 then next following the Venetians both feeling and fearing the forces of that mightie enemy , wherwith they were well nigh opprest , made preparation againe for all things needefull to these wars . But vvhilst nevv stirs in the lovv countryes , and borders of France , did seeme to encomber king Philip : the succours from the confederates long in comming , Don Iohn de Austria , about the Calends of September repayred to the place of appointment , and the associates vvith their fleet , scarce shewing themselues to the Turkes at Peloponesus , without ought else worthie of that preparation , had retired to their places of vvintering . The Venetians I say , supposing themselues forsaken , and left to themselues , without the priuity of any other their confederates priuely made peace with Selymus . Of vvhich vvhile diuers men , diuersly did dispute according as affection or fancy led them , Marcus Antonius Columna Admirall of the Popes nauie ( who in this expedicion vvas a companion and associate to Iohn de Austria , the chiefe generall ) amongst others was in opinion cleere against and improuing the same peace , condoling the deed , and constantly affirming so noble a victory thus got against the Turks , vvas to haue beene prosecuted with all might and mayne , which not onely in his publike and familier conferences , hee had osten protested , but likewise had affirmed by his letters , ( writ to his auncient friend Hubert Folieta of Genua , ) wherevnto whilst hee the said Folieta returnes aunswere , and his opininion withall , hee further takes occasion therevpon , to touch some causes of the greatnesse , of the Turkish Empire , with their perpetuall felicitie and good successe in those their warring affayres , the which for that it is most worthy to be read , as well for the excellent wit therein contayned , as for the great profit , and pleasure which thereby may be conceyued , I thought it not vnbeefitting heereunto to haue it annexed . ¶ The causes of the greatnesse of the Turkish Empire , vvritten by Hubert Folieta of Genua , to the famous Captaine , Mircus Antonius Columna . YOV write most worthy Columna , what great griefe you conceiue , in considering this peace , thus concluded betwixt the Turks and Venetians , being ashamed as you say , of the condicion of vs Christians , that notwithstanding the memorable sea victory gotten against them by the confederate princes , ( wherein your selfe , with that most fortunate prince , Don Iohn de Austria was both a counsellor and companion in command , ) then which since the suppression of the Romain empyre , there was neuer seene or heard any more famous , yet notwithstanding the great ioy , thereon conceiued is sodaynely setled , the hopes from so happy beginnings which had enflamed good mens mindes in short time vanished , and the preparations of so high and excellent counsells comd to naught . For my owne part ( sir ) I am in opinion , that not onely the griefe but the shame is to all noble mindes , as to your selfe in common . What the determination of the Venetians was therein , as I doe not well know , so if I did , it is not needefull that I should detect it . For there are some as it is well knowen to you , vvho mightely disalovv of vvhat is done , and are much discontent , that they through pusilnanimity , and sodaine dispaire should so giue vp their friends , who for theyr sakes alone , had thrust themselues in the dangers and charge of those wars , to which opinion I perceiue you specially inclining . Others thinking otherwise and excusing them doe aunswere that the Venetians perceiuing it lay not in their power , alone to manage these warres with sufficient might , and seeing few other of Christian prouinces and princes , ought prouoked by so worthie and good beginnings , or happy successe , whereby to take part either in paynes or charge , or to lay hould with the said confederates of so sayre an occasion , to conioyne the forces , and to reuenge so many iniuryes , in all former times receaued , now especially when it was suppoled , that the Turkes were vtterly dispolyed and left naked , both of friends , ships , or sea forces , and thereby had opportunitie to expell them , from forth whole Europe . But chiefely the Germaine princes fayling , whom the many attempts of the Turks , against their state hath continually , with offens●ue armes vexed , afflicted with infinite losses , and nearest of all others , to the danger had beene in these affayres , for theyr owne safetie to haue giuen them furtherance . All which motiues to others , smally auayling the said Venetians , and therefore destitute vtterly of hope , nor daring to support themselues , in the succours of their confederates , knowing what enemy , they had in hand , they were compelled to prefer wholesome & commodious counsell , rather then plausible , and so without obstinacy to their destruction , ( as was supposed ) to prouide for theyr piuate affayres . Thus these thinges in both parts , diuersly disputed , according as euery man his affection or passion perswades him thervnto . My selfe vvill leaue of vncertaine estimation , indifferent , to euerie mans ovvne peculier Iudgement , vvithout interposing myne , especiallie when the matters handled are to small purpose , the deede done not to be vndone , and that euerie expostulation is friuolus , vvhich is vvithout fruit . But rather lett mee communicate with you , my honorable friend , in that whereof your Letters giue good occasion , and which may perhaps , bring with it to vs , both some profit , detecting such my cogitacions , as often and long haue encombred my secret thoughts , and manifesting therein my opinion , which without some gaine , I hope shall not retourne againe . For if what my conceit is herein shal be allowed by you , a man of so great estimation for wisedome , and accustomed to the managing of high affaires , then shall I think my selfe assuredly protected from the caluminations of all maligners : or if not allowed , yet shall I giue occasion by my writing , wherby you may remoue the errour , which for long hath taken possession in my minde , and so in both these parts , it shall draw mee aduantage . The effect whereof is , that as I haue alwaies houlden these Turkish affayres to be both fearefull and preiudiciall to the good estate of all Christian Prouinces , yet now more then at any time am I driuen into a vvondefull admiration of the same , vvho hauing so great a Nauie vanquished , consisting of a huge number of Shippes of vvarre , vvhereof part were sounk at sea , part taken by our men , together vvith so great prouision of munition and all other things befitting the vvarres , deuoured by the deepes : besides no small number of vvorthie vvarriours , Captaines of famous memory , expert Nauigators , ( vvhereof there is great scarcitie euerie vvhere ) vvhich in that battell perished ▪ all of them being such things as by any accident once lost are hardly to be recouered in many yeeres continuance , yet such and so great is found the forces and faculties of those Turkes , as notwithstanding all these losses vvith indaunted courages , forthwith they haue fitted a nother Fleet , litle inferiour to the first , vvhich prouided and at all points furnished , against the beginning of the following Sommer , sett sayle to Sea , daring to shew them selues in sight of our victorious Fleet , vvith semblance not to yeelde one foote to flight , so ours hadde bene so aduenturous to haue comd on . Of vvhich matters vvhilst often I haue reasoned vvith my selfe , and searcht vvhat vvere the causes of so much greatnesse , vvhat artes & meanes had brought them to so much estimation , and how they could attaine such excellent perfection in euery millitarie function . Together how it comes to passe , that so many of our men should continually reuolt , and abiuring all Christian rites , becomes affect●rs of that impious Mahumetane sect , vvhilst on the other part vve finde none or very few of those repayring vnto vs. Of these things I say , vvhilst vvith my selfe ▪ I often argue vvhat I conceaue , may it please you heere to see sett downe , First I hould that in both parts this case giues rather cause of pittie , then admiration : For beholding so manie Nations and People conioyned vvith vs in the indissoluble bondes of Christian Charitie and Religion , vvho to our and a number of Christian Princes shames , are dayelie borne downe vvith the heauie burthen of captiuitie , vvhilst vvee neither vvith care enter into the consideration of these things , or harbour the least thought in our hartes , to make them succour : I say it is to be lamented , that so much blindenesse should haue thus possessed our mindes , vvhen in deed the miseries of our opprest brothers , ought no lesse moue vs to commisseration , then if the like daunger vvere discending vpon our owne heads . We see this dayly increasing flame , catching hould of vvhatsoeuer comes next , still to proceed further , no● that the insatiable desire of dominion in these Turkes canne vvith any riches be content , or vvith the gayning of many mightie and vvealthie Kingdomes be so settled , but of vvhat is this daye gotten , to morrow they build a new ladder vvhereby to clymbe to the obteyning of some newer purchase . And vvhich to feare , is more fearefull . That vvheras euery bondage in it selfe is hatefull and far worse in condicion then Death , yet that of the Turkes of all other is most crewell , most execrable : Who hould it not enough to bring the Prouinces in obedience , vnlesse all be vnder , vvho either excelled in Witte , Fortune , vvealth , or honour , all the Nobilitie slaughtered , or commaunded into farre distaunt and remote Countries , vvhome beereauing the exercise of euery Noble Science , stripping of all necessarie ornaments , deformed and mishapte in all basenesse , at length be brought to vvhat fulnesse of miserie may bee imagined . And for those our brothers , vvhich is the second point in our griefe propounded , ) I know not vvhether it vvere better fitting to deplore their condicion , then to detest their hatefull Impietie , vvho bevvitched with the fayre shoe of a frayle and very smal good , renounce the euerlasting and Celestiall riches , abiure Christian Religion from Heauen discended , and by the sonne of Almightie GOD , to vs men deliuered , vvhich onely all other meanes shut vpp , makes free passage , and layes open the path that leades to eternall Blessednesse , and the Kingdome of Heauen . These things as I first sayde , ( deare friend ) are to bee pittied , and vvherein vve are vvith all endeauour to labour , least at any tyme the lyke may happe to vs , or vve brought to the same passe , then vvhich in miserable miserie there is neither state nor place more abiect . Now for this much admired Turkish glorie , and so many yeeres succesfull Felicitie , vvhereof vvhilst few aright enter into consideration , perhaps it may seeme vvith some verie straunge , yet in my conceit neither are the things them selues vnvsuall , nor the causes thereof obscure , vvhich then the better shall appeare , if one by one vve compare and examine their fashions , lawes , counsayles , and discipline , with those other of vs Christians . First then none will deny me I am sure , but that amongst these causes , vvhich extoll kingdomes & common wealths , to great wealth , much power , and high estimation , religion before the rest is to bee preferred , which religion containeth in it a double function , one is most excellent and deuine , and the same for which at first religion , was by heauenly prouidence , enspired into mansminde : this ( as I sayd formerly ) beeing the onely and most certaine guide , conducting to immortall blessednesse , then which was neuer greater gift granted to men by Almighty God , whose operation is such , as in regard thereof it drawes our affections to esteeme all riches , all pleasures , kingdomes and commandes , or what may bee thought precious in this life , to bee vilde and of no valew : according to that saying , what shall it auayle mortality , to obtaine the dominion of the world , so in the end he make shipwracke of his owne soule . A second function of religion is polliticall , appertayning to publike gouernment , and to contayne people in obedyence , and dew obseruation of lawes , wherin all antiquetyes beare witnesse , that whosoeuer well and wisely haue founded cityes , societyes , or common wealthes , they haue alwayes had this part of religion much respected : which as it nothing detracts from the maiesty of religion , so doth it make the same , to bee holden in higher reuerence , whilst the vse and profit thereof , extends it selfe in each mans eye , to the gouerning of all humane affayres , and preseruation of euery well planted state . Of that first and excellent part , we haue no purpose to speake , for it little appertaines to the argument in hand , wherein it shall iuffice thus much alone bee said , that all the lyse of euery Christian man , ought especially to bee spent in giuing thanks , to that deuine deity , by whose goodnesse we haue our soules illuminated , with the bryght beames of true religion , all cloudes of erronyous darknesse driuen away , wherewith the mindes of such as are ignorant in the same bee hourely blinded , whereby wee may finde , how much better by infinit degrees , the condicion of Christians is , rather then that of the Mahumetans , who misled by the lyes of that wicked Imposter , and following his damned positions , diuerting from the eternall path of saluation , are carryed headlong in theyr misbeliefe to hell torments , and euerlasting damnation : but let the vrging of this point , be the office of deuines , and now againe to my purpose . Then let vs come to the poynt , which is proper to our question , wherin it shall be nothing pertinent whether any professed religion , bee true or false , ( for that as beefore is said , appertaynes to the soules saluation ) but where of the vvhole substance vvill censist in this , that what religion soeuer receyued , may be sincerely & carefully obserued , by the supportacion of such a religion , onely kingdomes and nations , haue gathered great wealth , and attayned to great estimation , power , and dignity , as may be manifestly proued ▪ both by forceable reason , and many memorable examples . For whereas it was apparant , that the chiefe and best meanes to enlarge any Empire , is appropriate to the true knowledge of managing armes , and the glory of millitary profession , in which two thinges , are specially respected , obedience and discipline , of both these , religion I say is the principall foundation , whereby it alwayes came to pasle , that euery nation aduaunced at any time to greatnesse , haue euer beene studious , and most carefull preseruers of the same . In mayntayning which position omitting numbers , that may bee named , I will content mee with the Romaines , who farre surpassed all other people in wisedome , as in wealth , valour , and glory . For these graue and true experienced men , finding that the considerations of religion , were of great force , both to beautifie their state , and enlarge theyr Empire , in no one thing laboured more then the true obseruation of the same , possessing theyr people still with opinions of feare and reuerence towardes theyr Gods. To which alwayes so great beliefe was giuen , as nothing was euer executed in publike or priuate , which was not attempted , as hauing the Gods the first authors thereof . So as what euer of their affayres were finished , what new designes taken in hand , what expedicion put in practise , what fortune of war assayed which was not done , the Gods first consulted , nor did they labour any other thing in those theyr vowing and rendring vowes , dedication of Temples , obseruation of progedies ( wherein the wise of that age were exceeding ceremonious ) with sacrifice and supplications , beseeching the good will of the Gods , but to perswade the people that whatsoeuer was done was all by the pleasure & permission of the same gods , who obseruing euery action of mans life , becomes sharpe chastisers of wrong and wickednesse , but most seuere reuengers of theyr owne neglected or contemned deitye , whereby it came to passe , that amongst those Romaines , no cryme was accompted so haynous , as that of an oth or faith plighted & broken : and of this religion how great the estimation was , it may perfectly appeare , by that example onely , when as the counsell , with so great dilligence laboured , to diswade them from those assemblyes of the Tribunes , determining in the fauour of the people to propound certaine lawes , against which the Senate in oposition , could giue no other let , but that the consulls should proclaime , the leading forth of the legions in expedicion , from the attendance of which warfare , whilst the people had no power to resist , neither could the authoritye of the Tribunes giue any redresse , they before hauing in that case sworne their obedyence to the consull , and seeing no other meanes , how to rid them of their religious oath then by the death of the sayd concull , consulted amongst themselues to kill him : whereof they had put the practyse in full executyon , if it had not further beene tould them , that no religon could bee dissolued by any contryued mischiefe : holding murder as it seemed , in a lesse degree then the violatyon of theyr faith . Which one thing , euer held their souldiers so obseruant to the will of their commanders , to whom they had once giuen the assurance of the same , that that people which in a setled peace , was neuer but stubborne and rebellious agaynst theyr superiors , the same in war were euer found quiet & contented , bound onely by this military oath , whereof by peace alwayes they became discharged . To which againe may be said , so great was their regard , that they would prefer the obseruation of the same , before the preseruacion of their owne liues : submitting their heads euen to the block , if at any time according to the manner of those wars the Consull should giue in command for any seruice not well executed , that a Capitall decimating amongst them , should be made , and by this it came to passe , that through the doubtfull daunger of death , both by the enemie and their commander propounded : their souldiours alwaies in vvarres vvere assured to doe the vtmost of their iudeuours to ouercome : chosing rather to dye valiantly fighting , then be vanquished , least in the feare of an incertaine death , vvhose perill they might perhaps auoide by bouldnesse and resolution , they might incure that certaine slaughter , from auoyding vvhereof , Religion cut of all hope : For vvhich cause , I Iudge that no vvise man will deny mee but Religion as in euery publike designe , so especially in the affaires of vvarre , is a most firme foundation . Now whether that this part of religion is either of the Turks or vs Christians , not more sincere care and sacred constancie obserued , I rather leaue it to euery mans peculiar opinion , then therin to deliuer my owne iudgement , yet some things I will note by the vvay : as they come into my minde . First since that the especiall parts of religion consisteth principally in this , that all things be referred to that supreme power by whose wil we beleeue euery humane action to be gouerned , it is vvonder how far the Turks for this point surpasse vs , hauing that opinion with such firmnes setled in their minds & attributing so much to the deuine prouidence , that ther in they seeme rather to exceede to much , then beleeue to little , vvhilst necessarily they vvill tye vvhat euer befalls vs , vnto fate , by no humane counsells or prouision auoidable : For vvhich cause they suppose that by the same fate a certaine limit of time is assigned euery mans lyfe , vvhich neither can be prolonged beyond the same , neither by any meanes of vs shortned , & therfore vvhē the appointed houre of death shall come , of necessitie the same must be vndergone : in vvhich houre , vve are as certaine to dye , though priuately shut vp in any chamber & deuided by all meanes from danger , as if a man vver conuersant in the heat & fury of fight , vvher a thousand vveapons vver bent against his bosome , vvhich death , if not by heauen decreed , there amongst these vveapons of as great safetie may a man assure himselfe , as in his owne chamber : now this opinion though it may be disproued , in so much as thus it attributeth to the necessitie of destinie or fate , yet to the matter handled , it brings this gteat good , that the Turkes become therby more cōfident & bould , vvhether fighting in battaill or vndertaking any other dangerous exploit , because thereby the feare of death is fully bereaued thē , the certaintie wherof as they conceaue , cōsisteth not in perills , but in their vnauoidable destinie . Now that all humane affaires are in the supreme & deuine moderation , depēding wholly vpon the power of heauen , is a most holy true & Christian opinion , which as euerie man ought constantlie beleeue , so must we eschew all causes that seeme to impech the credit thereof . And therfore vve are to consider , least by the contrarie perswasions of any philosophie , vve may be missed , especiallie by that of the Peripatikes , whose opinions are now a daies in high estimation . The great part of whom doe so dispute of the deuine nature , as though it had no humane affaires , nor could haue anie in consideration , being a most damned doctrine , & vnworthie the maiestie of heauen , for so with one stroke they vtterlie cut of all religion : For in vaine then should we praie , vow , sacrifice , or by anie other act of grace , besech the goodnesse of almightie God , craue his assistance , or desire he shuld behold vs in mercy , whē vve are assured before hand , that none of all these he either doth ▪ or can regard : which impediment is bereaued the Turkes whilst they are quite forbidden the studie of Philosophie , ( though I am not ignorant how that wicked seducer Mahomet , had therin a further meaning : viz : least by the knowledge therof , the great vanitie & smal groūd in the promulgatiō of his lawes might apeare , ) so greatly hath this ignorance proued profitable to the Turkes , for the maintenance of their opinion in Religion . But whether the studie of Philosophie bringeth more good or hurt it is not my purpose here to dispute , reseruing it for a longer argumēt & more oportune time & place . Now this opinion thus planted in the mindes of the Turks , makes them fearful of the deuine maiestie , and inflames thē with a reuerēd regard of religion : By which it comes to passe , that though this their seruing of God be full of error , yet shall wee finde euery where many excellent signes of their blynd deuosion , commending their diligence to the furtherāce of the same : For none thē they doth with greater reuerēce repaire to their temples , prostrate with al humility , crauing pardō of their sins by the asistance of Gods spirit , holding all holy things in high veneration , wherein omitting other , they so much respect , not onely theyr owne Priestes , and religions , but euen those of ours , as they accounted it in the highest degree of sin , to iniury any one of them any way , which hath ben approued by infinit examples of pirates , of whom a number ( as often it hath fallen out ) hauing taken any Priest of ours , haue presently set him at liberty , least by retayning the seruant of God , they might therby importune the same God to reuenge his wrong . Another thing to their great cōmendation is , that none then they more carefully looke to the conseruation of their lawes , none punishing the publike breach thereof in whosoeuer , more seuerely . For which there is neuer heard with them , any blasphemy agaynst God , any adultryes committed , or ought else wherin ther is offence , either in the violation or negligent obseruation of the same . And yet for all this , I am not Ignorant that by the same impious & execrable law , more haynous sins are permitted , but that it may appeare , how strickt euen the mightiest are in preseruing their saide lawes , wee haue in this age a memorable president testyfied in the person of the great Emperour Solyman , which I will heere recount . This Solyman amongst those number of excellent chosen women , who are kept specially for the kings concubines ( for it is permitted by the law of Mahumet , that euery Turke may hould so many concubynes as he is able to mayntayne , ) calling one among the rest more often then any other , & she perceyuing therby , how the Emperour was mightely possest with hir loue , by a cunning drift so much effected with him , as shee obteyned hir freedome , ( for it is to be noted , that as well boyes as girles , so shut vp in the Seraglio , are his slaues , ) after which beeing by Coatch sent for as at other times to come & accompany the said Emperour , made answere , how she much admired , what reason the great Signeor had , who beeing a prince of so much maiestie doubted nothing publikely , to enfringe the holy law of Mahumet , by which it was prouided in playne words , that no man in such sort should accompany free women , & therby so grieuously to offend , euen in the view of his people , whose eyes were all cast vpon him . Now the Emperour much moued with this answere , as likewise brideling for the present the heate of his desire , demanded the next day , of the learned in theyr lawes , whether by law it might be admitted any man to keepe free women , for theyr concubines , whervnto when he had receaued answere , that it was not lawfull , and not enduring the want of that wench , whom he loued entitely , the sayd Solyman for that reason married hir . Now I neede not on the contrary part to recount , how Christions carry themselues in the like cases , least I further exulcerate those wounds by handling , which I am sure by admonishing will not be cured . The next place to religion , whether establing any common wealth , or inlarging a dominion , is worthely attributed to discipline , wherein beetwixt vs and the Turkes , the very truth is , in my opinion , that there is admitted no comparison , whilst discipline is a thing with them of high estimation , but with vs of little or no account , & that this is so , it appeares cleerely in this that euery yeere the great Emperour at certaine seasons sends his inquisitors abroad through all parts of his territories , to make election of the choise children to be found of an assigned age , which inquisitors where they come , calling together all the sayd children of the same place , select from amongst them , such whose towardnesse and inclination sheweth itselfe , either by the disposition of the members , or countenaunce fit for their purpose , those they take , whom bringing to the court , there by especiall maisters prouided , be they instructed in all manner of martiall discipline , by which & through much exercise , their bodies and mindes are confirmed to endure euery labour , nor is there any one entertayned in their warfare , but such as by much exercise are invred to this discipline : whereas on the other side it is hourely seene , that our armyes for the most part , doe stand of men , both rude and vnexperienced in all martiall demeanours or discipline . This aboue named discipline , hath in it a triple vse , wherof the first is the true knowledge of things appertayning to the warres , this drawing with it an inabling of the bodies forces : by which it falles out , as we haue often seene theyr strength approued , that an arrow shot from a Turkish bow , hath clouen the shanke of a gallie oare , where the wood hath beene nine inches thicke , so as the head of the same arrow , hath shewed it selfe on the other side : whereas such souldiours as wee put in pay , without consideration , are chosen in companies ignorant of all things appertayning , & then for the most part learning the vse , and art of theyr weapons , when there is more need valyantly to manage them . Another commoditie of discipline is , that it prepares the bodye to the enduring of labour and wants , inables the minde to an inuincible resolution , in bearing all extremities , which misery , or the scarcity of things , may cast vpon man. For theyr mindes accustomed to continuall exercise , cannot bee daunted with paynes , spare diet , or other inconueniences , wherwith it is daily acquaynted , content consisting , not in many , but necessary things : so as wee see theyr great armyes long time , often kept together with small prouision , theyr fleetes and land preparations , executing aught with exceeding expedicyon , whilst a huge part of baggage , ordenarily ( attending other campes ) giues to them no let . Whereas both our land and sea forces , are still encombred , with loadings of houshould prouision , our souldyours euer faynting without the affluence of euery thing , theyr bodyes impatient of labour , and this not onely when they want not things necessary , but if they abound not with delycates , so as to our shame bee it spoken , a man may obserue in our campes , those excesses of feastings and needelesse fare , which euen in the plentifulnesse of peace , myght in Cities perhaps seeme riotus , where amongst other things ill beseeming , it irkes me to thinke , that men should bee brought to so much nicenesle , as in a fleet , to haue Snow carryed , for cooling their wine . The third vse of discipline is the profit of obedience , thē which there is no one greater vertue in the exercise of armes . This as it is with the Turks more in estimation then euer in any age the like hath ben seene with other nations . So of all people in the contrary heereof wee are desperately diseased , euen to the death , our souldiors being mutinous , factious , disobedient , who fashioned by no rules of discipline , conteined in dutie , by no regard o punishment , in their owne camps , themselues to themselues for the most part work more mischiese , then vvhat at any time they receaue from the weapons of the enemie : vvhich foule faults to our greater shame , is as common to the captaines & commanders , as the priuate souldiours , a number of whom studyeng their perticuler reuēge , their priuate ambitiō , or ( then which vvith men of vvar there is naught more odious ) their seruyle gayne , betray their countrie , neglect their Princes command , and vvithout executing aught vvorthie their trust and imployment , cause often Impediments through malitious enuie of a nothers glory , to vvhat soeuer might be worthely executed : Such things I saie , vvith vs , men dare dayly do , freed from feare of all condigne punishmēt , so as I cannot name a place in shame or dishonor baser , vvhether these or the like vvith euerlasting Infamie , haue not brought vs. Next now ensues that I speake of the Turkish valor and vertues , no meane causes or of small regard in the inlarging of any Empire , vvherein if I should affirme that they doe much excell vs , I might so both become iniurious to the Christian name , and procure my selfe more enuie then I affect . Yet truth is truth , by vvhom foeuer deliuered , and well I may say that true valour is vvith the Turkes of more accompt vvhen to the valiant alone the passage to all militarie promotions is layd open , vvhere any ones merit towards his countrie by any manly act performed , shall aduance him through all degrees of dignitie , euen to that vvhich is next the highest with vs , on the contrary Nobility being of greatest reconing , such for the most part euery vvhere commanding , who though they shew smal or no testimonie either of valor or vertue , yet supported by the greatnes of their blood , manage matters as they list . This being that one thing which so much hath exasperated the minds of many worthy Christian seruitors , that flying frō those ensignes wher they found no place for their vertue : repair to the Turks , who for their good parts fairely intreat them , & according to the proofe any one makes of his vvorth , doth so prefer him to euery roome of Honor : their condicion in that point being exceding commendable , vvho demand not vvhence the man is , but vvhat he is , neither holding that vertue and valor are guists of granfathers inheritance , like to riches & those other of Fortune . Yet for all this , I must not deny but that nobilitie ought much to be estemed , being in it selfe of great might to stir vp the minde to honorable actions : and a rich ornament to all such as haue vertue thervnto conioined . But barely to prefer nobility before valor & vertue , or for any mans gentry solly to commend him to the greatest functions in a common wealth , or to commād an army , that vtterly I disalow , as full of danger to any state : I highly reuerence the kinred of kings & princes , whom to haue placed in great cōmāds , is not alone without peril , but profitable . For if authoritie be of estimation in all humane affaires , in those of the wars especially it is a most material point , wherin the Soule and lyfe of good gouerning , chiefly cōsisteth : as hauing obediēce alwaies attendant , no one thing more furthering , as I haue said euery warlike designe ; & therfore to such all souldiors & captaines without repining , submit their greatnesse , not being subiect to enuie & misreports , before whom euery man forceth himselfe for the formost , because the testimonie of their valor & vertue shewen in their princes presēce cannot be cōcealed by the calumniations of any backbiter , whereby as often it happens , men doe dispaire of a due reward . In these things therfore I would thus be vnderstod , that wher ther wants a due mixture of their parts together , compounded : it is better in my cōceit by the Turkish president to prefer in cōmand a man endwed with vertue lacking those exterior badges of great blood , then that any supported by nobilitie , should bear sway Indigent of those perfectiōs which at first begot all true Nobilitie . Malo pater tibi sit Thirsites , dum modo tu sis Aeacide similis : Vulcaniaque arma capessas . Quam te Thirsite semilem , producat Achilles . The last though not the least of those things which antiquitie haue attributed to the necessitie of the well establishing any state , standeth in measuring arightly according to euery mans merit , reward of well doeing or punishmēt of it . Now in either part how far we are to the Turks inferior , it is often admired . But least I giue occasion of further offence , & procure from many that hatred which I desire not to vndergoe , I will desist frō further prosecuting this course , in preferring these Turkesh considerations with ours , & onely wil say that as the whole scope of their coūsels & other proiects tends to the glory to be gotten by the vvars , so are all ours in an other kinde more excellent , for the maintenance of common societie & the studies of peace , which vvith so infinit a desire we hunt after , as all charge , all expēce of time , & mony , all care & dilligence is held both light & litle , for obteining the same . And this appeareth first by the great numbers of Priests , Mounks , Freers , & other religious , possessing great power , & wealth , with large lands , and stately erected monasteries , wherwith the plentisul coūtries of Europe , are euery vvhere pestered : to vvhom a great part both of Christendomes reuenues & cōmodities be comd . This I doe not disalow but much commend the pietie & wisedome of our ancestors , who haue bene so boūtiful in bestowing to holy vses , so liberal towards the maintenance of Gods seruice , releueing the necessitie of the poore , and both nourishing & cherishing the studies of Arts & euery good literature . Another thing with vs is , that our seates of Iustice prolong the deciding of causes , with many quiddetyes , & delayes , which is the sole reason that we see so many lawiers & Iudges , so many attorneys , solicitors , clarks , notaries , aduocates & proctors , to whom so great rewards & large fees are assigned , as this practise of the law ( lyke to that other ) hath drawen with it no litle part of the welth of Christendom . Againe , the Scholes of good learning are by vs vvith great charge mainteined , to which many repaire , & perceauing the accompt that learned men daily liue in , doe spend either all , or the greatest part of their life in that profession . Lastly ( good god ) what cost is bestowed in euery handi craft thing , what huge foundations hourly laid , what state & abundāce of publike & priuate buildings , what superfluety in ensignes of honor , picturs , hāgings , & plate , what delicacy in euery houshold prouisiō : What riot in feastings : what pride & expēce in apparell : vvith how great stipends are the masters in these Artes maintained , all which as they greatly beutifie our Christian countries , maligne the Turks in regard of vs to appeare rude & vnpolisht : so are they vtterly ill fitting for martiall affaires , or enlarging of an Empire , vvhilst they consume & wast a great part of that wealth which were better bestowed in the wars . Now vvith the Turkes all these things are in proportion , ether small or none . Their Preists & Religious are very few , their lyuing litle , supplyed with things onely necessary . Their law determinations want demurs , and delatory plees receauing sentence at the first or second hearing ; vvithout tossing so many volumes of the ciuill & Canon Codices ; with their comments : so many yeere bookes of the common lawes course , wherby so great store of counsells & aduocates , such quantitie of clarks and notaries are in small request . Ther is amongst them no orders of Monks & Freeers , no Pyles of stately builded Palaces ; no sumptuousnesse in their dayly port , but thrifty cariage , spare dyet , vvherein the hands of cunning cookes haue no medling : the Turkes neither caring or crauing these things , but spending vvhat they haue in theyr needfull preparations for the vvars , vvhere vvealth and rewards are peculiarly appropriate to the valiant . No marueill therfore that so many as I haue sayd , of vvorthy Christian seruitours , leaue the displayed Banners of IESVS , vvhere small and for the most part , no consideration is allotted their merits , repairing thether wher they finde riches and estimation the guerdon of well dooing . Now since the one and onely meanes , of the Turkish glory , doth proceede from the warlike designes , it is no wonder that all their endeauours , should wholy bee bent to that , which thus alone drawes with it honor , riches , & power , wherby we see how they excell all other nations , in martiall estimatyon , & execution of high exployts , what great numbers of valiant souldiours , they continually keepe in pay , how huge forces of horse and foote they maintaine , so as to all people their name is now becomd fearefull , & that alwaies they returne victors from euery war once vndertaken , for inlarging their dominion , our mens mindes on the other part by multiplicitie of knowledges and imployments , being so distraught as few can spare any time to follow such seruice : through as I said the innumerable sorts of handy crafts , studyeng of arts , & professing of religion , things indeed that haue diuerted the thoughts of the greater part , of able Christian bodies , frō the affectation of armes , for it is the condicion of man , with greater content to follow that course of life , which is easie , safe , lesse paynefull , & free from danger , then that other of the wars , prosessed enemy to rest & quietnesse : especially when this first with pleasure , brings neuerthelesse the commodityes of estimatyon & riches , manifesting the apparant reason that thus we see all our cities , so replenished with marchants , craftsmen , inholders , vinteners , & such like : euery place reporting the disputations & different opinions of Philosophers , & deuines , with continuall canuassing of law cases . All which things as they mightely I say , adorne our peaceable part of the world , so doe they wholy disable all martiall credyt , for which wee finde vpon euery occasion , how weake our forces are , for cause of the small number , who follow the wars . In which , this further I dare affirme , from sound iudgment , that of that age , whose bodies through Christendome are fit for the wars seruice , the hundreth person scarce doth apply him to that profession , whereas on the contrary with the Turks , the greater part alwaies doe wholy deuote themselues , to the practise of armes . But now let vs come to the inflicting of punishment due to offenders , the feare wherof , of equall conteines men in compasse , both to the ciuell and martiall discipline : wholesome lawes being with vs , as well as with the Turks , to that end established . Yet the vigor & force of good lawes , should not consist in a positiue decree , but in a and sacred inviolable obseruation of the same : the rigor whereof we Christians , for the most auoide by the cunning distinctions of lawyers , mitigate by the fauour of great personages , or breake through by our owne power . Where with the Turkes these thinges are otherwise , there being left no meanes to obtaine pardon of any offence , no hope of escaping punishment : so as we see with vs all thinges to be corrupt & dissolute : liberty for each one to doe what he list . Our souldiours licentious & freed from feare of punishment , with carelesse cariage , executing what euer is committed to their charge , still mutinous , & sedicious , respectlesse of command , great doers in words , litle indeed , in skirmish making courtsie , who should first begin , or rangd to fight , running away the first squadrons scarcely chargd , or before any honest hasard of fortune were attempted : & although we haue as cannot be denied diuers worthy captaines , who are not impechable , of any these crimes , yet what shall those few excellent men affect in re●orming the generall corrupt conditions of time , in faith little : whose vertues are to feeble , to encounter the outgrown vices of this age . Againe it is well knowen , that many great commanders ther are , who casting away their priuate counsels & consideratiōs , prefer the publike good : yet euen these haue such for inferiour leaders , who are no lesse , ( if not more ) faulty ▪ then the ordinary souldiour : the greater part of whom follow the seruice for gaine , and make a traficke of the warres . Who when a muster of men is to passe , and pay to bee made , beelie their number , either borrowing , or subborning base fellowes , to fill vp such roomes as are fayling , whereby it fals out that the payes bee euer strong , but the companies weake . Now none of all these defaults bee conuersant in the Turkish campe , where the souldiour is euer seruiceable , and at commaund , executing what they haue in charge carefully , reseruing their heat of courage to encounter the enemy , which with high resolution they both vndertake and maintayne : nothing dismayed , with a first ouerthrow , nor discouraged with the enemies second good successe , whereby to leaue the field , but valiauntly fighting conteyned , more by the force of their lawes , & the punishment therof , then by feare of the enemy , keepe theyr assigned ranckes , expecting the best , and enduring the vtmost of good or bad fortunes chances , who alwaies bearing in mind , the fearefull spectacles of those theyr barbarous chastisements , as ther may be caused , etermine either to depart the field as victors , or if fortune enuie theyr valour , rather there to receiue an honest death , from the edge of the enemies weapon , then at home to be strangled , or haue his throat cut , by a hangman . Againe whilst the valour , of the leader striues with the obedience of the souldyour , who neuer haue their priuate counsels , deriued from the publike good , we find them to performe most excellent offices : in theyr seuerall places both towards their king and country . These are such obseruations ( true honoured Columna ) as formerly I sayde , haue long possest my minde , touching the greatnesse of this Turkish Empire , which if you allow , I shall the better like , if otherwise , conceale them to your selfe I pray , least they may chance into such mens hands , as may detract from the estimation of my iudgement . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A07605-e1730 As the Latin word Imperator at the first was no name of Regall power and authoritie . VVhence ● family of Mendoza in Spaine had their beginning . Ptolemais Opp : nunc Acre . Laodicea Opp nunc , Licquee Berythus Opp : nunc , Baruth . Gamela Opp : nunc , Hames . Geth : nunc Ybelim . Tyberias Opp : nunc , Tabaria By what ti● the kings of Spaine chalenge the right of the crowne of I rusalem . Arsacides . Tigado . Notes for div A07605-e8870 Despot : what it meaneth . Bulgari● ila . Mammaluch Emir Quibir Notes for div A07605-e20760 Vt sit , et bene , et semper . The woor Solyman , his Nobili The sheweth counsai● of the of Mal● woords let the mastar to ●ann●ts . The Letter frō the great maister of Malta to Pope Pius the fourth of that name . 1565. The 22 of March the Turks nauy vnlosed from Constantinople . The 180 Ma●● the Nauie of the Turks ariued at Malta . descript● ▪ Malta . Ad Eurotiotum . The Turkes landing in Malta . Azorbar . Consultation of the Turkes . Vallum ex●●uunt . Pa. 40. A fugitiue . Decem B●emes . The first assalt . Spach● , qui seruent auec trois ou quatre cheualls chascun , et aut 200 ducats per An , et sont tous Azamoglan et esclaux dudict grand Turc . A Bridge of mastes . The death of Medrano and Baragamo . The bridge of Masts , burnt . The famous pirat Dorguta wounded to death . The counsell of the Ioannits The sentence of the couns●●●l . Th● answere of the worthie defenders . The last assalt giuen by the Turks to the castle of Saint Hermes . The Fort of Saint Hermes wonne . The letter of the great Maister to Mesquito . Philip a Turke a noble man reuolted and came to the Christians . Pluteum . 
A66798	----	A description of the grand signour's seraglio or Turkish emperours court [edited] by John Greaves. Bon, Ottaviano, 1552-1623. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A66798 of text R28395 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing W3214). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 254 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 100 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A66798 Wing W3214 ESTC R28395 10585830 ocm 10585830 45279 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A66798) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 45279) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1371:6) A description of the grand signour's seraglio or Turkish emperours court [edited] by John Greaves. Bon, Ottaviano, 1552-1623. Withers, Robert. Greaves, John, 1602-1652. [6], 191 p. Printed for Jo. Ridley, London : 1653. Running title: The grand signors seraglio. Dedication signed: John Greaves. "The work of Mr. Robert Withers"--Dedication. Actually the work of Ottaviano Bon, translated by Withers and edited by John Greaves--Cambridge bibliography of English literature Cambridge [Eng.], 1969, v. 1, p. 779. Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library. eng Harem. Turkey -- Court and courtiers. Istanbul (Turkey) -- Description and travel. A66798 R28395 (Wing W3214). civilwar no A description of the grand signour's seraglio, or Turkish emperours court. By John Greaves, late professor of astronomie in the University o Bon, Ottaviano 1653 46763 123 0 0 0 0 0 26 C The rate of 26 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2004-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-01 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-02 Rina Kor Sampled and proofread 2004-02 Rina Kor Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A DESCRIPION OF THE GRAND SIGNOUR'S SERAGLIO , OR TVRKISH EMPEROURS COVRT . By JOHN GREAVES , late Professor of Astronomie in the University of Oxford . LONDON , Printed for Jo. Ridley , at the Castle in Fleet street by Ram-Alley , 1653. To his Honoured , and truly Noble Friend , George Took , Esquire , of Popes in the County of Hartford . SIR , J D●…t not have presumed to a Friend of so much honor , & worth , to present this description of the Turkish Emperours Court ; but that finding it to be a piece of that exactnesse , as the like is not extant in any other language , & the argument to be so noble ( treating of the greatest Monarchy upon earth ; whose Magnificence hath much resemblance with that of the Persians , in the Scriptures ) I thought it would not be unacceptable , if under your name it were communicated to the world . In which I assume nothing to my self , as Authour of the discourse , nor much as Polisher of it ; but only an humble desire of publikely expressing my obligations to You. It was freely presented to me at Constantinople , and with the same freeness I recommend it to the Reader , having not altered anything in the substance , and but a little in the dress , and elocution . The name of the Author being then unknown , upon inquiry I find it since to be the work of Mr. Robert Withers ; who , by the assistance of the English Embassador , procuring admittance into the Seraglio ( a favour unusual ) and by continuance many years in those parts , had time , and opportunity , to persect his observations . To him therefore are solely due the thanks of the labour , & from his virtuous example all generous , and noble spirits will propose , in their travels abroad , a solid inquisition of truth , and knowledge ; not vain garbes , & modes , and disguised fashions , the onely objects , and idols , of phantastick Travellers . To me it is sufficient that I have faithfully discharged my trust , in publishing since the Authors death , the fruits of his observations ; and in communicating to the Reader the pleasure , and satisfaction , of perusing a relation full of truth , and exactness : which , in many particulars , upon experience he is able to attest , who is , Sir , Your most obliged friend , and humble servant , The Contents of the Chapters . Chap. 1. The description of the Place , partitions , and manifold conveniences of the Seraglio . pag. 1. Chap. 2. Of the Divan dayes , judges , sessions , judicature , diet , and giving an account to the King of whatsoever hath passed . pag. 17. Chap. 3. Of the audience , and entertainment given to Ambassadors . pag. 28. Chap. 4. Of the persons that live in the Seraglio , and chiefly of the women and virgins . p. 34. Chap. 5. Of the Ajamoglans , how taken , distributed , and imployed . p. 56. Chap. 6. Of the Kings Itchoglans , their severe diseipline , and education in the four subordinate schools , and of their after advancements . p. 67. Chap. 7. Of inferiour persons , and Buffons , Mutes , Musicians , &c. of White Eunuchs , and of the Grand Officers of the Seraglio . p. 87. Chap. 8. Of the Black Eunuchs , and Black-moor girles , and women , of the Physicians , andof the Kings children . p. 100. Chap. 9. Of the Cooks , kitchins , diet of the King , and Queen , and of their other manner of service , of the scullery , and provision of the Seraglio . p. 108. Chap. 10. Of Apparel , bedding , sicknesse , hospitals , inheritance , Kings expences , recreations , receiving of petitions , of the Kings Stables , and Byram solemnities . p. 128. Chap. 11. Of the old Seraglio , and womens lives therein , of their marriages and children , slave-selling , and witnesses . p. 147. Chap. 12. Of their religion , opinions , Clergy-men , times , places , and rites sacred , and of the womens small devotion . p. 158. THE GRAND SIGNORS SERAGLIO . CHAP. I. A Description of the place , partitions , and manifold conveniences of the Seraglio . THe * Seraglio , wherein the Grand Signor resideth with his Court , is in that place where Byzantium stood , upon a point of the Continent , which looketh towards the * mouth of the Black Sea : and is in form triangular , two sides whereof are compassed with the Thracian Bosphorus , and the third joyneth to the rest of the City Constantinople . It is enclosed with a very high , and strong wall , upon which there are divers watch-towers , and is by computation about three Italian miles in compasse . It hath many gates , some of which open towards the sea-side , and the rest into the City ; but the chiefest gate ( which indeed is a very stately one ) is one of those towards the City ; and by it they go in and out daily ; the others being kept shut , till such times as the king , or some of the principall officers of the Seraglio cause any of them to be opened , either for their pleasure to sit by the sea side ( where they have a fair prospect , and may behold the ships sailing to and fro ) or for any other occasion . If any of the other land-gates be opened , it is either when the king sendeth privately to put some great man to death , or for the execution of some such secret action ; but they are all lockt fast in the night again . The aforesaid chief , and common Gate , is in the day time guarded by a Company of * Capoochees , which change their watch by turns , and in the night likewise by others of the same rank ; all which Capoochees are under the Command of a * Capoochee Bashaw , which Capoochee Bashaws ( being six in number ) are bound every week one of them to lie within the Seraglio , for the security , and safeguard of the same . And without the Gate , about ten or twelve paces off , there stands a litle house made of boards upon wheels , in which every night a Company of Janizaries do watch , who upon any occasion are ready to awake those within , and to give them notice of whatsoever sudden accident may happen without . In the night also , it is well guarded by the sea side ; for in the watch-towers which are upon the wall , there be divers * Agiam-oglan's , which are to watch , and see that none come neer : and lest any shipping should dare to attempt some mischief , they have Ordinance ready charged , and the Gunners lying close by them . In this Seraglio there are many stately rooms suted to the seasons of the year ; the greatest part whereof are built upon plain ground ; some upon the hills which are there : and some also upon the sea side , which are called Kiosks , that is rooms of fair prospect , or ( as we term them ) banqueting houses , into which the king sometimes goes alone , but most commonly with his Concubines for his recreation . Amongst the aforesaid rooms , is the Chamber into which the Grand Signor repaireth , when he is to give Audience to Ambassadors , or to the Bashawes , on the dayes of Publick Divan : or to those who being to depart upon any weighty service , or employment , are to take their leaves of him ; as also to such who ( after the limited time of their government abroad is expired ) do return to Constantinople , to give account to his Majestie of their carriage in their several places . This room standeth in a litle Court curiously adorned with many very delicate fountains ; and hath within it a * Sofa spread with very sumptuous Carpets of gold , and of Crimson velvet embriodered with costly pearls ; upon which the Grand Signor sitteth : and about the Chamber instead of Hangings , the walls are covered with very fine white stones , which having divers sorts of leaves and flowers artificially wrought , and bak't upon them , do make a glorious shew . There is also a little room adjoyning unto it , the whole inside whereof is covered with silver plate hatch'd with gold , and the floor is spread with very rich Persian carpets of silk and gold . There are belonging to the said rooms and lodgings of the King , very fair gardens of all sorts of flowers , and fruits that are to be found in those parts ; with many very pleasant walks , enclosed with high Cypresse-trees on each side ; and marble fountains in such abundance , that almost every walk hath two or three of them ; such great delight doth the Grand-Signor , and all Turks in general take in them . Nor indeed doth a Turk at any time shew himself to be so truly pleased , and satisfied in his senses , as he doth in the summer time , when he is in a pleasant garden . For , he is no sooner come into it ( if it be his own , or where he thinks he may be bold ) but he puts off his uppermost Coat , and layes it aside , and upon that his Turbant , then turns up his sleeves , and unbuttoneth himself , turning his breast to the winde if there be any ; if not , he fans himself , or his servant doth it for him . Again , sometimes standing upon an high bank , to take the fresh air , holding his arms abroad ( as a Cormorant sitting upon a rock doth his wings in sun-shine after a storm ) courting the weather , and sweet air , calling it his soul , his life , and his delight ; ever and anon shewing some notable signes of contentment : nor shall the garden ( during his pleasant distraction ) be termed other then Paradise : with whose flowers he stuffs his bosom , and decks his Turbant , shaking his head at their sweet savors ; and sometimes singing a song to some pretty flower , by whose name peradventure his Mistress is called ; and uttering words of as great joy , as if at that instant she her self were there present . And one bit of meat in a garden shall do him more good ( in his opinion ) then the best fare that may be else where . Besides the aforesaid rooms ( which are very many , and serve only for the kings own person ) there is the womens lodging , ( which is in a manner like a Nunnery ) wherin the Queen , the other * Sultana's , and all the kings women and slaves do dwell . And it hath within it all the commodity that may be , of beds , chambers , Dining rooms , * Bagno's , and all other kindes of building necessary for the use , and service of the women , which dwell therein . There are likewise divers rooms , and lodgings built apart from all those aforesaid , which serve both for the principal officers , and those of mean degree , and also for the basest sort ; and are so well furnished , that not any want can be discerned of ought that may be thought requisite , and convenient for them . Amongst which there are two large buildings , the one the Hazineh , or private Treasury , and the other the kings Wardrope . These are two very handsome buildings , and secure by reason of the thicknesse of their walls , and strength of their iron windows : they have each of them an iron door , kept shut continually , and that of the Hazineh sealed with the kings seal . In the said Seraglio there are rooms for Prayer , Baths , Schools , Butteries Kitchins , Distilling rooms , places to swim in , places to run horses in , places for wrestling , butts to shoot at : and to conclude , all the commodity that may be had in a princes Palace , for things of that nature . At the first entrance into the Seraglio , there is a very large and stately Gate , in the Porch whereof , there is alwayes a guard of about fifty men with their weapons by them , as pieces , bowes , and swords . Having passed this gate ( through which the Bashawes , and other great men may passe on horseback ) there is a very spacious Court almost a quarter of an Italian mile in length , and very nigh as much in breadth ; and on the left hand in the Court near unto the Gate , there is a place to shelter the people and horses in rainie weather : on the right hand there is an Hospitall for such as fall sick in the Seraglio , in which there are all things necessary . It is kept by an Eunuch , who hath many servants under him to attend upon the diseased . Again , on the left hand there is a very large place in which they keep their Timber , and Carts , and such like things , to have them near at hand for the use , and service of the Seraglio ; over the which there is a great Hall , where are hanged up many weapons of Antiquity , as Cimitars , Javelins , Bowes , Head-pieces , Gauntlets , &c. which they keep to lend the Souldiers , and others , for to accompany the Grand Signor , or the * Chief Vizir , when they make any solemn entry into the City of Constantinople . Having passed through the aforesaid Court , there is a second Gate ( at which the Bashawes alight ) somewhat lesse then the former , but more neat , and costlie ; under which there is also a stately Porch , where there is likewise a Guard of Capoochees provided with weapons , as they at the first Gate are ; thence there is another Court lesser then the former , but far more beautifull and pleasant , by reason of the delicate fountains , and rowes of Cypresse trees , and the green grasse-plots in which the * Gazels do feed , and bring forth young : but in this Court ( the Grand Signor only excepted ) every one must go on foot . On both sides of the said Gate there is an open Gallery underset with pillars , without which the ‖ Chiaushes , the † Janizaries , and the * Spahees , do use to stand in their severall ranks , very well apparelled , at such times as there is a great † Divan held , for the coming of any Ambassador to kisse the Grand Signors hand . In the said Court on the right hand are all the Kitchins , being in number nine ; all which have their several offices , and Larders belonging unto them . The first and greatest is the Kings . The second the Queens . The third the Sultana's . The fourth the ‖ Capee Agha's . The fifth for the Divan . The sixth for the * Agha's , the Kings Gentlemen . The seventh for the meaner sort of Servants . The eighth for the Women . The ninth for the under Officers of the Divan , and such as attend there to do what belongeth unto them , in their several places . On the left side of the Court is the Kings stable , of about thirty , or thirty five very gallant horses , which his Majestie keepeth for his exercise , when he pleaseth to run , or sport with his Gentlemen the Agha's in the Seraglio . Over which stable there is a rowe of rooms , wherein is kept all the furniture of the horses , the which ( I having seen both there , and abroad , at such times as they have been used ) I can affirm to be of extraordinary value . For the Bridles , Pectorals , Cruppers , Saddle-clothes , the pommels of the Saddles , and Stirrups , are set so thick with jewels of divers sorts , that the beholders are amazed , they do so far exceed all imagination . Neer adjoyning to the said stable , are certain buildings for the service of the Officers of the Divan , and having passed two thirds of this Court on the same side , there is the room wherein the Divan is kept : unto this joyneth upon one side the Hazineh , called the outward Hazineh , which ( the Divan being ended ) is sealed with the Chief Vizirs Seal . Even with the room where the Divan is kept ( but somewhat behinde it , towards the left hand ) is the Gate which leadeth into the womens lodgings , called the Queens Gate , kept and guarded by a Companie of Black Eunuchs . The aforesaid second Court endeth at a third Gate , termed the Kings Gate , which leadeth into the rooms or lodgings kept apart for himself , and such Gentlemen , as are to attend upon him continually : neither may any one enter therein , but by absolute leave from the king ( speaking of men of great quality ) : but such as are belonging to the Buttry , or Kitchin , and Physitians , Caters , and Sewers , may go in and out with leave only from the * Capee Agha : who is the chief Chamberlain of the Seraglio , and to him is committed the keeping of this Gate , and he is alwayes at hand ( by reason his lodging is near ) with a Company of white Eunuchs about him like himself ; so that , what is reported of things within this Gate , is for the most part by relation . For either one may not see them , or if he do see them , it must be when the king is absent ; and he must be brought in by some man of quality , and Command , by one of the gates at the Sea side ; the which also cannot be obtained but with great difficulty , and some charge too , for a gratification to the guide ; they having not onely great regard and respect to their kings person , but also to his rooms in his absence . Having passed the third Gate ( the which hath also a very fair porch ) immediately is seen the aforesaid room appointed for publick Audience . And there within that Gate also is another fair Court , paved with very fine marble , wrought with Mosaical work : wherein are many delicate Fountains , and sumptuous buildings on all sides , in which commonly the king useth to eat , and passe the time in some recreation . There is also a row of Summer rooms built upon the top of a little hill , which looks towards the Sea side , so well contrived with Halls and Chambers , and so pleasantly seated , and richly furnished , that it may well be the habitation of so great a Prince . Amongst which there is a Hall opening towards the East , under-set with very fair pillars ; which Hall looks into an artificial four-square Lake ( which they call Hawoz ) proceeding from about thirty Fountains which are built upon a kinde of Tarrase , of very fine Marble , incompassing the said Lake , the water running from the Fountains above , down into the Lake : and from the Lake through divers gutters into Gardens . Two men may walk a breast upon the Tarrase ; where they hear the continual , and sweet harmony which the fountains make with leaden pipes , in so much that it is a most delightfull place . And in the Lake there is a little boat , the which ( as I was enformed ) the Grand Signor doth oftentimes go into with his * Mutes , and Buffones , to make them row up and down , and to sport with them , making them leap into the water ; and many times , as he walks along with them above upon the sides of the Lake , he throwes them down into it , and plunges them over head and ears . Near unto the said Hall , is his Majesties Bed-Chamber , the walls whereof are covered with stones of the finest China mettal , spotted with flowers of divers colours , which make an excellent shew . The * Anteporta's are Cloth of gold of Bursia , and their Borders of Crimson Velvet embroydered with gold and pearls . The posts of the Bedstead are of silver , hollow , and in stead of knobs on the tops of them , there are set Lions made of Chrystal : The Canopie over it is of Cloth of Gold , and so are the bolsters , and the mattresses . The floor of this Chamber ( as of the other rooms ) and the Sofaes , are spread with very costly Persian Carpets of silk and gold : and the Pallets to sit on , with the cushens to lean upon , are of very rich cloth of gold . There is hanging in the midst of the aforesaid Hall a very great Lantern , the form whereof is round , and the bars of silver guilt , and set very thick with Rubies , Emraulds , and Turkesses : the panes are of fine Chrystal . There is likewise a Basen and Ewer of massive gold , set with Rubies and Turkesses , which beautifie the room . Behinde the Hall there is a place to shoot in , where there are laid up many Bowes and arrows ; and there are to be seen such strange passages made with arrows , by the Kings predecessors , and by the king himself , through Brasse and Iron , that it seemeth almost impossible to be done by the arm of man . The Room which is called the Publick Divan hath been built of late years . It is four-square , and about eight or nine paces every way from side to side . It hath behinde it another room for the service thereof , and one also at the coming in to the Divan at the right hand , divided onely by a woodden rail : with many other rooms somewhat distant from it , which serve for the expedition of sundry businesses . This Divan I call publick , because any kinde of person whatsoever ( aswell stranger , as native ) publickly , and indifferently may have free accesse unto it , to require Justice , to procure Grants , and to end their Causes , and Controversies : of what nature , condition , or import soever they be , without let , or contradiction . Thus have I made a brief description of some of the rooms , and buildings , of this Seraglio , according to the notice I took of them . But hitherto I have omitted to shew , how that a great part of the best of them , have been built from time to time at the cost and charges of the Subjects . For there have been divers Bashawes , who , being in favour with th●… Grand Signor , obtained leave at severa●… times to adde unto the Seraglio a room or two , for a memorial of some notable good service , which they had done their Prince . In the building of which , they have spared no cost , although for the most part the rooms are very litle : but this their often patching of new rooms with old , hath caused a great confusednesse in the whole fabrick , they having not observed any uniformity at all in their manner of building . CHAP. II. Of the Divan dayes , Judges , Session , Judicature , Diet , and giving an account to the King of what hath passed . THe Divan dayes are four every week : viz. Saturday , Sunday , Munday , and Tuesday : Upon which dayes the * Vizir azem , with all the rest of the Vizirs , the two * Cadileschers , of Graecia and Natolia ( which are the chief over all the Cadees of those two Provinces ) ; the three * Defterdars ( whose charge is to gather in the Kings revenues , and likewise to pay all his Souldiers , and others which have any pension due unto them ) ; the Reiskitawb ( which is the Chancellor ) ; the † Nishawngee ( that is he which signeth commandments , and letters , with the Grand Signors mark ) ; the Secretaries of all the Bashawes , and of other great men ; a great number of Clerks , which are alwayes attending at the door of the Divan ; the Chiaush Bashaw ( who all that while that he is in the Seraglio carrieth a silver staff in his hand ; ) and many Chiaushes , who at the Vizirs command are ready to be dispatched , with such orders as shall be given them , by him , to what place , or to whomsoever he pleaseth ( For , they are those which are imployed in Ambassies , or in ordinary messages ; to summon men to appear before the Bench ; to keep close Prisoners ; and in fine , to perform all businesses of that nature : ) Upon those dayes , I say , all the aforesaid Magistrates and Officers , from the highest to the lowest , are to be at the Diva●… by break of day . The Vizirs being come into the Divan , they sit down within at the further end thereof , with their faces towards the door , upon a low bench which joyneth to the wall , every one in his place as he is in degree ; sitting all at the right hand of the Chief Vizir , ( for with the Laity the left is counted the upper hand , but with the Clergie the right : ) and on his left hand upon the same bench do sit the two Cadiles●…hers . First , he of Graecia , as being of the more noble and famous Province ; and then he of Natolia . And on the right side , at the coming in at the door , do sit the three Defterdars , who have behinde them ( in the aforesaid room , which is divided with a wooden rail ) all the said Clerks , who sit upon the ground on mats , with paper and pens in their hand , being ready to write whatsoever is commanded them . And on the other side , over against the Defterdars , sits the Nishawngee with a pen in his hand , having his assistants round about him . The Reiskitawb for the most part stands close by the Vizir , for he takes his advise in many occurrents . In the midst of the room do stand all such as require Audience of the Bench . Now they being all come together , and every man set in his own place ; the Petitioners forthwith begin their suits , one after another , ( who have no need of Attourneyes , though oftentimes they procure the help of a Chiaush : for every one may speak for himself ) referring themselves to the judgement , and sentence of the Vizir Azem , who ( if he please ) may end all . For the other Bashawes do not speak , but onely hearken , and attend till such time as he shall refer any thing to their abitrement , as commonly he doth . For he having once understood the substance onely of a businesse ( to free himself from too much trouble ) remits the deciding of it to others : as for example , if it be appertaining to the civil Law , he then remits it to the Cadileschers : if it be of accounts , to the Defterdars ; if of falshood , ( as counterfeiting the kings mark , or such like ) to the Nishawngee ; if concerning Merchants or merchandise ( wherin there may be any great difficulty ) to some one of the other Bashawes which sit by him . So that after this manner he doth exceedingly ease himself of so great a toil and burden , which otherwise he alone should be enforced to undergo ; reserving only to himself what he thinketh to be of greatest import , and consequence ; and the like course doth the * Caimekam take in his absence . Thus do they spend the time until it be almost noon ; at which hour ( one of the Sewers being appointed to be there present ) the chief Vizir commands that dinner be brought in ; and immediately all the Common people depart . So , the room being free , the tables are made ready after this manner ; there is set upon a stool before the Vizir Azem , a thin , round , copper plate , tinn'd over , about the bignesse of the bottom of a beer-barrel ; at which himself , with one ( or two at the most ) of the other Bashawes do eat ; the like is prepared for the rest of the Vizirs , which do eat together : and another for the Cadileschers : one for the Defterdars ; and one likewise for the Nishawngee . Having every one a * Napkin spread upon his knees to keep his garments clean , and a great quantity of bread being laid ready round about the said copper plates , immediately the meat is brought in , and set before them upon the plates in great dishes made after a strange fashion ; and still as they have eaten of one dish the Sewer takes off that , and sets on another . Their diet is ordinarily , Mutton , Hens , Pigeons , Geese , Lamb , Chickens , Broth of Rise and pulse , dressed after divers fashions ; and some Tarts , or such like at the last ; for in a very short space they make an end of their diner ; that which remaineth of the said tables , the Officers of the Divan do eat , but they have an addition allowed , and brought them from their Kitchin . The Bashaws , & other great men●… have drink brought unto them , ( which is Sherbet ) in great Porcelain dishes : but the others do either not drink at all , or if they do drink , it is fair water brought them from the next fountains . At the same time when the Vizirs of the Bench , and others of the Divan are at dinner ; the under Officers , Waiters , and keepers , do dine also ; ( for they must loose no time , ) the which are not lesse ordinarily then four or five hundred persons ( including also such poor sharking fellows , as slip into the company for a dinner ) but their food is nothing but bread , and pottage , which they call Churva , serving to fill their bellies , though it be but of small nourishment . Dinner being ended , the Chief Vizir spendeth some small time about general Affairs ; and taking Counsell together ( if he pleaseth , and thinks it fit ) with the other Bashawes ; at last he determineth and resolveth of all within himself , and prepareth to go in unto the King ( it being the ordinary custom so to do , in two of the four Divan dayes , viz. upon Sunday , and upon Tuesday ; ) to render an account briefly unto his Majestie of all such businesses as he hath dispatched . And to this end the Grand Signor ( after he hath dined also ) repaireth unto his Chamber of Audience , and being set down upon a Sofa , sendeth the Capee Agha ( who hath in his hand a silver staff ) to call first the Cadileschers , who immediatly rise up out of their places , and having bowed themselves to the Vizir Azem , they depart , being accompanied with the said Capee Agha , and Chiush Bashaw , who go before them with their silver staves in their hands ; and so they go in unto the King to give account , and make him acquainted , with what hath passed concerning their charge ; which being done they are dismissed ( for that day ) and go directly home to their own houses . Next after them are called the Defterdars : who in the same manner are brought unto the king , but the Chief Defterdar only is permitted to speak ; and having dispatched , they take leave and give place to the Vizirs ; who are called last of all , & go together in rank one after another , the Chief Vizir being foremost , ushered along by the two aforesaid silver staves : and being come before the presence of the Grand Signor , they stand all on one side of the room with their hands before them a crosse , holding down their heads in token of reverence and humility ; and here none but the Chief Vizir speaketh , and gives an account of what he thinketh fit : delivering his Memorials , or Petitions , one by one , the which the king having read , the Vizir takes them , and having put them into a little crimson Satten bag , he most humbly layeth them down again before his Majestie ( who afterwards causeth his * Hattee-humawyoon to be drawn for the performance of what the Arses , that is petitions , did require ; ) if the Grand Signor demand no further of him ( the other Bashawes not having spoken one word all this while ) they all depart , and take horse at the second Gate ; and being accompanied by divers men of quality ( who to insinuate into their favours do wait upon them ) besides a great company of their own people , every one goes to his own house . The Chief Vizir for his greater grace and honour , hath commonly about an hundred Chiaushes on hors-back , who bring him to his home . And so the Divan is ended for that day , it being about three hours afternoon ; but upon such dayes as they have no Audience of the King , they dispatch sooner . And what hath been said of the Vizir Azem , the same also is to be understood of the Caimekam in his absence . It is to be noted that sometimes also the * Agha of the Janizaries , and the * Captain Bashawe , come to the Divan , when they are at home in Constantinople , and have businesse to do there . But the Captain Bashawe only , doth go in unto the King ( which also may not be but in Companie of the other Bashawes ) and his businesse is to acquaint his Majestie with the estate , and affairs of the Arsenal , and Armada . His place in the Divan is upon the same Bench , but yet he sitteth last , and lowest of all the Bashawes ; unlesse he be a Vizir ( as it is often seen ) and then he takes his place either second , or third , or fourth , as he is in degree by election . But the Agha of the Janizaries doth not sit in Divan , but sitteth under the open Gallery on the right hand within the second Gate . And if at any time it shall so fall out , upon some extraordinary businesse , ( as it hath sometimes been seen ) that he be to go in unto the king ; then he is called first of all , and goeth before either Defterdars , or Cadeeleschers : and being come out from his Majestie , he sitteth down again in his place untill the Divan be ended : he is the last that departeth of all the great men , and is attended on by a great many * Churbegees , and Janizaries unto his Seraglio , where he , and many of them do live together The Grand Signors Predecessors were alwayes wont to come , and this man sometimes cometh privately by an upper way to a certain little window , which looketh into the Divan , right over the head of the Chief Vizir : and there sitteth ( with a Lattise before him , that he may not be seen ) to hear and see what is done in the Divan : and especially at such times , when he is to give Audience to any Embassador from a great Prince , to see him eat , and hear him discourse with the Bashawes : and by this his coming to that window , the Chief Vizir ( who alwayes standeth in jeopardy of losing his head upon the Grand Signors displeasure ) is enforced to carry himself very uprightly , and circumspectly , in the mannaging of affairs , whilst he sits in Divan : though at other times his hands are open to bribery , and carry businesses as he pleaseth . CHAP. III. Of the Audience , and entertainment given to Ambassadors . WHen it falleth out that an Ambassador from any great Prince is to kisse the Grand Signors hand : it must be either upon a Sunday , or upon a Tuesday : ( for those are the dayes appointed for his Highnesse to give Audience ) to the end he may not be troubled at other times . And then the Vizir commandeth that there be a great Divan , which is done by calling together all the Grandees of the Port ; all the Chiaushes , all the * Mutaferrakas , and a great number of Spahees and Janizaries ; who are every one of them commanded by their Captains to apparel themselves in the best manner that they are able , and to go every one to his place in the second Court , and there to stand in orderly ranks : making indeed a very goodly shew , for they are very well clothed , and are most of them of comely personage . Thus the Divan being all in order , ( and few , or no common businesses handled for that day ) the Vizir , sendeth the Chiaush Bashaw with many of his Chiaushes on horse-back to accompany the Ambassador : who being come to the Divan is set face to face close before the chief Vizir , upon a stool covered with Cloth of Gold . Having for a while complemented , and used some friendly discourse together , the Bashaw commandeth that dinner be brought : the which is done after the same manner as upon other Divan dayes ( only the round plate on which the meat is set is of silver ; and the victuals are more delicate , and in greater abundance . ) And so the Ambassador , and the Vizir Azem , with one or two of the other Bashawes do eat together . And for every such banquet at such times the Grand Signor alloweth ( besides the ordinary Divan diet ) a thousand Crowns to be spent : howbeit I dare say the Steward makes the one half to serve the turn , and reserves the rest to himself . They having dined , the Vizir entertaineth the Ambassador with some discourse , until such time as the Ambassadors followers have dined also , ( who I can upon experience affirm are served after a very mean fashion ) and then the Ambassador , together with his own attendants retire themselves into a certain place near the kings gate : where he must stay till such time as all the orders of the Divan have had audience of the king , who being dismissed do all depart , ( the Bashawes excepted , who for the Grand Signors honour are to stay , and attend in the room upon his Majestie . ) But by the way I must not omit to relate , how that the present , which the Ambassador brings along with him , is carried ( whilst he sitteth in the said retiring place ) once about the second Court in open sight of the people , ( be it what it will be ) and so in unto the King . Then the Ambassador is called by the master of the ceremonies , by whom he is brought to the gate where the Cape●… Agha standeth with a company of Eunuchs : thence the Capee Agha leadeth him to the door of the room , where there do stand two Capoochee Bashawes , who take the Ambassador , the one by one arm , and the other by the other arm , and so lead him to kisse his highnesse hand ( which in truth is but his hanging sleeve ; which he having done , they lead him back after the same manner to the lower end of the room , where he standeth till such time as the said two Capoochee Bashawes have lead such of the Ambassadors gentlemen , as are appointed to kisse the Kings hand also . This done the * Druggaman declareth the Ambassadors commission , to which the Grand Signor makes no answer at all ( disdaining to speak to a Christian ) but only speaketh a word or two to the chief Vizir to license him ; referring all proceedings to his discretion . And so the Ambassador departeth , doing obeisance to the King , with bowing down his head , but pulleth not off his hat , or cap at all . There is one particular , belonging to this ceremonie , worth the observation , which is this ; that there is not any time , any person whatsoever , aswell Ambassador , as other , which is to kisse the Grand Signors hand , but he is vested with a vest given him by the Grand Signor : and to this end , before the Ambassador goeth in unto the king , the Uizir Azem sendeth him so many vests , as are appointed by Canon , for himself and his gentlemen ; who put them on in the place where the Ambassador stayeth till the King send for him to give him Audience . These vests are of divers sorts ; of which there is one or two for the Ambassadors own person of cloth of gold of Bursia ; the other being of a low price , worth little or nothing . But on the contrary , in lieu of those vests , there is not any Ambassador ( which is to go to the King for his first audience ) or Bashawe ( who at his return from some imployment abroad , is to kisse his hand ) but they present to him the full value of what the Canon requireth : in so much that the Grand Signor receiveth more then he giveth , twentie fold . Moreover the Bashawes ( over and above the ordinary duty ) do give him exceeding rich presents : and oftentimes great sums of money too ; that by all means they may continue in his grace and favour . Other Ambassadors , which come from petty Princes , or States , howbeit they are vested also with vests given them by the Grand Signor : yet they come not to the Divan in that pomp , neither are they feasted as the others are ; but go privately , carrying their present with them : howsoever they are also led in unto the King after the aforesaid manner . It is to be noted , that all Ambassadors from absolute Princes ; aswell ordinary , as extraordinary , ( excepting those from the State of Venice , to whom , from their first introduction it was denied : ) all , I say , lie at the charges of the Grand Signor . For from his own store , they have allowed them , wheat , barley , pulse , wood , coals , hay , the custom of their wine ; and many other necessaries for their houshold expense , and from the Defterdar so many * aspars per diem as the Vizir shall think fit . Which provision , though now of late it be very hard to be gotten ; yet by great importunity and gifts , ( without which there is no good to be done ) in the end they receive a great part of it ; but the officers will share with them do they what they can : such is their basenesse and slender account , of either honour , or honesty . CHAP. IV. Of the persons which live in the Seraglio ; and chiefly of the Women , and Uirgins . HAving thus far made a description of the Seraglio it self , and the buildings which are therein ; with some particulars belonging unto it , according to that which I have both seen , and heard from others , which are daily conversant there : it followeth that I now speak somewhat touching those which dwell in it , and of their several qualities , and employments . First then I say , that all they which are in the Seraglio , both men and women , are the Grand Signors slaves ( for so they stile themselves ) and so are all they which are subject to his Empire . For , besides that he is their Soveraign , they do all acknowledge that whatsoever they do possesse , or enjoy , proceedeth meerly from his good will , and favour : and not onely their estates , but their lives also are at his dispose , not having respect either to the cause , or manner . So that in my opinion , the attributes they give unto him are proper , and fitly suting with the condition of such a Prince . For he is stiled sometimes * Paudishawh , and sometimes * Hoonkeawr . In regard of soveraignty and justice , they may truly call him Paudishawh ; but in regard of his tyranny , Hoonkeawr : both which words they use in the same sense as we do the word , king . This Seraglio may rightly be termed the seminary or nursery of the best subjects . For in it all they have their education , who afterward become the principal officers , and subordinate rulers of the state , and affairs of the whole Empire : as hereafter I shall shew at large . They which are within the third gate , called the Kings gate , are about two thousand persons , men and women ; whereof the women ( old and young one with another ; what with the Kings concubines , old women , and women-servants ) may be about eleven or twelve hundred . Now , those which are shut up for their beauties , are all young virgins taken and stollen from forraign Nations : who after they have been instructed in good behaviour , and can play upon instruments , sing , dance , and few curiously ; they are given to the Grand Signor as presents of great value : and the number of these encreaseth daily , as they are sent , and presented by the Tartars , by the Bashawes , and other great men , to the King , and Queen . They do likewise sometimes decrease , according as the Grand Signor shall think fit . For upon divers occasions , and accidents , he causeth many of them to be turned out of this Seraglio , and to be sent into the old Seraglio : which is also a very goodly , and spacious place , of which hereafter I shall take occasion to make mention . These Virgins immediately after their coming into the Seraglio are made Turks ; which is done by using this ceremony only ; to hold up their forefinger , and say these words ; law illawheh illaw Allaw , Muhammed resoul Allawh ; that is , there is no God but God alone , and Mahomet is the messenger of God . And according as they are in age and disposition ( being proved , and examined by an old woman called Kahiyah Cadun , that is , as we say , the mother of the maids ) so they are placed in a room with the others of the same age , spirit , and inclination , to live together . Now in the Womens lodgings , they live as Nuns do in great Nunneries : for these virgins , have very large rooms to live in , and their bed-chambers will hold almost a hundred of them a piece . They sleep upon Sofaes , which are built long-wise on both sides of the room , and a large space left in the midst to go to and fro about their businesse . Their beds are very course , and hard ( for the Turks neither use featherbeds , nor corded bedsteads ) made of flocks of wooll : and by every ten virgins there lies an old woman : and all the night long there are many lamps burning , so that one may see plainly throughout the whole room : which doth both keep the young women from wantonnesse , and serve upon any occasion which may happen in the night . Near unto the said bed-chambers they have baths for their use at all times , with many fountains , out of which they are served with water : and above their chambers there are divers rooms , where they sit and sew : and there they keep their boxes , and chests , in which they lay up their apparel . They feed by whole Camarada's , and are served , and waited upon by other women : nor do they want any thing whatsoever that is necessary for them . There are other places likewise for them , where they go to school , to learn to speak , and read ( if they will ) the Turkish tongue , to sew also , and to play on divers instruments : and thus they spend the day with their mistresses , who are all ancient women : some hours notwithstanding being allowed them for their recreation , to walk in their gardens , and use such sports as they familiarly exercise themselves withall . The king doth not at all frequent , or see these Virgins , unlesse it be at that instant , when they are first presented unto him ; or else in case that he desire one of them for his bed-fellow , or to make him some pastime with musick , and other sports : wherefore , when he is prepared for a fresh mate , he gives notice to the said Kahiya Cadun of his purpose ; who immediately bestirs her self , like a crafty baud , and chooseth out such as she judgeth to be the most amiable , and fairest of all ; and having placed them in good order in a room , in two ranks , like so many pictures , half on the one side , and half on the other ; she forthwith brings in the King , who walking four or five times in the midst of them , and having viewed them well , taketh good notice within himself of her that he best liketh , but sayes nothing ; only as he goeth out again , he throweth a handkerchief into that virgins hand ; by which token she knoweth that she is to lie with him that night : so she being ( questionless ) exceeding joyful to become the object of so great a fortune , in being chosen out from among so many to enjoy the society of an Emperour , hath all the art , that possibly may be , shown upon her by the Cadun , in attiring , ●…ainting , and perfuming her ; and at night she is brought to sleep with the Grand Signor in the womens lodgings , where there are chambers set apart for that businesse onely . And being in Bed together , they have two great wax lights burning by them all night ; one at the beds feet , and the other by the door : besides there are appointed ( by the Cadun ) divers old Black moor women , to watch by turns that night in the chamber , by two at a time ; one of them to sit by the light at the beds feet , and the other by the door ; and when they will they change , and other two supply their rooms , without making the least noise imaginable , so that the King is not any whit disturbed . Now in the morning when his Highness riseth ( for he riseth first ) he changeth all his apparell from top to toe , leaving those which he wore to her that he lay withall , and all the money that was in his pockets , were it never so much ; and so departeth to his own lodgings ; from whence also he sendeth her immediately a present of jewels , money , and vests , of great value , agreeable to the satisfaction , and content , which he received from her that night . In the same manner he deals with all such as he maketh use of in that kinde ; but with some he continueth longer then with other some , and enlargeth his bounty far more towards some then others ; according as his humor , and affection to them encreaseth , by their fulfilling his lustful desires . And if it so fall out , that any one of them doth conceive by him , and bring forth his first begotten child ; then she is called by the name of Sultana Queen : and if it be a son , she is confirmed , and established Queen by great feasts , and solemnities ; and forthwith hath a dwelling assigned unto her apart , of many stately rooms well furnished ; and many servants to attend upon her . The King likewise alloweth her a large revenue , that she may give away , and spend at her pleasure , in whatsoever she may have occasion ; and all they of the Seraglio must , and do acknowledge her for Queen , shewing all the duty , and respect that may be , both to her self , and to them that belong unto her . The other women ( howsoever they bring forth issue ) are not called Queens ; yet they are called Sultana's , because they have had carnal commerce with the King : and she onely is called Queen , which is the mother of the first begotten son , heir to the Empire ; the which Sultana's , being frequented by the King at his pleasure , have also this prerogative ; to be immediately removed from the common sort , and to live in rooms apart , exceeding well served , and attended ; and have no want , either of money , or apparrell , in conformity to their degree . All these Sultana's do resort together very familiarly , when they please ; but not without great dissimulation , and inward malice ; fearing lest the one should be better beloved of the Grand Signor then the other ; yet notwithstanding this their jealousie , they ( in outward shew ) use all kind of courtesie one towards another . Now if it happen that the first begotten Son of the Queen , heir to the Empire , should die , and another of the Sultana's should have a second son , then , her son being to succeed the deceased heir , she is immediately made Queen : and the former shall remain a Sultana only , and be deprived of the aforesaid revenue , and royalty : thus the title of Queen runneth from one Sultana to another by vertue of the sons succession . In times past the Queen was wont to be wedded to the King ; but now she passeth without the Kebin , that is , without an assignment of any joynture , or celebrating the nuptial rites : which is nothing else , but in the presence of the Muftee , to give each of them their assent to matrimonie , of which there is Hogett made ( that is , an authenticall writing or testification ) not only of the consent of the two parties to be contracted ; but also of the joynture which the King is to make over unto her . The reason why the Queens are not now ( nor have been of late yeers ) espoused , is , not to dismember the Kings patrimony of five hundred thousand chicquins a year . For Sultan Selim having allowed so much to the Empresse , his wife ( to the end she might spend freely , and build Churches , and Hospitals , so that by all means she might be honoured , and esteemed ) made a decree , that all his Successors should do the like , if so be they purposed to be married to their Queens . But now the said revenue being otherwise employed , the Bashawes do endeavour , as much as in them lies , to keep the Grand Signor from marrying . And so much the rather , because they would have none to rule but the King alone ; howsoever ( married , or not married ) the mother of the heir is by every one called , and acknowledged for Queen ; and presented with many rich presents from all great personages : and hath continually at her gate , a guard of thirty , or fourty Black Eunuchs , together with the * Kuzlar Agha their master ; whom she commandeth and employeth in all her occasions : and so do all the other Sultana's , which never stir out of the Seraglio but in company of the King himself ; who oftentimes carrieth either all , or most of them abroad by water , to his other Seraglios of pleasure : and in those wayes , through which they passe to go to and fro from their * Kaiks , there is Canvas pitched up on both sides , and none may come near them but black Eunuchs , till they be setled , and covered close in the room at the stern of the Barge ; and then go in the Barge-men ; so that in fine , they are never seen by any men , but by the Grand Signor onely , and the Eunuchs . The Kings daughters , sisters , and aunts , have their lodgings also in the same Seraglio ; being royally served , and very sumptuously apparelled , and live together by themselves , in continuall pleasures ; until such time as , at their request , the King shall be pleased to give them in marriage : and then they come forth of that Seraglio , and carry each along with them a chest , which the Grand Signor gives them , full of rich apparrel , jewels , and money ; to the value of ( at the least ) thirty thôusand pounds sterling a chest ; and that is ( as we call it their portion . They carry likewise along with them all that they have hid from time to time , unknown to any but to themselves ; amounting sometimes to a great matter , and stands them in good stead all their whole life time . And if so be that they be in the Grand Signors favour , and that he be disposed to deal royally with them ; then they are suffered to carry with them out of the Seraglio , such women slaves as they please , ( provided they do not exceed the number of twenty a piece ) and such Eunuchs as they like best for their service . These also being called Sultana's , reserve still , so long as they live , their allowance of money , which they had whilst they lived in the Kings Seraglio , some a thousand , and some a thousand five hundred afpars a day : the slaves also and the Eunuchs do likewise enjoy their former pensions . Their houses are furnished , both with houshold stuff , and other necessary provision , from the Kings * Hazineh , and * Begleek , that they may live in state like Sultana's ; so that indeed they live far better in every respect without the Seraglio , then they did within it . And if so be that a Bashawe , having married one of them , be not provided of a house fit for her , then the King giveth her one of his , ( for he hath many which fall to him by the death of great persons ) that her house may be sutable with her greatnesse and quality . Now , for the husbands part , he is on the contrary to make her a bill of dowrie , ordinarily of at least a hundred thousand chicquins in money , besides vests , jewels , brooches , and other ornaments , amounting to a great sum . For although the fashion of the Sultana's habit be common , and nothing different from that of the other women ; yet the substance is far more rich , and costly ; the which redounds to the great charge , and losse of their husbands . They being thus married , do not at all converse with men , more then they did when they lived in the Kings Seraglio ( except with their own husbands ) but with women only ; and that is commonly when they go upon visits to see their old acquaintance in the Seraglio : but because they themselves came forth from thence ( as I said before ) they may not at their pleasure come in again , without leave from the Grand Signor . These Sultana's the Bashaws wifes , are for the most part their husbands masters , insulting over them , and commanding them as they please : they alwayes wear at their girdle a * Hanjar , set with rich stones , in token of priviledge and domination : and esteem of their husbands , as of slaves , doing good or evil for them , as they receive content , and satisfaction from them , or as they finde them to be in favour , and powerfull with the King . And sometimes they put their husbands away , and take others , but not without the Grand Signors leave ; which divorce proveth commonly to be the death , and ruin of the poor rejected husbands , the King being apt to give way to the will , and perswasion of the Sultana's : so it behoves them in any case to be very obsequious to their wives . Now , the other women which are not so fortunate as to be beloved of the king , must still live together , and diet with the rest of the young virgins ; wasting their youthful dayes amongst themselves in evil thoughts ( for they are too strictly lookt unto , to offend in act ) and when they are grown old , they serve for mistresses , and overseers of the young ones , wch are daily brought into the Seraglio : but they hold it their best fortune ( their former hopes of being bed-fellows to an Emperour being now wholly frustrated ) through some accident to be sent forth from thence into the old Seraglio . For from the old Seraglio they may be married ( if the mistresse of that place give her consent thereto ) and may take with them such money , as they through their frugality have saved , and spared , of their former allowance in the Kings Seraglio , and such things as have been given them from time to time , which may amount to a reasonable value . For whilst they are in the Seraglio they get many things from the Sultana's , who having formerly been companions with them , cannot but in some measure let them be partakers of their good fortune ; besides their currant pay out of the Kings Treasury of * fifteen or twenty aspars a day for the middle sort , and four or five for the bafer sort ; the which is paid at every three moneths end , without any deferring or contradiction : in this manner also are the Sultana's paid , viz. quarterly ; having for their shares from * a thousand to a thousand five hundred aspers a piece daily , besides as much clothing as they will ; and jewels in great abundance , given to them with the Kings own hands . The souldiers likewise , and all such ( of what quality soever they be ) as are to receive pay from the Grand Signor are paid quarterly : and they call the first quarters pay , Masar ; the second Rejedg , the third , Reshen ; and the fourth and last , Lezez . The women servants have , besides their pay , two gowns of cloth a piece yearly , and a piece of fine linnen for smocks of twenty * Pikes long , and a piece more fine for handkerchiefs of ten Pikes : and at the * Byram one silk gown a piece , and somewhat else , according to the liberality of the Grand Signor , who at that time above the rest hath commonly a bountiful hand toward the women ; giving to the Sultana's , gowns with very rich furs , ear-rings , brooches , bodkins , bracelets for their arms and legs , and such like , set with stones of great worth ; of all which the King hath continually great store , by reason of the unspeakable number of presents , which are given unto him . The Sultana's are likewise presented at such times by the Bashawes , and by the Bashaws wives ( that by their means they may continue in grace and favour with the Grand Signor ) with most stately , and rich gifts , and with money also : which indeed is more acceptable to them , then any other kinde of present whatsoever . For they being very covetous do hoord up , and spend but sparingly , abandoning all manner of prodigality ( in what may concern their own private purses ) but warily , and wittily provide against disasterous times , which may come upon them unawares ; and especially against the Kings death : for then ( excepting the Sultana Queen , who remaineth still in the Seraglio , as being mother to the succeeding King ) all the other poor desolate Ladies loose the title of Sultana's , and are immediately sent to the old Seraglio : leaving behinde them their sons and daughters ( if they have any living ) in the Kings Seraglio , there to be kept , and brought up , under the government , and care of other women , appointed for that service . And in this case , finding themselves to be wealthy , they may marry with men of reasonable good quality , according to the measure of their portion , or estate , which they possesse : and the good will , and good report of the mistresse of the old Seraglio on their behalf , is none of the least furtherances , and helps in that businesse ; but the Grand Signors consent must be had thereto , notwithstanding : who will ( for the most part ) not only be made fully acquainted with the condition of their husbands , but also will know what joynture they will be content to make them , if in case they should put them away , without their own consents , or otherwise leave them widows . Thus by reason of their being turned out of the Kings Seraglio , it is often seen , that though the daughter of the King be married to a Bashawe ; yet the mother of that daughter ( after the Kings decease ) must be content with a second husband of small account , far unequal , and much inferiour , both in title , wealth , and reputation to her Son in Law . The Sultan's have leave of the Grand Signor , that certain Jew-women may at any time come into the Seraglio unto them ; who being extraordinary subtill , and coming in under colour of teaching them some fine , and curious needle-works , or to shew them the art of making waters , oils , and painting for their faces , ( having once made way with the better sort of the Eunuchs , which keep the gate , by often feeing them for their egresse , and regresse ) do make themselves by their crafty insinuations so familiar , and so welcome to the Kings women , that ( in a manner ) they prevail with them , in whatsoever they shall attempt for their own ends . For these are they whom the Sultana's do imploy in their private occasions ; carrying out whatsoever they would have sold , and bringing in unto them any thing that they have a desire to buy . And hence it is that all such Jew-women , as frequent the Seraglio do become very rich . For what they bring in , they buy it cheap , and sell it dear to them : but on the contrary , when they have jewels , or the like commodities to sell for the Sultana's , ( which are to be conveyed out by stealth ) they receive a reasonable price for them of strangers , and then tell the simple Ladies , who know not their worth ( and are afraid to be discovered ) that they sold them peradventure for the half of that which they had for them . And by this means there come things of great worth out of the Seraglio , to be sold abroad at easie rates : yet in the end the husbands of those Jew-women have but a bad market of it . For being discovered to be rich , and their wealth to be gotten by deceit , they oftentimes loose both goods and life too ; the Bashawes and Defterdars altogether aiming at such as they are , thinking by that means to restore to the Grand Signor that which hath from time to time been stollen from him ; and the rather for that they themselves under pretence of so good a work ) may easily get shares in the estates of such delinquents . But ( notwithstanding they are generally known , and accounted for fraudulent , and false-hearted people ) yet there is scarly a man of authority , or esteem among the Turks ( and especially the Defterdars ) but hath a Jew for his councellor , and assistant in the managing of his affairs ; such a good opinion they have of their sufficiency ; and so ready are the Jews to entertain any manner of employment ; so that their wives are not so great , and powerful with the Sultana's , but they themselves are as intimate with the Bashawes , and other great ones of that rank . The women of the Seraglio are punished for their faults very severely , and extreamly beaten by their overseers ; and if they prove disobedient , incorrigible , and insolent , they are by the Kings order , and expresse command , turned out and sent into the old Seraglio , as being utterly rejected , and cast off , and the best part of what they have is taken from them : but if they shall be found culpable of witchcraft , or any such like abomination , then they are bound hand and foot , and put into a sack , and in the night cast into the sea . So that by all means it behoveth them to be very careful , and obedient , and to contain themselves within the bounds of honesty , chastity , and good behaviour , if they mean to prosper , and come to a good end . Now it is not lawful for any one to bring ought in unto them , with which they may commit the deeds of beastly and unnatural uncleannesse ; so that if they have a will to eat radishes , cucumbers , gourds , or such like meats , they are sent in unto them sliced , to deprive them of the means of playing the wantons . For they being all young , lusty , and lascivious , and wanting the society of men ( which would better instruct them , and questionlesse far better employ them ) are doubtlesse of themselves inclined to that which is nought , and will often be possest with unchast thoughts . CHAP. V. Of the Agiam oglans , how taken , distributed , and employed . HAving already spoken of the women , I must in the next place say somewhat of the * Agiam oglans which are in the Seraglio , and of their imployments . There are ordinarily about six or seven hundred of them , from twelve , to twenty five , or thirty yeers of age , at the most , being all of them Christians children ( as almost all Agiam oglans are ) gathered every three years in Morea , and thorowout all the parts of Albania : the which Renegado children are disposed of , as hereafter you shall hear . The number of them which are to be taken is uncertain . For there are gathered sometimes more , and sometimes lesse , according as the Capoochees , and officers appointed for that service , in their own discretion shall think fit ; but the greatest collection seldom or never comes to above two thousand . They are taken from such families , as are supposed to be of the best spirit , and most warlike disposition ; nor may they , when they are gathered , exceed twelve , or fourteen yeers of age at the most , lest they should be unfit for a new course of life , and too well setled in Christianity to become good Turks . The Gapoochees , having finished their circuit , and gathered their whole complement , bring them forthwith to Constantinople , to be distributed as followeth . So soon as they are arrived at the port , they are all clothed in course Salonichi cloth , it makes no matter of what colour ; and their caps are of felt , of the form of a sugar-loaf , of the colour of Camels hair ; and so they are all brought to the Vizir Azem , who at that time is accompanied with the other Bashawes , and officers of the Seragl●…o , that he may make choice of the most well favoured , and such as he judgeth likely to prove the best spirits : this choice being made , the said youths chosen by the Uizir , are carried by the Bustangee Bashawe into the Kings own Seraglio , and there distributed to such companies , as want some to make up their compleat numbers . Then are they circumcised , and made Turks , and set to learn the Turkish tongue ; and according as their several inclinations are discovered , and discerned by their overseers , so are they encouraged in the same , and suffered to proceed : and such as have a desire to learn , are taught to read , and write ; but generally all of them are taught to wrestle , to leap , to run , to throw the iron weight , to shoot the bowe , to discharge a piece , and ( to conclude ) all such exercises as are befitting a Turkish Souldier . Now , part of the residue of them , are distributed by the chief Uizir into all the Grand Signors gardens , and houses of pleasure : and into such ships as sail for the Kings account , and which go to lade wood , and such like provision for the Seraglio : confining them to the masters of the said vessels , with condition to restore them again , when he shall require them : and so he doth with the chief arts-men of the city , of all sorts of occupations , to the end that the youths may learn some trade , to keep them from idlenesse , when they are become Janizaries , and are at home : or if they will they may practise the said arts abroad , when they are at the wars , and reap great benefit for their pains , He lendeth likewise to all the Bashawes , and Grandees of the Court , many of them to serve them ; but they are all delivered by name , and written down in a book , that he may have them returned again , when there shall be occasion to make them Janizaries . But these which are given to the Bashawes , are the scum , and refuse , of all the rest , and are employed only in the service of stables , kitchins , and such base offices of drudgery : and the better sort of the residue are put into divers nurseries , committed to the custodie , and discipline of certain white Eunuchs , who are appointed to be their overseers , and to take care that they be brought up , and trained in military exercises , until such time as they shall become fit to be entertained in the number of the Janizaries in the rooms of the dead , or of old ones which are no longer fit for the wars , but are made * Otooracks and have leave to stay at home ; so that these of the latter sort kept in Seminaries , are continually in labour : the King , Queen , and Uizir Azem , imploying them also many times in their buildings , and other very laborious offices without exception . These Agiam oglans being thus distributed ; the chief Uizir presents a book , wherein all their names are set down , to the King , who having seen it , appointeth every one his pension , according to the Canon which is of two , or three , or at the most of five aspars a day ; and underwrites it with his own hand : the which book is forthwith consigned into the custody of the chief Defterdar : that so , he seeing by the said book what their several names , and pensions are , they may duely receive their pay from him . Now this Defterdar is bound so often as their pay is due ( that is once in three moneths ) to visit them all if he can ; enquiring who is dead , and taking good notice how the others live , and spend their time ; whether they profit , or not , by their tutors , and overseers ; that if so be things be not as they should be , he may acquaint the Grand Signor therewith , and have them amended . I will now return to speak of the Agiam oglans of the Seraglio ; having not thought it superfluous to have digressed a litle , and to have spoken somewhat of the other Agiam oglans also . For it may peradventure prove delightful to those , who have not as yet heard of these passages so distinctly . The Agiam oglans of the Seraglio , albeit they are chosen for the best uses , out of the rest , by the chief Uizir ; yet are their first imployments but very base , and slavish . For they serve in the stables , kitchens , gardens , for digging , for cleaving of wood ; and are made to row in * Kaiks , and to lead the grey-hounds a coursing , and whatsoever else they are commanded to do , by their * Oda Bashawes : the which Oda Bashawes are also Agiam oglans as they are , but of the highest rank , and longest standing , and have about fifteen aspars a day , two vests of cloth yearly , two pieces of linnen cloth for shirts and handkerchiefs , and so much sattin , or fine cloth , as will make each of them a pair of Chackshirs , or breeches , after their fashion down to the heels , and ruffled in the small of the leg , as our boots are : neverthelesse these Oda Bashawes are all under command of the Kahiyah , who is the Bustangee Bashawes steward ; now the Bustangee Bashawe himself hath daily about three hundred aspars pay ; for he is their patron , judge , and protector . And as any Turk whatsoever may be known of what degree he is , by the bignesse , and making up of the Turbant , which he wears , or by some other tokens which they observe in their habit ; so to the end that the Oda Bashawes , and * Bulook Bashawes may be known from the common sort of Agiam oglans , they wear broad silken girdles , of divers colours , about their middles , and are allowed a larger stipend : who ( by authority given them from the * Kahiyah ) do bring the underlings to such an extraordinary subjection , and sufferance , by their often beating them upon the least misdemeanour : that they do not onely not refuse all manner of pains taking , but patiently undergo whatsoever is done unto them . They have their terms , and prerogatives amongst themselves , preceding or succeeding one another according to the length of time which they have spent in the Seraglio ; so that in processe of time ( if they still continue there , and are not sent out upon other occasions ) they may aspire to the degree of chief steward to the Bustangee Bashawe , or of Bustangee Bashawe himself , which is a very eminent place ; for he hath the keeping of all the Grand Signors garden houses , and steers the Kings * Kaik , and weareth a Turbant upon his head in the Seraglio , although he were but lately an Agiam oglan as the rest are , and did wear one of the aforesaid felt caps : who also ( if he be in grace with the King , as commonly every Bustangee Bashawe is ) may rise to greater dignities , as to be captain Bashawe , Bashawe of Cairo , Damascus , Aleppo , &c. Nay sometimes to be Vizir Azem . These Agiam-oglans are not altogether debarred from liberty , and going abroad , but may upon good occasion be licensed to go whither they please , although at the first they are strictly lookt unto : and the Bustangee Bashawe alwayes takes with him good store of them , when by his Majesties order he is sent to put some great man to death : the which is commonly done by the hands of four or five of the chiefest , and strongest of the said Agiam oglans . There are sometimes naturall born Turks brought in amongst them ( but indeed very seldom ) by means made to the Bustangee Bashawe , who therein doth greatly pleasure such poor folks as are willing to be rid of their children : but it must be first made known to the Grand Signor , and done with his consent . For the natural born Turks are not held to be of so brave spirits , and fit for service as the other : and for divers other respects best known to themselves , ( as the encreasing the number of * Mussulmen , and the like ) they do not willingly admit of any but Christians children . Their rooms , bagnoes , and kitchins , are joyned to the walls of the Seraglio without ; divided severally , and equally for each company of them , and built for the more commodity of such offices , and services , as the said Agiam oglans are appointed for . And as for their diet , they order it as they please , having flesh , and pulse for their pottage ; their bread also , and every thing for their food , is delivered unto them daily from the * Keeler , and the dressing of it left to themselves . Now for that many of them lie near the sea side , they take good store of fish , part of which they sell , and reserve the rest for their own eating . They sleep alwayes in their clothes ( putting off onely their uppermost coa●… , and their shoes ) according to the ordinary custom of the poorer sort of Turks ; between a couple of rugs in the winter , and thin blankets in the summer . They never see the King , unlesse it be when he passeth through the gardens , or when he taketh boat , or else when he goeth a hunting ( for he makes them serve instead of hounds to finde out his game : ) but when his Majestie will be in the gardens to take his pleasure , and make pastime with his concubines , then all the Agiam oglans being warned by an Eunuch , who crieth aloud * Helvet , do presently get out with all speed at the gates by the sea side , where they may w●…lk upon the banks and causeys , but must not dare to go in again , until the King , and his women be departed . For there may none come neer , nor be in sight of them , but himself and his black Eunuchs : nay , if any other should but attempt ( by some trick in creeping into some private corner to see the women , and should be discovered , he should be put to death immediately . Every one therefore so soon as they hear Helvet cried ) runs out of sight as far as they can , to be free from all fear , and suspition . Now of this rank of Agiam oglans , which are in the Kings Seraglio ; they never make Janizaries , as they do of those which are brought up in the other Seraglios , and Seminaries ; and of such as are lent to divers of the Kings subjects , as trades-men , masters of ships , and the like , and to the Bashawes : but his Majesties turn being served of these , he bestowes them upon his gentlemen Aghas , when he employes them abroad in some principal government , that they may be faithful assistants unto them in their businesses , and that in time they themselves may become men of worth ; as often they do , if by their diligence , and fidelity , they prove to be men of good desert . The Grand Signor likewise maketh great use of them , when he intendeth a journey to any place ; as when he goeth to the wars , or any whither else , far from Constantinople ; for the pitching of his tents , for removing and carrying of chests and baskets , and many other such like services , as must be done at those times : for which imployments the King never takes with him lesse then three or four hundred of them . CHAP. VI . Of the Kings * Itchoglans , their severe discipline , and education in four subordinate Schools , and of their after advancements . IT now remaineth that I say somewhat of the Grand Signors Itchoglans : which are youths kept also in the Seraglio , but in far better fashion then the Agiam oglans : and are ( for the King , and countreys service brought up in learning , in the knowledge of the laws , and in military exercises : that they may in time be made able to perform those things , which belong to the government of the whole Empire . And albeit for the most part these are Christian captives , and Renegado's , yet there are some natural born Turks amongst them ( which must be youths of very comely aspect , and their outsides must promise a great deal of worth , and goodnesse ) brought in by the Capee Aghas means ( who is chief Chamberlain ) with the Kings consent : but this happeneth but very seldom , and is effected with great difficulty . For the ancient institution was , that the Itchoglans should alwayes be made of Christian Renegado's , and captives onely , of the most civil , and noblest that could be found . Wherefore , when in the wars , either by sea or land , it happens , that any youth is taken , who is discovered to be of noble parents , and comely personage ; or if any such voluntarily come , and offer himself to become Turk ( as divers have done in hope of advancement ) he is presently markt , and set apart for the Grand Signor ; and is ( so soon as he is thought capable and apprehensive ) instructed in matters of government ( being as it were ordained for great employments . ) Now such are of very great esteem : for the Turks themselves affirm , that noblenesse of birth cannot but produce the most vertuous , and generous spirits ; especially when it is seconded , and accompanied with good education , which is professed in the Seraglio : where there is great severity used in all the orders of discipline , the government of them being in the hands of masters , who are white Eunuchs for the most part , and very severe , and cruel in all their actions ; insomuch that their proverb is ; that when one cometh out of that Seraglio and hath run through all the orders of it , he is without all question , the most mortified , and patient man in the world . For the blowes which they suffer , and the fastings which are commanded them for every small fault are to be admired : nay , some of them are so cruelly handled , that although their time of being in the Seraglio be almost expired : and that they should in few years come forth to be made great men , yet not being able to endure such cruelty any longer , they procure to be turned out , contenting themselves with the title , and small pay of a Spahee , or a Mutaferraka , rather then be so often punished , and made weary of their lives , in evpectation of great preferments . The number of these Itchoglans is uncertain . For there are sometimes more , and sometimes lesse of them ; but as I have heard they are commonly about a hundred , the Grand Signor being very willing to entertain all such as are given him of the aforesaid quality , be they never so many ; provided they be young , when they are first brought unto him . The course that is taken with them , so soon as they come into the Seraglio , is admirable , and nothing resembling the barbarisme of Turks , but beseeming men of singular vertue , and discipline . For they are exceeding well tutored , and daily taught , aswel good fashion and comely behaviour , as they are instructed in the rites and ceremonies of the M●…ometan law , or whatsoever else may tend to the enriching of their mindes . And for this purpose they have rooms●… which the Turks call * Odas , but we may more properly ( in regard of the use they are put unto ) call them Schools : of which there are four , the one taking degrees from the other . Now into the first , they all come when they are but children , where the primary precept they learn is silence ; then their personall post●…res , ( against such time as they shall be about the king ) which is that they hold down their heads , and look downwards with their hands before them joyned a crosse ; all which betokeneth singular reverence . Then ( by a w●…e Eunuch , who is chief over all the other masters , and ushers ) they are set to learn to write , and read : to practise the Turkish tongue ; and are taught their prayers in the Arabian tongue by heart . And in this Od●… , they are both morning and evening so diligently followed , and carefully lookt ●…to , that by report it is a thing of admiration : now in this first school they us●…ally stay about five , or six years ; and such as are dull and hard of apprehension stay longer . But by the way , before I come to the next Oda , I may not omit to tell you , that so soon as they are given to the King , before they are of the first Oda , they are registred by their Turkish names in a book , and the names of their native countreyes set down with them ; the Grand Signor allowing them a small pension of four , or five aspars a day ; the copy of which book is also sent to the great Defterdar , that every one of them may in due time ( that is quarterly ) have the aforesaid pension sent unto them . From the first Oda they are removed to the second , where ( by more learned , and sufficient Tutors then the former ) they are taught the Persian , Arabian , and Tartarian tongues ; and take great pains in reading divers Authors , that they may be the better able to speak the Turkish elegantly ; which cannot be done without some knowledge , and good insight in those three tongues , upon which the Turkish chiefly doth depend ; and indeed their is found a great difference between their speech , and that of the vulgar sort . Here also they begin to learn to wrestle , to shoot in the bowe , to throw the iron mace , to tosse the pike , to run , and to handle their weapons , &c. And in these exercises , in their severall orders , and several places , they spend their hours ; being severely punished if they shall in any wise grow negligent . They spend likewise other five , or six yeers in this Oda ; whence ( being become men , strong , and fit for any thing ) they are removed to the third Oda ; where , ( forgetting nothing of what they learned before , but greatly encreasing their knowledge ) they also learn to ride , and how to behave themselves in the wars . Moreover , every one of them ( according as he is thought fit for it ) here learns a trade , necessary for the service of the Kings person , viz. to shave , to make up a Turbant , to fold up apparel handsomely , to pair nails , to attend at the Bagno , to keep hawks , and land-spaniels , to be Sewers , Quiries of the stable , targetbearers , to wait at table , and the like : as hereafter I shall shew ; so that having been in these offices a few yeers they become men able to teach others . But whilst they are in these three schools , they are but meanly apparelled , having yearly their two vests of Cloth somewhat fine , but their linnen is such as the Agiam oglans wear . The punishments also which they suffer in this Oda are extream , for their masters often give them an hundred blowes with a cudgel upon the soles of their feet , and butto●…ks , insomuch that they leave them of●…entimes for dead . Neicher are they permitted ( so long as they continue in these three Odas ) to be familiar with any but themselves , and that with great modesty too : so that it is a matter of great difficulty for any str●…nger to speak with them , or see them ; which if it be obtained , it must be by expresse leave from the Capee Aga , who causeth an Eunuch to be present , so long as any stranger shall be in the company of the said youths . Nay when they have occasion to go to the Bagno , or the like businesses , the Eunuchs are alwayes at hand , that so by all means they may be kept from lewdnesse . And in their Bed-chambers , which are long rooms , and hold about thirty or fourty in each of them , ( for they sleep near one another upon Sofas ) there are every night lamps burning , and Eunuchs lying by them to keep them in awe , and from lewd , and wanton behaviour . In the third Oda , some of them do also learn ordinary mechanick arts , as sewing in lether ( which is in great use and esteem amongst the Turks ) to mend guns , to make bowes and arrows , and quivers , and the like ; from which trades they often have both their sirname , and their reputation too . For they are much made of , who will be diligent , and flie idlenesse : holding it rather an honour , then an ignominy , to have a trade . For therein they imitate the Grand Signors themselvs , who ( for good example sake ) in their youth are taught some trade , or other ; which although they never practise when they are Kings , yet they are willing their subjects should know , that they are able to do it , if they please . And divers great men , nay Bashawes themselves , both have been , and are to this day called by the names of such arts , as they practised , when they were in this Oda . Here also the Eunuchs ( their tutors ) make tryal of their constancy in Religion , searching ( as far as in them lies ) their hearts to see how they stand affected to Turcism . For the time growing near , wherein they are to passe to the fourth Oda ( which is the chiefest , and last , and from which they are called to businesse of great importance ) they would not then have them at all remember , that they were formerly Christians , or to have the least desire imaginable to turn to their first belief ; lest that they should in time , by some stratagems , and politick courses , peradventure prove disadvantageous to the Turkish Empire . So then all possible proof , & tryal being made , & they found to be perswaded of the truth of that religion ; they then are preferred to the fourth Oda , where they are once more registred ▪ yet all they which are of the third Oda , are not translated to the fourth at one , and the same time ; but only such as have gone through all the degrees of discipline in the three former , and are become fit for service . And there is a note kept apart of them which come into this fourth Oda . For they are immediately ordained for the Grand Signors own service , and have their pay encreased , some more , and some lesse , unto eight aspars a day , and their habit chang'd from cloth to silk , and cloth of gold of great price . Now here their punishments cease : but they continue still with their heads , and beards shaven ; onely they suffer some locks to grow on each side , from their Temples , which hang down below their ears , for a signe that they are the next , which are capable of the preferment of coming into the Kings chamber . They must be very cleanly and neat in their apparel before they come about the Grand Signors person ; many of them ever accompanying his Majesty , when he goes abroad upon pleasure ( provided , none of his women be with him . ) And they may now freely converse with all the great men of the Seraglio , and with the Bashaws also : and are often presented with gifts by men of the best quality , to insinuate into their favour ; hoping that they one day may become men of great command , and so be able to stand them instead in their occasions . Now out of these young men of the fourth Oda ( after they have finished the appointed term of yeers , and have been made perfect in all things , as aforesaid ) the King chooseth his Aghas , which are his Gentlemen , that attend only upon him : whose names and places , are as followeth . 1. The Silihter Aga ; the Kings sword-bearer . 2. The Chiohadar Aga ; he which carrieth his Yagmoorlick . 3. The Raechiubtar Aga ; yeoman of the stirrup . 4. The Mataragee Aga ; he which brings him water to wash his hands , and face . 5. The Telbentar Aga ; he which brings him his Turbant , 6. The Kemhasir Aga ; he which looketh to his apparel , and the washing of his linnen . 7. The Cheshneghir Bashawe ; the chief sewer . 8. The Dogangee Bashawe ; the chief falconer . 9. The Zagargee Bashawe ; the chief huntsman . 10. The Turnackgee Bashawe ; he which paireth the Kings nails . 11. The Berber Bashawe ; the chief barber . 12. The Hamawmgee Bashawe ; he which washeth the King in the Bath . 13. The Muhasabegee Bashawe , the chief accountant . 14. The Teskeregee Bashawe ; his Majesties secretary . All which are made of the eldest sort of the Itchoglans of the fourth Oda ; and these are alwayes in his Majesties presence , holding down their heads ; ( for they may not be so bold as to look him in the face ) and standing with their hands a crosse before him in token of reverence , and humility . Nor may they presume at all to speak to the Grand Signor , nor in his presence to one another : but if the King shall command , or call for ought , they are wonderful speedy , and ready to obey . They all do execute their offices distinctly , as aforesaid , and attend in places appointed for them , that they may be the better able to perform their several duties , and the more ready to obey at every beek . At the hours of dinner and supper , they wait in the room , taking the meat from the hands of the under Sewer at the door , and so his Majesties table being made ready ( which is of a Bulgar hide ) upon a Sofa , they bring in meat , which is set thereon orderly , dish by dish , by the chief Sewer , before the King ; and is taken off again as his Majestie shall appoint . The Grand Signor is very well pleased with these Agas , and takes great delight in their service , and company , ( for that they are as I may say of his own planting ) making them ride on horseback , and playing with them at several sports ( especially at the * Ieeret ) at such times as he is well disposed : ever gracing them with bestowing gifts on them , of vests , swords , bowes , and the like , and oftentimes ready money : all which came before to the Kings hands by way of gift . Now besides those favours , his Majestie at convenient times useth to bestow upon them the dispatching of Embasses for forraign parts ; which is a merchandise held by them to be of a great price , and bringeth no small prosit into their purses . For one of them having his commission from the Grand Signor , for such , or such a prince ( howbeit it is not intended that he should go ) presently informs himself what that Prince usually doth present the Embassador withall ; and so accordingly agreeth with a Chiaush , or with one of such like quality , to undertake the Embassage ; who must give for the same , as they two can agree between themselves ; either in ready money before his departure , or otherwise at his return ; as the Aga shall think best for his profit , and so forthwith he dispatches the party chosen . This kinde of employment proves wonderfully beneficial . For in the establishing of the Princes of Walachia , * Bugdania , Transilvania , and of the King of Tartarie ( to all which Princes the Grand Signor sendeth Embassadors for confirming their possession of the said Dominions ) they which are sent receive great benefit ; it being specified in their Canon , how much every one is to disburse for being honoured with that solemnity ; though peradventure they be * Maazold again before they be scarce warm in their places . And this the King doth of Policie , to the end his gentlemen may become rich ; laying up money to serve for their necessary expences , and furnishing them by that means with divers things , against such time as they shall go forth of the Seraglio ; which is as often as his Majesty thinks fit , and that most commonly on a sudden ; either to be generall at Sea , Bashaw of * Messur , * Halep , * Shawm , Babylon , or of some other such great cities , which have whole Provinces under them . The Grand Signor gives also to each of them , when he sends them forth upon any the aforesaid imployments ; a * Musahib , that is in effect , a helping companion ; such an one as shall have liberty freely to talk with him , and go out and in unto him when he pleaseth : the which title , and favour of being made Musahib to any of the Agas , proves to be of so great reputation , that it is esteemed above any other sort of imployment . For as it is hard to be obtained , so it is only bestowed upon such subjects as have deserved well at the Kings hands . And this hath been a course used of old , by the Grand Signors Progenitors , that they may have some trusty subjects abroad to give notice to the Court of the carriage of the Bashawes in their several regiments , or of any other ; if so be they should attempt any thing , that might be prejudicial to the crown ; that so the King by cutting off their provision , and the like , may easily anticipate their plots and designes . But if his Majestie be not pleased , or the occasion do not require so highly to exalt some one of the aforesaid Agas , as to be of the degrees already named ; he then makes him * Beglerbeg of Graecia , or of Natolia ; Aga of the Janizaries ; Spaheelor Agajee , which is head over all the Spahees ; Imrohor Bashawe , which is master of the horse : or at the least a Capoochee Bashawe , which is head over the Capoogees . The Grand Signor having bestowed any of the said places upon them , they forthwith leave the Seraglio , and carry with them all their estates both money and goods : and oftentimes take with them other young men of the other Odas , who are permitted to go through their own hastinesse and great importunity , not being willing to stay out their time : but losing the Kings favour , are content with small pay , and lesser reputation , to go along with the said Agas . Such as are to go out upon the greatest imployments , are accompanied forth of the Kings Seraglio by the VizirAzem ; who also presenteth them , and giveth them entertainment for three , or four dayes in his house : until such time as they can be provided of houses of their own , whither afterwards they repair , and set their families in order ; taking also unto them such as are come out of the Seraglio with them for assistants , and ministers , in the charge assigned unto them . They also accept of the service of strangers , who come in by gifts ; which likewise redounds to the benefit , and advantage of the great ones . They which succeed in preferment those that are gone out of the Seraglio upon the aforesaid employments , are ( as the custom commandeth ) such as are next in years unto them , and of the longest residence . Nor can this course be altered , unlesse by some sinister accident , or evil behaviour they fail thereof : so that it is alwayes known amongst themselves , who is next capable of publick imployment ; nay the businesse is so orderly carried , and their course so regular , that even they of the third Oda do know what their future fortunes will be , if they live to enjoy them . And indeed all of them live in continual hope , and desire , that the Grand Signor would often be pleased to send them abroad ; that so they may the sooner be out of their hard service in the Seraglio , and enter into the state of ample government . It is no marvail then the Turkish officers are so often changed , seeing that every Grand Signor hath so many servants of his own that seek for advancement . They are most commonly of five and thirty , or fourty yeers of age , before they are sent abroad : and because they come out of the Seraglio with their beards shaven , they are fain to stay within doors , for some dayes to let them grow , that they may be fit to come amongst other great men : with which staying at home , they are very well contented . For in that time they receive the presents , which are sent them from all the Sultana's , of vests , shirts , linnen breeches , and handkerchiefs , of all sorts , richly wrought , and of great worth ; and from the Bashawes , and other great men , horses , carpets , vests , slaves , and other things , fit for the erecting , and furnishing of an house , and family : the which presents are made the greater , and richer , by so much the more as the party , to whom they are given , is known to be favoured , and beloved of the King . Now so soon as their beards are grown , they go abroad , and begin their visits ; first , to the chief Vizir , and then in order to the other great ones , till they have been with them all ; and last of all they offer their service to the Capee Aga in all humble manner , acknowledging that their best fortunes , and honours , have been conferred upon them by his means , and promising for ever all dutiful respect unto him for the same . But this complement with the Capee Aga , is performed without the gate on the Kings side , which is kept by the white Eunuchs : for they may not come any more within that gate , unlesse they be called for by the King , for to treat of things belonging to their imployments , before their departure . They all strive to gain the love , and good will of the Capee Aga , that he may be as a protector , and patron unto them , and that , when they are absent , he may possesse the Grand Signor with a good opinion of them : for they know he is very powerful with him , being the chiefest in the Seraglio , and alwayes nearest to the King . CHAP. VII . Of inferior persons , as Buffons , Mutes , Musitians : of the White Eunuchs , and of the Grand officers of the Seraglio . BEsides the women , and the Agiam oglans of this Seraglio , and the a●…oresaid youths , the Itchoglans last spoken of : there are many other ministers for all manner of necessary services . There are also * Buffons , and such as shew tricks , Musitians , wrestlers , and many * Mutes both old and young , who have liberty to go in and out at the Kings gate , with leave only of the Capee Aga . It is worthy the observation , that in the Seraglio both the Grand Signor , and divers that are about him , can reason , and discourse with the Mutes of any thing : as well and as distinctly , alla Mutescha , by nods and signes , as they can with words ; a thing well befitting and suting with the gravity of the better sort of Turks , who cannot endure much babling . Nay , the Sultana's also , and many other of the Kings women do practise it , who have many dumb women and girls about them for that purpose . This hath been an ancient custome in the Seraglio , to get as many Mutes , as they can possibly finde ; but chiefly for this one reason , which is , that they hold it a thing unbefitting the Grand Signor , and not to sute with his greatnesse , to speak to any about him familiarly ; wherefore he takes this course , that he may the more tractably , and domestically jest , and talk with the Mutes , and with others that are about him , to make him pleasant with diversity of pastime . The King , besides this , makes another use of them ; and that is , when his Majestie resolves with himself to put a Vizir to death , or some one of that rank , and that he be willing to see it done with his own eyes in the Seraglio ; he then having called him into one of his rooms , and holding him in discourse , whilst his Mutes are in readinesse , ( the poor man peradventure suspecting nothing ) he makes but a signe unto them , and they presently fall upon him , and strangle him , and so draw him by the heels out of the gates . But that which in my opinion is admirable in these Mutes ( who being born deaf , and so of necessity must remain dumb ) is , that many of them can write , and that very sensibly and well : now how they should learn without the sense of hearing , I leave to others judgements : but I am sure I have seen it , and have my self made answer unto them in writing . It followeth now that I speak of the white Eunuchs , who as the black ones are for the service and attendance of the Sultana's , and for keeping of their gate : so are the white Eunuchs appointed for the King , and his gate . Amongst these there are four ancient , and principal men , which attend only the most trusty , and important employments , both about the Kings person and his houshold . Of which , the first is the Capee Aga , for he is the principal of all the white Eunuchs , and is chamberlain : the second is the Hazinehdar Bashawe , the treasurer of the house : the third is the Keelerg●…e Bashawe , the chief butler , and master of the wardrope : the fourth is the Serai Agasee , the keeper of the Seraglio . Of these four old Eunuchs , the Capee Aga ( as I said ) is chief in authority , and in greatest esteem with the Grand Signor . For none but he can of himself speak with his Majestie , neither can any messages , writings , or petitions be sent in ( ordinarily ) but by his hand , and means ; he likewise doth alwayes accompany the Kings person , whithersoever he goeth , both without , and within the Seraglio . And when he goeth to his women also , he waiteth upon him to the very door , which leadeth in unto them : but there he stoppeth , and so returns to his own lodgings again ; ever leaving some body to wait at the said door , that when the King is ready to come away from them , they may call him . The Capee Agas Ordinary pension , is * eight † Sultana's a day , besides vests , and other necessaries , as many , as he will . He also gets great store of money , ( and indeed more then befits a man , that hath so small occasion of expence , as he hath ) by vertue of his place . For that , both they of the Seraglio , and those abroad , of what condition or degree soever they be to obtain his favour and furtherance in any businesse , present him with all that they can imagine may give him content , whatsoever it cost . The second is , the Hazinehdar Bashawe , and he hath the charge and keeping of the treasury , which is within the Seraglio ; he having one key of it , and the Grand Signor another ; the door being likewise sealed with the Kings seal , which is never taken off , but when the King himself gives order for the opening of the same . In this Hazin●…h are all the treasures which have been laid up by the deceased Emperours : and into this cometh no other revenue of the crown , then that from Egypt , and the adjacent provinces , of six hundred thousand chicquins yearly , all the other revenues going into the outward Hazineh , out of which all expences are borne , both ordinary , and extraordinary : but there is not ought taken out of the aforesaid inward Hazineh , unlesse it be upon extream necessity , when the Grand Signor is not otherwise provided to appease the outcries , and threatnings of the Souldiers for their pay , or for some other the like occasion ; and this ought to be done with this proviso , that the Grand Defterdar be bound to make it good again to the uttermost aspar ; but I suppose they have not of late been able to perform it . This Aga must keep an exact account of all the treasure that is brought in , or taken out of the same ; nor may any go into the said Hazineh , but only he himself , and such as he shall take in with him , when occasion shall require . And when there is any gold , or silver taken out , it is all put into lether bags , and so brought unto the King , who disposeth thereof as he thinketh fit . He hath also the custody of all the Kings jewels , of which he keepeth a book by himself , that he may know what jewels the King gives away , what jewels are given to the King , and what are likewise for his Majesties own wearing , and the Capee Aga dying he succeeds him in his place . The third , which is the Keelergee Bashawe , keeps the Kings wardrobe ; into which are brought all the presents which are given to the Grand Signor , as cloth of gold , plate , silks , woollen clothes , furs of all sorts , swords , brooches , raw silk , carpets , and whatsoever else may serve for his Majesties use , either to keep , or give away . Of all which things he keeps particular notes , and inventories , to the end he may also at any time , see what is given to the King , and what the King gives away to others : the which is a very painful employment , inasmuch as his Majestie doth every day , aswell take , as give , a great number of vests and other such like things : but the businesse is so well ordered , and carefully lookt unto , that there doth not follow any confusion at all . This Eunuch hath many servants under him , and stayes ( for the most part ) within the Seraglio : his pension is a * thousand aspars a day , besides vests , and other such gifts , which are given him in abundance from time to time : he also is much favoured , and graced by the King , for that he is to succeed the Hazine●…dar Bashawe , in case the said Hazinehdar should die , or change his place : and is well esteemed of , and reverenced by all , as well without , as within the Seraglio . The fourth and last , which is the Sarai Agasee , hath charge to look unto the Seraglio : nor doth he ever go out of it , especially in the Grand Signors absence ; but is very vigilant , not only in seeing all things prepared for the daily service of the same , but also to look over all the rooms , and see that they be well kept ; and to eye the officers , and servants of the house , marking whether they exercise themselves or no , in t●…ir several functions . Now because he is ancient , and his businesses great , he hath liberty to ride within the Seraglio , about the courts and gardens , and by the sea-side ; as the three former Agas are also permitted to do : for which purpose they have a stable of horses in a garden , for their use alone . His pension is * eight hundred aspars a day , besides an allowance of vests , and furs , as many as he can well have occasion to wear , and his succeeding the Keelergee Bashawe ; and so by course the Capee Aga , if he out-live the rest . And although all these four Eunuchs may wear Turbants in the Seraglio , and ride ( being the chief next the King himself in authority within the Seraglio ) and are reverenced , and respected of all men ; yet the three last , viz. Hazinehdar Bashawe , Keelergee Bashawe , and Sarai Agasee , may not of themselves when they list speak to the Grand Signor , but only answer when any thing is asked of them : howbeit they alwayes attend ( with the Capee Aga ) the person , and service of the King , with all the Eunuchs under them : and the aforesaid Agas , and Itchoglans , already spoken of : but these four onely govern and mannage the Kings houshold affairs , giving order for all things needful and necessary , aswel for the dayes , as for the nights provision . All the Eunuchs in the Seraglio may be in number about two hundred , what with old ones , middle aged , and young ones ; they are all of them not onely gelt , but have their yards also clean cut off : and are chosen of those Renegado youths , which are presented from time to time to the Grand Signor , as aforesaid . Few or none of them are gelt , and cut against their will . For then ( as the master workmen in that businesse affirm ) they would be in great danger of death . Wherefore , to get their consent , they promise them fair , and shew unto them the assurance they may have ( in time ) to become great men . All which must be done when they are very young , at their first coming into the Seraglio . For it is a work not to be wrought upon men of years . They are brought up with the Itchoglans , and are instructed in many things aswel as they ; being removed also from one Oda to another ; and are last of all taken out by turns from the fourth Oda , for to serve the Grand Signor , aswell as those which are not Eunuchs . His Majesty likewise employes some of these his white Eunuchs , in the government of all the other Seraglios , and Seminaries of of youth , aswel in Constantinople , as in Adrianople , Bursia , and in divers other places : ( in each of which there are commonly two or three hundred youths ) that so by their diligence , and care over them ( together with the help of other Ministers ) they may be brought to an excellent discipline ; by which they may afterwards prove to be men of good manners , and learning . And it so falleth out many times that the Grand Signor , to give way to the other inferiour , and younger Eunuchs ( who expect that they succeed in order the aforesaid offices , sendeth forth some of the ancientest , richest , and of the highest rank in great employments ; as to be Bashawes of Cairo , Aleppo , or of some other cities , and provinces in Asia , and sometimes Uizirs of the bench . For the Eunuchs generally prove subjects , though not of great courage , yet of the greatest judgement , and fidelity : their mindes being set on businesse , rather then on pleasure . And for that the Eunuchs are more trusty , then any other servants of the Seraglio : the Capee Agha their patron doth commonly commit such things , as the Grand Signor would have kept for curiosity , unto their custody : who for that end have closets made of purpose to lay up such rarities , as are presented to the King ; as great pieces of AmberGreese sent from the Bashawes of the Morea , Musk , Treacle , Mithridate of Cairo , Terra sigillata , Balsame , and other such things of great value ; cups also of Agat , Christal , and Jasper , Turkesses , and other precious stones : all which are so curiously kept , that it seemeth to be admirable . They likewise lay up his Indian presents of Zeva and Civett ; of all which things his Majesty , and his Sultana's make daily use . Hard by the Eunuchs lodgings in the Seraglio , there is a very large place , in which are kept all such goods as fall to the King , aswell by them which are put to death , as by those which die of natural diseases ; of which the King is Master . Now the goods being brought into the said place by the chief Defterdar ( who receives them from the * Be it il mawlgee , and is to bring them thither ) the Grand S●…gnor in presence of his chief servants , having seen , and well viewed all , maketh choice of what he thinks fit to reserve , and to give away : the rest is cryed in the Seraglio , to the end , that if any one there , have a will to buy , he may have a good penny worth , and the remainder of that is at last carried into the publick * Bezisten , where each parcel is cried up and down , the cryer still naming the most that hath been already offered , and is at length sold to him that bids most ; nor may any that offers a price go from his word , at least if he be able to perform and stand to it . The money made of the said things is delivered to the Hazinehdar Bashawe , and is put into the outward Hazineh or treasury . And although the goods did come out of the houses of such , as died but the day before of the Pestilence , the Turks neverthelesse do willingly buy them , and use them , as if the disease were not infectious at all : affirming that their end is written in their forehead , and that it is a vain thing to seek to prevent it by any humane rule , or policie ; as either avoiding the company of infected persons , or the not wearing of the clothes of them that died . CHAP. VIII . Of the Black Eunuchs , and Black-moor girles , and women ; of the Physitians , and of the Kings children . NOw as concerning the Black Eunuchs , and Black-moor wenches , which serve the Sultana's , and the rest of the Kings women : it is to be noted , that the black Eunuchs , whilst they are boyes , are for the most part kept , and taught among the other youths of the Seraglio , as the white ones are , untill they come to age , and are made fit for service . Being taken from thence , they are appointed for the women , and set to serve , and wait with others at the Sultana's gate ( and are all under command of the Kuzlar Aga , who is their Patron , as the Capee Aga is Master of the white ones ) being allowed a pension of fifty , or sixty aspars a day , and two vests of silk yearly , with linnen and other necessaries , sufficient for their use , besides divers gifts , and gratuities , which they receive from women strangers , at such times as they let them in to the Kings women , and especially from the Jews women , who are daily conversant with them . The reason why their pension is so great ( in comparison of others ) is , that they can never be sent abroad in any imployment , thereby to enrich themselves as the other can ; but must for ever stay , and serve in the Seraglio . They are named by the names of flowers , as Hiacynth , Narcissus , Rose , Gilly-flower , and the like . For that , serving the women , and being alwayes near about them , their names may be answerable to their virginity , sweet and undefiled . The Black-moor girles , are no sooner brought into the Seraglio , after their arrival at Constantinople ( for they come by ship from Cairo , and thereabouts ) but they are carried to the womens lodgings ; where they are brought up , and made fit for all services : and by how much the more ugly , and deformed they are , by so much the more they are valued , and esteemed of by the Sultana's . Wherefore the Bashawe of Cairo ( who for the most part sends them all ) is diligent to get the most ill favoured , coal-black , * blabberlipped , and flat nosed girles that may be had through all Egypt , or the countreys bordering on it , to send them for presents to the Grand Signor , who bestowes them upon his women . Now after their coming , if they shall be disliked by reason of some infirmity , then are they sent into the old Seraglio , as the white women are , when they are unfit for service , or mis-behave themselves ; all which is done by the Kings order , and consent . The aforesaid black Eunuchs , by occasion of being sent with messages to the Grand Signor from the Sultana's , may passe through the mens lodgings to carry little notes to the Capee Aga , that he may deliver them unto the King : or for to fetch any thing from any of the officers of the Seraglio , or to speak with any of their friends at the gate : but otherwise they may not dare to go forth of the Seraglio from the Kuzlar Aga , without expresse license from the Sultana Queen . They likewise are to go to and fro , and to do all other businesses for the Sultana's in the womens lodgings , which the white Eunuchs cannot perform . For they are not permitted to come there ; nor any man that is white ( but the King only ) may see , and come amongst the women . Insomuch as when some one of them being fallen sick , it is required that the Hakim Bashawe ( who is the Kings Physitian ) should come thither ; they must necessarily first have leave of the King for his entrance , and being admitted to enter by the Sultana's door , he seeth none but the black Eunuchs ( all the other women being retired into some withdrawing rooms ) who bring him into the sick womans chamber ; and she being closely covered from head to foot with quilts , and blankets , holdeth out her arm only , so as the Doctor may touch her pulse ; who when he hath given order what shall be done , both for her diet , and medicines , goes away immediatly , by the same way that he came . But if she , which is sick , be the Queen , or one of the Sultana's , ( with whom the Grand Signor hath layen ) then her arm and hand , which she holdeth out of the bed for the Physician to feel her pulse , is covered with a fine piece of white silk , or Taffata sarcenet . For her flesh may not be seen , nor touched bare ; neither may the Doctor say any thing in her hearing , but being gone out of her chamber , prescribeth what medicine he thinks fit : which for the most part ( according to the knowledge , and common custome of the Turks ) is but only some kinde of loosning , and refreshing * Sherbett . For they seldom use any other physick ; nor do I hold their skill sufficient to prepare medicines for every malady . But in case the party diseased should have need of a Chirurgion , she then must do as she may , and suffer without any scruple . For , there is no remedy to conceal her skin and flesh from him . And as for the other women , which are not Sultana's , or at least which are not well beloved of the Grand Signor , either for their person , or for some p●…culiar , and extraordinary vertues : they needing a Chirurgion , are sent into the old Seraglio to be cured , where they shall not want whatsoever may be thought convenient , and useful , for restoring them to their former estate . The Kings sons which are born unto him by his Queen , are nursed , and brought up together by themselves by choice nurses , which are found abroad without the Seraglio . But if his Majesty have sons also by other Sultana's , ( as commonly every Grand Signor hath ) then those are brought up apart , and not with the Queens ; so that every mother careth for her own children , and that with great envy , and jealousie : yet they may play together , till they come to be of six or seven years of age ; being much made of , sumptuously maintained , and apparelled all alike at the Kings charge . They live among the women till they come to be of nine , or ten years of age , and about fourteen , they are circumcised with great pomp , and solemnities thorowout the whole city , especially the eldest son . For the circumcisions of the Turks children are like to the Christian weddings ; there being used at them great feasting , banquetting , musick , and bringing of presents . From five years of age until ten ( during which time they live amongst the women ) they have their Hojah ( that is , their School-master ) appointed them by the King to teach them to write , and read , and to instruct them in good manners , that they may behave themselves decently before the King their father ; which Hojah comes once a day into the womens Seraglio , and is brought into a chamber by the black Eunuchs ( without ever seeing the Kings women at all ) whither the children come accompanied with two or three old Black-moor women slaves ; and there they are taught for so many hours together , as their tutor is permitted to stay , and then he departeth . As for the daughters , they are but sleightly looked after ; nor is the King so tender , and careful over them . For as they are not suspected at all , for any thing that may concern the state in future times ; so likewise are they not much respected : yet they are well provided for by the Grand Signor their father , in case they live to be fit for husbands . After the * Shawhzawdeh ( the next heir to the crown ) is circumcised ; if his father think it unfit to keep him any longer with him at home in the Seraglio , he provides all things fitting for to send him abroad : that he may see the world , & learn experience , the better to enable him for to govern the Empire after his Fathers decease : sending along with him one of his principal , & trusty Eunuchs , for to be his guide , and overseer in all his actions ; besides many servants to attend upon him ; all which he chooseth out of his own Seraglio . He allowes him likewise sufficient means to maintain him like a Prince ( as he doth also the rest of his sons , if he have a purpose to send any of them abroad . ) And so all things being well ordered , and prepared for him ; having taken leave of his father , and mother ( who present him with many gifts , as also the Sultana's , and all the Bashaws , and great men of the Court do ) he departs for Magnesia , a city in Asia , there to reside in the government of that province ; in which he hath not the supream authority , but governs only as his fathers deputy . And should he passe the limits of his commission , he would quickly fall into disgrace , and suspition of rebellion ; as heretofore it hath happened unto divers of his predecessors , sent out in the same manner . Wherefore the Eunuch who is appointed to be his helper and overseer , is bound to give continual advise to the Grand Signor of his deportment , and to the Vizirs of all occurrences whatsoever , according to the charge given him : and likewise to receive from Constantinople such orders , and commandments , as are to be obeyed in those parts where the Prince resideth . So that all things ( in a manner ) are swayed by the discretion of the Eunuch . CHAP. IX . Of the cooks , kitchins ; diet of the King , Queen , and others ; of the manner of service ; of the skullery , and provision of the Seraglio . THe victuals in the Seraglio ( for the most part are dressed by Agiamoglans brought up to cookery , ( which are called * Aschees , and are known from other Agiamoglans by their white caps ; yet in the form of a sugar loaf aswell as the others are ) howbeit there are belonging to the kitchins that are therein , more then two hundred under cooks , and skullions ; besides their principal officers , as sewers , caterers , and such like : all which are carefully to look to their severall kitchins , and not any one to trust another with his businesse . The Kings kitchin begins to work ordinarily before break of day . For his highnesse rising betimes , there must be alwayes somewhat ready for him ; because commonly he eateth three or four times a day . He dines usually at ten of the clock in the forenoon , and sups about six at night , aswell in the summer , as in the winter . When he hath a will to eat , he tells the Capee Aga of it , who forthwith sends an Eunuch to give notice of the same to the chief Sewer , and he having caused the meat to be dished up , brings it in dish by dish to the Kings table : and so his Majestie sits down , after the common Turkish fashion , with his legs a crosse , having a very rich towel cast before him upon his knees to save his clothes : and another hanging upon his left arm , which he useth for his napkin to wipe his mouth , and fingers . He is not carved unto as other Princes are , but helps himself ; having before him upon a piece of Bulgar leather ( which is in stead of a table cloth ) fine white bread , of three or four sorts , well relished , and alwayes very new : as indeed all Turks love their bread best when it is warm , newly come forth of the oven . He neither useth knife , nor fork , but only a wooden spoon , of which there are two alwayes laid before him : the one serving him to eat his pottage , and the other to sup up certain delicate sirrups , made of divers fruits compounded with the juice of lemmons , and sugar , to quench his thirst . He tasteth of his dishes one by one , and as he hath done with them they are taken off . His meat is so tender , and so delicately dressed , that ( as I said before ) he needs no knife , but pulls the flesh from the bones very easily with his fingers . He useth no salt at his Table , neither hath he any Antepast ; but immediately falls aboard the flesh , and having well fed , closeth up his stomack with a * Bocklava , or some such like thing . And so his dinner or supper being ended , he washeth his hands in a bason of gold , with the Ewer all set with precious stones . His Majesties ordinary diet ( as I have been told by some of the Aschees ) is , half a score rosted pigeons in a dish , two or three geese in a dish , lamb , hens , chickins , mutton , and sometimes wilde fowl , but very seldom : and look what he hath rosted for him , so he hath the same quantity boiled , almost of every thing , there being very good sauce for every dish , and other ingredients very pleasing to the palat . He hath likewise brothes of all sorts , and divers purcelain dishes full of preserves , and sirrups ; and some Tarts , and * B●…recks after their fashion made of flesh covered with paste . Having made an end of eating , he drinks one draught of * Sherbet ( seldom or never drinking above once at a meal ) which is brought unto him by one of his Agas in a deep Purcelain dish covered , standing upon a flat under-dish of the same mettal . All the while that he is at Table , he very seldom , or never , speaks to any man ; albeit there stand before him many Mutes , and Buffons to make him merry , playing tricks , and sporting one with another , alla Mutescha , which the King understands very well . For by their signes their meaning is easily conceived , and if peradventure he should vouchsafe to speak a word or two , it is to grace some one of his Agas standing by him , whom he highly favoureth ; throwing unto him a loaf of bread from his own Table : and this is held for a singular grace , and especial favour ; and he distributing part of it amongst his companions , they likewise accept of it at the second hand , and account it as a great honour done unto them , in regard it came from their Lord , and King . The dishes for his highnesse Table , are all of gold , and so likewise are their covers . They are in the custody of the Keelergee Bashawe , who attends at the kitchin , at dinner and supper time : and so are all the yellow purcelane dishes ( which are very costly , and scarcely to be had for money ) in which the Grand Signor eats in the Ramazan time , which is their lent , and lasteth a whole moon , and the moneth it self is so called . Now at that time , the Turks never eat in the day , but only in the night ; not making any difference at all , in meats ( excepting swines flesh , and things strangled ) of which they are forbidden by their law to eat at any time . The King seldom eats fish , unlesse it be when he is abroad , at some garden house by the sea side , with his women ; where he may sit , and see it taken himself . The meat which remains of that which was at the Grand Ssgnors table , is immediately carried to the * Aghas table , who wait upon him : so that they ( what with that , and their own diet together ) are exceeding well provided . Whilst the Aghas are eating , the King passeth away the time with his Mutes , and Buffons , not speaking ( as I said ) at all with his tongue , but only by signes . And now and then he kicks , and buffeteth them in sport : but forthwith makes them amends , by giving them money . For which purpose , his pockets are alwayes furnished , so that they are well contented with that pastime . In the mean time also , the Capee Agha eats in a room apart such meat as is prepared for him in his kitchin , being far inferior to the Kings diet . And with him do eat , the Hazi●…ehdar Bashawe , the Saraj Agasee , and sometimes , some of the Kings Physitians , whom he calls in for to bear him company ; and such other Eunuchs which are keepers of the Seraglio's abroad , as do come to visit him . And the remainder of his diet with a fresh supply from the kitchins , serves * diman in mano , all the other white Eunuchs . In this interim likewise , is meat sent to all the other Odas for the youths there ; which is two loaves apiece , a day , and a little boiled mutton , with pottage of rice , mingled with butter , and honey ; which indeed consists more of broth then substance ; it being but thin of rice , and so little flesh in it , that it is well , if it give but a taste thereof , when they sop their bread in the dish . On the other side , is meat carried in by black Eunuchs to the Queen , to the Sultana's , and to all the other women ; wherein is observed the same order , as is aforesaid with the King : insomuch as in the space of an hour and half , or two hours at the most , all is dispatched . The Queens service is in copper dishes , tinned over : but kept very bright , and clean , and some also of white Purselain : however it is to be understood , that she her self may be served as she pleaseth ; and so questionless may all the Sultana's , ( although their ordinary allowance be no other then Copper . ) For oftentimes the King is amongst them a whole day together , eating , sporting , and sleeping , of which there is no notice taken , nor may any look into his actions : where , amongst themselves , they make him delicate , and sumptuous banquets , ( over , and above the ordinary meals of dinner , and supper ) of sweet meats , and fruits of all sorts , having daily an abundance presented unto them . They drink their sherbet in the summer time , mingled with snow , of which there is a great quantity preserved yearly , for to serve the Seraglio ; but at a very dear rate . For the snow doth stand the Port in more then twenty thousand chicquins a year , in gifts , and ceremonies , and other expences at the fetching it in from the hils , and in putting it under ground in houses made of purpose for that use . They do not ordinarily use Comfets , nor Cheese . For the Turks do hardly know how to make them , especially cheese , which if they make , yet it never proves good . So that the Sultana's , all the Bashawes , and other great personages , eat none but Parmezan , of which the * Bailo of Venice , doth alwayes furnish them , and that very plentifully : for they love it well , and eat heartily of it , when they go abroad upon pleasure , to take the air . For the sundry provisions of the said Seraglio , all things are prepared in great abundance : and every particular provision is assigned to particular persons , to take care thereof ; so that there is never any want at all of things necessary . For the Officers are sure upon the least complaint made against them to lose their places . Wherefore ( as it behoves them ) they are very careful to see , not onely that there be a sufficiency , but also that it be very good . The first , and best sort of bread ( which indeed is very white , and savoury ) is for the Grand Signor , the Sultana's , the Bashawes , and other great ones ; The second sort for them of middle rank . And the third and last sort ( which is very black and course ) is for the Agiamoglans , and others of base quality . The meal whereof the best sort of bread is made , for the Grand Signor , and the Sultana's , is brought from Bursia , made of the wheat of that Province of Bithynia , and growing in the Kings own ground . The yearly provision thereof is , about seven or eight thousand Keloes , which makes almost so many bushels of our measure in London : the which wheat makes the best flour that comes to Constantinople ; for that it is also ground at Bursia , and those mills are far better then any , that are neer Stanboll . Now for the other wheat which they spend , it comes ( for the most part ) from Volo in Graecia by shipping , where there is a great portion of land belonging to the crown . And a great part of the corn there growing is spent yearly in the kings Armada , made into bisket at Negroponte : some also is sold to the Raguseans , and others , who come with their shipping to lade it thence : but they must bring their authority with them from Constantinople , underwritten with the chief Uizirs own hand . And there is likewise brought yearly to Stanboll , of the aforesaid wheat of Volo , thirty five , or fourty thousand Kelo's : the which is laid up in * Magazines , and is afterwards ground , and most of it spent in the Seraglio : that which remains , they sell away into the city . Nor is it any wonder , that the Seraglio , consumes so much bread corn . For , besides the ordinary servants , as aforesaid , all the Sultana's , and great personages , with divers others , have their daily , and due allowance of bread , from the Keeler , that is , the Pantry , or from his Majesties Bakehouse ; viz. every Sultana twenty loaves ; every Bashawe ten ; to the Muftee eight ; and so to divers others a several proportion , even to one loaf a man : all which is ordered , and done by the commandment , and discretion of the chief Uizir ; their several allowances being set down in the chief Pantlers Books , or else in his , who is the Overseer of the Bake-houses : every loaf being as big as three of our penny loaves in London , but very light , and spungie , and easy of digestion . The rice , and lentiles , and all other sorts of pulse ( of which there is a great quantity spent , is brought yearly from Alexandria in the Galeons , which make yearly two voiages , and bring out of Egypt , not only the said pulse , but also all sorts of spice , and sugar , and a great quantity of preserves , and pickled meats , which the Turks much delight in . And as for sugar , there is spent an unspeakable deal of it , in the making of Sherbets , and * Boclavas , which not only the Seraglio useth : but are also ordinary presents from one Bashawe to another , and from one friend to another : insomuch that it is a thing to be admired , that so great a quantity should so suddenly be consumed . True it is , that there is but little spice spent in the Seraglio , nor indeed any great store among the Turks ( pepper only excepted . ) For seeing wine is not an ordinary drink amongst them , they therefore avoid the eating of such things , as do provoke a desire thereunto . Howsoever , in the storehouses of the Port , there is provision of all sorts of spices , and drugs , whatsoever occasion should happen , that might require the use of them . There likewise comes from Egypt great store of dates , prunes , and other dried plums of divers sorts , which the Cooks use in their dressing of meat ; as well for rost as boyled in broths : and indeed they make very delicate dishes of them . The honey ( of which the Port spends a great quantity , both in their broths , boiled meats , * Pancakes , * Frittars , and course Sherbets for the common sort of people ) is brought in great earthen jars , from Walachia , from Transylvania , and Moldavia , as well that which is presented by the Princes of those Provinces , to the Grand Signor , as that which comes for particular mens accounts . Yet that honey which is used in the Kings own kitchen , comes from * Cio , and is far better , and purer then the other . The oil ( of which there is an unspeakable quantity spent , by reason of the many uses they put it unto ; as well in their meats , as for their lamps , and the like ) is brought from Modon , and Coron in Graecia : the * Sanjack Beg of that Province being bound to see the Port sufficiently furnished therewith from time to time ; howbeit that which is spent in the Kings own kitchen is brought from Candie , and Zant : it being sweeter , cleerer , and in every respect better , then that of the Morea . The butter ( of which also there is spent a very great quantitie , in that it is used almost in all their meats , especially in that ordinary dish which they call * Pillaw ) comes by shipping out of the Black sea from Bogdania , and from Caffa , being put into great Ox hides , and Buffalo hides , with the hairy sides inward ; and so is laid up in * Magazines , for the yearly provision of the Kings court : but commonly they have so much of it , that they are fain to sell part into the city ; as they likewise do by the oil , honey , &c. which are Begleek , ( that is , for the Grand Signors own account ) when they have more then they think they shall have occasion to spend , and make a wonderful great benefit of it : oftentimes enforcing the shop-keepers to take it at what price they please to rate it at , although it be ill conditioned , and ready to stink . The Turks are no whit acquainted with fresh butter , there being little , or none at all , made about Constantinople : neither do th●… eat much milk , except it be made ●…re , which they call Yoghurd . For ●…eing so turned sowre , it doth quen●… the thirst : and of that both they , and the Christians do eat a great quantity in the summer time . They eat also some store of Kaymack ( that is , clouted , or clodded cream ) but that is a dish for the better sort only , it being a meat of too high a price for the vulgar . Now as for the flesh : every year in the Autumn , winter drawing nigh , the Bashawe causeth the provision of * Basturma to be made for the Kings kitchins ; which must be of cowes great with calf . For then ( say they ) the flesh is most tender and savoury . They use it in the same manner , as Christians use swines flesh . For they make puddings , and sausages of it , and the rest they boil , and dresse after other fashions . This sort of dried flesh , ( after that it is sufficiently dried , and hardened , with hanging a moneth , or better , in some upper room , and little , or no salt used about it , but pressed very flat ) will last the whole year following , and eat very savourly . And it is in such great use amongst the Turks , & so well liked of , that there is scarce any Master of a family , if he be of ability , but doth yearly against winter make his provision of it ; and it is held a very thrifty and sparing course . For that then fresh meat would be very dear . But they do not all make their Basturma of cowes great with calf , ( that is for the Seraglio ) for there are many which love the other better , which i made of Oxen and Bullocks ; and they can buy it far cheaper . The Bashawe ( as I said ) hath the care , and oversight of what is prepared for the Kings kitchens , and there are commonly spent four hundred cowes every year for the said provision of Basturma ; there is also fresh beef spent in the Seraglio : but the quantity is uncertain . The other flesh , which is daily provided , and spent in the kitchens of the Seraglio ( as I was told by one of the * Aschees ) is as followeth ; sheep two hundred , lambs , or kids , when they are in season , one hundred , calves ten , geese fifty , hens two hundred , chickens one hundred , pigeons an hundred pair . There is very little store of fish spent in the Seraglio , either shell-fish , or other : yet sometimes the Agas for dainties will eat some . The seas thereabout do exceedingly abound with divers kindes , and they may easily take as many as they please : by reason of which the Christians are plentifully served with fish in the markets , and at reasonable prices , and the common and poorer sort of Turks do bear them company in that diet . The Grand Signor ( nor any of his women , or servants in the Seraglio ) cannot want for fruit : there being at time of year so many presents , of all sorts of fruits , brought thither , besides what comes from the Kings own gardens ( which are many , and near the city ) every morning in great abundance , and excellent good ; especially , figs , grapes , peaches , and * Caoons ; the Gardiners selling the remainder at a place in Constantinople , * where only the Kings fruit is sold , and bring the money weekly to the Bustangee Bashawe , who afterwards gives it to his Majestie ; and it is called jebbe ackchesee , that is , the Kings pocket-money . For he gives it away by handfulls , as he sees occasion , to his Mutes and Buffones , at such times as they make him sport . Now this fruit being sold , the buyers of it do commonly send it to some great personages : for it is extraordinary good , and so artificially piled up in baskets , by the * Bustangees , that for the beauty of it , it oftentimes proves more acceptable then a gift of greater price . The furniture of the kitchens in the Seraglio , as kettles , caldrons , pots , and skillets , &c. are almost all of brasse and they are so neatly kept , and of such a largenesse , that there cannot be a braver sight of that nature ; insomuch that one would rather think , that they stood there to be sold , then that they should be so often used as they are . And as for the dishes , they are all of copper tinned over : but so often new furbished , scowred , and trimmed , that ( they being daily used ) it is wonderful to behold their continual brightnesse . And of these dishes they have a great number : but the Grand Signor sustains great losse by them . For their being such a multitude of people served daily from the kitchens , both within , and without ( especially upon the four Divan dayes ) there are so many of them stollen , that the Defterdars ( weighing the losse , and charge of the said dishes ) have oftentimes been almost resolved , to make them all of silver , and so consign them to the custodie of the Sewers , and Butlers , who should from time to time give account of them , and look the better to them , and not to suffer every ordinary fellow to carry away his meat in them , as they do in the other copper ones : but finding it a thing so costly , not any Defterdar ( as yet hath ) performed it , nor adventured to begin , onely have discoursed of it , and approved of that course , as a remedy to prevent their usuall pilfering . The wood which is spent in the aforesaid kitchens , and in all the Seraglio , is an infinite number of weights ( for at Constantino●…e the wood is all bought , and sold by weight , and so is almost every thing else ) there being for the account of the Seraglio ( which they call Begleek ) about thirty great * Caramusals , which do nothing else at one season of the year , but sail into the Black sea , there to lade at the Kings woods . It is a businesse which costeth the Grand Signor but little , or nothing ( in respect of the worth of it . ) For they have it for the cutting down , and as for the bringing , and unloading of it , it requires little or no charge at all . For the said Caramusals are bound to make so many returns in a year for the king , and to receive no fraught ; and the Masters are to see it unladen at the appointed wharfe , at their own costs , and charges ; receiving only a discharge in the end from the * Stanbol Aga for that years service , but no recompence at all . Afterwards they may work for themselves , and go whither they please , till their turns come again for the year following . CHAP. X. Of apparrel , bedding , sicknesse , hospitals , inheritance , Kings expences , recreatious , his going abroad , receiving of petitions , of the Kings stables , and Byram solemnities . THe Grand Signors apparel , is nothing different in fashion from other mens , saving in the length of his vests , and the richnesse thereof , nor are his shoes plated with iron at the heels , as other Turks wear them : but are raced , and painted like childrens shoes , with knots and flowers , or else they are all white . The fashion of his Turbant is all one with that of the Bashawes : but he wears plumes , and brooches in his , and so doth not any Bashawe in the Port , except the Uizir Azem , and that is upon the day when he makes a solemn shew at his departure for the wars . As for his lodging ; he sleeps upon matteresses of velvet , and cloth of gold : in the summer in sheets of * Shash embrodered with silk , sown to the quilts , and in the winter betwixt coverlets of Lusernes , or of Sables , wearing all night a * Gheje-lick , or little shash on his head . And when he lies alone in his own lodgings , he is alwayes watched by the Pages of his chamber , by two and two at a time , changing their watch every three hours ; one of them standing at the chamber door ; and the other by the bed side to cover him , in case the clothes should slide off , and to be near hand if his Majesty should want any thing , or be ill at ease . In the same chamber also where he lies , there are alwayes two old women , that wait with burning torches in their hands , which they may not put out , till such time as the king is risen out of his bed : now the use of these lights is , for his Majestie to say over his Beads , and for to pray by , in case his devotion be stirred up thereto , at midnight , or at Temcheet namaz , which is the time of prayer , about two hours before day . The habit of his women , is much like to that of the men . For they wear * Chackshirs , and Buskins too , and the meaner sort of them , have their shoes shod with iron at the heels . They likewise sleep as the men do , in their linnen breeches , and quilted waste-coats ; having thin , and light ones for the summer , and more thick , and warm ones for the winter . The Turks never have any close-stools , or such like utensils in their chambers ; but having necessity they rise , and go to the privies , made in places apart , where there do alwayes stand pots full of water ready , that they may wash when they have done . For they use no paper in that service , as others do ; holding it not only undecent , but an extraordinary absurdity for a Mussulman to put paper to so base a use : seeing that both the name of God , and the Mahometan Law , are written upon it . They all put off their Turbants when they go about that businesse ; and a Janizarie may by no means pisse with his * Uskuf upon his head , but having done , he must kisse it , and so put it on again . For they hold the covering of their heads to be as honourable , in a manner , as the head it self . The several stipends , which the Grand Signor alloweth to those of the Seraglio ( of what degree or condition soever the persons be ) are payed out of the outmost Hazineh ; and the chief Defterdar ( who hath a book aswel of the names of the stipendiaries , as of their stipends ) is bound to send once in three moneths , to all the Odas , in several bags so much money as their pay comes to , and there they share it amongst them : the like he doth also by the women , and the Agiam●…glans , paying them in good money . And against the Byram , which is their Carneval , he must send them their vests , their linnen , and such like necessaries ; of all which he never fails them . For if he should disappoint them ( especially at that time ) they would so complain against the said Defterdar , that it would be his utter overthrow , or at the least he should be sure to lose his place : such is the Grand Signors care for his servants , that they may not want whatsoever is befitting each particular person , in his several degree . When any one dies in the Seraglio , whether it be Itchoglan , or Agiamoglan , his chamber fellowes are made his heirs , and that which he leaves behinde him is equally divided amongst them ; and so is it with the young women which never lay with the King : but if any great Eunuch die , all comes to the Grand Signor . For they are alwayes very rich , by reason of the manifold gifts , and gratuities , which daily come to their hands : and if any Eunuch of the Seraglio's abroad , or in other places of government , should die , then two thirds only of his estate falls to the King by Canon , the other third part being to be disposed of , according to the Testators will : this also is only by permission , when the King gives way unto it , and will not out of his supream authority , and power , take all to himself , as he useth to do by all great rich ones : the Kings person being held the principal , and most lawful heir of all , they esteeming themselves as slaves , which have received their livelihood , goods , estates , and all that they have enjoyed , meerly from his greatnesse , and bounty ; so that they may not grudge to render back again at their deaths ( or whensoever he shall require it ) all that they do possesse . And to this end there is an officer called the Beyt el Mawlgee ; who so soon as any one dies , or is put to death , makes inquisition after their estates , and so certifies the Defterdar thereof , leaving the performance to him , if it be of great import : but the Beyt el Mawlgee for his own private gain , doth oftentimes conceal ( after search made ) a great part of the estate of the deceased ; dividing the same , privately betwixt the kindred , and himself . When any ordinary person falls sick in the Seraglio , he is immediately carried from his chamber in a Cart , covered with cloth , and drawn with hands , and is put into the aforesaid Hospital , or Lazaretta , belonging to the house onely ; where he is lookt unto after the Turkish fashion , and kept so closely , that none may come to the speech of him ( except the Physician , or Apothecary ) but with great difficulty ; and growing well again , he must be carried back , in the same manner , to his own chamber where he was at the first . The expenses of the Seraglio are very great , as one may gather by what hath been already said : but there are moreover divers other charges of great consideration which the King is at , by reason of the Sultana Queen , and then of the Chief Vizirs , the * Serdars of his several forces both by sea , and land , and the great Defterdars , and others : to all which he gives gratuities , accarding as he seeth fit upon sundry occosions , aswel at the times of their going forth , as at their returns from their employments abroad , and upon good services done at home : the which gifts , are vests , some unlined , and some lined with very costly furs , swords , bowes , * Hanjars , plumes , and brooches , girdles , all set with rich stones , and many other things of great value : and again some but of low price , according to the quality , and desert of the parties , to whom his majestie is pleased to shew his liberality . Nay the Hazinehdar Bashawe , who hath the keeping of the cloth of gold , and silver of Bursia , doth affirm that , in that one commodity to make vests of , there is spent yearly two hundred thousand Sultanas : besides what he disburseth for the buying of Venetian silks , and woollen clothes , of which the Seraglio consumes a great quantity , they not wearing ( for the most part ) any other . Neither doth this alone serve the turn . For besides all this the Grand Signor gives away all that which is given him by strangers ; and a great part also of that which comes to him of the spoil of the dead , of which he is Master , as hath been shewed before . And surely , should his Majesty want these helps , he could not long continue his liberality , giving 〈◊〉 he doth to his women , to his Bashawes , and to all such as are at any time to kisse his hand . Neverthelesse , true it is , that the greatest part of things of value , 〈◊〉 he gives away , in time comes again 〈◊〉 his hands . For his Sultana's , Bashawes , Eunuchs , or other rich men , dying , he immediately becomes Master of all again , or ( at least ) of the greatest part of their estate : and so of such things there is a continual ebbing , and flowing in the Seraglio . The Queen likewise gives much away . For as she is presented by many ; so is it fit that she should in part make some compensation : and to that end , she hath an allowance of vests , and other things in great abundance : besides she hath liberty to dispose of many of those which have been worn by the King . The Uizir Azem is also a giver at the Kings charge ; aswel whilst he is in Constantinople , as when he is upon departure , as General of the Grand Signors army , to the wars : and to that end before he departeth , he hath brought unto him from the Hazinehdar Bashawe a great number of vests , and other things that he may be provided , when he is in the field , with presents according to the Turkish custom : which ( in all businesses , and upon every occasion ) is , to give , and take . The King ( if he please ) may at any time go abroad out of the Seraglio , either by water , or by land : when he goes by water he hath his Kaik , or barge of sixteen , or eighteen banks , with a very sumptuous , and stately Poop , covered over with crimson velvet richly embroydered , under which he himself sits , and none but he upon cushons of velvet , and cloth of gold ; his Agas standing all on their feet , holding with one hand by the side of the Kaik , and only the Bustangee Bashawe , who steers the barge , may now and then sit down , that he may handle the helm the better . Now the Bustangee Bashawe , by reason the King talks much with him in the Kaik ( at which time , lest any one should hear what they say , the Mutes fall a howling like little dogs ) may benefit , or prejudice whom he pleaseth : the Grand Signor being altogether ignorant of divers passages , and apt to beleeve any information , either with , or against any subject whatsoever . His barge is rowed by Agiamoglans , which are brought up in that exercise , and indeed they mannage the businesse very well and nimbly ; not sitting at all when they row , but as they fetch their stroak , they step up upon the next bank before them , and so with the stroak fall backward flat on their backs upon the next bank behinde them : much resembling the manner of rowing in the gallies . When he goes forth by land , he alwayes rides on hors-back , and goes out ( commonly ) at the greatest gate , especially at such times as he is to go to the Moschea , or Church , which is upon the Friday ( it being their Sabbath ) and is accompanied into the city by all the Bashawes , and other Grandes of the Port , besides many of his own houshold servants which go by his stirrup , and his Agas riding after him ; having divers Solacks also with their bowes , and arrowes , which go before him for his guard . And as he rides along the streets , he salutes the people with nodding his head towards them , who again salute him with loud shouts , and prayers of prosperity , and happinesse ; and for recompence , the King oftentimes puts his hand into his pocket , and throwes whole handfuls of money amongst them . Now they of the Seraglio , which go along by his stirrup , have charge to take all such Petitions , as are preferred to his Majesty as he rides along either to , or from the Moschea : and many poor men , who dare not presume , by reason of their ragged apparel , to approach neer unto so majestick a prefence , stand afar off with fire upon their heads , holding up their petitions in their hands , the which the Grand Signor seeing ( who never despiseth , but rather encourageth the poor ) sends immediately to take the Arzes , or petitions , and being returned home into his Seraglio , reads them all , and then gives order for redresse as he thinks fit . By reason of which complaints , the King oftentimes takes occasion to execute the fury of his wrath , and displeasure , even upon the most eminent in place , before they are aware , without taking any course in law against them ( onely acquainting the Muftee with his design , who seldom or never doth oppose him ) but causing a sudden execution of what punishments he pleaseth upon them ; either putting them to death , or at the least , turning them out of their places . For as he stiles himself * Awlem penawh , so he would have the world to take notice , that such as lament unto him , shall be sure to have redresse , and succour from him ; although his ministers fail them , or abuse them through their injustice . Which makes the Bashawes , and other great officers , that they care not how seldom the Grand Signor stirs abroad in publick , for fear lest in that manner their unjust proceedings , and bad justice should come to his ear . And indeed they alwayes live in great fear , through the multiplicity of businesse that passeth through their hands , and in danger of loosing their lives at a short warning ( as it hath been ever observed , that few Uizirs die in their beds ) which makes them use this Proverb : that he that is even the greatest in office , is but a statue of glasse : but notwithstanding their brittle estate , bribery hath so bewitcht them , that hap , what will hap , he that will give most shall be sure to speed at their hands . The Grand Signor , for the use of his houshold , hath in Constantinople at a place called * Ahur Capsee , near unto the Seraglio ; an exceeding large stable of a thousand horses and upward : and the * Imrohor Bashawe , which is Master of the horse , hath the charge of them , as of all his other horses , mules , camels , and all his cattle whatsoever , and of all the kings hay , and provender : having an under Imrohor for his assistant , besides many ordinary grooms which are to look to them , and see that the * Seises keep them in good case . Now the said Imrohor Bashawe , and his Deputy , are to see the Grand Signors servants provided of horses , at such times as they accompany his Majesty abroad , either solemnly at showes in the city , or abroad at hunting , or otherwise as the King pleaseth . Besides this stable , he hath divers others in other places , both for his own service , and for the use of his Gentlemen , at such times as he , or they shall come thither : namely , at his Gardens , and houses of pleasure abroad in the countrey , to which his Majesty useth to go very often ; but these stables have not above eight , or ten horses a piece in them . For to those houses he carrieth but few followers with him , and those few are the chiefest Agas of all . He hath also stables of stallions for race in Bursia , Adrianople , and in divers other places ; from which are brought to Constantinople very stately colts ; besides such as are continually sent him for presents from Cairo , Damascus , Bagdat , and other places by the Bashawes , he hath also many which fall to his share by the death of great persons : all which are horses of great price , and kept for his own use . But because there must be a great number of horses , for ordinary services of the baser sort of servants , the King is therefore furnished with low prized nags out of Walachia . Besides the aforesaid stables of horses ; the Grand Signor is provided of five thousand mules , kept near to Constantinople , which serve to carry Pavillions , chests , water , and all other necessaries for travel : but because the Vizir Azem ( at his going out General ) makes use of a great part of them , there is seldom that number compleat at home . And should the King himself go out to the wars in person , his very houshold would use a thousand of them , besides their riding horses . For the Ottoman Emperors are almost aswel accommodated in their voyages abroad , as they are at home in the city ; and indeed the generality of the Turks are so well fitted , against such times as they are to go forth , especially for long journeyes , as I think no people in the world can go beyond them . The Grand Signor is bound by Canon of the Empire , upon the first day of the Byram , which is their Carneval , the Ramazan being ended , which is their day-lent , to shew himself publickly , and to let all the great men , and the better sort of his own servants kisse his vest ; wherefore upon that day early in the morning , being richly clad , and decked with his best jewels ; he cometh forth of his lodgings , at that gate which is kept by white Eunuchs in the second court , and sets himself down in a certain place called the * Taht , upon a Persian carpet of silk and gold , close by the aforesaid gate ; and doth not stir thence until such time as all that are appointed have kissed his vest , in token of their reverence , and duty towards him : the chief Uizir standing close by him , and telling him the names of such as he thinks fit , and their places , to the end the Grand Signor may take the better notice of them . Now to some of the Doctors of the Law , which are of high degree , the King raiseth himself up a little to honour , and receive them ; and to some he shews more grace , and affection , then to other some , and indeed to all more then ordinary : especially to the Muftee , and the two Cadeleeschers . Now this ceremony being ended , he goeth to the Moschea of Sancta Sophia , accompanied by them all ; where having finished the * Namaz for that day , he hears a sermon ; and at his return , taking his leave of them , he retires himself to his own lodgings , where he dines alone , as he doth upon other dayes : notwithstanding upon that day he maketk a very sumptuous banquet in the Divan for the Bashawes , and other Grandes , and a very great dinner in the Court yard for all such as did accompany him , and are there present . Then after dinner his Majestie observing the ordinary custome , sends the Uizir Azem , for his Byramlick , * a very rich vest furred with a costly fur ; and doing the like by the other great ones of the Port , ( though with vests of far lower price ) he also extends his bounty to all his Agas , bestowing upon them swords , * Hanjars , and such like things ; and upon the Sultana's costly jewels , * Filjan take as , and * Coshacks all set with stones : besides many gifts to others of the Seraglio , giving Byramlicks , ( or as we say ) new-years gifts to all . Every night during the three dayes of the Byram ( for it is but for three dayes , and so it ends ) he causeth shews to be made of fire-works , and such like , by the water side , which continue until morning , and a great drum is beaten all the while ; and that the Sultana's may see them , the King comes of purpose into their company to be merry with them , and is more free , and familiar then at other times ; he also gives free liberty for mirth , and sports , both by day and night , thorowout the whole city , during those three dayes . There are also invited ●…o these great festivals all the Sultana's which live out of the Seraglio , who both give presents to the King , and take Byramlicks of him : moreover in this Byram the Grand Signor is presented by the Bashawes , and great personages , with gifts of very great price . For every one strives to exceed another , thinking thereby to win favour . The Sultanas also are not behinde hand ; for they present him with shirts , handkerchiefs , linnen breeches , towels , and such like things of good value , being all very curiously wrought , the which the Grand Signor afterwards makes use of , for his own wearing . The same * Byram of three dayes , is kept in all his dominions , and throughout the city of Constantinople , even in every Turks house ; the streets being ( almost at every corner ) set out , and decked with pretty devises , and * Salunjacks of divers sorts , very artificially made , where old and young are solaced ; and giving two or three aspars to the keepers of the swings , have sufficient recreation . But during this feast , it is somewhat troublesome , and dangerous for the poor Christians , and Jews , to walk along the streets . For the Turks being then somewhat insolent , and full of wine , putting off the sobriety * of the Ramazan , do scare them exceedingly ; often threatning to mischief them , if they deny them money , when they in that fury demand it of them . And so they do likewise at another Byram , which is called the Coochook Byram , and comes about three moneths after the other ; in which likewise the Turks are wonderful merry both day , and night . CHAP. XI . Of the Old Seraglio , and womens lives therein : of the Turks marriages , and children : slave-selling , and witnesses . HAving oftentimes ( by the way ) made mention of the * Fs●…ee S raj , or old Old Seraglio , which is ( as it were a dependent of the Kings Seraglio , in regard of the use of it ) it will not be amisse , briefly to speak somewhat touching the same . This is a very large place , immured with a very high wall , surpassing that of the Kings Seraglio ; the buildings are fair , it hath many inhabitants , all women , and Eunuchs , and is about three quarters of a mile in compasse , being seated in the noblest part of the city . And this was the first Seraglio , which Mahomet the second built for to dwell in , with all his court , when he took Constantinople : ●…t hath but one gate belonging unto it , and that is of iron ; the which gate is kept , and guarded by a company of white Eunuchs , and no man may come in thereat , unlesse it be to b●…ing in s●…ch necessaries as they want in the house , at which times they may not see any of the women . Now the women which are therein , are those which are put out of the Kings Seraglio , viz. such Sultana's as have belonged to the deceased Grand Signors ; those women likewise , which through their evil behaviour , and conditions , are fallen into disgrace with the King ; and such as are infirm , or defective in what should belong to women fit for the companie , and bed of a King , and none else are there , but for some of these causes . All which are governed , and lookt unto by an old woman ( called also Kahiya Cadun ) which is made their Over-seer , and taketh care to see them used according to the custom of the house , every one in their degree : and that they have their diet , and clothing , with their several stipends in due time : all which is far short of what they had , when they were in the Kings ●…eraglio ; howbeit , such as have been Sultana's , live out of the common rank , in their lodgings apart ; and although they are out of the Kings sight , and ( as it were ) out of favour , yet they are reasonably well served . The greatest part of the said Sultan●…'s , if they be any thing rich , may ( with the Grand Signors leave , by the old womans sollicitation ) go forth from thence , and marry , and carry with them all that which they have kept , and stollen . For if they do not carry the businesse cuningly , at their coming forth of the Kings Seraglio , if they have ought of any great worth , or value that is known , the * Cadun takes it from them , and rest●…res it again to the Grand Signor : so that I say , if they have any thing , to bestow themselves withall , they warily make it known abroad , to the end , that some men of quality may become Sutors to them , and make them a good joynter . In the said Seraglio , they have all the commodity of necessaries , that may be , as gardens , fountains , and fair Baths . And the King himself hath some rooms also therein ready furnished . For sometimes he goes thither to visit his female kinred , as his Grandmother , Sisters , Aunts , &c. who for some of the aforesaid occasions , have been put out of his Seraglio . The other women of this Old Seraglio have but mean allowance ; and had they not somewhat of their own to help sometimes , they would pass but coursly ; so that they are fain to betake themselves to their needles , by which they in part sustain themselves , and reap a reasonable benefit . And as in the Kings Seraglio , the Sultana's are permitted to employ divers Jewes-women about their ordinary occasions : so these women likewise of this Seraglio , have other Jews-women , who daily frequent their companies , and sell their labours for them . Any Turk , be he of the Clergie , or of the Laity , may , if he please , take seven wives at Kebi●… , ( but few , or none will have more then one , or two at the most , to save charges ) besides he may keep as many * Haylayks , as he will , and the children begotten of them , are held as legitimate , as those of the wives , and have as much right to the inheritance of what the father leaves behinde him . But between the children of the great ones there is great difference . For a Bashawe having married a sister , or daughter of the King , and having sons by them , those sons may not rise above the degree of a Sanjack Beg , or a Capoogee Bashawe , to the end they may be kept under , being allied to the crown ; that so being but in mean places , they may not be apt to rebel . But their brothers which their father begat of slaves , may come to be Bashawes ; for they are free from suspicion , in regard they are not of the blood Royal. And hence it is , that those children , which had a Sultana to their mother , are so often seen to be in lower degree then the others . For , for the aforesaid reason , he which is born of the slave , is above him that is born of the Sultana . Yet with the children of the other subjects it is otherwise ; for they are all equals . The parties married , may upon divers occasions specified in their law , leave one another : especially when they cannot agree , and live peaceably together . And if the man puts away the woman , then he is bound to allow her the joynter , which he promised her , when they were contracted before the Cadee , and witnesses : but if the woman forsake the man , then she can recover nothing ; but departs onely with a small portion , such as she brought with her into her husbands house . And if they have any children , then he must keep the males , and she must take the females along with her . ●…he same order is also observed , and held with married Christians . For , if the husband turns Turk , he may take his sons with him , & make them of that profession ; but his wife will retain the daughters : and if she turn Turk , she doth the like by her daughters , and leaves the sons to him . Now in case a Turk takes slaves for his * use , he may not sell them again ; but they become members of his family , in which they are to remain till they die . But if they prove barren , then they may be sold from hand to hand , as often as it is their fortune . The Turks may buy of all sorts of slaves , of every religion , and nation ; and may use them as they please ( killing only excepted ) which the Christians , and Jews there may not do ; for they have liberty only to buy Christians and Jews . There is for this purpose a place in Constantinople , neer the Bezisten , where every Wednesday ( in the open street ) there are bought , and sold slaves of all sorts , and every one may freely come to buy for their several uses ; some for nurses , some for servants , and some for their lustful appetites . For they which make use of slaves for their sensuality , cannot be punished by the Justice , as they should be , if they were taken with free women , and with Turkish women especially . These slaves are bought , and sold , as beasts , and cattle are , they being viewed , and reviewed , and felt all about their limbs , and bodies , and their mouths lookt into , as if they were so many horses in Smithfield ; then they are examined of what countrey they are , and what they are good for ; either for sewing , spinning , weaving , or the like ; buying sometimes the mother with the children , and sometimes the children without the mother , sometimes two or three brothers together , and again , sometimes taking the one , and leaving the rest , using no terms of humanity , love , or honesty , but even as the buyer , or the seller shall think will best turn them to profit . Now when there is a virgin that is beautiful , and fair , she is held at a high rate , and is sold for far more then any other ; and for security of her virginity , the seller is not only bound to the restitution of the money ( if she prove otherwise ) to him that bought her ; but is for his fraud fined at a great sum of money . And in this B●…zisten there sitteth an Emeen , that is , a Customer , who receives custom of the buyers , and sellers of slaves , which amounteth to a reasonable sum in a year , for the toll is very great . The Bashaws , and other great subjects , though by marriage they become uncles , sons in law , or cozens to the Grand Signor , may not by vertue of their affinity , challenge any more familiarity , or freedom with his Majesty , then if there were no such matter of kinred between them : but only presume so far , as may well befit their place and dignity ; they remaining still slaves , as the others do : Nay their servitude is thereby increased , and they lose a great part of their former liberty . For they must be very obsequious to the Sultana's , whom they have married , and turn away the greatest part of their other women , and slaves if they have any ) and must with patience support all their wives imperfections . So that for this reason , few Bashawes of worth and judgement , seek after such marriages ; for they are both chargeable , and bring discontent . But when the King commands , they ( as his slaves ) must submit , and obey , though their vexation , and charge increase never so much thereby : and must confess themselves to be highly honoured , and obliged unto his Majesty for so great a favour . The ceremonies of Turkish marrying are nothing else , but in the presence of the Cadee ( who is the Justice ) to make Hoget , that is , a writing expressing the vow , and good liking of the parties to be married ; with a specification of the joynter , which the husband is to make to the wife . All which is done in the presence also of witnesses , which are true , and honest , without exception . For among the Turks it is not permitted that every one that will , should bear witnesse : but only such men as are free , of a good age , that can say the * Namaz , and have some knowledge in the law , known to be men of civil life , and conversation ; and ( above all ) which drink no wine . For the witnesse of a ●…urk , which drinks wine , is nothing worth ( yet they may drink * Moosellesse , * R●…kee , * and Boza , which are stronger then wine ) and thus their law commandeth . But for all this , corruption is so crept in amongst them , that now in Turkie , ( especially in Constantinople ) there are ( to the outward appearance grave and honest men ) more false witnesses , then in any other part of the world besides : and who are they ? ( at least the chief of them ) but a certain company of beggerly Emeers , that is , such as pretend to come of the race and stock of Mahomet , alwayes wearing green Turbants , by which they are known , and reverenced : but they are generally the most ill favoured men that ever I saw : and with them I may fitly joyn a great number of poor Cadees , and Naits out of office who aswel as the Emeers , for money do use that detestable trade , which our knights of the Post do practise here with us . And hence it is , that Avanias are so commonly framed ; for they can stoutly ( and that with ease ) outface the poor Christians , and Jews . Nay for a bribe they will not spare their own sect , in bearing false witnesse , or raising an * Eftera , that is , a false accusation against them . For these Turks being naturally given to covetousnesse ( though they pretend to be lovers of honesty ) and altogether inclined to rapine ( yet without question , there are some very honest men amongst them ) when they meet with a fit opportunity , they will play fast , and loose with any man , be he of what condition soever , for their own benefit . Wherefore it proves dangerous to have any dealing with them ; for that they with that trick will easily free themselves from any obligation , or agreement before made . Judgement there consisting chiefly in the proof by witnesses ; so that a man had need to be wondrous circumspect , and wary in his proceedings with Turks , especially in matters of contract . CHAP. XII . Of their religion , opinions , Clergie-men , times , places , and rites sacred ; and of the womens small devotion . THe Turks believe in Almighty God , and give him familiarly these Attributes . 1 Hoo. 2 Alloh . 3 Tangree . 4 Hack . 5 Hackteawlaw . 6 Alloh teawlaw . 7 Jehawnee awfeereen . 8 Hodoy , &c. And that he is the Creator of the whole Universe , and will be a gracious pardoner of all good men in the day of Judgement . That he is in the highest Heaven , served with especial angels , having from the beginning cast out the disobedient ones , for whom , as also for wicked men , he made Hell . And as they affirm everlasting life to be in these two places , viz. Heaven , and Hell ; so they confesse , and wait for the resurrection of the body to be reunited with the soul , at such time as the fearful trumpet ( which they call Soor ) shall be sounded by Mahomet at the commandment of the great God of the judgement . They believe also , the life everlasting in Paradise to be such a happinesse , as consists onely in delighting , and pleasing of the senses , and that they shall have there the use of natural things in all perfection , without making any difference ; enjoying perfect health , and free from all manner of trouble , and vexation . And on the contrary , that in Hell the use of the foresaid things shall be in unquenchable fire , and shall have a most bitter and loathsom taste , and they which come there shall continually be tormented with inumerable vexations , and fearful sights : and this is all that they conceive of Heaven or Hell ; either for the reward of the righteous , or the punishment of the reprobate . They say moreover , that the power of God is such , that having at the creation of man prefixed , and appointed a set time for his end , it is impossible that the wit or device of mortal man , should be able to divert , or prevent it ; wherefore in the wars , and in all other occasions , they are so much the more bold , resolute , and couragious ; being persuaded that their end is written in their foreheads , and that it is not for them to go about to avoid it , so that if they die , Emmer Allohung , it was Gods will it should be so . Now this their opinion makes them to laugh at , and scorn the Greeks , who burn waxen candles at holy wells hang rags upon trees , which they rend from the clothing of the sick , and use divers other charms for to drive away diseases . They also affirm Gods power to be such , that after mens bodies are risen again , he will give them such an agility , that they shall be able in a moment to passe from one Heaven to another , even to the farthest part of them , to visit , and embrace their wives , mothers , brothers , and others of their kinred ; the heavens being all transparent , of Diamonds , Rubies , and Christal . As concerning Gods throne , or seat of Majesty , they affirm , that every one cannot behold it , by reason of the brightnesse of the beams , which come from his eyes ; and by reason of the unspeakable splendor proceeding from his glorious face ; so that the Angels , and Prophets only have the grace to enjoy that sight . And of the Angels they report thus , that they are continually serving , and praising God , and ready to obey his will : but I have read in a book which they call Ahvawlee keeyawmet , that is , the state of the day of judgement ; written by a famous Sheyk amongst them , a most ridiculous discourse of the Angel Gabriel . For he writes , that Gabriel hath a thousand six hundred wings , and that he is hairy from head to foot , of a saffron colour , having in his forehead a sun , and upon every hair a star ; and that he dives three hundred and sixty times a day into * Noor dengiz , and ever as he riseth out of the water he shakes himself , and of every drop that falls from him there is an angel made , after the likenesse of Gabriel himself ; who until the end of the world do pray unto God , and praise him , upon their beads ; and these young angels are called Roohawneyoon . Many such dicourses there are in that book : but because they are vain I leave them to the Turks that believe them , especially the common sort , who think that whatsoever is written in their tongue must of necessity be true , and that they are bound to believe it . They hold that in Paradise there is a tree which they call Toobaw , upon whose leaves are written the names of every living man ; so when Gods will is that such , or such a one should die , God shakes off his leaf into * Israels lap , who looks upon it , and reads it , and having seen what Gods pleasure is , he ( after the party hath been dead forty dayes ) sends an angel to carry his soul , according as the leaf shall direct him , either into heaven or hell , for upon his leaf , not only his hour of death is written , but also what shall become of him after he is dead . They say , that Almighty God sent four Pegambers , that is Prophets , into the world , to instruct , govern , and save mankinde , each of them being holy , pure , and undefiled , viz. 1 Moosaw : 2 Dawood : 3 Isaw : 4 Muhammed : and that God sent to every one of them by his angel Gabriel , a book that they themselves being first perfected , might the better know how to instruct the people : to Moses he sent the Tevrat , that is , the Old Law ; to David the Zebur , that is , the Psalms ; to Jesus the Injeel , that is , the Gospel ; and to Mahomet the Kuraw●… , that is , the Alcoran . And that the three first Prophets with their people did fail somewhat in the Laws given them by God : but Mahomet coming last , brought a Law , more true , plain , clear , and sincere , in which all such as believe should obtain the love of God : but they say that all other nations continue still in their errors , and having sucked of their mothers milk , do not embrace the truth . For which obstinacy , and blindnesse , being ( by right ) deprived of all hope of coming to heaven ; they have no other means to recover the same , and to come thither at the day of judgement , but by Mahomets protection , who is the onely intercessor , and mediator unto Almighty God : and standing in the dreadful day of Judgement at the gate of Paradise , he shall be sought unto , and intreated by the other three Prophets to save their people also , and his goodnesse , and clemency shall be such , as to make intercession for them ; so that the good Christians , and the good Jewes , shall by his means obtain everlasting life , with perpetual fruition of sensual delights as aforesaid ; but in a place apart , and inferiour to the Turks , they being beloved of God , and more dear unto him then others ; the women also shall come into heaven , but shall be in a place far inferiour to men , and be lesse glorified . All the Prophets are held in great honor amongst them , and they never name any Prophet , but they say , Aleyhoo selawm , that is health , or salvation be upon him . They call Moses , Musahib Alloh , that is , a Talker with God ; and David Hazrettee Dawood , that is , venerable David , and Jesus Meseeh , Roohullah , and Hazrettee Isaw , that is , Messias , the spirit of God , and Venerable Jesus ; and Mahomet , Resul Alloh , that is , the Messenger of God . When they talk of Christ Jesus , they speak very reverently of him , and confesse that the Jews through envy apprehended him , and falsly , and malitiously condemned him , and led him along to put him to death : but the angels being sent from God , took him away from them in a cloud , and carried him up into Heaven ; at which the Jews being astonished , and extreamly vexed , took one that was there present , and crucified him in his stead ; being unwilling to have it known that Jesus was the Messias , he being in heaven in company of his brethren the Prophets , beloved of God , and serving him , as the other Prophets do . These are the main , and principal foundations of their Religion , upon which they build , and frame the course of this their present temporal life ; and by which they hope to obtain a life everlasting , and happy ; affirmed by their Prophet to be full of the delights , and pleasures of this world , but enjoyed in all perfection , and excellency , in a supernatural , and incorruptible manner . The ministry of their Religion ( or rather their confused Sect ) is as followeth . First they have a * Muftee , that is to say , an expounder , or declarer of Law cases ; who is also amongst them as an Archbishop with us : for he is the Primat over the Church , and must be a man very expert in the Law , and accustomed to do justice , chosen by the Grand Signor himself : the which Muftees charge is , to oversee , and hear all such matters of weight , as are belonging to the Law , or to the Church , in case his inferiours , as * Moola's , Cadees , &c. should fail in the due performance of what belongs to their ●…everal places . And to this end , every Tuesday he must assemble all the chiefest of them which are in town , or at least the greatest part of them , to his own house ; where he disputeth with them for the space of three , or four hours , putting divers cases to them , and taking their answers from them in writing : but by this means he oftentimes entraps many of the Cadees which are in office , especially such as are given to bribery . For when any Plaintiff , or Defendant is assured that the Cadee ( which had the cause before him ) hath wronged any of them ; then the party offended makes his grievance known to the Muftee , who against the next Tuesday frames a case as like unto it as possibly he can , but of another subject , and in other mens names ; so when they are come together he wittily puts forth that amongst the rest , and that being resolved with the rest , he looks upon it ; then he calls that Cadee , which committed the fault , and privately rebukes him for it . The like course is taken by many , which come to the Muftee himself to be resolved of some point in Law ; lest that the Muftee should know either party by naming them , and so lean to what side he pleaseth : but after this manner he cannot easily deceive them . The Muftees chief employment is , to answer all such propositions as are made unto him , upon cases of conscience , and the rites of the Turkish Law . The which answers are in few words , very brief , and they are called Fetfa's ; that is , declarations , or judgements of the Muftee ; with which he may compel , not only the Cadees , and Bashawes to the performance of the contents thereof ; but the Kings own person is also bound to see them executed , and to stand to his decree . For they seek altogether to amplifie this sect of lawyers , in honour of their prophet the Lawmaker ; and the Muftees Authority is so much the more regarded , for that he is upheld very stoutly by the whole order of the Cadees . The Muftee hath his revenue a part in land of about six thousand Sultana's the year ; but being put out of his place , leaving the revenue to his successor , he hath then but a thousand aspars a day , as the Cadeeleschers have when they are in office ; howbeit their uncertainties amount alwayes to a far greater matter . And although this Muftee hath not an absolute rule , and command over the Muftees of other parts of the Kings dominions ; yet by his policie he ever prevails with the Grand Signor , and effecteth whatsoever he undertakes , especially when he hath the Uizir Azem to his friend , who in degree , dignity , and authority is his superiour . Next to the Muftee , there are two Cadeeleschers , that is to say , Judges of the Armies , one of Graecia , and the other of Natolia ; who also being men of the law , and they which alwayes succeed the Muftee , have the oversight of all the other Cadees , and the placing , or the displacing of them is in their power ; which Cadees are justices , and there is one in every city , and town , to do justice , and end controversies between man , and man ; and to punish offenders ; but they are changed every three years , and others put into their places , by the Cadeeleschers , with order from the Grand Signor : which selling of * Cadeelicks is an unspeakable benefit to the said two Cadeeleschers . Amongst these Cadees , they have also their orders ; viz. those of the first rank , and they are called * Moola's , which are alwayes employed in the chiefest cities ; the other are but Cadees , and they get employments as they can , by their good , and upright carriage in their places ; a third sort there is also of this kinde , which are called Naibs , and they serve in small towns , and villages , as Deputies to the former , but in time come to be as high as they . Now the Cadeeleschers keep each of them a Book , wherein are exactly set down the revenues of every particular * Cadeelick both in Graecia , and in Natolia ; so that by their books they know the better how to furnish any place that is void , and at what rates to sell them : none of them being worth , or yielding above five hundred aspars the day ; gratuities , and bribes excepted . This order of Turks only , amongst the rest , hath this large priviledge , which is , that they may not be put to death as other Turks are : so that , if any of them by committing some notorious villany , or offence against the Law , should deserve death , it must then be done , by an expresse and absolute command from the Grand Signor , and that very warily , and secretly ; but this hapneth very seldom , or never . The Muftee , and Cadeeleschers are changed at the Kings pleasure , ( for there is no office among the Turks during life ) howbeit their ordinary continuance is three yeers ; their chief fortune depending wholly in obtaining the grace , and favour of the chief Vizir . All the aforesaid men of the law , viz. the Muftee , the Cadeeleschers , Moola's , and Cadees , wear their Turbants far bigger then any other Turks , and are made up after another fashion , in token that they ought to be reverenced above others : & although their habit be in fashion very like other mens , yet in this there is great difference , which is , that their wearing is commonly Chamblet , and the finest cloth , but no silk , or cloth of gold at all . Then nex to these orders , they have a governour of the Moscheas , or Churches , called the * Mootevelee ; whose chief employment is to look after the revenues of the Church , and after the repairing of the great Moscheas : then Sheichs which are high Priests , and Eemawms , which are Parish Priests , and next to them Muyezins , which are as our Churchclerks , all which are employed in the service of the Church , both in praying , preaching , calling the people to prayer , burying the dead , reading upon the graves of the dead ; and to conclude , all such offices as are any way belonging to the Church , for the edifying of the people . And in every Jawm , or Cathedral Church , there are * Mudereefes which are Readers , that teach Schollers the Common prayers , and instruct them in the service , and duties belonging to the Church , being paid for their pains out of the revenues of the Moscheas . They pray five times a day ordinarily ( aswel in the Moscheas , as in their private houses , or wheresoever they are ) viz. about four of the clock in the morning , which they call Sabaw Namaz , or Temcheet Namaz : at Noon , and that they call Oileh Namaz : between three and four a clock afternoon , which they call Ekinde Namaz : between seven and eight at night , and that they call Acksham Namaz : and at midnight , which they call Ghejeh Namaz : and upon the Fryday ( which is their Sabbath ) six times . For they pray then at nine of the clock in the forenoon also , and that is called Selaw : now upon that day there are more * Muyezins which cry in the Meenares , or steeples , then upon other dayes ; ( for at all those hours instead of bells , the people are called to prayer by the voice of one or two of them standing in the steeples , or turrets , which are of a reasonable height , and joyn to the Moscheas ) by whose voices , and repetition of the * Aazawn , they are stirred up to the praise of God , and Mahomet , and so they prepare themselves for prayer . The condition of them which are to pray , is onely to be corporally clean ; it being altogether unlawful for any Turk to enter into the Moscheas , with an intent to pray , if he finde that he hath any natural pollution , or carnal uncleannesse about him , be it of what condition soever , or of never so small moment ; wherefore , for their cleansing , every one is bound either to wash himself in the Bagno or bath , if it be for carnal commerce , ( until which time he remains * Jenoob ) or for other sorts of uncleanness , or small offences , with cold water : every place , and citie abounding with Baths , both publick , and private ; and every Church-yard with very fair fountains , for the use of the common sort of people ; so that every one must do his * Awb dest before he pray . Now , immediately after every one is cleansed , and come into the Church , the Eemawm begins with a loud voice to pray , sitting before all the company with his face towards the * south east : and the people being placed in orderly ranks with their faces the same way , do altogether imitate him in gesture . For of themselves a great part of them would not else know how to perform that businesse , scarcely one in twenty understanding what the Eemawm sayes . For they pray in an unknown tongue aswel as the Papists do : and their prayers consist chiefly in rising up , falling down , kissing the ground , and sometime sitting still ; one while touching their eyes , sometimes their faces , then stroaking their beards , and anon their heads ; again sometimes looking over the left shoulder , and sometimes over the right ; saying some few words in the praise of God , and Mahomet : the Churches being all the while matted under foot , and in some places there are carpets spread for the better sort of people . The said prayers , according to the hours of prayer are divers , some longer , and some shorter ; none of them being above an hower long , only the Prayer in the evening of the Ramazan , is longer then the other prayers . They pray , as I said , after the Eemawm , who is is their guide , and is much esteemed of , if he have a good voice , as we esteem of our singing men . They also use preaching upon every * Jumaa ghun in the Ramazan : and when they will pray for any good successe in their wars , or curse any * Jelawlee , they then have a custom to go a Procession along the streets by two , and two , but without any lights , or any such things in their hands : and as they go along , they praise the name of God , and read very long prayers which they have for those purposes , the people still crying Amen at the end of every prayer : and then they hold that rebel , or enemie , whosoever he be , to be without all doubt accursed , and themselves prosperous in their enterprizes . In the times of trouble , and affliction , they publish in the most eminent places a convocation of all the chief men , and Ecclesiastical persons in the city ( and of the common people also such as will come , may ) to pray in the fields which are for that use ; ( therein imitating the Jews ) and being all come together ; divers of their * Santons , ( esteemed for their shew of holinesse ) make sermons of exhortation to fortitude , patience , and to the love and fear of God : but if those troubles continue still , they then use the prayers of fourty hours , and of fourty dayes ( for they are so called ) in the chiefest Moscheas built by the Emperors : which prayers are said by a company of Church-men , who are belonging to the said Moscheas , and if all fail , then they fall to sacrificing ; for that is held to be of greatest force to put away evil , and the best thanksgiving for benefits received . All the ceremonies , which they use in the Ramazan , or moneth of fasting , are no other , but to abstain from eating and drinking in the day time . For they have leave to eat all the night long , if they will ( that is , from the Acksham Namaz , which is about seven or eight a clock at night , until the Sabaw Namaz , which is about four a clock in the morning ) and what they please , without any difference of meats . And at twilight they light lamps round about the steeples , which burn till morning ; the Eemawm of every parish taking special notice who is often wanting from Church , ( especially in the evening ) and who drinks wine , or eats in the day time . For besides that they should be held despisers of the law , they should be most severely punished , if they were found in any such fault . I remember , that Nasooh Bashawe being Vizir Azem , and riding through the streets in the moneth Ramazan , espied a Turk that was drunk with wine ; forthwith he caused him to be brought unto him , and without giving him any respite , for the recovery of his lost wits , caused a ladlefull of boyling lead to be poured down his throat , wherewith the wretch perished immediately . The Grand Signor useth in the Ramazan , aswel as in the times of troubles , and afflictions ; ( and so do the Bashawes , and other great men ) to sacrifice divers sorts of beasts , both at the sepulchers of such as have been held for holy and valiant men , and at the Moscheas too , now some do it privately , but the Kings have still command , that their sacrifices be done publickly , and in the open streets , and at the gates of the city ; dividing the flesh of the beasts among the people , yet some part of it is sent to the Bashawes themselves , and to the other grandees of the Port. These sacrifices are used very often . For by that means they think to appease Gods wrath , and regain his love and favour . Those Turks which seem to be professours of Religion , and devotion , and would be accounted * Sofees , do commonly read , as they walk along the streets , and have their beads longer then other men , carrying them in their hands into the Moscheas , and are ever busie with them as they walk up and down the streets , that the world may take notice of their fained zeal : but they passe ( or rather poste ( them over very quickly ; for whereas the Papists say the Pater noster , or an Ave Marie ; they say only two words ; as for example , 1 Subhawn Allah , or 2 Istigfir allah , and sometimes . 3 3. Alloho okber , Many of them go to Mecca , and to Jerusalem on pilgrimage . To Mecca , to visit the temple which they say was built by Abraham , in which Mahomet in the time of idolatry did hide himself ; of whom they affirm , that when he was almost forty years of age , he received the Alcoran from God , by the hand of the angel Gabriel , and that from that time the Mussulmanlick began , that is , the true belief , and shortly after he died , and his sepulcher is visited by all such , as go the said pilgrimage . And when they go to Jerusalem they go not to visit Christs sepulcher . For they say , he did not die : but they go to see the places , which he most frequented , as being a miraculous prophet , who raised the dead to life , healed the sick , gave sight to the blind , and wrought many such wonders , which never any prophet could do but he . They go likewise to the valley of Jehoshaphat ; for they say , that in that place shall be the resurrection at the day of Judgment . Now all such as have gone the said pilgrimage , and return home again to their houses , are ever after called Hagees , that is , pilgrims , and are very much reverenced , and esteemed of all men . There are also divers Turks , who forsaking the world , leave all that they have and go to live , neer to the foresaid vally , for devotion ; and to be nearer to the place of resurrection , supposing thereby to get a great advantage to themselves , above the rest at that day . Many there be likewise , which professe a kinde of living out of the common course , and custome of the world , being clothed wonderfull poorly , and raggedly , with white felt caps on their heads , that beg for their living , and lie in the courts of the Moscheas , and in such like places ; and these are accounted very holy men . For they pray much in the view of the world , and live alwayes ( in outward appearance ) in the love of honesty : preaching this doctrine to the standers by , that it is impossible perfectly to arrive unto , and gain the love of God , but by the ladder of humane love , and innocency ; and for this cause they betake themselves to that course of life , that they may be in charity with al the world , and be accepted of God , and rewarded for it in Heaven ; under which colour of holiness they live at ease , and deceive the world , every one being bountifull unto them . For the poore , simple , and ignorant people do dayly throng about them , receiving their benedictions , for which they give them money . They go many times up and downe the city , from house to house , singing certain prayers for the prosperity of the family ; and seldome , or never go away empty . Besides them , there are also some , who ( like Hermits ) live in rocks , and on the sides of mountaines , and in other solitary places , neglecting the world , conceiving that course of life to excell all other for innocency , and holiness ; to whom also many men , and women do resort , and give money for their prayers , and benedictions . The greatest ceremony ( for pomp , and solemnity ) which is used amongst the T●…rks , is that of circumcising their children ; wherin they greatly differ from the Jews in this one particular . For the Turks never circumcise them , till they be past ten years of age , following the example of Ishmael , whom they imitate ; alledging that Abraham loved him , and not Isaac , and that it was Ishmael whom Abraham would have sacrificed . Until the very day of circumcision , they let a lock of hair grow on the crowne of the head , as long as may be , but afterwards they cut it shorter : and the reason why they must let it grow is , only to shew that they are not as yet circumcised : until which time they are not accounted perfect * Mussulmen , nor may till then pray in the congregation ; they wear the lock broided , and plaited , and hanging downe the middle of their back , over their uppermost coat , that every one may see it . This circumcision is done without the Church , because of the shedding of blood ; all the kindred , and friends being invited unto it , in token of joy , and gladnesse . They use the like ceremony with those , which turne from any other religion , and become Turks ; who , in token that they embrace the religion of Mahomet , do ( before they are circumcised ) hold up their forefinger and say these words , Law illawho illaw Allhah ve Muhammed resul Alla , that is , There is no God , but God alone , and Mahomet is the messenger of God . There are in the cities , and by the high wayes also , in most places of the Grand Signors dominions , for the benefit both of the inhabitants , and travailers , divers * Hawns ( commonly called Canes ) in which wayfaring men do lodge , and refresh themselves , and their horses : there are also Hospitals in Cities , and Colledges for the bringing up of youth , where they may learn to read , and write ; every Moschea built by the Emperors , and all other great Moscheas having large revenues , out of which ( by the will of the founders ) the said Colledges , and Hospitals are maintained . For the Emperours by Canon , should not build any Churches , but in memory of some notable conquest , or memorable enterprise , by which the Church may be provided for : nor Sultana's neither may build , unlesse it be the Queen mother to that Emperor who reigns at that time when she goes about it . For the building of which , they are at infinite charge , dedicating them with great solemnities for the said victory , be it what it will be . When an Emperor builds a Moschea , and that it is almost finished , and the main Cupola , or round roof is to be laid on , to cap , or crown as it were the whole fabrick ; then are invited all the Bashawes , and other great men to come to the solemnity , but every one of them doth send the day before , his present of vests of cloth of gold , velvet , sattin , &c. all which being that day hanged upon cords , on the out-side of the top of the Church , the Grand Signor himself comes thither , and being set under his pavillion in the Church-yard , all the chiefest of them ( to whom he also giveth vests ) kiss his hand one after another : this being ended the Mustee makes a Prayer , and then the Cupola is put on , and this is their consecration ; the said vests , which were hanged up , being afterwards shared amongst the master workmen . The same ceremony is also used among the Turks in building of their houses , at the closing up the roof . For they invite their friends , who either send them vests , or handkerchiefs , and hang them up after the said manner , which also fall to the workmens share ; the guests are feasted for their pains , & that is the warming of the house , as we call it in England . In these Moscheas there are some very costly pieces of work , and exceeding well set forth , and proportioned ; aswel for the largeness , and neatness of those places where the people pray ; as also for the beautifull porches , galleries , and large paved Courts which compasse the said Moscheas , being adorned with very stately pillars , & fountains built all of curious Marble , besides their colledges , and hospitals near unto them , to which ( as I said ) belong very large revenues : insomuch that some of those Moscheas may be compared with the richest Churches in the world . They are built all of wonderful fair stone , with Cupola's covered all over with lead ; the pillars within the churches being either of Porphiry , or some such costly stones , and the basis thereof all whited . Now the pillars in time of prayer shine most gloriously , by reason of the abundance of lamps that are burning : the which lamps are curiously fastned into round iron hoops , in compass as big as the hoop of a butt ; upon which there are divers rounds of lamps one above another , and are let downe by copper chains from the roof of the church : in every Moschea there are three , or four such circles of lamps , or more , according to the bigness of the Church . There are no benches in the Moscheas , nor any thing to sit upon ; only a little place raised from the ground for the priests , and another right over against it ( but somewhat lower ) for the Grand Signor , at such times as he comes to prayer ; all the rest sitting upon the ground , as ordinarily they use to sit in other places : wherefore the pavements ( although they are of very bright , and clean stone ) are covered with very fine mats of Cairo , which are kept wondrous neatly . For besides the Grand Signor no man may come into the Church with his shoes on ; but must leave them at the door , or else give them to their servants to keep . When any one is dangerously sick , and in their iudgements past hope of recovery ; then they send for the * Imawm , who comes , and useth comfortable speeches unto him , and prayeth by him , and the party dying , they wash him all over with water , then having wound him up in his Kefin , or winding sheet , and layed him in a coffin with his face downward , they carry him to his grave with his head formost . Now if the party that is dead be a man , or a manchild , then they set a Tubant upon the coffin ; and if it be a woman , or a girle , then they set a Filian Takya upon the coffin , for distinctions sake ; that is such a cap as the women wear , with a brooch , and feather in it . Again , if the party be a virgin , they oftentimes ( provided they be people of quality ) set garlands , and boughes of Oranges upon the coffin . They are accompanied to the grave by the Church-men , and their own kindred , and many strangers also , which pass by , willingly go along with them ( for they hold it a very meritorious work to see the dead well buried ) but no women at all ; ( yet women may afterwards both weep , and pray upon their graves ) nor do they carry any lights in their hands , or censers , or howle , and cry after them as the Greeks do ; but the * Muyezins sing all along as they go , calling upon the name of God , and their Prophet Mahomet ; and praying for the health of the soul departed : and at their returne there is some kind of course banquet made to the company for their pains . The Tombs of the Emperors most commonly are built upon the ground , close by their graues , and on each grave there stands an empty coffin , covered either with extraordinary fine cloth , or else with velvet ; having Turbants set upon them of the fashion of those which the Emperors themselves did wear , with brooches , and sprigs of feathers in them : and there stand great candlesticks both at the head , and at the feet of the said graves , and two lamps burning continually day and , night . Now these tombs are for the most part built in little chappels close by ( but not adloyning ) to the Moscheas of the said Emperors , there is no great store of workmanship about any of their tombs . For they are of the fashion of a chest , about seven foot long , and about two foot and half broad : either side is cut out with flowers , guilded over , and at each end an Epitaph . Now in these chappels there are Muyezins , and Derveeshes , who by turns continually read in the Alcoran , and pray with their beads , for the glory of the Emperors deceased . The Uizirs , Bashawes , and other great men also ( imitating the Emperors ) do the like , but with less pomp , and charge : and they which have no burying places neare the Moscheas , may make them neare their dwelling houses , and be buried there , or if they please in any other part of the city , provided that the ground whereon they build their tombs be their owne . The common sort are carried out of the city , and buried in the fields , which serve only for that purpose ; having one stone set upright at the one end of their grave , and another at the other end , for a token that one hath been buried there ( for by the law , howsoever it is not strictly observed , they ought not to bury where one hath been buried before ) upon which is graven the name , degree , and countrey , or any thing else that they please of the parties deceased . Besides , if it be the Tomb of a man of quality , they usually set a Turbant cut out in marble upon the head of it : or if a women then a cap of marble , such as the woman , wear . Amongst the Turks there are no Religious houses , or monasteries , unless the * Teckebs of the Meulevees , which are an order of * Derveeshes , that turne round with musick in their Divine Service . The Turks generally are bred up to Arms , and very few can write , or read ; Nay it hath been sometimes seen that a Bashawe , Vizir of the port ( which had not his education in the kings Seraglio ) hath sate to do Justice in the Divan , and hath not known either to write , or read ; but hath beene enforced of necessity to learn to write a few words of course , for the signing of commandments , bills , warrants , and the like . And among the Turks , he that can but read , and write , is held a very learned man , and esteemed of far above others , by the common ignorant people : insomuch that when a crafty fellow hath got a book , which he knows will please their humors ( they altogether delighting in books like P●…lmerind ' Oliva , the Knight of the sun , Amadis de Gaule , and the like ) he forthwith gets him with his book to some * Cahve house , or other , where there is alwayes great resort , and there being set down in the middle of them , he falls to reading ( the people evermore giving credit to whatsoever he sayes ) and so having spent an hour , or two , he takes their benevolences , which is usually more then the price of the book comes to ; such is their delight in hearing a man read fables . As for the women , there is no heed taken , or reckoning made of their religion at all ; therefore I speak of it last , but for modesty sake , I must conceale what the Turkes are not ashamed sometimes to Judge of them . For they never go to Church , so that if they happily have a will to pray at the hours of prayer , they do it in their own houses , using the same preparations as the men do . Nevertheless their honesty , and good carriage is much looked after ; the * Imawms of every parish being bound to harken diligently after their deportment : who if they discover anything that is amiss , must reveal it to their husbands , that they may put them away if they will ; or else to their fathers , or kindred ( if they be unmarried ) that they may take some course for to reform them . And although the women may not be conversant with any other men , then with their husbands , fathers , or brothers , and although they live in lodgings apart , by themselves , out of the sight of men , and go alwayes abroad with their faces covered ; yet many of them being extraordinarily wanton , are very dishonest , & lascivious , who taking the opportunity of their husbands absence , at the wars , or in some long Journey , under colour of going to the Baths , and being covered withall , go whither , and to whom they lust , knowing that the worst of it is to be put away , if so be it should at any time be discovered . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A66798e-730 * The Turkish word is Sarai , borrowed from the Persian word Seraw , which signifieth a house . * That is into the Posphorus which cometh from the Mouth of the Black sea to the point of the Seraglio . The compass The Gates . Chief Gate . * Porters . * Head of the Porters : an office of good credit . Watch house upon wheels . * Of them you shall read more at large hereafter . Kiosks . Chamber of Audience . * A place raised from the floor about a foot to sit upon . Gardens . Cypresse walks . The pleasure that a Turk takes in a garden . Womens lodging . * Sultana , a Ladie , the feminine gender to ●…ultan . * Bathes or hot-houses ; it must be pronounced Banios . Rooms for Officers . The privie Treasury or Wardrope . Door seale Rooms for many othe uses . First Gate . Porch and guard . Great Court . Hospitall with officers . ●…tore-house . * The Grand Signors Deputy . Second gate . Porch and Guard . Second court . * Roe Deer . ‖ Messengers , Pursivants , or Sumners . † The Turkish word is Yeng-itheree , of Yengee new in , for that they are the latest order of souldiers . * The word is Espawhee , which in the Persian signifieth a horse-man . † Court of Justice . Nine Kitchins with their Larders . ‖ Chief Chamberlen . * Aga signifieth Master . Kings stable . Horses furniture . Divan room . Outward Hazineh , or treasury . Gallery . Queens gate and guard of black Eunuchs . Third ( or kings ) gate . Who may enter . * Capee Aga chief Chamberlain . White Eunuchs . Audience Chamber . Another fair Court . Summer rooms . A Hall . A Lake . A little boat in the lake . * Dumb men and jesters . Grand Signors bed-chamber desc●…bed . * Hangings before the doors . Lions of Chystal . A Lantern . Bason and Ewer of gold . Shooting place . Publick Divan described . Bashawes build rooms in the Kings Seraglio . Four Divan dayes . * Chief Vizir . * The true word is Kazeelasker , which signifieth the judge of an Armie . * Defterdars , the Treasurers . So called of the word Def●…er , which signifieth a bill or scroll . Reiskitawb . † The word signifieth a keeper of the Mark . Secretaries and Clerks . Chief over all the Chiaushes . Chiaushes . The manner of Sestion . Lest , the upper hand with the laity : but with the Clergie the right . Cadeleschers places . Defterdars places . Clerksplaces Neeshawngees place . Reisketawbs place . No need of Attorneyes . The power of the Vizir azem . Manner of deciding . * He which governs in the chief Vizirs absence . Caim signifieth firm , or resident , and Mekam a place . Dinner rites . Copper plate * Which they cal Pestimaw Diet. Officers diet . Drink . Under-osficers , underdiet . Giving account to the king . By the Cadeeleschers . By the Defterdars . And by the Vizirs . Reverence to the King . * A commandement from the King , the word signifieth a kingly or royal Paper . Their departure . * Chief Captain or master of the Janizaries . * Admiral . Captain Bashawe . His place . Aga of the Janizaries place . * Captains of the Janizaries . The Kings private and awful window . Ambassadors Audience . * These are horsemen , but of a higher rank then Spahees : the word signifieth set a part , or different . Ambassador entertained at the Divan A thousand crowns allowed for the entertainment . Master of the ceremonies . His admission to the presence . His kissing the kings band . * The true word is Terjuman , which signifieth an interpreter . His departure . Vesting . Recompence All Ambassadors but the Venetian at the Kings charge . * Ten aspers make six pence . One Lord , the rest slaves . * This word signifieth an expeller of princes : but some will have it to come of Pawd and shooh , which is an expeller of injury , or injustice : but amongst the Turks it is used for an Emperor ; and they give the same title to the Emperor of Germanie , calling him Nem●…s Pawdishawh . * This is a Persian word , and signifieth a man of blood , or one which causeth blood ; but used for King . Two thousand within the kings gate . 11 or 1200 〈◊〉 . Virgins . Virgins made Turks , and how . Kahiyah Cadun , the mother of the maids . Their manner of life . Chambers . Beds . Baths . ●…ewing , and chests . Schooling , and mistresses . Recreations . The Kings coming to them . His choice . Preparatives Bed-chamber rites . Reward . Sultana Queen . Her allowance . Other Sultanas . The Queen ●…hanged . Nuptial rite●… The Queen●… joynture . Guard of black Eunuchs . * Kuzlar Agha signifieth , master of the Virgins . * Barges . Canvas-way . The Kings daughters , & sisters &c. Portion chest . Slaves and Eunuchs . * Treasury . * Store . Bill of dowrie . Privatenesse . Visitings●… They are their husbands masters . * A Dagger . Divorce . What becomes of the other women * That is 9. d. or 12. d. a day . Manner of their pay . * That is between 3. and 4. li. ster. a day . Clothes , and jewels : The women servants allowance . * A Pike is 〈◊〉 of a yard . * Their great feast . Byram-gifts . Sultanas presents . Frugality . The daughter preferred before the mother . Jewesse women . Their arts . Their falsedealing . ●…ll successe . Jews , coun●…ellors to great men . Punishment●… of the women by blowes . By expulsion By death . Prevention of lust . * The word signifieth unexpert , or untutored youths . 6. or 700. Agiam oglans . Agiam oglans , are Renegados , or children renouncing the Christian ●…aith . How they are taken . How used & apparelled . Election of the best . Their circumc●…sion . Schooling . The rest how disposed . * Milites emeriti , the word is derived from Otooracks , which signifieth to sit down . Book and pension . Agiam oglans of the Seraglio how used . * Barges . * Heads of the companies of Agiam oglans . Oda Bashaws wages . Government * These and the Oda Bashawes are of equall authority . * Bustangee Bashawes steward . Possibility of preferment . * Barge . Some Turks among them . * True believers . Their rooms Their Diet ; * Buttry , Their sleeping . * A word commmanding absence , and retiring : never u●…ed but for the King . None may see the kings women . The Janizaries are made of Agiam oglans in other Seminaries . Other uses of them . * This word signi●…ieth , youths within : and they are so called , because they are reserved for the service of the Kings person . Itchoglans : Turks hardly admitted . Noble captives . Eun●…chs cruel . Punishments . Their number . Discipline in religion and civility . * Oda signifieth a chamber , or room . First school . First lesson is silence . Second reverence . Third , to w●…e and re●…d , a●…d speak Turkish ; and say the 〈◊〉 prayers by heart . Book , or check-roll . Second ●…hool . ●…ourth , lesson Rh●…rick , Pe●…sian , Arabian , and Tartarian●… tongues . Fifth bodily exercises . Third school Sixth , horsmanship and activity . Seventh , Trades . Meanly clothed whilst they are in the three first schools . Punishments Closenesse . Bed-chambers . Sewing in leather , &c. They take their cognomina from Trades . Tryal of Religion . Fourth School . Preferments . Punishments cease . Neatnesse . Gesture . Wa●…ting . Great Turks Table . Exercises . * A kinde of running at base on hors-back , darting lances one at another . Gifts . Embassages ●…onferred . * Moldavia . Vassal Princes . * Displaced ; or turned out of office . Their going forth of the Seraglio to the chief offices . * Cairo . * Aleppo . * Damascus . * The word signifieth a familiar talker , or discourser . Musahib . A politick course . * Lord of Graecia , or of Natolia . Other office ●…rder in ●…ccession . Presents from great persons whilst they stay . Coming abroad and visitings . Capee Aga visited . The power of the Capee Aga . * Jesters . * Dumb men . Discourse by signes . A further use of them . Mutes strangle men in the Seraglio . Mutes can write . White Eunuchs . Four principal Eunuchs in the Seraglio . The first and chiefest ; the Capee Aga , or chamber-2 . Treasurer of the house . 3. Master of the wardrobe . 4. The keeper of the house . Capee Aghas priviledges . His pension . * About 3. livre. sterl. † They are called Sultanas , beca●…se they are coyned at Constantinople , where the Sultan lives : they are worth about 7. s. 10. d. apieie Presents . The Treasurer . Treasure . * 240. thousand pounds ster. Outward treasury . Houshold treasurers office . Master of the wardrobe Busie imployment . His pension . * 50. s. sterl. at 20 aspars the shilling . Keeper of the Seraglio . His liberty . * 40. s. sterl. Pension . Differing priviledges . 200 Eunuch in the Seraglio . ●…heir gelding . Their education in the four Odas , Imployment . Their advancement . Fidelity . Goods of the de●…eased . * An officer which 〈◊〉 the es●…ates of the dead for the King . The Bezisten a large four-square building , where the best and richest ware●… are bought and sold . No fear of pestilence . Black Eunuchs . Their education . Kuzlar Aga . Their pension . Their names . Negro girles Fromwhence they como . Education . Esteemed most for uglinesse . * The Turks have no other word for a blabber lip then Areb dodack , which ●…gnifieth a Moors lip . Black Eunuchs priviledges . Liberty limited . Employment No white man may come amongst the women . The Physicians visiting the sick women . Strange nicenesse . * P●…tion , or drink , or sirrup . Physick mean . Curing in the old Seraglio . The Kings sons by the Queen . Mothers 〈◊〉 Circumcision solemnity Hojah , or school-master . The Kings daughters . * The word signifieth a Kings son in the Persian tongue . An Eunuch his overseer . Magnesia his residence . His commission . Victual●… and cooks . * Cooks . The Kings kitchin and meals . His sitting at meat . Not carved . His bread . No knife , nor fork . Two spoons . Sirrups . No salt , nor antepast . * A Tart. Bason and Ewer . His diet . * Little pies . * It is an Arabian word , and signifieth drink ; of these Sherbets there are very many sorts . Drinking once . No words at meals according to this saying , Evel tazawm anden kelawm : first victuals and then words . Mutes and jesters . ●…is favour . Dishes , and covers of gold . Yellow Purcelane for the Ramazan or Lent. The remainders of his meat . * Gentlemen wa●…ters . His sporting with his Buffons . The Capee Agas d●…et . * From one to another , or from hand to hand . Diet for the Oda youths . Queen and Sultanas diet Queens service in copper . The King with his women . Snow mixed with sherbet . Eight thousand pound sterl. Comsets and Cheese not used . * Leiger Ambassador . Order . Bread of 3 sorts . Meal from Bursia . Quanty . Constantinople . Volo-wheat . * Storehouses ●…uantity . Pantry allowance . Rice , and pulse from Alexandria . Spice , sugar , and sweet meats . * Tarts . Little Spice consumed . Egyptian fruits . Honey whence . * They call them yo●…f ka signifying flat . * The Turks call them lo●…kma , which signifieth , a bit , or mouthful . * The Turks call it , sak●…z Ada ; that is the mastick island , because the mastick growes there . Oil whence . * Governour , next in degree to a Beglerbegh . Butter from Bogdania , &c * Boild rice . * Storehouses Quantity . No fresh butter . Little milk eaten . Yoghurd . , sower milk . Kaymack . Provision of fle●…h . * So called because the flesh is pressed and made flat . How they use it . Hanged up , and dried . 400 Cowes great with calf spent every year to make Basturma . Other flesh . * Cooks . Fish . Fruits . * Melous . * Which is called yemish bazar , that is , the fruit market . The Kings pocket-money . * Agiam oglans gardiners . The skullery Neatnesse . Losse by pi●…tering . Wood and fuel . * Ships . * An officer of good account , which taketh care for the cities provision : The word signifieth the master of Stanboll . The fashion of the Kings apparel . His bedding . A shash is the whole piece ( be it long or short ) of fine linnen , of which the Turbant is made ; but the name of the stuff ( as we call ours lawn , cambrick , holland , &c. is Telbent : when●…e we ( falsly ) call that which ●…urk wears a Turbant , using the ●…ame of the stuff for the thing made up : whereas the true word is Saruck , and the Turks themselves so call it : it comes from Sarmack which signifieth to winde about , or to swathe . * Night-attire , for the Head . Two torchwomen . * Breeches , from the waste down to the heel . Womens habit . No close-stools , among the men ; but the women ever when they go to the Haman or Bath , carry them along with them . No paper used at the privy . * They also call it Ke●…heh , that is , a Janizaries cap , but Uskuf properly signisieth a hood . Stipends how paid . Every thr●… moneths , Seraglio heirs . Exception . Beyt el mawlgee . His subtil●…y . Hospital . The Kings expenses . * Captains , or Generals . * Daggers . 200000. Sultanas , about 80000 pounds sterl. The Queens expenses . The Vizirs gifts . Mutes howling . Their manner of rowing . His going out by land . Solacks , or bowe-men . Gratulations and gratifications . Petitions - preferred . * The worlds refuge . Proverb . * That is the stable wharf , or gate . The Kings great stable . * Chief master of the horse , the true word is Emeer-Ahor which signifieth Lord of the stable . * Horse-keepers . Other stables Stallion horses . His nags from Walachia . Mules . Publick appearing a●… the Byram . * A Throne . His honour to some . His going to Sancta Sophia . * Divine service . * A present of the nature of a new years gift . Gifts to the Grandees . * Daggers . * Such caps as the women wear . * Girdles . three dayes solemnity . Fire-works , and shews . Presents to the King . From the Bashawes . From the Sultanas . * Feast , * Swings . ●…hristians and Jews seared . * In which time they drink no strong drink at all . Th●…t i●… the 〈◊〉 Byram . Old Seraglio Compasse . Built by Mahomet the second . Who are therein . Woman-overseer . They may marry with the Kings leave . * The Mistres of the maids . Conveniences thereof . Hard state . Jews-women . Seven wives . * Women-slaves . Bashawes sons kept under , if of royal blood . Divorces . What becomes of the 〈◊〉 of the divorced . * To lie wi●…hall . Slaves sold if ba●…ren . Slaves bou●…ht and sold in the market . Manner of selling slaves Restitution if not a virgin . Emeen . No benefit by affinity to the king . Losse by it . Rites of marriage . Who may be witnesses . * Common prayer . * New wine boiled . * Aquavitae . * A drink made of seed , much like new mustard ; and is very heady . ●…meers , false witnesses . False accusations or pretences . * Or Avania . Turks covetous , and dangerous . Force of evidence . Their Religion . 1 He. 2 Arab. God . 3 Turk . God . 4 Truth . 5 High Truth 6 High God . 7 Creator of the world . 8 Pers. God . Resurrection The Trumpet Soor . Se●…sual Paradise . Hell . Fate . The commandment of God . Charms used by the Greeks . Agility in the next life . Transparent Heavens . Gods throne . The Angels . Angel Gabriel . * Sea in Paradise . A Tree in Paradise . * This Israel they say is an angel . Four Prophets , and four Books . 1 Moses . 2 David . 3 Jesus . 4 Mahomet . Old Law . The psalms . The Gospel . The Alcoran Womens heaven . Their opinion of Christ . * Muftee . This word comes from Fetha which signifieth to open in the Arab. tongue . The Muftees charge . * Cadees of the highest rank , the word signifieth Lords . ●…is disputation on the Tue●…day . The use . His power . His revenue . Cadeeleschers . * Cadees places . Cadees , and their orders . * Lords . Naibs . Books . * Cadees place . Priviledge . Their continuan●…e . No office during life . Great Turbants . Their habits . * This word is derived from evel , which signifieth first . She●…chs . Priests and Clerks . Motevelee . Their employment . * This word is derived from Ders , which signifieth a lesson . Readers . Prayers five times a day . Upon fryday six times . * Clerks . Manner of calling to prayer . * The words which the Muyezin useth to say in the steeple . Cleannesse & purifying . * Unclean . * Their washing before they pray is so called . Awb in Persian signifieth water , and Dest the hand . Priest . The manner of their prayers . * Because Mecca is south east of Constantinople , in other places it may be different . Their rule in praying wheresoever they are is to direct their faces to the city Mecca ; and this is called by them Kibla . Prayers in an unknown tongue . Their gestures . Their length * Friday , it signifieth a day of assembling . Preaching . * Rebel . Procession and cursing . Other convocations and prayers . * Holy men , Sermons . Sacrificing . Ramazan ceremonies . Lamps . Priest . Example of severity . Puritans . Beads . 1 God is pure . 2 God defend . 3 God is great . Pilgrimage . Mecca T●…mple . Je●…salem . Valley of Jehosha●…hat . Pilgrims . Circumcision . The lock of Hair . * True Believers . Canes . Hospitals & Colledges . Limited . A ceremony at the finishing a Moschea . Moscheas . Magnificence . Lamps . No seats . Mattes . Sicknesse . * Priest . Manner of burying . Garlands , and boughs of oranges . Women go not to burialls . No Lights . * Clerks . Tombs of the Emperors . Common tombs . * Colledges * holy men professing innocency . * Houses Where drink Cahve . Womens Religion . Women go not to church * Priests . 
A60582	----	Remarks upon the manners, religion and government of the Turks together with a survey of the seven churches of Asia, as they now lye in their ruines, and a brief description of Constantinople / by Tho. Smith ... Epistolae duae. English Smith, Thomas, 1638-1710. 1678 Approx. 383 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 176 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A60582 Wing S4246 ESTC R4103 12085078 ocm 12085078 53701 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A60582) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 53701) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 580:13) Remarks upon the manners, religion and government of the Turks together with a survey of the seven churches of Asia, as they now lye in their ruines, and a brief description of Constantinople / by Tho. Smith ... Epistolae duae. English Smith, Thomas, 1638-1710. [15], 328 [i.e. 326], [10] p. Printed for Moses Pitt ..., London : 1678. Errata: prelim. p. [15]. Advertisement: p. [1]-[10] at end. Marginal notes. Translation of the author's Epistolae duae, London, 1672. Reproduction of original in Union Theological Seminary Library, New York. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Istanbul (Turkey) -- Description and travel. 2005-04 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-04 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-05 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2005-05 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion ●●primatur , 〈…〉 ane , R. P. D. Hen. Epis . 〈…〉 a Sacris Dom. ●●●7 . REMARKS Upon the MANNERS , RELIGION And GOVERNMENT Of the TURKS . Together with A Survey of the SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA , As they now lye in their Ruines : AND A Brief Description of CONSTANTINOPLE . By Tho. Smith , B. D. and Fellow of St. Mary Magdalen College Oxon. London , Printed for Moses Pitt , at the Angel in St. Pauls Church-yard , M. DC.LXX.VIII . TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE , Sir Joseph Williamson KNIGHT , ONE OF HIS MAJESTIES Principal Secretaries of STATE , AND Of his most Honourable PRIVY COUNCIL : These Observations of Travels in Turkey are humbly presented by the AUTHOR , His HONOVRS CHAPLAIN . TO THE READER . IT had been a matter of no great difficulty to have presented you , instead of this short Essay , with a large Volume , if I had either affected or designed , when I first took my pen in hand , to have written a full history of the Religion , Manners and Government of the Turks , or had tho●ght fit to have stuffed these M●moires with accompts of things trivial and common , which have been said too often already and which are to be met with in every little Relation . But I was not in the least tempted to such a piece of vanity and ostentation : and indeed I thought it very much beneath ●ne to do this ; especially when I reflected I was writing Letters to an Excellent Person , who by his studies and travels , and many honourable employments both at home and in forrain parts had acquired a perfect knowledge of the state of affairs , not only of Christendom , but also of all other remoter Countries ; and who deserved to be treated with greater respect and ceremony , by me especially , that owe the opportunity I gained of travelling into the Levant to his most obliging and effectual recommendation . So that brevity was my choice , and I was oftentimes more sollicitous and concerned to consider what not then what to write . That I have done what I proposed to my self , and have made good my pretensions , neither my fears nor my modesty will permit me to be over-confident : But I have this , I will not say to justifie , but to excuse at least my presumption and forwardness , that if I had known these things to have been satisfactorily accompted for by others , I should not have troubled either my self or you . These accompts , which upon my return home to Oxon I published there in Latine , I am in a manner necessitated to translate into English , tho with some few enlargements , to prevent the doing of it by another , which I had just reason to apprehend . For a worthy person , who has often condescended to this kind of drudgery for the publick benefit , was so just and civil , as to ask my leave to do it ; which I did not think fit to grant : but whether for the better or the worse I must not say . If the thread of a Church-man be perceived to run through the whole Relation , I hope this will be so far from being a just exception or prejudice to it , that it may gain some little credit and reputation with you upon that accompt ; if not the performance , the design at least , I easily perswade my self will not be disallowed . It is not only to gratifie your curiosity , but to serve you in better and nobler ends ; whereof this is the chiefest , that being more and more convinced by such kind of relations , of the brutish ignorance and horrid barbarousness of the Turks , and of the dotages and follies of their worship , you may the more thankfully and seriously reflect upon that most blessed and merciful providence , which has cast your lot in Christendom , and in a Countrey especially , where the Christian Doctrine is profest in its primitive purity and integrity , and where civility and learning , and all ingenuous Arts flourish , and are in their heigth and perfection . The accompt of my voyage to the Churches of Asia , all but the begining and end , I wrote in Smyrna out of my Diary , for the satisfaction of my fellow-travellers , who were pleased to demand Copies of me . And I hope what I have done in this kind will not in the least hinder any of those worthy and ingenious persons , who have made the same tour before or since , from publishing their Journals : this argument being capable of continual enlargements , especially in the matter of Inscriptions . This would be of very great advantage to learning , of which there cannot possibly be a greater proof than in those marbles which were brought out of Greece , and the lesser Asia at the expence of that great man , Thomas Earl of Arundel , and which by the most generous favour of the illustrious , Henry Earl of Norwich and Earl Marshal , now serve to adorn the area about the Theater at Oxon : and especially the Parian marble , which contains the most famous Epochas of the ancient Greeks , by the help of which many difficulties in History and Chronology have been cleared ; as Mr. Selden , Mr. Lydiat , the right Reverend and most profoundly learned , the present Lord Bishop of Chester , the most accomplisht Sir John Marsham , and Mr. Prideaux , the learned Publisher of the Marmora Oxoniensia have shewn in several instances . And of what great use several other inscriptions are , for the adjusting and settling the accompts of time , and rectifying the Fasti Consulares , will better appear , when the Reverend and most judiciously learned Doctor William Lloyd Dean of Bangor shall think fit to publish those things of this kind , which he has been pleased to shew me in his Collections . An incredible number of marbles still remain behind in those parts , and others are continually dug up , ( the erecting of these having been formerly the pride and gallantry of the Greeks ) and what might be purchased upon no very hard terms , if some excellent persons would be at the expence of enriching their Countrey with the spoils of the East . I have often lamented the misfortune , which drove me from Hierapolis after the short stay of two or three hours , where I believe I could have employed my self for a week or fortnight to very good purpose : and that neither my necessary attendance npon the Ambassador and the Nation , nor my small stock of money afterward , when I was at liberty , would permit me to travel to Nice , Nicomedia , Ancyra , Iconium , and several other places , where I heard were numerous and famous ruines ; but especially to Monte Santo , as they call Mount Athos , to look after Greek Manuscripts . But I hope other Travellers will be more fortunate , and better encouraged than I have been , and will one day make the world happy with their discoveries , and receive the reward of their generous adventures and undertakings , when God shall restore them to their native Countrey . Lastly , I have added a short description of Constantinople , which I readily acknowledge to be far from accurate and perfect , not designing in the least , when I was upon the place , to have done any such thing ; and therefore I contented my self only to put down some short notices to relieve my memory . I soon was made sensible , by passing up and down the streets of that great City , that the scite and sceleton , if I may use the word , of the ancient buildings only remains , the beauty and glory of them being lost , since the Turks became Masters of it : And as when I was at the Churches ( an idea of which they may easily have , who have seen the Abbey of Glastenbury or Thetford , or will but call to mind the deplorable ruines of London after the dismal fire ) so when I considered the present state and condition of Constantinople , I was oftentimes perplext and in doubt , whether I was more to admire the piety and munificence of those , who raised such stately and glorious structures , or the brutishness and barbarousness of those , who pulled them down . But I soon laid my hand upon my mouth , when I further considered , that sacriledge had done the like to several goodly houses of Religion and Learning in Christendom , and that it was wholly owing to the miraculous providence of God , who laid a restraint upon the mad and impious zeal of some of the prevailing faction in the late times of usurpation , ( when the revenue of the Church became a prey to their covetousness ) that the Cathedrals , which are the wonder of all ingenious forrainers , and one of the standing glorys of England , had not been laid wast and levelled with the ground , and turned into confused heaps of stone and rubbish , like Ephesus or Laodecea . A reflexion upon which sad times should make us detest those seditious and fanatical principles , which if they should once prevail , and be received as good Christian Doctrine , as they were most unhappily not many years since , we have just reason to fear they would bring as great desolations along with them as any that are now in Turkey . T. S. Stanhop-house , All Saints day . 1677. ERRATA . PAge 1. line 14. for hath , read have , p. 5 l. 16. r. do , p. 7. l. 7. r. estates , p. 13. l. 25. r. the mysteries of the Christian Religion , p. 17. l. 14. r. Omar , sp . 18. l. 2. r. taken , l. 13. for that , read as , p. 27. l. 17. r. and which , p. 32. l. 26. r. on , p. 30. l. 10. r. the Emp●e , p. 13. l. 17. 22. r. were , p. 36. l. 8. dele out , p. 45. l. 19. r. in the afternoon , though not constantly , p. 50. l. 20. r. how far , p. 75. l. 24. r. on which , p. 80. l. 5. for some , read several , p. 71. l. r. convenience , p. 77. l. 24. as it is , p. 86. l. 15. Rum-ili ▪ p. 105. l. 4. provision made for them , and water , p. 119. l. 19. fear , p. 123. l. 18. the first , p. 131. l. 21. ( as well as at Buda and Bagdat ) p. 137. l. 20. for but , read as , p. 149. l. 15. for sorts , read arts , p. 165. l. 19. of , p. 167. l. 25. dele his , p. 190. l. 4. such a , p. 196. l. 17. heard , p. 203. l. 20. upon hearing , p. 243. l. 15. l. 19. I found , p. 247. l. 13. turn , p. 248. l. 7. . , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , p. 181. l. 2. read past , p. 301. l. 14. nor , p. 302. l. 22. jetting . p. 281. l. 2. past , p. 318. l. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , p. 320. l. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , p. 321. l. 15. a long time since . REMARKS upon the MANNERS , RELIGION , and GOVERNMENT of the TURKS . THE Turks are justly branded with the character of a Barbarous Nation ; which censure does not relate either to the cruelty and severity of their punishments , which their natural fierceness , not otherwise to be restrain'd , renders necessary and essential to their Government ; or to want of Discipline , for that in most things is very exact , and agreeable to the Laws and Rules of Polity , which Custom and Experience hath established as the grand support of their Empire ; or to want of civil Behaviour among themselves , for none can outwardly be more respectful and submissive , especially to their Superiors , in whose power it is to do them a mischief , the fear of which makes them guilty of most base compliances : But to the intolerable Pride and Scorn wherewith they treat all the World besides . Their Temper and Genius , the Constitution of their Government , and the Principles of their Education enclining them to War , where Valour and Merit are sure to be encouraged , and have their due reward ; They have neither leisure nor inclination to entertain the studies of Learning or the Civil Arts , which take off the roughness and wildness of nature , and render men more agreeable in their conversation . And though they are forced to commend and admire the ingenuity of the Western Christians , when they see any Mathematical Instrument , curious Pictures , Map , or Sea-Charts , or open the Leaves of any Printed Book , or the like ; yet they look upon all this as a curiosity , that not only may be spared , but what ought to be carefully avoided , and kept out of their Empire , as tending to soften mens minds , and render them less fit for Arms , which they look upon as the best and truest end of life , to enlarge their Greatness and their Conquests . But it is not so much their want of true and ingenuous Learning , which makes them thus intractable and rude to Strangers , as a rooted and inveterate prejudice against , and hatred of all others who are of a different Religion . It is not to be expected , that where this principle prevails , and is look'd upon as a piece of Religion and Duty , they who embrace it should be guilty of any act of kindness and humanity ; except when they are bribed to it with hope of reward and gain , or forced to it by the necessities of state , or wrought upon more powerfully , as it were against their wills by the resentments of some favours and kindnesses receiv'd , which may happen now and then in some of better natures and more generous tempers . How mean and contemptible thoughts and opinions soever we have of any , yet common humanity obligeth us to restrain and keep them in from breaking out in scurrilous and reproachful language , especially when there is no provocation ; but the rude malice of the Turks scorns to submit to these general rules of civility , who are so far from being sensible of the indecency of it , that they triumph and glory in it , as if it were not only an act of bravery and gallantry , but a just proof of their zeal , and most becoming and worthy a Musulman . This hatred they are very careful to instil into their Children from their very infancy , as a most necessary part of their Education , next to the belief of one God , and of Mahomed his Apostle and Messenger . I must profess , it raised my wonder oftentimes to see little Boys , whose tender age seemed no way capable of such resentments , upon the sight of Franks ( for by that general name they most confusedly call the Western Christians ) passing by , to leave their sport and play , and with great vehemency of passion , and with a fury above that of Children , exclaim upon them , and not satisfied with this , throw stones at them , with a most strange and serious concern , upbraiding them with their infidelity , as if they had learned nothing else from their Parents . This is the general civility of the Turks , who vouchsafe us no other title when they speak of us in their ordinary discourse , when they seem most calm and mild , when their zeal and malice does not boil over in fury and madness , then that of Gaour , or Infidel ; and to disgrace and deride us the more , they usually preface it with some obscene words , which are now grown a common mode of speech among them , and so frequent in their mouths , that upon any the slightest accident that crosseth them , if a stone that lies in their way does offend them , if their Horses are unruly or do but stumble , if their Buffaloes and Asses trip or stand still , they vent their passion and displeasure in the same beastly language . When their passion swels and rages , and prompts them to shew a higher degree of contempt and hatred of us , then bre Domuz , you Hog , is the word ; ( the very mention of which adds to their disorder , and gives their blood a new fermentation ) ranking us with those impure Creatures , which they account so execrable , ( as if we were equally impure ) , and from whose sight and touch when they are alive , and no less from the taste of their flesh , they so carefully and religiously abstain . We are not yet arrived at the height of their rudeness and barbarity ; this is not the worst reproach and abuse they put upon us ; it is not enough they think to compare and rank us with Beasts , unless they pronounce us Devils too ; and maintain with great noise and confidence , that we stink in the Nostrils of God Almighty . In Cities , and places of Trade , where Merchants reside , there is provision made by capitulations and articles , accorded by the Grand Signor to their respective Soveraigns , for the security of their persons and estate , which interest alone makes them submit to . For as dull and as heavy as they are , they are mighty sensible of the benefit and advantage they receive by foreign Trade . They themselves not caring to traffick out of their own Empire , either out of a principle of pride , as if there were more of state in it , that all sorts of Merchandises are brought to their doors , without their seeking or fetching ; or of laziness and fear , not willing nor daring to undergo the hazards and fatigues of Sea-voyages ; or for want of skill in the art of Navigation , in which they are very blockheads and bunglers , confessing , that God has given both the knowledg and command of the waters to the Christians ; all which added to the natural dread and aversion they have of the Sea , make them content themselves for the most part with the Trade of the Black-Sea , sailing for the most part terra terra , or of Alexandria , the great Scale and Port of Caire , and the other parts of Egypt which lye toward the Mediterranean ; though oftentimes molested in the one by the Cossacks , who in times of war come down the Borysthenes with their Fleet of Boats , and thence coast all along to the very mouth of the Bosphorus , as by the Malteses in the other . And I am induced to believe , by arguments of very great probability , that if the Trade of Christendom were wholly interrupted by wars , and the Silk-trade particularly diverted and turned out of the Dominions of the Turk , either by the way of the Caspian Sea , or which would be more feisible , by lading it at Gombroon , and so joined to the Indian Trade , ( both which projects were mightily approved of by Abbas that victorious King of Persia , and great enemy of the Turks ) , to avert so great a mischief , they would quickly vail their Turbants , and descend from their high terms , and quit their disdainful and proud thoughts , as if the Christians could not live without their friendship , and submit to more advantageous conditions of peace and commerce . But notwithstanding these priviledges , and the superaddition of the Law of Nations to that of common nature and humanity , as if their tongues lay not under the restraint of an Edict , and Religion gave them a licence to be rude , they do not abstain oftentimes from reviling Ambassadors themselves , as they pass along the Streets , with their Nation and their Retinue to their Audidience , though the Janisaries who are their Guards and in their pay , are concern'd and think fit to discountenance and chastise such an insolence . Here is not indulged the liberty of Christendom , of running up and down the Streets and by-Lanes of Constantinople , and being too curious ; for besides the affronts that are every-where to be met with , there is danger of being thrust into some private House , and after some days or weeks sent over to Asia , or ship'd for Tartary ; and though examples of such violent seizures are but few , yet custom grounded upon such like fears , makes it necessary to have the company and attendance of a Souldier , which is necessary to desend one from the open assaults of Turks , either spirited with Wine and Rackee , or with the zeal they have brought with them from Mecca , ( for these religious Pilgrims , who have visited the Tomb of their Prophet , are very fierce ) who will draw their Knives and Ponyards ; and whatever the design be , whether only to affright , and to shew what they would do , if their Emperor had not forbid it ; yet in such a scuffle the accident may prove very dangerous and fatal too , and only this way is to be provided against . Their prejudices lying so deep as not easily to be removed , a Christian who is not a Slave as the Greeks and Armenians are , who seem to be below their hate and scorn , will be liable to continual affronts , which he must put up and digest with a patience becoming his Religion and his prudence , and not seem much concerned , but be deaf rather to the noise and ill language . However , if curiosity carries one twenty or thirty miles into the Country , the danger is really great and certain , ( for it is usual to seize upon straglers , if they meet them in the Fields and Woods separated from their company , where there is such great probability of securing their prey , and of their being undiscovered ) , unless he throws off his Christian Habit , and puts himself into that of the Country , and goes armed and well attended . In places where Christians seldom appear , they are had in greater horror and execration ; and if they meet with any civility , it is for the sake of the Janizaries who accompany them , whom they are afraid to displease ; though sometimes the ill humour will break forth into such obstinacy and peevishness , that the Janizaries themselves shall sare the worse for the Christians , whom they wait upon . I remember , when I was at Sardes , not caring to lodg in the Caravanserai with our Horses , we employed our Janizaries to procure us a Lodging for a night or two in any Turkish Cottage , which the barbarous people would not give way to , ( though they had the assurance of a gratification above what so slight a courtesie could possibly merit ) as soon as they understood we were Christians ; but rejected the overture with a great deal of indignation and scorn , saying , that they would upon no condition or reward suffer their Houses to be defiled by Infidels . This opinion they generally bear of Christians ; but they entertain a far worse of the Jews ; and herein they think they mightily oblige us , and would have it taken not only as an argument of their justice , but of their good will , that they prefer the Christians , whose valor they have so often experimented to their great cost , before them whom I found by just and frequent observation they esteem as the basest and most contemptible people upon the face of the Earth , and as a company of pitiful and low-spirited wretches , who dare do nothing that is generous and brave , and worthy of men . It is usual with them to say , 't is matter of great wonder to them , that the Christians who pretend to so much wit and understanding , should believe the just and great God should give up a Prophet so famous for the holiness of life and miracles as was their Messiah ( for this character they acknowledg as most due to our B. Saviour ) into the hands of so vile a Nation as the Jews , to be crucified ; and therefore in compliance with their gross conceptions , which are no way capable of understanding the Christian Religion , they imagine , that Christ escaped out of their hands , and was assumed privately into Heaven , and another very like him in stature and shape , and the other signatures of his body , substituted in his room , upon whom they executed their utmost malice and fury in putting him to so ignominious a death . They call them generally by the name Gephut ; which word is corrupted from the Arabick , and though originally it might denote nothing but the name of that people , yet now they use it in a most disgraceful and ignominious sense , as if there could not possibly be a greater disgrace or reproach than the bare title of a Jew ; tho sometimes for merriment sake , and to shew their scorn , they usually prefix some opprobrious term or other , to make them more contemptible and ridiculous . But when they grow a little more serious , and recollect themselves somewhat , and change their scorn into anger , they will upbraid them with their obstinacy and insidelity in rejecting and disbelieving the holy Prophets sent by God , and particularly our B. Saviour , whom they place next their false Prophet Mahomet . The Jews are very obnoxious to the insolencies of the Janizaries , who oftentimes to make themselves merry , throw and kick them to the ground , and pull them by the Noses and by the Ears . Against which they dare not so much as open their lips , for fear the sport should by the least ill word be turned into fury and madness . And very often , to do them the more dishonour , when any Criminal has received the sentence of death , they presently hurry him away , and make the first Jew , rich or poor , they can light upon , walk with the Rope in his hand , tyed about the neck of the other , till they come to the next Tree out of Town , and then hang him . It is a great mistake to think , that the Turks admit them into their Divans , or publick Councils , as if they were privy to any of their designs they have upon Christendom , or valued their information , or thought they could reveal the secrets of Government used among the Christian Princes . Their pride will not suffer them to stoop so low ; and the policy of the Jews in such like affairs , is far less than their malice and ill-will ; and their wit and cunning is shew'n and exercised better about Merchandise , and Brocage , and Usury , wherein they do great service to the Turks , who are pitiful Accomptants ; and are employed by them in collecting their Customs , and the making even their accounts , as knowing that their Talent lies this way , and that they are crafty and subtil in making bargains , and understand money matters very well , there being no Basha , or scarce any of fashion , who has a numerous Family , but retains a Jew with him or about him , whose only business is to look to the expences of the House , and buy all things necessary , as Cloaths , Provisions , and such like . Above all they retain an immortal hatred of the Persians , though they are their Brother Mahometans , and pay a like respect and reverence to the Alcoran , and embrace the dotages , and follies , and impostures of it , with the same concern of zeal . The original and fundamental difference is about the Succession , which the Persians contend to belong to Ali , not only in right of his Wife Phatima , who was Daughter of Mahomet ; and by the last Will of Mahomet himself , whose Favourite he was ; but also upon the account of his Valour , and other personal excellencies . Agreeable to this opinion they have of Him and his Title , they exclaim upon Abu Beker , Osman , and Omer , who were successively Chiefs of the new Religion , as meer Usurpers , and as Corrupters of the holy Text ; they are one great argument and subject of the raillery of the Persian Poets , who make odd and ridiculous representations of them ; whereas the Turks look upon them with all possible veneration , esteem them not only as the ornaments , but as the props and supports of the Musulman faith , and their memories are so sacred among them , that their names are usually inscribed upon the inside of their greater Moschs , as I have often took notice of . This difference is heightned by different interpretations of some ambiguous Texts in their Law , and by the introduction of different Rites and Ceremonies in their Religious Worship , each fiercely accusing the other of perverting the mind of their Prophet , and of innovation . Their disputes and grudges , and mutual censures and recriminations have some ages since broke out into such quarrels and feuds , that seem no way likely ever to be peiced up and reconciled . If any discourse happen concerning the Religion of Persia , the zeal wherewith the Turks are presently set on fire , does furnish them with sufficient arguments of reproach . A Persian , they will tell you , is a desertor of the true faith , and an Apostate ; an Heretick , who follows his own fancy , and rejects the establisht and ancient Ceremonies of Religion ; is altogether impure , as neglectful of those washings , which their Prophet requires as necessary preparations to prayer ; one who does not know how to say his prayers as he ought , void of all sense of the true Religion ; lastly , a very Infidel , kizel bash Gaour , the Infidel with the red head , alluding to the Turbants or Shashes they wind about their heads , which are usually of that colour ; whereas the colour the Turks most affect is white , except the kinred and posterity of Mahomet , whose special priviledge alone it is to wear green , a colour they pretend he most delighted in , and used to go in when he was old ; his name is writ with that colour in the Alcoran . However this animosity might begin upon a Religious account , yet it is mightily supported by interest , and managed with a great deal of dexterity and cunning by the Turks , who cherish these evil opinions and prejudices in the minds of the people and Souldiers , especially against both Christian and Persian , the two extremes of their Empire confining upon their Territories , and so easily either find or take frequent occasion to quarrel and war with both . By these arts they work upon the minds of the Souldiers to a greater willingness of undergoing the hardships of war. With this politick Engine they thrust them upon any design , though never so unlikely or desperate . For who is so cowardly and faint-hearted , or so much in love with life , as not to venture the loss of it in the cause of Religion , when the true Faith either is in danger , or is to be propagated ; when they take up Arms to chastize and punish Hereticks and Apostates ; when they fight for God , and the advancement of his cause against the profest Enemies of it ? This perswasion inspires them with desperate and brutish valour , when they turn their faces upon Christendom ; as I shall have occasion to shew hereafter . And the same argument they use as successfully , when reason of State or ambition oblige them to make a War in Asia ; a famous instance of which we have in the taking of Bagdat , in the year of Christ 1638 , by that warlike Emperor Morat , who was present there in person , and not long after died of excessive drinking of Wine , to the great joy of Poland , which he threatned to invade with his well-disciplin'd Troops , full flesh'd with blood , enraged to revenge the affront and disgrace of his Brother Osman . For as soon as an expedition into Persia was resolv'd upon , and determin'd in the Seraglio , the Church-men had orders to sound the alarum in their Pulpits , for the better animating and encouraging the Janizaries , who otherwise would have had no very great mind to it . And they performed their part mighty well by their popular and furious preachments , telling them over and over , that the Persians had made a defection from the true Faith ; that they had perverted the sense of the Divine Law , by their wicked and false interpretations and glosses ; and how highly they would deserve of the great God of Heaven and Earth , of Mahomet his Prophet and Apostle , and of the whole Musulman Religion , if they would fight stoutly . Every Mosch rung with zealous exhortations to fight for the cause of God , and the Souldiers longed to be at it before the time . And to keep firm their good resolutions , the Mufti , whose sentence and determination they revere as most sacred and binding , and little less than infallible , having orders from Court so to do , sends forth his Brief all the Empire over , ( a Copy of which in the original language I have laid up in that great Repository of all curious as well as useful and necessary Learning , the most famous Bodleian Library at Oxon ) wherein he thunders upon the heads of the poor Persians , charging them with Apostacy . He makes them guilty of damnable Heresies and Errors , which he endeavours to shew in several branches and particularities ; he solemnly pronounces them accursed of God , and not worthy to live upon Earth , assures them that it is a meritorious work , and what will be rewarded in Paradise , to root them out , and more meritorious than if they destroyed the Christians ; and not contented with this peremptory sentence , as bloody and cruel as it is , but as if it were too mild , he condemns them to the pit of Hell , and very devoutly prays God , that there they may serve for Asses , and be condemned to the drudgery of carrying the Jews upon their backs , not being able to wish them a more vile or more disgraceful employment . Thus extreme violent and deadly is their hatred of Sects ; and I would to God the false Religion of Mahomet only afforded instances of it . This contempt and disesteem of all others is the natural result of the over-weening conceit and false valuation they have of themselves ; they proudly stile their Port the Refuge of the World ; and fancy the glory and majesty of the Roman and Greek Empire to be devolved upon them by a most just right ; and that other Princes stand in awe of them , and are no better than Tributaries , and do them homage , because they judg it their interest to send their Ambassadors and Ministers to reside among them ; custom that had its beginning from the too forward compliance and condescension of those who courted the favour of the Grand Signor , this way passing into right , that no Ambassador can in the least assure himself of a civil reception , except he bring his presents along with him , upon his arrival at the Imperial City . The chief ground of this their arrogance is a mighty confidence and persuasion , that they are the chosen of God , to whom he has revealed his Will and his Law by Mahomet the Seal of the Prophets , as they stile him ; that they are in the right way which leads to Paradise , while others wander in by-paths of error , and consequently are the only true Believers ( for so Musulman signifies ) which is become the general name , by which they distinguish themselves as Mahometans , of such a particular denomination from all other Religions in the world . They are ashamed of their Scythian original ; it does not comport with their present grandeur , to look back and remember what poor vagabond lives their Ancestors lead upon Mount Imaus , how they wander'd to and fro with their Goats and Kids , and how not being able or willing to support their poverty by their labour and industry , they betook themselves to the more gainful trade of spoil and robbery . For the old name of Turk is altogether laid aside and despised by them , as ominous and of an evil sound , as if an alteration of condition had made them quite another Nation , and they seem desirous to forget it , and therefore never mention it themselves , and take it amiss and are very angry and look upon it as an affront , if any Christian call them by it . Such as depend immediately on the Emperor , and are enrolled in his service , and receive his pay , for distinction and for honour assume to themselves the title of Osmanli , out of respect to the name and memory of Osman , to whose valour and prudence they owe the first beginning of their Empire ; and to shew their duty to the Ottoman Family , whose Slaves they glory themselves to be ; but the name of Musulman , which Religion bestows on them , and equally respects all , is that they are most pleased with , and desire chiefly to be known by . They say , as well as the Jews , we have Abraham to our Father ; all the Prophets are theirs , Moses , Samuel , David , and the rest . A Jew thinking to put a trick upon a very zealous but ignorant Turk , who was discoursing upon this argument , told him , that they had one Prophet however peculiar to them , which they could not pretend to or challenge in the least , naming the Prophet Habakkuk ; to which the other could not tell what to reply , having never heard of him , till having recourse to his Imaum , or Parish-Priest , and understanding from him , that Habakkuk was a good Musulman , he finds him out , and beats him soundly for daring to go about to rob them of one of their greatest Prophets . In this they triumph and applaud themselves ; this is the continual subject of their most solemn thanksgivings to God , that he has made them Musulmans , in such like form as this , which I have met with , Praised be God who has made us to be of the stock of Abraham , and of the seed of Ishmael , and hath given to us an holy Religion , and a House to which all Strangers resort , and has appointed us to be Judges over men . In a Religion , which is made up of folly and imposture and gross absurdities , which abstracting from the common and fundamental principles and notices of Natural Religion , has nothing in it to recommend it self to the choice and acceptance of any sober and wise man , no subtil , no grave discourses of learning or reason , not so much as an argument , that looks like probable , is to be expected for the defence of it . Their strength lies more in attacking other Religions , than establishing their own . What they commonly object against the Christian , argues a stupidity only befitting Turks , as being the result of a gross fancy , that entertains no other idea's of things than what are derived from material and sensible objects . With their foolish and idle imaginations the great mysteries of our Religion can no way suit ; concerning which they ask blasphemous and most shameful questions , and they think this a sufficient confutation ; though it must be sadly confessed , that for the sake of some novel Doctrines , and especially that of Transubstantiation , which interest and a misapplied zeal and a superstitious fancy have brought into the Church , they loath and abhor the very name of Christianity , for this reason , because they think they cannot be Christians but upon the hard and impossible condition of first disbelieving their very senses . The liberty their Religion allows in gratifying the corrupt inclinations of nature , is so far from being a bar and a prejudice to it , that it sets it the more closely upon their minds ; the doctrine of it being so agreeable to the example of their Prophet , who was of a hot lustful temper , and pleased himself with variety of women . By this with an equal cunning he both justified his own practice and drew in such great numbers of men , of as bad a temper and complexion as himself , to embrace a Religion so charming and so pleasing to flesh and blood , which proposed the grossest satisfactions of sense in Paradise as the reward of their belief . And least virtue and modesty should make opposition against this brutish licentiousness and sensuality , as well as reason and discretion dislike and find fault with the gross follies of it , he takes his Sword into his hand , and strangely infatuated with Enthusiasm , to which a distemper of body inclin'd him , ( for that he first cheated himself , seems to me as plain as a demonstration ) and mistaking the dreams of folly for Divine inspirations , pretends God having tried several ways , which the obstinacy and wickedness of men had render'd ineffectual , was resolved at last upon this , and bring men over to the true Faith by violence and force of Arms , whom tenderness and mildness could not move and work upon . This was his chief warrant ( for he pretended but little to Miracles , and those few he is said to do are very idle and frivolous ) taking advantage of the distractions of the time he lived in , and of the horrid ignorance of his Countrymen of Arabia , which fitted them for any new impression , when Religion was broken into so many Sects and Parties , and a horrid dissoluteness and corruption of manners had overspread their Empire . This is the ground of their confidence ; the whole stress of their arguments lies in their Scymitars ; their Religion , they will tell you , cannot but be true , which has extended it self so far , and has been blest with so mighty success ; that God himself has clearly decided it in their favour , as being his Champions , and the propagators of his truth and worship against the Infidels ; witness those triumphs and victories they have gained over the Christians , the Empires and Kingdoms they have subdued by their all-conquering and irresistible Arms ; what are all these , say they , but full and satisfactory proofs and demonstrations , that Mahomet was sent by God , and that particularly they ( Turks ) are his true followers , who have so great a share and part of the world ; as if the Sophi and Mogul had little or nothing , and that there was no such Empire as that of China , and America they hear the Franks talk of lay out of this world ; and as if all Christendom , though brancht into so many distinct Monarchies and Governments , was but a little scantling in comparison of their Empire , which by degrees has encreased to that vast bulk , next to the just judgment of Almighty God , by the follies and divisions of Christians themselves . Sometime out of an excess of zeal , they will ask a Christian civilly enough , as I have been askt my self in the Portico of Sancta Sophia , why will you not turn Musulman , and be as one of us ? The usual answer is , that my Father before me , and my Grandfather before him were Christians , and that I think it best for me to continue in the Religion of my Country , in which I was born and bred . And indeed as they are scarce capable of any other answer , so neither is it safe or prudential to give it . It would be a piece of unwarrantable zeal and indiscretion ( not to call it by a worse name ) to upbraid them of their follies to their faces , without the least hope of success , and dispute with them in the Streets , and in their Moschs , when such like questions are proposed , about the purity and truth of the Christian Religion ; and supposing that zeal should transport any one so far , that he were knockt in the head in the pursuit of his argument , he would deserve pity , and his courage that the fear of death could no way mate , were to be admired ; but I question whether he could challenge the glorious title of a Martyr , who without any just occasion , much less necessity , has brought his death upon himself . The case of that poor Christian is vastly different , who having renounced his Faith and his Saviour , being perplexed in conscience for the great sin he had been guilty of , and informed by his Confessor , to whom he had disburthened his grief which lay so heavy on him , that he could no way expiate it , but by publickly professing himself a Christian again , went boldly to the Cadi , and persisting in his new resolution , received the sentence of death with great comfort and satisfaction . This shadow of an argument , added to the force of education , has such a mighty influence upon their minds , that it stifles all the exertions of reason and natural conscience , and makes them perverse and obstinate , and so secure withall , that 't is a sin to doubt of the happiness of their condition , as to the other world as well as to this ; in justification of which confidence it is most severely forbid by the Government to go about to convert a Musulman , and the doing of it is adjudged a capital crime , without the least hope of favour and mercy . The Turks indeed knowing how generous the Franks are in order to the sfying of their curiosity , as if Money sprang up in their pockets ready coined , make their superstition and their hatred vail to their covetousness , and will admit them into their very Churches ; though sometimes I have met with a repulse at Sancta Sophia , where I used to go often to please my self with the sight of that glorious Structure ; they telling us , the Caymacam , who had taken frequent notice of the resort of Christians , had sent orders to keep them out , which they durst not but comply with , for a time at least . Being at Prusia in Bithynia , the Imperial City before they crost the Hellespont and took Adrianople , we procured a Priest to let us into a Mosch , which had been formerly a Christian Church , hard by which is the Tomb of the Emperor Vrchanes , who took the City . After we had viewed it , we presented the old man , who was waiting at the door , with about half a Dollar , who perchance exspecting but a few Aspers , was so surprized with it , that to shew his sense of the unexspected civility , with great earnestness and devotion , lifting up his eyes to Heaven , he prayed God in his good time to make us Musulmans . This is the only way of taming their fierceness , by presenting them money , and bribing them with gifts to be civil ; and so long as this pleasant force is upon them , they will pretend great kindness ; but if they do not depend upon you , or if you withdraw your hand , they return to their natural rudeness and hatred with greater violence , which hope of gain and some present advantage had restrained ; for to be kind to Christians is against the very principles of their Religion . Here and there may be a few , whom a sense of gratitude for received kindnesses , and a freer conversation with Christians , by reason of commerce , have soft'ned out into better manners . As I and my Companion were walking in the Streets of Bursia , as they now call it , to see what remains of Antiquity we could meet with , a Gentleman-Turk ( for so he shewed himself ) guessing by our complexions , that there was something of Christian under our Turkish Clothes , asked our Janizaries , if we were not Franks . They readily confessed it , and upon further demand of what Country of Phrenkistan or Christendom , knowing that we were English , he invites us to his House ; which civility as we were unwilling to accept , so did we not know how to refuse ; but after a little consultation with our two Janizaries , who were very forward for it , we went with him . Upon our first coming in , he bids us heartily welcome , and exprest such respect and kindness , as fear of being taken notice of did not permit him to shew in the publick Streets . He entertained us with Coffee and Sherbet and Sweet-meats , according to the custom of the Country ; our wonder at this unusual and extraordinary treatment was the more heightned , when we understood that he had been a Haggi , or Pilgrim , and had visited Mahomets Birth-place at Medinat Alnabi , the City of the Prophet , and Sepulcher at Mecca ( from which places they use to bring back greater measures of zeal and fury against the Christians ) . But to satisfie us , he told us , that he had formerly received very great kindnesses from an English Merchant at Smyrna , and that he was resohttp : / / www . thecatseyes.com / show . asp ? show_id = 2460ved for his sake to be civil to his Countrymen where-ever he met them . Not content with this , he would scarce give us leave to depart , proffered us the use of his House , while we stayed in 〈◊〉 ; and upon our refusal , took a solemn farewell of us , and sent one of his Slaves to attend upon us to the Seraglio , which we had a great mind to look into . One may travel from the Danube to Euphrates , and perchance not meet with the like instance of generous civility . They observe most strictly the Rite of Circumcision , as the Seal of the Covenant , which God made with Abraham and Ismael , which gives them a right and title to all the priviledges of the Musulman Faith. This Sacrament the Impostor Mahomet thought fit to receive , as well in compliance with the Jews , as with the custom of his Country and many other Nations in the East , who were punctual in the observation of it , out of a strict adherence to the traditions of their Fathers , and the usage of ancient times , without any remembrance of the true ground of its orignal institution . They do not circumcise Children in their infancy , much less think themselves obliged to the eighth day ; no Canon tyes them to a set time , but they are left wholly to their liberty , and to consult their convenience , so it be not defer'd beyond the thirteenth year , which is the utmost limit , ( that is , if they be not deprived of an opportunity of doing it for want of a skilful hand ) in memory of the Circumcision of Ismael , which as they alledg agreeably to the holy Scriptures , was done when he was at that age . Till which time the Boys wear their Hair long , but made up into curled knots hanging over their Shoulders . The Ceremony is perform'd with great noise and tumult , which with them are the only expressions of their festival joy and mirth ; all their solemnities being disorderly and rude , and without any decorum or discretion to manage them . The whole day is spent in entertaining their Relations and Neighbours , who are to be witnesses of the operation ; for at this time they think they may fairly and lawfully lay aside their gravity , and wholly give themselves up to merriment . But as soon as Evening-prayers are over , they prepare sor the business , which is committed to the care of a Chirurgeon , or Barber , or any other who has an easie and dextrous hand . In the mean while the Boy is brought in by his Father and Kinred , in his new Vest and Turbant , whom they flatter and caress to divert him from melancholy and fear , and to prevent him from fainting before he feels the sharpness of the Rasor ; telling him , that in a few minutes he will be enrolled among the followers of Mahomet , and be made capable of the favour of God and the joys of Paradise . Sometimes they cast the Boy into a sleep with an Opiat potion , when they think he has not courage enough to endure it ; or do it by a surprize , before he is aware , having first prepared all things in order to it , and then making as if it were to be deferred till the next day , quickly return and finish the intended work . Yet notwithstanding the great stir they have made in the day-time , and that by this they are initiated into their Religion , they do not use to have any solemn prayers at it ; only the Operator in the very act cries out , Bismillah , in the name of God , three times , the Musick playing to drown the noise and howling of the young Turk , bleeding under his wound . At the Circumcision of the Son of the Grand Signor , or any other considerable Bassa or Officer , for the greater pomp and solemnity , and for example sake to encourage him to endure what they have undergone before him , several others are circumcised at the same time ; between whom upon the account of this Religious solemnity , there is contracted such a dearness and friendship , beyond all tyes of natural relation , that it is only dissolved by death , and ever after they call themselves by the title of Sunnetdash , or Associate of Circumcision , which they value above that of Brother . In the night they repeat often the same rude mirth , as they had in the day . Those Villains who out of desperation or a desire of living in all bestial sensuality , turn Renegados , are compelled to be cut . They first appear before the Cady or Justice , and acquaint him with the design of becoming a Musulman , and desire to be admitted to the favour and priviledg . Immediately he commands their heads to be shaven , and the matter being usually known before , Clothes and Turbants are provided and freely bestowed upon their Proselytes ; and sometime upon his first coming out in his Musulmans Habit , they set him upon a Horse , and carry him in triumph through the Streets of the Christians , with a Lance or Dart in his hand , to signifie they are ready to fight for and defend the Religion they have newly taken up , with the utmost hazard of their lives . Some few , perchance out of a natural horror of pain ( I intend it only of the Apostate Christians , for the natural-born Turks never omit it ) have by several artifices and wiles eluded the sentence of the Law , and remain uncircumcised , and abhor this invisible sign of a Mahometan ; and old men especially , to whom this wound might prove deadly and fatal ; but then they must keep it mighty private and secret , lest it come to the Cady's ear , whom they must otherwise bribe , or else be forced to submit to this piece of religious severity . It was one of the great policies of Mahomet , that he might the better establish the fancies that were to be the peculiar characters of his Religion , to press upon his followers the frequent practice of those great duties of Nature , which refer to the worship and service of God , as if in this they were to out-do both Christians and Jews . For they are obliged to make their solemn prayers five times a day , at set hours ; which vary according to the different seasons of the year . They do not divide the natural day into so many equal portions , as not understanding the use of Aequinoctial hours , or the benefit of Sun Dials , to measure and adjust their time ; but only have regard to the rising and setting of the Sun , and its longer or shorter stay above the Horizon ; though of later years they are mightily taken with the invention of Watches , there being scarce a Turk in Constantinople of any fashion , but is master of one , and besides has a striking Clock in his House ; a considerable number of Artizans of the French Nation reaping good advantage from this their curiosity . The times are at Sun-rising , Noon , the Middle-time between Noon and Sun set , Sun-set , and an hour and half in the Night ; only upon Friday , which they call Giumahgun , or the day of their Religious Convention , they add to their devotion , and go to Church about the middle of the Forenoon ; at which time the more devout shut up their Shops , but afterwards return to their trade and business . This being the only distinction and solemnity of the day , and no other reverence paid it . Otherwise there is the same noise in the Streets and Markets , the same chaffering of wares , their Magazines as much frequented , and no difference as to the neatness and fineness of their Habit ; they thinking they have done enough , if they step to the Mosch at that peculiar time for a quarter of an hour . In the time of Ramazan , which is the most solemn time of the whole year , wherein they pretend to most devotion , and wherein the most careless will endeavour to expiate the miscarriages of the year past , some will rise two hours before day to praise the name of God in a set form , this being a holy month , devoted to fasting and the more strict exercises of Religion . In the greatest Moschs on Friday in the Afternoon , such of the Priests as have acquired the fame of Learning and Eloquence , enlargeing upon some words of the Alcoran , entertain the people with harangues in their way , with a great deal of noise and seeming zeal , tending to the advance of Piety , Justice , Charity , and the other vertues of conversation and society . But this is extraordinary , which they are not bound to , their part being to read several Surats or Chapters of the Alcoran , and recite the prescribed office of Prayer : A little stock of Learning serving to qualifie them for this function . Before they make their prayers , whether publickly in their Moschs , or privately in their Houses , they are very solicitous to wash themselves , as thinking , that without this previous lustration God will be deaf to their requests , and that all their devotion will be ineffectual and to no purpose . This being so necessary a qualification of prayer , that they might not be destitute of conveniencies , and so be forced to omit their devotion for want of due preparation this way , besides the vast number of them every-where in their Streets , there are Conduits and Fountains with great variety of Cocks adjoining to the greater Moschs for this purpose . It is not enough to wash themselves , except they do it after a particular manner , which though difficult in it self , yet custom and use have rendred so easie and familiar to them , that they do it without delay and without error ; the manner is this , as I made a Turk , whom I had oblig'd , shew me particularly in my Chamber . Tucking up their Vests and short Sleeves above their Elbows , they take up as much water as they can hold in the hollow of their hands , which they wash thrice , and then putting their forefinger inro the left side of their mouth , and their Thumb into the right , wash that three times also . Snuffling up water with their Nostrils , they gently stroke their Face from the Forehead to the Chin , and back again ; next their Arms to the bending ; taking off their Turbant they rub with the inside of their Hand the forepart of their Head , from the Crown to the Forehead , putting their fore and middle Finger into the cavities of their Ears , and their Thumbs behind , washing their Necks with three Fingers of both Hands reversed . Their publick Bagnos or Baths usually are built very handsom and stately ; all great men have them in their Houses for their own use , and the uses of their Women , being frequented not only for health and cleanliness , but for Religion in several particular cases , in which they are obliged to cleanse other parts of the Body , not to be named , which yet I have seen them do at an open Fountain in the Streets . This ceremony , be their occasions never so great and urgent , they cannot omit without great scandal and guilt . Before which purgation they look upon themselves as unfit not only to go to Church , but to converse or to be conversed with . But how shall such as travel in the Desarts of Arabia or Libya comply with this fundamental Article of Mahometism , where they cannot be profuse with the provisions of water they carry with them for the necessities of life , where they meet with no Springs to supply themselves ? Are they wholly freed from the obligation of prayer ? No. The subtle Impostor has herein provided a remedy against this contingence ; in case of the faileur of water , Sand or Ashes or a Morter-clod crumbled into dust shall do as well , and shall convey the same cleansing virtue , as much as if they had made use of the clearest Fountain-water . They use cold water , except in case of sickness and weakness , when they are indulged to warm it , for fear otherwise the cold should strike into their bodies and encrease their malady . But see the madness and folly of their superstition ! by the sprinkling of a few drops of cold water , they think their minds are as much purified as their bodies , and that this is a sufficient purgation from the defilements of sin , and a most effectual remedy against brutality , and the most horrid impieties they can possibly be guilty of . To put them in mind the better of these duties of Religion , that neither pleasure nor business may divert their thoughts , the Priests or their Servants give notice to the people publickly of the approaching times of prayer . And for their better accommodation , about the Menar or Pyramid raised from the ground adjoining to the Mosch , is built a Gallery , to which there is an ascent by a winding pair of Stairs , the door whereof always looks towards Mecca . Here walking round and straining their voices in a kind of singing tone , which they lengthen out , they invite them in a peculiar form of words , which is common to all , and from which they do not depart a tittle , to come and make their prayers ; and by this way they supply the want of Bells , which they neither use themselves , nor permit the poor Greeks . It is scarce credible how this noise , by reason of this advantage of heigth , in a clear evening may be distinctly heard . The words are exactly these ; God is great , God is great ; there is no God but God , there is no God but God ; I confess that Mahomet is the Messenger of God , I confess that Mahomet is the Messenger of God ; come to prayers , come to prayers ; come to worship , come to worship ; God is great , God is great ; there is no God but God. In the morning sometimes they remind them , that prayer is better than sleep , and bid them repeat the Phatiha or first Chapter of the Alcoran , which they use as frequently as we do the Lords Prayer . In the Royal Moschs , where there are usually four Pyramids , ( only that of Achmet , the Grand-Father of the present Emperor , in the Atmidan or Hippodrome in Constantinople having six ) this proclamation is made with greater solemnity by several Priests jointly at the same time , but without the least variation of words , and agreeable to the same number of repetitions . Their prayers are in the Arabick language , the language of Mahomet and his Alcoran , which by reason of their daily use are easily understood by the people ; to which also the frequent mixture of Arabick words in the Turkish does not a little conduce . The matter of them is generally pious , and what might not misbecome those who worship the true God ; but that they are defective ; except where they reflect most impiously upon the most sacred and venerable mysteries of the Religion of Jesus , by making a deprecatory appeal to God , with a far be it from thee , O Lord , what the Christians impute to thee ; meaning , that thou hast a Son. These prayers , as several other parts of their worship , have for their foundation not only the Alcoran , in which , as they speak , are contained the commands of God , but the practice and example of Mahomet derived down to them by tradition , which they call Sunna . By which pretence they have introduced several customs , though in matters of less moment , of which there is not the least intimation in the Book of their Law ; and the people , out of a blind reverence and ignorant zeal , esteem them to have the same authority and to be equally binding . They direct their prayers only to God Almighty , acknowledging his infinite power , soveraignty , and right over Angels and Men and Devils , and the whole comprehension of all other Beings . They put up no prayers to Mahomet , nor do they bow their knees , as ever I could observe , as some write , at the mention of his name , it being one of their principles , that God is only to be adored and worshipped , which makes them so severe upon us , arraigning us of Idolatry for worshipping Christ , who is God blessed for ever ; Arianism , which Mahomet learned of the Monk Sergius , being one main ingredient of their Religion . In what a fair way are a great number of false Christians ( especially inferior persons , who are taught to renounce the Lord God their Saviour , who bought them ) in Poland and elsewhere , to become Mahometans , if the Grand Signor should enlarge his conquests among them , which God avert for the good of Christendom ! Only as to what concerns Mahomet , they wish God would be propitious to him and his Family , that peace and mercy and the benediction of God may be upon him ; which civility of expression Mahomet himself uses in the Alcoran toward the holy Patriarchs and Prophets and our B. Saviour , in imitation of whom their writers take up the same form , joining the name of the blessed Virgin to his , as Isa the Son of Miriam , on whom be peace . They do Mahomet no other honour in their offices of Prayer , besides frequent acknowledgments of his mission from God as his Apostle and Messenger . There is a great semblance of devotion in their Churches . This is the only representation that can be made of them to their advantage . Take them in their Streets and Houses , they are rude and fierce and ill-natur'd ; but their modesty here triumphs over their fierceness of temper , and a sence of Religion influences their behaviour , and makes it extraordinary humble and reverent . I happen'd to be present at Evening-prayer in the time of Ramazan in the new Mosch built by the Mother of this Emperor , where might be an Assembly of no less than two or three thousand . Lifting up the Antiport , and advancing a little forward , I could not perceive the least noise ; no coughing or spitting , no disorderly running up and down , no gazing one upon another , no entertainments of discourse , nothing of irreverence or heedlesness , as if they had forgot the business they came about ; but all were mighty intent and serious , and listening with great diligence to the Priest , or busie at their private prayers , with that profound silence , as if it had been not only a sin , but a crime that drew after it bodily punishment to be inflicted immediately , to misbehave themselves whether in discourse or gesture in that place . When they make their prayers , they turn their faces toward that determined point of the Heavens , under which Mecca is placed , as the Christians do to the East , & the Jews to Jerusalem , in what Climate or position of Sphere soever they are ; standing almost erect , only that their heads do encline somewhat forward ; their eyes being fixt upon the ground , and their hands close to the breast , almost in the figure of a Cross , without any the least motion , as if they were in an extasie . But soon after , upon the repeating of some words , they at set intervals incline their heads , and bend their bodies , and prostrate themselves upon the pavement , cover'd with Carpets or Maps of Grand Cairo , several times together ; then sitting cross-leg'd , their hands placed upon their knees , but not exactly in the same easie posture as in their houses , but as it were somewhat higher , and upon their right heel . They often pass from one gesture to another , and make often interchanges , which tradition and custom have made necessary in order to the right performance of this duty . Besides , they have a trick to move their heads several times from one shoulder to another , as if they shewed the expectation they have of the coming of Mahomet , who promised to appear at the last day at the time of prayer ; or else ( which is the reason Albert Bobowski , a learned Polonian , who had been kept in the Seraglio full nineteen years , and a person well-skill'd in all the Rites of the Mahometan worship , gave me upon enquiry ) to shew respect to their Angel-keepers , whom they foolishly believe at that time to sit upon their shoulders . They make use of Chaplets of Beads , upon which they number their short prayers , such as Sabhan Allah , blessed be God ; Allah Ekber , God is great ; Alhemdo lillah , praise be given to God ; Bismilla , in the name of God ; which they will repeat sometimes a hundred times , as they will likewise the several names of God , with great noise and fervency . We heard in Sancta Sophia six or seven Priests crying out several times till they were even hoarse again , We believe , we believe ; as if they thought God Almighty had been to be wrought upon by such loud and vain repetitions . In making bows and prostrations , which they look upon as necessary appendages of prayer , their devotion does chiesly consist ; to omit them is very scandalous , there being not a greater disgrace and reproach among themselves than to be accounted Binamaz , one who does not say his prayers . It is enough however they do it in their Houses , so they do not neglect the Mosch too much , and especially in their Month of Fast ; but the Janizaries particularly , who by the obligation of their Order fight for the propagation and advancement of the joint-interest of Religion and the Empire , think this their zeal and readiness enough to excuse them from going thither too often , and dispense with themselves for not going above once or twice in a year , except such as live in the two Oda's , or publick Chambers in Constantinople design'd for their Lodgings , adjoining to which is a Mosch peculiar to them . But some on the other side , who would be taken for Saints , are as extravagant in the excess , as the Janizaries are usually neglectful : For at the times of Prayer they will dismount from their Horses , leave their shooting and hunting , spread their Handkerchiefs in the open streets , as well as in the Fields and Woods or Sea-shore ; as I have known them do , when crossing the Propontis we were forced by violence of weather , to make into a Cove between two Rocks , where I found several Boats of Turks got thither before me , being the only Frank in the company . After their prayers , they fell to drinking of Coffee , and observing that I was wet and cold and indisposed , by reason of the ill-weather , they bid one of their Slaves give that Infidel who was in the Cleft of the Rock , where I had shelter'd my self against the wind , a Dish of Coffee , which was very welcome , not daring to offend them by making use of the Wine I had laid in the Boat to serve me during my Voyage to Constantinople . In some this devotion certainly flows from a principle of conscience , and is very hearty and sincere , as both justice and charity oblige us to believe ; but it would be as great folly and weakness not to censure others of gross and ridiculous folly and dissimulation , as this following instance will fully demonstrate : My Lord Ambassador one day entertain'd at Dinner one Husain Aga , who had formerly been Customer at Smyrna , and at that time one of the great men of Constantinople , by reason of the relation that his Father-in-Law had to the Vizir then in Candia , but as very a Turk as is in the whole Empire , together with five other Hogs fatning up for the slaughter . They drank mighty freely of Wine and Strong-water , which had been distilled in Christendom , for the sake of which they chiefly came ; though they would jestingly at Table check themselves for daring to transgress the Law of their Prophet : But being once in , they drank on , a drop of each defiling them as much as the greatest load they could stand under . But however , to shew that for all this extravagance they were Musulmans , as soon as they heard the Priest from the Spire of a neighbouring Mosch at Ikindi , that is , the middle-time between mid-day and Sun-set , call to prayers , they desired a Carpet might be spread in the Court-yard upon the ground , where they went very devoutly to their prayers , and left us to wonder at their stupid and irreligious hypocrisie . This is no very rare or unusual thing among them , it being what I have seen also practised before a great number of Christians in other places . The Fast , which every year is observed in the month of Ramazan , is another great fundamental of the Mahometan Religion . Which though it be fix'd as to the month , yet because the years they make use of in their Religious and Civil accompts are Lunary , without any intercalation to adjust the different periods of the motions of the Sun and Moon , there is an anticipation made every year of eleven days , and by consequent it does not return to the same beginning , till after a Circle of thirty three years has expired . In determining the beginnings of months , not troubling themselves with the nice calculations of Astronomy , they only respect the Phasis of the Moon , not in the least its Conjunction ; and accordingly , as it must needs often happen , they begin the month one day sooner or later , as the Moon appears . Sometimes they have caused their Lamps at their Moschs in Constantinople , which is the usual signal in this month , to be lighted at midnight , as soon as it has been attested by credible Witnesses , who either have had better eyes or a clearer Horizon , that they have seen the Moon that night . But however to prevent confusion , in rainy and cloudy weather , after a days expectation and forbearance , they begin it the next , when the thickness and haziness of the Sky hinder it from appearing . Generally upon the sight of the New-Moon they bow their bodies , gently stroking their faces and beards , and put up prayers to God. During this month , as long as the Sun continues above the Horizon , a total abstinence from all manner of sustenance is injoined ; in the very heat of Summer , when the length of the days adds to the trouble and irksomeness of it , they dare not so much as put one drop of water into their mouths ; and indeed herein their strength and their patience are both equally to be admired ; such restraints a fear of violating this severe Law of their Prophet lays upon their very natures , that a natural Turk , though at other times brutish enough , and apt to indulge his appetite , will choose rather to perish with thirst , and faint away by reason of an empty stomach , than commit such a great sin , though in private and out of the sight of the world . Their constancy or rather obstinacy have been so great , that their Histories relate , that the Janizaries themselves , who in several other matters do not use to be over scrupulous , when they have been in the Field and preparing to engage their enemies , have abhorred the very thought of eating and drinking in Ramazan time , till they have been dispensed with by the Mufti , assuring them by his infallible authority , that it is more acceptable to God , to defend his Religion against the enemies of it , than to observe its precepts to the prejudice of it , in weakning themselves by such excessive and immoderate fasting ; and the Emperors own example has prevailed with them above the necessities of nature . The Renegadoes perchance , who have embraced Mahometism , that they may wallow the more securely in all manner of sensuality and lust ( for no one can be supposed so sottish , or void of reason and common sence , as to embrace it upon conviction , as if he had found by strength of argument , that it was true , and upon that account ought to be embraced ) do not use this severity upon themselves ; but then their great care is , that they be not discovered . For though it be not a capital crime , yet the irreligious criminal , if convicted before the Cady , is oftentimes drub'd , and by way of expiation and penance , is to fast a considerable number of days . To prevent the scandal and the punishment of it , they durst not so much as enter into a Cabaret ( when the Greeks were allowed to sell Wine ) which would have been a double crime , remembring the sad fate of him , who being got drunk in the Ramazan time , had hot melted Lead poured down his Throat and into his Ears by Nassuf , who was chief Vizir under Achmet , who judged his bad example merited this severity : though some , out of their excessive love to it , will venture to drink in Christians Houses , where they may be free and can have it . Their luxury , instead of being repressed by this total abstinence , is the rather heightned and inflamed ; for as soon as the Sun is set , and their Lamps flame round about the Towers of their Moschs , which they place in several figures , as of a Gally , and the like , which make a very diverting shew ; and that prayers are ended , from which none who are well are to be absent , who have any care of their reputation , they play the gluttons more solemnly , and spend the whole night in entertainments and revellings . They pass over the day with a great deal of weariness and drowsiness , wishing and yawning till the Evening-Star appears ; but in the night they enjoy themselves doubly for their forced abstinence and forbearance ; which is therefore the more shameful and ridiculous , because it is but an introduction to riot . Sick persons and Travellers are dispensed with , but upon this condition , that when they have regained their health , or have finished their voyages , they fast so many days in another month , till they have filled up the number . Some out of a foolish opinion of merit , begin their Fast in the month preceding , but which is always to be concluded with the last day of Ramazan , and never to be extended beyond this limit . No Children are tyed to this hard Law , though sometimes they make Boys of five or six years of age , that they may learn to accustom themselves , fast two or three days together , after some little intermissions . This month was consecrated by Mahomet to this solemnity , because in it he pretended to receive the Alcoran from Heaven . In this they all pretend to a greater devotion than ordinary ; and he who at other times scarce cared to go to Church , thinks now to redeem his former neglects by his greater diligence and frequency . The last day of it is devoted to the memory of their dead Friends and Relations , whose Graves marked with red Oker they usually visit , and put up their prayers and suffrages for their Souls , that it may be well with them ; with which ceremony they end the day and the Fast together . The following Moon begins the Feast of the great Bairam , which is a time of great mirth and joy , lasting only for three days . In the morning of the first of which the great Guns are discharged , and Drums beat . There is nothing but joy and triumph in the Streets . They seem to be quite another sort of men than they are all the year besides , diverting themselves in the open Streets with Musick and Dancing , making invitations and entertainments at their Houses , and sending presents to their Friends . A great number of Sheep are killed too upon the first day of this Festival ; which they call Kurban , or the Offering , hereby thinking that God will become propitious and favourable to them , this being no obscure Relique of the Mosaical Worship , ( Mahomet borrowing something out of the Religions then most in vogue , when he first started up a Prophet ) and is questionless looked upon by them in the nature of an expiatory Sacrifice , which they use at other times upon solemn occasions . As Solyman , when he enter'd Buda 1541 , sacrificed in the great Church dedicated to the V. Mary , turned into a Mosch ; and so at Strigonium two years after , in 1543 ; As Selim his Father did at Jerusalem , for good success in his expedition into Egypt . Every man is his own Priest , and may slay his Sheep at his own House . They distribute the several parts of it among the poor , reserving nothing in the least to their own uses , which will take off from the merit of the Sacrifice ; which also ceases and is rendred ineffectual , if these Victims be purchased with money , got dishonestly either by fraud or violence . I have been assured of a Turk , who was so scrupulous this way , that instead of satisfying for the injustice he had been guilty of , and restoring what he was wrongfully possessed of , only desired an English Merchant to change such a number of Dollars for others of the same species , fancying those that were got honestly in the way of industry and Merchandise would thrive better with him than those he parted with , as if the money only were in fault , and drew a curse after it , which he fancied thus easily avoided by an exchange . The Sheep thus sacrificed , they fancy enter into Paradise , and there graze all along the flow'ry Meadows upon the Banks of Rivers flowing with Milk and Honey . Seventy days after is the Feast of little Bairam , which is not observed with half the pomp and noise as the former . In the intervening space the Pilgrims prepare from the farthest quarters of the Empire for their journey to wards Mecca , that they may enter that City in procession the first day of this Feast . In this pilgrimage all perswasins of Mahometans agree , the obligation lying upon all indifferently to perform it , once at least in their lives . The concourse of Pilgrims is extraordinary great ; and for the greater pomp and shew , and for better security and conveniency of travel , there are places assigned confining upon the respective Countries whence they usually come , where they meet first either alone or in dispersed companies ; such is Damascus for those of Europe and the lesser Asia ; Cairo for the Inhabitants of Africa ; Zibet , a City in Arabia Felix , for the people of Arabia and the Islands of the Indian Ocean ; and Bagdat for the Persians , Vsbeck Tartars , and the Subjects of the Mogul . But this obligation and command is dispensable in several cases . If they are employed in the necessary service of the Emperor , either about his person , or in the Wars , or in the Government of any Province . If they be sickly , and so their health like to be endangered by long travel ; if they are poor , and have not wherewithall to maintain their Families in their absence , or cannot furnish themselves with necessaries for the Voyage , and the like ; so that it is in a manner wholly left to their liberty and choice , and is to be measured and directed by their convenience and interest . Yet notwithstanding there is so much of merit in it , and such reputation gained , every one thinking himself , as the more holy , so the more fortunate , as if they had gone to take possession and secure themselves of a particular place in Paradise , that several thousands flock there continually every year , and in their numbers at least out-do the Christians , who live among them , whose zeal and devotion carry them to visit the holy Sepulchre of Jesus in Jerusalem at the time of Easter . The ceremonies are too many and too idle to be put down here minutely and in detail ; the chiefest and most remarkable are these which follow , as they were communicated to me by a curious and learned Renegado : They all afterward meet on the Mountain Arephat , not far from Mecca , and are there at the farthest by the ninth day of the month Dulhaggi , where they sacrifice , and put on their holy Covering or Blanket , of which presently . The Haggiler or Pilgrims put on a white woollen Coat , and hang about their necks a white Stole , all their other Clothes being cast off , pairing their Nails , cutting their Mustachios and Beards , and shaving their Pubes , Head , and Body , or washing their Body , at least their Head , Feet , and Hands , and after perfume themselves and say their prayers . By this they become Muharrem or devoted , and are obliged to abstain from all obscenity of language and strife , even from hunting and looking after game , & do not dare so much as to kill a Louse , or put on their other Clothes , Turbants , or Caps . Yet they may go to a Bagno or House for shade , or into a Bed. Upon their entring Mecca , they go strait to the first Mosch , and then to the Black Stone , which they foolishly imagine the Patriarch Abraham used to step upon to mount his Camel , and say their prayers there , and kiss it and rub their Chaplets of Beades upon it . The whose remaining Ceremony consists in sacrificing Sheep , in processions about the wall of the Sepulchre of Mahomet , and to the neighbouring Mountain , and to the Rock , in which as they pretend with the like certainty , are still to be seen the footsteps of that Patriarch . Several in their return , to make their pilgrimage compleat and more meritorious , visit Jerusalem , for which they preserve a great veneration ; the ordinary name whereby it is known and called in their discourse , being Kuds , or the Sanctuary , or the holy City ; to which they add the additional titles of Sherif and Mubarek , or the noble and blessed holy City . Here they come to worship and say their prayers in the Mosch , which is built upon the top of Mount Zion , in the very place where Solomons Temple stood , once the Mountain of Gods holiness , and the joy of the whole Earth , and still beautiful for its situation . This like the Chappel at Mecca , they esteem so holy , that it is only lawful for a Musulman to enter into it . If a Christian or Jew should but lift up the Antiport , and set one step into it , he profaned it , and indeed the penalty of such a curiosity would be , as they give out , no less than death , or at least they would force them upon a necessity of redeeming their life with the loss and change of their Religion . Yet some Greeks have been so curious , who have spoke Turkish admirably well , and known all the Rites and Customs used in their Worship , as to put on a Turbant and dissemble their Religion , and enter boldly therein , who report upon the best survey and observation they could make , they could see nothing extraordinary or differing from what was in their other Churches . So that it seems nothing but the holiness of the ground in which it stands , derives upon it this great lustre and veneration , and makes the Turks so cautious and superstitious how they admit strangers . All upon their return are mighty zealous in the observations of the least punctilio's of the institutions of Mahomet , and particularly abhor the very thought of Wine , or any other prohibited liquor , and would not drink a drop of this , if it were to save their lives . Some put out their eyes , who have been blest with the sight of the Tomb of their Prophet , as if they cared for nothing in the world afterward . Others impose upon themselves a silence of two , three , or four years , and sometimes longer , and upon no provocation or danger will open their mouths to speak a word . This is to several the great comfort and triumph of their lives , that they have been at Mecca ; and for the merit of those weary steps they have taken , and of the prayers they have offer'd up at Mahomets Shrine , they flatter themselves they shall not fail of entring Paradise , though in all other things they be as very Turks as they were before they set one foot forward upon their journey . The Grand Signor every year sends a considerable present to Mecca , and Clothes for the covering and adornment of the Temple Kaabe , at which time the old is taken down ; and happy is he who brings home a rag of it with him , which he preserves ever after , as a holy relique and a powerful Amulet against all danger whatever ; and with the same care , as the Inhabitants of Catanea do the Vail of St. Agatha against the eruptions of Mongibel . The other principal Festival days are these . On the twelfth night of the month of the former Rabbia , they celebrate the Birth of Mahomet , hanging out Lamps at their Moschs , which with them is the most usual sign and expression of their triumphs and rejoicings . At this time they employ all the wit and eloquence they have , as little or as great soever it is , but far different from European , and indeed consists only in phantastick and swelling expressions after the Eastern way , flowing from a gross and uncultivated fancy , without any great depth of reason or sence ; which practise might put several Christians to the blush , if they were not hardened into immodesty and an obstinate humour by their conceitedness , who refuse to pay that respect to the memory of the Birth-day of their Saviour , which the Turks so zealously pay to that of their false Prophet . On the twenty-seventh night of the month Regeb , is the Feast of the Ascension of Mahomet into Heaven ; a Fable so ridiculous in its whole composition and circumstances , that nothing but absolute sottishness can admit it as credible ; but yet as gross and foolish as it is , they believe it with the same certainty , as that there was such a man. The fifteenth night of Shaaban is called Baratghege or the Night of Priviledge , in which they say was conveyed a Sword out of Heaven into the hands of Mahomet , and an Instrument at the same time , commissioning him to draw it , and make use of it against the Christians and all others , who should oppose the propagation of the new Religion . In the twenty-seventh night of Ramazan , is the Feast of the Descent of the Alcoran ; which is the cause why the Impostor thought fit to consecrate the whole Month to more than ordinary devotion , being the holiest time of the year . And to encourage them to spend this Festival in the exercises of Religion , they keep up and support the credit and reputation of it with a pretended priviledge from God , that whatsoever petitions they put up from Jatzi , or an hour and half in the night , until the Sky opens , ( as they speak ) and the day appears , shall be infallibly granted , and that God has decreed and determined this ; and therefore they call the prayer at this time Kadar namasi , or the prayer of predestination . There is a fixt and established distinction of order and degree among the Ministers of their Religion ; the chiefest of which is the Mufti , who is often too consulted in Civil affairs and controversies , which seem to have little or no respect and dependence upon Religion ; and so may be lookt upon under the notion of a supreme Judge under the Emperor , as well as of a Chief Priest . He is the great Doctor and Oracle of their Law , and Heir ( as they speak ) of the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles , the Fountain of vertue and knowledge , one who can resolve all the difficulties of Religion , and who has a Key to open all the treasures of truth ; for by these and such like foolish characters do they represent him . Let him be never so dull and stupid otherwise , either through a natural incapacity , or age , or any other defect , if he be preferred to the Muftiship , as some have been out of a capriccio by some Emperors , presently he becomes infallible ; his decisions are sacred and authentick , and his authority is unquestionable and received without any dispute or debate , and his dreams are lookt upon as inspiration , as being Mahomet's representative . Though he poor man , conscious to himself of the Cheat , uses to be over-modest , and is ashamed to assume this inerrable power , and subscribes his Sentence with this usual Expression , God knows better ; which is yet no bar to the Peoples opinion and esteem of him ; and no one under the Emperour dares pass judgment contrary to his determination . To keep up this veneration of the Musti in the People , the Emperour descends from his State , and as soon as he appears before him , rises up and advances leisurely six or seven steps towards him , and permits him to kiss his left Shoulder ; whereas the chief Vizir is only permitted to kiss and salute the hem of his Vest , though to do some little honour to his first Minister he makes a step or two forward to meet him . The Emperour makes great use of him in his private Councils , and scarce sits upon a great design without his advice , to make it take the more among the Souldiers and People , who assure themselves both of the lawfulness , and convenience , and necessity of an Expedition , and flatter themselves too with the good success of it , if it be ratifyed by his consent , and blest by his Prayers and encouragement . If reason of State judg it necessary to strangle or take off the head of a Vizir , any other Bassa or General of the Janizaries ; the Mufti 's consent will vindicate the execution , and stop the clamours and discontents of the Soldiers and People : who by this are made to believe , that the person cut off deserved to die according to the Law ; and that it is a piece of Religion to submit to the Emperours Pleasure , and the Mufti 's determination noless than to the Will of God. The Authority of the Mufti being so great , the Emperour will not trust a matter of that consequence to an election , knowing that the keeping up his Prerogative in the disposal of such an office to a fit person , who shall comply with his humour and the necessity of State , is a just piece of Policy , on which may oftentimes depend the safety and security of his Person and Government . Although usually he prefers one of the Cadileskires into the place of the deposed or dead Mufti , if he be for his turn ; But in case the Mufti should prove resractory and disturb his Councels by throwing in scruples of Conscience , and refuse to obey and confirm his Orders , though they be never so unjust and unreasonable , they are not long to seek for a remedy ; and as if the spirit of infallibility , wherewith he was before invested , immediately upon this foolish act of disobedience , left him to his pure natural condition ; then he is said to dote , and to be infatuated , and to forfeit his discretion and understanding , and is hereby rendred unworthy of so holy and supereminent a dignity ; and one presently is substituted into his place , who understands better the Arts of compliance and Courtship , and will receive as an Oracle whatever comes proposed to him out of the Seraglio . The Mufti by his place always moves with the Emperour ; none of his Retinue more constantly attends him , that he may be ready to assist with his Councel at all times in case of doubt or difficulty . This high place lies in common to any one , whom the Emperour shall think fit to dignifie and honour with it , and is not confined to the Kindred and Posterity of Mahomet , as some through a mistake have affirmed . I am fully assured the Mufti sometimes acts as a meer Politician and Counsellor of State , though the advancement of Religion is always the pretence , as it happened upon a debate before the Emperour much about the year 1669. when there were dispatched two Gentlemen out of Croatia with full Commission to treat about their becoming tributary to the Grand Signor , from several of the Nobles of the Roman communion , who afterwards had their heads struck off at Newstadt , upon the assurance of his assistance and protection against the Emperour of Germany , whose Government they had shook off , and thought to justifie and secure their Rebellion this way . Mustapha Caimacam of Adrianople was against their being received , as being against the Peace made so solemnly after the battel of Rab ; and besides very politickly remarqued , it was no fit time while they were involved in so troublesom and expenseful a War with the Venetians in Candia , to bring the Germans upon their backs , which would inevitably follow ; but the Mufti was as zealous and fierce for their being taken into protection , alledging that the Port was the refuge of the world , and that the Interest of Religion as well as of State would be advanced by such an acquist , which the Christians themselves would maintain and make good to them , and that this was of greater obligation , than the strict observing of a Treaty , that the misfortunes of the last Hungarian War forced them to submit to . The Emperour distracted with such different Counsels , would resolve nothing till he had received the opinion of the Vizir then before Candia ; but before that could be brought back , they had certain intelligence , that Croatia was over run with an Army of Thirty thousand , and the whole force of the discontented and rebellious Nobility defeated , and not an Acre of Land left to plant a Turkish Garrison in . Next to the Mufti are the two Cadileskires , the one of Anatolia , who has the precedence , and the other of Rumuli or Thrace ; the authority of which latter , notwithstanding , the seeming restraint of the name , is extended as far as the Turk has any Dominions in Europe . These formerly were , as their titles literally signify , Judges of the Army ; and perpetually attended the Camp to administer Justice among the Souldiers , that so the Discipline of War might receive support , and be maintained , and kept up better by the assistance of the Law ; and little quarrels that might arise among them , might be the more fairly determined , and capital punishments inflicted according to the demerit of the Criminals . This was the design of their Original Institution ; but at present they only assist the Vizir or his Deputy , in deciding civil Causes , and exercise no authority and power over the Souldiers , who have long since extorted this Priviledge from the Grand Signor , to be tryed only by their respective Commanders and Officers , They have carried before them a Pole or Spear , on the top of which hangs horse-hair , as an Ensign of Honour ; to support which , besides what they get by bribes and fees from the parties contending , which are greater or lesser proportionally to the quantity of the Sum , about which the Suit is commenced , They have a daily allowance of Five hundred Aspers out of the Exchequer , according to the Canon established by the Emperour Suleiman . The Mollas challenge the third place : who , under the Bassas , are Judges and Presidents of Provinces : in the chief Cities of which they reside , and to whom the Cadies or inferiour Judges are obliged to give an accompt of their Judicature . Their pay is out of the Publick Treasure , which is never less than Three hundred Aspers a day , but always under the allowance of the Cadileskires . The first design and intent of the allowance was agreeable to Equity and Justice , that they might live handsomly and well , and never be forced to descend to base Arts and ways of gain , unworthy their places , or be under the temptation of perverting the Law for reward and gain . But this does not satisfie and content their avarice , who are not ashamed to extort Money and Presents from the several Parties , who must this way defend their Cause , if they would not have it miscarry , be it never so just and equitable in it self . This is the best and most effectual Plea they can possibly make : for certainly if Justice be to be sold in any part of the world , it is in Turkey . For though they may pretend Religion and Conscience , and may seem nice in determining some Suits ; yet it is both known and sadly experienced , by poor Christians especially , if they implead any Turk , that they are horribly corrupt , and men of no faith or honesty , and judg the cause on his side , who has given the greatest bribe ; though to free themselves from the infamy and guilt of injustice , they alledge several trickish subtilties out of the Alcoran , and from Tradition , and to stave off the injured person from pursuing his right , and prosecuting his complaint . These are reckoned among the number of Church-men , the Law by which they judge and determine Cases , being as much a part of their Religion , and founded in their Alcoran and Sunna or Tradition , as the Rites of their Worship : and although they have nothing to do in the Moschs , and sustain only the office of Civil Judges ; they are accordingly advanced to the highest dignity a Church-man is capable of . Every Mosch has a Priest peculiarly belonging to it , who is called Imaum . In the royal Moschs and others that be endowed , several are maintained , who take turns in celebrating their office , or else for greater Decorum and State officiate together . A small proportion and measure of Learning is a sufficient qualification of a Turkish Priest ; there is no great need of any praevious study , or a peculiar education and designment to make any candidate fit to take the care and Government of a Mosch upon him . For the most part if he can but read the Prayers , and write and recite a few Versicles out of the Alcoran , and be no way scandalous in his life , though he has been at a Trade all his life long , he is very capable , if he can get to be nominated to fill up any vacancy ; and in case of any miscarriage or unfitness degraded as it were from his function , and he contentedly returns to his Trade again , and one of his Neighbours is preferred into his place . The great Vizir is Patron of most of the richest Moschs ; the chief Mufti disposes of others ; the Kizlir-aga or chief of the black Eunuchs recommends persons to succeed in the vacant places of the royal Moschs ; the Capi-aga challenges a right , where any of the Pages of the Haz-oda or Chamber have been founders , as having been bred up under the care of his Predecessors . To other places of lesser value the recommendation of the people is sufficient , who upon producing his Letters Testimonials to the Vizir , or any of his Deputies appointed for this purpose , are forthwith admitted and confirmed . The greatest allowance as far as I could learn any of these could pretend to , is Sixty Aspers a day ; though some are content with a sixth part . The vast number of Priests may be collected from the great number of Churches , which are every where to be met with . They stand very thick in Constantinople , Pera and Galata , and the Towns situated upon the Bosphorus . In the Country the poorest Village whatever has a Mosch in it ; and if it be large , two or three ; if the Inhabitants be Turks , which I add , because some Christians are permitted to live by themselves , without the mixture of any Turks ; which is particularly indulged to those , who live in Villages about eight or ten Miles from Constantinople toward the Bosphorus , and not far from the black Sea ( in one of which , Belgrade , seated in the middle of a Wood , my Lord Ambassador had his Villa or Countrey-house ) who are obliged to take care , that the several Channels , which convey the water from the numerous Springs arising not far off , be kept clear and unobstructed , and the water have a free passage to the Aqueducts , the glorious work of Valentinian , and long after restored to their former usefulness and magnificence by Suleiman , who for this one thing , if there had been nothing of Victory and Conquest else in his Reign , had deserved the title that usually is bestowed upon him . All the Moschs are endowed by their respective Founders : for upon no other condition are any allowed to build . To preserve order and unity among so great a number of Priests in every great City , as Adrianople , Prusia , Smyrna , and the like ; there is one who presides and exercises authority over the rest , who is called Mufti , whom they consult in all cases of ambiguity and doubt , and whose Sentences and Orders they dare not disobey . Sometime in the greater Churches Harangues and Discourses are had before the People , but not weekly upon a Friday , or any other fixt day , this not being the proper employment of the ordinary Imaum , or Parish-priest , whose Talents and parts do not usually lye that way . They are performed with a great deal of seeming zeal , earnestness , and devotion ; their chief Argument being a Religious or Moral duty , as frequency of Prayer , Justice , Charity , and the like . These Preachers , whom they call Scheicks , who have had their Education in a Colledge or Convent , and have spent their time in the study of the Alcoran , and its several Commentaries , are mightily followed , and had in great veneration , and what with their fluency of language , and pretensions to extraordinary measures of devotion and cunning , have a strange kind of influence upon the people , and sometime are made use of as fit and proper instruments to work upon them . Besides these , several are by their places and offices to read the Alcoran . Of which sort are about thirty in number in some of the royal Moschs , who either there , or in the Chappels adjoyning , where the Emperours and the Great Men lye interred , read over the Alcoran every day , each one taking his Section . To which are joyned others , who have a Pension allowed them to come there , and say daily Prayers for the dead . The rest who belong to their Moschs , are inferiour Officers and Servants of the Priests , whose employment is to call to Prayers , to look to the Alcoran and Prayer-Books , to take care of the Mats and Carpets , to light the Lamps , to keep the Church neat and clean , and the like . The Cadyes are the inferiour Justices , placed almost in every Village to see good order kept among the people , to administer Law and Justice , to decide Differences , and to punish Offenders , which they do with severity enough , unless they buy off their punishment . This power they usually buy at a dear rate ; and that they may be no losers by the bargain , they sell Justice as dear , and upon every slight occasion , oppress the poor Christians , make Avanias , and demand Sums of Money upon a pretended fault or breach of the Law , and oftentimes force Travellers to give them so much Money in specie , as they set upon their heads . Such greedy Extortioners are they , as most Francs know , who have travelled far into the Countrey , by their sad experience . As for Presents , they expect them of course upon their first coming into their Towns ; and as if they were due and recoverable by Right and Law , as well as by injustice and violence , if we have been a little slow in making them , they have sent an Officer to demand them . For as soon as the News of the arrival of any Western Christian is brought to the Cady , he seems sure of a prey . Before we stirred out of our Caravan-serai , which the piety of the Turks hath built for the use and accommodation of Travellers , to view the Antiquities of any place , we were first to obtain the leave of the Cady by a Present of Coffee , or Pepper , or Sugar , and sometime of all three ; and unless we had done so , we could have had no security , ( for by some devilish trick or other he would have put us to a greater trouble and expence ) which together with the necessary guard of Souldiers to attend , makes travelling so dear and chargeable in Turkey . Coming to Anchor on the North-side of the Castles at the Dardanels , where is the narrowest strait of the Hellespont , as they force all Ships to do that come from Constantinople , and to lie there three Suns to search them , if they have no Contraband Goods or Slaves , which have made their escape from their Patrons ; we went ashore , and had scarce past through a Street or two in Sestos , but we were overtaken by an Officer sent from the Governour to bring us before him : we understood the meaning of it , and therefore in our way to the Castle bought some Coffee Powder , for a Present , which we put into his hands , who after some idle questions dismist us . But for the most part in our Land-voyages , we prevented the demands of the several Cadyes , out of which number I except the rascally Cady of Sardes : He hearing that there were several Franks got into the publick Chane , very imperiously sent for his Present ; we replied , that we had the Emperor's Pass to exempt us from all injury and exaction , and to travel unmolested ; for such a one two English Gentlemen had procured at Constantinople , passing thence over land to Smyrna , which they gave us to make the best use we could of it in our Voyage to the Churches . But the truth is , we did not rely so much upon the Pass , as our number and the weakness of the Village : For this once glorious City the Metropolis of Lydia , which has nothing of its ancient glory and state left , unless that the great ruines shew what it has been before Earthquakes and War , and the barbarousness of the Turks had caused those horrid and frightful desolations there , is become a very pitiful and despicable place , made up of a few Hutts and Cottages . Pretending to be satisfied with the sight of our Passport , he counterfeits respect and civility , and desires us to give him but half a Dollar ; but by the advice of the Janizaries , we did not think fit to give him , being such a low-spirited Fellow , not so much as a single Asper ; upon which denial he could not contain his weak passion , and therefore severely forbids a poor Christian , that we employed in buying us some Provisions , to be any way assisting to us . Afterward when we were at leisure to reflect upon what we had done , we began to condemn our selves or our Imprudence , that might have given us so much trouble , which for so small a Sum as was demanded , might have been better prevented , being afterward sensible , that neither our Swords nor Pass might have been of sufficient proof against his rage and madness . They look upon the Alcoran as containing not onely the Word and Will of God , dictated by the Angel Gabriel to Mahomet , concerning the Rites and manners of his Worship , but the body of the Civil Law referring to matters of Justice and Government ; and therefore , as I said before , use its authority in the decision of Cases that happen daily in conversation and commerce ; and where it is defective , as it must needs be , they call in to their assistance their Sunna , made up of the Sayings and Acts of their Prophet , derived down to them by Oral tradition , from Father to Son , as they pretend , and of equal authority with the holy Book : and because innumerable cases happen , that are so perplext and confused , that neither written nor traditional Law have made any provision for them , equity and right reason are to interpose and determine , but no where are less practised than in Turkey , where the Cadyes make all to bend to their covetous humour ; and yet to keep the fraud from being discovered , wrest some obscure sentence of the Alcoran in defence and favour of their unjust determination . The Cadyes are necessarily bred up in the knowledge of the Mahometan Law , to qualifie and fit them for their office ; to which purpose there are Colledges , endowed by Emperors and great men in most of the great Cities , for the Education of Youth ; and Professors , men of great age and experience and learning , appointed to direct and govern their Studies , whose office and place procure them great respect among the people , they seldom walking in the Streets , but are mounted upon excellent horses , richly caparison'd , which is indeed the usual Grandezza of the Turks , and what all men of authority and fashion use , having two or three Slaves walking by . Some of these receive for their Salary about three hundred Aspers a day , and oftentimes are preferred to a Mollaship , whom they presume by their long study to have digested the whole Law , and to be perfect Masters of it : They are obliged to teach publickly the young Students twice a week , on Saturday and Monday , and to exact an account of their behaviour , and of the progress of their Studies : and if upon examination they find the success answerable to their expectation ; after a set time they have the degree and title of Danishmend or Learned conferred on them . Each has his Cell , over a set number of which is placed a Supervisor to prevent idleness and the practice of worse vices . According to the fame of their merit , some are preferred to places of Judicature ▪ others to rich Moschs , who together with some of the Dervises bred up in their Convents , prove the great Preachers , and have that mighty influence upon the people , as before was mentioned . Every Cady , besides an Actuary and Apparitor , and such like Officers , has his Naip or Assistant , who sees that the Weights are just , and the Provisions which are brought to the Market , be wholsom , and sold at a moderate price ; for which purpose they walk the Streets and enter into Shops , and those of Bakers especially , whose bread if they find wanting of its just weight , besides a pecuniary mulct they impose , they oftentimes throw them into Prison ; or if the fraud be but light , they bring them out and drub them upon the place . But for all this pretended justice and severity , if they bribe but the Officer before-hand , they may cheat the people securely . I found the Turks excessively pitiful and good natured towards dumb creatures , soon putting them out of their pain , if they were necessitated to kill them . Some buy birds on purpose to let them fly away and return to the liberty of the Woods and open air . The Vultures fly up and down the Courts of the great houses in the City , as if they had perceived by natural instinct , that Mahomet , whose birds they are fancied to be , had forbid under a penalty any one to shoot at them . The Storks , which in the Spring-time return out of the Southern Climates to the very same Nests the sharpness of the Winter drove them from , enjoy their natural liberty without the least molestation ; and if at any time in our travels we shot at them , our Janizaries would take it amiss , and look upon it as ominous , as if some mischief would certainly befall us for our cruelty to the poor innocent birds . For though they use hawking , and take them with Birdlime , and sometime use their Guns and eat their flesh , yet they are not very much accustomed to such dainties , and never kill them for the sport and pleasure of it , especially if they are not proper and good for food ; which is the reason of the great number of Cormorants and other revenous Fowl hovering over the Bosphorus , and the arm of the Sea that divides Pera from Constantinople . But above all they seem to have a peculiar love and kindness for Dogs , which yet are the ugliest and of the worst Race that ever I saw . They will not indeed admit them into their houses , because they are unclean creatures ; but however lest the Winter-air should be too sharp and piercing , there are distinct Kennels in every street , to which they peculiarly belong , and a daily provision is made of water put into hollow Pits . I have observed some mighty tender-hearted Janizaries go to a Bakers shop and buy an Asper or two of bread to bestow by way of charity upon them : when at the same time , if a poor Christian had been ready to perish for want of a little relief , the sight of such a miserable object would have no way moved them to pity : and though they are so troublesom , in the night especially , no one dares either stab them or poyson them without danger of being stabb'd himself if the fact were discovered . How idly and fondly superstitious they are herein , will appear by the ensuing relation , which though it hapned in the time of Achmet , yet still holds true , and represents their present temper . The Plague raging very hot , the Emperour and the Bassas at last seemed to make a mighty discovery , that it was necessary to destroy the Dogs in and about Constantinople , to prevent the further spreading of the Infection : but the Mufti , who was consulted in this weighty Affair , would by no means give way to so bloody and cruel a sentence , maintaining it was altogether unlawful ; and that he might not seem to be peremptory without cause , he added this momentous reason , that Dogs had souls , and therefore were to be exempt from this universal and horrid carnage . But it was a plain case , so great a number of Dogs was a real mischief : what therefore was to be done in this great strait and perplexity of mind ? Upon the Mufti 's sentence they recalled the former order about their slaughter , and resolved to transport them over the Water to Asia-side ; above fifty thousand were found upon the Muster , and carried over to Scutary and the Neighbouring places : but though they were out of sight , yet they were not out of mind ; and their care of them seemed to be doubled , and Provisions were sent daily over to keep life and soul together , in compliance with the Mufti 's learned and philosophical determination ; till at last growing weary of the expence and trouble , and fearing they might infect the places where they were , with great trouble and reluctancy of mind they conveyed them to some of the uninhabited Islands that lie in the Propontis toward the Bay of Nicomedia , where they were famished . But the City since is so pester'd with them , that I believe if a new Muster were now made , the number would be found to be greater . No one must offer to kick or touch any of them ; if a Christian does this by chance , they impute it to his hatred and ill will , and will be sure to chide , if not beat him for it : as one in a great fury askt a Christian , who through great haste and carelesness trod upon a Mangey Curr , that lay in the way , Thou Infidel , how dost thou know , but that thy fathers soul is in that poor dog ? shewing by this his love to the dog , and his zeal for his opinion : for he was one of those who maintained the idle Pythagorean dream of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or transmigration of Souls . They still retain the absurd principle of fate , which is the genuine issue of their gross ignorance and barbarousness . This makes them encounter the greatest dangers of Death with such desperate boldness ; fearless and secure , as to their thoughts , in the time of a raging Plague . The contagion does not hinder them from visiting persons infected , with the same freedom , as if they were only sick of an ordinary Fever ; they wipe their faces with the Handkerchiefs of their dead Friends , and put on the very cloaths they but lately died in : their confidence being grounded upon this foolish belief , that every man's destiny is written in his forehead , and not to be prevented or kept off by care or Medicine , that the term of life is fatal and peremptory , and that it is in vain to go about to extend it beyond the set Period ; and that Physick is to be taken not to prolong life , but to take off from the anguish and bitterness of death , and to make the pangs of it the more tolerable and easie : and that it is a piece of folly to think to escape . This error destroys thousands of them yearly , who hasten their own death by their conceitedness and folly : which is true of the common people especially , in whose minds this fancy is so rooted , that they think it a kind of Sin as well as weakness to relinquish their houses , and retire to more wholsom air ; what , say they , is not the Plague the dart of the Almighty God ? and can we escape the blow that he levels at us ? is not his hand steady to hit the persons he aims at ? can we run out of his sight , and beyond his power ? thus calling in the belief of some of the Divine Attributes to the maintainance of it . Indeed some of the Cadyes , who seem to be the only men of deep sence and understanding among them , are aware of the pernicious consequences of this Doctrine , and when the Plague grows hot and violent , provide for the safety of their Families by a timely flight into the neighbouring Villages , where they keep them till the fury of it is spent ; while entire Families ( and one I heard of in our time in Galata consisting of six and thirty persons ) which have stay'd behind , have been destroy'd . The Plague necessarily diffuses its Poison among them , having no Antidotes and Preservatives against it , or Remedies to make use of when it has seized upon them : By such a general neglect and promiscuous mixing one with another the distemper is heightned , and makes great wastes , especially toward the end of Summer , when the heats are so excessive , and the Fruits , and the Melons and the Gourds ripen , which both Turks , Greeks and Armenians much indulge themselves in . Constantinople is scarce all the year long free from the Plague , although it remits of its fury in the cold weather , the nastiness of several places of the City , and the stoppage of their common shores , and the dead dogs putrifying in their streets contributing much to it ; which the wiser sort cannot but acknowledg ; but they are so used to the Plague , that they are not much solicitous about it . They do not think of making any publick Prayers and Intercessions , till a thousand bodies are carried daily out at Adrianople Gate to the publick places of Burial , which lye in the plain without the City , and are extended from the Propontis to the Haven . For though it be an arrow that cannot be put by , yet they acknowledg it is in the hand of God , and that he can stop it if he pleases ; and so are forced at last to acknowledg the weakness and falsity of their own Principle . At such times , as also when the affairs of the Empire are in an ill posture by reason of War , the Grand Signior and Mufti attended by the Bassas , and a great number of Priests in solemn procession , pass over the Water to Pera-side , where upon a high hill a little above Kasim Basha in that part of it they call Okmidan , where at other times the better sort of Turks use to shoot ( which is one of their greatest exercises ) on the edge of it toward the South-east is a little Square of about twenty paces long , andas many broad , hemm'd in with Freestone about two foot from the ground , where I found a stony Pulpit ascended to by ten steps ; on the top of which the Mufti makes his prayers : after which Ceremony is over , they think they have done all they can do , and leave off all further care . This is their great argument of comfort upon the death of their friends , that it is the decree and pleasure of God , which they are to submit to , and that all humane counsels and remedies are ineffectual against his will , ( which is a great truth in it self , but very much misapplied by them ) and that so long they are to live , and not a minute longer : as I remember a Turk who escaped being buried under the ruines of a wall , that fell as he past by , said , when he was recover'd from his surprize , Egel ghelmedi , that the hour of his death was not yet come , without giving God thanks for his great deliverance . Some of them indeed seem to have a great reverence and fear of God , which they shew both by their gestures and discourses , whensoever they have occasion to mention his name ; referring all things , not only the events of war , or any great undertaking , but of a journey , and the private concerns of their life , to his will and disposal , ratifying their promise and purpose with this condition , In Shallah , if God will ; beginning nothing of any moment , not stepping out of their door , nor mounting a Horse but in the name of God. In any danger or distress they quiet their fears , and encourage others not to despond , with the remembrance of the mercy , power , and goodness of God , often crying out , Allah karim , God is gracious , Allah ekbir , God is great , and the like ; out of a sense of their own weakness , flying to God to help and protect them ; and when the danger is over , the journey finished , or the design accomplisht to their satisfaction , they repeat often these words , Alhemdo lillah , praise to God , by way of gratitude and acknowledgment . This is the temper of some of the more religious among them . There are others who run into the extreme of irreligion ; Atheists in their hearts and in their lives ; among which I may reckon justly enough the greatest part of the Cadyes , and almost all the Apostate Christians . These latter , who conscious to themselves of horrid crimes , which the Laws of Christendom have made capital ; or else of dissolute lives , and wallowing in brutality , that they may enjoy their lusts more freely , and without check and remorse of conscience , embrace the Mahometan Religion , look upon it and all other Religions as a meer cheat , and by their lives shew the disesteem of them . The other being men whose understandings are somewhat refined by their education from the stupidity and dulness of the ordinary Turks , sensible of the idle fopperies of the Alcoran , and of the imposture of Mahomet , and of the absurdities of his Doctrine , and the inconsistency of it with the principles of right Reason , rashly conclude of Religion in general , that it is a trick of State , and an invention of Policy ; and that the belief of a God and of Providence is wholly owing to the credulity and superstition and unjust fears of mankind . Only they are so wise and cunning to conceal their Atheism , which they are so justly suspected to be guilty of , for fear of the great danger an open profession of it would involve them in . For the Turks are mighty zealous for the existence of a Deity against the Atheist , and think such a person not worthy to breath in the air , who dares deny this fundamental principle of nature . And the example of such a just severity is very fresh in their memories , as hapning in the year of Christ M.DC.LXI , upon a certain Mahometan , which I shall here put down from the mouths of credible persons , who knew the man very familiarly . This Mahomet Ephendi ( which is a title of respect they usually bestow upon men of learning and authority ) was born in Larr in Armeuia major , a man of great esteem in Constantinople among all who knew him , for his skill in the Law , and in the Arabick and Persian languages , of a temper mild and sociable , which made him covet the acquaintance and friendship of several Western Christians , from whom he could learn somewhat , and whom he acknowledged to understand the laws of discourse , and to reason much better than his Brother Turks , whom he lookt upon as very dull and heavy fellows . His inquisitive genius put him upon the search of several things , and his pride and conceitedness were so great , that he thought he had found the secret indeed , which all the Atheists have been seeking after to quiet and banish those fears which perpetually haunt their guilty minds . Ambitious of fame and applause , he sets up for a profest Atheist , being so far from suppressing these extravagant fancies , the effect of the greatest madness whatever , that he takes care to divulge them in all companies where he thought to meet with opposition , and disputes fiercely against the being of a God. Whenever he went to visit Signor Warner , whose extraordinary learning and worth derived a great lustre upon his publick character , the first salute upon the very sight of him was , there is not , meaning a God ; to which the Resident would immediately reply , there is ; after which they would often descend to a close dispute about that dictate of universal nature , and right reason ; but he had so hardned his heart against all conviction , and blinded his mind and understanding with absurd and irrational prejudices , and foolish and vain imaginations , that though he could not well sustain the mighty shock of arguments which the learned Resident level'd at him , yet he flatter'd himself he could fully satisfie them all , and that he had the better of him . But in the miserable end of this wretch the Divine justice was as much seen as if he had been consum'd by Lightning from Heaven . There hapning in the publick Caravanserai , where he lodged , a quarrel between him and some Armenian Christian Merchants , they carried him before the Caimacam , who is the Governour of Constantinople , who had for his Assistant the chief Justice of the City , whom they call Stambol Ephendi . The injury he had done the Armenians was proved by several Witnesses ; and in the close the Turks , who were present , acquainted the Judges of the temper of the man , and accused him of several impieties he was guilty of , as that he never came to the prayers of the Mosch , neglected the other rites instituted by their Prophet , drank Wine freely , and that in the time of Ramazan ; and besides , that he openly maintained that there was no God. The contestation through the zeal of the Turks grew very hot , and matter of fact seemed to be fully made out by just proof . Whereupon the Governour demanded of him , what he could say for himself ? whether the evidence against him were true or no ? here several unanimously agree , that you deny the being of a God. He replied without any demur or feat , you would be of the same mind if you knew as much as I know . They advise him , if he valued his life , to retract his foolish and impious opinion , otherwise they would pass the sentence of death upon him . They give him time to consider of it , and expect that whatever his private sentiments were , fear of death would make him confess his belief of a Deity . But it seems he would be a Martyr for his Atheism , and chose rather to dye than confess he was in an error , and dissemble his inward thoughts ; whereupon he is sentenced to dye ; he continues as perverse and obstinate as ever , even in the last moments of his life . For being set upon a Mule with his face toward the tail , and carried to the place of punishment , and admonisht by the Subashi or Officer , who attended upon the execution , to recant his error ; his only answer was , that the filth ( for so I chuse modestly to express it ) he was to eat he would eat presently ; meaning by the rude Proverb , that he was willing to dye as soon as might be . Thus he perisht in his folly , being between fifty and sixty years of age , and leaving a considerable sum of money behind him , infatuated by the just judgment of God , which became most visible in his deserved ruine . The Janizaries are the strength of the Turkish Empire ; anciently the Sons of Christians , violently taken from their Parents at six and seven years of age , as it pleased the Collectors , sent into Bosna and Servia and the other Provinces of Europe ( for by common observation they find the Asiaticks to make the worst Souldiers , the pleasantness of the Soil , and the mildness of the Air having an influence upon their tempers ) who take one or two out of a Family , if it be numerous ; and these afterward embracing a new Religion , razing out the obligations of nature , and by their severe education hardned against all impressions of pity and good nature , prove the greatest plagues and tormentors of their Relations , and are the cruel instruments of their servitude . The collection of these Children of Tribute , is not triennial , as some have fancied , but happens sooner or later according to the necessities of State , and as the number and proportion of Souldiers is to be more or less supplied . Constantinople , and very many other places are to the great joy and comfort of the poor Christian inhabitants exempted from this dismal exaction , and particularly all Moldavia and Wallachia ; but these Countries being tributary and under the Turkish Government , the respective Princes , which they constitute and put out as they please , are obliged to appear with such a number of Horsemen in the Field , when the Scene of the War lies either in Hungary or Poland , and by this means they enlarge their Conquests in Christendom by the Arms of professed Christians . These Children are called Agiamoglans , that is , rude and unexperienced Boys , whereof some are dispersed into several parts of the Country , that they may the better be enured to want and labour and hardship , and initiated in the Principles and Rites of Mahometanism , and learn the Turkish language . Others are placed in certain Colledges , built on purpose for their reception , ( of which sort is that at Constantinople , and another at Pera , hard by the Palace , the ordinary Mansion of the English Ambassadors successively ) which are the Seminaries of the Youth of this Order , and where they pass their novitiate . Here they are under the eye of most rigorous , severe and cruel Masters , and are forced to the vilest offices , to mortifie them , and make them humble and obedient ; here they are taught to be at the command of a beck or nod , and if any way faulty , are sure to receive a severe chastisement ; here they learn the first principles and rudiments of War. This is according to their original institution by Morat , the first who setled this new Militia or Army , as the word Janizary signifies ; which out of respect to the Founder and Order is still retain'd . But there discipline of late years has not been kept up to this great height of severity , but is very much relaxed and corrupted . And because that according to the usual maxime of policy , which experience hath so often confirmed and rendred little less than infallible , Empires are kept and preserved by the same arts wherewith they were first establisht , which ceasing , they begin to moulder into pieces : We may look upon this decay of discipline as a good omen , that the Turkish Empire , which has been rais'd to that great pitch and degree of glory , upon the ruin of so many Kingdoms and Governments , grows towards an end ; the same fate usually attending Governments , as single persons , that after a set period of years , broken with intestine factions and divisions , or weakned with idleness and the charmes and delights of a long and uninterrupted peace they perish and decay . They are not now so solicitous to fill up those seminaries with Agiamoglans , which anciently were accounted the hope and growing strength of the Empire ; and indeed of late years they have spent such a vast number of Soldiers in the Wars , that they cannot get supplies hence fast enough to serve the necessities of War. A very considerable part of the veterance Soldiers was lost in Candia , which they themselves have called the burying place of Musulmans . For by a very just calculation from their first landing in the Island , and sitting down before Canea to the surrender of the chief City , what by Plague and what by Sword and Mine above four hundred thousand perisht there ; the tediousness and disadvantages of the War were so grievous and irksome to them , that the Janizaries went thither very unwillingly and without any heart to fight , who dread all expeditions by Sea , upbraiding the Emperor with the misfortunes and ill success of the design , while their Country was impoverish't by the Temins , a false Coin of mixt and base mettal , ( which were imported in vast quantities by the French & Italian Merchants ) & that the Soldiers were thrown away in Crete , & yet for all this , that he went a hunting . To supply the Siege , which made such continual wastes of them , I have known several country fellows taken from the plough , and enrolled Janizaries without any previous exercises of arms . Formerly all the Constantinopolitan Janizaries were quartered in two spacious houses under the banners of their respective officers , and kept guard and watch ; but now for a little present they are dispenst from this attendance , and are permitted to marry , and accordingly several make use of the indulgence ; the cares of the world put them upon arts of gain to maintain themselves and their families ; and natural affection takes off their minds from the pursuit and love of armes , and makes them chuse rather to lye at home in their houses than go into the field . They are busied in the management of trade , and turn shop-keepers , and by an idle and sedentary kind of life remit much of their warlike ambition and fierceness , and are become soft and effeminate ; all their thoughts and wishes being for peace and quiet . But however , the privileges of the Janizaries being so great and the name honourable , they get their children admitted into the same order ; of which they are very tender and solicitous ; and lest they should any way be diminish't by any publick council or trick of State , there are several of their order , ( I think about twelve , whom they call Ogiack Agaler ) constituted as so many Tribunes to take care of them . These Agitators are the men whom they respect as their Patrons and defenders , and who have such a great power and influence upon them . If they give but the word , they are presently up in arms , and the Piazzas and Streets are full of seditious tumults , and the Seraglio it self not safe from their assaults . For they know well enough that the Government is jealous of their strength , that it is in their power either to depose or make what Emperor they please , that they are the safeguard of the Empire ; that Osman uncle to this Emperor had a design of destroying their whole order , and setting up another , which should be more at command and not so dangerous to the publick , as they are upon every discontent ; that his successors carry on the same evil designs against them , and that it is want of a good opportunity , that hinders them from putting the same in execution and practice . Whence arise their care and their fears ; and proportionably their pride and insolence and extravagant demands of greater priviledges encrease , and the distrust they have of the Emperor makes them unite more closely and shew a greater regard and respect to their officers , who manage their interest . They are wholly exempt from the civil jurisdiction , be the crime never so directly contrary to the Laws ; they are only triable among themselves : if it be judged and proved capital , before they execute the sentence , they first strike his name out of the Register , and then do it privately and in the night , to prevent the disorders this unruly sort of men are too apt to be guilty of . In every City and large Town , where they abound , there is a superior officer , whom they call Serdar , to whose jurisdiction they are obnoxious . He according to his orders , sent either from the Vizir or Janizary Aga or General , musters those who are within his Province , and disposes of them according to the exigences of the present circumstances . If any quarrel happen among themselves , they must stand to his decision ; before him they can only be impleaded by others ; and the partiality they shew to them is so great , that it is much better to take an injury patiently , than to go about to redress it by a complaint , which oftentimes too is resented and revenged . Such an opinion they have of themselves , that they think they may do any thing , and for all that go unpunisht . It is the grand concern of the Emperor to make a wise choice of a General over these masterful Slaves , of whose fidelity he may rest assured , knowing the great mischief he may do by his influence and authority ; and if there be but the least shadow of suspicion , he will take care , upon some plausible pretence , to put him out of his command ; the very least compliance and popularity among the Souldiers would draw him within the danger and guilt of treason ; so that he is forced to be stiff and fierce , and to draw upon him their ill-will and hatred , to keep himself in the good graces of the Emperour , who yet has a watchful eye over him , and entertains continual jealousies and fears of him , though never so much at the devotion of the Seraglio . He has the Government of no Province , City , or Castle ; has no share in the management of State-affairs ; is accounted inferior not only to the Vizir Azem , but to the other Bassas of the Port. If sometime he be admitted into the Divan or Council , he is only to hear , and never to speak , but when his opinion is askt . They will not suffer him to nominate his Lieutenant-General , for fear they should conspire , and make new alterations in the Government ; and justly ; for considering the power and insolent behaviour of the Janizaries , it is far from being improbable , that as they have rais'd the Empire to that heigth of honour and greatness by their valour , so they will one day be the ruine of it by their mutinies and seditions . They are continually in pay , which is various , according to the quality , age , and merit of the person , from three Aspers a day to twenty , which they receive four times a year quarterly . They are usually reckon'd of late years about fifty thousand ; scarce a third part go into the wars together , the rest being in Garrisons upon the confines of Hungary , Persia , and Dalmatia , and are drawn out upon occasion . And great numbers of them are found at Cairo , Buda , and Bagdat , to overaw the Egyptians , who are of a very unsetled and inconstant temper , very prone to sedition , and desirous of shaking off the Turkish Government , and only to be restrained by force . Before they meet at the general place of Rendezvous , a proportion of money is distributed among them , to provide themselves with necessaries against evil events ; but their chiefest care is to get warm Clothes , to defend themselves from the violence of the wind and cold , and to lay in provision della bocca , as the Italians call it , to pass the time of their lying in the field , or before a besieged place a little better . Each has his Tin-pot and his Coffee , and a quantity of Pulse , Rice , Flesh dried in the Sun , and beaten into powder for his broth , Onions and Salt in his little Sack ; this is the usual entertainment of the Camp. Every Fountain supplies them with drink ; for it is a crime punishable with death , and as rigorously executed at such a time , to bring Wine among them . They go soberly to destroy their enemies . They permit no women to come nigh the Army . All private quarrels are forbid under pain of death ; the least provocation is severely punish'd . Their marchings and encampings are done without noise ; silence being one great part of their military discipline . They ever are in a readiness to charge , and go wherever they are commanded , being fearless of danger and of death it self . The Spahyes are another great support of the Turkish Empire ; Soldiers who are obliged to serve on Horseback by the tenure of the Lands ( Timars ) and Estates they are possest of ; these being not only the reward of their sweat and blood , but tyes and obligations to further service in the field upon the first summons ; each bringing so many Horses with him according to the value of what he holds , which is the reason they do not receive an Asper of pay out of the Grand Signiors Exchequer , and are therefore known by the name of Timar-Spahyes , or Feudatory , to distinguish them from other Spahyes who live in the Cities , and have not obtain'd a piece of Land ; whose daily pay is very different , proportionably to the worth and merit of the persons , as was said before of the Janizaries ; some receiving twelve Aspers , and others an hundred . Of these they reckon about twenty three thousand in Europe , and as many or more rather in Asia ; for their number is uncertain , and encreases with their victories ; and sometimes a rich Timar is divided upon the death of the former possessor into many parts ; besides such as live about Buda on the one side , and Etzrum and Bagdat on the other , who are not obliged to go out of their Quarters . We must not think that when they war against Christendom , they make bare the limits and frontiers of the Empire towards Persia . These Spahyes are no better than Country Farmers ; their minds are so taken up with the study of good Husbandry , and the pleasure of enjoying what they have has so taken off their minds from the fatigues and hardships of a Souldiers life , that by money and presents oftentimes they labour to get themselves exempted from that personal service they owe their Emperor ; which is one reason ( the success of a Battel depending more upon discipline than number ) they do not care to bring such vast Armies into the field , as in the last age , when Suleiman carried a hundred thousand Horse with him in the Hungarian war , when he flattered himself he should become Master of the Imperial City of Vienna . Every Spahy is so loaden with Arms , that he seems to carry an Armory with him , having a short strong Bow , the same questionless which the old Parthians made use of , with his Quiver of Arrows , Sword , Gun , Sheild , Lance , at the top of which hangs a little Banner , which shews to what order he belongs . For there are six orders and degrees of them , distinguishable by the different colours of their Banners ; Red which is that of Spahioglauleri , Yellow that of Selichtari , Green , White , White and Green , Red , and White . Long experience has taught them the use of these several weapons , which they manage dextrously upon occasion ; as they do their Horses , which they can stop upon a full career at the distance of a foot . It is a pleasant sight to see them divert themselves by throwing darts on Horseback , which they do with great strength and dexterity , turning and winding their Horses at pleasure . There is another sort of Feudatories , whom they called Zaims ; fewer in number than the Spahyes , obliged to the same services , but with greater proportions of men , having considerable Lordships . To qualifie their Children to inherit , their great care is to send them to the Camp , and breed them up Souldiers . In all their warlike expeditions great numbers of Volunteers offer themselves ; some out of a design to succeed into the places of the Janizaryes and Spahyes , who shall happen to be knockt on the head , which they judg worthy of their adventure ; for if it be their fate to dye in the field , they believe they shall directly go into Paradise ; and if they survive a Battel , they are sure to be enrolled in the Grand Signiors pay , which is the only ambition they seem capable of . Others out of a principle of zeal , for the propagation of Religion , who usually prove the most desperate , and seldom come off alive ; and to make the act meritorious , maintain themselves , and think the service it self a sufficient reward . The Auxiliary Forces are the Christians of Moldavia and Wallachia , of whom before . Next , the Tartars , not so much by virtue of an old compact , that in case of faileur of the Ottoman line , their Prince shall succeed , as some pretend , but out of an interest to gain by the war , come in to their assistance . They are more for their prey than for fight , which they endeavour to avoid , till necessity and shame put them upon it . They carry with them usually a great number of lead Horses , which are of double use , either to set their miserable Captives upon , or in case their provision should fail , to serve them for food ; Horseflesh being one of the Tartarian dainties , and which is sold in the Market an Asper in the pound more than Beef or Mutton . Thousands of poor miserable Christians are forced into the wars , and serve only for Pioners , having no other Arms than a Mattock and a Spade ; sometimes placed in the front of the Army to break the fury of the onset ; or else in a Siege , when they go to storm , thrust forward , that upon their bodies the Janizaries may pass the more securely . The Turkish Souldiers do not care to go out of their Winter-quarters till the Spring , when they may find grass for their Horses ; nor will they keep in the field after October , unless bribed with promises of reward , or forced to it by some urgent necessity . Among their Baggage there are usually great quantities of metal , to cast great Guns upon occasion ; which they find more convenient oftentimes , than to carry Artillery with them , especially in long and tedious marches , where there is no conveyance by water . The many great victories the Turks have gained over the Christians , are too sad and convincing a proof of their valour , which is heightned and rendred desperate by a concurrence of causes added to the severity of their discipline and education . Before they engage , if there be any opportunity , the Surat or Chapter of the Sword is read out of the Alcoran ; which contains a warrant from Heaven to exterminate and destroy all who set themselves against this new Law , revealed by God to Mahomet ; hence their perswasion and their zeal receive new vigor and force , that they fight in the defence of Gods cause , which makes them look upon cowardise and faint-heartedness as a sin . For who can be so base and unworthy as not to be ambitious of dying at such a time , when they are the Champions of God ? The signal being given , they run upon their enemies with the name of God in their mouths , confusedly repeating it several times , and invoking him to assist and maintain his own cause , which they are fighting for . The doctrine of Predestination and Fate contributes not a little to their fury ; upon confidence of which principle they expose themselves to certain dangers , believing themselves safe in the midst of them , if God has so decreed it ; which they do not know , whether he has or no , but by the event ; and if so , all their wariness and endeavours to escape signifie nothing in the end . They are convinc'd by a thousand examples before their eyes , that this is the readiest way to rise to a command , that there is a certain reward due to valour , and that the Bassas and all the other great Officers owe all to their Scymitars . Thus solicitous of fame and honour , they value not their lives in fighting , knowing , that if they come off , they are sure to be preferred . But the most effectual and efficatious machin to skrew up their courage to the highest degree and pitch of desperation is an opinion , which by the artifices and insinuations of the Churchmen passes for infallible among the Souldiers , that whoever dyes in the wars , is in the account of God and Mahomet a Martyr ; his death expiates and atones all his sins of what nature soever ; that ipso facto he merits the joys and pleasures of Paradise , and his Soul shall not be kept to attend upon the body in the grave , to undergo the examination of the two Angels , which they are so terribly afraid of . A Mufti being consulted in what order the followers of Mahomet shnuld enter into Paradise , determined it in favour of the Souldiers slain in the wars , that they were to have the precedence ; then the honest plowmen ; afterward the Lawyers and Priests ; and the rest promiscuously without any order at all , as they can pass and get in in the croud . Animated with these hopes , they are almost unwilling to live ; no danger terrifies , death does not mate their courage ; the pleasant and wanton thoughts they entertain of their Fools Paradise do so run in their minds . They shew the same , if not a greater , courage in keeping a fortification , where they have fixt their Half-Moon Standard ; much more a Town or City , where they have built a Mosch , when besieged by Christians ; chusing rather to undergo all the hardships of a Siege , or the most dismal consequences of an assault , then any way think of a surrender . This is a mighty piece of Religion among them , that Mahometanism may loose no ground ; rather than so , they will perish , not only without complaint and murmur , but willingly and with joy too . Such a fatal obstinacy are they wrought up to by their superstition . The great wasts , which are made by plague and war , are supplied by the Slaves which are continually brought into the Empire , and by the multitude of women allowed by the Law of Mahomet . It is enough to rend any heart , that gives way to the least impressions of pity , to consider the sad condition of poor Christian Captives in Turkey . They are chiefly brought in yearly by the Tartars , who make excursions into Poland and Russia for several days journeys , and upon their return sweep and carry all before them ; several Ships laden with them in the Ports of the Black Sea ( the old name of Euxine being wholly lost and forgot ) in the months of June and July arriving at Constantinople . This is the great Mart for Slaves , where they are sure to meet with a quick and a good Market , for no commodity is more vendible or merchantable . Or else they are brought along with the Caravans from the farthest parts of the Empire in Asia , out of Georgia and Mengrelia ; wholly intent upon their private gain in the sale . The Tartars while they enrich themselves with this kind of spoil , advance the publick interest of the Turks ; that part of Christendom , which they ravage , being much weakned by the loss of thousands , thus barbarously carried into captivity , and their own Empire enlarged and strengthened by such great accessions . For few ever return to their native Country ; and fewer have the courage and constancy of retaining the Christian Faith , in which they were educated ; their education being but mean , and their knowledg but slight in the principles and grounds of it ; whereof some are frighted into Turcism by their impatience and too deep resentments of the hardships of the servitude ; others are enticed by the blandishments and flatteries of pleasure the Mahometan Law allows , and the allurements they have of making their condition better , and more easie by a change of their Religion : having no hopes left of being redeemed , they renounce their Saviour and their Christianity , and soon forget their original Country , and are no longer lookt upon as strangers , but pass for natives . Every Wednesday morning they are exposed publickly to sale , like so many Horses or Sheep in a Fair , in a peculiar place of Constantinople , which has the name of Jazir Basar , or the Slave-Market , where is an establisht Officer to register the sales . The Area of which is about fifty paces square ; on the sides of it are Chambers , where usually they put the women . Here I have seen , not without horror and confusion of mind ( for pity was too mean a passion , and soon swallowed up with so dismal and frightful a spectacle ) above five hundred at the same time , as so many victims , ready to be offered to Moloch . The poor Children , scarce yet sensible of their misfortune , modest and silent ; and the women , who had any skill in Embroidery , at work with their Needle ; by which artifice the Patrons think to put them off at better rates ; feeding them well before hand , that they may look plump and fat , and seem to be in good case , and putting them on handsom clothes , the better to attract a Chapman . There is scarce a Turk , if he be of any fashion , but has one Slave at least , and some of them twenty , according to the greatness of their estates , and the occasions they have of them . They are their proper goods , and let them out to hire sometime ; whatever they get , is their Masters , who have an absolute power and command over them in all things , except in the case of life and death ; otherwise be their usage never so cruel and barbarous , the poor wretch has no remedy left but patience and submission . It is interest more than good nature and humanity which makes them use them well , and puts them upon providing clothes , victuals , and whatever is necessary to sustain life , that they may yeild them the better service , and for fear they should sicken and dye ; which would prove their loss : the care of them being only the same with that they bestow upon their Cattel . The Bassas and other great men enjoy themselves unto the height , out of foresight , that in an Empire , where all things are so uncertain , and where happen daily such sudden changes and traverses of fortune , they may be soon stript of all ; they will not lose one jot of their grandeur , but mightily pride themselves in it . In their Houses indeed they do not consult pomp and beauty , so much as largeness and convenience ; their riches is more to be seen in their Stables than in the furniture of their Rooms . No Porticos , no Courts laid out in exact proportions , no Galleries adorned with costly pieces of art , nothing either for state or pleasure ; accommodation being chiefly lookt after ; their diet too is course and mean , and far from luxurious , and little differing from that which ordinary persons content themselves with . Their magnificence appears in the number of their Women , of their Servants , and of their Slaves . Being bred up Souldiers , their care and glory is to provide for the security of their Provinces by stores of Arms and other warlike Provisions ; to get an excellent breed of Arabian Horses , whose race they will run you up to several scores of years ; and to have a considerable number of brave , tall , and well proportion'd young men to mount them , and to be of their constant retinue . In this piece of gallantry they strive who shall out-do the other ; which they think is true greatness . The law confines them to a set number of Wives ; but for Women-Slaves they are left to their own choice and liberty . They may heap up as many as their lust and their estate will and can give way to . It is wholly indifferent of what Religion they be , so they be not very heathen . Over them they have a full power , and can dispose of them according to their humour and pleasure ; and send them to the Market , when they are weary of them ; it being no unusual thing for a poor miserable Christian woman to be sold five or six times . I observed a piece of cunning in the Jews , who are well versed in all the little tricks and shifts of gain , and who usually thrive under all Governments , where-ever they are tolerated : They buy little Girls of five or six years of age at the rate of thirty or forty Dollars , and are mighty careful in their education ; teaching them to dance and sing , and instructing them in all the sorts of a winning behaviour ; and the advantage they receive does fully answer their labour and expence ; these accomplishments rendring them valuable at twenty times more than what they cost ; being oftentimes taken into the Seraglio , or into the Families of the Bassas , the ordinary Turks having not wherewithall to make such a purchase . And these mindful of the kindness of their Educators , whose chief design was their own profit , which has been the happy occasion of their preferment , do them , by the interest they get in their respective Patrons , many real and great kindnesses . For the Captive-women there is scarce any possibility to escape ; they are forced to keep at home , and only divert themselves by looking through a lattice of an upper Chamber , if they belong to a person of any condition , who usually keeps a Bagno in his house ; the meaner sort only going abroad , it being disgraceful and scandalous to be seen in publick , except in the Summer time when they are permitted now and then to go into the fields , or pass the strait to Scutary , or enjoy the cool refreshing air of the Bosphorus in a Boat , as I have seen them sometimes , with a black Eunuch in their company , not so much for a guard , as a spy to secure the fears and suspitions of their jealous Lord and Master . Fury and impatience oftentimes drive the Men-Slaves upon desperate attempts of escaping , preferring their liberty to the great hazard of being retaken and the ill consequences of it . Some have lain so long in the woods , and other places , till they have been forced by hunger into the highways , which lead to Towns. The Turks suspect all straglers , and seize upon them either for their own use , or upon the first notice given , to restore them to their Patrons , unless they produce an Hogiet or Paper under the Cadyes hand , that they are free-men . Upon the absence and flight of a Slave they give notice far and wide , and order several to watch at Bridges , which they must necessarily pass . When I pass'd the Bridge laid over the Cayster , not far from Ephesus , too deep to be forded , several Turks had fixt their station there , hoping at that pass to intercept the Slaves they were in quest and pursuit of , and taking us to be as good Musulmans as themselves , desired us , that if in our travels we met with any such , whom they described , we would stop them and carry them before the next Cady . But for all this care on the one side , and hazard on the other , some are so happy to get away , and are mightily favoured in it , by the Western Christians especially , in a Sea-Port Town , when the Ships are upon their departure for Christendom . There is such a visible appearance of Providence in the following stories , that I should not pardon my self if I omitted them . A poor Russ Lad , about twelve years old , being evil intreated of his Master , was resolved to try his fortune , and upon the next opportunity in the evening stole away . He gets hastily over the water out of the City , altogether ignorant whither he went ; a good providence carried him to a Christian Village about a mile from Pera ; he wanders up and down as a Stranger , not knowing in that sad perplexity of mind , where he was , or what he had to do , being equally afraid to go or stay ; it hapned , that one of our Druggermen had at that time business there , and easily guessing him to be a poor Christian run away from his Master , the Lad confest it , and beg'd of him for Christ's sake to take pity on him . The good man promised him to take care of him when it was a little darker , when he could do it with greater security , and with better hope of success . About an hour and a half in the night , he brought the Boy to our House to kiss my Lord Ambassador's Vest ; immediately he was put into a Livery , and a Perruke given him , and kept within doors for some time : but after he began to talk English , he walked the streets securely ; so disguised in his looks and habit , that if his Turkish Master had met him , he would not have known him , he passing for one who had come out of England with us . The other is this , A few days before we set sail for Italy , lying at Anchor in the Bay of Smyrna about a League without the Castle , about midnight the Seamen , who were upon the Watch , heard a mournful voice of one in the water , calling for help ; they immediately run to the sides of the Ship , and spy one almost quite spent with swimming , and ready to sink through weariness ; they throw out a Rope , and get him aboard . We then lay fourteen miles from the City , and about a mile and a half from the shore . When they had recovered him with strong-water and a warm bed , he told us next day , that he was a poor Christian of Russia , of nineteen or twenty years of age , who was resolved to make use of that opportunity of recovering his liberty ; that he got in the evening out of Smyrna , and kept along the shore , till he came to the place over against which our Ship rode : a calm Sea and a bright Star-light night favoured the bold adventure , so that he had the Ship always in his eye ; but the distance deceived him , proving greater than he expected . He throwing away his upper Vest into the Sea , that it might be no hinderance to him in swimming , committed himself to the goodness of God and the water , and with much a-do got to us . We put him into Christian habit , like one of the Seamen ; but for his and our greater security , the Turkish Customers being within a day or two to search the Vessel , lest they should give us or the Merchants any trouble , if they found him with us , our Captain desired the Commander of a Dutch Man of War , that lay in the Bay , to receive him till we set sail : within four days , when we were out of all danger , we received him again , and brought him for England . The condition of the Slaves is more or less tolerable , according to the temper and humour of their Patrons . But of all , a Gally-slave leads the most sad and miserable life : when they are abroad at Sea , perpetually labouring at the Oar , and chained to their seats ; there they are fixed in all weathers ; their only hope being this that violent storms are not very lasting . They must make a virtue of necessity , and are forced to be patient . A love of life and hope one day of being freedmake them submit their backs to the cruel whip ; otherwise death would be a real advantage to them : and some indeed out of a weariness and loathing , of life have been so desperate as to get loose and leap into the Sea. They who are taken in the wars are the Grand Signiors Slaves , and seldom or never get their liberty , unless when a Christian Ambassador intercedes powerfully in their behalf , or that this condition be inserted in the Articles of a Treaty renewed after a rupture by war ; a point the Signoria of Venice in the late accord upon the surrendry of Candia pursued with great zeal , and by the prudent conduct of their Bailo so happily effected , to the great honour of St. Mark. They judg it an indecorum , that the Exchequer should be one Asper the richer for ransoms . No , their Prisoners must linger out their time , and grow old either in their Gallies or Prisons , unless they are met with and over-powered in fight by the Knights of Malta , who are obliged their by their Order to be in perpetual enmity with the Turks , and are a great thorn in their side , and so have their liberty given them by the Conquerer ; or else when their Gallies are halled ashore into their Voltas , by some unexspected chance get away . At such time they are shut up in a spacious Area by the Arsenal , on the North-side of the Haven at Constantinople , enclosed with very high walls , and strict guard kept at the entrance ; and for the greater security , they shackle them in couples . Here I had occasion to go often , to visit and relieve four or five poor English men ; some of which had served Captain Georgio , a famous Greek Pyrate , who was a plague to the Infidels ; but at last by a surprize he fell into their hands , though after a most brave resistance , himself being killed in the encounter , to the great joy of all the inhabitants of the Sea-coasts , whose often visits were so terrible to them : his head was sent as a present to the Emperor , for which the Messenger was considerably rewarded , and the service of the Captain Bassa , who with his whole Fleet of Gallies , assisted by some Ships of Tripoly , set upon his two Ships in a Port of Mitylene , highly magnified , and Songs made upon the victory : my business being to confirm them by my advice in their profession of the Faith of Christ , that no hardship might work upon their troubled minds to make them turn Turks , and to relieve them as I saw their necessities required , with the money that was put into my hand for such Christian uses . The Turks allow them only black bread and water , but for other necessaries of life they are beholding to their Fellow - Christians ; though some of the more handy and ingenious , by some kind of work or other do scrape together a few Aspers to lay in a little provision against the time of their going to Sea. The Christian Commanders and Officers are imprisoned in the Seven Towers , scituated upon the Propontis in the South-East corner of Constantinople . These Gentlemen are the great trophies of their victories ; with these , and their perpetual servitude they seem satisfied in the loss of many thousands killed in the war. They have a daily allowance of fifteen Aspers made by the Emperor , and this is esteemed a mighty piece of bounty , which they cannot safely reject , though the Governour usually gets a third part of it : but being most of noble Families , they are well maintained , not only by their Relations , but by the respective Governments and States under which they served ; considerable sums being yearly sent toward their relief , which is distributed in due proportion according to their quality and character : only I could wish the Hungarian and German Gentlemen , who are Protestants , had a little more justice done them in the distribution , and did not suffer upon the account of their Religion . Here I went three or four times a year to give them the Holy Sacrament , and found easie admission into the Castle , as did the Religious of the Roman Church , to say Mass to those of their Communion , who were far more numerous ; visits were continually made them by their friends ; they had the free use of the Castle , so as they kept within their due limits ; and free liberty of keeping one another company ; and thus they deceived the tediousness of their imprisonment by mutual kindnesses and civilities of conversation ; the Governour of the Castle letting out a Garden to a noble Venetian , who had been taken in Corso , which favour he admitted his fellow-prisoners to . Nothing seemed to be wanting but their liberty to make their life pleasant ; many of them were allowed to keep their Servants , and lay in what provision they pleased ; the Governour being a mild man , and extraordinary indulgent , besides the usual custom of Turks , who think that the right of war will justify the most horrid act of barbarity and brutishness toward their Prisoners , who are to look upon it as a great favour and mercy that their throats are not cut . But after that a French Gentleman a Knight of Malta made his escape in the latter end of the year 1670. in the French-Men of War , which brought their new Ambassador ; the Turks , mad at their remissness , were resolved to revenge themselves upon the remaining Prisoners , treating them with all imaginable despight and cruelty , thrusting them ( having first put iron-bolts upon their legs ) into loathsome Cellars and Dungeons , without the least regard to their quality , and suffering no Christian to come nigh them : and indeed the cruelty and insolence were so great , that without the divine assistance it had been altogether insupportable . The other Slaves , who are in private mens hands , are redeemable at a good price ; but then there must be artifice used in the buying of them . The more forward the Western Christians are to redeem their Countrey-men , the greater price their covetous Masters set upon their heads ; a seeming indifference , whether they are redeemed or no , does very much beat down the ransome . They have rowing in their Galleys Christians of almost all European Nations ; English , and French , and Dutch , and the like . Which must not seem strange , though we have a league of commerce and trade with the Grand Signor and Ambassadors reside in the Port , and the effects and persons of the Merchants are secured by virtue of capitulations , and our Ships pass securely in their Seas . For these foolish men enticed with hope of prey and good pay , deserted the Merchants Ships of their own Countrey , and served under the banners of the Venetians and Malteses , or else privateering Pyrats : the trade being usually gainful , either by intercepting the Alexandrian Saikes in the Archipelago , or by making a descent upon the land : ( the Turks till of late awakened by their losses , not fortifying their Sea-Coasts , and lying naked to the assaults of every bold invader ) but now and then they are snapt themselves , and catch a Tartar ; which hapned to Captain Georgio's men , who were all considerably rich with their plunder ; but greedy of more , lost all , and their liberty to boot : a continued success not being to be hoped for in the uncertainties of War. I remember , that when I was at Smyrna , I attended our Consul in his visit he made Kaplan Bassa , a Georgian , the Admiral of the Turkish Armata . He interceded with him in behalf of several English Sea-men which were in the Galleys ; his answer was , that he had a command from the Emperor to torment such rogues ( for he was out of all patience when he spake of them ) who assisted his enemies ; that they were to thank themselves for their slavery ; that this severity was justifiable by the rights and laws of War ; and that he ought not to supplicate for such , who deserved greater punishment than what they endured . The Bassas and Beyes of the several Islands , which are scattered up and down the Mediterranean , hold their Places and Governments upon condition of furnishing out so many Galleys , according to a fixt proportion , every Summer-expedition at their own expence . If when they are separated from the Fleet , they master an Enemy , both ship and men are their own ; but this hapning but seldom , they are forced to hire or buy Slaves to man their Galleys . These were the men we were forced to deal with . I should here injure my conscience as well as the reputation of my Lord Ambassador and the worthy Factories of Constantinople and Smyrna , if I should conceal with what earnestness and zeal they would lay out great sums of Money in this most Christian piece of Charity , consulting herein very generously the honour of their Religion , and the honour of their Countrey , as it became Christians and English Gentlemen . Fifty pounds sterling is an ordinary price for a Slave ; and so much we have given , and sometimes more . We had a great mind to set at liberty one honest man above the rest , and offered a considerable sum of Money for his ransom ; but it was refused , and would have been , though we had doubled it . For they could not , it seems , well spare him , he being a Sail-maker by his profession , whom they continually employed ; and being sensible how useful he was to them , they used him very kindly ; so that he could complain of nothing but the bare want of liberty . Others of these Beyes out of pride and peculiar hatred to the Christian name and of our Nation , were so obstinate and inflexible , that they were not to be moved or wrought upon , by any overtures of Money , to part with their Slaves ; which distemper we found most raving in the Bassa of Rhodus ; whose example is an instance of the lasting revenge of Turks , which only death can extinguish . His Father had been Captain Bassa , and having according to the usual custom , visited the Islands and the coasts of Greece , went with his Fleet into the Sinus Euboeensis , now called the Gulph of Volo , to the N. of Boeotia or Negropont , where were two English Ships at anchor , taking in Corn , which was contraband , for Christendom ; which he made sure of , as lawful prize , and promised himself an easy victory . The poor Mariners who knew the danger , and the inconvenience they were put to for want of Sea-room , being not able to turn and wind their Ships , were resolved however to fight and die , rather than tamely yield ; there was no hope of flight , or safety , or victory ; which made them the more desperate . He sends them an insolent summons to deliver up themselves immediately ; otherwise he would beat their Ships about their ears ; and threatens them with present death . This most dismal accident , instead of abating , increased their strength , and made them the more furious . The Turks fight for prey , the Christians only for revenge ; and overprest with the disproportioned number of the Infidels , most of them die bravely , some few unhappily surviving to be the triumph and sport of their cruelty . But the Captain Bassa , who thought to gratify his covetous , proud , and revengeful humour , was killed in the fight with a Musket ; the manner of whose death the Son so implacably resented , vowing revenge upon the whole Nation for the misfortune of it , though it hapned above forty years ago ; getting as many English as he can , either by money or violence , into his hands , and using them with all imaginable cruelty and despight to please his Father 's angry Ghost . He had about ten in his Gallies , whom he would not part with at any rate , though we often tried him ; and he a man otherwise very covetous ; but his hatred , and ill will , and revenge , were in him more prevalent passions . The Enthusiasm wherewith Mahomet was so infatuated , did not deprive him of the use of his reason in other matters , relating to the establishment of his Religion , which was to be kept up and propagated by the joynt aids of ignorance and arms : wisely considering the horrid effects of intemperance in a Camp , how inconsistent with the discipline of War , in which his followers were to be trained , ( there being no likelihood of its prevailing upon the understanding of any wise or sober people otherwise ) how the Greeks and Asiaticks had given up themselves to the excessive love of Wine , which introduced softness and effeminacy in their manners , took them off their natural strength and courage both of body and mind , and rendred them less able to endure the hardships that necessarily attend a warlike life ; how the extravagant mirth they were guilty of in their cups , made them unlike men , and ended for the most part in quarrels and blood ; he forbad the use of Wine wholly , as if there had been a Devil in every grape , and that he diffused his evil influence in the juice . No , those who were to be Champions of the Almighty were to be grave and sober , and not any way expos'd to the danger of losing their reason , or having their souls defiled with so prophane a liquor . This he pretends was the command of God , which might easily enough prevail upon a blockish and stupid people , wrought upon by his wiles and artifices , to deny themselves this satisfaction , ( though their taste could not but be affected with the pleasantness , and sweetness and refreshing qualities of Wine , ) and even force their very natures and inclinations to a submission . I expected to have found them as abstemious as they have been fam'd to be , and that no such thing as drunkenness was to be seen among them , or but rarely at least ; this being the peculiar vice wherewith they used to upbraid the Christians and Jews : but I quickly found , that riot and the love of Wine were too strong for their first belief and education ; and that the inclinations of Sense had beaten down the commands of Religion ; that generally all , not only the Renegados but natural Turks , Citizens and Souldiers , were excessively given to it ; except the Priests and old men , and such as had been at Mecca , whose age , and profession , and manner of life rendred them averse from doing a thing so indecent and scandalous ; and that a man could not do a Turk a greater civility and kindness , or more oblige them , than by giving them Wine . For the sake of this they would visit the houses of Christians , and not be satisfied without it . They are for the pure blood of the grape , and wonder at our spoiling the Wine by our mixtutes of water , and think they have not drank enough , till they are able to drink no more . The late Vizir himself was not free from this vice of excessive drinking . For being perswaded ( much about the time of the taking of Candia ) by his Physician a little to transgress the law of his Prophet for his health sake , he no sooner had tasted the sweetness of Wine , ( for till that time he was utterly ignorant whether it were sweet or bitter ) but he loved it ever after ; and was almost angry with his Prophet , for forbidding a liquor so grateful to the palate ; as I believe he was with himself , for living in ignorance so long : it being his constant practice , upon his return from that Island , to indulge himself in it in the afternoon , when he had dispatched the weighty affairs of the Empire , relying , I suppose , upon the strength of a Proverb that holds as true in Turkey as in Christendom , That he who is a wise man in the day , will not be accounted a fool at night . This defection was so gross , general , and notorious , that it alarm'd the Church-men , and filled them with anger and zeal , which broke out in bitter invectives ; they thunder out of their Pulpits , that their Religion and Empire were both like to be at an end speedily , that the violation portended nothing but ruine and desolation ; that the crime grew to that excess and height , that it seemed almost to be above expiation . But the Janizaries , no way moved with their zeal , drink on still . At last a certain Priest , one Vani Ephendi , famous for his eloquence , and who had gained a mighty opinion in the Court for his pretensions to extraordinary piety , ( consisstent , by the practice and law of the Countrey , with a multitude of women , which he kept ) upon Mahomet's birth-day , took the liberty in an harangue before the Emperor , to put him in mind of the quarrels of the Janizaries , occasioned by this devillish liquor , almost in his very sight , and near his Tent ; that this was of evil Omen to the Government ; that the state of affairs were in an ill condition ; that God and Mahomet were highly angry and offended at the practice of so much lewdness , which was universally tolerated ; and that their holy Religion was in great danger of being lost by such prophanation . He very tragically and passionately laments the miscarriage ; then entreats and beseeches with mighty earnestness and zeal the Emperour , to think of a fit remedy , that may put a stop to this growing evil : and for fear his perswasions might be ineffectual , he tells him he shall never enter into Paradise , and thereatens him with everlasting punishment in the other World , unless he removes this grievous Scandal . The Grand Signior was then at Adrianople , who commands immediately the Taverns of the poor Greeks to be shut up ; and the Casks of Wine , the occasion of this great disorder , to be staved in the open streets ; and issues forth his Royal command , that no more Wine should be drank all the Empire over . I cannot but remember , with what horrour the Greeks of Constantinople received the news , how amazed and disheartned and how they lamented and deplored the misfortune , being ready to act the Desperadoes : but their trouble and solicitude are to no purpose , the Emperour commands , and he must be obeyed . The Turks enter the Cellars of the publick houses , and spoil all the Vessels they light upon , where the Greeks and Armenians had not prevented them by their over hast , for fear they should be thought to have disliked or disobeyed the Edict ; for that was universal , and took in Jews and Christians as well as Turks . For they for the future must abstain from Wine out of respect to the Emperour's command , as the Turks out of respect to Mahomet . The Turks are always guilty of Extreams ; when once they have determined upon a thing , though never so rashly and without the due examination of circumstances , or the mischiefs that may follow , they presently proceed to execution . Whatsoever they do , they do it with so much impetuosity and fury , that equity and clemency and civility are wholly laid aside . To add geater force and authority to the command , and to strike a terror into the people , a severe penalty is threatned to be inflicted upon the transgressor : the fear of which made them forbear drinking Wine in private , lest their very breath should betray them . The Christians , who were less careful herein , suffered the punishment of their own folly . For I knew several of them faulty herein seized upon in the streets , and condemned to the Galleys . Our Drugger-men would never venture to drink a glass of Wine , whensoever they crossed the waters and went , as they had occasion , for the business of my Lord Ambassador and the Nation , to the Caimaicam's house ; for this had been an affront , and consequently an aggravation of their fault , for a Christian reeking with Wine to breath in a Bassa's face . In the mean while the Christian Ambassadors were concerned , lest they and their Families , if there were no Vintage the following Autumn , should be involved under the same Inconveniencies ; for the Greeks out of despair left off cultivating their Vineyards , not thinking the bare Grapes , whereof there is such plenty , worth the labour and cost and time ; and it was justly to be feared , lest the Customers in the Sea-port Towns would prove froward and troublesom , and not permit any Vessels of Wine sent for Presents out of Christendom to be carried to their Palaces . The Cadyes too were very fierce in the execution of this Order ; some out of zeal to Religion , others out of a principle of obstinacy and ill will to the Christians ; others out of covetousness to get money for a Licence and Dispensation . This last made the Cady of Jerusalem so fierce upon the poor Religious of the several Communions of Christians there , so as to forbid them the use of Wine in the Holy Sacrament , pretending he did but his duty to the Emperour , when it was a lusty Bribe the Villain aimed at , knowing the obligations their Religion and their vows laid upon them of celebrating a daily Mass , as the event soon shewed . During this disorder the Ambassadors send their Druggermans ( for so they call the Interpreters they make use of in transacting their concerns ) to represent to the Visir and other Bassas the injustice of concluding them under the prohibition ; that it would be a prejudice to their health , to be forced upon the liquors of the Countrey , to which they had not been accustomed ; and that it was against the law of Nations that they should be deprived of the conveniences of humane life ; upon a debate in their Divan , the request seemed just and reasonable , and fit to be complied with , that they should have a liberty of making what quantity of Wine they pleased for their own uses ; for they would extend the priviledge no further . The Ambassadors were unsatisfied with this order , but made further demands , that all the Western Christians , who were under their protection , dispersed in the several Factories of the Empire , might enjoy the same favour . The Bassas demur upon it , and pretend this would enervate the force of the Emperor's edict ; and that such a concession would have an evil influence upon the Government , which is preserved by a punctual submission to his will and pleasure , which was the highest reason of a law . All likelyhood of success seemed to vanish ; our Druggerman however was commanded to attend , and take all opportunities of making new proposals in his Master's name : The matter is put off from day to day , but at last ( for it was four months first ) being wearied with continued demands , they suffered their obstinacy with great difficulty to be overcome . The drinking of distilled liquors was equally forbid ; for the Turks seemed more pleased with them than with Wine , as affecting their stomacks and brain with greater heats and tittillations . Neither Turks nor Greeks are skilful in the arts of distillations ; but do it in so rude and gross a way , as that it rather seems a boyling of liquors , than a separating the pure and spirituous parts from the gross and saeculent ; which makes a company of Brutes , who make sense if not the only yet the leading principle of life so mad for strong waters sent out of Christendom , distilled with so much art and cost , out of spices , herbs , and such like hot materials and ingredients . They have no moderation and command over themselves or appetite , and think it can never be satisfied , unless cloyed with excess . And if any Turk , who indulges himself in the drinking of Wine or strong Waters , does not lose his reason , and returns sober from such a debauch , it must be wholly imputed to the strength of his brain , not to his good will , much less to his virtue . Besides their Coffee and Sherbet , which last is used by the better sort in the heats of Summer to quench and allay their thirst , the ordinary people drink sometimes other liquors ; one they call Bozza , made of a kind of Millet ; another made of boyled raisins and honey mixt ; another of water and honey , and with eggs macerated in them ; besides a syrup made of preserved grapes . But which is most peculiar to them , is the use of crude Opium , which they swallow whole in little pills without any the least mastication . The stomack performing its vital function in the opening and dissolving this concreted juice , the brain feels the violent operation of it ; the spirits are put into a rapid motion ; a vertigo seizes upon the person ; and a kind of delirium , which takes away the free and sober use of reason ; if they walk , their motion is very unsteady , like men who are drunk or mad ; and their tongues faltering , and the whole body disordered . A thousand foolish ideas of things possess their imagination ; their fancies are then most raving , as if all that time they were as happy as the Grand Signor himself . They think this the greatest pleasure of life , which they can purchase at the rate of a few aspers ; for to this purpose some vile persons take it , as they do Wine , being capable of no greater pleasure than what arises from a preternatural state of the body . Others to strengthen them in their lust ; others to deprive them of their understanding , so as to be less sensible of danger , or the impressions of hunger , or the cold air , and the other severities of Winter , and especially when at such times they are obliged to travel . This is the constant viaticum or provision of the Messengers , especially Arabians by Nation , who like our foot-posts are employed by the Ambassadors and Merchants from Constantinople to their several Factories ; there being no establisht conveyance of Letters all Turkey over , ( which is one argument of their barbarousness ) their service is very useful and necessary . They are reduced to a set company , and have a Chief over them , who dispatches them to the several parts of the Empire ; and they perform great journeys with incredible haste , unless when the ways are rendred unpassable by deep snow or great rain and inundations of waters , and are very faithful in the discharge of their trust . Dozed and intoxicated with Opium , they go on their way , and have just so much sense left as to know they are not out of it ; at first they shake off the drouziness , which the poisonous medicament brings upon them , by a continual agitation of the body ; and when they are tired and forced to rest , they are content with as little sleep as possible , not lying stretcht out to their full length , but leaning down with their backs against a wall or banke , with their knees against their belly to keep it warm ; every one knows his convenient dose according to his strength and temperament ; some will receive the quantity of a little pea , as ordinarily as they do their daily food , or rather make that serve for it ; stronger stomacks and constitutions require as much more , which one would wonder how they should concoct , but that we know , to some by a peculiarity of constitution , which nature hath given , or use introduced , occasioned by necessity or wantonness , poisons have served for aliment . How small a part of that , which custom has made so necessary to their lives , as that they cannot forbear so much as one day , would put us into our last sleep , and awaken us in another World ! This affected phrenzy has this event usually , the spirits being so often fired and put into a preternatural motion , their whole force being spent , grow dull and torpid ; their looks pale and frightful , like men distracted ; their eyes sunk in their heads ; a palsy in their hands , and all the infirmities of old age seizing upon them in the time of their manhood : so that they appear to be as so many walking ghosts . Which horrid and necessary effects of it have of late made the use of it less frequented among the more considering Turks , who are sensible their excesses and debaucheries with Wine are less dangerous and pernicious to their health . I know not how true the experiment is , but this is certain , that those who use Opium abstain most carefully , for some time at least , from drinking cold water , : which they say would cause death incurably , though without any convulsion or agonies . This is the only use of Opium with them , ignorant of correcting its noxious and stupifying qualities , and so making it fit for medicine . There is so great and universal a regard had to Mahomet's prohibition of eating Swines-flesh , that the transgressor is counted sacrilegious and void of all conscience , who dares defile his soul with it , as they firmly believe it does ; which opinion is so rooted in their minds , that they may be sooner brought to renounce any part of their Religion , than this particular institution . Those who will indulge themselves to drinke Wine , abhor the very thought of touching , much more of eating the least bit of Pork . To breed an antipathy in their children toward it , they teach them , as soon as they can speak , to call Christians by the opprobrious name of Hogs ; which hatred grows up with their years ; so that they had rather die with hunger , than meddle with such profane and cursed diet , in what strait or necessity of life soever . The very sight of a Hog puts some into a fright and trembling , which soon passes into fretting and indignation ; and woe to the poor Swine , if the Souldiers come in their way ; for they are sure to come by the worst of it , if they escape being killed with their small shot ; the steams of the dressed flesh are hated worse than any pestilential air ; and therefore if any good-natur'd Turk condescends to be entertain'd by a Christian , great care is taken that nothing may be served up of Hogs-flesh , however disguised : for this would be an affront not only to his Person , but Religion , and would fright him from the table . Which I remember hapned particularly at a worthy English Merchant's House at Galata , who prevail'd with a gentile Turk to stay and dine with him . The Cook not knowing there was such a Guest in the company , sent up a mess of Pork , which one of the servants as ignorantly put upon the table . The Turk suspecting what it was , asked the question , the thing being confessed , ( for there was no possible denying or dissembling it ) he rises from his seat in great haste as one out of his wits , looks about for water , and observing a little Cistern in one corner of the room ( as is usual ) washes his hands , mouth , and nostrils , as if all had been polluted , and left us immediately in great disdain , though fully satisfied it was a mistake , and no way out of design . The Greeks who live in Villages apart from Turks , breed up these creatures not so much for their own use , as to sell them to the We , stern Christians , and to Masters of Ships for their Sea-provision ; a priviledg which they are forced to buy with their Money . But to do this with greater security , the Druggermans are forced to procure a warrant from the Caimacam every year at the beginning of Winter ; and then the Swineherd must remain in the fields , in some by-place out of the road , till the dusk of the evening ; at which time the Turks , not used to stay out late , retire to their houses ; there being as great silence at an hour and an half in the night as at midnight . This great care must be taken to prevent and take off all occasion of scandal , offence , and tumult , which would necessarily arise , if they were brought into Constantinople as it were in triumph by day-light ; and would be sadly misconstrued , as an evil Omen of the downfal of their Empire by the Christians . They are at present strangers to luxury and high feeding ; the Kitchen-arts have not as yet got among them ; no poignant sauces to provoke the appetite , besides popper and garlick to heat their stomacks ; no curiosity of diet , little decency in their entertainments : They understand not the use of knife and fork , tearing the flesh asunder with their fingers ; a wooden spoon being the chief furniture of their table . There are some dishes peculiar to the great mens tables , which an European stomack , though not nice and curious , would reject ; fish and soul , though they have in abundance , they do not much affect . They cut the flesh they roast into little mammocks , and put them upon wooden spits . The common food of the Levant from Constantinople to the walls of China and beyond , is Rice ; which they disguise with several colours with saffron and several sorts of seeds and juices which yields hearty nourishment . The usual time of dinner is about nine of the clock in the morning ; they sit close and round a copper vessel , placed upon a stool a foot and half high from the ground , which contains their plates and dishes either of tin or earth ; ( for the Emperor does not use silver ) and eat their meat in great haste , as if they strove who should eat most , or have done first . This Paragraph of their diet I should altogether have omitted , as of too poor and mean a consideration , if it did not conduce somewhat to the better understanding their manners and tempers . Their Weddings are celebrated with great noise and tumult ; the Bride muffled up and covered with a red veil is brought home on horseback riding astride , attended by her relations and friends , and Musick playing before , and the boys running up and down and making a confused noise . This is the first day of their coming together ; the whole business of the contract and marriage being managed in their absence by the friends of each party . But forasmuch as the Mahometan law permits the man to put away his wife upon every slight occasion , that they may not leave their Daughters wholly at the mercy of their Husbands , whose humours are so fickle and inconstant , but prevent such an accident , at least to provide better against it , a Writing is signed before the Cadi , whereby they oblige themselves to make such daily allowance to their Wives , in case they are weary of them and turn them off : which allowance is exacted as a just debt and always payable . The paper of contract being ratified , the Proxies of both parties go to the Parish Priest , who is invited to the Nuptial entertainment , who there bestows his blessing on the married couple ; and then begins the mad mirth , which lasts for three entire days and nights together . They are confined to the number of four Wives , who have some little command over the women Slaves , though otherwise not much better treated ; for their condition is servile , being shut up in their houses as so many prisons , scarce permitted to go abroad without a keeper ; barr'd from all outward conversation ; their Brothers grown up to be men , denied access to them , or else but twice or thrice in a year , and then in the presence of their jealous Husbands : forced thus to live an idle and melancholick kind of life at home , their chiefest diversion is to bath often , or to stand at their lattice-window to observe the passengers ; but the good Housewives , who are almost dead with this idle and dull kind of life , deceive the slow hours by embroidering Handkerchiefs and Quilts . Their chiefest care is how to please their Husbands , in whose favour they place their happiness ; it being in their power to retain them , or put them away ; so that their observance and love spring wholly from a principle of fear . Examples of which severity are frequent ; after the first or second divorce a reconciliation is allowed ; but if their fury and inconstant humour carry them on farther , then they lye under an interdict . It is a sin , and no less than that of Adultery , to reassume them , unless after anothers embraces ; this punishment of folly is establisht by law , and is horribly disgraceful ; a greater curse or infamy than which , Bayazid the first thought he could not wish upon himself , when he was challenged by Tamerlan to fight , if he did not meet him and joyn battel upon a certain day . The Jews practice the same liberty of divorcing themselves from their Wives , allowed by Moses for the hardness of their hearts . A certain Jew had bebauched a Jewess , Wife to another of his own Religion ; which being known , the man was excommunicated , and turned out of the Synagogue , and the woman lockt up and deprived of her liberty . But they were resolved to keep company together , and by mutual consent turn Turks , to the great forrow and regret of the Husband , from whom she was violently forced away . At last being convinced of her sin , and her Jew-Turk-Gallant weary of her , she is willing to return to her first Husband ; but this was inconsistent , she being an Apostate , with the law of Moses , and with the law of Mahomet , which forbids any Turkish woman to marry either Christian or Jew . The man is mad for his Wife , and to put himself into a condition to receive her , he turns Turk , and marries her , the other having given her a Bill of Divorce . After some time they both go to Salonichi , where is the greatest concourse of Jews in the Empire ; next to Constantinople and Cair , and turn Jews again , hoping in such a multitude to pass undiscovered . The women may sue for a Divorce from their Husbands , when they are not maintained according to the law , and according to contract , and when they suffer an injury too great to be endured ; which if they obtain , they only carry away their Clothes and Dowry , and lose all future allowances , and take the Girls with them ; but these cases are rare , and very feldom happen . They are very kind and assisting to their sick friends , accounting it a matter of piety and religion : the frequency of visits renders them troublesome , every one bringing fruits or medicines , which they judg proper in the case . This care and kindness continue as long as there is hope of life ; but when that is past , and the pangs of death seize upon the person , the Priest or any other whispers several times in his ear , and puts him in mind of that usual form , of the profession of Mahometism , that there is no God but God , and that Mahomet is his Prophet . They are much concerned for them in their agonies , and express it by their looks and by their moan ; but when once they are dead , their mourning and trouble are at an end ; they cease from all complaints , and scarce a sigh to be hard , looking upon this , as a finding fault with the decree of God Almighty and a resisting his will. The dead body is perfumed with Frankincense , carefully washed with clean soap and warm water , and sowed up in linnen : unless towards the head and feet , ( which are left free , that the person may stand on his legs , and shew himself in the grave , when he gives an account of his faith to the Examining Angels ) and not kept long above ground . They have not the art of embalming . Their Funerals are solemnized without Obsequies ; no shew , or pomp , or expence in the least ; they do all in the day-time , and usually in the morning ; deriding the Greeks , who at such times carry lighted Tapers and Torches , and the Priests their Censers , and hire women to cut and tear their hair , and is a necessary part of the solemnity . The Priest usually goes before the corps mumbling out somewhat , who says peculiar prayers for the soul of the dead person at his grave ; nigh which he stands alone by himself , the rest about twenty foot distant , and there reads some short Chapters of the Alcoran . Then he gravely admonishes him about the fundamentals of his Religion , that the Angel Inquisitor may not surprize him , and find him unprepared with sutable answers ; and that he boldly confess that God is the Creator , and Mahomet his Messenger , and that he used in his prayers to turn his face towards Mecca , and the like ; which ceremony being finish'd , they lay the body in the ground , and wish the man a good success in his examination . Their care and respect is not confined to the grave ; for they bestow Money to the poor to pray for their souls , which they believe find ease and benefit by their suffrages , and often go themselves to their graves , out of love and respect to their memory . Some Emperors and great men have left lands for these very purposes , that these religious offices may never be omitted . Their women are not permitted to be present at a Funeral ; only the last day of Ramazan , as I said before , they are allowed to go to the publick burying places . These burying-places are without the City , and usually nigh the high-way ; somewhat perchance for pomp and more for use , to put passengers in mind that they must dye also , and serve for examples to others : Their graves are somewhat hollow , that they may the better rise and sit before the Angels , planks being laid athwart to keep the sand and dust , that cover them , from falling upon them . At the extremities are erected two broken pieces of pillars ( which formerly belong'd to Christian Churches ) or great stones , some of which are between four and five yards high , as I found by measure in the burying-place of Galata . They avoid doing any possible injury to the dead ; their bones lye quiet and undisturbed ; they do not dig up a grave a second time ; every one has his grave apart ; no mixture of ashes or bones , which are as safely preserved as if they were in distinct urnes and peculiar vaults and repositories : The sepulchral monuments of the great men are made of free-stone , well cut and smoothed , in the fashion of a chest , whose cover is taken off , with a stone-step running round and jetting out . Both sides are adorned with gilt circles , and one at each end , the intermedial spaces being filled up with flowers , very handsomely wrought ; for here as in their cielings they shew their skill of engraving and painting . Statuary and drawing a mans face they do not pretend to in the least ; this being altogether unlawful ; which makes them so brutishly fierce against all humane figures , whether wrought by the chezil or pencil . In either of the extremes is placed a pillar , which rising from a square , ends in a cone ; on the tip of which is plac'd a turbant , or a cap , such as the women wear , to distinguish whose the monument is . These monuments are in the open air . The Emperors and great men lie buried in Cities , in covered Chappels , which they have purchased & built for this very purpose . An Oath is of great force with them in deciding pecuniary and capital causes ; they lay their hands upon the Alcoran and call God to witness to the truth of what they shall attest , which they kiss and then put to their forehead , having first washed their hands ; for no unclean person must dare to touch it , as they are warned by the inscription , that is always on the outside cover of the book . If any Christian or Jew are to give in witness upon Oath , they adjure them to tell the truth of what they know , making them also lay their hands upon the holy Gospels or books of Moses . An English Gentleman being cited before a Cady as a witness of a bargain , readily appeared , and was very willing to take his Oath , as he could do most conscientiously and religiously ; but they wanted a book to swear him , which put a sudden stop to the contestation and trial ; after much search among the neighbouring Christians , they brought in an old Latin book , which they took for the Gospels ; He quickly perceiving what it was , began to refuse , till his Interpreter , from whom I received this account , told him , that such a scrupulosity would spoil the cause , and make the Turks suspect the truth of his testimony ; that it was brought there instead of the book of the Gospels , and that it was believed by them so to be ; and that it was the same thing in effect , as if the original hand-writing of the Evangelists were put into his hands ; wrought upon by these arguments , he took his Oath accordingly . Some of them will swear horribly in their private discourse ; sometimes out of design to gain belief , and sometimes in their passion ; and the forms are very odd , and which are not worth being recited or known . But it is the highest unkindness in the world not to believe them , when they swear one particular Oath ; for then they are most serious , and desire to remove all possible suspicion of falshood ; which is , by the truth of the four books the thing is so or so , or I will do this or that ; meaning the law of Moses , the Psalter of David , the Gospel of Jesus , and the Alcoran of Mahomet : for they look upon the three first also as sacred , and reverence their authority . They acknowledg Moses and David and our blessed Saviour Christ to be great Prophets , and do not speak of them without a preface of respect and honour ; following herein the example of Mahomet himself , who has left them abundant witness in his Alcoran of the most holy life and stupendious miracles of Christ . To whose holy name the better sort shew so great a reverence , that if any cursed Jew go about to blaspheme it , they will be sure to revenge the affront : as it hapned not long since at Gallipoli , a maritime City of Thrace upon the Propontis , where a Jew , quarrelling with an English-man , broke out into most scurrilous language against our Saviour ; but the Turks , who were present , were so concerned at the blasphemy , that they carried the wretch to the Justice , who hearing of the evidence , without delay commanded him to be severely drubbed before him , to teach him more respect and duty to the name of so holy and great a Prophet . A Survey of the Seven Churches of Asia , as they now lye in their ruines . THE curious surveys every where extant of Bethlehem , Nazareth , and Jerusalem , places so famous for the birth , education , and sufferings of our Blessed Saviour , ( which are owing to the industry and learning and curiosity of devout Pilgrims , who from the first ages of Christianity to this present , not without the design of providence , as I verily believe , have visited mount Calvary and the holy Sepulchre ) suffer us not to be unacquainted with their situation and state : every one , who has but the least gust for Antiquity , or History , or Travel , or insight into Books , greedily catching at such relations . But a sadder fate seemed to hang over the Seven Churches of Asia , founded by the Apostles , and to which the eternal Son of God vouchsafed to send those Epistles recorded in the book of the Revelation of St. John , which by the unpardonable carelesness of the Greeks , ( unless that horrid stupidity , into which their slavery has cast them , may plead some excuse herein ) have lain so long neglected ; they giving us no account of their ruines , and the Western Christians either not caring or not daring to visit them . The English Gentlemen who live in Smyrna , out of a pious zeal and a justly commendable curiosity , some few years since were the first who made a voyage thither , to see the remainders of that magnificence , for which those Cities were so renowned in the Histories of ancient times : and their practice and example have for the most part every year since in the Autumn been taken up and followed . During my stay at Smyrna , where I arrived about the middle of February 1670. from Constantinople , in order to get a safe passage for Christendom in our Fleet of Merchants Ships , then lading at that Scale , ( the Corsairs of Algiers infesting the Mediterranean with their number and strength , and making all sailing in a single Vessel very dangerous ) I was seized with the same curiosity . But an opportunity did not so easily present it self : the waters were not then quite down , and the plains in several places scarce passable : besides , I wanted company , which is highly necessary in those Countreys both for security and convenience ; having had sad experience by my travels in other parts of Turkey of the difficulties and hazards of such voyages : and especially in a voyage I made to Prusia in Bithynia , in which I narrowly escaped having my throat cut upon mount Olympus by several Janizaries newly arrived from Candia , and travelling toward Constantinople . But our Ships not departing till July following , the love and respect I had to Antiquity , and to the memory of those Churches , once so famous , made me not only forget but despise danger : and it hapned very luckily , that three worthy English Gentlemen , Mr. Lewis , Mr. Rudings , and Mr. Jolly ( which last with one and fifty more most sadly perished by Shipwrack neer Mounts Bay in Cornwal in October 1671. ) not long after acquainted me that they had taken up the same resolution , and would risque it too . The Spring was now advanced ; and we were to set out with all convenient speed , before the heats encreased and grew excessive : and for our better safety , we hired two stout and honest Janizaries , well known to our Nation ; two Armenian Christians , a Cook , and three Grooms to look to our Horses ; in all twelve of us . Which number was but necessary ; for at that time of the year , when there is grass in the fields for their horses , the roads are infested with Robbers in strong and numerous parties , well mounted and armed , who take all advantages of assaulting passengers , and kill first , and rob afterwards : sometimes coming twenty or thirty days journey out of the mountains of Cilicia , and from Georgia , to the furthermost Provinces of the lesser Asia lying toward the Archipelago for this purpose . I cannot here conceal the extraordinary civility and courtesie of the Cady of Smyrna , then newly promoted to that Office , who hearing of our intended voyage , to oblige and gain the love of our Nation , sent one of his Servants to advise us to be well arm'd , and to have a good Guard with us ; for that he was assured there were murdrous Villains abroad on the high-ways , and that several had fallen into their hands . This advice was seasonable and most obliging : and accordingly we provided against all evil accidents as well as we could , relying chiefly upon the good providence of God , as our greatest and best security . April the third 1671. we set out from Smyrna , and went about to the Northern-side of the Bay , which runs in a good way to the North-east , riding for several hours neer the shore under the rocky mountains of Gordilen , which with the opposite mountain Mimas , there being high hills also to the East , makes the Haven so secure for Ships , which lye as it were land-lockt . Our way lay Northward , and somewhat to the West . For that we might the better observe the turnings and windings of our journey , and the bearings of places , we took a Sea-Compass with us . Leaving Menamen , which I suppose is the Temnos of the Ancients , on the right-hand , a Town well situated , and considerable for the trade of Dimity and Scamity , we rode down to the River Hermus , not far distant from it , ( having in our way a very pleasant prospect of rich plains and meadows ) where we arrived after six hours and a half . Hermus hath its rise in the greater Phrygia , and passing through Lydia and Aeolis , pours its waters into the Bay of Smyrna over against Vurlaw , ( famous for its hot waters , mentioned by Strabo under the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and much frequented by Turks and Greeks in the Summer-time ) and not far from Foggia-vecchia the Phocaea of the Ancients , where the Athenians first setled a Colony . The Channel as wide as the Thames at Windsor , and deep withal , and not being fordable thereabouts , we were ferried over it , the current being somewhat strong . We rode along the banks of it towards Chiaus-kuy , situated about a mile from it , where we made our first Conac or nights lodging , having travelled this day about eight hours . On the 4th , within three hours after our setting forth , we had a sight at some distance of the Bay of Elaea : and avoiding Guzelhisar , which from its distance and situation I take to be the old Aegae , * a Town well situated on the rising of a hill , we came to the bottom of it , and went round it , it running in considerably to the N. W. and not being able to reach Pergamus with any convenience , we ascended to a little Village , called by the Turks Clisia-kuy . Our days travel being almost ten hours ; our way lying still Northward . On the 5th . having rode through a wood for half an hour , we got into the plain of Pergamus ; a most delightful and fruitful plain ; several parts of it plowed up , the rest yielding excellent Pasturage : it extends it self to a very considerable length to the South-east ; in some places abovt five miles over . On the North-west of the plain we left the river Cetius , which hath but a very small channel , and the Caicus to the Southward of it , which we past over at a miles distance from the City on a Stone-bridg of thirteen Arches , the City lying to the North-west of it , where we arrived after four hours . The Caicus runs with a very smooth stream , the channel about half the bredth of Hermus , but very apt to overflow its low banks upon the descent of rain and the melting of the snow upon the mountains , which makes those plains to be scarce passable for some time of the year . It runs into the Bay not far from Elaea , a City of Aeolis , ( from whence it hath its denomination ) called by the Turks Ayasman , on the western-side of it , the Scale of Pergamus ; from which it may be distant about twelve or fourteen miles : this river separating Mysia from Aeolis . Pergamus the chief City of Mysia Hellespontica ( called by the Turks with a very little variation Bergamo ) is about sixty four miles from Smyrna to the North North-west of it . It lies under a very high and steep hill , by which sufficiently secured from the cold Northern blasts . On the top of it is a Castle built according to the old way of fortification , which the Turks in a manner neglect , it being without any Artillery or other provisions of War : they being altogether secure and free from the fears of having an enemy in those parts . This inscription is to be seen there on some ruines of Marble . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . From the Castle there runs down Eastward a good part of the hill a stone-wall ; at the end of which some ruines of a fortification , that seems to have been built for the security of it that way . The ancient Stone-buildings , now the ordinary dwelling houses of the Turks , still continue in several streets ; the City by this means retaining somewhat of its former glory , amidst those many and vast ruines that lye about it , contrary to the fate of other Churches ; most of whose ancient structures are wholly ruined , and pitiful Turkish houses built of earth baked in the Sun , and beggerly Cottages raised upon their foundations . We went first to see the ruines of a Palace , ( as it is judged to be ) which lye in a street to the East part of the City ; where we found five Pillars of polished Marble , of about seven yards in length , the Chapiters curiously wrought , in a line equally distant : and further on , there being a larger space between , two other Pillars ; all which serve now only as so many props to support a wall that is built close to them . They are confronted on the other side of the street with other Pillars of the same make , but whose Chapiters are broken , two lying along upon the ground . More Eastward toward the plain lye very famous ruines of a Church dedicated to St. John , built of brick ; about fifty six paces in length , and in bredth thirty two ; the walls of a very great heigth , two rows of windows on each side . Several Pillars fixt within the body of the Church , but broken of , and wanting much of their due height : the Turks not willing to be at any pains to clear the earth where they are fixt , and the broken pieces serving their purpose as well ; which is to place them at the extremities of their graves : abundance of which we found in their burying-places in our travels where ever we came . Under the East end , a large Vault . On each side of the Church is a round building , the one exactly agreeing with the other . The doors very high ; opposite to which is a great Nicchio or cavity in the wall ; a Vault underneath sustained by a great Pillar ; the foundation strengthened by several arches and pillars ; it is eighteen of my paces in diameter within ; the walls very thick . In the upper part of the City is the Rivolet Selinus , whose stream is very swift , running toward the South South-east into the Caicus ; over which are built several Stone-bridges ; some with two , some with three arches . By the stream not far from the great Church , part of a wall is yet standing of about ninety paces . On the other side of Selinus is a very handsome and large Church , formerly called Sancta Sophia , into which you ascend by several stone-stairs ; now polluted by the Turks , and made a Mosch . We observed a passage under ground from the Castle to the Selinus , by which they supplyed themselves with water . Along the side of a hill from the South-west are the remainders of an Aqueduct . On a hill to the west of the City we met with several vast ruines with six great arches over a water , which seems to have been formerly a common-shore ; and South of this another range of six arches more , with two large rooms . The former of these ruines the Turks call Kiz-serai or the Womens Seraglio ; telling us , that anciently they were kept there , accommodating according to their rude conception of things , who have not the least knowledg of Antiquity , the customs of former ages to the practice of their Emperor at Constantinople , and fancying them to have been the very same . More Southward is another great ruined building with arches , situated pleasantly upon a hill ; from whence we had a good prospect of the City and the neighbouring Plain ; hard by which is a Theatre , that opens to the South , the marks of the steps still remaining . In the declivity of which almost at the bottom is a Marble-stone about seven spans in length and two in bredth , with this inscription , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . On the opposite side a Marble statue about two or three foot in the rubbish , which we caused to be removed by a poor Christian ; this being the only way to preserve it ; the Turks being such profest enemies to all humane figures , whether painted , or in Mosaick , or wrought in Brass or Marble , that it would quickly be defaced and broken , if it appeared above ground . As we walk'd in the streets , we observed several Vaults almost every-where . We went to see several ruines about a quarter of a mile out of Town , to the S. W. which seem to have been a fortification ; under which are several Vaults that open one into another , which serve not only for the foundation of the building , but might also very conveniently be made use of for a granary to lay their stores in , though now only a receptacle of cattel . To the South much about the same distance are two mounts opposite one to the other , raised artificially to command the passage , and secure the Avenues that way ; in the mid way lies the road : and the like toward the East . The state of the Christians here is very sad and deplorable , there being not above fifteen families of them : their chief employment is gardening , by which they make a shift to get a little money to pay their harache , and satisfy the demands of their cruel and greedy oppressors , and maintain a sad miserable life . They have one Church dedicated to St. Theodore ; the Bishop of Smyrna , under whose jurisdiction they are , taking care to send a Priest to officiate among them . In the Bagno we found an excellent jarr of marble , not unlike a font ; about five or six foot from the pavement , very neer seven yards in compass , with figures of horsemen in relievo round about it , but broken somewhat at top : neer which is a curious marble-basin about two or three foot higher than it . In the yard adjoyning we found this inscription upon a stone-pillar sunk in the ground . MA. AEMILIO . AVR. PVB. PROCVLO PRAEF . FABR. MA. LEPIDI . AVG. PROCVR . SACRVM . On it is engraven a Bulls head . On a stone very high upon the wall is the figure of a dog , with these two verses under it . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Having satisfied our selves with the view of Pergamus , on Thursday the 6th . about Sun-rise we set forward in our journey toward Thyatira , our way lying almost due East , repassing the Cetius and Caicus ; which last we forded at about two miles distance from the City . After four hours we came to a river , whose channel was somewhat broad and banks very high , which we left on our left-hand ; perchance the river Hyllus . After seven hours we arrived at Soma , a very large Town , situated under a high hill , and from thence passed in three hours to Kirk-agach , or the Town of forty trees , placed under a hill also ; the plain lying to the North of it : and so to Bak-hair , a Village so called from the pleasantness of its situation ; those words signifying a fair prospect ; where we took up our lodging after eleven hours travel . On the 7th . from Bakhair after four hours we came to a Village called Mader-kuy , seated on a little hill , under which runs a little river , which loseth its waters in the Hermus . In the plain before it we saw several pillars ( about forty or fifty ) some fixt in the ground , and others lying upon the grass , no other ruines being near . From this Village to Thyatira in one hour . Thyatira ( called by the Turks Akhisar or the white Castle ) a City of Lydia , is distant from Pergamus about forty eight miles ; almost South-east , situated in a spacious plain about two miles and an half in compass . Very few of the ancient buildings remain here ; one we saw , which seems to have been a market-place , having six pillars sunk very low in the ground , about four spans only left above . We could not find any ruines of Churches ; and enquiring of the Turks about it , they told us there were several great buildings of stone under ground , which we were very apt to believe from what we had observed in other places , where digging somewhat deep , they met with strong foundations , that without all question have formerly supported great buildings ; but the descriptions of the Ancients and the several inscriptions that we found there put it out of doubt , that this is the true Thyatira : though the Greeks , who are prodigiously ignorant of their own Antiquities , take Tyreh , a Town twenty five miles to the South-east of Ephesus , to be the place , being deceived by the neerness of the sound the one has with the other ; upon the same weak pretence , as they have mistaken hitherto Laotik , a Town not far from Ancyra ( Angury the Turks call it ) in Galatia , for Laodicea ; when we have most authentick proofs that it is placed neer to the river Lycus , and not far from Hierapolis . On the pedestal of a pillar in the middle of a market-place covered , we found this inscription engraven in very fair characters . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . On the side of a large stone-coffin in form of a chest , the cover taken off , in the middle of a Court of a Seraglio , is the following inscription of six very long lines , the letters engraven small , and very close ; where there is mention made twice of the City of the Thyatirenians . 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . On another such sepulchral-stone now made use of by a Tanner , in his house might be read these words . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . We found several other inscriptions , some of which I took , not being able to take all for want of time and convenience ; the Turks in great companies , both men and boys , pressing upon me ; ( several stones being placed upon the walls reversed by these great enemies of Learning and Antiquity ) who wondred at us , and thought us little less than mad for coming from so far as Smyrna to look upon a few old stones , which they make no other use of than to put into the walls of their houses , breaking them off in the mid'st oftentimes , as they have occasion . I find by several inscriptions , that the inhabitants of this City , as well as those of Ephesus , were in the times of heathenism great votaries and worshippers of the goddess Diana . In the corner of a street neer a fountain upon a broken stone put into a wall : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . To Diana goddess of the mountains : and in the burying-place of the Turks ( who always bury their dead out of Town , and neer the high-way , except their Emperors and their relations , or some great men , as Bassas or others , who have merited well by their services of the Empire , who have the priviledg to be interred in Cities , as Constantinople , Adrianople , or Prusia , neer the Moschs , or chanes in their own ground , which they had purchased ) to the North-west of the City , where there are a great many stately pillars , which were designed to another use , is a very fair stone erected to the honour of one of her Priestesses Vlpia Marcella by the Senate and People . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Upon a Tomb-stone in the said burying-place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We saw several old pillars with inscriptions in a Chane ; but the letters were so effaced and broken , that they could not be well read . In a back yard belonging to a Tanner . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . With these four Latin verses under . VOTA SUPERVACUA FLETUSQUE ET NUMINA DIVUM NATURAE LEGES FATORUMQUE ARCUIT ORDO SPREVISTI PATREM MATREMQUE MISERRIME NATE ELYSIOS CAMPOS HABITANS ET PRATA VEATUM In a back lane not far from the corner to the North-east of the Basar . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . This City has a very great convenience of water , which streams in every street , flowing from a neighbouring hill to the Eastward of it about a mile off ; there being above three thousand five hundred pipes , if the Turks may be credited , to conveigh it to every part of it . It is populous , inhabited most by Turks , who have eight Moschs here , few Christians residing among them ; those Armenians we found there being strangers , who came thither to sell shashes , handkerchiefs , &c. which they bring out of Persia . They are maintained chiefly by the trade of Cotton-wool , which they send to Smyrna , for which commodity Thyatira is very considerable . On the 8th we left Thyatira , and about a mile from the City in the plains , we found a stone-coffin that had this inscription . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . As in the City we found several stones that had the name of Antoninus engraven on them . Within two hours we past a small river , which crost the plain from East to West ; and a mile off another stream , which we supposed might arise from the same spring , and be divided from it . After two hours more we arrived at a Village called Selinte-kuy , where were to be seen several excellent pieces of polished marble up and down , and some few ruines , which assure us sufficiently , though we had but just time to look into it , that it is not originally a Turkish Village , but was once inhabited by Christians , especially considering the situation of it within a mile of a river , I suppose the Cryon , or rather the Halys , so fatal to Croesus formerly King of this Province ; whose stream we found very swift , according to the ancient account given of it , passing thence into Hermus . About six or seven miles beyond is the Lacus Gygaeus or Colous , of about five miles in length from East to West , which we viewed upon the banks of it ; after we had ascended the hill that leads to Marmora , ( probably the Exusta of the ancients , so famous formerly for the sepulchre of Halyattes the Father of Croesus : admirably well situated , a spacious and fruitful plain lying under it ) still a very handsome Town with several Moschs in it , one fairer than the rest , with a Tekeh or Monastery belonging to it . Hence we came into the plains of Magnesia , where the famous battel was sought between Antiochus and Scipio , victory after many turns and traverses , uncertain to which side to encline , ( the dispute being a long while maintained with equal fierceness , prudence , and valour ) at last falling to the latter , who hereupon had conferred upon him by the Souldiery first , and after by the Senate , the glorious title of Asiaticus ; which title he justly merited : the victory being of so great a consequence , that several of the Asian Provinces , terrified with this success of theirs , immediately yielded , and became an accession to Rome's greatness . Leaving at some distance mount Mastusia and mount Sipylus , upon the rising of which stands Magnesia , a Bashalick , though of late years governed by a Moselim or Deputy , which separates Ionia from Lydia to the East , we crost the plain toward mount Tmolus , called by the Turks Boz-Dag or the icy mountain . In our way we repast the Hermus over a large stone-bridg , that seems to have been built of late years , and after two hours and a half passing through a Village called Jarosh-kuy , that lies about two miles on this side , we arrived at Sardes , having been eleven hours on horseback : our way all along from Thyatira lying almost due South . Sardes ( retaining somewhat of its name still , though nothing of its ancient glory , being called by the Turks Sart ) is situated at the foot of the famous mountain Tmolus on the North side of it , having a spacious and delightful plain before it , watered with several streams that flow from the neighbouring hill to the South-east , and with the Pactolus , arising from the same , on the East , and encreasing with its waters the stream of Hermus , into which it runs ; now a very pitiful and beggerly Village , the houses few and mean ; but for the accommodation of travellers , it being the road for the Caravans that come out of Persia to Smyrna with silk , there is a large Chane built in it , as is usual in most Towns that are neer such publick roads , or have any thing of trade ; where we took up our quarters , the Turks refusing to admit us into their houses and lodg us , hearing from our Janizaries , that we were Franks . The inhabitants are for the most part Shepherds , who look to those numerous flocks and herds which feed in the plains . To the southward of the Town at the bottom of a little hill , the Castle lying eastward of them , are very considerable ruines still remaining , which quickly put us in mind of what Sardes was , before earthquakes and war had caused those horrid desolations there ; there being six pillars standing of about seven yards in compass ; and about ten in heigth ; besides several vast stones , of which the other pillars that are thrown down were made , one placed upon the other , and so exactly closed in those that stand , as if they were one entire piece , now lying by in a confused heap ; the first row of pillars supporting huge massy stones that lye upon them . From hence we went up to the Castle which lies eastward ; the ascent very steep , in some places almost perpendicular ; so that we were forced to take a great compass about to gain the top of the hill , whereon it stands ; easy enough to be undermined , having no rock to support it ; but what might be as well impregnable for its strength , as inaccessible for its heigth in former ages , which knew nothing of the prodigious effects of the mixture of brimstone and salt-peter ; and when they made use of no other artillery than cross-bows and slings . The wall still remain with several arched rooms , though somewhat narrow . Hard by the entrance on the left-hand there is this inscription . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Within the Castle we found this inscription upon the Chapiter of a pillar . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 By which it appears that it was erected in honour of Tiberius the Emperor , whom Sardes ought to acknowledg as a second Founder ; he having taken care to repair the breaches caused by an earthquake , and having given it the form of a City again , as Strabo has recorded . Easterly of the Castle lie the ruins of a great Church ; and North of them other vast ruins , the walls still remaining of a very considerable length , with several divisions & apartments ; all which take up a great compass of ground : whether it was the chief Seat of the Governour , or the publick Court of Justice , or the place where the Citizens used to convene at this distance of time and in so great a confusion wherein it is involved , is difficult to conjecture : but whatever it was when it stood , it must needs have been very stately and glorious . We met with other ruines all along this tract , which made us quickly conclude , that the greatest part of the City lay this way . The Turks have a Mosch , which was formerly a Christian Church ; at the entrance of which are several curious pillars of polished marble . Some few Christians there are who live among them , working in gardens and doing such like drudgery ; but who have neither Church nor Priest to assist them and administer the holy Sacraments to them : into such a sad and miserable condition is this once glorious City & Church of Sardes , the Metropolis of Lydia , now reduced . On the 10th we set out from Sardes , and in our way past over several streams running down from Tmolus , which enrich the pleasant plains we rode through . After six hours we found in a burial-place of the Turks full of pieces of pillars and marble-stones ( among several others , but what were scarce legible , and required more time to transcribe than we could conveniently bestow ) this that follows . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ ...... ..... Three hours after we arrived at Philadelphia . Philadelphia distant from Sardes to the South-east about twenty seven miles , is situated upon the rising of mount Tmolus ; the streets to a good heigth lying one above another , which gives it a very advantageous prospect from most parts into the plain both toward the North and East . It is called by the Turks Alah shahr or the fair City ; which must be understood only in reference to the situation ; for there is nothing of building in it to make it deserve that name . A City formerly of as great strength as beauty , having had three strong walls toward the plain ; a great part of the inmost wall yet standing , though decayed and broken down in several places , with several bastions upon it . Defended by them , but more by the valour of the inhabitants , it maintained its liberty , and held out against Vr-chan and Morat the first , when all the lesser Asia besides had been over-run by the Ottoman forces ; but at last in the reign of Bayazid the first , whom the Turks call Yilderim or Lightning , after a long distance the Philadelphians having made several sallies , but all in vain , to remove and raise the siege , it was forced to submit to the fate of other Cities , and became a prey to the barbarous Conqueror , who was not wanting in cruelty to express his revenge and furious rage against the distressed Citizens for daring to withstand so long his victorious arms : there being about a mile and a half out of Town to the South , a thick wall of mens bones consusedly cemented together with the stones ; in all probability raised by his command : ( for sure none but such a Barbarian would have done it ) in complyance perchance with some rash vow that he had made , when he lay fretting and storming before it . The Churches felt the terrible effects of his fury as well as the inhabitants ; most of them being demolished and turned into dunghills ; as it that of St. Johns to the South-east , most probably the Cathedral for its largeness , where they throw their rubbish and filth , and the rest made Moschs . Southward is the river Cogamus flowing from the hill ; abundance of Vineyards all along , which the poor Greeks used to cultivate , but were at that time deterred from making Wine , by reason of the severe prohibition of the Grand Signor ; so that here , as a Greek Pappas told us , they had scarce wine enough for the Sacrament . The City is very populous , there being above five hundred Janizaries in it , who according to their priviledges ( the government being so much in their favour ) can be judged only by their Serdar or Captain ; the Cady or Civil Governour having no power over them in the least . Next to Smyrna , Philadelphia has the greatest number of Christians above the other Metropolitical Seats , there being above two hundred houses of them there , and four Churches ; whereof the chief is dedicated to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or to the holy Virgin St. Mary , the other three to St. George , ( a great Saint among them ) St. Theodore , and St. Taxiarches . We found several stones here with inscriptions , but what were either turned up-side down and so clapt into walls , or else horribly defaced and broken . These six verses found entire upon a monumental stone in a Church-yard of the Greeks . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 On the 12th , after three hours riding from Philadelphia , we past over the river Cogamus , whose channel was narrow , but stream deep and full ; and leaving the plains some hours after , we climbed up the Tmolus , which we found in some places very sleep and rocky ; on each side covered with vast numbers of Pine and Firr-trees : and having gain'd the top , we entred into a wood very dangerous to passengers , there being that shelter for thieves in it , and that advantage they have , keeping together upon the hills , between which the road lies , to pour down their shot upon them , and after three hours past out of it , and getting on the other side of the mountain , we came at last to a Village called Koshyenigeh-kuy , where we lodged that night , having travelled twelve hours compleat . On the 13th , about a quarter of a mile hence , we went to see several ruines , which in all probability , by their distance from Hierapolis , must be those of Tripolis ; of which nothing left but huge massy stones lying confusedly in heaps , and the appearance of a Castle and Theatre ; neer to which we forded the Maeander , and about four hours after we came to Hierapolis . Hierapolis ( now called by the Turks Pambuck-Kulasi or the Cotton Tower , by reason of the white cliffs lying thereabouts ) a City of the greater Phrygia , lies under a high hill to the North , having to the Southward of it a fair and large plain about five miles over , almost directly opposite to Laodicea , the river Lycus running between , but neerer the latter ; now utterly forsaken and desolate , but whose ruines are so glorious and magnificent , that they will strike one with horror at the first view of them , and with admiration too ; such walls , and arches , and pillars of so vast a heigth , and so curiously wrought , being still to be found there , that one may well judge , that when it stood , it was one of the most glorious Cities not only of the East , but of the World. The numerousness of the Temples there erected in the times of idolatry with so much art and cost , might sufficiently confirm the title of the holy City ▪ which it had at first , derived from the hot waters flowing from several springs , to which they ascribed a divine healing virtue , and which made the City so famous ; and for this cause Apollo , whom both Greeks and Romans adored as the God of Medicine , had his Votaries and Altars here , and was very probably their chiefest Deity . In the Theatre , which is of a large compass and heigth from the top , there being above forty stone-seats , we found upon a curious piece of wrought marble belonging to a portal these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To Apollo the chief President , a title peculiar to him . Where these springs arise , is a very large Bath curiously paved with white marble , about which formerly stood several pillars now thrown into it . Hence the waters make their way through several channels which they have formed for themselves ; oftentimes overflowing them , and which cursting the ground thereabouts , which is a whitish sort of earth , turns the superficial parts into a Tophus . Several Tombs still remain ; some of them almost entire , very stately and glorious , as if it had been accounted a kind of sacrilege to injure the dead ; and upon that account they had abstained from defacing their monuments ; entire stones of a great length and heigth , some covered with stones shaped into the form of a Cube , others ridge-wise . Some inscriptions we took , which here follow : the shortness of the time we staid there , and great danger we were in , not permitting us to take more . 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Three hours and a half after we forded the Lycus ; and having ascended a very high hill , after an hours riding through a very pleasant plain overspread with Olive-trees and Fig-trees , we came to a poor Turkish Village , where we lodged . On the 14th in the morning , we set forward for Colosse , where within an hour and a half we arrived Colosse , by the Turks called Chonos , is situated very high upon a hill , the plains under it very pleasant ; but we were no sooner entred into it , but we thought fit to leave it ; the inhabitants being a vile sort of people ; so that we doubted of our safety among them . There still remain some poor Christians , notwithstanding those horrid abuses they are forced to endure : but without any Church or Priest : poor miserable Greeks , who amidst that ignorance and oppression they labour under , retain the profession of Christianity still , though they have forgot their own language , and speak only Turkish . Hastily quitting the Town , not long after we met the Vaivod of Dingilsley , a very large and handsome Turkish Town about four miles to the South from Laodicea , with about three hundred horse in pursuit of a famous robber called Inge Morad , who with a party of two and twenty horse had alarmed the whole Countrey . Our way lay almost West to Laodicea , where we arrived after six hours and a half , and passing down the hill , lodged at the bottom of it to the North of the ruines in a poor Village called Congeleh . Laodicea ( called by the Turks Eski Hisar or the old Castle ) a City of Lydia according to the Geography of the ancients , is above twenty miles distant from Colosse , situated upon six or seven hills , taking up a vast compass of ground . To the North and North-east of it runs the river Lycus at about a mile and a half distance : but more neerly watered by two little rivers , Asopus and Caper ; whereof the one is to the West , the other to the South-east ; both which pass into the Lycus , and that into the Maeander . It is now utterly desolated , and without any inhabitant ; except Wolves , and Jackals , and Foxes : but the ruines shew sufficiently what it has been formerly : the three Theaters and the Circus adding much to the stateliness of it , and arguing its greatness . That whose entrance is to the Northeast is very large , and might contain between twenty and thirty thousand men , having above fifty steps which are about a yard broad , and a foot and a quarter in heigth one from another , the plain at the bottom being about thirty yards over . A second that opens to the West ; and a third , a small one , whose entrance is to the South : the Circus was about two and twenty steps , which remain firm and entire , and is above three hundred and forty paces in length from one end to the other , the entrance to the East . At the opposite extremity is a Cave that has a very handsome arch , upon which we found this inscription . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . To the South-east are the ruines of a fortification ; not far an Aqueduct , the channel of which is cut through massy stones : formerly there were two rows of pillars from South-east to the North-west , the bases only remaining , continued on a great way , and other rows from North-east to South-west , which probably might bound the walk leading to some Palace . The walls of a very large Church still remain ; to the West-side of which are adjoyning three very curious arches . More to the Southward two rows of arches , five on each side . On the Chapiter of a pillar I found these verses engraven . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Upon a piece of white marble . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 On the 16th we left the Village an hour after Sun-set , the Moon favouring us ; and after six hours and a half , at the bottom of a small hill , but not far distant from a very high one we saw a boyling Fountain , whose waters were extraordinary hot and scalding ; it sent forth a very thick vapour like the smoke of charcoal , which diffused it self over the plain . About half a mile thence we crost again the Maeander over a very rotten and dangerous woodenbridg , a fair and large bridg of stone somewhat above it being so broken in the midst , that there is no passing over it , and so entred upon the pleasant and fruitful plains of Apamea , watered by the Maeander , whose various windings and turnings we observed with great pleasure and satisfaction : riding all along its banks for several hours . After almost seventeen hours riding we arrived at Nozli . On the 18th , after we had rode three hours from Nozli we came to a Village called Teke-kuy , very pleasantly situated , and about a quarter of a mile thence on the right-hand went to see several great ruines that lye on the North upon a hill ; between which and the opposite great hill is a very lovely plain . We made up to the ruines of the Castle , and a great Aqueduct : other vast ruines lying dispersed up and down for a great way : these ruines are called by the Turks Sultan Hisar or the Sultan's Castle ; and can be no other than those of Tralles , formerly the seat of a Bishop , and a famous City in the first beginnings of Christianity : situated about three quarters of a mile from the Maeander . Having travelled eight hours this day , we came to Guzel-Hisar , where we took up our lodging in a Chane . Guzel-hisar or the fair Castle , a very great and well built Town , walled , and having very handsome gates , with several Moschs . We found in it several pillars and ancient buildings , which made us conclude from its distance from Tralles , that it is Magnesia ad Maeandrum , formerly the seat of a Bishop , to distinguish it from another City of that name in the same Province , upon mount Sipylus . It is now maintained by the trade of Cotton yarn , which they send to Smyrna , caravans going weekly hence . On the 19th , from Guzel-Hisar to Gherme-aule we made it six hours ; our way lying North-west . On the 20th , our way lay hence West by North , till we came to descend the hill , upon the top of which we had seen the Island Samos to the North-west ; at the bottom is a very large Aqueduct with three great arches below , and five above to convey the water from one side of the hill to the other , and so to Ephesus , where we arrived after six hours . Ephesus called by the Turks Ayasaluk , formerly the chief Metropolis of the Lydian Asia , and the seat of the Roman Proconsul , ( who had the government of these parts ) as being the principal City subject to his jurisdiction , was not then so famous in its flourishing and glory , as it is dismal and despicable at present ; being reduced to an inconsiderable number of poor cottages , wholly inhabited by Turks ; distant from Smyrna to the South-east about forty six miles . It lies to the South of the river Caystrus in a plain ( abounding with Tamarisk , growing to such an heigth as to hide a man on horse-back ) under two hills ; the one to the South-east , which runs out but a little way ; the other , which is very high , to the South ; under which lay the most considerable parts of the City : between which is a plain of about a quarter of a mile in bredth : upon the sides of both are very great ruines , the walls and some arches remaining : upon the latter are the ruines of a wall , which seemed to have bounded the City that way with several caves upon the declivity of it . There lye dispersed upon the ground in several places vast marble pillars ; some white , others speckled ; these latter hard by the Temple of Diana , of about seven foot in diameter , and about forty foot in heigth ; their Chapiters fallen off , and lying neer them proportionable , of about eleven or twelve foot square , and about four or five foot thick , the bases whereon they were fixed being alike thick . The Temple of Diana ( for so tradition and fancy will have it , though I suppose it might have been a Christian Church built upon the ruines of it ) is to the West North-west , where lye stones of a huge weight heaped one upon another ; it lies North North-east , and South South-west , the entrance from the former , as we conjectured by reason of a very fair gate that way still remaining , formerly enclosed with a wall ( taking up a good compass of ground , where they might have their gardens and other accommodations ) though most of it now broken down . To the West of it , having lighted our tapers , and made fast our cord , we went into the labyrinth on the right-hand , where after a descent of several foot , we crept through a narrow passage , and so past forward in a direct line ; on each side were several rooms , that open into others , built arch-wise ; the alleys being so low , that we were forced to creep through them too ; and having continued for above a quarter of an hour in these subterranean Vaults built very artificially , and intended only at first as a foundation of the Temple , ( though not undeservedly called a labyrinth , by reason of its several turnings , and the difficulty of finding a passage out of it without the help of a clew ) being somewhat solicitous of the ill effects of the damps and the thick air , which put us into an extraordinary sweat , we hasted to enjoy the fresh air and the comfortable light of the Sun. To the South-west of the Temple are the remains of a Watch-Tower or Castle , placed upon a high rocky hill , whence there is a very fair prospect of the South-west Sea , and of the Promontory Trogyllium . Tradition will have this to be the place where St. Paul was imprisoned , out of reverence to which it is so called ; though the situation , and the narrowness of it , it being not above eleven or twelve paces square , encline me to believe , that it was only intended for a Watch-Tower to observe what ships pass to and again in those Seas ; from which it may be distant about five miles . Here we observed to the North-west the various turnings of the Cayster , more crooked than those of Maeander , watering the plains below . On the North-east of Diana's Temple lies upon the ground a very large Font of porphiry , the inmost circle being about six foot in diameter , which is called by the name of St. John's Font , there being four pillars not far from it , upon which they suppose it was raised . A thing very unlikely , that in those sad times of persecution under Domitian and Trajan , when the poor Christians were forced to serve God in grottas , and Converts were baptized secretly , there should be such care taken to do it in so stately a laver . On the East are the Aqueducts . Upon the side of the Eastern hill is the Cave of the seven Sleepers , neer it several small arches ; and more forward of them a very large arch , within which are several little caverns . On the North is St. John's Church , turn'd into a Mosch ; about seventy paces in length , and five and twenty in bredth . In it are four pillars standing in a row of excellent porphyry , of about five foot in diameter , and much about the bigness of those that are in Sultan Suleiman's Mosch in Constantinople , and about forty foot in heigth , which support two Cuppolas , the glass windows still remaining ; before it a very large and fair entrance . Northward of the Church on the gate leading up to the new Castle are very curious figures engraven , representing several , who seem to be haled and dragged away , as if perchance the design had been to shew how the poor Christians were formerly seized upon and treated by their heathen persecutors . Here are two very spacious Theaters , the one under the Southern hill , the other to the West , neer which is a stately gate , where I found these words engraven in two places . ACCENSORENSI ET ASIAE . Upon a Pillar by the ruin'd Aqueduct . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 On a marble not far from Diana's Temple . C. CLODIO . C. F. MAEC . NUMMO . TRIB . LEG . XIII . GEM . X. VIR . STL. IVD . .... PROVINCIAE ASIAE .... RTINIVS QUINTILIANVS .... IATIVS MATERNVS .... DIVS NVMMUS ACILIVS .... STRABO FILIVS FECIT . On another hard by . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 On the 21th , within a mile of Ephesus we past over the Cayster , a very deep river ; and two hours after past through a narrow place of about thirty yards in length , cut very deep through a rock , I suppose , done out of a capriccio to exercise the Souldiers , and to shew that nothing is too difficult and impossible for art and industry to effect . The marishes that lye below it on each side of the cause-way , and the low ground so apt to be overflown , may make it unpassable that way at some time of the year ; but here , this lying upon the ascent of the hill , that cannot be pretended . From hence we clambered over the Alyman , which is extraordinary bad way ; part of the famous mountain Mimas , ( which runs as far as Cape Cornobbero , the Turks call it Kara-borun or the Cape with the black nose , at the entrance into Smyrna Bay ) which we past over in two hours . After ten hours we forded a little river called Halesus , that runs into the Sea at Colophon ; two hours beyond which is a Turkish Town called Giamo-bashee , situated in a spacious plain with several handsome Moschs in it ; where not meeting with any accommodation , we rode half a mile further to a poor Village called Karagick-kuy , where we lodged , and the next morning we arrived safe at Smyrna , being the twentieth day from our departure . Smyrna , called by the Turks Esmir , lyes in the bottom of a Bay , which is encompassed with high mountains on all sides except to the West , about ten leagues in length , where is good anchoring ground , and the water deep ; so that the Ships ride neer the Merchants scales , who for their convenience live to the water side . The bredth at the bottom may be , I ghess , about two or three miles . To the North is the river Meles . This is one of the most flourishing Cities of the lesser Asia , both for its great trade and the number of its inhabitants ; in which I include Franks , Jews and Armenians , as well as Greeks and Turks . Little of its ancient glory is left standing , earthquakes and fire and war having made as great desolations and wastes here , as in the other parts of Anatolia . 'T is certain from the numerous foundations continually dug up , that the greatest part of the buildings anciently were situated upon the side of the hill , and more to the South : the houses below toward the Sea being built , since Smyrna became of late years a place of trade . On the top of the hill , which overlooks the City and Bay , is an old Castle without any regular fortifications about it , and in a manner slighted ; there being only two or three guns for fashions sake mounted , with which they salute the new Moon of Bairam , and the Captain Bassa , when he comes into the Port with his armata of Galleys . Neer the entrance is a marble head , the nose of which is cut off by Turks out of their great zeal and hatred of all kind of humane figures especially . I found nothing in it observable but a Cistern or perchance Granary under ground propt by pillars , and the bottom curiously plaistered over ; the work of the ancient Greeks : but much inferior to one I saw in the long Island just within the Bay on the side of a hill , into which there is a descent of about eight or nine feet ; the buildings very regular and stately , having twenty pillars in length , and five in bredth , the distance between each about seven of my paces , that is above one hundred and sixty paces one way , and above thirty five another . At a little distance from which is another almost of the same bigness , but filled with water ; the Island being altogether uninhabited , but full of wild hogs and hares . On the sides of the other gate of the Castle are yet to be seen two Eagles , the ensigns of the Romans , delineated at large , and handsomely enough . In our descent to the South-east we entred the Amphitheatre , where St. Polycarp first Bishop of this City was martyred , the stony steps being removed for the most part by the Turks for their buildings and other uses . In the sides are still to be seen the two Caves opposite to each other , where they used to enclose their Lions ; fighting with beasts being in ancient times the great diversion of the people of this Countrey , and to which they usually condemned their slaves , and the poor Christians especially . On the side of the hill , but somewhat lower , is the sepulchre of this great Saint , which the Greeks solemnly visit upon the anniversary festival consecrated to his memory : in complyance with an ancient custom in use almost from the times of his martyrdom , as Eusebius relates in the 4th Book of his Ecclesiastical History , chap. 15. It is placed in a little open room , that possibly might be some Chappel : in the entrance of which I found this inscription upon a marble stone now placed in a chimney . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The poor Greeks are very careful in repairing this monument , if it any way suffers , either by the weather , it being exposed to the air , or by the Turks , or by the Western Christians , who break off pieces of marble and carry them away as reliques ; an earthen dish hanging by , to receive the aspers any either out of curiosity or veneration and respect to the memory of the blessed Martyr shall bestow for the repair of his Tomb. Nigh hereunto are several arches , stones of huge bigness lying upon the ground , and a great building having three large rooms upon a floor ; which perchance was a place of Judicature : the front having been formerly adorned with four pillars , the bases of which at present only remain . Not many years since in a lane towards the North-east , digging for a foundation they met with several rows of square stones placed regularly one above another , and in all probability it might be part of a Fane or Temple in the times of Heathenism . In the walls of the City I observed a great cavity almost in every square stone , resembling somewhat a Roman V , which some fancy might be in the honour of the Emperor Vespasian , who was a great benefactor to this City . But the figure not being always the same , but admitting great variety , I am apt to believe it was rather made by the Masons , that the stones might be the better cemented together . About a mile from the Town are the ruines of a Church , which the Franks call by the name of Janus's Temple : which I believe rather to have been dedicated to St. John the great Saint of the East , and that hence the mistake of the name is to be fetch'd . The Turks have here thirteen Moschs ; the Jews several Synagogues ; and yet tho Smyrna still retains the dignity of a Metropolitical seat ; the Greeks have but two Churches , the one dedicated to St. George , the other , if I do not misremember , to St. Photinus . The Armenians have only one Church : in the Church-yard whereof , I met with these inscriptions . In the Eastern division . 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . In the Southern . 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ... 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . For the other inscriptions , I must refer the learned Reader to the Latin copy . By this short and imperfect survey the curious Reader may be sadly convinced , in what a pitiful and deplorable condition these once famous and glorious Churches of Asia are at this day ; Churches , which had the Apostles for their Founders , and which yielded so many Martyrs , and which abounded with so many myriads of Christians , whose patience and valour tired out and wearied , and at last triumphed over the tyranny , the malice , and the hatred of their Heathen persecutors ; and which afterward , when the Empire became Christian , and the civil power submitted it self to the law and discipline of Christ , and when the Cross , which before was had in such execration , was held the highest ornament of the Crown , advanced in splendor and glory above what they had enjoyed in the times of Heathenism , & which upon a due consideration of circumstances one might have truly enough judged should have been eternal and placed almost out of all possibility of danger and ruine , now turned into heaps of rubbish ; scarce one stone left upon another , some of them utterly uninhabited , and the remains of all horribly frightful and amazing . I shall not here lament the sad traverses and vicissitudes of things , and the usual changes and chances of mortal life , or upbraid the Greeks of luxury and stupidity , which have brought these horrid desolations upon their Countrey : these are very useful but very mean and ordinary speculations . That which affected me with the deepest anguish and most sorrowful resentment when I was upon the place , and does still , was and is a reflexion upon the threat made against Ephesus mentioned in the second Chapter of the Revelations of St. John , who made his abode in that City , and died there . Remember from whence thou art fallen , and do the first works : or else I will come unto thee quickly , and will remove thy Candlestick out of its place , except thou repent . And upon a farther and more serious consideration , as I sorrowfully walked through the ruines of that City especially , I concluded most agreeably , not only to my function , but to the nature of the thing , ( and I am confident no wise or good man who shall cast his eyes upon these loose and hasty observations will deny the conclusion to be just and true ) that the sad and direful calamities which have involved these Asian Churches , ought to proclaim to the present flourishing Churches of Christendom , ( as much as if an Angel were sent express from Heaven to denounce the judgment ) what they are to expect , and what may be their case one day , if they follow their evil example , that their Candlestick may be removed too , except they repent and do their first works ; and that their security lyes not so much in the strength of their frontiers , and the greatness of their armies , ( for neither of these could defend the Eastern Christians from the invasion and fury of the Saracens and Turks ) as in their mutual agreements , and in the virtues of a Christian life . A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CONSTANTINOPLE . COnstantinople seems to have the advantage of most Cities in the World for situation , either in respect of the pleasantness of its prospect ; or for security against the attaques of an enemy , it being naturally fortified , and might be made impregnable by art ; or for its narrow passage into Asia ; as if , in all changes and revolutions of government , designed by God for the chief seat of Empire and command . The high hills , upon which it is seated , add much to the beauty and glory of it ; several knots of Cypress-trees appearing 〈◊〉 set upon them , that to one sailing in the Propontis , it looks like a City placed in the middle of a wood : but in the haven it resembles a great Amphitheatre , the houses like so many steps rising orderly one above another ; the gilded spires of the Moschs reflecting the light with great pleasure to the eye : so that to all travellers it seems justly the most delightful , the most admirable , and most charming spectacle of nature : and what would even satisfy for the tediousness and fatigues of a Sea-voyage , were there nothing in it to please the fancy or curiosity besides . Though it lies upon the Sea , yet on both sides the passages to it are so narrow , that there can be no coming at it without great difficulty . The entrance to it toward the Mediterranean is by the Hellespont , which is there about five miles over : where is a perpetual current into the Archipelago , which is strong and violent , and especially when the wind is at North , which blows for the most part here and at Constantinople eight or nine months of the twelve : the want of a Southerly wind , which is necessary to get up the channel , making the passage very long and tedious . Neer the two head lands the Turks have , since the beginning of the war : of Candia , built two Castles , to prevent the landing of the Venetians , who before past unmolested with their ships and galleys up as high as the Dardanels . In the Castle on the level within Cape Janizary , anciently Promontorium Sigaeum on the Asian shore I counted six and twenty great guns in front ; and about sixteen on the side toward Tenedos . A little above at the end of a long sand is the river Scamander . Sailing directly in the middle of the stream , the guns can do no great execution . The Hellespont widens hence Eastward , till almost at an equal distance between the Aegaean and Propontick Seas ( for it ends at Gallipoli ) you arrive at the narrowest strait , being scarce three quarters of an English mile over : where are two strong Castles to command the passage ; which the Turks call Boghashisar , or the Castles in the strait or jaws of the channel , but better known to the Christians by the name of the Dardanelli ; directly opposite to one another . The Castle of Sestos on Europe side , lying under a hill , is triangular : having twenty five guns level with the water ; and a Bastion at each angle : in the middle an high Tower consisting of three semicircles , encompassing a square fortification . Abydus on the opposite shore lies in a plain ; the Castle square , having about sixteen guns , which almost touch the surface of the water . On the sides are raised round Towers , and in the middle an oblong work . The strength of these Castles is the great security of Constantinople ; no ships being able to get by without manifest danger of being sunk : and if at any time a ship or gally coming from Constantinople have part , helpt forward by the current and a brisk Northerly gale , it ought not to be ascribed so much to good fortune or a wily stratagem , as to the carelesness and stupidity of the Castellans . For any but Turks , who do not well understand fortification , and the use of great guns , to make them bear to the best advantage , would infallibly , humanely speaking , defend and secure the passage . On the other side the Euxine Sea , Constantinople is defended by the Bosphorus , whose channel is about eighteen miles in length . The first Castles , which guard each side of it , are about five miles from the City , built by Mahomet the great , from which about nine miles to the second , where the distance between the two shores is not much above a mile . The current so violent , especially when the wind blows hard at North , that the water-men , who pass toward the black Sea , are at such times forced to go ashore , and hale their boats . I observed in several places a ripling or bubbling of the water , as in the Race at Portland . In the several turnings and windings are large Bays for small Vessels , ( made by the Promontories , which run out so far , that they seem at a distance to stop the passage ) especially on the Thracian shore , upon which several Villages are situated , and where the Bassa's and other great men have their villas and houses of pleasure . The Bithynian shore , for the most part covered with wild Olive , Chesnut , and Cypress-trees , seems to be one continued wood or garden , and yields a pleasant and curious entertainment to the eye , Almost in the entrance or mouth of the Bosphorus are placed several rocks , the Symplegades of the ancients , which break the force of the waters continually poured out of the black Sea. On Europe side I counted four , which lye so close one to another , that the Sea at some little distance not being discerned to run between , they seem to joyn together . In the greatest of them remains still a pillar of white marble of the Corinthian order , about eighteen foot in height , commonly called by the Western Christians , Pompey's pillar , as if it had been erected by that great man , in memory of a victory gained over Mithridates King of Pontus . But this is the invention of an ignorant and trifling fancy , taken up without any ground of reason or old tradition , ( just after the same manner as they call the ruines , which are neer Belgrade a Village about four miles from the Bosphorus , by the name of Ovid's Tower ) and is sufficiently confuted by the inscription upon the basis , where is plainly legible the name of Augustus Caesar , though the remaining part is so effaced , that conjectures are different . But the best and truest I take to be this ; AVGVSTO CAESARI E. CLAV . ANNIDIVS . LE. CLASSIS I PONTO . On the neighbouring shore is a Pharus or Watch-Tower , a very stately and elegant structure , and built long before the Turks were masters of a foot of land in Europe , now serving for a light house to direct Vessels in the nigh to enter the Bosphorus with greater ease and safety : which I ascended that I might take the better view of the Euxine , which not so much for want of good Ports , as for their ignorance in the Mariners art , becomes in foul and stormy weather so dangerous and fatal to the Turks . This situation of Byzantium between two Seas rendred it a place of great trade & commerce long before the times of Constantine , who restored it to its ancient glory out of its rubbish , the Emperor Severus through indignation and revenge , for the long and stout opposition the Citizens made in favour of Pescennius Niger , having long before ruined and demolished it . All the products and commodities of Greece , Aegypt and Mauritania may with great ease and convenience of shipping be brought hither . It joyns upon the lesser Asia , where Souldiers and all sorts of provision may be conveyed in an hours space . Besides , the various nations which inhabit all along the coasts of the Pontick Sea , and the lake of Maeotis here find a quick vent for their merchandise : as do the several Christian Nations , as the Cossacks , Moldavians , and Wallachians , and those of Podolia , who live either toward the Sea or nigh the great rivers of Boristhenes or the Danube : beside the Persian and Armenian Merchants and those of Christendom . So that however the winds chance to blow , Ships may come in continually from the one Sea or the other : they are supplied especially from the black Sea with Corn , Furs , Wax , Honey , and the like . The present name of Constantinople is Istanpol , or according to the common and ordinary pronunciation , Stambol : which plainly shews it not to be originally Turkish , for Istamboul a City full of or abounding with the true faith , as some most ignorantly fancy , but corrupted from the Greek : the Turks for the most part retaining the old names of Cities , though with some little variation accommodating them to their own language , as Adriane , Bursia , Esmir , Budun , Saloniki , Conia for Adrianople , Prusia , Smyrna , Buda , Thessalonica , and Iconium . It lies over against Scutari , formerly Chrysopolis , about the distance of a league on the other side of the water on the Bithynian shore , which seems to be built out of the ruines of Chalcedon , not far distant from it : which is situated in the bottom of a narrow and shallow Bay. It is now a poor beggarly Village , having lost its old name , and known only by that of Kadi-kuy : though out of respect to what it was in ancient times , it still retains the dignity of a Metropolitical seat among the Greeks ; the curious and stately Church consecrated to the memory of Saint Euphemia Virgin and Martyr , being the only remainder of its formor greatness and magnificence . But to return to Constantinople . It is cast into a triangular figure ; the vertex of which is a point of land to the East , called by the Greeks the Promontory of St. Demetrius , on which is built the Seraglio or Palace of the Emperor . The greater side , which lies upon the Propontis , runs N. W. and S. E. about the space of six miles from the point to the seven Towers . The other side , which makes the haven , winding like a horn , called therefore by Strabo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , lies East and West ; and may be almost three miles in lenght . The basis is the Isthmus , which unites it to the Champaign and Continent of Thrace , and lies meridionally from the Sea to the upper part of the haven , almost four miles long , having three walls running in a strait line , as far as the ruines of Costantines Palace , ( neer which is the greatest eminence of the City ) where is a turning at a small distance from the Port , and only a single wall , like the other two sides , which are washed with the Sea. So that the compass of the whole is between twelve and thirteen miles ; the latitude various , and at about two miles at the widest , which is caused by the approach or distance of the several parts of the opposite angles . It is advantageously placed , as I said before , upon the rising of several hills ; seven of which are most conspicuous for their great heigth ; most of them have upon their tops very stately Moschs built after the model of Sancta Sophia , whose cuppolas and pyramids seem almost to reach the clouds . But of these Moschs I shall have occasion to speak distinctly . No place perchance in the World deceives a mans expectation more than Constantinople , it promising so largely at a distance both from the land and Sea : but when you enter into it , all the glorious outward appearance seems but a delusion of fancy . The streets narrow and unequal , and by reason of their steepiness in several places , troublesome to walk in , except one fair street , which crosseth the City from the Seraglio to Adrianople gate . And however the narrowness of the streets ( though it detracts much from the sightliness and beauty of a place ) may be excused for the benefit it affords in sheltering passengers from the rayes of the Sun , yet the filth and nastiness is intolerable ; dunghils and great wastes of ground , caused by fire , being every where to be met with . The ordinary houses are generally very low and mean , and without any ornament of building or strong materials ; only a few bords clapt together , and the walls of clay , baked in the Sun. Some few houses of the Greeks remain , which are built of stone , and high : which shew what Constantinople was before the Turks cut and broke down all the carved and stone-work with their scymitars , and axes , and hammers , and set fire upon the holy places and Palaces , and pull'd down the Cross , and set up their half-Moon instead of it . The Bassas houses are but little better : no portico or pillar at the entrance ; no curious walks adorned with rows of trees in their gardens ; no pictures or statues ; no hangings , no fret-work in their ceiling ; their outward Courts rude and irregular . They take up indeed a great compass of ground : and the portals are checkered with several colours , as red , blue , yellow : their rooms are above stairs , which lead into a gallery or hall ; the chambers little boxes , the chief furniture of which lies upon the floor : though sometimes the roof is gilt , and the sides covered with tiles , with flowers and foliage painted , and sometimes , though very rarely , with cedarwainscot : they being afraid to build rich and great Palaces ; not only because it would be lookt upon as an argument of a foolish and vain pride , but also of ostentation of their riches , and what might really prove a snare , and draw the envy and ill-will of the Emperor upon them . The walls are considerably thick and high , and serve equally for defence and ornament . Toward the Propontick there runs a ledge of rocks under water at some distance from the shore , which keeps off Ships of greater burthen , and only admits Galleys and Brigantines which draw but little water . Part of this wall , weakned by the violence of the waves , or thrown down by earthquakes , was repaired and rebuilt by the Emperor Theophilus , this inscription being to be found in several places : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Under the Seraglio-point , upon a platform , about four or five and twenty feet broad to the wall , gained from the Sea , are planted about fifty pieces of Cannon : one of which they are very chary of , as being the first which was discharged at the siege of Bagdat , which they afterwards so succesfully carried on : to which is opposite a small Castle not far from the other shore , which they call by the name of Kizkolasi or the Virgin Tower. These walls are built of free-stone , and only here and there pieced up with brick and uneven stones clapt in : a few breaches being left , I suppose , out of design , unrepaired in the wall to the landward , made by their guns when they lay before it . Here in the uppermost wall of the three are about two hundred and fifty square Towers with battlements , built at an equal distance : to the middle space of which , answer other Towers in the second wall , making so many isosceles triangles : the third a plain wall , now sunk very much in the ground ; the ditch from the high-way to the skirts of it being about five and twenty of my paces . Without are no suburbs , except two or three farm-houses , and toward the haven ; the Countrey lying open : which renders the prospect of Constantinople as pleasant and glorious to the eye upon the land as upon the Sea : and indeed the walk from the seven Towers , where I had occasion to go often , to the haven , all along these walls , seemed to be the most delightful and diverting of all that ever I took in my whole life . The gates are about five and twenty in number , whereof seven are toward the Propontis in this order , beginning from the Seraglio point : Achur-kapi , or the Stable-gate , nigh which are the stables of the Grand Signor . Chatlad-kapi , or the Cleft-gate . Kum-kapi , or the Sand-gate . Jeni-kapi , or the new gate . Daoud Bassa-kapi ; repaired by a Basha of that name , and hence it takes its denomination . Samathia-kapi . Narli-kapi , or the Pomegranate-gate . To the landward these , which front the West . Jedicoula-kapi , or the gate of the seven Towers : which some , wholly ignorant of the Turkish language , have through a gross mistake called Janicula . Selivrea-kapi , the gate which leads to Selymbria . Top-kapi , or the Gun-gate . Jeni-kapi , or the new gate . Edriane-kapi , or Adrianople-gate , as leading directly thither . Egri-kapi , or the crooked gate . Ivanseri-kapi , in the plain not far from the water side . To the Haven . Balat-kapi , I suppose , corrupted from Palatium ; leading up towards the ruines of the Palace of Constantine ; as they commonly call them . This gate is in the furthest recess of the Canal , or arm of the Sea , dividing Constantinople from Pera and Galata : into which run two little rivers , which have long since lost the ancient names of Cydrus and Barbyses . Petri-kapi , I suppose , from a Christian Church neer it , dedicated formerly to the honour and memory of St. Peter . Phanar-kapi , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or the Lanthorn-gate . Here and at Gun-gate the Turks first broke into the City : the poor Greeks having raised a wall upon the side of the hill , not daring to trust to that by the water side , to this day called by them in their vulgar language , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Gebali-kapi , or the Hill-gate , or as others pronounce it , Giob-ali , the deep Well-gate . Vnkaban-kapi , or the Meal-gate ; neer which are the publick granaries . Odun-kapi , or the Wood-gate : over which may yet be seen this moral sentence , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Yemish-kapi , or the Fruit-gate . Balukbazar-kapi , or the Fishmarket-gate . Balkaban-kapi , or the Honey-gate . Zindan-kapi , or the Prison-gate . Bahchia-kapi , or the Garden-gate , hard by the Seraglio . The Emperor's Palace ; which the Turks call Padisha Serai ( from which latter word , which in the Persian language signifies any stately Mansion , the Italians , from whom we and the French borrow it form their Seraglio , and appropriate it hereto ) is situated partly upon the plain , and partly upon the rising of the hill , which overlooks the Promontory at the very entrance into the haven ; having the Thracian Bosphorus on the East : upon which point the current sets so violently , that Vessels oftentimes upon the slacking and scantiness of wind are cast upon it , and get off with very great difficulty . Two sides of it , taking in the gardens belonging to it , are washed by the Sea : the third to the land , flanked with Towers , which jet out . Here in all likelyhood stood old Byzantium : afterward in the succeeding ages of Christianity was placed here-abouts a Colledge of religious persons belonging to the neighbouring Church of Sancta Sophia . Several years past after the taking of Constantinople , before the Turkish Emperors made it their residence : Mahomet the great abandoning the Greek Emperor's Palace , either because demolisht in the time of the siege , or as ominous to himself and successors , having fixt his seat almost in the center of the City : called to this day Eski-serai or the old Palace , which has but one gate , and the walls very high : where the women of the deceased Emperor are conveyed and shut up as close prisoners without any hope of liberty , except when they are bestowed as wives upon the great favourite Bassas ; being only permitted at the feast of Bairam , to come and make their complements to the Hasaki Sultana or the chief woman of the Emperor , who has been so happy as to bring him a boy in the Seraglio . The whole enclosure comprehending the gardens and spacious Courts , may take up about two miles in compass . The gate to the landward , which is the usual entrance , ( the rest seldom opened , except upon great occasion ) is always guarded by Capigies , the in-side hung with shields , darts , guns , and spears ; without any great ornament , two pillars of course marble propping up the sides . It opens into a Court , whose area may be between three and four hundred paces in length , but not proportionably wide ; the whole lying rude . On the left-hand is a great building , where the Agiamgolaus , who do all the drudgery and all the vile offices about the Seraglio are quartered : as also a round building , supposed to have been a Sacristia of Sancta Sophia , but now turned into an Armory . On the right is an Hospital , where such as fall sick within the Seraglio , are brought for cure . At the second gate , guarded also by Capigies , ( over which there is the often mentioned form of the profession of the Mahometan Faith written in Arabick in large golden letters ) the chief Vizir must dismount , only the Emperor himself riding on horse-back into the second Court ; which is very stately . The area square , a portico covered with lead and sustained by pillars of Theban marble , whose bases and chapiters are bound with brazen circles , running round it . The walks curiously laid out into parterrs on the sides of the paved walks , and set with rows of Plane-trees and Cypresses , and a fountain in the middle . At the further end on the left-hand is the Divan or Council-Chamber ; where the great Vizir and in his absence his Deputy or Caimacam , assisted by the Cadileskires and other men of the law , administers justice four times every week , that is , Saturday , Sunday , Monday , and Tuesday ; from whose sentence there lies no remedy of appeal . At the upper end is a casement , which opens into it , where the Grand Signor often comes , ( though he cannot be seen there ) out of curiosity or design , to hear the determination of cases brought before them . This Court of Judicature is not thronged with idle spectators , here is no place for such curiosity ; only business or a particular citation draws company hither ; much less is it permitted to strangers to be present at such times . Mahomet Kupriuli Father to the late Vizir Achmet , who took Candia , one day espying several French Gentlemen present , demanded their business : they presuming upon the innocence of their curiosity , answered , they only came to see : which put him into a fit of passion , What , said he , do you take us for monkeys , which shew tricks , that you come here to gaze and stare upon us ? whereupon they were rudely thrust out , and upon their alledging they were strangers , and knew not the customs of the Countrey , with very great difficulty they escaped drubbing . To prevent the like affront or danger , I made a pretence of debt upon a Jew in Smyrna , and attended by our chief Interpreter , by whose contrivance the little plot was laid , went boldly into the Seraglio to demand justice ; my request was very plausible ; and upon the proposal of it , they granted me a warrant to arrest my Jew in case the debt was not speedily satisfied , the fees not coming to above one hundred or six-score aspers . The inmost part of the Seraglio beyond the third gate , and the womens apartment , is kept secret , and to Christians inaccessible , except upon extraordinary occasions . The whole , ( though not built according to the rules of modern Architecture , not to be compared with the Palaces of Christian Princes ) as to the outward appearance seems handsome and stately . For the better accommodation of Merchants and travellers , ( there being no such thing as an Inn in our acception of the word in Turkey ) Chanes or publick lodgings are erected in the chief streets of the City : from the free use of which no one of what Countrey or Religion soever is exempted or debarred , called for distinction either by the names of their several Founders , or from the peculiar sort of Merchandise , to which they are appropriated , as the Silk Chane , or the Rice Chane , and the like . The two best and stateliest I saw are those of the present Emperor's Mother neer her Mosch toward the haven , and of Kupriuli in Taouk-bazar or the Hen-market . But the figure and the use are the same in all . They are built for the most part of squared stone , in the middle of the area is a little Mosch . A stone-gallery above the stairs running round , and little narrow chambers opening into it ; and the like below in Chanes of a late foundation : for in those which are ancient , there is no division into stories or partition into rooms ; but all lies open like a great barn under the same roof : a little wall about a foot and a half high , and four or five feet broad , being raised round with chimneys at three or four yards distance . The Bezesten or Exchange is a square stone-building , where they sell linnen , cloth of London , as they call our woollen manufacturies , Furs , &c. but this must not be compared with that at Prusia either for greatness or ornament . The publick Bagnos , which are for the uses of strangers , and such as cannot furnish out so great an expence , as to have them in their houses , ( there being a continual necessity of bathing , not only upon the account of religion , but also of health in those hot Countreys ) are built of a courser sort of marble with a large cuppola . In the outward room there is a fountain , round which a seat of brick covered with mats , where they undress themselves : out of which you go through a narrow passage into a spacious room comprehended under the cuppola , little oblong squares setting out in the sides . Upon the first entrance , except care be taken before-hand to reduce the body to such a temper , so as to endure the heat , one shall scarce be able to fetch breath , unless with great difficulty , and be almost stifled with the hot exhalations , which are so gross , that oftentimes finding no vent and reverberated by the roof , they are condensed , and fall down in thick drops of water . Constantinople owes the chiefest part of its present glory to the great Moschs , which were either formerly Christian Churches , or else built and endowed by several Emperors and other great men . Of these and their Founders , who have adorned the profession of their Religion with such pomp and magnificence , the Turks , after the manner of their eloquence , which consists in foolish and indiscreet hyperboles , use swelling words of vanity . By the vastness of the structures they judg of their zeal and piety ; and the greatness of the revenue is an argument and proof of their successes and victories : custom by the bewitchery of the Mufti and the other Church-men prevailing , that no Emperor can assume the honour of building a Mosch , except he has gained so much ground in Christendom , with the revenue of which he may maintain the publick service of religion in it , in part at least , as if it were offering up a proportion of the spoil to God by way of acknowledgment and gratitude . Which consideration must needs have a mighty influence upon them to carry on their wars with all imaginable vigour , not only out of a desire of fame to imitate and equal the glory of their predecessors , but out of a principle of zeal and conscience . They make a fine shew , especially toward the haven , and are seen at a great distance ; situated for the most part on the hills ; and though not all in a strait line , yet the heigth takes off so much from the obliqueness of the angle , that the eye is at no trouble or loss to find them out . Aia Sophia ; for so the Turks call Sancta Sophia , without any other variation from the old Greek name . Achmets in the Hippodrome . Bayazids . Suleimans , neer the old Seraglio . Shahzadeh . This built by Suleiman also in memory of his Son Mahomet , the eldest he had by a Russian woman , whom we call from her Countrey , Roxolana , who died in his youth in his government at Magnesia . Mahomets , who took the City . This was formerly a Christian Church dedicated to the memory of the H. Apostles : in which many of the Greecian Emperors lye buried . Selims , who was the Father of Suleiman . He overthrew the government of the Mamalucks , and subdued Egypt . Another Mosch of Mahomet the great , which they call Phatih giame or the Conqueror's Mosch for distinction . This was a Christian Church dedicated to the B. Virgin St. Mary ; and after the taking of the City given to Gennadius Scholarius then Patriarch for the Patriarchal Church , but afterwards seized on by this Emperor for the services and uses of his own false religion . Sancta Sophia appears still a most glorious structure , though the Turks are not so careful about the beauty and ornament and reparations of it , as of the other Moschs . The contrivance and architecture are very admirable , fully answering the description given of it by Procopius Caesariensis , who was contemporary with the most glorious Emperor Justinian the Founder , and one of the officers of his Court. A stately portico at the entrance from the ascent ; five gates covered with plates of Corinthian brass lead into the nave of the Church . It s length about one hundred and twenty of my paces , and almost half as wide . The whole fabrick resting upon arches is upheld by three rows of pillars of different marble , Serpentine , Porphyry , and a kind of Alabaster , whose bases and capitels are bound about with brass wreaths . In the middle there arises a large cuppola , supported by four massy pillars , and encompassed without with many little cuppolas , some higher than the rest : several little Chappels of an oblong figure toward the sides . There is an ascent by a winding pair of stairs into the galleries , which take up three sides of the Church , supported by several curious marble pillars . The pavement both of the Church and gallery is marble , not made up of little squares , but of very large tables : the walls crusted over and slagged with the same . The roof of the Church and portico in mosaick ; though the Turks have defaced the faces of several figures ; yet notwithstanding several representations of sacred history may be clearly enough discerned . The two next best Moschs are Suleimans and Achmets . In the middle of the Court , which encompasses the former , is a large square fountain covered at top . The portico adorned with very curious tall pillars ; the pavement laid with large tables of porphyry : the cuppola propt up by four pillars of the same sort of marble , whose circumference may be about twenty foot , the spoils of a Christian Church : for such art and curiosity are above the reach and skill of Turks . Into Achmets Mosch there is an ascent of twelve stone-steps , the gate of brass curiously wrought : the four arches of the cuppola upheld by four pillars of cast marble , as I judg it to be , of a very vast bulk . It still retains the name of the new Mosch , though divers have been built since , and a stately one very lately neer the garden gate toward the haven by the Mother of the present Emperor , a Russ by Nation , and the daughter of a poor Priest . That which is common to all the Royal Moschs is this ; several gates open into the area ; within which are fountains or conduits full of cocks and basons for their cleansing , before they make their prayers ; close adjoyning an Hospital , and porticos built arch-wise , the little cuppolas covered with lead running all along in an even line : usually four spires or cylindrical towers of a great heigth , which the Priests ascend to call the people to their devotion , raised from the ground , and placed at a due distance and in opposite corners including a square space ; except at Achmets Mosch , where there are six . Each of these have a threefold gallery , one above another . the tops of these towers are gilt and end in a point like a pyramid , on which is placed a gilded Crescent , the ensign of the Mahometan religion , and so generally where-ever there is any Mosch or oratory ; though never so mean and little . The name of God or of Mahomet , or his four chief companions , or the form of the profession of the Musulman faith inscribed upon the inside of the walls : and lastly , several iron circles or hoops containing a vast number of chrystal lamps used to be lighted at their night prayers : so that with the reflexion from the arches and pillars , the Church seems to be of a light fire . Within the enclosure of the outward wall are the sepulchral monuments of the several Founders and their children : for no one lies buried in their Churches , no not the Emperors themselves . They are built of white marble with a cuppola . The marble coffins , which are very large and above the proportion of their bodies , lying in a space encompassed with iron-grates , two great tapers being placed at the end , are covered for the most part with a silk Pall of a deep green , having a good fringe , their turbants , which they renew every year , being placed over their heads . Their women lye neer them ; but their coffins are not so large , nor raised so high from the ground , covered with purple or violet cloth . The coffins of their children are bigger or less according to the age at which they dyed . Such as have been strangled by their Brothers , who usually since the reign of Bayazid the second lay the foundation and beginning of their Empire in fratricide , have a handkerchief tied about their necks , as a sign of their unnatural death . These little Chappels are frequented by several Priests and other pensioners , who are obliged to come and say prayers for the souls of the deceased . Several Emperors , who have not been Founders of Moschs , have their monuments neer Sancta Sophia , as Selim the son of Suleiman with his thirty seven children ; Morat the third , who had a more numerous issue : for I told about five and forty ; Mahomet the third , Mustapha the great Unkle , and Ibrahim the Father of this present Emperor , both by a strange fate preferred to the Empire , and both deprived of it ; alike in their lives and deaths : both foolish and frantick , and equally unfit to sustain the weight of the government , and both strangled . Hard by Achmet's Mosch lye buried his two sons Osman and Morat , both warlike Emperors , who endeavoured to reduce the souldiery , which through sloth and luxury had much degenerated , to their ancient discipline . The first made away with by the Janizaries , whose ill behaviour in his expedition against Poland , and other insolencies he could no longer support , and therefore designed to have destroyed the whole order , and to have instituted a new militia ; which they perceiving , they grew tumultuous and mutinous , and soon after had him bow-string'd : the other died with a debauch . Being at the Mosch of Mahomet the great , I had a curiosity to see the tomb of his Mother , who was no way shaken by the artifices and enticements of her Husband and son from her fixt resolutions of continuing in her religion , but lived and died a Christian , being the daughter of Lazarus Despot of Servia . Several Turks , who were there present in the area , perceiving I bade my Janizary enquire which was her Turbeh or Chappel , immediately before they were ask'd , pointed to it with their finger : which I entred , and found very plain and unadorned . The Turks care not to come into it : but several poor Christians frequent it at set hours , and have a small alms allowed them for the prayers they make there . This honour is indulged to some of the Bassas , who have by their valour and council highly merited of the Empire , to be buried in the City , and to have their sepulchral monuments in peculiar places they had purchased for this end : such as were the illustrious Bassa Ibrahim , to whom the Emperor Suleiman married one of his daughters , in whose praises the Turkish Historians are so foolishly lavish and extravagant , who lies buried neer Suleimania ; and Mahomet Kupriuli , who setled the government during the minority of the present Emperor , when it was almost torn asunder by the factions of the great men and the mutinies of the souldiery ; buried neer the Mosch he built in Taouk-bazar . In the suburbs to the West very neer the haven there are several of these Chappels : and among others the tomb of Sultan Ejub , a person of great fame among them , as being , as they pretend , Standard-bearer to Mahomet , a Prophet , and Martyr , of whose zeal and industry in propagating and defending the Musulman religion they tell a company of idle , foppish , and ridiculous stories . In the adjoyning area adorned with a portico , the new Emperor is inaugurated , the Mufti girting his sword about him , this being the only ceremony used at his investiture , and is instead of a coronation . This place I suppose is chosen out of respect to the memory of their great Saint , as if there were something of good omen in it , and to put the Emperor in mind of what he must do , if there be occasion , for the advancement of religion . The Janizaries by vertue of an old establishment , even in times of peace , that they might the sooner form themselves into a body , and prevent any sedition or tumult of the Citizens , were to live together : for which purpose there are two great Odas or buildings at a little distance one from the other at Constantinople to receive those who are quartered there . But by the connivence of the officers bribed with money and presents , several are permitted to be absent ; and the married men of the order turn shop-keepers and artizans to make better provision for their wives and children . Between these two chambers is their Mosch , where upon any emergence of state , that either may have an influence upon the Empire or their body , they have their meetings and consultations . The Acropolis or seven Towers , in the furthest angle of the City to the South upon the Propontis , serves rather for a prison , than a garrison : for though there be a few souldiers in it , yet I could observe no great guns or any other warlike furniture . In the garden belonging to the governour of the Castle is the tomb of Husain sirnamed Delli or the mad and furious , who had been Janizary-Aga or General of the Janizaries in Candia , where he was strangled by the command of the Vizir for several pretended miscarriages ; but the true cause of his death was believed to be his great merit , which the other envied , and could not brook with any patience , and accordingly contrived his ruine . But out of respect to his valour his body was sent hither to be interred , and to be honoured with a monument . I sought in vain for the several Palaces , Theaters , Baths , Conduits , Churches , and the other proud buildings with which this Imperial City was formerly adorned in the times of the Greecian Emperors , as I find them mentioned in ancient Histories and Surveys ; and indeed it would be just matter of wonder , that no more of the monuments , which the Emperour Constantine fetcht from Rome and the other places of Italy to adorn this City which was to be called * after his own name , and his successors emulous of the same glory afterward raised almost in every street , should now remain , if they had fallen into other hands than those of Turks , who make a greater ravage , where-ever they come , than either earthquakes or time it self . The few remaining pieces of Antiquity are these : The Circus or Hippodrome is about two or three furlongs in length , and almost half as wide . At one end of it is a large Colossus or Pillar , the top of it broken down , having suffered much by fire , and therefore called by the Franks la Colonna brugiata ; in whose basis these verses are engraven : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 About the middle there remains an entire Aguglia or Obelisk of a kind of Granite or Theban marble , commonly called the Hieroglyphical pillar , by reason of the several figures of animals and other representations engraven upon the sides according to the Egyptian Priests and Philosophers , who used to involve some trivial slight notices of religion and nature in such dark and perplext characters . It is of a square figure , the four sides making so many equilateral triangles , which are sensibly contracted , as they rise higher and higher , till they end in a cone . That which makes it the more admirable , is , that it is one entire stone , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as both Codinus and Manuel Chrysaloras call it ; whereas the Colossus consists of several pieces . The Emperour Theodosius raised it again upon its basis , after it had been cast down to the ground , ( in all probability by an earthquake , to which this City is subject ) as the double inscription attests , the one in Greek on the side to the West , the other in Latine to the East ; which while I read with so much ease , the Turks who stood by , ( such was their ignorance and stupidity ) were amazed , and enquiring after the sense and meaning , seemed hugely pleased and satisfied with what I told them . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . DIFFICILIS QUONDAM DOMINIS PARERE SERENIS JUSSUS ET EXTINCTIS PALMAM PORTARE TYRANNIS OMNIA THEODOSIO CEDVNT SVBOLIVOVE PERENNI TERDENIS SIC VICTUS EGO DOMITUSQUE DIEBUS IVDICE SUB PROCLO SUPERAS ELATUS AD AURAS . In the same Piazza is a pillar of wreathed brass hollowed , at the top of which are the necks and heads of three Serpents , which shut out at an equal distance triangular-wise , This in all probability was designed a Talisman ( but whether made by that famous Conjurer Apollonius Tyanaeus , who resided here some time , is uncertain ) to preserve the City from Serpents , that might annoy them : this being one of the pretended wonderful effects of natural Magick , according to the credulity and superstition of those times ; which some fanciful men of late have very idly and foolishly gone about to make out and justify . The Porphyry pillar of Constantine the great , which he brought from old Rome , on the top of which he placed his own statue in brass , still remains in Taouk-bazar , bound about in several places of the shaft , where the pieces joyn with brass hoops ; but the marble is much defaced and blackened by fire , the statue having been long time tumbled down . In Aurat-bazar or the womens market upon an eminence stands another pillar , which is seen at a great distance by such as sail upon the Propontis : it rises to the heigth of about an hundred and forty feet , the top being broken off , to which they ascended by a winding pair of stairs ; several figures in basso rilievo are engraven upon it , which relate to a warlike expedition of the Emperour Arcadius , upon which accompt among the Frankes it has got the name of the Historical pillar . In the Western part of the City toward the Campaigne , but not far from the haven , are the remains of a certain palace called by the Turks Tekir Serai , and by the Greeks supposed to be that of Constantine , who was the last Emperour , and the Son of an Helena too , the last fate as well as first glory of Constantinople deriving from the same names . In the lower part there is only left standing a chamber adorned with curious wrought pillars of the Corinthian order , and above , a large stately hall . The other places are filled and stuffed up with ruines . That Constantinople , tho lying upon the Sea , might not be destitute of fresh water , which is so useful and necessary to life , was the chief care of the Emperour Valentinian , who caused aqueducts to be raised , by which the water is conveyed to the City from hill to hill in a winding compass the space of eighteen miles . But these by the sloth and carelesness of the Greeks and Turks falling to decay and rendred useless , were restored and refitted by the Emperor Suleiman , who was so intent upon this great work , that he said he would go on with it , although the laying every stone stood him in a purse of money , that is , five hundred dollars ; and it was one of the three things he so earnestly wisht he might live to effect , the other two being the finishing of the Mosch which bears his name , and the making himself Master of Vienna . The springs arise hard by a Village called Domus-deri , which lies toward the black Sea , whose waters are conveyed partly through little channels , and partly through pipes under ground into several large cisterns , nigh which are summer houses , floored , and sometimes the cieling painted , and the sides crusted with a kind of porcellane : the tops rising pyramidally , where the better sort of Turks in the heats of summer retire to enjoy the cool air , and for the shady walks , bringing sometimes their women with them , and spend there several days , pitching their tents for their better accommodation . Here it is , and here alone , that they seem to live gentily , and understand how to make use of the conveniences and delights of nature . Every one here is a Prince , and fancies himself for a time in Paradise . These cisterns are of different figures , square , round , oblong , hexagonal , made of free-stone , the bottom either paved or plaistered over , into which you descend by a pair of stairs sometimes twenty foot deep . Two of these above the rest are very stately , both within a mile of Belgrade , the one to the East , the other to the South-west . From this latter the waters are conveyed to the first Aqueduct neer a Greek Village called Pyrgos , the Christians of which , as of the neighbouring Villages , are free from paying haratch or head-money for their care in looking after the waters . This is a very magnificent pile of building , and of a great length , with a double range of arches about eight and forty or fifty in number , joyning two hills , and in the middle to the bottom of the valley it may be about one hundred feet : the water running in a covered channel at the top . Not far on the other side of the plain is another great Aqueduct , which makes an angle , having three ranges of arches one above another . On one line are two and twenty arches in the uppermost range , through which and the other below it are two galleries about five foot wide , in some places shut up on each side , in others open at the regular distance of about twelve foot : the contrivance was but necessary : for after the fall of rains or melting of the snow , which in some winters lies here very deep , there are such bogs below in the valleys , that no horse can pass that way : the other line is shorter , and consists of twelve arches , which grow less and less according to the greater or lesser steepiness of the hill . Hence about a mile you pass to a third Aqueduct : which indeed is a most splendid and glorious structure , containing only four arches in two ranges , the distance of the sides of the arches being above fifty foot . This Aqueduct is raised to a great heigth , whence the waters pass in an uninterrupted course , and fall into a large cistern in the City neer Sultan Selims Mosch , and so by earthen pipes are conveyed to the several houses . The Greeks have six and twenty Churches in Constantinople , and six in Galata ; of which I have given an account elsewhere . Galata , as it appears from an old survey in the times of the Emperors Arcadius and Honorius , made up the thirteenth and fourteenth Regions , that there might be the same number in new Rome , as Constantine would have his new City also called , as in the old . It is situated on the North side of the haven , by which it is divided from Constantinople . The passage is very easy , and a great number of boat-men get their living by carrying passengers to and again continually . This arm of the Sea is about half a mile wide , and in length from the Seraglio-point to the fresh water rivers between four and five miles ; of a great depth , that Ships of a considerable burthen may lye with their bolt-sprits ashore , and have several fathoms of water at the stern ; and so secure withal , being shut up with the several high hills and promontories , which break the force and violence of the wind and waves , that let the weather be never so ill , and the Sea boisterous in the Propontis , the Vessels are not in the least stirred with it in this narrow strait . The Arsenal is to the West , where there are several voltas or chambers built arch-wise , where they hall up their Galleys after the summer expedition is over . Galata of it self , both for the compass of the ground it takes up , and its strength , may be justly accounted a large City , and is very populous . It is encompassed with walls flankered with towers , built by the Emperor Anastasius , having a wide and deep ditch to the landward . It runs along the side of a hill , higher than those of Constantinople , and in several places is very steep . Formerly toward the declension of the Greecian Empire it was in the possession of the Genoueses ; the arms of some noble Families of that republick are still here and there to be seen engraven in the walls . Without which , both upon the ridge of the hill and upon the plain , farther in , toward and parallel with the haven , are several large streets , which whole tract of ground , by reason of its situation on the other side of the water , is therefore called by the Greek name Pera , where most of the Christian Ambassadors choose both for their convenience and privacy to make their residence . FINIS . Books sold by Moses Pitt , at the Angel in St. Paul's Church-yard . Folio . THE Six Voyages of John Baptista Tavernier , a Noble Man of France ( now living ) through Turkey into Persia , and the East-Indies , finished in the year 1670. Giving an account of the State of those Countreys . Illustrated with divers Sculptures : together with a new relation of the present Grand Seignior's Seraglio , by the same Author . To which is added a description of all the Kingdoms which encompass the Euxine and Caspian Seas . By an English Traveller , never printed before . Price 20 s. Theses Theologicae variis Temporibus in Academia Sedanensi editae , & ad disputandum propositae . Authore Ludovico de Blanc verbi Divini Ministro & Theologiae professore . In qua exponitur sententia Doctorum Ecclesiae Romanae , & Protestantium . 1675. Price 20 s. Dr. Henry Hammond's Sermons . 1675. A Table of ten thousand square Numbers , by John Pell , D. D. stitcht , 1 s. 6 d. 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Also two other Sermons , one Preached before the King at White-Hall , Jan. 30. 1676. by Henry Bagshaw , D. D. the other before the Lord Mayor , Decemb. 19. 1675. by John Cook. A Modest Survey of the most material things in a Discourse , called the Naked Truth . 6 d. A New Dictionary , French and English , by Guy Miege . 1677. Marshal Turenne's Funeral Sermon . 1677. Jer. Herrocii . Angl. Opusc . Astron . 1673. An Historical Vindication of the Church of England in Point of Schism by Sir Robert Twisden . The last Siege of Mastricht , Sept. 5. 1676. Dr. Tillotson's Sermon before the King , Apr. 18. 1675. Dr. Wilkins's Three Sermons before the King , March 7. 1669. and Feb. 7. 1670. Catalogus Librorum Regionibus Transmarinis nuper Editorum . Continuandus est hic Catalogus in singulos Terminos . Octavo . Dr. Jo. Tillotson's Rule of Faith. 1676. Rhetores selecti , Demetrius Phalerius , Tiberius Rhetor , Anonymus Sophista , Severus Alexandrinus Grece & Lat. per Tho. Gale , Soc. Coll. 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Praxis Barbettiana cum notis Fred. Deckeri , 1669. Herls Wisdoms Tripos . Dr. Wilkins Beauty of Providence . ‡ Pharmacopoea Royal , or the Royal Dispensatory , in Three Parts , the First Part the Galenical and Chymical Pharmacopoea ; the Second Part the Galenical Pharmacopoea ; and the Third Part the Chymical Pharmacopoea . Written by M. Charus , Apothecary to the King of France . And now rendred into English . Being now in the Press . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A60582-e1050 The Turks in what qualified sense Barbarous . Their contempt of Learning . Hatred of all other Religions , which is a principle of their Religion , and of their Education . Their behaviour toward Christians . Christians only secure in places of Trade ; yet obnoxious to affronts and abuses , and to be picked up , and made Slaves of , or assaulted . Patience & prudence necessary ; as also the Habit of the Country , when they travel . Their opinion of , and behaviour toward the Jews . Their hatred of the Persian greatest . The proud behaviour of the Turks arising from a false belief of their being Successors of the Greeks and Romans in the Empire . and only in the right way of Religion and Salvation . Musulman . The Prophets of the old Testament laid claim to by them . The Mahometan Religion gross , and brutish . The proof of it lying in their Swords , and in their success . No disputing with them . Most secure in their opinions and belief . Only to be pleased with money and presents . An instance of a generous civility . Circumcision . Their prayers at set times . Friday their day of Religious Convention . Their washings . Called to Prayers by the Priests or their Servants ▪ Their prayers in Arabick , and of what nature . Their publick Service in their Moschs . And the manner of it . Their prostrations . The excessive zeal of some Turks , and hypocrisie of others . Their Fast of Ramazan . The case of sick persons , Travellers , and Children . The Feast of great Bairam . Sacrifice Sheep . The Feast of little Bairam . Their Pilgrimage to Mecca . Their visiting of Jerusalem . Their care of their behaviour upon their return from Mecca . Their other Festivals . The Ministers of their Religion . Mufti . Cadileskires . Mollas . Imam , or Parish-Priest . The great number of Moschs . Sermons . Readers of the Alcoran . Cadyes . Alcoran . Sunna or Tradition . Colledges Professors . Their Allowance . Officers under the Cadyes . Turks pitiful to dumb creatures . Their love of Dogs . The opinion of Fate . The Plague rages among them often . Their reverence of God. Atheists among them . Janizaries . Their Collection . Agiamoglans . The General of the Janizaries . Their pay . Their number . Spahyes . Their number . Orders of Spahyes . Zaims . Voluntiers . Auxiliaries . Tartars . Their valour and the causes of it . Their Slaves . The Grandezza of the Bassas in what it consists . Number of Women-Slaves allowed . Men-Slaves often make escapes . How the Slaves are treated . Arsenal of Constantinople , where the Grand Signiors Slaves are kept . The Seven Towers a Prison for Gentlemen taken in the wars . Slaves in private mens hands Wine forbid to be drank by Mahomet . But notwithstanding this prohibition , the Turks generally debauched with it . Wine forbid by the Emperor to be drank all the Empire over . The concern of the Christian Ambassadors for this severe prohibition . Who remonstrate upon it . Strong waters equally forbid . Turkish Liquors . The common use of Opium among them The chief provision of the Arabian Messengers . Swines-flesh prohibited . Their diet . Their Weddings . How they treat their Women . Their Divorces . In what cases the women may sue for a Divorce . Their kindness to sick persons . Their Funerals . Their burying-places . Their Tombes . Their Oaths . Their respect to the name of Christ . Notes for div A60582-e15630 Surveys of Palestine common . But not of the Seven Churches of Asia . English the first who made solemn visits thither . Occasion of my voyage . The Cady of Smyrna's extraordinary civility . Bay of Smyrna : Menamen . Hermus . Vurlaw . Bay of Elaea . * As appears from Strabo , Geograph . lib. 13. Plain of Pergamus . Caicus . Pergamus . Selinus . Hyllus . Soma . Kirk-agach . Bak-hair . Mader-kuy . Thyatira . Selinte-kuy . Halys . Lacus Gygaeus . Marmora . The plains of Magnesia . Mastusia and Sipylus . Magnesia . Tmolus . Jarosh-kuy . Sardes . Pactolus ; Castle of Sardes . Philadelphia . Tripolis . Maeander . Hierapolis . Lycus ▪ Colosse . Dingilsley . Congeleh . Laodicea . Lycus . Asopus , Caper . Plains of Apamea . Nozli . Teke-kuy . Sultan-Hisar . Tralles . Guzel-Hisar . Magnesia upon the Maeander . Gherme-aule . Island Samos . Ephesus . Diana's Temple . The Labyrinth . St. Paul's prison , or rather a Watch-Tower . Cave of the seven Sleepers . St. John's Church . Smyrna . Meles . Old Castle . Amphitheatre . The sepulchre of St. Polycarp . Janus's Temple . Notes for div A60582-e26990 The advantage of its situation in general . Difficulty of access . Hellespont . Dardanelli . Sestos . Abydus . Bosphorus . Symplegades . Pompey 's pillar . Advantage of situation in respect of trade . Stambol . It s particular site . Chalcedon . Figure of Constantinople . Extent . Situated upon seven hills . Its inconveniences . Ordinary houses . Bassas houses . Walls . It s prospect from the land . Gates ▪ Seraglio . Divan . Caravanserais . Bezesten . Bagnos . Moschs . Sancta Sophia . Suleimania . Achmets Mosch . What common to all the great Moschs . Sepulchral monuments of the Emperors . Of the Mother of Mahomet the great . Of the Bassas and Of Sultan Ejub , where The Grand Signor is inaugurated . The chambers of the Janizaries . Seven Towers . Few ancient monuments left . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as he writes himself in a letter to Euseb . Bishop of Caesarea , V. Theodoriti Hist . Eccl. l. 1. c. 16. Hippodrome . Colossus . Hieroglyphical Pillar . Serpent pillar of brass . The pillar of Constantine . Historical pillar . Ruines of Constantines palace . Aqueducts . Kiosks or summer-houses . Cisterns . Pyrgos . Greecian Churches . Galata . Haven . Pera ▪ 
A32740	----	The history of the grand visiers, Mahomet and Achmet Coprogli, of the three last grand signiors, their Sultana's and chief favourites, with the most secret intrigues of the seraglio besides several other particulars of the wars of Dalmatia, Transylvania, Hungary, Candia, and Poland / Englished by John Evelyn, Junior. Histoire des grands vizirs Mahomet Caprogli-pacha et Achmet Caprogli-pacha. English Chassepol, François de, 17th cent. 1677 Approx. 402 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 150 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A32740 Wing C3728 ESTC R3682 11953127 ocm 11953127 51472 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A32740) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 51472) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 58:23) The history of the grand visiers, Mahomet and Achmet Coprogli, of the three last grand signiors, their Sultana's and chief favourites, with the most secret intrigues of the seraglio besides several other particulars of the wars of Dalmatia, Transylvania, Hungary, Candia, and Poland / Englished by John Evelyn, Junior. Histoire des grands vizirs Mahomet Caprogli-pacha et Achmet Caprogli-pacha. English Chassepol, François de, 17th cent. Evelyn, John, 1655-1699. [8], 277 p. Printed for H. Brome ..., London : 1677. Translation of: Histoire des grands vizirs Mahomet Caprogli-pacha et Achmet Caprogli-pacha. Written by François de Chassepol. Cf. BN. "Licensed Nov. 24, 1676. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Köprülü Mehmed Paşa, 1575-1661. Köprülü Fazıl Ahmed Paşa, 1635-1676. Turkey -- History -- Mehmed IV, 1648-1687. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-01 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-03 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2002-03 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion LICENSED , Nov. 24. 1676. Roger L'Estrange . THE HISTORY OF THE Grand Uisiers , Mahomet , and Achmet Coprogli , Of the three last GRAND SIGNIORS , THEIR Sultana's and Chief Favourites ; With the most secret Intrigues of the SERAGLIO . Besides several other particulars of the Wars of Dalmatia , Transylvania , Hungary , Candia , and Poland . Englished by Iohn Evelyn , junior . LONDON : Printed for H. Brome , at the Gun at the West-end of St. Pauls . 1677. To the High and Mighty Prince GODEFROY MAURICE , De la Tour , d' Auvergne , Sovereign Duke of Bouillon , Duke d' Albret , and Chasteau Thierry , Count d' Auvergne , Eureux , Viscount Turenne , Governour , and Lieutenant for the King in High and Low Auvergne , Peer , and Great Chamberlain of France . SIR , THIS Book I look upon as a Present so far from worthy of your Highness , that I cannot but charge my self with Presumption in the very Dedication of it . But as the Work it self was written under your Roof , and the Author of it had the honour at the same time to be generously obliged by your Highness . As it is properly the Life of an Hero , whom you your self have encountred with his Scimitar in his hand ; an Hero whose Victorious Course was then stopped by your assistance , when our brave French gave that famous Defeat to the Grand Visier near the River Raab ; the place where you gave so many signal marks of that extraordinary Valour , which is essential to the Character of your Illustrious Family , and hereditary to all that bear your Name ; to whom , Sir , should I inscribe this Book but to your self , either upon the point of glory or protection ? To sum up the number of your Ancestors , whose great Actions fill the best pages of our History ; to present you with your Pedigree , or the pourtraits of so many Princes who have made your very Name immortal ; to insist upon those that bear it now , and by their own merit , and the great Charges they possess , are so considerable ; that in your Highness and your Brothers , one may behold all that is high , and exalted in France ; to say that in your Family those Dignities are at present united , which never met in any Kings Reign before , as the Office of Great Chamberlain , Great Almoner of France , and Colonel of the Light Horse . I am not , Sir , now to learn , that these are Truths would offend your Modesty , and that it is peculiar to your House to reject all praises , how just soever . This is the reason that makes me sparing upon this subject ; and to content my self with this humble profession , that I am with all respect , and veneration , as I ought to be , SIR , Your Highnesses most Humble and Obedient Servant , De Chassepol . To my GOVERNESS . THere needs no more to declare to all the World who you are , when I shall tell them , that it is to the most Religious , and vertuous ; the most discreet , and the most charming of your Sex : to speak less , were to injure your Merits , as well as my Iudgment ; to say more ( and name you ) were to undervalue the discernment of all who know what perfection is , and where all the Graces which are scattered amongst other Ladies of Quality are assembled in one . I made choice of this piece ( whilst I was lately at Paris ) to divert my Governess with ; because the Truth and Dignity of the Historical Part ( which you more affect ) may commute for the Trifles of the Romantick ( which you less regard ) and have rendered it English , not because you are unacquainted with the Original ( who are Mistress of the most polished Languages ) but to give you some account of the instructions I acknowledge to have received from you , how I should employ the less serious moments of my Time , as well as the most studious , and recollected . I had but to imitate your example , to pay at once my duty to God , my self , and all the world . This is the express Character of my Governess , the account her Pupil thinks fit to give of his attempt , and of the veneration he bears Philothea . THE HISTORY of the Grand VISIERS . The First Book . History of Sultan Amurath the Fourth . AMurath the Fourth of that name , Emperor of the Turks , had no sooner put an end to the differences that were between him , and Vladislaus the great King of Poland , but he immediately resolved to execute his long intended design of recovering the City of Babylon , vulgarly called Bagdet . Pekier Bassa , the better to shelter himself from Amurath , had delivered it to the King of Persia. The importance of this enterprise was such , as made the Sultan think his own presence necessary to accomplish it . Therefore to reestablish that glory which his Arms had lost under the Conduct of his Generals , he took the field at the head of three hundred thousand men , with such expedition , that he prevented the Sophy , and forced him to retire after he had fortified some places , which were not before in a condition to make any resistance . Tauris was the first place that presumed to withstand the Sultan ; and it was so vigorously defended , that it provok'd him after he had taken it , to rase it , and plough up its very Foundations , thereby to strike terror into other places which he designed to attack ; from thence he march'd to Revan , where the Governor brought him the Keys , and came over to his side . Being thus possessed of this place , he turned all his Forces against Babylon , which he besieged and plied so furiously that at two and fifty days end , he carried it , after four of the bloudiest Assaults that were ever made . The Pillage of it he bestowed on his Souldiers , commanding them to put all to the Sword without regard of Age , or Sex. Not satisfied with this advantage , he extended his Conquests over divers Provinces , wasting all the Country through which he past , and nothing being able to satiate his desire of revenge but the defeat of the Sophy , he staid not to attend his coming , but advanc'd to find him out , and offer him Battle ; which the Persian Monarch thought not fit to hazard against the Victorious Ottoman , but retreated to the remotest Mountains of his Empire : from whence , the Grand Signior , seeing he could not draw him by open force , he resolved to send him a challenge , by which he let him know , that setting apart the consideration of those great advantages he might certainly promise himself from so powerful an Army , ( which was sufficient to subdue all Persia , ) he was ready by a private Combate to terminate their antient quarrel , and the War which had so long ingaged both Nations . The Sophy to free himself from the Obligation of answering it , made as if he had not received this challenge ; and dispatched a Cham or Persian Prince , to make overtures of Peace to Amurath : Who perceiving his Troops to be much harrassed , to give them some repose , consented to interrupt the course of his Victories , and hearkned to the Propositions of the Sophy , leaving his Grand Visier behind him to conclude the Peace , whilest he himself retired to Damas : where , till the season was fit to return into Europe , he refreshed himself after the ●oils of War , in the Arms of a charming Persian Lady , who far out-shined all his other Favorites . This beautiful Persian , was Sister to Emir Gumer , who to obtain the Grand Signiors Favor , when he basely surrendered Revan to him , presented him also with his Sister Rachima . The effect which her Charms had on the Sultans Heart , made the Sultaness Roxana , who had followed him to the Persian War , extremely Jealous . This Princess was not wont to suffer a Rival ; her Reign had been long and uncontrolled , and she had often sent the finest Women in the Seraglio into the other World , so soon as she was informed that they indeavoured to seduce her Gallant . Amurath being acquainted with , and fearing her humor , to prevent her resentment , and free himself from her importunate Jealousie , sent her away before him to Constantinople ; where all the extraordinary Honors that were paid her , were not sufficient to ballance her vexation for being supplanted by another ; but not being able to revenge her self on her Rival , she resolved to fall upon those who rejoyced at her disgrace . Her Jealousie , and cruelty made her formidable to all the World ; but none had more reason to mistrust her than the Grand Signiors Brothers Bajazet , Orcan , and Ibrahim , the two first , ( whose Valor equall'd their Birth ) were tired with her persecutions : they knew her to be the cause that their Brother kept them in Prison , and how she had done her utmost to destroy them , that none might remain to dispute the Empire with her own Son. The fear of death which threatned them , had hitherto kept them from shewing themselves justly sensible of the wrongs which the Sultana Valide their Mother , and the Princesses their Sisters had suffered at her hands ; but having learnt that she had lost much of Amuraths esteem , they laid aside their former moderation , and began openly to complain of Roxana ; who was so inraged at it , that she vow'd their ruin , to let her Enemies see that her Authority was not at all diminished , and that none should go unpunished who offended her , nothing was left undone that might conduce to the accomplishment of her design . By fair promises she gained the Caimacan or Lieutenant to the Grand Visier , ( to whom the Sultan had left the charge of his two Brothers , ) to act without acquainting Amurath , left that should discover her Treason . She counterfeited Letters which assured him that these Princes had intelligence with their Brothers Enemies , and after she had prepared all things necessary to justifie what she was about to do , she produced a false Order of the Sultans , and was so cruel as to go herself ( attended by the Executioners , ) to tell the unfortunate Princes that she sacrificed them to her own hatred rather than to the interest of Amurath . Bajazet after he had reproached her with all her crimes , and given her thanks for taking away that life which he could not imploy in destroying her , submitted to the Mutes who came to strangle him . Orcan was not so patient ; for without upbraiding her , he stood upon his Guard , and having slain two , disabled two more from having any hand in his death , which he was forced to undergo at last as well as his Brother . The Murder of these two Princes caused an universal sorrow , and consternation ; their Courage had given the World great hopes , and their death so inflamed the People against the Sultana , that had not the Grand Signior arrived , they had torn her out of the Seraglio , and made her a victim to the Public hate . Amurath was received in Triumph , with more magnificence than was ever afforded any of his Predecessors , after their most Signal Victories . He had left Rachima at Damas , which made Roxana believe that she was not quite blotted out of his Heart , and that she should soon recover her ground . To this end she made it her whole business to appear more charming in his Eyes , besides she brought him to thank her for the death of his Brothers , as an extraordinary service , by which she had diverted the dangers that threatened his Person , and Empire . She had indeed a greater Ascendent over Amurath than she could hope for , and found it no difficult matter , to rekindle in him all those flames , which the fair Rachima seemed to have extinguished . He now heaped new favours on her , and abandoned himself to such excess of Love , as proved fatal to one of the Princesses , his Sister . As she came one day to cast herself at his Feet to complain of Roxanas injurious carriage towards her , and of the unjust death of her two Brothers , he was so inraged at her , that with a Battle-ax which he held in his hand , he gave her a blow on the head , of which the Young Princess died on the place . Roxanas hatred was not satisfied with this Murther , she would have added that of the Grand Visiers Achomat , because he was of the Sultana Valides party , of whose Authority she was Jealous . Besides the intention she had of putting the Caimacan who was wholy her creature , into his place , she found means to render him criminal , by accusing him of being acquainted with , and favouring the designs of the Princes . This was enough to ruin him , but the fall of this great Favourites head , made such a noise , that it awakened all the Grandees of the Empire ; they complained loudly of the injustices which the Great Sultana made the Emperor every day commit ; they ript up all the Murders she had been guilty of , and caused the Mufty in behalf of the Public , to complain of her to Amurath . He had no sooner begun to acquit himself of his dangerous Commission , but the Sultana Kiozem Amuraths Mother came and presented her self to him , together with a Slave whom she brought to discover the Plot , that Roxana had formed against her Life . The Sultan at first would believe nothing , but the Eunuch whose remorse had made him acquaint the Sultana Valide with what was contrived against her , protested so earnestly that after he had discharged his Conscience of those secrets which filled him with horror , he was not afraid to die , that at last Amurath was convinced . Roxana was sent for to answer to the crimes that were laid to her charge , which she did with so much Pride and Disdain , that not being able longer to defer her punishment , by burying his Poynard in her heart , he endeavoured with his own hand to repair all those ills she had been the cause of . She was three and twenty years old , and was thought the handsomest woman that ever came into the Seraglio . Her Picture that Amurath ordered to be Drawn in the first transports of his Passion , which he always kept in his Closet , shews her to have been an accomplished Beauty . She was tall and well shaped , her Min was noble , and her Gate becoming , her Hair of a fair light Brown , the turn of her Face was Oval , her Complexion was very Clear and Smooth , her Eyes full and sparkling , her Nose well made , her Mouth little , her Lips Vermillion , her Teeth good and well set , her Chin was proportion'd to the rest of her Face , her Neck perfectly well shaped , with very pretty Hands , her Physiognomy was promising : There was such an air of Majesty throughout her whole Person , as drew the admiration of all the World ; but with this she had Vices that rendered her insupportable : she was so cruel as to sacrifice all things to her Ambition and Jealousie ; she delighted in Treachery and Revenge , and certainly she was the most Proud and Inhuman Princess that ever liv'd . Amurath , having by the death of this Favourite appeased the murmurs of his People , resolved to keep himself from being so strongly ingaged for the future ; but all his Passions were violent ; he now wanted imployment , had no Wars to busie himself in , and the remembrance of his past cruelties stung him continually . Every one endeavoured to drive away his deep melancholly , which was looked upon as dangerous , by entertaining him with pleasures and diversions . The Empire never injoyed a greater Calm , and nothing was thought of in Constantinople but feasting and rejoycing . The Grand Signiors Court since the Peace concluded with the Persian , was crowded with idle Officers , who waited there in expectation of some recompence for their Services . Mahomet Coprogli Pacha was one of this number , his Father was named Coprogly , whom some affirmed to be the Son of a Mariner , others of a Gentleman , who by some concerns of his Family , being obliged to quit France , and settle himself in Italy , was in his Voyage thither assaulted , and slain by a Turkish Pirate , by whom his Son then about ten or twelve years old , was made a Slave , and carried into Cyprus . The Bassa Barac Bey , Governour of this Island , taking notice of the gallant Spirit of young Coprogli and his inclination to Arms , Educated him with great care , and when he went to the Persian War took him along with him , where he behaved himself so well , that he obtained a Timariots Place for him of the Emperor Achmet , and another very considerable charge in the Army , in which afterwards his Son Mahomet Coprogli , notwithstanding his youth and the contrary custom of the Turks , succeeded him : He acquitted himself in his imployment with great reputation , and by his merit and good Min , advantageously maintained that Credit which his Valor had gained in the War. Though he had been all his Life time in the Camp , yet he had contracted none of that Rudeness and Barbarity which is commonly apparent in the Carriage and Manners of Souldiers ; but was as refined , as if he had never been absent from the Court , whose Maxims he was perfectly acquainted with , and was a better Politician than those that sate at the Helm . This made him bethink himself of getting some powerful Patron who might advance him in the Grand Signiors Favor , not being ignorant , that the most deserving Courtiers make no Progress without such a Protector at their Masters Elbow . His insinuation and good humor soon gained him the esteem , and friendship of the great men ; more particularly of the Kisler Agasi named Vglan Chief of the Eunuchs in the Seraglio , and Prime Minister and Confident of the Grand Signiors secret Pleasures . This Eunuch was so favorable to Mahomet Coprogli , that he promised to second him in all occasions that might serve to raise his Fortune . He was a man of great address , had long experience in all the Intrigues of the Court in which he was grown old , and had obtained this honorable Station by extraordinary Merit . From him Mahomet Coprogli received Precepts how to behave himself , which were very serviceable in the raifing him to that preferment which he soon after arrived to . He discovered to him the most secret privacies of the Seraglio and the Court ; instructed him in the humor and inclinations of the Emperor , and told him the best means to obtain his good Graces , concealing nothing which might perfectly instruct him in all the interests of the Great Families of the Empire , and the Grand Signiors Favorites . Coprogli knew well enough how to make his advantage of the informations of this crafty Aga. He began to put them in practice by compliance and submission to the Bassas , and all those who were near the Sultan . He was ever of the number of those with whom the Emperor diverted himself ; the desire he had to please him made him use a thousand little arts , and he proved so successful , that Amurath began to distinguish him from the crowd , and to look kindly upon him ; which soon made the Courtiers jealous of him . Envy is a Vice inseparable from the Favor of Princes , rendering those hated whom they honor with their Friendship . Coprogli quickly found the truth of this : Those whose esteem he had purchased by his Civility , and obliging conversation before he was known to the Sultan , no sooner perceived the good reception he met with , but they openly declared themselves his Enemies , and endeavoured all they could to overthrow the Foundation of his growing Fortune : but he having foreseen this alteration , had armed himself with Constancy against their persecutions . He behaved himself so wisely , that Envy herself had nothing to charge him withal , yet though he was prudent enough to avoid all the traps the Courtiers laid for him , he could not preserve himself from falling into the very first snares of Love. One day Amurath having ( as he was often wont to do ) made a debauch with his principal Favourites , he took a fancy to walk in the Gardens of the Seraglio , and as an extraordinary favour to let them go in along with him . When the Sultan walks in these Gardens , it is ordinarily with a design to favour some Sultana ; and when he passes by the Ladies apartment , they use to throw Flowers to him , and send him Fruits , and Works of their own making , to deserve his kindness . They send these Presents commonly by young Slaves , or Odalisques , who forget not to inform him of their Mistresses Name and Beauty . Amurath chose to walk in a Terrass , which ran along by the Seraglio of the Sultana's , and ended in a Cabinet that looked on the Sea. This place he had built at his return from the Persian War , to riot in with the more freedom . Hither he often came with his Mignions , and that Persian Lord Gumer , who to avoid the punishment due to his Treason , had followed him to Constantinople . This man was one of the most exquisite debauchées of his time ; he had found the way to gain the Grand Signior's affection , by teaching him to drink Wine , and a thousand other excesses not fit to be named . He entertained and discoursed with the Sultan , while he passed under the Balconies , where he saw several Sultana's . It may be the good humour he was then in made him go by them , to shew them to his Favourites ; or perhaps , not having had any commerce with the Ladies since the death of Roxana , he began to be weary of living so reserved from the fair Sex , and had a mind to let the Sultanas know , that he had not resolved to deprive himself for ever of those sweets which he might taste in their company . Whatever it was , he was not displeased to see himself accosted by a young slave , who presented him with a basket of Fruit from a fair one he had not yet seen . This message did no less surprise him than the Fruits , which were some of them natural , others artificial ; so well counterfeited , that they were hard to be distinguished . While Amurath was busied in choosing the Fruit , Mahomet Coprogli who stood behind him , was considering the beauty of the slave who brought it : he was naturally more gallant than ordinarily those of his Nation are , and seeing the Sultan taken up with the admiration of the Fruits , and the Courtiers earnestly commending the Lady who sent them , he thought he had a fit opportunity to let the young slave know what he thought of her beauty . But he not being the only man in the company who had discerning eyes , the charms of Fatima ( so was the young Odalisque called ) had made an impression on more hearts than his . He had hardly time to speak some few words to her , but , he was interrupted by Zelim Achmet , one of the Grand Signiors Favourites . This impatient fierce man addressed himself to Fatima more calmly then was otherwise natural to him , and seeing her eyes fixed on Coprogli , whose expressions without doubt she was not displeased to hear , he could not hinder himself from shewing his distaste , and looking scornfully on a man whom he already apprehended as his Rival . The presence of the Grand Signior , and the consideration of the place where he was , kept Mahomet Coprogli from answering the fierceness of Zelim Achmet with actions , and looks as disdainful as his own . Respect at present mastered his resentment , which would have broke out in another place , notwithstanding the splendid fortune of this Favourite . However to revenge himself in some sort he kept as near Fatime as he could , to hinder Zelim from having an opportunity of declaring his passion to her . The difficulty of seeing women in Turky , and above all , those who are shut up in the Seraglio , causes Love not to be so tedious there as in other places where one must sigh a long time before one can make a formal discovery of it . Therefore Zelim Achmet for fear of wanting another opportunity , thought it not fit any longer to delay speaking to Fatima : Fair Odalisque , said he to her , if your heart be as cruel as your face is charming , the sight of you would make me despair , not being able to look on you without loving you , or love you without a desire to please you . Mahomet Coprogli could not hear this declaration without regret . He cast his eyes languishingly on Fatima , who at the same time turning hers towards him , could not help letting him perceive that his complement had touched her more sensibly than that of Zelim ; and she had already opened her mouth , to give him doubtless a favourable answer , when the Emperour , who heard them speaking behind him , turned about to mingle in the conversation ; the subject of which he soon found out by looking on the young Odalisque , and considering her face more attentively than he had done before . Amurath , who setting a side his cruelty and avarice , had all the excellent qualities that can be desired in a Prince , was also infinitely gallant ; he continued the good humour he was in , that he might not interrupt the conversation of Zelim and Coprogli with Fatima . For all that I see , ( said he to the two Courtiers ) your judgment is very good , and I cannot blame you for being so earnest to gain the friendship of this lovely Odalisque . I my self , continued he laughing , am beholding to your gallantry for having made me take notice of her merit ; but were you not disputing with her to know whether her Mistresses beauty equals hers ? I 'le clear that doubt to day , added he , addressing himself to Fatima , and I will see if the fair unknown who sent you hither , has charms enough of her own , not to mistrust yours . The young Slave answered what he said with so much wit , that he was wholly ravished : but the joy that he shewed , exceedingly disturbed Zelim , and Coprogli , who began to be Rivals , and already looked on one another as such . They fear'd lest the Grand Signior should rob them of Fatima , otherwise they might reasonably enough pretend to her , as being one of those slaves that wait on the Sultanas , and that are ordinarily matched to the great ones of the Port , who marry them that they may gain the favour of the Sultanas . Mahomet Coprogli was deserving enough to obtain Fatima , but the power of Zelim Achmet made him despair ; he knew his love , and fear'd , not without good reason , lest he should make use of his credit with the Sultan , to deprive him of his Mistress : so that jealousie and fear seized on his soul almost as soon as love , The confusion he was in made him resolve to discover his passion to the great Eunuch , and implore his assistance , who promised him to have a care of his interests as well with his Master , as his Mistress , and was as good as his word . The Sultana Valide , Amurath's Mother , and the Kislar Agasi who were the two powerfullest persons in the Seraglio , were very good friends ever since the death of cruel Roxana . They had plotted between them to furnish the Sultan with a new Favourite , who being beholden to them for her greatness , should be obliged to espouse all their interests . The Eunuch Vglan had undertaken to choose a fair one that should be proper for their design ; he had cast his eyes on Zaime , a young woman that came to the Seraglio in the absence of Amurath , she was recommended to him by the Bassa of the Sea , who had taken her away upon the Coasts of Circassia . Her beauty and her wit render'd her worthy of the place she was destin'd to ; and Nature had made her so surprising that she needed no body to speak in her behalf . The Sultana Valide , and the Kislar Agasi made no question but that she would infinitely please Amurath ; to which end they agreed together what means they should use to captivate the Grand Signiors mind , who seemed to have no more inclination to love . They acquainted Zaime that they intended to make her great Sultana , and to ingage her the more to be greateful , exaggerated the beauty and merit of many others , before whom they preferred her . Then they instructed her what she should do to get the Sultan's good opinion , and perswaded her to send him some of her own Works , which were done with a great deal of Art , to make him desire to know her . Zaime waited for an opportunity to execute what they had contrived , being informed that the Emperor was in the Gardens of the Seraglio . She chose the time when he was walking on the Terrace we spoke of , to send him her Present , which she had disposed in little baskets of her own working . She gave this imployment to Fatima , whom she chiefly esteemed ; but never thought that Amurath would have found her so handsome as to fall in love with her : if she had made this reflection , she would not have hazarded a conquest , the whole glory of which she intended to reserve to her self . Truly Zaime had need of all her charms to efface the impression which Fatima had made in the Sultans heart , whom she wholly possest so at first sight , that she had no leisure so much as to think of the Odalisque ; and in a short time she rendred her self more absolute over his will , than ever the crafty Roxana had been ; but she made better use of her power , and forgot not that she owed it all to the great Eunuch , being impatient till she had testified her acknowledgments to him , when he came to recommend the interests of Mahomet Coprogli to her , desiring her to beg the Government of Baruth for him of the Emperour . This Government is very considerable , it was sought for by many Courtiers and Officers ; but Zaime who had a mind to oblige Vglan , spoke so seasonably to Amurath , that she obtained it for Coprogli before all other Competitors , even Zelim Achmet himself , to whom the Sultan had promised it . She immediately got his Commission drawn , which she put into the great Eunuchs hands , withal assuring him that this was the least Grace he could ask of her ; that she would make no other advantage of her power but to serve him ; and that since he was kind to Coprogli she would take care of his Fortune . The Eunuch who received these marks of her goodness , with a great many submissions , and thanks , would no longer defer the accomplishment of Coprogli's happiness . He told the Princess Zaime that he was infinitely sensible of what she had done for him , but that since by an excess of generosity , she was pleased not only to load him with her benefits , but to extend them also to his friends ; he beseeched her to pity the love of Coprogli , who as soon as he first saw Fatima , became desperately in love with her . This slave was very dear to Zaime , and the proposition of the Kislar Agazi surprised her at first : she could not bestow Fatima on his friend without parting with her for ever . This separation seemed very difficult to her , and she could have wished that Vglan to whom she could refuse nothing , had desired any thing else of her ; but the great Eunuch who had undertaken to render Mahomet Caprogli happy , resolved to finish what he had begun , and at last prevailed so far upon her , that she had no power to deny his request . Go Vglan said she to the Eunuch , go tell your friend , that he is beholden to you for a favour , which none but you could have obtained of me . The Kislar Agazi did what became him on this occasion , and reiterated all the protestations he had before made of being faithful to her as long as he lived . His place puts him in a condition of obliging or disobliging the Grand Signiors Mistresses , which makes them have the more respect for the chief of the Eunuchs who govern their Seraglio . He was no sooner assured of Coprogli's felicity , but he sent for him to tell him the good news , who notwithstanding what he knew of the Eunuchs power , could hardly be perswaded that in so short a time he had been so successful , as to satisfie both his ambition and his love . But at last being possest of Fatima , and Vglan having given him his Commission for his Government , he thought of nothing beside the enjoyment of his good Fortune , which by the protection of the Sultana , and the friendship of the Kislar Agazi seemed to be firmly established . But when he was ready to go and take possession of his Government , he saw himself exposed to the cruel persecutions of Zelim Achmet . This formidable Rival was not able to see his Mistress , and the Government of Baruth to fall to Coprogli's share , without being jealous even to fury . He could not indure a preference that made him almost desperate , he presumed much on his own merit , on the Sultans favour to him , and on the authority of his Uncle Ragep Bassa , who had succeeded in the charge of Grand Visier , after the death of Achomat ; so that Coprogli was to expect all the ill offices that a private man can receive from a great Minister , and a Favourite who has his Princes ear : but yet having the Sultana on his side , he believed her able to protect him against his enemies : And he was so confident of this , that without taking any other measures , he parted from Constantinople with the fair Fatima , to go and take possession of his Government of Baruth . He exercised his charge with so much integrity , that he deserved the adoration of the people . But who can be innocent when merit it self is an offence ? The Grand Visier Ragep was wholly swayed by his Nephew Achmet , who could not digest the affront which he pretended he had received from Mahomet Coprogli , and was not satisfied with the Government of Syria , which the Grand Signior had given him to comfort him for missing that of Baruth . This insolent Favourite projected the ruine of Coprogli ; but seeing that the Sultana Zaime protected him , policy kept him from declaring himself openly against him , for fear of displeasing the Emperour who adored Zaime . He knew Amuraths humour perfectly well , and saw plainly that to oppose his love , was the way to ruine himself ; therefore not to hazard any thing , he contain'd himself in expectation of some more favourable opportunity of revenge : and time had afforded him means , if the authority of the Grand Visier his Uncle had continued . Heaven which is weary of the injustice of the wicked , could no longer bear with those of Ragep Bassa , but destroyed him to preserve the innocent , who were the objects of his cruelties and treacheries . The jealousie which this Ragep , when he was but a simple Bassa , had heretofore had of Emir Ticcardin Prince of Drus , whom the chance of War had made a Prisoner at Constantinople , after the loss of his Children , his Estate , and Treasures , made him now afresh persecute him with calumnies , and engage the Mufti and Religion against him , that he might oblige the Sultan to behead the Emir , who derived himself from Godfrey of Bouillon , King of Ierusalem , and was the Protector of the Christians , and Franks in the Eastern Provinces . He had counselled Amurath to put to death Camtemir King of the petty Tartars , whom he had brought to Constantinople , under pretence of making his peace with the Great Cham of Tartary , who had corrupted him with Bribes . At last he had conspired to depose the Grand Signior , and set up his Brother Ibrahim in his place , So that the Sultan being informed of the treasons of this first Minister , who was the Author of all the Confusions in the State : he caused him to be strangled , and by his death prevented the destruction of many of the Grandees of the Port , whom he would have sacrificed to his ambition . This disgrace forced Zelim Achmet to let Coprogli be quiet for some time . In the mean time Amurath , who had ended the Persian War , and calmed the troubles of his Empire , abandoned himself to the delights of the Seraglio . But Death which had spared him in Armies where he was exposed to the greatest dangers , surprized him in the midst of his pleasures ; for in the Beyran , which is the Turks Easter , at which time they are wont to be very merry , the better to forget the austerity of their Ramazan , or Lent. The Sultan made a debauch with the Selichtar , Cham Gumar , Machut , and Iarzai , two other Persians , in which he drank so excessively of Malvasie , and Ros-solis , that he inflamed his bowels , and fell into a burning Feaver , of which he died a few days after . Several Diseases , had taken away all his Children , and his cruelty had put all his Brothers to death , except Ibrahim , whom he thought incapable of reigning . While he was sick , he asked often to see him , intending as some believe , to have had him strangled , that he might leave none of his Blood behind him , but what should be born of Zaime , whom he knew to be with child . He had named Rahim Chiras , C ham of the petty Tartars to be his Successor , and had made a secret agreement with him , that in case Zaime should be brought to bed of a Son , he should resign the Empire to him . But the Divan ordained otherwise , and the Sultana Valide had no sooner closed his eyes but she went to take Ibrahim out of Prison . This Prince made some difficulty at the proposition which the Sultana his Mother , the Mufti , the Visiers and Bassa's made him of ascending the Throne ; believing it to be a design to surprize him , and continued to counterfeit himself mad , as he had done till then , by the advice of the Eunuch Zomboul his Governour , who had taught him this way to avoid the cruelty of his Brother Amurath ; but when he saw the Emperors dead body , he convinced them that he had concealed his Reason to preserve his life ; and shewed so much judgment , that he at first suprized those who knew the manner of his Education . Ibrahim having taken up the reins of the Ottoman Empire , began his Reign with such Justice and Clemency , as seemed to give the people an undoubted assurance of an happy Government . The first Commandment he gave was to Mustapha his Grand Visier , who had succeeded Ragep , That he should put no man to death , unless he were convict of so enormous a Crime , that he could not be pardoned without committing a greater . This Prince was extremely good natur'd , as might be seen by the lineaments of his face : he had a ruddy Complexion , a broad Forehead , his Limbs well set , but his Behaviour was very silly , and innocent , proceeding from his obscure Education , which had quite changed the vigor of his mind and health , so that it was feared he could have no children . This made the Sultana his Mother have a great care of the Sultana Zaime , whom she knew to be with child . Zaime who loved the Sultana Valide as her own Mother , had discovered it to her ; and the subtil Sultana Kiozem Ibrahim's Mother not believing he would leave a Son behind him , would not suffer Zaime to retire into the old Seraglio , where the Sultanas of the deceased Grand Signiors shut themselves up . She fancied it would be no hard matter to perswade Ibrahim to love her : Zaime was young , her great belly appeared not , and no body knew of it ; nor was it difficult to make him believe that the Child she should be brought to bed of was his own : but there was no need of all this contrivance , for Ibrahim who never knew what love was , was so well satisfied with Zaime , that examining no farther , he abandon'd himself wholly to the enjoyment of her : yet afterwards not contented with the delights he found in this Princess , who had taught him to love ; he had a mind to try if another could not as well recommend those pleasures which had so long been unknown to him , and took a liking to an handsome Georgian , well born , and a Christian , who had been taken from her Parents at twelve years old , and brought to the great Seraglio at Constantinople , as a perfect beauty . She had been bred very carefully , having been taught to sing , and play on several Instruments , to accompany her voice , which was admirable : and it was by this that she had attracted Ibrahim . This Prince was a great lover of Musick , both instrumental , and vocal . He walked one evening under a Balcony , where the young Bassée , so was the fair Georgian called , sung a Song so passionate , that he would needs know the person that had sung it : but having found by conversing with her , that she had no less Wit than Beauty , he was so charmed , that immediately he threw her his Handkerchief , as a sure pledge of his Love , and a certain token that she should that very night receive more particular favours . Of all the Passions that Princes are subject to , Love is the most powerful , and may boast of more triumphs than all the rest ; and though it is said that fruition diminishes it , that of Ibrahim manifested the contrary , for by the possession of his new Favourite , he became more , and more inflamed : and his kindness increasing every day , contributed to Bassées good Fortune . The next morning she had eight women , four Eunuchs , and four Cooks added to her train . The Sultan sent her six Baskets full of very rich Presents , with a Cabinet stored with many thousand Shekines , augmenting her allowance proportionably to his kindness ; and not thinking this sufficient , he would have her Train as great as that of the Sultana Zaime ; so that he gave her more Eunuchs , and made up her number of women sixteen . He furnished a private Apartment for her with the best Furniture in the Seraglio , where he often did her the honour to eat with her . The compliant humour of this Favourite diverted his natural melancholy ; she would sometimes prevail with him to walk by the Sea-side , and to hunt in the neighbouring Fields . At last the Eunuch Zomboul perceiving her to be with Child , he carried the news of it to the Grand Signior , who took a Diamond of a great value off from his finger to make her a Present of ; and not being able longer to contein his Joy , went himself to congratulate her , that she was become the depository of a Pledge so important to the Ottoman Empire : afterwards he visited the Sultana Valide , to rejoyce with her . Zaime was quickly informed of it , and the news had like to have kill'd her ; she found her self ready to lie down , which spoiled hers and the Sultana Valide's design . The time having deceived them , there not remaining enough to make Ibrahim believe that he was the Father of her Child . The Sultana Kiosem being one of the most subtle , ingenious Princesses that ever was , would not quite ruine Zaime , whom she tenderly loved , nor expose a Child of Amurath ; for she made no question , but that Ibrahim when he should come to know the truth , would sacrifice Zaime's Child to his own safety . Therefore she resolved to keep her lying in secret , and to convey the Child out of the Seraglio by some trusty person . They could think of no body fitter to be trusted with so important a secret than Fatima , who was immediately sent for : She was ready to lie in her self , which served as a pretence for her coming to Constantinople , whither the women of Quality often come to lay their great bellies . She was no sooner arrived , but she fell in labour ; and a little while after , the Sultana Zaime was brought to bed of a Daughter , which she put into Fatima's hands , desiring her to have as much care of her , as if she were her own . Fatima acquitted her self very handsomely of her Charge , and brought up this Princess in her own house , under the name of Iohaime : She had a Son , who looked on her as his Sister , and was suffered to continue in his error a great while , as we shall see hereafter when we come to his History . In the mean time the Sultana Zaime being freed from the apprehensions of her great belly , appeared more beautiful than ever , which had some effect on the Grand Signior ; but she could not quite regain him : he was constant in his affection to the Sultana Bassée , whose happiness made all those who pretended to his favour , jealous , and almost desperate . Zaime , whose loss was the greatest , was most afflicted ; nor did she neglect any means to destroy her Rival , who alone had banished her out of Ibrahim's heart . The Sultan perceiving her jealousie , and knowing her to be newly with Child by him , out of the apprehension he had of her wit and great power , endeavoured to reconcile her to the Sultana Bassée . The two Sultana's willing to please Ibrahim by their obedience , seemed to have stifled their jealousie , which put the Sultan into such transports of Joy , as nothing could augment but the birth of two Princes , which the two Rivals almost at the same time were brought to bed of . He now renewed the vow which he had before made of sending one of his Children to Mecha , to give the Prophet Mahomet thanks for the favour which he believed Heaven had bestowed on him by his intercessions . But as if the fruitfulness of Zaime and Bassée had distasted him , he took off his affection from them , allowing them only a place in his esteem , and ingaged himself in new amours , which manifested the inconstancy of his humour . Ever since this Prince had let loose the reins to his Passions , his counterfeit , or natural sweetness degenerated into extreme effeminacy , and a bloody brutality . He began to despise those who ought to have been most dear to him , as the Sultana Valide his Mother , the Mufti , and Zomboul his protector . He put to death his Grand Visier Mustapha Bassa , and Salik Pacha who succeeded him , soon after had the same fate . Cappigi Bassa after the great services he had done him , had no better fortune than the rest ; he caused the Captain Bassa General of the Sea , to be strangled for answering him freely in an important affair . The Aga of the Ianizaries lost his head for the insolence of the Souldiers , who complained openly of the effeminacy , and cruelty of their Emperour . He was so fearful that he would put the most considerable persons of the Empire to death upon the least suspicion . He craftily invited the Cham of the Tartars to Constantinople , and beheaded him for saying , that if his Highness should die with-Children , he should inherit the Ottoman Empire , which belonged to him of right by Sultan Amurath's Will , the Constitutions of the Empire , and the Laws of the Musulmans . These cruelties made him odious to the Grandees of the Port , and the chief of the Seraglio ; of which number were the Sultana Valide , the Eunuch Zomboul , and the Mufti . Several Bassa's revolted , but they were suppressed by Mehemet Bassa of Damas , who was made Grand Visier , though he could neither write nor read . All the Rebels were deprived of their Governments ; that of Aleppo was given to Mahomet Coprogli , who relinquished that of Baruth , to his sworn enemy Zelim Achmet , who by his Intrigues at the Port had hitherto preserved himself . The Ianizaries and Spahies which are the two most considerable orders of the Turkish Militia , raised several tumults one after another , which were quieted again by giving them money . At last the Mufti , the new Grand Visier , and the principals of the Court , being weary of Ibrahim's cruelty , and ill administration , resolved to rid themselves of him ; but fearing lest if he should discover their conspiracy , he would secure himself by the death of his own Children , that he only might survive of his race , and so save himself by the general necessity of the State , because the Turks cannot indure to have any other Emperours but what are of the Ottoman Family . They agreed before they undertook any thing to make sure of his Children , or at least to get one of them out of the Seraglio , whom they might have in their own power . The best expedient they could think of to bring this design about , was to let the Sultan know by the Mufti , that he was indispensably oblig'd to accomplish the vow he had made while he had no children , of sending one of his Sons to Mecha ; assuring him that if he delay'd it any longer he would bring the wrath of Heaven upon him , and by declaring himself a transgressor of the Law , might cause an universal revolt . Ibrahim who was naturally very timorous , yielded to the Mufti 's perswasions , sticking only at the choice of him whom he ought to send . The voyage being very long , the confidence he had in his Prophet , could not free him from his fear , lest some ill accident should befal the young Pilgrim : he would not venture his eldest Son by the Sultana Bassée , who was then about three years old , but was more inclined to send Prince Mahomet , then but thirty months old , whom he had by Zaime , who feigned her self to be with child again . She was not informed of the conspiracy , and knowing the Grand Signiors design , she told him , she would not leave her Son , and that the inconvenience of her great belly would not permit her to accompany him in so dangerous a voyage . Perhaps her jealousie furnished her with this pretence to remove her Rival from the Seraglio : on the other side Bassée knowing the conspiracy , solicited the Sultan to let her conduct Prince Ottoman his Son to the Temple of their Prophet ; alledging that his eldest Son ought to accomplish his vow . The extreme care she had to free her Son from the tempest which she saw ready to fall on the Seraglio , and her desire to leave a place where she believed she had been poisoned , made her the more earnest to go , being seconded by the Mufti , who assured Ibrahim that he ought to send the eldest of his children : So that the Sultan being pressed by such strong arguments , yielded against his will to superstition , and a Mothers tenderness . He immediately gave order to the General of the Sea , to equip the strongest Gally he could find . There was one of a prodigious bigness , which was not quite finished . The Captain Bassa sent him word that it would require some time before she could be sit to put to Sea : But Ibrahim who was extremely importun'd , said , that if she were not ready to sail in four days , his head should pay for his negligence : in the mean while he imployed the little time prescribed for their departure , in ordering all things necessary for their voyage , intending they should imbark with the greatest splendor and pomp that had ever been seen . The day assigned being come , the Sultana Bassée who was otherwise indisposed , was more sensibly troubled to depart without her dear Confident Zomboul , who had discovered the plot to her , and desired her to provide for her own , and her Sons safety by quitting the Seraglio . This Eunuch had the charge of Ibrahim when he was in prison , and had not only counsell'd him to counterfeit himself mad , to avoid his Brothers cruelty , ( who otherwise would have murdered him with the rest of his Brothers ) but he preserved his life when the Emperor commanded him to dispatch him secretly . Yet Sultan Ibrahim was so ingrateful to Zomboul , that after he had put him out of his place of Capi Aga , he often threatned him with death ; so that his resentment made him joy with those who conspired his ruine : and foreseeing the approaching revolution , he was willing to secure his fortune by following the young Prince , who in all likelihood would soon come to be Emperour . The Sultana Bassée just before she went away , when she took her leave of the Sultan , cast her self at his feet , with tears in her eyes , to implore the last favour that she should ever ask of him , on which the happiness of her life depended . The Emperor moved by her tears , presently lifted her up , and promised to grant what ever she would request . Sir , said she , I ask Zomboul of you , to accompany me in my voyage . I know well enough that I shall rob you of a faithful servant ; but when you consider it is for the service of your Son , and a Mother afflicted by so cruel a separation , I am perswaded you will not refuse me this last grace . Ibrahim was a little surprized at this unexpected complement ; he could hardly think of parting with a Slave to whom he owed his life , and one whom he believed the most faithful of all his Officers : but he had promised , and that to a person who was dear to him for his Sons sake ; therefore he ordered Zomboul to be ready to part the next day , and gave him the general command of the conduct of the voyage . He would have their departure kept secret , to which end about midnight , the Sultana Bassée , Prince Osman her Son , and her Servants being let out at the Garden gate of the Seraglio , the Grand Signior came himself in a disguise to the Sea-side , to give the Sultana , and her Son his last kisses . This Princess answered the Sultan's tenderness in such a manner as would have inspired the most insensible Soul with love and sorrow , Farewel Sir , said she with a languishing voice , you will never see me more , for I am poisoned by my perfidious Rival . After these words she went abord the Gally , and set sail , leaving Ibrahim in a melancholy which continued upon him for many days . Her last words were imprinted in his Soul , and perhaps he would presently have made Zaime sensible of his displeasure , had he not believed her to be with child , it being his desire to leave a great many children behind him . This inclined him to wait till after her delivery , to punish her for what she was unjustly accused of . Bassée who it may be had been poisoned by some body else , was vexed to leave her Rival in the Seraglio , although she had been promised that she , and her Son Mahomet should be involved in the Grand Signiors ruine . She would rather have had her fall by the Sultans own hand , and this made her defame this Princess , who has given too sublime marks of her virtue , to let the world so much as suspect her of so base a crime . Those who had conspired the death of Ibrahim , deferred the execution of their design , till Bassée and her Son were arrived at Alexandria ; but the Gally which carried them , being met near the Isle of Rhodes by the Gallies of Malta , commanded by Boisbaudran the General of the Gallies of that fraternity , was assaulted , and made a long and a valiant resistance , in which the Aga Zomboul after he had given proofs of an extraordinary courage , and done all that a brave man , and a wise Captain could do on such an occasion , was shot through the body with a Musket bullet , which disabled him from fighting any longer . He caused himself to be carried down to the Sultana's Cabin , where having called the Captains to him , he counselled them to compound with the Enemy : then kissing young Osman's hand , and taking leave of his Mother , he made them carry him up again into the fight , where he incouraged the Souldiers to the very last . His death disheartned the Turks , so that the Knights soon became masters of the Vessel ; but the Prize cost the Victors dear . General Boisbaudran performing the part of a great Captain , died of a Musket shot in his breast . Piancourt , great Steward to the Grand Master of Maltha , and Captain of the St. Mary , was slain as he was drawing an arrow out of his hand : and Monsieur d' Albigre a Novice of great hopes , lost his life there , with many more gallant Knights . The great booty was but an inconsiderable recompence for the loss of so many brave men . The Sultana , and the Prince her Son , with their train were conducted to the Isle of Malta ; and the news being brought to Constantinople made the Conspirators defer their enterprize . The Grand Signior received the news with inexpressible sorrow , but when he heard that his dear Bassée was dead , his grief grew so excessive that he was almost distracted . He continued several days without speaking to any body ; and upon coming a little to himself , he remembred Bassée's last words at her departure ; which plunged him again into his former despair . He commanded Zaime to be brought to him , who apprehending his cruelty , took young Mahomet along with her , who was then look'd upon as heir to the Empire , that she might allay the Fathers fury by the presence of his Son : but he would have revenged himself on the Mother , and the Son too , if they had not been delivered out of his hands . As soon as he beheld Zaime , he reproached her with her treachery , and without hearing her justification , which she was ready to make on her knees : he had thrust his Dagger into her breast , if young Mahomet had not staid his hand , and received the stroke which he intended to have given his Mother . Hers and the Childs cries brought the Sultana Valide , and some Officers to the place , who freed them from the danger they were in . The young Prince was hurt above the right eye , where he has yet a great scar ; which a modern Historian imputes to the scratch of a Diamond , which Ibrahim had on one day when he gave him a box on the ear . However it was , this action made a great noise in the Seraglio , and alarm'd all the City . Every body thought that the Heir of the Empire was dead ; and Ibrahim himself was induced to believe it by the pains that the Sultana took to publish it , and her making a magnificent Funeral for him , which filled the Seraglio , and the Town with mourning . He was the only man that shewed no sorrow for so deplorable an accident , which made him more hated than before . He sought to comfort himself for the death of his beloved Sultana , and the taking of his eldest Son , by the furious War which the undertook against Malta . He swore to ruine that famous Island , and to destory all the Kinghts that should come into his power : and having learn'd that they were French Knights that took his Gally , he could hardly forbear violating the person of the Sieur de Harley , Count of Cis● , then Embassador of France , at the Port , who retired to Pera to escape his fury . He would have massacred all the French in his Dominions , if the Aga of the Eunuchs who was very powerful with him , had not hinder'd him by Remonstrances that had very near cost him his life . His cruelty augmenting more and more , fell upon the chief Officers of the Empire . One Hussein whom from a poor Shepherd the Sultan had raised to an eminent condition , because during his confinement he had diverted him with his Pipe , and Country Songs , feeding his Sheep near the Prison , helped to nourish his brutish passions . The Grand Signior gave credit to none but this man , who being jealous of the authority of the Grandees of the Port , endeavour'd to build his reputation on the ruine of their fortune . To this end , he caused Mahomet the Grand Visier to be strangled , for going about to disswade the Grand Signor from the War of Malta , the event of which he judged to be very dangerous . This wholsom advice was the reason of his death , which was followed by that of Bekir , Captain General of the Sea ; but whatsoever is too violent cannot last long . Zelim Achmet , Governour of Syria , and Baruth , Mahomet Coprogli's enemy was made Grand Visier by the favour of the Traitor Hussain , who was his particular friend ; either made so by presents , or that the sympathy of their ill nature had begot their friendship . Achmet was no sooner raised to this high charge , but he thought of overthrowing all those whose fortune gave him any suspicion . He wanted but little of ruining Valide , and Zaime , by the counsel he gave the Emperour , because they had heretofore thwarted his interest . The Sultan who had resolved whatsoever it cost him to be revenged on the Knights of Malta , seeing himself disswaded from that expedition , that his great preparations might not be fruitless , chose the Isle of Candy and the Dominions of the Venetians to be the object of his vengeance , sending all his Forces to the conquest of the ancient Kingdom of Crete , under the conduct of Mahomet Bassa , who commanded the Land Army , and of Saffi , who in right of his charge of Captain General of the Sea , which Ibrahim had bestowed on him after the death of Bekir who succeeded Pial , commanded the Fleet. These Generals attacked Canea , and took it , notwithstanding the vigorous resistance of the Governour Antonio Navario , and the succours which Andrea Cornaro the General of Candy sent thither , under the Colonels Angeli and Iustiniani , who signalized their address and courage , on this occasion , as they have done on a thousand others . They continued the War three years with great disadvantage , and with such excessive charge , as exhausted Ibrahim's Coffers , without making any great progress ; which either proceeded from the Venetians couragious defence , or from the frequent change of the Generals , who out of jealousie , or vanity , acted quite contrary to their predecessors . In the mean time the Army required continual supplies of necessary provision , and the General Vssain Bassa was very importunate for money to maintain his Troops ; which not being sent , he suffered the Janizaries who were in Candy to return to Constantinople to demand their pay , and be relieved by their Companions ; who seeing those who came back so ill satisfied , refused to embarque unless they were paid beforehand , which so provoked the Grand Signior that he threatned the Grand Visier Achmet with the loss of his head , if he did not find money to carry on the War. This base Minister was glad of this absolute order , which was a sufficient pretence for him to lay extraordinary impositions on the people , and to spoil all those Bassa's and Governours of Provinces , of their riches , whose power he either suspected , or envied . To this purpose he summoned several of them to give an account to the Treasurers of the Exchequer , not forgetting Mahomet Coprogli , whom he imprisoned , with a great many more , as innocent as himself . But he set himself particularly to persecute him , whom he had now gotten into the snare which he had so long laid for him . He thought he had now met with a lucky opportunity of revenging the affronts he had received from him , both in his love , and his fortune . He no longer feared the Sultana Zaime , who had ever protected his enemy , against whom he had maliciously fomented the Grand Signiors displeasure since the death of the Sultana Bassée ; and he already beheld the ruine of unfortunate Mahomet with pleasure : but to accomplish his vengeance he had a mind to make him perish shamefully , by accusing him , as well as the rest of the Bassa's and Beys ( whom he had imprisoned ) of extortion , and rapine . Though Mahomet Coprogli was innocent , his behaviour having always been unblameable ; yet he could not but apprehend so dangerous an enemy , who without doubt would have brought his pernicious design to pass , if he had not been obliged to neglect his revenge , to take care of his own life , which was odious to all the world . The injustice of this Grand Visier , and the crimes which he committed every day by sending persons of all ages and conditions to execution , on the least suspicion , and frequently without any other ground , than the satisfaction of his Hatred , and Avarice , or the keeping up of his Authority , were not to be indured . The Grandees of the Empire , the Mufti , and the Sultana Valide her self thought it not fit to defer the performance of their design any longer . They foresaw the ruine of the State , if the Government should continue in the hands of such a lewd hairbrain'd Emperor , who committed the Sovereign Authority of the powerfullest Empire in the world , to two of the basest Ministers that ever mannaged publick Affairs . They resolved to take away the root of all the mischiefs that threatned them , by depriving an unworthy Prince of his Power , and by punishing the crimes of the Grand Visier Achmet , and the Traytor Hussein . The people , and the Janizaries were easily brought into the Conspiracy , being both weary of the Tyranny . The people were so oppressed by the Grand Visier , and the Souldiers so provoked for want of their pay , that they offered to set the Seraglio on fire . The Mufti , Who is the chief Priest of the Turkish Law , the Kadileskess who are the Judges , the Visiers and Bassa's who are the Chancellors of State , and Intendents of Provinces , the Aga of the Janizaries , who is Colonel of all the Infantry , the Captain who is Admiral of the Sea , and generally all the principal Officers revolted with one accord . The Sedition was begun by the request which the Mufti made to Ibrahim , in the name of the whole State , to have the Grand Visier Achmet punished . The Sultan provoked by this boldness , commanded his Guard to chastise the Mutineers for making such an impudent proposition ; but the Janizaries were too much incensed to obey him ; which forced him to flie to the Sultana Valide , his Mother , who had fomented the Rebellion , that she might revenge the wrongs she had suffered from her Son by the counsel of the Grand Visier , whom with the Traitor Hussein , Ibrahim delivered up to the people to be torn in pieces ; naming Mahomet a popular man who was threescore and ten years old , to supply his place , not being able to appease the Rebels any other way . But they were not satisfied with this , they would have Ibrahim himself come and render an account of his actions before the Mufti , who summoned him before the Divan or Consul , by sending a Kadilesker to him , whom the Sultan slighted , and tore the Fetfa , which is a summons to appear before the Judges . This being reiterated in vain , the Mufti , with the Visiers , the Bassa's , and other Officers went to the Seraglio , and took him by force out of his Mothers arms , and carried him to the prison , in which he was brought up ; where ten days after he was Strangled , his Son Mahomet who was then about seven years old , being placed in the Imperial Throne , and publickly proclaimed Emperor of the Turks , and his Mother Zaime , Regent , during his minority . The Sultana was assisted by a Council of twelve Bassa's , who were to deliberate with her concerning Affairs of State ; in which she was so well versed , that she soon obtained Authority enough to make any thing pass in the Divan , which she had resolved in her Closet , and discharged the Grand Visier of a great deal of trouble which she was willing to take upon her self . And not long after , the Visier died , leaving the Sultana at liberty to bestow his place on one of her own creatures . However she was forced to use great caution , in the choice of this Minister , Policy instructed her not to raise one that might intrench upon her power , or one who by displeasing the Grandees , and the People , might render her odious to them both . She had fresh examples before her eyes , of the fatal consequence of such Elections , and of the dangers that the Sultans were exposed to by the imprudence of their Ministers . Dissimulation is a virtue in Princes ; she had already formed her design in her head , nothing remaining but to put it handsomly in execution ; to which end , she caused the Divan or Council of State of the Ottoman Empire to be assembled ; to which the Mufti , and all the great men of the Port were summoned . She represented to them that by the death of Mahomet , the Office of the Visier Azem was vacant in a time , that considering the great Wars he was ingaged in with his most cruel Enemies , more than every required an able and experienced Minister to support the weakness of the Sultan , who could not in many years be capable of taking care of his Empire himself . She told them that the Treasures were exhausted , and that she had brought them together , to take their advice in such pressing necessities : adding , that it was requisite to re-establish the ancient Taxes , without oppressing the people , who had suffered so much in the last Emperors time , that they must not think of laying new imposts on them . She protested to them that she would wholly resign her self up to their counsel , in the sovereign administration which the Divan had conferr'd on her ( an honour that had not been done to any Sultana before her ) especially since it was composed of persons so well able to govern as they were . At last she concluded her discourse with a command to them to give their votes for him whom they thought fittest to be her partner in power , and Lieutenant General of the Empire . She foresaw that by this means she should make the Visiers and Bassa's so jealous of one another , that they would not resolve to choose any particular man , which was the thing she wished ; and it fell out according to her expectation : for all those who aspired to the place , being ashamed to ask it , were unwilling to give their votes for another : and when she pressed them to declare themselves , they very submissively desired her to make the choice her self , since whatever liberty she had given them of electing a Grand Visier , yet there could be none but such a one as she should approve ; which inclined them rather to deserve her favour by their obedience . The Grand Sultana who understood their meaning , was glad to see her designs succeed so well . She assured them she would not abuse the trust they reposed in her , and that she would make such a choice as should be to their satisfaction , and to ingage them the more , she told them it was necessary to supply those Governments which were vacant , and to examine the accusations of those Bassa's , Beys , and Sangiacks , whom Ibrahim had imprison'd before his death , some for Rapine , others for imbezelling the Publick Treasure , that the innocent might be freed , and the guilty punished . This was a nice proposition , and sensibly touched those Visiers and Bassa's who protected the prisoners , and had contributed to Ibrahim's destruction . But the Sultana was glad to find this means to reproach them with the death of her Husband , and to oblige them to give her some satisfaction Since the love of your Country , and the interest of State , said she , caused you to remedy the disorders of the Government , by summoning my Lord , and your Emperour to the Tribunal , you ought to continue your justice to all the world , by relieving the innocent , who indure those pains which are only due to the criminal : and it were of odious example if they should escape that punishment to which you condemned an Emperor who certainly was not faulty , if you think those whose Sentence you defer , innocent . As she said these words , she let fall some tears , which she presently wiped away , for fear of provoking those , whom she intended to mannage to her advantage . She added , That although Sovereigns are above all Laws , and Subjects have no power to call them to an account of their actions , yet the Sultan her Son would forget what was passed , and she would sacrifice all her resentment to the furtherance of that Justice , which she doubted not but they would render to those who expected it from them . The Sultanas discourse was very surprising to the Visiers , and the Bassa's , who had rather have set the Prisoners at liberty , without any farther inquiry . But the Divan was concerned in honour to approve of her advice , lest they should be thought to exercise their Justice on none but their Princes . Commissioners therefore were named to go along with the Nectangi or Secretary of State , and the Tefterdar or Treasurer General of the Revenue , to visit the Prisons . There they found Mahomet Coprogli , who seeing himself among a great many Criminals , had insinuated himself so into his companions in misery , that with too much freedom they made him , whom they believed as guilty as themselves , the confident of their crimes : but he did it with design to make an advantage of their easiness , either of his own accord , or by the command of the Sultana , who made use of this invention as a means to promote him to that dignity which she intended for him . She knew where his prison was as soon as he was led thither , and Fatima who was very dear to her because of the care she took in the Education of the Princess Iohaime her Daughter , continually solicited her to use her Authority in setting her Husband at liberty , which she could not do , being her self in disgrace at that time . However she might have freed him as soon as she was possessed of the Sovereign Power , but it was Coprogli's interest to remain in prison then , when his enlargement would have been fatal to him , because of the Sedition of the Janizaries , who having already murdered some of the chief of the Port , would certainly have destroyed him to have weaken'd Zaime's party . She esteemed him not only for his Wifes sake , but for his own merit , and left nothing undone to preserve him . She secretly disposed the Commissioners to inform themselves particularly of Mahomet Coprogli's case , who behaved himself so well , that every thing seemed to fall out naturally : for when he had fully justified himself from all the Crimes that were laid to his charge , he demanded with submission , which yet shewed his courage , and the greatness of his soul , whether his death was decreed . I am ready , said he , to suffer it with patience though my life might perhaps be very useful to the State : wherefore I desire my Judges to lead me to the Sultan before I go to Execution , that I may acquaint him with a secret , which I will discover to none but his Highness , or the Great Sultana . These speeches were reported in full Divan , where the Mufti , the Visiers , and the Bassa's knowing Zaime had a kindness for Coprogli , desired her earnestly , to be just to so brave a man , to hear what he had to say , and to reward his merit . She willing to take the advantage of their zeal , to accomplish her design , commanded them to send for that important man who had the applause of the whole Divan . Coprogli , when he came , by his good Min , and eloquence , confirmed the opinion that had been conceived of him : and the Grand Sultana , after she had inlarged upon the report that had been made her of his virtue and merit , asked him what it was he had to impart to his Highness . And when she had learn'd that it was an infallible expedient to replenish the Grand Signiors Coffers without oppressing the people , or raising new Taxes , she declared him Visier Azem by the authority of the Sultan , and the Divan . The whole Assembly was exceedingly astonished at this , having never so much as dreamt , that Coprogli should have been brought out of prison to be raised to the first charge of the Empire . But the Visiers had consented to it themselves , by the information they had given the Sultana in favour of him whom she named . Every one murmured secretly , though they did not complain ; and Coprogli † received from Zaime's hand the golden Box , in which was the Grand Signior's Seal , which it was his Office to keep . Here was an extraordinary change , Mahomet who a little before was laden with irons , is freed from them to take upon him the Government of the most powerful Empire in the world ; and what is more admirable , the alteration of his fortune wrought no change in his manners : he was not at all dazled with the splendor of those honours which were heaped on him , but established the foundation of his greatness by his discretion . He was complacent to the Great Men , merciful to the People , and equally just to all , making it appear that he was truly worthy of his charge , which he began to exercise by restoring several good Laws , which the late disorders had interrupted . He made every one to do his duty , terrifying the Magistrates by the sentence which he pronounced against the Bassa's who were left in prison ; where while he was their companion , he had dived into their secrets , and found none of them innocent . The Crimes they were convicted of were of such a nature , as could not be pardoned without great prejudice to the State. He had given marks of the gentleness of his nature while he was Governour of Baruth and Aleppo , and the people of those Provinces knew him not to be inclined to bloodshed : but he was now raised to a charge that obliged him to force his inclination . All the Bassa's , Beys , and Sangiacks who were found guilty of Extortion , Rapine , or Treason , were condemned to death . And that the punishment of these Crimes might serve as an example to all the Officers of the Empire , and a pattern of exact Justice to the Grand Signior . He got into his hands the wealth of the Bassa's , who had been executed , and set up two Tables in the Hall , through which the Sultan was to pass to go to the Devan . On one of them he placed twenty of the principal heads that had been cut off , and covered them with a great mourning Carpet ; and on the other he set a great many rich Purses full of Gold and Precious Stones , which was covered with another Carpet , imbroidered with Gold and Pearls ; and then waited for the Sultan and his Mothers coming to the Divan , to shew them this strange spectacle . The great Sultana presently had a mind to know , to what end those preparations were , and what was under the Carpets ; one of which the Prince her Son , without staying for an answer , lifted up , and in a fright asked what those heads did there ? Sir , replied Mahomet Coprogli , directing his speech to him , they vomit up the blood of your Subjects , which they have sucked from them , and which , continued he lifting up the Carpet , you may see in these Purses : It is fit that Robbers should be punished : those men who have destroyed so many by their cruelty , and avarice , who have robbed so many innocent people , are at last stripped themselves , and have rendred that money of which they have defrauded you . This proceeding seemed a little bloody , and made it feared that his administration would be very severe ; but he regulated his actions with so much Justice , that he never put any man to death , unless he certainly knew that he deserved it . The chief scope of this Grand Visier was to raise his Princes Authority , weaken'd of late by the frequent Seditions of the Janizaries , whose insolence he endeavoured to curb for the establishment of his own fortune too . He told them they were unworthy of being inrolled , and receiving pay , if they were not in condition to serve , and ready to obey the Emperors orders . But they instead of being satisfied with the death of Ibrahim , thought to take the advantage of Sultan Mahomet's youth ; and believing that the Grand Visier was as weak , and timorous , as his Predecessors , whom they had either murthered or deposed ; they slighted his commands , and refused to pass into Candy , alledging that the Janizaries were priviledged from making War by Sea , that they were not to march any where without the Emperor , whom they would not leave , for fear of some innovation against him in their absence . The Sultana Kiozem furnished them with this pretence , the better to compass a design which she had contrived . This Sultana who had still the title of Valide , was Grandmother to Mahomet the Fourth . She had contributed to the death of her Son Ibrahim , because he took away the Authority which she had usurped . She fancied that since she had a share in the Government , in three Emperors Reigns , she should have been made Regent of the Empire , during her Grandsons minority : but the Grandees of the Port , and the Divan having conferred the Sovereign Power on the Grand Signiors Mother , she was extremely offended to see the affairs of the Ottoman Empire mannaged by a woman , who owed her fortune and greatness to her . She hoped that Zaime would surrender her Authority to her , but this being too unreasonable and improbable a wish to succeed , Ambition which considers the extent of the desires , more than of duty , made her think of revenge . She thought of nothing but how to execute her projects , and despaired not yet to make her self absolute Mistress of the Empire . To this purpose she imparted her design to the Kislar Agazi , who had always been her confident ; but he could not so much as hear her Treason without horror . How Madam , said he to her , in disorder , is it possible that you would destroy a Princess who honours you as her Queen , and respects you as her Mother ? could you be so cruel as to kill young Sultan Mahomet , because he is her Son ? is he not yours too ? does not nature it self speak in his behalf ? No , continued he , I will rather lose my life than be an assistant in so foul an enterprise . Well , well , Vglan , replied the malicious Princess ( who perceiving how coldly the Eunuch entertained her proposition , bethought her self of counterfeiting repentance , lest he should betray her ) endeavour then to restore my Authority , and dispose Zaime to take me along with her in the Regency ; my advice will be very advantagious to her , and I will always behave my self like a good Mother towards her . The Kislar Agazi promised her more than she asked , and swore never to speak of what she had imparted to him ; neither had he any time to do it : he spoke with her in the beginning of the night , and the next morning he was found dead in his bed . No body could tell how it came to pass , but since that time it has been discovered , that a Slave whom she had gained , had blown poison into his Nose when he was asleep . The death of this Eunuch was exceedingly deplored by the Great Sultana , who reflected on all the good Offices he had done for her : and she would have been more afflicted if she could have comprehended the greatness of her loss in him who would have done her a more important service than ever , if death had not prevented him . The Grand Visier who owed his fortune to him , and looked on him as his Father , was inexpressibly grieved , and suspected somewhat of the truth , but could not guess at it all . In the mean time the Sultana Valide lost no time ; she had by great promises ingaged the Aga of the Janizaries to the Aga of the white Eunuchs , the Bostangibachi , the Governour of the Pages , called I●hoglans , who are six hundred of the handsomest young men in the Empire , the Captain General of the Seas , and some of the most considerable Bassa's . She had so disposed every thing , that her design would infallibly have succeeded , if Heaven which takes a particular care of crowned heads , had not put it into the Visier Azems mind to go out of his Seraglio at the beginning of the night , and to pass through the quarters of the Town in disguise , with one Slave only whom he trusted most , to see what the Janizaries did , of whom he had some apprehension , as not being well affected either to him , or the Emperors service . He was much surprised to find them all in the Hippodrome with their Muskets on their shoulders , and their Matches lighted , and Sentinels placed at all avenues . He was presently stopt , his looks betrayed his intention of not being known , but he wanted not courage , and on this occasion manifested the presence of his mind . He asked with a great deal of confidence for Bactas the Aga of the Janizaries , and being led to his Oda , was astonished at his arrogance in not rising to salute him , though he knew him very well ; when at another time he would have prostrated himself before the Grand Visier , who never goes to see any body but the Grand Signior , and when he receives a Visit , never rises to any body but the Mufti . However he dissembled his thoughts at present , knowing himself certainly lost if he did not make use of some subtilty to disingage himself from the danger he was in . The Aga in the mean time having made him sit down on his left hand , which is the most honourable place among the Turkish Souldiers , was just going to ask him the cause of his disguise , when Mahomet preventing him , Bactas , said he , I was informed that you assembled your Troops to night for some great enterprise : I received this notice from the Seraglio , from persons whom you know to be your chiefest friends , and I disguised my self , for fear of being known , to come and learn of you what I should do for your security , and my own . Bactas was struck speechless to hear that the Grand Visier was informed of all the Plot ; he easily believed that he was come on purpose to him to endeavour his own preservation : and imagining it would be a great advantage to ingage this first Minister in the Conspiracy , he examin'd him a little , and then discovered the whole design to him ; telling him , that he was to make himself master of the Seraglio , and seize on the young Sultan Mahomet , whom he would either cause to be strangled , or shut him up in prison with his Mother ; that all was agreed on with the Sultana Valide , who was to have the Regency of the Empire in the minority of Prince Soliman , whom they would place on the Throne instead of his Brother Mahomet : and finally , if he had a mind to secure his Authority and his life , he must necessarily be assistant to this change . The Grand Visier demurred not one minute to give his assent , making as if he had been before informed of all that Bactas told him , and expressed a great deal of satisfaction that it was in his power to serve the Sultana Valide by imbracing her party , which he believed to be the strongest . Bactas suffered himself to be wheadled by Coprogli's promises , whom he obliged by Oath to be faithful to the Sultana Kiozem , and as a pledge of his faith to deliver his Boult , a Seal ingraven on a Gold Ring , which the Grand Visier always wears on his finger , ( as a mark of his Dignity and Power ) into his hands : then he sent him away without Guards , to go and assemble the Divan secretly two hours after midnight , at which time he was to receive order from the Sultana Valide to enter the Seraglio with his Janizaries . These insolent Souldiers were resolved on the attempt , and were impatient to begin it , in hopes of rifling the great Wealth , and inestimable Treasures , which so many Emperors had heaped together in this voluptuous Palace . But heaven which abhors the revolt of Subjects against their Princes , so blinded the Commander of the rebellious Troops , that he let the Visier Azem escape , by whose order soon after , he and his Complices received the punishment they deserved . Mahomet Coprogli had no sooner got loose from him , but he went to the Seraglio , where he was amazed to find the Gates open , and most of the Guards besotted with Wine , and Tobacco . Some of them would have stopt him , but he easily avoided that , by telling them that he carried a Letter from Bactas to the Sultan Kiosem . His habit of a Slave protected him , and they were so drunk that they could not discover him . Being passed them he ran presently to the Apartment of Soliman Kislar Agazi , who succeeded the Eunuch Vglan : but not finding him , he went to that of the Grand Signior , by the way meeting with the great Eunuch Soliman , who walked about the Lodgings of the Sultana Valide , whom he mistrusted . He had that very night found her privately discoursing with the Bostangibachi , and the confusion the sight of him put them into made him watch to avoid surprizes ; fearing lest something was contrived against the Grand Signior's service , to whom he was very faithful . He was no less astonished to see the Visier Azem in that place , at such an unusual hour , than Mahomet Coprogli was to meet him . They presently acquainted one another with what they knew , and suspected , and consulted how to free the Seraglio from the storm that threatned it . They judged it expedient to advertise the Sultan , and the Great Sultana , that they might interpose their Authority : therefore they went straight to the Grand Signior's Apartment , who slept in his Mothers arms , and made signs to the woman who watched by them , to wake them both ; which they did without speaking : it being an inviolable custom among the Turks not to speak , out of respect in the Seraglio in the night time , but chiefly while the Grand Signior sleeps : and it is a great crime whatsoever the occasion be , to break silence in the place where his Highness reposes . A woman went near the Sultana's Bed , and softly scratching her Feet , waked her , who was surprized to see two men she did not know at first . Ah my Son , said she , rising briskly , and taking him in her arms , we are lost . The young Prince without any fear looked on the Visier , and taking him boldly by the hand , asked him what was the matter , and if he were come to save him . The Grand Visier admiring the Princes Courage , threw himself at his feet , and kissing his hand , told him he need not fear any thing , that the Traitors should do him no mischief , and that his faithful servants would prevent the Treason . But Madam ( continued he , directing his speech the Great Sultana ) you must make use of all your prudence to avoid the danger that menaces us all . Then he sent for the Mufti and signed a Catecherif or express order of the Grand Signior , to the Captain Governour of Constantinople to come immediately to his Highness . He caused the Gates of the Seraglio to be shut up , and commanded that none should be let in or out without the Emperors permission . The Captain Bassa being come , he ordered him presently without noise to advertise the Inhabitants of every quarter that they should arm themselves , and Barricade the Streets , and seize on the Gates of the Town , that no body might go out . He sent to the chief of the Spahies , Solaquis , and Capighis to come and watch about the Seraglio , and secure the Emperor : five hundred of them presently came , and the Mufti , to heighten their courage by zeal for their Religion , cited several passages of Mahomet's Law , which admonished them , that those who eat the Princes bread , ought to expose their lives for his service . And to make his Harangue more effectual , he distributed some Purses among them , obliging them by Oath to die , if there were occasion in the Sultan's defence . In the mean time the Kislar Agazi had waked all the Eunuchs , and Officers of the Seraglio , to the very Cook , and made them take Arms. The Pages too were put into the same posture , after the seizure of the Eunuch their Governour , the Bostangibachi , chief Gardener of the Seraglio , the Capi Aga Captain of the Gates of the Seraglio , and the Aga , or chief of the White Eunuchs , who acknowled all the particulars of the Conspiracy , and confessed that the Sultana Valide had plotted with the Aga of the Janizaries , and the principal Officers , to depose Mahomet , and Crown his Brother Soliman . This Prince was the second of four Sons which Sultan Ibrahim had by three Wives . Mahomet the eldest was the Son of Zaime ; Soliman his younger Brother was the Son of the Sultana Maiama ; and Bajazet and Orchanes were born of an Albanese . Maiama in hopes of raising her Son Soliman to the Empire , had promised the Sultana Kiozem all the advantages that she could desire , and her extravagant ambition had made her neglect nothing that could bring those over to her party , who might further her enterprize . Her chief pretence was , that Mahomet was too weak and unhealthy to be capable of governing so powerful an Empire : and that besides Zaime was too young and unexperienced to supply his defects by her prudent Conduct , and would never be fit for so weighty an employment . That on the contrary , Prince Soliman was strong , handsome , and promising , and would be able to take care of his own Affairs , when she should be forced to leave them to him , by age , and incapacity . Thus had she gained all those we mentioned , who by the incredible diligence of the Visier Azem were Arrested , he caused her Apartment to be secured to prevent her escape . The Sultan though very young had so much tenderness for his Grandmother , that he could not be brought to sign a Warrant for her Death who intended his : And his Mother was as good natur'd as himself , being of opinion that she should only be imprisoned . She reflected on their former friendship , and her generosity out-weighed the necessity of her wrong : but her Virtue appeared not only in behalf of the Sultana Kiozem , she was moved with compassion also to her Rival Maiama , who with her Son Soliman was to have been punished with the rest of the Conspirators . She obtained their Pardon of the Grand Signior , and the Ministers who would have sacrificed her to his Highnesses safety : but she was forced to yield to the Remonstrances of the Mufti and other Officers , who convinced her and the Sultan too , that the Sultana Kiozem's Death was absolutely necessary to the good of the State , and quiet of the Empire : so that her Grandson Mahomet was obliged to consent to her death . The Ichoglans , Eunuchs , and some of the Souldiers , out of a brutish zeal , undertook this execution instead of the Mutes , and running tumultuously to the old Sultana's Apartment , they could hardly find her ; for hearing she was looked for , she hid her self in a Wardrobe , under the cloaths ; from whence they pulled her out by the feet , and forgetting the Emperour's Orders , who charged them to put her to no pain , they treated her basely without any respect to her Character or age . She in vain endeavoured to stop their insolence by fair words , and offers of great sums of money ; for without hearkening to what she said , they drew her by force out of her Chamber , stript her , gave her several blows , and tore her very ears for Pearls of a prodigious greatness that hung in them . She strugled a great while with them , defending her self with extraordinary vigour for a woman of her age , but at last with much ado she was strangled . Thus dyed this unhappy Princess , after she had lived fourscore years in the reigns of five Emperors . She was of the Isle of Chios , nobly descended : She had five Sons and two Daughters by Sultan Achmet ; Amurath , Osman and Ibrahim sate on the Throne ; her two Daughters , with Bajazet and Orchanes died by the hands of Executioners . She seemed not to be above fifty years old . Her Constitution was wonderful , her great age had abated very little of her strength , and brought no inconvenience at all along with it . She had still some remains of beauty that shewed her to have been the handsomest woman of her time . Her stature which was the most advantagious in the world , did not incline her to stoop ; she was not grown too lean , her gate was steady , her conversation pleasing , her hair very thick , and the change of the colour had taken away very little of its grace . Her forehead was not wrinkled , and her eyes were very lively . Her teeth were still so strong , that she bit off one of his fingers , who went to take away a rich Necklace she had on . She was naturally very neat , her heart was magnificent , her inclination generous , her soul great , resolute , and constant : she was mistress of a thousand extraordinary qualities , which had rendred her the most admirable person of her Sex , if she had been less cruel and ambitious . These were the two greatest defects that could be imputed to her , which at last deprived her of her honour , and her life . Bactas Aga of the Janizaries , the Bostangibachi , the Capi Aga , the Captain General of the Sea , the Aga of the White Eunuchs , the first Capigi , or Captain of the gate of the Seraglio , and all the other Officers who were concerned in the Conspiracy , expiated their Crimes , by several kinds of deaths . And the Grand Visiers command to hinder the Criminals from escaping , was so well executed , that none of them could avoid the punishment they had deserved . The Janizaries knew nothing of what had passed till they were disabled from doing any mischief , and were not in a condition to resist the Spahies , who would have fallen upon them , and stirred up the people to put them to the Sword for their Treason to Ibrahim , and their attempt on Sultan Mahomet ; and the Grand Signiors Authority would not have kept them from coming to blows , if the Grand Visier had not with-held the Spahies by giving them money , and assuring them that the Sultan was satisfied with the punishment of their leaders . After that , he assembled the Divan , whither all the Grandees of the Port , and Constantinople repaired ; to whom he made a fine speech , which he ended with thanking them from the Sultan , and the Great Sultana who were present . All the Assembly answered him with a thousand acclamations of Joy ; and nothing was heard all over the City , but , live Sultan Mahomet , and the Great Sultana Valide his Mother . This Title which signifies Queen , or Empress , was then conferr'd on her , it being never given to any but the Emperors Mother . THE HISTORY of the Grand VISIERS . The second Book . AFter that Mahomet Coprogli had thus diverted the dangers that threatned the Sultana , he made it his business to restore the peace of the whole Empire , which had been long disturbed by the tumults of the Janizaries : but knowing their seditious humor , and foreseeing it would be difficult to make them continue the War of Candy , in which they could never succeed , if they undertook it unwillingly : He resolved to desist from that a while , and find them imployment somewhere else , where they could make no excuse or objection to keep them from fighting . He took exceptions at the ambitious projects of Ragotski , Prince of Transylvania , who was fallen out with the King of Poland , in favour of the Swedes , contrary to the orders of the Port , which allowed not that Prince to make any War without its approbation . The Grand Visier chose the most factious Officers to send with the Janizaries into Transylvania , as well to chastise Ragotski's rashness , as to receive the punishment due to their own disobedience ; for he doubted not but that they would meet with a vigorous resistance . This War proved extremely bloody , and disadvantagious to the Janizaries ; they almost all perished in it either at the siege of Clausembourg , which they were fain to raise after they had lost most of their Forces before it ; or at the Conquest of Waradin , and the Combats they had with Prince Ragotski ; besides those whom the Plague swept away in the Camp , finishing the destruction of those who survived the War : so that there hardly remained an handful of them to bring the news of their total defeat to Constantinople . The Grand Visier who hoped for no better success , was satisfied to see his expectation was not deceived . Their arrogance was so much abated that he could not have taken a fuller revenge of them who had been so bold as to undertake to dethrone their Emperor . He deliberated a while whether he should re-establish this Militia or no , which is accounted the best of the Ottoman Empire , whose strength and support it is said to be : And this presumption is the reason of the liberty it so often takes of being seditious . It was in this Ministers power to abolish them ; but considering that then the Spahies who take themselves to be the only Gentlemen among the Turks , would grow so potent that they would be no less dangerous to the Emperor and the State. He concluded it would be better to maintain two sorts of Militia in the Empire , whose emulation and jealousie would keep them in obedience . Therefore he made a levy of men fit to bear Arms , out of whom he chose fifteen thousand of the best to be Janizaries . These he Disciplined for some time , often taking reviews of them , and exercising them before the Grand Signior . To accustom them to be obedient , he gave them Captains that were at his devotion , who conducted them into Candia , where he resolved to continue the War , though it was very toilsome , and expensive . The Generals who had been sent to the Conquest of this Island , since the beginning of the War , made use of the command they had over the Army , to raise their authority ; so that they would hardly submit to the Port. They pretended at least to be equal to the Grand Visier , whom they no longer looked on as their Superior . The exigency of affairs , and the troubles that hapned in the State , had hindred the Divan from repressing their insolence : But Mahomet Coprogli thought it high time to oppose the growth of an authority that destroyed his , and prevent the ill consequences which the ambition of Bassa Delle Vssain , General of the Army in Candia , might have , who took a great deal of state upon him , contemned the Grand Visier , would receive no orders from the Port but such as pleased him , and used threats when he had not every thing he asked . He craftily got this proud General to Constantinople , to make a memorable example of him to posterity , and to maintain the honour of his Master , and the authority of his Charge . Vssain Bassa was no sooner arrived at the Port , whither his own presumption , fortified by the Visier Azems splendid promises , had unhappily brought him : but he was thrown into the bottom of a prison , with a great many Christian Officers , whom he had brought along with him in triumph , and whom , swelled with pride and rashness , he still abused in the Dungeon , where not long after he was strangled before them ; which afflicted him more , than death it self . By this exact Justice , Mahomet Coprogli kept the Souldiers , and all the Officers of the Empire in obedience . The resolution of this great Minister was admirable , in this bold action , of putting to death so famous , and so important a man , who thought his Authority secure , and much more his Life ; having gained an absolute power over the Souldiers , and engaged the chief of the Empire to his side . But the apprehension of the consequence of this blow , hindred not the Visier Azem from giving it , to prevent the Bassa's intrigues , which must needs have been prejudicial to the Emperor , and his Subjects . He foresaw how much he should expose himself , but his zeal to serve the State , and his Master , made him pass by such considerations , and slight all dangers . He was not at all concerned that his enemies blamed this action , being certain that those who were of Vssain Bassa's party would impute his death to his jealousie : but he knew that there is no station at Court free from censure , and no behaviour so prudent , as to prevent all accidents , and that the Ministers of Princes are most exposed to the wounds of envy . This consideration kept him from punishing the chief of the Port , among whom was the Mufti . The Sultana Valide was Regent of the Empire ; she knew the fidelity , and wonderful genius of Mahomet Coprogli ; she had an intire confidence in him , relied on his care , communicated all things to him , and was not ashamed to testifie her gratitude to him to whom she owed her life , and her Son , his life , and Empire . Those who envied the greatness , and desert of the Visier Azem , found fault with the Sultana Valide's kindness to him ; which when this wise Politician perceived , that he might prefer the good of the State before his own interest , he was so generous as to desire the Sultana to moderate her affection , which perhaps was but the pure effect of her gratitude . And she did it in conformity to the prudence of this great man , who established his fortune with so much modesty , and discretion , that it was never subject to the least difgraces ; and he sustained the affaults of his Enemies with so much constancy and steddiness , that they were forced at last to beg his pardon ; which the generous Coprogli easily granted them , besides many other favours . In the mean time the Recruits which he had sent into Candia , and the Troops which Ali Bassa had led into Dalmatia , gave hopes of great advantages over the Venetians , who seeing themselves attaqued by two powerful Armies at once , thought it their best way to make a League with some Prince that was able to divert the Ottoman Forces . To this purpose they sent to their Agent whom they usually maintain in the Persian Court , to treat an Alliance out of hand with the Sophy , to oblige him to take Arms in behalf of the Republick . The Resident succeeded in his Negotiation , as well as the Signiory could wish . And Achab Acmes Sophi newly newly come to the Throne by the Death of the King his Father , took occasion to demand of Sultan Mahomet the restitution of Bagdet , which has ever been the Domain of the Kings of Persia , and in case of denial , declared War against him . Babylon , now Bagdet , is not only one of the best flowers of the Ottoman Crown , but is a place of such importance , that the Turkish Emperor could not restore it to the Persian , without opening him the way to Constantinople . The Grand Visier thought it not convenient to facilitate the means of so dangerous an Enemies visiting his Master , when he should have a mind to it : therefore he sent back the Persian Embassador with a refusal , which made the Sophy endeavour to reduce Babylon with a powerful Army . The Grand Duke of Muscovy had pretensions to the Provinces that border'd his Dominions : he listned favourably to the Complaints and Propositions of the Venetian Embassador , and received his presents , with the offers which the Common-wealth made him of a very considerable sum , in case he would invade the Turks . He sent an Embassador to Venice , to assure the Senate of his assistance . At the same time the Cham or Emperor of the Tartars thought of revenging the death of his Father , who was murthered by Sultan Ibrahim . The alliance that has always been between the Chams , and the Sultans , makes those Princes be thought to hold in some sort of the Turkish Empire , because they receive great sums of mony to maintain the vast Armies which they have always on foot , to furnish the Grand Signior with Troops , when he undertakes any War ; which causes a continual commerce between them : therefore the Grand Cham is not treated at the Port like other Forein Princes , but is looked on as the presumptive Heir of the Ottoman Empire , in case the Race of the Sultans comes to fail for want of Males . And this was it that caused the Cham to send an Embassador at Mahomets coming to the Empire , to desire that he might be named Tutor to the young Prince ; believing that it belonged to him before any other , by the right which the laws of the Musulmans , and the Turkish Constitutions give him to the Crown . But the Divan having rejected this Demand , he did not openly shew his displeasure , waiting an occasion to make it appear , and to require satisfaction as well for that , as for the murther of his Father . This conjuncture of affairs seeming favourable to his design , he declared the cause of his discontent , by denouncing War against the Grand Signior , and sending his Forces to spoil his Dominions . This Enemy was very considerable ; the Sophy was no less formidable ; the Moscovite was not to be slighted ; and the Venetians on their side made great preparations : but beside , there sprung up a domestick dissension , which was no less dangerous . The Spahies and the Janizaries who are the two strongest nerves of the Grand Signior's Forces , and are in continual enmity , by reason of their jealousie of one another , hapned to quarrel , and proceeded so far as to fortifie themselves one against the other ; so that they became intractable , and could not be brought to march to the place where they were ordered . They kept Constantinople in perpetual fears , no body durst stir abroad into the streets ; nothing was heard of but Murthers , and Robberies , and apprehensions of Fire ; the desolation was general , and the Seraglio was in the greater consternation , because it seemed impossible to provide against so many mischiefs at once . But as if fate had raised all these disorders together , on purpose to set forth the prudence of the Visier Azem , by his prodigious conduct , he found means to appease the domestick tumults , and to stop the torrent of so many Potentates , who seemed to have united their Forces in order to the Sultans ruine . However , Mahomet Coprogli preserved his constancy in the midst of their misfortunes ; shewing how advantagious it is both to a Prince , and his people , to have a Minister whose steady courage no revolutions can shake : He judged it necessary to resist the greatest danger first . The Persian War seemed the most important , therefore he resolved to discontinue that of Candia , that he might not be obliged by so many diversions , to encounter so many enemies at once . It was requisite to unite the Ottoman Forces to repulse the Sophy , who had made a furious irruption into the Sultans Dominions : but though he withdrew some of his Troops out of Candia , and Dalmatia , he left enought behind , to let the Venetians see that he did not abandon his design . The Garrisons were sufficient to preserve the conquered places , and the Works that were begun ; which were furnished with provisions enough to subsist till he should be in a condition to supply them with new Forces to continue his Conquests . These Troops being formed into the body of an Army were sent towards Transylvania , under the conduct of Ali Bassa . At the same time he caused a mighty Fleet to be rigged , with which the Bassa of the Sea was to oppose the Venetians . He ordered the Governors of Syria , and Mesopotamia , and the Provinces bordering on Persia to send all the Provisions they could to Bagdet , and to make speedy Levies to reinforce the Garrisons , whilst he prepared a numerous Army to resist the Sophy , who on his side also made great preparations for the War. The Divan seeing the Grand Visier had so many Armies to bring into the Field , proposed to him to put the Law in execution , by which all the Grand Signior's Subjects , above the age of seven years , are obliged to take Arms for the defence of the State : But Mahomet Coprogli would not suffer it to be published , though they reproached him of rashly exposing the Sultan's Honour , and Power , and the liberty of his people , who were invaded on all sides , and had not forces enough to repulse so many Enemies at once . He answered that it was true , the summoning of all the Grand Signior's Subjects might compose vast Armies , but that he did not think it fit to come to those extremities : besides , that among such multitudes a thousand disorders would happen more prejudicial , than their assistance would be useful ; that it was the way to expose the Emperors , and the Nations glory : that the Enemies would believe the Empire was reduced to the utmost straits , and would make their advantage of it ; and lastly that the people whom they advised him to arm , not being disciplined , would make a tumultuous Army , and would confound the other Troops : and that he hoped the Sultan might face his Enemies , and finish the War without this last refuge . But as if Fortune had a mind to punish his presumption , and put his courage and constancy to the highest proofs , she raised him up a new enemy whom he never dreamt of . This Orcan Ogli Bassa of Aleppo , who having made use of the Grand Visier's orders to raise an Army of forty thousand men , caused them to march towards Constantinople , without declaring his design . Mahomet Coprogli was advertised of his march at that time , when he was busied in raising of men to provide against the most pressing necessities . He was much surprized when he understood that he had taken the Field without his order , not thinking at first , that he was revolted : but he soon found that this Bassa who had succeeded him in the Government of Aleppo , and was Nephew to Delli Vssain Pacha , whom he had put to death some time before , was resolved to make use of this conjunction of time to revenge his Unkle , and some private grudges of his own . He had drawn to his side several Captains , and abundance of Souldierr , who had served under this famous Bassa Dalli Vssain Pacha , whose memory was dear to them ; and to make his revenge the more remarkable , and give the enterprize more weight , he pretended to establish one Soliman Amurath on the Ottoman Throne , who said he was the Son of the Emperour Amurat , and joyned himself to him with an Army of twenty thousand Arabians , Drus , and Armenians . Orcan Ogli acknowledged him , and made his Army own him to be the lawful Successor to the Empire . This news was quickly spread over all the Provinces , and met with so much credit , that several Bassa's came to pay homage to the new Prince , who already behaved himself as Emperor . The Provinces of Asia made no difficulty of submitting to him . His Authority increased daily , and the little opposition he found to his new greatness , made the Bassa of Aleppo so confident of success , that he counselled him to reject the Sophi's Propositions , who offered to assist him to conquer the whole Turkish Empire . This Prince swelled with his prosperity , and governing himself by Orcan Ogli's advice , whom he made his Lieutenant General , slighted these advantagious offers , believing he should have no need of Succors that would cost him so dear , to gain a Crown , which he hoped to wear without sharing it with so powerful and dangerous a Prince as the King of Persia. Therefore he continued his march streight to Constantinople , where the Bassa of Aleppo , General of his Army intended to place him on the Throne ; not questioning but the Capital City of the Empire would open its Gates , in obedience to their Emperor Soliman Amurat , as many others had done already . The noise of approach put all the world into a strange consternation . The Divan knew not what counsel to give the Grand Visier , but the extremity of Affairs made him find expedients in the greatest necessities . He preserved his judgment as well now as before , and studying how to prevent what was most to be feared , seized on those Bassa's and Officers whom he knew to be ill affected , and might forment the Rebellion : and to suppress all murmurs , immediately punished these Incendiaries . Then he furnished the City with all sorts of Ammunition , and commanded his Son Achmet Coprogli at the head of threescore thousand men , with which he had design'd to oppose the Sophy , to march under the conduct of Mustapha Bassa , a man of integrity and great experience , against Soliman Amurath , and the Bassa of Aleppo , and give them Battle as soon as he could . The apprehension of some insurrection , kept him from commanding this Army himself , believing it necessary for him to remain at Constantinople , to have an eye to all : he had much ado to contain the Sultan , who burned with impatience to be in the Field , not induring to stay in the Seraglio , while his Favourite Achmet , who was almost of the same age , exercised his Valour against his Enemies , whom he would have chastised himself : but the Grand Visier told him , with the authority of a Governour , that his Highness ought not to remove from Constantinople , lest the Mutineers should raise some Sedition in his absence , which would be of worse consequence than all the other mischiefs that threatned his fortune . That he should not hazard his person against an Adventurer , and a revolted Subject ; that he could acquire no glory by their defeat , and that it became his greatness rather to punish them , than to expose himself to the danger of a War , which his Captains might terminate , while he sate on his Throne , to take care of the Affairs of his Empire , and answer the Embassadors of Princes , that arrived every day at the Port. The Sultan yielded at last to the Remonstrances of this great Minister , and suffered Achmet Coprogli to go , who made all the haste he could to meet the Enemies ; but he soon learnt that they having notice of his March , discontinued theirs to Constantinople , and made show to take some other way . He immediately advertised the Grand Visier , his Father of it , who at the same time was inforthat the Sophy advanced towards Bagdet with thirty thousand Horse , and fifty thousand Foot. Mahomet Coprogli found that the Enemies design was to stay till the Sophy was come into the Grand Signior's Dominions to make a diversion , which might facilitate their enterprize , and that this consideration made them decline meeting his Son Achmet : therefore this Minister , judging truly of events , hastned the march of the Army , which he sent against the Bassa of Aleppo , reckoning that it would come time enough after his defeat to the relief of Bagdet , and the success answered his expectation . Mustapha and his Son Achmet no sooner received his orders , but they followed the enemy with such expedition , that they overtook them when they least looked for them ; and gave them no time at all to look about them , and put themselves in order to fight . Achmet would not suffer his Troops to lose any of their zeal by resting after their tiresome march . He represented to his Captains and Souldiers , that they ought to make use of the enemies disorder , and without any longer delay he charged them so smartly , that he not only remained master of the Field , the Artillery , and the Baggage ; but he took abundance of Prisoners , and so routed the Army , that the Bassa of Aleppo despairing of saving himself by flight , perswaded Soliman Amurath to render himself to the Conqueror , in hopes of better usage than if they should be taken flying . At first he rejected this proposition , but fearing some treachery from Orchan Ogli , whom he began to mistrust , and seeing his Army cut in pieces , he suffered himself to be carried to Achmet , who presently sent him , and the Bassa of Aleppo , to Constantinople . The rest of the rebellious Troops yielded at discretion , and he pardoned them on condition they would serve the Grand Signior faithfully for the future , and having joyned them to his own Army , he marched according to the Grand Visiers order to the relief of Bagdet . The news of Achmet Coprogli's victory was as satisfactory to his father Mahomet , as the arrival of Soliman , and Orcan Ogli was welcome to the Sultan , and the Sultana his Mother . The Visier Azem was infinitely pleased to have so hopeful a Son ; and nothing diminished the Grand Signior's Joy , to see himself delivered from a competitor who had shaken all his Empire , but his melancholy for not having vanquished him himself : But as if Fortune were weary of persecuting Coprogli , and intended to bless him by an happy return , she furnished him with fresh subjects of rejoycing , by the pleasing news of the Sophy's retreat . This Prince being informed that Achmet Coprogli was coming to meet him with a victorious Army , and that the Mogul or Emperor of India , at the Grand Signior's desire , was ready to enter into his Kingdom , returned the way he came , to defend himself from the Mogol ; which made Achmet bring back his Army , to imploy it where his Father thought fit : but he would not return to Constantinople , till he had chastised all the Bassa's , and Governours , who favoured the Bassa of Aleppo's Revolt , and Soliman Amurath's enterprise . The Grand Visier caused them both to be beheaded , without regard to their Remonstrances that his Son had promised to save their lives ; and that they had not yielded but on that assurance . Policy would not give way to the performance of this promise ; and Soliin in Amurath , seeing he had no hope of safety , reproached Orcan Ogli with his baseness , in forcing him to yield , when he might have died gloriously with his arms in his hand , and have prevented the ignominy of dying by an Executioner . The death of this Prince is no less worthy of compassion , than his story is odd , and deserves to be known . He was the Son of Sultan Amurath the Fourth , and that Rachima , of whom we spake in his reign . Though this Sultana had abundance of wit , yet she was very superstitious ; so that she believed the predictions of an Almasairis ( so are the followers of Hali called , whom the Persians and Arabians own as a great Prophet ; fancying that all his race have the gift of Prophesie . ) Rachima consulted this man upon all occasions , as soon as she found her self with child , she would needs know the success of her lying in . The Almasairis after some consideration , answered , That she should bring forth a Prince , who would be one day Emperor of the Turks , if he could avoid the cruelty of his nearest kindred : and that if Heaven did free him from a misfortune that was to happen to him in the capital City of the Empire , which he was to avoid dwelling in , he would surpass the greatness of all the Ottomans his Predecessors . Rachima received this answer as an Oracle ; she desired Amurath , who prepared to return to Constantinople , notwithstanding a Prediction of the Almasairis which forbad it , to leave her at Damas. Sir , said she , lying at his feet , if I deserve any grace of your Highness , shew that your faithful Slave is not displeasing to you at this time , by granting her one favour . You know , Sir , that I never importuned you ; it is true , your magnificence has loaded me with all sorts of benefits ; but the favour I now implore will be more welcome to me than any I have already received , because your Highness is concerned in it : it is to suffer me to stay here till you return : I know no greater unhappiness than such a separation ; it would kill me with sorrow , Sir ; but I had rather lose my life than expose you to the misfortunes that threaten you , if I follow you to the Seraglio , where my presence would cause too much disorder . Sultan Amurath was at first more surprized at this request , which he expected not , than unwilling to grant it ; whether he apprehended the effect of the Almasairis's Prophesie , or that his passion for Rachima was abated , or that he would not expose her to the resentments and jealousie of the Sultana Roxana , whose love was increased more than ever by his absence . He bestowed rich Presents on Rachima , commanding the Bassa of Damas to have a care of her , and to pay her a very considerable Pension . He assigned her besides , the Tribute which the King of Arabia paid him , and took leave of her with great marks of affection . A little while after Amurath's departure , Rachima was brought to bed of a Son , whom she named Soliman Amurath . She observed the circumstances of the Prediction , and brought him up secretly , lest Roxana being informed of his birth , should order him to be put to death . She knew that this great Sultana was no less dangerous than powerful , and that only her distance from her freed her from her cruelty . The news of her death was the more welcome to her , because she hoped to have supplied her place . And she was preparing to let the Sultan know the birth of his Son , when Amurath's death spoiled her design : and she thought it not fit to discover the young Prince Soliman Amurath , not having power enough to place him on the Throne : On the contrary , she was careful to keep him from being known to Ibrahim , who succeeded Amurath , lest he who came not to the Empire , but for want of an heir , and was thought incapable of leaving any , should follow the cruel policy of his Ancestors by sacrificing Prince Soliman , who alone would dispute the Crown with him . Rachima therefore stood upon her guard , and contented her self with the Revenue that Sultan Amurath left her . But Sinan Bassa , Governour of Damas , who always had honoured her in the life of the deceased Grand Signior , and paid her Pension exactly , discontinued his respect to her in the new Emperors time , and threatned to send her to the old Seraglio at Constantinople . The Sultana mistrusting the Bassa , resolved to retire into Persia , where she was born , or to some Prince , whose Authority might protect her , and her Son , from her enemies . To colour her retreat , she gave out that she had made a Vow to visit the Tomb of the great Prophet Mahomet , and having begun her journey under this pretence , she went to Reba King of the Arabians , the same who was to pay his tribute to her . This Prince not being so barbarous , as usually those of his Nation are , received Rachima with a great deal of kindness . This young Sultana , who was not above two and twenty years old , appeared so handsome to him , that he not only promised her his protection , but also offered her his Crown , and his Heart . Rachima was no less pleased with King Rabas person , than his generosity : He had so many good qualities , that he easily made himself be beloved . The Sultana sought a Protector , and thought it not fit to neglect the Arabian King. They found they had inclination enough to one another ; she received so many marks of sincere good will from him , that she made no great difficulty to bestow her heart on him . He took a particular care of the young Prince Soliman Amurath , being glad of having such a Subject as might revenge the persecution he had suffered from the Port in the Reign of Amurath , who reduced him to pay Tribute ; from which he would have freed himself by joyning with Emir Ficardin Prince of Dus his Kinsman , whom Bassa Giaphar overcame , and sent to Constantinople , where he was ignominiously put to death . King Reba preserved his resentment , only waiting an occasion to shew it , and impatiently suffered the obedience and homage which he was bound to render to the Grand Signior . To shake off this yoke , he armed Prince Soliman , whhm he educated as his own Son , and negotiated secretly with the Bassa of Aleppo , and some other Governors of Provinces in Asia , who revolted from Sultan Mahomet when his Empire was invaded on all sides , with intention to drive him from the Throne , and place Prince Soliman Amurath on it in his stead . We have seen how their enterprize succeeded , and the King of Arabia was slain with his arms in his hand , performing the part of a brave Souldier , and a great Captain , in the Battle that Soliman lost . Rachima , who followed him in this War , died a little while after of grief , that she had destroyed her Son , by endeavouring to bring him to the Throne , according to the Prediction of the Almasairis . This Prince had something extraordinary in his air , and Person . The Turks affirmed that he perfectly resembled Sultan Amurath his Father , who was the handsomest man in his Empire . After the death of Soliman Amurath , Orcan Ogli , and the Bassa's , and Governours who followed his Fortune , the retreat of the Persian Sophy left Asia in a peaceable condition ; which made the Grand Visier apply himself to oppose the other Wars that menaced the Ottoman Empire . He ordered all his Troops to be in the Field by March , in the mean time he continued his negotiations with the Great Duke of Moscovy , to divert him from invading the Grand Signior , in favour of the Venetians . He expected the arrival of his Deputies at the Port , who were to explain the Dukes intentions ; and not finding it so easie to appease the Emperor of the Tartars , whom he dreaded more than all the rest of the Sultans enemies , he secretly engaged the Cham of the petty Tartars to joyn himself with the chief of the Great Chams Subjects , who were revolted : so that when this Prince prepared vast Forces to invade the Grand Signiors Provinces , he was obliged to make use of his preparations to defend his own Estate ; and was glad to send an Embassador to the Sultan , to make him reparation , and offer him all his Forces , when he had appeased the Troubles which the petty Cham , and his own Grandees had raised . This Embassy secured the Grand Visier , and freed him from a very dangerous enemy . However he left not off his warlike preparations , both by Sea and Land , and continually endeavoured to render his Master the most formidable , and powerful Prince in the world . While he waited for a proper season to make some expedition , he dispatched a Chiaux to the Emperor , to demand passage through his Dominions for the Sultan's Army into Friuli . The Chiaux was sent back with a refusal dishonourable to the Grand Signior ; but the Visier Azem thought it not time to shew his resentment , or to send any Troops into Dalmatia , till the Sophy were quite determined either to Peace or War. He feared lest he should agree with the Mogol , seeing the Ottoman Arms imployed in another place , and defer the sending his Embassadors to Constantinople to renew the Peace which he had broken . The Venetians in the mean time being informed that the Troubles of the Port were accommodated ; and that Embassadors were arrived there from those Princes of Asia , who had given them hopes of diverting the Ottoman Forces , were afraid of having them all turned upon them in a short time ; and though they had obtained great advantages over Sultan Mahomet's Fleet , they resolved to send , and implore peace of him . But this Prince being swayed by his first Minister , received their Agents very coldly , and told them that the Signiory of Venice had no other way to end the War , but to yield the Kingdom of Candia to him , and the Town of Clissa , the most considerable place in Dalmatia ; and to pay him three Millions of Gold for the charges he had been at since the beginning of the War. These conditions were too hard to be accepted , and the War it self could not be more disadvantagious to the Venetians ; and it was the Visier Azem's design to continue it : he had private reasons not to make Peace with the enemies of the Empire . He knew by experience that after such considerable preparations , it was dangerous to dismiss the Souldiers without abating their heat , and impetuosity , by the toils of War. He had a mind to imploy the Janizaries , to avoid the Seditions they commonly raise in Peace : So that the Venetians seeing themselves rejected , implored the assistance of all the Princes of Christendom . The Grand Visier who foresaw they would have this refuge , prepared to resist all their attempts , and obstinately pursued the getting of Candia , accounting it the most glorious and beneficial conquest the Emperor could ever make . He sent great refreshments to the Troops that were there , and all provisions necessary to continue the Siege of the chief City of the Island . Now the Sultan was more desirous than ever of commanding his own Army , threatning if they continued to with-hold him , that he would steal away privately to go to the Camp , and discover himself to his Souldiers . Mahomet Coprogli imployed all his art to moderate his ardor , without incurring his hatred ; making use of all his prudence on so nice an occasion . The Grand Signior honoured him as his Father , and had intire confidence in his conduct ; but he listned to the flatteries and partial perswasions of a great many young men , and Bassa's , who would have drawn him out of the Seraglio , that they might with more ease insinuate into his favour , and diminish the authority of the Grand Visier . This Minister foreseeing the consequences , desired the Sultana Valide to joyn her endeavours with his , to convince the Emperor , that he ought by no means to expose himself to those disgraces that might be followed by the loss of his Estate , and life too . The Sultan would not disoblige the Sultana his Mother , or the Visier Azem ; he permitted him to send an Army into Dalmatia , under the conduct of Mahomet Coprogli , who had order to besiege Clissa , and Zara ; but his Valor was not seconded by his Souldiers , and with all his attempts , he could not carry these two places . This young Captain shewed a fierceness that astonished the most resolute ; he desired nothing but a Battle to end that War. Those who wondered at this vehemence , knew not that the desire of glory was not the only passion that animated his courage : but it is not yet time to discover the cause , and interrupt the relation of Mahomet Coprogli's Ministry , to treat of his Sons loves , which we will speak of at length in the sequel of this History . While brave Achmet pressed the Siege of the Capital City of Dalmatia , and the Army in Candia endeavoured to conquer that Island in spight of all the Venetians resistance ; the Grand Visier who applied himself to the particular Affairs of the Empire , and to provide for the subsistance of the Armies , found himself at the same time obliged to extinguish a Civil War , which began to break out by the factiousness of some discontented persons . The frequency of these kind of disgraces had so confirmed Mahomet's soul , and courage , that nothing surprised him : nevertheless he stopt not this flame without difficulty , and bloodshed . It cost young Morat , the Author of the Revolt , his life , who was the Son of Vssain , Captain General of the Sea , whom the Grand Visier caused to be beheaded for favouring Soliman Amurath , and the Bey of Togor suffered the same punishment , for having committed some fault contrary to his duty . These troubles were no sooner quieted , but the death of Ragotski Prince of Transylvania , gave the Visier Azem an opportunity of extending the Grand Signiors Dominions . This Province had been the seat of a long War , which was ended by the submission of the deceased Prince , who paid great sums to the Port. The Grand Visier pretended this was a Tribute , and that this Province holding of the Turkish Empire , the right of nominating a Prince belonged to the Sultan . The States of Transylvania not giving way to this pretence , were assembled after Ragotski's death , to elect another Prince . Chimin Ianos , and Count Barelay , were Competitors at this Election . The first , who was the most considerable , put himself into the Emperors protection ; promising never to have any thing to do with the Grand Signior . The other on the contrary , relied on the Sultan , and promised to own him for his Sovereign . These two pretenders divided the Estate by their Factions . Count Barelays submission was accepted of at the Port , and in his behalf the Grand Signior ordered Ali Bassa to enter Transylvania with fifty thousand men , who presently took a strong place called Waradin , which refused to acknowledge Count Barelay . The Emperor on the other ●ide sent an Army to defend Chimin Ianos , and to keep the Turks from breaking into his Territories . Ali Bassa was no sooner informed of this , but he sent to Count Souches the General of the Imperial Troops , to pay the Sultan Homage for the places which the Emperor possessed on the Frontiers of Hungary ; and in case of refusal , denounced War , and threatned his Highnesses own coming with an Army of an hundred thousand men . The Emperor having received this news , put twelve thousand men under the conduct of Count Montecuculi , to guard the Frontiers , and sent to demand aid of all the Princes of the Empire , fearing the Grand Signior would break the Peace . But the arrival of a Chiaux whom the Sultan dispatched to him by the advice of the Visier Azem , who was not yet fully prepared to make War on the Emperor , secured him a little . The Sultan sent him word that he desired to maintain the Peace with him , and that he disapproved the proceedings of Ali Bassa , whom he had only ordered to support the Prince of Transylvania , who put himself under his protection . But the Emperor finding that without any regard to the assurances of this Envoy , the General of the Turkish Army continued his Conquest in Transylvania , he stood on his guard , and recalling Count Souches to face the Enemy , and enter into the Ottoman Dominions , he sent Count Serini to command his Troops : So that these two parties provok'd one another by little and little , without coming to an open War. The Grand Visier was unwilling to declare , yet he would not lose the opportunity of wholly reducing Transylvania , or at● least of making its Prince hold directly of the Grand Signior . To this purpose he solicited Chimin Ianos ( whom the Estates owned as their lawful Prince , and who in spight of the Ottoman Army had possessed himself of the best places ) to submit himself to the Port , giving him hopes of a favourable protection : but the Prince rejected his propositions , which so provoked him , who had set his heart upon joyning this Province to the Sultans Dominions , that he could no longer contain his displeasure against the Emperor ; resolving to have satisfaction from him , for hindering his projects : and to revenge himself more speedily , and obtain that by force which he could not get fairly , he put the Cham of the Tartars in mind of his promises to the Grand Signior , and received thirty thousand men from him with which he augmented Ali Bassa's Army . This General being thus re-inforced , divided his Troops , to make several attaques at once , at the same time besieging Zeiklit , Callo , and Zatmar , three places that belonged to the Emperor : but he found so much resistance , that with all his attempts he could take none of them but Callo , and was forced to raise the other Sieges , and retire , to avoid fighting with the Imperial General , who offered him Battel . This War hindred not the Grand Visier from pressing that of Candia , and sending continual refreshments to the Army , which held Canea against the Venetians ; and after he had put all the Affairs of the Ottoman Empire to a good posture , he designed to go in person to carry on the Transylvanian War , not being satisfied with the General Ali. He mistrusted the great power which this Bassa had gained among the Souldiers , and feared he would be very troublesome to him , on the least discontent ; he could not take away his command , or revoke him , without a specious pretence , for fear of reducing him to make use of his present reputation to maintain himself in his charge . This consideration made him resolve to command the Army himself , finding no better expedient , to take away all suspicion from Ali Bassa , who would be obliged to give place to him without complaining , because the Souldiers always look upon the Grand Visier , when he is in the Camp , as their only General . He had a mind besides to establish his Son among the Souldiers , who already knew how to gain their kindness : and he flattered himself with the hopes that he should one day be able to repose part of his cares on him . He knew his valour , and conduct , and believed him capable of filling up that place in the Army which was not fit for himself , and which he could not securely trust another with : but death prevented this great mans design . He was no sooner gone from Constantinople with the Grand Signior , who removed from thence because of the Plague , but he found himself attaqued by a violent Feaver , which forced him to stay at Adrianople , whither he sent for his Son ; to give him his last instructions ; foreseeing that he should not recover . At this time he imparted to Achmet Coprogli , all the politick maximes which his long experience , and penetrating wit had taught him . He charged him never to do any injustice ; to sacrifice his own interests , and particular inclinations to the good of the State ; to be always faithful to the Sultan , and to advise him to undertake no new War till those of Candia and Transylvania were ended : Remember my Son , said he , to observe the Laws , and that to serve your Prince is to accomplish the greatest part of the Law. After these Remonstrances , he called Fatima his Wife , who was infinitely afflicted to see this great man die without leaving any authority to his Son : but Mahomet Coprogli having somewhat recovered his spirits , resolved to do something before he died , worthy of his subtilty , and prudence . He contrived with Fatima , and his Son , all that was necessary to make his last designs succeed ; and he writ a Letter to the Grand Signior ; in which he told him , that finding himself at the point to die , nothing troubled him more than that he died before he had finished the Wars which his Highness had with two powerful Enemies : but he hoped that he would happily put an end to them if he made use of the counsel which he had given his Son Achmet , to whom he had delivered the Seal of the Empire , to give it to his Highness , if he judged him unworthy to keep it : yet if the Sultan had any respect to his passed services , or gave any credit to the last words of the faithfullest of his Slaves , he protested to him that he could not choose a man worthier to be Grand Visier than Achmet Coprogli , of whose ability he was assured , and whom he had furnished with all instructions necessary to acquit himself perfectly of that great charge . He added that he knew well enough this choice was unusual ; but that the Sultans interest ought to make him neglect a piece of Policy that was not so useful to him as it had been to his Ancestors ; and that besides his Highness should consider , that Empires would perish , if the Laws were not often subjected to necessity . When he had written this Letter with a great deal of pain , he commanded Fatima to send it to the Grand Signior , by the Visiers , who would come to receive his last words : but he charged her not to give them the Seal , ordering Achmet to keep it , and to deliver it to none but the Emperor . At last , finding himself grow very weak , he left off speaking , for fear of being surprized by the Deputies of the Divan . When he saw them , he made as if he had lost his speech ; and to let them see that he understood what they said , he pointed to his Son , who was by his bed-side . The Visiers , that they might know his meaning , looked on Fatima , as if they would learn it of her . This cunning Woman bursting out into tears , told them that his meaning was that the Sultan might know by Achmet , what he would have learned of him ; that he had intrusted him with the secrets of the Empire , by giving him the Seal , and discovering to him some particulars , very important to the State , of which she was ignorant : but perhaps that Letter which she gave them might clear all ; that they should carry it to the Emperor , and inform him in what condition they left the Grand Visier . She spake these words so naturally , that the Deputies suspected nothing , they were indeed concerned , that they did not carry the Seal of the Empire back with them ; but they never imagined that the Visier Azems Son should keep it . They were hardly gone from him , when he expired , and his death was no less deplored than it was particular to a man of his condition : for it is not usual for a Minister of the Ottoman Empire to die a natural death . Almost all his Predecessors , either through the Grand Signiors jealousie , or for their evil administration , or their injustices , died by the hands of Executioners . The important services Mahomet Coprogli had done the State , and his great integrity deserved a better end , which happened in the seven and fiftieth year of his age . Those who envied the glory of this great man , did all they could to obscure it . They reproached him with too much gravity , which they ascribed to his pride ; but it was rather the effect of his temper : it is true , he knew the advantage he had over others by his experience , and was very careful to preserve it ; often handling those very roughly , who contradicted his opinion , which he never ventured to declare , but when he was well assured of the consequence . The Divan , which he always governed , taxed him of referring nothing to them , and invading the Sovereign Authority . The success of his Ministry manifested that he had reason to act so , and that he had no need of any bodies assistance : but how unjust soever his enemies are , they cannot affirm , that since the beginning of the Turkish Monarchy , there were ever so many troubles , as during the administration of this Grand Visier . Never was any Prince more disturbed in his minority than Sultan Mahomet , or more vigorously defended : and when he was ready to sink under the weight of so many Civil and Forein Wars , in his most tender age , he made three parts of the world tremble . He has increased his Empire by the conquest of a part of Transylvania , and by the wonderful prudence of this great Minister , constrained the mightiest Potentates to sue for Peace . His readiness to punish those who were seditious was accounted cruelty ; yet he never exercised this rigour , but to prevent combinations , which are ever fatal , and destructive to the people . He knew that the first strokes of Justice and Revenge are the best , and that the way to quiet a Sedition , was to strike at the authors of it . He had several other Maxims ; and when he was forced to raise money to defray the charges of the War , he was wont to say , that Peace was not to be obtained without Arms , or War carried on without money . So he exacted Tribute , without rendring his Administration odious to the people , who yet honour his memory in the person of Achmet Coprogli , the Successor of so worthy a Father . The Visiers , whom the Grand Signior and the Sultana Valide had deputed to receive the Seal of the Empire , and the Visier Azem's last words , having discharged their Commission , brought the first news of his death , which was extremely lamented by the Sultan , and the Sultana his Mother : but when they had learned the particulars that Fatima informed them of by the Letter , which she delivered to the Visiers , they suspended their sorrow , to consult how they should proceed in the choice of another Minister . Achmet Coprogli's youth , who was not yet thirty years old , out-weighed his desert , and seemed an invincible obstacle to the Grand Signior's design , of complying with the Sultana Valide , who had a mind to confirm the deceased Visier Azem's choice of his Son to succeed him : and she alledged such strong reasons , that the Sultan , who referred all things to her , at last gave his consent . The Visiers represented to him , that to give the first Charge of the Empire to his Son who had possessed it before , was a contradiction to the Laws , and Maxims of State ; that the Divan , the Militia , and the People , would repine to see a young man raised to a Dignity that was fit for none but a Bassa of extraordinary desert , and consummate experience . However he was swayed by the Sultana his Mother , who on the other side , represented to him , that he could not sufficiently reward Mahomet's services , but by putting Achmet into his place . This was not the only consideration that made the Sultana favourable to him ; she held her self obliged to endeavour the preferment of a man who had married a person that was so nearly related to her . This is a story that deserves to be treated of at length ; therefore I will return to those things which I before only touched at , the better to clear those adventures that have hitherto been obscure : the most secret particulars of which are come to my knowledge . THE HISTORY of the Grand VISIERS . The third Book . WHen Fatima had received the Princess Iohaime , the Daughter of the Sultana Zaime , she brought her up as her own child in the house of Mahomet Coprogli her Husband , who was then Governour of Aleppo . Her Son Achmet was yet so young , that he easily believed Iohaime was his Sister : he accustomed himself to love her ; and as much a child as he was , conceived a stronger friendship for her than usually that tender age is capable of . This kindness ness increased with the beauty of Iohaime , who grew every day more and more amiable . Achmet always drooped when he saw her not , and Iohaime was equally affected with his absence : their mutual inclination grew with them , and never was there a stronger sympathy of two hearts ; they were bred up together with a Politene , which is not common among the Turks . Mahomet Coprogli , and Fatima omitted nothing that might give them an education conformable to their quality . They knew the union of these two persons , and their tenderness for one another ; but they did not at all mistrust their virtue , or imagine that they could have other thoughts than such as were inspired by their seeming nearness of blood : therefore they suffered them to live at liberty , taking care to maintain their mistake , in which they continued them , till Achmet whose age made him more discerning , discovered it by remarking the difference which his Parents put between Iohaime and his other Sister ; that they refused several advantagious matches that were offered her ; and often had private discourses together in which she was concerned . This made him believe there was some mystery in it , and desiring his Mother to unfold the whole secret to him , which his own curiosity had already half discovered . Fatima who loved her Son extremely , and was assured of his discretion , told him that Iohaime who passed for hers , was the Daughter of a Sultana , but that it was as much as her life was worth to reveal it . Now Achmets eyes were opened , he found that all that he had felt for this Princess , was nothing but a violent passion ; and examining his heart more nearly , wondered that he had so long mistaken himself to be her Brother , whom he had always beheld with a Lovers eyes . The possibility of having her one day in his possession , redoubled his joy , which he moderated as well as he could , lest Iohaime should find out the cause of it , being unwilling to lose the title of her Brother , till he could assume that of her Husband , of which he did not despair ; knowing that the Daughters of the Sultana's are frequently married to the Bassa's , and Grandees of the Port. The favour his Father was in augmented his hopes , and he beheld his felicity with so much assurance , that he was in pain for nothing but to know the happy moment . Now he became more assiduous about Iohaime , whom he had promised Fatima always to treat as his Sister : but he could not keep his promise long ; there are transports in Love , that are not usual in Friendship . Achmet's passion was too strong for a Brother , and soon betrayed it self to proceed from love . The Princess Iohaime , who had no less wit , than beauty , observed an alteration in Achmet's behaviour : he was more particularly diligent about her ; he received the innocent favours she did him as her Brother , with more satisfaction than ordinary , and endeavoured to make her bestow them oftner on him . Iohaime perceived it , and he saw that she did . This reflection put him into confusion , so that he answered her trembling , when she desired him to moderate his kindness , which seemed too passionate for a Brother . Achmet's disorder and ambiguous words surprized Iohaime , What say you , said she to him , of Passion and Love ? do you remember that I am your Sister , and that you ought not to have any more than an innocent , and a pure friendship for me ? Achmet , who was no longer master of his love , found that he had spoken too much , that he could not counterfeit any more , and that it was necessary to undeceive her : besides , a scruple came into his head of being beholden to Friendship for those pleasures , which he would rather owe to Love. I should abuse your ignorance , and credulity too much , fair Iohaime , said he , throwing himself at her feet ; you would have reason hereafter to reproach me of going about to surprize your heart by a stratagem , unworthy of a man who adores you . You are not my Sister , fair Princess , and love took care to tell me so before my Mother confirmed it : but Madam , will not the confession I make injure this love ? and will the Daughter of a Sultana permit the Son of Fatima to be her servant ? will she remember the kindness she had for Achmet when she was yet his Sister ? The Princess Iohaime , who was strangely astonished at this discourse , beheld Achmet at her feet a good while , without being able to lift him up , or answer him : but having recovered her self , and not comprehending the truth of all that he said to her , she made as if she did not understand him , to oblige him to speak more plainly of her condition ; which he did after he had made her promise inviolable secresie . She having a tender friendship for Achmet , and being quite ignorant of love , lived still with him as she was wont to do before she knew that she was not his Sister , and discovered no great joy to find a Lover in him , whom she had always respected as her Brother . But Achmet quickly converted her friendship into a reciprocal love . These two Lovers were indowed with all that was capable of maintaining a lasting passion . They were almost of the same age , Achmet being but two years older than the Princess . He was well and proportionably shap'd , his behaviour and manners pleasing , his eyes were lively , and sparkling ; his complexion white , and his hair of a chestnut colour ; he went handsomly about every thing he did ; and the Grand Signior has been often heard to say , that he did those exercises which the Turks usually perform before him , better than any man in his Empire . The Princess Iohaime had qualities that rendred her no less amiable : her shape , though not yet quite formed , was likely to be the best in the world . The figure of her face was oval , her forehead was large , her eyes full ; they were blue , and so sweetly languishing , that one could not see them without being sensibly affected ; her nose was of a just bigness ; her mouth and teeth admirable ; her complexion incomparable ; her hair brown , and very thick ; her min answered the greatness of her birth , and her wit was perfectly correspondent to her outward charms : besides all this , her modesty made all the world adore her ; especially Achmet , with whom she avoided being alone , since the declaration which he had made to her : her chastity reproaching her with those harmless privacies which she had before permitted . She lived so strictly , and reservedly , as hindred her Lover from taking any of those liberties which she had given way to , while she believed him to be her Brother . Never were so many charms , so much love , and virtue seen together . She obtained of Achmet , that he should require nothing of her , but what the most innocent friendship could not refuse , and that he should keep his passion secret . They lived together very calmly , expecting when fortune would favour their desires , by rendring them completely happy ; but fate , envying their felicity , disturbed their repose , by a separation , which almost killed them with grief . Mahomet Coprogli , from being a Captive , and on the brink of destruction , became the first Minister of the Ottoman Empire ; he was no sooner raised to this degree , but he took care to render his Son capable of serving the State under him . He had given Achmet better Education than usually those of his Nation bestow on their children , and then brought him to the Court of the Sultan , who at the very first took a kindness to him ; and the Sultana Valide perceiving his good qualities , would have him always be with her Son Mahomet , into whose favour he so insinuated himself in a short time , that he could not indure to be one moment without him : but the Grand Visier had no mind to let his Sons courage decay among the soft pleasures of the Seraglio , intending him for a man of business ; and the power he had over the Sultan , who minded nothing but his diversions , prevailed with him to consent that Achmet should go and make his first Campagna ; where he came off with so much success , that he gained the esteem of all the Captains : who seeing him begin so well , doubted not but he would be one of the greatest men in the Ottoman Empire . When he parted from the Princess Iohaime , he left her in inexpressible sorrow . Achmet would have discovered his love to his Mother Fatima , but Iohaime opposed it so strongly , that he durst not do it , for fear of displeasing her : besides , he was afraid his Mother would reproach him with his weakness , and indiscretion , which might produce an effect contrary to his wishes : therefore he took leave of her , after a thousand protestations of loving one another eternally . Yet the kindness of these two Lovers at parting , was not so secret , but that Fatima perceived it ; who whether she already suspected the truth , or feared the effect of so long a conversation , interrupted it as soon as she could . She knew somewhat of her Sons love , and apprehended the consequence ; not being assured that the Sultana Valide would approve of Achmets passion for Iohaime . She thought it convenient to make use of the opportunity of her Sons absence , to return the Princess to her Mother ; knowing that when she was in the Seraglio , her Son could not so easily see her , and hold correspondence with her : besides , that it would be more decent for her to be with her true Parents , than in Mahomet Coprogli's house , whose Daughter she was thought to be . Therefore Fatima perswaded the Sultana Valide to have Iohaime near her : but the Sultana having some secret reasons why she would not yet own her for her Daughter , ordered Fatima to present her to her as the Visier Azem's own Daughter , which was done without acquainting Iohaime , who was brought to the Seraglio to live with the Sultana Valide . This young Princess who was not suffered to know her Mother , foreseeing the difficulty she should have to see Achmet , and how grievous this separation which was contrived without his knowledge , would be to him , was so sensibly touched at it , that a great while she pined away ; at last she fell sick , and had no body about her that she could trust to give Achmet notice of their misfortune . She was in a place where she was watched very nearly . She mistrusted Fatima , whom she still called Mother , being thought to be so by every body . Seeing her very often , she resolved at last to give her a Letter , which she said the Sultan had delivered to her to send to her Brother ( so she called her Achmet ; ) Fatima , suspected nothing , taking it to be a mark of the Grand Signiors affection to her Son , with whom he was sometimes very familiar : therefore she sent the Letter to him , who received it just as he was going to fight , and opening it found it , written to this purpose : As if your being exposed to the dangers of War , and my continual apprehensions of losing you , were not sufficient to afflict me , that I may quite despair . I am shut up in the Seraglio , I can accuse no body of it but your Mooher : I still pass for your Sister , and I fear lest Fatima believes I love you , and that for that reason she has shut me up in a place , where your absence is not the only thing I dread ; but return quickly , and free me from this mortal disquiet I am in . Write not back to me , lest your Letter discover the trick I used to conveigh this to you , which your Mother sent you as from the Sultan . Achmet was thunder-strook with this news , at first despair seized on his soul , but his hope of dying in the Battel did a little allay the misfortunes of his love . The fight drew near , and he was impatient to be ingaged ; at the first incounter he rushed in among the thickest , and fought as one that sought not victory but death ; but his good luck had the better of despair ; he was not so much as hurt ; and his desire of dying which made him face the greatest dangers , passed for the effect of an undaunted courage , and gained him the reputation of one of the bravest men in the Army . The Campagna being ended , he returned to Constantinople , where his valour received the applauses of all the Grandees of the Port , who studied to make themselves acceptable to the Grand Visier his Father , and the Sultan whose Favorite he was : but all their praises which perhaps would have satisfied a more vain , or an ambitious man , did not move him at all . His love wholly imployed his thoughts , and he was already weary of those troublesome complements that hindred him from contriving a way to see his Mistriss . He was warned by her Letter to mistrust his Mother , and he employed all his subtilty to know why she had delivered Iohaime to the Sultana Valide ; but Fatima found out his drift : She loved him too well , to give any cause to be angry , or complain of her ; therefore she told him , that the Sultana had asked for the Princess , and that she was forced to obey her against her will. I know , added she , that it makes you melancholy , and I know the friendship you have for one another ; I would have you always preserve the same thoughts , and should be glad you could give Iohaime assurances of them your self ; but since it is impossible , I will do it for you . Achmet was vexed at this discourse , but he dissembled his grief as well as he could , and went to pay his respects to the Sultan , who received him very kindly . After he had given his Highness an account of his Campagna , the Grand Signior in requital , told him what he had done in his absence , and ended his relation with the praise of Achmet's Sister , who was come a little before , to be with the Sultana Valide his Mother . If the Sultan had taken notice of the disturbance that appeared then in his Favourites countenance , he had perhaps suspected something of his love , but he did not perceive it ; and Achmet then discovered part of his unhappiness : he knew not that the Emperor Mahomet was Iohaime's Brother , and saw nothing that could hinder him from being her Lover . The thoughts of this wounded his heart , and he had almost betrayed himself by shewing his jealousie ; yet at last he forced himself , and summoned all his reason to assist him , to beg the Sultan's permission to see his Sister . None but Achmet , who was so familiar with the Grand Signior durst have asked such a favour which is never granted to any body ; for neither the Father , or the other kindred of the young women in the Seraglio are suffered to see them , till they go out to be married . The Sultan , who had a secret end in Achmets discoursing privately with his Sister , presently granted his request . He no sooner knew his Masters intention , but he was grieved that he had given him an opportunity of requiring a service of him , that was so contrary to his passion . The Sultan had seen Iohaime a little before with his Mother , and he found her to be what she appeared to all the world , infinitely charming . His heart having never yet been ingaged , he soon lost his liberty , and without considering whether it were as easie to be beloved , as to love . It was not long before he declared himself to her , not taking any notice of the Sultana , who he believed would not oppose him . She being informed of his love , did all she could to cure him ; she employed all the arguments she could think of , to fix him on some other object ; and all her authority was little enough on this occasion ; his obstinacy surmounting his respect ; yet he durst not continue his addresses openly , for fear of disobliging his Mother : besides , he was unwilling to gain the favour of a beauty by force , which he had rather win by his diligence , and services ; therefore he courted Iohaime secretly , who being prepossessed in Achmet Coprogli's behalf , easily defended herself from the Sultan's importunity . Difficulties commonly augment love . The Grand Signiors was heightned by the resistance he found ; but being naturally gallant , and free from those brutish inclinations which most of his predecessors were subject to : he would try all honourable means to perswade Iohaime to admit of his passion , and believed that his Favourite Achmet , ( whom he took to be her Brother ) might induce her to be kind to him . In order to this , he desired the Sultana Valide by a particular priviledge , to give the Grand Visier's Son leave to converse with his Sister . The Sultana , who had thwarted her Sons inclination , thought it not prudent to refuse what he asked in Achmet's behalf , lest her denial should provoke him to transgress those bounds of respect he had hitherto kept : therefore she consented that Iohaime should receive a visit from Achmet ; but she charged her under pain of her displeasure , to repulse the Sultan's addresses , and to be deaf to what ever the Favorite should plead in his Masters behalf . This prohibition was needless ; Iohaime's own interest was more prevalent with her than any command ; as soon as the Grand Signior had obtained the Sultana's consent , he ran to find Achmet , who waited impatiently for him in his apartment where he left him . There , with a rapture of Joy which proceeded from his hope of succeeding in his love , You may my dear Achmet , see the fair Iohaime when you please ; I have with great difficulty obtained my Mothers leave ; and I believe you will thank me for it , and do me all the good offices , that I may promise my self from your friendship : you have a great deal of power with her , and I hope you will make use of it to make me happy ; for ( added he ) I will no longer conceal from you my love for your Sister : the Sultana Valide opposed it , she forces charming Iohaime to be cruel to me , it may be against her will : but you may assure her , that it is her own fault if she be not Grand Sultana . This declaration made with all the earnestness of a tender and passionate Lover , so surprized him , that it was a good while before he could answer him . The Sultan could not tell what to make of this . What ? ( said he ) will you too declare against my love ? These words uttered with some vehemence , brought Achmet out of the confusion he was in ; and hiding as well as he could the jealousie and despair which the Emperors love for his Princess filled his soul with , he recovered himself so well as to say , Your passion , Sir , honours Iohaime too much , and I have too much respect for your Highness , to contradict your desires ; but I am afraid of creating some mis-understanding between you and the Sultana Valide , by assisting your love . You know , Sir , that your Mother is positive in her opinion , and will be obey'd ; if she does not approve of your kindness for my Sister , and comes to hear of my negotiation ; she will never pardon me , or Iohaime , and by removing me from you , will render me incapable of serving you . The Grand Signior , who was pre-possessed by his love , made him a thousand protestations to protect him , and free him from all that he apprehended : and conjuring him to pity his affection , cast him into a strange confusion . This Favourite had two things to choose , which were more cruel to him than death ; on one side he saw himself in danger of losing his Masters favour , whom he infinitely esteemed , if he refused to serve him in his love ; and on the other hand , he was forced to speak against his own interest , in behalf of the most dangerous Rival in the world : for the Grand Signior was not only considerable for his high birth , and the possession of the greatest Empire on earth ; but he was furnished with qualities that rendred him very acceptable . This Prince is capable of being strongly ingaged , and his conduct has manifested that he is very constant in love , his soul is great , and royal , his humour is chearful , sociable , and familiar , but not indifferently with every body ; for he can be grave on occasion , and that with so much majesty , as imprints an universal awe : his shape is not very advantageous , but it was straight , before he fell from his Horse one day in leaping a ditch in hunting , which hurt him on the left side , and makes him a little crooked . He has the finest eyes that a man can have ; his mouth is good , his complexion is a little gross , and not very smooth , since he had the Small Pox ; his beard is of Chesnut colour , like as his hair ; his gate is grave , and though his constitution be somewhat tender , yet he is very vigorous : he is very skilful in the use of the Bow , and the Musquet ; he is exceeding generous , and when he has any War in hand , lays aside all his pleasures● though he loves them excessively . The knowledge of so much desert did strangely alarm Achmet , however he resolved to promise the Sultan any thing rather than lose the opportunity of seeing the Princess , who was as impatient to impart her discontents , and the Grand Signiors addresses , to him . The first moments of their interview ( which was in the Gardens of the Seraglio ) were taken up with tears of joy to see one another again . The rest of the time was imployed in expressing all that two perfect Lovers could say to one another , after a long absence . They acquainted one another with the Emperor Mahomet's love , and contrived what they should do to hide their own : but they could not find any way to be soon happy , and to protect their love from the storm that threatned it in the Seraglio . The Sultans passion was an impediment to their felicity . Achmet was forbid to own that he knew Iohaime's birth , and she durst not declare that Fatima was not her Mother ; so that they were obliged to keep a secret that contributed to their unhappiness , They concluded that they ought not to put the Grand Signior in despair , lest they should want a pretence to see one another ; and after a thousand reiterated protestations of inviolable fidelity , Achmet took his leave of her , to go and give Mahomet an account of his negotiation , who waited for his return with all the disquiet of an impatient Lover . He told him that he found more difficulty in perswading his Sister , than he imagined he should ; and that her fear of displeasing the Sultana Valide made her refuse the honor which his Highness offered her ; but that he hoped in time to render her more flexible , provided he might have the liberty of conversing privately with her sometimes . The Emperor embraced his Favourite , and promised him his favour on all occasions that might require it . In the mean time Achmet and Iohaime , who abused the Sultans credulity , to carry on their love , had new subjects of complaint , and were once more forced to suffer the torments which Lovers feel in long absence . Mahomet Coprogli sent his Son with a powerful Army against the Bassa of Aleppo , and Prince Soliman Amurath who pretended to be the lawful successor of the Ottoman Empire . This second separation afflicted him more than the first ; he could not resolve to go , without discovering his passion to his Mother , and making her promise him that she would assist him , and oppose Prince Mahomet . Fatima perceiving her Sons despair , promised him all that he desired , and told him she would endeavour to make him happy ; and that if he would write to the Princess Iohaime , she would deliver his Letters to her , and send him her answers : But she required of him that he would trust her to mannage his affairs with the Sultana Valide , lest he should provoke the Grand Signior , who would have reason to be angry , if he should come to know his falshood . These assurances did a little compose Achmets mind ; he marched against the enemy with more courage , and fought them so successfully , that he defeated them ; and he took the new Prince Soliman Amurath and the rebellious Bassa prisoners : and his good fortune was such , that the Sophy of Persia , who intended to besiege Babylon , being informed that Achmet was coming to its relief , left his enterprise imperfect . After this expedition he returned glorious , and triumphant to Constantinople , where all the applause that he met with , did not please him so much as the hope of seeing his Princess . But this joy lasted not long ; for fate envying his felicity , soon put an end to it : he hoped to have laid all those Laurels which love had animated him to win , at the feet of Iohaime : but the Sultana Valide apprehending the consequences of her Son Mahomets passion for Iohaime , to keep him from seeing her , had confined her to a secret apartment , pretending that she was sick , and was to bathe her self privately . The sorrow and melancholy that appeared in Iohaime's countenance , made her pretended sickness probable enough . The report of her being sick , soon spread abroad , and Achmet heard it before his Mother could have time to disabuse him , by telling him the true cause of her feigned indisposition . She loved her Son too well to let him continue in his mistake , believing that since she had discovered more important secrets to him , she ought not to let him be ignorant that nothing troubled Iohaime but his absence . By this means she comforted him a little , but could not quite cure him of the melancholy which the impossibility of seeing his Princess put him into . In the mean while the Sultana Valide endeavoured to take off the Sultans thoughts from Iohaime , by making him fall in love with some other beauty . She found none so capable of ingaging him as a young Candiot , named Eugenia . She was a Greek , and a Christian , and was born at Retimo a Town in Candia , from whence she was taken away very young , and made a Slave , when the Turks made their first descent upon that Island , and took , and sacked Retimo in the reign of Ibrahim . She changed her name into that of Zachi , which signifies dear , or favourite , in respect of her beauty , which gave place to none . Her stature was moderate , but so just , that it could not be higher or lower , without losing some of its grace : her complexion was admirably white and smooth : her eyes were so lively and sparkling that one could not discern their colour : her mouth and teeth incomparable : her hair of the finest black that was ever seen : her neck and arms as one would wish them : her min and behaviour were so agreeable , that it was impossible for Sultan Mahomet , notwithstanding all the pre-possession of his soul , not to yield to so many charms . He found Zachi so handsome and so witty , that he could not keep himself from showing that Iohaime had not so much inslaved him , as to hinder her from having some influence on him . Eugenia was strictly charged by the Sultana Valide to neglect nothing that might ingage the Grand Signior to love her ; but the Sultans own merit , and good qualities prevailed more with her than this command . So accomplished a beauty as Zachi finds no great difficulty in the conquest of so tender a heart as the Grand Signiors . With this new Mistress he diverted the melancholy that Iohaime's sickness had caused : but unhappy Achmet , who could love none but his Princess , grieved almost to death that he did not see her : and to increase his sorrow , the Grand Visier his Father , who thought of nothing but the good of the State , and of making his Son capable of being hereafter necessary to his Master , without reflecting on Achmets amours , or giving him time to contrive any thing , sent him into Dalmatia , to make War on the Venetians , who were at the same time invaded in Candia . His obedience to his Father , and his own glory , obliged him to sacrifice his Love to his Duty : therefore he went away without any other comfort , than that of writing a Letter to his Princess . His Mother promised him to deliver it into her own hand . Without staying for an answer he went to besiege Clissa , where , as I have already told you , he behaved himself with extraordinary courage . Fatima was not very punctual in delivering her Sons Letter , but at last she sent it to Iohaime , who found it to this purpose . Fate , the enemy of my joy , and repose , hinders me from seeing you , my Princess , and I go a great way off from you , to seek death , which alone can put an end to my pains : my duty takes me against my will from the place where my love would detain me . I know not at my departure what your thoughts are ; but if you continue the same to me , I presently know what I ought to be . Iohaime received this Letter with such sorrow , as is easier to imagine than express ; she could not restrain her complaints and tears from breaking out , just when the Sultan passed under the window where she was , not knowing that she was in this Apartment , which in a very remote quarter looks into the Sultana's Garden . He was wholly taken up with his new passion , which led him to Eugenia . The Princess blinded , with her tears , did not see him , but the Grand Signior hearing some body sigh , looked up , and discovered Iohaime . This sight both moved his compassion , and surprized him to see her there whom he believed to be at the Sultana's private baths , whither no man , not so much as the Sultan himself ever comes . His flame which was not quite extinguished , was presently kindled again with more heat than before ; and forgetting his design of visiting fair Zachi , he endeavoured to learn of Iohaime the cause of her sorrow , and why she was lodged in so solitary a place . She wondering to hear her self named , and knowing the Sultans voice , notwithstanding all that he could urge to her , retired from the window without speaking to him . This behaviour of hers so raised Mahomets curiosity , that he ran to the Sultana Valide's Apartment , and very furiously asked her where Iohaime was , saying he would see her immediately . The Sultana taking notice of her Sons disorder , and vehemence , answered him very calmly , that he might be easily satisfied ; and adding flattery to this assurance , desired him to tell her , whence his suddain curiosity proceeded . The Prince who loved and respected his Mother extremely , being a little appeased , related to her what had hapned to him . The Sultana was much surprized at this adventure , not being able to guess at the cause of Iohaime's affliction : but it was necessary to satisfie the Grand Signior , who challenged her promise , and would needs know why Iohaime was removed under pretence of sickness . This question strangely perplexed the Sultana , who now saw the secret , which she had particular reasons to conceal , in danger of being discovered : but at last she told him , that being informed of his love to Iohaime , who for some reasons which she conjur'd him not to inquire farther into at present , could not possibly come to be Sultana ; she had removed her in hopes of abating his passion by her absence , and engaging him somewhere else : but since her caution proved to no purpose , he might see her if he pleased ; and that she believed when he once knew the obstacles of his love , he would continue it no longer . Then she gave him her hand , and bid him lead her to Iohaime's Chamber , who was in such confusion , that she never thought of hiding Achmet's Letter . The Sultan seeing it on a cushion , snatched it up , and having read it , he turned briskly to the Sultana Valide , with his eyes sparkling with anger , and jealousie : Well Madam , said he , was it perfidious Achmets love then , that was the invincible obstacle of my passion ? do you betray me to favour the Grand Visiers Son , who by abusing my goodness , kept a correspondence with her whom I always took to be his Sister ? And you , ingrateful woman , continued he , addressing himself to Iohaime , Could the love of a Slave make you so firm , and constant in your denials to me ? but I know how to be revenged on your contempt , and the treachery of your base lover . Then fury and grief not suffering him to say any more , he would have gone away from them to have satisfied his rage by some cruel action or other , when the Sultana Valide who was astonished at the discovery of the intrigue between Achmet and Iohaime , immediately reflected that it was necessary to disabuse the Sultan , and prevent his resentment of the deceit that had been put upon him . She staid him by the arm , and with tears in her eyes desired him to hear her . Then she told him that Iohaime was his Sister , and why she had concealed it from him ; conjuring him to own her and love her as he ought to do . Anger and jealousie now gave place to reason , and tenderness ; and nature spake more in Iohaime's behalf , than all that her Mother could say . He immediately relented , and wondered he had not sooner found out the meaning of those secret agitations that were caused by nearness of blood . He embraced his Mother , and his Sister , giving marks of a most pure and violent inclination , and a very particular esteem of her virtue . He promised her that since she loved the Visier Azem's Son , he would not hinder their happiness : and from thenceforwards he addressed himself more assiduously to fair Zachi who was owned as Sultana , as soon as she was perceived to be with Child . He loved this Princess so tenderly , and respectfully , that he has always contrived his secret intrigues , to which he is much inclined , with such caution , as to avoid giving her any cause to be jealous . In the mean time valiant Achmet hazarded his life against the Venetians , at the Siege of Clissa , the Capital City of Dalmatia ; from whence the Ottoman Army was forced to retire : which afforded him leisure to return to Constantinople . He knew nothing of what had hapned in the Seraglio , in his absence , because the Grand Signior having a mind to surprize him presently at his return , had charged Fatima not to send him word of any thing . When Achmet came to wait on him , he received him with open arms , and looking more chearfully than he was wont ; after he had asked him some questions about the War , he took him aside , to tell him that he was not only obliged to him for his diligence in serving him , and exposing his life for his glory ; but that he was more particularly beholden to him for the good offices he had done him in his love , which had succeeded according to his wishes : for at last , dear Achmet , continued he , I am conqueror ; your Sister Iohaime is no more cruel to me , and I enjoy those delights in her that make me perfectly happy . He accompanied this discourse with such transports of joy , that unfortunate Achmet believed him . His colour changed , and his heart was quite overcome with grief : all the respect he had for the Emperor could not hinder him from yielding to his infirmity ; and his strength failed him so , that the Sultan seeing him ready to sink down , was afraid he would have died upon the place : when , not to torment him any longer , Can You Achmet , said he , holding him up , faint away , when the time you have so ardently wished for is arrived ? the Princess Iohaime is still faithful to you , and may yet before night , assure you her self that she loves you more than ever . Nothing less than this could have recalled amorous Achmet from death . But he was in doubt still whether he should believe the Grand Signior ; he could not flatter himself with such hopes , or imagine which way such a change should happen . The Sultan soon convinced him by expressing himself more clearly : he told him how he found out the secret of his love , and the mystery of his Sisters birth , which had been so long concealed from him ; and without any more delay , that very night concluded the marriage between Achmet and Iohaime . He sent to acquaint the Grand Visier with it , and celebrated his Favourites marriage with extraordinary magnificence . Thus were these two Lovers rendred happy , and for many years tasted the sweets of a consummate love . This alliance which according to the maxims of the Ottoman Emperors , ought to have removed Achmet Coprogli from the supreme Ministry , by an extraordinary event proved the motive , that obliged the Grand Signior to slight the policy of his Predecessors , who rather chose to marry their Daughters and Sisters to simple Bassa's , than to their Grand Visiers , lest they should make use of that honour in the frequent Seditions that molest their Empire ; and secretly contrive the destruction of the Males of the Imperial Family , that by their alliance they may have right to pretend to the Crown . The Emperor Mahomet by conferring the charge of Visier Azem on his Brother-in-law , shewed that a Prince ought not to be a slave to Policy ; that he is above Laws and Customs ; that he should not submit to them any farther then he finds them advantagious to his State and Glory ; and that he is always at liberty to reform them , or establish new ones , when there is occasion , or necessity requires it . He could not have made a better choice to supply the first charge of his Empire ; and though he did not find as much experience in Achmet Coprogli , as in his Father , at least he met with the same zeal for his service , the same courage in the highest undertakings , and the same genius and resolution in the greatest affairs . As soon as Achmet was invested in his new Dignity , he shewed the greatness of his soul , and the strength of his wit ; for as young as he was , he was no more surprized , or confused in this place ; the burthen of which so few Subjects are vigorous enough to support , than if he had the experience of the ablest Politicians , and greatest Statesmen . He followed his Fathers foot-steps so exactly , that no body could perceive any other change in the administration , than that it descended from the Father to the Son ; and that one was as expert as the other , who was the greatest , and most judicious Minister that ever managed the affairs of the Ottoman Empire . This young Minister therefore imitating his Father Mahomet Coprogli , acted every thing with wonderful prudence ; he at first accustomed him self never to let either Malice , Melancholy , Anger , or Haste , which are the four dangerous shelves of ready and and subtil wits , to have any influence on his resolution . He is always methodical in his discourse , judicious in what he writes , sincere in his proceeding , punctual in his promises , secret in his orders , quick , and ready to engage , and very constant in his resolutions . His good qualities made the other Visiers and Bassa's of the Divan jealous of him , who could not endure that a young man should be preferred before them , whom they were obliged to own as their Superior , and to submit their opinion to his . The most powerful and discontented of those who pretended to the Dignity of Grand Visier was Rustan Bey , Bassa of Babylon . He had great intrigues at the Port , and abundance of Creatures among the Spahies and Ianizaries that were at Constantinople , whither the Sultan was not returned since the death of the Visier Azem . He engaged them underhand to mutiny , and endeavour by threats to oblige the Grand Signior to name another Grand Visier ; but the Emperor as soon as he was out of his minority , made himself absolute among them ; and after the example of Sultan Amurath his Unkle , often came abroad to see them exercise . By this means he shewed that he had more courage , and resolution than his male-content Subjects were willing to allow him ; and that the Sultana Valide , and the Visier Mahomet Coprogli had given him a more heroick education than any Ottoman Prince ever had before him . That great and faithful Minister taught him to behave himself like an Emperor , and to make use of his Sovereign power . The Sultan therefore had a mind to practise his lessons , and imploy his policy in maintaining the choice he had made of his Son to succeed him in his charge , and keeping the mutineers in order . He was not ignorant of the mischievous consequences of Seditions ; and that it is difficult to appease them , when the people and the Militia are united in a Rebellion . He concluded with the Grand Visier that it was necessary to gain the chief leaders of the Spahoes , by distributing mony among them , to oblige them to withdraw their Troops from the Ianizaries faction . These two sorts of Militia , as we have elsewhere mentioned , have been always opposed to one another ; nor was it difficult to divide them . The Spahies being appeased by the Visier Azems liberality , not only laid down their Arms , but promised also to resist the Ianizaries attempts ; who on the other side fearing the Grand Signiors menaces , and hoping to be as well rewarded as the Spahies , if they returned to their duty , declared that they were ready to punish those that were guilty , This submission caused the Sultan immediately to leave Adrianople , to come and quiet the trouble at Constantinople , by taking advantage of the Spahies zeal to suppress the seditious . He assembled the Divan , whither he came himself with all the Bassa's and Officers of the Port , and the principal of the City ; and with some sharpness told them how much it displeased him , that they should contradict his actions , and that the Ianizaries should go about to impose laws on him . He spoke with so much Majesty , that he strook an awe into the most insolent . At the same time he gave order to seize the Bassa of Babylon , who was the chief author of the Sedition , the Aga , and the most criminal Officers of the Ianizaries , and some of the principal inhabitants , causing them all to be strangled ; and threatned to cashier the whole body of the Ianizaries , if ever they committed the least disorder . This proceeding seemed the more rigorous to these Troops , because they expected more favourable usage ; but they durst not complain . The Grand Visier in the mean time in conformity to his Fathers maxims , thought it necessary to employ the Ianizaries , that they might have no leisure to mutiny again . He intended to continue the Siege of Candia , but he would first make an end of the Transylvanian War , which Ali Bassa managed with no great success : and he was preparing himself to march with the Ianizaries , and Spahies , when he was informed that the Sophy of Persia was about to attaque Bagdet . This news changed the face of things , and made the Sultan send an Aga , and a Chiaux to Vienna , to propose a Peace to the Emperor . These Envoys met not with that satisfaction that the Vivier Azem wished . The Emperor gave them to understand , that the Principality of Transylvania , which was the cause of his difference with the Sultan , was a member that had been separated from his Estate , and that his Highness could not without injustice think of obliging him to quit his pretensions to that Province , and to desert Prince Chimin Ianos , who had put himself into his protection : and that he could not agree to the dismantling of Serinwar , unless the Grand Signior would demolish the Fortifications of Waradin , and some other places . This answer did not please the Grand Visier , who was no less careful than his Father had been , of his Masters glory , and industrious to enlarge his Dominions : but hearing for certain that the Sophy marched against Bagdet , he saw it was necessary to temporize now : therefore he sent orders to Ali Bassa , the General of the Army in Transylvania , to continue the overtures of Peace . This General at the same time received the news of the taking of Chimen Ianos by Michael Abaffi , who succeeded Count Barelay , and was protected by the Port in his pretences to Transylvania . The death of Chimin Ianos , whom Abaffi caused to be beheaded in Prison , as Chimin had treated his first Competitor , facilitated the Conquest of the Province , and favoured the Grand Visiers designs . Ali Bassa immediately sent a Courrier to him to know what he should do in this conjuncture ; but Achmet sent him word again that he should observe the orders he had received : so that he pressed the Emperor to send Deputies to the Port to negotiate a Peace between the two Empires . In the mean time the Ottoman Army made continual inroads into Hungary , and the Imperial Troops did the like in the Grand Signiors Dominions . But the Turks being tired with this tedious skirmishing War , threatned the coming down of the Grand Signior himself with a formidable Army to invade Hungary , if the Emperor did not very suddenly conclude a Peace ; which made him dispatch Doctor Perez to the Divan . The Grand Visier , whose drift was to prolong the Negotiation till his own affairs were in a better posture , dismissed him , with order to tell his Master that he should send his Agats to Themidwar , to treat there with Ali Bassa , and the Cappigi Bassa : but hearing that the Sophy for fear of being invaded by the Mogol , had given over his enterprize on Babylon , he commanded General Ali not to recede from the first conditions which he had proposed in order to the conclusion of the Peace . The Emperor finding the Sultans propositions unreasonable , and that the Turks continued their Incursions , believed , the Divan , whatever it pretended , had no desire to terminate the War : therefore he began to look about him betimes , for fear of being surprized ; foreseeing that it would not be long before the Grand Visier would fall upon him ; who , as soon as he had put the particular affairs of the Ottoman Empire into order , resolved to pursue the enterprize which his Father began , and was forced to leave unfinished by death . After he had rigged a powerful Navy to encounter the Venetians , and the Christian Princes , whose Forces he apprehended at Sea , he prepared to march against the Emperor , to let his Master see that he was as expert as the old Generals , who proud of their long command , and age , flighted him as a young man , and raised disadvantageous stories of him . He ordered the Bassa's of Albania , Natolia , Buda , and some others , to draw towards Hungary with their Troops , and desired the Sultan to stay at Adrianople , and to permit him to go and exercise his Authority , and give proofs of his valour . He led with him the old bands of Ianizaries , and Spahies , placing the Mutineers in the Forlorn Hope , that they might be cut off in this War , which he hoped to finish in a short time , that he might turn all the Ottoman Forces against Candia . But while he marched towards Hungary , his Fleet which he set forth to scour the Sea , and succor Canea , which was distressed by the Venetian Army , was not so successful as he expected : it shun'd ingaging the Venetian Fleet , which would have fought to have prevented the relief of Canea . The same Fleet however pursued Turkish Gallies in the Archipelago so briskly , that it took ten Saiques , gave chace to four great Vessels that followed a Caravan of Alexandria ; and being come up with them , took three , and several Saiques that carried abundance of persons of quality of both Sexes , who were going on Pilgrimage to Mecha . The news of this disgrace did more inflame the Grand Visiers courage , who made long marches to arrive at Belgrade , where the body of the Army expected him under the conduct of Ali Bassa , who was newly made Visier of Hungary . The approach of this great Minister , and the arrival of the Bassa's of Bossina , Silestria , Waradin , Aleppo , and the Beglerbeg of Natolia , so terrified the Emperor , that he presently commanded the Baron de Goez , one of his Deputies , to divert the dreadful storm that threatned the Empire , by granting several of the demands which Ali Bassa made in the Grand Signior's name . Ali acquainted the Grand Visier upon what terms the Emperor was willing to purchase Peace : that he consented that Michel Abassi who was under his Highnesses protection , should be acknowledged Prince of Transylvania , and promised to withdraw his Garrisods out of some places , and to demolish the Fort of Serinwar : but Achmet had no mind to go back now he was so forward , and had made such preparations for the War ; thinking it below him to make Peace on any conditions , either less advantageous to his Master , or less glorious for himself , than the Victories that seemed to attend his Arms ; and for this reason , not being satisfied with what the Emperor offered . He asked over and above , two millions for the expences he had been at , with a Tribute of an hundred thousand Rixdollers a year for the Kingdom of Hungary , which he resolved to make wholly tributary to the Ottoman Empire . Besides this , he would have the Emperor give free passage for what Troops the Grand Signior pleased to send into the Venetian Territories . These proud demands made the Emperor despair of the accommodation , he had hitherto flattered himself withal . He perceived that the Grand Visier would not let the Ianizaries return to Constantinople , till their fierceness and insolence were abated by the toils of a War , which through the animosity of both parties would undoubtedly prove very bloody . Achmet Coprogli being informed of the Emperors continual preparations for War , was glad to meet with resistance in such an Enemy , whose defeat would augment his glory , and convince the world that he was as able in the Camp , as in the Divan ; and could not only advise like an Oracle , but could command also like a great Captain . THE HISTORY of the Grand VISIERS . The fourth Book . THE Emperor seeing his Commissioners return without any effect of their Negotiation , made no question but that the Visier Azem would endeavour all he could to come and besiege him in Vienna . Therefore he fortified that City , that it might be in a condition , if need were , to resist the Ottoman Forces , implored the assistance of all the Potentates of Europe , and with four distinct Armies secured the hereditary Provinces of the Empire . The Grand Visier on the other side aimed at some considerable Expedition , and having determined what to do , passed the long Bridge of Essek , and sate down before Newhausel . He immediately invested the place , and defeated some Troops which Count Forgate , and Balsi , and Marquiss Pio , would have put into it , then he summoned it according to the custom of the Turks , who do so to all places they besiege . But Count Forgats the Governour having given such an answer to his summons , as made him find that fair words and splendid promises were not sufficient arguments to perswade him to surrender a place which the Emperor had intrusted him with : he planted so furious a Battery as soon made breaches wide enough to invite the Turks to an assault , in which great numbers of them were slain by the defendants . But the Grand Visier pressed the Siege so vigorously , that the Governour was forced to yield the place upon composition ; and the Articles were so advantagious , that several of the Officers , and the chief of the besieged knowing to what necessity of surrendring the Town was reduced , and what multitudes of their Enemies had perished before their Walls in so small a time , were of opinion at first that the Grand Visier readily consented to whatever Count Forgats demanded , with design to break his word , and to have it the sooner in his power to revenge the loss he had sustained during the Siege : but the event shewed that they did him wrong to suspect he could be guilty of a baseness so much below the greatness of his soul , though otherwise such actions are very common among the Turks . Achmet Coprogli has always profest himself an enemy to treachery , and thinks himself concerned in honour to keep his word on all occasions . The Governour of Newhausel was the first that found this to be true ; the good usage he received from the Grand Visier constrained him to be just to his vertue and desert , and far from what his Officers apprehended , to thank him for the complement he made him , upon his generous defence of a Town which seemed incapable of holding out against so powerful an Army . Count Forgats being marched out of Newhausel , the Visier Azem made his entry into it , and at the same time dispatched an Officer to carry the news to the Grand Signior ; but designing to make an entire conquest of Hungary , to accomplish it without shedding of blood , for ruining the Country , he bethought himself of issuing out a Proclamation , that all the places that would submit to the Ottoman Empire , should be exempted from Contribution for six years , at the end of which each house should pay but a Rixdoller . This did not succeed so well as he expected ; however he possessed himself of Schinta , Novigrad , Levens , and some other places of less importance , with which he ended the Campagna , that he might refresh his Army , and be at leisure to look after the affairs of the Port , which he still took care of , notwithstanding the War. To this end he had Courriers continually on the way , who informed him of all that passed , and carried messages from him to the Sultan , who was then at Adrianople , where he made publick rejoycings for three days together for the Victories of his chief Minister , and concluded them with the death of his principal Nectangis or Secretary . His Highness caused him to be beheaded upon the advice he had from the Visier Azem , that he was corrupted by the Emperors Ministers , from whom he had received a very considerable sum of money , which was found in his Coffers ; being not only a certain argument of his Crime , but a mark of Achmet Coprogli's faithful correspondence in all parts . The season of the year which obliged the Visier to retreat , did not hinder him from sending Succors to Canea , and Recruits to the Troops that were in Dalmatia ; so that at the same time that he had undertaken another War , he pressed the Venetians in two several places , to show the Christian Princes , that the Sultan could maintain more Armies than one against his Enemies , and that he did not at all fear the great preparations they threatned him with ; being advertised that Count Serini did very much distress the Troops that wintered in the conquered places , and along the River Traag , and Dravus . He composed three small Armies of Tartars , Moldavians , and some Turkish Companies to wast Moravia , and Silesia , and to make inroads as far as Presburg , the Capital City of Hungary , by that means to divert Count Serini , who by the Emperor , and the Diet at Ratisbon was nominated Generalissimo of the Hungarian Forces . But neither these Forces , nor the extremity of Winter , could hinder this Hero from taking Bernezet , Raboscha , Seques , and several other places which the Turks had conquered . He made himself Master of Palanka , and Peez , a populous trading Town ; and leaving his Army under the conduct of Count Horlac , he besieged and took Tainskirken , and attacked the Bridge of Essek , where he met with a vigorous resistance , which however could not keep him from burning that , and many Magazines which the Turks had along the River Dravus . After this he undertook the Siege of Canisia , a place of great importance . The Grand Signior hearing of this Siege , was resolved to go in person and relieve this Town , and stay the course of Count Serini's conquests ; but the Visier Azem dissuaded him from his design , representing the danger he exposed himself to , and the mischievous consequences of his absence from Constantinople ; where the people being provoked at the punishment the Sultan had inflicted on the chief of the City , who conspired against him , were ready to rise , and spoke of making one of his brothers Emperor . The Grand Visier too had a mind to finish the War he had so happily begun , and was unwilling that his Highnesses presence should rob him of his glory , and be thought to have effected more than all his industry ; yet the care of his own glory was not the only motive that caused him to divert Sultan Mahomet from this expedition , the affection and zeal which he ever had for his Masters service , at this time prevailed over all other considerations , knowing the violence of his nature , and the greatness of his courage , he feared he would engage himself too far into danger , and that he would receive more prejudice by the enterprizes of the Mutineers at Constantinople , than advantage by the conquest of the whole Kingdom of Hungary . Nor did he doubt but that he should finish the Expedition successfully , without the assistance of the Captains and old Generals that were in his Army , who out of jealousie opposed his design , and hindred him from advancing his Conquests so far as he might have done , if he had taken less heed to their counsel , which he rather chose to follow , and proceed slowly , than to hazard any thing upon his own account . Being informed of all Count Serini's exploits , who nearly distressed Canisia , and as valiantly repulsed Sultan Mahomet's Forces , as his Grandfather did those of the Emperor Soliman , he took the Field to prevent him from joyning Canisia to the other conquests he had made during the Winter ; but the death of Ali Bassa obliged him to suspend his intention of repulsing the enemy , to allow him those Funeral Ceremonies which his great services to the state deserved . Ali was one of the greatest , and most expert Captains of the Ottoman Empire : he bore Arms first under Sultan Amurath , and behaved himself so well in the Persian War , that the Emperor in recompence gave him one of his Sisters in marriage , and made him Bassa-General of his Armies . He had gained such reputation , that his power made the Grand Visier Mahomet Coprogli jealous of him , and resolve to take away his command of the Army in Transylvania , as we have already mentioned ; and he advised his Son to take heed of him as one that might well be his Competitor for the charge of Grand Visier : but equitable Achmet perceiving the extraordinary merit of this brave man , respected his virtue and age , which was threescore and ten ; and instead of following the politic cautions of his Father , submitted often to his advice , and extremely deplored his death , which was also lamented by the Grand Signior . After he had rendered him all the Offices that the Mahometan Law required , he pursued his march to Canisia . His Army consisted of seventy thousand men , whose approach forced Count Serini , Count Hohelac , and Strozzi who were joyned with him , to raise the Siege , and retire into the Isle of Serin . Their retreat was but just time enough , for as soon as they were gone the Turks arrived , and posted themselves in the same places that the Christians quitted . The Grand Visier having put sufficient relief into Canisia , sent Ismael Bassa with twenty thousand men to pass the River Mur at the place where it joyns with the Dravus , that by getting that passage , he might have free entry into Stiria , Carinthia , and Croatia ; but Count Strozzi valiantly defended the Pass , and performing the part of a gallant Souldier , was slain with a Musquet Bullet . In the mean time the Emperor impatiently expected the Succors he had desired of the Christian Princes . The Pope , the Princes of Italy , and the King of Spain , had promised him large sums of money , for which he had great occasion , but they made no haste to send them . Sweden and Lorain gave him hopes of men , but he heard nothing of their coming ; so that he despaired of receiving any of the Succors he looked for time enough except those of France . The King on this occasion , as on a thousand others shewed himself to be the most Christian , and the most zealous of all Princes for the good of Christendom ; for when Count Strozzi whom we spoke of , who was sent from his Imperial , to his Most Christian Majesty , had represented the necessity the Emperor was in , the King granted all that he desired ; and not at all satisfied that they should limit the Succors to two thousand Horse , and four thousand Foot , that they should think to bound his liberality , and hinder him from giving more splendid marks of his extraordinary generosity , and zeal for Religion . This incomparable Monarch could not keep himself from telling his Courtiers , that he had rather they were in Hungary than at the Louvre ; and that if the Dauphin his only Son were old enough , he would send him to this War. The chief of the Court , and Kingdom were ambitious of serving as Volunteers under Count Coligni , whom the King chose to be General , making the Duke of Feuillade his Mareschal de Camp. The Duke of Bouillon great Chamberlain of France , was the first that begg'd leave of his Majesty to make this Campagna , his example was followed by his Brother the Count d' Auvergn● , the Chevaliers de Lorain , and de Rohan , the Dukes of Saubieze and Brisac , the Marquess de Guitery , Master of the Wardrobe , the Marquises de Ragny , Villery , Castelnau , Seneçay , Bethune , and Estrade ; the Counts de Saux , and Canaples , the Chevaliers de St. Agnan , and Coaslin , and several others who prepared themselves to signalize their valour on the bank of Raab , where by and by we shall see them defeating the most formidable Enemy of Christendom . The news of the Troops that were to come to the Emperors assistance being brought to the Grand Visier , he resolved to advance his Conquests before their arrival . Ismael Bassa whom he commanded to gain the passage over the River Mur , having been repulsed , as we said before by Count Strozzi , sought a more favourable place , and besieged the Fort of Serin , which commanded all the Country about it . Count Nicolas Serini did all he could to make the Enemy retire , and perhaps had effected it , and forced them to give over their enterprize , if Achmet Coprogli , who earnestly sought an opportunity of disputing the glory of a victory with this General , whose reputation was so great , that the Turks trembled at his very name , had not arrived in the Camp , with the Bassa's of Bossina , and Albania , followed by a body of twenty thousand men , having made another body of the rest of his Army , which was employed in another place , His presence animated the Souldiers , who were discouraged by the stout resistance of their Enemy , and the toils they indured in the Siege . They were ashamed not to follow their General , who exposed himself to the greatest dangers , and would have gone to the assault himself , if the crowd of the Officers of the Army had afforded him any room . They strove who should first take the Fort , and having at last carried it , they put two thousand men whom they found there in Garrison to the Sword , inraged that such an handful should presume to resist an Army of forty thousand men . The Grand Visier caused this Fort to be razed ; the demolition of which he had before in vain demanded of the Emperor , because it awed the Ottoman Garrison in Canisia . Afterwards he marched against little Comora , and took it by Composition ; and hearing that Count Souches one of the Imperial Generals had defeated the twenty thousand Tartars , Moldavians , and Valachians , whom he sent into the high Hungary , at Sernevers . He determined to extend his vengeance to the very Gates of Vienna , to waste all Austria , and to besiege the Emperor in the Capital City of his Empire . To this purpose he approached Sarvar a considerable place on the River Raab ; but seeing no likelihood of forcing it suddenly , and being informed that the imperial Army advanced to hinder his passage , he resolved to prevent it , and marched in haste to possess himself of the Bridge of Kermen , a Town on the same River , and in his march took the Town of Ergevart ; but he met with a vigorous resistance when he came to the Bridge where he intended to pass his Army . Count Montecuculi the General of the Imperial Troops , and Count Hohenlac , General of the Confederates , foresaw that the Grand Visier would choose this passage as the most commodious , and were come thither to make it good : but they would have been forced to have quitted it , if a party of Count Coligni , General of the Auxiliary French Troops Cavalry had not arrived when the Turks were forcing the Bridge . This General , who according to the order he had received from the Generalissimo , had hastned his march to joyn the Imperial Army , advanced with some Volunteers , and a party of his Guards , and for almost two hours together withstood all the fire and attempts of the Ottomans . Then the Hungarians who were deserted by the Germans , seeing themselves seconded by the French , took heart , and fell upon the Enemy , who was forced to seek a pass two Musket-shot lower , where the French Horse still behaved themselves gallantly , and drove back the Ottoman Army , which lost there abundance of Souldiers and Officers , and among the rest the Bassa of Bossina , who was slain fighting in the formost Ranks . The Visier who would not shrink from the resolution he had taken , impediments increasing his thirst of victory , persisted obstinately in his design of passing the Raab . Therefore he went up higher towards St. Godard , a little Village , now famous for the action that happened there , whither he was followed by the Christian Army , which he galled with Cannon-shot all night , while he in the mean time held a Council of War , where it was concluded to swim over part of the Cavalry , and pass the rest over a bridge , which was made under covert of the Artillery between St. Godard and Glostorff . Ismael Bassa of Buda had the conduct of this enterprize , he passed at the head of six thousand Ianizaries and Spahies , and the flower of the Ottoman Army . The Grand Visier commanded him to make a retrenchment on the other side of the River , to amuse the Christians , while he passed the body of his Army in another place , that they might charge the Imperialists on both sides : but Ismael being gotten over to the other side , in spight of the Germans resistance , could not withhold his Souldiers from assaulting and defeating Count Horlac's Troops that disputed the Pass with them . After which he possessed himself of their post , where he retrenched himself , after he had put them to flight , taken their Cannon , and cut off above two thousand heads . He presently sent the Grand Visier word that he was master of the Pass , and that if he would advance with the rest of the Army , he might cut the Imperialists in pieces . Upon this advice Achmet caused more Troops to pass over to him , who not having room enough to put themselves in order to fight , were attacked by the French ; and the Cavalry too being in the same distress , were not able to resist the onset of the illustrious French Volunteers : so that the first Ranks turning their backs , they were all so disordered , that they betook themselves to flight , and threw themselves into the Raab , where they were drowned in sight of the rest of their Army , and their General , who not being able to assist them , did all that a great Captain could do to animate his Souldiers , and make them renew the Fight , that they might revenge the defeat of their companions ; but they were seized with such a panic fear , that they gave back instead of advancing . The Visier in vain represented to them how much they were concerned to repair their loss , for they persisted in their disobedience . He went himself before them with his Simitar in his hand , promising them victory , and great rewards if they would go where their honour called them , and conjured them to follow him ; but seeing this did not prevail , he added threats to his intreaties , and upbraided their baseness . His fury carried him so far , that he had like to have perished in sight of his disobedient Army , and not able to suppress his indignation any longer , he killed three Officers with his own hand , whom he in vain called by their names to follow him , pursuing two more , who cried out to him● that they came to make War on the Transylvanians and Hungarians , and not to fight with the French. This brave General finding there was no remedy , caused his Troops to retreat into a secure place , and he with his followers only retired into a quarter apart , to shew how he contemned his own Army . He sent with a great deal of civility to the Christian Generals to demand several Captains , and some Bassa's , and chiefly Ismael who perished in the Fight , which lasted nine hours ; offering whatever they pleased for their ransom , if they were Prisoners , and sent back all the Christian prisoners that were in his Camp. After the Battle , the two Armies attempted nothing considerable , but stood upon their guard only . The Turkish Officers and Captains being ashamed of their disobedience , desired their General to let them recover their credit by some Siege , or any thing but engaging the Christian Army : but the places they proposed to besiege were of so little importance , that he reproached their cowardize , and flight before an handful of men tired with a long journey ; and told them he would have no more to do with Souldiers who disgraced the Ottoman Empire , and by their baseness sullied the glory of their Ancestors . After this Declaration he sent the Grand Signior word of his loss , and the disobedience of his Troops , and advised him to renew the Peace between the two Empires , to prevent his being exposed to a second disgrace : all the Divan was of his opinion . The Sultan sent him order to conclude it , and gave notice to the Emperors Resident , that to stop the progress of the War , they should renew the Conferences that were held at Themiswar . The Resident immediately sent away a Courrier to advertise Prince Lakowits the President of the Emperors Council of War , who willingly entertained the proposition , and negotiated so secretly with the Visier Azem , that the Peace was published before it was thought to be treated of . All the world was surprized at this suddain Peace ; the Imperialists were of opinion that it was opportunely concluded : but it is certain , that if it had not been made so hastily , and they had then pursued the Turks when they were discouraged by their losses and disorder in the Battle of S. Godard , the rest of Hungary and Transylvania might have been recovered , which the Sultan without doubt would have surrendered , to finish a War that imployed the best part of his Forces , which he wanted to oppose the Sophy , who made new attempts on Babylon , and the Provinces bordering on Persia , to preserve his Conquests in Candia , from whence the Venetians were driving him ; and to appease the troubles which the revolt of the Governour Chazan Bassa had raised in Egypt . All Christendom having taken Arms to assist the Emperor , would have made great advantages by the continuation of the War against the common Enemy , and particularly the Commonwealth of Venice would have forced him wholly to quit his design upon Candia . There can never happen so proper a conjuncture to humble the Sultan's pride . All the Potentates of Europe were ready to unite against him . His own Dominions were disturbed with intestine broils ; the Sophy and the other Princes of Asia were about to declare War against him . The Venetians had a strong Fleet at Sea. Every thing seemed to contribute to his ruine . But the Emperor by a mistaken policy took false measures , which in the consequence fell heavy not only upon himself , but the common interest of Christendom ; for he concluded such a Peace as left the Sultan at liberty to assemble all his Forces against Candia ; which proved afterward to be the loss of that Island . Whereas , had his Imperial Majesty comprehended the Venetians in his Treaty , it might on the other side have turned as much to the advantage of that Commonwealth . This proceeding gave likewise great offence to the most Christian King , who had so generously assisted the Emperor against the Ottoman power , in the preservation of his Hereditary Countries , which at that time his Imperial Majesty was not of himself in condition to defend . The French were but ill requited for their pains , particularly by the Confederates , who shamefully left them as soon as they saw them engaged with the Turks ; insomuch that Count Horlac the Confederates General , not being able to make them stand , retired into a Wood , where he was found after the Battle foaming with rage , to see some of our Captains and Volunteers covered with their own , and their enemies blood ; who asked him what became of his Troops , and why they would not partake of the honour of the victory , The generosity of our Souldiers which deserved the acknowledgment , and friendship of the Germans , received so much the contrary , that they would not allow them so much as victuals and forrage ; so that the Officers were forced-to use threats , to get necessaries for the subsistance of their Troops in their return to France , whither they led them , the Proclamation of the Peace leaving them no more to do in Hungary and Germany . Achmet Coprogli was afraid he should have been forced to have relinquished many of his Masters pretensions ; but seeing how easily the Emperor was satisfied , he managed the Sultans interest as well as he could , and subscribed to Articles which he at another conjuncture would never have agreed to . He sent them presently away to his Highness to be ratified , and in the mean time he retreated to Belgrade , where he dismissed the Asian Troops , to go and Winter in their own Country , and sent those of Europe to Winter in Bossina , that they might be the nearer to Dalmatia , which he intended to attacque the next Campagna . Nothing now remain'd for him to do but to return to Constantinople , where his friends and the people impatiently expected him ; but he would not set forward without the Grand Signior's order , and till he had received the ratification of the Peace . It was the more welcome at Constantinople at this time , because it fell out at the birth of the Sultan's Son , who by the death of his Brother was looked on as Chas Adas , which is as much as the eldest Son , and Heir of the Empire . The first Article of the Peace , was , that the Emperors should send Embassadors to one another , who should bring the Ratifications , and presents usual on the like occasions . The Grand Signior pitched upon Mahomet Bassa , and sent a rich Vest by him to the Visier Azem , whom he should find at Belgrade , and receive the Instructions of his Embassie from him . Mahomet acquitted himself faithfully of his Highnesses Commissions , and at the same time that Achmet received from him the marks of his Masters gratitude and affection , he was informed of the death of generous Count Serini . This news so surprized the Grand Visier , that he broke off his conversation with Mahomet Bassa , to learn the particulars of that sad accident , which no relation hitherto has given a clear account of , as I find by some secret Memoires which have more truth in them . It was told the Ottoman General , that his victorious Arms having forced Count Serini to raise the Siege of Canisia , he retired into a Fort of his own name , which he had built , extremely dissatisfied that this enterprize , as well as several others before had succeeded no better for want of necessary assistance ; and that his vexation for the loss , and raising of the said Fort , and the ill usage he received from the Emperor , and the Imperial Diet , caused him to retire into one of his Country houses , to comfort himself in the tranquillity of a private life , for the inconstancy of his fortune , and the injustice of the Court ; where those who held the first rank , as being the most powerful , and considerable persons in the Empire , not satisfied with hindering the Diet from choosing him Generalissimo of the Army , which command justly belonged to him , still continued their design of destroying him , to satiate their envy , and free themselves from their apprehension that this Hero would one day shew his resentment of their ingratitude . But not daring to attempt his life openly , with their Arms in their hands , their Court-treachery pursued him in the midst of the Forrests , where , as he was wont to do , diverting his melancholy with Hunting , he was killed with a blow he received in the chase of a prodigious great Wild Boar , which he had already wounded ; to whose fury the authors of his death falsly attributed his murther , and accordingly contrived the relations of it ; endeavouring so to palliate the enormity of an action which it was their interest should be eternally concealed . This recital had a contrary effect to what was reported . Generous Achmet considering the hard fate of valiant Count Serini , who may well be accounted the greatest Hero of this Age , far from rejoycing at the fall of so dangerous an enemy , was so touched at it , that all the satisfaction he reaped from the Grand Signior's obliging expressions , which Mahomet Bassa informed him of , could not keep him from shewing his grief , and lamenting the unhappy end of a Captain who had so obstructed the progress of the Ottoman Arms , to that degree , that he was angry with the neighbouring Turks for making Bonfires when they heard of it . The Grand Visier having learned the Sultans intentions , dispatched Mahomet Bassa , that he might arrive at Vienna , at the same time that Count Lesbley , whom the Emperor sent to the Port , should come to Adrianople , where the Grand Signior was . Then having commanded the Bassa's of Bossina and Albania to have their Troops ready to pass into Dalmatia with the Sultans first orders , he began his journey to Constantinople , where he met with the applauses due to his great conduct , and invincible courage . The Emperor Mahomet received him with open arms , and sufficiently manifested his kindness for , and esteem of this great Minister , who far from abusing his favour , would have made use of it , to obtain pardon for those Officers who disobeyed him when he pressed them to fight , and would hardly suffer the Sultan to put five or six of them to death , for an example to the rest : not but that he was as sensible of their baseness as of the bravery of the French , whose courage he commended in the Grand Signior's presence , and testified how much he valued them , by his kind reception of , and civility to Monsieur de la Haye , then Embassador of France at the Port , whom he entertained three days together in his house , treating him with more respect than was ever shewn to any Embassador before . The Grand Visiers return gave the Grand Signior the freedom of diverting himself with Hunting , and his Women ; for leaving all his affairs to his care , which he had looked after in his absence , he retired to one of his pleasant Country Houses , which the Turks call Chioufti , not far from Constantinople , where Achmet Coprogli staid to send relief to Canea , which was still distressed by the Venetians , and to see the Sultan's Revenues paid , and replenish his Treasury , which was exhausted by the Wars . That of Candia was incredibly expensive , all the Ammunition and Recruits that were sent thither were little enough ; and the innumerable Forces that had been consumed in it , had made but a very slender progress : therefore he considered how he might put a speedy end to it . He applied himself diligently to put the affairs of the Port into such a posture , as might permit him to go thither himself ; and the conquest of this Island seeming to him the most glorious that he could ever make , he promised himself both good success in his expedition , and immortal renown , not only among the Turks , who knowing the importance of the Kingdom of Candia , obstinately contended for the mastery of it twenty years ; but also among all other Nations , who would admire the valour of the Defendants , and the constancy of the Besiegers . Nor did he doubt of effecting more by his presence than all the Generals that had been sent thither before had done . His design was to finish the War by taking the Capital City , which he resolved to besiege with all the vigour and pains that can be expected from a Captain perfectly instructed in the art of War. He communicated his intentions to his Highness , and remonstrated to him that he ought not any longer to oppose his departure from Constantinople . The great preparations he made were soon known to the Venetians , who on their side disposed themselves to resist them ; but not finding themselves strong enough , they sent Embassadors to implore the assistance of all the Christian Princes . In the mean time all things being ready for the Grand Visiers Expedition , he parted from Constantinople with the Grand Signior ( who for some reasons you will learn hereafter , never returned thither since ) and followed him to Adrianople , and from thence to Larissa , where he took leave of his Highness to go to Thebes , waiting for the union of the Troops he was to lead . As soon as they were assembled he caused them to march to Napoli di Romania , which place he chose for the general Rendevouze , and then went to meet his Wife Iohaime , and Fatima his Mother , who would needs accompany him in his voyage . He was glad of having the advantage of her counsel , whose wit , and courage was above her Sex. With these two persons who were so dear to him he embarqued at Malvezie , and set sail for Canea , where his arrival animated the besieged , who were closely pressed by the Venetians . At his first coming he forced the Enemy to retire , and after he had visited the place , took a general review of all the Troops that were in the Island , and those that he brought along with him , and then with a small party went to view the old Town of Candia , and to take notice how the former siege was disposed . The Venetians being advertised of his approach , sallied out , and repulsed him ; but his design being to end this tedious , expensive War , by taking the chief City , he soon returned with a more considerable body of men , that he might with more safety view the Country , and the out-works of the place , about which he pitched a new Camp , and drew lines for a more regular Siege than the former ; the execution of which he found very difficult ; for not having been truly informed of the Forces of the Town , and the situation of the Country . He saw it would cost him more pains , and time , than he expected it would . However not at al discouraged by the difficulties he met with , he carried on the works with such diligence , that the besieged were quickly reduced to employ all the industry of their Engineers to secure them from the Mines which he continually sprung , and all the strength of their Souldiers to resist the assaults of the Turks . Never was any place so vigorously attaqued , and so stoutly defended . This being one of the most famous Sieges that ever was , several Writers have at large related it ; therefore I shall not trouble the Reader with an useless repetition of what he may find elsewhere , but only succinctly mention what the story of the Grand Visier will not suffer me to omit , without specifying all the assaults and skirmishes that happened at it . This General , besides the wonderful resistance of the besieged , had no less dangerous enemies to encounter with at this Port , who did him all the ill offices they could with the Grand Signior , and by making use of this troublesome conjuncture of affairs , endeavoured to destroy him . They represented to the Sultan , that the length of the Siege of Candia proceeded from the Grand Visiers want of courage , whose Army was powerful enough to subdue all Asia , or the greatest Empire in the world ; but that his cowardize made him protract the time , that the Christians might have leisure to assemble their Forces , which would at last oblige the Ottoman Army to quit the conquest of an Island that had exhausted the strength of the Empire , and his Highnesses Treasures : that such an affront would be irreparable , and an eternal disgrace to the Musulmans , and would certainly happen through the baseness and weakness of the Grand Visier , who out of a vain presumption had undertaken the continuation of a War he could never end honourably . Thus these envious persons omitted nothing that might induce the Grand Signior to recal and ruine him . The too credulous Prince provoked by the Grand Visiers ill success , who incessantly sent for Recruits , believed all that was said against him ; and without any regard to his inviolable fidelity , or the high rank he held in the Empire , which made him subject to the malice of the Courtiers , without considering that those Ministers who are most affectionate to , and zealous for the services of their Prince , and the good of the State , are always most exposed to envy . He took a resolution which would have deprived him of the ablest , and best of all his Subjects , if Achmet Coprogli's prudence had not equalled the Sultans cruelty , and injustice . He sent this brave General word that he should suddenly put an end to the Siege , which his rashness had prompted him to undertake , and in a very short time either send him his Head , or the Keys of Candia . This order was very peremptory , and sufficient to have shaken the firmest Courage . The Grand Visier had great reason to think himself very rigorously and unjustly dealt with ; his fidelity and zeal for his Master , and the hazards his life was so often exposed to for his glory , deserved better usage , and might have inclined him to revenge himself , and shew his resentment by abandoning his Army , which would undoubtedly have perished , if he had sought to secure himself by going over to the Venetian side , as he might have done : but honour having ever been his only object , he never so much as entertained a thought that was prejudicial to his reputation . He answered the Sultan very submissively , yet in such terms as shewed the greatness of his soul ; and that it was not the fear of death he was threatned with that made him hasten a conquest , which he undertook for the augmentation of his Dominions , and glory : that he never had any other end in it , and that if his Highness could reap any benefit by his death , it was in his power to satisfie himself when he pleased : that as to the Siege of Candia he hoped to finish it , if he would allow him time , having been deceived by a false account of the state of the place . Achmet imparted the Grand Signiors command to his Mother Fatima , and having consulted together , they concluded that this blow proceeded from the persecutions of his enemies at Court : and soon after they were confirmed in their opinion by the Couriers which they sent continually to the Port , to bring them news of all that passed there . They found that some Courtiers who had insinuated themselves into the Grand Signiors favour , had attempted to disgrace him , and had succeeded in it . However he did not much trouble himself , being assured that his conduct would justifie him , and that the detractors would be punished for their calumnies by their own remorse , and the Sultans anger , who would in time discover their treachery . He continued to press the besieged , who received great assistance from the King of France , under the conduct of the Count de la Feuillade , who was accompanied by the Count de St. Paul , the Duke of Chasteau Thierry , the Sieurs de Caderousse , de Villemaur , and many more Gentlemen and Officers , who came to shew the Turks that they could overcome them as well in Creet as in Hungary . And the sallies of these brave men put the Turks almost in despair , who were incouraged by their Generals presence . He went from quarter to quarter to animate them , and exhort them to do their duty . He caused new Candia which the Turks built after the taking of Canea to be demolished , that he might make use of the materials in his works , and by depriving his Troops of a safe retreat , force them to secure themselves by their valour , always telling them that they must either conquer or die . But while he endeavours to become master of Candia , Constantinople was filled with tumults raised by the male-contents of the Empire , who seeing the ill success of the Grand Signiors Arms in this Island , and that several neighbouring Princes were ready to declare War against him , resolved to make use of this opportunity to revenge his Highnesses contempt of them , and prevent the punishment that was due to their Rebellion ; in which they engaged the Ianizaries , who remained at Constantinople , to guard the Town , the Sultan , and the Seraglio . The Mutineers threatned to depose the Emperor , and to set up Prince Soliman his Brother in his room . The absence of the Visier Azem strengthened this Sedition , which all the Sultan Valide's power could hardly appease . The Sultan was then at Adrianople , and was so displeased with the Inhabitants of Constantinople , that he would not so much as take notice of their earnest solicitations of him to return thither . He declared openly that this proud City should no longer be the Imperial Seat , since she had rendered her self unworthy by her frequent disorders . The people , and the Ianizaries , who for the most part have their Families at Constantinople , were extremely provoked by this reproach . And if Prince Soliman had been among them , they had certainly proclaimed him Emperor : but he was in the Grand Signiors power , who not being so barbarous as his Predecessors , would not practise their inhumane policy of securing the possession of the Empire by the death of all their Brothers . Far from being so cruelly cautious he allowed his three Brothers an honourable freedom , and suffered them to employ themselves in exercises agreeable to their high birth : yet when he went from Constantinople he took Soliman along with him . This Princes Mother Maiama was dead , she did all she could to place him on the Throne ; which is partly the cause that the Sultan is jealous of him . His good qualities render him beloved by all the world , especially by the Souldiers , who are not ignorant of his vast courage . His impatience to give some proofs of his valour made him inconsiderately desire his Brother to let him accompany the Grand Visier in the Candian War , which his Highness thought not fit to grant ; and the Visier Azem convinced the Sultan that it concerned him not to trust this young Prince with Arms , which he might one day turn against him , but to keep him where his actions might be better observed : not that he gave him this advice to exasperate him against his Brother , but he knew the Souldiers inclination to Soliman , who was of an active , undertaking spirit , and capable of raising great troubles in the State , if he should after the example of the Ottoman Princes , endeavour to free himself , and affect the Empire . Mahomet who had never seriously made these reflections , and did not at all distrust Soliman , suffered him to live at liberty ; but the young Princes imprudence , in repining at his Brothers refusal , opened the Sultans eyes , and made him rereflect on what the Grand Visier had represented to him . The Sedition that happened afterwards at Constantinople , caused him to watch Soliman's behaviour more narrowly . In the mean time Prince Soliman mistrusted nothing , Ambition was not his predominate passion , he loved hunting as well as the Grand Signior , always following him to that sport , and sometimes he went alone . But this exercise did not so take him up , but that he was well enough pleased with another , which is the usual employment of people of his age . His Brother was the most amorous Prince in the world , nor was he less inclined to gallantry himself ; but he loved to keep it secret , not affecting to make a noise with his pleasures . He long sought for an object worthy of his kindness ; and at last Zizim Morat Bassa by an extraordinary adventure furnished him with such an one as he desired . The Sangiac of Smyrna , who was akin to this Bassa , had sent him a very pretty Slave , which he bought of a Corsair Tartar , and brought up with a great deal of care , to make a Present of her to the Grand Signior , according to the custom of the Governors of Provinces , and Cities , who by this means , acquire , and preserve his Highnesses favour . The Sangiac Sinan who looked on Zizim Morat as his Patron at the Port , desired him to present her to the Sultan , who was then at Adrianople , where he intended to establish the Seat of the Empire , as Soliman the first of that name surnamed the Magnificent had done before . The Bassa deferred the acquitting himself of Sinan's Commission till the Grand Signiors return to Larissa , where he spends most part of the year , as well for the beauty of the place , which is the finest in all Thessaly , as for the convenience of Hunting in the great Forrests about it . He was an intimate friend of Prince Soliman , who a few days after came thither with his Brother . Zizim Morat told him he had a Present to make to his Highness , which would without doubt be well received ; but that it must be kept secret , lest the Grand Sultana should come to hear of it , who would hate him mortally if he should know that he preferred a new Favourite to the Grand Signior ; then he described the young womans beauty to him , which made Soliman desirous to see her , before she was delivered to the Emperor his Brother . The Bassa not dreaming of what would happen , carried him home with him , and shewed him the fair Slave , with whom he fell desperately in love . He made no secret of it to Zizim , but told him with a great deal of joy , that she was absolute mistriss of his heart , and conjured him to give him a proof of his friendship , by letting him have the young Slave . The Bassa used strong arguments to the contrary , and told him that he could not betray the trust the Sangiac of Smyrna reposed in him , without being at the same time false to the Grand Signior , who would punish them both if he came to know it . But amorous Soliman answered his arguments with so much force , and eloquence , convincing him , that it might be easily kept secret , since the Sultan was ignorant of it , and the absent Sangiac could never discover it , that at last friendship surmounted all other considerations , and he granted his request . Soliman embraced him a thousand times , and having expressed how much he was obliged to him , they contrived how they should conceal this Beauty from the Sultan , that he might not find out Soliman's treason , and Morat's falshood . They could think of no better way than to keep her in a Country house which Zizim had in the pleasant Valley of Ianica , heretofore the delicious Tempe , watered by the famous River Peneus , between the Mountains of Ossa and Olympus . In that Country there is a Forrest , the same that Virgil speaks of , where the Grand Signior often hunts , and Soliman with him , who then visits the fair Zulemai , without being taken notice of . This lasted some time , during which Soliman's life was as happy as Zulemai could make it , who loved him , and wanted no charms to engage him . She was perfectly well shaped ; her complexion was so bright that it dazled those who beheld it , her hair was brown , her eyes black , and full , her mouth little , her lips juycy , her teeth white , and well set : she had a sweetness in her chin , and the midst of her cheeks that became her wonderfully when she spoke . Her neck was well shaped , as also her arms and hands ; her carriage was noble , her speech pleasing , and her humor the best in the world . Soliman was tall , and strait ; his face round , his complexion smooth , and white ; his forehead large , and high , his eyes blue , and smiling , his nose a little aquiline , his mouth pretty , his min great , his humor magnificent , and his nature very generous . His inclinations are like the Grand Signiors , but he is a little more impatient and quick . His soul is noble , and extremely grateful , and his temper so complacent , that he easily gains the friendship of all men . These two Lovers freely enjoyed the pleasures of mutual love , but one day chance brought the Sultan to Zizim Morat's Country house , where the Prince was abroad hunting in the Forrest . The Grand Signior being thirsty , came alone to this house to refresh himself , and there seeing the Bostangi's or Gardeners Daughter , he liked her very well . The good man presently found who he was , and told his Wife Zabra of it . They were both overjoyed to see that their daughter pleased the Sultan , and commanded her to use all her art to engage him , and deserve his favour , their good fortune depending upon it . They endeavoured to conceal Zulemai from the Grand Signior , fearing her beauty would eclipse Abdimai's , with whom he was so well pleased , that he desired them to take care of her , and let no body else see her , promising to come and visit her often . The good peoples joy appeared in their blessing of Mahomet , and throwing themselves at his feet , they gave him thanks for the honour he did their Daughter , who they hoped would bring forth a Prince , that should be the support , and strength of the Musulmans , and should spread the Law of their Prophet over all the earth . When the Grand Signior was gone , they charged Abdima not to tell any body what had happened , and to take heed of letting the Sultan know when she saw him , that Zulemai was in their house . Abdima who had no less wit than beauty , obey'd their commands , being convinced how much it concerned her to do so . In the mean time Prince Soliman continued his visits , and the Emperor his ; but it was impossible for them both to go so often to the same place without meeting there at last . Mahomet has ever had a greater esteem for the Grand Sultana Zachi than usually the Sultans have for their Wives , and avoids doing any thing that may make her jealous , who loves him so tenderly , that she follows him where ever he goes , and seldom leaves him but when she lies in . Therefore he was glad of having a Mistress whom the Sultana could not find out , and whom he might visit under pretence of hunting . This was the reason that kept him from removing Abdima from Zizim Morats house ; but the Sultana Zachi who often went hunting with the Grand Signior , observing that he always lost himself in the Forrest , she believed he had some design in his wandering , and caused a slave to go after him afar off : by which means she learnt that he went into a house on the edge of a Wood , whither she fail'd not to follow him the next time she saw him go that way . Prince Soliman was got thither before the Emperor , and was already with the charming Zulemai , when the Bostangi of the house seeing the Sultan at the gate , made all the haste he could to hide them . The Grand Signior was no sooner entered into the Chamber where he was wont to divert himself with the fair Abdima , but he was informed of the Grand Sultana's arrival● He presently imagined that she had followed him to surprize him , and therefore he thought of hiding Abdima from her , that she might not be exposed to her jealousie . To this purpose he would have opened the Closet where his Brother Soliman and Zulemai were : but old Zabra apprehending he might like Zulemai better than her Daughter , offered to dispose of her in a more secret place . Mahomet on the other side fearing the Sultanas sudden coming would prevent them , would not let Abdima go out of the room , and commanded her Mother to open the Closet . Prince Soliman hearing the Emperors voice , believed his love was discovered , but thinking he might do his Mistress some harm in the first transports of his fury , he endeavoured to keep the door fast , by putting his Dagger into the lock . The Sultan observing Zabra's delay , snatched the key from her ; and not being able to undo the lock , broke open the door . The first thing he saw was his Brother Soliman , with a Dagger in his hand , which so surprized him , that he never minded Zulemai , who was behind him . At first he fancied that Soliman courted the Gardeners Daughter , and had hid himself in that place with a design to murder him , as was probable by the posture he found him in . Rage mingled with jealousie , and fear presently seized on his soul , and made him draw his Scimitar to have killed Prince Soliman , who could not have avoided the mortal blow , if the Sultana had not come into the room , and laid hold on Mahomet's arm , who was no less astonished to feel his arm held back , than to hear Zulemai shreek , when she saw the danger her lover was in . The Sultana Zachi having disarmed the Grand Signior , soon guessed why he would have killed his Brother , when she beheld Zulemai , believing her to be the cause of his losing his way so often in the Forrest ; and that having found Soliman courting his Mistress , he would have slain him . She took his astonishment at the sight of Zulemai to be affected , and threatned to punish her for being the cause of such disorder ; but the Sultan comprehending her meaning , after he had commanded Soliman to be seized on , protested he had never seen her before , and to justifie what he said , sent for the Gardener , who without mentioning the intrigue between the Emperor , and his Daughter , who was opportunely hid , related the story of Zulemai , and Soliman , who confirmed it , and discovered the other particulars of his adventure to the Sultana . She easily believed the Grand Signior , who assured her , that finding himself thirsty as he was hunting , he came thither to refresh himself with the water of an excellent Fountain in the Garden , that while they fetched him some water , he went into that room , and hearing a noise in the closet , his curiosity made him open it , where he found Soliman with a Dagger in his hand , just coming out to murder him ; which he was endeavouring to prevent when she held back his arm . The Sultana being satisfied with this Relation , never suspected Mahomet's fidelity , but requested him to pardon his Brother , and accept of his justification , as she had of his . The Grand Signior was so displeased at his Brothers falshood in depriving him of this beautiful Slave that with great difficulty he promised the Sultana not to resent it , and gave him leave to live in the Seraglio at Constantinople with his Mistress , whose removal from his Highnesses sight was no little satisfaction to Zachi . Soliman's confinement to the old Seraglio , which is the usual Prison of the Ottoman Princes that come not to reign , was rendered less insupportable by the company of his beloved Zulemai : but his disgrace had like to have caused great disorders . It was reported that the Sultan would have killed him with his own hand , at which the Town of Constantinople , and the Ianizaries who love Soliman , were extremely alarmed : They knew not the particulars of the adventure , and told the story much to the Grand Signiors disadvantage , with whom they were dissatisfied . They accused him of cruelty , and as they are wont to do , took hold of this occasion to raise a Sedition , under pretence of preserving the lives of the Sultans Brothers , whom they required to be delivered into their hands . The Sultana Valide who by experience knew the danger of those tumults , thought the best way to appease the Mutineers , was to go to Constantinople , where she hoped to have some influence on the Inhabitants , and the Ianizaries , who have ever been very respectful to her . This Princess was somewhat dissatisfied with her Sons carriage towards her , who slighted her advice , and repined to see her continue in that authority which she had exercised since the beginning of his Reign . Besides , the Grand Sultana looked enviously upon her , and could not endure she should be more absolute than her self . The Sultana Valide who always loved her Son extremely , was glad of an occasion of doing him a considerable service , and of absenting her self from the Port. Therefore she parted from Adrianople with a train suitable to her quality , and made a magnificent entry into Constantinople , where she endeavoured to quiet the people , and the Ianizaries , and to divert them from requiring the Grand Signiors Brothers to be delivered to them , fearing they would make Prince Soliman , for whom they had a particular kindness , Emperor ; she promised them that no violence should be offered to the young Princes , and protested she would sooner die her self , than suffer any attempt to be made on their lives . In order to which she not only took them into her protection , but assured them she would not stir out of the Seraglio , till the Grand Signior came back to Constantinople , where the People , and the Souldiers desired he would make his constant abode : but the Sultan would not hearken to his Mothers solicitations , persisting in his resolution of not returning thither any more , in which he was confirmed , by being informed that the Grand Visier fomented the Sedition of the Ianizaries in that City , and encouraged them to place Prince Soliman on the Throne . These Impostures were affirmed with so many circumstances , that how good an opinion soever his Highness ought to have had of his first Ministers fidelity , he could not choose but believe them : yet to have a convincing proof of the Treason he was accused of , and to put his obedience to the utmost trial , he ordered him to send him the Seal of the Empire , which he had need of , and to bring back the rest of the Troops as soon as he could . The disorder at Constantinople increasing every day , enraged him so much , that in the heighth of his anger he repented of his past credulity , and clemency ; and to take away all pretences of revolt , sent an express command to the Sultana Valide to strangle his Brothers : but this order being discovered to the Ianizaries , was immediately spread over all the Town , where the people joyned with the Souldiers to besiege the Seraglio ; threatning the Sultana terribly if she executed the Grand Signiors command . This wise Princess had much ado to appease them by letting them see Soliman , Bajazet , and Orchanes , and shewed themselves very sensible of her kindness to them ; especially Soliman , who still respects her as much as if she were his own Mother ; and not without reason , for she has saved his life twice . She abhorred her Sons inhumanity , and sent him word , that her affection to him , and care of his preservation and glory , kept her from obeying his orders , ●ince it was certain , that if she should put his Brothers to death , the Ianizaries would endeavour to revenge their murthers on his own person . She put him in mind of his Father Ibrahim , and his other Ancestors , who perished in the Factions of the Militia , and the people ; and conjured him not to occasion his own ruine by that of his Brothers , whom she desired him to look upon as innocent , and not to think that the honour they had to be allied to him rendred them criminal , or engaged them in any seditious tumults . Moreover , she upbraided him severely for his cruelty , which was so contrary to the education she had given him , and that good nature which had hitherto made him detest the barbarous Maxims of his Predecessors . In the mean time the Grand Visier knowing that the Grand Signio●s displeasure proceeded rather from the ill condition of his affairs at Constantinople , than from any real anger ; and that the Selictar his Favourite had , to satisfie his hatred , caused him to send this injurious order . He was no more concerned at it than at such another which he received before ; and only let the Sultan know by Iacup Bassa , that he had still fifty thousand men left to finish his Expedition ; and that he understood himself better than to give over the conquest of a place which he hoped to reduce into his Highnesses power in a little time , notwithstanding the malice of his enemies , who hindered him from sending the Succors he demanded ; and that he was ready to deliver the Golden Seal to whom soever he should judge worthy of it , as soon as he pleased to give him further notice . After this he endeavoured to hinder the besieged from receiving any relief , but in vain ; for the Duke of Beaufort arrived at the Island with a Fleet of fourscore Ships , and landed an Army of twelve thousand men , which our invincible Monarch sent to Candia , moved by his own generosity , and the request of Pope Clement the Ninth , and the Venetians , when their Embassador came to demand the Marquess of St. Andr● Montbrun , of his Most Christian Majesty , to succeed the Marquess de Ville , whom the Duke of Savoy had recalled , in the command of the Venetian Infantry . The Duke of Navailles , who was General of the Army , had no sooner landed his men , but he gave order to attack the Grand Visier in his Trenches ; he was followed by the Duke of Beaufort , and his Nephew the Chevalier de Vendosme , who at the head of a great many Officers , and illustrious Volunteers , marched in good order to charge the Enemies , who prepared to resist them as vigorously , as they had before defended themselves from the attempts of Monsieur de la Feuillade : but the Turks found this last encounter much more violent than the former . They could not withstand the Kings Musqueteers , commanded by Monsieur Colbert de Maulevrier , and the Count de Montbrun , with the rest of the French Troops ; and they began to give ground , when the Grand Visier perceiving their disorder , went from rank to rank , encouraging them to continue the Combat , which they were ready to have quitted . On the other side the Duke of Navailles behaved himself like a great Captain , and an experienced General . The Admiral the Duke of Beaufort exposed himself to the greatest dangers , without any care of his person . The Chevalier de Vendosme , though not above fourteen years old , signalized his courage in the formost ranks . The Duke of Chasleau Thierry did wonders at the head of his Regiment ; and his Brother the Chevalier de Bouillon following his example , received a bruise in his Belly , which forced him to leave the Fight . These brave men , and the rest of the Volunteers animated the Souldiers to fight like Lions ; insomuch that the Ottoman General seeing his men yield to the French , who advanced to drive the Ianizaries from their Post , caused the Mines to be sprung , which he had made to stop the progress of the Christian Army . The horrid noise and fire which rose all at once in the midst of the French Troops , surprised and scattered them . Their General , and the Duke of Beaufort , did all they could to rally them ; but not being seconded as they were promised by the Town , they were oppressed with numbers , and forced to retreat , and reimbarque after the death of the Duke of Beaufort , who had performed all that could be expected from a Hero. Many Officers and Gentlemen of Quality perished in this engagement , but none was so deplored as this great man. The Grand Visier seeing these dangerous enemies retreat , doubted not but that the besieged , who wholly relied on the French Succors , were infinitely discouraged . He chose out ten thousand of his best Souldiers to make an assault at noon-day , and to let the Venetians see that he was perfectly informed of the condition of the Town . He spoke so resolutely to his men , and promised them success with so much confidence , that they behaved themselves at this time more couragiously than ever : but they were entertained so warmly by the Christians , and so bravely repulsed , that their General interpreted their vigorous defence to be the effect of the gallantry of those French who staid to see the event of the Siege , and to hold the place to the very last . However he renewed his assaults so often , and the Forces of the besieged diminished so fast , that the Generalissimo Morosini , seeing there was no probability of preserving the City , was constrained to capitulate , and surrender on very advantagious conditions , considering the miserable state the Town was reduced to . It was agreed on that the City , and all the Island of Candia should be delivered to the Visier Azem ; that the principal Forts , together with the little adjacent Islands , which were in the Venetians possession , and all their other Islands in the Archipelago , and the other Seas , should remain in the Commonwealths power : that they should keep the Fort of Clissa , and the other places they had conquered in Dalmatia , and Albania : that neither party should be obliged to give the other any sum of money , upon any private pretence or title whatever : that the Generalissimo of the Venetian Troops might carry from thence three hundred pieces of Cannon , with all the warlike Ammunition , and Provisions that were there : that the Souldiers should march out with their Arms , and Baggage : that the Inhabitants who would not stay there might go whither they pleased with their Families , and Goods : that the Christians might take with them all the Reliques , and other things that belonged to the Church : that all Prisoners should be freed on both sides : and that there should be an inviolable Peace between the two Nations . All these Articles being drawn up , were presented to the Grand Visier , who presently signed them , though they were somewhat too advantagious for a place that could hold out no longer ; but he had urgent reasons that obliged him to grant these conditions , and to hasten the conclusion of a Peace . He had news from Constantinople that the troubles continued there , which he fear'd would be very prejudicial to the State , and the Grand Signior : besides , he apprehended that the fresh Succors which the King of France , and the Pope were sending under the Conduct of the Mareschal de Bellefonds , might retard the taking of Candia , which would be more inconvenient to him than all the favourable clauses that he granted to the Christians . Therefore he received the Keys of the place with great satisfaction , and gave him that brought them a Purse full of Sultanines , and sent rich Presents to the Venetian General ; who not to be behind-hand with him in Magnificence , sent him an handsom service of Venetian Glasses , and several other curious things , which the Grand Visier received very civilly , and gave a considerable sum of mony to those who brought them . The Venetians being retired , he made his entry into Candia , whither the principal Officers of his Army came to complement him : he received them with a great deal of modesty . I expect not , said he to them , any rejoycing or extraordinary pomp here in a place that has cost us so dear , over whose ruines we ought rather to weep . His astonishment increased at every step he made in the Town ; and the desolation he met with every where augmented his good opinion of the Christians , who had so valiantly defended the City so long after it was in so wretched a condition . After this he bountifully rewarded his Souldiers , and dispatched a Courrier to Adrianople , to give the Grand Signior notice of the taking of Candia ; and to let him know that he was now ready to give proofs of his Fidelity which had been suspected ; and that in a short time he would be at Constantinople with fifty thousand well disciplin'd men , to reduce and punish those who had slighted his Highness , and had made use of his absence , to mutiny , and disturb the Empire . This unexpected news was exceeding welcome to the Grand Signior , who lived in strange apprehension of the tumults which daily increased at Constantinople . He thought he could never enough commend his first Minister , whom he fully absolved , notwithstanding all the ill impressions of his enemies ; declaring openly , that Achmet Coprogli was the prop of the Ottoman Empire ; and that none but he was capable of such brave Expeditions , or could have so happily ended a Siege that had lasted five and twenty years . He sent him the Ratification of the Articles of Peace , with a rich Cimarr embroidered with Gold , and a Scimitar ; the Handle , Guard , and Scabbard of which were set with Diamonds , and Stones of inestimable value ; withal assuring him that he would receive the Chevalier Molino kindly , whom the Republique designed to send to him with Presents for himself , the Sultana Valide , the Great Sultana , and the chief of the Port. He likewise gave him notice that he had nominated Commissioners to go into Dalmatia , and other places where their presence would be necessary to regulate the bounds of the Venetian Territories , and to remove all difficulties that might hinder the conclusion of a firm and lasting Peace . The Visier Azem having procured this Peace , omitted nothing that might establish it , and punctually performed all that he promised . He was so careful not to violate the Treaty with the Venetians , and to shew the sincerity of his intentions , that he caused some Turks to be impaled for abusing the Christians at Sud● , contrary to his Proclamation , that they should do them no wrong upon pain of death ; and treated the Prisoners that were in his Army very civilly , and set them at liberty , after he had given them several marks of his generosity . When he had ordered all things necessary for the conservation of the Island of Candia , he prepared to march with the rest of his Troops to Constantinople , where the news of his Conquests , and design to chastise the Mutineers , quickly calmed the Sedition ; and those who had been most active in it , provided for their safety by flight ; which obliged the Sultan , who might perhaps apprehend the Visiers approach with so powerful an Army , to order him to send forty thousand men towards Mecha , and Medina , to punish the incendiaries that were retreated thither , that they might disturb the remotest Provinces of the Empire , where they had taken away the rich Offerings which the Grand Signior sent to Mahomet's Temple ; and had slain the Officers , and Ianizaries that carried them . Achmet Coprogli obeyed the Sultans commands so exactly , that the Criminals soon received the punishment they deserved , and yet marched on to Constantinople , where the Sedition was not so well laid , but that there was still a secret Faction among the Ianizaries , against his Highness , and the Grand Visier . The Emperor advertised him of it , that he might hasten his march to that City , when his presence was absolutely necessary . When he arrived there , he was of opinion that the surest way to put an end to the Tumults , was , to remove the Garrison which corresponded with the people , to appoint new Troops to guard the Town , and the Seraglio , and to employ the others at a distance , where they might not be able to plot against his own , and the Sultans Authority . But before he would undertake a new War , he advised the Grand Signior to maintain a good understanding between himself and those Princes who might oppose his designs . From thence he took occasion to commend the extraordinary valour of the French , assuring him that they only had retarded the taking of Candia , as they had before stayed the progress of his Arms in Hungary ; and inflamed him with a desire of con●racting an alliance with the King of France , and sending an Embassador to him to implore his friendship . The Sultan being convinced of his Ministers experience and judgment , agreed to his proposition , and resolved to follow his counsel ; and not long after dispatched Soliman Mutafaraca into France , where he was magnificently received , and was incredibly surprised when he beheld the Majesty and Greatness of the incomparable French Monarch , to whom he presented a Letter stuffed with the most splendid Titles that ever any Ottoman Emperor had given to another Potentate . This Embassador staid some time at Paris , and after he had admired the Politeness and Glory of the French , he returned laden with rich Presents to give Sultan Mahomet , and the Grand Visier an account of his Embassie . This great Minister perceiving that Peace rendered the Ianizaries and Spahies every day more insolent , like a good Pilot , apprehended a tempest in the midst of a calm , and was considering how he might remove them from Constantinople , when the troubles of Poland furnished him with an expedient . This Kingdom was disturbed by the Factions of some private men , who sought to settle their own authority , during the vacancy of the Throne , by the voluntary abdication of King Cazimir , who being tired with the cares that attend Royalty , put it into his Subjects power to elect another King. Several Princes pretended to be chosen , but none so earnestly as the great Duke of Moscovy , who had a mind to place this Crown on his Sons head . The Succors which he had assisted the Polanders with to repulse the Tartars , who broke into their Territories with a vast Army , seemed to countenance his pretensions . He fancied that the under hand dealings of Dorosensko , the General of the Cossacks , would gain him all the voices of the States ; but the Election of Prince Michel Wicloveski convinced him that the Faction of Sobieski Great Mareschal of Poland , was the most powerful , as tending to the good of the Kingdom : wherefore finding his expectations frustrated , he quitted the Polish Interest , thereby manifesting that his own ends had obliged him to embrace their Party , more than the alliance between them : but he was not the only man that was deceived of his hopes : Dorosensko was so concerned , and took the Great Dukes part so far , that he could not conceal his resentment . He was one of the most powerful , and ambitious men in the Kingdom , and could not endure to see Sobieski made Grand Mareschal . His jealousie made him seek all means to lessen his Rivals authority , opposing whatsoever he undertook ; and Sobieski's siding with the Nobility , whom their own , and Countries interest permitted not to choose the Prince of Moscovy , was sufficient ground for Dorosensko to form a contrary Faction , and to favour the Great Dukes design by gaining as● many voices for him as he could : but finding this project did not succeed , and that the new King cherished the vertue and merit of Sobieski , whom he looked on as an invincible obstacle to his ambitious purposes ; and besides , perceiving himself suspected to be an enemy to the State , and fearing he should be punished as a disturber of the publick Peace . He resolved to secure himself by Rebellion , and to raise his fortune by betraying his King and Country . In order to this he endeavoured to gain the chief of the revolved Cossacks that inhabit the Vkrain , which in the Sclavonian tongue signifies the Frontiers . He had a great deal of power there , and many friends whom he perswaded to revolt . To carry on his enterprize the better , he went to Constantinople to solicit the Grand Signior to make himself master of this Province . He represented to him , that this was the way to keep all the Polanders in subjection , who so often diverted his Forces , and to get the Kingdom it self when he pleased ; promising to put the best places into his hands , provided his Highness would send an Army to assist him . The Grand Visier was glad of this pretence , not only to employ his Troops who mutinied through idleness , but to require satisfaction of some injuries which the Sultan had received from the Poles . Therefore he ordered the Tartars to be ready to joyn the Army which he sent under the conduct of the Bassa's of Natolia and Bossina ; and at the same time commanded the Bassa's of Albania , and Romania , to march with the Hospodars of Moldavia , and Walachia . The approach of such considerable Forces made Poland tremble . King Michel got together about fifty thousand men to withstand this invasion : but notwithstanding all his precaution , and resistance , the Turks made themselves Masters of Caminieck , which was ever accounted inexpugnable , and of the whole Vkrain : and doubtless they would not have stopped there , if the preparations of the Persian Sophy had not interrupted their progress , and caused the Visier to recal the Ottoman Troops to oppose him , in case he should declare War against the Grand Signior . Thus this Kingdom obtained a Truce which he broke the next year , to continue the War , and force the Poles to pay the Grand Signior the Tribute he demanded . The death of King Michel happening at this time , seemed to open the way to the designs of the Turks , if they had known how to make use of so favourable a conjuncture to have extended their Conquests . They assembled their divided Troops , that they might form a more considerable body of an Army ; so that being united , without comprehending the Walachians , and Moldavians , they amounted to about two and thirty thousand men under the conduct of three Generals , the chief of which was Soliman Aga , who commanded the Ianizaries , Vssain Spahiler Agasi , or the Colonel of the Spahies commanded the Horse , and Caplan Bassa led the Forces of the Asiatique Provinces . They thought of nothing less than by taking of Leopold , which refused to pay contribution , to advance farther into the Country . But the Grand Mareschal Sobieski General of the Polish Army , not thinking fit to expect them , resolved to hinder their progress , though he was much inferior to his enemies in strength . He caused the General of Lithuania to joyn him with his Troops , that they might stop the passage of the Turks , who had retrenched themselves in a very strong Camp , as well by situation , as by the Works , and Fortifications they had raised about it . The Turkish Camp was raised on all sides , being bounded the South by Downs , and steep Rocks on the side of the River Niester , over which they had laid a Bridge , with an Half-moon at the end of it , to defend it towards Caminieck , which is about four leagues off . On the East it was covered by the Castle of Cotzchin , with which it had communication , by means of a little Bridge over some flowed ground . On the North it was strengthened by a Trench , and an Horn-work : and on the West it was raised in form of a Terrace , and divided by a large depth from another small Camp of the Moldavians , and Walachians , the Turks never suffering any strangers to incamp with them . The Great Mareschal being arrived at this Camp the ninth of October , 1673. planted two Batteries of Cannon , to answer the enemies who fired continually . After this he wrought so far on the Hospodars or Walachia , and Moldavia , who came not to the War , but through a forced obedience , as to perswade them to desert the Turks as soon as the fight began : but the Hospodars fearing their correspondence would be discovered , and their design prevented , retreated the night following , leaving part of their Troops to the Poles , who immediately seized on their Post ; when General Sobieski advancing to observe the enemies posture , and finding there was a great disturbance in their Camp , caused without doubt by the departure of the Walachians , and Moldavians : he thought it expedient to make advantage of their disorder , and without more delay , brought the Lithuanian Foot to force the Camp in the weakest place , ordering his Horse to cover them and oppose the enemies sally , while he attacked them in another quarter : but when he saw that the Turks stoutly repulsed the Lithuanians , and made the Poles themselves give ground , he put himself at the head of the Palatine of Russia's Dragoons , and alighting from his Horse , in the sight of all the Army , went to the assault , in so difficult a place , that he had much ado to climb up to the top ; from whence with a bravery no less admirable than that of Alexander the great , when he leaped into the Town of the Oxidracans : the Great Sobieski threw himself into the Ottoman Camp , where he alone supported all the brunt ; giving some of his valiantest Souldiers who followed him , time to level the bank , and fill up the Trenches , that the Horse might come in to their assistance . The Hussars who are deservedly accounted invincible , since by perpetual Victories they have ever gloriously maintained their reputation , immediately incompassed their illustrious General , who dispatch'd all that came in his way ; and having remounted him , they followed him into the midst of the Battle , where he faced the greatest dangers , and dealing death on every side , exhorted his Souldiers not to plunder yet , since the vast riches of the Camp would be assured to them by the Victory . His example was so prevalent , that the most backward of his men durst not shrink from their Leader ; insomuch that the enemies after they had four hours together withstood a violent assault , at last disobeyed their Generals commands , and endeavoured to save themselves by flight . Such a consternation seized on them , that above ten thousand cast themselves down the precipices ; all the rest were put to the Sword in the Camp by the Poles : and some who thought to retire to Caminieck , were prevented by Colonel Miochenski , who swam the Niester , and cut them off . This Defeat was so great , that out of two and thirty thousand , but fifteen hundred escaped , amongst whom was Caplan Bassa : the two other Generals , Soliman and Vssain , were killed upon the place ; the first of them having the honour to be slain by the Great Sobieski , who encountering him in the heat of the fight , dispatched him with his Sword , and took his Scimitar from him , which he now wears himself . This Camp is fatal to the Turks . Osman , the first of that name was defeated there by the Poles , in the year 1621. commanded by young Prince Vladislaus , King Sigismund's Son , and Chodkieuiki , Lubomirski , and Sobieski , the Father of the Great Sobieski , now King of Poland . The news of this Victory was as unwelcome to the Sultan , and his Grand Visier , as it was the contrary to the States of Poland , who were met together to elect a King. They believed they could not bestow the Crown on any one that deserved it more than he who had supported , and preserved it , when it was exposed a prey to its most dangerous enemies ; therefore they offered it him as a just recompence of his desert , and vertue , and with one accord proclaimed him King : acknowledging him to be their lawful Prince , preferably to all other pretenders . The Grand Visier , who before this Defeat had rejected all overtures of Peace with Poland , now advised the Sultan to name his Deputies for a Treaty ; but the difficulties that were raised as well by the Tartars as the Grand Signior , hindered the conclusion of it . The Tartars , who cannot endure to be at rest , and cannot live without War , required the Turkish Emperor to make the Poles agree with them about the bounds of their Territories , which had been the occasion of a tedious War. The Sultan on the other side being unwilling to restore what he had usurped , would not relinquish his Conquests in Poland , unless they would pay him a very considerable yearly Tribute . But the Great Sobieski being invested with the Sovereign Dignity , looked on the payment of Tribute as a mark of dependence unworthy a Diadem which owns no Superior Power , and rejected the Grand Signiors Propositions , who soon took the Field , and advanced with the Grand Visier as far as Caminieck ; where having received news of the Sophies prepara●ions , and the revolt of some Governours , he granted a Truce to the Poles , leaving Commissioners to treat with King Sobieski's Deputies , and returned to Adrianople : Though the Sultan suffered great losses in this War , yet it caused no great change in the State. The Grand Visier having pacified the Provinces , and allayed the tumults which the Mili●ia raised in his absence , applied himself to regulate the affairs of the Port , endeavouring to make the people sensible of the blessings of Peace , by easing them of the extraordinary taxes which the Sultan had laid on them , to defray the expences of the War , and to replenish his treasury , which was exhausted by it . This great Minister by his industry and prudence , has so gained the esteem and friendship of all the world , that he is no less respected by the Army , and the people , than the Emperor himself , whom he governs as he pleases , having obtained an absolute power over him ; which is not so much to be attributed to the Sultan's weakness , as to his perfect knowledge of Achmet Coprogli's vertue , and desert , who at this time keeps the City of Constantinople in obedience , which is so dissatisfied with his Highnesses ill usage , that had it not been for his first Minister , and the Sultana Valide , it would lately have revolted , when the Grand Signior threatned to take away its priviledges . Nevertheless , what a version soever this Prince has for the chief City of his Empire , he would have returned thither , if the Grand Visier had not hindered him for some secret reasons , which I may hereafter publish in the continuation of his Ministry , and the sequel of the History of the Ottoman Family , when I shall be furnished with new Memoires of the most curious affairs of the Seraglio , and the Grand Signior's Court● where nothing is concluded without the advice of Achmet Coprogli . So that one may affirm that this Minister shares the Sovereign Authority , and is the supreme Arbiter of the powerfullest Empire in the world . But that which is wonderful in the pre●erment of this great man , is , that his vertue and merit is so universally known , that all Nations think him worthy of his good Fortune . FINIS . END 〈…〉 A 〈…〉 〈◊〉 , ● give over . 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 abidit , b. suffred . adode , received . adode , b. tarrying . abrayde , b. arose , recovered . abrayde , b. brake off , up-start . a●eding , upbraiding . ablusions , l. cleansings . acale , d. cold . accesse , b. ague . accidie , l. wanhope . accoy , f. asswage . acoyed , f. panpered , made quiet . achecked , b. stayed . acheked , b. choked . ackele , b. cool . acloyeth , b. overchargeth . accoke , b. aw●y . acquite , f. match , to dispatch . adassed , b. abashed . adawed , b. awaked . adiacent , l. adjoyning . aduertence , l. audience : also mind , or thought . aduert , l. mark . adbentasse , f. coat of Armour . asy●e , f. fined . a●● , f. have trust . asscay , b. seare , stirre , assaule . asscey , f. sturdinesle , also seare . agasteth , b. skarreth . agiler , f. a market of men . agisted , b. commited , offended . agre , to please , to content . agredge , f. aggravate , to gather together . agrise , b. afraid . agrisen , b. aseard . 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 * Alnath . alnath is a fixed Star in the horns of Aries , from whence the first mansion of the Moon taketh his name , and is called Alnath . alledgement , i. case . alledged , i. diminished . Alderan , a. a Star in the Neck of the Lion. Algate , b. notwithstanding , ever , forsooth , even now , altogether . alcali , a. Nightshade , salt wort . Algezer , Alegz●ra , a City in Spam , near the ●●●eights of Gibralter . al 's , d. also : as well . alessake , d. Maypole . Almagi●● , a. a work of Astronomie , written by Ptolomie . alembic , a. a stillitorie . alures , f. walkes , alleyes . algoni●●a , a. ( canis minor ) the greater dog starre . alswa , d. also . ally , f. b. kin . allen , f , allie . Alisandre , Alexandria in Egypt , now called Scanderia . Almurie , a. the denticle of Capricorne . algrism , a. ( algebra . ) The art of figurate numbers . alterate , l. chaunged . Almicanteras , a. the name of the Circles , which are imagined to pafs throw every de●●●● 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 all a boone , b. made request . allegeance , i. case . Allibatha , a. the Index of the Astrolade . allaundes , f. grey hounds . Amabriade● , g. Nymphs , that live and dye with the Tress . Ama● amyng , using a mixture of quick-lilver and metals . amate , d. daunted . ametised , f. quenched . amenused , f. diminished . amo●●t● , lovers favous . amortised , l. killed . Amphsbologies , g. forms of speaking , wherein one Sentence hath contrary sences . ancelle , l. an handmaid . anigate , occasion . anhowde , b. hoover . Anelace , ( Prolog ) a falchion or wood-knife . Which I gather out of Matthew Paris , page 535 , where he writeth thus ; Quorum unus videus occiduam partem dorsi ( of Richard Earl Marshal , then fighting for his life in Ireland ) minus armis communitam , percussit eum in posteriora ( loricam sublevando ) cum quodam genere cultelli , quod vulgariter Auelacitus nuucupatur , & laetaliter vulnerabat eum cultellum usque ad manubrium immergendo ; which Aunelace was worn about the girdlesteed of the Body , as was the pouch or purse : for thus , pag. 542. writeth the same Matthew Paris ; Inter quos Petrus de Rivalis primus in causam vocatus apparuit coram rege in habitu clericali , cum ●onsura , & lata corona , analaceo tamen alumbali dependentè , &c. anney , b. annoy . annueller , f. secular . anoy , forethink . antiphoner , g. a certain service book . anhowue , to hover . anticlaudianus , a certain book written by one Alanus de Insulis . antem , g. a song . appale , b. decay . appayre , b. decay . apparell , f. prepare . apaled , unpleasant . appeteth , l. desireth . append , l. belong . apoplexie , g. dead palsie . apposen , i. demand , object . aprentise , f. skill . aprise , b. adventure , or shew . aquiler , f. needle-case . arace , f. to deface . arblasters , f. Cross-bows . arrest , f. durance , quietness , stay , an assault , also he that tarieth still . aretteth , impute , layeth blame . aret , areest , f. quietness . arrest , f. standers , remainers . aretted , b. accounted . arere , f. behind . Argonauticon , g. A book written by Apollonius Rhodius Alexandrinus , wherein he speaketh of Iason , and of them which went with him to Colchos to fetch the golden Fleece . argoile , f. clay . arret , i. to charge . ar●et , the sign Aries . ar●te , arest , stay . arist , b. arose . arke diurne , l. day . arke , f. compasse , bow . armipotent , l. mighty in arms . armonie , g. musick . arsnecke , i. Zanderacha , Orpin made of red Ceruse burned . arten , l. restrain . arted , l. forced . arted , l. constrained . ascaunces , as who should say , as though . asterte , let pass . assise , f. order . askes , d. ashes . astert , b. scaped , passed . aspect , l. face , or look . Asterlagour , g. an Allrolabe . * Astronomie , He that will be a Physician according to Homers Prescription , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , equivalent to any , ought to be skilful in Astronomy , and Magick natural . For if by Astronomy he be not able to judge in what state the Heavens stood , and what their Aspects were , when his patient sickened : and by Magick natural to calculate his Nativity , thereby to know which of the heavenly bodies ruled most in his birth , he shall hardly , or but by chance , conjecture to what end his Sickness will sort . aswith , b. forthwith . asure , f. blew . asckance , b. as if , aside . ashate , f. buying . assised , sure , asseth , assent . asweued , b. amased . asterten , b. escape . assoile , b. answer , declare . as , how . as wis , b. as verily . attaint , f. tried . atamed , b. set on brooch . atterly , b. earnestly . attoure , b. towards , also attire . attoure , f. attire for women . at erst , b. in earnest . * Athalanta , was daughter to Gaeneus , who contending in running with them which did woe her , was at the last overcome by Hippomenes , who cast three golden Apples in her way , which stayed her in taking of them up , and so she was overcome . athroted , d. choked . atwin , b. asunder . attempre , f. moderate . attenes , b. at ones . attwite , b. to make blame worthy , to upbraid . * Athalus , That Athalus Asiaticus was the first Inventor of the Chess , Iohannes Sarisburiensis in his Policraticon , lib. 1. chap. 5. doth witness , from whence ( no doubt ) Chaucer had it , as he had many things else , being a work full of variety and skill , and therefore justly commended by I. Lipsius . There it may appear , that Athalus invented the game called Abacus , the which word , as it hath divers significations , so it is taken for Latrunculorum Iusus , that is , the Chess play , as out of Macrobius and others may be proved . aureat , l. golden . aumener , b. cubbard . aurore , l. morning . augrim stones , a. pibbles to cast account withal . auntreth , b. maketh adventure . austrine , l. froward . autentike , f. of authority . aumer , Amber . autremite , f. another attire . auale , f. go down . auailed , assaulted . auaile , f. send down . auaunt , f. a brag , forward , apace , set forward . auaunt , f. forward , apace . auenant , f. agreeable , comely . auer , i. bribery , richess . awayte , watch , circumspection . awayte , d. watch by way . awayts , ( insidiae ) b. ambushments . awayte , b. tarrying , watching , pending , secrecy . awarde , b. judgement . awhaped , b. amased , daunted . awhere , desire . awrecketh , b. revengeth . axes , b. the ague . ay , egg . ayle , b. ever . Azimutes , a. great circles meeting in the Zenith , and passing all the degrees of the Horison . B. Bandon , d. company , sect , custody . bargenet , A song or sonnet . A kind of dance . bargaret , barme , b. lappe . bawsin , big , some say it is a Badger or Gray . baggingly , ( tumide ) disdainfully . baronage , f. lords . base . g. the foundation or ground of any thing . balais of entayle , f. precious stones engraved . baudrie , b. bravery . barmecloth , ( limas ) b. an Apron or safegard . bath , b. both . bale , b. sorrow . barbicans , b. watch Tours , in the Saxon Tongue , borough kennings . baudricke , f. furniture , a sword girdle . barkefat , b. Tanners tub . baselards , ( si●ae ) swords , daggers . balke , d. scape , fault . baude , d. brave , bold , lusty . barbe , f. a maske or visard . battelled , made with battlements . bay , b. stake . balefull , b. sorrowful . babeuries , f. Antiquets . bane , b. destruction . bandon , i. company , sect . baggingli , ( tumidae ) b. swellingly , disdainfully . bailli , f. government . baggeth , disdaineth . bayne , f. a bath . beausir , f. fair sir. belchier , f. good countenance . beed , continued . bearing , b. behaviour . bemes , Trumpets . bete , b. make , also abate , placed , also to help . beten , b. made . bedeth , b. offereth . behote , b. promise . beshet , d. shut up . benimmeth , d. bereaveth . beknew , learned out . behight , b. promised . belchose , f. fair choice . berne , b. bear , convey . bede , b. put , offer . bes●egeden , d. besieged . bete , b. help . behoteth , promiseth . bede , dwelled , continued . bewared , b. spent . bewrien , b. to bewray . belle , f. good . beest , f. a beast . bell Isaude , f. well spoken . behete , behight , b. promised . benison , f. b. blessing . bendes , f. bands . bey , b. obey . bent , b. a steep place . betressed , deceived . bewrowned , b. spoken in the ear . besien , b. trouble . bewri , b. declare . bend , b. a muffler or cale . beten , f. to make a band , to kindle . beliue , b. anon . besey , b. become . bereth , b. behaveth . belamie , f. fair or good friend . bey , b. buy . behete , b. promise . Belmari , Taken to be that Country in Barbary , called by Vassens , Benamarin . Besant , g. A Greekish Coin called Bizantium , as William Malmesbury saith , because it was the Coin of Constantinople , sometime called Bizantium . berne , b. to carry . beset , set packing . bewrecke , b. revenged . behew , b. guilded . becke , f. b. bill , beak . belt , b. girdle . betren , b. sprinckled ; also winding about . betrassed , b. deceived , betrayed . bete , abate . bette , d. better , quickly . benes , b. bones . bemeint , b. lamented , bemoned . beyet , b. begotten . bismar , f. ( bizarre ) fantastical strangeness . birell , i. fine glass , also a kind of precious stone . Bialacoile , f. fair welcoming . bid , d. pray . bit , b. bad , commanded . bineme , d. bereave . bint , b. bound . bigin , bigot , f. superstitious hypocrite , or hypocritical woman . bittor , b. a certain water-foul . bidding , abiding . biker , b. a fray . bigami , g. twise married . blankemanger , f. custard . blew Euage , ( cyanaeus ) of blew colour . blith , d. merry . bliue , b. quickly , gladly . blin , b. cease . blasons , f. praises . blanch , f. white . blandish , i. sooth up . blande , l. flattering . blankers , f. white . blacke buried , Hell. bleine , b. a bile . blent , d. stayed , turned back , also blind . blee , b. sight , hew , favour , look . blend , b. blind , to make blind . bleue , ●leuen , tarry , abide . blinke , b. looking aside . blo , b. blew . blondren , d. toil , bluster . bode , b. message or news . bode , d. tidings ; also , could , was able . bodeth , b. sheweth . boistous , f. halting ; also plain , rude , great . bountie , f. goodness . bosche , l. a bush . boure , b. house . bo●ne , f. b. good . borne , to burnish . bolne , b. to swell . bottome , f. bud . boun , b. ready . boote , b. help . bourd , d. a trencher , b. a table . bordels , f. brothelhouses . boote of bale , b. ease of sorrow . bord , bourd , b. jest . borace , i. soldar . bowne , b. ready . bolne , b. swelled . bole , a Bull. borrow , a pledg , a surety . borrell , d. plain , rude . bout , b. without . bote , b. did bite . borrell , f. attire on the head . bowke , b. the body , or belly , or the Stomack . bone , b. request . Bourd begon , Prologues . This Knight being often among the Knights of the Dutch Order , called Ordo Teutonicus , in Prussia , was for his Worthiness placed by them at the Table , before any of what Nation soever . If any desire to know the Profession of these Knights called Teutonici , it was thus : They having their dwelling at Ierusalem , were bound to entertain Pilgrims , and at Occasions to serve in War against the Saracens . They were apparelled in white , and upon their uppermost Garment did wear a black Cross. And for that this Order was first begun by a certain rich Almaigne , none were received into the same , save only Gentlemen of the Dutch Nation . After Ierusalem was last taken by the Saracens , Anno 1184. these Knights retired to Tolemaida ; and that being taken , into Germany , their own Country . And when as there also the People of Prussia used Incursions upon their Confines , they went unto Frederick the Second , then Emperour , Anno 1220. who granted them leave to make Wars upon them , and to turn the spoil to the maintenance of their Order . After this Conquest of Prussia , these Knights grew rich , and builded there many Temples and Places of Residence for Bishops , who also were enjoyned to wear the Habite of the Order . Chaucer will have his Knight of such Fame , that he was both known and honoured of this Order . braudri , b. graven work . braying , f. b. sounding . brawnes , b. sinews , muskles . brake , steel . braket , b. a drink made of water and honey . braui , l. reward . brat b. a rag . braide , b. arose , awaked , took , brake out . brast , b. break . brayde , b. a bur●t , strange fare . brede , b. breadth . brede , a bride . bredgen , b. abridge . bren , b. branne . brede , abroad . brecke , ( ruptura ) d. a bruse , a breach . breme , b. ( ferociter ) fiercely . bretfull , b. top full . brige , breach . brike , b. astrait , or narrow . bronde , d. fury , fire . broke , b. enjoy , to like . broken , b. brook . brocking , b. throbbing . brotell , b. brickle . brocage , b. means , spokesmen . browded , b. embroidred . browke , b. to enjoy . burnets , f. hoods , attire for the head . bugle , b. black horn . bumbeth , b. soundeth . but , except . burled , armed . burdon , b. a deep base . burned , b. brightly filed , burnished . burell , f. fine glass , a precious stone . burdon , f. a staff . burly brand , b. a great sword . burned , burnished . burnet , f. wollen . buxioning , f. budding . buxum , b. dutiful . buxumnesse , b. lowliness . byddeth , d. prayeth . byg , b. build . by rew , b. in order . bywoxen , b. made senceless , overwept . C. * Caere Inda , Some think it should be Caere Lud , that is , the City of Lud , called London . caleweyes , Calure , as Salmon , or other red Fish. canceline , f. chamlet . camysed , f. flat nosed . cankedore , i. woful case . call , d. ( pulcbrum ) bravery . callot , b. a leud woman . canell , d. a Sinnamon tree . carects , g. marks , prints . cardiacle , g. wringing at the heart . canon , g. a rule . caitisned , l. chained . cadence , l. proof . cassidoni , g. a stone growing in AEthiopia , which shineth like Fire . Ex Lib. de Naturae Rerum . capell , b. an horse . caroll , f. a song or dance . calsening , f. bringing any mettal into powder . catapuce , g. spurge . cameline , f. chamlet . calked , l. cast . * Ceruse , White Lead , the Composition whereof is thus : Fossa fiat in Terra : claudatur circumquaque muro paruo ● demum accipiantur laminae plumbeae oblongae formae quadrangulae , & projiciantur ex circumfuso super foveam : postmodum projiciatur in fovea acetum forte , bullietque projectum super superficiem terrae , & vapor inde resolutus inficiet plumbum : post spacium vero vinus diei vel amplius rade ab illis laminis , quod illis adhaeret , & illud desiccae ad Solem , & erit Cerusa . certres , i. undoubtful signs . centure , g. the point in the midst of a circle . censing , b. casting the smoak , Frankincense . celerer , d. butler . cell , d. a study . chasteleine , f. a gentlewoman of a great house . chaunters , f. singers . chaffer , d. goods , wares . chauntepleure , f. that weepeth and singeth together . chapelet , f. a garland . charters , f. writings . chaffare , d. buying and selling . chalons , f. blankets , coverings . champartie , f. maintaining a quarrel . chapiter , b. chief Rulers in Abbies . charge , hurt , harm . chekelaton , b. a stuff of Checker-work , made of Cloth of Gold. cheuisance , f. merchandise , devise , a bargain . chees , b. chuse . chevice , f. redeem ; also to effect . cheorte , f. love , jealousie , pity . chest , ( subjectum ) receptable . cheue , d. thrive . chest , ( opprobrium ) slaunder . cheuesayle , f. a gorget . chert , f. love . cherisaunce , b. comfort . cherts , f. merry folks . cheuesayle , f. a gorget . chike , a chekin . chincheri , f. nigardliness . chiuer , b. to shake . Christopher , l. a picture of a Man , carrying a Child on his shoulders over a River . chinch , f. nigardly . chirking , b. a noise , making a noise . chirking , ( stridens ) crashing . chite , b. chiteth . chilandri , f. a goldfinch . chiuancie , f. chivalry , riding . churliche , b. plain , homely . churle , b. slave . church Reues , b. Church-wardens . chymbe , d. the uttermost part of a barrel . citrination , perfect digestion , or the colour proving the Philosophers stone . citrine , f. yellow . citriall , i. a gitterne , or dulcimer called Sambuca . cierges , f. Wax Candles , Lamps . clarions , d. trumpets . cleape , b. call . clare , clari , b. wine and hony mingled ( Vinum rubedum ) d. red wine . clepen , b. call . clergion , g. a clark . clenched , b. fastned . cleuis , b. clifts , rocks . clergicall , g. learned . climbe , b. found . clip , clippeth , d. embraceth , kisseth . climate , g. a portion of the Firmament between South and North , varying in one day half an hours space . clicket , b. an Instrument of Iron to lift up a latch . clotlefe , ( personata ) b. the great Burleaf . clomben , d. ascended . clum , a note of silence . cockney , b. a wisard , disard , fool . controue , f. devise . controuer , f. deviser . * Constellation , the motion or inward working of the stars or heavenly elements , upon our earthly bodies . couercle , f. a cover , a lid . contemplance , l. private study . * Collect , Expans , years , and Roots , are terms belonging to the Tolitane Tables , and so be his Centres , his Arguments , Proportionels , &c. Face and Tearme be dignities belonging to the Planets . costei , d. to walk . convaile , recover . compere , f. d. gossip . commensall , f. a table companion . convention , l. a bargain . corare , f. overcome . costrell , b. a wine-pot . controuer , f. deviser . courtepie , d. a short gawberdine , or upper Garment . corrumpeth , i. stinketh , putrifieth . couth , b. known perfectly . cogge , a cogbote . columbine , l. dove-like . cordewane , f. dry leather . conteke , f. strife . costage , d. charge , cost . corigeth , l. correcteth . corven , d. taken , carved . couched , f. interlaied , underlaied . couent , b. a number of thirteen Friars . con , d. know , be able . coitu , l. copulation . confecture , l. a medicine . coy , coyen , f. to quiet , to flatter , also secret , dainty , nice . cop , d. f. top . conisance , f. knowledge . covine , b. deceit . connen , d. can . coagulate , l. curdled , joyned . colfox , b. a black or fearful Fox . corare , i. overcome . controue , f. to faine , to devise . combust , l. burnt , scorched . coines , f. quinches . coynt , f. strange . counterpleted , b. controuled . corosiue , l. eating , wasting . commoning , l. part taking . coupe gorge , f. cut throat . corbets , f. d. places in wals , where Images stand . cornmuse , l. Musick on Cornets . couenable , f. convenient . coulpe , l. fault . coure , b. kneel , stoop . commaunce , f. community . coilons , f. stones . coyse , b. joliness , niceness . coart , l. enforce . courfine , f. fine heart . compinable , f. fit for company . cope , f. a cloak . crampisheth , crampesh , d. gnaweth . crallit , b. engraven . creanseth , f. dealeth on credit . creance , f. faith or trust . crepusculis , l. crepuscles , or dawning . cresse , f. a rush . crispe , l. curled . Croiseri , b. they for whom Christ suffered upon the Cross. crocke , crucke , f. d. a cup , or stean , an earthen pot . crouched , b. blessed . crone , b. an old prating Woman . crop , f. top . crouch , i. cross , bless . crowdest , d. thrustest . crosselet , f. a melting pot . crockes , d. locks of hair . croupe , f. buttock . crull , d. curled . curreidew , b. curry favour . cure bulli , f. tanned leather : eucurbite , l. a kind of long necked Glass . * Curfew , William the Conquerour in the first year of his reign , commanded , That in every Town and Village a Bell should be rung every night at eight of the Clock , and that all People should then put forth their Fire and Candle , and go to Bed. The ringing of this Bell was called in the French Tongue Curfew , that is , Cover Fire . culpons , parts , or streiks ; heaps . culleth , b. pulleth , enforceth . D. * Dan Burnell , Nigellus Wireker , Monk of Canterbury , a Man of great Reading and Judgment , as Leland writeth of him , was not affraid to write of the faults of Curates , & the mis-spending of Church Goods ; even to William Longshampe , Bishop of Ely , and Lord Chancellor of England , a Man of all Men under the Sun most malicious . He did write in Verse to the foresaid William , a Book , under the Title of Brunellus , called Speculum stultorum ; And this is it which Chaucer calleth here , Burnell the Ass. He lived , Anno 1200. in the Days of King Iohn . dawes , b. days , time . daweth , b. springeth , beginneth . daren , darreigne , b. attempt , challenge . daw , b. wax day . dare , b. stare . daffe , b. dasterd . dagges , ( fractura ) latchets cut of leather . dagon , ( fractura ) a piece or remnant . dagged , b. slitted . dates , b. accounts . dayned , f. vouchsafed . defayted , decayed , senceless . dere , b. hurt , grieve . deluge , l. a flood . deviant , l. far off , wandering . definished , l. proved . desiderie , l. lust . debonairely , f. meekly . deis , b. a seat . debonaire , f. gentle , humble . deaurat , l. shining . denwere , b. doubt . destrer , f. horse of Arms. de pardeux , f. by God. debate , f. to fight . derne , ( dirus ) earnest , careful , secret . deintie , desire . decoped , d. peaked . demeane , f. behave . deficate , l. deified . deiden , died . deme , condemn . depe lowpe , ( transparens ) giving thorough light . deslaui , d. lecherous , servile , beastly . dey , dead ; also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a dairy woman . demaine , f. toll , custom , possession , also to rule . demoniake , g. possessed of a Devil . demin , b. Judge . dely , b. small . deuoire , f. labour , endeavour , duty . dent , b. stroke . demeane , f. complain , behave . delue , d. digg , ditch . deignous , f. disdainful . deuinals , l. wisards . defended , d. forbad , forbidden . dequace , b. dash . dexe , a desk . defouled , shamed . defence , f. charge , forbidding . determinate , l. limited . dispaired , l. discouraged . dissentori , a kind of still . digne , l. worthy , mere ; also lyth , gentle , yielding , also to vouchsafe . diuinistre , l. a divine . dike , b. ditch . diapred , f. diversified . diuinaile , ( AEnigma ) g. a riddle . dight , b. made ready , handled , used , also to cover . distance , l. discord , danger . dispended , l. wasted . dim , b. obscure . disheussd , f. barehairred . dite , b. a treatise . disconsolate , l. without comfort . disinal , l. ( dies malus ) unluckey . dispone , l. dispose . disparage , f. disgrace . distreineth , effecteth . disceuer , spend . distraineth , vexeth . diameter , g. a line dividing any figure into two equal parts . disease , b. vexation . disapered , l. vanished . discure , b. shew . diuerseth , l. turneth . disioint , b. jeopardy . dissoned , l. dissonant . docked , b. cut off . done houres , b. do servise to God. doleth , l. grieveth . douced , a pipe made of box , sounding most sweetly . domesman , b. Jugde . doughtie , b. slout . dortoure , f. dormitorium , a sleeping place . domed , b. judged . dormant , l. unremoved . doced , f. a sweet Instrument . dole , b. sorrow . doluen , d. buried . donet , l. a book so called . dowtremere , f. fair wearing . dowle , b. deal . dow , b. give . dretching , delay . dreri , b. heavy , sorrowful . dretch , to stay , to hinder , to tarry , to dream . drnftie , d. itkfom , filthy . drerines , b. sorrow . drenched , b. overcome , drowned . drerinesse , b. heart-grief . dreint , b. drowned . dray , drey , dry . dri , drien , b. to suffer . droui , d. filthy . drugge , b. toyl . drurie , modesty , sobriety , comliness . drough , b. drew . drenching , taking in . drunkelew , d. given to drink , drunken . * Dulcarnon , is a proportion in Euclid , lib. 1. Theorem . 33. propos . 47. which was found out by Pythagoras after an whole years study , and much beating of his Brain : In thankfulness whereof , he sacrificed an Ox to the Gods ; which Sacrifice he called Dulcarnon . Alexander Nec●am an ancient Writer , in his Book De Naturis Rerum , compoundeth this word of Dulia , and Caro , and will have Dulcarnon to be quasi sacrificium Carnis . Chaucer aptly applyeth it to Creseide in this place ; shewing that she was as much amazed how to answer Troilus , as Pythagoras was wearied to bring his desire to effect . duresse , f. hardness . dwale , ( solanum soporiferum ) d. nightshade , provoking sleep . dwined , d. dried , consumed . E. Ebracke , Hebrew . ebracke , Jews . ecclesiast , g. a churchman . ecliptike line , g. the circumference of the circle , wherein the Sun finisheth his yearly motion . echen , eche , b. increase , draw out . echeth , b. helpeth . eft , b. again , soon . effunde , l. utter . effated , f. sorted , defaced . eftris , efters , entries , ways , galleries . egment , b. procurement . eigteth mow , d. may grant . elate , l. stour . elenge , b. strange . ele , help . eldeth , b. maketh old . elth , eld , old age . eluish , b. wicked , froward . empaired , much grieved . emplede , f. sue . embolfe cercle , g. the oblique circle . embosed , hanged out his tongue with weariness . emforth , after , according . emispere , g. half the compass of the visible heaven . emplaster , f. set out , paint : emprise , f. enterprise ; also fashion , order . enbol●ed , b. swelled . enchafeth , ( flag●at ) burneth . Eneidos , g. a work written by Virgil , of the travels of AEneas . endry , b. endure . engined , d. racked . enhansed , f. exalted . enhauncen , lift up , raise . engine , f. wit , devise . engluting , f. stopping . enbibing , l. sucking . enewed , renewed . enmossed , f. comforted . encontrewayle , f. prevent , to meer . encheson , f. cause , occasion . enchafed , f. heated . enpited , delited . enlangored , f. languishing . ensise , b. quality , fashion , order . entreteden , d. handle . entalenten , f. move , stir up . entaile , f. graved work . entremete , f. deal , meddle . entermined , l. undermined . entred , l. buried . entalented , f. ingrafted . enteched , f. defiled . entetched , f. qualified , spotted . entame , touch , handle . entailed , f. carved . entriketh , b. entrappeth . entriked , deceived ; also mingled . enteched , f. qualified , or spotted . entremes , f. intermingled . enuelopt , f. wrapped . enuiron , f. round , round about . equinoctial , l. when the nights and days be all of one length . ernes , b. promise . erke , b. weary , loathing . erne , greatly . ernefull , b. sorrowful . * Eros , g. Whereas some Copies have Heroes , some Hernes , and some such like counterfeit word , whereof can be given no reason ; I have set down Eros , i. Cupid : as most agreeing in my Opinion with the matter ; which I gather thus : Lucian , in his second Dialogue bringeth in Cupid teaching Iupiter how to become amiable , and in him , how lovers may be made acceptable to their ladies ; not by weeping , watching , and fasting , nor by furious melancholick fits , but by comly behaviour . The words in the Greek , are thus much in Latin : Si voles amabilis esse n●que concutias AEgida , neque fulmen geras : sed suavissimum teipsum exhibe : & vestem sume purpuream , crepidas subliga aur at as : adtibiam & ad Timpana composito gressu incetle , & videbis quod plures te sequentur , quam Bacchum Maenades . So that the lovers of Eros , that is , Cupids Servants , do carry themselves comely in all their Passions , and their Maladies are such as shew no open distemperature of body or mind : which mediocrity this Arcite was far from keeping . And whereas some will have us read Heroes , i. Noble-men ; I cannot dislike their Opinion , for it may fitly stand with the sense of the place . erre , f. way . erst , b. earnest . escrite , f. a writing . esperance , f. hope . esplost , perfection . espiritueles , l. heavenly . essoine , f. delay . eth , b. easie . etymologise , g. to shew the true interpretation of a word . euin , b. equal . euin , b. upright . exiteth , l. moveth . exorcismes , g. adjurations . expleiten , f. make shew , counterfeit . eyth , b. easie . ey , an egg . F. Fast , wedded . fare , f. gone . falding , a kind of course cloth . fare , faire . fay , f. truth . fast frets , full fraughteth . farce , f. paint . fage , a fable . fare , b. chear . farden , b. fared . famulers , l. helpers . falsed , l. deceived . fallas , l. deceit . fame , desame , slander . fassed , l. stuffed . faitors , i. deceivers , flatterers . fay , l. truly , also fidelity . fairy , b. a goodly sight , the place where Hobgoblins and Fairies dwell . fantom , f. fancy , vain vision . falke , b. people , folk . faw , b. glad , joyful . fare , f. to go , also a stir . faunes , g. rustical gods . falsen , f. deceive . fantom , f. vain vision . facond , i. speech . fendli , b. ugly . ferne yeare , February . fetise , b. handsom . ferthing , b. a thin scale . fermerere , an overseer of cattel . fele , many , also feling . ferd , b. fared . fermases , g. medicines . * Fenne , Avicen divideth his Canons into partitions , which he calleth Fens . ferth , b. the fourth . fermentation , l. giving Life to the Philosophers stone . feled , known . fers , the queen in Chess-play . feture , f. handsomness . fend , b. devil . ferne , b. long time . feestlych , d. pleasant . fendish , b. divelish . ferly , b. strange . ferd , b. fared . felloun , f. deadly , cruel . fele , b. knowledge . fethered , b. shaked his wings . feffe , b. indue . feele , find . fele homages , f. faithful subjection . fell , b. the skin . feest , b. mirth , joy . fere , b. a companion . ferth , b. the fourth . fete , b. fine . fine , l. cease . finance , f. end . flaming , red . flash of flames , sheaf of Arrows . flaw , yellow . flay , did fly . flebring , b. flattering , slaunder . fleten , b. abound . flemer , b. expeller . flone , a● arrow . flemed , b. daunted . fleming , conquest . flid , b. flie . flite , flight , b. chide . * Floreine , A Coin of the value of 3 s. 4 d. or there abouts , and such were called Florenes de Scuto . Others there were called Florenes Regales , contained within the price of 2 s. 10 d. q. flo , an arrow . flode , abounded , floreth . l. florisheth . floiting , f. d. whistling . fonden , labour . fonde , make , contend , to labour ; also to make a fool . fonge , b. take . fonne , b. fool : also to be foolish . fonnes , devises . fone , fine , l. make an end . fother , b. a Wain-load of twenty hundred weight . forstraught , b. daseled . fore , gone . forfraught , beset . forrei , f. to provide horse meat . forrage , f. fodder , course meat . forcer , f. copher or chest . forward , course , condition , promise . forwined , d. dried up . fordo , overthrown . for thy , b. therefore . forpined , consumed . forleten , forsake , broken off . forlete , forloine , rechase , terms of hunting . forleien , d. wander . fordo , b. kill . forleten , foryetten , let pass , neglected , forlorne . fortuna maior , l. Jupiter . forgist , forgiving . forth , theft . forwelked , ( marcidus ) d. dryed up . forlaine , forsaken . fort , l. strong . forleteth , giveth over . forlyth , spoileth . forsongen , b. weary with singing . forge , f. work . foreyne , b. a Jaques . formel , his make . forfare , b. forlorne . fore , fared , gone . foredid , killed . foryede , b. overwent . fordo , undone , lost . fone , b. enemies . foison , f. plenty . foiterers , f. vagabonds . foothot , b. forthwith . fowlefaile , b. err greatly . folili , f. rashly . fomen , b. enemies . fongeth , taketh use . fownd , framed . foiles , f. leaves . frape , b. a company , a rabble . frained , restrained , also asked . fret , b. a circle . freneth , maketh strange noise . fret , f. fraught . frend , fremd , b. strange . freelti , b. frail . froy , from you . franks , f. french crowns . freten , b. devour . franchise , f. freedom . freel , b. ●rail . freteth , f. rubbeth , chafeth . fret , f. turn , fraught . frouncen , d. f. wrinckling . fremed , b. wild , strange . fret full , set full . frened , b. strange . frounce , f. a wrincle . froise , ( frixura ) f. a Pancake , or Tansey . frounklesse , f. plain . fryth , b. a wood . fullich , fully . fulke , an hollow place . fur●●ll , f. cruel . fusible , l. that may be molte● . fuir , i. fury . fye , defic . fined , l. ended . fish , the sign Pisces . fire leuin , b. lightning . G. Gabbing , b. lying . gadling , b. stragling . garnison , f. preparation . Garnade , Garnata in Spain . garison , f. a defence . gable , the fore front of an House . galoch , f. a kind of shoe . gaytere berries , ( virga sanguinea ) prickwood . gastnes , b. terror . gargoning , f. strange speaking . gab , b. prate or lye . * Ganilion , which betrayed the Army of the Christians , under Charlemain , to the Saracens , and was therefore torn in pieces with four Horses . galaxi , ( lactea via ) g. a tract of stars called Watling-street . gale , b. yawle . gale , b. flout , also chase . galpeth , b. belcheth . galiard , f. lusty , ●rollick . garison , f. to defend . * Gawyn , This Gawyn was Sisters Son to Arthur the great , King of the Britains , a most famous man in War , and in all manner of Civility ; As in the Acts of the Brittains we may read . In the year 1082. in a Province of Wales , called Rose , was his Sepulchre found , and his Body , affirmed by many , to have been of the length of fourteen foot . galliens , Galens works . gate , occasion . gaudi , b. brave . gawreth , b. stareth . gawre , b. stare . gawde , b. a trifle . geri , mutable , also cruel . gerifull , gend , f. seemly . gere , b. jest , frensie . gergon , b. chattering , praring . geomancie , g. conjuration by circles in the earth . gent , f. d. comely , proper . gesseran , a brestplate . gip●ere , f. a bag or pouch . gippon , a doublet , or light coat . gigges , b. drabs . girde , b. strike . gigging , sounding . gigges , ( garrulitas ) babling . gite , a gown . gisarme , gasa , a certain weapon . gipe , a coat full of pleits . gigges , bablings . giglotlyke , b. strumpet like . gladly , commonly . glapeth , b. glistereth . glede , b. fire , embers , flame , sparkles , ashes . gle , b. melody . glent , b. glanced , cast . gleire , b. white . glase , b. to glose . gle●en , d. gon , slidden . g●edes , imbers , also flames . gleue , b. a spear . glitteren , b. glister , shine . glitering , b. shining . glode , b. ascended . glowed , b. stared . glombe , b. frown . gloten , covering . glose , perswade . glose , b. flatter , also the exposition of a dark speech . glede , b. puttock . glowden , d. shined . glittren , b. shine . gnarre , b. an hard knot , as in wood ; a short thick grub . gnast , gnash . gnew , b. gnawed . gnoffe , i. fool , chuffe , miser . gods sonn , b. that God sendeth . gods half , b. on Gods side . gorget , f. a throat . gore , ( lacinia ) a pleat or fold . golyerdies , f. ravenously mouthed . gowreth , b. stareth . gonfennon , f. a little flag . gonge , b. Jaques . gossomor , b. things that flye in the Air in Summer time like Copwebs . Goodmes , f. good time , or mood . gourde , b. a bottel , made of a gourd . golit , d. throat . gotysh , i. sottish . gore , an arbor under a gourd . goodlihead , gay shew . grame , i. sorrow , mishap , d. anger . graythed , devised . grapenel , an Instrument with many hooks . graspeth , b. catcheth fast . gratch , b. apparel . grauen , d. buried . grant mercy , f. I thank you . graue , bury . graieth , b. to make trim . great see ( Mar maggiore ) anciently Pontus Euxinus . grece , f. gray , gray amise of Russie Squirrels . greith , b. remove . grete , b. wepe . grenehed , rashness . gre , f. good part . grith , b. agreement . greues , b. trees , boughs , leaves , grass . gret , b. saluted . greyned , made . grede , b. cried . grint , b. grinded . grispe , d. gripe . grisely , b. abhominably , gastly , fearfully . grill , b. could . grofly , b. flat on the ground . groine , b. a froward look . growbed , b. digged . gruffe , b. groveling . groufe , gruell , b. pottage . guerdon , f. reward . guerdonlesse , f. unrewarded . guerring , i. brawling . gullet , d. a throat . gye , b. guide . gyre , b. trance . H * Harrolds , whereas in some books it is , my King of Harrolds shalt thou be ; it is now corrected thus ( my King of Harlots shalt thou be . ) For so it is in the French Moralization of Molinet , 149. where he is called Roi des Ribaulds , which is the King of Harlots , or wicked Persons : an Office of great account in times past , and yet used in the Court of France . Of this office speaketh Iohannes Tillius in his second book De rebus Gallicis , under the title De Praefecto praetorio Regis . But more hereof when time shall serve in M. F. Thins Comment . halfe , d. a neck . hasard , d. dising . haw , a yard , black , have . halfe , b. charge . haire , hair-cloth . hayes , f. hedges . haketon , f. a Jacket without sleves . hawberke , f. a gorget . halpe , b. helped . halke , ( angulus ) b. corner , valley . herne , haubergion , ( Iorica ) f. a coat of male . hate , b. benamed . habite , l. plite . harlotrise , b. bawdry . halt , b. held purpose . hauten , comely . haried , b. pulled . hayne , f. hatred . hafe , lifted . hace , b. hath . han , b. have . hawbacke , b. return . hardely , b. stoutly , also verily . hackeney , d. a trotting horse . ham●led , d. cut off , abated . halow , hollow . halsing , b. embrasing . harrow , ( apage●is ) away , away , fie , ●ie . happeth , b. covereth , embraseth . hauselines , ( faemoralia ) breches . hat , b. was called . hallowes , b. Saint . haulues , d. parts . hawtently , b. solemnly . halt , held , holdeth , judgeth . haunten , b. use . haunce , set out . hanceled , cut off . halt , b. performeth , holdeth . halteth , ( trahit ) draweth . hauoire , f. possession . henten , hent , b. catch . he le , heyle , b. health . hethen , b. mockery . hewen , hewed , b. coloured . hecled , wrapped . herbigage , f. lodging . held , accompt , accompted . hereid , b. praised , honoured . hewed , b. coloured . hew , hewis , b. colours , welfare , beauty . hestes , b. wills , promise , commandements . heyne , b. labourer , drudge , heauen , b. to shove , to lift . hewmond , new roade . healed , b. covered , heard . heroner , a special long winged Hawk . hent , b. catched . herborow , d. lodging . heriyng , b. praise . herawdes , b. furious parts in a play . here and houne , hare and hound . helmed , b. defended . heale , hele , b. hold , cover . here and hace , b. hoarse and harsh . healed , heard . helded , b. holden down . herieth , b. praiseth . helest , did hold . hend , b. gentle . hernia , g. the disease called bursting . hote , hete , heten , d. vow , promise . * Heisugge , The Heisugge , called Curruca , is a little Bird in whose nest the Cuckow laieth her-Eggs , and when they be hatched , and grown to some bigness , they eat the Bird that bred them . hew , welfare . herden , did hear . heuen , b. rise up . hem , them . heth , b. brabes or such like . her , their . hete , d. was named . henters , b. catchers . height , b. were named . heepe , b. help . heraud , d. proclaim , set forth . hew , to hover . henten , b. to catch . hemisphere , g. half the compass of the visible Heaven . highest , maketh hast . hight , b. promised . hierdesse , b. berdwoman . hith , b. make hast . highten , b. promise . hip , b. the red berry on the brier . hidous , f. b. great . hite , hete , hote , d. is called . hild , b. powred . hidiously , b. fiercely , fearfully . holt , holden . hoten , b. called . horologe , g. a clock . hote the knot , make fast . hoppen , d. leap . howten , b. hallow . howgates , how . hore , b. white . holoure , b. horemonger . hostei , to lay siege . homicide , g. murderer . hoten , b. make an unpleasant noise . hopesteres , ( gubernaculum tenentes ) pilots . horde , b. heap . howselin , b. receive the Sacrament . homager , f. subject . howuer , an hoverer . hold , with-held . houed , b. taried . hoker , b. stoutness , frowardness . horrow , ( squalidus ) beastly , base , sla●derous . houe , b. lifted up , to hover , also a shew . horoscope , g. the ascendent of ones Nativity . hough , how . hostell , f. a town house . hote , b. promise , bid . hostilements , necessaries . hold , beholden . hostes hore , b. woods white . holt , d. a grove . hoting , d. promising . hurleth , f. falleth , maketh a noise . * Hugh of Lincolne , In the 20 th year of Henry the Third , eighteen Jews were brought to London from Lincolne , and hanged for crucifying a Child of eight years old ; which was this Hugh , whereof Chaucer speaketh , as may be proved out of Matthew Paris , and Walsingham . hurleth , ( obstrepit ) f. maketh a noise . hurtell , skirmish . hurtlest , carrieth , throweth . hurtlen , b. thrust . hulstred , b. hidden . hurtelen , b. provoke . humling , b. sounding . hyldeth , yieldeth . hyne , b. a hiend or husbandman . hye●d , heardman , Governour . hyerds , b. guides . I. Iape , Jest , a Word by abuse grown odious , and therefore by a certain curious Gentlewoman scraped out in her Chaucer ; whereupon her serving man writeth thus : My Mistress cannot be content , To take a ●est as Chaucer ment , But using still a Womans fashion , Allows it in the last Translation : She cannot with a word dispence , Although I know she loves the sence . For such an use the World hath got That words are sins , but deeds are nor . iambeux , f. armour for the legs . iane , half pence of Janua , or Galy half pence . iapedst , b. jested . iangleresses , b. brablers . ibet , stamped . ibete , set forth . icond , b. learned . ich , b. my self . ido , b. undone , spoiled . idolaster , g. idolatour . iet , b. devise . iewry , the Jews street or sinagogue . iewise , reward by revenge , also a gibber . ifete , b. effect . ifere , b. together . ificched , f. fixed . ifounded , b. sunk . ifretten , d. devoured . igourd , fly . igrauen , d. buried . ihight , b. called , accompted . ihired , honoured . ikend , b. known . ilimed , taken . ilke , b. same . illusion , l. deceipt . imasked , f. covered . imeint , b. mingled . imped , b. grafted . impetren , l. intreat . incantations , i. charms . in a threw , b. quickly . innerest , f. inward . indulgence , l. pardon . ingot , the mass or wedge of gold after it is molten , as also the trough wherein it is molten . intermete , f. medle . incubus , l. the night mare . indigence , l. want . intremes , f. middle servise , intermingled . intresse , lining . i not , I know not . intermeting , changing . inome , d. taken . interual , l. distance of time . iniquitance , l. disquiet . induration , l. making hard . inde , f. azure colour . in hie , in hast . i the , b. thrive . itwight , b. drawn . ineched , put in . inomen , d. obtained . inhild , b. infuse . iombre . b. joyn , jumble . ionglerie , d. jugling . iordans , b. double urinals . ioleming , d. joyful . iossa , turn . ioyeux , f. joyful . ipriued , searched . ipulled , smoothed . irayled , covered , spred . I se , beheld . isped , ( expeditus ) dispatched . ishad , b. scattered . isperi , g. Orizon . ishet , b. shut . ispended , l. considered . ishone , set forth . iswent , b. swinged . * Iustinian , In the eleventh Book of the Code , De mendicantibus validis ; where it is enacted , that if any shall beg , having no cause either by need , or maim , the same shall be examined and searched ; and who so shall find him to counterfeit , and proveth the same , Dominium ejus consequetur : and saith Bartoll . He shall be punished , Ad arbitrium Iudicis . iuuentute , l. youth . iupart , b. adventure . iubeli , l. joy , gladness for freedom . iub , b. bottel . iudicum , l. book of Judges . iwri , iwrien , hidden . iwri , covered , hanged . iwimpled , d. mufled , hooded . K. Kalender , chief , first . kalends , preamble . ke●●ked , kiken , b. stared . Ke●●nard , micher , hedg-creeper . kepe , b. care . * Kenelme , This Kenelmus king of the Mercians was innocently slain by his Sister Quendrida , whereby he obtained his Name of a Martyr . In the same place , for Mereturick we now read Mercenrick , which is the Kingdom of Mercia , as the Etymology of the word doth teach . For Rik in the Saxon Tongue signifieth a Kingdom , and Mercen , the marches or bounds of a country . So that Mercenrick is regnum Mercia , whereof both Kenulph and Kenelme were Kings . kele , b. to coole . kest , b. cast . kepen , b. to care kembe , d. deck . kemeling , a Brewers vessel . kernels , holes or corners in battelments . kerueth , greveth . ken , d. teach , know . kers , ( nasturtium ) d. water●resles . keuer , b. recover . kene , b. sharp . kend , b. made me know . * Kichell , A Cake which Horrace calleth Libum : Vtque sacerdotis fugitibus liba recuso : and with us it is called a Gods Kichell , because Godfathers and Godmothers used commonly to give one of them to their Godchildren , when they asked blessing . kith , b. acquaintance . kinrest , quiet rest . kithen , b. shew . kinds , kindels , ( faetus ) b. young ones . kirked , b. turned upward . kith , b. make known , shew , acknowledge . kid , b. known , made known . kitheth , b. sheweth . kin , b. kind . knarri , b. slubby . kned , knit . knittest , setlest . knockeden , d. did knock . knopped , d. tied , laced . kon , b. can . koueren , f. to hide . L. Lake , fine cloth like lawn . largesse , i. liberality . lachesse , f. leysines . latered , l. laysie , loitring . laas , ( laqueus ) d. net or gin● laude , l. praise . langorous , f. pining . lacke , dispraise . laft , lest off , enclosed . lacke , d. offence : also lie , to dispraise . lay , a song . lauen , b. draw empty . laudes , i. morning servise . languerth , i. languisheth . latonne , f. copper . lacert , i. sinew . layuers , ( corrigiae ) thongs . lay , b. law . laund , b. a plain between trees . lauender , i. f. laundress . laued , b. drew . lath , b. a barn . lasten , forsook . lasse , less . lach , f. lasie . larson , f. robbery . lacking , dispraising . lacken , extenuate , dispraise . Lettow , Lituania , part of Sarmatia , joyning to Polonia . Leyes , taken to be Levissa , upon the Continent not far from Rhodes . lestis , temptations , lusts , pleasures . ley , a song . lees , leasing , also lost , release . lewde , b. ignorant . leue , beleve , live , releeve , grant , dear . let , lete , b. leave forsake , leden , language . lene , b. lend . leueth , beareth . leuer , better . lech , b. a surgeon . leue , b. dear . lete , b. lest off , to leave . lends , ( lumbi ) d. loins . lettrure , f. book learning . ledge , d. lay . lessel , ( umbraculum ) bush or hovel . lele , right , lawful . leite , light . legends , l. tales . lere , d. to teach . leuer , lefe , d. wont . dear , willing , rather . leueth , remaineth . legisters , i. lawyers . leged , resident . lete , b. deemed , made shew , shewed . lease , praise . letting , leaving . leueth , relieveth , also taketh leave . lemes , b. flames , light . leotorne , a desk . legging , d. lodging . letest fare , b. makest shew . leuesell , a bush . lere , complexion , colour , skin . letargi , g. a drousie disease causing forgetfulness . lest , lust . * Litarge , f. white lead ; The Composition whereof , as I find it in an old written book , is thus : Accipiter plumbum , & funditur in olla , & projiciuntur interius testae alterius ollae , & postea moveatur olla fortiori manu , quousque commisceantur testae & plumbum , praeterea projiciatur illud totum , & illud est litargirum : hoc modo preparatur plumbum ad plumbaciones ollarum . ligne aloes , a bitter kind of wood out of India and Arabia . licand , b. in good plite . limitation , i. circuit . liard , b. nimble . lich , lech , b. like . limaile , i. dust that cometh of filing . light , to make light . lith , lieth . lisse , f. end , limit , border . lisse , lees , release . lisse , b. ease . ligne , f. line . lith , ( membrum ) a lim . lifthalfe , b. left side . lith , lieth , also plain . liege , lege , f. lawful , true . lignes , liketh , yieldeth . litherly , b. slothful . liggen , b. lie . liart , b. gentle , lithe , smooth . liuen , b. beleeve . lithi , lethy , b. soft gentle . lissed , f. bounded . lisse , to have less , to wax less . lieges , f. subjects . lithe , b. to ease . lorrell , ( lurco ) devourer . lombes , lambs . loos , lose , f. praise , also order . lossell , d. crafty fellow . louedaies , arbicrements . loppe , b. a spider . lodemanage , skill of Navigation by stone and needle . lollar , b. a breaker of fasting days . louke , a fellow receiver . lorco , a devourer , a gulligut . Loi , Dunstan , Iulian , Runian , and what they were , may be known in the Legend , Festival , and Votaries . louting , b. kneeling , honouring . longen , belong . lore , b. learning , knowledge . lorne , b. lost . losenger , f. flatterer or lier . londles , b. runnagates . loute , b. to bow or bend . lozenge , f. square . losengeri , f. flattery . loteby , companion , or love . loth , b. lothed . losenges , f. square figures . lore , b. lost . loode , led . losenge , f. square . lostheld , accompted lost . lodesmen , b. guides . lore , ( ratio ) regard , doctrine . low , fire , flame : also to allow , or like . lordeth , ruleth . lucerne , l. candel . lugge , b. pull . lushbrough , a base Coin in the days of Edward the Third . M. * Magicke , He meaneth this Physician was skilful in Astrology , and could make his election of fortunate hours , wherein to minister his Potions to his Patient ; and likewise that he was practised in Magick natural , as in making of Sigils or Characters stamped in Metal in their due times , fitted to that sign that governed that part of the Body wherein the Malady was ; as the stamp of Aries for the disease in the Head , and of Leo for the Reins , &c. Hereof he speaketh in the third Book of Fame . And Clerkes eke which conne well All this Magick naturell , That craftely doe her entents , To maken in certaine ascendents Images lo , through which Magicke They make a man be whole and sicke . * Martes marke , A Skar or Cut which the Children born in his Regiment have , and that in some part of their face : but this good Wife of Bath will needs have two ; one for the Character of her principal Planet , and the other , &c. maintenance , threatning . masteling , shining . mazeline , a mazer . manace , f. threaten . maladie , desease . make his beard , deceive him . malles , b. hammers , betils . maumetri , b. worship of false Gods. martirdom , torment . maskewed , fensed , fortified . makeles , b. matchless . mate , d. daunted , tame , mad , pined , consumed . maugre , f. despite . martereth , i. dieth . marke of Adam , mankind . malison , b. a curse . malleable , b. abiding the hammer . marris , b. a fen . mailes , d. round rings . magonell , an instrument to cast stones . malt , b. melted . mansuete , l. gentle . maumet , mahumet , b. a toyl , bable , idol . mannish , ( virago ) b. stout . mauis , f. a bushel . make it , hinder it . maint , mingled . malt , melted . matire , f. matter . mani , g. madness . masday , b. holy day . maysondew , f. an hospital . malure , f. mischance . malebouch , f. wicked mouth . * Mercury crude , l. Quick-silver ; for the killing whereof I read thus ; Argentum vivum extinguitur cum forti admixtione salivae hominis , donec dispereat , & dico , quod si projeceris super ipsum aquam fluentem , si redierit ad primam dispositi Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A32740-e460 The Original of Mahomet Coprogli . An. 1644. An. 1648. Aug. 18. † † He receives the Seal of the Empire the 5th . of February , 1649. Notes for div A32740-e8760 March 7. 1663. Notes for div A32740-e18210 Octob. 22. 1664. 
A42320	----	An account of a late voyage to Athens containing the estate both ancient and modern of that famous city, and of the present empire of the Turks, the life of the now Sultan Mahomet the IV, with the Ministry of the Grand Vizier Coprogli Achmet Pacha : also the most remarkable passages in the Turkish camp at the siege of Candia and divers other particularities of the affairs of the port / by Monsieur de La Gvillatiere, a French gentleman ; now Englished. Athènes ancienne et nouvelle et l'estat présent de l'empire des Turcs. English Guillet de Saint-Georges, Georges, 1625-1705. 1676 Approx. 576 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 213 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A42320 Wing G2218 ESTC R13895 12850087 ocm 12850087 94489 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42320) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 94489) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 714:11) An account of a late voyage to Athens containing the estate both ancient and modern of that famous city, and of the present empire of the Turks, the life of the now Sultan Mahomet the IV, with the Ministry of the Grand Vizier Coprogli Achmet Pacha : also the most remarkable passages in the Turkish camp at the siege of Candia and divers other particularities of the affairs of the port / by Monsieur de La Gvillatiere, a French gentleman ; now Englished. Athènes ancienne et nouvelle et l'estat présent de l'empire des Turcs. English Guillet de Saint-Georges, Georges, 1625-1705. [2], 422 p. Printed by J.M. for H. Herringman ..., London : 1676. Translation of Athènes ancienne et nouvelle et l'estat présent de l'empire des Turcs. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Athens (Greece) -- History. Turkey -- History -- Mehmed IV, 1648-1687. 2007-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-02 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-03 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2008-03 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion AN ACCOUNT OF A Late Voyage TO ATHENS , CONTAINING The Estate both Ancient and Modern of that Famous City , and of the present Empire of the TURKS : The Life of the now Sultan Mahomet the IV. With the Ministry of the Grand Vizier , Coprogli Achmet Pacha . Also the most Remarkable Passages in the Turkish Camp at the Siege of CANDIA . And divers other particularities of the Affairs of the PORT . By Monsieur de la GVILLATIERE , a French Gentleman . Now Englished . LONDON , Printed by J. M. for H. Herringman . at the Blew Anchor in the Lower Walk of the New Exchange . MDCLXXVI . ATHENS Ancient and Modern : WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE EMPIRE OF THE TURKS . BOOK I. SInce it is Your Desire , I shall send you some other time the Relation of My Adventures at Tunis , and the Four Years Slavery which I endured in Barbary ; and I hope you will not repent of your inclination to see that part of my History , for my Imployment was under such Masters as have enabled me much for the satisfaction of your Curiosity : But your Request at present , is , News from the Famous City of Athens , and the Coasts of Greece , which I viewed before my Arrival at Athens ; It is your pleasure likewise that I send you an Account of my Remarks in the Turks Camp before Candia , where I was present at that time . I shall out-do your Proposals , and give you the particulars of the Life of Sultan Mahomet IV. and of the Ministery of the Grand Visier . It is pleasant to me , and reasonable , not only to satisfie , but exceed the desires of a Brother , who ( like you ) by a thousand good Offices in my absence , perswade me that the bonds of our Friendship are straiter than the bonds of our Birth . The truth is , a Person of your Curiosity could not have Addressed himself more properly than to me ; and , as it seems , you have already had some intimation of my Conduct in my Travels : Whilst my Companions were pursuing their Affairs , and employed where their Commerce required , I entertained my Curiosity , sometimes with Merchants , to whom I was recommended ; sometimes with mine Host , and sometimes with our Guides , especially if I found them any thing ingenious ; in that case I brib'd them to procure me the Conversation of the most Considerable Persons in those Quarters ; and where ever I came , my business was to inform my self of every thing . About the end of February 1669. I parted from Tunis in a Vessel belonging to Alexandria , call'd the St. John Baptist , which Vessel , though of Legorn , carry'd the Colours of Genoa , and was commanded by the Captain Crivellieri of the Isle of Corsica , which as you know belongs to the Common-wealth of Genoa : Crivellieri was a Gentleman , with some tincture of Learning , which is rare in his Country : He took pleasure in my Conversation , and during my Voyage , having made some benefit of my Experience in Navigation , he did me a thousand civilities ; told me that the Fraight was already paid for his Ship to Constantinople as soon as she had unladen at Genoa ; and endeavouring to oblige me to go along with him , as an inducement , he told me his Vessel was to touch at Porto-lione a league and half from Athens , to the sight of which place I was formerly most ardently inclin'd : But two years Service in the Wars of Hungary , and four years slavery in Barbary had cool'd me , and taken off much of my rambling Fancy which indeed was the great infirmity of my Mind : I had then thoughts of reposing it for a year or two , and to go try in my own Country whether I could not cure it by the pleasures of a retir'd life , and applying my self afresh to my former studies . However the Captains proposition startled me , and rais'd no small combate betwixt my Resolution and Inclination . The same day we came to an anchor at Genoa , he was visited by two Germans , two Italian , and one English Gentleman , who came in company from Rome , where they had contracted a friendship , and agreed among themselves to pass together into Turky . They had been tempted to Genoa , upon intelligence , that our Ship was to arrive very suddenly , and to pass from thence to Athens : Those who had advertis'd them of that convenience , had told them withal , what an advantage it would be to them to make their Voyage in a Vessel belonging to that Republick ; for since the Year 1665. it had been at Peace with the Port , and obtained a Priviledge of carrying out its own Colours ; whereas till that time She had managed her Commerce into the Levant , under the Standard of the French. The next day being come on Shore , the Captain return'd a Visit to the Travellers , and took me along with him . I found presently that they were Learned and Curious . They had provided themselves of a Quadrant well enough made , and a Perspective-Glass that was sold them for one of Eustachius Divinus his making , who was famous in Rome for those kind of things , and Competitor with the admirable Campani . The Captain knew these Gentlemen were for my turn , and smiling upon me , put the Perspective-Glass into my hands ; I eyed it a little , and looking gravely , to give my self Authority , I blunder'd out two or three Optick terms , that put my Gallants into a surprise , to find a person of their own Learning and Curiosity in the habit of a Slave ; but having deliver'd my Opinion of it to the Captain in the Turkish Language , the English-man and the two Germans embraced me ; profess'd they had found a Treasure , and would needs oblige me to go along with them into Greece : The truth is , the Languages that I spoke , and the Experience which I had , perswaded them they should be very happy to have me with them , and they express'd their Opinion in that point by a thousand Caresses , and a thousand importunities to tempt me . It is no shame to me to confess , that the Stock of one who had been four years a Slave , was too short to defray the charge of that Voyage ; and the sudden departure of the Ship would not suffer me to attend till the Trustees for my Estate could make me any Returns from my little Patrimony in Auvergne : But my Fellow-travellers supply'd me , and all things went on very well , and very honourably for me : They were content to take my Bill for a summ of money which they advanc'd . Could I have dispenc'd with my Natural Pride , I should have accepted of the offer they made of bearing my whole Charge , to the very Taxes which the Turks in roguery do exact from the Christians upon several unreasonable pretences : However , I would needs have it thought I borrow'd it only , though perhaps they might have given it as well . Our Ship was of Two hundred and fifty Tun , mounted with sixteen pieces of Canon , and set sayle the 20. of March 1669. At first we were carried with a N. W. wind with which that very night we doubled the Cape Corso , Coasting along by the Shore of Corsica , with design to put in at Porto-Vecchio , which lies in the Gulf of Arfiano , due East of the said Island . You see Sir , according to your Advice , I make use of Sea-term● , though my Discourse reaches no farther than the Navigation in the Streights : You justifie me by an irrefragable Argument , in telling me that writing principally for my own private acquaintance in Paris , I may well use such terms as are already familiar to them : Besides you are not ignorant , that unless it be those of the Provence , all our Pilots do use the same phrases which I make use of to you . Our little Troop of Travellers retir'd into a Cabin appointed them by the Captain in the Stern of the Ship , to free them from the noise and clutter of the rest : The Italians were call'd , one of them Bocca-negra , and the other Bianchi ; the two Germans , one of them Hermerstat , and the other Hoeninghen , and the English mans name was Drelingston . You may imagine , that persons who had voluntarily undertaken a Voyage to Athens , had at the least some smattering of Learning . The Country is so poor there , there is little of profit to tempt a Man thither ; nor would it indeed satisfie any Mans pains or expectation but a Scholars . Two of our number were excellent in Mathematicks and Chymistry , and all of us well versed in History , both Ancient and Modern , which was of great use to us in our Voyage ; for having provided our selves with certain Greek Authors , we consulted them with as much exactness as possible , to inform our selves of the Situations , and Models of several great Fabricks , which time had so perfectly demolish'd , that they were lost beyond the very tradition of the Inhabitants . Our usual pains and impatience in matters of Navigation , we sweetned sometimes by pleasant and agreeable Recreations ; and when we were tired with any thing that was intricate and knotty , we diverted our selves upon the Interests of the Princes of Europe ; For matters of State are alwayes the last part of the Conversation of Scholars , as well as of the entertainment of the Common People . The wind being contrary , and our Ship ( with much Veering sometimes on one side , and sometimes on the other ) got up into the mouth of the Gulf Arsiano , our Captain took his Shallop and went on Shore at Porto-Vecchio : He would not acquaint us upon what score ; but I understood since , it was by Express Orders from the States of Genoa to see what they did there in the business of the Magnotti or Mainottes ( for they are pronounc'd both wayes . ) These Magnotti are a People of Greece inhabiting part of that Country which belong'd anciently to the Lacedemonians ; and the only persons of all Greece that have to this present preserv'd themselves a Common-wealth in spite of the great Power of the Turks : But of late they are grown apprehensive lest Candia should fall into the Enemies hands , and after the taking of that Town , the Grand Visier should address himself to the subversion of their Government : Insomuch as the Magnotti have some thoughts of quitting their own Country , and establishing in the Isle of Corsica ; to which purpose they have lately sent underhand to the State of Genoa , to desire that admission near Porto-Vecchio which they were formerly offered ; so that our Captains business on Shore was only to inform himself how the Commissioners deputed by the Republick proceeded in the distribution of such Lands as were assigned them . Our Captain return'd , we sail'd directly for Malta , and , for the dispatching of certain Affairs , remain'd at Anchor half a day within sight of the Chief Port in that Island . About Evening a Shallop came on board us with an Italian and a Turk , who desir'd , by the convenience of our Vessel to be set down in some Island of the Archipelago , or some Port of Morea . The Turk seem'd a person of Condition , though just then coming out of Slavery . The Italian and he had both of them had relation to a Knight of Malta lately dead , who to recompence the Services of the Italian had given him the Turk for a Legacy . The Turk pretended to be considerable in his own Country , and gave sufficient testimony that he had been honourably imploy'd in the Wars both of Hungary and Candia : But with all his Merit , and all his boasting , he had not been able to ransom himself , though he had sent many Letters to his Friends ; the Italian hereupon ( his new Master ) was about selling him to a Captain who was recruiting his Gally ; but the Turk unwilling to keep longer at the Oare , if it were possible to prevent it , had so cox'd the Italian with assurances of honesty , and hopes of a good ransom , that they came lovingly from Malta , with intention to have pass'd together in our Vessel into Turky , where the Ransom was to be readily paid , and an inviolable Friendship to be contracted between them . We were at that time by accident upon the Deck , and heard them give an account of their design ; most of our Equipage fell a laughing , and derided the simplicity of the Italian , upon whom they look'd as a person little better than a fool . In short , though in those cases little heed is given to the stories of a Slave , yet they are never sparing of their promises , and to get leave to go and solicite their Ransoms , are never short in magnifying and protesting their own probity and gratitude . A Secretary who was with us , gave us an instance , and told it on purpose that the Italian might hear it : His account was this , That he had at one time seven Slaves of Acrioteri in Natolia ; that he had been perswaded to trust five of them to return into their own Country , and to go along with them to raise the Ransoms of all , and that he kept the other two as Hostages for performance of Articles . They pretended that at Smirna they should find Friends enough who would treat them handsomly , and supply them with Camels and Money to compleat their Journey ; and yet when they came there , and all the way beyond , they had nothing to trust to , but what they begg'd ; and when at length they came to Acrioteri , all their Relations were either gone or dead , or so poor that they were not able to relieve them : In a word , instead of paying him as they had ingaged , it was once in debate to sell their Master , and it was no small happiness for him that they chose rather to give him the slip : He had a thousand fears upon him ( till their Hostages were restored ) that they would have secured him : He added also that at his return he used the two Hostages very severely , but to no purpose , it neither brought the other back , nor constrained the two poor Creatures to ransom themselves . This Story quite altered the Italian , and expunged all his former sentiments of Generosity and Confidence . The Vessel that brought them from Malta , was still with us , attending an Answer to certain Letters which our Captain had received ; so that the Italian prepared to carry his Slave back , resolving to dispose of him to some other person : This he insinuated to the Turk , who to speak truth , at that time testified the greatness of his mind ; he seemed not at all surpriz'd , but having asserted his quality with all the modesty in the world , and protested that he would have sincerely kept his Parole ; he exprest himself very ready to return to Malta , if his Master pleased . This modesty and resignation in him , wrought compassion in me ; and by good fortune it came into my mind to speak to my Camerades of a thing which I had gathered from his Discourse . This Turk had told me that he was born in a place not far from Athens , in a Country to which all of us had a curiosity to go , and indeed would have purchased such a Person at a dear rate , if for nothing but his assistance during our residence there . I acquainted our friends how useful he might be , and advising them not to slip so fair an opportunity ; I prevailed with them to buy him : It was only the hazard of so much money as his Ransom would cost , which might be possibly repayd , however it would not be absolutely lost , seeing it would give us at least a fair pretence into that Country , and afford us convenience of seeing that securely , which we would otherwise have done , though with more danger . We propounded it to the Turk , not doubting but he would gladly embrace it : He finding himself returning to the Galleys , and that we offering so honourably to redeem him , expressed great sense of our kindness , and ●esolutions of gratitude . He assisted to make the bargain , and to beat down the price as much as he could . He had been ●ong enough in Malta to speak Italian ve●y well : We paid him Four hundred Franks , ●nd the Italian return'd by himself , and ●eft his Turk to make his Voyage with us . The first thing that confirmed my good opi●ion of this Slave , was the civility which ●e showed immediately to the person who ●ad told the Story of the five Slaves which had cheated him ; He was sensible enough that it had hindered his return with his old Master , and hazarded the continuation of his slavery ; yet he was so far from being provoked , that he came to him , embraced him with both his Arms , and thanked him for being instrumental in delivering him from so rigid a Master , and placing him with such persons of worth : We used him very civilly , and I entered into a more particular friendship with him , by reason of my smattering in the Turkish language , which was the occasion of our frequent discourse . His name was Osman Chelebi , which last word is a Title of honour , and given only to considerable Persons . Being got up to the height of Capo-Passaro , which is South-east of Sicily , we descryed a Vessel that gave us an alarm : We discovered by her Hull she was a Christian Frigot , but she carryed the Colours o● Barbary , which sent us immediately to our Arms , and our Port-holes were opened to make room for our Canon : We had no● sooner done that , but she put up the English Colours , after them the Portugal , and nex● the Colours of Ragusa : We were all this while upon the Decks , no whit delighted with this kind of sport : but the Frigot being as little desirous to put an end to our confusion , put out new Colours still , as the Colours of Genoa , Holland , France , and Hambourg , which last are very rare to be seen in the Levant Seas : Not long after we observed the Standard of Savoy , as great a rarity as the other ; and after that the Pope's , with the Arms of the Family of the Rospigliosi , out of which his Holiness was descended . Having taken down those Colours , the Frigot continued some time without any , as we supposed , employ'd in looking out the Colours of Algier , and Venice , which were hung up afterwards . Thus have I given you in part an Inventory of the Goods of the Pyrats , who by a new name , from an old word , are at this day called Capers , of which sort of Cattel there is scarce one but is furnished with all sorts of Colours ; by which means the poor Merchant is many times deluded , suffering them to come so near , upon an imagination they are Friends , that 't is then too late to get off , and they are forced to submit . We were not so taken up with these extravagant changes , but we could observe the Enemy preparing all the while to attack us ; and indeed we had but few of our crew that were desirous of that . When the Frigot came within distance of twice Canon-shot she slackned her Sails , to give us notice by their Shalop , that we should take down our Standard , and salute them with all the Guns we had in our Vessel , otherwise they would sink us to the bottom : In contempt , they sent this Message to us by the most inconsiderable persons among them ; yet one of them , more rational and civil than the rest , took our Captain aside , and told him the Frigot was commanded by a Christian , but a haughty insolent person who affected to make himself terrible , and his name you shall have hereafter . All his crew were drunk , it being their third day of rejoicing for two Prizes which they had taken from the Turks of a considerable value . Whilst we were in this suspence , the Frigot gave us two Guns with Bullet , and had like to have brought our Fore-Mast by the Board . Their Messenger told us we might perceive with what kind of Persons we had to deal ; that their fingers itcht to be at us , and that whilst they were under the fury of their debauch , it would not be discretion in us to provoke them . He told us likewise , that before he came away , they had prepared to burn our Sails , and to that end had ram'd into their great Guns Rags of Linen steep'd in Oyl and Strong-waters . Our Captain called a Council , and made it appear how sensible he was of , and how willing to revenge so great an affront , if we thought him in a condition to do it , but he refer'd to our advice , and was not much offended when we gave our judgments , that we were in prudence to quit our selves of those desperado's , though at the expence of a little Formality ; and to do it with as little dishonour as might be , we insisted that when we struck and saluted them , the Frigot should hang out either the French or English Colours ; But the Messenger told us it was not to be expected , his power was limited ; and that we must strike either to the Hambourg or Ragusa Colours , ( which were the most inconsiderable of them all ) and to no other ; and observing the Frigot working her side to us , he required us peremptorily to salute the Standard of Ragusa , increasing the injury by taking away the liberty of our choice , even of those contemptible two ; but the inequality of our force made our Captain constrain himself . We sent their Shallop on Board again , and they causing the Banner of Ragusa to be set up ; we Lowr'd our Top-sails , saluted them with all our great Guns , and to satiate their ambition , if possible , came under their Lee , which is the basest and most abject Formality upon the Seas . In this manner the madness of the Corsair brought us acquainted with the greatest part of the Standards belonging to the Mediterranean ; but his Ceremony at parting was nothing inferiour , and one must have spent some time in a considerable Fleet to understand what he meant : he hung out the several Flags that are used to distinguish every particular Ship , according to the rank and dignity of the Officer ; For having set up the Spanish Standard , he represented an Admiral by clapping his Colours upon the Main-Mast ; taking them down there , he personated a Vice-Admiral by setting them up in his Misne , and then the Reer-Admiral by removing it to another : In short , after this , he made himself another Officer , by hanging out a Flame at his Main-Mast , and at last , the Commander of a Squadron , by his Cornet , and with that he vanished . The Italians being naturally jealous , our Captain suspected there was more than ordinary in this insolence ; for my part I was not at all troubled to find there were people in the world that could mortifie the Vanity of Genoa , since they had a new Standard of their own . They have made no great advantage of it these three years past , since which time they have laid aside the French ; nor has this whimsie been capable of restoring the authority which they had formerly in those Seas , where doubtless they have been more potent than the Venetian . But how remarkable soever these passages are , our Physitian Boccanegra ( who for his divertisement kept a Journal of our Navigation , after the manner of a Pilot ) took no notice of them in his Book , where our Captain would many times look in curiosity , but could never find any thing , but by what wind we were carryed , and how many fathom water . On Saturday the 6. of April , and 18. of our Voyage , we discovered the Coasts of Greece , and by ten in the morning were got within sight of the old Castle de Maina , which denominates the Canton of Brazzo di Maina . We were obliged to keep at a distance of two miles from the shore , where we came to an Anchor in fifteen fathom water , ( for nearer there was no ground for greater Vessels ) the Castle lying to the N. W. Here we understood we were not above eighteen Leagues from Misithra , which is the name at present of the famous City of Sparta . In a word , the Greeks , like the Turks , measure their way by the hour ; and an hours distance is as much as a Footman can make in an hours time at the ordinary walk of a Horse , which is near as much as a French League or three Miles in Italy . The Brazzo di Maina is the Southerly part of the famous Country of the Lacedemonians , inclosed betwixt two rows of Mountains that run into the Sea almost full North and South , and form the Cape of Matapan , called anciently Tenara ; so that Westward the Cape makes the Gulf of Coron , formerly called the Gulf of Messena ; and Eastward the Gulf of Colochina , called by the Antients the Laconick Gulf. The Western Coast of Greece , begins at the Port of Calamata , which is the most Northerly of that Country , and runs on to the Cape de Matapan , where the Eastern Coast commences , and runs along bending insensibly towards the North , till at last it ends at Port-Rapani , the farthest Port in the Brazzo di Maina . The Port de Calamata , and the Port de Coron lie seven Leagues asunder , one of them W. N. W. the other E. S. E. But the ordinary way from Calamata to Cape Matapan is S. S. E. and about Fourteen Leagues . The Eastern Coast runs N. E. about ten Leagues from Cape Matapan to Pagana , from Pagana to Colchina it runs Eastward about four Leagues ; from Colchina to the Point of Porto-Rapani ( where the Coast is most bending ) it inclines Eastward for about five Leagues together . It may well be said that on the Western Coast the anchoring is not so good as on the Eastern ; for on the Western Coast the Ground is false , and consists much in banks of Sand , so that to Cruise upon that Coast at the distance of a League , it is necessary to have a Greek Pilot , or otherwise you must be perpetually Sounding . I could describe all the Soundings , did I not fear to be troublesom , for I have them in my Memoires as they were given me by one of the best Pilots in that Country . Calamata retains much of its old name Calamiae , of which Polybius makes mention . Passing from thence to the Cape , de Matapan , the first Village we came to is called Christo , which name was given it from a miraculous Crucifix , which the Grecians have erected in that place . The Greeks do not use emboss'd work , and therefore this Crucifix was only painted upon Wood. Christo of old was called Gerenea , and was the place of the Nativity of Nestor , whose prudence contributed so much to the taking of Troy. From Christo the Coast leads to Chiores , which is a little Chorion , as the Vulgar Greek call a Village . The Houses of Chiores stand scatter'd and dispers'd in a Wood full of Fountains , for there are more Springs of Water in the Country of the Magnotti , than in any Country of Europe besides . About half a League from thence lies the small Village Cardamile , which has kept its name from the time of Agamemnon ; it is one of the richest little Towns in the Brazzo di Maina , wherefore the Greeks do not call it a Chorion but a Chora , which is their word for a Town . The Banks about Cardamile are famous in memory of those delicate Nymphs which came out of the Neighbouring Waters to be present at the Nuptials of Pyrrhus the Son of Achilles , when he came into those parts to solemnize his Marriage with Hermione . The great Village Istechia is not above three small Leagues from Cardamile upon the Coast , but is not to be confounded with another large Town of the same Name not far from Thebes , and eminent for the great Battel Epaminondas gained there against the Lacedemonians . Our French Geographers will needs have the Castle of Maina to be the old Town of Leuctra , but they are much out in their description of that Country . About Canon shot from Istechia , the little Rock of Pecno is to be seen , about a Musket shot distance in the Sea ; the Ancients called it formerly Pephnos , and 't was a wonder to me that they should denominate an Island from so pitiful a Rock , whose top is no larger than the top of Mont-Martyr : However , in this Country it was that Castor and Pollux were born . It was told us as a great wonder , That upon the top of that Rock an infinite number of Pismires were to be seen ; our Virtuosi falling presently to their Philosophy , and canvasing the causes of so unusual a thing , the sagacious Bocca-negra demanded of a Seaman who had been there , if the top of it was not sandy , and what colour the Sand was of ? The Seaman had no sooner told him that it was very sandy , and the Sand extraordinary white , but he cryed out , That we need trouble our selves no farther for a reason , for the whiteness of the Ants : That ancient History was much to blame to have omitted so evident an Argument ; and for our further conviction he urged the example of the Bears and Foxes which are white , in Nova Zembla , and those Northern Countries by perpetual reflection of the Snow ; concluding at last , that either quick transpiration of the little particles in the body of the Insect , attract by their activity the colour of the Sand ; or else the colour of the Sand does of it self penetrate the substance of the Insect , by means of the humidity of the place . Pecno is equidistant from the Port of Istechia , and the Port of Prestean , which last is built upon the ruines of the Ancient Thalamae , a Town never very Eminent , but now most miserably poor . The Greeks call it indifferently Prassia or Prestean . Upon the Coast betwixt Prestean and Bytilo by the Sea side , there is an excellent spring of fresh water , very well known to the Corsaires . It was formerly Consecrated to the Moon ; and not far from it was the Temple of Juno , remarkable for the Oracles , which by way of dream , resolv'd all those who consulted it concerning future Events : I know not whether any thing of this Temple be remaining , as they assure us ; but this is certain , that in the Brazzo di Maina there are the ruines and reliques of many Noble and Magnificent Buildings to be seen , preserv'd as well by the valour of the Inhabitants , as the barrenness of the Countrey , which has taken away either the power or inclination of Forreign Nations to invade and destroy them . Nor have the Turks been able hitherto to supplant them . Bytilo is a large Village call'd formerly Oetilos : and as out of Oetilos is form'd by corruption Bytilo ; so the Italian Pilots have corrupted the name of Bytilo , and call'd it Vitoulo . The Harbour is large , and we anchor'd there at sixteen or eighteen fathom water , which would make it an excellent Port , were the bottom accordingly , but 't is cover'd with great flints , or little pebbles that hinder the anchoring , and many times cut the Cables . The wind that brings a Ship out of this Harbour must be S. W. and we would think should rather run it upon the Shore . If there be any good Swimmers in the world , or any Thieves more famous than ordinary either at Land or Sea , they are at Bytilo , in which respect the Greeks call that Town the Grand Algier . Next to Bytilo keeping close to the Coast , we came to Corotta , a place little considerable , either for Antiquity , or Port , which is capable only of small Vessels . From Bytilo to Maina is near seven hours passage , and Corotta is exactly in the midst . From Maina to the point of Matapan is only two hours ; and at the foot of this Cape , lies a small Village call'd Caibares , where stood formerly the little City of Cenepolis call'd otherwise Taenarium , from the name of that Promontory ; and thus ends the Western Coast of Brazzo-di-Maina . The Castle of Maina , is on the same place where formerly stood the City of Messa ● not much known amongst the Ancients but for its Neighbourhood to the ruines o● Hyppolae ; and a hollow part of the Coas● call'd by them Thyrides or the Windows ▪ By the view of this Coast we concluded ▪ that Maina is the same that Messa was formerly , and could easily collect why it wa● call'd Thyrides ; for observing the Coast from our Ship , we discerned several Grottos cut in it , and dispos'd in such a manner , that they look'd like a continued row of windows , and I will tell you hereafter how they are us'd to that purpose . There are three dangerous Rocks at the mouth of the Haven of Maina ; besides that it is otherwise very bad , there being scarce water enough for a Shallop , in respect o● the many quick-sands and sand-banks therein : The Town is built round about the Port , but open every where towards the Land , as all the Towns of the Magnotti are , and indeed it is generally so all over Greece , where , unless it be Constantinople ▪ and the old circumference of Andrinople , there is scarce a City that has a compleat Wall about it : formerly they had all very good Walls . The Famous Sparta was the only Town that refused them , as looking upon the Valour and Bucklers of her Inhabitants to be her best Rampart and Fortification . Our Vessel having been at anchor about two hours , sent her Shallop with a white flag within Canon shot of the Castle , which is the formality used when Pratique or Commerce is desired with a suspected people : The Inhabitants hung out likewise a white flag ; and a while after two or three of their Barks came on board us : Our Captain had no mind we should know his Negotiations with them , and to take off our curiosity of going a Shore , he endeavour'd to terrifie us with stories of the frequent insolence and rudeness of those people toward strangers ; but Osman Chelibi assured us the contrary , though there were several affirm'd that he himself would be in as much danger as any of us : However our own inclinations , and his confidence prevail'd , and he put himself with us into one of the Boats of the Magnotti : we landed about a hundred paces from some of the aforesaid Grottos , out of which we quickly perceiv'd five or six lusty Fellows to come forth , arm'd with Musquetons and making towards us , which gave us no little alarm ; their faces were black as Devils , but their clothes or the same colour with the ground , which they chose on purpose for the more easie circumvention of passengers , that is to say , of one another , for there are few Travellers to be seen in those Quarters . These Rascals do lye flat upon their bellies about fifty paces from the Rode , and appearing at that distance like so many little heaps of rubbish , a man suspects nothing , and is strangely surpriz'd to see them leap up suddenly , and come and catch them by the coller . The Magnott who conducted us , had a little barrel of Brandy in his hand that we had given him ; he proffer'd it to these honest Fellows to drink , who being much pacified thereby , each of them took two hearty gulps , and invited us very civilly into their Dens : Osman Chelibi encouraged us to go along , but we durst not trust him , and for more surety sate our selves down upon the bank . At first I was receiv'd but coldly with my Turkish Language , which at Osman's request I distributed very freely among them : I thought to have insinuated mightily thereby , but they pretended not to understand me , that I might conceive a better opinion of their Religion , and be taken with their contempt of the Mahumetans : This policy of theirs made me believe they were some of those who were to pass into Italy ; and when I asked them , they confessed as much . By degrees we grew something better acquainted , and in time came to some kind of confidence : We walked up and down together , and at last they brought us some of their salted Quails , which indeed are admirably good : There ●s no Countrey in the world that has more plenty of Quails , or better than theirs , and ●hey are careful to salt them up to serve ●hem the whole year . A Papas , or Greek Priest gave us Wine of his own growth , not ●t all inferiour to the Wine of Lepanthe , which at this day is the famousest Vineyard ●n the West of Greece : by degrees they grew very communicable , and inform'd us ●eadily of their Customs . It is supposed there may be about thirty ●housand Souls in the Brazzo-di-Maina ; ●ut as to their Manners , never any people were represented so diversly as they are at ●his day : Some will have them brutish , ●erfidious , and naturally addicted to rob●ery ; others consider them as the true Po●erity and remainder of the Magnanimous Greeks , who prefer'd their Liberty to thei● Lives , and by variety of great actions mad● themselves terrible , or at least respected t● other Nations ; insomuch that their Champions maintain , that the violences and ferocity of the Magnotti is but the effect o● their just indignation to which they a●● daily provok'd by their barbarous persecutions both from the Turks and the Christia● Corsaires . Be it how it will , of all the People in Greece , there were none but the Ep●rots ( call'd the Albanians at this day ) an● the Magnotti ( the lamentable remainder ● the Lacedemonians ) that were able to be●● up against the Turks . The Albanians we●● subdued 1466. in which Year their R●nowned Prince Scanderbeg dying ; at th● dispersion of his Subjects and Troops , ● good part of them retiring to the Magnot●● were kindly receiv'd , and had Quarte● given them in their Caverns and Mou●tains . As to their Religion , they preserve th●● of the Ancient Greeks ; they have amo●● them many Calogers , which are Monks ● the Institution of St. Basil , and several th● they call Papa's or Priests : But the oth●● Greeks have so little esteem of their Piet●● that when they speak of them , they say ● derision , If you would be a New Saint , yo● must go and live among the Magnotti . They have a particular Veneration for the Virgin Mary , for St. George , and for St. Demetrius , who is the Protector of Greece . Upon the top of their Mountains they have a multitude of little Chappels dedicated to the Prophet Elias , whom they account the first person that imbrac'd a Monastick Life . The whole Coast is full of Grottos cut in ●he Rock , which are used as Cells or Hermitages for their Calogers , who are as so many Sentinels to discover the Ships at Sea , and when any appear , they repair immediately to the Town to give Alarm to the Governour , and prepare the people either for their Defence or Prize : This is the use that is made of the Thyrides or Windows that we have mentioned before . The Calogers in the other parts of Greece by the Rules of their Institution , have the priviledge of Commerce , and may trade for Wines , Fruit , Honey , Oyles , and in general , for all the effects of their own industry and labour : But the Calogers of the Brazzo-di-Maina go farther , and have liberty of Piracy , and in excuse of their hostilities , they pretend slily when they go to Sea , that they go only to secure the tenths of the Prize in behalf of the Church ; whereas in truth there is nothing excites them so much as the desire of plunder ; and when they meet with any Prize , they need no● speak twice to bid them lay them aboard ▪ and yet there are among them very Piou● Men , and strict in their Lives . The Greek that is vulgarly spoken among the Magnotti , is the most corrupt of al● other ; for having a constant Trade by reason of the Commodities which they take by Piracy ; and Trafficking one day with on● Nation , and another day with another● they are much accustom'd to the Languag● which they call the Franck ; an ill favour'd kind of Italian that makes use of the Infinitive of every Verb , to express all the Tenses and Moods of every Conjugation ; and yet for all that lame and imperfect way , i● understood and spoke in most parts of the Levant . The greatest Trade of the Magnotti is slaves : They take all the Prisoner they can catch , both Christians and Turks ● the Turks they sell to the Christians , an● the Christians to the Turks . They are so far from concealing , or being asham'd of their Piracies , that they boas● of them , and take delight in giving a Relation . I found by their vanity in thos● descriptions that they were true Greeks ● and had learn'd of their Ancestors the A●● of flourishing and embellishing their Exploits : They carried me to one of their Grand Corsaires , and shew him as a person who had done strange things above the ordinary rate . When in the Countrey it was known that he was preparing to go to Sea , the Alarm was generally taken , the Parents that had handsom Children , and the Husbands that had handsom Wifes lock'd them up carefully for fear this good Gentleman should spirit them , and sell them into other Countries : they are in the same apprehension when any strange Vessel comes in ; for if any of the Magnot Corsaires has a quarrel to any of his Neighbours , their Wives or Children pay for it , and are stolen the next opportunity . When I was a slave at Birette , I had for my Comrade a young Greek who had been sold by the Magnotti ; he was only Son and Heir to the best Family in Modon , which is a considerable Town in Morea . A rich Turk in that City , famous for oppressing the Christians , had an itching after the young Mans Estate , and not finding a cleaverer way , he contracted with the Magnotti , who took their opportunity , whipp'd him away , and sold him to a Vessel belonging to Bizerti . Not many dayes before we came to an anchor in the Road of Maina , there happen'd a pleasant accident in the Cabans betwixt Maina and Bytilo : Two of the Magnotts , one of them call'd Theodoro , the other Anapliottis ( both great Corsaires , both married , and formerly great friends ) falling out about the division of a Barque which they had taken from the Venetian , and pillaged ; in revenge , unknown to one another , at the same time they enter'd upon a design of stealing one anothers Wives ; and it succeeded on both sides : They knew there was in the Road at the same time a Corsaire of Malta : Theodoro got the Wife of Anapliottis , and away he went with her to the Ship , but could by no means come to an agreement with the Corsaire about the Prize ; for having viewed and considered her well , the Corsaire refused to give what he demanded , and told him , it was not two hours since he had bought another much handsomer for half the money ; and that Theodoro might be satisfied he spake truth , he commanded her to be brought up ; She was produc'd , and Theodoro found it was his own Wife , and that Anapliottis had been before-hand with him ; He was strangely surprized , yet thought not so much of rescuing his own Wife , as pressing the Maltese to take the other at his own rate ; that when the whole story came out , ( as one day it was likely it would ) it might be known that both the good Women were sold at the discretion of the Pirate , and that he might not be alone the perpetual subject of mockery and disgrace : But Anapliottis missing his Consort , and understanding her condition , armed out a Shallop ( and Theodoro in spight of the quarrel joining with him ) they made up to him , and so hectored the poor Pirate , that he was forced to deliver them , or otherwise he must have ruined the rest of his Affairs in that Country . The Husbands , by interposition of their friends , were so perfectly reconciled , that two days after they were Cruising again together in the same Vessel , and looking for Prize : They might have been Divorced from their Wives if they had desired it ; for nothing is more common among the Greeks ; but they were both good natured and took them again . Not far from Maina we were carried into a long Cabin , in which there were two large Rooms hung with Cloaths , one side a la Turque , the other a la Françcois ; here hung the Turbans , there the Calpas or Greek Bonnets ; here the Sabers , there our Couteaux or short Swords ; here our Shoes , and there the Turkish Chippins . This Wardrobe was the Spoils and Trophies of many victories at Sea , where sparing no body , they make all Fish that comes into their Net. They offered us very good peny-worths , and a young Piemontois of our company , called Bertaldi , bought a very fair Vest that had been taken from a Greek Merchant of the Isle of Engia , which is an Island not far from Athens : For my part I had not the courage that Bertaldi had ; Cloths that are gained in that unjustifiable manner , are many times owned , and great mischiefs do fall out to the buyers . The Turks are every day sensible of the Cunning and Courage of the Magnotti , seeing their Vessels with Officers and Provisions for their Camp before Candy , many times intercepted by them . The Turks , however provoked , durst never formally invade them , or ingage their Troops in those hideous Mountains : instead of downright attacks , they have thought it more prudent to debauch some of the most mutinous of the people , and make a Faction among them . The Grand Visier has recieved and swallowed a thousand insolencies from them , which they did to revenge the death of ten or twelve of their Corsairs taken in the year 1667. and impaled in Candy by his order . They have come often in the night and burned his Ships under the very Canon at Canea , and got off without much difficulty ; for their Vessels are nimble sailers , draw but little water , and will run any where , where another will strike . To pacifie them , and furnish himself the better , the Grand Visier offered them double the price for all Provisions they will bring in ; but his proposition being rejected , he sent a Squadron to infest their Coast under the Command of Ássam Baba the famous Corsair and best Seaman the Turks have ; and indeed the very man , who having committed so many insufferable Violences upon several French Vessels , gave just occasion for the Complaints which our Ambassadors made against him , and was a great cause of the jealousies betwixt the two Crowns . Assam Baba having appeared with his Squadron of four Ships before Maina , hung out his White Flag ; promised an amnesty , and proposed to them to send Commissioners to Treat with him . They suspected it was but a design , and those of the Magnotti who were most disposed for Mutiny , replyed only with their Muskets and long Guns , of which they have great store . The Alarm was taken all over the Country , and they sent in great confusion to raise the third man quite thorow that Canton , appointing several Rendezvouses at Sytrè and Adrabysta , two of their principal Villages : In the mean time the Inhabitants of Maina carried all the best of their Goods to the top of their Rocks . It was a spectacle of strange confusion to see them haling their Wives and Children along those terrible Precipices ; and the Old and the Lame limping along , with each of them a great bundle at their backs , and driving before them their Flocks of Goats , which is the chief wealth of that Country . But the Women came back , and were present at the defence of their Shore , and by an accident that I cannot omit . It hapned that a young man in the middle of their March , overtaking one of the Women who had a Child of three days old at her breast , told her that her Husband had sent him after her to enquire where she had laid his Sword and Fuzil in the hurry . Tell him ( replied the woman in a passion ) that he come and look to my Goats , and my Child , and I will fetch his Arms and use them better than he ; and thereupon having put her Child into the arms of an old woman that was next her , she took her course directly to the Shore , and gave an Example to all the rest , who following her unanimously , came and put themselves at the head of their Militia that was already arrived at Adrabysta , and Syrtè ; it fell out to be at the same time as Assam-Baba was sending his Shallops on shore with Armed Men to repel them ; but the cries and comminations which these women sent up to Heaven ; and the marks of courage and undauntedness which she showed , did exceedingly incourage the Magnotti , and made Assam-Baba unwilling to hazard a descent . The Woman who animated them in that manner was of the House of Giracaris , which was the most ancient and most considerable Family in that Quarter . The next night ten or twelve of the Magnotti swam secretly to the Turkish Ships , and cut their Cables in such manner , that being dashed together by the agitation of the Sea , they fell foul upon one another ; were driven violently upon the shore , and several of their Men taken Prisoner , where they were plundered in sight of the two other Ships , which , by reason of the shallowness of the Water durst not attempt to relieve them . This way of infesting of Ships is ordinary among the Magnotti , who are excellent Swimmers . The Vessel where Assam-Baba was in person was saved ; yet this advantage obtained against a man that was the very Soul of the Turkish Fleet , gave the Magnotti such incouragement that they took the confidence to intrench themselves regularly at Cerifo , Maina , Collocythia , Cardamile , and Sytrè ; for till that time their Mountains were their refuge upon all occasions . The Grand Visier , who did not think this an Enterprize worthy of his Force , betook himself to an Artifice : He had certain of the Magnotti Prisoners , and among the rest one Lybiracis a considerable Person in his own Country . He found out a way to seduce them , and having discharged them , after he had loaden them with money and private instruction , they undertook their design , and by their practises , with their acquaintance in the Brazzo , brought it about , that the greatest parts of the Inhabitants being frighted or corrupted , consented that the Grand Visier should build a Cittadel at Porto-Caglie , and another at Bytilo , under pretence of securing the liberty of Trade ; for at first they were unwilling to alarm them with the name of Dominion . When the two Cittadels were defensible , the persons whom the Turk had debauched , seized of all such as they thought capable of opposing their Treason , and hung up five or six of the most active among them . In this the Turks gave great evidence of their cunning ; nothing appeared to be done by their order ; great formality was used in forming the process against those poor Creatures , who were condemned ( forsooth ) as disturbers of the publick repose ; and Execution done in the name , and by the authority of the whole body of the Magnotti . But their Eyes being opened at last , in spight of their subtilty , there grew to be two Factions among them , one of the Giracaris , the other of the Lybiracis ; and this at present is the great object of the Turkish designs , who would fain reduce this people to a condition of destroying themselves , without any Force or Invasion from them . The Posts which the Turks have fortified in the Brazzo , are each of them secured by an Aga , with a certain number of Janizaries under his Command . But this new servitude growing insupportable to the Magnotti , they have had thoughts of transplanting into Italy ; and that inclination is increased as oft as they see those Cittadels , which they look upon as the first step to their slavery : However , they are as yet irresolute , and who can admire it in an affair of so tender an importance ? 'T is probable the success at Candia will settle their minds , and what that will be , God only knows ; If it be fatal to the Turks , they will not venture to attack them , but seem to disown the Mutineers who will doubtless be supported by the Venetian . If the Grand Visier takes the Town , his Victory there wil● draw on the subversion of the Republick o● the Magnotts , either by means of the Consternation it will cause among them , or o● the Effort the Turks will be constrained to make , that they may leave nothing in all Greece considerable enough to give them apprehension . The Creatures which the Grand Visier imployed among the Magnotti , were every day insinuating into the people , and especially the Papas , and Cologers , that the Turks would allow them their Churches and Crosses upon their Steeples , and publick Market places , a priviledge of which the Greeks are generally very fond ; and all those who are dependent of the Turk , have often endeavoured to purchase at no inconsiderable rate . They do likewise promise the Magnotti exemption from the Tax upon Children , and that they shall pay but one half of the duty exacted in Morea , where every Male pays two Crowns a head . At Constantinople the Males pay three Crowns . On the Terra firma the Women pay nothing , but in the Isles of the Archipelago Men and Women pay equally two Crowns a piece ; and all this without diminution of their other Taxes , of which I shall speak elsewhere ; all which were to be excused to the Magnotti : and to inveigle them yet farther , they assured them that no Turk shall ever be permitted to live in their Country , but such Janizaries as will be necessary for the Garrisoning their Forts . These fair promises are the more plausible , having the reputation of the Grand Visiers word to secure them , who passes among them as a Man of great Sincerity and Honour ; on which score they cease not to cry up his rare Qualities to the skies , who in our dayes has found out a way ( as the Turks themseves say ) of distinguishing himself with advantage from the Greatest and Most Heroick Persons of their Nation : He has as they say , the infallibility of Conquering , with a peculiar Gift of keeping his Parole . Nevertheless among the Magnotti this reputation has no great influence upon such as have an aversion to the Turks , who to support those that are tottering , do as often inculcate the resolution of the Turks , to allow them but one Church in a Town , which is a menace that makes them commonly tremble . In a word , the most prudent and best disposed of the Magnotti do intend to transplant , rather than be subject to the Tyranny of the Turks ; and accordingly they have sent to the Pope to beg admission into the Patrimony of the Church ; and to the Great Duke into Tuscany ; but having been denied by both , they Addressed to the Republick of Genoa , which State reflecting upon the brutishness of the Inhabitants of Corsica , was the more inclinable to gratifie them , upon consideration that the barbarity of the Magnotti must be very great , if it out-did the rudeness of the Corsicans : This is most certain , if the late Treaty succeeds , never Nations will be better matched ; their intermarriages must needs produce Children which will be so many Master-pieces of ferocity ; for , which of the Corsicans is it , that having the least quarrel with another , begins not his declaration of hostility with a stab ? and if he misseth , his Adversary will be sure of him ; so natural to them is the spirit of revenge : Some of these Corsicans have been known upon an injury received to lye hid a fortnight together in the bushes , contenting themselves to brouze all that while upon Raisins , so they did but prosper in their ambush . This then is the present condition of the last Common-wealth among the Greeks , and if you will have the truth , the matter is not great ; for were it not in so much danger of the Turk as it is at this time , it would be always within two fingers breadth of destruction , by animosities among themselves , and the small reputation they have among strangers , who having no alliances with them , have no obligation of interest to relieve them , unless upon some pressing necessity , as there lies now upon the Venetians . On the seventh of April our Astronomer Bianchi took the height of the Pole at Maina , and made use of all possible precaution to reduce its Meridian to the Meridian of Vranisburgh , establishing their difference of 54 minutes of time ; for he Calculated the place of the Sun , by the Radical Tables of Kepler : He found the Pole Elevated ●4 degrees and 25 minutes . You know very well , that in the Mediterranean , the Elevation of the Pole is never taken but in curiosity . Those practises are used only in ●ong Voyages . But in the Levant-Seas , be●ng almost continually in sight of Land they ●ectifie their Course by the prospect of the Coasts ; and when by foul weather , or the ●owness of the shore they are not visible , ●hey take advice of their Pilots , and point ●heir Chart accordingly ; so by their Com●ass they guess probably of the course of ●heir Ship , and by their judgement and experience they pronounce of the place whe● they think they are arriv'd , but many tim● they are guilty of very foul mistakes . O● Bianchi would needs make experiment like wise about the variation of the Needle , an● was amaz'd at the Opinion of several Pilot● who maintained , that at the Point of M●rea the Needle would not vary at all : H● tryed the Experiment two or three seven wayes , and found by all of them , that ● declin'd two degrees fifteen minutes fro● North to N. W. The seventh of April in the Evening w● had scarce got on Board , before our Bo●● was furiously tossed , and for three hou●● together suffered great agitation by th● strong current of waters that is frequent i● all the Western Coast of Greece : The w●ters do run naturally towards the shore , an● when their violence is opposed by th● winds from the shore , the Ships are alwa●● tossed as ours was at that time by a stron● N. N. W. wind which blows constant● from Land : But the Sea was nothing ● rough in that Quarter , as I observ'd it tw● years since upon the Coast of Natolia : ● was then in a Galley of Bizerte passing fro● the Isle of Cyprus to Rhodes , where o● Slaves had opportunity to exercise the● Arms , and show their dexterity at the Oa● against the impetuosity of the current from the Gulf of Satalia , which reaches from Cape Sardeni upon the Terra firma to Cape Saint Epiphano at the Western Point of Cyprus . I hope in the continuation of my Voyage , I shall have occasion to observe the Currents which come down the Channel from the Black Sea to the Mer-de-Marmora , and from thence into the Archipelago by the mouth of the Dardenelles ; then I shall be able to give you an account of them ; but for those upon the Coasts of Maina , and in the Gulf of Satalia I can assure you by my own observation , and the report of the best Pilots in the Countrey , that they have three different sorts of Motion conformable to the nature of the Tydes in the Ocean , which have their dead waters , and their quick waters in three several fashions , yet all those motions equally proceeding from the impression of the rays of the Moon upon the mass of the waters . These Currents therefore have a peculiar Motion every day , for their force redoubles according to the propinquity of the Moon to the Meridian , and relaxes when She is farther off . They have a Motion likewise for every month which increases towards the New or Full Moons , and towards the first and last Quarter ; and the third Motion ( which is the most impetuou● of all ) is a sort of Motion that happen● eight times a Year , that is to say , in the New and Full Moons , at the two Aequinoxes , and the two Solstices . Not having had a Full Moon of twenty dayes near the Vernal Aequinox , I was curious to enquire of the Seamen at Maina how the force o● the Current had been there during that time , and they assured me , that for two dayes together , ( viz. ) the 19. and 20. o● March the waters came down upon the Coast with more than ordinary violence , and they shew me a place in the Banks where the water had got in , and transgrest its old limits above a Musket shot , and this without any wind either to assist or oppose it , for commonly the wind contributes much either one way or other . Our Captains private Affairs being dispatch'd , and the Magnotts having nothing farther wherewith to detain us ; we weighed Anchor the seventh of April in the Evening , the Sea being something calmer , and took our leaves of this rude kind of People . Having left the Old Castle de Maina to the Eastward , to gain the Wind and double the Cape of Metapan , we were forced to stand out to Sea , and fetch a greater Compass with our Ship : As we were steering to the South to avoid the dangerous Rock of Renesta ( which lies about a good League from the shore ) we heard a great thundering of Canon that way towards which we were sailing : The Soldier that was Sentinell upon the Scuttle could see nothing by reason of the height of the Coasts , but we , having no maw to ingage in other mens quarrels , declin'd them , slackning our sails because we would not straggle too far from the place where we were : But the noise of the Guns ceasing , we sail'd on to the Eastward , and doubled the Cape that was formerly so Famous for the adventure of Arion , to whom we are obliged for our Consorts in Musick , he being the first who taught us to sing in Parts . The story how the Dolphin preserv'd him when he was Ship-wrack'd not far from Tenara , is too well known to be troublesome to you here . The Mountains of this Cape , and generally all of them that inclose the Brazzo-di-Maina had their tops cover'd over with Snow , but at the foot of them great Herds of Cattle and Goats . The Skie was full of Crows , and they came so near us , that we were sufficiently molested with their noise . It is not imaginable what abundance they have of Deer , wild Boars and Bears . Not far off , we saw a vast number of Sea-hogs , or ( if you will have them under a better title ) Dolphins following our Ship , and rang'd , according to their custom , two and two , a Male and a Female , and the Male always behind : They did not swim quietly as other fishes do , but were still leaping up and falling down again into the waters , which our Seamen interpreted an infallible prognostick of ill weather . I never saw so many Dolphins as in that place , more camus'd , nor flatter heads , which is the beauty of that sort of fish : It was easie to distinguish which of them were most handsom ; several of them had long heads which were not so comely , but all of them threw up their noses into the air , and gave us ou● choice . Our Seamen would needs have it , that they threw up their heads in that manner , the better to hear the word Simon ● which they roar'd out as loud as they could call , supposing they follow'd them thereby : For my part , I think they did it for more convenient respiration ; for the Dolphin is a foggy fish , and almost stifled if i● lies long under water without air . I wil● not meddle with the secret sympathie whic● renders this fish naturally kind to Man , and tames it so easily to our hand : Such Problems as these , are the rocks of Reason , upon which the curious do too frequently split . Our Virtuosi ( being full of their Learned Ideas , and lying as it were at catch for any thing that might give new light to their old Notions ) proposed to themselves an Experiment about these Dolphins ; they resolved to take two or three of them with their harping-irons ; ( and if they took one they might take a hundred , their amity one for another , not suffering them to part ) the design was to dissect a Female , and examine the form of her belly , her breast , the situation of her Aspera arteria , and the communication betwixt her lungs and her nostril ; that if possible we might find out whether in the structure and fabrick of this fish , there might not be some secret analogie with the Inwards of a man , to which ( for want of better reason ) we might ascribe their kindness , and strange inclination to our Sex : But we discover'd that the inclination of Man was more powerful to them ; for the Italian Marriners would not endure that we should do them any mischief , calling them the Companions of their Voyage , and the faithful Sentinels , who by their leaping and playing upon the Waters , do give them constant notice of any tempest approaching ; and by this means our Experiment was lost . But the sight of Tenara gave us another contemplation . The passage into Hell ( if you will believe the Antients ) is there , and Cerberus tyed there by Proserpine to guard it . This is certain , on the middle of the Mountain there is a dismal hole to be seen , that was formerly consecrated to Neptune : the entrance is so horrid , and the depth so immense , that it gave occasion to that opinion that it went down into Hell : That it was by that Hercules descended , Hector'd Pluto in the midst of his Estates , and in defiance of him , brought away his Three-headed Dog. 'T is the common opinion at this day , quite through the Brazzo di Maina , that by this hole the Devil comes out a hunting every day in the shape of a Hound . In this Mountain Tenara there was found formerly good Crystal of the Rock , several sorts of Metals , and some Precious Stones ; The Greeks say the Veins are as fruitful as ever , but that the Inhabitants conceal it , for fear it should invite the Turks , and bring them sooner into their Country . At the foot of Cape Matapan towards the N. N. E. the old Castle is to be seen ; from this Castle the Coast runs two Leagues N.E. as far as the Port of Colocythia , called anciently the Port of Achilles : There the anchoring is good , but not so good as at Porto-Caglie , a Haven about seven Leagues distance from the Cape . To enter into the Harbour at Porto-Caglie we kept to the Southward Coast , where we found sixteen Fathom water : Towards the North , within Pistol-shot of the Shore , great care is to be had of a Rock , which is the more dangerous because it lies almost just level with the water . Our Anchorage here is in danger of nothing but a South-East wind ; The Town is large , ( and in it one of the best Fountains in the world ) it was called in former days Teuthrone , and was once a Colony of Athenians . Here it is that the Sea makes a great Arch in the Shore , to form the Gulf of Colochina , heretofore called the Gulf of Laconia . In this manner our Vessel sailed on to the Southward of Saint Angelo , where we were to double the Point . On the Shore from Porto-Caglie , towards the North , we found the place which was called in former times the Temple of Jupiter , and two large Rivers , where the Barks did frequently supply themselves with fresh water . The River that lies Northward of the other , retains still the quality of its water , which passed among the Ancients for the most pure and delicate , and least subject to corruption in all Greece . The Inhabitants call it only Potamo , which signifies a River ; but Pyrrhus called it Scyras , from the name of the Island Scyros , where he Imbarqued when he came into this Country to his Nuptials with Hermione . Beyond the River , the Coast runs into a Point , upon which stands the Town of Pagana , which name though it be the most commonly given , it is called likewise Pago , Gade Pagou , or to pronounce it more justly , Cape de Pago ; the Ancients called it the Promontory of Diana Dictynna , and the Town is built of the ruines of the old City Las ; its scituation is easily known by three Mountains , Hama , Ilion , and Cuacadion ▪ formerly famous for the Trophies erected there after the Macedonian defeat ; as likewise for the Temples which Castor and Pollux built in that place , at their return from the Conquest of the Fleece . About half a League S.W. from Pagana , is the little Island called Spatara , and three Leagues E. N. E. o● Spatara lies the City of Colochina , upon the firm land near the mouth of the famous River Eurothas , which passes by Mysithre o● Lacedaemon , as you please . On the eighth of April in the morning ▪ as we were within sight of Pagana , the win● began to rise , and increased so fast , tha● we grew fearful of a Storm . It drove us near enough the Shore to discover the large and long Reeds which grow in the mouth of the Eurotas , and they put us in mind of the Lacedemonians who made Mats of them formerly to lie upon . This River is now called Bazili Potamo , or , the Royal River , and might be made Navigable seven or eight Leagues up , for there is water enough , but then it is so narrow there is not room to turn , and scarce for another Vessel to pass . Our apprehension of ill weather , made us resolve to put in at the little Isle of Spatara , formerly famous by the name of Cranaz : But what think you did we find in a little Creek where we put in for shelter because the anchorage was good ? We found two Vessels , who coming the same road with us , and driven with the same wind , had put in there not above two hours before . You will be surprized when I tell you that one of those Vessels was the Christian Corsair who had changed his Colours upon us so often , and treated us so insolently . The other was a Turkish Vessel laden with Janizaries for Candia , that the Corsair had taken after very great resistance ; and it was the noise of that Combate that we had heard when we were off of Matapan . Lest the Corsair should begin a new Quarel with us , on point of Ceremony , we Saluted him , and Lowr'd our Sails : We had scarce come to an anchor , when by good fortune the Wind veer'd to the South , and a great Rain falling , the Storm ceased . Our Captain sent his Shallop a shore , and in it his Mate , to salute the Pirate ; our curiosity would needs make us accompany the Mate , where we found the Pirate very busie ; his Vessel shot through and through in several places , took water in such plenty , that all her Pumps ( though they wrought continually ) were not sufficient to clear her : This was a manifest sign that the Turk had defended herself well ; but we perceived also that the Turk had been as ill treated , for her Tackling was in the greatest disorder imaginable ; no Sails , no Cables , no Masts , but every thing in most desperate condition , and the relation we had of it was this . The Sangiac or Governour of Modon , had sent a Turkish Vessel with Ammunition and three hundred Janizaries to the Siege of Candy . It was the misfortune of this Ship , to meet our Corsair in the same height of debauchery , and the same impatience of being at mischief as we left him ; so that without the least scruple or hesitation the Corsair fell to work upon the Turk , who defended herself very well ; received and returned some hundreds of shot . But the Corsair observing store of Janizaries upon the Deck , changed his design of laying her on Board as he intended , and betook himself to his Granado's and Bosses ( which are a sort of Glass-bottles very thin and square , and holding about six pounds of Pouder , ●o which they give fire in four several places , by so many pieces of Match fastned ●hereunto . ) Their execution was so terribly great , that it burned or lamed the greatest part of the Janizaries ; this was evident by the strange consternation and terrour that it produc'd in those that were left , who not knowing how to secure themselves against them , sate down quietly one by another with their arms a-cross , and their heads hanging down , as people that were utterly lost , and had nothing to do but to submit to their destiny . All their refuge was in the word Alla , Alla , which they repeated often to themselves with a low and humble voice ; so that their Vessel being surrender'd , they were immediately clap'd into Chains . The Conquerour , forced by the violence of the wind , and the necessity of mending , was come to an anchor at Spatara . We arrived just as her Equipage quitted the Turkish Shi● which was ready to sink under them . Ou● Companions knew nothing , but by hear● say , of the obduracy and natural insolenc● of the Corsairs , but they had then time t● inform themselves . The Christian Seame● in the mean time did but deride and moc● at the Janizaries , jeering and imitatio● their cries and their postures ; sometime● hanging down their own heads , and sometimes forcing them to hang down theirs ▪ and when it was resolved ( their Ship being sinking ) to put them on Shore , they shuv'd them into a Boat together in a heap , lam● or wounded as they came to hand , with ● out any compassion ; and certainly they would have done it more gently had they been removing of Billets . The cruelty o● this spectacle began to work upon us , and Bianchi could not but beg of the Seame● to show more pity to those miserable creatures . But one of their Officers looking sternly upon him ( in a word ) with the eye of a Corsair , Would to God , said he , you were to pass only three or four months in the clutches of an Algerine , we should the● see what your tenderness would be for these dogs : The poor Italian had not a word more to say , but shrunk up his shoulders and went off . Not but many Christian Officers may be found who abhor such barba●ity in their Souls , but in policy they are obliged to dissemble it to incourage their Men , to flesh them upon the Turks , and to ●earn them to give no better quarter to those Infidels , than they are to expect from them . Whilst we were in this Island , one of our Cabal remembred that here it was where the famous Helen condescended , and gave Paris the first undeniable evidence of her kindness ; He assured us likewise , that upon the Continent right against the said place of his first fruition , the happy Lover erected a Temple to Venus , as a testimony of his gratitude and felicity . He gave likewise to Venus the attribute of Migonitis , and call'd her Territory Migonion , referring to the amorous mystery that had been accomplished there . Menelaus the unhappy Husband of that delicate Princess , eighteen years after she was carried away , made a visit to that Temple which was then a Monument both of his misfortune , and the disloyalty of his Wife . He would not demolish it , only upon each side of the Statue of Venus , he caused to be erected the Images of another Goddess ; that is to say , on one side Thetis , on the other side Praxidice , or the Goddess of Correction ; to shew that he desired she would not leave● his Wives infidelity unpunish'd : But Hellen survived him for all that , and he neve● lived to see that injury reveng'd ; she out-liv'd him , as is said before : but being a● length banish'd by Nicostrates and Megapenthe , she repair'd to Rhodes to a near Relation of hers call'd Prolixo , who Commanded in that Isle ; but instead of being treated as she expected , he caused her to be hanged upon a tree : Thousands have mentioned the story of Helen , who never knew any thing of her end . There was another object which much delighted us likewise , and that was , when directing our eyes on shore towards the place where we conceived the Temple of Venus had been , we were entertained with the sight of Mont Larissus , ( at about a quarter of a Leagues distance ) which is at this day an excellent Vineyard . We were told , the first ripe Grapes that were found in all Greece , was upon that Coast . We saw also a small Chappel and a little Cell of Calagers , probably in the same place where the Temple of Bacchus was built , that was anciently so famous for the Feasts which the Grecians from all parts of Greece came thither every spring to solemnize in memory of that great discovery . The prospect of this beautiful Coast , and ●he pleasant reflections which it gave us , would have entertained us much longer , ●ad not our Captain given us notice to re●urn . He had intelligence that the Chri●tian Corsaire began to be jealous of us ; ●nd that being conscious he had offended ●s , and withal sensible , that his own weak●ess and embarasment might incourage us ●o revenge it , he might well be tempted ●s by way of prevention ) to endeavour ●omething ( unexpectedly ) upon us ; where●ore we took the hint , and went immedi●tely on board : Besides we were afraid ●hat the Corsaire returning our Visit , his ●●nvoys should find Osman Chelebi , and seize ●n him as one of his prisoners that had ●scaped . Osman was much troubled at the misfor●●ne of the Janizaries , but he said nothing ●hatever he thought . The weather began ● be fair and favourable , so we hoised our ●ils , and took our leaves of the Pirate , who ● we heard since mended her Ship , burn'd ●e Turk , sold half her prisoners to the ●agnotti , and carried the rest along into ●hristendom . Sailing towards the East , we left Colo●ina to the North of us ; the Ancients ●●ll'd it formerly Gytheon , and it was the Arsenal for all the Lacedemonian Sea. T●● Inhabitants of this place would never o●● their Original to any People of the Eart● but boasted themselves a Colonie from He●ven , and that Apollo and Hercules who h●● great Controversie in this Country , bei●● at last reconcil'd , they built this Gythe●● and peopl'd it themselves . The Country ● uneven , full of hills and dales , but abou●● with admirable fountains of fresh water . ● would not have it thought impertinent th●● I make mention so frequently of the Sprin● 't is the best instruction that can be given ● such Ships as sail that way . The Turks call Colochina by corrupt●● Koutguina ; from whence to the Cape ● St. Angelo that Coast runs E. S. E. Up●● the Sea side stands Tsyli in the same pla●● where Trinasus stood of old ; and next ● that stands Sapico built out of the ruines ● Acriae . The next Town to Sapico is Por● Rapani or Rapini , where the City of ● ronthrae stood formerly , where there ● also excellent springs . The Port of Rap●●● is discernible afar off , especially from ● S. S. E. by reason of two very round Mo●●tains in the mouth of the Harbour . Ab●●● two Leagues distance towards the S. E. ● the Esapo or Esopo , which was the Anci●●● Asopu● . The Inhabitants of which place ● the time of the Roman Dominion , having Observ'd that many great Towns had Consecrated Temples to particular Emperours , erected a new one , and dedicated it to all the Emperours past , present , and to come . Eight Leagues S. E. of Asopus lies the Cape of Sancta Maria ; which Cape was by the Ancients call'd Onugnato , or the Jaw-bone of an Ass . South West of the Cape de Sancta Maria in the Chanel of Cerigo lies the Island of Cervi , call'd formerly Platanistunte : This Island , and the Island of Cerigo lie North East and South West one of another . The Isle of Cervi lies a good League from the Terra firma , and the Isle of Cerigo from the Isle of Cervi four Leagues . The froth of the Canal that formerly parted these two Islands , was the occasion of the birth of Venus , who was carried in the shell of a Fish to the Isle of Cerigo , call'd formerly Cythe●ea . The Venetians , the present Masters of this Island , have a good Castle upon the top of a Mountain ; the Coasts of it are all very high , particularly those towards the firm Land : The anchoring in some places is but indifferent , but on the East and South side it is very good . To the Eastward of Sancta Maria , not far from the Cape of St. Angelo lies the Gulf of Lavadia , with a great Town of the same name . Here was the Ancient City o● Boeae , built of old by one of the Sons o● Hercules . The whole Coast abounds with Myrtles as formerly , when Diana her sel● made choice of it . For her Town of Boeae ● and the Town of St. Angelo ( which give● name to the Cape ) are not far from it . Thi● Cape was call'd Anciently Malea , and is a● this day call'd Maleo by several good Pilots : It lies E. N. E. of the Cape de Matapan , affording a large Spring which run● out of a Cave , and great store of people . On Wednesday the 10. of April , the wind blowing cross from the Eastward , we wer● obliged to slacken our sails ; but coming fair the next day , we doubled the Cape , and steer'd Northward in sight of the Wester● Coast of the Country of the Lacedemonians or Laconia , which in vulgar Greek i● at this day call'd Tzaconia , and sometime● Saccania . The thirteenth of April , the da● before Palm Sunday we met an English Vessel betwixt the Isle of Caravi ( eight good Leagues from the Cape de St. Angelo ) an● the Island of Bella Pola that is ten . Th● Island or Rock of Caravi is a black Roc● of the figure of a Ship , from whence it receives the name of Caravi , which in common Greek is a Ship. The English Vesse● had furl'd the sails of her main Mast , attending another English Ship of her Company , but not so good a sailer ; not long after the wind came about to the East , but blew so gently , that we were becalm'd for some hours : This gave opportunity to the English Gentleman ( call'd , as I take it , Dreslington ) to go on board that Vessel , to see if he could find any of his Friends that could give him any news from Constantinople , from whence that Vessel came ; and the wind beginning to blow again , in six hours he returned : The said Gentleman had learn'd there , that every moment news was expected of the surrender of Candia : That for some dayes it had been reported and believed , that the Grand Signior was killed by a fall from his horse , as he was hunting upon the Mountains of Thessaly not far from Larissa ; but that the last Post had assured them that the fall was not considerable , and that the Grand Signior was very well . After this he gave us a relation of a great insolence that had been committed at Pera towards Monsieur Hodges Treasurer to the English Company in the Levant : Hodges ( being return'd from taking the air with some other persons of Quality of his own Nation , and not giving way to a black Eunuch who belonged to the Seraglio , and was passing on horseback thorow the same street ) was treated with insufferable ill language , and indeed such as strangers may well expect from the ferocity of the Turks ; upon which our English Camerade took occasion to enquire how a man was to comport himself in Constantinople : other advised him above all things to be cautious of entertaining intrigues with the Ladies , and remonstrated the danger of them by an account he gave of an amorous adventure , in which the person that related it , had a particular share : It is fresh enough in my memory , and I will give you a recital , but with no farther assurance that it is true , than the bare asseveration of the Gentleman who told it : And this I hope will be a testimony of my complacency , and how much respect I bear to your desire , that I should communicate eve● the slightest adventures in my travels . An old shew Jew , who traffick'd in Jewel● in the best houses of Constantinople , drov● a Trade likewise with such strangers as arrived at Pera ; and her access was the mor● easie , because she spake Spanish perfectly well , which , as you know , is at this day ● language common to all the Jews in Greece She was a Woman of intrigue , and he● brains were not alwayes working upon he● Jewels . Her greatest Commerce was with young Ladies , whose Husbands were either slain , or absent at Candia : Among the rest She had a particular intimacy with a very pretty one called Majunama , whose Husband was at that time attending the Grand Visier : About six months before , the good old Jew had fixt her eye on a young Neopolitan Gentleman who was arrived at Constantinople to take a view of that place , and proceed afterwards in his Journey quite thorow the Grand Signiors Country : He was a handsom man , about eight and twenty years old , and appeared to be a person of Quality . The old Jew immediately had her designs upon him , mentioned Majunama to him , and him to Majunama , and order'd things so , that Majunama had as great curiosity to see him . It is most certain these practises are more difficult there than any where ; yet it does not follow , that every thing that is difficult is impossible : and the greatest obstacles were removed by a certain dexterity the old Woman had , in disguising young men in the habit of her Slaves , when she had a mind to introduce them among the Ladies . The Neopolitan was timerous and circumspect , and would not be brought to such an enterview but with great caution and forecast . Besides the fear of her Relations , and the unexpected return of her Husband , he consider'd she might grow weary of her Gallant , and by an effect of her penitence or inconstancy , follow the custom of most of the Turkish Dames , who in like cases , do take such course with their Gallants , that they are never more to be heard of ; a Sack , and the neighbourhood of the Sea are of great use to them in those occasions . He confessed frankly his apprehensions to the Jew , who laughing at his fears , asked him whether he would be contented if the Ladies Father and Mother were sent to him in hostage ; if that would not do , he should have the Governour of the Town , but at length she prevailed over him so far that he ventured . Having been assured , that the Ladies do never rid themselves but when the performance of their Gallants is not answerable to their undertakings , he managed his stock with great prudence and oeconomy , like usurers who will generally promise more for the next day than they will give in the present : But he relapsed , and was always in his fears . After he had been eight days together locked up in his Mistrises Lodgings , lest she should cut his throat , he declared he would be gone , unless all the Swords and Daggers , and even the knives in the house were brought to him at night , and laid under his bolster . Majunama offer'd in rallery , if he suspected her , to lye by him with her hands and legs bound , but all that could not shame him into better security : The good Lady , to incourage him , gave order he should have what Wine he pleased , though at first out of a principle of Religion she scrupled to let any come into her house ; but in spite of her scruples , he found out a way to make her drink it her self : He was so fear-full of being poison'd , that he would neither eat nor drink any thing but what she tasted in his presence : She must take the first sip still , or nothing could satifie him : In the mean time an alarm was spread abroad that her Husband was return'd from Candia : The Neopolitan was dismissed , and he went away in such a fright , that he left Constantinople immediately : This report was only an invention to be quit of him , and Majunama being accustomed , and much taken with the Society of strangers , continued that Commerce by the industry of the officious Jew , who not long after brought her a French Gentleman , whose brisk and airy way was quite contrary to the timidity of her Neopolitan The first ●ime the Monsieur was slipp'd into her Chamber , they had all the trouble in the world to keep him from striking up with a Flagelot he had brought in his pocket , and from running over some Corants which he by all means would have been teaching his Mistress . More than once he would have been kicking down the stairs a deaf Slave , who had not come in as soon as he was called . But this Gallant was less pleasing to the Lady than the others ; she would have them brave , but not vain and obstreperous : So that Majunama was not much sorry that his Affairs called him away , and that he was obliged suddenly to leave her . He was no sooner gone , but the Jew began a new intrigue with an English Gentleman , who pretended himself a relation of the Earl of Winchelsy , Ambassador from England in that Court : The Gentleman was a resolute person , but no● so hair-brain'd and extravagant . Thes● two Lovers no sooner saw one another but they liked exceedingly , and having a mutual desire to continue their intimacy , made it their study to understand one another ● thereby to increase their kindness and reciprocal complacence . This Care and circumspection inspired them with designs no● altogether unpleasant . It came into thei● minds to make experiment how each o● them would , behave themselves in case it should happen , the Husband arrived and surpriz'd them together . To clear the point , each had his plot . After the English Gentleman had been a week together in her Quarters , as he was going abroad for refreshment , word was brought that two English Vessels were expected from Canea , and that undoubtedly if the Husband had any inclination to return , he could have no opportunity like that ; That if so , there could be no danger in their meetings , because care was taken that notice should be given of their arrival , and of the number and quality of the Passengers . This was his contrivance , and by it he designed when he pleased to alarm her with a report that her husband was come , and to see thereby what shift she would make to disintangle her self in case it were true . Among all the Family of Majumana , none was so privy to her secrets as a certain young Slave called Ketevan , who was a witty lass , and had made all the Servants of her party very cunning , to the end that being all Accomplices in the intrigue , it might be their common interest to conceal it . Ketevan was fair and young , and being taken with the bonne mine of the English Gentleman ; she had a snickering after him , and pleased herself much in promoting his affairs , in hopes some kind opportunity might happen in which she might be requited . She it was who discovered to him the late intrigue with the Neopolitan and Frenchman ; imagining that that relation might lessen his affection for her Mistress . They had many Consultations to consider of his Escape in case of necessity ; and in what part of her Lodgings he might be concealed to avoid the sudden return of her Husband . There was not a corner in the whole house but was examined , and the convenience and inconvenience of it thoroughly debated ; at length it came into Ketevan's head , that a Sofa in the Hall might be useful : ( The Sofas are holes about a foot high , of a competent breadth , and covered over with Tapestry . ) To make Experiment whether that would be commodious or not , Ketevan crouded herself into it , but found herself so close , she was in danger of being stifled . Whereupon she shifted out again as well as she could , with her heels foremost : the hole was so strait that she bruised herself with struggling to get out , and was forced to keep her bed . The English Gentleman was troubled , and indeed something too much , for the jealous Majunama did not like it , and their little apprehensions ●edoubled their desire of putting one ano●her to the Test . One day as the Gallant was in Majunama's Lodgings , attending till ●he returned from Bathing ( which accord●ng to the Custom of the Turkish Ladies , ●he did use constantly every Friday ) he ●aused an Alarm to be suddenly brought ●rom the Harbour , that the Husband was ●rrived in an English Vessel . The report was brought to another young Slave an Ita●ian ; ( for Ketevan was at that time in a ●ever in bed . ) The poor Italian believed ● real , and in great fright came running with the News to the English Man who dis●embled it very well . A while after , Ma●umana ( who had a mind likewise to put ●he same trick upon her Gallant ) returned ●rom the Bath in great terrour and confu●●on . Her head being full of her own premeditated fear , she took no notice of the ●retended terrour of the English Man , or ●er Slave ; but cryed out as soon as she saw ●hem , That all was undone , That her Gal●ant was very unfortunate to have depend●d for his intelligence upon his friends in ●he Harbour , for her Husband was cer●ainly arrived . The Englishman who had ●repared the same train for her , and was ●eady to have given fire , was exceedingly ●stonished , and catcht in the same trap which he had laid for his Mistress . H● found his case desperately terrible ; and ● the height of his surprise admired ( as muc● as he had time ) the subtilty of Fortun● that at her own pleasure could make a tr●● story of an invention . He could not spea● a word himself , but the Italian Slave ha● composedness enough to tell her Mistre●● that it was but too true her Master was ● turned , and that the English Gentlema● friends had been exact in giving him n●tice , and thereupon gave her the partic●lars of what she had heard before : Maj●nama was in strange consternation , imagi●ing that by a kind of prodigy , she had to ● truth when she never intended it . In t●● cruel agitation of mind that this doub●● imposture and fraud had produced in the●● both , they passed a quarter of an hour ● the greatest confusion imaginable ; the ● were all at their wits end , and not one ● the three but wished themselves sick in b● as Ketevan was at that time . Majunam● tearing her hair off her head , confessed th●● she had invented the news , and cursed h●● stars that had turned it into truth . T●● Gallant hearing that , began to recollec● and with incredible joy acknowledged th● same stratagem on his side : This discove● calmed their spirits immediately , and w●● ●he occasion of a thousand Caresses ; they ●ook a thousand Oaths never more to surprise one another with those sorts of trials , so much had the short moment of their uncertainty discomposed them . She asked him what he would have done if her Husband had been really at the door : He pulled but his Dagger , and told her that if he could not have stab'd it to the heart of her Husband , he would have done it to his own . She liked not that way , but told him , by so doing , he would not have in the least provided for her safety , but rather incensed the common Enemy against them both ; and thereupon she shew'd him a Cabinet of Jewels , and a little box of poison . The Jewels were designed to go along in case their escape was practicable ; and the poison to be taken when things were desperate , to put an end to all their troubles at a blow . They repeated their protestations never to be so ingenious for the future . But what do you think happened in the very moment ? The Husband being in good earnest returned from Candia , was knocking at the door , the Italian Slave who had left them to their endearments , and perceived her Master coming by a window that looked into the street , came running with the news in an incredible fright . They thought at first that either one or the other had a mind t● divert themselves at the old rate , but the cryes and paleness of the Italian dispelled that fancy quickly , and perswaded them i● was true . Majunama , who before had disliked the expedient of the Dagger , wa● the first that got it in her hand , but the English-man in pure love snatch'd it away again , and secured the box of poison les● she should have taken it down . When he had so done , he advanced with undaunted courage , and took his Post at the door with the Dagger in his fist , and his arm u● ready to strike it into any man that should enter : The Husband knock'd on , and the Italian pressed her Mistris to go and open it her self , and entertain him for some time below stairs as well as she could , but the poor Lady had not strength enough to convey her : In this inconceivable distraction , in spight of her Feavor , Ketevan crawl'd to them , and proposed to hide the poor Gentleman in her bed , having no time to consider of a better expedient , in he went clothes and all , but his Dagger still fast in his hand . Majunama was pacified for the present ; but as she was going down the stairs , she changed her Opinion , and gave way to one of the most unseasonable fancies in the world : Unhappy Woman that I am , ( said she to the Italian ) I cannot but be jealous : Never Lover went so nimbly ●o bed to another Woman : Never did ●ick person speak so heartily as Ketevan ; ●nd never did Mistris press her Gallant so ●arnestly to anothers embraces , Ha , Ma●am , said the Italian , recommend your self ●o the Prophet , and lay aside these unsea●onable whimsies : Hereupon Majunama went directly to the door , and let in her Husband , who look'd upon her surprize as ●he effect of her Conjugal affection ; having ●onducted him up stairs , she was tempted ● partly out of jealousie , and partly weak●ess ) to have gone back to her Chamber , ●nd reposed her self upon Ketevans bed : ●ut her Italian had provided very wisely ●gainst that , and lock'd the door , by which ●eans all was well , and the old Jew found ●way to convey the English Man that night ●ut of the House ; the young Gentleman ●eing happily delivered stood not much ●pon Constancy , changed his haunts , and ●as never afterwards to be found either by ●he Jew or Italian . From Pera where he ●dged before , he removed to the Poland ●mbassadors house in Constantinople , and ● few dayes after , having heard of this ●essel that we met betwixt the Isles of Bella●ola and Caravi , he took the opportunity , and Embarked in it for London . This sto●● the Gentleman himself told to Master Dr●slington . Our Vessel continuing its course , th● Gulf of Napoli de Romania , the Isle of s●dra , and the Cape de Schilly continued ● the Westward , and the Islands of the A●chipelago to the East : Of these Islands , a● the whole Country of Morea I shall ha● more convenient opportunity to discour●● hereafter . At length , to our great sati●faction , we found our selves on the 15. ● April , at the mouth of the Gulf d' Eng●● about sixteen Leagues from Athens . W● met a Saique ( or small Greek Vessel ) to t●● Westward of St. George d' Arbora , whi●● the Italians called Capello Cardinale , a●● the Ancients Albona : It is an Island ve●● low on the Northside , but on the South ● has several steep pointed hills , that disti●guishes it easily from the other Islands : T●● Saique was fraighted with Oyls , and Ski●● and bound for Porto-Lione , which ( as I sa●● before ) was anciently the so famous Ha●bour of Athens . Our Captain had hea●● news that the Cadi and other Turkish O●ficers , had of late imposed new Duties u●on all Vessels that came to anchor in th●● Harbour ; and being desirous to infor● himself better , he hall'd the Saique ; t●● Master of the Saique confirm'd what he had ●eard , and assured us they would make us ●ay at the rate of Six per Cent. for all our Goods . That our Timins ( for so they call ●ur five Sols pieces ) were decried , and that we could utter nothing there now but ●eales , or pieces of Eight full weight , and ●hat of them too they had lessened the ●rice ; for having always passed there for ●hree and thirty Parats , they were reduc'd ●ow to twenty seven ; every Parat is worth ●hree Aspers , and every Asper six or seven French Deniers . This being a great grie●ance to the Genois , and contrary to their Capitulation at Constantinople in the year ●665 . our Captain resolved to stay at St. George d' Arbora ( though the anchor●ng was not very good ) and to write to Athens to understand the truth , concluding ●o go to some other Port , if the Turkish Officers would not admit him upon better conditions : He sent his Pinnace to Porto-Lione , with a Letter to the Genoa Consul , who at that time stood very tottering in his Office , it being not only disposed of , but almost executed by John Giraud a French-man , born at Lions , and formerly Consul For the French Nation in Athens . This Giraud is a nimble man , and understands well enough , but he loves his pleasure , and particularly play ; for there a●● Gamesters at Athens as well as at oth●● places : When he was turn'd out of th●● Consulship for the French , he struck in wi●● some People , and got himself made Co●sul there for the English and Dutch. He ● a person that loves to make a noise and ● Parade , and with his bustling got into ● young Lady of the house of the Paleolog● and married her much to his advantag● for there is still a branch of that Illustrio●● Family in Athens . The present French Consul at Athens , ● of Marseille , and his name Christopher Ch●staigner , a Vigorous man , and one th●● stands stifly for the Interest of his Cou●trey . Upon our Captains Resolution of sta●ing at St. George d' Arbora till his Pinna●● return'd , Osman Chelebi ( who understoo● perfectly the humour of the Turks in tho●● parts ) came to him , and advised him ● threaten the Athenian Officers with th● loss of a Present which he design'd the●● for his anchoring ; and that to let them s●● how indifferent he was for coming in the●● he should put off again to Sea , and ma●● either for the Port de Raphti ( which li●● N. E. of the Cape de Colonnes ) or the Islan● of Zea , about five Leagues from the sai● Cape : He assured us that those two Ports were the safest in all those Seas , which was very true , besides that in either of them a Vessel may be supplyed with Water , or Bisket , or Wood. Afterwards Osman Chelebi grew more open to us , confessed he was married , and that he was not above five or six Leagues from the place where his Wife lived , adding with great circumstances of kindness , that if we would hazard our selves with him , he would shew us a very fine Countrey as ( possibly ) we had seen ; we all lik'd his proposition : The Captain sent his Pinnace to Athens , commanding it to meet him at the Island of Zea whither he was steering his course : We took the opportunity of a little Bark bound for St. George de Arbora : The Captain being informed of the place to which Osman Chelebi had tempted us , told us that he would stay five dayes for us at Zea ; that if from thence he was invited to Athens , he would give us notice by an Express ; but if the avarice of the Turks at Athens obliged him to pass on to Smyrna , he would send our things to Baphti , from whence we might easily convey them to Athens . Upon ●his incouragement we habited our selves ●ike Grecians , and away with the Bark that was going to Capo Colonne , which is the same that the Ancients called the Promontory of Sunion . It was not long before we got sight of the Columns of white Marble that are to be seen upon the point of that Coast , and give it that name . On the West side towards the lower parts of that Coast , Nature has form'd a little Harbour , where both anchoring and shelter is exceeding good : For the hills of the Terra firma do cover it on every side but the South , and on that side it is secur'd by the Island o● Garderonis , of old call'd Gadalone . Nevertheless there are sand-banks upon th● Western point , and our Master had like to have run us upon them . Here it was tha● we Landed , and believed our selves first i● Greece , for we reckon'd as nothing our debarkment at Maina . 'T is not to be imagined how all of us were pleased . Drelingston our English Camerade , to signali●● his curiosity , clamber'd along upon tho● hills that conducted to the Columns , a● being impatient to be admiring their Workmanship ; we all follow'd , and made it ● a good half League before we came a● them . The present Greeks , and the Italia● Pilots perswade us , that they are the r●liques of a Magnificent Palace built there b● Alexander the Great : But that is a m●stake , they being the remainder of a Gl●rious Temple built by the Athenians , and Dedicated to Pallas . We could observe , that the Palace had been twice as long as broad , and had Pillars round about it , which other Temples had only in their Fronts . Hereafter you may have a sight of a draught that I took upon the place , which will give you the dimensions exactly . Those who are skill'd in Architecture , and would know the true proportions of the Dorick Order , will be able to judge whether this was the work the Most Famous Architect hath so highly commended . Let it not displease , I beseech you , that I make my self the depository of my designs , and chuse to bring along with me when I return into France , all the Monuments , Bas-reliefs , Inscriptions and Figures that I have met , in Crayons of my own doing ; and upon this account it is , that I do not here trouble you with the Description of any one of them . There could not be a pleasanter prospect than we had among the Pillars ; the whole Archipelago was on our left hand , and nothing could entertain us better than to see , and consider the multitude of Isles wherewith it is furnished ; and our Perspective-Glasses were of great use in our view : forward we saw the way which we had come ; on our right hand the Gulf of Engia gave us occasion to guess in what part of its shore the City of Athens was situate ; and then looking Northward up the Country , we had a view of a good number of Cabanes , and the entrance of the famous plain of Marathon where the Persians were defeated . It came into Osman's head that he could discern the house where his Wife lived ; and that fancy redoubling his impatience , he took us off from our contemplation much sooner than otherwise we should have been . We made directly to the Cabanes , designing to lye there that night ( for it grew late ) and to take Waggon the next Morning to convey us to Osman Chilebi's house . These Cabanes were inhabited by those kind of people which are known to the Turks and Greeks by the name of Arnautes , and to others by the name of Albanians : Part of them came Originally from the Frontiers of Macedon not far from the Towns of Apolimena and Sapoza , and part of them from Epirus towards the Mountains of Chimera . These Arnautes are naturally brave , resolute and indefatigable , great thieves , and the same at Land , that the Magnotts are at Sea. If there be fifty Robbers taken , and impal'd in Turkie , 't is odds but forty nine of them are Arnautes . About the declension of the Empire , the Greek Emperours transplanted them , as finding them turbulent , and inclining to revolt ; it was thought they would have chang'd their humour with their soil , but they were mistaken : the worst of them were removed into Morea , and about Athens : Upon the death of Scanderbeg , part of his Subjects came to them , part of them removed into Poüille , and part into Dalmatia under the Government of the Venetian : Those in Greece are dispersed into an infinite number of little Villages , consisting of twenty or thirty houses apiece . Those who live near the Sea are much given to fishing ; those who are farther up upon the Land , have great herds of Cattle that maintain them ; but both of them are excellent at thieving , and whatever they lay their hands on is their own . In Greece they are of the Greek Church ; in Italy of the Roman Catholick . They speak three sorts of Languages , the Turks , the Greek , and a kind of Jargon of their own made up of broken Sclavonian . We had received so ●ismal an impression of the brutality of the Arnautes , that we expected they would have ●allen upon us , and pillaged us : But they were not so bad as we looked for . The ●●rst house we came to , we found the Master newly dead , and the Neighbours coming out who had been with him when he died . The dress of the Women was very odd , and 't is possible I may make you laugh one day at the sight of one of their pictures . After Osman and I had passed our Salamalekum , and saluted them , being wrought upon by Osman's good language and Mine , they received us pretty well . One of them carried us to his Cabane , and it happened to be at a time when it was clean and unpestered ; for the Cattle were by acciden● at grass , and there was nothing amiss in th● house , but the remainder of their fodde● In those Countries , the Master and his Cattle are Inmates , and lye higgledy piggled● in the same room . We had a Collation o● Milk and Cheese , and certain little Cake● made up with Honey and Almonds by on● Landlord ( who was Baker for the Town ) and to be put into his Neighbours Grav● according to the custom of that Country , They use them likewise to please the Children , who for that reason will be sure t● flock to every Funeral , and assist at th● singing the Eleyson . The door of the Cabbin was thronged with multitudes of people , and the Funeral Pomp being a rarity among us , is well worth our particular Relation . The Body was extended upon a piece of course cloth before the door of his Hutt , with a large Sheephook on one side , and a Carabine on the other , which ( being their whole equipage in Peace and in War ) are display'd constantly on the sides of the Corps upon those occasions . His Widow was not wanting with her shreeks and expressions of sorrow ; but in so dismal a Tone , that they provoked more to terrour than pitty : Her hair hung down loose upon her shoulders , only some few handfulls she had pulled off , more in formality than any thing else : Her yells were seconded by the consort of the whole Neighbourhood , after which they intermitted for some time , till the eldest began again , and was answered by the rest . The Men in their turns came up to the Corps , and every one in his degree accosted it with some saying or other that testified his regret . I do assure you , without the testimony of mine own senses , I could not have believed a thing so sottishly ridiculous . Why wouldst thou dye ? said our Host to him : what was it you wanted ? the purses of all Passengers were at your mercy ; and if it had been money you lookt for , they might have supplyed you . Another Apostrophised thus ; You were a terrour to the whole world , and do you not think that dying so indiscreetly , you have done a pleasure to your enemies in taking from them the only cause of their fear ? Your Wife that stands by you , never offended you in her life ; your Children never disputed your Commands ; your Servants were alwayes obedient , so that no man being more absolute in his Family , what was it that could provoke you to dye ? And the rest of their exaggerations being suitable , I was of Opinion , that they had been suggested by Osman Chelebi , on purpose to entertain us : But the truth is , the Arnautes do in this manner boast of their Out-rages , and ( which you would hardly believe ) design them as documents and stimulations to their Children , who dare not be absent from these excellent Panegyricks . One of the Neighbours had a particular way by himself , and it was thus ; Seeing you are dead , ( says he ) and that business is done , let me recommend it to you to desire Saint Peter to let you into Paradise , that you may look down into Hell , and see how the Devils do revenge us of those miscreant Turks who have so barbarously treated us . During all these Harangues , Osman Chelebi was attending at our Landlords house , otherwise the last good Gentleman durst not have used that expression in his presence . As soon as the body was interr'd , Osman came up to us , and told us , That if we pleased he would go before the next morning , to see what condition his Family was in , and prepare for our reception : We consented , and he departed before day with a Guide , which he sent back for us with horses about Noon : We mounted immediately , and passed on under the Conduct of our Calaous or Guide . Our Virtuosi ( who had imployed themselves very studiously in taking an account of the Country ) found that those Cabbins which we left , were not far from the place where formerly stood the Town of Cephale , so famous among the Ancients for the Veneration which its Inhabitants had for Castor and Pollux ; which Town was of the Acamantide Tribe ; the People of Athens being divided into Ten Tribes , as the Romans were into thirty five , and the Jewes into twelve . We left on our right hand towards the East the Port de Raphti called formerly Potamus , of the Leontide Tribe . Pausanias observed nothing in it remarkable but the Tomb of one of the Sons of Xuthus : But the Inhabitants were of old great Subjects of the Raillery and Comedy of the Athenians by reason of their giddiness and inconstancy in their Election of Magistrates : In short , the place to which we were to go , was a little on the other side of th● Mountain Anchesmus which was then in ou● Eye . This Mountain was covered with Thickets and little Woods , abounding wit● great store of Bears and wild Bores , whic● made it taken notice of at Constantinople whereas among the Ancients it was memorable only for a Statue of Jupiter that wa● set upon the top of it . When the Gran● Visier had perswaded the Grand Signior t● leave Andrinople and remove into Greec● that he might be nearer his Affairs in Candid and by his proximity give more life an● vigour to the Siege ; he proposed to him fo● the places of his Residence , either Larissa o● Athens ; and to invite him to the election o● Athens , they inculcated the great convenience for his Hunting ( which is his chiefest delight ) and the vast store of Gam● wherewith Anchesmus would furnish him ▪ But the Grand Signior had the same accommodation at Larissa from the Mountains o● Thessaly , and therefore in that respect , th● Arguments being equal in both places , h● rejected Athens , for fear the Venetians ● who were Masters at Sea , should come an● block up Porto-Lione , and in bravery b● tempted to land in some place under hi● nose to his insufferable dishonour . On the other side of the Mountain Anchesmus we met Osman Chelebi who was come to receive us attended with a couple of Slaves : we found him very jolly and pleasant , having found his Wife well , and his Affairs in a good condition ; as a testimony of it , he paid us down upon the Nail in the very Field where he met us , the money which we had laid out for his ransom , gave us a thousand thanks , and told us he had fixed our Caunac ( or Quarters ) for a fortnight at his own house , and that afterwards he would assist us in our journey . He carried us directly home to a Country-house , in a place called Emporion , which is the Greek word for a Fair ; for by relation , there was formerly a great Fair kept there , which was long since removed to Raphti . The house belonged to Osman's Father in Law , after the rate of propriety in Turkie ; for to speak strictly , among the Turks there is no such thing , Houses , and Lands , and immoveable Goods devolve still to the Grand Signior , and the Occupant is only his Steward , and is changed as often as the Grand Signior pleases . Nevertheless , if a man has friends at Court , he may be sure to renew , and Estates do often pass by that means from Father to Son ; but if they have no friends , they must march and give room to another . Osman's Father in Law was a jolly old Gentleman , he had been formerly Bey o● Negrepont , but his age having rendered him unserviceable , he was retired to spend the rest of his days with his Wife , and two Maiden-daughters , besides that which Osman had married . He had two Sons , bu● they were both at the Siege of Candy with the Grand Visier . It is reckoned very dishonourable for young men , in those parts , to live quietly at home , though in the nature of Citizens , when the Army is so near ; so that we saw scarce one Turk that was not dispenced with by reason of his age , infirmities , or employments . Osman's Father in Law ( who was called Mustapha Bey ) received us with great kindness in regard of his Son in Law , who had magnified his obligations to us . To do us the more honour Mustapha Bey had sent for three or four of his Neighbour Turks to entertain us , which was a mighty punctilio : for in those parts Turks are so rare , that for one of them you shall see five hundred Greeks , besides the Arnautes : As you come nearer Constantinople their numbers increase , and in Asia you shall meet as many Turks for one Grecian . Mustapha Bey accosted us very pleasantly in the Language of the Franks ; His Complement was this , In your Country we Turks do pass for very barbarous people ; and truly as it happens I am not at all ●roubled at your prejudice against us . For were you not already possessed of our ill Manners , you could not so easily pardon ●he ill entertainment that you are like to ●ncounter . He left us with his Son in Law ●nd his four Neighbours , who conducted ●s into a fair Hall , in the forepart of the ●ouse ; for you must know all their Houses ●re divided into two apartments ; that ●hich is forward , for the Men ; that which ● backward for the Women , who without ●eing seen may pass privately to the Mens ●partment , and by the help of little Galle●es and Lettices behold all that is done ●mong the Men. With inferiour people ●●eir apartments are less , and the women are ●ore shie and unwilling to be seen to a ●●ranger . Our Fellow-Travellers , in their whole ●ur , had not seen any gravity comparable ● the gravity in our four Turks ; no coun●●nance could be more composed , nor no ●●scourse more formal and starch'd . And ●nly if they find a Christian observes them , ●●e Spaniard himself is nothing so serious ; ●●t when they are among themselves they are like other men , as flippant and men● as we for our lives . According to the●● custom , Perfumes were brought in by certain of their Slaves , who threw a kind o● Napkin over each of our heads , that ( forsooth ) the odour might not so quickly evaporate . They presented us with tw● sorts of Liquor , one they called Coffee which is only hot water with the Fruit o● a certain Tree ( called by them Bun ) put i● to it , and boiled up till it receives a so●● taste , and an ugly black tincture , but they re●kon it an Excellent Cordial ; the other w●● Sherbet , which is a kind of Lemonad● Wax being very plentiful about Athen● they make little use of any lights but Wi●● Candles of five or six foot long . We ha●● but one among us , but it was so large as ● lighted the whole room . The Soffa w●● covered indeed with very good Tapestry ● but the Walls were as the Mason had le● them ; they think themselves extraordin●ry fine when they have them painted wi●● Flowers ; for the Figures of Men are n●● consistent with the Religion of a Mahum●tan . Upon the Soffa , in order to supp●●● were placed two Round Tables , each ● them about a foot high , which to Stra●gers is a great incommodity , for they a●● forced to sit cross-legg'd , and we began a●● of us to be afraid of that posture . To mortifie us the more , whilst we were standing in our dumps , a great Platter of Rice was brought in , and clapp'd upon the Table before any Cloth , Napkins , or Trenchers were laid , ( for among them they are altogether superfluous ) They have a long List of striped Cotton Cloth that runs round the Table , and serves any that has a mind to it , to wipe his mouth and his hands . For Plates , and Salts , and Forks , they are utterly unknown : They say that whatever is big enough for a Table , is big enough also for a Trencher ; and that Saltsellers do always suppose ill Cooks ; against Forks their objection is no less weighty , for , say they , what is it less than to repine at Heaven , and be unsatisfied with what Nature has given us , to make use of other fingers than those with which we were born ? The little meat in the Platter each of them took up in his hand , and biting off two or three good morsels , they put it in again , and then told us very civilly , that if we pleased , we might do as much ; but that great priviledge , considered with all their other circumstances of neatness , could not prevail with our appetites in the least . We had not been long at it before the Dish was taken off the Table , under pretence of warming it again , during which time we were desired to take a turn in another Room to which Mustapha Bey , Osman , and the rest of the Turks accompanied us . Ou● Conversation was very dry ; the Turks stoo● still fixed to their places , and would no● endure to walk : Having spoke each of them three or four words , they held their peace● and continued in most profound silence fo● a long time ; about a quarter of an hou● after , one of them began an Harangue , bu● stopped before he had spoken ten words ● and was as silent as before ; at length the● fell to their Beads ( for the Turks have thei● Chaplets also , and do pronounce Alla a● the dropping of each of their Beads ) I wis● with all my heart you had been a spectato● of Drelingston's mortification ; he that before was all life and fire , stood now as h● had been nailed to the Wall , cursing in hi● thoughts the manners of that Countr● which were so cold , and insipid , and so directly contrary to ours . He told me privately that he was weary , and that h● would get off as well as he could , and entertain himself somewhere else ; accordingly he shrunk from us , and was stealing ou● at the door : But the Turks stopt him , an● thinking the past raillery sufficient , Mustapha Bey put up his Beads , and carried u● back into the Room that we had left , where we found a Table spread , and a supper ready , as good meat , as well dressed , and in as good order as we could have it in France . The Christian Slaves had shown the utmost of their skill , and had borrow'd of the Greeks what was wanting in their own conveniences . Wine we had good store ; the Turks indeed drank none of it that day , but they made it up in their Rossolis , and the whole Company was in a very good humour . The Glass went merrily about , and the word Eskina ( which is with them a Good health to you ) was often repeated , and answered with Afietler , I thank you , Sir. Mustapha had given private Orders , that his Wifes she Slaves should appear suddenly at a little Window that opened into the Hall. Osman told us in our Ears , that his Wife and her Sisters had a mighty curiosity to see us , and it was possible would be peeping . We cast our eyes very often up to the Window , and could see sometimes the faces of Women , which immediately slunk away laughing . Our curiosity to see them kept our Eyes fixt upon the Window , whilst in the mean time they played us several little tricks . The Slaves that were waiting whipt away our Plates full of excellent Ragouts that they had given us , and stole into their stead the stalks of Coleworts and Turneps , and little Kittlings newly born ; whilst our eyes being fixed upon the window , we put them up to our mouths before some of us perceived the change . Not long after , the Women began to sing ; their Airs were soft and languishing , according to their way , but their voices excellent , to which they added the sound of little Brass Drums ( and they plaid musically and well . ) They danced likewise in Complement to us , but it was behind the Lattice , so that our Eyes had but little pleasure in the entertainment . In a word , never people were more pleasantly treated ; for repasts among the Turks being generally poor and niggardly , they lay it on upon these occasions , and are never so frolick ▪ nor will they ever refuse to be treated by a Christian . One of the four Turks had brought along with him a Son of his about six or seven years old , and a very pretty Child : His Father took it up in his Arms ▪ and hugging it , said to it , My Child , is you desire to be happy whilst you live , remember to do two things as often as you can , that is , to pray like a Turk , and feed like a Christian . In this manner we passed away our time with extraordinary mirth , till one of ou● Italians remembring it was the Holy Week ▪ began to take up , and admonish us to be more serious : I believe also we had forgot our Journey to Athens , had not on good Friday the 19. of April a Messenger on horseback arrived to us from our Captain , with news , that he would send his Pinnace for us a little above the Port de Raphti , to bring us to him at the Port de Zea ; for having adjusted his differences with the Officers at Athens , he staid only for us , and as soon as we came he would set sail , which put us upon thoughts of our return . We regal'd the Ladies of the house , and in the name of our fraternity presented them with a handsom Clock ( that we had brought on purpose , if we liked our entertainment ) and some other little things . When we took our leaves , Osman Chelebi assured us , he would make us a visit e're long at Athens : He acquainted us that it was his resolution to repair to Candia , and make use of his Friends about the Visier to be restored to his Timariotship , which was given to another during his absence . In the Turkish Army nothing but sickness can excuse any Man from being present at his Command ; and most commonly , when unable ( by reason of sickness ) to serve in person , they oblige him to find another ; in short , we parted with Osman in hopes of seeing him suddenly again , taking our way upon the Coast , and leaving Raphti to the North West . Our Boat attended us in a Creek where no Inhabitants were near , it lies S.W. of the Isle of Negrepont , at the end of a Canal or River that bears the Name of the Island , and was famous in Ancient Times under the name of the Euripus . Our Boat passed within less than a League of Raphti , which ( as I said before ) was called anciently Potamus , and is denominated from the multitude of Fountains thereabouts , which make several little Brooks , and fall all in together at Raphti . The Harbour at Raphti is the safest in all Greece , good anchoring , and seven or eight fathom water ; but its excellence consists in the shelter , being covered round by a small Island , which leaves only as much space open as is necessary for the entrance of a Ship. Upon the point of this Island , there is a large Figure of Marble ( of which I shall bring you the design ) and another Statue upon a little eminence hard by , but the best anchoring is under a little low Island that lies within the Port. Having left Raphti to the North , we avoided the Sand-banks which are very dangerous , and lye to the N.E. of Macrinosi , called by the Italians Isola Longa , which is the same with the Greeks . It is in length two Leagues , and runs from the N. E. to the S. W. It was called anciently the Island of Helen , because Helen landed there in her return from Troy. It is inhabited only by Calogers which live there with great austerity . From Macronisi we directed our Course to Zea , which is an Island that lies S. E. and N. W. with the other . We saw our Ship preparing and under sail to pass into the Gulf of Engia ; and we were no sooner on board , but she made all the way she could thither : About three hours after with our Perspective-Glasses we could discover the Coast of Macyna or Munychia that is not above a league from Athens . ATHENS Ancient and Modern : WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE EMPIRE OF THE TURKS . Book II. THe Gulf of Engia is that which anciently was called the Saronick Gulf from the River Saron which discharges it self into it , on the West side towards Hexamele the present name for the Isthmus of Corinth . This Gulf is denominated from the Isle of Engia ( formerly famous by the name of Egina ) and so powerfull at Sea , that the Inhabitants of that Island were once in a condition to dispute for Soveraignty with Athens it self . The length of the Island is near four and twenty leagues , bounded on the East by Saint George d' Arbora that lies in the mouth of it , and on the West by the ruines of the Castle of Policastro , which is but two leagues from Corinth . From the Cape de Colomnes to Porto-Lione is twelve leagues , and they lie S. E. and N. W. one of another . This Coast has been so much infested by the Christian Corsairs , especially since the Wars in Candia , that their habitations at present are all removed a full league from the Sea. Our Modern Geographers injure them as much , for 't is strange that a Gulf so famous in old times among the Ancients , should at present be utterly forgotten , and that our Maps should agree so little about the position of Laurion , Munichia , Salamis and Egina . We have affirmed that Laurion lies three leagues to the Westward of the Cape de Colomnes , and convinced those Maps of errour which have placed it on the side of the Euripus , and this we have done , not only by the sight of the Mountain of which Thucydides makes mention when he speaks of the other , but also by ●he nature of the ground where formerly ●here were Silver Mines ; for some of our Virtuosi caused several pieces of that Earth to be brought to them , and found in the darkness of the colour , in the weight and dissolution , all the qualities of Ore , and Earth mingled with Veins of Silver . When our Vessel was North and South of the Mountain of Laurion , we could see the Sands upon the Shore , and the sharp Rooks in the Island of Engia , which render it ●naccessible on all sides but the North-West where the Town is placed that gives name to the Island ; the condition of which City ● shall give you more conveniently here●fter . The length of the Island from East ●o West is five good leagues ; the breadth ●n the widest place is but three : It lies ex●ctly in the midst of the Gulf , and the Gulf ●s twelve leagues over : As soon as we were ●n the Canal , we had a sight of Phalerum ●he Old Port of Athens , before Themisto●les advised to fortifie the other . There ●s now nothing left about that Harbour but ●hree or four Cabbins , forsaken by the Inhabitants , and pulled down and ruined by the Corsaires : The anchoring is very good , and a Ship ride in it at ten or twelve fathom water : Upon the Banks there are several Excellent Springs to which the Ship● that pass by do frequently send for fre● water . From this Phalerum to Athens i● but a league and a quarter , and in that plac● the City is nearest the Sea. Our Captai● had much ado to restrain our Gallants , wh● would fain have been landing at Phaleru● because the Learned Museus who invente● the Sphere , and discovered to us the use o● it , was buried there about three thousan● years since . Drelingston declared that h● had come from Orleans to Paris on purpos● to see in the Church of St. Nicholas d● Champs the Tomb of the Excellent Gassendus , who in his Astronomical Observation ● has followed the footsteps of the said M●seus , and that with the same curiousity h● had visited in the Church of Saint Gen●viesve the Tomb of the incomparable do● Cartes , whose new Hypothesis is the wonder and envy of all Scholars . He affirme● it was an honour due to the memory of grea● persons , and that the Emperour Charle● V. being in the Low Countries , disdained not to visit the Sepulchre of Buckeldi● the famous fisher for Herrings , who firs● found out the way of keeping them i● pickle , and salting them ; and as if his ow● ●●ngle visit had been too little , he took a●ong with him his Sister Mary Queen of ●ungaria . About a quarter of league Westward , ●n the bank of the River is to be seen the ●lace where formerly was the Fortress of Munychia so often mentioned in History ●or the beauty of its Harbour , and the Temple of Diana . The most part of our Maps do place Mu●ychia four leagues from Phalerum , mista●ing its distance , and Angle of position . ●t is called at present Macyna , but deserted ●s the rest of those Towns are . It is situa●ed so as to hinder the sight of the other Harbour where we designed to have come ●o an anchor , but the wind rising , we were ●riven upon the Isle of Salamis called now ●ndifferently Colouri , and Santa Broussia : The Proverb sayes , It is an ill wind that ●lows no body profit ; and it was verified with us , for our Virtuosi had a great cu●iosity to be peeping about that Island , be●ause it was of old under the Dominion of Telamon and Ajax , and was famous for the ●irth of Euripides , and the defeat of Xerxes ●is Fleet : But the weather was bad , and continued so all Easter day , so that we could ●ot get a shore as we desired . Easter day was Celebrated very devoutly , the whole crew were at publick Pray●● with great decency and attention : O●● two Germans being Lutherans , did thei● Exercises of Piety by themselves : Thei● Easter day , and the Greeks falling out tha● Year on the same day with ours , with th● difference only , that they reckoned it th● Eleventh , and we the One and twentieth ● April . We came to an anchor betwixt the littl● Isle of Psytalle ( which indeed is but a Rock ● and the Island of Colouri . The Rock ● Scyradion lying East of us , towards th● Coast of Athens . I shall not trouble 〈◊〉 self to tell you the great noise that Psyt●● and Scyradion made formerly among th● Ancients , for I am now in a place so ferti● in Miracles , I need no more than ask whe● you would have me begin . We could easily perceive the Rock calle● Ceras , upon the point where the Canal 〈◊〉 Colouri is most narrow , and nearest th● Country belonging to the Ancient Eleu●● and Megara , which Rock is memorable fo● being the place where Xerxes upon his Si●ver Throne beheld the Battel betwixt hi● Fleet and the Grecian . To the N. E. of this Rock there is ● good Harbour called Porto-Longo , or th● Harbour for the Gallies . Here there is con●tantly a passage-Boat that goes from Co●●uri to Athens and back again , the di●tance betwixt them being no more than ●wo leagues . The next morning being the 22. of April , ●ur Troop of Travellers put themselves on ●oard a Shallop to go ashore at Coluri : I ●ore them Company , and we came into a ●arrow Creek to the Southward of the Isle : We landed at the farther end of the Creek , where we found about a hundred Caves , ●nd about twice as many pittifull Cabbins , which is all they have to show for their Capital City , and is the miserable remain●er of the whole Kingdom of Ajax . The ●umber of the Inhabitants amounts not to ●bove four hundred : When ever they decry a Vessel at Sea ( though never so small ) ●hey betake themselves immediately to their ●oles , and if possible , those holes that are ●●rthest off , for fear it should prove a Cor●aire , by whom they are frequently visited , ●arried off , and sold in foreign Countries : They no sooner perceived us , but they fled ●n mighty confusion , and we could easily ●ear the noise which they made in driving ●heir Cattel , and forcing them into their Caves . One of our Company over-took ●n old man whose legs were too feeble to ●arry him off ; we comforted and convinced him by our Caresses and Behaviour that ● were no Corsaires , insomuch that he carri●● us to the mouth of a Cavern , and havi●● secured them upon his word , five or six ● the Islanders came out to us : We used the●● kindly , demanding Victualls only for o● Money , and something we gave them o●● and above ; upon which a Signal being ●ven , the Men and Cattel , and all began ● appear : We bought very good Partrid●● at the rate of a Timin a douzen , and as ● were told we bought them too dear ; th●● the Timins were currant , but they told ● they would not pass at Athens , ( where th● were cryed down , because the Italian M●●chants had brought thither great quantiti● of false , which they had coyned private ● upon the Mountains of Genoa ) howev●● they knew how to put them off in the Is●● of the Archipelago . They brought us ● feed in a little Church , but the Vicar w● gone to Athens . We scrupled it much , a● told them , that to eat there could not co●sist with our reverence for the place : The● were much pleased at our preciseness , b● told us , That seeing it was God that ga●● us to eat , they saw no reason why we shou●● refuse to make use of it in his house . T●● Wine they provided was indifferently goo● but their water was excellent , and fetch●● from a spring not far from the Church : But these poor wretches have cursed that Spring a thousand times , for being the occasion of so many Visits from the Corsaires . I do not question but in our walk we met ( though we did not know it ) with the Closet where Euripides composed some of his Tragedies ; for History tells us , that for fear of interruption , he made them in one of the privatest Caverns of the Island , and we saw good store of them . Euripides was born in this Island of a poor Woman , who got her living by selling of Herbs : to expiate the meanness of his Extraction , he came to Athens , where he studied Physick under Anaxagoras , Rhetorick under Prodicus , and Morality under Socrates ; so that in that Age Learning was necessary to compleat and adapt any thing for the Stage . We returned to our Ship again about ten of the Clock , where we found the Consul of Genoa and his Dragoman or Interpreter ( for every Consul has one allowed him , to facilitate his Negotiations with the Turks ) our Captain agreed with them concerning the ordinary Duties that each Vessel pays at Porto-Lione , that is to say , two per Cent. to the Consul ; as much to the Dragoman , and three per Cent. to the Vaywode , who is the Master of the Custom-house at Athen● They agreed likewise about the Presents ● be made to the Turkish Officers , and part●cularly to the Cady , who having a powe● to lay what Tax he pleases upon Merchan● Goods that are brought into that Harbou● by Strangers , does many times use hi● own Liberty , and act without any regar● to justice if he be not presented . Fro● Athens the Commodities exported are pri●cipally Silks , Oyls , Skins , and a kind ● Gauls which in times of Peace the Ve●tians buy in great quantities , and use in d●ing . If a Ship puts into that Harbour● though it neither buys nor sells , nor exercises any sort of Commerce , yet it pay ● Crown for anchoring to the Consul of i● own Country ; but paying two per Cen● the Consul is obliged to look after thei● Effects , and to a particular care of the Interest of their Nation . He is Judge , an● determines in all Controversies about Trad● betwixt the Merchants of that Country b● whom he is imployed : He is the Chi●● Person concerned to extend their Jurisdict●on , and vindicate their Priviledges : 〈◊〉 short , his Authority is so considerable , tha● it is the occasion of great jealousies , an● many times the ruine of the Competiton ▪ For those Christian Countries ( who hav● no Ambassador nor Resident at Constantinople , and are constrained to put themselves under the protection of some setled and established Consul ) are in perpetual difference , and obliged to be continually presenting and greasing the Bassa's and Sangiac's to countermine their Competitors : And it is no small part of the cunning of the Turkish Officers to seem to incline to one Nation , to spur up the rest in their Contributions . By this Artifice they squeez Money out of the Merchants of all Countries , pretending sometimes to take cognizance of their disputes , and to bring them before their Turkish Tribunals , and the surest way to divert them is to present them liberally . The Armenians do likewise create us much trouble , for having no right of Consulship of their own , the other Consuls repine to do their business , which turns often to their ruine . Formerly there was only the Emperours Ambassaddor Resident at Constantinople , and he medled not in matters of Trade ; but for these four or five years , since the taking of Newhausel , and the peace that followed thereupon , a Company was erected in Vienna that Traded by the Danube into Turky , and the Emperours Ambassador there invested with the priviledges of the Consulship ; for in that Court there are no other Consuls , but Ambassadors and Residents . The French Nation being allowed a Church in Athens ; for the maintenance o● it , every French Vessel is forced to pay five Crowns , besides what the Vaywood exact of us more than of other Nations : But 't is probable the Reputation of our King , and his Arms , and the prudence of our Ambsassadours will put a stop to their Extortio● in a short time : Nevertheless hitherto thi● has been no advantage to the Affairs of ou● Consul Monsieur Chastagner , though he retains the Title and Priviledges of Consu● of Morea , and has under him Vice-Consul at Patras , Napoli , and other places ; upo● which score he is about resigning to one o● his Brothers : All charges born , the Consulship brings him not in clearly above fiv● hundred Franks per Annum . He complained much of Monsieur Giraud , attributin● most of our losses in that nature to his private intelligence with several Merchants o● other Nations , by which they have bee● perswaded to commit their Affairs to th● Protection of the English Consul , to th● no small detriment of our own : And doubtless it will be much worse if Girau● be made Consul for Genoa , as I was advised he would be before I came from Athens ; whereupon I took a resolution , and was much incouraged in it by my friends . The love and interest of my Country working strongly upon my mind ( though with Monsieur Giraud they seemed utterly forgotten , otherwise he would never have promoted the Interest of another Country at that time in Hostility with France ) I thought it discretion to provide in time against the Rencounters I might have with him . I considered that if I passed for a Frenchman in Athens , I should be obliged in duty and inclination to defend the rights , and propagate the Interest of our Consul in all our Conversations ; and the little Figure I made in the World , would add but little to the advantage of my Country by all the clutter I could make : Besides , I had occasion to be beholding to our Captain , with whom that would have put me at variance ; so that I spake to all our Crew to let me pass for a Genoese to avoid those unprofitable Contests , and they did as I desired . In a word , about one a Clock at noon we arrived at Porto-lione , it being not above three Leagues from thence to Coluri ; yet in that little distance we observed there were Currents that ran directly upon the Coast . The Shore at Porto-lione bends into three several bows , which do make so many Harbours , all of them excellent for anchoring shelter , and largeness , and sufficient to justifie the wisdom of Themistocles , who preferred them to the Haven at Phalerm . Fou● hundred Sale of Ships may ride there very safe at nine , ten , twelve , and in some places at fifteen fathom water . To the Westward they are covered by the Island of Belbina , now called the Island of Blenda , no inhabited at present , and useful only in furnishing wood for the Ships . Of the thre● Harbours the middle is properly Porto-lione , and runs N. N. E. the entrance is narrow , and it is that which makes it so safe ▪ Upon the Rocks in the Sea may be seen th● piles of stone to which the Chain is fastne ▪ for the stopping up of the Harbour . In th● bigger Harbour there is a lesser for the Gallies , and that is it which the Italians ca● Darse , or Darsine . The Ancients calle● one of these three Ports Aphrodiston becaus● of the Temple of Venus that was near it ▪ another they called Cantharon from Canth●rus , and the third was called Zea , as bein● designed for the unlading of Corn. W● were no sooner landed , but the first thin● we did was to Curse the Romans and thei● barbarous Consul Sylla , who having abo●● 1754 years since sacked the City of Athens , destroyed Pyraeum into the bargain . It was with great displeasure we surveyed the solitude and desolation of Porto-lione ; we were all of us inquisitive after the famous Temples of Jupiter , Minerva , and Venus , and the five Portico's , which being joined together , were called Macra Stoa , in imitation of that which was at Athens : We enquired after the Theatre of Bacchus , of which Thucydides and Xenophon made men●ion . Of the Tribunal of Phreattys , and ●he famous Library of Appollicon where his ●ncomparable Writings were found , which ●re now lost , and memorable by nothing ●ut the mention made of them by Diogenes Laertius . We enquired after the magnifi●ent Arsenal , a Master-piece of that inimita●le Architect Philo , for the admirable con●eniences made for the receipt and security ●f the Gallies : after all which we required ●ery earnestly one among another , ( for ●esides our selves there was not one person ●o be seen ) where those times were when ●our or five hundred Ships sailed out of ●his Port together : when multitudes of ●eople on one side , and Seamen on the o●her , were heard reciprocally to shout out ●●ier Agati tuki , Farewell to you : Euploia , ● good Voyage to you : and Pronoia Sozouza , Providence keep you . What are become , said we , of all their famous Admirals , their Commanders of Squadrons , and the two Magistrates which they called Apostles , or Commissioners of the Navy ? In a word , where are all those Trierarques or rich Citizens , who were obliged to build at their own expence a certain number of Ships according to their respective Estates ? What a most excellent order , and how beneficial to the publick was it , as soon as a Citizen was arrived at an Estate of 18000 Livers to have him denominated a Trierarque , and obliged at his own charge to set out a Ship ▪ If his Fortune was double , he furnished out two , but he was not constrained to se● out above three though his Estate was never so immense . When there were no● Citizens enough to be found able to expend 18000 Livers , several of them wer● laid together , and built a Ship among them ▪ but then it was laid so impartially that n● body could complain . If any though● himself aggrieved , he had no more to d● but to make it appear that his Neighbou● was better able than himself , and he tha● was proved so , was sure to be put in hi● place . Thus was this noble and ingenious people as it were distracted betwixt th● love of Literature and Navigation , whil● each Parent was enjoined to teach his Children both to Read and to Swim . Pyraeum had formerly the glory within the compass of its walls to see some of the first Schools of Philosophy in the world : For in that , as in other Countries , the gross ignorance and brutality of former Ages having contracted a strange depravity and corruption in their Manners ; in process of time there came forth a small number of virtuous and ingenious persons , who applied themselves to more regularity in their lives , and to discover what was most rare and obscure in the nature of things , and for their good inclinations , and the happy progress they made , were called Philosophers . I shall tell you once for all , You must not be surprized if you meet in this description some slight and imperfect touches of the Ancient Philosophy , which do sometimes fall in naturally enough , and without any Violence or Constraint ; and indeed we had as good never have gone to Athens , if contenting our selves with an Inventory of the old pieces of Marble , we should have neglected that which made them so glorious whilst they were united and standing . Nor can I bring my self to believe that men of any Curiosity or Learning would ever have forgiven me , should I have passed by several things , because they were nor visible to my eye . Athens then having produced several Philosophers , it was at Pyraeum that one of them called Antisthenes , undertook to set up a particular Sect : For still as the most Learned among them established any new Hypothesis , those of his party and opinion asserted his Principles , and formed themselves into several Sects under different appellations . Antisthenes was the first of the Sect of the Cynicks . The word imports originally a Dog , from which their doctrine is not altogether abhorring , as being much less gentle and refined than the rest . It admits nothing of Natural Philosophy , Logick , nor Mathematicks ; it relies wholly upon Morality , and that the most austere and rigid in the World. To render a man wise , it requires that he begins with an extream contempt of himself , and to enure him to it , the Rules prescribed have in them more of insolence that instruction : For to decry their Vices , they reproach men with scandal , so that it is from their barking and snarling at every mans miscarriages that they are called Cynicks . The History of Crates and Hyparchus justifies that appellation by other reasons that I shall not mention in this place ; and it is possible it was given them likewise from the place called Cynosarges , which was a part of the Suburbs in Athens , where they settled themselves after they had quitted Pyraeum . All that is now to be seen of Pyraeum is only a fair Marble Statue of a Lion that gives the present name to that famous Port. It is placed gaping with his face towards the Sea , and as it were ready to leap into all the Vessels that come in there to anchor , Themistocles his Tomb was formerly not far from it . There is a little Caravanserael ( but not built as in Turkie ) which serves for the ●odging and entertainment of Passengers , and to lock up their goods ; and being therefore so inconsiderable , I will not trouble you with its description . That at Porto-lione is but an ill favoured kind of Hall , where , in case of Rain , they lay by what is unladen there , to be carried to Athens , or what is brought from thence to be shipp'd in that Port. All the settled and established Caravanseraels in Greece , are these which follow : Two at Thebes , one at Megara , one at Corinth , one at Arcadia , one at Napoli de Romania , one at Tripolissia or Dropolissia , two at Messitra , and one at Lacedaemon . Upon an eminence on the Shore stands an old Town , or Phanal , which the Athenian call Pyrgo , and the Italians Torre del foc● For the whole Town of Pyraeum two po●● Greeks are perpetually upon the Watch i● that Tower of Pyrgo , whose business it is t● give warning of the Corsairs , setting u● their Colours by day as soon they deser● any Ship at Sea , and in the night hanging ou● lights , to give alarm to the Country about besides which there is a fire made constantly every night upon the Platform . All along upon the Shore , at a competent distanc● there are several Pyrgo's for the same purpose , and two men always as Sentinels ▪ The Tower that makes the first discovery of a Man of War , throws down a lighted Fire-brand over the Wall to give notice to the rest ; and doing all of them the same the Signal is taken : The whole Country immediately in Arms , and the word passing from one to another to know where the Signal was first given , they repair thither with the greatest part of their strength . If nothing be discovered , the fire is suffered to go out in each Tower , and serves only to admonish the Corsairs that they are upon their Guard. But to elude their diligences , and frustrate their Signals , the Corsairs do frequently furl up their Sails , otherwise a Vessel of two hundred Tun will be seen by those Sentinels six or seven leagues . A larger Vessel is seen farther , and if two Ships be at Sea , they can discover one ano●her three or four leagues , unless they furle up their sails . At Pyraeum there are still to be seen great quantity of square stone of which the Walls were made that joyned it to the City , and upon the Road to Athens there were many more : They are generally Cubique , and those of the Foundation cramped together with iron , which was the Workmanship of the old and eminent Athenian Conon . But that which was most wonderfull in the Fortifications about Pyraeum , was , the Famous Wooden Tower that Sylla could not burn ; the Wood of which it was built having been prepared with a Composition of Alume that the Fire could not touch ; but though fire could not , it is now quite devoured by Time. Having walked for some space , we had Horses brought us from Athens , and mounting , had not rid far , before the Magnificent Temple of Minerva ( which stands in the Castle , and appears very statelily over the Walls ) presented it self as the first considerable object to our view . And here I cannot but acknowledge my own weakness , you may call it folly if you please : At the first sight of this Famous Town ( struck as it were with a sentiment of Veneration for those Miracles of Antiquity which were Recorded of it ) I started immediately , and was taken with an universal shivering all over my Body . Nor was I singular in my Commotion , we all of us stared , but could see nothing , our imaginations were too full of the Great Men which that City had produced . We fancied every step we made , that we met either Theseus , or Socrates , Alcibiades , or some other of those Reverend Persons : I could not contain my self , but cryed out , Adsunt Athenae , unde Humanitas , Doctrina , Religio , Fruges , Jura , Leges ortae , atque in omnes Terras distributae putantur , de quarum possessione proper pulchritudinem , etiam inter Deos certamen proditum est . Vrbi ( inquam ) quae vetustate eâ est , ut ipsa ex sese suos Cives genuisse dicatur : Authoritate autem tantâ , ut jam fractum prope & dehilitatum Graeciae Nomen , hujus Vrbis laude nitatur : You may remember it in Tully . The ruines of the Walls were called formerly the Long Rampires , of which there were two , the Northern by which we passed , and the Southern that ran along by the Sea to Pyraeum ; from thence to Munichia , and from Munichia to Phalerum , and so to the Walls of the Town ; so that the circumference of the Ancient City of Athens was compleatly two hundred Fur●ongs , which is about seven Leagues . And History mentions , that at convenient distances these Rampires were flanked by little Towers that were inhabited . The rode by which we passed along upon the Northern Rampire , was called formerly These●us his way ; of which Boccaneyra remembered us in the Verses he cited out of Propertius : Inde ubi Pyraei capient me littora portus , Scandam ego Thescae brachia longa viae . Accordingly there was a Temple consecra●ed to Theseus , and a little farther two Monuments , one of the Famous Poet Menander , the other of Euripides . About the midway betwixt Athens and Pyraeum there was a great Well set round very handsom●y with Olive Trees , which rendered it very pleasant : We took this Well for the Fountain , that was formerly by a certain Chappel Consecrated to Socrates ; for in those days Temples were Dedicated to Illustrious Men , as well as to the Gods. The descents and incursions of the Christian Corsaires is the cause that there are no Country-houses above a League from Porto-Lione ; but beyond that distance towards Athens , there are many little House set about very beautifully with Vines an● Olive Trees ; and behind them each has i● Garden full of Oranges , Citrons and Pom●granats ; they have plenty of Fountains an● Water-works , most of their Gardens bein● furnished with Engines to break and d●sperse the waters as it comes out of th● Pipes ; and the Engines are generall● wrought by a Horse . The Athenians a● present call a Country-house Spititon Ch●rion , and a Garden Perinoles . We could scarce see the Town before w● were in it , because it stands upon a littl● Eminence behind the Castle , which bein● just in our face , hindered the prospect there of . We alighted at a house taken up fo● us not far from a Church , which they ca● Agios Jannis , or the Church of St. John. And now being arrived at Athens , whic● was the main object of our Voyage , yo● would have just cause to be offende● should I neglect an opportunity that offen● it self so freely for your entertainment , an● not endeavour to give you the most faithfull and succinct description both of he● passed fortune , and present condition , seeing that what has been said hitherto , seem● but preliminary , and as it were to prepare ●he way for the knowledge of that . I do ●ot question , but in other Authors you may find a considerable part of what I have ●resented to you here : It would be strange ●n speaking of the place where Athens stood formerly , I should write of nothing but what was new of a Town so universally famous , and reputed the Mother of Arts , and ●he Theatre of Valour and Policy . The happy times in which this City flou●ished , were so fertile in wonders , and we ●ave had so few Ages since that have pro●uced such Eminent Men , that I do not doubt your excuse , if I give you a parti●ular specification of those memorable years ●hat remain still Sacred by so great and so glorious Events : But not to interrupt or ●ivert my Discourse , you will find in the Margin of these Memoires the number of Years reduced from the Epoche of the Olym●iads to our own ; by which you will dis●ern the time passed betwixt such an acci●ent and the time present . Of all the Ancient Cities in Greece , none ●as preserved its name with better success ●han this City of Athens . Our Geographers have thought good to alter it , and ●all it Setines : The Greek and Turkish Inhabitants , and the Neighbours about , call ●t Atine . I will not trouble you with the differe●● names it bore , before the Goddess Miner●● ( whom the Greeks called Athena ) gave ● her name in despite of the jealousie and o●● position of Neptune , who would have giv●● it his own . It is most certain , the Inhab●tants of old , called it by way of Excellen● Asti , or the City : And the Romans , ●● the same Spirit of Ostentation designed t●● same . The year of its Foundation was n●ver yet known . In the time of Cecrops ( t●● first of Her seventeen Kings ( wh● Reign began 3226. years since ) ● was but a Burrough , though h●noured with the Residence of its King , a● the Title of Metropolis in that Countre●● so that Athens was built above eight hu●dred years before the City of Rome . Theseus their Tenth King observing t●● People to be affected with Countrey liv●● and by the means , being dispersed up a●● down at a distance one from the other , a●● consequently exposed to the irruptious ● their Nighbours ; he incorporat●● the wealthiest of them into a Cit●● and by that Union gained to hi●self the Title of Founder of Athens . Th● City and Country was a long time G●verned by Kings , but with a limited A●thority ; nevertheless the people , in lo●● with their Liberty , abolished Monarchy , and in the place of their Kings , Created their Archontes , whose Power was almost equivalent with the power of the Doges or Dukes of Venice ; thirteen of them were perpetual , and succeeded one another , and seven had their Authority limited to Ten Years : After these , the Sovereign Power was put into the hands of Nine Magistrates , the first with the Title of Archonte , the second of King : Their Dignity lasted but a Year , yet these latter Archontes were so considerable , that the Athenians reckoned their Years , and distinguished their times from the Order of their Creation . In process of time Draco gave them those Famous Laws that were said to have been written in blood , by reason of their excessive rigour : But twenty four years after , they were abolished by Solon , who supplyed them with Laws much more gen●le and humane . The Laws of Solon Established a Popu●ar Government , till Pisistrates usurped the Soveraignty of Athens , and having left it ●o his Two Sons Hipparchus and Hippias , ●he first was slain by Harmodius and Aristogiton , with the assistance of a fair Athenian called Leena , to whom they had made great Courtship : This Leena being taken into Custody by the Tyrants Guards , and threatned the torture , unless she discovered her Accomplices , she chose rather to bite out her tongue , than suffer it to betray he● Gallants : And this Heroick action of Leena's hapned the same year that Lucretia was the cause that Tarqui● was banished out of Rome . Liberty being restored to the Athenian● three years after , by the flight of Hippia● , he called in the Persians who lost the Famous Battel of Marathon : Ten years after they returned , with intention to Sac● the City of Athens , but in a few months time they were defeated again in a Sea-fight at Salamis . After the Victory at Salamis , the Republick of Athens was in its highest elevation : It s greatest Captains , its greate● Philosophers , and its most Ingenious Artists were living in that time ; and neve● was any City so fertile in Illustrious Men Pericles was the person by whose Conduc● it arrived at that Grandeur . But the Lacedemonians growing jealou● of their greatness , made War upon the Athenians , and after several ingagements Lysander the Lacedemonian General , havin● rather surprized than vanquished them in ● Sea-fight , came afterwards to besiege th● City of Athens , and forcing it to surrender upon very hard Conditions , he established in it the thirty Tyrants , ●o famous in History . After four Years Servitude , Thrasibulus ● Citizen of that City , slew the ●hirty Tyrants , drove out the Lacedemonian Garrison , and by degrees ●onquered the Lacedemonians , partly by ●he Arms of his own Country-men , and ●artly by exciting the Thebans under the Command of Epaminondas . Not long after , this City was forced to ●ontend with the whole strength of a puissant League of the Inha●itants of Byzantium , Rhodes , and other Islands , who were not able to sup●ort the Tribute which was exacted in the dellespont , which Tribute was the foundati●n of its ruine . Afterwards she suffered much ●y Philip of Macedon , who gained ●he Battel of Cheronea against the Athenians and Beotians . Neither was Alexander the Great a bet●er friend to them at first , but he was kind ●o them afterwards ; however Alexander ●ied , and two years after his death , two ●f his Successors Antipater and Craterus ●btained a great Victory over them , and put ● Macedonian Garrison into Mynichia ; and to weaken them yet more , Antipater transported 22000 Athenians into Thracia . Cassander , another of Alexander's Successors usurped upon them , and invaded that Liberty which had been recovered b● Antigonus and Demetrius great Enemies t● Cassander ; after which the said Demetri●● besieged the said City , and took i● from Lacharis a Citizen , who ha● made himself Absolute , and his Setting up for himself , gave occasion for th● discovery of the valour of Olimpiador●● who by unparallel'd bravery and conduc● delivered the said Country from the Macedonians , defeating and dispersing abov● 12000. of them : Upon which the Magnanimity of these Inhabitants resuming i● ancient force , they made us Gauls sensibl● of the fury of their Arms ; for the Ath●nian Callipus defended the passage at The●mopilae against a numerous Arm● under the Command of two of on● Kings , Brennus and Acichorius , an● constrained them to try other ways , whic● proved afterwards their ruine . This was the last of the Athenian Tr●umphs ; afterwards the Gauls tired the● out , and exhausted their strength , so a● from that time they never attempted an●thing considerable in their own name , nor signalized themselves but by their Learning and Science : They fell again under the Dominion of the Macedonians , and could never free themselves but by the supplys of Aratus ; and yet it must be confessed , that ●hey were the chief cause of the ●uine of the Macedonian Monar●hy , by exciting the Romans , who Triumphed over Philip and Perseus . At length Aristion a Citizen of Athens , ●nvolved that Common-wealth in the great●st Calamity that ever befell it : The Hi●tory is visible at large in the Life ●f Sylla , who took the said City ●nd pillaged it . But Pyraeum was ●he more unfortunate of the two , for Athens was afterwards repaired , but Pyraeum was ●acked and never built since . After this Desolation , it had continued ● most deplorable solitude , had not the ●ame of its Philosophers invited thither ●ost of the Learned Men in the World , ●nd twenty years after , Pompey the Great called so meerly upon account of the Athe●ians ) discontinuing his pursuit of certain ●irats which he had undertaken to dis●erse , came to an anchor in Pyrae●m , visited the Philosopher at A●hens , and restored that City to the exercise of their Old Laws ; in acknowledgement of which , the Athenians espoused Pompey's Party ; followed him in h●● Civil Wars , and fought for him in the Battel of Pharsalia . Their Ingagement with Pompey woul● have been fatal to them , had not Caesa● been more generous than Sylla : He pa●doned them after his Victory , using this e●pression ( which is so memorable in History ▪ These present Athenians ought indeed to ● punished , but for the merit of their Anc●stors I will pardon them for once : For whic● they were not so grateful as they ough● joyning , afterwards with the Forces of Br●tus and Cassius against Augustus and Anth●ny : Nevertheless , though at th● Battel of Philippi Anthony remai●ed Conquerour , he treated the Athenians with much favour , vouchsafing ● the very height of his Fortune , not on●● to afford them his Company for some tim● but he caused himself to be Created A●chonte , and accommodated so exactly wi●● their Old Customers , that they called hi● frequently Philellen or Lover ● the Greeks ; and when he w●● beaten by Augustus at the Batt●● of Actium , the only request he made ● him , was , that he might be permitted ● live privately at Athens , but he was not able to obtain it ; after which Augustus continued to them their Ancient Laws , but he took from them certain Islands that Mark Anthony had given them . From that time they continued true to the Romans , only now and then some small Seditions happened of little importance : But of all Men , the Emperour Adrian was the greatest Lover of Athens ; that Prince being universally skilled both in their Learning and Arts , ( working with his own hands so exactly , that the best Workmen could not equal him ) was pleased to be the restorer of their Magnificent Buildings : He lived there as a private Citizen , aspired to the Dignity of Archonte , Executed that Office in the habit of an Athenian , and revived the Laws of Solon : With his Empire he left his Inclination to Athens to his Successor Antoninus Pius , by whom it was transmitted to Verus , both of which came and lived personally in Athens , and made themselves popular by their beneficence : But about thirty years after , the Emperour Severus came thither , and retrenched their Priviledges in revenge of some injury which he had received formerly when he was a Student there in a private condition . Three hundred and fifty years after Sylla had demolished them , the Emperour Valerian caused their Walls to be repaired , which hindered not , but a while after under the Reign of Claudian , successor to Galenus , it was sack'd by the Scythians ; and about One hundred forty years after that , under the Reign of Honorius , it was taken again by Alaricus at the instigation of Stilicon . And yet these Revolutions rendered it not to abject and contemptible , but that the Illustrious Families that were left , supplied the Eastern Empire with several Emperesses , as I shall observe hereafter . And those Emperors contracted no inconsiderable alliances ; for in process of time , when the Empire began to decline , two of its Emperors , Alexis and Andronicus , successively married Agnes , the Daughter of Lewis le Gross . These two Marriages , and the Misfortunes that attended them , having brought the French into those parts , Baldwin the Emperour brought his Army before Athens , but he raised his Siege , and was afterwards taken Prisoner by the Marquess Boniface . The French however had possession , and kept it till the Sicilian Vespers in the year 1282 , when the Catalonians and Aragonois beat them out ; but the Title of Duke of Athens remained to the French a long time . Our curious Dreslington remembred that ●t the Abbey of St. Denis , two Leagues ●rom Paris , upon a flat Tomb in the Chap●el , called Nostre Dame la Blanche , he had ●ead and transcribed this Epitaph , Cy gist Madame Jeanne d'Eu , jadis Cantesse d' E●tamps , & Duchesse d'Athens , Fille de tres ●oble homme Mons . Raoul , Comte d'Eu , & ●e Guines ; laquelle trepassa en la Cité de ●ienne le 6 de Juillet 1489. Here lies the ●ody of Madam Joan d'Eu , formerly Coun●ess of Estamps , and Dutchess of Athens , Daughter of the thrice Noble Monsieur Ra●ul , Earl of Eu , and Guines ; she died in ●he City of Sienna , the 6. of July 1489. ●nform your self of some Herald who this Dutchess of Athens was , and how that Title ●ame into her Family . From the dominion of the Spaniard , Athens passed to a Family ( originally of ●lorence ) called Acciaoli , which Family ●ad the Soveraignty both in Corinth and ●hebes . Francus or Francis the Eighth , Prince of that House , was at length con●trained in the year 1455 to yield it up to ●he Valour and Fortune of Mahomet the ●econd , the greatest Conquerour of all the Turks . So then it is now two hundred and thirteen years since it has been in the han● of the Mahumetans . It is true in the ye● 1464 Capello the Venetian General surpriz●● it , but not taking the Castle , he could n●● keep the Town . This then is one of t●● two hundred Capital Cities which the sa●● Mahomet took from the Christians ; 〈◊〉 did it submit till it had seen two Empin● and twelve Kingdoms subdued by 〈◊〉 Sword. And it was some kind of lus●● and reputation to the surrender of Athen● ● that it was not conquered by an ordina●● or inconsiderable Prince . It is remarkab●● in History that when the said Francus w●● expulsed , the chief Citizens of the To●● conspired to restore him ; which Cons●●racy was the cause that the Turks made the● Exemplary , and took from them the Sov●raignty of Thebes , which they had allow●● them till that time . Mahomet was na●●rally bloody and vindicative , neverthel●●● he treated Athens with great humanit●● professing one day as he was walking abo●● the Town , That his desire to be master ● it sprang not so much from his Natural a●bition , as from a delight he took in vie●ing the pleasantness of its scituation , a● the magnificence of its buildings ; and ● his great favours the Athenians are s●● mindful to this day . The better sort of t●● Inhabitants will never discourse with you upon any thing of Religion , but they will be sure to tell you of St. Paul , and St. Denis the Areopagite : They will show you none of their Antiquities , but they will tell you of Themistocles and Adrian ; nor can they mention their State-Affairs , but with a reverend Commemoration of Sultan Mahomet the Second . Before we come to their form of Government as it is established at present , it will not be improper in two words to give you an account how Christianity was first introduced into that City . Saint Paul the Apostle concerned himself , and took great pains in its conversion ; for coming out of Macedonia he came to Athens , and disputing against the Stoicks and Epicureans , he explained to them the new doctrine of the Resurrection , and shew'd that the God which he preached to them was the same Unknown God to whom their Altar was erected . Saint Dionysius , ( of the Famous Society of the Areopagites ) and Damaris were two of the most considerable who embraced Christianity ; the History of which is recorded in the 17. Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles , and when a stranger is at any time present at the Celebration of Mass , they will be sure instead of the Epistle for the day to read that Chapter , thinking thereby ( with a piou● kind of Vanity ) to enhaunce their reputation with the Stranger , according to the natural genius and affectation of that people . In Civil Affairs , when by the Judges a● Oath is to be administred to an Athenian , they open the New Testament at the 17th ▪ Chapter of the Acts , and laying the hand● of the Deponent upon that Leaf , they fancy it adds much to its Religious Obligation ▪ They look upon St. Dionysius as their firs● Bishop . In the infancy of Christianity it was famous by the Martyrdom of several persons , particularly in the year 125 there were many Athenians that suffered for the Truth , being animated by the Example of Publi●● their Bishop . The Emperour Adrian was then at Athens , and entered himself into the Priesthood of Ceres Eleusina ; but three years after , Quadratus succeeding Publius , stopped the course of the persecution by an excellent Discourse which he made to the said Emperour at that time returned to Athens , in order to the Consecration of a stately Temple to Jupiter Olympius , and repaired by his care . The Eloquence of Aristides the Philosopher ( who was a Christian ) confirmed the Doctrine of Quadratus , and he mollified Adrian very much by a learned Apology he exhibited in defence of Christianity , and dedicated to him . Some of the Calogers pretend to have the said Apology still in a Library in a Monasteryl at Medelli , some six miles from Athens . The Church at Athens produced several considerable men , and was erected into an Arch-Bishoprick depending upon the Pa●riarch of Constantinople . The Metropolitan of Athens has under him at this day seven Bishopricks , two in the Archipelago , Scyros and Andros ; one in the Island of Negro●ont called Carystehi , and four upon the Continent , Porthima , Diaulis , Heterotopia , ●nd la Valone . The Archbishoprick is va●ued at about thirteen or fourteen thousand Crowns a year , out of which a good part ●s paid constantly to the Sultan . The pre●ent Archbishop is a witty man , but no great Clerk , nor Friend to the Church of Rome : He is a Caloger , not far from Constantinople , ●or you must know , none but Calogers are ●dmitted to the Prelacy in Greece . It is not ●ong since he was advanced to that Digni●y ; his Predecessor is still living in Athens , ● man of an exemplary Life , but dispossessed by the violence of the Port , who choosing or removing the Patriarch of Constantinople at their pleasure , have a great influence● in the Election of Rejection of the Inferiour Prelates . For the most part , that Caloger who has most money in his pocket and parts with it most freely , is advance● to be Patriarch ; and to reimburse himself he is glad to make such his Bishops and Archbishops as give him the largest Contribution ; and they in their turns take the same measures with their inferiours , so tha● from one to another every Priest , Papas , Bishop , and Archbishop contributes to th● making of the Patriarch : And the bette● to satiate the avarice of the Turks , ther● are commonly resident at Athens fou● Grand Penitentiaries deputed by the Archbishop to hear Confessions , and to prescribe● certain Mulcts and Taxes to their penitent● according to the quality of the crime fro● which they are absolved . The former Archbishop is one of these four Penitentiaries and Director of a Monastery of Caloger● or Nuns of the Order of Saints Basil , o● which there are three Monasteries in Athens . There are in Athens a hundred and thre● Churches , of which four are Dedicated t● the Virgin Mary , and called Panagia , and three more Dedicated to Saint George . Th● Chiefest among them are Agios Dimitrios Agios Jannis , and Agios Chiriachis . But be●ides these one hundred and three within ●he Walls , there are double the number within a league about the Town : 'T is ●rue , the least Chappel passes with them for ● Church , and sometimes one single Papas ●upplys two or three of them . There is but ●ne Altar in each of them , and some there ●re in which Mass is not said above three ●r four times in a Year . The Rich Men of ●he Town have each of them Chappels at ●ome , and the great reason is , to keep their Wives and Daughters from being ga●ed upon in the streets , by which means it ●appens , that unless it be on great dayes , ●he Great Churches are quite unfrequent●d ; and to take off all pretence of Gos●ping , the Good-wives are not permitted ●o go to Church out of their own Parish . Their Zeal for Christianity is very extraor●inary , and though there are few of the ●thenians , or none that follow the Disci●line of our Church , yet one full third of ●he Town , admit the Procession of the Holy Ghost , the Supremacy of the Pope , ●nd the most essential points in Controver●e betwixt us and the Eastern Church . Fa●her Simon de Compeigne a Religious French ●apuchin , and one of the Missionaries at Athens , is sometimes admitted to hear the Confessions of the Arch-bishop ; the grea●est part of the Calogers of Medelli , and th● most considerable of the Laity in th● City ; as particularly the Paleologues , t●● Bininzelles , the Capitanakis , the Calch●●diles , and several others . Before the Old Archbishop was dispo●sessed by the Turks , he many times signifie● to our Capuchins at Athens , the great d●sire he had to see our differences compose● telling them expresly , that if he could see ● United with the Eastern Church , he cou●● chearfully resign to the person who at Rom● is made Arch-bishop of Athens , in partil● infidelium ; and he inquired very earnest after his Name and his Parts . Our Rom● Archbishop is called Carlo Vecchi ; he h●● four considerable Dignities in the Court ● Rome ; He is Secretary of the Congreg●tion of Bishops , a Member of the Sacr●● Office , Counsellour to the Penitentiar● and Secretary to the Congregation de pr●paganda fide : He is an Ancient Man , ● weak and declining , that the Physicians ● way of Regiment have prescribed him thr●● dishes of Chocolat a day . This Grave Archbishop , preferred to th● Title out of the Monastery at Medelli 〈◊〉 his Piety as well as learning , is much ple●sed when our Capuchins which are thei● ●o tell him that the City of Paris esteems ●t a singular honour that Saint Dionysius the Areopagite was their first Bishop . The good Old Man in a rapture of Joy , and with great pleasure to himself replyes , You must confess then that but for Athens , France ●ad possibly never had an Apostle . Some of our Learned Countrey-men , re●osing too stifly upon the Doctrine of our Times , have maintained , that the Conver●●on of the French was not ascribable to ●aint Dennis the Areopagite , and that he was not the first Preacher of the Gospel amongst us : However our Chronology may ●ustifie them ; the Universal tradition at Athens is against them , as I found by par●icular inquiry and disquisition . They are ●ll full of his Mission into , and his Martyr●om in France . It is observable , with what heat and eagerness the Common People of Athens will hear and discourse of 〈◊〉 ; for being naturally proud and passio●ate , they do exceedingly magnifie and ex●ggerate the humility of that Saint , in lea●ing so Noble and Illustrious a Diocess , to ●stablish himself in France . Not far from ●he Archbishops Palace there was a little Chappel Dedicated to Saint Dennis , which ●as been ruined by the fall of a Rock ; and ●he Athenians have frequently solicited our Missionaries to intercede to the King o● France to repair it , and revive the Glory o● their Nation among them . As to the number of its Inhabitants , I admired to have read and heard a thousan● times that Athens was a desart : Certainly the Travellers that have reported it , onl● passed thorow it , and that perhaps in a rain● day , when no body was in the streets , 〈◊〉 in the time of a Contagion , which send● them packing to their Countrey house● The Town consists of at least fifteen or si●teen thousand Inhabitants , of which ten o● twelve hundred are Turks . No Jews coul● ever be admitted , though there are many , o● them in the Neighbourhood , and partic●larly at Thebes and Negropont ; and to spea● truth , in the whole Turkish Empire , 〈◊〉 places but Athens and Trebizond have preserved the priviledge of excluding the Jew● though the Turkish Officers have attempte● several times to introduce them ; but to oppose them , the Christians underhand mad● friends to the Mahumetans of the said Citie● pretending that the Jews would ingro● the whole Trade , and ruine the rest of th● Inhabitants : Sometimes they have threatned the Jews which solicited their admittance , and the fear of being cudgelled prevailed with them to desist , for at Athen● they are in a great deal of danger . About 1986. Years since , Cassander the Macedonian having given the Administration of Affairs of this City to the Philosopher Demetrius of Phalerum , he found the City to consist of twenty one thousand Citizens , ten thousand Strangers setled in the Town , and four hundred thousand Slaves ; and this account was testified by Ctesicles : and it is to be observed , that by the word Citizen is intended the Masters of Families , which must needs suppose a great number of Servants and Dependants . At present , as formerly , the people of both Sexes are well shaped , and of an Excellent Contexture , which is the reason they ●ive to be very old : We attributed much of their vigour to their diet , and their use of Honey , which the Athenians use very frequently , being excellently good . Their Physicians account their Honey for the wholsomest of their Food : But the Common People ascribe much to the Situation of their Mountains which shelter them so commodiously , from the winds ; did they understand the virtue of their Simples which are there in great abundance and excellence , much would be attributed to them . The People have generally very strong and clear voices , and their Memories are admi●able . Philip of Macedon described them well ▪ when he compared them to the Images o● Mercury , which the Ancients put up in the●● Markets , and other publick places ; hi● expression was , that they were all mouth ● implying , that they were good at nothing ● but Oratory and Talk. It is a saying among those who are acquainted , with them ● that as there is not a Countrey in the worl● where Honey is more nourishing , nor Hem● lock more pernicious ; so there is not a Cit● where the People that are disposed to goo● are better ; nor where they apply themselves to ill , they are worse : Naturall● they are very selfish , and great dissembler● Their Women are Virtuous , Pious an● Chaste ; they never admit of Conversatio● with any Man , unless they be well assure● of his Virtue . The Common People hav● no kindness either for Us or the Italians ▪ the frequent injuries which they receiv● by the sudden descents of our Corsaires , ha● so incensed them against us , that in time o● War they hate us worse than the Turks ● Our Privatiers appear no sooner at Sea● but they are immediately in Arms , and the● the Turks themselves do not use a Fra●● with worse language than they ; so tha● our infesting them , makes us mortally odious : Nevertheless this has no influence upon the better sort , who are kind and civil to strangers that live with any kind of sobriety and reputation : Nothing is more generous than they ; they are the first that will salute a stranger , the first that will propose a friendship with him ; and in a word , no Man can be long a stranger in Athens ●hat has the least spark of Society : Some of our Merchants will tell you other things , ●ut then they conceal the great Reasons whereby they have provoked the Atheni●ns . When a man has rendered his friend●hip suspected at Paris , he shall find how ●nwilling people are to continue their cor●espondence . To be short , the Athenians ●o with admirable reputation maintain the Hospitality that was so honourable in their Ancestors . Their Language at Athens is the most ●ure and incorrupt of all the Cities in ●reece ; It is no where spoken or under●tood in its primitive purity but at Athens . ● T is true , when they speak any thing , they ●o it with a tone as if they sung , which has ●iven occasion to many people to say that ●hey spoke very ill ; but it is now a Pro●erb among the Greeks , That he who would ●peak well must have the elocution of A●hens , and the accent of Napoli , for Napoli ●e Romania is the Town in all Greece where the variation of the voice is most natural● and sweet . Most part of the Mahumetans in Athens speak nothing but Greek , fo● want of Commerce with the Turks abroad ▪ Of the Turkish Language they have seldo● more than seven or eight words in part o● their Creed , La hillah allah , Muhamet h● resoul ullah . When they meet a Turk o● another Country , they accost him by holding up their thumb in the air , and if he answers not in Greek , their Conversation i● at an end . Their habit is almost the same ▪ and scarce sufficient to distinguish them , fo● except their Turban , their habit is perfectly Greek ; and for the Turkish Women , they have no difference at all . There are three Mosquo's in Athens , one in the Castle , an● that was the Famous Temple of Minerva ▪ the other two in the City , and the Chief o● them was the magnificent Pantheon built by Adrian . As to the Form of their Government i● Athens , there are four Jurisdictions tha● manage the whole business of that City , o● which three are Executed by Turkish O●ficers , viz. the Sardar's , Disdar's and C●di's ; the other called the Vecchiados is i● the hands of the Christians . The Sarda● is Governour of the City , Commands th● Janizaries , and the Militia round abou● the Town : The Disdar is Governour of the Castle , and lodges in it , he has Command over the Janizaries in the City : The Cadi has his Residence in the City likewise , and is Judge both in Civil and Criminal Causes : The Vecchiados are four and twenty Seniors selected out of the best Christian Families to Regulate private Affairs betwixt Christian and Christian : The Vaywode or Farmer under Keslar-Agasi has some little Jurisdiction likewise , which he makes use of when the interest of the Farm requires it . I inquired of the most Venerable of the Vecchiados how it came to pass that their City being as populous as any in Greece , was not the residence of some Sangiac or Bey . They told me , it was an instance of the kindness which Mahomet II. had for Athens , because Officers of that Great Quality having alwayes great Trains and Retinues , must needs be a great charge to the Cities where they reside ; upon which consideration Mahomet would not permit that the little Officers , that make up the Family of the Sangiac's , and are indeed so many Leeches , sucking up the blood of the Inhabitants , and incessantly stretching the Jurisdiction of their Masters , to build up their own Fortunes , should have the pillaging of Athens , under pretence of advancing the dignity of their Lords . The Jurisdiction of the Vecchiados extends only to the Civil Affairs of the Christians , from whose Sentences there lies an appeal to the Cadi ; but to prevent those appeals , and conceal their differences from the Cadi , the Vecchiados do oftner act as Mediators than Judges , endeavouring in an amicable way to compose their controversies . The most considerable among the Vecchiados are the two Paleologi , Stamatis , and Jannis . The two Beninzellos , Jannis , and Demetrios . Janachis Coro●lis , Dimitrios Periolis , Leonardus Scliros , Dimitrios Macola , Panajotti Cavalleiris , Janis Verdogonis , Polimenos Zarlis , Stamatis Calchondile , and an excellent person called Capitanakis , a rich Merchant that speaks Italian very well , and has a great kindness for the Franks . He lived a long time in Zant , where he contracted a friendship with Taulignan the French Consul : He has a Son a very fine Gentleman . The Vecchiados are distinguished from the rest of the Inhabitants by a little Hat which they wear upon their heads : They hold their Offices for life , and when any of them die , his place is supplied by the suffrage of the Survivors , but with the approbation of the Cadi . They have no precise Court , or fixed place where they assemble ; sometimes they meet at the houses of the Paleologi ; sometimes with one , sometimes with another , but commonly at the houses of the ancientest and most considerable among them . Their Clerk or Secretary keeps the minutes and Register of all Causes or Contracts passing betwixt the Christians in Athens for Houses , Lands , or immoveable goods , ( for by their Articles with Mahomet they were continued in the possession of their Estates ) and their Bargains are all ratified by the Cadi . The Christians are not exempt from the duty upon Slaves , but for a small sum of money they enfranchise themselves , and for reasons which I shall tell you hereafter , even that is not collected with so much severity as in other places , this Tax having been remitted or neglected since 1666. Their Pole-money , or Tax by the Head , which they call Caratge , is at Athens two Crowns per annum , but the Women pay nothing . There is also another Tax called Avalis which the Grand Signior exacts for the security of the Seas , and this is levied upon their Chimnies , but several persons are exempt , and particularly all that are any ways serviceable in the Castle , as those who are employed about repairing the Walls ; conveying or securing the Waters ; scouring the Arms ; fitting the Carriages for the Cannon , and such things . When this Avalis is collecting , you shall see all the Priviledged Persons with their Patents and Letters of Exemption thronging about the Receiver : But you must know that all thei● Exemptions derive not from one Prince ; some were granted by Mahomet II. some by Solyman the Great ; and others by Am●rath ; however they will be sure to have them ratified , and that ratification is to be done at the Port by the Officers of the Divan . The great favours that they received from Mahomet ( a Prince severe enough to all other Christians ) made the Athenians uneasie under the domination of the Christian Princes , and I have been told they retained an aversion to them a long time : But of late they are come to themselves , and as weary of the Barbarity of the Turks , who have for some time used them worse tha● the rest of the Cities in Greece ; so as now they would willingly hearken to their ol● temptation of Liberty , if Christendom could espouse them , or propose any power that was likely to sustain them . The Malteses , and other Christian Privateers never make any descent , or take any Prizes upon their Coasts , but the Turks charge them with Intelligence and Combination , and attribute the whole mischief thereto . Upon these pretences , they immediately take the most wealthy of the Inhabitants into Custody , and force them to great Compositions before they are dismiss'd . There are great Factions among the Vecchiados , and at present even among the three Paleologi ( for besides the two that are Vecchiados , there is a third who has devoted himself to an Ecclesiastical life ) For some three or four years since , upon a difference about the division of Goods , they conceived so great a displeasure and animosity to one another , that they accused one another of Treason to the Grand Signior , and of holding Intelligence with the Venetian . But the Family of the Beninzellos being nearly allied to them , has interposed , and with the exhortations and admonitions of Father Simon , in some measure lessened their Pique . And at length that Star , which some Ages since was so propitious to this City , shines again upon it with the same rays and emanations of Kindness ; it being at this hour the happiest City in Greece , and the best protected . It s dependance is upon Keslar-Agasi , a black Eunuch that has the superintendency of the Odaliques , or Ladies of the Seraglio . He it is that has the sole and absolute Command of that secre● appartment , an Office which the Grand Signior intrusts to none but the Negro Eunuchs , and of them he chooses the most deformed , to give his Misses the less temptation . This Eunuchs kindness for Athens , may possibly respite its Calamities for some time , his Office being one of the most considerable in that Empire , conducting much of the Sultan's private Pleasures , and approaching him in the sweetest moments of his life , and most proper for obtaining a Boon . The present prosperity of Athens , may be ascribed to a young Virgin of this City , born in the Reign of Mahomet III. who died in the year 1604 , and was Great-Grandfather to Mahomet IV. the present Emperour of the Turks . This young Athenian Virgin was called Basilia ; but the excellence of her beauty having brought her into the Seraglio , the Turks gave her a new name , and called her Johahi . She missed narrowly of being made Hunkiar Asaki , or chief Sultaness ; but she was not altogether so happy as three other Virgins of the same City , which came to be Empresses of the East . Anno 421 Theodusius , the second Son of Arcadius , married Athenais the Daughter of Leontius the noble Philosopher of Athens , and changed her name from Athenais to Eudoxa , under both which she passed for the most learned , most prudent , and most beautiful Lady of her time . Anno 769 After her , Leo , Son of Constantine Copronymus married Irene of the same City , but neither so fair nor so well qualified as Athenais . Anno 808 Not long after Stauracus Son of Nicephorus ( who governed the Empire but few months ) married Theophan , a beautiful young Virgin of Athens likewise . This Basilia was of Christian Parents , and torn from them in her minority by the Turkish Officers that collected the Duties upon Children in those Parts , and had been informed of her excellent beauty . Her Mother , when they were carrying her away , weeping over her most bitterly , and clipping her in her Arms , conjured her to be always mindful of her Religion , and the calamities of her Country ; and the good Creature never forgot what her Mother so earnestly recommended . She was put into the Seraglio about the beginning of the Reign of Achmet , an effeminate and voluptuous Prince , and one , who of all the good qualities convenient for a Soldier , had none but a faculty in making of Arrows ; which rendered him so contemptible to his Janizaries , that in a Tumult , by way of insolence and decision , they told him he need not trouble himself to make his Arrows extraordinary , seeing he had not courage enough to try them upon the Christians . This being the most sensual Prince , and perhaps person of his time , it was not strange if in his Reig● the Seraglio was fuller of Beauties than ever : All the Beglerbegs or General Governours of Provinces ; all the Sangiac's o● particular Governours ( convinced it would relish him very well , and was the ready way to keep them in their places , if not to advance them ) sent to him daily the choisest Beauties they could find , adorned with rich Jewels , and furnished with Presents to be distributed among the Officers of the Seraglio and the Eunuchs , to engage them in their Interests , and to the protection o● those who had sent them . The Keslar-Agasi was always to have the best share , for it is as he pleases , that these Beauties are admitted or not to the Caresses of the Sultan . She that can make him her friend , ha● put her Affairs in a good way , and the Belgerbegs that sent her ; for the Keslar-Agasi knows well enough how and whe● to recommend them to his Master . But Basilia or Johahi came to the Seraglio without Jewels or any advantage but her own beauty ; Fortune had given her no better Patrons than the inferiour Officers at Athens who had taken her by force from her Parents , upon which score detesting their Persons , and abhorring their Violence she would not have taken their Presents , had they been in a condition to have given them . Nevertheless Custom obliged , and she ought to have done it ; whereupon at her entrance into the Seraglio one of the black Eunuchs whispered her in the Ear , and told her , You must by no means do as the last did that came in before you ; she made no Presents to the Officers , and so fell ●nto disgrace . She had not gone six steps , before another , an old Kadun or Governess ( each of which has five Damoisels under her Tuition ) being taken with the beauty of Johahi accosted her thus : What Basha is it that you desire to befriend ? Your Beauty is sufficient to attone for any Crime he shall commit ; Your Eyes carrying with them a protection for all his enormities . The custom of Flattery is universal , and ●he appetite of Lucre is as great , and disposes of all things as powerfully in the Seraglio as any where else . But 't is very strange the Eunuchs should be so covetous in these places , having their Fortunes settled for their lives , and no Children when they are dead to inherit the vast Treasures which they amass : This shows clearly that no reason is to be required of that general weakness in mankind , and that our Vices d● flow rather from the corruption of our Natures , than the necessities of Life . Johahi returned no answer to these Mercenaries , but in these words , which she repeated often in the Seraglio ; I should d● you no service if I should tell you the City where I was born , seeing it is too poor t● afford you any considerable advantage ; managing by little and little with great prudence what her Mother had so seriously recommended for the advantage of her Country . She was put immediately into the Custody of the Kadun Kiaia , which is the Principal Governess of all the Damoisell● and as she was carrying her into the Chuck chuck Oda or Chamber of new Comers , th● Sultan was by the way recreating himsel● with seven or eight of his Favourites : A● the news of her arrival , he put an end to his sports , all the preparation was laid by and a mortal jealousie seized upon the re●● of the Nymphs , who upon such occasion are , betwixt fear and curiosity , under strang● agitations ; and indeed where are the Rivals that would not tremble upon such an Alarm ? Those only who are rejected are pleased with such accidents , and do commonly pronounce the new Comers the handsomest they ever saw in despite to those for whom they had been refused . It was observed , the Sultan expressed no great impatience to see her , which gave some satisfaction to the Favourites : He only demanded whether she was as handsom as was reported , and immediately four of the Odaliques proffered their service to go see , and their report was already determined , at least the Sultan believed it so ; for being well acquainted with the humours of that Sex , he conceived they would readily speak against their minds , and being envious of one anothers greatness , commend that cunningly which perhaps they did not approve ; and condemn that which privately they admired . The Sultan understood well enough the power of their jealousie , and knew how to interpret their character of Johahi . But he had no occasion to make ●se of his skill ; the Messengers never came back , which was of great advantage to the Athenian , for he concluded they were unwilling to give him a description of the ●ranscendency of their Rival . Upon this presumption he ran to her himself ; he saw her , surveyed her , and liked her so well , he entertained himself two whole days with her , and for a long time made all his Courtship to her . The first thing she did was to enquire into , and consider all the Caballs , and Intrigues of the young Damoiselles , resolving to take her measures a quite contrary way . Being one day with the Sultan in a Kiosque or Pavillion that looked upon the Sea , she slily took opportunity to insinuate the ambition and Corruption of his favourites who sold all the Offices of the Empire by the mediation of his Eunuchs bartering for all publick Employments both of War and of Peace . The Sulta● being then in a good humour , had sent fo● five or six of his beloved Odaliques to ad● to his mirth : When they came near , Joh●● presented them to the Sultan in a smilin● but malitious way , adressing herself to hi● in this manner ( which sufficiently shows th● great veneration the Turks have for thei● Emperour ) God prolong your blessed day● The Holy Prophet preserve you ; See , Sir , 〈◊〉 troop of fair Ladies , ambitious to approac● the King and Soveraign both of the Lan● and the Sea : and then ( not staying for th● Sultan's answer ) she presented them to hi● one after another , adding with profound respect , The blessing of God go with you : The peace of the Holy Prophet make your days happy : This , Sire , is the Basha of Alepo , presenting one to him who but two days before had obtained that Bashaship for a person who had bribed her sufficiently . This , Sire , is the Bey of Mesitra , and this the Cadi of Trebazond , but he has but two days to be Cadi , for there is another offers a thousand Sequins more . For my part , Sir , ( the great Prophet bless your Reign ) I aspire to nothing but a place in your favour and affection ; and that I would purchase with the best and dearest of my blood : I leave the disposal of the great Offices to my Companions ; let them leave me the heart of my Soveraign and we shall be all contented . The Sultan smiled , and being alwayes ready to gratifie his Odaliques , he commanded Johahi to ask something of him , and in merriment reproached her by her Generosity . Johahi ( who to compass her designs , had proposed other Methods than what were practised by her Companions ) instead of snatching at the opportunity , replyed with great modesty to the Sultan ; The favour of our Prophet protect you , the Great God preserve you : Do not divert me , Your Majesty is not sensible of my avarice , my Petition is for your heart and affection ; in gaining that I should be more rich , and in requesting it I have been more selfish than all the rest of your slaves ▪ In this manner she dallied a long time , refusing the liberality of the Sultan , insomuch that he was forced to delude her , and caus● presents to be delivered underhand to the Eunuchs and Caduns in Johahi's name , a●● if they had been sent from her : Whe● they came to return their thanks , she wa● amazed , and for some time believed it be ● mockery , and done to reproach her for th● omission of a Custom that had been practised by every body else : But by degrees she perceived it was the generosity of her Gallant who had prevented her desires : Al● this did not transport her , or tempt her beyond her former Moderation : But at length he grew angry , and being impatient of expressing his Love to her by some consider able boon , he told her in some heat , that h● could be as proud as She , and that since Johahi despised his favours , he was resolve● to receive no more favours from her . Johahi saw now was her time , she repaire● immediately to the Keslar-Agasi , and desired him to go along with her to the Emperour , and being come into his presence , sh● addressed in this manner ; Behold , Sir , you● slave , I am now in need of your bounty , the great Prophet sanctifie your days , and showre down perpetual health and happiness upon Your Sacred head : I shall beg nothing of Your Majesty , but for those persons that are nearest Your most sublime Throne : Why should Your Majesties vast Bounty exhaust it self abroad , when in Your own Court You have such excellent objects ? My first Petition is for Your Majesties most sublime and incomparable self , that You would have more care of Your own health , and ease , and satisfaction . In my own particular , I should be too happy if Your Great Majesty would vouchsafe to Grant my Petition ; but most of all , if any pains or diligence of mine could procure , or , but in the least contribute to them . God make you victorious over your Enemies , and may our good Prophet pour down his blessing into your heart . There is not a person in Your Majesties vast Empire to whom I can pay any thing more justly ●han to this Keslar-Agasi before you : And I know nothing that I can ask for him so properly , as the Government of the City where I was born . Confer , I beseech you , upon a Slave that has been so faithfull to Your Sacred Majesty and Your Interests the Revenue of Athens , and permit him to sub●titute under him Kiais and such Officers as may not abuse Your Divine Authority , as other have done before them , of whose violences and extortions my miserable Parents have many times given me sad and deplorable Relations . Her request was immediately granted , yet not without regret in the Sultan , to see that she was not to have the profit of it her self , and that she had found out a way to draw a boon from him , without being obliged her self to call him Benefactor . By this means , the City of Athens became dependant upon the Keslar-Agasi , and the Revenue ever since accrued to the Successors in that Office. That Keslar-Agasi sent thither a Deputy or Farmer with express Order against Rapine and Extortion , which Order was not only executed then , but has been observed ever since . After she had laboured so happily for the benefit of her Countrey , Johahi proved with Child , and the Sultans Love ( which formerly was volatile ) being fixed in her , transported with hopes of a Son to inheri● his Empire , he was so forward as to settl● him a Family . He appointed him a Validi-Agasi , or Chief of the old Sultanness black Eunuchs , and an Eschatradeler-Agasi o● black Eunuch that has the Tuition of the Sultans Children ; but She died in labour and the Child , which was a Son , with her who had doubtless been concerned in the Empire , being born a full Year before the unfortunate Osman who succeeded Achmet . The Sultan was infinitely grieved for the loss of Johahi , and being jealous that some of his she-favourites had given her a lift , ( which is a practise too common among them ) he clapped two or three of the most suspected of them into the Old Seraglio , which is never done but when the Sultan dies , to whom they were Favourites . This Grant which was given by Achmet to the Keslar-Agasi , has been ever since continued to that Office ; but he who was most Generous , and from whom the City of Athens received the most honourable protection , was slain in that great and dangerous Sedition in Constantinople in March 1655. This is the Story that was told by a black Eunuch , that the Keslar-Agasi sent to Athens to take possession of his new Demeasnes : What honours would have been shown ? what Statues and Monuments erected to this Johahi by the City of Athens , had she been born in an Age when that poor Town was more flourishing and gratefull ? At present it is content to receive any benefit , without inquiring from what hand it comes . The good man Capitanakis , and a Caloger called Hyeros Monachos Damashinos ( who gave us this account ) seemed to be much concerned that the memory of this Johahi was almost lost in that City , though in other things ( perhaps less considerable ) not only events , but names , and other circumstances of above 3000. Years standing , are Recorded . The Revenue of this Demeasn is Farmed every year to him who gives most , and yet it seldom amounts to above 7 or 8000 Piasters ; and though he who Rents it , is but really a Farmer , yet he takes upon himself the quality of a Vaywode . The best part of the Revenue is the Customs ; he receives likewise the tenth of their Avelanade that grows about Athens . This Avelande is a kind of Akorn which they use for Dying , but it is most proper for Tanning of Leather . When this Vaywode is an austere man , and values himself , as he does who is at present in the place , all people fear him , and even the Cadi himself . To give you an instance . Father Lewis of Paris ( a zealous Capuchin now , though formerly a Lieutenant Colonel in the Regiment of Monsieur le Mareshal de la Motte Fauda●cour ) being Catechising one day in Athens , as an incouragement to a Boy in whom he found great hopes both of Memory and Judgment , he gave him an Agnus . As the Lad was going from him , a Turkish Boy snatched the Agnus away out of the hands of the Christian . Father Lewis being by , and apprehending Profanation , stopped the Turk , would have it again , and laying hold of his Vest , the Boy struggled , and his Vest was torn . Some Mahumetans standing by , and glad of the occasion , cried out a Christian is beating of a Turk , which with them is no less than Capital . A Tumult was immediately raised , the Cadi sent for , and immediately he gave Sentence against the poor Father , who submitted with all meekness . The Consul privately sent a dozen Loaves of Sugar to the Vaywode , and gave him an account of Proceedings : The Vaywood repaired to the place , reprehended the Cadi for his forwardness , and told him he would examine the business himself , and see it decided next morning : Immediately he discharged the Father out of Prison , and delivered him to the custody of the Consul ; at night he went himself to the houses of the Informers , and threatning to drub them , he made them recant , by which means he rescued the poor Capuchin in despight of the Cadi . This Father is at present very well , and lives in Napoli di Romania . Tuesday the 23. in the Morning , the first thing we did was to secure our selves of the protection of the Turkish Officers , to whom we presented several curiosities , and afterwards made them a Visit our●●lves : Bianchi would by no means be perswaded along with us for reasons that he kept to himself . For our Interpreter , we made choise of a Janizary , a haughty supercilious fellow , but one who knew every body , was well known himself , and spake Italian very well . In a word , our confidence in him was so great , that we refused Cajetas the English , and Baptista Jannis the French Dragoman , who were each of them proposed to us . The Sardar and the Cadi were not then in Athens ; some three or four days before the Sardar was gone to one of his Country Houses not far from Lepsina ; We therefore addressed our selves to the Disdar in the Castle , but more in curiosity than duty . When a Stranger or Greek himself desires to go into the Castle , he must have the consent of the Disdar , who sends his Ring for their safe Conduct ; and the Servant by whom his Ring is sent ( receiving a Present , either from Greek or Stranger ) showing his Ring , the Guards suffer him to pass , as we found by experience . In the time that Athens flourished , the Castle stood in the middle of the Town , and was called indifferently Glaucopion , Parthenon , Cecropia , Polis , and Acropolis , at present they call it Castro . It is situate upon a Mountain which the Ancients called Tritonion , because dedicated to the Goddess Minerva , called formerly Tritonia , or Tritogenia . As we were making our Tower , to get up to the Castle , we saw at the top of the Rock a Caloger or Nun of the Order of St. Basil , who kept the door of a much frequented Church that stands in the hollow of the said Rock : The Church is called Panagia , as being dedicated to the Virgin Mary , we being willing to bestow the first fruits of our curiosity upon it , went in , and found it very handsom , and richly adorned by the care of the Lady Governness . As soon as we were come forth of the Panagia , I perswaded our Companions to look about them more seriously , for it was thereabouts that the Grotto was , which among the Ancients was so Famous for the adventures betwixt Apollo and Creusa , Daughter of a King of Athens ; which Grotto was afterwards by the Athenians turned into a Temple , and dedicated to Apollo and Pan : And thanks to the hardness of the Rock , there is the most entire relique of all the Monuments remaining of the Old Athens ; and of this Grotto Euripides makes mention in two or three of his Tragedies . The hollow Rock that is near it was called Macrae Petrae , and it was admired by some of us ( more verst in Warlike Affairs than the rest ) that the Christian Corsaires , among their many Designs and Enterprizes upon the Turks , never thought of making use of that hole as of a Mine half made to their hands for blowing up the Castle , which in their judgment ten or twelve Barrels of Powder would easily and effectually have done : but this was only whispered among our selves , for the Turks are very shy in those points , and we had our Janizaries always at our heels . It is most certain , that about eighteen months since , a Greek of the Island of Candia who had lived long in Athens , came privately to Daniel Justiniani , Commissary and Treasurer-General for the Venetian Fleet , and proposed to him the pillaging of Athens , which being an open Town would have been no hard matter , and for the Castle , he would have taken that by the hole I mentioned before ; to effect this , the Candiot desired only eight hundred Men , and three or four Field-Pieces ( more for terrour than execution ) with ten barrels of Powder for springing the Mine . It is said , that at first Justiniani rejected his proposition , upon the score , that the Plague was in Athens , and he was fearful the Troops which he imployed in that Enterprize should bring the Sickness into the Venetian Fleet : But afterwards having considered it better , he Communicated with Francisco Cornaro , and Zorz Foscarini , two Noble Venetians that served in Candy , and all three of them resolved to have broke it to General Morosini , and the Proveditor Cornaro ; but in the very nick , the Venetians , having the better against the Turks in a Sea-fight upon the Coast of Candia , changed their minds and took other measures . For my own part , when I heard of this design , I concluded it rejected upon account of difficult execution , for the Guards in the Pyrgo or Watch-Tower in Porto-Lione , are too diligent to have been surprized , or to have failed giving timely Alarm to the Athenians , though dispersed up and down in the Country by reason of the Plague : Besides , the distance betwixt Athens and Porto-Lione ( where their descent must have been made ) would have given the Athenians leasure to have got into a body , and endangered the retreat of the Venetians , though they had come in a body of four thousand men ; and as to the blowing up the Castle by that hole in the Grotto , I thought it unpracticable in respect of the height of the Rock , which is of such a nature , that the breach cannot be favourable ; for let the Rock fall which way it will , it will fall into the Mine , and leave such heaps of rubbish as will require another Mine to remove , which is not to be done without more time than is consistent with those sudden attempts ; in a word , the Venetians durst not venture upon it . From the Panagia we passed on towards the Castle , and nothing could be more remarkable than the way by which we went : It was made of the ruines of the old Lyceum , the Famous School where Aristotle taught his Philosophy . It is now level , and very pleasant , but nothing to be seen of the old Palaestra where their Champions wrestled . Upon this flat it is , that in time of War , their new raised men are exercised , and prepared for the Field . Upon certain dayes in the year , the Athenians dine publickly upon it , where they have no want of water , being supplyed by the ruines of an old Aquaeduct . We fell into mighty Topographical disputes about the place where formerly stood that Famous Fountain called Panopis , whose waters have been since diverted . That Fountain was called also Diocharis , as being not far from a Gate of the City of that Name : There are some wooden Pipes to be seen , but nothing so big as has been mentioned by very credible Authors . The Trees which have been planted are so shady and delightful , that it is become the common walk of the Town , and is therefore called Peripatus , and questionless , it was the convenience of that , which invited Aristotle , gave him opportunity of teaching his Disciples as he was walking , and the name of Peripateticks to his Followers . To dilate upon their Doctrine would be superfluous , seeing it is at this day the great Theme of our Schools : I shall only say , that their great study is to understand the proprieties of Nature , and the force of second causes . Their Morality is pleasant , affirming , that to arrive at the Summum Bonum , and make our lives happy in this World , our Virtue must be beholding to the advantages and commodities of our Bodies : Corporis commodis compleri vitam beatam putant . As to passions , they are so far from eradicating them , that they believe them necessary . Theophrastus upon the flight of Aristotle taught in the same School , and had above two thousand Scholars . In this Lycaeum was also kept the Court of the Polemark , who is the third of the nine Archontes : The first of the Archontes by way of excellence was called Archonte ; the second , King of the Sacrifices ; the third Polemarque ; and the six others promiscuously by the name of The smothetes . This Tribunal in the Lycaeum was principally for strangers , for in time of War the Polemarque was Captain-General of all the Forces of that Common-wealth ; and in time of Peace , he was Judge in all Causes and Controversies betwixt Strangers and the Inhabitants of that Town . Not far from this Tribunal stood a Statue of Heros Lycus or Lycius the Son of Pandion ; which Statue represented a Wolf , and by every Tribunal in the City there was a Statue of the same Figure . About sixty yards from thence , upon a● Eminence , as Herodotus observes , are to be seen the ruines of the Areopagus , that Renowned and Majestick Court , whose Members are never mentioned in History , but with great Veneration for their transcendent Integrity and Justice . It was denominated Areopagus from Ares , a Name which the Greeks had given to Mars ; and the first Cause that was ever heard in it , was an Impeachment against him , for having slain one of the Sons of Neptune . Perhaps you may remember how those Pagans are reproached with it by Lactantius ; Vos homicidam Martem consecrastis ut Deum , quod tamen non fecissetis , si illum Areopagitae in Crucem sustulissent . But Lactantius prevaricated , and did not say all , for this Homicide was judged by twelve of their Gods before the Court of the Areopagitae was erected . Authors do not agree upon their number ; some will have them Thirty one , others Fifty one , and others above Five hundred , which makes it probable that in different times their number was different . All the rest of their Magistrates were annual , only the Areopagitae were for life . They held their Court always in the night , and in the dark , that they might dispatch their business with more intention and impartiality , when free from all objects that might work upon their affections , and dispose them unjustly either to severity or pity . But it was a general practice in all Courts for the Judges to sit in the open air in places uncovered : Their Salaries were all equal , and paid out of the Publick Money , besides a Fee of about Three half pence in every Cause . In Cicero's time the Romans entered themselves among these Areopagitae , and referred several knotty and ambiguous Causes to their decision . On the left hand of the Areopagus we passed by a Hill exactly of the height of the Castle , it is called Trajans Arch , from the ruines of a Triumphal Arch which Trajan caused to be erected upon it : but anciently it was called Museon , from Musaeus who used to recite his Verses there . The Cittadel which the Macedonians built there to bridle the Town ; and the brave exploit of Olympiadorus , who ( with twelve more ) beat out the Garrison , have made the place very memorable in History . Some of our Fellow Travellers having taken a fancy ( from the great noise that at this day the name of Adrian makes in that City ) would needs have it that that Arch was dedicated to him , but it is a mistake of you will believe common report , which calls that Hill at this hour Trajans Arch. There is but one avenue to the Castle and that not imbellished as of old with the famous Ante-Port called Propylaea , whose magnificent structure cost as many Talents as amounts of our money to Two Millions and six hundred Livers , which went very high in an age when the Salary of one of their Soveraign Judges was but 4 d. per diem . This Propylaea is at present nothing but rubbish , yet even that shows it to have been noble and great . On the side of it there is built a place for a double Court of Guard , but the building is very indifferent . Formerly the Keys of this Fort were deposited in the hands of some considerable man , who notwithstanding ( by a certain diffidence in the Government ) was to keep them but one day : and the person was chosen by lot . Afterwards it was intrusted with one of the Epistatae or Prytanes , of whom you shall hear more hereafter : Only this by the by : There were three sort of Animals that never were admitted into this Castle ; Dogs , because of their nastiness ; Goats , lest they should crop the branches of the sacred Olives ; and Crows , as being forbiden by Minerva . The reasons you shall have afterwards . Part of the Garrison was in Arms at the Gate , not so much in complement to us as to show the exactness of their Guards , though we had sent them a Present before . The whole Garrison consisted of about 300 men ; they would have them thought to be Janizaries , but they were but so many dead pays , and the Soldiers when called to their Arms , were born and bred in that Country , and far short of that Martial Order , of which more another time . In all the Turkish Territories there are such sort of people which take upon them that name to make them more formidable ; and all along upon the Frontiers where the Garrisons are inforced with Janizaries , and where there is a necessity of good Soldiers , these are looked upon as the refuse of their Militia , and called by way of contempt Muhanat or Poultrons , as I said before . In the Castle of Athens there are about three hundred of them ; they are upon the Guard only in the day time ; for as soon as it is night the Children of these Janizaries walking round within the Works , with continual shouts and cryes would perswade us of their vigilance and readiness , and especially upon the arrival of any strangers they are more clamourous than ordinary , to signifie the carefulness of their Parents , and strike us with greater terrour , and apprehension of them , whilst in truth the good men are either asleep in their beds , or abroad about their business , being most of them Mechanicks . That part of the Wall which they call Cimonion ( which is towards the South ) is covered over with a kind of Herb they call Parthenon or Matricaria like our Mother-wort , of which you may see more in Plutarch in his Life of Sylla . There is nothing so much of it on the other Wall called Pelasgicon : These Walls are old and decayed , but well supported by Buttresses in several places : The Greeks are obliged to keep them in repair , and their Priviledges are preserved to them for their pains . The Artillery belonging to the Castle , consists of twenty Pieces of Canon ; their Carriages are alwayes in very good Order , and it is part of the Christians Duty to keep them so : We made our Visit to the Disdar , who received us very civilly : He was a corpulent Man , well enough behaved , and had two Sons , one already in the Army in Candia , and the other preparing to go thither : The latter was a very handsom Youth , with a great skar upon his lip , that he had got with darting of a Javelin after the manner of the Turks , and being cured by a balsom which Father Simon gave him , he retained a great kindness for him , and did him many good Offices to his Father ; and his Father was so sensible of what he had done for his Son , that he never since comes that way , but he stops at his door , and salutes him in Greek with a Callimera Patera , or , Good Morrow Father , which is frequently followed with a Visit , and great expressions of favour . He treated us with Sherbet and Perfumes , and other kind of Civilities , which we had bespoke by our more solid Presents : His Ceremonies were not long , but they tired our whole Company , which the Disdar perceiving , understanding our Curiosity , and observing our eyes still sixt upon the Temple of Minerva , he commanded it should be opened , and Ordered the Kiaia to attend us . This Temple was built by Pericles ( in the place where the Old Temple was burnt by the Persians ) and all People and Creatures were imployed in the building of it , as you may see in Plutarch in his Life of Cato the Censor . Callicrates and Ictinus were the Chief Architects , and Ictinus ( being of the greater reputation of the two ) left us a description of it in a Book which he writ expresly , but it is lost ; and indeed the building it self is little better , for before this time nothing considerable would have been left of it , had not Adrian applyed his care , and repaired it ; to whom we are obliged for whatever is memorable or antique in Athens : I wish Posterity may find the Turks as well inclined to preserve them . After this Temple had for a long time been made use of in the worship of Minerva , the Christians turned it into a Church , And called it Santa Sophia : The Turks have turned it since into a Mosque . I hope one day to show you a draught that I took of it , by which you will at one glance discover so much beauty and magnificence , as will attone for the resolution I have taken of losing no more time in describing it thus , than barely in letting you know , that the Dorick Order is no where so excellent as there . That it is so Noble and Magnificent without , that the very Sea-men betake themselves to their Perspective-Glasses as far as they can see : That the Frontis-piece is most beautifull , and the Portico's ( which make the Wings ) with the Figures wherewith they are adorned , do add exceedingly to it . Upon this Frontispiece it was , that with great Joy and Veneration we read that Famous Inscription mentioned in Scripture , To the unknown God : It is not ingraven upon the door of a little Chappel , as some People would have it , who do not remember , that in the Mosco's there are neither Chappels nor Altars permitted to remain . Nevertheless you must not conceive that this was one of those Inscriptions which gave occasion to Saint Paul to discover to the Athenians that God of whom till then they had been ignorant . The Christians of the third Century had set them up in memory of the Ancient Inscriptions which Epimenides caused to be ingraven on the Altars in the time of Solon , as we are told by Diogenes Laertius ; and Pausanies gives us an account of the situation of those Altars in Phalerum , and in the Province of Elis. Among the Statues on the out-side of the Temple , the best work is a Marble Statue of a Lion. They have all of them been in great danger of pulling down by the scrupulosity of the Mahumetan Religion , which forbids the Image of any Animals , and upon that score several of them are maimed ; but at length some civiler than others , explained their Law with more favour to the Statues , and preserved those of them which are left ; and yet the kindness of the Officers could not have done it , had not Divine Providence Cooperated ; for at our entrance into the Mosco , the first thing our Janizary shew'd us , was , a Picture of the Virgin Mary , one of her Eyes being shot out with a Musket bullet by a Turk : The Story ( though not at all to their advantage ) is commemorated by the Turks as well as by the Christians ; the Turks aggravate it , and will tell you that the sacriledge was punished miraculously , the bullet rebounding upon the Malefactor with such violence that it struck out his brains ; but the Christians ( whose testimony is looked upon as more credible ) say only that he immediately lost the use of his right Arm , and continued lame ever after . The building within is not so rich as without , but it is as regular ; It is but of late years that it has been discernable , and that was by removing the trash wherewith it was full by reason of the Mahumetan Offerings : For it seems the place where this Temple stands has had in all Ages a Power to incourage and spur men on to Devotion , there being a certain kind of fatality that determines Men and Cities to peculiar Practices and Customs . The same Star that made Athens superstitious in times of Idolatry , that made them so fervently pious in times of Christianity , has made them as zealous under the Discipline of the Turks . 'T is not above fifteen years since this Temple of Minerva was one of the most Celebrated Mosquos in all Turkie ; to which Reputation it was advanced by the Dervices , which are a sort of Religious Turks ; and before the present Grand Visier ( Chief Minister in the Port ) provoked by their frauds and collusion in matters of Religion , had banished them out of Europe to Cogna where they were Originally Instituted , they made no reckoning even of their Dervices till they had been in Pilgrimage at the Mosque in Athens : These sort of Pilgrims had ( as they thought ) adorned the inside of this Temple with pieces of Taffaty and old Scarffs which they had hung up and displayed in every corner . There was not any of their Devotes ( for each Order has its Devotes ) but fastned to the Walls some little Banner or other of Red and Yellow Taffaty , and now and then of Yellow and Green , which are the Colours the Spahi or Turkish Cavalry carry in their hands upon any solemn Cavalcade . Others of them who had been in Foreign Parts , would hang up some bauble they had brought from thence ; and others that were Artificers , when they had made any thing extraordinary , would give some of them to their Mosque , and hang them up against the Wall : but this clutter of Offerings is almost quite laid aside . Standing so high as it did , it was strange , me thought , to find it so dark ; but by the wisdom of that excellent Architect Ictinus it was contrived with very few windows , that it might with more force and solidity resist the assaults of the winds , which for want of free passage do many times make a great noise in the Mosque ; and the Lamps , according to the Custom of the Turks , being very numerous , and hanging thick with gilt wires , the wind strikes them one against another , and makes a noise very unpleasing to the ear . It is only at Prayer time these Lamps are lighted , and indeed they give but little advantage to the common light of the Temple ; and yet we were no sooner entered , but we were suprized with a more than ordinary lustre , refracted from two bright polished Stones , placed close by one another in the main wall towards the bottom of the Mosque . They seemed to be two large Lamps that cast an extraordinary light , and as we advanced the light seemed to increase . Their Colour was not unlike the Carbuncle , and some body had had the curiosity to examine them ; for in one of them there is a little hole , made I suppose to that purpose . The jet Mirror or Looking-Glass in the Abbey of St. Denis is nothing so illustrious . Their Figure is rectangular , or a long square , each of them about three foot long , and a foot and a half broad . We having observed that the Turks which were with us looked upon them with more than usual respect , had not the confidence to touch or examine them any farther lest we should have been guilty of some great profanation . Besides the Kiaia interposed , and we were obliged to the more formality , the Iman of the Mosque making towards us himself , accompanied by the Talismans and his Kodgias , which are one to the other in the same subordination as the Parsons , and Vicars , and Curates among us . It was no little favour which the Disdar had done us in preparing the Iman , and disposing him to be civil to us , who of himself was a severe and rigid man , having been a Kodgias in Asia , where the Mahumetans are so scrupulous , that if a Christian be taken in any of their Mosques , he has no way to get off , but either by apostasie or death . These Officers advancing with great gravity towards us , attributed the cause of that light to a Miracle of their Prophet Mahomet ; for the Religion of the Turks runs much upon Miracles , and we thought neither safe , nor indeed civil to contest the truth of it . The Stones being transparent , one of these two things must of necessity produce that light ; either there must be two Lamps behind it , whose light is seen through , or else the two Lamps before it being placed exactly in the opposite Wall , dart their rays upon those Stones , which rays are reflected again as from a Looking-Glass . We could discern nothing behind that might be the cause , though on the sides of it , according to the Turkish Mode , there hung great numbers of Austriges Eggs ; several little Lamps without lights , and several little Globes of Crystal . Be it from which it will , it is probably designed to perpetuate the prodigy of that Golden Lamp which was placed there by Calimachus , the famous Sculptor , who was the first that invented the way of piercing Stone with an Augar . This Lamp was supplied with Oil but once a year , though it was to keep a constant light night and day before the Statue of Minerva : But the Ancients ( though otherwise sufficiently superstitious ) made no Miracle of it , supposing the duration of the light proceeded from an occult property in the nature of the Wick , which as they thought was made of a sort of incombustible Cotton ; nevertheless it burned not without smoke , for to carry it off , Calimachus had made a most admirable Pipe that conveyed it out at the top of the Temple . At present it is quite otherwise : But to settle our thoughts : with an eager and decisive tone , the Iman told us , that the first appearance of the Miracle of the two Lamps , was the very day that Sultan Mahomet II. turned that Temple into a Mosque . In a word , Mahomet II. is in Athens of so great reputation , that they think all things extraordinary that are done either by him or for him . Before these two Stones there stands a white Marble Chair formerly imployed by the Arch-Bishop , but now it is the place from whence the Iman dispences his Alchoran ; and in each side of the Chair , in the main Wall there are two Cupboards , covered with two Tables of Marble , in which the Christians used to put the Ornaments for their Altar . One of those Cupboards has not been opened since the Christians had possession of that Church ; and the other being rashly and audaciously opened not many years since by a Turk , there came forth so mischievous and pestilent an Air , as brought the Plague into the City , and was the occasion of a great Mortality . This is confessed by the Turks themselves , and since that time no body has had the courage to open them . When we came out of the Temple , at a distance of about fifty paces , we saw that famous Well that is recorded as one of the Wonders in Nature ; and even at this day the Athenians do esteem it one of the greatest Rarities of their Country . It s water is salt , and of the same colour with the Sea ; every time the South wind blows , it is mightily agitated , and makes a great noise in the bottom of the Well . Our Fellow-Travellers being impatiently and incessantly addicted to Natural disquisitions , had not found a fairer subject for their dissertations . Some were of opinion that from the Sea to the Well there was some secret and subterraneous Meatus , into which the wind forcing it self , made an ebullition , or else the Sea was driven thereby violently up to the Well , and supplied it with Salt waters . Others objected that the Spring must be there , and proceeding upon Hydraulick Principles , concluded that the Water rising naturally no higher than the level of its Fountain , could not be carried from the Sea so high as to the top of the Castle Hill , but would rather have disgorged into the Pits in the lower Town , where yet there is not the least semblance of any such thing . But all agreed that the noise proceeded from the force of the wind dispersing the vapours which the saltness of the Water exhaled , and that it was from the disposition of the Sea-banks , that only a South wind could come at it . In a Country proper for Experiment , we should have weighed it with Rain and Sea-water , examining how they would have incorporated , and which of the three had fallen down to the bottom : We should have tried whether Fresh-water Fish would have lived longer in it than Sea-Fish ; and causing both of them with a gentle fire to evaporate , have seen which had left the most Salt. Had it been Winter we should have tried which would have been first frozen . We should have likewise observed whether the bottom of the Well had been Chalky , Gravelly , Turfy , Rocky , or Sandy ; and perhaps have proceeded so far in our Curiosity , as to have taken some Criminal out of Prison , and causing him to drink it , have seen whether it would have put him into a Dysentery according to the propriety of the Sea-water . From the Castle Hill , we could discover all the Isles in the Gulf of Engia , without the help of our Perspectives , of which indeed we durst not make use to look about as we would have done , because we were very near a steep place that is to this day memorable for the precipitation of a King , and might well be a place of punishment to people that are over-curious . It was Egeus , Father of Theseus , who threw himself down headlong 2905 years since , having from the same place where we stood , descried a far off at Sea , the black Sails of that Ship which brought back from Creet his Son , whom he supposed the Minotaure had devoured ; Plutarch gives you a particular account . At a small distance upon the plain or flat of the Castle there is a small point of a Rock with nothing about it , which probably was the place where Silenus disposed of himself when he came along with Bacchus into this Castle : In the same Court there were formerly a hundred remarkable things to be seen , and as many more in the houses that are now set apart for the entertainment of the Janizaries : Upon the Plain there were several Altars dedicated to Friendship , Modesty , Integrity , Oblivion , Jupiter , Vulcan , Neptune and Minerva ; so that you may observe , that in old time their Altars were not alwayes within the Precincts of their Temples : Many were in the Field , and uncovered , which the Romans called Sub Dio. On that side where the Janizaries are lodged , nothing is to be seen but ruines , except the Arsenal built by Lycurgus the Son of Lycophron , which Arsenal appears still very Magnificent and Lofty , especially the great Tower , which is one of the first things that discovers the Castle to the Ships at their entrance into the Gulf of Engia ; and I have an Opinion it was upon that Tower that the Statue of Minerva was placed , which Statue was of such a vast bigness , that from the Promontory of Sunion , the casque and lance of it might easily be descried . Lycurgus built this Arsenal of Marble , and among the rest of the Ammunitions , there is constantly in readiness a provision of fifty thousand Arrows . Quite through the Janizaries Apartment there is nothing to be seen but ruines of houses , that in appearance have formerly been very Magnificent ; but the Greeks frequenting those places but seldom , we had not the help of Tradition to inform us where stood the Temples of Jupiter Tutelaris , Minerva the Protectress , Neptune , Aglaura , her Sister Pandrosa , and Victoria ; as likewise the Temple of Venus , which Phaedra caused to be Erected , to acquit her self of a Vow that she had made for her recovery from loving Hippolytus : These Famous Places , where of old so many Gods had Incense burned to them , are now defaced and profaned with the Tobacco of the Turks , at present the greatest smoaken in the world : I ventured among then rubbish of one of those ruined houses ; In my life time I never saw so many Choughs as I saw there , which Birds are more common in Athens now than formerly , but nothing so considerable . This great demolition considered , I do not think you can reasonably inquire after the Olive-Tree which sprang up so miraculously in the Castle when Minerva and Neptune had their great difference about the possession of that Country . Nor do I believe you will be more eager to inform your self of the Opisthodomos , or place of their publick Treasurie , in which there was always in deposito a thousand Talents of ready Money , kept with so much rigour for the extreamest dangers , that unless the City were in imminent hazard of pillage●ing , or fire , it was no less than death for any man to propose the medling with it . To be short , nor is there more to be seen of the apartment belonging to the She-Priest of Minerva , to whom it was forbidden to eat any coagulated Milk , but what was brought from the Island of Salamis . The House belonging to the two Virgins dedicated to the said Goddess , is under the same desolation ; and , which is more regretable , the admirable Statue of Diana done by Praxitiles ; the three Statues of Minerva by the inimitable Phidias ; the Statues of the Graces by Socrates ( which , by the way , would have justified the consistency of Mechanicism and Philosophy ) the rich Sculptures , and admirable Master-pieces of Daedalus , Leocaris , Cleetas , Endeus , and Calamis , are all lost and gone , as are the excellent paintings of Polignotus , Micon , Parrhasius and Timenet ; Pieces that were anciently the renowned Ornaments of the Castle of Athens , and doubtless would now be esteemed a rich Treasure , by all the Princes of Europe ; But time has devoured them , and they are become only only the vain Images of a Dream , subsisting like in the same and memory of their Authour . As we were going out of the Castle , we understood it was noon , by the preparation the Turks made to go to their Eoüyli , which is a prayer they make precisely at 10 a Clock , at which time an Officer on purpose , called Muczin , gets up on the top of the Mosque , and calls the Mahumetans to prayer , which is done by proclaiming in their language that God is great ; That there is no other God but he , and that it imports every man in time to look to his Salvation : and this is the whole language of their Clocks ( for in Turkie among the Mahumetans there are no other used ) and upon this score i● is , the Turks in Athens , when they woul● deride or upbraid the Greeks by their verbosity or babble , do tell them in mockery , Our Clocks ( if you had wit ) would teach you to speak better : And the Renegades think they hit the Nail on the head , when in roguery they boast that their Women wear better Breeches than our Men ; their Men are better shod than our Horses , and that their Clocks are better Oratours than our Advocates ; and the reason of all is , because their Women wear a sort of Stuff-Drawers ; their Men have a kind of Half-moon of Iron upon their Shoes ; and their Clocks deliver themselves with the aforesaid articulation . As we came from the Castle we left the ruines of the Lycaeum upon our left hand , and being dinner time , we went directly to our lodging , without any farther observation by the way . We found our Bianchi very busie in the Garden ; for having found the Sky clear , and all things convenient for his design , he had taken the opportunity , and was preparing for his Astronomical Observations ; We found he had made his Horizontal , and was fixing his Meridian with such ease , that we could not get him to dinner till he had done , telling us he was resolved by the benefit of the first fair night to take the height of the Pole in Athens , by the elevation of some fixed Stars which he had observed . After dinner we went abroad again to view that part of the Suburbs which lies Eastwardly of the Lycaeum , and Court of the Araeopagitae . We passed by the House of Monsieur Giraud , and afterwards by the House where the Jesuites lived before they were persecuted in Athens . About the Year 1641. Father Blezeau was eminent i● that Town for his zeal and abilities in opposing their Errors and Schism ; and ( not to mention any more of those Reverend Fathers called thither by the providence , and for the service of God ) the Fathers , Richard and Tessier , of late years have very gloriously asserted the Catholick Cause , till certain Athenian Priests jealous of the progress of their doctrine , excited the rascality against them , which being much encouraged by the artifice of some Protestant Merchants at that time in Athens , the common people besieg'd the poor Fathers , forc'd them out of the Town , and plundered their House : but they were better treated at Negropont , where , Father Richard has already brought over several Families from the Grecian Church , and preaches daily to the Bey's Gally-Slaves which are most of them French. About this time there hapned a remarkable passage to this poor Father Richard. The Basha Caterzo-Ogli Caraman Beglerbeg ▪ was by accident at Thebes , and upon his return to Candy , where he was Surveyor General of the Works under the Grand Visier , Father Richard went to make him a Visit , and took the opportunity to beg of him a protection against some desperate people that were exasperated against him by the Priests of Negropont ; and having obtained it as he desired , the Basha ( a gentile well-bred man ) among other discourse , asked him if it was true that the Monks in France never drank Wine but in their Mass , and seemed much satisfied with their temperance : But the good Father , with a pious confidence , becoming the zeal of the Primitive Church , replied , If we never drank Wine but at Mass , we should never drink any , for what is drank there is transubstantiated , and ceasing to be Wine , becomes the real blood of Christ the Son of God ; to which with a most Christian eagerness he added , that all opinion to the contrary was damnable . The throng of Turkish Officers that were about the Basha , would fain have rebuked the confidence of the Father ; But the Basha being more moderate than all of them , smiled and corrected them with this gentle answer : Do you not see he is a stranger , and can scarce speak the language of the Country where he is ? Let us be gone and take Candy , and when we come back he will be better able to explain himself : and had it not been for the generosity of the Basha , it was not unlikely but the poor Father might have been added to the number of the Martyrs . Not far from this house of the Jesuites , there is another where the Calogers of Medelli are lodged when they come to Athens ▪ The Sardar's Palace is at the end of the same Street , and his Seraglio over against his Palace ; all the Chelibi's of Athens have every one their Seraglio over against their Lodgings . On the right hand towards Panagia stands the Temple of Jupiter , a magnificent Structure , but there having been formerly five or six Dedicated to the same God , we could not inform our selves whether this were the Encyclios , the Epopete , or the Phratrios ; be it which it will , it is at present a Greek Church , and stands at the end of the street . And this let me tell you by the by , at this day the streets of Athens have no name but what they receive from some Church , Mosque , or Palace of some great Man. The Vecchiados Capitanakis ( next neighbour to the Capuchins ) knew not the name of the street where he lived , but called it my street : So that we were left to our selves to distinguish the streets of Vesta , the sacred Tripos , or Trivet , Polemion , and certain others which we found mentioned in History : Of all the old streets , there is none that retains its old name but the Ceramicus ; and even that is not like to keep it long , now frequently called the street of Bazar , which in probability in a short time will obtain against the other , and extinguish it . Unless it be this street , there is none of the rest either broad or streight , and the crookedness and oddness of their turnings at this day , answers very much to the description given of it long since by Dicaearchus the Geographer . Atheniensium urbs amaena & humanitatem prae se ferens ; at sicca tota , neque aquis bene instructa , neque rectè item in plateas secta ob vetustatem : Athens is a pleasant City , and pretends much to civility ; but it is dry and ill supplyed with waters ; nor are the streets so streight as they should be by reason of their antiquity . The Suburbs that lye Eastward of Lycaeum , are full of Gardens , which run along as far as the Ancient Village called Amazonion , from the great Battel fought there betwixt Theseus and the Amazons . The Athenians set up a Pillar in the place , and called it Amazonia , where also those Martial Women Erected a Temple , and called it Amazonian ; In the same place where stood the Gate of the Ancient City of Ithonia , which is now in the way to Phalerum . These Gardens lye likewise where formerly was that famous place for publick Assemblies , called Pnyx , in which there were frequent and great concourses , in which many a great Orator has recommended himself to them in an excellent harangue . About the Bench or Tribunal ( which stood in the middle of the Court ) there was a competent proportion of Ground called Periscaenisma , for that it was roped about to keep the Multitude off from incommoding the Judges : The Lithos was on the side of it , being a high Stone upon which the Publick Cryer stood , when he commanded silence : Not far from it there was a Sun-dial , and at one Corner a Temple Dedicated to the Muses : On the other side stood the House where Cimon dwelt and Elpinice , from whence we passed to another Quarter called Chrysa , and famous , as being the place where the Amazons incamped . We returned into the City by the Gate which is hard by the Covent of Capuchins , and to speak truth , we might enter as we pleased , for there was not above a pane or two of Wall standing together by the Gates of the City , and they pitifull things in respect of the Ancient Gates which were very magnificent ; one of them , it is true , is tolerably well , but of that hereafter : As we entred into the Town , on the right hand there stands a Monastery of Calogers , whose Church is Governed by a particular Caloger ; on the other side of the street is a Cloister of Capuchins ; the Cloister was shut , and leaving it on our left hand , we passed by the house of Vecchiados Capitanakis , where we saw one of his Sons , but not like to be so accomplished as his Father . Not far from it we were shown a little building , which the Athenians called To Phanari tou Diogenis , or Diogenes his Lanthorn : It is used at present for the reception of Water from one of their Fountains , the Ancients called it Analogaean , because it was built like a Pulpit ; but there being a Cupola like a Lanthorn on the top , the Common People called it Diogenes his Lanthorn , in allusion to a capricious humour of his , when to upbraid the effeminacy of those Times , he took a Lanthorn at Mid-day , and pretended he was looking for a Man. Julius Pollux speaking of this Analogaean , would perswade us it was Erected by Diogenes ; but I cannot think he intended the Philosopher , who was not Architect enough to repair his own Tub when broken by the Tumult ; for the Athenians were fain to supply him ; so that probably Plutarchs Opinion is the best , that it was set up by Diogenes , a Governour of the Macedonian Garrisons in Attica , who drove the Athenians out of Pyreum , Munichia , Salamis , and the Castle of Sunion . From thence we passed by the house of the French Consul , which stands at the corner of a Market-place , with the Dining-room jetting out into the street , and supported by Pillars : There is a fair Fountain in the Wall , and under the Fountain a large watering-place . There is a Story told very confidently at the Consuls house , but laught at by most of the Athenians : They perswaded us that every night the Fairies came into the Consuls Stables , dressed his Horses , gave them many and terrible blows with their whips , and when they had done , led them out to water to a Fountain that is within his Court. A little above the French Consuls House towards the street called the Bazar , we saw the second great Mosque of that City . It was anciently the Temple of Venus Vrania , built by Egeus , and repaired by Adrian . It was famous for the Statue of Venus done by Phidias : Vulcans Temple , called at present the Catholicon , ( and now the Archiepiscopal Church in Athens ) is not far from it ; and it was some pleasure to us to observe that their proximity agreed with what Pausanias said of it . From this Mosque , we went to see the House which is vulgarly called Anemoi ; it was formerly the Tower of Andronicus Cyrrhestes : Pausanias makes no mention of it , and Meursius confesses he knows not where it was ; but it is hard by a noted place , of which I shall speak largely elsewhere . This Tower is built of Marble , in an Octangular Figure , as Vitruvius has described , and upon every Angle Cyrrhestes caused the Figure of that wind which blew directly upon it , to be engraven : The work in Bas-relief is incomparable ; but the Triton of Brass is down , that stood on the Top of the Tower , and turning freely with the wind , with a stick which it held in his hand , shew'd the place where the wind was : Nevertheless there is something more than either Varro or Vetruvius have told us of ; and that is Eight Sun-dials , upon each of the flats of the Octogone one ; yet only seven of them are visible in the street , the eighth being inclosed in a Turks house that is built against one of the Angles . And here I fancy you most eagerly inquisitive whether the Athenians do reckon their hours now as they did formerly , and as they reckon them in Italy , that is , by the number of four and twenty , from Sun-rise one day , till Sun-set the next : To satisfie your Curiosity , that is not now the Custom . The Common People regulate their intervals by the Cryes which the Muczins make from the top of their Mosques , at Day-break , at Noon , and at six a clock at Night : But the better sort have watches from Venice , or hour-glasses which are very common among them . The House of Vecchiados Panajotti Cavalieri is right over against the House of the winds ; and the famous place I hinted before is a little higher toward the Vicus Ceramicus , and called Poecile , or Porticus varia . Of all the Porticoes that adorn this great City , this was the most considerable , and to distinguish it from the rest , it was called by way of Excellence the Portico ; Anciently it was called Pisianactios . Whilst Athens was in its Glory , the Painters of those Times had represented with great accuracie upon the Walls of this Portico , the memorable Exploits of all the Great Captains of this Common-wealth ; and which is remembred both by the Greek and Latin Authors , the Famous Artist Polignotus drew one of his Master-pieces there , and gave it freely to the City . But if you will take the Judgement of the great Scholars , they will tell you the thing that made this Portico so Eminent , was the Philosopher Zeno , who built a School there for the Stoicks , a Sect that was Instituted by him , and called at first Zenonians , till this Stoa or Portico was Erected that changed their Appellation : And here it was that sustained by the Testimony of Antiquity , I convinced our Camerades of the errour of Common Tradition , that at this day calls the School of Zeno a certain place without the Town , betwixt the Temple of Theseus and the Academy upon the way to Thebes at the foot of the Mountain of St. George . The Doctrine of the Stoicks tends principally to the subduction of our Passions , by which they affirm it possible to take off the sting and affliction of grief and sorrow , &c. and make them unpainful . But impugning the frailties and softness of our Inclinations , with Maximes too rigid and severe , they are reproached by the other Sects for Dogmatizing against Truth , and the Experience of Sense : Doctrina non moderata , nec mitis , sed paulo asperior , & durior quàm aut veritas , aut Natura patiatur : maintaining that a Wise Man is not susceptible of Adversity , and that Calamities are necessary for the exercise and tryal of our Vertue , which without agitation would languish and relax . They place in themselves the Principle of the highest Felicity , affirming , that the Soveraign Good has no need of Forreign Acquisition , if it had , it would be subject to Fortune ; so that the greatest disgrace or dishonour that could befall another man , ought not to affect , or make the least impression upon a Stoick , because all that is good or necessary is within him , as Temperance , Prudence , Justice , &c. They do confess themselves subject to , and sensible of misfortunes ; but then they master and subdue them , and though their humanity will not suffer them to be totally exempt , yet they are impregnable to them ; adding that their Doctrine , though charged with austerity and rigour , is worthy and suitable to the courage and magnanimity of a Man ; whereas the soft and tender maximes of other Sects are only proper for the delicacy of a Woman : In short , they affirm , that the difference betwixt the Stoicks , and the other Sects of Philosophers is as great as the difference betwixt Man and Woman , the one being Created for Command , and the other for Obedience . The Learned dissertations of these Philosophers , though they denominated this Portico , Porticus sapiens , were not sufficient to secure it from the publick diversions , for Apuleus observes , that hither the Athenians did usually come to behold their Vaulters , and persons of Activity ; and at this day these sort of Spectacles are exhibited to the People in their Festivals of the Bayram . This Portico put an end to our walk that way , for you cannot imagine that we would spend much time in contemplating places that were utterly void , though formerly there had been many Curiosities in them , nor trouble our selves with the examination of every particular relique . It would have been the ready way to have drawn all the rascality after us , who followed us up and down , and perhaps would not have let us escape with a bare derision : To prevent it , rather than to make one tedious walk of it , we chose to come again two or three times , that they might not think us ridiculous and affected . The next night being fair and serene , we imployed a good part of it in Astronomical Observation . We took the height of three several Stars as they were to pass the Meridian , ( viz. ) of Azimech , Zubana Gienoubi , and Antares : We rectified their Longitude by the Table of their peculiar Motions , and found their Declinations by their Spherical Triangles ; Zubana Gienoubi being my Province I will give you my Calculation : Its Longitude answers to 10 Degrees and 30 Minutes of Scorpio : Its Latitude is Septentrional , and is but of 26 Minutes : Its declination Meridional is of 14 Degrees and 37 Minutes , and its Meridional Elevation 37 Degrees and 42 Minutes , and adding that height to its Declination , there remained 52 Degrees and 19 Minutes for the Elevation of the Equator , whose Complement ( that is to say , 37 Degrees and 41 Minutes ) is the height of the Pole at Athens . The rest of their Observations accommodated with mine , and we found all the three Stars without the limits of refraction ; and the Moon not rising till midnight , her light gave us no impediment . The exact time of my Observation was about 25 Minutes after Midnight , which agreed not only with our watches , but with the Observations the rest made the following days about the position of the Sun , which was in 4 degrees and 16 minutes of Taurus , and its right ascension in 31 degrees and 59 minutes ; and my Star being 218 degrees 15 minutes , determined the moment of my observation . The 24. of April in the morning we went to hear Mass of Father Simon de Compiegne , at the Covent of Capucins who were then Missionaries at Athens . Father Barnaby , whose Residence is at Napoli de Romania , is President of that fraternity : Father Simon lived in a small house of Marble , though little , yet very good building : neither Meursius nor any other ancient Authour has taken notice of it , though it be called by the Common people indifferently , To Phanari tou Demosthenis , and To Palati tou Demosthenis , sometimes Demosthenes his Lanthorn , and sometimes his Palace . The Athenians never mention him , but they speak of ( what Plutarch reports in his History ) the thickness of his Tongue that hindered the grace and liberty of his pronunciation ; and as they tell us , there it was that he made use of his pebbles to help his imperfection . The workmanship of this Phanari is excellent . This House Father Simon bought of a Greek for a hundred and fifty Crowns , but a while after the Greek would have put a trick upon him , pretending that he had since been informed he could not by the custom of Athens put a Stranger into the possession of any Antiquity , lest the Stranger should demolish it : The Father replied , as he might very well , That he was no Stranger , and in effect he had been admitted Citizen of Athens , and got Letters of Infranchisment to obviate such kind of Cavils ; however the business was brought to a hearing before the Vecchiados , who condemned the poor Capuchin , but appealing to the Cadi , it was confirmed to him upon condition he should not impair it , and that he should show it to any man who had the curiosity to see it , which shows the esteem they still have of their antiquities in that Town : and the poor Father was so unwilling to disoblige them , and so careful to gain their good will by any reasonable compliance , that he removed his Altar and Oratory into a low Parlour within the said Phanari . But this ceremony and respect that he shewed to the Athenians did not hinder , but that at first he was treated with the same insolence that had been used to the Jesuites there ; for the Capuchin being settled in his house just about the time that the Grand Visier had banished the Dervices out of all the Turkish Cities in Europe , the Boys in Athens , who had been used to those Dervices ( supposing the poor Capuchin had been one of them in disguise , that would not submit to the Grand Visiers order ) flocked about him in the Streets , and crying out a Dervice , a Dervice , had like to have stoned him to death . But the graver sort of Athenians , nay the Turks themselves , and particularly the Disdar , rescu'd him from their outrage , which he gratified abundantly by his care of their Children afterwards ; teaching them to Read , Write , cast Accompt , and speak Italian ; and which was much more , he taught them their Catechism according to the Council of Trent , being translated into the vulgar Greek , and Printed at Venice : and though in it the Errors of the Greek Church were formally condemned , their Parents regarded it not , nor took notice of the dissuasion of their Archbishop who was highly against it . Nay they proceeded so far to the contrary , that according to their custom the Apostles Creed , as received among us , was put in measure and set to their Musick , in so much that we heard them sing it frequently in the Streets ; and this may very well be attributed to the diligence and insinuation of the said Father , who by his Piety , and a certain affability peculiar to that Order , wrought himself so happily into their affections , that both Turks and Christians invited him frequently to their Houses , with so great an opinion of the integrity of his life , that during his Visits they never sent away either their Wive● or Daughters , which was a confidence they never used either to the Calogers or Imans ▪ Nay farther , twice a year he was certain to be visited by the chief Kaduns and Mahumetan Ladies both of the City and Castle and that was during their pastimes and liberties at the Feasts of their Bayrams ; a● which time transported with their freedom they took delight in those little extravagancies , and would come to his House t● play their innocent tricks , and he coul● not quit himself of them till he had opene● his Garden door , and sacrificed his whol● stock of Flowers to their service ; He kep● Sherbett always ready for their Slaves , an● the Ladies were so kind as many times 〈◊〉 drink of it themselves ; for which boun● of his they did him a hundred good Offic● to their Husbands and Parents , protecti●● him against the Enemies of his Religio● for which , in merriment they would t● him , they would make another inroad into his Garden . In the Chapel of this Monastery there was a Pew and a Stool to kneel upon for the Consul Chastagner ; Monsieur Giraud the English Consul had only a little Seat in a Corner . Father Simon passed only for the French Consul's Chaplain , that thereby he might oblige the King's Ministers , and ingage them to favour the progress of his Mission ; and he succeeded so well , that it is there only that Chastagner appears in his character , and shows himself with all the Formalities of his Consulship ; and this he did effectually some three or four years since to a Deputy from Genoa , who came to Athens to settle a Consul there . This Deputy was of the House of Doria ( a great Family as you know ) and looked upon himself as a Prince : The truth is , he had a very good train , which followed always in good order when he went abroad to see the antiquities of the Town , and that kind of Ostentation goes a great way with the populacy . He gave and received Visits from all the Turkish Officers : Chastagner in his turn went to pay his respects , and expecting that Doria would have given him the Fauteüil , he was nettled to find that honour omitted to a Consul of France : Chastagner resented it highly , and watched an opportunity of returning his kindness , with which in a short time the Genois themselves presented him . Doria sent one morning very early to Father Simon , to desire he would be ready to say Mass to him precisely at Eight a Clock . The Father , as Chaplain to the French Consul , was obliged to acquaint Chastagner , and to know whether he would be present . Chastagner understanding it was at the request of Doria , thought that a fit time to be revenged , and sent word he would be there , and Father Simon should attend him . The Clock struck Twelve and no Chastagner ; during which time the Genois continued in very great impatience : at length in a formal procession they perceived six Janizaries marching a-breast with their Truncheons in their hands ; the Interpreter Baptista Jannis followed them , after whom came ten or twelve French Merchants , and some of the Vecchiados who were friends to our Consul ; last of all with his train or Attendants came the Consul himself in a Red Sattin Gown lined with a rich Fur , and entering sternly ( without saluting of any body ) into his Pew that was covered with Tapestry wrought with the Arms of France , he fell to his Prayers . Monsieur Giraud was so civil as to give Doria his Pew ; when Mass was done , Father Simon according to his usual custom made a little harangue ; at that time it hapned to be in Italian , and addressing himself first to his own Consul , he gave him the Title of Illustrissimo Signore , and paid him some little Complement , after which he faced about , and addressed himself very emphatically to the Prince . Chastagner pretended to be surprized , and that he had neither seen Doria nor his Equipage ; and turning short , saluted him , and offered him place in his Pew , but without any precedence ; the Prince refused his offer , and went out of the Church before the last Gospel was done . Mass being done we went home , only one thing I forget to tell you , that the Lutherans that were present made no scruple of staying out Mass ▪ After dinner we resolved to go● e●the● ●cademy , I mean the old Academy that gave name of Academicks to the Schools all Europe over , that lab●ured to propagate and compleat all Su●●●ces and Arts. Our Fellow-Travellers expected nothing but rubbish in their walk , declaring publickly it was not to be thought that that Incomparable Fountain of Science should remain clear and pellucid to this day , considering the dulness and muddiness of the Genius of the Modern Greeks . I who had conversed them abroad , had not found any thing of that stupidity in them : The Capuchins who took great pains in the Instruction of their Children , are witnesses not only of their vivacity and quickness , but that they are more than ordinarily docile , and disposed to any kind of Learning : For as they told me , a young Athenian Boy that in two dayes time gets not by heart twenty pages of his Catechism , believes himself so negligent or sottish , that he has not the confidence to appear again to his Tutor without great Mediation . ATHENS Ancient and Modern : WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE EMPIRE OF THE TURKS . BOOK III. OUR Janizary went out with us in the afternoon , but in the morning he was absent , in order as he pretended , to provide entertainment for us after dinner : I told you before , he was an ingenious person , and having found our humours to be inquisitive and generous , he studied all ways of gratifying them . We left the Bazar on the left hand , and cross'd the Ceramick Street without any remarks ; and being got as far as the Temple of Theseus , which is in the way to the Academy , and one of the last houses in the Town , our Janizary proposed to us to go see a Greek of his acquaintance who was a Didascalos or School-Master : We desired no better , and were upon thorns till we were with him , but alas , how were we disappointed , ( who expected nothing but the sublime notions of Plato , Zeno , and Aristotle , ) when the Janizary told us he was a mechanick ; how were we surprized to consider a man of that quality should succeed in the place of such excellent persons . We found about thirty young Lads sitting upon Benches , and their Master at the head of them teaching them to read ; he rose up when we came in , and received us very civilly , in which , to give them their due , that Nation is not sparing . The Janizary desired him to go on with his Boys , and give us the liberty of seeing his method , which was pretty , and much beyond ours ; the Master causing the whole Classis to read at a time without confusion , every Scholar being obliged to attention , and to mind what his next neighbour reads : They had each of them the same Authour in their hand , and for example , if he had thirty Scholars , he chose out some continued Discourse , and gave them but thirty words to read ; the first Boy reading the first word , the second Boy the second word , the third Boy the third , and so on . If they read roundly and right , he gave them thirty words more . But if any of the Boys were out or imperfect , he was corrected by the next who was always very exact in observing him , and he his neighbour , till the whole number of words were read : So that the thirty Scholars lying all of them at catch , and ready to take advantage of any defect in their neighbour , stimulated by an ambition of being thought the best Scholar , every one's Lesson was the Lesson of all ; and happy was he that could say it the best . To obviate any of the Scholars in eluding that order by preparing himself for any single word ; their places were changed , and he who at one reading was in the first place , was removed a good distance in the next . Thus one Lesson was enough for a whole Form how numerous soever , and which was very convenient for the Master , the Boys were not constrained to come to him one after another , for every one was a Master to his Neighbour . Supposing we had a mind to be at liberty , our Janizary was so civil as to leave us to our selves , pretending some little affairs of his own , but with promise to return in a very short time . The Civility of the Didascalos was so great , that he would not suffer us to refuse a Collation that he offered ; and to accommodate us the better , he conveyed us into his Chamber , from whence he had carefully removed his Wife to a Neighbours house , by an effect of the Grecian Jealousie : But he sent for two Calogers of his acquaintance to entertain us in her stead . They were reputed two of the gravest men of the Town , and our Landlord had enlarged much upon their parts . Our first dish was Botargo of Larta , which is a kind of Sausage made up with eggs and the belly of a Fish they call Cephale , and we a Pollard ; it is an excellent Ragoust , and nothing in the world better to drink withall . The best Botargo is made at Larta , which is the Ancient Town of Ambracia , betwixt Epirm and Acarnania ; after our Botargo , came is a dish of incomparable dry'd Neats Tongues brought from Constantinople , than which no place affords better . Our minds were fixt upon our Antiquities , and we were impatient to be gone , nevertheless in complaisance we were glad to feed , or at least to pretend to it . The Calogers eat nothing , for you must know , they never eat flesh : The Wine was better than ordinary , for generally in Athens it is blackish and not fine , which is their own fault , for their Wine would be good enough , if when they press their Grapes they did not put in so much water : the best Wine in these Parts is the Wine of Lepanthe . On the South-side of the House where we were , and as it were just under the window , there was a little inclosed Vineyard pitifully managed , though the stocks of the Vines were thick and well grown enough to have invited the Didascalos to more care , and better cultivation ; and when he told us the Wine that we drank came out of such another Vineyard , I could not forbear rebuking his negligence in not improving of that : One of the Calogers , and he that the Didascalos had recommended ( for the greater Conjurer of the two ) replyed in Italian , which he spake very well , that the ground indeed was very good , and would produce very good Grapes , but they might hang 10000 Years before the Wine would be fit to drink . We stared one upon another to hear him talk at that rate , and thought it odd and ridiculous , especially coming from an Athenian , and one who had been magnified so highly . We proceeded afterwards to their Bread , and found fault it was no better made : The Didascalos told us the fault was in their Mills , and that at present the River Illisus was parted into so many cuts , that there was not water enough to grind the Corn. And why then , said Dreslington , do you not make use of Wind-Mills ? Why , said the Caloger very gravely , we caused five or six to be set up in a large Vale hard by , and scarce any of them was serviceable : That Answer me thought cleared the point , and quite took away my Opinion of those Greeks ; we could not forbear blurting to one another , and declaiming in Latin against the ignorance of the present Greeks : They in the mean time kept their countenance , and looked very demurely ; we thought them affected , and that by their looks they had been highly pleased at what they had said , and we laughed at them the more : The School-Master smiled , and said not a word . Bu● Beraldi who had said nothing till then , advised us not to be too rash in our Judgements , for in his Opinion the Greeks did but droll upon us , and by their trifling answers rebuke our impertinent chat , and desire to rid themselves of the importunity of our questions ; adding that no rallery was more biting than that nonsencical way of theirs , where by cross and improper answers they seemed to correct , and many times confound such People as pretended to be so subtil . But Beraldi might say what he would , he could not perswade us but they were as very Coxcombs as they appeared ; and to mend the matter , there was so much starchedness and formality in their look , that the wit of Man could not have bettered our impression ; especially when giving them an account of an Ancient Athenian called Alcibiades , who sacked Constantinople , called formerly Bizantium , they stood gaping upon me as men in a maze : Men I named several of their most illustrious Ancestors , as Olympiodorus , Thrasibulus Harmodius and Aristogiton , they stopped me in my cariere , and asked whether they were Christians ; whether they were of kin to Constantine ; and whether in their dayes they were as considerable as their Dimitrios Beninzellos Stamatis Paleologuos , or Polimenos Zarles ? still opposing some of their Vecohiados to every one of those brave men as I named them . At length the Caloger pulling off his mask , and justifying what Beraldi had conjectured , I cannot but laugh ( said he with some eagerness ) at your Alcibiades and your Olympiodorus ; He that should attribute our present subsistence to their bravery , or to the Wisdom of Photion , would be more remarkable for his folly , than Socrates was formerly for his Sagacity . There is not a stranger comes to Athens , but observing the present condition of the Country , he deplores our misfortunes , with grea● expressions of sorrow , to see so Famous a City in the clutches of Barbarians , and i● a Pious Zeal cryes out against that ambition which animates your Princes , and prompts them rather to tear one another i● pieces , than to confederate as well for thei● own interest , as ours against the tyranny o● the Turks . This is the common sentimen● and discourse of all Travellers that com● hither . But what does it signifie ? 't is bu● impertinent talk , and I do not question bu● five or six hundred years hence they wil● complain to as little purpose of the ill management of the Liberty and Power amon● you , and the remedy will be as near . Th● half-witted people in your Country laug● at our ignorance , but I beseech you wit● what Justice ? were we not ready in O● Times to communicate with you , and impart our Notions in all the Excellent Sciences . When you had forgot what you received from Plato , and Aristotle , and Epicurus , we were so kind in the middle of the fourteenth Century , to supply you again with the Learning of Argyropolis , Theodore Gaza , George Gemisto , and Antonicus : You look as you were surprized , but for whom do you take us Athenians ? To silence you quite , I reserve for the last the poor but incomparable Caloger Bessarion , who by one of your Popes was made a Cardinal , and sent Legate into France 1472. to accommodate the difference betwixt Lewis XI . and Charles the last Duke of Burgundy . You pretend to be the greatest Historians in the world , and yet possibly you may be ignorant that the Pope did that at the Funeral of Bessarion , which was never done before at the Funeral of any Cardinal , for he in person attended his Corps to the Grave , contrary to the constant practice of that Court. I will not swear , that with your skill in the Latin Gibbrish you ever heard this Story that I shall tell you ; George Gemisto was a Platonist , George of Trapezund a Peripatetick : these two Sects were formely in great emulation , and perhaps are none of the best friends at this day ; George of Trapezund writ against the Doctrine of Plato , and I question not but some of his works falling into your hands has been the occasion that Aristotle has been of late received into your Schools . Come to Constantinople , come to Sinopi a Famous Port in the Black Sea , and you will find Professors in Philosophy that will discourse with you seven years together . My modesty will not suffer me to speak of those in Athens ; In those three there are publick Schools for the teaching of those Notions ; but in the rest of the Towns of Greece , we have no Science but what teaches us contempt of this world , and preparation for the next . Our Philosophy teaches us to detest Sin , and our Theology to Pray . The great Apostle , to whom this Town is indebted for its Conversion , insinuates nothing else , and that is the main drift and scope of his Epistles to us . For you , I beseech you , what fruit is there of your Artificial Eloquence ? of the confused tumult in your Schools ? of the vain and obstinate contests of your Doctors , your chimerical dissertations upon what you call Criticisms , and we nothing but fooleries ? Your great questions in Philosophy are rather subtilties and curiosities , than matters of use ; in a word , meer Metaphysical reflections beyond , if not contrary to natural experience , serving rather to perplex and obumbrate , than to illustrate the Truth , whilst the niceties of your Great Colledge are either the cause or support of New Heresies , extravagant Sects , monstrous Opinions , Confederacies , Civil Wars , and corruption in matters of Justïce . Since Plato was rejected , and Aristotle received into your Schools , how many of your Learned Doctors have there been , who would make the Peripatetical Doctrine the foundation of their Christianity , declining the Authority of the Scripture , and not only doubting , but questioning and disputing Pro and Con with great ardency whether there be a God or not ? You will ask perhaps , have not we the same difference and respect for these Philosophers ? No , they were our own Countrey-men , and taught publickly here ; yet when Reason dissents , we are the first in the Lists against them . And having spoken thus freely of our exercises in Peace , let us now see how we can match you in enterprizes of War : We will not look back to former Ages , in that Oase you have little to pretend ; but it is not above 464 years since we defeated one of your most Considerable Fleets at the Mouth of the Strymon , which is a River in Macedonia . Your Arms had never any advantage over the Greeks , but at the taking of Constantinople , and even that was done by fraud and impiety ; for the Army which your Allies assembled ( about 15 years after the defeat at Strymon ) for the recovery of the Holy Land , being arrived at Zara in Dalmatia , instead of reducing Palestine as was declared , changed their design , and undertook the Enterprize against Constantinople , and thereby betraying and falsifying the Oath of the Croisade , and perverting the Charity of those Christians who had so bountifully supplied them , they Marched unexpectedly against Constantinople , surprized it contrary to their publick Profession , and the pious hopes and intention of the good people of your Nations ; afterwards you set up two or three Emperours , of which one paid his head to expiate his Usurpation . When first our Empire became sensible of the Ottoman Arms , had you consulted either your own Interest or Religion , you would have joined your Forces with ours , and endeavoured to have stopped in the source an evil that must needs draw such ill consequences upon your selves . If it should ever happen ( which God forbid ) that Sicily should fall under the same Calamities as are at present upon Candia , what would become of poor Italy , Where there is not one strong Town , and scarce a man worthy to be the posterity of those ancient Heroes ? and yet you do not object it to them that they are at this day as ill furnished with Caesar's and Scipio's , as we are with Alexander's and Olympiodorus's . The Genois , with immortal scandal to the name or Christianity about 130 years since supplied Amurath with the Ships that transported the first Turkish Troops into Christendom : Your Cabals and your Factions have frustrated us even of our own proper succours and relief ; and when we thought to have found our only protector and deliverer in the person of Scanderbeg , Pope Pius II. though he saw him balancing the fortune of the Turks , interrupted his progress , and would not be quiet till he had taken him from that Holy War , and brought him into Italy to concern himself in those quarrels among the Christians , and drive the French from Naples . Not long after , what unworthy reception , what infamous treatment did you give to Prince Zizim , eldest Son to Mahomet II. and Protector of our City ? The unhappy Gentleman finding himself rejected by a seditious part of the Army , threw himself into your Arms , and opened a way thereby for your Forces to have marched into the very bowels of Turkie . In the judgment of all Christendom it was fault enough to have slipped so fair an opportunity , but you added treachery to your negligence , and suffered , I may say , caused that poor Prince to be poisoned . I shall be so favourable to your honour as not to name the Persons , but this I shall say , you disappointed us Greeks , who expected his company , and looked upon him as the only hopes of our re-establishment , and you ruined his friends in his own Country : This may be forgotten among you , but the Ottoman Princes will remember it ; and after the miscarriage of Zizim not one of them will be tempted for refuge to you , let what persecution soever arrive . So then as to us , it is opportunity , not courage that is wanting . Our Nation is not degenerated ; are not they our Soldiers which at this day fight your Armies , and over-run your Provinces ? you cannot deny but the Ottoman Force consists principally of persons forced or stolen from us , and that the name of Janizary does not absolve them from being Greeks , or divest them of their natural vigour . Tell me I pray you , what Country-man is the Grand Signior himself , since so many Generations ●● the Ottoman Family has been established in Constantinople ; and their heirs have proceeded out of the loins of young Grecian Damoisels that have been presented to the Seraglio : The Hunkiar Asaki , the Emperours chief Sultaness , at this day the only delight of Mahomet IV , and Mother of the young Prince that is like to succeed him , is a Grecian born , and was taken at the sacking of Retimo in Candia about Twenty one years since . To be short , we are become ●ne people , and it is with us and them as it was formerly with the Saxons and English ; the Goths and the Spaniards ; the Gauls and the French ; and if it would please God to permit the doctrine of Christianity to be received at the Port , and the diversity of Religion betwixt us to be abolished , ( which makes our moral differences irreconcileable ) we might say , and say true , That the Emperour of the Greeks is at this day greater and more puissant than the Emperours of Constantinople have been formerly . Moreover , I do believe you are unacquainted with a thing that our Historians do justifie , and that is , that the Ottoman Family are now Emperours of the East more by descent and lineal succession than Conquest ; for you must know the present Princes of Turkie do derive from the Emperours of Greece by a younger Son of the Imperial Family , who upon some discontent retired to the Sultans of Iconium , where he married , and gave original to the House of the Ottomans : So that the Greeks may assume some part of the honour which has been gained upon you by the Valour and the Conduct of the Turks . I call it their Valour and Conduct with the more confidence , because I cannot think that you believe all those Victories and Advantages obtained by your Enemies , are but the effects of their good Fortune : Certainly Fortune is never so constant , but where there is Judgment and Conduct to fix it ; but so much the worse for you if their prudence has no part in their prosperity . Are you not ashamed that the stupidity of the Turks should be so much too har● for your great managery and cunning ? You will say God has a mind to chastise you for your exorbitancies ; if it be so and you know it , why do you not correct them , and let your Conversion make your attonement ? No no , you will scarce ever be wiser , and we shall have still reason to demand where is that prodigious wisdom , and transcendant address , that in your own thoughts advances you so infinitely above the Greeks ? The Caloger having ended , the School-master took the word out of his mouth , and addressing to us , told us that he had forgot to speak of the great Valour of the Grecian Janizaries ; If we would make a noise , and boast of our Courage , we need no more than name three of our Heroes , whose undauntedness has been so conspicuous in Canadia , I mean , Zimbi , Balzama , and Calamo : The two first had each of them the Command of a Regiment , the third of a Company ; all three serving the Venetian with so much gallantry and prudence , that they were equally venerable both to the Turks and the Christians : If your curiosity carries you into that Island , you will hear more of them . Imagine if you can how strangely we were astonished at this apology of the Greeks , and how we stared one upon another to hear so many good things from a man we had concluded little better than a Statue . He humbled our Virtuosi , and brought us unanimously to ask his pardon for the unjust conception we had made of his parts . I have mentioned him to you before , his name was Hyeros Monachos Damaskinos ; Bertaldi was very well pleased that he had judged of him so right : and Damaskinos confessed with such kind of harangues he had confounded several Travellers , and corrected their vanity . Had he many such Rencounters , the honour of that Country would quickly be vindicated ; but most of the Franks will not give him their attention , and if at any time they happen into discourse , and he presses them with any thing , they are immediately in a huff ; he is a Sot , and a Fool , and there 's an end of the Conference . We presently found that our officious Janizary had got him thither on purpose to entertain us to our minds . Damaskinos spake the Greek , Turkish , Latin and Italian Languages very well ; he had a smattering likewise of French , having gained some words by his conversation with Father Simon , with whom he had great intimacy . Damaskinos was one of the three Professors of Divinity and Philosophy who read publickly in Athens , though to us in modesty he concealed it . The Archbishop and Demetrios Beninzellos were the other two . The Doctrine of the Archbishop being proscribed , his Lessons are only exhortations to Christianity ; both of them read in their own Houses , without any Salary but what comes from the good will of the Scholars : Damaskinos and Beninzellos have not nevertheless been so successful in Scholastick points , and criticisms of Divinity , as in matters of Philosophy ; yet there is no stranger comes near them at expounding the Greek Fathers . At length we took our leaves both of our Didascalos and Calogers , we parted with great friendship , and followed our Janizary who was returned , and tempted us away . He conducted us towards the Dypilon , which was the only Gate remaining of the old City . There were three Gates one within another , great , well built , curiously wrought , and deserved to be reckoned among the best Antiquities in Athens . Thucydides , Polybius , Plutarch , and all the ancient Historians have mentioned them , but none of them more particularly than Titus Livius , who speaking of Philip King of Macedon has this passage , Ad Dypilon accessit , porta ea velut in ore Vrbis posita , major aliquantò , patentiorque quam caeterae , & intra eam , extraque latae sunt viae . He advanced to the Dypilon , a Gate that stands in the very mouth of the City , bigger something , and broader than the rest , and the Streets large both withinside and without . Lucian tells us that there stood formerly the Tomb of the Physician Toxaris , who among the Athenians was in great veneration , and often invoked by them upon any violent Feaver ; and he ventures upon the very place , assuring us it stood on the left hand as we passed to the Academy , not far from the Temple of Theseus . There is to be seen likewise the Tomb of Anthemocritus the Herald at Arms , whom the Megarians killed against the Law of Nations : This Gate had also been called Thryasia , Thracia , and Ceromica . On the right hand from Dypilon , we had the sight of a very ancient and fine Wall , with the ruines of an admirable Gate : It had formerly been the Gymnasium of Ptolemy King of Egypt , in which , among many Brass Statues , there was one of Mercury in Stone , an excellent piece that passed fo● one of the best in the whole Town . You must know that by the word Gymnasion , the Athenians understood equally such places as were designed for the Exercises of the Body and the Mind ; and accordingly here it was that for some time Cicero studied under Antiochus the Philosopher . If there be any place in all Athens where Travellers are more than ordinarily critical it is here : some will have these to be the ruines of the Temple of Jupiter Olympus ● which indeed was quite at the other end o● the Town ; others will have them to hav● been the Palace of Themistocles ; but that is but fancy , and uncertain , for there are several Palaces bestowed upon him in Athens , and particularly an old relique near the Temple of Neptune , of which more by and by . The most probable opinion is , that Themistocles his Palace was on the South-side of Ptolemy's Gymnasion , not far from Melita , as Plutarch has described it . On the side of these ruines there are the remains of an old Brick Wall , of which Vitruvius speaks , and looks , as he says , upon the Mount Hymettus , not far from the Mountain of Saint George . On the right hand towards the Academy , and near the Dypilon stood the ancient Temple of Theseus , remarkable for the Feasts which the Ancients solemnized in honour of that Heroe , and for the distribution of Meal which was made among the poor of that Town : But the greatest testimony of their veneration for their Founder , was their making an inviolable Asylum of his Temple , in which all Slaves were received and protected from the ill usage of their Masters : It was built after the Battel of Marathon , Consecrated during the Victories of Cimon , and repaired ( as the rest ) by the orders of Adrian , since when , by the bounty of certain certain Christian Princes , it has been turned into a Church ; at present it is much decayed , and not likely to be repaired but by the misfortune of making it a Mosque : Hitherto the Turks have attempted it , but in vain ; The Christians is have been so happy as to keep it , by their Interest with the Keslar Agasi . The Turks in madness pretend they would not be troubled with it , and that being without the Town it would not be convenient for them . Because it stood without the City , some of our company would not believe it was the same that is so much mentioned in ancient History , in respect that Plutarch has placed it in the middle of Athens ; not considering how much this City is altered since Plutarch's time , nor observing the vast demolishment before the Temple towards the Field , and perhaps not knowing that all that side was inhabited and divided into three great Wards , called Kyera Siki , The Academy , and the Colonos Hippios : and it could not be more exactly in the midst of Athens , than by lying betwixt the present Town , and that place which they call now Asti , or the City . But besides these convictions , the very Walls and Building are sufficient to perswade us of its antiquity . About this Temple there were formerly four considerable places ; a Court or Tribunal , a Prison , the Horcomosion ( where the Peace was concluded betwixt Theseus and the Amazons ) and the Theatre of Regilla , which Theatre was built by Herodes Atticus , because the Theatre of Bacchus , though great and magnificent , was not sufficient to receive the vast multitude of spectators that came to see their publick representations . At this day , hard by the said Temple , is to be seen a large and fair Marble Statue of a Lyon couching upon the ground , and as it were asleep ; to distinguish it from that upon the Coast , and that other in the Castle , who are both Rampant , and as it were in a rage : Upon which score the poor people of Athens , as they pass by this Lyon , they whisper it in the Ear , and tell it , You may sleep on , Lyon of Athens , and take your rest , for the Lyon upon the Coast and the Lyon in the Castle watch for you . Some four or five years since , this Lyon was the occasion of a Prodigy in that City . The Wife of one of the Janizaries of the Castle passing many times with her Husband by this Lyon , rested herself one day before it , and fixing her eyes firmly upon it , she hapned to conceive at the same time , by which means her imagination impregnated with that Object , and re-inforced every day by the sight of the Lyon in the Castle , it had so strong an impression upon her , that at the end of Nine months she was brought to bed of a Monster with a head like a Lyon , which the Disdar caused to be stifled . Having passed by that , we went on by the Gardens in the ruines of the Faubourg of the Academy or the Ceramique , for it is called equally by both names . Before I came to Athens , I have admired a hundred times that among so many Learned men as have Translated and Commented upon Pausanias , and particularly Amazeus and Meursius , never any of them gave us a Plain of that City : But my astonishment ceased when I was in this Faubourg , and considered the ground , and I could not but acknowledge they had done well . I shall give you but one instance . Pausanians having given us a description of the Areopagus , jumps immediately to the Academy , and who would not upon probable conjecture believe but two places that are so jumbled together in his Writings , should be next neighbours in their scituation ? and yet there is no more communication nor proximity betwixt them than there is betwixt the Cours de la Reyne and the Place Royalle in Paris , or St. Peter's Church and the Porte Latine in Rome , for there is a compleat League betwixt them , and to pass from one to the other you must cross the whole City . The Academy was called so for being the Inheritance of one Academus , who lived in the time when Theseus , after his infidelity to Ariana , stole away Hellen , and carried her from Lacedaemon : Castor and Pollux her two Brethren , pursued with what Forces they could make , and came as far as Athens ; but not being able to discover where she was , they were privately advertized by this Academus , which was a kindness so well taken by the Lacedemonians , that in all the Wars and depredations committed by the Lacedemonians afterwards upon the Athenians , their Armies still spared the Academy , for Academus his sake . Sylla was not altogether so civil , for he sacrificed to the Laws of War , and the liberty of the Soldier all those brave Groves and pleasant Walks which Cimon had made for the entertainment of the Philosophers , and imployed the Timber to make Engines for the battery of the Town . There it was that such men were interred ●s had done any great Service for their Country ; among others , Harmodius , Aristogiton , and Thrasibulus . Upon the two Wings of this Faubourg there was a kind of Forrest , of Marble Pillars , loaden with so many Statues and Epitaphs , that he , who in a short time had a mind to understand all the great actions of that Common-wealth , had no more to do than to read over all those Elogies and Inscriptions . Among the rest of the Tombs there was one for Zeno the Philosopher , which his old friend Antigonus obtained from the Athenians as a considerable favour . Plato had his Monument too , but nor so magnificent , for which he may thank himself , for it was he that regulated their exorbitancy in their Tombs , affirming that a Stone big enough to have four Verses engraven upon it , was big enough for the recording of any mans memory after he was dead . Not far from this Academy there stood a little Temple , dedicated to Bacchus Liber ; a little consecrated Inclosure , in which they worshipt Diana , sirnamed Calista ; and Monuments to the honour of Theseus , Oedipus , and Pirithous . Among several Altars dispersed up and down , Minerva , Vulcan , Neptune , Hercules , the Muses , Love , and Prometheus had every one one . That was the first that ever was dedicated to Love , and the first man that ever came thither to sacrifice was Charmus , the favourite of Pisistrates . The Altar of Prometheus was famous for a Course which was run there during the Festivals consecrated to Minerva ; for the Athenians sometimes on foot , and sometimes on Horse-back , started at this Altar ( each with a light Torch in his hand ) and running quite along the Faubourg to an appointed place , he who made his Course without putting out his Torch , had a Prize for his pains , and was in great reputation with the people . Plato being the first Philosopher that ●aught in the Academy , gave the name of Academicks to all of his Sect. After his death ( which is now 2016 years since ) Learning increased in Athens so considerably , that two other Academies were erected , as well to accommodate the multitude of Scholars , as by reason of diversity of Opinions that began to spread among them : Arcesilas founded the second Academy , and Lecydes the third . Their Doctrine in general consisted in ●hese Principles , That nothing ought to be positively affirmed , because nothing could be certainly known . That there were of all things certain Species which they called Phantasies ; which Species were not formed according to the nature of the things , but according to the disposition of the body or object to which those Species were carried : From whence they maintained that nothing subsisted actually in it self , or had any proper or peculiar Essence , but subsisted only by reference , as they were formed in our Senses , not in the subject from whence they flowed , and this you may find in Aulus Gellius . Their Morality bore the character of Piety and Religion , and the doctrine of the Academy obtaining a long time , was taught in the University of Paris . At length the doctrine of the Peripateticks was introduced , and the Lycaeum prevailed with us as more subtil and consentaneous with Nature . When we arrived at this famous School , how strangely were we surprized ? how sadly were we affected to behold its ruine and desolation ? There was nothing to be seen but heaps of Rubbish , and great splinters of Stone over-grown with Grass , or covered over with Earth . Here and there were a few Fig-Trees and Olive-Trees , and pittiful Cabins where the Gardiners were lodged . If in so melancholy a spectacle any thing occurred of consolation , it was , to think that the name of that place , and the qualities of that Genius which presided there , were transplanted to Paris ; for in short , we must acknowledge as Rome did of old , Omnis ubertas , & quasi sylva dicendi , ab Academia ducta est . All our Elegance , and exactness of expression , is deducible from the Academy . But the name of Academy is almost lost in Athens , and it is called at this day The School of Plato . It is scarce possible to dig six foot deep into the ground , but you must find some considerable piece of Antiquity . Some three or four years since a Gardiner digged up a Pallas of white Marble , which he sold to Giraud for two Crowns . Giraud's Wife was , as I told you , an Athenian , of a pleasant merry humour , as appears by a trick she put upon Father Simon . She laid this Statue in a Bed betwixt a pair of Sheets , and sending for the Father , told him one of her Maids was sick , and desired to be confessed . The Statue was dressed very decently in night linnen , and the Father turned alone into her Chamber . The Father was grave and modest , and kept himself at a distance , and his modesty contributed to the Cheat. He fell immediately to his pious Exhortations , endeavouring thereby to dispose the poor Creature to Repentance , and the examination of her Conscience . The Mistress of the House called out to him , from behind the door , to speak out , for the Maid was deaf , and had been so a long time . The good man elevated his voice , and went nearer to the Bed , when the good woman entring hastily into The Room , Let us see , Sir , said she , 't is possible she may be dead , and then she has no need of your Confession , and so running to the Bed side , she turned up the Cloaths and shew'd him the Pallas , which put the whole company into a laughter . The House the Famous Misanthropos , is to be seen about a hundred paces from the ruines of the Academy : The place is now full of Fig Tree , and if you would entertain your self with the story of that renowned Enemy to mankind , read what Plutarch says in the Life of Mark Anthony . Returning towards our Lodging , we came on the left hand to the foot of Mount St. George , where we saw the ruines which at this day they call the School of Zeno , though indeed it was nothing but his Tomb : You may remember what I have said of it in speaking of the Porcile or Stoa . About half a mile from the Town ; the great Road is cut in the midst by two other , and make a Carrefour , where there stood formerly a Statue of Mercury , sirnamed the Tetracephalos . The Oratour Ephialtes ( who if you will believe Pericles , was a great lessening and diminution to the authority of the Areopage ) had his Tomb within a small distance . On Thursday the 25. of April , we marched out in the morning to visit the ruines of Stadion Panathenaicon , and the Palace of Adrian . By the Gate through which we passed to Raphti , we saw the Triclinion , an excellent piece of Antiquity , not yet taken notice of by any Authour : It is a large Stone , digged some years since out of the Earth , and embellished with incomparable Bas-relief representing a Hall and a Banquet of the Ancients , from which Picture it is called Triclinion . A Greek has placed it in the wall of his House as an Ornament to it . Without the Port de Raphti we left the Palace of Adrian on our left hand , and on one side the place which they call Ta Mnimuria ; it is a Cemetery of the Turks , who quite through the Levant , are buried without the City . The ancient Athenians practised the same Custom , and it was by particular favour when they suffered any of their Tombs to be within the compass of their Walls . But now a days the Christians are buried in their Churches . As we passed to the Bridge over the River Ilissus , we observed a place where formerly was the Tribunal called Ardettos , where the Judges took a solemn Oath to Jupiter , Apollo , and Ceres , to administer Justice according to the Laws of the Land , and where the Laws were defective to proceed according to their Conscience . There it was that there was an Altar consecrated to the Muses called Ilissiades ; and there it was that Codrus King of Athens was slain . Near the Bridge we saw another place , the ruines of a Chappel which they called Agios Phrancos , where the Image of St. Francis is to be still seen painted upon the Wall. When the Accioles were Masters of this Country , they erected a Chappel in honour of this Saint , which is yet in so great veneration , that the Christians do at this day give that name to their Children in Baptism . The Bridge stands upon three Arches , through which the River Illisus passed in former times , but at present it is dry , having been diverted and divided by an infinite number of little Rivulets , cut on purpose to supply the Water-works in the Gardens about the Town ; and it was a wonder to us to consider , that whereas commonly Fountains were contracted , and their Waters brought together to make Rivers ; here the Illisus was exhausted and annihilated to furnish their Fountains . The Bridan that passed of old through Athens , had a worse destiny , for its Chanel is lost , and nothing of it now to be seen . On the other side of the Bridge is the quarter which they call indifferently Agra and Agrae ; where Boreas one of the Gods of the Winds stole away Orythia a Daughter of the King of Athens : and Diana the Goddess was first delighted with the recreation of Hunting . The Soil is Sandy , and great plenty there is of Partridge , but they are not so good as ours . Not far off there is a little eminence , upon which are to be seen the ruines of the Goddess Diana , sirnamed Agrotera or the Huntress ; to whom the Athenians annually made a Sacrifice of 500 male Goats , to acquit themselves of a Vow into which they entered before the Battel of Marathon . From this little Hill , we surveyed the ruines of the Stadion Panathenaicon ; they are still so magnificent , that we were amazed to behold them , and could not but among our selves say of that morsel that was left , what Pausanias said of it when it was entire , That it was not to be looked upon without admiration . This Stadion was the place where the publick Courses were kept ; its figure was oval , and as exact , as if Nature had intended it on purpose as a list and bound of their Cariere . The rows of Stairs that are still visible , are of white Marble : and the Area was so large , that Adrian the Emperour ( as a spectacle to the people ) caused in one day a thousand Wild Beasts to be baited in it . At the foot of this Hill of the Temple of Diana , stands a Temple of Ceres , built of white Marble , as neat and spruce a piece of work as is in the world . It is now made use of by the Greeks for a Church , and in it there is the Picture of our Saviour upon the Cross , as well done as ever I saw . Here it was that Hercules was first initiated to the smaller Mysteries of Ceres , for the grand Mysteries were celebrated in another Temple dedicated to the said Goddess , but with the Title of Elusinion . From thence we passed to the Temple of Agne ; I would not judge rashly of the devotion of our Company , but I am afraid it was not so much that that carried them thither , as curiosity to see the place where Hercules had been . From thence turning to the right , we went to see the stately Pillars , and magnificent Portail remaining of the Palace of Adrian ; the common people call it Didascalion . The Emperour Adrian having turned it into a Gymnasion , had spared no cost either in the choice of his Marble , or the gilding and decoration of the Seeling and Wainscot ; and when finished he put into it the Library of Pisistrates , who was the first that ever made so accurate a collection of Books : and to speak truth never poor Books made so many peregrinations . Xerxes carried them first into Persia , from whence , a long time after , Seleucus Nicanor returned them to Athens ; in the days of Sylla they transmigrated to Rome , but could not rest there , for Adrian sent them back to adorn his Gymnasion . Near these Pillars we saw the Ta Mnimouria or Cemetery of the Turks , and on one side , the rubbish of the Temple of Juno , being the remains of a large one built by Adrian , and dedicated in common to Juno and Jupiter , it was called Pan-Hellenien , and is at present a Greek Church . Hard by there was a little Plain where the Turks used to gallop their Horses , which minds me of a story of Father Lewis , who as I told you before , had been a Lieutenant Colonel , and as good a Horseman as was in the Army . This good Father returning one day from Medelli on Horse-back , booted and spur'd , and with a long Greek Vest over his habit ( which is permited when their Mission appoints them any extraordinary Voyage ) passing over this place , he saw a mad-headed furious Jade throw five or six Turks one after another , and all of them reputed very good Jockies . The Sardar , Vaywood , and several Cheliby's were by . The Father could not but smile , and the Vaywood observing it , asked him if in France their Horsemen were better : The poor Father answered with another smile , which being looked upon as a contempt of their Skill , and a defiance of their Nation , the Cheliby's were nettled , and cried out to have the Caloger get up : The whole company concur'd , and nothing could serve , but he must immediately mount , not doubting but the Horse would serve him in the same kind , and that in a short time they should see his divinity upon the ground . The Father pretended to excuse himself , but the Sardar was the more obstinate : I cannot say but in despight of the mortification of his Order , the good man might have some little vanity upon him , and be touched too much for the reputation of his Countrymen . Be it how it will , he alighted from his own , and mounting the mad Horse , he Gallop'd and chang'd , rid him all the Airs of an Academy , and all the Exercises of the Army , and , contrary to the expectation of the Turks , mastered him with so much comliness and dexterity , that the Vaywood telling the Cheliby's he had been a Souldier , and made several Campagnes in his own Country , they called him ever after the Colonel Caloger . We came home the sooner , that after dinner we might take a larger walk , and we began it by the great Street called Ceramicus or Basar , which at this day is the fairest in the City : It took its name from Heros Ceramos , the Son of Ariana and Bacchus . But for the Vicus Ceramicus in the Suburbs as you go along to the Academy , it was called so from the Pot-makers that lived in that Faubourg , as the Greek word implies . Our Janizary carried us into the Pantheon which stands on one side of this Street : I thought it much more magnificent than the Rotund at Rome , which was also a Pantheon , and built by Agrippa : That at Athens was built above Six-score years after by the Emperour Adrian . For a long time it was a Greek Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary by the name of Panagia , but it is since turned into a Mosque by the Turks . There were two very fine Horses of the work of Praxatiles which Adrian caused to be set up ; they are still to be seen , but they begin to decay , and must erelong yield like other things to the mischievousness of time . The Porticoes that of old time ran along from thence to the Gate of Dypilon , were remarkable for nothing more than for being the Walk and Rendezvous of all the Prostitutes of the Town , many of whose names are with the names of their Gallants written upon their Pillars and Walls ; of which you may see more in the Dialogues of Lucian . The Bazar formerly the Market-place of the Ceramique , is still in that Street ; in the middle of which there is a little Hall , with a Fountain on one side of it . On the ground where the Hall is built , there stood anciently an Altar consecrated to Mercy , and at a little distance another called Dodecatheon , being dedicated to twelve Gods. On one side of the Dodecatheon was their Cyclos or place where they sold their Prisoners of War. The richest of the Inhabitants , and particularly their Vecchiados have their houses near this Bazar . The House of Dimitrios Beninzellos is on one side of the Pantheon : The House of his Brother Janis Beninzellos is over against it . I had the curiosity to see the Lodgings of Stamantis Calchondilos , in memory of the famous Historian Laonicus Calchondilos who was an Athenian , and of the same Family . This Stamatis is one of the Vecchiados , and rich ; but the rest of his Relations are very poor men , and one of them a Taylor in the Town . The publick Butchery separates the Bazar from another great Market-place , which the Ancients called simply Agora ; but touching upon the two Streets of Colonos and Colytos , the two ends of it were called by their Names . There is an excellent Statue to be seen in it , it is called Agoraeus , much like the Statue of the same Mercury before the Poecile : At present this Agora is called the Cadi's Place , because he has a House there himself , and his Seraglio looks out upon it . Over against this Place stands the Catholicon which the Christians call their Ca●hedral , or Archiepiscopal Church . It is ●ot much greater than the Church of St. Innocents in Paris . The Caloger Damaskinos is one of its principal Dignitaries , being Grand Vicar to the Archbishop . Tradition tells us that this Catholicon was a Temple dedicated to Vulcan , and the same that was consecrated promiscuously to Vulcan and Minerva : Minerva had a Statue in it with blew Eyes , of the same colour with the Waves of the Sea , because , as Plutarch affirms , she was thought to be Neptune's Daughter . St. Austin tells us of a Child exposed in this Temple , and of a Dragon that hugg'd and defended it : Plato says that the Souldiers listed in Athens for their Wars , had their Quarter in this place . In a direct line from the Catholicon , over against the Cadi's Place , stands the Phylaki , or publick Prison . The Temple of Venus Vrania stands behind the Phylaki , and is turned into a Mosque . It was no little satisfaction to us , to find the scituation of all these Buildings exactly to the description we met withal in the old Athenian Orators ; for you must not imagine tha● only their Historians make mention of them . As we never went to see any quarter of the Town till we had considered and studied it very well in our Chamber ; it was , methought , very pleasant to hear us as soon ●● we came near any place , to tell one another This is such a Temple ; this such a Building ; and this such a Ruine ; and our great satisfaction was to hit generally right . The Colytos is a quarter below the Cadi's place , and stands towards the South ; Plato , and that great Misanthropos Timon were born in it : Eschines the Oratour , contemporary with Demosthenes , lived in it : You may see in Plutarch the ingenious answer of Demosthenes when he accused Demades the Orator for having been taken in Adultery in the Colytos . Tertullian has a considerable observation of this place ; he tells us that Children do sooner learn to speak there , than any where else ; and Philostrates affirms that they are generally born handsomer and more beautiful there , for which reason they are called the delights of Greece : I astonished the Inhabitants when I told them these things ; but as to the beauty of their Children , Experience does at this day confirm the testimony of the Ancients . And thus I have brought you through a quarter , of which Pausanias has not mentioned a word , no more than of that of Melita which came so near the Colytos that there was nothing but a Pillar that distinguished them . It was the Nymph Melita , one of Hercules his Mistresses that gave that name to that place , in which there was a Temple consecrated to Hercules , and an excellent Statue of him done by the famous Gelidas , who was Phidias his Master . Besides that , there were likewise three other Temples , one dedicated to Diana , sirnamed Aristobul● , and built by Themistocles ; another to Heros Melanippos the Son of Theseus ; and the third to Heros Eurysaces the son of Ajax , from which Eurysaces Alcibiades was descended . Finding in this quarter several Greek Churches , and particularly two Covents of Calogers , or Religious of the Order of St. Basilia , we were very inquisitive whether none of them were built upon the ruines of some of these Temples , but tradition failed us , and we could not have that satisfaction which we found in other places , where examining the Cornishes and Chapters , and Frizes betwixt the Pillars , we found sometimes Eagles , sometimes Thunderbolts , as the symbols of Jupiter ; sometimes Serpents and Clubs as the symbols of Hercules ; Harps of Apollo , and so of the rest ; but here we could find nothing o● them : However we were assured that there was the Palace of Themistocles ; that Epicurus and Photion had their Houses there ; and History tells us of a great Building there where those persons assembled who prepared any thing for the Stage . The other ancient quarter called Colonos , is near the Melita , and divided only by a large Portico called Macra Stoa , because composed of five others joined together . In this Colonos it was that anciently the old Artificers and such people lived as wrought for the publick ; for which reason it was likewise called Misthi●s ; but without the Town there was another Colonos , called Hippios , which the Translators of Pausanias call Equestre ju●um ; it is below Zenon's School , and Eastward of the Academy ; from thence we directed our walk towards Mount Pentelicus : and by the way We passed by an ancient Gate they called Pilae Hippades , or the Horse Gate , because in that Colonos Hippios there were store of Horses to be lett : On the right hand we left the ruines of a magnificent Aquaeduct , begun of old by Adrian , and ●inished by his successor Antoninus Pius : This Aquaeduct served for conveyance of water from the Didascalion to Adrian's Palace . In the way from hence to Raphti , not far from this Aquaeduct , on the right hand we saw the place where stood the ancient Gate of Acharnae ; and more to the South the Gate of Melita , which they called Pylae Melitides ; beyond which Gate lay the Faubourg of Coela , where were the Tombs of Cimon and Thucydides . The Colonos Hippios seemed a very pleasant place to us ; Pausanias only names it , without any mention of four remarkable Temples to be seen there : one of Venus , another of Neptune , a third of Prometheus , and fourth of the Eumenides or infernal Furies . In this last it was that Oedipus took Sanctuary , when full of remorse for his Parricide and incestuous Marriage , he betook himself thither implore the mercy of the Athenians , who received him with their natural hospitality . At the foot of the Mount Pentelicus we found an old reservatory of waters that were conveyed by the Aquaeduct to the Palace of Adrian : We found a Spring there whose waters were very pleasant , and of ● more than ordinary freshness , they called it Brisis or Vrisis , for they pronounce ● both ways : the Mount Pentelicus they cal● To Vouni tou Agion Georgiou ; but they pronounce Ahyou for Agyou , and Hyoriou fo● Georgiou . We ascended the Mountain but slowly , because our Physician entertained us as we went along with a discourse upon the several Simples and Plants which grew there in great excellence : We saw also the Quarries , out of which was taken a great part of the Marble imployed in adorning the City of old . Upon any great Rain the fall of Water from this Mountain was very great ; and searching for the Chanel of the Torrent called Cycloborus , we found three or four that were dry , and probably all of them that which we looked for , because if we will believe the Poet Aristophanes , that Torrent did frequently change its Chanel , and run down with a more than ordinary noise . Upon the top of the Mountain there was a Chapel called Agios Georgios governed by a Caloger ; the Chapel stands in the place where Pausanias tells us there was anciently a Statue of Pallas . The common people at this day do by mistake attribute that to this Statue , which Antiquity with more justice ascribes to the Statue of Pallas in the Castle , viz. that on the top of her Lance she carried a Banner that might be discerned as far as the Cape de Colonnes . This Chapel is a place of devotion for the Athenians , to which they often repair in Pilgrimage . From this Mountain we discovered with ease the whole circumference both of the Old and New Athens : And casting our eyes upon two or three Monasteries of the order of St. Bazil , not far from the Mount Hymetta , and upon certain Villages upon the roads to Thebes and Megara , one of our Company pointing us to a Mountain about a League off , acquainted us that that was the Mountain which the Ancients called Icaria , at the foot of which there was a Town call'd by that name where the first Comedy was invented . This put it into our heads to Visit the next morning the Theatre of Bacchus , and thereupon coming down from Mount Pentelicus , we entertain'd our selves with the consideration of the Village of Icaria , It is most certain the inhabitants of this Town were the first inventors of Comedy : Icarius , Lord of the Mannor , and famous for being the first Planter of Vines in those parts , having one day caused his people to fley a Goat that he took spoiling his Grapes , he caused the Skin to be blown up , and giving it to the Peasants , they in merriment leaped and skipped upon it having dressed themselves with Vine leaves , and besmear'd their faces with the Lees of Wine : Which sort of Dancing grew to a custom in Vintage time , and was used in all the neighbouring Villages : and the fumes of the new Wines having at such times an ill-effect upon their brains , because it often happened that they were ill treated by the rich Citizens of Athens , who had lands in the said Towns ; the Peasants took the opportunity of these Feasts to affront and retaliate upon their adversaries . When night came , attended by throngs of people that this divertisement had drawn together ; they marcht along together in a tumult to inveigh and clamor against those who had done them any injury , advancing to their very doors , and upbraiding them publickly : Those who had authority in those Villages failed not the next Morning to inquire into the Riot , and to commence an Action against all those who were so enormous the night before ; and comonly the tumult ceased either for fear of punishment , or shame . This expedient succeeding so well in the Country , and appearing a good remedy against those disorders , the same custom was taken up in Athens : The Rendezvous or Confluence of common people was generally in a Medow called Lenaeon in the quarter called Lymnae ; and because it was near the Ancient Temple of Bacchus , by degrees these kind of Pranks grew into the ceremonies of Religion , became part of their divine worship , and by little and little to be a particular part in the Festivals of that God. As occasion served they continued their invectives ( under that pretence ) against such as had offered them Violence . At length the Poets took up the same Method to upbraid particular vices , or to turn their follies into ridicule : Then it was that the Athenians withdrew their representations from their Market place ; and Exhibited them in a large Room which they called a Theatre , and dedicated it to Bacchus , to instruct Posterity , that it was the Vintage time that gave the first occasion to Comedies . At first their whole action was performed by the Chorus , which was the whole body of their Musick both instrumental and vocal . Thespis the Poet was the first man who , dissatisfied with the singing of the Chorus , brought in one Actor , with the natural way of recitation : And Eschiles as much offended to see one person ingross the whole Play , brought up the way of conversation , and exhibited two Actors upon the Stage . The Poet Cratinus introduced three ; and afterwards their number was advanced to five , which was the reason they divided their whole Play into five Acts. Then was the whole action performed betwixt the Comedians , the Mimicks , the Chorus , and the symphony or Musick : and the whole show seen upon two Elevations or Platforms , which served as Posts or particular places for the several persons : The Comedians Quarter was called Proscenion , and was peculiar to them : The other was in common , and called sometimes the Orchestra , and sometimes the Logaeon . There were five intervals betwixt the five Acts , in which the Spectators were entertained either by the Chorus , or the Mimicks . The word Mime was used promiscuously for the name of the Poem , or for the Actor who danced as he recited , and made his postures and gesticulations as he was prompted by the subject . Sometimes the Mime was called Pantomime , which is but a term of exaggeration that puts greater force upon the thing , for Mines is an Imitator , and Pantomimos is an imitator of every thing . Sometimes their representations were Heroick , to excite to generosity , but for the most part they were upon amorous Intrigues ; and criminal prostitutions : At such times their Dances were lascivious , their Gestures indecent , and their Songs immodest , according to the obscenity of the subject , in so much that the Orchestra began to be infamous . But above above all , none was so impudent as the Dance they called Lamprotera , in which they not only danced stark naked , but added the filthiness of words to the effrontery of their postures : So that though the Proscenion was not guilty of these impurities , yet it became disgustful to the adversaries of Comedy , who were not willing to distinguish it from the Orchestra ; whereby the Comedian has suffered much among those who will not allow any difference betwixt him and the Mimick ; but the Proscenion may easily be justified ; for we need no more but cast our eyes upon the Tragedies transmitted by the Ancients , and we shall see that in the action of those heroick parts it is impossible the Comoedian should introduce that baseness of Gesture , or be guilty of a dissolute Dance , in so magnificent a matter . And if in time that Corruption has crept into Comedy , if sordid expressions have mingled with good instruction , and scandal gone along with their documents , it does but infer that few things are so pure , but they are subject to be altered , and those that are altered may by good customs be rectified again . And indeed we are not to admire if St. Cyprian and other Fathers of the Church declaim against Stage-plays , and on the other side Thomas Aquinas , Antoninus , Cardinal Cajetan and Raynerius do magnifie the use of them , seeing both sides have spoke according to the different ways of writing in their several times . These are the reflections with which the fight of Icaria inspired us ; and indeed Comedy being a thing which originally we received from Athens , it was but reasonable we should consider whether it was proportionable to the other great faculties that we derived from thence ; and whether we were not justly to admire that wisdom and contrivance which invented so pleasant a way of relaxing our cares , diverting the activity of our Spirits , and sweetning our ferocity and moroseness by the concourse and society of Spectacles . On Friday the 26. of April , in the morning we took a large Breakfast by way of precaution against the long walk which we proposed to our selves . Besides that , our Janizary had sent two men before to attend us at the Fountain of Enneacrunos with more belly-timber , and two or three lusty Flasks of Lepanthe Wine , esteemed the best in those parts . These Flasks among the Athenians are a kind of Glass-bottles that hold each of them three or four pints . The Venetian calls them Bosse's ; but our common Bottles the Athenians call Laghenis . Our Janizary carried us first into the Chief Monastery of the Calogers , but without his Interest we had never been admitted into their Church : Their Church is one of the best buildings in Athens , and the Calogers have a particular care of it . There are many Shoomakers in the street where this Monastery stands , in the midst of which there is an excellent Fountain . Behind this Shoomakers-row stands the house of Baptista Janis Traperi , a Native of Chio , and Interpreter to the French Consul . This Interpreter is one of the subtillest and most dangerous Wits in the whole Levant : He is Turk among the Turks , Greek among the Greeks , Franc among the Francs , and hypocritical with all the world : In matters of Commerce , he is particularly intelligent ; never tells the mystery and bottom of his affairs to any body , to make himsel● necessary the longer ; and indeed that necessity has preserved him a hundred time● both from the Kangiar and poison . He ha● two Brothers in Athens not altogether so rich , but of better reputation . The Consul is as happy in his Janizary as in hi● Dragoman , for he has got a true Soker tha● will drink more Wine than four of our Mariners of Provence , and his Wine is nothing so good . This honest Mahumetan is called Ibrahim Bassa , but you must not think that with such a fellow the word Bassa passes for a Title of Honour . The house of the old Archbishop is over against this Monastery , over which he has the superinspection , for besides him they have no Superiour : Their habit is black , and their subsistence partly from their Foundation , and partly from what they earn with their needle ; but should that fail them , the charity of their neighbours would not , for in that Town no body begs ; if any be indigent , some body or other takes him home to his house , and there is never an Hospital in Athens . Some of our Travellers are to blame , and their character not to be believed when they report that the Calogers of Athens are exorbitant and irregular ; certainly they have taken that scandal from the Turks , or some other Libertines of that Country , and we our selves are not free from such sort of calumniators with us . About two hundred paces from this Monastery they shewed us a little house , where not long before an accident happened that evinces the Piety of the Athenians , and proves that the Zeal of Christianity is not more fervent among the Ecclesiasticks than ●mong the Laity of that Town . There lived in that house a good Man and his Wife , who had only one Son of about ten or twelve years of Age , but excellently handsom , and very well educated . The Turkish Commissioners that raised their tribute of Children , put this Boy down for one into their List : the Father and Mother were poor people , and had not wherewithall to ransom their Son ( for in Athens that is one of their priviledges , and any man who is able , has liberty to redeem his Children ) terrified with this misfortune , they conveyed away their Child , but the Turks seized the Father in the Sons stead , and to force him to discover , they clapt him in irons : The poor Woman followed after her Husband , crying and lamenting as if she were mad ; the Turks turned back and beat her , her Husband comforted her what he could , beg'd of her to be contented , and to return to her Family . The Son understanding how his Parents were used , came home to his Mother , and with tears in his eyes , Do you suspect my courage dear Mother ? said he , I will after my Father , and save his life though with the loss of my own : The Mother overwhelmed with grief , and divided cruelly betwixt her Husband and her Son , knew not what to advise , but at length leaving him to himself , he came to the Commissioners of the Tribute , and told them , If the service of the Sultan be the only thing in question , I will readily lay down my life at his feet ; but my Religion I cannot change , nor is it necessary , for perhaps I may serve him as a Christian , as well as any of your Agemoglans . The Commissioners cox'd him , and caress'd him ; He desired his Father might be discharged , and having kiss'd and embrac'd him , presented himself to the Irons , speaking still with great reverence to our Religion , and reflection upon the Turkish : persisting so eagerly in that discourse , the Turks began to be angry , but still endeavoured to reclaim him ; however he continued firm to his Principles , declared , and repeated it over and over , that he would dye a Christian ; and remained so positive , that the Turks fell into a rage , and upbraided him with blasphemy , and having accused him of it , and made some formal process before the Cadi to countenance their cruelty , they cut ●he poor Child to pieces with their Swords ●n the middle of the Bazar . This occasion presenting it self , I shall give ●ou the Relation of the Zeal and Piety of ● Young Athenian Damoisel ; that at the ●ame time you may have a double Example , ●nd be satisfied of the Virtue as well of one ●er as the other . This Virgin was one of the handsomest in all Athens , and yet her prudence and sagacity was greater than her beauty : From her minority she had alwayes expressed a great deal of Devotion , and yet she durst not follow its motions , which prompted her exceedingly to the Church . For apprehending the insolence of some Turk as she passed thorow the streets , she went thither seldomer than otherwise she would have done ; and the truth is , when ever they appear , the Turks will take the first opportunity to accost them . In spite of her caution , a spruce young Turk got a sight one day of this Virgin , and fell in love with her ; having made his address to no purpose , as he lost his labour , he lost his patience with it , and conspired with certain of his Accomplices like himself , to gain her by force . They have a certain Feast ( like our Easter ) which they call Bairam Coutzong , at which time , having more freedom of debaucherie than ordinary , they resolved to put their designs in practice , and accordingly entred by force into the young Athenians house , who was at home along with no body but her Mother who was a Widow : In apprehension of their violence , they both of them cry'd out as soon as they saw them , but no body came into their rescue ; for , besides that , during the liberty of the Bairam , the Christians do generally keep themselves close , their house was in a by-place , and somewhat out of the way : The resistance , and refractoriness of this young Damoisel inraged them to such a degree , that finding their importunity unsuccessful they fell to blows , and gave her seven or eight stabs with a poinard : that which was most admirable in the passage , was , that still as they stab'd , she presented her face , as if she had been desirous to be wounded there , to ruine that part which had caused such extravagant passion in those Brutes : They left her for dead , and 't is reported that the only thing that recovered her , was the joy she conceived to find her self disfigured beyond any such influence for the future : But the Assassines were glad to fly , and never appeared since ; for complaint was made to the Keslar-Agasi , who would without all doubt have punished them severely . Since this accident , in ●ll the Families of Athens , ( both Turk and Christian ) no discourse is held among the ●oung Maidens , but up comes this story ; ●nd the good women have no better lesson ●o each their Daughters , than to imitate ●his Damoisel ; nor better memorial for ●hem , than to show them the scars of her face . When we were in Athens , the poor Girle was living in the Isle of Engia , If the Christian Religion was not sufficient to move these Athenian Damoisels to Chastity , the fear of punishment would do it effectually . Those who are defective that way , are condemned to be sold for slaves , and upon conviction 't is not easie to escape . 'T is the Cadi's interest to see that Law strictly executed , for the profit is his , and upon the least accusation he causes them to be inspected by the Midwives : Not but there are wayes of evading it , and a thousand artifices are found out to prevent their slavery ; sometimes the Confessor intercedes , and suggesting the danger of their turning Mahumetans , abates the rigour of their Laws , and conceals the dishonour of their Families . In a word , in all Greece manifest immodesty is no where so severely punished as in Athens . The Virgins in Athens are generally handsom , witty , and vindicative ; you may judge what they were formerly , by the single example of Thais , who followed Alexander the Great in his Expedition into Persia : Being with that Monarch one day when he was in a good humour , she proposed to him to burn the Palace-Royal at Persepolis , and was so plain as to profess a desire of putting fire to it her self , that the world might say , that the very Damoisels which attended in his Conquests in Persia , had revenged the burning at Athens , when of old it was set on fire by Xerxes ; and her beauty and eloquence so far recommended her ambition , that she was gratified in her motion , and the Palace set on fire that very night . Our curiosity carried us from thence out of the Castle to the Southward betwixt the Phalerum and the Porto-Lione , where was anciently the old City of Athens , called by way of excellence Asti , or the City , the foundation of which , according to the testimony of Pliny , began there . The two Brothers , Euryalus and Hyperbius were the first who built houses there , before which time they were lodged in Grottos , still to be seen at the foot of the Castle . The quarters of Lymnae , Coepi , Diomea , Cynosarges , and Alopece are still on that side , and were all we saw that Walk . We returned by the Temple of Jupiter , and keeping still by the foot of the Castle , we passed behind the house where , the Jesuites had formerly their retreat , and on our right hand we saw the remains of a building , at present called , To Palati tou Themistocles , or Themistocles his Palace . Among the Ancients there was nothing could give Authority to the Modern Appellation , for by them it was called the Palace of the five hundred , which was the number of Select Men chosen every year by the Ten Tribes of Attica , each Tribe naming fifty , who alternatively , and according to the rank of their several Tribes had the supreme management of affairs for five and thirty dayes together , and their Court being held in the place called Prytane , gave the name of Prytanes to the said fifty Senators . Cajetan , Drogoman to the Consul Giraud , had his Lodgings in this Palace of Themistocles . A little beyond it we saw the Temple of Neptune , a very admirable Structure . Of the three Temples Dedicated anciently to that God , we could meet nothing that could assure us whether this was the Elates , the Cynades or Asphalius . It is at present a Greek Church , govern'd by the Caloger Damaskinos , whose house being hard by , and upon the brow of a Rock , is the highest in the whole City . 'T is reported , that many rare Manuscripts are kept in that house . Near the Temple of Neptune there is a Fountain of the same name , whose waters are turned for the benefit of the Castle : From thence we came into the Vicus Ceramicus , where we saw on our right hand the place where formerly stood the Leocorion , or Monument of Leos , who having sacrificed his Daughters for the safety of the publick , deserved well to have a Tomb in the City . Facing about to the left , we saw the ruines of a magnificent Building , called the Kings Portico , that is to say , the Portico of the King of the Sacrifices , or the second of the Archontes . The Portico of Jupiter Elutherion was behind it , and Eudancon , or the Tomb of Heros Eudanos was hard by , which Eudanos was sirnamed Angelos the Son of Neptune . Thence towards the Castle , we observed the Metroon or Chapel of the Mother of the Gods , in which place died Lycurgus the Son of Lycophron , as famous in Athens , as the Legislator Lycurgus was in Sparta . The Barathron or Orygma , that famous dungeon into which their criminals were tumbled , was behind that Metroon at the foot of a steep Rock in the Castle ; and near the Barathron , was the Tribunal called Parabysthus , in which only small Causes were tryed ; and that Court consisted of eleven Judges : The nearness of this Court to the Barathron ( which was an ignominious place ) was the occasion that some Authors have said , that the Parabysthus stood in a vile and abominable place . At small distance from the Kings Portico , we saw the Bucoleon or Court where the King of the Sacrifices had his Tribunal : Not far from that we saw the ruines of a small Chapel , called Agios Dionysios , where Mass is said constantly upon Saint Denis his day . To restore that Chapel one would have need not only of Money , but good interest at the Port , where they suffer Christians to repair their Churches , they will not suffer them to rebuild them when they are down : This Chapel joyns to the Archbishops Palace , which they pretend was the Palace of Saint Denis . The place is very pleasant , and is the lodgings of the Archbishop and five Calogers that make up his whole Family . They shew us a Well there , which among the Christians is in great Veneration , because as their tradition tells them , Saint Paul was a prisoner in it , and rescued by the Authority of Saint Denis . Not far from the ruines of the Prytaneum we saw the Court where the fifty Senators Assembled who had the Administration of the Publick Affairs : The perpetual Fire was kept there . The Laws of Solon were there in deposito , and such illustrious men as had done any signal service for their Country were maintained there , and their Posterity at the Publick Charge . On the right hand towards the Temple of Theseus , there was a Grove dedicated to the Heroina Aglaura daughter to King Cecrops , and behind the Grove was a field Consecrated to Famine ; the field was called Limoupedion . Formerly the Gate called Hiera stood at the end of this field : Hiera is as much as sacred , and it was called so , because it was the way to Eleusis , by which they passed in their famous Procession belonging to the mysteries of Ceres . ●n this place they had erected a fair Statue of Anthemocritus , for whom they had also set up a Tomb by the Gate Dipylon . Without the Port Hiera was anciently a large ●eubourg , whose ruines are still visible . It was called Hiera Siki , or the Holy Fig●●●e ; and the way to Eleusis was called Hi●ra Odos . The Port Dipylon lies Eastward of the Hiera , and betwixt them is another called the Ceramick Postern ; not far from whence is a place called Oenos , where they sold their Wine , which gave it its denomination ; for in Athens most of their chief streets are called from the principal Commodities that ●re sold there . That space of the old Town that lies betwixt Dipylon and the Ceramick Postern , was called Oeon or the Desert , because , though it butted upon the Ceramicus , yet no part of the great affluence of people that passed there could be seen . The Famous Temple of Anaceon was not far off , which was Consecrated to Castor and Pollux by the name of Diosc●res . Formerly Slaves were sold in it , and when Pisistrates disarmed the Athenians , he cause'd them to assemble in that place . Westward of the Porte Hiera was the Pyraeum , and the part of the Town betwix● them , was called Heptachalcon , through● which Sylla came when he surprized Athens . We contented our selves to view all thi● from a little Hill near the Arch-Bishop'● Palace , without troubling our selves to go to them : that day we thought of nothing but running from one place to another , a● if we had intended that way to have tyre● our curiosity ; besides , people are quickly satisfied where nothing but ruines are to be seen . Advancing from thence towards the ancient Gate called Pyraeum , we saw severa● Portico's ; that of Attalus where the R●mans erected a particular Court , and calle● it by their own name : The Portico of Trecon called by Aristophanes Alphiton St●●● because they sold Meal in it : In it there was an excellent Picture of Helen drawn by ●euxis . The Chapel of Heros Chalodos ( of which Plutarch speaks in the life of Theseus ) was not far off , and by it a house where we saw several Statues of Potters Earth , and among the rest the Statue of Amphictyon King Athens . We saw likewise where stood the house of Polytion , remarkable for the libertinisme of Alcibiedes when he prophaned the Mysteries of Ceres with the young Debauchees of the Town : In process of time this house was turned into a Temple and dedicated to Bacchus . Not far off was a Gymnasium of Mercuries with a Porticoe and Market-place of the same name ; and because nothing of Antiquity ought ( at least in my fancy ) to be lost , and the least observation is to be recorded in that case ; it is not amiss to let you know that near the Portico there are to be seen the ruines of a large Courèon or Barbars Shop , of which Lysias makes mention . Behind this Portico , is the Garden of Melanthus the Philosopher , in which Garden the Orator Lycurgus was buried ; a little beyond we saw Statues representing a Combate betwixt Neptune and the Giant Polybot : Not far from the Port du Pyraeum we saw a Temple , considerable only for some certain Statues of Praxitiles his work ; from thence we went to the Pompeon , which is the place where they deposite all the Implements and Utensils belonging to their publick solemnities . Beyond that Gate there is a Tomb adorned with the Statue of a Horsman , by Praxitiles own hand . The old Pyraeum Gate was twice Musquet shot from where the new one stands now . From thence we turned towards the Castle , following a Path on the right hand that led us towards the ruines of the Temple of Jupiter Olympicus . Titus Livius has very elegantly expressed its magnificence in these , Templum unum in terris inchoatum pro magnitudine Dei : The only Temple in the world begun with proportion to the Grandeur of a God. But it was not finished in his days , for the greatness of the design kept it unfinished for above seven hundred years , though several Kings contributed largely to have it finished ; the Emperour Adrian perfected it at last , at the expence of more than nine Millions . It s circumference was about half a mile , and in its whole extent scarce a place but was embellished with some excellent Statue , more valuable for the curiosity of the work , than for the Gold or Ivory which had been prodigally lavished upon them . There was also to be seen the Temple of Saturn and Rhea ; the Grove of Olympia , and a Ditch that has been famous ever since Ducalion's Flood ; for it is from tradition believed that the waters of that deluge were carried off through that , and they fancy it the more credible , because there is Ducalion's Tomb hard by . There is also the house of Morychia , and another of Charmidas , who was a man of a most prodigious memory . Southward of this Temple stood another dedicated to Apollo and called Delphinion ; it was also a Court that took cognizance of , and judged finally in Causes where Murder was evidently committed and confessed , but justified to have been done according to Law. The old Port of Eugeus was hard by , and his Palace not far off : A little lower was the Quarter called Coepi or the Gardens , where there was to be seen a Statue of Venus of Alcamenes his making ; in the opinion of Phidias , the choicest of his work , and esteemed rather a Miracle than a Master-piece , There was likewise a Temple dedicated to Venus Vrania , and by it , another to Euclaea , another to Proserpine , and another to Ceres , which last was called by way of excellence Eleusinion , because the Grand Mysteries of that Goddess were celebrated there , in which only women were assistant , though several of the Ceremonies were very licentious : You may read elsewhere ( if you please ) the Intrigues betwixt Ceres , Baubo , and Bacchus , which made a great part of the representation in that solemnity . One thing is remarkable in the Quarter called Asti , that it is so full of Temples , and Monuments of Piety , that there is scarce room for private Houses : You have something like it in Paris ; from the Palais to Nostre Dame ( which lies as it were in the Arms of the Seine that runs of each side of it ) the Churches are so thick , as almost to touch one another : You may number them at your leisure . To the Eastward of the Temple dedicated to Jupiter Olympicus , there was another dedicated to Lucina , called by the Greeks Elithia , and another to Serapis . The place where Theseus and Pyrithous swore amity , was not far from it . The Street of the Sacred Tripods ran from thence to the Prytaneum , and crossed another place called also the Sacred Tripods , in which there had been a stately Temple of the same name , adorned with the Statue of a Satyr , one of the most excellent of Praxitiles his pieces , is will appear by this following Story . Praxitiles was enamour'd of the incomparable Phryne , who for a long time imployed all her entreaties and caresses to make him tell her which was the best piece he ever had made ; not being able to prevail that way , she got it out of him by an artifice . She corrupted one of his Servants , and obtained of him to come running in to him in a great fright , and surprize Praxitiles with the news , that his Work-house had been on fire , but that only a certain number of his Pictures were burned : In extraordinary discomposure Praxitiles cryed out , Unhappy man that I am , I am utterly ●ndone , if either my Satyr or Cupid be among them . Phryne had her design , to settle his mind , told him it was but a trick of hers , and having taken his Cupid for her self , he dedicated his Satyr to Bacchus . In this Street there was formerly a triangular Market-place , in which there stood a Court or Tribunal , called in those days Trigonon , and at some distance Southward of the Prytaneum there were three other Tribunals that had been anciently very famous . I cannot more properly compare the proximity of these Tribunals than to those in Paris , where you have three soveraign , and several inferiour Courts within the circumference of the Palais . One of these three Courts in Asti was called Heliaea ; which was so much frequented by the Athenians , and had so many Causes pleaded in it , that the other Courts were many times obliged to remove thither : It was an open Court , as is impiyed by the name ; for Heliaea in Greek , is the same that Sub Dio was among the Romans . The second was called Strategion , and was the place where the Archontes sate : and the third was called Thesmothesion , because the six last Archontes presided there , and as I said before , called themselves Thesmothetes . To the Eastward of these Courts we saw the Statues of the ten Eponymes , who were the Ten Heroes that did anciently denominate the several Tribes of the Country of Attica : For the first of the Archontes , that is to say he who presided in the Strategion , called himself Eponyme . Behind the Statue of these ancient Eponymes was a place called Tholus , where the Prytaneis made their solemn Sacrifices , and by it ( passing by the Castle ) we saw the Temple of Mars . The wall of the Castle behind the ground where this Temple stood , was properly that part which they called Cimonion , or the South wall , where formerly was to be seen Medusa's head , and Jupiter's Buckler called Agys . In the Rock beneath it we saw the Vault , where stood the Tripos consecrated to Apollo and Diana : A little farther we saw several other Caverns , into which the poor Shepheards hurry their Flocks upon any alarm or apprehension of the Corsairs landing . Not far from thence were the ruines of the Odeon or Musick School , a magnificent Building formerly , where many eminent Musicians have contended for the Prize that was allowed by that Republick to the most skilful among them : and within a small distance there was anciently a Market-place where they sold Meal , and a Court or Tribunal where many times the Archontes heard Causes . In his Wars with Mithridates , when Syl●● threatned Athens with a Siege ; the seditious Aristion burned all the Wood-work of the Odeon , lest it should commode the Romans in their approaches to the Town ; but it was afterwards repaired by the boun●y of Ariobarzanes King of Cappadocia . At a small distance from thence we passed into the Quarter of Lymnae , considerable for the Famous Temple of Bacchus . In that Quarter we saw a place called Lymnomachiae , where the youth of the City were accustomed to exercise themselves at Wrestling and Fisty-cuffs . We saw another place that was again become a Meadow after a long intermission , having been drained and built with many fair houses . This Meadow was anciently called Lenaeon , and had on one side of it a famous Grove of Poplar-Trees called Aegyron . The Peasants when they brought their Comedies to Athens , began their Recreations there ; and the people of the City made use of the Trees in that Aegyron to build the Scaffolds upon which they placed themselves to behold their rustick representations . In that Meadow we observed a little River and followed it against the stream , in curiosity to know whither it would lead us ; it brought us to the famous Fountain Enneacrunos , called anciently Callirhoe ; it is much fallen from its ancient magnificence . In stead of the cost and new Tyle that Pisistrates bestowed upon it , there is nothing to be seen now in it , buy the green Turf of the Meadow . Being desirous to tast of the Waters , I found them excellent ; and our Germans , contrary to the Genius of their Nation , in spight of the Lepanthe our Janizary had brought in his Flasks , fell as heartily to the Water and were as well pleased with it as my self . But among all these variety of objects , we were sensible there was one still wanting , and casting our Eyes up and down , we discovered behind the Trees , among the Grass , what we sought for , and that was the reliques of the first Theatre in the world . We had no sooner got to it , but Dreslington cryed out in his facetious way , At length we have found it , and are arrived at the illustrious Throne of four great Empresses , Melpomene the Empress of Tragedy ; Thalia of Comedy ; Euterpe of Pastorals , and Calliope of other Verse . The circumference of this Theatre is still visible , and we judged of the magnificence of the whole by the ruines that remained . Most part of the ancient Buildings in Athens or Rome that are either half , or utterly demolished , may one day possibly be repaired , or something built in imitation ; but this excellent piece of Antiquity is of a sort that can never be restored : For though both Princes and People do still retain their old love and inclination to those kind of shows , yet now adays they rather affect and endeavour convenience than magnificence in their Theatres , I hold my self obliged therefore as much as in me lies to preserve the memory of so unimitable a Fabrick , and to pick out of Ancient Authors , and from my own observation of the place , the different parts that composed it , seeing scarce any one of them has given us a particular description : I must be free with you in this , and acknowledge , that if any where , here it is that I expect you should value my observation , and the curiosity of my Travels . Among all the things of which Ancient Authors have treated , the construction of their Theatres is the most obscure and imperfect , and delivered with most contradiction . Vitruvius has left us in the middle , and given us no account of its dimensions , situation , nor number of its principal and constituting parts , presuming I suppose that they had been well enough known , or could never have perished . For example , he does not determine the quantity of the Diazoma or Praecinctiones , which we call Coridors , Retraittes , Paillers , which are several rows of Benches . Besides , in things that he does specifie , he sets down such rules as we find actually were never observed ; as when he tells us of two sorts of heights observed in the building of their stairs , it is manifest that neither the one nor the other have any proportion with what are still remaining of the Ancient Theatres and Amphitheatres . Among our Modern Writers , the Jesuite Gallutius Sabienus , and the learned Scaliger have omitted the most essential parts ; and the unformed mass of Bulengerus his citations , are enough to fright any mans curiosity ; some of them we have consulted our selves , as Atheneus , Hesychius , Pollux , Eustathius , Suidas , and others , but all their light is so weak and imperfect , that had we not viewed the ground , we had been still in the dark : But our curiosity putting it into our minds to take an exact plane of it in Profile , we had opportunity to consider th● real measures and proportions of the parts still visible in Athens , and comparing them with rational presumptions taken out of such Authors as had imparted to us the use of such parts as were absolutely demolished , they supplyed us with probable conjectures of all their dimensions . We made use of Rule , divided according to the common foot among the ancient Athenians , not much differing from that we use now in France , which exceeds the present measure in Athens about eight or nine lines ; so that three of our feet in France , is more than three Athenian feet by above two thumbs breadth ; so then a hundred of their feet answer to about ninety four of ours , and some six inches , resecting the little fractions to avoid cavil in our Calculation ; so that you must remember to judge of all the following measures by the French computation . By this expedient we found with what equity the Ancients called this Edifice Hecatompedon , for we perceived that the semidiameter of our Plane or Ground-plat was forty seven foot and three inches , which made the diameter to arise to a hundred of their feet , and gave it the name of Hecatompedon . By the word Theatre , the Ancients intended the whole building where the People Assembled to see any of their publick representations . The famous Architect Philo built this in the time of Pericles , above two thousand years since ; and Philos design was followed by Ariobarzanes King of Cappadocia , who repaired it the first time , as the Emperour Adrian did afterwards . It consisted without , of three rows of Portico's o● Galleries , one above the other , and within there were two principal places , one for the Spectators , and the other for the Spectacle themselves . The parts designed for the Spectators were the Conistra or Pit , the rows of Benches called the Diazoma , the little stairs , the Circys , and the Echea ; the parts appropriated to the Actors were the Orchestra , the Hyposcenion , the Logeon or Thimele , the Proscenion , the Parascenion , and the Scene . To take a Plane of this Edisice , a circle was drawn whose semidiameter consisted of forty seven foot and three inches : Having made our Circle , we retrench'd a fourth part , and drew a line of ninety degrees , which line determined the front of the Scene , that is to say , the front or face of the Decorations , for properly the word Scene imports nothing else . The small part of the diameter , which the line of ninety degrees had cut behind the Scene was about fourteen foot ; and about eighteen foot from the said Line towards the centre of the Circle , a Line was drawn parallel with the face or front of the Proscenion , ( for ( as I said before ) so it is that they call an elevation or plat-form that was peculiar to the Comedians ) so that the breadth and depth of that place was eighteen foot compleat ; and the face or front of the Proscenion retrenching one hundred forty two degrees and forty six minutes of the circumference of the Circle , the remainder , that is to say , two hundred and seventeen degrees and fourteen minutes was the full circumference of the inward part of the Theatre ; so that the draught was more than a semicircle , contrary to the general Opinion that it was a perfect Hemicycle . The bottom or lower part of this circumference they called Conistra , or the Pit ; the Romans called it Arena . In Athens the Orchestra took up some part of the Conistra , insomuch that some have mistaken a part for the whole , and called it all Orchestra : This corruption , or promiscuous use of words proceeded especially from the Romans ; and it is remarkable , that though the Roman Theatres had almost the same parts with the Athenian , and those parts had almost the same names ; yet there was great difference betwixt their proportions , situations and uses : But it is our Province to describe the Greek Theatres , and to meddle no farther with the Roman . The inward building of the Threatre ran along like the arch of a Circle to the two corners of the Proscenion ; and in that part of the circumference were erected four and twenty rows of seats or benches which went round the Conistra or Pit , and were intended for Spectators : These benches were distinguished , eight and eight , by three Coridor's or passages ▪ which the Athenians called Diazoma ; they were of the same figure with the rows of seats , and were contrived for the passage of the Spectators from one story to another , without incommoding those who were placed before ; and for the same convenience there were little stairs that passed from one Coridor to another cross the several rows ; and not far from those stairs there were doors by which the people entred from the Galleries on the outside , and took their places as they thought fit . The best places were reckoned upon the eight ranks betwixt the eight and the seventeenth , and that space was it which they called Bouleuticon , designed for the particular Offices of Justice : The other rows were called Ephebicon , and were proper to the Citizens after they were eighteen years of age . The height of each of these rows of benches was about thirteen inches , their breath about two and twenty ; but the lowest bench was near four foot high from the level of the floor : each step of the stairs was but half the height of the benches , and as their height was but half , so was their breadth . The height and breadth of the Coridor's or passages was double the height and breadth of the benches ; but the stairs were not parallel , for the spaces betwixt them grew sharper as they came near the Pit , and ended in the figure of a wedge , from whence by the Romans they were called Cunei ; and to prevent the falling down of the rain upon those steps , there were certain pent-houses set up to carry off the water . Along the Coridors at convenient distance in the thickness of the wall were certain holes , in which were placed little vessels or kettles of brass open towards the Scene , and with little holes for an use that I shall mention by and by . These holes or cells were called by the Athenians Echaea . Above the upper Coridor there was a Gallery called Cercys , where their Women were placed ; but those who were infamous or irregular in their lives , had another place by themselves . In this Cercys they placed likewise such Strangers and Allies as were free of that City ; for none could be admitted there but such as had their freedom . There were other place● proper to particular persons , and those places descended by succession to the eldes● of the Family . This Theatre was not so capacious a● that which was built in Rome by Marc●● Scaurus the Edilis ; for in that there was room for seventy nine thousand persons ; a good Geometrician will easily compute the number of persons that this would hold , and he who desires it may take the pains to inform himself : there was a foot and half allowed for every mans place ; and this we may conclude , that the people assembling there many times to regulate disorders in the State , there must be room at least for six thousand men ; for by the Attick Laws there were of necessity to be six thousand suffrages to make a decree of the people authentick . Thus much for the place appointed for the Spectators . As to that which was designed for the Actors , the Orchestra ( being an elevation out of the Conistra or Pit ) began about fifty four foot from the front of the Proscenion or Post of the Comedians , and ended at the Proscenion . The height of the Orchestra was about four foot from the ground : Its figure was a long square divided from the seats of the Spectators : In certain places of this Orchestra were the Musick , the Chorus , and the Mimicks conveniently disposed : Among the Romans it was put to a more honourable use , for the Emperour , the Senate , and the Vestals had their places upon it . Upon the flat of the Orchestra at Athens towards the place of the Comedians , was another elevation or plat-form called Logeon or Thimele , which among the Romans was called Pulpitum ; from the Conistra or Pit this Logeon was raised about nine foot , and five from the Orchestra ; the figure of the Logeon was square , and had four and twenty foot of a side : there it was the Mimicks practised their Interludes , and the Chorus made their Recitations . At the foot of the Logeon upon the Orchestra was a row of Pillars incompassing a place called the Hyposcenion , and this was a part of the Greek Theatres that Modern Writers have not well understood ; some have confounded it with the Podion , or place within the Ballisters , betwixt the Proscenion and the Scene in the Roman Theatres : But that Opinion is manifestly absurd , from the difference both of their uses and situation : I will make it more clear to you if ever I return to Rome , from whence I design you a description of the Theatre of Marcellus ; others will have the Hyposcenion to be the forepart of the Proscenion contained in the space betwixt the floor of the Orchestra , and the flat of the Proscenion , but I shall confute that fancy hereafter . The Hyposcenion therefore was a place upon the Orchestra for the convenient repose of the Musick , and persons belonging to the Logeon ; for the Chorus and Mimicks kept still in the Hyposcenion till their parts in the representation obliged them to ascend into the Logeon . The Poets themselves sate likewise in the Hyposcenion , and what I say , is justified by Atheneus , when he tells us that Asopodorus Philiasius derided the unjust acclamations of the people , among whom all things are many times applauded ; for he observes , that Asopodorus being in the Hyposcenion , and hearing the obstreperous approbation that was given to a player upon a Flute , What is this for ? cryed he , my life for it , it is some new sotticism that they are taken with ; from whence it is plain , it passed not for a front or outside , but for a certain place where Asopodorus had placed himself , either to sit out the whole Play , or perhaps only in his passage to some other place , which indeed it probably implyed , for his words are , being already in the Hyposcenion . The compass of the Hyposcenion was the same with the Logeon ; its breadth was about six or seven foot : but to be short , the Logeon , the Hyposcenion , the Orchestra , and the Conistra are four distinct places which many persons have by mistake comprised under the word Orchestra , as the following places have been signified under the name of the Scene . The Proscenion or place for the Actors was raised two feet above the Logeon , seven foot above the Orchestra , and eleven above the Pit ; and it is not to be imagined so great an Architect as Philo would without reason have given such different heights to all those different places ; besides thei● being seen , he contrived those places so , that the sound of the Musick , and the melody of their Voices might be conveyed with more advantage , and more equal distribution to the ears of the People , according to the different elevations and degree● in which they had placed themselves : Upon the Proscenion there was an Altar , called by the Athenians Agyeus , and dedicated to Apollo . The Scene , as we observed before , wa● nothing but the Columns and Ornament● in Architecture raised from the foundation ▪ and upon the sides of the Proscenion , fo● its beauty and decoration . When ther● were three rows of Pillars one above another , the highest row was called Episcenion . Agatarchus was the first Architect wh● found out the way of adorning Scenes by the Rules of Perspective , and Eschilus assisted him . Parascenion was a general word for the whole space before and behind the Scene , and the same name was given to all the avenues , and passages from the Musick-room , to the place where the Actors kept . And thus by the word Scena they confounded the Parascenion and the Scene . The Athenians oftentimes made use of Machines , the principal of which was called Theologeon ; it was generally in the air , and brought in the Gods when the Poets thought fit to introduce them : For that reason it is , that among the Learned Ancients they are so much decryed , being ( as they believed ) of no other use but to relieve the sterility of the Poet , whose brains growing muddy , and unable by natural or ingenious extrication , to clear himself of some indecorum or perplexity in his plot , brings himself off in a moment by bringing in one of the Gods upon a Theologian , who by his pure authority , and an unseasonable and ridiculous contrivance , in a moment , from some remote place brings a man home to his own Country ; restores a man to health who had been sick , or rescues some body from the calamities of a Prison ; a fancy so insufferably idle , that the Athenians have in raillerie turned it to a Proverb , and when they see a man at a non-plus , and ignorant what to do , they cry out in derision , Apo Micanis , as the Criticks in Rome upon the same occasion were wont to say , Deus è Machina ; Now for a God from a Machine . Nevertheless , we are not to believe the Comedies of the Ancients were altogether so profane as some would represent them ; for when their Gods came forth in the Theologeon , Tully tells us , Ex ea ( Machina ) Dii effata saepe fabantur , homines ad virtutem excitabant , à vitio deterrebant : From thence the Gods did many times deliver their Precepts , exciting men to Virtue , and deterring them from Vice. The outward building was of Marble , and consisted of three Porticoes or Galleries one above another , of which the highest was called Cercys . Were I not tired with calculating already , I would have sent you the exact models and dimensions of them all . This Theatre was open at top . The Theatre of Regilla not far from the Temple of Theseus was covered magnificently , and had a fair roof of Cedar . The Odeon or Theatre for Musick was covered likewise , and Plutarch will tell you it was that which gave occasion to the Poet Cratinus to droll ●o ingeniously upon Pericles , who had taken the care of it . In the Theatre of Bacchus there was no covering but over the Proscenion and Cercys , and therefore the Athenians being exposed to the injuries of the weather , came usually with great cloaks thrown over to secure them from the rain and the cold ; and to defend against the Sun , they had the Sciadion in fashion of our Parosols , which the Romans used also ● their Theatres by the name of Vmbrellae ; ●ereupon when any sudden storm arose , ●he Play was interrupted , and the specta●ors dispered ; some sheltered themselves in the outward Galleries ; some in the Por●ico of Eumenicus that joyned to the Thea●re ; but in the Temple of Bacchus ( though ●ear enough ) no protection could be had , ●ecause it was opened but once a year ; ne●ertheless in fair weather their Comedies ●ere extraordinarily magnificent , and in●iched and recommended to the people by ● thousand Artifices , as exhalation of o●ours all over the Theatre ; diffusion of li●uors in little odoriferous showers upon the ●eads of the People ; the uppermost Cori●or , and the Cercys being adorned with ●ultitudes of Statues , which being hollow , ●nd full of concealed Pipes , squirted or shower'd down Rose-water , and other sweets among the People , thereby tempering and moderating the excessive heat of so numerous an assembly . Their Plays were acted alwayes by day-light . When Lentulus Spinter had covered the Roman Theatres with Tile , they played now and then in the night . The priviledge of entring into the Theatre o● Bacchus cost each Citizen at least two Oboli● sometimes three : An Obolus with them ▪ was about as much as a Son Marque o● French Money ; which payments were lai● out wholly upon repairs ; for all the apparatus , and pompous preparation of clothes and other ornaments , was provided by persons of quality who exhibited the Play ▪ At the Creation of the Archontes ther● were five or six several Comedies acted publickly , in which the emulation of the competitors was sometimes so great , that in ● contest for the prize of Poetry and Musick Alexis and Cleodemus died upon the spo●● with meer transport and rapture for th● applauses of the People , and the Prizes the● had won : But favour and faction did man● times rob the Victors of their just Prize● w ch was the occasion of Menander's sarcas● who , finding himself wronged , and the Po●● Philemon triumphing unjustly upon him b● the corrupt and debauched suffrage of the people , came to Philemon in the midst of his acclamations , and whispering in his Ear , asked him , whether he was not ashamed of his Victory ? This Menander was a famous Poet , had made a hundred and five Comedies , but never gained the Prize but for eight : Euripides was another who had made sixty Comedies , and fifteen Tragedies , yet never came off Conquerour but in five . Thus have I given you a description of the Theatre of Leneon or Bacchus , which Theatre was imployed not only for their publick Plays , and spectacles , and assemblies of State ; but sometimes as Schools for the eminent Philosophers to read in to their Disciples ; nor were Theatres so much decryed in the Primitive times as some would perswade us : The Doctrine of Christianity was originally taught there ; Cajus and Aristarchus were carried forcibly out of the Theatre at Ephesus as they were expounding the Gospel ; and St. Paul was intreated by his Disciples not to hazard himself there for fear of the like violence . Before I had seen and considered this Fabrick in Athens , I could not believe that the excellence and curiosity of Architecture , was to be shown only upon a Theatre : It was not enough for Philo , like an admirable Architect , to regard the just symmetry and proportion of parts , and to make one side and the other , the upper and lower part of the Building suitable and concurrent ; but as well as in Architecture , he shew'd great judgment both in Musick and Physick , and indeed there was a kind of necessity for it ; for the Voice being like to be lost in an open and spacious place , where the Walls , though of Marble , at that distance could give little or no repercussion to make it audible to the People , Philo contrived those Cells or Holes in the thickness of the Coridors , and in those Cells he placed the Brass Vessels that I mentioned before , each of which Kettles was supported by a wedge of Iron , and placed in their several , so as not to touch the Wall , that the voice proceeding from the mouth of the Actor as from a Center , and being carried circularly to the Coridors , might strike upon the concavity of those Vessels , and from them be reverberated with more clearness and force : But the Musick in the Hyposcenion had more advantage ; for the Brass Vessels being disposed Mathematically , and at a distance that agreed exactly with the intervals and modulation of the Musick , every Note was sustained and reinforced by repercussion from those Vessels placed there methodically on purpose ; their number in all were twenty eight . To his care for improving the harmony to the people , he added his care for their healths ; for carrying always in all his Buildings great regard to that where-ever he lodged or disposed them , he thought it no improper reflexion to consider that without some smattering in Physick ( to understand how the Weather and the Sun affected mens bodies ) it would be impossible but the pleasure and transport at those spectacles , impetuously agitating the spirits of the spectators , must needs cause an alteration in their healths , against which he provided very well by a judicious placing of the Windows and Columns , and by a learned Oeconomy and disposition of the Winds and Sun , which were admitted or rejected as he pleased : but his chiefest regard was to the Westerly Wind , which was received with great care for a particular efficacy it has in carrying things far , and distinctly to the Ear : But this Wind being commonly infested with Vapours , it was his Master-piece to turn the Lights of the Galleries with such exactness , that the in●temperance of that Wind might produce no rheums nor defluxions among the people . The Scene looked out upon the Castle Hill , and had the Cynosarges behind it ; the Musaeon was on the right hand of it , and the Caussey to Pyraeum on the left . At this day there is nothing remaining of Eumenicus his Portico , which consisted formerly of a double Gallery divided by certain rows of Pillars . The Floor of this Portico was raised a good distance from the ground , so that from the Street they ascended to it by Stairs : It was of a long square Figure , embellished with green Palisado's ▪ to please the eyes of those who walked i● it . Here it was that their repetitions were made and prepared for the Theatre , a● their Musick and Symphony was in th● Odeon . And here we could not but wish that i● our Countries we had such a Portico as thi● of Eumenicus , not only to regulate ou● Theatres in point of Architecture , and reduce them to the Athenian Model ; bu● even for reformation of our customs , b● subjecting our Poets to the rigour of th● Laws , or at least condemning them to s●lence , who by profane and scandalous gestures or jests , do make a mockery of Religion , wound the modesty of the auditor● and deprave and debauch the manners of all that are present . Having examined the Theatre of Bacchus , we proceeded to the Fountain Enneacrunos , where our Flasks of Lepanthe proved as necessary as delicious : From thence we passed into the Quarter of Asti , to trace out the School of Epicurus ; for as to his House Laertius tells us it was in the Quarter of Melita , not far from the School of Themistocles . And here I must tell you , that neither History nor tradition could give us the least light where it stood ; only it is agreed by common consent it was in a Garden belonging to the old Town . Pliny assures us that Epicurus was the first that ever made a Garden within the Walls of that City , and that he did it for the convenience of his School . The Sect of Epicuraeans , though generally exploded , have notwithstanding found certain reasons to excuse or palliate their doctrine ; for though their principal proposition is , That pleasure is the chiefest good ; yet his Disciples will tell you that you must not be frighted at words , but search deeper into the merits of the Cause , and then you will find that pleasure is the chiefest good , but that that pleasure consists only in being virtuous : But however his Enemies have disparaged and reproached his Doctrine , it is certain many illustrious persons among the ancient Romans have followed it , as Julius Caesar , Cassius , Mecenas ; and it is remarkable that Seneca in his Morals was never so plausible or acute , as when he began with some grave sentence out of Epicurus . We continued our walk and visited the Quarter of Diomea , where there was formerly a Tribunal or Court consisting of sixty Judges , as also a Temple dedicated to Jupiter , and called the Diomean . The ancient Diomean Gate was at the foot of the Hill Cynosarges , which we ascended by degrees , and had the prospect of several ruines . Upon the top of this Hill it was the Cynick Philosophers kept their School : From the top of this Hill we surveyed the whole Quarter of Asti , which put us in mind of a story of Diogenes the Cynick . The Athenians upbraiding his poverty , and interrogating him about his House , because he had none to live in , he replied , That they themselves had provided him with variety of noble Buildings , showing them the magnificent Cloisters in the Temple of Jupiter Olympicus , and the Palace of Polition : We could easily discern the foundation of this Temple , and I mention it only to advertise you of the errors of several Travellers in their description of its situation . Upon this Cynosarge it was , that illegitimate and spurious Children were exposed , and a Gymnasion or place of Exercise erected for them ; for the Children of Freemen , and Strangers , the Athenians confounding them all together . Plutarch will tell you with what subtilty and address Themistocles extinguished the distinctions of Birth and Quality in that place . There was also a Temple consecrated to Hercules , who , though the Son of an Adulteress , was adored and invoked on that account . Not far from the said Temple , was a Court to which any Bastard that had suspicion of his Father , might cite him , and constrain him ( if he could prove it ) to own him . If you will believe the Athenians , it was an Advocate or Lawyer in this Court who was the occasion of that smart wipe that Diogenes gave the Lawyers and Physicians of his time : For a great contest hapning in the presence of Diogenes betwixt an Advocate and a Physician about places ; it being referred to his arbitration , he decided it in his manner , Praecedat Fur , sequatur Carnif●x . Let the Thief go before , and the Hangman follow . Not far from this Court we saw several Altars consecrated , some to Hercules , some to his Mother Alcmene , some to his Wife Hebe , and some to his friend Iolaus who was a partner in his Victory over the Hydra . Eastward of this Hill we saw several Tombs , among the rest , the Tomb of Isocrates the Orator , and the Lacedemonian Anchimolus , of whose combate and death you may read in Herodotus . The Quarter of Alopece is at no great distance , in which Socrates and Aristides were born : There is now a large but dry Canal where the Waters of the Ilissus did formerly discharge themselves for the communication betwixt the City and Sea ; in so much that Vessels came up to the very foot of the Musaeon . There is likewise a Grove of Olive-Trees that runs along half way to Porto-Lione ; and on the other side it extends it self from North to South , makes a kind of a Semicircle , and is a great Ornament to the Town . Descending from the Cynosarge , by that part where the old Monuments were to be seen , we found ( upon the declension ) where the Ereae stood formerly , or the Gate of Sepulchers ; from whence steering back again to the Town , we left the Theatre of Bacchus on our left hand , and passed by the Tomb of Talus , an excellent Artist , who invented the Saw , and Passer , and several other Instruments . Not far from this Tomb we viewed the Temple of Aesculapius , and within its Walls the Fountain of Hallirrothius , Neptune's Son , slain by Mars in that place . Antiquity believed that there was a subterraneous passage from this Fountain to Phalerum , through which such things as were thrown into the said Fountain , were convey'd underground to Phalerum . In our way from thence to the Castle we saw the Temple of Themis , and hard by it the Tomb of the beautiful Hippolytus the Son of Theseus , by the Amazon Hippolyta ; The same Hippolytus that was so much in love with Phaedra . Towards the Castle , we saw likewise the Temple of Ceres , sirnam'd the Courotrophos ; but now it is called the Temple of the Goddess Terra . Passing betwixt the Castle Hill and Trajan's Arch ; that little interval was remarkable for the Temple of Perdrix Sister to Daedalus ; as likewise for the Temple of the Eumenides or Erymnes , or infernal Furies . The Fountain Panopis was anciently there , but now it is dried up , and not far from it was the ancient Gate called Diocharis , but we left that on our right hand , as we did the Areopagus , and the Gate Ithonia . The Palladion ( a Court consisting of a hundred Judges called Ephetes , half of Athens , and half of Argos ) was a little lower in the way to Phalerum . When we had reposed our selves a little at our Lodgings , as our custom was we fell to our Memoirs , and set down what we had observed . The next day we reviewed with more curiosity and application what we had but run over the day before ; copying several ancient Inscriptions ; taking draughts of the Temples and most remarkable pieces of Architecture ; searching for Meddals ; discovering the most honourable of the Vecchiados ; regaling our Equipage who came to see us ; and making our Visits to the Sardar and Cadi just then returned to Athens . I tell you our business , and you may easily judge how we were pleased : I do assure you we passed our time very merrily , having nothing but good Cheer and good Company to molest us : and as I have told you the virtues , so I must tell you the vanity of some of our people ( and it is common among strangers ) nothing could serve the turn , but the Marble and Brass must mention them hereafter in Athens , whereupon several of them writ their names upon the most conspicuous Pillars , for want of tools to ingrave them ; and in revenge for my laughing at them , they writ mine in two or three Languages , and two or three different terminations . In the evening on Saturday the 20. of May , when we thought nothing of Osman Chelebi , we saw him brought into our house by our Janizary , to whom the other Turks had applyed themselves to know what he was . Never was surprize so acceptable , we ran all of us to embrace him . He told us he was going for Candia in a Saique that unladed certain Goods at Parto Lione , where he hoped to embarque again next morning , and find a company of brave Turkish Officers that he had left there . I was the man of our whole Gang who made him the least Caresses , being taken with a sudden desire to go along with him to Candia , and take a view of that famous Camp which is not at all understood in Christendom , though the condition of the Town be very well known . I took Osman aside , and desired I might go along with him as his slave ; at first he was averse , pretending it was unsafe for us both in respect of the small acquaintance he had in the Turkish Army , being uncertain whether he should find any of his old Camerades that were with him in Hungary , and if not , the least suspicion would be dangerous to us both . But I was prepared against those objections , and asked him what it was he could apprehend at Athens where his person and design was utterly unknown , and if there were no danger there , there was less in the Camp , from whence Slaves and Renegades came and went securely every day , who in regard of their carriage and language were more suspicious than I. With these and some other Reasons he was satisfied , and assisted me with a contrivance much better than I could devise for my self : He had left at Porto Lione a Turkis● Officer , who was a suitor to one of Mustapha Bey's Daughters , and looked upon him as his Brother in Law already . Upon the score of the intimacy betwixt them , Osman did not question but he would do me all possible kindness , and undertake to secure me in my Voyage . This Officer was called Amurat Aga , a person who had about two months before been sent from the Camp upon business of importance that required his speedy return . I was much pleased with the expedient , and conjuring their secresie , acquainted my companions with my design . My Companions were troubled to lose me , and the more , because I was their principal Interpreter . They askt me how I could leave Athens at time when they were proceeding to such excellent discoveries ; but I answered them as Isocrates did those of old , who demanded if there was any Town in the World so pleasant as Athens : Isocrates intimating , that their entertainments were pleasing indeed , but not solid enough to detain a man long , replyed very facetiously , That Athens was fitter for Courtship than Marriage ; melior Meretrix quam Vxor . So Osman and I getting up betimes , I took my leave of my Camerades , and having given them hopes of seeing them shortly again , and setled our Correspondencies at Emporion , Zeithon , Volo , and particularly at Larissa , embracing with great kindness , we parted . Taking my leave of Athens thus abruptly , I could do no more than send you this Description , which I hope you will not think altogether unexact ; for doubtless those things which escaped our curiosity , may have the same success with those who come after us : however they will do very well if they can discover where those Antiquities stood that we over-passed , particularly the Phorbantheon or Temple dedicated to Phorbas ; the Eacontheon or Temple of Eacus ; the Temple of the Charltes ; the Temples of Celeus , and his Wife Metanira ; the Temples of Leena , Lamia , Pherea or Hecate ; of Burychius , Adimanthe , and Oxythemis : We shall be beholding to them , as the Town now lies , if they can inform us of those sacred Vallies so obvious among ancient Authors . We must ingenuously confess we could find nothing of them , nor of the three hundred and sixty houses , called Leschae , where the poorer sort of Athenians were provided for by the publick ; those Authors having given us no light where they stood : Nor can we be so audacious , as to prescribe the precise place of the Ceramicus , where the Plane-tree stood , to which they fastned their sentences against Women that were seen dirty or undressed in the street ; for in such cases every such Woman was condemned in a penalty of a thousand drachmes , and the condemnation with the name of the Woman transgressing in that manner , affixed to the said tree : Their thousand drachmes amounted to about three hundred seventy five Livers French. A true and faithful discovery of these places , would ( I confess ) be a great curiosity , and very grateful to all people that are inquisitive . And now let me intreat you not to be dissatisfied if you find not my Plat-form answerable to Hilduinus his description of Athens , which description being taken up wholly upon trust , and upon the credit of one Aristarchus , is certainly the lamest and most imperfect I ever saw ; for abating the came of Athens , and the Areopagus , the rest , by general consent , and the present condition of the ground , is utterly false . I have been so curious as to make a Critical Selection of the faults in it , which shall be sent you when you please . ATHENS Ancient and Modern : WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE EMPIRE OF THE TURKS . Book IV. ON Sunday the 5 th . of May early in the Morning , Osman Chelebi and my self departed from Athens , and in the mid-way betwixt that and Porto-Lione we overtook Father Simon marching upon the same design , but he being on foot and we on horse-back , we quickly left him behind . His business was to go on board a Genoa Vessel that was then in the Harbour , and take care of the Consciences of its Crew ; for when ever any Christian Vessel puts into that Harbour , it is incumbent upon the Capuchins ( in respect of their Mission ) to look after them , there being alwayes some or other sick , and in need of their Ministery , even in Protestant Ships . About a quarter of a league farther we met a poor miserable French Man , a Burgundian , who had been a Drummer in Candia , and running away , got off into the Turks Camp , from whence they conveyed him to Napoli di Romania : Being arrived there , he turned Renegade , took the name of Maherem , married , and at last , by consent of his Wife , ( who cared but little for him though she had had a young Turk by him ) removed his quarters , came to Athens , and entred himself into the service of the Consul Chastagner . Every person that runs from Candia to the Turks Camp , has a Crown of the Grand Visier , and a good Pass-port whether he see him or not ; but if admitted into his presence they are sure of ten or twelve Crowns , a Pass-port , and a good Vest into the bargain ; commonly they are transported to Morea , where the Christian Consuls and Vice Consuls are obliged by the Cadi's to take care of their passage into their own Countries , but for the most part they leave their Religion , as well as the Town ; our Janizary shew'd us five or six of them at Athens , who were going to Larissa : One of them was an Italian , a witty man , and his name Francesco Bernardino . His whole ●istory would be troublesom to tell ; He expressed great sense of his fault , and I am ●● hopes he may return ; however , he told ●e many particularities of the Siege . Being within Musket shot of our Inn in Porto-Lione , Amurat Aga being walking with other Turkish Officers , having spied ●sman , came running to meet him : Os●an presented me to him very civilly , told ●im that I had belonged formerly to Musta●ha Bey , and lived some time at Emporion ; ●hat at present my Relation was to a Tur●ish Officer in Candia , to whom I was re●iring , and that being a person of some ●erit , he desired him to take care of my ●rotection , if there should be need of it in ●y Voyage ; and Amurat promised it as ●enerously . I went directly on board the Saique that was to carry us to Candia , ( for fear I should meet upon the shore any of the Genoeses of my acquaintance ) and about ten or eleven of the clock , with a favourable N. W. wind we set sail , and in two hours time we getting sight of the Cape de Colonnes , in a short time we left it to the N. E. A Saique is a Greek Vessel , with a Main mast twice as high as other Ships , whic● makes them discovered much farther ; whe● they are in apprehension of the Corsairs they furle their sails , to keep themselve● from being descried . Their manner o● building , and the height of their Mast hi●ders them from sailing with a side-wind , b● with a full wind it is impossible to reac● them . We were chased by a small Christian Ve●sel within sight of St. George d' Arbora . W● had on board twenty Turkish Officers ● more , all of them in appearance very read to defend themselves , but none so muc● ( in my fancy ) as an old black Eunuch th● belonged to Fateima Kadun , Mother ● the Vizir Azem or Grand Vizir ; the E●nuch was returning to Fateima in Candi● where that Masculine Lady was assisting h●● Son with a care and activity above both h●● Age and her Sex. All the Passengers pa●● great respect to this Eunuch , and knowi●● well of what moment the countenance and protection of such great persons are , and of what importance their character of an Officers Conduct ; seeing him so brave and couragious , they all of them put on a good face , but more out of complaisance and design upon him , than any natural valour . He called them together , spake to them with his Sword naked in his hand , and his Military Oration was a Prayer : Muselmen ( said he ) This is the day of Gods infinite Mercies , he who is Lord both of our Alcoran ●nd Time : Blessed be his Omnipotent Majesty : Who knows but we may this day be Martyrs ? Methinks his Divine Majesty has opened the eyes of his Slave , and I see five thousand Angels drawn out and ready for the relief of every Muselman that fights couragiously against those Infidel Christians : Blessed be that holy Light ; may his Mercy , his Arms , and the Gates of Paradise be open to the Soul of every Muselman that dies in this Combat . Let us not put off the preparation of our souls , till we be mortally wounded ; and yet of this we may be certain that none of us can fall , till God Almighty has determined our days . Let us fight then couragiously for the Glory of the High God! Let us cast our selves , and repose wholly upon the strength of his Arm : It is he that must strengthen , 't is he that must inspire us ; and doubtless had not be sided with us in this War with the Christians , we could never have conquered so many Provinces , nor saved so many millions of Souls . Their Officers are full of such sort of sentences taken out of their Azoares , which is as much as to say , the Chapters of their Alchoran . When his Speech was done , they all embraced , promised amendment of their Lives ; and an Officer of the Topigi Bassi , or Grand Master of the Artillery , who had had formerly some quarrel with Amurat-Aga , came to him , asked his forgiveness , and reconciled himself so effectually , that ever since they have been the best , and most sincere friends in the world : But all their Devotions were lost , for the Christian being an ill sailer , and finding himself unable to come up with us , gave us over , and tacked about towards the Archipelago . A French Renegade of Provence , that was aboard us , told us , the Christians were gone to double the Cape de Grip , which it seems is a phrase among the Christian Privateers , and implys that they are Pirates , and in pursute of their Calling . One thing I was much amazed at in our great Officer of the Artillery ; before we were chased by the Christian Privateers , all his discourse was of the use and execution of Canon , how excellently he could manage them at Sea , and hit his mark in spite of the tossing and agitation of the waters ; yet when it came to the Test , he had not wit enough to open a Port-hole : and certainly the Turks are the worst Canoniers in the world , and the most unfit to manage a Sea-fight : You may judge then to what purpose our valour would have been . We had in our Saique a young Turk not above three years old , carrying by his Father into Candia , to beg a boon of the Grand Vizir ; the Eunuch , upon appearance of the Christian Corsaire , put a little bow in his hand , and set him upon the Decks to threaten the Christian , incouraging him as soon as they came within distance to call them Giaours , ( as well as he could ) by way of provocation and defiance . Nor is it a new thing to see younger Soldiers than he in the Turkish Armies ; a Child , of what age so ever , is no sooner possessed of a Ziamet , or a Timar upon the death of his Father , but in ostentation and complement to the Grand Signior he is carried to the Wars : I saw one of them in Hungary carried upon a Camel in a Pannier , and a Goat along with him , to supply the young Janizary with milk ; and the Grand Vizer many times diverted himself with him . The Ziamets and Timars are certain pieces of ground that the victorious Turks have taken from the Clergy and Nobility in the Countrys that they have conquered , which Lands being confiscated , are given by the Grand Signior for the maintenance of some Zaim or Timariot ; Zaim or Timariot being the Title of the Man , and Ziamet or Timar the appellation of the ground : The difference betwixt a Ziamet and a Timar is only in the quantity of Acres , and the value of them ; for a Ziamet is seldom worth less than twenty-thousand Aspers per Annum , if it be under it is called a Timar : Twenty thousand Aspers are worth about seventeen hundred Lievers French Money , both of which may be transferred by the consent of the Beglerby , or Governour-General of the Province ; but if they be of more than ordinary value , and lye upon the Frontiers , they belong to the Grand Vizer , and cannot be transferred but by his approbation . The young Soldier that was with us in the Saique , went to Candia to solicite for preferment , which he was very like to obtain , having had his Father and two Brothers slain in the Service . I was much confounded at our first coming on board to find that Osman Chelebi gave out underhand that he was going to Candia to beg the same Ziamet from that young Child ; every body blamed his design , and I , who had alwayes an Opinion of his Prudence , thought him indiscreet in that , as believing the Grand Vizer a person of too much Justice and Consideration to give it away from a person whose Relations had purchased it so dearly : But Osman told me privately his design was upon another Ziamet that was vacant ; of which having secret notice , he thought fit to publish his pretences to the other , to prevent solicitations for that . It is not to be imagined with what industry and cunning the Turks do pursue those kind of preferments . Only the Janizaries are excepted , as being uncapable of that sort of preferment . One would have thought those persons who design upon Benefices in France have learned from the Ziams and Timariots to keep their scouts in the Country to give them private advertisement of Vacancies . In Candia the Spahi's ( who are in some favour with the Grand signior ) are very diligent in informing themselves of the number of Zaims and Timariots actually in service , and have alwayes their spies in ambushcade upon any desperate service to give them Lists of the slain , that they may imploy all their interests to succeed them . In our passage I understood many Intrigues both of the Ottoman Court and the Army ; for though the Turks are not very talkative , and the presence of the Eunuch made them careful what they said ; yet the Renegado of Provence being displeased at their reservedness , and not yet come up to the closeness and mortification of the Turks ; caused them to talk in spight of their teeths . He was come lately from Larissa , and some of them were very inquisitive about Affairs of the Court ; for my own part I spake very little , as fearing I might be suspected , but I put Osman Chelebi upon asking him several questions that gave me great satisfaction . About the height of Cerigo ( which we left sixteen or eighteen Leagues to the West ) we met a Saique that came on board us : She had been at Canea with Victuals , and being upon her return , gave us notice that the Turks expected that Town would be suddenly besieged , all the Christian Fleets being united in order to that design . Those Turks who were most concerned in the occurrences of the War , arguing among themselves about the preparation of the Christians , could not imagine they would attempt the Vizer in his Camp with a less Army than 50000 Men : of which number all their Auxiliary Troops coming much short , they concluded the design of the Christians would be rather to give the Candians some diversion by besieging Rhodes or Canea . And indeed to besiege Canea would have been in effect to have besieged the Besiegers , and force the Vizer to remove lest he should be shut up in the Island ; for the Conquest of that Town would have cut off his communication with Morea , and intercepted his supplies . But 't is a private Maxim among the Venetians , not to be long obstinate in a War : They will have Peace ( when they see their time ) at any rate , and accordingly they dispose of their relief . We believed therefore ( upon this Saiques intelligence ) that before we should get there , Canea would be blocked up ; whereupon we stood off as far as we could , steering our Course to the S. E. to put in at Fraskia which lies to the Southward of Cape Sansona about nine or ten Leagues from the City of Candia . Being got within five Leagues of Fraskia , we discovered the Mountains covered with Snow , and particularly the Mount S. Paul. Not long after we perceived the famous Mountain of Jupiter that is hard by Candie . We passed betwixt the Isles of Pelagia and Standia , which lie N. E. and S. W. one of another : at length , the 8. of May , we came to an Anchor in Fraskia , one of the best places in all Candia for shelter and anchoring : at present there is very good Water , and formerly there was store of Wood , but the Siege has exhausted it : 'T is a Port very commodious for the Turks , but yet much infested by the Venetians , who are for the most part Cruising on that side , because though on the other side Policastro be nearer Candia , yet there is no anchoring but for small Vessels . From Porto-Lione , or if you will , from Athens to Candia , is much the same distance as from Brest to Haver de Grace , or from Marseille to Ligorn , that is to say about 90 Leagues . It is observable that the stream run● strongly upon the North Coast of that Island , and is caused by the violence of the Current out of the Archipelago . This Isle of Candia is that which formerly was called Crete , famous for the nativity of Jupiter , whose Sepulchre is to be seen there at this day , but I must confess I did not see it . The Paganism and Piracy of this Island , have rendered the Inhabitants equally famous , and Minos their King was the first who made them considerable at Sea. It is situate betwixt 34 and 35 degrees of Latitude ; I did not trouble my self to examine its position by my Instruments ; and besides , Osman Chelebi had advised me not to discover the least skill in Mathematicks , for fear I might be taken for an Engineer or a spie . On the North-side it looks towards the Isles of the Archipelago ; on the East toward Cyprus ; on the South toward the Country of Barca ; and on the West towards Sicily . 'T is something larger than Cyprus , but lesser than Sicily : Its length from E. to W. that is to say , from Cape Solomon to Cape des Gabarouses is about 70 Leagues : Its breadth from Cape Sansona to the Port of Girotela , is something more than 20 Leagues . About 144 years before Christ , Metellus subdued it to the Romans , after which it was a part of the Eastern Empire : eight hundred and forty three years since , it was Conquered by the Sarazins : two hundred years after , it was taken from them by the Genoeses : next it fell under the domination of the French when they conquered Constantinople , under the Conduct of Baldwin . The new Emperour settled it afterwards upon the Venetian for what they had contributed to his Conquests , and they have enjoyed it about 464 years . Since the Year 1645 , the Turks having taken Canea ( called anciently Sidonia ) it has been much infested by them ; and this is like to be a critical year , for God knows who will be Master of it before the year be out . The humour of the Candians is very justly described by St. Paul , Cretenses semper mendaces , malae bestiae , ventres pigri , testimonium hoc verum est . We could not any way more certainly provoke their Calogers ( for they follow the Greek Church ) than by repeating the words of St. Paul in Greek . Their Prophet , mentioned by St. Paul , was the great Philosopher Epimenides , who was invited by Solon into Candia , to digest , with him , those Laws which he gave afterwards to the City of Athens , where Epimenides erected several Altars to the unknown God. We were no sooner on Shore at Fraskia , but ten or twelve Spahi or Horsemen came up galloping to examine us ; for since the report of the approach of the Christian succours , they keep exact Watch upon the Coast , and having but few Cavalry in their Camp , the greatest part are distributed upon the Roads , and near all the Harbours in the Island , but in such Parties add Brigades , that they could easily unite and march according to their signals from their Sentinels , which were placed all along the Rocks upon the Coast . In the Town of Fraskia we found nothing but rubbish ; the Venetians having sacked it themselves , and demolished a Mo●astery of Calogers not far from the Port ; however we staid 3 or 4 hours in those ruines and the next day we saw several Vessels come in thither with recruits of Janizaries and Spahi's . The old standing body of Janizaries consists at present of 30000 men ( twice the number it was in its primitive institution ) besides what assume that ●itle in the Garrisons of that vast Empire , who are thought to be rather more than ●00000 . Of these 30000 established Janizaries , there are near 20000 in Candia at present , the rest remain in Constantinople ( to secure the Grand Signiors Brothers ) ●nd at Larissa to attend upon his person : ●ut not a third part of them that ever had ●een Agemoglans , or Christians Children ; ●any Renegado's and natural Turks being ●dmitted daily into their numbers , besides ●he Pastors from Asia , with whom they are ●leased to dispence for four or five months ●ervice in the Seraglio , instead of an Apprentiship that they should serve in other places . When a Chorbachi or Captain has a Commission for raising a Company in any City or Town , the Sangiac Bey or Cadi , places a Chiaoux , or some other Officer at the door of their Mosco , or else in the Market-place , and makes proclamation that so many Soldiers are to be listed : If they come not in freely , the Cadi ( knowing the number of every Family ) sends to them and commands whom he lists , sometimes every second Man as occasion requires . In the same manner they raise their Belonk Spahi's or common Troopers , distinguishing them from their Timar Spahi's , who are obliged to maintain themselves upon their Timar● or Ziamets . Those recruits which we saw at Fraskia , were of these Belonk Spahi's ● for the other sort are never recruited ▪ Their arms are a Saber or Sword , a Zaga● or Launce , a Giled or Javelin , and a Bo● and Arrows ; for none but Janizaries Az●pes , and Forlorn-Hopes are permitted to ca●ry Muskets . They have commonly fif●● Arrows in a Quiver , and every Arrow co●● two Aspers , which is something more th●● a Penny. The whole Accoutrement , Bo●● and Quiver , and Arrows , costs 1440 Aspe●● which in French money is about 37 Live● and upwards , and these are all furnished at the Grand Signior's charge . Some of their Quivers are so richly imbroidered and adorned , that they cost 4 or 500 Franks alone . Their best Arrows are made at Caire . The Officers imployed for recruits , use the same artifice as they do in France , inveigling their men with hopes of making some Brigadiers , others sub-Brigadiers , and ●ll Commanders . Not one of these new ●aised Spahi's but was promised to be incorporated with the Silhataris , or Spaha●glaris , which two are of six sorts of their Cavalry the most considerable , as being ●tanding Forces , and duly paid out of the Exchequer ; the meanest , twelve Aspers a ●ay , and those that are brave and do any ●hing remarkable , a hundred : So that not ● man of these new Spahi could talk of any ●hing but of the Yellow Colours which is the ●tandard of the Silhataris ; or the Red Co●ours which is the Standard of the Spaha O●aris . When in truth they were designed for ●e lowest of the six sort of Cavalry , never ●ised but upon extraordinary necessity , and ●ivided into four Squadrons . One carries White and Red Colours , another White and ●ellow , the third Green , and the fourth White , under the Titles of Houlefigi , Solk ●●uleifi , Solk Hourebak , and Sak Kourebak . We could not find the least convenience to convey either our old or young people to the Camp ; all the Islanders being retired to the Mountains with their Cattel , so that we were glad to make use of our feet . Upon our left hand we left Policastro standing upon a Rock on the Shore , and passed a small River called Armiro , to Cazal de Gangra , which we found burned down to the ground . We heard the thundring of the Canon , and though till within half a league of Gangra we had passed pretty well without any dismal conceptions of the War , yet then we began to understand better , and had no need of direction in our way to the Leaguer . We could easily gues● where it was , by the thick smoke that was raised by springing the Mines about the Fort of St. Andrew which was directly before us : the Grand Vizer's Quarters was just in our way . Then it was I began to fancy my self in Turky , and to prepare my self to behold the splendour of the Ottoman Court , and the terrour of the East ● and doubtless the whole force of the Ottoman Empire was assembled in that siege . ●● would have been in vain either at Constantinople , Adrianople or Larissa it self to hav● sought the soul that acted this great body ▪ The absoluteness of the Grand Vizer , th● courage of his Troops , and the gravity of his Counsel might well pass for the Grandeur of the whole Empire . It is here therefore I must take the liberty to give a general character of their present State , and particularly of their great General who commands it , for 't is not possible to think of Candia , but the Turks and their whole Government will immediately occur to our reflexion . To give a deeper impression of the greatness of this Prince , we cannot proceed better than by considering the number and quality of the persons who tremble at his displeasure : apply it if you please to the immense Power of the Sultan when he makes any great preparation : Malta trembles , Spain is fearful for his Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily , the Venetian anxious for what he holds in Greece , Dalmatia and Friul ; the Germans apprehensive for what remains to them in Hungary ; Poland is alarmed , and the consternation passes on as far as Moscovie , and ( not resting there ) expands its self to the Christian Princes in Gonrgistan and Mingrelie : Persia , Arabia , the Abissins , are all in confusion , whilst neither Man nor Woman , nor Beast in all this vast Tract , but looks out for refuge till they be certain whither his great Force is intended . A strange torrent , that runs with that rapidity from Spain to Persia , from Germany to Aethiopia : Vienna in Austria , and Tartach near the Kingdom of Aden are become Neighbours ; and what say you of two of his Neighbours that have alwayes been at more than thirteen hundred leagues distance ? you have not often heard of such prodigious vicinity : And yet for all this , there being nothing so strange as the destiny of the Sultans , who in this latter Age have governed this puissant Empire , it will not be impertinent to explain it by the History of Mahomet the fourth the present Emperour . Sultan Achmet , Grandfather to this Mahomet IV , died in the year 1617. and left five Sons . Osman , Amurath , Orcan , Bajazet and Ibrahim : Of these five Brothers , four were strangled , and two of them after they were Emperours , that is to say , Osman and Ibrahim . Osman succeeded to the Empire 1617 , and was cut off by his Rebelliou● Subjects in the year 1621. Amurath succeeded him , ( for the Reign of his Uncle Mustapha is reckoned for nothing ) and having taken Bagdat ( commonly called Babylon ) was the only person of the five tha● died a natural death . Orcan and Bajazet were murdered by him , according to the barbarous policy of those Emperours ; and yet as bloody as he was , he spared Ibrahim , looking upon him as a weak person , and by consequence not dangerous . Amurath dying upon his debauches in 1640. Ibrahim , Father to Mahomet IV , was advanced to the Throne , and his destiny ( attending till he was Emperour , before it would suffer him to fall ) left him over to the cruelty of his Janizaries , who in a Mutiny strangled him in the midst of Constantinople in the year 1648. His Son Mahomet IV , being but seven years old , was received to the Crown , and is the present Emperour 1669. having had in his Family three Uncles , and his own Father strangled . Ibrahim , though plunged in the delights of the Seraglio , more than any of his Predecessors , formed his design against Christendom in the year 1644 , being provoked by the Chevalier de Bois-Baudran a French-man , who was at that time at Sea in a ship of Malta , and happened to intercept a great Gallion which the Sultan had sent for Aegypt laden with very rïch Presents intended for Meccha : There were also several Turkish Women of Quality , and a young Boy that many believed was Ibrahim's Son : The Boy was Christened in Malta 1656 , and in 1658 took upon himself the habit of a Jacobin under the name of Dominik Othoman . The noise of this loss alarmed Ibrahim in his Seraglio , and incensed him so highly , that the next year he fell upon Canea . How formidable then ought the ambition and puissance of the Turks be , when the softest and most effeminate of their Princes durst undertake so dangerous a War , upon so small an occasion ? Ibrahim died four years after he had begun that War , and left four Sons , and several Daughters : His Sons were Mahomet IV , Soliman , Bajazet and Orcan : These four Princes were by three several Women , Sultan Mahomet's Mother is alive at this day , and called in honour Validè Sultan , which is as much as to say the Sultanness Dowager ; Bajazet and Orcan are by another , and their Mother is likewise alive ; but the Mother of Soliman is dead : Soliman is second by birth , a hopeful Prince , and Bajazet as forward as he , which recommends them highly to the Janizaries ; Orcan is of another genius , more addicted to Piety and Religion , and therefore , as the Turks say , good for nothing but a Priest ; but 't is possible his dulness and devotion is but a pretence to keep him from strangling by taking away all suspicion from the Emperour , or rather from the Grand Vizer who Governs all at present , and whose interest it is not to endure any active or turbulent Princes , lest they should eclipse , and perhaps ruine his Fortune . Mahomet IV. has a scar in his face , which scar he received from his Father the last year of his Reign ; and the occasion was thus , This young Prince was brought up in the Seraglio among the she-slaves , where till they are about twelve years old , the Chez-adde are generally brought up ; Chez-adde is the name given to all the Sultan's Sons whilst their Father is living . Mahomet was alwayes in the Arms of the fair Odaliques ; and she who caressed him most , be would be sure to be withal : They would make him talk a thousand smart things , sometimes against one , sometimes against another , as quarrels arose among them , ( and their jealousie would seldom suffer them to be long without ) with this custom of pra●ing freely among the Women , the Boy got a habit of speaking sharp things . Ibrahim being one day walking in the Garden of the Seraglio , caused two of those Mutes , called Bizchami to dance before him ; those Bizchami must be Negro's and Eunuchs , or they cannot be admitted into that private apartment . It is a custom , when the Sultan has been pleased with any divertisement , to present those who entertained him ; and all persons at that time about the Sultan , do constantly do it . Ibrahim , the Keslar-Agasi and the Odaliques , presented the Mutes immediately , which being neglected by the young Prince , ( though to that purpose one of the Odaliques had thrust some pieces of Gold into his hand ) Ibrahim was angry , and turning to him , demanded why he did not present the Mutes as other people had done ; because , said the young Prince very briskly , I am not so much a fool as other people ; the sharpness of his answer put Ibrahim into a passion ; in the heat of which , forgetting the Ring upon his finger , he struck him with his hand so hard upon his face , that his Diamond cut the skin , and left a scar that is to be seen at this day . The Keslar-Agasi carried away the Child immediately with the blood running about his face , and roaring as loud as if he had been killed : The passion of the Emperour being over , and he much troubled at what he had done , ran after the Child , and in such hast , that not minding where he went , he tumbled into a Fountain that was in his way ; which accident doubling the confusion , the Odaliques that were thronging after the Child , came back , and pulled the Sultan out of the water . The Sultan Mahomet is of a tender and delicate complexion , but he manages it very ill . The Malecontents ( who are very numerous in that Country ) call him in derision the Hunts-man or Aviegi . He takes great delight in the noise of Canon , and has them often shot off only for his entertainment . He shoots very well both with the Bow and the Musket : He is very couragious , and extreamly desirous to be in person with his Army , whatever the Christians publish to the contrary , imagining that his great affection to hunting , and his propensity to the pleasures of Women , makes him apprehensive of the hazards of War. Would his Council have permitted it , he had been long since in Candia ; such was his zeal to be in the Army , that he threatned oftentimes to steal to them in disguise ; and when being a hunting , he was at any time lost , and failed to return at his accustomed hours , the whole Court was afraid he had given them the slip : But besides that his being in the field would have eclipsed the Glory of the Vizer , and rendered him of less importance to his affairs ; the absence of the Sultan , and the dangers to which he would have been exposed , would have enhaunced the courage of the Malecontents , and such who having been instrumental in the murther of his Father , were afraid of his revenge , and did ardently desire his death . The Turks will tell you wonders of his Wit : But every Nation cryes up the vivacity of their Prince ; This is most certain , he had for his Tutor a person called Vani Effendi , one that passes for so worthy and so learned a Man , that if any one pretends to extraordinary Judgement or Sagacity in any thing , the Turks by way of Irony will tell him , Yes , you are wiser , and understand more than Vani Effendi . Among all the Brothers of the Sultan , the Peoples eyes are fixt most strongly upon Soliman , whose Mother being dead , has procured him the compassion of the Army more than any of the rest , and by consequence exposed him more to the jealousie of the Sultan , who had like to have stabbed him with his dagger at Adrianople in the year 1666. some months before the Grand Vizer went for Candia , where he has continued ever since : The particulars you shall have hereafter . Since that accident the Janizaries have taken a greater care of the lives of Soliman and his Brothers , and by an action as couragious as prudent , have put them under the tuition of the Sultaness Validè the Mother of Mahomet , but with caution that she be responsible for them , though they do well understand that she would sacrifice them all to the interest of the Sultan : And indeed nothing can be more strange than to see the Sheep committed to the custody of the Wolf. This Sultaness is a Lady of great Magnanimity and Spirit . In the beginning of her Sons Reign she caused the old Validè widow to Achmet to be strangled . That old Lady was an ambitious Woman , who to keep her self in the Supreme Conduct of Affairs fomented the division betwixt the Spahi and the Janizaries , who were the death of her Son Ibrahim . The Sultan Mahomet has had two Sons besides Daughters , his eldest Son died , and was a Child of great hopes : The Mother of the young Prince is dead also , and much lamented by all the Officers of the Seraglio for her extraordinary bounty . She was exceedingly beautiful , but her Countrey and Extraction were never known ; she was taken and brought away by the Tartars when she was but four years old , and in a short time sold to a Bassa , who designed her immediately for the pleasures of the Emperour , and brought her up accordingly . 'T is true , the Tartars are obliged by express order from the Grand Signior to ke●● an exact Register of what Slaves they take either of one Sex or the other , of their age , their names , and their Country , thereby to justifie that they have brought away none of the Grand Signiors Subjects , which before that Order they did frequently do ▪ These Tories bring to Constantinople sometimes thirty , sometimes forty of these poor Girles , all of an age , but of different Countries ; being arrived there , their first business is to renounce their Christianity , and take upon them the Mahumetan Religion ; after which the Tartar gives in his Register ; and receives his discharge from the Cadi : But their Register is not regarded when they are gone , and by consequence the Countrey , Pedigree , and all other circumstances of their Slaves quickly forgotten , so as it is but seldom known from whence their great beauties come . By consent of all Travellers , there is no Countrey in the World produces so fine Women as Circassia , a Countrey in Asia upon the Mer major betwixt the lesser Tartars and Gourgiston . It is death for a Christian to buy a Circassian Slave , the Turks reserving them for themselves ; but when they are brought into the Seraglio , and grow eminent for their Beauty , their friends will quickly find out the place of their Nativity , and in flattery pronounce them Circassians , so much has that Countrey the reputation for bringing forth the most excellent Beauties . Thus the charms of this Lady discovering her birth , gave occasion to all about her to perswade her she was a Circassian , and she was pleased with it so well , that she would smile , and be much delighted when they called her so . Sultan Mahomet has now but one Son , about five years of age , born in the year 1664. but he has yet no name , for he was not Circumcised : The Mother of the said Prince was a Greek of Candia , and born in Petrino , where , when she was very young , she was taken and made a slave in the year 1647. when the said Town was subdued , and plundered by the Turks . She has at this time a great Belly , and follows the Sultan where ever he goes , and he loves her very passionately . She is reported to be very handsom , though a little disfigured with the small Pox. It is thought she will suddenly remove from Larissa to Constantinople , to lye in near the Sultana Validè , who , as I said before , continues in that City to have an eye over the Sultans three Brothers , and to keep the Spahi and Janizaries at variance . The present Favourite Sultana , is by the Turks called commonly Assaki , or Mistris to the Prince . She is very jealous of the Sultan , and in the year 1667. caused at Adrianople a young Georgion Damoisel to be strangled , because the Emperour began to delight in her company . My description of these particularities in the Ottoman Affairs , would be very imperfect , should I not give you some general hint of their Matters of State , by giving you an account in two words of the two last Vizers , or Chief Ministers ; and this i● of the more importance , because Ibrahim and his Son Mahomet have as it were associated their Vizers in their Empire , or rather contented themselves with a vain hereditary title , to leave to their Vizers an Authority so absolute and vast , that by way of inversion the two Sultans might be called , and not improperly , their two Ministers chief Slaves . Gioan Capigi Bachi by a good fortune peculiar to his house , was the seventh Vizer of his Family , though that honour never descended immediately from Father to Son , as it has done of late in the Family that possesses it now . Gioan Capigi Bachi Governed without controule during the animosity betwixt the Spahi's and the Janizaries ; but the story of this Vizer , of Salik , Pacha , and the rest being either obsolete or well known to you already , I shall only give you a touch of Coprogli Mehemet Pacha who was Vizer during the minority of Mahomet IV , and speak afterwards of his Son Coprogli Achmet Pacha who commands at present in Candia , and governs the whole affairs of the Empire with great authority and reputation . Coprogli Mehemet Pacha was made Vizer 1653 , when the Sultan Mahomet was entring into the Twelfth year of his age : He had been Sangiac Bey of Baruth a City in Syria , to the South of Mount Libanus . Those Governments are bought , and he of the Competitors who bids most , does usually carry them : Their way of bidding is by Purses , and he who gives the Sultan most Purses is the man : every Purse is reckoned worth five hundred Crowns . You may ea●y imagine that this way of selling the chief Offices of State , redounds more to the prejudice and oppression of the people , than the profit of the Prince , for the Officer will be sure to make himself whole at their cost whom he governs , and the Prince cannot in equity reprove him . At the end of three years ( which is the common duration of those Sangiacats ) Coprogli not having been able to pay all the money to the Emperour for which he had contracted , was a fair way to have lost his head , had it not been for the friendship of some in the Divan or Council of State , who obtained for him the Government of Alepo to see how that would inable him ; but he was no happier there than where he was before , or rather he was no more corrupt or exacting , for the people do magnifie him for his moderation ; but that is not so good as ready money with the Turks , especially now a-days , when the whole Treasure of that Prince is nothing but the fruit of Violence and Extortion . He returned to the Port unable to pay those Purses which he ought to the Grand Signor as before : The Tefterdar or Super-Intendent of the Finances , caused him to be arrested , and he was made close Prisoner with several other Officers of Quality accused of corruption ; who taking the imprisonment of Coprogli for a● evidence of his ill principles , entred into a strict intimacy with him . Coprogli was cunning , and to fish them , pretended to impart to them certain of his own counterfeit exorbitances , whereby he drew then into such a confidence as prevailed with them to discover to him all that they had really done . The Keslar-Agasi ( who at that time had a great share in the publick Affairs , and the Caimacan or Lieutenant Generalship of the Vizer ) came many times to interrogate the Prisoners , by order from the Sultana Validè . Upon occasion , the Keslar-Agasi having some private discourse with Coprogli , Coprogli told him as a secret , that if he would be a means to procure his liberty , he had an infallible way to fill the Sultan's Treasury . The Keslar-Agasi found him to be a man of parts , and recommended him so effectually to the Validè , that he was not only discharged but the very same day made Vizer Azem , that he might be invested with a character requisite for tak●ng an account of the Finances . And those revolutions are frequent in Turkie , where a man often transmigrates from an inferiour condition to the highest . This new Mini●ter was not advanced two days to his dig●ity , but he called before him above twen●y of those Officers with whom he had been ● fellow prisoner , and in that condition , ●een made privy to all their corruption ; ●pon their own confession he seized upon ●ll they had , and when he had done , in a ● large Hall through which the Sultan did ●ften pass , he caused all the money that he ●ad taken from those Prisoners to be put up into Bags , and disposed upon a Table covered over with a Cloth , under which there appeared to be something else . He attended the Sultan's coming by , and the young Prince having pleased himself very well with surveying the Bags , taking up the Cloth in expectation to have found more underneath , he saw about twenty heads reeking in blood as being newly cut off . The Sultan amazed at the sight , demanded whose they were , and what they did there ▪ The Vizer replyed , They are vomiting up the blood of your Subjects , which your Majesty will find in those Bags , for that is nothing but the money which they have robbed ; but they are not like to do so again . This was an odd way of proceeding but he was more sanguinary , and governed with much more severity than his Son ▪ He had one of his teeth that stuck out o● his mouth like a Bore's Tush , and frighted people to look opon it . He was a grea● lover of Wine , and laught at all Religiou● scruples thereupon ; but in that he was quit contrary to his Son , who abhors it abor● all Liquors . The great design of this Vizer was to a●vance the authority of his Master , muc● diminished by the frequent seditions of th● Janizaries , whose insolence he endeavou●ed to repress for the security of his own fortunes as well as for the Sultan's advantage . The Janizaries instead of being satiated with the blood of Ibrahim , taking encouragement from the youth of Sultan Mahomet , and the weakness of his former Ministers , ( of whom they had either strangled or deposed the greatest part ) refused the service in Candia upon pretence of certain priviledges that exempted them from any service at Sea ; but the truth is , they were afraid to trust themselves so far from Constantinople , where they were quartered conveniently , and had their Cabals constantly in their Oda's ; and indeed that was the great consideration that kept the Grand Signior from returning to Constantinople . Coprogli was constrained to interrupt his progress in Candia ; but to find the Janizaries work where they could not excuse themselves , and which he was sure would revenge his Master upon those mutinous Cattel , he took opportunity from the ambitious projects of Ragoteki , Hospodar or Prince of Transilvania , who contrary to the orders of the Port , had made War upon Poland , and entred privately into confederacy with the Swedes . Hereupon the Vizer sent into Transilvania the old Bands of the Janizaries , and all the most turbulent Officers among them ; most of which were cut off either at the taking of Waradin , or in the several skirmishes of Ragoteki . Afterwards they were forced to raise their Siege from before Clausembourg ( the usual residence of the Hospodars ) but however that Enterprize proved ineffectual , it devoured many of their best men . The affairs of Transilvania gave some respite to the Wars in Candia . Every Bassa that was sent General into that Island , secured the Army to himself , and gave obedience to Orders from the Port , no farther than they agreed with their own private designs . They were unanimously bent upon affrighting the Emperour , and if possible , destroying him . Coprogli Mehemet to obviate their designs , and make an Example of these seditious Officers , had caused the famous Delli Vssani Pacha ( General in Candia , and as brave a man as ever was among the Turks ) to be strangled . And certainly it was great imprudence in the said Delli Vssani Pacha , after he had disobeyed his Orders in Candia , and in a manner revolted from the Sultan , to be so wheedled and blinded with the fair promises of the Vizer as to come frankly to Constantinople , and put himself into the Vizer's hands , by whom he was immediately committed to the Castle of the seven Towers , with several Christian Officers taken in the Wars of Candia , and sent Prisoners thither . The Executioner strangled him in the presence of the said Officers by particular direction form the Vizer , to torment and excruciate him the more . Coprogli was married to an illustrious Lady , who as I told you is still living , and in Candia promoting the affairs of her Son. She is called Fateima Kadun ; She is a Lady of a large Soul , and a Wit infinitely above the rest of her Sex , as appeared by her subtilty in advancing her Son to the dignity of his Father , which was without president , for till that time it was never known that the Son succeeded the Father in so important a charge . The Father being upon his Death-bed , the Validè Widow of Sultan Ibrahim , understanding there was no hopes of his recovery , sent to visit him the six other Vizers who made up the Divan , of which they were members , but the Grand Vizer , the head , and indeed absolute Master : Their order was to confer with him about the mysteries of State which had been committed only to him . Fateima Kadun having notice of their Visit , and designing to make the Fortune of her Son , perswaded her dying Husband to pretend himself speechless , which he did , and the Vizers being admitted , believed him really incapable of any such discourse , and accordingly complained very heavily how much his being speechless would be prejudicial to the interest of the Empire . Fateima interrupting them , told them , You see by misfortune my Husband is unable to advise you any farther , but there is his Son with whom he has deposited all those secrets that concern the State ; he is the only person can advance , he is the only person can perplex the Publick Affairs ; my humble advice to the Sultan is , that he would speedily consider what he is to do , and either prefer my Son to the Dignity of his Father , or strangle him ; that if he may do his Majesty no service , it may not be in his power to hurt him . Her Counsel being reported to the Validè , who was well acquainted with the abilities of Achmet Pacha , it made such an impression upon her , that she gave ear to Fateima's Proposition , as having loved her very well , and conversed her often when her greater Negotiations brought her to the Grand Vizer . By this Stratagem Achmet Pacha was sworn Vizer Azem in the place of his Father , and ( as an addition to the wonder ) when he was scarce thirty years old , whereas till him , never any was advanced to that Honour before forty at the least . This happened in the year 1662. The new Vizer Coprogli Achmet Pacha following the maximes of his Father , resolved to prosecute the War in Transilvania , if possible to extinguish the Mutineers that remained among the Janizaries , before he revived his old quarrel in Candia . But the interests of Hungary having ingaged the Emperour of Germany in its relief , the new Vizer in the year 1663. came in person to the Army , which before was commanded by Ali Pacha , and that Campagnia took New-hausel : The next year 1664. he raised the Siege of Canisia , and carried a Fort by storm from Count Nicholas de Serini ; after which he attempted to pass the River Rhaab under the noses of the Christian Army , with design to have made an excursion into Austria , and harassed that Countrey ; and he had proceeded so far as to have broken and cut off a considerable body of the German Forces , under the Command of the Prince of Baden , when being incounter'd and stop'd in his Carier by a Squadron of French , who ( animated by the bravery of the Duke de Fuillade ) took the Post which the Germans had abandoned , defeated a select body of the Turks , and beat the whole Party over the River . This great Victory obtained in the latter end of the year 1664. obliged the Vizer Azem to conclude a Peace with the Emperour of Germany ; after which returning to Constantinople , the consideration of his services , and the qualification of his person recommended him so highly to the Sultan , that ever since he has had the sole Government of his Affairs . The next year 1665. was spent in ratification of the Peace , in suppressing privately , and defeating the design of the discontented Party ( who had espoused the interest of the Sultans Brothers ) and in preparation for the War in Candia . All the Officers about the Sultans Person , and all the Members of the Divan , who were any wayes suspicious , were removed by a thousand pretences , and their places supplyed by his Creatures : But in the Army he retained the old Officers on purpose to destroy them . It is most certain , no solid preferment is to be got , or at least enjoy'd long , without his protection . When upon necessity of his absence he has disposed about the person of the Sultan certain young Favourites to entertain and attend the Grand Signior in his Sports , if by imprudence , or inadvertency they have given the Grand Vizer any occasion of jealousie , he has found wayes immediately to supplant them . He has at present , as Favourite to the Sultan , placed about him a young Gentleman of Cogna in Natolia , his name is Koulogli Mousaip , which is as much as to say , the Favourite Son of a Slave . He is of his person a very handsome man , an excellent Huntsman , rides well , and in a word , performs all the Turkish Exercises with great dexterity . This Koulogli Mousaip ( being much more discreet than any of those who had been before him in the same station , and been strangled by the Vizer ) is very well satisfied , that to continue a Favourite with the Sultan , he must not give the least umbrage to the Vizer ; and therefore he avoids all occasion of mentioning Publick Affairs to the Grand Signior , unless it be to magnifie the Exploits of his Chief Minister . 'T is reported of him , that he never concerned himself in any great thing but once , and that was when meeting one day in the streets of Adrianople a poor Greek Priest of his own Town Cogna , with whom he had been well acquainted in his minority , he called him to him , and after several caresses and expressions of kindness , offered to make him Patriarch of Constantinople , which the poor Papas thought too great for his conduct , and contented himself with an Alms. The Port resolving to make a strong Attach upon Candia , the Sultan left Constantinople in March 1666. and is not yet returned , nor like to be in a long time ; and all , to humble the Citizens of Constantinople , who have been too forward in their concurrence with the Janizaries , designing thereby to chastise their malevolence , and make them sensible of the incommodities that ensue upon the absence of their Prince . The Grand Vizer attended him as far as Adrianople , from whence the Sultan removing to Methoca a City in Romania , in an excellent Countrey for Hunting , the Vizer took his leave , and crossing Macedonia , and Thessalia , he arrived at Thebes , where he continued for some time , till the Troops that were to attend him could be brought together . They took their March by the Famous Isthmus of Corinth , called at present Hexamile , and came to imbark some at Napoli di Romania , anciently called Nauplion in the Province of Argos , and part at Porto-delle-Botte which is the old Town of Cyphanta . The Vizer himself imbarked at Malvezie ( called otherwise Monembazie ) and not at Napoli di Romania , as some people have published . This Malvezie is the ancient City of Epidaurus called Limera , whose Harbour is so bad , that a Vessel that draws but six foot water , cannot enter without striking : But the Vizer was carried off in a Tartan to a Galley that attended him with five and forty others for his Convoy to Canea , where they landed him safely . His Mother Fateima Kadun had been conveyed thither four dayes before by four Galleys . Kadun I have told you ( if I be not mistaken ) is as much as Madam with us . This Fateima has made it appear , that in Turkie , her Sex is neither so contemptible nor so much contemned as has been reported . Her Magnanimity is so great , that I must tell you , as the whole Eastern world is convinced of the Potency of her Son , so they are sensible her interest with him is such , that she governs him absolutely , and by consequence manages the whole Affairs of the Empire . The Vizer remained four months at Canea to inform himself of the condition of the Venetians , and prepare himself for the Siege of Candia . The beginning of May 1667. he brought his Army to a Rendez-vouz at New Candia , an old Castle with a few pittiful houses about it , some two leagues from the City . About fifteen or sixteen years before , the Famous Delli Vssain Pacha leaving that Island to go ( as I said before ) and finish his dayes miserably at Constantinople , the Troops that he left behind him , intrenched themselves at New-Candia , and called it Eina-die , which is as much as to say , harm watch , harm catch ; For the Venetian Garrison making frequent Excursions , and the Turks being as busie from thence , gave it the name of Eina-die , and in my judgement with a great deal of propriety . The Genzar-Aga , or Maistre de Camp to the Janizaries , being a Creature of the Vizers , took a general view of his Army at Eina-die , and found them complete fifty thousand men , besides about fourteen thousand Pioneers , and several Victualers , and such kind of people following the Camp. Most of the Pioneers were forced out of the Islands in the Archipelago and Morea ; the Army having ruined their Huts at Fina-die , advanced against Candia , where the Vizer met them from Canea . The City of Candia was called formerly Cytaeon , not much differing from Cytion in Cyprus , where Zeno was born , who was the Founder of the Sect of the Stoicks . This Candia ( in Ancient Times so Famous for its bigness and wealth , that in the Reign of the last Emperours of the East it denominated the whole Island ) is scarce cognoscible now but by the glorious reliques of its ramparts , which notwithstanding have , and do still resist the strongest Efforts that ever the whole Ottoman strength has been able to make . 'T is the common talk of those parts , that never City has sustained so fierce a Siege so long a time ; perhaps they may reckon for one Siege all the Encampments that the Turks have made there from the year 1647. when they belcaguered it first , for when they discontinued their formal Leaguer , they blocked it up so close for above twenty years together , that the Garrison durst not stir out above Cannon-shot from the Walls ; and in that sense it has been effectually the longest Siege that has been mentioned in History . The Town is fortified with seven Bastions , five towards the Island , and two ( viz. St. Andrew , and Sabonniera ) towards the Sea : These two are in a streight Line at the two ends of the Harbour , which is called Dramata , and looks toward the North. About a year since , the Turks quitted their old Works that they had raised to no purpose against the Bastions towards the Island , and turned their approaches upon the two Bastions towards the Sea. On the Sabonniera side they press not so hard , by reason the ground consisting much of sand , their Works are apt to moulder as fast as they make them : But the hottest service is on the side of St. Andrew , where their approaches are carried on by the Sea side , under the protection of an Artificial Mountain which they removed thither from another place . The Post of St. Andrew is a kind of half Bastion , built only with a Flank that scoures towards the Fort of Panigra , but towards the Sea , it is only a Plat-form that flanks nothing , and has nothing to flank it . 'T is a strange thing , that for twenty years together , both besiegers and besieged should have neglected this Post . Standing upon a hard Rock , the Turks thought it unminable , and therefore unapproachable ; and the Christians believed themselves safe there by the meer nature of the place : But both of them were mistaken , and the Christians worst of all , for the place must be suddenly relieved , or it will be certainly lost , and had it not been for an opportunity , in which the French signalized their experience and courage , the Town had been taken on that side by a demy Gorge , which is a piece of Fortification , that till then was never used in any Town , to the great disparagement of the Venetian Engineers ; the first discovery of that place was made by certain Renegadoes that ran into the Turkish Camp , where there are but too many of them : About the latter end of the year 1668. the Duke de Feuiliade brought to the succour of the Town four Brigades of French Gentlemen Commanded by the Count de S. Paul ; the Duke of Chasteau-Thierry ; the Duke of Caderouse , and the Count de Villemor . The Marquess de la Motte Tenelon , had not the Command of a Brigade , as being left free to execute the extraordinary Commands of the Duke de Feuillade , who advised with him in every thing ; and this by accident gave him means to do the besieged the most signal piece of service that could be expected from any one Man ; for viewing the Works on that side , he perceived the Turks were Masters of all the ground betwixt the Fort St. Andrew and the Sea ; had planted their Batteries , fixed their Lodgements , and provided very well for the security of their Posts ; and which was most dreadful to him , they were battering the Scotch Work , which was the only place that could give any defence to a breach they had already made in the Demie-Gorge . The Scotch Work was an old Tower in the middle of a Wall that flanked the Demie-Gorge so effectually , that if that Flanker was made unserviceable , the Town was impossible to be defended . The Marquess de la Motte Tenelon having remonstrated all this to the Venetians , and convinced them of the importance of that place , they left it to his care to prevent the great danger which at that time was very pressing upon them . The first thing to be done , was to repair the old Capponnieres towards the Sea which they themselves had destroyed , and quitted not long before . A Capponniere is a little Lodgement or Post for their outermost Guards to lye in , it is made of Planks , driven half way into the ground , and lined with earth , in which there was room for about a dozen or fifteen Musqueteers , that sired upon occasion out of little holes made to that purpose . The Turks had brought vast quantities of earth , and thrown them upon the Capponniers , and thereby brought their approaches to the very foot of the breach . The Marquess was present at the recovery of these Capponniers , and had the Turks alwayes in his teeth with only nine or ten foot of earth betwixt them : Having recovered , and refitted his Capponniers , he ran a Gallery under the Batteries and Lodgements of the Turks , and blew them up into the air , thereby giving the besieged convenience to repair the Scotch Work , from whence they shot so effectually with their Cannon , that it has been too hot for the Turks , and they have not attempted it since . But for this Work , the Town had been taken above three months ago . You would not believe it , and yet it was certainly true , the French were at that time forced to preach Moderation and Temper to the Venetians , whose Commanders were then so full of animosity and emulation , ( especially Morosini and Cornaro ) that their Councils of War were nothing but Threats , and Exprobrations , and Manifesto's , and Protestations one against the other ; our great Officers ( who were admitted to those Councils ) were amazed at their own prudence and temper , in respect of those who had alwayes reproached our Nation by its heat and activity . Had I not been ▪ told this by more than one or two of the Renegades , I should never have believed it . The Turks understood it very well , and laught at the Venetian Pantalons , for that was the name they gave the Venetian Officers . This is certain , the Garrison has never effectually seconded the Efforts of their Auxiliaries . The Venetian , as it is thought , being unwilling to be relieved by such inconsiderable supplyes , have fancied , that by exposing them , and suffering them to be cut off , their Masters , the Christian Princes would be provoked to espouse them more vigorously to repair their own Honours , and by degrees grow to make the Venetian Quarrel their own . Upon Friday the 10 th of May 1669. ( which the Turks count the 9 th of their Douleggaide , and of their Egire 1080. ) I arrived at the Camp , two days before their little Bairam , which fell out the 11 th of May ; for there being that year seventy compleat days from the end of the Moon of Ramaden , to the tenth of the Moon of Douleggaide , the little Bairam happened the tenth of that Moon , and the Ramaden concluded the last day of our February . The Turkish Camp had no Lines either of Circumvallation or Contravallation ; a Line of Circumvallation would have been utterly useless , because they feard no succours by Land. And the Garrison thinking themselves very happy if they can keep their own ground , there was no great need of any Contravallation against their Sallies ; only about Cannon-shot from the two Bastions , the Turks thought fit to cast up a few pittiful Lines , to shelter their place of Arms , where they draw up , when commanded out upon any considerable Service . These Lines , instead of being brought up streight one to another , as with us , are turned with a bow at both ends , which seems repugnant to our Rules ; but our curiosity is not so usefull among them , for the Enemy never going directly towards an attack , nor many times together the same way , the pedantry of our methods would be to no purpose . The whole strength of their Camp consists of great Plat-forms , which those Infidels have raised upon the shore , and planted them very liberally with Cannon to play upon the Christian Ships . There are also Plat-forms that lie low , and even with the water , made on purpose to hinder the descent of the Venetians . I went first to the Vizers Quarter , which among us would have been called the Royal Quarter . It lies towards the Fort of Saint Andre westward of the Town ; and in that quarter most of the Janizaries and select Troops of the Army are disposed . The Quarter of the Romiliots , or European Troops under the Command of the Beglierbey of Sophia was before the Fort of Panigra on the S. W. side of the Town . The Messerliotts or Troops out of Aegypt and Arabia were quartered on the South ; the Natolians or Troops out of Asia on the South East : And towards their Lazaret or Hospital , over against the Post of Sabionera directly to the East , lay a considerable body of Janizaries , with detachments , and commanded parties out of all the other Quarters . The Chief Officers commanding in those several Quarters , have no certain place allotted to themselves , as with us , for the Vizer changes them as he pleases , and many times removes the whole Brigade from one Quarter to another . The Bassas , who at my coming were in principal Command , were the Vizer du Camp , which is as much as the Vizer Azem's Lieutenant-General : the Beglerbey of Romulia ; the Capoudan Bassa Brother in Law to the Grand Vizer ; the Genizar-Aga , a brave Man , and his Creature ; Zambatag Ogli-Houssekni Son to one of the Sultans Sisters ; Zatt-Patat-Ogli , for a Turk a very understanding man in all Foreign Affairs , and designed to be Bassa of Cairo ; Frane Mehemet Pacha , a Renegade Portugesse , to whom the Grand Vizer has promised tho Government of Candia when taken : And Bebyr Pacha , a man of Execution , and one who speaking very well the Language of the Franks , would be a proper person to Treat with the Christians . The General of their Horse called Spahilar-Agasi , continued at Canea , from whence he made frequent Cavalcades about the Island to keep an eye over his Horse which were quartered all along upon the Coast under the Command of six Colonels , or Boulouk Agalar's . It is not above four years since this person was made General of the Cavalry ; his predecessor was slain by the French at the passing of Raab near St. Gothard in the year 1664. The Quarters of the Vizer Azem is the only fix'd Quarter in the Army , and chosen with all the convenients that is consistent with the security of the Camp. The little Turkish Vessels can land just by him , without passing before the Town ; it lies upon the Road to Canea and Policastro , and there is no Forrage but on that side : His Troops are sheltered from the City by a little hill , which gives also to the Besiegers an advantage to raise Batteries : But its greatest Commodity is from the River Giofro , which runs at the foot of the said Hill. The River is not much bigger than the Gobelins at Paris , and yet it contributes exceedingly to the miseries of the City of Candia , for without those waters the Turks could not have subsisted so long . At the beginning of the first Siege in the year 1648. some of the Venetians poisoned those waters , without advising with their General , and it was the destruction of above twenty thousand Turks ; which being no fair action , according to the punctilio's of War , the Turks ( who of themselves are not over-apt to give quarter ) revenged it effectually by most incredible barbarities . I was astonished at the number and beauty of the Tents in that Quarter : For the Hutts and Cabins for the common Soldiers , I saw three great Boards that had served to make ten thousand of them . You will ask what kind of things those Cabins are among the Turks , and how they are built : They take of the fattest earth they can find , sprinkle it with water as they do Mortar , and having marked out a proportion of it of about seven foot in length , and six in breadth , they take three large Planks , and fasten them round , as they were to make a Chest : The Planks are used as a kind of Mould for the casting of these Cazernes , for when the Boards are disposed right , they throw more water upon the Mould , and then let it stand till it be dry : when it has stood long enough , is grown to a consistence , and is sufficiently stiff to stand by it self , the Planks are taken away , and imployed in another place . Every one of these Cazernes or Cabins is allowed to be five foot high , covered a top with certain old pieces of Wood , over which they lay a little of their prepared Mould , which they suffer to dry , and with very good effect ; but for thatch , it is not to be thought on in Candia , where they have neither sowing nor reaping , and trees are more scarce than straw ; the great ones have been all cut up to make their Palisadoes and Fortifications , and the little ones have been burned : In short , each of those Caverns built according to the above-mentioned dimensions , will receive twelve Souldiers ; but for greater numbers , they are proportion'd accordingly . The Grand Vizer was not lodged in a Tent ; they had built him a Serrai or Palace half a quarter of a league about : The Turks presumed when he once sate down before the Town , he would not suddenly rise again , and therefore they thought fit his Quarters should be made durable . The Walls of his Palace were of stone some six or eight foot high from the floor ; the rest of the House ( which in some places was two stories high ) was made of that sprinkled dirt dryed , and a little old Timber . In the Camp there were at least a hundred of these Serrai's set up by the Principal Officers for themselves . The Serrai or Palace of Delli-Houssain-Pacha , built in the time of the first Siege over against the Fort of Martinengoe , was the most considerable of them all : When the Army was drawn off , and the Siege discontinued , it was set on fire by the Venetians , but the Beglerbey of Romulia has repair'd it again . Before the Grand Vizers Serrai was a kind of a Gibbet set up with seven horse tails upon it ; each Beglerbey in the Army has six before his door : But those are honorary and no more , the Grand Vizer's is a great mark of authority . When the Sultan in person is in the Camp , he ha● nine tailes before his Tent or Palace , or where ever he lies . The Aga of the Janizaries has no such thing before his , though he be one of the most considerable Officers in the Army : Before the Tents of the other Bassas there are two , and six before the Caimacan of the Vizer , who is in the nature of Super-intendant of the Army . The Gibbet set up for these Tails before the Grand Vizer's Tent is four square , and when the Army marches , the square in which the Horse tails are fastened , directs the way the Army is to take : for if the tails be fastned towards the East , their motion is to be that way ; and so in general all their Campments and Lodgements in their march are signified by that part of the horizon towards which the tails are hung . Being got into the Camp , each of us found some of our friends , and immediately dispersed . Amuret-Aga went one way and we another ; I continued with Osman Chelebi in a Hutt that was offer'd him ; his two Brothers in Law ( Sons of Mustapha Bey ) that he thought to have found before Candia , and quartered with them , were sent in Garrison not long before to Girapietra , a Post that they have fortified in that Island . In the Turkish Army , though it be very numerous , any body that one inquires for is easily found out . Their Oda's are known and distinguished by their succession and order of their numbers , as first , second , third , and so on : But for greater instruction , at the door of every Chorbagi is hung up the name of some animal or other , as a Lion , a Camel , an Eagle , &c. and a great paper with the name of it in large Characters . We were scarce setled in our Hutt , but the silence that is alwayes very remarkable in the Turkish Army , was on a sudden interrupted by a most dreadful noise in springing their Mines that were ready under the Fort of St. Andre , and the Yells of the Turks advancing to the Assault : The Cannon both in the Leaguer and City , made up the Consort . This was the first time I ever saw the Grand Vizer , he was got a top of a little eminence out of Cannon-shot from the Town , to see the execution of the Mines , and success of the attaque : The sight of this great person struck my heart more violently than mine eyes : He is but of a middle Stature , yet very vigorous and strong ; his Face is something pitted with the small Pox , and his Cheeks very red ; his Eyes are black , and hollow , and stern ; his Complexion is tauny ; his Beard long and very black ; he was on foot in the midst of fifty or threescore of his Guards armed like Albanians , with their Captain Delli Bachi at the head of them . The Vizer was discoursing with Zambatag-Ogli-Housekni , a young Gentleman , and as they said there , much like the Grand Signior who is his Uncle : The Vizer had no sooner placed himself , but all his Officers came about him . It is concluded by all hands , that he is personally brave , and as great a Souldier as ever they had ; yet he is cautious , and runs not head-long himself upon every occasion , to visit the Works ; with a small , but excellent Perspective , he was viewing the order of their attaques ; but because the dust and the smoke did many times obstruct him , he sent ever and anon some body to understand how things went in every Post ; which messengers , to give him an exact account , exposed themselves so freely to the Enemies shot , that of thirty sent out , there was but four returned . This was one of the hottest attempts during the whole Leaguer ; the Turks had sprung three Mines under the Fort of Saint Andre . Whilst the Vizer was imployed with his Perspective-Glass in observing the execution of the Mines , wagers were lai'd by the Officers about him that the Work was blown up , and a gale of wind blowing away the smoke discovered who had won : The execution was great , carrying away a whole row of Palisadoes from the besieged , and making a breach in which the Turks endeavoured many times to lodge themselves , their swords in their hands , but were repulsed with great slaughter . They gave out that they had slain the General of the Christians , but the repulsed Troops never return without some such story for preservation of their Honour : but at this time there was some reason for their report , for a day or two afterwards we understood by a fugitive , that the Marquess of Saint Andre , a French Man , and Governour of the Town was in that action wounded in the face by the splinter of a stone : This happened the 9 th of their Douleggiade , and according to our Kalendar on the 10 th of May 1669. The Troops that are daily designed for the Guard of the Trenches , are relieved every twelve hours : And when an Oda is appointed for the whole day , the Chorbaggi takes one half of them to mount the Trenches , and twelve hours after is relieved by the Oda Baschi with the other moity . But an Oda consists commonly of three or four thousand men , which are easily divided for service . In the evening two Chiaouxes having placed themselves before the Grand Vizers door , one of one side , and the other of the other ; they make proclamation as loud as they can , and cry out Allah , Allah ; upon which the Souldiers assembling in great numbers , the Chiaouxes set certain prices upon the heads of the Christians for the next day ; this is their custome every night , that the hopes of reward might animate their men , for nothing is better money than the head of a Christian ; but their heads are not alwayes at a rate ; when the Christian Army is strong , and heads harder to come by , a head is worth 25 or 30 Crowns ; but when their Army is weak , and heads are like to be plentiful , nine or ten Crowns is a good price , and they think it well if the Market would hold there . The next day being a Festival , and their Bayram , they set twenty Crowns upon a head . There was also a rate set for every piece of a Palisade that could be forced from the Works of the City , and brought to the Vizer , and the price for the next day was set at three Crowns . The Venetians set their Prices in the same manner upon the heads of the Turks ; but they are not so good Chapmen , for ten or twelve Livers is as much as they give for a head ; and at that rate they come in sometimes so plentifully that they have been known to set their Walls round with them , and all such other places as have been within sight of the Enemy . But there was a time once when these kind of Trophies were prohibited in the Town , and that was when the Plague was in the Turks Camp , then the head of one Infidel might have been enough to have infected ten thousand Christians . In the year 1667. an accident hapned in the Vizer's Camp that was very rare ; There was in the Quarter of the Messerhots a great heap of Christian heads , and it was reported that one of those heads moaned and complained every night , and that half the Army in that Quarter had heard it : and it was the more wonderful with them , because they believe nothing of the return , or apparition of Spirits , but laugh at those stories . This accident made such a noise that it came to the Ears of the Vizir . The Vizir being a curious , but no credulous person , went himself to the place , and heard an odd kind of noise from out of one of the heads that lay uppermost upon the Pile : The Vizir was a quick man , and observed that the Head standing with the Face to the wind , the wind blew strongly into the Nostrils , and not being able to get out but with difficulty , by its working and agitation in the Skull produced that sound . He caused the Nostrils to be stopt with Clay , but the Soldiers reporting still that the Head was heard to complain , and that it was doubtless some among the Christians who had dyed a Turk , the Vizir caused that and the whole heap to be thrown into the Sea. Every morning at five a clock the Soldiers are called to their prayers by sound of Trumpet ; the Troops in their several Quarters repair immediately to their place of Arms : To begin their Devotions they cry out as loud as they can Allah three times , and they make a noise with it that may be heard two Leagues ; and in this it is that they may well reproach the carelesness of our devotions . He that should behold their modesty and humility at their prayers , would wonder it should be possible that so much courage and piety could consist . They have a larger sort of Drums than ordinary that call them from their Prayers , of which there is but one in every Quarter , and that is either placed upon a piece of wood to that purpose , or else upon a Camel before the Vizer or Beglerbey's Tent who Commands in chief . Their noise is almost like Thunder , and heard two or three Leagues , and the profound and universal silence of their Camp , makes it heard the farther . The smaller Drums are for the Soldiers commanded by the Beglerbeys ; for the Janizaries use no Drums , nor indeed any other Instrument in the room of them , no not so much as in their March. There are Chiaouxes on purpose , who carry Orders to the Janizaries when at any time they are commanded . In that case they hang up Colours before the Tent of the Chorbaggi , and the Word passes from one to the other . In their Marches they follow the directions of the great Drums which belong to their General Officers : The common Drums are beaten at both ends , with two sticks of an unequal bigness , With their right hand they beat quick and strong , with their left they strike more slowly , and make a sound in my judgment more solemn and martial than ours . Every Beglerbey has his Company of Guards , composed only of his own Footmen called Moulaggi : Upon a March the Moulaggi are always mounted , and on Horse-back , but in Candia they serve on foot . These Moulaggi have their Bagpipes , their Haut-bois , their Trumpets , and Kettle-Drums , and upon several occasions do make use of them all . The Zaims and Timariots have likewise their Kettle-Drums . As to their Colours or Standards , every Oda has its Bairakter or Ensigne . This Officer is never without several Colours , to set up and display upon the Platform of their Batteries , upon their breaches or their logdments in an Attack . The Colours are commonly charged salterwise with Symetars vert upon a Field Or : sometimes Gules in a Field Argent . Sables is forbidden as altogether ominous . Sometimes they inscribe in Arabick Letters , the name of God , or some of his Attributes . In their skirmishes with the Christians they are very proud if they can get any of our Colours , because they know it is a loss highly regretted among them , and very dishonourable : but they do not show them , nor hang them up publickly as we do ; only now and then the Renegadoes will keep them and hang them up in their houses , as retaining our Customs , though not our Religion . The Order observed by the Turks in their night-Guards , is different from ours ; they have indeed their Horse-Guards petrolling about all night long ; but with their Foot it is quite otherwise : They never put one single man upon a Sentinel , but place little Squadrons of thirty and forty men in a Squadron about their Camp , and especially towards the Enemy , on which side they place their Squadrons or Parties about two or three hundred paces distance at the most . They have none of our Perdue's , thinking it little less than madness to trust the lives of 100000 men to the vigilance or fidelity of a single person , contrary quite to our opinion , who think it as extravagant to disturb a whole Army to watch , when one man may do it as well ; but I am rather of their judgment than our own . Their opinion is sober and cautious , ours more vain and secure . Let the occasion be what it will , their Foot never go the Rounds , and therefore are never trusted with the Word . When these little bodies upon the out-Guards descry any body near them , they cry out Kimpsem , who goes there ? which is followed immediately with Dourbourda , stand . Their common answer is Biz-iz , 'T is we ; for they suppose no man will come alone with a good design , and therefore our complement , A Friend , would not pass with them . If there be two or three in the company , and none of them replies , the next Word from the Guards is Vldurun , or kill them , kill them , and commonly they are as good as their word , and then give the alarm to the whole Camp. At the beginning of the Siege they were not so strict , there being no talk of succours from Christendom , nor no apprehension from the Islanders ; then if any of their Guards had espied a man , after their Allah Allah three or four times , they called out in the Frank language , A Largua , A Largua , which is a Sea phrase , and as much as who are you for ? Those who are questioned , do answer immediately Alla ; otherwise the Court of Guard cryes out Alla again , and fires upon them . It would be no easie matter for the Venetians to think to surprize the Turks by crying out Alla ; for the Turks have a peculiar way of speaking that word , pronouncing it in the throat , according to the way of the Arabians . In the same manner the Spaniard pronounces Muger , in which it is not possible for a French man to imitate him . Our Christians that are not used to the Turkish articulation , will tell you , that when those Infidels go to an ingagement , they do it with strange yells and noises , which indeed is nothing but their pious invocations : However at those times the word Alla is alwayes in their mouths , and I doubt the fear that seizes us commonly at those times , makes the Turkish Musick less gratefull to our ears . Those who have skill in Souldiery , will perhaps condemn this custom of the Turks , and object , that the Romans ( who were greater Conquerours of the two ) observed better Order in their Camps . I will not meddle with the speculative part , let us come to the active : 'T is true , the Turks have not that regular way of incamping , as the Romans had , nor their method of fighting ; for the Turks understand nothing of wheeling , or the other Military Motions that the Greeks and the Romans have derived to us , and yet in three hundred years they have won more Battels , and made larger conquests than the Romans in eight hundred ; 't is true , afterwards the Romans out-did them , but the more shame for the Christians now , who understanding the way of facing about , the way of countermarches , doubling of ranks and files , and several other Motions , are yet so often beaten by the Turks . There is one thing which to me has been alwayes very admirable ; Most Authors that write of the Turks , and other People ambitious of Honour , are perpetually counselling to make War upon the Turks , representing them Cowards , and Sots , and easily conquered : By their account the taking of Constantinople is a trifle , and so easie , 't is not worth the name of an Enterprize ; I wonder they can forbear disposing before-hand of the plunder of that great City , and that every one of them has not reserved three or four of the Principal Odaliques in the Seraglio for himself . What then must be the odds betwixt us in Martial Discipline ? Why ? the Turks are more obedient to their Officers , are more at unity among themselves , more sober , and less fugitive ; and this certainly must be the reason , for their skins are no harder than ours , unless possibly it be that Empires have their periods like particular men . On Saturday 11. of May , on the morning the whole Camp put themselves in arms to begin the Festivity of their Bayram , which they signified to the Christians by three rounds of great shot from their Batteries , and as many salvoes of small shot from their Infantry who gave very good fire : But the whole Army was not drawn up as I expected . Every Quarter rejoyced by it self . I think there could not be braver men seen in the world than the Grand Vizer's Janizaries : Their Arms were so bright , they were able to dazle a mans eyes : the fierceness of their looks , and the Majesty of their Motion presaged their success : their Dolimans or Coats were as good as new , very well shaped , though made of a course cloth from Salonica ; they had not had them above two months : Once every year the Sultan gives them new Coats at his own charge , and the time that they are delivered is about the month of Cheuval , that they may be neat and spruce against their Grand Bayram : they had not their Zercola's or long Coifs upon their heads which they wear upon Solemnities ; in the Army they would be troublesome ; they had only Bonnets or Caps of wooll or coloured cloth , with their handkerchiefs roll'd about them to make them look like Turbans : They wear no beards , but not upon the score that we pretend , who would have it a mark that they are the Sultan's real slaves , for , as they say , he who is a Musleman , what is he else ? All the rest of the Sultan's Subjects , wear their Muschatoes very long , and they would let their under lips grow so too , were not they fearful of being taken by the beard in their Battels , and so put to the worst . 'T is most certain , that for the same reason Alexander the Great commanded his Captains , that all the Macedonian Souldiers should cut off their beards : And the Abanthes , a war-like People of Eubea , do use it at this day . In the Grand Vizer's Quarter there was near fifteen thousand Janizaries , besides a party of them sent about to the Post of Sabonniera : I judged the whole Army to consist of about forty five thousand men , and near as many others , Cannoniers , Pioniers , Sutlers , half of which upon occasion were able to bear Arms : Should I tell this among the Christians , I should hardly be believed ; for they please themselves in debasing the numbers and courage of the Turks , and perhaps it is a stratagem of the Venetians to wheedle their Allies : So among them the Turkish Army must not be above thirty thousand strong . 'T is true , about a year since , the Plague and incommodities of the Army had reduced them to that number : and I know at Tunis ( where I was at that time ) the Turks confessed it themselves , to excuse the smallness of their Progress ; they pretended likewise that the Town of Candia stood upon an impenetrable , inaccessible Rock , and was defended by a Garrison of sixty thousand men . It was great pleasure to hear how they magnified our numbers , and the strength of the City , and yet kept us all in with an Army of twenty five thousand men at the most : Not that the Emperour could have wanted more men , but the Vizer in gallantry had made an Oath , with that small number of Turks to beat and destroy the sixty thousand lubberly Christians that had pin'd themselves up in that inaccessible Rock . That was a day of great Execution ; one of the Turks Mines blew up a Post of the Christians near Saint Andre , where many a brave man of the Garrison perished ; the Vizer was in no little danger himself , for having laid aside his Perspective , and advanced in the Trenches to the very Ditch of the Town , to survey their Works , and observe his advantage , he stood personally exposed to all the fire from the Garrison for a complete half hour together , and Kiaca-Bey the Lieutenant General of the Janizaries was shot in the Arm , not two steps from him ; the Vizer when he saw it , with an angry kind of smile , said , I think these rude Christians would not have us Celebrate our Bayram to day : but for all that , he stirred not till a Lodgement was finished that he had ordered , and to that end , he caused his dinner to be brought to him into the Trenches . The rest of the day was spent in Dounama , or publick rejoycing : The Turks according to their custome on their Bayrams send one another Presents , as we do at New-years-tide . One Janizary gives his Camerade Tobacco , and he to requite it , takes him to the Sutlers , and gives him a dish of Coffee , or strong waters . The Vizer augmented the pay of those who did any thing signally ; if their pay was six Aspers before , he advanced it to twelve ; and God knows what emulation and courage that raised in the several Oda's : The Principal Officers regal'd the Grand Vizer . The Beglerby of Natolia sent him six black Eunuch Boys , and received from him a rich Saber or Sword of a more than ordinary temper . The Vizer sent a noble Tent to Zambatag-Ogli-Houssekni . Such of the Spahi as had been defective in their duties , and were to be drubb'd , according to their discipline of War , were pardon'd in respect of that day ; as also such of the Janizaries , as for their misdemeanours were condemned to be beaten with cudgels on their buttocks . A Timariot or Teskerectis that before was worth but five or six thousand Aspers a year , was advanced to a Teskereber , or a Timar of twenty thousand pound . Some of the Janizaries produced the heads of Christians that they had concealed three or four days together , to have their recompence inlarged that day . The Kaimacan gave three Sequins to a Pioner for having taken a pair of Gloves from a Christian ; and to take a pair of Gloves is looked upon as a great prize , for the Turks wearing none themselves , 't is no easie matter to come by them any other way . I saw the Vizer as he passed to the Eouylai , ( which is one of their services of devotion ) he was talking to Mehemet-Aga his Kiaia , or Intendant of his house , an honest man , moderate , and one who has done many good offices to the Christians . The Grand Vizer was going to his own Mosque , for he had one belonging to his own Quarters , to which none but his own servants resorted . He has alwayes five or six Imans or Priests which attend him in the Army to perform Divine Service , and every great Officer has two or three . The Vizer was attended by a throng of Officers , and select men of his Troops that followed him in confusion . At the head of the Procession were ten Trumpets , and as many Bag-pipes playing and sounding before him : There was likewise a Touke or kind of a Banner with seven horse tails fastned to a Pike ; but the other Touks carried before the other Officers had fewer according to the difference of their qualities , six tails before a Beglerbey , and two before a Bachas . When prayers were done , he treated all the Officers and three Oda's or Companies who had performed very well in a late action . He never dines alone , but sends alwayes for the Officers that come off the Guards , that either at dinner or afterwards they may give him an account of their proceedings . He loves good Meat , but abhors Wine ; contrary to the humour of his Father , who delighted in it exceedingly . He diverts himself sometimes a Hunting , sometimes at Chess , and takes great pleasure in seeing his Officers dance . He had with him besides , seven or eight Hoingi , or Dancing-Masters , who danced to two or three Base-Vials , or Instruments very like them : Sometimes they danced alone , sometimes two and two , and sometimes more : They dance likewise with a sort of Castignettes , and do very well : These dancers have upon them little strait wastcoats that come down to their girdle , from whence they have a kind of petticoats ( like our Women ) which come down to the ground , and are very wide ; and their great dexterity being in turning swiftly and long upon one foot , the wind getting under their petticoats fills them up like a sail : In this posture the Hoingi will bow , plunge , leap up again , appear and disappear with strange promptitude and exactness . There was one thing I thought remarkable ; Not long since in Turkie there was a sort of Religious Mahumetans called Dervis , whose Devotion consisted in dancing in their Mosques , which they would perform with indefatigable swiftness : The Vizer having driven them lately out of Romulia , those who had no mind to go so far as their Principal Covent at Cogna in Asia , turned Hoingi , and danced as eagerly for Money as ever they had done for Devotion . In the Evening the Grand Vizer took Horse , and rode to Eina-die , or New-Candia , to confer with Fateim Kadun , who was come thither to meet him , from her Quarters at Philopoli , which is a great House standing upon the Road betwixt Candia and Girapietra . Nothing passed in the Siege , nor indeed in the whole Empire , but the Vizer imparted it to his Mother . She brought with her into Candia forty or fifty Eunuchs , two thirds of which number are imployed constantly all over Turkie for intelligence : All news from Larissa is conveyed by some or other of them , I say news , because Orders are sent always by other people . The greatest resolves are still concerted betwixt her and her Son ; and the supplyes of Men or Money were managed for the most part by their Eunuchs , for which the Vizer's Slaves bare them no good will : It was so much money out of their pockets , and their gain was so great , that it was reported some months since , two single Voyages were worth to one of Fateima's Eunuchs above twenty thousand Crowns . The Eleventh at night , the Vizer's Quarters was all in Arms , upon Alarm of a Mine which the Venetians sprang before the Fort of Saint Andre : There were slain in that business above sixty Janizaries , most of them Officers , as good as any in the Army , and all of them the Vizer's Creatures ; and it was reported , that the Venetians to improve their advantage , were sallying out of the Town ; but that was but a report . The twelfth of May in the Morning I saw several Companies of Janizaries come to bid their Chor-baggi's or Captains good morrow , and 't is it seems their custome every morning . To requite their Civility , the Captains present every Souldier with a dish of Coffee , which is the only thing that ever they return them . When a Souldier is killed , his cloaths go to the Chor-baggi , but his Arms and the Money about him is delivered to the Treasurer-General of the Army , who is accountable for it to the Vizer : But the Money passing through the hands of the Chor-baggi , to whom the body is brought off to be stripped , does many times stick to his fingers , and come short to the Treasurer . But if a Janizary be mortally wounded , and has time to make his Will , he may bequeath what he pleases to the Souldiers of his own Oda , to supply their necessities : They are paid but once in three months , and , as I said before , their pay is unequal . The new raised men have but six Aspers a day , which is about three pence half penny of ours ; and those who have most have but twelve pence , but then the Grand Signior finds them Victuals : Their allowance to six Souldiers is a dish of Rice , and about a pound of bread to a Man ; every fourth day they have six ounces of flesh , and their drink is all out of the River of Giofiro : they may supply one another out of their pay or their plunder , but they must be sure to keep touch with their Sutlers , and have a care of committing the least insolence towards them . At first it was death for a Janizary to drink Wine , and they made it a point of Religion , because of the Seditions which their drunkenness had produced ; but of late , the severity of that Law has been turned upon the Sutlers who furnish them ; and the Janizary escapes with fifty good blows upon the buttocks , inflicted punctually by the Oda Baschi , or Lieutenant of the Company , with a good cudgel . When a Turkish Souldier has done any thing that deserves death , they dare not execute him publickly , but he is strangled in private , which in my judgement argues a weakness in the Government and Authority of their Officers : But the Janizaries look upon it as a respect to men of the Sword ; for the whole Empire being nothing but their conquest and acquisition , it is but suitable to the Dignity and Justice of their Monarch , to have their errours and offences concealed , and their persons preserved from publick infamy and disgrace . I had alwayes hitherto a great curiosity to be prying into their Trenches , and observe the disposition of their Works ; but it fell now to my share , and I could not avoid it . The danger was great , and death never so manifest to me as now . The being exposed to the continual shooting from the Town , was the least of my trouble ; but the fear of being discovered by the Turks , and punished as a spie , was a thing that stuck very close to me , and made me almost repent my curiosity that had brought me to Candia . I repaired forthwith to my old Confident Osman Chelebi , and told him how it stood , who smiling , told me , If I could secure my self from the one , he would bring me off from the danger of the other . His Friends had solicited so effectually for his Timar , that it was time for him to think of doing something extraordinary : Every Timariot is obliged to bring as many men to the War , as he has times three three thousand Aspers in the revenue of his Timar , and those ●hen are called Gebelous . In Candia the●r imployment was only to carry Earth , or be serviceable to their great Guns : Osman Chelebi according to his share was to find four of these Gebelous : In complement I must needs make one of them , to save him that expence . I did not at first consider the thing , nor imagine I had been serving against the Christians ; if I had , I should have made more scruple , and perhaps pretended conscience in the case . I expected , that by the favour of some Officer of his acquaintance , I should have been excused , if I had advanced about a hundred paces into the Trenches , when the Guards had been relieved , which might have been done without any great hazards , that time being the least dangerous , for if the Christians had sallied to disturb them , they would have had upon their hands the Troops that came off , as well as those that went on to relieve them ; but I reckoned without mine Host . I attended Osman Chelebi to the Tent of the Grand Engineer of the Ottoman Army called Isouf Meymar Azem , Meymar being the title which they give to any Eminent Engineer or Architect . We went with him to the Seraile of the Topigi Bachi , or Grand Master of their Artillery . This Officer ( one of the most considerable in the Empire ) was a poor Mariner at Constantinople who lived upon ten or twelve pence a day , by crossing the water betwixt Constantinople and Pera : He put himself among the Officers of the Artillery , and passed with them into Candia , where the Grand Vizir having displaced the Topigi upon some exception against him , and observing this Mariner to be very handy and dexterous at removing and ordering the Cannon for the Batteries , advanced him to that Office , and made him Topigi Bachi , quite contrary to the practice in our Countries . Among the Christians a man of Birth and no Merit , shall be sure to make his Fortune ; among the Turks a man of Merit , let his Extraction be what it will , shall be sure to be preferred . With the Topigi Bachi we found a great number of Topigilers or Cannoneers and Gebegilers , or people that have care of keeping the Arms , and preparing their Fire-works ; to be short , every man being to be imployed , they clapped a Scuttle at my back , and a Mattock into my hand , and thought they did me a great deal of honour , for of three hundred Ziams , Timars , and Gebelous that were waiting for Orders , I was the first that was provided : Osman Chelebi himself put on the same harness , and being to furnish three more Gebelours , he picked out three miserable Greeks , who for six Aspers a piece , suffered themselves to be tied by the legs with a thick Cord ( like Pigs leading to the Market ) for fear they should escape into the Town , which they do as often as they can . I had been tied with the rest , but that Osman Chelebi undertook for my Fidelity , which turned much to my disadvantage ; for the Meymar believing me well affected thereupon , did me the favour to put me among those who were to throw the Grenadoes , and at that time were appointed to run up to the Christians Works , and pull away their bags of Wool and Earth , wherewith they had faced their Redoubts ; and this was to be done in haste , when the Enemy was hottest a firing ; to coxe me , they told me by this means I should have opportunity to be one of the first that should cut off the Christians heads ; and indeed of fifty heads that were brought off , above thirty were cut off by those Grenado men ; and they perswaded me moreover , that two heads wou●d do my business , and make my Fortune for ever . Then it was I began to repent me of my forwardness , and I vowed solemnly to God Almighty , that if I went on with these Grenadeers , I would if possible , escape into the Town , and lose my life there to expiate my impious curiosity : In order to my Grenadiership , they had taken my Scuttle off my back , and put a linnen bagg full of Grenadoes about my shoulders like a scarff ; but it came into my mind to tell them , that I feared I was not dexterous enough for that service , and desired that they would rather put me among those who were to pull down the Palisadoes ; for , lest I should render my self suspected , I thought it not sit to decline one service , and recommend my self to another that was not so dangerous ; yet I had my reason , for that time was not altogether proper for pulling down Palisadoes ; the best time for that being after a rain , when fastning ropes to them , they can loosen them with more ease ; or else in a great wind , by firing Bavins under them : To gratifie my request they let me alone with my Scuttle and Mattock , and away I marched with a Rascally Renegado , who , during our attaque , had orders to run away into the Town , and inform himself of its condition . They had given him his Lesson , as Osman Chelebi told me , and directed him to tell strange stories out of the Camp , to make him the more credible to the Christians . He had instructions to tell them , That the Vizir inraged at the cowardize of his Troops , had killed three Officers with his own hand ; that they were almost starved in the Camp , the Soldiers mutining every day , and the Grand Signior resolved to cut off the Vizir's head , if the Town were not taken in a month ; and that as a mark of his displeasure to the Grand Vizir , he had sent to him to deliver a rich Vest and a Sabre that he had given him not long before ; by such stories as these they too often delude the poor Christians . By the way we met a party of Gionoullous or Voluntiers , who follow the Army at their own charges in hopes by some great action to merit a Timar , which is the usual recompence the Vizir bestows upon such persons ; but then they must wait for a vacancy , and they will be sure to have an eye upon them . As we passed them we heard two or three of these Gionoullous , seeing our Ziams and Timariots marching upon service , wish good luck to the Christian Musquets , that they might make room for them ; and indeed those Timariots are never drawn out for an attaque , but the Ginoullous send their prayers along with them , that they may never return . We passed on to the first Trenches which the Turks had made upon the Rock , for having brought their Approaches so far , they could not any way secure themselves but by bringing Earth from other places . When I saw their Trenches , I was amazed to think how the Christians had described them : 'T is true , they are not made so methodically as ours , with lines parallel to the front of the place besieged . The way of the Turks is to advance as much as they can , and every forty paces to make an elbow or little turning , which yet does not hinder their line . Their Intrenchments or Approaches are twice as broad as ours , which at the bottom are at most but seven or nine foot ; whereas the Turks Trenches , when the ground will permit , are fifteen or sixteen foot wide , that the Troops appointed to sustain the Pioneers , may make a large front the better to repel the Salleys of the Garrison . One thing I observed among them that is practised among us , They never begin to post their Soldiers in the Trenches till they have brought their approaches to the Counter-scarpe ; for till they be advanced thither their Troops are lodged in the Redoubts , or places of Arms. Their places of Arms are open behind like ours , for the better drawing themselves into Battalia to repulse a Salley . Their Redoubts are generally faced with Stone : Their Trenches are made with Blindes , and their Blinds are made with thick pieces of Timber covered over with Faggots , and Earth upon them to shelter the Pioneers while they are at work . We drew out about fifty or sixty Pioneers to repair a battery which the Canon from the Town had beaten down . I saw some of their Guns there that carried six and twenty pound Bullet . From this Platform it was , that looking towards their works , I saw as it were a Forest of Palisado's that frighted me exceedingly : Imagine you saw a great Battalion of Pikes , with their Pikes advanced ; their works were set as thick with Palisado's , whereas in some places , the Palisado's in the opposite works were ten foot asunder . The ground had been blown up a hundred times by the Mines of one side or the other . In short there was not one foot to spare , but immediately some Trench or other was thrown up in it ; either a Bonnette , a Caponniere , or an Antestature , and that you may not be perplexed with those terms , being a sort of works almost quite unknown in France , I shall explain them as follows . The Bonnette is a kind of Ravelin set round with Palisado's ; 't is filled three foot thick with Earth to cover them from shot , but without any Ditch . The Antestatures are little Traverses or Retrenchments thrown up in haste with bags of Earth , or Palisado's in some place that they cannot keep entire , but the Enemy having possessed themselves of one part they would willingly preserve the rest . In spight of the danger I was in , I could not but admire that prodigious ground where more than once or twice ten thousand men had been imployed a month together , to force a single man back but four yards . No ground in the world did ever cost so dear , though it were a Mine of Gold. The possession of four Fathoms of ground in Candia , had been in dispute above twenty years , and gained at last with Rivers of blood , and many times the best blood in Europe . But I was taken from my contemplations to work in a Gallery that was to be carried on to the very wall of the Town . A Gallery is a way under-ground carried on under the Enemies works for the passage of the Miner when he goes to prepare the Chamber of the Mine , with intention to blow up some work . The Galleries of both parties do often meet , and then they who can drive out the other , either with sire or smoke , are masters of both , and the vanquished must retire . We no sooner struck a stroke with our Mattocks , but we clap'd our Ears to the ground to listen whether the Christians were not at work as well as we ; for many times both sides are working not above a foot from one another . At some times , and in some places the Pioneers for fear of being heard , have been glad to loosen the Earth with their Nails , or work it out with the point of their Knives . If any Mine be near , 't is immediately sprung , to blow up the Pioneers , and oftentimes the condition of the Earth deceiving the Engineer that causes it to be blown up , falls back upon those who gave fire to the Mine , and the great art is to make them evaporate . In the little time I was digging there , I met more bones and carkases of men than shovels-full of earth ; Sometimes I digged a man up from under my feet , and perhaps had I digged there but one hour before , I might have found him alive , and had him begg'd of me to pull him out . I must confess I had at that time great horrours upon me , and being perceived by a young Turk that had been used to the Trade , I was laught at for my pains . Upon the same occasion he had many times leaped into the Christians Galleries , and brought away several of their Heads : He told our Camerades aloud that I was so afraid of the Swords of the Venetians , that he saw me three or four times put my hand to my neck to feel whether my head was not cut off . I opened my Eyes as well as my Ears to inform my self whether the Christians were not at work near me , and to speak truth , for the security of my head I found an obligation upon me to have a care how I slept in that Quarter . At length the Mine being fitted , we retired to see it play ; when we came forth of the Gallery we saw several Janizaries laughing to see us in that condition : There is a mortal hatred betwixt the Janizaries and the Timariots , for the Janizaries being never imployed but at handy-strokes , have them in contempt who are imployed in the Mines . Osman Chelebi was not a person that would be abused , and therefore seeing one of the Janizaries deriding him , told him , You are a happy man , for I have digg'd you a hole to hide your self in . Another Timariot that was not commanded along with us , but expected us when we came off , at the end of the Gallery , came to congratulate with one of his friends , and embracing him , demanded , Do you come back empty handed ? have you made your fortune upon the Christians , and brought ever a head along with you ? Yes one , ( replied his friend ) and that is my own , which I assure you was in no little danger . 'T is not to be imagined how much the Janizaries despise the Timariots , and all the Spahi in general . They call them in derision Sinek , which is as much as Flies , and this the Spahi are forced to indure , because of the authority and strict union among those sort of people : The nick-name that the Spahi and Timariots give the Janizaries , is Toslouk , or Buskins , because they wear such kind of things about their Legs , but then they will be sure to be the stronger , or they will never venture to provoke them . At the same time that we gave fire to our Mine , the besieged sprung two of their own : It was a dismal spectacle to behold the Men and the Earth thrown up promiscuously into the Air , and the smoke being but little , gave us that lamentable convenience . Some of the Christians were blown alive into the Trenches of the Turks ; and some of the Turks wasted into the Ditch , others upon the Ramparts of the Town with their Arms in their Hands . It was like a horrible shower of flesh to behold the separated Members come down , whilst others were bruised and blown about from one side to another . We ran with all speed to disingage such as were buried alive ; some we found only frighted , without any hurt . They shew me an Azappe , or one of their Perdu's , who had been twice digged out of the ground ; but all were not so happy , for some of them were half buried , stuck fast from the Girdle downwards , and cried out with all their might , but they had as good have been quite under ground , for the Christians ran out and chopped off their heads . The effect of these three Mines was only to have blown up some of the Guards ; to have destroyed some Works ; and in some measure inlarged the Breaches . The quantity of Powder required for a Mine , is fifteen , sixteen , sometimes Twenty , and Five and Twenty Barrels , according to the weight and thickness of the ground they would blow up . The Venetians to blow up the Placca made use of a Hundred and Fifty Barrels , and they were no more than was necessary , being to blow up a Rock of Two and Twenty foot thick . It was in my power to have learned the construction of their superficial Furnaces as they called them in Candia where only they are in use ; but I had not that curiosity , and indeed I found I had had already too much . Osman Chelebi came to Complement me at my coming out of the Works ; and to cajole me , told me I had done wonders . That it was taken notice of by the Turks , that I was to value my self much upon their approbation : That I should doubtless have the honour to be continued , and be by degrees infallibly advanced to some imployment more worthy my address . He told me moreover , that there was a design on foot , to commit the conduct and firing of one of their superficial Furnaces to me ; and the manner of those Furnaces is thus . Three or four Bombes or Fire-balls are shut up close in a Wooden Box , and the Box conveyed as near the Enemies Work as possible ; when 't is as near as you can get , you hide it in the ground , and cover it over with earth . There is nothing in the world better , nor quicker at ruining an Approach : There is no great difficulty to give fire to it , because it may be done with a Saucidge ( as they call them ) or a Train , at what distance you please . The great danger is in placing the Box , which though done for the most part in the night , does not make it altogether safe ; for the Engineer is obliged to have a special care of his head . Osman Chelebi presented me with one of them , but God knows how joyfully I received it . The Christian Engineers have no sooner invented a new way , either for their Fortifications or Fire-works , but the Meymars have present advertisement by some of the Renegado's from the Town . The stories they have told of him in the Camp , have not only discovered but recommended to the estimation of the Turks , the Inventions and Experiments of the Chevalier Verneda , who commands all the Engineers in the Garison ; and the address and dexterity of Giovine who is excellent at Countermines . I found it was not true ( though I had often been told it ) that there were certain well disciplined Troops of Christians in the Turkish Service . At the beginning of the Siege indeed , the Turks being willing to have wheedled the Greek Nobless that belonged to the Isle of Sfacciottes , did promise them free exercise of their Religion if they would serve against the Venetian ; but they were so far from accepting the Proposal , that to show their detestation , during the first years of the Mahumetan Invasion , they made the Turks sensible of their indignation and courage , by many atchievements against them . Of this Island of Sfacciottes were the famous Colonels , Zymbi , Balzamo , and Calamo , of whom the Caloger at Athens had given so fair a character , and of whose bravery I may perhaps give you a relation hereafter . Many of the Inhabitants were Originally Italians , from whence their Fore-fathers had been invited by the Grecian Emperours into the said Island after the devastation made in it by the Sarazens . I must needs confess I have slept better than I did the twelfth of May at Night ; I fancied my self called every moment to go away with my superficial Furnace , and see it do execution : I had no maw to the Service , I found my Conscience not so good proof against the remorses I felt for having served against the Christians already ; and if you will have the truth , perhaps there was some little mixture of fear . But the 13 th of May in the morning beyond my expectation , Osman Chelebi having left me three hours before , came back again to me in great haste , and told me he had a request to me that I must not deny him : I thought of nothing but that I had been to go along with him upon service , to enter some Breach , or spring some Mine with him ; but he told me I must needs do him the favour to return to Emporion for him , for the Grand Vizer had given him a very good Timar in those parts ; he himself being unable to quit the service , was constrained to desire the courtesie of me to carry his Letters of Provision to his Father in Law , and to press him to take possession of the Timar , by turning out a person who by surprize had got a Grant of it from the Beglerbey of Romulia ; My Spirits began immediately to revive : He needed no such fine language to perswade me , I offered my self with the greatest willingness imaginable , not so much as straining a complement so far as to let him know how much pain and trouble it would be to me , to leave him behind : He gave me his dispatches under the hand and seal of the Vizer's Caimacan . The Caimacan is an Officer considerable , has a share in the Civil Affairs , and manages them in part . In all Turkie there are never but three contemporary Caimacans , and sometimes but two : One is constantly Resident at Constantinople ; another alwayes attends the Grand Signior , and if the Grand Vizer be remote from the Court , he has another with him ; but when he returns to the Sultan's Court , that Caimacan is suspended . The Grand Vizer's Caimacan was like a Secretary of State , or President of the Council , and at that time had the Superintendency of the Army in Candia . A Saique being in ten dayes time to depart from Fraskia , it was resolved I should take that opportunity to pass into Greece , so that as it pleased God , I sate still in the Camp all the 13 th of May , not troubled with the fatigues or dangers of the Mattock and Scuttle ; and Osman hired some of the Azappes and Greek Pioneers to discharge the Duty that was upon him in respect of his Timar . In the Evening one of the Christians running to us out of the Town , brought News that one of our Bombes falling into the Bas●ion of Saint Andre had killed the Magnifico Cornaro Proveditor General for the Republick of Venice , a Person , who being the very Soul of their Army , gave the Christians the greatest occasion of Consternation that they had hitherto expressed ; and the Turks on the other side , that their Joy might hold some proportion with the sadness of their Enemy , testified it by their continual Salvo's both from their Cannon and Small-shot . It was above a Twelvemonth since the Vizer had Summoned the Town . Upon this accident he caused a White Flag to be hung out , and sent them a Summons ; but the Christians reposing still upon the Conduct of the Marquess de Saint Andre , by their great Firing gave him to understand that they were not yet reduced to Terms of Capitulation : Whereupon for the incouragement of his Camp , the Vizer caused it to be spread abroad , that he expected within three or four dayes an Ambassador from Venice to beg Peace upon his knee ; adding , that Venice it self was Tumultuous and full of Factions upon the protraction of the War ; and that the People being ruined and exhaust with insupportable Taxes , were ready upon the first opportunity to throw themselves under the protection of the Turks : This was the great Artifice of their General , and the common discourse and belief of his whole Army . To conclude , I departed from the Camp the 21. of May , with a Pass-port from the Caimacan , and Letters from Osman Chelebi : About midnight I arrived at Fraskia , where I embarked in the aforesaid Saique , and left the Coast full of Horsemen , who at that time kept better and more exact Guards than formerly , upon expectation of a descent by the Troops of the League , and the Christian Princes : They had News already that their several Fleets were come out , some from Thoulon , some from Civita-Vecchia , and some from Malta ; and the Renegadoes had made the Camp ring with the names of the Generalissimo Vincenzo Rospigliosi , of the Duke de Beaufort , the Duke de Navailles , the Comte de Vivonne , and the Chevalier Acarigi General of the Gallies of Malta ; So that 't is an errour to believe the Turks are ignorant of the very particulars of our Affairs , when it is their interest to know them : The English and Dutch Vessels which are imployed daily in carrying over Men and Ammunition to Canea , do tell them all our designs : 'T is true , by an effect of their great courage and prudence , the Turks do not seem to regard it ; yet they have their constant Intelligences , and make preparations privately against them ; and sometimes 't is possible they are abused , as the Christians are : however let their reports or assurances as to this approaching great action be what it will , God grant there may be a good understanding betwixt the Commanders of the several Nations which make up the Succours expected ; If there be , it may please God they may prosper , if otherwise , there is great danger they will miscarry . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A42320-e170 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 
A30685	----	The four epistles of A.G. Busbequius concerning his embassy into Turkey being remarks upon the religion, customs, riches, strength and government of that people : as also a description of their chief cities, and places of trade and commerce : to which is added, his advice how to manage war against the Turks / done into English. Legationis Turcicae epistolae quatuor. English Busbecq, Ogier Ghislain de, 1522-1592. 1694 Approx. 646 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 219 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A30685 Wing B6219 ESTC R14352 12004724 ocm 12004724 52279 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A30685) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 52279) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 85:6) The four epistles of A.G. Busbequius concerning his embassy into Turkey being remarks upon the religion, customs, riches, strength and government of that people : as also a description of their chief cities, and places of trade and commerce : to which is added, his advice how to manage war against the Turks / done into English. Legationis Turcicae epistolae quatuor. English Busbecq, Ogier Ghislain de, 1522-1592. Tate, Nahum, 1652-1715. [8], 420, [3] p. Printed for J. Taylor ... and J. Wyat ..., London : 1694. Translation of: Legationis Turcicae epistolae quatuor. "The epistle dedicatory" signed: N. Tate. Advertisements on p. [1]-[3] at end. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Turkey -- Description and travel. 2002-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-04 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2002-04 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-05 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE FOUR EPISTLES OF A. G. BUSBEQUIUS , Concerning his EMBASSY INTO TURKEY . Being Remarks upon the Religion , Customs , Riches , Strength and Government of that People . As also a Description of their Chief Cities , and Places of Trade and Commerce . To which is added , His Advice how to Manage War against the Turks . Done into English. LONDON , Printed for I. Taylor at the Ship , and I. Wyat at the Rose in St. Paul's Church-yard , 1694. To the Right Honorable POWLETT St. JOHN , EARL of BOLINGBROOKE , And Baron of St. Iohn of Bletsoe . My Lord , THE Translator of this ingenious and most useful Piece not surviving to see it publish'd , upon Perusal of the Copy , I found , the excellent Performance and Merit of the Work did not only deserve just Care of the Impression , but also some Eminent Person to Recommend its Appearance in the World. I embrac'd the Opportunity I had often wish'd , of expressing in some measure , my Respect and Zeal for your Lordship ; wherein I do but Comply with all Admirers of true Worth and Honour . Every Body will allow , that a better Guardian could not be Chosen for this posthumous Offspring ; and your Lordship will easily pardon my imploring your Protection of an Orphan . The Historical Part of this Treatise is so Iust and Exact , and the Remarques in it discover so much of Observation , Experience and Iudgment , that it seem'd a proper Offering for your Lordship's Acceptance ; who are particularly happy in a sensible and just manner of Thinking . Nor has your Lordships Felicity Terminated in a true Discerning of Things ; you have reduc'd your Sentiments to Practice , and prov'd the Iustness of your Notions , by a singular and constant Regularity in your Life . You have hereby brought an Accession of Reputation to the memory of your Noble Ancestors , by preserving each Virtue of theirs with its utmost Lustre , even in a vicious Age. You continue to convince the World , that Temperance and Conversation , Management and Liberality , are consistent Virtues . Prudence , Iustice and Charity have carry'd an Ascendant in the whole Course of your Actions . You have not only been happy in having early made Choice of a good Principle to direct you ; but in a constant Adherence to its Dictates . You were from hence instructed to express , upon all Occasions , a Hearty and Noble Concern for your Country , which is the true and ancient Test of English Worth ; and I must do our Country the Right to say , they are highly sensible of it ; as appears by that worthy and just Character which is universally given of my Lord Bolingbrooke . Your Relations and Friends have the next share in your Kindness ; and among the latter , I may truly Rank all Persons of Merit . You have declin'd no Opportunity of Obliging any Man of Desert , and through your whole Life , have not given Occasion to make so much as One Man your Enemy . Wherefore I am safe in what I have said of your Lordship , and the World will only forgive my saying so little , in consideration of that Modesty which is Conspicuous amongst your Other Virtues . Wherefore I shall only beg Pardon for surprising you with this Address , and Permission to subscribe my self , among the rest of your Admirers , My Lord , Your Lordships most devoted Humble Servant N. TATE . The Four EPISTLES OF Augerius , Gislenius , Busbequius , Concerning his Embassy into TVRKY . EPISTLE I. SIR , AS I promised you , at parting , to give you a full Account of my Journy to Constantinople ; so , I shall now make good my Word , and , I hope , with Advantage too . For I shall also acquaint you with my Adventures in my Travel to Amasia , as well as That to Constantinople , the former being less used , and consequently far less known , than the later . My design herein , is , to allow you a part of the Solace , of what happened pleasurable to me ; for so the ancient Friendship betwixt us obliges me , to appropriate no Joy to my self , but to communicate the same to you ; but , as for what happen'd incommodious to me , ( as , in so long and tedious a Journey , some things must needs do , ) those I take to my self ; neither would I have you concern'd in them , at all ; for , the Danger being now past , the more grievous they were to suffer , the more pleasant will they be , even to my self , to remember and commit to Writing . You are not ignorant , that , when I returned from England , after the Solemnization of the Marriage of King Philip and Queen Mary , at which I was present , as an Attendant , in the Train of his Excellency Don Pedro Lassus , who , on that occasion , was sent thither , as an honorary Embassador , by Ferdinand , King of the Romans , my most gracious Lord ; I say , you are not ignorant , how the said King Ferdinand , by his Letters , summoned me to this Journy . I received his Commands , by Letter , when I was at Lisle , on the 3d of November , and I made no longer stay , than to visit Busbec , only to take my leave of my Father and Friends ; but , taking Tornay in my way , I hastned to Brussels , where I met the aforesaid Don Lassus , who spurred me on to the Voyage , shewing me the King's Letters to him too , commanding him to press me forward : So that I immediately took Horse , and made what haste I could to Vienna . My Journy thither was very troublesome , both by reason of my unaccustomedness to ride upon such inconvenient Horses , as I could then get ; and also because the Season of the Year was not fit for Travel , the Weather being tempestuous , the Ways dirty , and the Days short ; so that I was forced to borrow a great part of the Night , and to pass through uncouth , and almost unfrequented , Ways , in the dark ; not without the great hazard of my Life . Assoon as ever I came to Vienna , I was introduced into the Presence of King Ferdinand , by his Secretary of State , the Heer Iohn Vander Aa : That Prince received me with the respect he used to shew to those Persons , of whose Probity and Faithfulness he hath conceived a great Opinion : He was pleased to entertain me with a large Discourse , what Advantages he had promised to himself from me , and how much it concerned him that I should undertake this Embassy , and that speedily too ; for he had solemnly promised the Bassa of Buda , That the Envoy , he was to send , should be in Buda , without fail , about the beginning of December next ; and , for his part , he was unwilling the Turks should take any advantage to break their Agreement , upon pretence that he had failed in performing of his . There were but 12 Days to the time prescribed , a space little enough to prepare for a short Journy , much less for so long and tedious a one ; and yet some of those ten Days were to be cut off too , by a Journy , which the King commanded me to make to Comora , to visit Iohn Maria Malvezius ; for the King , my Master , thought it very advisable for me , who had then but little Acquaintance in the Turkish Affairs , to consult that experienced Person , and to be informed by him , ore tenus , of the Manners and Disposition of that Nation ; for Malvezius had been Ferdinand's Embassador , for several Years , with Solyman the Turkish Emperor at Constantinople ; even from that very time that the Emperor Charles had , for weighty Reasons of State , made a Truce with the Turks , by his Embassador the Heer Gerard Velduvickius ; for at the same time also , he made an 8 Years Truce with the said Solyman , in the Name of King Ferdinand . At that time Malvezius was one of the Retinue of Velduvickius ; and , when he was returned from thence , Ferdinand sent him back again to Constantinople , to reside there as his Embassador in Ordinary ; that so he might prevent the Incursions of the Turks upon the Kingdom of Hungary , as having an Agent there , who might complain to the Grand Seignior himself of the Injuries of his Bassa's and Governors , and demand Satisfaction for the same . But it happened , not long after , that an occasion being offered of uniting Transilvania with the rest of Hungary ; and the Hungarians themselves did very much desire that it should be done , as judging it conducive to the Grandeur and Dignity of that Kingdom ; Ferdinand was not willing to neglect so fair an Opportunity , and therefore he transacted the Matter with the Widow , and Son , of Iohn the Vayvod , ( who was sometimes called King of Hungary ) that he might receive Transilvania in exchange for other Provinces ; and seeing these Transactions could not be wholly concealed from the Turks , Rustan the Grand Visier ( Solyman's Son in Law , and the Chief of his Counsellors ) used to send for Malvezius , and to demand of him , Whether those things were true , which were commonly bruited ? He stifly affirmed , That they were utterly false , and offered to pawn his Head for the Truth of what he spake . But when Ferdinand was actually possessed of all Transilvania , so that the Matter could no longer be dissembled , the Grand Seignior was very angry with Rustan , for giving so much credit to Malvezius ; and Rustan was more enraged at Malvezius , for putting so palpable a Cheat upon him . To be short , Malvezius is cast into Prison , his Estate , Goods and Family are seized . He was kept close Prisoner almost two Years , under strict Guards , whereby he contracted a Distemper , viz. Difficulty of Vrine , which afterward proved Mortal to him , in regard they suffered no Medicine to be brought unto him , for the Cure of his Dysuria ; for , the truth is , the Turks are always upon the extreme , either over-fond , when they would shew themselves Friends ; or over-bitter , when they are Angry . But seeing the state of their Affairs at that time , by reason of Domestick Discords , was very unsettled , and thereupon required rather Peace than War ; and besides , the Matter of reducing Transilvania , by Arms , went but slowly and unsuccessfully on ; they were easily persuaded to lay aside the thoughts of War , and to compound the Matter by a Friendly Agreement . Matters standing thus , the Turks insisted upon the intire Restitution of Transilvania ; but Ferdinand would by no means quit his Interest therein ; neither would he vacat the Agreement with the Vayvod , as being neither obtained by Fraud , nor extorted by Force . And to bring down the Turks to those Terms , Anthony Wrantzius , a Dalmatian , Bishop of Agria , and Francis Zay , Commander of those Gallies or small Vessels , which the Hungarians call Saicks , ( both of them faithful and industrious Persons , and therefore cull'd out by Ferdinand for that Employment ) were sent Embassadors to Constantinople . Upon their Arrival , Malvezius was delivered out of Prison , and sent back to Ferdinand with Letters from Solyman . In a small time after his return , he was sent back by Ferdinand to Constantinople , with his Answer to Solyman's Letters ; and was designed to remain , as his Embassador in Ordinary there , when once Peace was established between them . Being on his Journy , when he had reached as far as Comora ( a Castle seated on the Confluence of the Danow and the River Vaga , a Frontire Garison against the Turks ) the Disease , which he had contracted in Prison , returned with such Violence upon him , that he was forced to make a stop , and despairing of his Recovery , he wrote to the Emperor Ferdinand beseeching him to appoint another Embassador in his stead . Upon the receipt of his Letter , Ferdinand was at a stand ; he did not fully believe , nor yet altogether disbelieve , him ; he was inclined to suspect , that the Memory of his former Sufferings , and the fear of future ones , did deter him from that Employment , rather than the danger of his Disease ; and yet , on the other side , he did not think it creditable for himself to employ a Man that had so well deserved of him and of the Common-wealth , in any Service against his Will. But the Death of Malvezius , which followed a few Months after , did sufficiently convince him , that his Disease was not pretended , to decline the Employment , but was really a Mortal one . Upon this , I was substituted in the Place of Malvezius . But being unexperienced ( as I said before ) in the Affairs and Manners of the Turks , King Ferdinand thought it adviseable for me to bestow a Visit upon Malvezius , in his Sickness ; that so , by his Directions and Advice , I might be better cautioned and arm'd against any Impositions of the captious Turks . Two Days I staid with him , which was as much as the straitness of my time would permit ; and I husbanded them so well , as to be informed , by him , what I was to act and what to avoid , in my daily Conversation with the Turks . Whereupon I posted back to Vienna , and began , with great application and diligence , to prepare Necessaries for my Journy . But such was the flush of Business , and so little the time allowed to dispatch it , that , when the Day fixt for my departure came , tho' the King did earnestly press me forward , and I had been toilsomly busy all the day in equipping my self , and in causing Bag and Baggage to be pack'd up , even from the fourth Watch ; yet it was the first Watch of the following Night , before I could be quite ready ; but then the Gates of Vienna , which at that time of Night us'd always to be shut , were opened on purpose for me . The Emperor went abroad a Hunting that Day , but he told his Followers , That he did not doubt but that I would be upon my Way , before he returned from his Sport in the Evening , and it fell out accordingly ; yet so , that I was but just gone before he came home . At 11 a Clock at Night , we came to Ficiminum , a Town in Hungary , 4 Miles from Vienna ; there we Supp'd , for our haste was so great that we came Supperless out of Town ; from thence we travelled towards Comora . The Emperor , among the rest of his Commands , had enjoyn'd me to take along with me to Buda , one Paul Palinai from Comora , a Man well acquainted with the Rapins and Depredations of the Turks , and so was best able to assist me in my Expostulations with the Bassa of Buda , and in my Demands for satisfaction of Injuries received . But he , not in the least suspecting that my departure would have been so punctual at the Day appointed , had not yet stirred from his own House , and there was no Body could tell , when he would come ; which uncertainty troubled me very much . I acquainted King Ferdinand therewith , by Letter , and all the next Day stayed at Comora expecting his coming . But the third Day , I passed over the River Vaga , and prosecuted my Journy towards Gran , the first Garison of the Turks I came to in Hungary . Col. Iohn Pax , Governor of Comora had sent 16 Horse with me ( of those that the Hungarians call Hussars ) to be my Guard ; and he had given them a Charge not to leave me , till they came in sight of the Turkish Convoy , for the Governor of Gran had signified to me , that his Soldiers should meet me half way . We travelled about three Hours through a vast Plain , when , behold ! there appeared afar off 4 Turkish Horse ; and yet , notwithstanding , my Hungarian Guard accompanied me still , till I desired them to retire ; for I was afraid that if they should come up to the Turks , some troublesome Bickering would have intervened betwixt them . As soon as the Turks saw me to draw near , they rode up to me , and saluted me by my Coach-side ; thus we passed on a while togegether , discoursing interchangeably one with another , ( for I had a little Youth for my Interpreter . ) I expected no other Convoy , but when we descended into a low Valley , I saw my self , on a sudden , surrounded with a Party of about an 150 Horse . It was a very pleasant Spectacle to a Man , unaccustomed to see such Sights ; for their Bucklers and Spears were curiously painted , their Sword-handles bedeck'd with Jewels , their Plumes of Feathers party-coloured , and the Coverings of their Heads were twisted with round Windings as white as Snow ; their Apparel was Purple-coloured , or at least a dark Blew ; they rode upon stately Praunsers , adorn'd with most beautiful Trappings . Their Commanders came up to me , and after Friendly Salutation they bid me Welcome ; and asked me , how I had fared on my Journy ? I answer'd them as I thought fit ; and thus they led me to Gran , for so the Castle is called , situate on an Hill , whose Foot is washed by the Danow , with a Town adjoining , built in a Plain . I retired into the Town , the Arch-bishop whereof is Primate of Hungary , and for Dignity , Authority and Opulency , is inferior to no Nobleman of that Kingdom . Here I was entertained , not after a Courtly , but after a Military , manner ; for instead of Beds , they spread abroad course shaggy Rugs of Tapestry upon hard Boards ; there were no Bed-ticks nor Sheets : Here my Family had the first taste of Turkish Delights ( forsooth ; ) as for my self , I fared better , for my Bed was carried along with me , whithersoever I went. The Day after my Arrival , the Sanziac of the Place ( for so the Turks call a Governor , because a Sanziac ( i. e. ) a gilded brass Ball , is carried before him on the top of a Spear , as a Cornet to a Troop of Horse ) was very earnest to speak with me ; and tho' I had no Letter , nor any other Command to deliver to him , yet such was his importunity , that go I must . And when I came , I found he had no Business with me , but only to see and salute me , and to ask me something of my Errand ; and thus , exhorting me to promote a Peace , he wish'd me a happy Journy . In my Passage , I admir'd to hear the croaking of Frogs in such a cold Season of the Year as the Month of December ; the cause was , the Waters stagnant in those Places are made warm by sulphureous Exhalations . Leaving Gran , I went towards Buda ; but , to be sure , I took my Breakfast before-hand , which was likely to be my Dinner also ; for there was no Place to bait at , before I came to Buda . The Sanziac , or Governor of the Place , with all his Family , together with the Horse which he commanded , came out of the Town with me , to bring me on my Way : I could by no means persuade him to omit this Office of Respect . The Horse , as soon as they came out of the Gates , began to shew me some sport , curvetting and discharging one against another ; they threw their Bonnets on the ground , and Galloping their Horses with full speed , by them , they took them up by the Points of their Spears ; and many such Ludicrous Pranks did they perform . Amongst the rest of them , there was a Tartar , who had thick Bushy Hair hanging down over his shoulders ; they told me , that he always went Bare-Headed , and would never have any other fence for his Head , either against the Violence of the Weather , or the Hazards of a Battle , but his own Hair. The Sanziac , after he had accompanied me as far as he pleased , returned home , but not before we had taken our leaves one of another , and he had left some Guides for my Journy , in my Retinue . When I drew near to Buda , a few Turkish Chiaux's met me on the way , ( they are in the nature of Pursuivants , or Sergeants at Arms , to carry about the Commands of the Grand Seignior , or his Bassa's , and are Officers of great esteem in that Nation , ) by them I was brought to Lodg in the House of a Citizen , who was an Hungarian , where my Baggage , Coach and Horses , was better provided for , than my self ; for the Turks take special care , that Horses , with their Equipage , be well accommodated ; as for the Men , if they have but an House over their Heads to shelter them from the Weather , they think they may shift well enough for themselves . The Bassa of Buda sent one to visit me , and to bid me welcome , his Name was Tuigon , ( which in Turkish signifies a Stork , ) by him he excused himself to me , that he could not admit me into his Presence for some Days , because of a grievous Disease he laboured under , but as soon as ever he recover'd a little strength , he said , he would wait upon me . This delay was the occasion , that the aforemention'd absence of Palinai was less prejudicial to me , than otherwise it would have been , ( to say no more , ) for he used great diligence to post after , lest he might come too late , and accordingly he overtook me a little while after . I was detained at Buda a long time , by reason of the Sickness of the Bassa ; 't was thought his Disease was Grief , which he had conceived for the loss of a great Sum of Mony , which was stoln from the place in which he had hid it , for he was commonly reported to be a Penurious and Sordid-Spirited Man. When he heard , that I had brought the Heer William Quacquelben with me , a great Philosopher , and an excellent Physician too , he earnestly intreated me , that he might give him a Visit to administer some Physick to him , in order to his Cure. I easily granted his Request , but soon after was almost ready to repent of my Facility : For the Bassa grew worse and worse , and , 't was thought , he would not have recovered ; so that I was afraid , if he had Died , the Turks would say , my Physician had Kill'd him ; and , by that means , the good Man might have run a great Hazard , and I my self also might have born part of the Infamy , as being accessory thereunto ; but it pleased God to free me from this Anxiety , by restoring the Bassa to his Health . 'T was at Buda I got the first sight of the Ianizaries , so the Turks call their Praetorian Foot ; their Number , when it is fullest , is Twelve Thousand , and their Prince disperses them all over his Dominions , either to Garison his Forts against an Enemy , or to be a Safeguard to Christians and Iews , against the injurious Rage of the Multitude ; for there is no well Inhabited Village , Town , or City , wherein there are not some or other of these Ianizaries to Protect Christians , Iews , and other helpless Persons , from the Fury of the Rabble . The Castle of Buda is always Garison'd by them ; their Habit is a long Garment down to their Ankles ; upon their Heads they wear the Sleeve of a Coat , or Cloak , ( for from thence , as they say , the Pattern was drawn , ) their Head is put into part of it , and part of it hangs down behind , flapping upon their shoulders ; in the Front , or Forepart of it , there ariseth a Silver-Cone , somewhat long , guilt over with Gold , and wrought with Jewels , but they were of an ordinary sort . These Ianizaries usually came to me by Couples ; when they were admitted into my Dining-Room , they bowed down their Heads and made Obeysance , and presently they ran hastily to me , and touched either my Garment , or my Hand , as if they would have kiss'd it ; and then forc'd upon me a Bundle , or Nosegay , of Hyacinths , or Narcissus's , and presently they retired backward , with equal speed , to the Door , that so they might not turn their Backs upon me , ( for that is accounted undecent , by the Rules of their Order , ) when they came to the Door , there they stood , with a great deal of modesty and silence , with their Hands upon their Breasts , and fixing their Eyes upon the ground , so that they seemed liker our Monks , than their Soldiers . But when I had given them some Cash , ( which was the only thing they aimed at , ) they bowed their Heads again , and giving me thanks with a loud Voice , they wished me all happiness , and departed . The Truth is , unless I had been told before , they were Ianizaries , I should have thought them to have been a kind of Turkish Monks , or Fellows of some College or other amongst them . Yet these are the Ianizaries that carry such a ' Terror with them , wheresoever they come . Some Turks supp'd with me often at Buda , and were mightily taken with the delicious sweetness of my Wine : It is a Liquor that they have but little of in Turky , and therefore they more greedily desire it , and drink it more profusely , when once they come where it is . They continued Carousing till late at Night , but afterwards I grew weary of the sport , and therefore rose from Table , and went to my Chamber ; but as for Them , they went away sad , because they had not their full swing at the Goblet , but were able to stand upon their Feet . As soon as I was gone , they sent a Youth after me , desiring me to let them have their Fill of Wine , and that I would lend them my Silver-Cups to drink it in ; for they were willing , by my leave , to sit at it all Night in some Corner or other of the House . I granted their request , and ordered so much Wine to be given them , as they desired , with Bowls to drink it in . Being thus accommodated , they tippled it out so long , till they were even Dead-drunk , and tumbling down , lay fast asleep upon the ground . You must know , that it is a great Crime in Turky to drink Wine , especially for those who are well stricken in Years ; as for the Younger sort , they think the Offence to be more Venial , and therefore more excusable in them . But seeing they expect no less Punishment , after Death , for drinking a little Wine , than if they drank never so much , when once they have tasted of that Liquor , they go on to drink more and more ; for having once incurr'd the Penalty of their Law , now , they think , they may sin gratis , and account Drunkenness as a matter of Gain . This Opinion , and others mo●e absurd than This , do the Turks hold concerning Wine , of which I will give you a remarkable Instance : I saw an Old Man at Constantinople , who , after he had taken a Cup of Wine in his Hand to Drink , us'd first to make an hideous Noise ; I asked his Friends , Why he did so ? They answered me , that , by this Outcry , he did as it were warn his Soul to retire into some secret corner of his Body , or else wholly to Emigrate , and pass out of it , that she might not be guilty of that Sin which he was about to commit , nor be defiled with the Wine , that he was to guzzle down . But to return to Buda . 'T would be too tedious for me to give you a large Description of this Place , and it were a Task fitter for one that writes a Book , not a Letter ; yet not to be wholly silent , Buda lies in a pleasant place , and in a very fruitful Country , it is extended all along the Brow of an Hill , so that on one side it borders on a rising ground , abounding with choice Vineyards , and on the other side it is watred by the River Danow , running by it ; and beyond the Danow , there is the Town of Pest , and a large Campain adjoining , both which Prospects are in view of Buda , so that this Place seems naturally designed for the Metropolis of Hungary . It was anciently Adorned with many stately Palaces , belonging to the Nobles of Hungary , but those goodly Piles are now either quite fallen to the ground , or else have many Props to support them from tumbling down ; they are Inhabited mostly by the Turkish Soldiers , whose daily Pay being but enough to support them , they have no overplus to lay out in Tyling , or Repairing , such large Structures ; and therefore they do not much regard , whether it Rains thro' the Roof , or whether the Walls be full of Clefts , provided they have a dry place to set their Horses , and their own Beds , in ; the upper part they think concerns them not , so that they make a great part of the upper Stories to be Inhabited by Weazels and Mice . Besides , 't is a piece of Religion in Turky , not to covet Magnificent Buildings ; for , ( say they ) 't is a sign of a Proud , Lofty , and Aspiring Mind , to covet Sumptuous Houses , as if so frail a Creature as Man did promise a kind of Immortality , and an Everlasting Habitation , to himself , in this Life ; when alas ! we are but as Pilgrims here , and therefore ought to use our Dwellings , as Travellors do their Inns , wherein if they are secured from Thieves , from Cold , from Heat , and from Rain , they seek not for any other Conveniencies . So that all over Turky you will hardly find a stately House , tho' the Owner of it be never so great , or Rich , a Man ; the Commonalty of them live in Huts and Cottages ; the Nobles are for handsome Orchards , Gardens , and Baths ; but as for their Houses , tho' the Numerousness of their Families require large ones , yet they have no handsome Gate-houses , or Porches , belonging to them , nor Court-Yards , nor any thing else Magnificent , or worthy of any Admiration . Herein they resemble the Hungarians , for , except Buda , and ( perhaps ) Presburgh , there is scarce any City in Hungary that you can call well-built . This Custom , I suppose , they derived from their Ancestors , for they being a People given to Camp-discipline and therein trained , did not care a rush for building great Houses , but looked upon their Towns only as Temporary Habitations , which they were about to leave . Moreover , whilst I was at Buda , I was very much taken with the sight of a strange kind of Fountain that is without the Gate of the Town , in the way leading to Constantinople , the Water whereof at top was boyling hot , and yet in the bottom there were Fishes playing up and down ; so that you would think , they must needs be throughly boyled , before you could take them out . 'T was the 7 th of December , before the Bassa was so well recovered as to admit me to his Presence ; and then , after I had sweetned him with some Presents . I made my Complaint to him of the Insolency and Ravagings of the Turkish Soldiers ; and demanded Restitution of what they had wrongfully taken away , contrary to the express Articles of the Truce made , and which he himself , in his Letter to Ferdinand , had promised him satisfaction for , if he pleased to send an Envoy to Buda . But he , like a cunning Gamester , made as many Complaints of the Injuries and Losses They had sustained by Our Soldiers : And as for his Promise to restore the Places they had wrongfully seized and taken away from the Emperor ; he eluded it , by sheltring himself under this Dilemma , Either I made a Promise , or I did not ; if I made no Promise , then you can demand nothing of me : If I did make a Promise , I know , Sir , you are a Person of that Understanding as not to conceive , that I can or will perform it ; for I am sent hither by my Master to enlarge , not to diminish , the Bounds of his Empire , so that I must by no means make his condition worse than it was ; 't is my Master's Business , ( Sir ) not Mine ; what you have to say on this Head , pray propound it to him , when you come to Constantinople : To be short , Sir , you know I am but newly recovered , and therefore am not in a condition to maintain any further Discourse . When this course Complement was put upon me , I thought 't was time to be gone , neither could I get any thing else from him , only a Truce , till the Grand Seignior's mind was known . I observed , that when I was introduced to the Bassa , they observed the old Roman Custom of crying aloud , Welcom , Welcom ; and so wishing an happy Issue to my Negotiation : I observed also , that the Turks count the Left Hand to be most Honourable in some particular Cases ; the reason they give , is , because the Sword is worn on that side , and he that is on the Right Hand has , as it were , the Command of the Sword of him that is at his Left , whereas his Own is free , Matters being thus composed at Buda , as well as we could , my Companion Palinai returned to the Emperor , but I , for my part , shipp'd my Horses , Coaches , and all my Family on some Vessels , prepared for me on the Danow , and so passed down the Stream to Belgrade ; this was a shorter Cut , and also more secure ; for my Journy by Land to Belgrade would at that time have cost me at least 12 Days , especially having such a deal of heavy Baggage with me ; and , besides , we had been in danger to be Robb'd by the Heyduc's , so the Hungarians call a sort of plundering Thieves and Robbers : But upon the Water there was no fear at all of them ; and , besides , we compassed our Journy in 5 Days . The Vessel , in which I was , was drawn along by a lesser Pinnace , in which there were 24 Oars ; the other Vessels had but two large Oars apiece . The Mariners rowed Night and Day without any intermission , excepting only a few Hours that the poor Souls borrow'd to sleep and eat in . In my Passage down the River , I could not but observe the venturousness , not to say temerity , of the Turks , who were not afraid to sail on in the mistiest Weather , in the darkest Night , and when the Wind blew very hard , too ; and , besides , there were many Water mills , with several Trunks and Boughs of Trees hanging over the Banks , which made our Passage very dangerous ; so that some times our Vessel , by the boisterousness of the Wind , was driven to the Bank , and there dash'd against old stumps of Trees hanging over , so that it was like to split ; this is certain , that she lost some Planks out of her Hulk , which made a terrible crack and noise when they were loosed therefrom . This noise awak'd me ; leaping out of my Bed I advis'd the Mariners to be more cautio●s ; they lift up their Voices , and gave me no other Answer than Alaure , i. e. God will help , and so I might go to Bed again , if I would . Tho' We sped pretty well , yet I am apt to believe , that , at one time or other , such dangerous Sayling will be fatal to some Passengers . In our Passage , I saw Tolna , a handsome Town in Hungary ; I cannot forbear to mention it , because there we had very good White-wine , and , besides , the Inhabitants were very courteous to us . Moreover , we passed in sight of the Castle of Walpot , seated on an Hill , and of other Castles and Towns besides ; we saw also where the River Drave , on the one side , and the Tibiscus , or Taise , on the other , made their Influx into the Danow . As for Belgrade it self , it is seated at the confluence of the Save and the Danow ; the old City is built in the extreme Angle of the Promontory , the Building is old , it is fortified with many Towers and a double Wall : Two parts of it are wash'd by the Save and the Danow , but on that part where it is joyned to the Land , it hath a very strong Castle on high Ground , consisting of many lofty Turrets made of square Stone ; before you come into the City , there is a vast company of Buildings , and very large Suburbs , wherein several Nations do inhabit , viz. ●Turks , Greeks , Iews , Hungarians , Dalmatians , and many others . For you must know that ordinarily over all the Turkish Dominions , the Suburbs are larger than the Towns , but take them both together , they give the resemblance of large Cities : 'T was at this Town , that I first met with some ancient Coins , wherein , as you know , I take a great delight , and my Physician aforesaid , Dr. Quacquelben fitted me to an Hair , as we say , for he was as much addicted to those Studies as my self . I found a great many pieces , which on one side represented a Roman Soldier , plac'd between a Bull and a Horse , ( for 't is known , that the Legions of upper Moesia did anciently encamp hereabouts ) with this Inscription , Taurunum . This City , in the Memory of our Grandfathers , was twice violently assaulted by the Turks , first , under Amurath ; next , under Mahomet who took Constantinople ; but the Hungarians , under the Banner of the Cross , made such a vigorous defence , that the Barbarians were beaten off with a great deal of loss . But at last , in the Year , 1520. Solyman , in the beginning of his Reign , came before it with a vast Army , and finding it , either by the neglect of young King Ludovicus , or by the Discords of the factious Hungarian Nobles , destitute of a Garison able to defend it , he took that opportunity to assault it , and so easily became Master thereof . And that Door being once opened , an Iliad of Miseries broke in upon poor Hungary , of which she is sadly sensible to this day ; for this Pass being gained , there followed the Slaughter of King Le●is Ludovicus , the taking of Buda , the inslaving of Transilvania , and a flourishing Kingdom hereby brought under the Yoke no●-without a Terror struck into the Neighbouring Nations , lest they also should partake of the same Calamities : By which Example , Christian Princes may take warning , never to think their Frontier Towns and Castles to be strong enough , nor sufficiently provided , against so potent an Enemy as the Turk . For the truth is , the Ottomans are herein not unlike to great Rivers , whose swelling Waves , if they break down any part of the Bank or Jitty that keeps them in , spread far and near , and do abundance of mischief ; so the Turks , but far more pernic●ously , having once broke through the Obstacles that stopt them , make a vast spoil where-ever they come . But to return to Belgrade , that I may prosecute the rest of my Journy to Constantinople . After I had provided my self in that City of all things necessary for a Land-Journy , I left Semandria , heretofore a Town or Castle of the Despots of Servia on the left side of the Danow ; from whence we journied towards Nissa . In our way thither , the Turks shewed us , from the higher Grounds , the Mountains of Transilvania , with snowy Tops , but at a great distance from us ; and , moreover , they pointed with their Fingers , where the Ruins of Trajans Bridge were : After we had past the River called Morava , we came to a Town of the Servians , named , Iagodna ; there I observed the Funeral Rites of that Country , which differ very much from ours ; as you may find by this Relation following . The dead Body was placed in a Temple , with the Face uncovered ; near it were laid Victuals , as Bread , Flesh and a Flagon of Wine : The Wife and Daughter of the deceased stood by , in their best Apparel ; the Daughters Hat was made of Peacocks-feathers . The last Boon that the Wife bestowed on her dead Husband , was a purple Bonnet , such as noble Virgins us'd to wear in that Country . Then we heard their Funeral Plaints , Mournings and Lamentations , wherein they asked the dead Corps , How they came to deserve so ill at his Hands ? Wherein had they been wanting in their Duty and Observance , that he had left them in such a lonesom and disconsolate Condition ? And such like Stuff . The Priests that ministred in this Service were of the Greek Church . In the Church-yard , there were erected on Poles or long Staves , several Pictures of Stags , Hinds and such kind of Creatures , cut in Wood ; when I asked them the reason of this strange Custom , they told us , That their Husbands or Fathers did thereby signifie the celerity and diligence of their Wives or Daughters in managing their Houshold Affairs . Moreover by some Sepulchres , there hung Bushes of Hair , which Women or Maidens had placed in testimony of their grief for the loss of their Relations . We were also informed , that it was the custom of that Country , after Friends on both sides had accorded about the Marriage of a young Couple , for the Bridegroom to snatch away his Bride , as it were by force ; for they do not think it handsome , that a Maid should consent to her own Devirgination or first Nights Lodging with her Husband . At a small distance from Iagodna , we met with a little River which the neighbouring Inhabitants called Nissus , and we kept it on our right hand almost all the way till we came to Nissa ; yea , and beyond the Town , upon the Bank thereof , ( where there were some remains of an old Roman Way ) we saw a small Marble Pillar , yet standing , wherein there were some Latin Letters inscribed , but they were so defaced , that they could not be read : As for the Town of Nissa , for that Country , it is a decent one , and full of Inhabitants . 'T is time now to acquaint you with the Entertainment we met with at our Inns , for I believe you long to know . When I came to Nissa , I lodged in a publick Inn , the Turks call them Caravasarai , of which there are a great many in that Country ; the Form of them is this , it is a large Edifice , that has more of length than breadth ; in the midst of it there is a kind of Yard for the placing of Carriages , Camels , Mules and Wagons . This Yard is compassed about with a Wall about 3 Foot high , which joins , and is , as it were , built in the outward Wall , that incloses the whole Building ; the top of this inner Wall is plain and level , and is about 4 Foot broad . Here the Turks lodge , here they sup , and here is all the Kitchen which they have , ( for in the ambient Wall , before spoken of , there are ever and anon some Hearths built ) and here are no Partitions between Camels , Horses with other Cattel , and Men , but the space of that inner Wall ; and yet at the foot of that Wall , they so tye their Horses that their Heads and Necks are above it , or at least may lean over it ; and thus when their Masters are warming themselves at the Fire , or else are at Supper , they stand near them as Servants us'd to do ; and sometimes they will take a piece of Bread or Apple , or whatsoever else is offered them , out of their Masters Hand . Upon the same Wall , the Turks make their Beds , after this manner , first of all they spread abroad a piece of Tapestry , which is fitted as a Saddle-cloth by day , for their Horses : Upon that they put their Cloaks ; their Saddles serve for a Pillow ; and with the long Vests they wear at day , they cover themselves at night . And thus they take their rest , never provoking Sleep by any other Allurement . There is nothing done in secret , there all is open , and every Body may see what another does , unless the darkness of the night do hinder him . For my part , I did greatly abhor this sort of Lodging , because the Eyes of all the Turks were continually upon us , stareing and wondring at our carriage , according to the Customs of our Country . And , therefore , I always indeavoured to lodge at the mean House of some poor Christian ! but , alas ! their Cottages were so small , that many times I had not room enough , in them , for placing my Bed ; so that sometimes I slept in my Tent , sometimes in my Coach , and sometimes again I turned into the Turkish Hospitals ; which , to give them their due , are very convenient , and not unhandsomly built , for they have several distinct Apartments for Lodgings in them . There is no Man forbid the use of them , either Christian or Iew , Rich or Poor , they are open equally to all . Even the Bassa's and Sanziacs , when they travel , make use of them . In these I thought my self lodg'd as well as in the Palace of a Prince . The Custom of these Inns , like Hospitals , is this : They allow Victuals to every particular Man , that comes in as a Guest : So that when Supper time came , there was a Servant that brought in a great wooden Dish almost as big as a Table ; in the middle of it was a Platter full of Barley boyled to a Jelly with a little piece of Flesh , and about the Platter were some small Loaves , and here and there a piece of an Hony-comb . When I saw this , at first , out of Modesty , I refused it , saying , that my Servants were preparing my own Supper for me , and therefore advis'd them to give it to the Poor : He took it amiss , and prest it upon me , alledging , that I should not scorn their slender Provision , that the Bassa's themselves us'd to eat of it ; it was the custom of their Country so to do ; they had enough left to give to the Poor ; and if I would not eat it my self , I should give it to my Servants ; hereupon , I was enforced to take it , that I might not be counted uncivil by them . Take it then I did , and after I had tasted a little of it , I gave him thanks . The relish of it pleas'd me well , for that kind of Gruel , as it is commended by Galen , so it is very wholesome , and not unpleasing to the taste . Travellers may be entertained with that kind of Diet for 3 days , but when that time is expired , they must pack up and be gone . Here ( as I told you ) I was well intertain'd , but I met not always with such good Quarters . Sometimes , when I could not light upon an House , I lodged in a Stable ; my People enquired after a large and capacious one , in one part whereof was an Hearth and a Chimney , and the other part was design'd for the Herds of Cattle ; for that is the Make of the Turkish Stables , that the Herd and the Herdsman do lodge under the same Roof . I divided that part where the Fire was from the rest , by the sides of my Tent , and then I put my Table and my Bed by the Fire-side , and liv'd like an Emperor : As for my Family , they wallowed in a great deal of clean Straw , in the other part of the Stable : But some of them fell asleep by the Fire-side in the adjoining Orchard or Meadow where Supper was a preparing ; the heat of the Fire was their guard against the coldness of the night , and they had as great a care not to let it go out , as the Vestal Virgins had of old at Rome . I suppose , you will ask me , how my Family did relieve themselves against the inconvenience of their bad Lodging ; especially seeing they could have little Wine in the middle of Turky , which might have been some Remedy for their ill Lodging at night . For the truth is , there is little Wine to be had in several of their Villages , especially if no Christians dwell among them : For I must tell you , that the Christians being wearied out with the Pride and Insolency of the Turks , do many times withdraw themselves from the common Road into desert Places ; which tho' they are less fruitful yet are more secure ; and so leave their better Possessions to the domineering Turks . And whenever we drew near to any such Places , where there was no Wine , the Turks would very fairly tell us of it beforehand ; so that I sent my Steward the day before , with a Turk to guide him , to procure some from the next Villages of the Christians . And by this means it was , that the Distresses of my Family were something alleviated ; 't is true , I could not get any soft Featherbeds or Pillows for them , or other Blandishments for sleep ; the Wine was instead of all : As for my self , I had some Flagons of choice Wine in my Chariot , so that I wanted none ; thus I and my Family were provided for , as to Wine . But there was one Inconvenience , which troubled us more than the scarcity of Wine , and that was , our sleep was miserably interrupted ; for we being to rise betimes in the Morning , and sometimes before day , that we might come the sooner to our Inns at Night , our Turkish Guides , being deceived by the light of the Moon , would sometimes call us up at or about Midnight , with a great deal of noise and clamour . For the Turks have no Clocks to distinguish Hours , nor Miles to shew the distance of Places : Only they have a sort of Ecclesiasticks , which they call Talismans ; this sort of People use a kind of Admeasurement by Water , and when they perceive thereby , that 't is Morning , then they cry aloud from an high Tower , built on purpose , exhorting them to arise and worship God. They make the same noise in the middle between Sun-rise and Noon ; and likewise , between Noon and Sun-set ; and , last of all , when the Sun is set , they cry out , with a very shrill Voice , which hath no unpleasant Modulation , and which is heard farther than any Body would think . Thus the Turks divide the day into four spaces , longer or shorter , according to the Season of the Year : But for the Night-time , they have no certain Rule at all . So then our Turkish Guides being deceived by the brightness of the Night ( as I told you before ) called us up before Sun-rising , and we started out of our Beds in great haste , that so they might not impute any unlucky Accident , upon the way , to our slothfulness ; in the Morning , we pack'd up our Baggage , and put my Bed and Tent in our Wagons , harnessed our Horses , and were ready for our Journy ; only expected the word of Command . But ( would you think it ? ) our Turks , when they found their Mistake , fairly went into their Nests again ; and after we had waited for them a great while , I sent to them , to tell them , we were all ready ; and now the delay was on their side , my Messengers brought me word , from them , that the Moon-light had deceived them , and , therefore , they were gone to sleep again ; for it would be a great while before it would be time to go ; and they persuaded us to try to sleep again too . And , thus , we must either unpack all our things again , to our no small trouble ; or else we must endure a great part of the coldness of the Night in the open Air. To prevent this Inconvenience for the future , I charged the Turks not to be so troublesome any more , as to rouse me out of my sleep ; for if they would but tell me over Night , at what time they would rise in the Morning , I would be sure to be ready at the time appointed ; for I had Watches , by me , that I intended to make use of , which would not fail to acquaint me with the precise Hour of the Morning ; and if they over-slept themselves , they should lay it to my charge ; so that they need not scruple to trust me with the Hour of their rising . They seem'd to be somewhat satisfied herewith , and yet did not lay aside all their Solicitude neither ; for in the Morning betimes , they awaken'd my Valet de Chambre , desiring him to go to me , and to see how the Index of my Watches did point ; he did so ; and returned Answer to them , as well as he could , That 't was much or little to Sun-rising , according as he found it . When they had thus tried him once or twice , and found that he hit the Time right , they trusted me for the future , and admir'd the Structure of our Watches , that could so faithfully declare the Time ; so that ever after , we slept out our sleep , without any Disturbances from them . From Nissa we came to S. Sophia ; the Journy thither , and the Weather , for that time of the Year , was very tolerable . Sophia is a Town big enough , and well inhabited both by Citizens and Strangers : It was heretofore the Royal Seat of the King of Bulgaria ; and afterwards ( if I mistake not ) of the Despots of Servia , whilst that House stood , before it was overthrown by the Turkish Arms. Afterward , we continued our Journy , for many Days , through the pleasant , and not unfruitful , Vally , of Bulgaria ; all the time we were in that Country , we had little other Bread , but only Cakes bak'd under Ashes upon the Hearth ; they call them Togatch . The Women and Maids sell them , ( for they have no Bakers in those Parts ; ) and when they perceive any Guests a coming , that are likely to pay for what they have , presently they knead a little Dough , with Water , without any Leaven ; and lay it ( upon Tiles ) under the Ashes , and so bring it out piping hot , as we say , and sell them for a very small Matter ; other Victuals is also very cheap there ; a good Weather-sheep may be bought for 35 Aspers ; a Chicken and a Hen will cost but an Asper ; a sort of Coin with them , of which 50 make but a Crown . I must not omit to acquaint you with the Habit of those Bulgarian Women . They commonly wear nothing but a Smock or Shift , made of no finer Linen-thread , than that we make Sacks of . And yet these course Garments were wrought , by them , with several sorts of Strip'd-needle-work after a homely fashion : With this loose party-coloured Habit they mightily please themselves , so that when they saw our Shifts , made of the finest Linen , yet they wondred at our Modesty , that we could be contented to wear them without various Works of divers Colours wrought in them . But that which I most of all admired in them , was the Tower , ( if I may so call it , ) which they wore on their Heads , for such was the Form of their Hats . They were made of Straw braided with Webs over them . The Figure of them doth differ from the Hats Women wear in our Country , for Ours hang down on the shoulders , and the lowest part of it is the broadest , and so it arises as it were into a Pyramid , at Top ; but Theirs is narrowest below , and so rises up like a Top , almost Nine Inches above the Head , but that part of it that looks upwards , towards the Sky , is both very capacious , and also open , so that , it seems made to take in Rain , and Showers , as ours are to shelter us against them ; but in that space interjacent between their upper and lower part , there hang pieces of Coin , little Pictures or Images , small parcels of painted Glass , or what-ever is resplendent , tho never so mean , which are accounted very ornamental among them . Those kind of Hats do make them look taller , and also more Matron-like , tho' they are easily blown off their Heads , by a blast of Wind , or by any light motion they fall off themselves . When they appeared to us in this Dress , methought , they resembled Clytemnestra or some Hecuba or other , ( in the flourishing time of Troy ) coming upon the Stage . This Sight suggested to me some pious Meditations , viz. How frail and mutable a thing that which is called Nobleness of Birth , is ; for when I ask'd of some of these Lasses , they that seem'd to be the handsomest among them , concerning their Stock and Lineage , they told me , They were descended from the chief Nobles of that Country ; and some of them were of a Royal Progeny , tho' now it was their Fate , ( as they said ) to marry Herdsmen or Shepherds . For Nobility is very little esteemed in the Turkish Dominions . For I my self did afterwards see , at Constantinople and other Places , some Descendants from the Imperial Families of the Catacuzeni and the Paloeologi , living more contemptuously among the Turks , than ever Dionysius did of old at Corinth ; nay , the Turks esteem no Men for their Birth , but only for their own perform'd Accomplishments , excepting only the Ottoman Family ; for That they have a high Veneration , upon account of its Original . It is thought that these Bulgarians had their Original from Seythia , near the River Volga , and that they changed their Habitations and came into these Parts , when other Nations , either compelled by force or prompted by choice , changed theirs ; and that they were called Bulgarians , i. e. Volgarians , from the River Volga , aforesaid . Upon this transmigration they fix'd their Habitation upon those Parts of Mount Hoemus , that lie between Sophia and Philippopolis , which are Places naturally strong ; where they , for a long time , baffled all the Power of the Grecian Emperors , and kill'd Baldwin the Elder , Earl of Flanders , then Emperor of Constantinople , after they had taken him in an hot Skirmish . Yet for all this they were not able to resist the Power of the Turks , but were overcome and miserably enslav'd by them . They use the Illyrian or Slavonian Tongue , as the Servians and Rascians also do . Before a Man descends into that Plain that lies over against Philippopolis , he must go through a Forest and a craggy Mountain , which the Turks call Capi Dervent , i. e. The Gate of the strait or narrow Passage ; but in the Plain , before mentioned , we met with the River Hebrus , having its Original from the adjoining Mountain , Rhodope . Before we could pass the said Straits , we saw the top of Mount Rhodope all cover'd over with deep Snow . The Inhabitants , as I remember , call it Rulla . From hence flows the River Hebrus , as Pliny says , and Ovid also affirms the same in this Distick . Qua patet umbrosum Rhodope glacialis ad Hoemum , Et sacer amissas exigit Hebrus aquas . Where Icy Rhodope ope's to shady Hoeme , And sacred Hebrus wants part of her Stream . In which Verses , the Poet seems to intimate the shallowness of that River for want of Water . For tho' it be a great and famous River , yet , in most Places , it is fordable : For , I remember , in my return from Constantinople , we forded over the same Hebrus , near Philippopolis , to an Island on the other side , where we lay in our Tents all Night ; but so it hapned , that the Waters swelled that Night by reason of Rain , so that the next Morning we could not repass the River , to come into the Road , without a great deal of trouble . The City of Philippopolis is situate on one of the three little Hills , disjoyned , and , as it were , rent from the rest of the Mountains , and is as the grace of those little Hillocks . While we were at Philippopolis , we saw Rice growing , like Wheat , in the watry and marshy Grounds . The whole Plain , about the Town , is full of little round Hills of Earth , which , the Turks say , were raised on purpose , as Monuments of the frequent Battles fought in those Fields , and the Graves of such as were slain there . From hence , leaving the River Hebrus , something on the Right , and Mount Hoemus , which runs forth into Pontus , on the left , at last we passed over the Hebrus on a famous Bridge , made by Mustapha , and so came to Hadrianople , which the Turks call Endrene . This City was formerly called Orestia , before the Emperor Hadrian inlarged it , and called it by his own Name . It is seated at the confluence of the River Mariza or Hebrus , and the two small Currents of Thinsa and Harda , which there meeting in a joint Stream run into the Egean Sea. This City is not very large within the Walls ; but , if you take in the Suburbs a●d the Buildings which the Turks have added without , it is very capacious . We staid but one day at Hadrianople , and then went forward on the last Stage of our Journy towards Constantinople , to which we drew nearer day by day . In my way thither , there grew abundance of Narcissus's , Hyacinths , and ( as the Turks call them ) Tulips , which we beheld , not without admiration , that in the midst of Winter , which is not favourable to such Flowers in other Countries , the Ground should be so garnished by them . As for Narcissus's and Hyacinths's , all Greece abound with them ; and they are so odoriferous , that , by reason of their multitude , they are offensive to those Heads that are unaccustomed to such kind of Smels . But the Tulip hath little or no Smell , but its gaudiness and party-colouredness is its greatest commendation . The Turks are great Admirers of Flowers , so that , tho' they are parsimonious enough in other cases , yet for a stately Flower , they will not scruple to give some Aspers . And the truth is , these kind of Flowers , tho' they were presented to me as a Gift , yet they cost me a great deal of Mony ; for some Aspers were always expected in requital . Neither is there any other way of treating with a Turk , but by opening the Purse-strings , as soon as any Christian comes among them ; neither must he think to shut them again , till he go out of their Country : While he is there , he must scatter his Coin , and if he get no other advantage by it , yet it makes them more tracta●le● For the Turks are so ill-natured , and such undervaluers of all Nations , but their own , that without this Open-handedness , there were no more living among them , for Strangers , than in the most desolate and uninhabited Places , by reason of the excessiveness either of Cold or Heat ; but with the bait of Liberality , you may catch a Turk at any time . About the mid-way between Hadrianople and Constantinople , there is a little Town , called , Chiurli , memorable for the overthrow which Selimus received in a Battel against his Father Bajazet , out of which he escaped by the swiftness of his Horse , called , Carabonluch , ( i. e. ) a Black Cloud , and so fled to the Cham , or the Precopeian Tartar , who was his Father-in-Law . Before we came to Selimbria , which is a Town standing on the Sea-side in our way , we saw the Ruins of an old Wall and Ditch , which were made by the later Emperors of Greece , which reached from that Sea to the Danow , to secure all that was contain'd within that Fortification to the Constantinopolitans , against the Incursions of the Barbarians ; and there goes a Story , that when that Wall was a Building , a certain old Man delivered his Opinion to his Wife , viz. That that Wall would not so much secure what was within it , from the hands of the Infidels , as it would expose and subject it to their rage and fury , in regard it would add Courage to the Barbarians to assault it , and weaken the Courage of the Grecians to defend it . At Selimbria we had a most pleasant prospect of a calm Sea ; and 't was very pleasant to us to behold the smooth Water , and to gather Cockles on the Shore ; yea , to behold Sholes of Dolphins sporting in the Water , which , with the warmness of the Air , was very delightful to us . It can hardly be imagined , how mild the Weather was in those Parts , tho' sometimes it be a little more boistrous at Chiurli ; but here there is , as I may call it , a Thracian Gale , and an incredible sweetness of Air. When we came near to Constantinople , we passed over two pleasant Arms of the Sea , upon a Bridge built over them . I may safely say , That if those Places were cultivated by Art , as they are naturally Pleasant , the Sun never shone on a better Country ; but , alas ! they seem to mourn for the neglect put upon them , by the insulting Barbarian . Here we had our fill of choice Sea-fishes , which were even taken in our sight . When I lodged in those Inns , the Turks call Imaret , I usually observed , that the cracks of the Walls were all full of pieces of Paper ; and thinking something was the matter , but not knowing what , I took out some of them , and finding nothing writ therein of any consequence , I was more earnest to know of the Turks the reason of their so doing ; especially , seeing I had observed the same thing in other Places of Turky , before . At first , they scrupled to tell me , as thinking , perhaps , that I would not believe them ; or else , not being willing to impart so great a Mystery of things to such an Alien as my self . This made me the more inquisitive , till at last some of them , with whom I became more familiar , told me , That the Turks gave a great deal of deference to Paper , because the name of God may be written in it : And , therefore , they will not suffer the least bit of Paper to lye upon the Ground , but presently they take it up , and thrust it into some chink or hold or other , that so it may not be trampled under foot ; and hitherto , perhaps , their Superstition may be tolerable , but mark what follows . In the day of Judgment , say they , when Mahomet shall call up his Followers from their Purgatory , ( to which they were condemned for their Sins ) to Heaven , to be there made Partakers of Eternal Blessedness ; There will no way be left for them to come to their Prophet , but over an huge red-hot Iron Grate , which they must run over bare-foot , ( how painfully , you may guess , when you imagine a Cock to skip thro' hot-burning Coals . ) But at that instant , ( believe it if you can ! ) all those Bundles of Paper , which they have preserv'd from being trod upon , will immediately appear , and put themselves under their Feet ; by which means , they will pass the Iron red-hot Grate with less damage ; so necessary do they count the work of saving a little Paper . And , to add to the Story , I remember that my Turkish Guides were once very angry with my Servants , for making use of Paper to cleanse their Posteriors , and thereupon made a grievous Complaint to me of their horrid Offence , therein ; I had no way to put them off , but by telling them , 't was no wonder my Servants did do such strange things , seeing they also us'd to eat Swines Flesh , which the Turks abhor . Thus I have given you a taste of the Turkish Superstition ; I shall add , That they account it a damnable Sin , if any of their own People chance ( tho' unwillingly ) to sit upon the Alcoran , ( which is a Book , containing the Rites of their Religion ; ) and , if a Christian do it , 't is Death by their Law. Moreover , they will not suffer Rose-leaves to lye upon the Ground , because , as the Ancients did fable , the Rose does spring out of the Blood of Venus ; so the Turks ( forsooth ) hold , That it had its rise from the Sweat of Mahomet : But I cloy your Stomach with these Trifles . I came to Constantinople on the 20 th day of Ianuary , and there found my Collegues above-mentioned , Anthony Wrantzius and Francis Zay ; as for the Grand Seignior himself , he was , at that time , at the Head of his Army in Asia , and had only left , at Constantinople , Ebrahim Bassa , an Eunuch , as Governor of the City , and Rustan , but deprived of his Visier-ship ; however , I gave him a Visit and made him Presents , as being mindful of his former Dignity , and of the fair Prospect there was of his speedy Restitution thereunto . It may , perhaps , divertise you , and besides it is not wholly foreign to my design , to acquaint you how this Rustan came to be strip'd of all his former Honours . Know then , That Solyman begat a Son , called Mustapha , on a Concubine of his , born by the Bosphorus , ( if I mistake not ) this Youth was in the prime of his Age , and in great favour among the Soldiers . But the same Solyman had several other Children by Roxolana , whom he doted on so much , that he made her his Wife , by appointing her a Dowry ; for that 's the way of making and firming a Marriage among the Turks . This Solyman did , contrary to the Custom of former Emperors , none of which had ever marry'd a Wife , since the days of Bajazet the Elder ; the reason was , because the said Bajazet , being overthrown by Tamerlan , was , with his Wife , taken Prisoner by him , where he suffer'd many Indignities , but none affected him more , than the Uncivilities and Reproaches which he saw offer'd to his Sultaness , before his Face . The memory of which Affronts made such a deep Impression on all those that succeeded Bajazet in the Empire , that , to this very day , none of them will marry a Wife , that so , whatever chance should happen , they might never fall into the like Indignity ; so that , ever since , they beget Children on Women of a servile condition , in whose Misfortunes they may be less concern'd , than if they were their lawful Wives . And yet the Children , begot on such Concubins , are as much esteem'd by the Turks , as if they were born in lawful Wedlock , and they have as much right to their Fathers Estates . So then , Mustapha , being of a promising Ingenuity , and in the flower of his Age ; and besides , being the Darling of the Soldiers , and the Common-People too , having so many favourable Circumstances attending him , he , after his Father's Death , who was now very old , was by the Votes of all designed for his Successor , in the Empire : On the other side , his Stepmother , Roxalana , with might and main , laboured to prevent it , and to secure the Empire for the Children begotten on her own Body , and thereupon presuming on her Marriage-Relation , she ceased not to disparage Mustapha , and to prefer a Younger Son of her own before him . In this design Rustan was both her Counsellor , and her Assistant too ; they drew both in one Yoke , for Rustan having Married a Daughter of Solyman's , by Roxalana , their Interests thereupon were conjoined , and twisted one in another . This Rustan was the chief of the Bassa's , and Solyman's Prime Vizier , having the chief Power and Authority with him : He was a Man of a sharp and very capcacious Wit , and a great Grace to Solyman's Government . As for his Original , he was the Son but of a Shepherd , and yet he seemed worthy of that Dignity , to which he was advanced , if his fordid Avarice had not been a Blot in his Escutcheon . And to speak truly , Solyman himself , did observe this Vice in him , tho' upon all other accounts , he was his choice and only Favourite : And yet this Crime of his turn'd to his Masters advantage , for being appointed by Solyman to preside over his Treasury , or Exchequer , which sometimes was very low , he was so thrifty in the management of that Office , that he did not spare to raise Mony , even by the meanest and most contemptible ways . For he laid a Tax on Herbs , Roses , and Violets , which grew in great Men's Gardens ; he caused the Armour , Coats of Male , Warrior's Horses , of such as were taken Prisoners in War , to be sold , and by such ways as those he got together such a Mass of Mony , that Solyman was very secure on that part ; upon this occasion , I remember , that a great Man among the Turks , who are usually vindictive enough , that was a great Enemy to Rustan , yet ( to my surprize , ) told me , That he would do Rustan no hurt , tho' it were never so much in his power , because his Care and Industry had advanced his Masters Treasury to so prodigious a Sum. There is a Chamber in the Seraglio , at Constantinople , over which there is this Inscription , This is the Cash obtained by the diligence of Rustan . When Rustan was Grand Visier , and had the intire Administration of all things in his hands , he was able to turn his Master's mind , hither and thither , as he pleased , so that 't was commonly reported among the Turks , That partly by the Accusation of Rustan , and partly by the Witchcraft of his Wife Roxolana , ( for she was accounted little better than a Sorceress ) Solyman was so alienated from his Son Mustapha , that he took Counsel to put him to death . As to what some alledge , that Mustapha being sensible of the Designs of Rustan and his Step-mother Roxolana , against his Life , did labour to preserve them , by taking off his Father , and so seizing the Empire by force ; very few do believe that Story , but look upon it as a Fiction . On this Occasion , let me tell you , that the Sons of the Turkish Emperors are the miserablest Creatures in the World ; for if any one of them succeed his Father in the Empire , the rest are inevitably put to death by him . For the Turks cannot endure any Corrival in Government ; and , besides , they are egged on to this severity by their Proetorian Bands ( Ianizaries and Spahies ) who , as long as there is any one of the Grand Seigniors Brothers alive , never cease craving of Largesses and Boons , and , if the present Emperor refuses to grant them , they presently cry out , God save your Brother , God send your Brother a long Life ; by which words they more than intimate their Wishes , that he were in the Throne : So that the Turkish Emperors are , in a manner , compelled to put their Brethren to death , and so do begin their Reigns with Blood. But Mustapha was afraid of such a fatal end ; or else Roxolana was willing to translate the said Destiny from her own Children upon Mustapha : Upon one or other of these Grounds , it was , that Solyman entertain'd the thought of putting his Son Mustapha to death . And the occasion fell out opportunely , for he had War , at that time , with Sagthama King of the Persians , thither Rustan was sent with a vast Army . When he drew near to the Borders of Persia , upon a suddain he made a stop , and wrote back fearful Missives to Solyman ; telling him , That the whole Empire was in great hazard , there was nothing but Treason studied in the Army , they all cry'd out A Mustapha , A Mustapha ; yea , the Disease was grown to such an heighth , that 't was past his skill to cure it ; and , therefore , the Emperor himself must come , immediately , if he would have the Crown sit safe on his Head. Solyman was mightily disturb'd at the News , and , therefore , posted away towards the Army , and sends Letters to Mustapha to come to him , to purge himself from those Crimes , whereof he was formerly suspected , but now openly accused ; if he could do it , he told him , he need no fear to approach his Presence . Upon the receipt of this Letter , Mustapha was in a great streight ; if he should go to his Father , in such an angry mood , he ran upon his death ; if he refus'd , that would be interpreted , as a plain Confession of the objected Crimes . Under this Dilemma , he resolved upon that course , which as it had more of Resolution in it , so it was fullest of Danger . Away , then , goes he from Amasia , of which he was Governor , to his Fathers Camp , which was pitch'd not far from the place . This he did , either out of confidence of his own Innocency , or else presuming on the Assistance of the Army , if any severity were meditated against him ; whatever was the motive of his Journy , this is certain , that he ran unavoidably upon his own destruction ; For Solyman ever since he was at Constantinople , had resolv'd to put him to Death ; and to make the matter more plausible , he consulted the Mufty , ( so the Turks call the chief of their Priests , as Romanists call theirs the Pope , ) and that he might not speak to him in favour of Mustapha , he propounded to him a feign'd Case , thus , There was a Wealthy Merchant at Constantinople , who having occasion to Travel a long Journy from home , left the care of his Family , his Wife , and Children , and all his Affairs , to a Slave of his , in whose Fidelity he put a great deal of confidence ; now this Slave , immediately after his departure , design'd to destroy his Masters Wife and Children , committed to his Care , to embezil his Estate , and to work against his Masters own Life , in case he should ever get him into his power ; What may be lawfully done , said he , to the Mufty , with such a Slave ? He deserves , says the Mufty , to be Racked to Death . Whether he spoke really as he thought , or whether he did not do it to curry favour with Rustan and Roxolana ; This is certain , that the Resolution of the Grand Seignior was greatly confirm'd thereby to put his Son to Death , for he was of Opinion , Mustapha's offence against him , was as great , as that supposed Slaves against his Master . However it were , Mustapha came into his Fathers Camp , the whole Army being very solicitous about the event of their Congress . Soon after he was brought into his Fathers Tent , where all things were hush ; not a Soldier of the Guards to be seen , no Serjeant , no Executioner , in view , nor nothing of Treachery , that was visible ; but when he was come into an inner Tent , Lo ! upon a sudden , there started up Four Mutes , strong and lusty Fellows , to be his Executioners ; they set upon him with all their strength and might , and endeavoured to cast a Cord about his Neck ; he defended himself stoutly for a while , ( for he was a Robust Young Man , ) as if he had contended not only for his Life , but for the Empire , also ; for without Question , if he had escaped that danger , and had come in among the Ianizaries , they either out of Affection to him , whom they dearly loved , or else , moved with the Indignity of the Thing , would not only have saved his Life , but have gone near to have Proclaimed him Emperor ; And that was the very thing , which Solyman fear'd of all things in the World , and therefore perceiving , as he stood behind a Linen Vail in the Tent to behold the Tragedy , that an unexpected stop was put to his Bloody Design , he peep'd out his Head , and gave the Mutes such a sour and minacious Look , in reproach of their remisness , that thereupon they assaulted him with renew'd Force , and then threw poor Mustapha down on the ground , and strangled him ; and after they had done , they carried his Corps out of the Tent , and laid it on a piece of Tapestry , that so the Ianizaries might behold their design'd Emperor . As soon as the matter was divulged , Commiseration and Grief seized on the whole Camp , and there was scarce a Man of any Consideration , in the whole Army , that did not approach to behold so sad a Spectacle , especially , the Ianizaries , whose Consternation and Rage was such , that they would have ventured to attempt any manner of mischief whatsoever , if they had had a Leader . As for him , whom they hop'd to be their Conductor , he lay dead on the ground , and therefore now there was no way but one , to take that patiently which was past all Remedy . Thus they silently departed with blubbered Eyes , and sad Hearts , to their Tents , where they both lamented and pitied the woful Fate of an unhappy Mustapha , sometimes inveighing against the Madness and Rage of his old Doating Father , at other times exclaiming at the Fraud and Cruelty of his Step-Mother , and anon Cursing the Wickedness of Rustan , with direful Imprecations for extinguishing so great a Light of the Ottoman Family , so that all that Day was a Fasting-Day to them , they did not sip so much as a drop of Water ; yea , some of them continued their Abstinence for many Days after . In short , there was such a Face of Mourning over the whole Army , which was not like to cease in many Days , that Solyman in Policy , and in a seeming Compliance with the sentiments of his People , depriv'd Rustan of his Office , ( it was thought by his own consent , ) and Banished him , as a private Person to Constantinople , substituting Achmat Bassa to the Grand-Vizier-ship in his room , a Man of more Courage than Conduct . Upon this alteration , the publick Grief was somewhat abated , and the Soldiers Rage pacified ; for the Commonalty was made to believe , ( as you know the Vulgar are Credulous enough , ) That Solyman at last had found out the Wickedness of Rustan , and the Inchantments of his Wife ; and that now , he repented , tho' it were late , first , of his Cruelty to Mustapha , and thereupon had banish'd Rustan from his presence , and that he would not spare his Wife neither , as soon as he return'd to Constantinople . As for Rustan , he pretended great sorrow , and departed to Constantinople , without seeming to have the least hope , ever to be restor'd to his former Dignity . But alas ! Roxolana , was not content with the destruction of Mustapha , as long as he had an only Son , who was yet in his Minority , alive ; for she did not think her own , or her Childrens security , to be sufficiently provided for , as long as any of Mustapha's Race were alive ; but she wanted a fair pretence to accomplish her Design , nor was it long before she found One. She represented to Solyman● that as often as his Grandchild , Mustapha's Son , went abroad at Prusa , were he was brought up , the Youth of that City were wont to flock about him , to wi●h him all Happiness , and particularly to pray , That he might long survive his Father : And whither ( said she ) can this tend , but to prompt him to mount the Throne , and revenge his Father's death ? and to be sure , the Ianizaries will take his part , ( added she ; ) and thus the death of Mustapha alone will add little Security to the publick Peace and Tranquillity . Religion ( proceeded she ) is to be preferred before even the Lives of our own Children ; and seeing that of the Musselmans , ( for so they call their Religion , as counting it the best ) stands and falls with the Ottoman Family ; if that House fail , farewel Religion also . And how can that House stand , if Domestick Discord undermine it ? And therefore , Sir , if you will prevent the ruin of your House , your Empire and your Religion , you must use all manner of means ; nay , you must not stick at Parricide it self , if homebred Disagreement and Feud may be thereby prevented ; for the Safety of Religion will over-ballance the Loss , even of a Man 's own Children . As for Mustapha's Son , you have the less reason to spare him , because his Father's Crime hath already infected him , and there is no doubt , but , if he be suffered to live , he will soon endeavour to Head a Party , to revenge his Fathers death . By these Reasons , Solyman was induced to yield to the Murder of his Grandchild , and thereupon sent Ebrahim Bassa to Prusa , to destroy the Innocent Youth . As soon as the Bassa came thither , he made it his great Business to conceal his intended Design from the Child's Mother ; for , he thought , it would be look'd upon as an inhuman thing in him , to cut off a Youth , with the privity of his Mother , and , as it were , before her Eyes . And , besides , he was afraid , the People would rise in Arms upon the perpetration of so cruel a Fact ; and therefore , at first , Fox-like , he sets his Wits at work to deceive the Mother . He pretended , that he was sent by Solyman out of respect to her and her Son , to visit them ; that his Master saw his Error , in putting his Son to death , which he now , too late , repented of ; but that the crueller he had been to the Father , the more indulgent he would be to his Son ; and many such colloguing words he used , whereby he imposed upon the too credulous Mother , who was the rather induced to believe him , because of Rustan's Disgrace and Fall ; and to crown his Flattery , he presented them with many Gifts . This past on for a day or two , and then some Discourse was administred concerning their going abroad , out of the City , to enjoy the fresh Air. And the Bassa , being an Eunuch , persuaded her , the next day , to take a turn in the Suburbs , she in her Coach , and himself , with her Son , would ride afore on Horseback . The Matter seemed not to afford any suspicion , and , therefore , she consented , and a Chariot is prepared for her ; but ( mark the Fraud ! ) the Axle-tree of the Coach was so made , on purpose , that it must needs break , when it came to be jogged in any rough way . Thus she , in an unlucky time , began her Journy out of the City . The Eunuch and the Child rode a pretty way before , as if they had occasion for some private Discourse , and the Mother speeded after as fast as she was able ; but when the Coach came to the design'd craggy Place , the Wheel violently hit against the Rocks , and so the Axle-tree broke . This the Mother looked upon as an unlucky Omen , and , therefore , in a great Fright , she could not long be restrain'd from leaving her Coach , and with a few of her Maids from following her Son on foot . But , alas ! 't was too late ; for the Eunuch being come to the House , design'd for the Slaughter , without any more ado , shew'd the Child the Emperor's Mandate for his death . He answered , according to the Principles of their Religion , That he look'd upon that Command as proceeding not from the Emperor , but from God , which must necessarily be obey'd , and so he yielded his Neck to the Row-string . Thus dyed this innocent and hopeful Youth . When the Eunuch had perpetrated this wicked Fact he stole out at a Back door , and fled as fast as he could . The Mother , soon after , beginning to smell out the Fraud , knocks at the Door ; when they thought fit , they open'd it , and there she saw her Son sprawling on the Ground , his Breath being yet hardly out of his Body . Here let me draw a Vail ; for a Mothers Affection to a Son , in such a lamentable juncture , may be better conceived than expressed . Upon this dismal sight she was hurried back to Prusa ; where she tore her Hair , rent her Garments , filled the whole Town with Howlings , Moans and Plaints . The Prusian Ladies , with their Daughters and Waiting-maids , came in Multitudes to her , and were stark mad to hear of so great a Butchery ; and running in that raving manner out of the Gates , all the Cry was , Where 's the Eunuch ? Where 's the Eunuch ? Let 's have him to tear him to pieces : But he , foreseeing what would happen , and fearing , like another Orphe●s , to be torn Peace-meal by those raging Furies , had cunningly withdrawn himself , and was out of Gunshot , as we say . But to return to my purpose . As soon as I came to Constantinople , Letters were sent to Solyman , then at Amasia , to acquaint him with my Arrival ; and , till his Answer was return'd , I had leisure to take a view of the City of Constantinople ; and , first , I had a mind to visit the Temple of St. Sophia , which I was not admitted to do , but by special favour ; for the Turks think that their Temples are prophaned , if a Christian do but put his foot within them . That Church is a magnificent Pile , and a worthy Structure to behold . It hath a great Arch or Hemisphere in the middle , which hath no light but only from the Sky : All the Turkish Mosks are built after the Form of this . Some say● That heretofore it was much larger , and contained many Apartments , which were all destroy'd by the Turks , and only the Quire and Nave , in the middle of it , standing . As for the situation of the City it self , it seemed , to me , to be naturally placed as fit to be the Mistress of the World ; it stands in Europe , and hath Asia in view , and on its right , had Egypt and Africa ; which though Countries not adjacent to it , yet by reason of frequent Entercourse and naval Commerce ; they seem , as it were , contiguous . On its left Hand is the Euxin Sea , and the Palus Maeotis , whose Banks are inhabited round about by many Nations , and so many navigable Rivers have their Influx into them , that there is nothing grows in any of the Countries thereabouts , fit for Mans use , but there is a great conveniency of transporting it by Sea to Constantinople . On the one side , it is wash'd with the Propontis ; on the other , the River makes an Haven , which Strabo calls , The Golden Horn from the Similitude it hath to an Horn ; on the third side it is joyned to the rest of the Continent , so that it almost resembles a Peninsule ; and with the continu'd back of a Promontory , it runs out into the Sea and a Bay , which is made there by the River and the Sea. So that from the middle of Constantinople , there is a most pleasant Prospect into the Sea , and even to the Mount Olympus , in Asia , which bears a snowy Head all the Year long . The Sea there , is wonderful full of Fish , which sometimes swim down from the Maeotis and the Euxine , through the Bosphorus and Propontis , into the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas , and sometimes they swim from thence into the Euxin , according to the nature of the Fish ; and that in Shoals so thick and numerous , that you may catch them with your Hands . So that here is excellent Fishing for Mackrel , Tunny , Cod , Porpois and Sword-Fish . But the Greeks fish more than the Turks , though these later love , Fish well enough ; provided , they be of the number of those , which they count clean ; as for others , they had rather eat Poyson than taste them , for , ( let me tell you by the by ) a Turk had rather his Tongue or his Teeth were pluck'd out of his Head , than taste of any thing they think to be unclean , as a Frog , a Snail or a Tortois . And , herein , the Greeks are every jot as Superstitious as they ; of which I will give you the Instance following . I entertain'd , in my Family , a Youth of the Greek Religion ; I employ'd him as my Steward . The rest of my Servants could never persuade him to eat any Periwinkles or Cockles ; but , at last , they put a trick upon him ; they caus'd them to be so high-season'd and disguis'd , that he , mistaking them for another sort of Fish , fed upon them most heartily . Whereupon , my People set up a Laughter , and threw down the Shells before him , whereby he perceiv'd himself to be cozen'd : Whereupon , 't is incredible to relate how much he was troubled . He went presently to his Chamber , and there fell a Vomiting , Weeping and Afflicting himself most grievously , without any Intermission ; insomuch , that two Months Sallary was not sufficient to expiate this Offence ; for that 's the Guise of Greek Priests , according to the kind and greatness of the Offence , they lay a pecuniary Mulct upon those who come to Confess , and they never Absolve them till they pay it down to a Penny. So much for my Greek . In the furthest Point of that Promontory which I mentioned before , stands the Palace ( or Seraglio ) of the Turkish Emperors : To me it did not seem very magnificent , either for Work or Workmanship , ( for , you must know , that , as yet , I had not made an Entrance into it . ) Under the Palace , in a low Ground , and , as it were , upon the Sea-shoar , are the Gardens of the Grand Seignior , where the greatest part of Old Byzantium is thought to have stood . I hope you do not expect to be informed , by me , why the Chalcedonians , who built a City over against Byzantium , ( the Ruins of the Place are yet to be seen ) were Sirnam'd The Blind ; nor shall I tell you the nature of that Sea , which always runs downward with a vast Stream , but never recoils with any Tide ; nor will I spend time to speak of those Hautgos which were brought to Constantinople from the Palus Moeotis , such as the Italians call Moronella's , Botargues and Caviare ; the description of all these Particulars would swell my Epistle to too great a Bulk , ( which I think is big enough already ) and , besides , it would be needless ; for both the Ancients , and also Modern Writers , have given Information of those Particulars at large . To return , then , to the site of Constantinople . There is no Place , in the World , more pleasantly seated to the Eye , nor more convenient for Trades . But , let me tell you , that the Building therein ( as in all other Turkish Cities ) are not magnificent , nor are their Streets stately or large ; nay , in Constantinople , they are so narrow , that they much eclipse the Beauty of the Place ; yet there are in it some valuable Relicks of old Monuments to be seen , but not so many , as a Man would imagin , considering how many Constantin brought thither from Rome . It is not my purpose to insist upon each of these Particulars , yet a word or two of the principal ones . In the Area of the old Hippodrome , there are two Serpents cut in Brass ; as also , a mighty Obelisk . Moreover , Constantinople doth gratifie us with the sight of two memorable Pillars , One over against the Caravaserai , where I lodged , and the Other in the Forum , called , by the Turks , Au●at basar ( id est ) The Womans Court , wherein , from bottom to top is engraven the History of a certain Expedition of one Arcadius , who built it , and whose Statue , for a long time , stood a top thereof . And yet it may rather be called a Stair-Case than a Pillar , because it goes winding up like a pair of Stairs . I caused the shape of this Pillar to be drawn , which I have by me . But the other Pillar , over against the House the German Embassadors use to lodge in , the whole Structure , besides the Basis and the Chapiter , consists of 8 solid Marble or Red Porphyry Stones , so curiously joyned together , that they seem , ( as the Vulgar believes them to be ) but one continued Stone . For where the Stones are jointed one into another , upon that Commissure there is wrought a circular Garland of Lawrels round about the Pillar , which hides the jointing , so that they which look upon it from the Ground , perceive no jointing at all . That Pillar hath been so often shaken by Earthquakes , and so battered by Fires happening near it , that it is cleft in many places , and they are forced to bind it about with Iron-hoops , that it may not fall to pieces . They say , That the Statue of Apollo once stood upon that Pillar , and that afterwards the Statues of Constantine and of Theodosius the Elder were erected there ; but they are all thrown down , either by the force of the Winds , or by Earthquakes . The Greeks tell this Story concerning the Obelisk , in the Hippodrome which I mentioned before , viz. That it fell off from its Basis , and lay , for many Ages , upon the Ground ; but in the ti●e of the later Emperors , there was an Architect found , who undertook to raise it up to its Place , but he demanded a vast Reward for his Pains ; after the price was agreed on , he prepar'd abundance of Ropes , Pullies and other Instruments , and by that means he lift'd up that vast Stone within one Inch of the Place where it was to stand ; but his present Apparatus being able to raise it no higher , the People , who in great numbers were his Spectators , were of Opinion , that all his former Cost and Pains was lost , and he must begin anew to try to do the Feat some-other way , to his vast Expence and Charge . But he himself was not discourag'd , but being skilful in Mechanick Philosophy , he caused abundance of Water to be brought up to him , which , for many hours , he cast upon the Ropes , at which the Obelisk hung ; and those Ropes being often wet and dry ( according to their Nature ) shrunk a little , and by that means lift'd up the weight to it s design'd Station , to the great Admiration and Applause of the Vulgar . At Constantinople , I saw several sorts of wild Beasts , such as Lynxes , Catta-Mountains , Panthers , Leopards and Lyons ; but they were so gentle and tame , that I saw one of the Keepers pull a Sheep out of a Lions Mouth , so that he only moistned his Jaws with the Blood without devouring him . I saw also a young Elephant , so wanton , that he could dance and play at Ball. Sure you cannot chuse but laugh , when I tell you of an Elephant's dancing and playing at Ball ; but if I should say no more , why may you not believe me as well as Seneca , who tells us of One that could dance upon the Rope ? Or as Pliny , who speaks of Another , that understood Greek ? But that you may not think me an egregious Forger , give me leave to explain my self : When this Elephant was bid to dance , he did so caper or quaver with his whole Body , and interchangeably move his Feet , that he seem'd to represent a kind of a Jig ; and as for playing at Ball , he very prettily took up the Ball in his Trunk , and sent it packing therewith , as we do with the Palm of the Hand : And if this be not to dance and play at Ball , I know not what is . Among those wild Beasts , there had been a Camelopardalis , but she died a little before I came to Constantinople ; however , I caus'd her Bones , which had been buried in the Earth , to be digg'd up , that I might inspect the make of this Creature : It is an Animal a great deal taller in the forepart than in the hinder ; and , for that Reason it is unfit to carry a Man , or any other Burthen . It hath an Head and a Neck like a Camel , but a spotted Skin like a Lizard , and therefore it is called by a Name deriv'd from both ( i. e. ) Camelopardalis . It might have been imputed as a piece of great neglect in me not to have visited the Euxin , especially , having opportunity to sale thither ; seeing the Ancients us'd to account it as great a piece of Curiosity to see Pontus , as to visit Corinth . Thither , therefore , I sail'd with a prosperous Gale , and had the Privilege to be admitted into some of the Pleasure-houses of the Grand Seignior . In the Valves of one of them , I beheld the famous Fight of Selimus with Ishmael King of the Persians , excellently described in Checker-work . I had also the view of many of the Orchards and Groves of the Turkish Emperor , which were seated in most pleasant Vallies ; this I may say of them , That they ow'd little to Art , but almost all to Nature : So that I could not chuse but entertain such Epiphonema's as these in my Thoughts , O most pleasant Houses for Nymphs ! O choice Seats for the Muses ! O Retirements fit for the Learned ! To deal plainly with you ( as I told you before ) they seem'd to me , as it were , sensibly to bewail their present Posture , and to cry aloud to Christians for their better cultivation ; and not they only , but much more , Constantinople it self , yea , and all Greece too ; which being , heretofore , the most flourishing Country in the World , is now wofully inslaved by Barbarians ; heretofore , it was the Mother and Nurse of all good Arts and liberal Sciences , but , now , alas ! it seems to call for that Culture and Humanity , which once it deliver'd down to us ; and , by way of requital , claims the Redemption of our Common Religion from that Scythian Barbarism , under which it groans ; and call it may long enough , for , with Grief may we speak it , Christian Princes , now a days , are otherwise imploy'd ; so that the Turks do not more domineer over the poor Greeks , than Vices , such as Luxury , Gluttony , Sloth , Lust , Pride , Ambition , Avarice , Hatred , Envy and Emulation , do reign over Christians ; which do so clog , enervate and depress our Minds , that we can hardly look up Heaven-ward ; nor can we so unmanacle our selves , as to aspire to any thing , that is truly Great or Excellent . Methinks , Duty and Piety should have been sufficient Motives to us , to help our afflicted Brethren ; but if we had been proof against those Incentives , so that neither brave nor praise-worthy Actions could unthaw our frozen Courage ; yet Profit and Advantage , which are now the great Byas of the World , might have set us a Gog to recover such opulent and commodious Countries from Infidels , and to possess them our selves : But , on the contrary , forsooth ! we plow the Ocean , even as far as the Indies , and the very Antipodes , because , there , we get rich Prey and Spoil at a cheap rate , even without Bloodshed , by imposing on the simple and uncrafty Indians . 'T is true , we pretend the Conversion of the Heathens , but , if we go to the Root of the Matter , ( to our shame be it spoken ) 't is their Gold , not their Godliness , is the Gain we seek for . Our Ancestors carried it quite and clean at another rate , who did not , like Huckstring Merchants , seek after those Places where there was most Wealth , but where there was greater opportunity for Noble and Vertuous Atchievments . So that , it was not Profit , but Honour , which put them upon hazardous and remote Expeditions : And when they came home , they were more laden with Glory than with Plunder . I speak this in your Ear , for others , perhaps , may think it a piaculiar thing in me , to detract from the manners of the present Age. But , let them think what they will , I see that the Arrow is drawn to the Head , to destroy us ; and , I am afraid , that we , who would not fight for Glory , shall be forc'd to do it to save our Lives . But to return to Pontus . The Turks call the Euxin , Caradenis ( i. e. ) The Black Sea , it falls down through narrow Straits into the Thracian Bosphorus , where its Waters are toss'd up and down by many Vortices , Turnings and Windings , occasion'd by several Promontories jutting out into it ; and thus , in one days Passage , it descends to Constantinople , and from thence , almost by the like straight Passage , it breaks out into the P●opontis . In the middle of the Bay , where it makes its Influx into the Bosphorus , there is a Rock with an erected Pillar , in the Basis whereof is writ the Name of a certain Roman , called Octavian , ( if my Memory fail not ) in Latin Letters . On the European Shore there is a Tower , called , Pharos , where they hang out Lights , in the Night , to guide Sailers by : Not far from this place , a River falls into the Sea , in the Chanel whereof there are found Stones , little inferior to Onyxes or Sardonyxes , and , if they be polish'd , are as shining as they . A few Miles from that Bay , which I lately spake of , we may see those Straits over which Darius waft'd his Army against the European Scythians : And about the middle between the two Mouths of the Bosphorus , there are two Castles , whereof one's in Europe , and the other on the opposite Shore , in Asia . This later was possess'd by the Turks , long before Mahomet took Constantinople . The other was built by him some few Years after he became Master of that City . The Turks make use of it , at this day , as a Prison for the nobler sort of their Captives . Lazarus , a Commander , or Prince of the Epitots , not long ago was taken Prisoner by the Turks , together with some Spaniards at Castlenovo , and committed to this Tower ; from whence making his escape , and being retaken , he was Impal'd , ( i. e. ) put to a most cruel Death , by having a Pole thrust thro' his Body from his Fundament to his very Neck ; yet he indur'd it with incredible Patience . Perhaps you expect that I should here give you an Account of those Floating Islands , called , Cyaneae or Symplegades : But to deal freely with you , those few Hours that I spent on the Pontus , I saw no such Islands at all ; whether they had been carried to any other Place , I know not : If you desire to have a more particular Information concerning them , you may consult Peter Gyllius , who was an exact Inquirer into such Curiosities ; for my Part , I shall record only what I saw or know to be true . Yet I think it is not fit for me to conceal a Mistake that Polybius is guilty of ; for he propounds many Arguments to prove , That in tract of time the Euxin will be choakt up with Sand and other Trash , which by the Danow , the Borysthenes , and other great Rivers falling into it , that it would be made unfit for Navigation ; whereas , the contrary appear'd to me , for that Sea is every jot as navigable , at this day , as it was of old in the days of Polybius . And tho' he seem'd to have some Grounds for his Opinion , that to him were Irrefragable ; yet time hath shewed them to be Weak . The like observation holds in other Cases ; for , of old , who would not believe the Ancients , who affirmed , upon seemingly imaginable Grounds , That the Torrid Zone was Inhabitable ; whereas , later Discoveries have fully convinced us , That those hot Countries are as well inhabited as any other part of the Terrestial Globe ; nay , when the Sun is at the highest with them , and darts down its Rays perpendicularly upon them ; even at that very time the Ardency of the Heat is so tempered and cooled by continued Rains , that those Countries are rendred very fit for Human Habitations . But to return . After the Grand Seignior was informed , by Letters , of my Arrival , ( as I said before ) he sent to the Governor of Constantinople , intimating his Pleasure , that he should send us to him into Asia , as far as the City of Amasia , or ( as 't is writ in ancient Coins ) Amazeia , where he then was . Upon this Advice we prepared all things for our Journy ; and , with our Guides , on the 9 th of March we were wafted over into Natolia , ( for so the Turks call Asia at this day : ) That day we went no further than Scutari , a Town on the Asiatick Shore , opposite to Old Byzantium ; where , or very little above it , the noble City of Chalcedon was formerly thought to stand . The Turks were of Opinion , That when our Horses , Coaches , Baggage and Train , together with our selves , were all got over the Hellespont , 't was enough for one days Journy ; especially , considering , that if we had forgot any of the necessary Accoutrements for our Journy , or had left them behind at Constantinople , ( as it sometimes happened ) we might bethink our selves before we went any further , and fetch them over . The next day we continu'd our Journy from Scutari , over Fragrant Fields , full of odoriferous Plants , and especially Stoechas's , a sweet smelling Spike : There we saw a vast number of Tortoises , stalking over all the Field , without any fear at all ; we had certainly seized upon a great many of them , as a Prey grateful to our Palates , had it not been for our Turkish Guides , whom we were afraid to disoblige ; for if they had seen any of them brought to our Table , much more , if they had touched them , they would have thought themselves so de●●led , that I know not how many Washings would not have cleansed their imagined Pollution . For , as I told you before , the Turks , and the Greeks too , are so superstitious , that they abhor ever to touch of that Animal ; so that it being no hurtful Creature , and no Body endeavouring to catch them , the whole Country abounds with Tortoises . I kept one of them , by me , a great while , which had two Heads , and it would have lived much longer if I had been as careful of it as I might . That days Journy brought us to a Village , called , Cartaly , which I mention , because I shall , for the future , gratify you with the knowledge of the several Stages of this Voyage . For tho' the Journy from Vienna to Constantinople hath been performed by many , yet this from Constantinople to Amasia , hath , as yet , been undergone by no Christian that I know of . From Cartaly we came to Gebise , a Town of Bitheynia , which some think was anciently called Lybissa , and is famous for the Sepulchre of Hannibal , who was there interred . From thence there is a most pleasant Prospect into the Sea , and into the Bay of Nicomedia ; here also grow Cyprus Trees of a wonderful Bulk and Tallness . Our● 4 th days Journy from Constantinople brought us to Nicomedia , a City , anciently , of great Note ; but we saw nothing remarkable in it , but the Ruins and Rubbish of old Walls , with some broken pieces of Pillars with their Chapiters , which were all the remainders of its ancient Splendor , except one Castle on an Hill , which was somewhat more intire . A little before we came to this Place , some Workmen , that were digging under Ground , discovered a long Wall made with Marble , which ( it may be ) was part of the ancient Palace of the Kings of Bythynia . From Nicomedia , we passed over a Cliff or Ridge of Mount Olympiu , and came to a Village , called , Kasockly , and from thence to Nice ; but 't was so late before we came thither , that the first Watch was set . Not far from that Place , I heard a mighty noise , as if it had been of Men that jeer'd and mock'd us . I asked , what was the Matter ? Whether any of the Mariners , rowing on the Lake Ascanius , ( which was not far off ) did deride us , for Travelling at that unusual time of Night ? I was answered , No , but it was only the howling of certain Beasts , which the Turks call Ciacals or Iacals . They are a sort of Wolves somewhat bigger than Foxes , but less than common Wolves , but as greedy and devourous as the most ravenous Wolves or Foxes of all . They go in Flocks , and seldom or never hurt either Man or Beast , but get their Food by Craft and Stealth more than by open Force . Thence it is , that the Turks call subtle and crafty Persons , especially , the Asiaticks , by the Metaphorical Name of Ciacals . Their manner is to enter into the Tents or Houses of the Turks , in the Night-time , and what they can catch , that is eatable , that they eat ; and if they find nothing else to devour , then they fall a gnawing of all kinds of Leather things , as Shooes , Boots , Girdles , Scabbards of Swords , and the like ; and they are as cunning as they are thievish , but in this they are very ridiculous , that they discover themselves by the noise they make . For whilst they are most busie in an House , devouring their Prey , if any one of their Herd , that stays without doors , chance to howl , they all set up a howling likewise ; and , thus , forgetting where they are , they raise up the People of the House , who leap out of their Beds , and cudgel them soundly . All the next day we staid at Nice ; I believe my Lodging was in the same House where the Council of Nice was heretofore celebrated . As for the Town it self , it is seated on the Bank of the Lake Ascanius . The Walls of it are almost intire , so are the Gates , which are but four , and may all be seen from the middle of the Market-place ; in each of them there were old Inscriptions , in Latin , which shew , That the Town was repaired by Antoninus , which of them I do not well remember ; but sure it must be by Antoninus the Emperor . There are also some remainders of his Baths , and whilst the Turks were digging out Stones from thence to build Houses at Constantinople , they found the Statue of a Soldier in his Armour , curiously wrought , and almost intire ; but they quickly batter'd it with their Hammers , even in our view ; and when we shew'd our selves displeased at their rude Violence , they paid us with a jeer , What , said the Labourers , will you bow down to worship this Statue , as you Christians use to do to yours ? From Nice we continued our Journy to a place , called , Ienysar . From Ienysar to Ackbyuck , from Ackbyuck to Bazargyck , from Bazargyck to Bosowick , otherwise called , Cassumbassa , seated in the narrowest Straits of Mount Olympus ; for almost all our way from Nice , thither , lay through the Cliff of that Mountain . At Nice we lodged in a Turkish Inn or Hospital , and just against it was a Rock standing on high Ground , wherein there was a square deep Trench cut , and from the bottom thereof there issued out a Canal , that reached to the High-way . That Trench or Ditch , the ancient Inhabitants of that Place used , in the Winter time , to fill with Snow ; that so the melted Snow-water gentlydropping down into the Road , by the fore-mentioned Canal , might quench the Thirst of parched Travellers . Such Works as these the Turks count Eleemosynary ones ; because they are for the publick Benefit and Advantage of Mankind . Not far from this Place , on the right Hand , we saw a Town , called , Otmanlick , borrowing its Name ( as I conceive ) from Ottoman , the Founder of the Ottoman Family , who lived there . From those Straits we descended into an open Campaign ; and when we came thither , we lay the first Night in our Tents , whereby the Heat did not so much incommode us , as otherwise it would have done ; the Place was called Chiausada . The most remarkable things we saw here , was a Subterraneous House , that had no Light , but only what stole in at the Roof : We saw , also , that sort of Goats of whose Hair , or Fleece , ( if you had rather call it so ) they make the Shagreen or watred Stuff , called , Camlet ; if you would know the nature of that Creature , I shall not entertain you with a Flam , but give you the true description thereof . The Hair of this Creature is very fine , and extreamly white , and it hangs down from their Bodies to the Ground . The Goat-Herds do not Sheer but Kemb it off , and 't is , almost , as fine as Silk . These Goats are often wash'd , in the Neighbouring Rivers , and feed upon the Grass growing there , which is very tender and dry ; and that certainly contributes much to the fineness of their Wool ; for if they are remov'd to another Place , their Fleece changes with their Pasture , and their Kids do so degenerate , that one would hardly think them of the same Breed . The Thread that is spun of that Hair , or Wool , is carry'd , by the Women of that Country , to Ancyra , a City of Galatia , where it is woven into Cloth and dyed , as I shall tell you anon . Moreover , the Sheep of those Countries have very fat and weighty Tails , ( their Sheep-Flocks consist hardly of any other ; ) the Tail of any one of them weighs sometimes three or four Pound , and sometimes eight or ten ; yea , they grow so big in some old Sheep , that they are forc'd to lay them upon a Plank running on two little Wheels , that so they may draw them after them , not being otherwise able to trail them along . Perhaps you will think I tell you a Romance , but take it on my word , it is a certain Truth . I grant , such bulky Tails may be of some advantage , because they are full of Fat ; but the Flesh of the Sheep seem'd more harsh and rank to me , than our own Mutton . The Shepherds that tend them , lye Day and Night in the Fields , and carry their Wives and Children about with them , in Wagons , which serve them instead of Houses ; only , sometimes , they erect small Tents , to lie under . They wander far and near , sometimes in the open Campaign , sometimes over Hills , sometimes over Dales , as the Season of the Year , and the necessity of Pasturage , doth require . I saw also , in those Countries , some sort of Birds , unknown to us , and such as I never saw before ; among the rest , there is a kind of Ducks , which gives a sound like Trumpeters , or such as blow the Cornet ; the noise they make is almost like the sound of a Post-boys Horn. It is a Bird , which though it hath nothing wherewith to defend it self , yet is very strong and daring . The Turks are verily persuaded , that the Devils are afraid of them . This is certain , they are so tenaciously sensible of their Liberty , that though they have been kept up tame in a Coop , for three Years together , yet if they can but get an opportunity to escape away , they fly to their wonted Haunts , as preferring their Natural Seats before their confin'd Prisons , though they be cramm'd and fatned there . We pass'd on from Chiausada to Karali ; from Karali to Hazdengri ; from thence to Mazothoy ; from Mazothoy we passed over the River Sangac , which runs into Pontus out of Phrygia , and came to Mahathli ; from thence to Zugli , thence to Chilancych ; from Chilancych to Ialancych ; from thence to Portuguin ; and from Portuguin we reached to Ancyra , called , by the Turks , Angur . We staid one whole day at Ancyra , partly , because the Turks did not hasten us , for in regard the Persian Embassador made an Halt , we were desired to do so too , that we might make our Entrances , both at one time . into Amasia . I saw nothing remarkable in all the Villages aforementioned , save that sometimes , among the Turkish Sepulchres , we light upon some Pillars , or ancient Stones of curious Marble , wherein there were some Remains of Latin or Greek Inscriptions , but so defaced , that they could not be read ; which Occurrent did resent me very much , for all my delight was , assoon as I came to my Inn , at Night , to inquire after old Inscriptions , together with Latin and Greek Coins ; and sometimes for rare kinds of Plants . As for the Sepulchres , or Graves , of the Turks , their Custom is not to fill them with Earth , but throw great Stones upon them , for a covering ; would you know the reason ? 'T is Superstititious enough . The Turks believe , that when the Devil ( God bless us ) accused the deceased , and calls upon him to give an Account how he spent his Life ; then his good Genius will defend him , and this Stone , forsooth , is the Place upon which the Ghost must sit , that he may plead his Cause with more care ; and this Grave-stone is huge and bulky , that so Dogs , Wolves or other Ravenous Beasts , especially , the Hyaena , may not injure his Corps , as it lies in the Earth . For , The Hyaena is a Beast , common in those Countries ; she uses to dig up Graves , and taking out the dead Bodies from thence , carries them to her Den ; near which you shall see a great heap of Bones of Men , Horses and other Creatures ; she is a little lower than a Wolf , but quite as long ; she hath a Skin like a Wolf , only her Hair is rougher and full of great black Spots ; her Head is contiguous to her Spina dorsi , without any ver●ebrae at all ; so that when she looks backward , she must of necessity turn her whole Body : Instead of a row of Teeth , she hath but one continued Bone , as Reports go of her . The Turks do ascribe great Vertue to this Beast , in Philtres , as did the Ancients ; and , whereas , there were two of them at Constantinople , when I was there , I cheapned them ; but their Owners were unwilling to sell them , because they kept them for the Sultanness ( i. e. ) the Emperor's Wife , who was thought by amatory Potions and Magick Art , to have engaged thereby her Husband's Love to her . Here I cannot chuse but take notice of a Mistake , in Bellonius , who thinks the Hyaena to be the same Creature with that we call the Zibeth or Musk cat . But seeing I am about describing the Hyaena , I will tell you a Tale , which I am sure will make you laugh , if ever you have laughed in your Life ; it is this . The Turks have a Tradition , that the Hyaena , ( which in their Language they call Zittlian ) understands what Men say one to another ; yea , the Ancients affirm'd , that they could also imitate Man's Voice , and thereupon Hunters catch them by this Wile ; they find out her Den , which they may easily do by the heap of Bones , lying by it , ( as I said before ) and then one of them goes in with a Rope , leaving the other end of the Rope in the Hands of his Fellows without , and when he is creeping in , he cries , with a loud Voice , ever and anon , Ioctur , Ioctur , Vcala ( i. e. ) She is not here , She is not here , or , I cannot find her ; whereupon , the Hyaena , thinking she is not discovered , lies close , and he ties one end of the Rope about his Leg ; and then he goes forth , still crying , I cannot find her ; but when he is escap'd quite out of the Hole , he cries out aloud , She is within , She is within ; which the Hyaena hearing , and understanding the meaning of it , ( as they say ) leaps out , thinking to escape ; but then they hold her back by the Rope tyed to her Leg , that they either kill her , or , if they use care and diligence , take her alive , for she is a fierce Creature , and defends her self desperately : But enough , if not too much , of the Hyaena . I found abundance of old Coins all up and down this Country , especially of the later Emperors , viz. the Constantines , the Constantius's the Iustin's , the Valens's , the Valentine's , the Numerians , the Probus's , the Tacitus's , and such like ; in many Places the Turks use them for Weight , viz. of a Drachm or half a Drachm , and they call it Giaur Manguri ( i. e. ) the Mony of the Pagans or Infidels . The like Coins I found in the neighbouring Cities of Asia , as at Amysus , at Synopis , at Cumonme , at Amastris and Amasia it self , whither we were going . There was a Brasier of that City which grieved me very much ; for demanding of him , Whether he had any old Coins to sell ? He answered me , That a few days ago , he had a large Room full of them , but now he had melted them down to make Brass-kettles , as thinking them of little value , and fit for no other use ; when I heard this Story , it troubled me much to lose so many choice Monuments of Antiquity ; but I paid him back in his own Coin , as the Proverb is , by telling him , That I would have given him a hundred Guilders for them ; so that my Revenge was suited to his Injury , for I sent him away as sorrowful , for losing so full a Morsel out of his Mouth , as he did me for losing the Coins . As for Plants , I saw very few in my Journy in those Parts , which were unknown to us in Europe ; they were almost all of the same kind , only they were more or less flourishing , according to the Richness or Poverty of the Soil . The Amomum , which Dioscorides says grows near Pontus , I very diligently sought for , but in vain , so that I knew not whether that Plant did not fail in that Country , or else was transplanted into another . This Town of Ancyra was our 9th Stage from Constantinople ; it is a Town of Galatia , sometimes the Seat of the Gauls , called , by Pliny , Tectosagum ; nor was it unknown to Strabo . Tho' perhaps the present Town is but part of the old Town , called , in the Canons , Anguira . Here we saw a stately Superscription , and a Sampler of those Tables , wherein the Atchievments of Augustus , were summarily comprehended . I caused as much of it , as we could read , to be transcribed . It is cut in the Marble Walls of that Structure , which heretofore was the Town-hall , but is now demolished , so that one part of it is visible to those that enter on the right Hand , and the other to those that enter upon the left . The top Chapiters are almost entire ; the middle is full of Clefts , and the lowermost part of it is so battered with Clubs and Hatches , that it cannot be read ; which Loss cannot be sufficiently lamented by all Lovers of Learning ; and so much the more , because the Commons of Asia , dedicated this City to Augustus . Here also we were Eye-witnesses of the dying of that Cloth , I spake of before , made of Goats-wool , and how they Camlet it , or give it its Water-colour , 't is done thus . They pour Water upon it , and by means of a Cloth-press , cause it to receive that Colour . That is counted the best , which is most variegated in every part ; and if in any piece , the Water-colours do not deeply and uniformly appear , that piece , tho' of the same Colour and made of the same Wool , is valued at some Gilders less than another , because it is not so deeply tinctured . The better sort of Turks , in their old Age , are usually clothed with this sort of Cloth , and Solyman himself used to wear Vests of it ; but Green is a Colour disused much by Christians ; and the rather , because the Turks commend it upon a superstitious Account , as being worn by their Prophet Mahomet in his older days . A black Colour is counted unfortunate , and is dis●ik'd by them ; and when they see any Man so clad , they look on it as an ill Omen ; so that when any of Ours did approach the Bassa's , in a black Habit , they look'd asquint on us , and made sad Complaints ; and the truth is , none of their own appear in black , but either one that is desperately poor , or else so overwhelm'd with some great calamity , that he regards not what Cloths he wears . A Purple Colour is a creditable Colour with them , only it is an Omen of much Bloodshed in time of War : But the ordinary approved Colours among them , are the White , the Yellow , the Sea-green , the Violet-colour and Mouse-colour , &c. The Turks ascribe very much to Augury , and Omens , Good or Bad , so that it hath been known , that some Bassa's have been remov'd from their Places and Offices , by reason of a fall from their Horse , as if that were an Omen of some ill luck , which is averted from the Publick , by falling on the Head of that private and particular Person , who is thereupon degraded . From Ancyra , we came to a Village , called , Balygazar ; and from thence to Zarekneth ; from Zarckneth to Zetmetzii , and to the Bank of the River Halys : As we past through a Village , called , Algii , we saw , at some distance , the neighbouring Mountains of Synopi , which were red , like Vermillion , and from which red Lead is called Synopi ' . This Halys is the famous River , which was heretofore the Boundary of the two Kingdoms , of the Medes , and Lydians , concerning which there was an ancient Oracle , That when Cr●sus pass'd it , to make War on the Persians , he should overthrow a great Empire , which fell out to be his Own , whereas he thought it would have been the Persians : Near the Bank of this River there was a Wood , which seem'd , to us , to bear an unknown Shrub ; but when we drew near , we found it to be Liquorice , and with the Juice of its Root , we refresh'd our selves abundantly . Near that River we met with a Country-man , and asking him , by an Interpreter , Whether that River did abound with Fish ? And how they used to catch them ? He answered , That there were Fishes enough , but no Body could catch them . When he saw we wondred at his Answer , he proceeded : For , says he , if a Man strive to take them up in his Hands , away presently they swim , and will not stay to be catched . This Answer was the less surprizing to me , because , when we had lighted upon some unknown Birds , and demanded of the Country-men , how we might take them ? One or other of them told us , That they could not be taken ; for if any Body endeavoured to lay Hands on them , they would fly away . But one of my Collegues , Francis Hay , having some Nets with him , caused them to be cast for the catching of Fish ; we took a great Draught of them , and especially the Silurus , or Shetefish , which are common in the Danow . Besides , there is in that River , good store of Sea-crabs , or else a sort of Fish very like them . Whereupon the Turks , who saw our Fishing , wondred at the Industry and Ingenuity of Christians , who would catch Fish at that rate . Hereupon , perhaps , you will say , What , are there no Fishermen in Turky ? Which I grant there are , but very few of them live in those Parts . And , I remember , in another Place , when the Turks saw us turn the Stream out of its course to catch Gudgeons at the bottom , they laughed us to pieces . What , said they , do you catch such small guddling Fish ? What are they good for ? This Ninny-Hammer did not understand , that a great many of those Fishes would make a dainty Dish , enough to suffice many Guests . But the Turks are so parsimonious , that they don't study their Bellies at all ; give them but Bread and Garlick , or an Onion , with a sort of Bonniclabber , or four Milk , known , in Galen's time , by the name of Syllabub , but called by them , Ingurthe , they feed like Farmers , and desire nothing more . They make this Drink , thus ; they dilute this Milk with cold Water , and then cram Bread into it ; this they use in the hottest Weather , and when they are more athirst ; and we ourselves found great Benefit by it , in our greatest Droughts . It is a Repast very grateful to the Palate and Stomach , and it is of admirable Vertue in quenching the most vehement Thirst. There is abundance of it already made for Sale in all the Turkish Inns or Caravasaras , as well as all other sorts of Soop . As for hot Meat , or Flesh , the Turks don't much use them in their Travels ; their usual Dyet , on the Road , are Syllabubs , Cheese , dry'd Plums , Pears , Peaches , Quinces , Figs , Raisins and Cornel-berries ; all those are exposed to Sale in great earthen Platters boyl'd in clean Water ; every one takes what he likes best . Those Fruits , with Bread , is his Food ; and the Water , which remains , serves for Drink . Thus their Meat and Drink stand them in very little , so that I dare say , one Christian spends more Mony ; on his Belly , in one day , than a Turk doth in twelve ; yea , their most solemn Feasts consist of Wafers , Cakes and such like Junkets , together with several Dishes of Rice , with some Mutton and Pullet ; for Capons are not yet known in Turky ; but as for Pheasants , Thrushes , and Birds called Figcaters , they never so much as heard of their Names . But if Hony and Sugar be mix'd with the Water , the Drink is like Ioves Nectar to them . One sort of their Liquors I had almost forgot , 't is this . They take Raisins of the S●n , and bruise or grind them in a Mill , and then put them into a wooden Vessel , pouring a certain proportion of hot Water upon them . This Mixture they stir about a little , and then cover the Vessel close , and suffer it to ferment a day or two ; if it doth work well , then they add Lees of Wine to quicken the Operation . When it first begins to ferment , if you taste it , 't is over-sweet , and that makes it more unrelishable ; but afterwards it acquires something of an Acid Tast , which , mixt with the Sweet , is very grateful to the Palate for about three or four days , especially , if it be mixed with Snow , of which there is plenty at Constantinople at all times . This Drink they call Arabsorbet ( i. e. ) the Arabian Potion , but it will not keep long , but grows sour in a very little time . 'T will fly up in your Head , and make you reel as bad as any Wine , if you drink too much of it ; and , therefore , the Turks , by the Rules of their Religion , are for bidden to drink it . For my part I liked it very well ; yea , that sort of Grapes were very acceptable and refreshing ; in many Places they keep them all Summer long . The way of preserving them , they told me , was this : They take large Bunches of Grapes ston'd ( as the hot Sun quickly ripens them in those Countries ) these they put in a Wooden or Earthen Vessel , in the bottom whereof they , first lay a line of groun'd Mustard-seed , then they spread a line of Grapes upon it ; thus with a lay of Grapes , and a lay of grinded Mustard-seed , they fill it up to the top , and when the Vessel is full , then they pour in new Must , as much as will fill all the Interstice , then they shut it close , and so let it stand till the hot time of the next Year , when Men stand most in need of Drink . Then these Vessels are broach'd , and the Grapes , with its Liquor , are set to sale . The Turks like the Liquor as well as the Grapes , but I did not so well like the Tast of the Mustard-seed , and , therefore I caused the Grapes to be washed , and then when I was most thirsty , they gave me great Relief . I hope you will give me leave to commend a Food to you , that did me so much good , seeing the Egyptians ( though preposterously ) esteem'd their Herbs and Plants , which were contributory to their Health , as so many Deities . But 't is time for a Wanderer to return back into the Way . From the Bank of the River Halys , which ( as I remember ) the Turks call Aitoczu , we came to Gonknrthoy ; from thence to Choron , and from thence to Theche Theoi , where the Turks have a stately Monastry for their Priests and Monks , call'd , Dervises . These Dervises told us a great Story of a certain Man , called , Chederles , of an huge Stature , and Graveness of Mind answerable thereto . They suppose it was the same with our St. George , and ascribe the same Exploits to him ; as the saving of a Virgin , by the Slaughter of a huge and terrible Dragon , To which they add many Fables and Imaginations of idle Brains ; as that he Travelled over several Countries far and near , and at last came to a River , whose Waters made those that drank them , Immortal ; but in what part of the World this River is , they cannot tell us ; in some Vtopia doubtless ! They say , moreover , that it lies somewhere in a great Cloud or Mist of Darkness , and that never a Man saw it since Cherderles . As for Cherderles himself , he was made Immortal , and so was his Horse , or stately Prancer on which he rides , by drinking the same Water , who now , both , do invisibly travel over the World , delighting in Wars , and appearing therein to the most Valiant , or to those who implore his Aid , of what Religion soever they be : Such ridiculous Fancies do they please themselves with . To which we may add other things as absurd as those before mentioned , That he was one of the Friends and Companions of Alexander the Great . For the truth is , the Turks keep no just Account either of Times or Ages , but make a confus'd Hodg-podg of all History . When they have a mind to it , they scruple not to say , That Job was Master of the Horse to King Solomon , and that Alexander the Great was General of his Army ; with such-like Stuff . In that Monastry or Mosch , ( for so the Turks call their Temples and Churches ) there is a Fountain that bubbles forth very clear and limpid Water , it is built about and clad with most excellent Marble , and they ridiculously would have people believe , that it had its Original from Chederle's Horse , which he pissed in great plenty in that place . They also told us many Rod●mantad●'s concerning the Companions of Chederles , concerning his chief Groom , and also concerning his Nephew by his Sister ; all which were buried near at hand , and their Sepulchers there to be seen , and when any Suppliants come to pay their Devotions to them , they would have persuaded us , that they received great Relief thereby ; yea , they superstitiously affirm , That the Fragments of the Stones , and the very Earth it self , on which Chederle's Feet stood , when he staid for the Dragon , if drank in any Liquor , are very good against Fevers , against the Head-ach , and against the Diseases of the Eyes . All the Country , thereabouts , is full of Dragons and Vipers , so that in the hot Season of the Year , they are so thick , basking themselves in the Sun , that the Ways are almost unpassable for Travellers . I had almost forgot to tell you , that , whereas , the Greeks do usually paint St. George on Horse-back , in their Temples , with his Squire behind him , holding out to him a Cup of Wine as to his Master , he being ( as they believe ) their Chederles ; they laugh heartily at that Spectacle . At this Place we were near our Journies end , for now we had but one Stage more to Amasia , and that was Baglison ; from thence we reach'd Amasia , April 7 ; and thirty days after we left Constantinople ; as we were comeing , some Turks met us , to gratulate our Arrival , and to introduce us with Honour . Amasia is , in a manner , the chief City of Cappadocia , where the Turkish Governor of that Province usually had his Residence , for the administration of Justice , and where he usually forms his Camp. But that Town , ever since Bajazet's time , seem'd to be very unlucky , and of late the miserable case of Mustapha , hath confirm'd it to be an unfortunate Seat. Strabo writes , that he was born there . It lies on the side of two opposite Hills , the River Ilis dividing the City in the midst , running between them ; so that from each part you may look stoopingly into the River , as from the Seats or Stairs of a Theatre ; and one side of it is conspicuous and open to the view of the other . It is so encompassed with Hills , that there is but one way to it either for Coach or Wagon . The same Night we came thither , there hapned a great Fire , which the Ianizaries quenched , as their manner is , by plucking down the Houses adjoyning . Upon occasion of this Accident , give me leave to inform , That the Turkish Soldiers are well-pleased when a Fire happens ; for , whereas , they must be employed to quench it , and usually doing it by the ruining the contiguous Houses , they have thereby opportunity to rifle and plunder both ; so that they , themselves , do oftentimes privily set Houses on Fire , that so they may pinch and steal what they can out of them ; as I remember once , when I was at Constantinople , there were frequent Conflagrations of Houses . 'T was plain , they could not happen casually , but must be set on fire a purpose , and yet the Authors could not be found ; but the Fault was commonly cast on some Persian Spyes that were in Town : At last , upon a diligent search , 't was found that the Soldiers had stirr'd up their Fellows , that were a Ship-board , to do the Feat ; that so , during the Fire , they might enrich themselves with the Spoils . Upon an high Hill , that hangs over and commands Amasia , there is a strong Castle , wherein the Turks have a continual Garison , ●●●her to curb the Asiaticks , who are not very well pleased with the Ottoman Yoke ( as I shall shew anon ) or else to bridle the Persian , who many times make large Excursions even as far as this Town , tho' at such a vast distance from them . In this Hill there are some ancient Monuments , which , perhaps , were the Sepulchres of the Cappadocian Kings . As for the Houses and Streets of Amasia , there is little or no beauty in them . Their Houses are built of Loom , as they are in Spain , plain at top without any roof , and what covering they have is of Loom or Clay too . They have some old piece of a Pillar , Cylinder or Rober , which they turn up and down to stop any Chink or Crevice , made either by Rain or Wind. The Inhabitants ; in former times , lay down to sleep in the open Air ; as for Rains , they are not great nor frequent in those Parts ; but if at any time a Shower falls , the Loomy Droppings from the Eaves , do wofully dirty the Cloths of those that pass under them . I saw there a certain young noble Person , living not far from me , at his Supper , after the old Roman fashion , lying on a Bed. Assoon as I came to Amasia , we were introduced to complement the Supreme Vizier Achmet , and the rest of the Bassa's , for their Emperor was then gone abroad ; we treated with them a while concerning the Contents of our Embassy ; and because they would not seem to prejudice us , they lent us a favourable Ear ; howbeit , referring all to the Will and Pleasure of their Emperor . When he came home , we were led into his Presence , for Audience ; but he entertain'd us ( and the Reasons we alledg'd in the Speech we made him , according to the Command of my Master ) with a sour and frowning Look . He sate upon a low Throne , not above a Foot from the Ground , but it was all covered over with rich Tapestry , and with Cushions exquisitely wrought . His Bow and Arrows lay by his side , he himself ( as I said ) looked froward upon us ; and yet there was a certain Majesty , mix'd with Severity , in his Countenance . Each of us , as we entred the Room , were led up towards him by some of his Bed-chamber-officers , who held us by the Arm , ( for so they use to introduce Embassadors , ever since a certain Croatian , desiring to speak with Amurath , and drawing near to him so to do , slew him in revenge of the death of his Master , Mark , the Despot of Servia , who was killed by the said Amurath ) : and afterwards , as if we had kiss'd his Hand , we were led backward to the opposite part of the Room ; for the Turks count it an unmannerly thing to turn any of ones Back parts to their Prince . From thence I had liberty to declare our Master's Commands ; but they suited not with his lofty , imperious Spirit , who thought that nothing ought to be denyed him , for they were daring and high ; so that he , as disdaining them , said nothing but Giusel , Ginsel ; ( i. e. ) Well , Well . And so we were dismissed to our Lodgings . At our Audience there was a very full Court , for a great many Governours of Provinces were there with their Presents ; and , besides , the Imperial Horse , Spahi's , Ianipagis and Vlulags , there were also a great number of Ianizaries . But among this vast number of Courtiers , there was not so much as one more eminent for Birth or Parentage ; each one , by his Valour and adventrous Atchievements , was the Carver out of his own Fortune . Their Honour ariseth from their Preferments , so that there is no dispute about Precedency , but every Man 's pre-eminces is according to the Office which he bears . And those Offices are distributed at the meer Will and Pleasure of the Prince , who do's not regard the empty Name of Nobility , nor value a Rush the Favour of the Multitude , or of any other particular Man , but considering only the Merits and Disposition of the Man , he rewards him accordingly . And by that means , Employments are bestowed upon such Persons as are best able to manage them ; and every Man hath opportunity to be the Hammerer out of his own Honour and Preferment . Those which at present are the greatest Officers under their Emperor , were mostly the Sons of Shepherds or Neatherds ; and they are so far from being ashamed of the Meanness of their Original , that they glory therein among one another ; and account it more Praise-worthy to be the Advancers of themselves , than if they had Honour transmitted down to them from their Ancestors . For thus they argue , Virtue is not propagated from our Parents , but is partly the Gift of God , and partly acquired by good Discipline , and by our own Labour and Industry ; so that as no Son hath his Fathers Skill in Musick , Arithmetick or Geometry , derived to him from his Birth , so neither can Fathers bequeath Virtue as an Inheritance to their Children ; for the Soul ( say they ) is not communicated with the Fathers Seed ; so that a Son must necessarily be born like qualified as his Father was ; but it is infus'd nto his Body from the God of Heaven . Thus in that Nation , Dignities , Honours , Offices , &c. are the Rewards of Vertue and Merit ; as on the other side , Improbity , Sloth , Idleness , are among them the despicablest things in the whole World. And by this means they flourish , bear sway , and enlarge the Bounds of their Empire every day more and more . But we , Christians , to our shame be it spoken , live at another manner of rate ; Virtue is little esteemed among us , but Nobleness of Birth ( forsooth ) carries away all the Honour and Preferment . But enough of this at present , more may be spoken on this Argument hereafter ; and what I have now spoken about it , pray keep it to your self , for other Men may not be able to bear my Freedom herein . To return then to my Subject ; I shall now present you with a surprizing Spectacle , even a Multitude of Persons with pick'd Turbants on their Heads , made of pure white Linen folded together in Plates ; their other Apparel was very costly of several sorts and colours , all most radiantly shining with Gold , Silver , Purple , Silk , Velvet , &c. I am not able to describe the Gaudiness of the Show ; in one word , 't was the most glorious one I ever saw in all my Life . And yet in all this Splendor , there was a great deal of Simplicity and Parsimony too . Those who were of one Order had cloathing all of one sort ; there were no foolish Hems , Lacings , Fringes or Borders , as among us , which cost a great deal of Mony , and yet wear out in a day or two . The Silk and Velvet Suits , which many of them wore , though mightily embroidered , yet cost not above a Ducat the making and embroidering . They did as much admire to see the fashion of our Cloths , as we did that of theirs . Their Vests are very long , almost down to their Heels , which is more graceful , and makes them seem taller than they are ; but our Apparel ( forsooth ) is so curtail'd and short , that it hardly covers the Parts which Nature would have to be concealed ; on which Account it is less decent . Besides , it seems to take away some Inches from the talness of our Stature , and look more Dwarf-like . And yet among so great a Multitude , I took notice of this most laudable Circumstance ; 't was all hush , not so much as a word spoke among them all , nor no humming noise , as among a tumultuous Multitude ; no justling one of another , but every particular Man quietly kept his own Station . The Heads of them , which they call Aga's , had Seats to sit upon , such as their Serasquiers , or Generals , their Brigadiers , Colonels and Captains , but the Commonalty stood on their Feet : Among the rest , I most admir'd the Ianizaries , though there were some Thousands of them , yet they stood at a distance one from another Stock-still , ( as we say ) as if they had been Statues . So that I who was at some distance from them , thought verily they had been so , till being advised to salute them , as the manner is , I saw them all bow their Heads , by way of Resalutation , unto me . When we passed from this Show , behold there was another pleasurable one , which entertain'd us , and that was their Horse-Guards , in their March to their Quarters , they Rode upon gallant stately Prancers , excellently well Trapp'd , Equipp'd , and Shod . Thus we were dismissed , but with little hopes of obtaining what we came for . On the 10th of May , the Persian Embassador came to Amasia , and brought with him rich and gallant Presents , as many choice sorts of Hangings , Babylonian-Tents , curiously wrought within with many sorts of Needle-work , gallant Horse-Trappings , and Saddles , Scymiters made at Damascus , whose Handles were studded with Jewels , and Shields of curious Workmanship ; but that which exceeded them all , was the Alchoran , so they call the Book containing the Rites and Ceremonies of their Religion , which they fancy Mahomet compos'd by Divine Inspiration , and which is accounted the most Noble Present of all . They quickly accorded with him on Terms of Peace , so that it concern'd us to be cautious , who were to find greater obstruction in our Negotiations with them . And to assure us that the Peace was confirm'd betwixt them , they omitted no manner of extraordinary Respect to their Embassador . For the guise of the Turks is , ( as I told you before , ) to be excessive on both sides , either in bestowing Honour on their Friends , or in heaping Reproaches on their Enemies . Haly Bassa , Deputy to the Grand Vizier , treated the Persian with a sumptuous Dinner , which he made in his Garden , a place far distant from us , and separated also by the interposal of the River , yet we could see the Manner of it well enough ; for , I told you , the place was seated so steep on both sides the Hill , that the Eye might easily discover what was done on each side . This Haly is a Dalmatian by Birth , a Man of a good Wit , and , which is strange in Turky , very courteous to Strangers . The Table , at which the Bassa and the Persian Embassador sate , was covered over with a Canopy , and the Dishes were served up after this manner : There were One Hundred Youths , which attended , like Waiters , all of them alike habited ; first of all , they entred one by one , at a small distance from one another , till the Train of them reached up to the Table where the Guests were a sitting ; they had nothing at all in their Hands , that so they might not be hindred in saluting the Guests , which was done in this manner ; They laid their Hands on their Thighs , and bowed their Heads downwards to the ground ; when this Ceremony was perform'd , then he that stood next the Kitchin , took a Dish and gave it to the next Page immediately before him , he handed it to a Third , and he to a Fourth , and so from one to another till it came to him who stood next the Table and he delivered it to the Hands of the Gentleman Sewer , who plac'd it on the Table . And thus One Hundred Dishes , or more , were serv'd up to the Table in excellent Order , without any Noise at all ; and when that was done , then those Waiters , or Pages , saluted the Guests a second time , and so returned in the same Order they came in ; only , of course , those that were last before went out first , and those which were nearest the Table brought up the Rear . Thus the Second Course was also serv'd up , so that the Turks are great Admirers of Order , even in the smallest matters , which we Christians are apt to neglect , even in things of greatest Moment . At some distance from the Embassador sate his Attendants with some Turks of Quality with them . Peace being thus made with the Persians , as I told you before , yet we could get no good Terms of them at all , only we obtain'd an Half-Years Truce , till I could send to my Master , and know his Answer . I was sent to be Leiger Embassador there , but in regard there was no Peace settl'd betwixt both Empires , the Bassa's thought it advisable for me to return to my Master with Letters from Solyman their Emperor , and I was to return with an Answer from his Imperial Majesty , if he thought fit . Hereupon I was again introduc'd into Solyman's Presence , and had Two large Embroider'd Vests , reaching down to my Ancles , clapt upon me ; they were so heavy , that I could hardly stand under them ; my Family also , that attended me , were all Clad with Silk Garments of divers Colours ; in this posture I stalked along , like Agamemnon , or some such piece of Gravity , in the Tragedian , and so I took my leave of their Emperor , having first receiv'd Letters to my Master , Seal'd and wrapt up in Cloth of Gold , and the chiefest of my Attendants were also admitted to take their Leaves ; and thus after we had taken our leaves of the Bassa's , I and my Collegues departed from Amasia , Iune the 2d . The Custom is , That Embassadors at their departure have a Dinner provided for them in the Divan , ( so they call the place where the Bassa's sit to Administer Justice , ) but this is done only to their Friends ; that Complement was omitted to me , because Affairs were not yet in an Amicable posture between them and us . If you Ask me , What manner of Man Solyman was ? I 'le tell you , He was an Ancient Man , his Countenance , and the Mean of his Body , was very Majestick , well becoming the Dignity which he bore ; he was Frugal and Temperate , even from his Youth , tho' he might have taken a greater liberty to himself by the Rules of their own Religion . In his Younger Days he was not given to Wine , nor to Masculine Venery , which the Turks much delight in , so that his very Enemies could object nothing against him on those accounts ; but that he was too Uxurious , and his over-Indulgence to his Wife made him give way to the Death of his Son Mustapha , yet that Crime was vulgarly imputed to that Ascendent she had over him , by reason of her Inchantments and Amatory Portions . This is certain , that after he once took her for his lawful Wife , he never had Carnal Knowledge of any other Women , tho' their Laws did not forbid him . He is a very strict Observer of the Mahumetan Religion , and is as desirous to propagate That , as● to enlarge the Bounds of his Empire . He is now Sixty Years of Age ; and , for a Man of his Years , he enjoys a moderate proportion of Health , and yet his Countenance doth discover , that he carries about him some hidden Disease , 't is thought a Gangrene , or Ulcer , in the Thigh ; yet at solemn Audiences of Embassadors , he hath a Fucus to paint his Cheeks , that he may appear sound and healthy to them , and thereupon be more dreaded by Foreign Princes , their Masters . Methought I discovered some such thing at my Dismission , for his Countenance was as foure when I left him , as it was at my first Audience . Having thus taken my leave , I began my Journy in the Hot Month of june , and the Heat thereof was so excessive , that it cast me into a Fever ; 't is true , it was a remiss and gentle one , yet it came every Day , to which was added an Hoarsness , and Defluction of Rheum from the Head , and it held me till I came quite to Constantinople . The Persian Embassador left Amasia the self-same Day that I did , and we went both out of the City the same way ; for , ( as I told you before , ) there is but one Passage into , or out of , that Town , it is so shut in by the circumjacent and unpassable Hills : But the Way quickly doth divide into Two , one to the East , which the Persians took ; and another to the West , which was our Road. In the open Fields , about the Town , we saw the Turkish Camp pitch'd , with abundance of Tents . I shall not entertain you with the Stages of my return , they being the same with those of my Journy thither , only we made a little more speed , and sometimes Rode Two Days Journy in One. In fine , we came to a Constantinople , Iune the 24 th . You must needs think I had a troublesome Journy of it , having such a Companion with me , as a Quotidian Ague , all the way ; so that when I came thither , I was almost nothing but Skin and Bone : Yet , as Lean as I was , when I came to rest , and , by the Advice of Quaquelben , my Physician , used warm Baths , I quickly recovered : One thing I observed in the method of my Cure , that when I came out of the warm Bath , he would sprinkle me over with cold Water , which , tho' it were troublesome to me at the present , yet I found that it did me much good . Whilst I staid at Constantinpole , there was a certain Person , that came from the Turkish Camp in Asia , who told me a Story , that I shall acquaint you with , because it shews , that the Asiaticks are not very well pleased , either with the Religion , or the Government , of the Turks ; 't was this , Solyman , says he , as he was returning Home , was forc'd to Lodg one Night in the House of a certain Asiatick and when he went away in the Morning , his Host brought a great deal of Perfume , and us'd a great deal of Ceremonies , to cleanse and purge his House , as if it had been polluted by such a Guest , as Solyman ; when Solyman heard of it , he caused the Man to be Slain , and his House to be levelled with the ground . This Punishment the poor Man underwent for his Aversion from the Turks , and his Propensity to favour the Persians . I staid about Fourteen Days at Constantinople to refresh my self , and then I entred on my Journy back again to Vienna : But I was entertain'd with an Inauspicious Omen , even a very sad Spectacle ; just as I was gone forth of the Gates of Constantinople , I met whole Waggon-Loads of Boys and Girls , which were bringing out of Hungary to Constantinople to be sold ; no Merchandize is more frequent amongst them , than that . For , as when we leave Antwerp , we meet with all sorts of Merchantable Commodities Importing into the Town , so here , ever and anon , there passed by us abundance of Poor Miserable Christian Slaves , which were going to be sold in the Markets to a perpetual Bondage ; there was no distinction of Age , Old and Young were driven in Herds , or Companies , or else were tied in a long Chain , as we use to tail Horses when we carry them to Fairs ; when I beheld this woful sight , I could not forbear weeping and bemoaning the unhappy State of poor Christendom . And if that Miserable Spectacle were not Afflictive enough for a new Traveller , take another bad and mortifying Occurrence : My Collegues had commended some of their Retinue to me , which were weary of living in Turky , that they might be of my Train , in returning to their own Country : I granted their Request , and having Travelled Two Days Journy , I perceiv'd one that was Chief among them , ( called a Vaivode , from his Office , ) was carried Sick in a Coach ; one of his Feet being bare , without any Stockings , he would not suffer it to be covered , for he had in it a Plague-sore , which he found more easie to keep open . We were much troubled at this sight , as fearing that Infectious Disease would spread further ; but the poor Man liv'd but till we came to Adrianople , and there departed this Life . Upon his Death another Mischief did succeed ; as soon as the Breath was out of his Body , the rest of the Hungarians ran in greedily to the Prey , one caught up his Stockings , another his Doublet , a Third his Shift , a Fourth his other Linen ; thus casting themselves , and us too , into a great deal of danger . Nor was there any way in the world from hindering them . 'T is true , my Physician , like an honest Man , ran in amongst them , and intreated them , for God's sake , to throw them away , because they would infect us all ; but they were deaf to his Advice . But the Day after we left Adrianople , those self-same Persons came to him , and complain'd of a Pain in their Heads , with a Dejection of their Spirits , and a Listnesness both of Body and Mind , and desired his Advice ; He , ( suspecting the Symptoms of the Plague in the case , ) told them , they were well enough serv'd , for not harkning to his Counsel ; yet he would do them what good he could , only , being on his Journy , he was unprovided of proper Medicins . The same Day I walked abroad into the Field , as I us'd to do as soon as ever I came to my Inn , to see if I could find any thing worthy of my Notice in those Countries , where I met with an unknown Herb in a Meadow , which smelt like Garlick . After I had pluck'd some Leaves of it , I gave them to my Physician to know his Judgment ; he looked wistly upon it , and told me , 't was Scordium , and lifting up his Hands to Heaven , he gave God thanks for sending us so opportune a Remedy against the Plague ; hereupon he gathers a great quantity of it , and putting it into a large Pot , boiled it over the Fire . Then he bid the Hungarians take Heart , and p●●ted the Decoction amongst them , prescribing the taking of it very hot , as they were going to Bed , mixt with some Lemnian Earth , and Diascordium , and that they should not sleep till they had fallen into a great sweat . Observing his Directions , the next Day after they were much better , and desired the same Potion again , and when they had drunk it , they grew perfectly well . And thus , by God's Blessing , we avoided that Infection . And yet , the residue of our Journy was not without Peril . After we had passed the Country of the Thracians and Bulgarians , which reaches as far as Nissa , and came into the Servians Country , reaching from Nissa to Sema●dria , where the Rascians Country begins ; we came at last to Belgrade , the Weather being excessively Hot and Parching , for 't was the hottest time of the Dog-days . At Belgrade , upon one of our Fish-days , we were presented with abundance of choice Fish , and , amongst the rest , with large full-Bodied Carps , taken in the Danube , whose Carps are very much commended : My People did Eat very greedily of them , that was either the cause , or the occasion , which cast many of them into a Fever ; yet all that quantity of Fish , which was enough to satisfie Forty Men , cost but half a Dollar ; and the truth is , other things are as cheap . As for Hay , 't is little or nothing worth , the Meadows are so laden with it , that every Man may take what he will , provided he pay for the Mowing and Carriage ; which made us to admire the wisdom of the old Hungarians , after they had passed the Save , who chose so Fertile a Country , as Hungary , to dwell in ; where there were all manner of Conveniencies for Human Life ; we passed over a great Tract of Land , both beyond and on this side the Save , and we found the Grass , Barly , Oats and Wheat , almost parch'd and withered with drought ; but as soon as we entred Hungary , the Grass was so tall , that a Coach , that went before , could hardly be seen by another that came after ; which is a great Argument of the goodness of the Soil . The Rascians , as I told you before , begin at Semandria , and reach as far as the River Drave ; they are reputed to be a fudling sort of People , and not very Faithful to Strangers . Whence they had their Name and Original , I do not certainly know ; but truly they were kind enough to us ; we passed through some Villages of theirs of less Note , and at last arrived at Esseck , which is almost inclosed with Muddy Marshes , and is famous for the slaughter of Catzianerus , and the overthrow of the Christians . Here I was taken with a Ter●ian Ague , I was so parch'd with Heat , in Travelling the open Feilds of Hungary ; and at Esseck we passed the Drave , and came to Zasque , where being weary with the Heat of my Journy , and my Ague , I laid me down to rest , where the chiefest of the place came to me to bid be welcome ; and presented me with large Melons , with Pears and Plums of several sorts , besides Wine , and other Provisions , altogether very good , the Noted Country of Campania in Italy hardly bears better . In the Room where I Lodged , there was a long Table all furnished with these Viands : My Servants desired the Hungarians to stay to Supper , excusing my absence , because of my Sickness . As soon as I awoke , and saw such a full-spread Table before my Eyes , I thought verily I had been in a Dream , and Ask'd my Physician , How that came about ? He told me plainly , That he himself had caused the Table to be furnished , that so the very sight of it might refresh me . But must not I tast of it , said I ? Yes , said he , but you must only tast . And so I Eat a little of it , and seem'd to be much the better for it . The Day after the Hungarians came to me again to present sent their Service , desiring me to represent their Condition to the Emperor , in regard of the Wrongs they received from some of their Neighbours . From thence we came to Mohatz , noted for the Overthrow and Death of Lewis King of Hungary ; not far from that Town I saw a River , whose Water was deep , and its Banks very sleep ; here that unhappy Prince leapt in with his Horse , and was drown'd , being for his Fall as much to be lamented , as for his Imprudence , in ventring with a small and newly rais'd Army of his Country-Men , to cope with the more numerous , Veteran , and well-disciplin'd Forces of Solyman . From Mohatz we Travelled on to Tul●a , and from thence to Feldnar . There I passed over the Danube into an Island , pretty large , called Cophis , Inhabited by Rascians ; and so repassing the Danube , I arrived at Buda , ( 12 Days after I left Belgrade , ) August the 4 th , having lost many of my Horses by the way , who were Choaked with Eating new Barly , and Drinking over-old Water . Besides , I narrowly escaped Robbing , which these Countries are much infested with , especially by those they call Heydukes , some of which were afterwards taken , and put to Death at Buda , where they confessed to the Bassa thereof , that they lay in wait for me , and my Train , under a broken Bridg we were to pass , that so they might Assault us unawares . And the truth is , a few may very easily circumvent and destroy a great many Passengers on such Bridges ; for the Bridges are ill-built , and the Planks are set so wide , and gaping one from another , that you can scarce go over them safe on Horse-back , without danger of falling , if you are never so careful ; and if some meet you before , others fall on your Rear , and others start out from the Reeds and Sedges below , where they hide themselves , and so Accost you in the Flank , and you can hardly manage your Horse for Self-Defence , by reason of the Ilness of the Bridge ; no doubt you may be treated as the Romans were in the Caudine Streights , be either taken or killed , at Pleasure . I know not what it was that deterred them from assaulting of us ; whether it were our Numbers , or the Sight of the Hungarians with us , or because we were in a long Train , and all were not on the Bridge at once , or what ever else it was that withheld them , by God's Blessing , we got safe to Buda . The Bassa of the Town was not then at home , he was gone over to Pest , on the other side the River , where they had a Council of War , after the manner of the Hungarians , they call them Rachi . Many Sanziacks were already come thither , but more were expected , for which Cause , when I desired Audience , 't was put off for Three Days , that the Ianizaries and Military Persons might make a greater Show . Then I was sent for over , and conveyed to his Tent , where he made Complaints to me of the Injuries that some Hungarians had done to him ; It is usual in those Frontier Garrisons , both for Hungarians and Turks , mutually to complain of one another , yea , sometimes they that are most in Fault , begin to complain , first . The Turkish Bassa also added some Minatory Expressions of Revenge ; it may be , he thought that the Sight of his Army would terrify me ; but he was mistaken , for I answered him roundly , That the Hungarians might rather find Fault with the Turks , than on the contrary ; for I my self , in my Travels had seen some of his Soldiers plunder some Hungarians , subjects of his Imperial . Majesty , and carry away their Goods . He answered me , That indeed he had put some contumacious Christians under Military Execution , but they were such as were under his Master , not the Emperor . Thus , after a mutual Altercation , I was dismissed , being in very bad plight , for my Ague-Fit was sore upon me all that Day . The Day after , I went to Gran , having a Turkish Guard of Horse along with me , I had a Mind to be wafted over the Danube , and for one Night to lodge in a Village over against the Castle of Gran , that the Day after I might come the sooner to Comorra , and be better able to endure my Ague-Fit , which I expected that Day ; and therefore I entreated that Favour of my Guide , that he would send some Body over , to bring the Ferry-Boat , that was on the other Side , that so our Passage might be the easier . I found some Difficulty in having my Request granted , yet , partly to gratify me , and partly to acquaint the Sanziacks with my arival there , he sent over two Persons ; when they were gone an Hour before , they spyed Four Horsemen standing under a Tree , a little from the High-way-side ; they judged them , by their Habits , to be Turks , and therefore turned aside to accost them ; and as they drew near , they ask'd them , What News ? They answered not a Word , but made at them with their drawn Swords , and gave one of them such a Blow , athwart his Face , that he made the greatest Part of his Nose to hang down over his Chin ; and then catching at his Horse , which he held by the Bridle , he left his own Beast , and mounting it , set Spurs , and away . The Turks presently came back to us , especially he with a maim'd Face , and with a woful Lamentation , bid us prepare for the Combat , for we were Way-laid . I , to encourage my Men , got presently on Horse-back ; but we came too late , when the Scuffle was over , for they had more mind to preserve the Prey they had got , than to fight : And thereupon fled speedily to Iavarin , a Garrison of ours , to which they did belong : The Turks shewed them to us as they were scouring over the neighbouring Hills , that led to Iavarin . Thus we came to Gran , the Sanziack very friendly gave me a Visit , and among other Discourse he put me in mind of the Insolency of the Hungarian Soldiers , who could not be kept from Thieving ( said he ) Though you the Emperour's Embassador were in company of those they robbed ; and therefore he desired me , That the Horse they took away yesterday might be restored . In the mean Time , The Turk , that was wounded the Day before , stood without in the Entry , with his Nose sewen together , through which he made a lamentable Moan , desiring me to pity his Condition : I told him I would give him what was enough for his Cure , and so I bestowed Two Duckets upon him ; he would have had more , but the Sanziac told him , 't was enough , his Misfortune was not to be charged upon me . Being thus dismissed by the Sanziack , I came the same Day to Comorra ; where I expected my Ague-Fit , but when the usual Period of it drew near , I found it had left me , as if a Fever got in Turky durst not accompany me into the Christian Territories : Hereupon I gave God Thanks , who had both freed me of my Ague , and had also brought me safe to the end of my long and tedious Journy . Two Days after , I came to Vienna , where the Emperour Ferdinand , my most Gracious Master , was not at present , only I found Maximilian , King of Bohemia , there in his Room ; whose courteous Reception of me made me almost forget the Toil of my Journy . But I must tell you , I was so emaciated with my Sickness , and the Inconveniencies of my Journy together , that many thought the Turks had given me a poysonous Dose ; for truly , when I went lately to pay my Duty to the Arch-Duke Ferdinand , he , being then there , asked one of his Domesticks , who I was ? who answered , I was one that came lately from Turky , and that it was no wonder I lookt so ill , for they who returned from those Parts , used so to do . Perhaps he was willing to have it believed , that I had taken the Emperour Claudius's Dose ; but , for my part , I know of no such thing ; neither do I question but that after I had rested a while , to recover the tediousness of my Journy , I shall look as well as ever I did , and I find my self something mended already . In the mean time , I acquainted the Emperor with my Return , by Letter , and of the half-Years Truce I had obtained , and the sum of all my whole Negotiation ; and when he came home from the Diet , I would inform him of all Particulars more punctually and distinctly . One thing more I shall acquaint you with , There were many Persons who refused to accompany me to Constantinople , either for Fear , or I know not what Motive besides , who wished they had given me any Mony , to go along with me , now they saw me return in Safety . But what says he in Plautus ? If you will eat the Kernel , you must take the Pains to break the Nut : He does himself Wrong , that thinks to reap part of the Fruit , who took no part of the Pains . Thus , Sir , I have given an account of my Journy , both to Constantinople and also to Amasia ; I have not drest up my Narrative with Flowers of Rhetorick , but have presented you with it , just as I would have related it to you by Word of Mouth . I know you will bear with the Courseness of my Style , it being occasioned by my over-eager Desire to gratifie you ; nor can you well expect Elegancy from me now in my heat and throng of Business , which I was never Master of in my greatest Retirements . This I assure you , both for your Information and my own Content , that I am not conscious to my self of any Falshood in the whole Narration , which is the principal Ornament of such Relations as these . Thus I bid you Farewel . Vienna , Septemb. 1st . 1554. EPISTLE II. SIR , I Receiv'd your Letter , wherein you acquaint me , that you have receiv'd Information of my second Voyage into Turky ; on which Account you express your wonderment , that I would venture to visit that uncouth and barbarous Country , once more . And , withal , you desire to know the Issue of my Journy ; How I found Matters at my return to Constantinople ; What Entertainment I met with there ; What Proportion of Health I enjoy ; Whether my Life be pleasant to me , yea or no ; and , in fine , What hopes there may be of my speedy return to Germany . To all which you oblige me , upon the score of our ancient Friendship , to give particular and express Answers ; which , to gratifie you , I shall accordingly do . Know then , in the first Place , That you were not mis-informed as to my return into Turky , the thing is most true ; neither could I avoid the Journy , as being oblig'd thereunto by Promise ; and you know every honest Man is as good as his Word● My Case was this , The Emperor Ferdinand , my most gracious Lord and Master , designed me as his Lieger Embassador to Constantinople ; but his Design was grounded on this Supposition , that Peace would be first setled betwixt the two Empires ; but Articles of Agreement being not yet fully accorded , nor wholly rejected neither , there was no reason I should slip my Neck out of the Collar , till the Matter was brought to some certain issue , either a firm Peace , or a perfect Rupture . And , therefore , though I foresaw what a Bushel of Troubles I should run my self into , by my return , and had much rather a fitter Person had been substituted for the Employment ; but no Body being willing to accept the Charge , I was , in a manner , forced to the Service ; it being my duty to comply with , and obey , the will and pleasure of my gracious Master : For asson as ever he return'd from the Imperial Diet to Vienna , and was informed , by me , of my Transactions with Solyman , the Ottoman Emperor , he immediately laid his Command upon me to prepare my self to return , and to carry back his Answer to Solyman's Letters . 'T is true , 't was the depth of Winter , I was commanded to return to Constantinople ; and , besides , 't was a very Rainy , Cold and Tempestuous Season ; and , also , my Message was so severe , that I was like to have no Thanks for my Labour . Here , perhaps , you may twit me in the Teeth , What! twice to the same Pla●e ? To which I answer , Twice and oftner , if there be need ; for commendable Enterprizes , the more hazardous , the more Praise-wor●hy . 'T was in November when I left Vienna , to undertake my second Voyage to unhospitable Pontus ; I will not grate your Ears with the Relation of the Gests of my Second Journy . I was too vexatious , I fear , in giving you an Account of my First . It may suffice to tell you , that I went the same Stages , in a manner , that I did at first . So then , to Constantinople I came in the beginning of Ianuary ( having lost one of my Retinue , ( who dyed of a Fever in the way . ) There I found my Collegues in good Health ; but a mighty Change was made in the Turkish Affairs : Solyman's youngest Son had escap'd a great danger , and was reconcil'd to his Father : Achmet Bassa , the Grand Vizier , had been strangled , and Rustan , his Predecessor , was restor'd to his Place of Grand Viziership ; of whom more hereafter ; but at present , I shall acquaint you what course Entertainment I met with from their Emperor , his Bassa's and other great Men among them . For their Bassa's ( as manner is , before they introduce an Embassador to their Prince ) being desirous to hear of me , in general , the purport of my Message ; assoon as they understood , that my Master Caesar would not recede a jot from his Right , but did punctually insist upon it as just and equal , that the Transactions with the Widow Iohn late Vaivod of Transilvania and her Son , being made without Fraud , Force or Covin , should be strictly observed , they were in a mighty Chafe ; for you must know , that a long-Series of happy Success hath so elevated the Minds of this People , that they make their own Wills , forsooth , the sole Rule of all Reason , Right or Wrong . On which presumptuous Principle , they carried it very haughtily towards us ; and told us the extream Danger we would run into , if we offer'd to appear before their Prince with such an imperious Message . When such menacing Words could not deter us from demanding Audience ; they gave us to understand , That they would have no Hand in our Admittance ; for d' e think , ( said they ) that we are such brazen-fac'd Fellows as to bring you , with such sawcy Answers , to our King ? No , said they , it will be as plain Mockery to him , which he will never take well at your Hands : Do you not know , proceeded they , that he is come back from Persia with a victorious Army ; where , his Successes have so exalted him , that he hath put his own Son to death as emulous of the Empire ? Whereby , you may guess at the severity of his Passion . He longs for , and courts , a fair occasion to send his handy and well-disciplin'd Army into Hungary , to enrich them with the Spoils of that Country , and to add the residue thereof to his Empire . And , therefore , if you be wise , don't ●ouze up a sleeping Lyon ; for thereby you will but hasten your own Miseries , which are coming on fast enough of themselves . Such were the Harangues of the Bassa's to us , and the rest of the Turks were of the same Mind . The mildest Punishment they denounced against us , was , That two of us would be cast into a nasty Dungeon , and the third ( which was to be my share ) would have his Nose and Ears cut off , and so sent back to his Master . And to strike the greater Terror into us ; the Turks , who passed by our Lodgings , gave us many a sour Look ; which was an Argument , that they intended some cruel Deportment toward us . And the truth is , from that day forward , they used us more coursely than ever ; they kept us up close as Prisoners rather than Embassadors ; they suffer'd no Body to come to us , nor permitted any of us to go forth ; and the rest of their Carriage was as intolerable . Thus have they treated us these six Months past ; and I know not how long they will continue these Severities ; but , come what will , we submit to the Will of God. Our Cause is Just and Honourable , and that gives us relief against their vigorous Extremities . But leaving the Narration of our own Misfortunes , I shall answer your desire , in giving you an Account of the Story of Bajazet . For the clearer Explication thereof , I must acquaint you , that Solyman had 5 Sons ; the Eldest , begot by him on a Concubine , near the Bosphorus , was called Mustapha , of whose unhappy end you have heard before ; but by another Wife , named Roxolana , he had four , Mahomet , Selymus , Bajazet and Giangir . Mahomet liv'd till he was married , ( for the Turks call their Concubines , Wives ) but dy'd soon after ; so that Selimus and Bajazet of this later Venter only remain'd alive . As for Giangir , he came thus to his end ; when News was brought to Constantinople , that his half-Brother Mustapha was put to death ; the Youth being of a timorous Mind and infirm Body ( for he was Crook-back'd ) fell into a grievous Passion , upon the Imagination that the like Fate did hang over his own Head ; for he could promise safety to himself no longer than his Father liv'd ; if his Head were once laid , he that was his Successor would certainly kill all his Brethren , as emulous of the Kingdom ; not one of them would be excepted , and himself being among the number must look for the same Fate ; which Thought struck him into a Disease , even as if the Bow-string had been already about his Neck , which cost him his Life ; so that now only Selymus and Bajazet remained ; Selymus was the Elder , and 't was known to all , that his Father design'd him for the Empire ; but Bajazet was most favoured and doted upon by his Mother , whether i● were out of Commiseration to prevent his inevitable Ruin ; or else out of Motherly Indulgence , or whatever else the reason was ; this is certain , if her Vote could have carried it , Bajazet had certainly succeeded in the Empire after his Fathers death . But she must give way to his Fathers Will , who was fully resolv'd , come what would , that Selymus , and none else , should succeed him . Bajazet was not ignorant thereof , and therefore he turned every Stone to stave off his impending Fate , and , if possible , to prevent his Ruin by grasping at the Throne . And his Hopes were encreased by the favour of his Mother , and of Rustan the Grand Visier , who was thought to have espoused his Interests . Having two such Pillars to support him , he thought with himself 't was far more glorious to hazard his Life in contending with his Brother for the Empire , than to die obscurely by the Bow-string , as a Victim to his Cruelty . Bajazet having this Project in his Head , began to pick Quarrels with his Brother , and to maintain a Faction against him ; neither was it long before a fitting Occasion offered it self for him to begin his design'd Enterprize , of rising in Arms upon the Account of Mustapha's death , and the disgust of many thereupon . For the truth is , Mustapha was so well belov'd in his Life-time , and so much lamented at his Death , that those who had placed all their hopes of advancement from him alone , were almost unwilling to live after him ; so that they did but wait for an Opportunity to revenge his Death , or to die as he did : Others , who were conscious to themselves that they had favoured his Party , and therefore were obnoxious to the present Power , did not care what Hurly-burlies they made ; ready they were for any Innovation , only they wanted a Leader . In which case , they did not well know what to do . As for Mustapha himself , they knew he could not be recalled from the Dead ; yet it was in their power to suborn and set up a feigned Mustapha in his stead , as if the true one had been yet alive . This Design pleased Bajazet ( who was the Contriver of the Plot ) best of all , as most conducible to the accomplishment of his purpose . Hereupon , by his Emissaries , he procures a mean Fellow , but bold and ready-witted , to counterfeit himself to be Mustapha ; and his pretence was more plausible , because his Stature , Physiognomy and Meen of his Body did somewhat resemble Mustapha's . This Man begun , first , to shew himself in that part of Thrace which was above Constantinople , toward the Danube , Moldavia and Valachia . This Place he thought most opportune to raise a Party , because it was full of Horse , which part of the Turkish Militia did most favour Mustapha . Here he starts up , as if he had fled in Post-haste from some remote Place , with a few in his Company ; which he pretended was for his own Security : His Followers being asked by the Country , Who he was ? They answered , at first , whisperingly , That it was Mustapha . Hereupon they were more desirous to know the Truth ; and then he was forced to declare himself , That he was Mustapha , indeed . Having made this prosperous beginning , he goes on to gratulate his Safety among them , and to give God thanks . First , he told them , That when he was sent for by his angry Father , he durst not trust himself to come into his Presence ; but , by his Friends Advice , suborned one , somewhat like him , to represent his Person , that , by another Mans hazard rather than his own , he might make Tryal of his incensed Father's Inclination towards him . This Man he hir'd with great Promises of Reward ; but assoon as he came to his Father he was strangled at his Tent-door , before he had any opportunity to make his Defence ; and his dead Body was exposed to the View of the Soldiery . At which time , said he , there were some few that smelt out the Project ; but most part was deceived by the disguised Lineaments of his deceased Body , and thought it was he himself that was s●ain . Assoon as I heard of this , said he , I saw there was no stay for me , but I must consult my Safety by a speedy Flight ; I took but few in my Company , that I might be the less taken notice of , and thus passing over Pontus and the Bosphoran Country , I am , said he , come hither ; where I promise my self much Aid from your Fidelity , and , therefore , I beseech you lend me your helping hand ; a●d seeing I am oppress'd by a wretched Step-mother , be you as forward to help me in my Affliction , as you were all ready to do in my Prosperity . For my part , I am resolved to revenge my Wrong● , and ●o maintain my Life by force of Arms For what other Course , pray , can I ●ake ? I owe my Life to my Fathers mistake , who killed another Man instead of me ; so that I plainly see , what Fate attends me , if ever I come into his Power . The miserable old Man is imposed on by the enchanting Passions of a Step-mother , whom he doats upon , and by the Ministry of Rustan , to whatsoever Attempt they please . But , thanks be to God , said he , I have got some Friends left to revenge my Wrongs , and to punish my Enemies . And , besides , I am not quite daunted , but have a great Stock yet of Courage left ; for I know that the Janizaries , yea , and most of all my Fathers Court are on my side ; and , besides , upon hearing of my Name , I know all those which lamented me when dead ( as they thought ) will flock in to me , now they hear I am alive ; only be you pleased to vouchsafe me a favourable Reception , and to protect me till sufficient Aid come in to me . These were his private , and also his publick , Harangues , where-ever he came ; and his instructed Followers ecchoed forth the same Report ; yea , some Men of Note , that Bajazet had suborned , sung Notes to the same Tune . Thus a great Party of Men , unknown to Bajazet , were brought into the Nooz . For the matter was carried so cunningly , that those who knew Mustapha , and saw him lie dead before his Father's Tent , yet were afraid to believe their own Eyes , but suffered themselves to be persuaded , that this was the true Mustapha indeed ; yea , some of Mustapha's Intimates , who knew this was but a Cheat , yet were so overfond of his Memory , that blinded either with Fear , Grief or Anger , they wers the first that li●ted themselves under this Pseudo - Mustapha , as being weary of their Lives without him ; which made others certainly think , that this was the true Mustapha indeed , whom Report had falsely related to be slain . And , besides , the Impostor himself , by large Promises and great Largesses , which he said were the Relicks of his former Acquists , ( but indeed were the Supplies that Bajazet had provided under-hand ) did not cease to cajole and engage his Followers . So that in a very few days he got an handsome Body of Men together , fit for a little Army , and they encreased every day . When ( lo ! ) Solyman was made acquainted by Messages and Letters , which the Neighbouring Sanziacks , had , in great trepidation , sent him , what hazard he was in by reason of the Resort of such Multitudes , to this Pseudo - Mustapha . The cunning old Man knew one of his Sons must needs be privy to the Plot , and , therefore , he made haste to disappoint it ; chiding his Sanziacks , by Letter , that they suffered the Matter to come to such an Head , and had not rather crush'd the Cockatrice in the Egg ; but seeing they had been negligent hitherto , he commanded them to make amends for their former Remisness , and to send him presently the Traitor and his Followers , Prisoners , in Chains , to receive thei● condign Punishment ; and to facilitate the Matter , he would send Aid to them by one of his Visiers , Partan Bassa , who had married the Widow of Mahomet aforesaid ; howbeit , he advised them , if they would purge them●elves of their Criminal Neglect , they should quell the Insurrection before his Succour came . Partan had but a few Troops with him , but they were choice Men , eminent for Courage and Faithfulness . Solyman took care to cull out Colonels , Captains and other Commanders of that Gizard for this Service , as suspecting that others might have been corrupted or enticed to pass over to the Tents of the Rebels ; for , the Truth was , the ordinary sort of Ianizaries , upon account of Mustapha's Name , did not seem much averse from the Party ; and , therefore , did not care what further Confusions might enhance the Danger on that side The Sanziacks , assoon as ever they received Solyman's minatory Dispatches , began to bestir themselves , and to rouze up one another , so that happy was he , that could do most Damage to the growing Party of the Impostor ; some of those that were going in to him , they intercepted ; those that had already join'd him they laboured to discourage by terrible Meances and Denunciations of the danger they were in . In the mean time , the Forces of Partan Bassa were marching on , and being almost come up to the Place , the Party of the Tumultuous , being not yet fully setled , seeing so great Preparations made against them , began to be discouraged , ( as is usual with Men in such Circumstances ) and to drop off one by one ; and at last the whole Body of 'em most shamefully left their Leader , and shifted for themselves , the best they could . Their feigned Mustapha , with his chief Partisans and Setters on , would willingly have done so too , but he was so watch'd by the Ianizaries , that he was taken alive , and sent Prisoner to Partan , who , with a strong Guard , sent him to Constantinople . When he came thither , Solyman put him on the Rack , and by that means found out the whole Plot ; how his Son Bajazet was at the bottom of it , and had resolved if they had not been so soon dissipated , to have join'd them with a considerable Force , and so either to have marched directly to Constantinople , or else ( if Opportunity had served him ) to have sought out his Brother ; but being slow in his Actings , his Design was nipp'd in the very Bud. When Solyman had thus ferretted out the Design to the bottom , he caused him and his Abettors to be thrown into the Sea at Midnight , not thinking it convenient to have the Matter divulg'd among his own People , or that foreign Princes should be acquainted with the Domestick Differences of his own Family . As for his Son Bajazet , he was mightily exasperated against him for his foul Offence , and was meditating in his Mind what grievous Punishment he should inflict upon him . In the mean time , his Wife being a prying Woman , and therefore allowing him but little space for his Anger to vent and cool it self , at last falling into Discourse with him of the Affair , she began to excuse her Son , laying all the Fault on his Youthful Imprudence ; and that some of his Ancestors also had been necessitated to undertake the like Attempts . For ( says she ) 't is a natural Instinct in all Men to do what they can for themselves and their Friends , and to save their Lives , if they can ; especially young Men , in the fervour of Youth , are apt to be drawn aside by ill Counsellors to pernicious Attempts ; and , therefore , it was but reasonable that his first Fault should be pardoned , because , if he repented thereupon , his Father had gained a great Point in preserving his Son ; but if he relapsed again into the same Crime , then the Father was at liberty to inflict deserved Punishment on him for both Offences , at one and the same time . But , proceeded she , if you will not pardon him for his own sake , yet be pleased to do it for mine ; and spare our own common Flesh and Blood : For how , think you , can I bear it , that of two Sons which God hath yet left me , ●our Severity would rend one of them from me ? And , therefore , she intreated him to moderate his Anger , and not to let loose the reins to Cruelty , tho' you had never so just an Occasion-Almighty God ( said she ) tho' most Powerful and Just , yet doth not always exert his highest Severities , but tempers them with Indulgence , else Mankind w●uld be quickly destroyed . And if Clemency be to be shew'd to any , to whom , pray , more properly than to a Man 's own Children ? Bajazet , for the future , will certainly keep within the bounds of his Duty , and the fear , wherein he now is , will certainly be turn'd into the highest Degree of filial Obedience for the Future ; if you please to spare his Life , the Sense of your Indulgence will work this ; for nothing is so obliging to generous Minds as Courtesies received . The Memory of his Pardon will restrain him from running a second time into the like Offence ; yea , I my self will undertake for him , that for the future he will carry it towards you , as a most dutiful and obedient Son. To these Intreaties she added Tears and Blandishments , so that the old Man , who was Uxorious enough before , could no longer withstand her Importunities , but changed his Mind ; and instead of Punishing , resolved to Pardon his Son ; but on this Condition , that he was to come into his Presence and receive his Commands . His Mother , being exceeding glad at the good Success of her Interposal , was not wanting to the Occasion ; but presently acquainted Bajazet by Letters , that when ever he was sent for , he should not scruple in the least to come to his Father , for she had wrought a Reconciliation betwixt them , so that not the least Spark of Discontent lay now covered in his Mind against him . Upon the Receipt of this good News , Bajazet resolves to trust his Father , yet not without some Relicks of Fear ; he reflected ever and anon on his Brother Mustapha , whose Example warned him of the Danger he underwent . However , conquering his Fear , come he did to the Place of Conference appointed by his Father , it was called Carestrane , some few Miles distant from Constantinople . For you must know , that now-a-days , 't is the Custom of the Turkish Emperors , never to permit any one of their Sons , when once they are grown up , to set their Foot within the Gates of Constantinople , ( whilst they are alive ) for fear they should ingratiate themselves with the Soldiery , and so set up for themselves . As he was alighting from his Horse , some of his Father's Servants were at hand to take away his Sword and Dagger ; this struck his guilty Conscience into a little Fear , tho' it were accustomed to be done to others , that they might come unarmed into their Emperor's Presence : But his Mother , who had placed her self on purpose near his Passage , looked out at a Window , using these Expressions , Chear up , chear up , my Son , by which Antidote he was very much heartned and relieved . As soon as ever he came into his Fathers Presence , the old Man bid him sit down , and then began to blame him very severely for his rashness , in taking up Arms so causelessly . They may be looked upon , said he , as taken up against my self ; but grant you took them up only against your Brother , yet it takes off little from your Offence , for if you had had your Wish , the Ottoman Religion would have been quite shaken , if not overthrown by the Domestick Discords among our Family , ( on the Heirs whereof it doth depend ) so that if you be a true Mussulman , such a Crime ought to have been far from your Thoughts : I might aggravate your Crime ( said he ) by telling you , That you aspired at the Government in my Life-time , which is so contemptuous a Thing , that your Offence is almost inexpiable : Nevertheless , I am resolved to pardon you , and to shew my self a loving Father rather than a just Judge , that so for the future you may leave all to God ; for Kingdoms , and the Governments of them are not disposed of by Mans Pleasure , but by the Will of God ; if he hath decreed that you shall have the Kingdom after me , no Man living will be able to hinder it : But , if God had otherwise determined , 't was a mad Thing in you to go about to resist his Will , for that were to fight against God ; and therefore let me advise you to be quiet , and not disturb your peaceable Brother , nor interrupt the Quiet of my old Age ; for , I will assure you , if you commit a second Offence , of this Nature , I will be so far from pardoning you , that you shall have the Severity of Justice . Bajazet's Answer was very Submissive , acknowledging his Fault , and promising Subjection for the future . Whereupon Solyman called for Drink , and caused it to be given to his Son , ( as the Custom is ) which was a Sherbet , made of Sugar and the Juice of certain Fruit. Bajazet had rather have let it alone , as fearing it might have been his last Draught , but he could not handsomely refuse it , so he drank a little , and his Father drank a little after him , which freed him of his Fear . Thus Bajazet was dismissed , and sent away to his Government , his Congress with his Father having been far more auspicious than his Brother Mustapha's was . As for the Death of Achmet Bassa , another of your Enquiries , I shall give this short Relation : Some say , he was put to Death for being too much affected to Mustapha , and for favouring underhand the Counterfeit Mustapha , and encouraging Bajazet in his Designs . Others say , That being a mere Robber or Swashbuckler at first , but advanced for his Audacity , Valour and Skill in Military Affairs , to that high Dignity , the Punishment of his former flagitious Life was only deferred to the last Period of it . And some were of Opinion , he was executed only to make Way for Rustan ; for Solyman having promised Achmet never to take away the Seal from him , as long as he lived ; to make a collusive Performance of his Word , he caused him to be put to Death , before he did it . Some said , That Solyman gave it out , 'T was better to dye once than a Thousand Times over ; for the Fear of the Loss of his Grand Viziership , and much more his Survival thereupon , would have been as a Thousand Deaths to him . Whatever was the Cause , the Manner of it was this ; He came early in the Morning into the Divan , ( or Council-Chamber ) being ignorant of what was designed against him : By and by comes a Messenger to him from the Sultan , telling him , That he must die . He was a Man of a great Spirit , and received the Message as undauntedly as if it had nothing concerned him ; only when the Executioner drew near , to do his Office , he pushed him away , as thinking it dishonourable for a Man of his Dignity to dye by the Hands of an ordinary Executioner : But casting his Eyes round about the Company , he espied a creditable Person , that was his Friend , him he desired to do that last Office for him , and he should take it as a great Kindness at his Hands ; his Friend , upon his iterated Request , undertook it : Only Achmet advised , Not to draw the Cord or Bow-string , so as to dispatch him at once , but when he had strained it a little , then to remit it , that he might breath a little , and afterwards to pull it as hard as he could , until he were dead ; wherein his Desire was answered . Thus Achmet was willing ( as it were ) to taste of Death , before he drank his full Draught thereof . Upon his Decease Rustan had the Grand-Viziership bestowed upon him . As for my Return out of this Country , which you desire to hear of , all I can say is , Facilis descensus Averni ; he that brought me hither , will , when he sees good , bring me back : In the Interim , I solace my self in the Company of my old Friends , my Books , which never fail to afford me Relief both Day and Night . Constantinople , the Day before the Ides of June 1555. June 12. EPISTLE III. SIR , THE Relations , you heard , was very true ; for it is most certain , that all my Collegues are returned home , and poor I am left behind , alone . And whereas you propound several Questions to me , as , What Fate , or what malevolent Star kept me back from accompanying them in their Return ? And why I did not shake Hands with that barbarous Country , to enjoy the wish'd for Comforts of my own ? And withal , you demand , What memorable Matters I have seen or heard of since I wrote last ? promising to give credit to whatever drops from my Pen , as if it were as true as Gospel . And moreover , you desire to know the Course of my Studies , and how I relieve my self both in my Solitudes and Sufferings ? And whether I go abroad or always stay at home ? All these Postulations put together , will engage me to write rather Commentaries or Diaries , than a single Letter , especially since you are very earnest to know , How Bajazet's Matters stand , ( concerning which , you say , there are various Reports with you . ) You claim a Promise from me , and unless I perform it , you tell me you will commence an Action against me , and have already drawn your Breviat against me : Let me prosecute your Metaphor , and perswade you to stay a while , Leniter qui saeviunt sa● piunt magis , says the Old Adage , No haste to kill true Men : But if you are so much given to Law , take Use and Principal too , rather than I will answer your Suit , for I am averse from Lawing . And besides , the Distance of Place is so great between us , that if I should put in an Exception to your Plea , yet your Writ would hardly abate . However it be , I will rather satisfy your Desires , than contend with you in the least : When my Collegues ( whose Names I gave you in my last Letters ) perceived , that our Three Years abode in this Place had produced little good hitherto , either to the making of a firm Peace , or the continuing the Truce ; and that small Hopes of either did appear for the future , they laboured with Might and Main to be dismissed by this Court ; and when , with much ado . Solyman's Consent was obtained therein , ( for 't is no easy matter to get a Dismission from hence ) then the only Question was , Whether we should all go , or only those of us that came first , and so had been longest there ? For cunning Solyman , that he might not seem over-desirous of Peace , by retaining one of us , remitted the Matter wholly to our own Choice . In these Circumstances , my Companions thought it very advisable , and for our Master's Service , that one of us should stay behind , and I my self was of the same Mind ; but we resolved to dissemble our Sentiments , and conceal them from the Turks , so that as often as we had any Discourse with them on that Subject , I always pretended , I was utterly unwilling to stay behind . 'T is true , I told them I came thither to reside as Embassador in Ordinary , but it was on Supposition , That Peace would be made between both Empires ; but That not being yet done , I did not see how I could well stay , but to the Damage and against the Will of my Master , and therefore it was best that we should all return together . Thus I reasoned before them , that so I might stay on better Terms , rather by their Entreaty than by my own voluntary Offer . I knew well enough , that if we all went away , it would not only open Door for a War , but it would even quite shut out all Hopes of Peace ; which later was not despaired of , if I staid behind : For whilst Dispatches were sent to and from both Princes , it would spin out a great deal of Time , in which interval something or other might fall out of Advantage to our Cause ; so that it was better to do any thing , than to precipitate ourselves into a fierce and cruel War ; and yet I was not ignorant , how prejudicial my stay would be to my self , for thereby my fair and labour would be doubled , in regard One was to do the Work of Two or Three : Besides , many Inconveniencies might occasionally arise , especially if the Issue of my Transactions did terminate in a War : And yet , I must tell you , he that Undertakes the Office of a publick Embassador , must post-p●ne all such private Difficulties , and make light of them , in comparison of the Publick Good of his Prince and Country . And I had a fair Opportunity to manage this Affair by the Complaisance of Rustan , who was very desirous of my Stay ; for that subtle Vizier easily foresaw , what a shrewd Step towards a War it would be , if we should all be gone and leave the Negotiation for a Peace unfinished . The old Fox was averse from War , upon this account principally , he foresaw , That if Solyman made an Expedition into Hungary , it was impossible to prevent the Discords of his Children ; for if Selymus were willing to be quiet , yet Bajazet would attempt Innovation , especially since he was favoured by himself , his Wife and Mother-in-law ; and such Commotions , he knew , would be fatal to him : And therefore , when we were once at his House , he made a long Harangue to my Colleagues , advising them what to say to their Master at their Return , in order to a Peace . As for me , he advised me by all means to stay behind , and not to desert a Business so well begun 'till it came to a desired Issue ; and there 's no doubt , said he , but the Emperor , your Master , who always shewed himself inclining to Peace , will approve well-enough of your Stay. Yet , nevertheless , I continued Deaf to his Request , as far as with Safety I could , and insisted on my Return ; which edg'd him on the more , to perswade me to stay : What , says he , will you cut off all Hopes of Peace for ever ? Our Emperor longs for nothing more than to send an Army into Hungary , and he had long since done it , if I had not made use of some Female Instruments ( under standing his Wife and Mother-in-law ) to disswade him ; yea , as it were to pluck him back by the Sleeve ; and therefore , if you be wise , don't you rouze a sleeping Lyon to destroy you . upon this I began to yield a little , and was less peremptory in my Refusal to stay , only I told them , my greatest Remora was , I was afraid of their Criminations , that if Matters succeeded not as they would have them , the whole Blame would be cast upon me ( tho' it was not in my Power to help it ) and therefore they would make me feel the Fruits of their Indignation . But Rustan bid me , Be of good chear , whatever the Event were ; if unsuccessful , it should not be imputed to me ; if I would but stay , he promised to have me to be under his immediate Protection , and would treat me ( to use his own Word ) as if I were his Natural Brother . I told him , I would consider of it , and so we parted for that Time. The next Day we were called into the Divan , ( so they call their Council Chamber ) then the same Part was acted over again , only Rustan carried it a little more covertly , and reservedly , because of the Presence of other Bassas , there , at last , I yielded to stay behind , only leaving a Memorial with them of this Import , That I staid behind unknown to my Master , and therefore I would leave all my Concessions to his Arbitrement , to cancel or confirm ; as for my self , I would be responsible for nothing , nor oblige my self by any Promise , whatever issue God were pleased to give of my Negotiation . This Memorial did me a great Kindness after wards , in difficult Circumstances , so that the Bassas could not for shame treat me so severely in their Passions , as otherwise they would have done . Thus , Sir , you have an account of my Stay behind my Fellows , with the Reason thereof . They left Constantinople about the later end of August 1557. The Winter following the Grand Seignior went to Adrianople , as his Custom was , both to strike a greater Terror into Hungary , upon the bruit of his nearer approach thither , and also for the Conveniencies of his Hunting , for there the Winters are colder than at Constantinople both which he thought conducive to his He 1th . The Country thereabouts is full of Marshes and Stagnant Waters , by reason of the vicinity of many Rivers ; so that there are abu●dance of Water-foul , as wild Ducks , Geese , Herons , Storks , Cranes , Bitturns , &c. To catch them , he makes use of Hawks , or a lesser sort of Eagles , which are so used to the Sport , that tho' the Foul fly up to the Clouds , they I fetch him down from thence ; but if they fly lower , then they truss them , and with a mighty Force strike them with their Bills to the Ground . I am told , That some of his Falcons are so disciplin'd and expert , that they will venture on a Crane , even in that part of the Body where the Wing joyns it ; and by this means the Cranes Bill can do them no hurt , and so they tumble to the Ground with their Prey : And yet sometimes the Hawk pays dear for his Boldness for if he do but miss his Gripe never so little , presently the Crane runs him through with his Bill and down he tumbles dead to the Ground . For this Reason , the Grand Seignior ordinarily every Year , a little before Winter , goes to Adrianople , and returns not again to Constantinople till the Frogs begin to be troublesome to him by their croaking . Thither Rustan , a while after , sent for me by Letter ; he appointed some Horse to guard me on the Way , and Sixteen Ianizaries , whether as a Guard to me , or upon me , I leave to you to judge : We made long Journys , for he advised us to make haste : On the Third Day my Ianizaries , being a Foot , began to grumble , the Ways were dirty , as is usual at that Time of the Year ; they complained , That they were forced to march more Miles , often , in a Day , than they used to do ; and that , if their Emperour were there , they could hardly endure it . Their Complaints troubled me not a little , because I was loth to disoblige this sort of People , and therefore I consulted with my Servants , how I might allay their Discontents , and make them willinger to travel . One of mine told me , he had observed that they were much taken with a certain kind of Caudle , Gruel or Pottage , which my Cook used to make of Wine , Eggs , Sugar and Spices ; Perhaps ( says he ) if they have some of that for their Break-fast , they will be plyable . This seemed but a mean Expedient , yet we resolv'd to try it , and the Success answered our Expectation ; for after this sweet Soop , being also further heated with a Glass or two of Wine , away they trudged , as merrily as could be , and told me , they would accompany me , on the same Terms , to Buda , if I pleased . When I came to Adrianople , I was forced to hear the Railings , rather than the Complainings , of Rustan , concerning the Plundering-Excursions of the Hungarians . And , by way of Answer , I was as ready to complain to him of the frequent Depredations and Mischiefs , which the Turks did in Christian Countries . No marvel , said I , if our retort like for like ; for I had just then received an Express from Caesar , my Master , informing me , what Breaches and Contraventions the Turks had made of that Truce , which at the Departure of my Collegues was agreed upon : How they vexed the poor Peasants with continual Inrodes , robbing them of their Goods , and made themselves , their Wives and Children , Slaves . I must not forget-to-acquaint you , how that the same Day , Caesar , my Master's , Messenger came to me with an Express . There happen'd an Earthquake at Adrianople , which gave him occasion to tell me , That he perceived the same ( so he judge it ) at Nissa , S. Sophia and other Places through which he travelled , so that the Air , included in the Bowels of the Earth , did seem to have kept Pace with him , by some subterraneous Passages or Caverns , and to have travelled as far in a Day under Ground , as he himself had done on the Surface of the Earth ; which conjecture afterward seemed to be confirmed , upon the Relation we received of an Earthquake that happen'd in Constantinople Four Days after , which seemed to be the same imprisoned Air , that had made its way , under Ground , even to that City also . I leave the Matter to your Judgment , but this is certain , That Earthquakes are very frequent at Constantinople ; for once , when I was there , about Mid-night , my Lodging did so shake , that it was almost ready to fall : This Accident awakened me , though fast asl●ep , and , having a Watch Light burning by me all Night , when I saw here a Cup , there a Book , a Table , Board and Stone all tumbled in an Heap together : I was at first astonished at the Nov●lty of the Spectacle , till I had recollected my self , and judging it to be the effects of an Earthquake , I then retired to that part of the House which I thought most secure from falling . The same Commotion of the Earth continued some Days , but not with like Violence . Yea , over all that great City , and especially in my Lodgings , and in the Temple of S. Sophia , you might see the Walls , though very thick , to chink and gape by reason of the Clefts made by such Earthquakes . Well , I staid about Three Months at Adrianople , where after I had made a Truce for Seven Months , in March I was attended back again to Constantinople : When I came thither I was quite weary to be mew'd up in my old Lodging , it was so close , and therefore I dealt with my Chiaux , ( a sort of Officers among the Turks , which serve for divers Employments , of which Attendance on Embassadors is one ) that I might have Liberty ( as other Embassadors had before me ) to hire an House at my own Charge , where I may have the Benefits of Gardens , Orchards , and a free Air , to breath in . The Chiaux was not averse from my Proposal , for he saw that the Siegnior's Advantage was concerned therein , who was wont to hire Houses for Embassadors , at the yearly Rent of 400 Ducats ; and now all that Expence would be saved : Hereupon I went to an House or Island rather , hired with my own Mony , where there was a broad Field adjoyning , where I resolved to make a Garden , and to relieve my wearisom Embassy , in managing and planting it : But , see the Spight of it , when the Chiaux found by Experience that he could not have as strict an Inspection over me , in an open House that had many Ways to it , with a large space of ground near it , as he had in a Caravasa ( which Word you know the meaning of by my former Letters ) because this later was fenced with Cross-barr'd Windows , and besides , had but one Passage into it , he began to change his Mind , and thereupon made his Address to the Bassas , who by this time were returned from Adrianople , that I might retire to my former Lodging : And I was to look upon This as a great Courtesy too , for some of the Bashas , in a Debate betwixt them , concerning my disposal , were of Opinion , that now I was alone , a less House would serve my turn , and so some Charge might be saved ; but the moderatest Party carried it , That I should return to my old Quarters . If you desire a Description of the House I lodged in , take it thus . It is scituated on a Rising Ground , in the most celebrated part of Constantinople ; in the Back-side thereof there is a pleasant , but somewhat distant , Prospect to the Sea , which yet is not so remote from it , but that you may easily discern the Dolphins skipping and playing therein : And also at a vast distance a Man may see Mount Olympus in Asia , which wears a snowy-white Cap all the Year ! It lyes-open to the Wind from every Quarter , which by ventilating the Air , makes it more wholsom and healthy . But the Turks are so envious to their Christian Tenants , that they would cut them off from as many Conveniencies as they can , and therefore they do not only set Iron Grates before their Windows , but do also add Iron Boards and Planks to hinder the Prospect , and the free Passage of the Air ; and by this means they stop the Mouths of the Neighbouring Turks , who are apt to complain , that they can do nothing in their Houses but the Christians must overlook them . The House is built in a Quadrangular Form , with a large Square in the midst , wherein there is a Well . The upper Part of the House , which is all thereof that is inhabited , is divided into Galleries , which go round it , and into Lodging Chambers . The Galleries look down into the Quadrangle within , and without are the Lodgings , which have all a Passage into them ; there are a great many of them , but they are small and uniform , as the Cells or Chambers of Monks are with us . The Front stands over against the High-Way , leading to the Seraglio ; and the Grand Seignior , every Friday ( which is their Sabbath , as the Lord's Day is with us ) passes by it to his Devotions , so that Embassadors may easily see him out of their Windows . And the Family , together with the Chiaux and the Ianizaries do obeysance to him in the Porch , or do re-salute him rather ; for the Fashion of the Turks is , that the Greater doth first of all salute the Less , and therefore the Grand Seignior , as he passes , first salutes the People with a Nod of his Head ; and then they very officiously pay their Courts to him , with Acclamations and Shouts . The lower Part of the House is designed for the Stabling of Horses ; and to preserve it from Fire within , it is all built with Vaults or arch'd Roofs , and without it is covered with Lead . 'T is true , such kind of Building hath some Advantages , and it hath as many Inconveniencies to ballance them : For all things are made therein for necessary use , but nothing for Delight and Pleasure ; there is nothing of Beauty or Novelty that can entertain your Eye ; there is no Garden belonging to it , to divert a Man by walking ; there is neither Tree , Shrub nor green Herb , to delight your Eye , you have only many Wild Beasts as your troublesome Inmates and Companions ; Snakes you have in abundance , store of Weazils , Lizards and Scorpions ; so that , sometime , when you would fetch your Hat in the Morning , from the Place you left it the Night before , you find it surrounded with a Snake , as with a terrible Hat Band : And yet these Animal● afforded me some kind of Divertisement in my Solitude , ( for you must give me leave to tell you all my entertainments . ) I once saw a Weazil fiercely combating with a Snake and though the whole Family look'd upon her , yet she was not terrified therewith ; but tho her Adversary struggled , and made what Defence he could , yet she victoriously haled him in to her Hole . Another Time I saw a Weaz● carrying her Young Weasling from one Place of the House to another , which , as she was● doing , she leapt down upon the middle of the Table , where I and some of my Guests were sitting after Dinner , having a young one 〈◊〉 her Mouth , which she very fairly left among us on the Table , and skipt no farther than the Door , ( as if she had waited what Event would be●ide her youngling ) when we had satisfied our selves with the Sight of that , yet shapeless , Animal , we laid it down upon the Ground , and then the Dam ran hastily , and snatching it up , carried it to her desired Place . Another time I saw either a Snake or a Dragon , or a Serpent , trod to Pieces by the Horses Feet , in the Stable ; her Belly was very big , and , after I had caused it to be opened , I found Three huge Mice therein . 'T was a Wonder to me , how such a slow and creeping Animal could catch so swift and so running an one ; and after he had catch'd him how he could swallow him down , by reason of the narrowness of his Throat and Jaws . But my Wonderment was soon abated when I beheld another Snake seize upon a mighty Toad , and after he had him in his Mouth , he began at the hinder Part , and had devoured a great deal thereof , and yet the Toad was still alive , and did what he could with his Fore-Feet to deliver himself from his Enemy : 'T was in this very Posture when I saw it first , which made me to admire and to be almost of the Opinion , that I saw a Monster , an Animal with Two Feet and a Tail , as long as a Serpent , but when I drew nearer , and perceived what it was , as I hit the Snake with my Staff , to make him let go his Prey , which at last he endeavoured to do , that he might creep the nimbler away ; but whether he would or no , the Toad stuck in his Throat ; yet , at last , when with much-a-do , he had shaken him out , he could not shut his Mouth , but continued gaping , in an ugly Posture , till we had killed him . Such a Staff , if we may believe Pl●●y , hath a kind of Magical Vertue to help Child-bearing-Women in the Time of their Labour . But , for my Part , I was not content with the native Animals of that Country , but fill'd my House with Outlandish Ones too ; and my Family busied themselves , by my order , to both our mutual Contents , in feeding them , that we might the better bear the absence from our own Country : For seeing we were debarred of Human Society , what better Conversation could we have to drive Grief out of our Minds , than among Wild Beasts ? otherwise Stones , Walls and Solitudes had been but lamentable Divertisements for us . Amongst these , Apes led the Van , which making us good Sport , occasioned great Laughter amongst us , and therefore you should seldom see them without a whole Ring of my People about them , delighting to observe their Antick Tricks and Gestures . I also bred up some Wolves , some Bears , some broad-horned Stags ( miscalled vulgarly , Bucks ) and common Deer , also Hinds , Lynx's , Ichneumons or Indian Rats , Weasils of that sort which you call Ferrets and Fairys : And if you would know all , I kept also an Hog , whose noysome Smell was wholsome for my Horses , as my Grooms perswaded me : So that in my Nomenclature of other Creatures , 't is not fit I should omit my Hog , which made my House to be mightily frequented by the Asiaticks : They came thick and three-fold to see that Creature , which is counted Unclean by them , and by the Books of their Religion they are forbid to eat it , so that it being a prohibited Animal among them , they never saw one before . Yea , all Turks are as much afraid to touch an Hog , as Christians are to come near to those who are infected with the Plague . This Humour of theirs being known , we put a pretty Trick upon them ; when any Body had a mind to send me a secret Message , that he would not have my Chiaux know of , he would include it in a little Bag , together with a Roasting-Pig , and sending it by a youth : When my Chiaux met him , he would ask , What he had there ? Then the Boy , being instructed before , would whisper him in the Ear , and say , That a Friend of mine had sent me a Roasting-Pig , for a Present : The Chiaux thereupon would punch the Bag with his Stick , to see whether the Boy spake Truth or no ; and when he heard the Pig grunt , he would run back as far as ever he could , saying , Get thee in with thy nasty Present . Then spitting on the Ground , and turning to his Fellows , he would say ; 'T is strange to see how these Christians do dote on this filthy impure Beast , they cannot forbear eating of it tho' their Lives lay at stake . Thus he was handsomely chouzed , and the Boy brought me what secret Message was sent me . I keep also a great many sorts of Birds , as Eagles , Jack-daws , Muscovy Ducks , Balearick Cranes , and Partridges ; yea , my House is so full of them , that if a Painter were to draw it , he may take from thence the Copy for Noah's Ark. Besides the Delight that I and my Family take in these Creatures , to counterpoize our long Absence from our own Country , I got also this Advantage by them , That now I know , by Experience , what I could hardly believe when I read it in Books . You know a great many Books are full of printed Stories , what ardent Love some wild Beasts have to Mankind : I could never give Credit to such Relations , but looked upon them as Romances , 'till I saw with my Eyes , a Lynx , which I got out of Assyria , so passionately affected towards one of my Servants , though known to him but a little while before , that for my part I could not deny but he was in Love with him : For whenever he was present , she would mightily fawn upon him , and in a manner embrace him , and almost kiss him ; whenever he was about to go away from him , he would gently lay his Claws on his Cloaths , as labouring to retain him ; and when he was gone he would Eye him ; and whensoever he was in Sight , and would hardly ever remove his Eye from that Quarter ; during the Time of his Absence he was very sad , but upon his Return he would skip and be jocund ; he could not endure he should be any Time absent , for one Time , when he went with me beyond Sea , to the Turkish Camp , the Lynx pined away by degrees , would not eat a bit , but at length dyed . I was troubled for his Loss , for I had designed him , with another choice Ichneumon ( which I had ) as a Present for my Master Caesar , and the rather , because of the exceeding Beauty of his Skin , which made him look quite another thing from other Lynxes : The best of the kind are bred in Assyria , from whence this came , and their Skins are sold here for Fifteen or Sixteen Crowns of Gold apiece . I question not , but these were the Babilonians Pells or Skins , so much famed and valued amongst the Ancients , of which mention is made in Law-Books ; in the Title of Publicans . If you please to hear me , I le tell you another Story of a Bird : I have among my other Birds , a Baleavic Crane , which differs from the ordinary sort of Cranes by a white Plume of Feathers , that grows hanging down from both his Ears ; and besides , all the fore-part of her Neck-Feathers were black , and the Turks adorn their Turbants with it ; and there is some difference in their Bigness . This Baleavic Bird was mightily affected with a Spanish Soldier , whom I had redeemed out of his Cha●ns ; when he walked abroad the Bird would walk abroad with him , though for many Hours together ; when he stood still , so did the Crane ; when he sat down she would stand by him , and suffer him to handle her , and stroke down her Feathers , whereas she would not suffer any Body else so much as to touch her ; whenever he was gone from Home , she would come to his Chamber-door and knock against it with her Beak ; if any Body open●d It , she would look all-a-bout , to see whether he were in the Room ; and not finding him , she would traverse it about , making such a shrill Din and Noise , that nothing living could endure it ; so that we were forced to shut her up , that her Noise might not offend us . But when he returned , as soon as ever she fixed her Eyes on him , she would make to him , clapping her Wings with such an Antick Posture of her Body as Dancers in a Jig use to do ; or as if she had been to prepare herself for a Combat with a Pygmy . In fine , she at last used to lye under his Bed at Night , where she laid him an Egg. Thus I have given the Story of the Loves of Brute Animals towards Man , now prepare your Ears for another Story of a contrary import , viz. the Cruelty and Ingratitude of another Bruit towards Man. I had an Hart , that lived very quiet and tame with me for many Months , but when her rutting or coupling Time came , she grew on a suddain so wild , that forgetting all our respects , she flew upon every Body that she met , as if she would have killed them with her Horns , so that we were compelled , for our own Security , to hamper her , and so shut her up in a walled Place ; but one Night , she broke from her Prison , and run amongst all the Horses , which , as I told you , in Turky , use to stand all Night in the Yard , and where she made such a Tumult amongst them , that she forced the Grooms to drive her to her Hold ; she wounded many of them , which set them into a Rage , so that at last they drove her into a large Stable , and there I gave them leave , with what Weapons came next to hand , to destroy her : She defended her self stoutly at first , but they being Forty to one , at last felled her , and made her pay for her Breach of Hospitality . When she was dead I cut her in Pieces , and made a Feast for the Embassadors that then resided at Constantinople ; 't was a Hart or Stag , of a huge Bulk , such as use to come in the beginning of Antumn , out of Hungary into Austria , at Rutting Times ; I bought him of some Beggars , that made a Gain of that Trade ; they used to carry him about , and where they ask'd Alms for God's sake , at the Name of God they used to bow their Heads , and the Stag by Custom had learned to do so too , so that the Vulgar did admire the Beast , as if he had some Sense of a Deity , and therefore he got a deal of Gain to his Keepers : This Stag , by reason of his Talness , I also designed as a Present for Caesar . Having made mention of Turkish Beggars , give me leave to acquaint you with the nature of those kind of People in this Country . There are fewer Beggars here than amongst us , and they are commonly Pilgrims that travel up and down , pretending some appearance of Piety or religious Profession ; some of them , besides their Poverty , pretend Distraction and Simplicity ; and this sort is very much esteemed among them , for the Turks count all Mad-men and Fools to be certainly designed for Heaven ; and therefore they look upon them as Demi-Gods here on Earth . Some of those Wanderers are Arabians , who carry Banners before them , wherewith , as they say , their Ancestors fought against the Christians , for the Propagation of the Mussulman Religion : They that are of this Rank are not ordinary Beggars , neither do they ask Alms of all Passengers , but in the Evening they offer you a Tallow Candle , a Lemon or a Pomegranate , and force it upon you , but you must give them double or treble the Worth ; and by this means they seem rather to sell than to receive gratis . For the rest , they which beg amongst Christians are set to do servile Offices amongst the Turks ; if a Slave become lame , yet his Master is bound to maintain him , and the veriest Cripple amongst them yet brings in his Master some Profit . I remember , once I redeemed a Spanish Officer , bought by a Turk , who was maimed in all his Limbs , by reason of his Wounds , and yet his Master found means how to make him get his Living ; he sent him over into Asia , to look to the Flocks of Geese which he kept there ; and by his care in feeding them , he brought in sufficient Gain to his Master . Now we talk of Slaves , give me leave to digress a little , and to propound a Quaere , Whether he did well or ill with Christendom , who first abridged the use of Slaves among them ? I know there are many Inconveniencies that attend the Condition of Slaves , but they are over-balanced by the Advantages accruing thereby ; especially if a just and merciful Slavery were allowed by some publick Law , as was of old among the Romans ; for then , perhaps , we should not need so many Gallows's and Gibbets as we have among us , to restrain those , who set an high Price on their Life and Liberty ; to maintain which , their Poverty prompts them to the most audacious Attempts . Liberty , without an Estate to maintain it , is none of the best Counsellors . All Men are not able to bear Poverty and Freedom ; Mankind , in general , is not so form'd by Nature , as to be able rightly to govern himself ; No , he stands in need of a better and wiser Conduct than his own ; otherwise , there will be no end of this Transgressing ; for so some Beasts will always be terrible to Men , unless their Fierceness be restrain'd by Manacles and Bonds . But in this case of Slavery , the weaker Mind of the Slave is govern'd and esteer'd by the Authority of his Patron or Master ; and , on the other side , the Master is maintained by the labour of his Slave . The truth is , both publickly and privately , the Turks make a very great Advantage of their Slaves ; if any Houshold-work be to be done , the Slave is ready to perform it ; and , therefore , they have a Proverb among them , He can never be Poor , that hath but one Slave . But then for Works without Door , if there be any Rubbish to be carried out , or Preparation made for any great Building , the assiduity of Slaves quickly performs what is enjoined them . This I take to be one Reason , why our present Buildings do not arrive to the magnificence of the Ancients ; we want Hands ( of Slaves ) to carry on the Work. I might instance also , that servile Hands and Heads have been great helps to the Learned , to attain their so much celebrated Learning and Knowledge . What I have hitherto discoursed about Slaves , you will look upon as a Divertisement ; and so , pray , take it . This I can assure you of , That the Turks , in their way , do make an huge Advantage of Slaves ; for if an ordinary Turk bring home one or two Slaves , whom he hath taken Prisoners , in War , he accounts he hath made a good Campaign of it , and his Prize is worth his Labour . An ordinary Slave is sold among them for 40 or 50 Crowns ; but if he be young , beautiful , and have skill in some Trade besides , then they rate him at twice as much : By this you may know , how advantagious the Turkish Depredations are to them , when many times , from one Expedition , they bring home five or six thousand Prisoners . The Romans of old were not ignorant of this gainful Trade ; which made them set an high Rate on 20 or 30 thousand Persons , which they sometimes took at the sacking of Cities , as their Writings shew . But a Turk , upon the like Sack , would make ten times five hundred Crowns of his Prize , tho' by the Rules of their Religion they are not to make Slaves of any of their own Sect ; nor to disfranchize them , or set any Price on their Heads . But to return from this large Digression . I formerly acquainted you with my Sport in Huming ; it follows , in course , that I must say something of my Fowling . The Turks are favourable to all Beasts , as also to Birds ; and especially to Kites , because , they say , they eat up the Carrion , and keep the Streets clean and wholsome ; and , therefore , abundance of these Birds fly up and down the Town , as fearless of Gin or Snare , so that they are almost tame ; and when you whistle to them , they come about you , throw them up Meat in the Air , they 'll catch it with their Claws . Once I caused a Mutton to be killed , and called the Kites to prey upon the Entrals ; I cut them in pieces , and threw them up into the Air , by and by come ten or twelve or twenty Kites , and a while after so many of them , that they almost shaded the House ; and they are so bold , withal , that if you hold out a piece of Flesh , they will be ready to snatch it out of your Hands . In the mean time , I stand with my Cross-Bow behind the Pillar , and sometimes when I shot , I made the Tail or Feathers of one or other of them to fly off , and sometimes I gave one or two a mortal Wound , and made them tumble down ; but this I did privately , when the Doors were shut , that so I might not provoke the Turks to Indignation . I must tell you , I have Partridges too ( to acquaint you with my whole Stock of pleasurable Recreations . ) You would wonder , as I my self did at first , how tame they are . They were brought from Chios with red Feet and Beaks ; they were so troublesome to me , by standing at my Feet and picking out the Dust out of my Velvet Pantofel , with their Beaks , that they might dust themselves therewith , that to be rid of the Molestation , I was forced to shut them up in a Chamber , where , in a short time , they grew over-fat and dyed , as my Servants told me ; yet Pliny says , in a certain Place , That Hares and Partridges never grow fat . You have yet but a small ground for your Wonderment ; but , pray , prepare your Ears for what follows . The Isle of Chios is full of these Birds , and they live with the Inhabitants in their Houses ; every Country-man , almost , keeps more or less of them under his Roof , as their Estates are , or their Minds serve them . A publick Keeper whistles them out in a Morning , and they run to him into the High-way , and follow him into the Field , ( as Flocks of Sheep do their Shepherds with us ; ) there they stay all Day to feed and bask themselves , and in the Evening he whistles for them again , and then they covy together again , and return to their old Lodgings . The Custom arose from hence , as they say : Assoon as ever the Partridges are hatch'd , the Country-men take them up and put them in their Bosoms , betwe●● their Skin and their Shirts ; thus they carry them about a day or two , ever and annon moistning their Mouths with their own Spittle . This Courtesy doth so oblige the young Birds , ( as Partridges , as well as other Birds , are mindful of human Civilities , if I may so speak ) that they cannot forget their Fosterers ; and yet care is to be taken , that they stay not out in the Field all Night , if they do so two or three times , they quickly forget human Hospitality , and return to their own natural free Life in the open Field . I have taken a great deal of Pains to procure such a Fosterer of Partridges to send him to Caesar , to teach Emperors that Aviary discipline . 'T is true , I never saw this done with my own Eyes , yet so many creditable Witnesses have affirm'd the Truth thereof , that I believe it as well as if I had seen it . And I give equal Credit to the Story , I am now about to tell you . It is so known a Truth in this Country , that he were an absurd Man that w●uld go about to deny it . They that came to Constantinople from Egypt , ( as many do continually ) do affirm it for certain , That Chicken are not hatched , as with us , by an Hen sitting abrood upon them , but there are some appointed Officers , that in Spring time , gather all the Eggs of the Neighbourhood and put them in a certain kind of Oven , which they make of Dung and Trash , heaped up together , and by the heat of the Sun and the hot putrid Vapors , the Chicken , in due time , 〈◊〉 imated and break their Shells ; and then the Owners come to claim the C●●ckens , which the Overseers of the Work deliver out to them , not by Tale , for that would be too tedious , but by Admeasurement . I mention this the rather , because I read of such a Passage in Vopiscus ; where the Emperor Adrian , being angry with the Egyptians , inveighs against them with this Sarcasm ; I wish them , says he , no greater Curse , than they may always feed on the●r own Chicken , which how they are hatch'd I am as●●aam'd to tell . So that without Question , this was an old Custom among the Egyptians , and , therefore , Adrian upbraided them with their Food , which he looked upon as obscene , being begotten by Dung and Dirt. You may think , perhaps , that I am mistaken , but I leave the Matter with you , and shall now hasten to acquaint you , with the rest of my Divertisements . Be pleased then to know , That I have also a Breed of brave Horses ; some from Syria , others from Cilicia , Arabia , Cappadocia , together with divers Camels , Sumpture horses , and all Utensils fit for a Journy . For I would have the Turks believe , that I have now executed all my Masters Commands , and wait only for my dismission to return home , which I press with great Importunity , knowing that by reason of the present Discord among them , and the War between the two Brothers , I may obtain the better Conditions of Peace from them . As I take Pleasure in my Horses an other accounts , so especially when in an Evening I behold them brought one by one , out of their Stables , and placed in the Yard , that so they might enjoy the Night-Air in Summer-time , and rest more sweetly ; they match out so stately , and shaking their Mains on their high Necks , as if they were proud to be seen ; they have Fetters on their Fore-feet , and one of their hinder Feet is tyed with a Cord to a Stake There is no Creature so gentle as a Turkish Horse ; nor more respectful to his Master , or the Groom that dresses him . The reason is , because they treat their Horses with great Lenety . I my self saw , when I was in Pontus , passing through a part of Bithinia , called Axilos , towards Cappadocia , how indulgent the Country-men were to young Colts , and how kindly they used them soon after they were folded , they would stroke them , bring them into their Parlors , and almost to their Tables , and use them even like Children ; they hung something about their Necks , like a Jewel , even a Garter which was full of Amulets against Poyson , which they are most afraid of ; and the Grooms , that are to dress them , are as indulgent as their Masters ; they frequently sleek them down with their Hands , and never use any Cudgel to bang their Sides , but in cases of great necessity . This makes their Horses great Lovers of Mankind ; and they are so far from kicking , win●ing , or growing untractable by this gentle usage , that you shall hardly find such a masterless Horse among them . But alas , our Christian-Grooms treat Horses at another-guess rate ; they never think them rightly curried , till they thunder at them with their Voice , and let their Club or Horse-whip , as it were , dwell on their Sides . This makes some Horses even to tremble when their Keepers come into the Stable , so that they hate them and fear them too . But the Turks love to have their Horses very gentle , that at a word of Command they may fall down on their Knees , and in this posture receive their Riders . They will take up a Staff or Club upon the Road , which their Rider hath let fall , with their Teeth , and hold it up to him again ; and when they are perfect in this Lesson , then for their Credit they have Rings of Silver hung on their Nostrils , as a Badge of Honour and good Discipline . I saw some Horses , when their Master was fallen from the Saddle , that would stand Stock-still , without wagging a Foot , till he got up again . Another time I saw a Groom standing at a distance , in the midst of a whole Ring of Horses about him , and at a word of Command they would either go round or stand still . Once upon a time I saw some Horses , when their Master was at Dinner with me in an upper-Room , did prick up their Ears to hear his Voice ; and when they did so , they neighed for Joy. And yet this is usual and common to all Turkish Horse , that they run forward with a stiff and stretch'd-out Neck , so that they cannot easily be stopp'd or hinder'd in their Course , but by fetching a large compass about ; which , in my Judgment , is the fault of the Bri●les they wear , which all over Turky are of one Make , and not contrived harsher or tenderer , according to the Neashiness of the Horses Mouth . I must also acquaint you , That the Turks do not Shooe their Horses as we Christians do ; our Shooes are very open in the middle , but theirs are broad-web'd Shooes , that so their Feet may be less endangered in Travelling . Their Horses do also live longer than Ours . I have seen an Horse of theirs as lusty at 20 Years old , as ours are at eight ; yea , they say , in the Stables of their Emperor , there are Horses of 50 Years old ; and which , for some great Merit , are exempt from Labour , and feed daily at the Seignior's Charge . The Turks , in Summer-nights , when the Weather is hot , do not keep their Horses in their Stables , as we do ; but do cover their Backs with Horse-cloths , and so bring them forth into the open Air ( as I told you before ; ) and for Litter , they have only dry'd Horse-dung , which they save all the Year long , and spread under them for their Bedding : As for Straw , they make no use of it at all , either for Littering , or Feeding them . Their usual Food is a little Hay , and a small quantity of Barly ; with this Meat they grow not fat , for their Masters love lean Horses , as being fitter for Race , and Burden , than foul-bodied ones . They cover them with Horse cloths , both in the Winter and Summer , only they are thinner in the One than in the Other . This contributes much to the smoothness of their Hair , and is also a good relief to their chilly Horses , which cannot endure the Cold. In those Steeds , as I lately told you , I take a great deal of Delight ; when , about Sun-set , they are brought out of their Stables , and placed in a row in the Yard ; where I call each Horse by his usual Name , as Arahs , Caramanian , &c. whereupon they fall a Neighing and give a Glance of their Eyes and stare at me . Sometimes I go down among them , and give to each of them a piece of Melon-rind out of my Hand , which makes them know me so well . Thus you see , what Shifts I am put to , to drive away my Melancholy . I have also six She-camels , which I keep by me , ready to carry my Baggage , as I pretend to the Turks ; but my true Design is , to bring them to my Master the Emperor ; if peradventure he , with other Chri●●ian Princes , may have a Fancy to them , to breed them because of their great use . There are two things of which the Turks make mighty Advantage of , which are Rice among the Fruits of the Earth , and Camels among the Beasts of the Field , both of them very convenient in their several Kinds , for long Expeditions ; as for Rice , it is not easily spoil'd ; it affords very wholsome Nourishment , and a little of it will serve a great many People . And for Camels , they'● carry huge Burdens ; they will endure Hunger and Thirst to admiration ; and also they require little Attendance ; one Keeper will keep six or eight of them , and no Creature in the World is more obsequious to his Owner than the Camel ; and for currying of them , they do it not with a Curry-Comb as we do , but with Brushes , as we do our wearing Apparel ; they rather kneel than lie down , on the naked Ground ; and in this Posture they offer themselves to be loaded ; if you lay too much on their Backs they'● grumble , a little , and refuse to rise , for their Backs will be easily broken under over-great Burdens , especially in Ways that are slippery and dirty . I was mightily taken to see them stand all round in a Ring , and with their join'd Heads , take Water or other Food , out of the same Bason or other Vessel , with such agreement among them ; and when Fodder is scarce , they live upon tops of Brambles or Thorns ; and when their Chops are bloodied in gathering them , then they eat them down most sweetly . The S●thians send a great many Camels to Constantinople , but the most part come from China and Alsyria : From those Countries , there are whole Droves of them ; and they are so cheap , that a Mare of a good Breed is worth an 100 Camels ; wherein , perhaps , they respect more the scarcity of Ma●es than the cheapness of Camels ; for good Mares are so scarce in that Country , that he that gets but one , of that sort , thinks himself a very Croesus for Wealth . They try whether they are good or no , if they can run down a steep Hill , and not trip nor stumble . When the Grand Seignior goes upon a military Expedition into the Field , he carries above 40000 of these Camels with him , and as many Mules for Burden ; and these he lades with all sorts of Victuals , especially with Rice . They also carry Tents , Arms , and other Utensils of War , upon them , especially when he marches into Persia. For , you must know , that the Countries over which the Sophi , or , as the Turks call him , Chifibas of Persia reigns , are not so fruitful of Provisions , as our European Countries are . The Reason is , because the Custom of the Inhabitors is , upon the Approach of an Enemy , to destroy all before them , that so Fire and Famine might send him further off ; so that if the Invader , bring not great Store of Provision with him , he will be in danger of Starving ; and if he once do approach his Enemy , yet he doth not presently open his Store of Provision , but reserve it for his Retreat ; which , he knows , must be through those Places already wasted by such a Multitude of Men and Beasts , that , like Locusts , have before pilled all the Country ; then , indeed , the Grand Seigniors Stores are opened , and some small Allowance given out daily to the Ianizaries and other Dependents of that Prince , enough to keep them alive , and that is all . As for others , it goes hard with them , unless they have made some Provision for themselves before-hand ; and some of their Soldiers , especially Horse , are so fore-sighted that in Prospect of such Difficulties , they carry a led Horse along with them , with Viands and other things to support them , if need be . Upon this Horse they usually carry some Blankets , that they may spread abroad , as Tents , to defend them from Sun and Rain ; also some other Cloaths to wear , and withal Two or Three Wicker Baskets , full of the best Flower they can get , with a small Pot for Butter , some Spice and Salt ; with these , in case of Necessity , they kill their Hunger . They take out a few Spoonfuls of their Meal or Flower , and pour Water upon it ; then they add a little Butter , and so seasoning it with Spice and Salt , they set it on the Fire , and when it boyls , it swells so that it will fill a large Platter : They eat hereof Twice or Thrice a Day , as their Store holds out , but without eating Bread with it , unless they have brought some Biskets along with them : With this thin Dyet , for want of a better , they can live a Month or Two , till they come to richer Quarters . There are some of them who carry dryed Beef , ground to Powder , in a kind of Snap-sack , that 's a more nutritive and a choice Viand amongst them : And sometimes they eat Horse Flesh , for in a vast Army a great many Horses must needs dye , and if any of them be more fleshy than others , that makes a great Feast for hungry Stomachs . And they who have thus lost their Horses , ( for you must know that too ) when the Grand Seignior or Vizier removes his Camp , stand in a row before him the Way he is to march , with their Saddles on their Heads , signifying hereby the loss of their Horses , and by that mute Sign begging Relief towards buying a new one , and their Prince gratifies them , at his Pleasure . Thus the Turks surmount huge Difficulties in War , with a great deal of Patience , Sobriety and Parsimony , reserving themselves for more favourable Circumstances . But our Christian Soldiers carry it otherwise , they scorn homely Fare in their Camps , they must have dainty bits , forsooth , such as Thrushes , Black-birds , and banquetting Stuff , if they have not These they are ready to mutiny , as if they were famished : And if they have them , they are undone , their own Intemperance kills them if their Enemy spare their Lives . When I compare the Difference between their Soldiers and ours , I stand amazed to think What will be the Event , for certainly their Soldiers must needs conquer , and ours must needs be vanquished , Both cannot stand prosperously together : For on their side there is a mighty , strong and wealthy Empire , great Armies , experience in War , a veterane Soldiery , a long series of victories , Patience in Toil , Concord , Order , Discipline , Frugality and Vigilance . On our side , there is public Want , private Luxury , Strength weakned , Minds discouraged , an unaccustomedness to Labour or Arms , Soldiers refractory , Commanders covetous , a Contempt of Discipline , Licentiousness , Rashness , Drunkenness , Gluttony , and that which is worst of all , they use to conquer , we to be conquered . Can any Man doubt , in this case , what the Event will be ? 'T is only the Persian stands between us and Ruin. The Turks would fain be upon us , but he keeps him back ; his War with him affords us only a Respit , not a Deliverance : When he once makes Peace with him , he will bring all the Power of the East upon us , and how ready we are to receive him , I am afraid to speak . But , to return from whence I digressed . I told you before , That the Turks use to carry their Arms and Tents on Horse-Back to the War , but they are such as belong chiefly to the Ianizaries , for the Turks are very careful to have their Army healthy , and fenced against the Weather , let him defend himself as well as he can against the Enemy , that 's to his own Peril ; but the Publick takes care for his Health ; hence it is , that a Turkish Army is better cloathed than armed . They are afraid of Cold , as of their greatest Enemy ; and therefore , even in Summer-time , they are treble cloathed , and their inmost Garment ( call it a Wastcoat , or whatever you will ) i● made of course Thread , which keeps then very warm . And to defend them also against the Cold and Showers , Tents are carried about for them at the Public Charge ; and every Ianizary is allowed as much space in th● Tent as the Dimensions of his Body are ; so that one Tent can hold Twenty five or Thirty Ianizaries ; and that thick Cloath , I spake of , is also supplyed out of the publick Store . When it is distributed among them , they take this Course , to prevent Quarrels ; the Soldiers are placed in the Night by Files , in a plac● appointed for that purpose , and there so many Cloaths are brought out of the Store as then are Soldiers , and every one takes his Dole 〈◊〉 the Dark , so that if it is better or worse 〈◊〉 has no cause to complain . And , for the same Reason , their Pay is weighed out , not told , to them , lest any one should say , He was forced to receive Light or Clipt Mony ; nor do they stay till the very Day of Pay , but receive it the Day before . The Arms that are carried are chiefly for the use of the Horse , called Spahi's ; for the Ianizaries do usually fight on Foot with Musquets , at a distance , and therefore when an Enemy is near , and a Battle expected , the Armour is produced , but usually such as is of an old make , and are part of the Spoils obtained from former old Fights and Victories : These are distributed among the Horse ; their other Armour is but a light Buckler . You may easily think , how odly such Armour will sit on a Man which is given out so hastily ; ones Brest-Plate is too narrow , another Man's Helmet is too loose , another Coat of Male is too heavy for him to bear , every Piece hath some Fault or other , and yet they must not complain , they count it cowardly so to do , for they resolve to fight , be their Arms what they will , so great Confidence have they in their Victories , and in the frequent use of their Arms. Hence it is also , that they put their old Foot on Horse-service , which they were not used to before , for an experienced Soldier ( they say ) will do valiantly , either on Horse or Foot-service . In my Judgment , the Old Romans were of the same Mind , and especially Iulius Caesar , who was wont to say , That his Soldiers would fight well , even though they were perfumed ; for when the horsed the Ten Legions , upon a Conference he was to have with Ariovistus , what was his Intent , think we ? but that they should fight on Horse-Back , if there had been need , though they were used to Foot-Service before ; and we know amongst the Romans , their Foot-Service was quite another thing from Horse-Service ; but if you say , Caesar's Design was only to horse his Men for Carriage , but to make use of their Service on Foot , certainly he had run a great Hazard thereby , if when Ariovistus's choice Horse were within a stone 's Cast of the Romans , and might have fallen upon them , that then the Legion was to dismount their Horses , to be disposed of , and ranged into a Foot-Tertia , or Brigade , in an instant : With us , this would seem very absurd ; however it be , this is certain , That experienced Soldiers will manage a Fight after a different order than we do , so the Romans did of old , and so the Turks do at this day , with too good Success ; so much for that Subject . I return , farther to acquaint you , how indulgent the Turks are to all irrational Animals ; 't is true , a Dog is counted an obscene and nasty Creature by them , and therefore they will not harbour him in their Houses ; but they nourish a Cat as a chaster and modester Creature , in their Judgments : This Custom they received from Mahomet , their Law-giver , who was so much in love with a Cat , that when one of them fell asleep upon his Sleeve , as he was reading at a Table , and the time of his Devotion drew near , he caused his Sleeve to be cut off , that he might not awake the Cat by his going to the Mosque . However , though the Turks have so ill an Opinion of Dogs , that they wander up and down the City of Constantinople , and have no certain Masters , so that they are Keepers of Streets and Lanes , rather than of any certain House , and they live upon the Off●l , which is cast out of their Houses ; yet if they see any Bitch great with young , in their Neighbourhood , they give it Bones , and some Relicks of their Table : This they count an Office of Pity amongst them . When , on this account , I have blamed them for performing such Offices to a Brute , which they would hardly do to a Man , though a reasonable Creature , like themselves , and to be sure , not to a Christian ; their answer was , That God had given Reason to Man , as a Fence against all Peril , and yet he did abuse it , so that if any Inconvenience or Trouble hapned to him , it was his own Fault , and therefore he deserved less Pity : But God had bestowed no Boon on Brutes , but some natural Notions and Appetites , which of necessity they must obey ; and therefore they were to be relieved by Man's Help and Commiseration ; and for this Reason they take it very ill , if any Brute Creature be put to Torment at his Death , or that Men should take any Pleasure in tormenting them . This had like to cost a Venetian Gold-Smith , that lived here , very dear , of late ; the Story is worth the Telling . This Goldsmith did de'ight in the Art of Fowling , and among other Birds , he once took one about the bigness of a Cuckow , and almost of the same Colour ; he had no great Beak , but his Jaws were so wide and large , that , when they were stretch'd a sunder , they did gape most prodigiously ; so that a Man's Fist might be thrust into them ; the Man wondring at this strange kind of Bird , caus'd him to be fastned to the upper Lintel of his Gate , with his Wings spread abroad , and his Jaws so extended with a Stick , that he gaped hideously : The Turks came often by his Door , stood still , and looked upon it , but when they saw the Bird did move , and was alive , then taking Pity on it , out they cryed , What an abominable thing is this , that an harmless Bird should be so tormented ? whereupon , out they call the Man of the House , and drew him presently , by Head and Shoulders , to their Criminal Judge , where Sentence was likely to be pronounced upon him , to be soundly bastinadoed ; but the Bailo of Venice ( so they call their Embassadors or Residents there ) hearing of the Matter , sent presently one of his Servants to demand the Man , and the Turkish Caddy was so merciful as to let him go ; but many of the Turks grumbled at his Freedom . Thus the poor Goldsmith scaped a Scouring : I laughed heartily at the Story , for he told it me himself , ●s coming often to my House , and in what a ●errible Fright he was in for the time ; and to oblige me the more , he brought me the Bird to look upon : 'T is of the same Form , as I lately described , it flies about in the Night , and ( as they say ) will suck Milch Kine , so that I am apt to believe 't is the Goat-Sucker of the Ancients . Such Commiseration do the Turks use towards all sorts of Brute Animals , especially toward the Winged kind . Over against my Lodging there is a tall Plane tree , whose spreading Boughs make a Delight some Shade ; under that Tree sometimes Fowlers sit with abundance of such Birds to sell in Cages ; you shall have the Turks buy several of these Birds for a small Matter ; and when they have bought them , they 'll let them fly out of their Hands ; the Bird presently flys up to the Tree , and there she picks her Feathers , and cleanseth them from the Filth contracted in the Cage ; she spreads abroad her Wings and Chirps . The Turks that bought them , say , Don't you hear how glad this Bird is , and how he gives me Thanks for his Liberty ? If this be so , you 'll say , What! are the Turks such Pythagoreans , that they count all Brutes sacred , and will eat none of their Flesh ? I say not so , but on the contrary , they 'll eat any Flesh set before them , either boyl'd or roasted , only they count Mutton the properest Meat , because Sheep are made for the Shambles , as they say ; yet they would not have Men to make a Sport at killing of them , as if they rejoyced in their Torment . Some of them will by no means be persuaded to kill small Birds which sing in their Fields and Woods ; nay , they think it some Injury done them , to restrain their Liberty by Caging them up . But all Turks are not of that Mind ; some of them keep Nightingales in their Houses , for the Melodiousness of their Tunes , and in Spring-time they let them out to hire , to sing . I knew some , that carried Linnets about , so well instructed , that if a Man shew'd them a piece of Mony out of his Chamber , tho' it were at a great distance from them , yet they would fly up to fetch it ; and if the Man would not let it go , they would sit upon his Hand , and so accompany him from one Room to another , still pulling at the Mony ; and when they had got it , as if they remembred their Errand on which they were sent , when their Master whistled to them in the High-way , down they would fly to him again ; and as a Reward for the Mony in their Bills , he would give them a little Hemp-seed . But I shall proceed no further in such Stories as these , lest you should think me a second Pliny , or an Aelian , and that I were designed to write an History of Animals . I proceed then to other Matters , and shall give you an Example of the Chastity of Turkish Women . The Turks take more Pains to have their Wives modest than any other Nation ; and , therefore , they ordinarily keep them close up at home , and hardly suffer them to see the Sun ; but if any necessity calls them abroad , they go so hooded and veil'd , as if they were Hobgoblins or Ghosts . 'T is true , they can see Men through their Veils or Hoods , but no part of all their Bodies is open to Mans view ; for they have this Tradition among them , that it is impossible for a Man to look on a Woman , especially if she be young and handsome , without desiring to enjoy her ; and by that desire the Mind is excited , and therefore they keep them all covered . Their own Brothers have liberty to see them , but their Husbands Brothers have not the same permission . The nobler and richer sort , when they Marry , do it with this Condition , that their Wives shall never set a foot out of Door ; and no Person living , either Male or Female , be the Cause what it will , shall ever have leave to see them ; no , not their nearest Alliance , in Blood , except only the Father and Mother , who at Easter , ( their Bairam ) are permitted to see their Daughter ; and in lieu of this Strictness , if the Wife have Parents of the better sort , and she bring her Husband a large Dowry , the Husband , on his part promiseth , that he will never have any Concubines , but will keep to her alone . In other Cases , the Turks have as many Concubines as they will , besides their lawful Wives ; and the Children of both are equally respected , and have as much Privilege one as the other . Their Concubines they either buy , or take them in War ; and when they are weary of them , may sell them in the open Market ; only if they have Children by them , then they obtain their Liberty . This made Roxolan● stand upon her Terms with Solyman , in having brought him forth a Son , when she was a Slave , and thereby obtain'd Manumission . Hereupon she refused to submit to his Will any longer , unless he Married her , which he , doting for Love , wou'd do , against the Custom of the Ottoman Princes . A lawful Wife , with them , differs from a Concubine , only upon the account of her Dowry , which a lawful Wife hath , but a Concubine hath not . And when once her Dowry is assigned her , then she is a Mistress , Governess of the House , and all the other Women under her . And yet the Husband hath have to lye with which of them he please at his Choice ; and when he makes known his Pleasure to his Wife , she bids the Maid he desires prepare himself for his Bed ; and she obeys , perhaps , more joyfully than her Mistress commands her . Only Friday Night , which is their Sabbath , the Wife claims as her due , and she thinks her self wrong'd , if her Husband defraud her thereof ; other Nights he may lie with which of his Slaves he please . Divorces are made among them for many Causes , which Men easily pretend ; and when a Wife is divorced , her Dowry is restored , unless she be put away on a dishonest Account ; but Women have but few ; to instance some among them few , this is one , if their Husband do not allow them due Maintenance ; and if they offer to abuse them against Nature , ( a Crime usual among them ) then the Wife goes to the Judge , and tells him , She can no longer endure to live with her Husband ; when he asks the Cause , they say nothing , but pull off their Shoo from their Feet , and turn it up and down , which is a Sign among them of the unlawful use of Copulation . The greatest sort among them , that have abundance of Women , set Eunuchs to guard them , not such as have only their Stones taken out , but such whose Yards are also impaired ; because otherwise they think , such as lost their Stones only may desire the use of a Woman , tho' not for Generation , yet for Pleasure . The great Men also have Baths at their own Houses , wherein they and their Women do wash , but the meaner sort use publick Baths . A Turk hates Bodily Filth and Nastiness , worse than Soul-Defilement ; and , therefore , they wash very often , and they never ease themselves , by going to Stool , but they carry Water with them for their Posteriors . But ordinarily the VVomen bathe by themselves , Bond and Free together ; so that you shall many times see young Maids , exceeding beautiful , gathered from all Parts of the VVorld , exposed Nacked to the view of other VVomen , who thereupon fall in Love with them , as young Men do with us , at the sight of Virgins . By this you may guess , what their strict VVatch over Females comes to , and how 't is not enough to avoid the Company of an adulterous Man , for the Females burn in Love one towards another ; and the Pandaresses to such refined Loves are the Baths ; and , therefore , some Turks will deny their VVives the use of their publick Baths , but they cannot do it altogether , because their Law allows them . But these Offences happen among the Ordinary sort ; the richer sort of Persons have Baths at home , as I told you before . It hapned one time , that at the publick Womens Baths , an old Woman fell in Love with a Girl , the Daughter of a poor Man a Citizen of Constantinople , and , when neither by Wooing nor Flattering her , she could not obtain that of her , which her mad Affection aim'd at , she attempted to perform an Exploit almost incredible ; she feign'd her self to be a Man , changed her Habit , hired an House near the Maids Father , and pretended he was one of the Chia●xes of the Grand Siegnior ; and thus by reason of his Neighbourhood she insinuated her self into the Mans Acquaintance , and after some time , acquaints him with the desire of his Daughter . In short , he being such a Man in a prosperous Condition , the Matter was agreed on , a Portion was setled , such as they were able to give , and a day appointed for the Marriage ; when the Ceremonies were over , and this doughty Bridegroom went into the Bride-chamber to his Spouse ; after some Discourse , and plucking off her Head-geer , she was found to be a Woman . Whereupon the Maid runs out , and calls up her Parents , who soon found that they had Married her , not to a Man but a VVoman : Whereupon , they carried the supposed Man , the next day , to the General of the Ianizaries , who , in the Absence of the Grand Seignior , was Governor of the City . When she was brought before him , he chid her soundly for her beastly Love ; What , says he , are you not asham'd , an old Beldam as you are , to attempt so notorious a Bestiality , and so filthy a Fact ? Away , Sir , says she , you do not know the Force of Love , and God grant you never may . At this absurd Reply , the Governour could scarce forbear Laughter , but commanded her , presently , to be pack'd away and drown'd in the Deep ; such was the unfortunate Issue of her wild Amours . For you must know , that the Turks make no noise when secret Offences are committed by them , that they may not open the Mouths of Scandal and Reproach ; but open and manifest ones they punish most severely . I am afraid the Relation of that dismal Example hath grated your Ears . I shall , therefore , now indeavour to make you amends , by acquainting you with a pleasant Story , which , I believe , will go near to make you Smile . 'T is this . Upon the Account of the Troubles in Hungary , there came lately a Messenger to me , with an Express from my Master , the Emperor . The Bassa's would not let him bring his Letters directly to me , as they were wont to be brought , but they carried him first into the Divan . The reason of this their unusual Procedure , was , because they would fain know what Caesars Letters did contain , before they were delivered , in regard they suspected I dealt not faithfully with them , in communicating my Masters Sense , but that I suppressed some of his Concessions . The Messenger was cunning enough for them ; for , having some Inkling of the Matter before-hand , he hid Caesars Letters , and only shew'd them those that were directed to me , from some particular Friends . Their Interpreter , Ebrahim , a Polander by Birth , had acquainted them before , that the Letters , that brought any secret Commands to me , were not written in an ordinary Character , but in a new kind of way , called Cyphers . As they were searching all my Letters , at last they light upon One , that was wrote to me by a Friend of mine , a Secretary of Burgundy . Ebrahim saw , through the thinness of the Paper wherein 't was writ , some shining Letters , which were not of an ordinary sort . O , says he , to the rest , now I have found ●t , don't you meddle with any of the rest of the Packet , for here 's the Secresy in this . Whereupon , the Bassa's commanded him to open , Read and Interpret it to them , and they all stood listning to hear the News ; but Ebrahim told them plainly , that he could not read one Letter thereof . That 's strange , says the Bassa's , what did you never learn the Christian Alphabet , or have you forgot it ? Says Ebrahim , this sort of Character is only known to those who are Secretaries to Princes : They did not well understand him ; but however , say they , if it be so ; why do'st thou not make haste to the Secretary of the Bailo of Venice , or of Florence ? Ebrahim presently makes haste to them , and shews them the Letters ; ( they were writ in such a Character that a Child of ten Years old might have read them ; ) but both of those Secretaries , when they saw the Letter was superscrib'd to me , threw it back again before they had scarce lookt upon it ; alledging , in Excuse , that such kind of Letters could be read by none , unless by him who had another Cypher to unfold them . This was all the Answer Ebrahim could get of them . Upon his return to the Bassa's therewith , they could not tell what in the World to do : At last , starts up one ( I could not tell his Name ) saying , there is a Patriarch in Town , an old Man , and a Christian , and , besides , a great Scholar ; if any Man living can read these Letters , it must be he . When they came to the Patriarch , he told them , he could not read a Title of them , for they were not writ in Greek , Latin , Hebrew or Chalde● . Thus they were disappointed there also . At last , Haly Bassa runs to Rustan ( otherwise a Man not ready to jest ) and says to him Cardassi , ( Brother in Turkish . ) I remember , I had once a Servant , an Italian , who was skilled in all Letters and Tongues , I do not question about he could have read the Letter ; but , alas ! he is lately dead . At last they being at a stand what to do , thought it best to send the Letters , which they could make no use of , to me : I knew all the Matter by Ebrahim beforehand , ( neither could it be kept secret ; ) whereupon I began to stamp and fret that they had intercepted my Letters against the Law of Nations , and in contempt of Caesar who sent them ; and , withal , I bid Ebrahim stay , and to Morrow he should see that Letter translated for the Bassa's . The next day , when Ebrahim appeared in the Divan , they asked of him , Whether I could read those Letter ? Read them , says he ! as easily as his own Name ; and thereupon he produced some of them translated before them , viz. what I had a mind to discover . Whereupon , says Rustan , this Embassador is but a young Man , and yet we see he can understand what the old Patriarch could not so much as read ; without doubt , if he live to be old , he will prove a very Nonsuch of a Man. For that reason it was , or perhaps some other , that a while after , having Conference with Rustan about our Affairs , he treated me more familiarly than he used to do , ( which was a rare thing in him ) and at last he ask'd me , Why I would not turn to their Religion , and to the true Worship of God ? If I would do so , he promised me great Honour and large Reward from their Emperor Solyman . I told him , I was resolved to continue in that Religion , wherein I was born , and which my Master Caesar did profess . Be it so , replayed he , but what then will become of your Soul ? I subjoined , I hope well , for that too ; whereupon he , after a little Pause , broke forth into these Words . 'T is true , indeed , and I am almost of your Mind , that they who live holy and modest Lives in this present World , shall obtain eternal Life in the next , be they of what Religion they will. That 's an Heresie , that some of the Turks have taken up , neither is Rustan thought to be a true Mussulman in all Points . The Turks think it a Duty , and a Work of Piety in them , to persuade a Christian they have any good Opinion of , to their Religion ; for then they think , they shall save a Soul from Destruction , and that they count a great Honour to themselves , and the greatest Charity they can do another Man , to make him a Convert to their Religion . I shall now acquaint you with the Effects of another Conference I had with Rustan , whereby you may see , what daily Feuds are between the Turks and Persians , upon the account of Religion . He ask'd me one time , Whether the War did continue between Spain and France ? I told him , It did . 'T is strange , says he , that they should fall out that are of one and the same Religion : I replyed , 't is no otherwise between those two Princes , than 't is betwixt You and the Persians . The Dispute is not about Religion , but about Civil Right , Provinces , Cities and Kingdoms , which both lay claim to . You are quite mistaken , says Rustan , we are not of the same Religion with the Persians , but do count them a more Profane and Heathenish sort of People than you Christians are . But to return to the Affairs of Hungary . Since my last return to Constantinople , Matters in Hungary have received a very great Alteration , it would be too tedious to describe them particularly ; and , besides , it were not conducive to my Design . Isabella , VVife to King Iohn , is returned into Transilvania , together with her Son , having refused the Transactions and broken the League made with the Emperor Ferdinand ; and the Transilvanians , terrified by the Turkish Arms , have again submitted their Necks to the Old Ottoman Yoke . Matters succeeding thus prosperously with the Turks , they are not therewith contented , but grasp at all Hungary too ; and , besides other Places , they resolved to besiege Sigeth , which signifies in the Hungarian Language , an Island , or Place naturally very strongly situated . And for this purpose they chose a General , who , upon the account of the Prosperity of his Arms in former times , created great confidence in his own Men , and struck as much terror into his Enemy : His Name was Haly Bassa , an Epirot , who had had good Success in Hungary before , and especially in the Battel , wherein he overthrew Sfortia Palavicin , and the Bishop of Five Churches . He was sent for from the utmost Bounds of the Turkish Empire towards Persia , and came with a great Expectation to Constantinople : My Collegues were yet here with me , pressing for a dismission . 'T was the pleasure of the Bassa's that we should see him , in regard we counted him , as they thought , a very Thunder-bolt of VVar. VVhen we came to him , he received us courteously , and made a great Harangue to this purpose : That we should study Peace , and rather than suffer Hungary to be wasted with Fire and Sword , we should accept of those Conditions , which the Grand Seignior had offered us . VVe answered him , That we desired nothing more than Peace ; provided , it might be had upon tolerable Conditions ; but those which they offered , were against the Honour and Dignity of our Master . Thus we took our leaves , after he had treated us with a Cup of VVater diluted with Sugar . This Haly was an Eunuch , but the Constitution of his Body did seem to add to the vigour of his Mind : He was low of Stature , bloted in his Body , of a Bay-coloured Countenance , a sour Look , frowning Eyes , broad Shoulders and sticking up , between which stood his Head , as in a Valley . Two Teeth were prominent in his Mouth , like Boars Tusks , his Voice hoarse ; in a Word , he was the Fourth Fury . The Day after he makes great Preparation for his Expedition into Hungary ; where having spent some Time to provide Materials , he at last marches against Sigeth , and beats off those which were repairing Dabock , a Castle of Caesar's ; but Caesar , being acquainted long before with his Design , sends Ferdinand , one of his Three Sons , a young Man , yet comparable , for greatness of Mind , to any of the old Generals , to oppose the Torrent of Bassa's Force , and by his Valour to retrieve Affairs in Hungary : He had no great Force with him , but with a select Body of Horse he faces Haly's Army ; the Turks that were present related to me , That 't was a goodly Sight to behold the Splendor , Order and Boldness of those Forces . Haly , being naturally of a fierce Disposition , and having a far greater Army , was even mad , to think , that an handful of Christians should dare to look him in the Face . There was a moorish Piece of Ground between both Armies , which could not be passed without great Danger ; Ferdinand had no need to pass it , for his Design was only to relieve Sigeth , and to raise the Siege : But Haly Bassa was not in the same Circumstances , for unless he would make a base and unhansom Retreat ( as the Event afterward shewed ) 't was altogether necessay for him to do it : So that he , seeing to what Straits he was brought , resolved to put all upon hazard , and accordingly he bent his Bridle , to turn his Horse towards that inconvenient Place ; when , behold one of the Sanziacks , that was near him , whose Name I remember not , taking notice of the extream Danger he was running into , leapt from his Horse , and taking the Bassa's Horse by the Bridle , Sultan , says he ( for so the Turks call the great Dignitaries among them ) Here you see into what a Ieopardy you were like to cast both your self and your whole Army ; you don't consider what an incommodious Place this Marish is : The Christians are ready on the other side with Arms in Hand and Courage in their Heart , to receive us , when we are half drowned and half covered with Mud ; and thus they in good Order , will assault us , being disordered and out of our Ranks , and will make use of all our Imprudence , to obtain a most assured Victory over us : Nay , rather moderate your Anger , and return to your self , and reserve so many brave Men , with your self , for the Service of your Prince , and for better Times . Upon this Speech , Haly , as if he had remembred himself , drew back ; and there was not any Turk amongst them , but was forced to confess , That the whole Army was sav'd by the Advice of that Sanziack . When this Matter was carried to Constantinople , though the Vizier , and the Chief Bassas could not deny the Thing , yet they thought it dangerous to suffer the Example of so audacious a Fact in the Sanziack to pass unpunished : 'T is true , they did mutteringly commend both his Fidelity and his Prudence , yet to suffer Disobedience to a superior Officer to pass without a Punishment , they thought it a dangerous Case in Military Discipline , so that he was called back to Constantinople , and there was cashiered for a Time ; and when this Offence was sufficiently punished , as they thought , then they bestowed upon him as good a Command ; so that every Body saw ●is Punishment was inflicted rather for the preservation of the Discipline of War , than for any due Merit of his Offence . But Haly , a whil● after , having lost a great part of his Army , by reason of the Assaults and Ambushes of the Hungarians , made an ignoble and shameful Retreat to Buda , where for very Grief he breathed out his hateful Soul. But Arck-duke Ferdinand , on the other side , returned to Ferdinand● his Father , with the deserved Laurel of Victory , having performed an Exploit , not only of great Advantage for the present , but of much greater Benefit to future Ages , by the exemplarity thereof ; for hereby he made the Turks to know , that if they proceeded on to press upon Caesar , that he wanted neither able Soldiers nor expert Commanders to chastise their Insolency . Yet the Turks of those Borders did not carry it with any great Modesty ; for while Haly was yet encamped at Sigeth , our Men had scaled the Walls of Gran , and taken the City , having a Castle near it of the same Name , where they got a great deal of Booty , and carried away the Inhabitants , being most Women and Children . A Messenger was sent immediately to Haly , to acquaint him with the Loss ; who coming into his Presence , by the very Consternation of his Countenance portended some great Mischief to have happned to them . The Bassa presently asked him , How things went ? and what was the Cause of his great Fear ? Sir , says he , the Enemy hath taken and plundered Gran , which great Blow occasions my Grief . A Blow , Fool , says the Bassa , tell me of a Blow , when I have lost my Genitals ( to which he pointed with his Hand ) that shew me to be a Man : Thus did he scoff at the Consternation of the Messenger , and undervalued the Loss of Gran , which was easily recoverable ; not without the Laughter of the By-standers . Moreover , in Croatia and the adjoyning Countries , several inroads were made by both Parties , and each side did alternately suffer for their over-boldness and supine Security , Let me give you an Instance , which was joyous to me , and I hope will not be unpleasant to you to hear of , though it happened somewhat before the before-mentioned Passage● at Sigeth ; but in Writing an Epistle , I do strictly observe the Order of Time. News was brought to Rustan , from those Parts , That a certain Confident of his , whom he highly esteemed , and called Cousin , had fallen upon a Party of Christians , as they were celebrating a Wedding , a●d being at a sufficient Distance , as they thought , from the Turks , counted themselves secure ; when behold this bold and unwelcome Guest , with armed Forces , came in upon them , spoiled their Mirth , slew some , took some Prisoners , among whom was the unfortunate Bridegroom , with his unbedded Spouse : Rustan did much rejoyce at this Exploit , and in all Company highly commended the Stratagem of his Kinsman , for performing it . A pitiful Case , you will say , rather to be lamented than related : But these are the Tragical Sports of insolent Fortune ; yet Revenge followed him at the Heels , Rustan's Laughter was soon turned to sadness : For a little while after one of the Belies or mad Sparks , a sort of mad Horsemen among the Turks , so called by their outragious Boldness , came post to him out of Dalmatia , and told him , That a parcel of Turks had made an Excursion into the Enemies Country , and had got great Booty , but setting no bounds to their Avarice , they , at last were encountred with a Party of Christians , Dragoons or Musketeers , who wofully routed them , slew many Sanziacks , and amongst them his Achillean Cousin , lately so much extolled by him . This sad News made Rustan burst forth into Tears , so that his fit of Laughter was justly requited : But hearken to the close of the Story , which is not unpleasant ; When this Dalmatian Trooper , who brought the News , was ask'd by the Bassa , in the Divan , How many were there of you ? He answered , Above Two Thousand five hundred : And how many of the Christians ? I think , said he , they were not above Five Hundred , unless there were more of them in ambush , as we suspected . Fy for Shame , said the fretting Bassa's , what ? a just Army of Musulmans ( so they call the Men of their own Religion ) to be beat by so small a handful of Christians , you are goodly Warriours indeed● fit for to eat the Sultan's Bread , are you not ? The blunt Fellow , nothing dismayed , replied , You are quite beside the Cushion ; did I not tell you , that we were beaten by Musketeers ? 't was the Fire defeated us , not the valour of our Enemies ; we had come off Conquerors , if we had contested by Valour only ; but who can fight against Fire , the fiercest of Elements ? and what Mortal can stand if the very Elements fight against him ? This bold Answer of his , being as saucily pronounced , made the By-standers ready to burst out into a Laughter , though on this sad occasion to them . This Matter did mightily refresh my Spirits , which were over-grieved at the Remembrance of the former Mis-hap of the Marriage-Feast . This Story informs us , That our Pistols and Carbines , which are used on Horseback , are a great Terror to the Turks , as I hear they are to the Persians also ; for once , upon a Time , there was a Fellow that perswaded Rustan , when he accompanied his Prince in a War against Persia , to arm Two hundred Horse of his Domesticks with Pistols : For they , said he , will be terrible to our Enemy , and will also do great execution upon them . Rustan hearkned to his Councel , and furnished out a Party , as advised ; but before they had marched half way , their Carbines or Pistols were ever and anon out of Order , one thing or other was broke or lost , and scarce any Body could mend them : Hereupon this Party was useless , and the Turks were also against this Armature , because it was sluttish ( the Turks being much for cleanliness in War ) the Troopers Hands were black and sooty , their Cloaths full of Spots , and their Case-boxes that hung by their Sides made them ridiculous to their Fellow Soldiers , who therefore jeered them , with the Title Medica Menturi , or Mountibank Soldiers ; hereupon they apply themselves to Rustan , complaining of this ill-favoured , useless Armour , which could do no Service against an Enemy , and entreating to be restored to their usual Weapons , their Bows and Arrows , which , at their Desire , was accordingly granted them . The mention I made a while ago of things acted in the Confine of Hungary , gives me occasion to tell you , what the Turks think of Duels , which amongst Christians is accounted a singular Badge of personal Valour : There was one Arslambey , a Sanziack , that lived in the Frontiers of Hungary , who was very much famed for a Robust Person ; he was expert at the Bow , no Man brandished his Sword with more Strength , none was more terrible to his Enemy ; not far from him there also dwelt one Vlybey , a Sanziack also , who was emulous of the same praise , and thus emulation ( initiated perhaps by other occasions ) at length occasioned Hatred and many bloody Combats between them . It happened thus , Vlibey was sent for to Constantinople , upon what occasion I know not ; when he came thither , the Bassa's had asked many Questions of him , in the Divan , concerning other Matters , at last they demanded how he and Arslanbey ( A●sta signifies a Lion in Turky ) came to fall out ? Hereupon he makes a long Narration of the Grudges between them , with their Causes and Progress ; and to put a fair Paint on his own Cause , That once Arslanbey had laid an Ambush , and wounded him treacherously ; Which , said he , he need not to have done , if he would have shewed himself worthy the Name he bears , seeing I have often challenged him to fight Hand to Hand , and never shunned to meet him in the Field . The Bassa , as being offended , thus replyed , How durst thou challenge thy Fellow Soldier to a Duel ? What , was there never a Christian to fight with ? Do both of you eat your Emperours Bread ? and yet , forsooth , you must go about to take away one another's Lives ? What Precedent had you for this ? Don't you know , that whoever of the twain had dyed , the Emperour had lost a Subject ? Whereupon , by their Command , he was haled to Prison , where he lay pining many Months● and was , at last , with Difficulty , released , yet with the loss of his Reputation . 'T is quite otherwise with us Christians ; ours do many Times draw their Swords against one another , before ever they come in sight of a publick Enemy ( the more 's the Pity ! ) and count it ( forsooth ) a brave and honourable Thing : What shall a Man do in such a case ? when Vice Usurps the Seat of Vertue , and that which is worthy of Punishment is counted Noble and Glorious . But to return , I know you are inquisitive , and therefore give me leave to acquaint you with the Publick Entrance , which the King of Cholcos made into this City . His Kingdom is by the River Phasis , in a Creek or Bay of the Euxine-Sea , not far from Mount Caucasus ; his Name is Dadianus , a Man of a tall Stature and promising Countenance , but of a rough-hewen Disposition , as some say . He came with a great Train , but very Thread-bare , and sorrily garbed . The Italians , at this Day , call the Colchians Mingrelians : They are some of that People inhabiting between the Caspian Gates , ( called by the Turks , Demit capi ( i.e. ) IronGates ) and the Portic and Haircanian Seat : They are at this Day called Georgians , whether from that sort of Christian Religion , which they profess , or whether that be their ancient Name ( which seems most probable , ) is not fully determined . The Albanians and Iberians are reckoned a part of them . The Cause of his coming is uncertain , some say , he was sent for by the Turk ; for when he makes Wars upon the Persian , if the Colchians and the People of that Tract join with him , they may give him notable Assistance . But the vulgar and more credible Opinion was , That he came to desire the Assistance of some Gallies against his Neighbour , the Iberian , who had slain his Father , which if he could obtain , then he would become Tributary to the Sultan . For , you must know , that there is an old and inveterate Hatred between the Colchians and the Iberians . Once there were some Overtures of Accommodatio● between them , and a Conference was had thereupon , between great Numbers of both Nations ; at this Meeting , they began , first , to try who should be the greatest Drinkers ; in which Contest , the Colchians were overcome , and fell fast asleep . The treacherous Iberians made use of this Opportunity , and hurried away honest Dadianus , as yet Snoring , into a Chariot , and shut him up Prisoner in an high Tower , as if he had been lawful Prize taken in War. To revenge this Injury , and to recover their King , the Colchians levied an Army of 30000 Men , who were commanded by the VVife of the Captive King ; a Woman of great Spirit , and not unskill'd in Horsemanship , nor handling of Arms. The Commanders , in this Army , wore huge and intractable Coats of Male , and were also armed with Swords and Spears pointed with Iron . They had also amongst them , a Party of Musketeers , a strange Sight in that Country . As for the common Soldiery , they had no other Arms but Arrows , or Stakes burnt at one end , or great VVooden Clubs . Thus they rode on Horseback , without Saddle or other Furniture . This rude and discomposed Multitude , drew near to the Place where their King was in Custody , but were soon terrified with the Discharge of a few Guns , from the Castle , and run back a full Mile ; but then taking Heart , on they came again , but were repulsed with the like Noise as before . Dadianus perceiving help so near , did cut his Bed-cloths into a kind of Ropes , and so let himself down by Night , through his VVindow , and fled to his own People ; which Stratagem of their King , and the successful Issue thereof , is highly praised by that People , even to this very day . The Country of Colchis abounds with all sorts of Fruits , growing almost naturally , except Bread-Corn , VVheat and Barly , and these Grains would grow there also , if due Tillage were used about them ; but the People are very idle , they only sow Millet at random , which yields such an Encrease , that one Crop serves them for two Years ; their chief Subsistence is thereon , neither desire they any other Corn. Their Vines grow at the foot of high Trees , and mounting up to their Boughs , yield them much VVine , and pretty good . These Vines last for many Years . Their Bees●● like themselves , live in their Woods , and supply them with Wax and Hony ; all the Pains they take , is , to find them out . The same Woods yield them plenty of Venison ; as for Phesants and Partridges , they abound all over the Country . A great proof of the Fertility of their Land , are their Melons , which , besides their extraordinary sweetness , do oft grow three Foot long . As for Coin'd Silver , they have little or none , and of Gold less ; few of them know what it is : So that they may seem a very happy People , who are without so great a Temptation to Mischief . And yet I think few of us do envy them this Happiness , because none can grow rich among them ; yet they have that value for Silver , that when they receive any in Traffick , with Foreigners , as some of them must needs do , they transfer it all to the use of their Temples , for making Crucifixes , Chalices and such like Ornaments , which sometimes their King , on pretence of publick necessity , doth seize upon , and hurry all to his own use . Their only way of Commerce among themselves is by Exchange of Wares ; if one have over-much of a Commodity , he brings it into the Market , and receives what he wants in-Exchange ; so that there is no need of Money , their Commerce is by Bartering or Commodity . They pay also their Tribute to their King in the Products of the Earth ; they supply him with all Necessaries largly , both for Meat and Drink , and Apparel , for maintaining of his Houshold , and for rewarding the Deserving . And , indeed , he hath an unexhausted Revenue , not only from Tythes , and other Regalia , but from those Gifts which are daily bestowed upon him ; and yet he is as liberal in bestowing them , as he is ready to receive them . His Palace is , as a publick Granary , stored with all manner of Provisions ; which are disposed to all that need out of his Royal Bounty , especially if that Years Harvest hath disappointed the Husbandman . The Custom is , that if any Merchant come with his Ship thither , he makes a Present to the King , either small or great , nothing is refused , and the King bestows a Banquet on them a Shore . The manner 's thus . There is a large Building , on both sides of which are the King's Stables , where a long Table is plac'd for the King ; he himself sits at the upper end , and , at a moderate distance , ●it the rest . The Table is well furnished , especially with Venison , and with Wine enough ; the largest Drinkers are the welcomest Guests . The Queen , with her Female Attendants , hath a Table in the same Room , but apart by themselves ; and then they junket freely without much regard of Modesty ; they carry themselves like Anticks , fleering , nodding , whickering like so many Medea's , if there were Iason's ready for them . After Dinner , the King , with his Guests , goes a Hunting ; and , in VVoods , under the Shadows of large Trees , the common People do disport themselves , keeping Holy-day in Drinking , Dancing and Singing . They hang their Fiddles on long Poles or Borders , and then striking them with a Stick , they sing the Praise of their Mistresses , or of their valiant Men at the Tune . Among their Hero's ( unless I am misinformed ) they oft mention one Rowland ; how he came into that Country I know not , unless he passed thither with Godfrey of Bullogn . They tell many prodigious Stories of this Rowland , as ridiculous and improbable as any Romance among us . Whilst they are thus idle and sullied , Dissoluteness must needs follow ; and , to speak Truth , Chastity is a rare Vertue among them . The Husband will offer his own Wife or his Sister , to the Pleasure of a Stranger ; and if they can but thus please their Wives , they care for little else . Neither are their Daughters kept under any stricter Discipline ; 't is hard to find a Damsel unvitiated among them ; yea , some have born Children at ten Years old ; and if you scruple to believe it , because of the smalness of their Bodies , at your Request they will produce you such a young Infant , not much bigger than a large Frog . Whereas , otherwise , they are a tall and comly bodied People . But they are so devoid of all Civility and courteous Entertainment , that they think they grace one every much among other Barbarities , when they meet you , they make a certain sound in their Throats like B●lching . In one thing they shew a great Dexterity of Wit , and that is in Stealing . He that pilfers most neatly , is counted a brave Fellow ; but he that does it bunglingly , is esteemed a Dunce and Blockhead , not worthy to live ; and even his own Father or his Son , will sell or exchange him for a small Matter to Merchant-strangers , to be carried away they care not whither . An Italian Merchant who had been in these Parts , told me , That a certain Priest of theirs , stole away his Knife as he was in their Temple ; he perceived the Theft , but dissembling it , he gave him the Sheath also , that he might put up his stoln Ware. When they go into their Temples , they have a good esteem for the Images of the Virgin Mary , of Peter and Paul ; but above all , they venerate the Image of St. George on Horseback , they fall down prostrate before it , kissing every part of it , even his Horses Shooes . They say , he was a valiant Man , a great Warrier , that in a single Combat did openly fight Hand to Hand with the Devil , and either conquer'd , or , at least , foil'd him . I 'll acquaint you with one Passage more , which you cannot but stand amazed at . 'T is this . The Princes of the East are always presented with Gifts at any Audience . Dadianus , in complyance with this Custom , brought Solyman a Cup or Dish of Carbuncle , so bright and shining , that in a dark Night a Man might travel by the Light thereof , as well as at Noon-day . I cannot believe it , you 'll say : Nor do I. Neither can I be angry with you for suspending your Belief ; but whatever you and I do , let me tell you , there are enough that do believe it . The most Judicious think it to be a small Goblet of Onyx or Gravale , which was lost in Shipwrack , when a certain Prince of Persia was flying from his Father to Constantinople , and driven , by a Tempest , to the Colchian Shore , where it was taken up . He brought also 20 white Hawks , called , Falcons , there being Plenty of them in that Country of Colchis . This is all I can inform you of , concerning the Colchians and their Manners ; let me now proceed to answer your Demands concerning my self , and my own way of Living . I seldom go abroad , unless I receive Letters from my Master to be delivered at the Court ; or , unless I am commanded to expostulate with the Bassa's concerning the Rapines and Cruelties of the Turkish Garisons , which is ordinarily twice or thrice a Year . Perhaps , if I would desire leave to ride about the City with my Keeper , it would not be denyed me● but I have no mind to be so much beholding to them ; for I would have them to think , that the straitness of my Confinement or Imprisonment is not valued at all by me ; and , to speak Truth , what Comfort can I have to ride up and down among a Parcel of Turks , who will either slight or else jeer , and reproach me ? No , I like the Country and the Campaign better , rather than that City , which is so full of Ruins , and which retains nothing of its ancient Glory , besides its Situation . 'T is true , 't was once a Competitress with Rome it self , but now , alas , it is wofully inbondaged ; Who would not pity to behold it ? Who so hard-hearted , as not to be affected with the mutability of human Affairs ? And who knows how near we are to the same Fate ? I keep my self within my own Doors , conversing with my old Friends , I mean , my Books , in which is all my delight . 'T is true , for my Health sake I have made a Bowling-Alley , where , before Dinner , I use to play ; and , after Dinner , I practise the Turkish Bow. The Turks are wondrous expert at Shooting at the Bow ; they accustom themselves to bend them from 7 or 8 , to 18 or 20 Years of Age , and hereby their Arms grow stronger , and their Skill so great , that they will hit the smallest Mark with their Arrows . Their Bows are not much stronger than ours , but for their shortness much more tractable ; they are not made of single Wood , but of a String and Ox's Horn , fastned together with much Glew and Flax. These sort of Bows , tho' never so strong , the Turks , who are used to the Sport , can easily draw even to their very Ear ; and yet one that is not accustom'd thereto , tho' never so strong a Man , cannot draw to that heighth , so as to strike a piece of Mony , set upright between the Bow and the String , in the Angle where it is put into the Notch . They aim their Arrows so sure , that in a Fight they will hit a Man 's very Eye , or any other part they design to strike . In the place where they Exercise , you may see them direct , by their stroke so artificially , that 5 or 6 of their Arrows will stick round about the White in the Butt , ( which is usually less than a Dollar ) and yet not hurt or touch it . They stand not above 30 Foot from the Butt : In the Thumb of their right Hand , they use Rings of Bone , on which the String lies , when they draw it ; and with the Thumb of their Left Hand , they draw the Arrow by a knot of eminent juncture ; far otherwise than they do with us . Their Butt is made of a Bank of sandy , gravelly Earth , raised about 4 Foot high from the Ground , and firm'd with Boards round about . But the Bassa's , and those that have great Families , do train up their Servants in this Exercise , at their own Houses , where the more skilful do teach the unexperienced . Some of these in their common Bayram , ( for they also have their Easter ) gather themselves together in a great Plain about Pera , where , sitting over against one another cross Legg'd , as Taylor 's do with us , ( for that is the Mode of their sitting ) they begin with Prayer ( so the Turks begin all their Enterprizes ) and then they strive , who shall shoot an Arrow furthest . The whole Contest is managed with a great deal of Modesty and Silence , tho' the number of Spectators be very great . Their Bows are very short for this Exercise , and the shorter the better , so that they are hardly bendable , but by well-practised Persons : Their Arrows also are of a peculiar kind . He that conquers hath a Linnen-Handkerchief , such as we use to wipe off our Sweat , wrought with embroidered Needle-work , for his Reward ; but his greatest Encouragement , is the Commendation and Renown he gets . 'T is almost incredible how far they will shoot an Arrow ; they mark the place , with a Stone , where the furthest Arrow , for that Year , was pitch'd . There are many such Stones in the Field , placed there time out of Mind , which are further than they are able to shoot now adays , they say . These were the Marks of their Ancestors Archery , whose Skill and Strength , in Shooting , they acknowledge they cannot reach to . In divers Streets and Cross-ways of the City Constantinople , there are also such Sports , wherein not only Children and young Men , but even the graver ●ort do exercise themselves in . There is one that takes care of the Butt , who waters it every day , otherwise it would be so dry , that an Arrow ( the Turkish Arrows being always blunt ) would not stick therein . And he that thus oversees the Mark is very diligent to draw out and to cleanse the Arrows , and throw them back to the Archers , and he hath a Stipend from them sufficient to maintain him . The Front of the Butt bears the Similitude of a little Door , whence , perhaps , was derived the Greek Proverb ; that when a Man miss'd the Mark , he is said to shoot Extr● januam , besides the Door ; for , I suppose , the Greeks used this way of Butting , and that the Turks borrowed it from them . I grant the use of the Bow is very ancient among the Turks ; but that hinders not , but when they conquered the Grecian Cities , they might still retain their way of Butting and Bounding their Arrows . For no Nation scruples to transfer the profitable Inventions of other Nations to themselves , as I might instance in Great Ord●nance and in Muskets , and other things , which tho' not our Inventions , yet the Turks borrow their use from us . 'T is true , they could never yet be brought to the Printing of Books , nor to the setting ●locks publick ; the Reasons are , That their Scripture ( i. e. ) Alchoran , would no longer be called Scripture , or Writing , if it were Printed , ( that 's their Fancy ; ) and for Clocks , they suppose , that the Authority of their Emraim , and of their ancient Rites would be diminished , if they should permit the use of them . In other Cases , they ascribe much to the ancient Institutions of other Nations , even almost to the prejudice of their own Religion . I speak of their Commonality . All Men know how averse they are from the approving of Christian Rites and Ceremonies ; and , yet , let me tell you , that whereas the Greek Priests do use , at Spring time , a certain way of Consecration to open the Sea for Saylers ; before which time , they will hardly commit their Vessels to the Waters . The Turks also observe the same Ceremony . For when their Vessels are ready to sail , they repair to the Grecians , and ask them , Whether they have consecrated the Sea ? If they say , No , they desist ; if Yea , then they set sail and away . 'T was also a Custom of the Greeks not to open the Pits , in the Isle Lemnos , for the digging out of the Earth , called , Agosphrogd , before the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord , viz. August 6. The Turks also observe the same Custom ; and , whereas , the Grecian Priests did anciently celebrate the Liturgy at that time , the Turks will have them do so still ; and they themselves stand at a distance as Spectators only : And if you ask them , why they do this ? Their Answer is , That there are useful Customs practised of old , the Causes whereof are not known . The Ancients , they say , saw and knew more than we ; and , therefore , we will not violate their Customs , lest we do it to our Loss . This Opinion hath so far prevailed among some of them , that I know some , who in private will baptize their Children , alledging , they believe there is some good in that Rite , and that it was not instituted , at first , without just Cause . Having acquainted you thus far with the Turkish Exercises , let me add one more . They have a Custom derived from the Parthians , that they counterfeit flying away on Horseback , and presently turn back and kill their unwary Pursuers . The way they learn to do it , is this : They erect an high Pole , almost in plain Ground , with a Brass-globe atop of it ; about this they spur their Horses , and having got a little beyond , the Horse still Galloping , they presently turn about , and flying along , shoot an Arrow into that Globe . The frequent use hereof makes them to expect , that their Bow being turn'd in their sight , their unwary Enemy is shot through . 'T is time now , you 'll say , that I return to my Lodging , lest my Keeper be angry with me . Well then , what time is left me from beholding these Exercises , I bestow it all on my Books , or in Conferences with my Friends the Citizens of Pera , originally Genoeses , or others , yet not without the leave of my Chiauxes . These Fellows are not always in the same Humour , they have their lucid Intervals , and , also , sometimes , are more tractable than at others . When 't is fair Weather with them , the Ragusteans , the Florentines , the Venetians , and sometimes the Greeks , with other Nations , come to visit me , on one Account or another ; sometimes , also , I converse with Men of more remote Countries , coming hither , whose Conversation doth much delight me . A few Months ago , there came thither a Merchant from Dantzick , who had the sole vending of Amber : He wondred what use the Turks put so great a quantity of it , as they bought , to ; or , whither they sent it : At last , he was resolved , That they sent it into Persia , where that kind of Juice or Bitumen is highly esteemed ; for they adorn Parlors Studies and Temples therewith . He bestowed upon me , a Wooden Vessel full of that Liquor , they call Tuppeabier . It was most excellent Stuff . But I laughed extraordinarily at my Guests● both Greeks and Italians , who , not being accustomed to this Liquor , could not tell what to call it . At length , because I told them , 't was good to preserve Health , they thought it was some Medicinal Drug , and called it a Syrup ; but they sipp'd and syrupp'd it out so long , that , at one Dinner , they emptyed my Barrel . This liberty my Chiauxes ( who are changed ever and anon ) do sometimes give me . They are not only willing I should go abroad , but also do invite me so to do : But I , as I told you before , use to refuse them , that so they may not think they can do me either good or hurt ; and the pretence I make use of is this , That I have tarried so long at home , that now I am grown to the Walls of the House , so that if I go forth , it would fall . I will not , therefore , stir abroad , say I , till I go for good and all into my own Country . As for my Family , I am glad that they go abroad sometimes , for thereby they learn to bear the Absence from their own Country , the better . But yet when they make use of this liberty , the drunken Turks do oft meet and quarrel with them in the Streets , especially , if no Ianizaries be with them ; and tho' they be , yet sometimes there happen Blows on both sides : And , therefore , it is troublesome to me , to excuse my Domesticks , when they are clamour'd against ; yet , I confess , the surlyness and vigilance of my Chiauxes , in keeping fast my Doors , do , in great part , ease me of that troublesome Office. Let me relate to you a late Example of this kind . There came lately to me a Messenger from my Master , the Emperor , one Philip Baldus , an Italian , he was 60 Years old , and riding faster than his Age could bear , he fell into a Fever . My Physician prescribed him a Clyster , and the same being brought by the Apothecary , my Chiaux would not let him in , nor suffer the Physick to be brought to the sick Man : Inhumanely enough , you 'll say , especially seeing the Chiaux had carried it courteously to me a long time ; but now he was inraged on a suddain , that t was intollerable , for he threatned to cudgel every Body that came to me . After he had thus affronted me , I thought of a way to let him know , how little I valued all his Bug-bear Threats , which was thus . I set one of my Servants to stand within my Gate , and to bar it ; commanding him , to open to none , but at my Command . The Chiaux comes in the Morning to unlock the Gate , as his Custom was , but his Key availed not , for 't was bolted ; on the in-side he spyed my Man , through the Chinks , and calls out to him to open it . Not I , says he ; hereupon the Chiaux began to be angry , to fret and to prate . Prate , while you will , says my Servant , neither they self nor any of thine shall come in here : For why should I open to thee , more than thou to me ? Thou keepest us shut in , and we 'll keep thee shut out ; do thou shut the Door without , and to be sure I 'll shut it within . What , says he , did your Master command you so to do ? Yes , said I : However , says the Chiaux , let me come in and put my Horse in the Stable : Not a jot of Stabling for your Horse here , said he . Let me then have some Hay and Provender out for him : Not a bit , says he ; go and buy it in the Neighbourhood , there 's enough to be sold. I was wont to make the Chiaux to sit down at Meat with me , or else to send him something from my Table ; but now the Case was altered , he stood fasting as he was , at my Door , his Horse● being tyed to a Plane-Tree , over against it . The Bassa's , and other Grandees , using to pass by that place in their return from Court , and knowing , by its Trapping , that it was the Chiaux's Horse , gnawing of Hay under the Plane-tree , they demanded the Reason , why he was not shut up in the Stable , as heretofore ? He up and told them all the Matter , that as he shut up us , so he and his Horse were shut out , so that the one could not get Food , or the other Provender . When the rest of the Bassa's heard this Story , they laugh'd heartily , and from that time held it fruitless to go about to terrifie me with such frivolous Vexations as the shutting of my Doors . But a while after that Chiaux was removed , and then we had more Liberty . Rustan himself was satisfied how vain his Menaces were by this Story I shall now relate . There came a certain aged Sancto , of great Esteem among them for his Piety , to pay his Court to him ; and , among other Discourse , he told Rustan , That seeing the Sultans Children were at Discord one with another , which was likely to occasion great Troubles in their Empire , why he did not make Peace with the German Emperor , that Solyman may be secure from Danger on that side ? I desire nothing more , says Rustan ; but how can I bring it about ? His Demands I cannot yeild to , and my Demands he will not accept , nor can I compel him so to do ; I have tryed all ways to bring him to my Terms , I have kept him in the nature of a Prisoner these many Years , I have dealt coursely enough with him ; but , alas ! he is but hardned the more thereby ; when I would shut him up as close Prisoner in his own House , then he bars his Door on the inside , that no Body can come at him ; thus all my Labour is in vain : If another Man had been so hardly dealt with , to avoid the durance , he would have turned to our Religion ; as for him , he cares not a Rush. This was Rustan's Discourse , as some present thereat informed me . The reason of their surly carriage , is this : The Turks are very suspicious that the Agents of Christian Princes have a great Latitude in their Commissions ; so that they have Power to alter , as occasion serves ; if they cannot at first get favourable , then they may except of harder Terms . To get out of them the full of their Commissions , they vex their Persons , shut them up close , threaten War , and abuse them all manner of ways . Some think , that a certain Venetian Resident did much encourage the Turks to these Courses ; for when the Dispute was between the Venetian and Turk , about Napoli di Romania , their Agent had a Charge to try all other ways of Accommodation , without surrendring the City ; but if no milder Terms would do , then he had liberty to part with that City , rather than to engage in War with the Port : Some Venetian Traytor declared this part of his Commission to the Turks , unknown to the Resident himself ; who rather denyed that he had any other Commands , than what he had then propounded , which were the gentlest Terms . The Bassa's judging themselves to be deluded , were very angry , and bid him have a care what he said ; their Master was not to be mock'd , they knew well enough that he had other Commands , and thereupon , they recited to him the full of his Commission ; so that now , said they , if you do not tell us , we shall look on you as a Liar and Impostor , and then he would be punished as such ; and his Commonwealth would certainly be ruin'd , if the implacable Anger of Solyman did once , on this Occasion , stir him up to War against them ; and , therefore , speak now , or for ever hereafter , hold your Peace : Our Master will not use Entreaties , he hath Power enough , God be thanked , to command Obedience . The Venetian Agent was so surprized at this Discourse , which he did not so much as dream of , that he up and told them all . For which yet , he was very much blamed in his own Country . Ever since that time , the Turks have indulged their Suspicions , That the Christian Agents do deal but partially with them ; and , therefore , they must humble them to tell all the Truth ; upon this they imprisoned Veldalic , the Emperor Charles's Embassador , 18 Months , and my Collegues more than three Year , and at last sent them away , without doing any thing . As for my self , I know not how long I shall be kept in this durance ; for my part , I see no end thereof . When Baldus , that ancient Man of whom I spake before , came to me , they suspected that he had brought me new Commands , which allowed me to yield to harder Conditions of Peace ; and they feared that I would conceal them , because I was well aware of their intestine Discords ; so that by dealing harshly with me , they thought to extort the whole truth from me . Upon the same Design Rustan once sent me a large Gourd , called by the Germans Wasser-plutzer ; they grow very sweet at Constantinople , their Seeds are red within , and they came originally from Rhodes . By this Present , sent unto me by my Secretary , Rustan did jestingly insinuate the fear of a War ; it was brought me when the Weather was very hot , and the Juice is good to cool inward Heat . He sent this Complement with it , That I should make use of the Fruit fitted for the time , it would refrigerate in this hot Season ; but I should know , withal , that a great number of those Plants did grow about Buda and Belgrade , of a much larger size than that which he sent me , meaning thereby Canon-Bullets . I returned Thanks for my Present , and told him , I should make use of it ; but for Buda and Belgrade , 't was no great wonder they grew there , seeing there was Plenty of them , even of a larger size at Vienna . It pleased me to let Rustan know by my Answer , that I could return Quibble for Quibble . But to return to the Affairs of Bajazet , which you desired to be further informed in . You may remember that his Father dismissed him some Years ago , upon this Condition , That he should never hereafter affront his Brother , nor raise up new Tumults in the Empire , but should live quietly and peaceably , as a Brother ought to do . He should remember his Promise made to himself , and not vex him in his old Age , if he did , wo be to him . These Threats had weight with Bajazet , as long as his Mother liv'd ; he kept his word rather to retain her good Will and Indulgence towards him , than that he had any Consideration either for his Brothers love or Fathers good Will. However , quiet he was for his Mothers sake . But two Years after her death , looking upon himself as desperate , he cut the Cords of all filial Obedience , and began to resume his former Designs against his Brother , and to execute his Animosity with greater spight : Sometimes he laid Ambushes for his Life ; at other times he attempted it by open force , and now and then he sent Parties of his Men into his Brothers Province , ( their Provinces being contiguous one to the other ) and if he could catch any of his Domesticks , he used them ill for their Masters sake ; in ●ine , he left no Stone unturned , to lessen his Brothers Credit , seeing he was not able to reach his Life . Besides , he had several Partisans at Constantinople , who endeavoured to draw over the Seignior's Guard to his side , and he did not doubt but as his Design ripen'd , to come privately to Constantinople , and there to abscond among his Friends , till opportunity favoured his appearance in publick . Solyman was made acquainted with all his Designs , by Letters from his Son Selymus , and warned him to take care of his Life ; for if he did not look upon these nefarious Attempts of Bajazet , as pointed against himself , he was much mistaken : For he did not care what he did either against God or Man , provided he might gain the Kingdom thereby . Your Life , Sir , said he , is aimed at as well as mine , and he would wound you through my sides ; his Design was contrived long ago , but now he only seeks opportunity to execute it ; and therefore , pray , prevent his Wickedness , before you irremedilessly be circumvented by him : As for my self , I can easily bear all his Injuries , but the greatness of your danger doth more nearly concern me . These Informations from Selymus did more and more incense Solyman against Bajazet ; so that he put him in mind of his Duty , by Letter , telling him what great Clemency he had used towards him , and what Promises he had reciprocally made to him : Call to mind , said he , those ancient things , 't is not so easie for you to get a new Pardon . Leave off wronging your Brother , and creating trouble to me : I have but a little time to live ; when I am gone , God will shew which of you shall reign ; in the mean time , don't you disturb the publick Peace , nor the Tranquility of my grey Hairs . But these Expostulations wrought little with Bajazet , who was fully determin'd to do his utmost , than to yield his Neck tamely to his Brothers Sword ; for he saw plainly that would be his Fate , if ever Selymus mounted the Throne . However , he answered his Fathers Letters submissively enough ; but his Words and his Deeds did not agree , neither did he intermit the prosecution of his intended Design . When Solyman saw this , he resolved to try another Course , and to remove his two Sons to a greater distance one from another ; and , therefore , he commands each of them , on a prefix'd day , to leave his Province ( Chiutna was Bajazets , and Selymus's ) and Bajazet to go to Amasia , and Selymus to Iconium . This was done , not out of any disfavour to Selymus , but only to please Bajazet , lest he should break out into Extremes , when he was removed from his Government , and not his Brother from his . Withal , he laid his Command on them , the more they were severed by distance of Place , the more they should be united by Concord of Mind . For ( said he ) vicinity of Habitation doth oft breed Discord betwixt Brethren , and Servants on both sides do ill Offices to enrage and exasperate the Minds of their Masters one against another ; and , therefore , obey my Commands ; he that refuses , I shall count him a contumacious Son. Selymus immediately left his Province , as being confident of his Fathers Favour . But Bajazet made many Tergiversations , and when he was gone a little way he stopt his Journy , complaining that the unlucky Province of Amasia was allotted , as a bad Omen ; because his Brother was slain there . I should rather , said he , go to any other Province besides , than where the miserable exit of my Relations will constantly come to my Mind , and wound my very Soul ; and , therefore , he desired his Father to suffer him to Winter at least where he was , or else in his Brothers Province . But Solyman would grant neither of those Requests . By this time , Selymus was marched with an Army which was augmented with some Forces from his Father Solyman , ( for they were both afraid of Bajazets Plots ) against his Brother , who yet made many Halts and Delays ; when , behold ! on a suddain , he fetcht a compass about , and appeared with his Army on the rear of his Brother , going towards Pratias , a City of Bithinia over against Constantinople in the Asiatic Shore ; his Father gave consent to his March , as not well pleased with the cautation of Bajazet . For , they thought thus with themselves , that if Bajazet could win over the Guards to himself , and march to Pratias , or even to Constantinople it self , their Matters as to Solyman and Selymus , would be in great hazard ; and , therefore , out of a common fear , 't was thought most adviseable for Selymus to stay there , where he might expect most Aid in case of Necessity from the vicinity of the Capital Cities . For Selymus had not yet Force enough to encounter his Brother in open Field , without hopes of Success . When Bajazet saw his Brothers Army in his Rear , and that he got nothing by his Delay , save the certain Knowledge , that Selymus should reign if his Father dyed , as his Fear added to his Sickness gave some Likelihood thereof ; hereupon , he wrote Letters to his Father , wherein he laid grievous things to the Charge of his Brother Selymus , as , that his present March did plainly declare , what a wicked Intent he had towards his Father , who was come ●o near the Metropolis , that he might treacherously compass the Empire , and that he might have but a short Passage over if his Father dyed . But if his Father's Life should impede his desire , then he would suborn some Paricide or other to take it away ; and yet this is the Son , forsooth , said he , that you have in your Bosom , as if he were a very Nonsuch for filial Obedience ; whereas I , said he , who never entertain'd a bad Thought against you in all my Life , but was always observant of your very Becks , am rejected and cast out of Favour ; and yet the sum of my Demands is only this , that an unlucky Province might not be design'd for his Government . To his Words he added Entreaties , humbly beseeching his Father to gratifie him with any other Government , either that which his Brother left , or any other more fortunate one than that of Amasia ; and , says he , I shall expect an Answer in the Place where I now abide , lest if any Request be granted , I be forced to March a great way back ; but if your Ears be deaf to my Request , then I will March to what Province you shall command me . And the truth is , Bajazet had reason to be averse from Amasia , for 't is a Custom among them to build much on Auguries and ill Omens . But these Letters were otherwise understood by Solyman , who was well acquainted with his Sons Fears , and knew that he affected a Government not so remote , but nearer to Constantinople , that thereby he might have the better opportunity for Innovations . Thus Bajazet made one Excuse after another for his Delay , and seemed to retard his Fathers Pleasure ; he listed Soldiers , increased his Army , rais'd Mony , and provided all things necessary for his own defence , and the Conquest of his Brother . Solyman looked upon his Design against himself , yet the crafty old Man dissembled it what he could . For he was unwilling to make Bajazet quite and clean desperate . He was now grieved that the Eyes of all Nations were fix'd on that Dissention between his Sons , and therefore he design'd to use some Delay , that the Matter , if possible , might be composed with as little noise as might be . And , therefore , he answered Bajazet's Letters mildly , telling him . That as for the change of Provinces , he was fully resolved to be obey'd therein ; and , therefore , he and his Brother would do well immediately to repair to their respective Armies . As for other Concerns , he need not take care of them , for he himself would so order Matters , that neither his Brother nor he should have any Cause to complain . Solyman chose Perian , the Fourth Vizier Bassa , to carry those Letters to Bajazet ; and that he might seem to deal impartially between them both , he sent Mehemet , the Third Vizier Bassa , to Selymus . He also laid a Charge on both those Bassa's , not to stir a jot from either of his Sons , till they had both entred on their respective Governments ; which was wisely done by Solyman to leave such faithfull Monitors with his Children , which would daily put them in mind of their Duties . Accordingly , Selymus did willingly admit his Fathers Bassa , but Bajazet , whose Mind was wholly set upon imbroiling the State , could not endure to have one of his Fathers Counsellors obtruded upon him , to be a Witness of his Designs , and to be a Tell tale to his Father . And , therefore , he dismissed the Bassa , who was willing to have staid , having first courteously treated and presented him with Gifts , according to his present Ability ; and he did it with this pretence , that he had none else to represent his Cause impartially to his Father , but only himself ; and , if he would do him so good Offices , he promised not to be ungrateful to him . He wish'd him also to tell his Father , that his Commands should always be to him as a Law , but that he was forc'd to do what he did , for fear of his Brother Selymus , whose Injuries and Affronts he could no longer endure . By this Message of Pertan , Solyman was assured of Bajazet's Design , tho' to colour the Matter , and to put a blind on his Fathers Embassy , he pretended he would hasten to Amasia . However , Solyman was not slow in his Preparations against Bajazet , for he commanded the Beglerbeg of Asia , tho' sick of the Gout , to assist his Son Selymus with a Body of Horse , and he sent also the most Faithful of his Guards to accompany Mehemet Bassa , ( who was also return'd from his Embassies ) into Asia on the same Errand ; and he himself pretended he would gird on his Sword and follow them . But , alas ! the Guards shew'd themselves very unwilling to the Service ; for they abominated the War betwixt Brothers , as an impious thing . For against whom should they draw their Sword ? Was not Bajazet Heir of the Crown too ? This unnecessary Discussion ( said they ) may be compos'd without Blood , neither are we to be forc'd to sheath our Swords in one anothers Bowels : As for Bajazet , he is forced to do what he doth , in a way of Self-preservation . When these Rumours came to Solyman's Ears , he sent for the Mufti ( the High Priest of the Turks ) from whom , as from an Oracle , they expect Answers to their Doubts , and propounds a Case to him in these Terms . How them Men ought to be dealt with , who durst disturb the Peace of the Empire , by taking of Towns , and raising both of Men and Mony , while he was alive : As also what he thought of those , who were assistant to him in that Design , and fought under his Ensigns ; and , lastly , what was to be done with those who refus'd to engage against him , but rather justified his Practises ? The Mufti 's Answer was , That such a Person with all his Followers were worthy of Death ; and they that refused to Fight against him were to be abominated , as Prophane , and Deserters of their Religion . This Answer was divulged among the Commonalty , and by the Chief of the Chiauxes was transmitted to Bajazet . A while after there came a Chiaux to Constantinople , who had been sent by Solyman to Selymus , but had been intercepted by Bajazet ; by whom he sent a Message to their Father , to this effect ; That he would never fail in expressing his Duty to his Father , and that he never took up Arms against him , but was resolved to be obedient to him in all things . The Dispute was only between his Brother and himself , who sought his Life , so that he must fall by his Brothers Sword , or his Brother ther by his . This difference might be decided in his Fathers Life , and , therefore , he desired him not to interpose or assist his Brother , but to carry himself in an exact Neutrality ; but if ( said he ) you pass over into Asia , ( as Report says you will ) to assist Selymus , don't you think , I shall be speedily reduced ; for I know whither to retreat ; and , let me tell you , the first day you set foot in Asia , I will destroy all by Fire and Sword , and will make it as desolate , as ever Tamerlin or the War of our Enemies ever did . When this Message was delivered to Solyman , it did much disturb him , especially when word was brought to him , that the Town of Arvar , which Selymus , his Son , was Sanziack of , was taken by Bajazet ; and after he had exacted a great Sum of Mony from them , had plundered and sack'd it notwithstanding . But Selymus , when he heard that his Brother march'd towards Amasia , and was already come as far as Hucyras , being now freed form the suspicion of Treachery , which he fear'd , march'd also himself towards Iconium , wherein he had put a Garrison till his arrived . 'T was none of the least of Solyman's cares , which distracted his Mind , lest Bajazet should seize on Iconium , and so march into Syria , from whence there is a large Passage into Egypt , a Province not fully setled in Subjection to the Turks , and not forgetting the ancient Governors of the Circassians or Marncasses , longed for a change . And if Bajazet once got thither , he foresaw it would be a very hard Matter to beat him out , should the neighbouring Arabians assist him ; who , in hopes of Booty , were ready to take any side . And if with much ado , he could have been driven out of Egypt , yet from thence he might easily be wafted over into any of the Christian Countries ; whereupon Solyman , by all means , sought to stop his March thither , ( because he thought it would be Bajazet's last Shift ) and to that end he had written to most of the Governors of lesser Asia , to be watchful and to assist Selymus , when he called for their Aid . And accordingly Solyman's Army forced a Camp before the Walls of Iconium . For he thought it best to be slain there , than wait for the Auxiliaries of his Father , and not to hazard his All on the doubtful Issue of a Battel . On the other side , Bajazet knowing what a hazardous Enterprize he had undertaken , was as vigorous to support his Cause ; he hired a great Body of Horse , called Chiarts , perhaps formerly Gordianes , Men noted for Valour , in whom he put great Confidence . They , assoon as ever they came into his Army , began the representation of a Battel on Horseback , which had so much of Truth in it , that many of them were slain , but more wounded . His Camp was pitch'd in the plain and open Fields of Aucyra , from which City he was supplied with many Necessaries , and at the Castle thereof he placed his Concubines and Children . From those Merchants , that were Rich , he borrowed Mony , upon Terms of Re-payment with Interest , if God gave him Success . Form thence , also , he was furnished with Arms for his Soldiers . Besides his own Family ( consisting of very many among the higher sort of Turks ) and the Chiauxes before mentioned , those that were of his Mothers or his Sisters , and of Rustan's Faction , came in to him ; so did very many of Mustapha's and Achmet's Favourites , fierce and skilful Warriers ; for they grudging at the undeserved Death of their Master , were resolved to revenge them with the hazard of their Blood ; some also came under his Banner out of Commiseration of his depressed Condition , as being necessiated to fly to Arms , his last and only Refuge . A great many favoured Bajazet , because he was so like his Father , whereas Selymus had not one Feature in his Face resembling him . 'T is true , he was very like his Mother , a Woman hated while she was alive ; he was a Big-bellied Man , with swoln Cheeks , and his Face of a deep and uncomly Redness ; insomuch , that the Soldiers would seemingly say , He was cramm'd with Barly Pudding . Besides , he liv'd a slothful , banquetting , idle Life ; neither was he courteous , or of easie Access , nor did he oblige any Man by Largessee or Bounties : The Reason he gave , was , That he would not offend his Father , by aiming at popular Applause . Thus he became dear to his Father only , but dis-respected of every Body else ; yea , those Persons did most disdain him , who coveted a munificent and an active Emperor . The same Soldiers that were wont to call Bajazet , Softi ( i. e. ) a seddentary Man , and given to Ladies ; when they saw that he took up Arms , and ventured his All to defend himself and his Children , now extolled him to the Skies , as a Man of extraordinary Valour . Why ( said they , reasoning among themselves ) should his Father abdicate a Son , that is his express Image ? Why should he prefer his slothful , pot-bellied Brother before him , that had nothing of his Fathers disposition in him ? As for Bajazet's taking Arms , Necessity enforced him thereunto , and therefore , he was not to be blamed ; for did not Selymus , their Grandfather , do the same ? What greater President could there be ? For he did not only arm against his Brother , but Necessity also compelled him to hasten his Fathers death ; and yet by this Procedure he established the Kingdom to himself and his Posterity . Now if Solyman did rightfully possess that Kingdom , so unjustly gotten , why should his Son be denied to take the same Course ? Why should that Fact be vindicated so severely in him , which was accounted Lawful in his Grandfather ? And yet the Cause was much different ( said they ) ; for Bajazet did not take up Arms against his Father , but wishes him a long Life ; nay , he would not hurt and Hair of his Brothers Head , if he could be sure of his own Life , against him ; but 't is always lawful to resist Force by Force , and , if possibly , to prevent ones own certain Ruin. These Discourses caused many to fly unto Bajazet , and his Army being now of a moderate size , without any delay , he marches towards his Brother , putting his Life , Fortune and the hope of the Empire , upon the Event of the Battel ; for thus thought he with himself , my Valour ( at least ) will be commended , if it be not prosperous ; I will endeavour if I can , to break my way into Syria , and if I succeed therein , my Business is done . Selymus waited for him under the Walls of Iconium , having a vast Army , encreased by Forces sent him from his Father , and well furnished with skilful Commanders ; and besides all other Necessaries , secured with great Ordnance on every side . Bajazet was nothing terrified at all those Disadvantages , but assoon as he came in sight of his Brothers Army , he exhorted his Own , tho' inferiour in Number , in this sort . Now , says he , the long wished for Hour is ●ome , wherein you may shew your Valour ; do you act as Men , and let me alone to reward you . All my Fortune is in your Hand ; my Misfortunes have been irksome some time , but now here is an open Campaign , wherein I may change them for the better , and forget all the Miseries of my former Life . If you Conquer , you may expect from me Honour , Dignity , and all kind of Rewards , befitting Men of Valour . One Victory will compleat all our Hopes , tho' never so vast , and that you may get by your superabounding Valour . As for my Brothers Troops before your Eyes , they are a Company of Buffoons under a slothful General ; you may easily make way through them with your swords ; what Force he hath with him of my Fathers , tho' they are his in Body , yet they are mine at Heart . 'T is Selymus alone that stands in the way , both of my Vassals and of your Happiness too , and therefore , let us both revenge our selves on a common Enemy . And for their Multitude don't fear them , Conquest is got by Valour , not by Number . God Almighty uses to assist the Rest , not the Most ; certainly , if you consider how the savage Enemy thirsts after your blood , you will preserve yours by shedding theirs . In fine , said he , I will not only speak , but do ; let me be your Pattern ; do you Fight but as valiantly for my safeguard , as I shall do for your advancement , and I 'll warrant you the battle is our own . Having finished his Oration , he made towards the Enemy with an undaunted Courage , and in the Front of his Army shew'd himself both a brave Soldier and a skilful Commander , so that he was Renowned also by his very Enemies . The Battle was bloody , and many fell on both sides , and Victory seem'd to hover in the doubtful Wings ; but at last she inclin'd to that side , where was more Force , a juster Cause , and better Counsel ; just in the nick , there arose such a Wind that it carried the smoak of the Ordinance into the very Faces of Bajazet's Army , so that they fought blindfold , as it were ; whereupon Bajazet , after much blood-shed on both sides , was forced to sound a Retreat ; but he made it with so little of Trepidation , and so leisurely , that he seemed a Conqueror rather than a Conquered ; neither did Selymus make out of his Camp to pursue him , being well contented to see his Enemy turn their Backs . After this , Bajazet considering he had disobeyed his Father's Commands , by indulging his own Humour , and being cut off from hi March into Syria , which he had design'd , resolved to move in good earnest towards Amasia . Solyman had presently a Messenger sent him of this Victory , and immediately he posted over into Asia . His Bassa's would not let him go before ; But now ( said they ) you must make haste to press upon Bajazet in his Misfortune and to prevent his Recruit ; for if his secret Favourites should declare for him , they might cut them out further Work. The Report of your Passage over , will both discourage your Son and terrifie all his Followers ; and , therefore , make haste lest he serve you as sometimes your Father did , who was more formidable after he was Conquered than before , so that his very Overthrow was the Cause , why at last he prevailed . Neither did they thus speak without Cause ; for 't is incredible how much that Fight , tho' unfortunate , had added to Bajazet's Renown . That he was so hardily Valorous , as with a small handful , in comparison , to set upon the well disciplin'd Army of his Brother , strengthened too with his Fathers Force ; that he was not daunted with the disadvantage of the Place , nor the roaring of the great Ordnance , and that he carried himself in the very Battle not as a raw General , but an expert Commander . 'T is true , said they , his Success was not answerable , but his Valour was not Inferiour ; and , therefore , let Selymus boast never so much of his Victory to his Father , this we are sure of , that of the Two , Bajazet deserved to be Conqueror ; neither did his Brether prevail against him by true Force , but through Strength . These Discourses concerning Bajazet , shew'd him to be Popular , and thereupon they double his Fathers trouble , and his desire to ruin him ; resolved he was none but Selymus should succeed him in the Empire ; for besides that he was his eldest Son , he had been always faithful and obedient to him ; but Bajazet had been contumacious , and gaped after the Throne in his Life time ; and he feared him the more , because he was esteem'd a very valiant Prince , and because also he had openly assaulted Solyman against him . For these Reasons he pass'd the Sea into Asia , but with a Resolution not to stir from the Shore , but to assist his Son Selymus's Affairs , only at a distance . For why , thought he , should I run any hazard to bring my own Force nearer , lest my Army not fully setled in their Obedience , should be reapted to a Revolt . I my self saw Solyman march out of Constantinople in the Year , 1559 , Iune 5th . tho' against the Will of my Chiaux . Let me here present you with a Scheme of Mirth , and like a Braggadotio-soldier , tell you of two Battles I had at once ; for why , I have leisure enough ( unless you count my Cares my study ) and the larger I am in my Scribling , the more time do I borrow from my Troubles . Hear then my Contests . When I was certainly inform'd that the Sultan was ready to pass over into Asia , and that the day was fix'd for his Departure , I told my Chiaux that I had a mind to see him march out , and therefore he should come betimes in the Morning and open the Doors , for he used to carry the Keys of my Doors home with him at Night ; he promised me courteously , he would do so . Then I took order with my Ianizaries and my Interpreters , that they would take me an upper Room in the Way the Emperor was to pass , convenient for my View . They obeyed my Commands ; when the day was come , I rose before 't was light , and expected that my Chiaux had opened my Doors , but finding them shut , I sent several Messengers to him , to come and let me out , both my Ianizaries that waited within Doors and Druggermen that waited to come in ; this I did , through the Chinks of the Gate , which was very old ; but the Chiaux still spun out Delays , pretending he would come presently : Thus I spent some time , till I heard the noise of the Guns , which the Ianizaries use to shoot off , when their Emperor takes Horse , then I began to fret and fume , seeing my self so deluded ; my just Indignation did affect the Ianizaries themselves , they told me , that if my People would thrust hard with them , they without would so press upon the Valves , which were loose and old , that the Bars would fall out ; I took their Counsel , and the Doors flew open accordingly , and out we went , hying to the Room I had hired . My Chiaux had a mind to frustrate my Desire , and yet he was no bad Man neither ; for having communicated my Request to the Bassa's , that he was not willing that any Christian should behold their Prince marching with so small Force against his own Son , and , therefore , said they to him , do you promise him fair , but be sure to delay him tell the Sultan is a Shipboard ; then you may devise some Excuse or other for your Compurgation : But he was catch'd in his own Craft . When I came to the House where a Room was hired for me , behold it was shut , so that I could no more enter into that , than I could go forth of my own ; when I knock'd , no Body answered ; hereupon the Ianizaries again told me , that if I commanded them they would break open the Doors , or else would go in at Window and open them . I told them they should not break open any thing , but if they would go up to the Windows they might ; they presently did so , and opened the Door . When I went up Stairs , I found the House full of Iews , a whole Synagogue of them ; they looked upon it , as a Miracle , that I should enter , when the Doors were shut ; but being informed of the Truth , an old grave Matron , in comly Habit , profer'd her self , and complain'd to me in Spanish of the Violence I had offered to the House ; I told her , she had done me wrong , in not keeping her Word , and that I was not a Man to be thus deluded ; she seem'd unsatisfied , and the time would not admit further Discourse . In short , I was allowed one Window , which on the back side looked out into the Street , and from thence , with a great deal of Pleasure , I beheld the whole Proceeding as they pass'd out of the City . The Gulupagi and the Vlupagi march'd two by two ; the Selchers one by one , and Spahi's ( which are the Names of the Grand Seigniors Horse Guards ) ● distinguished by their Ranks and Troops , they were about 6000. besides a vast number of the Domesticks of the Prime Visier , and of other Bassa's . The Turkish Horsemen yield a gallant Shew ; the best Breed of Horse is from Cappadocia and Syria , and the adjacent Countries ; he is trapp'd with Silver Trappings , studded with Gold and Jewels . His Rider's clad with a Coat or Vest made of Silk Velvet , or other fine Cloth of Scarlet , Purple or dark Blue Colour , intermixed with Gold and Silver . He hath two Cases hanging by his sides , one holds his Bow , the other his Arrows , both of neat Babylonian Workmanship , and so is his Buckler held in his left Arm , strong enough to resist Blows made by Arrows or Clubs : In his right Hand , unless he desire to have it free , he carries a light Spear , for the most part painted with Green ; his Scimitar is studded with Jewels , and made of Steel , and it hangs down from his Saddle . What need so much Armour , say you ? I 'll tell you . They use them all ; and that dexterously too , you 'll reply . How can he use that Spear and the Bow too ? What! will he take up his Spear when he hath broke , or thrown away his Bow ? Not so neither , For he keeps his Spear as long as he can ; but when he hath occasion to use his Bow , the Spear being light and easily manag●d , he puts it between his Saddle and his Thigh ; so that the Point thereof sticks out backward ; and thus he presses it down with his Knee , as long as he pleases . But if he fight only with the Spear , then he puts up his Bow into his Case , or else with his left Hand places it behind his Shield . But it is not my present Design to acquaint you with the Turks expertness at Arms ; they have obtain'd it by long Use and Experience in War. Their Heads are covered with very fine White Cotten-Linnen , in the midst whereof stands up a Tust made of Purple Silk , divided chamferingly ; some of them wear black Feathers a-top . After the Horse , a large Body of Ianizaries followd , being Foot , and seldom taking any other Arms than Muskets . The Form and Colour of their Cloths is almost one and the same , so that you would judge them all to be the Servants of one Man's Family . They have no prodigious Habit among them , nor any thing rent or torn ; their Cloaths will wear not soon enough , they say , without their tearing of them ; yet in their Feathers , Crests , and such-like military Ornaments , they are over-curious , or rather proud , especially , the Veterans in the Rear , you would think a whole Wood of walking Feathers were in their Fire-stars and Frontals ; after them their Officers and Commanders follow on Horseback , distinguished each by his proper Ensign . In the last Place marches their Aga , or General . Then succeed the chief Courtiers , amongst whom are the Bassa's ; then the Foot of their Prince's Life-Guard in a peculiar Habit , carrying their Bows bent in their Hands , for they are all Archers ; next the Princes Led-Horses , all with curious Trappings . He himself rode on a stately Prauncer , looking sour with his Brows bent , as if he had been angry ; behind him came three Youths , one carrying a Flagon of Water , another his Cloak , another his Bow. Then followed some Eunuchs of the Bed-Chamber ; and , at last , a Troop of about Two Hundred Horse closed the Proceeding . After I had the satisfaction of viewing all this , my only care was now to appease my Hostess , she that at my entrance spake to me in Spanish , for I heard she was very familiar with Rustan's Wife , and therefore I was afraid she would represent things unhandsomly against me ; to prevent which , I sent for her , and told her she should have remembred her Bargain , and not have shut her Door against me who had hired a Room ; but though , said I , you don't remember your Promise , I 'le perform mine ; yea I will be better than my word : I promis'd you but 7 Pistriots , but here 's 10 for you , that so you may not repent your Admittance of me into your House . When the Woman thus unexpectedly saw her Hand fill'd with Gold , she was presently melted down into a Compliance , and the whole Synagogue of them fell to blandishments and giving me thanks , and the Woman that was Chrony to Rustan's Wife , made one in the Consort , for she always in my Landladies name gave me great Thanks : They brought forth Grecian Wine and a Banquet , but I refused to eat , but with the great Acclamations of all the Iews , made hast to be gone , that I might manage a new Combat with my Chiaux , for keeping my Doors fasten'd , when I should have come forth . I found him sitting mournfully in my Porch , where he began a long Complaint , that I ought not to have gone abroad without his Consent , nor to have broke open the Door : that I had violated the Law of Nations thereby , and such like stuff . I replyed in short , That if he had come betimes in the Morning as he promised , he had prevented all this ; his breach of Promise had occasioned it , for his intent was only to delude . I demanded also of him , whether he lookt upon me as an Ambassador , or a Prisoner ? For an Ambassador , says he ; if for a Prisoner , said I , then I am not an Instrument to make a Peace , for a Prisoner is not his own man ; but if an Ambassador , as you confess , then why am I not a Free-man ? Why can't I go abroad when I will ? Captives use to be shut up , not Ambassadors ; Liberty is granted such in all Nations , they may claim it as their publick due : He ought to know , that he was not appointed to be my Serjeant or Keeper , but to assist me , ( as he himself used to say ) with his good Offices , that so no other man might do any injury to me or mine . Hereupon he turns to the Ianizaries , and quarrels with them , for giving me advice to break open the Doors , and for being instant with my Servants therein . They denied I had need of their advice : I commanded them to open them , and they obey'd ; there was no great ado about it , the Doors were old , and flew open presently ; there was nothing either lost or broken . Thus the Chiaux was forced with me to hold his peace , and I never heard any more of the matter . A while after I had also leave to pass over the Sea , for the Turks judged it conducing to their Affairs , to Treat me kindly in their Camp , as the Ambassador of a Prince in Alliance with them ; and to that end , I had a handsom Lodging provided for me near their Camp , where I had all the Conveniences imaginable : I lived there three Months , and had the opportunity to view the Camp of the Turks , which was extended all over the neighbouring Fields , and to discover some parts of their Discipline : You will not find fault with me , if I acquaint you with something thereof . Know then , that I cloathed my self as Christians do in that Country , and with one or two Attendants walked up and down their Camp incognito . The first thing I saw was the Soldiers of each Body quartered with great Order in their several Ranks , and that with a great deal of silence , ( 't is far otherwise in Christian Camps ) all hush , not a quarrel , breath , or noise amongst them in their Jollities . Besides , they are wonderfully cleanly , no beastliness , no noisom smell to offend Eye or Ear ; all their Ordure they bury under ground , or throw it far enough off . When they have occasion to ease Nature , they dig a Pit with a Spade , and there bury their Excrements ; so that there is no ill smell at all . Besides , there are no Drinking-matches amongst them , no playing with Cards or Dice , ( the Bane of the Christian Army : ) I only heard one common Soldier playing a doleful Ditty on an Harp ill tuned , and his Fellows were howling rather than singing ; it was a Soldier 's farewel Word in the Borders of Hungary , and he canted out the last words of his Fellow-Soldier , who died of his Wounds on the Grass bank of the Danow ; he abjured that River , because the Streams thereof were to glide to his own Country , that it should commend him to his Friends there , and tell them that he died no ignoble nor unrevenged Death for the glory of their Nation , and encrease of their Religion . His Fellows groaned out , Thrice happy he , O that our Case was like his . For you must know , the Turks are of this opinion , That no Souls go more directly to Heaven than those of valiant Men , who lost their lives in the Field ; and that Virgins do pour out daily Prayers to God for their safety . I had a mind to pass through their Shambles , that I might see what Flesh was sold there ; I saw only four or Five Weathers at most hung up dress'd ; it was the Shambles of the Ianizaries , who were at least 4000 : I wondred so little Flesh could suffice so many ; and was answered , They used but little flesh , but a great part of their Diet was brought from Constantinople : When I demanded , what that was , they shewed me a Ianizary neer at hand , who was lying down , and was boiling Turnips , Leeks , Garlick , Parsnips , and Cucumbers , seasoning them with Salt and Vinegar ; and Hunger being his best Sauce , eating them as heartily , as if they had been Partridge or Phesant . Their Drink was that which was common to all Animals , viz. Water ; by this frugality they consult the Health of their Bodies , and also the saving of their Money . And the very time wherein they did this , caused me to admire the more ; it was their Fast , ( or as we call it , Lent ) at which time among Christians even in well govern'd Cities , as well as in Camps , there is nothing but Sporting , Dancing , Singing , Revelling , Drunkenness , and such like Madness ; insomuch that a Turkish Envoy coming once at that time of the year , reported at his return , That the Christians at certain times grew mad and raging , but sprinkling themselves with a sort of Ashes in their Temples , they recovered their Wits again , so that they did not seem the same Men ; thereby denoting Ash-Wednesday , and its Eve. The Turks fearing this , were struck with a great Amazement , because they have many Medicines amongst them which cause Madness , but very few that procure a speedy recovery therefrom . For the Days immediately preceding their Fasts , they do not alter their private way of living in their Worshiping ; rather on the contrary , they abridge themselves of some of their daily Commons , that they may provide for their Fasts , lest a sudden abstinence might be prejudicial to their Healths . The time of their Fast is so appointed , that every Year it comes fifteen Days sooner than the former ; the reason is , because they fill not the 12 yearly spaces of the Moon : Hence it comes to pass , that their Fast kept in the early Spring after six Years , happens at the beginning of Summer ; for they measure their Fasts by the course of the Moon , and there are none more irksom to them , than those which fall out in the long Summer-days ; for while they fast , not a bit , nor so much as a drop of water goes down ( neither dare they so much as wash their Mouths therewith ) before the Star appear in the Evening , the longest Day of Abstinence , being hot , and daily too , must needs be very tedious , especially to the poorer sort , who live by their dusty labour : yet before Sun-rise ( though not after ) while yet the Stars shine in the Firmament , it is lawful for them to eat ; and therefore they better endure their Winter Fasts . And that they may not be deceived by the darkness of the Weather , their Priests hang out Lights in Paper-Lanthorns from the top of their Moschs , ( from whence they are wont , by sound of Voice to call them to Prayers , as we do by Bells : ) And this shews that their Eating-time is come , whereupon entring presently into their Temples , and worshiping God in their way , they return to Supper . In the close of their Summer-Fasts , I once saw a great many of them to go into a Tavern over against my Lodging ( where Ice was always to be sold coming from Mount Olympus in Asia ) and there they askt for Icy-water , which they drank jetting strangely backward ; for the Turks count it profane either to Eat , Drink , or Piss , in a standing posture , unless in case of necessity ; but they do it bending their Bodies ; as Women do with us when they make Water . And whereas in the dusk of the Evening I could not well discern the meaning of that Posture , I was told that most of them drank a draught of cold Water , to make way for their Meat , for otherwise it would stick to their Jaws and they could not swallow it ; and besides , this moisture of their Palate did quicken their Appetites . In their Diet they are not choice , and after their Fasts they may eat any Meat , which was lawful for them to do at other times . If they fall sick , they omit their Fasts , but with this condition , that when they recover they must fast so many Days over , as they neglected before . But when they are near an Enemy , and ready to fight , lest fasting should weaken their Bodies , they are allowed to eat ; and if a blind Superstition detains some of them , then their Emperour , at Noon , in the sight of his whole Army cuts his Dinner , and by his example they are encouraged to do the same . They use Wine at no time of the Year , they count it profane and irreligious so to do , especially they abhor it on their Fasts , then no man is so much as to smell to it , much less to tast it . I often askt why Mahomet was so strict , as to forbid his Followers the use of Wine ; In answer to my demand , they told me this Story , That Mahomet making a Journey to his Friend , at Noon entred into a House where there was a Marriage-Feast , and setting down with the Guests , he observed them to be very merry and jovial , kissing and embracing one another , which was attributed to the chearfulness of their Spirits raised by the Wine ; so that he blessed it as a sacred Thing , as being an Instrument of much Love amongst Men : But returning to the same House the next Day , he beheld another face of Things ; as gore blood on the ground , an Hand cut off , an Arm , Foot , and other Limbs dismember'd , which he was told was the effect of the Brawls and Fightings occasioned by the Wine , which made them mad , and destroy one another : Whereupon he changed his Mind , turning his former Blessing into a Curse , and forbidding it , as an Abomination , to all his Disciples . For this reason all was quiet in the Camp , and the greatest composure imaginable , especially at their Feast-time ; so much did Camp-Discipline and a strictness received from their Ancestors prevail upon them . The Turks punish all flagitious Disorders very severely ; their Punishments are , loss of their Places , sale of their Goods , basting with Clubs , Death ; but Club-basting is most common , from which the Ianizaries themselves are not free , tho' they may not as such be put to death ; their lighter Offences are chastised by the Club , their more hainous by cashering or degrading , which they count worse than death , because commonly they are put to death afterwards ; for being stript of the Ensigns of Ianizaries , they are banisht to the farthest Garison of the Empire , where they live contemptible and inglorious , till upon any light occasion they are put to death , yet not as Ianizaries , but as common Soldiers only . And here let me acquaint you with the patience of the Turk in receiving that Punishment ; they 'l receive sometimes an hundred blows on their Legs , their Feet and Buttocks , with wonderful patience ; so that divers Clubs are broke , and the Executioner cries out , Give me another : yea , sometimes the Chastisement is so severe , that several parcels of torn flesh are cut off from the wounded parts , in order to their ease ; yet for all this , they must go to their Officer , who commanded them to be punisht , they must kiss his Hand , and give him Thanks ; nay , they must also give the Executioner a Reward for beating them : the Club they are beaten with , they count sacred , and that it fell down from Heaven , as the Romans counted their Praise to do , and as some Relief to their Misery ; they count those parts wounded with the Rod or Club , to be free from any Purgations , and Expiations after this life . When I told you , that the Turk's Camp were free from Broyls and Tumults , I must except One , which was made by my own Men : The Occasion was this , Some of my Servants had a mind to walk out of the Camp , without any Ianizaries to attend them ; only taking some Italian Renegado's that professed the Turks Religion . Let me tell you by the way , that these Italians are of good use in that Country , especially in redeeming of Captives , for they come to their Masters , and pretend they are either their Kinsmen , or their Countrymen , and therefore out of Compassion to them , they desire to buy them as their Pastrons , for a Price agreed , and so they set them free : But if a Christian should make the same profer to them , they would either refuse him , or hold him to a far greater Rate . But to return ; Some of my People as I told you , gadding abroad , they light upon some Ianizaries , who came from Swimming and Washing themselves in the Sea , without the Badges of their Order on their Heads , only some Linnen being very slighlty wrapped about them . These Ianizaries revil'd my People , knowing them to be Christians ; for that 's the guise of the Turks , to reproach Christians ; 't is a Principle of their Religion , they think thereby to incline them to exchange it for a better , as they count theirs to be : My Folks being thus provoked , return Jeer for Jeer ; from Words they came to Blows , the Italians assisting my Men , the cause of the Scuffle was , that one of the Ianizaries lost the Linen Covering off his Head , which was thrown I know not whither : Hereupon the Ianizaries hye to their General , complaining of their Wrongs and loss received by my Servants , for they watch'd them , and found them return'd to my House : Their General presently sent for my Interpreter , who was present at the Conflict ; He was seiz'd upon sitting at my Door , and they were pulling of him away . I beheld it from a Gallery above , and was much concern'd , that any of my Family should be taken forcibly from me without my Consent , to be carried to the Bastinado , ( for I understood something of the Matter before ) for I could not imagine he would be return'd to me without being well beaten , he being one of the Turk's Subjects . Whereupon I ran down , and laid hold on him , commanding him to let him go ; they did so grumblingly , but hasted presently with far more grievous Complaints to their General ; who commanded more of their Company to go and seize those Italians who of Christians are said to become Turks ; yet he charged them to offer no Violence to me at the House where I lodged . They came back presently , and with a great Noise and many Threats , demanded those Italians ; but they foreseeing what would come to pass , had sailed back to Constantinople : Much Clamour there was on both sides , at last my Chiaux which at that time was an old decrepid Man , out of jeer thrust some Pistols into their Hands unknown to me , to buy a new Bonnet in the room of that which was lost , and thus the Dispute ended . I have been the more punctual in relating this Story , because on this occasion , I understood from Rustan's own Mouth , what Opinion the Sultan had of the Ianizaries : For he hearing of this Scuffle , sent a Messenger to me , to desire me to cut off all occasion of Dispute with the Ianizaries as the worst of Men : You know , said he , 't is a time of War , wherein they may be said to reign , rather than the Sultan , who stands in fear of them himself This he spake as being well acquainted with the Sentiments of Solyman , who always susp●cted some Men of their own to lye in wait against their Militia , which would break forth when he had no Opportunities to prevent it . And the truth is , though there may be some use of a standing Guard and Mil●tia , yet there are also many Inconveniences attending it , of which this is the chief , their Emperor is very fearful of them , lest having the Sword in their Hands , they should alter the Government as they pleas'd , of which there had been many Presidents , yet there are ways also , wereby this may be prevented . While I was in their Camp , there came Albertus de Vbiis , a worthy and learned Person , as I think born at Amsterdam , as an Envoy from my Master Caesar ; He brought with him some Presents for their Sultan , as some Goblets gilt with Gold , with a Clock neatly made , and carried like a Tower on an Elephants Back ; as also some Mony to be distributed amongst the Bassa's : Solyman would have me deliver these Presents in the Camp , that the Amity betwixt Him and my Master might be more publickly known , and so no Danger at all to be feared from the Christian Arms. But to return to Bajazet , after the Fight at Iconium , who retired to his Government of Amasia , pretending to live quietly there , if his Father would permit him so to do . For why ? He had sown his wild Oats , and for the future seem'd plyable to obey his Fathers Will ; and for this he employed sundry Persons to carry submissive Letters to his Father , begging his Pardon : Neither did Solyman pretend that he was averse from Reconciliation with his Son , and therefore he admitted his Messengers into his Presence ; he read his Letters , and answered them mildly . So that the Report was spread over all the Army what an Agreement was like to be between Father and Son ; what he had done amiss , was to be imputed to the hot Blood of his Youthful Age , provided he would shew himself Obsequious the residue of his Life . This Solyman did by the Advice of his Bassa's , for the cunning old Man would not declare himself , till he had brought Bajazet into the Nooz of his own Power . He was terribly afraid , lest out of Desperation he should march furiously into Persia ( his only Place of Refuge ) with so great Post-haste , that all his Sanziacks should not be able to prevent them . To prevent which Mistakes , he sent many Letters to all the Governours upon the Borders , to watch Bajazet , and not to suffer him to escape , if he attempted it . In the mean time , he put all those of Bajazet's Party that he could light upon , to the Rack ; and when he had got out of them what he could , he put them privately to death ; amongst which were some that Bajazet had sent to be his Companions to his Father . The Kingdom of Persia at that time contained all the Countries between the Caspian Sea , and the Seas of Persia , with some part of Armenia the Greater , ( though Solyman by taking of Babylon , Mesopotamia , and part of Media had abridged their Empire very much ) and other far Countries even to the Empire of the Homaium Patisach , as the Turks call him , and over that last part of Land Sagathmas was King : The Father had been formerly over-thrown by Selymus in a great Fight in the Field of Chalderon ; and from that time the Persian Affairs began to decline , for Solyman a fierce Enginier press'd upon the very Face ; and Thamas being much inferiour to his Father's Courage , made but a weak Defence : For he was wholly given to Sloth and Idleness , and would sit in his Palace amongst a Croud of Harlots , amorously pleasing his Humour ; and sometimes consulting Magicians concerning future Events : He had little Care of Administring publick Justice to his People . This Neglect of his opened the Door to all Injustice and Oppression in every part of his Empire : For the Strong oppressed the Weaker , and Innocence could find no Justice or Defence in his Court. Notwithstanding this malevolous Instruction , yet the Persians have so sacred an Opinion of their Prince , that they believe him happy , that can but kiss the Door of his Palace ; and the Water wherein he washes his Hands , they use in order to the Cure of several Diseases . He hath many Children , but the most promising is Ismael , like his Grandfather both in Name and Nature ; a beautiful Prince , and a Capital Enemy to the Race of the Ottomans . 'T is reported that he was brought forth into the World with his Fist all bloody , whence 't was vulgarly said , That he would be a Warlike Person ; and when he was but young he confirmed that Report , by obtaining a great Victory over the Turks . But when his Father made Peace with Solyman , 't was agreed betwixt them , that Ismael should be sent Prisoner into the Bowels of his Kingdom , that he might be no Obstacle to the intended Agreement : And yet as ill us'd as he is after his Fathers death , 't is thought he would succeed in the Empire . But Solyman fearing that Sagathamas , ( or as we call him , the Sophi ) would be more mindful of old Grudges , than of the late Peace to which he was in a manner compell'd , and that if his Son went thither , he should have much ado to get him thence , and perhaps it might occasion a long War between the Empires , did use his utmost endeavour to stop or take him , before he could come thither . The old Man had not forgot that a few Years before Thamas's Brother had fled to him , and had been supported by him , and it cost his Brother dear to recover him , and therefore he feared that Thamas would serve him the same sauce , and perhaps recover by the Sword all the Countries he had taken from him . The Design of Solyman was kept very secret , yet Bajazet's Friends smelt it out , and therefore advised him by no means to trust his Father , but to consult his Safety , by avoiding his Misery , what way soever he could . And Bajazet was perswaded so to do upon a small occasion , ( as oft great Matters turn into little Injuries . ) There was a Souldier of Bajazet●s ●s taken in Solyman's Camp , and hang'd up as a Spy , because that Bajazet had listed him , after his Father had given him strict charge to list no more Souldiers . This was warning enough to Bajazet to pack up and be gone . Now Solyman thought himself sure of Bajazet , and to deceive him the more , he caused his Army to begin their March the Day after Easter , back to Constantinople . But Bajazet , after Prayer , upon Easter-Day , summon'd all his Relicks , and began his unfortunate Voyage towards Persia ; he knew well enough that he went to the old Enemy of the Ottoman House , but he was resolv'd to try the mercy of any body , rather than fall into his Fathers Hands . There marched out with him all that were able to bear Arms , none were left behind but weak Persons , Women and Children , that were not able to bear the Toil of so long a Journey ; amongst which was a young Child of his own , with his Mother , whose Innocency he thought would protect them from his Fathers Cruelty , and therefore he thought it best to expose them to his Clemency , rather than make them Companions of his woful and miserable Fight ; and the truth is , Solyman as yet uncertain what would become of the Father , spared the Life of his Infant Son at present , and sent him to be Educated at Prusia . I would have return'd to Constantinople , the Day before Easter , but had a great mind to see , how the Turks did observe that Festival ; and I was not sure that ever I should have so fair an Opportunity again . They were to Celebrate it in the open Field , before the Emperour 's own Tent. I therefore caused my Servants to take a Room in the Tent of a Turkish Souldier , that stood on a rising ground , and look'd down on Solyman's Tent , which was over against it : Thither go I at Sun-rise , where in an open Plain , I beheld a vast Multitude of Turbanted Heads silently standing , but repeating the last words of their Priest. Every Rank was ranged orderly , and standing , that in the open Field they seemed to be a Wall one to another : The most Honourable had their Station next the Emperor's Train , uppermost in the Camp , and their Turbants as white as Snow : Such diversity of Colours did affect me with a great deal of Pleasure , and the rather , because they stood unmovable , as if they had grown upon the Place ; not a Cough , Schriek nor Word to be heard ; no , nor the least moving of the Head to look backward , or about them : At the Name of Mahomet , they all as one Man , bowed their Heads , even to the Knee ; but when the Name of God was pronounced , they all fell Prostrate on their Faces , and Kissed the Ground . And the truth is , the Turks are very careful and ceremonious in the acts of their Worship , for if a Man doth but scratch his Head when he Prays , they think his Prayer is lost . For thus say they , If a Man composes his Body so reverently even when he speaks but to a Bassa , how much more fitting is it we should do it to God , who is infinitely greater than the greatest of Men ? After Prayer , the whole Knot of them was broke asunder , and they ran up and down ranging over the Fields : Anon the Emperor's Dinner is served up , which the Ianisaries carry away Dish by Dish , and eat it with a gret deal of Jollity and Mirth : T' is an allowed Custom for them so to do , on that day , their Emperor being provided of a Dinner elsewhere . When I had beheld their Shew , I returned with a great deal of pleasure to Constantinople . The remainder of my Task , is to acquaint you what became of Bajazet , and then I shall ease you of the trouble of Reading , and my self of Writing . He , as I told you , with his Invincible Band , March'd out of Amasia with such speed , that his coming prevented the Report thereof ; and those Bassa's who designed to observe his Motion , he came upon them unawars . He put a notable Cheat upon the Bassa of Constantinople ; for whereas , there were ways in his Province by which he might March , and he himself had beset the chiefest of them ; he sent some before him pretended to be Runaways , to inform him , that he was gone the furthest way about ; which he giving Credit to , removed his Troops thither to prevent him , and so left him a free passage . He put the like Trick upon the Bassa of Erzerumen , for knowing that the Passage through the Province would be very hazardous , he sent some before him with a counterfeit Message , to Salute him , and tell him , that his Misfortunes had reduced him to the top of all miseries , and therefore he desired him that he might rest a day or two in his Province , at least to procure his Horses to be relieved and new Shod . The Bassa granted his request , whereas , it was not a commiserating his Case , or that he favoured his Side , but perhaps that he might amaze him a little till he had got all his Troops together to ensnare him ; for they were scattered , as not dreaming he would be so soon upon him . However Bajazet March'd continually on , allowing his men no rest by day , and very little at Night . The Bassa of Erzerumen seeing himself Deceived , made haste to joyn himself with the other Bassa's in his Flight . For you must know , as soon as Solyman heard his Son was gone from Amazia , he commanded a great many Sanziacks and Bassa's to follow , and upon pain of Death to bring him either Alive or Dead ; but all in vain , for Bajazet Fled faster than they could Persue : The Bassa of Casgan , afore-mentioned , paid dear enough for letting him escape , for Solyman put him out of his Place , but Selymus put him to Death , together with his two Boys , tho' not before they had been most inhumanly Butchered . Selymus and Mehemet Bassa , and Beglerbeg of Greece , persued Bajazet a far longer distance . Solyman was much troubled when he heard of his Escape , as being wel assured , he would make towards Persia ; and thereupon he was about to gather all his Force both Horse and Foot together , and so March away to declare War against Persia : But his greater Counsellors stopped his March , alledging the hazard he would run amongst an ingrateful Soldiery : And besides , say they , what if Bajazet out of his temerity and rashness should send a Company about Pontus and the Palus Moeotis , and so march back to Constantinople in the Emperor's Absence , where he might by promising Liberty to Captives , and to the Agiomaglans , get upon the Throne , now empty of a Prince ? These Advices restrained Solyman from his Intention . Bajazet all along his March , caused Labels to be fixed to the Doors of the Houses , that he would give double Pay to all the Soldiers that would Revolt to him ; which made Solyman's Soldiers suspected by their Officers , and the rather , because the Common Soldiers suffered many Speeches in favour of Bajazet . After much ado , Bajazet escaped to the River Araxes , which is the Bounds betwixt the two Empires of Turkey and Persia ; and after he had pass'd this River , he scarce thought himself secure , but appointed some of his own Soldiers to Guard the Banks , that so the pursuing Sanziacks might not pass over : But they being but few , were easily discomfited e'er the Turkish Commanders pass'd farther into Persia , till at last they met with a great Body of Persian Horse , whose Commanders demanded of them , why they Invaded another Prince's Territories ? Their Answer was , they were to fetch the Fugitive Son of their own Prince . The Persians told 'em , 't was contrary to the League to come Armed into their Dominions ; there was Peace betwixt Sagathma and Solyman , which they ought not to Violate : As for Bajazet , their Prince would do what was fitting ; in the mean time they should retreat to their own Country : With this Reprimand they direct their March backward . In the mean time immediately Messengers are sent from Persia , to Bajazet to bid him return , and to know the cause of his coming , and also to spy what Force he had brought with him . Bajazet Answers , that his Brother's Insolency and Father's Displeasure , had driven him out of his own Country , and he was come to Persia , as the only Altar for an oppressed Prince ; and therefore in confideration of the uncertainty of future Affairs , he hoped he would afford him Protection , being destitute of all things . The Persian Answered , He was not well advised to repair to him who had made Peace with his Father ; upon this condition , they were both to Serve the same Friend and Enemy , which League he could not Violate ; nevertheless , since he was come , he bid him Wellcome , he would do his utmost to reconcile him to his Father . Thus his first Entertainment in Persia was Promising enough ; nought but Gratulations , Feastings , friendly Entertainments , and Merry-makings , by which subtil Men disguise their Meanings ; yea , mention was made of an Affinity also , that Bajazet's Son should Marry one of the Sophi's Daughters ; yea , they gave him hopes , that the Sophi would never be at quiet , till Solyman had bestowed upon him the Government of Mesopotamia , or Babylon , or Arzerum , for there , say they , you may live Commodiously withour fear , as being at a great distance both from your Brother and your Father too ; and if either of them should deal hardly with you , you will have a Father-in-Law to fly too , which will afford you Sanctuary : Such Discourses were received among the Vulgar , whereby Bajazet's thoughts might be diverted from the apprehension of present danger . The Sophi sent many Embassadors to Solyman on this Errand , but whether he dealt sincerely with Bajazet to reconcile him to his Father , yea , or no , might be a great question , seeing in the mean time , he contrived all ways to Destroy him ; for Sagathmas was in a mighty fear , lest he should nourish a Serpent in his Bosom , and which encreased his rancour , was the wicked design of some who perswaded Bajazet to attempt the destroying of Sagathmas ; for one of Bajazet's Commanders was heard to say , Why do we not Kill this Heretick , and Possess his Kingdoms ? For without doubt , he will one day be the ruin of us all . These wild Discourses coming to Sagathmas's Ears , put him upon a Project more necessary than plausible ; for Bajazet had not many Forces , but very warlike ones ; and there were many Valiant Men among them that were ready to attempt any Invasion , and therfore he had reason to fear . He was conscious also that he had added new Kingdoms to his own , as being Conquer'd on pretence of Religion ; and who would secure such sickly Subjects , who were weary of their present State and coveted a Change ? To these nothing could be more Oppressive , than the coming of Bajazet , tho' he is more in my Power , than I am in his , and therefore I were best improve the Opportunity , and treat him no longer as a Guest , but as an Enemy to be Chained up . To compass which , no method was more advisable than to sever him from his Forces , for then he may be more easily Trapp'd ; by open Force 't is hard to Seize him , his Soldiers being well Train'd and Disciplin'd , but mine slothful , unaccustomed to Arms , and besides at a great Distance one from another . Hereupon Bajazet was desired to separate his Forces , it being allowed it was Commodious so to do . He could not withstand the Proposal , tho' intelligent Men foresaw the danger thereof : But , alas , he that was under another Man's Roof , must now be at their Beck who Maintained him , especially since it would breed a suspicion if he entertained so much as the report of Perfidiousness in his Host that entertained him . Hereupon his Men were divided , never to see one another again , and Quartered where the Persians pleased ; and being put here , very shortly after Slain by the more numerous Persians , their Arms , Horses , and all else they had , fell a Prey to the Conqueror . At the same time Bajazet was clapp'd up in Prison , with his Children ; and to encrease the indignity of the thing , he was haled even from a Feast , to a Dungeon . Thus have I here satisfied your desire , in acquainting you with the stay of Bajazet : 'T is time now to consider what will become of him for the future : Some think he will will Retreat to Babylon , or such-like Province , on the Borders of each Empire , to be Sanziack thereof . Others think it a desperate Case , and that there is no hope of his Life either from Solyman or Sagathmas ; but that he will either be sent back hither to be put to Death , or Strangled in Prison there . For the Persian weighed every thing in his Thoughts , when he put Bajazet in Prison ; he knew he was of an aspiring and couragious Spirit , far superior to his Brother ; and if he should Succeed his Father in the Empire , it might do Persia much more mischief than ever Solymus could , for he was but a slothful Prince , and not at all for War , and therefore some thought he would never escape out of his hands ; for to besure he can never be his Friend , because he hath injured him so much . Some think one thing , and some think another : For my part , I think it will be an intricate Business . For , as Bajazet is in Troubles , and the issue undetermin'd , they will not easily make War on Christendom in this Juncture . They labour to obtrude on me certain Conditions of Peace , having some Letters that will please my Master , but they allow me no Copy of them , as heretofore they were wont to do , so that I suspect Fraud in the case , and therefore do peremptorily refuse to send those Letters to Cesar , unless first I know their Contents ; and if they deceive me by a false Copy , then the blame lyes at their door , not at mine ; so that by this means I shall free my Master from answering their Captious Letters ; for I am sure he will accept of no Conditions of Peace but such as are Honourable ones . But you 'll say , if you refuse to accept of their Conditions of Peace , 't is one step towards a War. Let it be as it will , I judge it more advisable to leave all free to the events of future Ages . But the not sending their Letters , if that be a Crime , I shall take it on my self , and I shall easily clear my self , if the issue of Bajazet's Affairs do not answer their Expectation ; seeing it is yet very difficult , tho' not impossible , for the Turks are not irreconcileable to those Embassadors who study to do their Master the best service they can amongst them ; and besides , the declining Age of my Prince will be some advantage to me , who is fitter for rest and quiet , than for the News of an unnecessary War ; for their Bassas think as men . 'T is true , my Pains will be lessened hereby , but I count them best bestow'd if they succeed at last . Thus Sir , I have written you a Book rather than a Letter ; whereas if I have offended you , the fault is yours rather than mine ; what I did was at your request , and readiness to please a Friend , hath always been counted a Vertue in Friendship . Yet I hope these things will be as pleasant for you to read , as they were delightful for me to write ; for let me tell you , as soon as I put Pen to Paper , I love to be prolix , that so I may as it were deceive my Confinement ; that I may wander abroad in my Mind , and be Conversant with you as in Presence . VVhat things seem frivolous and needless , you must take them as proceeding by word of Mouth in familiar Conferences amongst Friends . Men may be allow'd to tittle tattle in a Letter as well as in common Discourse ; if I were to write Inscriptions for Churches and Temples , to be seen of all Men , Circumspection and care must be used , but not when I write to you and a few priv●●e Friends . I aim not at Fame ; if my Lines please you , I have enough . You will say perhaps I might have writ better Latin ; I grant it , but what if it were beyond my Ability ; it was not for want of any good will ; and yet let me tell you , what good Latin can come out of uncouth Greece or barbarous Turky ? If you take my Lines in good part , I shall trouble you no more till my return to Vienna , if ever God permit me so to do . Excuse my Trouble . Constantinople , June 1. 1560. THE FOURTH AND LAST EPISTLE . SIR , I Acknowledge your Kindness and antient Respect , in congratulating my Return ; and whereas you require an Account of the residue of my Embassy , and what Occurrences have happen'd since my last to you , I will remember my Promise to you , and I shall not disoblige so choice a Friend ; take them all in a Medly together , what comes next to Hand , as my Memory suggests the things more , and things less serious . My beginning is with the Mournful ; it is this . I was scarce settled in my Spirit which was troubled for Bajazet's Misfortune and Death , when lo , I was struck with another Message as sorrowful as that . We were all in a great expectation of the Success of the Turkish Fleet , which sailed towards the Isle of Meniage , ( now called G●rse , ) upon News that the Spaniards had prevailed there . For Solyman ( being advertised that Bland was taken by the Christians , and that they had added new Fortifications to the old Castle therein , in which they had yet a very strong Garrison , ) could not endure to be thus check'd in the midst of all the Prosperities of his flourishing Empire . Hereupon he equipp'd a Navy with Auxiliaries to relieve those that were Mahumetans like himself ; and made Bana Commander of his Fleet. He furnish'd his Ships with a Select Company of Soldiers , and yet was doubtful of the Event ; because the Voyage was long , and they were to engage with an Enemy redoubled for Valour . For you may please to be inform'd , that the Turks for a long time have had a great Opinion of the Valour of the Spaniards , as knowing that they have waged great Wars , and came off with good Success . They had heard of the Emperor Charles , and of his Son Philip the Heir of his Valour as well as his Kingdoms . The report of this Power made the Turks very solicitous ; so that those that went the Voyage , made their last Wills , as if they should never return to Constantinople again . Thus the whole City , both those that went , and those that staid at Home , was filled with anxiety . But alas , their Fleet sailed with a prosperous Gale , and came upon the Christians unawares ; which strook such a terror into them , that they knew not how to Fight or Fly : Some nimble Vessels made their Escape ; the rest were either taken by the Enemy , or split or dash'd in pieces on the Sands . The Duke of Medina the General , and Iohn Andrew Donna the Admiral , fled to the castle , from whence they escap'd in a dark Night undiscovered through the Enemies Fleet to Sicily . Pitual sent hither a Galley to give an Account of this Victory , and as a Testimony thereof , he caused a Bannet , wherein was the Image of our Saviour Christ upon the Cross , to be pulled along the Sea , at the poop of the Vessel . As soon as it arrived in the Haven , the Loss of the Christians was presently divulged , and the Turks congratulated one another for their Victory . They came thick and threefold to my Door , and asked my Servants in a Jeer , whether they had any Brother or other Friend in the Spanish Fleet : if you had , said they , you may shortly have the opportunity of seeing their Faces here . Besides , they highly extoll'd their own Valour , and blam'd the Cowardise of the Christians . Who , say they , shall now be able to stand before us , seeing we have Conquered the Spaniards ? My People were forced to hear this sad News to their great Grief ; but Gods Will must be done : Our only hope was , that the Castle in which was a strong Garrison , might hold out against the Turks till Winter , or some other Accident had rais'd the Siege . And yet our Hopes were mix'd with Fears , that the Conqueror would take that too ; and so it fell out , for the Besieged wanted all things , especially Water ; so than Don Alveras de Sande , the Governour thereof , a Stout Man , Couragious Person , and an Old Soldier , perceiving that it was no longer recoverable , with a Iew in his Company , got a Boat , and made his Escape towards Sicily , that so he might not behold the Surrender of so important a Place , which he thought would be look'd upon as a Blot in his Escutcheon , though the extreamest necessity had compelled it . When he was gone , the Soldiers opened the Gates , and let in the Turks , hoping to find them the more merciful , because of their easie admittance . But Don Iohn of Castile would by no means leave the Fort which he commanded , but he ( and his Brother ) valiantly repulsing the Enemy , was at last wounded and taken . The Castle was stoutly defended by the Spaniards for Three Months space , though they wanted many Necessaries , and which was the worst of all , had no prospect of Relief . The Weather was hot , and they almost parched with Thirst. They had but one Cistern to hold Water in , which was not big enough to serve them all ; so that they were compelled to weigh out their Water by Measure , only enough for a single Man to keep Life and Soul together . This Cistern Water was increased with a mixture of Sea-Water , and by some curious Art made fresh . This Secret was told them by a certain Alchymist : But all had not that faculty or opportunity ; for you should see some lye parching on the Ground , ready to give up the Ghost for very Thirst , saying as well as they could speak , Water , Water ; and if a little was brought , they were relieved for the present , but when that Moysture was spent , then they relapsed to their former Drought , and dyed thereof . Thus many perished , besides the Wounded , who could have no help of Chyrurgery to cure them in that desolate place . In the Month of September , the Victorious Navy of the Turks returned to Constantinople , bringing the Christians Captives , with their Gallies along with them ; a joyful Spectacle to the Turks , but a sad one to the Christians that lived amongst them . That Night it lay at Anchor near the Rocks over against Byzantium , that so they might enter the Port the next Day in greater Pomp and Splendour . Solyman came down into an Apartment in his Gardens near the Sea-side , that from thence he might see the Prisoners entring in . Don Alveras de Sande was in the Poop of his Admiral Galley , and with him Don Sanctius de Leydia , and Don Belliger de Requemus , one Commander of the Sicilian Galleys , the other of the Neopolitan . The Galleys of the Christians were despoiled of their Ornaments , as Streamers , &c. and hall'd in Barques , that they might appear base and contemptible in the sight of the Turks . They who observ'd Solyman's Countenance that time say , that they perceived no sign of Insolent Mirth therein . This is certain , that when I saw him going to his Devotion the next day , his Countenance was not altered from its usual hue , as if that Victory had not concern'd him at all ; so well was this cunning old Man able to bear the breath of his smiling Fortune , that he was unmov'd under it . The Prisoners were afterwards brought into the Seraglio , but so miserably hunger-starv'd before , that some could not stand on their Legs , others fell down in a Swoon for very feebleness ; others had Arms in a Jeer put upon them , in which posture they died ; the Turks insulting over them on every hand , and promising to themselves the Empire of the whole World ; for who now shall be able to stand before us , ( said they , ) seeing we have overcome the Spaniards ? There was a Commander in the Turkish Fleet , with whom I had some Acquaintance , who had taken the great Banner of the Neapolitans Galleys , being Imperial Eagles embracing one another ; being inform'd that he was about to present it to Solyman , I thought good to prevent him ; and sending him Two Silver Tasters , I obtained the Banner , that so the Ensign of Charles the Fifth might not remain in the Hands of Infidels , to the eternal Infamy of the Christian Name . There were amongst the Prisoners , besides those above mentioned , these Two Eminent Persons , Don Iohn of Cordona , the Son in Law of Don Bellinger , and Don Gasto , the Son of the Duke of Medina , who though but a Youth , yet had a noble employment in his Fathers Army . Don Iohn promised to give a great Sum of Money to be left Prisoner at Chios , ( which was inhabited by old Genoeses , ) which was accordingly done . As for Don Gasto , he was hid by Pihulius , in hopes to have a large Price for his Redemption ; which design of his had almost proved his overthrow : For Solyman by some means or other smelt out the Cheat , and was grievously vex'd that Pihulius should serve him such a Trick ; so that at the Instigation also of Rustan Gasto , he was sought after , that so Pihulius might be punished ; but Gasto died in the Search , some say of the Plague , others by the procurement of Pihulius himself , that he might tell no Tales . This is certain , upon the most diligent search , he could not be found . However Pihulius was afraid to come to Constantinople to appear before his angry Master , lest he might be imprisoned there ; but he hovered with a few Galleys about several Islands of the Aegaean Sea , pretending divers Excuses for so doing . But at last Solyman by the perswasion of the chief Eunuch of his Son Selymus , gave him his Pardon in these Words , I for my part forgive him his great Offence , but God Almighty the just Revenger of all Wickedness , inflict just Punishment on him in the Life to come : So strongly are the Turks perswaded , that no evil Fact should pass unpunished . But for Don Iohn of Cardona , he fared better , for by the care of Adam a Dissicksleim , Baron of Austria , who Married his Sister , and by my sponsion for him , he returned safe into Spain . As for Don Sanders , he was brought into the Divan , and there Rustan demanded of him , what his Master meant by invading other Mens Rights , when he could not maintain his own . Sanders answered , The Question belonged not to him to answer , 't was his part only to execute his Masters Commands as faithfully as he could , wherein Fortune had been against him . However he begged the Bassa upon his Knees , in regard he had a Wife and Children at Home , that they would speak a good Word for him . So Solyman Rustan answered , that their Emperor was of a Merciful Disposition , and that they would intercede for him . Thus was he sent Prisoner to the Castle called Caradenis : He was not gone far , but he was sent for back again , because the chief of the Bed-Chamber had not seen him ; a Man of a greater Authority with his Prince . Upon this Countermand , some say , that though otherwise Valiant , he was a little faint-hearted , as fearing he was brought back to his End ; but it proved otherwise . As for the other prisoners , the chief of them , as Sauchims de Leyva with his Two Natural Sons , and Don Bellinger himself , were sent into the Castle of Pera , or Galata . As soon as I was made acquainted with their Condition , and in what want of all things they were , I thought it my Duty to do my best to relieve them ; and thereupon I sent some to comfort them , and to promise them all good Offices that lay in my power . And from that Day forward , my House was a common Receptacle for all the Prisoners ; and I did them all the Kindness I could . For you must know , that the Turks think their Prisoners well enough provided for , if they allow them Bread and Water ; they have no regard to any Mans Age or Condition , or to the time of the Year , whether they be Sick or Well , Healthy or Crazy , Old or Young , 't is all one to them , they are all treated after one and the same manner . Hereupon , I was forced to provide several sorts of Reliefs , for several necessities , different Diseases requiring different Cures . There lay a great Company of Sick Persons in a certain Temple of Pera , a Town over against Byzantium , whom the Turks cast out as Abjects ; and many of them perished for want of convenient Pottage to relieve their Sick Stomachs , and recover their lost Strength ; when I was told thereof , I dealt with a Friend of mine , a Citizen of Pera , desiring him to buy some Weather Sheep every day , and boiling of them at his own House , to distribute the Flesh to some , and the Broth to others , as their Stomachs could bear ; which was a great Relief to abundance of them . But those which were in Health , required another sort of Relief ; my House was full from Morning to Night with several Complaints ; some were used to good Diet , and a piece of brown Bread which was their daily Allowance , would not go down so well with them ; some that used to drink Wine , could not bear the perpetual use of Water only ; some wanted Blankets to cover them , as being never used to lye on the bare Ground ; some wanted Coats , others Shooes ; but the most part desired ●ome Footing to gratifie their Keepers , that they might deal the more Mercifully with them . Money was the only Remedy for these Mischiefs , so that every day some Guilders were expended by me on these accounts . But these Expences were tolerable , compared with greater Sums which were desired of me ; or else they prayed me to be their Surety for payment of their Ransom Money ; and herein every one was very forward with his Pretences ; one alledged Nobleness of Birth ; another , that he had great Friends and Alliances ; a Third , that he was a Commander in the Army , and had much Pay due to him ; a Fourth , that he had Cash enough at Home , and was able to make repayment . Some boasted of their Valour in the Fight ; every one had something to say for himself . When I demanded of them whether they would be sure to repay me ? God forbid said they , for what more unjust , than to defraud a Man who hath restored us to our Liberty , even out of the Jaws of Death ? And the truth is , it was very grievous to me , to hear a Man come and tell me , unless I can lay down 200 Guilders for my Redemption , I am undone for ever ; I shall be sent over into Asia to be made a Galley-Slave , to tug at the Oar , without any hope to see my own Country again : There is a Merchant Sir , that will deposite Wares amounting to that value , provided you will promise repayment . This was the Allegation of almost all of them ; which could not but affect me , as knowing it to be most true , That if they were not relieved , many of them must needs perish ; and none could better do it , nor could they more justly expect it from any Man than my self . But , you will say , 't is not good trusting any Body living ; to which I answer , Can any Man be so prodigiously ungrateful , as not to repay what was laid out to save his Life ; and grant that One or Two may not have ability to reimburse me , what 's that to the purpose . 'T is not lost , that which is laid out to relieve the Oppressed . But sure the greater part of them will perform their Promise . For these Reasons I was induced to pass my word for 1000 Ducats , which hath made me so much in Debt , that I know not how to get out ; but I fear have freed them from Fetters , and clap'd them on my own Legs . I am the larger on this Subject , both to purge my self from too much facility , which I know some will accuse me of , in being ready to believe every body ; and also in some measure to blame my self for the slackness of some in their repayments whom I have undertaken . For I foresee I shall be a great Loser by the Business ; for I must necessarily make Payment on the Day , when my Word was once passed : And besides , I heard that some whom I had Released , had Laughed at my Craziness , in believing what they said to be true ; so that my case is but bad , if I should judge of the rest by them . But be it as it will , I thank my God , that I have been able to do so many good Offices to so many distressed Persons ; I do not repent it , for Vertue is a sufficient Reward to it self . I covet not that any Honours should be conferred on me , nor any Statue erected for my Beneficence ; my utmost ambition is , that they would be so grateful , as to pay me what I laid out of Purse , to save their lives ; of which I despair not from so cordial a Nation as the Spaniards are . For my part , I rejoyce not only that I did them a good turn , but that thereby I gave an Example and Invitation-to others to do the same . There live many Merchants in Pera , Italians by Stock , who are very assistant in relieving Christian-Prisoners ; but one of them deserves to be particularly mentioned by me , for the absurdity of his Opinion , differing from all the rest . He was an Italian Greek , ( i e. ) one that resembles both those Nations in his Birth and Manners . When his Country Men were mercifully busied in relieving Prisoners , he could never be perswaded to give one Farthing towards so pious a Work ; and being blamed for it , his Answer was , ( which he uttered in a barbarous and blunt Italian Style , the Greek being more familiar to him , ) I know not , says he , what these Men are ; but this I know , that the just Judgment of God hath brought them into this miserable Condition ; for my part , I will not oppose the Will of God , let them abide in that place God hath set them ; you who do boldly withstand what God hath decreed , may pity them if you please : But I will not spare a Doit to release them , though you use never so many Arguments to perswade me . But enough of this vain and foolish Opiniator . This Loss at Sea , together with the Misfortune of Bajazet , struck a great Terror into me , that the Turks made more insolent thereby , would hearken to almost no Conditions of Peace . This publick Calamity was seconded by a private one ; the Plague had invested my House ; one of my Faithful Servants died thereof , and the rest were terribly afraid of the Infection . But before I speak of that , there was another case surprised me , arising on this account . Solyman grows every day more Superstitious than other in the Rites of his Religion ; he was wont to delight himself in Musick , and in the chanting of Young Singers , but all this was laid aside , by means of a certain old Sybil , noted for Sanctity , who told him , that if he left not off that sport , he would be severely punished after his Death . He was so moved herewith , that he cast his Musical Instruments , though richly studded with Gold and Jewels , into the Fire and burnt them . And whereas he formerly eat his Meat out of Silver Dishes , now he was perswaded to use none but Earthen Platters ; he was also over-perswaded by her to abridge the use of Wine , wherein he was told a great liberty was used , which his Prophet would be angry at , if he suffer'd it . Hereupon an Edict was published , that for the future no Wine should be imported into Constantinople , either to Christians or Iews either . This Edict did much concern me and mine , who were never wont to drink Water ; and what other Liquor could we have , if Wine were forbid . Our long absence from our Country , and the uncertain issue of Embassy , were a sufficient Mortification to us , without this other Inconvenience of change of Diet , which must needs indanger our Health . Hereupon I desired my Interpreters to intercede for me in the Divan , that I might retain my antient Right . The Bassa's Men were of different Opinions in the case ; some alledged , we ought to be content with Water as well as they ; for what would the Neighbourhood say , if Christians may drink Wine , and themselves be severely forbid the use of it . If Christians in the midst of Constantinople , might ingurgate what Wine they please , the stink thereof will spread far and near , and profane all ; yea , the Mussul-men themselves , when they came to us , would return belching out the smell of Wine . Hereupon we were likely to be cast in our Case ; but at last a more favourable Opinion , viz. Of those who plead that the sudden change would be insufferable for us , and occasion many Diseases , if not Death it self . Whereupon we were allowed the Freedom of one Night , to get in what Wine we could , which was brought to the nearest Landing-place , from whence we were furnished with Horsed Carriage to convey it to my Lodging with as little Observation as might be , all being done in the Night . Thus I stor'd my self , and kept my Priviledge . Some of the Grecians played a pretty prank with the Sultan on this account , when they knew that he was to pass through a Road full of Vineyards on both sides , they set a great many Labourers at work to root out the Vines ; some of them they lay in the High-way ; others they loaded on Carts . The Emperor passing by , and demanding the Reason for so doing , they answered , That seeing by his Edict they were forbid the use of Wine , they were cutting down their Vines to make Fuel for the Fire . For shame , says Solyman forbear , you do not understand my Command aright ; though I forbid the use of Wine , yet I allow the eating of Grapes , as one of the best Fruits that God hath allotted to Mankind ; only you are not to express and adulterate their Juice , nor tun it up in Hogsheads , and so make it quite another thing . What will you cut down Apple-trees also , because they bear not Wine ? Get you gone you Buzards , and spare your Vines . Thus the Greeks were fool'd in their Project . But to return to the Story of the Pestilence which was within the Walls of my House ; whereupon I went to Rustan to desire leave for me and my Family to remove , and to go into a less contagious Air ; this I desired not with any great confidence of obtaining my Request , ( for I knew the Rigidness of his Opinion , ) but only shewing care for the Health of my Family . He answered the Messenger , he would acquaint Solyman with my Desire , and if I came the next day , I should have his Answer . Accordingly I sent and received this Answer from him ; the Emperor wondered what I meant , in desiring to move my Habitation ; is not the Pestilence God's Arrow , which will always hit his Mark ? If God would visit me herewith , how could I avoid it ? Is not the Plague said he , in my own Palace , and yet I do not think of removing ? And therefore he wish'd me to abide ; where I was forced to stay in a Pestilential and Infected House . But Rustan dying of a Dropsie soon after , and Haly , then Second Vizier of the Bench succeeded him , a Prudent and Courteous Person as any was amongst the Turks , I sent him a Present , a large Garment of Silk , in way of Congratulating his new Dignity . He returned me this Courteous Answer , That he would always be my Friend , and upon any occasion I should not scruple to make my Address to him . And I found him as good as his Word , for when my House a while after was re-visited with the Plague , which swept away many of my Servants , and amongst others , my chief Physitian : I sent the same Message to Haly which I had done to Rustan before ; who answered me , for his part he was very willing I should remove my Habitation , but that it were better for me to ask leave of the Sultan himself , least said he , if he casually light upon any of your Servants walking at random up and down , he should take it in great disdain that so much liberty was granted them without his knowledge : And yet , proceeded he , I shall propound the matter so cautiously to the Prince , that I do not doubt of his Assent . And accordingly soon after , I received a Message from him , that I might remove whither I pleased . Whereupon I chose an Island called Principo , for my Dwelling , about Four Hours sail from Constantinople . It was the pleasantest of all the little Isles contiguous to that City , for the rest have no Village at all in them , or but one at most , but this has Two. The Physician I lately told you of , died at my House of a Plague , it was my old Friend Dr. Williams , the choice Companion of my long and tedious Pilgrimage : The occasion of the Sickness was this , It seems amongst the rest of the Prisoners I had redeemed one , as the Event declared , who was Sick of the Plague . My Physitian did assiduously attend him , till he got the Infection himself ; for he was guilty of that singularity of Opinion , that there was more Fear than Danger ; for at the same time , said he , there are wont to arise other Diseases , which Men are apt to think is the Pestilence ; so that Pestilential Remedies are usually applied to every common Sore or Boyl ; thus he flattered himself though he was deeply infected ; yet he did not suspect it to be the Plague till it was past Remedy , and he was ready to dye under the Hands of his Attendance . The Day before he died , he sent me word he was better ; and desired to see me , if I pleased to bestow a Visit upon him : I did so , and sat a great while by his Bed-side ; he related to me how ill he had been , and that his Sight as well as his other Senses had been so weakened , that he knew no Body ; but now said he , my Senses are restored , and if I could be freed from my Distillation that hinders my Breath , I should be presently well ; and at my Departure , I told him that I heard that he had a rising in his Breast ; I have so , says he , and thereupon he threw aside his Blanket , and shewed me his Breast ; but there is no danger says he , in it , for it came from buttoning my Doublet which I put on too strait . Towards the Evening according to custom , I sent Two of my Servants to watch with him , who while they were putting on him a clean Shirt , he himself espied a Purple Spot in his Breast , which they told him was but a Flea-bite ; and by and by he discovered more and greater ones . No , said he , These are not Flea-bites , but Tokens of approaching Death ; and therefore let us spend this Night in Prayer and holy Conference preparatory to my latter end , which he did , and in the Morning with full assurance of God's Mercy , he departed this Life . Thus was I bereaved of my special Bosom Friend , and the common Wealth of Learning had also a great loss of him ; for he had made Observations in his Travels which he intended to publish , and would have been very useful to the World , if Death had not prevented his laudable Design . His Skill and Faithfulness was so much prized by me , that if the times had suffered me to return , I knew none fitter to leave in my place at Constantinople than himself , had he out-lived me . After his Death , my Cares seemed to be doubled , nay , if I should have left them behind , I had returned but half my self as it were . Well , his Soul is at rest , and I erected a Monument , as a due testimony to his Vertue . But to return to our Island . I lived there very pleasantly for Three Months . It was a private Place , without any trouble or noise ; there were only a few Greeks , with whom I diverted my self ; but never a Turk to interrupt my Mirth . As for the Turks of my Houshold , they created no trouble to me , I might go whither I would , and pass from one of these Islands to another at my pleasure , without any molestation from them . There grew there several sorts of Plants , as Lavender , Sharp-pointed Myrtle , Cotton-weed , and abundance more . The Sea full of divers sorts of Fishes , which I took sometimes with Net , sometimes with Hook and Line . Several Grecian Fishers with their Boats attended me , and where we had hopes of the greatest sport , thither we sailed , and cast our Nets . Sometimes we played above board , and when we saw a Crab or a Lobster at the bottom , where the Sea was very clear , we would run him through with a Fish-spear , and so hale him up into a Vessel . But our best and most profitable sport , was with a drag Net , where we thought most Fish were , there we cast it in a round ; it took up a great compass , with the long Ropes tied to ends thereof , which were to draw it to Land. To those Ropes the Seamen tied green Boughs very thick , that so the Fish might be Frightned , and not seek to Escape . Thus we brought great Sholes of trembling Fishes near the Shore . And yet in this danger they were naturally instigated how to save themselves ; some would leap over the Net , others would cover themselves in the Sand that they might not be taken ; others strove to bite the Meashes of the Net , though made of course Flax or Hemp , of which kind were the Synodontes , Fish armed with strong Teeth , and if one made way for himself , all would follow him , and so the whole Draught would escape , and not a Fish left for the Fisher. To remedy this inconvenience , ( for I was aware thereof , ) I stood with a Pole in my Hand , beating the Water , that I might keep the Fish from biting the Net. At which my Attendants could not choose but laugh , yet for all this many of them escaped . So sagacious are Fishes where they are in extream danger . Yet notwithstanding the Fugitives , we brought a great many Fishes ashore , a Sea-Bream , Scorpion-Fishes , Dragon-Fishes , Scare-Fish , Jule-Fish , Chane or Ruff-Fishes , whose variety did delight my Eye , and the enquiry into their Nature , did hugely please my Fancy : So that at Night I came with my triumphant Vessel laden with Prey . The next day I presented Hali Bassa , and his chief Steward , with part of my Acquests , who took it very kindly at my Hands . Sometimes I took delight with an Iron Spear made on purpose to catch Shrimps or Cramps , which are there so thick , as if they grew in that Sea : Where I observed the Master-Shrimps lying Two by Two , the Male and the Female , and sometimes more of them , of which Cicero , Plini and Athenaeus speak so much● I confess , I think some of these Relations concerning them are rather Fabulous than true : For they say , that this Shell-Fish doth gape in order to catch other small Fishes , and when she hath got them , yet she shuts not her Shell till the Pinnophylax bite it , and by this warning she closes her Shell , and with her Mouth the Pinnophylax divided her Prey . The Figure of these Pinnae you have in Bellonius . The sharp part of it sticks in the bottom of the Sea , as if it grew there ; and by these sticking Fibres , she draws in her Nourishment , as appears by this , that when she is loosed from her hold , she dies for want of Sustenance , as Herbs and Plants do . And it is probable , that the Pinnophylax chose this sort , as a Defence against other ravenous Fishes , where it may lye quiet even in stormy Weather , and go in and out at her pleasure . Yet I speak not this , to detract from the Credit of those worthy Authors I mentioned before , but only to leave the matter to more curious Enquirers . We quickly laded our Boat with these Pinnae , they are but a course Fare , like Muscles , of which you would be soon weary ; but the Fishermen advised me to keep the Pinnophylaxes apart , for they would make a goodly , wholsom , and graceful Dish . Amongst the rest of the Islands , there is one untilled and uninhabited , whither all sorts of Monsters do resort , Star-Fish , Saw-Fish , Grape-Fish , Sea-Horses , Prodigious Cockles , a round yellow Fish like an Orange ; no ordinary Fish there , but Thornback , and a certain Fork-Fish , with a terrible Prickle . I remember we took one of them , who making at us , run her self through . When tempestuous Weather hindered me to see the Sea , then I delighted my self to find out strange and unusual Plants at Land. I would sometimes go afoot all over the Island , having a young Franciscan Monk in my Company , a Jolly Fellow , but very Fat , and not used to travel on Foot ; I took him out of a Monastry of Pera to be my Partner in my Walks ; he was so corpulent and pursy , that when I went on pace to catch my self an Heat , he would follow me at a distance panting and blowing , with these Words in his Mouth , What need all this haste ? Whom do we run from , or whom do we pursue ? What are we Carriers or Posts that must make speed to deliver some important Letters ? Thus he mutter'd , till the very Sweat pierced through all his Cloaths . In fine , when we came back to our Lodging , he threw himself upon his Bed , wofully complaining , and crying out , he was undone : What Injury have I done , said he , that you thus go about to destroy me ? And in this fretting Posture we had much ado to perswade him to eat a bit for his Dinner . Now and then some Friends visited me from Constantinople , and from Pera ; yea , and some Germans also of Haly's own Family ; of whom when I asked whether the Plague was abated ? Mightily , said they ? How many then die in a day ? Almost Five Hundred , said they . Good God , quoth I , call you that to abate , when then doth it rage ? They replied , when about a Thousand or Twelve Hundred die in a Day . The Turks entertain this Opinion concerning the Pestilence , that every Man's Destiny is writ by God in his Forehead ; so that 't is a foolish thing in them , to think to decline or avoid it . This Opinion makes them fearless of the Plague , but not secure from it . So that as soon as ever any Man dies of the Pestilence , they will take off his Cloaths yet sweaty , and Linnen , and rub their Faces with them . If it be the Will of God , say they , that I shall dye this way , it will most certainly come to pass , if not , it will not hurt me . Thus a large Field is open for Infection ; so that whole Families are sometimes swept away by that Disease . Whilst I abode in these Islands , I got acquaintance with one Metrophanes , a Metropolitan , who presided over a Monastry in Chalcis , one of those Islands ; he was a Learned and a Vertuous Man , very desirous of agreement between the Latine and the Greek Churches ; so that he differed from the Humour of the rest of the Grecians , who esteem the Latins as Men of an impure and profane Sect ; so much doth every Man abound in his own Sense . When I had lived about two Months in those Islands , some of the Bassa's began to suspect my long Absence , and told Haly , that perhaps I might make my escape , for I had Ships ready at my command , and other Conveniencies might easily be procured ; and therefore it was more advisable I should return into the City . He answered them , He had that Confidence in my Word , that he believed I designed no such thing . Nevertheless he sent a Chiaux to me to advertise me thereof : The Chiaux very cunningly pried about to see if he could discover the least Preparation for an Escape , but finding none , after I had presented him , he returned to his Master with his Message from me , That he might rest secure , for I never intended to break my Word . Thus I continued three Months in my Retirement , and returned of my own accord into the City without any Compulsion . Form that time forward I had a great Familiarity with Haly , and our Discourse was still of Peace : He is a Dalmatian by Birth , and the only Courteous Man I found in that Barbarous Country : His Nature Mild and Gentle ; his Person of easie Access ; he is of a deep Understanding , capable of managing the greatest Affairs , having much Skill in Military as well as Political Matters , for he is an old Man , and hath passed through the greatest Offices of that Common-wealth . His Stature is Tall , and his Countenance filled with a lovely Gravity : He hath a mighty Love for his Master , and consults by all means imaginable his Repose in his Old and Sickly Age. What Rustan thought to do by Austerity , Severeness and Minatory Expressions , that Haly endeavours to compass by Mildness , Moderation and Friendship . Rustan was always Severe , Fierce , Self-will'd , his Word must pass for a Law : 'T is true , he knew well enough his own Circumstances , and what the Times did exact of him , and what the Old Age of his Prince required ; but he was afraid , that if he carried himself complyingly , either in Word or Deed , the Vogue would be , he did it out of Covetousness , of which he was vulgarly suspected : And therefore , though he was desirous of a Peace , yet he would abate nothing of his wonted Stiffness ; but if Propositions were offered to him , not pleasing to his Fancy , he would almost thrust a Man out of Doors ; so that I scarce ever parted from him but in an angry Mood . One time when I was treating with him of Peace , if I had nothing else to say , he bid me ●e gone : I presently rose up and went my way , only telling him , That I could propose no other Conditions than what my Master allowed me to do . Which words I pronouncing with more Fervour and Passion than I was wont to do , he called back my Interpreter and asked him , Whether I were Angry ? He answered , No. What , said he , if I should obtain what he desires of the Sultan , dost thou think he will perform his Word to me , in presenting me with the Sum he promised me ? No question , said the Drugger-man , but he will be as good as his Word to a Tittle . Then , says Rustan , go home and ask him . I had then 5000 Ducats , which make 6000 Crowns , lying by me for any sudden Emergency ; I loaded my Interpreter with them , and bid him carry that to Rustan , and tell him , That this Sum was but the Earnest of what I had promised him , but the rest would follow , if my Negotiation were brought to an Happy Issue , for by no means would I be worse than my Word . He seem'd to be pleased with the sight of the Mony , but returned it again to me , bidding my Drugger-man to tell me , That he no ways doubted of my Faithfulness , but the Matter of the Peace stood yet on Ambiguous Terms ; neither could he certainly promise a good Issue , for he did not fully know his Master's Mind . But let the Embassador , said he , keep it for me , as my Treasurer , till he sees the Event . Thus was the Mony brought me back again ; and Rustan died a while after . Here give me leave to acquaint you with the Bounty of my Master , the best of Emperors ; for that Mony lying dead by me , I acquainted his Imperial Majesty , That I would lay it out for one Years Expence ( which amounted to just as much ) in my Embassy . But I repented afterwards of this my Frankness , especially considering what Pains I had taken in my Imployment for so many Years together ; my Mind gave me I was Deficient to my self , in not desiring that Sum for my own use , seeing I knew I served a Liberal Master , who put a just Value upon every Man's Service , and rewarded him accordingly ; and therefore I might have desired that Mony ( which was snatch'd , as it were , out of the Fire ) for my own use ; for I knew some Courtiers would have asked greater Sums for less Merit and Service . Upon second Thoughts I put my Master in mind of my over-sight , and desired his Favour , that the said Sum might be returned intire to me : He was graciously pleased to grant my Request , and commanded so many Ducats to be told out for me out of his own Exchequer : Which Badge of his Favour , if I should be unmindful of , I were unworthy to breath in the common Air : But to return from whence I digressed . Haly and Rustan were of quite different Humours and Dispositions : Haly lived a blameless Life , free from Sordidness , and never feared that his Courteons Deportment would procure him the Sultan's Ill-will ; but Rustan on the contrary , was a Mony-monger , Avaricious , and his Conscience hing'd at his Purse-strings : Rustan's Conferences with me were very short and Concise ; but Haly would spin out time on purpose ; and that he might entertain me the longer , he would season his Discourse with a great deal of Facetiousness ; insomuch that the Turks , who attended on the account of Business or otherways , would murmur and grumble that he spent so much time with me , that thereby they had not convenient Opportunity to transact their own Concerns with him . And the truth is , there was somewhat of Mortification to my self in it too , for I usually was sent for to him in the Afternoon , and I went Fasting , that I might be readier to deal with so acute a Man : In our Conferences he pressed this as a Principal Point , That each of us would propound that which we thought most conducive to the Service of our Masters respectively : His Master desired Repose in his Old Age , which was seated with Success and Victory ; and he thought my Master also desired Peace and Quietness ; and therefore if he studied the Tranquility of his Realm , he should by no means rouse a sleeping Lyon. The Minds of Princes , says he , are like Looking-glasses having no innate shape , yet the shape of all things objected to them pass through them ; so Princes Souls , free of themselves , are impress'd by the Images of all things as they are represented ; and therefore we must lay nothing before them , but what is profitable for their Affairs : For as good Cooks temper their Sauces , not to this or that Man's Palate , but for the Gust of all the Guests ; so we , in Proposition of Peace , must weigh Circumstances on either side . This and much more did he friendly communicate to me ; yea , at all times he shewed himself Courteous , and when I requited his Courtesie with any extraordinary piece of Respect , he thought himself doubly oblig'd . Once as he was returning from the Divan , and came to a cross way where he was wont to salute his Fellow Bassa's at parting , turning his Horse too nimbly , and leaning on his Neck , both Horse and Man fell to the Ground : When I heard of his Mischance , I sent to know whether he had got any Hurt by his Fall ? He returned me Thanks , and told me , He got no Hurt , but 't was usual for an Old Soldier to be apt to Stumble and Fall. Then turning to the By-stander : This Christian Agent , says he , has , I thank him , a mighty Love for my Person . Sometimes in Discourse he would tell me , That he had got Wealth and Honour enough , so that now he studied only to leave a Savoury Memory behind him , by doing good to Posterity . When our Treaty of Peace had proceeded on fairly a long time , and I was in good hopes of an happy Conclusion , an unlucky Accident hapned , which might have embarrassed the whole Affair : A certain Greek Despot , by the help of Caesar's Soldiers which guarded the Frontiers of Hungary , had broke into Moldavia , and driven out the Vaivod thereof , possessing it for himself . This Business gave a great Alarm to the Turks , as not knowing but such beginnings might end in greater Mischief ; and indeed the Danger was considerable , though the Turks thought it Prudence to dissemble their Forces . Haly intended to speak with me about it , as I understood by one of his Domesticks ; and accordingly he sent for me a few hours after : I confess I was somewhat troubled at the Message ; I was afraid , that my Negociation being in a promising way to a good Issue , this Matter would spoil all . When I came , he entertain'd me with his wonted Courtesie , and after much Discourse tending to the concluding of the Peace , he shew'd no sign of Discontent at all in his Countenance , till I was just about to take my leave of him and go away , then he bid me sit down again , for something was come to his Memory which he had forgot : Don't you hear , said he , that your Germans have made an Inroad into Moldavia ? No , said I , neither do I believe it ; for how should the Germans come to a place so remote from them as Moldavia ? 'T is most certainly true , said he , I have it by several Expresses , and I will send one of your own Country Germans to convince you of the Truth thereof . This Onset gave me occasion to tell him , That if any of this were true , I was sure it was not done by the Consent or Command of my Master Caesar. The Germans , said I , are a Free People , and used to serve other Nations in their War ; and perhaps some of them had taken Pay under Forreigners : But , in my Iudgment , the Cause of these Commotions arise from the Hungarian Nobles of that Neighbourhood , who being provoked by the daily Injuries of the Turks , labour to cry Quiet with them . And to speak the Truth , I think they are not much to be blamed , if upon so great Provocations they labour to revenge themselves ; do not your Soldiers do so on the Borders of Hungary ? What Plunderings and Devastations do they make in the Emperor's Territories there ? Here we talk of Peace , there is nothing but War and Bloodshed : And for my own part , I am held as a Prisoner , neither do my Friends know whether I am alive or dead ? And truly they that have suffered so much Damage from you , are worthy rather of Praise than Blame , if they take any Opportunity of Revenge . Let them retaliate , said Haly , provided it be within Hungary , and the Borders of Hungary , but 't is intolerable they should Range as far as Moldavia , which is but ten days Iourny from Adrianople . To which I replied , That Men of the Sword did not much study Points of the Law or Civility , but used to take the first Opportunity to revenge themselves where-ever it was offered . Thus I departed from him , neither did he seem at all to be Angry , nor was a jot more Morose in my after-Addresses to him . During these Transactions with the Visier , the French Embassador did me a great Courtesie ; there were thirteen young Gentlemen , some Germans , some Hollanders , in Prison at Constantinople upon this remarkable occasion ; they took Ship at Venice , in a Vessel that every Year carried Pilgrims to Ierusalem , and their Charta-part was to that purpose ; some of them travelled on the account of Religion , others to see Forreign Countries , but they all met with an unlucky Omen , for just at the time that they landed in Syria , the Malteese had landed some Soldiers and plunder'd the Sea-Coast of Phoenicia , carrying away some of the Inhabitants Prisoners : Whereupon those Syrians who had lost Parents , Children and Friends , having no other visible way of Satisfaction , seiz'd on these Gentlemen in the Venetian Vessel , pretending they were some of the Pyrates ; and if they did not procure their Friends to be released , they should be kept in Slavery themselves : And though they were shewed the Privilege from the Government of Venice , and were put in mind of the Publick Faith , and the League betwixt them , yet all was one , away they must be sent Prisoners to Constantinople : And their Youth was a great Prejudice to them , for the Bassa's thought such young Simplings would never undertake so long a Voyage on the account of Religion , for the Turks never begin their Pilgrimages till they be Ancient . When I heard of this Disaster , I did what I could to release them , but all to no purpose . The Bailo of Venice was applied to , because under the Protection of that Republick they fell into this Danger : He granted 't was all the reason in the World they should be released ; But what Iustice , said he , can we obtain among such an Inhumane and Barbarous People ? In the mean time I applied all the Relief I was able to their distressed Condition : But one day , far beyond my Expectation , they all came to my House , and told me , That they were sent as a Present to me by the French Embassador , who had obtained their Liberty . I was mighty glad of their Releasement , and sent great Thanks to the Embassador , whose Name was La Vigne . The manner was thus , when he was about to take his leave of the Sultan , and to Kiss his Hand , as the Custom is , he thrust a Schedule into it , wherein he desired that the Gentlemen might be released in Favour to his Prince , because their Voyage was occasioned upon the account of a Pilgrimage for Religion . Solyman granted his Request , and released them presently : Whereupon I supplied them with Accommodations for their Voyage , and sent them first to Vienna , and then home into their own Country . This La Vigne at first was mighty strict and cross to me , and used all his Arts to bring me into the Bassa's Dislike without any Fault of mine : He told them , I was a Subject to the King of Spain , born in the Low-Countries , and that I served the Spaniards more than the Emperor ; and that I acquainted him with every thing that was done at Constantinople ; and that I had Emissaries in Pay , who related to me the very Secrets of that Empire , amongst whom was Ebrahim the chief Druggerman of Turkey . This he did before the Peace was made between Spain and France , but when those two Princes were agreed , on the first opportunity he did retract what he had spoken . La Vigne was a Man of a prodigious Liberty to speak ; he would tell all he knew , let it be taken how it would . This made Rustan himself to avoid his Company ; whilst at the same time others were backward to converse with Rustan , because of the soureness of his Humour . He sent once to Rustan to desire Audience : He told the Messengers , his Interpreters , That he might send his Errand by them , for his Business might be as well done in his Absence as Presence . Yet La Vigne would needs come himself , where he spoke that which grated Rustan's Ears . What do you think , says he , that you have got Buda , Gran , Alba Regalis , and other Hungarian Towns , from the Christians by Force ? No , I deny it utterly , 't is our Dissention that gave you Opportunity to take them : If there had not been continual Wars between the Kings of France and Spain , you wo●ld have been so far from possessing those Towns , that Charles V. would hardly have suffered you to live quiet at Constantinople it self . At which Speech Rustan was so provoked , that he told him , What dost thou tell me of the Kings of Spain and France ; if all the Christian Princes joyn their Arms together against my Master , he cares not a Rush , he will easily conquer them all . And thereupon he withdrew himself into his Bed-chamber , and bid the Embassador be gone . I must needs acquaint you in this place , with the Relations I have heard concerning that People which inhabit the Tauric-Chers●ners , who are reported to have been originally Germans , as their Speech , Manners and Countenances seem to declare ; I had a great desire to meet with any body of that Nation , from whom I might procure some Tracts written in that Language , but I could not obtain it ; yet at last I met with an Accident which in part satisfied my Desires : There came two Envoys from that Nation to the Sultan , to make some Complaints or other ; and my Interpreters lighting upon them , did ( as I had desired them , if ever they had Opportunity ) invite them to Dinner to my House . One was a tall Man , carrying an ingenious Simplicity in his Countenance , so that he seemed either a Flemming or a Batavian : The other was shorter of a well-set Body , and browner colour , a Greek by Birth , but by frequent Commerce with that People , he had got much of their Language , and seemed to forget his own : Being asked concerning the Nature and Manners of that People , he answered very pertinently , That they were a Warlike Nation , that inhabited many Towns thereabouts , from whence the Cham of Tartary , when he pleased , used to draw forth 800 Musketeers , the chief Prop of his Army . Their chief Cities were two , one called Maneup the other Scivarin . He added much more concerning the Tartars and their Barbarity , yet he confessed that there was some very ingenious Men amongst them : If you asked of the highest Affairs , they would answer briefly yet very oppositely ; insomuch that the Turks said ordinarily of them , That other Nations had their Learning in their Books , but the Tartars had eaten their Books , and had their Wisdom in their Breasts , from whence they could draw it out as they had occasion , as Divine Oracles . They are Slovenly in their Deportment , for if you set any Soop before them , they eat it not with a Spoon , but with the hollow of their Hands . Their Meat is Horse-flesh , not roasted but heated under the Saddles of their Horses , to which Hunger was their best Sauce . Their Prince is served in Siver , his first and last Dish being a Horses Head , as Butter uses to be served up first and last with us . He repeated many German Words , amongst others , which were unintelligible to us , perhaps his Memory fail'd him , so that he mix'd home-bred and Forreign Words together ; to every word he added the Article Tho or The. The Words which were ours , little different from them , were these : Broe , Bread. Plut , Blood. Stul , a Stool or Seat. Hus , a House . Wingart , a Vine . Reghen , Rain . Bruder , Brother . Schwester , Sister . Alt , Old Man. Wintch , Wind. Silvir , Silver . Goltz , Gold. Kor , Wheat . Salt , Salt. Fisct , Eish . Hoef , the Head. Thurn , a Gate . Stern , a Star. Sune , the Sun. Mine , the Moon . Tag , a Day . Oeghene , the Eyes . Bars , a Beard . Handa , the Hands . Boga , a Bow. Miera , an Ant. Rinck or Ringo , a Ring . Brunna , a Fountain . Waghen , a Waggon or Coach. Apel , an Apple . Schieten , to shoot an Arrow . Schlipen , to Sleep . Kommen , to come . Singhen , to Sing . Lachen , to Laugh . Criten , to Weep . Geen , to go . Breen , to roast . Schwalch , Death . Knauen Tag was Good-day with him , Knauen was Good , and several such words he used , not well agreeing with ours , as , Jel , Life or Health . Jeltsch , alive or well . Jel uburt , let it be well . Marzus , Marriage . Schuos , a Spouse . Baar , a Stone . Ael , a Stone . Menus , Flesh. Rintsch , a Mountain . Fers , a Man. Statz , the Earth . Ada , an Egg. Ano , an Hen. Telich , a Fool. Stap , a Goat . Gadeltha , Beautiful . Atochta , Evil. Wichtgata , White . Mycha , a Sword. Lista , a little . Schedit , Light. Borrotsch , the Will. Cadariou , a Soldier . Kilemschkop , drink up your Cup. Tzo Warthata , as thou hast done . Jes Varthata , he did it . Ich malthata , I say . When he was desired to number , he said thus , Ita , tua , tria , fyder , fyuf , seis , sevene , just as we Flemmings ; for you Brabantars , who speak German-like , do highly value your selves , and undervalue us , as if we pronounced Seven more coursly : He went on reckoning A the , nyne , thiine , thiinita , thiinetua , thiinetria , &c. Twenty he called Stega , Thirty Treithyen , Forty Furdeithien , an Hundren Sada , a Thousand Hazer . He also sung us a Song in that Language , which began thus : Wara war a ingdolou : Seu te gira Galizu . Hoemisclep dorbiza ea . Whether these People be Goths or Saxons , I cannot tell ; If Saxons , then , I suppose , they were transplanted thither in the time of Charles the Great , who dispersed that Nation into many remote Countries , as appears by the Cities of Transilvania , which to this day are inhabited by Saxons ; and possibly he might transplant the rest of the Nation as far as Taurick Chersoness , where they still retain the Christian Religion , though surrounded with the Enemies thereof : But if they are Goths , then I judge they chose their Inhabitants there next to the Getis , and perhaps most of that Tract of Land between the Gothick Isle and Procopia , ( as now 't is called ) was heretofore inhabited by Goths . Hence we read of the Names of sundry Goths , as West-Goths , and East or Ostro-Goths , who over-run the World with their Victory , and were the great Seminary of Multitudes of Barbarians . This is all I could hear of these Procopensians concerning the Taurick Chersonese . Let me now tell you something of the City and Country Cathay , which I learned of a certain Turkish Pilgrim , who use to Travel over the World on account of Religion , and to worship God on high Mountains and desert places . He had travelled over a great part of the East-Country , where he was acquainted with the Portuguese ; but having a desire to visit Cathay also , he joyned himself to some Merchants , who in great Numbers used to Travel to this Country : 'T is a Journy that not many will undertake , it being so dangerous , and the way thither so full of strange Nations , who use to plunder Travellers in their passage : When he left Persia behind him , he came to Samarehand , to Borchar , and to Taschan , and other Towns inhabited by the Successors of Tamerlain : When he had passed by these places there were mighty Deserts , and some Countries inhabited by Wild , and others by a more civilized , People ; yet the Country was generally Poor , so that they were forced to carry their Victuals along with them on a Drove of Camels : This Company they call Caravans . After some Months travel they came to the Streights , entring into Cathay , ( for you must know , that a great part of that Country is Mediterranean , and encompassed by such huge Mountains and Rocks , that it is accessible but in a very few Passages , where their King hath his Guards and Garrisons : ) When the Merchants come thither , they are asked What they bring ? Whence they come ? and How many they are ? When the Guard is informed of the Truth , they make a Smoak by day , or else kindle a Beacon by night , which gives warning to the next Beacon , and so from one to another till they come to Cathay . This Advice cost them but some Hours , which otherwise would take up many Days , the way is so long : When News is brought to the King , he sends backward by the same way of Conveyance what his Pleasure is , whether they shall all be admitted to enter , or only some , the rest being either excluded , or made to stay longer : When they are admitted , they are guarded all along to their several Inns or Lodging-places , where they may have all things for their Mony , till they come to the King himself . Here every one brings forth his respective Ware , and presents the King , whose Privilege it is , to buy what Ware he pleaseth in the first place ; and then they sell the rest to the best Chapman . This they must do within certain limits of time , within which they must return ; for the Catharians cannot endure that Strangers should live long amongst them , for fear they should infect their Country Manners . Thus is the Caravan dismissed very friendly , and returns by the same Stages they went. This Traveller told me , That they were a very Wise People , and lived in good Order and Government , having a distinct Religion of their own , differing from the Christian , Iewish or Mahometans , but nearest to the Iewish , except their Ceremonies . Printing hath been in use among them for many Ages , as appears by their several Printed Books : For Paper they use the Cases of Silk-worms , it is so thin that it will bear Printing on one side only , the other is blank : In this City , he said , there were a great many Shops full of Musk , which was the fresh Foame of a certain Beast as big as a Kid. A Lyon is highly prized amongst them , there are none of them in that Country , and therefore they value it at a great Rate , and they will give most for it . This is what I could learn of this Wanderer concerning Cathay , believe it as you please : I asked him farther , Whether he had brought back any rare Root , Fruit or Stone , out of that Country : He told me , he had brought nothing but a little Root for his own use , which he would bite and eat a little of when he was Faint or Cold , and it would presently heat and relieve him ; and thereupon he parted it , and gave some to me , telling me I must use it very sparingly : I desir'd Dr. Williams , my Physician , then alive , to tast of it , who by its biting and inflaming tast , judged it to be a Tree Wolf-leaf . Let me now tell you another wondrous ●tory of a certain Wandering Turkish Monk , ●e wore a Cap and White Cloak down to his Heels , with long Hair , such as Painters draw the Apostles with : He had a promising Countenance , but was a meer Impostor , yet the Turks admired him as a Miraculous Man ; my Interpreters were perswaded to bring him to me , that I might see him ; he dined with me soberly and modestly enough ; afterwards he goes down into the Yard , and upon his return he takes up a huge Stone , and struck it divers times on his naked Breast , as many blows as would have felled an Oxe : Then he took a piece of Iron , that was heated in the Fire on purpose , and thrust it into his Mouth , where he stirred it up and down so that his Spittle hiss'd again ; 't was a long piece of Iron , thick and quadrangular in that part which he thrust into his Mouth , and it was red-hot as a live Coal : Then he put the Iron into the Fire again , and after I had bestowed a Largess on him , he saluted me and departed . My Domesticks wondred at the Prank , all but one , which pretended he knew more than all the rest ; O , says he , he is but a meer Cheat ; and thereupon he takes hold of the stronger part of the Iron , pretending he could do as much as the Juggler ; but he had no sooner grasped it in his hands , but he threw it away , and his Fingers were well burnt for his Audaciousness , so that they were many days a curing . This Accident caused his Fellows to Laugh , and jearingly to ask , Whether the Iron were hot enough yet , and whether he would touch it again or not ? The same Turk , while he was at Dinner , told me , That the Prior of their Monastery was a Man Famous for Sanctimony and Miracles , for he would spread his Cloak over a Lake near adjoyning , and sitting on it , would row up and down whither he pleased : And that he would strip himself naked , and be tied to a Sheep newly kill'd , tying Arms to Arms , and Leg to Leg , and so would be thrown into the hot Oven till the Sheep were bak'd fit to be eaten , then he himself would be taken out without any harm at all : You will not believe it , neither do I , only I relate what he told me ; but that part concerning an hot Iron I saw with my Eyes . And yet I must tell you , the matter is not so much to be admired , for without doubt , the Fellow , when he went down into the Yard to fetch a Stone , had fortified his Mouth with some Medicines against the Violence of the Fire , such Medicines being suitable as you know ; for I remember once at the Coast of Venice , I saw a Juggler melt Lead in the Fire , and wash his Hands therewith , as if it had been common Water : But enough of this . I told you before , that I had a little more Freedom some time before Rustan's Death , which was grateful Love on one account , because it gave me Opportunity to converse with Strangers and others which frequented my House , whose Acquaintance might be instructive to me ; and yet this Liberty was not ballanced without Inconvenience , it gave my Servants opportunity to Straggle abroad , and sometimes without the Iannizaries , and so they met with many Affront , which cost me some trouble : I 'll tell you of one , by which you may judge of the rest . Two of my Servants passed over in a Boat to Pera , they went alone , either because the Iannizaries were not at home , or else they thought it needless to take them ; one was my Apothecary , the other Master of my Wine-Cellar ; when they had done what they went for , they hired a Boat to carry them back to Constantinople ; they were scarce set down in the Boat , but there came a Youth from the Caddy or Judge of that Place , commanding them to come forth , for the Caddy must be wasted over in that Boat : My Servants told him , There were Boats enough to carry over the Caddy , besides that which they had hired , and therefore they would not come forth : Hereupon he endeavoured to force them ; so that from Words they came to Blows . This being done in the sight of the Caddy , who was coming down to the Boat , it made him run to help his Boy , ( who was thought to be his Ganymede ) but the Steps towards the Sea being slippery , by reason of Ice , ( for it was Winter ) he fell head-long into the Sea , and had been drown'd if his Companions had not relieved him : Here upon a Clamour was raised all over Pera , and the Vogue went among the Turks , that my Servants had laid Violent Hands on the Judge● and had almost drown'd him : My Servants were seized and carried before the Judge of Capital Case : They fetch forth Clubs , and Stocks to put their Feet in , that they might beat them , as their manner is , on the Soles of them : In the interim , one of my Servants , an Italian , in a petting Chuff , cried out , Beat , strike , Dogs , strike ; we are wronged , we are Innocent , we are Servants to Cesar 's Embassador , and doubtless when your own Emperor shall know how we are abused , he will make you smart for it . One of the Turks , hearing him cry out so boldly : D' ye think , said he , that one-ey'd thing is a Man ? No , for certain he is an One-ey'd Cacodaemon , ( for he had a Blemish in one of his Eyes . ) The Waywade also , ( i. e. ) the Judge in their Language , perceiving the Boldness of the Man , was in a stand what to do , but thought it best to send them to Rustan for to punish them : Thither went the whole Rout , with a pack of False-Witnesses , ready to give false Testimonies against the Innocent ; for the Turks count it Meritorious to give in Evidence against a Christian ; you need not Summon them to appear , they came of their own accords , as it hapned in this Case : They all cried out before the Grand Visier , That those Rogues had beaten their Judge , and if they had not been seized , would have drown'd him : My Servants denied the Crime objected , alledging that they were falsly accused , and that they were my menial Servants . By this time Rustan understood , that there was more Noise than Right on his Country-mens side ; yet to still the Fury of the inraged Multitude , he told them , He would punish them severely , and sent them to Prison . The Prison was a Safe-guard to them against the Fury of the Multititude ; then the examined Witnesses , the most Credible amongst them , and found that my Servants were Guiltless , all the Fault lay at the Caddy's door . In the mean time I sent my Interpreters to demand my Servants , but Rustan thought fit to refer the Matter to the Divan , lest , if the Sultan should hear of it , he might suspect , that in the Caddy's Case he had been brib'd , and so his Injury neglected . I had at this time some intimate Acquaintance with Haly , to whom I sent my Druggerman with a grievous Complaint , that I might not suffer Wrong to the end of the Chapter ; Haly undertook my Cause , and bid me rest confident that my Business would soon end to my Satisfaction . But Rustan came not off so handsomly , he fear'd that it might be thought that Mony had made him more execrable , and therefore he had rather the Business had been compounded with the Caddy , and wish'd me to offer him a few Ducats to appease him , 25 were enough . I gave him Thanks for his Advice , but returned answer , That if he desired me to throw so many Ducats into the Sea , I would willingly do it for his sake , but 't was not Mony in this case would do , but Example : For , said I , if this be the Case , that he that did my Servants an Injury , must be paid for his Labour , a larger Fund than mine would not suffice ; for if a Man tear his Clothes , if he intended to do my People an Injury , he knew where to have Mony to buy new ones , which was an unworthy thing , and by no means to be indured by me . Thus were my Servants , by the Mediations of Haly , sent home to me . When the Bailo of Venice heard of their release , he sent for one of my Servants present , and desired to know of him , what that Business had cost me ? Not a Doit , said he . Then said the Bailo , If it had been mine , it would have cost me 200 Ducats before I could have come off . But the sorry Judge suffered most of all ; for he was put out of his Office , the Turks accounting it an absurd an hainous thing to be beaten by a Christian , as he confessed he had been . As for the Release of the Spanish Commanders , it was obtained by my Mediation , they were these , Sandaeus Commander of the Land-Forces , and Leva , and Requisenaeus , the one Admiral of the Neapolitan , the other the Silician Gallies . In short , I 'll tell you how I compassed their release : The Peace made between the Kings of Spain and France , did much trouble the Turks , as being Inconvenient for their Affairs , especially considering that they were not comprehended in it , as at first they thought they should , yet they dissembled the matter at present , but sought for an Opportunity to shew their dislike thereof . Solyman had writ to the King of France , that he agreed to the Peace , yet would have him remember , That old Friends are not easily made Enemies , nor Old Enemies Friends . This Disgust of the Turks did much advantage my Affairs : To which Haly Bassa's Kindness did contribute very much , and Ebrahim's great desire to serve me , and to be thankful to me . You may remember I told you before , that when La Vigne did accuse me to the Bassa , at the same time he forgot not Ebrahim , b●t told them , that he discovered all the secret Counsels of the Turks to me . This Ebrahim was the chief Drogerman , ( i. e. ) Interpreter of Solyman , a Polander by Nation , and therefore more hated by La Vigne , because in a deadly Fewd that was between Codognatus a former Ambassador of the same King ; and in jest he seem'd to take Codognatus his part . I shall not trouble you with the Contest betwixt them , it being alien to my purpose : This is certain , that La Vigne was mindful of the Affront , and could never endure Ebrahim , but when he had Access to the Bassa every third Ward was against him ; neither did he desist from complaining till Ebrahim was thrown out of his Place : For my part , I was not much concern'd for Ebrahim's Disgrace ; I had never such an extraordinary kindness for him , so as to lament his Loss , for I found him many times cross to my Affairs ; only it troubled me , that 't was noised abroad , he lost his Place for my sake . Hereupon I assisted him in his Privacy what I could ; for I knew it troubled him , to be thrown out of Office , and therefore I us'd him as an Interpreter or Messenger , betwixt me and the Bassa in the Transacting about the Peace . And Haly admitted him out of Respect to me , because he was Degraded without any just Cause . In fine , I never left till I got him settled into his Place again ; which Courtesie did so oblige him , that in Gratitude he shew'd me all the good Offices he could , in all Company and on all Occasions : And he had the greater Opportunity so to do , because of the Offence the Turks had taken of the French , for the making Peace with the Spaniard . On which account , when the Noble Salvatus was sent by the most Christian King , to procure the Liberty of Sandaeus , he was wholly and absolutely refus'd . Sandaeus was in mighty expectation of that Embassie , believing he should never be released , if that Negotiation had not effected it ; and therefore he was at great Expence to buy Presents for the Grand Seignior , and other great Men upon his Release . All which signified nothing , for Salvatus went away without effecting any thing : When he was gone , the Servants and Solicitor of Sandaeus came to me in a great Fright ; and told me , they durst not acquaint their Master with the unsuccessful News of Salvatus's Intercession for his Liberty ; for all his Hopes depending thereon , they were afraid the Transaction would either make him desperate , or cast him into some fatal Disease ; and therefore they desired me to acquaint him first by Writing ; I refused , alledging , That I had not common Places enough to draw Comfort from , for a Man in so deep a Distress . For Sandaeus was a Man of a great Spirit , full of Hope , and without any Fear ; and Men of such Dispositions , as they hope for what they desire , so if they are disappointed of their Hopes , they are so cast down , that 't is hard to raise them to any tolerable frame of Spirit . Whilst Matters stood thus at a stand , in comes Ebrahim my Interpreter , very opportunely ; and falling into discourse about these Spanish Prisoners ; he told me plainly , That if I did but demand their Liberty , I should certainly obtain it ; and what he spake was upon good grounds . He had formerly given me some blind Hopes , that I might procure their Release if I set my self about it ; but I gave but little heed to his Suggestion : For not being certain to conclude Peace , how could I attempt such a Thing . Besides I was afraid , lest my Interposition might hinder the Success of Salvatus's Negotiation : But he was gone , and Ebrahim whom I had so much obliged , persisted in the same Opinion . I began to hearken to him ; yet telling him , he should have a care he did not engage me who was his Friend , in a ridiculous Business ; or without doubt I should be laught at if I succeeded not therein , the Matter being thought difficult to be compassed in common Opinion , and Salviatus having attempted it in vain ; yet he advised me to proceed therein , and amused me with good Success . Upon this Encouragement , I wrote to Sandaeus , how fruitless Salviatus's Embassie had been , yet I wisht him not to despair ; for if any Credit at all were to be given to a Turk , there was good hope of his Affairs ; and then I related what Ebrahim had told me . Having laid this Foundation , I advis'd with some Friends who were well skill'd in Turkish Affairs ; they wisht me all good Success , but were very doubtful of them , especially seeing the King of Frances's Ambassador had been denyed , and the issue of Peace was yet undetermined ; and moreover , the Turks are hardly ever induced to release great Men ; yet I wrote to my Master the Emperor , to let him know what Hopes I had , and desired that I might in his Name beg the Release of those Prisoners . To be short , upon great Gifts and more Promises made to the Bussa's , for their Favour in the Case ; the Day before St. Laurence's Day , all the Prisoners were released and sent to my Lodgings . Sandaeus and Leyva were at great odds one with another , so that they would not eat together , but I was forced to spread their Tables apart ; Requisena did eat with Leyva , and Sandaeus with me : So we went to Supper . The French Ambassador's Steward came to me , bringing me some Letters ; Sandaeus askt of him , If he knew him ? Yes Sir , said he , I think you are Don Alvarez : I am so , said he ; Pray remember me to your Master , and tell him , that I have obtain'd my Liberty by means of the Emperor's Ambassador , and that you have seen me abroad with your Eyes : I see you indeed , Sir , said he , but so , that I can scarce believe my own Eyes . Sandaeus did thus Accost him , because his Master the French Agent , would never believe that Solyman would release those great Men at the Emperor's instance : And the truth is , before they could obtain their Liberty , their Mufty which is as an Archbishop amongst the Turks , was consulted , Whether a great many Turks might not be released for a few Christians ; for I had promis'd , that about Forty Turks of an ordinary Rank , who were Prisoners with us , should be released for them . The Mufty answered , That there were two Opinions on the Case ; one Pro , t'other Con ; but he was for the Affirmative . It now remains that I acquaint you with the last End of Bajazet , who I told you before , was put in Prison by the Persians : Many Messages had passed between those two Princes on that Occasion ; and an Ambassador came once from Persia with Presents , a Tent curiously wrought , Assyrian and Persian Tapistry , with the Alcoran , and some Beasts of an unusual sort ; as an Indian Ant , as big as any ordinary Dog ; a fierce and biting Present . The Cause of the Embassie was pretended to be , the Reconciliation of Bajazet with his Father ; they were received very Honourably , entertain'd with rich Banquets , of which Haly sent me a part , eight huge munificent Dishes full of Sweetmeats . 'T was the Custom of the Romans to send Dishes from their Feasts to their Friends ; the Spaniards do it to this Day ; and the Turks from their great Feasts carry home something , especially if they have Wives and Children ; they many times carried home whole Napkins full of good eatable Bits from my Table ; and tho' they pretend to Cleanliness , yet they would sometimes daub their Silk-cloaths with some Collation-drops . Let me tell you a Story to this purpose , which I know will make you laugh heartily , as it did me at first hearing thereof : For we are not such Cato's , but yet sometimes we may season our Care with moderate Laughter , which shews that we are Men. 'T is the Custom of the Turkish Bassa's , some Days before their Fast , ( which we call Lent ) to make a publick Feast or Entertainment for all Comers , none are excluded ; yet generally none but Servants , Friends , and Relations come : There is a Napkin made of Leather spread over a long Tapistry on the Ground , full of Dishes ; the Table will hold abundance of Guests ; the Bassa himself sits at the upper end , and the choicest Guests next to him , and then the ordinary Guests in Ranks till the Table be full . It will not hold all at once , but some stand by till others have Din'd , which they do in great Modesty and Silence ; and then they drinking a draught of Honey diluted with Water , Salute their Landlord , and away they go ; when they are gone , others sit down in their places , and a third Class after them ; the Servants still taking off the old Dishes and ●etting on new . A certain Bassa making such a Feast , invited a Singiack to sit next to him ; an old Man of the Sect which the Turks call Hayges , ( i. e. ) Learned Men , sat next to him : This Haggie seeing such a plenty of Victuals before him , had a mind to carry home some to his Wife after he had filled his own Belly ; but looking for his Handkerchief to fill it with Victuals , he found he had left it at home ; being then in a straight , he bethought himself , and resolv'd to fill his Sleeve that hang'd on on his Back ; but mistaking the Singiack's for his own , he stuft it full of Dainties , and stops it in with a piece of Bread that nothing might fall out ; he was not to touch his Sleeve till he had laid his Hands on his Breast or Thigh , and so Saluted his Entertainer as their Custom is ; when he had done that , he took up his own Sleeve and finds it empty , at which he was much amaz'd , and return'd home very sad : A while after the Singiack also rose from the Table , and having Saluted the Bassa , at every step his Sleeve cast out the Dainties it was replenished with , unknown to him ; and seeing a Train of Junkets behind him , he blusht for shame : The Company fell a laughing , but the Bassa imagining how it came to pass , desired him to sit down again , and so he sent for the Haggai ; when he came , he accosted him thus : I wonder that you being an old Friend , and having a Wife and Children at home , did carry home nothing to them , seeing my Table was so well Furnished . Truly , Sir , said he , 'T was no Fault of mine , but I think my Genius was angry with me ; for I stuft my Sleeve with Viands , and yet when I came forth I found it empty . Thus the Singiack was cheated , and the Frustration of the Haggai , together with the Novelty of the Case , occasioned no small Laughter amongst all the Company . But to return to Bajazet . His Case was desperate , between an angry Father that required to have him given up , and a false Friend , who pretended to detain him : Sometimes Solyman dealt mildly with the Persian , putting him in mind of the League between them , that they were to have the same Enemies and Friends : Sometimes he taxed him with War , if Bajazet was not surrendred ; and thereupon he placed strong Garrisons on all the Confines of Persia , he filled Mesopotamia and the Banks of Euphrates with Soldiers , especially the Veteran ones , whom he had employed against Bajazet , over whom Mahomet the third of the Viziers Bassa's , and Beglerbey of Greece was made General , for Solyman was returned home : Moreover he sollicited the Georgians dwelling between the Hircan-Sea and Pontus , bordering on Persia to Aid him against them : They answered couragiously , That they were not strong enough themselves to Cope with the Persian ; but if he himself came upon the Place with an Army , they would then shew themselves Men of Courage against the Persians as their common Enemy . The Hircanians also and the Posterity of Tamerlan were sollicitous to joyn Arms : Solyman himself gave forth , that he would go to Aleppo , ( a City of Syria , seated on the Banks of Euphrates ) that from thence he might make War on the Persian : Nor was the Persian himself without Fear , for he had often experienced the Dint of Solyman's Sword. But the generality of the Turks were averse from the War , and lookt on it as a wicked and detestable one , and this cooled the Sultan . A great many Soldiers , especially Horse , forsook their Colours , and return'd to Constantinople without leave of Officers ; and being commanded immediately to return , they did so ; but so unwillingly , that Solyman plainly saw their Aversion from the Service . Whereupon Solyman , seeing he could not get Bajazet alive out of the Persian's Hands , ( who feared his Revenge if ever he came off clear , ) descended to the next thing , which was , to have him strangled there , and he hop'd to obtain his end this way ; because the Persian had lately acquainted him by Letter , that he had been very remiss in so great an Affair . I have sent divers Ambassadors to you , said he , but you send nothing to me but empty Letters , or Messengers ; and therefore to convince me that you are real in the Business : Send some considerable Ambassadors of your prime Nobility with whom I may Transact , according to the greatness of the Affair . As for himself , Bajazet had been a great Charge to him before he could be taken , and therefore 't was fit an Account should be had of those Expences . Solyman thereby saw that Money was requir'd , and therefore by the Advice of his Bassa , he resolved to take any other course , rather than to involve himself in an unnecessary War with the Persians . Hereupon Hassan Aga , together with an old Bassa , one of the Bed-Chamber , was sent by Solyman into Persia : They departed with ample Commission in the midst of the Winter ; they made great haste , insomuch that they lost several of their Retinue in the way : At last they came to Casbia to the Sophi , and desired to see Bajazet ; they found him in a ●asty filthy Prison , his Beard and Hair so long , that till he was shav'd he could hardly be known ; but then Hanan knew him by the lineaments of his Face , having been brought up with him from a Child , and therefore he was chosen as the fittest Person for this Embassie . They agreed that the Persian should be repaid what he had laid out , and should have many rich Presents besides , provided they would destroy Bajazet ; The Hassan returns & gives an account to his Master , who thereupon sent the Expence by him , with the Gifts , who were guarded by the Turks to the Confines of Persia. Thus Hassan again returned to be the Executioner of Bajazet with his own Hand , for so Solyman had commanded : When the Bow-string was about his Neck , he desired but one thing before his Death , which was , to see his Children , and to take his last leave of them by a Final Kiss , but that was deny'd . This was the end of Bajazet and his unfortunate Designs ; the way he took to save himself was his Ruine ; his four Children under-went the same Fate ; the new-born Infant which he left at Amusia , whom his Grandfather had removed to Persia to be Educated there , when his Father was dead , a trusty Eunuch was sent to Persia to destroy him too ; but the Eunuch being tender-hearted , procured a certain Porter , a hard-hearted Fellow , who car'd not what desperate Pranks he play'd , to joyn with him to help dispatch the Child . This Fellow went into the Room , and as he was fitting the String to the Infant 's Neck , the poor Child lifted up its self as well as he could , and embracing him in his Arms , offered to kiss him , which did so mollifie his wretched Heart , that he fell down in a Swoon . The Eunuch stood at the Door , and wondering at the Delay , went in and found the Fellow sprawling on the Ground , whereupon he was forced to execute the Charge himself , and so strangled the poor Child . By this Passage it appears , that Solyman spar'd his Nephew hitherto , not out of any Principle of Mercy , but out of an Opinion the Turks have , that Matters if they succeed well , are pleasing to God ; and therefore as long as 't was uncertain what the Aim of Bajazet's Designs would be , he would not imbrue his Hands in his Childs Blood , lest if Bajazet had succeeded , he might seem to have resisted the Will of God : But when Bajazet was slain , then he thought God had determined the Controversie , and that his Son also might not be spared , lest the Proverb should be verified , Of an ill Crow , an evil Egg. I had a long Discourse with my Chiaux upon this Subject when I was in the Island ( as above-said ) and had liberty to Sail from one to the other . It hapned once , that as we were returning in our Skiff , the Wind being against us , we could not double a Promontary that reach'd pretty far into the Sea , that we were forced to Land and take our Dinner a-shoar ; for I always carried some Provant along with me in the Vessel for fear of the worst ; and their Turks were also forced to Land upon the same Stress of Weather : Our Table was spread in a great Meadow , my Chiaux and my Interpreter sate at Table with me ; mention being occasionally made of Bajazet , the Chiaux began to inveigh bitterly against him for taking up Arms against his Brother . I pleaded for him , and said , he was worthy of Pity , who was forced to do what he did : There was an inevitable necessity upon him , either to submit himself to a certain Death , or to save his Life by taking Arms. However the Chiaux persisted still to execrate his Undertaking , whereupon I pleaded thus ; You accuse Bajazet as Guilty of an horrid Offence , but you acquit Solyman the Father of your present Emperor , who took up Arms against his Father . We do so , said the Chiaux , and we have reason for it , for the Event shew'd , that what he did was by God's Approbation , and was predestinated in Heaven . If you argue from Success , said I , then the wickedest Fact , if it prosper , may be reputed to God as the Author , and then he may be made the Author of Sin , if Good and Evil must be interpreted only by Events . We dwelt awhile on this Discourse , and were very eager upon it , whilst either of us defended his own Opinion ; we alledg●d many Places of Scripture ; Can the Vessel say to the Potter , Why hast thou made me thus ? I will harden Pharaoh 's Heart . Jacob have I loved , Esau have I hated : and others of like Import . The Turks that were not far from us , admir'd at what we Contested so earnestly about ; and after we rose from the Table , my Chiaux went to them ; they gathered themselves in a Ring about him , and I saw them hearkning to the Discourse he made , with great Attention ; and at last , at Noon , they were all silent , and Worshipped God according to their Custom . I thought long till my Chiaux returned to me again , that I might know why he prated so amongst his Comrades ; I was afraid , tho' he was a fair Condition'd man , yet that he might Represent what I had spoken to him , to my prejudice : At last when the Wind ceased , we went Aboard again and followed our Course . The first thing that I did , was to ask of my Chiaux , What serious Discourse he held with his Country-men ? He smil'd , and made me this Answer : We were disputing about Predestination , and I told them what you had alledg'd Con and Pro ; bywhich it was plain , that you had read our Books , and was well read in the Scriptures , so that there was nothing wanting to your Happiness , but to turn to our Religion , which in the Prayers you saw us make , we desired of God. When News was brought to Constantinople that Bajazet was dispatched , I was afraid that our Affairs , which were in an hopeful way of Conclusion , would now meet with a Rub at last ; the Misfortune of Bajazet might overturn all , make the Turks more Insolent , to undo what was done , and to propose harder Conditions . I had passed over some Difficulties ; as the Loss of Gerba , and the Imprisonment of Bajazet , and the Vaivoods expulsion out of Moldavia ; but there were two terrible ones , at Bajazet's Death , and he hired another that I 'll speak of by and by . Haly sent one of his Domesticks to me , to tell me that Bajazet was dead for certain , that therefore I should not defer the Peace , in hopes of his Success : I should remember , that Princes of the same Religion are more easily Reconcil'd than those of contrary ones are ; and therefore I should use no more Pergiversation , nor seek Knots in a Bulrush , as the Proverb is . This Message troubled me much , yet because I thought that the Relater might be partial , I sent up and down the Town amongst my Friends , to know what certainty they had of Bajazet's Death ; They all returned me answer : That he was most certainly dispatch'd . Whereupon I resolved to pluck in my Sails ; there was no hopes for me to obtain better Conditions ; it was well if I could maintain my Ground , and stick to my former without any change : The Emperor of the Turks had seen them , and was not much averse from them ; some small Alterations were made ; something I wished I could have added , other Things were dubiously expressed , which a malign Interpretation might raise Scruples about . I did my endeavour that these might be taken out , or rendred and made more favourable on our side . My Master Caesar had seen and approved those Conditions , yet still I could not satisfie my self , till something more favourable was added ; whilst I was doing this , I was accosted with Haly's Message as aforesaid . I met also with another grievous Rub ; some Noblemen of Hungary had Revolted from the Vaivoodans of Transilvania to the Emperor , ( i. e ) to speak the truth had returned to that Duty , and the Garrisons also which they commanded yielded to Cesar. This new Accident might have disturbed all , for the Turks had a specious pretence to alledge , That while Conditions of Peace were on foot once , such Alteration ought to have been made ; if Peace were cordially desired , all Things were to be return'd to their Pristine State : but let Revolters speed as they pleased , what they had possessed ought to be return'd to the Vayvode , their Client and Vassal . But Haly was so far from pressing this , that one express Condition was , that those Things should be ratified , which he willingly assented to . But the Ambassadors who came lately from the Vayvode , were very much troubled at it , they rub'd upon the gall'd place , and filled the whole Court with their Clamours , that their miserable Master was deserted , the Law of Alliance broken , and Enemies preferred before ancient Friends . All the rest of the Bassa's were moved with their Complaints , only Haly stood firm to me , so that the Articles of the Peace were not altered at all . For my part , though I knew that the Terms would be allowed by my Master Cesar , yet because there want not Sicophants in Prince's Courts , who go about to obscure the best Services of their Ministers , especially if Strangers ; I therefore thought it fit to leave all to the Pleasure of my Master : I told Haly , that though the proposed Condition did not fully answer the Expectation of my Master , yet I hoped he would Acquiesce therein , if an Agent of theirs were sent along with me to explain the Things that were obscure , upon which any Controversie might arise ; and that Ebrahim seem'd to be the fittest Man for this purpose , by whom Cesar might write back his full Mind concerning the whole Project ; this was easily assented to . Thus an end was put to this long and tedious Business . 'T is a Custom , that when Ambassadors upon fair Terms depart from Constantinople , the Bassa's do entertain them with a Feast in the Divan ; but I was willing to wave that Badge of esteem , because I would have all left in suspence , and referr'd to the good Will and Pleasure of my Master . I had a mind before my departure , to buy some gallant Horses , and therefore order'd my Servants to go often to the Markets , to see if they could find any such . Haly being inform'd thereof , had some of his own brave Horses to the Fair to be sold ; My Servants had their Eye presently on 'em , and asking the Price , they told them 120 Duckets , they offered 80 , not knowing whose they were ; which was refused to be taken : A Day or two after , the same Horse with two more near as good , were sent me by Haly for a Present ; one was an Arabian ambling Nag , exceeding well shap'd : When I gave him Thanks for my noble Present , he askt me , Whether I did not think that Horse which my Servants offered 80 Duckets for , was not more worth ? Much more , said I , only they had a Command from me not to exceed that Price , till perhaps some sudden Defect might afterwards shew that I had bought Horses too dear . He advis'd me also how to Manage their Turkish Horses ; as that I should give them but little Meat ; that I should make but short Journeys at first , till they were us'd to the Roads ; and that I should make nine or ten Days Journey to Adrianople , which us'd to be compassed in five : He gave me also a choice Vest wrought with Gold , and a Box full of Alexandrian Treacle , the best in the World ; and a Glass full of Balsom , which he highly prized , Complementing me thus : Any other Present , said he , are such as Money can procure ; but this is such a rare Gift , that my Master cannot send a choicer to the best Friend or Allies he hath ; I got it , said he , when I was Governour of Egypt , which Place I held some Years : there are two sorts of that juicy substance , one which is drawn from the Oil of the decocted Leaves of the Shrub on which they grow which yet is black and not much worth ; the other doth distil from the Bark of the Tree when it is cut , which is yellow and genuine , and mine was of that sort . He desired likewise , that I would send him some Presents , as a Coat of Mail ●itted to his large and full Body , and a strong Horse that was sure footed ; for he was so big and pursie , that no Horse could be easily found fit to carry him ; and with all kind of Varnishing matter coming from the Maple , or some other Tree , wherewith our Artists use to Inlay their Tables . As for Solyman , he gave me no Gifts but common ones , such as other Ambassadors have had at their departure , and such as I received from him formerly at my Audience of leave ; only he inveighed against the Heydukes , and the Insolency of the Garrison of Syeth : To what purpose is it , said he , to make Peace here , if they continue the War thus . I told him , I would acquaint my Master , and that I did not doubt but he would afford a Remedy thereto , and thus by good Fortune about the end of August , I entred upon my desired Journey , carrying with me a Truce of Eight Years , as the Fruits of my Eight Years Aboad there , which may be continued for a longer time , unless some considerable Change do happen . When we came to Sophia where the Way parts , one to Rhagusa , the other to Belgrade , Leyva , and Requisena , desiring of me to part Company , and to go to Rhagusa , that so they might more easily pa●s to Venice and Italy , and procure those Gifts which they promised to send to the Bassa's , and repay the Money they had borrowed at Constantinople ; and that they would send Letters of Thanks by me to Cesar , to give him due Acknowledgments for their Release : Which Service they would willingly have performed in Person , if their other Occasions had not hindred . I easily assented to their Requests , and I was the better pleased , because Requisena being a very old Man died before he came to Rhagusa : If I should have denied their Request , it might have been thought my Refusal had contributed to his Disease . So that Sandaeus and my self passed the rest of our Journey without any great Inconvenience ; for the truth is , he is a very jesting Man , and if he be troubled with grief , yet he knows how to cover it , and to pretend mirth outwardly . In our way many Pleasurable Things offered themselves ; sometimes we would alight and try which of us could run fastest ; I being lean could easily out-run him who was fat and pursie , as being newly come out of Prison . As we came near to any Village , Ebrahim would ride up to us , ( for he with his Turks followed greatly on Horseback ) and beseeched us by all that was dear to us , not to be seen on foot by the Villages , for it would be accounted a disgraceful thing for us amongst the Turks . Upon whose Advice sometimes we would go again into our Chariot , but sometimes we did walk afoot still . One of Sandaeus's Facetious sayings , I shall not pretermit ; when we came from Constantinople the Weather was very hot , and so it continued upon the Way , so that it palled my Appetite from Food , a very little served my Turn ; but Sandaeus being a robust healthy Person did eat like an Horse , and would ever and anon tell me that I must follow his Example and eat like a Man of mettle ; yet all his Advice was to no purpose , till about the beginning of October I drew near to the Borders of Austria ; and there partly on the account of the Country , and partly of the Season of the Year , I began to be more healthy , and to take a larger proportion of Food . When Sandaeus observed that I had a better Stomach than formerly , he began to vapour over me exceedingly , pretending that 't was by his Advice and Example that I had learned to eat my Meat , and that I who was so many years old had need of him as a Monitor to advice me to take due Sustenance for my Body ; so that if he were obliged to me for his Release , I was as much beholding to him for teaching me to take my necessary Food . In these Ludicrous Repartees we came to Tulna where we were accosted with some Trouble . Sandaeus u●ed to lye in the same House , if it were capacious enough to hold us both , if not , then he took his Lodgings at some Neighbouring House , that he might not incommode or straighten me : He was willing to do so at Tulna , and therefore he desired that the Ianizaries whom I brought with me from Constantinople to Buda , to be my Harbingers on the Way , to find out a convenient Lodging for him : One of my Servants and a Doctor of Physick , a Spaniard , whom Sandaeus had released at Constantinople at his own Charge , went along with the Ianizary . It happened that they lighted on the House of another Ianizary hard by , who was appointed as Governor of the Place to guard Passengers ; for the Turks use to appoint one or two Ianizaries in every noted Town to protect Christian Passengers from Violence ; by which Office they get no small Profit : But this Man had committed some Offence or other , was put out of his Office , and therefore was of a very surly & untoward Humour . My People viewed all his House , and not finding it for their turn , were going away ; the Ianizary first , my Servant next , a●d the Physician last of all . In the Interim , the Ianizary , Master of the House , being walking in his Garden , was told , that some Christian Passengers were seeking for a Lodging at his House : Whereupon he threw himself into a Rage , with a Club like Hercules in his Hand , and without speaking a word , strikes the Physician a great Blow on the Shoulders as hard as ever he was able ; the Physician to avoid the second Blow , ran out of the House : My Servant looking back , saw him lifting up his Club to strike him also , but he having a thing like an Hatchet in his Hand , held it cross-ways over his Head , and so kept off many a lusty Blow , till at last the Handle of the Hatchet by his often striking began to break ; Then my Servant was enforced to close in with the Ianizary , and was about to cleave his Skull with his Weapon ; Whereupon the Ianizary fled , and my Servant not being able to overtake him , threw the Hatchet after him , which cut him in the Hams , and fell'd him to the Ground ; by which Accident my People escaped : But the Physician cryed out , that he was a dead Man , and that all his Bones were broke in pieces . Sandaeus heard his Complaint , and though he were vext , yet he could not choose but smile , as thinking that the Doctor was more afraid than hurt : But that which grievously vexed and tormented him , was , left on this occasion he should be carried back to Constantinople : He was of Opinion that the Bassa's had not dealt sincerely in his Case , but had made only a pretence of Releasement to gratifie me , but did really seek an occasion to hall him back again there to Rot in Prison . And for the same cause he was much offended with that Servant of mine who had wounded the Ianizary , especially for saying , That he was very sorry that he had not killed him out-right upon the Spot . His Words to him were these : Honest Henry , ( for that was my Man's Name ) Prithee be not so Passionate , 't is no Time nor Place to shew thy Valour here ; we must bear Affronts patiently without any just Imputation of Cowardise ; will we , nill we , we are in their Power : This unseasonable Passion may bring great Mischief to us ; perhaps it may occasion us to be brought back to Constantinople , and there our whole Negotiation may be Reversed , or at least hazarded so to be . Thus new Troubles may arise , and a new Race of tiresom-labour to be run . I beseech thee therefore , as for other Reasons , so for my sake among the rest , restrain thy Passion . But Henry turned the deaf Ear to all his Perswasions ; for the truth is , he was a self-will'd inflexible Fellow ; and when he was angry , not capable to hear Reason . What care I , replyed he , if I had klll'd him . What! Did he not design to kill me ? If but one of his many Blows had not missed , he had knock'd me down like an Ox ; were I to be blamed if I slew him , who would have slain me first ? I am sorry withal my Heart , I did not give him his Deaths Wound : But for the future ( Take my Word for it ) I 'll spare never a Turk of them all ; but if he Assaults me , I 'll give him as good as he brings , though it cost me my Life . Sandaeus did not like this surly answer : But the Ianizary who had received the Wound , aggravated the Matter ; upon whose Complaint , two Iews that could speak Spanish , came to me , and told me , that he was dangerously hurt , and if he did not give him Satisfaction , the matter would not so soon be passed over , but would create great Trouble to me . I answered them as I thought fit ; but because I knew the Calumnies and Guise of the Turks , I thought it best speedily to prevent them ; and therefore sent presently one of the Youths to Ebrahim , desiring him to let one of his Servants to be a Guide to one of mine to Constantinople , a sudden Emergency had necessitated this Journey . Ebrahim wondred what the matter was , and came presently to me to know ; I told him I desired a better Convoy from Hali Bassa , otherways I was out of Hopes ever to reach home , for two of my Servants were like to be killed ; and then I told him the whole Story with the Circumstances thereof : Ebrahim soon perceived how much his own Freehold was concerned therein , and therefore desired me to have a little patience till he spoke with the Ianizary ; to whom he presently hyed , and found him in Bed ; he chid him grievously for being so abusive to us , and told him , that I had made Peace with the Port ; and was in great Favour with Solyman , and all the Bassa's , that they had denied none of my Requests , but had granted me several Concessions for my own sake , and that he himself was sent back to Convey me safe into my own Country , and to take Care that I might be Honourably Entreated by the way : That he was the first Man that offered me the least Affront ; and that I was sending back one to Constantinople to Complain thereof ; which , if I did , it may cost him his Head. This took down my Ianizary's Crest , and put him into a terrible Fear besides . The next Day we continued our Journey to Buda ; and the Physician notwithstanding his great Bruise , was as well able to Travel as any of us : When we came in sight of Buda , the Bassa thereof sent some of his own Family , with several Chiauxes to meet us ; and amongst the rest , there was a Troop of young Men on Horseback , which drew our Eyes after them in respect of the Novelty of their Garb ; their Heads were uncovered , and shaven upon their Crowns ; there was a long Line cut with a Knife , and in the Wound they stuck Feathers of several sorts ; and though Drops of Blood distilled down from their Wounds , yet they dissembled their Pain , and rode merrily on as if they Ailed nothing at all : Just before me there walked some Footmen , of which , one had his naked Arms a-keenbow , and both of them had a Knife , ( such as we call Oragensian ) run through their Arms above their Elbow ; the one was naked all the upper-parts to his Navel , the Skin of his Loyns being so cut in two places both above and below , that a Club being run through them , hung down from thence as from a Girdle ; another had a Horseshoe nailed to the Crown of his Head , and it was so old , that the Shoe and the Skin grew together . In this Posture we entred Buda , and were Introduced to the Bassa , with whom in the Presence of Sandaeus , I had a long Discourse concerning the Validity of the Truce I had made . In the Passage to him there stood those hardy Youngsters who so much undervalued their Pain ; casting my Eye upon them , the Bassa demanded , what I thought of them ? I think , said I , that they are brave Fellows ; only they do that to their Skins , which I would not do to my Cloaths for I had rather have them whole than slash'd . Whereupon the Bassa laughed , and dismissed us . The Day after we came to Granand , from thence to Gomarra , the Frontier Garrison of the Empire , situated on the River Wage ; on both sides its Banks the Garrison of the Place with the Seamen , called their Nassadists waited for us . Before I passed over the River , Sandaeus came to me , and embracing me in his Arms , gave me Thanks for compleating his Liberty : He told me plainly , he thought the Turks had but dissembled with him , and therefore he was in perpetual fear , lest he should be hauled back to Constantinople to dye in Prison ; but now being in the Emperor's Territories , he acknowledged himself to be eternally obliged to me . A few Days more brought us to Vienna ; Ferdinand the Emperor was then at the Imperial Dyet , with his Son Maximilian , about Inaugurating him King of the Romans . I acquainted Cesar with my Return , and with Ebrahim's coming , and desired to receive his Commands concerning him ; for he had a great Desire to wait upon the Emperor at Frankford : His Highness's first Answer was , That 't was best for the Turks to stay at Vienna till his Return , for it was not adviseable to carry an Enemy through the very heart of the Country , so long a way as 't was from Vienna to Frankford . And on the otherside , Delays were dangerous , and might create Suspicion in the Turks for some unfair dealing . As for Ebrahim and his Retinue , there was no danger in suffering them to pass thorow the most flourishing part of the Empire ; yea it was desirable rather , that thereby they might take an Estimate of the Strength and Greatness thereof , especially having so great an Opportunity at present , to take notice at Frankford with how great Unanimity of all the Electoral Princes Maximilian was chosen and designed Successor to the Emperor his Father : When I wrote back to the Emperor according to the Purport aforesaid , he assented that Ebrahim and his Retinue shou●d come to Frankford . We began our Journey thither by the way of Prague , Banberg , and Wirtzburg . Ebrahim passing thorow Bohemia was willing to perform his Court to Arch-Duke Ferdinand , but the Arch-Duke would have it Incognito . When we were a few Days Journey from Frankford , I thought good to Ride a Day or two's Journey before , to acquaint the Emperor with some Things relating to my Embassy ; which I did , and came to Franckford , that Day Seven Years but one , wherein I took my Journey from Vienna to Constantinople . I was then receiv'd by my Master with all imaginable Kindness , not that I deserv'd it , but 't was his innate Goodness and Custom so to do . You may imagine with your self , how joyous a thing it was to me , after so may Years to be returned safe to the Presence of my glorious Master , who was pleas'd kindly to accept of the Fruits of my Embassie ; and told me , that I had done all Things well , and that I should find the Effects of his Favour . He came to Franckford the Day before the Inauguration , late in the Evening when the Gates were shut , and all the following Day they were not to be opened by ancient Custom : But his Imperial Majesty gave express Command that they should be open'd for the Turks . They had a Place assigned them , from whence they might behold Cesar Elect to pass by with great Pomp and Splendour ; it appeared to them a Glorious and Magnificent Spectacle , for so indeed it was● to behold amongst others of Cesar's honourable Train ; three Dukes or Princes , each of which could raise a great Army in his own Territories ; to wit , the Saxon , Bavaria and Brandenburg : They saw also many other Monuments of the Dignity and Greatness of The Emperor . A few Days after Ebrahim was introduc'd into his Presence , where he declar'd his Errands , and presented the noble Gifts that the Sultan had sent him . the Emperor had confirm'd the Peace , he rewarded him amply , and sent him back with large Presents to Soliman . I am very willing to leave the Court , as not being pleas'd with that kind of life , but some private Businesses doth as yet detain me . I know the tediousness of Court-Attendance ; much Mischief lyes under an appearance of Splendor , much of Disguise , but little of Candor is there ; all Courts are subject to Envy ; as faithful Friendship is hard to be found , where change of Mind may occasion a Man's sudden Ruine : For Princes themselves are but Men : I have seen a Man enter into the Court with a thousand Attendants , but his Princes Displeasure sent him packing away scarce one in his Company . A Court does not know that which is truly good , till 't is too late ; it is altogether lead by Shows , Shadows , Fallacies , and Popular Mistakes : As those are fortunate Men who can lead such a Life in safety ; so give me leave to live to the Muses and my self , and to grow old in a Country Cottage , but with some few and trusty Friends ; if any life be desirable in this earthly Pilgrimage , 't is this , or none at all . Look upon the Court , and you will find there a debauch'd Noble preferr'd before a good Man. So that he that would represent a good Man amongst Courtiers , must paint as Ass amongst Apes . I speak of common Courts , for I know that our Court , as well as some others , are illustrated with many Excellent and Noble Personages . However● Solitude and Quiet affording Vacation to Study , is preferr'd by me before the Croud and Noise of Courts . But I am afraid , lest the best of Princes should stop my Retreats . 'T is true , he gave me leave to depart , but upon this Condition , that I should return when call'd upon . If he commands me to Court again , ( for who am I that can withstand the Desire of so Gracious a Prince : ) This one truly Comfort will be left me , that I shall behold every Day the Face of the Devoutest of all Emperors ; ( or to Phrase it otherwise ) to Contemplate the living Image of true Vertue . For assure your self , that the Sun never Beautify'd a better Prince then this , nor one who carries and weilds the Scepter more justly . Though it be true , that the Majesty of Empire is a Glorious Thing , yet to desire Empire , and to carry ones self worthy of it , is more Glorious . I speak not of his Birth , nor the Nobleness of his Ancestors , he needs not such forreign Helps ; his own Vertue is prop enough . Many Emperors have been , though unworthy , rais'd to the Throne ; but his own Vertue raised him thereunto . Again , Some have manag'd the beginning of their Reign innocently and justly , but soon after they have degenerated into licentiousness of Life , and corrupt Manners of all sorts : Forgetting themselves to be Men , they would be esteem'd as Gods , and ador'd as such , endeavouring to be plac'd among the Gods ; whereas they were unworthy to be reckon'd in the number of Men. All Men's Necks cannot bear the Burden of an high Estate , to which if they are advanc'd , they forget themselves . 'T is an hard thing to be able to compass all that a Man desires , and and yet t is as hard to desire nothing but that which is good . But as for our Prince his Eyes are not dazled by Greatness ; no Man retains Vertue more constantly than he , nor takes greater heed that his pure Mind be not defiled by the hate of his Fortune . He was always of this Opinion , That as Majestick Robes do affect the Eyes of Spectators , so the Sanctity of Manners should much more incline their Minds . Whereupon he highly studies Piety , is a holy Worshipper and Adorer of God , and lives always as in his Sight and Presence ; he squares all his Actions throughout the whole course of his Life by a Divine Rule an Prescript : Whatever happens either Prosperous or Adverse , he looks upon God as the Author , and receives it gratefully as proceeding from his Hand . Thus he lives an Heavenly Life even upon the Earth ; he is not ignorant , whose Image he bears , and therefore all his Words and Deeds are directed for the Public Good , for which he thinks he was Born , and therefore Prefers it before his Private Advantages ; He is so Intent herein , that some blame him for being over-much addicted to the Common-wealth , and neglecting his own Children and Family : He is extreamly Courteous to all his Subjects , as if they were under his particular Care , and Himself the Father of so vast a Family . What poor Man hath ever desired his help in vain ? Who is there that hath not experienced his Liberality ? He thinks that Day lost wherein he hath not done some Good to some body . As he is Beneficent to all , so he is singular kind to his Domesticks : not a Man of them can say , that ever he was neglected by them . He knows their way of Life , the Deserts , yea and the very Names even of the meanest of them : Tho' he be so great a Prince , yet he counts it not below himself , at convenient Opportunity to warn the Negligent , and put them in mind of their Duty ; and if they mend their Manners , to reward them accordingly : So that they depart from him , rather as from a Father than a Master . 'T is also his Guise , his Custom , when he hath been angry with his Servants for some Days , when upon his Amendment he hath pardon'd him , the memory of the Injury is quite forgotten , he esteems them as much as he did before . He Administers Justice with great Equity , and that to himself as well as others , for he thinks it unreasonable to prescribe Laws to others , and break them himself ; or to punish them in others , which he allows in himself . His passions are conquer'd and confin'd within the Rule of Reason ; his Life is free from Hate , he knows not how to be Angry , nor to reproach others ; there is no Man living that ever heard him Backbite , though they were none of his Friends : He never speaks rudely of any Man , and his Speech is alway honourable concerning them in their absence ; Probity is safe under his Guardianship ; but malice , force , fraud , Evil , and bad Manners are exterminated , Offences and wickednesses duly punish'd . The old Romans had Censors of Manners impos'd upon them , to retain the People in their Duty ; but here ther is no need of any Censor , the Life of the Prince is Censors enough ; he is an Example to all , what they should fly and what they should follow . Good and learned Men which may profit the Commonwealth he highly esteems , with these he is Conversant , and laying aside His Majesty , Treats them Friendly as his Equals ; yea , He Emulates their Vertues without respect , whether they were Paternal and Hereditary , or gotten by their own Industry . With these he spends the little time he had ●eft from Publick Business : These are the Persons highly Esteem'd by him , as judging it a Publick Benefit to restore due Honour unto Vertue . He himself being curious by Nature , and desirous to know something worthy of a Man , has always some Questions to propound the Learned , and sometimes he interposes some witty Querks of his own to the Admiration of his Hearers . Thus he hath got a considerable Stock of Learning , so that you can hardly question him in any thing , but he can give you some account thereof . He is skilful in many Tongues ; first , in the Spanish which is his Mother's Tongue , next in the French , German , Latin , and Italian ; He can Express himself pretty handsomly in the Latin , yet not so , but that sometimes he breaks Priscian's Head , a Fault blame-worthy in a Grammarian , but allowable in an Emperor . What I have said of him , all Men living know to be true , but perhaps some impute this as a Defect , that he is not so much given to Alms , nor is not a Military Person : For , say they , the Turks carry all in Hungary , and we don't Help nor Relieve them as we ought ; we should have Fought them , not Languages , and joyn'd Armies in the Field ; that it might be known whom Providence would have to bear Rule : I confess this Objection savours of Darkness , more than of Prudence , and therefore let me fetch the Matter a little higher . I am of this Opinion , That the Genius of Emperors is to be judg'd of rather by their Councils , than by their Fortunes or Events , and that by those Councils , the Times , our own Strength , the Nature and Power of our Enemies is to be Regulated . If a Common Enemy well known to us , and Famous for no Victory , should Invade our Borders , 't were Cowardice not to oppose them if we have Force enough . But if the Enemy be such who seem sent as a Scourge from God , ( such was Atala of old , Tamarlane in the Days of our Forefathers , and the Ottoman Princes in our Age ) Whom nothing can withstand , who lays all waste before him , to Oppose such an Enemy with small and new levied Forces , would not be only Rash , but even Madness it self . Solyman comes terrible , I say , by his own and his Ancestor's Successes : He Invades Hungary with 20000 Horse , he draws near to Austria , and threatens the rest of Germany ; his Troops are fetch'd from the very Confines of Persia ; his Army is furnish'd with many Nations , each of the Three known Parts of the World Conspire therein for our Destruction : He like Lightning strikes down all before him with his battering Army , of the Terror of his Name , he roars and Hovers in our Borders , striving to break in sometimes here , sometimes there . Some Nations of old when they have been threatned with such and such Potent Enemies , have left their Native Country , and have sought out other Habitations . To be unmoved in small Dangers , is but a mean kind of Praise ; but not to be Terrify'd by the coming of so great an Enemy , who has laid Waste so many bordering Kingdoms , seems to me an Herodian kind of Constancy . Amidst these Dangers Ferdinand Heroically abides in the same Place , he deserts not his Station ; but being of an unconquer'd Spirit , abides in the same Seat and State : He could wish his Forces were sufficient to put all to the hazard of a Battel , and that nothing of Madness were imputable to him upon that account ; but Prudence doth moderate his generous Efforts : He sees with what a great Hazard of his Faithful Subjects , and the Ruine of all Christendom , and unsuccessful Battel will be fought , and that the Publick should pay for his Rashness , is very unwilling ; he considers how unequal the Combat would be between 25 or 30000 Foot , with a small number of Horse , and 200000 , supported with a veterate Body of Foot , what Hopes there may be of Success in that Case , the Example of former Times , and the Blood-shed at Nicapolis , and at Varna , and the Fields of Mohach , as yet white with the Bones of Christians slain there , do sufficiently inform us . 'T is the part of a foolish Commander without duly weighing his own and the Enemies Strength to rush into Battel , where his Loss can be only excus'd with an unwise , I had not thought . 'T is all in all what the Enemy is with whom we are to cope , wherein if you will not believe , yet you may believe the gravest Author that ever wrote of Military Affairs ; such was Cesar , he counted it a Happiness to Lucull●s and to Pompey , that they had to do with a sloathful Enemy , over whom they got Victories without Dust or Sweat ; and when he himself had obtained such an easie Victory over Pharnaces , he was wont in jest to say , I came , I saw , I overcame : But if he had had to do with the People of those Countries , then Esseminated by Luxury , but now hardned by Want , Frugality , Hunger , Cold , and Severity of Discipline , unto all Patience and Audacity , he would have told us another story . Hence it is , that Livy reasons upon good grounds , that Alexander the Macedonian would not have had the same Success against the Roman Enemy , as against the Persian or Womanish Indian : There is a great deal of difference between a Warlike and a Luxurious People , and unaccustomed to Arms. 'T is true , the Multitude of Persians , struck an Admiration , That there was more Toil in Killing , than in Overcoming them . And in my Judgment , Hannibal's Three Victories at Trebia at Thrasymine , and at Cannae , did far Exceed all the Exploits of Alexander : For why ? the one overcame Valiant Warriors , the other had to do with the sloathful People . Fabius maximus had as much Courage , as Titus , Sempronius , Caius , Flaminius , or Varro ; but he had more Judgment : That great Commander knew that he had to do with an Enemy educated in the Camp , always vers'd in Arms , skilful in Military Discipline , who by a singular Fate or Felicity , had obtained many Trophies ; and therefore he was not rashly to Venture all , but to use Delay to weary him out ; that was the only Hope left against so great an Enemy to evade his Assaults , and to drill on the Combat till an Opportunity was afforded for a Remedy . In the mean time , he was to be watch'd , restrain'd , and as it were , nibbl'd at ; wherein he was so happy , that Fabius , one as much Renown'd as Scipio himself , who ended the War against Hannibal ; for who knows whether Scipio would have ever overcome him , if Fabius had not first stopt the Course of his Victories ; to overcome by Prudence is as highly to be priz'd , as to overcome by Force . The former have nothing common with Beasts , but Force has . The Emperor Ferdinand had the same Design with Fabius maximus , if his and Solyman's Forces had been equal ; his first Work would have been , to put all to the hazard of a Battel ; but the inequality consider'd , his next Design was , to stop an over-flowing Flood in Walls and Banks , and herein employ'd his utmost Endeavour . 'T is about Forty Years since Solyman in the beginning of his Reign took Belgrade , slew Lewis King of Hungary , and thereby promis'd himself the possession of that and other Countries ; in hope whereof he Besieg'd Vienna , and renewing the War , he reduc'd Ghnitzium again , threaten'd Vienna at a distance . But what did he get by this great Preparation of Arms , his vast and innumerable Forces ? He was forc'd to stick in that part of Hungary which he had already taken . He that was wont to Conquer vast Kingdoms by one Expedition , did now subdue only some weak Castles and small Towns , which cost him dear : 'T is true , he saw Vienna once , but never after : 'T is said , that Solyman wish'd his Life to be prolonged , to see three Things finish'd ; viz. The Structure of his Temple , a sumptuous and magnificent Work ; the repairing of the old Aquaeducts to bring Water enough into Constantinople , and the Conquest of Vienna ; the two first he hath accomplish'd , but at the third he sticks , and I hope ever will ; so that he always calls Vienna , his Ignominy and Disgrace . But to return . The Emperor Ferdinand may doubtless be Register'd among the famousest Captains , for though he had far less Aid than the Danger requir'd ; yet he was Master of himself , and principally by his Courage , he hath endured so great an Impression of a Powerful Enemy for so many Years together : So that he deserves a greater Praise for the preserving a great part of Hungary for better Times , than many Warriors do , who with multitude of Military Preparations , and favourable Opportunities have got many Victories over Kings and their Armies , The less Assistance he hath had in a necessary Time , by so much the more , the Valour of his Mind hath more Eminently appear'd : Whosoever doth not put all upon one Event and the height of Happiness , not considering the Power of the Enemy , and the seasonableness of Assaulting him , must needs conclude , That 't is next to a PRODIGY , that the kingdom of Hungary , distracted with long Discord , was able to be defended so long , and that all of it is not already brought under the Yoak of so powerful an Enemy : 'T is God's great Mercy , and our Princes infinite Care that hath prevented it , whilst he is Combating with one Difficulty , another arises in view , greater than the former . The Enemy is in sight , Friends afar off , the Auxiliaries of his Brother Charles too far off Germany ; though next to the Fire , yet weary in sending of Aid ; the hereditary Countries exhausted by Contribution , and the Ears of many Christian Princes deaf when Aid is desir'd of them ; would rather do any thing , than that which is incumbent upon them ; upon that he is forced to sustain the Enemy only with his own Arms , with the assistance of some Hungarians , Austrians , and Bohemians , and sometimes by hiring some Italian or Spanish Soldiers at a vast Expence ; he maintains the Confines of Hungary with Garrisons fifteen Days Iourney long ; so that he had always Soldiers in Pay , even in time of Truce : A Truce is sometimes necessary , and when the coming of a Tyrant is fear'd , and the Time affords not the Opportunity of Resistance , 't is seasonable to send Embassies , and to mitigate him at present , that so great a Calamity may be averted from miserable Hungary . Whilst our Prince is exercised with these Fears , he can hardly sleep a whole Night together , he watches for the Good of the Common-wealth ; so great a Matter requires a perpetual Vigilance and constant Care : And do not you think I slatter him ? what I write is as true as History . He hath but few Assistants in his Government , but very good Men ; the Chief of whom , not unknown to you be Name , are , Iohanes Tranezed , Rudolphus Harva , both Eminent for their Faithfulness and Prudence . I shall dismiss you after I have acquainted you with our Prince's private Deportment , he rises every Day at Five a Clock in the Morning , even in the coldest Winter Months ; and first , he performs his Prayers to God , then he goes to the Council to Treat of Matters pertaining to the Publick Good , till Dinner-time ; he follows the same course in the Afternoon , till Supper-time : I mean his Counsellors Supper , not his own ; for he himself never Sups , eating but once a Day , and that sparingly too ; and he is as abstainous in Drinking ; only he closes his Dinner with a double Glass of Wine ; he passes the Night chastly ever since the loss of his Royal Consort : He can't endure Toys nor Trifles , which others are taken with ; He will have nothing to do with Jesters , Fools , Parasites , the common Delights , and yet Plagues of Courts : He hates Idleness , he is a very great Husband of his Time , if he has any to spare from publick Business , which is but rare ; he spends it in Conference with good and learned Men , who are his great Delight , and do ordinarily attend him while he is at Dinner , mingling Discourses concerning several Things . I believe that several of the Commons would not change their Life for his , 't is so strict and severe : What Man is there that does not set apart some part of his Time to indulge his own Genius ? Who would willingly deprive himself of all Delights ? To whom would it not seem irksom to grow old in perpetual Care and Business . This seems like a Servitude , not a Domination : But our Prince is of another mind ; neither doth he dissemble it in his ordinary Discourse : He says , He was Advanc'd to so great an Office by God , not for his own sake , that the Reins of Government were not put into his Hands to wallow in Pleasures and Delights : The case of Succession in Kingdoms and Empires , differs from the condition of private Inheritances ; in these latter no Man is deny'd to indulge himself in the Conveniencies of his Patrimony . But so many Nations are intrusted to him by God , that he might have the Care and Labour , and they the Benefit of his Care , so that they should obtain Rest and Quiet by his Sweat. In Hunting alone he spends a little time , not so much for Delights-sake , as for Health ; as when he finds his Body to decay , and his Mind to sink , by continual sitting many Days together , he chooses one Day to refresh himself with the freer Air in the open Field ; and that Day early in the Morning , and in Winter some Hours before Sun-rising , whatever Weather soever it be , he goes abroad to Hunting , and sometimes he does it in the Afternoon ; for I remember when I attended him at Dinner , I heard him say ; I have done my Duty this Day ; I have dispatch'd all Businesses that are on the File , I will spend the rest of the Day on the Care of my Body . Thus he returns late at Night with the slaughter of a Boar , Stag , or Bear , and betakes his wearied Limbs to rest , without Eating or Drinking . Let no Man then upbraid with the want of Trajans , Veruces , and Theodosius's ; those Miracles of the Ancients in our Days : I dare take my Oath , that there is more true Vertue in our Emperor , than there was in all of them put together . But the Admiration of so great a Man transports me ; 'T is not my Design to speak of his Merits , they require a Volume not an Epistle ; besides they require an Ingenuity far exceeding mine ; and therefore my end was only to put you in mind of these Things , that you may know what Master I serv'd . I close all with this publick Prayer , That he may return late to Heaven , whose Vertuous and Sanctimonious Presence , alleviates the Miseries of our Age. Concerning the Greek-Books which you enquire after , and the Rarities , and the wild Beasts of an unusual kind , which you hear I have brought back ; they are hardly worth the mentioning : Amongst them , there is one Iohneumon very gentle , which is known for its cruel hate with the Crocodile and Asps ; I had also a Weazle of that kind , as they call Musk-Cats , very beautiful ; but I lost that on the way : I have many brave Horses , such as no Man ever brought from thence before , and six She-Camels : I brought back no Shrubs nor Herbs , but in Picture , which I left in the Care of Mathiolus , with some other Th●ngs , many years ago . I sent him Tapestry and Linnen after the Babylonian fashion , with Swords , Bows , and other Trapings : I have also many other Things made of Horse-Hides , curiously wrought after the Turkish fashion ; 't was better to say , I had them ; for in so great an Assembly of principal Men and Women at Francfort , one ask'd one Thing , and another another ; so that I have but a small matter left : the rest of my Gift was well bestow'd ; but I was sorry that I was prodigal of one Balsom , Because Physicians call the truth of it into question , as not answering all the Marks that Pliny gives of it : Whether it be that the force of those ancient Plants from whence it flows , be weakned by age , or from any other cause ; this I know for certain , that it flows from Shrubs In the Mattarcan Gardens near Cairo . Before I left Constantinople , I sent one Albercarus a Spanish Physician into Lemnos , on the Sixth Day of August , to be present at the digging out that noble Earth , desiring him to write me the certainty concerning its Place , Origin , manner of Extracting and Use , which I know he will do , if he be not hinder'd : I had a mind to go thither my self to be an Eye-witness thereof ; but the Turks not giving me leave , I deputed him in my stead : I bring back also abundance of old Coins , the chief of which I shall present my Master with . Besides , I have whole Waggon-loads , if not Ship-loads of Greek Manuscripts , and about 240 Books , which I sent by Sea to Venice , from thence to be carried to Vienna : I design them for Cesar's Library ; there are many of them common , but some choice ; I rumag'd every Corner to procure such kind of Merchandize as my last gleaning . I left one behind at Constantinople , all very well written in great Letters ; it was Diascorides , with the Figures of Plants , wherein there were some few Things of Cretiva , and the Book of Birds ; 't is in the possession of a Iew , the Son of Hammon , who in his Life-time was Solyman's Physician : I desir'd to buy it , but the Price frighted me , he rated it at 100 Duckats ; a Price fit for Cesar's Purse , not mine ; however I will not cease to press Cesar to redeem so Famous an Author from that Bondage : 't is very much injur'd by Time , and so eaten with Worms on the out-side , that a Man will harrdly take it up if it lay in the Streets . But enough of Letters , you may expect my self very shortly ; I shall reserve what remains till we meet : In the mean time , do you take Care to provide some good and learned Men , by whose Conversation and Discourse , I may wipe-away all that tedious Irksomness remaining in my Mind , from my long abode among the Turks . Franckfort , Decem. the 16th . 1562. Farewell . BUSBECKEUS HIS ADVICE About the Method how to manage WAR against the TURKS . WHen the City Sardis was taken by Caius King of the Persians , his Soldiers were ransacking it , & Slaughtering the Inhabitants in every Quarter : It is Recorded , That one of Cyrus's Soldiers broke into Cresus's Bed-Chamber , the King of Lydia ; and not knowing who he was , drew his Sword , and would have ran him through : At which Accident Cresus's Son was very much moved , but till that time was Dumb and could not Speak . But behold the Strings of his Tongue were suddenly loosed , crying out , he spake some words , which deterred the Soldier from slaying the King. Thus filial Piety , and the Groans of his Father's Danger , made him able to speak , whom Nature had made Speechless till that very time : The like Providence , though on a different Occasion , hath happened to me , whom Love to my Country will not suffer me to be any longer mute , no though I am but a rude and unskilful Orator , and who never yet offered any thing to Publick Cry : But the extream Hazard of my Country compels me now to roar and cry out ; not that I think that I can thereby daunt the Enemy from cutting our Throats : ( For his Savageness is such , that he will not be frightned hereby ; ) but that I may warn Christian Princes to take heed to themselves , and that I may warn my Country-men , that whilst Time lasts they would Aid one another , and consult their Safety : For ( O Heavens ! ) what mischievous Unhappiness is this , and what a Womb of Miseries , that barbarous Enemy the Turk having Conquered Nations almost without number , by the Ruine and Destruction of so many Kings and Kingdoms , hath opened his way to us also , and points his Sword at the very Throat of our Country ; yet truly we are not concern'd , nor stir not at all to Aid distressed Christendom : If Fire break out in the City where we live , every body leaves the Care of his private affairs and useth endeavours to quench it : But we , alas , that would be accounted Lovers of our Country , yet in this her Jeopardy , we do shew our selves only Idle and Sluggish Spectators ; her beauteous Love which the Enemy will soon spoil , our Worship and Religion , which he will soon make us to abjure , and the silent Supplication of our Wives and Children , that we would not suffer them to be hauled into the basest of Slaveries , do no way affect us . The sloathfullest of all Animals when they find their Young to be in danger , will not be restrained by any force , but will run through Fire and Water to help them . And shall we on the contrary , though valiant Men , betray our Posterity , and expose them to the Injuries and Abuses of such cruel Enemies for want of our Assistance to Relieve them . For pray tell me what other Hopes can you have ? what● Defence ? what Safeguards ? Can you place any Hope in the Goodness and Clemency of that Enemy , who since he publickly shewed himself upon the Stage of the World , hath caused Rivers of Humane Blood continually to flow ? Or can you put any Confidence in his Equity and Moderation ? Alas , he values not Peace nor Leagues , not a Straw , no Common Laws of other Nations are a jot regarded by him , no Modesty , nor no Consideration of that which is Honest does keep him within his Bounds : He will violate his Faith , his Oath made to any man that is a Christian , when it is for his own Advantage ; he thinks it so far from being a Sin , that he counts it a pious and a sacred Thing . Beside , his profane Religion stirs him up against us ; the Emulation of his Ancestors , and the desire of inlarging his Empire , puts Arms into his Hands ; and that cursed and insatiable Thirst after all our Estates hurries him on upon us . For we are quite beside the Cushion if we imagine that either our Conscience , or our Forgetfulness of Injury received , will contribute at all to our Security ; no , the modester we are , and the more observant of Peace and of Leagues , and of that which is just and right , we shew our selves to be , by so much the more we shall provoke the Insolency of this Enemy aginst us ; for we owe not these things to our Valour or Goodness , but to our Fear , Sluggishness , and despair of our own Affairs . And the truth is , we have no reason to put any Trust in our Enemy , if we have none in our selves ; and in this case , what remains but we do as Men that have received the Sentence of Death , quietly to prepare our selves for our last Stroke , with blinded Eyes to receive the Blow . And if you should imagine that either his Force or his Fortune should fail him , we may answer our selves , by considering that from an obscure Original his Victories obtained both by Land and Sea , and that in a very short space of Time have made him Famous all the World over ? The Fire began by him , from such beginnings he hath almost consumed the greatest part of the World. The Eastern People being wearied by him do dread his Arms ; as the Assyrians , Barbarians , and Americans , the Edge of whose Sword even the Sythians themselves now also have often felt , and the Ethiopians too in another part of the World , who were formerly secured by the Heat of the Country , I need say nothing of Europe , for we have seen Belgrade taken , Vienna Besieged , and Preys driven even from the Gates of Lintz ; Such towards our Destruction hath Solyman alone been able to make , besides his other Victories : But alas , 't is the Guise of our Christian Kings to continue Peace among themselves from Generation to Generation , though it be but for a Spot of Land , whereas every single Emperor of the Ottomans , ( I speak it with as much Grief as Truth ) have heaped up KINGDOMS upon KINGDOMS by their Victorious Success : So that as many Countries as those once flourishing Nations , the Assyrians , the Persians , the Macedonians , and the Romans , so Comprehended within the Bounds of their Empires ; the Turks alone now seem to possess . And will not all this make us to see our Danger ? What Sea is there ? what Mountains ? what Desarts ? What remnant of People between them and us , from whom we can expect any Relief against their Injuries ? No , all is lost and spoiled . Alas , their Swords are at our very Throats , who should have struck a Terrour to us at a far greater distance ; so that now the very Blood of our Country , and our own last Breath , is like a Sanguinary Quinsie , and we have not this crum of Comfort left us , which is oftentimes found even in the greatest Calamities , that we can have any solid ground of hope , that these our Miseries be not long lived . Other Barbarous Nations have oftentimes brought grievous Calamities on many Christian Provinces by sudden Tempest ; thus the Goths , Vandals , Huns and Tartars , have over-run many Countries , and brought great Havock upon them ; which Miseries seemed the more tolerable , because there was hopes that they would not be perpetual : And therefore after the Storm was over , those Places which were Weather-beaten and almost destroy'd , did again recover their former Splendor . But this Enemy is so watchful , and observes that strict Discipline and Course , in preserving the Places that he hath gotten , that when he Rules and Reigns , and hath once set his Foot , he suffers not himself to be removed from thence : So that to speak by way of Allusion , That Corn can never ripen again , whom once his Horses heels hath trodden to the Ground . So that it is hard to discern , whether he be more happy in acquiring , or more resolute in maintaining his Conquests . Seeing then we are surrounded with so great Dangers , Why do we not lay our Heads together ? Why do we not try all ways , and turn every Stone ? Why doth the ingenious Necessity which would effect admirable Works , lie stupid and dormant in us ? The wildest of Beasts may be our Authors in this place , apprehending themselves in the greatest danger ; how strongly will they strive for their own liberty , who in a case of Life and Death , will valiantly set up and attempt any thing for their liberty ; they will try all means , that so they may find a way to escape : In fine , They will lose their Life rather than their Liberty . But perhaps some may make this Objection , What then do you advise to secure the present State of Affairs , against the Dangers and Mischiefs that hang over our Heads ? It is easie for any body to do : But what Remedy is there for it ? This is the Question we ask of you ; speak something to this Head if you can say any thing . I answer , I will take you at your word , and will declare my mind , and that in short : First is to be used Arms ; Arms must be opposed to Arms ; nothing can well be done without Arms ; the Safety of our Country is to be maintained by Sword and Buckler , or we must all Perish , every Man : This is as true as the Gospel , but God forbid that it should be ; let us rather fly to our Arms , which are not hid under Ground ; and if they were , yet we were with great Diligence to pluck them out ; neither are they to be far fetch'd from remote Countries , but they are near us , they are ready , and , if we will our selves , we have them in our hands . There are gallant Men enough bred up amongst us ; we have a numerous Youth fit for War , who are ready to spend the last drop of their Blood for their Country and for their Religion : We want neither Horses , nor Iron , nor Gold , nor Forces , nor Engines , nor great Guns , nor other Utensils for War ; the Divine Bounty hath largely supplied us with a considerable hand , with all things necessary to undertake and perfect great Designs , provided always that we do not refuse to make use of them . I say , we want only Will , and force of Hands , which we ought seasonably to apply , while a competency of Strength remains , and before all things run to rack irreconcilably ; for otherwise we may look back upon neglected Advice , when it is in vain and to no purpose ; and then we shall be served as those Sick Men , who whilst it was seasonable , and their Strength entire , did even kick at the mention of Physick ; and could by no manner of means be perswaded to make use of Healthful Potions in season ; but when the opportunity is pass'd , and the Disease is come to the heighth , that their weakned Bodies cannot bear Physick , then they seek for the Physician and his Remedy to no purpose . Their Example ought to forewarn us before the Enemy hath wounded us all over , and whilst no Wounds are Mortal , and whilst we have yet some Blood left in our Veins ; to apply a Remedy in time ; that is , to hasten to our Arms : to prepare our selves vigorously for our Defence . If we do thus , then we may make our Supplications to God , and may fairly hope that he will not turn his Back to us ; but if we pretend Piety as a Cloak for our Sloathfulness , think to take a shorter cut , which is , to implore the Divine Aid against the Mischiefs that hang over our Heads by Prayer , without our own Pains , Labour and Study , certainly God will turn the Deaf Ear to so unjust a Petition . No , we ought in the first place to do our own Duty , and to fill up the Measure of Diligence , Stoutness and Valour , which God hath given us principally for this end and purpose . We should imitate the Husband-man , who doth in vain expect a plentiful Harvest from God , unless he first Plow , Sow and Reap . God hath appointed a sure and fixed Order in these Sublunary Things , which by no means ought to be slighted or neglected ; hath propounded many Rewards to Pains-taking , Diligence , Assiduity , Cunning , and to Virtue ; which he hath denied to Sloathfulness . Would you be a Scholar , would you understand Musick , Astronomy , or the Mathematicks , you must first take pains to learn them , and that with might and main ? Heaven will not Inspire you with these things if you be Idle ; no , you must take Pains to attain them in that way , and by those designs which God hath appointed ; he hath given you means to attain them , provided you be not wanting to your self ; make use of them in the first place , and then God will give you his Blessing and Increase . In the like manner , would you defend your Country , would you conquer your Enemy , and would you enjoy Victory , you will never be able to do it by sitting Idly and Sloathfully at home ; no , you must up and be doing , take Arms in hand , and exercise diligently therein ; you must confine your self to Toil , to Heat , to Drouth , to Hunger . Being thus accoutred you may implore the Divine Aid ; thus you may go hopefully on into the Field , for you have done that Duty , and you have duly used the Means which God hath vouchsafed you ; you have observed his Order , and have not despised the Laws which he hath fixed ; and in this posture we may commend the Issue of the thing , by our devout Praise , and Integrity of Life , to his Clemency and Goodness . For Victory is not in our Power , but it is God's Privilege alone to bestow it ; and yet sometimes we see that those are made Partakers thereof , who do not lawfully and in due order seek it of him : And if it happen otherwise sometimes ( which it seldom does ) it is next to a Miracle ; for we ought not to tempt God , nor to undertake any thing rashly . And in my Judgment Cato spoke very pertinently , when he exhorted the Senate to take Arms against Catiline , in these words , It is true , the matter is dangerous , but you do not fear it , though you ought greatly so to do : But such is your Sloathfulness and Effeminacy , that you dally with it , looking one upon another , as if you trusted in Mortal Gods for your Safety , who have oftentimes preserved this Common-wealth in the greatest of Dangers . I must tell you , that the Aid of God is obtained , not by bear Wishes and womanish Complaints : No. But if we be Vigilant , if we be Active , if we take Advice , then all things will succeed prosperously : But if thou give up thy self only to Wishings and Wandrings , it is in vain to ask help of the Gods ; they are angry , and will s●it in thy Face . Let us therefore do what belongeth to us , let us stand armed in our Camp ready for the Work and Onset , and then we may lawfully implore God's Aid and Assistance . But here some Good and Thinking Men lay a Block in my way , alledging , That this Method to heal our publick Calamities , hath been oftentimes tried , but never succeeded : And that Christians , as often as they have joyned Battle with the Turks , have been worsted by them . I own the Objection , and acknowledge that there is great weight in it ; and the Truth is , my chief Design in writing this Monitory , was to give a full answer thereunto . You say that we have hitherto prevailed by Force of Arms little against the Turks ; grant that it is so : But pray tell me what Arms we have used ? It is worth our while to dwell a little upon this Point . When publick Fame had informed us , that the Turk , with a numerous Army , was infesting our Borders , and drawing near towards us ; it is true indeed , we endeavoured to gather Forces also ; but what Forces were they , or what manner of Soldiers did we List ; Were they Victorious ? Were they such whose Valour had been proved in former Battels , and which had been accustomed to Conquer ? By no means , but rather Men of quite another Gizard : Drums were beaten up all over the Country , and at their Sound there came in Men higly pigly for hope of Gain ; perhaps three to one of them had hardly wore a Helmet before , or ever looked an Enemy in the Face : And the rest were the Scum of the Country , as Thieves , Debauchees , Gamesters , Men over Head and Ears in Debt , and such-like . Excepting only a very few , who were not at all influenced by the Justness of their Cause , nor by their Love to Religion , nor desire to exercise their Valour , but by a Licentious Impunity for Drinking , Diceing , Plundering , Whoring , and committing Sacrilege ; and in a word , whom all manner of Flagitious Wickedness brought together . With such a Rabble-rout , or rather with the Horridest or worst of Mortals , hateful both to God and Man , do we begin this Sacred War against so great an Enemy . Hence it is , that our Camps do seem rather a Riotous Wake , than a Convention of Soldiers ; for amongst them Luxury Corruption , Lust , Impurity , Drunkenness , Tumults , Brauling , and Blood-shed , turn all things up-side down . And yet this is the goodly Soldiery ( forsooth ) that we are to raise at great Charge , and also to fetch from far with much loss of time , when the matter requires the greatest speed imaginable . The Luxuries of Campania broke the Army of Hannibal's , which before was hardy and accustomed to Toil : But as for us we have need of no Campania to debauch us , for our Soldiers do bring Effeminateness and Feebleness enough into the Army when they are first Listed . And therefore if they meet with no Enemy to fight with , yet in the space of a Month , either the Heat of the Dog-days , or the first pinching Winter Colds , do destroy our Troops , though never so great . And can we wonder , if with such Soldiers as these , we can obtain no Success against such a Well-disciplined Enemy ? Alas ! If any of us have a private Grudge one against another , or if we are to travel through a place infested by Robbers , we do not go hand over head as they say , but we commit the guard of our Persons to such Spectators as will stick by us : Besides if any Business happen of more than ordinary weight , we use not to commit the Management thereof to any , but Men of great Experience and Skill . But in this grand Affair , where the Safety of all is at Stake , we are so careless , that either we send forth an unsuitable Soldiery , or else such as is almost conquered before it looks an Enemy in the Face ; and this heartens an Enemy whom so many Victories have already made Famous . I return to what I spoke in the beginning , that we must defend the Publick Safety by a choice and fitting Soldiery , or else we can have no hopes but to be utterly destroy'd . But you will say , What kind of Soldiers would you have ? I answer , Those of our own Country , and chosen out of our Neighbourhood ; for seeing haste is very available in Military Affairs , and that it is especially necessary against so nimble an Enemy as the Turks , we need an Army which is not to be far fetch'd nor long staid for , but such a one as is ready at hand , and as it were always at our call . And we are not to take every one that comes , or that we light upon by chance ; but having taken enough , all which are able to take Arms , we are with great Judgment to cull out the best of them : In which choice we must take especial care , that we pitch not upon a Man who hath been daintily bred , and highly fed ; or whom a depraved Education hath infected with Vice , and Idleness hath not corrupted ; that no Hair-brain'd , Mad , Contumacious , Turbulent or Seditious Fellow be listed ; but such only as are not delicate , but fit to endure Toil ; and such as having a good habit of Body , do in their very Countenances hold for it a certain Simplicity , Probity , and greatness of Mind . On which account I had rather fix upon one that was accustomed to a Stirring and Laborious , than to a Sedentary Trade ; upon a Country-man rather than a Citizen ; upon one born upon a Mountain , rather than in a Valley ; upon a mean Man , rather than a rich Grub. When you have made this good Choice , then I would have you instruct the Soldiers in Military Precepts , and the Knowledge of Arms ; I would have him accustom himself in his Armour , to handle and brandish his Pike , with Skill to use his Sword and Pistol , to keep his Rank , and to march swiftly under his Armour ; to write true Prose ; to hate Wickedness more than Death ; to love Piety ; and in his common Discourse , not to speak a word reproachfully against God : The same Person must be obedient to his Commander , and patiently endure his Correction ; let him be as Furious as he will towards his Enemy , but Gentle and Tractable amongst his Fellow-Soldiers : His Diet should be sparing , not at all inclinable to Gluttony or Drunkenness . And in the last place , He must be content with his Pay , and abstain from all Plunder , but when his Commander gives him leave . Thus , I say , ought the Soldiers to be disciplin'd , who must look so great an Enemy in the Face : And yet I would not have this Man to be presently brought into the Army , he being as yet raw , to joyn him with the Victorious to fight for all , but rather should be placed in some Posts or Garrisons , that so by Excursions and lighter Combats , by degrees he arrives to be accustomed to Wars : And by this means he may be accustomed to bear Wounds , to endure the sight of an Enemy , and by degrees to cast off the Fear which all Novelty is wont to introduce . When the Soldier is thus disciplined and train'd , I dare assure you he hath laid a Foundation for hope of good Success : So that the chiefest of our Pains and Labour , is , especially , to be imploy'd herein , that we may get Men skillful in Arms , and experienced in Military Discipline , by whom those Fresh-water Soldiers which I spoke of , may be instructed in the true and genuine Precepts of the Art Military : I would have such Commanders set over these Men , which are full of Valour , Continence and Sobriety , not at all tainted with the foul guilt of Avarice ; that so they may not only make this young Fry , the growing hopes of our common Safety , skillful at their Weapons ; but also by the Example and Integrity of their Lives , may shew them the way to all Virtue ; that so this Army may be trusted with our common Safety , when Opportunity shall be offer'd to fight an Enemy . And if we have such Commanders as these , there will be no fear of false Musters to cheat the common Treasury ; by which Abuse of ordinary Commanders , we see , by daily Experience , that the King's Exchequer , though never so full , is hardly able to pay his Army any long time ; and in Battel they run a great risk , when Generals , being deceived by the relation of their Captains , do believe that their Army consists of more Men effectually than it really doth . But before I proceed , an Opportunity is here offered to me , to give an Answer to the Opinions of some good Men , all whose knowledge being circumscribed within the Bounds of that Age and Country wherein they were born ; and having never travelled any farther , do highly wonder at what I speak ; and do regret it as a meer unusual and ●npracticable thing ; for thus they argue , Our Ancestors did many Famous Exploits in War , with such kind of Soldiers , and in the same way of Military Discipline which we use at this day . I confess , by way of Answer , that they did so , but it was when they coped with Enemies who were guilty of the same Vices and Defects as themselves : As the Army was unexperienced , hastily listed , forreign , weak , and without Discipline on the one side , it was so on the other ; and their Force amongst them equally guilty , one was as good as the other ; sometimes a Battel was fought with no great loss on either side : As if two maimed Men , two blind Men , or two lame Men should fight , the Match is equal on both sides ; but if you set a Maimed Man to fight with a Sound , a blind Man with one that sees , a lusty Man with one that 's Lame , you will quickly find a difference . If we were to fight among our selves , with our Neighbours and Country-men , we might then commit such Errors ; for they being as bad as we , there would be not great difference between us . But now the case is alter'd , for we have to do with the Turks , a Vigilant , Industrious , Sober and Experienced Enemy , used to Hardships , very Skillful in , and Observant of Military Discipline . But what are they the better for that you will say ? I will tell you , By this means they have overcome all the Countries from the very Borders of Persia , even to the Walls of Vienna . How our Arms are able to cope with his , I wish that we were ignorant of , and that our daily Overthrows were not too dear a Document to instruct us . And do we as yet stand in doubt , whether we should defend our Faults rather than amend them ? But you will farther say , These are new and unusual things which you propose . I answer , The reason is , because we have a new and strange Enemy , whose Power and Skill is such , that it requires a more than ordinary Diligence to cope with him . The Diseases called the Sweat and French-Pox , were heretofore strange and unknown ; and when Physicians , with all their Art , were not able to Conquer them by common and ordinary Remedies , at last they were instructed , by the Deaths of many Patients , to seek for new Remedies against new Diseases ; and their Diligence herein was so Prosperous , that both those Diseases , which were unconquerable before , did yield to their Remedies . This Design of Physicians , we ought to imitate in our Wars against the Turks ; it is in vain to use the ordinary Method of Fighting at this time of day ; we must rather take another course , and apply new Remedies to new Mischiefs . Though the Truth is , this Method is not new but most Ancient , by which the People of Rome , to their great Praise , did heretofore Conquer the whole World : And it is so far from being unused in our Age , that the Enemy , of which we speak , hath used no other means , both to endanger our Safety , and also in a manner to equal his Empire with the Roman . I shall speak more largely of this hereafter , when I have answered the Difficulty which these very Objectors have pre-conceived in their Minds : For such is the guise of this Effeminate Age , that if a thing be never so Excellent and Beneficial , if it hath any thing of Difficulty in the Execution thereof , is put by as if it never could be effected . The Persons of whom I speak , being tainted with this Imbecility of Mind , having experienced that they could not prevail in an ordinary course of Arms ; and being deterred from trying my Method by the Difficulty thereof ; they fall at last to this Opinion , That we can no way prevent our Destruction , but by making Peace , or a Truce , with the Turks , by any means whatsoever : And this their Opinion they so much hug , as if it were Iupiter's Altar , or the Statue of the Emperor . And therefore they think that we must turn every Stone , either by Prayer , or by Price , or by any unworthy way whatsoever , to make him our Friend : But they do not consider , that amongst all Difficulties this is the greatest , and which we can least of all hope to overcome . For can we imagine that such a Capital Enemy , after that he hath marched over so many Countries , and taken so much Pains to come to us , when he sees himself almost Master of his Wish , and having so great a subject of Praise , such an Opportunity of Booty , and such an Occasion of inlarging his Empire and Religion , that he should suddenly stop , as if he were Thunder-struck , and proceed no farther ? But grant there were any hopes of Peace , who is so mad as to fight with an Enemy so powerful , if he can help it ? Or who is so blind as not to foresee , that sure Peace is to be preferred before the doubtful Hazards of War ? But let me tell you , that you quite mistake the case ; for neither Peace nor Truce is in our Power : We have lost all hopes of Peace , and therefore are compelled to a War ; there is no room for any Advice or Deliberation of our own ; for we are hurried on by a fatal Necessity , as unwillingly as we are pushed on violently to a War , which of necessity we must manage and go through . Why do we fruitlesly draw back ? Why do we cast about for delays ? Why do we Chouse our selves with the vain Dreams of Pacifications ? We vainly fancy to our selves Safety in the midst of the Flame ; and by our Delay we nourish the Mischief which we might remedy if we were watchful ; and for want of foresight , we render our Wound uncurable . But you will say , It is very good to keep off the Miseries of a War as long as one can . I grant it , unless the Delay tend to heighten our Miseries soon after , and ingage us to our certain Ruin : As if a Physician do flatter his Patient , and defer necessary Remedies , till the Disease comes to that height , that Death must inevitably follow . So we see that our Affairs do sensibly decline ; and on the other side , the Enemy groweth stronger every day ; and as he catches from us to add to his own , so thereby he doth fairly take his way and passage to us , and make all things ready to hasten our Destruction ; that so all Impediments being removed , he may give us an Alarum whenever he pleases , and when we least think of it : With a well-provided Army he might destroy us as it were fast a-sleep , and unprovided of all things : All his Designs tend to this , this is the only thing in his Eye ; at which time , though too late , we shall think our selves induced to those Straights , that no hope being left , we must certainly Perish : And this will be the Issue of our Delay , and our unseasonable Backwardness ; and therefore I admonish you again and again , while time is , and the matter will bear , that we suffer not our selves to be ●linded with false Hopes , and so sit still and ●o nothing ; in which we may remember how great Overthrows we have received ; and also we may forsee the last Ruin of our Common-wealth approaching ; therefore we must make use of a quick-sighted Judgment in the case , least by our mistake in so great a Matter . We apply false Remedies instead of true ones , to our dangerous Miseries ; and when we have cast up all our Accounts , and find upon what Hinge our remaining Hope turns , foregoing all other Methods , we must very diligently apply our selves to that alone , wherein neither Labour , nor Difficulty , nor Novelty , nor any other Pull-backs to Slothful and Feeble Minds , should in the least make us to slacken our Pace ; no , our carriages must be as high as the Matter is great ; so sublime a Matter requires no low or abject Frame ; rather Necessity requires that we should be lifted up even above the Capacity of our Age ; and that in part at least , we should imitate the Valour of those Heroes , who out of their great Fortitude and Constancy , overcame the greatest Difficulties ; who never thought any thing more base and unworthy of themselves , than to be deterred by the Greatness of any Difficulty or Let , from bringing the Design to a happy Issue , which in their thou h●s was conjoyned with the Dignity and Advantage of the Common-wealth wherein they lived . I shall give you an Instance only in one o● them ; and that is , Lycurgus the Law-give● of the Lacedemonians , who having a Design amongst the rest of his Institutions ( wherewith he would commend the best constituted Commonwealth of the Persians to be to Posterity ) to introduce an Equality of Goods amongst the Citizens , and equally to divide the Estate and Possessions of all , that what was taken from the Rich might be added to the Poor ; so that no distinction was to be between the Citizens but what Vertue made . In this Design he met with a great many Adversaries , especially those which had great Wealth and personal Estates , and were well Monied besides . For they took it in great Disdain , that the Possessions either left them by their Ancestors , or else got by their own Industry , should be rent away from them , and transferred to strange Owners . This Matter seeming to them both unjust , and also absurd ; the great Difficulty of enacting such a Law , was objected to Lycurgus . But he still persisting in his Purpose , and being resolved to finish what he thought was right and wholsom for the Commonwealth , there arose thereupon daily bro●lings and dangerous Hurly Burlies , in which Scuffles Lycurgus lost one of his Eyes : That Accident might have sufficiently warned the good Man , how difficult an Enterprize he had undertaken , and consequently might have deterr'd him from persisting in his Enterprize ; but might rather have engaged him to lay aside his Design of accomplishing a Thing so successfully attempted , and which had cost him one of his Eyes . But it happened quite contrary ; for this Heroe was so far from desisting upon the account of his loss , that it rather added Spurs to him to prosecute the same Cause the more eagerly . Neither did he give over , till the Law he had propounded concerning the eqality of Goods , was enacted Nemine contradicente . This being the Foundation of those of his famous institutions , he established such a Commonwealth , that the Race will never have the like , and his Name with a high Admiration of his Vertue , is Celebrated even to this very Day . Yet this he did when he was in fear of no Turk , nor of any other Enemy that threatned Ruine and Destruction to him : And shall we at this time of Day withdraw our Soldiers from any Burden , wherein the stress of our Safety lyeth ? For shame let us shake off this sloathful Temper , unworthy both of us and the Christian Name ; and leaving off all other vain and fallacious Thoughts , let us run to our Arms as our onely Refuge under God. The Romans did so when any great Misery threatened their Commonwealth , they went and betook themselves to their Arms ; they stopped all Law Suits , and the Senate enjoyned the Consuls to take care that the Common-wealth received no damage . We ought to do the same much more , for we are in danger not only of some common Loss , but even of the universal Ruine of the Christian Commonwealth . We must run I say to our Snapsacks , we must catch up and handle our Arms , and think of nothing else . Our Military Discipline which is much depraved , is to be united , and the old way of fighting is to be recalled and perfected ; we are as it were to proclaim a Vacation , to shut up Shop , and set by other Things , to act and perform this one Thing with our most earnest Endeavours : This we must do if we would have our Commonwealth , our Selves , our Wives and Children ; or lastly , our Religion and Liberties preserved entirely unto us . For if the Turks prevail , they will not leave us a jot even of common Honesty , much less any Dignity , Liberty , or Religion ; no Nation in the World can lose so much as we . Take my word for it , it is the worst of Mischiefs to be overcome by the Turk : If he Conquer us , ( and I wish he had not a fair Prospect so to do , ) He will make Havock of all , he will drive , carry away , dissipate , burn , profane , and tread all Things under foot . To prevent which Spectacle and Suffering , let us high to our Weapons , to our Arms , and as ( Probus ) let us Fight it out . When he was declared Emperor , the Commonwealth had received many Losses , which proceeded from the Corruption of their Military Discipline ; and therefore his chief Design was to amend that ; and this was the reason that he gave that first Motto to his Soldiers , and his Deeds were agreeable to the Motto ; for in a little time he so advanced and restored what was quite decayed before , that the common Name which lay under a Reproach among the Nations , was again restored to its former Majesty and Greatness . Let us follow his Example , and use the same Method in Fighting ; let us furbish up our old blunt and rusty Arms , and make them as good , and shine as bright as ever . And from which Endeavours , no Labour and Difficulty ought to avert us , As I said before ; so the Charge and Expence ought to be the least Difficulty of all . For when can we lay out our own Money better , than when our Life it self may be comfortably expended ? Or how can we spend part of our Estates upon more advantagious Terms , than thereby to preserve the whole ? Herein we do but imitate good Husbandmen , who spare no cost to inclose , to hedge about , and to strengthen the Bounds of this Land , provided they may establish their Estates and Possessions in safety thereby ; for they know that an Estate is but a ticklish and slippery Thing , as long as it is subject to sudden Casualties , or to the Assaults of Robbers . Besides , Mariners in a dangerous Tempest use to throw out their most precious Lading into the Sea , rather than to endanger the loss of their Ship and of their Lives to boot ; and Physicians make no scruple to cut off one part of Man's Body , if thereby they provide for the rest of the Members , and of the total remainder . For as long as such an Enemy is near us , who can promise to himself any firm or lasting possession of what he hath ; seeing that he may expect every Day that this wicked Neighbour will take all from them , and transfer it into his own Exchequer ? To what purpose is it then to sow , or to reap , to carry home , and to lay up in Garners , seeing the Enemy counts all thine , as much his own as what he now possesses , being formerly taken from the Asiaticks , From the Grecians , from the Thrasians , from the Bulgarians , from the Illyrians , and from the Hungarians ; to say nothing of other People ? Our Estates and Possessions are by us exposed to his Avarice , without a due Guard of such Soldiers as I have spoken of , as a quantity of Goods , or of rich Houshold stuff cast out into the Street , without any Repair , and under no Lock and Key , is open to Thieves . But if we are so mad as to pretend Want , and to counterfeit Poverty for our Excuse ; let us take heed left our Enemy , being made Rich by our Spoils , do not convince us of a Lye , by our Destruction , and to our eternal Infamy . And yet let me tell you , we need not spend all that we have , for they require not the Expence of all that we have , but out of War-time we should be very Frugal , and in time of War our Expences should be moderate ? and far more easie to be born , than the Cost which was expended in raising a common and tumultuary Soldiary . By which means we shall obtain two Conveniencies ; one , that the Money may not be transported out of the Bounds of our own Country ; the other , that Officers and Commanders may not have opportunity unlawfully to enrich themselves ; for now a-days he is counted a brave Fellow , that by such kinds of Stratagems can cheat and couzen the Commonwealth . But these things belong to another Place , for at present I did not design to speak of every thing particularly , but in general , to give the Sentiment of the whole Matter . Let us therefore imitate the Prudence of the Romans , in providing for the Safety of their State and Commonwealth , who alway chose Souldiers of their own to defend themselves ; for otherwise they had never been able to repel the fierce Inrodes of the Gauls , or to have coped with the Stubbornness of the Italians , who ever and anon Revolted from them ; nor could they have preferred their Empire entire against the Force of Hannibal , nor would they ever have triumphed over Philip and over Antiochus , unless they had had Soldiers of their own to fight their Battels , unless they had followed the Method which I have spoken of in Training up their Soldery : 'T is then seasonable for me at this time to enlarge upon this Subject , that it may plainly appear , that I introduce no Novelty , but propound an old Example which we are to follow . All that have written of the Affairs of Rome do agree in this , as you may see in their Book . The Romans took a● extraordinary Care in Choosing , in Disciplining , and in Exercising their young Soldiery . I shall not tire your patience in citing many Authorities , but in brief I shall urge only the Testimony of one grave Author , well skill'd in the ancient Military Discipline ; and that is Vegetius , who in divers places of his Book , containing the Institutions of the Roman Militia , Dedicated to the Emperor Valentinian , hath these Words ; In every Battel it is not so much the multitude of Soldiers and unskilful Valour , as Art and Exercise which procure the Victory . For we see that the Romans Conquer'd the whole World , by no other Method , but by the Exercise of their Arms , by the Discipline of their Camps , and by their accustomedness to War ; for how else could the Romans being few , have born up against the numerous Army of the Gauls ? How could their low statured Soldiery look the tall Germans in the Face ? As for the Spaniards , it is a clear case that they exceeded us not only in their Number , but in the Strength of their Bodies ? The Africans were always Superior to us both in Stratagems and in Wealth ; and it is beyond all doubt , but that the Greeks are Superior to us in Acts and in Prudence : But a Remedy to all these Inconveniencies , was a new Soldiery discreetly chosen , whom they taught the use of Arms , whom they taught the Law of Arms , and strengthned their Discipline by daily Exercise ; they meditated before-hand upon the Events which were wont to happen in Fights and Battels , and were severe Punishers of the Negligent and Sloathful . For Skill in Military Affairs doth nourish a Boldness to Fight . No Man fears to do that which he believes that he thinks he hath rightly learned to do : For in a fight , a few Men well Exercised are likeliest to obtain the Victory ; whereas a rude Rabble of Soldiers is more exposed to the Slaughter . Whosoever therefore thinks to overcome the Turks in a publick Fight , by the Assistance of God , and the Conduct of an unconquered Empire , let him earnestly desire to compleat his Troops out of such listed Soldiers . And he will find in a short time that such Juniors diligently chosen and well-trained both in the Morning and in the Afternoon too , will in handling of their Arms soon equal those Veterans who Conquer'd the whole World. Neither should your Imperial Majesty be concerned , because the Custom is changed which obtained here before ; for your Highness is of that Foresight and Felicity , that for the Safety of the Commonwealth , you can both devise New Methods , and also restore the Old ; every Design seems difficult before you enter upon it . To be sure , if knowing , and Prudent Persons be appointed to make the Levies , a number of Men fit for War , may be easily Listed and carefully Trained ; for Diligence , Conquers all . 'T is not length of Age , or number of Arms which maketh the Art Military , but continual exercise of Arms : An undisciplined Soldier is alway a craving , though he hath been Listed never so long , &c. It is past all doubt , that Rusticks who live in the open Air , are the fittest to bear Arms ; they are able to endure heat , they care not for refreshing Shades , they are ignorant of the use of Baths and other Delights ; they are plain-hearted , contented with a little , and their Limbs are hardned to endure all Toil ; they learn from their Country Labour , to deal with Iron , to Plow the Land , and to bear Burdens . And I know not by what Fate he is least afraid of Death , who is least acquainted with the Delights of Life . Let us now enquire at what Age Soldiers ought to be Listed ; if we observe the ancient Custom , none but young Striplings are to be Listed : For what we learn from ones Childhood , we imbibe that not only more speedily , but more perfectly too . Besides the Skipping and nimble Alacrity is to be practised before the Body grows stiff with Age ; for it is nimbleness grounded upon Exercise , that makes a stout Warrior . And therefore we should List none but young Men , as Salust speaketh , That as soon as Youth was able to endure War , it learned the Art Military in their Camps by daily Practice . For it is much better , that a Disciplined Youth should complain , that his Age is not yet fit for Battel , than that he should grieve that he has past his sighting-time . And by this means he may have time enough to learn all ; for the Art-Military is not easily to be obtained , whether you endeavour to teach Horse or Foot , the use of the Bow ; or whether you would teach a Man in his Armor , all the Gestures and Modes of the Art-military ; as that he should not leave his File , nor disturb his Ranks ; and how he should cast his Javelin with a good Aim and a strong Arm ; as also how to cast up a Trench , and to fix Pallisadoes knowingly ; how to handle his Buckler , and by side-blows to escape the flying , Darts ; how wishly to avoid a Blow , and boldly to strike . If a young Soldier be thus Instructed , he will be so far from Fear , that it will be a Pleasure to him to meet the stoutest Enemy in the Field . And therefore let him that is to List Soldiers , take special Care that by their Countenances , by their Eyes , and by the make of all their Limbs , he choose those that are likely to make good soldiers , for Stoutness , may be fore-seen in Men , by many Indications , as well as in Horses and Dogs , &c. Let therefore the Youth which is designed for Martial Imployment , be of watchful Eyes , holding his Head upright , broad Chested , brauny Shoulders , strong Finger'd , with long Arms , a thin Belly , with slender Thighs , the Calf of his Leg and Feet not superfluously big , but compacted with hardned Nerves . When you shall find these Marks in a new listed Soldier , you need not much care whether he be Tall or no ; for it is beter to have Soldiers Valiant , than high Statured . It follows in the next place , that we enquire of what Trades the Soldiers we choose or refuse are on : Fishers , Fowlers , Confectioners , Whitsters ; and all those who belong to Female Imployments , are to be rejected : But Black-smiths , Coach-makers , Butchers , and such as hunt the Stag and wild Boar , are fit to make Soldiers of : And to speak the truth , the Safety of the Common-wealth turns upon this very Hinge , viz. The Listing of young Sodiers that Excel in Mind as well as in Body ; for the Strength fa Kingd om , and the Foundation of the Roman Name , do consist in the first choosing of the Soldiery . Nor are we to think , that the Impressing of Soldiers is a mean Imployment that ordinary Persons may be intrusted with . No , Sertorius of Old , amongst the rest of his laudable Qualities , was of another mind ; for the Youth to whom the Defence of the Provinces , and the Stress of the War is to be committed , ought to be well born , if such can be had ; and also to be of credible Conversations ; for Generosity makes a man fit to be a Soldier , and he that is ashamed to run away , becomes thereby a Conqueror : What Benefit is it to Discipline a sluggish Fellow , and to be at vast Expence to entertain him in a Camp ? That Army never did Conquer in a Battel , where the Press-masters were negligent in listing their young Soldiery . We find it by dear and costly Experience , that our Enemies give us many Overthrows , because that in a long time of Peace , we are negligent and careless in calling out our Soldiery . For whilst Gentlemen follow Civil Imployments , and raw Soldiers are chosen by Favour and Dissimulation , such Persons take Arms , as their Masters disdain to imploy any other ways . Hence it followeth , that great Men should use great Diligence in chusing out a young Fry of Soldiery : But alas our long Security has shut this care quite out of doors : Where can you find a Man that can teach others any thing but what he himself hath learn'd before ? The Lacedemonians were the first who collecting , Experiments of Fights from Events , induced the Art Military , which is thought to be maintained either in Valour or in happy Success , to a Formulary Art , Discipline and Skill ; it was them that first of all commanded the Officers at Arms to teach their young Soldiery , their Method and various manner of Fighting . O Men to be highly praised and admired ! Who were willing to learn that Art principally , without which other Arts are to no purpose : The Romans also following their Methods , have attained the Precepts of Martial Discipline , and have written whole Books concerning it . How much the Discipline of the Lacedemonians did prevail in Fight , is sufficiently declared by the Example of Xantippus ( to omit others ) who with his Carthaginians overcame Attillius Regulus and his conquering Roman Army , not by Valour , but in a manner by Art alone , and took him Prisoner ; and thus by one Combat he triumphantly made an end of the War. In the like manner Hannibal , when he was about to march into Italy , provided himself of a Lacedemonian Doctor of Arms , by whose Advice he destroyed so many Consuls , and such vast Legions , that he himself was inferior to them in Number and in Force . He therefore that designs peace , let him prepare himself for War : He that covets Victory , let him Discipline his Soldiery diligently before-hand : He that desires good Successes , must fight by Art not by Thought ; for no body will dare to challenge or provoke that Enemy whom he knows will conquer him if he joyn Battel with him . It was their Custom in Winter-time to provide Tiles and Slates , and for want of them Flags and Straw , they covered certain Sheds for the Horse , and certain Hovels for the Foot , wherein in stormy or windy Weather , their Army was disciplin'd dry over head ; and in other Winter-days , when it did neither Rain nor Snow , then they were trained in the open Field . This they did constantly , least by intermitting the Custom , the Minds and Bodies of their Soldiers might be Infeebled . It is also very convenient for Soldiers , very often to cut down Woods , to carry Burthens , to leap over Ditches , to swim in the Sea , or in Rivers , to march with full speed , or to run in their Armour , or with their Snap-sacks on their Backs ; for daily labour in the time of Peace , makes Toil more easie in War. Whether therefore that Army consists of their own Legions or of Auxiliaries , be sure to exercise them every day . For as a well-exercised Soldier desires to fight , so an undisciplined one is afraid of a Battel . Lastly , We must know that in a Fight , Skill avails more than Strength , for without Skill at Arms , a Boor is as good as a Soldier . The same Vegetius acquaints us with many excellent things in several places of his Book relating to the same purpose , which for brevity sake I omit , as how young Soldiers ought to be exercised for a March , to run a Ring , and to Swimming ; besides they are to learn how to Prick rather than to Cut ; and how to level their Darts or Stones aright ; to be Skillful at the use of the Bow , to carry heavy Burthens , to keep Rank in an Army , and carefully to fortifie their Camps . All which things he that hath a mind may read in him . I shall only add for a close that which follows . He that would use Diligence in the Chusing and Exercising of young Soldiers , may easily raise an Army , able to imitate the valour of the Ancients ; for Martial Hearts are not degenerated in Men , neither are those Lands Barren , which brought forth the Lacedemonians , the Athenians , and the Marsians of old . No , it is only the taste of Peace which hath wrought our Men partly to delight in Idleness , and partly to betake themselves to Civil Imployments ; and by this means the care of Military Exercises began first to be neglected , and after that to be di●used , and last of all quite forgot . And it is no wonder that this should happen in our Age , when after the Carthagnian War , for four and twenty Years or more , Peace , Idleness , and disuse of Arms , had so enervated those Romans who always used to conquer before that , in the second Carthagenian War Hannibal was too hard for them . Neither could they arrive at the Haven of Victory , till by the loss of so many Consuls , of so many Commanders , and so many Armies , they had again relearn'd the intermitted Use and Increase of Arms. Vpon the whole it follows , the Iuniors are always to be listed and exercised ; for it is cheaper to Discipline our own Men , than to hire Strangers for Pay. By these Sayings of Vegetius alone , to which all Historians give their Consent , it is sufficiently manifested for what was the old Warlike Discipline amongst the Romans : Neither was it observed by the Romans alone , but by the Persians before them , and in some sort by the Macedonians also ; and by all other People who have left a Glorious Name unto Posterity . As you may see in Xenophon , a very skillful Warrier , who writing of the Method that Cyrus the Great , took in Listing and Exercising his Soldiers , makes it to be not much different from the usage of the Romans which I have spoken of . And with an Army thus prepared , he in a very short time added the Empire of all the East to his Dominions . I might add also the Testimony of Arrianus , no mean Writer , who brings in Alexander declaiming against the Macedonians , and accusing them as unmindful of Courtesies received from him , in these words , Philip my Father , says he , received you into his Care and Protection , when you were a sort of wandering and vagabond People , destitute of all things , and many of you but Shepherds cloathed with Skins ; for which also you are forced continually to fight with the Illyrians , the Triballes , and with the Thracians your Neighbours ; he brought you down from the craggy Mountains into Plains and well-tilled Vallies ; instead of skins he cloathed you with stately Raiments , he instructed you in Arms , he taught you Military Discipline , so that now your Arms and Valour were able to defend you against your Neighbours , as well as the Situation of your fortified places , &c. By which words it appears , on what Foundations the much celebrated Military Discipline of the Macedonians was built , to wit , of Rustick Mountainers , and of Shepherds . Diodorus Siculus delivers also what is agreeable to the things before spoken : Philip , says he , when he bent his Mind to recreate their Military Discipline , took special care that his Soldiers should be well furnished with decent Armour , and that they should be trained up in Warlike Exercises . Moreover he found out the Order of the Phalangis , which was proper to the Macedonians , the Pattern whereof he took from those Heroes in the Trojan War , who joyned Buckler to Buckler . The same Diodorus speaking of Alexander 's taking the City Halicarnassus , with these valiant Soldiers , now become Veterans , hath these words , The Veteran Macedons , who during their whole Lives were always conversant in Difficulties and Dangers , and under the Pay of Philip often obtained the Victory , did thus arrive at the highest pitch of Valour : They excelled others in Prudence , and in the Knowledge of the Art Military , whilst they bitterly upbraided the Cowardise of the Fresh-water Soldiers that refused to fight ; they themselves in the mean time gathering into a Ring , and joyning Bucklers together , received their Enemy , who even thought themselves Conquerors before , and having slain Ephialtis , and many others , they compelled the rest to fly into the City , &c. Alexander the Great did owe the Conquest of the East , and the large Extent of his Empire , to the Valour of those Soldiers ; but perhaps the Persons above-mentioned may object , That our Times differ from theirs , those things have been long out of Date , and that it is a Childish thing to raise them as it were out of their Graves , and to bring them into use again : We ought therefore to be contented with the Wisdom of our own Age. To which I reply . That what was useful in those Days , is as fit to be used in our Times : Yet I will not urge Reason to those who will not willingly hearken thereunto , but I will lead them to the very Fountain of Experience . Let me then ask these Objectors , why they are so over-wise to detract from other Mens Counsels , and can bring forth no better of their own . What , will they deny that the Turks are good Soldiers ? Perhaps out of Obstinacy they will not grant them to be such . I will therefore answer for them , That he who hath struck such a Terror into the whole World , and laid all waste before him , upon the account of his Victories , may well be reckoned a good Soldier . I ask them again , How is this Soldier listed , and how is he train'd up ? If they say they know not , I will tell them what I my self have seen to my own Cost : A Turkish Soldier is a Man so born , so listed , so train'd and exercised , as the Romans were of old , and as ours ought to be : Yea , he is in a worse Condition ; for as to those Soldiers who offer themselves to be listed , when the Turk goes in any Military Expedition , which they call Alcangi , they are little esteemed among the Turks ; that Soldier is the only Man , who is continually under their Emperor's Pay , and by Judgment and good Reason , is at length advanced into the Sultan's Guards . This Soldiery is thus chosen , The Sultan sends some Men every Year into several Provinces , who take away the third or fourth Child from Christian Families . When the Drove of these Youths arrive at Constantinople , they who have the most ingenious Aspect , are chosen out for the Domestick Uses of the Sultan himself , or of the Bassa's , or other Nobles ; the rest are brought into a certain place , where abundance of Country-men meet , and they desire such or such a Youth from the Overseer of the Business ; he receives from him a piece of Gold , and delivers him the Youth he desires , having first taken notice of the Youth's Name , Country and Condition , with his Age , and other Marks , whereby he may be known all his Life-long . All these being recorded , it is lawful for him , whether he be a Citizen or a Country-man , to carry the Youth into Asia , or what part of the World soever he lives in , and there he uses him as his Slave in continual Toil and Labour : His Food is Bread and Water , and sometimes a little Pottage with Fruits or Herbs : His Apparel is sufficient only to defend him against the Weather . Besides , he is instructed in the Mahometan Religion . In this Ignorance of Delights , far from the Blandishment of his own Relations , he grows up into a robust and sturdy Fellow . This Man is again demanded of his Fiduciary Master and transferred to the Wars ; and from this Seminary , the Legions of the Janizaries , when they are defective , are made up : When he comes to be listed among the Janizaries , his Pay at first is about one Ducat and a Half per mensem , for that they think is enough for a Fresh-water Soldier . And yet that he may not want Food , he hath his Meat gratis with that Company , into whose Chamber he is admitted ; but upon this Condition , that he serves them in the Kitchen and other necessary Offices . The Skillfulness of that Chamber instructs him in the use of Arms , and fits him for Service ; and when this Tyro hath gotten a little Knowledge in Military Affairs , though not equal with his Fellows , is only hoped to mount higher by his Valour ; and if he carries himself bravely in any Service , then his Pay is increas'd , and is reckon'd a compleat Janizary . This hope does excite such Youngsters to many valiant Attempts , so that they equal the very Veterans in Valour , and obtain the full Pay of Janizaries , which at the highest is but eight Ducats a Month ; and yet if his Valour or Desert call him up to a higher Place , either he is made a Commander amongst the Janizaries , or is listed among the Pretorian Horse called Spahies . The rest of the Youths before spoken of , are imploy'd in several Works at Constantinople , sometimes two or three hundred of them Cleanse the Court-Yards , removes Rubbish , carry Stones , Timber , and other Burdens : not One of them is idle , but must Earn the Bread he eats . These Youths also when they are grown up to Transfer to Land or Sea-Service , and those of them that are Chosen for the Court , do many times mount to great Dignities : For the General of the Ianizaries , Admirals of Fleets , Beglar Begs , and the Viziers Bassa's themselves are Elected out of these ; yea , the Daughters of Sultans are given in Marriage to them . Thus have I given you a Plain Account , what is the Rise , Choice , Discipline , and Education of the Turkish Soldiery , so formidable all the World Over : I deny not , but there are other ways of Military Advancement amonst them , but this is the most usual ; sometimes they make Soldiers of those Youths whom they have taken in War , or by frequent Incursions into Christian Countries , after they have detain'd them for several years in the Seraglio : and when they have lost all Memory and Sence of their own Country , and the Religion thereof , and have been Instructed in Arabick , and in the Turkish way of Arms , by their Eunuch-Masters , then they send them abroad to perform the Military Service they are most fit for . Moreover the Slaves of the Bassa's , and other Nobles got by War , or otherwise , are many times listed Soldiers ; but not rashly , or hand over head ; but having first tryed their Strength and Valour both of Body and Mind , to obtain the Station they are designed for . And the truth is , I have oftentimes admir'd the Force of the Turkish Discipline in this case , when I saw seemingly abject and contemptible Persons in a few years , to have made that Advance , as not only to be able to perform the Duty of a common Soldier , But even of a Commander also , fit to Teach and Instruct others . Sometimes when for my own Refreshment , I look'd out at my Windows , the Neighbouring Turks shewed me some Officers that were Teaching the young Fry the Use of Arms : I demanded of what Country they were ? I verily thought , they must be either Parthians , Bactrians , or Massagets ; but when I was told that one was an Hungarian , the other a Croat , a third a German ; I was struck with Admiration ; But supposing they had obtain'd their Skill at Arms , from the Use of them amongst Christians , and supposing them to be Noble Persons and Gentilely Bred ; I proceeded to demand , Whether they knew what kind of Life they lived amongst Christians ? After a little Recollection , they answered me , That one had told them his Father was a Cook , another was intimated a Monk , and the third was Servant to a Victualler ; but being taken in a time of War of Truce , with other Booty , they were brought to Constantinople , and admitted into the Family of this or that Bassa . Here I was struck again with Wonder ! And demanding , How such kind of Fellows could come to be so great Warriors ? They told me , The Masters they served , had certain Men at their Houses well skill'd in Arms , to whose Discipline ( if they were thought Tractable ) they were Consign'd over , where they so much profited in a little Time , that they Surpassed their Equals , and had performed so bravely in succeeding Wars , that they obtained Praise from all , and Dignity from their Prince , as a Reward of their Valour . When I heard this , I was much aggrieved that our Manners should so differ from the Turks ; for if they have got a Man that promises any thing , they rejoyce in him , as a precious Treasure , and spare no Pains or Cost in his Cultivation , especially if he be fit for the War. But alas , 't is quite contrary among us ; if we have but a good Dog , a Hawk , or a Horse , we are over-joyed , and spare no Pains to bring him to Perfection in his kind : But if we have got an Ingenious Man into our Hands , we don't take so much Pains in his Institution : For our parts we take delight in well Disciplin'd Dogs and Hawks ; but the Turks take a greater in the Culture of Man , who is more Excellent in his Nature than a Beast . From what hath been spoken , it is Evident , That 't is no new thing to List Soldiers Judiciously the way that I contend for ; 't was used both by the Romans , and by both Conquering Nations : Neither is it so obsolete or so remote from the Custom of our Age , as it may not be again call'd back into Use : For we find by daily Experience , how the Turkish Arms so Cultivated do prevail . Let it not therefore seem i●ksom to us to borrow this necessary Part from them who have borrow'd so many useful Things from Us : If we thus do , we shall quickly find a good Discipline will avail as much for our Safety , as a bad hath hitherto contributed to our Ruine . This is the only Anchor left in a dangerous Tempest , to preserve the floating Ship of our Commonwealth ; every Thing is establish'd and preserv'd by that which rais'd it at first ; as Kingdoms and Empires have been obtain'd by Military Valour , and well-appointed Armies , by the same way they must be preserv'd . Take away Arms , remove Soldiers , neglect Discipline , and a Kingdom will either fall of it self , or be a Prey to the Conqueror . The Diadem and Scepter doth not preserve the Majesty of a Kingdom , as the Sword ; in vain you wear the one upon your Head , or carry the other in your Hand , unless your Sword be girt by your Side : That Empire is but Weak and Maim'd , that is not supported by Arms : When I speak of Arms , I mean not shadowy glittering Ones , but true solid and viceless Ones . That which is Corrupted and Degenerate from its Perfection , doth more hurt than good : As long as the Romans kept up their strict Military Discipline , their Legions Conquer'd the remotest Parts of the World ; but after Discipline came to be Corrupted , and their Valour Effeminated , by neglecting old Institutions ; they not only lost the greatest part of the Empire , but Rome it self was not free from Plunder within its own Walls ; So that the City Erst , the Head and Prince of all Nations , was now expos'd as a Prey and Laughing-stock to them all , who pluck'd away their Spoils from her , as the rest of the Birds did their Feathers from Aesop's Chough . But our Circumstances are the more pressing , because the deadly Wound doth threaten our own almost naked Bowels ; and there is no way but this left to secure our Lives . Sometimes Rulers when new Dangers threatens them , are fain to apply Remedies accordingly to the Genius of their Subjects , and thereupon to warp sometimes from the Rule of Right : But our Straits are such , that when the Ruine of our Country is before our Eyes , we must immediately use those Means which may prevent our Ruine ; if our Enemy were afar off , then we may send for raw Soldiers from far Countries remote from Enemies ; but we who are within cast of Dart , and ready to Fight Hand to Hand , must commit our Safety to no Arms but those that are tryed and approved Ones . But some may o●ject , That this our Military Preparation will be too slender to oppose the Torrent of the Turkish Force . I answer ; I here only shew , how the solid Foundation of a constant Army may be laid , the rest of the Building will follow of course , and Auxiliaries being added , will soon make up a great Army ; and such Auxiliaries will speedily come in , when it shall be reported , that we have already a Body of an Army to which they may resort ; for Nature it self will prompt them to assist those who are ready to undergo all Dangers with themselves : And on the other Hand , it doth alienate from those who are unarm'd and unfit to resist offer'd Wrongs . Hence Zenophon says very excellently , That those who are ready with Arms in their Hands , have many Friends , and no Enemies ; for all will fly to their Aid in doubtful Times , as to a Castle of Refuge , and none will oppose him , when he knows he has power enough to hurt his Enemy when he please . Hence it comes to pass that whilst we loiter and slacken our Endeavours , as despairing of our Safety , and depend only upon our Hope and Aid from Others ; even our very Friends and Relations will despise them , and forsake them , and will rather joyn with the bold daring Enemy , though of another Religion . So great is the force of expeditious Arms. In the Name therefore of God Almighty , let us buckle on the Helmet , and with Arms in our Hand , oppose so great an Enemy . We our selves should be first Initiated in the Religion of Armed Palas , we should devote our selves to her Studies ; put our Hands first to the P●ow , and do our Duty ; God will supply all the rest , and Aid will not be wanting to those who are Voic'd not to be wanting to themselves . Let us not rest till we have got at least Twelve Thousand Foot together ; ( of the Horse , I will speak in another place ) besides ordinary Garrisons , and those Chosen out of our own Country , well Trained and Exercised . When this our Practice shall be made known , not our Friends only , but even Strangers will send us in ; on Hope for Aid : And if those Hopes should fail , yet our own small force being in Garrison in Summer-time , may suppress the Force of the Enemy ; and in Winter we may make such Inroads upon their Borders , that they would repent their provoking of us : And by this means they would be forced to seek for Truce from us , which we can hardly now by Petition obtain from them ; and they will also observe the Conditions more strictly , than now they do ; but as our present Case stands , we are tossed with every VVind : If our Garrisons be in danger , and some sudden Assault requires speedy Aid , we have no Force at all , either to help our Own , or to stop the Current of our Enemies Successes ; I grant that these things require our singu●ar Care and Study ; neither can we place our Thoughts and our Delights on a fitter Subject ; no Field of Praise lyes more open to us than that wherein we Exercise our Troops every Day , and advance them for Military Exploits . Let others please themselves with Gilded Houses , and some with Pleasant Cardens ; Others with Ornamental and Gaudy Houshould-stuff , as Pictures , and the like , &c. but let all our delight be in these VVarlike Preparations , even in time of Peace : Let us value our Selves to our Friends upon this account only ; for what can be more grateful to any Guest of ours , than to see a number of Choice Youths shining in their Arms ; of strong and nimble Bodies , Exercising themselves with Guns , Spears , or Swords ; nimbly turning their Bodies at the Beck of their Commanders , and by the Chearfulness of their Countenance woing an Enemy to Fight withal . Such sorts of Youth videlicet , The Ianizaries , the Turkish Emperors call their Sons , as the Hope and Foundation of their Empire . Philopemen the last Emperor of the Greeks , when he saw the VVarlike Glory of his Country to decline , and to be ready to give up the Ghost out of Cowardise and Neglect of Military Discipline ; and as a Lover of his Country , being willing to prevent its Ruine , he got a brave Train of Grecian Noble Youths about him , which he Instructed in the Art of VVar ; and coming once with this Train in his Military Habit , into a Theatre of Greece , full of Spectators , he was mightily H●zza'd and commended by the whole Assembly ; for they were sensible of the Merit of such a Citizen who was willing to Retrieve the Glory of his Country , and to Excite the Youth thereof to valiant Feats of Arms. And why may not we Christians get the same Applause , and do that which is acceptable both to God and Man , if we undertake the declining Cause of our common Safety , and vindicate our Military Praise to its ancient Dignity . But I shall put an end to this Discourse , when I shall have told you the Grounds thereof ; when I have Admonish'd and Adjur'd Christians to shake off that drousie Fit under which they lye , and so run in to the Help of a decaying Commonwealth . The Danger is as great as ever was ; let us then bestir our selves to maintain those Seats with that Credit which our Ancestors have got for us , and deliver them down to our Posterity ; and the only way so to do , is this , To Repel Force with Force , to run to our Arms , and that not fortuitous , tumultuous , and forreign Ones , but our own Country Ones , Listed and Trained up with great Judgment , and choice Reasons . We should herein imitate valiant Soldiers , who when they are Besieged in a weak Fort , and are ready to fall into the Hands of a cruel Enemy , they stir up all their Strength , and do their very utmost to preserve themselves . But if we be otherwse minded , and through Cowardise or mistake , be wanting to the Commonwealth , or our selves , there are but these two ways left , either we must leave our own Country and Hereditary Possessions , as a Prey to the Conqueror , or else we must dye , or be made Slaves ; ( Of the Two , if we be so degenerate ) let us rather leave our Habitatations , our Lands , Goods , and Houses , than suffer our very Blood to be suck'd , the Chastity of our Wives and Children to be expos'd , or those Indignities suffer'd with so many People of Asia , Africa , and Europe , from the furthest Eastern Countries , even to our Borders do undergo : If we walk in their Steps , we may , fear the same Ruine . But why , pray , should we Transplant our ●ves , let 's rather Fight it out , and chearfully buckle to those ways of Defence which God has mercifully supply'd us with . To our Arms , to our Arms , with Valor and Courage , our only Hope under God. This becomes the Christian Name , and the greatness of the Danger we are in , and this may prevent our impending Ruine . The ORATION of Ebraim Strotschen , a Polonian , sent Ambassador by Solyman Emperor of the Turks , to Ferdinand the First , Emperor of Germany , made at Frankfort on the Main , before the States of the Empire , in the Sclavonick Tongue . Nov. 27. 1562. MOST Powerful and Serene Ferdinand the Elect Emperor of the Christians ; My Master the most Powerful and Vnconquered Emperor of the Turks , hath sent me as his Ambssador a long Iourney both by Sea and Land , with some Special Commands , both to Congratulate your Health and Happy Government : Asalso to declare the great Benevolence and Respect he bears towards your Majesty ; and he hopes that this Friendship begun upon account of the former Embassie is encreas'd , by the evident Tokens of an injuring Friendship which he hath shewed towards your Majesty , which God prosper on both sides . Having thus spoken , he stopp'd awhile , and then proceeded thus : That your Majesty may have an evident Token of my Masters good Will and Friendship towards you ; he hath Released all the Christian Captives for your sake , which otherwise should not be Redeemed for Gold nor Silver , nor the Intercession of any other Prince . His Majesty hath done this for no other cause , but to confirm the Friendship between the two Crowns ; and he likewise hopes and desires the same by Me , that you would Release those Turks that you have Prisoners in any of your Dominions , and that unperverted in their Religion . He also wishes Long-life , a quiet old Age , and a pacifick Government in the Administration of your Kingdoms , which be desires also might be happily transmitted to your Posterity . He promises also to use all means that this League and Truce between the Two Crowns , shall not in the least be Impair'd by any of his Subjects . He also desires that your Majesty would give a particular Answer to each Branch of his Letters ; which if you shall do , my Master and your Majesty would vye Offices of Friendship one with another , and will seriously endeavour that this League begun between two aged Princes may encrease every Day more and more , and may receive Augmentation of Establishment , by new and growing Evidences . Having ended this Discourse , he desired the Emperour to acquaint him which of the August Assembly was Maximilian his beloved Son and Heir of the Empire : Cesar pointed to him with his Finger , sitting at his Left-hand ; then the Ambassador turning his Face● towards him , bowed his Body , after the Parthian or Turkish manner ; and laying his Right-hand upon his Breast , wish'd him a long and happy Life , with a joyous Succession of the Roman Empire , and Prosperity in all his Affairs , adding these express words ; That he did not doubt , but that he proceeding from so Noble a Stock , would not be inferiour to his Father , but rather according to the Notation of his Name , Maximilian , he would be Greater and famouser than his Parent . Then turning to the Emperor , he presented him the Gifts that he had brought , viz. Two high-priz'd Goblets of Native Crystals , beset with precious Jewels ; together with a choice Turkish Horse , adorn'd with Golden Trappens and Jewels , and also four Camels , the best in all Constantinople : These he presented to the Emperor , excusing the Leanness of the Horse and Camels , contracted by so long a Journey , as the space of Four Months . The COPY of the Prudential Letters given to the said Ambassador by his Master , upon the Eight Years Truce , by the German Emperor . I Lord of Lords , Reigning over the East and West ; that am able to do , and not do , what I please ; Lord of all Greece , Persia , and Arabia , and Ruler over all that can be Subjected either to King or Lord ; the great Hero of these Times , and the Valiant Giant of the wide World ; Lord of the White and Black Sea , and of the Holy City Mecha ; Shining with the Splendor of God ; and of the City Medina , and of the Holy and Chast City of Jerusalem ; King of the Noble Kingdom of Egypt ; Lord of Jonia , and of the Cities of Athens ; Senate of the Holy Temple of God : Zabilon , and Bassio , Retham , and Magodin , the Seat and Throne of the great King Nashin Reta , and Lord of the Island of Algeus , and Prince of the Kingdoms of Tartary , Mesopotamia , ; and of the Medes , Georgians , and all Greece ; of Moria , and Anatoria ; of Asia , Armenia , Valakia , Moldavia ; and Emperor of all Hungary : With many other Kingdoms and Dominions ; the Thrice Great Emperor Sultan , Solyman ; the son of the Great Emperor Selin : Who hath Power from God to bridle all People , and Ability to open the Bars and Gates of all Cities and Forts : All the ends of the Earth , none excepted , are put into my Powerful Hands : The Lord of the East , from the Land of Tsin unto the Borders of Africa , whom God hath made strong by the Edge of the Sword ; Amongst whose Powerful Kingdoms , Cesars inexpugnable Castle is accounted one of the ieast ; and the Empire of Alexander the Great , was but small in respect of my Hereditary Dominions ; the Valour of the whole World , and the Vertue of the Firmament is with me . Seeing King Ferdinand , who art the Powerful Lord of all Christianity , and the Elect Vessel of the Powerful Christian Faith , Created and Chosen Emperor of the Romans , and of Bohemia , of the Vandals , Croats , and many other Countries , King and Ruler . Seeing , I say , that awhile since you sent your Chosen Counsellor and Ambassador , Augerius a Busbeck , to our Court , the Refuge of Princes , and the Throne of Grace , to them that desired it ; with Letters of Friendship to renew the Ancient Peace and Contract of Amity between us : Which Letters were Dated in the Year from the Prophet Jesus ; ( upon whom , and upon our Prophet Mahomet , be the Light and Peace of God ) 1562. the First Day of June : Desiring of us , to grant the Truce for Eight Years ; during which Time , no Cities , Countries , or Forts of his , should be Molested by our Arms , but his People should live in secure Tranquility , &c. To which Request , we answer : That such a Truce , firm Concord and Friendship shall be continued between Vs for Eight Years , on these Conditions : First , That Urinis should send Yearly to our Court , as a Pledge of the Truce , 30000 Hungarian Duckats , together with the Remainder due for Two Years past● and for that we Promise , that we will not Interpose in any Offices either of Friendship , or of Enmity , as to the Hereditary Dominions of the Son of King John , whether Situate in Upper Hungary , or in the further Part of the Teise ; all of which belong to Vs by Right of War. Moreover the Son of the said King John , during this Eight Years Truce , shall be Oblig'd to be Obedient to Vs ; not to undertake any War against You , or to M●lest your Subjects with Fire and Sword● not to exact any Money , or drive any Prey from Them. And we likewise do Promise , That we will take no Occasion to destroy your People by Fire or Sword , but will devoutly observe this Eight Years Peace and Concord . Moreover , Balaski Michael , and Nicholas Bathol , and some Others , shall be included in the same Conditions of Peace , and shall be subject to you , and the Son of King John : And if any of yours , or if his Subjects , have taken away any Goods or Lordships in time of War , from whence new Dissentions may arise ; Our Will and Pleasure be , That such Matters shall be put off undetermin'd , until the Time of this Truce shall be Expir'd . And if perhaps new Controversies shall hereafter arise between us , upon the account of our Mutual Jurisdiction which cannot be compos'd ; Let each of us keep their own , without any Contention or Strife . Moreover , some Towns Situate on the Da●ow and Tatta , may remain as they now do ; so that the Soldiers in the Garrison of Tatta , shall have no Right to Infest the Villages upon the Danow . Moreover , If from this time of Peace , any of your Nobles have some of my Subject Prisoners , they shall set them free without Ransom ; that so this Peace and Concord shall be more firmly kept . All and every of these , we will and faithfully Promise that they shall be duly Observ'd till the end of the Eight Years aforesaid : And for that purpose , we have caus'd these Letters of Confederation to be Publish'd from the Court of Our Magnificence ; and have also taken Care , that a Copy of these Letters , together with my Edict thereupon , should be sent to all the Commanders and Officers of all my Forces both by Land and Sea , to be faithfully observed by them . The Condition of this Truce shall Comprehend our true Vayvords of Valachia and Moldavia ; and that none of your Hungarians , Croats , Sclavonians , or others , should be molested or troubled by any of Mine , on any pretence whatsoever . But if some of yours making Inrodes from your Castles shall Plunder some of ours , they shall be ●ound to make Restitution ; and if any Fugitives of ours shall carry away their Master's Gold , or other Goods , and seek shelter from you ; the Goods are to be restor'd , and the Fugitives punish'd in Terrorem ; for the Goods of Fugitives belong to their Masters : The like is to ●e done , if your Fugitives fly to us . Moreover , It shall be lawful for your Commander to Fortifie Towns and Castles upon the Borders of Hungary , and to Import Victuals and Arms , but not beyond their own Bounds . None of your Subjects in Hungary , or elsewhere shall be carried away Prisoners , during this Truce ; if they be , they shall be presently Releas'd : Besides , if any Ambassadors and Christian Princes shall Reside at our Court , for the dispatch of Business , they shall have free Leave to walk up and down , to go and come : And moreover shall be handsomly Assisted by Interpreters , to declare their Errands ; and if by reason of the Co●s●●e● of each other Countries , some Differences do arise between our Subjects , those Disputes shall be Determin'd by discreet Persons , chosen on both Sides ; that the Causers of those Disputes shall be punished as Truce-Breakers . Moreover , We forbid Duels on the Borders of both our Countries : And we desire that this Truce , and every Article hereof , may be publickly Read in your Dominions , and Command given that they be Obediently kept . We have Promis'd the same before , and your Ambassador lately sent , desir'd it in your Name ; and humbly besought us , that this Peace may be firm and establish'd by Imperial Oaths , and by these Letters of Credence , as if we Our Selves had been present . And therefore I send these Letters of Peace to you , that your Commanders and Soldiers may be bound to Observe them , as long as they shall not Act contrary thereunto ; so long these Articles of Peace be Confirm'd between us . In Testimony whereof , I Swear by the True and Living Creator of Heaven and Earth ; by the true Signs of our Great and Venerable Prophet , by my Imperial Power , and by my True Faith , that none of my Captains , Commanders , &c. shall presume , or attempt to do any thing in Breach of this Eight Years Truce ; Commanding also all the Jurats of our Potent Emperor , the Rulers of Valakia and Moldavia , and King Stephen himself , with other Commanders on our Borders , that they observe these Conditions towards your People , Cities , &c. as I my self will do : Nor that they commit the least Breach , to the Prejudice of any of your Subjects . In short , I shall Ascribe great Reverence and Authority to this Great and Potent Friendship ; so that I will not vary a jo● to the Breach thereof . And whereas your Ambassadors have desir'd me to Release some Christian Captives without R●nsom ; I have granted the same to your Friendship , which otherwise no Money could have releas'd ; especially hoping that you would Release all the Turks that are Prisoners with you . These Letters of Peace and Confederation , were Dated in our Imperial Palace and Throne of our powerful City Constantinople , in the Year of our Great and Venerable Prophet , 969. Sept. 1. 'T is to be observ'd , That the Turkish Ambassador had 23 Persons in his Train ; the greatest part whereof were Commanders of Buda in Hungary , He had also 29 Horses and 6 Camels . The Names and Sirnames of the Turkish Ambassador , and his Attendants , from Constantinople and Buda , which entred into Frankfort with him . EBraim Strotius , a Polonian , Ambassador had 23 Servants , and 29 Horses , 6 Camels . The Bassa of Buda had 7 Servants , 10 Horses . Rassius Mustica of Five Churches , 3 Servants , 4 Horses . Istraphius Zauschus , 2 Servants . Percham Zauschus , 2 Servants . Bermanus Bily of Buda , 2 Servants . Durac Bulius of Buda , 2 Servants . Dellius Constraff of Buda , 2 Servants , 3 Horses . Hossen Bulius of Buda , 2 Servants , 3 Horses . Duraston of Buda , 1 Servant , 2 Horses . Dalli Achmal , 1 Servant , 3 Horses . Odoverdas , 1 Servant , and 2 Horses . Kadulius , 2 Horses . Ballius Sachemius , 2 Horses . Mustafa , 1 Servant , Hussam . FINIS . Books printed for and sold by J. Taylor at● the Ship in St. Paul's Church-Yard . 1. DR . Salmon's Practical Phisick . 2. Dr. Yworth's new Art of Brewing 3. — His whole Art of Distillation . 4. Logick , or the Art of Thinking . 5. Lord Shannon's Moral Essays . 6. — His Characters and Discourses . 7. — His Letter to an Atheistical Acquaintance● 8. Dr. Salmon's , with Dr. Sydenham's , and Monsieur Blankard's new Method of curing the French Disease . 9. Love's whole Art of Surveying . 10. Strode's easie Method for the Art of Dyalling . 11. Plutarch's Morals , Vol. 5. Englished by several Hands . 12. Culpeper's Directory for Medicines . 13. Kirkwood's new Family Book , with a Preface by Dr. Horneck . 14. Abbade's Truth of the Christian Religion , Englished . 15. Gouges Words to Saints and Sinners . 16. — His Christian Directions . 17. Councellor Manner's Legacy to his Son. 18. Ryder's new Practice of Surgery . 19. Evelyn's French Gard'ner with Cuts . 20. Gilbert's Florists Vade Mecum . 21. Baxter's Call to the Unconverted . 22. Osborn's Works , Divine , Moral , Historical and Political . 23. Virgilius Notis Minelii . 24. Quintilian's Declamations Englished . 25. Grand's Historia Sacra . 26. Newton's Compleat Arithmetician . 27. The Modern Courtier . 28. Miracles perform'd by Money , a Poem . 29. The Humors of a Coffee House , a Poem . 30. Foxes and Firebrands . 31. A Defence of their Majesties King William and Queen Mary . 32. Strode of Combinations , &c. 33. The Swordman's Vade Mecum , by Sir William Hoop . 34. Dyer's Works . 35. Vanity of the Creature . 36. Publick Devotions , by Mr. Camfield . 37. Mr. Boyles's Heads of History . 38. — His Medicinal Experiments or Collect of choice Remedies Part 3. 39. The Travels of Monsieur Thevenot into Persia and the East-Indies . Books printed for and sold by J. Wyat at the Rose in St. Paul's Church-Yard . 1. SIR Dewes's Journal of all the Parliaments in Queen Elizabeth's Time. 2. Bacon of the Government of England . 3. Abbadie's Vindication of the Christian Religion . 4. Mr. Boyle's Christian Virtuoso . 5. — His Experiments & Observations Phisicae . 6. An Enquiry into the Constitution , Discipline , Government , Unity , and Worship of the Primitive Church by an Impartial Hand . 7. Family Devotions for Sunday Evenings throughout the Year , in 2. Volumes : 8. Mr. Edwards's Enquiry into difficult Texts , with a probable Resolution of them , in 2. Volumes . 9. His Discourse on the Authority and Stile of the Holy Scriptures , in 2. Volumes : 10. Meige's English Grammar . 11. Dr. Payn's Practical Discourse of Repentance . 12. Florist's Vade Mecum . 13. Harris's Enquiry into the Acute Diseases of Infants . 
A58003	----	The present state of the Ottoman Empire containing the maxims of the Turkish politie, the most material points of the Mahometan religion, their sects and heresies, their convents and religious votaries, their military discipline ... : illustrated with divers pieces of sculpture, representing the variety of habits amongst the Turks, in three books / by Paul Rycaut Esq. ... Rycaut, Paul, Sir, 1628-1700. 1668 Approx. 719 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 116 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A58003 Wing R2413 ESTC R18075 12167147 ocm 12167147 55345 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A58003) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 55345) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 821:22) The present state of the Ottoman Empire containing the maxims of the Turkish politie, the most material points of the Mahometan religion, their sects and heresies, their convents and religious votaries, their military discipline ... : illustrated with divers pieces of sculpture, representing the variety of habits amongst the Turks, in three books / by Paul Rycaut Esq. ... Rycaut, Paul, Sir, 1628-1700. [12], 218 p. : ill. Printed for John Starkey and Henry Brome ..., London : 1668. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Table of contents: p. [9]-[12] Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Civilization, Islamic. Islam -- Turkey. Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683. Turkey -- Social conditions -- Early works to 1800. Turkey -- Defenses. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2001-08 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2001-10 TCP Staff (Oxford) Sampled and proofread 2001-11 Apex CoVantage Rekeyed and resubmitted 2002-04 TCP Staff (Oxford) Sampled and proofread 2002-04 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-05 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Sultan Mahomet Han the present Emperour of the Turkes aged 23 : yeares Anno 1666 THE PRESENT STATE OF THE Ottoman Empire . Containing the MAXIMS of the TURKISH POLITIE , The most material Points of the MAHOMETAN RELIGION , Their SECTS and HERESIES , their CONVENTS and RELIGIOUS Votaries . THEIR MILITARY DISCIPLINE , With an exact Computation of their FORCES both by LAND and SEA. Illustrated with divers Pieces of Sculpture , representing the variety of Habits amongst the Turks . IN THREE BOOKS . By PAUL RYCAUT Esq Secretary to his Excellency the Earl of Winchilsea , Embassador Extraordinary for his Majesty Charles the Second , &c. to Sultan Mahomet Han the Fourth , Emperour of the Turks . LONDON , Printed for John Starkey and Henry Brome , at the Mitre between the Middle-Temple-Gate and Temple-Bar in Fleet-street , and the Star in Little-Britain . 1668. To the Right Honourable HENRY Lord ARLINGTON , His Majesties Principal Secretary of State. My Lord , AFter five years residence at Constantinople , in service of the Embassy of the Earl of Winchilsea ( my ever honoured Lord ) and this my second journey from thence by land into my own Country , I judged it a point of my Duty , and of my Religion too , to dedicate this following Treatise , as the fruits of my Travels , Negotiations , and leisure in those remote parts , to the Noble Person of your Lordship ; as that Votiva Tabula , which many both in ancient and in the modern times , after some signal deliverance , or happy arrival at their desired Port , use to offer to their Gods , their Saints , or their Patrons : And truly , my Lord , this Discourse treating chiefly of the Turkish Policy , Government , and Maxims of State , seems naturally to appertain to the Patronage of your Lordship , whose faculties of Wisdom and Vertue have given you the Blessing of your Princes Favour , and the Reputation , as well abroad as at home , of an Eminent and Dexterous Minister of State. It were a great Presumption in me to offer any Observations of my own in the Courts of Christian Princes to the test of your Lordships Experience and Judgment , who not only is acquainted with the Customs and Manners , but penetrates into the Designs , and knows the Cabinet Councels of Neighbouring Principalities , with whom our divided world may possibly be concerned ; but perhaps without disparagement to your Lordships profound Wisdom , or over-value of my own abilities , I may confidently draw a rude Scheme before your Lordship , of the Turkish Government , Policies , and Customs ; a Subject which Travellers have rather represented to their Country-men , to supply them with discourse and admiration , than as a matter worthythe consideration , or concernment of our Kings or our Governors . It hath been the happy fortune of the Turk to be accounted barbarous and ignorant ; for upon this perswasion Christian Princes have laid themselves open and unguarded to their greatest danger ; contending together for one Palm of land , whilst this puissant Enemy hath made himself master of whole Provinces , and largely shared in the rich and pleasant possessions of Europe . This contempt of the Turk on one side , caused the Emperour to be so backward in opposing that torrent of the Ottoman Force , which in the first year of the late War broke in upon him ; and the suspition of designs from France on the other , altered the Resolutions and Councels of the Emperour for prosecution of the War , which then running favourably on the Christian part , was no less than with the astonishment of the whole world , and of the Turks themselves , on a sudden understood to be clapt up with Articles of a disadvantageous Peace ; admiring to see the Emperour give a stop to the current of his Victories , and relinquish the Game with a lucky hand . But this will seem no riddle to those who penetrate Affairs with the same judgment that your Lordship doth , and consider the unfirm condition the House of Austria was in , by a daily expectation of the death or fall of so main a Basis of it , as the King of Spain , and the division amongst the Princes of the Empire , the League of the Rhine , the French practices to make the Duke of Enguyen King of Poland , and the extravagant demands of the French and Rhinish League for Winter quarters , and places of strength , not only in Hungary , but also in Styria and the adjacent places ; and at the same time look on the Factions in Hungary , and a considerable Army of French in the bowels of Germany , who were supposed in those parts to have rather come with design to over-awe the next Diet , and force the German Princes to elect the French King for King of the Romans , than with sincere and simple intentions of opposing themselves to the Enemy of the Faith : for then it will appear , that the best use the Emperor could make of his good success , was moderation in Victory , and reconciliation with his powerful Enemy . And hereupon Earl Leisle being dispatched for Extraordinary Embassador from his Imperial Majesty , to the Grand Signior ; though the Turk was elevated with the thoughts of the necessity the Christians had of a Peace , did yet so happily manage his Charge and Employment , as created in the Turks an extraordinary reverence towards his Person , and obtained such Honours and Treatments from them , as the Turkish Court never bestowed before on the Emperors , or any other Christian Embassador ; extorting this Complement from the great Vizier , That he was more satisfied the Emperor had sent so brave and illustrious a person , than if he had sought to reconcile his Affections with a hundred thousand Dollars more of Present . And to do justice to this worthy Person , he hath brought a reputation to the British Nation , above any in our age , whose vertues and industry have acquired the highest Trusts and Preferments in Forreign Parts ; and done the same honour to his King , under whom he was born a Subject , as to the present Emperor and his Ancestors , under whom he is , and hath alwaies been a faithful Minister : having deserved so eminently for saving the whole German Empire from the Treason of Wallestein , by his own single act of bravery ( a story notoriously known to all the world ) as can never in gratitude be forgot by that Nation , nor want its due Record and place in the History of that Country . The speculation of what is contained in this following Discourse may seem unworthy of your Lordships precious hours , in regard of that notion of Barbarity with which this Empire is stiled ; yet the knowledge hereof will be like a Turquoise , or some other Jewel set within the Rose of those many Gems of your Lordships Wisdom and Vertues . This Present , which I thus humbly consecrate to your Lordship , may be termed barbarous , as all things are , which are differenced from us by diversity of Manners and Custom , and are not dressed in ●●e mode and fashion of our times and Countries ; for we contract prejudice from ignorance and want of familiarity . But your Lordship , who exactly ponderates the weight of humane Actions , acknowledges reason in all its habits , and draws not the measures of Oeconomy or Policy from external appearances or effects , but from the fundamental and original Constitutions ; so that your Lordship will conclude , that a People , as the Turks are , men of the same composition with us , cannot be so savage and rude as they are generally described ; for ignorance and grossness is the effect of Poverty , not incident to happy men , whose spirits are elevated with Spoils and Trophies of so many Nations . Knowing ( My Lord ) that this work which I have undertaken is liable to common censure , I have chosen to shrowd my name under the patronage of your Lordship , to protect me from the ill-understanding and mis-conceptions of our Countrymen , both at home and abroad : against which I doubt not but to be sufficiently armed in all parts where I travel , when the countenance your Lordship affords me , is joined to the authority of his Excellency the Earl of Winchilsea , his Majesties Embassador Extraordinary , now actually resident at Constantinople , my ever honoured Lord ; to whom I read , a long time before publish'd to the World , the greatest part of this following Treatise ; and as I received his favourable approbation , and assent to the verity of most matters herein contained ; so I must ingenuously confess to have been beholding to that quick and refined Genius of his , who often rectified my mistakes , supplyed me with matter , and remembred me of many material points , which I might otherwise have most unadvisedly omitted : And his Excellency knowing that in his absence this Book might want a favourable Patron , left me to my self to seek out one , who might concur with him in the same innocent defence . And as ( My Lord ) you are a publick person , and under our Gracious Sovereign , are one of those generous spirits which have espoused the common interest of the Nation ; so I presume on this present occasion not to want your protection also in a single capacity : for which excess of favours I shall ever pray for the exaltation of the greater glory of your Lordship , and for ever acknowledge my self , My Lord , Your Lordships most humble , most faithful , and most devoted Servant , PAUL Rycaut . THE EPISTLE TO THE READER . Courteous Reader , I Present thee here with a true Systeme or Model of theTurkish Government and Religion ; not in the same manner as certain ingenious Travellers have done , who have set down their Observations as they have obvionsly occurred in their Journeys ; which being collected for the most part from Relations , and Discourses of such who casually intervene in company of Passengers , are consequently subject to many errours and mistakes : But having been an Inhabitant my self at the Imperial City for the space of five years , and assisted by the advantage of considerable Journeys I have made through divers parts of Turky , and qualified by the Office I hold of Secretary to the Earl of Winchilsea Lord Embassador , I had opportunity by the constant access and practice with the Chief Ministers of State , and variety of Negotiations which passed through my hands in the Turkish Court , to penetrate farther into the Mysteries of this Politie , which appear so strange and barbarous to us , than hasty Travellers could do , who are forced to content themselves with a superficial knowledge . The Computations I have made of the value of their Offices , of the strength and number of their Souldiery , according as every City and Country is rated , are deduced from their own Registers and Records . The Observations I have made of their Politie , are either Maxims received from the Mouth and Argument of confiderable Ministers , or Conclusions arising from my own Experience and Considerations . The Articles of their Faith and Constitutions of Religion , I have set down as pronounced from the mouth of some of the most learned Doctors and Preachers of their Law , with whom for Money or Presents I gained a familiarity and appearance of friendship . The Relation of the Seraglio , and Education of their Youth , with divers other matters of Custom and Rule , were transmitted to me by several sober Persons , trained up with the best Education of the Turkish Learning ; and particularly , by an understanding Polonian , who had spent nineteen years in the Ottoman Court. If ( Reader ) the superstition , vanity , and ill foundation of the Mahometan Religion seem fabulous , as a Dream , or the fancies of a distracted and wild Brain , thank God that thou wert born a Christian , and within the Pale of an Holy and an Orthodox Church . If the Tyranny , Oppression , and Cruelty of that State , wherein Reason stands in no competition with the pride and lust of an unreasonable Minister , seem strange to thy Liberty and Happiness , thank God that thou art born in a Country the most free and just in all the World ; and a Subject to the most indulgent , the most gracious of all the Princes of the Universe ; That thy Wife , thy Children , and the fruits of thy labour can be called thine own , and protected by the valiant Arm of thy fortunate King : And thus learn to know and prize thy own Freedom , by comparison with Forreign Servitude , that thou mayst ever bless God and thy King , and make thy Happiness breed thy Content , without degenerating into wantonness , or desire of revolution . Farewell . THE CONTENTS Of the several CHAPTERS . The First Book . CHAP. I. THE Constitution of the Turkish Government , being different from most others in the world , hath need of peculiar Maxims and Rules whereon to establish and confirm it self . Page 1 CHAP. II. The absoluteness of the Emperour is a great support of the Turkish Empire . 2 CHAP. III The Lesson of Obedience to their Emperour is taught by the Turks as a Principle of Religion , rather than of State. 8 CHAP. IV. The History of Kiosem , or the Queen-Mother . 11 CHAP. V. The Education of Young Men in the Seraglio , out of which those who are to discharge the great Offices of the Empire are elected ; it being a Maxim of the Turkish Politie , To have the Prince served by such whom he can raise without envy , and destroy without danger . 25 CHAP. VI. Of the Method in the Turkish Studies and Learning in the Seraglio . 30 CHAP. VII . Of the Platonick affection and Friendship the Pages in the Seraglio bear each to other . 33 CHAP. VIII . Of the Mutes and Dwarfs . 34 CHAP. IX . Of the Eunuchs . 35 Of the Black Eunuchs , and Appartments of the Women . 37 CHAP. X. Of the Agiamoglans . 40 CHAP. XI . Of the Vizier Azem , or Prime Vizier , his Office ; the other six Viziers of the Bench ; and of the Divan , or place of Judicature . 43 CHAP. XII . Of the Offices , Dignities , and several Governments of the Empire . 51 CHAP. XIII . In what manner the Tartar Han depends on the Turk . 57 CHAP. XIV . Of the Tributary Princes to the Turks , viz. the Moldavians , Valachians , Transilvanians , Raguseans , &c. 60 CHAP. XV. The desolation and ruine which the Turks make of their own Country in Asia , and the Parts most remote from the Imperial Seat , esteemed one cause of the conservation of the Empire . 67 CHAP. XVI . All Hereditary Succession in Government , as also the preservation of an Antient Nobility , against the Maxims of Turkish Politie . 69 CHAP. XVII . The frequent exchange of Officers , as the setting up one and degrading another ; a Rule always practised as wholsom , and conducing to the welfare of the Turkish State. 75 CHAP. XVIII . The several Arts the Turks use for increase of their People , is a Principal Policy , without which the greatness of their Empire cannot continue nor be encreased . 79 CHAP. XIX . The manner of Reception of Forreign Embassadours amongst the Turks , and the esteem is had of them . 83 CHAP. XX. How Embassadours and Publick Ministers govern themselves in their Negotiations and Residence amongst the Turks . 89 CHAP. XXI . How Christian and other Forreign Princes in particular stand in the esteem and opinion of the Turk . 91 CHAP. XXII . The regard the Turks have to their Leagues with Forreign Princes . 94 The Second Book . CHAP. I. Of the Turks Religion in general . CHAP. II. The Toleration that Mahometanism in its Infancy promised to other Religions , and in what manner that Agreement was afterwards observed . 98 CHAP. III. The Arts wherewith the Turkish Religion is propagated . 103 CHAP. IV. The Power and Office of the Mufti , and the Turkish Government in Religious Matters . 105 CHAP. V. Of the Mufti 's Revenue , and from whence it does arise 109 CHAP. VI. Of the Emirs . 110 CHAP. VII . Of the Endowments of Royal Mosches , and in what nature Tithes are given for maintenance of their Priests and Religion . 112 CHAP. VIII . Of the nature of Predestination according to the Turkish Doctors . 115 CHAP. IX . Of the difference of Sects , and disagreement in Religion amongst the Turks in general . 117 CHAP. X. Of the two prevailing Sects , viz. of Mahomet and Hali , that is , the Turk and the Persian ; the Errours of the Persian recounted , and confuted by the Mufti of Constantinople . 119 CHAP. XI . Of the ancient Sects and Heresies amongst the Turks . 122 CHAP. XII . Of the new and modern Sects arisen amongst the Turks , and how dangerous some of them may prove for raising Sedition in the Empire . 128 CHAP. XIII . Of their Religious Men ; and first of their Dervises . 135 CHAP. XIV . Of the Order of Ebrbuhare . 141 CHAP. XV. Of the Order of Nimetuhali . 142 CHAP. XVI . Of the Order of Kadri . 143 CHAP. XVII . Of the Order of Kalenderi . 145 CHAP. XVIII . Of the Order of Edhemi . 147 CHAP. XIX . Of the Order of Bectasse . 148 CHAP. XX. Of the Order of Hizrevi , or Herewi . 149 CHAP. XXI . Of Marriages , Divorces , and how far Concubinage is indulged amongst the Turks . 151 CHAP. XXII . Of other parts of the Turkish Religion , and first of Circumcision . 157 CHAP. XXIII . Of the five necessary Points which are required to constitute a true Mahometan ; viz. 1. Washings . 2. Prayers . 3. Observation of the Ramazan . 4. The Zacat . 5. Pilgrimage . 158 CHAP. XXIV . Of the Feast of Bairam , and the Ceremonies used at that time by the Chief Officers and Ministers towards the Grand Signior . 162 CHAP. XXV . Of the Prohibition of Swines-flesh and Wine . 165 CHAP. XXVI . Of their Morality , good Works , and some certain account of their Laws ; worthy observation . 166 The Third Book . CHAP. I. Of the present state of the Military Discipline amongst the Turks . 1 CHAP. II. Of the Turkish Militia in general . 3 CHAP. III. A Computation of the Forces arising from the Zaims and Timariots . 6 CHAP. IV. Of certain Customs and Laws observed amongst the Zaims and Timariots . 13 CHAP. V. Of the state of the Militia in Grand Cairo and Egypt , and of the Auxiliary Forces to the forementioned Militia of the Turks . 14 CHAP. VI. Of the Spahees . 16 CHAP. VII . Of the Janizaries . 22 CHAP. VIII . Whether the maintenance of an Army of Janizaries according to the original institution , be now agreeable to the Rules of Politie amongst the Turks . 28 CHAP. IX . Of the Chiauses . 31 CHAP. X. Of the other parts of the Turkish Militia , viz. the Toptchi , Segbans , and Sarigias , Gebegee , Muhlagi , Besli , and Delees . 32 CHAP. XI . Certain observations on the Turkish Camp. 36 CHAP. XII . Of the Turks Armata , or Naval Forces at Sea. 45 The Conclusion . 49 THE MAXIMES OF THE Turkish Politie . CHAP. I. The Constitution of the Turkish Government being different from most others in the World , hath need of peculiar Maxims , and Rules , whereon to establish and confirm it self . I Have begun a Work which seems very full of difficulty and labour ; for to trace the footsteps of Government in the best formed and moulded Common-wealths ( such as are supported with Reason and with Religion ) is no less then to unriddle and resolve a Mystery . For as a Common-wealth , by many Authors , hath not been unaptly compared to a Ship , in divers respects , and proper Allegories ; so principally the small impression or sign of track , the floating habitation leaves behind it on the Sea , in all the traverses it makes , according to the different winds to attain its Port , is a lively embleme of the various motions of good Government , which by reason of circumstances ; times , and multiplicity of chances and events , leaves little or no path in all the Ocean of humane affairs . But there must be yet certain Rules in every Government , which are the foundations and pillars of it ; not subject to the alteration of time , or any other accident ; and so essential to it , that they admit of no change , untill the whole model of Politie suffer a Convulsion , and be shaken into some other form ; which is either effected by the new laws of a Conqueror , or by intestine and civil revolutions . Of such Maxims as these , ( obvious to all who have had any practice in the Ottoman Court ) I have made a collection , subjoining to every head some reflections and considerations of my own , which at my leisure hours I have weighed and examined , bringing them ( according to the proportion of my weak judgement and ability ) to the measure and test of reason and virtue ; as also to a similitude , and congruity with the Maxims of other Empires , to which God hath given the largest extent of Dominion . But indeed when I have considered seriously the contexture of the Turkish Government , the absoluteness of an Emperour without reason , without virtue , whose speeches may be irrational , and yet must be laws ; whose actions irregular , and yet examples ; whose sentence and judgement , if in matters of the Imperial concernment , are most commonly corrupt , and yet decrees irresistible : When I consider what little rewards there are for vertue , and no punishment for profitable and thriving vice ; how men are raised at once by adulation , chance , and the sole favour of the Prince , without any title of noble blood , or the motives of previous deserts , or former testimonies and experience of parts or abilities , to the weightiest , the richest , and most honourable charges of the Empire ; when I consider how short their continuance is in them , how with one frown of their Prince they are cut off ; with what greediness above all people in the world , they thirst and haste to be rich , and yet know their treasure is but their snare ; what they labour for is but as slaves for their great Patron and Master , and what will inevitably effect their ruine and destruction , though they have all the arguments of faithfulness , virtue , and moral honesty ( which are rare in a Turk ) to be their advocates , and plead for them . When I consider many other things of like nature , ( which may more at large hereafter be discoursed of ) one might admire the long continuance of this great and vast Empire , and attribute the stability thereof without change within its self , and the increase of Dominions and constant progress of its arms , rather to some super-natural cause , then to the ordinary Maximes of State , or wisdom of the Governours , as if the Divine will of the all-knowing Creator , had chosen for the good of his Church , and chastisement of the sins and vices of Christians , to raise and support this potent people . Mihi quanto plura recentium seu veterum revolvo , tanto magis ludibria rerum mortalium cunctis in negotiis observantur . But that which cements all breaches , and cures all those wounds in this body politick , is the quickness and severity of their justice , which not considering much the strict division and parts of distributive and commutative , makes almost every crime equal , and punishes it with the last and extreamest chastisement , which is death ; I mean those which have relation to the Government , and are of common and publick interest . Without this remedy , which I lay down as a principal prevention of the greatest disorders , this mighty body would burst with the poyson of its own ill humors , and soon divide it self into several Signories , as the ambition and power of the Governours most remote from the Imperial Seat adminstred them hopes and security of becoming absolute . In this Government , severity , violence , and cruelty are natural to it ; and it were as great an errour to begin to loose the reins , and ease the people of that oppression to which they and their fore-fathers have since their first original been accustomed , as it would be in a nation free-born , and used to live under the protection of good laws , and the clemency of a virtuous and Christian Prince , to exercise a Tyrannical power over their estates and lives , and change their liberty into servitude and slavery . The Turks had the original of their Civil Government founded in the time of war : for when they first came out of Scythia , and took arms in their hands , and submitted unto one General , it is to be supposed , that they had no Laws but what were Arbitrary and Martial , and most agreeable to the enterprise and design they had then in hand , when Tangrolipix overthrew the Persian Sultan ; possessed himself of his Dominions and Power , and called and opened the way for his companions out of Armenia ; when Cutlumuses revolted from him , and made a distinct kingdom in Arabia : when other Princes of the Selcuccian family in the infancy of the Turkish power had by wars among themselves , or by Testament made division of their possessions ; when ( Anno 1300 ) Ottoman , by strange fortunes , and from small beginnings swallowed up all the other Governments into the Ogusian Tribe , and united them under one head , untill at last it arrived to that greatness and power it now enjoys . The whole condition of this people was but a continued state of war ; wherefore it is not strange , if their laws are severe , and in most things arbitrary ; that the Emperor should be absolute and above law , and that most of their customs should run in a certain channel and course most answerable to the height and unlimited power of the Governour , and consequently to the oppression and subjection of the people : and that they should thrive most by servitude , be most happy , prosperous and contented under Tyranny , is as natural to them , as to a body to be nourished with that diet , which it had from its infancy or birth been acquainted with . But not only is Tyranny requisite for this people , and a stiff rein to curb them , lest by an unknown liberty they grow mutinous and unruly , but likewise the large territories and remote parts of the Empire require speedy preventions , without processes of law , or formal indictment : jealousie and suspition of mis-government being license and authority enough for the Emperour to inflict his severest punishments : all which depends upon the absoluteness of the Prince ; which because it is that whereby the Turks are principally supported in their greatness , and is the prime Maxim and Foundation of their State , we shall make it the discourse and subject of the following Chapter . CHAP. II. The absoluteness of the Emperour is a great support of the Turkish Empire . Sultan Mahomet Han the present Emperour of the Turkes aged 23 : yeares Anno 1666 THe Turks having ( as is before declared ) laid the first foundation of their Government with the principles most agreeable to Military Discipline , their Generals or Princes , whose will and lusts they served , became absolute Masters of their Lives and Estates ; so that what they gained and acquired by the Sword with labours , perils , and sufferings , was appropriated to the use and benefit of their Great Master . All the delightful fields of Asia , the pleasant plains of Tempe and Thrace , all the plenty of Aegypt and fruitfulness of the Nile , the luxury of Corinth , the substance of Peleponesus , Athens , Lemnos , Scio , and Mitylen , with other Isles of the Aegean Sea , the Spices of Arabia , and the riches of a great part of Persia , all Armenia , the Provinces of Pontus , Galatia , Bythinia , Phrygia , Lycia , Pamphylia , Palestine , Caelosiria and Phaenicia , Colchis , and a great part of Georgia , the tributary principalities of Moldavia and Valachia , Romania , Bulgaria and Servia , and the best part of Hungary , concur all together to satifise the appetite of one single person ; all the extent of this vast territory , the Lands and Houses , as well as the Castles and Arms , are the proper goods of the Grand Signior , in his sole disposal and gift they remain , whose possession and right they are ; only to lands dedicated to religious uses , the Grand Signior disclaims all right or claim ; and this he so piously observes ( to the shame of our Sectaries in England , who violate the penetralia of the Sanctuary ) that when a Bashaw , though afterwards convicted of Treason , bestows any lands or rents on any certain Mosch or Temple , that grant or gift is good and exempted from any disposal or power of the Grand Signior . The lands being thus originally in the Grand Signior , after the Conquests were made , and the Country secured , and in condition to be distributed , divisions were made of the houses , mannors , and farms among the Soldiery , whom they call Timars , as the reward and recompence of their valour and labour ; in consideration of which , every one proportionably to his revenue and possession , is obliged to maintain horse and men to be always ready when the Grand Signior shall call him forth to serve him in the wars ; by which means the whole Country being in the hand of the Souldiery , all places are the better strengthned , and the conquered people more easily kept from Mutiny and Rebellion ; not much unlike our tenure of Knights-service in England , and lands held of the Crown , but with this difference , that we enjoy them by the title of a fixed and setled Law , never to be forfeited but upon Treason and Rebellion ; they enjoy them also by inheritance derived from the Father to the Son , but yet as usufructuary during the pleasure of the Emperour , in whom the propriety is always reserved , and who doth often as his humour and fancy leads him to please and gratifie a stranger , dispossess an ancient possessor , whose family hath for many generations enjoyed that inheritance . Sometimes I have heard with the sighes of some , and the curse of others , how the Grand Signior heated in his hunting , and pleased with the refreshment of a little cool and chrystal water , presented him by a poor Paisant ; hath in recompence thereof freed the Tenant from the rent of his Landlord , and by his sole word confirmed to him the Cottage he lived in , the Woods , Gardens and Fields he manured , with as sound a title , as our long deeds and conveyances secure our purchases and inheritances in England ; and this the former Master dares not name injustice , because this Tenant is now made proprietor by the will of the Grand Signior , which was the same title and claim with his ; preseription , tenant-right , and custom availing nothing in this case . For if the inheritance hath been anciently derived from Father to Son ; the more is the goodness and bounty of the Emperour to be acknowledged , that hath permitted so long a succession of his favours to run in one family , in whose power it was to transfer it to others . The absolute and unlimited power of this Prince is more evident by the titles they give him , as God on earth , the shadow of God , Brother to the Sun and Moon , the giver of all earthly Crowns , &c. And though they do not build and erect Altars to him , as was done to the Roman Emperours , when that people degenerated into a fashion of deformed adulation , wherein Italy is at present corrupted ; yet the conception they have of his power , the Ray they conceive to be in him of divine illumination , is a kind of imagery , and idolatrous fancy they frame of his divinity . It is an ordinary saying among the Turkish Cadees and Lawyers , That the Grand Signior is above the Law ; that is , whatsoever law is written , is controllable , and may be contradicted by him : his mouth is the law it self , and the power of an infallible interpretation is in him ; and though the Mufti is many times , for custome , formality and satisfaction of the people consulted with , yet when his sentences have not been agreeable to the designs intended , I have known him in an instant thrown from his office to make room for another oracle better prepared for the purpose of his Master . Some maintain that the very oaths and promises of the Grand Signior are always revocable , when the performance of his vow is a restriction to the absolute power of the Empire . And I remember when my Lord Embassador hath sometimes complained of the breach of our capitulations , and pleaded that the Grand Signior had no power by simple commands to infringe articles of peace , to which he had obliged himself by solemn oaths and vows ; the Interpreters have very gently touched that point , and been as nice to question how far the power of the Grand Signior extended , as we ought to be in the subtile points of the divine Omnipotence , but rather in contemplation of the Grand Signiors justice , wisdom , faith , and clemency , insinuated arguments of honour , convenience , and justice in maintaining the league inviolate with the King of England . It was Justinians rule concerning the Prerogative of Princes , Etsi legibus soluti sumus , tamen legibus vivimus . That is , although the Majesty of Princes , and the necessity of having a supream head in all governments , did free and priviledge them from all punishment , and exempt them from the censure and correction of law , that no earthly power could call them to account for their errours or disorders in this world ; yet it is necessary to the Being of an absolute Monarch , to be a severe executioner of the Laws of his Country , and it is more his interest and security , then to act without rule , and always to make use of the power of absolute dominion , which is to be applied like Physick , when the ordinary force of nature cannot remove the malignancy of some peccant humours . The Grand Signior himself is also restrained by laws , but without impeachment to his absolute jurisdiction . For when there is a new Emperour , it is the custom to conduct him with great pomp and triumph to a place in the Suburbs of Constantinople called Job , where is an ancient Monument of some certain Prophet , or Holy man , whom the Turks for want of knowledge in Antiquity and History , stile that Job , who was recorded for the mirrour of constancy and patience . For they confound all History in Chronology , saying that Job was Solomons judge of the Court , and Alexander the Great , Captain of his army . At this place Solemn Prayers are made , that God would prosper and infuse wisdom into him , who is to manage so great a charge . Then the Mufti embracing him , bestows his benediction , and the Grand Signior swears and promises solemnly to maintain the Musleman Faith , and laws of the Prophet Mahomet ; and then the Visiers of the Bench , and other Bashaws , with profound reverence and humility , kissing the ground first , and then the hemme of his vest , acknowledge him their lawful and undoubted Emperour : and after this form of inauguration , he returns with the like solemnity and magnificence to the Seraglio , ( which is always the seat of the Ottoman Emperours . ) And thus the Gr. Sig. retains , and obliges himself to govern within the compass of Laws , but they give him so large a latitude , that he can no more be said to be bound or limited , than a man who hath the world to rove in can be termed a prisoner , because he cannot exceed the Inclosure of the Universe . For though he be obliged to the execution of the Mahometan Law , yet that Law calls the Emperour the Mouth and Interpreter of it , and endues him with power to alter and annul the most setled and fixed Rules , at least to wave and dispense with them when they are an obstacle to his Government , and contradict ( as we said before ) any great design of the Empire . But the lea●●ed Doctors among the Turks more clearly restrain the Imperial power only to the observation of that which is Religious in the Mahometan Law , saying , That in matters which are Civil his Law is Arbitrary , and needs no other Judge or Legislator than his own will. Hence it is that they say , the Grand Signior can never be deposed or made accountable to any for his crimes , whilst he destroys causelesly of his Subjects under the number of 1000 a day ; and in like manner hence it is , that though the Mahometan Law determines the testimony of two Witnesses of that Faith to be valid for the determination of all cases of difference ; yet by our Capitulations it is provided , that no Turkish Witnesses of what number or quality soever can avail against any of the English Nation , by reason that the case being Civil is dispensable by the Imperial power ; but I doubt , were any matter in question Criminal , ( as we have never , God be praised , had occasion to put it to trial ) the Capitulations would be forced to yield to the Mahometan Law , as being Religious and Divine , with which the Sultan hath no power to dispense . Of what consequence and benefit this absolute power hath been to the Turks , is evident by the extent of their Empire and success of their Arms. For if the Sultan pleases the Souldiery , no matter how the people in this constitution is contented ; and this was the conclusion of Machiavel upon this Government , in the 19. Chapter of his Book del Prencipe . And it must needs be a great advantage to a Commander , when the Utile and Justum are reconciled and made the same , and that he meets no contradiction or opposition at home , which may retard or cross the great designs abroad . The Emperour of Germany had doubtless sooner encountred the Turks , and given a stop to his free entrance the first year of the late War into Hungary , had he been absolute of the whole Empire , and not necessitated to expect the consent of his several Princes , and the result of a Diet , when the Turks were even ready to enter Germany . For when many heads or hands are required , all business moves slowly , and more time is spent in agreement of the manner of action , in arguments and debates , ( which are most commonly carried on by faction ) than in the most difficult point of execution . It would seem a great clog to the Grand Signior to be obliged to depend on the bounty of his Subjects when he would make a War , or on the judgment of a Lawyer that should contradict and censure the actions of his Prince as irregular , and exceeding the priviledges of his Prerogative . It is very difficult to understand how it is possible with these fetters for any Country or City ever to arrive to that height , as to be termed the Mistress of a great Empire , or a Prince be said to have a long arm , or embrace a large compass of the Globe , who is pinioned with the bands of his own Laws . But I confess it is a blessing and wonderful happiness of a people , to be Subjects of a gracious Prince , who hath prescribed his power within the compass of wholesom Laws , acknowledg'd a right of possession and propriety of Estate as well in his Subjects as himself , who doth not punish the innocent with the guilty , nor oppress without distinction , nor act the part of that King whom God gives in his wrath . But then they must content themselves with their own borders , or some neighbouring conquest , and this is better , and a greater glory and content , than the honour of being Slaves to the lust of a Monarch , whose Titles c●mprehend the greatest part of the world . CHAP. III. The Lesson of Obedience to their Emperour is taught by the Turks , as a Principle of Religion rather than of State. THE absolute power in the Prince implies an exact obedience in the Subjects ; and to instill and confirm that Principle no art or industry is wanting , in the education of those who are placed in the Seraglio , with design of preferment to Offices and great Charges ; so that even the Oath of Obedience which Friers and other Religious men vow to their Superiors at their first initiation into Ecclesiastical Orders , is not more exactly or devoutly observed or professed by them , than this Doctrine of submission to the will of their great master is carefully taught to his young Scholars , who stand Probationers and Candidates for all the Governments of the Empire . To die by the hand or command of the Grand Signior , when the blow is submitted to , with entire resignation , is taught to be the highest point of Martyrdom ; and whose good fortune it is so to suffer is immediately transported to Paradise . Kara Mustapha Passaw ( a great Visier ) after he had been so successeful in all matters of his charge , and proved so excellent an Instrument of victories and services to his Master , that he was applauded by all to be a most happy and fortunate Minister , was so sensible of his own condition , and the favour of his Prince , that he confessed he was now arrived to the greatest glory and perfection he could in this life aspire to , and only wanted the holy Martyrdom , to die by the order and sentence of the Grand Signior as the reward of his faithfulness , and the consummation of all his Honours . Such as receive any wages or pay coming from the Exchequer , or any Office depending on the Crown , have the title of Kul , which is , the Grand Signiors Slave : such is the great Visier and all the Pashaws of the Empire , and it is more honourable than the condition and name of Subject ; for they have a privilege over these , and can revile , beat and abuse them with authority ; but the Subject cannot offer the least injury to the Slave without danger of severe punishment . Slavery among the Turks denotes a condition of entire resignation to the will and command of the Emperour , to perform whatsoever he signifies ; or if possible , what he conceives : though he command whole Armies of them to precipitate themselves from a Rock , or build a Bridge with piles of their bodies for him to pass Rivers , or to kill one another to afford him pastime and pleasure . They that have been where they have seen and known the manner of this blind obedience , may well cry out , O homines ad servitutem paratos ! And doubtless the flattery used in the Seraglio towards the Prince by those that are near his person , is proportionable to this condition of slavery they profess , and cannot but fancy a strange kind of projected baseness in all the deportment within the Walls of the Seraglio , when there appears so much condescension abroad to all the lusts and evil inclinations of their Master ; so that a generous Prince ( as some have been found among the Ottoman Emperours ) though he desired not the publick liberty , would yet be weary of this slavish compliance , and seek other counsel and means to inform himself of the true state of his own and other Kings Dominions , then such as proceed from men unexperienced in any other Court or Country then that they live in . This flattery and immoderate subjection hath doubtless been the cause of the decay of the Turkish discipline in the time of Sultan Ibrahim , when Women governed , and now in this present age of Sultan Mahomet , whose counsels are given chiefly by his Mother , Negroes , Eunuchs , and some handsome young Mosayp or Favourite ; seldom any from without being permitted , or have their spirits emboldened to declare a truth , or are called to give their counsel in matters of greatest importance . So that this obedience which brave and wise Emperours have made use of in the advancement of noble exploits , and enlargement of their Empire , is with effeminate Princes ( delighted with flattery ) the snare of their own greatness , and occasion of weak counsels and means in the management of great designs . If a man seriously consider the whole com psition of the Turkish Court , he will find it to be a Prison and Banniard of Slaves , differing from that where the Galley-slaves are immured , only by the ornaments and glittering outside and appearances : here their chains are made of Iron , and there of gold , and the difference is only in a painted shining servitude , from that which is a squalid , sordid , and a noisome slavery . For the youths educated in the Seraglio ( which we shall have occasion to discourse of in the next Chapter ) are kept as it were within a prison , under a strange severity of discipline , some for 20 , 30 , others 40. years , others the whole time of the age of man , and grow gray under the correction of their Hogiaes or Tutors . The two Brothers of this present Grand Signior , are also imprisoned here , restrained with a faithful and careful guard , and perhaps are sometimes permitted out of grace and favour into the presence of their Brother , to kiss His Vest , and to perform the offices of duty and humility before their Prince . The Ladys also of the Seraglio have their faithful keepers of the black guard to attend them , and can only have the liberty of enjoying the air which passes through grates and lattices , unlesse sometime they obtain license to sport and recreate themselves in the Garden , separated from the sight of men by walls higher then those of any Nunnery . Nay , if a man considers the contexture of the whole Turkish Government , he will find it such a Fabrick of slavery , that it is a wonder if any amongst them should be born of a free ingenuous spirit . The Grand Signior is born of a slave , the Mother of the present being a Circhasian , taken perhaps by the Tartars , in their incursions into that Country . The Visiers themselves are not always free born by Father or Mother ; for the Turks get more children by their slaves then by their wives , and the continual supply of slaves sent in by the Tartars , taken from different Nations , by way of the black sea , ( as hereafter we shall have occasion to speak more fully ) fills Constantinople with such a strange race , mixture , and medly of different sorts of blood , that it is hard to find many that can derive a clear line from ingenious Parents : So that it is no wonder that amongst the Turks a disposition be found fitted and disposed for servitude , and that is better governed with a severe and tyrannous hand , then with sweetness and lenity , unknown to them and their fore-fathers : as Grotius takes this Maxime out of Aristotle , Quosdam homines naturâ esse servos ; i. e. ad servitutem aptos ; & ita populi quidem , eo sunt ingenio ut regi quam regere norint rectius . But since it appears that submission and subjection are so incident to the nature of the Turks , and obedience taught , and so carefully instilled into them with their first Rudiments ; it may be a pertinent question , how it comes to pass , that there are so many mutinies and rebellions as are seen and known amongst the Turks , and those commonly the most insolent , violent , and desperate that we read of in story . To let pass the mutinies of former times in the Ottoman Camp , and the usual , though short rebellions of ancient days : I shall instance in the causes and beginnings of two notorious disturbances , or rather madnesses of the Souldiery not mentioned in any History , which being passages of our age , deserve greatly to be recorded . This obedience then that is so diligently taught and instilled into the Turkish Militia ( as to the Spahees in their Seraglios , or Seminaries ; the Janizaries in their chambers ) sometimes is forgot when the passions and animosities of the Court ( by which inferiour affections are most commonly regulated ) corrupt that Discipline , which its reason and sobriety instituted . For the affections of Princes are indued with a general influence , when two powerful parties aspiring both to greatness and authority , allure the Souldiers to their respective factions , and engage them in a civil war amongst themselves ; and hence proceed seditions , destruction of Empires , the overthrow of Common-wealths , and the violent death of great Ministers of State. And so it hapned when ill government and unprosperous successes of war , caused disobedience in the Souldiery , which some emulous of the greatness of those that were in power , nourished and raised to make place for themselves or their party . For in the time of Sultan Mahomet , the present Grand Signior , when the whole government of the Empire rested in the hands of one Mulki Kadin , a young audacious woman , by the extraordinary favour and love of the Queen Mother ( who , as it was divulged , exercised an unnatural kind of carnality with the said Queen ) so that nothing was left to the counsel and order of the Visier and grave Seniors , but was first to receive approbation and authority from her ; the black Eunuchs and Negroes gave laws to all , and the cabinet councels were held in the secret appartments of the women ; and there were proscriptions made , Officers discharged , or ordained as were most proper to advance the interest of this Feminine Government . But at length , the souldiery ( not used to the tyranny of women ) no longer supporting this kind of servitude , in a moment resolved on a remedy , and in great tumults came to the Seraglio , where commanding the Grand Signior himself to the Kiosch , or banquetting-house , demanded without further prologue the heads of the favourite Eunuchs ; there was no argument or Rhetorick to be opposed to this unreasonable multitude , nor time given for delays , or consultation ; but every one of the accused , as he was entred into the souldiers roll or catalogue , and required , being first strangled , was afterwards thrown head-long from the wall of the Garden , and committed to the farther satisfaction of their enemies revenge , by whom from thence they were dragged to the Hyppodromo , and before the new Mosque cut into small pieces , and their flesh roasted and eaten by them . The day following , they apprehended Mulki , and her husband Schaban Kalfa , both whom they put to death ; nor ended this tumult here , until by means of dissention between the Spahees and Janizaries , the principal Ministers found means and opportunity to interpose their power ; and having executed several of the Spahees , and performed other exemplary parts of Justice , reduced matters to some kind of quietness and composure ; and thus order results often from confusion , and tumults in corrupted Commonwealths have operated good effects to the redress of several evils . But besides this insurrection or mutiny of the Janizaries , have succeeded divers other ; but because there hath been no disorder amongst them so notorious and memorable , as that which occasioned the death of Kiosem , Grand-mother to the present Sultan , we have thought fit to record the certain particulars of it to all posterity . CHAP. IV. A true relation of the designs managed by the old Queen , Wife of Sultan Ahmet , and Mother of Sultan Morat , and Sultan Ibrahim , against her Grand-child Sultan Mahomet who now Reigns ; and of the death of the said Queen and her Complices . AFter the murder of Sultan Ibrahim , by conspiracy of the Janizaries , Sultan Mahomet ( eldest son of the late deceased Emperour , a child of nine years old ) succeeded in the throne of his father ; and the tuition of him , and administration of the Government ( during his minority ) was committed to the old Queen , the Grand-mother , called Kiosem ; a Lady , who through her long experience , and practice in affairs , was able , and proper for so considerable an office ; and so the young Sultan was conducted to the Mosch of Eiub , where with the accustomed Ceremonies , his sword was girt to his side , and he proclaimed Emperour through all the Kingdoms and Provinces of his Dominions . For some time this old Queen governed all things according to her pleasure , until the Mother of this young Sultan ( as yet trembling with the thoughts of the horrid death of her Lord ; and fearing lest the subtle and old Polititian the Grandmother ( who had compassed the death of her husband ) should likewise contrive the Murder of her Son , grew hourly more jealous of his life and safety ; which suspition of hers was augmented by the knowledge she had of the ambitious and haughty spirit of the Grand-mother , and the private treaties , and secret correspondence she held with the Janizaries , which compelled her to a resolution of making a faction likewise with the Spahees , and Pashaws , and Beyes , who had received their Education in the Seraglio , being a party alwaies opposite to the Janizaries . These she Courted by Letters , and Messages , complaining of the death and Murder of the Sultan her Husband , the Pride and Insolence of the Janizaries ; and small esteem was had of her Son , their undoubted Prince ; adding , that if they provided not for their own safety , the Old Queen would abolish both the name and order of Spahees . The Asiatick Spahees awakened hereat , with a considerable Army marched to Scutari under the Conduct of Gurgi Nebi , and demanded the heads of those who had been the traytors and conspirators against the sacred Life of their late Soveraign ; all which were then under the protection of the Janizaries , and supported by the powerful Authority of the Queen Regent . Upon this Alarum , the Grand Visier , ( called Morat Pashaw ) who had had his Education amongst the Janizaries , being adored by them as an Oracle , and engaged with them in the late Treason against the Sultan , speedily passed over from Constantinople to Scutari , with an Army of Janizaries , and others of his favourites and followers , transporting likewise Artillery and all necessaries for entrenchment ; some skirmishes passed between the Van-guard of the Spahees and the Deli ( which are the Visiers Guard ) and thereby had engaged both the Armies ; but that the two Chief Justices of Anatolia and Greece interposing with their grave and religious countenances , preached to them of the danger and impiety there was in the effusion of Musselmins or believers bloud ; and that , had they any just pretences , their plea should be heard , and all differences decided by the Law. These , and such like perswasions made impression on Gurgi Nebi and other Spahees ; and the posture they found their Adversaries in , to give them battel , made them inclinable to hearken to proposals for accomodation ; but especially their courages were abated by what the Justices had declared , that in case they repaired not to their own homes , the Visier was resolved to burn all the Rolls , and proclaim a general Nesiraum through the whole Empire : ( which is an Edict of the King and Mufti , commanding all the Turks of his Kingdoms from seven years old and upward to arm and follow him to the war. ) The Spahees hereupon dispersed themselves ; and from their retreat encreased the Pride of the Janizaries faction , and of their chief Commanders , viz. Bectas Aga , highly favoured by the Queen Regent ; Kul Kiahia Lieutenant of the Janizaries , and Kara Chiaus a follower of Bectas , who now esteemed themselves absolute Masters of the Empire . These three now governed all matters , contriving in their secret Councils the destruction of the Spahees ; especially those famed for riches and valour ; and as one of the first rank , gave order to the Pasha of Anatolia to take away the life of Gurgi Nebi , whom accordingly he one day assaulted in his quarters , and being abandoned by his Souldiers shot him with a Pistol , and sent his head to Constantinople . The Spahees exasperated hereat , entred into private Councils and Conspiracies in Anatolia against the Janizaries , drawing to their party several Beyes and Pashaws of Asia ( and particularly one Ipsir a Circasian born , but educated in the Seraglio , a Person of a couragious spirit , and powerful in men and treasure ) assaulted many quarters of the Janizaries in Asia , and cutting off their arms and noses , miserably slaughtered as many as fell into their hands . On the other party Bectas Aga , secure in his condition , amassed wealth with both hands by new impositions , rapine , and other arts ; causing to be coined at Belgrade 300 thousand Aspers , one third silver , and two of tinne ; these Aspers he dispersed amongst the Tradesmen and Artisans , forcing others to exchange his false metal for Gold , at the value of 160 Aspers for the Hungarian Ducat . The people sensible of the cheat , begun a mutiny in the quarter of the Sadlers at Constantinople , which encreased so fast , that the whole City was immediately in a general uproar : this tumult was violently carried to the place of the Mufti , whom they forced with the Seigh ( who is the Grand Signiors Preacher ) and the Nakib Esref , or Primate of the Mahometan Race , to accompany them to the Seraglio , where at the inward gate of the Royal Lodgings , with clamours and out-cries they made their complaint . In this danger the Grand Signior was advised by the Capi Agasi , and Solyman Aga , the Kuzlir Aga or chief Eunuch of the Women , that this happy conjuncture was to be embraced for the destruction of Bectas and his complices ; but fear , and too much caution hindered that design for the present ; only it was judged fit , for satisfaction of the multitude , that Metek Ahmet Pashaw ( then Prime Visier , and yet a slave to the lusts of the Janizaries ) should be deprived his office ; which was immediately effected ; and the Seal taken from him was delivered to Siaus Pashaw , a Stout and Valiant person . This Visier being jealous of his own honour , and jealous for the safety of the Empire , cast about all ways to suppress the arrogance of Bectas and his adherents ; lest the like shame , and misfortune should befall him , as did to Murad Pasha one of his late Predecessors in the Office of Visier , who for dissenting from Bectas in opinion , had lost his life , had he not escaped his fury by flying into Greece . The times were also troublesome , and full of danger ; the Janizaries kept guard in the streets , not suffering so much as two Citizens to walk together , for prevention of secret consultations ; many Artisans , or handy-crafts-men were imprisoned , as principal in the late tumult , against the consent and order of the new Visier ; the Court was also divided ; The Sultans party contrived to surprize and kill the rebellious Commanders of the Janizaries , and that the day following , the Lieutenant of the Baltagees , or Hatchet-men , should encounter Kul-chiachia as he came according to custom to the Divan , and slay him ; but the Old Queen being of a contrary faction , with threats and menaces frighted that Officer from his design . The two Queens were exasperated highly against each other ; one to maintain the Authority of her Son , and the other her own ; in the City the confusion grew greater ; the Janizaries were not pleased with the election of Siaus Passa , knowing him to be averse to their faction ; but yet considering the state of the times , they endeavoured with fair promises to allure him to their party . The Old Queen by Letters advised Bectos of all matters that were discoursed in the Seraglio , intimating that the Young Queen was Author of all these disturbances , and that therefore as a remedy of all these evils , it was necessary , that Sultan Mahomet should be deposed , and his younger Brother Solyman placed in his stead , who having a Mother , would be absolutely subject to her tuition : she added likewise that Solyman was a lusty youth , corpulent and Majestical , whereas Sultan Mahomet was lean , weakly , and unable for the Crown . Bectas having received this message from the Queen Regent , assembled a Council at Orta-giami , ( that is the Janizaries Moseh ) where was great and solemn appearance both of the Souldiery and Lawyers , ( which latter are of the spiritual function among them ) some out of friendship to their party , and others for fear of their power ; only the Visier was wanting , whom they sent to invite , out of an opinion that he might be drawn to their side , and in case they found him opposite , then not to suffer him to escape alive from their Councils . It was then two hours in the night , when this message came to the Visier ; and though it was against the state , and gravity of a Visier to go to any , but his Master ; yet he thought it now time to dissemble , and overcome the greatness of his mind ; and so with a private retinue went to the Mosch , where the first he encountred was a Guard of ten thousand Janizaries armed with their Muskets and Matches lighted , which at first so dismayed him that he had some thoughts of returning ; but afterward recovering himself , and taking courage , resolved to proceed ; and coming to the Mosch , Bectas vouchsafed not to meet him , but sent another to perform that Ceremony ; at which neglect though the greatness of his spirit could scarce contain it self ; yet suppressing his choler , addressed himself to the feet of Bectas , who scarce arising gave him a faint wellcom ; and setting him on his left hand , ( which is the upper hand with the Turkish Souldiery ) began to propound to him his new designs , and first that it was necessary , that the present King should be deposed , and Solyman Crowned in his place ; that the Canons of the Imperial Seraglio should be reformed ; and that whereas the Children of divers Nations were yearly collected for the service of the Grand Signior , none should for the future have admission there , but the Sons of Janizaries : The Visier consented to all that was proposed , professing a sincere affection and reality to them , and their party , swearing upon the Alchoran , with the most horrid imprecations on himself , and his family , if he were not faithful to them and their designs ; which gave Bectas that satisfaction that he began to perswade himself , that the Visier was really a confiding person , and one affectionate to their interest ; and so partly from this consideration , and partly out of a confidence of his own strength , and inability of the Visier to hurt him , fairly took his leave of him , and so dismissed his Kalaba Divan , or his confused Council . But the Chiachia Bei ( or Lieutenant General of the Janizaries , and Kara-Chians reproved very much Bectas for permitting the Visier to escape with his life , saying , he had done ill in suffering the bird to escape out of the Cage ; that he had released one , and permitted him to carry his head on his shoulders , who would shortly take off theirs , with many words of the like effect . But Bectas slighted their reproof , as proceeding from want of courage , and the ignorance of their own power ; and that the time until morning was so short , that should the Visier intend to countermine them , he was wholly unable , being unprovided both of Power and Councel . The Visier being got free , went apace to the Seraglio , with two men only , thanking God as he walked , that he was freed from the hands of those Tyrants and Villains ; and coming to the Iron gate , intending to pass through the Garden , he found it open contrary to the custom , and enquiring of the Bostangees or Gardiners the reason , he could learn nothing farther from them , then that it was the order of the Old Queen ; who ( as it appeared afterwards ) expected her Confidents who might withdraw her that night into some retirement where she might remain secure from the dangers of the ensuing day . The Visier being entred , went softly to the Sultans apartments , and in his way by good chance met with the Kuzlir-Agasi Solyman Aga , the chief Eunuch of the Women , who in the dark was making his rounds about the old Queens Lodgings ; by the Visiers voice Solyman knew who he was , but was amazed at his unseasonable Visit , yet understanding the business , thanked him for his Vigilance ; adding , that he had also observed that the Old Queen contrary to her custom , was not yet gone to bed , who did at other times at two hours in the night dispose her self to rest , only this Evening she had entertained her self in company of her Eunuchs , and Favourites , with Musick , Singing and other unusual delights . Wherefore after some short deliberation , the Visier , Solyman Aga , and others of the Kings Eunuchs went to the quarters of the Old Queen , and offering to enter forcibly , were repulsed by the Queens Eunuchs ; but Solyman Aga being a stout man drew his Dagger and struck the chief Chamberlain Bash Kapa Oglar on the face , upon which the other Eunuchs who accompanied Solyman entred furiously with their Daggers , at which the Eunuchs of the Queen flying , she remained alone in the Chamber , where she was committed to the Custody of the Kings Eunuchs . The fugitive Eunuchs would immediately have escaped out of the Seraglio , but the Gates were first shut by order of Solyman Aga , so that they with all other favourites of the said Queen were taken and secured in safe hands . This Victory was so secretly obtained , that they received no alarum in the Royal Lodgings , though near adjoyning ; so that the Visier and Solyman Aga went to the Chamber where the King slept , and lifting up the Antiport , made a sign of silence to the Ladies of the Guard , commanding by dumb motions that the Young Queen should be awakened ( for it is the custom in the Grand Signiors Court to speak by signs , to prevent noise , and as if there were some point in it of Majesty and decency , they have practised this mute language so fully , that they are able to recount stories in it ) The Ladies hereupon gently rubbing the Queens feet , raised her out of her sleep , and gave her to understand that Solyman Aga would speak with her ; whereat the Queen surprised , leapt from her bed to speak with him , and was scarce informed of the business before she became so affrighted , that she could not contain her self within the bounds of moderation or silence , but with a great cry ran to take her Son as one distracted , and catching him up in her armes , cryed out , O Son , you and I are dead ; the Grand Signior likewise as a Child bewailed himself , and falling at the feet of Solyman Aga , said , Lala , Lala Kurtar-beni ; which is Tutor , Tutor save me : He not without tears took his Lord into his arms , and with the Visier encouraged the Child and his Mother , protesting that they would rather die , then live to behold so horrid a ruine ; and so accompanied him ( some Ladies carrying before Torches lighted in their hands , to the Hozoda , which is the Presence Chamber or place where the Principal Officers of the Court attend ) Upon the approach of the Torches , the Guard which watched in this Chamber was amazed , and walking towards the light to discover what there was , perceived that the Grand Signior was coming thither , and thereupon rerurned again with all haste to awaken their companions , and calling them immediately to repair to their due service . The Grand Signior being seated on a Throne , which is alwayes remaining in the Presence Chamber ; the Officers hereof ( which are in number forty ) presented themselves before him , desiring to know if His Majesty had any thing wherein to employ their Fidelity and Service . Hereat Solyman Aga said , He that eats the Kings Bread , should apply himself to the Kings service ; we suffered the Traitots to destroy Sultan Ibrahim , and now they would also take this out of our hands ; To you it belongs , who are His Majesties Principal Servitors , to afford him your utmost assistance . Eigiuse Mussapha Passa Sword-bearer to the Grand Signior , and chief of the Presence Chamber , a man of a Lions Heart and undaunted resolution , understood something formerly of the bad inclinations of the old Queen to wards the King , readily replyed , Great Master be not troubled , tomorrow you shall see ( God willing ) the Heads of your Enemies at your feet . The Visier and others in the mean time after a short Consult , fell to act , the exigencie of their Affairs admitting no delays ; and in the first place , Pen and Ink being brought , an Order was presented to the Grand Signior to be subscribed for arresting the Bossangi-Pasha as a Traitor , for having against the rule of the night kept open the Gate of the Kings Garden . This was done in an instant , he removed from his Office and another constituted in his place , and at the same time the Oath of Allegiance was administred to him , who calling together the Gardiners in number about 500. caused them also all to swear faithful obedience to the Grand Signior , and to remain all that night , keeping good Guard at the Gates and Walls of the Gardens . In the next place the Ichoglans were called up ( who are the Grand Signiors Pages ) and to proceed with the more privacy and least confusion , they went first to the Chamber of the Capa Agasi ( who by his Office is over all the Youth of the Seraglio ) and knocking gently at the Window , the Guards came at the noise , and demanded what the matter was ? they answered , Awake the Capa Aga , and let him speak to us at the Window . But the Capa Aga would first know who they were that would speak with him : and when it was told him that it was the Visier and the Kuslir Aga , he answered , I am indisposed and cannot rise , but utter what you have to say at the Window ; so they said , by His Majesties Order go and raise all the Ichoglans in the Seraglio , upon an important occasion ; and yet the Capa Agasi would not stir , so that some believed him confederate in the Conspiracy ; but the truth was , he was an ancient Man of 90 years , and unhealthful in his body . Wherefore Solyman Aga cried out with a loud voice , Aga raise the Ichoglans , Our King is ready to be taken out of our hands ; but the Capa Agasi persisted that he would not raise the Ichoglans or Pages , unless he brought a Command in writing from the King. In the Interim the Servants of the Capa Aga awakened , and hearing his discourse , could not contain themselves , but without farther order run to both the greater and lesser Chamber of the Pages ; the Butler came to that which is called the greater Chamber ; it was then five hours in the night when he entred in , and running to the middle of the Chamber which was 80 paces in length , he made a stop and clapped his hands together ; ( To make such a noise in the Seraglio at night is a high misdemeanor ) at which some being awakened , raised up their heads , and startled at such an unusual alarum , enquired the reason of it ; at which he again clapping his hands , and crying out , Arise , the Grand Signior is like to be taken out of our hands , the whole Chamber was raised ; so that you might have seen all the Ichoglans in number above 600. to rise and run in a confused manner , some without Cloaths , some without Arms to fight , some to fly , supposing the Janizaries were already entred the Seraglio . In this amaze came a Guard of Black and White Eunuchs to the door , advising them to arm themselves with what weapons were next at hand , and there to remain until they received farther Orders . All the other Chambers of Pages and Officers were in the same confusion , and were commanded in the like manner to arm themselves . The Grand Signior all this time fearing he should be put to Death as his Father was , could not be pacified until Mustapha Pasha his Sword-bearer taking him by the hand , shewed him his Attendants all armed , and ready at his command ; and passing by one of the Windows of the Lodgings , was descryed by a young man , who cryed out with a loud Voice ( God grant our King ten thousand years of life ) at which all the Chamber shouted , * Allah , Allah ; this acclamation rang through all the Seraglio , so that it reached the more remote quarters of the Drogists , Cooks , Pole-axe-men , Faulconers and others ; who being ready and armed as the others , answered with the like shout . These preparations were not only in the Seraglio , but likewise without ; for the Visier had given order to all the Pashaws and Beglerbegs and other his Friends , that without delay they should repair to the Seraglio with all the force they could make , bringing with them three days provisions , obliging them under pain of Death to this Duty . In a short space so great was this concourse , that all the Gardens of the Seraglio , the outward Courts and all the adjoyning streets were filled with armed men : from Galata and Tophana came Boats and Barges loaden with Powder and Ammunition and other necessaries ; so that in the Morning by Break of day appeared such an Army of Horse and Foot in the Streets , and Ships and Gallies on the Sea , as administred no small terrour to the Janizaries ; of which being advised and seeing the concourse of the people run to the assistance of the King , they thought it high time to bestir themselves ; and therefore armed a great Company of Albaneses , Greeks and other Christians , to whom they offered Money , and the Titles and Priviledges of Janizaries , promising to free them from Harach , or Impositions paid by the Christians ; which Arguments were so prevalent , that most taking Arms , you might see the Court and City divided , and ready to enter into a most dreadful confusion of a Civil War. In the Seraglio all things were in good order , the Morning Devotions being finished , the Baltagees ( who are a Guard that carry Poleaxes ) called to the Pages to joyn with them , and accompany them to the Presence Chamber . These Baltagees were in number about 200 strong , of large stature , and of admirable agility ; at whose beck the Pages ran with all alacrity to the door of the Chamber , where they at first received a repulse from the Master of the Chamber who was an Eunuch , and one faithful to the Old Queens interest , who to yield all possible furtherance towards the protection of her Person , reproved the insolence of the Rout in coming so boisterously to the Royal Lodgings : to which they unanimously answered that they would speak to His Majesty , and that it was their desire to have the Old Queen ( Enemy to the King , and the Mahometane Faith ) put to Death ; at which words he being enraged , and relying on his Authority , reproved them with terms of Rebels and Traitors to their Master . What have you to do with the Queen ( said he ) ? Are you worthy to open your mouths against her Serene Name ? He reiterating these and the like words , one of this Rabble said , Kill that Cuckold , for he also is an Enemy of the Faith ; and whilst one lifted up his hand to strike him , he fled by the way of the Tarras into the Garden , whither being pursued by five or six of them , he was overtaken , and catching him by the coller would have cut his throat , but that at his earnest entreaty they gave him so much liberty as first to cast himself at the feet of the Sultan : whither being dragged , he delivered to the King a Seal and a Key of Secret Treasure , and being about to say somthing in his own behalf and defence of his life , a bold youth of these Baltagees called Jalch-Leferli struck him on the head with his axe , and cleft it into two pieces ; the others seeing this first blow given him , fell on him with their Symitters and cut him to pieces : his blood and brains were dashed on the rich Carpets , which moved fear in many , who were secretly of the Conspiracy with the Old Queen . The Young King himself ignorant of the good intentions of his Servants , at the sight of blood-shed , being yet tender-hearted , cryed and closely embraced the Selihtar who then held him in his arms ; but upon the removal of the Corps out of his sight and some smooth words , as that it was a sacrifice of love to him , and the like , his childish tears were soon wiped away . In this interim the new created Mufti and Kenan Pasha one of the Visiers of the Bench , and Balyzade Efendi , who was formerly Lord Chief Justice , and well affected to the Spahees party , entring the Hazoda or Presence Chamber , perceiving a tumult in His Majesties Presence with different voices and languages , for some cryed in Georgian , others Albanian , Bosnian , Mengrelian , Turkish and Italian , remained in great confusion how to proceed with order and reason in this important affair ; For the Mufti and others were of opinion that the sentence against the Old Queen was not rashly to be pronounced , and so the matter might calmly be debated , and if possible , an expedient might be found for saving her life , and securing the Sultan : But the Rabble impatient of delay , cryed out , defer not the sentence ; for otherwise we shall esteem thee as one of her adherents . By this time news was come to the Young Queen , that there had been a fight in the Streets ; who as yet doubtful of the success , and fearing if the Janizaries should gain the advantage , Bectas would revenge the blood of the Old Queen by her death , came covered with a Vail into the Presence Chamber , saying as she passed , Is this the Reverence you owe to the King your Lord ? Do you know the place where you are ? What would you have of a Woman ? Why do you busie your selves in the Kings Affairs ? Some presently apprehended that this was only a Plot of the Young Queen to make the World believe she would rather assist the Grand-Mother , than contrive against her , which made the Pages the more importunately to persist with the Mufti for the Fetfa or sentence against her . But one of the Pages suspecting that this Woman so veiled , might be the old Queen her self , cryed out , This is she you seek for ; she is in your hands , take your Revenge upon her : at which some bestirring themselves to seize her , she ran to the feet of her Son , and laying hold on him , cried out , No , no , I am not the GrandMother , I am the Mother of this His Majesty ; and wiping the tears from the eyes of her Son with her handkerchief , made signs to keep back , which restrained the forwardness of some who pressed to lay violent hands upon her . The Mufti , who observed the carriage of the Rout , and their earnest desires which could not be resisted , feared , if he gave not his concurrence , he himself should be killed , and the rather because he overheard the old Kenan Pasha discourse with the Visier , to the like effect . So that after some pause and Consultation with the other chief Ministers , it was resolved to supplicate His Majesty for his consent ; which was done in these words ; Sir , The will of God is , that you consign your Grand-Mother into the hands of Justice , if you would have these Mutinies appeased ; a little mischief is better than a great one ; there is no other Remedy ; God willing , the end shall be prosperous . Pen and Ink being brought , the Mufti wrote the sentence , and the Grand Signior subscribed it , which was that the Old Queen should be strangled , but neither cut with sword , nor bruised with blows . The writing was delivered into the hands of one of the Chamberlains , to whom by word of mouth it was ordered that they should carry the Queen out by Cushana ( or the Gate of the Birds ) so as she might not die in sight or hearing of the Grand Signior . The Ichoglans advancing the Royal Command on high with their hands , went out of the Presence with a great shout , crying , Allah , Allah , to the door of the Womens Lodgings , where they met some Black Eunuchs keeping Guard , who upon the sight of the Imperial Firme , and the command of Solyman Aga , gave them admittance , upon condition that twenty persons only should enter the Chambers . Those who were best armed went in , and passing through the Chambers of the Virgins , were met by the Queens Buffone with a Pistol in her hand , who demanding what they would have , they answered , the Kings Grand-Mother ; she replyed , I am she , and with that offered to discharge her Pistol , but it took fire only in the Pan ; with that the Ichoglans laid hold on her , supposing her to be the Queen ; but being better advised by Solyman the Kuzlir-Aga , and directed to the Chamber where the Queen was ; the door being opened , they perceived the Room to be dark ( for the Womens quarters in the Seraglio for the most part are made obscure and close , and Lights are burnt in them day and night ) and the old Queen had at the approach of these Officers extinguished her Candles and got into a great Press , and there covered her self with Quilts and Carpets ; but Torches being brought in , they looked all about , and discryed nothing ; at which they were enraged against Solyman and would have killed him , saying , that he was the cause the Queen had escaped . But Solyman advising them to search more narrowly , one called Deli Dogangi , got upon the Press , and removing the Cloaths , discovered the Queen , who had thrust her self into a corner ; at which she softly thus entreats him , O brave man be not cruel unto me ; and promised she would give to every Ichoglan five purses a man ( each purse consisting of 500 Dollars ) if they would save her life . It is not the time of ransome , Traitor , said he ; and taking her by the feet , drew her forth ; the Queen rising up put her hand into her Pocket , and threw out handfuls of Zaichins , hoping that whilst they were scrambling for the Gold she might have an opportunity to escape ; some of the young men gathered up the Money , but the Dogangi , like a Dog of the Game , left her not , and at length though she were heavy , cast her down . The others offered at her life , and particularly an Albanese called Ali Bostangi , who seeing two great Jewels at her ears , immediately catched at them and tore them thence . They were two Diamonds of the bigness of Chestnuts cut angulary , and beneath each Diamond was a Ruby to set it off . Those earings were given her by Sultan Ashmet in the time of her most flourishing Age , and his greatest affection . 'T is said that such Jewels cannot be found in all the Great Turks Treasure , and were esteemed by the most skilful Jewellers worth a years Revenue of Grand Cairo . This Ali shewed the Jewels to his Comrade , demanding the value of them , and his Counsel whether to conceal or reveal them : but the Comrade prized them at that rate , that the stout young man could not sleep day nor night , being alwayes in fear lest the Jewels should not be kept hid ; and apprehending that they became none but the Grand Signior to wear , went and delivered them to Solyman Aga , who in recompense thereof , presented him with 16 Zaichins which he accepted , desiring also to be admtited into the Chamber of the Treasury , which was granted him . Others also plucked her , some by the hands , others by the feet , some rifled her Cloaths , for she was furnished throughout with things of great value sewed in her Garments , and especially in her Sable Furs , which contained also certain Magick Spells , by which she conceived she had tyed the tongues of all the Emperours living in her time . The Person who gave me this relation , informed me , that he had seen a certain lock admirably made , and engraved with the Names of Murad and Sultan Ibrahim ; it was made by a famous Gindgi , a very ignorant Fellow , but a Superstitious , Crafty Liar , by which Arts finding access , in short time he became a chief Favourite of Sultan Ibrahim , and from a poor Student called by the Turks a Softa , he grew so rich in two years that none in Constantinople was comparable to him . But to return to the Queen now assaulted by furious young men greedy of riches ; she was in a moment despoyled of her Garments ; her Furs were torn off into small pieces ; and being stript of her Rings , Bracelets , Garters and other things , she was left naked without a Rag to cover her , and dragged by the feet to the Chushana : and being at the place of her execution , the young Officers found themselves unprovided of a Cord to strangle her , so that crying out for a Cord , one ran to the Royal Chappel , and thence took the Cord that upheld the great Antiport of the Mosch , which being twined about the Queens neck , the aforesaid Dogangi getting upon her back , pitched her neck with his hands , whilst the others drew the Cord. The Queen though she were by this time besides her senses , and worn out with Age , being above 80 years old and without Teeth : yet she with her Gumms only did bite the thumb of his left hand , which by chance came into her mouth , so hard that he could not deliver himself until with the haft of his Ponyard he struck her on the fore-head near her right eye . There were four that strangled her ; but being young Executioners , laboured long to dispatch her , till at length the Queen leaving to struggle , lay stretched out and was supposed to be dead , and so crying ( Uldi , Uldi ) she is dead , she is dead , ran to carry the News thereof to His Majesty ; but being scarce out of sight , the Queen raised her self up , and turned her head about ; upon which the Executioners being again called back , the Cord was a second time applyed , and wrung so hard with the haft of a hatchet , that at length she was dispatched , and the News carried to the Royal Chamber . The Black Eunuchs immediately took up the Corps , and in a reverent manner laid it stretched forth in the Royal Mosch ; which about 400 of the Queens Slaves encompassing round about with howling and lamentations , tearing the hair from their heads after their barbarous fashion , moved compassion in all the Court. This work being over , the Visier having given thanks to the Ichoglans or Pages ●●r their pains , gave order to produce the Banner of Mahomet , which is carefully and reverently kept in the Treasury ; which being produced , obliges all of that faith from seven years and upward to arm and come under it . The Banner being brought forth with a rich covering , was advanced with great shouts of Allah , Allah ; and carryed by the Ichoglans out of the chief Gate of the Seraglio , where it was shown to the people , who with wonderful admiration and Devotion beheld their glorious Standard ; order was also given to proclaim through the whole City the procession of the Heavenly Banner ; for they say that the Angel Gabriel brought it to Mahomet in the time of a great War made against the Christians , as an infallible sign and evidence of Victory . The opinion of this superstitious flag so prevailed , as it brought not only the young and healthful to fight under it , but sick , and old , and Women judged themselves obliged to run to the defence of this holy Ensign . The News hereof , and the death of the Old Queen coming to the old Chamber of the Janizaries ; several of them , and those also of the Principal heads began to murmure , that it was now necessary to lay aside their private interests , and have a respect to their faith and their souls ; for should they oppose the Heavenly Banner , they should run themselves into the State of Gaurs or Infidels , and become liable to the same censure or punishment which is inflicted upon unbelievers . But in the new Chambers Bectas endeavoured to remove this apprehension from the mind of his Souldiers , by large Presents both of Gold and Silver , perswading them to uphold their Fame and Reputation ; for that the Grand Signior and his Mother were Enemies to their name and designs , and resolved to abase or destroy the order of that Militia ; and with assurance of Victory and encouragement against a people unarmed and undisciplined , animated them to fight ; and to make the business more easie , advised them to fire the City in several parts , that so the people might be diverted and divided for safety of their own goods and dwellings . But this proposition took not with the Officers and Souldiers , who had many of them Houses and Possessions of their own in Constantinople , but put them into great distractions and divisions in their Councels . In this pause came an Officer from the Grand Signior ( who to venture his life , had the promise of a good reward ) with a Command in writing which he threw in amongst them , and galloped away as fast as he could ; crying out as he rode , He that comes not under the Banner of the Prophet is a Pagan , and his Wife divorced . The Writing was taken up and carried to the Presence of the Principal Officers , which being opened and read , was to this purpose ; Bectas Aga I have made Pasha of Bosna , Kara-chiaus I have made Captain General of the Sea ; Kul-kahya I have made Pasha of Temiswar ; and Kara Hassan Ogle I have made Ja●zar Agasi ; and I require at sight of these Presents , that every one of you upon pain of death and ruine of his Family , repair to his duty and station . In this Instant came News that the old Chamber of Janizaries had left their station and were run under the Banner without Arms , and had refused Bectas's Money and deserted his Cause , and that the Spahees in great Troops and the Jebegees ( who command the Ordnance ) approached with Artillery to beat upon their Chambers . The Spahees came thundring in upon the Janizaries in remembrance of their past injuries , and had certainly cut them off , had not the Visier with his Sword in his hand by good and bad words restrained them , and appeased their animosity . The Janizaries of the new Chamber proclaimed their new Commander , and visited him with their usual form of Congratulation , running afterwards confusedly under the Banner . Kara-Hassan the new elected Aga of the Janizaries , went to the Seraglio to thank the Grand Signior for the honour done him , and with ten of his Principal Friends was admitted to the Grand Signiors Presence ; who humbly kissing the ground , received the accustomed vests , and with some admonitions was fairly dismissed , and ordered to reduce his Janizaries to better obedience . By this time Bectas , Kulkahya , and Kara Chiaus with some of their Favourites remained wholly abandoned , looking one upon the other , full of complaints and railings each at other for the miscarriage of the action . But since it was not now time to condole but to save their lives , every one made to his house . First Bectas fled to his home , where having ordered his Affairs , he cloathed himself in the Albanian fashion , and escaped to the house of a poor man formerly his Friend and Confident ; but the next day being discovered by a youth , was taken , and being set on a Mule , was with the scorn and derision of the people conducted to the Grand Signiors Seraglio and there strangled . This person was held in so much detestation by the common people , that after his death the Cooks and inferiour sort of Servants run Spits and Pitch-forks through his body ; and plucking the hairs out of his beard , sent them for Presents to their acquaintance through all Constantinople , saying , These are the hairs of that Traitor , who gloryed , that before he would lose his Head , there should be raised a Mountain of heads as high as S ta Sophia . But Kulkahya being come to his house , filled his Portmantles with Gold and Jewels , and accompanied with sixty horse , resolved to fly to the Mountains of Albania , places so inaccessible , that they have never yielded to the Turkish yoke : but finding himself hotly pursued in his journey , and that it was impossible to escape with so great a number , freely distributed a great part of his Gold upon his retinue , and thanking them for their affection and good intentions , dismissed them all excepting one Servant , with whom he journyed with four laden horses with Gold , Jewels and other riches ; and perceiving that this also was too great an incumbrance , they buryed a Treasure to the value of 600. thousand Dollars in the Country as they travelled ; which was afterwards found out by certain Shepherds , who disagreeing about the division thereof , the matter came to be known to the Judge of that Country , who seized upon it all and sent it to the Grand Signiors Treasury . But Kulkahya travelling still farther with his single Page , came to a Town , where wanting bread , and forced for the payment of it to exchange Gold , fell into a suspicion of being one of those Rebels lately escaped from Constantinople ; which news being brought to a Captain of horse that commanded the place , he came immediately with some men to take him ; but Kulkahya resolving not to fall into their hands alive , resisted them until he was killed by a Musket-shot , and so his head being severed from his body was sent to the Grand Signior . Kara Chiaus in this interim being with 200 men retired into his Garden , was assaulted by an Aga of the Spahees ( called Parmaksis ) with 500 men ; but that this enterprise might be acquired with little blood , a Person was sent secretly to advise that party , that if they opposed the Royal Command , they should every one be put to death ; at which the people fled and dispersed themselves . At that instant came in this Aga and took him , and yet comforted him with the clemency and mercy of the Grand Signior , promising also himself to intercede for him . And so bringing him to the Seraglio by the Garden gate , His Majesty had notice of it , and looking out of the Window and seeing him upon his knees begging pardon , the Grand Signior gave a sign to the Executioner to strangle him , which was accordingly performed . The new Janizar Aga who knew all the Officers formerly affected to the Rebellious party , for several nights caused some or other of them to be strangled , to the number of 38 persons , which struck such a terrour into the Janizaries , that for a long time after they kept themselves within the bounds of humility and obedience . And thus concluded this Tragedy , remarkable as well for the dispatch as for the action it self , being but the work of fourteen hours . And in this manner it is apparent , how the Lessons of obedience which are so carefully taught , and instilled into the minds of all those who serve and depend upon the Grand Signior are corrupted ; and by the Pride , Discord and Faction of the Governours seduced from their natural Principles . By the premisses we may consider more generally , that it hath always been the Misfortune of unlimited powers to be subject to dangers and violence , arising from the discontents and unconstancy of the Souldiery : for they coming to be sensible of their own strength , and knowing that the power of the Emperour is but fortified with their hands and heart , like unruly beasts throw their Riders , and shew that the Principles of obedience taught them , are easily corrupted and defaced by evil perswasions , or sedition in a Commander or common Souldier . Thus we see in the time of the latter Roman Emperours , who usurped a power unknown in the dayes of the pure and happy constitution of that Common-wealth , and governed all by the Sword and their own lusts ; few of them ended their dayes fortunately , or died in their beds and peace , without becoming a Sacrifice to the same power that first proclaimed them Emperours . And though the Mutinies and Rebellions in the Turkish Militia can hardly operate any durable alterations in the State ( as we shall more at large hereafter discourse ) yet doubtless the Tyranny in the Ottoman Emperours , had provoked the people long since to have proved the benefit of another Race , but that there is a strange kind of Devotion and Religion in their minds as to the Ottoman bloud , which having been the original of their Empire and greatness , will ever be maintained in high reverence and honour . Nor is it likely that the fair Speeches and allurements of a Rebellious slave will ever prevail to perswade this people from their Religion to this Prince , or that their arms can ever be prosperous under the Ensign and Conduct of an Usurper . And may all Christians learn this Lesson from the Turks , and adde this principle to the Fundamentals of their Religion , as well as to their Laws . None can more experimentally preach this Doctrine to the World than England , who no sooner threw off her Obedience and Religion to her Prince , but ( as if that vertue had been the only bar to all other Enormities and Sins ) she was deprived of all other Ecclesiastical and Civil Rights , and in all her capacities and relations deflowred and prophaned by impious and unhallowed hands . And thus having given a Relation of the Turks Religion and first Principles in order to their obedience to their Prince , let us proceed a little farther into the penetralia of the Seraglio , and there see what farther care is taken of the Youth , in all points of their Education , to fit and prepare them for the management and performance of the highest and weightiest Offices of State ; which I judge to be one of the chiefest of the Turkish Polities , and is certainly an extraordinary support and security of the Empire . CHAP. V. The Education of young men in the Seraglio , out of which those who are to discharge the great Offices of the Empire are elected . It being a Maxime of the Turkish Policy , to have the Prince served by such whom he can raise without Envy , and destroy without Danger . IT is a special point of Wisdom in Princes , to provide and prefer men of deserving Parts and Abilities to the discharge of the great and important Offices of State , not such whom chance and fortune casually throws on them , because they will not take the pains of a narrow and severe scrutiny to seek men able , and fit for trust ; nor such whom flattery , riches , gifts , or nobility promote , but those whom the Prince by his own experience of their wisdom , virtues , and diligence , or the testimony of his Councellors , and other confidents , judges capable to improve their advancement to the honour of the King , and the blessing of their Country : and not like vast Mountains which hide their heads in the clouds , and yet remain without fruit , or herbage ; whose barrenness makes their height accursed . Some wise Princes , and great Ministers of our modern times , have kept Rolls and Registers of the most eminent Men famed for their virtue , and knowledge in any parts , with an account of their Family linage , and conditian , out of which , ( if in their own jurisdiction ) they culled and elected such , proper for their occasions and vacant Offices . The Turk is not less careful in the choice of his Officers , and loves to be served by his own , such as to whom he hath given breeding , and education , and are as obliged to employ those parts in his service which he hath bestowed ; whose minds he hath cultivated with wisdom and virtue , as well as nourished their bodies with food , until they arrive to a Mature age , that renders the profit of his care , and expence ; such as these he is served by , whom he can raise without envy , and destroy without danger . The Youths then that are designed for the great Offices of the Empire , called by the Turks Ichoglans , must be such as are of Christian Parents , taken in War , or presented from remote parts ; as I have observed that the Algerians , alwaies amongst their other gifts , present some Youths whom they have taken by Pyracy ; the Policy herein is very obvious , because the Sons of Christians will hate their Parents being educated with other Principles and Customs ; or coming from distant places have contracted no acquaintance , so that starting from their Schools into Government , they will find no Relations , or Dependencies on their Interests then that of their great Master , to whom they are taught , and necessity compells them to be faithful . In the next place , these Youths must be of admirable features , and pleasing looks , well shaped in their bodies , and without any defects of nature ; For it is conceived that a corrupt and sordid soul can scarce inhabit in a serene and ingenious Aspect ; and I have observed , not only in the Seraglio , but also in the Courts of great men , their personal attendants have been of comely lusty Youths , well habited , deporting themselves with singular Modesty and respect in the presence of their Master : So that when a Pascha , Aga , or Spahee travels , he is alwayes attended with a comely equipage , followed by flourishing Youths , well clothed and mounted in great Numbers , that one may guess at the greatness of this Empire , by the retinue , pomp , and number of Servants which accompany Persons of Quality in their journeys ; whereas in the parts of Christendom where I have travelled , I have not observed ( no not in attendance of Princes ) such ostentation in Servants as is amongst the Turks , which is the life and Ornament of a Court. And this was alwayes the custom in the Eastern Countreys , as Q. Curtius reports Lib. 6. Quippe , omnibus barbar is in corporum Majestate veneratio est , magnorumque operum non alios capaces putant , quam quos eximiâ specie donare natura dignata est . But these Youths before they are admitted , are presented before the Grand Signior , whom according to his pleasure he disposes in his Seraglio at Pera , or Adrianople , or his great Seraglio at Constantinople , which is accounted the Imperial Seat of the Ottoman Emperours . For these are the three Schools or Colledges of Education . Those that are preferr'd to the last named , are commonly marked out by special designation , and are a nearer step to degrees of Preferment , and are delivered to the charge of the Capa Aga , or chief of the White Eunuchs . The Eunuchs have the care of these Scholars committed unto them , whom they treat with an extraordinay severitry ; for these , being the Censores morum , punish every slight omission , or fault with extream rigour . For Eunuchs are naturally cruel , whether it be out of envy to the Masculine Sex which is perfect and intire , or that they decline to the disposition of Women , which is many times more cruel and revengeful then that of men ; they will not let slip the smallest Peccadillo without its due chastisement , either by blows on the soals of the feet , or long fastings , watchings , or other penance ; so that he who hath run through the several Schools , Orders , and degrees of the Seraglio , must needs be an extraordinary mortified man , patient of all labours , services and injunctions , which are imposed on him with a strictness beyond the discipline that religious novices are acquainted with in Monastries , or the severity of Capuchins , or holy Votaries . But yet methinks these men that have been used all their lives to servitude , and subjection , should have their spirits abased , and when licensed from the Seraglio to places of Trust and Government , should be so acquainted how to obey , as to be ignorant how to Rule , and be dazled with the light of liberty , and overjoyed with the sence of their present condition , and past sufferings , passing from one extream to another , that they should lose their reasons , and forget themselves and others . But in answer hereunto , the Turks affirm , that none know so well how to govern , as those who have learned how to obey ; though at first the sence of their freedom may distract them , yet afterwards the discipline , lectures , and morality in their younger years , will begin to operate , and recollect their scattered sences into their due and natural places . But to return from whence we have a little digressed ; These young men before they are disposed into their Schools , which are called Oda , their Names , Age , Country , and Parents are Registred in a Book , with their allowance from the Grand Signior of four or five Aspers a day ; the Copy of this book is sent to the Tefterdar , or Lord Treasurer , that so quarterly they may receive their pension . Being thus admitted they are entered into one of the two Schools , that is to say into the Bojuck Oda , or the Cuchuck Oda , which is the great Chamber , or the less ; the former commonly contains 400 , and the other about 200 or 250. these two Schools may be said to be of the same form or rank ; and what is taught in one , is likewise in the other ; neither of them hath the precedency ; all of them equally near to preferment ; their first lessons are silence , reverence , humble and modest behaviour , holding their heads downwards , and their hands across before them ; their Masters the Hogias instruct them in all the rights , discipline , and superstition of the Mahometan Religion , and to say their prayers , and understand them in the Arabick language , and to speak , read , and write Turkish perfectly . Afterwards having made proficiency in the former , they proceed in the study of the Persian and Arabick tongues , which may be of benefit to them if their lot chance to call them to the Government of the Eastern parts , and is a help to the improvement of their knowledge in the Turkish , which being of it self barren , is beholding to those tongues for its copiousness and enrichment . Their Cloathing is good English Cloth and Linnen , neither fine nor coorse ; their Diet is chiefly Rice , and other wholsome Meats which become the Table of Scholars , where there is nothing of superfluity , as there is nothing of want : Their manners and behaviour are strictly watched by the Eunuchs their careful Guardians , so as they cannot be familiar one with another at any time without modesty , and respect to the presence they are in ; if they go to perform the necessary offices of nature or to the Bath , they are never out of the eye of an Eunuch , who will admit none of their nearest relations to speak with them or see them , unless special License be obtained from the Capa Aga or chief of the Eunuchs . Their Bed-chambers are long Chambers where all night Lamps are kept burning ; their Beds are laid in ranks one by another upon Safrawes or Bords raised from the ground ; and between every five or six lies an Eunuch , so as conveniently to see or over-hear if there be any wanton or lewd behaviour or discourse amongst them . When they are arrived to some proficiency , and almost to Mans estate and strength of body , fit for manly exercises , they are trained up in handling the lance , throwing the Iron Bar , drawing the Bow , and throwing the Gerit or Dart. In all these Exercises they spend many hours , being constant in all or some of them , and are severely corrected by their Eunuchs if they seem to be remiss or negligent therein : many of them spend much time principally in drawing the Bow , in which they proceed from a weaker to one more strong , and by continual exercise and use come at last to draw Bows of an incredible strength , more by art and custom then of pure force ; and thus by constant bodily exercise they become men of great strength , health and agility , fit for the Wars , and all active employments ; amongst their other exercises , Horsemanship is a principal Lesson , both to sit in a handsome posture , and to manage their Horse with dexterity ; to draw the Bow on Horse-back forwards , backwards , and on either side , which they learn with that agility and pliantness of their joynts in the full career or speed of the Horse as is admirable ; They learn also to throw the Gerit or Dart out of their hands on Horse-back , which because it is a sport and recreation the present Grand Signior delights in above all others , every one in hopes of preferment , and in emulation one of the other , endeavours to be a Master in it , and most are become so dexterous , that they will dart a stick of above three quarters of a yard long with that force , that where it hits , it will endanger breaking a bone . The Grand Signior every day passes his time with seeing his Pages exercised in this sport , in which ordinarily one knocks another from his Horse , and seldom a day passes in which some receive not bruises or desperate wounds . This Sultan doth many times appoint dayes of combat between the Black Eunuchs and some of his White Pages on Horse-back , in this manner with the Gerit ; and then happens such a skirmish with such emulation , each side contending for the honour of his colour , race and dignity , with that heat and courage , as if they contended for the Empire ; this pastime seldom concluding without some blood . But it is to be noted , that none of these exercises are performed by any of those that belong to the two Chambers , unless within the Walls of the Seraglio ; the other Pages who accompany the Grand Signior abroad , are such as are preferred to farther and higher Chambers , as hereafter we shall discourse . To the former Lessons of School-learning and exercise abroad , are added some other accomplishments of a Trade , handy-craft or Mystery , in which a man may be useful to the service of the Grand Signior , as to sowe and embroider in Leather ( in which the Turks exceed all other Nations ) to make arrows and embroider quivers and saddles , and make all sorts of Furniture for Horses ; some learn to fold up a Turbant , others to fold up , clean , and brush Vests ; to wash and clean in the Bath , to keep Dogs and Hawks ; others to excel in the Turkish manner of Musick , and all other services which may keep them from idleness , and wherein they may be of future use to their great Master . And according hereunto Pashaes and great men have been denominated and surnamed after their departure from the Seraglio , to their places of Office and Trust. Such as have before made good proficiency in their Studies , and attained to a dexterity in their bodily exercises , are transplanted to the first step of preferment , which is the washing the Grand Signiors Linen , and here they first change their Cloth for Satten Vests and Cloth of Gold , and their Pay and Salary is augmented from four or five Aspers a day to eight or more ; thence they pass , as places fall , to the Hazna-Oda , or Chamber of the Treasury , or to the Kilar or Dispensatory , where the Drugs , Cordials and rich Drinks for the Grand Signiors service are kept ; out of these two Chambers they are elected in order to the highest and supream place of the Seraglio , which is called the Haz Oda , which consists of forty Pages ; these attend immediately on the Person of the Grand Signior , and amongst them twelve hold the chief Offices of the Court , viz. 1. The Selictar-Aga , the Kings Sword-bearer . 2. The Chiohadar-Aga , he who carries his cloak or vest for rainy weather . 3. The Rechinbtar-Aga , he that holds his Stirrup . 4. The Ebrictar-Aga , he that carries his water to drink or wash . 5. The Tulbentar-Aga , he that makes up his Turbant . 6. The Kem Husar-Aga , he who keeps the wardrobe , and oversees the washing the linnen : 7. The Chesneghir Bashee , the chief Sewer . 8. Zagergee Bashee , the chief over the Dogs . 9. Turnackgee Baschee , he who pares his nailes . 10. Berber Bashee , chief Barber . 11. Muhasabegee Baschee , the chief Accomptant . 12. Teskeregee Bashee , his Secretary . There are also two other Officers in the Court of great respect , which are the Dogan Bashee , or chief Falconer , and the Humaungee Bashee , or chief over the Baths ; but these have their offices and lodgings apart , and not entering into the Royal Chamber , are not capable of higher preferment . There are nine also are called Arz Agalar , who have the priviledge of presenting petitions like Masters of the Requests ; of these , 4 are of the Hasoda , as the Shiletar Aga , Tchohadar Aga , Rikiabrar Aga , Tulbend Oglanij , and the others are of different offices , as the Hazna Kiahaiasi , who is the second Officer of the Treasury , Kiler Kiahaiasi , who is overseer of the provisions of Sherbets , Sugar , sweet-meats , &c. Dogangi Bashi , or chief Falconer , the Hazodabaschi , or principal commander of the Royal Chamber , and Kapa Agasi or chief Commander of the Pages ; all which are first and nearest to preferment , and to be employed abroad , in the Office of Pascha , as places are void . Those that are thus through the grace and favour of the Sultan arrived to the dignity of being of the Royal Chamber , where they enjoy the honour and priviledge of being constantly in his eye and presence , are often presented by him with Swords , vests , bows and the like ; and are permitted to take rewards for the intercessions and applications they make in behalf of others . Sometimes he sends them on message to Pashaes ; sometimes for the confirmation of the Princes either in Transilvania , Moldavia , or Walachia ; sometimes to carry presents to the Visier and great men : in all which employments they are greatly entertained and presented both which money , jewels , and rich furniture for horses , so that very few of these forty , but in a short time gain estates of their own , fit to equippe and furnish them to enter into any offices of the Empire . As offices fall in order , supplies are made out of these , others rising from lower chambers successively in their places ; whether it be to the four most considerable Governments , which are Cairo , Aleppo , Damascus and Buda , or if none of these places be void , to be Beglerbegs of Grecia , or of Natolia , to be Aga of the Janizaries , Spaheeler Agasee , or General of the Horse , or to some small Pashalicks or Governments scattered in several places of the Empire . But we shall not here need to discourse of the particular offices and dignities within the power and gift of the Grand Signior , intending to make a distinct Chapter of the several offices , governments , dignities and places , from whence the Grand Signiors profits arise , that so we may the better describe the wealth of this Empire , and the importance of those offices , for discharge of which young men are educated with the care before mentioned . But before the conclusion of this Chapter , it will be necessary to adde , that none unless by special grace , are advanced from the Seraglio , until the age of about 40 years , by which time they are ripe and mature for Government , and the wantonness and heat of youth allayed . Before their departure to their places of trust , they are courted and honoured by all with presents ; the Queen Mother , the Sultanaes , the rich Eunuchs , the Great Visier , and Officers abroad concur all to adorn them with gifts and riches at their advancement , as undoubted consequents of the Grand Signiors favour . And at the farewell , with much submission they visit the Capa Aga , or chief of the Eunuchs , and other principal officers of the Seraglio , recommending themselves in the time of their absence to their good grace and favour , desiring to live in their good opinion and friendship ; and this is done with as much ceremony and complement as is exercised in the most civil parts of Christendome . For though the Turks out of pride and scorn , comport themselves to Christians with a strange kind of barbarous haughtiness , and neglect , they are yet among themselves as courtly and precise in their own rules of complement and civility , as they are at Rome , or any other parts of the civilized world . CHAP. VI. Of the method of the Turkish Studies and Learning in the Seraglio . WE have rather shewed in the foregoing Chapter , the education of those young Scholars , in reference to exercise of body , and dexterity in arms , then the method of their studies and speculations , according to the manner of our Seminaries and Colledges , which more respect the cultivation of the mind with the principles of vertue and morality , and the notions of sublime reason , then in the improvements of the body by assiduity of exercise , which makes them become active , and begets an agility in the management of arms . And though the latter is a business most attended to by sprightly and ingenious spirits , who know preferments in the Ottoman Court have always depended and still do on the virtue of the Sword ; yet speculation and knowledge in Sciences are not wholly estranged from their Schools , which we shall in brief touch upon to satisfie the curiosity of our Academies , who I know would gladly be resolved what sort of Physical or Moral Philosophy , what Tongues and Sciences fall within the contemplation of that barbarous ignorance of the Turks . To dilucide which the most clearly that I can , according to the best information of the learned Turks ; It is reported by the Kalfaes or Pedagogues of the Seraglio , that their chief design is to instruct their Scholars in reading and writing , so as they may have some inspection into the books of their Law and Religion ; especially the Alchoran , whereby may be produced in their minds a greater reverence to them . For being once passed from the first form of their A. B. C. and joyning Syllables , they are then instructed in the Arabian Tongue , wherein all the secrets and treasure of their Religion and Laws are contained , and is a necessary accomplishment of a Pasha , or any great Minister in relation to the better discharge of his office , being thereby enabled to have an inspection into the writings and sentences of the Kadees , or other Officers of the Law within his jurisdiction , as well as furnished with knowledge and matter of discourse concerning religion . And to adorn these young Candidates of the Grand Signiors favour , with more polite and ingenious endowments , the next lesson is the Persian Tongue , which fits them with quaint words and eloquence , becoming the Court of their Prince , and corrects the grossness , and enriches the barrenness of the Turkish tongue , which in it self is void both of expression and sweetness of accent . It teaches them also a handsome and gentle deportment , instructs them in Romances , raises their thoughts to aspire to the generous and virtuous actions they read of in the Persian Novellaries , and endues them with a kind of Platonick love each to other , which is accompanied with a true friendship amongst some few , and with as much gallantry as is exercised in any part of the world . But for their Amours to Women , the restraint and strictness of Discipline , makes them altogether strangers to that Sex ; for want of conversation with them , they burn in lust one towards another , and the amorous disposition of youth wanting more natural objects of affection , is transported to a most passionate admiration of beauty wheresoever it finds it , which because it is much talked of by the Turks , we will make it a distinct discourse by it self . The books they read commonly in the Persian language , are , Danisten , Schahidi , Pend-attar , Giulistin , Bostan Hafiz , and the Turkish books called Mulemma , or a mixture of the Arabian and Persian words both in prose and verse , facetious and full of quick and lively expressions . Of these sorts of books those most commonly read are called Kirkwizir , Humaiunname , or delile we Kemine , El fulecale , Seidbatal , and various other Romances : these are usually the study of the most aiery and ingenious spirits amongst them . Those others who are of a complexion more melancholick and inclinable to contemplation , proceed with more patience of method , and are more exact in their studies , intending to become Masters of their Pen , and by that means to arrive to honour and office either of Rest Efendi , or Secretary of State , Lord Treasurer , or Secretary of the Treasury , or Dispensatory , &c. or else to be Emaums or Parish Priests of some principal Moschs of Royal foundation , in which they pass an easie , quiet and secure life , with a considerable competency of livelyhood . Others aim in their studies to become Hazifizi , which signifies a Conserver of the Alchoran , who get the whole Alchoran by heart , and for that reason are held in great esteem , and their persons as sacred as the place which is the Repository of the Law. Those who are observed to be more addicted to their Books then others , are named by them Talibulilmi , or lovers of Philosophy ; though very few amongst them arrive to any learning really so called , yet they attain to the degree of Giuzehon or Readers of the Alchoran , for benefit and relief of the souls of those departed , who for that end hath bequeathed them Legacies . At certain houses they read Books that treat of the matters of their Faith , and render them out of Arabick into Turkish , and these Books are Schurut , Salat , Mukad , Multeka , Hidaie , &c. which they descant upon in an Expository manner ; instructing the more ignorant and of lower form , by way of Catechism . They have also some Books of Poetry written both in Persian and Arabick , which run in Rhime and Meeter , like the Golden Verses of Pythagoras , containining excellent sentences of Morality , being directions for a godly life , and contemplations of the miseries and fallacies of this world , which many of them commit to memory , and repeat occasionally as they fall into discourse . For other Sciences as Logick , Physick , Metaphsick , Mathematicks , and other out University Learning , they are wholly ignorant ; unless in the latter , as far as Musick is a part of Mathematicks , whereof there is a School apart in the Seraglio . Only some that live in Constantinople have learned some certain rules of Astrology , which they exercise upon all occasions , and busie themselves in Prophesies of future contingencies of the Affairs of the Empire , and the unconstant estate of great Ministers , in which their predictions seldom divine grateful or pleasiing stories . Neither have the wisest and most active Ministers or Souldiers amongst them , the least inspection into Geography , whereby to be acquainted with the situation of Countreys or disposition of the Globe , though they themselves enjoy the possession of so large a proportion of the universe . Their Seamen , who seldom venture beyound sight of Land ( unless they be those of Barbary , who are Renegadoes and practised in the Christian Arts of Navagation ) have certain Sea-carts ill framed , and the Capes and head-lands so ill laid down , that in their Voyages from Constantinople to Alaxandria , the richest place of their Trade , they trust more to their eye and experience , then the direction of their Maps ; nor could I ever see any Cart of the black Sea made either by Turk or Greek , which could give the least light to a knowing Seaman , so as to encourage him according to the rules of Art , to lay any confidence theron in his Navigation . The Art of Printing ( a matter disputable , whether it hath brought more of benefit or mischief to the world ) is absolutely prohibited amongst them , because it may give a beginning to that sublety of Learning which is inconsistent with , as well as dangerous to the grosseness of their Government , and a means to deprive many of their livelyhood , who gain their bread only by their Pen , and occasion the loss of that singular Art of fair Writing , wherein they excel or equal most Nations : the effect of which is evident amongst the Western people where Printing hath taken footing . And though there be few Historians among them who have any knowledge of past-times , or the being of other Empires before the Ottoman , mixing all stories in confusion together ( as we have said before ) without distinction of Persons , or respect of Chronology ; yet as to the successes and progress of Affairs in their own dominions , they keep most strict Registers and Records , which serve them as presidents and rules for the present Government of their Affairs . And thus the Reader may sound the depth of the Turks Philosophy , who though they reach not those contemplations of our profound Sophies , have yet so much knowledge as neither to be over-reached in their Treaties with the wits of the World , nor for want of good Conduct of Affairs lose one inch of their Empire . CHAP. VII . Of the Affection and Friendship the Pages in the Seraglio bear each other . SINCE in the fore-going Chapter we have made mention of the amorous disposition that is to be found among these youths each to other , it will not be from our purpose to acquaint the Reader , that the Doctrine of Platonick love hath found Disciples in the Schools of the Turks , that they call it a passion very laudable and virtuous , and a step to that perfect love of God , whereof mankind is only capable , proceeding by way of love and admiration of his image and beauty enstamped on the creature . This is the colour of virtue , they paint over the deformity , of their depraved inclinations ; but in reality this love of theirs , is nothing but libidinous flames each to other , with which they burn so violently , that banishment and death have not been examples sufficient to deter them from making demonstrations of such like addresses ; so that in their Chambers , though watched by their Eunuchs , they learn a certain language with the motion of their eyes , their gestures and their fingers , to express their amours ; and this passion hath boiled sometimes to that heat , that jealousies and rivalties have broken forth in their Chambers without respect to the severity of their Guardians , and good orders have been brought into confusion , and have not been again redressed , until some of them have been expelled the Seraglio with the Tippets of their Vests cut off , banished into the Islands , and beaten almost to death . Nor is this passion only amongst the young men each to other ; but Persons of eminent degree in the Seraglio become inveigled in this sort of love , watching occasions to have a sight of the young Pages that they fancy , either at the Windows of their Chamber , or as they go to the Mosque , or to their washings or baths ; offer them service and presents , and so engage them as to induce them to desire to be made of the retinue of him that uses this Courtship towards them , which they many times obtain , and being entertained in the service of a Master who so highly fancies and admires them , they become often sharers with him in his riches and fortune . The Grand Signiors themselves have also been slaves to this inordinate passion . For Sultan Morat became so enamoured of an Armenian Boy called Musa as betrayed him , though otherwise a discreet Prince , to a thousand follies ; and at another time preferred a youth for his beauty only from the Novitiate of Galata , to be one of the Pages of his Haz-Oda or Chamber of his Royal Presence , and in a short time made him Silahtar Aga or Sword-bearer , one of the greatest Offices in the Seraglio . And this present Sultan became so enamoured of a Canstantinopolitan youth , one of the Pages of his Musitians School , called Kulogli , or Son of a slave , that he made him his chief Favourite , never could content himself without his Company , Clothed him like himself , made him ride by his side , commanded all to present and honour him , in the same manner as if he had made him Companion of the Empire . This passion likewise reigns in the Society of Women ; they die with amorous affections one to the other ; especially the old Women court the young , present them with rich Garments , Jewels , Mony , even to their own impoverishment and ruine , and these darts of Cupid are shot through all the Empire , especially Constantinople , the Seraglio of the Grand Signior , and the apartments of the Sultans . GHAP. VIII . Of the Mutes and Dwarfs . A mute A Dwarf BEsides the Pages , there is a sort of Attendants to make up the Ottoman Court , called Bizebani or Mutes ; men naturally born deaf , and so consequently for want of receiving the sound of words are dumb : These are in number about 40 who by night are lodged amongst the Pages in the two Chambers , but in the day time have their stations before the Mosque belonging to the Pages , where they learn and perfect themselves in the language of the Mutes , which is made up of several signs in which by custom they can discourse and fully express themselves ; not only to signifie their sense in familiar questions , but to recount stories , understand the Fables of their own Religion , the Laws and Precepts of the Alchoran , the name of Mahomet , and what else may be capable of being expressed by the Tongue . The most ancient amongst them , to the numder of about eight or nine , are called the Favourite Mutes , and are admitted to attendance in the Haz-Oda ; who only serve in the place of Buffones for the Grand Signior to sport with , whom he sometimes kicks , sometimes throws in the cisterns of water , sometimes makes fight together like the combat of Clinias and Dametas . But this language of the Mutes is so much in fashion in the Ottoman Court , that none almost but can deliver his sense in it , and is of much use to those who attend the Presence of the Grand Signior , before whom it is not reverent or seemly so much as to whisper . The Dwarfs are called Giuge ; these also have their quarters amongst the Pages of the two Chambers , until they have learned with due reverence and humility to stand in the Presence of the Grand Signior . And if one of these have that benefit , as by natures fortunate error to be both a Dwarf , and dumb , and afterwards by the help of Art to be castrated and made an Eunuch , he is much more esteemed , then if nature and Art had concurred together to have made him the perfectest creature in the world ; one of this sort was presented by a certain Pasha , to the Grand Signior , who was so acceptable to him and the Queen Mother that he attired him immediately in Cloth of Gold , and gave him liberty though all the Gates of the Seraglio . CHAP. IX . Of the Eunuchs . THis libidinous flame of depraved nature , is so common a disease amongst the Turks , and so ancient a Vice , that both for state and prevention of this unnatural crime , it hath not been esteemed safe or orderly in the Courts of Eastern Princes to constitute others for the Principal Officers of their Houshold then Eunuchs : the like is observed in the Seraglio of the Grand Signior where two Eunuchs especially have the Principal Command , and are persons of the highest and eminentest esteem , viz. the Kuzlir-Agase , who is superintendent over the Women , and is a Black Eunuch ; Kuzlir Aga or Black Eunuch of the women The other is Capa Agasi , or Master of the gate , who is White , and commands all the Pages and White Eunuchs residing in the Court ; Under him are all the Officers that are Eunuchs ; as first the Haz Odabaschi or Lord Chamberlain , who commands the Gentlemen of the Bed-chamber . 2. The Serai Kiahaiasi , Lord Steward of the houshold , who oversees the Chambers of the Pages , and the Seferli odasi , or the Chambers of those Pages who are designed to follow the Grand Signior upon any journey , and of these he hath care to see provided of Cloaths and all other necessaries for the service they undertake . 3. The Haznadar Bashi , or Lord Treasurer of the Seraglio , who commands those Pages that attend the Treasury ; I mean not that which is of present use , as to pay the Souldiery , or serve the publick and present occasions of the Empire , for that is in the hand of the Tefterdar ; but that riches that is laid apart for the expences of the Court , and that which is amassed and piled up in several rooms of the Seraglio , of which there have been Collections and additions in the time almost of every Emperour , distinguished and divided by the names of the Sultans , through whose industry and frugality they had been acquired ; but this wealth is conserved as sacred , not to be used or exposed , unless on occasions of extream emergency . 4. The Kilargi Bashi ; that is , the chief Commander over the Pages , to whose care the charge of the dispensatory is committed , or expences for the daily provisions . Other Office● there are of Eunuchs ; as he that is first Master of Scholars for their books , called Ikingi Capa oglani and his Usher ; the chief Miergidgi or Priest of the Grand Signiors Mosque ; under whom are two other assistants , for cleansing and well ordering of the Mosques . These are the only Officers of the White Eunuchs , the others are of the commonalty , which are in uumber about fifty , and have ordinarily twelve Aspers a day pay , which also are augmented according to the Wakfi or Legacies of the deceased . Those that are Curates of the Royal Mosques , and have pluralities of benefices of that nature , have sometimes a revenue of a 100 chequins a day : among these also due order is observed , the younger or Junior's in the Seraglio , alwayes giving respect and reverence to Seniority . Of the Black Eunuchs . THe Black Eunuchs are ordained for the service of the Women in the Seraglio ; as the White are to the attendance of the Grand Signior , it not seeming a sufficient remedy by wholly dismembring them , to take the Women off from their inclinations to them , as retaining some relation still to the Masculine Sex , but to create an abhorrency in them ; they are not only castrated , but Black , chosen with the worst features that are to be found among the most hard-favoured of that African race . The prime Officer ' of them all , as we have said before , is the Kuzlir Aga or Master of the Maids or Virgins . 2. Valide Agasi , the Eunuch of the Queen Mother . 3. Schahzadeler Agasi , or the Eunuch to whose charge is committed the Royal Progeny , and in whose custody at present are three Sons of Sultan Ibrahim , Brothers to the present Emperour , viz. Solyman , on whom the Turks at present found their principal hopes and expectation ; Bajazet and Orchan , the Mother of which two last is still living , and confined to the old Seraglio in Constantinople , which is the Monastry of the decayed Wives and Mistresses of former Grand Signiors , from whence there is no redemption , until either their Sons die , or by good fortune one becomes Emperour . 4. Is Fazna Agasi , or the Eunuch that is Treasurer to the Queen Mother , and commands those Damsels that are Servants in the said Chamber . 5. Kilar Agasi , or he that keeps the Sugar , Serbets and Druggs of the Queen Mother . 6. Bujuck Oda Agasi , commander of the greater Chamber . 7. Kiatchuk Oda Agasi , commander of the lesser Chamber . 8. Bash Capa Oglani , the chief Porter of the Womens apartment . 9. & 10. Two Mesgidgi Barchi , or the two Emaums or Priests of the Royal Mosque belonging to the Queen Mother , ordained for the Womens prayers . The Apartments of the Women . The habit of a Lady in the Seraglio ANd since I have brought my Reader into the quarters of these Eunuchs , which are the Black guard of the sequestred Ladies of the Seraglio , he may chance to take it unkindly , should I leave him at the door , and not introduce him into those apartments , where the Grand Signiors Mistresses are lodged : And though I ingenuously confess my acquaintance there ( as all other my conversation with Women in Turky ) is but strange and unfamiliar ; yet not to be guilty of this discourtesie , I shall to the best of my information write a short account of these Captivated Ladies , how they are treated , immured , educated and prepared for the great atchivements of the Sultans affection ; and as in other stories the Knight consumes himself with combats , watching and penance to acquire the love of one fair Damsel ; here an army of Virgins make it the only study and business of their life to obtain the single nod of invitation to the Bed of their great Master . The Reader then must know that this Assembly of fair Women ( for it is probable there is no other in the Seraglio ) are commonly prizes of the Sword , taken at Sea and at Land , as far fetched as the Turk commands , or the wandring Tartar makes his excursions , composed almost of as many Nations as there are Countries of the world ; none of which are esteemed worthy of this Preferment , unless beautiful and undoubted Virgins . As the Pages before mentioned are divided into two Chambers , so likewise are these maids into two Odaes , where they are to work , sow , and embroider , and are there lodged on Safawes , every one with her bed apart , between every five of which is a Kadun or grave Matron laid to oversee and hear what actions or discourse passes either immodest or undecent ; Besides this School they have their Chambers for Musick and Dancing , for acquiring a handsome air in their carriage and comportment , to which they are most diligent and intent , as that which opens the door of the Sultans affections , and introduces them into Preferment and Esteem . Out of these , the Queen Mother chooses her Court , and orderly draws from the Schools such as she marks out for the most beauteous , facetious , or most corresponding with the harmony of her own disposition , and prefers them to a near attendance on her Person , or to other Offices of her Court. These are always richly attired and adorned with all sorts of precious stones , fit to receive the adresses and amours of the Sultan : over them is placed the Kadun Kahia or Mother of the Maids , who is carefull to correct any immodest or light behaviour amongst them , and instructs them in all the Rules and Orders of the Court. When the Grand Signior is pleased to dally with a certain number of these Ladies in the Garden ; Helvet is cryed , which rings through all the Seraglio , at which word all people withdraw themselves at a distance , and Eunuchs are placed at every avenue , it being at that time death to approach near those walls . Here the Women strive with their Dances , Songs and Discourse to make themselves Mistresses of the Grand Signiors affection , and then let themfelves loose to all kind of lasciviousness and wanton carriage , acquitting themselves as much of all respect to Majesty as they do to modesty . When the Grand Signior resolves to choose himfelf a Bed-fellow , he retires into the Lodgings of his Women , where ( according to the story in every place reported , when the Turkish Seraglio falls into discourse ) the Damsels being ranged in order by the Mother of the Maids , he throws his handkerchief to her , where his eye and fancy best directs , it being a token of her election to his bed . The surprized Virgin snatches at this prize and good fortune with that eagerness , that she is ravished with the joy before she is defloured by the Sultan , and kneeling down first kisses the handkerchief , and then puts it in her bosom , when immediately she is congratulated by all the Ladies of the Court , for the great honour and favour she hath received . And after she hath been first washed , bathed and perfumed , she is adorned with Jewels , and what other attire can make her appear glorious and beautiful ; she is conducted at night , with Musick and Songs of her Companions chanting before her to the Bed-chamber of the Sultan , at the door of which attends some Favourite Eunuch , who upon her approaching gives advice to the Grand Signior , and permission being given her to enter in , she comes running and kneels before him , and sometimes enters in at the feet of the Bed , according to the ancient ceremony , or otherwise as he chances to like her , is taken in a neare way with the Embraces of the Grand Signior . This private entertainment being ended , she is delivered to the care of the Kadan Kahia or Mother of the Maids , by whom she is again conducted back with the same Musick as before , and having first washed and bathed , hath afterwards the lodging and attendance that belongs to Hunkiar Asa-kisi , that is , the Royal Concubine ; if it be her good fortune to conceive and bring forth a Son , she is called Hasaki Sultana , and is honoured with a solemn Coronation , and Crowned with a small Coronet of Gold beset with precious Stones . Other Ladies who produce like fruits from the Grand Signiors bed , have not yet the like honour , but only the name of Bash Hasaki , Inkingi Hasaki , the first and second Concubine , and so forward . The Daughters that are born from the Grand Signior , are oftentimes at four or five years of Age wedded to some great Pasha or Beglerbeg with all the Pomp and solemnities of Marriage , who from that time hath care of her Education ; to provide a Palace for her Court , and to maintain her with that state and honour as becomes the dignity of a Daughter to Sultan . At this tenderness of Age , Sultan Ibrahim , Father of the present Grand Signior , Married three of his Daughters ; one of which called Gheaher Han Sultan , hath had already five Husbands , and yet as is reported by the World , remains a Virgin ; the last Husband deceased was Ishmael Pasha , who was slain in the passage of the River Raab ; and is now again Married to Gurgi Mahomet Pasha of Buda a man of 90 years of Age , but rich and able to maintain the greatness of her Court , though not to comply with the youthfulness of her bed , to which he is a stranger , like the rest of her preceding Husbands . After the Death of the Grand Signior , the Mothers of Daughters have liberty to come forth from the Seraglio and marry with any person of Quality ; but those who have brought forth Sons , are transplanted to the old Seraglio , where they pass a retired life without redemption ; unless the Son of any of those Mothers by death of the first heir succeeding , release his Mother from that restraint , and make her sharer with him in all his happiness and glory . CHAP. X. Of the Agiam-Oglans . WE have hitherto spoken of the Ichoglans or Pages , Mutes , Dwarfs , Eunuchs , and the Feminine Court ; it will be now necessary to speak of the under Officers and Servants called Agiam-Oglans , who are designed to the meaner uses of the Seraglio . These are also Captives taken in War , or bought of the Tartar , but most commonly the Sons of Christians taken from their Parents at the Age of ten or twelve years , in whom appearing more strength of body than of mind , they are set apart for labour and menial services : These are , 1. Porters . 2. Bostangi's or Gardiners . 3. Baltagi's or Hatchetment , who cut and carry Wood. 4. Atgees or Cooks , with all the Offices of the Kitchin. 5. Paicks and Solacks . 6. Butchers . 7. Holvagees or Confectioners . 8. The Attendants of the Hospital of sick Pages . And all other set apart for servile Offices . These are seldom the Sons of natural born Turks , but yearly collected ( as I said ) from the increase of poor Christians in the Morea and Albania ; by which means those Countries are greatly dis-peopled ; the yearly number of those thus collected , amount most commonly , as I am given to understand , to about 2000. which being brought to Constantinople , are first presented before the Visier , who according as his humor directs him ) are placed in divers stations , either in the Seraglioes of Galata , Okmedon , or Adrianople ; others are put forth to learn divers Trades in the City ; others to be Sea-men , and learn Navigation ; others especially are placed in the great Seraglio , where they are made to serve in the Stables , in the Kitchin , to dig in the Gardens , to cleave Wood , to row in the Grand Signiors Barge , and to do what other services they are commanded by the Superiors set over them , called Odabashees , who are men of ancienter standing then the rest , having about fifteen Aspers a day Salary , two Vests of Cloth a year , and two pieces of Linnen Cloth for shirts and handkerchiefs , &c. and these are subject to the Bostangi Pasha , who is the head and absolute Commander of all those who have the name of Bostangees or Gardeners , of which there may be 10000 in and about the Seraglioes and Garden of the Grand Signior . Of these Bostangees , some are raised to a higher degree , and called Hasaki , which signifies Royal , and attend only to messages sent by the Grand Signior himself , and are men of special authority . Their Habit or Cloathing nothing differs from the Bostangees , unless in the fineness of their Cloth , their Collar and Girdle according to this Picture . The power of the Bostangi Pasha is very great ; for though he himself arose but from the Agiamoglans , and wore a felt Cap , yet he hath the command of all the Grand Signiors Gardens and Houses of pleasure , over-sees all his Water-works , and hath power and jurisdiction along the Bosphorus , unto the mouth of the Black Sea , commands also the Country at a large distance from Constantinople ; having power to punish all debaucheries and extravagancies in and about the Country Villages , and is capable by the Grand Signiors favour to become Pasha of Grand Cairo , Babylon , Buda , &c. and of the first degree which is Visier Azem . The Agiamoglans who are designed to the Grand Signiors Seraglio , are of the choicest amongst the whole number , the strongest bodies and most promising Aspects , and are distributed into several Companies as they want to make up their complement . This discipline is very severe and strict , so that they are taught obedience and readiness to serve , with watchings , fastings and other penances . Their cloathing is of course Cloth made at Salonica , anciently called Thessalonica ; their Caps of Felt , after the form of a Sugar-loaf , of a hair colour , according as the Picture 〈◊〉 describes ; some of them are taught to Read and Write , who are esteemed the most acute and fit to receive ingenious learning , but the most part are exercised in activity of body , in running , leaping , wrestling , throwing the iron bar , and other agility wherein the strength and activity of body is best practised . Their Lodgings are under several Pent-houses or sheds , built under the walls of the Seraglio , their Diet is flesh and rice , sufficient though not luxurious . Out of these belonging to the Seraglio none are drawn out for Janizaries , but are sometimes preferred to service of Pashas for their fidelity or good deserts , and by those Masters arise to considerable riches , and commodious manner of livelihood ; others of these in great numbers are made use of for attendance on the Grand Signiors Tents , when he goes to the Wars , and in other journies are useful for the management of the Grand Signiors carriages and traveling necessaries . Such Agiamoglans ( as we have said before ) that are distributed into other quarters besides the Royal Seraglio , are principally designed as they grow ripe , and of strength of body to be made Janizaries in the place of the deceased ; so that their principal education is in order thereunto , of whom we shall speak more largely when we treat of the Militia . The names of the Agiamoglans are written in a book with the places where they are distributed , their several Payes of two , three , or five Aspers a day , which book is under-written by the Grand Signior , and consigned to the Tefterdar or Lord Treasurer , who pays their Salaries every three months , being obliged at that time to enquire who is dead or removed , and so accordingly to make a true report to the Grand Signior . And thus I have given you a brief account of the Grand Signiors Seraglio and the Regiment of it , which if well considered and weighed , is one of the most Politick constitutions in the world , and none of the meanest supports of the Ottoman Empire ; which relation I had from the mouth of one who had spent nineteen years in the Schools of the Seraglio . I must confess I have not treated so amply thereof as the subject might require , because the rules and oeconomy observed among the Women , Mutes , Eunuchs and other of the retired apartments , I conceive to be a kind of digression from my purpose , my intention being principally to describe the Government , Maxims and Policies of the Turk . And therefore I proceed to treat of the diversities of Offices and Places of great Riches and Trust , which remain in the power of the Sultan to confer on those Favourites , Minions , and Creatures , whom thus at his own charge he hath nourished like a Father from their 〈◊〉 to invest in their riper years with great honours , for security of his own Person , and flourishing estate of his Dominions . CHAP. XI . Of the Visier Azem or Prime Visier , his Office , the other six Visiers of the Bench , and of the Divan or place of Judicature . The Prime Vizier THe prime Visier called in Turkish Visier Azem , is as much as chief Councellour ; he is somtimes termed the Grand Signiors Deputy or Representative , or Vicarius Imperii , because to him all the power of the Sultan is immediately devolved ; there is no other solemnity , as I know of , in the creating a Visier then the delivery of the Grand Signiors Seal , which he alwayes carries about him in his bosom , on which is engraven the Emperours name , by which he becomes invested in all the power of the Empire , and can without the formality and process of Law remove all obstacles and impediments which hinder the free sway of his Government . It hath alwayes been the policy of the great Princes of the East , to erect one as Superintendent over all the rest of their Ministers ; so Daniel was constituted by Darius over the Presidents and Princes , because of the admirable spirit and wisdom that was in him : and Joseph was made chief Governour and absolute Commander over all Egypt , and by this means those Princes who gave themselves much over to softness and luxury , could with more ease demand account of miscarriages in the rule of their Empire , it being their Policy to constitute one on whom all the blame of miscarriages in Government might be thrown . The first constitution that we meet with in History of the first Visier , was in the time of Amurath the third King of the Turks , who passing into Europe with his Tutor called Lala Schabin , he made him his chief Councellour and committed to him the charge of his Army , with which he won Adrianople formerly called Orestias , and ever since the Grand Signior hath continued to maintain that Office of Visier , using that common appellation of Lala , which signifies Tutor , whensoever in familiar discourse he speaks to him . There are besides the first , commonly six other Visiers who are called Visiers of the Bench , that have no power nor authority in the Government , but only are grave men , that have perhaps had Charges and Offices , and are knowing in the Laws , and sit together with the first Visier in the Divan or Court where causes are tryed , but are mute and cannot give their sentence or opinion in any matter unless the first Visier please to demand their Councel or judgment in point of Law ; which he seldom does , not to disparage his own reason and experience . Their pay proceeds from the Grand Signiors Treasury , and is not above 2000 Dollars a year : any of these six can write the Grand Signiors Firme or Autogra upon all commands or decrees that are sent abroad ; and because their riches are but moderate , and the Office they are in treats not much with the dangerous parts of State , they live long without envy or emulation , or being subject to that inconstancy of fortune and alteration , to which greater degrees of place are exposed . And yet when any great matter is in Consult , and of considerable importance , these six with the first Visier , the Mufti and Caddeelescheers or Lords chief Justices , are admitted into the Cabinet Councel , and are often permitted freedom to deliver their opinions on the matter of question . The state and greatness the Prime Visier lives in is agreeable to the honour of him whom he represents , having commonly in his Court about 2000 Officers and Servants ; when he appears in any solemnity or publick show , he carries on his Turbant before two Feathers , as the Grand Signior wears three set on with a handle of Diamonds and other rich Stones , and before him are carryed three horse tails called the tugh upon a long staffe , upon the top of which is a gilded knob ; the like distinction of honour is permitted only to the three other principal Pashaes within their jurisdiction , viz. the Pasha of Babylon , of Cairo , and of Buda ; the other inferiour Pashaes have only one horse tail carryed before them without other distinction or badge of Authority ; and these three forementioned Pashaes have a right to be Visiers of the Bench , and can take their places in the Divan when the time of their Offices are expired , and any of them found at the Court in entire grace and favour . The Prime Visier as he is the representative of the Grand Signior , so he is the head or mouth of the Law ; to him appeals may be made , and any one may decline the ordinary course of justice , to have his case decided by his determination ; unless the Visier through the multiplicity of his affairs , and the small consideration of the case , thinks fit to refer it to the Law. And that he may evidence his care of the publick good , he is alwayes present at the Divan four times a week ; that is , Saturday , Sunday , Monday , Tuesday , and the other dayes ( excepting Friday ) keeps Divan in his own house , so diligent and watchful are these men to discharge the Acts of Justice , and their own Office. He is attended to the Divan , which is a Chamber of the Seraglio , by a great number of Chiauses and their Commanders in chief , who are a sort of Pursevants and other Officers who only serve to attend him to the Divan called Muta faraca , and may be termed Serjeants or Tipstaffes ; as he descends from his horse and enters the Divan , or upon his return goes into his house , he is with a loud voice of his Attendants prayed for , and wished all happiness and long life , not unlike the salutations the Roman Souldiers used to their Emperours ; Cum sub auspiciis Caesaris omnia prospera & felicia precabantur . When he is set upon the Bench , all causes are brought before the Caddeelescheer who is Lord chief Justice , and by him all judgments pass , unless the Prime Visier shall think the cause proper for his cognisance , or shall disapprove at any time the sentence of the judge ; and then by virtue of his unlimited power he can reverse the Verdict and determine as he pleases . All officers in the Divan wear a strange sort of dress upon their heads called in Turkish Mugevezee , which for the most lively description , is here delineated before you . A Turbant The Prime Visier hath his power as ample as his Master who gives it him , except only that he cannot ( though he is the Elder Brother of all Pashaes ) take off any of their heads without the Imperial signature or immediate hand-writing of the Grand Signior , nor can he punish a Spahee or Janizary , or any other Souldier but by means of their Commanders : the Militia having reserved themselves that priviledge , which secures them from several oppressions : in other matters he is wholly absolute , and hath so great a power with the Grand Signior , that whomsoever he shall think fit of all the Officers in the Empire to proscribe , he can speedily obtain the Imperial hand to put it in execution . Whatsoever petitions and addresses are made , in what business soever , ought first to pass through the hands of the Visier : but yet when a party hath suffered some notorious injury , in which the Visier is combined , or hath refused him justice , he hath liberty then to appeal to the Grand Signior himself , which is permitted by an ancient custom ; the aggrieved person putting fire on his head enters the Seraglio , runs in haste , and can be stopt by no body until he comes to the presence of the Grand Signior , to whom he hath license to declare his wrong . The like was done by Sir Thomas Bendysh when Embassadour at Constantinople , putting pots of fire at the Yard arms of some English Ships then in Port , and came to Anchor near the Seraglio . The reason thereof was , the violent seizure of the Merchants goods , as soon as arrived in Port , for the service of the Grand Signior , without bargain or account of them , which being taken up by those Officers and great Persons who were out of the reach of Law , forced the worthy Embassadour at that time Resident to represent his grievances with much resolution , signifying them to the Grand Signior by fire on the Yards of eleven English Ships then in Port , which were drawn off from the scale , where they usually lay , to the side of the Seraglio ; which coming to be discovered first to the Visier , before the grand Signior had notice thereof , he immediately extinguished those fires by a fair accommodation , before they burst into a more dangerous flame , by the knowledge of the Grand Signior , who might justly destroy him for suffering such notorious injustice to run to that publick and known extremity . The Persians in like cases put on a Vest of White Paper , signifying the aggravation of their injury is not to be described in as much Paper as can cover their bodies . This great Office of Charge and Trust , as it is the highest , so it is the nearest to Joves Thunderbolt , and most exposed to envy and emulation ; strange stories are read and confirmed by eye-witnesses in our dayes , concerning the unexpected rise and ascent of unworthy men on a suddain without degrees , steps or approaches to 〈◊〉 mighty power and glory , and as soon have been thrown down and been the subject of the peoples cruelty and revenge ; some have been the Sons but of a few dayes growth , and the Sun hath scarce set , before their greatness and glory hath declined ; others have continued but a month , some a year , others two or three , and withal , even in those who have lived longest and happiest , fortune sports with that wantonness and inconstancy , that it may serve to be the Mirrour and Emblem of the Worlds vanity , and uncertain riches ; It is the fate of great Favourites with barbarous Princes to be but short-lived . For either the Prince delights to exercise his power in debasing some , and advancing others , or hath bestowed so largely , that his bounty is at a stop , and begins to be wearied with heaping of favours , as the other is glutted and satiated with receiving them ; Fato potentiae raro sempiternae , an satias capit aut illos cum omnia tribuerunt , aut hos quod nihil reliquum est quod capiant . Tac. Lib. 3. Emulation and flattery are likewise great , and the factions are commonly many in the Ottoman Court , whereby the state of the first Minister is endangered . Insita mortalibus natura recentem aliorum felicitatem aegris oculis introspicere , modumque fortunae à nullis magis exigere , quam quos in aequo vident . Tac. Lib. 3. Sometimes the Queen Mother rules , sometimes the Kuslir Aga commands , perhaps a beautiful Woman is Mistress of the power , as well as of the affections of the Sultan ; every one of these have some Favourites , some or other who watch Preferments , and are intent to observe all miscarriages of State , which may reflect on , or question the judgment or honesty of the first Author , by which means the unhappy Visier , either by the Sultans immediate command , or tumults of the Souldiery raised by the powerful factions aforementioned , yields up his Life and Government together ; whose power and greatness being only borrowed from his Master , and depending on anothers pleasure , by its short continuance and mutability , verifies that true saying of Tacitus , Lib. 12. Nihil rerum mortalium tam instabile & fluxum est , quam fama potentiae non suâ vi nixae . But it doth not alwaies happen that the Prime Visier because he is deprived of his Office , should therefore lose his life ; for many times , especially if he be a man whose disposition is not greatly suspected of Malice or Revenge to the contrivers of his fall , or be not of a generous spirit , and great abilities and popularity , whereby he may he venterous and capable of raising Rebellion or Mutiny , he is permitted calmly to retire , and quietly to descend from his high Throne of honour , to enter into the lower Region and air of a small and petty Government of a Pasha ; as not many years past the Predecessours of Kiuperli Father of this present Visier being degraded , had the Pashalick of Kanisia ( which is accounted one of the meanest of all the Governments which are subject to a Pasha ) conferred on him , and here I cannot tell whether such a Visier hath not more reason to bless and congratulate his fortune then accuse it ; for in this condition he is more free from cares and dangers , and much more happy if his ambition and greatness of spirit render not his repose and ease less pleasing , because it is not in the highest Lodgings of Honour and Command . But it is seldom so among the Turks ; for with them it is esteemed no disgrace to be transplanted from the Mountains to the Vallies ; they know their original , and composition partakes not much of Heavenly fire , and that the Clay they are framed of , is but of common Earth , which is in the hand of the Grand Signior as the Pot , to frame and mould , as is most agreeable to his pleasure and will. And as it is no disparagement to decline and go backward in Honour amongst the Turks , so it is no new thing , or absurdity in their Politicks , to see men rise like Mushromes in a night , and from the meanest and most abject Offices , without degrees or convenient approaches , at once leap into the Seat and Quality of the Prime Visier ; I shall instance in one example worthy of Record , which was of late dayes , and as yet that I know of , hath had no place in History . It happened that in Constantinople , there was either great scarcity of flesh , or the negligence of the Butchers had made it so ; so that they who were not so early abroad as to watch their usual time of making their dayes provision , or came any thing late , were necessitated to pass that day with a Lenten diet ; among those who had missed one morning their common proportion of flesh , was one Dervise a Cook of a Chamber of Janizaries ; this man knew the blows and punishment he was to suffer from the chief of the Chamber ; that through his sloth and want of care , the whole Company should that day pass without their Dinner , which caused him in great passion with loud exclamations as he passed the streets to accuse the ill Government , and little care was had to rectifie these common abuses : it fortuned that at that time that Dervise was lamenting his case to all the world , and cursing the principal Officers , that the Grand Signior in disguise passed by , and seeing a man in such a disorder of mind , came in a courteous manner to demand the reason of his passion ; to whom the Dervise replyed , It was in vain for him to be 〈◊〉 ; or for me , said he , to inform of what you are able to afford no remedy unto ; for none but the Grand Signior himself is of sufficient power to redress that for which I have so much cause to be troubled . At last with much importunity he told what great abuse there was in the Butchery , that the Shambles were ill served , that be had missed the usual proportion of flesh that morning for his Janizaries Chamber , and what punishment he was likely to suffer , for having come short only one moment of his due time ; he added farther that the Vister and other Officers were negligent in rectifying these mean and low disorders , being wholly taken up in enriching themselves , and intent to their own interest ; but if I were first Vister , I would not only cause great plenty of flesh in this City , but at all times of the day it should be found by those who wanted it ; and now what benefit have either you , said he , by hearing this story , or what release am I likely to have of punishment by repeating it to you ? The Grand Signior afterwards returning home , and considering of the discourse the Janizaries Cook had made him , whether to prove the abilities of the man , or because he conceived Providence had offered this encounter , or that Princes delight to exercise their power in creating great men from nothing ; he sent immediately for the Dervise , who being come into his presence , and sensible of the familiar discourse he had made him , trembling cast himself down at his feet , supposing that the free language he used of the 〈◊〉 and the Government , was the cause he was now to lose his life . But it happened quite contrary , for the Grand Signior encouraging him to lay aside his fear , told him he was resolved to make him first Vister , to try an Experiment whether he was able to amend those abuses he complained of ; and that herein he might not transgress the degrees whereby he was gradually to pass , he first made him chief of his Chamber , the next day Captain , the day following Aga or General of the Janizaries , and thence with one step to be Great 〈◊〉 , who not only remedied the abuse in the shambles according to his promise , but proved a famous and excellent Minister of Sate ; and though examples of the like nature are frequent among the Turks , yet this may serve at present to shew in part the fortune and fate by which men are raised , and the unconstancy of greatness and glory amongst the Turks above any other part of the world besides . It was a hard Problem in the Turkish Policy , which as a wise Prime Visier proposed to certain Pashaes amongst other questions , What courses were possible to be found out for a first Visier to maintain and continue his office , and acquit this so dangerous charge from the hazard and uncertainty to which it is liable ; for you see Brothers , said he , how few enjoy or grow old herein ; their virtue , their care , and their innocence are no protection ; some remain a day , a week , a month , others protract the thred to a year or two , but at length they are ( to use our own Proverb ) like the Ant to whom God gives wings for their speedier destruction . The Pashaes were for a while all silent , not knowing what reply to make , or how to resolve so difficult and knotty a point , until Kuperli ( who was then the most ancient and perhaps the wisest Pasha , as the actions of his following life have sufficiently testified ) first replyed that in his opinion , the only and most probable means for a tottering Visier to secure himself , is to divert the minds of the Grand Signior and other working brains , upon some forreign War ; for Peace is that which corrupts the dispositions of men , and sets them on work to raise themselves with intestine and civil evils ; when War busies their Spirits , and employes them to gain renown and glory by Martial actions , by which means Plots and Treachery are droven from our own homes ; Consiliis & astu res externas moliri , arma 〈◊〉 habere , Tac. lib. 6. And it is possible that Achmet the Son of Kuperli , who began the last War with Germany , might go upon this Maxim of his Fathers ; for in all matters of his Government , he is observed to walk by the same rules and directions , which was bequeathed to him as well as his inheritance . And yet for all this doubtful estate of the Prime Visiers , some have been known to manage this office 18 or 19 years , and afterwards wearied with care and pains , to acquit it by a natural death ; from whence this question may arise , whether the favour or displeasure of the Prince depends on the destiny or fortune we are born to , or whether humane Councel can assign a way between contumaciousness and flattery , wherein to steer free from danger and ambition ? Unde dubitare cogor , fato & sorte nasoendi , ut caetera , ita Principum inclinatio in hos , offensio in illos , an sit aliquid in nostris consiliis , liceatque inter abruptam contumaciam , & deforme obsequium pergere iter , ambitione & periculis vacuum . Tacit. lib. 4. But we find but few examples of this kind . For if Visiers have been evil , their own cruelty and covetousness have hastened their fate ; if good , their merits have been their ruine ; least the great 〈◊〉 their merits have procured to their Prince should seem to want reward , or be dangerous or difficult to requite , Beneficia eousque laeta , dum videntur exsolvi posse ; ubi multum antevenere , pro gratia odium redditur , Tac. lib. 4. The Revenues of the first Visier which issue immediately from the Grown , and are certainappendages to the office , are not great , being not above 20000 Dollars yearly , which arise from certain Villages in Romelia ; the rest of the immense riches which accrues to this charge so full of cares and danger , flows from all the quarters of the Empire . For no Bassaw or Minister of trust enters his place without his Present and offering to the first Visier , to obtain his consent , and purchase a continuance of his favour . Those that have Governments abroad , have alwaies their Agents at Court , who with gifts continually mollifie the Visiers mind , entreating him to represent their service to the Grand Signior in an acceptable and grateful manner . And though at the Equinoctial in the Spring , all Pashaes and any that have Governments of note , are obliged to make their Presents to the Grand Signior of considerable value , at which time the first Visier neither will not want his own acknowledgments , he is yet farther treated by all Perfons with sums of money , as the nature of their business is , which is not secretly , but boldly and confidently demanded , and the bargain beaten as in matters of Merchandize , and Trade ; and justice and Favours made as Vendible and set as publick to sale , as Wares and Commodites are in the Shops and places of common Mart ; so that if the first Visier proves covetous ( as commonly they do who are raised from nothing , and used alwaies to thrist ) and resolves to lose nothing of what he may get , his income is incredible , and may equal that which is the Rent of the Grand Signior , and in a few years amasse an immense riches and wealth . But of this the Prince and the Turkish Policy is not ignorant , and accordingly provides remedies to drain the inundations of the Visiers Coffers ; at first by extorting great sums of money from him at his entrance to the charge ; then under colour of Friendship and Favour the Grand Signior makes him Visits , in requital whereof rich Presents are made him , as Gratitude for so much Honour ; next he many times sends to him for a gift of 100000 Dollars , for Jewels , Horses and other things of a great value ; and in this manner several contrivances are used to turn these Rivulets to pay their Tribute to the great 〈◊〉 ; amongst which this present Grand Signior Mahomet the fourth hath found out one way amongst the rest , putting the Visier often to the charges of his Dinner , sending to his Kitchin for 20 dishes of Meat , which is the usual proportion of the Grand Signiors ordinary Table , and by inviting himself to a Banquet many times at the Visiers expences ; and this being done so frequently , gives the world occasion to believe that he demands it out of no other 〈◊〉 then narrowness of soul to save the charges of his own Dinner ; and the rather it is so believed because this Emperour is reputed of a covetous disposition , and of no affinity with Solyman the Magnificent . But the ways and means by which the Grand Signior comes in the end to be possessed of the gains and profits collected by his Visier , and other officers , requires a particular discourse apart , which shall in its due time and place be treated of ; and this shall for the present suffice to have spoken concerning the Prime Visier and his office . CHAP. XII . The Offices , Dignities , and several Governments of the Empire . HE that will describe the Policies of a Country , must endeavour especially in the most exact and punctual manner possible to declare the several Offices , Dignities and Riches of it , that so a more easie computation may be calculated of its strength , numbers of Men , Fortifications , Forces by Sea , where best defended , and where most easily vulnerable and exposed . The next to the Visier Azem or the first Visier , are the several Beglerbegs ( which may not unaptly be compared to Arch-Dukes in some parts of Christendom ) having under their jurisdiction many Sangiacks or Provinces , Beyes , Agaes and others ; To every one of these the Grand Signior in honour bestows three Ensigns ( called in Turkish Tugh ) which are staves trimmed with the tail of a Horse with a golden Ball upon the top , and this is to distinguish them from Bashaws who have two Ensigns ; and the Sangiak-beg , who hath also the name of Pascha , and hath but one . When a Pascha is made , the Solemnity used at the conferring his office , is a Flag or Banner carryed before him , and accompanied with Musick and Songs by the Mirialem , who is an Officer for this purpose only , for investiture of Pashaes in their office . The Government of Beglerbegs , who have several Provinces called Sangiacks under their Command , are of two sorts ; the first is called Has ile Beglerbeglik , which hath a certain Rent assigned out of the Cities , Countries and Signories allotted to the Principality ; the second is called Saliane Beglerbeglik , for maintenance of which is annexed a certain Salary or Rent , collected by the Grand Signiors Officers with the Treasure of the whole Government , out of which are paid also the Sangiack Beglers , that is , the Lords of the several Counties , Towns or Cities , and the Militia of the Country . It is impossible exactly to describe the Wealth and wayes of Gains exercised by these Potent Governours to enrich themselves ; for a Turk is ingenious to get Wealth , and hasty to grow rich ; howsoever we will succinctly set down the certain sums of Revenue which are granted them by Commission from the Grand Signior , assigned them out of every particular place of their Government ; besides which they have the Profits of all Wests and Strays , Goods of Felons , sale of Vacant Church-Offices , Salves , Horses and Cattel , which by Mortality or other accidents have no certain Master ; to which may be added the benefit of their Avanias or false Accusations , whereby they invade the Right and Estates of their Subjects ; as also of the Robberies of their people and strangers , by their own Slaves and Servants , whom they send abroad with that design ; and having committed the Robberies themselves , under pretence of discovery of the Crime and doing Justice , they seize the innocent people , torture and imprison them , and perhaps put some to death for expiation of their own offences . To come nearer then to this purpose . The Beglerbegs of the first sort are in number 22 , who have their Revenue allotted them in the places that they govern , collected by their own Officers according to Commission , of which the first is of Anatolia , anciently called Asia minor , afterwards Anatolia , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from its more Eastern situation in respect of Greece ; the yearly Revenue of which in the Grand Signiors books called the old Canon is a Million of Aspers , and hath under its jurisdiction 14 Sangiack Kiotahi where the Beglerbeg resides in Phrygia Magior , Sarahan , Aidin , Kastamoni , Hudanendighiar , Boli , Mentesche , Angora , otherwise Ancyra , Karahysar , Teke ili , Kiangri , Hamid , Sultan Ughi , Karesi , with the command of 22 Castles . 2. Caramania , anciently called Cilicia , and was the last Province which held out belonging to the Caramanian Princes , when all places gave way to the flourishing Progress of the Ottoman Arms ; the Revenue hereof is 660074 Aspers , and hath under its jurisdiction 7 Sangiacks , viz. Iconium , which is the Court of the Beglerbeg in Cappadocia , Nigkde , Kaisani , otherwise Cesanca , Jenischehri , Kyrscheheri , Akschehri , Akserai : And in this Principality are three Castles , at Iconium one , at Larende and Mendui , under the Pasha's immediate command , and 17 others in several Sangiacks . 3. Diarbekir , otherwise Mesopotamia , hath a Revenue of a Million two hundred thousand and 660 Aspers , and hath under its jurisdiction 19 Sangiacks , with five other Governments called Hukinmet in Turkish , eleven of which Sangiacks are properly belonging to the Ottoman Royalties , and eight are Curdian Counties , or of the people called Kurts ; for when Curdia was conquered , the Country was divided , and distinguished into the nature of Sangiacks , but with this difference of right inheritance and succession to the Goods and Possessions of their Parents , and succeed as Lords of Mannors , or to other petty Governments by Blood and Kindred . And as other Lords of Sangiacks , Timariots , or Barons pay the Grand Signiors duties , and hold their Land in Knights service , or other tenure whereby they are obliged to attend and follow their Commanders to the Wars , whensoever they are called thereunto by the Grand Signiors summons : these that are registred for Hukiumet have no Timariots or Lords to command them , but are free from all Duties and Impositions , and are absolute Masters of their own Lands and Estates . Those Sangiacks which are properly belonging to the Ottoman Royalties are C Harpu , Ezani , Syureck , Nesbin , Chatenghif , Tchemischekrek , Seared , Mufarkin , Aktchie , Kala , Habur , Sangiar otherwise Diarbekir , which is the place of residence of the Beglerbek . Those Sangiacks which are entailed upon Families are Sagman , Kulab , Mechrani , Tergil , Atak , Pertek , Tchifakichur , Tchirmek . 4. Of Scham otherwise Damascus , the certain Revenue of which is a Million of Aspers , and hath under it Sangiacks 7 with Has , where the Contributions by the Beglerbegs Officers are collected upon the Country , and are Kadescherif alias Jerusalem , Gaza , Sifad , Nabolos alias Naples in Syria , Aglun , Bahura , and Damascus , the City where the Beglerbeg resides . He hath farther three with Saliane , for account of which he is paid by the Kings Officers ; and those are Kadmar , Saida , Beru , Kiurk , Schubek , where are no Timariots , but the Inhabitants are true , and absolute Masters of their own Estates in the same manner as the Curdi are , which we have before-mentioned ; the Castles here are for the most part demolished , and scarce worthy our notice . 5. Is of Siwas a City in Armenia major , hath a Revenue of 900 thousand Aspers , and hath under his Dominions six Sangiacks , viz. Amasia , Tchurum , Buradik , Demurki , Gianick , Arebkir , the Castles of which are 19. 6. Is the Government of the Pascha of Erzrum on the confines of Georgia , hath a Revenue of a Million two hundred thousand and 660 Aspers , and hath under his Government eleven Sangiacks , viz. Karahizar , Scharki , Kieifi , Pasin , Esber , Hanes , Tekman , Turtum , Meyenkerd , Mamervan , Kyzutchan , Melazkerd ; and hath 13 Castles . 7. Is the Government of the Pascha of Wan or Van a City in Media , hath a Revenue of a Million a hundred and thirty two thousand 209 Aspers , and commands 14 Sangiacks , viz. Adilgiwar , Ergisch , Musch , Barkiri , Kiarkian , Kisani , Espaird , Agakis , Ekrad , Benikutur , Kalaibaierid , Berdea and Edegik . 8. Is the Government of the Pascha of Tchildir on the confines of Georgia , hath a Revenue of nine hundred twenty five thousand Aspers , and commands nine Sangiacks , viz. Olti , Hartus , Ardnug , Erdehamburek , Hagrek , Pusenhaf alias Pusenhal , Machgil , Igiare , Penbek , Pertekrek . 9. Is the Government of Scheherezul in Assyria , the Pascha of which hath a Revenue of a Million of Aspers , and commands 20 Sangiacks , viz. Surutchuk , Erbil , Kiuschaf , Schehribazar , Chabkiule , Gebthamrin , Hezurd Merd , Dulchuran , Merghiaue , Haninudevin , Agiur , Neitutari , Sepeuzengire , Ebruuan , Tauudan , Badeberend , Belkas , Vicheni , Garikalo , Renghene . 10. Is the Government of Halep or Aleppo , hath eight hundred and seventeen thousand 772 Aspers Revenue , and commands 7 Sangiacks with Has and 2 with Saliane : Of the first sort are Adana , Ekrad , Kelis , Beregek , Mearre , Gazir , Balis : Of the other are Matik and Turkman which is Turcomania , of these at this day the Revenue is farmed , and are not called Sangiacks but Agalik , for in them are no Timariots , but every man is Lord and Master of his own Lands : This Government hath five Castles . 11. Is the Government of Marasch near the River Euphrates , situated between Mesopotamia and Aleppo , otherwise called by the Turks Zulkadrie , hath a Revenue of 628 thousand 450 Aspers , and commands four Sangiacks only , viz. Malatia , Asab , Kars , and Samsad , and hath four Castles . 12. Is the Government of Kibros otherwise called Cyprus , hath a Revenue five hundred thousand 650 Aspers , and commands 7 Sangiacks , viz. 4 with Has , and are Itchili , Tarsus , Alanie , Schis ; the other 3 with Saliane , are Kenine Baf Mausa , Lefkuscha or Larnica , which is the place of the Pascha's residence , and hath 14 Castles . 13. Is the Government of Tarabolos Scham otherwise Tripoli of Syria , hath a Revenue eight hundred thousand Aspers , at this place the Pascha . resides , and hath under him 4 Sangiacks , viz. Hams , Hama , Gemele and Selemie , and hath only one Castle in the Sangiack of Hams called Faslulekrad . 14. Is the Government of Terbozan , otherwise Trabezond , encompassed with a ridge of Mountains , according to a Poet born in that place , Vertice Montano Trapezus inclusa recessit . Formerly the Imperial Seat of the Comneni reigning over Cappadocia , Galatia , and the parts of 〈◊〉 , founded by Alexius Comnenus , who upon the taking of Constantinople by the Western Christians fled to this place , which flourished until taken by Mahomet the Great ; it is situate on the Euxine or black Sea , and still a place of considerable Traffick , especially made rich for the fishing , out of which and the customs the Pascha , though he hath no Sangiacks under his Government , hath yet a Revenue allotted of 734 thousand 850 Aspers , with 14 Castles to defend the City , and the Dominions belonging thereunto . 15. The Government of the Pascha of Kars a City near Erzrum , hath a Revenue of 820 thousand 650 Aspers , and commands six Sangiacks , viz. Erdehankiutchuk , Giugewan , Zaruschan , Ghegran , Kughizman , Pasin . 16. The Government of the Pascha of Musul , otherwise called Nineve in Assyria , hath a Revenue of 681 thousand and 56 Aspers , and commands five Sangiacks , viz. Bagiwanlu , Tekrit , Zerbit , Eski Musul or old Ninive , and Hurun . 17. The Government of the Pascha of Rika hath a Revenue of 680 thousand Aspers , and commands seven Sangiacks , viz. Ghemasche , Chabur , Dizirhebe , Benirabue , Serug , Biregek Ane . These are all the Governments which are in Asia with Has , let us now pass into Europe . 18. Is the Government of the Pascha of Rumili otherwise Romania , which is the most honourable Turkish charge in Europe , hath a Revenue of a Million and a hundred thousand Aspers , the seat of the Pascha is Sofia , and commands 24 Sangiacks , viz. Kiostendit otherwise Justiniana , Mora otherwise Morea , Skenderi Tirhala , Silistra , Nigheboli , Uchri , Awlona , Jania , Ilbrazan , Tchirmen , Selanik otherwise Salonica , Wize , Deluniia , Uskiup , Kirkkelisa , Dukakin , Wedin , Alagehizar , Serzerin , Waltcharin , Bender , Akkerman , Ozi , Azak ; But it is to be observed that though Morea , according to the ancient Canon , was under the jurisdiction of the Pascha of Romania , yet now it is divided and made part of the Revenue of the Valede or Queen Mother , where a Farmer of her Rents and Incomes now resides . 19. Is the charge of the Kupudan otherwise Captain Pascha , or as the Turks call him , General of the White Seas , hath a Revenue of 885 thousand Aspers ; he is Admiral of the Grand Signiors Fleet , and Commands as far as the Turkish Power by Sea extends ; and commands 13 Sangiacks ; viz. Galipoli , which is the proper place of the Pascha's residence , Egribuz otherwise Negropont , Karlieli , Ainebahti , 〈◊〉 , Midillu or Metilene , Kogia Eli , Betga , Sifla , Mezestra , Sakis or the Island of Scio , Beneksche or Malvatia ; some others adde Nicomedia , Limnos and Nixia . 20. Is the Government of the Pascha of Budun otherwise Buda in Hungary , hath a Revenue and commands 20 Sangiacks ; viz. Agri , Kanysia , Samandra , Petchui , Ustunibilgrad or Stultwissenberg , Ostrogon or Strigonium , Sekdin , Chatwan , Semutum , Sirem , 〈◊〉 , Filek , Sekitwar , Sektches , Setchre , Novigrad , Seksard , Belgrade or 〈◊〉 Regalis . And now lately in the year 1663 that Wiwar or Newhausel was taken , a new Sangiack is since added . 21. The Pascha of Temeswar in Hungary , hath a Revenue and hath under his command 6 Sangiacks , viz. Lipona , Tchanad , Ghiola , Mudava , Waradin , to which also Janova is added , conquered in the year 1663. 22. Is the Government of the Pascha of Bosna in Myria , divided formerly into Liburnia and Dalmatia , now called Sclavonia ; his Revenue is a and commands 8 Sangiacks , viz. Hersek , Kelis , Ezdernik , Puzga , Feragine , Zagine , Kirka , 〈◊〉 . There are other 〈◊〉 of Coffa , 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Chersone sus , which having no Sangiacks , no Timariots nor Ziamets under them , but only a few beggerly Villages which we shall purposely omit , as not worthy the notice . And so much shall be said for the Paschas or Beglerbegs with 〈◊〉 , or with the Revenue imposed upon Countries under their command , collected by their own officers . Those that are with Saliane , or paid out of the Grand Signiors Treasury , are : 1. The Pascha of Gran Caira , called by the Turks 〈◊〉 , hath a Revenue of 600 thousand Scheriffs or Zechins a year , which he may justly and honestly pretend to ; as much is the Tribute yearly paid the Grand Signior from that place ; which is most commonly brought since the War with Venice upon Camels backs by land , with a guard of 500 men , not to expose it to the danger of being intercepted at Sea ; another sum of 600 thousand Zechins yearly goes to the payment of the Turks Forces in Egypt ; besides the vast sums of money this Pascha extorts with insupportable Avarice and Tyranny from the Natives of the Country , during the space of his 3 years Government ; by which means he grows excessive rich , and able to refund a good stream into the Grand Signiors Coffers at his return , as hereafter shall be the subject of our more large discourse ; he commands 16 Sangiacks as is reported , but not being registred in the Kings Book , I let them pass without naming them . 2 , Is the Government of Bagdat , otherwise Babylon , hath a Revenue of a Million and 700 thousand Aspers , and commands 22 Sangiacks , viz. Dertenk , Gezan , Gewazir , Renk Aiadiie , Gelle , Semwat , Remaliie , Beiare , Derne , Debare , Wasit , Gebkiule , Gedide , Kesend , Kasrschirin , Ghiilan , Karag , Anne , Alsebah , Demurkapn , 〈◊〉 , Karaniie . 3. Is the Government of the Pascha of Yemen , which is in Arabia Faelix , whose place of residence is at Adem upon the Red Sea ; which place and Country being recovered for the most part again from the Turk by the Arabians , it is neither needful to mention the Revenue , nor the Sangiacks it formerly commanded . 4. Is the Government of Habelch upon the confines of the Abissines in Ethiopia , called also by the Turks 〈◊〉 , which extending it self to the Dominions of Prester John , being far distant from the succours of the Ottoman force , is now wholly lost to the Turk ; so that we can neither assign the Revenue , nor the Sangiacks . 5. In the Government also of Bosra on the confines of Persia , a Maritine City in the Sinus Persicus near Byblis in 〈◊〉 , were reckoned 26 Sangiacks , but now not held by the Turk , who hath no other power there , nor benefit thence , excepting only that prayers are made constantly for the Sultan . 6. In the Government of Lahsa on the confines of Ormus in Persia , are counted 6 Sangiacks , viz. Aiwen , Sakul , Negniie , Netif , Benderazir , Giriz , but these Countries are poor , and have scarce any place in the Grand Signiors Registers . To these we should adde the Governments of Algiers , Tunis , and Tripoli in Barbary ; but that being much fallen off from the Turks obedience and become almost independant of themselves ; we shall pass by the discourse of them , especially because of late years the mutual Treaties with Barbary , and interchanges of War and Peace with those Countries , hath made the state and condition of that people well known and familiar in England . The use of the particular Catalogue fore-going , is to demonstrate the greatness and power of the Ottoman Empire , which hath so many considerable Governments and Principalities in its possession , wherewith to encourage and excite the endeavours of Heroick spirits to an ambition of great and noble Enterprises , whereby to merit the Rewards which remain in the power of the Sultan to gratifie them with . And also to help in the just computation of the number of men the Turk can bring into the Field , every Pascha being obliged for every 5000 Aspers Rent to bring a Souldier to the War : though notwithstanding , they often appear for Ostentation and gain of the Grand Signiors favour with more men then their due complement ; as in the last War with Germany , the Beglerbeg of Romania brought 10000 effective men into the Field . Of these Beglerbegs five have the Title of Visiers , which signifies as much as Councellor , viz. the Paschas of Anatolia , Babylon , Cairo , Romania , and Buda ; which are charges of the greatest riches , power , and fame ; the others have their pre-eminence , rank , or order according to the Priority of Conquest , and Antiquity in the possession of the Turks . These are all the great Governments of the Empire , in whose respective jurisdictions are alwaies three principal Officers , viz. the Mufti , the Reis Efendi , otherwise called Reis Kitab , which is Lord Chancellour or Secretary of State , or rather those two offices united into one ; and the third is Tefterdar Pashaw , or Lord Treasurer . These three officers are near Councellors and attendants on their 〈◊〉 , and so also they are on the Prime Visier , whose Mufti , Reis , Efendi and Tefterdar have a superiority and dignity above the others , and are to them , as the original to the Copy . Of the Mufti we shall speak in due place . The Reis Efendi , which signifies chief of the Writers or Book-men ; ( for the Turks call alwaies men of the Law , and Professors of the Pen , and Parochial Priests by the Title of Efendi ) is alwaies present and attending on the Visier , for passing Orders , Decrees , Patents and Commissions into all parts of the Empire ; which are daily dispatched in those numbers into all places , as is incredible ; for the Turks governing more by their Arbitrary power , and according to the exigences of affairs , then by a set rule , or form , every business requires its distinct order ; and the very Courts of Justice are moderated according to the commands and directions they receive from above ; by which means the Reis Efendi's hand are filled with such a multitude of business , as employs great numbers of Writers ; and consequently brings in riches flowing to his Coffers ; some in which Office , who by their parts , industry , and courage have gained authority and respect , have amassed wealth , which might compare with the riches and treasure of Princes : We shall here instance in one of late years , famous in Turky for his knowledge and riches , called Samozade ; one who had piled those heaps of all things that were rich and curious , as wear too tedious and long to insert in a Catalogue in this place . It may suffice , that being executed in the time of the last Wars against the Emperour of Germany for some conspiracy against the Great Visier , such a Treasure was found appertaining to him ( all which was confiscated to the Grand Signior ) as was sufficient to have enriched and raised his Prince , had he been impoverished , and in a declining condition . The other Great Officer , is the Tefterdar or Lord Treasurer , who receives the Revenue of the Grand Signior , and payes the Souldiery , and makes other publick disbursements ; this Office is different from the Treasurer of the Seraglio ( of whom we have already spoken ) who attends to nothing else but the expences of the Court , and to gather in the accidental profits and presents paid to the Grand Signior ; which is so considerable , that every Sultan ( for the most part ) amasses a particular treasure of his own , which after his death is inclosed in a certain Chamber , and shut with an Iron gate , and the Key-hole stopped with Lead , and over the Port is writ in Golden Letters , The Treasure of such a Sultan . And this shall suffice to have spoken of the Offices and Dignities of the Empire . CHAP. XIII . Of the Tartars and Tartar Han , and in what manner they depend upon the Turks . THe Tartars may very well be accounted amongst the other Princes subject to the Ottoman power ; I mean not the Asiatick Tartars or the Tartar of Eusbeck ( though so much Mahometan , as to wear green Turbants , and to deduce their Race from the Line of Mahomet himself ) for having conquered China , and possessing a greater Empire then the Ottoman , they are far from acknowledging any subjection or degree of inferiority to the Turk ; nor are all the European Tartars subjects to the Sultan ; for the Kalmuk and Citrahan Tatars ( men of strange barbarity , and countenance different from all the other race of mankind ) though Professors of the Mahometan Religion , are yet faithfully and piously obedient to the Duke of Moscovie their lawful Prince . But the Precopentian Tartar , which inhabits Taurica Cherfonesus , now called Crim , the principal City of which is Theodosia , now Cafa , and the Nagaentian Tartar , which inhabits by the Palus Meotis between the Rivers of Volga and Tanais , are the people which may be accounted amongst the subjects , or at least Confederates of this Empire : though only the City of Cafa of all those Dominions , is immediately in Possession and Government of the Turk , which in my opinion appears to be a cautionary Town and Pledge for their obedience ; and though the Han or Prince of that Country is elective , yet he is chosen out of the true Line , and confirmed by the Grand Signiors , who have always taken upon them a power to depose the Father , and in his place constitute the Son or next of that Linage when found remiss in affording their Auxiliary helps to the War , or guilty of any dis-respect or want of duty to the Ottoman Port. This present Han which now governs , called Mahomet Ghirei ( for that is the Surname of his Family ) remained during the life of his Father ( according to the custom of the Eldest Son of this Prince ) a hostage to the Turk in Janboli a Town in Thrace , four dayes jurney distant from Adrianople , situated on the 〈◊〉 or black Sea ; but from thence upon jealousie of too near a vicinity to his own Country , was removed to Rhodes , where he passed an obscure and melancholy life until the death of his Father , and then being recalled to Constantinople , had there his Sword girt on , swore fealty to the Grand Signior , with all other formalities performed according to their custom of regal inauguration : But being setled in his Kingdom and mindful of his sufferings at Rhodes , he had ever stomached the Pride of the Ottoman Emperour , by which , and the disswasion of the Polonians , and the other neighbouring Tartars , as a thing dishonourable to so ancient and powerful a people , to resign the heir of their Kingdom a hostage to their neighbours ; this present Prince hath refused this part of subjection which the Visier Kupriuli often complained of ; but not being in a condition to afford a remedy unto , thought it prudence to dissemble . But yet these people are esteemed as Brothers , or near allies with the Turk , to whom for want of heirs-male in the Ottoman Line , the Empire is by ancient compact to desend ; the expectation of which though afar off , and but almost imaginary , doth yet conserve the Tartar in as much observance to the Turk , as the hopes of an Estate doth a young 〈◊〉 , who is allured to a complaisancy and obsequiousness with the petulant humor of a Father that adopts him , who is resolved never to want heirs of his own Family . And thus the Tartar is as obedient as other subjects ; and though the Turk exercises not his power there by commands , as in other places of his Dominions , but treats all his business by way of Letters ; yet these Letters serve in the place of Waraents , for the signification of the Grand Signiors pleasure , and are as available as the * Autogra , and other formalities of the Imperial Edict , are in other places ( in subjection to the Turk . ) By ancient compact between this Empire and the Kingdom of Tartary , it is agreed , that whensoever the Grand Signior goes in person to the Wars ; the Tartar Han is to accompany him in person with an Army of a hundred thousand men , but if the Visier or some other General be in the Field , then is he only obliged to send forty or fifty thousand under the command of his Son , or some principal Officer of his Kingdom , who are paid and maintained out of the booty and pillage they acquire . In the year 1663 the Tartar called on occasion of the War in Hungary to the assistance of the Turk , they made such incursions into that Country , Moravia , and Silesia , sacking and burning all Cities and Towns , that they carried away one hundred and sixty thousand captive souls in one year ; which precise number I am informed from those who had received good information of the Pengik or Certificates that were given upon every head ; for the Tartar being an absolute free-booter , makes prize of all that comes within his power ; and lest he should prey on the subjects of the Turk , they are bound to take out attestations from certain Registers , of the Names , Countries and Age of their Captives , lest they should deceive the Turk with the sale of those , who are already their own subjects and slaves . The Tartar is to the Turk , as the Giacall to the Lion , who hunts and finds the prey for the Lion to overcome and feed on : And so the Tartar makes incursions into the neighbouring Countries round about , and pass in great bodies some times ten or twelve dayes without doing the least dammage or spoil in their journey outward ; but as soon as they turn their 〈◊〉 home , they rob , spoil , burn and carry all the Inhabitants of what Age or Sex soever , like a torrent before them ; and every one of them leading three or four horses a piece , on which they mount their Captives and load their prey , make a running march day and night with few hours intermission for natural repose , too fast for any orderly Army to overtake ; and any other , that is not so , is not able to give them Battel . Such of their slaves as in the journey are wounded and infirme , and not able to accompany the Camp , they kill ; those which they bring safe into their own Country they sell to the Turks , who come thither to Trade for this Merchandize , which is the most profitable commodity that Tartary affords . Young Boyes and Girls are rated at the highest price , the latter of which being beautiful are like Jewels held at an unknown value ; but few of them escape the lust of the Tartars , who deflower them even in the years of their very infancy . This sort of people were by the ancients called Sermati , and were alwayes famous for their exploits on Horse-back , but heavy and ignorant of foot service ; which Character Tacitus gives of them , Lib. 1. Hist. Omnis Sarmatum virtus quasi extra ipsos , nihil ad pedestrem pugnam , tam ignavum ubi per turmas advenere , vix ulla acies obstiterit , iners videtur sudore acquirere , quod possis sanguine purare , mirâ diversitate naturae cum ijdem homines sic ament inertiam , & oderint quietem : They live very hardly , and feed especially on horse flesh , which dying in their march , they never examine his diseases , whether surfeited or over-heated ; but distributing his flesh amongst their Companions , placed it under their Sadles , and thus baked between the heat of the man and the horse , chafed with that dayes labour , is at night judged sufficiently prepared , as a dish fit for the Table of their Prince . And as the men are nourished with a Diet of raw flesh , herbs and roots , or such as the Earth naturally produces without the concoction of the Fire to prepare it for their stomachs ; so also their Horses are of a hardy temperament , patient of hunger and cold , and in the sharp Winter of those Countries , when the ground is covered with Snow , nourish themselves with the Barks of Trees , and such herbage as they can find at the bottom of the deep Snow . Their Towns or Villages consist of huts rather then houses , or hurdles made of sticks and covered with a course hair Cloth ; of which Villages there are accounted two hundred thousand , so that taking one man out of every Village ( as their custom is when they go to the War ) they speedily form an Army of two hundred thousand fighting men . But now having carryed great riches out of Poland , and gained a considerable wealth by the Market of their slaves , some of them throw off their homely Plads to wear Sables , and some more frugal , employ their money for building Houses ; the riotous and dissolute are addicted to strong Waters , and a drink called Boza made of a certain seed ( which drank in a great quantity doth intoxicate , and is now much in use among the Turks ) and give themselves up to a gluttony , as brutish as that which is natural unto Swine , having no art of sauces to provoke their appetite , but rest delighted with the meer contentment of idleness and a full stomach . But this shall be sufficient to have spoken of the relation the Tartars have to the government of the Turk , and their subjection to this Empire , their customs and manners being more amply and fully described in other books . CHAP. XIV . Of the Tributary Princes to the Grand Signior , viz. Moldavians , Valachians , Transilvanians , Raguscans , &c. THe power and puissance of an Empire is not more judged of by the many governors , the rich offices it can dispose of , the multitude of Provinces it contains in obedience , and the necessity it can impose on other Princes to seek its confederacy ( which we have already treated of ) then it is by the many tributaries which to redeem the remainder of their wordly goods , willingly sacrifice the best part to appease his fury , in whose power it is to master all : and so these distressed Nations , long wearyed-out with tedious Wars , oppressed between the Emperour of Germany , the Polander , and the Turk , and more damaged by their own civil dissentions and domestick perfidiousness , then vanquished by the force of Arms , were forced at last to surrender up their fruitless Provinces to the devotion of the Turk , which are now harassed and oppressed beyond all expression , and are the meerest slaves to the Turk of all other his subjects ; and may well be compared to the industrious Bee and profitable Sheep , whom he cares for and maintains alive for the sake of their Honey , and the interest of their Wool ; and as if all this were too little , when it ●●all be so thought fit , he opens the gate to the incursions of the Tartar , who having gained a considerable booty of goods and captives , sells to the Turks for slaves , those which were before his subjects . These three poor Provinces formerly called the Daci , which withstood so long the Roman Arms , were alwayes esteemed a Valiant and Warlike people , according to that of Virgil , lib. 8. Aen. Indomitique Dacae , & pontem Indignatus Araxes . & Juvenal . Sat. 5. Dacius & scripto radiat Germanicus antro . Which Countries have been the Graves and Cemeteries of the Turks , and in these modern times been the stage on which so many Tragedies of War have been acted , being defended with as much valour and variety of successes , as could humanely be expected in so unequal a Match as was between those Provinces singly , and the Ottoman Empire . But now at last they are forced to yield , and become not only tributaries , but slaves and subjects to the Turk ; who having deprived them of the true line of their natural Princes succeeding in a lawful inheritance , place over them some Christians of the Greek Church , without consideratian of their conditions or riches , or qualifications ; nay , rather chuse to give the Standart ( which is the sign of the Grand Signiors confirmation of the Prince ) to some inferior Person , as Taverners , Fish-mongers , or other meaner professions purposely to disparage the people with the baseness of their Governors , and expose them to the oppressions of men of no worth or dexterity in their office . It hath several times been under the consideration of the Turks , at length to reduce these three Provinces to the command of so many Pashaws ; contrary to the original Capitulations agreed on at the time that these people first submitted to the Ottoman yoke : but as yet it hath been carried to the contrary , as more profitable and better serving the ends of the Empire ; for hereby Christians become the instruments of torment to their own Brethern ; Out-rages and Spoils may be the more boldly acted ; more Turkish Officers employed on every slight occasion on gainful messages , and the people by long oppressions living under the jurisdiction of a Prince , who can rather spoil then protect , may be reconciled more willingly to the Turkish Government , and learn to value the gentleness and power of a Pashaw , compared with the remembrance of their former aggrievances . But of this government they will rather let them imagine the ease and sweetness then injoy it ; for 〈◊〉 a Pashaw the Governor , the power of a Turk would be concerned for their protection , he would esteem himself their Patron , and his honour engaged in their defence , by which means these Countries would be relieved in a great measure of extortions and violences , which is not so beneficial to the Turk , as the present miserable estate in which they remain . Moldavia called by the Turks Bugdan , was first made tributary to the Turks by Mahomet the great , but under the small tribute of 2000 Crowns per annum ; afterwards Bogdanus Vayvod thereof , anno 1485 fearing to become absolute Vassal to the Turk , taking to his association the Kingdom of 〈◊〉 , took up Arms against Selymus the second , by whom being drawn out from his Country , John a Moldavian born , but one who had embraced the 〈◊〉 superstition , was preferred by Selymus to the Principality ; but no sooner was he setled therein but he returned to his former Religion , for which cause the Turk taking into his assistance the Province of Valachia , made War upon Moldavia ; but John the Vayvod by trechery losing his life , this Province fell 〈◊〉 into the power of the Turk , and was united to his Empire in the year 1574. The tribute in those dayes of this Province is recorded in the Turkish History to have been 40000 Zechins or 80000 Dollars ; but now whatsoever may be reported , the tribute of these Countries is , or was , the Reader may take this following account for what is the certainly paid , being related to me from one who had for many years been employed for 〈◊〉 both in Moldavia and Valachia by the Turk , viz. the yearly tribute of Moldavia is , 1. To the Grand Signior 120 purses of money ; each purse containing 500 Dollars , makes 60000 Dollars . 2. Ten thousand Okes of Wax , each Oke being two pounds and a half English weight . 3. Ten thousand Okes of Honey . 4. Six hundred Quintals of Tallow for the Arsenal . 5. Five hundred Oxe Hides . 6. Five hundred pieces of Canvas for Cloathing , and Shirts for the slaves , and other services for the Gallies . 7. 1330 Okes of Wax for the service of the Arsenal . 8. To the chief Visier ten Purses of money or 5000 Dollars , and a Sables Furre for a Vest. 9. To the Visiers Kahija or chief Steward , one Purse or 500 Dollars . 10. To the Tefterdar or Lord Treasurer the same , as to the Kahija . This is the ordinary and annual tribute this Country acknowledges to the supremacy of the Sultan ; and it were well and happy for this people were it all ; but there are so many accidental expences , pretensions and artifices of the Turks , framed and contrived messages meerly to extract money and presents from this oppressed and harassed people , as do more then equal , and sometimes double the charge of their yearly tribute . To which you may adde the price paid for the Principality , which is every three year set to sail , and is To the Grand Signior 150 Purses , or 75000 Dollars . To the Valede or Queen Mother 50 Purses , or 25000 Dollars . To the Grand Signiors Favourite , who is commonly some handsome young youth , ten Purses , or 5000 Dollars . And to the Kuslir Aga or chief Black Eunuch , who is Superintendent over the Ladies of the Seraglio , ten Purses of money . And lastly , to the Prime Visier and other Officers , for as much as they can beat their bargain . All which money is taken up at Interest of 40 or 50 per cent . sometimes on condition to be doubled ; and this is done by men who having no Estates of their own , the Debt becomes to be charged on the Country , which is pillaged and poled for it to the very bones , first to satisfie the price of the Principality with the Interest-money for what it was valued , then to pay the annual tribute , then to satisfie the multitude of covetous Turks , who like so many Vultures pursue after the Skeliton of this consumed Carkass : And lastly , the Prince himself must take his accounts , and take his Measures to be capable for the future , after he hath laid aside the Ornament of his Office , to live in some proportion agreeable to his past condition ; and this is neither done moderately nor modestly , but with a covetousness and greedy appetite , commonly incident to the nature of men born of mean Parentage and educated with the parsimony of a scanty house ; who also thereunto adde many grains of allowance to the limits of their gains , in consideration of the yearly Gratuities they must make to reconcile the Friendship of the chief Turkish Ministers , whereby they may enjoy protection for their Persons and Estates . The state and condition of the Province of Walachia is not better , but rather worse , and more afflicted then that of Moldavia ; for this Country being now equally with the former in the sole and entire disposal and possession of the Turk , to whom it became first tributary under their own Princes in the time of Sultan Baiazet : Afterward in the year 1462 Mahomet the Great undertook the entire Conquest of it , then governed by its Vayvod Wladus , whose younger Brother supported by the Turk , and a factious party in that Country , possessed himfelf of the Principality , contenting himself to be Vassal to the Turkish Empire ; afterwards in the year 1595 Michael the Vayvod thereof joining himself with Sigismond of Transilvania , and with the Vayvod of Moldavia waged a long and terriblc War against the Turks , until revolutions , unquietness , and factions have so spent them as that they are at length become another addition to the Empire of the Turks , who now impose on them a heavy yoke and a strait curb , not to be imputed to any thing more then to Divine Justice , which takes occasion to exercise a hand of severity against the unseasonable negligence , sedition and variance of Christians amongst themselves , at a time when the common enemy to their profession attended only the opportunity of their own dissentions , to enter and devour them . The tribute of Walachia to the Grand Signior , was formerly 120 Purses of money , or 60000 Dollars yearly , according to that of Moldavia , and had so still continued had not lately Matthew the Vayvod about the year 1655 grown rich , and therefore forgetful of his condition ( having by friends and large presents at the Port , procured a continuation of his Office for the space of nineteen or twenty years ) rebelled against the Turk , taking false measures of his wealth and power as able to encounter the puissance of the Ottoman Empire ; but being soon put to the worst and forced to yield , his life was spared , and the safty of his Country redeemed upon the augmentation of their tribute ; so that now , that which was yearly paid being 120 Purses of mony , 1. Is become to the Grand Signior 260 Purses , or one hundred and thirty thousand Dollars . 2. There is paid 15000 Okes of Honey . 3. 9000 Okes of Wax . 4. To the Prime Visier ten Purses of money , or 5000 Dollars , and a Vest of Sables . 5. To the Tefterdar or Lord Treasurer one Purse of money , or 500 Dollars , and a Vest of Sables . 6. To the Kuslir Aga , or chief Eunuch of the Women 12000 Aspers . 7. To the Visiers Kahija or Steward five hundred Dollars , and a Vest os Sables . The other charges and value set on this Province when triennially sold , is not less then that of Moldavia ; the method and arts used for extorting money from thence are the same , the oppression in every point equal , unless the remembrance of the extravagent disorder of Matthew the Vayvod still kept in mind , emboldens the Turk with more confident pretences to work more desolation and impoverishment in this Province . Now lately a Prince was setled there by order of the Grand Signior , in the year 1664 called Stridia Bei by the Greeks , which signifies a Lord that had gained some fortune from selling Oysters and Fish ; this person succeeded Gregorasco the late Prince , who fearing the anger of the Prime Visier for returning home with his Army without license , defeated by General Susa near Lewa , fled for safety of his life into the Dominions of the Emperour : The Turks who alwayes avenge the crimes of the Governors on the people , or of the subjects on the Governors , raised the price of the Principality to a higher value , causing Stridia Bei ( as I am confidently informed , who was contented to accept it at any rate ) to pay for it 800 Purses of money , or four hundred thousand Dollars ; to which being added the interest before mentioned , the sum may easily be computed that this new Vayvod engulfed himself in ; and I leave the Reader to imagine with what glad hearts and blessings the people of that Countrey went forth to receive their Bankrupt Prince . Nor is Transilvania wholy exempted from the oppression of the Turk ; for after several revolutions from the time of Huniades made Vayvod by Uladislaus the fourth King of Hungary , anno 1450 , a great defender of his Country against the Infidels , until the time of Stephen the seventh , surnamed Ragotzki Patronized by the Turks , anno 1630. This Principality remained sometimes at the devotion and disposal of the King of Hungary , of Poland , of the Emperour , and sometime of the Turk ; until by the growing greatness of the Ottomans , the Turks became Masters of the best part of this Country . But yet Transilvania is more tenderly and more honourably treated then the other two Provinces , their tribute being much less , and their Princes chosen for the most part more regularly from the ancient Line , or at least from the honourable houses of the Boyars or Nobility , who have an affinity or alliance with the true blood of the former Vayvods . Their ancient tribute was only 6000 Zechins yearly , but afterwards were added 9000 more annually , for acknowledgement of certain Castles which Rogotzki had taken from Poland , which the Turk demanding to have resigned into his possession , were for that sum redeemed , and still detained in the hands of the Transilvanians ; over and above which they only pay 300 Dollars and two Silver bowls to the seven Visiers of the Bench : And this is all the acknowledgment they make to the Turk , who demonstrates more respect always to this Prince and his Messages , then those of the neighbour Provinces , by reason that that Country is not totally in his power ( certain strong fortresses being in the hand of the Emperour of Germany ) for whose sake this people is more gently dealt with , lest too much 〈◊〉 should occasion them to revolt ; And this consideration induced the Turks to treat modestly with Michael Apafi the Prince of this Country in the late Wars in Hungary , by trusting much to his conduct , by using him like an honourable Confederate , by permitting him freely to possesse Zekelhyd after its voluntary surrender in a Mutiny , without the controulment or superintendency of a Turk as his Superior ; and for his farther encouragement gave out , that when the Sultan had totally subdued Hungary , those parts which were not subject to Pashaws , should be annexed to his Dominions , and he honourad with the Title of King of Hungary . These Princes of the three foregoing Provinces are farther obliged to serve the Grand Signior in his Wars , whensoever summoned thereunto ; but with what number , and in what manner , we reserve for its due place in the Treatise of the Turks Militia and Auxiliaries . The City and small Dominion of Ragusi is also another tributary to the Turk ; which is a petty Common-wealth , not vouchsafed the Title of a Republick ; neither by the Venetians nor the Pope , and only styled la 〈◊〉 di Ragusi , which is a Town in Dalmatia , commanding over a narrow and barren Territory of a few Villages , which for the space of above 150 miles extends it self along the Sea-coast , and some little Islands of no great consideration : It was anciently called 〈◊〉 ( of which name there were two other Cities in Peloponesus ) but that being rased by the Gothes , the Inhabitants after their departure rebuilt again this City of Ragusi , giving it a new name as well as a new foundation . The government of it in the nature of a Common-wealth is more ancient then that of Venice , having preserved it sels more by art and submission to some powerful Protector , then to its own force ; which caused them to court the friendship of the Turk , before he was Master of any part of Europe ; and as their Records report , it was upon the advice of a Holy Nun , esteemed a great Saint amongst them ; who prophecying of the future greatness of the Turkish Empire , assured them that the only means to preserve for many Ages their Common-wealth free and happy , was to submit themselves to one of the most prosperous of Princes , to whose 〈◊〉 the best part of the world should be subdued : Whereupon two Embassadors were dispeeded to the City of Prusa ( then the Regal Seat , before the utter ruine of the Grecian Empire ) with presents to the Sultan Orchanes , desiring to become his tributaries , and in consideration thereof to strengthen their weak Common-wealth with assistance , under the shadow of his prevalent protection . There is no doubt , but the Sultan 〈◊〉 received them the more courteously , and promised the maintenance of a former League , by how much the distance they were at as yet , gave them the less cause to fear his arms ; 〈◊〉 the tribute being agreed on of twelve thousand and five hundred Zechins yearly , they were returned home with all demonstrations of courtesie , and assurances of defence : Orchanes entred into Articles with them , bestowed on them a grant of all the immunities and priviledges they desired , the which he signed with the form of his whole hand wetted in Ink and clapped on the Paper , which was all the Firm and Seal in those days , and is now reverenced amongst the Turks with the same esteem , as the Jews do the Tables of Moses , or we the most sacred and holy reliques ; ever since that time this tribute hath yearly continued , and been brought always in the Moneth of July by two Embassadors , who reside at the Turkish Court for the space of a year , the former returning home ; these are relieved at the same season of the following year , by the accession of two others with the like tribute ; which with the presents they also bring to the Prime Visier , the chief Eunuch of the Women , the Queen-Mother and other Sultans , with the charges and expence of the Embassie , is computed to amount yearly to the sum of twenty thousand Zechins . They were in times past , before the War between the Republick of Venice and the Turk , very poor , and put to hard shifts and arts to raise the Turkish tribute ; but this War hath opened their scale , and made it the Port for transmitting the Manufactures of Venice and all Italy into Turky , which yeilds them such considerable customs , as thereby their tribute is supplyed with advance , and their other necessities provided for : So that now the old Ornaments of the Embassadors , as their black Velvet Bonnets , and Gowns of Crimson Satten , lined heretofore with Martins Fur , but now with Sables ; are not laid up in the common Wardrobe for the Embassadors of the succeeding year , but a new Equipage and Accoutrements are yearly supplyed at the common charge : and thus they pass honestly and in good esteem at the Ottoman Court , being called the Dowbrai Venedick by the Turks , or the good Venetian . This petty Republick hath always supported it self by submission , and addresses for favour and defence to divers powerful Princes , courting the favour of every one , never offering injuries , and when they receive them patiently support them ; which is the cause the Italians call them le sette bandiere , or the seven Banners , signifying that for their being and maintenance of the name of a free Republick , they are contented to become slaves to all parts of the world . And it is observable on what a strange form of jealous policie their Government is founded ; for their chief officer who is in imitation of the Doge at Venice , is changed every moneth , others weekly ; and the Governour of the principal Castle of the City , is but of twenty four hours continuance ; every night one is nominated by the Senate for Governour , who is without any preparation or ceremony taken up as he walks the streets , having a handkerchif thrown over his face , is led away blindfold to the Castle , so as none can discover who it is that commands that night ; and by that means all possibility of conspiracy or combination of betraying the Town prevented . These people in former times were great Traders into the Western parts of the world ; and it is said , that those vast Carracks called Argosies , which are so much famed for the vastness of their burthen and bulk , were corruptly so denominated from Ragosies , and from the name of this City , whose Port is 〈◊〉 rather by Art and industry , then framed by nature . Some of the Provinces also of Georgia , formerly Iberia , but now supposed to be called from St. George the Cappadocian Martyr , and the poor Country of Mengrelia , are also tributaries to the Turk , who every three years send messengers with their sacrifice to the Grand Signior of seven young Boyes , and as many Virgins apiece , besides other slaves for Presents to great men : this people chuse rather this sort of 〈◊〉 then any other , because custom 〈◊〉 introduced a forwardness in the Parents without remorse to sell their Children , and to account slavery a preferment , and the miseries of servitude a better condition then Poverty with freedom ; of the whole retinue which these beggerly Embassadors bring with them ( for so the Turks called them ) being about seventy or eighty persons , a 〈◊〉 of miserable people are all set to sale , to the very Secretary and Steward , to defray the charge of the Embassy , and bring some Revenue to the publick Stock ; so that the Embassadors return back without their Pomp , reserving only the Interpreter as a necessary attendant to their voyage home . The Emperour of Germany may also not improperly be termed one of the tributaries to the Ottoman Empire ( whom for honour sake we mention in the last place in so ungrateful an office ) being obliged according to the Articles made with Solyman the Magnificent to pay a yearly tribute 〈◊〉 3000 Hungars , but it was onely paid the first two years after the conclusion of the Peace ; afterward it was excused by the Germans , and dissembled by the Turks ; until taking a resolution to make a War on Hungary , made that one ground and occasion of the breach : for upon the truce made for eight years between Sultan Solyman and the Emperor Ferdinand , as Augerius Busbeck reports in 〈◊〉 Capitulations , that the tribute is made the foundation of the accord . Cujus concordiae , pacis , ac confoederationis hae conditiones sunto primò , nt tua dilectio quotannis ad aulam nostram pro arra induciarum 30000 Hungaricos Ducatos mittere teneatur , una cum residuo , quod nobis per proxime praeterlapsum biennium reservetur . CHAP. XV. The Desolation and Ruine which the Turks make of their own Countries in Asia , and the parts most remote from the Imperial Seat , esteemed one cause of the conservation of their Empire . THis position will appear a Paradox at first sight to most men who have read and considerd the Roman Conquest , whose jurisdiction and Dominions were far larger then this present Empire ; and yet we do not finde that they so studiously endeavoured to dispeople , and lay waste the Nations they subdued ; but rather encouraged industry in plantations , gave priviledges to Cities meanly stored , invited people to inhabit them , endeavoured to improve Countries rude and uncultivate with good Husbandry , and Maritine Towns with Traffick and Commerce ; made Citizens of their confederates , and conferred on their conquered subjects oftentimes greater benefits then they could expect or hope for under their true and natural Princes ; and certainly the Romans 〈◊〉 and were richer and more powerful by their policy ; and therefore why the Turk might not proceed in the same manner , and yet with the same advantage , is worth our consideration . For the solution of which difficulty , it will be necessary to consider that these two Empires being compared , there will be found a vast difference 〈◊〉 the original , foundation , progress and maximes each of other . For the Romans built their City in peace , made Laws by which the arbitrary will of the Prince was corrected ; and afterward as their Arms succeeded , and their Dominions were extended , they accommodated themselves often to present necessities and humours , and constitutions of the people they had conquered , and accordingly made provision , and used proper Arts to keep them in obedience ; and next , by their generosity and wisdom won those Nations to admire and imitate their vertues , and to be contented in their subjection . But the Turks have but one sole means to maintain their Countries , which is the same by which they were gained , and that is the cruelty of the sword in the most 〈◊〉 way of execution , by killing , consuming and laying desolate the Countries , and transplanting the people unto parts where they are nearest under the command and age of a Governour ; being wholly destitute and ignorant of other refined Arts , which more civilized . Nations have in part made serve in the place of violence . And yet the Turks have made this course alone answer to all the intents and ends of their Government . For the subjects of this Empire being governed better by Tyranny then Gentleness , it is necessary , that courses should be taken whereby these people may remain more within compass and reach of Authority ; which they would hardly be , were every part of this Empire so well inhabited as to afford entertainment within the Fortifications of its vast Mountains and Woods , to the many unquiet and discontented spirits that live in it . And this may be one cause , that so rarely Rebellions arise amongst the Turks , though in the remotest parts of Asia ; and when they do , are easily suppressed : This also is one cause , why Great men so easily resign themselves up to the will of the Grand Signior to punishment and death , whether the sentence be according to Law , or only Arbitrary : this is the reason that fugitives and homicides cannot escape ; for having no place for flight , neither the inhabited Cities which are immediately under the eye of a vigilant Commander will afford them refuge , nor can the desolate Countries entertain them ; and Christendom is so abhorred by them , that they will never take it for their Sanctuary . And thus deprived of all means of safety , they wholly attend to please and serve their Great Master , in whose favour and hands alone is the reward and punishment . Another advantage , and that not inconsiderable , that this manner of dispeopling the Country brings to this Empire , is the difficulty an enemy would finde in their March , should they with a Land-Army attempt to penetrate far into the Country ; for without great quantities of Provision they could not possibly be sustained ; from the Country none can be expected ; what little it affords , the Inhabitants will conceal or carry away , and leave all places as naked and barren of Food for man , as the Sea it self . And though it is known often , that in Asia the Troops of some discontented Bei or Aga , to the number of three or four hundred men , in the summer-time having their retirements in the Woods and Mountains , assault Caravans , and rob all Passengers from whom there is any hope of booty ; yet in the Winter they are dispersed , because they have no quarters against the weather , nor Provisions for humane sustenance , every one shifting for himself in some place where his condition is the least known or suspected . And it may not be here from our purpose to admonish the Reader , that as the Turks account it one good part of their policy , to lay a considerable part of their Empire desolate ; so on the contrary , they observe in their new Conquests to fortifie , strengthen and confirm what they have gained , by numbers of people , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of their own ; and when they have reduced any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to their subjection , they commonly are inclined to make peace with 〈◊〉 Prince from whom they have won it , so as to have time to settle and secure their new Conquests ; for Countries over-run in haste , are almost as speedily again recovered , and are like tempests and suddain storms , which are the sooner dispersed for being violent . Augustus Caesar , who was a wise and judicious Prince , considering the extent of the Roman Empire , wrote a Book , saith Tacitus , which was published after his death , wherein he described the publick Revenue , . the number of Citizens and Confederates listed for the War , the Fleets , Kingdoms , Provinces , Tributes , Customs , &c. Addideratque insuper Consilium coercendi intra terminos imperii , incertum , saith that Author , Metu , an per invidiam ; which doubtless this wise Emperour meant of a moderate , and not a precipitate progress of their Arms , as well as of prescribing fixed limits to the ultimate confines of the Empire , beyond which a Statute should be made of Non plus ultra , notwithstanding the most promising designs and incitements that could offer . CHAP. XVI . All Hereditary succession in Government , as also the preservation of an ancient Nobility , against the Maximes of the Turkish Policie . HAving formerly entred into discourse of the several great Officers of State , it will be necessary to declare what care the Turks take to preserve the body of their Empire free of Faction and Rebellion ; for there being many Provinces in the Sultans gift , which are remote , rich and powerful , and so administer temptation to the Governours to throw off the yoak of their dependance , and make themselves and their Posterity absolute ; great care is taken to prevent this mischief by several Arts , none of which hath been more effectual amongst the Turks , nor more sedulously practised , then the destruction of an ancient Nobility ; and admitting no succession to Offices or Riches , but only in the direct Ottoman Line , as my Lord Verulam says , Essay 14. A Monarchy where there is no Nobility at all , is ever pure and absolute Tyranny , as that of the Turks ; for Nobility attempers Soveraignty , and draws the people somewhat aside from the Line Royal. By which means it comes to pass , that 〈◊〉 education in the Seraglio ( in the manner as we have said before ) without knowledge of their bloud or family , and without the support of powerful relations or dependances , being sent abroad to forreign Governments , where they continue but for a short season , have no opportunity or possibility of advancing any interest of their own above that of the Sultan . And though some have out of an aspiring and ambitious spirit , assumed a blind confidence of renting away part of the Empire ; as Asan Aga Pashaw of Aleppo of 〈◊〉 years , with a strong and 〈◊〉 Army marched as far as Scutari , threatning the Imperial City ; and the Turkish History tells us of the revolt of several Pashaws ; yet all these Rebellions have been but of short durance ; the Grand Signior never designing by open force and dint of Sword , to try his Title to the Empire with his own Slaves , but only by some secret plot and stratagem , getting the head of the Rebel , he is assured of the Victory without other hazard or dispute of War : for immediately thereupon the whole Army disperses , and every one shifts by flight to save himself from the Sultans anger ; nor is it imaginable it can be otherwise ; for these men are but strangers and forraigners in the Countries they ruled , have no relations there or kindred to second or revenge their quarrel , have no ancient bloud or possessions which might entitle their heirs to the succession , or out of affection or pity move their subjects to interest themselves in their behalf ; but being cut off themselves , all falls with them , which affords the strangest spectacle , and example of fortunes unconstancy in the world ; for a Turk is never reverenced but for his office , that is made the sole measure and rule of his greatness and honour , without other considerations of Vertue or Nobility . And this is the reason the Turk value not their great men when taken by the Enemy ; for not otherwise looking on them then on ordinary Souldiers , they exchange them not with Commanders and persons of Quality on the Christians party ; for the favour of the Sultan makes the Pashaw , and not noble bloud or vertues ; so that the Pashaw imprisoned losing the influence of his Soveraigns protection and greatness , loses that also which rendred him noble and considerable above other persons . There are notwithstanding some Pashaws of petty Governments , who have obtained to themselves , through some ancient grace and priviledge from the 〈◊〉 , an hereditary succession in their Government , and as I can 〈◊〉 , those are only the Pashaws of Gaza , Cordistan , and three 〈◊〉 formerly mentioned under the Pashaw of Damascus and Matick , and Tureman under the Pashaw of Aleppo . And since I have mentioned the Pashaw of Gaza , it will be but requisite to recal to minde the memory of one lately of that place with much honour and reverence , being one whose actions and devotion to the Christian worship , might conclude him not far from the Kingdom of God : for besides his favourable inclination in general , to all who professed the Christian Faith ; he was much devoted to the Religious of Jerusalem , to whom he often made 〈◊〉 , as provisions of Rice and other supplies for their Monastery ; and when once the Father Guardian of the holy Sepulchre came to make him a Visit , with great respect and reverence , he met him at a good distance from his house , giving him a reception much different from what the Turks usually bestow on any , who profess other then the Mahometane faith : and might deserve the Character that Tacitus gives of L. Volusius , that he was Egregia fama , cui Septaginta cinque anni spatium vivendi , praecipuaeque opes bonis artibus , in offense tot Imperatorum malitia fuit . And yet this good man having for seventy five years lived innocently in that Government , and received the inheritance from his Father , was by promise of fair treatment allured to the Port , where without farther process or any accusation , his hoary head was severed from his body , for no other reason , then lest the permission and indulgence to this long continuance and succession in office , should prove too ample a deviation from the rules of the Turkish Policie . And that all means of attaining ancient riches , which is the next degree to Nobility , may be cut off ; the Turk observes this Maxime of Machiavel , à reprimere la insolensa di uno , non vie piu sicuro , emeno scandoloso modo che preoccupargli quelle vie , per le quale viene quella potenza : and so the Grand Signior suffers no possibility of arriving to ancient wealth ; for as Eldest Brother to great men he makes seisure of the Estates of all Pashaws that die , who having Children , such part is bestowed on them for their maintenance as the Grand Signior shall think fit and requisite : If a Pashaw dies that is marryed to a Soltana , which is the Grand Signiors Sister , Daughter , or other near relation , her Kabin or Dowry is first deducted from the Estate ( which is commonly 100000 Dollars ) and the remainder accrues to the Sultan , as heir to the rest ; and by this means all ancient Nobility is suppressed , and you shall find the Daughters of ancient Greek-houses espoused to Shepherds and Carters , and the ancient Reliques of the noble Families of 〈◊〉 and Paleologi , living more contemptuously at Constantinople , then ever Dionysius did at Corinth . But not onely in Pashaws and great men is care taken to clip their wings , which may hinder them from soaring too high , but also in the Ottoman Family it self greater severity and strictness is exercised then in others , to keep them from growing great in offices or wealth , whereby to have possibility of aspiring to the Supream power ; and therefore by the original and Fundamental Laws of Turks , the Children of a Soltana marryed to a Pashaw are not capable of any office in the Empire , and at most cannot rise higher , then to be in the quality of a 〈◊〉 , which is one of the Porters of the Grand Signiors Gate . They 〈◊〉 are of this race never dare Vaunt of their Pedigree , it is a contumaciousness and almost Treason to name it ; nor have I learned that there is any Family amongst the Turks of this Line , of any account or esteem , but one alone , who is called Ibrahim Han Ogleri , or the off-spring of Sultan Ibrahim , their Father being a Son of the Grand Signiors Sister , and marryed to a Soltana ( and are said to be of the race of the Tartars ) so that proceeding by the Womans side only , the less notice is taken of their bloud : their Rent or Revenue yearly is about 70000 Dollars , Quibus magnae opes , innocenter partae , & modeste habitae , which they manage with prudence and discretion , live honourably without ostentation , seek no office , or intermeddle in the affairs of State ; by which means they hitherto have preserved themselves from envy and suspition , in the revolutions of the Turkish Government . The Grand Signior many times when he fears the greatness of any Pashaw , under colour and pretence of honour , prefers him to the Marriage of his Sister , or some other of his Feminine kindred ; by which means , instead of increase of power and glory , he becomes the miserablest slave in the world , to the Tyranny and Pride of an insulting Woman : For first he cannot refuse the honour , lest he should seem to neglect and contemn the Sultans favour ; then before the Espousals , he must resolve to continue constant to her alone , and not suffer his Affections to wander on other Wives , Slaves or distractions of his love : If he hath a Wife whom he loves , whose long conversation and Children she hath brought him , have endeared his affections too far to be forgotten ; he must yet banish her and all other relations from his home , to entertain the embraces of his unknown Sultana : Before the Espousals , what Money , Jewels or rich Furs she sends for , he must with complement and chearfulness present , which is called Aghirlick ; besides this , he makes her a Dowry called Kabin , of as much as friends that make the match can agree ; when the Kabin is concluded and passed before the Justice in form or nature of a recognisance ; the Bridegroom is conducted to the Chamber of his Bride by a Black Eunuch , at whose entrance the custom is , for the Soltana to draw her Dagger , and imperiously to demand the reason of his bold access , which he with much submission reply's to , and shews the Emmeri Podeshaw , or the Imperial Firme for his Marriage ; the Soltana then arises , and with more kindness admits him to a nearer familiarity . The Eunuch takes up his Slippers and lays them over the Door ( which is a sign of his good reception ) then he bows with all reverence before her to the ground , and retires a few paces back , making some brief Oration to her full of Complement and Admiration of her Worth and Honour ; and remaining afterwards a while silent , in an humble posture , bowing forward with his hands before him , until the Soltana commands him to bring her water , which he readily obeys , taking a Pot of water provided for that purpose , and kneeling before her , delivers it to her hand ; then she takes off her red veil from before her face , embroidered with Gold and Silver Flowers , and so drinks ; in the mean time her Serving-maids bring in a low Table , on which are set a pair of Pigeons roasted , and a plate of Sugar-candy ; the Bridegroom then invites his coy Spouse to the Collation , which she refuses until other Presents are brought her , which lie prepared in the outward room ; with which her modesty being overcome and her stomach brought down , she is perswaded to the Table , and sitting down , receives a Leg of a Pigeon from the hand of her Bridegroom ; tasts a little , and then puts a piece of the Sugar-candy into his mouth ; and so rising up returns to her place ; all the Attendants then retire and leave the Bridegroom alone with his Soltana for the space of an hour to court her singly ; that time being past , the Musick sounding , he is invited forth by his Friends to an outward room , where having passed most of the night with songs and sports , at the approach of the morning , the Soltana weary of her pastime retires to her bed , which is rich adorned and perfumed , fit to entertain Nuptial Joyes : The Bridegroom advised hereof by the nod of the Eunuch , creeps silently into the Bride-chamber , where stripping himself of his upper Garments , he kneels a while at the feet of the Bed , and then by little and little turning up the Cloaths , gently rubs her feet with his hand , and kissing of them , ascends higher to the embraces of his Spouse , which she willingly admits him to , and wishes her self and him a happy Bedding : in the morning betimes the Bridegroom is called by his Friends to the Bath ; at whose call a rising , he is presented by the Bride with all sorts of Linnen to be used in Bathing ; after these Ceremonies are past , they are better acquainted , yet in publick she keeps him at a distance , wears her Haniarre or Dagger by her side in token of her Superiority ; and so frequently commands gifts and riches from him , until she hath exhausted him to the bottom of all his wealth . Nor is this esteemed sufficient to mortifie these poor slaves by a Womans Tyranny , but they are always put forward upon desperate attempts , as lately Ishmael Pashaw , who was killed passing the River Raab , in the overthrow given the Turks by the Emperors Forces under Montecuculi ; and others I could name in the like manner ; lest the honour of their Marriage in the Royal Family without the crosses and mortifications which attend it , should puff them up with the ambition and proud thoughts , which is not lawful for them to imagine . But it may well be objected how it came to pass , that the present Prime Visier called Ahmet , should succeed his Father Kuperlee in the Government of the Empire . 'T is true , it was a strange deviation from the general rule of their Policy , and perhaps such a President as may never hereafter be brought into example ; but accidents concur oft-times to the fortune of some men without order or reason ; and yet Kuperlee the Father had so well deserved of the Sultan , and his whole Dominions , for having by his own wisdom and resolution saved the Empire from being rent in pieces by the faction and ambition of some aspiring persons , and by the bloud of thousands of mutinous and rebellious heads , had cemented and made firm the throne of his Master , that no honour could be thought sufficient to be paid to his Ghost , unless it were the succession of his Son in his place ; which the more unusual and irregular it was esteemed , the greater glory it was to that family ; and herein also this subtile fox plaid his Master-piece , by representing the state of affairs to remain in that posture , as was necessary to be carried on with the same method as begun ; which he had intrusted to the knowledge of his Son ; and this was the reason why this young Visier then scarce arrived to thirty years , and but an ordinary Kadee or Justice of the law , was both as to his age and relation thus irregularly preferred to the office of Visier . Nor hath hereditary succession and long continuance in authority been only avoided amongst the Turks ; but we finde that the Romans often changed their Governours , and never suffered them to continue long in one Province ; and so the King of Spain doth at present in the Government of Flanders , the Indies , the Kingdom of Naples and other parts , the space of three years being commonly allotted them for their residence . But amongst the Turks there is no fixed term of time appointed to their Pashaws , but only they remain as Tenants at Will of the Grand Signior ; who according to his pleasure , and as he sees reason cuts them off , recals them , or transplants them to another Province ; only the Pashaw of Grand Cairo in Egypt , hath a certain space of three years appointed , to which his Government is confined ; and there may be very good reason for it ; for it being a place of great trust , riches and power , in which Pashaws grow in a short time vastly wealthy , it cannot be wisdom to continue them long there ; the revenue of which we have had occasion already to discourse of . And therefore the Grand Signior doth often , not only abereviate their time , but also at their return shares in the best part of the 〈◊〉 they have made . The Romans had that opinion of the wealth and power of Egypt , that Augustus made a Decree , and held it inter alia dominationis arcana , that it should not be lawful for any without particular license to enter Egypt , and expresly forbids Senators and Gentlemen of Rome , without order from the Prince , or for affairs of State , to visit those parts . And Tacitus gives this reason for it , Ne fame urgeret Italiam quisquis eam Provinciam , claustraque terrae ac maris , quamvis levi praesidio adver sum ingentes exercitus insedisset . Another danger to the Empire , which the Turks sedulously avoid , besides hereditary succession in office , is rivalry among Princes of the Bloud , during the time of their Fathers life ; for afterwards the successour takes care to secure his Brethren beyond possibility of competition . The story of Selymus and Bajazet , the Sons of Solyman the Magnificent , is a perfect experiment of the feud and dissention which is bred in the desires of barbarous Princes ; so that when they arrive to any maturity of age , they are always transplanted to different Seraglios abroad , where they keep their Courts distinct , and cannot enter within the Walls of Constantinople , during the life of their Father , lest by interview with each other , their minds should be moved with emulation , or inhabiting in the imperial City , should be provided with means before their time to attempt the Throne of their Father . And for this very reason the Grand Signior hath scarce performed the ceremonies of his inauguration before he hath seasoned his entrance to his Throne with the bloud of his Brothers ; which barbarous custom began in the time of Sultan Bajazet . But if the Brothers are but few , and the Grand Signior of a disposition more naturally inclined to clemency then cruelty , he secures them in the Seraglio , under the tuition of Masters , and care of a faithful guard ; differing nothing from imprisonment , but in the name , prohibiting them the society and conversation of all : and thus the two Brothers of this present Sultan Mahomet , live in as much obscurity and forgetfulness , as if they had never been born , or having past a private life , were departed to the place where all things are forgotten . It is no great digression from our purpose here to take notice of two sorts of Government purely popular ; the one hath already had his period , and the other is of late beginning , and at present flourishes ; and those are the Common-wealths in Egypt under the Mamalukes , and the other in our days in the Dominions of Algier : The first not only deposed the whole Family of their Prince from having power in the Government , and from all succession , but also made it an immutable law , that the Sons of the Mamalukes might succeed their Fathers in the inheritance of their estates , as lands and goods , but could not assume the title or Government of a Mamaluke ; nor not only so , but that all that were born in the Mahometan or Jewish Faith , were uncapable ipso facto of the Order of a Mamaluke ; and only such preferred thereunto , who had been Sons of Christians and become Slaves , instructed and educated in the Mahometan superstition ; or else men of maturer age , who having abjured God and their Country , were come thither to seek preferment in that Kingdom of darkness . And this slavish and strange constitution of Government flourished for the space of 267. years , until overthrown in the year of 〈◊〉 Lord 1517. by the arms of Selymus that victorious Emperour of the Turks . The present Government of Algier is but of a few years ; the first original of which was by one Barbarose a famous Pyrate , and afterwards by the accession of great quantities of Turks out of the Levant , the protection of the Grand Signior was craved , and a Pashaw received from the Port ; but now the Pashaw remains without any power ; the whole Government being transferred to the scum of the people ; who fearing lest the power should at last become subject to the Natives , have made it a law , that no Sons of a Turk born in that Country , whom they call Cololies , can be capable of an office in their Common-wealth ; but only such , who having been born Christians , are perverted to the Turkish sect , or else such who come from parts of the Turkish Dominions , to be members of their Republique . And thus much shall serve to have declared how much the Turks are jealous of all successions in office and authority , which may prejudice the absolute Monarchy of their great Sultan . CHAP. XVII . The frequent exchange of Officers , viz. the setting up of one , and degrading another , a rule always practised as wholesome , and conducing to the welfare of the Turkish State. HE that is an eye-witness and strict observer of the various changes and chances in greatness , honours and riches of the Turks , hath a lively Embleme of contemplation before him , of the unconstancy and mutability of humane affairs ; fortune so strangely sports with this people , that a Comedy or Tragedy on the Stage with all its Scenes , is scarce sooner opened and ended , then the fate of divers great men , who in the day-time being exhaled to high sublimity , by the powerful rayes of the Sultans favour , in the night fall , or vanish like a Meteor . The reason hereof , if duly considered , may be of great use as things stand here , that is , to the power of the Grand Signior ; for in this constitution the health and benefit of the Emperour is consulted before the welfare of the people : And the power of the Emperour is in no action more exercised and evidenced , then by withdrawing and conferring his favours ; for by these means , having many whom he hath educated and prepared for offices , and stand candidates to receive them , his power would seem to be at a Nonplus , and appear like an inconsiderate Father , who had spent more mony in the breeding of his Sons , then the Patrimony amounted to he had to bestow upon them : and therefore the Grand Signior to imitate the Sun , benights some parts of the world to enlighten others , that so by a general influence and communication of his Beams , he may be acknowledged the common Parent of them all . And this course doth not only evidence the power of the Grand Signior , but likewise increases it ; for none are advanced in these times to office , but pay the Grand Signior vast sums of mony for it , according to the riches and expectations of profit from the charge ; some pay , as the Pashaws of Grand Cairo and Babylon , 3 or 4 hundred thousand Dollars upon passing the Commission ; others one , others two hundred thousand , some fifty thousand , as their places are more or less considerable : and this mony is most commonly taken up at Interest , at 40 〈◊〉 50 per cent . for the year , and sometimes at double , when they are constrained to become debtors to the covetous Eunuchs of the 〈◊〉 ; so that every one upon his first entrance into office looks on himself ( as indeed he is ) greatly indebted and obliged by justice or injustice , right or wrong , speedily to disburthen himself of the debts , and improve his own principal in the world ; and this design must not be long in performance , lest the hasty edict overtake him before his work is done , and call him to account for the improvement of his Talent . Think then ( taking all circumstances together of the covetous disposition of a Turk , the cruelty and narrowness of soul in those men commonly that are born and educated in want ) what oppression , what rapine and violence must be exercised to satisfie the appetite of these men , who come famished with immense desires , and strange considerations to satisfie ! Diu sordidus repente dives mutationem fortunae male regit , accensis egestate longa cupidinibus immoderatus , Tac. lib. 1. Hist. So that Justice in its common course is set to sale , and it is very rare when any Law-suit is in hand , but bargains are made for the sentence , and he hath most right who hath most mony to make him rectus in Curia , and advance his cause . And it is the common course for both parties at difference , before they appear together in presence of the Judge , to apply themselves singly to him , and try whose donative and present hath the most in it of temptation ; and it is no wonder if corrupt men exercise this kind of Trade in Traffiquing with Justice ; for having before bought the Office , of consequence they must sell the Fruit. Vendere jure potest , emerat ille prius . Add hereunto a strange kinde of facility in the Truks , for a trifle or small hire to give false witness in any case , especially , and that with a word , when the controversie happens between a Christian and a Turk ; and then the pretence is for the Mussulmanleek as they call it , the cause is religious , hallows all falseness and forgery in the testimony ; so that I believe in no part of the world can Justice run more out of the current and stream then in Turky , where such Maximes and considerations corrupt both the Judge and Witnesses . Turcae magnae pietatis loco ducunt dicere falsum testimonium adversus hominem Christianum ; non expectant ut rogentur ; injussi adsunt seque ultro ingerunt . This consideration and practice made an English Embassadour upon renewing the Capitulations , to insert an Article of caution against the testimony of Turks , as never to be admitted nor pleaded in any Court of Turkish Justice , against the English interest ; and nothing to be admitted as evidence in that case , but only a Hoget , which is in the nature of a Recognisance made before a Judge , or a Bill or Writing under the hand of him on whom the demand is made ; which Article as it was very advisedly , and with great Prudence and Wisdom obtained , so it hath proved of admirable consequence and security to the Traffick and Merchants Estates , which before being lyable to the Forgeries and false pretences of every dissolute Turk , have now this point as a defence and fortification , by which false pretences and suits for considerable sums of mony , and matters of great value have been blown away , and decided with great facility and little expence . In the time of Bajazet , the fourth King of the Turks , the Courts of Justice were in like manner corrupted , as at present ; for reformation of which the Prince resolved to execute a great number of the Lawyers , until it was pleasantly represented by his Jester ( to whom between jest and earnest he had given liberty to speak the truth , which soberer men durst not ) that all the cause of bribery and corruption in the Judges , proceeded for want of stipends and necessary maintenance ; whereupon Bajazet growing cooler , sensible of the cause of that evil , applyed a remedy , by granting their pardon , and allowing them salaries and stipends , with additional Fees of twenty Aspers , in all causes exceeding a thousand ; and twelve Aspers for every writing and instrument out of Court. And in times of the best Emperours , when vertue and deserts were considered , and the Empire flourished and encreased , men had offices conferred for their merits , and good services were rewarded freely and with bounty , without sums of money and payments to be a foyl to the lustre of their better parts : But now it is quite contrary , and all matters run out of course ; a manifest token in my opinion of the declension and decay of the Ottoman Empire , as Livy saith ; Omnia prospera sequentibus Deos , adversa autem spernentibus . Howsoever in part this serves the great end of the Empire ; for Pashaws and great men having a kind of a necessity upon them to oppress their subjects , the people thereby lose their courages ; and by continual Taxes and seisures on what they gain , poverty subdues their spirits , and makes them more patiently suffer all kind of injustice and violence that can be offered them , without thoughts or motion to Rebellion ; and so the Lord Verulam says in his Essayes , that it is impossible for a people overladen with Taxes , ever to become Martial or Valiant ; for no Nation can be the Lyons Whelp , and the Ass between burthens : by which means the Turk preserves so many different sort of people as lie hath conquered in due obedience , using no other help then a severe hand joyned to all kind of oppression ; but such as are Turks , and bear any name of office or degree in the service of the Empire , feel but part of this oppression , and live with all freedom , having their spirits raised by a license they attain to insult over others that dare not resist them . But the issue and conclusion of the spoils these great men make on subjects is very remarkable ; for as if God were pleased to evidence his just punishment more evidently and plainly here , then in other sins ; scarce any of all those Pashaws who have made haste to be rich , have escaped the Grand Signiors hands , but he either wholly devests them of all , or will share the best part of the prey with them . Amongst which I have observed none passes so hardly as the Pashaws of Grand Cairo , because it is the richest and most powerful of all the Governments of this Empire ; and so either in his journey home , or after his return , he loses his life by publick command , or at least is rifled of his goods as ill-got , which are condemned to the Grand Signiors treasury : And it is strange to see yet with what heat these men labour to amass riches , which they know by often experiences have proved but collections for their Master ; and only the Odium and Curses which the oppressed wretches have vented against their Rapine , remain to themselves ; rebus secundis avidi , adversis autem incauti , Tac. And this is like the policy that Caesar Borgia used , otherwise called il Duca Valentine , who the better to reduce Romagna , lately subdued to obedience , made one Messer Romiro d'Orco his Deputy , a man of a cruel and tyrannical disposition , who by rigour and force reduced affairs to the will and order of his Prince : and the work now done , and the people remaining extraordinary discontented , the Duke thought it time to purge the minds of his people of the ill apprehension they had of his Government , by demonstrating that the former hard usage proceeded from the bad inclination of his Minister ; commanded the same Romiro d'Orco at Cesenna , to be cut in pieces , and exposed to the publick view of the people , with a piece of wood , and a bloudy knife by his side . This saith Machiavel , lib. del Principe , cap. 7. fece aquelli popoli in un tempo remanere stupidi & sodisfatti ; and the Turk understands well how profitable in the same manner it is for the constitution of his Estate , to use evil instruments , who may oppress and poll his people , intending afterwards for himself the whole harvest of their labours ; they remaining with the hatred , whilst the Prince under colour of performing justice , procures both riches and fame together . If it be suspected that any great man intends to make combustion or mutiny in his Government , or that his wealth or natural abilities render him formidable ; without farther inquisition or scrutiny , all discontent of the Grand Signior is dissembled , and perhaps a Horse , or Sword , or Sables-vest is reported to be presented , and all fair treatment is counterfeited , until the Executioner gets the bow-string about his neck , and then they care not how rudely they deal with him : just like the Birds in Plutarch , who beat the Cuckow for fear that in time he should become a Hawk . And to make more room for the multitude of officers who crowd for Preferments , and to act the cruel Edicts of the Empire with the least noise ; oftentimes when a great Personage is removed from his place of Trust , and sent with a new Commission to the charge perhaps of a greater Government ; and though he depart from the Regal Seat with all fair demonstrations of favour , before he hath advanced three days in his journey , triumphing in the multitude of his Servants , and his late hopes , the fatal command overtakes him ; and without any accusation or cause other then the will of the Sultan , he is barbarously put to death , and his body thrown into the dirt of a Forreign and unknown Country , without solemnity of Funeral or Monument ; that he is no sooner in the Grave , then his Memory is forgotten . And this methinks is somewhat agreeable to the crafty policy of Tiberius , who sometimes would Commissionate men for Government of Provinces , to whom before-hand he had designed not to permit license to depart the City ; Postremò eò provect us est , ut mandaverit quibusdam provincias quos egredi urbe non erat passurus . Hence are apparent the causes of the decay of Arts amongst the Turks , of the neglect , want of care in manuring and cultivating their Lands ; why their Houses and private Buildings are made slight , not durable for more then ten or twenty years ; why you finde no delightful Orchards and pleasant Gardens and Plantations ; and why in those Countries where Nature hath contributed so much on her part , there are no additional labours of Art to complete all , and turn it to a Paradise ; for men knowing no certain heir , nor who shall succeed them in their labours , contrive only for a few years enjoyment . And moreover , men are fearful of shewing too much ostentation or magnificence in their Palaces , or ingenuity in the pleasures of their Gardens , lest they should bring on them the same fate , that Nabals Vineyard occasioned to his Master : and therefore men neglect all application to the Studies of Arts and Sciences , but only such as are necessary and conducing to the meer course of living ; for the very fear and crime of being known to be rich , makes them appear outwardly poor , and become naturally Stoicks and Philosophers in all the points of a reserved and cautious life . And here I am at a stand , and cannot conclude this Chapter without contemplating a while , and pleasing my self with the thoughts of the blessedness , the happiness , the liberty of my own Country ; where men under the protection and safe influence of a gracious and the best of Princes in the world , enjoy and eat of the fruit of their own labour , and purchase to themselves with security Fields and Mannors , and dare acknowledge and glory in their Wealth and Pomp , and yet leave the inheritance to their Postery . CHAP. XVIII . The several Arts the Turks use to encrease their People , is a principal Policy , without which the greatness of their Empire cannot continue nor be encreased . THere was never any people that laid Foundations and Designs of a great Empire , but first thought how to make it populous , and by which means they might best supply them with people ; not only sufficient for the sacrifice and slaughter of the War , but for the Plantation of Colonies , Possession and security of what the Sword hath conquered . We never understood how one people alone that was Martial , and by successes in War had framed a large Empire , was able from the meer original of its own Stock , to abound with issue of natural subjects , to bear proportion with the stronger Nations ; nor how a handful of people with the greatest policy and courage in the world was able to embrace a large extent of Dominion and Empire : It is true , that Alexander did with an Army , for the most part , composed of Macedonians , as it were in a rank make a Conquest of the best part of the Eastern world ; but this Empire , like a Ship that had much Sail and no Ballast , or a fair Tree over-charged with boughs too heavy for its stem , became a windsal on a sndden . The Turks therefore , during the continuance of their Empire , have not been ignorant of this Truth ; for no people in the world have ever been more open to receive all sorts of Nations to them , then they , nor have used more arts to encrease the number of those that are called Turks ; and it is strange to consider , that from all parts of the world , some of the most dissolute and desperate in wickedness , should flock to these Dominions , to become members and professors of the Mahometan superstition ; in that manner that at present , the bloud of the Turks is so mixed with that of all sorts of Languages and Nations , that none of them can derive his lineage from the ancient bloud of the Saracens . The Romans who well knew the benefit of receiving strangers into their bosome , called this freedom they gave Jus civitatis , whereby forreigners became as lawful possessors of Estates and Inheritance , and had as much right to the common priviledges , as any that was born in the Walls of Rome ; and this Jus civitatis was given to whole Families ; so that as Sir F. B. says well , that the Romans did not over-spread the World , but the World it self . The English call it Naturalization , the French Enfranchisment ; and the Turks call it becoming a Believer ; for they joyning with it a point of Religion , not only the proffers of the goods of this world , but also of delights in the world to come , make the allurements and arguments the more prevalent ; and it being an opinion amongst them , as over all the world , that it is a meritorious work to create Proselytes , scarce any who hath money to purchase a slave , but will procure one young and fit for any impression , whom he may name his Convert , and gain reputation amongst his neighbours of having added to the number of the faithful : Of all this number , which yearly are added to the Professors of Mahomet , none can retreat on lower terms then Death and Martyrdom for Christ ; which causes many whose consciences , though touched with a sense of the denial of their Saviour , yet having not the grace or courage to assert their faith on so hard a Lesson , grow desperate or careless , and dye in their sin . This sort of people become really Turks , and some through custom and their own lusts , are really perswaded of the truth of this profession , and have proved more inveterate and fatal enemies to Christianity , then the natural Turks ; which will appear , if we consider that all the successes they have had , and exploits they have done at Sea , have been performed by such who have denyed the Christian Faith , as namely Chigal , Ogli , and others . It was the custom formerly amongst the Turks , every five years to take away the Christians Children , and Educate them in the Mahometan superstition ; by which means they encreased their own people , and diminished and enfeebled the force of the Christians ; but now that custom in a great part is grown out of use , through the abundance of Greeks , Armenians , Jews , and all Nations where the Iron Rod of the Turks Tyranny extends , who flock in to enjoy the imaginary honour and priviledge of a Turk . And indeed it is no wonder to humane reason , that considers the oppression and contempt that poor Christians are exposed to , and the ignorance in their Churches , occasioned through poverty in the Clergy , that many should be found who retreat from the Faith ; but it is rather a Miracle , and a true verification of those words of Christ , That the Gates of Hell shall not be able to prevail against his Church , that there is conserved still amidst so much opposition , and in despight of all Tyranny and Arts contrived against it , an open and publick Profession of the Christian Faith ; which next to Gods Providence , considering the stupid ignorance in the Greek and Armenian Churches , the conservation of their Faith is not to be attributed to any instance more , then to the strict observation of the Feasts and Fasts of their Churches ; for having rarely the helps of Catechism or Sermons , they learn yet from these outward Ceremonies some confused Notions and Precepts of Religion , and exercise with severity and rigour this sort of Devotion , when through custom , confusion and scarcity of knowing guides , all other service is become obsolete and forgotten amongst them . The Turks have another extraordinary supply of people from the Black Sea , sent them in by the Tartars , who with their light bodies of Horse make incursions into the Territories of the neighbouring Christians , and carry with them a booty of whole Cities and Countries of people , most of which they send to Constantinople to be sold , and is the chief Trade and Commodity of their Country ( as we have already discoursed . ) It is sad to see what numbers of Saykes , or Turkish vessels , come sailing through the Bosphorus , fraighted with poor Christian Captives of both Sexes , and all Ages , carrying on the Main-top a Flag , either as a Note of Triumph , or else as a Mark of the Ware and Merchandise they carry . The number of the Slaves brought yearly to Constantinople is uncertain ; for sometimes it is more , and sometimes less , according to the Wars and success of the Tartars ; but as it is apparent in the Registers of the customs at Constantinople only , one year with another at the least 20000 are yearly imported ; amongst which the greatest part being Women and Children , with easie perswasions , and fair promises become Turks ; the men being ignorant , and generally of the Russian or Moscovite Nation ( who are reported not to be over-devout , or of famed constancy and perseverance in Religion ) partly by menaces and fear , partly by good words and allurements of reward , despairing of liberty , and return to their own Country , renounce all interest in the Christian Faith. Of this sort of Mettle most of the Turks are in these days composed , and by the fecundity of this generation , the Dominions of this Empire flow ; for the Turks of themselves , though they have the liberty of Polygame , and freer use of divers Women allowed them by their Law , then the severity of Christian Religion doth permit , are yet observed to be less fruitful in Children , then those who confine themselves to the chaste embraces of one Wife . It is true , we have heard how in former times there have been particular men amongst the Turks , that have severally been Fathers to a hundred Sons ; but now through that abominable vice of Sodomie , which the Turks pretend to have learned from the Italians , and is now the common and profesled shame of that people , few fecundious Families are found amongst them ; especially amongst the Persons of the greater Quality , who have means and time to act and contrive their filthiness with the most deformity . And in this manner , the natural use of the Women being neglected amongst them , and as St. Paul saith , Men burning in lust one towards another ; so little is mankind propagated , that many think , were it not for the abundant supplies of Slaves , which daily come from the Black Sea ( as before we have declared ) considering the Summer-slaughters of the Plague , and destructions of War , the Turk would have little cause to boast of the vast numbers of his people : and that a principal means to begin the ruine of this Empire , were to prevent the taking of so many Captives , or intercept those numbers of Slaves which are daily transported to nourish and feed the body of this great Babylon ; by which means in time they would not only find a want of Servants , but a decay and scarcity of Masters ; since as it is before mentioned , these Slaves becoming Turks , are capable of all priviledges , and being commonly Manumised by their Patrons , through the help of Fortune , arrive equally to Preferments with those who are of the ancient Mahometane Race : this is the true reason , the Turk can spend so many people in his Wars , and values not the lives of ten thousand men to win him but a span of ground , and yet almost without any sensible diminution of his people ; and on the contrary , the invention of an Inquisition , and the distinction between Christianos vieios , and Nuevos in Spain and Portugal , have caused that decay and scarcity of people in those Countries , as hath laid the best part of those fruitful Soyls desolate , and forced them both to a necessity of entertaining a mercenary Souldiery . It is no small inducement to the vulgar people , who is most commonly won with outward allurements , to become Turks ; that when they are so , by a white Turbant , or such a particular Note of honour , they shall be distinguished from other like Sects ( all people amongst the Turks , being known by their heads , of what Religion or Quality they are ) and so may the better be directed where they may have a priviledge to Domineer and injure with the most impunity . If we consider how delightful the Mode is in England and France , especially to those that are of a vain and gay humor , and that nothing seems handsome or comely , but what is dressed in the fashion and air of the times ; we shall not wonder , if the ignorant and vain amongst Christians , born and Educated in those Countries , should be catched and entrapt with the fancy and enticement of the Turkish Mode , and be contented to despoil themselves of the garment of Christian vertues , to assume a dress more Courtly and pleasing to the eyes of the world ; for so the Britains , and other Nations , after Conquered by the Romans , began to delight themselves in their Language and Habit , their Bankets and Buildings , which they accounted to be humanity and refinement of their manners ; but Tacitus saith , Pars servitutis er at , a signal symptom of their subjection . And it is worth a Wisemans observation , how gladly the Greeks and Armenian Christians imitate the Turkish Habit , and come as neer to it as they dare ; and how proud they are , when they are priviledged upon some extraordinary occasion to appear without their Christian distinction . And thus the Turk makes his very Habit a bait to draw some to his Superstition ; Riches , to allure the covetous ; rewards and hopes , to rule the ambitious ; fears and terrours of death , the cowardly and timorous ; and by all means works on the dispositions and humours of men , to make additions to his Kingdom : Such as adhere to the Christian Faith , the Turk makes no account of , and values no otherwise in the place of subjects , then a man doth of his Ox or Ass , meerly to carry the burthens , and to be useful in servile and slavish Offices : they are oppressed , and are subject to all advantages and pretences ; and their Goods and Estates gained with labour , and the sweat of their brows , liable to the Rapine of every great man ; they are disarmed , and never exercised in War , by which means they become Effeminate , and less dangerous in Rebellion : only the people of Transilvania , Moldavia and Valachia , under the conduct of their respective Princes that the Grand Signior sets over them , serve him in their persons in the War , and are the first thrust forward in all desperate enterprises ; so that the oppression of the poor Christians under the Turk , is worthy our compassion , how poor they are become , how their former wealth is exhausted , how the fatness of their rich soil is drained , and made barren by poisonous suckers ; so that it is evident that the Turks design is no other , then by impoverishment and enfeebling the interest of Christianity , to draw Proselytes and strength to his own Kingdom . Wherefore some sort of poor Christians , either actually subjects to the Turkish Tyranny , or borderers on them , who often feel the misery of their incursions , being fearsul of their own constancy in the faith , have contrived ways to preserve themselves from any other profession : wherefore in Mengrelia , the Christians at the Baptisme of 〈◊〉 Children make a cross on their hands ; and in Servia their custom is to make it on their foreheads , with the juyce of a certain Herb , the stain of which never wears out ; so that some of these Nations , who become Renegadoes to the Christian Faith , bear always a badge and note of designation about them to a holy profession , which may serve to upbraid their perfidious desertion of the faith ; the cross on their forehead appearing for a shame and discountenance to the white Turbant on their heads . By which pious art , many of these distressed Christians have notwithstanding fear and despair of liberty , and promises of reward , through the apprehension of this incongruity between the Cross and the banner of Mahomet , preserved themselves firm to their first colours . CHAP. XIX . The manner of Reception of Forreign Embassadours amongst the Turks , and the esteem they have of them . THere was no Nation in the World ever so barbarous , that did not acknowledge the Office of an Embassadour sacred and necessary . Sanctum populis per saecula nomen ; And Cicero saith , Sic enim sentio jus legatorum cum hominum praesidio munitum , tum 〈◊〉 divino jure esse vallaium ; the Alchoran it self calls this Office inviolable ; and it is a Turkish Canon , Elchi zaval yoketer , Do no hurt to an Embassadour ; so that the Turks do confess themselves obliged by their own law to rules of civilities , courteous treatment , and protection of Embassadours . The greatest honour they show to any forreign Minister , is to him who comes from the Emperour , because his confines are contiguous with theirs , and have had occasion more frequently , then with other Christian Princes , to try the power of the imperial Sword. An Embassadour coming from the Emperour , as soon as he enters within the Ottoman Dominions , hath his charges defrayed by the Sultan , according to the importance of the business and negotiation he is designed to , until the time of his return ; and a Resident continuing in ordinary , hath in like manner his constant allowance . As it hath always been a custom amongst the Eastern Princes to send presents each to other , as tokens of friendship and amity ; so the Emperour is by an ancient custom and agreement obliged to accompany his Embassadour to this Court with presents and gifts , as offerings of peace : and on the contrary , that the Emperour may not remain with the disadvantage , the Grand Signior is bound to recompence the Embassy with another from himself , and adorn it with presents of equal value , with those that were sent him . But Embassadours and Representatives from other Princes , who have their Dominions more remote , and whose principal design is esteemed for the promotion of Trade and Commerce , as the English , French and Dutch , are always admitted with their presents , which the Turk by custom calls his right , and judges not himself obliged to return the like , esteeming his Capitulations and Articles he makes with those Princes , priviledges and immunities granted their subjects . The ceremonies they use at the audience of every Embassadour are acted ( as in all parts of the world ) most to set off the glory of the Empire ; and represented with such advantages , as may best afford a Theme for an Embasiadours pen to describe the riches , magnificence and terrour of the Ottoman power . The Audience with the Grand Signior ( having first passed a complement with the Prime Visier ) is commonly contrived on days appointed for payment of the Janizaries , which is every three moneths ; and with that occasion , the Order and Discipline of the Militia , the Mony and Stipends that are issued forth , are there exposed to the observation of the publick Minister . The mony is brought into the Divan , and there piled in heaps , where the Embassadour is first introduced , and seated on a Stool covered with Crimson-velvet , placed neer the first Visier , and other Visiers of the Bench : as soon as the money is paid out of the chief of 〈◊〉 Oda or Chamber , who afterwards distribute it amongst their Souldiers , a plentiful dinner is 〈◊〉 for the Embassadour , who together with the first Visier , and other Visiers of the Bench , and Teftardar or Lord Treasurer , are seated at the same Table , which is not raised as high as the Tables we use , but something lower , covered over with a capacious Voyder of Silver , in which the dishes are set , without ceremony of Table-cloth or Knives . In the same room are two other Tables for the principal attendants of the Embassadour , and other personages amongst the Turks of chief note and quality ; the dishes are served in by one at a time , which as soon as touched or tasted , are taken off to make room for another ; and thus there is a succession of threescore or fourscore Services , all the dishes being of China , worth about 150 Dollars a piece ; which are reported to have a virtue contrary to poison , and to break with the least infusion thereof , and for that reason esteemed more useful for the service of the Grand Signior . Nam nulla aconita bibuntur Fictilibus , &c. Juvenal . The banket being ended , the Chaousbashee , or chief of the Pursivants conducts the Embassadour , with some of his retinue , to a place a part , where several gay Vests , or long Garments , made of Silk with divers figures , are presented them ( as a sign of the Grand Signiors favour ) which the Embassadour first putting on , and then the others , to the number of 18 or 19 , attended with two Capugibashees , or chief of the Porters , persons of good esteem in that Court , with Silver staves in their hands , he is conducted neerer towards the Grand Signiors presence ; then follow the presents brought by the Embassadour , which are carried to the best advantage for appearance , and are delivered to Officers appointed to receive them . The Courts without are filled with Janizaries , amongst whom is observed so profound a silence , that there is not the least noise or whisper understood ; and the salutations they give their principal Officers as they pass , bowing altogether at the same time , is war-like , and yet courtly , and savours of good Discipline and Obedience . The Embassadour is then brought to a great gate neer the Audience , the Porch of which is filled with white Eunuchs , clothed in Silks and Cloth of Gold ; farther then this , none is suffered to proceed , besides the Secretary , Interpreter , and some other persons of best quality : at the door of the Chamber of Audience is a deep silence , and the murmuring of a Fountain neer by , adds to the melancholy ; and no other guard is there but a white Eunuch : and here a pause is made , and they tread softly in token of fear and reverence , so as not to disturb with the least noise the Majesty of the Sultan : for access to the Eastern Princes was always difficult , and not permitted with the same familiarity as hath been practised amongst the Romans , and at present with us , where the sight of the King is his own glory , and the satisfaction of his Subjects : For it is with the Turks , as it was with the Parthians , when they received Vonones their King , educated in the Roman Court , who conforming to those manners , saith Tacitus , irridebantur Graeci Comites , prompli aditus , obvia comitas , ignotae Parthis virtutes ; the affability and easiness of address to their Prince , was a scandal to that Nation . At the entrance of the Chamber of Audience hangs a ball of Gold , studded with pretious Stones , and about it great chains of rich Pearl ; the Floor is covered with Carpets of Crimson-velvet , embroidered with Gold wyre , in many places beset with seed Pearl . The Throne where the Grand Signior sits , is raised a small height from the ground , supported with four Pillars plated with Gold : the roof is richly guilded , from which hang balls , that seem to be of gold ; the Cushions he leaned upon , as also those which lay by , were richly embroidered with Gold and Jewels : In this Chamber with this occasion remains no other attendance besides the first Visier , who stands at the right hand of the Grand Signior with modesty and reverence . When the Embassadour comes to appear 〈◊〉 the Grand Signior , he is led in , and supported under the arms by the two Capugibashees before mentioned ; who bringing him to a convenient distance , laying their hands upon his neck , make him bow until his forehead almost touches the ground , and then raising him again , retire backwards to the farther parts of the room ; the like ceremony is used with all the others , who attend the Embassadour ; only that they make them bow somewhat lower then him ; the reason of this custom , as Busbequius saith , was , because that a Croat being admitted neer to Amurath , to communicate something to him , made use of that opportunity to kill him , in revenge of the death of his Master Marous ; but the Turkish History saith , that this was done by one Miles Corbelitz , who after the defeat given Lazarus the Despost of Servia , rising from amongst the dead , had neer access to the presence of Amurath . The Embassadour at this Audience hath no 〈◊〉 set him , but standing , informs the Grand Signior by his Interpreter , the several demands of his Master , and the business he comes upon , which is all penned first in writing ; which when read , is with the Letter of credence consigned into the hands of the great Visier , from whom the answer and farther treaty is to be received . This was the manner of the Audience given the Earl of Winchelsea , when Embassadour there for His Majesty , and is ( as is there said ) the form used to others , who come from a Prince equally honoured , and respected . But though the Turks make these outward demonstrations of all due reverence and religious care to preserve the persons of Embassadours sacred and free from violence ; yet it is apparent by their treatment and usage towards them , in all emergencies and difference between the Prince they come from , and themselves , that they have no 〈◊〉 of the Law of Nations , or place any Religion in the maintenance of their Faith. For when a War is proclaimed , the Embassadour immediately is either committed to close imprisonment , or at least to the custody of a careful guard , confined within the limits of his own house : in this manner , the Representative of Venice , called there the Bailo , by name Sorenzo , in a streight Chamber of a Castle situated on the Bosphorus , endured a severe imprisonment , having his Interpreter strangled , for no other cause then performing his office in the true interpretation of his Masters sence : afterwards this Bailo ( for so they call there the Embassadors from Venice ) was removed to another prison at Adrianople , where he continued some years ; and in fine , by force of presents mollifying the Turks with mony ( with which their nature is easily made gentle and pliable ) he obtained liberty to remain in the house appropriated to the Representatives of Venice , but under a guard , whose office was to secure him from escape , and observe his actions ; and yet with liberality and presents , which overcome the Turks more then any consideration in the world , he enjoyed as he pleased , license for his health to take the fresh air , and use what freedom was reasonable . Nor less injurious to the Law of Nations , have been the examples of violence and rage , acted on the persons of the French Embassadours ; first on the Sieur Sensi , accused upon suspition of having contrived the escape of Konispolski , General of the Polish Army , taken captive in a Fight , and sent Prisoner to the abovesaid Castle on the Bosphorus ; the means was by a Silken cord sent in a Pye , with Limes and Files to cut the Iron bars ; and having first secured his guard with the strength of wine , in the dead of the night , let him down by the cord from the highest Tower , where finding Horses ready , he got safe into Poland : the contrivance of this stratagem , and the instruments of the escape , was laid to the charge of the French Embassadour ; who was committed for that reason to the Prison of the seven Towers , where he remained for the space of four months , until his mony , and the French King his Master mediated for him , promising to send another speedily to succeed him ; he was delivered from his imprisonment , and returned home by the way of Poland . The successor of this Embassadour was the Count Cesi a man too generous and splendid to live amongst covetous and craving Turks ; exhausted most of his wealth in gifts and presents ; to which adding a vanity and ambition to court the Grand Signiors Mistresses in the Seraglio ( as is said ) he paid such vast sums of mony to the Eunuchs for his admittance , that in a few years he became so indebted , and importuned with the clamours of his Creditors , as wholly discredited , and lost the Honour and Authority of his Embassy ; so that the French King thinking it dishonourable to continue his Minister in that charge , who was failed and undone in the reputation of the world , sent his Letter of Revocation to recal him home ; but the Turks gave a stop to his return , pretending that their Law which was indulgent to the persons of Embassadours , did not yet acquit them from payment of their debts , or priviledge them with impunity to rob the Believers and other subjects of the Grand Siguior , contrary to that rule of Grotius , who not only exempts the Persons , but the Servants and moveables of Embassadours from attachments ; and no Law can compel him to the satisfaction of debts by force , but by friendly perswasion only , till being returned to his own Country , and put off the quality of a publick person , he becomes liable to common process ; Si quid ergo debiti contraxit , & ut sit , res solieo loco nullas possideat , 〈◊〉 compellandus erit amice , & si detrectet , is qui misit , ita ut ad postremum usurpentur ea , quae 〈◊〉 debitores extra territorium positos usurpari solent . Nor less remarkeable was the barbarous usage of the Sieur la Haye , Embassadour also for the French King to the Port , under the Government of the great Visier Kuperli . The Court being then at Adrianople , and the Treaty in hand between the Grand Signior and the Republick of Venice ; through the mediation of the French Embassadour , by consent and command of his Master , certain Letters of his wrote in Characters were intercepted by the Turks ; by what means , and upon what information , the matter was too evident then , to be apprehended other then an Italian contrivance : the Cypher , as containing matter prejudicial to the State , was carried to Adrianople ; and being known by examination and confession of the Messenger , to have been delivered to him by the Secretary of the French affairs ; immediately in all haste the Embassador then at Constantinople was cited to appear at Court ; but being ancient , and indisposed in his health with the Gout and Stone , dispatched his Son as his Procurator , with instructions and orders how to answer what might be objected ; hoping by that means to excuse the inconvenience of a Winters journey . The Son being there arrived , immediately was called to Audience , accompanied with the Chancellor , or Secretary for the Merchants ( for the other Secretary of the private affairs of the Embassie , apprehending the fury and injustice of the Turks , had timely secured himself by flight . ) Discourse was first had concerning the Contents of the Characters ; the Turks insolent in their Speeches , provoked this Sieur la Haye the younger , to utter something tending towards a contempt of that power the Turks had over him , encouraging himself with the thoughts of the protection of the King his Master ; who was soon sensible , and moved with the least injuries offered his Ministers . The Turks , who can endure nothing less then menaces , and Kuperlee through natural cruelty and choler of old age , and particular malice against the French Nation , moved with this reply , commanded the Caousbashee , who is chief of the Pursivants , to strike him in the mouth ; which he did with that force , being a rude robustious fellow , that with a few blows of his Fist , he strook out two of his Teeth before , and in a most undecent and barbarous manner dragged him with the Secretary for the Merchants , to a Dungeon so loathsome and moist , that the ill vapours oft-times extinguished the Candle . The old Ambassadour the Father , was with like Turkish fury sent for , the Turks executing all they do with strange haste and violence ; Barbaris contatio servilis , statim exequiregium videtur ; and being arrived at Adrianople , was also committed to custody , though not with that rigour and severity of Imprisonment as the Son , until the space of two Months passing with presents and sollicitations , they both obtained their liberty , and returned again to Constantinople ; where scarce were they arrived , before news coming of a French Ship , which had loaden Goods of Turks , and run away with his Cargason , the Embassadour was again committed to another Prison in Constantinople , called the seven Towers , where he remained , until with Gifts and Money , the anger of the Turks was abated . And still the malice of Kuperlee persecuted this Sieur la Haye , until after his Embassie of 25 years continuance , unfortuante only at the conclusion , he was dispatched home obscurely and in disgrace , without Letters of revocation from his Master , or other intimation to the Grand Signior , which might signifie the desire of this Embassadours return . The reason of this irreverent carriage in the Turks towards the persons of Embassadours , contrary to the custom of the ancient 〈◊〉 , and other gallant and civilized people , is an apprehension and Maxime they have received , that an Embassadour is indued with two qualifications ; one of representing to the Grand Signior the desires of his Prince , the breach of Articles or League , the aggrievances and abuses of Merchants trading in his Dominions ; that so satisfaction and amendment may be made : And the other , that he remains in nature of a Hostage , called by themselves Mahapous or pledge ; by which he becomes responsible for what is acted by his Prince contrary to the Capitulations of Peace , and remains for a pawn for the faithful and sincere carriage of his Nation , and as security to insure what goods belonging to Turks are loaden on their Vessels . As the Resident for Holland was in the year 1663 , imprisoned at Adrianople for miscarriages of a Ship belonging to his Nation , taken by Maltese men of War , whereon at 〈◊〉 were goods loaden belonging to the Grand Signior , and other considerable persons of State , and was not released , until he engaged to eighty five thousand Dollars , in the space of one hundred and twenty days , which was the full import of the Turkish interest . Nor hath this Law of Nations , to the sacred esteem of Embassadours , found better observation towards the Representatives of the German Emperour , who have upon all conjunctures of Discord and Breaches of Peace between those two powerful Princes , been subject to confinements and custody of a Guard , nothing differing from formal imprisonment ; or else , as it happened to the German Resident in the last War , are transported from place to place , according to the motion of the Armies , as a barbarous Trophy in the time of their prosperous successes , and as a means at hand to reconcile and mediate when evil Fortune compels them to composition . What ill fate soever hath attended the Ministers of other Princes in this Court , the Embassadours from his His Majesty of great Britain , our Sacred King , have never incurred this dishonour and violation of their Office ; the negotiations and differences since the English Trade hath been opened in Turkie , have been various and considerable , and matters as to the security of the Embassadour and Merchants , have been often reduced to a doubtful condition , as far as words and rude speeches full of menaces and choler , might make a sober man suspitious of a greater ruine : And yet through the constancy , prudence and good fortune of Embassadours , the Turkish rashness hath not drawn upon themselves the guilt of violating their persons , but have either prevented troubles in the beginning , or wisely compounded them before they made too far a breach . It is worth observation , that the Turks make no difference in the name between an Embassadour , Resident , Agent , or any petty Messenger sent or residing upon a publick Affair ; the name Elchi , serves them to express all : and though the Turks on occasion of Ruptures and other Discontents lose their respect towards the person of Embassadours ; yet still it is commendable in them , that they commonly abstain from the spoil and plunder of the Merchants estates , with whose Prince they are at enmity ; for they look on Merchants as men , whose profession is best advanced by Peace ; and as their own comparison is , like to the laborious Bee which brings Honey to the Hive , and is innocent , industrious and profitable ; and therefore an object of their compassion and defence . CHAP. XX. How Embassadours and publick Ministers govern themselves in their Negotiations and Residence amongst the Turks . EMbassadours in this Country have need both of courage and circumspection , wisdom to dissemble with honour , and discreet patience , seemingly to take no notice of Affronts and Contempts , from which this uncivilized people cannot temperate their Tongues , even when they would seem to put on the most courteous deportment and respect towards Christians . The French Embassadour , Mounsieur la Haye , sent once to advise the great Visier Kuperlee , that his Master had taken the strong City of Arras from the Spaniard , and had obtained other Victories in Flanders , supposing that the Turk would outwardly have evidenced some signs of joy , and return an answer of congratulation ; but the reply the Visier gave , was no other then this ( VVhat matters it to me whether the Dog worries the Hog , or the Hog the Dog , so my Masters head be but safe ! ) intimating that he had no other esteem of Christians , then as Salvages or Beasts ; and with no other answer then this , due to an officious Courtship towards a Turk , the Messenger returned . There is no doubt , but of all those means , wherewith Kingdoms and States are supported , there are two more principal and chief of all others : The one is the substantial and real strength and force of the Prince , which consists in his Armies and interest ; and the other is the honour and reputation he gains abroad , which hath sometimes proved of that Authority and consequence , as to make the State of the weaker Prince to appear more considerable ; or at least , equal to the greater forces of the other . This reputation is principally maintained by a prudent manner of negotiation , and depends on the discretion of the Representative , in which for many years the Republick of Venice had great advantages in the Turkish Court , through the caution and policy of their Ministers , who nourished in the Turks an opinion of their strength of Arms , and force of Wisdom , beyond the reality thereof ; 〈◊〉 before the War broke forth , no Nation in amity with the Turk , had their affairs treated with more honour and respect then this Common-wealth . An Embassadour in this Court ought to be circumspect and careful to avoid the occasion of having his honour blemished , or of incurring the least violation of his person ; for afterward , as one baffled in his reputation , he becomes scorned , loses his power and interest , and all esteem of his worth and wisdom ; for having endured one affront , their insolence soon presumes farther to trespass on his patience : for certainly Turks of all Nations in the world , are most apt to crush and trample on those that lye under their feet ; as on the contrary , those who have a reputation with them , may make the best and most advantageous treats of any part of the world , according to that of Busbequius , Ep. 1. Sunt Turci in utramque partem nimii sive indulgentia , cum pro amicis se probare volunt , sive acerbitate cum irati sunt . To reply according to the Pride and Ignorance of a Turk , is properly to blow up fire into a flame ; to support with submission and a pusillanimous spirit , his affronts and indignities , by negotiating faintly or coldly , is to add fuel and wood to the burning piles ; but solid reason and discourse , accompanied with chearful expressions , vivacity and courage in argument , is the only manner of dealing and treating with the Turks . That which is called good nature or flexible disposition , is of little use to a publick Minister in his treaty with Turks : a punctual adherence to former customs and examples even to obstinacy , is the best and safest rule ; for the concession of one point serves to embolden them to demand another , and then a third ; and so their hopes increases with the success , having no modesty nor wisdom to terminate their desires ; one act or two of favour is enough afterwards to introduce a custom ( which is the chiefest part of their Law ) and to make that which is meerly voluntary , and of grace , to become of obligation . But a principal matter , which a publick Minister ought to look to , is to provide himself of spirited , eloquent and intelligent Interpreters ; spirited , I say , because many times the presence is great they appear before , and the looks big and soure of a barbarous Tyrant ; and it hath been known , that the Embassadour hath been forced to interpose his own Person , between the fury of the Visier and his Interpreter , whose offence was only a delivery of the words of his Master ; some of whom have notwithstanding been imprisoned , or executed for this cause , as we have partly intimated in the foregoing Chapter : The reason of which Tyranny and presumption in these prime Officers over the Interpreters , is because they are most commonly born subjects of the Grand Signior , and therefore ill support the least word mis-placed , or savouring of contest from them , not distinguishing between the sense of the Embassadour , and the explication of the Interpreter ; and therefore it were very useful to breed up a Seminary of young Englishmen , of sprightly and ingenious parts , to be qualified for that Office ; who may with less danger to themselves , honour to their Master , and advantage to the publick , express boldly without the usual mincing and submission of other Interpreters , whatsoever is commanded and declared by their Master . It is certainly a good Maxime for an Embassadour in this Country , not to be over-studious in procuring a familiar friendship with Turks ; a fair comportment towards all in a moderate way , is cheap and secure ; for a Turk is not capable of real friendship towards a Christian ; and to have him called only , and thought a friend who is in power , is an expence without profit ; for in great emergencies , and times of necessity , when their assistance is most useful , he must be bought again , and his friendship renewed with presents , and farther expectations : howsoever , this way of negotiation by presents and gratuities , is so much in custom amongst the Turks , that to speak truely , scarce any thing can be obtained without it ; but it is the wisdom of the Minister , to dispose and place them with honour , decency and advantage : For there are , and have been always , two or three powerful persons in this Court , which in all times carry the principal sway , and command of all ; these must necessarily be treated with respect , and often sweetned with gratuities : he that hath mony may doubtless make friends when he needs them , and with that secure his capitulation and his priviledge , purchase justice , and if his stock will hold out , act any thing that can reasonably be imagined ; yet it is the most profitable and prudent way to refer something to friendship and good correspondence , and not all to the 〈◊〉 force and strength of mony . CHAP. XXI . How Forreign Princes in particular stand in the esteem and opinion of the Turks . THe Turks , as we have occasionally instanced before , are naturally a proud and insolent people , confident , and conceited of their own vertue , valour and forces , which proceeds from their ignorance of the strength and constitution of other Countries ; so that when the danger which may arise from the Conjunction and Union of Christian Princes to the Mahometan Interest , is discoursed of , they compare the Grand Signior to the Lyon , and other Kings to little Dogs , which may serve ( as they say ) to rouse and discompose the quiet and Majesty of the Lyon , but can never bite him , but with their utmost peril . They say farther , as by an ingenuous confession , that they are unable to encounter the Christians at Sea , to whom God hath given that unstable element for Dominion and Possession ; but that the earth is the lot and inheritance of the Turks , which is demonstrable by that great circuit of Empire , obedient to the Mahometan Arms. These are the thoughts and apprehensions of the Commonalty concerning Christendom in general ( which I have heard often discoursed amongst them ) but the opinion and esteem which knowing men and Ministers frame of Forreign Kingdoms and States distinctly , is for the most part according to these following particulars . Of all the Princes so far remote as England , none amongst this people stands in better account then His Majesty of Great Braitain , not onely for the convenience of the Trade , which provides this Empire with many necessary commodities ; but for the fame of his Shipping , and power at Sea , which makes him , though divided from all parts of the world , yet a borderer on every Country , where the Ocean extends : And this esteem and honour the Sultan bears towards His Majesty , hath been evidenced in several particulars , and by none more then by the security and freedom his Merchants live in , in these Dominions , and a readiness always in every reasonable request , to gratifie His Majesties Embassadours . As for the Emperour , the Turk knows that his own proper and peculiar force in its self , is inconsiderable , but that with the conjunction and assistance of the German Princes , they are assured , and have proved it to their experience in the year 1664 , that his strength is equivalent to the Ottoman power ; but yet they are not ignorant , that the diversity of Religions and Sects in Germany , abate much of that heat and coalition amongst themselves , which is requisite to the vigorous opposition of so potent an enemy . And it is evident , that the Emperours unseasonable severity against the Protestants in Hungary , disobliging his whole Dominion there , by depriving them of their Churches , and exercising other courses for suppression of the reformed Religion , ripened the Turks design of War first laid in the year 1663 ; conceiving that in that conjuncture , holding forth the specious pretence of liberty in Religion and Conscience , the Hungarians would either wholly desert the Emperour , or very coldly and faintly apply themselves to his succour ; the effect of which was in the succeeding Wars plainly verified , and known that the Hungarians were not only sparing in their contribution and supplies of men in the service of the Emperour , but held secret Juntoes and Councels , whether it were not better to 〈◊〉 the Turks soveraignty , on the conditions proposed , with liberty of their Religion , rather then to continue in Allegiance to the Emperour ; who neither afforded them freedom of conscience , which is the destruction of their spiritual estate , nor was able to withstand the Turk , which argued insufficiency to yeild them protection in their temporal . The Emperour sends his Embassadour to the Turk , under notion of the King of Hungary , because at his instalment as Emperour , he swears to make a perpetual War with the Turk ; and indeed their peace is little better then a War , considering their frequent incursions into each others Territories ; and that to skirmish or fight in bodies under the number of 5000 , not taking Forts , or bringing Cannons into the Field , is no breach of the capitulations . The French King , though the first Christian Prince , that having no confines bordering on these Dominions , entred into capitulations with the Turk for a free and open Commerce and Traffick ; and obtained the Title of Podeshaw , which signifies as much as Emperour , and is denyed to all other Christian Kings , and even to the Germane Emperour himself , being judged an honour amongst the Turks proper and peculiar only to the Grand Signior : yet their esteem of the French is not so great as some would perswade the world it is , having ( as we have at large declared in the foregoing Chapter ) given ample testimonies in the persons of the Embassadours , their scorn and neglect of the Prince he represented . I have heard the wise Lord Chancellour Samosade say , that the French gained that Title of Podeshaw to their King by craft and subtilty , and was never fully examined nor considered ; and in that business there is a strange Romance told of a fair French Lady , preferred to the Seraglio , whom the Turks were willing to receive for a Princess , and thence challenging affinity with the King of France , was the more profuse in the honour of his titles : It is true , there was a time when the French Embassadour was called to secret Councels , and admitted within the Walls of the Seraglio to private meetings and debates of the Turk ; but it was when the French plotted , and openly assisted in transportation of the Turks , for the invasion of Italy ; but since that time , and especially in the year 1664 , through the force given the Emperour , and the Bravado upon Barbary , the French hath always ( and that not without some reason ) gone declining in the good opinion and esteem in the Ottoman Court. The Pope is more esteemed , as a Prince able to blow the coals , and excite other Princes to the damage of the Mahometan State , rather then by his own power or force to effect any thing himself ; and having no confines bordering on the Turks , his riches , power or greatness seldom falls as a subject for their consideration . As little account would they make of the King of Spain , but that the Granadin Turks , of which there remains in Constantinople a considerable number since their expulsion , through an extream affection naturally inherent in them to Spain , discourse of it with a passion , not altogether free os a little Rodomontado , and vain-glory , vices incident to their Country ; whereby they create in the Turks a conceit of the greatness , riches and force of Spain , according as it flourished in the time that the Moors possessed their seat and habitation there . But yet the Turks , though a people incurious and negligent of the accurate state of other places , besides their own , are not altogether ignorant of the decay of Spain , the Wars in Portugal , and the menaces from France , which makes them aim at one of the Venetian Ports in Dalmatia , to have the better prospect and easier passage unto Sicily , or the Kingdom of Naples . The esteem the Venetians are in at this time amongst them , is greater then when the War first began ; for then they entertained an opinion of their force much inferiour to the real estimation thereof ; as they do now the contrary byond their true strength , making always calculates from the effect and success of things . Yet the Turk knows , that the Venetian power is not comparable to his by land , and that nothing but Friuli stands between him and the mastery of Venice ; which makes him ashamed and angry , that after so many years Wars , no greater additions should be acquired to the Empire , then his footing in Candy , the whole possession of which was imagined at the beginning of the war , would upon a bare demand been quietly presented as the price and purchase of the peace . The King of Poland is none of the least amongst the Christian Princes esteemed at the Ottoman Court , by reason of his great power , consisting chiefly in Horse , which in opinion of the Turks is the most warlike ; and look on that people as martial , and with much difficulty brought under their subjection . But by reason of the great combustions and intestine troubles of that Country , the Polanders apply themselves with much dexterity and caution in their treaties with the Turks ; and especially , being borderers with them , and subject to their incursions and robberies of Men and Cattel , they endeavour all means of fair and reasonable complyance . And on the other side , the Turk is well inclined to the Polander , and desires his prosperity beyond others of his neighbour-Princes ; because he looks on him , as the only curb upon all occasions of the Moscovites , and whom they may make use of , to give some stop and arrest unto the progress of his Arms. The Moscovite hath yet a greater fame and renown with the Turks , being reported able to make a hundred and fifty thousand Horse ; so that he treats with the Turk on equal terms , and fills his Letters with high threats and Hyperbolical expressions of his power , and with as swelling titles as the Turk . The Greeks have also an inclination to the Moscovite beyond any other Christian Prince , as being of their Rites and Religion , terming him their Emperour and Protector ; from whom , according to ancient prophesies and modern predictions , they expect delivery and 〈◊〉 to their Church . But the greatest dread the Turk hath of the Moscovite , is from the union with the Soffi or Persian , which two uniting together , would be too unequal a match for the Ottoman Empire . But above all the great Potentates of the world , the King of 〈◊〉 was most feared and esteemed by the Turk , not only by reason of his great force , and that the borders of his Dominions run a long space on the confines of the Turks ; but because it is almost impossible , by reason of the vast Deserts , and uninhabited places , to carry the War into his Country , without the cumbersome carriages of all necessary provisions , which with how much difficulty and incommodity were performed in the last 〈◊〉 between these two great Princes , the History sufficiently relates ; but since the conquest of Babylon , and decay of their riches , they are now the subjects of the Turkish scorn and contempt . The neerness of their Faith , though derived from the same Founder , but afterwards receiving some difference by the interpretation of Haly , is in no wise a reconcilement of their affections ; but rather a ground and matter of their fear and jealousie , lest at any time waging a War against the Persian , that Heresie should begin to be set on foot amongst the people , which like a spark that causes the conflagration of a whole City , may breed those intestine civil distractions , which may prove of more danger and ruine then the former War. It will not be necessary to speak much of the Hollanders , in regard , that though they have a Resident there , are scarce taken notice of as a Nation different , but depending on the English. And these are all the Nations considerable , with whom the Turk hath occasion to treat , or that follow under his cognisance or business . CHAP. XXII . The regard the Turks have to their Leagues with Forreign Princes . AS the Christian Religion teaches humility , charity , courtesie , and faith towards all that are within the pale of humane nature , to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , so the Turkish superstition furnishes its followers with principles , not only to abhor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but also the persons of such whom they term not 〈◊〉 . The sordidness of their bloud , and ungentleness of their education , makes them insolent and swelled in prosperity ; and their Victories and Spoils upon Christians , render 〈◊〉 Arms and Force of other parts contemptible in respect of theirs . Upon these considerations of the vileness of Christianity , and scorn of their power , they assume this into a Maxime , that they ought not to regard the Leagues they have with any Prince , or the reasons and ground of a quarrel ; whilst the breach tends to the enlargement of their Empire , which consequently infers the propagation of their Faith. Many and various are the examples and stories in all Ages , since the beginning and increase of the Turkish power , of the perfidiousness and treachery of this people ; that it may be a question , whether their valour and force hath prevailed more in the time of War , or the little care of their faith and maintenance of their Leagues hath availed them in the time of Peace . Thus Didymotichum in the time of Peace , under Amurath , third King of the Turks , whilst the Walls and Fortifications were Building , was by the Asian labourers , which were entertained in the work , and the help of other Turks which lay near in ambush , surprised and taken ; so also Rhodestum in time of Peace by command of Amurath , was by Eurenoses assaulted and taken by stratagem ; so Adrianople in the reign of the same Emperour , after Peace made again , and assurances given of better faith , was by the art and disguise of Chasis-Ilbeg , pretending to be a discontented Captain and a Fugitive from the Turks , by fair Speeches and some Actions and Skirmishes abroad , gained such confidence amongst the credulous Greeks , as enabled him afterwards to set the Gates open to Amuraths Army , which after some Conflict was taken , and never recovered again by the power of the Greeks . It is an old and practised subtilty of the Turks , immediately after some notable Misfortune to entreat of Peace , by which means they may gain time to recollect their Forces and Provisions to prosecute the War. It is notable and worthy of Record , the treachery of the Treaty used in the year 1604. Begun in the time of Mahomet the third , and broken off by Achmat his Successor . The overtures for a Treaty were first propounded by the Turks ; and Commissioners from the Emperour appointed , and met the Turks at Buda ; twelve days truce were concluded for consideration of the Articles , and Presents sent by the Turks to the Emperour , to perswade him of the reality of their intentions . Mahomet dying , Sultan Achmat renews his Commission to the Bassa of Buda to continue the Treaty ; whereupon the Christian and Turks Commissioners have another Meeting at Pesth ; where whilst the Christians were courteously . Feasting the 〈◊〉 in Tents near the Town , and they to create in the Christians an assurance of their faithful dealing , were producing Letters from 〈◊〉 Sultan and Prime Visier filled with Oaths and Protestations , as by the God of Heaven and Earth , by the Books of Moses , by the souls of their Ancestors , and the like , that their intentions for Peace were real , and meant nothing but what was honourable and just : At that very time the Turks of Buda , conceiving that in the time of this great jollity and 〈◊〉 , the Walls of Pesth were neglected and slightly manned , issued 〈◊〉 in great numbers to surprize it ; the alarm of which ended the Banquet , and the Turks finding matters contrary to their expectation , returned only with the shame of their treachery . It is no wonder the Disciples should in a point of so great liberty and advantage follow the example and Doctrine of their Master ; for the like Mahomet did when overthrown , and repulsed at the siege of Mecha , made a firm League with the Inhabitants of strict Peace and Amity : but the next Summer , having again recruited his Forces , easily surprised and took the City , whilst that people relying on the late agreement , suspected nothing less then the Prophets treachery . And that such perfideousness as this might not be Chronicled in future Ages , in disparagement of his Sanctity ; he made it lawful for his Believers , in cases of like nature , when the matter concerned those who were Infidels , and of a different perswasion , neither to regard Promises , Leagues , or other Engagements ; and this is read in the Book of the institutions of the Mahometan Law , called Kitab Hadaia . It is the usual form and custom , when a noble advantage is espyed on any Country , with which they have not sufficient ground of quarrel , to demand the opinion of the Muftee , for the lawfnlness of War ; who without consulting other consideration and judgement of the reasonable occasions , then the utility of the Empire , in conformity to the foregoing president of his Prophet , passes his Fetfa or sentence ; by which the War becomes warrantable , and the cause justifyed and allowed . It is not to be denyed , but even amongst Christian Princes and other the most gallant people of the world , advantages have been taken contrary to Leagues , and Faith , and Wars commenced upon frivolous and slight pretences ; and States have never wanted reasons for the breach of Leagues , though confirmed by Oaths and all the Rites of Religious Vows : We know it is controverted in the Schools , whether Faith is to be maintained with Infidels , with Hereticks , and wicked men ; which in my opinion were more honourable to be out of question . But we never read that perfidiousness by Act and Proclamation was allowable , or that it was holy to be faithless , until the Doctors of the Mahometan Law , by the example of their Prophet recorded and commanded this Lesson , as a beneficial and useful Axiome to their Disciples . And here I cannot but wonder at what I have heard and read in some Books of the Honesty and Justice of the Turks , extolling and applauding them , as men accomplished with all the vertues of a moral life ; thence seeming to infer that Christianity it self imposes none of those engagements of goodness on mens natures , as the Professors of it do imagine . But such men I believe , have neither read the Histories , nor consulted the rules of their Religion , nor practised their conversation ; and in all points being ignorant of the truth of the Turks dealings , it is not strange , if through a charitable opinion of what they know not , they erre in the apprehension and Character they pass upon them . OF THE Turkish Religion . BOOK II. CHAP. I. Of the Religion of the Turks in general . THe Civil Laws appertaining to Religion amongst the Turks are so confounded into one body , that we can scarce treat of one without the other ; for they conceive that the Civil Law came as much from God , being delivered by their Prophet , as that which immediately respects their Religion , and came with the same obligations and injunctions to obedience . And though this Policie was a Fiction of some , who first founded certain Governments , as Numa Pompilius , Solon , and the like , to put the greater engagements and ties on men , as well of conscience , as through fear of punishment ; yet in the general that proposition is true , that all Laws which respect Right and Justice , and are tending to a foundation of good and honest Government , are of God ; For there is no power but of God , and the powers that be , are ordained of God. And then if God owns the creation and constitution of all Princes and Rulers , as well the Pagans as Christians ; the Tyrants , as the indulgent Fathers of their people and Country ; no less doth he disallow the Rules and Laws fitted to the constitution and Government of a people , giving no dispensation to their obedience , because their Prince is 〈◊〉 , or their Laws not founded according to true reason , but the 〈◊〉 of their corrupted judgements or interest . It is vulgarly known to all , that their Law was compiled by 〈◊〉 , with the help of Sergius the Monk ( and thence this superstition is named Mahometanism ) whose infamous life is recorded so particularly in many other Books , that it were too obvions to be repeated here : and therefore we shall insist , and take a view of the Rites , Doctrines and Laws of the Turkish Religion , which is founded in three Books , which may not improperly be called the Codes and Pandects of the 〈◊〉 constitutions . The first is the Alchoran ; the second , the consent or testimony of Wisemen , called the Assonah , or the traditions of the Prophets ; and the third , the inferences or deductions of one thing from another . Mahomet wrote the Alchoran , and prescribed some Laws for the Civil Government : the other additions or superstructures were composed by their Doctors that succeeded , which were Ebbubecher , Omar , Ozman and Haly ; the 〈◊〉 of Babylon and Egypt , were other Doctors and Expositors of their Law , whose sentences and positions were of Divine Authority amongst them ; but their esteem of being oraculous failing with their temporal power , that Dignity and Authority of infallible determinations , was by force of the Sword transferred to the Turkish Mufti . And though there is great diversity amongst the Doctors , as touching the explication of their Law ; yet he is esteemed a true Believer , who observes these five Articles or Fundamentals of the Law , to which every true Turk is obliged . The first is , cleanness in the outward parts of their body and garments . Secondly , to make Prayers five times a day . Thirdly , to observe the Ramazan or Monethly Fast. Fourthly , to perform faithfully the Zekat , or giving of Alms according to the proportion prescribed in a certain Book , wrote by the four Doctors of theirs , called Asan , Embela , &c. Fifthly , to make their Pilgrimage to Mecha , if they have means and possibility to perform it . But the Article of Faith required to be believed is but one , viz. that there is but one God , and Mahomet his Prophet . Other Rites , as Circumcision , observation of Friday for a day of Devotion , abstinence from Swines flesh , and from bloud , are not reckoned ( as they say ) amongst the five principal points , because they are enjoyned as tryals and proofs of a mans obedience to the more necessary Law. CHAP. II. The Toleration that Mahometanism in its Infancy promised to other Religions ; and in what manner that agreement was afterwards observed . WHen Mahometanism was first weak , and therefore put on a modest Countenance and plausible Aspect to deceive mankind , it found a great part of the World illuminated with Christianity , endued with active Graces , 〈◊〉 and Devotion , and established within it self with purity of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and firm profession of the Faith , though greatly shaken by the Horesies of Arrius and Nestorius ; yet it began to be guarded not only with its patience , long-suffering and hope , but also with the Fortifications , Arms and Protection of Emperors and Kings : so that Mahometanism coming then on the disadvantage , and having a hard game to play , either by the lustre of graces , and good examples of a strict life to out-shine Christianity ; or by a looseness and indulgence to corrupt manners , to pervert men dedicated to Gods service ; or by cruelty or menaces to gain those who accounted Martyrdom their greatest glory , and were now also defended by the power of their own Princes ; judges it best policy to make proffers of truce and peace between the Christian and its own profession : and therefore in all places where its arms were prevalent and prosperous , proclaimed a free toleration to all Religions ; but especially in outward appearance , courted and favoured the Christian , drawing its Tenents and Doctrines in some conformity to that rule , confessing Christ to be a Prophet , and greater then Moses ; that he was born of a Virgin ; that Mary conceived by the smell of a Rose ; that the blessed Virgin was free from original sin , and the temptations of the Devil ; that Christ was the Word of God , and is so styled in the Alchoran , and cured diseases , raised the dead , and worked many miracles ; and by his power , his Disciples did the like : and I have heard some speak of him with much reverence , and with heat to deny Christs passion ; saying , it were an impiety to believe that God who loved , and had conferred so much power , and so many graces on Christ , should so far dishonour him , as to deliver him into the hands of the Jews , who were the worst and most scorned of men ; or to the death of the Cross , which was the most infamous and vile of all punishments . In this manner they seemed to make a league with Christianity , to be charitable , modest , and well wishers to its professors ; and Mahomet himself says in his Alchoran thus : O Infidels , I do not adore what you adore , and you do not adore what I worship ; observe you your law , and I will observe mine : And for a farther assurance of his toleration of Christianity , and evidence to the world , that his intention was neither to persecute nor extirpate their Religion ; he made this following Compact , the original of which was found in the Monastery of Fryars on Mount Carmel , neer Mount Libanus ( which is within one days journey of Mecha , and is the place where the Mahometan Pilgrims make their Corban or Sacrifice before they enter that City , as we shall hereafter have occasion to speak of more at large ) and , as it is said , was transported to the Kings Library in France ; which because it is ancient , and of curiosity , it will not be impertinent to be inserted here . Mahomet sent from God to teach mankind , and declare the Divine Commission in truth , wrote these things . That the cause of Christian Religion determined by God , might remain in all parts of the East , and of the West , as well amongst the inhabitants , as strangers , neer and remote , known , and unknown : to all these people I leave this present writing , as an inviolable league , as a decision of all farther controversies , and a law whereby justice is declared , and strict observance enjoyned . Therefore , whosoever of the Mosselmans Faith shall neglect to perform these things , and violate this league , and after the manner of Infidels break it , and transgress what I command herein , he breaks the Compact of God , resists his agreement , and contemns his Testament , whether he be a King , or any other of the faithful . By this agreement , whereby I have obliged my self , and which the Christians have required of me , and in my Name , and in the name of all my Disciples , to enter into a Covenant of God with them , and League and Testament of the Prophets , Apostles elect , and faithful Saints , and blessed of times past and to come . By this Covenant , I say , and Testament of mine ( which I will have maintained with as much Religion , as a Prophet Missionary , or as an Angel next to the Divine Majesty , is strict in his obedience towards God , and in observance to his Law and Covenant ) I promise to defend their Judges in my Provinces , with my Horse and Foot , Auxiliaries , and other my faithful followers ; and to preserve them from their enemies , whether remote or neer , and secure them both in peace and war : and to protect their Churches , Temples , Oratories , Monasteries , and places of Pilgrimage , wheresoever scituated , whether in Mountain or Valley , Cavern or House , a Plain , or upon the Sand , or in what sort of edifice soever : also to preserve their Religion and their goods in what part soever they are , whether at Land or Sea , East or West , even as I keep my self and my Scepter , and the faithful believers of my own people . Likewise , to receive them into my protection from all harm , vexation , offence and hurt . Moreover , to repel those enemies which are offensive to them and me , and stoutly to oppose them both in my own person , by my servants , and all others of my people and Nation . For since I am set over them , I ought to preserve and defend them from all adversity , and that no evil touch them before it first afflict mine , who labour in the same work . I promise farther to free them from those burthens which confederates suffer , either by lones of mony or impositions ; so that they shall be obliged to pay nothing but what they please , and no molestation or injury shall be offered them herein . A Bishop shall not be removed from his Diocess , or a Christian compelled to renounce his faith , or a Monk his profession , or a Pilgrim disturbed in his Pilgrimage , or a Religious man in his Cell : Nor shall their Churches be destroyed , or converted into Mosques : for whosoever doth so break this Covenant of God , opposes the Messenger of God , and frustrates the Divine Testament . No imposition shall be laid upon Fryars or Bishops , nor any of them who are not lyable to Taxes , unless it be with their own consent . And the Tax which shall be required from rich Merchants , and from Fishermen of their Pearl , from Miners of their Precious Stones , Gold and Silver ; and all other rich and opulent Christians , shall not exceed above 12 shillings yearly ; and it shall also be from them who are constant inhabitants of the place , and not from Travellers , and Men of an uncertain aboad ; for they shall not be subject to impositions or contributions , unless they are possessors of inheritance of Land or Estate ; for he which is lawfully subject to pay mony to the Emperour , shall pay as much as another , and not more ; nor more required from him , above his faculty and strength . In like manner , he that is taxed for his Land , Houses or Revenue , shall not be burthened immoderately , nor oppressed with greater Taxes then any others that pay contribution : Nor shall the confederates be obliged to go to War with the Mosselmans against their enemies , either to fight or discover their Armies , because it is not of duty to a confederate , to be employed in Military affairs ; but rather this Compact is made with them , that they may be the less oppressed ; but rather the Mosselmans shall watch , and 〈◊〉 and defend them : And therefore , that they be not compelled to go forth to fight , or encounter the enemy , or find Horse or Arms , unless they voluntarily furnish them ; and he who shall thus willingly contribute , shall be recompensed and rewarded . No Mosselman shall infest the Christians , nor contend with them in any thing but in kindness , but treat them with all courtesie , and abstain from all oppression or violence towards them . If any Christian commit a crime or fault , it shall be the part of the Mosselman to assist him , intercede and give caution for him , and compound for his miscarriage ; liberty shall also be given him to redeem his life , nor shall he be forsaken , nor be destitute of help , because of the Divine Covenant which is with them , that they should enjoy what the Mosselmans enjoy , and suffer what they suffer : and on the other side , that the Mosselmans enjoy what they enjoy , and suffer what they suffer . And according to this Covenant , which is by the Christians just request , and according to that endeavour which is so required for confirmation of its Authority , you are obliged to protect them from all calamity , and perform all offices of good will towards them , so that the Mosselmans may be sharers with them in prosperity and adversity . Moreover , all care ought to be had , that no violence be offered to them , as to matters relating to marriage , viz. That they compel not the Parents to match their Daughters with Mosselmans : Nor shall they be molested for refusal , either to give a Bridegroom or a Bride ; for this is an act wholly voluntary , depending on their free-well and pleasure . But if it happen that a Christian Woman shall joyn with a Mosselman , he is obliged to give her liberty of conscience in her Religion , that she may obey her Ghostly Father , and be instructed in the Doctrines of her Faith without impediment ; therefore he shall not disquiet her , either by threatning divorce , or by sollicitations to forsake her Faith : but is he shall be contrary hereunto , and molest her herein , he despises the Covenant of God , rebels against the Compact of the Messenger of God , and is entred into the number of lyars . Moreover , when Christians would repair their Churches or Convents , or any thing else appertaining unto their Worship , and have need of the liberality and assistance of the Mosselmans hereunto , they ought to contribute , and freely to bestow according to their ability ; not with intention to receive it again , but gratis ; and as a good will towards their Faith , and to fulfil the Covenant of the Messenger of God , considering the obligation they have to perform the Covenant of God , and the compact of the Messenger of God. Nor shall they oppress any of them living amongst the Mosselmans , nor hate them , nor compel them to carry Letters , or shew the way , or any other manner force them : for he which exercises any manner of this Tyranny against them , is an oppressor , and an adversary to the Messenger of God , and refractory to his Precepts . These are the Covenants agreed between Mahomet the Messenger of God , and Christians . But the conditions on which I bind these Covenants on their Consciences , are these : That no Christian give any entertainment to a Souldier , enemy to the Mosselmans , or receive him in his house publickly or privately ; that they receive none of the enemies of the Mosselmans , as sojourners into their 〈◊〉 Churches or religious Convents ; nor under-hand furnish the Camp of their enemies with Arms , Horse , Men , or maintain any intercourse or correspendence with them , by contracts or writing ; but betaking themselves to some certain place of abode , shall attend to the preservation of themselves , and to the defence of their Religion . To any Mosselman and his Beasts , they shall give three days entertainment with variety of Meat ; and moreover , shall endeavour to defend them from all misfortune and trouble ; so that if any Mosselman shall be desirous , or be compelled to conceal himself in any of their houses or habitations , they shall friendly hide him , and deliver him from the danger he is in , and not betray him to his enemy : and in this manner the Christians performing Faith on their side , whosoever violates any of these conditions , and doth contrarily , shall be deprived of the benefits contained in the Covenant of God and his Messenger ; nor shall he deserve to enjoy these priviledges indulged to Bishops and Christian Monks , and to the believers of the contents of the Alchoran . Wherefore I do conjure my people by God and his Prophet to maintain these things faithfully , and fulfil them , in what part soever of the world they are . And the Messenger of God shall recompence them for the same ; the perpetual observation of which he seriously recommends to them , until the day of judgement , and dissolution of the world . Of these conditions which Mahomet the Messenger of God hath agreed with the Christians , and hath enjoyned , the witnesses were Abu-Bacre Assadiqu , Omar ben-alcharab . Ithman ben Afaw , Ati ben abi-taleb , with a number of 〈◊〉 ; the Secretary was Moavia ben abi So fian , a Souldier of the Messenger of God , the last day of the Moon of the fourth Month , the fourth year of Hegira in Medina . May God remunerate those who are witnesses to this writing . Praise be to God the Lord of all creatures . This Covenant or Articles with Christians ( howsoever denyed by the Turks to have been the act and agreement of Mahomet ) is yet by very good Authors taken for real , and to have been at that time confirmed when his Kingdom was weak , and in its infancy , and when he Warred with the Arabians : and fearing likewise the enmity of the Christians ( not to be assaulted by two enemies at once ) secured himself by this religious League , made in the Monastery of Fryars , in Mount Carmel , from whence that strict Order have their denomination . But mark how well Mahomet in the sequel observed this Law : As soon as his Government increased , and that by Arms and bad Arts he had secured his Kingdom , he writes his Chapter of the Sword , called so perhaps because the first words of it are often engraved on the Turks Cymeters made at Damascus , and on their Bucklers and other sorts of Arms : And another Chapter in the Alchoran , called the Chapter of Battel ( which is always read by the Turks before they go to fight ) and therein his modests words ( if you adore not what I adore , let your Religion be to you , and mine to me ) and other promises of toleration and indulgence to the Christian Religion , were changed to a harsher note ; and his Edicts were then for bloud and ruine , and enslavement of Christians : When you meet with Infidels , saith he , cut off their heads , kill them , take them prisoners , bind them , until either you think fit to give them liberty , or pay their ransom ; and forbear not to persecute them , until they have laid down their Arms and submitted . And this is that sort of toleration the Turks give to the Christian Religion ; they know they cannot force mens Wills , nor captivate their Consciences , as well as their bodies ; but what means may be used to render them contemptible , to make them poor , their lives uncomfortable , and the interest of their Religion weak and despicable , are practised with divers Arts and Tyranny , that their toleration of Christianity is rather to afflict and persecute it , then any grant of favour or dispensation . The Mahometan Religion tolerates Christian Churches and Houses of Devotion , in places where they have been anciently founded , but admits not of holy Buildings on new foundations ; they may repair the old Coverings and Roofs , but cannot lay a stone in a new place Consecrated to Divine Service ; nor if Fire , or any accident destroy the Superstructure , may a new strength be added to the foundation , wherewith to under-prop it for another Building ; so that at last the Christian Churches in those Dominions must necessarily come to ruine , as many already have submitted to the common fate of time . And as it happened in the great and notable Fires of Galata first , and then of Constantinople , in the year 1660 , that many of the Christian Churches and Chappels were brought to Ashes ; and afterwards by the Piety and Zeal of Christians scarce re-edified , before by publick order they were thrown down again into their former heaps , being adjudged contrary to the Turkish Law , to permit Churches again to be restored , of which no more remained then the meer foundation . CHAP. III. The Arts wherewith the Turkish Religion is propagated . THe Turks , though they offer the specious out-side of the foregoing toleration , yet by their Law are Authorized to enforce mens consciences to the profession of their Faith ; and that is done by various arts and niceties of Religion : For if a man turn Turk , his Children under the age of fourteen years , though Educated with other principles , must be forced to the same perswasion . Men that speak against the Mahometan Law , that have rashly promised at a time of distraction or drunkenness to become Turks , or have had carnal knowledge of a Turkish Woman , must either become Martyrs or Apostates ; besides many other subtilties they have to entrap the souls of Christians within the entanglements of their Law. It is another Policie wherewith the Mahometan Sect hath been encreased , the accounting it a principle of Religion , not to deliver a City or Fortress by consent or voluntary surrender , where Mosques have been once built , and Mahometanism professed . And therefore the Turk no sooner enters a Town by Conquest , but immediately lays foundations for his Temples , thereby imposing an obligation of an obstinate and constant resolution on the conscience of the defendants , which many times hath been found to have been more forcible and prevalent on the spirits of men , then all the terrors and miseries of Famine , Sword or other calamities . It is well enough known upon what different interests Christianity and Mahometanism were introduced into the world ; the first had no other enforcements , then the perswasions and Sermons of a few poor Fishermen , verified with Miracles , Signs and inspiration of the holy Ghost ; carrying before it the promises of another life , and considerations of a glorified spirituality in a state of separation ; but the way to it was obstructed with the opposition of Emperours and Kings , with scorn and contempt , with persecution and death ; and this was all the encouragement proposed to mankind to embrace this Faith : But Mahometanism made its way with the Sword ; what knots of Argument he could not unty , he cut , and made his spiritual power as large as his temporal ; made his precepts easie and pleasant , and acceptable to the fancy and appetite , as well as to the capacity of the vulgar : representing heaven to them , not in a spiritual manner , or with delights unexpressible , and ravishments known only in part to illuminated souls ; but with gross conceptions of the beauty of Women with great eyes , of the duration of one act of carnal copulation for the space of sixty years , and of the beastly satisfaction of 〈◊〉 glottonous palate ; things absurd and ridiculous to wise and knowing men ; but yet capable to draw multitudes of professors , and carnal defenders of its verity . And this Doctrine being irrational to the better sort of judgements , causes the Lawyers , who are men of the subtilest capacities amongst the Turks , to mistrust much of the truth of the Doctrine of Mahomet ; especially the assertions relating to the condition of the other life . For the representation of the delights of the next world , in a corporeal and sensual manner , being inconsistent with their reason , leads them to doubt the truth of that point ; and so wavering with one scruple , proceed to a mistrust of the whole system of the Mahometans faith . One would think that in such men a way were prepared for the entertainment of a Religion , erected on more solid principles and foundations ; and that the Jews might gain such Proselytes to their Law , from which a great part of the Mahometan superstition was borrowed ; or that the Christians might take advantage in so well-disposed subjects , to produce something of the Mysterie of Godliness : But the first are a people so 〈◊〉 to scorn and contempt , esteemed by the Turks to be the scum of the world , and the worst of men ; that it is not probable their Doctrine can gain a reputation with those , to whom their very persons and bloud are vile and detestable ; nor is it likely the Christians will ever be received by them with greater Authority , and more favourable inclination , until they acquit themselves of the scandal of Idolatry , which the Images and Pictures in their Churches seem to accusethem of in the eyes and judgement of the Turks , who are not versed in the subtile distinctions of Schoolmen , in the limitations and restrictions of that worship , and the evasions of their Doctors , matters not only sufficient to puzzle and distract the gross heads of Turks , but to strain the wits of learned Christians to clear them from that imputation . But to return to our purpose . The propagation of the Mahometan faith having been promoted wholy by the Sword ; that perswasion and principle in their Catechism , that the souls of those who die in the Wars against the Christians , without the help of previous acts of performance of their Law , or other works , are immediately transported to Paradise , must necessarily whet the Swords and raise the spirits of the Souldiers ; which is the reason that such Multitudes of them ( as we read in History ) run evidently to their own slaughter , esteeming their lives and bodies at no greater price then the value of stones and rubbish to fill Rivulets and Ditches , that they may but erect a Bridge or passage for their fellows to assault their enemies . The success of the Mahometan arms produced another argument for the confirmation of their faith , and made it a principle ; That whatsoever prospers , hath God for the Author ; and by how much more successeful have been their Wars , by so much the more hath God been an owner of their cause and Religion . And the same argument ( if I am not mistaken ) in the times of the late Rebellion in England , was made use of by many , to intitle God to their cause , and make him the Author of their thriving 〈◊〉 , because their wickedness prospered , and could trample on all holy and humane rights with impunity . And I have known that the Romanists have judged the afflictions and almost subversion of the Church of England , to be a token of Gods desertion and disclaim of her profession , forgetting the Persecutions and Martyrdoms of the Primitive Saints , and that the Church of God is built in sorrow and established with patience and passive graces ; but these men rather then want an argument , their malice will use the weapons of Infidels to oppugn the truth . And on this ground , the Turks so horribly detest and abhor the Jews , calling them the forsaken of God , because they are Vagabonds over all the world , and have no Temporal Authority to protect them : And though according to the best enquiry I could make , that report is not true , That they permit not a Jew to become a Turk , but by turning a Christian first , as a nearer step and previous disposition to the Mussulman , saith ; yet it is certain they will not receive the Corps of a Renegado Jew into their Cymetaries or places of burial ; and the Jews on the other side disowning any share or part in him , his loathed Carcass is thrown into some Grave distant from other Sepulchers , as unworthy the Society of all mankind . CHAP. IV. The power and office of the Mufti 's , and of their Government in Religious Matters . THe Mufti is the principal head of the Mahometan Religion or Oracle of all doubtful questions in the Law , and is a person of great esteem and reverence amongst the Turks ; his election is soly in the Grand Signior , who chuses a man to that office always famous for his Learning in the Law , and eminent for his vertues and strictness of life ; his Authority is so great amongst them , that when he passes judgment or determination in any point , the Grand Signior himself will in no wise contradict or oppose it . His power is not compulsory , but only resolving and perswasive in matters both Civil and Criminal , and of State : his manner of resolves is by writing ; the question being first stated in Paper briefly and succinctly , he underneath subscribes his sentence by Yes , or No , or in in some other short determination called a 〈◊〉 , with addition of these words , God knows better ; by which it is apparent that the determinations of the 〈◊〉 are not esteemed infallible . This being brought to the Cadee or Judge , his judgment is certainly regulated according thereunto , and Law Suits of the greatest moment concluded in an hour , without Arrests of judgment , appeals , or other dilatory Arts of the Law. In matters of State the Sultan demands his opinion , whether it be in condemnation of any great man to death , or in making War or Peace , or other important affairs of the Empire ; 〈◊〉 to appear the more just and religious , or to 〈◊〉 the people more willingly to obedience . And this practice is used in 〈◊〉 of greatest moment ; scarce a Visier is proscribed , or a Pashaw for pretence of crime displaced , or any matter of great alteration or change designed ; but the Grand Signior arms himself with the 〈◊〉 sentence ; for the nature of man reposes more security in innocence and actions of justice , then in the absolute and uncontrouleable power of the Sword. And the Grand Signior , though he himself is above the Law , and is the Oracle and Fountain of Justice , yet it is seldome that he proceeds so irregularly to contemn that Authority wherein their Religion hath placed an ultimate power of decision in all their controversies . But sometimes perhaps Quaeries are sent from the Grand Signior to the Mufti , which he cannot resolve with satisfaction of his own conscience , and the ends of the Sultan ; by which means affairs important to the well being of the State , meet delays and impediment ; In this case the Mufti is fairly dismissed from his infallible office , and another Oracle introduced , who may resolve the difficult demands with a more favourable sentence ; if not , he is degraded like the former , and so the next , untill one is found apt to prophesie according to what may best agree with the interest of his Master . This Office was in past-times esteemed more sacred by the Ottoman Princes then at present ; for no War was undertaken , or great Enterprize set on foot , but first like the Oracle or Augur , his determination with great reverence was required as that without which no blessing or success could be expected ; but in these dayes they are more remiss in this manner of consultation ; sometimes it is done for formality ; but most commonly the Prime Visier conceited of his own judgment and Authority assumes the power to himself , and perhaps first does the thing , and afterwards demands the approbation of it by the sence of the Law. And herein the Mufti hath a spacious Field for his Interpretations ; for it is agreed that their Law is temporary , and admits of expositions according to times and state of things : And though they preach to the people the perfection of their Alchoran ; yet the wiser men hold , that the Mufti hath an expository power of the Law to improve and better it , according to the state of things , times and conveniencies of the Empire ; for that their Law was never designed to be a clog or confinement to the propagation of Faith , but an advancement thereof , and therefore to be interpreted in the largest and farthest fetched sense , when the strict words will not reach the design intended . So it was once propounded to the Mufti , what rule should be observed in the devotion of a Turk carryed Salve into the Northern parts of the world , where in Winter is but one hour of day , how he might possibly comply with his obligation of making prayers five times within the twenty four hours ; viz. Morning , Noon , Afternoon , Sunset , and at an hour and half in the Night ; when the whole day being but of one hour admitted of none of these distinctions ; for resolution of which , the Mufti answered , that God commanded not things difficult as it is in the Alchoran , and that matters ought to be ordered in conformity to time and place , and making short prayers once before day , then twice in the hour of light , and twice after it is dark , the duty is complyed with . Another question of the same nature was proposed to the Mufti , concerning the Kiblah or holy place of Mecha , to which they are obliged to turn their faces in their prayers ; how at Sea where they had no mark , especially such bad Geographers as commonly the Turks are , it is possible to comply with that necessary formality required in their devotion ; the Mufti resolved this doubt almost like the former , prescribing a kind of circular motion in prayers , by which means they cannot miss of having at some time their faces towards the Holy City , which in a case of so much difficulty is a sufficient compliance with the duty . Many cases of this nature are proposed to the Mufti ; and many particular rules of 〈◊〉 required , one of which is remarkable , that Busbequius relates , that occurred in his time during the Wars between the Emperour of Germany , and Sultan Solyman : whether a few Christians taken Captives by the Grand Signior , might be exchanged with many Turks in the hand of the Emperour . It seems the Mufti was greatly perplexed and puzzeled in the resolution ; for sometimes it seemed a disesteem to the value of a Turk to be rated under the price of a Christian ; on the other side , it appeared want of charity and care of the interest of the Mosselmans to neglect real terms of advantage on such aery and subtle points of formality . In fine he consulted his Books , and declared that he found two different Authors of great authority of contradictory opinions in this controversie ; and therefore his Judgement was to incline to that which had most of favour & mercy in it . The Mufti whilst qualified with that title , is rarely put to death , but first degraded , and then becomes liable to the stroak of the Executioner ; but in cases of notorious crimes or conviction of Treason , he is put into a Mortar for that intent remaining in the Prison called the seven Towers at 〈◊〉 , and therein beaten to death , and brayed to the breaking and contusion of all his bones and flesh . The next office to the Mufti is Kadeleschere or Judge of the Militia , otherwise Judge Advocate , who hath yet power of determination in any other Law Suits whatsorver ; for this priviledge the Souldiery of this Country enjoys , to have a power extensive over all other conditions of people , but to be only subject themselves to the Government of their own Officers ; this office a Mufti must necessarily pass through , and discharge with approbation before he ascends the top and height of his Preferment . The next inferiour degree is a Mollah ; and these are of two sorts , one of three hundred Aspers , and the other of five hundred Aspers , so called for distinction sake ; the first sort are principal Judges in petty Provinces , containing under them the command of Kadees of poor and inconsiderable places ; the others have their jurisdiction over the whole dominion of a Beglerbeg , and have the Kadees of several rich and renowned places under their Government : these rise often to the 〈◊〉 office , but proceed by several 〈◊〉 and steps , and must first gradually command where the Imperial Seats have been , as first to be Mollah in Prusa , then in 〈◊〉 , and lastly in Constantinople , at which time he is next to the office of Kadeleschere , and thence to that of the Mufti . These and Kadees which are the lower and ordinary sort of Judges are as much to be reckoned in the number of religious men as the 〈◊〉 himself ; for as I have said before , the Civil Law of the Turk is conceived by them to be derived from their Prophet , and the other Expositors of their Law with as much engagement and obligation as these which immediately concern the Divine Worship ; and therefore are to be treated and handled together . The Emoums or Parochial Priests , must be able to read in the Alchoran , and be counted men of good fame and moral lives amongst their neighbours , before they can be promoted to this Function , and must be one of those who have learned at the appointed times of prayer to call the people together on the top of the Steeple , by repeating those words , Allah ekber , Allah ekber , Eschedu 〈◊〉 Ilahe ilaliah we eschedu 〈◊〉 Muhammed 〈◊〉 : cuan Fleie ala Selah heie ala Felah Allah ekber , allah ekber , la Ilahe ilallah ; that is , God is great , God is great , I profess that there is no Diety but God , and confess that Mahomet is the Prophet of God ; in this manner the people of a Parish recommending any one to the Prime Visier , declaring that the former Emaum is dead , and the office Vacant , and that this person is qualified in all points to the Function , or better and more knowing then the present Incumbent ; he receives immediate induction and establishment in the place ; but for better proof or tryal of the truth of the testimony that accompanies him , he is enjoyned to read in presence of the Visier some part of the Alchoran , which being done , he is dismissed and approved , and takes the Visiers 〈◊〉 or Mandamus for the place . This is all the Ceremony required in making an Emaum ; 〈◊〉 there is no new Character or state of Priest-hood ( as they hold ) conferred upon them , nor are they a different sort distinguished from the people by holy Orders or Rites , but meerly by the present office they mannage ; when being displaced , they are again numbred with the layetie : their habit is nothing different from others , but onely that they wear a larger Turbant like the Lawyers , with some little varity in folding it up , and put on a grave and serious countenance . Their office is to call the people to prayers , and at due hours to be their leader into the Mosque , and to read and repeat upon Fridayes certain Sentences or Verses out of the Alchoran ; few of them adventure to Preach , unless he be well conceited or really well gifted , but leave that office to the 〈◊〉 , or him that makes Preaching his Profession , who is 〈◊〉 commonly that passes his time in the Convents , that we shall hereafter treat . The 〈◊〉 hath no jurisdiction over the Emaums , as to the good order or Government of the Parishes , nor is there any Superiority or Hierarchie as to rule amongst them ; every one being Independent and without controul in his own Parish , excepting his subjection in Civil and Criminal Causes to the chief Magistrates , and considering the manner of their designation to the Religious office , the little difference between the Clergy and the Layetie , and the manner of their single Government in Parochial Congregations , may not unaptly seem to square with the Independency in England , from which original pattern and example our Sectaries and Phanatick Reformers appear to have drawn their Coppy . The Church-men and Lawyers are greatly in esteem amongst them , as is apparent by the Title they use towards them in their writings and commands , directed to them in this manner ; You that are the glory of the Judges and Sage men , the profound Mines of Eloquence and Excellence , may your Wisedom and Ability be augumented . CHAP. V. Of the Mufti 's Revenue , and from whence it doth arise . AFter the 〈◊〉 is Elected , there is no Ceremony used in his Investiture then this : he presents himself before the Grand Signior , who Cloaths him with a Vest of rich Sables of a thousand Dollars price , and a thousand more 〈◊〉 presents him with in Gold made up in a Handkercheif , which he delivers with his own hand , putting it in the fold of his under Garment doubled over his breast , and bestows on him a Salary of two thousand Aspers a day , which is about five pound Sterling mony ; besides which he hath no certain Revenue , unless it be the power of Preferment to some Prebendaries or Benefices of certain Royal Mosques , which he sells and disposes of as is best to his advantage without the scruple of corruption or Simony . By the sentences he gives which they call Fetfas , he receives not one Asper benefit ; though every Fetfa costs eight Aspers , yet the Fee thereof goes to his Officers ; that is , to his 〈◊〉 , or he who states the question , is paid five Aspers ; to his Mumeiz , or he who Copies or transcribes the question fair , two Aspers ; to him that keeps the Seal , one Asper . Other benefits the Mufti hath little , excepting only that at his first entrance to his office , he is saluted by all Embassadours and Residents for foraign Princes ; as also the Agents of several Pashaws residing at the Port , none of which come empty handed , but offer their accustomed presents , by which he collects at least fifty thousand Dollars . When any Mufti is deprived of his Office without any other motive then the pleasure of the Grand Signior , he is gratified with an Arpalik , which is the disposal of some judical Preferments in certain Provinces and the superintendency of them , from which he gathers a competent Revenue for his maintenance . And because he is a Person whose advice and Councel is of great Authority with the Grand Signior and Visier , and that his word and candid report of matters is considerable , and his favour in sentences very estimable ; he is therefore courted by all the Grandees of the Empire , who know no other way of reconciling and purchasing the affection of a Turk , then by force of presents , which have more of power in them , then all other obligations or merits in the world . CHAP. VI. Of the Emirs . Emir Bashee or Head of Mahomets Kindrad WE may here bring in the Emirs , otherwise called Eulad Resul , into the number of the Religious men , because they are of the race of Mahomet , who for distinction sake , wear about their heads Turbants of a deep Sea-green which is the Colours of their Prophet ; out of reverence to his esteemed holy blood , many priviledges are indulged by the secular Authority , that they cannot be vilified , affronted or strook by a Turk upon forfeiture of his right hand ; but least they should be licentious by his impunity , they have a chief Head or Superiour amongst them called Nakib Eschref , who hath his Serjeants or Officers under him , and is endued with so absolute a power over them , that as he pleases it extends both to Life and Death ; but he never will give the scandal to this holy seed to execute or punish them publickly . And though few of them can derive his Genealogie clearly from 〈◊〉 ; yet those who can but only pretend to it , are often helped out in their Pedigree ; as often as the Nakib desires to favour any Person , or can have any colour to acquire a new subject ; and then to clear all scruple from the world , he gives him a Tree of his linage and descent . The 〈◊〉 being well acquainted with this abuse , carry the less respect to the whole Generation ; so that as often as they find any of them drunk or disordered , they make no scruple to take off their Green Turbants first , Kissing them and laying them aside with all Reverence , and afterwards beat them without respect or Mercy . Their second Officer is called Alemdar , who carries the Green Flag of Mahomet , when the Grand Signior appears with any solemnity in publick , they are capable of any offices ; few of them exercise any Trade , unless that which is 〈◊〉 , or one who deals in Slaves , to which sort of Traffick this Sainted off-spring is greatly addicted , as being a holy profession to captivate and enslave Christians . These are the most abominable Sodomites and abusers of Masculine youth in the world , in which sin against nature they exceed the foulness and detestable lust of a 〈◊〉 . CHAP. VII . Of the endowments of Royal Mosches , and in what manner Tithes are given for Maintenance of their Priests and Religion . An Emaum or Parish Priest of one of the Royall Mosehs THe Turks are very Magnificent in their Mosches , and Edifices erected to the honour and service of God , and not only in the Buildings , but in the endowments of them , with a Revenue which Records the Memory of the Donor to all Posterity , and relieves many poor who daily repeat prayers for the souls of such who dyed with a perswasion that they have need of them after their decease ; for those I say who dye of that belief , for the condition of the soul , untill the day of judgement is controverted amongst the Turks , and the question not decided as a matter of faith , or as revealed or determined by the Alchoran . For so large benevolence is given to places destined to Gods service , that as some compute , one third of the Lands of the whole Empire are alloted and set out to a holy use ; much to the shame of those who pretend to the name of Christians , and yet judge the smallest proportion to be too large a competence for those who serve at the 〈◊〉 . The principal Muschs and those of richest endowment ( as in all reason ought ) are those of Royal Foundations , called in Turkish , Selatin Giameleri ; over which the Prime Superintendent is the Kuzlir Aga , or the chief Black Eunuck of the Sultans Woman ; and in his power it is to distribute all considerable offices of Ecclesiastical Preferment relating to the Royal Moschs , which office makes a considerable addition to his other power and Revenue : for there are many of those Moschs in divers places of the Empire ; but especially where the Sultans do or have resided as Prusa , Adrianople and Constantinople . The Royal Moschs of Constantinople are Santa Sophia , Sultan Mahomet , who Conquered this City . Sultan Bajazet , Sultan Selin , Sultan Soylman , Schezade or the Son of Sultan Soylman , Sultan Ahmet , and three other Moschs built by the Queen Mothers , one of which was lately erected and richly indowed by the Mother of this present Sultan . I shall scarce adventure to acquaint my Reader with the particular Revenue belonging to all these Royal Edifices ; but certain it is they have Rents as noble and splendid as their Founders ; for example of which , I shall instance only in that of Santa Sophia , built by Justinian the Emperour , and re-built by Theodosius , and was the Metropolis of old Bizantium , and the Mother Church belonging to the Patriarchal See of Greece , is still conserved sacred and separated for use of Divine Service ; of the Revenue of which Mahometan Barbarism and Superstition hath made no Sacrilegious Robbery , but maintained and improved and added to it , in that manner that the in-come may equal any Religious foundation of Christendom ; for when I had the curosity of procuring from the Registers of that Church , distinctly all the particular Gifts , Benefices , Lands , Monies at interest , and other endowments belonging thereunto , and offered according to my ability some thing considerable , to have a true Copy of the riches and annual Rent of the place ; the Keepers of those Lists would perswade me ( whether out of ostentation , or scruple of sin to make one of my faith acquainted with the particulars of their Religious offerings ) that the Wealth , rent and account of all those Royal endowments are so many , that as they are distinctly set down , fill a Volume , and the knowledge of them is the study alone of those who are designed to this service : but in general I am given to understand , by those who magnifie not matters beyond their due computation : That the Revenue amounts to about one hundred thousand Zechins a year ; which proceeds not from any Lands or Duties raised without the Walls of the City , but all from within ; the Sultan himself being a Tenant to that place , paying or acknowledging a Rent of one thousand and one Aspers a day for the ground on which the Seraglio stands on , being in times of the Christian Emperours some part of the Sanctuary or Gardens dedicated to the use of that stately Temple , which the Turks esteemed Sacrilegious to separate entirely from the holy Service to which it was assigned ; though the admirable situation thereof rendred it unfit for other habitation , then the enjoyment of the Sultan ; did therefore think fit to oblige the Land to a Rent , adding the odde Asper as a signification , that the thousand Aspers were not a sufficient consideration for the use of the Church Lands ; and might therefore be augmented as the piety and devotion of succeeding Emperours should move them . It is reported by the Turks , that Constantinople was taken upon a Wednesday ; and that on the Friday following ( which is their Sunday or Sabbath as we may call it ) the victorious Sultan then first entituled Emperour , went with all Magnificent Pomp and Solemnity to pay his Thansgiving and Devotions at the Church of Sancta Sophia ; the Magnificence of which so pleased him , that he immediately added a yearly Rent of 10000 Zechins to the former endowments ; for the maintenance of Imams or Priests , Doctors of their Law , Talismans and others , who continually attend there for the Education of youth , teaching them to read and write , instructing them also in the principles of their Law and Religion . Other Emperours have since that time , errected near unto it their Turbe or Chappels of burial , in one of which lies Sultan Selim , Surnamed Sarhose , or the drunken , with his hundred Children ; and therewith have conferred a maintenance of Oyl for Lamps and Candles which burn day and night , and a provision for those who attend there in prayer for their souls departed ; to which opinion the Turks ( as I have said already ) are generally inclinable , though not preached or inforced on any mans belief as an Article of Faith. Over and above this expence , there is daily provision made for relief of a multitude of poor , who at certain hours appear at the Gates of this Temple , and receive their daily sustenance ; whatsoever advances as yearly great summes are laid up in the Treasury , is numbred with the riches of the Mosch , and remains for the service of that place , as for the reparation , or building thereof , in case of fire or other accidents . Besides the sumptuous Edifices of the body of the Royal Moschs , there are annexed unto them certain Colledges for Students in the Law called Tehmele , out-houses for Kitchins , where the poors Meat is dressed , Hospitals called Timarhanelar , Hans , or Houses of Lodging for Strangers or Travellers , publick Fountains , shops for Artizans , and whole Streets of low Cottages for habitation of the poor , whose stock reaches not to a higher Rent . All these appendages bring some Revenue to the Mosch , which is constantly paid in to the Rector or President thereof , called Mutevelli ; but because this is not a sufficient maintenance , there are divers Lands , Villages , Mountains , Woods and whole Countries assigned to this use called Wakfi , which are hired out at certain Rents for the behoof and benefit of the Moschs ; some rents being paid in Corn , others in Oyl , and all sorts of Provisions ; and out of every new Conquered Country , some part thereof is assigned to the use of Moschs of modern Fabrick ; as now from the Country gained lately about Newhausell ( which as I am informed from those who gave in the account to the Grand Signior , there are two thousand Villages which pay Contribution to the Turk ) are assigned certain Lands for encrease of the rent of the Moschs built at Constantinople by this present Queen Mother : which rents are sometimes raised by the way of Tenths or Tithes , not that the Turks make Tithes a duty or rule for the maintenance of persons , places and things consecrated to Divine Service , but as they find it a convenient and equal expedient in some Countries for leviation of their rents . Such Countries and Villages as these which are called Wakfi , are greatly blessed and happy above others , in regard that the Inhabitants enjoy not only particular priviledges and immunities from thence , but freedom likewise from oppression of Pashaws and the 〈◊〉 Souldiery in their March , or of great persons in their journey or passage from one Country to another , who out of reverence to that lot to which they are separated , abstain from all kind of disturbance and abuse towards that people . Other Moschs of inferiour quality , founded by private persons and the consents of Dervises and other Orders , which cannot have their Revenues in Land like the Moschs of Royal Foundation , have their Estates in money bequeathed by Testament or by Gift of the Living , which being lent out at eighteen in the hundred per annum , produces a constant 〈◊〉 ; and though interest for the most part is forbidden by the Mahometan Law , yet for the uses of 〈◊〉 and support of Orphans it is allowed ; in all other cases it is Haram and abominable . And because the taking up of money upon Loane is in some manner necessary and conducing to the better subsistence and being of Trade , and that men will not lend without a consideration or benefit ; the usual manner is to borrow money for a certain time , and in the writing or obligation to acknowledge the receipt of as much as the principal and interest may amount unto , and oftentimes double of the Capital summe , which being delivered before witness in a bag or in gross , the Creditor declaring the summe to be so much therein contained , and the Debtor acknowledging it , the testimony is valid when the Debt comes to be demanded . And thus much shall serve in brief to have declared concerning the endowments and manner of enriching the Turkish Moschs , from whence the constitution of others of the like nature may easily be collected . CHAP. VIII . The Nature of Predestination according to the Turkish Doctors . THe Doctrine of the Turks in this point seems to run exactly according to the assertion of the severest Calvinists ; and in proof hereof their Learned men 〈◊〉 places of Scripture , which seem to incline to the same opinion . As shall the Vessel say to the Potter , Why hast thou made 〈◊〉 ? I will harden the heart of Pharaoh ; Jacob have I loved , and Esau have I hated , and the like . For the Turks attribute no small Reverence and Authority to the old Testament , as wrote by Divine Inspiration , but that the Alchoran being of later date , and containing the Will of God more expresly and perfectly , the former is now abrogated and gives place unto this . Some are so positive in this assertion , that they are not afraid to say that God is the Author of evil , without distinction or evasions to acquit the Divine purity of 〈◊〉 foulness of sin according to the Doctrine of the Manichees . And all in general concur in this conclusion , That whatsoever prospers hath God for the Author ; which was the reason they destroyed not Bajazets Children , during the time of his War against his Brother 〈◊〉 , expecting to receive an undoubted argument of the Will of God therein , from the good or bad fortune of the Father . And from the same rule they conclude much of the Divine approbation and truth of their Religion , from their Conquests and present Prosperity . They are of opinion that every mans destiny is wrote in his forehead , which they call Narsip or Tactir , which is the Book wrote in Heaven of every mans fortune , and is 〈◊〉 no contrary endeavours , councels or wisdom to be avoided ; which 〈◊〉 is so firmly radicated in the minds of the vulgar , that it causes the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to throw away their lives in the most desperate attempts , and to esteem no more of their bodies , then as 〈◊〉 or rubbish to fill up the trenches of the Enemy ; And to speak the truth , this received asertion hath turned the 〈◊〉 as much to account , as any other of their best and subtilest Maximes . According to this Doctrine , none ought to avoid or fear the Infection of the Plague ; Mahomets precepts being not to abandon the City-house where Infection rages , because God hath numbred their dayes and predestinated their fate ; And upon this belief , they as familiarly attend the Beds and frequent the company of Pestilential persons , as we do those that are affected with the Gout , Stone or Ague . And though they evidently see that Christians , who fly into better Airs , and from infected habitations , survive the fury of the years Pestilence , when whole Cities of them perish and are depopulated with the Disease ; yet so far is this opinion rooted amongst them , that they scruple not to strip the contagious shirt from the dead body , and to put it on their own , nor can they remove their aboad from the Chambers of the sick ; it being the custom in the Families of great men to lodge many Servants on different Palets in the same room , where the diseased and healthful lie promiscuously together , from whence it hath happened ofter , that three parts of a Pashaws Family , which perhaps hath consisted of two hundred men , most youthful and lusty , have perished in the heat of July and Augusts Pestilence . And in the same manner many whole Families every Summer have perished , and not one surviver left to claim the inheritance of the house ; for want of which the Grand Signior hath become the proprietor . Though the Mahometan Law obliges them not to abandon the City , nor their houses , nor avoid the conversation of men infected with the Pestilence where their business or calling employs them ; yet they are counselled not to frequent a contagious habitation , where they have no lawful affair to invite them . But yet I have observed , in the time of an extraordinary Plague , that the Turks have not confided so much to the precept of their Prophet , as to have courage enough to withstand the dread and terrour of that slaughter the sickness hath made ; but have under other excuses fled to 〈◊〉 and private Villages , especially the Cadees and men of the Law , who being commonly of more refined wits and judgments then the generality , both by reason and experience have found that a wholsome Air is a preserver of life , and that they have lived to return again to their own house in health and strength , when perhaps their next Neighbours have through their brutish ignorance been laid in their Graves . And this is the opinion most general and currant with the Turks , who are called Jebare ; There is another sort amongst them called Ka●ere . CHAP. IX . The difference of Sects and disagreement in Religion amongst the Turks in General . THere is no consideration more abstruse and full of distraction , then the contemplation of the strange variety of Religions in the world : how it is possible that from the rational soul of man , which in all mankind is of little difference in it self , and from that one principle , which is the adoration of a Diety , should proceed such diversities of Faiths , such figments and Ideas of God , that all Ages and all Countries have abounded with superstitions of different natures ; And it is strange to consider , that Nations who have been admirably wise , judicious and profound in the Maximes of their Government , should yet in matters of Religion give themselves over to believe the Tales of an old Woman , a Pythoness , or the dreams and imaginations of a melancholy Hermite . And it is as strange that men who embrace the same principles in Religion , and have the same true and infallible Foundation , should yet raise such different and disproportionate Fabricks , that most should make their superstructure of Straw and Stubble , and but few of a substantial and durable Building , without uniformity , harmony or agreement each to other . For resolution of which difficulties , nothing can be said more then that the god of this world hath blinded the hearts of them that believe not , Lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God , should shine unto them . The Mahometan Religion is also one of the prodigious products of Reasons superfaetations , which hath brought forth nothing good , nor rational in this production , more then the confession of one God. And yet even herein also are diversities of Sects , Opinions and Orders , which are maintained in opposition each to other , with emulation and zeal by the professours , with heats , disputes and separations , terming the contrary parties prophane and unholy ; the particulars of which Sects and diversity in their Tenents , I shall as far as I have seen or could learn , set down and describe , having with the more curiosity and diligence made the stricter enquiry , because I have not read any Author which hath giving a satisfactory account of such Sects as are sprung up amongst them in these latter and modern times . It is a common opinion , that there are seventy two Sects amongst the Turks , but it is probable there are many more , if the matter were exactly known and scanned . The Turkish Doctors fancy that the seventy two Nations which they call ( ●e●mish ekee Melet ) into which the world was divided upon the confusion of the Languages at Babel , was a Type and a Figure of the divisions which in after-ages should succeed in the three most general Reilgions of the World. In this manner they account seventy different Sects amongst the Jews , seventy one amongst the Christians , and to the Mahometan they assign one more , as being the last and ultimate Religion , in which , as all fulness of true Doctrine is completed , so the Mystery of iniquity , and the deviation of mans judgment , by many paths from the right rule , is here terminated and confined . The Turks have amongst themselves as well as in other Religions , Sects and Heresies of dangerous consequence , which daily encrease mixing together with them many of the Christian Doctrines ( which shall in their due place be described ) and in former times also a sort of phanatick Mahometans which at first met only in Congregations under pretence of Sermons and Religion , appeared afterwards in Troops armed against the Government of the Empire . So one Scheiches Bedredin Chief Justice to Musa , Brother of Mahomet the fifth King of the Turks ; after the death of his Master was banished to Nice in Asia , where consulting with his Servant Burgluzes Mustapha , by what means they might raise Sedition and a second War ; they agreed , the readiest course was by broaching a new Sect and Religion , and by perswading the people to some thing contrary to the antient Mahometan superstition . Whereupon Burgluzes masking his Villany under a grave and serious countenance , took his journey into 〈◊〉 , otherwise Caria , where he vented Doctrines properly agreeing to the humour of the people , preaching to them freedom and liberty of conscience and the Mystery of Revelations , and you may believe he used all arts in his perswasions , with which subjects used to be allured to a Rebellion against their Prince , so that in a short time he contracted a great number of Disciples . beyond his expectation . Bedredin perceiving his servant thrive so well with his preaching , fled from his place of Exile at Nice into Valachia , where withdrawing himself into a Forrest like a devout religious man , gathered a number of Proselytes composed of Thieves , Robbers and Out-lawed people ; these he having instructed in the principles of his Religion , sent abroad like Apostles to preach and teach the people that 〈◊〉 was appointed by God to be the King of Justice , and Commander of the whole world ; and that his Doctrine was already embraced in Asia : The people taken with these Novelties , repaired in great numbers to Bedredin , who conceiving himself strong enough to take the field , issued from his desert with Colours displayed , and an Army well appointed ; and fighting with his deluded Multitude a bloody Battel , against those Forces which Mahomet sent to suppress him under his Son Amurath ; the deluded Rebels were overthrown , Bedredin taken Prisoner , and his pretences of Sanctity and Revelation were not available to save him from the Gallows . And thus we see , that the name of Gods cause , revelations , liberty and the like , have been old and common pretences and delusions of the world , and not only Christians , but Infidels and Mahometans have wrote the name of God on their Banners , and brought the pretence of Religion in the Field to justifie their cause . CHAP. X. Of the two prevailing Sects , viz. of Mahomet and Hali ; that is , the Turk and the Persian ; the Errours of the Persian recounted and confuted by the Mufti of Constantinople . THe two great Sects amongst the followers of Mahomet , which are most violent each against other , the mutual hatred of which diversity of Education and Interest of the Princes have augmented , are the Turks and Persians : The first hold Mahomet to have been the chief and ultimate Prophet ; the latter prefers Hali before him ; and though he was his Disciple and succeeded him , yet his inspirations they esteem greater and more frequent , and his interpretations of the law most perfect and Divine . The Turk also accuses the Persian of corrupting the Alchoran , that they have altered words , misplaced the Comma's and Stops , that many places admit of a doubtful and ambiguous sense , so that those 〈◊〉 which were upon the Conquest of Babylon brought thence to Constantinople , are feparated and compiled in the great Seraglio , in a place apart , and forbidden with a Curse on any that shall read them . The Turks call the Persian forsaken of God , abominable and blasphemers of the Holy Prophet ; so that when Selymus the first made War in Persia , he named his cause the cause of God , and proclaimed the occasion and ground of his War to be the Vindication of the cause of the Prophet , and revenge of the blasphemies the Persians had vented against him ; and so far is this hatred radicated , that the youth of what Nation soever is capable of admittance into the Schools of the Seraglio , excepting only the Persian , who are looked upon by the Turk as a people so far Apostatized from the true belief , and fallen in 〈◊〉 desperate an Estate by a total corruption of the true Religion , 〈◊〉 they judge them altogether beyond hopes or possibility of recovery , and therefore neither give them quarter in the Wars , nor account them worthy of life or slavery . Nor are the Persians on the other side endued with better nature of good will to the Turks , estranging themselves in the farthest manner from their Customs and Doctrines , rejecting the three great Doctors of the 〈◊〉 Law , viz. Ebbubecher , Osman and Omar , as Apochryphal and of no Authority ; and have a custom at their Marriages to erect the Images of those three Doctors of Paste or Sugar at the entrance of the Bridal Chamber , on which the Guests first casting their looks , leave the impression of any secret Magick which may issue from their eyes , to the prejudice or misfortune of the marryed couple ; for in the Eastern parts of the world they hold that there is a strange fascination innate to the eyes of some people , which looking attentively on any , as commonly they do on the Bridegroom and the Bride in Marriages , produce macerations and imbecillity in the body , and have an especial quality contrary to procreation : and therefore when the Guests are entred , having the Malignity of their eyes Arrested on these Statues , they afterwards cut them down and dissolve them . And that it may the more plainly appear what points of Religion are most controverted amongst them , and what Anathema's and Curses are by both sides vented each against the other ; this following sentence past by the Mufti Esad Efendi , upon Schah Abbas Tutor to the King of Persia called Sari Halife ; and all the Persians will be a sufficient testimony and evidence of the enmity and hatred that is between these two Nations , an extract of which is here drawn from the Book it self licenced and approved at Constantinople . If you had ( sayes he ) no other Heresie then the rejection of those elevated familiars of Mahomet , viz. Omar , Osman and Ebbubecher , your crime would notwithstanding be so great as were not expiable by a thousand years of prayer or pilgrimage in the sight of God ; but you would be condemned to the bottomless Abisse of Hell , and deprived for ever of Celestial Bliss ; and this sentence of mine is confirmed by the same opinion of the four Imams , viz. Imam Azem , Imam Schafi , Imam Malick , and Imam Hambeli ; and therefore I friendly admonish you to correct this errour in your selves ; and likewise in your Schollar King Abbas . Nor are you contented to pass with this single errour , whereby you have gained the name of Kyzilbaschi , that is , Persian Hereticks , but you are become as abominable as the Durzi ( a people that lives about Mount Libanus ) of bad esteem and reputation , corrupted in all points of Doctrine and manners ; so that I cannot but pass this black sentence upon you , that it is lawfull in a Godly zeal to kill and destroy you for the Service of God ; your Tenents being refuted by Giafer Efendi , who hath branded the Persians for Pagans , and in seventy several places of the Alchoran , and the very words of Mahomet demonstrated the clearness of their errour . If the Christian only for saying there is a Trinity in God is condemned for Life and Estate , why should the Persian expect better quarter , who is stigmatized for 〈◊〉 in seventy places of the Alchoran . And one of your detestable 〈◊〉 of the first rank is , That you esteem your selves obliged to assemble at the Moschs , but not to prayers : for what signifies your meeting , if not to prayers ? Mahomet himself sayes , that he who repaires to the Congregation without a design of prayer , is a Hypocrite and a Dissembler , is accursed of God , nor shall be blessed in his House or Estate , the good Angels shall abandon him , the Devils shall attend him , nor shall he ever prosper in this world , or in the world to come . In answer hereunto you say , that the antient Order of Priests is extinct , that you have none whose pious lives enable to preach and instruct you , or to be your leader to holy prayer in the Publick Assembly . Do there want pious and holy persons of the race of Mahomet ? if there do not , why do not you imitate and follow them ? but you are enemies , and in open Hostility to the Mahometan Family , and excuse your selves from the use of Priests or Imams , because their innocence cannot equal that of Infants . In this point ( it is true ) you have something of reason ; for your Imams are not only Insidels in Doctrine , but defiled in their conversation ; and your king who is your High-Priest , frequents Stews and the Styes of deformed Lust , ravishing fair and chast Wives from the embraces of their Husbands ; and that publickly in the face of the world , maintaining concubinage with them . And where the example of a Prince makes such things lawful , his Subjects , whether Souldiers or Lawyers , will make no 〈◊〉 to imitate his actions . You deny the Verse called the Covering in the Alchoran to be authentick ; you reject the eighteen Verses , which are revealed to us for the sake of the holy Aische . At the Abdest or washing , you hold it not lawful to wash the bare feet , but only lightly stroak them over . Your Mustachioes or hair on the upper lip you never cut , but the Beard on the Chin , which is the honest Otnament of a mans countenance , you cut and clip into what form you please . That holy Colour of Green appropriated to the Banner of Mahomet , which ought only to adorn the nobler parts , you in despight to the honour of the Prophet , with an irreverent negligence , place it on your Shooes and Breeches . Wine which is an abomination to the true observers of the Law , you drink freely of , without scruple of conscience ; as also in Meats you make no distinction between clean and unclean , but use all with a like 〈◊〉 . In short , should I mention all those seventy points wherein you erre , and are without all comparison corrupt and erroneous , I should swell my writing to a Volume , and not attain my end , which is brevity . Another sinful custom you permit amongst you , which is , for many men to be joyned to one Woman ; for to whom of them can be appropriated the off-spring that is born ; what Book have you , or Law , or example of any Nation to produce in 〈◊〉 of this vile and unnatural custom ? How vile must those Children be who are the issue of such Parents ? that it is no wonder , there be none found amongst you worthy the holy Character of a Priest or a Judge . But you cannot be so irrational , as to deny that the Assembling in 〈◊〉 to prayer , is necessary to Divine Service ; Mahomet himself prayed together with the people , and sometimes preferred Ebbecher to celebrate the Divine Service , following him as others of the people did . Why do not you ask your Pilgrims who come from Mecha , what mean these four Altars in the Mosch , which are the places of prayer designed to the four several Orthodox Sects ? why take you not example from these ? but you are still perverse and obstinate , haters of God and his Prophet ; What will you answer at the day of judgement before Mahomet and his four Friends ? who long since being dead , you revive their Ashes with ignominie , erecting their Statues at your Marriages in Sugar , and afterwards in contempt hew them down to yield pastime and occasion of laughter to the Spouses and their Guests . Was not the first converted to the Faith , Ebubecher ? Was not 〈◊〉 the bravest Champion of the Mahomet an Religion against the Christians ? Was not he who disposed and distinguished the Chapters of the Alchoran the chast Osman ? Was not the bravest and most Learned bearer of the 〈◊〉 , or the Sword with two points , was it not Hali ? And were not Imam 〈◊〉 , and Imam Husein , Martyrs of the Faith in the 〈◊〉 of Kerbela ? Did not Mohomet say with his own mouth , O Hali , for thy sake there are two sorts of people predestinated to Hell ? one that loves thee , and one that loves thee not . Are not you then that wear red Turbants much to be condemned , being of evil life and conversation , and not well inclined to the house of the Prophet , nor the family of the faithful , as it is written in the Book called Aadick ? The Christians conserve the hoofs of that Asse on which Christ road , and set them in cases of Gold and Silver ; and esteem it an extream honour to have their Faces , Hands or Heads touched with so holy a 〈◊〉 . But you who profess your selves Disciples of the Prophet of God , and derived from the blood and family of his Friends , despise so glorious a Title , commanding after the repetition of your prayers , that is , after the Ezan , that Curses and Blasphemies be proclaimed against these holy Friends and 〈◊〉 of the Prophet . Besides this , your Books maintain and avouch it lawful to pillage , burn and destroy the Countries of the Musselmins , to carry their Wives and Families into slavery ; and from a principle of Malice and Reproach to carry them naked through your Markets , and expose them to sale to any Chapman ; Pagans themselves esteem not this honest nor decent , by which it is apparent that you are the most mortal and irreconcilable enemies to us of all the Nations in the world , you are certainly more cruel to us then the Sezidi , the Kiafirs , the Zindiks , then the Durzians ; and in brief you are the Kennel of all uncleanness and sin ; a Christian or a Jew may hope to become true Believers , but you can never . Wherefore by virtue of that Authority I have received from Mahomet himself , in consideration of your misdeeds and incredulity , I pronounce it lawful for any one of what Nation soever , that is of the Believers , to kill , destroy and extirpate you ; so that as he who slayes a rebellious Christian , performs a meritorious action in the sight of God ; much rather he who kills a Persian , shall obtain a reward seventy fold from the fountain of Justice . And I hope that the Majesty of God in the day of Judgment will condemn you to be the Asses of the Jews , to be road and hacknyed in Hell by that despised people ; and that in a short time you will be exterminated both by us , the Tartars , the Indians and Arabians our Brothers and Associates in the same Faith. CHAP. XI . Of the Ancient Sects and Heresies amongst the Turks . THere are four Sects into which the Mahometans of the esteemed Orthodox belief are divided ; and those are these . The first is called 〈◊〉 , which is professed in Turky , Tartary , Eusbec , and on the other side of Jehun , Bactorus and Oxus . The second is Shaffee , whose Customs and Rules the Arabians follow . The third is Malechee , to which Tripoli , Tunis , Algier , and other parts of Africa devote themselves . The fourth is Hambelle , of which are but few , and is known only in some parts of Arabia . These four are all accounted Orthodox , and are followers of certain Doctors ( as we may say amongst 〈◊〉 , Schollars of St. 〈◊〉 , Thomas Aquinas , Dominicus , or the like ) and have only differences as to Ceremonies , postures in their prayers , washings , diversities in some points of their Civil Laws ; and each maintains a charitable opinion of the other , as true Believers , and capable of entring into Paradise , if their life and conversation be regulated according to their 〈◊〉 and Tenents . All Mahometans according to the Countries wherein they live , come under the notion of one of these four preceeding Professions ; but yet are nominated with other names and differences of Sects according as they follow the opinions which some Superstitious and Schismatical Preachers amongst them have vented ; and those commonly known and marked with the names of antient Heresies by the respective Opponents , which may properly be called so , because they are conversant in their Doctrines concerning the Attributes and Unity of God , his decrees and judgments , his promises and threatnings , and concerning prophesies and gifts of Faith ; are especially these which stand in opposition each to other , viz. Moatazali To Sephatii Kadari To Giabari Morgii To Waidi Shii To Chawarigi . From each of these Sects , as from so many roots arise several Branches of 〈◊〉 Doctrines , as according to the Tenents of the Turkish Doctors complete the number of seventy two . Moatazali signifies as much as Separatists ; the reason of which denomination , was from Alhasan the Schollar of Wasel Ebw Atw , the Author and Master of this Sect , to whom the question being proposed Whether those who had committed a gross sin , were to be adjudged condemnned and fallen from the Faith ? the Scholar 〈◊〉 instead of expecting the resolution of his Master , withdrew himself and began to interpret his sense thereof to his other Fellow-Disciples ; from which withdrawing of himself they were afterwards denominated Moatazali which is 〈◊〉 . But the name they give themselves is the Defenders of the Equity and Unity of God , in declaration of the manner of which they so differ among themselves , that they are divided into two and twenty Sects , which are maintained with that passion on all sides , that every party accuses his opposites of Insidelity . But the principle in which their wrangling Sophisters accord in common , is this ; That God is eternal , and that eternity is an attribute most properly agreeable to his essence ; but yet they reject the attribute it self , saying , that God is eternal , wise , powerful and the like , by his own entire and single essence ; but yet they say , he is not eternal by his eternity , nor wise by his wisdom , nor powerful by his power , for fear of admitting any 〈◊〉 in the Diety , or incurring the like errour as they say of the Christians , who divide and dishonour the Unity of God , by the conceptions they frame of the three Persons in the Trinity . And if the Christians are to be blamed for introducing three Eternals , how much more are those who frame as many Eternals , as there are Attributes to the Diety ? Another sort derived from this Sect called Haietti , hold that Christ assumed a true and natural body , and was the Eternal and Incarnate , as the Christians profess ; and in their Credo or Belief have inserted this Article , that Christ shall come to judge the world at the last day , and for proof hereof alledge an Authority out of the Alchoran in these words . Thou Mahomet shall see thy Lord return in the Clouds : which though they fear expresly in plain terms to interpret of Christ , yet they confidently affirm it to be prophesied of the Messiah , and in discourse confess that that Messiah can be no other then Christ ; who shall return with the same humane flesh again into the world , Reign forty years on Earth , confound Antichrist , and afterwards shall be the end of the world . Another sort of Professors of the Sect of Moatazali , are Isi , whose first Author was Isa Merdad ; these maintain that the Alchoran was created contrary to the express word of Mahomet , who anathematizes all who are of this perswasion , saying , let him be reputed an Infidel , who believes the Alchoran created ; for solution of which difficulty and to concurr with the words of their Prophet , they say , that the 〈◊〉 delivered by Mahomet , was but a Copy transcribed out of that wrote by God and laid in the Library of Heaven , and that when their Prophet denyes the Creation of the Alchoran , he hath no reference to the Original , but to his own hand-writing which he had Copied , and extracted from that first , and infallible exemplar . These also farther proceed to deny against the common Tenent of the Mahometans , the incomparable and Matchless Eloquence of the Alchoran ; asserting that were it not prohibited , other Arabians might be found , who could far transcend every line of it in Wisdom and Rhetorick ; which in my opinion is a strange kind of Impudence in the very face of their Prophet , who seems to be too proud of the exact disposition , and full signification of every word , that he judges it not less charming for the sweet sound of its Eloquence , then it is convincing for the purity and truth of its Doctrine . The great Antagonists to the Moatazali , are the Sephati , who Assign in God Eternal Attributes of Knowledge , Power , Life , &c. And some of them proceed so far , and grosely herein , that they frame conceptions of corporeal Organs of Sence , as of Hearing , Seeing , and Speech to be in God , affirming that those expressions of Gods sitting in his Throne , Creation of the World by the work of his Hands , his Anger against Sin , Repentance for mans Conversion , which we call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are to be taken in the literal and plain sence , and have no need of farther fetched interpretations to clear the true notion of them : But yet herein their Doctors seem not to agree , some defining a body , to be the same as , per se subsistens , denying it to be an assential propriety of a body to be circumscribed and finite ; others conclude that it is enough to say that God is great , without argument of his circumscription , or determination to any particular place , with many other strange conceits , whereby are made apparent the roving Fancies of Ignorant Men , without the Rules or Grounds of Philosophy , or Metaphysicks . But the soberer sort amongst them , who would appear more Moderate and Wiser than the rest , forbid their Schollars to make Comparison of the Sences in God , with those of the Creature , who being more subtly urged by their severe opponents . The Moatazali ; they were forced to declare themselves more plainly , in this manner , that the God which they Worshipped was a Figure , Visible , and an Object of the Sight , consisting of 〈◊〉 Spiritual and Corporeal , to whom local Motion might be agreeable , but that his Flesh and Blood , his Eyes and Ears , his Tongue and Hands were not of any similitude with created substances , but were of another Crasis and Mixture which subjected them to no Distemper or Corruption ; in proof whereof , they alledge the words of Mahomet , that God created Man after his own Likeness : And all other of those Examples drawn from the Holy Scriptures with which the Alchoran is filled , and where in familiar expressions , the Divinity is pleased to condescend to the infirmity of Humane Capacity . The next Sect is that of the Kadari , who deny wholy the Divine Decree or Predestination , asfirming that every man is a free Agent , from whose will as from the first principle all good and bad actions flow and are derived , so that as with just reason God Crowns mans good works with the Rewards of 〈◊〉 and Felicity ; so on the other side justly punishes his evil actions in this world , and in the next to come ; and this they style the Doctrine of Equity , and define it to be a measure of mans actions , according to the rectitude and disposition of that right line , which the prime Intellect hath drawn out by wisdoms proportion . This opinion is absolutely rejected as heterodox in the Mahometan Religion ; and yet it is not fully determined how Mahomet moderated in the dispute between Adam and Moses , whom 〈◊〉 Arabian Doctor comically introduced , pleading and justifying themselves before God. Moses beginning first , reproached Adam , that he was one immediately created by the proper hand of God , in whom the Divine Nature 〈◊〉 the breath of Life , whom Angels were made to adore , placed and seated in Paradise , and fortifyed with actual graces against the enormities and crooked irregularities of inferiour affections ; from which happy state that he should fall and precipitate mankind , together with himself his crime was aggravated with all the degrees of his former perfection . Adam to excuse himself , replyed in this manner . Thou Moses whom God hath called to a familiar parley , revealed his Will and Pleasure unto in those engraven Tables , where all Morality and Vertue is contained , resolve me this one Quaere and difficult Probleme , how many years before I was created , dost thou find that the Law was wrote ? Moses answered forty . And did you find , replyed Adam , that Adam rebelled against his Lord and sinned ? to which Moses answering in the 〈◊〉 , do you blame me then said he for executing that which God forty years before predestinated and designed me unto ? and not only forty years , but many Myriads of Ages before either the Heavens or Earth were framed . Mahomet confounded , as the Kaduri report with this Argument , left the question undetermined , though his followers , as men are most prone to errour generally , entertain the 〈◊〉 Tenent . The great enemies diametrically opposed to these are the 〈◊〉 or Giahari ; who maintain that a man hath no power over his Will or Actions , but is wholly moved by a Superiour Agent , and that God hath a power over his creatures , to design them to Happiness or to Misery , as seems best to his divine pleasure ; but in the explication of this opinion they proceed in the most rigorous manner , and say that man is wholy necessitated and compelled in all his actions ; that neither his will nor power , nor election is in himself ; and that God creates in him his actions , as he doth in Inanimate and Vegetable creatures the first principle of their Life and Essence ; and as the Tree may be said to produce Fruit , the Water to run , the Stone to move downwards , so are the actions in man , for which yet there is a reward and a punishment properly and necessarily allotted . This point is very subtly controverted by the Arabian Doctors , to which how the Turks are addicted , we shall farther discourse in the Chapter of Predestination . The Sect of Morgi , are the great Favourers and Patrons of the Mahometan Religion , maintaining that a Musselman or Believer though guilty of the grossest sins , is not punished for them in this world , nor receives his absolution or condemnation after death , untill the day of Resurrection and Judgment : and farther , that as impiety with the true belief shall never be punished ; so piety and good works proceeding from a false and erroneous faith , is of no validity or power conducing to the fruition of the joys of Paradise . And to these may not improperly be compared some Sectaries in England , who have vented in their Pulpits that God sees no sin in his Children ; and that the infidelity of Sarah , being of the house of the faithful , is more acceptable to God , then the Alms , Prayers and Repentance of an erroneous Believer without the pale and Covenant of grace . The opposite Sect to these are the Waidi , who esteem that a man fallen into any great or mortal sin , is put into the condition of a desertor of his faith ; and though he be a professor of the true Belief , shall yet without recovery for ever be punished in Hell ; but yet that his torments shall be in a more remiss degree then that of Infidels : But that opinion which in this point is esteemed Orthodox amongst the Turks , is this , That a sinner in a high nature going out of this world without repentance , is wholy to be committed to the pleasure of God , either to pardon him for his mercy , or for the intercession of the Prophet 〈◊〉 , according to what he saith in the Alchoran , My intercession shall be for those of my own people who have greatly sinned ; that being first punished according to the measure of their iniquity , they may afterwards in compassion be received into Paradise ; for it is impossible they should for ever remain in the eternal flames with the Infidels ; because it is revealed to us , that whosoever hath but the weight of an Atom remaning in his heart of faith , shall in due time be released from fiery torments ; for which cause some Sects amongst the Turks use prayers for the dead , and place their Cemiteries alwayes by the side of high ways , that Passengers may be remembred of their own Mortality , and pray for the souls of those departed ; of which we shall have occasion to discourse hereafter . The fictions the 〈◊〉 frame of hell , are as ridiculous as those they fancy of Paradise ; For they imagine when they shall be called by Mahomet from this Purgatory at the day of judgment , the way to him is over Iron Bars red hot with Fire , over which they must pass with naked Feet ; only the Paper which they in their life-time have taken from the ground and conserved from being trampled on by the Feet of Men or Beasts , shall at that day be strowed on the Bars of this hot passage , that they may pass that fire Ordeal with less torment ; which is the reason the Turks see no small piece of Paper on the ground , but they immediately stoop for it , and place it in some secret corner of a Wall , to redeem that ( as they say ) from the dishonour of mens feet , on which the name of God is or may be wrote , and with expectation to enjoy the benefit promised , when the soals of their feet shall try the intense heat of this burning Iron . The same respect also they shew to Rose-leaves , in consideration ( as they believe ) that a Rose was produced from the sweat of Mahomet . The Shii are the Sect spoken of before , opposed by the Subjects of the whole 〈◊〉 Empire , as the most heretical of any of the rest , in regard they prefer Ali before Mahomet in the prophetical Office , and restrain the prophetick gift to the natural line derived from Ali , and that none is worthy of the Title of a Prophet , who is guilty of sin , though of the lower nature ; some of which Professors called Alnosairi , affirm that God appeared in the form of Ali , and with his tongue proclaimed the most hidden Mysteries of Religion ; and some have proceeded yet farther , to attribute to their Prophets divine honours , asserting them to be elevated above degree and stare of the creatures : these expect the return of their Prophet Ali in the Clouds , and have placed that belief as an Article of their Faith , from whence may seem to be grounded that mistake amongst our vulgar , that the Turks believe Mahomet shall again return into the world . To the foregoing are opposed the Chawarigi , who deny that there is or hath been such Function as that of a Prophet , allowed by God in any particular person ; nor any ever sent into the world endued with that power of Infallibility , to resolve doubts , and teach and impose a new Law on Mankind ; but if at any time such an Office shouid be necessary , it can never be restrained to one linage ; for the person being faithful and just , no matter whether he be a Servant or free , a * Nabathean or a * Koraschite . These are antient Sects amongst the professors of the Mahometan Religion , out of which are arose so many others as by the confession of the 〈◊〉 Doctors complete the number of seventy three . But because the accurate search into so many is of little delight or profit to the Reader , I shall content my self with having given him a taste of these foregoing , learning him to guess at the rest in what manner the fancy of a man can frame deductions from the foregoing premises . And shall now gives an account how busie these Modern times have been at Constantinople in hammering out strange forms and chimera's of Religion , the better to acquit England from the accusation of being the most subject to religious innovations , the world attributing much thereof to the Air and constitution of its Climate . CHAP. XII . Concerning the New and Modern Sects amongst the Turks . ALL Ages and times have produced their Sects and Heresies in every Religion ; and therefore we shall proceed in declaring some few that are of fresher date then those in the foregoing Chapter , and so shall continue to descend to others which this present Age hath begot , Zeidi maintains that God will send a Prophet of the Persians with a Law by which shall be annulled the Law of Mahomet . A second to this is derived from the Moatezeli , that denies any man can be stiled a Saint in this world , excepting the Prophets , who were without sin ; and that the true Believers shall in the next world see God as clearly as we see the Moon at full ; against the Doctrine of Mahomet , who sayes God is invisible either to us in this world , or the next . There are also those called Malumigee , who maintain God is perfectly to be known in this world ; and that by the Doctrine of Cognosce teipsum , the creature proceeds to the perfect knowledge of his Creator . The Opponents to these are Mezzachulia , who hold , that they which know God only in this world by some glimmerings and rayes of his glory and essence , is sufficient to lead them into Paradise , and rank them in the number of the faithful . Another sort there are called Jabaiah , which denies Gods Omniscience , affirming , That God governs the world by chance and accidents , not comprehending from Eternity or at the Creation of the world , a perfect certainty of the particular affairs that were to be transacted in it , and that God improves in knowledge by time , as men do by constant practice and experience . We shall not insist here to multiply many of these Sects , who have almost as many diversitiesamongst the Turks , as there are Schools and Masters ; every Hogia that is but a form above a meer Pedagogue , and reads a few Books of the Arabian Fables , esteems himself of mean account , if by some singular opinion which he instills into his Disciples , he distinguishes not his Gymnasion from the common and inferiour Schools . But these men in framing their particular fancies , and venting their follies have a special care that none of their principies oppugne those five points of practice , and one of faith , mentioned in the first Chapter of this Book , which are the essential points that constitute a Mahometan ; or derogate from the Authority of their Governours , or produce factions or disturbances in the State. But these Modern times have produced other Sects amongst the Turks , some of which seem in part dangerous , and apt to make a considerable rupture in their long continued union ; when time changes and revolutions of State shall animate some turbulent spirits , to gather Souldiers and followers under these Doctrines and other specious pretences . One of which is called Kadezadeli , a Sect sprung up in the time of Sultan Morat , whose chief propagator was one Birgali 〈◊〉 , who invented many Ceremonies in praying for the souls departed , at the burial of the dead . Those that are of this Sect cause their Imaum to cry loud in the ears of the inanimate body , to remember that God is one , and his Prophet one . Those who are principally devoted to this Sect , are the Russians and other sort of Renegado Christians , who amongst their confused , and almost forgotten notions of the Christian Religion , retain a certain Memory of the particulars of Purgatory , and prayers for the dead . But the opinion esteemed Orthodox , and most generally allowed amongst the 〈◊〉 , is , That no Mahometan goes eternally to Hell , but after a certain space of years is delivered thence , and passes into Paradise ; After death they assigne two sorts of punishments ; the first is called Azabe-Kaberi , or the punishment of the Grave , which being the bed of wicked men , binds with its Earth so fast as crushes their bones , and shuts the pores and crevises through which they should see into heaven ; but the bodies of good men enjoy the comfort of having a window from their dark inclosures , to behold the Vision of Gods glory . The other is the pain of Hell , where the souls remain untill their torments are accomplished , and Divine Justice satisfyed . There is an opinion of late years principally maintained amongst the Gallants of the Seraglio , and common in Constantinople , the professors of which are called Chupmessahi , or the good followers of the Messiah ; these maintain that Christ is God and Redeemer of the world ; the young Schollars in the Grand Signiors Court are generally devoted to this Tenent , especially those which are the most courteous , 〈◊〉 and best disposed , that it is grown into a Proverb amongst them , when they would commend and praise gentleness and courtesie of each others nature , they do it with the expression of Chupmessahisen , as if they would say , You are gentle , accomplished and excessive in your favours as becomes one who professes the Messiah . Of this sort of people there are great numbers in Constantinople , some of which have so boldly asserted this Doctrine , that they have suffered Martyrdom under this denomination , which is still maintained , and secretly professed by such multitudes as wear white Turbants , that upon some notable opportunity were this cause and Religion made the ground of some Toleration and Insurrection amongst its Disciples and professors , it might take an unexpected footing , and prepare a ready way for the Plantation of the Gospel : but of this we shall speak more hereafter in its due place . And because it is our intent here to declare the several Religions amongst the Turks , it will not be from our purpose to mention how far Atheism hath spread it self in these Countries ; And as Logicians illucidate one contrary with another , and Painters set off the Whiteness of their Colours with a foil of Jet , or other Blackness ; so the privation of all Religion is not unaptly placed in the same Chapter with the various and different professors of it . These then give themselves the Title of Muserin , which signifies , The true secret is with us ; which secret , is no other then the absolute denial of a Diety , that nature or the intrinsecal principal in every individual thing directs the orderly course which we see and admire ; and that the Heavens , Sun , Moon and Stars have thence their Original and motion , and that man himself rises and fades like the grass or flower ; It is strange to consider , what quantities there are of men that maintain this principle in Constantinople , most of which are Kaddees and learned men in the Arabian Legends , and others are Renegadoes from the Christian faith , who conscious of the sin of their Apostacy , and therefore desirous that all things may conclude with this world , are the more apt to entertain those opinions which come nearest to their wishes . One of this Sect called Mahomet Effendi , a rich man , Educated in the knowledge of the Eastern Learning , I remember , was in my time executed for impudently proclaiming his blasphemies against the being of a Diety ; making it in his ordinary discourse , an argument against the being of a God , for that either there was none at all , or else not so wise as the Doctors preached he was , in suffering him to live who was the greatest enemy and scorner of a Divine essence that ever came into the world . And it is observable , that this man might notwithstanding his accusation have saved his life , would he but have confessed his errour , and promised for the future an assent to the principles of a better : but he persisted still in his blasphemies , saying , That though there were no reward , yet the love of truth obliged him to dye a Martyr . I must confess untill now , I never could believe that their was a formal Atheism in the world , concluding that the principle ( of the being of a God ) was demonstrable by the light of nature ; but it is evident now how far some men have extinguished this light and lamp in their souls . This poisonous Doctrine is so Infectious , that it is crept into the Chambers of the Seraglio , into the apartments of the Ladies and Eunuchs , and found entertainment with the Pasha's and their whole Court ; this sort of people are great favourers and lovers of their own Sect , courteous and hospitable to each other , and if any by chance receives a Guest within his Gates of their own judgement , besides his Diet and Fare with much freedom , he is accommodated with a handsome Bed-fellow of which Sex he most delights : they are very frank and liberal and excessive in their readiness to do each other service ; It is said , that Sultan Morat was a great favourer of this opinion in his Court and Militia , desirous withall to propagate that of Kadizadeli amongst the vulgar , that they being a severe , morose and covetous people , might grow rich , and spare for the benefit of his Exchequer ; for the Sect of Kadizadeli before mentioned , is of a melancholy and Stoical temper , admitting of no Musick , chearful or light discourses , but confine themselves to a set Gravity ; in publick as well as private they make a continual mention of God , by a never wearied repetition of these words , Ilahe ila Ellah ; that is , I profess there is one God : there are some of these that will sit whole nights bending their bodies towards the Earth , reciting those words with a most doleful and lamentable Note : they are exact and most punctual in the observation of the rules of Religion , and generally addict themselves to the study of their Civil Law , in which they use constant exercises in arguing , opposing and answering , whereby to leave no point undiscovered or not discussed . In short , they are highly Pharisaical in all their comportment , great admirers of themselves , and scorners of others that conform not to their Tenets , scarce affording them a salutation or common communication ; they refuse to marry their Sons with those of a different rite , but amongst themselves they observe a certain policy ; they admonish and correct the disorderly ; and such who are not bettered by their perswasions they reject and excommunicate from their Society . These are for the most part Tradesmen , whose sedentary life affords opportunity and nutriment to a Melancholly , and distempred fancy . But those of this Sect who strangely mix Christianity and Mahometanism together , are many of the Souldiers that live on the confines of Hungary and Bosna ; reading the Gospel in the Sclavonian tongue with which they are supplyed out of Moravia , and the neighbouring City of Ragusa ; besides which , they are curious to learn the Mysteries of the Alchoran , and the Law of Arabick tongue ; and not to be accounted rude and illiterate they affect the Courtly Persian . They drink wine in the month of Fast called the Ramazan , but to take of the scandal they refuse Cinnamon or other Spices in it , and then call it Hardali , and passes currant for lawful liquor . They have a Charity and Affection for Christians , and are ready to protect them from Injuries and Violences of the Turks : They believe yet that Mahomet was the Holy Ghost promised by Christ ; and that the descending of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was a Figure and Type of Mahomet , interpreting in all places the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to signifie their Prophet , in whose ear so often the White Dove revealed the Infallible directions to happiness . The Potures of Bosna are all of this Sect , but pay Taxes as Christians do ; they abhor Images and the sign of the Cross ; they circumcise , bringing the Authority of Christs example for it , which also the Copticks a Sect of the Greek Church in Egypt imitated ; but have now , as I am informed , lately disused that custom . Another subtil point about the Divine Attributes hath begot a Sect amongst the Jenizaries , called Bektaschi from one Becktash , which seems an improper subject so deep in the Metaphysical speculation to trouble such gross heads as theirs ; they began ( as it is said ) in the time of Solyman the Magnificent , and are called by some Zerari ; that is , those who have Copulation with their own kindred , and by the vulgar , Mumsconduren , or extinguishers of the Candle . This Sect observe the Law of Mahomet in Divine Worship , with a strictness and superstition above any of the Precisions of that Religion : but hold it unlawful to adjoyn any attributes to God by saying , that God is great or God is merciful , by reason that the nature of God being infinite and incomprehensible , cannot fall under the weak and imperfect conceptions of mans understanding , which can imagine nothing applicable to his nature . Of this Sect there was a famous Poet amongst the Turks called Nemisi , that was flead alive , for saying , when the Emaum called the people to prayers at the ordinary hours from the Steeple with the usual word , Allah Ekber , God is one , that he lyed upon the supposition that no Epithite can be predicated of the Divine Essence . Amongst the Jenizarites are at present many principal Commanders of this Sect ; but formerly were more in the time of Becktash Aga , Kul Kahya , Mahomet Aga , and others , who for their Rebellion in Constantinople , ( as we related before ) were put to death under the Historical Pillar in the time of this present Emperours Minority . These people against the instinct of nature use Carnal Copulation promiscuously with their own Kindred , the Fathers mixing with their Sons and Daughters , without respect to proximity of bloud or nearness in the degrees of relation , suffering themselves to be transported contrary to the abhorrency of Nature , by a weak and illogical comparison of the lawfulness and reason , that he who engrafted the Tree , and planted the Vine should rather taste of the Fruit , then resign the benefit of his labours to the enjoyment of others ; and in this Argument act against the inclination of innate modesty , according to that of Seneca . Ferae quoque ipsae Veneris evitant nesas , Generisque leges inscius servat pudor . These people are easily induced to give false witness or testimony in the favour of their Sect , without consideration of Equity or reasonableness of their cause ; by which means invading the right of others they became rich and powerful , untill they were debased by the deprivation of Becktashes Authority and Power of other potent favourers of their Sect : and though afterwards upheld by Sudgi Beker , a Standard Bearer of the Janizaries , a rich and learned man , they received a second blow by his death , be executed by a Visier Kupriuli Mahomet , for his diversity in Religion and Wealth together ; but farther animosity against this Sect was dissembled at that time , by reason of the multitude of those professors in Constantinople , and because reason of State saw it at that time necessary to draw bloud in many parts of the Empire for other causes , then for Errours in Religion . The Sect called Sabin , though Mahometans in profession seem yet to run contrary to the stream and general consent of all its professors who give themselves commonly the Title of Enemies and Confounders of Idolatry , and yet these notwithstanding seem from the influence , the Sun and Moon have on sublunary bodies , of all living sensative creatures do conclude a certain Divinity in those common lights of the world . In Constantinople there are some few Astrologers and Phisitians of this Sect , but in Parthia and Media they are numerous , the men commonly worshipping the Sun , and the women the Moon , and others the Artick Pole ; they are not strict in a severity of life , or in the conformity to the prescriptions of their Law , but govern themselves with mortality and prudence . They are not apt to believe the immortality of the soul , nor the reward of Vertue , or punishment of Vice in the next world ; nor prone to vindicate themselves from injuries , reproachful language , or other evil actions of men , but regarding them as the natural effects of the Celestial influences , are no more provoked by them than we are with a shower of Rain for wetting us , or the intense heat of the Sun in the Summer Solstice . Munasihi is a Sect purely Pythagorical , which believes the Metampsychosis or Transmigration of souls , of which there are some in Constantinople , one Albertus Bobovius a 〈◊〉 by Nation , but Educated in the the Seraglio , and instructed in all the Learning of the Turkish Literature ( from whom I freely confess to have received many of my observations ) related to me a pleasant discourse that passed between him and a Dorgist at Constaneinople , touching this subject . This Dorgist being Learned , was the occasion that Albertus frequented his Shop the oftner ; and once being after some familiar acquaintance at a collation together , it chanced that a Black Dog giving them interruption at their Banquet , that Albertus kicked him to drive him to a farther distance ; at which 〈◊〉 Dorgist growing pale and disordered , Albertus guessed by his countenance that he was displeased at his unkindness towards the Dog ; and therefore desired his pardon if thereby he had given him any subject os offence : the Dorgist being thus pacifyed with the courtesie of his Guest , advised him to ask pardon of God , for that it was no small crime and sin that he thereby committed . This happening at the same time that the Funerals of a Mufti called Behai Efend , were then solemnizing , afforded an occasion of Discourse concerning the soul of the Mufti and Dog together ; the Dorgist demanding the opinion of his Guest , whether he conceived the soul of that Mufti was predestinated to remain within the confines of the Grave , untill the day of Resurrection ? in the knowledge of which question Albertus seeming wholly ignorant , and desirous to understand the solution from him ; the Dorgist began freely to declare that the souls of men deceased enter into the bodies of Beasts , which are in temperament most agreeable to the dispositions of those whom before they animated ; as the soul of the glutton enters into the Swine , the soul of the lascivious into the Goat , of the generous into the Horse , of the vigilant into a Dog , and so the like ; in proof of which he produced a Book treating of all the distinctions of nature , and the proper assignments for their habitation after death : adding moreover , that of this opinion it was pitty there was so few in Constantinople , some there were , and those all of his own Trade and Profession , but that at Gran Cairo were great numbers , strict adherers to this Doctrine ; that for his part he prayed to God with the rest of his Brothers of the same Trade , that their souls may hereafter be so honoured as to inform the body of the Camel ; because they are Beasts that are laborious , abstemious , patient and meek , and bring their Dorges from the remotest parts of the East : and that he did not doubt but after the Circle of 3365. years , that his soul had travelled for several Ages through the world , and wandred from the body of one Camel to animate another ; it should with the vicissitude of time return again to a humane body , more purifyed and refined than in its first principles . And this was the Credo of the Dorgist , to which opinion it is said all China is greatly devoted . Escbraki , which signifies illuminated , is a Sect purely Platonical , contemplative of the Divine Idea , and the number in God ; for though they hold the Unity , yet they deny not the Trinity , as a number proceeding from the Unity ; which conception of their they usually illustrate by three folds in a Handkerchief , which may have the denomination of three ; but being extended , is but one entire piece of Linnen . These men are no great admirers of the composition of the Alchoran ; what they meet therein agreeable to their principles , they embrace and produce as occasion serves in confirmation of their Doctrine ; other parts which with difficulty are reconciled they reject , and stile abrogated : and because they apprehend that the true beatitude and bless of Paradise consists in the contemplation of the Divine Majesty , they contemn all the fancies and gross conceptions of Heaven , which 〈◊〉 hath framed to allure and draw the minds of rude and gross men . Of this Sect are all the Scheghs or able Preachers that belong to the Royals Moschs or Churches ; who are men constant in their devotions , abstemious in their Diet , of a chearful countenance , and taking behaviour , great lovers of harmony and Musick , and of an indifferent strain in Poetry , whereby they compose certain Songs in Meeter , for entertainment of their Auditory . They are likewise generous and compassionate of 〈◊〉 frailty ; and are not covetous , Stoical , or conceited of themselves , by which means their behaviour is rendred extreamly taking through all Constantinople ; they are greatly delighted with an ingenious Aspect in youth , and from thence gather matter of contemplation on the comliness of the increated beauty : they are addicted to entertain a charitable 〈◊〉 for their neighbour , because ( as they say ) he is the creature of God , from whom our love is 〈◊〉 to the Creator . Their Disciples they procure as much as possible , to be men of comely and pleasing countenances and Majestick presence , who they instruct in all the rules of abstinence , gravety , and other vertues most appropriated to their 〈◊〉 . And these of all sorts of Turks seem worthy of the best Character , whom I compassionate , for not being born within the pale of a Christian Church , nor duely instructed in the Mystery of Christianity , to which they seem by their morality and vertues already to have prepared many previous dispositions . A Sect much different to that immediately foregoing is the Haireti , signifying amazed , and doubtful in determination of all controversies , who can endure any thing rather than to controvert opinions , and dispute on question in chase of truth : they will neither undertake to perswade or disswade ; but like the Academicks asfirm that falsity may by the wit and contrivance of man be dressed in a habit as not to be distinguished from truth it self ; and on the contrary , truth may be so disguised with Sophistry and delusions as to be rendred as deformed and ugly , as falshood , and therefore they conclude all questions to be meerly probable , and no wayes admitting of certain demonstration ; so that in points of dubious controversies their common sayings are , Allah bilur , God knows , bize karanuk , it is unknown to us , and such like expressions savouring of negligence and a brutish want of 〈◊〉 to search into the studies of Art and Science . Of this Sect some notwithstanding are Preachers , and from that degree are promoted to the office of Mufti , in which they behave themselves according to their affected carelesness , with a readiness and facility to subscribe all sentences to the satisfaction , and in favour of the demandant ; adding for the most part of these words . Well 〈◊〉 ealem bissenab , God knows that which is best . As to the manner of their life and practice , they are punctual observers of the rites of the Mahometan Religion and constitutions of their civil Law , but much incline to yield to the course of their own 〈◊〉 , and the force of passion ; they drink Wine not to appear Cynical or unsociable , but more generally addict themselves to Electuaries composed of 〈◊〉 , which 〈◊〉 to augment their natural stupefaction ; and when they are overcome with the obscurity of this vapour , whatsoever you affirm though never so contradictory , they readily 〈◊〉 to , not so much ( as they confess ) from a perswasion to one proposition more then another , but of a pleasing compliance to their companions , which humour the nature of their Sect allows of . And though they stile the Eschraki Dogmatical and obstinate opiniators ; yet by experience it is observed that the Mufties Educated in the Eschrakian Schools have been much more fortunate then those of the Hairetian Sect ; because the former having a certain foundation of principles , have been cautious in signing 〈◊〉 , or delivering their Sentence in the resolution of weighty Matters of State , choosing rather to renounce their Office , then their reason . But the others being negligent and incurious in their determinations , as if fortune did direct them more to the true part then solidity of judgment ; have been alwayes free and open in their Sentences ; by which means events of State falling out unhappily , and the miscarriage attributed to the councel of the 〈◊〉 , they have been oftner subject to the punishment of banishment or death , then 〈◊〉 other Opponents . We shall not proceed to swell this Work with a longer Catalogue of these Sects , least we should seem over 〈◊〉 to the Reader , and instead of pleasing his Palate , should over-charge his Stomach ; otherwise we might proceed to recite as many Sects as there are Towns or Schools in the Empire , in every one of which some pragmatical Preacher or other have always started a new opinion , which can never want Disciples . And certainly the diversity of opinions in Turky is almost infinite , and more numerous then in England , or other parts of Christendom , though commonly not proceeding from the same malice , nor laid with the same design to the prejudice of the State : the reason of this variety amongst the Turks I attribute to the many Religions which voluntarily , and for interest or by force have entered into the Mahometan superstition , many of which being Grecians , and instructed in the Arts and Sciences with which that Empire once flourished , which was the Mine and Treasury of Philosophy and Learning , did afterwards mix with their new Religions ( not being wholy satisfyed with the Alchoran ) certain Traditions and Opinions of the ancient Philosophers : And several other Nations , as Russians , Muscovites , Chircassians , and the like , retaining some few remembrances of their first Notions and Principles , make a farther addition to this ill compounded medley , which also receiving some difference and variety as they encreased and were propagated , have multiplyed to a number both unprofitable and tedious to search farther into . CHAP. XIII . Of the Dervises . IT is commonly known and received , that the Turkish Religion is an absurd composition of the Christian and Jewish Rites ; in imitation of the former of which doubtless their Monasteries and Orders of religious men were introduced ; most of which incline to a pretended mortification and strictness of life ; to poverty , and renuntiation of the worlds enjoyments , according to the devotion of Christians a thousand years past , whose piety and exemplary lives drew Infidels to extract a rough Copy of their elevated vertues . I have been the more curious in making an exact enquiry into the Customs , Institutions and Doctrines of the Mahometan Convents , because I find relations hereof sparingly scattered in other Books , and that obscurely without punctuality or certainty : But I shall promise my Reader to deliver nothing herein , but what I have good Authority for , and taken from the mouth of the most Learned of their Seighs or Preachers which are the Heads or Superiours of these Societies . The Doctors of the Mahometan Law inform me , that their Religious houses and Institutions , are as ancient as Mahomet , from whom general orders and instructions were derived for their oeconomy , first to his Disciple Hali ; but our Turkish History and other Records make no mention of these Monasteries , till within these three hundred and fifty years , in the time of Orchanes second King of the Turks , who is famed to have been the first founder of Houses of these Orders . Those of the Mahometan Faith , who first framed rules and 〈◊〉 for these Religions , were two , viz. Chalvettee and 〈◊〉 , which after Mahomet are esteemed the two Fountains from whence other Orders are proceeded , which are these following ; from Chalvettee are derived The first Founders and Masters of these Orders . Nimetulahi from Nimetula Kadri from Kadri Kalenderi from Kalendar Edhemi from Edhem Hizrevi from Hizr Bektassee from Bektass . From Nacksbendee proceed only two , viz. Their Original Founders . Ebrbuharee from Ebrbuhar Mevelevee from Mevelava . These several Orders we shall distinctly touch upon , beginning with the Mevelevee , which though set down here last , yet because for fame amongst the Turks , they are the first , we 〈◊〉 most largely and particularly treat of them . The Mevelevee , otherwise and most commonly named Dervise , which word signifies Poor and renouncers of the world , have their chief and Superiour foundation in Iconium , which consists of at the least four hundred Dervises , and governs all the other Convents of that Order within the Turkish Empire , by vertue of a Charter given them by Ottoman first of the Mahometan Kings , who out of devotion to their Religion once placed their Prior or Superiour in his Royal Throne , because having been his Tutor , and he who girted on his Sword ( which is the principal Ceremony of Coronation ) he granted him and his successors ample Authority and Rule over all others of the same Profession . They pretend to great Patience , Humility , Modesty , Charity and Silence in presence of their Superiour or others ; their eyes are alwayes fixed downwards , their heads hanging towards their breast , and their bodies bending forwards . Their shirts are of the coursest Linnen can be made , with a White Plad or Mantle about their shoulders : but most wear a loose kind of Garment made of Wool at 〈◊〉 or in Anatolia , of a dark colour ; their Caps or what they wear on their heads , is like the Crown of a Hat of the largest size , made of course Camels hair of a whitish colour ; their Legs are alwayes bare , and their Breasts open , which some of them burn or sear in token of greater devotion : they wear also a Leathern girdle with some shining stone upon the Buckle before , either of Marble or Alablaster , Porphyry , Ivory , or some thing that makes a great shew or luster . The Prior over a Convent of Dervises The Habit of Dervises Besides their Fast of Ramazan , they keep a weekly Fast on every Thursday , on which day , none unless for some indisposition of health or other lawful cause , hath license to eat , untill after Sun-setting . Every Tuesday and Friday the Superiour of the Convent makes a Sermon or exposition of some Verses in the Alchoran , or out of the Books wrote by their Founder , or some other prime Doctor of the Mahometan Law ; after which is done , the Dervises with marvellous modesty and reverence bowing to their Superiour , begin to turn round , some of them with that swift motion , that their faces can scarce be seen ; a certain Pipe made of a Cane , sounding all the time of this motion ; and on a sudden when the Musick ceases , they all stop with that exactness and firmness , shewing no symptoms of a disordered or swimmimg brain ; to which having accustomed themselves from their infancy or youth , in some years that motion becomes as natural , with as little disturbance to their Head or Stomach , as to walk forward , or to use any other exercise which nature is delighted with . This custom ( they say ) they observe with great devotion in imitation of their first Founder Mevelana , who for fourteen dayes together , and without taking any nourishment , used this Vertiginous motion by a miraculous assistance ( his Friend Hamze , or Companion , all that time sounding by him with his Flute or Pipe ) untill at last falling into an extasie , he received strange 〈◊〉 , and divine commands for the institution of this his Order : the Pipe they play on , they esteem for an ancient and sanctifyed sort of Musick , and to be that with which 〈◊〉 and the other holy Shepherds in the Old Testament praised God. It hath a doleful melancholy sound ; but their constant exercise and application thereunto makes it as Musical as can be imagined in such an Instrument : the best of those Canes are esteemed to come from 〈◊〉 , and are of twenty five 〈◊〉 price . But this sort of devotion with instrumental Musick , is by Turks themselves disputed against , denying that their Founder , who was so spiritual a man , did ever institute , or himself use Musick in his turning round ; because the Alchoran expressely forbids all devotion and service of God with Musick , but only with the natural and living voice ; And that is the reason , why in calling their people to prayers they use no Bells , but only the voice of a man ; and for this cause I remember , that in my time prohibitions have been made by publick Authority against this practice of the Dervises . But they on the contrary , alledging Davids example , and his Dancing before the Ark as Arguments for their Musick and Giration , have by the help of several persons in power , many of them being greatly affected with their devotion , maintained from time to time this custom and institution of the first Founder of this Order , notwithstanding that one Vanni 〈◊〉 a great 〈◊〉 or Preacher , esteemed as a knowing Person by the Grand Signior and all the Court , hath by his Authority endeavoured to Reform this Corruption ( as he calls it ) amongst them . They profess Poverty , Chastity , and Obedience , like Capuchin Friers or other Orders of St. Francis ; but if any have not the gift of continence ; he may obtain License to leave his Convent and marry ; but of these , they observe that none ever thrived or lived happily with contentment , that renounced this Dedication to Gods Service . The 〈◊〉 serve in the most servile Offices , and in time others supply their places ; they lie as companions two together in a Cell , some of which employ their time in Learning to Read and Write in Turkish , Arabick and Persian ; but most yield to their slothful temperament to which they are naturally addicted : but because the nature of man is restless , and must employ it self either in good or bad actions ; most of these associates exercise some kind of Legerdemain , or tricks to amuse the minds of the common people ; and some really apply themselves to 〈◊〉 and Conjurations by help of familiar spirits . Busbequius tells strange Stories of one with whom he was acquainted , that he would strike a stone of great weight and bigness against his bare Breast with that force and violence as were sufficient to 〈◊〉 down an Ox , or break the bones of the 〈◊〉 Gyant ; and that the same man he hath seen take an Iron Bar red hot from the fire and hole it in his mouth , and though the spittle and moisture of his mouth 〈◊〉 with the heat , yet he seemed to take it thence again without the least 〈◊〉 or burning imaginable . This sort of people of all other 〈◊〉 , addict themselves to drink Wine , Strong-Waters , and other intoxicating Liquors ; and eat Opium in that quantity , by degrees using their bodies thereunto , that no 〈◊〉 or Mithridates himself who was nourished with poison , are capable to digest half that proportion that these men will do ; the effect of which is at first , like men drunk or mad , to raise their spirits to a sort of distracted Mirth , and afterwards when the subtle vapours are consumed and spent , and a dull stupefaction overcomes them , they name it an extasie , which they account very holy and divine in imitation of their first Founder , who was often observed to put himself into this condition ; and therefore what helps may be found to excite Mirth or distraction , is lawful and allowable in this Order . There is a famous Monastery of these in Egypt , invocating for their Saint one Kederlee , which by the Stories they tell of him should be St. George , in conformity with whom all other Dervises maintain a Reverend 〈◊〉 of this Saint , affirming that in his life he was a valiant Horseman , killed Dragons and all sorts of venemous Beasts ; and now being departed this life , God for preservation of good men hath given him power to deliver such as being in distress , invoaks his assistance ; especially those who are at Sea , and at the point of shipwrack ; and that he with an extraordinary swiftness of motion flies from one part of the world to another in the twinkling of an eye , and seasonably comes in to their succour . These by vertue of that blessing Kederlee confers upon them , pretend to charm Serpents and Adders , and 〈◊〉 them as familiarly as we do the most innocent and domestick creatures ; which art , as I have heard from good Authority , is not peculiar in Egypt only to Dervises , but to other men who are said to be naturally endued with a vertue against the poisonous bites of Vipers and other venomous Beasts ; who putting great numbers of them into a bag together , do 〈◊〉 and sort them out with their hands , as one would do Worms or Muscles ; and others with a word charm Serpents from moving as they crawl along the Banks of 〈◊〉 , which gifts these men pretend to inherit from their Parents , and others to 〈◊〉 in reward of their vertues and sanctity . This sort of Egyptian Dervises have Sainted the Horse of St. George , and have seated him in Paradise with 〈◊〉 other three beasts in high respect and esteem amongst the Turks , viz. the Asse on which Christ road , the Camel of Mahomet , and the Dog of the seven Sleepers . A Sort of Dervise that Travailes the World These Dervises have Monasteries in the most famous places of the Turkish Empire , which serve the travelling Pilgrims of this Order for Inns and places of entertainment : for they above all other Religious Turks , journey and travel from one place to another , where the 〈◊〉 Religion is professed , under pretence of preaching and propagating their Faith ; and thus they travel upon Charity of their Monasteries and Alms of others into Persia , China , and the Dominions of the Mogul , by which means they become the best spies and intelligencers of any that are found in the Eastern parts of the world . I remember at Adrianople to have seen the Ruine of one of these Monasteries situated on a pleasant hill , and in good Air , that oversees the whole City and Plains round about ; which upon enquiry I understand was demolished by the famous Visier Kuperli ; because it was discovered to be a Rendezvous of the lewd Women of the Town , and a Stew where the young Gallants debauched the Wives of the richest Turks , to whom their Husbands had given liberty in honour to the Sanctity of the place , to be often present at the devotion of the Dervises ; but their way of practice being too publick and scandalous , the Foundation of their house by the order of the Visier was razed to the ground . CHAP. XIV . Of the Order of Religious Turks called Ebrbuharee . THis Order of Ebrbuharee was first instituted by their founder and institutor Ebrbuhar from whom they have their denomination , who herein followed the Precepts and Rules of his Master Nacsbende , from whom in like manner the Order of Meveleve or 〈◊〉 are derived : for the better understanding this sort of people , the Reader may take this following , as an authentick discourse relating to their manners and original , which I shall deliver Verbatim as given me in writing by one esteemed Learned amongst the Turks , and was a Hadgi or Pilgrim , and made it his business to inform me of this Sect. Sultan Bajazet , said he , in the year of Mahomet nine hundred and eleven , erected a Mosch and Convent in Constantinople , dedicated to this Holy Emir Ebrbuhar ( that is of the race of Mahomet ) upon whom rest the mercy of the Creator . This man both extrinsecally as to appearance in the world , and intrinsecally as to his devout soul , was famous and renowned for the Miracles he worked ; on which Fabrick Sultan Selim afterwards bestowed a fountain of water . This Ebrbuhar Schollar of Nacsbende , taking into his Company the assistance of Abdullah and Ilahi and 〈◊〉 , Preachers and Heads of other Convents , came out of Asia to propagate their Doctrine in Europe . Their actions were governed with Meekness , Gravity and Silence , and laying aside all Superstitious Worships , they exercise themselves in pious actions ; their discourses amongst themselves were nothing in relation to the things of the world , but of Matters relating to a future life . These 〈◊〉 religious fast for the most part on 〈◊〉 and Thursdays ; And both they and those devoted to their order abstain from all Meats that carry with them any fetulent or ungrateful smells , and in this manner these devout people exercised in abstinence and a moral life , and swallowed up or transported with the illumination of God , and attending to their daily prayers Commemoration of Gods mercy , and other offices of devotion acquire a holy disposition and preparation for Celestial glory . As to the Holy Emir Ebrbuhar , whose Mysterious life may God sanctifie to us ; was nourished with Bread made of Barley , Oil of Olives , Honey and Grapes , and abstained from all things of a strong scent or savour , he eat but three times a year , giving himself continually to Fasting and Prayer ; he was a man of great Sanctity , full of Divine Revelation , his attractive vertue was grateful to all , to his Feet from divers Countries were many diseased persons brought , which afterwards returned sound and healthful to their own homes ; all which is the relation of my Doctor and great admirer of the Mahometan Religion . In commendation of the religious of this Order , are these Verses in the Persian tongue . Gher hakiki iahi der gehan bulendi Nakschibendi Kiun Nakschibendi ; That is , If thou wouldst find in the world one accomplished as a true Heroe , make thy self a Nakschibendi , who is the true pattern of a Servant of God. And notwithstanding this great pretended purity and sanctity of these men , they are yet by the generality esteemed Hereticks in the Mahometan superstition , because they judge themselves not obliged to the Pilgrimage of 〈◊〉 , by reason of their pretended purity of soul and 〈◊〉 Raptures , which elevate them above the world , and enable them in their very Cells to be present , or have a clear Prospect into their Holy Mecha . CHAP. XV. Of the Nimetulahi . ONe sort of those who are accounted in the number of Chalvetti is the Nimetalahi ; they had their beginning in the Hegira or year of 〈◊〉 777 , and their denomination from one of that name , famous for his Doctrine and severity of life in the time of Sultan Mahomet , Son of Bajazet , called by the 〈◊〉 Ilderim , or the Son of Thunder ; He was an excellent Physician , and renowned for his vertues amongst the vulgar ; for better knowledge of his Life and Doctrine , the Reader may take notice what one of this Order related to me in admiration of his Master . He was one , said he , who preached and published the truth , mortifyed his body , followed not the affections of the carnal Appetite , knew the intrinsick nature and Quiddity of all creatures , rendred continual Prayers and Praises to his Creator ; and so long resigned himself entirely to speculation , untill he arrived to the Ravishment of Extasies and Raptures , in which he oftentimes obtained the happiness to discourse with God. He 〈◊〉 of all those things which God made lawful for humane nourishment , without observation of Fasts or strictness in Diet , but day and night continued in his prayers and devotions : whilst he slept he extended not his feet like the beasts of sense , who eat Corn and Hay in the Stables ; sometimes the fear of God made him tremble , and his countenance became melancholy and affrighted with the apprehension of his Majesty . And to this perfection none ever arrived , nor to that intimate knowledge of the divine Secrets . The professors of this Order assemble every Munday night to praise the Unity of the Divine Nature , and Celebrate the name of God with Hymns and Songs . Those that would initiate themselves into this Order , are obliged to make a Quarentene first , or 〈◊〉 sequestred in a Chamber for the space of forty dayes , with twenty four drams of Meat a day , during which time they see the face of God , the sublime Paradise , and praise the Creator and Framer of the universe ; at the expiration of their term , they are taken forth by the rest of the Fraternity , who taking hands Dance in a Morris ; in which Vagary , if any Vision appear to the Novices from God , they throw their Cloaths behind them , and fall flat with their 〈◊〉 on the ground , like men astonished or strook with an Apoplexy , untill such time as the Prior or chief of their Order coming and making prayers for them , they return by degrees to their sense again , and taking them up with their eyes red and distorted , they remain a while like men drunk , distracted or stupid ; but afterwards their 〈◊〉 spirits being better collected , the Prior demands in secret their Visions and Revelations , which they communicate to him , or some other serious and grave person well instructed in the Mysteries of their profession . CHAP. XVI . Of the Kadri THis is another of those six Religions which are derived from 〈◊〉 , which had one Abdul Kadri Ghilani for its first Founder , a man greatly admired for his wisdom and abstinence , whose Sepulchre is found without Babylon , to which place many of those who enter into the Regular Orders of these Convents make their Pilgrimages . Those who enter into this Religion , must perform their Novitiate with degrees of abstinence and fasting ; wherefore when first they take the 〈◊〉 upon them , there is bestowed upon them a small Cudgel made of the Wood of a Willow , weighing when fresh and green four hundred drams , which they are alwayes to carry about them hung at their Girdle ; by the weight of this they take their daily allowance of bread , untill such time as the Wood becoming exceeding dry , is also much the lighter , and so according as the weight thereof lightens , their proportion of Bread diminishes . Besides their prayers of five times a day , to which all Mahometans are bound , they are obliged to spend the whole or best part of the night with turning round at the sound of a little Pipe , and to utter this word , Hai , Hai , which signifies Alive , being one of the Attributes of God : and this they do in imitation of the Custom used by their Founder , who is said to have pronounced this word Hai , so often , and with that vehemency , that the vein of his breast bursting , the blood gushed out upon the Wall , and made the word Hai. Wherefore all his Disciples to follow the example of their Master , taking hands together in a ring , repeat this word , Hai , Hai , with so much violence , and so often , untill they fall on the ground without breath or life ; those who last out longest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the dead from the Chamber , and lay them to recover their spirits after their strained exercise ; and this they do every Friday night . Every one of these are obliged once in the year to a retirement of forty dayes , in a little Cell free from all company or conversation , during which time they are wholy to give themselves to meditations , and to observe 〈◊〉 dreams , and so recount them to their Superiour , who studies the interpretation of them , and from them Divines of future things . They have many times license from their Superiour , to be drunk or intoxicate themselves with Aqua vitae , Opium , or any stupisying Drugs , to be better able to perform with more spirit and vehemency their mad Dance . These fellows are of a refined wit , notable Sophisters and Hypocrites ; their secrets they reveal to none but those of their own profession , by which means they are subtle to cheat those of other Religions . They are not debarred from the liberty of Marriage , but if they do marry they are excluded from the Convent , and may wear any sort of habit , yet for distinction sake they wear Black Buttons ; those that live in the Convent , carry a certain white Plad of a course Cloth , their Heads with hair unshaven , without Caps or other covering , and 〈◊〉 feet bare . These are called Kadri , and have a convent at 〈◊〉 in Constantinople . The Founder of this Order , called , as we have said before , Abdul Kadir Ghilan , was born in the Hegira or year of 〈◊〉 five hundred sixty one , and dyed in the year six hundred fifty seven ; he was esteemed both a Lawyer and a Philosopher ; his Master or Instructor was Abdul Mumin 〈◊〉 , who composed two Books , one called Mugrib or the Arabian Grammer , and another called Andalus . At that time that Helakin Son of Genghiz Han came to Babylon , he caused him to kill one Alkami then Vice-King of that City , for being of the Persian Sect , called by the Turks Rafizi or Hereticks , because they reject Abubecher , Omar and Osman , as Apochryphal Writers , and attribute not to them that honour of Holy men , which is given by the Turks . The Prior or chief of the Convent of this Order , teach their Disciples a certain prayer , which they whisper in their ears that it may not be overheard or known by others ; this they are obliged to repeat every moment with little intermission , unless at times set apart for the offices of nature ; and boast that it hath so much of efficacy in it , that by the vertue thereof , they obtain the enjoyment of divine visions and revelations . Their posture is , like other religious Mahometans , to sit with their heads hanging down , and their Noses in their Breasts , which they call 〈◊〉 ; the better to keep them from distraction or wandring thoughts , during their contemplations of heaven , and the vanity of satisfying the carnal appetite . Amongst the many Miracles that the followers of this Order recount of their Master , one is this , That coming once to Babylon to inhabit amongst the other superstitious persons and Santones of that City , they hearing of his approach went forth to meet him , one of them carrying in his hand a dish filled with water ; from whence they would infer , that as that dish was full to the brim so as to be capable of containing no more , so their City was so replenished with Learned and Religious persons , that there was no place to receive him : Whereupon this subtle Sophister studying to confute this Hieroglyphick , whereby they would excuse the courtesie of due Hospitality , stretching his arms first towards Heaven , and then bowed down and gathered a Rose leafe which he laid on the water , which before had filled the dish : by which piece of ingenuity , he not only confuted the parable of the Churlish Babylonians , but also so took with them , that they registred it as a Miracle of wisdom , and bringing him into their City with triumph , made him the Superiour of all their Orders . CHAP. XVII . Of the Order of Kalenderi . a Santone or Holy man THis Order may rather be termed the Sect of Epicureans , then men retired to mortifie their appetites , and deny the world , as all other of the religious and regulated Turks pretend ; but yet this sort of Fanaticks pretend to Religion by a different way of Libertinism and looseness in their conversation ; which they act so publickly , that they are not ashamed to profess their institution and customs to be after this manner In the time that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Son of Melkaziz Ohoma the Son of 〈◊〉 , being ready to resign up his last breath , bequeathed to his Son Mahomet Melik Kiamel , the Government of Cairo , and all the other parts of the Kingdom of Egypt : 〈◊〉 and Jerusalem to his Son Isa 〈◊〉 Muazin and Diarbekir , to his third Son Eschrefmusa ; There lived a certain Santone , who alwayes mentioned the name of God with the sound of his Pipe , and with that Musick recreated himself day and night , not after a chearful and merry humour , but with sad and melancholy Tunes , accompanied his Pipe with Tears and Sighs . He was an excellent Musician , and a deep Philosopher , endued with those supernatural vertues as enabled him to work Miracles clear , and notorious to all the world ; he was a Hermite , called in Arabick Abdal ; went with his head bare , and his body full of wounds , without Shirt or other Clothing , besides a Skin of some wild Beast thrown about his Shoulders , at his Girdle he wore some finely polished stone ; his wrists , instead of Diamonds or Stones of value , he wore counterfeit Jewels , which carryed a lustre and fair appearance with them ; this man was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , who was continually singing Arabick Sonnets , and according to them Musical Airs , making also harmonious compositions so artificially , that he seemed another David . But how strict and sober soever this Santone was , his Disciples or Proselytes are of another temper , being wholy given up to Jollity and delights , they banish all kind of melancholy and sadness , and live free of cares , passions or torments of the mind , and have this saying amongst them , This day is ours , to morrow is his , who shall live to enjoy it ; and therefore studiously attend to lose no moment or least part of their pleasure , but consume their time in eating and drinking ; and to maintain this gluttony they will sell the Stones of their Girdles , their Ear-rings and Bracelets . When they come to the house of any rich man or person of Quality , they accomodate themselves to their humour , giving all the Family pleasant words and chearful expressions to perswade them to a liberal and free entertainment . The Tavern by them is accounted holy as the Mosch , and believe they serve God as much with debauchery or liberal use of his creatures ( as they call it ) as others with severity and mortification . And the Turks say , That in the Hegira 615 , the Christians become Masters of Jerusalem , by reason that the Institutor of this Order of the Kalenderi , who had a chief hand in the Government of the City , was found drunk when it was assaulted . CHAP. XVIII . Of the Edhemi . A Religious man of the order of Edhemi THe original Founder of this Order was one Ibrahim Edhem , concerning whom the Disciples themselves , or Followers recount things very obscurely , and tell us Stories that his Father was a Slave and 〈◊〉 by Nation , and went one day under the Fort Horanan to discourse with Ibnimelik King of Cairo , that he was a man very comely , facetious and sober in his carriage , alwayes desiring to please God , continued in the Moschs reading the Alchoran , and in prayer day and night with his face prostrate on the ground , and often repeating these words ; O God , thou hast given me so much wisdom , as that I know clearly that I am in thy direction ; and therefore scorning all power and dominion , I resign my self to the speculation of Philosophy and a holy life . His Servants seeing this his devout way of living , applyed themselves to the imitation of his Austerity , and abandoning all greatness and vanities of the world , applyed themselves to solitude and mortification ; their superfluous garments they bestowed on the Poor , giving to those whose necessities required them . Their food is Bread made of 〈◊〉 , and Pray frequently with Fasting , and their Priors apply themselves much to a faculty in Preaching . Their principal Covents are in Cities of Persia , especially Chorasan . Their Cloathing is of a course thick Cloth , upon their heads they wear a Cap of Wool , with a Turbant round it , and about their necks a white Linnen Cloth striped with red . In the Deserts they converse with Lions and Tigers , salute them and make them tame , and by the miraculous power of divine assistance entertain discourse with 〈◊〉 in the Wilderness ; This and many other wild discourses they make of this Edhem , but because their are but few of this Order in Constantinople , being most appropriated to Persia ; I could not receive so particular an occount of their Rule and Institutions , as I have done of others . CHAP. XIX . Of the Order of Bectasse . THe original Founder of this Religion , is of no ancient Memory or standing , nor had his Birth or Education amongst the Santones of Arabia , from whence most of these superstitious pretenders have had their beginning ; but one of those that was an Army-Preacher , that could fight as well as pray , of whom my learned Hogia gives me this account . In the time ( sayes he ) that the Warlike and Victorious Sultan Amurath passed with his Army into Servia , and overcame Lazarus , the Despot of that Country , and slew him in Battel , Becktash was then preacher to Amurath ; who amongst other of his admonitions forewarned him of trusting the Servians ; but Amurath out of his couragious spirit replying on his own wisdom and force admitted a certain Nobleman called Vilvo , upon pretence of doing him homage to approach near him and kiss his hand , who having his 〈◊〉 ready and concealed , stabbed Amurath to the heart , and with that blow made him a Martyr . Bectash knowing that this treacherous death of his Prince , must needs also be the cause of 〈◊〉 , for being so near his Person , and prophesying of this fatal stroke , sought not to prevent it , but made preparations for his own death . And in order thereunto provided himself with a 〈◊〉 Robe with long Sleeves , which he proffered to all those which were his admirers , and Proselytes , to be kissed as a mark of their obedience to him and to his institutions ; from this action the custom hath been introduced of kissing the sleeve of the Grand Signior . The Religious of this Order wear on their heads white Caps of several pieces with Turbants of Wool , twisted in the fashion of a Rope , they observe constantly the hours of prayer , which they perform in their own Assemblies ; they go Cloathed in White , and praise the Unity of God , crying , Hu ( which is , may be live ) and by these means obtain the Grace of God. This Santone hath many millions of Disciples and Followers ; now all the Janizaries of the Ottoman Port are professors of the same Religion . This Bactash at his death cut off one of his sleeves , and put it upon the head of one of his religious men , part of which hung down on his shoulders , saying , after this , you shall be Janizares , which signisies a new Militia ; and from that time began their original institution , so this is the reason why the Janizaries wear Caps falling behind after the manner of sleeves called Ketche . This Hagi Bectash was a person exceedingly attractive in his conversation , holy to admiration , a man of great worth , and Majestick in his comportment , he was 〈◊〉 in the City Kyr , where they have many Convents aud Religious followers , who alwayes praise 〈◊〉 adore God , and thus far my Hogia informs me . But whatsoever he sayes , this Order is the most abhorred in the world by the Kadizadeli , because that Bectash left it to the free will of his Disciples , either to observe the constant hours of prayer or not ; by which great liberty and licentiousness is entered amongst the Janizartes , who are Souldier-like , not over zealous or devoute in their prayers , little attendance to the offices of devotion . In some Songs which this Bectash is said to have composed ; it is often repeated , that none hath known God , because none hath seen him : And for this reason the most zealous Mahometans call the Janizaries Keferesis , which signifies without faith ; and a certain Mufti called Ebusuud delivered his sentence or Fetfa , to the question demanded him ; if a Mussulman or believer should say to a 〈◊〉 , thou art a Pagan , what punishment he should merit by the Law ? he replyed , that a man is an Infidel , who holds a 〈◊〉 for a true believer . Some Friers of this Order of Bectash do in all publick shews and solemnities march near the person of the Janizar Aga , crying continually . Hu , Hu , with their Daggers drawn . They are a most licentious sort of people , much given to Sodomy , for which the ignorant and loose sort of Janizaries are willingly their Disciples ; and are now grown into that vast multitude , as is almost impossible to exterpate them or their vices ; though corrosives are laid to eat away this Gangreen in the Militia , which goes creeping on with an unsensible pace ; as we shall discourse more largely in the next Book of the Turkish Militia . CHAP. XX. Of the Order of Herewi or Hizrevi . IN the time of Orchanes the second King of the Turks , who Governed thirty five years and Reigned eighty three , and dyed in the Hegira of Mahomet seven hundred and sixteen , there lived in Prusa , then the Regal Seat , a famous Santone called Herewi , who used to walk up and down , and as an act of charity to buy the Livers and Lights of Beasts to feed Cats and Dogs ; he professed poverty and severe mortification with Tears and Sighs , which he acted with that fervency that the Angels leaving heaven , came to be witness of his holy penance . The fame of which moved Sultan Orchanes to discourse with him , and to know the story of his past life ; which he smiling began to recount , and told him , that he formerly was a King derived from the Line of Mahomet , had compassed with his arms the Rivers of Nilus , Euphrates and Tigris , had governed Provinces with his Sword and Scepter , had been gloriously and triumphantly adorned with precious Stones and glittering Arms , and had made the world tremble at the very mention of his name . But at last considering the vanity of this world , he resolved on a solitary life , and to renounce all the follies and small satisfactions of riches and empty honours . At which saying , Sultan Orchanas was amazed , and said , We ought not to despise those who under the guise and appearance of mad and distracted persons wander through the world ; for their vertues are rare ; and in this man particularly I discover so much of sanctity that I judge my self unworthy the name of one of his Servants . And this is the reason , why Fools and Frantick people have ever since been had in Honour and Reverence amongst the Turks , as those whom Revelations and Enthusiasms transported out of the ordinary temperament of humanity . This Herewi was very Learned and Experienced in Chymistry ; and to those who professed his Order and entred into the regular life of his Religion , instead of Aspers he bestowed Gold ; he wore a Green Vest ; and lived very abstemiously ; he mended his own Cloaths , and dressed the Dyet for his Convent . He endowed many Moschs and several Hospitals of Charity at Grand Cairo and Babylon . His Sepulcher is at Prusa , which is greatly visited by Pilgrims , and adorned by the Bounty and Munificence of those who reverence the Memory of this holy Santone . This is the best relation I could procure from one of the Sheighs or Preachers , and one that was Prior of this Order , whose example , as the original Copy , others of this Order imitate . They have a Monastery in Constantinople , as all the others before mentioned , besides which in this Capital City , nor in any parts of the Turkish Dominions in Europe , have I observed any Teke or Monastery , where Turks profess to lead a Religious life , but is one of the Orders before mentioned ; some others there may be about Babylon and Egypt , and remotest parts of Asia , whose names and constitutions I have not repeated here , who have ( as I am informed ) somewhat more of ridiculous and superstitious Worship amongst them then I have declared in the account I have given of those I have been acquainted with in the parts I have travelled ; yet it is observable they all of them pretend to poverty , as the nearest way to arrive the happiness of Paradise ; but with their poverty ( as I have seen in some of their Tekes where I have been , especially those removed from Cities ) they mix so much negligence in their living , not caring for neatness in their Houses , but leave all things in a disorderly and confused manner , as testifies their laziness as well as poverty ; And are not like the Cells of Capuchins , who having nothing to attend to besides their Prayers and Gardens , improve all things with that advantage , as graces Poverty , and convinces the World that in a moderate enjoyment of it there is more satisfaction , then in those vexations which attend the disposal and government of heaps of riches , and the satiety of opulency and plenty . It is worth nothing also ; that on the Monuments of Santones and in the Gardens , or before the Gates of these Religious , there is alwayes some ridiculous adornment such as agrees with the fancy of Bedlams ; as Crowning the Hearse of the dead with Beads , and Horns , and Ribbonds , and pieces of Tinsel , &c. and their doors with the like ; accounting it a chief disposition to Divine Service to have a mind endued with an humour inclining to the fancy of Hypocondriacal or distracted heads , so that I shall not enlarge farther in this Discourse , nor to glut my Reader with so Insipid and Fulsome a subject . CHAP. XXI . Of Marriages and Divorces , and how far Concubinage is indulged amongst the Turks . The Habit of the Women in Constantinopler THe state of Marriage is accounted both honourable and holy amongst the Turks , by which the race of Mankind is best encreased and maintained ; yet the Priest as I may call him , or their Church-man , hath the least hand in the Solemnity ; the matter as an action wholy civil , is performed before the Caddee or Judge ; not unlike the manner practised in England for some few years , according to that absurd act of Marriages by a Justice of Peace ; and is in the nature of a Recognisance , whereby the Husband doth personally oblige himself before the Judge to take such a Wife , and in case of his Death or Divorce , to endow her with a certain Estate to remain to her own disposal . The Woman is not there present , but appears by her Father or some of her nearest Relations , and is afterwards by a great attendance of Women brought covered , sitting a stride on Horse-back under a Canopy to the Habitation of her Bridegroom , who remains at the Gate with open arms to receive her ; there is great Rejoycing and Feasting hereat , the night before she is brought to the Company of her Husband ; but when the precedent Ceremonies to the Marriage are performed and compleated , the House is all silent , and she is brought into the Bride-Chamber by an Eunuch ( if she be of Quality ) if not , by some Women of near Relation , and delivered to her Husband , who is himself to untie her Drawers , and undress her for his bed , not unlike the custom amongst the Romans of Zonam solvere . Polygamie is freely indulged to them by their Religion as far as the number of four Wives , 〈◊〉 to the common report , that a Turk may have as many Wives as he can maintain ; Though Mahomet had nine Wives , and Hali had fourteen , as being men more spiritual and of a more elevated degree , had greater priviledges and indulgences for carnal enjoyments . This restraint of the number of their Wives is certainly no Precept of their Religion , but a rule superinduced upon some politick considerations , as too great a charge and weakning to mens Estates , every one that takes a Wife being obliged to make her a Kabin or Dowry , as we have said before ; or else for better Regulation of the oeconomies , and to prevent and abate somewhat of the Jealousies , Strifes and Embroilments in a Family , which must necessarily arise between so many Rivals in the affection of one Husband who is obliged by Law and Covenants , to deal and bestow his benevolence and conjugal kindness in an exact proportion of equality . And least this consinement to a certain number of Wives , should seem a restriction and impeachment of that liberty and free use of Women which they say , God hath frankly bestowed on man ; every one may freely serve himself of his Women Slaves , with as much variety as he is able to buy or maintain ; and this kind of Concubinage is no wayes envyed or condemned by the Wives , so long as they can enjoy their due maintenance , and have some reasonable share in the Husbands bed , which once a week is their due by the Law ; for if any of them hath been neglected the whole week before , she challenges Thursday night as her due , and hath remedy in that case against her Husband by the Law ; and if she be so modest as not to sue him for one weeks default , she is yet so ingenious to contrive a supply of her wants : And whereas these Women are Educated with much retiredness from the conversation of men ; and consequently with greater inclinations towards them , and with no principles of virtue of moral honesty or Religion , as to a future state relating to the rewards or punishments of their good or bad actions ; they are accounted the most lascivious and immodest of all Women , and excel in the most refined and ingenious subtilties to steal their pleasures ; And as in Christendom the Husband bears the disgrace and scandal of his Wives incontinency ; here the Horns are by the vulgar adjudged to the Father , Brothers , and Kindred ; the Bloud of her Family is tainted and dishonoured , and the Husband obtaining a Divorce , quits himself of his Wife and dishonor together . No question but the first Institutor of this easie Religion , next to the satisfaction of his own carnal and effeminate inclination , and this taking freedom amongst his Disciples ; his main consideration was the encrease of his people by Polygamie , knowing that the greatness of Empires and Princes consists more in the numbers and multitudes of their people , than the compass or large extent of their dominions . This freedom ( if it may be called so ) was granted at the beginning of the world for the propagation and encrease of mankind ; and the Jews had that permission and indulgence to their loose and wandring affections , and we read that the Eastern parts of the world have abounded with Children of divers Mothers , and but one Father ; and that ordinarily a Great Personage in Egypt hath been attended with a hundred lusty Sons in the field , proceeding from his own Loins , well Armed , and daring in all attempts of War. But yet this course thrives not so well amongst the 〈◊〉 as formerly ; whether it be thought their accursed Vice of Sodomie , or that God blesses not so much this state of life , as when the paucity of Mankind induced a sort of a necessity and plea for it . But chiefly through the irreconcileable Emulation and Rivalry which is amongst many Wives , those Witchcrafts and Sorceries ( which in this Country are very frequent ) are prepared against the envyed fruitfulness each of other , that either they make an Abortive Birth , or otherwise their Children pine and macerate away with secret and hidden charms , by which means they are now observed not to be so fruitful and numerous , as is the Marriage-bed of a single Wife ; nor is the Family so well regulated , and orderly as under the Conduct and good Huswifery of one Woman , but contrarily , filled with noise , brawls and dissentions , as passes the wisdom of the Husband to become an equal Umpire and Arbitrator of their differences , which consideration restrains many , though otherwise inclineable enough to gratifie their Appetites , from incumbring themselves with so great an inconvenience ; and I have known some though childless , have adhered to a single Wife , and preferred Quiet and Repose , before the contentment of their Off-spring . The Children they have by their Slaves , are equally esteemed with those they have by their Wives ; Neque vero Turcae minus honoris deferunt natis ex concubinis aut pellicibus quam ex uxoribus , neque illi minus in bona paterna juris habent , Busbeq . Ep. 1. But yet with this difference in esteem of the Law , that unless the Father Manumisses them by his Testament , and confers a livelihood upon them by Legacy , they remain to the Charity of their Elder Brother that is born from the VVife , and are his Slaves , and he their Lord and Master ; and it is with them , as in the Civil Law , Partus ventrem sequitur ; So that from the Loins of the same Father , may proceed Sons of a servile and ingenious condition . There is also another sort of half Marriage amongst them , which is called Kabin , when a man takes a VVife for a Month , or for a certain limited time : and an agreement is made for the price before the 〈◊〉 or Judge : and this Strangers oftentimes use , who have not the gift of Continency , and are desirous to find a VVife in all places where they travel , and is the same which they term in Spain to be Emancibado , or Casado de Media Carta , only the act there is not made allowable by the Laws as in Turky . There is another sort of Marriages commonly used amongst the Turks ( if we may give it that honourable Title ) which is the conjunction of an Eunuch with a VVoman ; such I mean as are wholy disarmed of all parts of virility , do notwithstanding take many VVives , and exercise Lusts of an unknown and prodigious nature . There is also one point or restriction of Matrimony in the Turkish Religion which is observable ; that is , a 〈◊〉 may Marry himself with what VVoman soever , though esteemed an Infidel , as a Christian , Jew , or any other different profession , so it be of those who are of a Learned Religion , of which Books are wrote to defend and maintain it ; but such VVomen as are of a Religion which hath nothing in it of Learning or of written Law , as the Sect of Meiuzee , who adore the fire , conserving it always burning in their Temples , and are to be found in the parts of Persia , but principally in some Countries of Mogul ; and also the Gipsie Women are prohibited ( of which great numbers are amongst the Turks : ) a Vagabond people without Law or Religion , but what is fabulous and ridiculous ; and having no litterature or knowledge amongst them , are reputed as abominable amongst the Turks . And here the Turks upon occasional discourses of the severity and strictness of the Christian Discipline in matters of Concupiscence , telling them that no Copulation is allowable but in the Marriage Bed , and that restrained and confined to one Wife , without the additions of Slaves to satisfie with variety the corrupted fancy ; that the very thoughts of Lust and Concupisence pollute the purity of the soul ; And that whosoever looks on a Woman to Lust after her , commits adultery in his heart ; They presently deride these our Preceps and our Laws , which Christians not only by their actions and corrupted lives contemn and invalid , but Authority it self not by a simple connivance only , but by indulgence and priviledges , foments and encourages persons walking contrary to that which is confessed to be an indispensable Law. For proof whereof , they mention the Stews of Italy , 〈◊〉 made an allowable Trade and Profession in Venice , Naples , and the City of Rome , and the Cantoneras in Spain , and framed into a Politick body ( as is related and apprehended by the Turks ) from whence Taxes and Impositions are raised : The Turks comprehend not the Politick grounds hereof , with which in Italy this Maxime is defended , nor is it fitting to produce the reasons or argue it with them ; since the benefit which accrews to the Roman Church , and the Profits that arise thence , being employed in maintenance of Gallies and Forces against Infidels , is the best can be said to hallow this permission ; but 't is an improper argument with a Turk to excuse this Liceuse and Authority to sin , upon considerations of being better able to War against the Professors of his Religion . And therefore the Turk will hardly be convinced but that 〈◊〉 manner of Concubinage hath much more of Sanctity , Order and Policy in it , as being freer from Diseases and Foulness , than the wandring Lusts of Stews or impudence of Cortesans , made bold and hard-foreheaded by concession of Authority . Pudet haec opprohria Nobis Et dici potuisse , &c. Amongst all the priviledges that the 〈◊〉 enjoys above his subjects , this one he hath less than they , that he cannot Marry ; but yet hath as many Women as serves his use , though never so libidinous , or are requisite for the Ostentation and greater Magnificence of his Court , according to the custom of the Eastern Princes , who placed a great part of their Pomp in the multitude of their Women . This disuse of Marriage in the Sultan , hath been a Maxime of State , and reckoned amongst the 〈◊〉 , Inter Arcana Imperii , from the time of Bajazet , untill this very Age : the reasons hereof are diversly related . Busbequius saith , That Bajazet after the great Victory obtained against him by Tamerlane , to his other great Misfortues and Disgraces , had this one added , of having his Wife Despina whom he dearly loved , to fall into the hands of the Conquerour , whose ignominious and undecent treatment be fore the eyes of her Husband , was a matter of more dishonour and sorrow , than all the rest of his afflictions : so that ever since that time , the Sultans to free themselves from being capable of that disgrace , on occasion of like fortune , take no feminine companion of their Empire in whom they may be more concerned than as in Slaves , or the loss of Goods , Riches or Estate . But in my opinion , this pollicy is of a deeper reach and design , than the consideration of matters so meerly possible ; for as I have heard , the only sign and ceremony of a Sulans making a Wife , is the endowing her with Riches agreeable to her condition and quality , not called Kabin , which is Dowry , but Pashmaluck or money for her Shooes ; which besides Presents , Jewels and Rich Garments for her self , and great attendance , her Revenue ought to be equal to that of a Valede or Mother of the Grand Signior , which is four or five hundred thousand Dollars yearly Rent ; so that were this custom in use , and meeting with the disposition of some Prince that are Amorous and Prodigal , the chief Revenue of the Empire would be expended in the Chambers of Women , and diverted from the true Channels in which the Treasure ought to run for nourishment of the Politick body of the Common-wealth . Besides were it the custom for Sultans to take wives , it would contract that main principle of Policy amongst them , of avoiding Alliances and far Relations of the Grand Signior abroad . And this was the principle reason of the murder of Sultan Osman , tenth Emperour of the Turks , contrived by the Rebellion and Toleration of the Souldiery ; it being objected that he had Marryed a Soltana , whereby he had contracted Alliances , contrary to the Fundamental Constitutions of the Empire . The tye and solemnity of Marriage , and the nature thereof amongst the Turks , is as before related : from which the Woman hath no ways to unloose her self , whilst the Husband maintains her with Bread , Butter , Rice , Wood , and Flax to spin for her Cloathing ; the Law subposes her so industrious a Huswife as with her own labour to supply her self : there are some other points pleadable in Law for Divorce in behalf of the Woman , as impotency or frigidity in the Husband , and the like ; but the man hath divers means to acquit himself , and can do it by several allegations ; and may upon as easie terms , and on as slight grounds iue out his Divorce , as was permitted to the Jews in cases of dislike , or that she found no favour in his eyes . There are amongst the Turks three degrees of Divorce , every one of which is made before the 〈◊〉 or Justice , and by him drawn out and registred . The first separates the Man and Wife only from the same House and Bed , the maintenance of a Wife being still continued ; The second not only divides them in that manner , but the husband is compelled to make her good her Kabin , which is a Joynture or Dowry promised at her Marriage , so as to have no interest either in him or his Estate , and to remain in a free condition to Marry another . The third sort of Divorce which is called ( Ouch 〈◊〉 ) is made in a solemn and more serious manner , with more rigorous terms of separation , and in this case , the Husband repenting of his Divorce , and desirous to re-take his Wife , cannot by the Law be admitted to her without first consenting , and contenting himself to see another man enjoy her 〈◊〉 his face , which condition the Law 〈◊〉 as a punishment of the Husbands lightness and inconstancy , and as an evidence to shew that though the Turkish Law is very indulgent and open in the free choice and enjoyment of Women , yet that it punishes such as unadvisedly frustrate the solomn points thereof , with remarkable notes of infamy and disgrace . Notwithstanding some afterwards repenting of their Divorce , have been contented with the condition , and have chosen some handsome youth to enter into the Bed of their Wife . It is a Merry Story that is told of one , who in this 〈◊〉 being put to a great strait , resolved to call the first man he conveniently met to this 〈◊〉 , that so as one unknown his reputation might be the less concerned ; the man he first lighted on happened to be a Kaickgee or Boat-man , who it seems so well satisfyed and pleased the Wife , that she afterwards renounced all interest in her Husband , and resolved to adhere to her new Lover , of whom she supposed she had sufficient proof and acquaintance with already to esteem a better Husband than her former . There are but few amongst the Turks , though some are found , who so heartily repent of their Divorce , and so fond of their separated Wives , as to be contented to take them with the foregoing condition : for it is reputed a kind of an abomination ; and when they would signifie any matter far alienated , or estranged , they all call it ( Ouch Talac ) some thing so divided and seperated as to be a Sin and prophanation so much as to 〈◊〉 or desire it . CHAP. XXII . Of the other parts of the Turkish Religion . Of Circumcision . CIrcumcision is not reckoned amongst one of the five points which constitute a true Mahometan believer , but is only ( as we have said before ) proposed as a tryal and proof of mans obedience to the more necessary parts of the Law. This rite of Circumcision is not received by them as an Article of Precept delivered expresly from the Alchoran , but by tradition and ancient practice and use amongst the Arabians , before the time of 〈◊〉 , derived originally from Ishmael or Esau , whose progeny they are , and from thence give themselves the name of Ishmaelites . The Arabian Doctors affirm that Mahomet himself was born without a Navel , and naturally Circumcised ; perhaps to equal the same story which the Jews report of Moses , and some others of the 〈◊〉 ; and it seems in those Countries where Circumcision is in practice , that it 〈◊〉 not unusual for Children to be so born ; who are therefore called Sons of the Moon , on whom the vertue of the Moon hath more than an ordinary manner of influence . Credebant siquidem Arabes , quod ille qui sub lunae radi is nasceretur , contrahi perinde ac circumcisum praeputium . The Turks never Circumcise their Children untill the age of seven years and upwards ; and then they do it my a Barber or Chirurgion , it not being esteemed a matter appropriated to the office of the Emaum or Priest ; for ( as we have said before ) they make no such distinction as Clergy and Laity ; I mean , as to any spiritual Carracter of Priesthood ; for a man may cry upon the 〈◊〉 to day , and like their Pastor be the first to lead his Congergation to their prayers , and expound the Alchoran in the Pulpit ; and next day be expelled his Parish , and become free to any other secular employment or profession : they observe some ceremonies amongst them on this occasion , often differing according to the Country and place ; but 〈◊〉 the Child is set on horse-back in his best Cloaths , attended with his School-fellows and companions , who with loud shouts repeat some words in the Alchoran ; and being brought home , and the act of Circumcision performed , he is carefully attended for his cure , and in the mean time there is a Feast or Banquet prepared for the Guests ; those who of 〈◊〉 years become Mahometans , in some places are carryed about the Town on horse-back , with a Dart in their left hand 〈◊〉 towards their heart , signifying that they will rather suffer themselves to be passed through with that instrument , than renounce that faith they then profess . And this Circumcision is an admission and introduction of them into the number of the faithful , as it is amongst the Jews , and Baptism with the Christians . CHAP. XXIII . Of the five necessary points which are required to constitute a true Mahometan . Of their Washings . THough Mahomet 〈◊〉 in the Alchoran , that his Religion is founded in cleanness , and that it is half of his Law ; yet much before Mahomets time washings were observed according to the same prescriptions by the Arabians , who descending from Ishmael , maintained by tradition the practice of washings : and he had no other share in this invention , than that it was enforced by his Authority on the professors of his Sect. The Turks are certainly a very cleanly people in their exterior manner of living ; as in their shawings relating to their holy exercises and duties , they are very precise and superstitious ; some of them believing that the very water purifies them from the foulness of their sins , as well as from the uncleanness of their bodies : There being three sorts of washings observed by them . The first is called Abdest , which is a preparation for their prayers , entring the 〈◊〉 , or reading the Alchoran ; they first wash their hands and arms , then their neck , their forehead , the crown of their head , their ears , their teeth , the face , under the nose , and last of all their feet ; but if the weather be cold , and not convenient to uncover them , it is sufficient , if they make some evidence thereof by any other outward signification . The second his called Gusul , which is the clensing of the Bath after Copulation or nocturnal pollutions ; until which time a man is called Giunub , that is , his prayers are accounted abominable before God , and his Society to be avoided by men . The third is Taharet , which is a washing after the ease or evacuation of nature ; to this homely office they design the three last fingers of the left hand ; and upon this account they call Christians 〈◊〉 , which is as much as one defiled and impure for want of this manner of elensing . And washing is so usual and frequent amongst them both before and after meat , as hath caused a common Proverb amongst them , that God hath created meat that men may have occasion often to wash their hands . Secondly of their prayers . After their washing follow their prayers , which 〈◊〉 to recommend to his Disciples the force and virtue of prayer , calls it in his Alchoran the Pillar of Religion , and the key of Paradise , and enjoyned the performance five times in the space of twenty four hours , viz. between the day-breaking and Sun-rising , called Sabanamasee ; Secondly , at noon , called Ulenamasee ; Thirdly , at the middle hour , between the noon and the setting of the Sun , called Kindinamasee ; Fourthly , at Sun-setting , called 〈◊〉 ; Fifthly , at an hour and half in the night , called Yachinamasee ; this action they perform with very much reverence and devotion , and hold that they ought to be so intent and fixed in their thoughts on this religious act towards God , that no business of the world , though the execution of the Sultans decree should in the same moment be commanded , or fire should burst forth in the very Chamber where they remain , or an armed enemy within their Gates or Camp , they ought not yet to be diverted , or break abruptly 〈◊〉 their prayers , to extinguish or oppose themselves against their inevitable destruction : It is much , in my opinion , that Infidels should be possessed with that awe and sense of the Divine Majesty in the time of their audience with him ; And yet that Friers and others of the Roman Church obliged to their office , as the 〈◊〉 to his Namas , should perform it so perfunctorily , as to mix the discourse of business with the repetition of their breviary and joyn with their responsals answers and resolutions of questions are made them ; and so satisfie themselves in the Opus operatum , as if it were more important to comply with his command who imposed the office , than with his who primarily enjoyned the sacrifice of prayer . The form of their prayers is not extracted out of the Alchoran , only the collections of sentences , as in the Name of God , God is great and merciful , and the like , are 〈◊〉 from thence ( as Christians do from the fountain of the holy Scriptures 〈◊〉 the rest is compiled by the four Doctors we have before mentioned , viz. Ebbubecher , Omar , Ozman and 〈◊〉 ; whose names are wrote in golden Characters on the walls of most 〈◊〉 : herein they observe divers postures and gestures of their body , as placing their hands one on the other before them , bending the body , kneeling , touching the ground with their forehead , moving the head to each side , and the like ; in which it is difficult to make distinction of those meerly invented and ordained by 〈◊〉 from those which were primarily in use amongst the ancient Arabians : But that the orderly Ceremonies in their prayers may be better described , it will be to our purpose to hear what 〈◊〉 uius relates of the whole Turkish Army , whom he had seen drawn up orderly in the field at their devotion . I saw ( said he ) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a gre it multitude of heads folded up in Turbants , who with 〈◊〉 silence attended to the words of a Priest their Conductor ; all of them being drawn up in ranks and file , and covering with their 〈◊〉 orders the whole plain , seemed to have framed a wall or bulwark by the regular disposition of their bodies : their cloathings were of light colours , and their Turbants comparable to the 〈◊〉 of the snow , and the variety of the different colours of their garments , fed the eyes with a strange pleasure : in this manner so immoveable , they stood as if they had grown in the place where their feet were fixed ; no coughing , hemming , nor voice was heard , nor so much as any motion was perceived of their heads ; every one at the name of Mahomet pronounced by the Priest , bowed his head to his knees ; and at the name of God reverently 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and kissed the Earth : and thus the Turks with devout ceremony and profound attention perform their holy duties ; supposing that prayer to become fruitless , which is interrupted by scratching of the head , 〈◊〉 the hands , or any other gesture not essential to their prayer . But of all Nations and Religions that I have known , they are the most hypocritical ; they are those who love to pray in the Market-place , and in the Corners of the Streets to have praise of men ; for it is observable with the Turks , that where they find the most spectators , especially of Christians , to chuse that place how inconvenient soever , to spread first their handkerchief , and then begin their prayers . The substance of their prayers consists for the most part in praises of the divine power and attributes ; mixing therewith Petitions for the safety of their Prince and his dominions , and for dissention and wars amongst Christians , which part they conceive God hath greatly gratified them in , and rejoycing upon the rumors of wars and disturbances in Christendom , as an effect of the divine facility and concession to their prayers : they know well by experience , what Tacit reports of the Roman Policy ; That , Omne scelus externum cum laetitia habendum , semina etiam odiorum incende ; and as the Romans destined Armenia to be a prize held up , and the Stage also , on which the Tragedy of the ruin of the Eastern Nations were to be acted , Eandem Armeniam specie largitionis turbandis barbarorum animis praebuerint ; so the Turks forebore for several years the total Conquest of the Provinces of Transilvania , Moldavia , and Valachia , reserving them for the Cadmean fields , wherein the Hungarians , Germans , Polonians , and the people of those Countries themselves might destroy one the other , and make his entrance to the possession of them the more facile , and less bloudy . Thirdly , Of their Ramazan . The third necessary point of their Religion , is the observation of the Month of Ramazan , or a Fast in that whole Month , in which time they can neither eat , drink , or take any thing in their mouths , whilst the Sun is above the Horizon ; afterwards , upon shutting in of the Evening , that the Emaum lights the Lamps , which in that Month are exposed round the Steeple of every Mosch , they have liberty to eat : Most part of the night they spend in Feasting , reserving commonly their greatest Delicacies and best Provisions for the consolation of that Fast ; their business and employments they attend most to in the night , passing the day as over tedious in sleeping , so that their Fast is nothing but a changing of the day into night . This Month they call 〈◊〉 and holy , and the time when the Gates of Paradise are opened , and of Hell are shut : and so strict is the Imposition of this Fast , that it is no less than Death for a Turk to be accused of the breath thereof . In this Month to drink Wine is esteemed an inexpiable Crime ; and such who give themselves that liberty at other times , do yet , not to give scandal , abstain from it fourteen days before the beginning of this Month ; and Women and other of the more superstitious sort , begin fifteen days their Fast before it is enjoyned by the Precept of their Prophet . Put such as are sick , or have any infirmity , or are travellers in their journey , have a permission to eat ; but with that condition , as to remain obliged at other times of their health and convenience to make good those days of the Ramazan , of which they remain indebted to the performance of their Law. The institution of this Month of Ramazan , proceeded from Mahomet himself , in the second year of his Prophetick office , which he did not assume until he had fully compleated forty years , having before in imitation of the Jews Fast of Ashura Levit. 16. ver . 29. in Memory of the overthrow of Pharaoh and his Host in the Red-sea , enjoyned to the Arabians the same time of abstinence : but afterwards apprehending it dishonourable to be beholding to the Jews for the invention of a Fast , instituted the Ramazan , the time of which is governed by the course of the Moon , and falls out commonly ten dayes sooner then in the preceding year , so that this Fast with time comes to run through all the months ; and is more easie to the 〈◊〉 when it happens in the 〈◊〉 dayes of the Winter , rather then in the Summer , when the dayes are long and hot , which become tedious to the ordinary sort of people , who for necessity are forced to labour , and yet for the quenching thirst dare not refresh their mouths with a drop of water . Fourthly , Of their Zacat Which is another necessary point to the constitution of a 〈◊〉 , which is the bestowing alms according to certain rules prescribed by four principal Doctors of their Law : the word Zacat signifies as much as increase , because that alms procure the blessing of God , and multiply the store of the merciful . According to this command every man is obliged to give one in the hundred of all their Estate to relief of the poor ; and though this Precept is enjoyned as an essential ingredient to constitute a true Mahometan , yet Covetousness and Policy so much prevail with the Turks , that the Rich are both unwilling to part with so much of their Estate , and fearful to evidence their Wealth by a true calculate according to the Zacat ; so that the Poor are the best observers of this injunction , the Rich conceiving it superfluous , and never intended by God to make the performance of Religion a snare to their Estates . Fifthly , Of their Pilgrimage to Mecha Which is enjoyned to every one who hath riches and freedom from great offices and charges of Government , to perform it ; being a Type or signification of their passage out of this world into the next . The number of those who yearly undertake this Pilgrimage is uncertain , though most commonly are registred from divers parts where the Mahometan Religion is professed , above fifty thousand souls ; these Pilgrims depart about the latter end of May from Constantinople , and meet with those from Anatolia , Caramania , and others of that quarter of the world at Damascus ; those from Persia assemble at Babylon , those of the parts of Egypt at Grand Cario , and all unite upon the Mount Ararat , where they observe divers Ceremonies , as making Corban or Sacrifice , which they do by killing Sheep , and sending part thereof as Presents to their Friends , and distribution thereof amongst the Poor , in remembrance that upon the same Mount Abraham designed to sacrifice his Son Isaac ; they also here strip themselves of their Garments , and being covered only with a Blanket , go in procession through the Mountain in signification that they must now leave all their sins and affections of the world behind them . The chief Commander over these Pilgrims ( for amongst so considerable a number of people , there must be rule and government ) is appointed by the Grand Signior , and is called Sur-Emini by whom he sends 500 Zechins , an 〈◊〉 Embossed with Gold carryed on a Camel , and as much black Cloth as serves for hangings for the Moschs at Mecha ; and this is yearly presented from the Sultan to that place ; when the new hanging is set up , that of the former year is pulled down , and is by the Pilgrims torn in pieces ; some getting more and some less , carry any rag of it home , as a relique and token of their Pilgrimage , which serves them in place of the Caabe to which they turn their faces at the time of their prayers . The Camel which carryed the Alchoran , at his return home is decked with flowers and other ornaments , and having performed this holy journey , is ever after exempted from all labour and service . CHAP. XXIV . Of the Bairam and Ceremonies used at that time by the Chief Officers to the Grand Signior . THe Bairam is the Feast of the Turks , of which there are two in the year ; one immediately following the Fast of Ramazan , as our Easter doth the Lent , which is called the great Bairam ; the other is the little Bairam , which happens about seventy dayes after the former ; at which time the people for three days cease from their labour , present one the other , rejoyce and take a greater liberty then at other times ; which no question but was invented by Mahomet , for relaxation of the bodies and minds of his followers , as well as in imitation of the Christian Feasts . The Bairam is then conceived to begin at the first appearance of the new Moon after the Ramazan ; which is sometime deferred a days time , if the weather prove Cloudy , that the Moon is not visible ; if longer the Sky be obscured , according to the course of nature , it is presumed that the Moon is begun , and so their Feast begins also ; which is published at Constantinople by the discharge of great Guns at the point of the Seraglio upon the Sea-shoare , at which time the Lights or Lamps on the Steeples of the Moschs are extinguished or omitted to be lighted , and Drums and Trumpets are sounded in all publick places of the City and Courts of great Persons : so that every one betakes himself to Mirth and Pastime , as his own inclination or convenience leads him . But that which will be most curious to the observation of the judicious Reader , is , the relation of the Ceremonies used in the Seraglio at this Feast by the several officers of State to the Grand Signior , and to one and other ; which are so formal , precise and constant to the least motion of every Member of the body , as will clear the 〈◊〉 from that opinion which passes of them in the world of being rude , uncivil and void of all Ceremony or Courtship in their comportment and behaviour , which according to the best information I could procure , is for the most part in this manner . The Antiport leading to the Lodgings of the Kapa Agasi ( or Chief Eunuch who commands the Pages ) being adorned with rich Carpets , Cushions and other Furniture after their fashion , on the Vigil or Eve before the Bairam , all the Prime Officers of State belonging to the Empire then at Constantinople , assemble themselves at the Grand Signiors Seraglio three or four hours before day , where as soon as day breaks , the Grand Signior mounted on horse back , passes through the midst of them , and goes to the 〈◊〉 of Santa Sophia , where having said his Morning prayer , he returns again to the Seraglio . 〈◊〉 returned he enters the 〈◊〉 or Royal Chamber , and setting himself in his Seat of State , having the chief Eunuch of the Pages on his left hand , the Sons of the 〈◊〉 Han ( which remain for hostages in the Turkish Court ) upon signs made to them , are the first who present themselves before him to wish him a happy Festival ; whom ( as I have heard reported ) he walks three paces to meet , and they prostrating themselves , say , Eiamischerif , which is , may these dayes be happy , and arising kiss his hand and so retire . The next who makes his address , is the Prime Visier , who standing on the right hand of the Grand Signior , in the front of all the 〈◊〉 , Pashaws , and other great Officers , Complements the Grand Signior upon one knee , and nearer approaching kisses his hand , and then arising takes the station of the Kapa Agasi or Eunuch of the Pages . The next who follows in this Ceremony is the 〈◊〉 , who on the left hand fronts the Officers and principal heads of the Law , as the Kadelescheres or Lords chief Justices of Anatolia and 〈◊〉 , the Nakib Eschref , principal head or Primate of the Kindred of Mahomet , the Mollahs , Preachers called Seighs and others . Then the 〈◊〉 bowing his head to the ground , holding his hands on his Girdle , kisses him on the left shoulder , and the Grand Signior steps one pace forward to meet him , and so retires to his place ; then all the others in their several orders take their turns to pass this Ceremony , who are treated according to what the Prime Visier informs the Grand Signior ; for some kiss his hand , others the hem of his vest , some his sleeve , others his breast , thereafter as their Quality and Authority is , which is so full of variety and formal 〈◊〉 , that there is a Book wrote expresly treating of all the particularities of this Ceremony . The last of all who is called to perform his Complement , is the Janizar Agasi , or the General of the Janizaries . This part being thus far passed , the Grand Signior enters into a more retired Chamber of the Seraglio , where the Arz 〈◊〉 or the four principal Pages are the first of the Court to do their obeysance as before : then follow the Eunuchs and other Pages ; In the mean time a Dinner is provided in the Chamber of the Divan , where the Officers of State having complyed with their obligation , take a plentiful repast at the Grand Signiors charge , after which the Grand Signior makes a present to each of the sixteen principal Officers of Sable Vests , with which the Ceremony concludes . Then is way made for the Coaches of the Soltanaes , who having been Cloystered in the old Seraglio the whole year before , are glad at the Feast of Bairam to have occasion to make their Visits to the Grand Signior in the first place , as being of his Kindred and Relations , and then to the Queen or Queen-Mother , and to the other Soltanaes and Ladies , with whom they use variety of Ceremony according to their Condition and Quality ; and there have liberty to remain for the space of three dayes in Banquetting and other divertisements of Musick and discourse . I may well be observed from the premises , how generally the world is mistaken in the opinion is conceived of the Courtship used amongst the Turks , commonly reputed by Travellers to be rude , coming much short of that quaintness , bowings , cringings and 〈◊〉 postures used in Christendom . It is true the Turks deportment even in the most vile and mechanick vulgar , though never so mean , is carryed with a strange kind of barbarity and rudeness towards the best of Christians in those parts ; which proceeds rather from a sort of pride and detestation taught them by their Religion , then from any want of being instructed in their duty of due reverence to their Superiours ; For in their cariage one towards the other , they observe the rules and niceties of Complement with as much variety and exactness , as is exercised in Rome , or the most civilized Courts of Christendom ; and amongst the chief Ministers there is much preciseness and caution used not to exceed the limits of that Ceremony which 〈◊〉 owe the Superiours , least they should disparage their own quality , or give occasion to the world to believe their disorderly submission to be a part of adulation . And therefore it is worthy the study of Christian Ministers employed in Embassies in the Ottoman Court , to be well informed in the rules and manner of their carriage in presence of the chief Ministers of State ; for uncovering the head , as in Christendom is amongst them esteemed ridiculous and affrontive , and the manner of little bowings , and often inclinations of the body , taken as acknowledgments of the great distance there is between the Masters they represent ; and therefore a little Ceremony at the entrance , and the like at departure , with a steddy and constant behaviour at the time of the treaty or discourse , is the best rule for a Christian Minister ; which is interpreted amongst Turks as the effect of gravity and estimation of themselves ; It being certain , that the contrary hath caused many Christian Ministers to fall lower in the reputation of the Turks , then they had deserved for their wisdom and dexterity in the management of the more substantial points of affairs . CHAP. XXV . Of the prohibition of Swines flesh and Wine . THe five foregoing principles already treated of are ( as we have said before ) the essential points required towards the constitution of a true Mahometan ; other matters are proofs and tryals of their obedience ; amongst which none is more enjoyned then the prohibition of Swines flesh and Wine : which are called Haram , things abominable and forbidden . The first is in reality abhorred by them , and as displeasing as the flesh of a man to civilized people , or a Dogs thigh to such as have been used to delicacies and wholsome viands . But Wine of late years , though forbidden by the Law , hath gained a better reputation , and though accursed by them , is yet accounted of so strong a temptation , that the sin is the more excusable . And though the Alchoran positively inhibits the use thereof , and the expositors of the Law have so far removed it from all possibility of becoming lawful , that they have determined that if Wine be spilt on the ground , and in that place grass grows , and with that Pasture a Sheep or an Ox is nourished , those Cattel become Haram , and are as abominable as the flesh of Swine . But notwithstanding the severe prohibitions hereof by their Religion , Wine is so commonly used , that it is publickly drank without cautions or fear of giving scandal ; the great men , because in office , are more careful how the world discovers the delight they take in that Liquor , least the miscarriages of their office should be attributed to the excess of Wine ; or the knowledge of their use of that which deprives them of their reason , render them uncapable of their trust and dignity . For the Turks account it impossible to drink Wine with moderation , and are ignorant of the benefit of it for correction of crude humours and indisgestions of the stomach ; and wonder to see it by English , French or Italians tempered with water ; for unless they may drink it with full-bowls , and have sufficient thereof , to give them their Kaif ( as they call it ) that is to transport them into a dissolute Mirth , or the ridiculous actions of drunkenness , or to a surfeit or a vomit , they esteem it not worth the drinking , and a provocation to the appetite and palate to remain with a desire of demanding more . But such as would appear Religious amongst them , and are superstitious , morose and haters of Christians , abstain wholy from Wine , and are of a Stoical pride , melancholy temper , and censorious of the whole world . These men who drink only Water and Coffee , enter into discourses of State Matters , censure the actions and pass Characters on the Grandees and great Officers ; Assumtâ Stoicorum arrogatiâ , 〈◊〉 ; quae turbidos , & negotiorum appetentes faciat . Tac. lib. 14. And this was the reason why the great 〈◊〉 Kupruli , put down the Coffee-houses in 〈◊〉 , and yet priviledged the Taverns ; because the first were melancholy places where Seditions were vented , where reflexions were made on all occurrences of State , and discontents published and aggravated ; but Wine raised the spirits of men to a gay humour , and would never operate those effects to endanger his condition , as the Councels which were contrived in the Assemblies of those who addicted themselves to a more melancholy Liquor . The drinking Wine in young men is esteemed amongst the extravagancies of youth , but in old men is a crime more undecent and scandalous in a higher degree . But why Mahomet should so severely forbid the use of Wine to his Disciples is recounted in a fable on this occasion ; That their Prophet being once invited by a friend to an entertainment at his house , chanced in his way thither to be detained a while at a Nuptial Feast , where the Guests raised with the chearful spirits of the Wine , were Merry , embracing , and in a kind temper each towards other ; which pleasing humour Mahomet attributing to the effect of the Wine , blessed it as a sacred thing , and so departed . But it happening that in the Evening returning again , and expecting to see the love and 〈◊〉 he had before blessed to be augmented , he found the house to the contrary , full of brawls , and noise , fightings , and all confusion ; which he also having understood to be another effect of the Wine , changed his former blessing into a curse , and for ever after made it Haram , or an abomination to his Disciples . CHAP. XXVI . Of their Morality , Good Works , and some certain of their Laws worthy of observation . THough according to the preceding discourse , the Character that may thence result from the nature and temperament of the Turks , doth not promise any long Treatise concerning their deep morality , vertues , and elevated graces : yet in the minds of all mankind though never so barbarous , God having wrote the Law of nature , and made that impression of doing right to our neighbour , which tends towards the conservation of the world ; we may well expect to find the same principles in the Turks ; especially their Victories and Spoils abroad , having procured them conversation with other Nations , and their Wars and Treaties with Christians , having refined their minds in a good part of that rude temper they brought with them out of Scythia , it will not be strange for us to find amongst them men , whom Education hath made civil , polished in all points of vertuous deportment , and made Heroes of their Age ; though I must confess I cannot applaud the generality of this people with so high Encomiums , as I have read in the Books of some ingenious travellers , and do believe without partiality that they come short of the good nature and vertues are to be found in most parts of Christendom . Howsoever , wherein they conceive a great part of charity is placed , and meritorious works , it will not be unworthy nor unpleasant to consider . Aud in the first place , they esteem it a good work to build houses , though from thence they obtain a Rent , because it is a habitation for those who have no Lands or Estates , to have them of their own . But especially such as are Princes and great men , who build Chans or Inns , which are receptacles for travellers at night , are ranked in the first order of sacred Benefactors , and are blessed and prayed for by the weary Guests , who have found repose and refreshment through their munificence : And in these buildings the Turks are extraordinary Magnificent in most parts of the Empire , having united to many of them a stately Moschs , Baths and Shops for Artisants and Trades-men to supply all the necessities of the travellers ; and some of them are so endowed , that every night the Guests are entertained at free cost with a convenient Supper , be their number more or less according as the Chan is capable to receive . The form of these buildings is for the most part according to the model of the highest and stateliest of our Halls , covered with lead , though not altogether so high-roofed ; yet some I have observed for their breadth and length very Magnificent ; yet by reason that they have been somewhat lower , have only in that come short of the pride of the stateliest Fabricks : though in few of them are apartments for different companies , yet every one is sufficiently retired , having at a convenient distance different Chimnies for all parties of Guests to dress their meat , and in the winter for their fire ; the greatest inconvenience to men of watchful spirits , and used to quiet retirements is the want of sleep , which untill I have been over-tired with labour , and accustomed thereto by divers dayes journeyes , hath been alwayes a stranger to my eyes , by reason of the molestation of various companies , some of which are alwayes awake , some mending their Carts , others dressing meat , others upon their departure , that in those publick places never want noise to disturb those who sleep but of one ear : These stately Chans or Inns , which with the Moschs are the only durable and magnificent buildings of the Empire , are the Edifices of certain great men , who fearing to be deprived of their riches by a hasty death , should they endeavour to continue them to their family , chuse to perpetuate their names and secure their conditions by these publick works . Those who would appear of a compassionate and tender nature , hold it a pious work to buy a Bird from a cage to give him his liberty ; and hold it a merciful action to buy bread and feed the Dogs , of 〈◊〉 there is a great number of diseased Curs in all streets appropriate to no Master , but are mangy and foul , and no small causes of breeding the Plague , so frequent in all the Cities of the Turks . And this care of Dogs is accounted so charitable , that there are certain Laws made for the protection and maintenance of them : and it is a lighter offence to deny bread to a poor Christian who is famished in his chains , then to the Dogs of their street , which are fit for nothing but to breed Infection ; and some bind themselves by a vow to give such a quantity of bread a day to the Dogs of such a street , others bequeath it by Testament ; for they maintain their quarters from other wandring Curs , and joyn together in a strange manner to preserve certain limits free from others that are not whelped and bred amongst them . The Camel is another sort of Beast to which the Turks bear not only a love , but a Religious reverence , accounting it a greater sin to over-burthen and tyre them with too much labour then the Horse , because it is the Beast most common to the Holy parts of Arabia , and carries the Alchoran in Pilgrimage ; so that I have observed those who have the government of the Camels , when they have given water to them in a Bason , to take of the foam or froth that comes from the mouth of the Beast , and with that , as if it were some rare Balsome , with a singular devotion to anoint their Beards , and thereat with a Religious sigh groan out , Hadgi Baba , Hadgi Baba , which is as much as , Oh Father Pilgrim , Oh Father Pilgrim . And thus having run through the most observable points of the Turkish Religion , it will be now time to take a view of their Host and Militia , being that by which their Empire is more supported , then either by their Policy in Civil Government , or Profession in Religions . THE THIRD BOOK , Wherein is Treated of the Turkish Militia . CHAP. I. Of the present state of the Military Discipline in General amongst the Turks . WHoever is acquainted with the state of the Turkish Empire , and hath duly considered the premises of this foregoing Treatise , will easily judge that the main sinews of the 〈◊〉 Kingdom consists in the force of the Spahees , Janizaries , and the other Auxiliaries ; and that this Government being wholly founded upon Martial Discipline , and the Law of Arms , is most obliged to the Constitutions , and supported on the Props related in this following Discourse : for this people having neither entered into the Possession of this Empire , as into an unhabited and desart Land , as Colonies of other Nations have done into Countries new found or discovered ; nor got admittance precariously from the Grecian Princes for the benefit of their Neighbourhood and Commerce ; but have opened their 〈◊〉 to Possession and government by meer force and power of the Sword ; whereby their Constitutions , Laws , Customs , and Manners of living are wholly agreeable to the warlike discipline of a Camp , and to the quickness and ready execution of Martial Law : And if it be true in Morality , as it is in Nature , that things are conserved by the same cause by which they are produced ; it will necessarily follow , that this Ottoman Empire , which was begot by Arms , and had Mars its only Father , will never be nourished by softness , and the Arts and blandishments of Peace . But he that takes a view of the Ottoman Armies , as described in various Histories , renowned for their Chivalry and Discipline in the times of Sultan , Selim , or Solyman the magnificent , and designs thence to extract a draught , or Copy for his present speculation , will find himself much at a loss in framing true conjectures of the puissance of the Turks , or the Rules of their Government , by comparison of former times with this present age . For that ancient sublimity and comely Majesty in the Emperor is much abated ; the forces by Land decayed , and the Maritime power by ill success and unskilful and slothful Seamen , reduced to an inconsiderable condition ; the Countries are dispeopled , and the Royal Revenue abated ; nothing remains of those plenteous stores and provisions of War , nor that Regiment and Discipline continued in Peace , none of that ancient observation of their Laws and Religion , nor that love and respect to the Militia , which is now become degenerate , soft , and effeminate ; nor is the Ottoman Court so prone to remunerate the services , and exalt the interest of the 〈◊〉 , or maintain the reputation of the Janizaries . In brief there are no reliques of ancient justice , or generosity , of discreet Government , or Obedience to it , of Courtesie or Concord , of Valour or Counsel , 〈◊〉 yet of Confidence , Friendship , or generous Fidelity . But though this Empire hath many of these 〈◊〉 , and begins to grow factious , and yet slothful , and desirous to avoid the occasions of War , as all Governments have been which in their youth and first beginnings were eager , active , and provoked through poverty , in their riper years grown rich , and luxurious with plenty , 〈◊〉 declined afterwards as from the meridian of their greatness and power ; yet the Turks maintain still the extent of their Dominions , and if they have lost ground in one place , like the Sea , they have recovered it in another ; if in Asia the Persians have taken from them Rivan , Schirvan , Tebris , Lyris , and Ghenge , it is but a recovery of their own Dominions ; if they are dispossessed in Ethiopia , of Aden , and other parts of 〈◊〉 Faelix , they have recompensed themselves in Europe , by their footing in Candy , and in Hungary , by the late conquests of Newhausel , and Novigrade , and in Transilvania , by the additions of 〈◊〉 and Waradin . But this Empire as vast and large as it is , is yet dispeopled , the Villages abandoned , and whole Provinces as pleasant and fruitful as Tempe or Thessaly , uncultivate and turned into a desart , or wilderness : all which desolation and ruine proceeds from the Tyranny and Rapine of the Beglerbegs , and Pashaws ; who either in their journeys to the possession of their Governments , or return from thence , expose the poor inhabitants to the violence and injury of their Attendants , as if they had entred the Confines of an Enemy , or the Dominions 〈◊〉 a conquered people . In like manner the insolence of the Horse and Foot is unsupportable , for in their marches from one Country to another , Parties of 20 or 30 are permittted to make excursions into divers parts of their own Dominions , where they not only live upon free quarter , but extort money and cloaths from the poor Vassals , taking their Children to sell for slaves , especially the Bulgarians , and Servians , and the people of Bosna and Albania , which being ignorant of the Turkish tongue , are sold for Russians , Hungarians , or Moscovites , so that rather than be exposed to so much misery , and license of the Souldiery , the poor people choose to abandon their dwellings and wander into other Cities , or seek for refuge in the Mountains , or woods of the Country . In fine , though generally the Military Offices are in the same form , and the Souldiery disposed according to the ancient Rule , and Canon , yet licentiousness and negligence have so prevailed in the Officers , as to introduce that corruption which renders them wholly altered , and estranged from their first Discipline : For the Commanders upon every light occasion are contented to make Otoracks or Stipendiaries , such as enjoy the pay and priviledges of a Souldier , and yet are excused from the Wars ; which they easily purchase with a small sum of money , for a scratch , or a flesh-wound gained in the Wars ; wholly against the Original Institution , which designed that benefit only for maimed and disabled Souldiers ; so that now there is so great a number of that Souldiery lusty and healthful , under the title of dead-mens pay , as disfurnishes the Grand Signior's Treasury , and weakens his Forces . The Janizaries also marrying freely , and yet dispensed with as to the absence from their duty and Chambers , apply themselves to Trades and other Studies besides the War , by which means having Children and dependencies , they are forced by other Arts than their few Aspers of daily pay , to seek the provision and maintenance of a Family ; and their minds growing estranged from the War , are sollicitous with the care and anxiety for a Wife and Children ; and in my time , have so abhorred the thoughts of the War both in Candy and Hungary , that many have offered great Presents to be excused ; and so general hath been the dislike of all kind of Martial action for the reasons before mentioned , that at first the very rumours and discourse of War , and afterwards the reality thereof , caused so general a discontent , as had , if not prudently prevented and timely suppressed , burst into a Mutiny of the Militia ; whose meer enquiry but into the reasons and grounds of the War , is little different from a Sedition . Another Corruption hath the covetousness of the Officers produced for small presents and donatives , in owning many under the title and name of Spahees , and Janizaries , which have no name or place in the Rolls , or Registers of the Souldiery ; by which means many Offenders , and Outlawed persons are defended by the military priviledges ; and the ancient honour due to Arms is prostituted for the maintenance and protection of the rascalities and scum of the world . And this shall serve to have spoken in general of the present state of the Turkish Souldiery ; we shall now proceed to the particularities of the force and numbers of the Turkish Militia , and from whence , and how they are ra●●ed . CHAP. II. Of the Turkish Militia . IN the twelfth Chapter of the first Book we made an estimate of the Revenue and the Riches of all the Beglerbegs and Pashaws of the Empire , by which might be collected the number of Souldiers which these great men are able out of their own Families to furnish unto the Wars ; it will be now time to make a just computation , in its due place , of the Forces in particular , the numbers , the Countries from whence they are raised , the several military orders , and the true puissance of the Ottoman Empire ; which is indeed so incredibly great and numerous , that with good reason they have formed it into Proverb , That no grass grows there where the Turkish Horse hath once set his foot . This speculation is absolutely necessary to a true description of the Regiment of a Country ; for the Martial Constitutions are the best part of the Political Science , and Civil Laws have no vigour unless they receive their Authority by the enforcement of the Sword : This Consideration is also so necessary to the Art of a States-man , that he ill studies the Geography of his Enemies Provinces , who knows not the utmost 〈◊〉 it contains by Land and Sea ; and is ill prepared to gain a perfect knowledg of the prudent Arts wherewith a Nation or People is conserved in Peace , who is ignorant of their Force , and Constitutions appropriated to the time of War. Wherefore we shall discourse as succinctly of this Subject as the matter will permit , and with the same certainty that one of the principal Muster-masters of the Turkish Rolls , long practised and accurate in his Office , hath decyphered , from whose Report it self I profess to derive my Authority in this following Relation . The whole Turkish Militia then is of two sorts ; one that receives maintenance from certain Lands or Farms bestowed on them by the Grand Signior ; others that receive their constant pay in ready money . The 〈◊〉 nerve or sinew of the Turkish Empire is that of the * first rank , which are of two sorts , viz. Zaims , which are like Barons in some Countries ; and Timariots , who may be compared to the Decumani amongst the Romans . Those of the second sort , paid out of the Grand Signiors Treasury , are 〈◊〉 , Janizaries , * Armourers , * Gunners , and Sea-Souldiers called Levends , who have no pay for life , or are enrolled amongst the military Orders ; but only make an Agreement for five or six thousand Aspers for their Voyage , which being ended , they are disbanded . Of the Zaims and Timariots The nature of these two , and their Institution is the same ; the only difference is in their Commissions or Patents , or rather we may call them the Conveyances or Evidences for their Lands , which they have from the Grand Signior : For the Rent of a 〈◊〉 is from 20 m of Aspers to 99999 , and no further ; for adding one Asper more , it becomes the Estate of a 〈◊〉 , called a Pashaw , which is from 100000 Aspers to 199m999 ; for adding one Asper more , it becomes the Revenue of a Beglerbeg . The Timariots are of two sorts ; one call'd Tezkerelw , who have the Evidences for their Land from the Grand Signiors Court , whose Rent is from 5 or 6000 Aspers , to 19m999 ; for then with the addition of one Asper they enter the number of Zaims : The other sort is called Tezkeretis , who hath his Patent or Writing from the Beglerbeg of the Country , whose Rent is from 3000 to 6000 Aspers . The Zaims in all Expeditions of War are obliged to serve with their 〈◊〉 , which are to be furnished with Kitchens , Stables , and other necessary Appartments , agreeable to their state and Quality ; and for every 5000 Aspers of Rent received from the Grand Signior , they are to bring a Horse-man into the Field , which is called 〈◊〉 ; as for example , one of thirty thousand Aspers is to come attended with six , one of ninety thousand with 18 Horsemen , and so proportionably : every Zaim is entitled Kiilig or Sword , so that when the Turks calculate the strength or numbers that a Beglerbeg is able to bring into the field for the service of his Prince , they make a computation upon so many Zaims and Timariots themselves , which they call so many swords , not numbring the people with which they come accompanied . The Timariots are obliged to serve with lesser Tents , and to be provided with 3 or 4 Baskets for every man that attends them , for their Office is , besides fighting , as also of the Zaims , and Spahees , to carry earth , and stones for making Batteries and Trenches , whilest the Janizaries are in skirmish with the Enemy . And for every three thousand Aspers rent the Timariots are sessed at a man and horse , as the Zaim is for every five thousand : And both one and the other of these Souldiers little differ from those in England which hold their lands in Capite , or the ancient 〈◊〉 of Knights-service . Both Zaims and Timariots are disposed into Regiments under command of Colonels , called Alai-Begler , who march with Colours , and the * Kettle Drum : these Colonels are again under the command of the Pashaw , or Sangiack-beg , and he under the Beglerbeg ; which Forces being united into one body , repair to the Rendezvous appointed by the * general , who is either the Grand Signior in person , or the Visier Azem , or some other eminent person qualified with the title of Visier . These two Orders of Souldiery are not only appropriated to Land-service , but some also are destined to the Sea , who are called Deria Kaleminde , and are under the command of the Captain Pashaw or Admiral : but the Zaims are most commonly dispensed with as to the Sea-service in their own persons , upon the payment of so much money as they are esteemed at in the Signiors Books , out of which Levends are raised , and enrolled in the Registers of the Arsenal ; but the Timariots can never be excused from their personal duty and service with their attendance of Souldiery , according to the value of their Lands . Neither the one nor the other of these can be dispensed with from their personal service at Land ; no excuse in time of the Grand Signiors Wars is lawful or pleadable : if sick , they are carried in HorseLitters or Beds ; if Infants , in Hampers , or Baskets , and in their very Cradles accustomed to the hardship , hazard , and discipline of War. And thus much shall serve in brief to have spoken in explication of the Nature of the Zaims and Timariots , which come under the general denomination of Spahees , and 〈◊〉 the best part of the Turkish Armies ; we shall now proceed to declare , as far as can probably be computed , the number of these Horse which fill up the vast Host that hath overspred so large a proportion of the world . CHAP. III. A Computation of the numbers of the Forces arising from the Zaims and Timariots . IT were a work of too great labour , considering the little satisfaction and delight it would afford the Reader , to proceed accurately in describing the just numbers of those which follow these Zaims and Timariots ; it will be sufficient to denote , that the smallest number of a Zaim is four men , and is the greatest of a Timariot , whose lowest condition is obliged to maintain a single man , and the highest of a Zaim to serve with nineteen ; so that whosoever will survey this Turkish Host , must make his Calculate a little more or less by conjecture and judgment . And this difficulty is the more augmented , when I consider the fraud is used by the Accomptants , Registers , and Muster-Masters of the Grand Signiors Enrolments , who are as well acquainted with the arts and sweetness of making false Musters , as they are in the most ingenious places of Christendom ; and perhaps Policy may afford a connivance to this fraud , for the sake of a superlative face of their Armies ; which they love to express by this usual similitude , Asker reml deria misal , As innumerable as the sands of the Sea shore : but in effect the noise is greater than the reality , and he that will sum up their number , may find Arithmetick to make the account , which by the vast extent of Tents , confusion of Baggage , train of Servants , and attendants of the Camp , appears infinite in the popular estimation . Besides the Turkish Army admits of great increase and decrease by the many Interlopers , as we may call them , which the Zaims for their own honour introduce to fill up their numbers on a day of muster , or appearance ; so that one would admire to see , in so short a time so apparent a decay in the Turkish Camp : which abuse , the great and famous Visier Mahomet Kiupruli with cruelty and extraordinary severity endeavoured to remedy upon his expedition for recovery of Tenedos and Lemnos , and conquest of Janoua in Transilvania ; but it is impossible for one man to know , and see , and remedy all disorders , and is amongst the Turks called Aain oin a secret fraud , as difficult to be totally remedied , as it is to be throughly discovered . But that which makes the principal difference and various change herein , is the death of Zaims and Timariots ; some of which holding an estate only for life , and others dying without heirs of their bodies , their Lands 〈◊〉 to the Crown : Which Estates being improved by the industry of the Possessors , above the primary valuation in the Records , and afterwards falling into the hands of the Prince , are bestowed again on others according to their true estimate , which is oftentimes double of the former . By which means , the number of the Grand Signiors Souldiery is encreased ; and it is a point very observable , that as other Princes lose by the fall , and death of their Subjects ; the Grand Signior is the only gainer , for of the most that are slain in a day of Battel , the Estates accrue to him , in disposal again of which , he observes this Rule , to gratifie many with that which was before the proportion of a single person . But to come now to the express and distinct account of the Ziamets and Timariots in every part and Government of the Empire , this Computation is extracted out of the Imperial Rolls , and Registers of the Grand Signior . In the Government of Anatolia are reckoned as follows ; in the Of Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Kiotahia 39 948 Saruhan 41 674 Aidin 19 572 Kastamoni 24 570 Hudawendighiar 42 1005 B●li 14 551 Mentesche 52 381 Angura 10 257 Karahisar 10 615 Teke ili 7 257 Kiangri 7 381 Hamid 9 585 Sultan Ughi 7 392 Karesi 7 240 Jenige hisar 7 12 Total of Ziamets are 295 and 7440 Timariots So that computing at the lowest 〈◊〉 4 Gebelues to every Zaim with them and their followers , must make 1180 Doubling the number of Timariots at the lowest rate makes 14880 In all 16060 For maintenance of which Army , the Rents in the Ottaman 〈◊〉 are , Aspers 37310700 There were farther in past times allotted to the attendance of this Army about 6900 men for mending the ways , bringing provisions , and service of the Artillary ; there was also an allowance for 1280 Sutlers , or Victualers of the Camp , and for 〈◊〉 Trumpeters , and Drummers , which were Gypsies ; but this was when Anatolia was a Frontier Country to the Christians , and was therefore better fortified and accommodated ; but since it is become one of the innermost parts of the Empire , that Rent is converted into the possessions of Zaims and Timariots , so that there is a farther addition of 330 Ziamets , and 1136 Timariots . In the Government of Caramania are reckoned Sangiacks 7. Ziamets Timariots 〈◊〉 18 512 Nighde 11 355 〈◊〉 12 144 Jenischeher 13 244 Akscheher 6 122 Kyrscheher 4 430 Akserai 9 358 Which make 73 2165 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the lowest rate are 292 Of Timariots at the same accompt 4600 Which makes in all 4892 The Rent according to the Ottoman Statutes is , Aspers 10500175 In the Government of Diarbekir are reckoned 12 Sangiacks besides those of Kiurdistaw and 〈◊〉 , which are computed to make 1800 men ; but I finde only 9 denoted for the Ziamets and Timariots , viz. Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Amed 9 167 Charpurt 70 163 Ezani 10 122 Sipurek 0 1 Nesbin 1 5 Chasenghif 5 30 Tchemescherek 2 7 Kuleb 3 24 Sangiar 6 21 Which make 106 540   The Gebelues of the Zaims at the lowest rate will make 424 Timariots Gebelues at the same rate will make 1080 1504 The Rent is not described of this Conntry in the Ottoman Statutes . In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Damascus , called in Turkish Scham , are 7 Sangiacks , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Damaseus 87 337 Jerusalem 9 161 Aglun 4 61 Bahura 9 39 Sifad 5 123 Gaza 7 108 Nabolos 7 44 Which make 128 873             The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate 512 The Gebelues of Timariots 1746 In all 2258 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Liwas , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Liwas 48 928 Amasia 19 249 Tchurum 16 310 Buzadick 15 731 Dermurki 1 310 Cianik 7 348 Arebkir 2 153 Which make 108 3029 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate 432 The Timariots 6058 In all 6490 The Rent for maintenance hereof 13087327 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Erzrum are , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Erzrum 56 2214 Karahizarscharki 32 904 Kieifi 8 229 Pasin 9 654 Hanes Esber 2 435 Tortum 10 491 Mamervan 4 96 Melazkerd 0 272 Tekman 1 253 122 5548 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate 488 The Timariots 11096 In all 11584 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Wan are , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Wan 48 147 Adilgewar 29 101 Ergisch 0 14 Senureghiul 32 203 Tchoba●lu 2 36 Ghiokiche 36 160 Derekgher 27 79 Chiorluk 7 61 Faniiazi 4 25   185 826 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate make 740 The Timariots . 1652 In all 2392 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Marasch are , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Marusch 10 118 Malatia 8 276 Asab 9 118   27 512 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate make 108 The Timariots 1024 1132 The Rent for maintenance , Aspers 9420317 In the Government of Cyprus are , Zangiacks . Ziamets . Timariots . Itchili 16 60 Alaine 0 119 Cyprus 9 308 Sch● 2 156 Tarsus 13 428   40 1067 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate make 160 The Timariots 2134 2294 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Tripoli in Syria are , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Tripoli 12 87 Hams 15 169 Gebele 9 91 Selemie 4 52 Hamaz 23 171   63 570           The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate make 250 Timariots 1140 1392 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Rika are , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Rika 30 143 Serug 9 291 Biregek 15 109 Ane 6 123   60 666 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate make 240 Of the Timariots 1332 1572 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Trabezond are no Sangiacks as is declared in the First Book ; yet within the Jurisdiction of the City it self are 56 Ziamets , and 398 Timariots ; So as the computation of that place is of 920 men . In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Aleppo are , Sangiacks . Ziamets . Timariots . Aleppo 73 295 Adana 11 191 Kelis 17 295 Azir 2 91 Balis 7 86 Mearre 7 86   117 1044 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate make 468 Of the Timariots . 2088 2556 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Tchilder are , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Olti 3 123 Erdehamburek 9 86 Hagrek 2 23 Hartus 13 39 Ardnug 4 149 Pusenhaf 11 18 Penbek 8 54 Tarchir 2 4 Luri 9 10 Ustucha 1 7 Achankiulk 11 37 Achtala 6 6 Asin 4 14 Penbeck 14 89 Pertekrek 9 0   106 659 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former rate make 424 Of Timariots 1318 1742 In the Government of the Captain Pashaw , or Lord Admiral , are , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Negropont . 12 188 Mytilene . 4 83 Kogia ile . 25 187 Sifla . 32 235 Karliili . 11 119 Galipoli . 14 32 Rhodes . 5 71 Betgai . 5 146 Mezestra . 16 91   124 1152 The Gebelues of the Zaims at the former proportion make 500 Of Timariots 2304 2804 For maintenance of which the Rent set down in the Ottoman Statutes is , Aspers 10800000 In the Government of the Beglerbeg of Rumeli , otherwise Romania , are , Sangiacks Ziamets Timariots Sophia 337 1788 Kiostendil 48 1017 Morea 100 242 Alexandria of Epyrus 19 205 Tirhala 26 525 Silistra 75 432 Nigheboli 60 344 Uchri 60 342 Aulona 68 489 Jania 62 345 Ilbasan 18 138 Tchirmen 20 130 Salonica 36 262 Wize 20 79 Delunia 24 165 Uskiup 20 344 Kerklesa 1 18 Dukakin 10 53 Widin 17 225 Alagehizar 27 509 Serzerin 17 225 Waltcarin 10 317   1075 8194 The Zaims with their Gebelues at the former proportion make 4300 The Timariots 16388 This the lowest rate 20688 But the ordinary computation of the Zaims and Timariots in this place with their Gebelues , is of about 30200 fighting men , or thereabouts ; to which is added the Souldiers of the Beglerbeg , Sangiackbegs , and other Officers , which commonly amount to 2500. The Militia maintained with the Lands of the Country may be computed at 32700 , or 33000 men . Besides this Militia in Romania , there is another sort called Jureghian or Jurukler , who have their Estates in Fee from Father to Son , of which there are accounted about 1294 Families : There is also another sort in the Province of Dobridge , called * Ogiacks , of which there are about 4000 Houses : Of the same kinde in the Province of Kizilgè are 200 Houses , in Tchirmen 351 of Cingani , which are the same as amongst us the Race of the Gypsies ; in Wize 170 : So that the whole sum of Ogiacks may arrive 〈◊〉 the number of 4721 , or at most to 5000. These are obliged every year to draw out of every thirty persons five , called Eschkingi or Voluntiers , who are to joyn themselves with the Tartars for making Excursions into Russia , Poland , or other parts ; and so yearly they interchangeably take their course . The other 25 remaining are called Jamak , and are not obliged personally to serve when the Grand Signiors Wars call them to employment ; but then for every 5000 Aspers Rent they possess of the Grand Signiors Lands , they are fessed at one man ; who are assigned to serve out of those whose turn it was that year to have accompanied the Tartars in their Robberies . The principal Office of these is to attend the Artillery , Baggage , and Provisions , to mend the Ways and Bridges for passage of the Army . To the like Service are obliged certain Families of Bulgarians , for carriage of Hay , and cutting Grass , according to the Season of the Year . The number of the Zaims and Timariots in the Governments of the Beglerbegs of Buda , Temswar , and Bosna , I finde not particularly described in the Ottoman Books ; but however according to the best information , that Militia on the Confines of the Empire 〈◊〉 Serhadli , amount to the number of about 70000 fighting men , paid out of the Rents of the Sangiacks of that Country . But though the Militia of Buda be not set down in the Registers of more ancient date at Gonstantinople , because it is as it were a Principality independent both for its eminency , Revenue , and large extent of Dominions ; yet in that City it self is strict order observed , and the Rolls of their Force most exactly known and computed ; to which the Turks have a strict eye , it being a Frontier Garrison of much importance , and the Key of Hungary ; the Militia of which , as I learned from Officers of note , during my residence in that place , was according to this precise account : Of Janizaries 12000 Spahees 1500 Zaims and Timariots 2200 Azaps , which are the meanest sort of Souldiery , 1800 Belonging to the Castle of Buda 1200 Jebegees , or Armourers 1900 The Guard at the Gate called Cuchuc Cappe 500 Topgees , or Gunners 500 Martoloes , a sort of Foot-Souldiers 300 Souldiers belonging to the Powder-house 280 The Souldiery who are Servants to the Pashaw 3000 In all 22180 ; to which adding the Militia of Bosna , and other parts of Sclavonia , and all along the Frontier Countries , which extends for above 800 English miles , the number may amount to no less than 70000 fighting men . But we here discourse only of the number of the Zaims and Timariots , which whole sum amounts to , of Zaims 10948 , and of Timariots 72436 ; which makes in all 83380 ; but this is calculated at the lowest rate , they may very well be reckoned to be one third more , besides other Militia's of Cairo , or other Orders of Souldery to be treated of in the following Chapters . These Partitions or Divisions were first made by Solyman the Magnificent , as the best Rule and Method for an orderly disposition of his Militia , and as the strongest nerve of the Ottoman Force : but as with Time in the most exact compositions of Discipline , corruptions through covetousness and ambition of officers are introduc'd ; so also in the just disposal of these Rents according to the ancient Institutions : for the Beglerbegs , Pashaws , Treasurers , and other Officers , instead of bestowing this maintenance to the Souldiers , according to their merits of Valour , or long Service , reserve it to prefer and gratifie their Servants and Pages , obliging them in recompence thereof under various Services ; some that live at Constantinople , or near the Sea , to defray the charges of all Boats and Vessels which carry their houshold Provisions ; others that live in the inland Countries agreeing with the Treasurer of the Souldiery , without regard to the true Heirs , or any other consideration , set to sale these Rents to them who proffer most ; so that in time of Harvest the Pashaw sends abroad his Officers to gather his Profits from the poor Timariots , with that oppression and violence as causes disturbances , differences , and Lawsuits amongst them , which being to be decided by Judges partly interess'd in the Quarrel , the Sentence is certainly determined on their side who have most power and most money . The aforegoing account of Zaims and Timariots is the most reasonable one can be given : And because we have reckoned them at the lowest rate , making some allowance to the 83380 , 〈◊〉 Militia may amount to an hundred thousand men , which , as I have heard , is the utmost number of this sort of Souldiery . CHAP. IV. Of certain Customs and Laws observed amongst the Ziamets and Timariots . AMongst these Forces of Ziamets and Timariots are in time of War and Action mixed certain Voluntiers or Adventurers , called by the Turks Gionullu , who maintain themselves upon their own expence in hopes by some signal Actions of Valour to obtain the succession into a Zaims or Timariots Lands , as places are made void by the slaughter of the War. These men are often very hardy , and ready to attempt the most desperate Exploits , moved by a desire of the reward , and by the perswasion , that at worst dying in a War against Christians , they become Martyrs for the Mahometan Faith. It is reported , that in one day , upon the assaults given Serinswar , or the new Fort of Count Serini , one Timariots Farm was bestowed eight times ; one being slain it was conferred on another , and so on a third , and so on the rest ; all which had the misfortune to fall , until it rested on the eighth , the others dying with the title only of Timariots . The Zaims or 〈◊〉 being aged , or impotent , have in their life time power to resign up the right of their Estates to their Sons , or other Relations . It is not lawful for a Peasant or Clown to mount his Horse , or girt his Sword like a Spahee , until first he hath had part of his Education in the Service or Family of some Pashaw , or person of Quality ; unless it be on the Confines of the Empire , where having given evident Testimonies of his Courage , he may then become Competitor for the vacant Farms of a Zaim , or Timariot . It is the Custom of Romania , that a Zaim , or Timariot dying in the Wars , his Ziamet Rents are divided into as many Timariot Farms as he hath Sons ; but if a Timariot hath no more then 3000 Aspers Rent , it descends entirely to his eldest Son ; but if it be more , it is proportionably divided amongst the rest of his Children . But if they dye of a natural death at their own homes , the lands fall to the disposal of the Beglerbeg of the Country , either to confer them on the Heirs of the deceased , on any of his Servants , or sell them at the best advantage . But in Anatolia there are many Zaims and Timariots whose Estates are hereditary to them and their Heirs ; and are not obliged to serve in person in the War but only to send their Gebelues , or number of Servants according to the value of their Estates ; of which duty if they fail in the time of War , that years Rent is confiscated to the Exchequer ; and this Estate descends to the next of Kin , whether derived from the Male or Female line . CHAP. V. The State of the Militia in Gran Cairo , and Egypt . THE Guard and protection of the Kingdom of Egypt is committed to the charge of twelve Begs , some of which are of the ancient Race of the Mamalukes , confirmed by Sultan Selin upon the taking of Cairo ; these have the command of the whole Militia in their hands , whereby they are grown proud , powerful , and ready upon every discontent to rise in Rebellion ; every one of these maintains 500 fighting men , well appointed for War , and exercised in Arms , which serve but as their Guard , and for Servants of their Court ; with which they go attended in journeys , in their huntings , and publick appearances ; under the command of these twelve Captains are twenty thousand Horse , paid at the charge of the Country , whose Office is by turns to convey yearly the Pilgrims to Mecha , and the annual Tribute of 600000 Zechins to the Ottoman Court , whether it be judged requisite to send it either by Land or Sea ; these are the standing Militia of the Country , out of which , unless upon the foregoing occasions , they are not obliged to other service ; their principal duty being , to prevent the invasion of the African Montaneers , who often make incursions from their barren Rocks , into the fat and fruitful Soyls of Egypt . Besides this Militia , are computed eighty thousand Timariots , out of which they yearly transport about 2500 , or 3000 men to the Wars of Candy ; but to more remote Countries , or the late Wars of Hungary , I did not hear that this Souldiery hath usually been called . These twelve Beghs of Egypt are noble by bloud , enjoying an hereditary Estate descending from the Father to the Son ; which richness joyned with the command of a powerful Army , hath rendred them so formidable and insolent , that oftentimes they take upon them an authority to imprison and depose the Pashaw from his Office , and spoil him of all the riches he hath collected in his three years Government : by which means , are always great jealousies , and enmities between the Pashaw and these Beghs ; dissentions and rebellions to that high degree , that many times it hath been little different from an absolute Revolt . Ibrahim Pashaw was in the year 1664 imprisoned by them , and obtained his liberty for * 600 Purses of money ; after whose departure the brother of the said Ibrahim , upon some certain pretences on the Pashaw's score , falling into their hands , was imprisoned also , but shortly after obtained his releasement by the Grand * Signiors Master of Horse , who was sent expresly to compose the disorders of Egypt ; which were now proceeded to that degree , as without some satisfactory atonement could not be termed otherwise than a total defection ; and therefore they resigned up one called Sulficar Bei to justice , who * being brought to Adrianople , was immediately in presence of the Grand Signior put to death . But the Turk hath always on occasions of these disturbances and insolences , dissembled and connived at the disorders , perceiving the distemper of that Kingdom to be such , as can with much difficulty be redressed , fearing that were forcible remedies applied , they would cause so violent a commotion of humours , as would absolutely rent it from the body of the Empire . The Auxliary Forces to the forementioned 〈◊〉 of the Turks , Are the Tartars , Valachians , Moldavians , and Tranfilvanians , under the command of their respective Princes , who are obliged to serve in person whensoever called by the Sultans command . The Tartars , I mean of Crim , are to furnish a hundred thousand men with the Tartarhan , or Prince in person to lead them , when the Grand Signior himself appears in the field ; but if the Army is commanded by the Visier only , then the Son of the Tartarhan is to serve ; or having no issue , the Army to the number of 40 or 50 thousand fighting men , is to be conducted under the chief Minister . But the Princes of Valachia , Moldavia , and Transilvania are 〈◊〉 excused from personal attendance in the Camp , each of which respectively are to be attended with six or seven thousand men a piece . And though the Prince of Transilvania called Apafi , was in the last War against the Emperor not called out of the Confines of his own Country ; it was with design that he should keep that Station free from the irruption of the Enemy not that he was disobliged from his personal attendance on the Visiers Camp. CHAP. VI. Of the Spahees . A Spakee . HItherto we have treated of the Turkish Horse that are maintained by Farms , and Rents of Lands : now it will be necessary to discourse of those that receive their constant pay from the Grand Signiors Treasury ; and these are called Spahees , who may not improperly be termed the Gentry of the Ottoman Empire , because they are commonly better educated , courteous and refined , than the other sort of Turks , and are in number 12000. Of these there are two Orders , one called Silahtart , who carry yellow Colours , and the other Spahaoglari or the Servants of the Spahees , and have their Colours red ; these Servants have now obtained the precedency above their Masters ; for though the Silahtari are very antient , and dednce their institution from Ali their first Founder , who was one of the four Companions of Mahomet ; yet Sultan Mahomet the third , on a day of Battel in Hungary , seeing the Silahteri routed and put to flight , with violent passion and earnestness endeavoured to stop their course ; and perceiving the Servants of these Spahees to remain still in a body , incited them to revenge the shameful cowardise of their Masters , who immediately encouraged with the words of the Sultan , clapping up a red Flag , gave so bold an onset on the Enemy , and with that success as wholly recovered the glory of the day : in remembrance of which service and notable exploit , the Sultan as disposer of all Honours and Orders , gave ever after the preheminence to these Servants before their Masters ; since which time this new institution of Spahaoglari hath always been continued . These Light-Horse men are armed with their Scimitar and Lance , called by them Mizrak , and some carry in their hands a Gerit , which is a weapon about two foot long , headed with Iron , which I conceive to be the same with the Pila amongst the Romans , which by long exercise and custom they throw with a strange dexterity and violence , and sometimes darting it before them in the full career of their Horse , without any stop recover it again from the ground : they also wear a straight Sword named Caddare , with a broad blade fixed to the side of their Saddle , which , or the Scimitar , they make use of when they arrive to handy-blows with the Enemy ; many of them are armed with Bows and Arrows , and with Pistols , and Carbines ; but esteem not much of fire-arms , having an opinion , that in the field they make more noise than execution : some of them wear jacks of Mail , and Head-pieces painted with the colour of their Squadron ; in fight they begin their onset with Allah , Allah , and make three attempts to break within the Ranks of 〈◊〉 Enemy , in which if they fail , they then make their retreat . The Asian Spahees are better mounted than commonly those of Europe , though these being Borderers on the Confines of the Christians , having learned much of their Discipline by constant skirmishes and combats , are trained in the art of War , and become the more valiant and experienced Souldiers . But the Asiatick Spahees were formerly the more rich , many particular men of them bringing into the field thirty or forty men apiece , besides their Led-Horses , Tents and other accommodations proportionable to their retinue ; but these Cavaliers seemed too great and proud to the Vizier Kupriuli , for the condition of common Troopers , and infected with the Epidemical Spirit of Faction and Mutiny , which raged at that time amongst all the Grandees of the Empire ; which caused him to strike off their heads with as little remorse , as one would doe the tops of Poppies , untill he had absolutely made a total destruction of them . Those now which remain are poor and inconsiderable , contented to comrade 10 or 12. in a Company for maintenance of a poor Tent , and 2 or 3 Horses and a Mule for Baggage and Provisions ; these are more tame , and subject to the Cudgel , and can take a beating patiently on the soles of the feet , which is their punishment , as the Janizaries is to receive the blows on the Buttocks ; ( that so this chastisement may neither incommode the seat of the Horsemen , nor the marches of the Foot ) but if the Crime be great and capital , they are sent for by Chiauses , or Pursuivants to appear before the Vizier , by whom being condemned , and strangled neer the Walls of the Grand Signiors 〈◊〉 , their bodies are afterwards about two or three hours in the night thrown into the Sea , without other solemnity than the firing of one of those great Guns next the Sea , which are planted under the Walls of the Seraglio , which serve for so many warning pieces for others Example . Their Pay is diverse , but in general , it is from twelve to a hundred Aspers a day : those who proceed from the Seraglioes of Pera Ibrahim , Pashaw , and Adrianople , which are so many Nurseries and Schools as well of the principles of War , as literature ; or have been Cooks Mates ( for the Cook of these Societies is a principal Officer of respect ) or Baltagees , that is , Hatchet men , who cut wood for the Grand Signiors Seraglio , and are licensed to live abroad with the title of Spahee , have the lowest pay of twelve Aspers a day ; but those who are extracted from the less , or greater Chamber of the Grand Signiors own Seraglio , called Seni serai , have 19 Aspers pay , and if they are favoured with the title of an Office , they receive two or three Aspers 〈◊〉 . But such as are elected to the War out of more eminent Chambers , as the Landery , the Turbant office , the Dispensatory , the * Treasury , the * Falconers Lodge and others , ( which we have mentioned in the Description of the Seraglio ) have at first thirty Aspers daily pay : an * increase of which is obtained sometimes by the Viziers , or Registers favour unto two Aspers more ; sometimes by services in the War , by receiving two Aspers augmentation for the head of every Enemy he brings in ; two Aspers more for * intelligence of the death of any Spahee , out of the pay of the deceased ; as also at the Incoronation , or 〈◊〉 of every Grand 〈◊〉 , five Aspers increase is given as a 〈◊〉 in general to the whole Army of Spahees : and thus many of them by art , industry , and good success go augmenting untill they arrive to a hundred Aspers , and here is their non plus ultra , they can rise no higher . They are paid quarterly from three months to three months ; which they may omit to receive for 9 months , but if twelve pass , they can only demand the nine , the other quarter , or more is confiscated to the publick Exchequer : Their place of payment is now in the Hall of the Vizier , which formerly was in the houses of the Pay-Masters , and Treasurer , but changed by the Vizier Kupriuli , on occasion of the disorders and abuses of the Officers which caused mutinies , and disturbances amongst the Souldiery . For the rich Spahees living far distant , to excuse themselves from a long journey to the City , agreed with the Pay-Masters that they for some certain part of their income , should without farther trouble to themselves , take up their dues , and make it over quarterly to their Countries of abode ; these men thus tasting the benefit of this trade , agreed with others for some little gains to dispatch them before the rest ; by which means , and the payment only on Wednesdays , and Saturdays , those 〈◊〉 that came from remote parts , making so long attendance , had with their excesses in Constantinople , spent as much as the principal sum they expected ; of which growing sensible , at first they began to murmur , then to threaten the Pay-masters , and at last it proceeded to open mutiny , by forcing 〈◊〉 doors , breaking the windows of the Officers , with many other insolencies and disorders , until ' Kupriuli , to remedy these abuses , ordered the mony to be given out in his presence , and the payment to be continued every day until the pay was ended . The Sons of Spahees , presenting themselves before the Vizier , may claim the priviledge of being enrolled in the Grand Signiors Books ; but their pay , which is the lowest rate twelve Aspers a day , is to issue forth from their Fathers proportion , but then they are in the road of preferment , and are capable by their services and merits to make additions upon foundation of their own industry . Besides the foregoing wayes by which the Spahees gain their encrease of pay , I am given to understand that formerly they had another benefit , called Gulamiie or safe Conduct money ; which was one per cent . of all moneys to those whom the Collectors of the Grand Signiors Revenue summoned to convey the Treasure for more security to the Capital City , besides the maintenance of themselves and Horses in the journey ; but this as too 〈◊〉 a deduction from the Imperial Revenue , was with time taken off , to the great discontent of the Spahees in general . The Grand Signior going in person to the Wars , according to the ancient Custome of other Sultans , bestows a largess on the Spahees , of five thousand Aspers a man , which they call 〈◊〉 Akchiasi , or a donative for buying Bows and Arrows ; as also to the Janizaries , as we shall hereafter mention . This Army of Spahees is in the War a meer confused multitude , without any government , or distribution into Troops or Regiments , but march in heaps , fight without order , little account kept of their presence or absence from the Camp ; only at the pay in the month of * November whosoever appears not , unless favoured by the Officers , hath his name raced from the 〈◊〉 Signiors Register . Their duty in the War is to stand Centinel with a Janizary at the end of every cord of the Grand Signiors Pavilion , as also at the Viziers , armed with his Cemytar , Bows , Arrows , and Lance , mounted on Horseback ; as the Janizary on foot with his Sword and Musket ; and also the charge of the Treasure for payment of the Militia , is committed in the field to their custody . This Order of Souldiers was in ancient times in great esteem and honour in all parts of the Empire , by reason of their accomplishment in Learning , refined Education in the Imperial Court , their nearness to preferments , and acquaintance and interest with the Grandees of the Empire : The place of the 〈◊〉 in their marches to the Warre , was to flank the Grand Signior on the left hand , and the Spahi Oglani on the right , and were alwayes the ultimate reserve of the Battel , as the Life-guard to the Sultan : But like men not knowing how to comport themselves in prosperity , growing mutinous and ambitious to have a hand in the Government , became Confederates with the Janizaries in conspiracy against the life of their true Sovereign Sultan Osman ; to which Treason adding other Insolencies , they justly were deprived of the favour of Sultan Morat , and Sultan Ibrahim ; the terrours also of their late sedition remaining freshly still impressed in the memory of this present Emperour Sultan 〈◊〉 , when they complotted against his own and his Mothers life , is the cause they have still gone declining from the degree of their pristine honour and esteem ; for the Prince as he is the Fountain of Honour , so is his countenance and favour the spirit and life which gives a lustre and sparkling to those Titles and Riches he hath conferred ; other Seditions hastned the ruine of their reputation , and in the year 1657 , when the Vizier Mahomet Kiupruli , on occasion of his Expedition against Janova , summoned the Asian Spahees to the Rendezvous in Hungary ; who instead of yielding obedience to the command of their General , elected a new Captain a Spahee of their own rank , called Hassan Aga , preferred to be Pashaw of Aleppo : whose name at that time , I remember upon the hopes of the dissentions he might create amongst the Turks , was greatly famed and celebrated over all Christendom . These Combustions in Asia headed by the chief Enemy to the Vizier , caused 〈◊〉 to leave many of his designs against Transilvania uneffected , and to clap up a Peace on reasonable and moderate terms of honour , that so he might hinder the progress of a dangerous evil which now threatned and approached the Capital City ; for by this time Hassan Pashaw being arrived neer the Walls of Scutary , began to treat by way of Petition to the Grand Signior , and represent that out of his zeal to the good of his Majesty and his Empire , he had undertaken a long march to inform him of the corruption of his Ministers and the miscarriages of Government ; his tender years as yet not having ripened his judgment to penetrate these evils , which with time his understanding would discover to be too inveterate and incurable . All the oppressions and aggrievances of the Souldiery he seemed to object to the cruelty and oppression of Kupriuli , and in appearance had nothing but thoughts of the honour and safety of the Grand Signiors person ; and doubtless this man was unfit to manage such a design , for he entertained scruples of Conscience , and a remorse and tenderness in spilling Mahometan blood , considerations which are incompatible with the condition of a Rebel ; for who hath the impiety to draw his Sword against his Prince , must stop at no bars either of divine or humane right to maintain it . This gave advantage to Kupriuli to effect his design upon his Enemy ; for in the interim of this Treaty , Mortaza 〈◊〉 of Babylon , was commanded to possess the City of Aleppo , and Hassan after many fair messages and promises from the Grand Signior and the Vizier , was perswaded to return again to Aleppo , to capitulate with Mortaza concerning those points and aggrievances he sought to have redressed ; it being alledged to him , that 〈◊〉 had received instructions to treat , and a plenipotentiary power to grant and firm as far as should be reasonable and honourable for the Grand Signior to condescend . Hassan with this easie answer returned toward Aleppo ; neer which place he credulously committed himself into the hands of Mortaza , who no sooner had him within his Tents , but he concluded all Controversies and Capitulations by the decision of his head from his body : The whole Army of Spahees immediately , with the fall of their General , was scattered , and divided themselves ; but about three hundred of them being apprehended by Mortaza , were sent to Constantinople , where in the presence of the Grand Signior within the walls of the 〈◊〉 at Scutari they were all executed ; since which their pride hath ever gone declining , and their name become so odious amongst the people , that upon the very nominating a Spahee , the vulgar were ready to run upon them with stones , or other weapons that came next to hand ; so that now the Spahees are much eclipsed in their ancient fame and honour . There are besides these two foregoing sorts of Spahees , other four , the first calltd Sag Ulefigi , that is appointed to march on the right hand of the Spahaoglani , and carry white and red Colours : The second is Sol Ulefigi , whose place is on the left hand of the Silahtari ; which carry white and yellow Colours . The third Sagureba , that is Souldiers of Fortune that are to march on the right hand of the Sag ulefigi , and carry green Colours . The fourth is Sol Gureba , whose place is to march on the left hand of the Ulefigi , and carry white Banners : but these four sorts of Spahees are raised and listed according to necessity and occasions of War , and are obliged to all services and duties ; their pay is from 12 Aspers to 20 a day , and are capable according to their merits , of being promoted to one of the superiour Orders . There is also another sort of more elevated Spahees , called Mutafaraca , who issue out from the Seraglio with more favour than the ordinary sort of Spahees , and are 400 or 500 in number , their pay is 40 Aspers a day , and have alwaies the obligation or duty on them to serve and attend the Grand Signior when he goes in progress for pleasure from one Village to another . And thus much shall serve to have declared in brief concerning the institution and discipline of the Spahees , as also of all the Militia of the Turkish Horse ; we shall now proceed to declare something of their Infantry . CHAP. VII . Of the Janizaries . A Janizary . THE next main sinew of the Ottoman Power is the order of Janizaries , which is as much as to say , the new Militia ; and yet their Antiquity may be deduced from Ottoman the first King of the Turks ; but because they received honours and priviledges from Amurath their third King , our Turkish History accounts that to be the time of the first original : it is certain that in his time they were modelized , and certain Laws prescribed both for their education and maintenance ; when by the counsel of Catradin , otherwise called Amurath's prime Vizier , it was ordained that for the augmentation of this Militia , every fifth Captive taken from the Christians , above the age of 15 years , should be the dues of the Sultan who at first were to be distributed amongst the Turkish Husbandmen in Asia , to learn and be instructed in the Turkish Language and Religion . Their number at first was not accounted above 6 or 7000 , now with time they are encreased to the number of twenty thousand effective men ; but were there a list taken of all those who assume this title of Janizary , and enjoy their priviledges though not their pay , there would be found above a hundred thousand ; six or seven go under the name of one Janizary , for gaining by this means a priviledge of being free from all Duties and Taxes , they bestow a certain summe of money or annual presents on the Officers , in consideration of which they are owned and countenanced as Janizaries . Their Habit is as the Picture represents , wearing alwaies the beard of their Chin and under-lip shaven , which some say they learned from the Italians ; but certain it is , that this Custom is more ancient , than since the time of their Neighbourhood unto Italy : this manner of their shaving being generally used as a token of their subjection , and so all the Pages and Officers in the Seraglio of great men , orders of Gardeners , Baltagees or Hatchetmen and others , are distinguished by this mark to be in service and obliged to the attendance of a Master : But when they are either licensed from the War , or promoted to Office , or freed to their own disposal , they immediately suffer their Beards to grow as a signe of 〈◊〉 liberty and gravity . In former times this Militia consisted only of the Sons of Christians , educated in the Mahometan Rights ; but of late that politick Custom hath been disused , the reason of which some attribute to the abundance of people the Turks having of their own to supply all their occasions : but I am rather induced to another opinion , having not observed the multitude which Histories and Travellers tell us , that the Turks swarm with ; and rather assigne the neglect of this practice , so prejudicial to Christian Interest in these parts , to the corruption of the Officers , and carelesness in their Discipline . And though this election of Janizaries out of the eldest and lustiest Sons of Christians that inhabit Europe ( for Asia was exempted ) is now 〈◊〉 ; yet such as enter into this Order , whosoever they are ( unless the necessity of the present state of the War be over-urgent ) are obliged to 〈◊〉 their Novitiate like Tyrones Romani , before they can be inrolled in the Register of Janizaries , and are called Agiamoglans . The chief Officers of these is called Stambol Agasi , in whose care and charge it is to enure these men to all labours , pains , and mortifications , as to cut wood , carry burdens , endure heats , colds , and other sufferings which may render them obedient , temperate , vigilant , and patient of all the inconveniencies and miseries of VVar. The quarters many of these have in the Garden-Lodges of the Grand Signiors Seraglio's ( whereof they are many in and about Constantinople ) to manure and dig the Ground , learn the Art of Plantations , and Husbandry , and practice ( as occasion requires ) meaner Offices of labour and servitude : others of them are placed in the three Seraglio's ( we have before mentioned in the Chapter of Spahees ) viz. of Pera , Ibrahim , Pashaw , and Adrianople , where their principal art is the mystery of Plantation and delitious disposal of Gardens into the variety of Knots , VValks , Groves , and Fountains ; and though there are many of this profession who have no other thoughts to employ their minds , few of them are acquainted with any part of polite Husbandry , or know more than the season to plant their Hartichoaks or Colworts ; as to the rules and symmetry of setting Trees , ordering the Labyrinths of Knots , making pleasing VValks , Fountains and Groves ; it is strange a people that delight so much in Flowers , in Fields , and Arbours , and have themselves or Ancestors ruined many of the delightful Paradises of Christians , should be so wholly ignorant and dull in the contrivance of what they love , as not to be able to borrow one example or model , which amongst all the Grand Signiors Gardens in Constantinople may deserve a better name than of a VVilderness . Others of these 〈◊〉 are made Baltagees or Hatchet-men to cut wood for the Seraglio ; others are made Cooks and Officers in the Kitchin , such , I mean , as can already speak the Turkish Language , for those that are ignorant in that speech or in the Mahometane Religion , are disposed into remoter parts of Anatolia , where the Janizaries have Possessions and Authority ; as to Kiotahia , where the * Lieutenant-General of the Janizaries hath Revenue ; to Karahisar and Angura , where the Stambol Agasi hath principal power ; to Mentesche , Sultan Ughi , and Karosi , where the Turnagibatch and Jaiabatchi , who are chief Officers of the 〈◊〉 , have Rents and Profits belonging to their Offices , and here they are employed in plowing and 〈◊〉 the Ground , or other 〈◊〉 exercises , until such time as supplies for the VVars give them occasion to draw out these men from their several Stations : and then being called to the Chambers of Janizaries , they orderly march one after the other according to their seniority , one holding the end of his fellows Garment , appear before the Muster-Master , who having enrolled their names in the Grand Signiors Register , they run as fast as they can by their Oda baschi or Master of their Chamber , who gives every one as he passes a blow under the Ear , to signifie their subjection to him : and this is the Ceremony observed in creating Janizaries . At their first Enrolment some have but one Asper a day , others 4 and 5 unto 7 and a half ; and so with time and favour of their Officers , encrease to 12 〈◊〉 a day , which is the highest pay of any Janizary , and can have no other advance , unless good Fortune promote them to the degree of Kiahaia Begh , which is as much as Lieutenant-General of the Janizaries , or any other eminent Office. Besides this pay , they have their daily provision and diet from the bounty of the Grand Seignior , and their Table ordered at constant hours , where they finde their Rice , fifty drams of Flesh , and one hundred of Bread their ordinary Commons , and eat in their respective Refectories like Monks in Convents , or Scholars in their Colledges ; they receive also one Souldiers Coat yearly , of Cloth made at Salonica of a coarse thread , but warm and convenient , which in every Moneth of Ramazan is distributed to each Chamber ; so that their Bellies are full and Backs are warm , and in all points are better provided than the tattered Infantry which are to be seen in most parts of Christendom . And thus this people being pampered without cares of seeking their Bread , grow often querulous and apt to take the fire of Sedition with every spark of discontent in their Officers , the beginnings of which they commonly make known at their Assemblies of the Publick Divan , whither 4 or 500 of them are obliged 4 times a week , that is Saturday , Sunday , Munday , and Tuesday , to accompany the Janizar Agar or their General ; at that place they have their Commons from the Grand Signiors Kitchin : which when they have any subject of discontent they evidence by slighting , by kicking down their Plates of Rice , and shewing better stomacks to be revenged , than to their Entertainment ; which Mutinies the Grand Signior and Principal Ministers having found oftentimes fatal , endeavour by fair promises and satisfactory compliance with their desires to pacifie in their first motion . Janiszar Agasi or Generall of the Janizaries The General of this Militia is called Janizar Agasi , and is always elected from the * Royal Chamber of the Seraglio ; because it being an Office of great Charge , it is thought necessary to be intrusted to one whose Education and Preferment hath made a Creature of the Court ; which Policy hath been the suppression of divers mutinies amongst the Janizaries , the discovery of their Combinations , and an engagement to a stronger dependency on the favour of the Seraglio . When this General either dies by a natural death , or the Sword of the Grand Signiors Justice or Authority , his Riches , like that of other Pashaws , is not confiscated to the Sultans Exchequer ; but the Inheritance accrues to the publick Treasury of the Janizaries ; which how dangerous it is to a State to have a Militia endowed with Revenues appropriated to their Officers ( as already we have declared they possess in some parts of Anatolia ) and a Bank of Wealth united to the maintenance of a licentious Sword , the Ottoman Princes have by sad effects rather felt , than been able by vertue of their absolute Power to remedy . The second Chief Officer is the Kiahaia Begh , or Lieutenant-General . The third is Segban baschi , the Overseer of the Carriage of the Souldiers Baggage . The fourth is the Turnagi Bashee , or Guardian of the Grand Signiors Cranes . The fifth is the Samsongi Bashee , chief Master of the Grand Signiors Mastives . The sixth is the Zagargi Bashee , Master of the Spaniels . The seventh is the Solack Bashee , Captain of the Archers , or of such Janizaries who go armed with Bow and Arrows . The eighth is Subashi and Assasbashi , who are chief of the Serjeants and Bailiffs , and attend always at the Grand Signiors Stirrop when at any time on solemn occasions he shews himself to the people . A Solack or one of the Grand Signors Footmen A Paick or another sort of Footmen The ninth is the Peikbashi , or Commander of that sort of Pages which are called Peiks , who wear caps of beaten gold , of which there are 60 in number , who march at Solemnities together with the Solacks neer the Person of the Grand Signior . The tenth is Mezuraga , or the head Baily of the Janizaries . These eight last arise from the order of Janizaries , and have their several Commands in the Army , though the Grand Signior to augment their Power and Honour the more , bestows on them Titles and Wealth in other Offices . The Janizaries Chambers ( of which there are no others but in Constantinople ) are in number 〈◊〉 , of which 80 are of ancient Foundation , and are called Eskai Odalar ; and 82 called Jeni Odalar , or the new Chambers ; over most of which is a Tchorbagi or Captain : In these Chambers those that are not married enjoy their Lodgings and Habitation , and twice a day find their Repast , as we have before mentioned : And thus instead of Monasteries of Friers , the Turk maintains Convents and Societies of Souldiers , who are trained up with all modesty and Severity of Discipline . The Principal Officers of these Chambers are , First , the Odabashee , or Master of the Chamber , who in the Wars serves as Lievtenant of the Company . Second is Wekilharg , or expenditor for maintenance of the Chamber . Third is Bairacktar , or Ensign-bearer . Fourth is Ashgee , or the Cook of the Chamber . Fifth is Karakullukgee , or the under-Cook . Sixth is the Saka , or the Water-carrier . The Cook is not only an Officer to dress the Diet and Provision of the Janizaries , but is also a Monitor or Observer of their good behaviour ; so that when any one of them commits a Crime , the Cook is the Officer that executes the punishment . The under-Cook also serves for an Apparitor , and is he who summons the married Janizaries at their several Dwellings in Constantinople , when their Officers command their attendance . The greatest part of the Janizaries consists of Batchelours or single men ; for though Marriage cannot be denied to any of them , yet it is that which terminates their Preferments , and renders their Seniority uncapable of claiming a right to Offices , or Military Advancement ; for being incumbred with a Wife , and other dependencies , they are judged in a condition not capable to attend the Discipline of the War , 〈◊〉 Service of the Grand Signior , and therefore as to other duty in the times of Peace , besides their appearance every Friday in their Chambers , and presence of their Officers , they wholly are dispensed with . In the Wars this Militia is consider'd as the most valient and best disciplin'd Souldiery of the Turkish Camp , and therefore are either kept as a Reserve , or march in the main Body of the Army . In times of Peace their Quarters are many times changed , to keep them in imployment , from one Castle or Garrison to another , as to Buda , Kanisia , Temeswar , to Rhodes , Canea , and other parts : Some of them are appointed to keep Courts of Guard at all Gates and Avenues of Constantinople , to prevent the Insolencies and Injuries their Companions are apt to offer to Christians , Jews , and others in the streets , who at some times , being heated with Wine , have in the open market forc'd Women , whilst their Comerades have with their * Daggers drawn stood over them to defend them from the people ; to prevent which disorders , the Janizar Agasi accustoms to ride the Streets attended with about 40 Mumgies , or Bayliffs of the Janizaries , where meeting any guilty of such like Crimes , or other Enormities , he seizes them , and carries them to his Court , where after examination of their fault , he orders them to be beaten , or if their Crime be great , to be strangled , or sowed in a Sack and thrown into the Sea ; but always their punishment is inflicted privately , perhaps because they are jealous of a mutiny . In every Province the Janizaries have their Serdars , who are Colonels or chief of all the Janizaries within that Jurisdiction , who greatly abuse their Office by taking into their protection any that present or pay them for this priviledge ; by which means they have grown so powerful and rich , that some time past the Command of the whole Ottoman Empire hath reposed in the hands of this Militia . Their Arms are Muskets and Swords ; they fight confusedly in the Field , and with no more order than the Spahees ; only sometimes they draw themselves up into Cunei , observed amongst the Romans . And thus much shall serve to have spoken of the Institution and Discipline of the Janizaries : We shall now proceed to declare how this Militia is decayed , and upon what grounds it is not maintained in its ancient honour and flourishing estate . CHAP. VIII . Whether the Maintenance of an Army of Janizaries according to the Original Institution , be now agreeable to the Rules of Politie amongst the Turks . THis Problem I find first moved by 〈◊〉 , once the Germane Emperours Embassadour to Constantinople , who pretends to speak the Grand Signiors sence in this particular , on occasions of difference which the insolent rudeness of the Janizaries had caus'd between themselves and his Family : For Rusan Pashaw then Prime Visier , admonished him friendly to condescend to any terms of Composition , for that Law could not avail where Souldiers ruled ; and the powerful 〈◊〉 himself , who then reigned , trembled at nothing more than the apprehension of some secret Ulcer of perfidiousness . which might lye concealed within the retirement of the Janizaries . But as there is no question but a standing Army of veterane and well-disciplin'd Souldiers must be always useful and advantageous to the Interest of a Prince ; so , on the contrary , negligence in the Officers , and remisness of Government , produces that licentiousness and wrestiness in the Souldiery , as betrays them to all the disorders which are dangerous , and of evil consequence to the welfare of a State. And so it hath fared with the Ottoman Empire , which rising only by the power of Arms , and established on the blood of many valiant and daring Captains , gave Priviledges , Honours , and Riches to the Militia , and at all times encouraged their Prowess and forwardness by Rewards , and connivance at their Crimes ; by which indulgence and impunity , these men ill-principled 〈◊〉 rules of Virtue , and unequally bearing Prosperity and the favour of the Prince , have for a long time been gathering a 〈◊〉 of ill humours ready to receive any contagion of seditious design , and to maintain it with an impudence constant to the Janizaries for some Ages , which may equal the levity of the Roman Souldiery , untill they shamelesly set their Empire to sale , and forgot both their old obedience to the Senate , and reverence to their new Emperours . The death and ruine of many Grandees , and of the Sultan himself , by such like Seditions , hath at length by dear experience taught the Principal Ministers how unsafe it is to permit an Army lodged in the bowels of the capital City , of a disposition favourable to it self , envious , and impatient of any other , jealous , and always at enmity with the Court , rich and powerful with Possessions and Rents appertaining to its Commanders in Anatolia , and a Treasury of unknown sums which have descended to the Common Bank by the decease of their Generals or Janizar Agas ; and therefore have by degrees , and as prudently as might be , begun to diminish the strength of this 〈◊〉 by the destruction of the veterane Souldiers , and ruine of their reputation , by various arts , in the estimation of the World. The particular means whereby the Janizaries have been studiously destroy'd , are by many ways evident ; for first they are exposed upon every obscure Service , and drawn forth to encounter every Assault of the Empire ; as the Wars of Candy have exhausted the flower of this Militia , the Battels at Sea buried vast numbers , who 〈◊〉 formerly reserved for times of eminent exploits and glory . Secondly , Which destruction of the veterane Souldiers hath created other mischiefs to this order , in point of discipline , as prejudicial as the former ; for as the Agiamoglans were obliged to perform six or seven years Novitiate , now , by reason of the constant necessities to supply the Wars , they overskip the orderly formalities of the first Institution , and create them Janizaries after a year or half a years service : And others I have known educated in Mechanick Professions , and from framing Timber and carrying Burdens in the Arsenal , have at once for the Service in Candie been created Janizaries , who neither know how to manage a 〈◊〉 , nor are otherwise disciplin'd to any exercise of Arms. Thirdly , that Europe may not be dispeopled by the triennial seisure of Christian Children for the Grand Signiors Service , which in Turkish is called Deuschirme , that politick Custom and principal conservation of the discipline of Janizaries is , as we have said before , wholly forgotten , and instead thereof election is made of Vagabonds , that proffer themselves out of Asia , or other parts , who having passed five or six months like Novices , are afterwards made Janizaries , and being ignorant in the use of Arms , and unaccustomed to labours and sufferings , run from their Colours , and renounce their Order , which has been in times past one of the most honourable in the whole Empire . 4. The old veterane Officers , which had by degrees and steps proceeded to Honour methodically from inferiour Souldiers , have either by their own seditious spirits , or jealousie of the Prince , been dispeeded from this world , and in their places the Sons of Constantinopolitan Janizaries succeeded , who have been bred up with softness and effeminacy ; and their Tchorbagees or Captains have not obtained their Commands by time or valour , but buy their places with money and presents to the prime Officers . Fifthly , And to forward the decay of this Militia , and to take off their warlike and haughty courages , the confinement to their Chambers is not severe , but liberty given upon colour of poverty and impossibility of livelihood on their mean pay , to attend other Trades and services , whereby the exercise of Arms and thoughts of the War is converted to mechanick Arts , and an intention to ways of maintenance of themselves and Families . Sixthly , Hope of reward and fear of punishment , which are the incitements to worthy actions , and restrictions from the vilest crimes , are rarely held up to the Janizaries in these times for their encouragement or terrour ; for without money to the superior Officers none of them obtains preferment ; nor can any worn out with age and wounds procure dismission from the War with the enjoyment of the usual stipend , who are called by the Turks Oturak , and by the Latines Exauctorati ; and on the contrary the children of Officers born in Constantinople are often made Oturaks in their Cradles , and lusty youths are with favour and mony exempted in the flower of their age from the labours of War , and yet enjoy the benefits due to a toilsome Militia . And yet , as if all the connivance at these various disorders and subversion of the good institutions of this Souldiery were not sufficient to impoverish their Spirits , to mould them into a more effeminate temper , and cause them to lose their interest and reputation ; it is the common opinion that the Vizier Kupriuli laid the designs for the late War with Germany before his death , and enjoyned it to his Son to prosecute , with an intention , amongst other expectations of benefit to the Empire , to complete the final destruction of the ancient Spahees and Janizaries , so as to be able to lay a foundation of new Discipline , which may more easily for the future restrain the Turkish Militia within the compass of better modesty and obedience : which design hath taken so severe effect in the War of Hungary , in the year 1664. that the bloudiest part of slaughter in the Battels fell on the Janizaries and Spahees , and by how much more any were more bold and forward in their attempts , by so much more fatal and hasty was their ruine ; so that it is reported that the valiantest Souldiers of the Confines , the veterane and best disciplined of the Spahees and Janizaries , and the best number of their skilful Commanders and expert Captains perished promiscuously together , to the great damage and weakning of the Ottoman power ; so that now it is not probable that a new Militia succeeding , capable of receiving other Customs and Laws , and neither remembring nor concerned in former Mutinies , will adventure to follow the seditious practices of their Predecessors ; for men are commonly modest at their first entrance into any condition , and unless debauched by corruption in government , are easily contained within the bounds of reasonable moderation . And yet notwithstanding that the pride of the Turkish Militia is reduced to so low an abatement of their power , and to a condition easily for the future with good management to be ruled ; yet this present Sultan Mahomet still retaining the memory and impression of the amazement he suffered in his infancy on occasion of a dangerous combination and couspiracy of the Janizaries , will never confide himself to their guard , nor be reconciled to Constantinople , in consideration of the many Chambers it contains of that loathed Militia , which have been so many Nurseries and Seminaries of Treasons complotted against himself , his Father and his other Progenitors . CHAP. IX . Of the Chiauses . The Chaousbashee or Cheife the Pursuivants THese having both offensive and defensive Arms assigned them , may be reckoned in the number of the Militia , though their Office being chiefly in relation to Civil Processes and Laws , they may rather deserve the name of Pursuivants or 〈◊〉 . They are in number about 5 or 600 , their pay is from 12 to 40 Aspers a day ; and their chief Officer is called Chiaus Baschee , to whose custody Prisoners of quality are committed : their place of attendance is in the Palace of the Prime Visier , to be ready on all occasions to carry Letters and Commands to any part of the Empire ; such Christian Renegadoes as become Turks , they most commonly for their encouragement and subsistance in the Mahometane Superstition admit into this Rank ; because having commonly an endowment of other Languages besides the Turkish , are most serviceable on messages into Forreign Countrys ; and sometimes are sent with title of Ambassadors , as one was once into England , France , and Holland . Their Arms are a Scimitar , a Bow , and Arrows , and a Trunchion with a knob at the end , called in Turkish Topous ; those of these Officers that are servants to the Visier or Beglerbegs , carry this Trunchion covered with Silver , called in Turkish 〈◊〉 ; but the Chiauses of simple Pashaws only of Wood : their Harvest they make upon the occasions of Law-suits and differences between one party and another , being Apparitors or Serjeants to call the guilty person to justice , or if the business comes to composition , they commonly are in the midst to perswade both sides to reason , in which action they want not their Fees or acknowledgment of labour from both parties . CHAP. X. Of the other parts of the Turkish Militia , the Toptchi . THese are Gunners , called so from the word Tope , which in Turkish signifies a Cannon ; and are in number about one thousand two hundred , distributed into 52 Chambers , their quarters are at Tophana or the place of Guns in the Suburbs of Constantinople ; few of these are expert in their art , and are ill practised in the proportions and Mathematical part of the Gunners mystery ; for were they as skilful as many Engineers in the world , they might doubtless with that train of vast Artillery they either march with in their Camp or found in their Trenches , give much more annoyance to the Christian forces : And therefore knowing their own imperfections in this Exercise ; when Christian Gunners are taken in the War , they entertain them with better usage than other Captives , quartering them in the Chambers appropriated to that profession , allotting them with the others a pay of 8 to 12. Aspers a day ; but because this is too considerable a maintenance to allure men who are otherwise principled , most of them , as occasion offers , desert the service of the Turk , and fly to their own Conntry . Their Officers are , 1. The Topgibaschi , or General of the Ordinance . 2. The 〈◊〉 or the chief of them that found the great Guns . 3. The Odabaschi , the chief of all the Chambers of the Gunners in the Suburbs of Constantinople . 4. Is the Kiatib or their Muster-Master , who is always a Spahee . Their Guns are the biggest and as well cast and moulded as any in the world ; for the last Expedition in Hungary there were 40 pieces of new Cannon cast and transported by way of the black Sea , and thence by the Danube unto Balgrade and Buda . Their Gunpowder is made but in small quantities about Constantinople , but comes from divers places of Europe but that from Damascus is most esteemed : The biggest size of their Bullets are from 36 to 40 inches Diameter , but these are most commonly of stone , which they make use of in the Castles or Block-houses scituate on the Sea , as at the Castles upon the Hellespont , called anciently Sestos and Abydos , and at the Forts at the entrance of the black Sea. Once an Englishman Gunner of a Ship , which lay at Constantinople , had the curiosity and confidence to measure the dimensions of these Bullets ; but being apprehended in the very act , was imprisoned for a Spy ; but by the intercession of our Embassador then Resident , with much labour and some expence was at length released . Of the Gebegees . These are Armourers ; so called from the word Gebes , which signifie in Turkish as much as Arms of Back and Breast ; they are in numbe 630 distributed into 60 Chambers , and have their Quarters neer the Church of Santa Sophia in Constantinople ; their Office is to conserve the Arms of ancient times from rust , by cleaning and oyling of them , so as to remain as Trophees for ever of the Turkish Conquests : their pay is from 8 to 12 Aspers a day ; their Officers are first the Gebegibaschi who is their Commander in chief . 2. The 〈◊〉 , who are so many Masters of their Chambers . On all Expeditions these Armourers are necessary Officers , and oftentimes in days of Battel distribute forth the antique Arms , of which they have the care , into the hands of the Janizaries : but those of these men that are indifferently rich , and have favour and friends , enjoy their pay with ease at their own homes ; and like other * Ogiacks are capable of being made Oturaks , or retaining their pension with a dispensation from the War. Of the Delees . Delee , or one of the Visiers Guard Delee signifies as much as a mad fellow or a Hector ; these are the Prime Viziers Lifeguard , and are in number from 100 to 400 , more or less , according as the Vizier is more or less rich and splendid in his retinue ; their pay is from 12 to 15 Aspers a day ; they are by nation of Bosna , or Albania ; their habit is very ridiculous according to this Picture ; they are men chosen for their great stature and stomachs ; they speak big , talk of nothing but killing and adventurous exploits , but in reality their heart and courage is not esteemed proportionable to their bulk and bodies : in the City they march before the Vizier on foot , and make way for him to the Divan ; on journeys they are too heavy and lazy not to be well mounted ; they have a Captain over them called the Delibaschi ; their Arms are a Lance after the Hungarian fashion , a Sword , and Pole-Axe ; and some of them carry a Pistol at their Girdle . This sort of People being naturally more faithful than the Turks , and more inclinable to the Vizier Kupriuli for being of the same Country , he maintained 2000 of them for his Guard ; which was so great a curb to the Janizaries and the other Militia , that they were never able to execute any Conspiracy against him . The same course his Son the present Vizier , follows , and is doubtless next the Grand Signiors favour , his principal security . Of the Segbans and Sarigias . It is not to be omitted that the Beglerbegs and Pashaws maintain always a Miltia called Segbans , to whose custody the charge of the baggage belonging to the Horse is committed , and a select number called Sarigias , to whose care the baggage of the Infantry is entrusted ; these serve on foot with Muskets like Janizaries and the others on Horse-back like Dragoons in Christendom ; their pay besides their meat is 3 or 4 Dollars a month . The Beglerbegs have oftentimes on occasions of their Rebellions enrolled many of this sort of Militia to encounter the Janizaries ; the which was practised in these late times by Ipchir Pashaw , Hasan Pashaw , and Murteza Pashaw , who having listed great numbers to fight under this denomination , the Vizier Kupriuli for terrour and more easie destruction of this people , proclaimed through all Asia , that strict inquisition should be made after the Segbans and Sarigias , and that it might be lawful for any one to kill and destroy them without mercy ; by which means many were butchered in several places , and 30000 of them revolted to the Sofi of Persia. The Muhlagi and Besli . Are the servants of Beglerbegs and Pashaws ; the first make profession of a principal art in good Horsemanship , and exercise themselves in throwing the Gilid , which is a Dart much used amongst the Turks , in the true management of which there is great dexterity ; and because there are considerable rewards bestowed on those who are expert herein , the Turks practise it on Horse-back as their only exercise and study : very much delight herein the Grand Signiors have always taken , and to be spectators of the Combats between the servants of several Pashaws born in different Countries and Nations ; who from a principle of honour to their Nation , and hopes of preferment , contend with that heat and malice one against the other as surpass the cruelty of the ancient Gladiators ; and not only limbs or eyes are lost in this skirmish , but oftentimes sacrifice their blood and life for the pastime of their Prince . Such as are observed to be bold , active , and dexterous at his Game , are preferred to the degree and benefit of a Zaim or Timariot . The Beslees are footmen , who for their great abilities in walking and running , attain oftentimes to be made Janizaries . And thus we have now , with as much brevity as may be , run through the several Degrees , Numbers , Institutions , Laws , and Discipline of the Turkish Militia by Land : whose farther progress into Christendom , and damage to the Christian Cause may the Almighty Providence so disappoint , that his Church , corrected and grown more pious by this chastisement , may at length be relieved from the Rod and Yoke of this great Oppressor . CHAP. XI . Certain Observations on the Turkish Camp : and the Success of the last Battel against the Christians . IN the year of our Lord 1665. the Earl of Winchelsea , our Lord Embassador for certain Affairs of His Majesty and the Company or Merchants , having commanded me to meet the Great Visier in his return from the Wars in Hungary , through ill or rather uncertain information of the Visiers motion , I was forced to proceed as far as Belgrade in Servia on the Confines of Hungary , 23 days journey from Constantinople , where finding a good part of the Turkish Army encamped neer that City , for better convenience and expedition of my business , I entred within the Quarters of the Spabees , and pitched my Tent as neer the Visiers and the other principal Officers as consisted with due respect ; 〈◊〉 which place I remained seven days , untill the Army removed towards Adrianople ; and not having fully compleated my business there , I marched and remained other 13 days together with the Army : in which time I had leisure to make some reflections on the Order of the Turkish Camp. In the front of the Camp are Quarter'd the Janizaries , and all others destin'd to Foot-service , whose Tents encompass their Aga or General : In the body of the Camp are erected the stately Pavilions of the Visier , of his Kahija , or chief Steward , or Councellor , the Reis Effendi or Lord Chancellor , the Tefterdar Pascha or Lord Treasurer , and the Kapisler Kahiasee or Master of the Ceremonies ; which five Pavilions take up a large extent of ground , leaving a spacious Field in the midst , in the centre of which is raised a lofty Canopy , under which Offendors are corrected or executed , aud serves to shelter from the Sun or Rain such as attend the Divan , or other business with the Officers of State. Within the same space of ground also is the Hasna or Treasury , in small Chests one piled on the other , in form of a circle , for guard of which 15 Spahees every night keep a Watch with their Arms in their hands . Neer these Quarters are the Tents of Pashaws , Beghs , Agaes , and Persons of Quality , who with their Retinue solely make up a considerable part of the Turkish Army . In the Reer are the Quarters of the Spahees , and others that attend the Horse-service , as Segbans , Sarigias , and others . On the 〈◊〉 hand of the Visier without the Camp , are placed the Artillery and Ammunition , which in the time I was there was inconsiderable , the great Cannon remaining in Buda and in the City of Belgrade , only 40 or 45 small Field-pieces of Brass ( as I reckoned them ) each drawn by four Horses , marched with the Visier , more at that time for State and Ostentation than for real Service . The Pavilions of the Great Visier , and other Persons of principal Office and Quality , may rather be called Palaces than Tents being of a large extent , richly wrought within , adorned beyond their Houses , accommodated with stately Furniture , with all the convenience of the City and Country , and in my opinion far exceed the magnificences the best of their Buildings ; for being but for few years continuance , the maintenance of them is beyond the expence of Marble and Porphery , or the perpetual Edifices of Italy , durable to many Olympiads and Myriads of years . With these Houses and movable Habitations , which with the Posts that support them are of great weight and bulk , the Turkish Army marches daily four , five , and sometimes six hours Journey ; all which baggage is carried on Horses , Mules , and Camels : The great Persons are furnished with two sets of Tents , one of which as the Visier rises , is advanced the Conack or days Journey beyond ; so that in the morning leaving one Tent , another is found at noon ready furnished and provided at arrival ; which is the reason why the Turkish Camp abounds with such 〈◊〉 of Camels , Mules , and Horses of Burden , with so many thousand Attendants on the Baggage , which are of a vast expence , and if duly considered , is a matter of the greatest state and magnificence in the Turkish Empire . Though it is reported by those who are Souldiers , and have experienced the Valour of the Turks in Fight , that their Victories are obtained by multitudes of Men , rather than by art , or Military Discipline ; however the Conquests they have made on the parts of Christendom , is a demonstration undeniable of some supereminent Order in their Army , which recompences the defect of knowledge in the true Mystery of War ; and this Regulation ( in my opinion ) proceeds from nothing more than the strict prohibition of Wine upon pain of death ( two men being executed during the time of my Residence there for bringing a small quantity of it in the Field ) for hereby men become sober , diligent , watchful , and obedient . In the Turkish Camp no brawls , quarrels , nor clamours are heard ; no abuses are committed on the people in the march of their Army ; all is bought and paid with money , as by Travellers that are Guests at an Inn ; there are no complaints by Mothers of the Rape of their Virgin-daughters , no 〈◊〉 or Robberies offered on the Inhabitants ; all which good order tends to the success of their Armies , and enlargement of their Empire . As on the contrary , the sloth of the Germans and other Nations in their Councels against the Turk , the liberty given to the Christian Souldiery , or rather the difficulty to correct it , proceeds from nothing more than intemperance of Wine , which moves in the Souldiery a lust and promptitude to all evils , and is occasion of the horrid outrages they commit , quarrels among themselves , and disobedience to their Officers , and betrays oftentimes a whole Army to ruine by surprisal : for how can those men be watchful , whose heads are charged with the fumes of Wine , and not yield opportunity of sad advantages to so awakned an Enemy as the Turk ? Busbequius who had been Embassadour from the Emperour to the Grand Signior in two several Embassies , and had known and seen the vigilance of the Turkish Camp , attributes much of their success against the Germans to the ancient vice of Intemperance of his Country : Neque verò , saith he , graviore imperio Turcae 〈◊〉 premant , quàm nobis dominantur vitia , luxus , crapula . And so sensible are the Turks of the abuses and disorders which arise in their Camp by the use of Wine , that they endeavour all that is possible to debar their people from it , and therefore 2 or 3 days before the Army arrives at any place , Officers are dispatched before to seal all Taverns and make proclamation against the sail of Wine : for though it be against their Law to drink Wine , yet drunkenness is now become so common a vice amongst them ( as we have already declared in the second Book ) that scarce one in ten but is addicted to a 〈◊〉 intemperance therein . The Camp is always clean and free from ordure and filth ; there being holes digged neer every Tent , which are encompassed about with Canvas for the more privacy and accommodation in mens necessary occasions ; and whensoever these places become noisome and full , they are covered with earth , and the Canvas removed ; so that the whole Camp is cleer of all excrements of men , as also kept more free from other stench ( which may cause putrefaction , ) than the most orderly Cities of the world . If the march be in the summer-time and the weather hot , the beasts of burden and baggage begin to travel about 〈◊〉 a clock in the evening , and the Pashaws and great Vizier presently after midnight ; who are accompanied with so many lights as equal almost the brightness of the day . Those that carry these lights are Arabians from the parts of Aleppo and Damascus , men used to travel on foot , who in Turkish are called Massalageeler , over whom is a superintendant or chief called Massalagibashee , whose office it is to govern and to punish these people , and is liable to answer for their disorders : the lights they carry are not Torches , but a bituminous oily sort of wood , which they burn in an Iron grate carried on a staff made in the form of our Beacons ; and of the same fashion with those lights we see drawn in ancient Hangings , and Pictures which represent night pieces of Roman Stories . And since I have discoursed something of the Turkish Camp in this their return homewards , it will not be much from my purpose to acquaint the Reader with what cheerfulness and alacrity the Army marched this way after their ill success ; and also to declare the occasion that put a hook into the nostrils of this great Oppressor , and diverted him for the present from the farther spoil of Christendom . After the taking of the Castle called Serinswar by the great Vizier , built by Count Serini ( the which was the first Original and occasion of the war ) and the defeat of the Pashaw of Buda neer Lewa , by Count Susa Governour of Gomorra ; the Vizier made many and various attempts to pass the River Raab , to make some conquests in the parts of Croatia and Siyria , but by reason of the Forts the Christians had made along the banks of the River , in every adventure lost considerable numbers of men ; at which loss of men and time , and the ill success neer Lewa , the Vizier being greatly moved , made another adventure on the twenty seventh of July 1664. advancing with the gross of his Army as far as Kerment , a place between the Rivers Raab and Terne , endeavouring there to make his passage with better success ; but by the valour of the Hungarians and the assistance of the General Montecuculi were repulsed with extraordinary slaughter . On the first of August following the Turk made another considerable attempt , and passed over in one place 6000 Janizaries and Albanians , and in another where the River was foordable , and not above ten paces broad , the whole body of the Turkish Horse crouded over in vast numbers , which caused the Christians to joyn their Forces into one Army , and retreat farther into the Country , and put themselves into a posture of giving battel to the Enemy . As soon as the Turkish Army had thus waded over the water , the night following fell so much rain , and such a deluge came powring down from the mountains , that the River which was foordable the day before , did now overswell its own banks , and not passable without Floats and Bridges . As soon as the Army was thus passed the River , the great Vizier dispatched immediately Messengers to the Grand Signior to acquaint him of his progress and passage ; which news he knew would come very grateful ; because in all Letters from the Grand Signior he was urged by threats and positive commands to proceed forward in his march , and not to suffer the impediment of a narrow ditch to be an interruption to the whole Ottoman force , which was never before restrained by the Ocean . The Grand Signior having received this intelligence , as if the whole Victory and Triumph over the World consisted in the passage over the Raab , was 〈◊〉 with such an extraordinary joy and assurance of victory , that all Hungary and Germany were already swallowed in his thoughts ; and when by a second message he received intelligence , that a forlorn hope of the Enemy , consisting of a thousand men , was cut off , the Ottoman Court was so transported with the joy and assurance of Victory , that to anticipate the good news , the Grand Signior commanded that a solemnn Festival should be celebrated for the space of 7 days and 7 nights , called by the Turks Dunalma ; in which time the whole nights were spent in fire-works , shooting great Guns , vollies of Muskets . sound of Drums and Trumpets , revelling , and what other solemnities might testifie their joy and triumph . But scarce three nights of this vain dream had passed , before the Grand Signior awakened by intelligence , contrary to what was presaged and expected , of the defeat of the best part of his Army , shamefully commanded the lights to be extinguished ; and the remaining four nights appointed for joy , to be turned to melancholy and darkness . And indeed this rash joy was the more shameful and ridiculous , by how much more fatal and destructive the loss was to the Turks . For they being now got over the River , and the Christians drawn up in Battalia , a most furious fight began , which from nine a clock in the morning , until four in the afternoon continued with variable Fortune ; at length the Turks assailed by the extraordinary valonr of the Christians , which were now of equal number to them , began to give back and put themselves into a shameful flight , leaving dead upon the place about 5000 men , and the glory of the day to the Christians : the Turks who always flye disorderly , knowing not the art of a handsome retreat , crouded in heaps to pass the River , the Horse trampling over the Foot , and the Foot throwing themselves headlong into the water , without consideration of the depth , or choise of places foordable after the great rains ; those sinking , catching hold of others that could swim , sunk down and perished together ; others both of men and horse through the rapidness of the stream were carried down the River and swallowed up in the deeper places : the water was dyed with blood , and the whole face of the River was covered with Men , 〈◊〉 , Garments , all swimming promiscuously together ; no difference was here between the valiant and the cowardly , the foolish and the wise , councel and chance , all being involved in the same violence of calamity : Non vox & mutui hortatus juvabant , adversante undâ , nihil strenuus ab ignavo , sapiens à prudenti , consilia à casu differre , cuncta pari violentiâ involvebantur ; so that the waters devoured a far greater number than did the Sword ; whilest the great Vizier standing on the other side of the River was able to afford no kind of help or relief , but as one void of all counsel and reason , knew not where to apply a remedy . This defeat though in Christendom not greatly boasted , by reason that the destruction of the Turks , which was most by water , was partly concealed to them ; yet the Turks acknowledge the ruine and slaughter to have been of a far greater number than what the Christian Diaries relate , confessing that since the time that the Ottoman Empire arrived at this greatness , no stories make mention of any slaughter or disgrace it hath suffered to be equalled to the calamity and dishonour of this . On the Turks side were slain Ishmael Pashaw lately of Buda , and Chimacam of Constantinople by a shot from the enemy in his passage over the River , the Spahee Lar-Agasee or general of the Spahees , and several other Pashaws and persons of quality fell that day , 15 pieces of Cannon were taken , with some Tents and other rich spoils : Of the Christians were slain neer a thousand ; those of note were Count of Nassau , Count Charles of Braconstorf Captain of the Guards to 〈◊〉 , Count Fucher General of the Artillery , with many other Gentlemen of the French Nation , who deserve ever to be chronicled for their vertue and valour . The Turks were with this news greatly ashamed , and dejected , having but two days before demonstrated excesses of joy , congratulated the happy news one to the other , 〈◊〉 Presents abroad after their manner , derided the Christians living amongst them with the news , exprobriated them with a thousand injuries , applauded their own vertue and valour , and the righteousness of their cause and Religion . But on a sudden , intelligence coming contrary to their expectations , such a dampness fell upon their spirits , that for some days there was a deep silence of all news at Constantinople ; they that the day before sought for Christians to communicate to them the miracles of their Victory , now avoided their company , ashamed of their too forward joy , and the liberty they had taken to contemn and deride the low condition of the Christian Camp. And now the ill news not being able to be longer concealed , Prayers and Humiliation were appointed publickly to be made at all the Royal Masques both at Constantinople and at Adrianople , where all the Emaums or Parish Priests with their young Scolars were commanded to resort , singing some doleful Chapter of the Alchoran . The minds of the Souldiery after this defeat were very much discomposed , tending more to sedition than to obedience , every one took license to speak loudly and openly his opinion , that the War was commenced upon unjust and unlawful grounds ; that Comets lately seen to fall were prodigies foretelling the ill success of the War ; that the total eclipse of the moon , which portends always misfortunes to the Turks , should have caused more caution in the Commanders of engaging the Army , until the malignancy of that influence had been over-passed ; and calling to mind the solemn Oath with which the Sultan Solyman confirmed his Capitulations with the Emperor , particularly vowing never to pass the Raab or places where the Turks received their defeat , without a solid or reasonable ground of War ; all concluded that this Invasion was a violation of the Vow , and an injury to the sacred memory of that fortunate Sultan , and that all enterprises and attempts of this War would be fatal and destructive to the Musselmen or Believers , and the end dishonourable to the Empire . This opinion was rooted with much firmness and superstition in the mind of the vulgar , and the rumours in the Camp ( that the Vizier had been cause of the Souldiers flight , by commanding them to retreat after they were engaged , upon a false alarm that the Enemy in great numbers were coming to fall on the Quarters where the Viziers person remained ; and that this error was the first original of the slaughter that ensued ) augmented their discontents and animosities against the Government . The Souldiery besides was greatly terrified and possest with a fear of the Christians , and amazed upon every alarm ; the Asian Spabees and other Souldiers having Wives and Children and Possessions to look after , were grown poor , and desired nothing more than in peace and quietness to return to their homes ; so that nothing could come more grateful to this Camp , no largesses nor hopes could pacifie the minds of the Souldiery more than the promises and expectations of Peace . And this was the true cause that brought on the treaty of Peace between the Emperor and the Turk , in such an instant contrary to the opinion of most in the world ; and gave occasion to the Vizier to embrace the Propositions offered by the Heer Reninghen , then Resident for the Emperor ( who was carried about according to the motions of the Turkish Camp , to be ready to improve any overtures of Peace that might be offered ) : the Vizier to shew his real intentions , flattered and caressed this Resident with the Present of a Horse richly furnished , a vest of Sables and a commodious Tent , whilest the Propositions and Condescentions on the Turkish part were dispeeded to Vienna ; which were returned again with an entire assent to most of the Articles ; and those wherein there might be any difference , were to be referred until the arrival of the Extraordinary Embassador , who was supposed might reach the Ottoman Court by the end of April . The Asian Spabees were overjoyed at the news 〈◊〉 , and immediately obtained licence to depart , and most of the Militia was dispersed , every one with joy betaking himself to his own home . But this Embassador missing of his time alloted for his arrival , above a month later then he was expected , put all things into a strange combustion . I was then in the Camp when it was whispered , that the Treaty was at an end , that the Christians had deluded them , and caused them to disband their Army , that so they might fall upon them with the greater advantage ; the misfortune of which ( according to the custom of the Commonalty ) was charged on the heads of the Governors ; and the too much credulity of the Vizier . But at length on the 28. of May 1665. news coming that the Embassador from the Emperor was arrived at Buda ; the Vizier the next day departed from Belgrade with his whole Army , which I accompanied as far as Nissa , about nine days march towards Adrianople ; and there having put an end to my business , and wearied with the slow pace , and heats , and other inconveniencies of an Army , I took my leave of the great Vizier , and proceeded forward by longer journeys , to attend the Court at Adrianople : And that I may give my Reader an account of these Countries , and the nature of the people that inhabit them , I hope it will not be judged much besides my purpose , if I entertain him a little with a relation of some part of my journey to Belgrade . On the 29th of April 1665. I departed from Adrianople towards Belgrade , and on the first of May I lodged at a Village called Semesgè , the first Town I came to , inhabited by Bulgarians who are Christians , that day being a Festival : the women upon the arrival of Guests came running from their houses with Cakes of dough-baked bread , which they called Togatch , only laid upon the Coals between two Tiles , which they soon kneaded and prepared for the stomachs of Travellers ; others brought Milk , Eggs , and Wine to sell , and what else their homely Cottages afforded , which they pressed on us with much importunity , the younger and handsomer callenging a priority in the sale of their Provisions before those who were ancient and more homely : These Country Lasses had that day put on their holy Garments , which put me in mind of those dresses I have seen in pictures of the ancient Shepherdesses in Arcadia , being a loose Gown of various colours with hanging - 〈◊〉 ; their arms had no sleeve but that of their Smock , which though it were of Canvas or some very 〈◊〉 Linnen , was yet wrought with many various works of diverse colours ; their hair was braided , hanging down at length behind , which some had adorned with little shells found upon the Sea shore , tyed at the end with fringes of Silk , bobs , and tassels of Silver ; their heads were covered with pieces of Silver Coin of different sorts strung upon thread , and their breasts were in the same manner decked ; those being most honoured , and esteemed most rich , who were best adorned with these strings of Coyn , and Bracelets on their wrists , with which every one , according to her ability , had dressed and made her self fine . Amongst these we passed with plenty of Provision and a hearty welcome ; for these people called Bulgarians inhabit all that Country to the Confines of Hungary , they till all that ground , pasture vast numbers of Cattel , and are industrious and able Husbandmen , by which means and the liberty they enjoy by the small number of Turks which live amongst them , they pass their time with some reasonable comfort , and are more commodious in wealth than they suffer to appear outwardly to the envious eye of the Turks . Their Language is the old Illyrian or Sclavonian Tongue , which hath much similitude with the Russian ; because this people is said to come originally from beyond the River Volga , and so by corruption are called Bulgarians or Volgarians . On the third of May we arrived at Philippopolis , where we were civilly entertained at the House or Monastry of the Metropolite , or Greek Bishop of that place . By this City runs the River Hebrus , having its original from the Mountain Rhodope , in sight of which we travelled towards Sophia , of which Ovid thus speaks , Qua patet umbrosum Rhodope glacialis ad Haemum , Et sacer amissas exigit Hebrus aquas . The City of Philippopolis is scituate in a large and open Plain , and Level , whereon are great numbers of little round Hills , which the Inhabitants will have to be the Graves of the Roman Legions slain in those Fields . A certain Greek had once the melancholy dream of much Treasure buried in one of these Hills ; and this phancy so often troubled him in his sleep , that it took a strong impression in his mind whilst he was waking , and so far troubled him , that he could take no rest nor contentment until he had eased his mind to the Nasir-Aga , who is he who oversees the Water-works and places of pleasure belonging to the Grand Signior in that Country . The Turk , though he had a great mind to the Treasure , durst not yet open the ground , until he had first acquainted the Grand Signior with the mind of the Greek , who upon the first intimation dispatch'd away Officers ( so apt the Turks are in matters of profit to catch even at a shadow ) to open this Hill ; to which work the Country Villages were summoned ; and whilst they digged very deep , not well understanding the manner and art of Mining , the Earth broke from the top , and buried seventy persons in the ruines : And so the work ended , and the Greek awaked from his dream . This Town hath one part of it built on the side of a little Hill ; two others are also near it , which appear like Bulwarks or Fortifications on that side the City ; all the rest of the Country thereabouts being a dead Plain or Level . At this place remains no other Antiquity besides the ruines of two ancient Chappels , built of Brick , in the form of a Cross ; one of which the Greeks hold in great devotion , and report to be the place wherein St. Paul preached often to the Philippians ; and with that opinion they often resort thither , especially on days of Devotion , to say their Prayers : The Walls of the City are likewise very ancient , over the Gates of which is writ something in the Greek Character ; but Time hath so defaced it , that to me it seemed not longer legible : And so ignorant are the Greeks also , even such as were born in that City , and are Priests and Coloires ( which are the strictest sort of Religious Men amongst them ) who have nothing more to do than to attend to their Office and Studies , that they cannot give any reasonable account of the original of that City , who it was built by , or any thing else of the History of it , and with much admiration they hearken to us , when we tell them any thing what our Books relate concerning it . From hence I departed towards Sophia , passing in this Journey the Montes Haemi , call'd by the Turks Capi Dervent , which is as much as the Gate of the narrow way ; the ascent hereunto is rugged and sharp , commodious for Robbers , who there have such Caves and places of refuge , that they defie very considerable Forces that are sent against them . On the top of this Hill is a Village of Bulgarians , where the Women used to the diversity of Tavellers , are become free in their discourse , and only entertain strangers , whilst their Husbands are in the Field , or with their Cattle , or fly away for fear of some injury from the Turks . Descending hence is a very narrow inclosure , on both sides being environed with high Mountains and Woods , which is a shady and melancholy Journey for the space of two hours ; to this place the Heidouts , or Heyducks ( as that people call them ) frequently resort in great numbers out of Transilvania , Moldavia , Hungary , and other parts , which taking the advantage of these close Woods , discharge Vollies of Shot on the strongest Caravans , and rolling stones from the Mountains in the narrowest passages , do as much execution as with Cannon ; for , as I have understood , in one of those Dervents ( for there are many of this nature in the Journey to Belgrade ) 18 Thieves only killed above 300 Merchants , who for security united together , and their whole Baggage and Goods became a prey to the Robbers . In these places , thus fortified by Nature , the Inhabitants resisted the force of the Grecian Emperours , and killed Baldwin Earl of Flanders after he had subjected the City of Constantinople . Amongst these Bulgarians is a sort of people which they call Paulines , who had in former times a strangely confused notion of Christianity , pretending to follow the Doctrine of St. Paul , used Fire in the Sacrament of Baptism , and preferred this Apostle before his Master Christ : But there being some Roman Priests in those parts , that observing the ignorance of these poor people , and their willingness to be instructed , took the advantage , and reduced them all to the Roman Faith , to which now they are strict and superstitious adherers . Through those narrow Dervents before spoken of , we arrived after three days of weary 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a place so wholly Turkish , that there is nothing in it that appers more antique than the Turks themselves ; it is scituated in a pleasant Plain , or broad Valley , between two high Mountains , the highest of them wearing a snowy head in the heat of the summer Solstice , which is the reason that that City is cool and wholsom , but of a subtile penetrating air , being supplied with admirable waters of easie digestion , which come pouring down in great abundance from the Mountains , and supply the Town with plentiful streams in all parts of it , and are said to be waters of those Fountains which Orpheus delighted in . There are besides these cool Waters , certain Baths naturally hot , to which the Turks resort very frequently , being of the same nature and virtue with ours in England . From this place we made nine long days Journey to Belgrade , in which passage there is nothing more memorable than the desolation of the Country ; and being there arrived , we pitched our Tent in the Camp , where after six days we marched back with the Army , to whom nothing could come more joyful than their return home , and the conclusion of the War ; by which may be observed in some manner , how far the nature of the Turks is degenerated from the ancient warlike disposition of the Saracens . CHAP. XII . Of the Turks Armata , or Naval Forces . HAving particularly run over the Force of this formidable Enemy and scourge of Christianity by Land , we are now to take a view , according to the true method of this Discourse , of the strength of their Fleets and Maritime Forces ; which though to a Nation scituated on the Continent , are not so necessary or prevalent to defend themselves from their Neighbours , or transport their Power and Conquests into other Dominions , as they are to a people whose Habitation is encompassed by the Sea ; yet certainly a Prince can never be said to be truly puissant , who is not Master in both Elements ; For not to expatiate on the common Theme of the Riches and Power which arise from Navigation , it is sufficient , considering how often the mighty force of the Ottoman Empire hath been foiled and baffled by the small Republique of Venice , for want of true knowledg or success , or application of their minds to Maritime Exercise , to demonstrate of what efficacy in most designs is a well provided and regulated Fleet. The Turks are now very much weakned in their Naval Forces since the War against Candie and are so 〈◊〉 in their hopes of success at Sea , that Ships and Galeasses , called by them Mahumes , are wholly in disuse amongst them ; whether it be that they want able Seamen to govern them , or that they despair of being able to meet the Venetians in open Sea ( for which those Vessels of Battery are only in use ) they are fallen into a fancy of light Gallies , a sign that they intend to trust more of their safety to their Oars than their Arms ; of which in the year 1661. ( after the loss of 28 well-provided 〈◊〉 wreck'd with their Men in the Black Sea ) the Visier Kuperlee built thirty others for reparation of that loss , but of that green and unseasoned Timber , that the first Voyage many of them became unserviceable for their Leaks ; and the rest , at the 〈◊〉 of the Fleet in the Month of October following , were laid up amongst the old and worn Vessels . It may seem a difficult matter to assign the true reason why and by what means the Turks come to be so decayed in their Naval Forces , who abound with so many conveniences for it , and with all sorts of materials fit for Navigation , as Cordage , Pitch , Tar , and Timber , which arise and grow in their own dominions , and are easily brought to the Imperial Gity with little or no danger of their Enemies . For Timber , the vast Woods along the Coast of the Black Sea , and parts of Asia , at the bottom of the Gulph of Nicomedia , supply them : Pitch , Tar , and Tallow are brought to them from Albania and Walachia ; Canvas and Hemp from Grand Cairo ; and Bisquet is in plenty in all parts of the Turks Dominions . Their Ports are several of them convenient for building both of Ships and Gallies ; the Arsenal at Constantinople hath no less than a hundred thirty seven Voltas , or Chambers for Buildings , and so many Vessels may be upon the Stocks at the same time . At Sinopolis neer Trapesond is another Arsenal : at Midia and Anchiale , Cities on the Black Sea , are the like ; and in many parts of the Propontis , the Hellespont , and the Bospborus , are such Ports and conveniences for Shipping , as if all things had conspired to render Constantinople happy , and not only capable of being Mistress of the Earth , but formidable in all parts of the Ocean : and yet the Turk for several years , especially since the War with Candia , and their defeats at Sea , have not been able at most to Equippe a Fleet of above 100 Sail of Gallies , of which 14 are maintained and provided at the charge of the Beyes of the Archipelago , for which they have certain Isles in that Sea assigned them . The Turks do neither want Slaves for to bogue at the Oars of the Gallies ; for Tartary supplies them with great numbers ; besides , divers persons in Constantinople make it a Trade to hire out their Slaves for the Summers Voyage for 6000 Aspers , running the hazard of the Slaves life , who returning home safe is consigned to the possession of his Patron : And if want still be of Chiurma , as the Turks call it , or Slaves for the Oar , a collection is made in several Provinces of the lustiest and stoutest Clowns , called by the Turks Azabs , but by the other Slaves Chakal ; these are chosen out of certain Villages , one being elected out of every twenty houses , the hire of which is 6000 Aspers , for payment whereof the other 19 Families make a proportionable Contribution . Upon receipt of their pay they give in security not to fly , but to serve faithfully for that years Expedition : But these men unused to the Service of the Sea , unskilful at the Oar , and Sea-sick , are of little validity ; and the success of their Voyage may be compared to that in the Fable of the Shepherd , who sold his Possessions on the Land , to buy Merchandise for Sea-Negotiations . The Souldiers which are destin'd to Sea-service are called Levents , who come voluntarily and enter themselves in the Registers of the 〈◊〉 , obliging themselves to serve that Summers Expedition for 6000 Aspers , and Bisquet for the Voyage ; the stoutest and most resolute of these fellows are those called Cazdaglii , who are a certain sort of Mountaniers in the Country of Anatolia , neer Troy , whose Country I once passed through , with some apprehension , and more than ordinary vigilance and caution to preserve my life ; for being all Robbers and Free-booters , we admitted no Treaties or Discourses with them but with our Arms in our hands . Others there are also obliged to Sea-service , who are Zaims and Timariots , and hold their Lands in Sea-Tenure ; but being not bound to go in person themselves , they bring or send their Servants ( called in Turkish Bedel ) to supply their place , every one providing one , two , or more , according to the value of his Lands , as we have before declared in the Chapter of the Zaims and Timariots . Some Janizaries are also drawn out for Sea-service , and some Spahees of the four inferiour Banners ; and not to make too bold 〈◊〉 the veterane Souldiers , command only such to Sea as are new and green Souldiers , lately registred in the Rolls of the Spahees . The Auxiliaries of the Turks Forces by Sea , are the Pirates of Barbary , from those three Towns of Tripoli , Tunis , and Algier ; but these of late years have disused the Custom of coming in to the Turks assistance ; yet oftentimes they ply towards the Archipelago , and to the Levant , but it is to supply themselves with Souldiers , and recruits of people for encrease of their Colonies . The other part of Auxiliary Forces is from the Beyes of the 〈◊〉 , being fourteen in number , every one of which commands a Gally , and for their maintenance have the contribution of certain Islands in that Sea allotted to them ; the which are better manned and armed than these of Constantinople , but these neither , are not willing too much to expose their Vessels to fight or danger ; in regard that being built and maintained at their own charges , and their whole subsistance , they are the more cautious how they venture all their Fortune in the success of a battel : These Beyes also give themselves much up to their delights and pleasure , and employ more thoughts how to please their appetites , than to acquire glory and fame by the War ; what they gain in the Summer , when joyned with the gross of the Turkish Fleet , is the Prize of the Grand Signior , but what chance throws upon them in the Winter , is their own proper and peculiar Fortune . The Gunners of the Turkish Fleet are wholly ignorant of that art , for any person who is either English , French , Dutch , or any other Christian Nation , they design to this Office , whether he be skilful or unskilful in the management of Artillery ; having an opinion that those people are naturally addicted to a certain proneness and aptitude in Gunnery ; in which they find their error as often as they come to skirmish with their Enemy . The chief Admiral or Generalissimo of the Turkish Armata is called the Captain Pashaw ; his Lieutenant General is called Tershana Kiahiasi ; the next Officer is Tersane Emini , or Steward of the Arsenal , who hath the care of providing all necessaries for the Navy ; but this place being bought , as almost all other Offices , occasions a necessity in these persons to rob Nails , Anchors , Cables , and other provisions of the Fleet to satisfie the debts they contracted for the purchase of their places : in the like manner doth every Reis or Captain of a Gally keep his hand in exercise as often as convenience offers ; these are all for the most part Italian Renegadoes , or the race of them born and educated neer the Arsenal . The Officers command their Chiurme or slaves in corrupted Italian , which they call Franke ; and afford them a better allowance of Bisket than is given to the slaves in the Venetian Armata . The Turks now despairing of being equal to the Christian Forces by Sea , and to be able to stand with them the shock of a Battel , build light Vessels for robbing , burning , and destroying the Christian Coast , and afterwards to secure themselves by flight , and also to transport Souldiers , Ammunition , and Provisions for succour of Candia , and other places of their new Conquests neer the Sea shore . The Arsenal at Venice is so greatly esteemed by the Turks , that they seem not to desire the conquest of that place for any other reason more than the benefit of the Arsenal ; as a Person of great quality amongst them said once , that had they made a Conquest of Venice , they would not inhabit there , but leave it to the Venetians , in regard that the City affords not fresh water , which is necessary for the use of their Mosques , and their washings before Prayer ; but that the Arsenal and a Tribute would satisfie the desires of the Grand Signior . But the Turks are not likely to be Masters of this Seat of Neptune , whilest they so unwillingly apply their minds to Maritime affairs , who being conscious of their former ill success at Sea , and how little use they make of those advantages they have for shipping , acknowledge their inabilities in Sea affairs , and say ; That God hath given the Sea to the Christians , but the land to them . And no doubt but the large possessions and riches they enjoy on the stable Element of the Earth , is that which takes of their minds from a deep attention to matters of the Sea , which is almost solely managed by Renegadoes amongst them , who have abandoned their Faith and their Country . And it is happy for Christendom that this faintness remains on the Spirits of the Turks , and aversion from all Naval employments , whose numbers and power the Great God of Hosts hath restrained by the bounds of the Ocean , as he hath limited the Ocean by the Sands of the Sea shore . The CONCLVSION . BY the Discourse made in the three foregoing Books , it will evidently appear what sort of Government is exercised amongst the Turks , what their Religion is , and how formidable their Force ; which ought to make the Christian World tremble , to see so great a part of it subjected to the Mahometan Power , and yet no means thought of to unite our Interests , and compose our Dissentions , which lay us open to the inundation of this flowing Empire : To which I shall add this one thing very observable , That the Grand Signior wages his Wars by Land without any charge to himself ; an advantage not to be parallell'd by the policy of any Government I ever heard or read of before ; for his Spahees and Janizaries are always in pay , both in War and Peace ; his Zaims and Timariots have their Lands to maintain them ; and other Militias enjoy the fixed Revenue from their respective Countries : and yet notwithstanding through the expence of the Naval Forces , the building Gallies , and the like , matters not provided for by those who laid the first foundation of this Government , the Revenue of the Empire hath been bankrupted , and by the corruption of the Officers , or ill management , been sold for three years to come , until all was redeemed and restored again by the wisdom of that famous Visier 〈◊〉 , whom we have had occasion so often to mention in the foregoing Treatise . We cannot now but pity those poor Borderers in Hungary , Styria , Croatia , and other parts subject to the Incursions of this cruel enemy , since we know that in the last War not three English miles from Vienna many poor people have been surprised , and fallen into the hands of the Tartar and 〈◊〉 , and sold afterwards into perpetual Slavery . This Consideration ought to move us , who are barrocado'd and fortified by the Seas from the violence of our Enemies , to bless God we are born in so happy and so secure a Country , subject to no dangers but from our selves , nor other miseries but what arise from our own freedom and two much felicity ; we ought to consider it as a Blessing , that we have never felt any smart of the Rod of this great Oppressor of Christianity , and yet have tasted of the good and benefit which hath proceeded from a free and open Trade , and an amicable Correspondence and Friendship with this People ; which having been maintained for the space of above eighty years , begun in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth of blessed Memory , preserved by the Prudence and admirable Discretion of a series of worthy Embassadors , and daily improved both in Business and Reputation by the excellent Conduct and Direction of that Right Worshipful Company of the Levant Merchants , hath brought a most considerable benefit to this Kingdom , and gives employment and livelihood to many thousands of people in England ; by which also His Majesty without any expence , gains a very considerable increase of His Customs . The sence of this benefit and advantage to my own Country , without any private considerations I have as a Servant to that Embassie , or the obligations I have to that Worthy Company , cause me to move with the greatest sedulity and devotion possible to promote and advance the Interest of that Trade : And as some study several ways , and prescribe Rules by which a War may be most advantagiously managed against the Turk ; I , on the contrary , am more inclinable to give my judgment in what manner our Peace and Trade may best be secured and maintained ; knowing that so considerable a welfare of our Nation depends upon it , that a few years of Trades interruption in Turkey will make all sorts of people sensible of the want of so great a vent of the Commodities of our Country . And therefore as I am obliged to pray for the Glory and Prosperity of His Majesty our gracious Sovereign ; so likewise , as that which conduces to it , for the continuance of the Honour of this Embassie in Turkey , and the profitable returns of the Levant Company . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A58003-e2560 O navis referent in ma●e te novi fluctu● . Hora●● 14. Ode Lib. 1. Tacit. l. 3. An. Ma Experati che gli hanno , e che cominoiano ad essere in veneratione , &c. Machi . c. 6. del Prencipe . The largeness of the Turkish Empire . Qui libertatem publicam noollet , cum profota servintium patintiae tedebat . Tac. Spahees the Turkish horse . * A shout used by the Turks when they fight . Balzac de la ●our Lcur sterilitè fait maudire leur elevation . Cardinal Richelieu Magneqque est comitum emulatio , quibus primum apud principem suus locus , & Principum cui plurimi & acerrimi comites . H●c dignitas , hae vires , Magno semper elcotorum juvenum globo circundari , in pace decus , in bello praesidium . Tacit. de Morib . Germo . Oda signifies a Chamber . The 2. Odaes . Cloathing and other necessaries . Their retirement . Bed-chambers . Horsemanship . The Dart or Gerit . The degrees of successions greatly observed . Dan. c. 6. An Asper is about the value of a half-penny . Which signifies a free command . * The great Character of the Emperours name 〈◊〉 at the top of every Command . The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as much as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or the General of an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . It s annual tribute . The price of the 〈◊〉 . Every Oke is two ½ pounds 〈◊〉 . The tributaries of Georgia and Mengrelia . Tac. Lib. 1. 〈◊〉 . The Marriage of a Pashaw with a Soltana . The reasons why Ahmet Pashaw present Visier , succeeded his Father Kuperlee in Government . Lib. 1. Busbeque Ep. 4. de Leg Tur. Turkish History in the reign of Bajazet the fourth King of the Turks . Essay 29. Lib. 6. Apoth . 〈◊〉 . Rom. cap. I. V. 〈◊〉 Agric. De Harusp . responsis . The Audience of Ambassadours . Lib. 2. Ann. Grot. lib. de Jure belli & pac . Tac. lib. 6. 1663 Now called Rhodesto , Notes for div A58003-e27260 Rom. 13. Mosselman signifies a believer , and so the 〈◊〉 call themselves . 〈◊〉 . 2 Cor. 4. v. 4. Chapter so called . The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 so called . That is , when the people are called to prayers from the Steeple . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . Isi. 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mr. Pococh Notae de 〈◊〉 Arabum . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . * One of the vulgar or rude sort amongst the 〈◊〉 . * One of a noble family amongst the Arabians . That called Zeidi , is one of the latter edition . Derived from the Moatezeli . 〈◊〉 . Mezzachulia . Jabaiah . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 Potures a people of Bosna . In Turkish 〈◊〉 . Called in Tur kish Hahi and 〈◊〉 . Their Superiour . Their Postures . Their Cloathing . Their Fasts . Their turning round . Their 〈◊〉 . Their Employment . Ilahi . Vid. Chap. 20. 〈◊〉 . 1. 〈◊〉 , Notae de Arabum moribus . Ceremouies at the Circum . cision . Epist. 3. Lib. 12. Hist. Mr. Pocock , Notae de Arabum 〈◊〉 . Notes for div A58003-e43750 * Called in Turkish 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 . * Topzi . * In Turkish Tabl. Alem. * In Turkish Serasker . Note . Zaims is the person , and Ziamet the Land for maintenance of the Zaim . 80 Aspers makes a Doller or a piece of 8. * Signifies a Chimney . * About 100000 Dollars at Cairo . * Called Embra 〈◊〉 . * In the month of Feb. 1604. Their Arms. Comparison of the Spahees of Asia and Europe Their Pay. * Killer Odasi . * Hazna Odasi . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Called Taraki * This is done that the Grand Signior may not be cheated by having the pay continued to those who are dead . Sons of Spahees Accidental gains to the Spahees . Their Discipline . * Called in Turkish Kassem Ulefefi . How they have lost their honour . Their beginning . Their number . Their Habit. The Janizaries of whom composed . The Novices . Their Quarters * Called 〈◊〉 . The manner in making Janizaries . Their Pay. Their Diet and Clothing . Mutinies . * Hazoda The Janizar Aga. The publick Treasure of the Janizaries . Officers . The Janizaries Chambers . Officers of the Chambers . Janizaries married . * Called Haniarres . Serdars . Epist. 3. de 〈◊〉 Turcicâ . * 〈◊〉 signifies a Family , as also a military Family ; so Spahi Ogiaghi , the Order of the Spahees ; Senischeri Ogiaghi , the Militia of 〈◊〉 , &c. Tac. lib. 1. 
A57996	----	The history of the Turkish empire from the year 1623 to the year 1677 containing the reigns of the three last emperours, viz., Sultan Morat or Amurat IV, Sultan Ibrahim, and Sultan Mahomet IV, his son, the XIII emperour now reigning / by Paul Rycaut, Esq. ... Rycaut, Paul, Sir, 1628-1700. 1680 Approx. 1620 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 230 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A57996 Wing R2406 ESTC R7369 13234036 ocm 13234036 98602 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A57996) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 98602) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 437:11) The history of the Turkish empire from the year 1623 to the year 1677 containing the reigns of the three last emperours, viz., Sultan Morat or Amurat IV, Sultan Ibrahim, and Sultan Mahomet IV, his son, the XIII emperour now reigning / by Paul Rycaut, Esq. ... Rycaut, Paul, Sir, 1628-1700. 2 v. ([6], 89, [3], 336, [17] p., [4] leaves of plates) : ill., ports. Printed by J.M. for John Starkey ..., London : 1680. Vol. 1 is in two parts, paged separately; v. 2 has title: The memoirs of Paul Rycaut ... containing the history of the Turks from the year 1660 to the year 1678. Advertisement on p. [14]-[16] at end. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Includes indexes. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Murad -- IV, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1612-1640. İbrahim, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1615-1648. Mehmed -- IV, -- Sultan of the Turks, 1642-1693. Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2001-08 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2001-10 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2005-06 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE HISTORY OF THE Turkish Empire From the YEAR 1623. to the YEAR 1677. CONTAINING THE REIGNS Of the three last EMPEROURS , VIZ. SULTAN MORAT OR AMURAT IV. SULTAN IBRAHIM , AND Sultan MAHOMET IV. his Son , The XIII . Emperour now Reigning . By PAUL RYCAUT Esq late Consul of Smyrna . LONDON , Printed by J. M. for John Starkey at the Mitre in Fleet-street near Temple-Bar . M DC LXXX . THE Epistle Dedicatory TO THE KING . May it please Your most Excellent Majesty , I Cannot without some despondency of mind and awful fear of the Greatness of Your Majesty , make an Offering at Your Sacred feet of so small an esteem and inconsiderable value , as these following Histories . For having travelled long in remote Countries , and resided no less than eighteen years in Turky , the World may reasonably expect some rich returns unto Your Majesty in Persian Silks , and Tyrian Purples , or in the finest Carpets , and other Gayeties in which the softness and luxury of the Lesser Asia did anciently abound : and may now judge me a Bankrupt , or an ill Husband of my Talent , when they see me at home trembling in Your Royal Presence , with a Gift no more worthy than a few sheets of Paper ; which being a Sacrifice inferiour and beneath the acceptance of so Great a Monarch , I might reasonably fear , that they would take fire at the heat of Your just displeasure , were they not with all humility and reverence consecrated to the Royal Clemency . For in this glorious Title and Attribute , Your Majesty ( as is notorious to the World ) exceeding all the most Serene and the most Clement Emperours that ever were , expects not from me , either Gold or Jewels , but rather a true account of my time , how I have spent it in the Service of God and of Your Majesty : and how I have administred that Publick Trust and Interest which was committed to my Management . Accept therefore , GREAT SIR , these following Discourses to discharge part of the account of my time , with other Treatises which have been the Employment to fill up my vacant Intervals : the remaining account of my hours are not to be justified by my own report , but by the Testimony of others , whose wisdom and goodness will be as ready to owne my Industry and Faithfulness in their Concernments , as they will be to excuse and pardon my infirmities . Ever since the time of Your Majesties happy Restauration , my Lot hath fallen to live and act within the Dominions of the Turk , and there to move in a Publick Capacity ; which though it was in an Administration of one of the lowest note and degree , yet the great Influence which the flourishing Estate of that Trade hath on the common Good of England , nourished in me a secret pride and satisfaction in that Employment , which called and raised up all my endeavours to acquit my self therein with prudence , faithfulness , and industry , there being the same Regularity required in the Stars of the lower , as in those of higher Magnitude . This hath been the first , and indeed the only Affair I ever managed for the Publick ; for before Your Majesties blessed Return , the Character noted on my Family of being Loyal , as it made them at first active and zealous in the Service of Your Glorious Father , so afterwards it famed them for their Sufferings , and rendred them and me uncapable of Office. But Your Majesty returning like the Sun to animate and cherish all living Creatures with an equality proportioned to their several Capacities , hath been pleased also to bestow a Ray of Your benign Influence on my self , whereby having received comfort and refreshment , I do with all sense of my Duty , and with entire Devotion pray unto the King of Kings for the Happiness , long Life , and immortal Glory of Your Majesty , and with all reverence and humble submission devote and consecrate my self , for ever to remain , YOUR MAJESTIES Most humble , most dutiful , and most obedient Servant , PAUL RYCAUT . TO THE READER . Reader , THE Reign of Sultan Amurat or Morat being imperfectly wrote in Knolls his History , consisting for the most part of abrupt Collections ; I have thought fit for the better compleating of the Reign of that Sultan , and the whole Body of our Turkish History , to deliver all the particular Transactions thereof with my own Pen : whereunto also I have added the Reign of Sultan Ibrahim , never before Published in the English Tongue , the particular Occurrences of which being acted before my time , were for the most part extracted from Venetian Writers , who by reason of their Vicinity to the Turk , have been always most curious , and concerned to note and observe the Affairs of that Empire . But the other part of this History beginning from the Year 1660. and continued to the Year 1677. is the Product of my own Observations , being matters transacted in my time , which being part seen by my self , and in part received from good and probable Advices , I call by the Name of my MEMOIRS , in regard that I am little obliged to other Writers for those Collections ; and therefore by Gods assistance assume the chief Merit of that Work unto my self : which I desire and heartily wish , Good Reader , might for thy satisfaction , and for the benefit of the World be still continued , and the thread of History drawn out unto future Ages : as also that those Errours and Mistakes of which I have been guilty herein , might be corrected and amended . Farewel . Sultan MORAT or AMURAT the 4 th , Emperour of y e Turkes . My Brothers folly & my want of yeares Let loose the reignes of Rule to Mutiniers , But as w th , time my strength & wit improve , I all reforme w th , feare and not by love . By mighty force I Babylon subdue , From whence a peace w th Persia doth ensue . And when gainst Christian foes I doe designe To turne my Armes dye w th excesse of wine THE REIGN OF Sultan MORAT OR AMURAT IV. THE Eleventh EMPEROUR AND Twenty first MONARCH OF THE TURKS . THE weak Understanding of Sultan Mustapha , and his inability for Rule , caused the Affairs of State both at home and abroad to move disorderly and irregular . Where violence and injustice prevail , there is so little distance between the most eminent height of Grandeur and the lowest abyss of misery , that a Prince may in a moment step from one unto the other . The Janisaries and Military Officers commanded more now than the Civil , all things being guided by the air and fancy of the Souldiery , who placed and displaced with that wind of favour and displeasure , which is agreeable to the humor of a multitude and the licentiousness of Arms. For at the same time there were three Emperours , seven Great Viziers , two Captain-Pasha's , five Aga's of the Janisaries , three Treasurers , six Pasha's of Cairo , and in proportion the changes and alterations were as many in all the Provinces of the Empire . All this confusion evidently proceeding from the weak and almost sensless understanding of Mustapha ; the Ministers and people concurred as it were in an universal consent to dethrone him a second time , and exalt into his place Sultan Morat Brother to Osman , who was murthered the year before . The principal Actors in this contrivance were Kiosem the Mother of Morat , and the Mufti ; but in the execution hereof three difficulties occurred . The sirst was Chusaein Pasha the Great Vizier , who by reason of the inabilities of Mustapha , being become absolute Lord and Soveraign of all , would be unwilling to assent unto that Proposition , which might degrade him of his Dignity , and divest him of his Power . A second obstacle was the fancy and humor of the Souldiery , who having with much zeal and passion exalted Mustapha to the Throne , it might be doubted , that in maintenance of the same humor they would with equal obstinacy persevere in their Election . A third was the poverty or low ebb of the Exchequer , which at that time was in no capacity to supply that Donative to the Souldiery , which was usual and customary at the Inauguration of every Sultan . To forward and hasten this change and ripen this Plot , the News of the Rebellion of Abassa did much contribute , who with a Body of fifteen thousand Horse roved over all the Plains of Kara-hisar , calling himself Avenger of Sultan Osmans Murder , and Enemy of the Janisaries , by whose Mutiny and Conspiracy he was put to death ; in satisfaction for which he not only killed all Janisaries which fell into his hands , but their wives , children , and those allied to them he destroyed with implacable malice and bloody rage . Upon this advice the Janisaries at Constantinople being moved with equal fury and desire of revenge , applied themselves to their Aga , proposing a speedy union with the Spahees for suppressing this Rebellion before time gave it greater growth , and made the humor more stubborn and difficult to be purged . At the same time also came Letters from Cicala Pasha ( who was dispeeded into Asia with a strong Party to give a stop to the farther progress and advance of Abassa ) advising that upon his near approach to the Enemy , so general a fear possessed his Souldiery , that most of them disbanded and forsook their Colours ; and that at present he had no more than five hundred Janisaries , and two hundred Spahees under his Command , which he found to be an unequal match to contend with the increasing power of Abassa . This Intelligence served happily the occasion of the Mufti , Vizier , and Aga to give a turn to the desired change , and supplied them with an answer to the Janisaries , that they were ready to yield compliance unto their Address , but that the incapacity of their Soveraign obstructed their proceedings , and that the defect in the principal wheel disordered all the motions of good Government . At which reply the Janisaries becoming more unquiet , assembled themselves in a tumultuous manner at the Mosch of Sultan Solyman , where making an * Ayack Divan , ( so called , because they sit not down , but stand on their legs to denote the present haste and urgency of their affair ) it was enacted by an unanimous consent of the Civil and Military power , That young Morat or Amurat should be promoted to the Throne , and that Mustapha should be deposed : and because the Exchequer was at its lowest ebb , and wholly exhausted by miscarriage of the Officers , the Souldiers were contented to dispense with their Donative , which they relinquished in consideration of the publick good , reserving still their Title and Claim thereunto at times of a more happy Inauguration . With this News the Vizier immediately mounted on Horse-back to signifie this universal Decree to Mustapha , but he found him so stupid , as if he had been insensible of the Message ; and his Mother wanting power to resist this strong convulsion , gave way to necessity , and seemed to embrace what she could not oppose . Thus Mustapha falling from the Heaven of his Throne to the Abyss of his Prison , seemed to return unto his centre ; for being only by the wild-fire of Fortune carried as far aloft , as the force of popular powder could reach , he afterwards by the meer weight of his earthly temper returned with the like quickness of motion to the place from whence he ascended . Hereupon Sultan Amurat , a Youth of about fourteen years of age , was brought forth to the people , and placed in the Throne with all the acclamations and rejoycings of the people . And being taught by his Mother in a feigned manner to refuse acceptance of the Empire , he pretended that the Exchequer was exhausted , and that therefore he was not able to demonstrate the affection and esteem he had for them , and that since they had killed their former Sultans , he was fearful lest the tenderness of his age should betray him to the like violence : but the Souldiery having not the patience to hearken to his excuses , immediately carried him to the Divan , where having cloathed him in white , they seated him on a Safraw erected with four Pillars studded with precious Stones ; the Covering of which was of Crimson Velvet richly embroidered with Gold and Oriental Pearl . And being so seated , the Mufti with all reverence approached , and kissed his hand ; and then turning to the people he demanded of them , if they were contented with that Prince whom they now beheld in the Seat of the Ottoman Kings ; to which they having given assent by their loud acclamations , Morat with a becoming gravity encharged the Mufti to take care that Justice and the Law be executed , and so retired to his Lodgings with general satisfaction . The next morning he was carried by Water to the Mosch of Jub in the Suburbs of Constantinople , where according to the Solemnity of the Ottoman Empire , having performed his * Corban or Sacrifice , and having his Cemiter girt to his side by the Emirsheriff , he mounted on Horse-back , and with a magnificent Train entred by the Gate of Adrianople . In the mean time Mustapha , who was more worthy to bear a Fools Cap than an Imperial Diadem , was conducted to Prison , and more narrowly guarded than formerly ; howsoever no man offered to take away his life , the persons of Fools and Idiots being sacred in esteem of the Turks , and the least injury offered to them accounted irreligious and unlucky . Morat was of a lively countenance , full-fac'd , dark hair , of a black and lively eye , ruddy and sanguine Complexion , and in every degree of a promising and hopeful Aspect : but his exteriour appearance did not correspond with the internal cruelty of his violent Spirit , having some similitude with the Swan , which hath white feathers and black flesh . The Great Vizier who assisted at this Solemnity was ( as we have said ) Chusaein Pasha , a person of self-interest , who had wasted and consumed the Treasury , and converted a great part thereof to his own benefit ; he was a Tyrant , hated of all men , and supported himself by no other Art than bribing of the Souldiery : and to his other Crimes he added that of having unjustly persecuted Halil Pasha , and deprived him of his Office , his power not reaching to the taking away his life ; which being reserved for better times , he was again recalled from his retirement , and by special command of the Sultan , was unwillingly restored to the Office of Vizier , being best pleased with a quiet and pacifick life , to which his melancholy temper had naturally disposed him . In the mean time Chusaein Pasha being terrified by the sensible touches of his own conscience , took his flight by way of the Black Sea , and being out of the reach of Justice , a Fine was set of five thousand Zechins , and of Lands to the Revenue of an hundred thousand Aspers a year , to be given unto him who should bring his head ; many of those who had sold him their friendship and favour being affrighted with this Sentence , voluntarily disgorged the rewards they had received , and amongst the rest the last Aga of the Janisaries , who had been his Kahya or Steward for the space of three months , restored eight hundred thousand Dollars as an atonement for his sin , and a ransom for purchasing his own life and Office. At length by force of the foregoing reward Chusaein Pasha was betrayed and taken alive , and being brought to Constantinople , was immediately strangled before the gate of the Divan . Many were the difficulties which this young Sultan was to encounter , the greatest of which was the insolence of the Janisaries , who feeling themselves empty of money , began to repent of the prodigal and easie remission of their Donative , and in a tumultuous manner to redemand it again . There was no argument or debate to be used against men of the Sword , who hearkned to no other reason than their own wants , and to satisfie them there was no other remedy than compliance ; wherefore all Officers and persons not employed in Military Affairs were forced to contribute towards a large Tax , and a shameful demand was made for the Loan of thirty thousand Zechins from the four Christian Ambassadours resident at the Port , that they also as Friends might yield an assisting hand towards the present urgency of Affairs : so little consideration and shame have Turks to lay open the nakedness and distress of their Country even to strangers and enemies of it . And indeed such was the insolence and uncontroulable power of the Souldiery , that their desires and commands were Laws , and their determinations Rules for their Sultan and his Subjects . This humor of Usurpation and unlimited Power wearied all the Officers of the Empire , and inclined them secretly to approve the cause of Abassa Pasha of Erzirum , who declared and stiled himself Enemy to the Janisaries ; and of Bechir Pasha of Babylon , who was joyned with him . The Vizier also finding his power abridged by the arbitrary will of the Souldiery moved slowly and coldly into Asia , where all the Force he could make consisted of no more than fifty thousand new and unexperienced men , such as were uncapable to contend with a more numerous Army of veterane Souldiers ; to which also the Beglerbei of Anatolia joyned himself , as did all other the chief Timar-Spahees , who conspired together to confound and destroy the pride and government of the Janisaries . The Vizier also was of the same Party , and coldly at first answered the request of the Janisaries , when they earnestly pressed him to lead them against Abassa their common and mortal Enemy : at length being fortified with the Force of the Timar-Spahees , he told them plainly , That if they would go and fight , he would be a Spectator of the success , but would not ingage himself in a quarrel wherein the blood of Musselmen might be spilt on one side and the other : by which means the Rebels in Asia took head , increased in force , and every day rendred them in a more formidable and dangerous posture . But this was not all the trouble which ensued ; for the Tartars having refused that King whom the Grand Signior had appointed them to receive , declared for Mehmet his Brother , who was seconded by the Votes of the generality , and maintained by the strongest nerve of that Nation . The Vizier was unwilling to ingage in this quarrel , alledging , That a Civil War was the worst of evils , and that it was better to coanive at a present inconvenience , than in this distracted time of Affairs to pollute the Empire with the blood of Tartars , who were their Brethren and of the same Religion and Alliance with them . Howsoever the Divan was of another opinion , and resolved to dispeed the Captain-Pasha with a Force sufficient to re-instate Gherey ( for so the elder Brother was called ) in the Government of that Kingdom : but yet the Instructions given rather directed him to act with dexterity than with force , supposing that the Authority of the Turks abetted with the presence of a considerable Force would create an inclination in the Tartars to obedience , so soon as they discovered them to appear on their Coast. The Captain-Pasha being arrived at * Caffá , declared , That he was sent by the Grand Signior not to exclude either one or other of the Pretenders , but only to be Witness of a free and fair Election , that so all Civil discord ceasing , that Party might be chosen who was most pleasing to the generality of the people : to which end two Standards were erected , one for * Gherey the elder Brother desired by the Turks , and the other for Mehmet beloved of the Tartars . The people in multitudes ran to the Standard of Mehmet , and but few to that of Gherey , which demonstrated at how mean a rate the Tartars esteemed the protection and favour of the Port. The Captain-Pasha vexed hereat , denied to give his assent to the confirmation , on pretence , that he was first to demand the Grand Signior's pleasure ; but at length was perswaded by Gherey to land a Force of about eight thousand men to owne and maintain his Cause , on hopes , that rather than ingage against the Turks , the people would condescend to Terms in his admission and favour . The Tartars not being in the least dismayed hereat , arrayed themselves in a warlike posture , and feigning fear and flight , allured the Turks to a pursuit of them , until they had brought them to a place where thirty thousand Horse lay in ambush , which on a sudden arising and encompassing them round , had entirely destroyed them , had not Salil the Brother of Mehmet given a stop to the slaughter , on hopes , that such a testimony of friendship would reconcile the spirits of the Turks , at least might render his Brother's preferment more tolerable and grateful to the Turks . In this conflict Ibrahim and Chusaein who were Viziers of the Bench , the Kahya and a Capigibashe of the Seraglio were slain , whose bodies were afterwards transported to Constantinople , six hundred Janisaries and as many Sea-men were killed , and fifteen hundred Prisoners were taken , whose liberty was procured at a mean ransom for the sake of that Faith and Religion which they joyntly professed ; they also took thirty Pieces of Cannon , and might also have become Masters of the whole Fleet consisting of thirty six Gallies , had they been desirous to have prosecuted their Victory to the utmost advantage : and moreover in that conjuncture of affairs , when a general consternation had overspread the principal parts of the Ottoman Dominions , when the Counsels were feeble and faint , and that a languishing pulse beat in all the Government , had the Tartar with an Army of fifty thousand Horse then ready to march , made up to the Walls of Adrianople ; it might have proved such an opportunity for dividing and destroying this Empire , as hath not offered at any time since that occasion . But the two Brothers Mehmct and Salil stiling their War forced and defensive , used that moderation in their Victory which might not provoke a desire of revenge in the Turks . The Captain-Pasha being thus permitted to depart from Caffa with his Fleet , sailed to Varna , a Port in the Black Sea about two hundred miles distant from Constantinople ; where the News of this defeat being arrived , put all the City into confusion , and raised the Viziers at midnight to consult of those remedies and expedients , which were agreeable to the present emergency of Affairs . The Great Vizier Ali was of opinion , that the Grand Signior ought to condescend to Terms of Accommodation , though to the disadvantage and disreputation of his power ; and that accordingly a Letter should be wrote to Mehmet the Tartar , beginning with the usual Complements of Friendship and Salutation ; and afterwards declaring , That it was never the intention of the Port to ingage in a War against him , the late conflict having only proceeded from a mistake and misinterpretation of Orders ; and that there was no other design than to compose the Civil differences amongst themselves by advancing that Prince to the Kingly Dignity who was most pleasing and grateful to the people . This advice was approved by the rest of the Council , and a Messenger dispatched with the Letter , accompanied with a Cemiter and Vest of Sables , which are the Signals of the Sultans favour . In the mean time the people murmured at the pusillanimity of the Government , saying , That they had sent an Ambassadour to thank the Tartar for not seizing their whole Fleet , and acknowledge their obligation to him for the blows and wounds he had given their Army . The Tartars also gloried in this submission , and took the boldness to vaunt of their Linage and Descent to be more Ancient and Noble than that of the Ottoman Family ; and that in this time of decay and degenerate procedure of that Monarchy , it appertained to the Greatness of the Tartars to stir up the fire and snuff the lamp , that the Splendour of that Empire might become more bright and shining than in former Ages : and so little respect did they now maintain for the Port , that they surprised two Ambassadours sent from the Moscovite in their way to Constantinople , robbed and killed them , as also the Turkish Chiaus that was with them , lest his testimony should be brought in for an evidence against them . During these Troubles the Cosacks taking advantage of the Captain-Pasha's absence in Tartary , entred the Bosphorus with about an hundred and sifty Sail of Saicks and Boats ; these Boats and Vessels which the Cosacks use are built long and light with ten Oars of a side , and two men to an Oar ; the Head and Stern are not unlike , so that they hang the Rudder sometimes at one end , and sometimes at the other , being not obliged to turn their Vessel , but without loss of time to proceed with that end which happens to be foremost . Each Boat carries fifty select men armed with Fire-arms and Cemiter , in the management of which they are very expert ; and are a People sober , enduring labour and hard diet , and so speedy in their Incursions , that they forestal the advices , and commonly strike before they threaten . With these Boats and people ( as we have said ) they entred the Bosphorus , where they burnt several Villages and Houses of Pleasure ; on the Grecian side they burnt Boyuc-deri and Yenichioi , on the Asian side Stenia . The appearance of this Enemy so near the Imperial City caused a general consternation , not unlike that at London , when the Dutch entred the River of Chatham . To oppose this Force there was not one Gally in readiness , so that Saicks , Chimbers , and small Boats were armed to the number of four or five hundred , and man'd with such people as the present haste and expedition offered ; the great Chain was then brought forth to cross the Bosphorus , which the Grecian Emperours used at the Siege of Constantinople : and ten thousand men were issued from the City to defend the shoar from depredation and farther mischief . The Turkish Fleet faced the Cosacks to give them a stop , whilst they hovered about the middle of the Chanel in form of a Half-Moon , and so continued the whole day until Sun-set ; when with the night they returned into the Sea , carrying with them , besides their Booty , glory sufficient to have entred the Chanel , and without blows or opposition to have braved the Capital Seat of the Ottoman Monarchy , and the most formidable City of the whole World. Not many days after they returned again with a greater Force than before , which put the City into the like consternation ; and having hovered about three or four days at the Mouth of the Black Sea , they burnt the Pharos or Lantern with certain Villages thereabouts , and being laden with Spoils and Glory , they again returned into their own Country . Thus we may observe , how bold Enemies are made with the weakness of a State : a Horse is soon sensible of his Rider , when backed by a faint hand and an unaccustomed lightness , but a stisf Rein and a close knee makes him obedient to his Ruler . All people having discovered the imbecillity of the Government , made head against it : and the young Sultan had those for his Enemies in the time of his Nonage , which in his strong and fiercer years became the most submissive and fawning Slaves in the World. And though at this time the Turkish Ministers were corrupt and rebellious , and the Souldiery mutinous ; yet Bethlem Gabor Prince of Transylvania , a Christian , was observant to the Port , demanding licence to wage War against the Emperour , which was easily granted , and upon payment of the usual Tribute of ten thousand Hungars , the Ambassadour with thirteen of his Followers received Coftans or Vests of Honour , and a promise of Succour and Protection , as the condition of his Affairs should require . Thus we see , that whilst the Turks themselves endeavoured to rent in pieces their own Monarchy ; to which one would have thought , that the Christians had most reason to contribute : yet such was the unhappy Fate of Christendom , that Gabor was the only person at that time to court the Turks ; and that for no other reason , than that he might be supported and abetted in a War against the Emperour and other Christian Princes of Germany . The Army of Bethlem Gabor consisted of above thirty thousand men , with which he marched over all Hungary , having taken most Towns of consideration , unless Presburg aliàs Possonium , Rab , and Komorra : but if we penetrate into the depth and foundation of this War , we shall find that it had a deeper interest than that of Gabor , and had its Original from the discord and Civil War of Germany . For the House of Austria being at that time in a condition to render it self formidable , and in a posture to create a jealousie in all the Princes subjected to it , did under colour of subduing the Palatine of the Rhyne , oppress also the liberty of the Empire , and of the several States which composed it . For after the Emperour against the Constitutions of the Golden Seal , and the sense of the Electoral Colledge , had divested the Palatine and his Children of their Estates and Dignity , not so much by force of Arms as by deceit and breach of promise ; instead of disbanding the Army , which was to have been performed according to agreement , new Troops were added ; and though the Protestant League was dissolved , yet the Catholick Combination with all its Adherents remained armed and immoveable to compel the Protestants to a restitution of the Ecclesiastical Revenue , notwithstanding the Articles of Peace to the contrary : so that the Princes and Towns of the Lower Saxony entring into a new League raised an Army under the Command of Christian of Brunswick Bishop of Alberstadt . Bethlem Gabor having his interest adjoyned to this Party , entertained the same desires and intentions to suppress the Greatness of the Emperour ; and having the just complaint to alledge of wanting his annual Pension of fifty thousand Crowns , as was agreed by the Treaty of Niclasbourg , he resolved to force it by Arms , and take part with the Princes of the Protestant Religion which he professed : but because his strength and power was not sufficient without the assistance of the Turks , he not only obtained their permission and approbation of this War , as we have said before , but by payment of fifty thousand Dollars presented to the first Vizier , and of forty thousand by way of annual Tribute , he procured an auxiliary Force of fifty thousand Turks and Tartars ; with part of which , commanded by Budiani , he made an irruption into the Lower Austria , and with the other Bethlem himself about the beginning of October entred into Moravia , defeated the Regiment of Tissenbach , retook the Town of Turnova , and routed the Count of Montenegro General for his Imperial Majesty before the Town of Ghoding on the Frontier of Moravia , which he afterwards beleagured and held besieged until the 20 th of November , when Stanislaus Turzow a Hungarian Palatine became Mediator of the Peace , and at length obtained a Truce : the principal Articles of which were as followeth . 1. That on both parts Arms be laid down for ten months , and all Acts of Hostility cease , that on neither side any attempt should be made either by force or fraud to take any Castles , Forts , Cities , or places of defence during this time ; and that both Germans , Hungarians , and Turks should be alike comprehended . 2. That if the Emperour were desirous to treat and conclude a final Peace with the Grand Signior , he should use Bethlem Gabor as Mediator , and do nothing therein without his privity . 3. That all Places and Forts taken by the Prince of Transylvania in his late Expedition , and that all Cities and Castles now in possession of either , should so remain without any alteration . 4. That all Passages should be open for free Trade of Merchants , and all other the Subjects and Friends of either side . A Truce being thus concluded , the Turks in their return made great havock , carrying with them great numbers of poor Christians into Slavery , which Gabor out of compassion seemed willing to redeem with a low price at his own charge , which the Turks refusing , carried those miserable Wretches into Captivity . The Count Esterhast Governour of Newhausel for the Emperour , being highly incensed at this treacherous action contrary to the Truce so lately concluded , having drawn out a sufficient Force from the neighbouring Garrisons , fell on the Rear of the Turks in their March towards Buda , and charged them so home on the Banks of the River Niter , that he killed five hundred of them on the place , took all their Baggage , with divers Prisoners , and gave liberty to many Christian Slaves . The next day but one after he charged another Party of them , as they attempted to pass a Bridge , which the night before he had caused to be broken down ; of which having killed a great number , the rest saved themselves by swimming : howsoever many Christians procured their liberty thereby , and a considerable Booty was made of Horses , Camels , Waggons , and all Provisions . The other Troops consisting of greater numbers were worse treated than the former ; for Esterhast having received a Recruit of Horse from Reiffemberg Governour of Komorra , and Breuner of Javarin or Rab , he proceeded boldly to meet the Turks , and joyning Battel with them , he slew twelve hundred on the place , gave liberty to fourteen hundred Christians , took divers of their principal Commanders with all their Bag and Baggage , besides a considerable quantity of Gold and Silver in Plate and Money . Nor were Reiffemberg and Breuner less successful over those who passed through their Quarters to joyn with the Garrisons of Alba Regalis and Canisia , having killed seven hundred of them , and taken all their Baggage . Moreover Count Serini in his Journey towards Vienna defeated six hundred of them , and presented their Colours to the Emperour : and Esterhast in like manner after his several Exploits offered thirty Cornets at his feet , with six Prisoners of Quality , one of which was Kinsman of Bethlem Gabor . These rebuffs cooled the courage of the Turks a little , and altered the resolution of the Council for carrying forward the War on the side of Germany , as was intended , had the success answered expectation : For these misfortunes abroad , and intestine troubles at home , with Pestilence and Famine , which at the same time greatly afflicted the parts of Constantinople ( whereby an hundred thousand people dyed ) abated the mettle of the Turks , and caused them to take new measures in all their determinations : and for that reason Ambassadours were sent both to Vienna and into Poland to renew the Articles of Peace , and so to confirm the League , that whilst the Sultan was imployed in his Wars with Persia and the Eastern Countries , nothing should intervene from the Western parts to trouble or obstruct his progress , or recal him from his Enterprise . For now the Rebellion of Abassa , joyned with Bechir Pasha of Bagdat , growing daily more considerable , and his strength increasing to that condition , that he was able to keep the field in despight of the Grand Signiors Forces , he adventured to quarter within five days March of Constantinople : and at the same time Letters coming from Hafish Pasha General of the Army in the Province of Bagdat , that the King of Persia was entred into the Dominions of the Turk with a powerful Army , a general consternation seized the whole Turkish Court , the wisest and stouiest having occasion to call up for all their wisdom and courage to assist at a time when the Government was assailed on all sides , both at home and abroad . Various were the Counsels and Proposals in what manner to proceed in times of such emergency . First it was resolved to proclaim a War both against the King of Persia and the Rebels in Asia , and that whosoever took of the Grand Signior Pay from one Asper a day to a higher value , should be in readiness to serve in the War upon penalty of losing his Estate , of being accounted a Rebel , and his wife and children sold for Slaves . But the more sober and moderate sort judged it policy to take off Abassa by sending him a general Pardon , with a concession of all his demands , upon condition , that he should turn his Arms upon the King of Persia , who was the common Enemy of their Country and Religion : but the Janisaries would by no means assent to this agreement with a person to whom they bore a more inveterate hatred , than to the Persian himself , as he did also to the Janisaries . For that he might better justifie his pretence of revenge , he declared , That being one day in a Mosch at his Prayers the murdered Osman appeared to him , and taking him by the hand said , My faithful Mussulman , since thou art the most generous of all my Slaves , I command thee to revenge my death , with the blood of sixty thousand Janisaries and Spahees , good Fortune shall accompany thy Arms , and Victory shall crown thy labours . During these intrigues and difficulties of reconciliation , Abassa spoiled the Lesser Asia , and the Persian King conquered the City and Province of Bagdat or Babylon , took Kur Asan Pasha an old Souldier Prisoner , possessed himself of Mosul and Leska on the Persian Sea , and meeting no considerable opposition , he divided his Army into four parts . The first was dispeeded into Mesopotamia commanded by the King himself . The second made Incursions into Palestine . The third infested the Coast of the Black Sea : and the fourth marched towards Mecha , with hope and design of sharing all the parts of the Eastern Empire . Ali Pasha , who opposed the King in Mesopotamia , was slain and his Army wholly defeated , so that the Province became a prey to the Enemy : the success in Palestine was equally fortunate by the revolt of Damascus , a place of great riches and importance ; the Coast of the Black Sea was grievously infested , and a Port taken near to Trapezond ; and little opposition being made at Balsora , the Town was taken by that Army in their March towards Mecha and the parts of the Red Sea , where they rendered themselves Masters of Medina the City of their Prophet Mahomet . To repair these losses , and to encounter numbers so strong and valiant in all parts , the Vizier was dispeeded with a powerful Force to the Town of Bagdat ; but by reason of Mutinies and Tumults amongst the Souldiery , matters found not the success expected : and the Garrison making valiant and vigorous Sallies against the imbecillity of the Turkish Souldiery , which were always most obstinate and stout to oppose their own Commanders , obtained an advantage in every Attempt ; by which discouragement many forsaking their Colours , the Siege was raised with dishonour , and the interest of the Turk impaired and almost irreparably lost in those Provinces . This News arrived at Constantinople , that the Camp was risen and fled by night , that they were forced to burn their Tents and Provisions , and to break their great Artillery and cast them into the Euphrates : that the miseries in the Army had been such by Famine and Pestilence , and want of all Provisions and Ammunition , that the like was never known : that the Vizier had beheaded three of his Pasha's , that so he might cast the whole blame upon them ; and that now retreating with his Army into the Turkish Dominions , the Persians pursued them in the Rear , and for ten days did execution on them , making the best use they could of their Victory ; which relation silled the hearts of all people with sadness , and disordered the Counsels with confusion . The cause of which ill success according to custom being imputed to the General , he was deprived of his Office , and sacrificed to the fury of the Janisaries . These troubles were increased at Constantinople by the Addresses which the Prince of Transylvania made unto the Port by his Kapi-Kahya or Agent , representing to the Grand Signior , That he wanting Heirs Male to succeed him in his Principality , the States at a Diet had with common consent elected his Lady for his Successour , and therefore desired consirmation from the Port ; in excuse of her Sex he alledged the urgent necessity of the present times , which perswaded rather to admit of the Government of a Woman , than that his Principality should for want of an Heir fall into the hands of the powerful Family of Austria . To make good this demand , Duke John of Weymar and Count Mansfelt arrived in Silistria , to whom the Prince of Transylvania joyned his Troops ; and Morteza Pasha of Buda wrote to the Port , that he was marching towards Valz to meet the Prince , and confer with him concerning these designs . The Emperours Resident at Constantinople greatly exclaimed against these proceedings , which something troubled the Counsels of the Turks , who in that conjuncture were unwilling to give beginnings to a new War ; so that besides fair words they promised to write such Letters to the Pasha of Buda , as should give a stop to the Investiture of the Princess ; but to say truly , the Instructions given were in such ambiguous terms , that they in essect lest the whole matter to the discretion of Morteza to act , as he judged most agreeable to the state of Affairs on the Frontiers , and security of the present Peace . Thus did the Turkish Court seek to ward off the blow of a War with Germany , and yet secretly nourished and encouraged it , by giving Orders to the Pasha of Buda to take up his Winter-quarters with the Prince of Transylvania , and to follow his directions ; but yet so to govern matters with caution , as not to engage too far on uncertain grounds or doubtful hazard , but to embrace Propositions of Peace , if offered with honour and security . In prosecution of these Rules , Morteza observing , that Weymar and Mansfelt having united their Forces with Gabor , had formed a considerable Army , and were able to sight with Wallestein General of the Imperialists ; joyned also his Forces to theirs , judging it a prudent and politick design to wage a War at the blood and expence of others . With these encouragements , and with the favour of a good opportunity the Confederates fell upon the Army of Wallestein near the River Gran , who not being able to withstand their force and fury , was put to flight , and pursued in the Rear with great slaughter ; and endeavouring to pass the River on two Bridges of Boats , were closely followed by the Princes Forces , who gaining the pass , put the whole Army into great amazement , and resolved to pursue them to the Gates of Presburg or Vienna . Notwithstanding this success , the Prince of Transylvania observing the backwardness of his Allies to contribute the Succours of Men and Money which they had promised ; and fearing that the unfortunate estate of the Turkish Affairs should cause the Sultan to disown the War , dispeeded a Messenger to the Emperour in the Winter-season to excuse the constraint upon him of taking up Arms , and to offer Terms of Accommodation and Peace : but the Emperour refused all Treaties , until such time as Gabor had separated himself from his Allies , and from association with the Turk ; upon which Answer Gabor retired to Cassovia , and Morteza to Pesth . This compliance gave beginning to a Treaty at Komara , where the Commissioners on part of the Emperour , of the Grand Signior , and Prince of Transylvania assembled . All Parties seemed inclinable to War , and yet with occult intentions to make Peace , being necessitated thereunto by the urgency of their distinct Interests . The Emperour was urged by his Wars with the Protestants of Germany , and apprehension of Forces from England in favour of the Elector Palatine , then King of Bohemia : the Grand Signior was encumbred by the unfortunate condition of his Wars in Asia : and Bethlem Gabor , jealous of being disowned by the Port , deserted by his Allies , and exposed to sight and contend singly with the Emperour . In short , Gabor concluded a Peace with the Emperour apart , which gave some jealousies and displeasure to the Grand Signior : howsoever he dissembled his discontent , and willingly interessed Gabor with Morteza as Commissioner for him ; who being variously disposed , yet moved with the considerations of their common advantage , worked all differences into a Composition of Peace , the Articles of which being brought to Constantinople by an Internuntio from the Emperour , and delivered in presence of the two Ambassadours of Gabor , they were accepted by the Chimacam , and ratified by the Grand Signior . Articles of Peace Concluded between the Emperour of Germany Ferdinand the Second , and Bethlem Gabor in the Month of December 1626. I. THE Prince of Transylvania doth promise by the Faith of a Christian never to move Arms , or use any Hostility against the Majesty of the Emperour , or the House of Austria , or their Successours , much less to enter into their Dominions with an Army , nor to aid his Enemies , or keep a Correspondence with them : not to plot any Innovation in the Kingdom of Hungary or other Christian Countries : nor to stir up or provoke the Turks , Tartars , or others to invade them : not to entertain or assist in any evil Counsel against his Majesty , nor to give ear to the requests and desires of his Enemies ; but rather to reveal all their Conspiracies and Wickednesses , which shall be made known unto him , and by all means to demonstrate and shew a sincere mind truly desirous of Peace , and sollicitous of the common Good. II. That the Prince shall instantly depart with his whole Army out of the Territories and Cities of the Emperour ; and that he shall restore as well all Goods belonging to the Imperial Treasure , as those of his faithful Subjects . III. That he shall remove from him the Rebel Mansfelt , and all other his Followers and Adherents desirous to invade the Dominions of the Emperour ; and that he shall not aid any Stranger whatsoever , who at his instance hath entred into the Territories of his Majesty with Count Mansfelt , to whom Letters of publick Safety shall be given , that they may return by twenty or thirty in a Troop , conditionally that in no placo of their Retreat they shall joyn with the Enemies of the Emperour . IV. That seeing it is fit for Establishment of the Peace , that the Inhabitants of Countries and Cities belonging to the Prince , by consont of the Emperour , should remain during his life in Obedience and Fidelity to him ; and that those Inhabitants should do Homage to the Emperour ( saving their corporal Oath to the Prince ) to keep inviolate these Articles , That they should have leave by Letters of full Authority and Power granted them by the Prince in their first Assemblies and Conventions to make such Oath of Homage . V. That at the same time of performing the Homage and Oath , besides the Oath before the last War , they shall take a new Oath according to the Agreement between the Prince and the Commissioners of the Emperour . VI. The Prince shall procure , that all Places upon the Consines which were taken by the Turks in the last War , be restored ; and that all Captives taken Prisoners shall be set at liberty : and that the Prince shall procure the freedom of all such the Emperours Subjects as shall be in the Turkish Captivity . VII . That all the Subjects of the Emperour , lately incited and drawn to the Service of the Prince , shall be free from their Oath : and if the Prince hath any of their Writings Obligatory in his hands , that he shall restore them : and that these Conditions being confirmed , all other things formerly treated , shall remain in their former state and vigour . VIII . That if any other difficulties arise , they shall be accontmodated with fidelity and quietness by Commissioners on both parts : And that all those who in the last Commotions have served the Prince , shall be absolved according to the Treaty and Agreement at Vienna . IX . That all the Inhabitants of Cities and Countries , which have served the Prince , shall be absolved ; only those excepted , who have voluntarily taken up Arms against the Emperour , for whom the Prince only shall intercede , excusing always private men , who have done private wrongs ; for they shall according to Law and Custom seek their restitution by Civil Action . X. That all other Articles of Peace concluded at Nichilsburg and Vienna , shall remain in their former vigour and force : And that all Goods of the Emperours Clergie , possessed by the Prince from the Year 1619. to this present day , shall be restored ; except the Abbies of Replana belonging to the Seminaries of Strigonium , for which the Prince shall pay yearly to the Emperour five hundred Florens . These Articles being thus agreed , and signed , and approved by the Sultan , in the month of September following 1627. the Articles between the Emperour and the Grand Signior were also agreed at Komara , the which are as follow translated out of the Turkish word for word . THat seeing the Peace established formerly at Zitwar , Vienna , Komara , and Chiarman , hath remained in the same state , and in the same Articles , without any alteration , it shall not be violated by any new occasion of contention . That the differences of Vatz , whereof is made mention at the present ; shall rest in the same state that the Commissioners on both sides shall agree . That the new Forts built upon the Confines of Croatia , contrary to the Peace , shall be demolished . To which purpose our said Deputy Mehmet , and our Vizier Mortesa Pasha , shall meet upon the Frontiers of Buda with your Deputies , at the time appointed by the Treaty , and thereupon the places on both sides shall cause to be demolished the Forts built contrary to the Peace : wherein if they find any impediment , they shall chuse able and valiant men to perform and execute the said service . That after the approbation of this happy Peace , your great Ambassadour shall come to Komara , and ours shall repair with our Imperial Letters to Strigonium : and there one of them advising the other , yours shall set forward to our happy Port , and ours shall advance to you . For so it is agreed by our Imperial Order , both carrying with them the new Imperial Capitulations . That all complaints of Villages subject to both parts , shall be laid aside , and no Violences , Taxes , or Contribution , contrary to our sormer Convention , shall be exacted . And all Forts built in the common Consines shall be rased . And reciprocally it shall be made known , according to the ancient Treaty , what great men do dwell amongst our Tributaries . And for the execution of the sixteenth and seventeenth Articles of the Peace of Zitwa , the tenth of Vienna , and the fourth of Komara and Chiarman ( for such was then the agreement ) two Capigi-Pasha's of our high Port shall be deputed and dispeeded , the one to this side , and the other to that side of the Danube . And upon your part you shall send two such qualified persons to the same places : who being met together with the Deputies of Mortesa Pasha and the Palatine of Hungary , shall rectifie all disorders , and see that good Justice be done on both Parties : for so it is our most high pleasure . That the Slaves which have been taken during this our Treaty , shall be freed and set at liberty without any ransom : and those who were taken before the said Treaty shall be exchanged and redeemed , according to their qualities and estates , by the interposition of Mortesa Pasha and the Palatine of Hungary deputed for that purpose . For the good of poor people on both sides , the Commissioners have thought it fit to conclude this renewed Peace for twenty five years from 1627. Whereunto we have given our Imperial assent . That all Merchants , and other our Subjects on both parts , shall have safe passage and conduct through both our Dominions : and we have given Command to our Pasha's , Beglerbeghs , Generals , Beghs , and Captains , upon our Consines , to apprehend , bring into Justice , and punish all such as shall any way disturb or molest them contrary to the Peace . As likewise the Palatine of Hungary and other your Ministers shall do on your part , is they find any such offendors . That our Beglerbeghs , Sanzacks , Captains , and Governours ; and your Generals , Commanders , and Captains shall upon occasion imploy all such persons as are lovers of the Peace and common Good. That there shall be no damage or hurt done to any of our Subjects in any of your Kingdoms or Dominions , neither by Sea nor Land : as there shall none be done to yours in our Dominions . That all by-past wrongs , enmities , and unkindnesses on both parts shall be forgotten and laid asleep : and that this happy Peace shall be sincerely and firmly continued and kept inviolate . Upon condition that the Emperour perform and observe all the aforesaid Articles , and that there follow no action from any Ministers , contrary to the said Peace ; We promise and swear by God our Creator , who made the whole world of nothing , and by the honour which we bear to our most high Prophet Mahomet Mustapha , That there shall not be done during the whole term of the said Peace , the least hurt or damage to the Subjects , Countries , Kingdoms , Castles , or Forts of the said Emperour , by any of our Ministers or Armies , nor to any Christian Slaves subject to our happy Port. By these Articles we may observe , that both Parties were desirous of a present Peace , rather than one which was durable ; for things are so slubber'd over to serve the present occasion , that they leave all disputes undecided , till time should happen more proper to interpret them with the Sword , than with the Pen : like sores obducted by an unskilful Chirurgion , which festering within , must be again opened before they are cured : howsoever they served the turn of Gabor , whose interest it was to maintain an ill correspondence between the two Emperours . Peace being thus concluded between Ferdinand the Second and Sultan Morat , gave some reputation to the Affairs of the Turks : so that notwithstanding the late success of the Persian in their War by raising the Siege of Bagdat , and overthrow of the Turkish Army ; yet that King finding himself now engaged alone , and singly to contend with the Ottoman Power , feared the Puissance of that Empire , lest being roused and heated with the sensible pinches of the late disgrace , they should call up and invigorate all their Forces to a revenge , which might at length tend to a ruine and destruction of Persia , unless Fortune which attended the first auspicious beginnings with success , did also continue constant , and still accompany their Arms , which could hardly be expected . Wherefore on these considerations becoming more faint in prosecution of the War , the Persian dispatched an Ambassadour to Constantinople , furnished with various Proposals and projects for a Peace ; but still matters driving so as to reserve the City and Province of Bagdat or Babylon in the hands of the Persian , the Treaty became ineffectual , in regard the Vizier ( who was then called Halil Pasha ) judged it a high and an irrecoverable disreputation to the Empire to be dismembred of so principal a part of it . Wherefore the Ambassadour being dispeeded away with some neglect , the Turks armed with that diligence and heat , that they entred Persia with an Army of an hundred and fifty thousand men , with which appearance the people being dismayed , suffered Tauris to be taken without much opposition . From hence marching to Bagdat , they found the City well provided and defended with a numerous Garrison , from whence many Sallies were made with variety of Fortune , till at length the Turkish Souldiers being wearied and tired with incessant labour and watchings , many of them fled from their Colours ; and with such diminutions , the Army being much abated in its numbers , the Vizier withdrew them from the Persian Dominions . Some months after the Turkish Army being reinforced , the Vizier entring again into Persia , overthrew the Turcmen who opposed him in his March , and destroyed the Gregorians , who were friends to the Persian , with a very great slaughter , took Moroc their General and cut off his head , and adding to these Victories the report of having taken some few inconsiderable Towns , this Expedition ended without other advantages , or progress of their Arms. This ill success much troubled the Councils at Constantinople ; for they considered that they had now waged an expensive , laborious War for the space of three years without any effect agreeable to the blood and charge which maintained it , but rather to the loss and damage of the Empire . The Souldiers abhorred the length and tediousness of the way , and the misery of the March , being to pass over vast Countries and Desarts , where there was nothing besides rocks , sands , and barrenness : many Horses , Camels , and other Beasts of burden perished for want of nourishment ; and where provisions were to be had , the price was so excessive , that the Timariots and other Souldiers had not a purse to defray their charges . The Enemy likewise was very strong , for the Sosi was at the head of forty thousand brave Horse , which daily infested the Ottoman Camp , beat their Convoys , and cut off their Provisions , and so obstructed them , that they could not advance . The Vizier Halil then General being discouraged by these disasters , was inclinable to accept of the Proposition made by the Persian , viz. That Babylon should remain to his eldest Son in Fee , and to his Heirs and Successours , acknowledging to the Grand Signior a Tribute as great as the yearly Revenue which proceeded from it , at the time when it was in the hands of the Sultan . But this middle way seemed an Expedient dishonourable to the Greatness of this Empire , and that which argued pusillanimity and want of courage in the Government , and therefore was rejected by the Council of State as well as by the Military men . Howsoever the Persians taking their measures by the disposition they discovered in the Vizier thereunto , adventured to dispatch an Ambassadour to Constantinople with tender of the same project ; but as he was coldly and faintly received , so he was in a few days dispatched with few words and little respect , as if he had been sent as a Spy to discover the state and condition of the City , and the inclination of the Prince , rather than to obtain any benefit by a Treaty . For now Amurat growing into years , increased in spirit , and discovered a Martial courage ; he began to leave his delights , and walks in gardens , and the society with his Mother and Women , and to assume thoughts of War and Government : such as entertained him in softness and luxurious pastimes were reproved by the Ministers about him , and by them perswaded to buckle on his Armour , and to delight in Martial Exercises : so that now new measures were taken in all Affairs ; and in the first place Halil the Great Vizier was recalled from being General in Persia , and the Pasha of Darbiquier put into his place ; and though he was Brother-in-law to the Grand Signior , yet being esteemed at Court as a person who had amassed great richess in his employment , he was forced to disgorge five hundred thousand Crowns as an ease of his burden , and an atonement to pacifie the Sultan for the fault of his misfortunes and ill success . In these times of licentiousness and revolt , the Pirates of Algier and Tunis began also to cast off their respect and reverence to the Ottoman Empire ; for being become rich by the Prizes they had taken on Christian Vessels , they resolved to set up for themselves , and to esteem the Peace which Christian Princes had made with the Grand Signior not to concern them ; but as if their Governments had been independent , demanded a particular Treaty , and distinct Articles with themselves : so that now daring to do any thing , six Vessels of Tunis chased some Christian Ships into Rhodes , and there attaqued them , notwithstanding that the Castle shot at them : they afterwards took a Dutch Ship which had laden at Alexandria ; and entring the Port of Salines in Cyprus , they engaged with two Venetians : the lesser Ship made a good resistance , but having no help she was thrice fired , and at last burnt : the other being a Ship of eight hundred Tuns , was cowardly set on fire by the Mariners , and abandoned , escaping ashore with their Boats. Then they sailed for Scanderone , where finding a Dutch Ship and a Polaca they took both , and then landed . The Aga of the Scale with all the Inhabitants fled , so that finding no opposition they ransacked and robbed all the Ware-houses , and afterwards set them on fire : the greatest loss fell upon the English and Dutch , the first lost about ten thousand Dollars , and the latter about thirty thousand . Of these losses and breach of Peace the Christian Ambassadours much lamented ; and complained , that if some remedy were not applied thereto , all Trade must be given over , no security being to be expected in the Articles and Faith of the Grand Signior : to which , though the Vizier and Great men did seem to yield a favourable ear , and promise redress ; yet being corrupted with some share of the Spoils , and sweetned with part of the robbery , they began to reject the Memorials of the Ambassadours , and to allow the pleas of the Pirates as grounded on some solid foundation of reason and Religion : fuffering them to publish discourses , that the Turks were obliged to maintain a perpetual War with the Christians , as Enemies to their Law and Alchoran ; and though policy may suggest some conveniencies by peace with them , yet those considerations are matters of sin rather than of reason . To make all this good , the Divan of Tunis sent two Deputies to remonstrate the great benefit and advantage the Port received by the depredations and hostile acts which they committed on the Christians ; and to inculcate this argument the better , they declared , That they had lately taken two Gallies of Malta , out of the spoils of which , they presented unto the Sultan two Stirrups of Gold , with divers Slaves , two of which were Cavaliers , one of the Roman , and the other of the French Nation : those which were Youths , and comely in shape and feature , were entred into the Service of the Seraglio , and the more strong and robustious were committed to the service of the Gallies ; so that the Turks were inwardly pleased with these Piracies , howsoever gave good words to the Christian Ambassadours , promised much and effected nothing . At that time Trade flourished greatly in those parts , and had done much more , had it not been interrupted by the Piracies of Barbary ; and the Trade was especially so great with Venice , that a Turkish Merchant called Rodul Aga , whose whole Negotiation and dealing was for that place , dyed worth a million of Soltanees , of which for want of children the Grand Signior became the sole Heir . But one accident happened about this time on the Seas worthy to be recounted . The Seas ( as we have said ) swarming then with Pirates , the General of Candia with three Gallies coasting on the Seas for defence and protection of Merchant-Ships , arrived in the Port of Andro , from whence espying a Gally plying close under the shore , and believing her to be a Corsaire or Pirate , made up to her ; and because it was about the glimpse of the evening , so that she could not be well known or distinguished , the General rashly charged her , and meeting a stout resistance , many were killed before it was known that the Gally belonged to the Archipelago , commanded by Dervis Bei , one of the Grand Signiors Captains : but so soon as the mistake was discovered , the Candiot General demanded of the Turk a thousand excuses , returned him his Gally and Slaves again , and whatsoever was taken from him , bestowing with them an infinity of complements , supposing that thereby the spirit of the Turk being somewhat appeased and mollified , he would represent this encounter with the more favourable terms and advantage at the Port. Notwithstanding which offices of kindness , Dervis Bei without farther loss of time passed up to Constantinople , bringing his Gally in without Lantern , shot thorough , ill treated , and shattered , feigning himself also to be wounded related that he had lost forty four Levents , and seventy seven Slaves which were killed ; and that all the Haratch or Tribute-money , which was collected for the Grand Signiors service from the several Islands , was robbed and embezled by these Candiots . His complaints were aggravated by many circumstances , and being assisted with the clamours of other Beys or Captains of Gallies , the noise and dispute was exceeding high in the Divan , urging , that the Venetians were obliged to make good a loss which they had caused rather out of malice than mistake . At that time Georgio Giustiniano resided at Constantinople for the most Serene Republick , who to oppose the high clamours of these Complainants , shewed courage , and accompanied his answers with prudence and resolution , which are often very convincing in the Turkish Court. They alledged , that the Peace was broken , he answered , That it would not be the first time , and that they ought not to yield entire credit to the relation of persons passionate and partial in their own cause ; that such accidents as these were as ordinary and common in the World as cold and heat , as fair and foul weather ; and that so soon as the errour was discovered , and the Gally known not to belong to Barbary , but to the Grand Signior , it was punctually and entirely restored with all the excuses imaginable . In short , this business which had so bad an aspect at the first , by the dexterity of this Minister , and giving something to Dervis Bei whereby to stop his mouth , the complaint ceased , and all farther proceedings were superseded . The Wars in Persia being unsuccessful , it was proposed in Council , that a Peace should be made , if possible , with Abassa Pasha ; that his demands , whatsoever they were , should be granted , and promises given him of Honours and Preferment : but the inveterate enmity and hate which the Janisaries bore him , and the difficulty there was to perswade Abassa , that the overtures made him were free and candid , and not mixed with treachery and design , were obstructions not to be obviated or overcome . Wherefore Abassa keeping mutual Intelligence with the Persians , and receiving assistance and succours from them , was become very formidable and strong , and the Town of Erzirum well fortified with Works and a numerous Garrison . Howsoever the Janisaries , his mortal Enemies , pressing the Vizier to proceed against him , at length obliged him to besiege the place ; which having done , and closely begirt it , the most forward and brave amongst the Janisaries were the first to scale the Walls , but were repulsed by the valour of stout and resolute Souldiers ; for they knowing that there was no other safety but in their Arms , and no other mercy than an ignominious death , being the just reward of their Rebellion , refused to give or to receive quarter : wherefore they made frequent Sallies on the Enemy , and as many Janisaries of them as they took Prisoners , they immediately hanged about the Walls , as a spectacle of horrour to their Associates . This resolution and cruelty deterred the Turks from their frequent assaults and storms made upon the Town ; and the many Batteries and Fortifications rendred the place almost impregnable , so that there seemed no other hopes to remajn , but to overcome them by a long Siege and Famine : but Abassa had so well provided against this danger , with such plenty of provisions , that the Turkish Army began to be more straitned for want of sustenance than the besieged ; so that becoming weary and discouraged amidst so many difficulties , they raised the Siege with such disorder and haste , that they left several Pieces of Cannon behind them , and retiring with some confusion , were charged in the Rear , so that many Janisaries fell a Sacrisice to the hate and revenge of the Enemy . The News of this success coming to Constantinople , was ill received ; but the disaster thereof , according to the usual custom , was attributed to the Vizier who was General ; for which cause he was deprived of his Office , and the Selictar Aga ( who carries the Sword before the Grand Signior ) was put into his place , a person of a fierce , bloody , and cruel disposition . To these , new troubles were added out of Tartary . For Mahomet the King of that Country , exalted to the Princely Dignity ( as we have already declared ) by the favour and Election of that People , though contrary to the sense and pleasure of the Port , was now fallen from the good esteem which they conceived for him , because he gave some hinderance to their usual Incursions on the Polonians and Cosacks out of memory and gratitude to the assistance they had contributed towards his Election ; for which reason being as it were famished for want of their usual depredations , they refused to obey his Commands , and then openly threw off their Obedience to him as their Prince . The Turks , who always envied this Dignity to Mahomet , rejoyced to see this discord between him and his People , and therefore thought it time to make use of this occasion to re-instate Gherey the elder Brother into the possession of his Kingdom ; whom the Turks , for his better security , having placed at Rhodes , the usual Retirement of the Tartarian Princes , dispatched a Squadron of Gallies to fetch him from thence to Constantinople ; where being arrived , he was received with a magnificent and Princely Entertainment by the Sultan : that so the Fame thereof forerunning his arrival in Tartary , the people might be better prepared to concur with the Port in their acceptance of him for their King. He was afterwards conducted to Caffa , the Grand Signiors Town in Tartary , with a strong Fleet of fifty Gallies , where at his first landing he was received by Cant-Emir , a rich and powerful Tartar , and Chief of the Turkish Faction , and by many others with great honour and solemnity , with whom also a considerable Party most willingly engaged . But the Cosacks of Poland and Circassians , friends to Mahomet the Brother , joyning their Troops to his Forces , became too strong for the Turks ; for giving them Battle near the Inclosures of the Danube , at a place called Bandet , they defeated them , and killed three or four thousand of their men , putting all to Fire and Sword round about ; and entring on the Seas with their Fleet of Boats , took five of the Turkish Gallies : with which ill success the Tartars , which took part with Cant-Emir , being discouraged , abandoned their Colours and fled ; so that Cant-Emir was forced to take Sanctuary in Caffa , which being a Town belonging to the Grand Signior , it was hoped , that the reverence they owed to that Name , would cause them to refrain all violence thereunto . But the Tartars , provoked by this late effusion of blood , lost all respect to that Government ; so that besieging the Town , they assaulted and took it , and therein the Son of Cant-Emir whom they cut in pieces , the Father escaping in a disguise from the City . The News hereof arriving at Constantinople was greatly displeasing , and caused many serious Debates and Consultations thereupon ; the wisest and most sober of the Council was for dissembling the matter , and with their usual dextcrity to suffer what they could not remedy : for that it was by no means advisable in the present conjuncture of Affairs , to proceed unto an open rupture with the Tartars , fearing lest the Christians , Persians , and other Enemies should make a benesit of this occasion , and joyning with a Nation so strong in Horse , should dangerously press upon the Empire , and force them to the ultimate extremity of affairs . Wherefore an Envoyé Extraordinary was sent to the Tartars , who covering the inward sentiments of regret and anger which the Sultan conceived for the late disgrace , seemed to wonder at the cause and reason of the last Engagement , as if it had been acted without the knowledge or order of the Grand Signior ; and thus with gentle terms insinuating , that the Surrender of Cassa would be very acceptable to the Port , and that which would atone for all miscarriages , and be such an offering of pacisication , as would reconcile all past differences , and restore a perfect correspondence between the Sultan and them , the Tartars readily assented to the demand , upon condition , that the Turks should impose no other King upon them than him , whom by general consent they had elected for their Prince . Though differences were thus concluded with the Tartars , yet the Cosacks continued still their enmities , entring the Black Sea with eighty Saicks , which they so infested , that the Turks could for that year avail themselves little of their Navigation in those Seas : so that the Turks , to curb these insolencies , gave Orders to build two Forts at the mouth of the Black Sea : the Polish Ambassadour made complaint hereof , and protested against it , as an Act contrary to the Capitulations of Peace ; but the Turks esteem little of the air of Bravadoes , whilst they are not accompanied with something else more solid than their own levity . But the grand Concernments which busied the thoughts of the Turks was the Rebellion of Abassa , and the War in Persia , the management of which was the charge and care of the Selictar Aga lately made Vizier , called Serches Pasha . His Head-quarters were at the beginning of this year taken up at Iconium , called by the Turks Conie ; and Abassa was encamped at Kaisaria , against whom the Vizier marched ; and being nearly approached , the Janisaries earnestly urged , that Battle might be given the Enemy ; but the Vizier having received Instructions not to engage , if possible , but rather to enter into a Treaty , and to propose terms of Accommodation , delayed the time , and with various excuses eluded the present premures of the Janisaries ; at which they became so angry , that they slew into an open Mutiny , cutting the Cords of his Tents , stoning him , and wounding him in the head : by which open violence the Vizier being compelled to make known his Orders , he assembled the chief Commanders of the Spahees and Janisaries , giving them to understand , that the Grand Signiors pleasure was to make up the difference with Abassa , as the only means to conclude an intestine and unnatural War , and to be able to withstand the Persians , and regain the Country and reputation which the Turks had lost . This Proposition seemed plausible to the Commanders at the General Assembly , and more especially because it was the pleasure and injunction of the Grand Signior ; but more difficult it was to incline the rough and obstinate minds of the Janisaries to a resolution so different to their natures , and so contrary to that revenge which they had deeply rooted in their hearts and sworn to execute : howsoever the perswasions which the Officers used to their inferiour Souldiers , putting them in memory of the blood of their Companions , and how destructive the continuance of such a War must necessarily prove for the future by those large essusions of blood hwich they must expect farther to make , were so prevalent upon them , that at length they condescended to a Treaty , and to receive Abassa for a Friend and a Fellow-Souldier . Abassa at first suspecting some treachery , refused to give a private meeting to the Vizier ; but the Vizier giving his Brother the Beglerbegh of Caramania and the Pasha of Anatolia for Hostages , the day and place for a Conference was appointed ; where both Parties meeting , Articles were agreed , that Abassa should still continue to be Pasha of Erzirum , his Son Pasha of Bosra , his Kahya or Lieutenant to be Pasha of Maraseh ( all which were places on the Confines of Persia ) a general Act of Pardon and Anmestie was to be given to Abassa and his whole Army , and the Articles sworn unto in the most solemn manner by the Vizier , and confirmed in the publick Camp of the Janisaries , who also promised to maintain this word and promise of the Vizier ; to all which the Grand Signior gave his Hand , and affixed his Royal Signature . A Reconciliation being in this manner compleated , the City of Erzirum resigned it self to the Obedience of the Grand Signior , and the Army of Abassa was employed on the Confines of Persia , and converted against the Enemy . The Vizier also was appointed to proceed on the same Enterprise ; but his Army was so ill provided of all necessaries , that he made his excuse , and refused to march forward ; but on the contrary , he returned to Constantinople in company with Abassa , where with many demonstrations of friendship and respect , he was conducted to the presence of the Grand Signior to receive Honour , and the reward of his penitence , and return to obedience . The approach of these two great Personages near to Constantinople made much noise and rumor in the City ; some blamed the weakness of the Government for accepting an Enemy unto favour , and that the crowning of his Rebellion with rewards , was to encourage others in the like practices . The Vizier was also murmured against for leaving the Army and the War , contrary to the Royal Command , by such as were emulous of his Greatness : but as envy is converted into veneration , and ceases as smoke doth , when it is blown up by the flame of success and glory ; so those who were emulous of these persons , submitted to all obsequious offices towards them , and dissembling their malice , went to meet them as far as Scutari , that they might add to their Train and Equipage , and help at the Solemnity of their Entrance . All people now cast their eyes on the Vizier and Abassa , as the two great men of this Age ; the first was esteemed for his dexterous and successful management in bringing over Abassa to his submission and obedience ; for though he was not famed much for his great Feats of Arms , yet this Reconciliation of Abassa was accounted a Master-piece of Policy , and better service than a Victory . Abassa also drew the eyes of the people , who crowded to see so great a Captain , that could contend with the Port , and put all Asta into disturbance , and in conclusion could make the same Arms serve his Master , which had lately before given a check and stop to all the Ottoman Force . The Vizier was the first introduced to the Royal Presence , where being graciously received , he was presented with a Vest of Sables and a Cemiter set with Jewels . Abassa was afterwards admitted , and having performed his obeisance by touching the ground with his forehead after their fashion ; he declared , that he never was other than a faithful Vassal to the Sultan , and that he had taken up Arms for his sake , that he might subjugate the insolence of the Janisaries , and with their blood revenge the death , and sacrifice to the Ghost of his murdered Brother Osman , that they might learn to reverence their Princes for the suture , and learn to know how sacred the blood is of their Soveraign . The Grand Signior seemed kindly to accept this Apology , and as a token thereof bestowed three Vests upon him , which was a treble Honour of that kind , and made him Pasha of Bosna ; on which employment he immediately entred : and though when such Offices are bestowed , it is commonly the custom for that person who is invested in the Employment given , to kiss the sleeve of the Grand Signior publickly by way of thanks ; yet lest such demonstration of Honour should ill afsect the eyes of the Janisaries , and cause murmuring and repinings amongst the most envious of the Souldiery , his last Audience was designed privately , and his Dispatch procured in more secret and familiar manner , and therefore more obliging than was usual . To yield some assistance to the present growing Charges of the Empire , the Vizier imposed a heavy Tax on the Christians and Jews ; on the first it was levied with all severity ; but the Jews found more favour by their Arts and secret management of Affairs ; for they are a people of some Authority and Power in Turkie : they are cursed by particular persons , but caressed by the generality : they are Slaves in all Countries , and yet acquire somewhat of Mastership and Propriety : they are Vagabonds , and yet every Country is their own : they cannot buy Lands , and yet daily increase their Fortunes : they multiply in abundance , because they all marry , and are not destroyed by Wars : they are great Confidents of the Turks , and Enemies to the Christians . In short , covetousness in Constantinople is like a publick Courtisan , to whom the Jews are the Panders and Ruflians . The Grand Signior passing one day through the streets , unhappily met with the Ambassadour of the Prince of Transylvania , who because he did not immediately descend from his Horse in token of reverence , he caused him and his whole Family to be imprisoned ; but being afterwards excused by the Chimacam to have only been a matter of inadvertency , his omission was pardoned , and so released from his restraint . The Souldiery having for a long time been governed by a loose and gentle hand , continued their licentious way of living , committing many outrages on the Merchants and Inhabitants of Constantinople , against which many Decrees having been published , and Proclamations made without any effect or notice of the Souldiery ; the Vizier was unwilling to dally longer ; and therefore taking a Spahee and a Janisary , hanged them up , and cut off their Heads , and with such course and method of severity he so abated the haughty stomachs of the Souldiers already mortified by the assumption of Abassa into favour , that they began to yield unto Command , and to behold their Rulers with an eye of respect , as those which were seated in some degree above themselves ; for till now there was scarce a common Janisary , but who thought himself to be the Creator or Elector of his General , and therefore to be little inferiour to him in Power and Dignity . And as this Vizier was severe towards the Souldiery , so he demeaned himself with equal rigour towards the Pasha's and Grandees of the Court ; which though it was an humor in the Vizier at that conjuncture laudable and necessary , yet it procured him such enmity , as removed him at a distance , and caused him to be sent into Persia to command the Army , and by that means to expose him to the hazard and difficulties of doubtful success in a dangerous War. The Vizier being departed , the Grand Signior appeared in publick on Horse-back , together with his Brother by his side , an unusual sight amongst the Turks ; but the Queen-Mother , who in absence of the Vizier ruled much , commanded that it should be so : the Grand Signior had this year a Son born which caused great rejoycing at Constantinople ; because there were few Males at that time surviving of the Ottoman Line ; but scarce was the Festival ended before the Child died . But let us now for a while withdraw our Discourse from the Wars of Persia , and look to the Actions in Poland and Transylvania . Mehmet the late King of Tartary , who was so displeasing to the Port ( as we have already related ) was now dead , to whom succeeded a Kinsman of his called Fembeg Gheray , universally pleasing and acceptable to that people . This new King , to demonstrate his prowess , and to act something acceptable to the Port , dispeeded forty thousand Horse into Podolia and Russia to sack and ravage the Country , which dividing themselves into several Parties , made their Incursions as far as Socal . But in the mean time the Polonians and Cosacks having formed a strong Body of Horse under the Command of Stephen Chmieleskie , met them at their return near to Burstinow , where they gave them a total overthrow ; and in like manner Stanislaus Lubomiski encountred another Party , and overthrow them , leaving thirty thousand slain on the place , and taking two thousand Prisoners , amongst which was the younger Brother of the Tartar King. This defeat , as it was the greatest that ever was given to the Tartars , so it is probable , that had it been well prosecuted at that time by the Polonians , they might have entred the Chersonesus Tauricus , and without much opposition have put an end to that Kingdom ; but Sigismond King of Poland had other designs in hand : such mixed Monarchies as that being better able to defend their own Dominions , than to acquire or conquer others . To this News ill received at Constantinople supervened the unexpected death of Bethlem Gabor ; unexpected , I say , because that though he had been long labouring under the diseases of Dropsie and Asthma , yet the greatness of his Soul , and activeness of his Spirit mastered for a long time his indisposition , so that he seldom or never omitted his Counsels and business ; and to the very time of his death was meditating and contriving designs , whereby to preserve his Dominions , and enlarge them . And indeed the Government of Transylvania required no less than such a stirring Spirit : for being seated between two such powerful Monarchs , as the Emperour and the Turk , there was need of dexterity and courage to steer between the rocks of such opposite Interests : sometimes it was necessary to joyn with one , and anon with the other : so Sigismond Battori Prince of Transylvania uniting his Forces with the Emperour 's in several Conflicts overthrew the Turk , and kept the scale in an equal balance : Gabor on the contrary inclined to the Turks , and supported his Interest with the Ottoman Power , following such Maxims as had been more ruinous to Christendom , had he transferred them to a Son to imitate and pursue ; but dying without issue , the Government devolved to his Princess by Vote of the States of the Country , and by Confirmation of the Turk , as we have already intimated . Gabor knew so well how to deal and treat with the Turks , that he gained an abatement of ten thousand Dollars of the annual Tribute ; he managed his affairs so subtilely with the Emperour , that he was always invited to a Peace , and accordingly made his advantage by the Treaty . The other Princes of Christendom in like manner courted him , and particularly the Cardinal Richelieu employed one Bornemis , a Gentleman of Transylvania , a Lover of the French Interest , to be always about him , by whose means , and with the assistance of twenty thousand Crowns of yearly Pension , he obliged him to make War on the Emperour , at such seasons as it should be intimated unto him to be most conducing to the advantage of France . At length , as we have said , giving way to mortality , he died on the 15 th of November , after he had reigned eighteen years : he was a Prince of great abilities , but exercised them ill to the damage of Christendom ; howsoever he was a Souldier of extraordinary courage and conduct , having begun to manage his Sword at seventeen years of age , and as it is said , had been engaged in forty two several Fights . His Widow Katherine , Sister of the Elector of Brandenburgh , rendred an account to the Port of this accident , and the Grand Signior immediately returned Answer by Sulficar Aga , condoling the misfortune , and encouraging her to a dependence on the Port : which she accepting with due resentment promised obedience to the Grand Signior , and begged his Protection . But the weather was too boisterous and rude for a Vessel to be navigated well under the Pilotage of a Woman ; for the situation of the Country between two mighty and potent Monarchs required more than a masculine mind and courage to free and defend it from the plots , snares , and violence with which it was , as with a toile , encompassed by those two great Nimrods of the East and West . And though the Sultan undertook to defend his Female Ally , yet the diversion of the Ottoman Arms in Persia , the intestine distractions , and the Minority of the Emperour were such burdens on the foundation of Empire , and obstructions to great and Heroick Atchievements in behalf of the distressed Princess , that all the promises made to her were unavailable and ineffectual . For Stephen Bethlem , a Kinsman of the deceased Prince , a man conspicuous in his own Person and Estate , as well as for the several Governments divided amongst his Sons , and the interest he had gained in his Country , procured means to convoke the States at Claudiopolis , and insinuating the foregoing inconveniencies of a Female Government , so prevailed with the Assembly , that they perswaded the Princess to yield up her Soveraignty to Stephen Gabor , as one better capacitated for Rule and Soveraignty than her self . Stephen having thus obtained his intent , entred into a serious Consultation with his Friends and Relations , whether he should labour to confirm the Government to himself and entail it to the Family , or renounce it to some other . The first seemed a matter very dubious and difficult ; for that Bethlem Gabor his Predecessour had disobliged the principal Boyards or Barons of the Country , and thereby derived an envy and hatred to all his Family : his long and violent government annexed to the interest of the Turk , had not only rendred his Memory odious to his own-People , but likewise to the House of Austria , which would be ready to continue the like prejudice and aversion to any of the same Family , as it did to the last thereof . For which Reasons , after due and mature consideration , it was resolved to offer the Government to George Ragotski , a person rich in money and of great interest , by reason of the Jurisdiction and Castles which he possessed in Hungary , belonging to his own paternal Inheritance ; and in pursuance thereof they sent Stephen the second Son , and Solomon a Kinsman of that Family for Ambassadours to Ragotski , representing to him , that they had preferred his Merit before the Interest of their own Family , and therefore desired him , that he would be pleased to take upon himself the Regency of the Principality . The offer of Government was a savoury bait to the palate of Ragotski , which he embraced with singular afsectation and contentment , and was easily perswaded on this occasion to take a Journey to Varadin , one of the principal Fortresses and places of consideration in that whole Province , and was there received by Stephen the Ambassadour , Governour of the Citadel , with firing all the Cannon , and with the common Joy and Festivity of the whole City . But in the midst of this mirth , an unexpected Messenger arrived with News , that the States had with common consent elected another Prince , which was Stephen Bethlem , Father of the Ambassadour , and Author of this Counsel . Ragotski was strangely surprised with this Intelligence , and the Ambassadours were put to the blush to see their Negotiations under such a shameful defeat : howsoever resolving to continue constant to their first Election , and to renounce the interest of their own Family , they still maintained the same obsequious offices of Honour and Reverence towards Ragotski , as formerly . And notwithstanding the Orders received from the States to abstain from any other demonstrations of Honour to Ragotski , than what were ordinary towards a private person of his Quality and Riches ; and that he should retire from the Confines of Transylvania to the Precincts of his own Castles : yet they still persisted to execute their first Commission , and so to attract people to his Party ; that the number thereof daily increasing , it was at length agreed , that the first Election not being fair , the point in Controversie should be determined at Sazburg , a City of Saxony . The States General being assembled , Ragotski accompanied his pretensions with a large effusion of Gold , the most powerful and most convincing Argument imaginable : to which he added , That he had no design to affect the Principality , had not the same been first offered to him from Stephen Gabor the Father by the hand of his Son : that it was very improper for that person to offer a Dignity to another , which he affected for himself : that it was in the power of the Transylvanians not to have offered him the Principality ; but having once chosen him to it , they could not , without his disparagement and prejudice , retract from their Election . In short , these considerations , assisted by the interest of the Princess Dowager , so far prevailed , that Stephen Bethlem was put aside , and Ragotski , who attended the success of this matter at Varadin , was with common consent elected Prince ; from whence being with great Acclamations , and a general concourse of the people , conducted to Alba Julia , he there took the usual Oath with much Solemnity and Magnificence ; and with Princely Magnificence entertained and treated the two Ambassadours Stephen and Solomon , and dispensed freely his money unto divers ; who before being Enemies , were now reconciled , and become his Friends and Admirers . Liberality in a Prince is the most resplendent Gemm in all his Crown , and is a light so forcible , that it dazles envy it self , and puts out all the eyes of suspicion and jealousie . By this time the Great Vizier was far advanced with his Army into Persia , having been encouraged to proceed by the feigned flight , or rather retre at of the Enemy , who burned , destroyed , and laid waste all round them , as they retired ; which put the Turks to such inextricable difficulties , that in two months March they had all the inconveniencies and miseries to contend with , which commonly attend Armies in strange Countries ; the Plains through which they travelled were abandoned by the Inhabitants , and void of provisions , the Mountains were covered with Snow and comfortless ; and what was worst , the Persians kept all the narrow passages so strongly guarded , that the Vizier was now more in danger of Famine than of the Sword : but being a person of great sense and experience in Military affairs , he prudently disingaged himself from the intricacy of these dangers ; and encamping his Army in the Plain of Amedan , he so provoked the hot Spirits of the Persians , that they resolve to assault him on that side of his Camp , which they judged to be the most weakly defended ; of which having some advertisement , he secretly laid an Ambuscado in the way , which so happily succeeded , that he killed eight thousand Persians on the place ; but howsoever the Victory cost so dear , and was so bloody by the loss of the stoutest Janisaries , and the bravest of the Souldiery , that the news thereof made little noise or rejoycing at Constantinople . With this Intelligence the Vizier demanded new Recruits ; for that besides the abatement of his numbers by the last Engagement , the multitudes of the Enemy increased , and his own Souldiers fled from their Colours ; of which many being observed to enter Constantinople , notwithstanding the severe Decrees of Martial Law published against them , put the Grand Signior into a high choler and indignation . And being desirous to reinforce the Viziers Army with all the Recruits that he was able , Proclamations were made , that all the Militia at Constantinople should immediately pass over unto Scutari under their respective Commanders ; and that whosoever received one Asper of Pay from the Grand Signior in quality of a Souldier , should immediately pass the Chanel into Asta , and follow their Leaders to the War. But so great was the abhorrency which the Souldiers had to this March into Persia , calling it the Sepulchre and Cemetery of the Turks , that few or none would obey , every one flying , hiding , and shifting for himself as well as he could ; during which fears and troubles , the ways from Persia were so obstructed by the Curdes , that in the space of three or four months no News arrived at Constantinople from the Army , which caused as great apprehensions and affrightments there , as if the Empire had been reduced to the utmost extremity . Nor did the Sultan want jealousies and fears of receiving affronts from the Emperour , and King of Poland ; the first of which had a fair opportunity presented of regaining all Transylvania , especially at a time when that Country was divided by two several Factions ; but more pressing and troublesom were the Cosacks , who daily infested the Black Sea , and to the great reproach of the Imperial City perpetually disturbed it with Alarms , passing up almost in sight of Constantinople : of which complaints being made to the Polonian Ambassadours , he answered with some indignation , That the Cosacks had reason for what they acted ; for that since the Tartars had by Orders from the Grand Signior made their late irruption into that Country , as they could well prove from the Commission taken amongst the Baggage of the Prince of Tartary in the last defeat , the Cosacks might with all justice assume to themselves a method of revenge . But the Grand Signior not being able to support this affront , or to see himself braved on the very Banks of his Imperial Seat , and his Villages and Towns round about burnt and pillaged by a crew of Free-booters and Pirates , cast all the blame on the Chimacam , to whom in his rage he gave such a blow with his sist on the face , that blood issued from his nose ; and had not the Queen-Mother interceded for him , he had been delivered into the hand of the Executioner to take away his life . Nor was the Captain-Pasha in less danger at his return ; because , that upon his assurance , that the Cosacks would not for that year make any attempt in the Chanel of Constantinople , the Grand Signior had assented , that the Fleet of Gallies should that Summer make a Voyage into the Archipelago ; which mistake having been the cause of all this affront , the Captain-Pasha was to share in the blame , and had likewise in the punishment , had not good Friends interposed between him and danger . Nor were the Cosacks satisfied with their late Plunder , but speedily made another return with two hundred Boats ; and though the whole Fleet of Gallies were then in Port , yet they had the boldness to proceed as far as Pompey's Pillar , and thereby to hinder all Provisions from passing to Constantinople by way of the Black Sea. And what gave greater fear than all this , was the News which came at the same time , that the Poles were on the Frontiers with thirty thousand Horse ; to whom immediately a Chaous or Envoyé was dispatched with Propositions very advantageous to the Crown of Poland , conditionally that the continual irruptions made by the Cosacks should be stopped , and they restrained within the due terms of peace and moderation . The Chaous found a civil reception from the Poles , and promises of compliance , in regard that the King had some intentions of making War upon the Moscovite ; but whilst these things were in agitation , and that the Chaous was ready to return , behold on a sudden News came , that ten thousand Tartars were broken into Podolia , which put all things back again , and so changed the stile of Affairs , that in the stead of Articles of Peace , the Chaous was again returned with the menaces of War , and with reproaches for the last perfidious action . Notwithstanding all these troubles abroad , the Puissance of the Ottoman Empire might have been able to have struggled with greater difficulties , had not its own intestine distractions rendred all things dangerous , and of a malevolent aspect . The Government was at that time chiefly in the hands of the four Brothers-in-law , who had married four Sisters of the Grand Signior's , and for that reason were powerful , and employed in the principal Offices of State , and commonly drew contrary to the opinions of the Mufti and Chimacam , which two last were not well accorded between themselves ; for that the latter encroached on the Office of the Mufti , to the great scandal and discontent of all the religious and literate men in the whole City ; howsoever they both joyned in consultation by what means they might best secure themselves and the Government from the lusts and evil designs of this quadruple Fraternity ; but their wisdom and interests were too weak to contrive remedies against such high oppressions ; for besides the violences daily practised by the Brothers , the extravagant humors in the Sultan himself added to the disorders of State , and increased the discontents and dissatisfactions of the people : for though Morat was naturally endowed with a good wit and parts , was stout and of a good courage ; yet as his perpetual debauchery in Wine rendred him in appearance but of a weak understanding , mixed with much levity , so it caused his accessions of the Falling sickness ( to which he was subject ) to return often , whereby the strength of his brain was daily weakened and impaired : he was negligent also in the performance of those Ceremonies which his Ancestors were accustomed to observe ; nor did he live with that gravity and regular course which is agreeable to the Grandeur of so great a Prince : for sometimes he would go out of his Seraglio with no other Attendance than of three or four men , which were for the most part Buffoons , Players upon the Gittern , and Eunuchs ; and with no better an Equipage would he sometimes be seen on Horse-back , or in his Boat rowed on the Bosphorus with six Oars only : by which actions and other mean sallies of Youth , he created such a contempt towards his Person , that evil men grew factions and weary , and entred into Conspiracies against his life , whilst the good men feared and presaged the ruine and downfal of the Empire : for neither justice , nor order , nor obedience prevailed ; no Offices were conferred for Merit , but by money , or some other unlawful means ; there remained no Counsellors of true faith and integrity , nor Souldiers almost either of experience for Sea or Land-adventures . The people being burdened by double Taxes and Imposts were mutinous ; and ready to take the least fire of Rebellion ; the Souldiery were disorderly for want of Discipline and their constant Pay : the Pasha's of remote Provinces grew insolent , taking upon themselves rather an absolute than a depending Soveraignty . In short , all things looked with that black appearance , that nothing seemed to keep the frame of Empire together , but only the expectation of good success to the Army in Persia , the which , as it depended on uncertain events , so the Ottoman Monarchy was then shaking , and stood tottering on its deepest foundation . Wherefore all people being intent to hear of good News from Persia , were much pleased to understand , that the Vizier having by advantage in the last Engagement laden his Army with Plunder and Spoils , was now preparing to besiege Bagdat , for whose good success Prayers were daily made in the Moschs ; and the Schoolmasters surrounded the streets with their young Scholars , singing out Prayers with the Amen at every period , according to the custom of that Country . The Vizier marched towards Bagdat , and began to besiege it about the 10 th of September ; in order whereunto he amassed great abundance of all sorts of Provisions , and made his Magazine of them at Mosul , two thousand Camels , each laden with two Sacks of Cotton , every Sack being of about ten foot long , were carried to the Siege , for shelter of the Souldiery , and to fill the Ditches . The Vizier having passed part of his Army over the River Tigris , the rest with the Cannon remaining on the hither side , he dispatched Nasuf Pasha of Aleppo with six thousand Spahees to take a view of the place , and discover the Avenues unto it : in his way thither he met with eight thousand Persian Horse sent to reinfore the Garrison , which he valiantly engaged ; but being dangerously wounded , was forced to retreat with the loss of almost half of his men , part killed , and part taken ; those which were carried Prisoners to Bagdat were treated with all civility by the Governour , who gave them a view of the Garrison , which consisted of twenty thousand effective men , shewed them their Stores and Provisions , and that there was scarce an unuseful mouth in all the City to devour them . Notwithstanding this disaster at the beginning , the Vizier nothing dismayed proceeded on his design , spending the whole month of September in making his approaches . In the month of October he mounted eighteen Pieces of great Cannon , which for the space of twenty five days battered continually the Curtain between the two Bastions on which were four Pieces of Cannon not perceived by the Turks ; there was also a deep and large Ditch not discovered by them , for that it was planked over with Boards , and covered with a green Turff , so that it appeared like a plain and firm ground ; the broach being made , and seemingly undefended , the Turks resolved to make an Assault ; wherefore the Vizier on the 20 th of November commanded the Spahees under the Conduct of the Beglerbei of Anatolia , accompanied with Pasha's , Sangiacks , and other persons of note , as also with Janisaries , to the number of thirty thousand , to enter the breach : which being performed , and great numbers crowding on the Turff , the weight of them pressed down the Planks ; and therewith the whole Engine giving way , five or six thousand were in a moment taken as it were in a Pit-fall , and swallowed up without any possibility of succour to be yielded from their Companions . After which on an instant there appeared fifteen thousand men on the breach and on the Bastions , which with their Cannon and continual Vollies of Musket-shot , so galled the Spahees , that they broke their main Body , and killed the Beglerbei of Anatolia with other persons of note and quality , and made the whole Army to retreat . Two days after this disgrace the Vizier raised the Siege , and marched towards Mosul , and the Persians encouraged with this success , pursued the Turks with eight thousand Horse , assailed the Rear-guard of the Enemy ; and though the conduct and care thereof was committed to the charge of the Pasha's of Aleppo and Damascus , yet the Persians killed three thousand Turks , and had defeated the whole Rear of the Army , had not the Spahees turned their Horses , and withstood the shock with great Valour . Notwithstanding this dishonourable Retreat the Vizier lost not his courage , or hopes of taking the Town , in order unto which he appointed all things necessary to renew the Siege again in the months of September and October following ; for that the foregoing months are either too rainy , or too hot in those Countries to undertake a design or enterprise of that nature : he fortified all the small places in those parts round , and quartered his Souldiers in them ; so that having all conveniencies of living , they might be induced to continue , and not abandon their Colours : especially he took care to fortified Illay , a place of about two days journey from Bagdat , reinforcing the Garrison with six thousand men under the Command of three Beglerbegs , in regard that it was a very considerable Pass , and the principal Magazine and Granary of Corn and other Provisions . At the same time he sent Letters to Constantinople , representing the state of his affairs to be in a hopeful condition ; and desiring Recruits both of men and money , gave great assurances of conquering the City at the next Attempt . In this perillous condition of the Ottoman State one would have imagined , that Christian Princes would have seen their own interest , and made use of their advantage ; but God not having as yet fixed a period to the bounds of this Empire , was pleased by his secret Providence to divert both the Emperour and the King of Poland from making War with the Turk , inclining them to employ their Arms on their Christian Neighbours . For though the Chaous ( as we have said before ) was returned from Poland with disdain , and with an angry Message ; yet the Chimacam , when he made Moses Vayvod of Moldavia , encharged him to perform all offices of Mediation between the Grand Signior and the Poles , perswading them to restrain the Incursions of the Cosacks , and to send an Ambassadour to the Port : in which affair Moses so well performed his Negotiation , that applying Lenitives to the anger of the Poles , he reduced them to Articles of Peace , and to promises of restraining the Cosacks , on condition , that the Turks reciprocally forbid and withhold the Tartars from joyning or affording assistance to his Enemies the Moscovites . These Conditions being agreed , an Ambassadour was sent from Poland to Constantinople , where he was received with as much joy as he was expected with impatience . The Cosacks and Tartars were two sorts of people which lived equally on Spoils and Booty , the first as offensive to the Turk , as the latter to the Pole ; and therefore as it was an equal benefit , so it was an agreement of even Terms to counterchange the caution given reciprocally for one and the other . But the Engagement for such wild people was more easily given than performed , which because it was a point agreeable to both Parties , it was expressed with the most clear words and strict terms possible . The Poles were weary and grieved to see their Provinces depopulated by the Tartars , who yearly carried away some thousands of souls : the Turks on the other side were not less infested with the Cosacks , who captivated their people , burnt their Towns and Villages , and kept them in continual Alarms . But because these people are hardly restrained from their robberies and pillaging , the Poles , as a remedy , resolved to carry the Cosacks to the War against the Moscovite , and better to secure the Tartar , the Polish Ambassadour obliged to pay them twenty thousand Florins yearly , and six thousand pair of Boots , according to the ancient Articles of Peace ; on which considerations the Tartars were engaged never to enter Poland in a hostile manner , but to serve that King in his Wars against all Nations whatsoever , the Turks only excepted . In this manner were the Turks this year freed from all apprehensions of Alarm from the Cosacks , and of War with Poland . And the Emperour was so busied concerning the surprize of Mantoua , and engaged in the quarrel about that Dutchy , and with some ambitious thoughts relating to Italy , that the Turks hoped to have prosecuted their Wars in Persia without fear of diversion from the Western parts . But yet the affairs towards the parts of Germany were not so well secured , but that the turbulent spirit of Ragotski administred subject for dissention ; for being lately seated ( as we have said ) in his Principality , he was doubtful , whether it were most for his interest to incline unto the Emperour , or to the Turk ; and whilst both Parties courted his friendship , and cheapned his acknowledgments ( for of necessity he must be a Vassal to one or the other ) the Heyducs who were Tenants to the Lands of Gabor , refused to return to the obedience of the Emperour , demanding protection from the Grand Signior . The jealousie of those ill consequences which this commotion might produce alarmed all the Country ; and the Emperour and Ragotski being hereby raised to a mutual defiance , advanced their Troops one against the other upon the Frontiers ; but all Hungary trembling with fear of those calamities which ensue from War , several of those concerned interposed so far towards an Accommodation , that Deputies were appointed to meet at Cassovia to treat of Peace : but in the mean time the Palatine of Hungary passing eight thousand men over the River Tibiscus to make seisure of a certain Fort built by George Basta , so alarmed and awakened Ragotski , that he dispatched a Gentleman to him to demand the cause of this motion ; and not receiving an answer agreeable to his expectation , he advanced upon him with an Army of ten thousand men , and engaging him with great resolution , killed four thousand on the place , and so caused him to retire : from these beginnings all the mischiefs of a bloody War had certainly ensued , had not Ragotski refused to receive Succours from the Turk ; but he depending on his own strength ( having fifteen thousand men in Arms for defence of his hereditary Lands in Hungary ) contemned all external assistances , as savouring too much of vassalage and dependence ; howsoever the Pasha's of the Frontiers assembled their Forces , and yet acted with such caution , as not to proceed to an open Rupture ; for the Wars in Persia being unsuccessful and pressing , required moderation and Lenitives on this side , that so the differences now on the Frontiers might be transferred to an opportunity more seasonable for dispute . In the month of September Sultan Morat being at his small Seraglio called Daout Pasha , and sleeping there one night in his Bed , he was on a sudden awakened by a terrible Lightning ; which entring his Chamber rounded his Bed , leaving several marks on his Sheets and Quilts ; and whilst he sought some place to hide himself in , it passed under his arm , and burnt part of his shirt , the affrightment of which so astonished him , that he remained for some time in a swound , which for ever after did much impair the strength of his brain : he now began to be sensible that there were other Thunder-bolts than those that proceed from his own Throne ; and like Tiberius learned to tremble at the voice of God , whilst he heard him speak in the clouds : Nec Deum unquam nisi iratum pertimuit , & turbatiori Coelo fulminantem . And so affected was the Sultan with this accident , that afterwards he dismissed divers of his Buffoons from the Court , and particularly a Mute whose ridiculous gestures were his common Divertisement , and for some time caused him to abstain from Wine ; and as a farther token of his Conversion and thankfulness to God for this escape , he ordered five thousand Dollars to be given in alms to the poor , and Korban to be made of three hundred sheep ; and the Friday following he solemnly went to the Mosch , to render thanks unto God for having so prodigiously preserved him from the Executioner of his Vengeance . During all this time the Great Vizier wanting Succours and Supplies of men and money , had great difficulty to contain his people in their due obedience , or within the bounds of their Quarters ; for they were apt to leave their Colours , and would really have disbanded , had not their spirits been daily held up with the hopes and amusements of Pay and Recruits . The four Brethren-in-law which greatly apprehended lest their Power and Authority should be abated by the return of the Vizier , exercised all the diligence they were able to make new Levies , the reinforcement of which might instill new courage into the Souldiery , and be a means to continue the Vizier in those parts ; but the Mufti obstructed all Levies on the side of Greece and the Frontiers of Christendom , alledging , That the best Souldiers being sent from those parts , would hazard the Empire by exposing and laying it open to the Incursions of the Christians : by which contrary opinions and delays the Vizier wanting the assistance expected , the Persians recovered all the little Fortresses which they had lost the year before , with the considerable place of Illay ; which being taken by assault and by an absolute force of Sword and Arms , the greatest part of the Garrison consisting of eight thousand men commanded by the three Pasha's before-mentioned , were cut off , which was an important loss to the Turks , not only for the slaughter of so many brave Souldiers , but also for the quantities of Provisions , being the Granary and Magazine for the whole Army . Therein were likewise taken forty Field-pieces carrying eight pounds Bullet , with a great Chain of Iron , which usually encompasses the Treasury which is carried into the Field . With this ill success the Vizier retreated from Mosul as far as Mirdin , from whence he redoubled his instances for Supplies for men and money . At length it was agreed , that an Army of thirty thousand Tartars should be sent thither ; but Ragotski advising , that he was upon the point of breaking with the Emperour , it was ordered , that their number should be reduced to ten thousand ; the which taking their Journey into Persia by the way of Circassia , were there encountred by Han Gherey , the Prince of Tartary , ( whom we formerly mentioned to have been deposed by that people ) and by him obstructed in their passage , the Vanguard of their Army being cut off by him ; so that they were forced again to retreat and to embark their Men and Horse at Caffa to be transported by Sea to Trapezond ; which as it was a matter of great trouble , so it was a course unpractised by the Tartars . The G. Signior being unable to render a more considerable Succour than this unto his Army , which was now reduced to the weak number of two thousand Janisaries , and three thousand Spahees , he resolved to condescend to Terms and Articles , as the only means to save his Honour , and the remainder of his Forces . In order unto which , he released a Persian Lord from his Imprisonment in the Seven Towers , and qualified him with the Title of Ambassadour , bestowing upon him an Equipage of Men and Horse agreeable to his Character , with four thousand Dollars to defray his Expence ; and that the King of Persia might be assured of the Sultan's real intentions and desires of Peace , he recalled his Army in the Spring , whereby all Acts of Hostility ceased : and thus the Vizier being returned to Constantinople , that pride and rigour which he exercised towards all in the time of his prosperity , laid him low by misfortunes in the esteem of his Enemies ; who gladly embracing the opportunity to disgrace him with all the terms of obloguy and detraction , deprived him at length of his Office. One of the four Brothers-in-law married to one of the Grand Signior's Sisters , and Prime of the Cabal , being constituted Vizier in his stead . Nor did the late Vizier easily escape with his life , until he had reprieved it with an atonement of an hundred thousand Zechins of Gold and some choice Horses which he presented to the Sultan ; the like Example other Pasha's his Companions followed in proportion to their Estates and Employments ; by which Presents the empty Treasury was in a manner recruited , and the present necessities of the Sultan relieved . But this new Vizier enjoyed not long either his Honours , or his life ; for the first act he performed , was to mitigate the Valedé Sultana or Queen-Mother to obtain a Hattesheriff , or writing under the Grand Signior's Hand for cutting off the Head of Casref Pasha , the Spaheeler-Agasi , or General of the Spahees , which being executed by Mortesa the Commander in Chief in Persia , his Head was brought and thrown at the Gates of the Divan . The Spahees astonished at this spectacle , and enraged to see that Head on the ground which they so much esteemed and loved , forgot all the terms of duty and obedience to their Superiours ; and without regard to the place wherein they were , even within the Walls of the Grand Signior's Court they threw stones at the Vizier , and beat him from his Horse ; which though the Grand Signior and all the Viziers highly resented , as the most scandalous indignity that could be offered to the Majesty of a Supreme Ruler and to all Government , yet their Counsels rather sought remedies to suppress the Mutiny , than to make Proposals of executing Justice on the Offenders ; for the Spahees seconded by the Janisaries , ( who were glad of any cause to make a commotion ) assembled in the Hippodromo , from whence they sent an Arz to the Sultan , requiring the Heads of the Great Vizier , and of divers others , as well within as without the Seraglio . The Grand Signior denying positively to assent hereunto , the Souldiery as plainly threatned to depose him , and place his Brother in the Throne ; at which barbarous resolution the Grand Signior being affrighted , his youthful constancy was so shaken , that he wrote to his Mother to desire her excuse in case he assented to the death of her Son-in-law the Great Vizier ; for that the storm of the military fury was so great , that he could not endeavour to protect him without the loss of his life and Crown : wherefore the Vizier being turned out of the Gates of the Seraglio , he was immediately butchered in the presence of the Sultan . Nor did the impetuous rage of the Souldiery end here , but they proceeded farther to demand the Head of the Janisar-Aga , or General of the Janisaries , who was reputed the chief Instrument of the death of Casref , because he was a principal Favourite to the Grand Signior ; but he wisely taking divers off with Money and Presents , sowed division between the Janisaries and Spahees ; so that some difficulty arising hereupon , the determination of his death was deferred for a while ; howsoever they proceeded to demand , that the Mufti should be discharged of his Office , and that the Tefterdar or Treasurer should be delivered into their hands . To the first the Grand Signior assented ; but being willing to save the other , he pretended , that he was escaped and fled ; but when he was found , he should run the same Fate with the Vizier . But the military Sedition not being appeased with this answer , they roved through the whole City , and Galata , and other parts of the Suburbs : the Spahees persisting to require the Head of the Janisar-Aga , and not finding him in his House , they plundered it , and departed ; and meeting with a Youth , a Favourite of the Grand Signior's , they killed him ; and so returning with the like fury to the Seraglio , they required admission to the New Vizier and Mufti . Regep Pasha , another of the Brothers-in-law , was then made Vizier , who with the new Mufti trembling at these Tumults , were careful to treat the Souldiery with all lenity and condescension imaginable , desiring them to declare their grievances , and whatsoever might give them satisfaction should be granted . The seditious Souldiers replied , That they were resolved to see the Grand Signior's Brother , for that when the present Sultan did not govern well , they might know from whence to produce another of better abilities , and more agreeable to the designs of the Empire . That necessity which caused the late easiness of condescension to former demands , made way also for compliance with this ; so that the young Prince being brought forth , they obliged the Sultan not to attempt any thing against his life , and caused the Vizier and Mufti to become caution and security for it . Nor did these concessions contribute towards a pacisication ; but rather their insolence increased thereby , renewing their exclamations at the Gates of the Seraglio for the Heads of the Janisar-Aga and the Testerdar ; nor would they be satisfied with answer , that these men were not found in the Seraglio , but still persisted in their rude out-cryes and menaces , losing all respect and reverence to the Sultan and the Superiours ; so that the Grand Signior resolved once to sally out upon them with his own Guard ; but trying their temper and resolution , he discovered most of them to be poysoned with the like spirit of Sedition , and combining with the others as Associates in the Treason . The Viziers and other principal Officers perceiving the Mutiny to increase daily , and not knowing to what degree it might arise , made it their business to search out for those proscribed by the Souldiery : at length the Aga was happily discovered by a certain person , to whom a reward was given of a thousand Zechins , with the Office of Zorbasi or Captain ; and the Aga confessing that he had counselled the death of Casref , he was immediately strangled , and his body hanged upon a tree to publick view . The like Fate befel the Testerdar , who being also taken , was killed and hanged up , together with the body of the Aga. All which persons thus inhumanely murdered by the Souldiery , were the Enemies of the present Great Vizier Regep ; for which cause the Grand Signior suspecting that he secretly contrived and nourished these Rebellions , never after looked on him with a gracious eye . Of which the Vizier being sensible , combined with the Souldiery ; and judging it almost impossible to set himself right in the affection of his Master , he courted the favour of the Militia , as the only means to protect his life , and maintain his Power . But as the revenge of Princes is not like a Thunder-bolt , which wounds on a sudden , but rather like a Mine which requires time to form , and is then sprang , when it may do the best execution : so in the same manner , the Grand Signior dissembled his hate towards the Vizier , until one night being present with him in the Seraglio to see certain Fire-works , he called him aside , and whispered to him , that he should go into his private Lodgings , where being entred , the door was shut upon him , and he strangled by certain Eunuchs , who were appointed to attend him for that purpose . But little benefit or riches did the Grand Signior reap by his death ; for the Vizier having for some time expected this blow , had concealed his Treasure , and conveyed it away for the use of his Posterity . The like hatred did the Sultan conceive against the Souldiery , resolving in his mind to execute his revenge especially on the Janisaries , as the most turbulent Fomenters of Rebellion and Treason , and to vent his anger either by the Cord or Sword , or some other more expedite way , as opportunity presented : and to prevent or oppose the like Seditions for the future , he fortified the Seraglio , and brought Arms in thither by night , chusing into his Guard select men of còurage and faithfulness : and being sensible , that the being of his Brother attempered his Soveraignty , and drew away the hearts and eyes of his Souldiers and People from fixing entirely on his own person ; he therefore intended to cut him off , but the caution and security given by himself and chief Ministers to preserve his life , diverted him from this resolution . In place of the deceased Vizier , Mehmet late Pasha of Cairo was constituted , and the Seal consigned to him , with whom the Grand Signior consulting of the present emergency of affairs , often uttered his displeasure against the late Seditions , and signified his intentions to redress them for the future ; in order unto which , he caused the Heads of the most mutinous Spahees to be cut off , and on various pretences separated the Souldiery each from other into divers parts ; some numbers of Janisaries he commanded to march to the Confines of Persia , and caused many others of them to be killed by night , and by various other means greatly weakened the Chambers , both by diminishing the numbers , and taking off such who were the men of best courage and conduct : many bodies were found swimming in the Bosphorus , and known to be Spahees ; great part of the Lands belonging to the Timariots was taken away , and the Pay of the Spahees was abated , and divers Offices of Profit and Honour were taken from the Militia , that so men might be made sensible of the indignation of their Prince , and that there is no sport or jesting with the anger of a provoked King , who knows no other mean of his passion than the total evaporation of his choler and vengeance . To maintain and make good these several acts of just punishment , young Morat growing in courage with his years , mounted on Horse-back well armed , and like a Souldier attended with a select Party of Cavalry , passed through the most publick streets of the City in a huffing manner , and casting a stern eye upon the Souldiery and People as he went , and making a hundred passes through the midst of them , struck them with an awe of his Majesty , and admiration of his warlike and Martial appearance ; with which severity and gallantry the Souldiery being affrighted , began to consider , that they were not longer to be governed by a Woman , or a Child , but by the most brave Prince that ever swayed the Ottoman Scepter ; and thereupon for the future resolved upon an impartial submission and obedience unto him . To encourage them in which , and to reconcile their spirits and affections to him , Morat oftentimes assembled his Souldiery at Ackmeidan , where he exercised with them shooting with the Bow at Marks and at Rovers , rewarding those who shot best with adding an Asper a day to their Pay ; besides which he distributed six thousand Hungars amongst them , to demonstrate that wise Princes are used to mix Lenitives with their rigour . These Mutinies and Seditions in the Capital City encouraged rebellious Spirits in divers other places : so that a certain bold and audacious Fellow drawing a number of Miscreants after him , possessed himself of the City of Prusa : another of the same temper called Elia Pasha made himself Master of Magnesia , where he committed all the outrages which Enemies inflict on a conquered People ; and being about twenty four miles distant from Smyrna , so assrighted the people of that place , who were Merchants , and such as lived by Trade , that they fled with their Wealth , and such things as were portable , left they should be exposed to the robbery and spoil of Thieves and Rebels . But the Beglerbey of Anatolia suffered not Elia to reign long in his lust , but giving him Battel in those Plains , wholly defeated him , and sent twenty of the Heads of the chief Commanders to the Sultan for a Present ; and pursuing Elia and the rest of his Army to Magnesia , besieged him in that City . The Grand Signior being advised hereof , and fearing left the Siege should take up too much time , and move other ill humors in that Country , dispatched Orders to offer Terms and Conditions of Accommodation with Elia , which were secretly treated , and great promises made him of favour and rewards from the Grand Signior . The easie Fool accepted the Conditions , and embraced the promises ; and leaving his City of Magnesia , proceeded confidently to Constantinople to receive the gracious rewards of the Sultan for his past Services . At his Entry into the Seraglio in place of the Kapislar-Kahyasee or Master of the Ceremonies , he was received by Officers with a Cord in their hands , who bestowed on him the gracious reward of his Masters ultimate favour . These Rebellions were no sooner suppressed in Asia , but that other Mutinies of the Janisaries for want of Pay began at Buda in Hungary , where they threw stones at their Aga , and pursued him to the very Palace of the Pasha , electing another into his place . They also cut in pieces the Governour of Pest , and bestowed his Office upon his Lieutenant . To remedy these disorders , and extinguish the Mutiny , the Grand Signior sent Commissioners to examine the matter , and to render him an account of the grievances and demands of the Souldiers : but they fearing to be surprised with some severe acts of Justice , prevented or forestalled the inquiries of the Commissioners by acknowledging their fault , and demanding pardon , with surrender of four of the Ring-leaders to punishment , declaring , That by their seducement and evil perswasions , they were debauched into that disorderly course of proceedings : the Sultan accepted the submission , and all things were quieted in Hungary . Howsoever new troubles arose in Moldavia : for that People being oppressed over-much by their Prince Alexander , made an Insurrection against him , and drove him out of the Country , who for refuge fled to Constantinople . And the people desirous that one Bernoschi , a Polonian by Nation , might be put into his place , to obtain his Confirmation he came to the Port , and offered himself before the Grand Signior ; but Morat suspecting , that to obtain the Principality for himself , he had secretly instigated and nourished the late popular Commotions , caused his Head to be cut off in the publick Divan . Amurat had now born to him a seventh Daughter by his Slave , called the shining Star ; and though he was much troubled that she had not brought him forth a Son and Heir , yet so much was she beloved by him , that he resolved to create her Queen , had not his Mother declared against it , as a thing not usual for any Woman to be honoured with that Title before she had supplied the Inheritance by the Birth of a Male Child . And that he might now totally extinguish the fire of Sedition amongst the Souldiery , he caused Ferdum Efendi and Saluc Aga , two prime Chiefs of the Spahees , with eight principal Janisaries , to be put to death ; after which severity , fearing another Insurrection , he passed the Water , and retired to his Seraglio at Scutari , where he fortified himself . It happened about that time , that a Turk Woman a Slave was found aboard a French Ship , ready to sail from Constantinople , which the Turks highly resented , and aggravated the crime so much against the French Ambassadour , that they imprisoned his Son then embarked , and would have confiscated the Vessel and her Lading . In those days the Christian Ambassadours resident at that Court , kept better Union and Correspondence amongst themselves than they do at present ; so that all of them as concerned , joyned together to represent before the chief Ministers , that such a fault merited not so grand a forfeiture , for that it was most probable to have been committed without the privacy either of the Ambassadour or Commander of the Ship. The Ambassadours then resident were Sir Peter Wych for England , the Sieur Marcheville for France , and Pietro Foscarini for Venice , at whose warm and urgent instances the Turks condescended to release the Vessel and the Goods laden upon her , with free liberty to depart . Howsoever it being represented to the Grand Signior by the Captain-Pasha ( who is Admiral of the Seas ) that one Baldasar , an Armenian by Nation , but Dragoman or Interpreter to the French Ambassadour , was a principal Instrument to move the Ambassadours to unite in this pretence ; and being observed to manage the Interest of his Master with warm and earnest sollicitations , the surly Sultan grew so angry that one of his own Slaves should presume to manage a dispute with him , in fury and rage commanded , that he should be immediately empaled ; and that he might be assured that his Sentence took effect , he would see him with his own eyes on the Stake before he would pass the Water to his Seraglio at Scutari . The resolution was so sudden , and the Execution so speedy , that there was neither ear lent to hear , nor time given to mediate in his behalf ; and the act being performed , complaints would not serve to redress a tyrannous action now past remedy , and not to be recalled : wherefore as the Ambassadours were forced to acquiesce and patiently endure the affront ; so if they would have resented it , they could scarce have found one amongst their Interpreters of so bold a spirit , who durst have opened his mouth after so terrifying an example . The truth is , the Dragomen or Interpreters to Ambassadours at Constantinople are required to be men of Learning , Courage , and Courtship , their studies ought to endue them perfectly with the Turkish , Greek , and Arabick Languages , with some knowledge also of the Persian , and with good Elocution , and readiness of Tongue : their constancy and presence of mind is always necessary at their appearance before those Grandees or Great men , who are ever proud , haughty , and arrogant in all their expressions and ways of Treaty , the which they commonly manage towards Christian Ministers with the same respect which we use towards our Servants , or our Slaves . And therefore by reason of this and other Presidents of like nature , Dragomen have been always timorous in representing the true sence of the Ambassadours and Consuls ; at least have so minced and tempered their words , that they have lost much of that vigour and accent which is necessary to inculcate perfectly a business into the Understanding of a Turk , especially if you intend to incline him to Reason and Justice . Wherefore it would be an excellent Qualification for an Ambassadour himself to understand and speak the Turkish Language , or at least to have a young man by his side of the English Nation educated in the Turkish Court , who should be ready to explicate those matters which are too thorny and prickly for Subjects of that Country to handle . Had all the foregoing Troubles , Mutinies , and Misfortunes encountred the spirit of an easie and a gentle Sultan , certainly the Fate of this Amurat had been the same with that of Osman , who retiring within his Seraglio , could never have appeased the seditious humor with all the concessions he could give to an unreasonable multitude : but being a resolved and busling Prince , he at first gave some few steps backwards , as if he would yield somewhat to the impetuosity of that Torrent which he could not resist ; yet it was only like a Ram who retires , that he may butt with the greater force . Howsoever the Politicians and sober men attributed the true cause of all these Commotions in the Souldiery , to have no other foundation than the ill success and miseries which attended the War in Persia ; for the way being long , and the Countries hot , barren , and for the most part void of all comfort , the Souldiers abhorred the fatigues , and march thither , and hated to consider , that they should be made a Sacrifice to the lust of voluptuous Ministers , who , to gain Estates and Riches out of those Monies , which were designed to carry on the War , did not care , whilst they lived at ease and in delights , what labours , wants , and dangers attended the Militia . These considerations made likewise some impression in the Sultan , who therefore inclined to hearken unto those Propositions of Peace which were brought him by an Ambassadour from Persia ; and being accompanied with very great Presents , the Peace was clapt up and concluded on a sudden . But as things quick in their birth and production are not long-liv'd , nor long durable ; so this Peace was broken the same year with an inconstancy equal to that inconsideration with which it was agreed and signed . For no sooner was the News hereof flown into the Eastern World , than the Great Mogol dispatched his Ambassadour with Letters to the Grand Signior , perswading him to make War again with the Persian , promising to assist him therein , by stopping up the passage of Nachivan , which is a City in the Lesser Armenia , built upon the River Aranes , and is the common Road into the Indies ; the which motion , as it was pleasing to Morat , so being accompanied with Indian Curiosities and Presents of an inestimable value , the Ambassadour was graciously received and treated with such Feasts and Entertainments as are not usually known amongst the Turks ; and returned again with Letters giving hopes , that he would speedily take an occasion to break with the Persian . But those who had experienced the difficulties of a War with Persia , and observed , that in the present Conjuncture of Affairs it might be more easily and with advantage waged on the side of Hungary , endeavoured with many pregnant arguments to perswade the Grand Signior thereunto , giving him to understand , that Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden being victorious over the Emperour in Germany , had taken many Towns and Cities of great strength ; and having overthrown him in divers Battels , had slain or taken his best Captains and most Martial men of Valour ; and that other Christians , who were desirous to abate the pride of the Austrian Family , were ready to embrace the same Conjuncture , whereby they might entirely shake off the yoke and servitude to the Imperial Tyranny . These advantages being well represented , took place easily in the mind of Morat , so that he dispatched express Orders to the Pasha of Buda to assemble his Forces , and put all things in a readiness on the Frontiers : in compliance with which , though the Pasha set forth his Tents , and made great appearance of a March , yet some secret designs caused him to move slowly , and to affect a Peace rather than a War ; so that receiving an Ambassadour from the Emperour at Pesth , he readily admitted him , and gave him safe conduct and Convoy unto Constantinople : at which time Advices coming , that the Great Gustavus Adolphus was slain , and that the Affairs of the Swedes went backwards and unsuccessfully in Germany , altered all the measures of the Ottoman Counsels ; and though Ragotski endeavoured all he was able to foment the differences , and encourage the Turks to a War , having besides other specious pretences , an Army of thirty thousand men in a readiness to joyn with the Turks against the Emperour ; howsoever the Turks looking on the condition of the Swedes as desperate , and the proffers of Ragotski to be uncertain , and of no true foundation , and the state of affairs amongst themselves to be turbulent and unsetled , gave a kind reception to the Emperours Ambassadour , and signed the Agreement for continuance of the Truce . By this and other actions of like nature Ragotski lost much of his esteem with the Emperour and the Grand Signior ; the first always looked on him as an ambitious Prince , exciting the Turk against him , and ready on the least occasion to enter his Country with fire and sword ; the other looked on him as a false Friend , who never made proffers but those which squared with his own designs and interest , and particularly he had disgusted the Port by presuming to instate one Mathias in the Principality of Valachia , and to eject another constituted there by Authority of the Grand Signior , called Stridia Bei , or Lord Oysters , because his Father was a Fisher-man , and gained a good Estate by the Trade of Oysters ; howsoever it being the Grand Signior's pleasure to ordain such a person to that Office , it was a presumption and a bold piece of Usurpation in Ragotski to dispose of that Government by virtue of his own single Power : howsoever the Grand Signior , to avoid contention with the resolved spirit of Ragotski , confirmed Mathias , upon condition of a double Tribute paid for the Investment to the Principality . But besides these reasons for a Peace with the Emperour , the designs the Grand Signior entertained of making War upon Poland with the assistance of the Moscovites and Tartars , and of dispossessing Emir Facardin of his Government , were strong inducements to make fair weather on all other sides of the neighbouring Princes . The envy which the riches and greatness of Emir Facardin ( who was a Prince inhabiting in the parts of Arabia , to whom a large tract of Land with several Fortresses did belong ) had contracted to him from the Pasha's of Damascus , Tripoli , and Gaza , caused them to accuse him before the Grand Signior of Rebellion and other enormous Crimes : the Plea against him was managed especially by the Pasha of Tripoli , who alledged , That he was an Enemy to the Mahometan Law , destroyed the Moschs , kept correspondence with the Malteses and the Corsaires of Ligorn , permitting them freely to take water in his Country ; that he openly favoured the Christians , suffering them freely to build Churches in his Country . That he continually fortified his Castles , and encroached on the Lands and Territories of the Emirs his Neighbours . In short , his riches were so great , that every one feared and envied him , and therefore represented his case in that manner , that the Grand Signior resolving to destroy him , sent great Forces into those Countries under the Command of the Pasha of Tripoli , to whom he commanded the Pasha's of Damascus , Gaza , Aleppo , and Cairo to joyn their Forces : and for better expedition , the Captain-Pasha was appointed to equippe his Fleet , to transport Men and Ammunition into those parts . The Captain-Pasha in his passage by Sea encountred two English Ships lading Corn in the Gulph of Vola , called the William and Ralph , and Hector : this being a prohibited Commodity not to be transported under penalty of forfeiting Ships , Goods , and Liberty of the men , moved the Pasha with the sight of such a Booty to command his Gallies to seize the Vessels ; which being only two , it was imagined , that they would immediately yield and surrender without contest . But these bold Brittons knowing the consequences of such a surrender , resolved not tamely to yield themselves , at least to sell their liberties , lives , Ships , and Goods to the Turks at the dearest rate they were able : wherefore cutting their Cables , put themselves under Sail , and got into the main Sea , fighting with the whole Fleet above three hours ; sometimes they were boarded by one Gally , sometimes by two at once ; but plying their Quarter-deck Guns with small shot , and defending themselves manfully with their half-Pikes , they often cleared their Decks , and put off the Enemy with great slaughter : the Captain-Pasha being ashamed to see such resistance made by two such Vessels against his whole Force , resolved to enter his men at the Gun-room port of one of the Ships , and running the Prow of the Gally into the Stern-port , the valiant crew of the Gun-room clapt an Iron Spike into the Trunnel-hole of the Prow , whereby the Gally being wedged fast to the Timbers of the Ship , they brought their Stern-chase laden with cross Bars , pieces of Iron , and Parteridge-shot to bear upon them , which raking them fore and aft , killed the Captain-Pasha himself , with near three hundred out of the Bastard Gally . At length having spent all their shot , they charged their Guns with pieces of Eight , and being over-powered by numbers of their Enemies , and not able farther to resist , they set fire to their Ships , which blowing up , destroyed two or three of the Gallies which laid by their sides , together with those men which were then fighting aboard at handy-blows on the Deck with the defendants ; so that none of the English were taken , unless three or four fished out of the water . An end being in this manner put to the Fight , the Turks gained the Victory , with the loss of twelve hundred Slaves killed and wounded , besides Turks , and were forced into Port , where they remained a full month to repair their Gallies ; the which Fight affected all Turks with an astonishment of the English Bravery , or obstinacy , ( as they call it ) and is a matter remembred and talked of to this day , especially by the Son of the Captain-Pasha who was slain , called Omem , Pasha Ogli , who is Pasha of Rhodes at present , ( as I remember ) and commands three or four Gallies ; for which reason he is so inveterate an Enemy to the English , that to satisfie his revenge , he buys what English Slaves he can get into his Gallies , and sells none out under a double price or ransom . The News of this Fight coming to Constantinople provoked the Grand Signior to the height of indignation ; howsoever the Officers either being ashamed of their loss , or entertaining some secret admiration of the English Bravery , suffered the matter to be compounded for the Sum of forty thousand Dollars , of which the English paid only their share with the French and Venetians , whom ( for I know not what reason ) the Turks equally concerned in the occasion . Whilst the Turks were appointing a new Captain-Pasha , and again refitting their Fleet , the Pasha of Damascus dispatched a Summons to Facardin to surrender Seida up to him , with other Castles and places of strength . The Old man resided then at Barut , where pretending to be retired from all business , answered , that he had resigned the whole Government into the hands of his Son Ali , as he had already testified by publick Acts : that he was but a Subject , and a Souldier under his Son , and therefore to him they ought to make their applications . Facardin had at that time an Army of twenty five thousand men , the which he divided into two Bodies , commanded by his two Sons . Ali his eldest he ordered with twelve thousand men ( a thousand of which were Maronites , and two thousand Druzes ) to march to Saphet for hindering the conjunction of the Emirs of Ferue and Therabith , and the Pasha's of Gaza and Damascus , whose Forces being joyned together , did not compose a greater number than that of Facardin . Ali encountring with them , and being a brisk and hot-metled Prince , engaged and charged them so home , that he defeated them , and killed eight thousand of their men ; but such a Victory as this not costing him less than seven thousand of his men , was in effect his own overthrow ; for being the next day charged again by the Enemy , both sides fought with that obstinacy , that ( as is reported ) there remained not above an hundred forty six of all the Souldiers which followed Ali ; and he himself having his Horse mortally wounded under him , and being out of breath , weary , and faint , yielded himself to a common Souldier who promised him quarter ; but afterwards having him in his power he stranged him with his Match , and cut off his head and his little finger on which he wore his Seal-ring , and so presented both to the Pasha . But this proud Conquerour refused to accept this Present without Ceremony , until first the Head had been perfumed with sweet waters , the beard combed out , and covered with a rich Turbant , and having kept this Trophy for some days by him , he sent it afterwards to Constantinople . But before the News of this Defeat reached the ears of old Facardin , the Captain-Pasha with his Fleet of Gallies arrived at the Port of Tripoli ; to whom Facardin being desirous to shew all friendship , and profess loyalty to the Grand Signior , he caused his Army to retire into the parts of Mount Libanus , whilst he himself with about three thousand men between domestick Servants and his Guards went to Scida , from whence he sent two * Caramosauls laden with Provisions and refreshment to the Captain-Pasha for a Present , assuring him that he was an humble Vassal to the Grand Signior , and was ready to obey all his Commands ; and because the Sultan may probably have received sinister reports relating to the Arms he had taken up , he assured him , that they were no otherwise designed , than to suppress the Robberies of the Arabs , and the Incursions of their Kings ; and that he was ready to conduct his Army to any place , where his Master the Grand Signior should think fit to employ them . But these fair words could not divert the Captain-Pasha from his resolutions to enter the Port of Scida , nor from his Instructions of demanding , and upon refusal of forcing possession of the Castle ; which as it was the most considerable Fortress , and the most pleasant Seat of all his Dominions , so he could not without much regret and sorrow hearken to such a Proposition : wherefore that the Pasha might not persist in this demand , he secretly proffered him an hundred thousand Zechins as a Bribe to himself , and his Son Mansour to be carried for a Hostage and Earnest of his faithfulness to the Grand Signior . The Captain-Pasha liked well the hundred thousand Zechins and the Hostages , but still required the Surrender of the Castle with them ; on which whilst Facardin deliberated , News came of the death of his Son Ali , and the destruction of his Army , with which losing all courage , he yielded his Castle of Scida to the Captain-Pasha , retiring himself to his City of Barut ; nor could he rest quietly at that place ; for being pursued , he was forced to quit it , and retire with his Maronites and Druzes into the Mountains , lest being inclosed within the Walls of a City , he should fall alive into the hands of his Enemies . And now all good Fortune forsaking unhappy Facardin , the Maronites and Druzes his Subjects revolt to the Pasha of Damascus , his Palaces and Gardens of Pleasure were all ruined , his Friends forsook him , his two remaining Sons were lost , one carried to Constantinople for a Hostage , and the other slain in fight ; his Towns of Gazir , Saphet , St. John d'Acria , and others were surrendred to the Pasha of Damascus : only some sew strong places in the Mountains remained to him , where living in League with Reba a King of the Arabs , he committed all the spoils he was able on the Lands belonging to the Pasha of Damascus . But being hunted from one Mountain to another , and from one Cave to another , he was at length forced to surrender upon Conditions , that he should have liberty to proceed unto the Grand Signior with his own Equipage of three hundred men and Trumpets founding , and that he might carry with him all his Treasure consisting of a million of Zechins all in gold , together with other Riches , which were carried by fourteen Camels ; and that he should not be conducted as a Prisoner in Triumph , but that he should with freedom approach the presence of the Sultan , like other Pasha's , who are in grace and favour . These Proposals being granted , Facardin with his two young Sons began his Journey to Constantinople , and being about two days journey from thence , he dispeeded eight Chests of Gold before him , to prepare and make his way to the Grand Signior ; who being pleased with the gold , and greatly rejoyced to receive the submission and Homage of one who had so long stood out in Rebellion , he went out in a disguise and Habit of a Pasha to see and discourse with that person , of whom there had been so general a rumor : and having accordingly encountred with the Emir , he sate down in his Tent with him , desiring him to relate the story of his life , with the several particulars of his late misfortunes . Emir Facardin well knew the person of the Grand Signior ; but feigning as if he was unacquainted with whom he discoursed , and that he took him for some Pasha , began to recount the course of his life , the reasons why his Enemies falsely suggested evil reports of him to the Grand Signior , how he was forced for defence of his life to take up Arms , and what ill success accompanied his affairs ; all which he represented with such quickness and eloquence , that the Grand Signior pitying his misfortunes promised to be his Advocate , and mediate with the Grand Signior in his behalf . The day following Facardin made his Entry in a Triumphant manner , and received a most favourable Audience from the Grand Signior ; and all the Pasha's and great men in conformity to their Master , and in hopes of sharing some part of his gold , shewed him a like kind favourable countenance and aspect . But finding afterwards that Facardin increased daily in the esteem of the Grand Signior , and that the old Rebel was become a new Favourite , and that he was likely to over-top and out them , they generally conspired together , taking the Mufti on their side to accuse him of many crimes , and more particularly that he was a Christian and an Apostate from the Mahometan Faith. This point of Religion so sensibly touched the Grand Signior , that he resolved to condemn him in a manner solemn and extraordinary ; for mounting one day on his Throne , he commanded Facardin to be brought in , and placed on a low chair , where ordering his crimes whereof he was accused to be recited , he passed a formal Sentence of death upon him : but Facardin arising to justifie himself , was not permitted to speak , only he obtained a quarter of an hours reprieve to make his Prayers , and afterwards was strangled by the hands of two Mutes . ANNO 1634. Morat growing now into years , took into his own hands the reins of Government , resolving to rule singly and absolutely , and to make himself rather feared than beloved : he degraded four Viziers at once , and banished them into Cyprus , consiscating their Estates , for no other reason , than because they had denied him the use of their Mules and Camels on occasion of his service . He became extremely severe against the Souldiery , crushing them with all imaginable rigour on the least appearance of reluctancy to his Commands , declaring , that he expected blind and silent Obedience from all , but especially from his Souldiery . He imposed a great Tax upon Copper ; and because he had several Ware-houses filled with that Metal , which had for many years lain by , he forced the people to buy it at his own rates ; at which aggrievance the Commonalty growing desperate began to mutiny and rebel ; but Morat put a speedy stop thereunto by cutting off the Heads of fifty of the most seditious , and so passed to Prusa with the attendance of six Gallies . He caused a Kadi to be hanged , to the great displeasure and universal resentment of the Ulemah , who are Students in the Law ; who to make known their aggrievance , and consult a remedy , assembled in great numbers at the House of the Mufti . The Queen-Mother being acquainted with this Meeting , and fearing the ill consequences thereof , gave immediate advice to the Sultan , who with like expedition dispatched a Boat to bring over the Mufti and his Son to Prusa , who were no sooner arrived than they were strangled , being not permitted to speak for themselves , or to alledge any plea or excuse for their lives . This act of cruelty beyond the example of former Ages , and never practised by the most tyrannical of his Predecessours , struck a terrour on the whole Empire ; for men observing the unjust rigour which was executed on the Head and Chief of their Law , the Oracle and Mouth which resolved their difficult Problems , and whom the World so reverenced and honoured , that few examples have been of Capital punishment executed on his reverend Head , feared that innocence was not sufficient to secure their own less considerable Estates from his fury and violence . There is a particular death allotted for Mufties , which is by braying them in a Mortar , the which Mortar is kept in the Seven Towers at Constantinople , and there shewed to strangers ; the which Instrument hath been seldom made use of . Morat being greatly addicted to Wine , was sensible of the ill effects of it in himself , and that the heat of debauchery inclined him to violence and cruelty , and from hence collecting how dangerous this humor of drunkenness was in his people , especially in his Souldiery , for that much of the late Seditions might be attributed thereunto , he published a most severe Edict against Wine , commanding all Taverns to be demolished , the Butts to be broken , and the Wine spilt . It was the common custom of the Grand Signior to walk the streets in disguise , when meeting with any drunken person , he would imprison him , and almost drub him to death . It was his fortune to meet a deaf man one day in the streets , who not hearing the noise of the people , nor the rumor of his approach , did not so readily shift out of the way , as was consistent with the fear and dread of so awful an Emperour , for which default he was strangled immediately , and his body thrown into the streets . All people feared and trembled at these practices , and were as careful to look out abroad for the Grand Signior , lest they should be surprised with the bluster of his presence , as Mariners are of being taken unprovided by some sudden Gust or Hurricane ; for there was scarce a day , that one innocent or other was not sacrificed to his fury and tyrannical sancy . One Thomas Zanetti , a Venetian Merchant , who had built a losty Jardac , or a high Room of Prospective on the top of his House , was accused to the Grand Signior to have designed that place for no other end , than that he might with a Long-glass oversee the Chambers of the Ladies , and the Gardens , and Walks of the Seraglio : for which reason , without farther inquiry , he was hanged in his shirt on the top of his Jardac with a red Streamer in his hand , that so the Grand Signior might be sure , that the Sentence was executed . The Estate of Zanetti , whether belonging to himself or Principals , was consiscated ; but in regard the Goods for Security were privately conveyed to the Ware-houses of several Frank Merchants , strict search was made for them ; but in regard the Marks and Numbers were altered , they could not be distinguished : wherefore the Grand Signior concluding , that all the Frank Merchants had combined together to deceive him , he imprisoned every man of them , nor would he release them until they paid forty thousand Dollars for their ransom and liberty . After which upon pretence of a Plot , or agreement of the Franks to defend themselves from the leviation of this Tax , the Turks searched their Houses for Arms ; in taking of which they were so rigorous , that they spared not so much as a Birding-piece , nor yet the Sword of Sir Peter Wych , then Ambassadour for England , though he alledged , that it was the very Sword with which his Majesty had conferred the Honour of Knighthood upon him . But from these transactions at home , let us pass to the Wars in Poland and Persia. That invincible Prince Uladislaus King of Poland had gained such good success against the Czar of Moscovy , that the Czar was forced to demand assistance from the Turks . The Grand Signior , though he had lately made a Peace with Poland , and sworn to maintain the Articles of Chocin concluded by his Predecessour Sultan Osman ; yet the continual depredations which the Cosacks made , did always administer reasonable pretences for a War : to which Abassa one of his chief Counsellours , a valiant and presumptuous Captain , did much incite him ; for promising to himself the Conduct of that Army designed against Poland , did much flatter the Sultan and himself with the fancy of mighty success . The War being thus resolved upon , the Turk who commonly strikes before he quarrels , gave Orders to Abassa to make Levies of men in Moldavia and Valachia , and to put the Tartars in Arms , and the Militia of Buda , and of the parts along the Danube into a warlike posture , and with all expedition to enter Poland . Abassa who had with wonderful diligence put his Troops in readiness , ordered the Tartars with a Body of sifteen thousand men to enter Poland ; which they performed with such celerity , that passing the River of Tyr above Chocin and Rinczug , they in a few hours laid all waste for the space of ten leagues round Kemenitz , and so retired with their Booty into Moldavia ; howsoever their haste was not attended with such good speed , but that they were overtaken on the 4 th of July by Stanislaus Konispolzki , General of the Polish Army , with no greater Force than two thousand five hundred Horse ; howsoever surprising them whilst they were seeding their Horses , he put them into such confusion and disorder , that he easily recovered all the Booty , and took five of their Chief men Prisoners , of which the Son-in-law of Cantemir was one . But this was a faint resreshment in respect to that terrible storm of sixty thousand men composed of Turks , Tartars , Moldavians and Valachians , which under the Command of Abassa had already passed the Danube . Konispolzki the Polish General having not sufficient Force to oppose them in open sield , nor time to assemble a greater Army , gathered what Supplies he could from the Cosacks and Lords of that Country , and therewith encamped himself upon a Hill between the River Tyr and the Town of Chocin , that he might be the better able to succour Kemenitz , which the Enemy designed to assault . Abassa who contemned this weak Force of the Poles , resolved without farther consideration to attack them in their own Camp , and force them to sight ; of which the Poles being well advised , placed several-Pieces of Artillery , and lined all the Hedges and Ditches with Musquetiers where the Turks were necessarily to pass , drawing out their whole Army into Batalia ; the Turks who hastened the nearest way to charge the Enemy , fell into the Ambush , where having lost about five hundred men , they began to make a stand , and to consider of some more advantageous way to their design . Wherefore Abassa taking another course , which he judged to be free from all concealed dangers , ordered the Tartars to charge the right Wing , and the Moldavians and Valachians the left of the Enemy , and he with his Turks would fight the main Body . The Tartars with great resolution performed their part , and had wholly deseated that Wing , had not Wisnovitzki with some Troops and a Train of small Artillery come in seasonably to their succour : the Moldavians and Valachians sought so faintly against the Enemy , whom they considered to be Christians , Brothers , and Neighbours , that they soon turned their backs and fled , but were not far pursued by the Poles . Abassa receiving this repulse sounded a Retreat , and immediately repassed the River Tyr , and marched with all the haste he was able , stopping no where , until he arrived at Rinzur about thirty English miles from the place of the Fight , and arriving at length on the Banks of the Danube , he gave licence to his Souldiers to disperse into their Winter-quarters ; in the mean time Abassa dispatched Advice to the Grand Signior of the Particulars of the Fight , and of his great Victory by an entire defeat of the Polish Army . The Grand Signior believed the report , which none durst to contradict , and which was confirmed by the rumour of an Ambassadour coming from Poland . For the Poles being at that time engaged in a War with Moscovy , and apprehensive of another with Sweden , judged it not seasonable to provoke the Turk , but rather by way of Accommodation dispeeded an Ambassadour with a train of three hundred men to make complaints against the late Acts of Hostility committed by Abassa , as if he had moved his Arms without the Orders , or knowledge of the Sultan . About that time that the Ambassadour approached near to Constantinople , the Grand Signior had another Son born , but of a weakly and sickly temperament , howsoever great joy was expressed , and all the City was enlightned with Torches , Bonsires , and Fire-works ; and that the Grand Signior might evidence his Greatness and Magnisicence to the Ambassadour , he took this occasion of the Birth of a Son to make a solemn Entrance into the City , and to make the greater show he armed all the Citizens and Inhabitants . Before the Grand Signior would grant Audience to the Ambassadour , he ordered that Abassa should treat with him , and understand his business and desires : Abassa carried himself high in the Negotiation , he pretended the damages and charges of the War , the demolishment of certain Palancas , which were the places of Refuge for the Cosacks , and the Tribute of ten years past , with security of payment for the time to come . The Ambassadour positively refused to hearken unto any terms about Tribute , and that for other matters the Presents which he had brought to the Grand Signior would reasonably answer . His Presents were A Coach lined with Velvet , with six very fine Horses . A Bason and Candlesticks of Silver richly gilt . Four Clocks , ten Vests of Sables , six Quivers of Arrows , with some Hunting Dogs . Being at length admitted to Audience , and thereunto conducted by the Aga of the Spahees and the Chaous Bashee , the Grand Signior asked the Ambassadour , which was not usual : For what reason he was come thither ? To which he answered : That he was come to bring his Majesty advice of the Coronation of his King , and to establish a Peace , if his Majesty should judge fit to accept thereof . To which the Sultan replied : That all Christian Kings ought either to receive the Ottoman Laws , or pay him Tribute , or try the sharpness of his Sword. And taking a Cemiter in his hand which hung by him , he drew it half out , and said : With this I will subdue my Enemies , and though my War in Persia continues , I do not fear to undertake another in Poland . To which the Ambassadour returning a modest Answer , was dismissed of the Royal Presence . And now the Grand Signior , to put a good face on the business , and to make the World believe , that he designed what he spake , he proclaimed a War with Poland , and ordered his Tents to be carried abroad , supposing hereby to draw the Poles to his own terms of agreement : and in pursuance hereof he mounted on Horse-back and rode in state through the City , his upper Vest was made after the Hungarian fashion lined with Sables ; in his right hand he carried a Quiver of Arrows , in his left two drawn Swords , on his Turbant he wore a large Plume of Feathers encompassed with a Circle of Diamonds ; and in this manner entring his Tents he proceeded to Adrianople . But before his departure the Count Puchen , Ambassadour from the Emperour , arrived with other sumptuous Presents , offering Incense and gifts of Peace at the Throne of this Greatness . But before we relate the transactions at Adrianople , and the success of affairs at that place , let us recount several dismal accidents at Constantinople . The Grand Signior returning by Sea from a place called Stravosta in the Bay of Ismit , anciently the Bay of Nicomedia , where he had for some time held his Court and great Divan , he was followed by several Vessels appointed to transport the people , in one whereof were ninety five persons embarked , all of them Pasha's , Aga's , and chief Officers of the Court ; the Vessel was over-set by a sudden gust of wind , and all the people drowned , excepting three Sea-men which saved themselves by swimming . More considerable were the mischiefs by fire . For on occasion of some Fire-works made in one of the Grand Signior's Chiosks or Houses of Pleasure , the fire took so siercely on the Tavan or wooden Works of the Sieling , that it endangered the whole Palace , and had consumed all , but that many hands and active men gave a stop to the farther progress . This fire was but the fore-runner of a greater , which began the 16 th of September in that part of the City of Constantinople , which is called 〈◊〉 , being between the Wall and the Port where live Taverners , Butchers , Fishmongers , and others who sell provisions . The fire took first in one of those Houses which had been a Tavern , and are Buildings only made of Deal-boards and Timber , which combustible matter flamed out so violently , that it took hold on all the Houses round , and was so quick in its motion , as if it had taken by a train , or that some wicked people with Fire-balls had employed themselves in the mischief ; the fire took its course against the wind , burning on one side and the other to the Historical Pillar , and to the Mosehs of Sultan Mahomet and Sultan Selim ; so that in a short time one third of the City was reduced to ashes . It is difficult to express the lamentable destruction was made hereby , what Riches , what Palaces , and Moveables were consumed in it , there being twenty thousand houses reported to be burnt ; which misery is best represented by the remembrance of our calamitous Incendiation at London , the greatest difference between one and the other was , that that at Constantinople was more quick in its motion ; for it burnt a larger compass of ground in one third of the time , than ours did at London ; for that City for the most part consisting of slight Buildings of Wood met not the resistance which ours sometimes did against the Walls of Brick and stones . The fire being extinguished , and men having time to lament and think , began to impute the cause and fault to those whom they most suspected ; sometimes they accused the Persians for having fired the City , for which crime one of them the next year suffered death : some attributed the cause of all to the Janisaries , and that they out of 〈◊〉 to the Inhabitants , or for the sake of Plunder , if they did not begin , yet at least increased the fire ; which they the more suspected , because the Janisaries refused not only to work themselves , 〈◊〉 , that they expected Orders from their Aga , but likewise hindered and discouraged others . Howsoever the Grand Signior not wanting on his own part to contribute all assistance possible , sent four thousand men out of his Seraglio to work about the fire , not excusing the very Officers of his Royal Chamber from contributing their authority and personal aid ; some of which ventured far into the fire to demonstrate their courage , activeness , and obedience to the Commands of their Emperour : but all this was too little against an obstinate and an invincible Enemy , for the fire slamed and proceeded until it wanted nourishment and food to consume . In fine , twenty thousand houses were burnt , two hundred Mosehs , and the library of the Mufti , which for the number of the Arabick and Persian Books was curious and of high esteem : the Albengs or Habitation of the Janisaries containing three hundred Chambers , of which each Chamber was capable to receive four hundred men , were all burnt and reduced to ashes . The which fatal and miserable spectacle did a little touch the heart of Sultan Morat ; so that he gave out considerable Sums to comfort the distressed who had most suffered by this calamity , and to raise from its ashes his consumed and languishing Constantinople , which being revived and slourishing , was again miserably consumed by flames in the month of April 1660. But such is the benesicial and commodions situation of that place , and the riches thereof by trade , and the presence of the Ottoman Court , that the Inhabitants again rebuilt it in fewer years than could be imagined . But now to return to the Grand Signior at Adrianople , we find him resolutely designed to make a War upon Poland , to which he was induced by the perswasions of Abassa , and the present conjuncture of advantage to joyn with the Moscovite , it seeming great Policy not to suffer the Countries of Moseovy to be over-run , or the Poles , who is a warlike and dangerous Nation , to grow puissant and powerful by his success and Conquest over his Neighbours : wherefore preparations were made on all sides for the War ; great quantities of Provisions and Ammunition were sent into Moldavia by way of the Black Sea and the Danube . The Tartar Han sent word that all his Forces were in readiness , and expected nothing but their Orders to march ; the Beglerbey of Greece made his Rendezvous at Philippolis with an Army of thirty thousand men , where he attended to joyn with the Forces of Bosna , Silistria , and other parts of Europe ; Moldavia and Valachia made an appearance of levying men , and joyning with the Turk , but their hearts were towards the Poles , with whom they kept a secret correspondence , and would be ready to adhere on the least opportunity . In short , the Army of the Turks was so great , and all his affairs in that readiness , that he scorned to incline an ear to Propositions of Peace ; in which opinion Abassa humoured and perswaded him , that the Poles were so fearful of his Forces , that they had already yielded to Terms of compounding for a yearly Tribute . All which proved false ; for in the mean time Vladislaus King of Poland remitting nothing of the heat and vigour of his War against the Moscovites , he was so successful therein , that he forced an Army of eighty thousand men , which he had besieged in their Camp , to lay down their Arms , and surrender themselves , which was an action scarce to be credited , at least to be paralleled in any History , and with this Conquest he might have proceeded to the Capital City of Mosco , and concluded the War and that Empire : but Gods Providence which governs all things altered this Counsel , and diverted those victorious Arms to the Siege of Bial ; which Town being well fortified and garrisoned withstood many assaults of the Enemy , and blunted the Spirits and Swords of the Conquerour ; for losing much time in this Siege , other Towns made use of the opportunity to provide and fortifie themselves , whilst the Poles growing weary , and wanting Pay raised divers Mutinies and Seditions in the Camp. These difficulties and inconveniences inclined the King Vladislaus to bend a favourable ear to the many supplications and instances which the Moscovites made for Peace ; so that the Plenipotentiaries being assembled , it was agreed , that the Dutchy of Smolesko and Czernieschou , which two hundred years past had been taken from Poland and Lituania , with many other Towns and Countries to the extent of two hundred leagues , should be restored to the Kingdom of Poland . The News of this sudden Peace coming unexpectedly to Sultan Morat caused his Bravadoes against Poland to cease , and to turn the stile of his fury and indignation against the Moscovites , whom he vilified with all imaginable terms of perfidiousness and cowardise , and abused and imprisoned their Ambassadours . He considered that he had provoked an Enemy who was victorious , valiant , and powerful , and one who at any time was able to contend with his united Force , much more whilst it was separated and disjoyned by his War in Persia : wherefore in all haste he dispatched an Ambassadour into Poland called Shahin Aga , desiring to renew the ancient League and Articles of Peace . This Ambassadour found the King at the Diet in Warsaw , where he publickly endeavoured to excuse his Master for the late Acts of Hostility , assuring them , that they were not performed according to his Masters desires and original intentions , but as they were moved and guided by the evil suggestions and artifices of Abassa , who being solely culpable of this fault by giving ill counsels to his Master , he assured them in the Name of the Sultan , that he should receive such punishment , as they should think sit to inflict upon him . Hereunto the King Vladislaus gave this answer , That since the Grand Signior could so easily infringe the Articles of that Peace which had been solemnly and sacredly established , it was now his part , and the wisdom of that grave Assembly to contrive such conditions and bonds wherewith to oblige his Master , as could not easily and at his pleasure be broken or avoided : and at the same time the Polish Ambassadour being returned from Constantinople , and discoursing in the Diet of the pride and perfidiousness of the Turks , and the scorn wherewith they received Christian Ambassadours , so incensed the spirit of the whole Assembly , that with a general consent they approved the words of the King , adding , that they would no longer be subject to the insults and falsities of that Tyrant , whom they would make to know , that they wore as well offensive as defensive Arms , and were not of that abject spirit or mean condition to permit the Sultan to violate the most sacred Articles of Peace , and then at his pleasure to salve them with a fawning acknowledgment , or a flattering speech . In this manner the Turkish Ambassadour was returned , whilst the King Vladislaus went into Podolia to take a view of his Armies , which he found to consist of eighty thousand fighting men , all well accoutred , of good courage , and ready to follow their King to the Walls of Constantinople . The fear of the motion of this great Army in a conjuncture when the Wars broken out again in Persia were not prosperous , affected the mind of Morat with much terrour ; so that he became very sollicitous to find out and make some substantial Proposition in order to an Accommodation . One of the Viziers called Morteza was very active in this business , plying continually the General Konispolzki with Letters , Ossers , and Expedients for a Peace ; to facilitate which and shew that the Grand Signior did heartily relent , Abassa was strangled by two Kapugees , and given for a Sacrifice to appease the anger of his Enemies ; a person who was a stout Souldier , and one who had performed great and signal services in the War of Persia. But the Poles not being pacified with this single act of penitence , but thirsting farther after the blood of the Turks , desired to spoil and pillage their richer Provinces . Howsoever at length the Council of Poland entring into more serious debates , considered that the Troops lately come from Moscovy were but in a bad condition , that the part of their Army which consisted of Voluntiers would not endure a long and tedious War , and that the expence and charge of this great Army was immense and almost insupportable : for which reasons it was resolved , that a Peace should be made , which was soon afterwards concluded and agreed on these following Articles . That the Vayvods of Moldavia and Valachia should be confirmed by the Grand Signior with the consent and recommendation of the King of Poland . That Cantemir and his Tartars should abandon the Country of Buckzac , and in case of refusal , that then the Turk and Tartar Chan should joyn their Forces to expel them from thence . That the Poles shall suppress all Acts of Hostility of the Cosacks in the Black Sea. That the Turks renounce for ever all demands , or future pretence of Tribute from Poland : and that they shall build no new Forts on the Frontiers . That the Navigation on the River Nieper shall remain free and undisturbed to the Poles . That all other Articles shall remain as formerly in their true force and virtue . In this year happened out great differences between the French Ambassadour and the Turkish Officers . The first disgust had its original from the year 1631. when the Marquess of Marcheville going Ambassadour to Constantinople , was in his Voyage met off of Scio by the Captain-Pasha and his Fleet of Gallies , who immediately sent off a Boat to advise him , that he should strike his Flag , and make ready the Presents which were due to the Grand Signior's Admiral : Marcheville duly considering , that this submission would blemish the Honour of his Master , and the Dignity of his Character , refused compliance either in one or the other ; howsoever that he might testifie the friendship and good correspondence which he came to confirm between the two Kings , he stood off at some distance and fired five Guns to salute the Grand Signior's Standard ; but the Captain-Pasha not contenting himself herewith , required the Ambassadour to come aboard and speak with him , which after divers Messages from one Vessel to another , the Ambassadour was counselled to perform , not knowing how far otherwise he might engage the Honour of his Master . Marcheville being arrived at Constantinople did greatly complain of the affront and violence he received from the Captain-Pasha ; which though the Grand Signior and other Ministers seemed not to approve , yet the Ambassadour received little other satisfaction than fair words and promises , that his Honour should be again repaired . At the Arrival of the Sieur Marcheville the Count Cesi , who was the former Ambassadour , was to return into France ; but the debts which he had contracted by a certain way of living , were so great , that the Creditors would not suffer him to depart without payment ; for default of which he endured many affronts offered to his own person , and was detained at Constantinople until this year 1634. during which time the Marquess Marcheville managed all the Affairs of the Embassy , who keeping still in mind the affront offered him before Scio , watched all opportunities to disparage the actions and person of the Captain-Pasha ; who at length returning from the Black Sea , where he had some success against the Cosacks , was graciously received by the Grand Signior ; and being advertised , how during his absence the French Ambassadour had endeavoured to blast his reputation by many instances of diminution , which he often inculcated by his Druggerman , took advantage of the Grand Signior's good humour , to vent before him the resentment which he conceived thereof : the Grand Signior to gratifie the Pasha , promised to hang the Druggerman , which the Pasha acknowledged as a singular favour , and returned from the presence of the Sultan full of joy and contentment : but better to cover his malice , and to ensnare the poor Wretch , he sent a Messenger to the Ambassadour , assuring him that he desired his friendship ; and that there might be a right understanding between them , he perswaded him to send his Druggerman to him , that by his mouth he might signifie the esteem he had for the Ambassadour , from whose spirits he was willing to take off all jealousies and ombrages of discontent . The Ambassadour not suspecting the perfidiousness of the Pasha , sent his Druggerman to him , who being come within his power , was immediately hanged by the Grand Signior's express Command , and ordered that he should remain on the Gallows with his Velvet Cap on his head , which in this Sultan's Reign all Druggermen wore to distinguish them from others . The Ambassadour complained greatly of this affront and violation of Articles , to the Chimacam and other Officers , but could receive no other answer or satisfaction than that the Grand Signior might execute Justice , as he pleased , on his Subjects , without asking leave , or concerning the King of France or his Ambassadour in the matter . But Marcheville not resting satisfied with this reply , still prosecuted his pique and animosity to such height , that the Captain-Pasha farther incensed thereat , obtained Authority from the Grand Signior to dispeed him away : so that sending one day for Marcheville , and first reproaching his contrivances and designs against him , told him plainly , that it was the Grand Signior's pleasure that he should depart at that instant ; to which he constrained the Ambassadour so precipitately , that he would not give him time to advertise his Servants , or make up his Baggage ; but forced him aboard a French Ship then in Port , which he immediately compelled to sail ; and the wind being contrary , caused the Vessel to be toaed abroad by two Gallies into the open Sea of the Propontis . After the injurious departure of this Ambassadour , the Count Cesi , who had been detained at Constantinople for the reasons before denoted , took again upon him the function of Ambassadour , to execute which in better advantage of Trade and Commerce , he was advised to a compliance with the Captain-Pasha , and to use such means as might mitigate that acrimony of spirit , which this Pasha nourished against the French Nation . These disputes between the French and the Turkish Officers revived certain disgusts and aversion against all the Frank Nations , which favoured the Latine Rites ; so that in despight to them the Grand Signior restored again Cyrillus the Patriarch to the Patriarchal Jurisdiction , who had long been persecuted by the Jesuits , and by their means been deposed , promising that for the future he should continue undisturbed , in opposition to all those of the Roman Religion . The Peace ( as we have said ) being concluded with Poland , the Grand Signior was more at leisure to attend the Wars in Persia , with the labours and toils of which the Janisaries being wearied , began new troubles and Seditions in the Camp ; the which disorder Morat attributing to the negligence or cowardise of the Officers , as wanting courage to suppress them , summoned the Janisar-Aga to appear before him , and without long process or excuse cut off his Head , and consiscated his Estate to the Exchequer , which amounted to a million and seventy thousand Dollars : another Janisary also more rich than seditions , was in like manner sacrificed , and an hundred and sixty thousand Dollars of his Estate added to the Treasury of the Sultan . The Pasha also of Damascus , with several other Officers of the Army enriched with spoils of the people , fell a Sacrifice to Morat's avarice and cruelty ; to whom riches and blood were so pleasing , that none acquired a higher degree of grace in his favour , than those who could give him notice of opulent men , who having found riches he undertook to find them guilty , and to prove their wealth so corrupted by extortion and violence , that nothing could hallow or purifie it but his Coffers . The next News from Persia brought advice , that that King at the Head of a powerful Army was encamped in the Country about Van , with which the Turks not having sufficient Force to fight , the Vizier wrote to the Grand Signior , that his presence was necessary to increase the Army , and encourage the Souldiery ; whereupon he resolved to leave Adrianople , and transfer his Court to his Seraglio at Scutari , that so remaining on the Banks of Asia , he might be nearer to his business , both to receive Intelligence and administer Supplies ; and because Seditions and discontents in the people do always obstruct the motion of publick Affairs , he not only ruined the Taverns and Tabaco-shops , but forbid Coffee-houses , and other idle places of concourse ; nay into Barbers shops no more than one was suffered to enter at a time ; for those being places of resort , Treason was frequently vented there , men of that profession being notorious through the World for their talk and intemperance of language : and farther to restrain Meetings and secret Conventions strict Orders were given , that after an hour and half in the night all fires and candles in the City should be extinguished , which was the general discontent of all people . But what shewed much of the fierce spirit of the Sultan , was a certain fury which he conceived on this occasion . On a certain day riding on his Horse , thirty Indian Pilgrims met him in the way to demand his charity , and being in a different habit to what the Turks wear , and not accustomary in that Country , the Grand Signior's Horse started at the sight of them ; and being spurred for bogling in that manner , the Horse capred and reared an end , so that he threw his Rider ; at which the Grand Signior being highly enraged , drew out his Cemiter , and with his own hand killed his Horse , and instead of alms prepared a place of entertainment in the Gallies for those unhappy Indians . The Grand Signior being returned to his Palace at Scutari , which is seated on the Asian side opposite to Constantinople , applied his whole mind entirely to the Affairs in Persia ; and being resolved to march thither in person , he put abroad the Horse-tail , which is a signal of departure , he visited the Sepulchres of his Ancestors , made his Corban , which is a distribution of flesh to the poor , for a Blessing on his Enterprise . The Officers of the Army contended to out-vy each the other in their Presents to the Grand Signior , some furnished him with Royal Tents , others with curious and light Arms ; and others with Horses and Furnitures of value . Great Sums of Money were extracted out of the Exchequer for Military preparations and payments of the Souldiery . The charge of Affairs in absence of the Grand Signior was committed to the Bostangibashee , who was made Chimacam of Constantinople ; and so with a fierce spirit , and aspect full of indignation and anger he mounted his Horse at the head of an Army of an hundred thousand ; he departed from Constantinople about the end of April . But before we recount the particulars of what succeeded in Persia , it is requisite to cast our thoughts back to the troubles of Transylvania occasioned by the competition of Stephen Bethlem and George Ragotski for that Principality . Bethlem ( as we have said before ) being grieved and discontented at his hard Fortune in being put by the Government , and resenting the punishment which Ragotski inflicted on his Son for the crime of manslaughter , he went to Buda , and there renewing his old complaints to the Pasha , he was with recommendations from him accompanied to the Port , where being introduced to the presence of the chief Ministers , he at large declared the Merits and good Services of his Family towards the Sultan : That for this reason only , in dishonour and despight to the Ottoman Empire , he was excluded from the Government ; and therefore challenged its assistance to re-establish him therein , in consideration of which , he promised the same faithfulness and devotion to the Sultan , which was professed and maintained by his Ancestors , and was natural to the Family of Gabor . That as to Ragotski it was apparent , that he entertained different principles ; that he was a person of elated thoughts and a turbulent spirit , and was ever united in combination with the Emperour , Germans , and other Enemies to the Ottoman State. The Turks moved with these reasons , resolved to favour Stephen , and to discountenance Ragotski ; and though the conjuncture of affairs was such , as that any other Engagement in War , besides that of Persia , did not square with the present designs ; yet at all times it was judged convenient to sow the tares of discord , and promote differences amongst Christians , which have ever produced advantages to the Mahometan Cause : and likewise the Pasha of Buda was commanded to enter Transylvania with a Force sufficient to contend with Ragotski ; and lest the Emperour should be alarm'd with this commotion , a Chiaus was dispatched to give him a perfect understanding of the reasons , why an Army marched into Transylvania ; the design of which was not intended in the least manner to impeach the Articles of Peace between him and the Grand Signior , but only to displace a man of a furious and turbulent spirit , and to ordain another in his stead of a more sober and quiet temper , by whose moderation and prudence the Peace between the two Empires may be improved and continued . Ragotski startled at this design intended against him , assembled the States of his Country to determine and consult concerning a remedy , and immediately dispatched a Messenger to the Emperour , to desire and implore his Imperial succour and protection : and though Ragotski was sensible of the disparity of his strength , in comparison of that of the Turks ; yet neither did his counsels nor behaviour betray fear or want of constancy . The Hungarians seconded those instances which Ragotski had made at the Imperial Court , and the Party which he had made at Vienna brought the matter to a debate in Council , which was argued on both sides with solid and convincing reasons . Those who spake in disfavour of Ragotski , alledged , That all assistance contributed to him would be a just cause and pretence to the Grand Signior to make War with the Emperour . That Ragotski himself was of an uniquiet temper , not unlike to Gabor his Predecessor , who had often bid defiance to the Emperour , and over-running all Hungary and Austria , had often erected his Standard in the sight of Vienna . To protect and cherish a person of this disposition , was no other than to nourish a Serpent or Viper in their bosom ; who being elevated at the expence of the Empire in successes against the Turk , would convert that power which he had gained to the damage of the House of Austria , combining with the Faction of other Princes to procure its destruction . Let us therefore , said they , stand at a gaze , and as men on the shore or in a good Port behold the agitation of Ships in the Ocean ; perhaps the change of a Prince in Transylvania may turn to our benefit , and one may succeed into the place , of such a mild temper and serene disposition , as may better agree with the Maxims of this Court , and may cultivate that Peace which can only render these Countries happy . Howsoever there were other opinions to the contrary , amongst which it is said , that D. Annibal Gonzaga , a person acquainted with the State of Transylvania and of the Turks , and Director of the Imperial Army , delivered himself in this manner . May it please Your Sacred Imperial Majesty , IF Ragotski had been the lawful Son and hereditary Successour of Gabor , who was an Enemy to your Majesty , we might then apprehend the evil consequences of a Son , that traces the same path and footsteps of his Father . But here is another person , another Prince , in emulation different , and by enmity hating the House of Gabor ; wherefore I cannot imagine , how this Prince can possibly entertain Maxims of like nature with the other . For my part I believe , that it behoves your Majesty to maintain a good correspondence with the Princes of Transylvania by a close Vnion against the Turk ; your adjoyning Countries being like contignous Buildings , which are strengthned by a mutual support : let us therefore support it , for if it depends not on us , it will be over-run , and remain oppressed without us . To aggravate the faults of Gabor to the disparagement of Ragotski , is no Logical consequence , unless you will argue , that the faults of the guilty are to be punished on the innocent . Let us therefore consider , which agrees best with the security of the Empire ; that Transylvania should remain in the hands of Ragotski , or of the Turk ; or that we had better strike against the rock of jealousie , which we conceive against this Transylvanian , or on that ruinous rock of the Turkish Power . The Ottoman Counsels commonly look asquint , they cast their eye on the Prince , when their sight aims at the Principality , and threaten the person , when they design to vent their fury to the subjection of his Country . The true intent of the Turk is to reduce Transylvania to the same condition with Moldavia and Valachia , and to incorporate this with infinite other Provinces into the gross body of his Empire . It is notorious to all the World , that the Emperours your Predecessours have lost a large tract of Land by the Turks , and your losses will every day be greater , as their Conquests increase ; and when their Dominions in Europe are so enlarged , that they are able to quarter their Asiatick Cavalry in these Countries , your dangers must necessarily be inevitable and full of terrour . For I compute , that when the Turk designs to make War upon us , he marches with an hundred thousand men , and perhaps ten thousand Camels , besides other beasts of burden ; so numerous a body as this cannot be maintained until the grass be fully grown , which is not until the middle or end of June ; and from that time they have more than a month or six weeks March before they arrive upon our Consines ; the which consumption of time prolongs their Enterprises , and protracts the time of our damages . But if once they become Masters of Transylvania , and that that Country be laid to Moldavia , Valachia , and other parts of Hungary , they may then commodiously winter amongst us , and begin their Wars and Attempts upon us early in the year , and pursue them until the last season of the Autunin : and in this manner , whilst we are debating and taking our measures in our Diet , they will fatten themselves , and satiate their appetites with our spoils . It is good therefore for us to defend Austria in Transylvania , keeping the eaver as far from the heart , as we are able . Let us suppose , that Ragotski is the most ungrateful man in the world , and that after we have supported and succoured him , that he will reverse his Arms upon us : howsoever he is not so strong and considerable as to do us much hurt , and therefore it were better to have him our Neighbour and our Enemy , than the Turk , though our Friend : the first can only administer some little causes of jealonsie , but the other may destroy and supplant us : the first is but like a putrid feaver , which is cured with every small evacuation ; but the latter is a pestilence , which dilates and diffuses it self , and is deadly and irrecoverable . Let not the seruple neither of breaking with the Turk trouble us ; for we may administer assistance under-hand , and without noise effect our business , without arriving at the extremity of a rupture . It is folly and weakness in us to be charmed by the statteries of the Turks , and the fair words of this Chaous , or to imagine , that when they have over-run all Transylvania , they will stop in the midst of their career , before they arrive at the Gates of Vienna ; no , their intentions are to lull us asleep , and to destroy our Neighbour first , and then us ; they cannot devour us both at once , but husband their diet , and reserve us for another meal . The Turk is like a Serpent , who lyes quiet and coiled up all the Winter , not because he wants either a sting or poison , but being benumbed with cold , wants warmth and heat to give it motion and operation . This is my sense and opinion , which I most humbly tender before the greater Wisdom of Your Sacred Majesty . Notwithstanding these convincing Arguments , the result of the Council determined otherwise , and Ragotski was left to shift for himself , and to stand upon his own legs , which was a pernicious resolution , and that which was afterwards the cause of the subjection of Transylvania to the Turk , and the original of many mischiefs to the Empire ; but this was the fortune of the Turks , more favourable to them than to the Christian State. Ragotski being thus abandoned by the Imperialists , and exposed to the mercy of an insatiable Enemy , though his courage was good and resolute , yet he began to despond of his Force , unable to deal with such an unequal Match , as that of the Turk : and his Subjects being fearful of the event , perswaded him to give way , and resign his rule to the hands of Gabor his Competitor ; Ragotski , that he might not seem to neglect the counsel of his Subjects and Friends , and to gain time , pretended to hearken to their advice ; and accordingly entred into a Treaty with Gabor . During which debate he secretly obtained some Forces from Poland , by connivance of that Government ; and the Hungarians being his friends , privately favoured him , knowing that the Conquest of Transylvania would be a step to their destruction ; and being at length well fortified and recruited , he began to declare openly , that he found no security to himself in this Surrender , for that a place was denied him , wherein he put his chief hopes of defence ; and therefore that he was resolved to support and maintain his state and cause in the best manner that he was able . Hereupon the Turks entred Transylvania with an Army of twenty five thousand men under the Command of the Pasha of Buda : Ragotski , to obstruct their March , dispeeded his General Cornis with seven thousand men to prepossess an advantageous ground , with Order to entertain , but not fight the Enemy , until he could come up to him with the gross of his Army . The Turks perceiving their advantage in number , resolved to engage the Enemy before they were reinforced with new Succours ; to perform which they made a detachment of twelve thousand Horse , and two thousand Janisaries , and some Field-pieces commanded by the Pasha himself and Stephen Gabor . Cornis not being able to disingage himself or avoid fighting , made a vertue of necessity , and put his Forces into form of Battel , and exhorting his men to follow his example , assured them , that Victory was sooner acquired by valour than numbers , and that Fortune was always more favourable to the valiant and brave , than to the cowardly and pusillanimous . Cornis unsheathing his Sword fought in the head of his men , and led them through the thickest of his Enemies , the first rank of which not being able to sustain the surious charge of the Christians , gave way ; and being disordered , the first Squadrons ran foul of the second , and at length all of them betook themselves to a shameful flight . The Transylvanians took all their Cannon and Baggage with ten Ensigns , and killed three thousand Turks . The Pasha of Agria was wounded , and Olac Bei of Temiswar was taken Prisoner ; and the whole Army had that day been defeated , had not the Janisaries , who fortified themselves in a thick Wood , given a stop to a farther pursuit . Ragotski likewise in divers succeeding Skirmishes overthrew the Turks , killing many Pasha's and Souldiers of quality , and at length remained sole Master of the Field . The Turks retired to Lippa , and Stephen to Temiswar , whilst Ragotski made his Incursions into the Country of the Turks , burning and spoiling two thousand Villages ; with which being terrified and beaten into terms of reason , they agreed to suffer Ragotski to injoy his Government , conditionally , that the Goods and Estate of Gabor in Transylvania should be restored unto him : and thus Ragotski established himself in the Government , and obtained a confirmation thereof from Constantinople to his Son , accompanied with Presents and Ornaments of a Prince . And this example shews us in what manner we are to deal with Turks ; resolution and rigour are better Arms against them than complements , and with an Enemy it is more advantageous to make Peace with weapons in our hands , than to condescend to the hard terms which a Tyrant pleases to impose on an easie and an unprovided People . So soon as this News arrived the ears of the proud Sultan , he was so incensed , that in a fury he would have desisted from his present War in Persia , to vent his revenge upon Transylvania ; but the cooler and more moderate counsels of wiser friends advised him to defer the execution of his anger , until he could discharge it more to the purpose , and in a conjuncture when it would fall more easie on himself , and more heavy on his Enemy : howsoever in the mean time Ragotski made such use of this remote diversion of the Ottoman Arms , by advantaging himself of an Alliance with the Cosacks , and by the ill correspondence and diffidence which at that time intervened between the Tartars and the Port , that he not only avoided the revenge threatned by Morat , but obtained an establishment of the Inheritance to his Son. By this time Sultan Morat was arrived at Erzrum , which is a City belonging to the Turks on the Confines of Persia ; where the first Act which he performed of Justice , was to cut off the Head of the Pasha for his oppression and extortions inslicted on the people . Entring into Armenia , he was grieved to see the upper and lower Provinces so miserably destroyed and wasted by the War ; to recover which he commanded the people under pain of death to return again to their ancient habitations within the space of twenty days ; but they being setled in other Cities , where perhaps they had purchased Houses and Lands , could not possibly comply with the severity of this Decree ; and therefore were constrained to buy a dispensation and release from the penalty for a Sum of money . About the beginning of July in the parts of Erzrum , Morat made a general review and Muster of his whole Army ; with which those he brought from Constantinople joyned to Recruits by the way , and those Forces which had waged War in Persia amounted to near the number of three hundred thousand fighting men , but such as were admirably well disciplined , not only by the severity of their Soveraign , but by the example he shewed them of frugality and patience : for he often marched afoot in the midst of the heats , he was extremely temperate in his diet , though he was naturally of a gluttonous and luxurious palate ; for several months he made use of no other Pillow for his head than his Saddle , nor other Blanket or Quilt than the Covering or Foot-cloth of his Horse . Being arrived near to the City of Revan he bestowed that largess on the Souldiery of a Dollar a man , which is accustomary to be given at all times , when the Grand Signior marches in person , and then made known to them his intentions of besieging that place ; and in case he took it not in the space of ten days , that then he would leave it begirt with forty thousand men ; and dividing his Army into three Bodies , he would enter the bowels of Persia by divers ways . The Tents of the Grand Signior and of all the Camp were pitched , Batteries raised , the Trenches opened , and all matters laid in the formal manner of a Siege . The Garrison within commanded by Emir Gumir consisted of fifteen thousand men , sitted and provided with all sorts of Ammunition , and wanted neither courage nor provisions ; howsoever at the end of nine days the City was surrendred to the Sultan , upon terms of quarter to the whole Garrison both for life and freedom of Estate ; and because this Governour Emir Gumir , a principal Noble-man of Persia , had by corruption thus voluntarily delivered up the City , he acquired a place of high grace and esteem in the favour of the Grand Signior , to which his courtly manner of indulging his humor , and complying with him in his Wine and Feasts ( to which the joy of this present success priviledged him to return ) gave him daily a new Title to receive extraordinary Honours from him . The news of this prosperous success was posted to Constantinople , as the first essay of the good effects of the Sultan's presence , and was there celebrated with Feasts , Joy , and Lights , according to the Turkish fashion , called Danalma ; to perform which the Turks obliged likewise the Christian Ambassadours , saying , that if they were friends , they ought to evidence their satisfaction by demonstrations of joy in the prosperity of their Ally : the Festival was kept for the space of four days , during which two Brothers of the Sultan , viz. Bajazet and Orchan were strangled ; the latter of which , as is said , was so brave , and of that courage , that he killed four of his Executioners before he submitted his neck to the fatal Cord. The Turk entring farther into Persia , inconsiderately fell into an ambush , where twelve thousand of their men were defeated ; howsoever the remainder of the Army not being discouraged with this Encounter , proceeded on their March , making most miserable havock and destruction of all before them , carrying that dread and terrour to the Countries round , that all people fled , leaving their houses and things not portable to the possession of the Enemy . Howsoever the Turks found greater difficulties than they expected ; for meeting frequently Parties of the Persian Cavalry , which were practised to manage their Horse and Sword , were often defeated , at least endured and sustained the shock of bloody Skirmishes ; and then the Persians retiring into the Mountains known to them , but unknown to the Turks , which served them better than fortified places , returned again when any advantage or Booty appeared , which perpetually vexed and wearied the Enemy ; and burning all things which might afford them relief , rendred that fruitful Country more desolate and barren than the Desarts of Libya , or the Sands of Arabia . In this manner the Turkish Army being destitute of all sorts of provisions and refreshments , were forced to retire to the Country of Tauris ; which being harassed and impoverished like other Provinces , caused a miserable famine in the Camp , whereby multitudes of Horses and Camels perished for want of nutriment ; at which the Grand Signior being highly incensed against the Inhabitants of Tauris , committed their City to the will and mercy of the Souldiery , who having pillaged and sacked it , left it a miserable spectacle of fire and sword . The King of Persia seeing in what manner the Troops of his Enemy were wearied and consumed , took hold of this opportunity as seasonable to propose certain Articles of Peace by an Ambassadour , to which Morat seemed to incline a flexible ear ; but lodging his Souldiers in their Winter-quarters in the parts of Damascus and Aleppo , he took his way towards Constantinople , with intention to ease the hardships and labours of the Summers War , by a voluptuous ease and Winters pastime in the delights and softness of the Seraglio . The 16 th day of December he arrived at Constantinople , having passed from Ismit through the Gulph of Nicomedia with the attendance of fourteen Gallies : he made his Entry by the Jews Gate , and not by that of Adrianople , as was accustomary ; he was mounted on one of the best of his Horses , and cloathed with a Coat of Mail , a Casket on his head with three Feathers adorned with Pearls and precious Stones , his Sword was girt to his side with his Bow and Quiver , his beard was in a rough and neglected manner , which made him appear more fierce and Martial ; the Chimacam came after him , accompanied with the Traitor who surrendred Revan . This Festival for his return was celebrated for the space of a whole week , during which time the Shops were shut , the doors and outsides adorned with green Boughs and Paintings , and by night the streets with Torches were made as clear as the day : howsoever the people secretly murmured , that the War was not prosecuted , and the advantages taken when Fortune began to smile and favour their Enterprises ; and that now desisting in the middle way , the work was again to be begun , and all the foregoing blood and treasure was spent and consumed to no purpose : these murmurings of the people were not without some ground and cause ; for after the departure of the Grand Signior , the Persians put themselves again into the field , and recovered the Country which they had lost ; and having offered a Sum of money to Mortesa Pasha to surrender Revan ; which he refusing to accept on principles of fidelity and honour , they prepared to lay close siege to the place : the Janisaries were also displeased to see themselves neglected , and cast out of the Guard , and their places supplied by the Bostangees ; nor less disgusted were the Lawyers to see several of their Judges and Kadies hanged , and their heads cut off , upon pretence of Sedition and Faction . His ill humor more increased to the height of Tyranny , by reason of certain twinges which he suffered of the Gout , which is not usual in persons of his age , not surpassing twenty six years ; and because his Physician a Jew forbid him wholly to drink wine , as poison to his disease and complexion , he was so enraged , that he drove him from his presence with indignation , and immediately conceived such anger and prejudice against the whole Nation , that he caused their Houses to be searched , and their Jewels taken from them . But what was most strange , was his horrid aversion to Tabaco , the taking of which by any person whatsoever he forbid upon pain of death ; which sentence he so rigorously executed , that he caused the legs and arms of two men , one that sold Tabaco , and the other that took it , to be sawed off , and in that manner exposed to the view of the people : he also caused two others , a man and a woman to be impaled alive , for the same offence , with a Roll of Tabaco about their necks . As the Gout caused him to be froward and ill-natur'd , so more especially when ill News came from Persia , he was observed to be more raving and tyrannical than ever : his Army in Persia wanting provisions disbanded ; Mortesa Pasha Governour of Revan being killed , the Souldiers rebel , open the Gates , and yield themselves to the Persian ; for which offence the Janisaries fearing the Justice of their Master the Grand Signior , two thousand of them took up Arms in service of the Enemy : the sense hereof vexing Morat to the soul , he caused the Register of the Janisaries to be hanged , and another of their principal Officers to be beheaded , and strowed the streets of Constantinople with dead bodies , some for one cause , and some for another , which struck the whole City with a general dread and consternation . He often walked in the night , punishing quarrels and disorders of the streets , and meeting two women wandring in the dark , he caused them to be cut in pieces . He put his Cook to death for not dressing his Meat well , or not seasoning his Sauces according to his palate . In his Seraglio sporting with his Arms , he wounded himself with a Dart in the thigh ; and by accident wounded the Son of Mehmet the late Vizier with a Carbine-shot , of which in a short time after he dyed . The Persian having taken Revan ( as we have said ) instituted Chambers of Janisaries in that place after the Turkish fashion , paying them in the same form as at Constantinople ; and to allure the Spahees to enter into his Service , he offered to all that came in twelve Aspers a day of constant Pay , and declared , That their Faith and Law had no difference from the Mahometan . The Grand Signior receiving these Advices with extreme indignation , proclaimed his intentions to return again into Persia ; and though the design pleased not the Militia , who were weary of the War , yet his power was too great to be resisted , and his humors too violent to be diverted by sober counsels ; for having subjected and absolutely subdued the insolence of the Souldiers , and suppressed the arrogance of the Lawyers and Church-men , he ordered every thing according to his arbitrary and uncontroulable pleasure , which being rendred extravagant and unsupportable , by reason that in his Cups , and at the time of his debauchery he would often take his Counsels and determine his resolutions , were notwithstanding with more patience endured upon hopes that they would not be lasting , and that excesses would accelerate his death , and the end of their oppressions . The Pasha's of greatest note and richess he put to death , and consiscated their Estates to his Exchequer ; and whereas avarice and cruelty were equally predominant in his nature , there was scarce a day wherein he made not some demonstration of those dispositions : the English Ambassadour making some instances for the releasement of English Slaves from Captivity , was forced to purchase their liberty by giving two Russians , or other Slaves in the place of one English-man . He took a singular delight to sit in a Chiosk by the Sea-side , and from thence to shoot at the people with his Bow and Arrows , as they rowed near the Banks of the Seraglio , which caused the Boat-men afterwards to keep themselves at a distance from the Walls of the Seraglio . And as he likewise took pleasure to go from one Garden to another on the Bosphorus , so if he observed any so bold , as to put forth his head to see him pass , he commonly made him pay the price of his curiosity by a shot from his Carbine . In all his Gardens and places of pleasure his chief recreation was drinking , in which his principal or almost sole Companions were Emir Gumir the Persian who betrayed Revan , and a Venetian of the Family of Bianchi , who having been taken by the Turks , when he was young , was placed in the Seraglio , and educated in all the Learning and Customs of it , and becoming as well a Proficient in drinking , as in other vices , he was made a Favourite and Companion to Morat . And thus did they follow this trade of drunkenness so constantly , that the health of the Grand Signior began to impair , and at length he became so sensible of his extravagancies , that he incharged the Chimacam not to obey him after dinner : and when in the heat of his Wine he took a humor to ride through the streets , the Janisaries and Officers would sometimes run before to advise the people to withdraw , and sometimes drive them away with stones , that so they might escape the hazard of this capricious Tyrant . As it cannot be expressed in what dread and fear the people stood of him , so neither in what Veneration he was with his Servants , who observed the looks and every cast of his eyes , had learned his nods , and the meaning of every motion and gesture of his body . It happened once , that a paper falling casually from his hand out of a window , the Pages ran in all haste down the stairs , striving who should be the first to take it up ; but one more desirous than the others to evidence the zeal of his service , took the nearest way and leaped out of the window ; and though with the fall he broke the bone of his thigh , yet being the first that took up the paper , he came halting to present it with his own hand : this bold readiness in his service so pleased the Grand Signior , that being cured , he was afterwards preferred to one of the most considerable Offices of the Empire . Thus was Morat revered in his Seraglio , as he was feared abroad , his Servants having the same awe of him , as Bagotes the Eunuch had of Alexander the Great , who holding the Pot of Incense and Perfumes whilst his Master slept , suffered his hands to burn to the bone , rather than to awaken him by moving out of his place . Q. Curtius . But it is time now to leave off farther discourse of the Extravagancies of Morat , and to return to the Wars in Persia ; howsoever before the departure of the Grand Signior , it will be requisite to recount somewhat of the state of affairs in Europe . On the Frontiers of Hungary and Poland there wanted not Exercises and Skirmishes to employ and practise the Souldiery , and keep them in breath . The Poles heightned with their good successes , would not longer endure the Incursions of the Tartars , complaining against the Turk , that he had given Orders , and secretly abetted them in their Robberies and Invasions against the Articles of the last Peace ; and therefore to avenge themselves , the Poles appeared on the Frontiers with forty or fifty thousand Horse ; but the Grand Signior not willing in this conjuncture to break with the Poles , absolutely disowned any such Order or permission given to the Tartars , and being willing to continue the League , that he might oblige the King of Poland , gave liberty to all the people of that Nation , and to the Russians , who had been taken since the last Treaty , positively prohibiting all people from buying or keeping any of the Subjects of that Country for Slaves , during the continuance of this Peace . In Hungary , though the Ambassadour had but lately brought a Confirmation of tho Peace from Constantinople ; yet the Turks pretending that the Articles were not complied with , continued to trouble and disturb those Frontiers ; for four thousand of them being gotten into a Body burnt certain Villages , made divers Slaves , and battered the Castle of Raab ; but being repulsed by that Garrison , and by that of Komorra , they again made Head , and encamped within three leagues of Presbourg : the which gave great trouble to the Emperour , both because he had lately declared a War against France ; and because he apprehended , that those Commotions of the Turks were designed to no other end , than to engage him to renounce all assistance and succour to be given unto Ragotski . We have already recounted in what manner the Turks had espoused the quarrel of Stephen Gabor , and resolved to establish him in the Principality of Transylvania with the ruine of Ragotski ; which now being designed to be done by open Force , several Troops were sent to the Frontiers of Transylvania ; which so alarmed the Hungarians , that they put themselves on their Guard , and obliged the Estates of Austria and Hungary to contribute towards the succour of the Transylvanian Prince . The Emperour remained long in suspense what course to steer , until at length the perswasions of the Confederate Princes , the shame of abandoning a Friend and an Ally for a prey to the Turks , and the fear of displeasing his hereditary Dominions in Hungary , who considered Transylvania as the Bulwark of their Country , induced him to promise secretly and underhand assistance to Ragotski . As to the Turks themselves , the effects did not correspond with their menaces ; for though they had gathered an Army of twenty thousand men at Buda , they not only were disappointed of their design upon Newhausel , but were openly repulsed , and shamefully expelled the Frontiers by the Palatine of Hungary : and Ragotski being recruited by Succours from the Emperour , and by an Alliance with Poland desied the Forces of the Turk , and contemned the reports of sixty thousand men , preparing to march against him . For indeed the Grand Signior had too great an incumbrance on his shoulders by the War in Persia , to attend unto a perfect and studied revenge against Ragotski ; for Revan being recovered by the Persian , ( as we have already declared ) was a matter of high moment , and what distracted all his counsels and weakened his hopes . When News came first of the Siege of Revan , Orders were given to the Vizier to besiege Bagdat , as a means to cause a diversion of Arms ; but the Souldiery entertaining an aversion to this Enterprise , unanimously refused to march , or to proceed farther than Erzrum . Jambolat Ogli , who commanded the Army before the arrival of the Vizier , had strangled a Pasha , and taken his Estate to supply the wants of the Army , and had likewise put to death several Spahees and Janisaries for Mutiny , and because they had declared an unwillingness to this War. The Souldiery prepared to address themselves to the Vizier for justice against these violent proceedings ; but he not willing to hear them , endeavoured to divert their complaints , which caused a greater commotion and storm than before . And though Jambolat pleaded his Orders and positive Commission from the Grand Signior for what he had acted ; yet that allegation not being accepted by the multitude as a justifiable plea , the Vizier was forced to condescend to their desire , and strangle Jambolat , as he had done the others , being the only means to quiet and compose this trouble of his Army . But as after some great storm there is always remaining for a while a swelling and fluctuation in the waters , so there still remained on the spirits of the Souldiery discontents and unquietness of mind : wherefore the Vizier fearing lest the Enemy taking advantage of the present Seditions , should charge them at a time of disorder , he retired at a distance from them into the Plains of Erzrum : but he was not able to continue long in those parts for want of fuel , and of wood and planks to secure them against the rains and snow ; for it being Winter , which is rigorous and cold in that Country , their Tents were not sufficient proof to defend them against the extremity of the weather . Whilst the Turkish Army remained at this place , advice came , that the Persians had besieged Van , which is a strong Fortress situate on an inaccessible Rock on the Frontiers of the Province of Diarbequir . And though the Persians were not able to take this place neither by storm nor famine ; yet during this Siege they made use of their time to ruine all the Country of Diarbequir , which they left so desolate , that the Turkish Army could not quarter there , nor extract the least provision or subsistence from thence . To all these misfortunes a greater was added by the treachery of a certain Curd , one who pretending to be ill-satisfied with the Persian Party , voluntarily offered himself to the service of the Turks ; and having done them some little services by being their guide through certain difficult passages , he gained a confidence so far with them , as that designing to surprise a quarter of the Enemy , they committed themselves to his guidance and conduct ; who having brought them into a narrow passage , where an Ambush of the Enemy lay , he then turned his Coat , and fought against the Turks , of whom fifteen thousand were killed and taken in this snare . In short , all matters of this War proceeded cross and unfortunate for the Turks ; for besides their unlucky Fights with the Enemy , their own Seditions in the Camp were greater mischiefs ; for now enduring no longer these pungent miseries , under the pretence of wanting Pay , they cut in pieces the Treasurer of the Army , two Aga's of the Spahees , and the Chaousbashee of the Janisaries . This News arriving at Constantinople , when Morat was asslicted with a grievous accession of the Gout , served to redouble his pains , in which raving against the conduct of his Officers , he immediately deprived the Vizier of his Charge , and ordained Biram Pasha , late Chimacam , to succeed him in his Employment . The new Vizier immediately set forth the Horses Tail , which is a signal of departure , with sound of Drums and Trumpets , making Corban , which is a distribution of Mutton to the poor , in divers places : his Retinue was speedily equipped with such sumptuous Magnificence , that it looked rather like the Train of an Ambassadour , which intended to make Peace , than to the Troops of a General , whose business was nothing but blood and destruction . And indeed matters seemed to be inclining that way , the Persians having far advanced in this Negotiation ; for they wisely pondering the immense Force of the Ottoman Empire , with which they were now contending , judged it the most politick course to make Peace under the auspicious Planet of their good Fortune ; for not knowing how long that might remain constant , they might so soon as the wheel turns on the other side , be forced to accept terms of less advantage , than at present they might promise to themselves under their happy Stars . Wherefore a Proposition being made of sending an Ambassadour to the Grand Signior , he accepted of it ; and accordingly arrived at Constantinople in the month of August , when the Vizier was scarce in the middle of his Journey . The Grand Signior entertaining some real inclinations to Peace , laid aside something of his usual Grandeur and State , giving the Ambassadour Audience in a few days after his arrival : and as nothing mollifies the hard mettle of a Turks spirit , like a gentle shower of Gold , and the emulgent softness of rich Presents ; so Morat understanding of Gifts with which he came accompanied , afsorded to the Ambassadour an easie ear and a pleasing countenance . The Presents for the Grand Signior , besides those for the Court , were these that follow . Eight Indian Horses of great price . Forty Dromedaries . An hundred and fifty Meticals of Musk. As much Ambergriese made up in several Bags , all sealed up with the Kings own Seal . Thirty Bundles of the best black Sables . Eight large Carpets mixed with Gold and Silver , with divers others of Silk very rare and precious . Many Pieces of the finest Linen to make Turbants . A great number of the rarest Girdles . Porceline to a great value . Divers Pieces of Satin and Velvet with golden Flowers . Fifty Pieces of silken Stuffs . Eight Bows of excellent work . These Presents so well disposed and prepared the mind of the Grand Signior towards an Accommodation , that he bestowed a kind aspect and gentle words on the Ambassadour , so that all the World expected that a Peace would have ensued . And indeed one might well have believed his reality in this intention , since the ardent passion he had to be revenged of Ragotski , availed more with him than all other considerations in the world : his Honour also called him to give a stop to the progress of the Moscovites , who had taken Asac ; and the Tartars and Cosacks gave some ground of jealousie , that before long they designed some Action on the Turkish Territories , the reasons whereof we shall discourse in this following Year . We have already related some Years past , on what Terms the Tartars stood with the Turk , how they refused to accept that King which the Port recommended to them , though the eldest and first of the true Line ; how they fought and overthrew the Forces which the Grand Signior sent to compel them to the Election he desired , and this last Year upon pretence of a War with Cantemir they refused to send their Army against the Persian , as had always been accustomary to do against the Enemies of the Sultan , whensoever required . The Pasha , Muftee and Kadi of Caffa ( which is the Grand Signior's Town in Tartary ) urged the Tartar Han to prepare and forward his Forces according to the duty and obligation which was incumbent on him ; and enlivening their arguments with reproaches of cowardise and ingratitude , so far provoked the Han , that he caused them all three to be strangled . Notwithstanding this high provocation , the Grand Signior dissembled the injury , lest a due resentment should raise them into an open Rebellion ; and dissembling an approbation of the Fact , as done with reason and justice , sent to the Tartar Han a Sword and a Vest , as signals of his favour : and farther suspecting , lest in prosecution of so sensible a blow , the Tartar joyning in League with the Cosacks and Moscovites , should make himself Master of Caffa , he prudently touched the wound with a gentle hand , offering to ordain such a Pasha , as should be warranted with his assent and approbation . The Tartar being overcome by such lenitives as these , protested that he never entertained other thoughts , than to maintain his Faith and Allegiance inviolable towards the Grand Signior , and that the Alliance he had made with the Nogay Tartars , and the Forces now raised were maintained with no other design , than to suppress the rebellion and insolence of Cantemir . This Cantemir being a person of a bold spirit , and daring in all his actions , did oftentimes , by virtue of his own Authority , lead a strong Party to the field , being followed by the bravest and stoutest Souldiers of Tartary ; for which reason being hated by the Tartar Han , and his life often attempted , and his own spirit not supporting a subjection to any other , he passed the Niester and retired with his own Troops , and such others as would follow him into the Country of Budziak , near to Beliegrod and Kilia , confining on the Frontiers of Moldavia : where he intended to plant and form a new Colony and Government . In a short time divers chief Captains being desirous to follow the Ensigns of so famous a General came in to him , and multitudes of people forsaking the sands and barren rocks of Tartary , came crowding into this Country , that the Plains of Budziack not being capable to contain them , they passed into Moldavia , where incroaching on the Lands of the proper Inhabitants , gave a jealousie as if they intended to take possession of the whole Province . The Poles being jealous of these ill Neighbours which lay at the Gate of their Country ready to enter on all occasions , had made provision in their last Articles of Peace with the Grand Signior , that he should force them to return , and urged that point by the Ambassadour with all earnestness . The Tartar Han also finding his Countries depopulated and weakened by so large an evacuation , male also his complaints and addresses to the Port : but the Grand Signior looking on this Colony , as an increase of his Dominions , and to be composed of such people whom necessity must render obedient ; and that they could easily at his command make irruptions into Poland , Hungary , and Transylvania , seemed deaf to all applications in this business ; and as if they were a people in whom he had no part , shewed no concernment for them , though secretly he promised them his protection . Hereupon Vladislaus King of Poland being wearied with delays , resolved by force of Arms to drive out this detestable Neighbourhood : but the Tartar Han whom this business more nearly concerned , being more speedy in execution than the Poles , having raised an Army of thirty thousand men , encountred Cantemir with twenty thousand , and charged him so furiously , that he killed seven thousand of them on the place , and put the rest to flight , pursuing them through the Plains of Dobruc on the other side of the Danubc . The Grand Signior who had all this time remained a Spectator of this success , began now to take the part of Cantemir , and severely to reprove the proceedings of the Tartar Han , for having disturbed Cantemir whilst he was preparing to serve him in the Wars of Persia. But the Tartar Han having shaken off much of his respect and reverence towards the Grand Signior , despised the menaces which he vented against him , and proceeded in his own business , compelling his people to return again to their Country , and to their ancient Habitations . Morat being forced to suffer what he could not remedy , summoned Cantemir with all diligence to render himself at Constantinople , where being arrived , he was at first regarded with a favourable eye ; but his Son soon after having in a private quarrel killed a Tartar near the Walls of the Seraglio , was for that fact justly strangled by Order of the Grand Signior ; the day following Cantemir was also imprisoned , and in a short time underwent the like Fate with that of his Son. During these troubles a Nephew of Cantemir feigning himself to be disgusted with his Uncle , revolted to the Party of the Tartar Han with no other than a treacherous design to take away the lives of the two Brothers ; the which he compassed at a time of their Hunting , when being far remote from their Attendance , following their Game in untrodden paths , he set upon them with an hundred Villains , and perfidiously took away their lives . The News hereof was highly applauded at Constantinople , and the Traitor extolled as a person of mighty courage and wonderful ingenuity , so that now different counsels and new measures were taken concerning the Affairs in Tartary . Beehir Gherey Brother to those Princes of Tartary which were killed , was then at Jamboli , a City in Thrace , retired thither under the Protection of the Grand Signior , for fear and jealousie of treachery from his elder Brother . Morat caused him to be brought to Constantinople , where he was sumptuously received and conducted to Audience by the Chimacam , who gave him the upper hand , which is the left amongst men of the Sword , as the right is amongst men of Learning or of the Pen ; for as the right hand governs the latter , so the first is appendent to the left side . The bodies of the two dead Brothers were brought to Constantinople , where fetulent or stinking , they were exposed to the sight of Morat , who to gratifie his own humor of revenge , caused them to be thrown into the Sea. This good News from Tartary was attempered with a worse from Asac . , which the Moscovites and Cosacks had besieged . This Town is situated at the mouth of the River Tanais upon the declining of a Hill ; it is in form four-square , and may be of about twelve hundred paces in compass . Before it fell into the hands of the Turks , it was a famous Scale for all sorts of Merchandise , especially for Butter , Cheese , salt Fish , Leather , Slaves , and other Commodities brought hither by Turks , Tartars , and Moscovites . The Venetians when they addicted themselves more to Traffick and Commerce than they do at present , took this Scale for their way into Persia. This Town was fortified with ancient Walls flanked with capacious Towers , and with a Castle which being in the middle and on the side of the Water , divides the Town as it were into two equal parts . The Garrison consisted not of above three or four hundred men ; for being a place remote from powerful Enemies , it fell not under any great jealousie , nor was it deemed worthy the charge of numerous defendants . The City being in this weak condition , the Cosacks soon made themselves Masters of it , which after they had sacked and pillaged to the utmost , they considered it as a place worthy of better Fortifications ; and therefore applying themselves to raise new Works , and repair the old , they soon made it a Fortress of strength and consideration . This happening at a time , when the Turks were diverted by the Persian War , the Cosacks injoyed this new Conquest for the space of four years without molestation , until that in the Year 1641. it was recovered with much blood and slaughter by the Arms of Sultan Ibrahim , as we shall hereafter recount in the sequel of this History . And now because the taking of this place was the original from whence the Divisions and Civil Wars between the Poles and Cosacks derived their beginning , and was the occasion that the Cosacks revolted from their just Obedience , to the Protection of the Turks ; the relation will not only be curious , but a digression necessary to the clearer light of the present History . Uladislaus the Fourth King of Poland being wearied with constant complaints of the Robberies and Incursions made by the Cosacks upon the Turks contrary to Articles and Treaties of Peace , was at length perswaded by his Barons and Counsellors , that the only means to suppress the violence of this unruly people , was to disarm them ; and taking away their Weapons of War to supply them in lieu thereof with the Shovel and Mattock , with Ploughs and Pruning-Hooks : by which industrious diversion from a wicked life of blood and robbery , to honest Husbandry and lawful Arts of living , they might with time be rendred useful to their own Prince , and capable of faith and just communication with their Neighbours . It is not one Age past since these people were called Cosacks , derived , as is supposed , from Cosai , a word in their Language which signifies a Goat , perhaps because of their agility of body , or because their garments are chiefly made of Goats skins . Pellibus & laxis arcent mala frigora bracchis , Oráque sunt longis horrida tecta comis . The Country inhabited by them was at first on the banks of the River Boristhenes , about fifteen leagues in length to the entrance into the Euxine Sea , where it is reported , that Ovid was banished ; and some say , that from him a Village thereabouts called Ovidona derives its denomination ; and hereunto we may afford the greater belief from one of his Elegies in his Book De Tristibus , which seems to describe this Country , and the fierceness of the Inhabitants . Eleg. 8. lib. 5. Quam legis à Scythicâ tibi venit Epistola terrâ , Latus ubi aequoreis jungitur Ister aquis . Mista sit haec quamvis inter Graecósque Getásque A malè placatis plus trahit or a Getis ; Sarmaticae major Geticaeque frequentia gentis , Per medias in aquis itque reditque vias . In quibus est nemo , qui non Coryton , & arcum , Teláque vipereo lurida felle gerat . Vox fera , trux vultus , verissima mortis imago , Non coma , non ullâ barba resecta manu . At present the name of Cosacks and their Country also is of a far greater extent than it was formerly ; for they call now all such in Poland Cosacks that are light Horse armed with Bow and Arrow and Fire-arms : and their Country since the late Commotions is measured from the farthest parts of the Palatinate of Chiovia for the space of an hundred and twenty leagues on one side , and the other of the Boristhenes , which comprehends likewise all the Country of Ukrania . This Country was always inhabited by the most warlike people of Russia ; for that being subject to the frequent Incursions of the Tartars , necessary defence and constant practice in Arms endued them with a bold and Martial spirit . Ukrania is a Country so fertile , that it may compare with the most fruitful soil in the World , producing such quantities of Corn with little labour , that the Husband-men being made negligent by their abundance , produced with little toil , have leisure to apply themselves to violence and rapine : they have no Wine , but use themselves much to Strong-waters : their houses are not built of wood or stone , but of Osiers interwoven and daubed over with Earth and Lime ; so that they use no nails or iron : they have no Merchants unless in Kiow : nor do they serve themselves of Physicians or Aporhecaries . Their learned Language or the Tongue wherein they write is the Sclavonian , anciently called the Illyrian : so that in all things this people is rude and barbarous ; and though their manner of Government and Policy is not refined or methodically disposed , yet nevertheless it is solid and of deep foundation , appropriated to the nature and disposition of that people . This honest design of King Uladislaus to reduce this people to a just and an industrious course of living , not agreeing with their temper and customs , they rather resolved to leave their Country , and betake themselves to various fortunes ; some of them passed into Moscovia to plant a Colony in those uninhabited parts : a Body of them to the number of six thousand joyning together , resolved to pass into Persia to offer their service unto that King ; and being on their Journey as far as the Tanais , they encountred with a Party of Moscovite Cosacks , who inhabited certain Islands of that River , with whom entertaining discourse , they understood that Asac might easily be surprised by them , if they could agree to unite Forces , which together might compose a Body of ten thousand men : the importance of the place being well considered , it was resolved , that the March into Persia should be shortned , and this City be ordained for the ultimate end of their travels and place of repose . According to this counsel Asac being assaulted and taken , ( as we have already intimated ) the Cosacks fortified it in the best manner that they were able , making an Arsenal for their Boats and Saiks , whereby afterwards they did much more infest the Turks than before . The other Cosacks who continued in their Country , being much persecuted by the Polish Nobility , chose Kilminieschi for their General ( the Son of a Noble Family in Lituània , but banished and degraded of his Honour for his criminal offences ) and rebelled against the Government . At sirst not being able to resist the Force of Poland , they retired within the Woods ; but joyning afterwards with other Cosacks , they issued forth at the beginning of the Spring , beat the Poles , and carried away a considerable Booty : afterwards joyning with the Tartars , they made their Incursions as far as Zamosca within twenty leagues of Warsaw ; and so matters continued with various successes not appertaining to this History . Only thus far it is pertinent to the matter discussed for us to have shewn , That the Counsels of Poland were in a great errour , when they resolved to change the life , and alter the humour of this warlike people , which being protected in their Priviledges , and encouraged in their Wars , would at all times , as occasion served , have been ready to have ejected great numbers of good Souldiers into the Ottoman Territories , and might still have been conserved to balance the Power of the Tartars , which now daily infest and ruine the Borders of Poland . These people were like ill humors , which being vomited out into the Dominions of the Turk , eased and made healthy the Body politick of Poland ; but being conserved within the stomach , caused Syncopes , Convulsions , and such Commotions , as have of late years shaken the whole Body of the Polish Kingdom : and at length withdrawing themselves entirely from all Obedience , together with that large Province of Ukrania , as they have weakened that Government ; so now of late years seeking protection from the Turk , have added to his Kingdom , and enfeebled that of Poland . When the News arrived first at Constantinople that Asac was besieged , the Captain-Pasha going then to instate Bechir into his Kingdom of Tartary , received Orders to relieve Asac , and if possible , to raise the Siege ; but the Succours coming too late , and the Town being taken , the loss thereof was not esteemed important enough to divert either thoughts or Forces from the Persian War. For now Morat resolving to prosecute the War in Persia , which could not be successful without the united Power of his whole Empire , conducted by his own person , he resolved to make a second journey into those parts , and with his own hand to knock at the Gates of Babylon . To prepare and dispose all matters in order hereunto , he in the first place countermanded his Decree , which prohibited a farther increase of the number of Janisaries ; for now being desirous to augment his Army beyond the account of ancient Registers , he opened the Janisaries door , ( as they call it ) and enrolled six thousand more into that Order . To conserve still the Order of this Militia , he appointed Officers strictly and severely to take the Decimation of the Christian children in Europe , and lest ( as was usual ) they should be corrupted by the parents , who often give Presents , whereby to blind the eyes of the Ministers , that so they may oversee their children , or in lieu of the comliest and most fit for service , accept of the sickly and impotent , or such as are unworthy of the bread and education given them by the Sultan , he most severely injoyned this service , and under a thousand menaces encharged the care hereof to be executed without favour or partiality to any . He carefully reviewed the Books of the Timjar-Spahees , counting the number exactly that every Country yields , and comparing them with those mustered in the Field , he consiscated the Lands of those that wanted , being forfeited for non-appearance : he would admit of no excuse or delay to the matter in hand . The Superintendant of the Ordinance but making a seruple about the proportion of some Guns , as too weighty and unwieldy for so long a March , lost his life for doubting or making a difficulty in what the Grand Signior proposed or designed . And that no commotions at home might divert or call him back before his business was perfected , he encharged his Pasha's of the Frontiers to live quietly with their Neighbours , and to be sure to give no occasions of complaint , or cause for War during his absence , recommending to the prudence of the Pasha of Silistria the care of composing certain differences between the Princes of Moldavia and Valachia . Having secured matters as well as he could at home , he ordered the Horse-tail to be set forth at the gate of the Divan , and all Pasha's and Officers of the Army did the like at their own doors . His Troops began now to grow numerous ; the Spahees and Timariots appointed for the Guard of the Grand Signior's Tents , together with other Cavalry which hold their Lands under Service , amounted unto two hundred thousand . From the hundred seventy two Chambers of Janisaries he drew forth thirty thousand . From the Topgees or Gunners , whereof there are no more than twelve hundred in their Chambers at Constantinople , yet make up twelve thousand in other parts , he drew out three thousand for the present Service . The Shepherds and Plough-men of Dulgaria made up twenty thousand , which with Water-bearers , Smiths , Bakers , Butchers , and all other Tradesmen which followed the Camp , were in vast numbers ; so that the whole Army with the Attendants belonging thereunto were at a moderate calculate computed to amount unto near five hundred thousand men , whereof three hundred thousand were fighting men . The Pestilence which is the Epidemical disease of Turkie , and which abates the numbers and pride of that people , raged this year greatly in Constantinople , and in the parts of Romagnia ; it entred into the Seraglio , and amongst others took-away the only Son of the Grand Signior of two or three years old . This caused Morat to pass most part of the Summer at a Palace on the Bosphorus , where he recreated himself with his drunken Companion the Persian Traitor , and hereby he contradicted the Proverb , That Princes love the Treason , but not the Traitor ; for Morat it seems loved them both , entertaining this Fellow in his bosom : his Cloaths , his Garb , his Horses , and Equipage might rival with that of the Sultan's ; he took place of the Chimacam in all publick appearances , and what was most strange , he preceded the Mufti ; which was a new form , never before practised , and would have afforded matter of wonder and discourse , but that the World considered this Novelty as a method agreeable to the extravagant humour of the Sultan . Amongst his pastimes nothing was more pleasing than some divertisement acted with blood ; he shot the Son of a Pasha with his Gun , for daring to approach near the walls of his Seraglio , supposing that he came with curiosity to discover his pleasures and manner of voluptuous recreations ; for the same reason he would have sunk a Boat laden with women , as it glided slowly by the banks of his Garden . He would himself behold two Thieves impaled , which were condemned to die for robbing something out of his Seraglio : he commanded the Head of the Treasurer of Cyprus to be cut off in his presence ; as also the Master of his Musick , for daring to sing 〈◊〉 certain Air which seemed Persian , and to praise the Valour of that Nation . The Pasha of Temiswar he put to death at a full Divan , for fighting unfortunately against Ragotski . To these severe Acts of Cruelty , which he called Justice , he added one not unpleasant . A certain Greek called Stridia Bei or Lord Oysters , who had been Prince of Valachia , and one whom we have before mentioned , having by his oppression and harassing that people amassed a considerable Sum of money , essayed a second time by force thereof to obtain the Principality , and making his offer and request before the Grand Signior , he was heard with some raillery ; at length the Grand Signior told him , that he was too proud and aspiring , and therefore ordered the tips of his nose and ears to be cut off , telling him , that that was to clip the wings of his ambition . But that before his departure for Persia he might consummate his Acts of Tyranny , he practised one upon his Brother , a Youth of twenty two years of age , of great hopes and good endowments . He was conducted to the presence of his Brother at the Biram to pay his respects , as is usual at that Festival ; and having performed the Ceremony , he enlarged himself in high praises and admiration of the Grand Signior's Generosity and Bravery , who for recovery of Bagdat , was contented to expose his Person to the inconveniences of a long Journey , and the dangers of a hazardous War , and that therein he equalled , if not surpassed the Glory of his Ancestors : which courtly and rational manner of discourse did not please Morat , but rather administred subject of jealousie , fearing that he knew too much , and that as he could speak well , so he might act accordingly ; wherefore the same day he caused him to be strangled , to the great sorrow of the people , and detestation of his abominable Tyranny : but to amuse the minds of the multitude , and cease their murmurings , he caused it to be divulged abroad , that fourteen of his Women in the Seraglio were with child ; which was all false , there remaining none of the Ottoman Race besides his Brother Sultan Ibrahim , who was weak as well in body as Understanding , and whose imperfections secured and compounded for his life ; and to suppress the discourse about his Brothers Murder , he changed it into a talk about his Preparations for War , and his departure for Persia. Wherefore the Fore-runners and Harbingers of the Army being sent away with Labourers to repair Bridges , and to level the ways for the more easie passage of the Cannon , Morat passed over to his Tents at Scutari cloathed in a Coat of Mail , and with a Head-piece set with precious Stones , and his Sargoutch or Feathers clasped to it with Buckles of Diamonds . As he landed at Scutari he was received by three Squadrons of Souldiers , each Squadron consisting of four thousand men well armed , and richly attired ; the garments of one Squadron of which were provided at the expence of the Grand Signior , and of the other two at the charge of his Favourite and of the Captain-Pasha ; the latter of which presented to the Grand Signior thirty Purses of Money , for bestowing on him the honour to command that Gally which transported him to the Asian Coast. The Ambassadour sent from Persia was detained at Constantinople until this time , and after the Turkish fashion not permitted to depart at his own liberty ; but being now ordered to follow the Camp , his Port and Quarters were assigned , that so he might be a Spectator of that Tragedy which was now to be acted . All things were now disposed in good posture with much Solemnity in order to a March ; the Conacks or days Journies with their places of Quarters were laid out in an hundred and twenty days of March from Scutari to Babylon , and seventy days of Otorack or of repose : the Journies with the gross Body of such an Army could not be long , and the joyning with other Forces in the way required leisure and time . In short , the Horse , after the Turkish manner , having eaten their grass and been soiled , this powerful Army decamped from Scutari about the end of May. The sirst day of Otorack or repose was appointed at Ismit , where the Grand Signior made a review of his Army ; such as were aged , and unable to endure the fatigues of a long March he dismissed , giving them half Pay for their lives with the name of Otoracks , which is the same with Milites Emeriti amongst the Romans : with exact Order therefore and severe Discipline , to which their fierce Monarch had reduced them , marched this numerous Army ; no Villages were abused , nor Country-people plundered , and all things were purchased with ready money : and the Grand Signior himself being rendred more gentle and tractable in the Field than in his Seraglio , heard all complaints , and distributed Justice with an equal and an impartial hand . In the mean time at Constantinople due care was taken to keep things quiet and in order ; the Bostangibashee like Lord High Chamberlain , had the Charge committed to him of the Seraglio and the Moveables of it ; he frequently made his Rounds both by Sea and Land , punished those whom he found in Taverns ; nor would he suffer any Candles to be lighted after two hours in the night : the Chimacam and the Captain-Pasha likewise executed their Offices with all care and severity in their respective stations . At this time , to the great dissatisfaction of the Greek Nation , Cyril the Patriarch , who had been in England , and greatly affected with the Discipline of our Church , was deposed , imprisoned in the Seven Towers , and strangled : in his place one Carsila was ordained Patriarch , and his Commission or Baratz obtained from the Grand Signior at the expence of fifty thousand Crowns , one moity whereof was paid from Rome , the whole design against Cyrillus being managed by the Jesuits and other Religious living at Galata , who accused him before the Turks of keeping a secret correspondence with the Moscovites and Cosacks ; for which losing his life , Carsila a pretended Friend to the Roman Faction was instituted Patriarch . The Grand Signior marching with his potent and numerous Army , all the world remained at a gaze what the issue would be of this mighty Enterprise ; yet most were of opinion , that the Honour and Riches of the Ottoman Empire being now at stake , the War could not otherwise conclude than with the Conquest of Babylon . All that could be feared was some diversion by the Christian Princes , who taking hold of the present conjuncture , should enter the Frontiers with a powerful Army , and thereby force the Sultan to return ; but as to Poland the jealousie soon vanished . When the News came of a Civil War between the Poles and the Cosacks , and that ten thousand of the latter were slain in a Battel , this Intelligence came most seasonable and grateful to the Port , expecting now a Meslage from the Cosacks , desiring succour in their extremity ; for such accidents as these have nourished the Turkish Interest , which hath grown out of the Civil discords of Christian Princes . By this means as the apprehensions of War by Land ceased , so there appeared some clouds of storm at Sea , which doubtless might have produced a War with Venice , had the Turks been at leisure to attend it ; for sixteen Gallies belonging to Algier , Tunis , and Biserta well armed with Slaves and Souldiers , and provided sufficiently with Cannon , Powder , and Bullet , commanded by Ali Picenin , united together and formed a small Fleet , with design to rove over the Adriatick Sea , and infest the Coast of Italy . Their intentions were to plunder the Riches of Loretto ; but being hindred by contrary Winds from entring so high into the Gulf , they made a descent in Puglia , and sacked all the Country of Nicotra , carrying away a great Booty , with Slaves , and amongst them several Nuns which they prostituted to their lust ; thence they passed over to the side of Dalmatia , and in sight of Cataro took a Vessel , and made Prize of all Ships which they met in those Seas , the rumour of which made great noise over all Italy , the people exclaiming against their Princes for suffering their lives and Estates to remain subject to the petty Force of a few Pirates . For the Vessels of Malta and Florence were disjoyned , and roving after purchase in the Archipelago , took little notice of what was acted in the Gulf. The Spaniards after their fashion were slow in arming , and spent the Summer in preparations , till the Pirates laden with Booty , were departed towards the Winter ; so that none remained to take care of Italy and the Venetians Gulf , but Venice only , to whom the Dominion of those Seas are rightly appropriated . To suppress therefore the insolence of these Pirates , the Republick set forth a Fleet consisting of twenty eight Gallies and two Galleasses under the Command of Marin Capello , with Instructions to sink , burn , and destroy those Pirates , either in the open Seas , or in Harbour of the Turks ; for that by the Articles of Peace between the Grand Signior and the Venetians , it was agreed , That no Port or Harbour of his should be priviledged to afford entertainment or protection to any Free-booter or Pirate of that nature . It happened about that time , that the Malteses and Florentines crusing in the Archipelago , had done great mischief to the Turks in those Seas ; to revenge which , and to prevent farther damage , the Captain-Pasha sent Orders to these Vessels of Barbary immediately to come to his assistance ; to which they were now more easily perswaded ; for being already laden with Booty and Spoils , they contented themselves with a change of their station : but to give a farewel to those parts , they first resolved to spoil and plunder Lissa aliàs Lesina , an Island belonging to the Republick ; but being overtaken by the Venetian Fleet in their Voyage thither , near to Valona , a Port and Harbour belonging to the Turks , they put themselves under the defence of the Town and Castle , which received them willingly to their protection , notwithstanding all Articles and Agreements to the contrary . The Venetian Fleet saluted the Castle without a shot , desiring , that according to the Capitulations of Peace the Pirates might be rejected , and commanded to abandon their Port : in answer hereunto the Turks replied with a shot , making known their intentions to defend their friends : wherefore the Venetians retiring at some distance came to an Anchor , designing to block up the Port. Many days had not passed before the Pirates endeavoured by help of their Oars and a gentle gale to make their escape ; and being with the gray of the morning , advanced without the Port , they were espyed by the watchful Venetians , who dividing their Fleet into two Squadrons charged them with high courage ; the Fight continued for the space of two hours , during all which time the Castle of Valona fired at the Venetians , and shot down a Mast of one of the Galleasses , a splinter of which wounded Lorenzo Marcello the Commander ; at length five of the Gallies of the Pirates being disabled , and many of their people killed , they began to fly and retire again under the protection of the Town ; as also did the Venetians to their place of Anchorage . A distinct Advice of all Particulars being dispatched to Venice , the Senate wrote to Capello , That since the respect which the Republick owes to the Ottoman Court was not unknown to him , he should by no means make any attempt against those Pirates upon the Land , but meeting them fairly at Sea , he ought then to make use of all the valour and force he was able . In the mean time the Duke of Medina las Torres Vice-King of Naples dispatched an Express to Capello , with Letters applauding the generosity of the design , wherein he was now engaged for the Glory of his Republick , and the common good of all Christendom , proffering to supply him with refreshments and Ammunition , and what else might supply his occasions ; expecting that by such encouragement as this , he might be induced to assault the Enemies in Valona , without respect to the Grand Signior , or any inconveniences which might arise thereby . On the contrary the Governour of the Castle and Kadi of the Town wrote a Letter to Capello , putting him in mind , that he was within the Grand Signior's Dominions , and that he should be careful how he offered any violence to those places , which would certainly prove a violation of the Peace , and be the Original of an inevitable War. Capello had now lain a whole month before the Port , having all the time injoyed fair weather and a smooth Sea , against the hope and desire of the Turks , who expected , that by means of some storm the Enemy would be forced to remove their Quarters to some secure Harbour , and thereby afford them an opportunity to escape . But Capello growing weary of such tedious attendance , resolved to expect no longer , nor yet to lose the present advantage of rendring himself Master of the Vessels of the Enemy : wherefore dividing his Fleet into several Squadrons , he advanced near the Port , firing several shot at the Tents of the Pirates , of which one from a Galleass struck a Mosch ; and arming with store of men the Galeotes and Brigantines they entred the Port , and to the astonishment and vexation of the Turks possessed all the sixteen Vessels , and brought them to their Admiral : which though they had disfurnished of all their chief Booty , yet their Cannon and Arms remained , of which there were twelve Pieces of great Brass Guns , besides others of Iron , with divers Falcons and lesser Arms. The Intelligence hereof being carried to Venice , Orders were given , that all the Vessels should be sunk in the Port of Corfu , excepting only the Admiral of Algier , which was to be brought to the Arsenal of Venice , there to remain as a Trophy of Victory , and for a perpetual Memory of this glorious Atchievement . Howsoever this Exploit was variously interpreted at Venice , and approved or disproved according to the diversity of humors . The younger men applauded it as an action of great Gallantry , excusing his transgression of the Senates Orders by a transport of passion and zeal towards his Country , and desire of Glory . But the Senators and men of mature Judgments highly resented this breach of their Orders , which as they are strictly enjoyned , so they expected that they should be punctually obeyed . That this action was a sufficient and just cause alone to kindle a War , and that it was a matter intolerable , that a single Citizen should of his own head and humor presume to act such things , as must necessarily involve the Publick in a War contrary to their pleasure , and in opposition to their express commands . For which crime and other subsequent defaults Capello was afterwards forced to justifie himself , as will be signified in the sequel of this History . The Particulars of this Advice were by an express Messenger dispatched to Luigi Contarini the Bailo or Ambassadour for the Venetians at Constantinople , a Person of great reputation and esteem , having been conversant in the principal Courts of Christendom , and employed for the space of seven years at Munster , where he was assistant with the Nuntio Chigi afterwards Alexander VII . in the general Peace of Europe . The Turks also receiving this News aggravated to them with all the foul circumstances imaginable , the Chimacam immediately summoned the Bailo to Audience , and with an angry countenance began to exclaim : That taking advantage of the Grand Signior's absence in remote parts , the Venetians had in a perfidious and hostile manner assaulted and destroyed the Fleet of Barbary , which were his Subjects , and such as he had called to his assistance against the Corsaires of Malta and Ligorne . That being accidentally compelled by storm to enter into the Port of Valona , they were forcibly taken thence , and violence offered to the Grand Signior's Port and Castle by way of a manifest and open breach . If this presumption were grounded on the long distance of the Grand Signior from these parts , the Venetians would do well to consider , how that they provoke an angry Prince , and one who esteems neither expence , hazards , nor labours to compleat his revenge . If this were a design to divert the Grand Signior's Arms from Persia , they would do well to consider , that the Sultan was not so far advanced , but that he could turn a currant , if he pleased , sufficient to drown , and in an instant to overwhelm the Dominions of Venice ; or could at least collect Forces from nearer parts able to revenge his quarrel , and vindicate his Honour from the disdain and scorn of such petty Neighbours . Hereunto the Bailo or Ambassadour made this Reply : That this Piratical people was the same which the year before had landed in Candia , and made spoil of the Estates of the Inhabitants , and carried many of them into slavery ; and not contented with this Booty they entred the Gulph , and penetrated into the very bowels of Italy , with design to sack and plunder the Island of Lissa , which was under the Dominion of the Republick . That the Venetian General friendly saluted the Castle of Valona , which was returned with several shots from thence ; that had it been his intention to have attempted the Port in the beginning , he would not have lain thirty seven days in expectation of the forth-coming of those Pirates , it being only respect to the Grand Signior , which obliged him to that attendance . At length being wearied , and provoked by the insolence of that people , he forcibly entred the Port , knowing that by Capitulations with the Grand Signior , it was agreed , that all Ports should be forbidden , and that to these Pirates , unless they first gave security and caution not to injure and make Prize of the Subjects of the Republick . The Chimacam replied hereunto , That there were ten thousand Souldiers and Slaves belonging to those Gallies , which had taken their refuge in Valona ; and therefore he required the Venetians to permit them free passage into their own Country , and to restore their Gallies , unless they intended to come to an open Rupture with the Grand Signior . The Chimacam also pressed more urgently for restitution of the Gallies , in regard that having advised the Grand Signior of this disaster , he had at the same time given him hopes and almost assurance to believe , that by his Negotiations he should recover them out of their hands : but the Senate was of a different opinion ; and therefore gave express Orders to their Officers of the Marine Affairs immediately to sink all those Vessels , that so the expectation of the Turks being disappointed by an impossibility of recovery , might not by the rude instances and threats of Morat oblige them to a dishonourable and an undecent restitution . The News of this misfortune made greater noise and disturbance in the Divan of Algier than at Constantinople , that rude rabble raved and railed and threatned , laying the blame sometimes on one , then on another , being ready to come to blows amongst themselves ; but that being obliged by order of their Divan to keep their thumbs within their girdles , they durst only express their anger by punches and thrusts of their elbows . At length coming to cooler Terms , they charged all the fault on their Admiral Ali , and resolved to make applications to the Grand Signior for redress , and reparations on the Estates of the Venetians in his Dominions . The News also hereof overtaking Morat in his March into Persia angred him to the heart , and transported him to that heat of indignation , that he immediately ordered , that the Venetian Bailo with all his Nation in the Ottoman Dominions should without exception be cut to pieces ; but the Great Vizier and his Favourite suffering him for some time to vent the impetuosity of his fume and rage without contradiction , gave a stop for thirteen days to the dispatch of these fatal Orders ; until taking him in a more gentle mood , they perswaded him to change this sentence of death , to the imprisonment only of the Bailo ; and such care was taken , lest the News of a War with Venice should fly into Persia , and thereby prejudice the Terms of Peace , that this accident was kept as a secret and communicated to none , but such as were nearly concerned in the Government . The Command for the Bailo's Imprisonment being arrived at Constantinople , he was summoned to Audience by the Chimacam ; and though at that time he was exceedingly afflicted with the Gout , yet the Turkish obedience to Imperial Commands admitting of no excuse , he was forced to an attendance ; and being brought in his Sedan , he was carried to the Chamber of Audience , where he expected some time until the Chimacam came to him ; in the interim being entertained by some Aga's , whom the Chimacam had employed to sound him touching the restitution of the Vessels ; who finding by his discourse that they were sunk , without possibility of recovery , and that there could be no compensation made for them , they returned with this answer to the Chimacam ; of which being now informed he came in , and having no farther to expostulate on this matter , produced the Grand Signior's Command for his Imprisonment , and kissing it first caused it to be read The Bailo replied , that he was ready to submit , being not only willing to suffer Imprisonment , but also Martyrdom , accompanied with the severest pains , for the sake of his Prince and his Country . To soften and mitigate matters , the other Christian Ambassadours then resident at the Port , had made Arz to the Grand Signior , wherein with all reverence and respect they offered themselves for Mediators in this difference , engaging themselves but not the parole of their Princes , for the person of the Bailo , that he should not fly from the Port , nor yet refuse any reasonable Terms by way of Accommodation . This Mediation of the Ambassadours seconded with some Presents from the Bailo to the Turkish Ministers , so facilitated matters , that the Bailo at first was conducted to the * Kahya's Chamber , and afterwards was confined to his own House in Galata , guarded by four Chiaouses , with free liberty to all Visitants whatsoever . There was now no other rumour or discourse in Constantinople , but of a War with Venice , so soon as that with Persia was concluded ; and in the mean time the Grand Signior gave Orders , that ten Gallies should be built in his own Arsenal at his charge , and presented to the Barbarouses , with condition that they should stay until the Spring , and accompany his Fleet to Sea. But Ali Picenin the Admiral suspecting that this was only a snare to engage him and his men for ever in the Grand Signior's service , refused the obligation , and set two Gallies on the stocks for his own account . Advice of the Bailo's Confinement being come to Venice , with a report of the passion and rage of the Sultan , they expected nothing more than a War with the Turk , which they communicated to all Christian Princes , requesting their succours and assistance against the common Enemy . These addresses produced rather compassion of their case , than substantial Contributions , Pope Urban himself giving them great assurances of some help from the Ecclesiastical Revenues , besides Processions , Masses , and Benedictions for their good success , in as great a number as they could desire : notwithstanding which due care was taken to make ready and provide against all Encounters . Letters were wrote to the Captain-General in the Levant to make due Preparations against the Enemy : sixteen Gallies were armed out of Candia , to which were joyned other Galleasses under the Command of Antonio Pisani and Sebastiano Veniero : Souldiers were levied in every place , and all Garrisons provided with Ammunition and Victuals , and reinforced with numbers of an auxiliary Militia . Howsoever it was not the business nor advantage of the Venetians to make a War with the Turks , but rather whilst they feared the worst , and made provisions against the utmost extremities , they endeavoured to enter into Treaties of Peace , and to qualifie the hot Spirit of the Grand Signior with the gentle lenitives of fair words , and proffers of making attonement with the Sacrifice of Gold and other Presents : in order unto which they wrote a Letter to the Grand Signior to this effect . That being provoked by the insolence and frequent robberies of the Pirates of Barbary , who did not esteem faith or obedience to his Majesty , nor the Commands which he had often sent to restrain them , they were induced out of natural defence of themselves , to chastise and correct them ; but as this was acted without intention to disoblige his Majesty , so they were ready to maintain and cultivate that ancient friendship and correspondence which was ingrasted on the firm root of his glorious Progenitors . Morat , though he received this Letter in a huff , and gave an Answer to it with disdain , which breathed nothing but threats of revenge and total destruction ; yet he sent it by an Express of his own to Venice , couching something within the terrour of his words , as if there was place left for an Accommodation , if the Venetians knew what salve was to be applied to obduct the skin of this bleeding wound . The Venetians quickly apprehended , that Gold was the only remedy , of which they were ready to contribute freely ; since they could make no better a purchase with their money than Peace , nor could make a better bargain than with such a Sum as would serve only to make the first Preparations of War , to evade all hazards , troubles , and calamities by a happy and safe conclusion of Peace . The which notwithstanding took no effect , until the return of Morat from Persia ; and therefore we shall defer discourse thereof to its proper place . Amurat marched now at the Head of a formidable Army , cloathed in the Habit of a Janisary , to render himself acceptable to the Militia , whom having subdued by rigour and severe Discipline , he would now oblige by courtesie and fairer treatment : with courage and great patience he marched through sandy Desarts and unfrequented places ; and being the first who offered to expose himself to dangers and sufferings , the Souldiery followed willingly his example , esteeming no attempts either hazardous or tedious , in which they saw themselves preceded by their valiant General . In this March he was overtaken by one who rode hard to demand Mostaluck , which is the reward of good News for the 〈◊〉 of a Son , of which one of his Sultana's was delivered at Ismit : the Messenger was secured until the News was confirmed ; which being afterwards turned to the Birth of a Daughter , the poor man suffered death , being cruelly impaled for his unadvised haste and excess of officious respect towards his Prince . The Great Vizier met his Master at Iconium with a moderate Equipage to give more room for the Quarters of the Army ; and rendring himself more gracious in his eyes by a Present of fifty thousand Dollars , he was again remunerated with a Cemiter and a Vest of Sables , which are the usual signals of the Sultan's favour . All Asia was now in Arms , and the Princes and Great men came in to perform their duty , accompanied with their Forces and Attendance : only complaints were made of a certain Shegh , Santone or Preacher belonging to the Mountains of Anatolia , who had refused to do Homage , or serve in the War ; he was one , who by a feigned Sanctity had acquired a great reputation amongst his people ; and having declared himself to be the Mehedy or the Mediator , which according to the Mahometan Doctrine is to fore-run Antichrist , for reducing all the World to one Unity of Faith : he had perswaded his people , that he and they under him were by Priviledge of his Office exempted from all Taxes , Contributions , or Impositions by any Secular Power whatsoever . The Grand Signior who could not understand or believe this Doctrine , presently detached a strong Body with some Cannon under Command of the Captain-Pasha ( who , as we have said , was to accompany the Grand Signior in the War ) to confute the Principles of this Rebel , and to reduce him to obedience . These Forces being entred on his Dominions , Proclamation was made to the people , that they should deliver up their Impostor into the hands of Justice ; which if they refused to do , then Fire and Sword was to be their portion , and destruction to extend even unto their children of seven years of age . This terrible denuntiation of the Sultan's Sentence struck all the people with cold fear and amazement ; howsoever the Shegh availing himself on certain Prophecies , which he interpreted in his own favour , adventured to stand a shock with the Grand Signior's Forces ; but being overcome by them , the Shegh was taken alive and carried to the Grand Signior ; who having given a stop to his March at Iconium , until the end of this business , he condemned him to be flead alive ; and in this guise being a horrid Spectacle to all Beholders , he was carried upon an Ass to the Wheel , on which he seemed to endure the remainder of his punishment without any sensible touches or pangs in the torments . This success being attained , Morat proceeded in his March , and passing through Alexandretta or Scanderone , he was there saluted by the Guns of all the English and Dutch Ships then in Port , and presented by the Merchants and Consuls , especially by the Venetian called Marco Foscolo , whose Presents were computed to amount unto the value of ten thousand Dollars . Thence he proceeded to Antioch , where he refreshed his Army for a few days , observing the Antiquities of that place . At Aleppo he was met by the Pasha of Grand Cairo , who brought with him a rich Tribute , accompanied with an Army of twenty four thousand Souldiers , all choice men well armed and well cloathed ; at the same place also the Forces of Palestine joyned with him , so that his Army was now increased to a vast number . Proceeding forward new Sangiacks came in daily belonging to the Countries through which they marched , and a strong Party of Tartars despairing of being able to act any considerable matter against Asac , offered themselves to the service of the Grand Signior . The King of Persia entred the Field at the Head of an hundred and twenty thousand Horse ; but being inferiour in force , made only use of them to reinforce his Garrison of Bagdat with an addition of thirty thousand men ; which now being well provided , he judged that the Force within and the strength of the place would be able to endure a long Siege , and with time weaken , if not destroy the vast numbers of the Turks , of which there were former examples : with the rest of his Forces he returned to encounter the Great Mogul , who ( as we have said ) promised Morat to assist him in this War , and attack the Persian on the other side of his Dominions , which served for an advantageous diversion to the Turk . This was the reason that no memorable Battels succeeded in the Field , there being none of greater note than a Fight which Quinan Pasha had with two thousand Persians belonging to Revan , with whom accidentally encountring , he killed fifteen hundred of them on the place , and took the rest Prisoners , which being five hundred in number were brought before Morat , and all barbarously put to death by him . During the time of this March Morat often exercised himself in Feats of Arms , to shew his strength of body and dexterity of hand ; amongst other things wonderful to the Souldiers , he pierced a Suit of Arms of Musket-proof with a Dart , called by them a Gerit , thrown from his hand ; for evidence of which the Armour is placed on one of the Gates of Aleppo with an Inscription under it . About the beginning of the month of August the Turkish Army passed the River Euphrates by means of a Bridge , which was not so well built , but that it sunk under the weight of Horses , Camels , and Baggage , by which disaster many perished in the water , which great rains had swelled above the bounds of its Banks . As this numerous Army proceeded , so all petty Princes applied themselves to perform their Homage ; amongst which one Tarpos a King of the Arabs came with his Wife , Mother , and Son to prostrate himself before the Sultan : he was entertained in the Tent of the Favourite , who being always in company with Morat , was never suffered to separate from him , and his Tent more for ostentation than to serve his occasion . Tarpos being admitted to Audience , was received with respect and a favourable countenance , and presented with a Vest of Cloth of Gold lined with Sables and a small Purse of Gold : in recompence whereof the Arab Prince returned certain choice Horses and two Leopards . In like manner the Georgians and Mengrelians , who are Tributaries to Turk and Persian , and commonly incline to the strongest side , whose Nations we have described in the present State of the Ottoman Empire , would not be wanting at this time to bring their Tribute of eighty thousand yards of Linen-cloth , which they pay every three year , with some Children of both Sexes chosen out of the comeliest and most healthful amongst them . At Mosul the Army lay encamped for some time , where was a general Rendezvous and confluence of people from all parts , and every thing ordered and modelized for a War. Severe Discipline was kept amongst all , Offenders were impaled , flead alive , their bowels ript out , and thrown into the publick ways : nor did Takers of Tabaco escape with less punishment than the rest . In the mean time Wine was forbid to his whole Camp , unless to himself and his Favourite , being a Royal drink ; and when the chief Physician commended the admirable virtue of Opium , advising Morat to use it in the place of Wine , he enjoyned him to make his words good by his own example and thereby forced him to take so much , that he was overcome , and died by swallowing too great a quantity . From Mosul the Army marched in due order to Babylon , where the Great Vizier arrived with thirty thousand men about the 19 th of October : but by reason of the great weight of Artillery , and the many impediments which attend such vast numbers , the Grand Signior came not thither till the 5 th of November , and on the 9 th the whole Turkish Army presented it self before the Walls of Babylon . Babylon the ancientest City of the World , reported to be built by Nimrod on the Banks of the River Euphrates , and afterwards beautified and enlarged by Semiramis the Wife of Ninus , is recorded in History for the vastness thereof to be one of the seven Miracles of the World. Afterwards the furious Inundations of the River , and the Iron teeth of devouring time , and the subjection thereof to the Macedonian Empire , did much eclipse the glory of that City , and caused Seleucus Nicanor , one of Alexander's Captains , to build a new one where the Tigris and Euphrates meet , forty miles more Northwards than the old Babylon , which he therefore called Seleucia after his own Name . In the year of our Lord 753. Abugiafer Almansor an Arab King enlarged this City to the Eastern side of the Tigris , as being less subject to the Inundations of the River , giving it the Name of Bagdat , or the place of Gardens ; but his Son Almolied being more pleased with the Western side , encouraged people to build the stateliest Palaces and best Fabricks near the place where he delighted to keep his Court , so that the River Tigris divided the City . The which with the Country thereabouts was subdued by Solyman the Magnificent ; and afterwards in the Year 1625. it was recovered by Abas King of Persia , until at length in this of 1638. it was vanquished by the mighty force and prowess of this Magnanimous Sultan , as we shall now understand . The numerous Troops of the Ottoman Army covering all the Plains , a general Council of War was called of the chief Commanders of the Janisaries and Spahees , especially of such who had been practised in the Sieges of the strong Fortresses in Hungary . After some debate and long consideration , it was agreed , That the City should be battered in three places . One Battery of twelve Pieces of Cannon commanded by the Great Vizier was to be erected against the Bright Gate : the second against the Dark Gate of ten Pieces of Cannon , under the Command of the Captain-Pasha : and a third of eight Pieces directed against the Gate of Persia , under the Government of Chusaein Pasha Beglerbei of Anatolia . The Grand Signior in the mean time habited like an ordinary Souldier , that he might be the less exposed to danger , visited all Posts and places , encouraging them with his words and presence , protesting that he would not change his Cloaths for ever in any place but within the Walls of Bagdat . In the space of three days the Trenches were opened , the Batteries raised , and the Cannon planted ; and Morat having made Korban , gave fire to the first Cannon with his own hand , as he had brought the first Basket of Earth to raise the Works . The Defendants within consisted of eighty thousand fighting men , with which they made frequent Sallies of four and five thousand men at a time , who being retired were again seconded by another of the like number , which put the Turkish Camp into much confusion , and into danger of having their Trenches levelled , and their Cannon spiked ; but the Turks valiantly fighting , the slaughter proved bloody on both sides : and being guided rather by the bravery of their courage , than by Art or Experience in War , they carried their Works forward to the very brink of the Ditch , having an Italian and a Candiot for their chief Enginiers ; who though they were not persons of that ability , as our modern times have produced , yet they were such , as for want of better , served the presented occasions , where force and numbers , with small additions of Art , were the most available . For in this Siege the Sword was more exercised than the Spade or Matock , and there was more need of Arms than Works ; for the constant Sallies kept the Turks always watchful and imployed , and perpetually disturbed them , until at length they were forced with great labour to raise a high Circumvallation with a very deep Ditch defended by several Redoubts ; whereby the Besieged being kept in , their numbers decreased by former Sallies , and their courages abated by despair of Relief , they began to grow cold in the Acts of Bravery , and to reserve their men for the ultimate and last efforts of defence . In the mean time the Turks plied their Batteries so hotly , that in a few days the Walls were laid open almost fifty paces wide . In this condition the Defendants having no other refuge than some small Retrenchments , which they had made during the Siege , were exposed to the open force of the Enemy . For now the Turks having filled up the first and second Ditches with Sacks of Wool , Faggots , and other Rubbish , crowded in vast numbers to enter the Breach , which the Persians defended as stoutly with Stones , Bullets , artificial Fires , and all Instruments of death , which fell like showers of Hail on the heads of the Enemy . The Great Vizier signalizing himself above all by his undaunted courage , commanding with his hand and voice , was unhappily shot by a Musket-bullet , and fell on the heaps of the dead , amongst whom there is no distinction between the common Souldier and the bravest Captain . This Fight within the Breach continued for five days , where both sides fighting like men in despair , the dead bodies lay in heaps , and blood was stagnated like a Pool to wade thorough . At length the numbers of the Turks prevailing , commanded now by Mustapha the Captain-Pasha , entred the Town by force of Arms on the 22 th day of December about the time of Sun-set , when the Royal Standard of the Turks was planted in this City . Howsoever twenty four thousand of the Persians remaining still alive , and united in a Body capitulated for Quarter , otherwise threatning not to die unrevenged : Pardon and Quarter for their lives was readily granted , on confidence of which the Persians threw down their Arms , and submitted to the publick faith or the Sultan's clemency . But the Grand Signior afterwards considering , that the granting Quarter at Revan had been the cause of the loss of the City , he repented him of his promise , and gave Order to the Janisaries most inhumanely to open a torrent of blood , and make a barbarous Massacre of those who had newly thrown down their Arms at his feet , not sparing either woman or child , either sex or age ; the which slaughter , like a work of darkness , was acted in the night by the light of Torches and Lanthorns , and appeared a horrid spectacle to all , especially to the Persian Ambassadour , who being conducted like a Prisoner in the Camp , was a sad Spectator of his Countries destruction on the horrid Theatre of its capital City . So soon as Bagdat was taken , Morat dispatched away Posts immediately with the News into all parts , and wrote a Letter with his own hand to the Chimacam , ordering a Dunalma or Feast of Thanksgiving , and rejoicing for the space of twenty days ; during which time no business was to be acted , the Houses were to be adorned both without and within with the best Furniture , and every House was to set forth Lights , Torches , and Fire-works agreeable to the condition and ability of the person . The people exclaimed hereat as too great an expence , and the vacation from business seemed too long for those who lived by their daily labour . The chief Ministers and Grandees evidenced external actions of joy , but inwardly feared and trembled , suspecting that the fierce and cruel humour of their Sultan would be elated , and rendred more tyrannical , and untractable by success and a favourable Fortune . The Christian Princes received this Intelligence like bad News , and as an Alarm to awaken them from the easiness of Peace , to expectations of War : for War with Persia was like an Ulcer in the Bowels of the Turkish Empire , which gangrened and consumed the strength and marrow of their Power ; which now being cured , and the Body politick rendred healthy by such a seasonable success , would convert it self to Enterprises pernicious and dangerous to the neighbouring States . After the Conquest of this City Morat gave out , That he resolved to proceed with his Army into Persia , and to enter the Walls of Spahan ; but having some indispositions of health upon him , and recalled by the charming Letters of a Favourite Mistress , whom he had left at Diarbechir , he inclined to return again to Constantinople . Wherefore mustering first his Army , he found that it was abated near an hundred thousand men , two thirds whereof being killed in the War , the rest perished by the Pestilence , and other diseases and maladies incident to Camps ; a great part of the slaughter fell on the most veterane Souldiers of the Janisaries and Spahees , of which many of the Chief being slain , their Lands and Revenues returned to the Grand Signior , and gave him both opportunity and ability to reward many with such Offices and Gifts as came by the death and fall of other Commanders . Thus the Captain-Pasha , whose Valour had rendred him famous , was made Great Vizier in the place of him that was slain , and the Persian Favourite was constituted Captain-Pasha ; and though many repined at this advancement , as conferred on a Stranger , and a Person without Merit , yet the Grand Signior considered him as one whose Experience in that Country , and the Information he had given him of the situation and strength of Babylon , had made abundant compensation for the favour and honour he had bestowed upon him . The Grand Signior having left a Garrison of thirty thousand men in Bagdat , dispeeded the Great Vizier with a considerable Army to penetrate far into the Country of Persia. And having now released the Persian Ambassadour , giving him liberty to return to his Master , wrote by him this braving Letter . I That am Lord of Lords , and Conquerour in the parts of Arabia , Persia , and Greece : King that commands with eminent Rule in the World , exalted by Divine assistance to the Empire of the Vniverse ; the most Invincible Possessor of the White and Black Seas , and of all the Cities and Fortresses which encompass them . Lord of the Divine and Prophetick Temple , that is , of Mecha and Medina , as also of Jerusalem , Aleppo , Damascus , and of all those Holy and Venerable Countries , of Grand Cairo , Salutiferous Babylon , and of Van , of Ethiopia , Balsora , and the Lesser Asia ; of all the Countries of the Curds , Georgians , and Tartars ; of Moldavia , Valachia , and universally of all the Provinces and Regions of Greece and Anatolia . And in summ , Supreme Lord of the Seven Climates , the Victorious and Triumphant King in the Service of God Sultan Amurat Han , to the Valiant Sofi , to whom may God give peace , if he deserve it . This Imperial Letter worthy of Obedience being come to thee , Be it known unto thee , That the Ambassadour which Thou didst send to my happy Port with desires of Peace , I have detained until this time in which I have subdued Bagdat , by means of the keen edge of my Invincible Cemiter . If thou desirest Peace , surrender those Provinces which belong to the Dominions of my Victorious Predecessors , into the hands of my Beglerbeys , who are now marching at the head of my Victorious and Inexpugnable Army : otherwise expect me next Spring with my Troops more numerous than the sands of the Sea , within the bowels of thy Dominions ; where I will appear on Horse-back to unkennel thee from the Caverns wherein thou now lurkest , not daring to manage those Arms , which are unworthily girt to thy side . That afterwards shall succeed , which was determined from all Eternity . Peace be to him who directs his ways aright . This Letter being dispatched , the Grand Signior recalled the forty thousand men which he had lent , from the Service of the Great Mogul , which he quartered about Bagdat to hinder the attempts of the Persians , in case they should design to pursue him in the Rear , and disturb his return into Europe . By reason of the rigour and extremity of the Winter , and a certain defluxion which falling on his Nerves , made him something paralytical , the Grand Signior departed not from Bagdat until the 15 th of April , and then for recovery of his health , and to soil the Horses by the way with convenience of grass , short days journies were appointed . The Grand Signior's indisposition increasing with some cold and shivering sits , gave the first Symptoms of a Feaver ; but afterwards it plainly appearing to be a paralytical distemper , suspected by the Physicians to end in an Apoplexy , it was rumoured abroad , that Morat was dead ; but it was whispered with such caution , as if they had feared lest the Grand Signior would have over-heard them , and risen from his grave to punish their secret and inward joy . Being somewhat recovered from the last accession of his Palsie , the humour fell into his legs , and swelle so much , that he could scarce sit upon his Horse ; howsoever he hastened us fast as he could to Constantinople to disprove and confute the falsity of that 〈◊〉 concerning his death . In the mean time it is not to be expressed with what sear and terrour the Chimacam and other great Ministers of State expected the return of their formidable Prince , not knowing where the Thunderbolt of his cruel disposition would strike , until at length it fell on the head of the poor Sultan Mustapha , whose weakness , as it rendred him unable for Government and Command , so it made him stupid and insensible of death . At length on the 10 th of June the Grand Signior arrived at Constantirople : the Favourite Soltana , which had accompanied him to the War , passed by water from Ismit attended with six Gallies , and took her Lodging the first night of her arrival at a small Chiosk or House of Pleasure under the Wall , so as to make a magnificent Entry the day following . Her Coach was covered with Cloth of Gold , and the Spokes of the Wheels were gilded , and the Wheels shod with Silver ; she was followed by twelve Coaches , and the Mufti , Pasha's , Kadees , and other Officers went before to conduct her to the Seraglio . The Grand Signior , who arrived the same day attended with fifty six Gallies , made not his solemn Entry until two days after , being performed with all the Ceremony , State , and 〈◊〉 which could be contrived . The Grand Signior in his own Person appeared in the Persian Habit , with a Leopards skin thrown over his shoulders , after the manner of a Kausee ( as they call them ) or a brave husting Champion , having his Stirrup attended with twenty two of the chiefest Nobles , whom he had reserved at Bagdat purposely to lead in Triumph when he made this Entry . The Treasure brought to Constantinople was landed at the Seraglio out of ten Gallies , and calculated to amount to a greater Sum than that which was carried from thence ; for besides the Riches taken in the Plunder of Babylon , seisure was made in divers places of the Estates of Pasha's and other Great men , which by death , or for crimes escheated to the Grand Signior . After the Grand Signior's departure out of Persia , little of action succeeded , as if by mutual agreement , a Truce or Cessation of Arms had been contrived . The Persians desired a Peace , because they were enfeebled and tired with the War : The Turks had regained their Honour by the Conquest of Bagdat ; and being unwilling to lose it by change of unconstant Fortune , and longer consume their riches and men in a tedious and remote March , were attending to receive Propositions of Peace first offered by the Persian . To effect which the Great Vizier , who was left at Bagdat to command the Army , intimated to the Governours of the Frontiers , that a proffer of Peace should be accepted ; which being made known to the King of Persia , he immediately dispatched an Ambassadour to the Grand Signior to propose Terms of Accommodation . The Ambassadour being arrived at Constantinople , was grateful and acceptable to all , and his day of Audience appointed after the usual manner on the Pay-day of the Janisaries , when the floor of the Divan is covered with Sacks of Money : before the door of the Chamber of Audience stood the Persian Captives all cloathed in rich Vests . The Ambassadour being conducted to the Royal Presence with the usual Ceremonies ( of which we have given an account in another place ) was received by the Sultan sitting upon a Saffaw covered with Crimson Velvet embroidered with Pearl ; his Turbant was encompassed with a Chain of Diamonds , cloathed with a rich Vest lined with Sables ; he cast no pleasantness of aspect on the Ambassadour , but beholding him with a fierce and scornful look , received the Letter in a kind of careless disclain , behaving himself in every motion , as if he neither esteemed the King , nor his Ambassadour ; or as if the Persian had been wholly conquered by him , had sent to beg Peace , and pardon for his life : The Ambassadour was soon dismissed from his Presence ; and matters being referred to the Negotiation of the Chimacam , no other difficulty arose besides the dispute concerning Revan , which at length was agreed by another Ambassadour sent to the Vizier on the Frontiers to remain unto the Persian , as Bagdat was consirmed to the Turk : and so Peace was without long debate clapt up ; the Grand Signior , by reason of his indisposition which increased upon him , being not inclinable to trouble his head with the burden of business . Peace being thus concluded with Persia , there appeared a perfect Sun-shine and fair weather in the Ottoman Court , neither dissentions at home , nor Wars abroad troubling the quiet and repose of the Sultan ; until some differences happening between the Princes of Moldavia and Valachia exhaled the first cloud of disturbance . At that time Lupulo was Prince of Moldavia , a Person of evil Principles , covetous and unjust . Matthew was Prince of Valachia , a good man , zealous for the Christian Religion , and one who administred equal Justice to his people . Lupulo not contenting himself with his own , but desirous also of his Neighbours possession , made instances to the Port to have the Principality of Moldavia conferred upon his Son , alledging that thereby he should be better enabled to balance the power of Ragotski in Transylvania , and on all occasions be rendred more serviceble to the Grand Signior's designs and interest : and seconding this Proposition with a Present of fifty thousand Dollars to the Chimacam , and promise to increase the annual Tribute , he obtained the Chimacam's friendship , at whose instance the Grand Signior was perswaded to write unto Matthew to surrender up his Province into the hands of the Son of Lupulo ; declaring , That it having been accustomary to change the Princes of those Countries every three years , he ought after an injoyment of above seven years to content himself with a quiet and voluntary resignation , unless he would desire to draw upon himself a ruine by the anger and displeasure of the Sultan . Matthew having no posterity , resolved not to surrender his Government but with his life ; and having a particular animosity against Lupulo , could by no means incline his mind to make his Enemy happy with the Spoils of his Estate . Wherefore having obtained assistance from Ragotski , he resolved to withstand the Forces of young Lupulo , and engage with them : and being ready to mount on Horse-back and begin the Battel , he first dispatched an humble Message to the Grand Signior , acquainting him , That he was ready at his Command to resign his Principality into the hands of the meanest Greek his Majesty would appoint ; who being the source of all Equity and Justice , he hoped that he would not oblige him to such Terms as would raise his mortal Enemy upon his ruine ; a man so intent to his own interests , and so unconscionable to compass them , that all late Revolutions , Wars , and Commotions have been raised either by him , or by his Instruments . This Letter being received and read by the Grand Signior , was seconded in a few hours after , with News of the total defeat of young Lupulo ; which put the Grand Signior so much into choler , that he immediately committed the Chimacam to the Seven Towers , for being the Projector and Author of this Counsel . It was supposed however , that Morat's anger would not proceed to that degree , as to extend to his life ; but being informed , that he was rich , and that he was possessed of two millions of Dollars , which lay by him in ready Money , it was concluded , that so vast a wealth could not in a short time be honestly gained ; which appearing as an undeniable evidence and testimony of his violence and oppression , the Grand Signior made no difficulty to pass the Sentence of death against him , nor to condemn the Money to his own Exchequer . His Office was given to Sinan Pasha , and the Principality confirmed unto Matthew . During all this time , the quarrel which the Turks conceived against the Venetians for violating their Port of Valona , was not yet composed ; but now having time to peruse and consider old accounts , the Venetian Bailo was called by the Chimacam to Audience , and to a Conference with him concerning this matter . In the first place therefore the Bailo alledged , That the Pirates of Barbary had for the space of twenty years roved in the Venetian Gulf , and made Prize in that time of so many Ships and Goods belonging to Merchants , that the Republick had been prejudiced by them in several millions ; which also did in some manner prejudice the Customs of the Grand Signior , to whom the Venetian Merchants pay for the most part yearly the Sum of an hundred thousand Dollars in Custom for their Goods , besides the benefit which the Ottoman Dominions receive by so profitable a Commerce . Hereunto the Chimacam replied : That the damages which the Turks received by the Corsaires or Free-booters at Sea under the Colours of Malta , Ligorn , Majorca , and other places were greater and more dishonourable to the Majesty of the Ottoman Grandeur , than the depredations of the other side were to Venice : and therefore it would be necessary for the good of the World , that such violences were prevented in all places ; and that men of such wicked profession should be esteemed for universal Enemies , and to have no other Quarter , nor Articles granted them , than what we give to wild and hurtful beasts , whom we destroy by snares and gins , and all advantages . The which also was never denied to the Venetians , whilst they encountred and took them in the open Seas ; but to enter into priviledged places , and violate a Sanctuary of the Grand Signior's , without respect to the mighty Power of so dreadful a Monarch , was an act so insolent , as could never obtain pardon without a due compensation for the offence ; which could not be done , but either by a restitution of the Vessels , or else of a like number in the places of them . Hereunto the Bailo replied : That if an Accommodation could not be made on other Terms , nor Peace maintained , but by a submission to Pirates , and supportation of all their injuries and robberies , a War must inevitably ensue ; for the good success of which they depended on the Blessing of God Almighty , and the general assistance of all Christendom , which will esteem it self universally concerned in this Cause , and obliged as well to make good this quarrel against Pirates , as to preserve Venice for their main Bulwark and defence against the Ottoman Force . You make me smile ( answered the Chimacam ) when you tell me of the power of Christendom , which contains nothing more of terrour than the name . Do not I know , who have been Pasha of Buda ; that the Emperour hath no money ; and that when the Swedes , a small and inconsiderable people , have made War upon him , they have almost over-run his Country ? As for France , if they understand their own Politicks , they will scarce be perswaded to lend assistance to the Empire , when we make war against it . The Spaniards have so much to do at home , and to conserve themselves from the incroachments of their powerful Neighbour the French , that they are wholly unable to lend Forces to wage a war at such a distance from their Dominions . Wherefore considering the advantage we have upon you , which we well know and understand ; you must either have war on these hazardous terms , or else purchase your peace with a considerable Sum of money . In making of which bargain you must consider , that you have to deal with a mighty Prince , and not with a Merchant ; and therefore your offer ought to be large at first , so as it may gain credit , and be received with a favourable ear ; for a small Sum to him is like a little morsel given to an hungry stomach , which serves only to increase the appetite . And you know , that we our selves are often forced to sacrifice to the avarice of our Prince , by effusions of vast Sums of money , which are always best compounded for , when they are done readily , and at first , before we give our Master time to consult with his pillow , and to make up our accounts according to the calculate of his own reckoning . Let me therefore exhort you to follow the like example , and immediately make an offer of three hundred thousand Zechins of Gold , which if you will do , and employ my interest to make this composition for you , I hope , though with some difficulty , to gain its acceptance . To talk and reason of things past is but to beat the air , because the time is vanished and gone ; but you may consider of the present , that you may secure the future . We sell you peace at this price , if it be worth your money take it ; if not , refuse it , as you judge the purchase most agreeable to your interest . At this time Christendom was embroiled in its usual combustions , so that assistance from other Princes was not only uncertain , but without all foundation ; so that the Venetians could have no sure trust to any other than their own Force . In regard that many were desirous at that time to see the Venetians engaged with the Turk , that so they might not be able to concern themselves in the War of Italy , which then grew hot by the Wars of Savoy , Modena , and Matona , favoured by the protection of the Spaniards , by whose means all the differences arose about the Valtoline . Considering which , the wise Senate being willing to purchase so great a blessing to their Country by a moderate price , gave liberty to their Bailo to compound for it at what rate and terms that he was able ; which by the Bailo's dexterity in the management was concluded for the Sum of two hundred and fifty thousand Zechins , which was esteemed for a great service , and redounded much to the reputation of the Bailo : after which conclusion , the former Articles were ratified , and these which follow added thereunto . That the Ambassadour or Bailo should be set at liberty , and permitted to return to his own habitation : That Commerce be renewed as formerly between the Subjects of both Countries . That all Controversie about the matters happened at Valona , for ever be silenced and forgotten . When at any time the Pirates of Barbary shall happen to enter within the Ports of the Grand Signior , they shall give security , that they will commit no damage or spoil on the Subjects of Venice . And in case they shall have taken any Prizes belonging to the aforesaid State , they shall not be admitted nor protected in the Ports belonging to the Grand Signior . Wherefore in virtue hereof all Aga's , Captains of Castles , and other Ministers who shall not obey and observe this Capitulation , shall be deprived of their Office ; and if the Venetians shall then enter violently into the Port , where such Enemies have taken refuge , it shall not be imputed to them for a crime , or esteemed a breach of the Capitulations . And farther , if the Venetians shall at any time encounter the aforesaid people of Barbary in the open Sea , it shall be lawful for them to assault , take , and destroy them without notice , or exceptions of the Ottoman Port. And lastly , the new Bailo lately elected shall pay unto the Grand Signior five hundred thousand Pieces of Eight , which make two hundred and fifty thousand Zechins of Gold. This Writing was firmed and ratified about the middle of the Moon Rebiul in the Hegeira or Year of Mahomet 1049. Hereof authentick Copies were immediately dispatched to the Beglerbeys , Sangiacks , and Kadi's on the Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea , and to the Pasha of Bosna , for better publication of the Peace , and free Traffick and Commerce between the Subjects of both people . The Baron Chinski arrived at that time from the Emperour in quality of Envoyé Extraordinary to congratulate the Grand Signior's success in taking Bagdat , and making a Peace with Persia ; but not bringing with him Presents to that value , which on this occasion were expected , he was not looked on , nor considered with that favour and respect , as was agreeable to his Character and Quality . And there happening a dispute between this Envoyé and the English Ambassadour concerning precedency of place ; the Turks yielded it to the English , being made to understand the difference which Christian Princes make between the Title of an Ambassadour and that of an Envoyé , though the Turks use but that one word of Elchi to express both . And though the Baron Chinski laboured to diminish the Dignity of an English Ambassadour at Constantinople , by alledging , that he was elected by the Company of Merchants for conservation of their Trade only , and afterwards confirmed and honoured by the King : yet this Argument was in no wise prevalent with the Turks , who esteeming the Commission of the Prince , and the charge of an Office the only qualification to ennoble a person , made no difficulty to determine the point in behalf of the English. And though some Italian Writers say , that the English Ambassadour gave fifteen Purses of Money or seven thousand five hundred Dollars to the Chimacam for this favour ; yet those who understand how unwillingly the Turkie-Merchants part with their money on defence of such punctillios and niceties , especially where the Ambassadour might have avoided the bringing them into dispute , will more readily believe , that the Turks from free motives of their own Justice and Reason judged this Honour due to the Ambassadour , than that he should purchase this indisputable point by the disgraceful means of money . ANNO 1640. All matters being now determined between the Turks and Persia , and the black clouds blown over from the Venetians , the Grand Signior studied how and where he might turn his Arms with most advantage : he had conceived an irreconcileable pique against Ragotski and Matthew for the causes before related ; but having an intention to make use of their Force against Poland or Germany , or against them both together , he dissembled the passion he conceived against them , and rather deferred his revenge , than pardoned the liberty which they had exercised without his licence or assent . Sometimes he resolved to recover Asac out of the hands of the Cosacks ; sometimes he thought of making War upon Poland , judging himself much affronted by that King , for not sending an Ambassadour to congratulate his late successes : then he supposed , that a War in Germany would be more easie , and the Conquest more profitable by reason of the richess of the people , and the fertility of the soil , to which pretences could never be wanting on the score of those differences which always arise amongst the people of the Frontiers . During these debates and counsels , preparations were made for War both by Sea and Land , as yet uncertain where they should be employed : to command them the Great Vizier was ordered to hasten his journey from Persia , whose arrival was celebrated at Constantinople with a solemn Entry ; and for a particular and distinguishing Honour , the Grand Signior sent him a Vest from his own Back to wear on the day of his Triumph . This Vizier was a person very austere in his behaviour , bold and valiant , as he evidenced by his actions in taking Bagdat , zealous for his Master's interest ; and what is rare in a Turk , not much addicted to his own : he had acquired a great share in the esteem of his Master , and his Authority increased , as the daily decay of the Grand Signior's health rendred him less able for Government . For now the strong complexion of Morat began to grow feeble by excesses of frequent debauchery , his stomach was become cold and weak , not able to digest the lightest meats , his hand shook , and a paralytical distemper seized him in every part : so that his Mother and the Physicians perswaded him to forsake the use of Wine , as poison and destruction to his health : and he , whilst he was sensible of his languishing condition , like a true Penitent , made many protestations and vows against it , forbidding the accursed poison to be received within the Walls of the Seraglio : howsoever his kind heart could not possibly withstand the temptation of a Banquet , to which his Pot-companions did sometimes invite him : amongst which the Great Vizier would not be wanting also to please and cajol the humor of his Master with the liquor that he loved . But his chief and constant Camerades in drinking were his Persian Favourite and Mustapha Pasha of Bosna , one educated in the Seraglio , promoted to the place of Selictar Aga , to whom he gave the stately Palace of Ibrahim Pasha on the Hippodrome , together with his eldest Daughter in Marriage . These two stout Sons of Bacchus perswaded the Grand Signior to appoint one solemn Drinking-day in time of the Biram , which is the great Festival of the Year , and introduced by their Prophet in imitation of our Easter . Morat being at this time possessed with the spirit of debauchery , accepted the motion , and invited the two Drunkards to dinner with him . The Persian provoked his pleasure of drinking by salt Meats , and by peppered and spiced Dishes ; the sort of Wine they most used was a sweet Malvoisia , sometimes twisted , and encouraged with the strong Waters , called Rosa Solis , of which they sucked so long , and with such excess , that falling under the force of it , they were insensibly carried away to their several beds . This dissolute repast became fatal to the Grand Signior ; for a fire being kindled in his veins and bowels , he fell into a violent and continued Feaver . The Physicians being called , were fearful to administer Remedies , lest proving unsuccessful , their lives should pay for the ineffectual operation : at length they agreed to let him blood , but this hastened his death . For he died the fourth day of his Feaver , being the 8 th of February , in the seventeenth year of his Reign , and the one and thirtieth of his Age , having ruled in the height of all disorders and irregular excesses , which his youthful years enabled him to support . With his death all his thoughts and designs of making War against Christendom perished , having sworn after his return from Persia to reduce all his neighbouring Countries to the Mahometan Law. He was of a most cruel and implacable disposition , having amongst his other Acts of Tyranny imbrued his hands in the blood of his two Brothers , Orchan and Bajazet ; as also strangled his Uncle Mustapha , whose innocent weakness had been sufficient to secure his life against any , but the most horrid Monster of humane Tyranny . He left no Son ; for though he had divers , they died in their infancy , notwithstanding which his Kindred were so detested by him , that he envied the descendence of Monarchy on his Brother Ibrahim , who was preserved by a strange providence from his fury : often saying , that he wished that he might be the last of the Ottoman Line , that the Empire of that Family might end with him , and devolve unto the Tartar. He was certainly the most absolute Prince that ever swayed the Ottoman Empire : but of no Religion , seldom fasting in the month of Ramasan , contemning and laughing at the Santones , and others of their Religious Orders . He was very inquisitive into all Actions of the City , for which he maintained his Spies , and oftentimes took his rules and measures from discourses of people concerning his Government . He was a great Dissembler , ready , active , and revengeful , covetous to extremity , having left fifteen millions of Gold in his Treasury , which was empty when he entred upon the Soveraignty . In short , he was so bad , that he had scarce any allay of Vertue ; being so great a Tyrant , that at length he became his own Assasinate , and fell unlamented by all but the two Companions of his bestial excess . The End of Sultan Morat's Life . Sultan IBRAHIM Emperour of the Turkes Anno Dom. 1640 I That of Ottman Blood Remain Alone Call'd From a Prison to ascend a Throne My Silly Mind I Bend to Soft Delights Hating th'unpleasant thoughts of Nauall Fights Till Mad With Wanton Loues I Fall at First Slaue to My Owne Then to My Peoples Lust THE REIGN OF Sultan Ibrahim , TWELFTH EMPEROUR OF THE TURKS . Sultan Amurath , or Morat , after a Feaver of eight days continuance , caused by an excess of Debauchery in Wine ; having on the eighth of February , 1640. according to the New-Style , expired his last Breath : His Mother , called Kiosem , comforted her self with the thoughts that her Son Sultan Ibrahim still lived , and was the sole Surviver , and undoubted Heir of the Ottoman Family ; to whose Succession , that She might make the more facile , and undisturbed Entrance , She consulted with all the Viziers ; requesting their consent and assistance in the lawful promotion of her remaining Son to the Throne of his Ancestors : For She had understood , that Morat , who always abhorred the ill-shaped Body , and weaker mind of his Brother , envied him the Dignity of the Ottoman Scepter , and therefore had bequeathed the Succession to the Tartar , having , in the heat of a Debauch , and fumes of his Wine , compelled his Pashas to swear to the performance of his Testament . Wherefore the Queen , assembling them together , with gentle words desired them to remember , That Ibrahim was the lawful Heir , and their true Emperour ; that the Tartar Han was a Stranger , odious to the Souldiery , and not beloved by the People ; that an alteration of this nature could never be contrived and executed without danger to the Actors , and that they to whom She assured the continuance of the same Honours and Offices in reward of their constant Allegiance , would be in hazard of losing all , by the coming of a Foreign Prince , who having Confidents of his own to prefer , and grand necessities to satisfie , would make bold even with Estates and Provinces to prefer his Favourites , his Kindred , and Country-men ; and establish the firmness of his Government on their ruine : Yet , setting aside those considerations , touching their own safety and interest , She promised , That if they would reach out their hands unto her Son , for to lift him unto the Throne , he should acknowledge his Empire from them , and accordingly love , tender , and esteem such faithful Subjects . The Viziers , after some reflections on the tye and obligation which Sultan Morat had caused them to make to him , declared , and published it to be unlawful , and void ; protesting , that they were resolved to maintain inviolable the Allegiance they owed unto Sultan Ibrahim , descended from the Ottoman-bloud , which they reverenced and adored with an awe equal to the religious esteem which their Forefathers had of it ; and therefore with one voice they cryed out , Let Sultan Ibrahim live . Herewith the Council breaking up , the Viziers , accompanied with all the Officers and Attendants of the Seraglio , went with Shouts and loud Acclamations to the Prison of Ibrahim , to salute him Emperour ; for he , poor Prince , had now for four years remained a sad Recluse in a dark room , where he had received neither light , nor Air , but what came from a little Window , which sometimes in favour was opened to him , from above ; and what was worse , the continual expectations , and fear of Death , without Friends , Conversation , or Hope , rendred those apprehensions worse than Death it self , which daily were represented to him in that solemnity , as might terrific a mind more constant and firm than his : So soon as he heard the Shouts and Voices of a Multitude near his Door , he immediately conceived , that the Fate was now come which he had so long expected , and therefore he barred his Door , and denied to give entrance ; and when the Viziers proclaimed him Emperour ( fearing it might be some artifice of his Brother to see with what joy he would entertain the News ) he answered , that he did not so much as think of the Empire , nor desire it , but only prayed , that Sultan Morat might live , to whom he pretended not to be a Brother , but a Slave ; and when he perceived that they began to force the Door , though with terms of Respect and Observance , he still endeavoured to keep it close ; for Nature had taught him to conserve a Life , however miserable , and void of consolation . He continuing thus resolute not to open , Reverence to his Person commanded them to forbear any ruder violence , until the Queen Mother over-hearing all this stir , descended her self in Person , and first causing the dead Corps of Sultan Morat to be extended before his Door , with gentle Compellations , and confident Assurances , averred the Death of his Brother . The voice of his Mother began to dissipate his fears , and being in part already convinced by his Ears , he adventured to peep at the Door , and giving then entire Credence to his Eyes , his heart and spirits consented to revive , and so retiring back into his Chamber , he willingly received the Congratulations of the Ministers and Souldiers ; which being past , he readily applied his Shoulders to the Coffin of his dead Brother , and having bore his share of that dear burden to the Gate of the Seraglio , he there resigned it to his Domestick Officers , who buried him in the Sepulchre of Sultan Achmet . From thence he took Boat , and passed to the Mosch of Jubs Seraglio , where in the space of eight days , he compleated all the Ceremonies of his Coronation , and afterwards , according to the custom of his Ancestors , he rode through the City to his great Palace ; but whether it were for want of practice , or by reason of a posture natural unto Fools , he sate so ridiculously on his Saddle , as moved rather the Laughter than the Acclamation of the People . In fine , being entred the Seraglio , he began to breathe , and enjoy the Air of Liberty with so much contentment and satisfaction , that he unwillingly would empair the least Particle of his late acquired Freedom , by thinking , or attending to business , and as if he enjoyed sufficient , committed all to the management of his Mother ; howsoever , being desirous to handle something of the Government , he did it with so little grace and dexterity , that it plainly appeared , that that Soul animated a Body not fit to sway or wield a Scepter . The Queen-Mother , to maintain the word She had given to the Viziers , continued them all in their respective Offices , so that , though there was great disproportion in the mind of the two Princes ; yet the Ministers being the same , there seemed to be little or no alteration in the Government . The Great Vizier remembring well the thoughts of War which Sultan Morat meditated against the Cossacks , and being desirous of Glory , and continuance of his Power , resolved to prosecute the same design , hoping to meet a spirit in Ibrahim equal to the generosity of his Brother : To this War many and various were the motives , as first , a natural desire of revenge on the Cossacks , for having infested the BlackSeas , that they might thereby provoke Poland to a War , which when they had reduced to some extremity , the Emperour would consequently fall in to their assistance , and thereby create quarrels , which must necessarily open a large Field of troubles , which being sown with the seed of discord , could not fail to produce causes , and pretensions for a War. It being thus resolved , to which the Vizier neither wanted Eloquence nor Reasons to perswade ; Great preparations were made for a War , which was intended to be maintained for many years : during which time , God , who disposes all things at his pleasure , permitted a false report to fly , that the Persians were providing a great Army to besiege Bagdat , to which the Turks giving entire credence , it was resolved in the Divan , that those preparations against Christendom , should be diverted towards the Parts of the Eastern Countries . By this vain rumour only were all these grand designs disappointed , and all farther thoughts vanished for the present , of molesting the Christians . From whence it is observable , how necessary are the foreign Residences of Ministers , and how absurdly the Turks erre , who , by reason of their pride , vouchsafe not to entertain Ambassadours in the Court of Strangers , being beholding to the Jews , or Armenian-Merchants for all their intelligence they receive touching the Affairs of Neighbouring Kingdomes . The Wars being thus suspended , the Great Vizier had time to cast his Eyes about him , and contrive the ruine of such whom he suspected most dangerous to his Condition . Amongst the rest , none appeared more formidable than Mustapha Pasha , Captain Pasha ; a young brisk Person , and Favourite of the Queen-Mother , whom to remove was difficult and dangerous , being a Vizier as well as he , and in one of the most eminent degrees of dignity in the whole Empire : and therefore that he might touch him with smooth and gentle terms , he practised upon him the ordinary decoy of Preferment , proffering him the Government of Buda ; which whilst the one seemed out of modesty to refuse , the other with the greater force of Complement , and obliging expressions of friendship pressed him to accept . At length , overcome with importunity and kindness , Mustapha received the proffer , whereby being divested of the Queens Protection , he was soon after overtaken in his Journey towards his Principality , and by another Mandate required to take his way to the Province of Silistria , the smallest , and most inconsiderable of the Empire : in which he was no sooner invested , than a second Edict took off his head . But another Mustapha , more fortunate , was sent Pasha to Grand Cairo in AEgypt ; he was a mortal Enemy to the Crim Tartar , of whom he shewed his hatred at Rhodes , by putting his Son to death , for having said , that Sultan Morat , and Sultan Ibrahim dying without Issue , the Empire was to descend to his Family : This Son of the Tartar was then at Rhodes , it being a custome always to have one of them as a Hostage for the Fathers obedient Comportment towards the Turks , their place of Residence being either at Rhodes , or some Town on the Black Sea , as we have elsewhere declared . The Sultan in this Interim had little regard unto the Government , both for want of Capacity , and by reason of his luxurious and wanton Appetite , to which he indulged in the highest excess of sensuality ; for having been accustomed to a Prison , and restraint , he knew not how to enjoy that freedome he had recovered , but by subjecting it to the imperious servitude of his Lusts. This humour the Vizier and great Ministers cherished in him , by continual Banquets , Feasts , and Entertainments , in which he always took high contentment and satisfaction . His other Recreations were , Horse-races , and Shooting with the Bow , rewarding the most dexterous Archers . Business was a stranger to him , he knew not what it meant , nor thought there was other employment for an Emperour than to study those pastimes , which most corresponded with his Youth and Nature : only the Vizier would sometimes in matters of high importance demand his Assent , which was either out of formality , or else to secure himself with the Name and Authority of his Master . The News of Sultan Ibrahim's promotion to the Throne being arrived at Venice , the most Serene Republick dispatched Pietro Foscarini as their Ambassadour extraordinary to complement the Sultan : The Prince of Transilvania in like manner , sent his Tribute , which was some Hawks , and twelve Vessels of Gilded Plate , as feudatary acknowledgments for the Lands held , and for his Confirmation in the Principality . The Ministers of other Princes having passed the like addresses , which were customary , The Ambassadours of Poland made Complaints of the Tartars , whose incursions against them , the Turks by Conditions of Peace were obliged to restrain ; but in this , as in other occasions since that time , the Poles could obtain no redress from the Turks , who willing to have the Christians oppressed or ruined , either seemed not to give credit to the subject of Complaints , or else to find out excuses to acquit the Tartar ; which being so known and common a Practice with the Turk , it is to be wondred , why the Poles have sent so many late Messages of this nature , which in former , as well as in this present Age have proved fruitless ; a pregnant example of which , we shall find in the Reign of Sultan Mahomet , Son of this Ibrahim . Amongst other Corruptions of these Times , Aspers were so cut and clipt , that the Dollar rose from 80 to 120 Aspers ; which irregularity being complained of in the Divan , all monies were reduced to their intrinsick value , and the Aspers called in to be coyned in the Mint , to the great damage of the people . But this matter will not appear strange , if it be compared to the Vellion of Spain , and to the permission in Turkey , of the base alloy of Temins , by which never any Nation before was ever so cheated and abused . And now the storms of War , which threatned from Persia , being blown over , it was judged seasonable to reassume the thoughts of War so long mediated against the Cossacks ; in order unto which , Gallies were commanded to be built , which should draw little Water , and purposely made to pass the shoals of the Black Sea , near Asac , for the recovery of that place out of the hands of the Enemy : Another Squadron also of Gallies was designed for the Archipelago , to oppose the Gallies of Malta and Naples , which much infested those Seas . To the first enterprize the Tartar much excited the Turk , by reason that Asac did not only hinder his Incursions by Land , but rendered his Navigation in the Black Seas , very unsecure . To the second , The Gallies of Malta much provoked them , under the Command of Frederick the Landgrave of Hesse ; who by the perswasions of the Cardinals of Savoy , and Barberini , from a Protestant was become a Roman Catholick , and had obtained the great Cross of Malta ; and with several Gallies and Ships , performed some exploits at Biserta , and at the Golleta near Tunis . The Year 1641. being now entered , the Sultan passed a most Luxurious Life in his Seraglio , consuming an immense Treasure on his Women ; and whilest these two Fleets were preparing to proceed on their respective Expeditions , that intended for Asac had almost been diverted by the rumours and disturbances on the Frontiers of Hungary ; but they were soon afterwards appeased by an appearance of an Envoy from the Emperour , and return of a Chiaus to Vienna , with Ratification of all the former Articles and conditions of Peace : Howsoever the German Internuntio was braved at the Port , for not appearing sooner with his Presents and Complements of congratulation , for the happy Entrance of Sultan Ibrahim to the Ottoman Throne ; so apt are the Turks to believe Acts of Civility , or Ceremony to be parts of Obedience and Submission ; and what Christians have once given them voluntarily , is afterwards exacted as a matter of Debt or Duty . And being thus freed from a suspicion of Troubles in Hungary , and exempted from the fears of waging two Wars at once , ( which the Turks always studiously avoid ) they dispatched a Letter into Poland , to demand passage for their Army , through that Country to the Siege of Asac ; but that not being consented unto , the Turks prepared to open their way by Force , and the Poles to defend the passage . In which interim , many disasters concurred , sufficient to discourage the Turks in their design ; who are a people , that superstitiously calculate the success of their Enterprises , by the difficulty or smooth success of their first beginnings : For when the Vizier was ready to depart , a dreadful Fire happened in Constantinople , to the quenching of which , applying not only his Orders , but his own Person ; he adventured so far , that he burned both his hands , and sindged his Beard in that manner , that he was forced to take his Bed for several Days , where he was honoured with a Visit of the Sultan . News also came at the same time , that Tauris , or Ecbatan , on the Borders of Persia , was miserably ruin'd by an Earthquake ; and what was worse , the Sultan himself was seized with an Apoplexy , which turned to a Paralytical Distemper , the cause whereof was attributed to his excessive use of Women ; to whom he was so immoderately addicted , that he consumed his Days and Nights in their Apartments . This Disease , which is rarely or never Cured , being joined to a report given out by his Ladies , that notwithstanding his Venereal heat , he was yet impotent as to Women ; created a belief , or at least a strong probability , that he might die without Issue , which caused high confusion in the Counsels of the Grandees , that no design could make any chearful progress , until provision was first made for supply of the Ottoman House ; for the Succession of the Tartar was in no manner convenient or secure ; but rather that the Throne should be furnished with the Son of a Sister , or of a Niece , than to subject themselves to the Rule and Passions of a Foreign Prince : And though the Sultan did afterwards recover his health , yet all suspected and feared , that by the immoderate heat of his Venereal Inclination , he would dye without Children ; every one discoursing , as moved by his Passion , or his Interest . About this time arrived an Ambassadour at Constantinople , from the Sofiá of Persia , bringing a Ratification of the Peace ; who was so much the more welcome , by how much more the present Conjuncture rendred it advantagious ; and being ushered in with exceeding rich presents , ravished the hearts of the Turks , whose good nature melts and dissolves with the sight or hopes of Gifts . In Dalmatia , near the Confines of Zara , the Turks made Incursions on the Venetian Territories , and caused some disturbances : but being chastised by an Ambush laid for them , whereby about 200. of them perished ; all matters were again reconciled , and the Peace renewed . And now one would imagine , that the design against Asac , by such diversity of obstructions , were absolutely laid aside ; which though they were of that importance , and especially the fear of Ibrahims Death , to detain the Vizier at home ; yet he thought fit to prosecute the design under the Command of the Pasha of Silistria , to whom he had committed the Conduct of this War. The Pasha proud of his Charge , rejoiced to be employed in a War , wherein he apprehended so little difficulty , and prognosticated to himself nothing but Glory and Victory ; esteemed the Defendants for no other than Fishermen , and better experienced to sail their Boats , and govern their Sayks in the Black Seas , than to draw up an Army in the Field , or defend their Walls . This confidence was farther increased by an Embassy at the same time from the Moscovite , who not only renounced all assistance , or concernment for that Town , but renewed with them his Friendship , and Articles of antient Agreement . The Ottoman Army , besides Janizaries , and other Turks , consisted of Moldavians , and Valachians , and a great number of Tartars , which at first entered into their Trenches , and besieged the Town ; but here they rested not securely , by reason of the frequentSallies the Besieged made upon them ; and more especially by the Mines which they sprang to the terrour and damage of their Enemies . The Turks moved hereat , made furious Assaults , but were as valiantly repulsed by the Defendants ; who threw scalding Water , and Pitch , and burning Sulphur , upon the Assailants ; so that not being able to take the Town by force , they retired to their Trenches , and deliberated in what manner , by fair promises , and mony , they might invite them to surrender : Hereupon the Captain Pasha , the Tartar Han , and others , tryed the efficacy of large Proffers of Priviledges to the Town , their Country , and Inhabitants ; with a gratuity of twelve thousand Hungers of Gold : but these promises could make no more entrance into their hearts , than the Turks could do into their Walls , which they seemed resolute to defend , wanting neither Provision , nor Amunition , nor Courage for the War ; but on the contrary side , all these were wanting in the Turkish Camp ; so that 15 days passed without any action , until they were supplyed by the arrival of certain Brigantines , and light Vessels , dispatched with all expedition with the necessaries of War ; At the coming of which , the Turks prepared for another Assault , which they continued uncessantly for the space of seven days , but were received with that vigour by the Besieged , that they could not gain one palm , or inch of ground , so that at length with disgrace , and discouragement , they were forced to give over their attempt , despairing to gain the Town in the time , and with the Force which was allotted for this enterprize . With this ill success , extremity and Famine pinched the Turks in their Trenches so much , that an Oxe was sold for 15 Zaichins , a Lamb for three , and a Measure of Barley which served a Horse for one time , for a Dollar , so that at length they were forced to raise the Siege ; and the Captain Pasha by tempestuous weather was constrained to shelter his Fleet in the Port of Caffa . In their return home , the General was fearful of having forfeited his head ; the Commanders were silent , and ashamed of their success , and the Souldiers discouraged , famished , and poor ; for they had lost 3000. Spahees , 7000 Janizaries , and 800 other Souldiers , besides Moldavians , Valachians , and Tartars ; those that survived of the Foot were naked , and many sick ; the Spahees were without Horses , with which they were supplyed by the Tartars ; and in fine , so unsuccessful were all matters , that the Veterane Souldiery avouched , that they never endured a more cruel , nor a more miserable War. And now we shall end this Year 1641. with the ruin of Emir Gumir , a Persian by Birth , a Favourite , and yet Traytor to his natural Prince . This Emir in the last Wars which Sultan Morat waged against Persia , was entrusted with an Embassy , and with Conduct of part of his Army , but he betrayed both to the Turk , under whose protection he took Sanctuary , and obtained great Gifts and Preferments , for a reward and price of his Treachery . Sultan Morat afterwards bestowed a magnificent Seraglio upon him , situated on the Bosphorus , enriched him with a vast Treasure , and what is more , with his Favour ; making him his Companion in his Pastimes , and his Confident in his serious Counsels ; it was he , that first perswaded the Sultan to drink Wine , in which both of them were beastly intemperate , and mighty and valiant to bear , until the heat thereof having extinguished the natural heat of their Stomachs , it became too cold and crude , unless corrected , or fortified with Rach , or distilled Spirits . The fumes of such strong Drinks , were the cause of the extravagant actions , which Morat practised in his Life , and afterwards became the means to hasten his Death ; whose days being ended , it was time also for prosperous wickedness to expire , and to meet a punishment equal to its demerit . Wherefore one day , ( having desired Licence of the Vizier to return to his own Country , where it is believed , he had by mony purchased his Pardon ) he was called to the Viziers presence , and there without any Impeachment , Process , or Accusation , had the string applyed to his Throat , and strangled on the place ; the reason hereof some give , to be the immense Riches which Sultan Morat had bestowed upon him , though there wanted not many causes to render him suspected , and obnoxious to the present Government ; first , because he was too well acquainted with the Secrets of the Seraglio , and of that State , to live in any other Country than the Turkish Dominions ; then it was feared that the Persian Ambassadour might make use of this person to act what Treason he pleased on the remainder of the Ottoman Family , on promise that such an attempt should expiate his former Villany , and regain the favour of his natural Prince . But such signal actions as these are commonly wrote in such large Characters of Divine Justice , which never left Treason unpunished , either in this Life or the other ; that we need not to search or enquire for a further cause , or occasion of this punishment . The Year 1642. being now entered , and the Turks desirous to repair their last Years disgrace , resolved again with better preparation and Conduct , to attempt Asac ; but before they would engage , according to their usual Custom , they determined to conclude all Ombrages , and matters of dispute arisen on the Confines of Hungary . To which end , the Emperour deputed the Baron of Questemberg , with other Barons ; and the Turks on their side commissionated the Pashaws of the Consines , with instructions not to insist too strictly on the Conditions , lest it should retard the Peace , and obstruct the other design of War : Wherefore the Turks condescending to matters reasonable , and yielding up part of their Usurpation , a Peace was concluded for twenty Years , much to the Advantage and Favour of the Christians . And now to give farther courage to the Prosecution of higher Attempts , the whole Turkish Empire was replenished with joy , for the Birth of a young Prince Sultan Mahomet , that now reigns ; so that the supposed impotency of the Father ( whereby the Ottoman-Family might have been extinguished ) was proved otherwise by plain Effect ; and the fear of those that ruled the Empire vanishing by the Rising of this new Star , all places were filled with Joy and Triumphs ; only the Tartar Han sinding himself thus disappointed , was supposed not willing to concurre heartily in this common Joy. In this manner vanished the appearance of Civil Dissention in that Family , which now flourishes and encreases every day , and insensibly creeps forward to the design ( which they hope ) of an Universal Monarchy . Pardon me , O Christian Kings , if I say insensibly , for methinks you are sensible of the least touch you receive from one and the other , but feel not the gripes and pinches of your Common Enemy , who like a Hectick Feaver hath mingled with your Blood , and stolen into the Marrow of your strength , where he will lurk until he hath dissolved the Fabrick of your Christian World , unless expelled by Concord amongst your selves , and the Divine Assistance favouring your united Forces . But now to return again to the famous Siege of Asac ; It being the custome to cast all miscarriages in War on the General , the Visier displaced the Captain Pasha , taking upon himself that Office and Title , of which there was never any former example . In the Place likewise of the Pasha of Silistria , was constituted Mustapha Pasha of AEgypt ; which Government , though much inferiour to his former , yet was received without sense of disgrace , it not being the Riches or Power of any Office that confers Honour , but favour and good will of the Sultan . Nor did only the miscarriage of the late War tend to the disrepute of the former Pasha of Silistria , but the report of his having poisoned the Tartar Han encreased the difficulty of reconcilement with his Superiours , which being a matter rather suspected than proved , excused him from farther punishment than only a deprivation of his Office. The new Pasha of Silistria thus taking upon himself the Command of the Army , and Conduct of this War , assembled a Force of Turks , Tartars , Moldavians , and Valachians , far exceeding the number of the last Year . At the News of which , and of the Fleet of Gallies designed to besiege them by Sea , they apprehended their danger so great , that without the assistance of the Moscovite , they concluded it impossible to defend their City ; to him therefore they made applications for succour , representing unto him the extremity their affairs were in , by reason of that powerful Enemy which threatned them ; and that having always acknowledged him for their Protector , there was no refuge lest them but under the defence of his Arms. But hereunto the Moscovite gave a brief reply , That he had lately concluded Peace with the Turk ; since which , having received from him no occasion of breach , he could not with any Justice engage so soon against him in a War. The Cossacks being thus disappointed of their principal hopes , resolved to abandon their City ; but to make the best advantage of their flight , they carried with them all their Moveables ; and demolished their Walls , and ruined their Houses , leaving the place a notorious spectacle of despair and ruine ; and no other possession to their Enemies , than the compass of so much ground pestered with Rubbish , and rude heaps of Stones : The Pasha howsoever abundantly contented , that his very name was sufficient to affright his Enemies , entered the City with Triumph , where he began to repair the Walls , and invite the Inhabitants to return , with all assurance of security , and protection . This gentle treatment recalled many back to their homes , so hardly are men weaned from their Native Country ; and in a short time the City beginning to sill , all matters seemed to return to their pristine state and condition . About this time the Persian by his Ambassadour renewed his League with the Turk , and confirmed it in the name of the new King , which was performed on condition , that the Softi should demolish the Fortress of Fortrina , which he had contrary to Articles built on the Frontiers , not far from the Caspian Sea ; which that it might assuredly be performed , a Capugibathee was dispatched to see it effected . And in this manner , Asac being subdued , and a Peace secured with the Persian ; The Turks who can neither live in quiet with their Neighbours , nor observe Capitulations longer than they turn to their advantage ; contrived to take Giavarine , aliàs Rab , a strong Fortress on the Confines of Hungary , by a Stratagem which they designed in this manner : Certain Souldiers habited like Peasants , were crouded into several Carts , covered with Hay , which being entered within the Walls , were immediately to leap forth , and surprize the Centinels and Guards at the Gates ( which might easily be Executed on men , whom 20 Years before of Peace had made secure ) these were to be seconded by 4000 Souldiers , which lay ready in a Neighbouring Vally ; but it happened , That an Officer of the Garrison returning from Hunting , had by chance discovered this strong party of Turks , which caused him to quicken his pace towards the Town , and overtaking in his way certain Carts of Straw , which appearing to be laden in a form different to what was usual , increased in him a farther suspicion of Treachery ; howsoever , he proceeded forward with the more haste , yet without any appearance of Jealousy : until being entered into the Town , he declared what he had seen , at which the Garrison was immediately in Armes ; and having permitted the Carts to enter , the Bridge was drawn up , and the Carts being searched , the whole fraud and treachery was discovered ; and having made the Turks Prisoners , and Armed the Walls with Souldiers , the whole design was disappointed ; so that those who lay in Ambush returned to their own Cities . The Emperour hereupon resolved to send an Ambassadour to Constantinople , to complain of this Treachery ; whereof the Turks being ashamed , and the more because it did not succeed ; refused to admit the Ambassadour , unless the Emperour would first agree to pay a Yearly Charge of a hundred thousand Rix-Dollars to the Port ; not by way of Tribute , but of Present ; in which unreasonable demand , they took more confidence , in regard they perceived that the Emperour was engaged in a War against the Smede . Upon this dishonourable demand , the Emperour deferred the Embassy intended , supposing it less perilous to adventure a War in Hungary , than dishonourable to condescend unto a Proposition , so derogatory to the Majesty of his Cesarean Greatness . The Year 1643. being now entered , the Prince of Transilvania conveyed his Annual Tribute , being 10 thousand Zaichins , to the Port ; which when the Agents of that Prince Presented before the Vizier ; he seemingly refused it ; protending that the compleat Tribute was to be 15 Thousand ; according to Agreement ; but the Agents replyed , that five thousand had been remitted unto Bethlem Gabor ; not by way of Gratuity or Recompence for his Services , but in Exchange , or as the price of two Cities , which the Prince had yielded to the Sultan , out of his own proper Estate in Hungary ; with which Answer the Vizier remained satisfied , being Jealous of the Turbulent and Active Spirit of that Prince . During all these Wars and Revolutions in Kingdoms and States , Sultan Ibrahim contained , and contented himself within the Precincts of his Seraglio ; where becoming a Faithful and Valiant Souldier of Venus , he consumed more Treasure in that War , than his Brother Morat did in his Foreign Conquests ; and being as it were entered into the Mahometane Paradise , where the Company of fair Women is the chiefest felicity promised , he laboured to increase the Ottoman Family , and to acquit his people of the apprehension they had of wanting an Heir to succeed in the Throne ; so that on the 15th of February , he had a second Born , and a third Son on the 12th of March following ; which absolutely took away the reproach of his frigidity or impotence , proving afterwards the most lascivious , and devout Sultan , that ever aspired to the Mahometan Heaven . This Year the Turks Armed out 20 Gallies more than usual , besides 30 Sail of Ships , and Gally Grosses ; in the beginning of June , riding at the Seraglio point ( where the Commanders in Chief came to take their leave of Sultan Ibrahim ) they divided into two Squadrons ; one of which consisting of 20 Gallies , under the Command of Beker Basha , took their Voyage into the Black Sea ; the remainder under the Captain Pasha , sailed for Cyprus , with intention to do Justice on the Pasha of that Island , whose Riches gained by Oppression , had 〈◊〉 him from due Obedience towards his Prince ; and being arrived there , without rumour or noise , giving signs of good will and respects towards the Pasha , one day he sent to invite him aboard to banquet with him ; where the Pasha foolishly coming , and having well eaten and drank with him , his entertainment had not time to digest , before he breathed his last ; for being on his departure , the Slaves assaulted him , and strangled him by Order of the Captain Pasha . No other matters remarkable did the Turkish Fleet perform this Year at Sea , before they returned again to their Winter Quarters . Howsoever this Year proved favourable to many poor Christians in Slavery ; for there happening a most miserable Plague in Alexandria , which relaxed the spirits of men , and rendered every one so negligent in his Office , that about 4000 Slaves taking advantage of such remissness in their Guardians , seized a Ship in Port , and crouding themselves therein , set Sail , and landed some of their people at Candia , others at Malta , the rest at Marseillia , by which means they happily regained their liberty : on which incouragement 800 more adventuring to perform the like , and fighting in a body at the Gate of Alexandria , 300 of them were slain , the rest leaped into a Gally , which though without Oars , had yet her Sails to the Yard , and having the fortune of a favourable wind , arrived safe at Candia ; in like manner they became free , taking convenient passage from thence to divers parts of Christendom ; these Slaves were all redemanded by the Grand Signior from the Venetians ; in which no satisfaction being given , was one cause , and original of that War which afterwards ensued . And now the Year 1644. being begun , Ragotski who was never contented but in combustions , and never at case but when he was proving new projects , made demands of certain places on the Confines of Moravia , scituated within the Mountains which he challenged as the Inheritance of his Son , besides other pretences , which he made in right of Bethlem Gabor . To forward which designs , moved with an inveterate enmity to the Austrian Family , he endeavoured to win the hearts of the Commonalty with a plausible Declaration for Liberty , and to throw off the Yoke which had so long gauled the neck of Hungary ; whereby having raised an Army of 20000 Horse , and 30000 Foot , he entred , and spoiled the Country of his old Enemy and Neighbour the Count of Humanay an Hungarian , took Solnock by Force , and Besieged Filek , and Cassovia ; for suppression of which Insurrection , and Rebellion of Ragotski , the Emperour was forced to a War , and having Rendezvoused his Army at Presburg , the Conduct thereof was committed to the Charge of Count Puecaim . The Turks having intelligence of these Preparations for War , Commanded 20 thousand men to march into those parts , to oppose these Combustions on the Frontiers ; with 6000 of which the Count Puecaim Encountering furiously , Assaulted and routed them . And in the mean time Ragotski laying aside all care for the War in Hungary , applyed himself to Relieve Olimz in Moravia , but in his March thither he was recalled by the Inhabitants of Sendar , which is a Castle erected on a Hill near Cassovia , offering to surrender unto him ; but the Governour Forgatz , and the German Garrison opposing this Mutiny of the People ; a Civil War began amongst themselves , but at length the advantage falling unto Ragotski , the Gates were opened unto the Transilvanians ; with which success their spirits being raised to higher matters , they proceeded forward , until General Getz with a strong Body , gave a stop unto their progress . And thus was the Fire of War rekindled again in Hungary , by means of Ragotski , to whom notwithstanding the Turks would never adhere , being well acquainted with his turbulent and unsteady humour . In the mean time the Emperour dispatched his Ambassadour , with rich Presents to the Sultan , desiring him to forbear giving farther assistance unto Ragotski ; but what between skirmishes , propositions , and treaties , matters were not composed until the fourteenth of August , 1645. at which time all Articles were concluded , and signed between the Emperour and Ragotski . But to return now to the Affairs of Constantinople ; Sultan Ibrahim having the Fortune of active and prudent Ministers , attended entirely to his Pastimes and Pleasures without prejudice to his interest , and the state of his Empire ; for the first Vizier being faithful and vigilant , immediately cut off those Members with the Sword which he suspected in the least manner inclinable to Sedition ; amongst which were the Pashaws of Aleppo , and Caffa . For by this kind of seasonable and speedy remedies , the Plethory of the Ottoman Empire is commonly evacuated , and the Body Politick thereof restored to its pristine state of health and safety . In like manner the Valede Sultana , being a Woman of great courage and abilities , attended carefully to the welfare of her Son , whom She sometimes decked up , and set forth as a property of Majestick Gravity to the People , whilst She her self assumed the Authority , and carried all things with a high and imperious spirit ; and being ambitious to be feared as well as honoured , She laid violent hands on the first Vizier , called Mustapha , and strangled him ; for though he was an active and faithful Minister , yet because he passed something on her which She imagined did favour of Neglect , and because she apprehended his power , which was greatly confirmed by the interest and favour he had with the Janisaries , and their Favourers , she resolved to make him an example , as well of her revenge , as of her Power ; after whose death the charge of first Vizier was conferred on Mahomet the Pasha of Damascus . The same Fate befel the Captain Pasha , who was likewise strangled for having over boldly , or peremptorily made answer to some impertinencies of the Grand Signior ; and his Office was afterwards conferred on Beker Pasha of Rhodes . With such rigour as this , do the Sultans govern , who resolve to be obeyed , and to have their Commands executed without delay or contradiction . Whilst these matters were in agitation , the Tartars forgetful of their late Peace , made another incursion with thirty thousand Men into Russia , against whom Konispolski having made head with twenty thousand Men only , overthrew them , and killed twelve thousand , and took three thousand Prisoners , pursuing the rest to the Borders of Wallachia . In like manner Wisnowick , a noble Polander , happily encountred another Party of Tartars , as they were on their return from spoiling the Countries of Moscovia , of whom , having killed ten thousand Men , he recovered their Booty , and sent the rest home naked and empty . This was the true and most effectual means for the Polanders to avenge , and right their injuries , and more prevalent than Ambassies , and Messages of Complaint unto the Port , which we have experienced since , and in the present Reign of the Son of Ibrahim , to have been so far from producing matter worthy so much as the Charge of the Ambassadour , that they have been retorted with ignominy , and affronts . But here Ibrahim perceiving how the Poles had avenged themselves with their own Sword , would seem to approve of the action , which he could not hinder ; and to appear a sincere observer of the peace , he deposed the Tartar Han for his unlawful incursions , which was such a satisfaction to the Crown of Poland , as they never could obtain by force of Justice , Complaints , and Vertue of passive Valour , until their active fortitude took their cause in hand , and pleaded for them . On the 19th . of March of this year a fourth Son was born to Sultan Ibrahim , and on the 19th . of February following , being in the year 1645 , notwithstanding all the Reports of his impotency , was born a fifth Son , named Solyman , to the Great Contentment of his People . The Turks Gallies this Year under the Command of Beker their new Captain Pasha made an attempt on the Coast of Calabria , bringing from thence two hundred Slaves ; and attempting the like near Corton paid for their former Booty , with the loss of five hundred Men. Howsoever , the Gallies of Malta being six in number , had better success as to themselves , though the consequences thereof proved fatal to the Venetians , having given the first occasion of that long War , which afterwards ensued between the Turk and them . The truth of which Story is this , free of all Romance or Fable , which the Knights of St. John or Malta would mix therewith : It happened that the Kuzlir Aga , or Chief Eunuch which governs the Women in the Signiors Seraglio , having cast his Eye on a fair Slave , then set to sale by a Persian Merchant , became so enamoured of her that he purchased her for himself , under the notion of a Virgin , at the price of 450. Dollars ; but the Eunuch had not long entertained this Lady in his service , before she proved with Child , not by him ( you may conceive ) if you understand how the Eunuchs of this Country are disarm'd of their virility : at which he was so greatly offended , that he banished her from his Society , and confined her to the house of his Steward . The time being come for her to be delivered of her great Belly , it proved a Son , and some months after , the Aga being desirous to see the Babe , was so pleased with the Aspect of it , that he resolved to adopt it for his own , ordering it Cloaths , and other necessaries agreeable to its Condition . It happened that about that time Sultan Mahomet ( which now reigns ) was then born , and there wanting a Nurse for the Child , this beautiful Slave was preferred to the honour ; so that she was entertained near two years in the Seraglio : during which time Sultan Ibrahim took such an affection to the Nurses Boy , that he loved him better than his own eldest Son , who was of a bad Complexion , and of no better air in his Face than his Father , and took great delight to play and sport with him , at which the Mother of Sultan Mahomet was so displeased , that She could not longer endure either Nurse or her Boy , and for her sake took so much displeasure against the Kuzlir Aga , who preferred her , that neither his presence nor service were acceptable ; and so violent she was in her passion , that one day , when Sultan Ibrahim was playing with his Women and Children in the Garden , according to his usual Custom , throwing them one on the other into the Water , the Queen grew so furious , that she could not contain longer from venting her Anger in unhansome terms , and Jealousy against the Nurse and her Son. At which the Sultan being much displeased , and being ill natured ( if we may speak boldly of an Emperour ) took her Son which is now Sultan Mahomet , out of her Arms , and with some few Curses swung him into a Cistern , where he had been certainly drowned , had not every one in that instance applied themselves to saye him ; at which time he received the mark or scar he wears at this day in his Forehead . All these matters served for farther fuel to nourish the implacable Spirit of the Queen , which the Kuzlir Aga well observing , judged it prudence to give way to her Fury , and so begged his Dismission from the Court , together with his Slave and Son , and that having visited Mecha , according to his Law , he might enjoy a retirement in Egypt , which is the Portion of banished Eunuchs . The Queen easily consented hereunto , nor was it difficult to procure the Licence of the Sultan , who was as easily perswaded to any by those who were about him ; wherefore the Eunuch having provided to be gone , Shipped himself with his great Treasure , on the Fleet which was now designed , and ready to depart for Alexandria , which consisted of three Ships ; one a great Gallion , and two others of lesser burthen , and 7 Saiks ; these having at the beginning of their Voyage found contrary Winds , put into Rhodes ; from whence loosing with more favourable weather , they unfortunately met with 6 Malta Gallies , excellently well Manned , and provided . The Admiral Gally immediately Boarded one of the Saiks , and took her , Manned only by Greeks ; by whom they were informed of the condition , quality , and Cargo , of the greater Ship , which gave heat , and resolution to the Souldiery . In like manner , with little Opposition , the Gallies called the St. John , and Joseph , possessed themselves of one of the lesser Ships , which being laden only with Timber , brought from the Black Sea , to build Ships at Alexandria , was of little value , having 40 Turks aboard , 8 Women , and a Child which sucked at the Mothers Breast . In the mean time , the three other Gallies , called the St. Mary , St. Lorenzo , and Victory , attacked the great Gallion , and having cast their Iron Graples into the Ship , with the motion of the Ship , the Irons gave way and broke , only that of the St. Lorenzo held fast , so that the whole force of the Ship , both of small and great Shot , was poured in upon the Gally , to their damage and loss of men . In the mean time the Admiral Gally came in to their assistance , and Assaulting the Ship on the other Quarter , made a Diversion of their men , and having thrown in their Graples , they scaled the sides of the Gallion , as if it had been a Fortress ; where being entred , they remained for some time at handy-blows with the Turks ; but at length , all the Gallies coming to their help , having made an end of subduing the other Ships , the Turks were forced to retire under Covert of their Decks , which they defended still with singular valour , wounding the Christians with their half Pikes through the Gratings . But in fine , the Captains of the Gallies , perceiving that this was not the way to compel them to a speedy Surrender , ordered several Musquetiers out of every Gally , to fire in at the Windows , and loop-holes of the Ship ; by which having killed their Commander in Chief , their Valour and Constancy began to fail , and desirous to save their lives with loss of Liberty and Estates , they cast down their Armes , and begged mercy . In this Engagement were killed the Captain of the St. Mary , and seven Gavaliers , of which five were French , one Italian , and one German ; the Admiral himself and the Captain of his Gally were both wounded ; 79 Souldiers and Mariners killed , and 132 wounded ; of the Turks it is not certain how many fell , in regard as they were killed , according to Custom they cast them over-Board ; the Eunuch himself though always educated in the softness of the Seraglio , and in the Conversation of the Female Court , yet in the end concluded his days like one of the Masculine Sex , fighting valiantly with his Sword , until over-whelmed by his Enemies : by which it is observable , that those persons loss not their Courage with their virile parts ; for it hath been known in former days , how that Eunuchs have been Generals in the Turkish and other Armies , and Conducted their affairs with admirable Courage and Success . The prize which the Christians had gained in this manner , was very considerable ; for besides the Gold , Silver , and Jewels , which were theTreasure this Eunuch had amassed in the Reign of three several Sultans ; they gained 350 Slaves , besides 30 Women , some of which were young and Virgins ; so that there was not a Souldier or Seaman who had not a considerable share of 〈◊〉 proportioned unto him . With this Fortune , towing their prizes , they in a short time came to an Anchor in the Port of Calismene , in the Island of Candia , called antiently Phenice , on the South-side of the Island , remote from all Venetian Garrisons ; and where ( as it is reported ) they were supplyed with no Provisions , excepting a small quantity of Biskot , which was furnished by a Country Fellow , who for that very cause was shot to death : Front hence the Gallies departing , arrived in Malta with their Prizes , where they were received in great Triumph . The young Son of the Eunuch ( for so we call him ) was reported to be a Son of the Grand Signior , sent into Egypt to be Educated , and was accordingly saluted , 〈◊〉 and reverenced by the Grand Master ; the same Opinion was dispersed and confirmed in all parts of Europe , and the Errour for many years maintained at the expenoe of the * Religion , until the Boy growing up to a good Age , and not judged worthy of a Ransom , or enquiry after by the Turks , it was thought convenient for him to put off his State , and Greatness , and become a Fryer , and I think a Dominican , and this is he who now goes under the name of the Padre Ottomano . The news hereof arriving at the Ottoman Court , Sultan Ibrahim was transported with Anger , threatning Destruction and Ruin unto Malta ; besides he shewed a most inveterate Passion against the Venetians , for not guarding the Seas from his Enemies , and for relieving them in their Ports . In which Rage and Fury , he put his own Captain Pasha to death , and Summoned the Christian Ambassadours , braving them all for the little respect was shown to his proper Shipping ; and in short , was angry with all , but reserved the effect of his wrath to be poured on the Venetians , to which this accident administred the first original , and will afford us ample matter of discourse in this ensuing History . For the Grand Signior first made his Complaints against Venice , to their Minister , or Bailo , then residont at Constantinople called Soranço ; alledging , that contrary to the Articles of Peace , they had afforded Provisions and Entertainment to his Enemies in Candia , and at a time when having made prize of his own Ship , and Domestiques of his Seraglio , they seemed with more extraordinary demonstrations of Hospitality than usual , to receive them into their Harbours . To which the Bailo made Answer , That his Majesty was ill informed of the true state of those matters ; for that the Port to which the Malteses came , had neither Castle nor Fortress belonging to it ; but was an open , wide , and unfortified place ; for if the Grand Signior is not able to defend those Ships from careening as they have often done , before Rhodes it self , how was it possible for the Venetians to drive them from the Seas , and deny them the use of that Salt Water , which hath neither Fort nor Castle to reach and Command them ? With which Answer Ibrahim seemed to remain satisfied ; and matters appeared so appeased on the side of the Venetians , that Soranço , though a person of a most acute and penetrating judgment , imagined nothing less than a War : and though he was assured otherwise , by something that the English Ambassadour had discovered in that matter ; yet because it came not first from the report of one of his own Interpreters , he would not seem to believe , or give credit thereunto , notwithstanding the strong probabilities that might perswade it . Indeed Christian Ministers must necessarily , with much difficulties , and less inspection govern , and penetrate affairs in the Turkish Court than in any other ; because access to the great Ministers is seldom privately , or familiarly admitted , from whence wise men most commonly take their measures , and observations ; but on the contrary , are forced to act all by the Negotiation of their Druggermen or Interpreters ; and as they hear with their Ears , so are they often-times beholding to their reflexions ; which how subject they may be to errour , is best known to those Ministers , who have practised much , and long in that Court. And in this manner Ibrahim covered his design against Candia , by pretence of making War upon Malta , to which he had lately received so just a provocation . To this enterprize none instigated him more , than a certain Hagia , or Tutor , which had accompanied him in the time of his solitude , and had instructed him in the first Principles of the Mahometan Doctrine ; he was a subtle , and understanding Man , and one who kept a secret correspondence in the Christian Courts ; for being Master of what Gold he pleased , he paid for his intelligence with liberality and secrecy ; and though he was no Prophet , yet he pretended to be a Magician , or Conjurer , or one that had a Command or Soveraignty over familiar Spirits ; an excellency greatly admired , and reverenced by the Turks . This man had for a long Season attended an opportunity to promote a War against Venice ; esteeming their Territories very convenient to be laid to the Turkish Dominions , and their force an under-Match for the puissance of the Ottoman Empire . And now this accident provokeing the desire of the Turks to this War , and the opportunity appearing commodious to cover the design , under pretence of Assailing Malta , it was secretly resolved to attempt the Island of Candia ; for as its strength and situation made it the Key to all the other Isles of the Archipelago , so it would be the Bullwark of the Maritime Countries , from whence the passage would be short and easy into Africa ; from whence the Gallies might advantagiously relieve Cyprus , and guard the Fleet from Egypt , and from thence might be opened a Door to invade Sicily , and the other Parts of Italy . On these Considerations War being resolved against Candia , reports divulged the design only against Malta , and for that end , orders were issued for building and fitting a hundred Gallies , and as many Ships of War ; and Commands sent into Barbary for assistance of all their Naval Forces , and the day appointed for Rendezvous , and departure , all which time the enterprize was kept secret , and by no more symptoms suspected , unless by the unusual caresses the Turks at that time over-acted in their officious kindness towards the Venetian Bailo . The report of these great preparations slying over all Parts of Europe , was entertained at Malta , with some apprehensions , as being the Place on which all the storm was to refund its fury . Whereupon the Cavaliers or Knights of that Place summoning a Council , resolved to cite all the Fraternity to repair to the defence of their Capital Seat , and of their order and patrimony : Likewise Letters were directed to the several Officers , to prepare and send Powder , Match , and Lead , iron Buckets , Timber to make Carriages for Cannon , and for other uses , as also Corn , Bisket , Salt , Flesh and Fish , Vinegar , Wine , and all other sorts of Ammunition . They likewise instituted some Officers over the waters , to see that the Fountains and Conduits should be made clear , which were to serve the City , and that those without , that were to remain in the possession of the Enemy , should be carefully and artisicially poisoned , all the Mills remaining in the Fields were transported into the Town , the Doors and Windows of Wood belonging to the Peasants houses were taken down , and carried into the City , with all their Utensils , and what else was portable , so that nothing remained but the wide Fields , and an open Air to breathe in . In the mean time , the Venetians being a wise and jealous State , suspected the worst of all Events , and feared what their Minister at Constantinople could not discover , which caused them to make some preparations ; but yet with that dexterity and secresy , as not to render them diffident of the Turks proceedings . For to be jealous of a Friend , is sometimes to make him an Enemy , and distrust always argues disaffection , which Prudence teaches to conceal from those who are more powerful than our selves . Some were notwithstanding of opinion , that the Complaints of Ibrahim were only artisices to extract the Blood of Gold , which they judged sit to administer , if it were possible to satisfie the Appetite of those Leaches . Others were of a contrary sense , and would by no means admit it for good counsel , or policy , to buy their Peace of the Turk ; for besides that it was disagreeable to the Crandear of Venice , it was but a shadow that they purchased , since their Enemies could on every slight occasion reassume what they had sold , and make the menaces of War , and the Sale of Peace serve them for a perpetual Fountain , and Mine of Gold and Treasure ; and that since it was necessary at one time or other to cast off this yoke of Tyranny , the sooner it was done , the advantage would be the greater , and the honour more apparent to the World , seeming to make War rather their choice than their last remedy . Howsoever , orders were given to the Bailo , with all Prudence and Art to touch gently the Pulse of the Turks , to discover if money would redeem the present quiet of their State. But the resentment that the Turks had conceived was grown apparent in the comportment towards the Bailo ; for having one day demanded Audience , he attended several hours without admission ; yet when the Ambassadour of Ragotski come to the Vizier , he no sooner entred the house than he was received : and at the same time it was told the Bailo , that he might retire , for that there was no place nor season at present to afford him Audience . In the mean time , Ibrahim himself walked often to the Arsenal , to forward and hasten his preparations , laying an Embargo on all Strangers Vessels in all Ports of the Ottoman Dominions . Orders were likewise dispatched to Thebes , Negropont , and other Parts of Greece for making Bisket , and to Morca for cutting and squaring Timbers , and sacking Wools to fill up Trenches ; in all which rumour and stir there was no other discourse but of Malta , and of throwing that Island into the Sea with the Shovel and Mattock , and rendring it the most dreadful example in the World of the Ottoman Rage and Greatness . With such preludes as these began a War of long continuance , maintained with various successes for divers Years , the fatal issue whereof we our selves have seen and heard . But it is strange to consider , that an Exploit so Martial as this should commence in the Reign of a Sultan wholly given up to his Pleasures , and so swallowed in sensuality , that all those luxurious and wanton actions which are recounted of Sardanapalus and Heliogabalus are flat and faint Similitudes of that prodigious effeminacy , in which this Sultan outdid all other examples of former Ages . Amber was the common perfumes which burned perpetually in the Womens Apartments , and the common Sauce to most of his Viands ; not perhaps because it so much pleased his Palate , as that it was a provocative , and incitement to his Lusts. And this puts me in mind of a story I have heard of an English Merchant , living then at Galata , who was master of a rare piece of Ambergriese , which was in form like a Pyramid ; the News whereof was told to the Grand Signior late at Night , when the smoak of the Perfumes began to abate : Which so soon as he heard , though it was near Midnight , he dispatched a Messenger to call the Merchant with his Ambergriese ; who being knocked out of his Bed in haste , by the importunity of the Officer , came to the Seraglio Gate two hours before day , where he attended until it was broad light , and then without more words found a Market for his Amber , and before his departure received thirteen thousand Dollars . The Female Court was then extreamly rich and splendid , all Italy was scarce able to supply it with Silks , and Cloath of Gold ; so that the Trade was in those days flourishing above other times , and gave great employment to English Shipping ; and so impatient were the Women for their Gay Cloaths , that so soon as the news of a Ship from Italy came , and that she was arrived within the Castles of the Hellespont , but there detained by contrary winds , Gallies were immediately dispatched to bring up their Silks , which they oftentimes forced away without any account or price made with the Merchant ; of which that worthy Gentleman , Sir Thomas Bendysh , then Ambassadour , complaining to the Vizier , and finding no other relief than good words , resolved on an expedient of making known his cause to the Grand Signior , which was this . In Turkie they have a Custom , that when any one receives a notable injury , or injustice from the Chief and great Ministers of State , they put fire on their heads , and running to the Grand Signior , no man can hinder or deny them access to his presence . In like manner the English Ambassadour not being able to obtain satisfaction from the Vizier , in return to his many Complaints , drew out all the English Ships in Galata , which were then 13 in number , and drawing in their Guns , and shutting the Ports , put fire on every Yard Arm of their Ships , and came to an Anchor just before the Seraglio . The Customer being the first that espyed this unusual sight , immediately apprehended the reason , and sent to acquaint the Vizier thereof in all haste ; the Vizier likewise fearful lest the Complaints should by this means come to the Grand Signiors Ear , sent the Customer aboard with a considerable part of the money , and desired that the Fires might be extinguished , promising faithfully to comply in payment of the rest ; hereupon Consultation being had between the Ambassadour and the Merchants , the Ships returned to their Stations , not seeming to have been taken notice of by those in the Seraglio . And notwithstanding the great number of Women within the Seraglio , all which were at the Devotion of the Sultan ; yet Ibrahim not being contented herewith , passing one day to Scutari , had by chance cast his eye on an object which much pleased him : what it was , becomes not the modesty of my Pen to relate ; but being returned to his Seraglio , he sent Orders to the Vizier , to seek out for him the biggest , and best proportioned Woman which was to be found in all Constantinople , and the parts thereabouts . Hereupon Emissaries were dispatched into all Quarters of the City ; at length they happily procured a huge tall Armenian Woman , well proportioned according to her height , and a Giantess for her Stature ; which being found , she was presently washed and perfumed in the Bath , and as richly Clothed and Adorned as the shortness of time would permit : There was no great difficulty to perswade her to become Turk , having so high preferment in her prospect . So that being introduced to the Grand Signiors presence , he became immediately Enamoured , and was so pleased with her Society , that he preferred her before all the Women of his Court ; an Evidence whereof he gave , in that he could not deny her in any request she could make , and particularly about that time the Pashaluck of Damascus being void , this Woman begged it for her self , substituting another in the Office , who was accountable to her for all the profits and emoluments thereof : By these particulars of favour the Queen Mother becoming jealous , one day inviting her to Dinner , caused her to be Strangled , and perswaded Ibrahim that she died suddenly of a violent Sickness , at which he poor Man was greatly afflicted . But not to insist long on these luxurious pastimes , we shall return again to matters of higher concernment : Ibrahim had now understood , that the Venetians growing jealous of his Preparations , began likewise to Arm , and provide for the worst ; which being in no wise pleasing to the Turks , who were apprehensive that their Marine Forces consisted most in surprize , caused Ibrahim to complain of the defensive posture , in which they Arrayed themselves , alledging that suspicions of this nature argued no hearty disposition towards their Friends , nor was any thing more contrary to a good correspondence , or more disobliging than such like Jealousies , which oft times beget that enmity which was never designed ; and farther it was judged necessary if possible , to disswade the Bailo from a belief of any Hostility designed against his Republick ; to inculcate which none was esteemed so proper an instrument as the old cheating Hogia , who was the first motive to the War ; a Preacher who imagined that the excellency of his Religion afforded him a priviledge to falsifie , lye and commit any act for advantage thereof , though never so contrary to truth and Morality . This Santone with the testimony of one or two more grand Professors , with many Asseverations and Vows , endeavoured to perswade the Bailo , of the Grand Signiors good intentions towards Venice , and his fixed resolutions to destroy Malta . And though the concernment which those godly Elders showed , and the earnestness they used , whereby to inculcate a credence to what they affirmed , were enough to discover their contrary intentions ; and though it is said , that the Venetians could not heartily believe what they so strongly suspected ; yet hereby , and by the common vogue of the people , they abated much of their caution and heat , which they otherwise had used in due preparations and provisions against an evil so fatal and destructive in the sequel . The first Act of Hostility was committed by Giacomo da Riva , who being sent for Sopraveditor to Tino , was in his way to touch at Candia , there to deliver Ammunition and Provisions for War ; but being encountered by some barbarous Vessels , who assailed him for a Merchants Ship of small force , were received so warmly that he sunk one of them , with which the rest left him and fled , relating at Constantinople that they had been ill treated by the Venetians , and that they gave the first Assault upon them , because that they were called to the assistance and service of the Grand Signior . The Fleet and Land Forces being already put to Sea , the report and opinion still continued , that the War was designed against Malta ; wherefore such as apprehended the hazard , and were acquainted with the difficulty of such an enterprize , began to inform the Grand Signior how impossible it was , that this action should be accompanied with good success . To which arguments he made no other reply than by a seeming obstinacy , resolved with the Ottoman Sword to cut all those knots and difficulties which opposed him in the work . At length one Salee Efendi , a Preacher , who had obtained some more than ordinary esteem with the Grand Signior , advised him , that before he commenced a work of that importance , he should inform himself of the true state of that place , from a certain Aga , who was lately returned from Malta . The Grand Signior being very willing to hear any thing of this nature , called the Aga , who related to him how impregnable both the City and Castle were ; how the Knights were provided against all Assaults ; that the Island it self is only a Rock , not containing Earth enough for an Army to intrench ; that the approaches must be made by the Pick-Axe and Mattock , it being all Stone . In short , it was not a place to be taken in one Summer , and the Winter coming on , it affording no shelter , nor provisions of it self , was not capable of relief in Seas so stormy , and from Countries so remote , without hazards , losses , and frequent Shipwracks . Ibrahim , who had designed all along to make War upon Candia , seemed little concerned or moved at this Discourse . The Gallies and Ships which were now all in a readiness , being come forth to the Seraglio point , the Grand Signior entered his Grand Chiosk , situated on the Bank of the Sea ; where the Selictar Aga , General , and all the Chief Commanders , came to perform the usual Ceremonies of Obedience and Duty before their departure . At this solemn Assembly the Grand Signior declared , that his intentions were to make War upon the Infidels , according as every one should understand by his respective Commissions , which should now be delivered unto them : That he expected the highest demonstrations of Courage in them imaginable , and what was agreeable to the Conductors of the Ottoman Armies : That reward and punishment were in his hands , and that he resolved to dispense them according to their merits : That they should not doubt of all due assistance and succours ; for he had so well contrived , and so justly fitted all his measures , that he was allready provided of Men , Timber , Ammunition , and money sufficient to maintain and carry on this War for seven Years . At which they all gave a shout , and declared , that they were ready to spend their Bloud and Lives in Execution of his Commands . Whereupon every one received a rich Coftan , or Vest , and the General a Scimitar set with Diamonds ; who being a young Man of about 26. or 27. Years of Age , had a Council of six graver Pasha's allowed him , and then the Commission for the War was brought forth sealed , with Orders not to open it , until they were past the Dardanelli . Hereat the noise of great and small shot from the Gallies and Ships , resounded through all Constantinople , and the Commanders repairing to their Vessels , the Assembly broke up , and every thing was put in a posture to make Sail. It was now the last day of April , 1645. old style , when the Fleet first broke ground , which consisted of 73. Gallies , besides the 8. Gallies of Barbary , 2. Mahons , or Galleasses , one great Gallion called the Sultana , 10. Ships of Alexandria , 2. of Tunis , and 10. of English and Dutch Ships , which coming to Constantinople for Trade , were there pressed into the Service , with about 300. Saiks , and Caramussals , which carried Souldiers , Provisions , Ammunitions , and Utensils for War. Their Militia consisted of 7000. Janisaries , 14000. Spahees , and about 50000. Timariots , and other Souldiers , with about 3000. Pioniers ; these all were to Rendezvous at Scio ; where they arrived the 7th of May. But before their departure from Constantinople , the Bailo Soranço , or the Venetian Ambassadour , thought fit in Complement , and for discovery , to make a visit to the Captain Pasha , by whom he was received with frank courtesy and assurance of Friendship ; so that though he suspected the worst , yet could he collect no certain assurances of Peace , or War ; however he advised Signior Cornaro , then Governour of Candia , that though he could not certainly penetrate into the bottom of the Turks design , yet he apprehended that the storm might fall on that Kingdom , understanding that the Captain Pasha was not well inclined towards the most Serene Republick : wherefore , he ought to be watchful and circumspect , yet with as little demonstration of jealousy as was possible ; so that if the Turks should there arrive , he should afford them all conveniencies of Watering , Provisions , and other refreshments . The Fleet being departed from Scio , for Napoli di Romagnia , the Northern Wind so freshned , and blew so hard , that the Gallies were separated , and forced to put into divers Ports , and the Saiks and Caramussals to Anchor at Micono , and Tino . At the latter of which belonging to the Venetians , they had licence to Water , and were refreshed with such Provisions as the Island afforded ; and now after this slurry of Wind , the Fleet being again united , they were seen off at Sea from Cerigo , an Island of the Venetians at the Mouth of the Archipelago , and sailing towards the Channel of Braccio de Maina ; and the next day 9. Gallies , a Gallion , and a Brigantine , made towards the Isle of Cerigo , and sent a Letter ashore by a Boat to the Proveditor , from the Pasha of Rhodes , demanding their usual present of Coffee and Sugar , which was given them , they assuring all friendship , and real good intentions towards the People , and Dominions of Venice . But in the mean time a Satia laden with Armes and Ammunition from Venice , bound for Retimo , unhappily falling into the Turkish Fleet was intercepted by them , and taken , which unmasked all the design , and made the Turks appear in their true colours , notwithstanding all their religious Protestations , and outwardly fair Comportment , the usual disguise of the Mahometan sincerity . Towards the end of May the Turkish Fleet was discovered from Carabuso , a small Fortress of the Venetians , some distance off at Sea , standing to the Westward , which gave some jealousie to them at Candia ; and being compared with some precedent Acts , as that of sounding the depth of water about St. Theodoro with a Brigantine , ( which is a small Rock lying off of Canea ) which pretended to come from Sancta Maura with Turky Merchants , afforded undeniable grounds of assurance to those in Candia , that the War was designed against them ; howsoever , the Ottoman Fleet rendezvousing again at Navarino , a place far distant from Candia , altered their apprehensions at Venice , and elsewhere of this War , deeming it now certain , that this design had no other aim or mark but that of Malta . But this opinion was no sooner entertain'd , than it was confuted by open acts of hostility ; for the Captain Pasha being arrived at Cape Colonna , by some called Sunio , immediately dispatched a Brigantine to Constantinople , with advice of his proceedings and intentions to pass directly for Candia ; whereupon it was thought seasonable to publish the War against Venice , which was performed with committing the Ambassadour Soranço to Prison , and giving orders through all the Archipelago to destroy or enslave all the Subjects of that Republick . And here the Turk practised his usual beginnings of War with more than ordinary caution ; for though with other Princes , whose Territories border on him by Land , he usually endeavours to strike at the same time when he gives the salutations of Peace ; Yet here being to contend at Sea , where he is conscious his Forces are inferiour to those of Venice , he practised all those feigned artisices , confirmed with as many holy Vows and Protestations , as their Religion hallows , and makes lawful , when they can bring advantage and encrease to the Mahometan Faith. But though the Venetian Republick was so politick as outwardly to demonstrate a religious confidence of their potent Neighbour , whom they were conscious not to have provoked by any breach of Capitulations ; yet were not so secure of his Faith , and so easie to believe his fair dissimulations , as not prudently to provide against the utmost effects of his power and treachery . Wherefore , whilst the Turk prepared , they armed likewise secretly , made considerable Levies without noise , commissionated thirty extraordinary Commanders of Gallies , took up seventeen English , and Dutch ships into their service , armed out two Galliasses extraordinary , and when the Turk had unmasked his design , they then imparted their condition to all the Christian Princes , craving their succour and assistance to maintain the common Bulwark of Christendom against the common Enemy . The Galleasses were commanded by Girolamo Morosini ; the Gallies , of which fifteen were made ready , and afterwards put to Sea , all commanded by Noblemen , were under the Conduct of Antonio Capello . Francesco Molino was made Proveditor General , a Person of untainted Justice and Honour , and extraordinary zealous and vigilant in the Publick Interest , whose undefatigable labours and care of his Countrey promoted him afterwards to be Doge of Venice . By his order and counsel extraordinary Proveditours were sent to Candia , Cerigo , and Tino , as Places most feared , and in danger , and orders were dispatched to Andrea Cornaro , then General and Inquisitor in Candia , to arme out twenty Gallies from the Arsenal of Canea ; and to promote this design the better , he hired two English , and one Dutch Ship , then in Port of Malomocco , to carry unto Candia Timbers sitted , and already squared at Venice , for building Gallies ; besides which he sent Cannon , Corn , and all Ammunition of War , with fifty thousand Zecchins in Gold for encouragement of the Militia , with a recruit of two and twenty Companies of Foot , formed and collected out of divers Nations . Intelligence being come of the imprisonment of the Bailo at Constantinople , the Senate by a common and unanimous suffrage elected Francesco Erizzo , then Doge General of the Sea , judging , that their Armes would prosper under his Command , which had formerly been successful under the auspicious Conduct of his Ancestors ; and he , though a person of seventy four years , worn out with Age and Cares of the Publick , did yet chearfully consecrate the remainder of his days to the service of his Country . But whilst he prepared to crown the end of his Life with the Glory of this important and generous enterprize , Death terminated all his intentions , leaving him with the honourable memory of his past actions , and with a Lawrel hanging over his head , which had his Life continued , had been planted on his Brows . But that this accident might not give interruption to the weighty Affairs now in hand , Molino took his place , and proceeded in his Voyage and designs , and arrived with the Venetian Fleet at the Island of Corfu . In the mean time the Turkish Fleet careened and fitted themselves at Navarine with all necessaries to assault Candia ; in which interim advice came to Canea , that the Bailo was imprisoned at Constantinople , by a Letter from Soranço himself ; which he had dropped from the Window of his close restraint , and dispatched by one of his Confidents with a Vessel , express ; which was not sooner arrived than it was that Night confirmed by all the Beacons or Watch-Towers of the Countrey ; who having discovered the Turkish Fleet far distant at Sea , gave a general Alarm by the Fires they made . The next Morning being the 〈◊〉 of June , they discovered the whole Fleet , near Cape Spada , which being drawn up in the form of a half Moon , took up a vast tract of Sea ; and sailing slowly with fair Weather , and a smooth Sea , displayed themselves with the greatest terrour imaginable to the Islanders . At length the lighter Vessels began to edge in with the Bank of Gogna , ( which is a place distant about eighteen miles from Canea ) and were followed by the grosser and heavier part of the Armata . And now before I proceed farther I should make a pause , and describe the antiquity , the Geography , and the present state of this famous and renowned Island , but that is already performed so distinctly and elegantly by other Pens , that it shall be sufficient for me to declare here in brief terms , how this Kingdome became the Patrimony or Possession of Venice . In the year 1204. a Sale thereof was made to this Republick , by the Marquis Bonifaccio of Mont serratto , by an Instrument sealed the 12 th of August at Adrianople , and signed , and delivered , in the presence of Marco Sanudo , and Ravano , du Verona , Ambassadours in the time of Enrigo Dandola Doge ; but the people of this Island not consenting unto the sale , opposed themselves against it , until the Venetians by force of Armes procured their Obedience , and confirmed their purchase by a double Title . Hereupon such noble Citizens as adventured their Lives in this acquisition , obtained the Estates of the Rebellious Greeks , being obliged in proportion to the Lands they held , to maintain Men and Horse at their own charge , and are therefore called the Feudatary Cavalry . So that the whole Country is divided into three parts ; viz. the noble Venetians or Cavalry ; secondly , the noble Candiots , or Colony , which were Infantry that came to inhabit from Venice ; and thirdly , the Greeks or Natives of the Country which never rebelled , but took part with the Venetian State : the first two speak Italian , and are of the Roman Church ; the others speak Greek , and conserve the right of that Religion . The Ottoman Fleet now touching the shoar at Gogna , took Livery and seizin quietly of that flourishing Isle of Candia , where they Encamped a while to refresh their Forces , and prepare all things in order to their Conquest . In the mean time , the news hereof Alarmed all Venice , and not only hastened them in the expedition of their Fleet , but warmed their applications to all Christian Princes , from whom they craved help in the general defence of Christendom : which some at first imagined would have been granted as it was once in the time of the holy War ; or that those whom the Declaration of a common Crusada , or Devotion , or sense of Religion could not move , yet at least the consideration of their Countries defence , or the maintenance of a Bulwark of Christendom , might perswade to wage Arms against the Turk , as a Common Enemy : but what cold apprehensions the Christian Princes entertained hereof , both the faint supplies and assistances they administred , and their bloody and vigorous Wars one against another , have abundantly testified , to the fatal loss and ruine of that Country . And though in the beginning there were better hopes , by means of the Popes earnest intercession with all the Princes of Italy , to whom he showed a fair Example , by uniting his own Gallies with the Venetian Fleet , and amongst the rest prevailed also with the Republick of Genoua , to employ their Gallies in this noble enterprize , which tended to the Glory of God , and the common safety and preservation of Italy : yet that leaven of vain punctilio's , which hath so often betrayed the Christian Cause to the advantage of the Turk , gave a stop for some time to these proceedings . For before they would enter into Armes , they desired the Genoeses , that the right of bearing the Flag should first be determined in favour of their Admiral , before that of Toscany , or Malta : and though the Pope to take away this occasion of dispute , proposed to have no other Flag worn besides his own , under which all Italian Princes without impeachment of their honour , as Auxiliaries , and Military Adventurers might promiseuously wage War ; yet this could not appear satisfactory to the Genoeses , who not only took this occasion to demand the precedency before Toscany and Malta ; to which the G. Duke ( who was not inferiour in State , and superiour in Title ) and the Malteses ( who time out of mind , and by Decree of Charles the Fifth , claimed Precedency on the Seas before them ) would never assent ; but also thought sit to avail themselves in this Conjuncture , to obtain from the Pope the Grant of a Royal Court ; and that treatment which is given to Kings , or Crowned Heads . But because these demands seemed to contain those difficulties in them , which could not be granted without the manifest displeasure of other Princes ; the Pope resolved to afford what assistance he could from himself , and therefore granted a Leavy of a thousand Foot out of his own Dominions , with free liberty to buy what Ammunition , and Provisions were to be found in the Ecclesiastical State , with imposition of a double tith or tenth on the goods and Dominions of the Clergy ; so that these succours of the Pope , and the Auxiliary Forces of Naples , Toscany , and Malta , under the Command of Prince Ludovisio , General of the Church , being united to the Venetian Fleet , did speedily compose a most puissant and formidable Force ; however by reason of dissentions amongst the Commanders , and other misfortunes derived from thence , to the Christian Arms , nothing succeeded fortunately this Year . For the Turks having gained their landing at first without opposition , overthrew the Christians in several small Skirmishes , and afterwards forced Canea , the second City of that Island , which they took with much blood and slaughter of the Christians . The Turks having made so successful a progress this first Year , as to possess themselves of one of the most considerable Cities , took Courage to proceed in their Conquests ; in which they had the fortune to make themselves Masters in the next place of Retimo ; in defence of which , the General Andrea Cornaro , lost his Life by a Musket shot . Nor more successful were the Venetians this Year at Sea ; for what with quarrels amongst the Commanders , and with their coldness , and negligence in their business , they suffered the Turkish Vessels to pass freely , without giving them that interruption which was very facil to men resolute and concerned : Nor was the opportunity which presented to ruine the Turkish Fleet made use of , then lying half disarmed , and ill provided , at the Isle of St. Theodoro , ( which is a Rock opposite to Canea ) where at that time it is believed they might all have been burned , had the occasion been improved , agreeable to that advantage which then offered : so that towards the latter end of the Year , the General Molino returning home , either by reason of some distemper , or by revocation from the Senate , which seemed to be ill satisfied with his ill fortune , or his ill management of the publick Affairs ; he was dismissed from his high Charge . And Gio. Cipello , Procurator of St. Mark , was constituted in his place . This new General early in the Year departed from Venice , having under his Command , 50. Gallies , 6. Galleasses , and 40. Ship of War , and 4. Fireships , besides other Vessels which are necessary Attendants on so great an Armata ; which grand preparations raised the minds of the Christian World to expect the abatement of the Ottoman Pride , and other effects equal to the magnificent ostentation , and triumphing glory of this mighty power : but God who gives not always success to the powerful , nor the Battel to the strong , was not , it seems , so well satisfied for the sins of Christendom , as to judge it worthy to be delivered from the scourges of its Grand Oppressor . Whilst Capello remained with the best part of the Fleet at Candia , Tomaso Morosini , Admiral of the Ships , shewed himself in a Bravado with 22 Sail before the Castles of the Hellespont , called the Dardanelli , defying the whole Turkish Power , with Colours flying , and Drums beating ; nor did they dare to answer the bold Challenge , until in a dead Calm , some few light Gallies presented themselves in a seeming Battel , with whom for want of Wind , the ships were on the disadvantage , and rather received prejudice than gave it ; so that both sides were contented with the action . Morosini withdrew from that station and returned to his General at Candia , to whom having joyned his Forces , he earnestly perswaded him , together with the Proveditor Grimani , to engage the Turkish Fleet , which they assured him was much inferiour to them , both in number of Vessels , and in Skill , and Courage of the Combatants ; and that the success of this Year consisted in the cutting off the Enemies succours , which was their sole relief and dependance , without which they could not longer maintain the ground they possessed , but must deliver up that and themselves to their pleasure . But the cautions General would not assent to this resolution , judging it over-rash and precipitate ; for that the fortune of Candia , and other Isles of the Archipelago was not to be hazarded on the success of one Battel . During which dispute , and irresolution of affairs , the Turkish Fleet consisting of 300. Sail , arrived at Canea , where they landed 40000. fighting men , which turned the scale of the War , and rendered the Turks so powerful , as not ever more to be expelled , or their off-spring extirpated from the Confines of that Island . By this time the Pope's and Malta Gallies were come to their assistance , and united with the Venetians ; so that Capello setting Sail from the Port of Suda , resolved to engage the Enemy at St. Theodoro , which was effected accordingly , though with little success ; for the Turks had fortified themselves , and secured their Gallies with that advantage , that they could not be assaulted without great hazard of the Christians ; and when they endeavoured to burn them , their 4. Fireships took fire too soon , and proved of more fear and astonishment to the Turks ( to whom this invention was as yet unknown ) than of real dammage . After this the Venetians returned again to Suda , where having intelligence that 30. Turkish Gallies , with men and Provision ( which they had collected in several parts of the Archipelago ) were on their Voyage to Canea , Capello preparing to intercept them with a force of Galleasses and Gallies , and leaving Grimani and Morosini to Gommand the main body of the Fleet , he in person bent his course towards Cerigo . In the mean time Mustapha Pasha departed from Canea , in order to his return to Constantinople , with 57. light Gallies , 2. Ships , 2. Galleasses , and many Saiks ; but meeting in his passage with a hard storm of Northerly Winds , he lost 7. of his Gallies , and several other Vessels , so that he resolved to divide his Fleet , and send part of them to Scio , and himself with the other part to make for Negropont . This Fleet was followed by some other Vessels under the Command of Mahomet Celebee , Brother of the Pasha of Algier , who being as far in his way , as the narrow Streights of Andra ; he was there stopped by the fury of the Northern Winds ( which are the Master Winds of those Seas ) and by the impetuous rage thereof , was carried to the Island of Zia ; where having given Licence to the greatest part of his Souldiery to Land , they carelesly strayed abroad , and without suspicion of surprize , merrily passed their time in eating and drinking . In the interim , advice hereof being carried to Tomaso Morosini , then with some Ships in the Port of Milo ; he immediately without loss of time applied himself to assault the Turks , and being followed by the Proveditor Grimani ; he took two of their Ships , whilst Mehmet Celebce with about 200. of his men , betook themselves to the weak shelter of an old demolished Fort , and afterwards surrendred themselves to the discretion of the Conquerour . Morosini and Grimani , encouraged with this success , resolved to pursue the Enemies Fleet ; in order unto which , Morosini first putting out to Sea , was instantly carried away by a sierce gale of Wind towards Ambro , and separated from the rest of his Fleet , and thence again was tossed by the impetuosity of the storms unto Rafti , of which Mustapha Pasha having intelligence , made haste to attack this single Vessel , with 40. Gallies ; giving order to the Bey of Rhodes , to lay him aboard with 15. Gallies , the strongest and best armed of all their Squadron : Morosini nothing dismayed , bearing the same constancy of mind in the midst of his Enemies , as at a distance , boldly showed himself on the Quarter Deck , encouraging his men with his words , and by his example , to actions worthy their Religion , Faith , and Country , for which they contended . The Turks continued for some time to batter the Ship at a distance with their Cannon , but with little dammage to the Christians ; who returned their shot to better advantage . Hereby the Turks perceiveing that blows given so far off did little Execution , resolved to Board the Vessel , and subdue her by force of Armes , and being come to the side of the Ship , the Souldiers were fearful to enter , suspecting some trains of Powder to blow them up , until Emurat one of the Captains struck off the Head of one or two of his own men , whom he perceived backward in the Assault , which affrighted the rest into the greater danger , and forced them to enter the Ship , who were soon followed by the Gallies of the Bey of Rhodes , of Milo , of Mehmet Bey , and others ; so that now 200. of the Enemy were Combating with Swords and Half Pikes upon the Deck ; in which storm , Morosini sighting amongst the thickest , was shot through the Head with a Musket Bullet , and so gloriously finished his days in the service and defence of his Country ; gaining to himself a Laurel , and an Immortal name of Glory and Renown . The Christian Souldiers little regarding all this time the fall of their General , stoutly maintained their Fight , in which they received encouragement from the prospect they had of 2. Galeasses making haste to their succour ; at whose nearer approach , the Turks desisted from their farther attempt ; being unwilling to purchase a Victory at the dear rate it would cost them . The Body of Morosini was transported to Venice , and his Obsequies Celebrated in a manner more Triumphant than Funebrous ; the Proveditor Grimani was likewise declared Captain General in the place of Capello ; who having as it were Besieged the Castles at the Mouth of the Dardanelli , taken several places in the Archipelago , and put the Enemies Fleet often unto flight ; he thereby , and by other acts of Valour , rendered him justly renowned through all Christendom . These were the chief and most memorable actions by Sea , performed this Year ; Those by Land were acted chiefly in Dalmatia , where the Turks poured in their Forces on the Venetian Dominions , but were bravely repulsed by Leonardo Foscolo , who took Ali Bey Prisoner , the Commander in Chief of the Sangiac of Licca , and slew his Son ; besides which , he took Saccovar , Polissano , Islan , and other Fortresses and Castles , full of Armes and Ammunition , which were the Magazines of the Country ; he also recovered Novegrade out of the hands of the Turks , which was afterwards demolished by Order from the Senate ; which Victories were followed with other successes ; nothing being able to oppose the Valiant and Prosperous Armes of Foscolo ; for besides the taking and sacking of several other Forts and Castles in Dalmatia , Obraozzo , Carino , Ottissina , Velino , Nadino , Urana , Tino , and Salona , in the Confines of Croatia , and Bosna , became a prey to the Venetian Armes . But to this successful Progress of the War , a stop was given for some time by the sickness of Fosiolo ; in which interim , the new Pasha of Bosna , called Mahomet Techli , a Circassian born , a person both Generous and Valiant , with an Army of 4c . thousand men , besieged the strong Fortress of Sebenico ; but was bravely repulsed by the Valour of the Inhabitants , the very Women exceeding the imbecillity of their Sex ; and Children and old Men , with the weakness of their Age , strengthened themselves with resolution against their Enemies , and so valiantly behaved themselves in defence of their City , that the Turk was sorced to raise his Siege , having gained nothing but the loss and slaughter of many of his people , and the best of his Souldiery ; whereby he gained an assurance of the invincible strength of that place , and the valour of the Inhabitants . Foscolo in like manner recovering his health , continued the un-interrupted course of his Victories , and thereunto added the taking of Scardona ; so that in Dalmatia the Venetian affairs ran so prosperously , that nothing could be desired to render them more happy and glorious . For the Turks not only were expelled from the Confines of Dalmatia , but likewise that Province became more quiet and secure than ever it had been in the times of Peace . But the joy of these successes was very much allayed by the unhappy fate of a great part of the Venetian Fleet , at the Island of Psara ; which being lanched from Candia with intention to assault the Turks within the Dardanelli , unfortunately were driven by contrary Winds to that unsecure shore ; where contending with a most furious storm , a great part of the Fleet was cast away , and the General Grimani himself drowned . About which time , the Turks for the greater terrour of the Christians , laid close Siege to the City of Candia , and made many and various attempts thereupon , carrying on their Assaults with the height of bravery and resolution , the particulars of which require a distinct History ; but by the invincible Fortitude and Courage of the Christians , they were repulsed with that slaughter , and with the loss of so many men , by sallies and other stratagems of War , that the Turks were at length constrained to raise their Siege with dishonour and confusion ; during which time many of the Nobility and persons of Quality lost their Lives ; amongst which , the principal were , Vicenzo della Marra , Governour General of the Armes of Candia , and Count Remorantino , natural Son of the Duke of Loraine , Commander in Chief of the Forces that came from beyond the Alpes . General Foscolo encouraged by the many glorious Enterprises that he had obtained , resolved to consummate all by taking the strong and famous Fortress of Clissa , scituate in the Confines of Dalmatia , and Borders of Bosna , on the top of a sharp and craggy Mountain , invironed with Rocks and unaccessible passages ; the difficulty of the attempt rather inflamed than abated the Courage of Foscolo , so that he Valiantly Besieged and Assaulted that place ; during which time , the Priest D. Stesano Sorich , Captain of the Morlachs , intercepted the succours which were sent thither , and Georgio the Proveditor , overthrew Teccheli Pasha in a Field Battel ; so that the Inhabitants despairing of relief , surrendered up themselves to the mercy of the Venetians ; and thus Clissa being taken , the Senate Commanded that it should be more regularly Fortified . And here the Christian Armes met some interruption . For the Morlachs desirous to cast off the Turkish Yoke , and return to the protection of the Venetians , designed to surprize Scutari ; and at the same time the Archbishop of Durazzo , with 7000. Albanians , was to seize upon Croia , and Allessio ; but the design being discovered by the traiterous practices of some false Brethren , before matters were maturely grown , or the time of Execution , it had certainly cost the Life of all the Morlachs , and 700. Venetian Souldiers joined with them , had not the increase of the Waters hindered the speedy March of the Turks , who resolved to cut them all off without mercy , or regard to any ; so that having time to disperse themselves , and take refuge in the Mountains , the most of them preserved their lives from the Cruelty of their Enemies ; only some certain Ecclesiastical Persons falling into their hands , they imputed unto them the cause of the Rebellion , and in a barbarous manner impaled them on Stakes . The Turks enraged for the loss of Clissa , dispatched Dervis Pasha into the parts of Bosna , with a potent Army threatning to Assault Spalatro ; whom to divert , Foscolo , together with Priest Sorich , Captain of the Morlachs , entered into the Enemies Country ; spoiling , burning , and destroying wheresoever they came . The Morlachs more greedy of prey than ambitious of glory , divided themselves into small parties to rob and pillage ; in which interim they were assaulted by the Turks , but being scattered , were so far from making a stout resistance , that they committed themselves to a shameful flight , in which great numbers of them were miserably Butchered ; nor could the valour of Sorich , nor of the Governour Possidaria , reduce them by their Examples into any Order ; whilst together with some few valiant Dalmatians , and Morlach Captains , they endured the shock of all the Enemies Fury ; in which Skirmish the Turks lost 7. Agas , and about 70. Souldiers : On the Christians side were killed 400. some few Slaves , and about 70. Ensigns taken ; amongst the rest the good Priest Sorich scorning to turn his back , had the misfortune to fall into the Enemies hands , whom they flead alive , and afterwards impaled ; and though they subdued his Body , yet he was still master of his mind ; bearing the same constancy in his torments , as he had showed Magnanimity and Courage in the Face of his Enemy . Whilst these Martial Affairs were transacting with the bloud and life of many thousands on both sides , Sultan Ibrahim , like a stout Souldier of Venus , waged another War in the Elysiums of Cupid ; and casting aside all thoughts of Candia , remitted the sole care and management thereof to the Vizier and Pashas of the Divan ; following a life so lascivious and sensual , as can neither be imagined with a chast fancy , or described by a modest Pen. A principal instrument of his delights , and Engine to compass his Amorous Designs , was a certain cast Wench of his , which he named Shecher Para , which signifies a little piece of Sugar ; for it seems she was so complaisant and dulcid in her humour and discourse , as meritted that apt name to express the sweetness of her Conversation ; this Woman having the convenience to visit all the Baths in Town , took notice of every Woman which she saw of more than ordinary Features and proportion , and having enquired her condition and dwelling , presently reported the same with all advantage to her Sultan , who having heard the beauty described , became passionately Enamoured , and could find no repose in his fancy , until his instruments , either by fair words or violence , had seduced her , or forced her to his Bed. But growing now extravagant and over-wanton in his Amours , he fell in love with the Sultana , or Widdow of his Brother Sultan Morat : To win her affections he had recourse to his Dear Shecher Para ; who used all her Arts in this service : but her pretty wheedling terms could prevail nothing on this Lady , who answered her in short , that at the Death of her Lord Sultan Morat , she had resolved upon a perpetual Widdowhood , for that the memory of him was still so lively in her , that she could not entertain the thoughts of admitting any new Embraces . This repugnancy and opposition inflamed the heat of Ibrahim like a Feaver , so that he resolved to assault her himself one day by force , and took his time just as she came out of the Bath ; but she being a bold Woman , and disdaining the wandring loves of Ibrahim , laid her hand upon her Dagger , ( which Sultana's and great Ladies usually wear ) threatning to wound him in her own defence ; the noise and brawling hereof being over-heard by the Queen Mother , called her from her Retirements , and concerned her in the Quarrel ; who whilst she reproved her Son , for the rape he intended on his Brothers Wife , gave opportunity to the Sultana to escape ; and so delivered her out of the hands of this Satyr . But Ibrahim mad with love , and fuming with disdain to be checked and opposed by his Mother , Commanded her immediately to the old Seraglio , where he confined her to several days Imprisonment , during which time he understood in what manner she had treated his large-sized Armenian , of whom we have already spoken ; whereof the Queen Mother being conscious , submitted her self with all humility to her Son , begging his favour and pardon ; and so well acted her part by those who carried her Addresses , that she overcame quickly his easy nature , and was again restored to his Grace , and her Lodgings in the new Seraglio . In the mean time Shecher Para travelling over all the Baths in Town , to discover new delights for her Master , at length had the fortune to cast her Eyes on a Daughter of the Mufti , a Maid of Incomparable Beauty and features of Countenance , and proportion of Body , which she reported to Ibrahim so sensibly , as if she her self had been in love ; and after she had praised every part and member of her , she concluded in sum , that she was the most Excellent and admirable piece that ever Nature framed . The Sultan had no sooner heard the story , but according to his usual custom , fell most desperately in love , and had immediately without farther consideration or counsel , dispatched his Emissaries ; or without other preamble , ceremony , or Courtship , to have fetched her to him ; had not the sense of the late rebuff he had received from his Brothers Wife , made some impression of fear in him ; and the apprehension he had of the power of the Mufti , created in him a certain caution and respect in the treatment of his Daughter : wherefore he rather resolved to send for the Mufti , with whom he treated of honourable terms concerning Marriage ; promising to take her into his Bosom , and prefer her in honour equal to any other of his Sultana's . The old Man who was tender of , and doated on his Daughter , knowing well the wandring humour of the Sultan in his Amours , intended rather to marry her to some great Personage , with whom she might be more happy , than in being a Soltana : for he considered , that Ibrahim having already other Sons , her Issue would either be Sacrificed for security of their Brothers , or else spend their days in a Prison , and become Grey-headed , whilst they breath in a medium between Life and Death , and are sad Recluses in the Grave of their unhappiness . These considerations were well imprinted in the mind of the Mufti : but because he durst not deny his proposal , he dealt with him as Inferiours usually do with their Lords and Superiours ; that is , he returned him thanks , expressing insinite Obligations , that he would vouchsafe to cast his Princely Eyes on the unworthiness of his Family : however he advised him , that according to the Canons of their Law , of which he was the Expositor , and obliged to be a severe and precise Observer ; it was great Impiety in a Father to impose on the affections of his Child ; so that though he could heartily wish that his Daughter would embrace this honour , to which he would exhort her with all the earnest perswasions of a Father ; yet if she proved refractory thereunto , it would not be becoming his power to force her ; and therefore hoped his Majesty would believe , that in proceeding thus far , he had performed that duty which became him , both as a Father , and a Loyal Subject . Ibrahim supposing that by this Concession he had gained his design , thanked and imbraced the old Man , whom dismissing with plenary satisfaction , he remained now with an impatient expectation and hopes of enjoyment . Next Morning the Mufti returned early to the Grand Signior , and having sirst sufficiently instructed his Daughter to refuse the Sultans proffers , told him plainly , that he had used all his paternal authority and interest with his Daughter , that he might induce her to accept this mighty Fortune , which cast it self upon her ; but that it found not that ready acceptance with her as he expected ; what could be the reason he knew not how to conjecture , since Women are commonly irregular , and unreasonable in their Affections . Ibrahim being in this manner disappointed , and more angry to encounter any boundary or restraint to the imperious violence of his Lusts , than opposition against the puissance of his Armes ; dismist the Mufti with some neglect and disdain , whom he resolved to treat with rigour , and his Daughter with Courtship . In order to the first , he banished him the Court , and forbad him his presence in any other place ; grew sullen and unsatisfied at all his administrations of Justice , intending thereby to induce him to a resignation of his Office , there being nothing more irksome to an ingenuous spirit , than to serve and not to please . On the other side he dealt with the young Lady in a different manner , by the crafty and flattering insinuations of his trusty Shecher Para , who so forcibly mannaged her tongue full of curious words mixed with threats , representing the storms and fury of the Sultans rage , and again the glory , splendour , and happiness of the Seraglio ; where she should Reign as Empress and Soveraign of the World : all which she expressed with that passion , and lascivious enticement , as would have shaken a firmer Constancy , than the Vertue of a Turkish Maid : but she being well admonished by her Father , remained obstinate in her denial : but to quiet the importunity of this Seducer , she begged her not to sollicite her Father in this request , but rather that she would intercede in her behalf with the Sultan ; supplicating him with all humility to pardon her Childish refusal , and to leave her unto her own liberty and choice , and a single Life : to obtain which favour from her , she produced a Diamond of considerable value , desiring her to accept of that from her , and to become her Friend , her Assistant , and Protectress . Shecher Para being overcome by her Maiden Modesty , could no longer resist such forcible entreaties ; and having her Eyes obscured with the lustre of the Jewel , promised to change her note , and excuse her refusal with all the advantagious and compassionate terms possible ; and so taking her leave with a courteous farewel , repaired to the Sultan , to give an account of her Negotiations . Ibrahim having with more doubtful fear attended the Issue of this last Conference , than he did the success of his War with Venice ; received his Shecher Para with exceeding joy , who being come in , began to recount all the particulars that had passed : but the sum of all was , that this silly Maid was sufficiently sensible of the honour of being a Soltana , of being Courted by his Majesty , of the joyes , delights , and glory of the Seraglio ; but that when she reflected , how that she was to bring forth Children to die by untimely Deaths , and to end their Days by poison , or the Bow-string , or at least to live miserable lives separated from Mankind , and immured within Walls , and Intombed whilst they breathed ; she could not but tremble with some horrour , and judge that all the blandishments of Worldly Fortune were but a transient Paradise ; which could not possibly recompence , or out-weigh the sense and tenderness she conceived for the misery of her unfortunate Off-spring . Howsoever she so couched her Discourse , that she gave Ibrahim some hopes to overcome at length ; by which she appeased a little his fury and despair , and extracted some Jewels and Gifts in reward of her past labour , and encouragement for her future service . In this manner Ibrahim had patience awhile , expecting something farther from the industry of Shecher Para ; but finding no effect of all his expectations and gentleness , at length resolved to break through all considerations of respect , either to the Father as the Mouth and Oracle of the Law , or to the simple and foolish innocence of the Maid ; and therefore ordered the Great Vizier to cause a Watch to be set on the Girl , either going in or coming out of the Bath , and without farther Ceremony to bring her unto him . This Order being executed accordingly , and the Maid hurried to the Seraglio ; Ibrahim possessed and enjoyed her for some days , but with those tears , reluctancy , and sullenness , as took off from the edge and appetite of enjoyment ; so that he returned her back again with scorn and contempt unto her Father ; who at first dissembled the injury with the same Countenance as he did before , when he was interdicted the Sultan's presence ; suppressing his revenge like a concealed fire , which bursts out afterwards with more violent Flames . But though the sense of obedience and duty towards his Prince allayed much of the choler he conceived against him for the Rape of his Daughter ; yet he knew not how to pardon the Great Vizier , whom he termed no other than a Ruffian or Pandor ; the Minister of his Masters Lusts , and not of his Laws , and of Justice . Thus full of indignation he applyed himself , and made his complaint unto one Mahomet Pasha , a principal Member of the Divan ; one of great wisdom and practice in the conduct of affairs , and one with whom he had a particular Friendship and intimacy . Nor less interest had he with Janisar . Aga , or General of the Janizaries ; to both whom , with tears in his Eyes , and with such words as the sense of his injuries suggested , he railed at the Vizier , and aggravated the Ravishment of his Daughter with all the circumstances of Villany and Violence . These two Friends heard the story with a sensible remorse , and immediately concluded that for the honour and security of the Empire , it was necessary to depose Sultan Ibrahim ; and for the same reason to cut off the first Vizier ; agreeing amongst themselves that Mahomet Pasha should receive the Seal , and the Office. To effect which , they deemed it necessary to draw the Queen Mother into the Conspiracy , being a Woman of great Authority , and having as it were the Reins of Government in her hands , by reason of the weak judgment of her Son. But because it was difficult to perswade the tenderness of a Mother to the ruine of her Son ; the Wise Mufti resolved first to sound her inclinations and disposition towards this design : and being well informed of her fierce Circassian nature , and the jealousy and anger she conceived against Shecher Para , obtained Licence to be heard by her , as if he would beg her intercession with her Son in his behalf ; and being admitted to discourse with her , he thereby plainly discovered her most inverterate hatred and displeasure against her Son ; not only for this , but for many other actions of like nature . This discovery which the Queen had made , gave him the boldness to propose the confinement again of Ibrahim to his old Prison ; not that he should be absolutely laid aside and deposed , but only corrected awhile , and being put in remembrance of his past condition , might be taught wisdom , and instructed for the future , what moderation and justice Sultans are obliged to exercise in the administration of Government ; and so subtlely did he insinuate his discourse , that the Queen Mother assented to the proposal , and that the Seal should be conferred on Mahomet Pasha ; for she had conceived an irreconcileable hatred against Achmet the G. Vizier , by whose counsel she was sent to the old Seraglio , and was united in Confederacy with the detested Shecher Para. The Mufti greatly satisfied to have gained so considerable a Conspirator to the party , communicated the whole business , with the Progress of it , to the two Kadileschers , or Lord Chief Justices of Romelia and Anatolia ; who approveing thereof , and promising their utmost assistance , the 7th of August was the Day appointed for the Insurrection of the Janizaries , who being all in a readiness on that day , went in a tumultuary way to call the Mufti , the Kadileschers , and other Officers and Ministers of the Law , whom they seemingly forced to accompany them to the presence of the G. Signior , of whom they demanded , that the present Vizier Achmet should be deprived of his Office , and that Mahomet Pasha should be constituted in his place . The G. Signior at first refused their demand , but being perswaded by his Mother that it was necessary to content the Militia in that tumult ; he consented thereunto , and having called Achmet , he took from him the Seal , and conferred it on Mahomet Pasha , and therewith the Office of G. Vizier . Achmet trembling at the consequences hereof , resolved to commit himself to the mercy of the Mufti , and therefore hastned to his House to attend his return , hoping to find him his Protector , under whose shadow and roof he fled for Sanctuary . The Souldiery having thus obtained the first-fruits of their Insurrection , accompanied the Mufti unto his home , where finding the deposed Vizier Achmet , the Janisar . Aga immediately Commanded him out of Doors , from whence he had no sooner drawn his Foot , than that he was seized upon and strangled , and his Body thrown before the Gate of the new Mosch . The next day being the 8th of August , 1648. the Janizaries again arising in the like tumult as before , came to demand of the Mufti , whether that according to their Law , Sultan Ibrahim as a Fool , and a Tyrant , and unsit for Government , ought not to be deposed ? To which the Mufti giving answer in the affirmative , sent to cite Sultan Ibrahim the day following to appear in the Divan , to administer Justice to his Souldiers and Subjects , who expected it from him . But Ibrahim supposing that he had sufficiently satisfied the Souldiery , by putting the Vizier out of Office , laughed at the summons which the Mufti made him ; which being seconded by a Fetfa , which is a point of Law resolved by the Mufti , who is the Mouth or Oracle thereof , viz. That the G. Signior being called to account , is obliged to appear before the Justice ; the Sultan in high disdain tore the Paper , threatning the Head of the Mufti : but it was now too late , he having already sufficiently fortified himself with the power and strength of his Rebellious Companions . This Fetfa was immediately seconded by another of a higher nature , which declared , that whosoever obeyed not the Law of God , was not a true Mussulman or Believer ; and though that person were the Emperour himself , yet being become by his filthy actions a Kafir or Infidel , was ipso facto , fallen from his Throne , and no farther capable of Authority and Government . This Fetfa being seen by Ibrahim , he tore it in pieces , Commanding the G. Vizier instantly to put the Mufti to Death , as guilty of Treason against his Prince : but having now lost his Authority , his Commands were not longer regarded , nor any reverence had of his person : For the Janizaries being again assembled about five a Clock in the Afternoon , came with their usual tumult to the Gates of the Seraglio . And now Sultan Ibrahim losing all Courage at this third attempt , fled into the Armes of his Mother , begging her assistance and protection . She being a bold and subtle Woman , employed all her Rhetorick and Eloquence to perswade the Souldiery not to offer violence to the person of their Lord and Master ; promising that he should relinquish the Government , and retire himself with a Guard into his old Lodgings . Ibrahim comforted a little , that he should save his Life , shrunk himself willingly into his old Shell , wherein he had so long conserved his Life . In the mean time the Conspirators taking forth his eldest Son Sultan Mahomet , set him on the Throne of his Father , and planting the Sargouch , or Imperial Feathers on his Head , saluted him for Emperour with loud Acclamations . Ibrahim continued his Imprisonment for some days with great patience , but at length growing desperate and furious , often beat his Head against the Wall , until at length , he was on the 17th strangled by four Mutes . In this manner Sultan Ibrahim ended his Days , which puts me in mind of the saying of a wiser and a better King than he , That there is little distance between the Prisons and the Graves of Princes . And this Example made a great Officer understand how King Charles the Glorious Martyr was put to Death . For he , I think it was the Great Vizier , falling into discourse with the Chief English Interpreter at Constantinople , not then calling to mind the Fate of Sultan Ibrahim ; demanded , How , and when King Charles was put to Death ? Sure , said he , Your King must have no Power , or your People must be more Rebellious and Mutinous than other Nations of the World , who durst commit an act so horrid and vile as this . See , said he , How our Emperour is revered and observed ; and how submissive and obedient half the World is to the nod of our Great Monarch . To which the Interpreter replyed , that to recount unto him the History and occasion of this prodigious fact , would be too long and tedious for him to hear : but that the time it happened , was some Months after the Death or Murder of Sultan Ibrahim ; which was an Item sufficient to give him a perfect understanding of what he required . Sultan Ibrahim having in this manner ended his Dayes , the Government was committed into the hands of the G. Vizier , and the old Queen Mother ( which is she whom we call Kiosem in the Ottoman State ) and of 12. Pashaws ; who were to manage all Affairs with supream Power , during the Minority of Sultan Mahomet , who now Reigns . Ibrahim was the sifth Son of Sultan Achmet , born of the same Mother with Sultan Morat , Educated like the other younger Sons of the Ottoman Family , within the Walls of an obscure and unhappy Prison ; so that 't is no wonder , if wanting the advantages of seeing and practising in the World , he should neither have studied Men , nor been experienced in the Art of Government . Nor less strange is it , being natural to humane insirmity ; for men who have lived under restraint , afsliction , and fear of Death , to become licentious and immoderate in all kind of pleasures , whensoever they pass on a sudden from the depth of misery to some transcendent degree of happiness and prosperity ; which as I say all men are naturally subject unto ; so more especially those , whose Religion indulges them all kind of sensual Carnality in this Life . Ibrahim was in his own nature of a gentle and easy temper , of a large Forehead , of a quick and lively Eye , and ruddy Complexion , and of a good proportion in the Features of his Face ; but yet had something in the air of his Countenance , that promised no great abilities of mind . And giving himself up to all kind of Effeminacy and softness , attended not unto the Government of his Affairs ; and therefore it was his greatest misfortune to be served by wicked and faithless Officers to whom he trusted , and to whom he gave credence , wanting in himself the talents of wisdom and discretion to discern their malice . The continual apprehensions that he entertained of Death during his Imprisonment , had so frozen his constitution with a strange frigidity towards Women , that all the dalliance and warm embraces of the most inflaming Ladies in the Seraglio , could not in a whole Years time thaw his coldness ; which was the occasion at sirst of that report , which spoke him to be impotent towards Women : during which time he attended to his Ministers of Justice , and to a management of the affairs of his Empire , which in the beginning of his Reign gained him a credit and reputation , and raised a great expectation of his goodness and care of his Subjects welfare ; an evidence of which , he gave in his Charge to the Great Vizier , that he should put no Man to Death unless for Capital and enormous Crimes . But at length losing himself in Lusts and Sensualities , he forsook the Helm of his Regency , committing the guidance of his Empire to other hands : and as he was ignorant of War , so he foolishly sported in the calms of Peace ; and suffering himself to be guided only by Fortune , felt the stroke thereof in his last Unhappy Fate . Sultan MAHOMET the 4 th the Present Emperour of the Turkes When I an Infant in my Cradle Lay And Call'd Th' Ottinan Scepter for to Sway My Troopes Reuolt , Seditions Men Incline To Rage , and need a Stronger Head Then Mine : But as my yeares , So doth my power increase My Warres Succeed , and Trumphs Neuer Cease By Christian Discords Help't , my Mighty State Growes great ; Still Liuing I attend my Fate . THE REIGN OF Sultan Mehmet , OR MAHOMET IV. THIRTEENTH EMPEROUR OF THE TURKS . ANNO 1649. SUltan Ibrahim perishing in this manner , by the mutinous violence of the Souldiery , his Son Mehmet , or Mahomet , being a Child of seven years of Age , succeeded in the Throne : During whose Minority , ( which was to continue for the space of ten years longer ) his Mother , who was the first Sultana , assisted with the Counsel of twelve Pashaws , took upon her self the Regency , and in the first place resolved to continue the War against the Venetians , which Ibrahim intended to conclude , having engaged himself far in a Treaty of Peace with the Bailo or Ambassadour , which resided at the Port for that Republick . Whilst these matters were transacting , and preparations making to prosecute the War ; the malignant humours of the Empire began to ferment unto that degree , as affected the Body Politick at first with unnatural heats , which soon afterwards proceeded to a Feaver , and then to a dangerous Convulsion . The ill-affected Part was the Militia , which is the heart and principal of the life of that Government . For the Spahees and the Janisaries , being the Horse and Foot , entred into a desperate controversie . The first judged it their Duty to revenge the Death of their Soveraign , Sultan Ibrahim ; and in order thereunto demanded the Head of the Great Vizier , as the Chief Authour and Contriver of the death of his Lord and Master . The others being conscious to themselves of having by their Armes carried on the Conspiracy , not only declared their resolutions to defend the Vizier , but owned that what he had acted was by their order , and at their request and instigation . The Spahees being highly provoked with this declaration , swelled with anger and malice against the Janisaries ; and both sides being equally proud and rich could not bear each others reproaches . The Spahees being Men of Estates in Land , looked on themselves as the Gentry , and to have the greatest share in the concernment of the Empire . The Janisaries living regularly in their Chambers , or Martial Colledges , looked on themselves as the better Souldiers , and the more formidable Party ; and the truth is , both of them were proceeded to that height of Command and Authority in Government , that had they not been suppressed by the cruel hand , and bloody disposition of Kuperlee , as shall be more largely related hereafter , this Empire was then in danger of falling into as many Divisions , as there were at that time Pashaws , or great Captains . The cause hereof proceeded from the warlike disposition of Sultan Morat , who being the most Martial Man of his Age , preferred none but Men of great courage , and such as had signalized their valour by undoubted proofs ; And such Men as these he loaded with honour , and raised them to the highest , and most eminent charges in the Government . But Morat dying soon afterwards , these Great Men had time to enrich themselves during the gentle and easie Reign of Sultan Ibrahim ; which being seconded by the Minority of this Young Sultan , their pride knew no bounds , either of Modesty towards their Commanders , or Reverence towards their Sultan . Hence it was that the Souldiery dividing , so great a Sedition arose amongst them , that at last they came to blows , resolving to decide the controversie by the Sword. But the Quarrels of Turks amongst themselves not being commonly of long durance , the Care and Vigilance of the Magistrates prevented all open defiance in the Field ; but yet could not so pacifie their Animosities , but that several Skirmishes , or Rencounters passed between them in the Streets , wherein the Spahees were always worsted , and at length were forced to abandon the City , scarce daring for some time to owne the name of Spahee within the Walls of Constantinople . These disturbances gave the Venetians some hopes to accomodate their Peace with better advantage ; but the Reply to this Proposition was more fierce and positive than ever , and so ill resented that the Bailo going from his Audience , was on the 27th . of April seized on , and with all his Retinue clapped into Prison and Chains ; being sent to those Castles which are scituate on the Bosphorus , in the middle way between Constantinople and the Black Sea. But this furious severity by the intercession of other Christian Ministers continued not long , before the Bailo received more gentle Treatment , by the Sacrisice which the Turks made unto themselves of Grillo , his Interpreter , who being called down from the presence of the Bailo , was immediately by two Officers strangled , and his Body thrown out at the Window of the Castle ; the which act , though it may seem unjust and barbarous to us , hath yet been frequently practised amongst the Turks , being to this day their common use to threaten the Druggermen or Interpreters ; which is the cause that they often mince , or wholly alter the sense or meaning of their Masters , on those occasions when words are spoken by them ungrateful to the Turks . The Turks bearing this disdain to the Venetians , laboured to re-enforce their Armies in Candia , and supply them with Ammunition and Provisions ; and though the Venetians lay before the Mouth of the Dardanelles to intercept all succours which might be carried thither ; yet the Turks notwithstanding their Divisions , having recruited their Fleet with forty Gallies , and ten Great Ships , broke through the Venetians , and in despight of them , convoyed five Gallies laden with Souldiers and Ammunition , and landed them safe at Canea ; and about the same time six Gallies , and ten Ships of Barbary , entered into the Port of Suda . The General which commanded in chief was named Chusaein Pasha , a Person of great courage and experience ; he had for some time besieged the City of Candia , but for want of Men and Ammunition was forced to rise from that place , and retire to Canea and Retimo , whilst in the mean time the Candiots received recruits of Men , and supply of Provisions , improving their leisure time to fortifie their Town with such works as rendred it almost impregnable , and made it become the Wonder and Discourse of the World after some years succeeding . Nor was the War only carried on in Candia , but also in Dalmatia , Morea , Bosna , and Albania . For Foscolo , the General of Venice , designing to force some Corn from the Parts of Castel-nuovo , he landed some Men there , but was so ill received by the Turks , that he was forced to retreat unto his Vessels with great disorder , and no less dishonour . But he had better fortune in the Parts of Bosna , where he repulsed the Enemy to the very Gates of Sarsay , the Capital City of that Province , and took upon composition the Fortress of Risano , which is scituate between Cataro and Castel-nuovo ; but at length the Turks receiving an additional aid of fifteen or sixteen thousand men , the Venetians were forced to quit their new Conquests , and retire into their own Country . During the time that these Affairs were in agitation , the young Emperour was proclaimed , and his Inauguration celebrated with the usual Ceremonies , but with rejoycings , and hopes extraordinary ; who being yet scarcely arrived to eight years of Age , many mutinies and troubles arose in divers Parts of the Empire , as in Damascus , Syria , Anatolia , and other Countries , where the Pashaws refused to pay in the customary Taxes and Tribute , declaring that they would keep the money in their hands during the minority of the Grand Signior ; and that when he came to Age of Government they would be accountable to him both for the principal and for the improvement . The Turks in Hungary making incursions into the Territories of the Emperour were overthrown by the Count Forgatz , near Buda , where the Pasha was taken Prisoner , and his Son slain . Nor better fortune had they in the Assault they made on the Fortress of Clissa , where having lost five thousand Men , they were forced to retire with great dishonour . The Cossacks also in this conjuncture grew more bold , so that they covered the Black Sea with their Boats , doing great damage to the Saicks , and other Vessels , which traded in that Sea , and at length came up the Bosphorus above Therapea ; giving a great Alarm with much fear and confusion to all Constantinople . Amidst these misfortunes , intestine troubles and new disorders arose in the Ottoman-Empire ; For as commonly all the blame of miscarriages and ill successes in Turkie , are cast upon the head of the Commander in chief ; so the Enemies of the Great Vizier took the advantage in this conjuncture to reproach his ill Government , and carried the accusation so far , as to depose him from his Charge and Office ; in whose place the Aga , or General of the Janisaries succeeded . The Spahees in Asia , being displeased with this Election , assembled in a Body of seven or eight thousand , and marched towards Constantinople , pretending to revenge the death of Sultan Ibrahim ; their numbers daily encreasing , the Divan very much feared lest the Party which favoured the Spahees in Constantinople , should join themselves to the Asian Mutineers ; to prevent which it was judged good reason and policy , to anticipate the Justice they demanded , by taking away the Life of the deposed Vizier ; which being easily assented unto , and without much hesitation performed , gave some little stop to the fury and heats of the Spahees . Notwithstanding all which , as the Divisions which the Turks entertain amongst themselves were never so great as to afford the Christians any advantage thereby ; so the Venetians did not reap any benefit from these Quarrels ; but on the contrary , the Turks studiously attended to their Affairs in Candia , passing thither with sixty Gallies , thirty great Ships , and twenty five other smaller Vessels , laden with Men , and all sorts of Provisions and Ammunition for War ; so that in this year 1649. the Affairs of the Turks remained in that Island in this happy and hopeful posture . Amongst these Ships were thirteen English , which the Turks took up at Smyrna , and forced into their service . For though the Ambassadour , Sir Thomas Bendysh , then resident at Constantinople , opposed the engagement of these Ships what was possible , and also the Commanders and Seamen were very unwilling and dissatisfied to undertake the design ; yet the Turks with menaces , and promises of reward forced them to carry Men and Ammunition to Candia , so that , making a Vertue of Necessity , they complyed with that which they could not resist . ANNO 1650. CHusaein Pasha , Governour of the Island of Candia , having received these succours and recruits , resolved to besiege the Chief City of Candia ; to which intent , drawing out from the Ships , and Garisons of Retimo and Canea what men he was able , he formed an Army of thirty thousand Men , with which he marched , and pitched before the Town . He was provided also with twelve pieces of Cannon , four thousand Sacks of Wooll , three thousand Ladders , and with a good quantity of Granadoes ; with this force he attaqued the City in two places , viz. on the Forts of Martinengo , and Mocenigo ; and pressed so hard on the latter , that notwithstanding the generous resistance of the Defendants , he won the Fort , and there planted the Ottoman Colours ; fortifying it with more Cannon , and a good number of Men. Count Coloredo , Governour of that place , was then sick , the Garrison very weak , and things reduced to the last terms of extremity ; when General Balbiani , Admiral of Malta , arrived with six Gallies , and there landed 600. Men , and 60. Knights ; which with great Courage mounted the Guard of the Fort Martinengo , which was the place of most danger and honour . The Turks excited with a desire to welcome the new Guests , made three desperate and furious assaults on this Fort , but were with equal valour repulsed by the Defendants ; at which disgrace and foil being highly enraged , they resolved on a fourth attempt , which they pursued with that Courage and Success , that the Venetians were forced to give way to their violence , with the slaughter almost of all those which defended this Fort ; until the Cavaliers of Malta , who having no greater glory , nor readier will , than to spill their bloud for the Christian Cause , rallied all the force they were able , and made so prosperous an Attaque upon the Fort , that they recovered it again with the bloud and destruction of all those who defended it ; but they enjoyed it not long , before the Turks regained it with the like success and slaughter ; which variety of Fortune the Venetians being sensible of , and that they could not bear such costly interchanges with the Turk , had recourse to their ultimate remedy of Mines , which succeeded so happily , that the whole Fort was carried into the Air , and therewith 2000. good Souldiers of the Turks ; with which destruction , and other repulses in divers places , they were so weakned and discouraged , that they raised the Siege on the sifth of October , new Stile . In this Interim , the Tartar Han , called the Krim , demanded the Guardianship of the young Sultan , as of right belonging unto him ; but the Council answered hereunto , that their Master was already in better hands than those into which they desired to transfer him ; and that his Grandmother , and the Divan , wanted neither wisdom nor fidelity to direct his affairs : with which answer the Tartar being forced to remain satisfied , was able to revenge himself no farther , than by exciting the Cossacks to infest the Seas ; which gave some diversion to those Armes , which otherwise had all been employed against the Venetians . But these designs from Tartary did little trouble the Council , in comparison of that spirit of Discord which was arisen between the Spahees and the Janisaries ; for both parties being emulous of each others greatness , endeavoured on all occasions to elevate their Chief Commanders to the highest and most profitable places of the Empire : which dissention touching the principal Ministers of State , who were all ongaged on one side or the other ; administred great troubles , and retarded the execution and success of all the grand designs of the Empire . Nor was it of less importance and dishonour to the Divan , that their Fleet was hindered passage by the Venetians , who blocked up the Mouth of the Dardanelles ; whereby all intercourse with Candia was interrupted : but being resolved to remove this obstacle , they commanded the Captain Pasha to force his passage ; which he accordingly performing , was so warmly received , that he quickly lost two Gallies , and after much bloud , and loss on both sides , was forced at length to retire again within the Streights . But what was of worse consequence to the Turks , was the inveterate discord between the Spahees , and Janisaries ; who having been unadvisedly embarked promiscuously together , came oftentimes to words , and then to blows ; which ended not without the bloud and death of divers of each party . These mischiefs increased the rage which the Turks at Constantinople conceived against the Venetians ; who were all thereupon ( not excepting the Bailo Soranzo , nor his Secretary Ballarino ) interdicted the Territories of the G. Signior ; and sent back into their own Country . The Captain Pasha , that he might be in a capacity to make a second attempt to force his passage , sent to Constantinople for new recruits : when News came that the Siege of Candia was raised , and that the Turks had lost the Fort of St. Theodoro ; which so angred the spirit of the Queen Mother against the Vizier , that she immediately deposed him from his Charge , and therewith had taken away his Life , had not the Faction of the Janisaries protected him in this extremity . The Pasha of Buda was introduced into his place , a person of a turbulent and ambitious spirit , who to increase his savour with his Mistress the Sultana , evidenced his heat and zeal against the Venetians , and to that end sent immediately express Orders to the Pasha of Bosna , to invest Clissa with all the power he was able ; and therewith he presented him with a Cimeter , and a Halter ; the former to be his reward in case of good success , and the latter to be his punishment in case of misfortune . But this furious Vizier continued not so long , as to experience the Issue of this Command ; for he was in a few days laid aside , and Chusaein Pasha , the General of Candia , was placed in his stead ; howsoever his Orders were to remain with the Army , by which means , much emulation and contest was prevented , which might otherwise have happened between the Spahees , and Janisaries , at the Election of a new Vizier ; and thereby all excuses taken from the Souldiery of absence from the War , who could now pretend nothing of reason to withdraw themselves , on score of attendance on the Viziers person ; and to supply his Authority at the Regal Court , a Chinacam was substituted to administer Justice in place of the Vizier , which is usual on such occasions . Notwithstanding all which , affairs succeeded not extraordinary well for the Turks in Candia ; for being straitned for provisions in Canea , by the near approach of the Christians , the Turks were forced to make a diversion , by appearing in great Troops before Candia ; which they were enabled to do , by the supplies they had lately received , with the arrival of their Fleet of Gallies ; for the Winter season approaching , the Venetians were constrained to abandon their station before the Dardanelles , and to leave the passage open for the Enemy . And so this Year ended rather with advantage than disgrace to the Christians . ANNO 1651. WIth these great succours and supplies sent to Candia by the Turks , affairs must necessarily have succeeded prosperously to their designs , had not intestine discords at home interrupted their proceedings , which arose from a Jealousy and Emulation between the Grand-mother , and Mother of the young Sultan . For each of them pretending to the tuition or guardianship of the Emperour , during his minority , divers Parties and Factions formed at Constantinople , from whence all that trouble and combustion arose , which we have at large related in the third Chapter of the Present State of the Ottoman Empire . So that now it was no time to talk to the Souldiers or People of a War in Candia ; For the first thought themselves engaged to contrive a settlement and determination of Disputes at home , and the latter being irritated with a new Tax laid on them , for want of money in the Treasury , exclaimed , and talked loud , and at length , instead of paying , broke out into open Rebellion , which by assistance of the Souldiery , was appeased , under no less terms than the death of several principal Ministers of State. During these Divisions , the Venetians had time to arme out a very considerable Fleet for defence of Candia ; Foscolo , who had been General in Dalmatia , being sent thither with title of Generalissimo in the place of Mocenigo : But these Dissentions amongst the Turks , according to their usual custom , lasting not long before they came to a Conclusion , by the entire destruction of one of the Parties ; the Chief Ministers began to reassume again the thoughts of prosecuting the War in Candia , and to send Recruits to reinforce the Army under the Command of Chusaein Pasha , who was returned with new Forces and courage to assault the City of Candia . At this time a certain Greek , pretending to be a Person of Quality , and discontented with the Turks , fled from them to the Christians , where being received with all kind and obliging entertainment , he had thereby liberty of seeing and visiting all the Fortifications of the Place . After he had observed and discovered as much as he desired , this traiterous Fugitive fled again to the Turkish Camp , where he revealed what places were most strong , or best fortified , and where the Town was weakest , and most easily to be assaulted . The Venetian General being awakened at this discovery , and considering the numbers of his People to be few , in respect of the Enemy , and that the Outworks could not be maintained without a more numerous Garison , he resolved to destroy some of those Forts ; and accordingly blew up with Mines four Bastions , which being at a distance could not be relieved without much danger . The Turks hereby making conjectures of the weakness of the besieged , cheerfully assaulted the Fort of St. Demetrio , thinking to carry it without much trouble , but contrary to their expectation , they encountred so bold a resistance , that they lost three thousand men on the place . At Constantinople they were still so intent to carry on this War , that having prepared , and laden on the Fleet great quantities of Granadoes , Bomboes , and Mortar-pieces , with other Fire-works , the Captain Pasha , with hopes agreeable to his Force , set forth to Sea , with eleven hundred Sail , consisting of Gallies , Ships , Galleasses , Saiques , Brigantines , and smaller Vessels , with resolution to engage the Venetian Fleet , whose . Commanders also were equally desirous and ready to consent with them to a Battel . On the 7th . of July , the Venetians being at an Anchor in the Port of St. Ermina discovered the Turkish Fleet , to which as they were much inferiour in number , so they were superiour to them in the agreement and experience of their Commanders . The Turks having passed forward on their way , the Venetians pursued them , and the better to draw them to a Battol , Mocenigo ordered two Ships , commanded by Barbaro and Dolphino to cross the Turks at the point of the Island ; and his Vice-Admiral , Bataggio , with four Ships to engage the main Body of the Turkish Fleet ; to whose assistance many other Vessels coming in , he so rudely treated several Gallies , that they were forced to seek harbour in the Port of Chios , now Scio , with the loss of Mahomet , Pasha of Anatolia , who was sent to succeed in the Office of Chusaein Pasha , the General of Candia ; but Night coming on , the rest of the Fleet retreated to the Isles of Naxia and Paros . On the tenth day the Turks having watered their Fleet , gave a signal of desiance to the Venetians , by discharge of two pieces of Cannon ; and the Venetians accepting the challenge , both Fleets gave a furious charge one to the other ; but the Turks were not able to withstand the courage and skilfulness of the Venetians ; for the Captain Pasha having lost many of his men , and the poop of his Gally being carried away with a Cannon shot , the whole Fleet was put into disorder , and then unto flight , so that the Gallies began to employ themselves in toaing the Ships . But one of their Mahones being separated from the rest , was assaulted by two Galleasses , and some Ships , and finding none to come in for succour , the Captain was killed , with four hundred Souldiers , and two hundred were taken Prisoners . In the mean time Mocenigo , the General , gave chase to the Gallies , which two to a Ship were toaing the heavier Vessels as fast as they could ; but being hardly pursued , were forced to cast off the Hauser , and shist for themselves as well as they were able . The Turkish Ships seeing themselves thus abandoned , fired whole Broadsides upon the Enemy ; but the Venetian Gallies leaving their own Ships astern , that they might pursue their advantage , Querini boarded a Great Galleass , called the Soltana , upon which were three hundred Souldiers , who offered to surrender upon promise of Quarter for their Lives . But the Christian Souldiers heated with fight , and not then understanding any thing of Conditions , desperately boarded the Vessel , whereby the Turks being reduced to an extremity of despair , gave fire to the Powder , and therewith carried as well the Vanquishers as the Vanquished into the other World. According to this example four other Vessels burnt themselves , one of 60 brass Guns , and three others of 40 to 44. Fifteen Vessels of the starboard wing saved themselves by good sailing . Of the larboard wing , Captain Nicolo , a Renegado , with his ship was taken by the Admiral of the Galleasses , likewise another Great Vessel by Lazaro Mocenigo , and another by Proveditor Melino . In short , there was not one Vessel which remained in sight of the Venetians , which was not either taken , sunk , or burnt . Notwithstanding all which , considering the Vessels which were escaped , and the three thousand men which the Turks had landed at Naxia , in order to their being transported unto Candia , the Victory seemed to be very imperfect ; wherefore the Venetians attending another encounter with the Turkish Fleet , did happily meet them in a few days after ; and being encouraged with the late success , as the Enemy was low in their spirits and resolution , they bravely attaqued the Turk , and took 39 Gallies , 23 Ships , three Galleasses , together with the three thousand Souldiers , which were then embarked from Naxia : Those which escaped took Refuge in the Port of Rhodes . After this great loss , the Turks entertained no great designs of the Conquest of Candia ; but only to conserve Canea , and the footing that they had won in that Island : nor did ever the Turks after this , dare to stand a formal Battel with the Venetians at Sea , but rather contriving to escape than to fight , did ever after build light Gallies , for transporting of Men and Ammunition , with intention to wage their War only at Land , and not at Sea ; it being a saying ever after common in their Mouths ; That God had given the Sea to Christians , and the Earth to the Turks . To these ill successes abroad , were added great dissentions at home ; for the mutinous Spahees in Asia , having united into a strong Body , marched towards Constantinople , to join with their other Brethren in those parts . The Janisaries on the other side not less diligent to oppose their Enemy , to revenge the outrages committed on their Brethren , whom the Spahees had ill treated , having cut off the Noses and Ears of several of them ; besides all which , they proceeded to that height of Insolence , as to demand the Heads of the Great Vizier , and of the Aga of the Janisaries ; and being now by their numbers rendered formidable to the Court , it was judged agreeable to the present Conjuncture , to satisfy in some measure these Mutiniers , by discharging these two Officers of their employment , which did in some degree for the present qualify and appease these Tumults . ANNO 1652. THE seditions at Constantinople were scarce quieted , before advice came of a Rebellion of the People of G. Cairo and Damascus , who both at the same time conspired , as if they intended to cast off subjection to the Ottoman Family ; the which mutiny and disturbance arose to that Head , as gave great cause of fear to the Divan ; and employed all their Counsels and contrivances for this whole Year , in what manner they might reduce this people to their Duty and Obedience . During which time , the Christians in Candia had time to breathe , and opportunity to provide themselves with all Ammunition and Provisions ; and to repair their old , and add new Fortifications to their Town . ANNO 1653. BUT these troubles being with time composed , the G. Vizier desired greatly the Conquest of Candia , which being by experience proved to be with difficulty gained by the Sword , he endeavoured to win it by fairer terms ; and to that end wrote a Letter to the Republick of Venice , in Letters of Gold ; wherein he declared , that it seemed strange to him , that the Senate had not dispatched their Ambassadour to him with the surrender of Candia , in regard that thereby they might assure themselves to purchase a certain Peace , which they vainly retarded by such delays . Howfoever in these Letters no mention was made of the causes , or reasons , why Signior Capello , who was an eminent Person , being Procurator of St. Mark , and sent thither for Bailo , was so ill treated with Imprisonment at his Arrival , not withstanding the permission and encouragement which was given for his kind reception obtained at the instance of the French Ambassadour ; but this restraint continued not long upon him , before he was released with a daily allowance ( which continued for some time ) of 1200. Aspers a Day ; and afterwards the Court returning from Adrianople to Constantinople , he was permitted to lodge in the Palace which belongs to the Bailo's of Venice . The Venetian Fleet being Victorious at Sea , made it their work to keep the Mouth of the Dardanelloes always blocked up , whereby they hindered all succours from Candia : notwithstanding which diligence , the Venetians being sometimes forced for the sake of water and provision , to abandon that Station ; the Turks took hold of the opportunity to escape forth ; but being eagerly pursued by the Venetians , they were forced to take Sanctuary in Rhodes , where being again blocked up , the affairs in Candia suffered much , and the complaints from thence were loud at the Court. So that Orders were sent , and often repeated unto the Captain Pasha , that he should spend no longer time in Rhodes , but that in despight of all difficulties , he should immediately proceed to Candia , and fight through the Venetians in case they remained in the way to interrupt his passage ; but theCaptain Pasha notwithstanding these Orders , and Menaces which accompanied them , could not perswade himself to the hazard of a Battel ; till at length the season of the year spending , and being wearied in the Port of Rhodes , he resolved to adventure abroad ; but instead of going to Candia , he plundered the Islands as he passed , and returned to Constantinople , with 40. Gallies , where he hoped with the booty he had plundered to appease the anger of the Divan against him ; but this Sacrifice did not much avail , for he was not sooner arrived , than his person was seized , and Goods sealed up for the use of the G. Signior ; the which Seal his Sons broke open , and taking with them the richest and most considerable part of their Fathers Estate , laded it on one of the Gallies , and fled therewith into Foreign Parts , little regarding that danger in which they had left their Father to perish . During which time the Venetians still maintained their Guards on the Coasts of Candia , not suffering any Recruits of Men , or Provisions for War , to be transported thither ; so that if the Turks designed to prosecute this War , it must be by new Forces , and such as were able to encounter the Marine Power of the Enemy ; the which being resolved upon by the Council , a heavy Tax was laid on the people to carry on the design , which they not willingly supporting , made a publick Insurrection in the City ; and at the same time also the antient quarrel between the Spahees and Janisaries , began again to ferment ; which troubles being added to a Rebellion raised by the Pasha of Aleppo , who increasing in strength and number , came marching towards Constantinople , put that great City into a horrible fear and confusion . ANNO 1654. THE Venetians judged that these troubles would naturally produce some advantage to them , and much facilitate the Peace which they had long desired ; but as Seditions among the Turks are always too violent to continue , so these discontents evaporated in a short time , and new resolutions were taken to prosecute the War in Candia ; for notwithstanding that Monsteur de Ventelay , Son to the French Ambassadour , mediated with agreeable prudence to compose matters in order to a Peace , yet his endeavours were all insignificant ; for neither had Signior Capello Audience granted him , nor that liberty which was promised before his Arrival ; the Turks still insisting on the surrender of Candia , would not understand any terms which did not entirely invest them in that Conquest . To effect which by force , which could not be performed by composition ; the Pasha of Buda was Elected for Captain-Pasha , or Commander in Chief of the Seas ; and Orders given to equippe a new Fleet of Ships , and Gallies , for transporting the succours of Men and Provisions to Candia : where Chusaien Pasha the General , being wearied with his long Siege of the Town , withdrew his Men at some farther distance for their better refreshment ; for they wanting all conveniencies in their Trenches , began to Mutiny , and to refuse the performance of their duty , until the General satisfying their pay , and dispensing liberally Largesles to the Officers , gave them new encouragement and satisfaction ; with which , being a little enlivened , Chusaein sent a Herald , with a defiance to those in the City , challenging them to sight a pitcht Battel with him ; but the Christians refused the offer , thinking it more prudence not to accept , than loss of honour to deny an Answer to the Challenge . Then the Turks sought some means to effect their design by treachery ; to which end , they treated with a certain Captain for delivery of one of the Gates of the City , which he promised to do unto the Turks , but gave Advertisement unto the Governour . The Pasha the night following advanced with some Troops , hoping to find one of the Gates opened to him ; but instead thereof , the Defendants having prepared a Mine to receive them , sprang the same so opportunely , that it carried away the most of those who were engaged in the design , and therewith their hopes of becoming Masters speedily of that impregnable Fortress . Wherefore they resolved for a while to repose , and attend those succours which were now preparing at Constantinople . The Fleet being put into a readiness , the Souldiery departed with their usual hopes of success ; but meeting with their Enemy again at the Mouth of the Dardanelli , the Fight was furious and hot for a long time between them , but concluded to the disadvantage of the Turks , who there lost 6000. Men , two Gallies , three Ships , and a Mahone : howsoever they broke through the Venetians , and landed 12000. Men in the Isle of Candia . The News of this defeat , and the confirmation thereof , by the wounded Men which were landed at Constantinople , made a great noise amongst the people . Howsoever the Turks persisting constant to their intentions of prosecuting the War , sent Orders to the Captain-Pasha again to sight the Venetians so soon as the Fleet was resitted , and restored to a condition to engage in another Battel ; but the Venetians scarce gave them the leisure to repair , before they attacked them again , whereby they put them to such disorder , that they were forced to take refuge in the first convenient Port ; where having attended a favourable Wind , they hastned to Constantinople ; and from thence were dispeeded into the Black Sea against the Cossacks , who very much infested those parts . The Captain Pasha being arrived , extolled his own great services and adventures , and on the contrary vilified the Great Vizier , disparaging all his actions , as mixed with weak counsels , and prosecuted with cowardice , or want of true resolution ; the which took such deep impression in his absence , having none to answer for him ; that all being given for granted which was alledged against him , orders were dispatched to Candia by an Officer , to take off his head , in whose place this Captain Pasha succeeded . Amidst of all these combustions of War , the mediation of Peace was carried on by the French Ambassadour : For though Signior Capello was actually Resident on the place , qualified with the Character of Bailo for the Republick of Venice ; yet the Turks would scarce vouchsafe to treat personally with him ; and indeed his sufferings by imprisonment , and other barbarous usages had affected him with such a melancholy , as rendred him uncapable for some time of administring publick Affairs ; for having lost his reason by giving way to sad and black thoughts , he laid violent hands on himself , by wounding himself in two or three places of his Belly ; but the Wounds proving not mortal , he was in a short time restored again to a sound estate both in Mind and Body ; as I shall some few years after have occasion to relate from the words of his own mouth , which he was pleased to utter to me on his death-bed , and the day before he departed this life . ANNO 1655. THE Great Vizier after all his evil insinuations against Chusaein Pasha , fell very sick and insirm ; so that the Court considering him as a person uncapable of farther service , cast their eyes on the Pasha of Aleppo , who being a daring Martial Man , was esteemed to be the better Chief in such a hazardous War , which for being on the Sea , was unusual and displeasing to the Turks . Against him nothing could be objected besides his rebellions and contrariety to the Government ; but hereunto it was presently answered , that the extravagance of his humour proceeded only from his Ambition of being Great Vizier ; which when he had attained , that thirsty desire of Glory , which he exercis'd for acquiring this office , would be busied in thoughts to advance and improve his honour in actions beyond his Predecessours . Letters being arrived at this Pasha's hands , which called him to Court to accept this charge , did secretly please the humour of his haughty spirit ; howsoever , he remained for a while in some suspence and irresolution , not being assured whether some deceit might not be concealed under this specious appearance of Preferment : But considering , that the way unto gains and advantage was by daring adventures , he resolutely accepted the proffer , and put himself in his March towards Constantinople with a glorious Equipage of forty thousand Men , thinking therewith to make good his retreat , and secure his person in case that deceit were discovered which he rationally suspected . Being arrived near unto Constantinople , he received from the Great Signior several messages of kindness , and a good welcome ; and was accordingly received into the City , and invested in the office , with all the circumstances of favour and honour imaginable . Having thus taken possession of his charge , he promised the Grand Signior that he would employ all his endeavours to restore the decayed Estate of Affairs , and reform the Government . And as an earnest thereof , he began to remove such Ministers from the Court which were suspected by him ; and to render himself the more absolute , he cut off several others , whom he imagined might in any wise disturb or controul him in the management of his Affairs . After which he dispatched his orders to all Maritime Towns of the Empire , to sit and make ready what Gallies and Ships were possible to be provided ; intending thereby to set out the greatest Fleet that ever was seen in the Levant ; but to compleat this work , two great difficulties arose . The first was , to find a wise and well experienced Commander , and the next was , in what manner to perswade the Spahees and Janisaries to embark ; for they having heard and seen in what manner their Companions had perished in this miserable War , absolutely refused to go , and though the Animosities of these two orders of Souldiers were irreconcileable one to the other , yet in this common Cause being united , they raised so horrible a Sedition , that they assaulted the Mufti in his very house , and pursued him within the Gates of the Seraglio with a thousand reproaches and injuries , as an Author of evil Counsels , and a Disturber of the common Peace and quiet of the Empire . Nor was it possible to appease this Tumult , but by anticipating to them four months Pay ; with which their minds being made more pliable , they gently yielded to Obedience , and suffered themselves to be embarked for Candia . Zarnozau Mustapha was made Captain Pasha , or General of the Fleet , which was very numerous , and well equipped , consisting of sixty Gallies , eight Mahones , thirty great Ships of War , and sixty one Gallies , belonging to the Beys . After having remained three days at the mouth of the Dardanelles near the Castles , they went out in this order ; The Beys Gallies were the first , then followed the Ships , next the Mahones , and the Rear consisted wholly of the Grand Signiors Gallies . The Van of the Fleet being the Beys Gallies , which are always the best manned , and provided , were ordered to attack the main Body of the Christian Fleet , for that being seconded with the Ships they would be able to sustain the shock until the Mahones could come up , which were directed against the starboard Wing of the Enemy , composed of Galleasses . The Venetians , though much inferiour in number , yet as great in courage , gave evident signs of their desire to fight , with hopes , by Gods Blessing , to obtain a Victory . The Venetians whilst the Turks passed , remained still with their Anchors apique , which the Turks interpreting as a token of their courage and boldness , were so daunted that they began to ply towards the Coast of Greece ; but being forced to pass under the Guns of the Venetian Admiral , they were so ill treated by his Broadsides , that they were discouraged from making a second charge . The Ships , and other Vessels fared little better , being forced to pass under the Guns of the Enemies Fleet. The Captain Pasha attempted to pass on the Coast of Anatolia , with his lighter Gallies , but being hindred by a strong party of the Enemy , he was forced to follow the rest of the Fleet , taking his Course with them by the Coast of Greece . In this Charge one of the Turks Mahones was sunk , and two disabled : But the greatest Fight happened between a Squadron of the Turks Ships , and four of the Venetians , which had been hard put to it , had not the Captain Mocenigo come in to their assistance ; howsoever , the Venetian Captain of the Ship , called the Crown , was slain by a Musket shot . In short , the Christians boarded the Turks with so much vigour and resolution , that they took several of their Ships , and mixing with the thickest of their other Vessels , they put many ashore , and others escaping in their Boats , left their Slaves and Gallies to the disposal of the Enemy ; so that the Venetians obtained that day a hundred brass Guns , with a signal Victory , having had no other important Loss , unless the Ship called the David and Goliah , which being overpowered , was burnt by the Turks . The People of the Turks , who were in daily expectation to receive intelligence of a success agreeable to so great preparations , were much troubled to hear the news of the Defeat given to their naval Forces ; of which miscarriage the World dividing it self into different conjectures , the most part , especially those of Constantinople , attributed the misfortune of all to the ill Government , and want of experience in the General . Wherefore to appease the People , especially the Merchants , who were weary of this marine War ; from whence they reaped nothing but losses of their Ships and Goods ; It was thought fit to enter into a Treaty with Signior Capello , the Venetian Bailo , concerning a Peace ; but he having his Commission taken from him , for the reason beforerelated , his Secretary Ballarino supplyed his office ; and in order to an accommodation , had two Audiences with the Great Vizier , to whom , and to others of the Divan , he made Presents of rich pieces of Cloth of Gold , in the name of the Republick . Howsoever the Turks thinking it dishonourable to accord unto other terms , than the intire resignation of Candia , proceeded in their preparations as formerly ; at which the Merchants and Tradesmen at Constantinople received such matter of discontentment , that in tumults they cryed out for Peace at the Gates of the very Seraglio ; and behaved themselves with that insolence , that the Janisaries were called to drive them from thence by force of Armes ; howsoever this Tumult and Riot of the People ended not without the Life of the Great Vizier , to whose fury he was made a Sacrifice . And though his Son appeared at the Gates of the City with forty thousand men , to demand Justice on the Murderers of his Father , yet the People were so far from being dismayed thereat , that their fury and rage encreased to a greater height , and required the Authority of the Divan to keep things from running into the inconveniences of a Civil War. ANNO 1656. THese disorders induced the chief Ministers to enter into another Treaty with Ballarino , proposing to withdraw their Forces from Candia , and make a peace , upon the payment of ten millions for the charge of the War ; and to incline the Venetians hereunto , the Turks gave severe orders to their people living about Corfou , to molest the Inhabitants of that Island with all acts of Hostility imaginable ; and farther published , that their intentions were to set out a more numerous and stronger Fleet than any which from the beginning of this War had failed on the Seas ; and in order thereunto , great numbers of Slaves , consisting of Cossacks and Moscovites , were bought of the Tartars , and transported to Constantinople . The Venetians were not in the least affrighted at these boastings of the Turk , but on the contrary , knowing that their Affairs in Candia were well secured and provided , gave orders to Ballarino to desist from farther Treaties , and to procure his Licence to depart . And the Turks to evidence their intentions to prosecute the War , entered into Canea with twenty eight sail laden with Armes and Provisions , on which also were fifteen hundred men . By this conveyance was sent a Janisar . Aga with Orders from the Grand Signior to constitute Chusaein Pasha , in the place of Captain Pasha , or Admiral of the Seas ; but he judging this to be a design , or lure to draw him from his Post , or Office , wherein he was more strong and secure , acknowledged the honour of the employment , but framed excuses to continue his Seat and place of Residence , which the Chief Ministers were forced to accept ; it being a conjucture more seasonable to dissemble , than to resent his refusal . Whilst new preparations were making against Candia , so horrible a storm of Mutiny and Sedition arose at Constantinople , as constrained the Grandees of the Council to quit for the present all thoughts of providing for the War against the Enemy , that they might defend and save themselves from the fury of their own People ; For the Spahees and Janisaries joining together , pretended to reform the abuses of the State ; to perform which , in a furious tumult , putting themselves in Arms , they ran to the Divan , where they deposed the Great Vizier , and discharged divers other Officers of their employment ; The Mufti was constrained to fly to Jerusalem , and the Queen Mother scarce remained secure in her old Seraglio . And to so great a height their Rebellion proceeded , that they proposed even to dethrone the Grand Signior himself . And having thus cast off all respect and duty to their Prince , they entred the Imperial Palace , and forcing the Guards , broke up the Treasury , and carried two millions from thence . Amidst of this horrid and affrighting Confusion , Merchants and well-meaning Citizens remained in the most astonishing apprehensions imaginable ; for all Laws being broken , and Justice unregarded , the whole City laid open to be pillaged and sacked by the licentiousness of an unbridled Souldiery . For several days the Offices both of the Mufti , and Great Vizier remained vacant , by reason that the two Factions of Janisaries and Spahees could not agree upon the Election . At length the most seditious amongst them wearying out the others with Quarrels and Contests , advanced a Fellow of no understanding or reputation to the eminent degree of Great Vizier ; in which condition he remained not long . For the fire of the multitude being with time quenched , and the popular heat abated , this new Vizier was displaced , all things returning to their usual Channel , and Authority to its Fountain . And that matters might more easily be restored to their ancient order , the Grand Signior called for the Pasha of Damascus to receive the Dignity of Great Vizier , for he being a Person of eighty years of Age , and of long experience in Affairs , having managed the most weighty Charges of the Empire , was looked on by all as the most proper person to compose , and heal these great distempers in the State ; and this was that famous Kuperlee , who was Father to him who succeeded him in this Office. The Pasha of Silistria was also constituted Captain Pasha , and Chusaein was confirmed in his Government of Candia . And now the bright Beams of Justice and Government having dissipated the storms and fury of popular sollevations ; the Grand Signior in Person mounting his horse , accompanied with his principal Ministers of State , visited all the Parts of Constantinople , where making Inquisition for the principal Leaders and Fomenters of this Rebellion , he seized on some , and without further process , boldly executed them in the face of the People . But before things were reduced to this condition , four Months were spent in this horrid Confusion ; and what is most strange , this Great Empire for so long time remained without a Pilot , tossed on the Waves of popular Commotions ; all which served to give ease , and respite to the Venetians in their War , but not to operate towards a Peace ; so resolute were the Turks in their design of making an entire Conquest of Candia . For having again Equipped a most formidable Fleet , consisting of 60. light Gallies , 28. Ships , and 9. Galleasses ; they attempted to make their way for Candia , and therewith to fight the Venetians in case they should oppose them in their Voyage , to which they were the more encouraged upon sight of the Venetians , who appeared at the Streights of the Dardanelli , with no more than 29. Gallies , and some Boats , or Brigantines ; howsoever the Turks were not so confident in their numbers , but that they judged it requisite to fortify themselves with two Batteries ; one on the Coast of Anatolia , and the other on the European shore ; whereby they imagined , that they might cause the Venetians to give way , and open a passage to their Fleet : But notwithstanding the continual shot which the Turks made upon them , they still kept their Station from the 23th to the 26th of June ; when the Wind coming about to the North , which was favourable for the Turks to Sail out , and to bring them nearer to their Enemies , they began gently to approach ; and the like the Christians endeavoured , being desirous to join Battel ; at which firmness of resolution , the Turks being a little startled , became willing to avoid the sight , and to creep under the shelter of the point of Babiers , which locks in one of the Bayes between the Castles and the Mouth of the Dardanelli . But the Wind on a sudden turning favourable for the Venetians , the Prior of Rochelle with his Squadron , and Mocenigo with three Ships under his Command , made up towards the Castles , with design to cut the Turks off from their Retreat ; the others valiantly assailed the Turks , who defending themselves like those , whose chief security consists in their Arms , there ensued a most miserable slaughter on one side , and the other ; at length the success of Victory happened to the Venetians , who were animated by the couragious Example of their General Marcello , though he having Boarded , and become Master of a great Ship called a Soltana , with the Gally which attended her , was shot in the thigh with a Cannon Bullet , and thereby gained the glory to die Conquering , and Triumphant . After whose Death the Proveditor taking upon him the Command of the Fleet , prosecuted the Victory so close , that excepting 14. Gallies which escaped with the Captain Pasha , and 4. Gallies of the Beyes ; all the whole Fleet was either taken , sunk , or burnt . The Venetians not being able to Man all the Vessels that they had taken , set many of them on fire in the Night , excepting only 12. Gallies , 4. Ships , and 2. Galleasses , which they reserved for a demonstration , or evidence of their Victory . With this glorious success 5000. poor Christians obtained their freedom , and had their Chains and Shackles knocked off . What number the Turks might have lost is uncertain ; but as to the Venetians , it is reported , that besides their General , there were not above 300. Men in all killed and wounded . The Venetians being encouraged by this success , attacked the Island of Tenedos , and in the space of four days became Masters of it ; as also in a short time afterwards of Stalimene , antiently called Lemnos ; the which shameful losses , and overthrow , so irritated the mind of the G. Signior , that he gave Orders to carry the War into Dalmatia , intending the next Summer to go thither in person ; and in the mean time Commanded by the Pasha of Bosna , that the City of Ragusa should be put into a readiness to receive his Troops , being judged a convenient place for the Seat and Magazine of Arms for those Countries . But the poor Republick greatly apprehending this misfortune , than which there could be no greater mischief , nor ruine to their Country ; dispatched certain Deputies with their yearly Tribute to the Port , with instructions , that in the way thither , they should supplicate the Pasha to intercede with the G. Signior in their behalf , representing to his Majesty , that they paying their annual Tribute for protection , ought not in justice to be exposed to the licentiousness of an Army , which their little Territories were not capable to receive , nor provide with convenient Quarters : at which Message the Pasha being highly incensed , answered rudely , and imprisoned them ; threatning to strangle them , in case their Government did not obey the Commands of the Sultan . ANNO 1657. BUT the Chief Ministers at the Port , taking into their consideration the present State of Affairs ; that the City of Constantinople was full of discontents ; the Persian on one side , and Moscovite on the other , ready to invade divers parts of the Empire ; that there were designs to depose the G. Signior , and set one of his Brothers on the Throne ; besides a multitude of other dangers ; the resolution of the Courts removal , and of the G. Signiors March into Dalmatia was suspended ; his presence and authority being esteemed most requisite in such a Conjuncture of troubles at the heart and center of his Empire . After which , the appearance of the G. Signior in publick was less frequent ; for that he might hasten the departure of the Spahees and Janisaries for Candia , he deferred his Journy to Adrianople for some time ; but they being averse to this War , refused to march , until first they had received all Arrears , which were due to them ; the which audacious proposal so inconsed the G. Signior , that he caused the heads of two of the most forward Mutineers to be cut off in his presence . This unseasonable rigour rather provoked the spirits of discontented men , than abated them ; and the continual prizes which the Venetians made on the Turks , and stoppage of provisions , which did usually supply Constantinople from the Archipelago , raised the price of Bread , and of all Victuals in that populous City , so that the people murmured and exclaimed , as if they had been reduced to their last extremity . The G. Vizier considering that the loss of Tenedos was the cause of all these inconveniences ; promised the Inhabitants of Constantinople , that he would regain it in a short time ; in order to which , he set forth a very numerous Fleet , to besiege that Fortress ; but contrary Winds , and bad weather , forced them into a Neighbouring Port , where they attended the Conjunction of the Beyes Gallies with them . The General of the Venetians having received advice hereof , put to Sea , that he might hinder these two Fleets from joining ; and was no sooner in the Channel of Scio , than that he met with 10. Sail of Barbary men of War , convoying a great number of Saiques , and other Vessels , of which 14. were laden with provisions , carrying also with them 200 thousand Crowns , which was the Tribute of Rhodes : these the Venetians assailed with such Courage and success , that they burnt the ten Ships , and many of the Saiques ; killed a thousand Turks , took 400. Prisoners , delivered 300. Christians ; with the loss only of 100. killed , and 300. wounded . This and other losses augmented the discontents at Constantinople , so that the G. Vizier to hold up the spirits of the people , resolved to go in person to Tencdos ; and accordingly Equipped a Fleet of 18. Ships , 30. Gallies , 10. Galleasses , with an innumerable Company of Saiques , and other Vessels ; whereon he Embarked 20. thousand Horse , and 80. thousand Foot ; with which Army the Vizier sailed out of the Dardanelli , on the 17th of July , having first received intelligence , that Mocenigo was not returned from the Morea , where he had been for some time in chase of certain Ships ; Howsoever the Turks found not the passage so clear , but that they encountred with a Squadron of 18. Sail of Men of War , under the Command of Signior Bembo ; the which seeming an inconsiderable number to the Turks , they assailed them with undoubted hopes of Victory . The Admiral and Vice-Admiral of the Turks , with five other great Ships , charged the Venetian Admiral , who defended himself so bravely , that for three hours they lay Board and Board ; the rest of the Turkish Fleet assailed the other part of their Enemies Fleet so close , that the Fight became terrible and bloody , both for one and the other , until at length the Turks being worsted were put to flight , and in the pursuit a great Turkish Sultana was put ashore near Troy ; one of their Galleasses was disabled , two of their Ships sunk , and the rest were chased as far as Metylene , being put by the Island of Tenedos . In this Interim , the General Mocenigo was on his Voyage towards the Dardanelli , and being come within the noise of the Cannon , he hastened with more diligence ; and arrived so seasonably to the assistance of Bembo , that at his appearance most of the Turkish Gallies began to turn their sterns , and make towards the shore of Anatolia with such disorder , that of twenty eight Gallies , and two Galleasses , there were but five only which kept company with the Bastard Gally of the Captain Pasha , and entred with him under the defence of the Castles . The rest of the Fleet was chased by Mocenigo , but the Turks being to windward , the Christians were not able that day to come up with them . The next day the Wind being more favourable , a Council of War was held aboard the Venetian General ; during which consultation , they espied five Gallies making towards the Point Baba , there to secure themselves under the Shore ; and thereupon resolved , that whilst the Captain General with the Squadron of Malta , attempted those 5. Gallies , and others which had taken the same place of refuge ; the rest of the Fleet should keep siring at those without . Accordingly the Captain General made towards the Point Baba , where passing within Musket-shot , and under the reach of five Batteries , an unfortunate Shot in the powder-room blew up the Ship , and therewith ended the days of this valiant Mocenigo , who died full of honour and glory ; his brave actions continuing his Memory in all the Histories of Venice . The Proveditor succeeding in his Command prosecuted the same design , and as if he would imitate the antient funeral piles , he celebrated the Obsequies of his General , by burning the Admiral Gally of the Turks , and thence retired towards Tenedos . After the Turks had refitted their Vessels , and put their Fleet in a reasonable posture , they departed from Metylene the 28th . of July at night , and on the 30th . were on the Coast of Tenedos , where immediately landing five thousand Men , and great numbers approaching ready to set their Foot on shore , the Defendants of the Fortress summoned a Council of War , at which all agreeing that the Island was not tenable against so great a force , embarked their Men , Ammunition , and Artillery , and resigned their place to the Disposal and Command of the Enemy . After which success the Turks in like manner landed ten thousand men on the Island of Lemnos , where , having laid a formal Siege to the Castle , they made a general assault , but were repulsed with the loss of five hundred men , leaving their sealing Ladders to the Besieged . They made afterwards divers attempts , but in all were beaten off with considerable loss ; so that they had abandoned the Enterprize , had not the greater fear and apprehension of the Divan at home confirmed their courage against the Enemy ; until at length the Christians being wearied with two months Siege , without hopes of relief , were forced to a surrender , which was performed on Articles , That they should depart with Armes , and Baggage , and have free liberty to embark themselves for Candia . These two important places being regained by the Turks , were the subject of great joy to the Court , and of courage and satisfaction to the Inhabitants of Constantinople : So that the Grand Signior apprehending that by these successes , the Seditions and Mutinies of the City were appeased , he took his Journey to Adrianople ; where to evidence his Grandeur to the Bailo Capello , and the Secretary Ballarino , he made his entry with an Army of twenty thousand men , besides the ordinary attendance of the Court , and usual Concomitants of the Ottoman Train . After which Ostentation , the Grand Signior encharged Ballarino to write to the Senate , That though he was able to over-run all their Country , and take from them their Capital City , yet such was his clemency , that he was contented to grant them peace , on conditions that they surrendred to him all the Island of Candia , with the Fortress of Clissia in Dalmatia , and payment of three millions of Gold for the dammages of the War. But these seemed to the Senate to be such unreasonable propositions , and so prejudicial to their honour , that they resolved to maintain the War , and to defend themselves more vigourously than ever . ANNO 1658. NOtwithstanding the designs of the Turks against Dalmatia , they were not less intent to their Affairs in Candia , designing to try their fortune once again in the Siege of the principal City of that name , for that that falling into their hands , the whole Island would quickly be reduced , and with that Conquest an end would be put unto the War. The Venetians on the other side , attended to their business with all diligence , not neglecting any provisions which might secure their interest in that Country ; and that they might regain what they had lost , they held intelligence with some persons in Canea , hoping by their means to surprise the Town ; but the Turkish Governour , being very vigilant , reinforced his Garison with five hundred men ; and Chusaein Pasha coming to his assistance with thirty Gallies , disappointed the Venetians of landing at that place . The Rendezvous of the Army which was to march into Dalmatia , was ordered to be at Adrianople , where the Brother in Law of the Pasha of Aleppo , who was Commander of the Forces of that place , arriving later than the day presixed , was for that reason put do death by the Great Vizier . This severity so enraged the Pasha , that immediately he raised an Army of forty thousand men , and marched towards Scutari , threatning Constantinople it self , unless the head of the Great Vizier were given him by way of reprizal for that of his Brothers . The Divan being startled hereat , returned him a gentle message , neither denying nor granting his demand , as if they intended to amuse him with hopes : but he interpreting this delay for a refusal , did not only persist in requiring the head of the Vizier , but of four other principal Councellours , whom he judged to have concurred in the Sentence for his Brothers death ; and in farther prosecution hereof , he burnt and spoiled all the Country about Constantinople ; and the Plague raging at the same time in the City , affected the Inhabitants with such sadness and discontent , that the chief Ministers apprehended more evil from thence than from the Enemy without . The Army of the Pasha daily increasing , and being grown from forty to sixty thousand men , caused the Vizier to abandon all other thoughts and designs but those which tended to the destruction of the Pasha , and his Complices ; so that there necessarily followed a revulsion of the Forces from Dalmatia ; the Vizier himself diverting them from thence and Transilvania , marched with the whole Army towards Constantinople . Yet before the Great Vizier departed from Adrianople , he perswaded the Grand Signior to set the Bailo Capello , and the Secretary Ballarino at liberty , that thereby he might give some jealousie to the Rebels , as if he designed to make a Peace with Venice , to have more power , and better leisure to make his War against them . This Counsel , though prudently given , had yet little influence on the humour of the Pasha , who continued his March , fortifying himself in the most advantageous Passes of the Country : But what was most bold of all his actions , and rendred his pardon beyond the clemency of his Soveraign , was the proclaiming a Youth of twenty years of Age , then with him in his Army , to be the Son of Sultan Morat , and consequently the lawful Heir of the Crown ; and that in right of him , he had taken possession of a great part of Asia , and was marching towards Constantinople , with resolution to dispossess Sultan Mehmet , and exalt this lawful and undoubted Heir on the Throne of his Ancestors . This and other rumours from Persia , that that King taking the advantage of these disorders , was making preparations to regain Bagdat , or Babylon , and revenge himself of all those cruelties which the Turks had inflicted on his Subjects and Country , increased the fears and cares of the chief Ministers of State. Notwithstanding which , Chusaein Pasha prosecuted his business no less in Candia than formerly , in hopes to put an end to the War there , before the end of the Summer ; and in order thereunto , he received a Recruit of five and twenty thousand men , from the Morea . But the daily increase of the Pasha's Forces , and his approach towards Constantinople , as it was a matter of the highest consequence , so it required the most prudence and caution in the management . In the first place therefore by Fetfa , or Resolve from the Mufti , the Pasha was declared a Rebel , and guilty of High Treason against the Sultan , notwithstanding which , a Chaous was dispatched with Letters of Pardon , if now repenting of his fault , he would disband his Army , and return to his former obedience , he should be received into grace and favour . The Pasha received the Chaous with the same Ceremony and honour , as if he had been an Ambassadour , being willing to consider him under that Character , rather than under the notion of a Pursuivant , or Officer sent to affright him into his Duty ; and in answer to the message replyed , That it was not in his power to condescend to any conditions , for that since he had assumed the Cause of this Youth , who was the Son of Sultan Morat , concealed to that Age by his Mother , for fear of the power of his Uncle , he could not assent to any terms or conditions less than the Exaltation of him to the Ottoman Throne : and so carrying this Young Man with him , as a property , whereby to cover his Rebellion with the Guise of Justice and Duty ; he maintained a Court for him after the Ottoman fashion ; and causing the Tagho , or Standards to be carried before him , he permitted him to give Audiences , send Dispatches , and to take on him all the royal marks of Empire . The Army of the Pasha was by this time encreased to seventy thousand Men , one Part of which he sent towards Scutari , and another towards Smyrna , which alarm'd all the Countries round about , and gave the Grand Signior such cause of apprehension , that he tryed divers means , and made many propositions of honours and benefits to the Pasha , whereby to allure him to obedience ; One while he offered to him the Government of G. Cairo , but that being rejected , he endeavoured to raise men in Asia to oppose the progress of his Armes ; of which some numbers being got into a Body , and perceiving the formidable Force of the Pasha , revolted , and joined themselves to his Party . This extremity of Affairs caused the Grand Signior not only again to proclaim the Pasha a Rebel , but to give liberty to his people to destroy him and his Souldiers in any parts where they should encounter them . In pursuance of which Licence , a Village in Asia having killed twenty five or thirty of the Pasha's men , which came thither to refresh themselves ; the Pasha was so enraged thereat , that he caused his Souldiers to put Man , Woman , and Child to the sword throughout the Village . And in this manner the Affairs of the Turks remained in the greatest Confusion imaginable through the whole course of this year 1658. ANNO 1659. NOR did this Year begin with better Omens of success , for to the other dangers was added a report , that the Persian had taken the Field with two hundred thousand Men , for recovery of Bagdat , or Babylon , which was the Ancient Patrimony of his Forefathers ; so that the Grand Signior being rendred thereby more willing to agree and accommodate Affairs with the Pasha , proffered to him the Government of the Province of Soria for ever , paying only a yearly homage of a hundred thousand Sultanees , in lieu of three hundred thousand , which that Country always yielded . But the Pride of the Pasha scorned a proffer of so mean a consideration , having nothing less in his thoughts than the entire enjoyment of the Empire , or at least to partake an equal share thereof with the Sultan . Forthe hopesof the Pasha encreasing with his Army , which was now grown to eighty thousand men ; he took up for some days his head-Quarters near the Fortress of Tocacaia , within ten days March of Smyrna ; and thence approaching towards Constantinople , the chief Ministers concluded that there was no other safety but in their Armes , and that the Pasha was not to be reduced to any terms of gentleness or moderation . Accordingly the Great Vizier passed into Asia with a numerous Army , and speedily joined Battel with the Pasha , which continued for some hours with great slaughter on one side and the other ; but at length the fortune of the day turned in favour of the Pasha , and the Viziers Army being routed , he lost all his Cannon and Baggage , and he himself was forced to save himself in the neighbouring Countries ; where not being pursued by the Pasha , he had time again to collect his torn and scattered Troops . The news hereof multiplied the disorders and confusions at Constantinople , to which being added the motion of the Persians , and that they were to join with the Pasha , as also some troubles in Transilvania caused by the unquiet spirit of Ragotski , together with the ill humour of the male-contents in the City , made all things appear with equal , or greater danger at home than abroad . Wherefore , as the ultimate remedy of these imminent dangers , it was resolved , that the Grand Signior should go in person to the War , on supposition that Reverence to his Royal Person would produce that awe on the spirits of his Subjects , which was not to be effected by violence , or force of Armes . According to this resolution the Grand Signior passed into Asia , and joining his Forces with those of the Vizier , composed an Army of seventy thousand Foot , and thirty thousand Horse , with which marching boldly towards the Enemy , the heart of the Pasha began to fail him ; so that calling a Council of his Officers , he proposed his inclinations towards terms of agreement , rather than to hazard all on the uncertainties of a Battel ; the spirits of the Souldiery being now become tractable by the appearance of so great a Force , assented to the proposition ; and thereupon Articles being speedily drawn up , were sent to the Grand Signior for his approbation , who , though he would not seem to refuse any thing therein contained , yet declined a personal Treaty , as being a matter too mean for his Imperial Person to capitulate with his Vassals ; and therefore ordered , that Mortaza Pasha should treat in his behalf , promising to confirm whatsoever Act Mortaza Pasha should conclude in this matter . Mortaza being thus made Plenipotentiary , refused to treat with the Pasha , until such time as he had retreated with his Army at a distance of some days March from the Grand Signior's Camp ; which being performed near a Town called Alexandria , he foolishly suffered himself to be separated in a private place from his Army , on pretence that Peace was more aptly concluded in a free retirement , than under the constraint and force of the Souldiery . Here Mortaza meeting the Pasha forcibly strangled him with 17. of his Complices , whom he had brought with him for Witnesses to his Capitulations with the Grand Signior . With the news hereof the Army of the Pasha soon disbanded , every one with shame and silence shifting for himself , retired to his own Country and home . And herewith easily ended this Civil War almost in a moment , which but now threatned the Extirpation of the Ottoman Race . The cruel Vizier retained his thoughts of revenge , which we shall shortly hear in what manner he vented on the great Spahees and rich Men in Asia , who had joined themselves with the Pasha in this Rebellion . This good service promoted Mortaza , and rendred him more considerable to the Grand Signior ; so that he was employed in the assistance of the Tartars , against Ragotski in Transilvania , and afterwards preferred to the important Charge of Bagdat , or Babylon , of whose success , and Fate we shall hear in the Sequel of a few years . But as yet the Commotions of Asia were not so wholly extinguished , but that the Nephew of the Pasha of Aleppo , in revenge of the treacherous death of his Uncle , took up Armes , and was followed by the people of the Territories depending on Aleppo . To his assistance came in also the Son of Chusaein Pasha , late General in Candia , whom the cruel Vizier had put to death , notwithstanding the merit of his late services , which might seem to attone for his former misfortunes , and make satisfaction for non-compliance with instructions ; but this Vizier , who never pardoned any Person , would not begin with an Act of clemency towards one who was none of his Creatures , or Confidents depending on him . To these joined the Bey of Torgue , who casting off his Obedience to the Pasha of Cairo , entered into the Cabal with ten thousand Horse ; so that a formidable Army being composed by this Union , gave a new subject of fear and apprechension at Constantinople . But the Great Vizier so dextrously managed his Affair , by sowing Dissention between the Chiefs , and bestowing Largesses to the Souldiery , that the Army unsensibly mouldred away , leaving their Generals , and Commanders to shift for themselves , and exposing them to the Justice of a Vizier , who was unacquainted with mercy , and never pardoned any who was either guilty of a fault , or suspected for it . Towards the end of this Year the Vizier built the lower Forts , which are scituated at the entrance into the Dardanelles , commonly called by the name of the Queen Mothers Castles . And dispatched a Chaous to the Pasha of Canea , to put all things in a readiness for the Siege of Candia : Orders were also given to the Pashaws of the Inland Countries to prepare themselves for the Wars against Dalmatia , and Transilvania . ANNO 1660. THE Rendezvous of the Army being appointed at Belgrade , the Vizier hastened thither in Person to quicken the preparations , and March of the Souldiers , which were flocking thither from all parts . This Vizier Kuperlee , though aged , was yet very active and vigorous , by which he created so much confidence of himself in his Master , that he acted nothing in all the Government but by his counsel and direction : which being always jealous and bloody towards those who had any power in the Empire ; he for that reason cut off the Casir of Damacus , who though he was a good Governour , and a faithful Servant , yet because he was a Favourite of the Queen Mother , and conserved the. State of his Affairs in a laudable posture , he grew jealous of his power , and therefore sacrificed his blood to his own security and bloudy disposition . The which act of unjust cruelty so enraged the Queen Mother , that she for ever after bore a mortal harted to this Vizier , and continued the same to his Son , which was the famous Kuperlee ; but his moderation and discretion was so well tempered with respect towards her , that She at length not only pardoned the sin of his Father in him , but became his Friend , and relished the services which he performed for his Master . The Venetians having about this time received considerable succours , namely 4000. French Foot , which his most Christian Majesty after the Conclusion of Peace at the Pyrenean Treaty , had most generously spared to that Republick , were enabled to attempt some notable enterprize ; and thereby so hardly pressed the Pasha of Canea , that he earnestly wrote to the G. Signior for succours ; assuring him that without present relief , he should be forced to surrender his Town to the mercy of the Enemy . The G. Signior promised him speedy relief , and for his better encouragement sent him the Present of a Sword and a Vest of Sables ; in the mean time the Venetians took three Forts , viz. Calamo , Calegro , and Epicarno , and proceeded to lay Siege to Canea ; but the Enemy having received a supply of 3000. men into the Town , the Christians quitted this enterprize in hopes of beating the Turks out of new Candia ; which was lately built near to the old Candia , with design to keep that Town straitned by perpetual Alarms , and by the vicinity of so bad a Neighbourhood . The G. Vizier being very Aged , was subject to many infirmities , and falling sick at Belgrade , he was advised by the Physicians to change the Air , as the best remedy for his Disease ; and indeed they were all careful to give him the best and safest Counsels , for that he often threatned them , if he died of that Sickness , he would send them all to the next World before him . The Vizier following the advice of his Physicians , returned to Adrianople , where having in a good measure recovered his health , he sent Orders to Hali Pasha , then General of the Forces in Hungary , to hasten the Siege of Varadin , being esteemed by the Turks an advantagious Fortress for carrying on their Conquests in that Country ; of the taking of which Town , and of all the troubles in Transilvania , caused by the ambitious humour of Ragotzki , we shall treat at large in the following History . For being come to that time , in which Providence allotted me a charge at Constantinople ; I was thereby somewhat elevated on a rising ground , whereby I could with my own Eyes survey the Transactions of that great Empire ; and for that reason I call them my Memoirs ; which for being matters transacted in my own time , I have thought fit to introduce them with a short Advertisement to the Reader . THE MEMOIRS OF PAUL RYCAUT , Esq Containing the HISTORY OF THE TURKS , FROM THE YEAR 1660. to the YEAR 1678. With the most Remarkable Passages Relating to the ENGLISH TRADE In the space of Eighteen YEARS . LONDON , Printed for John Starkey at the Mitre near Temple-Bar , M DC LXXIX . TO THE READER Courteous Reader , THis following History is some part of those fruits arising from my vacant hours of eighteen Years residence in Turky , seven whereof I compleated at Constantinople , in quality of Secretary to the Lord Ambassadour , and for eleven Years I exercised the Office of Consul at Smyrna . In the first times of which , I had great advantages to observe , and make my Annotations ; having for the most part been acquainted with the persons as well as with the affairs of those concerning whom I write ; and indeed the incumbence which was then upon me , obliged me to a knowledge both of persons and business . My latter time , which was that of being Consul , constrained me to an attendance on matters relating to the government of our Trade ; and therefore it is not to be expected , that at that distance from the Court , I should lay down Transactions so positive , and particular , as in the preceeding Years ; yet the acquaintance , and correspondence I afterwards continued at Court , and the care I took to inform my self of what occurred , qualified me in some measure for an Historian ; at least put me into a condition to make a Breviate , or Collection of certain Observations occurring in the Turkish Court. When I first entered on this work , I was carried with a certain emulation of French and Italian Writers , of whose Ministers few there were employed in the parts of Turky , but who carried with them from thence , Memoirs , Giornals , or Historical Observations of their times . In which our Nation hath been so defective , that besides some scattered and abrupt Papers , without coherence , or method , adjoined to the end of Knoll's History of the Turks ( which is an excellent collection from divers Authours ) one shall scarce find five sheets of Paper wrote by our Countrymen in way of History . At which omission having often wondered , I resolved from my first entrance in those Countries , to note down in a blank Book what occurred in that Empire , either as to civil , or military affairs ; with what Casualties and Changes befel our Trade , that so both one and the other might serve for Examples and Precedents to future Ages ; the which after some years afforded me materials to compose and frame this following Discourse . In which , having by Gods assistance thus far proceeded ; As it may be an Example to my Successours , to spin and draw out the thread of this History through Ages to come ; so it will be a good part , and office , of those who reside there at present , by a more diligent enquiry to correct , and amend what I have mistaken , or misunderstood . For next to the immediate attendance to the Charge and Trust imposed upon me , I judged it a chief duty towards my Country , to denote and Record certain Transactions relating to Trade , which is the grand Interest that bath engaged England to a Communication , and Correspondence , with these remote Parts : nor doth the World perhaps expect much less from me , than that I should add something to the History of the Turks in our time , which howsoever imperfectly I may perform it ; yet the Of. fices which I have exercised , and the impartiality with which it is wrote , may gain it some credit and reputation in the World. For in the writing hereof , I cannot be taxed with animosity to any person ; nor am I to be esteemed as possessed with affection , or partiality to any side ; which is a point of sobriety , and good temper , necessary for all Historians : For we who lived in those parts , were little concerned for the House of Kuperlee , or for the Favourites of the Court ; nor was it of any moment to us , whether the Faction of the Spahees , or Janizaries prevailed ; or whether the Courtiers , or the Souldiers , ruled the Empire : only we esteemed it our duty , to speak best of that Government under which our Trade thrived most . And though the times of Sultan Ibrahim were the golden days for Merchants , which employed our Navigation beyond the memory of any times , either before , or since ; and consumed of our Manufactories ( though not in greater quantities ) yet perhaps with better advantage and profit to our Nation : Yet I ought not to be so injurious , or ungrateful to Sultan Mahomet the Fourth , as to accuse his Government of Oppression , or Violence towards us , or of any breach of Articles , and Priviledges , which he had granted to his Majesties Subjects ; but shall rather applaud , and be ready to own that Justice which our Complaints have found , and met at the Ottoman Court , under the protection of those worthy Ambassadours sent by his Majesty to stand Centinel on the Guard of their Country . For whereas in the time of Sultan Morat , when the Military men bore the sway ; Injustice and Violence , which mingled in all the actions of Rule , had an influence also on the English affairs : And when in the time of Sultan Ibrahim , that the Female Court had gained the predominancy ; and that vast Treasures were expended in Riot and Luxury ; the prodigality of great persons made it necessary to be rapacious and unjust : But in these more moderate times of this present Sultan , when neither excessive Wars abroad , nor Luxury nor immoderate expences at home , exhausted the Coffers . We may easily imagine , that the disorders of State did not drive the Rulers to a necessity of exercising unjust Arts , which are always most certain Sym ptoms , either of a bad Government , or a vitious inclination in the Prince . The English Trade according to the Chronicles of Sir Richard Baker , was first introduced into the Country of the Turks , in the Year 1579. but Sagredo an Italian Writer , accounts only from the Year 1583. perhaps before that time Overtures were only made for a Trade , which might be so inconsiderable , as that until then it was not esteemed worthy to be adorned with an Ambassadour , or to be opposed by the Ministers of Foreign Princes . For so soon as an Ambassadour from England appeared at the Ottoman Court , with Credential Letters from Queen Elizabeth , the French and Venetian Ministers took the Alarm , and opposed his reception , especially the French , who ( as Sagredo reports in his History of the Turks ) represented unto the G. Vizier , how much this new Friendship with the English would obstruct that antient Alliance which was made with his King , and would impeach and lessen the Priviledges and Trade which they enjoyed in those parts : To which the Vizier answered , according to their usai phrase and stile ; that the happy Imperial Seat where his Master resided , was called the Port , because it was free and open to all such who desired to take refuge and Sanctuary therein , and therefore the English without just reason ought not to be excluded . That the Sultan ought not to be denied that freedom of love and hatred , which was common to all Mankind ; and that he was as well resolved to chuse and cherish his Friends , as to prosecute and destroy his Enemies . Whereunto the French Ambassadour urged , that since it was the pleasure of the Grand Signior to admit the English ; that at least they should be obliged to enter Constantinople under the French Colours . But the English Ambassadour replyed , that his Mistress who was so potent , scorned all Dependencies on other Nations , and would rather abandon the Friendship of the Sultan , than admit the least diminution of her own honour : and embellishing his Discourses ( as Sagredo proceeds ) with the representation of that advantage and profit , which the English Trade would bring to the Ottoman Empire ; he so ensnared the hearts of the Turks , that they preferred the admittance of new Guests , before the Alliance of antient Friends . Since which time our Commerce and Trade with the Turk hath been in its increase , and being governed by a Wise and Grave Company of Experienced Merchants , hath by Gods blessing brought an inestimable Treasure and advantage to the English Nation , which that it may still continue , increase , and flourish in all Ages and times to come , is the hearty desire , and Prayer of him , who is a true , and faithful Servant to that worthy Society , and a sincere Wellwisher to his Country . Farewel . THE HISTORY OF Sultan Mahomet IV. THE XIII . EMPEROUR OF THE TURKS , Beginning in the NINTH YEAR OF HIS REIGN . The First BOOK . Anno Christi , 1661. Hegeira , 1072. IT was now the beginning of this Year , when the Earl of Winchelsea arrived at Constantinople , the first Embassadour sent abroad from His Majesty of Great Britain , Charles the Second , after his happy Return to the Glorious Throne of his Ancestors , to Sultan Mahomet , the Thirteenth Emperour of the Turks ; it being judged fit , that amongst other Alliances which were to be contracted with Foreign Princes and States , this of Turkey should not be omitted , but rather in the first place considered : In regard , that as the flourishing Estate and prosperity of England's richesse depends absolutely on her Foreign Trade , so on none more particularly than on that of Turkey , which consumes great quantities of her most staple and substantial Manufactures , and makes returns in whatsoever Employes , and gives Bread to the poor and industrious of the Nation . At the arrival of this Embassadour , the important affairs of this vast and still growing Empire , were governed by the Great Vizier Kuperlee ; a person decrepit and infirm in body , by reason of his great Age , but of a solid and subtle judgment ; by Nature cruel , and by Years froward ; which disposition was singularly well fitted to do service to his Master , against the impetuous storms of the Faction of those times , in which the Pashaws , and Chiefs of the Souldiery ( as often it happens in Empires , whose Body is grown too vast to be ruled by a weak Head ) became rich and powerful , and by the long Vacations of Peace , insolent and wanton ; for as then the Wars with Venice were carried on faintly , only by sending forth an Armata of Gallies in the Spring ; and the preparations became rather accustomary , returning with the Year , and made for exercise of the Arsenal , and amusement of the people , than designed with any probable expectation of success or Victory , proportionable to that Treasure and trouble which maintained them . So that to encounter so many difficulties , and predominancy of Ambition and Avarice , the Prince himself being young , the Fortune of his Empire had more than urgent necessity of such a rough and cruel disposition as was found in Kuperlee ; who so seasonably made use of it , to the destruction of all such , who might either endanger his Prince , or himself ; that in two or three Years time he became Master of the Lives , and Estates , of the Grand Mutiniers ; confiscating their richesse and fortunes to the use and security of his Master ; having in his time put to Death , thirty six thousand persons , whom he proscribed in several Countries ; and privately strangled in the City , by vertue of his absolute and uncontroulable Authority , without giving the Offenders liberty of Processes , or Pleas for their Lives , or the solemnity of Scaffolds , or applause of a Funeral Oration at the Gallows , whereby to win the affections and compassions of the vulgar , but went through with his bloody and tragical business , without noise , or rumour , or knowledge almost of all the Souldiery , or the people ; whilst the great Personages , whose rapine and pride had contracted them envy and hatred from their inferiours , stood confused and amased , not having power to rebel , nor Sanctuary to fly unto . Such is the effect of an absolute , and arbitrary power , which is Master of times and affairs , and rather fits and squares Enterprizes to Counsels , than Counsels to Enterprizes . Reges Hercule non liberi solum impedimentis omnibus , sed Domini rerum , temporumque trahunt Consiliis cuncta , non sequuntur . Liv. lib. 9. The Grand Signior in the mean time applauded the diligence and circumspection of his Minister ; and though yet trembling with the memory of late sollevations amongst the Janizaries ; yet being young , and active , addicted himself wholly to the delight of Hunting , and to follow the Chace of fearful , and flying Beasts ; whilst his Vizier so closely followed his game of bloud , that he left no person considerable in the Empire , who was not a Creature made by , or depending on him ; unless the Kahyabei , or Lieutenant General of the Janizaries ; Mortaza Pasha of Babylon , now called by the Turks Bagdat , and the Pasha of Magnatia ; Men , whose bravery , and generous Justice , or else their Guards , or Fortune , had only seated beyond the reach and Sword of this Tyrant . This was then the State of the Turkish Affairs amongst themselves : As to Foreign , and Christian Princes ; The Emperour , the King of England , the French King , and the States of Holland , had their Embassadours and Residents at the Ottoman Court , with whom as yet passed a fair and amicable correspondence , excepting with the French ; whose Embassadour had then lately obtained his release from Imprisonment , to which he was confined contrary to the Law of Nations , and the Custom of the wisest , and most generous people of former Ages ; and compelled to return into France ; an Agent being there setled by the Merchants , to Negotiate their Affairs ; the occasions and grounds whereof we have at large signified in another place : which unlawful treatment of a person sacred , none will much admire , who considers the humour of supream Ministers that judge themselves under no restraint or limits of Law ; either Civil , or National . The Venetians notwithstanding the War , had two Ministers there resident ; the Ecc mo Capello , Procurator of St. Mark , a right worthy and noble person ; and Signior Ballarino , a person vigilant , and subtle , who omitted no opportunities to advance his own Fortunes , and with that the benefit of his Republick . The Emperours Resident , called Simon Renninghen , a person sincere , free , and open hearted , agreeable to the nature of the Germans ; had for some Years , though with some difficulty , continued the Peace , or rather matters from breaking out into an open War ; the Incursions on the Frontiers , and other accidents , always administring occasions of discontent , and complaints to both parties . But that the series of this History may be continued with an even thread , and clear light to the Reader , we must cast back our Eyes to the Year 1657. when the Ambition of George Ragotzki , Prince of Transilvania , began new troubles in his own Principality , and laid the Foundation of a future War between the Emperour and the Turks . For now Poland was so wearied with the incessant Wars of Moscovy ( the inveterate Enemy of that Crown ) with the frequent Rebellions of the Cossacks , and the invasion of the Swedes ; whom the traiterous Vice-Chancellour , and his Adherents , had invited to the spoils of their own Country ; that King Casimirus was reduced to the ultimate extremity of his Affairs ; the publick Exchequer , and private Treasuries were exhausted , the Villages dispeopled , the Fields uncultivated , Traffick , and Commerce ceased ; nothing but Wars , Robberies , and confusion filled the Diurnals with News , and the hearts of the Inhabitants with Sorrow and Calamities : wherefore Casimir King of Poland , vexed on all sides , and not knowing where or how to apply a remedy , dispatched his Great Chancellour Albertus Pravesmoski , in Quality of Embassadour , to demand assistance from Ragotzki , promising in recompence thereof , to adopt his Son to succeed him in that Kingdom . No Message could arrive more grateful to ambitious Ragotzki , who by so desired a proffer , seemed to arrive the Zenith of his Prosperity ; which like the Land of Promise , being only shewed to his Father in a long Prospective , seemed now as it were , by Inheritance , to devolve upon his Son ; in order unto which , many days of Treaty and Conferences were held between Ragotzki , and the Polish Ministers ; but Ragotzki insisting on certain particulars , which were not in the Power of the King or his Commissioners to grant without the approbation of a Diet , the Treaty was dissolved , and Ragotski remained displeased , and angry ; pretending himself to have been deluded and slighted , resolved to avenge the Affront , and by his Armes gain to himself the Crown of that Kingdom ; so that raising a strong Army , and joining himself in a Confederate League with Sweden , he invaded Poland , wasting all the Frontiers with Fire and Sword. The Ottoman Port growing jealous of the successes of these Affairs , and not so much of the Advance of Ragotski , as of the growing greatness of the Swedes , with whom unwillingly they would be Borderers , issued an express Command , That without contradiction or delay , he should immediately give a stop to his March , and return with his Army into Transilvania . And though the Emperor of Germany , and the Krim Tartar declared their dislike of his proceedings , threatning to invade his Principality at home , unless he retracted himself , and desisted from this enterprize ; yet Ragotski having his understanding blinded with Ambition , and the lust of Rule and Government , stopped his ears to the menaces of his Enemies , and the counsel of his Friends . This Ragotski enjoyed a State most happy , large , fertile , and populous , in Power inferiour to few , superiour to many ; so that he might have passed peaceably and honourably with all , could his great spirit have bowed to , and complied with his Potent Neighbours . For on the one side the Puissant power of the Turk threatned him , to whom the least Ombrages of displeasure administer occasion of War ; On the side of Hungary the Emperour over-awed him ; On the side of Valachia , and Moldavia he lay open to the incursion of the Tartars : So that a man might rationally expect , That this Prince should have esteemed it honour enough to have conserved his own without rendring himself obnoxious to the jealousie and suspicion of his Neighbours . But his great spirit was so enamoured of a Crown , and so bewitched with the hopes of obtaining it , that nothing seemed difficult or improbable to the acquisition of his longing desires , which were the occasion of all those calamities and miseries in Hungary , which afterwards ensued . In contemplation of all which foreseen evils , his Cesarean Majesty sent a Message to the Ottoman Port , declaring against the temerity and audaciousness of Ragotski ; who in the mean time subdued the Fort of Bristia , invaded with Fire and Sword the Province of Russia , plundered Podolia , and advanced as far as Camonitz , a Fortress strong by Art and Nature ; and joining afterwards with the Swedes , assisted them in the subjection of Cracovia . About this time the Emperour Ferdinand the third began to send succours into Poland , and to protest against the proceedings of Ragotski , but being surprised by sickness , soon after passed to a better life ; which for some time , giving a stop to the assistance of Poland , was interpreted by Ragotski , as a happy Omen of his good Fortune . But how vain and deceitful are humane hopes , whose foundations are Ambition and Violence ! For Leopold succeeding in the place of his Father to Hungary , and the Empire , immediately prosecuted the design in favour of Poland , and in the first place besieging Turone , one of the chief Cities of Prussia , taken by the Swedes , forced it to a Surrender . The King of Denmark also growing jealous of the encreasing greatness of the Swedes , nourished by antient grudges , and National Emulations , took up Armes in defence of Poland , and being at first , flush of money , gave constant pay and large donatives to mercenary Souldiers , which encreased his Army , drawing great numbers from the Swedish Colours ; so that being stoutly recruited , he entered into the Enemies Countries , possessed himself of the important Fort of Olme in Norway ; overthrew the Swedish Army at Vorgast , and obtained a victory over their Flect in the Baltick Sea. The Poles also themselves , who at first revolted from their Prince , and favoured the Swedish proceedings , perceiving the Wind change , and become contrary to that Party , began to abandon the interest they prosessed , and by degrees to return to the due obedience of their King. Zerneski also the General , and Lubomiski the Great Chancellour of Poland met the Swedish Forces near Cracovia , where giving them Battel , discomfited the whole Army , killed fourteen thousand upon the place , took all the Cannon and Baggage , and won that day a most signal Victory . Ragotski perceiving the face of things thus changed , and being by Command of the Ottoman Port abandoned by his Moldavian and Walachian Forces , began to turn his face towards Transilvania , where now he wished himself and Army lodged in safety . But being overtaken by General Zerneski near the Mountains of Transilvania , he was , though unwillingly , engaged to fight , and was with that fury assaulted by the Polish Horse ; that though according to his usual Bravery , he charged in Person at the head of his Troops : yet he was not able to withstand a violence so disadvantageous in number , but that his men being first put into disorder , then to a Retreat , and then to open flight , his whole Army was defeated , many of them perished by the Sword , others flying through the Woods and Mountains died with famine ; and he himself obliged to buy a shameful Peace , engaging by Word and Oath to the payment of a great summ of Money , was permitted with a mean Retinue to return into his own Country . Nor did these misfortunes end here ; but the Tartars commanded by the Turks , in revenge and chastisement of Ragotski's Enterprize without their consent , entered into his Principality with considerable Bodies of Horse , against whose sudden Invasion , an Army under the Conduct of his General Kemenius could not be so soon collected and disciplined , as to be able to resist that fury of Tartars , who at their pleasure , burned the Towns and Villages , and carried away multitudes of people of both Sexes , and all Ages for Captives into their own Country , amongst which some were of Quality and Condition . Amidst which troubles came Letters from the Ottoman Port , directed to the Nobles of Transilvania , declaring Ragotski a Rebel , and commanding that according to the laws and priviledges of that Principality , they should proceed to the Election of a new Prince , and in case of refusal , all the ruines and calamities were threatned , which they might justly expect in punishment of their disobedience from a severe and angry Emperour . Ragotski being well informed what was designing against him at the Ottoman Port ; and knowing that his power was not able to oppose so much puissance , resolved to give way to necessity , and voluntarily depose himself , before he should be engaged thereunto by the Imperial Decree ; so that he calmly receded from his Principality , hoping that his humility and submission might procure his pardon at the Court. The Nobility of Transilvania being as well desirous to evidence their affection to their old Prince , as their obedience to the Grand Signior , did immediately appoint a day for Election , but with Proviso , that a general Petition should be made in behalf of Ragotski , that he might be again restored unto ancient Grace and Favour with the Port , who in the mean time swore to live peaceably in a quiet and private condition , without making disturbance , or innovation in the Government , and that when this Grace should accordingly be obtained , then that the new Prince should recede , and suffer things to return to their former and pristine Estate . For which purpose there was choice made of one Francis Redeius , a Person of a peaceable and gentle temper , who would easily condescend to the terms agreed , and as willingly resign up his Government again , as he unwillingly received it . But though Ragotski had renounced , promised , swore , and in appearance seemed to recede from his Government , and surrender all at the irresistible Decree of a superiour power ; yet his high Spirit , and working Brain could not dislodge that Ambition of his heart , which at first privately countermined and enervated the Power of the new elected Prince : but afterwards his towering thoughts swelled too big to be suppressed under the cover of dissimulation , yielded just reason to the Ottoman Port to suspect his designs ; who not being ignorant of what was past , dispatched Orders to the Pasha of Buda to demand the strong Fort of Janoua for caution and security of the good Behaviour of the Transilvanians . Ragotzki feeing himself thus discovered , unmasked himself openly , and threw away his Vizard , and with a vigourous force and courage reassumed the Rights and Standard of his Principality , forcing Redeius not only to relinquish his Power , but to swear never again to usurp it , though enforced upon him by the Authority of the Turks . These extravagances so exasperated the minds of the Turks , that whereas before they began to entertain tender thoughts towards Transilvania , they now meditated its entire Ruine and Conquest ; and so laying aside Arguments and Treaties , they made Levies of Horse and Foot both in Europe and Asia . Ragotski foreseeing how unable he was to resist a Force so unequal as the puissance of the Ottoman Empire , without the succour of Foreign Force , resolved , like the Prodigal Son , to throw himself into the compassionate Arms of the Emperour , as his Father , earnestly supplicating , That whereas before , his disorderly and disobedient Life had rather merited punishment than favour ; yet in this Cause , wherein the interest of Christendome was concerned , he would compassionate the common Good of the Christian Church , rather than chastise his particular misdemeanours . With this message Michel Misces , his Chancellour , being dispatched , was graciously received by the Emperour , and readily assured of powerful aid and protection . Ragotski elevated with this courteous Treatment and promises had his whole mind enflamed with hopes and desire of revenge ; so that assembling such Forces as he could , he entered boldly into the Field against the Pasha of Buda , who with a considerable Army , was ordered to march before , and enter the Confines of Transilvania , and there unite with the Pasha of Temiswar . In the Transaction of all these passages , July was well entered , when both Armies met in open Field ; and though the Forces of the Transilvanians were much inferior to those of the Turk , yet Ragotzki full of his wonted Courage and heat , so vigorously assailed the Enemy , that he quickly broke and disordered their Ranks , put them to flight , and killed three thousand upon the place . But little did this advantage benesit poor Transilvania , for the Great Vizier soon after following with the gross of his Army , consisting of little less than an 100. thousand men , provided accordingly with Artillery , and all other Military Ammunition ; seconded by the Tartars , and assisted by the Moldavians and Valachians , and a Rout of other barbarous Nations ; laid Siege to the strong Fortrefs of Janoua ; of which and of several others , in a short time he rendered himself Master , laying waste and desolate , all the Countries round with Fire and Sword. The Nobles of Transilvania sensible of these imminent and approaching mischiefs , dispeeded three persons of considerable Quality amongst them , in an Embassy to the Vizier ; viz. Francis Daniel , John Lues , and Acatius Berclay , who greatly laboured by their Oratory to perswade the Vizier , that they were in no wise consenting to the disobedience of their Prince , but did always readily submit to the Ottoman servitude ; imploring his Clemency and Commiseration of their distressed and ruined State. The Vizier inclining his Ear to their Petition , stopped the progress of his Arms , but increased their Tribute to such an excessive rate , that the burden of it became insupportable ; and appointed Berclay , one of the Embassadours to be Prince ; taking thereby from the People , the free priviledge of Election ; Commanding them to accept him without farther dispute , or repugnancy . It is uncertain whether Berclay designed the Principality to himself by any instance he made to the Turks , or whether his Election proceeded meerly from the Vizier himself ; yet this is certain , that returning home Berclay applyed himself to establish his own Dominion , and to disappoint the designs of his Predecessour , and his party . The Turks being satisfyed with this submission , with the subjection of several places of importance , with deposing of Ragotzki , and establishment of a new Prince , began to disband a great part of their Forces ; and the Great Vizier , with the remainder , returned towards Constantinople ; supposing the fire of this War to be totally extinguished . In this condition of repose , matters continued for about the space of two Years ; when Ragotzki impatient of his losses , and of the exchange of his publick State to a private condition , inveterate in his hate towards his Rival and Competitor , resolved to tempt fortune once more , and make his ultimate Assay , either to establish himself in his Principality , or at least to render himself equal with other mortal Princes in the Grave ; and so relying with much confidence on the zealous affection of his Subjects , and the promise of powerful Adherents , he once again justled himself into the Government , by the expulsion of his Rival ; whom he could not behold with other than with an emulous and unpleasing eye . Berclay perceiving himself thus ensnared , neglected , and persecuted by all parties , represented these innovations to the Ottoman Port , with the most aggravating circumstances imaginable ; beseeching them to afford him aid , and vindicate their own honour in maintenance of him , whom they had constituted a Prince , and was a Creature formed by their own favour . The Turks immediately touched with the sense hereof , Issued out Orders to Ciddi Ahmet , the new Pasha of Buda ; Commanding him without delay , to gather what Forces he could to interrupt the designs of Transilvania ; and to put matters unto a stand , until a greater Army could fecond him , under the Command of Ali Pasha , appointed General for this Expedition . The Pasha of Buda readily obeyed , and assembling what Forces he could in Hungary , and joining with the Pasha of Temiswar , passed the Danube , and with a very considerable Army entered Transilvania . Ragotzki undaunted at the near approach of his Enemy , boldly entered the Field with his Forces , and joined Battel with them in the Month of May , 1660. between the Cities of Clansemburg , and Giulia Alba. At first the Christians endeavoured to have intercepted the Enemies passage , by some Ambuscado , or stratagem of War ; but the Turks still advancing , were at length met by the Van-Guard of the Christians ; to assistance of which several Bodies following one after the other , it became a general Engagement of both Armies : in which Battel , Ragotzki gave his usual proofs of valour ; declaring by his actions , that he was resolved to die , or . to Triumph . But being at length wounded in four parts of his Body , and his Army over-powered with numbers , he was forced to yield the Fortune of the Day to the Turks ; leaving 8. pieces of Cannon , and his Standard in their hands ; and the greatest part of his Army being either killed or taken ; he himself with a few of his Attendants , recovered Varadin ; where after 18. Days distemper of his Wounds , he expired his unquiet and troubled Soul. This was the end of that vain Icarus , who attempted to fly with feigned Wings and borrowed Feathers ; this is the fate of ambitious Spirits , whom Pride elevates and exhales like a vapour , unto that height , until it dissolves them into Showers , or precipitates them into the abysse of all Confusion . This George Ragotzki was of a tall and well proportioned Stature , black Hair , and a frisled Beard ; his Eyes quick and lively , of an active Body , and healthy Constitution ; his Spirit was high and great , which betrayed him to extravagancies ; his Comportment was generous and courteous towards all , which rendered him exceedingly beloved and esteemed by his Nobility ; he was free in his Speech , and eloquent in his Expressions , prudent in his Counsels and Enterprizes ; had not the quickness and vivacity of his Soul made him something rash and violent in his Attempts ; he was of the Protestant Religion , leaving behind him a Widow , and a Son of hopeful and happy endowments . After the Death of Ragotzki , it might well be expected that these storms of War should be dispersed , and that Transilvania should at length enjoy the Sun-shine , and calmer Weather of Peace and Repose . But Ali Pasha , General of the Turkish Camp , being by this time arrived the Confines with his powerful Army , resolved not to return empty or in vain , without advantaging the Ottoman Interest , and making some satisfaction towards the expence and trouble of so great an Army . Wherefore taking pretence against Varadin , for receiving Ragotzki after his Defeat , abetting his party , and following his Interest , designed to summon that important Fortress to surrender , which is situated at the foot of those Mountains which open a passage into Transilvania . The Inhabitants of Varadin terrified at the approach of this formidable enemy , dispatched a Messenger to the Emperour , imploring with most effectual Arguments his Sacred Protection and powerful Assistance against the Common Enemy to Christendome , representing to his Cesarean Majesty , how that the Turks in their Capitulations with him , had agreed to build or erect no new Fort on those Frontiers : and whereas it was the same thing to force and usurp a Fortress already made , as to form a new one ; the taking of Varadin was to be esteemed a real violation of the Articles of Peace . That his Majesty would be pleased to reflect on the fatal consequences which the loss of Varadin might prove to Hungary as well as Transilvania ; being that Gate , which obstructed , cuts off all intercourse between them and Germany . These considerations with several others , were exceeding prevalent in the Imperial Council ; so that it was resolved , that General Souches should prepare his Army , and put all things in readiness to afford the assistance which was desired ; supposing that with the German Regiments , and Hungarian Forces , might be formed an Army of about 25. thousand fighting men . But in regard in those instructions given to Souches , there was a Clause , that he should be careful not to engage his Forces in any attempt , where the event might be doubtful , he assembled the principal persons of that Country , and the Militia , to consult whether succour and relief might be given to Varadin , without hazarding the Army in a doubtful and a dangerous adventure : in consideration of which point , a true computation being made of all the Imperial Forces , they were found much inferiour to that calculate which was made of them at Vienna ; For that since Tockai , Zatmar , Kalo , and other places belonging to the State of Ragotzki , had been Garisoned by German Souldiers , there remained not of them above 4000. effective Men ; the Hungarian Forces which were supposed to have consisted of 2000. Men , could not form 600. ; the Haiduchs which were computed to be 6000. Men , did not appear in the person of one ; being all dispersed and retired to their own homes . The additional Forces from the Princes of the Empire were as uncertain , as the expectation of them long and tedious ; for though the Imperial Forces united are of puissance sufficient to bid Battel , and defiance to the numerous Troops of the Ottoman Power ; yet in regard the union of that Body depends on the Assembly of Diets , Treaties , and long Debates , which are subject to time and delays , caused by different Factions , ( which are impossible to be avoided amongst different States ) whose Disunions , Competitions , Emulations , and Pretences , always in such meetings abound , and prejudice the common cause and benefit of the Empire ; the raising of such a formidable Army , becomes a matter always of time and difficulty . Howsoever the Emperour whose Hereditary and Elective Possessions bordering on the Consines of the Enemy , is necessarily engaged to be the standing Bulwark of the rest , and a Bank against the inundation of barbarous Nations ; whilst other Princes whose Dominions are more remote and secure , apprehend not the premures and storms that the Emperour sustains , and is enforced to expel with the loss and diminution of his own people , and impoverishment of his peculiar Treasure : To these considerations , which rendered these pious intentions towards Varadin almost impossible ; there wanted Money , which is the Sinews of War , and the Soul of all Enterprizes : And that which farther retarded those succours and prosecution of the design in hand , was the departure of his Cesarean Majesty from his Court at Vienna , on occasion of a Progress as far as Trieste , to take Homage of his Provinces of Stiria , Carinthia , and Cragno ; which was an action much against the Counsel and advice of the Arch-Duke Leopold his Uncle ; who foresaw how great disorders would ensue by the Emperours absence in this Conjuncture from his Imperial Court. Upon which considerations , Count Souches sent a true List of all his Forces , with an account of the strength of his Enemy ; remonstrating that it was impossible to convey Forces into Varadin , without hazarding a Battel with Ali Pasha , which would prove an absolute breach of the Peace ; which in this Conjuncture , and want of preparation , was neither honourable , nor safe for the Empire . In the mean time Ali Pasha proceeded and encamped with his Army before Varadin , breaking first ground the 4th of July , 1660. and beginning a Formal Siege , he soon begirt the Town , and continually labouring in making Trenches , Batteries , and Approaches , they arrived in a few days to the Counterscarp of the Wall. But the better to describe the Siege and Assaults on this famous City , it will be necessary first to explain the Condition and Scituation of the place . Varadin therefore is seated in a Plain , on the Banks of the River Chrysé ; To the East it is environed with such craggy , and rough Mountains , as render it almost on that side unaccessible ; To the South the Town extended it self most ; To the North it is washed with the River , over which some small , yet fruitful , Hills raise themselves ; it is encompassed with a Wall filled with Earth , after the fashion of Modern Fortifications , and strengthened with five main Bulwarks , and a very deep Ditch filled with the River Water : it was well provided both of Victuals and Ammunition , and armed with Ordnance both great and small , as was sufficient to have repulsed a puissant Enemy , and have sustained a long and strait Siege . But the Garison within consisted only of eight hundred and fifty Souldiers , an inconsiderable number , both in respect of the Circuit of the Fortress , and of that gross Army which emcompassed it . The Enemy being now , as it is said before , under the Counterscarp of the Wall , they perceived that the Ditch was so deep , and filled with Water , that though their great Guns had made open Breaches in the Walls , yet there was no possibility to storm them , or bring the Souldiery to sealing Ladders , or handy blows . The besieged also made such continued Sallies , with success and slaughter of the Enemy , that after three and twenty days of vain labour to few the Ditch , Ali Pasha was at length almost resolved to have raised his Siege , and given over the Enterprize ; upon which whilst he considered and ruminated ( as ill Fortune would have it ) a certain Maid , which formerly had been a servant to the Governour of the Garison , then a Captive in the Turkish Camp , having observed how on occasion the Citizens used to empty and drain the Ditch , revealed the secret to the Turks , hoping thereby not only to purchase her Liberty , but with that also a Sum of Money for price of her treachery ; so that discovering where another Ditch was to be opened , the course of the Water was soon diverted , and the Walls of the Town laid dry and open to the Assailants . As this happened without , so another accident within , equally dangerous , befel the Besieged ; for one day an Officer of the Ammunition going into the Stores with a lighted Candle , by chance dropped a spark of fire from his Lanthorn into the Powder , which taking fire , blew up the Powder , Granadoes , Fire-works , and all other military Stores , with the neighbouring houses , and above a hundred men ; which loss alone was sufficient to have dejected the minds of frail men ; yet they so valiantly bore up their courages , that they seemed not in the least abated , but rather animated with the height of anger and despair . The Turks having now free Access to the Walls , undermined some small Forts , which they blew up , and thereby made so great a Breach that with facility hoping to gain the Town , if they made use of the occasion , they poured in such multitudes of people as the Besieged were scarce able to withstand ; and the Turkish Souldiery being also weary of their sufferings , and irksomness of their tedious leagure , resolved now or never to put an end to their labours ; so that advancing with their open Breasts to the top of the Battlements , without fear either of Cannon , or Musket shot , they entered within the Walls , and planted the Turkish Banners on the Works ; but being afterwards received by a resolute Company of the Defendants , they were again thrown from the Walls , and tumbled back into the Ditch with an incredible Slaughter . It is impossible here to describe the anger , the courage , the despair which was apparent in the faces of the Besieged , enflamed by the love of their own Country , and hatred of the Turks ; so that three or four sustained sometimes the Assault of a Troop , and a small number united opposed a whole Sangiack of the Enemy . The Women also forgetting the imbecillity of their Sex , renewing in themselves the Courage and Vigour of the Ancient Amazons , exposed themselves without fear upon the Walls , throwing sealding Water , Stones , burning Pitch , and whatsoever came next to hand , upon the Assailants ; whom they so valiantly repulsed from the rising of the Sun till twelve at Noon , that after much slaughter on both sides , the Turks growing faint , retreated , and took breath a while within their Trenches . And now the Souldiery considering the Obstinacy of the Christians , began to mutinie , and resolving not to cast away their lives in vain , motioned to raise the Siege , and be gone ; which when the General opposed , they threatned to sacrifice his Life to the Ghosts of their departed Brethren . But see , how many times the Devil ruines the fortune of the Christians ! for whilst they were in this deliberation to depart , behold , a certain Thracian one of the Garison Souldiers advised the Turks that there were not above three hundred sound men remaining in the whole Garison , that 〈◊〉 were now reduced to their ultimate Crisis ; so that if they appeared only before them , and would but terrifie them with another Assault the Town was their own , without the least doubt of Surrender . This Advice retarded the hasty departure of the Camp ; instead of which they again mustered themselves before the Walls , and prepared to assault the Breach , resolving to put all to a second extremity . The Christians within perceiving the resolution of their Enemy , and being sensible how much they were infeebled by the last Convulsion , and loss of blood , and as yet sore of their Wounds , immediately spread a white Flag of Treaty , which was as readily accepted by the Turks , and all Articles agreed on the 17th . of August , and on the 20th . the Garison marched freely out with Colours flying , and Drums beating , with liberty to go wheresoever they pleased without hurt or injury ; which Conditions were fully and faithfully performed and maintained . Varadin being thus yielded , afforded matter of discourse , of discontent , of fear , and apprehensions at Vienna ; some argued , That is was but common and natural reason , when our Neighbours house is on fire to look to our own ; Others blamed the slow and phlegmatick proceedings of the German Ministers , who in such urgent emergencies as these , could sit as unconcerned , as Spectators at a Theatre , who regard nothing , which way the prize is carried ; And in short , the whole Christian World stood Admirers of this sottishness , esteeming either those Borderers astonished and struck into a stupid timidity , or moved by principles of Policy , which none besides themselves either understood , or penetrated . Only Count Nicholas Serini , a Prince who had a fair and Soveraign Inheritance in those Parts , Commander of Croatia , and the Confines under his Cesarean Majesty , a most mortal and inveterate Enemy of the Turks , could not endure their insults , bravadoes and daily encroachments , but watching his occasion of advantage , when Canisia was almost destroyed by a dreadful fire , and thereby their Ammunion , and Provision for the most part consumed , he gathered what Forces he could possible , and made use of the opportunity to lay Siege unto it , not doubting but in that Conjuncture , and miserable Calamity of all things , to promote the interest of his Master , and the common cause of Christendom ; which as soon as he had done , he wrote a Letter to the Emperour , acquainting him that God had opened him a Gate and Path to his Interest , and to a just revenge of the Ottoman perfidiousness ; Who having violated their Faith , and the mutual Peace in taking Varadin , would be justly and gloriously recompensed by the loss of Canisia ; which being now , as it were by miracle , put into his hands , it were a neglect of the Divine Providence not to improve with advantage an opportunity so cheerful and so promising : to which , besides other arguments , he added , That if his Cesarean Majesty should not think fit to concurr herein with assistance of his Imperial States , yet at least he would be pleased not to interdict him from the Glory of that design , in which he questioned not but to succeed , and in a short time to render not only to his Majesty , but also to the whole Christian World , proofs of his Valour , and a good account of his Enterprize . Howsoever , the Emperour's Council seriously considering that Serini's State could not be engaged with the Turk without involving his Interest ; and that the Princes of the Empire , though when assaulted , would willingly contribute their Forces in the defensive part , yet would be backward to be the Aggressors , and engage their States in an offensive and provoking War , did therefore not only deny to second , or abett his designs with military succours , but positively commanded him to retire , and desist from his resolution against Canisia ; with which Answer , the Zeal and Spirit of Serini was so enflamed , that throwing in passion his Cemiter on the Ground , he raised his wellformed Siege , and retired to his proper Residence at Chiacaturno . The loss also of Varadin moved the Transilvanians to consult their safety in this extremity of their Affairs , which now amidst these dangers and storms which threatned them , appeared in a desperate and languishing Condition , unless remedied by a desperate Cure , and the resolves of some wise and valiant Counsel . Wherefore in the first place , they concluded to depose Acatius Barclay , the Favourite of the Turks ; and in his stead they constituted John Chiminianus , or Kemenius , the late General of Ragotzki's Army . In the next place , they made their Addresses and Applications to the Emperour for assistance , supplicating , as Ragotzki , and those of Varadin had done before , the powerful protection , and sacred Patronage of the Imperial Eagles , alledging those Arguments of common safety , and mutual interest , which apparent reason suggested , and which were the present Subject and Theme of all the Courts in Christendome . To this Demand the Emperour assented , promising readily his assistance , but with Proviso , that for his security , the Cities of Zechelhid , Chowar , Julia , and other places should receive Garisons of German Souldiers . The Transilvanians willingly accepted the propositions , so that soon after those places were supplied with German Garisons . But as yet no effectual Forces came from the Emperour , nay rather the German Councils seemed willing to perswade the Turks that there was no design , but to maintain the ancient , friendly and amicable Correspondence ; to which end it is said confidently , that the Prince Gonzaga wrote to the Pasha of Buda , That those Garisons sent to possess certain places of Transilvania were only in appearance , and not to create Dissentions between the Austrian Court , and the Ottoman Prince ; which Letters Ali Pasha sent to the Transilvanians , with design , that discovering unto them an evident reason to distrust the Emperour , they should wholly resign themselves to the good will and disposition of the Port. But notwithstanding , these verbal assurances prevailed not so much with the Turks on one side , as the German Garisons administred jealousie on the other ; So that the Vizier raged furiously against the Emperour , for encouraging Kemenius , who had treacherously murdered his two innocent Brothers in his Rebellion against Barclay , the only , true and lawful Possessour . Nor did the Turks only vent their anger and disdain in words , but also by the sad and calamitous effects of War ; passing without farther parly into the Emperours Dominions in Hungary , where they put all to fire and sword . Count Serini perceiving evidently hereby that the War was broken forth , and that it was not longer time to stand at a gaze , and not make necessary Provisions for defence ; about the beginning of June , he laid the foundations of a Fortress on the Banks of the River Muer , within the Dominions of the Turks , about a League distant from Canisia , and in memory of his Family and Name , called it Serinsivar , a place convenient to assault , and offend the Enemy , and to fix the Bulwark , or Redoubt of the Province of Stiria , which work was laid with that secresy , and executed with such expedition , that it was almost sinished before it was known , or notice taken thereof by the Turks ; but so soon as it was discovered , and the News arrived at Constantinople , the old Vizier Kuperlee stormed with rage , and in his height of passion , signed a Command for strangling the Pasha of Canisia , for not timely preventing the Erection of that Fort in its beginning . In like manner this work was an occasion of disgust at Vienna ; for though the Turks were the first who had broken the Peace , and given just cause to the Christians to provide all cautions imaginable for their safety ; Yet I know not why , nor wherefore , there wanted not certain persons in the Court either emulous of Serini's Glory , or zealous of the Emperours Interest , who interpreted the activeness , and forward heat of this Count to be like fire to enflame the Fuel of Controversie between the two Empires ; yet certainly we cannot but meritoriously applaud the Heroick Spirit of this Prince , who was provident of his Countries safety , watchful of the Enemies Motion , soon touched with the sense of the Mahometan infidelity , and in fine , a zealous Champion of the Christian Cause . But now , with what Salve or Balsome soever the Italian , or Spanish Chirurgions of Politick Government , imagined to obduct a callous over the smarts or wounds of these differing States ; the Breaches grew every day too wide to be drawn up , or cemented by artisicial compliances , or verbal lenitives ; for now the succours promised by the Emperour were arrived in Transilvania , under the Command of Count Monteouculi , and joining with the Forces of Kemenius , formed such a numerous , and well composed Army , as was judged not only sufsicient to contend for the interest of the Christian Cause , but also for the entire decision of the Worlds Dominion ; So that both Generals with an unanimous consent , confident of Victory , agreed , not to expect the approach of Ali Pasha , but boldly to meet and provoke him to Battel . Ali the Turkish General perceiving the strength and resolution of the Christians , thought it prudence for a while to detract from Engagement , and temper the usual mettle of the Ottoman fury with cooler Counsels of advantage , which delays and opportunities of time would administer : for observing that the Transilvanians were divided into Factions , he humoured the dissenting party , by constituting Michael Apafi their Prince ; a person in the flower and strength of his Age , of great parts and abilities ; and one who violently affected the Principality , having but lately purchased his freedom from slavery . In this manner Apasi passing from his Prison and Chains , to the glory and trouble of a Throne ; poor Transilvania remained divided , and taking Armes against her self , went daily working and contriving her own ruine . This hath always been the Master-piece of the Turkish Policy , and this disunion amongst Christians hath availed the Ottoman Interest more than their Swords , and confirmed their obstinacy in Religion with a Miracle , as if the division of Christian Princes ( which in late Ages have frustrated the holy designs against this common Enemy ) had been an effect of their Prayers , and a Concession of Divine Providence to their daily Petitions . So now the Transilvanians being divided , great numbers of them revolted from Kemenius to Apasi , which not only weakened , but discouraged the Christian Army with fear and confusion ; amidst of which , Ali Pasha took his time to Assault them , not far from Claudiopolis ; and being assisted by the advantagious conjuncture of the present opportunity , so wholly discomfited them , that he killed and took 50000. persons , which was the Issue of the present union , and the exclusion of Kemenius , who was now forced to abandon Transilvania , and seek his refuge in Hungary . Howsoever Kemenius could not here rest satisfied , but revolving in his mind certain ways to recover his Principality , obtained from Montecuculi some German Troops ; with which , and with his own scattered Forces , which at length he had collected into a Body ; he resolved to try his Fortune once more with the Turks , and joining Battel with them , not far from Presburg , he fought with a resolution becoming the desperateness of his design ; either that day to Die , or to Triumph . The Fortune of that days conflict remained a long time doubtful ; so equal they seemed on both sides to be in their Courage , in their Force , and in their Conduct , until at length the advantage of the Turks number prevailing , Kemenius was forced to a disorderly retreat , and afterwards to a confused flight ; in which , being by one of his own Souldiers knocked from his Horse , was trampled under foot , and the greatest part of his people remained a Sacrifice to the enraged Weapons of the Turks . Apasi's party being greatly encouraged with this success , joining with a Body of the Turks , laid Siege to Claudiopolis , the Court of the Transilvanian Princes , now Garisoned by German Souldiers , and Governed by David Retani , a right valiant and trusty Souldier , who omitting nothing which might conduce to the defence and maintenance of the Town , either by his care or valour , made many successful Sallies upon the Enemy , and tired and wearied them out in their Siege ; until at length General Schenidau then in Hungary , gathering what force he could , which were not above 6000. Men , marched with all haste possible to the relief of Claudiopolis ; the report of whose approach arriving the Turkish Camp before his person , or Army , and the common rumour and fear augmenting much their number ; the Turks were so terrifyed hereat , that in haste and disorder they forsook their Siege after three Months continuance ; leaving great quantities of Victuals behind for want of Carriages , and Beasts of burden . Schenidau having gained this success and honour with so much facility , he reinforced the Garison , and returned with Triumph home ; carrying with him great Booties of Cattle and other spoils of the Enemy . The defence of this place was accounted almost miraculous ; for besides that the Fortifications were after the antient model , it was unprovided of Cannon and other warlike Ammunition ; and therefore we are not to pass by the Governour Retani without due Commendations ; whose valiant and generous spirit , with courage equal to his diligence , knew how to fortify and to defend his Walls : For out of the Town Bells he founded his Artillery ; he daily wearied the Enemy with Sallies , surprised one of their Batteries , which most annoyed the City ; composed the Mutinies of the Citizens within ; and in short , against the opinion of all , he defended and maintained it in the possession and right 〈◊〉 the Emperour . Claudiopolis being thus relieved , the Turks stomached inwardly the disgrace , and yet thought it prudence for the present to dissemble ; and therefore upon some addresses made for Peace from Transilvania , and certain Propositions tendered by the German Resident ; the Vizier counterfeited his inclinations thereunto so far , that he prohibited all farther Acts of Hostility upon the Frontiers . Notwithstanding which , the rumour at this time running , of a Combination of all Christendom against the Turk , with Men or Money , forwarded by the endeavours of the Pope , and the contrivances of Venice encreased the former jealousy , and caused the Skirmishes on the Frontiers to be more hot and frequent : and the Vizier being froward and cholerick , and by nature jealous ; matters had immediately proceeded to an open rupture , had not the German Resident , by his Moderation and Prudence , represented affairs in the smoothest guise of Peace , and delayed the War rather than composed it ; so that this whole Summer was spent in disputes , messages , and debates on both sides . The Vizier designing this War in his Eye , and desirous to comply with the vagrant humour of his Master , who was weary of his Seraglio at Constantinople , resolved to transfer the Turkish Court to Adrianople , so that toward the end of June they entered their Tents without the City . But before they could dispose their affairs for to depart , the Plague which is the Epidemical Disease of this Country , and the common distemper of the Summer Season began to break forth and diffuse it self through all parts of the City ; that in a short time the Keyes of many Houses were brought to the Grand Signior for want of Pretenders and Heirs surviving to possess them : in greater Houses of Pasha's and others , where have been a hundred and fifty persons , scarce five have remained alive for burial of the others ; what the fury of that mortality might be , was best conjectured by the daily account was kept of the Corps carried out of the City , by the Gate only of Adrianople , which for some Weeks amounted ( I speak moderately ) to twelve or thirteen hundred a Day ; It being observed amongst the Turks , when above a thousand in a Day are carried forth Dead by that Gate , that then Prayers are to be made to Almighty God to withdraw that heavy judgment . At which time the Greek and Armenian Patriarchs are likewise desired to offer up their Devotions , and intercede with God for mitigation of the Pestilence ; and the same day in a Field called Okmaidan , do all assemble , though divided apart , to pray against the common Calamity , it not seeming vain to them , that every one should call upon his God. Nor did the Plague rage only in the City , but the Ships and Turks Saykes were infected in parts remote on the Black Sea , and the Propontis , so that above a hundred Sail were reported to be lodged at several Ports for want of Seamen to navigate them home . The Camp also where the Grand Signior , and Vizier remained , was not exempted from this common Contagion , for the necessary intercourse between that and the City communicated the evil equal unto both , strowing the ways with dead Bodies , in that manner as represented a passage conducting to a Coemetery , or Charnel house , rather than to a Martial Camp or Court of a Great Emperour . This mortality hastned the Grand Signior with his Army and Attendances into a better Air , the Vizier was to follow a few days after , but before his departure he setled and constituted his Son Chimacam , or Governour of Constantinople . Things in this confusion and haste not being well provided for , the Grand Signiors reception at Adrianople caused him to prolong his Journey by taking a compass round by the Castles at the mouth of the Hellespont , and from thence went to Dimotochum , where having lingered out eight or ten days more , he made a solemn entrance into Adrianople , which will for some years following be discoursed in this History as the Seat of the Ottoman Empire . It was now towards the Winter , when this Vizier Kuperlee , finding himself mature with Age , and ready to fall like Autumn Fruit , sent for his Son from Constantinople to bear a share with him in the Burden of the Empire . This he did with the consent of the Grand Signior , for he alledged , that being now feeble and decayed , he could not make his personal Addresses as formerly , nor attend at the Court to render his Majesty an account of his Affairs ; and therefore had need of so trusty a Messenger as his Son , to carry his advices and directions , and faithfully to communicate what he should encharge to his Relation ; all others being on some consideration or other suspected , and at least Enemies to him , or to the Grand Signior . The Sultan accepting the proposition and the Person , had often occasions of discourse and familiarity with the Son , called Ahmet , who deported himself with that faith and prudence in the management of all his Affairs , that the old Vizier had no great difficulty to procure a Grant of succession for him in that Office : For though there were many obstacles therein , as the abhorrency of the Turkish Policy from all hereditary succession in places of trust ; and the Youth of his Person not exceeding 32 years of Age , and some emulous , powerful , and ancient Competitors , who hated the Father ; Yet the old Fox had so ingratiated himself with his Master , for ( to speak truly ) he had been the only instrument that had preserved him and his Empire from falling into as many Divisions as there are Pashalicks , or Governments , that the Grand Signior gave credit to him as to an infallible Oracle , assuring him that before any other , who might either pretend merit , Age , or Precedency , his Son should be preferred to the Succession . The old man acknowledged the favour with all humility and thankfulness , declaring , that he had now served his Majesty faithfully for the space of five years , a longer proportion than commonly Viziers had managed that Office , in such tempestuous and distracted times , who either for their own offences , or want of Providence , or good Conduct have made shipwrack of their own lives , and the Charge they piloted : But he had lived in the worst of times , when the spirits of men with discontent were enflamed round about him , and threatned the ruine of their Prince and Empire ; and yet had reduced things to composure , and to the obedience of the Ottoman Yoke , that now he that was the Sultan might incline his head to rest with security , and enjoy his pastimes and pleasures , without being interrupted by those Conspiracies , which destroyed his Father , and endangered him in his years of Infancy . And because the continuance of his Security and Glory depended on the execution of certain Maximes , which he had framed to himself , he was chalking out to his Son such undoubted Rules and Doctrines of Government , as would certainly tend to the glory and prosperity of the Empire , being abundantly satisfied that his Son was faithful , prudent , and active . But three things he particularly recommended to his Majesty . 1. Never to give Ear to the Counsels and Advices of Women . 2. To amass what Treasure he could possible into his Coffers , though with Oppression , and impoverishment of his people . 3. To be continually on horse-back , and keep his Armies in constant Action . On the 19 th of October Kuperlee having ended his days , whose Disease was Old Age , and a Gangrene in his Legs , his Son by Hattesheriff , or the Grand Signior's Patent under his hand , taking the Seal was constituted Vizier in the place of his Father , to the admiration and disappointment of the graver Seniors , who were discontented , not only to perceive themselves neglected , but that person also to supplant them , who was judged uncapable of the office , according to the Canon , and ancient Precedents of this Government . The Body of Kuperlee was transported to Constantinople , where in his life time he had erected a very stately and magnificent Structure , as his Monument over the Grave , or Vault , where he designed to be interred . In his life time he had filled it with Corn , which daily was distributed to the poor , and being emptied after his death , received his Corps , over which a small Mosch was endowed with Oyl for Lamps , and maintenance of certain Talismans and Softaes , to make Prayers and Offerings for his Soul. The Father being thus interred , Ahmet his Son began to contrive his own establishment , and to settle his Greatness on the foundation of his Fathers Rules of Policy , from whom not to degenerate in cruelty of Nature , or leave his Legacies unpaid to those he had proscribed , he in the first place sacrificed the Blood of the Pasha of Magnatia to his Fathers Ghost , with some other petty attendances ; so that the World perceived that they had changed the Vizier , but not his tyranny , or at least the same spirit of the Father seemed to be renewed , and transmitted again into the Person of the Son. But more difficult it was to obtain the like success against Mortaza , the Pasha of Babylon , and the Kayah-begh , or Lieutenant General of the Janisaries , who were long before ( as we have said ) marked out for destruction by his Father . For the first was the most powerful Pasha of all Asia , vigilant , and active , and had done and merited great rewards from his Master , and particularly in decoying , and cutting off the head of the Grand Rebel Asan Pasha , who dared the Sultan at the Gates of his Seraglio ; but understanding the ill will of the house of Kuperlee against him , stood always on his Guard , lodging without the Walls of the City , and under the protection of his Armes and Souldiers , who were greatly affected to the generosity of his Person ; so that , though many attempts were made upon him , and that Officers , or Executioners came from the Court , openly tendring from the Sultan the Present of a Sword , and Vest of Sables , the usual Signals of the Ottoman Grace , but privately bringing a Bow-string , or a Halter ; yet they were all entertained at a distance , and returned again with the same dissimulation they had used in their feigned Addresses . In like manner the Kayah-begh , an ancient , prudent , and experienced Commander , beloved by the Souldiery , and secured by the Priviledge of his Office , ( for a Kayah-begh cannot be cut off during his Command , without infringement of the honour and order of the Janisaries ) preserved still his Station , and Command in despight of the Viziers hate and endeavours . But what could not be done by mere vertue of the Absolute Power , was effected under the appearance of honour and favour of the Sultan , who by his Royal Commission , having made him Pasha of Damascus , he was at the same instant deprived of his Military Power and Priviledge , and lay now naked and exposed to the Arbitrary Pleasure , and will of his Adversary . Nor could his prayers or tears incline the Grand Signiors mind to reverse his Order , who , together with the Vizier , rather inforced it with the specious pretext of Favour and Grace for his former merits , and with commendation of his Abilities agreeable to the importance of so considerable a Government encreased the just suspicion of Solyman , ( for so the Kayah-begh was called ) not being ignorant of the Turkish Proverb , A Kayah-begh is like a Fish in the Water , which out of its Element immediately dies . Howsoever , ut finis omnium cum dominante , grates agit , he acknowledges the favour of his Master , and gave thanks for it , according to the Duty of a good Subject , who ought to acquiesce in the sentence of his Prince , which , though never so full of severity , ought to be believed , and called Clemency . The Vizier now hasted Solyman Pasha to depart with all expedition , not allowing him above four or five days time to make preparations for so long a Journey , which otherwise he would have prolonged as one , like the rest of Mankind , desirous to protract the thread of Life , imagining that in his journey , at some distance , where his Death might be most obscure , and least noted , the Edict of the Grand Signior might overtake him , and find a Grave for him in some solitary Desert , or unfrequented Mountain . Wherefore he made one day an Address to the Vizier , under pretence of taking his last furewel , and freely acquainted him with his apprehension and his fears , desiring that he would deal as frankly with him , in letting him know the utmost of his Fate , for that now he was in his hand , and was so good a Proficient in the Mahometan Religion , as to oppose nothing which was his Destiny , or inconsistent with the Decree of the Sultan . The Vizier reverencing the Years , and pitying the Condition of so worthy a Commander abased solely by his Power , bid him be of good cheer , assuring him of his Life , so long as he acted nothing contrary unto his , which he confirmed by Vows , and all imaginable Protestations , encouraging him to proceed forward to his Government with those cheerful Words , and Assurances , that Solyman Pasha taking his farewel with more ease of mind , and confidence of Life , departed Adrianople in three days after his delignment to the new Office : But not many days Journey had he advanced into Asia , before the G. Signiors and Viziers Commands over-took him , altering his design for Damaseus , and instead thereof ordered him a Pilgrimage unto Mecha , and exile into the remote and desert parts of Arabia , until he should be thought worthy to be re-called by that power which banished him . In like manner some few days after , the Mufti being on a Friday seated in his place , in the Mosch of Sultan Selim ( a very noble and famous Fabrick ) and attending there the G. Signiors entrance , that he might begin his Prayers , was unexpectedly whispered in the Ear , that he should retire and give place to another Mufti ; which immediately he obeyed , and in four hours departed Adrianople , being banished to Gallipoli , for his Friendship ( as was supposed ) to Solyman Pasha , and for not passing the Fetfa for his Death , according to the will and desire of the Grand Signior . During the Transaction of these affairs in divers parts , the Wars against the Venetians were carried on faintly ; the Gallies had no other design , or employment , than to transport recruits of Men , and Ammunition to Canea , that so the Turks might rather keep the ground that they had gained in that Island , than add thereunto by new Conquests , until such time , as that being freed from other Wars , they might have leisure and opportunity to attend unto that alone . Accordingly the Captain Pasha set forth at the usual Season from Constantinople ; and arrived at Scio with 23. Gallies , besides his own called the Bastard-Gally , or Admiral ; the advice of which , coming to the Captain General of the Venetians , he hastned thither with all his Fleet to besiege him in the Port : but this seeming after some days a tedious work , and what might lose too much time ; he resolved to depart from thence , and so leaving a sufficient Guard before the Port , he set Sail with two Galleasses , thirteen light Gallies , and seven Auxiliaries for the Coast of Rhodes ; where his Brigantines advised , that the remainder of the Turkish Fleet were Anchored , and were taking aboard two thousand Souldiers for reinforcing Canea ; but before the Venetians could arrive , intelligence was given them by the way , that the Turks were loosed from Rhodes , and were Anchored under the Island of Patmos , wherefore altering their course , they steered for Nio , and there watering their Vessels , sailed near to Nixia , where the Van-guard discovered five and thirty Gallies of the Enemy , which had made prize of a Tartana laden with Provisions designed for the Venetian Fleet , and having taken out her lading had set her on fire . The Venetians having their Enemy in their Eye , gave them chase until the Evening , when the Night coming on put an end to the pursuit : but keeping their course towards Candia , they had sight again of them the next Morning , and coming nearer , the Turkish Admiral put forth his Flag of Defiance , as if he intended to come to a Battel ; but the Wind blowing hard , and the Sea increasing , both Fleets were separated until the Morning ; when the Venetians discovered certain of the Enemies Gallies to Leeward of Milo , where bearing down before the Wind upon them , five of them ran ashoar ; one was sunk , and four were taken by the Venetian and Maltese Gallies , three of which sighting with great Courage and Valour , killed divers brave Cavaliers of one and the other Country . The men which ran the Gallies ashoar at Milo , did it with design to secure themselves in that small Fort which the Turks possessed in that Island ; but they were not able to withstand the valour of the Venetians , who having first recovered the Cannon of the Gallies which were ran ashoar , with their rigging , and what else was useful , they set the Hulls on Fire ; and immediately entering the Port , the Captain General Landed two hundred select men , and veterane Souldiers to besiege the Fortress , giving Orders to one Manolacchi Macchiotti , who was well acquainted with the Turkish Language , to summon them to a Treaty , the which they readily accepted , andwere received to quarter at discretion of the General ; the next Morning they were brought down to the Sea-Coast to the number of about nine hundred , amongst which there was a Janizar-Aga , a Bey of Rhodes , and three of Constantinople , besides Captains , and other persons of condition and quality . These Prisoners being divided into several Gallies and Ships , the Venetians departed , and cruising about the Coast of Candia , to hinder the importation of all succours , they encountered with Antonio Priuli , with a good Squadron of Vessels under his Command . THE HISTORY OF Sultan Mahomet IV. THE XIII . EMPEROUR OF THE TURKS . The Second BOOK . Anno Christi , 1662. Hegeira , 1073. AT the beginning of this Year the People of Algier sent Messengers and Presents to the G. Signiors Court , then at Adrianople , complaining against the actions his Majesties Fleet , under the Command of the Earl of Sandwich , had done against their Town and Castles , pretending those Forts to be the G. Signiors , and the Affront offered to him , as willing to interest him in their Quarrels and Piracies . And that their Addresses might be more graciously received , they brought with them certain Presents , which though in former times were Yearly , were now only as their Affairs required , and on this occasion were doubled : for besides their Presents to the Ministers and Officers of State ; they brought to the G. Signior a Ship made in Silver , beset with Emrods , Rubies , and other Stones ; fourteen young and hansome Boys , and a Neger Eunuch for the Seraglio . But the Earl of Winchelsea , his Majesties Embassadour there Resident , being then at Court , had so well prepossessed the Vizier with the ground and reasons for the War , that the complaints of Algier were judged in no wise touching the Ottoman Interest , or the breach of their Peace , any impeachment of the good correspondence and friendship which then intervened between the King of England and the Grand Signior . But their presumption to search English Ships , and take out Strangers goods , was objected as an argument of their disobedience and Rebellion , contrary to the G. Signiors Capitulations , which also was aggravated by their ill Treatment of the G. Signiors Pasha , whom they had beaten , imprisoned , and cast out of all power and authority ; which severe reprehensions so terrifyed and discouraged them , that they not only desisted from their pretensions against the English , but began to fear , lest the power and interest of the Embassadour at Court , should contrive some mischief to their own persons . Soon after this the Vizier esteeming it necessary towards his better establishment to gratify the City of Constantinople , and the Grandees of the Empire , by the G. Signiors return to his Imperial Seat , prevailed with him , ( as a matter wholly necessary ) to adorn and comfort that place by his presence ; for now he began to declare a kind of abhorrency to it , in regard the memory of those Rebellions which were nourished in that place , to the destruction of his Father , and to the great hazard and narrow escape afterwards of himself ; had taken that impression on his fancy , that the Chambers of the Seraglio appeared melancholy and dismal , and the Walks of his Gardens solitary , and the noise of the Rooks and Daws amongst his Trees , were like the croakings of Ravens or unlucky Birds . Howsoever the Vizier had so far entered into his affection and esteem , that his perswasions were stronger than his own absolute Dominion ; and prevailed so with him against the force of his own fancy , that about the Equinoctial he began his Journy towards Constantinople , to the great joy and satisfaction of his people : But by the way lingring out his time in Hunting and other Pastimes of the Woods and Fields ; it was the 30th of March before he made his Entry , for never was Prince so great a Nimrod , so unwearied a Huntsman as this ; never was he at quiet , but continually in the Fields on Horseback , rising sometimes at Midnight , to ride up the Mountains , that he might more early discover the Sun in the Morning ; by which extravagant course of life , he wearied out his Court and Attendants , who began to believe the amorous humour of his Father more supportable , than the wandring Vagaries , and restless spirit of the Son. But not only were his Huntings tedious to his Court , but troublesome and expensive to the whole Country , which were all summoned in wheresoever he came , and sometimes thirty or forty thousand men appointed to beat the Woods for three or four days , carrying before them the compass of a whole days Journey about , inclosing all the Game and wild Beasts within that Circuit , which on the day of the Hunt , the G. Signior kills and destroys with Dogs , Guns , or any other way , with abundance of noise and confusion : which pastime , though lawful in it self , and commendable enough in so great a Prince , yet the frequent use of it , was a burden and an oppression to his people , whilest in the Winter they passed many cold Nights in the Woods , and being unused to that hardship , many of them paid for their Emperours Pastime with their own lives . The G. Signior being now at Constantinople , the Vizier judged not himself so well fixed in his Government , but that through the malice of his powerful Enemies , who were familiar to the G. Signiors Ear , he was in danger to be shaken ; the principal of which was the Kuzlir Aga , or Chief Eunuch of the Women of the Seraglio , who by means of the Valede , 〈◊〉 Queen Mother was ill-affected to him , being both inclined to prefer some Favourites of their own , for the diminution , and Eclipse of the Viziers Power , one whereof was the Tefterdar Pasha , or Lord Treasurer , placed in Office against the Viziers Approbation , which the Vizier understanding , made short Work with him , depriving him of his Office , commanded him in a few hours to quit Constantinople . But the Queen Mother , and Kuzlir Aga resenting this Affront to their Favourite , resolved to even scores in a piece of the like nature : Wherefore they obtained for the Viziers Kahya , or Steward , the Pashalick of Darbiquier , a rich and honourable Government , not for any disaffection or hatred they had unto him , but only to deprive the Vizier of the Counsel and Assistance of so knowing and faithful a Servant ; for he was a Person , who by his own Estate , and Friends had raised the house of Kuperlee , having in the time of his poverty and meanness lent him that Sum of Money , which gave him the first Rise to his Richesse and Authority ; for recompence and interest of which , old Kuperlee made him his Steward , and shared to him his honours and prosperity ; in which deporting himself towards all people with the same modesty , and evenness of temper which he used in his former Condition , he procured no Enemies to his own person , and such as hated the interest he served , only wished him disobliged from it , so as to be able to dispense their malice on the Vizier , without concerning him in his Masters ruin . This consideration moved the angry Lady , and the envious Eunuch to vex their Adversary by the removal of his most faithful Creature and Servant . Mahomet Kahya now Pasha of Darbiquier , after a reasonable and convenient time allowed him for his preparations , being very rich , set forward towards his Government , with a very noble and numerous Retinue , having amongst the rest five hundred persons young , well mounted , and well armed ; which notwithstanding were not so strong , but before they were advanced many days Journey into Asia , were encountred by a greater force of bold and desperate Robbers , who engaging with him killed two hundred of his people on the place , rifled his Baggage , and constrained the Pasha himself to fly to the next City . This strange and audacious Robbery produced many Commands and Orders for seizure and suppression of Thieves in the lesser Asia . And because the custom is , that something must be done in compliance with the Imperial Commands , many poor innocent men were taken in the Fields , and Mountains , and perhaps without any other Crime against them , than that they were not masters of a thousand Aspers to bribethe Officers , were for want thereof sent as Thieves to the Port , where without further conviction or Tryal they were executed . The Vizier being thus weakned by the removal of his faithfullest friend , his condition was given over as desperate by the generality of the World , and several appearances of troubles arising from the Eastern and Western Parts , gave occasion to the Queen Mother , and her Party , to disparage his Abilities in the esteem of the Sultan : Wherefore they exhorted him to imitate the Example of his Renowned Predecessors , who made use of their Viziers only to ease them from the troublesom part of their Government , but did not entirely throw off the knowledge and privity of the important Transactions and State Affairs in the whole Empire . This Lesson awakened the Grand Signior a little , so that he declined some days his sports abroad , and exercise on horse-back , and instead thereof passed much of his time in a Chiosk , or Garden-house on the Wall of the Seraglio , just opposite to the Viziers Gate , where his chief business and concernment was to observe such as went in , or came out ; and when at any time he espied those enter , remarkable for their Attendance , or difference of habit , he would send to know of the Vizier , what occasion drew those people thither , what their business was , and the like , by which he gave himself that satisfaction as to believe that he had now found the true way of inspecting his Affairs , and taking care of his Empire . The Vizier was not unsensible from whence this humour of the Grand Signior proceeded , nor ignorant what ill consequences such petty matters might produce ; wherefore he resolved , if possible , to reconcile the favour and good will of the Valede , or Queen Mother , but all his Addresses ( it seems ) were returned fruitless ; so difficult was it to appease the malice of a feminine Spirit ; and this malice She so ill concealed , that it was often said by Turks of Quality and Judgment , That the Great Viziers Mother , who entertained a Familiarity with Spirits , as they believed , had by her Enchantments procured the Office of Vizier for her Husband and Son successively , and prevailed still to preserve her Son in the favour of his Master , yet could not by force of Magick get power or dominion over the Valede ; No Spells , it seems , had virtue enough to qualifie the spirit of that angry Juno . Some hereupon judged , that the Vizier might have thoughts to make Resignation of his Office , and to content himself with some Pashalick of a higher , and more eminent degree ; but apprehensions and jealousies of their dangers , and his own natural Ambition , soon stitled those considerations , resolving to continue his Charge in opposition to all the difficulties , and dangers he might encounter . And perhaps he gave himself the same counsel which the Vitellian Souldiers did to their General . Nihil atrocius eventurum , quam in quod sponte ruant , moriendum vict is , moriendum deditis ; id solum referre , novissimum spiritum , per ludibrium & contumelias effundant , an per Virtutem . Men who must die , whether they yield or are conquered by force , have the same Fate ; all the difference is , that the one dies with valour and reputation , the other with reproach and cowardice . But to execute this stout counsel with prudence and wisdom , he conceived it necessary , if possible , to reconcile the sincere friendship of Samozade , the Reis Effendi , or Chief Secretary of State , a person the best practised of any , in the Affairs and Negotiations of the Ottoman Empire , and one much in the esteem and favour of the Queen Mother , and in order thereunto treats him with more familiarity and condescension than was ordinary , or by many judged agreeable to the Greatness of a Grand Vizier ; for always when he came into his Presence , he arose up , calling him secretly Father , Tutor , and Companion , in supporting the Burden of the weighty Government , and such other Compellations , as the Grand Signior vouchsafed only to the Vizier : for though this Reis Effendi was of the greatest abilities , and this present Vizier the most youthful and unexperienced of Latter Times , yet it may be accounted one special mark and token of his prudence , in knowing how to elect so useful a friend , and of his policy in procuring his sincere faithfulness towards him , and making him really his own . To which end he conversed much with him , communicated all his thoughts , freely demanded his advice , received his private entertainments , and in fine , was wanting in no points of affable courtesie and compliance , whereby he might create him his own , contenting for some time himself with the name of Vizier , though the other as one , who best knew how to mannage it , enjoyed the power . The Chief Officers of the Seraglio , instigated by the Queen Mother to diminish something the power of the Vizier , put often the Grand Signior in mind , as a matter agreeable to his dignity , to have a regard to his Government , which caused him more frequently than his humour served , to betake himself to his Chiosk over against the Viziers Gate to make his usual observations ; and perceiving some Christians to enter the Court with red Calpacks , or Caps , and yellow Shooes ( prohibited to Christians by orders of inferiour Magistrates but never until now thought worthy the Imperial Observance ) immediately called for the Subashee or Constable of Constantinople , and from the Window commanded him with great fury to enter the Viziers Court , and such Christians as he should find there with yellow Shooes and red Caps he should first beat , and then send uncovered , and bare-footed home . The Subashee armed with a power in this matter as high as the Viziers , entered his house without Complement or Licence , and encountring first the Kapikahya's or Agents of Moldavia and Valachia negotiating the Affairs of their Prince and Country , he rudely layed them down , and without respect to their Persons or Office , beat them on the seet , tore off their red Stockins , and Caps , and sent them home with their heads and feet bare , derided by the people , and lamenting the affliction of that Tyranny to which they were subjected . This inhumane treatment of persons in a manner sacred , was seconded by publick Proclamations , strictly prohibiting all Christians from wearing red Caps , yellow Shooes , scarlet Vests , and the like ; and Janisaries from the use of Hanjars or Daggers , and silk Turbants , upon pain of death : which Order was so strictly enjoined , that the corners of every Street were furnished with Officers to observe , and punish such who were found to offend . The Grand Signior himself judged also the Execution of this order of that importance as to deserve his own proper care and inspection , wherefore walking abroad , as his manner was , in disguise , with his Executioner at hand , encountred in the Streets an unfortunate Bridegroom , an Armenian , who that day , on priviledge of his Espousals , had adventured to dress himself with yellow leathern Socks : nothing was , or could have time to be pleaded in his behalf , before the fatal Blow was struck , which sent him to his Grave instead of his Nuptial Bed. This fury continued some few days with much rigour , and strict observation , but afterwards growing cold again , all care was neglected , happening herein , as commonly it doth in all things , which have no other foundation than humour and fancy . But this inspection into petty matters did not so much disturb the thoughts of the Vizier , as did the power and greatness of Mortaza the Pasha of Babylon , by the Turks called Bagdat , a person of an undaunted Courage and great Conduct , whom he had hitherto suffered to live , contrary to the true knowledge of his interest , and the Rules his Father had left him : wherefore he resolved to renew his design and attempts against his Life ; one I remember was in December of the past Year , when in our Journey to Adrianople , we met a Messenger on the way , who amongst other Discourses informed us , that he was then going to Babylon for confirmation of Mortaza , and as a testimony of the G. Signiors favour and good will towards him , he carried him a Sword , and a Vest of Sables : we immediately , and that truly guessed , for what Present the Sword was sent ; for in some Months after the Chaous-bashee , or chief of the Pursuivants , returned without delivery of his Present . For the wise Mortaza was so justly jealous , that he would not so much as admit him to his presence , but returned him again with his Sword and Sables , for those who were more easy and credulous , and who believe to die by Command of the Sultan to be Martyrdom , and the only Crown of all their merits and deserts : and knowing that he could not long subsist in opposition to so great an Enemy ; he contracted an Alliance , by Marriage with a Daughter of one of the Gordean , or Curdean Princes , and in Dowry , had one of the strongest Forts of those Mountains delivered into his hands . The Vizier finding himself thus foiled in his occult Artifices , began publickly to profess his enmity ; and therefore in the first place perswaded the G. Signior , that the long continuance of Mortaza in that Government , beyond the usual term , so opulent and powerful , and of a spirit so ambitious and rebellious , could not but prove dangerous to himself , and in time give him confidence of competition for the whole Empire : which hazard to prevent with most prudence and advantage , ( there being a present occasion of good Souldiers for relief of Candia ) Mortaza and his Complices could not be better bestowed than upon that employment . The G. Signior readily consented to this Counsel , being naturally very apprehensive of danger , and in his place constituted the Aga , or General of the Janizaries , posting him away with all speed possible to hisGovernment ; who did not run so fast in his Journey , but that the advices of the coming of a new Pasha , arrived timely the Ears of Mortaza , who judging it an unequal match to contend with the whole Empire , gave way to his Successour , but withal , kept himself so on his Guard , that his adversary could not reach his Head , and send it as the first-fruits and Tribute of his new Office. For yielding up his Command as in an honourable manner of retreat , he gave out , that with his Army ( reported to consist of forty thousand men ) he was on his March to Candia , but soon after his design was discovered to be otherwise ; for believing his own Force unable to contend with his Masters , he retired with his richess , and some of those most faithful to him unto his Fort on the Mountains , and to the protection and Country of the King of the Curdi , whose Daughter he had Married , and remained in expectation of time and opportunity , to take his revenge on the Vizier , hoping that with time this storm would blow over , and that the beams of his Princes favour would again shine upon him . These Curdi are called by some Writers Cordiaei , from whence the Province had the name of Gordiene , bordering on Assyria , the Kingdom once of Zabienus , who siding with Lucullus against Tigranes King of Armenia , was by Tigranes murdered with his Wife and Children . These people inhabit the Mountain Amanus , dividing Syria from Cilicia , which by reason of the difficult access thereunto , was never yet subjected to the Ottoman Yoke ; they are said in former times to have worshipped a black Dog , and dare not speak ill of the Devil , not for love , but fear . But some report that have lately been amongst them , that they have left off that Hellish superstition , and embrace a certain sort of Religion mixed with Christianity and Turcism ; but yet without Baptism or Circumcision . In brief , they are a bad sort of gross people at the best , contenting themselves with little Religion , addicted to bloud and Robberies . These Curdi or Gordeenes , being a people retired , keep within their Mountains , are shy in their Conversation and Discourse , and afford us little subject , or opportunity of knowing with any satisfaction , their Religion or Manners : but from such of our Country-men , as have lately entertained Society with them , we have this account . They are seated on those Mountains as we have said before , which of old were called Cordiaei , or Gordiai , beginning near Aleppo , but running out as far as Persta ; they make shew of the Turkish Religion for fear , but have in reality another of their own , which permits them to eat Swines flesh and drink Wine , as the Druses and Kalbeenes ; Bacon being esteemed by them a particular Cordial , or Restorative for the sick . The chief Country and City of those near Aleppo is called Jeumee , where they have a Convent of twelve Priests with a Superiour over them , and another of the like sort near Mosul , or Nineveth . The two Chiefs of these Monasteries meet at fixed times to consult for the good of the Common-weal . Their Devotions are private in a Cave ; they tell us of but one Book , which contains both their Law and their Rituals ; being asked what they thought of our Saviour , they answered , he was their breath , and their Soul ; at the name of Mahomet they spit , and with Nicodemus his circumspection and assurance of secrecy , they declared themselves and Christians the same , which they would make appear so soon as they were delivered from their fear of bondage to the Turk . They say that they worship God , and will not curse the Devil , to which no force or power can compel them ; partly , perhaps beeause they have heard of our Saviours Precept , Bless , and Curse not , but rather , because they hold , that the Devil and his Followers , shall one day be restored to their former seats of blessedness and dignity . When their Priests are together , and Wine brought in amongst them , the Superiour makes a sign for silence , and afterwards a short Admonition , that Wine is the bloud of God. I have heard that a Capuchin Fryer was once invited amongst them , with promise to give him a sight of their Book of Rituals , and being come to Jeumee , was detained a Day or two in a Cave , on pretence that the other Superiour of Mosul was then amongst them , who being a severe person , if he knew of his being there , would certainly put him to Death , as one who came to alter their Religion ; upon which suspicion the Capuchin forgetting his Curiosity , fled for safety , with all speed possible . Their Priests are said to be grave , wearing black throughout ; their Garments plaited or quilted ; the Vestures of the Commonalty are agreeable to Mountaniers , whose natures are rough and boisterous , addicted to bloud and Robbery , the common vice of those people . I have heard , that the Son of a Gourdeene Widow being killed by some of that Country , she assembled her nearest Kindred , and required them to bring her the Windpipe of the Murderer , which when they had done , she together with her Friends , eat it in revenge . In fine , their Religion may have some small Reliques of Christianity , but mixt with the dregs of other Religions . T is possible they may be of the Manichee Race . Their opinion of the Devils Restoration , was once held in part by Origen : that of Wine ( that it is the bloud of God ) was the Heathenish conceit of the Egyptian Priests . Their whole Nation if well united may compose an Army of thirty or forty thousand men . But to return to our purpose . The news of the flight of Mortaza to this ignoble Prince troubled the G. Signior , who still retained some impressions of kindness to his person , remembring his generosity , valour , and former deserts , the memory of which was encreased also by the Friends of Mortaza , who wanted not in the Court to represent them with some compassion , arguing that his flight was not of contumacy , or contempt to his Masters protection , but an effect of natural preservation ; which worked so far on the G. Signior , that he immediately sent for the Vizier to enquire of him the state and condition of Mortaza . The Vizier to defend himself , and make good what before he had counselled his Master , aggravated his Adversaries crimes , and his disobedience and flight to an inconsiderable King ; with which , and some other light excuses and perswasions , that the removal of such a person was agreeable to the present state of affairs , and conducing to his own security , easily pacified the mind and affections of the G. Signior ; but no sooner was he returned to his House , but advice was given him , that the Emaum of Mortaza , or his Priest or Chaplain was then at Constantinople , whom the Vizier immediately sent for , and without any Plea or Endictment , struck off his Head , and threw his Body into the Sea , on pretence that he was sent thither , as a Spy for his Master , and to give Intelligence , and a beginning to Rebellion : These were his colours and allegations for his deserved Death ; for Governours though never so wicked and so absolute , and that have no need to render any other cause to the World of their actions , than their own will , yet esteem it necessary to act under the specious guise of justice , and in the good opinion of the multitude . The Aga of Babylon encountred the same Fortune ; for Mortaza giving place , he thought it sit for himself to do the like ; resolving for Constantinople , but being intercepted in his Journey by the new Pasha , his Head was struck off , and his Journey shortned . But that which again renewed the trouble and fears of the Vizier , was a report that the late Kahya-begh degraded at Adrianople , was secretly returned to the City , and lived concealed , giving such Orders to the Janizaries as tended to Mutiny and Insurrection , and that the pretences and reports of his being gone to Damascus , and thence in his holy Pilgrimage to Mecha , were but all false stories to conceal his Residence at Constantinople . This set the Vizier all on fire , and made him tremble with the thoughts of it ; wherefore search was made for him day and night , but not found ; for in reality he was gone on his designed Journey , only it was the misfortune of his Kahya , or Steward , as before it was of Mortaza's Emaum , to fall into the Viziers hands , who being beaten to confess where his Master was , died afterwards of the blows . But notwithstanding that Mortaza was fled , yet the Vizier laid not aside his fears and thoughts concerning him , not knowing how soon he might be recalled home , and seated in his place ; of which various Examples are extant in Turkish History ; And therefore he sent orders to Mahomet Pasha , his late Kahya , now Pasha of Darbiquier , as General ( with the knowledge and consent of the Grand Signior ) and to the Pashaws of Aleppo , Erzirum and others near adjacent , to prepare and assemble what Force was necessary to constrain the King of the Curdi , to surrender Mortaza into their hands : But whilst these matters were in agitation , some unexpected troubles in Georgia diverted their Armes , and held them for some time in suspense , not knowing what the issue might be . The Original and Ground thereof was this : After Sultan Solyman had taken Erzirum , it was agreed in the Capitulations between the Turks and Persians , that of the seven Provinces of Georgia ( anciently called Iberia , but now as supposed to have received the Denomination from St. George , the Cappadocian Martyr , there had in great esteem and reverence ) three should be tributaries to the Turk , and three to the Persian , all governed by Achic-bash as head and supreme Prince , to whom the seventh should also be subjected , without acknowledgment to either ; In payment of which tribute , they continued most willingly , lest for default thereof , the importation of Salt , of which their Provinces afford none , should be hindred either from the Turkish , or Persian Dominion . And now it happened that Achic-bash dying , his Wife married again , who to gratifie her new Lover , was contented to have the eyes of her Son put out , who was the lawful Heir to the Government . This Fact was so hainously received by the Princes of the three Provinces under the Persian , that with common consent , they elected one to succeed Achic-bash , and extorted the power out of the hands of the Amorous Traitour . The Princes of the three Provinces under the Turk alarm'd hereat , made insurrection , resolving rather than any Foreigner , to set up one of the Kindred of Achic-bash , which the Persian Provinces better understanding , approved likewise , and for confirmation , and maintenance of their choice assembled an Army of threescore thousand men . The Pashaws tending towards Curdi ; were surprized in their March with the news of these disturbances in Georgia , and not rightly apprehending the causes of these sudden commotions , gave an arrest to the progress of their Armes , inclining towards the Parts of Georgia , to be in a readiness to suppress all designs against the Ottoman Dominions , so that the thoughts of War against the Curdi was for some time laid aside . The news of these troubles did also alarm the Port , with which also came a report , That six hundred Tents of the Kuzilbashees ( which are the best sort of Persian Horsemen ) were pitched nigh the Consines of the Grand Signiors Territories ; so that Orders were dispatched to the aforesaid Pashaws to watch the motion and issue of those Affairs , but those storms blowing over by the establishment of Achic-bash , the Turkish Forces proceeded on their first design against Mortaza , marching to the pass of the Country of the Curdi , which is very steep , asperous and rough . The whole Kingdom being , as it were , one Mountain of dangerous and difficult access , hath hitherto preserved the Inhabitants from the Ottoman Subjection . The entrance thereunto being strong by Nature , is also fortified with several Castles , the chief of which , possessed by Mortaza , is called Zizri , and the people thereabouts Zezidi . The Turkish Army being arrived at this pass , Mahomet , the Pasha of Darbiquier , appointed General , as we have said before , ordered five hundred of his select men to enter within the pass , which the Curdi perceiving , with little opposition , put to slight , being so commanded by the General ; The unadvised Curdi cagerly pursuing the enemy , left the pass naked , and undefended , supposing their whole victory and success to consist in the Rout of those few : whereupon the Turkish Army wisely possessed the pass , and got between the Curdi , and their place of Retreat , and laying the Siege to the Castle , required them either to surrender themselves , or else Mortaza and his Complices into their hands . The Curdi perceiving themselves thus hardly beset , and in a manner defrauded , their Garison which possessed the pass without the Confines , the enemey gotten possession of the Gate which opened to their Countrey , their Castles besieged , and in danger to be gained , and an inlet made to an Inundation by their Enemies , caused them to request a three days truce for Consultation , which being granted , they began to consider , whether it were better to hazard the welfare of their Country in a dangerous War , of which the Turks having already compassed the passage , had made half the Conquest ; or to surrender up Mortaza to his own King , one in whom they had no part , no interest , nor relation . The latter counsel was most generally pleasing , wherefore they seized Mortaza , promising at first to conduct him through the Mountains to the Persians , but afterwards being on horse-back , and about a mile distant from the Camp , they bound his hands behind him , and with his Steward , the Master of his Horse , and a Page , delivered him into the hands of the Turks , who immediately struck off their heads , and sent them to Constantinople , where for three or four days they lay before the Door of the Divan , with Inscriptions on them whose they were , and afterwards were thrown into the Sea. And thus ended this famous Mortaza , who had in like cases , by order of this Viziers Father , been an active Executioner of other Pashaws , and now included in the same Fate , by means of the Son , being proscribed ( as we have said before ) by Testament , and the most likely of any Pasha in the Empire to stand in Competition for the Office of Vizier . The Vizier upon this success began to shew a more cheerful Countenance than formerly , suspecting less of danger upon removal of so suspicious an Enemy . And truly it was now hard to say where in the whole Empire was a generous , bold , or ambitious spirit remaining , who had Reputation and Authority enough to attempt a priority , such havock was made by this Viziers Father of all hopeful and daring dispositions , and such an Addition made to the slaughter by this man in present Office , that whether mens spirits were vanquished , and cowed with former Examples , or that the Age really afforded not such Heroes , it is hard to say : None now appearing other than obsequious to this Vizier , and to fear , and court him . The Vizier having thus successfully contrived his Establishment , and security at home , had time to confirm it by his Wars abroad , well judging that Foreign Wars allay Civil Dissentions , and the prosperity thereof doth both produce reputation and terrour of his person amongst his Enemies , as well as reconcile affections , and increase Authority amongst his Subjects at home . Wherefore he mediated on a War against the Emperour , and was glad to embrace the occasion from the late Disturbances made in Transilvania by Kemenius , as we have related in the former Year . But yet like a crafty Politician , who looketh one way , and steers another , so the Vizier , that he might the better lull the Germans into a sleep , and apprehensions of security , he dissembled his inclinations to Peace , and to hearken to such propositions as were tendered him by the German Resident , namely , that the Fort of Serini should be demolished being built against the intention , and without the knowledge or consent of his Imperial Master , that the Garisons of 〈◊〉 , Coloswar , and other places should beremoved , with other overtures , and the fairest propositions imaginable , which might give the Turks satisfaction , and by some means or other reconcile the differences , if possible . To which counsel the Emperour was the rather inclinable , in regard that a Treaty at that time was on foot between the French King , and the Duke of Lordin for Alsatia , and that the result might prove prejudicial to the Empire , should he at the same time be engaged in a War against the Turk , whilst as dangerous a friend as the other was an enemy , crept easily into a suspected Neighbourhood . But the other Christian Princes , especially Rome , and the Allies , engaged in the Venetian Quarrel , perceiving the Emperour to detract from his resolutions of War , upon this suspicion endeavoured to clear him from all jealousie in reference to the French designs , and for better evidence thereof , had their own engagements seconded by protestations from that King , not only not to molest the Empire during this War , but to afsord him considerableaid and assistance both in Men , and Money . These Negotiations and incitements to a War , encouraged the Emperour , and the German Princes in that manner , that whilst the Turks expected the return of the Corrier from Vienna , as it were with an Olive Branch of Peace , and Confirmation of all Articles , which before were esteemed to be concluded , and agreed ; the Scene was wholly changed , and the Letters contained new demands and propositions , and in fine , made all doubtful and unsatisfactory . The Turks penetrating rightly into this Affair , pressed hard to have a speedy Peace , or War , wherefore the Reis Essendi , or Secretary of State , did at a private Conference with the German Minister in the name of the Grand Signior , and in few words declare , that three months were allotted to demolish the Fort built by the Count Serini , and for coming of an extraordinary Ambassadour to consirm the Articles : Notwithstanding which , the G. Signior unmindful of the time , and of the Conditions he had given , and prefixed for peace , ordered the Vizier immediately to prepare for the War , declaring that he would in Person accompany him in part of his March , and remove his Court to Adrianople ; For this being a Country Champion , and plain , full of Game of all sorts , so drew the heart and delight of the Grand Signior , that his Seraglio at Constantinople seemed as a Cage , or Prison in respect of those desired Plains of Thrace : His Women were no pastime or recreation to him , in whose Apartments he spent little time : For this excessive humour in Hunting made him daily to press the Vizier to depart for Adrianople , not that he had so real a desire to the War as he had to his Game ; which gave occasion to that ordinary Saying amongst the Turks , That the Grand Signior had left some Hares behind him at Adrianople , and would return to seek them . At length the Vizier not longer able to resist his importunity without his displeasure , summoned a Council of all the Viziers of the Bench , where also the Janisar Aga was present , to consult concerning the time of their departure , at which they unanimously concluded , that for divers reasons , it was most necessary to deferr this expedition until the next Spring . First , Because that three months time were already given to the Emperour for sending his Extraordinary Ambassadour . Secondly , Because in so short a time provisions could not be sent into those Parts for relief of the Camp. Thirdly , Because the Souldiers which were abroad could not have timely notice to repair to their Colours . Fourthly , Because many Souldiers had begun to rebuild their houses destroyed by the late Fires , which by the Spring they might see finished . And lastly , That the Summer being now almost spent , was not so fit for action , as the Spring , which gives new life and bloud to men , as well as sap and moisture unto Vegetables . These reasons being represented with all humility to the Crand Signior , he seemed to rest satisfied , and his heat of visiting Adrianople for the present allayed . And in the mean time , that the design against Germany might be the more covertly carried , it was given out that the preparations were intended against the Venetian Territories in Dalmatia , ( viz. ) Zara , Sebenico , and Cataro , and Proclamation was made that all Souldiers should prepare themselves for the Wars against the next Spring . In which Interim no accident intervening which might bring matters to an accommodation and better understanding , the daily Skirmishes on the Frontiers made the Controversie every day more difficult to be reconciled , and the breach the wider . The Count Serini also proceeded in sinishing the Fortification he had lately raised near Canisia ; And the other Commanders of the Cesarean Army seeing the great progress of the Turks in Transilvania secured Claudiopolis , Somoswar , Sechilhid , Clewar , aliàs Coloswar , and Betlem , with some other Towns and Fortresses . The Turks on the other side , under the Command of Ali Pasha , penetrate into the very Center of Transilvania , and conceiving a jealousie of War from the passages before mentioned , lost no time to take their advantages , so that the Pasha of Varadin not contenting himself with that Country , and limits formerly prescribed for maintenance of his Fortress , adjoined to his Jurisdiction what Villages and Towns he thought fit , whilst the poor Prince , Michael Apafi , though made by the Turks , durst not lift a hand , or interpose the least Obstacle , or Impediment to his quiet progress , or peaceable possession , which so harrassed the people of the Country , and wrought that misery and destruction therein , that the Prince , deprived of his power in Government , and disabled by oppression to pay his Annual Tribute , had no hopes of redress , but from the assistance of Divine Providence , governing the hearts of Christians and Turks to compassionate the misery of his Country . Wherefore he craved the assistance of the Emperour , and of the King of Poland , acquainting other Christian Princes more remote of the sad estate of the Christian Cause ; He sent also his Ambassadours to the Port with most submissive Letters to the Vizier , complaining against the Pasha of Varadin , and craving his Commands for retirement of his Army , within their due and ancient bounds . Letters were also directed to the Publick Representatives of Christian Princes residing at Constantinople , one of which was directed to the Earl of Winchelsea , his Majesties Ambassadour , which being that which may conduce to the more full understanding of the present deplorable Condition of Transilvania , I thought fit to be here mentioned . Excellentissime Domine , & Amice observandlssime , AFflictiones Regni Transilvaniae quibus per complures annos justo Dei Judicio castigatur , toti Orbi Christiano manifestae sunt , nec possumus non fateri , inter duos Potentissimos Monarchas adeò indies hoc Regnum coangustari , ut nisi extraordinariâ Dei clementiâ aliquod subsequatur levamen , vix , immo ne vix quidem , din duraturum credamus . Sed ut adrem proximiùs collimemus . Potentissimus Imperator per Legatos Regni , & nostros nunc reduces Clementissimum suum patrocinium pollicetur , interim autem Passa Varadinensis non contentus Villis ac Pagis ad dictam Arcem pertinentibus , usque ad meditullium planè Transilvaniae , metu Mortis , integras ad deditionem cogit Regiones , quae nunquam eidem Arci applicatae fuerant , nee possibile est Principatum Transilvaniae iis ademptis , ulterius persistere , Tributúmque annuum persolvere posse . Qua de re tam Potentissimum Imperatorem quam Supremum Vezirium denuò requirere cogimur , vestram quocirca Excellentissimam Dominationem confidenter rogamus , eo quo convenientius putaverit modo continuò nostro Oratori opitulari , eáque quâ pollet Authoritate Causam promovere , ne gravetur rem non saltem Transilvaniae , verùm quoque Christianitati perutilem factura , nósque ad vincula amicitiae arctissimè devinctura , cui felicem vitam precamur , & manemus indubitati . Datum in Castris ad Pagum Koczard positis die 26 Septembris , An. Dom. 1662. Excellentissimae Dominationis vestrae Amicus Benevolus , Michael Apafi . In English thus . Most Excellent Lord , and most worthy Friend , THE Miseries of Transilvania , with which for many years , by the just Judgment of God , we have been afflicted , are manifest to all the Christian World ; Nor can we but confess , how between two most Potent Monarchs , our Principality is so daily straitned , that unless through the extraordinary mercy of God , we obtain some relief , we believe not our selves longer able to subsist . But to come nearer to our business . The Most Potent Emperour , by his own Ambassadours , and ours now lately returned , hath promised us his most Gracious Protection ; yet notwithstanding , the Pasha of Varadin not content with the Towns and Villages appropriated unto his Castle , hath entered into the very middle of Transilvania , and hath compelled , for fear of death , those Provinces entirely to yield themselves , which never before were belonging to his Fortresses , which being taken away , it is impossible for the Principality of Transilvania longer to subsist , and pay its annual Tribute ; Wherefore we are constrained again to beseech the most Potent Emperour , and the Supreme Vizier , as also we confidently desire your Excellencie , in that manner which your Excellencie judges most convenient , to be assistant to our Agent , and with your Authority to countenance our Cause , in which your Excellencie will not only perform a matter beneficial to Transilvania , but to all Christendom , and oblige us for ever with the Bonds of friendship ; and praying for all happiness of Life and Prosperity to your Excellencie , we remain your undoubted Friend . Given in our Camp at the Village Koczard the five and twentieth day of September , 1662. Your Excellencies Loving Friend , Michael Apafi . This Letter was received by his Majesties Ambassadour with that humanity as was agreeable to his noble Nature , and with that sense of the Christian Cause as became a religious Minister of the Faiths Defendor , and an Answer returned thereunto full of affectionate Piety and Compassion . But it was feared that the time was elapsed , and the Disease proceeded too far to admit a gentle Cure ; For it could not probably be expected , that the Vizier should , upon fair words , or perswasions , or by the force of passionate and Rhetorical expressions , be induced to let slip the fair opportunity of an intire and total subjection of Transilvania . And the truth is , herein lay the ground of the great Quarrel between these two Emperours ; for ever since the Defeat of Chimianus ( or as the Transilvanians call him Kemenius ) the Turk swallowing in his thoughts the intire subjection of that Country , designed to reduce it to the Government of a Pasha , rather than of a Christian Prince , though elected at the Ottoman Port ; and in order thereunto , advanced beyond the Limits of the ancient bounds , and pitched his Camp in the very Bowels of the Country . These proceedings giving matter of jealousie to all the Captains of the bordering Christians ; the Count Serini first hastned the finishing of his Fort , as much as was possible , and next , according to his example , the Imperialists in all parts of the Borders fortified their Towns and Castles , and reinforced their Garisons ; which was answered by the Turks in the like preparations . And thus mutual fears and jealousies effected that ill Correspondence , in which the State of Affairs then remained . And since Transilvania is the present Scene of Action , it will not be much from our purpose to digress a little in declaring the state of that miserable Principality , and by what ways and means the Turks encreased their Tribute , and encroached on their Liberties ; the which Relation I received from one of the Transilvanian Agents to this effect . In the time of Sultan Solyman , Transilvania was governed by her own Laws , and her natural Prince , paying then only thirty thousand Dollars of yearly Tribute . After which Ali Pasha taking Varadin on the Frontiers , had some part of the Country allotted him for maintenance of his Garison , and at that time solemnly swore , That beyond those Limits allotted to Varadin , the Turks should not farther enter into Transilvania , but that Oath being little regarded , they have since that time possessed themselves of six Provinces , ( viz. ) Bichar , Doboka , Halnock , Colos , in which is Claudiopolis , and of the best part of Zarand . Nor were the Turks satisfied herewith , but in the year 1658. the Vizier Kuperlee entered Transilvania , and by force of Armes took the strong Town of Janova , and demanded the Surrender of Lugas and Karansebes into his hands . Nor could the allegations of the Oath of Sultan Solyman , or of Ali Pasha , or any other perswasions or submission induce him to moderate any part of his severe demands , until first having miserably destroyed the whole Country , and satiated himself with bloud , he was contented , upon the sad and humble supplication of the Ambassadour from that Prince , to withdraw his Army out of Transilvania , on condition , that fifty thousand Dollars of yearly tribute should be added to the former thirty thousand , and that Lugas , and Karansebes should be wholly abandoned by the native Inhabitants , and delivered into possession of the Turk : And as a mark of his absolute Dominion over that Country , he forced one Achacius Barcley , employed before as Ambassadour to him , to take on him the Government , threatning that if he accepted not of the Charge , he would invest a Carter in the Principality : Notwithstanding all this Treatment ; and though the Transilvanians comply'd with all the propositions offered them by the Turk , yet not long after the Tartar Han passed twice through the Country , miserably harrassing , spoiling , and killing , or making Captives all he met , whose departure also from this Country was purchased with a considerable sum of money . And this was the state of the misery of Transilvania , when the troubles raised by Ragotzki and Kemenius added to the other discontents , and administred farther occasion to the ensuing War. But whilst the thoughts of the Ottoman Court were intent on their preparations for the next years War in Hungary , advice came that the Turkish Fleet , consisting of seventeen ships , and thirty seven Saiques , lately departed from Constantinople bound for Alexandria in AEgypt , and convoyed by six Gallies , which met them at Scio , very rich with mony , and other goods , ( whose returns are yearly for the most part made in Sugar , Coffee , Rice , and other Commodities ) were encountred near Rhodes by the Venetian Armata , and such ruine and prize made of them , that of the threescore Sail , twenty eight Saiques , and four Ships were sunk and taken : ( viz. ) eighteen Saiques taken , and ten burnt , three Ships taken , and one burnt , and thereon two hundred and seventy Slaves , amongst which there were of note , Arnout Asan Aga , Eunuch of the Seraglio , Mahomet Aga , Bascut Agasey of Grand Cairo , and Emin Reis , Captain of a Ship. When this news arrived I happened to be at the Viziers Court , and perceived a strange disturbance and alteration in the faces of all then present ; but more particularly the Grand Signior seemed to be heated with fury , and present resolution of revenge ; so that he had almost forgotten his designs against the Emperour , and quitting his pastime in Hunting , he began to talk of transporting his Armes into Dalmatia , and thereupon sent Orders to one Beco a Begh of the Morea to cause a survey of the High-ways , Passages , and Bridges towards Dalmatia , as if he had intended immediately to march , and either to deferr his Hungarian War , or wage both at the same time . But his graver , and more sober Council moderated his heat with reason , knowing that the designs of Princes , though never so absolute , must be subject to times and seasons , until their Powers can extend to Omnipotency , which never yet could exceed the abilities of a mortal man , though some have affected Divine Honours , and by Flatterers have been ranked after death in the number of the Gods. The venetians lost seventy men only , or thereabouts , and amongst them Giaconto Semitecolo , a noble Venetian , with other Braves and Souldiers of Fortune . The Turks horribly touched with this loss and disgrace , especially the Grand Signior , who had an interest in the Caravana , had a mind to vent some of their fury on Signior Ballarino , the Venetian Minister to the Port , like those ( as we say ) who cannot beat the Horse will beat the Saddle ; so that they intended to imprison him again in some dark Cell , or obscure retirement , of which , or of some other rigour Signior Ballarino was so sensible , that he wrote this ensuing Letter to the Senator Nicolo Contarini , which may serve to explain the anguith and sorrowful apprehensions of his Soul. IF my mind were capable of Comfort , I could not in the midst of so much anguish entertain a more efficacious motive thereunto , than those obliging expressions which your Excellencie uses towards me , who like a Terrestrial Deity is pleased to protect me . But alas , I am too much overwhelmed with grief to discover any subject which may cause me to dry my tears . I find no shelter against that storm which I foresaw . Nor is it sufficient for me to discover the Tempest before it arrives : It is not sufficient in this darkness to lose my sleep , disturb my quiet , tire my Body , debilitate my health by a stender Diet , whilst tossed in the Bosome of an inexorable Element , I am denied the enjoyment of a ray of Light. I hold the Helm of the Ship as direct as I can , but the adverse waves of my Fortune drive me into the midst of those storms where I apprehend the greatest dangers : I am here in the midst of a Sea , which is the Nest of Extravagancies , the grand belief of unthought of Accidents , the spacious Theatre of Tragedies , a fierce Giant , a horrible Monster , who with gentle Opiates endeavours to lull asleep , and lead those to destruction who have too great a confidence in their own strength . I reproach my self for not having been able to make it sufficiently understood , how one stroke of adverse Fortune is capable to put all into danger , who are imbarked in the same Vessel ; And as little able am I to inculcate into the minds of men , that whilst the Waves of the vast Sea are smooth and calm , the nearer is the raging of the Waters , and the fury of a Tempest . It was therefore necessary that there should have been some more skilful Pilot than my self to conduct this Vessel . I was long since acquainted with my imperfections , and therefore called aloud for the assistance of an abler Pilot , to direct me in this tempestuous Region ; but since I was not heard , I gloried at least to be alone in this Gulf , that being swallowed up by a final ruine , my Martyrdom may be a means to save the rest . Rains and Lightnings do not affright me , but rather serve to quench that fire of disdain which I conceive against my self , for not knowing how to perform better , and serve to enlighten me daily to find out that Compass or Cart which may direct me to a course or path of security . I fear Thunders and Tempests , because the violence of one , and the hardness of the other is able to render a cold sweat mixed with bloud altogether unprofitable . This miserable School , though of eleven years continuance , constrains me to study the disposition of the Stars , the Signs in the Air , the ebbings and flowings of the waters , concealed Rocks , the dangers of along Voyage , and the necessity of recovering a Port. I have studied indeed , but I fear I have not well learned this profound Discipline , for where there is the greatest urgency , there I have gathered the least fruit ; for since the aspect of the Spheres are become more inauspicious , I am doubtful that I shall see the Ship beaten with swelling Surges , and being full of Water , it will be so far from being eased by those opportune remedies which I bring , that it will rather be encreased by my tears . God grant by his miraculous Providence , the Tranquillity which we desire , and which by humane means will be difficult to obtain . I had not the understanding to take Opportunity by the Foretop when She presented herself unto me with gentle and benign appearance , showing me the means to save this floating Vessel , and spare our insidious rewards . For this reason my dejected , but not conquered , mind makes my very Bowels feel an unusual anguish of an over-troubled estate . May it please the Divine pity , that these my affictions may prove the Offspring of my own vileness , but not the means of my ruine . I trust therein , I confess , and yet frail hope , amidst this Gulf of Sin , induces me to expect doubtful successes ; Yet certainly I will endeavour to avoid a shipwrack on those Rocks of Despair : , And so imploring the Patronage of your Excellencie here on Earth , I confirm my self . From Pera of Constantinople the 19 of December , 1662. This Letter seems to be wrote in the style of a despairing person , yet if it be well considered , the meaning is no other than what the Issue of Affairs some years afterwards did evidence ; and his intentions were no other than to describe the ill nature of the Turkish Ministers , and their obstinacy of continuing a War , until they had wearied out the Venetians into an humour of surrendring the whole Island of Candia unto them . I had the honour to be well acquainted with the Person of Signior Ballarino , and I always esteemed him in his external Behaviour accomplished with the excesses of Italian Civility ; he was endued with great fluency of Language , both in Discourse and Writing ; he was jealous , acute , and wary ; and in short , was a proper Minister for that Republick , well practised and versed in the manner of Treaty with the Turkish Court. He at first was sent from Venice to Constantinople in quality of Secretary to the Excellentissimo Capello , Procurator of St. Mark , a Person eminent for his Office , and the several great employments which he had exercised in that State ; he was sincere , and of a generous Soul , his comely looks , and grave habit spoke him to be a Gentleman and a Senator . In short , he was so well esteemed of at Venice , that he was thought worthy to be imployed in this Embassy to the Grand Signior , which is commonly granted to persons after they have run through all services of the Commonwealth , as a Consummation of their Honours and Richesse . This Gentleman then had the misfortune to be invested in this honour in the worst of Times , when the War was broke forth , and being thereby exposed to their cruelty , he was put into Prison , where passing for some time a Life of sorrow and sadness , he fell into a melancholy , which represented all things to him in the blackest manner ; so that , I know not why , his fancy suggested to him , that he was not only miserable in his Imprisonment and Restraint amongst the Turks , but that he was fallen also into disgrace , and displeasure of his Prince at home . I will not say that Signior Ballarino did nourish the operation of this black humour in him ; but I have heard that he did not administer that comfort to him , as might serve to dispel the thickness of that Vapour which obscured the generous temper of his Soul. In short , he gave such way to this melancholy , that he laid violent hands upon himself ; ( as we have said before ) but afterwards by the Care of his Friends and Servants , being cured of his wounds , he lived some years after , by his sorrows , and repentance for it , to give satisfaction to God and the World. Howsoever , the Senate being informed thereof , and judging this Act to be the effect of a violent Phrensie , appointed Ballarino to take on himself the intire management of Affairs , reserving only the Title and Honour to Signior Capello . Ballarino now managing all Affairs , Capello looked on himself as neglected and laid aside , howsoever comported his condition with submission and gentleness , never openly resenting the Honours of Ballarino , or to see him preferred before himself ; Howsoever , secretly nourishing an inward discontent , his robustious Nature , upwards of eighty years of Age , was forced to give way to its final dissolution ; and falling sick he sent to the Earl of Winchelsea , then Ambassadour for his Majesty at Constantinople , to acquaint him of his Distemper , desiring him to send me , who was then his Secretary , unto him . At these Summons I was easily perswaded to go , having always had his Person in great Reverence ; and being come to his Bed-side , he raised himself upon his Pillows , and embracing me in his Arms , I fancied my self to receive the Benediction of one of the Ancient Patriarchs . He began with a weak voice to say to me , Sir , I am near my end , expecting every minute to render up my last Breath , and therefore as a dying man , I desire of your Master , the Ambassadour , that so soon as I am dead , he would be pleased to deliver this poor Carcass of mine from under the Covering of this accursed Roof . For Answer whereunto I did not stand to expostulate the reasons with him , well knowing the cause of his discontent ; but that I would communicate his desires to my Lord Ambassadour , and speedily return with my Answer to him . Accordingly I departed from him , and quickly brought from my Lord a promise to endeavour hisutmost to comply with his request ; at which he seemed to be much satisfied , and commanded his Servants then present , especially one called Sig. Tomaso Gobbato , his great Confident , to be Witnesses thereof . The next day he expired his last Breath , and the day following his Body being embalmed , his Bowels were buried , and the Funeral Rites performed with such order and decency as was seemly in a Country where he lived rather like a Prisoner than an Ambassadour . All things being thus prepared , the Earl of Winchelsea , according to the Will of the Deceased , sent for his Body , already embalmed , which was immediately without opposition or scruple sent to his house ; where it remained for some months , in expectation of a conveyance for Venice . At length a Dutch ship , being bound from Constantinople thither , it was designed that the Body should be thereon imbarked ; but I know not for what reason , the Customer refused to suffer it to pass ; though it may well and rationally be conjectured , That Ballarino , who was sensibly touched to have the care of the Body of his Master , his Countryman , and Colleague taken from him , did with Presents prevail with the Customer to put difficulties in the way , which he supposed might vex those who were thought worthy of this employment . This opposition being made , and not to be overcome without much money , it was contrived that the ship departing should attend the Corps at Tenedos , which was without the Command of the Castles ; and the Body being divided from the Legs , was packed up in a Butt of Cavear , and so sent down by a Boat with Licence of the Customer , as a parcel of Goods and Merchandice ; and so safely arriving aboard , the Corps were separated from their adjuncts ; and being laid decently in a Costin , covered with a Pall of Black Velvet , with Scutcheons , and other ornaments appertaining to the Funerals of such great Personages ; it arrived safely at Venice , where it was interred with the usual Ceremonics , in the Tomb of the Ancestors of that Ancient Family . But the heads and thoughts of these Governours were not so employed in their preparations of War , but that the Vizier could lend an Ear to the suggestions of some malicious Pharisees , who , under pretence of Religion , informed him , That the Christian Churches , burnt down in Constantinople and Galata by those dreadful Fires in the year 1660 , were again re-edified against his Command , and the Law of the Turks , which allows the reparation of Churches , and continuance of such which were found standing when Mahometanism was introduced ; but not to erect new , or rebuild what are either by time , fire , or other accidents fallen to ruine . And being farther informed , that though those Churches were restored under the notion of Dwellings , or Ware-houses , yet secretly served for Celebration of Divine Service , and thereby his Deerees and Edicts were frustrated and disappointed : Wherefore , furiously transported with a Mahometan Zeal , commanded immediately that the Authours of those Buildings should be imprisoned , the Churches themselves levelled to the Foundation , and the ground whereon they stood consiscated to the Grand Signior . This action , though naturally agreeable to the disposition of the Vizier , who was a perfect Turk , zealous in execution of all points of the Mahometan Law , being educated after the severest sort of Professours , and one of those whom they called Softaes ; yet he was chiefly prompted unto this , and to a greater abhorrency of Christianity , by one Vanni Esfendi , a Shegh , or Preacher , one who was as inveterate and malicious to the Christian Religion , as any Enthusiast or Fanatick is to the Rites of our Church and Religion . And thus we may see how troublesome Hypocrisie and Puritanism are in all places where they gain a Superiority ; For this Preacher not contented only to ruine the Christian Churches , but perswaded the Vizier that the terrible Fires in Constantinople and Galata in the year 1660 , and the last years unparalleled Pestilence , and the inconsiderable advance of the Turks on the Christians for some years , were so many parts of Divine Judgments thrown on the Mussulmen , or Believers , in vengeance of their too much Licence given to the Christian Religion , permitting Wine to be sold within the Walls of Constantinople , which polluted the Imperial City , and ensnared the faithful by temptation to what was unlawful : Wherefore a Command was issued , That no Wine should be henceforth sold within the Walls of the City . And it was farther intended that Greeks and Armenians , and all other Christians , who had Dwellings or Possessions within the Walls of the City , should within forty days sell those habitations , and depart ; which otherwise should be confiscated to the Grand Signior ; but God who supports the Faithful in Tryals of Persecution , moderated this Decree , and reserved still his Church in the midst of Insidels ; not suffering this City to lose the Name nor Religion of that Holy Emperor , who both erected , and christned it ; as also to preserve most of the Churches , which though again uncovered , yet were redcemed for money from the possession of the Turks . Nor was the Mahometan Zeal satisfied in Demolishment of the Churches themselves , unless it vented part of its fury against the poor Workmen , which for their hire and days Wages erected them ; such as Greek Labourers , Masons , and Carpenters , who were all beaten and imprisoned . But it happening at that time that the Queen Mother building a sumptuous Mosch , and having occasion of many Labourers and Artists to forward so vast a Work , sent to the Maimarbashee ( who is the Master work-man , or Cape , over all such who are employed in Building ) to supply such a number of Carpenters , Masons , and others , as were convenient to carry on that Fabrick with expedition ; who readily replyed , That he would provide all that was possible , but could not promise a sufficient number , unless those Greeks were set at liberty , who were imprisoned by the Grand Vizier for building the Christian Churches ; which answer being reported again to the Queen Mother , she interceeded with the Vizier in their behalf , who being glad of any occasion to gratifie so great a Lady , immediately released them , without any fine or reward , which he designed to obtain for their liberty . Howsoever the Vizier not well brooking such an indignity ( as he supposed ) put upon him by so mean a Slave , as the Maimarbashee , dealt with some of the imprisoned Labourers to accuse him , as the Authour and Licenser of building the Christian Churches . The Greeks easily enough perswaded to please so great a Personage , accused him accordingly , whose Evidence , though not passable against a Turk by the Mahometan Law , yet served the Viziers revenge for the present , who immediately commanded his head to be struck off , and his Estate confiscated ; which was reported to consist of two thousand purses of mony , every purse importing five hundred Dollars , then found actually in his house , which , if true , is a strange Wealth for so ordinary a person . But by this , and by many other instances , we may perceive that there is no people in the World more covetous , and desirous to amass Wealth than the Turks , nor none more uncertain to enjoy it . About this time the French Merchants in the Levant , having advised his most Christian Majesty that the Turks were sensible that the affront to the person of Monsteur la Haye , his Ambassadour , was contrary to the Law of Nations , and such an injury as could not but provoke the Choler of so puissant a Prince to a just revenge ; and knowing that his Majesty being powerful at Sea , was able to extend his Armes to the utmost Confines of his Empire , whilst the interposition of other Countries limited the Turks March by Land , and their ignorance and inability in marine Affairs rendred them uncapable to arrive those Banks of France , which the Sea washes : These Considerations the French Merchants having perswaded the King to be the thoughts of the Grand Signior , and that he desired the continuance of the Peace and Traffick with France , and as an evidence of his remorse and displeasure for the injury to Monsieur la Haye , the Father , his Majesty was contented in satisfaction thereof to redress this injurious transgression of the Law of Nations , by some extraordinary marks of favour and honour to the Person of Monsieur la Haye the Son ; that so exceeding the usual method and rule of Ceremony towards this Ambassadour at his arrival , the World might be convinced of the real affection , and hearty desire the Grand Signior had to renew his Peace , and preserve his Commerce with France . This is supposed to be what the Merchants of Marseille and Lyons governed by the Interest of their Trade , suggested to their King to induce him to send an Ambassadour to Constantinople ; For at this time Monsieur Roboli , a Merchant , remained only as Consul or Agent for the Affairs of Commerce . Things thus represented at the French Court , the King dispatched away two Gentlemen to Constantinople with Letters to the Grand Signior and Vizier , and one to the Sieur Roboli , the Agent , declaring that if the Turk would make amends for the last Affront done to the Ambassadour , by some signal notes of Honour in the abused Person of Monsieur la Haye , the Son , he would then condescend to confirm the Ancient League and Amity . The Letters translated out of the French Tongue , were as followeth . To Our Dear , and Well Beloved le Sieur Roboli , Agent for Our Affairs at Constantinople . By the King. Dear , and Well Beloved , THE Inclination We have to continue that Amity with the Emperour of the Turks , which hath remained so long between Us , and Our Empires , and maintain the ancient Alliances , hath caused Us to write to Him , and his Great Vizier , to know the Entertainment and Reception that they will give to the Sieur de la Haye , the Son , in satisfaction of the violence exercised before on his own Person , and the Person of the Sieur de la Haye , the Father , our Ambassadour , against the Law of Nations . We write to You this Letter , to give you Order to conduct and present before the Vizier , the Secretaries du Pressoir , and Fontain , which We have sent to carry him our Dispatches , and return with the Answers , which you shall solicite without loss of time , the which you shall bring your self , in case they be not agreeable to that resolution we have taken not to receive any satisfaction , but in the Person of the said Sieur de la Haye , the Son , which is due to Us , for that Insolency and Affront which hath been done them . Willing also notwithstanding , that before you depart , you assemble the French Merchants in Constantinople together , that they may chuse amongst themselves one for their Chief ; but if the Answers be such as We have cause to expect , We approve that you remain in the Station where you are , in Quality of Our Agent , until the Arrival of the said Monsieur de la Haye , and that you send them by the said Secretaries du Pressoir , and Fontain , of which you shall not fail , for so is Our Pleasure . Given at Paris the twentieth of January , 1662. Signed , LOUIS . De Lomenie . The King of France his Letter to the Great Vizier . To the Most Illustrious and Magnificent Lord , the Chief Vizier of the Sublime Port of the Grand Signior . Most Illustrious and Magnificent Lord , ALthough the Indignity offered to the Person of the Sieur de la Haye Venteley , Our Ambassadour , and to his Son , which We have designed to the same Charge , have touched Us as far as becomes a victorious Prince , who holds the first rank over Christian Kings , and who hath under his Power one of the most warlike Nations of the World ; Notwithstanding after being informed , that the disgrace which the said Gentlemen have incurred hath proceeded rather from malice , and the ill Offices of some Persons , who have endeavoured to disturb , by this ill Treatment of them , the good Correspondence which hath been between Us , than from any design on the Grand Signiors Part to offend Us ; and that on the contrary , there continues in His will an intention to maintain the Ancient Friendship which remains between our Estates and People after so many Ages . We being not desirous to estrange Our selves , shall send an Embassadour in ordinary to his High Port , and having cast our Eyes upon the said Sieur de la Haye , the Son , We are much inclined to dispatch him for this employment ; but as We desire to be assured of the good reception that shall be made him , We give You advice of Our intentions by this Letter ; that according to the desire You have testified of the continuance of Our friendship , and Our Ancient Alliances with His Highness , shall pray God to have You , Most Illustrious and Magnificent Lord , in His holy and worthy protection . Written at Paris the twelfth day of January , 1662. LOUIS . De Lomenie . The King of France his Letter to the Grand Signior . To the most High , most Excellent , most Puissant , most Magnanimous , and Invincible Prince , the Great Emperour of the Mussulmans , Sultan Mahomet , in whom all Honour and Vertue abound . Our most dear and perfect Friend . MOST High , most Excellent , most Puissant , most Magnanimous , and Invincible Prince , the Grand Signior , Emperour of the Mussulmans , Sultan Mahomet , in whom all Honour and Vertue abound . Our most dear and perfect Friend . May God encrease Your Greatness and Majesty with a happy end . We have not known how to impute the ill usage , which hath been offered to the Person of the Sieur de la Haye , our Ambassadour , and to his Son , designed by Us to the same employment , to any causes and motions in Your Highness , but rather to the Instigation of some People , which would trouble that good Correspondence , which hath been so long established between Us , and our Empires . And as we have cause to believe that Your Highness desires much to continue this friendship and good understanding , upon what hath been wrote Us on Your Part ; and to concurr with You herein , we desire much likewise to continue to maintain an Embassadour at Your High Port , in place of the said Sieur de la Haye . And since We have none of Our People that is more intelligent than the Sieur de la Haye , the Son , in what concerns the Affairs and Functions of this Embassy ; We have elected him for this employment , to which We shall willingly dispatch him , if We may be assured of the good usage and kind reception which shall be given him . This is that which We expect from Your Highness , reserving a more particular information to be sent by the Sieur de la Haye , the Son , of the good Correspondence which We desire always to have and maintain with You. And hereupon We pray God , That You may be most High , &c. as above , in his Holy and Worthy Protection . Written at Paris the twelfth day of January , 1662. Your true and perfect Friend , LOVIS . De Lomenie . The Viziers Answer to the foregoing Letters . To the most Glorious amongst the Sublime Christian Princes , chosen amongst the Great and Sublime of the Religion of the Messiah , Mediator of the Affairs of all the Nazarene Nation , Lord of Majesty and Reputation , Master of Greatness and Power , Louis Emperour of France , the end of whose days be happy . The Salutations which respect Friendship , and are desired from Love and Affection , being premised . Your Majesty shall know that the Letter which was sent to Your Friend , by the Honourable du Pressoir and Fountain hath been delivered me by the Sieur Roboli , Agent and Attorney of the Embassy , at the High and Imperial Port ; the Contents whereof We have apprehended to be as Your Majesty gives to understand , touching the intire Amity and good 〈◊〉 . Certainly Your Majesty knows , that the Augmentation , and daily Encrease of that Amity , proceeds from the protection and honourable Observance of Conditions and Capitulations between both Parties . By the Grace of the most High God , the Sublime and Imperial Port of the most Happy , most Puissant , most Valourous , most Magnificent , and most Strong Emperour , Support of the Mussulmans , My Lord , whose Armes God prosper with double Force , is always open for our Friends , and others without any Obstacle , as all the World knows , and particularly for Your Majesty , Who is our Friend , and hath been long in Amity with the most Serene Ottoman Family , whom God establish until the day of the Ballance . It being a most certain Truth that there hath happened neither on one side or other any Action contrary to the promised Faith. And now , since Your Majesty desires for a new Ornament of the Ancient and Good Correspondence , and to the end that the Agreement and Conditions thereof be honoured as they ought , that the considerable Person amongst the Nobles of the Court of Your Majesty , the Sieur Denys de la Haye , Son of the late Ambassadour , a Subject of Reputation , Your Gentleman of Credit , whose Days may they conclude in happiness , be sent to reside at this Happy and Imperial Port , for Your Majesty , according to the ancient custom ; To the end that the Intention of Your Majesty may be performed , We have exposed it at the High Throne of the thrice Happy , most Mysterious , and most Great Emperour , My Lord , Who with an Imperial regard of courteous Demonstration , hath accepted the said Demand with willingness , and therefore in signification of his Pleasure , We write You this Our present and friendly Letter ; and if it please God , according to the ancient Custom , when the said Embassadour shall arrive at this High Port with the Letters of Friendship from Your Majesty , he shall be honoured on the Imperial part , and entertained according to the ordinary custom , the Imperial Capitulations shall be renewed , the Ornament of Affection on one side and the other shall be confirmed ; and for an essicacious Consirmation of a good Peace between both Entperours , an Imperial Letter shall be sent to Your Majesty , whose health be happy and prosperous . From the Imperial City of Constantinople . The Poor Ahmet Pasha . In Answer to the Kings Letter the Grand Signior made no reply , but only by his Vizier , by reason that in all the Ancient Turkish Registers and Archives , there was no example found , that the Grand Signior ever wrote to any King , who had not an Ambassadour actually resident at his Port. But this Negotiation about a French Ambassadour took not effect , until some time after , in which other Letters and Messages intervened , as will appear by the following Sequel of this History . It was now towards the beginning of Winter , when the Season of the Year compelled the Turkish Fleet of Gallies to return according to custom , to the Port of Constantinople . The whole Summer before , they had for the most part passed in some Harbour or Creek amongst the Greek Islands , having afforded nothing of Convoy or succour towards the safe Conduct of the Fleet of Grand Cairo , but suffered them to fall into the hands of the Enemy , as before mentioned , and indeed for several years the Marine Affairs of the Turks have always gone decaying in Fame and Force ; and the preparations of the Armata every Spring , have been of Form and Course , rather than with hopes of success correspondent to the expence . In their return home , near Constantinople they encountred a sierce storm , so that three Gallies were cast away at Ponte Piccolo , ( by the Turks called Cuchuccheckmage , about four Leagues distant from Constantinople . ) Howsoever the Weather clearing , the remainder of the Fleet got into Port , entring with joy , with vollies of great and small Shot , with Streamers flying , Pipes sounding , and all other sorts of their Country Musick , bringing with great Ostentation a small Flyboat , which had been a Ligornese Man of War , taken by them as she was cruising singly in the Arches of Pelago ; which was brought in with so much Ceremony used in toaing her into Port , decking her with Streamers and Pendants , with such signs of Victory and Triumph , as if they had led Captive the whole Venetian Armata . But I must not omit the relation of what befel one of the Beghs Gallies , designed , with the rest , to rendezvous at Constantinople , whilst she loitered amongst small Isles in the Gulf of Nicomedia . It was a Gally , the Commander of which had newly received as the Portion of his Wife , being a Young man lately married , who entertained great thoughts of raising his Fortunes by the spoils and prize he was to make . At these Isles several of the Officers , and * Levents went on shore ; where whilst they entertained themselves with Wine and merriment ; the Slaves made an insurrection in the Gally , seized the Captain , cut off his Head , and threw his Body into the Sea ; and so becoming Masters of the Vessel , weighed Anchor , and set sail . Those on the shore admiring at the unexpected departure of the Gally , accompanied her with their eyes and wonder as far as they could perceive her in sight , but observing her to steer a different course from the Port , to which they were designed , suspected much of the truth of what had succeeded ; wherefore taking their Boat immediately , they hastned to Constantinople to give advice of what had passed , that ( if possible ) Orders might timely arrive the Castles on the Hellespont , which might obstruct their farther passage . But alas ! the poor Slaves were so dismayed with their own action , and so transported with a slavish fear and apprehension of what might succeed should their escape not be effected ; that they knew not what course to steer : all things seemed to contradict their liberty , the Wind proved contrary , their Spirits dejected their understandings void of counsel and contrivance ; so that wandring three or four days in the Propontis , at last ran their Gally ashoar on the Asian side , near Palormo ; from whence they were brought back to Constantinople , and there , by sentence of the Captain Pasha , fourteen of them had their Legs and Arms broken , and so suffered to dye in that torture , and afterwards their Bodies were thrown into the Sea , to the terrour of all other Slaves , who prefer a miserable Life at the Oar , before the torments of some hours in dying . Though the Turks have their Affairs but ill managed at Sea , and their success accordingly fortunate ; yet their preparations for Land services are more expedite , and executed with that secrecy and speed , that oftentimes Armies are brought into the Field , before it is so much as rumoured by common mouths that any designs are in agitation : For though it was now Winter , yet the design against Germany went forward , Forces were daily sent to the Frontiers , Cannon , and Ammunition for War , transported by way of the Black Sea , and the Danube . Orders issued out to the Princes of Moldavia , and Valachia to repair their Wharfs and Keys along the River , for the more convenient landing of Men and Ammunition , and to rebuild their Bridges for the more commodious passage of the Tartars ; That Horses should be provided against the next Spring , for drawing all Carriages of Ammunition , and Provisions ; their Magazines stored with quantities of Bread , and Rice , their Fields well stocked with Sheep , and other Cattel , and that no necessaries be wanting which concern the victualling , or sustenance of a Camp. The Tartars were appointed to have in a readiness a hundred thousand Horsemen , to make Incursions on the Frontiers ; Likewise the Pashaws of Darbiquier , Aleppo , Caramania , and Anatolia received their orders ; and seven and twenty Letters , accompanied with as many Vests , after the Turkish manner , were sent to as many Pashaws of the Empire , to dispose the strength of their Countries in a Warlike posture , so as to march when the Grand Signiors Commands should require them to attend his designs : And that the occasion of the War might appear the more justifiable , it was resolved , That no Acts of Hostility , or other Breaches of Peace should be pretended , than the Fort built by the Count Serini , being a matter really against the Articles of the last Peace ; the Demolishment whereof , the Ottoman Force intended to make the principal end of their first Enterprize , in which if they encountred any opposition from the Emperor , the Cause of their War would be then the more plausible ; for as yet the Emperour had not fully declared his approbation of that Work , raised by Serini , as agreeable to his Assent , or Pleasure . On the other side with no less caution and labour did the Christians endeavour to secure their Frontiers , by raising their Militia , and reinforcing their Garisons , and especially to perfect the new Fort near Canista , which , as it was thought so considerable , as to countervail the inconveniences and miseries of a War , so the Turk thought it neither honourable , nor secure , until he had seen it razed , and levelled with the ground . All things thus growing black and stormy round about , that nothing seemed less probable , and it may be said , less possible , than an accommotion ; Behold , on a sudden , an Accident fell out at Rome , from whence this War with the Turks received its life and heat , which becalmed much of the fury and storm on the Christian Consines , and inclined matters in Germany towards propositions of Peace , fearing that Italy , who had begotten this War , was not able ( as things stood ) to contribute towards its maintenance and support . The occasion was this . It happened that in the streets of Rome the French Ambassadours Coach was assaulted by the Corsi Natives of the Ifle of Corsica , which are of the Popes Guard , the Page killed at the Boot of the Coach , and the Ambassadours Lady wounded ; whether this barbarous act was designed against the Person of the Ambassadour by any Persons of Eminency , or malice of the People , is little to the purpose I have now in hand ; only the King took this Affront so heinously , that for the present no acknowledgments or satisfaction the Pope could make , could allay his just resentment , or any thing be imagined possible to expiate this indignity , besides a War. The News of this Division between the Son , and the spiritual Father , filled all the Ministers of Constantinople with much Joy , and with subject of Laughter , and expectation of the Event , judging now that their daily Prayers for the Discord of the Christian Princes amongst themselves , were heard and granted , since they had so far availed , as to disunite the very Oeconomy of Christendome . And now they imagined that this difference would have a forcible influence on their Affairs in Hungary , and either incline the Emperour speedily to a Peace , or otherwise to undertake a War on disadvantageous terms . Things had an issue accordingly , for in a few Weeks after , advice came by Post from Ali Pasha , then at Tentiswar , that his Salam-Chaous , called Chusaein , who had long since been sent to Vienna , with more distinct Demands of what the Turks proposed , and being supposed , through his long stay , to be detained a Prisoner , was again returned , and with him had brought the Baron of Goez , as Internuncio , sent to Ali Pasha , to receive a more particular Information of the Turks propositions , for that the Emperour pretended , he was not as yet throughly satisfied therein . And thus matters , beyond all expectation , began to incline to an agreement , in regard that Rome being now in danger herself , not by the Turks , but by the Christians , held herself uncapable to administer that Fuel to the Fire of War which She had promised ; so that the League treated there beginning to fail , the Emperour grew faint , and the Princes cold , in their Preparations , wishing some Course could be effected , which might bring matters to an accommodation . Such were the Discourses and imaginations of the Turks ; In which condition we leave the state of Affairs until the beginning of the next year ; and in the mean time it may not be from our purpose , nor tedious to the Reader , to record what befel this year most remarkable to the English Nation , and their Trade in Turky , which also may be beneficial , by instruction of past examples , to such who shall for the future be concerned in the Traffick and business of the Levant . What Remarkable Accidents befel the ENGLISH NATION , and their Trade this Year in TURKY . THE Messengers from Algier , as before related , having promised better Obedience for the future to the Commands of the Grand Signior , obtained a new Pasha for their City , and Country thereunto belonging ; who before his departure , was enjoined by the Grand Signior to dispose Affairs with the Earl of Winchelsea , his Majesties Ambassadour at Constantinople , as might demonstrate his dispositions towards a Peace , and his desire that the Algerines should do the like , and accept of that Clause in the Articles , prohibiting the search of English Ships , either for their own or Strangers Goods . The place appointed for the meeting between the Embassadour and the Pasha , was a certain Chiosk , or Garden house , belonging to an Eunuch , the Aga of a Seraglio at Pera ; where both parties being met , the Pasha declared that the Grand Signiors desires were , That a Peace should be concluded on the Ancient Capitulations , and that by him these Orders were to be carried unto Algier , from whence he was advised , that the Algerines were ready to accept those Articles , if one of his Majesties Ships singly appeared about the Treaty ; so that , the World might not esteem their condescension to proceed from Force and Compulsion . Hereof Advices being sent into England , a Peace ensued in some Months after , but what faith these Insidels kept will be related in the Sequel of this Story ; the memory of which is engraven with the Point of a Diamond , and the Losses which ensued thereupon to the Exchange at London , deserve a particular Treatise , which in the mean time many Families retain in a sad remembrance . In May Advice was brought to the Lord Ambassadour , how that the Anne , a Frigate of his Majesties Royal Navy , commanded by Captain Jonas Poole , which had convoyed the general Ships to Smyrna , in her passage homewards stopped at the Morca , and came to an Anchor near a place in that Country , called the Black Mountain , commodious to Wood and Waterin ; to which end were landed threescore men , armed with Swords and Firelocks ; these made havock of the Woods on all sides , loading their Boats away as fast as they could , and not only so , but set great Trees on Fire , which in that dry Season of the Year dispersed it self far and wide ; which being seen at a distance in the Night , alarmed the people of the Country , so that the Begh , or Governour came down with some Force to discover the matter , supposing that some Malteses , or Venetians might be landed . At the approach of this Body of Turks , our Men quitted the Woods , and shifted away as fast as they could to their Boats , of which thirty eight escaped , the rest falling short were intercepted by the Turks , and eleven of them were killed , and eleven taken Captives ; and of the Turks , two Aga's , and two or three others had the fortune to fall by some Musket-shot from our men , whilst in this confusion , they endeavoured to defend themselves . On the news hereof , our Lord Ambassadour represented the whole matter to the Vizier declaring , That it was lawful according to our Capitulations to take refreshments , and supply our wants in any part of the Grand Signiors Dominions ; and that therefore he demanded Justice on the Begh of the Morea , and restitution of the Captives . But the Vizier understanding that some Turks were killed in the skirmish , lent not so ready an ear to these Complaints ; howsoever , to be acquitted of the Ambassadours solicitations , referred the business to the Examination and Justice of the Captain Pasha : but it falling out that at that time the Consul and Merchants at Smyrna had an unhappy difference with the Captain Pasha , ( which shall in the next place be related ) was the Cause that all Applications to his Favour and Justice were suspended , and a slow progress made towards obtaining the liberty of those poor unfortunate men . Howsoever , some months after it happened that the Begh of the Morea being removed from that Government , and coming to Constantinople with his whole Estate , brought with him the eleven Englishmen , which he had taken , and offered them to sale unto the Ambassadour , who considering that they were Englishmen , and such as had been enslaved in actual service of their King , he esteemed himself obliged both in Charity and Honour to redeem them . But the Case appeared too foul to demand their Liberty by strength of the Capitulations ; for besides that , the cutting Wood in places inhabited without permission , is a Robbery and a Crime in its self , not to be maintained by the Law of Nations , the killing of a principal Aga , and wounding others , might sufficiently warrant the Turks , without any Breach of Peace , to detain these men as lawful Captives : Wherefore the Lord Ambassadour deeming it unseemly , that those who had served in his Majestics Navy should be condemned to the Turkish Gallies , disbursed fourteen hundred Lion Dollars , which was demanded for them , which was afterwards repay'd him by his Majesty ; and having cloathed , and provided them with necessaries for their Voyage , conveyed them with the first occasions into England . The difference between the English Nation , and the Captain Pasha which impeded the Liberty , for some time , of these Captives , had its Original at Smyrna , where some English Merchants making Collation one Evening in a Garden , were assaulted and beaten by certain drunken * Levents , belonging to a Gally then in Port , in whose Company was a Portuguez Slave . The News hereof flying to the Frank Street put all the Neighbourhood into an uproar , so that divers people with such weapons as came next to hand , in a sury went in pursuit of the Levents , and unhappily meeting one , drew him into the English Consuls house , where they treated him with such blows as abated much of the heat and fumes of his Wine ; during which disturbance and confusion , the Portuguez slave found an opportunity to make his escape . The Consul knowing it some advantage in Turkie to complain first , sent to the Kadi , giving him to understand the ill usage of four of his Merchants ( whose names he gave in writing ) by the unruly Levents , whilst they innocently , and without injury to any , divertised themselves in a Garden ; to which , for the present , little more was given in answer , than that on a farther examination of the business , the Consul should receive Justice . In the mean time the Turk , who had been beaten in the Consuls house , resolved not to leave the Gate till he had received satisfaction for his blows ; and the others that were his Comrades demanded their Slave from the English , which was lost , by whose means and assistance ( as they pretend ) he had made his Escape . The matter came now to high Demands on both sides , which the Kadi , either not being desirous , or not of sufficient Authority to compound , the Gally departed without any agreement , and the complaint was carried by the Turks to the Captain Pasha , who then being with his Fleet at Mytilene , with little other thoughts or business , was glad of this occasion to get money , and therefore suddenly returned the Gally again , with Orders to bring before him the four Merchants , whose names he particularized , to make answer to their accusation of having beaten his Levents , and contrived the escape of the slave . The Consul and Merchants being affrighted by this Message , and Command of so great a Personage , endeavoured with money to accommodate the business , by force of which it was at length taken up , costing in all the summ of Dollars two thousand seven hundred , or thereabouts . The which passage may serve for an example to such as live in Turkie , that all troubles of this nature are best compounded for at first ; for at the beginning nothing more was demanded than the price of the Slave , and of the broken pate of the Levent : but being suffered to come under the Cognizance of powerful and covetous Tyrants ; as there is no fathoming their unsatiable desires , so there is no prospect into what inconvenient dangers such Affairs will involve , and entangle themselves . As Turkie hath been seldome or never without having false money currant , so the best sort of Silver hath been so clipped by the Jews , Armenians , Merchants , and others ; that the Dollar was brought at Constantinople to six Drams , and at Smyrna to seven , which made great confusion in the Trade of these Countries . Wherefore the Vizier as he had already given proof and testimony to the World of his strict observance , and adherence to the Mahometan Law , so he was desirous to appear highly careful and sensible of the Publick Interest : And therefore as the most necessary work , he began with the Dollars of six Drams , proclaiming that they should no longer pass in payments , and that those in whose hands they were found , delivering them into the Mint should receive a 8 o in return of every such Dollar , by which means the Mint would advance a. 4 on every Dollar , esteeming every dram worth 14 Aspers , and that for the present no Dollar being currant under seven Drams , it might afterwards bebrought to Lyons , and Dollars of nine Drams ; which regulation , though at first grievous to some particular persons , would afterwards redound to the common advantage and benefit of Trade . To forward which Design the Grand Signior , and Queen Mother sent all their Dollars of six Drams to be new coined into Aspers at the Mint , so likewise did the Vizier , intending to be very strict in prohibition of that money . But a while after it happened that the Treasurer of the Viziers Steward having occasion to pay monies , either for his own or his Masters account , forced some Bags of six Drams on those to whom payment was to be made ; the Receivers denied to accept them , but he being a powerful man , and very urgent , forced the money upon them , with which laden , as they had received them , they went directly to the Vizier , acquainting him that they were desirous to obey his Commands , as to the six Dram Dollars , but his Stewards Treasurer had forced on them that sort of money , which if it was his pleasure that they should still pass , they were contented to receive , if not , they desired him to give Command for their payment in other money . The Vizier being highly enraged , that the first Violation of his Commands should begin in his own Family , immediately ordered , without farther proof or process , that the Offenders Head should be struck off , and his body thrown into the Sea ; which Sentence was executed in the same hour for example and terror of others , and to expiate the crime , and take away the scandal from the fountain of Justice , whose streams can never be esteemed to run clear when the source is corrupted . In like manner the Overseer of the Mint was strangled , and Emir Pasha , formerly Pasha of Grand Cairo , was banished to the Isle of Lomnos , for making the Coin of Aspers 5. per cent . worse than their true value . The Merchants at Aleppo , being far from the Court , are more subject to troublesom Avanias than others , who are nearer to the head or fountain , from whence Justice should proceed , as may appear by many examples , and particularly by an accident which fell out there this year . For it happened , that a Janisary which served the English Nation , riding abroad with some of the Merchants , for want of heed , or the unruliness of his Horse , chanced to hurt a Youth playing in the streets . Whereupon the Merchants , and the Janisary , not to suffer this business to come within the knowledge of the Cities Officers , immediately for some money quieted the complaints , and stopped the farther demands of the father ; and to make the business more secure , caused the father to make Hoget before the Kadi , that he was well satisfied , and remained without farther pretence , either on the Merchant , or the Janisary , for the hurt which his child had received . But the Pasha , who had for a long time attentively watched an opportunity to extort mony from the English , was resolved not to let pass this fair occasion ; and therefore sent to demand from the Consul those Merchants , which he called Accessories to this mischief , and the Assassinates of a Mussulman . The Consul appearing in person before the Pasha , denied to deliver up the Merchants being guiltless of any crime 5 and that for hurt to the child , the father had received full satisfaction from the Janisary , and given a discharge before the Kadi . Howsoever this reason would not pacifie the Pasha , who could acknowledge no other argument available than a sum of money ; and therefore in prosecution of his design produced ten false Witnesses , that the child was dead of its hurt , and that English men had done the mischief . The Consul had now no other answer than a flat denial ; for the Pasha had forced by threats the Hoget from the Janisary , and persisting with constancy in defence of his Merchants , the Pasha confined him for an hours time in a Chamber of his House , and beat , and imprisoned his Druggerman . The Consul afterwards returned home ; and perceiving a difference between the Pasha and the Mufti , purchased the favour of the Mufti on his side , and procured from him an Hoget of the several proceedings in this business , which was dispatched away with all expedition to Constantinople , that a redress of this injury might be obtained from the Superiour Power . Whilst the Lord Ambassador in due manner resented this breach of Capitulations , and prepared to make his complaints to the Vizier , it happened that certain Christians of Aleppo , from whom the Pasha had forced 18000 Dollars by unjust extortion , were then at Court solliciting the restauration of their right . The Ambassador judging this a convenient and opportune preparation to prepossess the mind of the Vizier with a true apprehension of the injustice of this Pasha , encouraged and pricked forward these abused and oppressed Christians in their complaints ; and the next day presented his Memorial to the Vizier , containing all the particulars of the late passages at Aleppo : which with the other Crimes alledged the Day before , so moved the mind of the Vizier , that he promised the Ambassadour to send a Kapugibashee of the Grand Signior to enquire into the Truth of these Allegations ; and that he might be satisfied of his real intentions to do him justice , he advised him to send a Messenger in company with this Officer , who might witness the reality of his proceedings . The Kapugibashee being in this manner dispatched , and arriving at Aleppo , made the Pasha refund the money he had unjustly taken from the poor oppressed Christians of that Country ; in which good action my Lord Ambassadour had been an useful instrument , having encouraged the Agents of those Christians at Constantinople , counselled them what Course to take , and introduced them by his Chief Interpreter to the Presence of the Vizier , for which he received the thanks of the Greek and Armenian Patriarchs , who gratefully acknowledged to the English Consul at Aleppo , how much they were engaged to the charity and favour of the English Ambassadour : But whilst all mens eyes were in expectation what farther proceedings were designed against the Pasha in favour of the English , the Officer denied to have received any instructions therein , and so returned to Constantinople without taking notice of the English Concernment . The Ambassadour judging himself herein slighted , sent to the Viziers Kahya to know the mystery of this neglect ; for the Vizier and himself having pawned his word , and promises to do him justice , against the Pasha of Aleppo , it seemed strange that his assurances should vanish into nothing ; and that he so meanly esteemed his Quality and Office , as to disparage it with so much disrepute and contempt as must necessarily befall him , should this Pasha escape without 〈◊〉 punishment ; For then the World might with reason believe his Applications of no prevalency , and his Merchants fear the insufficiency of his protection . To which the Kahya answered , That it was true , that the Kapugibashee was not instructed in the Concernments of the English , in regard a more solemn and eminent piece of Justice was designed for the Ambassadour , than any that could be performed by the Kapugibashee , and that in twenty or thirty days at farthest the Pasha should be deprived of his Office. The next day following the Kahya advised that the Hattesheriff , or Imperial Command for deposing of the Pasha , was signed , and that old Mahomet Pasha of Darbiquier was constituted in his place ; which News was highly pleasing to the Lord Ambassadour , in regard he had been an ancient Friend to the English , under whom he presaged to our Nation at Aleppo all security and contentment . By which Story it is observable , That though the Supreme Officers amongst the Turks are willing to satisfie Christian Ambassadours resident with them , in the Care they have of their Welfare , and maintenance of their Capitulations ; yet are not desirous to publish to their own people the punishment of their Grand Officers , at the instigation or for the concernment of a Christian : And that though the Turks are apprehended amongst us for a people of great Morality , and singleness in their Dealings ; yet it is observable in this , as well as in other their actions , that they have double tongues and faces , and know how to act with as fine a Thread , and plausible pretences as are accustomary in the most politick and refined Courts of Italy . Anno Christi 1663. Hegeira 1074. THE Baron of Goez , which at the end of the last year arrived at Buda with several overtures of peace , had so far proceeded in his Treaty with Ali Pasha of Buda , that all Articles seemed almost concluded , and scarce any difficulty to remain , unless the Surrender of Zekelhyd on the Confines of Hungary ; which also was afterwards accommodated by Agreement , That the City should be resigned into the hands of the Prince of Transilvania , as the most equal Condition between the Emperour and the Turk . So that , matters thus seeming to be composed , all people talked of Peace with Germany , and that the force and miseries of Wars were to be turned upon Dalmatia : And though the Turks had no design less in their thoughts than this , or any intentions towards a Peace , as will be proved by the Sequel ; howsoever , the German Ministers , as men credulous of what they desire , gave the Peace for certainly concluded , in which conceit the Turks so humoured and indulged their fancy , that they perswaded Prince Portia , the Chief Minister of State to the Emperour , in that manner of the reality of their intentions ; that he neglected the necessary provisions and preparations of War. And though he was often advised by the Resident at the Ottoman Port , that all these Demonstrations of Peace were only Artifices of the Turk , to delude the Emperours Council ; yet so tenacious was he of this opinion , that though it be but common reason , and the vulgar rule of Policy for a Prince to arm , and suspect his Neighbour , who puts himself into a warlike posture ; yet this Great Personage , though in other things profoundly wise , and circumspect , was so deluded , that he replyed to the Residents Advices to this effect , That it was the Office of a prudent and experienced Minister to discover with diligence the resolution of the Cabinet Councils of Princes , and not to give ear or credit to what is the common voice or vogue of the Vulgar . The Spring drawing near , the Vizier prepared all things for action , nominating and appointing such , who in his absence were to supply the Offices of State : Ishmael Pasha , then Pasha of Buda , was designed for Chimacam , or Governour of Constantinople , and Mustapha Pasha , Captain Pasha , Brother in Law to the Great Vizier by marriage of his Sister ( and now the present Vizier ) was made Chimacam at Adrianople , near the Person of the Grand Signior . All other preparations for War went forwards , thirty pieces of Cannon from Scutari , and fifty from the Seraglio , most of a vast bigness and weight , which had served in the taking of Babylon , with great store of Ammunition and Provisions of War , were transported up the Danube to Belgrade , and the Princes of Moldavia , and Valachia , had now Commands sent them to quicken their diligence in making their preparations of War , and in providing Sheep , Beef , Rice , and all sorts of Victuals for supply of the Camp ; and General Proclamation was made in all places , That all Souldiers , who received one Asper of pay from the Grand Signior , were to prepare themselves for the War. About the middle of February the Horse Tail was set forth at the Viziers Gate ; ( which is the usual signal of the Camps motion within the space of a month ) so that none may excuse himself from the War for want of due and timely intimation . And though the time for departure nearly approached , yet the Grand Signior was so impatient , that he would scarce expect until the Equinoctial , which was the Term formerly appointed and published for this expedition ; resolving sometimes to proceed before , and leave the Vizier to follow him , letting fall words often , That such as loved and honoured him would keep him company . But this hasty resolution , and eager desire of his Journey the Vizier , Mufti , and others of his Counsellours did moderate , perswading him to a little longer patience : to which , though with some difficulty , he assented ; yet he could not forbear from his horses back , and constant exercises abroad , nor could he be induced to take one nights repose longer in his great Seraglio at Constantinople , but lodged at Daout Pasha , a small Palace about four miles distant from Constantinople . Which extravagant manner of living most people attributed to his wandring humour , and delights in hunting , riding , and such like exercises , having his sole pleasure in the Woods and Fields : But others , who judged with better foundation , did conceive , That the Grand Signiors choice of other places of Residence rather than his Imperial Seraglio , proceeded not so much from his own unsetled humour , and course of living , as from an apprehension of some Designs , and mutinous Treasons of the Janisaries against him : for to speak the truth , since the death of Kuperlee , the Militia began again to be corrupted ; and if we may believe the opinion of the most principal Turks , the Vizier undertook this War to employ the busie spirits of the Souldiery , which began to grow resty and insolent through idleness , and by that means secure his own life , and establish his Condition and Fortune . The Equinoctial being come , the Grand Signior would not have one days longer patience ; for though the Season was wet and rainy , yet the Tents were pitched ; and though the Wind was so violent and forcible as overturned almost the whole Camp , yet no difficulties and inconveniences of Weather could give one hour of intermission to the Sultans desires : Wherefore on the 9th of this Month the Grand Signior departed from Constantinople , attended with his Court , his principal Officers of State , and with what part of his Army was then in a readiness to march . The magnificence of the show they made , was according to the usual solemnity , yet worthy the sight of a Stranger , and perhaps not incurious to the Reader in its Relation . First , marched with a singular Gravity , the several and distinct Orders of Civil and Military Officers in their proper Habits and Caparisons , the Santones in their wild dress followed by the Emirs , or such as are of the Kindred of their false Prophet ; The Great Vizier , and Mufti rode in rank together , the Vizier on the left hand , the most honourable place amongst the Souldiery , being the side to which the Sword is girt , as the right is of greatest esteem amongst such as are of the Law , being that hand which guides the Pen : The Trappings of the Viziers Horse were plated with Gold , and before him were carried three horse-tails , called in Turkish ( Tugh , ) and behind him came about three hundred and fifty Pages , all Young men well mounted , and armed with Jacks and Coats of Male : Next followed the Minions of the Court , or Seraglio , ( viz. ) the Paicks with Caps of beaten Gold , and embroidered Coats , the Solacks with Feathers , armed with Bows and Arrows ; these two last are of the highest degree of Lacqueys , which more nearly attend the Person of the Grand Signior ; These were followed by nine led Horses of the Grand Siginor , richly adorned with precious Stones , and Bucklers all covered with Jewels of an unknown value . Immediately before the Person of the Grand Siginor was led a Camel carrying the Alcoran in a Chest covered with cloth of gold : The Grand Siginor himself was cloathed in a Vest of cloth of gold lined with a Sable incomparably black , held up from the sides of his Horse by four Pages ; his Person was followed with great numbers of Eunuchs , and Pages with long red Caps wrought with gold about the head , carrying Lances and Mails , with two locks , one on each side of their head , which are worn by such only as are of the Royal Chamber : after these crowded great numbers of Servants , with the chief Comp. of Spahees , commanded by the Selict ar Aga , in number about 1800. And in this manner and order they marched to their Tents . The Tents were raised on a small Hill , as may be judged about four miles distant from Constantinople , and about two thousand in number ranged at that time without order , only the Grand Siginor's seemed to be in the midst , and to over-top all the rest , well worthy observation , costing ( as was reported ) one hundred and eighty thousand Dollars , richly embroidered in the inside with gold , and supported by Pillars plated with gold . Within the * Walls of this Tent ( as I may so call them ) were all sorts of Offices belonging to the Seraglio , all Retirements and Apartments for the Pages , Chioskes or Summer-houses for pleasure ; and though I could not get admittance to view the innermost Rooms and Chambers , yet by the outward and more common places of resort , I could make a guess at the richess and greatness of the rest , being sumptuous beyond comparison of any in use amongst the Christian Princes . On the right hand hereof was pitched the Grand Viziers Tent , exceedingly rich and lofty ; and had I not seen that of the Sultans before it , I should have judged it the best that my eyes had seen . The ostentation and magnificence of this Empire being evidenced in nothing more than in the richess of their Pavilions , sumptuous beyond the fixed Palaces of Princes , erected with Marble and Mortar . On the 16. of this month the Aga of the Janisaries first raised his Tents , and began his march , the next day followed the Grand Siginor , Vizier , and other Officers , and Spahees . At which time all Asta was full of Souldiers flocking from all parts of the East , as from Aleppo , Damascus , Arabia , Erzirum , and Babylon : so that for a long time Boats and Barks were continually imployed to ferry the Souldiery from Scutari into Europe : and the High-ways , Villages , and all parts of the Road towards Adrianople were filled with Souldiers , as if all Asta had issued out to devour and inhabit the German Possessions . And for greater expedition in the March of the Army , Proclamation was made of a general Rendezvous at Sophia at the * Biram , then within three weeks time , where they designed to soil their Horse , and refresh themselves before they fell in carnest to their business . But before the Grand Vizier departed from Adrianople to prosecute a War in Hungary against the Emperour , he called Siginor Ballarino to his presence , as if he would treat with him of matters tending to an adjustment with Venice ; when at the same timo he had 20000 men in a readiness at Scutari to march into Dalmatia , and to joyn with other Forces in Bosna and Croatia ; but this dissimulation and appearance of Treaty served only to discover on what Terms a Peace might be obtained , in case Affairs in Hungary should be so pressing as to require an application solely of Arms to that Country . Not only had Signor Ballarino Affairs of publick trouble , but likewise something touched him of private concernment in his own Family ; where the Turks , I know not upon what information coming to search , found in his house two figures , one of a man , and the other of a woman made of linen cloth , stuffed with Wool and Cotton ; the which were interpreted by the Turks to be Images of Sorcery and Inchantment ; one representing the Grand Siginor , and the other his Mother , were designed in a secret manner , by thrusting Needles and Pins into those parts , where the heart and liver is , to cause those whom they represent to dye with macerations and consumptions , according to the Inchantment of Medea . In jecur urget acus . And this suspicion was augmented by the reports of the neighbourhood , who hearing the Priest often recite his Litany , and sing Evening-song , avouched that they constantly over-heard the Charms muttered in such forms as are used by Magicians and Sorcerers : wherefore designing to take the Priest , who was the Father Provincial of St. Francis , and punish him for his Witchcraft , the good man fairly fled , and kept himself out of harms way , until Signior Ballarino could quiet the minds of the Turks by some Art , which he more forcibly practised upon them by a stronger charm of money and Presents than that which was the subject of their complaint . In the mean time all scars and dangers of Candia vanished , because the Turks bent their Forces and chief of their strength against their Encmies at Land : to provide against which , the Senate of Venice sent into Dalmatia the , Baron Spaar for General , with many other Officers under him , namely the Marquess Maculani , Count Ettore Albano , Carlo Martinengo , and Roverelli , Count of Caudes , the Cavalier Grimaldi , Echenfelt , and others . Into Friuli , Francisco Morosini was dispatched in quality of Proveditor General with supreme Power and Authority , and in this manner all matters were as well provided and secured by Land , as they were by Sea. The Biram chanced to happen out this year towards the end of April , by which time the Vizier , and most of his Army , assembled according to Proclamation at Sophia ; where having continued some time , and consulted well in what manner to put their designs in execution , they proceeded in their March towards Buda , and the Confines of Hungary ; but in the way the Vizier was encountred by a Messenger from the Emperor , offering all reasonable Propositions of Peace , if possibly a stop might be given to the farther progress of that vast and formidable Army . All matters were proposed which probably might give satisfaction ; the Fort of Count Serini ( the grand eye-sore of the Turks ) was proffered to be demolished , with other Conditions which before the March of the Army were never proposed or demanded . But the Vizier gave little ear to these fair Overtures , but proceeded forwards in his Demands , as he did in his March : requiring now , not the demolishment of the Fort , but the surrender of it entirely with all the Strength , Artillery , and Ammunition into the hands of the Grand Signior . Had this condition been granted , it is probable the desires and pretensions of the Turks would not have stopped here , but have risen , as the spirits of their Enemies had condescended , and exceeded all the hopes and advantage which they imagined probable and feasible to be obtained by the War. Wherefore this Message proving fruitless , the Bringer of it was permitted licence to return into Germany : But the Resident was refused dismission , being detained in the Turkish Camp , as an Instrument to mediate a Peace , when both sides should grow weary of the War. About this time the Tartars were greatly infested by the Cosacks , who were then very formidable and strong , approaching near the City of Osac , the Key and chief Fortress of Tartary , under the Command of a Fisherman of the Boristhenes , who having had great successes , and collected a considerable sum of money , became a dangerous Enemy : By Sea also they commanded absolutely , roving uncontrouled , having a Fleet of Saykes and Gallies near an hundred and fifty Sail , against whom the Tartar Han or King of Tartary craved of the Grand Signior forty sail of Gallies that year to oppose them . But this Force of the Cosacks was soon abated ; for it pleased God , that passing out of the Palus Moeotis through the narrow passage of Colchos into the Black Sea , the best part of this Fleet suffered shipwrack ; with which they were so dismayed , that the twelve sail of Gallies ( which was the whole Force the Turks could spare this year for that Sea ) gave a check to the remainder , and forced them again to the Banks of the Boristhenes . The rest of the Turkish Fleet , consisting , together with the Beys Gallies , in all but of thirty Sail , departed from Constantinople , with design rather to make some appearance of a Fleet , and noise amongst their own people , and collect the Contributions of the Isles in the Archipelago , than out of hopes of effecting any thing against the Venetians , and so it succeeded ; for this Fleet remained the whole Summer at Mytilene , not daring to appear abroad for fear of the Enemy . Though the Tartars were so hardly beset by the Cosacks , yet their danger at home was not a sufficient excuse to disingage them from their assistance in the. War of Hungary . For the Vizier marching towards the Frontiers , sent one Messenger after the other to hasten the Tartar Han with all speed possible to the Wars . But the Tartars seeming not so willing , or so ready as the Turks expected , more positive commands , and severe threats , were dispatched than before , that laying aside all excuses or delays , they should with all the Force of their Country attend in this present War against the Emperour , or otherwise the Tartar Han was to be deprived of his Government , and his Son constituted in his place . These severe menáces reduced the Tartar to great straits ; fearful he was to displease the Sultan , not knowing what ill consequences might proceed from thence ; but more apprehensive he was of the approaches of the Cosacks , and of the displeasure of his own People , who were resolved to see this fire of War extinguished in their own homes , before they would attend the designs , or satisfie the lusts of a stranger Prince . In this Dilemma the Tartar Han finding himself , made use of fair words and promises , ingaging his word , That after the harvest was past , no obstacle should prevent his compliance with the Sultans expectations ; for at present it was impossible , in regard that should their people at this season be diverted srom gathering the harvest , the Corn and Fruit would remain on the ground , and so occasion a Famine , and destruction of their Country . And herein the Tartar had some reason ; for these people go not to the Wars , as other Nations , who leave a sufficient number behind to cultivate their Country , and perform all other Offices and Imployments in a Common-wealth : but these making their chief livelihood and subsistence on the prey and robberies they make on their Neighbours ; as many as resolve to eat Bread and live , who are men not old or impotent , able to bear Arms , betake themselves to their Horse and Bow , so that when their Army is abroad , their Towns and Villages are only inhabited , and defended by their Women . But the Turk whose desires are never satisfied with reasons , or withstood by words , or with any thing besides the execution of his Commands , dispatched another Message more full of threats and resolution than formerly , carried by the Embrahor , or Master of the G. Signiors Horse , menacing nothing but Fire , and Sword , and Destruction , to the Han and his Country , if he longer delayed to perform his Duty . But by this time the Harvest being almost gathered , and their fears against the Cossacks partly extinguished , the Tartar promised with all expedition an Army of seventy thousand men , under the Conduct of the Prince his eldest Son , who whilst they were putting themselves in order , and assembling for the War ; reports were murmured , as if the Turks were in a Treaty of Peace with the Emperour , and matters in a fair likelyhood of composure : At this news the common Souldiers amongst the Tartars were not a little startled , fearing that they who are free Booters , and have no other pay than their purchase , should by such a Treaty be forced to return empty , and therefore before they would proceed , sent to advise the Sultan of these their fears ; supplicating him , that if he should think fit to conclude a Peace , and so oblige them to return into their own Country , that he would not take it amiss , if upon their march home , they should make themselves good upon his Subjects of Moldavia , and Valachia , whose persons and Estates they resolved to carry with them , as a just prey and recompence for their loss of time and labour . The Sultan who sets a small value on the Lives and Estates of his Christian Subjects , judged this Proposition but reasonable , so long as upon these terms he might obtain the benesit of the Tartars assistance , who are the best Horse to forage , destroy , and make desolate a Country . The Story of Asan Aga the Mosayp or Favourite , and other instances of the uncertainty of the Turkish Richesse , and Glory . TH E Great Vizier being by this time arrived on the Frontiers with a very considerable Army ; the G. Signior at Adrianople continued his usual pleasures in Hunting , Riding , throwing of the Gerit or Dart , and in other pastimes and sports of this nature ; at which time casting his Eyes upon one Asan Aga , a sprightly youth of his Seraglio , a Polonian by Nation , to be more forward and active than any of his Court , took an affection to him , so sudden and violent , as might be judged neither well founded , nor long durable ; for the Grand Signior having heard , that ; there were examples amongst the Emperours his Predecessors , not only in the absence , but in the presence also of the Vizier , of maintaining and constituting a Favourite , in Turkish called Mosayp , did own publickly the Election of this person for his Friend and Companion ; so that this Minion was on a sudden so highly ingratiated in the favour of his Prince , that he always rode equal with him ; Cloathed as rich , and mounted as well , as the Sultan himself , as if he had been his Coadjutor , or Companion in the Empire . The Queen Mother , the Kuzlir Aga , and other rich Eunuchs of the Seraglio , the Chimacams of Adrianople , and Constantinople with all the Great Officers and principal Ministers , were commanded to make Presents of Money , Jewels , and other Sacrisices , to this rising Sun ; whom now every one so courted and adored , that he became the only talk and admiration of the whole Town ; no other discourse there was , but of Asan Chelabei , Asan the fine accomplisht Gentleman , Asan the only Creature of Fortune , and Idol of the whole World. This high and sudden promotion of this Youth , greatly displeased the Queen Mother , and Kuzlir Aga , who had Creatures of their own to prefer , and by their means became the Envy and Emulation of the whole Court , so that there wanted not such who posted the news to the Vizier , as him , on whom the growing greatness of Asan might have the most dangerous reflection : but the Vizier duly considering , that the deep impressions this Youth had made in the affections of his Master , were not to be removed by plain dealing , but by some more occult Artifice and dissimulation , took occasion to write to the G. Signior , in favour of Asan Aga , extolling the prudence of his choice of so compleat and hopesul a Youth for his Favourite , but that it was pity , so pregnant parts as those with which Asan was endued , sit to promote his Masters Service and Interest , should be Encloistred , and Buried , in the softness and delights of his Seraglio ; and therefore his Counsel was , to have him preferred to some government , and degree of a Pasha , to which , his Abilities and Education , in the Nursery and Discipline of the Court , had abundantly accomplished him . Pessimum genus inimicorum , laudantes . Nor were the Queen Mother , and Kuzlir Aga , all this time wanting in their contrivance to undermine him , but not with a design spun with so fine a thread , professing themselves openly his Adversaries : for which Courtly Policy , the Vizier only received a check , and some few verbal reproofs , for intermedling with what so nearly concerned his Masters Fancy and Affection : But the Kuzlir Aga , was by one word from Asan ( whom he had discovered to be his Enemy ) deprived of his Office , and had therewith lost his Life , had not the Queen Mother powerfully interceded for him , and gained an exchange of his punishment from death to banishment in Grand Cairo in AEgypt . The Baltagibashee also ( who is the Captain of that part of the Grand Signiors Guard , who carry hatchets , and are employed in cutting Wood for the use of the Seraglio ) being discovered to be a Confederate in the same Plot against the Favourite , was condemned to the same punishment , and immediately both of them dispeeded away to the place , where they were to spend the remainder of their days . Grand cairo hath always been the place of Banishment for unfortunate Courtiers , or rather of such who have with much greatness , plenty , and contentment sometimes enjoyed the Fruit of their great Richesse , gained in the sun-shine and summer of their Princes Favour . To this City also was this Kuzlir Aga exiled , who in the enjoyment of his Office for several years , had amassed a most vast Wealth , incredible to be spoken , and much to be wondred , that a Negro , whose hue and person is contemptible amongst all , whom God hath created of a Colour different from those who partake more of Light , and are of nearer similitude with the Sun , and Nature of an Angel , one whose Original was a Slave , and his price never above a hundred Pieces of Eight , should be loaded with such Goods of Fortune , and enriched with the Treasury of a Prince : His Retinue consisted of about 900 Horse , ( besides Camels , and Mules for his Baggage ) amongst which a hundred were led Horses , worth seven or eight hundred Dollars a Horse , and that he might still seem to live by his Princes Bounty , a thousand Aspers a day was to be his constant pay , to be issued out of the G. Signiors Revenue in Egypt ; by which we may in part calculate the greatness of this Empire , when so vast Richesse is accounted but a reasonable proportion for so vile and mean a Slave : Howsoever the G. Signiors Treasury suffers little hereby , for this wealth and pomp is but lent him to keep , and look on ; he is uncapable to make a Testament , or constitute an Heir ; the G. Signior himself succeeding to all the Estate he hath given him , and the improvement of it . This Negro being proceeded as far as to Constantinople , had his Companion the Baltagibashee , recalled from him with design to be put to Death , but afterwards by mediation of some powerful Friends , who took advantage of the gentle and benign humour of the Sultan , his pardon was obtained , and he preferred to a small * Pashalick in the lesser Asta. Howsoever the Eunuch proceeded in his Journey to Grand cairo , where being arrived , after three Days , was by the Imperial Command stript of all his wealth and greatness , which amounted unto two Millions of Dollars , to be restored again to their sirst Master , who uses to lend his Slaves such gaieties and Ornaments , only to afford the World occasion to see and admire the vastness of his Wealth , and contemplate the vanity and unconstancy of Richesse and Worldly glory . This poor Negro thus devested of all , returned to his primary condition of a Slave , in which he was born , and for many years had lived , and was now banished , forsaken , and disconsolate in the upper Egypt ; whither going scarce with sussicient to preserve him from Famine and Beggery , the Beyes of Egypt , out of compassion , bestowed on him an Alms of twelve Purses , being eight thousand four hundred Dollars , according to the Account of cairo , now the only . support and sustenance of his Life . This Victory gained over these great Personages , and foyl given to the Queen Mother herself , was not carried by this young Favourite with that prudent equality of mind as was decent ; but being puffed up with pride and glory , adventured to a judgment and censure of the deepest matters of State , which touched not a little the jealousie and scorn of the Great Vizier , who therefore wrote to all those grave Sages , to whose Counsel he conceived the Sultan gave any car or credit ; representing with extraordinary passion and fervency the dangers he apprehended might befal his Master , and his Empire , whilst both were subject to the unexperienced Counsels of Asan , a Youth both in years and knowledge . That it was much to the disparagement of the Supreme Office of Vizier , whilst he was with thousands of Turks on the Frontiers contending for the Glory and Enlargement of the Ottoman Dominions , subjected to millions of dangers and labours ; to be supplanted by a Boy , sit only for an attendant in his Masters Chambers ; and to have the privacy of the Emperours State Counsels and policy rilled by a Youth , whose years had not sitted him for the knowledge and continence of an ordinary Secret. These reasonable Complaints of the Vizier's were by some of his wise Friends , whose Age and Gravity had produced something of Reverence towards their Persons , not without hazard and fear communicated unto the Sultan , the violence of whose Love being with time moderated and abated , he began to consider the reasonableness of this Discourse , and so on a sudden , to the great admiration of all , cast off his Favourite , creating him a Kapugibashee , or chief Porter , with a hundred and sifty Aspers a day Sallary . The Ruine of Samozadè , the Reis Effendi , or Chief Secretary of State to the Great Vizier . AND since we have related a Story which partly represents the unconstancy and tyranny of the Turkish Greatness , it may yet please the Reader , should we add another , though a little out of its due order , not less remarkable , and worthy of Record than the former . When Newhausel was besieged , called by the Turks and Hungarians Oymar , and divers attempts made on it in vain ; Samozadè the Reis Effendi , with less caution and wisdom than he did usually practise in other matters , wrote a Letter to the Chief Eunuch of the Women , then in the Seraglio at Adrianople , to this effect . That if the Grand Signior desired to have that Fortress taken that was then besieged , he should chuse a more able Captain for his Army than the present Vizier , a person who had only been educated in a Tekeh , or Colledge , and studied in the speculations of Law , and not in the Oda's of the Janisaries , or Customes and Exercises of the Camp : and therefore if his Majesty thought fit to chuse another General , he could not cast his eyes on any more able and deserving than Ibrahim Pasha his Son in Law , a Person qualified for the Office of Vizier , being skilful in all points both of War and Peace . This Eunuch being the person that had succeeded to the former lately exiled , having received this Letter , immediately without farther Art or Prologue , read it to the Grand Signior , at which though at first he was startled , yet not as yet weary of the Vizier , but still conserving a kindness and esteem for him , took the Letter from the Eunuch , and sent it to the Vizier , permitting him to inflict what punishment he judged most agreeable to his own preservation and vindication of his honour . The Vizier having received this Letter , seemed not in the least to be surprized with the perfidiousness of Samozadè , but in a cool temper recollecting all the Applications and Addresses ( which we have mentioned before ) at his first entrance into this Supreme Office , and judging from thence , that he was not a person capable of friendship , or a steadiness to his Interest , sent for him , and for Ibrahim Pasha his Son in Law to his presence , and first having upbraided his Treachery , and want of Integrity , in return to all the Caresses and Endeavours he had used to win his Faith , caused both their heads to be struck off by the Executioner . This Samozadè was one of the most wise and best practised Secretaries of State that ever served the Ottoman Empire , and one whom our English much lamented , being perfectly acquainted with the particulars of our Capitulations , and Constitution of our Trade ; and had not his extraordinary Covetousness blemished his other moral Vertues , he might have been esteemed a man rare , and a Minister not unworthy the greatest Monarch of the World. The Richesse he had collected during the time of his State Negotiations were incredible and immense , for he spared and lost no opportunity of gains , which rendred him the more liable and obnoxious to the stroke of Justice . His Goods were now seised on for service of the Sultan , his Master , as justly confiscated for Treason , his Estate was found to amount unto three millions of Pieces of Eight in ready money ; He had sixteen hundred Camels , four hundred Mules , six hundred Horses of the best sort , besides ordinary Horses of service proportionable to those of value . In his Chests and Stores were found four thousand Girdles , or Sashes of the best sort of Silver , never worn ; seven and twenty pounds weight of Pearl , three hundred Daggers ( or Turkish Hanjars ) most set with Diamonds and Rubies , besides ninety Sable Vests , each whereof might be valued at a thousand Dollars ; His Swords and rich Furniture were without number , or account , with a Cart Load of the best and finest China ; over and above all this remained to his Son a Revenue of about ten pounds Sterling a day , who being condemned to the torture to confess the hidden Riches of his Father , at his first examination discovered one hundred and twenty five thousand Zaichins of Venetian Gold. Of an Avania brought upon the Dutch Nation . BEfore we proceed on with the Relation of the War in Hungary , where we for a time shall leave the Great Vizier , it will not be from our purpose to digress a little in recounting certain intermediate Accidents , which had reference to our own and the Dutch Nations Interest at the Ottoman Court. And first I shall begin with the Dutch , to whom a considerable trouble and misfortune befel , by means of a ship of theirs called the Emperour Octaviano , which designing to lade Turks Goods at Alexandria for Constantinople , had her Licence and Dispatches obtained by means of the Holland Resident , the Sieur Warnero . This ship being accordingly laden at Alexandria , whereon also the Grand Signior himself had thirty thousand Dollars Interest , and being ready to depart , was near the Port surprized by the Venetian , and Maltese Corsairs , and so taken . This News was posted over land from Grand Cairo , and the Cargo sent of the Goods , importing fourscore and four thousand Dollars , which in the Month of June arrived at Constantinople . The persons interested in this loss being many , in the nature of a Tumult applied themselves to the Grand Signior , and demanded sentence against the Dutch Resident for reparation , alledging that he had recommended the ship , and Commander , who had combined with the Corsairs to surprize him , and that the Resident had engaged for the faithfulness of the Captain , who had betrayed their Goods , not endeavouring to defend himself so much as by the shot of one Musket . The Grand Signior being likewise concerned herein himself , was easily perswaded to grant his Order and Sentence , That the loss of all should concern the Dutch Resident , and his Nation , requiring the Chimacam of Constantinople to summon the Resident , and intimate his pleasure therein , exacting a time limited for the payment . The Resident being called to several Audiences thereupon , denied to have had any hand in the employment of this ship on this Voyage , and that their Capitulations , to which the Grand Signior had sworn , acquitted him from being responsible for the misdemeanours of any of his Nation , for whose fidelity and good behaviour he had never personally engaged , and thereupon positively refused to make himself liable for payment of this money , to which he was neither obliged by the Law of Nations , nor his own private Act. Notwithstanding which , the Turks sentenced the Resident to be liable to make satisfaction ; in regard that when the ship was first freighted , he appeared before the Chimacam at Constantinople , and being asked whether the Commander of this Ship was an honest man , and one who might be intrusted with such a concernment of the Turks ; his Answer was , That he believed he might , and that he was always esteemed faithful and honest to his Trust : which in the Turkish Law amounting to as much as if he had said , he would become his security , the Grand Signior consirmed the former sentence against the Resident , and with haste and sury dispatched a Kapugibashee to bring his person to Adrianople ; where being arrived , and continuing as yet constant to his first Answer , was committed to custody of the Chaousbashee , or Chief of the Pursuivants , where they gave him time until after the Feast of the little Biram , to consult his own good and security of his Nation within the Turkish Dominions . The Feast was no sooner ended , but the Grand Signior sent immediately to know his ultimate resolution , declaring , That if he continued still obstinate against his Power , he had commanded that he should be committed to that Dungeon which had some few years before been the Lodging of other Christian Ministers . The Resident terrified at the thoughts of such an Imprisonment , declined from his former constancy , ingaging to pay the money in an hundred and five days time , for no longer would be granted ; so violent and unreasonable the Turks were in their demands against the Law of Nations , the particular Capitulations , and the common reason and justice of the World. This money was for the most part taken up by the Dutch Nation in Turkie at Interest , and afterwards the debt extinguished by money lent them by the States , for payment of which a particular Imposition was granted on all Goods brought from Turkie , until the debt to them was cleared with an Interest of one per cent . for the year . By which it may be observed , how little are esteemed the persons of Christian Representatives in the Turkish Court ; who having proved with what tameness some Princes have taken the affronts offered to the person of their Ambassadour in former times , and now observing with what patience the States of Holland have sustained the like insolence and injury in their Resident , they may possibly profess their Function sacred , but yet in matters of their own interest will never be induced to vouchsafe them that respect or just treatment which is due to them . In what state the Affairs of England , in reference to the Turkish Court , stood about this time with Algier , and other Parts of Barbary . IN the preceding year we declared how a Peace was concluded between England and Algier : for better confirmation whereof , and security of our Merchants Estates in the Levant , upon occasion of a future breach , it was judged necessary by His Majesties Council , That the respective Articles last made and concluded with Algier , Tunis , and Tripoli should be distinctly described and ratified by the Grand Signior , with this Clause at the conclusion of each , viz. That in case the foregoing Articles were not kept by these his Subjects respectively , but should contrary to the meaning thereof through Piracy be broken , that then it should be lawful for the King of England to chastise those people by his own Arms and Force , without impeachment or breach of that good Peace and Amity which intervenes between His Majesty of Great Britain and the Ottoman Emperour : And this was supposed might always be a Plea in defence of the English Nation in Turkie , when at any time His Majesty provoked by the injuries of those faithless and piratical Nations , should take due revenge upon them , not only on the Seas , but also on the Land , subverting those very Cities and Fortresses , which are the Nests of Piracies , and the common chastisement and Gaols of Christendom . When these Articles came to the hands of His Majesties Ambassadour the Earl of Winchelsea , with Orders to have them ratified and subscribed in the manner foregoing , the Turkish Court was then at Adrianople , to which place on this occasion the Lord Ambassadour made a journey from his usual Residence at Constantinople ; and having acquainted the Chimacam with the whole matter , and the Propositions rightly apprehended by him , they were offered , and the next day communicated in behalf of the Ambassadour to the Grand Signior , who readily promised compliance with His Majesties desires , ordering the Articles , and conclusion of them , to be ingrossed and prepared for the Imperial assent . Howsoever some considerable time ran on before they were delivered out , in regard that being matters of State relating to War and Peace , they could not be fully granted without privity and knowledge of the Grand Vizier , who was the supreme Counsellour , and therefore we were forced to attend thirty five days before an Express could go and return from the Frontiers with the Answer expected , which was as easily granted by the Vizier , as before it was entertained by the Grand Signior . On August 5. the Confirmation of the several aforesaid Articles were consigned unto my self in presence of our Lord Ambassadour by the hands of the Chimacam , being my self designed in person to deliver them ; for which service a Frigate of His Majesties Navy attended at Smyrna : so that very evening I departed , and arrived at Smyrna the 15 th of August . In my Journey from Adrianople to Smyrna , omitting the Geography of the Countries , and the pleasant view I had from the top of a Mountain between Malagra and Gallipoli , from whence I could survey all the Hellespont , and at the same time take a prospect of the Propontick and Ionian Seas , I shall only relate two passages which befel me in this Journey , not : unpleasant to be remembred . The first was at a small Village called Isheclé , at the foot of the Mountain Ida , not far from the Ancient Troy , now named by the Turks Kauz-dog , which signifies the Mountain of Geese ; the people that inhabit here are of a rude disposition , great Thieves , and of a wild and savage nature ; at my entry thereupon I was advised by those that were with me , that it was necessary to take Mules to carry my Baggage through the Mountains , and to press the people to convoy me to the next Government by virtue of a Command the Grand Signior had granted me for the security of my Travels ; so that arriving at this place by break of day , I went directly with all my Attendance , being about eighteen or nineteen Horse to the Kadi's House , where knocking hard at the door , a Servant looked out at the window , and spying so great a company , wholly affrighted , ran to his Master , and awakening him with such dreadful news , he had scarce any soul or life remaining to render an answer ; for he was one of those , who three times a day was used to take his Dose of Opium , which gave him a strange kind of intoxication or drunkenness ; during the operation of which , men have their spirits violently moved and agitated , that afterwards it leaves them so wearied and languid , that in the morning when they first awake , they remain like dead stocks , their members are benumbed , and can scarce turn from one side to the other . In this condition the News of new Guests surprized this Kadi , when wholly feeble he called to his servant to reach him his Box of Opium , of which when he had taken his usual proportion , and that it began to work , his life returned again to him , and he began immediately to recover , so that he had courage to open his Gates and receive us in : when he had read the Command , and found no hurt in it , the man was transported with joy and Opium , and was so kind , chearful , and of a good humour , that I could not but admire at the change ; he told me , that he lived in a barbarous Country , and was forced to use that for divertisement , and as a remedy of his melancholy hours . I easily perceived the effect it had upon him , for he seemed to me like a Bedlam ; in which humour he called all his Neighbours about him , and after a wise consultation , they provided me with two Mules , and five men on foot with rusty Muskets without powder or shot to guide and guard me through the Mountains . I had not travelled two miles before all my guard was stollen aside , and taking advantage of the Woods and Mountains were fled from me , so that I found my self with no other than my own people , in an unbeaten path , and a way unfrequented ; the man excepted who drove the Mules , who for sake of his Beasts was obliged to a farther attendance . We travelled in this manner through the Mountains about four hours , when near a Village called Suratnée , we met one of the Principal men on Horse-back , carrying a flead Mutton behind him , which upon examination we discovered to be carried for a Bribe to the Kadi of Isheclee , that so he would be his Friend , and favour him in his Cause : And farther upon inquiry finding , that our entertainment was likely to be mean at Suratnée , we forced the Gentleman to return with us , and to sell us his Mutton at the market-price , and so for that time we disappointed our Kadi of his Fee or reward : and being upon the rise of a Hill descending to Suratnée , so that the people could see us at a distance , they like true Sons of Kauz-dog forsook their habitations , and fled , which we perceiving posted after them , and catched two of their men , whom we brought under Shart , ( or the Country-mans Oath , which they account very sacred , and will by no means break ) to be true and faithful to us , to serve , and not leave us for so long time as we should remain in their Village ; and accordingly these men were not only serviceable , but diligent : so soon as they discovered me to be one who would pay justly for what I took , and was not a Turkish Aga , or Servant of Great men who harass the people , and take their service and meat on account of free Quarter , the whole Village returned again from their places of Refuge amidst the Woods , so that I neither wanted provisions nor attendance . Another passage happened unto me of better civility and entertainment in the Plains of Pergamus , where not many miles from that ancient City , I arrived about six a clock in the evening at certain Tents or Cots of Shepherds , being only Hurdles covered with Hair-cloth , lined within with a sort of loose Felt , a sufficient defence against the Sun and rain ; the Turks call these people Euruchs , and are Shepherds , who with their wives , children , and cattel live and inhabit , where they most delight , or like the Shepherds of ancient days , remove their dwellings to those places where they find most plenty of water and pasture . Amongst these Cots so soon as I alighted from my Horse , I was received and saluted by the Aga or Chief with great humanity and kindness ; for so soon as he understood who I was , and that I was imployed in publick Affairs , he presently placed me under some neighbouring Trees , and called for Carpets and Cushions to sit on , which were more fine and rich than agreed with the outward appearance of men wholly unaccustomed to a City-life . After some discourse had with me , which I remember to have been very courteous and inquisitive of my condition and business , he provided Provender for our Horses , and in a short time ordered Bread and Eggs to be brought for to stay my stomach , supposing that hard Travels had sharpened my appetite . About an hour after that , he invited all my company , and then we fed very plentifully of several dishes which the good Houswives had dressed within the Precincts of their poor Tents : whilst the Shepherds had in the field killed a fat Kid , and were then roasting it whole at the fuel of a tree which they had fell'd ; this Roast-meat they cut into quarters , and with Bread and Salt put it into a Linen-cloth , delivering it to one of my Servants for our Breakfast the next morning . Having thus well refreshed my self with the charity of these good Shepherds , I arose with the Moon about eleven a clock at night ; but before my departure , I demanded what I had to pay : to which the generous Shepherd replied , That my acceptance was a sufficient payment , for that all men were obliged to be civil and hospitable to men who travelled the World like me for publick service ; and withal desired me to speak well , wheresoever I came , of such poor men who led their lives in the sields , who were instructed in these Principles , viz. to hurt none , and to be humane and helpful to all mankind . In a few days after my Arrival at Smyrna , I imbarked on the Bonaventure Frigat commanded by Capt. Berkeley , afterwards Sir William Berkeley , and shaping our course first for Tripoli in Barbary , we came to Anchor before the Town the 29 th : and immediately going ashore , we were conducted to the Presence of the Pasha of that Country , whom I acquainted with the occasion of this Address , delivering into his hands two Copics of the late Treaty of Peace , one confirmed by the Hand and Seal of His Majesty our Gracious Soveraign , and the other of the Sultan ; both which he received with singular respect and reverence , promising to maintain the Peace sacred and inviolable ; and so being dismissed fairly from him , we speedily repaired on board , and setting sail again that night with a prosperous gale , we anchored in the Bay of Tunis on the second of September : and the next day being landed , we in the first place madc our Addresses to the Dey , who bears the Office of Prince or Governour in Chief , though in the Arabian Language the word signifies as much as Uncle , to whom I tendred the Confirmations of Peace in the same form and manner as before at Tripoli : the Dey received them with respect and honour , promising to continue the Peace ; that part which was from our King he received himself ; but that which was from the Grand Signior he advised me to deliver to the Pasha ; for coming from his Master , it might more nearly concern him than any other : the Pasha having seen and read the Hattesheriff , returned it again to the Dey to be placed amongst the Records and Registers of the Divan , and so making a Visit to all the great men in power , giving them notice of our business , that so none might take exceptions , or judge themselves neglected for want of Addresses ; we the same Night departed from Tunis , and proceeded forward in our Voyage to Algier . But before we arrive there , I have time to acquaint the Reader of the pestilential Fever which then affected our whole Ship. When we departed from Smyrna , we had fourteen sick of the Autumnal Distemper , but before ten Days , we had ninety five out of a hundred and sixty men , which lay sick on their Beds and Hamocks ; and we feared so general a weakness , that we should not have had strength sufficient to have Sailed our Ship ; for I think there was scarce any amongst us in perfect health . But God shewed his strength in our weakness , so that in ten Days , having buried nine of our men , he was pleased with the change of our Climate , to renew our health , and in Answer to our Prayers , as it were by a Miracle , to restore us to all the Health , and Strength , and Comfort , that we could desire . At Algier that Den of Thieves , and Harbour of Faithless Men , and all Impiety , we arrived the 10 th of September , where immediately with assistance of the Consul , we designed to tender the Confirmations of the Peace unto the Divan ; then the supreme and absolute power . But whilst we imagined the Peace firm , and improbable , that those Articles which were concluded and agreed but the last Year , should so easily and soon be forgotten ; we found the Scene of affairs greatly altered , and sears of an unexpected rupture ; for the Ships of Algier roving in the Seas , had lately sent in nine small English Vessels without a Pass from the Duke of York , for want of which , they pretended by a new Agreement they ought to be prize ; of which , six by means of the Consul being released , three only remained under detention at our Arrival ; when immediately we applyed our selves to Shaban Aga , a Spanish Renegado , then Cape or Chief of their confused Divan ; to him we first disclosed the import of our Message , and shewed the Confirmations of our Peace subscribed by the King of England , and the G. Signior . After he had read them , a Divan was called , and the Confirmations openly published ; at which time , it was assented , and agreed , that the Articles ought to be maintained , and the Peace continued : but to have this established by sirm Authority , it was farther referred to the Great Divan , which is a grand Assembly of the People , who usually meet together every Saturday of the Week . In the mean time , having had an acquaintance formerly with the Pasha of this place , sent hither by the G. Signior , we were desirous to make him a Visit , the better to discover in what nature they honour and own the Ottoman Port : but before we could be admitted to his presence , we were obliged to demand Licence of the Divan , which they granted with some unwillingness , and with the caution of two or three Witnesses of our Discourse . We were scarce welcomed into the room , and the usual salutations passed , before we were interrupted by the Officers , and not suffered to proceed ; so little esteem they made of the Pasha , to whom notwithstanding they allowed twelve thousand Dollars a Year for his maintenance , so as to carry the fair and specious outside at the Ottoman Court , of receiving a Pasha from thence ; but were so far from permitting him to intermeddle in the Government , that they confined him like a Prisoner , not suffering him to stir abroad without permission and consent of the Divan , and that very seldom , though he often pleaded , his health was much empaired by his restraint , and craved enlargement , rather for necessity than his pleasure . The Day of the great Divans Assembly being come , the Confirmations of the Peace were again read , and well approved , and so laid up in the Repository of their Writings ; and promise made us for releasement of our Ships . But let us now observe the levity and unsteadiness of this popular Government ; for being the Day following appointed to receive our dispatches , and discharge of the three Ships ; there arose unexpectedly at the Divan , certain scruples and jealousies amongst them , which immediately quashed all our Negotiations , and instead of confirming the Peace , produced a War. For the Divan being met , they were afraid to release the Ships , lest the Souldiers who had sent them in , being then abroad , should call them to question for it at their return ; and not to release them , might be an occasion of a War ; which not succeeding according to their desire , the causers thereof might be called into question , and punished for it ; of which still remained the fresh memory of late Examples . In this Dilemma of their affairs , they resolved to make the Act herein , to be of general and publick assent ; and to that end they Assembled a Grand Divan , calling the Captains of Ships and Gallies , then in Port , unto their Council ; who without hesitation , or questioning other matters , declared , that the three English Ships were lawful prize ; and that it was no longer requisite to maintain the second Article of freeing Strangers goods on English Vessels ; it neither being the design nor interest of Algier , to benesit all Christendom by their Peace with England : this Sentence was followed by the whole rabble of the Divan , with cry and noise ; to which , the wiser sort , notwithstanding our Plea , and reasons to the contrary , which lasted for full two hours , were forced to condescend , and concur in the same vote . Howsoever by importunity , and something of the force of reason , which in the most blind and obscure minds of men , hath something of forcible violence ; we obtained the release of the three Ships , upon discharge of the strangers goods , and payment of their Freight . But the second Article of Peace , forbidding the search of English Ships , for Strangers Estates or their Persons , was declared null , and no longer to be maintained ; nor the Peace likewise , unless his Majesty would accept it upon that condition , to which end , they wrote this following Letter . The Letter of the Government of Algier to his Majesty . GReat and Christian Prince , King of England . After Health and Peace , &c. Since we have made Peace with You unto this day there have no injuries nor damages been offered by Vs. Your Ships that have been as Prizes , for Your sake we have let free , not offering them the least injury , nor diminishing any thing from them in the least , until such time as Your Consul gave Vs Counter-passes ; that what Ships were found with them , to be let free , and those that are without them to be brought in : And we have found divers without them , which for Friendship sake which is between Vs , We have let go free . Now from henceforth , if that we find any of our Enemies goods or men in Your Ships , we shall take the goods and men , paying the freight to their Port. And we shall desire you , as soon as you shall receive this our Letter , that you will send your answer hereunto , for we shall think it long until we receive it from you ; and for the future , what Ships shall be brought in without a Pass-port , we shall take them , and detain them here , until such time as we have an answer from You ; which pray send without delay . The end of the Month Sefar , 1074 , which was then in the Month of September , 1663. In this manner a second War broke forth in the space of two Years , by which a person may judge of the inconstancy and unsteady humour of this People ; who but three days before , gave us all the evidence of fair correspondence and Friendship ; and it is probable , that when they entered the Divan , they came not with resolutions or thoughts of War ; however accidents and occasional Discourses each with other , following the cry and humour of some rude Savage person , which leads the rest , carried all things with violence towards a breach : So that by what preceded , and from these following reasons , it may be concluded impossible to maintain a sirm and lasting Peace with this People . First , Because these people are composed of the worst sort or scum of the Turks , and worst of Christians , which are Renegadoes , who have renounced God and their Country , and a Generation of people who have no Religion , nor Honour ; Peace cannot be longer expected or maintained , than fear or interest enjoins them to compliance . Secondly , The Government of Algier being popular , and in the hands of a vile Commonalty , who are ignorant persons , guided by no Rules , or Principles ; unsteady in all their Councils , not resolving or consulting any thing before they enter the Divan , do commonly follow that resolution , which they perceive to be carried on with the greatest noise ; and therefore are a people not capable of Peace or Friendship . Thirdly , This irrational Commonalty is over-awed by a heady Souldiery , who are only then affrighted into a Peace , whilst a stronger force compells them into good manners . But when that power and punishment is withdrawn , they again harden their hearts like Pharaoh , and then when the temptation of rich Merchant men presents it self , their natural inclination to Piracy returns , and their Covetousness again prevails , and then they curse the Peace , and the makers of it , and without remorse break their Articles , and their Faith , having neither honour , nor Conscience to restrain them . Wherefore unless the Heads of the chief Causers of the War be given in satisfaction , or money paid for the expence , and Hostages given for security of it , it can never be expected that a lasting Peace should be maintained with this people ; the proof of which , hath been made appear by the sequel of affairs , and by those Wars which have ensued since this time . And now let us return to the Wars in Hungary , and become Spectators of those Transactions , which were then the general concernment of the Eastern and Western World. The Proceedings of the War in Hungary . WE left the Grand Vizier on his March towards the parts of Hungary , with an Army , as computed , to consist of eighty thousand fighting men , and of about seventy thousand designed for Pioniers , and other necessary services of the Army . In this march the Vizier out of design to slacken the Warlike Preparations of the Christians , and to discover the inclinations of the Emperour to Peace , desired a Treaty , that if possible , matters might be reduced to terms of accommodation . The Resident of Germany , was then in the Army , but he , not being impowered singly for any such Treaty , the Baron of Goez , then with Ali Pasha at Temeswar was sent for , and being arrived , were both called into the Viziers Tent at Belgrade , to whom it was proposed , That in Case the Emperour desired a Peace , he should resign into the hands and possession of the Sultan Zekelhyd , Zatmar , Clausenburg aliàs Colosvar , with the late built Fort of Count Serini , without which , no Sacrifice could appease the anger , and give a stop to the progress of the Ottoman Armes . Whilst these Propositions by Post were dispatched to Vienna , the Vizier proceeded in his Journey to Strigonium , now called Gran , to which place , after sixteen Days time , the Messenger returned with an answer from the Emperour , which showed an inclination towards an acceptance of Peace on the terms proposed , but with instructions to his Ministers to moderate by their discreet mannagement ( what was possible ) the rigour of the demands . For by reason of the disaffection of the Hungarians , whom the Emperour had lately disgusted by demolishing several of their Churches , and discountenancing the Protestant Religion which they professed ; and by reason of the phlegm of the Princes of Germany , whom different interests made slow and unactive in their preparations against the common Enemy ; the Emperour was wholly unprovided to oppose the violence of this over-flowing Torrent , and became an unequal match for the Ottoman Force . The Turks perceiving that the Germans began to condescend , and yield to any conditions , which might purchase their quiet , started a farther demand of fifty thousand Florins of Yearly Tribute , and two Millions of Crowns for expence of the War , to be paid by the Emperour to the Sultan . These proud and unexpected Proposals startled not a little the Baron of Goez , who readily made answer , that he clearly perceived now , that there were no intentions to a Peace , since the Vizier was pleased to make the matter so difficult and impossible , for that it were as easy to bring Heaven and Earth to meet , as his Master to meet the G. Signior in the Concession of this particular . These extravagant demands awakened the Imperial Court , who now observing the Turks without their Vizard , to march hastily to surprize them , vigorously roused themselves to make that convenient provision and defence by War , which the straitness of time permitted them : so that in the first place they Assembled a Diet at Ratisbonne , where it was resolved to raise four Armies ; the first for the Guard and defence of Moravia and Silesia , under the Command of Count Susa , a Native of Rochel . The second under the Command of Count Raimond Montecuculi , for safety of Rab , Newhausel , and Komora , and the Frontiers of Hungary . The third under Command of Count Nicholas Serini for defence of Croatia . The fourth composed solely of Hungarians , commanded by the Palatine of that Country , which they reported to consist of thirty thousand fighting men . Fifthly , It was ordered that all Garisons should be well provided of Victuals and Ammunition ; and that the Inhabitants of Vienna should take into every house a provision for a years maintenance , and such as were not able at their own Cost , were to abandon their Dwellings . And in the mean time the Villages round about were demolished , to the great amazement and confusion of the people . The Turks now bearing in their thoughts nothing but War , began to design and chalk out the best order and method for its prosecution . The principal places then in eye of the Vizier , were Raab , and Komorra , Fortresses of considerable strength , maintained and defended by Souldiers of known prowess and conduct , and provided equally with all sorts of Ammunition and Provisions , agreeable to such considerable Bulwarks and Walls , not only of the German Empire , but ( I may say ) of all Christendom . Raab , called by the Italians Javarin , and by the Turks Yanick , is scituated in a plain , level , and Champion Country ; the Town it self very regular and compact , the Fortifications most exact according to the new model , and much improved in its strength since the recovery of it from the hands of the Turk , by whom it was once taken , in the year 1594. it hath its name from the River Rab , on which it is seated just on the meeting of the Danube . Komorra is a stronger Fortress , erected in an Island of the River Danube , called after the same name , which hath often been attempted by the Turks , but with ill success ; at both which places I have personally been , and viewed them with much delight . Wherefore the Vizier considering the strength and difficulty of these places , resolved to take due and mature consideration before he engaged himself in any enterprize , and to that end assembled together in Consultation with him the most ancient aud grave men , that were Natives of the Country ; some of these being such who had lived in Rab , been Slaves there , and had well marked and observed the strength of that Fortress both as to Nature and Art , assured the Vizier , That the Work was immense , difficult , and dangerous , and not to be accomplished in the space of one Summer ; and that the Winters in that Countrey were very cold and rigid , and ill agreeing with the temperament of the Asiatick Souldiery . The Vizier , though he farther considered that his Souldiers were as yet young and unexperienced , and that a foyl encountred at the first Enterprize , might be a discouragement from following the continued Tract and Course of this War , which must be sustained with labour and patience , and that to withdraw his Forces in the Winter would be a dishonour to the Ottoman Armes , a blemish in the beginning to his own Reputation , and an encouragement of the Enemy : Howsoever , having a violent Ambition and Desire to become Master of Rab , he could not rest satisfied in this Counsel before he had consulted with Ali Pasha , and other Pashaws of the Frontier Countries , who duly considering the matter as it stood , concurred in the same judgment that was formerly made of the difficulty of this design ; and herein they were the more strongly confirmed , by the report of certain Hungarians , whom some parties of Horse , under the Command of Ali Pasha , roving and sallying out near the Walls of Rab , had surprized and taken , who being brought bound before the Vizier , related , That the Town was well provided with all sorts of Ammunition and Provisions , and the Garison reinforced by Count Montecuculi with supply of four thousand men , and in this manner reported the Work as difficult as the Turks of the Countrey had formerly signified . This relation confirmed by so many hands , diverted the Vizier from this Design ; for before that time imagining it a place which might easily be subdued , he proposed to himself , without any interruption , a clear and undisturbed March to the Gates of Vienna , which he swallowing also in his thoughts , hoped by his own success to repair the shame of Solyman's flight from the Walls of that City , and besides the Glory of forcing the Emperour from his Imperial Seat , he should attone for the sin of the Ottoman Cowardice , and be the first who undertook to mend the actions , and outvie the prowess of the most magnificent , and most successful of their Sultans . But the Ambition of this grand design giving way to necessity , and to those other impediments which obstructed it , after due and mature Consultation , Newhausel , called by the Hungarians Oywar , was sixed upon as the place to be first attempted , and held up to the eye of the Souldiery , as the reward and prize of their valour and hazard . Wherefore Boats were provided , and Planks , and Timbers for a Bridge to pass the Danube , which the Turks in a few days , according to their usual expeditions , had raised ; so that the Army both Horse and Foot began to transport themselves as fast as was possible to the other side , but the multitudes crouded over in that disorder and hast , that three or four thousand men had scarce passed the River before the Bridge was so broken and shattered , that some time was necessarily required to repair it , before the rest of the Army durst adventure to follow their Companions . The Approach of the Turkish Army alarmed all that side of Hungary , but especially the Inhabitants of Newhausel ; who observing the Turks to bend their Course that way , plainly foresaw the Storm of War to be breaking on them : the News also of the fall of the Bridge , and thereby the Separation of about four thousand Turks from the Body of the Army , was brought in by the Country people , who forsaking their Villages fled for succour to the stronger Fortress of Newhausel . Hereupon Forcatz , the Governour of Newhausel , a valiant and experienced Souldier , though esteemed by the Turks unfortunate , taking this Alarm , judged that this occasion of cutting off that part of the Turkish Army which had past the River , was in no wise to be omitted , and therefore assembled a Council of War , which consisted of all the principal Officers and Commanders of the Garison ; ( amongst which was Colonel Volter , that commanded the four thousand men , lately sent to reinforce the Town ) he declared that his opinion was , Immediately to make a Sally on that part of the Turkish Army , which had already passed the River , before the Bridge was repaired for Transportation of the others ; which endeavours , by Gods Assistance , succeeding well , might not only discourage the Enemy , but be a means to divert them from their present design upon their City . This Advice , though he pressed with heat of Argument , and violence of Speech , yet could it not prevail with the rest of the Council , which seemed wholly averse thereunto , especially Volter who declared , That his Commission was not to fight in the Field , but to conserve himself within the Walls , for maintenance of his Garison : Some days passed in this Dispute , whilst Forcatz growing more eager and hot on this design , used opprobrious Terms , and expressions of infamy towards the other Officers , accusing all such of Cowardice and Treason , who refused to concurr with him in this Enterprize and advantage on the Enemy , which Heaven seemed to reach out to them for their Deliverance , if their wisedom and courage afforded them only will and grace to lay hold on the opportunity . These sharp words and resolution of the Governour provoked the minds of the Officers to a condescension , and thereupon about eight thousand men of Choice , and approved Souldiers , well armed with stout hearts , and hard Iron ; not suffering themselves to be upbraided with such reproach , in the silence of the Night , under the Conduct of Forcatz , ( their own Commander Volter remaining in the Town ) took their way towards the Turkish Camp , and being armed with Firelocks , marched with all privacy , without lighted Matches , or sound of Drum or Trumpet . But whilst the foregoing Dispute lasted , the Turks had transported the gross of their Army over the River , and then lay on her Banks , resting securely under their Pavillions . The Christians approaching near the Turkish Camp , with the first twilight , and dawning of the Morning , ( perceiving the Enemy unprovided , but not discovering their Force ) dealt at first onset , their shot most plentifully amongst them , and proceeding amidst the thickest , cutting , shooting , killing , and making havock of all before them . The amazed Turks having many of their Companions brought to their last sleep , before themselves were throughly awake , and some flying before they discovered the reason or the danger , an Alarm was given by the confused murmur of Allah , Allah , and that the Christians were upon them , reached the farthest Quarters of the Turkish Army , which immediately put themselves into Battalia , and order of fighting , whilst this handful of Germans proceeded forwards , dealing their blows amongst their Enemies , cutting the Cords of the Tents , and destroying all before them . But by this time the Turks having put themselves into a posture of Defence , the Horse and Foot came marching in a Body , extending their Wings in the form of a half Moon , so as to enclose this small number , and on all sides to assail them . The Germans seeing this formidable sight approach , and no safety in flight , encouraged each other to sell their Lives at as dear a rate as they could ; all hopes of escape seeming desperate , they fought with that courage and obstinacy as amazed the Turks , and yielded not until their Spirits fainted with labour , and their Swords were blunted by the Bodies of their Enemies . The Count Forcatz hardly escaped , but by the help of his Horse , with some few others , fled to Newhausel , which unwillingly received him , wishing that the rashness of his Counsels had only proved his own destruction , and not involved so many brave and innocent Souldiers , who were only unfortunate for being over-powered by his command and perswasions : The rest overwhelmed with multitudes yielded ; for though they behaved themselves beyond the power and courage of men , yet the numbers of the Enemy prevailed at length over these Christian Champions , whose Gallantry was more eminent and conspicuous in being subdued , than the Glory of their Enemies in the Victory . In this Skirmish few escaped , amongst which four hundred Gentlemen were slain , and about eighteen hundred Prisoners reported to be taken , a bad Omen at the beginning of this War. This Rout being given , the Turks triumphed in Blood , and success , and returned with their Captives , and Trophies back to Strigonium , where the Vizier mounting a Throne of State and Majesty , treated these valiant Souldiers , not like men of War , or Captives taken in open Field , but as a Judge condemned them to dye by the hand of the Hang-man or Executioner , passing a formal Sentence of Death upon them , as if they had been Thieves or Assasinates arrested by the hand of Justice . The Sentence being passed , and the Turkish Army drawn up , these valiant Christians were ranked in order and sile to dye , who had so lately with Swords in their hands , ranged themselves in Battle against their Enemy ; and so soon as the Executioners fell to their work , and the horrid Massacre was begun , the Guns were fired , and the whole Camp resounded with barbarous Musick and shouts . In the mean while the most superstitious amongst them triumphed , that God was now destroying the Infidels , manifesting the truth of their Prophet , and doing his own work ; not unlike the assertions and doctrines of those Pretenders to Religion , who have always hallowed and excused their cruelties with the Name of God , and sanctified the blood they have shed by making their Enemies Amalekites , and by pretence of false Lights and Prophecies countenanced their most impious Sacriledge in Gods Churches , and Invasions of their Neighbours Rights . The merciless Executioners had proceeded to bereave of life about thirteen or fourteen hundred persons , the Vizier standing a Spectator with zeal to his Sect and Prophet , until the Turkish Souldiery who inhabit the Borders , glutted with so much cruelty towards their Neighbours began to murmur , and at length to speak aloud , That to destroy Captives in cold blood was an action against the Law of Arms , and might be revenged by their Enemies with like examples of cruelty , since none there present , being all Souldiers , were secure from the misfortunes and mutabilities of War. The Vizier over-hearing these whispers of the Souldiery , gave a stop to the cruelty of the Executioners , and sent such as survived to different Prisons in Buda , Adrianople , and Constantinople . I have seen not far from Strigonium the heads of these Wretches thus miserably butchered , thrown up into a heap , the beards and hair of those that lay undermost still growing ; the earth which sucked in their blood , became thence stenched up and barren , and the white bones and carkasses of their bodies lay dispersed and scattered in a large field ; so that I could not but call to mind the massacred Legions under the Conduct of Quintilius Varus in Germany ; and those albentia ossa , and the barbarous Altars flowing with the Roman blood ; and I could as passionately fancy to have seen the angry Germans return to appease the Ghosts of their Country-men with decent Burial , as I was sensible of Germanicus his zeal , when he adventured to contaminate his Augurs Office by his too forward Humanity and Religion towards his Country and Parentage . But this cruelty of the Vizier was recompensed by Count Serini not long after , who having had some success against Arnaut Basha and his Army of whom he had slain six hundred men , and such as he took alive , in cold blood he dismembred and tortured , and having of some cut off their hands , and plucked out their eyes , sent them to report the reason of this inhumane and merciless usage to the Vizier . In the mean time Forcatz advised General 〈◊〉 the Governour of Rab of this defeat , and how the flower and strength of his Garrison was destroyed ; and that if he were not immediately supplied , he should be forced to abandon his Fort , and leave all to the fury and mercy of the Enemy . Hereupon a thousand Germans were sent for succour with all sorts of Ammunition and Provisions requisite ; but the Turks after their Triumph before Strigonium , returned and marched on so fast towards Newhausel , having passed the Danube , that certainly they had intercepted this Recruit , had not Forcatz amused their minds , and for a while stopped their hasty approach , by advancing a white Flag to the top of the Walls , as if he had had a design of Treaty and Surrender of the Town upon Conditions : so that here the Turkish Army made a halt , and for three or four hours time remained with expectation when Conditions for the Surrender should come ; every one wondering to see the Flag of Truce erected , and so much silence in the Fort , and yet no appearance of a Message . In this interval and breathing of time , the Succour safely arriving within the Town , the white Flag was changed to colours of defiance , to the great astonishment and anger of the Turks : Whereupon the Vizier drawing somewhat nearer , began to intrench and begirt the Town on the 4 th of August , which was defended by three principal Officers , viz. Count Adam Forcatz , the Marquess Pio an Italian , and one Lucatelli an old and experienced Souldier . But the Vizier , before he would offer any violence to the Town , thought sit to summon them in this stile : That through the Grace of God and the Miracles of our Prophet , who is a Son of both Worlds , and by whom there is Happiness and Glory , I that am the first of the Council , and General of the most Mighty Emperour of the Turks , that is the King of all Kings of the Earth , To you Adam Forcatz that are the Chief among all the Nobility of Hungary , do make known , That through the Command of my most Gracious Lord , the most terrible , the most puissant , and most mysterious Emperour , I am come with his Forces before Newhausel to reduce it to his Obedience . Wherefore if you shall deliver up the place to Us , you shall have liberty to march out with what belongs unto you from the highest to the lowest , and he that would rather stay shall keep his Goods and Estate : but if you will not yield , we will take it by force , and every man of you , from the highest to the lowest , shall be put to the sword . If the Hungarians did but know the good intentions of the mighty Emperour , they and their children would bless God for him . Peace be to the obedient . The Christians not submitting to these Summons , the Turks continued to make their nearer approaches , and being now at a convenient distance , raised two great Batteries , on which they mounted a hundred Pieces of Cannon , and from thence made such constant shot as shaked the Churches , and almost levelled the most lofty Buildings with their foundations . The 14 th of August was designed for a general storm , so that before break of day Faggots and Rubbish were brought to fill the Ditches , and sealing Ladders to ascend the Walls ; but though the Ottoman Forces were puissant , and their Assault they made fierce and brisk , yet they were received with that gallantry by the Defendants , that the Trenches early in the morning were filled with the carkasses of the dead , and at last the Turks forced to give over the Assault , with the loss of great numbers of their men . The Siege still continuing , and the Turks angry , and inflamed with the disgrace of their late foil , endeavoured to redeem their Honour by their Attempts , filling up the Ditches with Rubbish , serving themselves therein of the Christian Captives lately taken : The Defendants on the other side , by the dictates of Nature and Reason , were directed to maintain their houses , wives , and children from the rapine and violence of an unjust Enemy ; so that both Parties moving from different Principles , used all the Art and Valour possible for destruction each of other : the noise of Cannon from the Forts raised by the Turks , resounded continually in the Air , and from the Town the shot were often so fortunately placed , that daily , besides great numbers of ordinary Souldiers , many Persons of Note and Quality amongst the Turks were slain . But the Turks having before this Town a greater number of Souldiers than either could come to sight , or what was thought necessary to subdue it , the Vizier selected from his Army a very considerable Force to enter and spoil Moravia and Austria ; of these were 600 Tartars joyned to a strong Force of Turks , who by the guidance of the Natives passing the River Waegh , spoiled and destroyed all the Country round about , carrying men , women , and children into slavery , leaving what was not conveniently portable , in ashes . But in passing the River , they incountred a considerable Body of Germans , both Horse and Foot , and being opposed by them , were at first forced to retreat again over the River with the loss of about eight hundred Janisaries ; but the next day renewing the Fight with better courage and success , passed the River in despight of the Imperialists , whom they pursued almost as far as Presburg . These Turks were seconded by a greater Body of Tartars , every one after the manner of his Country , leading one or two spare Horses , made Inroads within five miles of Vienna , destroying and laying in ashes all places before them ; things there resembling Dooms-day consumed with fire , and not so much almost left as marks or appearance of habitation . These Troubles and Confusions in Hungary were the talk and amazement of all Christendom , and indeed little more they were than talk ; for the Christian Princes farther distant , as less concerned stood at a gaze , expecting the issue of that Treaty which was between the King of France , and the Pope ; and the Princes of Germany ( whatsover was resolved at the Diet ) like men surprized knew not what Succours to afford : some thought it now time to treat with the Emperour , and recover the Rights and Priviledges they thought their due , and to condescend to no Terms of confederate assistance against the common Enemy , unless with advantageous considerations to their State ; and all in general acted with that negligence and coldness , as if only the State of Austria , and not the common Cause of Germany had been concerned . The Election of a General for the Imperial Army admitting long debate , was another retardment to the Preparations for the War ; the Duke of Brandenburg was nominated , and sollicited to accept the supreme Command ; but the Title of being General of the Empire , or the Imperial Army , was a dispute undeterminable , and a difficulty not to be overcome : and though the Enemy had passed their Frontiers , and triumphed in their Possessions , and threatned the subversion of all Christendom , yet Jealousies , Niceties , and acry Formalities took up all the time ; so that at length their Councils had no other result than an increase of Animosities and Difficulties amongst themselves . The Emperour also terrified with the Siege of Newhausel , and the near Incursions of the Turks , abandoned his City of Vienna , carrying with him the Records and greatest of his Richess to Lintz , to the greater apprehension , discouragement , and fear of the whole Country in general , and was an act which might have produced very fatal effects , had not the Winter approached , and the progress of the Insidels been interrupted by the Valour , Vigilance , good Fortune , and Conduct of Count Serini , who in requital of those Incursions the Turks made into the Christian Territories , entred the Turkith Borders near Komorra , and there with Fire and Sword destroyed all before him , defeated a Party of about three thousand Janisaries , taking from them a good Booty of Money and Provisions designed for Relief of the Leagure before Newhausel . During these varieties of success the Turks still continued the Siege , and having now made a breach , and almost filled the graft with rubbish , Faggots and other implements , attempted a second storm on the 28 th and 29 th of August , but were repulsed with an extraordinary loss , by the couragious Gallantry of the Defendants : on the 9 th of September was given another more furious Assault , every Pasha leading his men in the Front , so that the Action this day was so violently and couragiously performed , that the Turkish Ensign was advanced to the top of the Rampire of the Fort Frederick , where both sides coming to handy blows , the dispute continued a long time ; but the courage of the Defendants at length prevailing , the Turks were driven headlong from the Walls , and their Colours wrested from them with the loss of about five thousand men , and four hundred Christians . Though the Turks were much abated in their courage by this days work , yet the Vizier obstinately continued the Siege , preparing speedily for another storm , in which he hoped to force the Christians to a Surrender . In the mean time , to facilitate the design of the Turks , on the 15 th of September the chief Magazine of Powder ( none knows how ) took fire , and blew into the air , by which blow fifty Souldiers and several Officers were slain ; but the worst was , that the besieged were deprived of all their Powder , unless what remained in private houses , which so dismayed the Inhabitants , that immediately with one voice they demanded a Parly : the women also began a confused tumult , crying out for a Surrender , in which they were so impetuous and violent , that they threw stones from their windows on the Souldiers . Amidst of this confusion the Turks disposing their Companies to make another storm , the Officers resolved upon a Treaty , which concluded with these following Conditions . First , That the Commanders and Garrison should march out on the 17 th of September with Bag and Baggage , and have safe conduct as far as Komorra : and that for a convenience of the sick and wounded , the Vizier should be obliged to provide four hundred Carts and more , if there should be occasion . Secondly , That as such as desire to abandon their dwellings , may have liberty to depart , so such as desire to abide may continue their habitations : and that the Religious and Ecclesiastical persons may perform their Functions as in former times . Thirdly , That upon the Surrender of the principal Works , no Turk shall enter within the Town , until all such as intend to depart have quitted their stations . Fourthly , That for performance of Articles , two Aga's should be given for Hostages ; and that until the foregoing Articles were fully accomplished , all acts of Hostility should cease . Fifthly , That the Garrison might not be necessitated to march through the Turkish Camp , the Turks themselves were obliged to make them a new Bridge , or repair the old to pass the Niter . These Articles , though punctually observed by the Turks , yet the Tartars , who are of a faithless and barbarous nature , upon certain pretences assaulted the Garrison , as they marched out , and had doubtless moved the rest of the Camp Rabble to imitate their example ; had not many of the Pashaws at the Head of their Troops , killed the most forward in this Rebellious attempt , whose perfidious insolence and riot could not yet have been restrained , had not the Garrison quickned their pace , more like a flight than an orderly March. But the Vizier on the contrary , distributed money to the Garrison , and especially to the Hungarians , with design ( as is supposed ) to allure and attract their minds to a belief of the gentleness of the Turkish Yoke ; as if he compassionated the miseries of that Country , which was the Stage whereon the Tragedies of so many miseries and slaughters were acted . This Siege continued about the space of 43. Days ; of the Garrison marched out 3500. sound men , and about 500. wounded ; those Inhabitants who would remain , had protection and liberty . The Army which besieged the Town consisted of 50000. men . In the Town were found 60. pieces of Brass Cannon , but most broken and unserviceable , with little Ammunition , but with great provision of Hungarian Wines . The loss the Turks might receive , is computed to have been of about 15000. men , amongst which was slain , the Spaheelar Agasee , or General of the Horse , Beco Pasha , Beglerbeg of Romalia , Vsasf , Pasha of Anatolia , and Ibrahim Pasha of Seydi , with sixteen Captains belonging to Buda , and nine to Constantinople . The loss of Newhausell affected the Austrian Court with so drendful apprehensions of the Ottoman Fortune and Fury , that they hastened the finishing of the Works , and Fortifications of Vienna ; cutting down all the Woods and Boseage thereabouts , which might benefit or thelter the Enemy ; and so great an impression did the fear of the Turks prevalency and power work on the minds of the Germans , that they not only Fortified the Frontiers , but secured the innermost parts of Austria , which extend along the River , as far as within three Miles of Lintz . But above all , Possonium which was upon the Frontiers , though not an open Town , yet of no strength or resistance , was not neglected , but reinforced with a considerable Garrison , and the Works restored and repaired , with as many additional Fortisications as time would admit . But the Inhabitants had lost so much of their Spirit and Courage , by the melancholy relation of the fate of Newhausel , and the apprehension of the dreadful advance of the whole Turkish Force ; that their constancy to the Emperour began to waver , and to entertain some thoughts of submitting to the mercy and clemency of the Turks , who had newly declared , that such as voluntarily submitted to the Ottoman Obedience , should for three years be exempted from all Tribute or Taxes . This consideration adjoined to fear , so prevailed on those of Possonium , that they shut the Gates against the Garrison which was sent to recruit and defend them ; some publickly declaring the extremity of their affairs had no other safety than in a surrender of themselves to the mercy and protection of the Vizier . Howsoever the Count Strozzi , with his Italian Artifices , so wheedled the grosser humour of the Hungarians , that they were perswaded to admit him and his Regiment within the Town , where he disposed all things with that Conduct , and built those Forts , and in a short time so apparently rendered the Town tenable , that the Inhabitants taking Courage , resolved to defend themselves , in obedience to their Prince , to the ultimate point of Estates and Lives . In the mean time the Turks made themselves Masters of Leventz , a Town though tenable , and not contemptible for its strength , yet was by the peoples fears , and allurements of the Viziers promises and fair Propositions , committed to the mercy of the Turks , and swore in Fealty to them the 23 d day of September . By this time the news of the taking of Newhausell , was arrived at the Ottoman Court , where it was entertained with so much joy , that a Dunelma , or Festival , was appointed for the space of seven days through the whole Empire ; which according to the fashion of the Turks , is Celebrated by adorning the Gates , and outward Walls of their Houses , so soon as it begins to be dark , with great store of Lamps and Candles , during which time the Nights are spent with Musick and Bankets , as the Dayes are with Visits and Presents , and Corban , ( which is an Almes which rich men make in flesh to the poor sort , and is given either at the little Biram , which is called the Feast of Corban , or upon some publick Thanksgiving , which is performed in this manner . ) He that makes the Corban , first layes his hand upon the head of the Sheep , or Lamb , makes a short Prayer , and then in the name of God cuts the throat , the Butcher afterwards fleying off the skin , the Corbanist divides the flesh into small pieces , to as many poor as slock to receive it . In the heat of these Revels , and Bankets , every one spake high in praise of their fortunate Arms , and Congratulated each with other , the prosperous beginnings of this War , promising to themselves the following year , rather a time of Peregrination or Travel through the pleasant Countries and Cities of the Christians , than blood and sweat in obtaining the possession of their Enemies . Nor were such imaginations vain , or absurd for the Commonalty to entertain ; in regard it was evident to the World , in what manner the Ottoman Arms roved through Hungary uncontrouled , without an appearance of any considerable Force to give them the least stop or interruption ; so that under the very Walls of Rab and Presburg , and on the Banks of the Danube near Komorra , Incursions and depredations were made , and great numbers of people of both Sexes , and of all Ages , were carried into slavery , the Country all round laid wast , the Corn and Hay burnt ; with all other miserable effects and Concomitants of War. In this manner all places seemed to fall down and yield at the very rumour of the Turks approach ; for not only Leventz surrendred it self , but likewise Nitra , though over-topped by a strong and an impregnable Castle , was by the Cowardice of the Commander betrayed at the first Summons of the Turks ; for which action , the Captain afterwards , by express Command of the Emperour suffered Death . After all these successes , though no opposition appeared in the Field , to obstruct the luxuriant and wanton march of the victorious Squadrons of the Ottoman Army ; and not only Hungary , but Austria , and the lower Germany was Alarmed and terrified with the rumour of the Turkish numbers ; and though the Vizier ( as it is said ) began this War with the ambitious thoughts of possessing Vienna it self , and out-vying the Acts of Solyman the Magnificent : Yet it seemed strange , that being come thus far , and almost in prospect of his hopes , that he should give a check to his Fortunes , and not advance towards Vienna ; to which now the passage seemed wide and open ; but it was almost a miracle , that he should not make a Visit to Possonium , before which , had he only displaid his dreadful Arms , it had surrendred at his first Summons and Appearance . Instead whereof he attempted Schinta , the Magazine of the Emperours Arms and Artillery , but found not the same easy entrance as he did with the Governour of Nitra , but instead thereof , being stoutly repulsed after several assaults , concluded the enterprize too difficult , and requiring more time and bloud than could be countervailed by the acquisition of that place . Wherefore raising his Camp , he employed a considerable party to take Novigrade , a Castle scituated on a high Rock , encompassed with a Ditch of thirty four Foot deep , Garrisoned with 600. Souldiers , and provided sufficiently with Victuals and Ammunition ; howsoever by ill fortune and worse Conduct , this place also was resigned into the hands of the Turks . By this time the Winter approaching , and the season of the Year beginning to be unfit for action , the Great Vizier retreated as far as Belgrade , to take up his Winter Quarters with the gross of his Army . Where remaining with full satisfaction and glory , contemplating the successes of the past Year , and promising to himself greater renown , and exaltation of his mighty acts , for that insuing ; he so contemned the Force of his Enemies , that he Licensed great numbers of the Asian Spahces , who came as far as from Babylon and Grand Cairo , to return home to their own possessions . Howsoever to vex the Christians with continual Alarms , the Vizier ordered a flying Body of Turks and Tartars , to the number of 30000. under the Command of * Chengiogli , to pass into Stiria and Croatia , the Country of Count Serini , and there to burn , lay waste , and depopulate all before them . Count Serini was now newly returned from Hungary , and supposing the Season for action sinished , had lodged the greatest part of his Forces within their Winter Quarters , and securely laid himself to repose ; when an Alarm came of the approach of thirty thousand Horse ; the Count rowsing his great Spirit from its case , collected as many of his people into a Body , as the shortness of time would permit , which were not above 480. men ; and with these he betook himself to the 〈◊〉 Muer , to give a stop ( if possible ) to the passage of the Enemy , placing Centinels in all places where the River was fordable . On the 17 th of November the Christians espyed the Turks Encamped on the other side , and at the same time discovered 2000. of them to have passed the River ; on which , Serini immediately made that furious Assault , assisted with the Courage of Captain Chirfaleas ( a person who had often times given glorious proofs of his valour against the Turks ) that he soon put them to open flight , and they seeking to pass the River , and missing the place where the River was fordable , threw themselves headlong into the Water , where the most part of those perished who escaped the Sword. The Turks on the other side were so amazed at this stupendious Valour of Serini , that their Courages failing them , they desisted from their farther attempt upon Croatia , so that this poor Country seemed as it were for the present , to be reprieved by Miracle from a total destruction . THE HISTORY OF Sultan Mahomet IV. THE XIII . EMPEROUR OF THE TURKS . The Third BOOK . Anno 1664. Hegeira 1075. THE Month of January was now well entered with its rigid Frosts , when Apasi Prince of Transilvania , beholding his Souldiers in their Winter Quarters , and all things quiet and still about him , judged it seasonable for his establishment to discover himself with some lustre to the World , seated in the usual Throne of the Transilvanian Princes ; which sight appeared souniversally grateful to the people , that they began to be enamoured of their Prince , and to applaud his Person , his Prowess and Vertues , and to cast an ill and envious Eye on those Cities , which were Garrisoned with German Souldiers . About which time the Fortress of Zechelhyd revolted from Obedience of the Emperour unto Apasi the Prince : for the Souldiery of that Garrison having long Arrears of pay due to them , made a Mutiny , and expelled their Colonel Dempenbal from his Office , and pillaged his House , placing the Quarter-Master of Strozzis Regiment in his stead . The news of this Sedition flew quickly to Vienna , from whence immediately a Messenger was dispatched with an Act of Pardon , from the Emperour , upon submission , and proffers of full satisfaction of all Arrears ; but the Souldiery finding themselves only paid with words , hearkened to the more effectual Propositions of Apasi , who taking hold of this opportunity , sent every Souldier ten Dollars with a Suit of Cloaths , promising larger and more constant pay than they received from the Emperour , with which the Garrison being satisfied , surrendred up their City on the 20 th of January . But whilst other Armies remained in their Quarters , and other Commanders gave themselves up to ease , and drowned themselves in Wine and Bankets ; and whilst Jealousies , Envics , and Ceremonies , disturbed and confused the resolves of Diets and private Councils ; The generous and vigilant Serini , having received advices from Adrianople , that the Turks design in the next Campagna , was to convert the whole heat and fury of the War upon Croatia , and through that Country to open a passage unto Friuli ; his active Spirit conceived that heat and flame , that the Winters cold could not chill his hot and eager desires from entering into the open Field , and commencing some attempt and enterprize on his Enemy . Wherefore on the 16 th of January he began his march from Serinswar , with an Army of about 25000. men ; And in the first place , marching along the Banks of the Dravus , shewed himself before Berzenche ; which upon conditions of marching away with Arms , Bag , and Baggage , was surrendered to him . Bakockza was likewise yielded , and a Palancha on the River quitted upon report of the Counts approach , leaving behind them eight brass Guns in the Fort. From hence he marched towards Esseck , otherwise called Oseck , which is the only pass from the upper to the lower Hungary , having a Bridge of Wood over a Moor or Fen , about six or seven miles in length , which once I remember , with my Horse , I was an hour and three quarters in passing ( as I observed by my Watch ) , and reported to have been six years in building . This Bridge Serini resolved to burn , which cost the Turks 300000. Dollars , and six Years time to build , imagining that to rebuild it again , was a work of that time , as could not be repaired in one Summer , and that by this means the Turks would be disappointed of all action the following Year , and the Empire have time to breath , and assemble the utmost of their strength and force together : wherefore taking opportunity of the hard Winter , when the Marsh was frozen , and a strong wind to carry the flame ; he sent before him 2000. Dragoons , and 3000. Croats , which encountring 6000. Turks at the foot of the Bridge , set for guard of that place , were so ill treated by them , that they had been wholly cut off , had not a considerable Force of Horse and Dragoons , come in to their assistance , by whose resolution they not only routed the Turk , but took the Palancha , which was the defence of the Bridge , and having gained it in hot blood , put all to Fire and Sword ; after which , Fire being set to the Bridge in divers places , in a short time it was consumed and remained in ashes . The news of this exploit was received at Vienna with great Joy ; believing that for the following Year , they had disappointed the Turks of a passage , but by the sequel it will appear , how much they erred in the account made of the diligence of the Turks , who in forty days repaired that which they esteemed a work of some Years ; and as I observed , it was all built of new Timber , and on another foundation different from the old . From this place Serini marched to Quinque Ecclesiae , or Five Kirk , at whose near approach , the Turks set out a white Flag on one of the Towers , signifying a desire of Parley , as if they had had intentions to surrender on Terms and Articles of Agreement ; the Christians with this confidence marched near the Walls , where the Turks espying their advantage on their Enemies now under command of their Guns fired upon them , and did severe execution , killing amongst others several principal Officers , of which were General Hammerling and Count Harberstein ; which perfidious action so transported Serini , that he resolved on a furious assault , and performed it with that gallantry , that on the 5 th of February he took the Town by storm and force of Arms , and in recompence of their treacherous Stratagem , put all the Inhabitants to the sword , and gave up the Town to the Pillage and Plunder of the Souldiery , and afterwards setting it on fire , rendred it the most horrid spectacle of fire and sword that had as yet been seen or known in this present War. These successes of Serini gained him the reputation of a valiant and fortunate Prince , and his liberal hand in frankly bestowing the Booty and Pillages amongst the Souldiery , invited great numbers to follow his Banner . His active Spirit and Vigilance gained him likewise a reputation amongst the Turks , that their principal fear and dread was of Serin-Ogli , as of a watchful and politick Enemy ; for in every place he made great havock and spoil , being reported to have laden two thousand five hundred Carts with Slaves , Goods , and Ammunition , and to carry with him an hundred fifty five Pieces of Cannon taken out of small Forts and Palancha's , and to have laid waste all the Country between the Dravns and the Danube . In these Incursions , and victorious and dreadful travels through the Enemies Country , the valiant Serini at length arrived at Sigeth , a Fortress consisting of a new and old Town conjoyned by a Bridge which crosses a famous Marsh or Fen , ennobled by the Attempt made thereon by Solyman the Magnificent in the year 1565. with an Army of six hundred thousand men ; in defence of which Nicholas Serini , the great Grandfather of the present Count , immortalized his Fame and Memory with the loss of his life , and renowned the place it self by his Feats of Arms. At this place Serini was resolved to revenge the blood of his Ancestors , and sacrisice great numbers to the Ghost of his Grandfather ; to which end he sent the Count Olack before him with part of his Army , to summon the Enemy , and prepare the way to his own more effectual force ; Olack had ordered all things accordingly , when Serini full of Glory and Spoils arrived him in his Leagure , and joyning together appointed the day for a general storm ; but whilst these things were meditating , and that Sigeth was reduced almost to the last extremity , advice came of the near approach of a Body of twelve thousand Turks and Tartars ; to encounter which the Attempt was accounted difficult , considering the loss and diminution of the Christian Forces , which by continual actions , and the bitter suffering of the Winter season , were reduced to a number inferiour to that of their Enemies , and wanting all sorts of Provision and Ammunition , it was resolved , as most expedient , to raise the Siege , which was the next day performed , and the Souldiery taken into Garrisons to repose and recruit themselves . But whilst by the active and zealous Spirit of this great Champion most matters proceeded successfully on the side of Croatia , the Christian Affairs on the other side , by the negligence of some Ministers , ran into evident ruine and disorder . For Claudiopolis which not many years past had defended it self so valiantly against the Turks under the Command of the Governour Retani , did now , wanting pay , ( the sinew and life of the Souldiery ) follow the late example of Zechelhyd , and surrendred it self into the hands of Apafi ; and though the complaints and murmurings of the Souldiers gave a sufficient time of warning to make due Provisions against a misfortune so imminent and plainly appearing , yet the want of expedition at Vienna , and the unprofitable application only of empty words and air to feed the penury and satisfie the appetite of starving men , was a remedy so little available , that the Garrison submitted to Apafi , and yielded to Conditions whereby they might eat and live : the story of which place , compared with that of Zechelhyd , was so shameful and pungent to men capable of any impressions of honour or duty , that at length it awakened the Germans , and admonished them to provide better for Zacmar and Tockay , and other Frontier Garrisons , lest they also should incur the like Fate and misfortune with the two former . By this time the Actions of Serini were rumoured in the Grand Signiors Seraglio , and the report of them became common in the mouths of the Vulgar ; wherefore full of anger and disdain , the Sultan wrote severely to his Vizier , reproving him of negligence for suffering Serini so freely to range his Countries without controul , to the great dishonour of his Empire , and damage of his People : whereupon the Vizier not as yet having received his Recruits , nor prepared so early for the March of the gross of his Army , dispatched notwithstanding a considerable Force to precede him , with Orders either by stealth to surprize Serinswar , or else to lay siege unto it . This Army marching by the way of Bosna , the News thereof was brought to Count Peter Serini , appointed by his Brother to stand Sentinel on the Guard of his Country , whilst he in Person was busied in Hungary , who immediately thereupon with what force he could collect , ambushed himself at the narrow Pass of a Mountain called the Morlac , where he had not long attended before the Turks without order or care entred with their whole Body ; but being on a sudden surprized by the Count , were wholly defeated , leaving two thousand dead on the place , with many Prisoners . The month of March being now well entred , the Frosts began to thaw , and the Air become more mild and moderate , when Count Nicholas Serini entertained thoughts of laying siege to Canisia : But to lay the foundation of this design with the better judgment , it was thought first necessary to view the state and situation of the place ; wherefore the Count in person accompanied with about fourteen Officers , went one day to take a survey thereof ; but he was not so private in his design , but that it was known to the Turks , who secretly laid five hundred men in wait to take him , and upon the near approach of Serini , started from their holes with shouts and out-crys ; but the Count was so well mounted on his Croatian Courser , that he out-ran them all , and got refuge in the Thickets of a neighbouring Wood , where three hundred of his own Horse alarmed at a distance by the Echo's of the cry , came in to his succour , and making head against the Turks , routed and defeated them , killing and taking many Prisoners ; amongst the slain was found one armed cap-a-pe , with a silk twist or cord of divers colours about his waste , who was , as reported by the Captives , to have been one who resolved to have taken Serini , and with that cord to have brought him bound to the feet of the Vizier . Serini having thus escaped , resolved to revenge himself of the affront , and therefore made most dreadful spoils , and confusion in all places round Kanisia , so that the people flying thither for Sanctuary , were refused entertainment by the Pasha , who at that time labouring with scarcity , and expecting a siege , had no need of unnecessary guests . Serini having now fully resolved to lay siege to Kanisia , thought fit first to signifie the design to his Imperial Majesty , for which purpose he dispatched away the Engineer General with Letters to the Council of War of the Lower Hungary , containing a perfect relation of the success and progress of his Arms in that Winter , and how he had laid waste and desolate all that circumference of Land which lyes between the River Dravus and Serinswar , by which means Kanisia was already strained with famine , and that now was the only season to recover that Fortress , if the design were put into immediate execution , before the Turks arose from their Winter-quarters , or had time to afford a powerful Relief . The resolution of Serini was so well pleasing to the Council , that by the same Messenger they signified their approbation thereof to the Emperour then at the Diet at Ratisbone , humbly desiring , that this design might proceed , which would undoubtedly take effect , if the Count were provided only with thirteen thousand Foot and seven thousand Horse ; but then the Siege was to be laid before the beginning of April , lest the early motion of the Turkish Camp should blast and defeat the too late beginning of this action . The particular Journal of Serini's success was not less pleasing to his Caesarean Majesty , than his present Heroical resolution against Kanisia , who thereupon gave Orders to the General Council to supply him with all Provisions , Ammunition , and Men , which were requisite for this Siege , and was graciously pleased himself to express in a Letter to the Count the sense he had of his Merits and Valour , which he applauded and extolled in the words following . POstquam mihi Architectus Militaris de Vassemboij eximios Vestros progressus famosique Pontis Essolciensts exustionem , & coetera à Vobis edita Virtutis Militaris singularia specimina longa seric exposuisset , supervenerunt Vestroe de 19. Februarii , & omnia breviori , quàm tantorum gestorum magnitudo capit , enarratione confirmantes . Posuit fortunatus iste progressus labescenti rei Hungarioe sirmum adminiculum , erexit consternatos meorum sidelium animos , & suturorum foelicium successuum non exiguum jecit fundamentum . Proinde hoec Vestra egregia facta non minùs mihi grata & accepta accidunt , quàm in Nominis Vestri perennitatem , & augendam apud Posteros memoriam redundant . Spero omnino per Divinam assistentiam , virtutémque , & experientiam Vestram ejusmodi ultiores foelices successus , atque hostilium armorum debellationem . According to this Order of the Emperour , the resolution of the Council of War was established on the 10 th of March , and Serini published , That on the 8 th of April he would begin the Siege ; but in regard the Germans in Stiria , and the Forces of the Rhyne by reason of the absence of their General , the Count Olack , could not be so soon ready , the time of the siege was deferred until the 30 th of April , on which , or the first of May , the Town was formally beleagured , not so much with hopes of success , as with design to maintain the reputation of the Imperial Arms , and to divert the gross of the Enemies force from the more easie and delightful Plains of Hungary , or the plenteous Confines of Vienna , to a Country less happy or fruitful , encompassed with Fens and Marshes , poisoned with bad Airs and Vapours , and made more miserable already by the Desolations of War. But let us leave Serini at his Siege before Kanisia , and travel a while with our thoughts to the Diet at Ratisbone , and understand what is there forming and designing towards Preservation of the Commonweal of the Empire . The taking of Nemhausel , and the Progress of the Ottoman Armes , had awakened the German Princes with that sense of the common danger , that a Diet was assembled at Ratisbone to consult of the most effectual means that might give a stop to the uncontrouled incursions of the Turk . And not to trouble the Reader with the names of all those Princes and Ambassadours which there appeared , it will be sufficient to signifie , That besides his Cesarean Majesty , there were present , as his Plenipotentiaries , the Elector of Mentz , and Arch-Bishop of Saltzburgh : And though many Princes showed themselves with Glory and Splendour ; yet none appeared with that Pomp and Magnificence as the Elector of Bavaria , who for number of Coaches , richness of his Liveries , and compleat Government of his Retinue , was so neat and polite , that he seemed not only to exceed every Court in particular , but in Elegance and Magnificence to equalize them all together . Upon Debate of matters in reference to this War , the Count of Olach was unanimously chosen General for the Confederates of the Rhime ; but the more hot Disputes between the Protestants and Papists about Election of other Generals kept matters in longer suspence , yet at length the Marquess of Baden was chosen Marshal General in behalf of the League , the Marquess of Durlach , and the Bishop of Munster his Councellours , and Directors of the War , and Count Francis Fucher , General of the Ordnance . But in the Levies of their Forces they concurred more freely and willingly ; for besides the Imperial Forces , which consisted of 41600 Foot , and 13900 Horse , the Allies and Confederates furnished 13850 Foot , and 3350 Horse ; the Auxiliaries of the Empire made up a Body of 16991 Foot , and 4037 Horse , besides the Forces of Saxony , and Brandenburgh , and the Succours of France , so that , by Gods Providence , the Christian Army was this year esteemed equal , if not more numerous than the multitudes of their Enemies . The next matter under consideration was the nomination of Ministers to be sent abroad to implore assistance from Christian Princes more remote ; the Count Piccolomini was to negotiate in the Courts of Italy , but having taken a Distemper in his Journies , died after a short Sickness at Milan . Also the Count Colalto , sent to his Majesty of Great Britain , died in his Journey before he arrived at London ; notwithstanding which the generous piety of his Majesty was not wanting with a liberal hand to contribute towards the promotion of the Christian Interest . From Poland nothing more could be obtained than Terms of Courtesie , and Demonstrations of Good Will and Desires , for that their Forces being employed against the Moscovite to recover the lost Countries of Lituania , could not possibly attend the Service and Command of his Imperial Majesty , though they could not but at the same time reflect on their premures and necessities with shame and confusion , which disabled them from answering with like returns , the grateful memory they still retained of the assistance against Sweden . To his Most Christian Majesty Count Strozzi was employed , before whose Arrival at Paris the common report and vogue was , That that King resolved to contribute an effectual assistance to the Christian Cause in that present Conjuncture ; which pious disposition Strozzi so happily improved , that he obtained from his Majesty a Grant and promise of four thousand Foot , and two thousand Horse , raised and payed at his own charge , to be united with the Troops of the Rhinish League : And farther his Majesty was so gracious herein , that he published a Declaration , That what person soever would serve the Emperour against the Turk , his resolution and action therein should be accepted by him , in the same manner , as if the service were immediately tendered to himself . Upon which many persons of Quality resolved upon this expedition , amongst which was the Duke of Buglion , the Marquis de Villeroy , the Abbot of Richelieu , and many other Heroes , and Persons of Bravery , who ventured their Lives with no other consideration than that of honour and Religion . But before I pass from this Embassy , give me leave to report a Complement which Count Strozzi passed upon this King , which some say did savour a little too much of flattery and affectation . The matter was this : Count Strozzi being admitted to hiis Audience , so soon as he entered into the Chamber , I know not whether it was feigned or real , he seemed to be struck with such an amazement and fear , that for a while he was not able to pronounce a word articulate or intelligible ; but at length recollecting himself , he began with a trembling voice to excuse this hesitation of his Speech , having his Senses dissipated , and his Eyes dazled with the Rays and Splendour of so much Majesty ; and with that , as in a rapture or ecstasie , broke out into an admiration of the French Monarchy , the report of whose Greatness and Glory , though arrived to the utmost Confines of the Universe , came yet far short of that real Majesty which he saw and admired , whose dreadful and mysterious Throne was sufficient to revive the dead Ashes of the Sabean Queen to prostrate herself before this new Solomon , much excelling the wisdom , the richess , the vertue , and happiness of the former . And thence descending with the like sagacious obsequiousness , to confute the malicious Reports of malignant tongues , who , envious of the harmony of Christian Spirits , represented his Majesty as ill-affected to the Austrian Family , whereas to the contrary , he could testifie to have found that excess of Affection , and admirable disposition in his Majesty towards the Emperour his Ally , as rendred his Embassy abundantly happy and successful , which , joined to the Zeal his Majesty had towards the Christian Cause , was like Friendship united to Charity , and Moral Vertues made perfect by spiritual Qualifications . In fine , he compared his Christian Majesty to that Glorious Sun , which communicating his light to the Christian World , affords the most benign influence to the Catholick Climate ; with much better reason therefore ought Germany to participate so great a Circle of those Rays , as may serve wholly to obscure and darken the dim and barbarous Light of the Ottoman Moon . In sum , Strozzi knew so well how to manage his Discourse , and play the Oratour , that he obtained considerable assistances , and returned to his Master the Emperour with full Demonstrations of all obliging Terms , and courteous Treatments . And having thus understood what preparations are making in Christendom , let us pass over into the Turks Quarters , and see what is in the mean time transacting in those Dominions . At this time the rumour of a Rebellion and Mutiny amongst the Great Beghs at Grand Cairo in Egypt afforded matter for trouble and consultation at the Ottoman Court ; for that those Beghs who have great possessions and power in that Country , made seizure of Ibrahim Pasha , and imprisoned him , being about the expiration of his three years commonly allotted to that Government ; and therefore near upon departure . The demands they had upon him was for no less than three thousand purses of money , which , according to the Cairo Account , are reckoned seven hundred and fifty Dollars a purse , and pretended to be taken from them against Law and Justice ; and that without restitution thereof they resolved not to restore him his liberty . This insolence against so eminent a Pasha , qualified with such absolute power in his Government , and one related to the Grand Signior by marriage of his Sister , compared with the late neglects and disobedience of that people , who for some years had failed in the full payment of their Tribute , were interpreted as evident Symptoms of disaffection , and malignancy , which that people entertained against the Ottoman Subjection . Wherefore the Sultan immediately dispatched away the Master of his Horse to Cairo , with full power to appease this Rebellion , and with Lenitives to moderate the fury of the people , who seemed to be too licentious and unbridled to be governed by a Musselim , or Deputy : Wherefore the Selictar Aga was elected Pasha , and to depart with all expedition . In the mean time this Messenger , to make greater haste , took post through Asia with thirty in his Company , and in a short time arrived at Grand Cairo , where , with fair terms , and restitution of some money from the Pasha , all matters were reduced to an amicable composure , only the punishment of the Chief Mutiniers , with a fair Countenance , deferred for a season , was afterwards according to the Turkish fashion , when time and opportunity presented , remunerated to those factious Spirits with a severe Interest , and satisfaction to Justice . Not long after Ibrahim Pasha having obtained his liberty , returned from his Government of Cairo to Constantinople , where refreshing himself some time with the embraces of his young Sultana , an Imperial Command for immediate payment of four hundred Purses of money to the Grand Signiors Treasury , disturbed his delightful quiet . The Pasha made a present payment of one half , but desired time for the remainder , either for want of that instant supply , or else on hopes of ease of his Fine . But the Sultan , who is impatient of any delay in his Slaves , which savours of obstinacy or disobedience , though never so reasonable , dispatched another Command enjoining present compliance , and as a penalty for the late neglect , raised the Demand from four hundred to six hundred Purses , which if not as readily payed as required , the Kimacham of Constantinople was impowred to commit him Prisoner , within the four Gates of the Seraglio , the fatal Prison , from whence few find other Release than by Death . The Pasha not being able to comply , was there restrained of his Liberty ; and yet had the good fortune in a few days to obtain his freedom , by the endeavours ( as some suppose ) of the Great Vizier , who having by this Act weakened his Power and Treasure , did afterwards as an instrument of his Deliverance , conserve his Life , and obtain for him the Government of Darbiquier , where being remote and obscure at so far a distance , could never be capable to shadow , or by his great popularity and affable comportment endanger the present happy state of the Viziers Office. Matters growing now towards action , by return of the Spring , the Grand Signior , to incourage his Vizier in a continuance of his duty , sent him a Horse and a Sword as a testimony of his favour and good esteem of his person : and Orders were issued out through all the Empire for publick Prayers to be made some days before the Vizier began his March towards the Enemy . This appointment of publick Devotions occasioned matter of argument and dispute between the Mufti and a Shegh or Preacher , one that was always near the Grand Signiors Person , and therefore on confidence of his familiar accesses to the Presence of the Sultan , and on presumption of his Sanctity and Priviledge of his Office , took liberty to oppose and contradict the Oracle of the Ottoman Law. The Problem in question was , Whether Prayers appointed for success of the Ottoman Arms , according to the Law of their Prophet , were to be made privately , and in every Mosch or Oratory apart , or in a general Assembly of the whole City . The Mufti maintained the last Position , citing in favour of his opinion the testimony of divers Arabick Doctors , and the customs of the present and past times . The Shegh on the contrary was for Devotions to be performed in every Mosch , declaring , That the Assembly of all the people of a City into one body did nothing avail or inforce the power of Prayer ; for they being true Believers were all illuminated , and had no need of helps to make their Prayers more fervent or more acceptable . The argument was hot on both sides : and though the Mufti had got another Shegh on his part , who might pretend to as much of illumination as the other , and joyned to the Mufti 's opinion , who is the Mouth and undoubted Interpreter of the Law , might seem able not only to resolve the knottiest difficulties , but to impose an assent on them with greater authority ; yet the Shegh having the Grand Signior on his side , presently got most of reason , and forced the Mufti to recant his former opinion as erroneous , and to banish the other Shegh his Companion , pretending that he was now convinced , and had sooner discovered the truth , had not the Impostor , the false Preacher deceived him by his feigned illuminations . This Victory gained the Shegh much applause and esteem with the Grand Signior , so that he vented what Doctrine he pleased , and all he said was taken for Divine Rules and Precepts . He was born about Van on the Confines of Persia , so that he is called Vanni Efendi , and is of the Armenian Race : he preached every Friday at Adrianople in one Mosch or other , where the Grand Signior was for the most part present ; and though the greatest part of his Sermons were stuffed up with praises of the Mahometan Religion , and invectives against Christians , sentencing all polluted and profane who associate with them , and exclaiming against the abomination of Wine ; yet it is confidently reported , that he is no strict Observer of the Law he professes , the which his Disciples and Familiars are ready to excuse in him , saying , That it may be lawful for him to dispense with such matters , in regard his Illuminations and high Prerogatives of Sanctity have infranchised him from observance of the meaner and less substantial points of their Law. The Turks who are as much given to Predictions and Interpretations of old Prophecies , as ever the Egyptians were , busied themselves this year more than ever , to know the Event of this War. Some who had studied ancient Arabick Predictions , had extracted certain Astrological Figures , and from thence framed strange fancies , according to the humor or melancholy of the Astrologer ; one whereof coming to the Grand Signiors ear , mentioning divers things obscurely , and in general of the great effusion of blood , but that at last the advantage and Victory should remain to the Turk , and that the Grand Signior himself should shortly make a Journey ; the Grand Signior troubled hereat , as much as ever Pharaoh was about the Interpretation of his Dream , sent for one of the Chief Justices of the Law called the Kadilescher , and with him conferred concerning this Prediction : all things pleased him well , but only the latter part of making a Journey . Whither that Journey should be , he could not imagine ; his Arms were so prosperous in Hungary , that he conceived the Vizier had no need of his presence either to animate or recruit his Army : and to any other part , he knew not what could move him from his delightful and beloved City of Adrianople . The Kadilescher supposing that he might put that Interpretation thereon which might not be ungrateful , replied , Perhaps , O Emperour , he may mean that you shall again return to your sublime and happy Port of Constantinople . The Grand Signior suddenly touched herewith burst into choler : How , said he , to Constantinople ! what joy , what comfort can I have there ? Hath not that place been fatal to my Father ? What benefit had my Uncle from thence ? or any of my Race ? Have not all my Princes Ancestors been subject to a thousand Mutinies and Rebellions in that place ? I shall sooner than return thither set fire to it with my own hands , and rejoyce to see that City with my Seraglio brought to ashes . And that we may farther discover the strange aversion the Sultan had to Constantinople , and his resolution to change the Seat of his Empire , it is observable , that he built a small Seraglio not far from Adrianople , in imitation of that near Constantinople called Odout Pasha , the place to which he most frequently resorted after that City fell under his dislike and hatred . The Village where his Palace was built was called Chiomlichoi , or the Village of Pots , where earthen vessels were made : but the Grand Signior changed the name , and called it Odout Pasha ; with which name before the people were well acquainted , and that it was accustomed to their mouths , two poor silly Country-men mistaking , and calling it simply by the former name , were apprehended by some of the Bostangees ; and brought before the Grand Signior as contemners of the Imperial Command , and by his immediate Sentence were put to death . About the end of May the Grand Signior had a Son born to him of one of his Women , for joy of which seven days of Dunalma , or rejoycing were appointed through all the Ottoman Dominions : but especially at Adrianople the Solemnity was greatest , all sorts of Artisans endeavouring to outvy each other in their shows and pastimes to entertain the City . At the Gate of the Seraglio was erected a magnificent Pavilion for the Grand Signior , before whom were shown rare artificial Fire-works invented by the most ingenious Masters thereof amongst the Jews : one of which firing a Rocket , which not ascending with usual strength , unhappily fell on the Vest of the Grand Signiors Favourite , standing at the door of the Tent : at which the Young man being surprized , sent to find out him who fired it , which happening to be a poor Jew , was condemned immediately by the Grand Signiors sentence to receive eighty blows on the soals of his feet : but as report went , this young Favourite not appeased with this slender punishment , obtained the Sultans command to put him to death . But to return to the Turkish Camp. The Vizier was astonished to understand that Kanista was besieged , and wondred much at the rashness of Serini , in attempting a work so difficult without probability of success ; howsoever being advised , that the Garrison was ill provided of Victuals and Ammunition , he gave order for its supply . In order to which eighty Carts laden with Provisions convoyed by a considerable number of Turks , were conducted by way of Sigeth ; but being interrupted in their passage by Serini's Souldiers , were routed , put to slight , and their Provisions taken . In the mean time the Besieged made many vigorous Sallies , and some not without loss to the Christians , and to defend themselves the better uncovered the tops of their houses , and made their Lodgings under ground , secure from Granadoes , or shot of the Enemies Batteries . On the other side the Ammunition and Artillery from the Emperour came not so timely as was expected ; nor were the Bomboes and Granadoes so artificially made , but that many of them spent themselves in vain : the Succours likewise of men fell very short of the numbers promised , and Souldiery being drawn from their Winter-quarters before the colds were past , or the pasture grown , began to murmur ; but nothing discontented them so much as want of Pay , the just complaint of Souldiers , which discouraged them more than the difficulty of their adventure : against all which Serini provided as much as he was able out of his own Purse , continuing the Siege more out of reputation than probable hopes of success ; for his Army was at least diminished two thousand in its number , of which four hundred Hungars , and two hundred Germans were lost in the first Assaults made upon the Suburbs , and the rest perished by sickness , and the vigorous and frequent Sallics of the Enemy . Howsoever Serini seemed not to doubt of the success , if he could but be for some time secured from the advance of the Vizier , who now began to draw his gross and numerous Army out of their Winter-quarters into the open field ; and therefore with the other Officers before Kanista signified their advice to the Emperour and General Council of War , That it was necessary that the Imperial Army should be as early in the field as the Ottoman ; and for the more methodical government of Affairs , that the Army should be divided into three Bodies , one to recruit the Forces before the Town , a second to march to Osek , and hinder the Enemies passage over the Dravns , and a third to take the field , and apply assistance where it was judged most useful . This counsel being well accepted by the Emperour , Orders were immediately issued forth to General Montecuculi to begin his March , with design to obstruct the Turks passage over the Dravns ; for that the success against Kanista was of that high importance , as might justly require the imployment of all the Christian Forces in its concernment . Wherefore one Post was dispatched after the other to Montecucli to sollicite his speedy March , and to give a stop to the Viziers progress . But he answered , That he attended General Sporch , whom he every day expected to joyn with him ; but this Answer proving by the effect to be nothing more than a present excuse , gave occasion of sulpicion , and produced that discontent in the minds of the most zealous , as spread a rumor through all Germany much to the disreputation of 〈◊〉 . Time thus being protracted , and no Forces appearing to recruit the Leagure , at length advice came to the Generals , when they were just going to dinner , that the Vizier with a most numerous Army was within * three Leagues of the Town . For the Bridge of Osek was against the common opinion again rebuilt , planked , and compleated , with new Timbers in the space of forty days ; many hands making light work ; which when first founded , was the work of six years : which Expendition was the more remarkable , in regard that this Bridge was not formed out of the ruines of the old , nor founded on the same ground , but new framed out of the Woods with as much comliness and order as besits a Bridge of that nature and length , passing over a wild Marsh or Fen. The news of the Viziers so near approach was strange to Serini , who by the calculation made of his March , did not yet expect him for several days ; but the Vizier apprehending the straitness in which Kanista might be , leaving the gross of his Army , made more expedite Journies with a Body of twenty thousand Horse , which not being unknown to Serini , his daring spirit was once resolved to give him Battel , in which opinion was also Count Strozzi ; but Olach dissenting , and refusing to ingage his Forces , the Siege was raised , and all the Forces with good order retreated to Serinswar , where they arrived the day following , leaving to the Enemy a great quantity of Powder , Match , Shovels , twenty Carts of Meal , and two Iron Guns broken . No Pilgrim ever followed his way with more devotion to the sacred Shrine , than the Vizier was willingly led in pursuit of his Enemy to the Walls of Serinswar , being the place to which his intentions inclined , as the beginning and consummation of the War. Over against this envied Fort there is a little Hill strong by Nature , incompasled with a narrow Ditch , yet not so narrow , as that a Horse can leap over it , nor yet so shallow as to be forded . This Hill Serini proposed to the rest of his Collegues or Coadjutors , viz. Olach and Spaar , as a place commodious to incamp their Army , because lying open to the River , could easily be relieved , and would serve as a Redoubt or Out-work to the Fort , in which upon all extremities they might find Sanctuary and refuge : But the apprehension of the Viziers Numbers , and his near approach had made that impression of fear in their minds , that no safety seemed to remain , unless they could see the River Mura between them and their Enemy . Nor was Serini more successful in his perswasions to assault the Enemy , whilst they were wearied with their March , and busied in extending their Tents , the other Generals being of opinion , that it was too great a hazard for them alone to venture their Forces in so unequal a Combate , but they ought rather to expect Montecuculi , by the addition of whose Forces the lot of War would be less hazardous , if not wholly certain . In this manner great Enterprises have been disappointed , which have wanted only resolution to make them successful , Fortune being commonly favourable , if not a servant , to bold and daring Spirits ; the disunion also of Generals hath been the overthrow of the wisest Counsels , and Wars have been observed nover to have thrived where the Heads of Armies have been of dissenting humors of different interests . This timidity on the Christian part raised in that manner the spirits of the Turks , that without stop or opposition passing the River Muer , they arrived at Serinswar , where they immediately fell to their Mattock and Spade , breaking ground for their Trenches , which by continued labour they so diligently attended , that in seventeen days they arrived at the very ditch of the Fort : only whilst the Turks were transporting their Numbers over the River , the generous spirit of Strozzi not enduring to see their passage so easie and open , valiantly opposed himself and his small Force against the greater power of the Enemy , and so resolutely performed the Action , that he killed five hundred upon the place , till at length being unfortunately shot by a Musket-bullet in the forehead , he gloriously , together with one Chisfareas , a renowned Croatian Captain , ended his days in defence of his Country and the Christian Cause . In this interim General Montecuculi arrived with his Army , and was received by Count Serini with all evidences and demonstrations of respect and hearty welcome , and between both passed an appearance at least of friendly correspondence . But as to the present Engagement , Montecuculi was of opinion , That the opportunity was over-slipt , which should at first have been performed , rather by way of surprize than open Battle , before the Ottoman Army had arrived to its full numbers , consisting now of an hundred thousand fighting men . To which reasons Serini replied , That the Christian Cause , and the States and Confines of the Empire were not to be maintained by men that carry their thumbs at their girdles , or by Armies made resty with ease , and wanton with luxury . That those Armies were raised not to consume and exhaust the Revenues of their Princes , and Exchequers of their States , without making satisfactory amends by a valiant defence of that Interest which they owned . That the Enemy had not been before that time attempted , was no fault or neglect of his , who under the very Walls of Kanisia resolved to give them Battle ; but that the other Generals supposed it more prudence and caution to protract the Engagement till his Arrival , who being now happily conjoyed with them , nothing ought to deter them from a glorious Attempt on the Turks , who not consisting of above thirty thousand men , ill disciplined , and worse armed , were not able to withstand the prowess of their Veterane Army , which far exceeded them in number , discipline , and courage . These or such like expressions Serini used ; and to prove what he averred , he dispatched a confident Person of his own , who spake naturally the Turkish Language , with a Letter to the German Resident , then entertained under custody in the Turkish Camp , to know of him the true 〈◊〉 and number of the Turks , which Messenger soon after returned with this short account . Nisi me mortuum velis , ampliùs non rescribas , hîc vix sunt triginta millia , nec illa satis electa , quid vos à pugna deterret ? Tormenta Arcis nimis in altum exploduntur . Which in English is thus . Unless you desire my death , write not back to me again , here are scarce thirty thousand men , and those ill provided , what then should deter you from an Engagement ? The Cannon in the Castle are too high mounted , or shoot over . Serini gave this Letter to Montecuculi , who replied , That so soon as General Sporch came up with his Forces , he would immediately draw up the Army into Battalia ; Sporch being arrived , he then resolved to expect Marquess Baden , and so deferred the Battel from time to time , until the Turks advantaging themselves by these delays , had worked themselves under ground to the very Walls of the Castle . At length Montecuculi entring into Serini's Fort ( it is not known upon what reasons of jealousie , or discontent ) cleared Serini's Forces of the Garrison , and dispossessed the Governour , which when Sirini perceived , full of anger and displeasure , he quitted the Camp , and retired himself to his Residence at Chiacaturno , with intent to make his just Appeal and Complaint to the Emperours Court. The Turks availing themselves of these delays and discontents , proceeded forward in their work , so that having Mined to the very Walls , on the 9 th of June , they blew up one of the Half Moons , at which the Defendants were so terrifyed , that with amazement they left open one of their Sally Ports , at which the Turks entering , put the whole Garrison into disorder , consisting of 1900. fighting men ; so that now no safety remaining but in flight , they forsook their Fort , and crouding over the Bridge in confused heaps , broke it down with the over-pressure of its burden ; by fall of which , many perished in the Waters , and about 350 which remained , were cut off by the Sword ; This was the fate of Serini's Fort , built with Art , and lost by Cowardice and ill Conduct , which the Year before , only with 20. Germans , and 150. Hungarians , withstood a most impetuous and fierce storm of the Enemy , but now was less tenable than a Palancha , though Garrisoned with 1900. men , of whom in this last assault one alone had Courage to fire his Musket , but none adventured to draw a Sword : unless certain Voluntiers , and French Officers , whose Courage only renowned their own Deaths , and served to upbraid the Cowardice of their Companions . In the Fort were only found five small Field Pieces , one whole Cannon , a great Mortar piece , and two small ones belonging to Count Serini ; there were also one Morter piece , and two small Field pieces , like to those of Serini , belonging to the Emperour ; the other Guns of weight or value , were carried out of the Fort , as being judged not long tenable , and decreed to be abandoned to the Enemy . Serinswar being thus taken was immediately demolished by the Vizier , and razed to the ground ; either because he would seem to maintain his word , or Vow he had made , or because he would not multiply Garrisons , when the present occasions required rather the active Force of a moving Army . But before we proceed farther , it seems pertinent to our purpose , to declare the reasons and grounds of the preceeding neglects and discountenance passed upon Serini by the Grandees of the Imperial Army , which not being vindicated by the Emperour , seem to have been cast upon him by his express Order , or at least to have been willing for some private respects , to have the person of Serini abased , and his actions obscured . It is therefore to be noted ( what before hath been said ) That the first pretence the Turks made for this War , was this Fort of Serinswar , raised against the Capitulations and Articles of the last Peace ; for which , though the violence against Varadin may be pleaded as equal , if not exceeding the present breach , to which this was only subsequent , and seemed to be but a just recompence or effect thereof ; yet because it was that stone of scandal and offence , which drew after it that deadly War , in which the Emperour unwillingly engaged against the Ottoman Power , and caused him freely to intimate unto Serini , his desire rather to see that Fort demolished , than the Peace interrupted ; to which Serini yielding no Ear , drew upon himself the deserved displeasure of his most gracious Prince , who permitted the act of his obstinacy and disobedience , to become a just snare to his own folly . But perhaps , that displeasure which was Justice in the Emperour , might be Envy , and emulation in his Ministers who beholding with jealous Eyes his actions and succesies the Winter before , which enraged his Enemies , and exalted his name to that glory in all the Courts of Christian Princes , that the Pope honoured him with Medals of Gold ; the King of Spain , with the Order of the Golden Fleece ; the French King as a demonstration of his esteem , with a Token of ten thousand Crowns ; and Cardinal Francis Barberini , with a Pension of eight hundred Crowns a Month ; and all other European Princes , at least made the most part applications to him by Congratulatory Letters , admiring his Virtues , and applauding his Successes ; permitting their Gazets and Diurnals , Weekly to divulge and publish his praises . From whence may rationally be collected , the true occasion of that Envy , which by cold assistances , and slow succours , obstructed as well the taking of Kanisia , as the valiant defence of Serinswar , which was decryed , not only as a Fort erected without due and mature consideration , but without art , or regular proportions , which might render it tenable ; accusing at the same time as well the rashness and temerity of Serim's Counsels , as his want of judgment and experience in Military Affairs . But to leave now the sad subject of the Christian misfortunes , occasioned by their own quarrels and dissentious , which the Grand Enemy of Gods Church always endeavoured to sow for advancement of his own Kingdom : Let us cast our Eyes on the other parts of unhappy Hungary . The Siege of Kanisia being raised , and Serinswar taken , and demolished , success had swelled , and puffed up the minds of the Turks to a height that nothing seemed difficult or impossible to their desires . On the other side , controversies and delays gave that advantage to the Enemy , that nothing could be expected , but losses , slaughter , and in the end , a total ruine . But God who pittied the miseries of poor Christendome , cast his Eyes of mercy on the Frontiers of the upper Hungary , granting some more happy successes to the Christian Armes , conducted by the Valour and Fortune of Count Soisé , a French Gentleman , who having the Command of an Army distinct from that of Montecuculi , began his first attempt and enterprize upon Nitra , where several persons of Quality , and Officers of the Turkish Army , were assembled to consider of the affairs of War. Soise having taken his convenient measures , and made his due approaches , began to batter the Walls , a great part of which in a short time he shook so shroadly , that he opened a very wide breach , and continually plying Granadoes into the Town , so assrighted the Besieged , that immediately they offered a Parley , which Soisé accepted , ( and the rather , upon advice , that Varadin , Solnoc , Temiswar , and the places adjacent , were collecting Forces to raise the Siege , and relieve the Town ) entered into Treaty , and concluding upon Conditions , the Town Surrendered , and the Turks marched out with their Colours folded , and Muskets under their Arms , leading their Horses , had Convoy as far as Chomar . Soisé having obtained this success , entered into Consultation about recovery of Newhausel , but having not Forces judged sufficient to attempt the difficulty of that place , he turned his endeavours and designs upon Lewa , or Leventz ; but in the way thither , he was casually engaged with a Body of fourteen thousand Turks and Tartars , who were marching to the relief of Nitra , and fell in unawares upon his Rereguard : whereupon Soisé commanded the Regiments of his Major General Guarnieri , and of the Colonels Caprara , and Zeitsch , and the Horse and Dragoons of Brandenburg , then marching in the Van to face about , and Charge the Enemy , which they performed with that Courage , and Vigour , that they routed and pursued them as far as the River Giava . At which place Soisé Encamped with his Army , and in an advantagious situation made a line of Circumvallation about his Camp , strengthening it with some pieces of Cannon . The Turks having recovered a convenient Retreat upon the River , remained opposite to the Christians , and having there reinforced themselves with additional Recruits , returned again to give them Battel , and in three places with extremity of fury and despair , assaulted the Christian Camp : Fortune for a long time remained doubtful on both sides , till at length the admirable resolution of the Christians overcame , leaving a thousand Turks extended on the place ; many were drowned and the rest fled ; leaving a rich Booty for reward to the Conquerours . The Christians in this manner being successful , resolved not to check the current of their Fortune , but without delay proceeded to Lewa , which having been for some time battered with great Guns , surrendred it self to the mercy of the Conquerour ; in which was found , a considerable quantity of Meal , and twenty great pieces of Artillery . In the mean time , the difference between the King of France and the Pope ( on occasion of the insult offered at Rome by the Corst , to the Embassadours House and Person ) being this Year composed ; those Forces of the French being in all about 3000. Horse , sent first into Italy to avenge this affront , under the Command of the Count Coligni , were ordered to pass into Hungary , by way of Venice , to the assistance of the Emperour ; to which , several Gentlemen , Voluntiers of the same Nation , joining themselves , formed a Body of 4000. Horse well appointed , valiant and desirous of action . The Pope also , whose words expressed and breathed out nothing but holy zeal against the common Enemy , promised a supply of 10000. Foot , and 3000. Horse , which were to pass by way of Trieste into Croatia , according to the promise and assurance of the Nuntio at Vienna : for acknowledgment of which religious and considerable succour , Count Leslie was dispatched from the Imperial Court , in a private Character , to pass those Offices of grateful acceptance , as were due to so high a merit and sense of the Christian Cause . But scarce was Leslie arrived at Venice , before he understood ( to his great admiration ) that the holy Army was by Order of the Pope disbanded , for which no other cause was assigned , than only , that at Rome it was seriously debated , and in the end , it was concluded , that the expence was too great to be charged on the Ecclesiastical State ; and that the Souldiery also were themselves unwilling to be so far separated from their own Country ; all which at Vienna were understood to be frivolous pretences , and the causes thereof attributed to the sinister Offices of a person ill affected to the Emperours Interest , by which the Pope and Don Mario his General , falling from their resolutions and promises , Count Leslie was revoked from his employment , and the Imperial Interest , and hopes disappointed of so considerable a succour . Howsoever , that the Pastoral care might not seem to be altogether dormant and careless of the Universal Flock , the Pope having disbanded his Army , could not do less than to supply the defect thereof with mony ; for raising of which , he charged the Ecclesiastical State through all Italy ( the Dominions of Venice only excepted , whose Wars already with the Turks exempted them from farther Taxes ) with an imposition of 6. per Cent. of their yearly Revenue , under the notion of Tenths , or Tiths , which in all amounted to the sum of 700 thousand Dollars , which by Bills of Exchange , was remitted by way of Venice to the Imperial Court. In the mean time , the French Troops were arrived in Hungary , under the Command of the Count Coligni , which joining themselves with the General Montecuculi , followed the motion of the Viziers Army . The Turks designed to pass the Danube , for recovery of Lewa or Leventz , and in their way to destroy and lay desolate the Country of Count Badian , and in vertue and strength of that and former successes , to pass forward to the subjection of Possonium and Vienna . But God who disposes the affairs of this World , and gives laws and bounds to the licentiousness and unlimited Pride and Avarice of Mankind , took off the Wheels of the Turkish Chariots , and caused them to move slowly and warily , having an Eye always backwards to the Forces of Montecuculi , who attended them along the Banks of the River Muer , or Mura . But whilst these two great Armies marched in view of each other , the Walachian and Moldavian Forces joining with a considerable number of Turks and Tartars , under the Command of Chusacin Pasha , resolved to assault , and again to recover Leventz , which though scarce setled , being so lately taken by the Christians , yet valiantly repulsed two fierce assaults of the Enemy , with that Courage , and Bravery , that 2000. were slain under the very Walls . By which time , it being the 〈◊〉 of July , Count Soisé passed the Nitra with his Horse and Foot , and thence hastning his march with all expedition , he first Encamped at the foot of a Hill called S t Benet , from whence he discovered the Enemies Body from the top of a Mountain , and thence approaching nearer , threw up some Earth and Works by the Banks of the River Grava ; the next day having found a fordable place of the Water , Soisé in less than two hours passed the gross of his Army ; which the Enemy observing , left their Siege , abandoned their Trenches , and displaid their Army in open Field , which consisting of 25 or 30 thousand fighting men , appeared much more numerous than the Christians . For to these Forces , under the Conduct of Husacin Pasha of Buda , were joined the Pasha of Anatolia , and Cidizade , the Pasha of Temeswar , four Boluchees of Spahees , and a good Force of Tartars , together with the Militia of Moldavia , and Valachia , under their respective Princes , which composed an Army , as was computed , of above 25000. men . Upon approach of Husaein Pasha , the Christians gave way , and retreated , intending to receive their Enemy in a larger Field , and afford an occasion to them of greater confidence in execution of the design they came to act . The Turks supposing the Christians to be fled for fear , with more boldness marched forward . And believing this retreat to proceed rather of fear than policy , continued to contemn the pusillanimity of the Christians , and lest it should argue too much regard and esteem of their Force , vouchsafed not to send Scouts abroad , either to view their Camp , or to prevent surprisal : but some of their Officers wisely considering , that a Souldier ought never to despise his Enemy , they were perswaded to send a considerable Body of Horse , to view and discover the Enemies Force , who in the way , meeting with a party of the Christians , after a small Skirmish put them to flight , and taking some Prisoners , brought them before the General ; the Prisoners upon Examination confessed , that Count Susa was fully resolved the next Morning to give them Battel , and declared the number and courage of his Army to be such , as altered the opinion Husaein had conceived of the Cowardice and weakness of the Christians power ; so that that whole night the Turks past with watchsul and vigilant Guards ; their Arms ready , and their whole Camp in a posture of desence . The next Morning being the 9 th of July , the day breaking discovered the Christian Army at so near a distance , as that their several motions might be discerned ; and putting themselves in Array for the Battel , made two Wings of Horse ; each Wing consisting of 3000. Horse , the most Armed Cap-a-pe , and well provided ; the Foot marched in the Body of the Army , well appointed and sitted with all sorts of Ammunition and Arms , and so raised with chearful Courages , as rendered them in appearance to the Turks , a Warlike and formidable Army . The Turks likewise drew themselves into Battalia , defirous to try the fortune of the day ; the right Wing was Commanded by the Prince of Valachia , and the left by the Prince of Moldavia . The Body of the Army was composed of Turks and Tartars , almost all Horse , except 2 or 3000 Janizaries , sent as an Auxiliary Force from Newhaufel , and Strigonium . These two Armies thus rauged in a posture of defiance , stood in view each of other , until Husaein Commanded his men to pass the Marsh or Fen , which was between them and the Christians : but several would have perswaded him the contrary , lest the success of the day not proving to expectation , the Marsh should be a disadvantage to their flight , and an occasion of greater slaughter in the pursuit : to which Husaein Couragiously answered , That men who would Conquer were to look forward , and not behind them ; those that would save their lives by slight , were fit to perish in it ; and that for his part , he was resolved to cut off all hopes of safety from his Army , but what consisted in their Swords , and Victory over their Enemies . The Turks having thus passed the Marsh , made a halt and faced the Christians until Noon ; who moved not a foot from their ground , that so they might obtain the advantage of the Sun ; which in the Morning being in their Faces , would upon declining be an offence unto the Turks . In the mean time , no question but both Generals made their Orations to their Souldiers , encouraging them to fight in defence of their Faith and Religion , of their Countries Glory and Safety ; suggested with those Arguments and Rhetorick , as was agreeable to the principles and condition of both parties ; and which we may well suppose according to the Licence of Historians , to have been in these words , or to this essect . The Speech of Count Susa to his Army . WHen I see , and consider besore us ( Fellow Souldiers ) those Enemies who are the object of our fury and rage , I conceive words more necessary to moderate the heat of your anger , so as to sight with diseretion , rather than to raise your Spirits to that height of Warlike Courage , in which consists the sasety and glory of this days Fortune . For these are they , who lately in cool blood against the Laws of Arms and Nations , unhumanly butchered our Countrymen and Kindred , and made no difference between Captives of War , and Malesactors , but like Thieves , and Murderers , sentenced brave men to death , who had no other crime , than that they unhappily fought in defence of their Country . These are they , who in the very times of peace , consume your Borders , and rob your Markets ; and whose Capitulations of Peace , make yet all acts of hostility lawful : These are the grand Enemies and despisers of the Cross of Christ ; against whom whosoever dies , is both a Conquerour and a Martyr . This Army before your Eyes , consists in part of Moldavian , and Valachian Christians , forced to this War by compulsion , not of choice ; the rest are either Turks educated in the sostness of Asia , or Tartars who never made advantage by Battle , but by flight ; these are they with whom you have this day to contend before the Walls of Lewa , where many of your Wives , and Children , and Friends , are immured , and are Spectators of your Vertue and Courage : Let us therefore valiantly address our selves to this Battle , on the success of which the fortune of Hungary and Germany depends . The Speech of Husaein Pasha to his Souldiers . WHilst our General the Grand Vizier is so successful in his Arms abroad , having subdued the strong Fortresses of Oywar and Serinswar , and struck a terrour and amazement to all the Enemies of our formidable Emperour ; let not us be unactive , or want our share in the renown and fame of triumph and Victory . I shall not need to put you in mind of the glorious exploits of your Ancestors , whose Valour and Vertue , which formed this vast Empire round about us , you ought now to imitate , and give the World new prooss , how emulous you are to exceed the Courage and bravery of former times . The other divisions of the Ottoman Power have contended hitherto with their Enemies on unequal terms , and droven them forth from their shelters of Trenches and Bulwarks ; but here you have an open Field to fight , nothing between you and the naked Breasts of your Enemies ; we stand in equal numbers and terms with them ; nothing can win the day but only Valour , and nothing lose it but meer Cowardice . These are the shattered Companies we have expelled last Year from Oywar , and the Companions of those , whose Bodies and Heads we have heaped before Strigonium : should we submit to be subdued by these , whom our Osmanlees have so often Conquered ; we should not only stain our selves with the highest infamy and shame , but give a turn to the Universal Fortune of the Ottoman Arms. By this time it was Noon , and the Sun turning it self from the Christian to the Turkish Army , a Warning piece was fired from the Christian Camp , at which sign their whole Army began to advance , and with chearfullness to approach the Turks , who stood ready to receive them . At the first onset the Christians poured a plentiful Volly of shot on the Turks and Tartars , which composed the main body ; at which immediately they put themselves to flight , leaving the two Wings to an unequal Battel , who resisted not long before they followed the example of their Companions , leaving their Baggage and Cannon , with the honour of the day , unto the Christians ; who in the pursuit slew the Turks without compassion or resistance ; filling the Fields with dead Bodies , and the Rivers with blood , until Night which is the shelter of the distressed , gave a stop to their farther slaughter : such as escaped betook themselves to Strigonium , where they were refused either passage over the Water or Provisions , or any other refuge or entertainment after their wearisome flight ; for Strigonium it self was judged now in danger , and the next attempt after the foregoing Victory , and therefore there was no reason or policy to unfurnish themselves of necessary provisions to supply or relieve a discouraged and cowed Army . Whereupon the Moldavians , and Valachians , sinding themselves half famished , forced their Princes to return home , being glad of the occasion to acquit themselves of the Turkish Wars , in which they were used more like Slaves than Souldiers . The Princes though sensible of the danger this unlicensed departure , and desertion of the Wars might bring upon their persons , were yet necessitated to yield to the violence and mutiny of their Souldiery : in their march homewards they encountred no difficulties or opposition , unless at the Tibiseus , where a small number of Turks would have denied them passage , but were soon dispersed by the Sword of the resolved Souldiery , who having conducted their Princes to their usual Courts , made an end betimes of this Years Campagna . Husaein Pasha in the mean time , being denied entrance at Strigonium , fled to Newhausel , where his presence was most acceptable for reinforcement of 〈◊〉 Garrison , which now was in some danger of being recovered by the Christians . Of the Turks were killed in this Fight 6000 , of the Christians 150 ; none of Quality , excepting one Kovari , a worthy and stout Hungarian Captain ; 4000 Carts were taken , laden with all sorts of Provision and Ammunition for War ; about 100 Colours , and a great number of Tents , and Arms of all sorts ; twelve pieces of Cannon , about 1000 Horse ; and 140 Camels , straying in the Fields , without care of Keepers , or Riders , with great : Droves of Cattle of all sorts , and other good booty and spoil , which remained as a reward to the Conquerour . The number of Prisoners was not great , by reason that the Souldiery , in heat of the pursuit , and in revenge of the Turks Cruelty towards the Garrison of Komar the less , whom lately in a barbarous Cruelty they had put to the Sword , were wholly inclined to slaughter and destruction , only about 700 Moldavians , and Valachians , were spared until they came in sight of Strigonium , where they erected several Gibbets , and hanged them thereupon , with their Muskets about their Necks , requiting ( as they supposed ) part of the Viziers Cruelty , and executing part of Gods Justice upon those who profess the name of Christ , and yet sight under the Banner of Mahomet . Soisé animated with the foregoing success , designed to attempt Barcan a Palancha opposite on the other side of the Danube to Strigonium , and to that end embarked ten thousand five hundred of his men on four Gallies , and forty Galliots , carrying the Teutonick Colours , in regard that that religious Order had amply contributed towards the building of those Vessels , when they were on the Stocks in the Arsenal of Vienna . The Souldiers were so fleshed with the former Victory , that nothing seemed difficult or hazardous ; so that Count Marset , without Orders of the General , rashly in a Bravado fell in upon the Town , without any advantage of earth , or other shelter , but with open Breasts exposed himself and Souldiers to all dangers ; but the attempt being too difficult , he was , in fine , shot through both the Cheeks , and forced to retire with loss and disreputation : This attempt was seconded by the Duke of Holsatia , and his Insantry , who bringing some small pieces of Cannon to the very Palizadoes , began to batter the houses , during which about a hundred and sisty Janisaries made a vigorous Sally , but were repulsed with a sufficient loss , so that the Christians making good their ground , brought up and planted four Cannons , and two Mortar Pieces , and siring at the same time some Granadoes , so plyed their work , that the Inhabitants looking on their condition as desperate , gave fire themselves to their Wooden Buildings , passed the Bridge , and recovered Strigonium . The Town thus abandoned , the Christians had no difficulty to get possession , but entering quietly in , seized what was remaining of value , and adding to the flames , by other fires , in a few hours reduced all to Ashes ; which being done , Soisé marched back to Komorra , to refresh his men , and take Counsel what ought to be the next design and enterprize to be taken in hand . And here for a while was a pause , or full point of the actions of Soisé , who not wanting Adversaries in the Imperial Court , emulous of his happiness and fortune , instilled such suspicions and scruples into the mind of the Emperour and Council , as caused Soisé to give up his Commission , that he might seek a life private , and free from the evil tongues of the envious , until afterwards his Vertues dispersing those malignant Clouds , he was restored to the good opinion of his Cesarean Majesty , and honoured with the Charge and Command of the strong Fortress of Komorra , where I my self had once the honour to make him a Visit , and was courteously received by him . This ill success of the Pasha of Buda arrived the Viziers ears , whilst he was attempting to pass the River Rab , in which were many difficulties , in regard the Banks were defended by the Christian Palanchas , which in every adventure cut off considerable numbers of men . At which loss of men , and time , and the ill success near Lewa , the Vizier being greatly moved , made another attempt on the 27 th of July ; advancing with the Gross of his Army as far as Kemend , where the River runs narrow and shallow , but by the valour of the Hungarians , Germans , and French conducted by General Montecuculi , an Italian born , were repulsed with some Slaughter . On the first of August , the Turks made another considerable attempt , having planted Guns on the Banks of the River , which shot into the Christian Camp , and passed over in one place six thousand Janisaries and Albanians , and near a Village called Chiesfalo , where the water was narrow and shallow , very considerable numbers of Horse crouded over . At which formidable sight , the Christians collecting their Forces together , retreated to a more spacious place , where might be open Field sufficient for both Armies to draw up and join Battel . About half the Army having now passed the Water , the other part , in which was the Vizier , remained still on the other side , intending the next Morning to follow and advance to the Body , which was gone before ; but it happened , by Gods Providence , that that very Night there fell such a Deluge of Rain , as immediately made the River to swell above its Banks , and become altogether unpassable without a Bridge or Floats ; so that the Turkish Army being now divided by the Waters , were uncapable of yielding any sudden assistance each to the other . Howsoever , the Vizier judging that that Part of his Army which had already passed , was an equal Match for the Christians , entertained not the least diffidence of good success , at least supposed they might be able to decline a Battel , until by abatement of the waters ( which could not be long at that Season of the Year ) he were enabled to pass , and join his main Body with them ; and therefore full of hope and confidence , having at first discomfited the forlorn hope of the Christians , which consisted of a thousand men , dispatched immediately Messengers to acquaint the Grand Signior of his success and passage , which News he knew would be the more grateful , because the Grand Signior by daily Letters and Commands urged him to proceed in his March , and not to suffer the impediment of a narrow Ditch to be an interruption to the whole Ottoman Force , which in former times was not restrained by the depth or breadth of the Ocean . The Grand Signior having received this Intelligence , as if the intire Victory and Triumph over the World consisted in the passage over the Rab , was transported with such an extraordinary joy and assurance of Victory , that to anticipate the good News a solemn Festival was ordained for the space of seven days , and seven nights , called by the Turks Dunalma ; in which time the whole nights were made light with Lamps and Candles , and made chearful with great Guns , Vollies of Muskets , Sound of Drums and Trumpets , revellings and what other Solemnities might 〈◊〉 joy and triumph . But scarce three Nights of this vain Dream had passed , before the Grand Signior awakened by intelligence , contrary to his assured expectation , of the Defeat and Destruction of a considerable Part of the Viziers Army , shamefully commanded the Lights to be extinguished , and the remaining four Nights designed for Joy , to be converted to Melancholy and Darkness : And though the rashness and vain fancy of the Governors was the sole cause of this precipitate mirth , yet as great men love always to charge their errours and follies on the shoulders of others , so the Sultan accused the Chimacham , through false Information , to have been the Authour of this shameful Decree ; and in that fury , calling the Executioner , had certainly taken off his head , had not his young Minion , or Favourite , now called Kul Ogli ( promoted to the Preferment of Asan , before mentioned ) with much earnestness and Prayers interceded for his Life . And indeed this Joy and Triumph was so much more ridiculous and shameful , by how much more fatal and destructive was the ensuing Event . For the Turks being now got over the River , had not , at first , time enough given them to cast up Earth , but were forced by the Christians to an Engagement ; For the Christian Army was drawn into Battalia to receive them . The right Wing consisted of the Austrian Forces , commanded by Montecuculi himself ; The Left was formed of the Confederates of the Rhine , commanded by Count Olac , to which was adjoined forty Troops of the French Cavalry , conducted by Monsieur Coligni , and the main Body was commanded by the Marshal General Marquis Bada , which composed a very formidable Body , and assailed the Turks with extraordinary Valour ; the Fight was very furious , and began about nine a Clock in the morning on the third of August , and continued till four in the Afternoon with variable fortune ; during which time the Waters being abated , the Spahees passed over in several places , and charged the left Wing of the Christians , and in other places they made attempts , only to divert the Army , whilst the Janisaries threw up Earth to secure a passage for the rest ; which when the Christians espied they at first resolved to sound a Retreat , but afterwards , perceiving that the Trench was but newly begun , Montecuculi drawing up the Body of the Army into a half Moon , attacked the Janisaries on all sides with that fury , ordering the Bodies of Horse to contend with the Spahees ; that the Turks now faintly fighting began to give ground to their Enemies , at which instant turn of Fortune , an outcry was heard , That Serini on the other side had set on the Viziers Camp ; which so animated the Christians , and terrified the Turks , that the latter began to give back , and put themselves to shameful flight , leaving dead upon the Place eight thousand of their Companions , and the Glory of the Day to the Christians . The Turks , who always fly disorderly , not knowing the Art of a handsome Retreat , crouded in Heaps to pass the River , the Horse trampling over the Foot , and the Foot throwing themselves head-long into the Water , without consideration of the depth , or choice of Places fordable ; those sinking catching hold on others who could swim , sunk down , and perished together ; others were carried away by the rapidness of the Stream , and both Men and Horse were carried down the River , and swallowed up in deeper Places : the Water was died with Blood , and the whole face of the River was covered with Men , Horse , Garments , all swimming promiscuously together ; no difference was here between the Valiant and the Cowardly , the Foolish and the Wise , Counsel and Chance , all being involved in the same violence of Calamity , non vox & mutui hortatus juvabant adversante undâ , nihil strenuus ab ignavo , sapiens à prudenti , constlia à casu differre , cuncta pari violentiâ involvebantur ; so that the Waters devoured a far greater number than the Sword , whilst the Vizier standing on the other side ofthe of the River , was able to afford no kind of help or relief , but as one void of Counsel and Reason , knew not how nor where to apply a remedy . This defeat though in Christendom not greatly boasted , by reason that the destruction of the Turks , which was most considerable by the Water , was partly concealed to them , yet the Turks acknowledge that Ruine and Slaughter to have been of a far greater number than what the Christian Diaries relate , confessing that since the time that the Ottoman Empire arrived to this greatness , no Stories make mention of any Slaughter or Disgrace it hath suffered to be equal unto the calamity and dishonour of this . On the Turks side were slain that day , Ishmael the late Pasha of Buda , and Kimacham of Constantinople , by a shot from the Enemy passing the Water ; the Spaheelar Agasee , or General of the Spahees ; the Janisar Aga , the younger Son of the Tartar Han , and several other Pashaws ; Alibegh , General of Bosna , thirty Capugibashees , five and thirty Pages of the Vizier's and three hundred of his Guard , five thousand Janisaries , three thousand Spahees , fifteen hundred Bosnacks , eight hundred Albanians , six hundred Croats and Hungarians of the Turks Subjects , two hundred and fifty Valachians and Moldavians , six hundred Tartars , of Anatolia fifteen hundred , and about four thousand other Asiaticks , from the farthest parts of the Turks Dominions , Eastward ; so that in all we may account seventen thousand slain on the Turks side ; besides which were taken sixteen pieces of Cannon , a hundred and twenty six Colours , with the Standard of the Viziers Guard , five thousand Cemiters , most of which were embossed with Silver , and some beset with Jewels , with many Horses , of which six were sent as a Present to the Vizier . Of the Christians were slain near three thousand Men ; those of note were , The Count Nassau , Count Charles of Bracondors , Captain of the Guards to Count Montecuculi , Count Fuchier General of the Artillery of the Empire , Colonel Pleiter , with his Lieutenant Colonel and Serjeant Major , and with many other Gentlemen of the French Nation , who deserve forever to be chronicled for their Vertue and Valour . For herein the French Nation ought not to lose their just praise , having made proofs of their Valour , as well in this , as in other Battels , it being reported , That Monsieur Coligni their General , killed thirty Turks with his own hand . The News of this Victory being posted to Vienna , it is wonderful to consider with what Applauses , with what Honours , with what Encomiums the Fame of Montecuculi was celebrated ; for besides the Triumphs , with 〈◊〉 , sounding of Bells , Banquets , and other demonstrations of solemn Joy ; the Glory of Montecuculi was the Theme of every Ballad sung in the corners of streets ; which Honors of the Commonalty were seconded by greater and more substantial of the Imperial Court , who conferred upon him the Title of Lieutenant General of the whole Army , a Dignity so eminent , as is inferiour to none , except the Emperour , in order of the Militia ; and was not without some scruple granted to the Archduke Leopold by his Brother Ferdinand the Third ; and withheld from Piccolomint Duke of Amalsi , until he had highly merited it , and made his way to it through bloody fields , where Providence first crowned him with Laurels of Success and Victory . And here is just occasion for us to doubt , why Montecuculi should be thus admired and loaded with Honours , whilst the services of Serini and Soisé were so far from being taken notice of , that they seemed to effect the disgrace and ruine of these Worthies , rather than to produce the favour of their Prince , and the applause of their Country , the natural Rewards of Valour and Vertue . And indeed I cannot but confess , I my self have wondred , when in the Court of Vienna I have heard the Actions and Zeal of Serini so slightly spoken of or contemned , when a Stranger took the liberty but to descant on his actions , and to vent any thing which but savoured of his commendations . The reason of which I adventure to assign unto two causes . The first is , that Antipathy or natural aversion the Germans have to the Hungarians and Croatians , these endeavouring to maintain the Priviledges of a People , who have a free liberty of the Election of their Prince ; whilst the others desirous to take occasion to weaken and impoverish them , would necessitate them to yield their Kingdom to the Emperour by an hereditary Right . The second is , the fury of Serini and Soisé , whose zeal without consideration of irritating the Turk , or fear of moving the passion of the Lyon beyond the terms of an easie pacification , transported them to commit all damage and ruine , which are the just concomitants of War ; which rage seemed over-violent to the Court at Vienna , and not to suit with the present Policy of the War , which was designed to be carried on rather in a defensive than in an offensive posture ; imagining perhaps , that the good nature of the Turk might be complemented into Peace , and that gentleness and generosity might have the same effect upon them , as it had upon Saul , when David had his life at his mercy , and yet spared him : according to which counsels of the Court , Montecuculi squaring every particular of his motions , and thereunto adding success , mounted on the wings of Fame , and had his Glory celebrated without diminutions ; but the hot and zealous temper of Serini , which Souldier-like understood nothing but down-right blows , knew not how to use that moderation and caution , which the Imperial Court judged an ingredient so requisite to the prudent management of the present War , that he was esteemed uncapable of command , who had not discretion enough to practise it : and this was the true reason that Serini was discountenanced , and that his Command was taken from him , and that his Appeal to the Court was without redress : howsoever in regard that the Fame he had won carried him high in the esteem of all Christendom , he was entertained with hopes and fair promises ; and even after the very Battle of Rab , nothing was more commonly discoursed than the giving Nicholas Serini a command independent of any other General : but in the end it proved nothing but vain Proposals to humor the fancy of Serini himself , 〈◊〉 to satisfie the World , which admired , a person so qualified and deserving as he , should be made a subject of so much disgrace and neglect . With this News the Turks remained greatly ashamed and dejected , having but two days before demonstrated excesses of joy , congratulated the happy News one to the other , and after their manner sent Presents abroad , derided the Christians upon the News , exprobriated them with a thousand injuries , and applauded their own Vertue , Valour , and the righteousness of their Cause and Religion : but on a sudden Intelligence coming contrary to their expectations , such a dampness fell upon their spirits , that for some days there was a deep silence of all News at Constantinople ; they that the day before sought for Christians to communicate to them the Miracles of their Victory , now avoided their Company , ashamed of their too forward joy , and the liberty they had taken to contemn and deride the low condition of the Christian Camp. And now the ill News not being able longer to be concealed , Prayers and Humiliation were appointed publickly to be made at all the great Moschs of Constantinople and Adrianople , where all Emaums with their young Scholars were commanded to resort , and sing certain Prayers appointed for such occasions . The minds of the Souldiery after this defeat were very much discomposed , tending more to sedition than obedience . Every one took licence to speak loudly and openly his opinion , that the War was commenced upon unjust and unlawful grounds . That the total Eclipse of the Moon which portends always misfortunes to the Turks , should have caused more caution in the Commanders in ingaging the Armies this year , until the malignancy of that Influence had been over-passed . All generally accused the first Vizier as the Author and ill Manager of the War , Iniquissima bellorum conditio est , prospera omnes sibi vendicant , adversa uni imputantur , and calling to mind the solemn Oath with which Sultan Solyman confirmed his Capitulations with the Emperour , particularly vowing never to pass the Rab , or place where the Turks received their defeat , without a solid and reasonable ground of War , concluded that this Invasion was a violation of the Vow , and an injury to the sacred Memory of that fortunate Sultan , and therefore that all Enterprises and Attempts of this War would be fatal and destructive to the Mussulmen or Believers , and the end dishonourable to the Empire . This opinion was rooted with much superstition and strength of fancy in the minds of the Vulgar : and the rumorsin the Camp that the Vizier upon a false Alarm of the approach of the Enemy towards his Quarters , had commanded the Army to retreat , administred fury and courage to the Christians , and fear and amazement to his own ; from which errour and timidity was occasioned that slaughter which ensued ; on which discourses and reports dangerous discontents daily increasing in the hearts of the souldiery , it is thought , they would have vented their passion , and revenge on their General , had he not at a publick Assembly of all the Heads and Commanders of the Army cleared himself freely , by charging the miscarriage of all upon the Grand Signior , having acted nothing but with Authority of the Imperial Command , promising with as much speed as honour and safety would permit , by agreement and composition of Peace to bring the War to a conclusion . And this contrivance and art was that ( as is supposed ) which for the present secured his life ; for the Souldiery were greatly terrified and possessed with a dread of the Christians , and amazement upon every Alarm . For the old and experienced Commanders and Veterane Souldiers were either destroyed by the secret Proscriptions of the Vizier Kuperlee , or slain in the Engagements of this Year , and the Asian Spahees and other Souldiers having wives and children , and possessions to look after , were grown poor , and desired nothing more than in peace and quietness to return to their homes : so that nothing could come more grateful to this Camp , no largesses or donatives could pacifie the minds of the Souldiery more than the promises and expectations of a Peace . The Sultan during these disturbances and misfortunes was preparing for a hunting Journey to an obscure Village called Yamboli , about three or four days travel from Adrianople , designing to drive all those vast Woods along the Black Sea for Game , where he had a small ruinous Seraglio . The Queen-Mother , the Chimacam , with all the Court , were to accompany him . The Equipage and Pomp he went in perswaded many , that the design of that Journey was grounded on other causes of Policy , than what were generally penetrated : some conceived , that the Vizier contrived his Journey thither , to divert him from opportunities of receiving Intelligence from Spahees , and others of the true state of the Camp , and management of Affairs : others judged it might be to avoid in that obscure place the mutinous seditions of the Souldiery . On what consideration soever it might be , the Grand Signior having spent some time abroad , returned again to Adrianople with all his Retinue , without doing any thing more important than killing great numbers of wild Beasts , and ennobling those Wildernesses and Woods about Yamboli with the same of his renowned Hunting . Keblelee Pasha being slain ( as we have said ) before Scrinswar , who was Husband to the Viziers Sister , the Vizier bestowed the Widow on Husaein Pasha of Silistria . And much about the same time the Grand Signior considering that his own Sister , by the death of her old Husband Ishmael Pasha , slain in the last Battle , led a single life , conferred her in Marriage upon the old Mahomet Pasha , whom before we have related to have been Kahya to the Vizier , late Pasha of Darbiquier , and now of Aleppo , who as an Honour charged with a weight of troubles and other inconveniences , seemed thankfully to receive her ; and though he was a man of ninety years of age , and had long since forgot the solaces of the bridal Bed , yet according to the custom of Marriage with a Sultana , he was ingaged to divorce his former Wife , with whom he had past the summer and winter of his age , and as a constant Husband , was still uxorious in his love . So that in the midst of Wars , where some found Graves , others found Marriage-beds , and reason of State found a Vacation to conjoyn Mars and Venus without interruption of ruder Enterprises . The Great Vizier after his defeat marched to Stultweissenburg or Alba Regalis , to recruit and refresh his Army , and expect the Recruit of the Pasha of Aleppo , who was said to bring with him about eight thousand Souldiers . From Stultweissenburg the Turks , with the gross of their Army , returned to Strigonium , and here the Vizier not unmindsul of the shameful flight , and rebellious return of the Princes of Moldavia and Valachia to their own Countries without his order or permission , sent one Messenger after the other in great haste and fury after the Turkish manner , to recal those Princes to the War , and that laying aside all excuses whatsoever , they should immediately , with what Forces they could collect , repair again to the Camp. The Princes weary of the War , and fearful of the Viziers evil intentions to take away their lives , endeavoured to excuse their flight , alledging , that their People would not obey , or follow them to the Wars in any considerable numbers , and that now it being the end of the Summer , new Levies would be of great expence , and of little benesit , and disenable them from paying their yearly Tribute ; of which ( notwithstanding their consumption of Treasure in the last Expedition ) they were like to find no ease or relaxation , though a burden too great for their harassed and impoverished Country to support . But these excuses were no arguments to resolved Turks , so that Commands came doubled and trebled one after the other full of threats and menaces , to march forward with what Forces they could collect , the Messengers assuring them , That there was no design prepared against them by the Vizier , but what was friendly and of good intention . At length the Princes not able to remain longer without a censure of Rebellion to the Port , with heavy hearts and light purses set forwards with about fifteen hundred men apiece , sending before such sums of Money and Presents , as they hoped might mollifie and prepare their access to the Vizier , whilst they themselves marched slowly , to afford longer time to the operation of this Physick . The Prince of Valachia had intrusted about forty thousand Zaichins to an Officer of his called his Vestiario or Master of his Wardrobe , whom he had sent before him , therewith to make his access easie and safe to the Vizier : of whose faith that he might assure himself the better , he made him swear before the Holy Altar , and take the Communion thereupon , that he would be faithful and active in this Negotiation . The Vestiario thus departing , added to his religious Vows , common promises and protestations ; but no sooner was he a few miles distant from his Master , before he tired in his Vows , and altered his road from the Vizier to the way leading to Constantinople , declaring as he went , That his Prince was become Rebel , and was fled , and that he , not to be Partner in his perfidiousness , was hasting to Constantinople , there to give evidence of his faith and submission to the Turks . This unexpected news coming to the Prince , caused him to despair of all security and reconciliation with the Vizier , and force him by flight to make good the words of his treacherous Servant ; so that taking with him his Wife and remainder of his Wealth , passed through Transylvania with much difficulty , and at length arrived within the Emperours Territories , resolving to exchange an inconstant and dangerous Principality for a more secure and private course of life . But this impious Greek did not rest quiet with his ill acquired Estate without receiving disturbance from the Boiars or Nobles of the Country ; and Stridia Bei the new-made Prince , justly accusing him for having robbed the Publick Treasury , extorted from him the sum of 150000 Dollars towards his Investment in the Principality , and ease of the Country , which was now wracked for payment of old debts , and the growing charges of the new Prince . And thus much of the Princes of Moldavia and Valachia . At Strigonium great were the Consultations , what course was to be taken : The Christians were now Masters of the Field , and the Turks discouraged , and now the Summer was so far spent , that it was too late to think of recovering their reputation that year with the hazard of a Battel . So that at length it was resolved to unite the shattered Forces of Chusaein Pasha , lately defeated by Count Susa , to the Army of the Vizier , and attend to secure Oywar or Newhausel with Provisions , Ammunition , and Reinforcement of that Garrison , whereby this War might conclude with some Trophies of advance , and inlargement of the Ottoman Borders , which in all their Wars is the design and Maxime of the Turks . So that marching thither , they gathered and collected all the Provisions possible , and having supplied the Garrison , they returned again to Strigonium with all expedition , retaining still impressions of terrour from the late ill success . And that they might march with less impediment , they sent their Artillery and heavy Baggage down the Daenube : such was the fear of the Turkish Army at present , that it is supposed , had the Christians eagerly pursued their Victory , they had not only defeated the whole Turkish Force with little opposition , but also without any impediment marched to the very Walls of Buda . But what infatuation soever blinded the Christian Counsels , little or no advantage was taken , as if the design of the Emperour had only been to repel the Enemy from his Borders , or that he feared to irritate the Turks with a too inveterate and pertinacious prosecution of his Victories . Instead of which the Vizier making some Overtures of Peace , and evidencing the reality of his intentions by his Presents of a Vest of Sables , and a Horse richly furnished , with which he flattered and caressed the German Resident , the Articles were accepted and embraced at Vienna with much greediness , and the Peace almost wholly concluded and clapped up in a moment , to the astonishment of the whole World. But as matters of this nature cannot succeed without just and due considerations , so on both sides certain causes concurred which inclined and disposed things to an accommodation . For on the Turks part there wanted not such in the Ottoman Court , who emulous of the Grand Viziers fortune and charge , endeavoured to remove him from the favour of his Prince , by accusing him in many particulars of negligence , and imprudence in the conduct of his Affairs . To answer which , his return with the Olive-branch of Peace in his mouth , and yet the Laurels of Conquest on his head , having added so considerable a Fortress as Newhausel to the Dominions of the Empire , and demolishment of Serinswar , the Original cause of the War , were a sufficient conviction of the evil accusations of his Adversaries , and an argument irresistible , when inforced by the Authority of his own Presence . On the Emperours side , the demand of the City of Erfurt by the Elector of Mentz situated on his Consines , at a time of so much exigency as this , and seconded by hopes of assistance from France , and the Hans Towns on the Rhyne , whereby it was probable great turbulences might result , inclined the Emperour with much reason to Proposals of Peace ; Instructions for which being conveyed to the Resident then in the Turkish Camp from the Caesarean Court , after a short Treaty the Articles were agreed and concluded , as followeth . First , That Transylvania remain with its ancient Limits and Priviledges under the Command of Prince Michael Apasi . Secondly , That the Emperour of Germany have liberty to fortifie both Gutta and Nitra . Thirdly , That the Turks shall not alter or innovate any thing on the Confines of Hungary , or any other part bordering on the Emperor . Fourthly , That Apasi pay six hundred thousand Dollars to the Ottoman Port for expences of the War. Fifthly , That all Acts of Hostility between the Emperour , and the Grand Signior , and their Subjects for ever cease . Sixthly , That the two Provinces of Zatmar and Zaboli , granted to Ragotzki by his Imperial Majesty during life , return again to the Emperour , to which neither the Prince of Transilvania , much less the Ottoman Port , shall ever pretend . Seventhly , That the strong Castle of Zechelhyd , which revolted from the Emperor , be demolished , in regard neither Party will relinquish his Right thereunto . Eighthly , That Varadin and Newhausel remain to the Turk , having conquered them by force of their own Armes . Ninthly , That for confirmation of this Peace , Ambassadours be interchangeably sent with Presents of equal value . On these Terms ( of which none seems disadvantageous to the Christian Interest , unless the fourth Article , the dishonour of which seems to be covered with the name of Apafi , though the score was paid by the Emperour ) the Peace was established , and the Vizier , as a beginning thereof , gave liberty to many Christian Captives , some whereof were of Quality , and Proclamation was made through all the Confines for a Cessation of Armes . Howsoever , some petty matters remained undecided , which were deferred until the Arrival of an extraordinary Ambassadour , who was to exchange with the Turks another Ambassadour in the Month of May following ; and in the mean time suspension of Armes , and all other Hostilities was confirmed . At which News all sorts of People amongst the Turks were greatly rejoyced , and the Publication thereof the more welcome , by how much the more unexpected . Whereby we may observe the alteration of that ancient Martial disposition , which was natural to this Empire , which whilst it was exercised in War , grew hardy , active and inured to warlike exercise , but now through Idleness and want of War ( except the Venetian , which affords the Souldiery no considerable employment ) their minds became resty , wearied with one year and a halfs labour , and dejected with the unprosperous success of one Summer . But what Considerations soever the Emperour might have to conclude this Peace , the Hungarians were highly dissatisfied with it , because it was founded on their proper loss ; and that Newhausel was given for a price of the common quiet , which none but themselves paid , and yet all Germany enjoyed the benefit . That that Town was an appendage to the Kingdom of Hungary , and to which the Emperour having only the claim ( as they pretended ) of an Elective Prince , could not dismember any part without consent of the States thereof ; and this position they maintained with that heat and fury , that they declared themselves disobliged from observation of the Articles , resolving to vindicate their own right in despight of all opposition whatsoever ; and that since the Emperour had undertaken their Protection he was bound to assert their freedom , and defend their Cities , even with the expence of his own Treasury , and at the hazard of his own hereditary Possessions . But to these exorbitant Demands the Emperours Council replyed with these following reasons and moderation ; That they themselves were the first Beginners and Promoters of this War ; That His Majesty at their instance and request condescended to protect them as Subjects , not only with draining of his own Exchequer , and blood of his Patrimonial Dominions , but with the charge of hired and mercenary Strangers . In the mean time what assistance had the Hungarians brought to this War or to their own defence ? What Contributions did they ever make ? What Forces did they ever unite in the Field by a general assent of their whole Kingdom ? Notwithstanding his Majesty was ready to continue the War , could they themselves propose either a safe way for the maintenance of it , or that the present Conjuncture did not offer honourable Conditions of a happy Composure ? Moreover , That the King of Spain , his Uncle , and Father in Law , being aged and decrepit , leaving no other Heir than an insirm and sickly Child , to support the charge and weight of all his Kingdoms , it was requisite that at such a time as this , he should be free from all incumbrances , either to assist the Infant in Administration of the Government , or to assert his own Rights ( if so it should please God ) in the Succession . And that now , since a Treaty was on foot for Election of a Successour to the Kingdom of Poland , it was necessary for His Imperial Majesty to bear his part in that Transaction ; but above all , it was considerable , That the common Enemy being rich and powerful , God had seemed to put his Victory into their hands to no other end than to improve it unto a Peace , which being at this time neglected , the best that could ensue would be the miseries of War , which turning on the inconstant Wheel of Fortune with variety of successes , is always attended with Slaughter , Captivity , Fire , Sword , and a thousand other Calamities . These , and such like reasons , moderated and mollified the exasperate spirits of the Hungarians , so that they seemed to acquiesee and be satisfied , and making a Vertue of Necessity , had patience where there was no other remedy . The sudden News of this unexpected peace did in like manner affect the French King , and the States of the Empire , judging it unreasonable for them to be interested in the War , and yet unconcerned in the Conclusion of the Peace . Howsoever , things being well represented , and as well received and understood ; his Most Christian Majesty accepted of the Reasons as just and satisfactory . In the mean time the French had a free liberty to make choice of their Winter Quarters , which they fixed upon in Bohemia , but their King being unwilling to burden the Country with his Souldiers for a longer time than they were serviceable to them , he ordered them to march , and quarter in Alsatia ; but before their departure the Emperour honoured Monsieur de Coligni with his Picture incircled with Diamonds , and the other Officers with Gold Chains and Medals ; ordering the Troops not to march above ten miles a day , and every third to be a day of repose , and to be entertained all the way at free Quarter , so as to return into France jocund and healthy , as they departed thence . But before they would bid adieu to those Countries , the General and Officers paid their Visit to Count Nicholas Serini , presenting him with a Horse , Furniture , and Pistols , as a small Tribute to that Great Captain , whose Fame was celebrated through the whole world , ingenuously confessing , That the rumour of his name struck more amazement and terrour in the Enemy , than the Armies that actually faced them , and was more instrumental in obtaining the Victory on the Banks of Rab , than their weapons or courage which fought against them . But not long after this worthy Heroe Serini hunting one day separated from the rest of his Attendants in the Thickets of a Wood , behold , on a sudden was surprized by the rushing forth of a wild Boar , which raging , and made furious by some Wounds he had received , first struck him in the Knee , with which falling to the ground , the fierce Beast not giving him leisure to recover himself , ganched him again in the head with his broad Tusk , which proved so mortal , that in a short time he expired in the Arms of one of his Pages . This was the end of this valiant Captain , who unconquered in many and redoubled Conflicts of his Enemies , was made the prey of an ignoble Beast . Such are the secret and occult Providences of Heaven , which men interpret or reflect on as they are governed by prejudice or interest . And so did the Turks attribute the Fall of this their Grand Adversary to the righteousness of their Religion , and justness of their Cause ; as if he had been a person unworthy to dye by the hand of a man , was condemned to be executed by that Beast , which is most abominated and detested by the Turkish Rites . He was a Person as mortal an Enemy to the Turks , as ever Hannibal was to the Romans ; in Dangers most couragious , in War valiant , and patient of labour , in Peace courteous , and moderate in his Pleasures ; his Diet was natural , rather than artificial ; in Bankets , or Drinking Meetings , after the fashion of that Country , was sparing in Wine , and rather abstemious than intemperate ; Musick and Dances were the Entertainment of the softer and effeminate Part of his Court , rather than his own Pastimes , whose Recreations were chiefly in the Woods , and in fuch Huntings as had something in them of similitude with Martial Exercises ; his Judgment was profound and deep , and yet his familiar Discourse facetious ; his Conversation obliging , his humour affable , and yet severe and majestick ; he spake much , and yet well , his disposition was liberal and generous , especially to his Souldiers , whom he never restrained or defrauded of their Booty and Prey , but contented every one with a just and exact Division . In short , he was one of those zealous Champions of the Christian Cause , who in the Chronicles of past Ages ought to be placed and numbred amongst the worthiest Heroes . The Winter now approaching , and a conclusion in all appearance made of the War , the Vizier returned to Belgrade , designing to remain there until the German Ambassadour had entered the Turkish Borders , and in the mean time sent for his Mother thither , pretending that in an uncertain and changeable estate the Maternal Blessing is of highest Consolation , it being esteemed pious amongst the Turks for a man to die at the Feet of his Mother . This Mother of his was esteemed a cunning or wise Woman , by whose Charms and Incantations his Father , and he were supposed long to have conserved the Office of Vizier ; and as my own Ears can witness the common Souldiers Discourse , That his Mothers Art consisted much in Philtrums and Charms , reconciling affection and friendship , and had a power over the Grand Signiors Inclinations and Understanding , rendring all things and actions the Vizier had performed in this War full of merit and admiration . This I say was the Discourse of some common Souldiers . In the month of December , that Blazing-star which appeared formidable to most parts of the known World , was also seen within the Turkish Empire , not without a general terrour of all , as prognosticating disasters of Sword , Pestilence , and Famine ; and set the Turkish Astrologers at work to find out the mystery it portended : from whose Art most commonly was divined the death of some great Person in the Empire , which some would have to be the Grand Signior , others the Vizier , others both , as they desired alteration and change of Government . The Grand Signior continued all this time at Adrianople taken up with an extraordinary delight and pleasure in his Court there , with which his aversion to Constantinople so much increased , that he could not endure so much as the name of the place : and if accidentally in his Hunting ( as is reported ) he chanced to fall into the road which led thither , and remembring himself thereof , would immediately turn thence , as one that corrects himself of some desperate errour , or avoids a path which tends to an evitable destruction . The Kadelescher and the other grave Judges of the Law observing this unreasonable hatred of their Prince to his Imperial Seat , considered how prejudicial it was to him and his People to have a City of that renown , antiquity , and commodiousness of living despised and abandoned : and that perhaps the Souldiery now upon their March from the War , might be impatient of returning home , as all the Dependents on the Divan , and Personages of great Quality , desired to injoy their Habitations and Gardens at Constantinople ; from which discontent on all sides it was concluded , That there might result dangerous Seditions and Mutinies , and therefore resolved ( and as some say also at the instigation of the Vizier ) to prostrate themselves before the Grand Signior , and tender him their opinions and sence in that particular , which they accordingly performing and assigning the Kadelescher , or the Chief Justice with all humility to be their Mouth in this Petition , their counsel was received with that indignation , that they were chased from the Grand Signiors presence with fury and high displeasure , and the Kadelescher at that moment deprived of his Office. To these other extravagances the Grand Signior would have added another of a higher nature and cruelty , by causelesly putting to death his Brother Solyman , whom all the time of his Raign , together with another Brother , he had kept Prisoner in the Seraglio : for now having a Son of his own , he conceived it more secure to remove all competition that might be for the Government , according to the example and custom of the Ottoman Princes ; but suffering some remorse of conscience in the thoughts of imbruing his hands in the blood of his guiltless Brother , conceived it more justifiable to perform the Fact by process of Law , and to that end sent to the Mufti for his Fetfa or Sentence , viz. That in such a case , where there is a sufficient provision for continuance of the true Linage of the Ottoman Family , whether it may be lawful , according to their Law and ancient Presidents , to take off some as superfluous Suckers , that draw not only nourishment from the root , but endanger also the life of the Tree . But the Mufti was not so cruel or unjust as to pass this sentence , but rather supplicated the Grand Signior to defer this resolution ; for having but one Son , and that a Child , which was subject to the common chances of mortality , the Ottoman Family was not so sufficiently provided of Heirs , that he could pass his sentence for taking away one who was so necessary a reserve and member of it ; with which reply the Grand Signior suffered himself to be overcome , having some touches of conscience , and perhaps not being naturally cruel some sense of compassion towards his innocent Brother . But returning now to the Great Vizier , we find him in his Winter-quarters at Belgrade , where having taken an affection to the elder Son of the Tartar Chan , or else having conceived some hatred or displeasure against the Father , frankly proffered to depose the Father , and confer the Government upon him who was the Son. But it seems this young Tartar , though barbarous , had yet so much of filial obedience and reverence instamped on him by Nature , that he modestly refused the proffer , and immediately dispatched a Messenger with secret Advices to his Father . The Tartar Chan received this Intelligence with great indignation , and purposing to play that game in reality with the Vizier , which he had passed on him only by way of overture , wrote a Letter to the Pasha of Buda , a man of great abilities and courage , advertising him , that hearing a true and worthy character of his prowess and wisdom , he could not but desire to be his friend ; and that he might make demonstrations of his being such , he prossered all the interest he had at the Ottoman Court to promote him to the supreme Office of first Vizier . What Fate soever accompanied this matter , either from the Confidents of the Tartars , or of the Pasha , the substance of the Message came to the knowledge of the Vizier , who obtaining a private Commission immediately from the Grand Signior therein , sent for the Pasha , and without farther process , or evidence of proof , or accusation struck off his Head. Anno Christi 1665. Hegeira 1076. THE Peace thus happily concluded with Germany , was a subject of singular contentment to the people , and not less readily embraced by the Grandees , who hastened so much the consummation thereof , that in the beginning of January one Mahomet Beigh , of the Order of the Mutafaracaes ( who are those that attend the Services of the Divan , and are of a degree somewhat above the Chaouses ) a man of considerable richess , was designed Ambassadour for Vienna , and qualified with the Title of the Pasha of Romelia . In the month following being February , this Ambassadour having received his Presents and Instructions departed , with Orders to remain on the Frontiers , until the Emperours Ambassadour met him at the place of Exchange , where according to custom at the same time that one enters into the Dominions of the Emperour , the other passes into those of the Grand Signior . The Presents that one Emperour sends to the other are according to the ancient Canon , and are to be of equal value , and are commonly estimated to be an hundred thousand Dollars . Those sent by the Grand Signior to the Emperour were 3 Horses with their Furniture adorned with precious Stones . 12 Other led Horses of great price . A Royal Tent with all the Apartments , valued at eighty thousand Dollars . A Royal Feather set with Jewels . Ambergreese of a considerable value . Bezoar-stones . 20 Cods of Musk. 70 Coftans or Vests of three sorts . 6 Persian Carpets . 40 Very fine Turbants , with other Persian Commodities of divers sorts of Linen . The Spring being now well forward the time of action , and the Summer at hand , the Turks remained with great expectation of the German Ambassadour ; and with greater impatience , in regard that their Ambassador had for some time continued upon the Frontiers . It was now May , and yet no news from Germany ; so that many began to doubt the reality of the Peace , others reflected on the dishonour of the Grand Signior , in having his Ambassadour so long on the Frontiers , as if the Peace had been precarious and desired by the Turks : some considered the present ill consequences , in case the War should break out again ; for the licence was given to the greatest part of the Army to return home , and all such as came as far as from Babylon , Damascus , and Egypt to the Frontiers in Hungary were departed ; and to recal these again , and other Zaims and Timariots from remote parts , required a considerable time , of which their distress would not admit , should the Christians prove deceitful in their Treaty . Besides which , reports were spread abroad , that the French had intercepted the Ambassador in his passage about Komorra , and had given an interruption to the Peace . Others reported , that the Ambassadour was dead in his Journey , and that the Hungarians were again in Arms , as wholly dissatisfied with the Peace . These rumors flying about , all people blamed the facility of the Great Vizier in being too credulous , and confident of the faith and morality of the Christians ; and the Enemies of the Vizier more boldly adventured to accuse his ill management of Affairs , which did not a little tickle the ambition of Mustapha Pasha , then Captain Pasha , and Chimacam of Adrianople , supposing that all the disgraces and ill successes of the Vizier prepared a way for his ascent unto that Office. And to become more popular , being a man naturally of an affable and plausible carriage , insinuated himself into the favour and good opinion of the Great men and principal Favourites of the Seraglio , over-acting his part in some measure by condescensions unbeseeming the degree and dignity of a Chimacam , being observed one day to kiss the Vest of the Kuzlir-Aga , too apparent a piece of adulation and meanness in so great a Subject , who in those parts represents the person of his Master . These passages were not altogether unknown to the Vizier ; and though at a distance he could not perfectly view , and discover particularly the comportment of this Chimacam , yet being by conversation well acquainted with his subtle disposition , guessed at his thoughts and the rest of his actions , and to deal with him in the same terms , wrote a Letter to the Grand Signior , bewailing the ill success of the War against Venice , and the ill estate and condition of the Fleet , to repair which , and to give courage to their men , and restore the Discipline in marine Affairs , the presence of the Captain-Pasha was necessary in the Fleet , who had now for two years injoyed the benesit and the title without personal attendance on that important Charge . The Grand Signior having received ' this Letter , concurred in the same opinion with his Vizier , and gave Orders to the Chimacam to prepare himself to serve that Summer at Sea ; for that now it was necessary he should be in person there , and less requisite his presence in the City , where his Office would speedily be made void by return of the Vizier . The Chimacam immediately in obedience to his great Masters command , put himself in a posture for his Voyage , and in the first place sent away his Women to Constantinople , and appointed the Fleet not to depart until his faither order : yet in the mean time so secretly and under-hand made use of the friendship of the Court-Favourites , representing as from themselves , how useful the service and attendance of the Chimacam was as yet in the City , by reason that the delays of the German Ambassadour made the Viziers return uncertain , and that this Office would ill be supplied by any other , they obtained licence for his continuance in Office , and disappointed the intentions and designs of the Vizier . About the end of May , after long expectation arrived the German Ambassadour at Buda , to the great joy of the Turkifh Camp. I then was there my self , and observed the general satisfaction at this news : so that now the Ambassadour being entred the Frontiers , and his arrival secured , on the 29 th of May the Vizier began his March from Belgrade with the whole Army , and I kept company with them for thirteen days . On the last of June the Vizier arrived within six hours Journey of Adrianople , intending in two or three days to prepare for his solemn Entrance . But it is reported , That the Viziers Mother had by her Art so affected the heart of the Grand Signior towards her Son , that he could not longer want his presence , and therefore in the way dispatched frequent Messages to him to hasten him as fast as his convenience would permit . And better to assure him of his grace and favour , sent his young Favourite , a handsom Youth of about twenty years of age , to meet him with a Present of five Horses richly adorned and furnished , and to feast him plentifully on the way : and being come within a few hours Journey , the Grand Signior could not contain his desire of seeing him , until the day of his Entry ; but ordered him immediately to come to him , being impatient of a private Conference . The Vizier accordingly obeying , and being come to the Royal Presence , the Grand Signior kissed him on the shoulder , and honoured him with a * Topoose of gold studded with precious Stones , with a Sword , a Dagger , and a Horse richly furnished , with which Regal Munificence he returned triumphing to his Tents , being now fully assured of the real grace and constant favour of his Master . The second of July the Vizier made his Entrance with solemn Pomp and Glory through part of the City , passing again into the field to remain under Tents with the whole Camp , being so ordered by the Grand Signior , in regard the City was neither capable to contain so great a number without dispossessing the greatest part of the Inhabitants of their Houses ; nor in this hot season of the year was it so wholesom and cool as the open air of the Country . Besides matters would be in a far greater readiness for a departure towards Constantinople , to which place the Vizier had perswaded the Grand Signior to make a Visit after Audience given to the German Ambassadour , whom the people now expected with wonderful impatience . Not many days after arrived Count Lesly the Ambassadour Extraordinary from his Caesarian Majesty to the Grand Signior , who made a solemn Entrance into the City , passing first through the Turkish Camp , where the Grand Signior remained , and thence to the House furnished and appointed for him at the expence of the Sultan . The Cavalcade was as followeth : In the Front of all were the ten Chaouses which had attended the Ambassadour through the whole Journey , these were followed by an hundred fifty five other Chaouses with Muzevegé , with some Captains over the Janisaries . The Ambassadour had of his own Retinue about a hundred and fifty Persons on horse-back , well mountted , and cloathed after the Hungarian fashion ; his proper Guard consisted of four and twenty Persons armed with Partisans ; before him went his Trumpets , and Kettle Drums , but not sounding , with two Banners of Spread Eagles flying , one of them richly embroidered , carried by a Count of the Empire . The Ambassadour himself was cloathed with a Cloth of Silver Vest , lined with Sables , on his Cap he wore a Feather after the Turkish fashion , adorned with Jewels , which they call ( Sargouch ) and is only used by the Grand Signior , and his principal Vizier ; before him went eight led Horses richly furnished ; immediately after him followed the Pages and Servants of the Spaheelar Agasee , and of the Aga which conducted him from the Frontiers . Next came his Litter covered with Violet coloured Velvet and carried by Mules ; then his three Coaches with six Horses a piece , one of which being richly gilded , and made chearful with Glass Windows after the new mode , the Grand Signior became much pleased with it , and at his request it was presented to him ; after these followed four or five other Coaches of four Horses , in which were Churchmen and unfirm persons ; and last of all came the German Waggons , and other Carts with those of the Countrey with Baggage . This Ambassadour was not long arrived before he was admitted to Audience with the Prime Vizier , who bestowed on him a Vest of Sables , with a Horse and Furniture of considerable value , and a hundred of his Retinue were vested with Coftans , which amongst the Turks are testimonies of favour and acceptance . About four days after the Ambassadour had Audience with the Grand Signior himself , at which were only forty Coftans given out , which coming from so Grand a Personage , were in value multiplied much above the number given by the Vizier . The Presents brought by the Ambassadour were as followeth : A Looking Glass of about a Mans height , in a silver Frame , standing on a pedestal of Silver , turning round on every side . 2 Great Basons of Silver , supported with three Pillars at three Corners , a Mans Body and a half high , adorned with several Figures ; at one Pillar was fastned a gilded Bason , over which was a Fountain Cock for 〈◊〉 Water to run through . 2 Great gilded Basons full of holes at the Bottom to make a Passage for the water . 12 Silver Candlesticks , every one about two Ells high . 6 Silver Flower-Pots . 12 Gilded Ewers for sweet Waters . 12 Silver Dishes with Covers made after the form of Turkish Turbants , all gilded within side . 12 Gilded Dishes for Confects , set upon Pedestals of Silver . 1 Round Table of Silver upon a Pedestal of about half an Ell , after the manner of the Turkish Tables , with many Devices . 4 Guns with Silver Stocks , and one Cutlash of Silver . 2 Great Writing Desks of Jaspar-Stone with Prospectives within . 2 Other of Ebony Wood , and Tortoise shell , in-laid with Gold and Silver . 1 Great Ice Vessel , and one great Drinking Pot of Silver . 4 Pieces of Spanish Tapestry wrought with Silver . 14 Clocks with Turkish and Christian Figures . A Grota with a Clock in it , and a Case of Virginals which sound with the motion of Water that runs through it . A Cupboard an Ell high adorned with Bosses of Silver , in which was a Salt-Box , Candlesticks , and other appurtenances thereunto . A large Chest with Figures of Silver gilded . A high Writing Desk of Silver gilded with many Boxes and Drawers , which for the Art and Invention is not to be described . Presents to the Valede or Queen Mother . An embroidered Cushinet to sow upon , in which was a Looking Glass , and a Virginal sounding of it self . A large Looking Glass in a Silver Frame . 2 Silver Candlesticks of an Ell and half high . A Basket of Silver rarely worked and engraven . 4 Great Cups . To the Great Vizier . 12 Silver Platters with Covers . 2 Silver Candlesticks ¾ of an Ell high . 12 Silver Plates handsomely worked for Confects . 1 Basket of Silver engraven . 14 Very large Silver Cups . For other Ministers to be bestowed as occasion was . 32 Clocks of several sorts , some with Turkish , and others with Christian Figures . 21 Watches gilded . 7 Gilded Basons and Ewers . The Weight of the Silver all together amounted unto three thousand five hundred pound weight . These were the Particulars of the Presents sent from the Emperour to the Grand Signior , from whom he received the like value by the Ottoman Ambassadour . And though this Relation may seem impertinent to the Weight of History , yet in regard on such minute things many times greater matters depend , and thereby the curiosity of the Reader satisfied , I thought it not from our purpose to insert a List thereof . This year gave the first Beginning to trade between the Ottoman Dominions , and that of Genoua . For in Company of the German Ambassadour , in condition of a private person , came the Marquess Durazzo a Nobleman of Genoua with Letters from that Republick to the Grand Signior , and Great Vizier , importing their desire of friendship and commerce with the Ottoman Port. This design of opening a door to a new Trade was commenced and carried on wholly by the contrivance and power of the Family of the Durazzo's , falsely founded on the course allay of money , then currant in the Turkish Territories , which proved not long durable , as will appear by the Sequel . This Marquess being arrived at Constantinople , declared his Message , which if favourably accepted , an Ambassadour or Resident with Merchants should be sent to hold a Trade in the Turkish Dominions . In answer whereunto the Vizier replied according to the usual complement , That the Arms of the Port are always open to those who desire to entertain a friendship and correspondence with it . But because in former days Ambassadours from Spain and Genoua having like promises of admission , were notwithstanding , through the union of the English , and French and Venetians , obstructed in their passage , and forced to return home , though one of them as far as Scio in his way , and the other as Ragusa ; therefore this Marquess in remembrance hereof pressed the Vizier farther in his promise , desiring him to give him the assurance , that what opposition might be made to the contrary by other Ministers , he would yet keep firm to that word he had given to his Republick : the Vizier constantly promised that he would ; and if any other Ambassadours were not pleased with the friendship and Treaty of that day , they might seek their remedy as they pleased , and if they pleased might have liberty to depart . The Marquess being satisfied with this assurance , took Letters to his Republick in assurance thereof , and Articles were given , and Priviledges for Trade signed according to the Tenour of other Capitulations : and being herewith dispatched , he returned home by Land , and the next year appeared again himself in the Person of Ambassadour Extraordinary to the Ottoman Court ; where after high and considerable Presents and great Expences made , chiefly supported by the House of Durazzo , a Resident was seated at Constantinople , and a Consul at Smyrna , where we will leave them for a while , and some years after ( God willing ) take an account of the profit and loss this progging Nation had made by this Embassy and Trade . But before we leave this point , it will be worth our noting , how hainously the French Ambassadour Monsieur La Haye took this entertainment of the Genoese , in regard he was so concerned against his admission , that he declared to the chief Ministers of State , how he had received Orders to oppose the entrance of the Genoese Nation as highly prejudicial and obstructive to their Trade ; and in fine , to acquaint the Grand Signior , that in case he resolved to entertain them , his Master would withdraw his Ambassadour and Nation , and therefore they ought to consider , whether a new Friend and an inconsiderable Republick ought to be preferred before the known and approved acquaintance of the powerful Empire of France . But whatsoever the French Ministers were able to act to the contrary , the Genoeses kept their stations , in which they were the better secured by those frequent occasions of disgust his most Christian Majesty in defence of the Christian Cause , had given to these Enemies of the Christian Faith. The Great Vizier and the German Ambassadour being now both at the Ottoman Port , the Wars were concluded , and every one began to dispose his affairs to a quiet and a reposed life . But this Empire being still by Gods Providence in a condition of growth and augmentation , could not remain long in Peace , nor long in health without exercise and action . Wherefore no sooner was Germany at ease , than the Visier began to move the prosecution of the War in Candia , desiring to obtain the glory of subjecting totally that Island , which for the space of twenty five years had been the principal subject of the Ottoman design and exercise , and acquire to himself the Fame in History of being Conquerour of Candia , and Concluder of the Venetian War. Wherefore the Vizier with several other principal Persons , assembled in a Garden near the City of Adrianople , sent for the Signior Ballarino Representative for the Republick of Venice ; where being come , at the first word demanded of him the Surrender of the whole Island of Candia . To which he modestly replied , That so great a gift was not in his power to give , and that his office was only to be assistant to that happy hour , wherein all matters might concur towards Peace , and that his Mediation might contribute towards a conclusion of this long and tedious War. In the mean time he should acquaint his Prince with the demand the Vizier was pleased to make . To which the Turks added menaces , with high and insolent words , designing to bend their whole force and power against Candia , the effect of which will hereafter be a material subject of our History . And thus much , to my best remembrance , I received from the mouth of that Venetian Minister . In the mean time the Grand Signior , though he continued his Sports and Hunting , without regard to the violent heats of the Summer , yet he began to entertain something more of warm affection towards his Women , and to be reconciled to that Sex , in contemplation of his little Son , who beginning now to play and prattle , afforded him matter of entertainment in the Apartments of his Women ; so that he affectionately doting on his Queen , gave order for increase of her Revenue and Attendance , and appointed the best Artisans of Adrianople to make her a Crown studded with very precious Stones to adorn her Head , of which he was so impatient , that he ordered the Goldsmiths to work in the Seraglio , permitting them scarce time to eat or sleep until it was finished . In recompence of which affection of her Sultan , this Lady so corresponded , that she appeared passionately in love , practising certain pretty tricks of swooning and of an uneasie condition in his absence , which so endeared him in all respects to her , that it was said the Sultan kept himself constant to this Queen only , and contrary to the custom of other Emperors , and permission of the Turkish Laws , made use of the multitude of his other Women only for Slaves , or Attendants to the greater state and adoration of his beloved Queen . And now the Grand Signior , at the perswasion of the Vizier and others of his Council , resolving to winter at Constantinople , certain Women of the lower rank were dispatched before , as fore-runners of the removal of the Court : and being in the Seraglio at large without observance and awe of their usual Spies , two of the boldest Wenches finding a Cradle , wherein the Royal Infants were usually laid , adventured to pick out the best Jewels , of which some were very good Stones , and afterwards laid it up again in a private place , where it was not easily found . Not many days after the Queen-Mother wanting the Cradle of so much value and antiquity , where many of the young Sultans had lain , sent to the Seraglio at Constantinople to fetch it thence . But it not being found , inquisition was made into all secret corners , the Wardrobes were searched , but nothing appeared , to the great fear of those to whose care it was committed , one accusing the other to acquit himself . In fine , the matter was so traced , that some whispers there were concerning those in whose hands the Cradle not long before was seen to remain . The Women having guilty consciences were amazed in being so closely followed , and fearing the matter should be perfectly discovered , entred into consultation what course they should take to save their lives and their honour . In fine , they both concluded , that in such an extremity desperate remedies ought to be used , than which none was better than to set fire to the Seraglio , by which means , either the thing sought for would be esteemed for burnt and consumed by the fire , or in so great a loss it might be hoped that matters of smaller moment would not be remembred . Wherefore the bold Wenches without other consideration gave fire with their candle to the roof of Cedar , of which wood most of the Womens rooms in the Seraglio are made , which in a moment made such a flame , as with the help of a little wind , was carried through all the quarters of the Womens Apartments , and thence took its way to the Divan Chamber , and other considerable parts of the Court , where many Records and Registers of Law were consumed to ashes , together with one of the lesser Treasuries , where much richess , which endured not the test of fire , perished : and the whole Seraglio had run an evident hazard , had not the Bostangees and other Servants of the Court ventured far into the flames , in which many of them miserably perished . The fire being quenched , and the Women afterwards ( I know not how ) detected to have been the Authors thereof , were sent to Adrianople , and being there accused , were strangled by the immediate order of the Grand Signior . But the destruction of that considerable part of the Seraglio was no impediment to the Grand Signiors return to Constantinople , being rebuilt with that speed and industry , equal or excelling the magnificence of the former , that the day prefixed for the Journey thither was not prolonged by reason thereof . Howsoever the Grand Signiors aversion to the place made the wheels of his Chariots move slow , and the quickness of his Attendants grew slack and cold , observing so much displeasure in their Emperor to the place designed . For though he was pressed by the Vizier to begin his Journey , and could not handsomly refuse to comply with the time appointed ; yet to defer this resolution as long as was possible , he contrived a long way of Meander towards Constantinople , forming his Journey in Company with the Great Vizier by way of the Dardanelli upon the Hellespont , on pretence of viewing the Fortifications of the new Forts raised at the entrance of that Streight , and sending some Provisions from thence for Relief of Candia ; wherefore the Captain-Pasha was commanded to Sea with three Gallies , and at Gallipoli to attend the Grand Signiors arrival , being to transport him thence to the Castles , and back again . And the design being now resolved , and hot to prosecute the War in Candia ; for transporting thither a numerous Army , it was concluded , That the Captain-Pasha should propose to the English Ambassadour the Grand Signiors desire of fifteen Sail of Ships , with consent of our King , for this service , the Turks paying what reasonable Rates should be demanded . But the Earl of Winchelsea then Lord Ambassadour , modestly replied , That though His Majesty of England did always entertain a good affection and a zealous disposition towards the Affairs of the Grand Signior ; yet at present the War with Holland , and ill understanding with France , made his occasions for his own Shipping more urgent than usual , and the time most unseasonable to press his Majesty in this particular : by which reply and several other excuses of the Ambassadour , the Captain-Pasha perceiving an aversness to the Proposition , and that Christians unwillingly arm Turks against the Cross , gave an account of this discourse to the Grand Signior and Vizier , who immediately gave order for the building of sixty Gallies against the next Spring , which with what they had before would make up above an hundred Sail. The Rendezvous of this Fleet , together with Saykes and other Turkish Vessels , from thence to transport the Vizier and his Army for Candia , was appointed to be made at Malvoisia ; of the success of which we shall have occasion ( God willing ) to discourse in the following Year , which gave a beginning ( as we may say ) to the total loss of that Country and to that famous Siege , which in History will bear the Fame of one of the most memorable in the World. And as a preparation thereunto , and as a supply of the present urgent necessities , three Ships , viz. one English , another French , and a third Dutch were laden with Corn , and thirty Sail of Beys Gallies , with all sorts of Arms and Ammunition , with a Recruit of a thousand Janisaries , were dispeeded from Constantinople for Reinforcement and Succour of that Island . And now at length the Grand Signior after his long circuit arrived at Constantinople , where he made his solemn Entry the third of October , but not with that Joy and Pomp , which usually attended other Sultans in their return from the Wars and labours to their Imperial City ; but all things seemed like the Sultans humour sullen and displeased ; for he seldom lodged in his Seraglio , or slept there , but at a small Palace called Damt-Pasha , where he for the most part made his abode ; only sometimes in the day he passed a few hours at his Seraglio , but rested not there in the night : the reasons hereof some attributed to the remembrance of those dangers and troubles which he had seen in that Court , and which made so deep an impression on his fancy , that he could never enter within those Gates without some sense of terrour for the late disorders . The German War being thus concluded , the Sultan returned to Constantinople , and Affairs disposing themselves to spend their fury against Candia , all things growing black and tempestuous towards that Coast , the Venetians prudently provided to oppose the storm . And as an able General , and wise and experienced Captains are the supports of an Army ; and that the success of War depends much on Martial Discipline , and on the vigilance and wisdom of the Commanders , the Senate gave order to their Ambassadour at Turen called Catarin Belegno , to offer unto Marquess Ghiron Francesco Villa , a Native of that Country , the honourable charge of General of the Foot with a stipend of 12000 Crowns of yearly Pay ; the said Marquess obliging himself to bring with him four Captains , and two Lieutenant-Generals , for entertainment of whom the Republick allowed five thousand Ducats , besides seventy Ducats a month pay to an Engineer . To this Marquess Villa a power was given to command in chief over all , without subjection to any other than to the Captain-General , and to the Proveditor-General in Dalmatia , when he waged War in that Province : and in short , his actions were not to be questioned or examined by any other than the Senate it self , to whom he was immediately subjected , and a Gally was to be allotted purposely to transport him and his Family to Candia . Upon these conditions agreed at Turen , Marquess Villa took his Journey to Venice about the beginning of April , being accompanied with his Kinsman Francesco Villa , his Nephew Benedetto Count of Lagnasco , Count Lodovico Saluzzo , and Count Bernardino Barretta , which four served in quality of Captains , together with Gio. Francesco Pusserla and Alessandro Negri , who were Lieutenant-Generals , and Gio. Girolamo Quadruplano Engineer . With these Companions and several other Voluntiers Gentlemen of Quality , the Marquess Villa was received with much honour by the Nobility and People of Venice ; and being introduced into the Colledge , with a singular grace and fluency of Language he began to speak in this manner . IF thanks , most Serene Prince , and most Excellent Sirs , ought to be equivalent to the benefits we receive , I must of necessily ( not to appear ungrateful ) refuse those favours , which this most Serene Republick is pleased to confer upon me ; or resolve to appear ungrateful , because I am unable to make a compensation . But I satisfie my self in this , That as the mind which receives favours , and returns thanks is the same ; so that mind which makes acknowledgments with a due sense of them , doth in some measure equal the benefit , though it prove defective in expressions to declare it . I do theresore confess and acknowledge , that the Election you have been pleased to make of me amongst so many conspicuous Persons , unto a Charge graced by most renowned Predecessours , and in it self most honourable , is a most singular favour , and an effect of your immense Bounty to me ; which though it be limited with some subordination , yet it may serve for the ultimate Goal to a glorious Course of Military labours . I must also farther acknowledge , That as it is the property of this most Serene Republick to receive momentary Services , and to render them eternal by Records in History ; so they have been pleased to adjoyn unto my mean deserts a remembrance of the humble devotion which my Ancestors professed towards them : I mean Alfonso Villa my great Grandfather , who in that most glorious Fleet at Lepanto , whose Sails were the wings of Victory , evidenced his Christian zeal against that People , which issuing from the bowels of Sea-monsters , continue to vent their ancient rage against your most Serene Highness . Nor with less promptness of mind , had my Grandfather Francesco Villa and my Father Guido Villa consecrated their Powers to your Command ; but that the unparallel'd Equity of this most Serene Republick gave permission , that one of them should take the charge of General of the Artillery of the Holy Church under the Pope his Supreme Lord , preferring a natural duty before a voluntary service ; and that the other being entertained in service of the most Invincible Charles Emanuel in Piedmont , you were pleased to judge , That the service done to a Prince your Confederate , and Son of this Republick , was a service and duty rendred to your selves : so that this Election made of me by this most Serene Republick , and approved by the singulur goodness of that Charles Emanuel , who now reigns , evidences the Destiny of my Family , and obliges me to satisfie that hereditary debt by performances , which my Ancestors entertained only in their wishes . Hence it is , that to this my Election some celestial influence hath concurred , by which I am clearly assured , that your more than humane power is desirous to imitate the Divine , which oftentimes makes use of weak means to operate miraculous effects , that to you only the success may be acknowledged , and to you only the thanks be returned : that if the Providence of your Serenity , and of this most Serene Republick will be pleased , ( as I am assured you will ) to imitate the Divine Providence , which cooperates with means , the number and quality of your Troops and plenty of your Provisions , which are the nerves of War , are those means which correspond with the ends you design : and therefore I dare presage , that I shall not only see the threatning horns of the changeable Ottoman Planet precipitated into the Sea by the Venetian horn of strength , but those glorious Conquests renewed , which rendred your Name more bright and resplendent than the Sun it self in his Oriental parts . With these auspicious Presages , I feel already in my breast an impatient heat to sacrifiee my life in so worthy a cause , fancying that I serve the Universe , whilst I am engaged in the service of the greatest of Republicks , which communicates delicious Fruit to all People , gathered from those triumphant Palms , which were planted and watered with her own sweat and labours ; and resembles her own generous Lion , which continually stands on the Guard in opposition to the common Enemy , that all other people may rest quiet , and repose secure . And thus much , Most Serene Prince , and Most Excellent Sirs , shall suffice to have been spoken by a Souldier , not acquainted with Eloquence , to whom courage is more requisite than words , and to fight well with the hand , is more laudable than to utter florid Speeches with the tongue . According to the preceding counsel and desire of Marquis Villa , the Senate sent by divers Convoys great plenty of Provision and Ammunition to Candia , and fitted their Fleet with all things necessary ; and strengthened their Forts both with Horse and Foot drawn out of their Garrisons on the Terra Firma , being assisted with men and money from other Princes and States . The Pope gave them liberty to levy four thousand men out of his Countries , the Emperour also furnished them with a considerable Force , to which were made Additions from other Parts of Germany . In this manner the prudent Care of the Venetians provided for their own safety : But at Constantinople things were more quiet , for it being Winter , the Turks made Entertainments for the German Ambassadour , who was first feasted by the Chimacam , and twice afterwards , with much Magnificence , by the Great Vizier at his own Garden , seated on the Bosphorus , all difficulties being before overcome , and agreed , unless the deliverance of the poor Captives from the Prison and the Oar , who continued in the torment of expectation between hope and fear , either of liberty or perpetual slavery . Which Treaty though it properly belonged to the Vizier , to whom the absolute power is derived , yet in formality it was reserved for matter of the last Audience with the Grand Signior , who being desirous to attend his Hunting and Pastime abroad , was in pain , until he had complyed with his Office towards this Ambassadour , whose departure though not some time after designed , yet being often called upon , to receive his Dispatch from the Grand Signior , was admitted on the 31 th of October to his Audience with the same formality and feasting as is common to all other Ambassadours in the Divan , or place of Judicature , and received three and forty Costans bestowed on himself and his retinue , and thence being conducted to the Chamber of Audience , with some of the principal Noblemen of his Company , they presented themselves on their Knees , with their Faces on the Ground , according to the Custom of the Eastern Courts ; with which occasion the Heer Reningen , who had for sixteen or seventeen years been Resident for the Emperor , a person grown infirm with Age and the Gout , and his Knees not so active and pliable as the younger sort , coming also to take his turn in this prostrate manner of Worship , was so rudely handled by the Kapugibashees , who assisted on each Arm at the Ceremony , that he not being able to bow his head to easily as others , was thrust down by them with so little consideration or respect , that his Brows and Forehead were broken on the Flour ; which mischance so disordered him , as put him besides that Speech which he had premeditated in Turkish to address to the Grand Signior ; and though he curbed what was possible his passion , whilst he remained in the Royal Presence , yet in vain afterwards he vented his Choler with words against those unmannerly Officers without other remedy or satisfaction . The Demands of the Ambassadour were in writing read before the Grand Signior , according to the custom of the Court , and principally concerned the freedom of the Slaves , some of which were then in the Gallies , and Banniard , and others of the most principal in the seven Towers . Other Demands there were in relation to the State of Transylvania , that for the future it might be free from Incursions , in which particular the Turks had already violated the Peace ; and that a more orderly Government of Affairs might be observed on the Frontiers , than usually had passed , as agreed by the last Capitulations . To which the Grand Signior gave no Answer , referring all to the Vizier , only told the Ambassadour in short , That he should counsel his Master to beware of invading the Ottoman Dominions , or acting any thing in prejudice of the Peace . The Articles of Peace made between the two Emperours were for the most part a confirmation of the ancient Agreement , only it was provided as a new Addition , That the Armies should depart from the Confines of Transilvania . Secondly , That the Castles and Forts garrisoned with German Souldiers in that Countrey should be resigned into the hands of the Prince . And Thirdly , There were other particulars added in reference to Newhausel , and the Countries adjacent lately conquered , and the Limits of both Emperours , as before declared . But whilst these things were in agitation , and Ambassadours interchangeably at either Court , the Turks of Varadin and Janoua made frequent incursions into Transilvania , destroying the Villages , and carrying , away great numbers of Captives ; and so lately , as about the beginning of August last , those of Varadin conveyed themselves privately under the Castle Cseh , and robbed the Horses belonging to that Garrison , killed some , and carried others into slavery ; at which time also two thousand Turks besieged the Castle Valko , which they took , and razed to the ground ; which Complaints of their Countries Aggrievances the Transilvanians intimated to the German ambassadour , as matters already acted contrary to the late Articles of Peace , requesting farther to interpose for a moderation and abatement of their Tribute , which Kuperlee had , contrary to Oath and reason , unjustly augmented . But the Ambassadour seemed so coldly to interpose in this behalf , as taught the Turks to deny his Requests , acquiescing with this Answer , That it was no breach of Peace the to make incursions on the Frontiers , as also without Cannon to rob , and spoil , and skirmish , not exceeding five thousand men in number . For it appeared that the Ambassadour was most desirous to secure the main points of the Peace , which concerned most the Interest of the Empire , and not hazard it for such like Concernments of Transilvania ; for though it seemed strange to the World to see a Peace hastily clapt up with disadvantageous Terms on the Emperours side , whilst he was victorious and fortunate in several Enterprizes ; yet they that penetrated farther into the State and Condition of the Empire report , That there was a necessity of making a moderate use of these successes by a fair accommodation , rather than to tempt Providence by a too eager and continued prosecution of the war. For it was observed that the Designs of making the Duke of Anguien , Son to the Prince of Conde , King of Poland proceeded forward ; and that there was a Combination of a dangerous League amongst the Princes of the Rhine . The Divisions between the Germans and the Hungarians encreased ; the latter of which are known to be an obstinate sort of People . The Army also of the French was feared in the Bowels of the Empire , under the Command of Monsieur la Feüvillade , who under pretence of applying themselves to the assistance of Christendom , were suspected to come with intentions to advance the interest of their King , and force the next Diet to elect him King of the Romans ; in order whereunto , and in consideration of farther assistance , they demanded several Towns in Hungary to be delivered into their hands , and made extravagant Propositions for Winter Quarters ; all which considered , made the German Ambassadour more tender how he entered into Disputes with the Turk , which might prejudice the essential points of the Peace , or occasion a new War more destructive to Germany through the dangers before intimated , than by the Arms and Hostility of the common Enemy . These Considerations made the Ambassadour less zealous in the matter of Transilvania , and in all others which were not really conducing to his Masters immediate service ; so that having no other difficulty remaining , than the liberty of the Captives , on the day of his last Audience with the Vizier , being the 8 th of November , he urged with more earnestness their Release , which was in part granted ; those of the Gallies were delivered from their Chains and Oars ; but such as were of greater Quality in the seven Towers were detained , untill the Emperor had on his part released the Turks of Quality in like manner ; and though it was agreed in the Article , That Captives should on both sides be released , yet the Vizier interpreted it to be in respect to Number and Quality , of which I remember to have heard often Complaints , and especially of those poor Gentlemen , then under Irons and restraint , who though afterwards received their freedom , yet for the present endured more torment in their minds , than if they had never been put in expectation to enjoy their hopes . At the end of the Audience the Ambassadour proposed something in behalf of the Religious of Jerusalem , That certain places of Devotion might be restored them , which were injuriously taken from them by the Greeks ; and also that Licence might be granted for re-Edification of some Churches , and Monasteries destroyed in Galata by the late Fire : To the first of which the Vizier answered , That the Franks with the Greeks of Jerusalem should have a fair and equal Tryal at Law about the possession of those places in difference , and Justice and Right should be done unto the injured ; but the latter Proposition he positively denied , for being a matter contrary to their Law and Religion , was not dispensable by his Power , nor ought he to expect a Complement from him , or Gratuity of that nature , which was inconsistent with the honour and conscience of the Donor ; but that in any thing else he was ready to yield to his Desires , whereby he might understand the value he put upon his Person , using this Expression , That he was more satisfied that the Emperour had designed so illustrious and worthy a person to this Embassy , than if he had sent him a hundred thousand Dollars more of Present , and at the Conclusion of the Audience , vested both the Ambassadour and Resident with Sables , which ended with all imaginable satisfaction , and mutual contentment . On the 21 th of the month of November arrived at Constantinople Monsieur De Ventelay , Ambassadour from the French King to the Grand Signior , who was Son to the Sieur De la Haye , the former Ambassadour , a person much talked of before he arrived , a generous and an accomplished Gentleman , and one well practised in the Affairs of that Country . To understand which story the better we must look back to the former Year , at the beginning of which during the German War , and that the Vizier remained in his Winter-quarters at Belgrade , a Corrier with Letters from his most Christian Majesty to the First Vizier arrived , who concealed not the occasion of his coming , nor the contents of his Letters with that secrecy , but that those who were imployed in the Translation of the Papers into Turkish , made it publickly known to be no other than a recital of the many provocations his most Christian Majesty had received from the Pirates of Barbary , containing a List of the Ships , Men , and Goods they had from time to time seized and made Prize : in vindication of which indignities to his Honour , and in protection of his People , he could not do less than make a War upon those Pirates ( for as yet the advice was not come , that the French had deserted Gigeri ) in which for the foregoing reasons the Grand Signior ought not to judge himself concerned . And for the Succour given the Emperour , it was not afforded as King of France , but as one of the Princes of the Empire , in which capacity , by virtue of his Tenure , he was obliged to contribute such Forces on the like emergencies and distresses of the Empire . And if the foregoing reasons were available with the Sultan to induce him ( as in reason he ought ) to believe he continued in perfect friendship with him , without breach of Articles , he was then ready to send his Ambassadour to reside at the Port , provided it might be Monsieur De Ventelay , Son to Monsieur De la Haye late Ambassadour there , who was the person that had some time since received indignities from the Vizier Kuperlee , that so his Majesty might receive satisfaction , by having the very person of Monsieur De Ventelay honoured by extraordinary demonstrations of respect , in reparation of the former affronts . This Messenger having translated his Papers , obtained licence to ride Post to the Vizier , and in the frosts and extremities of the weather in Jannary set forward on his Journey ; but in his passage through Adrianople , visiting the Chimacam , and desiring his licence in like manner to ride Post to the Vizier on publick affairs , received such a lesson of scorn and disdain , vented with the extremity of choler against the French Nation in publick Divan , with terms undecent to be repeated : and that in farther resentment , if he were First Vizier , he would refuse to accept any friendship or alliance with them ; but since he was inferiour to the Great Vizier , he would dispeed him to the Camp , and grant him a Command for his Post. But it seems this Corrier being arrived at Belgrade , was received with better terms , and more courtesie by the Vizier , who had learned by experience of the late Christian Wars , and proof of the Valour of the French Nation , that the Propositions of that King were not lightly to be contemned . And therefore consented that Monsieur De Ventelay might freely come ( using their common expression ) that the Arms of the Port are always open to receive the addresses of Friends , Allies , and Confederates . With this Message and Letters the Corrier was dispatched by way of Ragusi with safe conduct , and what else was requisite for his securer passage . No doubt but his most Christian Majesty was the more urgent , that the person of Monsieur De Ventelay ( who was the subject on whom formerly the Turks had exercised such injurious violence ) should be accepted for Ambassadour , and resolved , unless they received him , he would send no other , that so his Honour which suffered before in this person , might be repaired again by the respect and reverence they were to shew to him as Ambassadour ; as if in repentance of their former unkindness , they should now strive to make amends by extraordinary demonstrations of honour to this Representative . For it was judged in France , and there concluded , That there was no other means to repair the Kings Honour , than by the Embassy of Monsieur De Ventelay ; to which that a greater reputation might be added , he was transported in one of the Kings Ships called the Caesar , accompanied with a Fire-ship , and a small Patach for a Victualler , and for his better Equipage was attended by four or five Marquesses and Persons of Quality . Being arrived at the farther part of the City called the Seven Towers , the Ships came to an Anchor , from whence the Ambassadour sent to advise the Vizier of his arrival , desiring as one mark of the extraordinary honour promised him , that a return might be made to the Salute of his Ship from the Seraglio , by the Cannon which lay under the Wall , a Ceremony before never demanded , or practised with respect to any Christian or Turkish Vessel ; and that his landing might be honoured with a more than usual reception by the attendance of Officers , or at least equalled to the Formalities of the late English Ambassadour . But the Vizier it seems judged , that the reception of the English , strained on a particular occasion , was not to be brought into example , and that a Salute from the Seraglio was so besides the ordinary custom , that he esteemed the demand to be extravagant , and that such a President would be dishonourable to his Master . And therefore resolving not to exceed the particulars of former customs , offered at his landing to have him accompanied to his House with ten Chaouses ; only the Ambassador not accepting hereof , in a discontented manner entred with his Ship the day following , and giving the usual Salutes to the Seraglio , landed at Topenau , a place near to his own Dwelling , from whence with no other attendance than his own Company , privately walked up , and with no farther ceremony took possession of the place of Residence of former Ambassadours from France . Notwithstanding this slight treatment , the Ambassadour was not so much mortified , but he conceived hopes , that the Turks would at length in contemplation of his Masters greatness , gratifie him with some signal demonstrations of extraordinary honour , by concessions of unusual Priviledges , and greater facility in his Negotiations : and therefore was induced , though as yet he had not had a personal Audience of the Vizier , to desire a revocation of the agreement made with the Genoese , ( the Marquess Durazzo , of whom we have spoken before , being just upon his departure ) protesting against it with all earnestness , as a matter so prejudicial to the French Traffick and Commerce in those Dominions , that if admission were given to the Genoese , they must expect to lose friendship and commerce with France . But notwithstanding this heat and other protestations against it , the Vizier who inherited his Fathers spirit , little regarded the discontent of the French , but calmly answered , That the Grand Signior was Master of himself and Country , and might make Peace or War at his own pleasure without licence or permission of the French King ; and that such as were envious , or discontented at the Peace , had free liberty to depart , and take their remedy as they esteemed most beneficial . In this manner matters passed between the time of this Ambassadours Arrival and his Audience . In which interim the curiosity of Monsieur Abermont , Captain of the French Man of War , had like to have proved fatal to him ; for whilst he viewed from the Gallery of his Ship the pleasant situation of the Seraglio , and the Prospect of the Bosphorus , behold at a distance appeared certain Gallies gently gliding down the stream , dressed up with Flags and Streamers , which all Ships and Saykes saluted with their Guns as they passed . This Captain being informed that the Grand Signior was there in person , and returned from his Hunting , which he had made in certain Woods not far from the City , saluted him also as he passed with twenty five Guns ; but being not able to discover his person , presently fitted his Boat and followed him , hoping to receive that satisfaction at his landing ; for conceiving , that access to the Ottoman and Eastern Princes is as facile and grateful , as it is to those of Christendom , with all confidence endeavoured to accost the Person of the Grand Signior as near as was possible . The Grand Signior turning his eyes , and seeing a man habited ( as he conceived ) in a barbarous and extravagant dress , apprehended the Majesty of his Person violated by so near and bold an approach of the curious Stranger ; and thereupon , without farther inquiry , being moved with scorn and indignation , called for the Executioner , who is ever ready at his hand . But some persons then present , especially the Bostangibashee , being of more moderation , beseeched the Grand Signior to have a little patience , and to inquire of the Ghaur or Infidel ( as they call'd him ) the cause of this his boldness : with which the Grand Signior suppressing a little his passion , and having patience until one was sent to expostulate with the Captain , who all this while , though he perceived some disturbance , was yet ignorant that the matter so dangerously concerned himself ; and not being able to understand the Messenger , nor to be understood by him , rendred the business more confused , and less understood : which the Messenger observing , and knowing the danger of this worthy and innocent Gentleman , being perhaps of a compassionate nature and prudent , framed this excuse to the Grand Signior , That he did not well understand the Infidels language , but what he conjectured was , That he being Captain of that Vessel , which had newly saluted his Majesty as he passed with twenty five Guns , was now come in confidence of his Royal bounty and clemency to receive a Coftan , as a sign of his Majesties favour , and reward of his own respect . The Grand Signior having by this time his choler somewhat abated , was better pacified with these gentle words ; the Bostangibashee also interceding at the same time in his behalf , that he was a stranger , and ignorant of the customs of their Court , and that if he deserved punishment , he might be remitted to the examination of the Vizier , who might chastise him , as he found it reasonable . The Grand Signior contented herewith , the rude Bostangees seized the Captain and hurried him to the Vizier , who all this time was ignorant of his errour or his danger , more than that he perceived by the accent of their words , and by their gestures , that something was amiss , and debated in reference unto him . The Drugger-men , or Interpreters of the French Nation being sent for , and the Vizier and the Captain both understanding the matter , the crime appeared only to be an absurdity committed through ignorance : yet to please the Grand Signior , and to make an appearance , as if something were done in chastisement of this bold curiosity , the Vizier ordered , that the Captain should be conducted by two Chaouses to the Ambassadour , there to be put in Chains and in Prison , until satisfaction was made for his fault . The Captain being thus brought before the Ambassadour , this honest Gentleman was punished in the same manner as we do those in Christendom , who crowd to see their Prince . The Ambassadour had his first Audience with the Vizier on the 7 th of December , which being insignificant to any other business more than to the delivery of his Masters Letter , and other matters of Form and Ceremony , we shall need to insist the less upon it . His second Audience before that of the Grand Signior , was in the beginning of January , at which time the Ambassadour began to declare what he had in Commission from his King , which principally related towards a satisfaction for those affronts formerly offered him in the person of his Father , and himself inculcating into the Vizier a true apprehension of the greatness of his Master , his Force by Land , his powerful Fleet which should that following year be set forth in the Mediterranean Seas , with other arguments which might challenge due respect and honor to so great a Prince . These Proposals and Discourses , though the Vizier seemed not to entertain with that benign and flexible ear as was expected or thought satisfactory , and thereupon several disgusts did afterwards succeed ; howsoever in the end all matters cleared up again , and his Excellency was permitted to return to his own House with all imaginable satisfaction , as he was pleased to intimate to the Ambassadour for his Majesty of Great Britain . Soon after followed his Audience with the Grand Signior according to the usual Ceremonies ; so that all things run smoothly with the French for several years after . And here by the way it is observable , That an English Ambassadour once arguing hotly with the Vizier on some points of the Capitulations , in which judging himself wronged , threw the Capitulations to the Vizier , telling him , that he might keep the Writing and Paper , since he resolved not to obey the Letter . The Vizier hereupon calmly took the Capitulations , and laid them behind his Cushion , which the Ambassadour in a more considerate temper could not again recover under an expence of fifteen hundred Pieces of Eight . During the time of these Negotiations the Grand Signior wholly imployed his time and thoughts in Hunting , ranging all the Woods for several days journies round Constantinople , in which Exercise twenty or thirty thousand men were imployed , collected from the Cities and Villages round about , all which were paid at the publick expence and charge of House-keepers both Turks and Christians , which in one hunt might amount to thirty or forty thousand Dollars . With this burden the people being often oppressed , and many perishing in the Woods with cold and hunger , began to murmur at the excess of Tyranny , cursing their Princes madness and folly , maintained with the life and ruine of his Subjects . But not withstanding all these whispered curses and secret menaces the Grand Signior followed his delights with such frequency , and with that heat and eagerness , that the people perceiving no end of their misery , began to speak loudly and plainly , and by some principal Persons gave the Vizier to understand , That the people would not longer endure the extravagant Vagaries of their Prince at so dear a rate , of which he that was his chief Councellour ought to inform and advise him . The Vizier , who was before sensible of the excess of his Masters humour in this particular , and that immoderation , even in lawful and innocent exercises , may become a Vice , and when acted with oppression of the Subject as dangerous as other terms which sound more of Tyranny and Violence , resolved with courage and humility to represent to his Master the danger of such expensive Huntings , especially when over frequent ; and therefore assured those who made their Complaints , That for the future all matters should be redressed , and the Grand Signior should not be so prodigal in his Huntings on the Purse of his Subjects . And so sensible was the Vizier of the disorders which might arise from hence , if some remedy were not speedily applied , that he immediately departed Constantinople to find out the Grand Signior , who was lodged in some retired cool place , environed with Woods and Mountains ; leaving Solyman Pasha for Chimacam , or Deputy , in his place , in whose former Government many terrible Fires had happened in Constantinople . About this time Advice came to Constantinople of certain Addresses the Nogay Tartar had made to the Pasha of Silistria to obtain a Country to live in between the Rivers of Boristhenes and the Danube ; for that their own Country being full , they were forced to abandon and empty it of forty or fifty thousand Families , who lived in Waggons , and had about a hundred thousand head of Cattle , all which with their substance , they proffered for Subjects to the Grand Signior , if he pleased to afford them protection , and Land for Pasture and habitation . The Pasha approving hereof , gave them assurance of security under the shadow of his Masters favours , sending information thereof to the Port , who willingly embraced these new-come Guests , and entered into consultation what Country and Limits should be assigned them . In the mean time the Krim Tartar jealous of this people , and not knowing what inconvenience such Neighbourhood might produce , fell upon them , and cut off a great number of them , forcing the rest to return into their own Country , which though ill taken at first by the Turks , was yet afterwards excused by the Tartar , and dissembled by the Port. Though all things appeared quiet at Constantinople after the Peace concluded with the Emperour , and that the German Ambassadour was returned back to his Master ; yet the Turks prosecuted their Designs against Venice , and made great preparations in the Provinces of Albania , Bossena , and Licca , which confine on the Venetian Territories ; and though in reality those Forces were not intended against those parts , but in order to a more warm prosecution of the War in Candia , whither the Vizier intended to transport himself in Person ; yet the Venetian State not fully penetrating the Design , took the Alarm chiefly in Dalmatia , and reinforced their Garrisons of Cataro and other Fortresses . And that matters there might be well provided , and all things acted with due circumspection ; Marquis Villa was ordered to visit those Garrisons in his Voyage to Candia ; so that departing from Venice attended with two Gallies , he arrived in a few days at Zara , and thence proceeding to Spalato , where the Proveditor General , Catarin Cornaro , made at that time his residence ; they both joined together to survey the most important places of that Province . They began with the City of Spalato , which rather seems a place intended by Nature for a Palace of delights , than a Garrison of Armes ; being the Seat which Dioclesian ( who was born at Salona , six miles distant from thence ) chose for his Garden of retirement , after he had renounced the Empire , and is now turned into a ruder shape of War , since the Invasion of the Turk made it necessary to be fortified for security of itself , and the parts circumjacent . Spalato is now very strong , being secured by divers Redoubts ; the chief of which is scituated on a little rising , called Grippe , distant about a Musket-shot from the Town , is strengthened with four Royal Bastions , and with good Artillery ; there is also a new Line of Fortisication drawn round the Town , which renders it the strongest , and most considerable of all Dalmatia : But to make this place the more impregnable , these Generals laid the foundation for another Bulwark ; and as an evidence of their Union , they cast a medal with a stamp on one side of Cornaro , and on the other of Marquis Villa , and so rendring thanks to God , the Service ended with firing all the Guns of the Town . Afterwards both the Generals embarking , passed that Night to Curzola , anciently called Corcina Negra , which is one of the greatest and best of the Isles of this Gulf ; Thence passing by Ragust , where the Deputies of that Government , in recognition of that Soveraingty which the Venetians have over the Adriatick Seas , presented the usual refreshments to the General of the Province ; and in a particular manner treated Marquis Villa with a Present in name of their Republick . That Night they arrived at the Entrance of the Channel of Cataro , and taking Perasto in their way ( which is a strong Fortification about six miles distant from Cataro ) they were received there with firing all the Guns of the Town , which were doubly multiplied by an Echo returned from the sound of the neighbouring Mountains . Thence they proceeded to visit Budua , a place well fortified , as also Fort S t George in the Island Liesina , which is the usual Rendezvous of Brigantines , and armed Barques ; at length they went to Almissa , where they made a general Muster of all the Forces of the Province ; in all which places having viewed and amended the defects in Fortification , and given order for supplying them with Ammunition and Provisions necessary ; they returned back to see the famous Fortress of Clissa , the scituation of which seems to have been planted when Nature desired to sport , and be wanton ; for it issues , as it were , out of the Bosom of two Mountains , which are at an equal distance from the Town , and then drawing themselves at each end into the fashion of a Bow , seem to form a triumphal Arch. The passage through these Mountains is so narrow and crooked , that it appears like a Labyrinth ; and being supplyed with plenty of Fountains and Cisterns both within and without the Fortress , the Suburbs demolished , and no incumbrances to cloy and weaken its strength , is certainly more obliged to Nature for its defence than to Art. From hence they proceeded to view Sebenico , which is another strong Fortress , scituated on a rising Hill , and overviews a spacious Port , the entrance to which is secured by the Fort S t Nicholas ; and the City it self , besides its own Walls , is guarded by a Cittadel , and by the new works of S t John , scituated on two Hills ; From hence the Generals returning to Zara , the Capital City of the Province , which being encompassed by the Sea , and annexed to the Land only by a Bridge , which is also defended by a Fort , is rendered the strongest and most impregnable of all the Fortresses . And here having made a general Muster of all the Forces , and visited the Country of Novigrade , and Possidaria the habitations of the Morlach Militia , the Marquis returned again to Venice , being called thither by the Senate ; for the Year being now well spent , and the Winter approaching too near to admit of any considerable action ; the time grew seasonable for counsels in which manner the Affairs of Wars might best and most advantageously be directed for the succeeding Year . Yet in regard Advices were come from Candia , That the Turks were much afflicted with the Pestilence , and scarcity of all Provisions ; it was judged requisite to prosecute the War the more eagerly against them , before the Great Vizier arrived there with such an Army as commonly attends his Person ; it being advised from Count Leslie , the Emperours Ambassadour at Constantinople , that the whole force of the Ottoman Armes was to refund it self speedily on that Island . This Intelligence hastned the departure of Marquis Villa from Venice , with such Force as was then in a readiness , being directed with necessary Instructions of what he ought to act in Candia . In his Voyage thither he touched at Corsu , Cesalonia , and Zant , and afterwards happily arrived on the 6 th of December at the Isle of Paros or Parest in the Archipelago , where he met with the Captain General , and other Chief Commanders of the Fleet , together with Vuertmiller the Lieutenant General of the Ordnance ; and here the Marquess reforming several Companies , which were much diminished in their numbers , a general Muster was made of all the Forces , which being ranged in form of Battel , they were accounted to amount unto eighteen hundred Horse , and eight thousand two hundred ninety five Foot. This Army had some want of Fire-Armes , and other Necessaries , of which the Senate being advised , they promised to supply all by a Convoy , then preparing ; and congratulating in their Letters to Marquis Villa the good News of his happy Arrival at Paros , raised and prompted him to Atchievements worthy his Courage and Grandeur ; for being a Person now elevated on the Bulwarks of Candia , he seemed to stand on that Theatre , where he had all Europe for his Spectators . The Troubles which the English Trade found this Year in Turky . THE Currant of our Negotiations ran smoothly this Year without any considerable interruption in all parts of Turkie , unless at Aleppo , where the Emin , or Customer , according to his usual practice , began a new pretence , not only against former Presidents , but also against the very Letter of Capitulations , demanding 2 ½ per Cent. Custom at Scanderone , and 3 at Aleppo ; a matter against which our Articles of Peace and Commerce have made many and sundry Provisions ; Notwithstanding the Customer ( like others of his Predecessours , who have ever at Aleppo made Disputes about their Customes , without being restrained by the most strict Imperial Commands , and plainest Decisions of the Law ) resolved to make good his pretence by a sequestration on the whole Cargo of two general Ships , then under his Custody in the Custom-house . The Consul hereupon had recourse to the Justice of the Kadi , and there produced the Capitulations , the Hattesheriff , or Royal Signature , under the hand of Sultan Ibrahim , wherein the particulars of Custom were regulated , a Command from the present Vizier , and his Father , and other Commands from Adrianople and Constantinople , all of the same tenour . The Emin on the other side , had no other Argument than his Baratz or Patent from the Tefterdar or Lord Treasurer , which was so prevalent , and of that force with the Kadi , joined with the fear and favour he bore towards the Emin ; that it was judged by him to stand in ballance with all the other Imperial Signatures ; and therefore left the business ( which was as much as the Customer desired ) undecided , making a Declaration , that the reasons on both sides were so forcible , and the arguments so equal , that he concluded it more proper , that a matter of so great importance should be reserved for the determination of more powerful and eminent Officers . The matter standing thus doubtfully , the Emin conceiving it too great a pawn to detain so great a quantity of Cloth for a difference only in the Custom , delivered to every man his consignation , reserving only fifty Bales to make himself good on the judgment and commands he expected shortly in his favour . The difference being now referred up to the Court , the Lord Ambassadour received the just complaints of the Consul and Merchants ; for redress of which abuses , his Excellency dispatched my self , then his Secretary and Druggerman , to the Vizier at Belgrade , attending the advice of the German Ambassadours entrance into the Frontiers . The Vizier having heard the difference , was ready to have passed sentence in our favour , had not the Tefterdar the only Advocate for the Customer , from whom the Original of our Evils was derived , put an unhappy obstacle in the course of our Negotiations , pretending that therewerd antient Tefters or accounts amongst his Books , which mentioned two and a half per Cent. at Scanderone , and three at Aleppo ; and though it was urged to the contrary , that we never had to do with the Registers of the Treasurers , nor had managed any Apalto , or Farm of the Grand Signior ; but our Capitulations are our Law and Rule , and our Commands Registred in the Reis Efendi's , or Secretaries Office , than which we never had , nor could ever acknowledge any other Canon : yet the Vizier over ruled our reasons , and we were forced to submit , until the Tefterdar took his leisure to examine and consult his Books . The Vizier and his Army being then upon their return , we found no opportunity to renew our sollicitations , until we came to Nissa , where the Army had two days of repose , and there again as in other places before , we urged the Tefterdar so importunately , that at length we compelled him to acknowledge to the Vizier , that our affairs were not registred in his Office. So that now we took liberty to declare our reasons to the Vizier ; which we drew from our Capitulations , the antient Hattesheriff of Aleppo , the Vizier and his Fathers own Commands , and Copies of others of the like tenour , not omitting other Arguments and Evidences , which rendered the business not a little clear and apparent to the capacity of the Vizier : who thereupon reprehended the Tefterdar , for seeking by his Command to introduce an innovation contrary to our Capitulations , and promised us Commands in our favour ; but we replyed , that we had already Commands , and the Grand Signiors own Royal Signature on our side , and that our Ambassadour had not sent us so many days Journey to seek another , which perhaps would as ill be observed as the former ; But it was the punishment of the Customer which the Ambassadour expected , who against so many clear evidences , durst proceed to the violation of them all . Many other words were added pertinent and forcible to the present purpose . To which the Vizier answered , that he was now upon his Journey , where business of this nature was ill dispatched . And therefore ordered us to proceed to Adrianople , where he should have more leisure to consider what was sit to be done in order to justice and satisfaction of the Ambassadour . Hereupon I left the Army , wherein I was much incommoded , and proceeded with all haste to Adrianople , where the Great Vizier in some days after me arrived , and there we renewed our wonted endeavours , and sollicitations , that we might come to an end of this business , and that justice might be done us : But the Vizier willing to gratify the Tefterdar , was not forward to pass his Sentence , but put us again off to Constantinople , where the Books should be perused , that were laid up amongst the Registers of the Divan : For that this matter was a concernment of the G. Signiors , in determination of which , he ought to be tender and considerate . That for sending for Ibrahim Aga , the Customer ( which was one of the principal of our demands ) to answer for the injuries he had done our Nation , he was already ordered to appear at Court , where he should be ready to stand to judgment for what the Ambassadour should object against him : and this had been the answer which was contrived to be given to the Ambassadour himself , in case he had ( as once he designed ) appeared at Adrianople in person on this occasion . The Vizier arriving at Constantinople some few Months after ; The Lord Ambassadour obtained Audience of him on the 15 th of October , pressing still for justice against the Customer of Aleppo : but nothing thereof could be procured , besides a Command for restitution of the fifty Bales of Cloth , detained in the hands of the Emin , upon the pretence before related , and that the payment of Customs should be regulated after the rate of three per Cent. according to the antient usance . For putting this Command in execution , an Aga was ordered to be dispatched , for whose service herein the Vizier allotted a thousand Dollars should be paid him , which though an extravagant reward , yet to put an honour and authority on the business , and not to displease the Vizier , it was granted to him , and so he was dispatched the 25 th for Aleppo . But the troubles of our Merchants at Aleppo ended not here : For the-Tefterdar greatly enraged to see his designs against us to have no better issue , thought to trouble us by a new invention of prohibiting the Scale of Scanderone to all English and other Christian Vessels , and that the Factories should be transferred again over to Tripoli in Soria ; a place formerly frequented by our Merchants , but by reason of the danger and inconvenience of that Port , the Trade was transported to the Scale of Scanderone . This alteration the Tefterdar pretended to have been granted to the Merchants at their carnest Petition , and promise to the G. Signior , of payment of 13000. Dollars Yearly , for discharge and maintenance of those Guards which were requisite in that place for safety of the Coast , and defence of the Caravans which pass with Merchants goods to Aleppo ; but time and corruption of the Ministers had deprived the Grand Signior of the benefit of that duty . And this he urged with the greater instance and eagerness , knowing that the Scale of Scanderone being prohibited , the Hattesheriff whereon consisted the priviledge of the Merchants , and their sole security must consequently fall , and they forced to a new agreement . On this occasion our Lord Ambassadour had Audience with the Vizier , and insisted on that point of our Capitulations , which gives us liberty to trade in any part of the Grand Signiors Dominions ; and therefore to consent to be restrained , or confined to any particular place , was to assent to a breach of the Capitulations , which was out of his power , and only to be dispensed with by his Master the King of England , and the Grand Signior by whom they were established ; and to connive or assent to the breach of one particular clause , was to hazard the loss and breach of the whole : for that our Capitulations ( to use the Turks saying ) are like a string of Beads , of which , when one link is broken , the others drop off . To which the Vizier replied , that the Scale of Scanderone was open , and clear as before for the English Trade ; but because the Tefterdar , and Customer , pretended that the Grand Signior was put to great expences for maintenance of a Watch and Guard at that Port , which was only in respect to the security of the Merchants Goods ; Orders should be given for taking away those Officers , as unnecessary and insignificant to the publick Service ; no Guards having ever been in that place , the Embassadour judged his business to be granted , and so thanked the Vizier and departed . But not many days after the Tefterdar procured a Command for shutting the Scale of Scanderone , and transporting the Factory to Tripoli : which Command was rather intended to affright our Nation into some composition , than really to be put in execution , as appeared by the sequel ; for the Tefterdar better considered than to bring so great an odium upon himself from the whole Country and City of Aleppo , and to enforce the Embassadour to have recourse to the Grand Signiors own person , for redress of an abuse of so high a nature , in derogation of his Imperial Capitulations . Howsoever it is observable in the transaction of all this business , that it is difficult to bring a corrupt Turkish Minister to Justice or punishment , meerly for breach of our Capitulations , or in respect to any difference or abuse offered to Christians , unless the complaint be accompanied with presents or money , which are most prevalent Arguments in the Turkish Court ; and in this Case I really believe , that had three or four thousand Dollars been offered as a reward for bringing the Customer to capital punishment , the complaint had found acceptance , and honourable success : for default of which , the Cause was starved , and naked , and carried no fire or heat in those aggravations with which it was represented . It is likewise observable , that business in the Turkish Court doth not always find that dispatch , or expedition , as is generally believed in Christendome , unless it come accompanied with the interest of the Ministers themselves , and then it is transacted in a moment , which otherwise languishes with delays , and will never want excuses to defer it . Anno 1666. Hegeira 1077. WE shall begin this Year with the strange rumour and disturbance of the Jews , concerning Sabatai Sevi , their pretended Messiah , which for being most principally acted in Turkey , may properly belong to the History of this time and place ; which therefore for delight of the Readers , I shall here insert : for though it may have been elsewhere published , yet being an issue of my Pen , I may lawfully now own it , and annex it to this History , in respect of that near coherence it may have therewith ; and that many other particulars have been added thereunto , which succeeded until the Death of this Sabatai . According to the Predictions of several Christian Writers , especially of such who comment upon the Apocalypse or Revelations ; this Year of 1666. was to prove a Year of Wonders , of strange revolutions in the World , and particularly , of blessing to the Jews , either in respect of their Conversion to the Christian Faith , or of their Restoration to their Temporal Kingdom . This opinion was so dilated and fixt in the Countries of the Reformed Religion , and in the heads of Fanatical Enthusiasts , who dreamed of Fifth Monarchies , the down-fall of the Pope and Anti-Christ , and the greatness of the Jews , insomuch , that this subtle people judged this Year the time to stir , and to fit their Motion according to the season of the Modern Prophecies . Whereupon strange reports flew from place to place , of the March of multitudes of people from unknown parts into the remote deserts of Arabia , supposed to be the ten Tribes and a half , lost for so many Ages . That a Ship was arrived in the Northern parts of Scotland , with her Sails and Cordage of Silk , navigated by Marriners who spoke nothing but Hebrew , and with this Motto on their Sails , The twelve Tribes of Israel . These reports agreeing thus near to former Predictions , put the wild sort of the World into an expectation of strange accidents this Year should produce in reference to the Jewish Monarchy . In this manner Millions of people were possessed when Sabatai Sevi first appeared at Smyrna , and published himself to the Jews for their Messiah , relating the greatness of their approaching Kingdom , the strong hand whereby God was about to deliver them from Bondage , and gather them from all the parts of the World. It was strange to see , how this fancy took , and how fast the report of Sabatai , and his Doctrine , flew through all parts where Jews inhabited , and so deeply possessed them with a belief of their new Kingdom and richess ; and many of them with promotion to Offices of Government , renown and greatness ; that in all places from Constantinople to Buda ( which it was my fortune that Year to travel ) I perceived a strange transport in the Jews , none of them attending to any business , unless to wind up former Negotiations , and to prepare themselves and Families for a Journey to Jerusalem ; all their Discourses , their Dreams , and disposal of their affairs , tended to no other design , but a re-establishment in the Land of Promise , to Greatness and Glory , Wisdom and Doctrine of the Messiah , whose Original , Birth and Education is first to be recounted . Sabatai Sevi was Son of Mordechai Sevi , an Inhabitant and natural of Smyrna , who gained his Livelihood by being Broker to an English Merchant in that place ; a person who before his Death was very decrepit in his Body , and full of the Gout and other infirmities : But his Son Sabatai Sevi addicting himself to study and learning , became a notable proficient in the Hebrew and Arabick Languages ; and especially in Divinity and Metaphysicks , he was so cunning a Sophister , that he vented a new Doctrine in their Law , and drew to the profession of it so many Disciples , as raised one day a tumult in the Synagogue ; for which afterwards he was by censure of the Kockhams ( who are the Expounders of the Law ) banished out of the City . During the time of his Exile he travelled to Thessalonica , now called Salonica , where he married a very handsom Woman ; but either not having that part of Oeconomy as to govern a Wife , or being impotent as to Women , as was pretended , or that she found not favour in his eyes , she was divorced from him . Again , he took a second Wife more beautiful than the former ; but the same causes of discontent raising a difference between them , he obtained another Divorce from this Wife also . And being now free from the incumbrances of a Family , his wandring head moved him to travel through the Morea , thence to Tripoli in Syria , Gaza , and Jerusalem , and by the way picked up a Ligornese Lady , whom he made his third Wife , the Daughter of some Polonian or German , her Original and Country not being very well known . And being now at Jerusalem , he began to reform their Law , and to abolish the Fast of Tamuz , ( which they keep in the month of June ) and meeting there with a certain Jew called Nathan , a proper Instrument to promote his design , he communicated to him his condition , his course of life , and intentions to declare himself the Messiah of the World , so long expected and desired by the Jews . This design took wonderfully with Nathan ; and because it was thought necessary , according to Scripture and ancient Prophecies , that Elias was to precede the Messiah , as St. John Baptist was the Fore-runner of Christ , Nathan thought no man so proper to act the part of the Prophet as himself ; and so no sooner had Sabatat declared himself the Messiah , but Nathan discovers himself to be his Prophet , forbidding all the Fasts of the Jews in Jerusalem , and declaring that the Bridegroom being come , nothing but joy and triumph ought to dwell in their habitations , writing to all the Assemblies of the Jews to perswade them to the same belief . And now the Schism being begun , and many Jews really believing what they so much desired , Nathan took the courage and boldness to prophesie , That one year from the 27 th of Kislan , which is the month of July , the Messiah was to appear before the Grand Signior , and to take from him his Crown , and lead him in chains like a Captive : Sabatai also at Gaza preached Repentance to the Jews , and Obedience to himself and Doctrine , for that the Coming of the Messiah was at hand . Which novelties so affected the Jews , Inhabitants of those parts , that they gave up themselves wholly to their Prayers , Alms , and Devotions ; and to confirm this belief the more , it happened that at the same time that news hereof with all particulars were dispatched from Gaza , to acquaint the Brethren in foreign parts ; the rumour of the Messiah had flown so swift , and gained such reception , that Intelligence came from all Countries , where the Jews sojourn , by Letters to Gaza and Jerusalem , congratulating the happiness of their deliverance , and expiration of their time of servitude by the appearance of the Messiah . To which they adjoyned other Prophecies relating to that Dominion the Messiah was to have over all the World , that for nine months after he was to disappear ; during which time the Jews were to suffer , and several of them to undergo Martyrdom ; but then returning again mounted on a celestial Lyon , with his Bridle made of Serpents with seven heads , accompanied with his Brethren the Jews , who inhabited on the other side of the River Sabation , he should be acknowledged for the sole Monarch of the Universe , and then the Holy Temple should descend from Heaven already built , framed , and beautified , wherein they should offer Sacrifices for ever . And here I leave the Reader to consider , how strangely this deceived People was amused , when these confident and vain reports and dreams of Power and Kingdoms had wholly transported them from the ordinary course of their trade and interest . This noise and rumour of the Messiah having begun to fill all places , Sabatai Sevi resolved to travel towards Smyrna , the Country of his Nativity , and thence to Constantinople , the capital City , where the principal work of preaching was to be performed : Nathan thought it not fit to be long after him , and therefore travels by way of Damaseus , where resolving to continue some time for better propagation of this new Doctrine , in the mean while writes this Letter to Sabatai Sevi as followeth . 22. Kesvan of this Year . TO the King our King , Lord of our Lords , who gathers the dispersed of Israel , who redeems our Captivity , the Man elevated to the height of all sublimity , the Messiah of the God of Jacob , the true Messiah , the Celestial Lyon , Sabatai Sevi , whose Honour be exalted , and his Dominion raised in a short time and for ever , Amen . After having kissed your hands , and swept the dust from your seet , as my duty is to the King of Kings , whose Majesty be exalted , and his Empire enlarged . These are to make known to the Supreme Excellency of that place , which is adorned with the beauty of your Sanctity , that the Word of the King and of his Law hath inlightned our faces , that day hath been a solemn day unto Israel , and a day of light unto our Rulers , for immediately we applied our selves to perform your Command , as our duty is . And though we have heard of many strange things , yet we are couragious , and our heart is as the heart of a Lyon , nor ought we to inquire a reason of your doings , for your works are marvellous and past finding out , and we are consirmed in our fidelity without all exception , resigning up our very Souls for the Holiness of your Name . And now we are come as far as Damascus , intending shortly to proceed in our Journey to Scanderone , according as you have commanded us , that so we may ascend and see the face of God in light , as the light of the face of the King of life : and we servants of your servants shall cleanse the dust from your feet , beseeching the Majesty of your Excellency and Glory , to 〈◊〉 from your habitation to have a care of us , and help us with the force of your right hand of strength , and shorten our way which is before us . And we have our eyes towards Jah , Jah , who will make haste to help us and save us , that the children of iniquity shall not hurt us , and towards whom our hearts pant , and are consumed within us , who shall give us talons of iron to be worthy to stand under the shadow of your Ass. These are the words of the servant of your servants , who prostrates himself to be trod on by the soals of your feet . Nathan Benjamin , And that he might publish this Doctrine of the Messiah and himself more plainly , he wrote from Damascus this following Letter to the Jews at Aleppo , and parts thereabouts . TO the Residue or remnant of the Israelites Peace without end . These my words are to give you notice , how that I am arrived in peace at Damascus , and behold I go to meet the face of our Lord , whose Mijesty be exalted ; for he is the Soveraign of the King of Kings , whose Empire be enlarged . * According as he hath commanded us and the Twelve Tribes to elect unto him twelve men , so have we done : and we now go to Scanderone by his Command to shew our faces together with part of the principal of those particular friends to whom he hath given licence to a assemble in that said place . And now I come to make known unto you , That though you have heard strange things of our Lord , yet let not your hearts faint or fear , but rather fortifie your selves in your faith , because all his actions are miraculous and secret , which humane understanding cannot comprehend ; and who can penetrate into the depth of them ? In a short time all things shall be manifested clearly unto you in their purity , and you shall know and consider , and be instructed by the Inventor himself , and blessed is he who can expect and arrive to the Salvation of the true Messiah , who will speedily publish his Authority and Empire over us now and for ever . Nathan . And now all the Cities of Turkie , where the Jews inhabited , were full of the expectation of the Messiah , no Trade or course of gain was followed ; every one imagined , that daily Provisions , Richess , Honours , and Government were to descend upon him by some unknown and miraculous manner . An Example of which is most observable in the Jews at Thessalonica , who now full of assurance , that the restauration of their Kingdom , and the accomplishment of the times for the Coming of the Messiah was at hand , judged themselves obliged to double their Devotions , and purifie their Consciences from all sins and enormities , which might be observed by the scrutiny of him who was now come to penetrate into the very thoughts and imaginations of Mankind . For which work , certain Kochams were appointed to direct the people in the regulation of their Prayers , Devotions , and Fastings : but so forward was every one now in his acts of Penance , that they stayed not for the sentence of the Kocham , or Prescriptions or Rules , but applied themselves immediately to Fastings ; and some in that manner beyond the abilities of Nature , that having for the space of seven days taken no sustenance , were famished : others buried themselves in their Gardens , covering their naked bodies with earth , their heads only excepted , remained in those beds of dirt , until their bodies were stiffned with the cold and moisture : others would endure to have melted wax dropt upon their shoulders : others to roul themselves in snow , and throw their bodies in the coldest season of the winter into the Sea , or frozen waters . But the most common manner of Mortification was first to prick their backs and sides with thorns , and then to give themselves thirty nine lashes . All business was laid aside , none worked or opened shop , unless to clear his Ware-house of Merchandise at any price : who had superfluity in Houshold-stuff sold it for what he could , but yet not to Jews , who were interdicted from all bargains or sales under pain of Excommunication , pecuniary mulcts , or corporal punishment ; for their comportment as to business and imployment was esteemed the test or touch-stone of their faith . It being the general Tenent , That in the days that the Messiah appeared , the Jews should become Masters of the Estates and Inheritance of Insidels , until when they ought to content themselves with matters only necessary to maintain and support life . But because that every one was not Master of that Provision and Fortune as to live without daily labour ; therefore to quiet the clamours of the poor , and prevent the enormous lives of some , who upon these occasions would become vagabonds , and desert their Cities , due order was taken to make collections , which were so liberally bestowed , that in Thessalonica only four hundred poor were supported by the meer charity of the richer . And as they endeavoured to purge their consciences of sin , and to apply themselves to good works , that the Messiah might find the City prepared for his reception ; so lest he should accuse them of any omission in their Law , and particularly in their neglect of that ancient Precept of Increase and multiply , they married children together of ten years of age , and some under , without respect to richess or poverty , condition or quality ; but being promiscuously joyned to the number of six or seven hundred couple , upon better and cooler thoughts , after the deceit of the false Messiah was discovered , or the expectation of his Coming grew cold , were divorced , or by consent separated from each other . In the heat of all this talk and rumour came Sabatai Sevi to Smyrna , the City of his Nativity , infinitely desired there by the common Jews , but by the Kochams or Doctors of their Law , who gave little or no credence to what he pretended , was ill received , not knowing what mischief or ruine this Doctrine and Prophecy of a new Kingdom might produce . Yet Sabatai bringing with him Testimonials of his Sanctity , holy Life , Wisdom , and gift of Prophecy , so deeply fixed himself in the heart of the generality , both as being holy and wife , that thereupon he took courage and boldness to enter into dispute with the Grand Kocham ( who is the head or chief Expositor of their Law , and Superintendent of their civil Government ) between whom the arguments grew so high , and language so hot , that the Jews who favoured the Doctrine of Sabatai , and feared the Authority of the Kocham , doubtful what might be the issue of the contest , appeared in great numbers before the Kaddee of Smyrna , in justification of their new Prophet , before so much as any accusation came against him ; the Kaddee according to the custom of the Turks swallowed money on both sides , and afterwards remitted them to the determination of their own Justice . In this manner Sabatai gained ground daily ; and the Grand Kocham with his Party , losing both the affection and obedience of his People , was displaced from his Office , and another constituted more affectionate and agreeable to the new Prophet , whose power daily increased by those confident reports of his Enemies being struck with phrensie and madness , until being restored to their former temper and wits by him , became his Friends , Admirers , and Disciples . No invitation was now made in Smyrna by the Jews , nor Marriage , or Circumcision held , where Sabatai was not present , accompanied to the solemnities with multitudes of his Followers , and the streets covered with Carpets or fine Cloth for him to tread on ; but the humility of this Pharisee appeared such , that he would stoop and turn them aside , and so pass . And having thus fixed himself in the opinion and admiration of the people , he began to take on himself the Title of Messiah and the Son of God , and to make this following Declaration to all the Nations of the Jews , which being wrote Originally in Hebrew , was translated for me faithfully into Italian in this manner . L'Unico Figliolo e Primogenito di Dio Sabatai Sevi , il Messiah e Salvatore d'Israel , atutti li Figlioli d'Israel eletti di Dio , Pace . Essendo che sette fatti degni di veder quel gran giorno della deliberatione e salvatione di Israel , e consummatione delle Parole di Dio promesse per li suoi Profeti , e Padri nostri , per il suo diletto Figlio di Israel . Ogni vostra amaritudine si converta in allegrezza , e li vostri digiugni si faccino feste , per che non piangerete , O miei Figlioli di Israel , havendosi dato iddio la consolatione innarabile festegiateri con Timpani , Organi , e Musiche , ringratiando quello chi ha adempito il promessa dalli secoli , facendo ogni giorno quelle cose che solete fare nelle Calende , e quel giorno dedicato all' afflittione e mestitia , convertite lo in giorno giocondo pro la mia comparsa . E non spaventateri niente , per che haverete Dominio sopra le Genti , non solamente di quelle , che si vedono in Terra ma quella che sono in sondi del Mare . Il tutto pro vostra consolatione e allegrezza . Which translated into English runs thus . THE only and first-born Son of God Sabatai Sevi , the Messiah and Saviour of Israel , to all the Sons of Israel , Peace . Since that you are made worthy to see that great day of Deliverance and Salvation unto Israel , and accomplishment of the Word of God promised by his Prophets and our Forefathers , and by his beloved Son of Israel , let your bitter sorrows be turned into Joy , and your fast into Festivals , for you shall weep no more , O my Sons of Israel ; for God having given you this unspeakable comfort , rejoyce with Drums , Organs , and Musick , giving thanks to him for performing his promises from all Ages , doing that every day which is usual for you to do upon the Calends , and that day dedicated to affliction and sorrow , convert you unto a day of mirth for my appearance . And fear you nothing , for you shall have Dominion over the Nations , and not only over those who are on Earth , but over those creatures also which are in the depth of the Sea. All which is for your consolation and rejoycing . Sabatai Sevi . Notwithstanding the Disciples of Sabatai Sevi , were not so numerous , but many opposed his Doctrine , publickly avouching , that he was an Impostor , and deceiver of the people , amongst which was one Samuel Pennia , a man of good Estate and Reputation in Smyrna ; who arguing in the Synagogue , that the present signs of the Coming of the Messiah were not apparent , either according to Scripture , or the Doctrine of Rabbins , raised such a Sedition and Tumult amongst the Jews , as not only prevailed against his arguments , but had also against his life , had he not timely conveyed himself out of the Synagogue , and so escaped the hands of the Multitude , who now could more easily endure Blasphemy against the Law of Moses , and Prophanation of the Sanctuary , than contradiction or misbelief of the Doctrine of Sabatai . But howsoever it fell out , Pennia in a short time became a Convert , and Preacher up of Sabatai for the Son of God , and Deliverer of the Jews ; and not only he , but his whole Family , his Daughters prophesie , and fall into strange ecstasies : and not only this house , but above four hundred men and women prophesie of the growing Kingdom of Sabatai , and young Infants who could scarce yet stammer out a syllable to their Mothers , repeat and pronounce clearly the Name of Sabatai the Messiah and Son of God. For thus far had God permitted the Devil to delude this people , that their very children were for a time possessed , and voices heard to sound from their stomachs and entrails : those of riper years fell first into a trance , foamed at the mouth , and recounted the future prosperity and deliverance of the Israelites , their Visions of the Lyon of Judah , and the Triumphs of Sabatai . All which were certainly true , being effects of diabolical delusions , as the Jews themselves since have confessed to me . With these concomitant accidents and successes Sabatai Sevi growing more presumptuous , that he might correspond with the Prophecies of Greatness and Dominion of the Messiah , proceeded to Election of those Princes which were to govern the Israelites in their March towards the Holy Land , and to dispense Judgment and Justice after their Restauration . In this manner things ran to a strange height of madness amongst the Jews at Smyrna , when appeared such Pageantry of Greatness , that no Comedy could equal the mock-shows they represented . And though none durst openly confess any scruple or doubt of this common received Belief , yet for confirmation of the Jews in their Faith , and astonishment of the Gentiles , it was judged no less than necessary , that Sabatai should shew some Miracles , whereby to evince all the World that he was the Messiah . And as the present occasion seemed to require an evidence and conviction infallible of this truth , so it was daily expected by the Vulgar with an impatience suitable to humors disposed to Novelty , who out of every action and motion of their Prophet , began to fancy something extraordinary and supernatural . Sabatai was now horribly puzzled for a Miracle , though the imagination of the people was so vitiated , that any leger-de-main or slight of hand would have passed more easily with them for a Wonder , than Moses striking the Rock for water , or dividing the Red Sea. And an occasion happening , that Sabatai was in behalf of his Subjects to appear before the Kaddee or Judge of the City , to demand ease and relief of some oppressions which aggrieved them ; it was thought necessary a Miracle should be worked now or never , when Sabatai appearing with a formal and Pharisaical gravity which he had starched on , some on a sudden avouched to see a Pillar of Fire between him and the Kaddee , which report presently was heard through the whole room , filled with Jews that accompanied Sabatai . Some of whom , who strongly fancied it , vowed and swore they saw it ; others in the outward Yard , or that could not come near to hear or see for the crowd , as speedily took the Alarm , and the rumor ran , and belief received by the Women and Children at home in a moment . So that Sabatai Sevi returned to his house triumphant , fixed in the hearts of his People , who now needed no farther Miracles to consirm them in their Faith. And thus was Sabatai exalted , when no man was thought worthy of communication , who did not believe him for the Messiah : others were called Kophrim , Infidels , or Hereticks , subjected to the Censure of Excommunication , with whom it was not lawful so much as to eat . Every man produced his Treasure , his Gold , and Jewels , offering them at the feet of Sabatai ; so that he could have commanded all the Wealth of Smyrna , but he was too subtle to accept their money , lest he should render his design suspected by any acts of covetousness . Sabatai Sevi having thus fully fixed himself in Smyrna , and filled other places with the rumors of him , declared that he was called by God to visit Constantinople , where the greatest part of his work was to be accomplished ; in order whereunto he privately shipped himself with some few Attendants on a Turkish Saike in the month of January 〈◊〉 , lest the crowd of his Disciples , and such who would press to follow him , should endanger him in the eyes of the Turks , who already began to be scandalized at the Reports and Prophecies concerning his Person . But though Sabatai took few into the Vessel with him , yet multitudes of Jews travelled over land to meet him again at Constantinople , on whom all their Eyes and expectations were intent . The Wind proving Northerly , as commonly it is in the Hellespont and Propontis , Sabatai was thirty nine days in his Voyage , and yet the Vessel not arrived : So little power had this Messiah over the Sea and Winds . In which time the News fore-running to Constantinople that the Jews Messiah was near , all that people prepared to receive him with the same joy and impatience as was expressed in other parts where he arrived . The Great Vizier then also at Constantinople , ( being not yet departed on his expedition for Candia ) having heard some rumours of this Man , and the disorder and madness he had raised amongst the Jews , sent two Boats , whilst the Saik was detained by contrary Winds , with Commands to bring him up Prisoner to the Port , where accordingly Sabatai being come , was committed to the most loathsome and darkest Dungeon in the Town , there to remain in farther expectation of the Viziers Sentence . The Jews were not at all discouraged at this ill Treatment of their Prophet , but rather confirmed in their belief of him , as being an accomplishment of the Prophecy of those things which ought to precede his Glory and Dominion ; which Consideration induced the Chiefest Persons amongst the Jews to make their Visits and Addresses to him with the same Ceremony and Respect in the Dungeon , as they would have done , had he then sate exalted on the sublime Throne of Judah . Several of them , with one Anacago by name , a Man of great esteem amongst the Jews , attended a whole day before him , with their Eyes cast down , their Bodies bending forward , and hands cross'd before them ; ( which are postures of humility and service in the Eastern Parts ) the undecency of the place , and present subjection not having in the least abated their high thoughts and reverence towards his person . For the Jews in Constantinople were become as mad and distracted , as they were in other places , all Trade and Traffick forbidden , and those who owed money , in no manner careful how to satisfie it ; Amongst which wild Crew , some were indebted to our Merchants at Galata , who not knowing the way to receive their money , partly for their interest , and partly for curiosity , thought fit to visit this Sabatai , complaining , That such particular Jews , upon his Coming , took upon them the boldness to defraud them of their right , and desired he would be pleased to signifie to those his Subjects , his pleasure to have satisfaction given . Whereupon Sabatai , with much affectation , took pen and paper , and wrote to this effect . To you of the Nation of the Jews , who expect the appearance of the Messiah , and the salvation of Israel , Peace without end . Whereas we are informed , That you — are indebted to several of the English Nation , It seemeth right to us to enorder you to make satisfaction to these your just Debts : which if you refuse to do , and not obey us herein ; know you that then you are not to enter with us into our Joys and Dominions . In this manner Sabatai Sevi remained a Prisoner at Constantinople for the space of two Months ; at the end of which the Vizier having designed his expedition for Candia , and considering the rumour and disturbance the Presence of Sabatai had made already at Constantinople , thought it not secure to suffer him to remain in the Imperial City , whilst both the Grand Signior , and himself were absent ; and therefore changed his Prison to the Dardanelli , otherwise called the Castle of Abydos , being on the Europe side of the Hellespont , opposite to Sestos , places famous in Greek Poetry . This removal of Sabatai from a worse Prison , to one of a better Air , confirmed the Jews with greater confidence of his being the Messiah , supposing that had it been in the power of the Vizier , or other Officers of the Turks , to have destroyed his Person , they would never have permitted him to live unto that time , in regard their Maximes enforce them to quit all jealousies and suspicions of ruine to their State by the death of the Party feared ; which much rather they ought to execute on Sabatai , who had not only declared himself the King of Israel , but also by Prophecies published fatal things to the Grand Signior and his Kingdoms . With this Consideration , and others preceeding , the Jews flocked in great numbers to the Castle , where he was imprisoned , not only from the Neighbouring Parts , but also from Poland , Germany , Ligorn , Venice , Amsterdam , and other places , where the Jews reside ; on all whom , as a reward of the expence and labours of their Pilgrimage , Sabatai bestowed plenty of his Benedictions , promising encrease of their Store and enlargement of possessions in the Holy Land : So great was the confluence of the Jews to this place , that the Turks thought it requisite to make their advantage thereof , and so not only raised the price of their Provisions , Lodgings , and other necessaries , but also denied to admit any to the presence of Sabatai , unless for money , setting the price sometimes at five , sometimes at ten Dollars , or more or less , according as they guessed at the abilities and zeal of the Person ; by which gain and advantage to the Turks , no Complaints or Advices were carried to Adrianople , either of the Concourse or Arguments amongst the Jews in that place , but rather all Civilities and Liberties indulged unto them , which served as a farther Argument to ensnare this poor People in the belief of their Messiah . During this time of Consinement Sabatai had leisure to compose and institute a new Method of Worship for the Jews , and principally the manner of the Celebration of the day of his Nativity , which he prescribed in this manner . BRethren , and my People , Men of my Religion , inhabiting the City of Smyrna the Renowned , where live Men , and Women , and Fantilies ; much Peace be unto You from the Lord of Peace , and from Me his beloved Son King Solomon . I command you , That the ninth of the Month of Ab ( which according to our account answered that year to the Month of June ) next to come , you make a Day of Invitation ; and of great Joy , celebrating it with choise Meats , and pleasing Drinks , with many Candles and Lamps , with Musick and Songs ; because it is the day of the Birth of Sabatai Sevi the High King , above all the Kings of the Earth . And as to matters of labour , and other things of like nature , do as becomes you upon a day of Festival , adorned with your finest Garments . As to your Prayers , let the same Order be used as upon Festivals . To converse with Christians on that day is unlawful , though your Discourse be of matters indifferent ; all labour is forbidden , but to sound Instruments is lawful . This shall be the method of your Prayers on this day of Festival . After you have said , Blessed be thou , O Holy God ; then proceed ; and say : Thou hast chosen us before all people , and hast loved us , and hast been delighted with us , and hast humbled us more than all other Nations , and hast sanctified us with thy Precepts , and hast brought us near to thy Service , and the Service of our King. Thy Holy , Great , and Terrible Name thou hast published amongst us ; And hast given us , O Lord God , according to thy love , times of Joy , of Festivals , and times of Mirth , and this Day of Consolation , for a solemn Convocation of Holiness , for the Birth of our King the Messiah Sabatai Sevi , thy Servant , and first-born Sonin love , through whom we commemorate our coming out of Egypt . And then you shall read for your Lesson the first , second , and third Chapters of Deuteronomy to the seventeenth Verse ; appointing for the reading thereof five men , in a persect and uncorrupted Bible ; adding thereunto the Blessings of the Morning , as are prescribed for Days of Festivals . And for the Lesson out of the Prophets , usually read in the Synagogue every Sabbath , you shall repeat the 31 th Chapter of Jeremiah to your Prayer called the Mussaf ( used in the Synagogue every Sabbath and solemn Festival . ) Instead of the Sacrisice of Addition at the returning of the Bible to its place , you shall read with an audible Voice , and clear Sound , and with holy Harmony the 95 th Psalm . And at the first Praises in the morning , after you have sung Psalm 91 , and just before you sing Psalm 98 , you shall repeat Psalm 132 ; but in the last Verse where it is said , As for his enemies I shall clothe them with shame , but upon himself shall his Crown flourish ; in the place of [ upon himself ] you shall read , Upon the Most High ; after which shall follow the 126 th Psalm , and then the 113 th to the 119 th . At the Consecration of the Wine upon the Vigil , or Even , you shall make mention of the Feast of Consolation , which is the day of the Birth of our King the Messiah Sabatai Sevi , thy Servant , and sirst-born Son ; giving the Blessing as followeth . Blessed be thou , our God , King of the World , who hast made us to live , and hast maintained us , and hast kept us alive unto this time . Upon the Eve of this Day you shall also read the 81 Psalm , as also the 132 , and 126 Psalms , which are appointed for the Morning Praises . And this Day shall be unto you for a remembrance of a solemn Day unto eternal Ages , and a perpetual Testimony between me , and the Sons of Israel . Audite audiendo , & manducate bonum . Besides which Order and Method of Liturgy for Solemnization of his Birth , he prescribed other Rules for Divine Service , and particularly published the same Indulgence and priviledge to every one who should pray at the Tomb of his Mother , as if he had taken on him a Pilgrimage to pray and sacrifice at Jerusalem . The Devotion of the Jews towards this pretended Messiah , encreased still more and more ; so that not only the chief of the City went to attend and proffer their service towards him in the time of his Imprisonment , but likewise decked their Synagogue with S. S. in Letters of Gold , making for him on the Wall a Crown , in the Circle of which was wrote the 91 Psalm at length , in a fair and legible Character ; attributing the same Titles to Sabatai , and expounding the Scriptures in the same manner in favour of his appearance , as we do of our Saviour . Howsoever some of the Jews remained in their Wits all this time , amongst which was a certain Cocham at Smyrna , one zealous of his Law , and of the good and safety of his Nation ; and observing in what a wild manner the whole people of the Jewswas transported with the groundless belief of a Messiah , leaving not only their Trades , and Course of Living , but publishing Prophecies of a speedy Kingdom , of rescue from the tyranny of the Turk , and leading the Grand Signior himself captive in Chains ; matters so dangerous , and obnoxious to the State wherein they lived , as might justly convict them of Treason and Rebellion , and leave them to the mercy of that Justice , which on the least jealousie and suspicion of matters of this nature , uses to extirpate Families , and subvert the Mansion houses of their own People , much rather of the Jews , onwhom the Turks would gladly take this occasion to despoil them of their Estates , and condemn the whole Nation to perpetual Slavery . And indeed it would have been a greater wonder than ever Sabatat shewed , that the Turks took not advantage from all these extravagancies to drain the Jews of a considerable Sum of money , and set their whole Race in Turkie at a Ransome , had not these passages yielded them matter of pastime , and been the subject of the Turks laughter and scorn , supposing it a disparagement to the greatness of the Ottoman Empire , to be concerned for the rumours and combustions of this despised people . With these Considerations this Cocham , that he might clear himself of the blood and guilt of his Countrymen , and unconcerned in the common destruction , went before the Kaddee , and there protested against the present Doctrine , declaring , That he had no hand in setting up of Sabatai , but was an enemy both to him and his whole Sect. This freedom of the Cocham so enraged and scandalized the Jews , that they judged no Condemnation or Punishment too severe against such an Offender , and Blasphemer of their Law , and Holiness of the Messiah , and therefore with money and presents to the Kaddee , accusing him as disobedient in a Capital Nature to their Government , obtained sentence against him to shave his Beard , and commit him to the Gallies . There wanted nothing now to the appearance of the Messiah , and the Solemnity of his Coming , but the presence of Elias , which the Jews began to expect hourly , and with that attention and earnestness , that a Dream or Phantasm to every weak head was judged to be Elias , it being taught and averred , that he was seen in divers Forms and Shapes , nor to be certainly discovered or known before the Coming of the Messiah . For this Superstition is so far fixed amongst them , that generally in their Families they spread a Table for Elias the Prophet , to 〈◊〉 they make an invitation of poor people , leaving the chief place for the Lord Elias , whom they believe to be invisibly present at the Entertainment , and there to eat and drink without diminution either of the Dishes or the Cup. One person amongst the Jews commanded his Wife , after a Supper of this kind , to leave the Cup filled with Wine , and the Meat standing all Night for Elias to feast and rejoyce alone , and in the morning arising early , affirmed , That Elias took this Banquet so kindly , that in token of gratitude and acceptance , he had replenished the Cup with Oyl instead of Wine . It is a custom amongst the Jews on the Evening of the Sabbath to repeat certain praises of God , ( Haudola ) which signities a distinction or separation of the Sabbath from the prophane days ( as they call them ; ) which praises or blessing they observe to perform in this manner . One takes a Cup filled with Wine , and drops it through the whole house in the name of Elias , saying , Elias the Prophet , Elias the Prophet , come quickly to us with the Messiah the Son of David . And this , they affirm , is so acceptable to Elias , that he never fails to preserve that Family so devoted to him , and augment it with the Blessings of encrease . Many other things the Jews avouch of Elias , so ridiculous , as are not necessary to be declared , amongst which this one is not from our purpose , That at the Circumcision there is always a Chair set for Elias . And Sabatai Sevi being once invited at Smyrna to the Circumcision of the first-born Son of one Abraham Gutiere , a Kinsman of Sabatai , and all things ready for the Ceremony ; Sabatai Sevi exhorted the Parents of the Child to expect a while until his farther order . After a good half hour Sabatai ordered them to proceed , and cut the Prepuce of the Child , which was instantly performed with all joy and satisfaction to the Parents : and being afterwards demanded , wherefore he retarded the performance of that Function ; his answer was , That Elias had not as yet taken his Seat , whom as soon as he saw placed , he ordered them to proceed : and that now shortly Elias would discover himself openly , and proclaim the news of their general Redemption . This being the common opinion of the Jews , and that Sabatai Sevi was the Messiah , being become an Article of Faith , it was not hard to perswade them that Elias was come already , that they met him in their dishes , in the dark , in their Bed-chambers , or any where else invisible , in the same manner as our common people believe of Hobgoblins and Faries . For so it was , when one Solomon Cremona , an Inhabitant of Smyrna , making a great Feast , to which the principal Jews of that City were invited , after they had eaten and drank freely , one started from his seat , and avouched that he saw Elias upon the Wall , and with that bows to him , and complements him with all reverence and humility : some others having in like manner their fancies already prepossessed , and their eyes with the fume of Wine ill prepared to distinguish shadows , immediately agreed upon the object , and then there was not one in the Company who would say , he did not see him ; at which surprise every one was struck with reverence and awe , and the most eloquent amongst them having their tongues loosed with Joy and Wine , directed Orations , Encomiums , and acts of thankfulness to him , courting and complementing Elias , as distracted Lovers do the supposed presence of their Mistresses . Another Jew at Constantinople reported , That he met Elias in the streets , habited like a Turk , with whom he had a long communication , and that he injoyned the observation of many neglected Ceremonies , and particularly the Zezit , Numb . 15. 38. Speak unto the Children of Israel and bid them , that they make sringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations , and that they put upon the sringe of the border a ribband of blue . Also the Peotz , Levit. 19. 27. Ye shall not round the corners of your head , nor marre the corner of your beard . This apparition of Elias being published , and as soon believed , every one began to obey the Vision , by fringing their garments ; and for their heads , though always shaved according to the Turkish and Eastern fashion , and that the suffering hair to grow , to men not accustomed was heavy and incommodious for their health and heads ; yet to begin again to renew , as far as was possible , the ancient Ceremonies , every one nourished a Lock of hair on each side , which was visible beneath their Caps , which soon after began to become a sign of distinction between the Believers and the Koparims , a name of dishonour , signifying as much as Unbeliever or Heretick , given to those who confessed not Sabatai to be the Messiah . Which particulars , if not observed , it was declared as a menace of Elias , That the people of the Jews who come from the River Sabation , as is specified in the 2. Esdras Chap. 13. shall take vengeance of those who are guilty of these omissions . But to return again to Sabatai Sevi himself , we find him still remaining a Prisoner in the Castle of Abydos upon the Hellespont , admired and adored by his Brethren with more honour than before , and visited by Pilgrims from all parts , where the Fame of the Coming of the Messiah had arrived : amongst which one from Poland named Nehemiah Cohen was of special note and renown , learned in the Hebrew , Syriack , and Chaldee , and versed in the Doctrine and Kabala of the Rabbins , as well as Sabatai himself : one ( of whom it was said ) had not this Sevi anticipated the design , esteemed himself as able a Fellow for to act a Messiah as the other . Howsoever it being now too late to publish any such pretence , Sabatai having already prepossessed the office , and with that the hearts and belief of the Jews , Nehemiah was contented with some small appendage or relation to a Messiah ; and therefore to lay his design the better , desired a private Conference with Sabatai . These two great Rabbins being together , a hot Dispute arose between them . For Cohen alledged , That according to Scripture and Exposition of the Learned thereupon , there were to be two Messiahs , one called Ben. Ephraim , and the other Ben. David : the first was to be a Preacher of the Law , poor and despised , and a Servant to the second , and his Fore-runner ; the other was to be great and rich , to restore the Jews to Jerusalem , to sit upon the Throne of David , and to perform and act all those Triumphs and Conquosts , which were expected from Sabatai . Nehemiah was contented to be Ben. Ephraim , the afflicted and poor Messiah , and Sabatai was well enough contented he should be so ; but that Nehemiah accused him for being too forward in publishing himself the latter Messiah , before Ben. Ephraim had first been known to the World , Sabatai took this reprehension so ill , either out of pride and thoughts of his own Infallibility , or that he suspected Nehemiah being once admitted for Ben. Ephraim , would quickly , being a subtle and learned Person , perswade the World that he was Ben. David , would by no means understand or admit of this Doctrine , or of Ben. Ephraim for a necessary Officer : and thereupon the Dispute grew so hot , and the Controversie so irreconcileable , as was taken notice of by the Jews , and controverted amongst them as every one fancied ; but Sabatai being of greater Authority , his Sentence prevailed , and Nehemiah was rejected as Schismatical , and an Enemy to the Messiah , which afterwards proved the ruine and downfal of this Imposture . For Nehemiah being thus baffled , and being a Person of Authority , and a haughty Spirit , mediated nothing but revenge ; to execute which to the full , he took a Journey to Adrianople , and there informed the chief Ministers of State and Officers of the Court , who ( by reason of the gain the Turks made of their Prisoner at the Castle on the Hellespont ) heard nothing of all this concourse of people , and Prophecies of the Revolt of the Jews from their obedience to the Grand Signior . And taking likewise to his Counsel some certain discontented and unbelieving Cochams , who being zealous for their Nation , and jealous of the ill consequences of this long continued and increasing madness , took liberty to inform the Chimacam ( who was Deputy of the Great Vizier then at Candia ) that the Jew Prisoner at the Castle called Sabatai Sevi was a lewd person , and one who endeavoured to debauch the minds of the Jews , and divert them from their honest course of livelihood , and obedience to the Grand Signior , and that therefore it was necessary to clear the World of so factious and dangerous a Spirit . The Chimacam being thus informed , could do no less than acquaint the Grand Signior with all the particulars of this mans condition , course of life , and Doctrine ; which were no sooner understood , but a Chaouse or Messenger was immediately dispatched to bring up Sabatai Sevi to Adrianople . The Chaouse executed his Commission after the Turkish fashion in haste , bringing Sabatai in a few days to Adrianople , without farther excuse or ceremony , not affording him an hours space to take a solemn farewel of his Followers and Adorers , who now were come to the vertical point of all their hopes and expectations . The Grand Signior having by this time received divers informations of the madness of the Jews , and the pretences of Sabatai , grew big with desire and expectation to see him ; so that he no sooner arrived at Adrianople , but the same hour he was brought before the Grand Signior . Sabatai appeared much dejected , and failing of that courage which he shewed in the Synagogue . And being demanded several questions in Turkish by the Grand Signior , he would not trust so far to the vertue of his Messiahship , as to deliver himself in the Turkish Language , but desired a Doctor of Physick ( who had from a Jew turned Turk ) to be his Interpreter , which was granted to him , but not without reflection of the standers-by , that had he been the Messiah and Son of God , as he formerly pretended , his Tongue would have been loosed into Eloquence and perfection of Languages . But the Grand Signior would not be put off without a Miracle , and it must be one of his own chusing ; which was , that Sabatai should be stripped naked , and set as a mark to his dextrous Archers ; if the arrows passed not his body , but that his flesh and skin was proof , like Armour , then he would believe him to be the Messiah , and the person whom God had designed to those Dominions and Greatness he pretended . But now Sabatai not having faith enough to stand to so sharp a tryal , renounced all his Title to Kingdoms and Governments , alledging that he was an ordinary Cocham and Jew , as others were , and had nothing of priviledge and vertue above the rest . The Grand Signior notwithstanding , not wholly satisfied with this plain confession , declared , That having given publick scandal to the Professors of the Mahometan Religion , and done dishonour to his Soveraign Authority , by pretending to withdraw from him so considerable a portion as the Land of Palestine , his Treason and Crime could not be expiated without becoming a Mahometan Convert : which if he refused to do , the Stake was ready at the Gate of the Seraglio to impale him . Sabatai being now reduced to his last game and extremity , not being in the least doubtful what to do ; for to dye for what he was assured was false was against Nature , and the death of a mad man : replied with much chearfulness , that he was contented to turn Turk , and that it was not of force , but of choice , having been a long time desirous of so glorious a profession , he esteemed himself much honoured , that he had an opportunity to owne it first in the presence of the Grand Signior . And here was the Non plus ultra of all the bluster and noise of this vain Impostour . And now the Reader may pause a while , and contemplate the strange point of consternation , shame , and silence , to which the Jews were reduced , when they understood , how speedily their hopes were vanished , and how poorly and ignominiously all their fancies and promises of a new Kingdom , their Pageantry and Offices for Devotion were past like a tale or a midnights dream . And all this was concluded , and the Jews sunk on a sudden and fallen flat in their hopes , without so much as a line of comfort or excuse from Sabatai , more than in general to all the Brethren , that now they should apply themselves to their callings and services of God , as formerly ; for that matters relating to him were finished , and the sentence past . The News of Sabatai turning Turk , and of the Messiah to a Mahometan , quickly filled all parts of Turkie ; the Jews were strangely surprised at it , and ashamed of their casiness of belief , of the arguments with which they had perswaded others , and of the Proselytes they had made in their own Families . Abroad they became the common derision of the Towns where they inhabited , the Boys houted after them , coining a new word at Smyrna ( Poustai ) which every one seeing a Jew , with a finger pointed out , would pronounce with scorn and contempt ; so that this deceived people for a long time after remained with confusion , silence , and dejection of spirit . And yet most of them affirm , That Sabatai is not turned Turk , but his shadow only remains on Earth , and walks with a white head , and in the habit of a Mahometan ; but that his body and soul are taken into Heaven , there to reside until the time appointed for accomplishment of these Wonders : and this opinion began so commonly to take place , as if this people resolved never to be undeceived , using the Forms and Rules for Devotion prescribed them by their Mahometan Messiah . Insomuch that the Cochams of Constantinople fearing the danger of this Errour might creep up and equal the former , condemned the belief of Sabatai being Messiah as damnable , and injoyned them to return to the ancient Method and Service of God , upon pain of Excommunication . The Stile and Tenour of their Letter was as followeth . To you who have the power of Priesthood , and are the knowing , learned , and magnanimous Governours and Princes residing in the City of Smyrna , may the Almighty protect you , Amen , for so is his will. These our Letters which we send in the midst of your Habitations , are upon occasion of certain Rumors and Tumults come to our ears from that City of your Holinesses . For there is a sort of men amongst you , who fortifie themselves in their Errour , and say , Let such an one our King live , and bless him in their publick Synagogues every Sabbath day ; and also adjoyn Psalms and Hymns invented by that man for certain days , with Rules and Methods for Prayer , which ought not to be done , and yet they still remain obstinate therein . And now behold it is known unto you , how many swelling waters have passed over our souls for his sake ; for had it not been for the mercies of God which are without end , and the merit of our Forefathers which hath assisted us , the foot of Israel had been rased out by their enemies . And yet still you continue obstinate in things which do not help , but rather do mischief , which God avert . Turn you therefore , for this is not the true way , but restore the Crown to the ancient custom and use of your Forefathers , and the Law , and from thence do not move . We command you , That with your Authority , under pain of Excommunication and other Penalties , all those Ordinances and Prayers , as well those delivered by the mouth of that man , as those which he injoyned by the mouth of others , be all abolished and made void , and to be found no more , and that they never enter more into your hearts ; but judge according to the ancient Commandment of your Forefathers , repeating the same Lessons and Prayers every Sabbath as hath been accustomary ; as also the Collects for Kings , Potentates , and Anointed , &c. and bless the King Sultan Mahomet ; for in his dayes hath great Salvation been wrought for Israel , and become not Rebels to his Kingdom , which God forbid . For after all this which is past , the least motion will be a cause of jealousy , and you will bring ruine upon your own persons , and upon all which is near and dear to you ; wheresore abstain from this man , and let not so much as his name proceed out of your mouths . For know , if you will not obey us herein , which will be known , who , and what those men are , who refuse to conform unto us , we are resolved to prosecute them , as our duty is . He that doth hear and obey us , may the blessing of God rest upon him . These are the words of those , who seek your peace and good , having in Constantinople , on Sunday the 5th of the Month Sevat , under-wrote their names . Joam Tob , Son of Hanania Ben Jacar . Isaac Alnacagua Joseph Kazabi . Menasse Barudo . Kaleb Son of Samuel . Eliezer Casti. Eliezer Gherson . Joseph Accohen . Eliezer Aluff . During the time of all these transactions and passages at Constantinople , Smyrna , Abydos upon the Hellespont , and Adrianople ; the Jews leaving their mercantile course and advices what prices Commodities bore , and matters of Traffick , stuffed their Letters for Italy and other parts , with nothing but wonders and miracles wrought by their Messiah . As that , when the Grand Signior sent to take him , he caused all the Messengers immediately to die ; upon which , other Janizaries being again sent , they all fell dead with a word only from his mouth ; and being desired to revive them again , he immediately recalled them to life , but of them only such , who were true Turks , and not those who had denied that Faith in which they were born , and had professed . After this they added , that he went voluntarily to Prison , and though the Gates were barred , and shut with strong Locks of Iron , yet that Sabatai was seen to walk through the streets with a numerous attendance ; and when they laid shackles on his Neck and Feet , they not only fell from him , but were converted into Gold , with which he gratified his true and faithful Believers and Disciples . Some Miracles also were reported of Nathan , that only at the reading of the name of any particular Man or Woman , he could immediately recount the story of his or her Life , their sins or defaults , and accordingly impose just correction and penance for them . These strong reports coming thus confidently into Italy , and all parts ; the Jews of Casal di Monferrato , resolved to send three persons in behalf of their Society , in the nature of extraordinary Legates , to Smyrna , to make enquiry after the truth of all these rumours , who accordingly arriving in Smyrna , full of expectation and hopes , intending to present themselves with great humility and submission before their Messiah , and his Prophet Nathan , were entertained with the sad news , that Sabatai was turned Turk ; by which information , the Character of their Embassy in a manner ceasing , every one of them laying aside the formality of his Function , endeavoured to lodge himself best to his own convenience . But that they might return to their Brethren at home with the certain particulars of the success of these affairs ; they made a visit to the Brother of Sabatai , who still continued to perswade them , that Sabatai was notwithstanding the true Messiah ; that it was not he who had taken upon him the habit and form of a Turk , but his Angel or Spirit , his Body being ascended into Heaven , until God shall again see the season and time to restore it ; adding farther , that an effect hereof they should see by the Prophet Nathan verifyed , now every day expected , who having wrought Miracles in many places , would also for their consolation , reveal hidden secrets unto them , with which they should not only remain satisfied but astonished : with this only hope of Nathan , these Legates were a little comforted , resolving to attend his arrival , in regard they had a Letter to consign into his hands , and according to their instructions , were to demand of him the grounds he had for his Prophecies , and what assurance he had that he was divinely inspired , and how those things were revealed unto him , which he had committed to Paper , and dispersed to all parts of the World. At length Nathan arrived near Smyrna , on Friday the 3 d of March , towards the Evening , and on Sunday these Legats made their visit to him , but Nathan upon the news of what success his Messiah met with , began to grow sullen and reserved , so that the Legats could scarce procure admittance to him ; all that they could do , was to inform him , that they had a Letter to him from the Brotherhood of Italy , and Commission to confer with him concerning the ground and foundation of his Prophecies : but Nathan refused to take the Letter , ordering Kaim Abolafio , a Cocham of the City of Smyrna , to receive it ; so that the Legats returned little contented , but yet with hopes at Nathans arrival at Smyrna , to receive better satisfaction . But whilst Nathan intended to enter into Smyrna , the Cochams of Constantinople , being before advised of his resolution to take a Journey into their parts , not knowing by which way he might come , sent their Letters and Orders to Smyrna , Prussia , and every way round , to hinder his passage and interrupt his Journey , fearing that things beginning now to compose , the Turks appeased for the former disorders , and the minds of the Jews in some manner setled , might be moved , and combustions burst out afresh by the appearance of this new Impostor , and therefore dispatched this Letter as followeth . TO you who are the Shepherds of Israel , and Rulers , who reside for the Great God of the whole World in the City of Smyrna , which is a Mother in Israel , to her Princes , her Priests , her Judges , and especially to the perfect wise men , and of greatest experience ; may the Lord God cause you to live before him , and delight in the multitude of Peace , Amen . So be the will of the Lord. These our Letters are dispatched unto you , to let you understand , that in the place of your Holiness , we have heard , that the learned man which was in Gaza , called Nathan Benjamin , hath published vain Doctrines , and made the World tremble at his words and inventions . At this time we have received advice , that this man some dayes since departed from Gaza , and took his Journey by the way of Scanderone , intending there to Embark for Smyrna , and thence to go to Constantinople , or Adrianople . And though it seems a strange thing unto us , that any man should have a desire to throw himself into a place of flames and fire , and into the sparks of Hell : Notwithstanding , we ought to fear and suspect it , for the feet of man always guide him to the worst . Wherefore , me underwritten , do advertise you , That this Man coming within the Compass of your Jurisdiction , you give a stop to his Journey , and not suffer him to proceed farther , but presently to return back . For we would have you know , That at his Coming he will begin again to move those tumults , which have been caused through Dreams of a new Kingdom , And that miracles are not wrought every day . God forbid , that by his Coming , the People of God should be destroyed in all places where they are , of which he will be the first , whose bloud be upon his own head ; for in this Conjuncture every little errour or fault is made Capital ; you may remember the danger of the first Combustion , and it is very probable , that he will be an occasion of greater , which the tongue is not able to express with words . And therefore , by virtue of ours , and your own Authority , you are to hinder him from proceeding farther in his journey , upon pain of all those Excommunications , which our Law can impose , and to force him to return back again , both he and his Company . But if he shall in any manner oppose you , and rebel against your word , your Endeavours and Law are sufficient to hinder him , for it will be well for him , and for all Israel . For the love of God , let these words enter into your ears , since they are not vain things , for the lives of all the Jews , and his also consist therein . And the Lord God behold from Heaven , and have pity upon his people Israel . Amen . So be his holy will written by those who seek your Peace . Joam Tob Son of Chanania Jacar . Moisé Benveniste , Kaleb Son of Cocham , Isaac Alnacagua , Samuel deceased , Joseph Kizbi , Moisé Barudo , Samuel Acazsina , Elihezer Aluf. Jehousual Raphael Benveniste . By these means Nathan being disappointed of his wandring progress , and partly ashamed of the Events contrary to his Prophecies , was resolved , without entring Smyrna , to depart thence ; howsoever he obtained leave to visit the Sepulchre of his Mother , and there to receive pardon of his sins ( according to the institution of Sabatai before mentioned ; ) but first washed himself in the Sea , in manner of purification , and said his Tevila , or Prayers , at the Fountain , called by us the Fountain of Santa Veneranda , which is near the Coemetery of the Jews , and then departed for Xio with two Companions , a Servant and three Turks to conduct him , without admitting the Legates to audience , or answering the Letter which was sent him from all the Communities of the Jews in Italy . And thus the Embassy of these Legates was concluded and they returned from the place from whence they came , and the Jews again to 〈◊〉 Wits , following their Trade and Profession of Brokage , as formerly , with more quiet and advantage than the means of regaining their possessions in the Land of promise . And thus ended this mad phrensie amongst the Jews , which might have cost them dear , had not Sabatai renounced his Messiahship at the Feet of Mahomet . These matters were transacted in the Years 1665 and 1666 ; since which Sabatai hath passed his time devoutly in the Ottoman Court , educated at the Feet of the learned Gamaliel of the Turkish Law , ( viz. ) Vanni Effendi , Preacher to the Seraglio , or as we may so term him , Chaplain to the Sultan , one so literate as to be esteemed the Grand Oracle of their Religion , so precise , and conceited of his own Sanctity as a Pharisee , and so superstitious , that nothing seemed more to unhallow his Worship than the touch or approach of a Christian. To this Master Sabatai was a most docil Scholar , and profited , as we may imagine , beyond measure in the Turkish Doctrine ; so that in exchange of such impressions Vanni thought it no disparagement , from so great a Rabbin as his new Disciple , to learn something of the Jewish Rites , and rectifie those crude Notions he had conceived of the Mosaical Law. In this manner Sabatai passed his days in the Turkish Court , as some time Moses did in that of the Egyptians ; and , perhaps in imitation of him , cast his eyes often on the Afflictions of his Brethren , of whom , during his life , he continued to profess himself a Deliverer , but with that care and caution of giving scandal to the Turks , that he declared , Unless their Nation became like him , that is , renounce the Shadows , and imperfect Elements of the Mosaical Law , which will be compleated by adherence to the Mahometan , and such other Additions as his inspired Wisdom should suggest , he should never be able to prevail with God for them , or conduct them to the holy Land of their Forefathers . Hereupon many Jews flocked in , some as far as from Babylon , Jerusalem , and other remote places , and casting their Caps on the ground , in presence of the Grand Signior , voluntarily professed themselves Mahometans . Sabatai himself by these Proselytes gaining ground in the esteem of the Turks , had priviledge granted him to visit familiarly his Brethren , which he employed in Circumcising their Children the eighth Day , according to the Precept of Moses , preaching his new Doctrines , by which he hath confirmed many in their Faith of his being the Messiah , and startled all with expectation of what these strange ways of Enthusiasm may produce ; but none durst publickly owne him , lest they should displease the Turks , and the Jews , and incurr the danger of Excommunication from one , and the Gallows from the other . Howsoever in January 〈◊〉 appeared another bold Impostor amongst the Jews in Smyrna from the Morea , as it was said , or not known from whence , who in despight of Sabatai , and his own Governours , pretended to be Messiah ; but with so inconsiderable and petty a Deluder as this , the Jews thought to make quick work ; but being ashamed at first to bring another Messiah on the Stage , by help of money they accused him of Adultery , and procured a Sentence from the Kadi , condemning him to the Gallies ; in order unto which , and in proof of his good behaviour he remained some time in prison , in which Interim he found means to clear himself of that Crime by open evidence to the contrary , and had for the present escaped out of the power of the Synagogue , had not their Authority and money prevailed more than the Friends or Disciples of this Impostour ; whom we will leave in prison , and Sabatai in the house of Pharaoh ; where he continued until the Year 1676 , and then died . And so we return to more important matters of the Turkish Affairs . Since that we have so long insisted on the phrensie of the Jews , let us return to matters of greater Consequence , and more general concernment ; and look back to Count Leslie the Emperours Ambassadour , who having departed from Constantinople the 11 th of December of the last Year , we find on the 10 th of March of this year on the Frontiers ready to make exchange with the Turkish Ambassadour . The Night before , Count Leslie was lodged at a Village called Elmas , where the Inhabitants , as in the most parts of upper Hungary , are Calvinists in Religion ; and though they live between two Swords , do yet in time of War , by paying a Tribute to both Parties , and providing Forage for both , remain more secure than in the Villages subjected to either , which are often burnt , or in some other manner miserably destroyed . The next day the Emperours Ambassadour , conducted by the Pasha of Quinque Ecclesiae , with about three hundred Horse , arrived at the place for many years observed for Exchange of Ambassadors , which is about an hour and halfs Journey , or five miles ( as we may so say ) distant from this Village , where in open Fields upon the Brink of the Danube , are set three Posts ; the two Ambassadours meeting at that in the middle , after some Complements , take their leaves each of other , and so exchange . The German Ambassadour that day arrived near his Post about seven a Clock in the morning , but the Turkish , not being as yet come from Komara , he could not proceed farther . After some expectation here , advice came , That the Turkish Ambassadour was resolved not to depart from Komara , until he was satisfied for the allowance of eighteen days , at a hundred Dollars for every day , which he had spent at his entrance into Christendom , between the Frontiers and the City of Vienna . But to this was replied , That it had never been the custom to allow the Turkish Ambassador mony for his daily provisions , until he entred the Emperors Court ; and in the mean time the expences and charge of his journey were to be defrayed by the Imperial Officers , who had performed the same in a most ample and plentiful manner : But the Turk was resolved not to be so satisfied , and therefore declared he would not depart without full payment ; hoping the more easily to prevail , in regard the German Ambassadour was already in the Field , exposed to the cold and sharp weather , without provisions either for himself , Attendance , or Horses , whilst the Turk remained warm in his Boat , accommodated with his Stove , and wrapt in his Furrs , so that he hoped there might be a necessity of granting what he reserved for the rear-guard of his pretensions . The matter seemed unreasonable to the German Ambassadour , as also to the Turks that attended him , who being in the open and cold Air , judged it an unseemly time to capitulate . But in fine , the German gave him this Answer , That an Ambassador ought to be contented with that hospitality and entertainment which was accustomary , as he himself had done ; for that since his departure from Buda , which was then seven days , he had not received one Asper of allowance , resting satisfied with the Pasha's word , that from Buda homewards it was not accustomary to receive a farther treatment ; so that if he insisted on the first he was to be allowed the latter , since both Ambassadours are to be used with terms of equality ; and therefore to find an expedient to give him satisfaction , he was contented to resign his seven days allowance from the Grand Signior ; and if any thing farther was really owing he would engage his parole of honour for the payment . And farther he added , That none but a corrupt Minister would make his private Interest to stand in Competition with a publick Design , and make the pretence of a few Dollars an interruption and impediment to the progress of the great Affairs of the two Empires , professing that he would have quitted all his right , rather than the least concernment of his Master should have received a prejudice , on confidence of whose gracious favour he depended for reparation of whatsoever he suffered for his service . He thanked God that he had happily managed his Embassy to the satisfaction of the Grand Signior , and the approbation of his Master , and was now ready to perform the last office and ceremony , in which if he did 〈◊〉 , or was impeded , the fault was not his , being ready to return to Buda , so the other in like manner did to Vienna , there to remain until this difference was decided by their Masters . The Turkish Ambassador's Kahya or Steward who was present , and heard all this discourse , seeming not pleased to hear of a return to Vienna , immediately replied , That he conceived his Master would not remove from Komara ; to which it was answered , That a man who so little understood the office of an Ambassadour , as it appeared his Master did , was to be treated with some other kind of stile than was agreeable to the respect due to a publick Minister , and should therefore be forced to it in case he should refuse . The Turkish Ambassadour having his stomach something taken down with the threats of returning to Vienna , that afternoon loosed from Komara , and between three and four a clock arrived at the place of Exchange ; but the wind blowing hard , had put some of his Boats ashore , which were most laden , and fewest men to govern them , which asforded him occasion of farther delay , pretending that his Goods might be arrested at Komara , and until he was satisfied to the contrary , he was resolved not to make the Exchange . The German Ambassadour was more moved with choler at this humor than at the former ; and the Turks that attended , growing more hungry and more cold , bestowed on him a million of curses . The Sun now declining towards its setting , Count Leslie sent word to the Turk , That he was resolved not longer to abuse his own patience , but immediately to proceed forward , giving order to his Coach to drive on , protesting , That if any mischief was derived from this irregular proceeding , the fault was not his , nor would he answer for any of those fatal consequences which might ensue ; to which also being added some perswasions of the Pasha of Quinque 〈◊〉 , the Turk at length came out from his Boat and went to his Post. The Turks were drawn up on their own Quarter to the number of about three hundred , and the Hungarian Hussars or Horse-men on the other to about two hundred ; the two Ambassadours making a stand at their respective Poles , proceeded with equal paces to meet in the middle , where some few Complements having passed between them and Salutes interchangeably sent to the chief Ministers of each Empire , the German Ambassadour entred his Coach , and the Turk his Boat , and so both returned to their respective Courts . Such as was the sordid and interessed humor of the Turkish Ambassadour in this transaction , so no less dishonourable was his way of living at Vienna , where he sojourned with that miserable famine and penury in his house , as discontented all his family , causing some to leave him and return home ; others with better motives ( as it is hoped ) to the number of thirty became Christians , and imbraced the Faith : at the same rate he was generous in his Presents ; for to the Master of the House where he lodged he gave two five-Senars or eighteen Pence English , and to the Commissary who conducted him to the Frontiers he presented a Bag of Rice , which was not accepted , but returned with the like complement , as that with which it was tendered . But no sooner was this Peace concluded , and the Ceremonies thereof thus happily finished , but the Turks , attentive to another War , which is the life of their Empire , and their only security against intestine Discords , made all the Preparations and Provisions this Year , that were possible , for the total subjection of Candia , of which this Vizier was highly ambitious , designing thereby to gain unto himself that renown of which his Predccessours had been in pursuit for the space of twenty five years ; so that all Ammunition , Victuals , and whatsoever was necessary was in great quantities supplied from all the circumjacent parts of the Empire . The City of Candia was some time before governed by the Proveditor Priuli ; but afterwards the Venetians , apprehensive of the succeeding War , conferred the Charge on Marquess Villa , a worthy and experienced Souldier , with Title of General of the Venetian Infantry , as we have before intimated ; and having left him and his Forces in the month of December last , on the Island of Paros ; where having , as is said , mustered his Forces , he imbarked them on sixteen Gallies , five Galleasses , and thirty five Men of War ; with which sailing in company from Anti-Paros , the whole Fleet on the 12 th of February made their Rendezvous at Argentiera ; during which time the Turks landed eighteen hundred Janisaries at Canea , being transported thither on thirty five Gallies , which having incountred with the Cavalier Hoquincourt in the Chanel of Scio , received some damage and loss of men in their way , though this Cavalier himself was wounded in the Engagement , and forty of his men slain . The Venetain Fleet departing from Argentiera on the 23 th of February came in sight of Candia , when a very great storm arising with Thunder and Lightning , put the whole Fleet in danger of shipwrack ; but by Gods Providence , though tossed with contrary winds , they arrived on 26 th in safety in the Port of Suda , being directed thither in a dark night , by those Lights which the Fortress had put abroad , though the Turks on the other side had put out false Fires to deceive them . The Army being landed at this place , and a Muster made of the Forces , Pay was given to the Souldiery ; with which being become the more couragious , they marched towards Canea , with hopes to perform some memorable Enterprise at that place . The Lieutenant-General Vuersmiller led the Van consisting of six hundred Foot , and an hundred and eighty Horse , and advancing beyond those bounds which Marquess Villa had prescribed him , was incountred by a more numerous Force from the Garrison , by which being at first put into some disorder , had been intirely defeated , had not the Marquess opportunely arrived to his Succour : howsoever the Venetians lost in this Skirmish three hundred Souldiers , forty Horse , and twelve Officers , amongst which the Marquess Ceva was slain upon the place , and Captain Scot a Scotch-man taken Prisoner , whom the English Factory redeemed at Smyrna ; of the Turks seven hundred were computed to have been killed , with the Aga of the Janisaries , a stout and a well experienced Souldier . And as this beginning was not very auspicious to the Christians , so neither did the Heavens seem much to favour them ; for an unusual rain with few fair days continued almost for the space of three months , which filled all Rivers , Marshes , and Ditches with so strange an inundation , that the Army beginning to want Forage for the Horses , and all other Provisions for their Men ; and the Garrison of Canea being reinforced from Retimo , Chiramo , Armiro , and other places , discouraged the Commanders in that manner , that they thought it more convenient to retire and incamp in the pleasant and fruitful Vallies of Spina Longa , until better weather , and other Recruits of their Army should open a way either to make another Attempt on Canea or new Candia . But Fortune did not favour these designs ; for the Captain-General Androa Cornaro arriving with his Fleet , part at Candia , and part at Standia , ( which is an Island or Rock about two Leagues distant from this City ) a new resolution was taken to remain on the defensive part , and to attend wholly to the guard of the City : for as in the natural body , when it is assaulted by acute and hot humors , the spirits retire to the heart to confort and secure that from the violence of the distemper ; so the Venetians perceiving that their Enemies daily grew more numerous , resolved to contract their Force into one Body for defence of that City , which was the heart or the most principal instrument of life in that Island : wherefore Recruits both of Men , Ammunition , and Provisions were daily sent thither ; and the Captain of the Gulf arriving at 〈◊〉 with eleven Gallies and one Galleass , carrying fifteen hundred Souldiers , with three hundred Pioniers , joyned his Forces to the Body of the Fleet ; and all imbarking in divers Squadrons , made haste to land their men in the City of Candia with all possible expedition . The Marquess Villa landed here the first of March , being conducted from the Mole by the Proveditor to the Palace , which was provided for him ; where having been complemented , and having received and returned the usual Visits , he in the first place took care to quarter the Horse , and the new Forces lately arrived with due convenience ; next he visited the Garrison and every Fort in particular , where he amended what was amiss , and added what was defective . The Captain-General by this time arriving with the remainder of the Militia , a general Multer was made in the Trenches of the Fort Panigra ; of which the Turks having advice , fell unexpectedly upon them with a strong Body ; the Christians being surprised hereat , and Versama a valiant Colonel being 〈◊〉 , they began shamefully to run , nor could either the Bravery of the Marquess , or his Authority stop their flight ; howsoever the Musket-shot and great Guns from the Walls were so plentifully bestowed on the Turks , that few of those who were over-forward in the pursuit , returned to their Companions . On the 12 th of April a Fleet of Gallies arrived with new Recruits , with which the Christians being reinforced , 〈◊〉 Villa resolved to take the Field ; so that marching out of the City by night with seven thousand Foot and six hundred and fifty Horse , he incamped between that and the Valley of the River Gioffiro , drawing his Trenches just opposite to the Enemies Camp ; in the mean time two Squadrons of Ships were sent abroad , one towards the Crociere , and the other towards the Coast of Canea , to intercept and hinder such Succours as might be sent to the Enemies Camp. Nor were the Turks less vigilant or valiant on their side ; for a Party of about two thousand men sallying from their Trenches , and marching secretly under the covert of a Mountain , unexpectedly assailed the Out-guards of about fifty Foot belonging to the Regiment of Frischein , commanded by Captain Rades ; which after a stout resistance retreated into another Body of fifty Musquetiers , and twenty five Arquibusiers of the Regiment Arborio ; who also being assisted by other detachments , recovered their first Post ; but being afterwards overpowered by great numbers of Turks , were forced to quit the place ; which Marquess Villa observing , ordered fifty Horse under Lieutenant-Colonel Mattiazzi , and seventy Foot under Blane Sergean : Major of the Regiment Arborio to their assistance , by whom the Post was again recovered with great slaughter of the Enemy : but this advantage was of little other benefit than to inflame the spirits of the Turks , who rallying again their Force with fresh courage and extraordinary valour came to handy-blows with the Venetians , forcing them to another Retreat with the death of Lieutenant Cerusa a Savoyard , and some common Souldiers ; but the Turks injoyed not long this advantage ; for the Musquetiers from the Line with some small Guns , and the gross Artillery from the Walls did much execution on them ; and at the same time being charged by a Party of Horse under Command of Colonel Rades , the Venetians with glory and incouragement recovered their Post , driving the Turks in disorder and confusion to their Trenches . This success of the Christians served to heat the spirits of the Turks , and animate them to another Engagement : for having by private ways of hidden Vallies conducted their Men , about four hours before night made another Assault upon the Venetians , I will not say surprised them ; because remaining always in apprehension of the Enemy , they kept themselves so watchfully on their Guard , that in a moment they were ready to receive them ; and that so warmly , not firing until they came within the length of two Pikes , that in a moment the field was covered with the bodies of Horse and Men ; the Turks startled hereat , not knowing whether it were better to stand to it or fly , until incouraged by their Leaders , they kept their ground for a time : but being galled by the continual Vollies of shot , and charged by a Body of Horse led by Count Sforza Bissaro and Captain Casich ; they were so shaken , that they turned their backs , and began to run , until falling in with the gross Body of their Party , they made head again ; and mixing both Horse and Foot with the Venetians , they forced them to retreat to the side of their Trenches ; and so closely plyed them , that the fresh Troops of the Turks on the right and left wing had cut them off , had not the Count Corradini by order of Count Sforza with a Regiment of Curassiers , and likewise Colonel Scoppa with his Lieutenant-Colonel Tadeo Motta , with a good number of Archibusiers , assisted by a Squadron of the Regiment of Count Bassaro , sallied from the Line , and being succoured on all sides , forced the Turks at length to sound a Retreat . The night coming on disswaded any 〈◊〉 of the Enemy , lest unknown ways and darkness should betray their men into ambushes or other snares . The Turks lost a thousand men with divers Commanders of Quality and Note : of the Venetians were killed Lieutenant Cerusa , Gio. Tessari Captain to La Motte , eleven Horse , and some few Foot : Motte , Corradini , Soupe , Count Corbelli , and some others were wounded . About this time advice being come to the Captain-General , That the Turks were dispeeding fifty Gallies laden with Men and Ammunition , he resolved to incounter them at Sea with four Galleasses and twenty Gallies , reinforcing his Fleet with twelve hundred men , which he took from the Camp ; which being thereby considerably diminished , as also by the late Engagements ; yet Marquess Villa kept his ground , but contracted the compass of his Trenches , and raised a Fort in sight of the Enemy , who had not the courage to give him the least interruption ; but rather after this example fortified their own Trenches , shutting all Avenues or passages to Renegadoes , whom they suspected might fly , and give advice to the Christians : howsoever some of them escaped to the Venetian Camp , declaring that the Cannon from the Town did much incommode the Turks in their Trenches ; upon which Intelligence Marquess Villa ordered forty eight shot to be made at that place , where they were most offended , which put the Turks into great consternation : after which no considerable Engagements happened , besides some few Skirmishes and Rencounters of no memorable note , in which one Antiquario a Quarter-master , Count Pio Ferretti , and others signalized themselves by particular Acts of Valour , as also Captain Vimes who killed Mehmet Bey , a Turk of great esteem , with his own hand . But now the Turks receiving daily Recruits , as of eight hundred Janisaries , and six hundred Spahees landed at Gira-petra , and seventeen hundred more disbarked at Chissamo ; and advices daily coming of great numbers of Galeots and Brigantines providing in the Gulf of Lepanto , and of eighteen Ships of Barbary , all ready to transport Souldiers to Candia , moved the Captain-General to perswade the removal of the Camp for better security of the most important places : the which Marquess Villa performed accordingly in the night preceding the first of June , with much order and care ; for first he caused the Artillery to be withdrawn , with the Mortar-pieces , Ammunition , and Provisions of War , and placed in the Fort of Mocenigo ; then he caused half the Army to work in filling the Trenches , whilst the other half remained in form of Battle , and two hours before day blew up the Fort ; which having done , they marched in three Bodies to the City , to the great joy and satisfaction of the Turks , who on that occasion made a day of Festival . These particulars of Action having passed under the Conduct of Marquess Villa without any signal Victory or advantage over the Turk , administred subject to such who in the parts of Christendom were emulous of his glory , and envious of his eminent charge , to give liberty to their tongues to disparage the management of his Affairs , as not agreeable to that high expectation of success which the World conceived thereof , when he first entred on this imployment : But here it is observable at what rate men who lye soft and warm in their beds at home , unconcerned in the dangers , labours , and hazards of those who live and act abroad , can make their reflexions , and pass their censures on active and ingaged men , not considering the state of affairs , the uncertainty of Succours in so long and distant a tract of Sea as passes between Venice and Candia , subjected to winds and a thousand casualties ; nor yet the numerous Troops of the Enemy , nor the Puissance of that Empire , which for its Power , Richess , and the Valour of its Souldiery may be esteemed the most Potent and considerable of all the Monarchies and known Kingdoms of the Universe . But what conjectures soever envious men might make of the Conduct of Marquess Villa , yet the Senate of Venice applauded his labours , and owned his services , as being such , which having merited the admiration and esteem of all the World , did in a particulae manner challenge their thankfulness and acknowledgments . About this time the Gallies of Malta arrived at Candia , where some dispute arising touching the place of precedence in the Fleet , which the Venetians denied to them : they departed thence with some dissatisfaction , and returned to the Westward to transport the young Empress out of Spain into Italy . And now Intelligence coming to Candia by divers Letters , that the Great Vizier was departed from Adrianople with a numerous Army , and was already arrived at Thebes , where a general Rendezvous was appointed of the whole Army , with resolution to be transported from Malvoisia to that Island ; the Venetian Generals and Commanders in chief concluded it necessary , if possible , to hinder their passage , and rather to fight them at Sea , which was their more propitious Element , than to attend their landing , where they would be forced to dispute with unequal numbers and on disadvantageous terms . Accordingly the Captain-General reinforced his Fleet with two thousand Foot , and a thousand Horse under the Command of Count Licinio Martinoni , appointing the Rendezvous to be at Argentiera , to which place also Marquess Villa repaired , touching by the way at Milo for refreshment of his Horse , it being an Island abounding with herbage ; the Captain-General being for some days detained at Standia by contrary winds , a Consultation was held for the more advantageous management of the War ; after which the whole Fleet making sail was on August the 9 th scattered by a furious storm , and not being able to recover Santoxini , they by good fortune fetched Stampalia , an Island abounding with generous Wines , excellent Fruit , Partridges , and other Provisions ; at length after various fortunes arriving at Andra , which is a great and populous Island , another Council of War was held , where it was again concluded , That all care was to be taken to intercept the Succours which the Enemy daily sent to Candia ; to which end the Cavalier Grimani , Captain of the Galleons , was ordered to cruise about the Coast ; and hearing that twelve Turkish Ships were lading Provisions in the Gulf of Volo , he repaired thither , and had the good fortune to take them with all their lading ; but the other Squadrons missed of the like success ; for notwithstanding the care and vigilance which was used , all matters seemed to succeed prosperous for the Turks , and adverse to the Christians ; the designs of the first having an issue agreeable to their intentions , whilst those of the latter were always disappointed either by Nature or by Fortune , or rather by that secret hand of Providence , which had allotted that Island for a Prize to the Ottoman Arms. By this time the Turkish Army being at their Rendezvous at Thebes , the Great Vizier prepared to imbark ; and considering the difficulty of the passage , thought it prudent first to make new Propositions to Signior Ballarino before he entred on this hazardous attempt , supposing perhaps , that the rumour of this March might have affrighted the Venetians to a Surrender of that Kingdom , that they might spare the blood and charge of that War which afterwards ensued : wherefore Ballarino being called from his house at Constantinople , began his Journey towards Thebes on the 25 th of August , accompanied by a Capugibashee and three Janisaries ; and in twenty three days arriving at Thessalonica , now called Salonica , he fell sick of a violent Feaver , caused by that agitation of body in his Travels to which he was unaccustomed , and for want of that sleep which he used to take after his slender dinner , passing the rest of the day and night in continual watchings : at first he felt only some little alterations , which he hoping might pass over , resolved to proceed on his Journey notwithstanding the perswasions to the contrary of Signior Patavino his Secretary , with whom I was well acquainted , and ever esteemed for an honest and a worthy Person : but he continued resolute to proceed , fearing left his delays by the way should lose him the opportunity of that moment of Treaty , which was impossible afterwards to be retrieved ; for in his Journey he would often reason in this manner : If I should stop here , what censure would the World pass on me ? I may possibly excuse my self ; but in the mean time the Vizier may ingage too far in his design , and frustrate all those methods and foundations which I have laid towards a Peace : and then if I live , I shall be over-burdened with the reproaches of the World , for having abandoned the grand incumbence in its ultimate necessity , which is charged upon me , which will be a more sensible affliction than the agony of death . My sickness will be esteemed by many to be rather dissembled than real . The dead man lives in the memory of his faithfulness and constancy , and the living man dyes in the indelible characters of his cowardise and misfortune . These were his own words . And thus travelling forward his Feaver daily increased to that excess , that on the sixth day he was forced to stop at a City called Isdino , where having instructed Signior Patavino in what manner he ought to manage affairs , and recommending his services and children to the favour and protection of the Senate , he passed to the other World , being honoured by a solemn Funeral at the publick Expence , and interred in the Church of St. Mark , his Son Domenico Ballarino succeeding into the Office and Inheritance of his Father . The Senate understanding by advices from Signior Padavino , That the Vizier desired another Envoyé qualified with the Character of a publick Minister to reside with him in Candia , dispatched the Secretary Girolamo Giavarina , a Person of good abilities , to that place . And at the same time the Captain-General Andrea Cornaro pressing the Senate for licence to return to his own Country ; his request was granted , and Francesco Morosini was appointed to succeed him in that important Charge , and was accompanied at a time of so great emergency with powerful Convoys , and with Recruits of Men , Provisions , and Ammunition sitting to carry on so pressing a War. On the month of October the Great Vizier in person imbarking himself and Army at Malvoisia with many Pasha's , and men expert and active in the War passed over to the Isle of Candia , resolving by strength and dint of Sword to force that strong City to obedience , the main Bulwark of Christendom , situated at the entrance of the Archipelago ; of the success of which famous Siege we shall have occasion to discourse more at large and more particularly hereafter ; in order unto which the Great Vizier on the last day of this Year , went in Person to take a view of this City , and having surveyed all sides of it , apprehended that the Siege would be long and tedious ; and therefore returned again to Canea to take those measures which were requisite for an Enterprise of that weight and consideration . In the mean time the Princes of Christendom being for the most part either in that discord amongst themselves , of which the Turks have always made their advantage ; or else living in parts remote , did not consider Candia as a Bulwark to their Dominions , and therefore rendred little other assistance to the Venetians than good words , and vain wishes for their success and Victory . The Popes Forces only under Command of Muzeo Mattei which were in Dalmatia , were transported to Candia , and five hundred Foot belonging to the Grand Duke of Toscany , came into their places for defence of that Country . The most Christian King in return to the Embassy of Venice performed by the Cavalier Alvise Sagredo , remitted to that Republick an hundred thousand Crowns , and Cardinal Barberini at his expence supplied four thousand Measures of Corn. But the present Conjuncture did not seem to smile on the Venetians , for all the Gallies belonging to Spain and Italy , as well as , those of Malta , were employed in the transportation of the new Empress Margerita of Austria . The Pope was infirm , and distracted with his own domestick Affairs . The Emperour was a young Bridegroom , and besides the Diversion which a Wife gave him from Cares , he apprehended that he might speedily receive some disturbance from the Princes of the Rhine , and from Sweden in the Dukedom of Bremen . The King of Spain was a Child of five years old , labouring at the same time under a war with Portugal , and threatned by the more powerful Arms of France , on the pretence of Flanders . Besides all which , the Turks were as well in quietness amongst themselves , as they were at peace with all other Princes ; so that we may expect that the force and power of the Ottoman Empire should now be turned , like a Torrent , to overwhelm this spot of land , which seemed to be so scituated , as well to resist the Waves of the Seas , as the inundation of this mighty and Martial People . Anno Christi 1667. Hegeira 1078. AT the Beginning of this year the Winter and Cold which chilled and benumbed the Earth , encreased the heat , and gave vigour and action to the Tartars , who made such an unexpected incursion into Poland , that they carried with them near a hundred thousand captived Souls , as they were numbred before Jash , in their return home . The Polanders , awakened hereat , but ill advised , resolved on a Treaty where there was more just cause for an open War , and in order thereunto dispeeded an Ambassadour to the Sultan , to expostulate the reason of this Breach of Peace , and require justice and satisfaction on those his Subjects , who had , contrary to the Articles of Peace , committed such actions , and outrages of open hostility ; or at least , that the Turk would not take upon him to abett the cause of the Tartars , whilst the Polanders took just revenge for their late injuries . The Ambassadour with this message put himself in a readiness , and with a retinue of about two hundred and fifty persons , begun his journey towards the end of April , and on the second of May crossed the River Niestro , which divides Poland from Moldavia , where he was received by two of the Boiars , or Moldavian Noblemen , and thence conducted to Jash , where the Prince of that Country resided . The Ambassadour expected the Visit of the Prince , according to Custom and Articles of Peace ; but the Prince being either forbidden by the Port , or rather out of an ignorant stiffness and pride , omitted to pass the Civilities of that Office , but yet supplied the Ambassadour with plenty of Wine and Provisions ; which the Polanders enjoying freely , dispensed perhaps more easily with other neglects and omissions which concerned formalities and ceremonies . The ninth of June the Ambassadour arrived at Adrianople , and thence was called to Demitochum , a City about a days Journey distant , where the Grand Signior , for the sake of his hunting and divertisement , remained under Tents , as the most convenient lodging in that Season of the year ; the 25 th the Ambassadour had his first Audience with the Chimacam , at which thirty five of his Retinue were vested with Coftans , nothing passing but the usual Ceremonies and Complements . The 28 th he had Audience of the Grand Signior ; but first made tender of his Presents as followeth . A Crystal Cup in a Case of Gold , adorned with Rubies and Diamonds . 2 Baskets rarely woven with a very fine Rush. A Clock . A Cabinet of Ebony supported with four Eagles made of Silver , in which also was a Clock with a perspective Looking-Glass . 2 Silver Cups of considerable bigness . 2 Silver Flaggons . A Gun which discharged twenty times . 2 Spotted Dogs . 4 Mastiffs . 100 Ells of Holland . These Presents preceding , made way for the Ambassadours Audience , at which he declared , That the Commission from his Master the King of Poland , was to make Complaints unto his Majesty of the grand Incursions the Tartars had made into Poland without any reason or cause of War ; and that therefore his Master did expect from him , as from a just and vertuous Prince , a permission for revenge , and satisfaction of his injuries , to enter Tartary , without assuming it as any ground of Breach or Infringement of that Peace which he held with him ; or else that he would by his authority enjoin the Tartars to restore their Captives , and their spoils , and render them a reasonable satisfaction . The Grand Signior returned no reply hereunto , but referred that to be done by his Chimacam , silence being esteemed some part of his Majesty and State , which he seldom breaks but with few and haughty words . This Ambassadour was a man of a bold and daring Spirit , a fit Orator for such an Embassy , had not his immoderate Covetousness , the vice and folly commonly incident to Old Age , much eclipsed many of those Vertues of which he was Master . He was also a Man of a violent temper , feavered to a madness in the height of his Choler , which strangely betrayed him to many undecencies in his Language and Comportment . For at his Audience with the Chimacam , when he came to receive the Grand Signior's Answer , his words were vented with that heat , and so like to menaces , that the Turks taking exception thereat , returned his course Speeches with the like Dialect , at which the Ambassadour swelled with that indignation and anger , as became not the Moderation and Gravity of his Office ; adding in Conclusion , That he was an aged man , full of years and corporal infirmities , that nothing could arrive more happy to him than a death in which he should triumph to suffer for the benefit and glory of his Country . This excess and intemperance of Language moved the Turks to set a guard upon him , and confine him to his own house in the nature of a Prisoner ; which violation of his Sacred Office , so worked upon his Spirits , that he often vented some part of his fury in words and blows on the Officers of his Guard ; for which rude behaviour having received some reproofs from the Chimacam , his passion not knowing which way to ease it self , feavered him into a desperate sickness , of which in a few days , phrensical and distracted , he departed this life . The Secretary of the Embassy , being the next in Office , took upon him the Function and Charge of the Ambassadour , and having now nothing to act , but to receive the Answer to the Message of his Master , for which a day being appointed , he was presented with a Horse and Furniture by the Chimacam , of whom having audience , he received no other satisfaction to the complaints against the Tartars than these following , which were related to me by the Secretary of the Embassy , who did me the honour to make me a Visit , when I was on my recovery from a dangerous Sickness , at Constantinople . First , That no compensation or pretence be ever hereafter demanded for the late incursions made by the Tartars into Poland . Secondly , That the Polanders make not War upon the Cossacks , who had lately renounced their subjection , and were sled for protection to the Ottoman power . Thirdly , That the Poles immediately make war upon the Moscovite . Fourthly , That the Turk Merchants have free trade into Poland , and that the Turkish Merchants receive satisfaction for what injuries and losses they lately suffered . With these propositions and conditions of Peace , the Secretary was dispatched , which did not so well please the Poles as to return thanks for them or a Messenger with Advice of their Acceptance or Ratification ; and though they could not but be sensible of the scorn and yoke the Turks would impose upon them , yet having still remaining amongst them certain Reliques of their former dissentions and diversity about election of a Successour to their King , and there being a certain spirit of Luxury , Pride , and Sedition which was crept in amongst the Nobility , they considered not the advantage of the present time , but willingly preferred a present ease , and enjoyment of their Feasts and Banquets , before the hazards and uncertainties of benefit , which they might receive by the doubtful lot and fortune of War ; and though never any Season appeared more opportune and advantageous to the Pole than this , when the flower of the Turkish youth and Force was employed in Candia , and all places , in part , dismantled of their usual strength and complement of Souldiers to defend their Frontiers ; yet they seemed resolved to pass by the former incursions , and spoils , and robberies made on their people , so the Turk would but stop here , and permit them , without farther provocation , to enjoy their quiet , and debauched way of living : Only some of the Borderers on the Turks , who had deeply suffered by the late incursions , moved with the loss of their Estates , and the Captivitic of their nearest Relations , joined with a considerable number of the Moscovites , entered Tartary in the Months of October and November , and burned about three hundred Villages , carrying away Captives , and other prey , from under the very Walls of Coffá . At this time also the Pasha of Balsora began new rumours and an unseasonable Rebellion , who being reported to have an Army of Horse and Foot consisting of forty thousand men , gave no small disturbance and apprehension to the Turks ; who with their difficulties of War in Candia , and the jealousies of a storm from Poland , remained with some doubts and hesitancy about the way of their proceedings . At length Orders were dispatched to the Pashaws of Erzirum , Aleppo , Damascus , and Darbiquter to unite against the Rebel , to divest him of his Government and to send his forfeited head to his Master . These Pashaws accordingly joining their Forces , defeated the Rebel ; and as all Conspiracies of open Rebellion distant from the Court , have had but ill success in these Countries against the true Prince , so this Pasha was routed , and being forsaken by his Servants , fled with a few horse to the protection of the King of Persia. The principal Cause which moved the Pasha of Balsora ( as I was informed from the mouth of the Pasha of Damascus ) to this Rebellion , was the Confidence he had in his own strength , and the fidelity of his people , to whom of ancient right , that Government was of hereditary Succession , descended to him by his Ancestors for many Generations : by which means he challenged such absolute interest in his Principality ; that for many years he refused to acknowledge the Grand Signior by any other tokens of homage , than in the bare name of his Protector , and in making publick prayers for his prosperity and victories . But at length the 〈◊〉 Signior coming to impose farther on him , stirred his hot desires 〈◊〉 Rebellion , and to an open defiance . About the beginning of this year the Captain-General Cornaro , with the Proveditor of the Armata Francesco Barbaro returned to Venice , bringing with them one Ramadam a Sangiac of Egypt , and other Slaves taken by the Captains Grimani and Molino . The manner was this : Ramadam , with three and twenty Ships , laden with Men and Ammunition , endeavoured to enter into Canea , but being charged by the Venetians , and overcome , set fire to their Ship , and leaping into the Schiff to save their lives were taken by the Boat of Molino ; and though fourteen Gallies came out of Canea to their assistance , yet they could not hinder the taking of five of their Ships , besides several others which were put ashore and strand by four Maltese Corsairs , who entered into the fight , being called at a distance by the sound of the Cannon . About that time also a Turkish Gally was surrendred by the industry and ingenuity of the slaves , who having secretly boared some holes in the bottom of the Gally , and plugged them up afterwards , so as that they might let in the water , or stop it when they pleased ; it happened that the Gally being near the Rock , which is called Polycandro ; they secretly drew out the plug , whereby so great a Flood of Water on a sudden came in , that the Gally being ready to sink , the Turks affrighted forsook the Gally to save themselves on the Rock , leaving the Slaves in the Gally to shift as well as they could . The Slaves being thus free'd of their Masters the Turks , plugged up the holes again , and clearing the Gally of water rowed away , and delivered themselves into the hands of the Venetians ; upon which advice , the Captain General dispatched the Captain of the Gulf Lorenzo Cornaro with two Gallies to that Rock , where they became masters of all the Turks except two , who threw themselves into the Sea , preferring death before slavery . In the mean time the Duke of Savoy recalled Marquess Villa , who was his Subject , from Candia ; the reasons for which was attributed to an appearance of Breach with Geneva , the Switzers and the Valtelines , who were his Subjects , or rather to the ill Offices of those who envied his preferment , being desirous to have him recalled from a place of so much honour and reputation . In obedience to this revocation Marquess Villa taking his leave of General Cornaro , returned from Candia as far as Zant ; where meeting the new Captain General Francesco Morosini , and being by him assured , That the Pope , and Senate of Venice representing the difficulty of Affairs in Candia , and the present urgency and necessity for his presence there , had obtained Licence from the Duke of Savoy for his continuance in that employment ; upon which assurance , Marquess Villa took a resolution to return again to Candia , being accompanied with a strong Squadron of Vessels carrying considerable quantities both of Ammunition and Provisions . The History of the famous Siege of Candia . On the 27 th of April the Forces from Egypt under the Command of Messir Bey appeared in the field , and on the 5 th of May N. S. the General of the Janifaries incamped on the right side of New Candia , that he might better view and survey the ground near the Lazaretto . At the beginning of the New Moon of this Year's May , being the 〈◊〉 day of the month , publick Prayers 〈◊〉 first made through the most principal places of the Empire for the success of the Ottoman Arms , and so solemnly continued every Monday and Thursday for the space of a year ; the Great Vizier first appeared before the renowned Fortress of Candia , and began the memorable Siege of that City , which for the space of twenty five years preceding had been the subject to which the special care and expence of Venice , and the Art of the most subtle Engineers of the World , as far as humanely was possible , did concur to render it the most impregnable Fortress of the Universe . The Town was fortified with seven great Bastions , viz. the Sabionera , Vetturi , Jesus , Martinengo , Betlem , Panigra , and St. Andrea ; these were all incompassed with a large and deep Ditch , of which were the Revelin of St. Spirito , the Revelin of Panigra flanked to the right with the Half-moon of Mocenigo : next hereunto was the Revelin of Betlem bordering on the Work of St. Maries , which to the left had the Revelin of St. Nicholas , and this adjoyned to the Fortification of de Palma , next whereunto was the Revelin of Priuli , with the Redoubt of Crepa-cuore ; and over all was the Royal Fort of St. Demetrio , which commanded the Work of Molino and Sabionera unto the very Sea. Marquess Villa at his last return was chiefly intent to strengthen the Fortifications , and repair the Out-works , especially that of St. Andrea which was almost ruined , and the old subterranean Traverses were so full of water , and the old Galleries so high , that the Enemy could easily pass under them , all which he repaired and amended in a short time . In confidence of gaining this strong Fortress , the Turks demolished New Candia , situate about two miles from the Old , which the Vizier now pointed out to them as a better Seat , and incouraged them to win and inhabit it ; so that 〈◊〉 th of May the Turks incamped over against St. Maries along the Valley of Gioffiro with the sound of their Drums and Trumpets , and firing great Guns and Vollies of Muskets . Their Forces at first consisted of about forty thousand fighting Men , and eight thousand Pioniers , but soon afterwards increased to seventy thousand , and so for the most part were maintained during the Siege . The first Traverses began from the side of St. Maries , and were carried to the Sea , the Great Vizier took his Quarters over against Panigra , the Janisar-Aga against Martinengo , and other Pasha's between that and Betlem . On the other side the Pasha of Romelia incamped against the Lazaretto , and Catirgi-Oglé Pasha of Canea against Sabionera , Achmet Pasha Vizier of the Camp , and Zagargibashee Major General of the Janisaries , who had the reputation of old Souldiers and good Engineers , were ordered to inlarge and lengthen the Traverses on the side of the Half-Moon of Mocenigo . Quarters being thus assigned , they raised three Batteries , the first against the Bastion of Martinengo , and the right side of the Work St. Maries ; a second against Panigra ; and soon after a third against the Half-moon and Bulwark of Betlem , from whence they continually thundered with their great Cannons , shooting Bullets of sixty , ninety to an hundred and twenty pound weight . Nor were the Besieged within less industrious or wise in the disposition of their Affairs ; for Marquess Villa took his Quarters at the entrance of the Bulwark Jesus , Proveditor Barbaro at Panigra , the Proveditor General of the Kingdom at Martinengo , the Duke of Candia , Francesco Battaglia , in the Fort of Sabionera , and other Officers between the Curtains of St. Andrea , Betlem , and Sabionera . Things thus disposed on both sides , many and various were the valiant Aslauts and Sallies , the Traverses extraordinary , the Rencounters bloody , the resistance vigorous , not known or recorded in any Siege before ; which though they can never be fully expressed , or particularly denoted , yet I should do injury to the ashes of those Heroick Christians who so freely entred the List , and on this Theatre of the World sacrificed their lives in defence of Christendom , should I not signalize some of them of divers Nations for their Prowess and Valour . And here pardon me , good Reader , if I come short or fail in this relation , where many of unparalleled Valour and Vertue dyed obscurely and unknown , and the numbers of others so great , that to specifie them all , were to swell this Work to a larger Volume than the Book of Martyrs . Here was that Martial field into which remote Nations and unconcerned descended , carried thither by zeal to the Christian cause , or by certain Principles of Valour and Magnanimity ; so that though the War bore no other denomination than of the Venetian and the Turk , yet so great was the confluence of both parts of the World to this little Isle , as if it had been chosen by unanimous consent for a Stage to try the Title to the Universal Empire . The Town being thus beleagured on all sides , but where Neptune the Spouse of Venice kept it open , the Christians endeavoured first to disturb the Traverses of the Turks by a Mine of Powder which they blew up ; but through the neglect or little experience of the Engineer , it being the first which they had fired , reverted , and did more hurt to themselves than to the Enemy ; the errour of which being observed , another Fornello was fired , which taking its due place and measures , so affrighted the Turks , as yet not acquainted with this manner and invention of War , that they began at the first onset to be discouraged , considering that if the ground was unsecure and unstable at that distance , what abysses and chasmes must there be prepared to make them graves under the Walls or entrance to the City . To second and justifie this Gun-powder Plot the Christians made two Sallies , one by the Savoyards under Command of Colonel Profito Torse , who issued forth from the Revelin of Betlem , and made great slaughter of the Turks with Granadoes on the side of Panigra ; another was performed by Colonel Arborio and Colonel Marini , accompanied with Count Brurasco Captain of the Guards to Marquess Villa who assaulted two Redouts of the Turks , and forced them to flight , and afterwards with some loss retreated victoriously to their Works . In like manner Colonel Frigeri Commander of the Fort St. Demetrio , made a Sally on Catirgi-Oglé near the Lazaretto , and with some loss returned triumphant . About this time arrived at Standi the Captain-General Francesco Morosini , who after some Consultation disarming his Fleet of about a thousand men , entred with that Succour into the Town , and yet fitted out a convenient Squadron of Gallies and Galleasses to rove in the Archipelago to hinder the Enemies Succours and Recruits , which were designed for Candia . In this interim the Turks repaired the old Battery against the Lazaretto , and laboured continually in their Galleries and subterranean Works ; so that by that time that the Christians had sprang five Fornelli upon them towards the point of the Half-moon of Mocenigo , the Turks had advanced so well towards the Borders of Panigra , that they sprang two Mines ; but these being but the first proofs or essays of this kind of invention , reverted on themselves with the loss of two hundred of their men , and again fired a third with little success : which the Christians answered to better purpose , blowing up sixty or seventy Turks . Wherefore the Turks made a farther tryal of two Mines by the Half-moon , rather to their own loss , than to the damage of their Enemy . In all the month of July passed not a day without some considerable action , sometimes to good , sometimes with bad success to both Parties ; every day Mines were sprang on both sides , destroying the Lines , and overthrowing the Galleries ; but the main force and heat of the War as it were concentring it self towards the Quarters of Panigra , to defence thereof the Engineer Castellan as freely as couragiously proffered the use of his Art , and the hazard of his Person . In which whilst he imployed himself , and endeavoured to cleanse the Galleries of their rubbish , which the Enemies Mines had thrown down , the Turks threw such quantities of Bomboes and Stink-pots into those Caverns , as made the stench thereof so suffocating and noisom , that two Officers were choaked or smothered that went to view the place , and Lieutenant-Colonel Cavalli and the Engineer Castellan himself were brought away half dead , poysoned with Sulphur and pestiferous smoke ; to purifie which Grota , nothing could render the air more wholesom , in expulsion of the preceding vapour , than the smoke of Juniper and burnt Aqua vitae , which being made use of with good success , the Christians fired two Mines , which opened so dreadful an abyss , as served for the grave of great numbers of Insidels . During this time of daily rencounters arrived the Auxiliary Gallies from the Pope and Malta , commanded by Prior Bichi and Bali del Bene , as also the Gallies of Naples and Sicily commanded by Gianettino Dorta and the Duke of Ferrandina , of whom the Captain-General would have borrowed some Forces to have served at Land ; but their Commissions it seems or their courages were too strait to afford any such Supplies , being designed to cruise in the Archipelago ; only the generous Chevalier d'Harcourt with ten other Camerades that were imbarked on the Gallies of Malta agreed to enter the Garrison , having come with no other design from France , than to offer themselves in defence of the Christian cause , and in a time of Peace , when their Prince had no need of their assistance and service , to give the World true evidences and proofs of the value and greatness of their souls . In all Enterprises this Person , worthily descended of the House of Lorrain , was a Companion to Marquess Villa , and one day venturing on a design to disturb the Enemies approaches , was shot in the face with a Musket-bullet ; of which wound recovering some time after , he with his Companions returned to France , having like Gavaliers Passant acted the parts of true Chivalry . But neither did the Prior Bichi Commander of the Popes Gallies , nor Doria Admiral of those of Naples , act agreeable to the bravery of those French Gentlemen ; for they not only denied , as we have said , to land a small number of their men , but as if they came only to make them a visit , sent this short Letter of Advice dated the 24 th of August , in these words . The Auxiliary Gallies are obliged to depart this night and to return to Suda , where they are to remain until the expiration of that time which is appointed for them in these Seas . Prior Bichi likewise sent word to Marquess Villa , That he judged it fit to depart , by reason that no action presented for them to undertake : to which the Marquess replied , That he who seeks may find , and that such opportunities never offer to those who endeavour to avoid them . Doria also , to colour his excuses , said , That his Orders were not to land men , unless the Town were in the extremity of danger of being taken ; to which Villa replied , That he could not well be assured in what condition the Town was , since he never vouchsafed to set his foot ashore , or conceived a curiosity of seeing the greatest and the most famous Siege that ever was in the World. In short , these Holy and Catholick Squadrons departed without contributing any assistance to the Christians , incurring thereby the severe censure of the Commanders in chief , with the anger and disdain of the Souldiery . The Venetians have always thought it Policy to maintain an Agent in the Ottoman Quarters , perhaps with design to afford them Intelligence , or to be ready to apply Terms of Peace in times of most urgent necessities . According to which Rule Signior Giavarina was sent to Candia upon the Venetian Armata , now governed at Sea by one Pasqualino , with Instructions to treat with the Vizier , and perhaps to grant him any thing besides Candia , though without this nothing could come either welcome or satisfactory to the Turks . Howsoever to introduce him into the Camp , a white Flag was displayed on the side of the Lazaretto ; which when the Turks perceived , they flocked in great numbers to know the mystery of this Signal of Pacisication . And though nothing appeared , besides a Letter directed to the Great Vizier , yet they hoped it might portend something of Treaty , which in the end would produce a Peace , and a conclusion of their labours , before the Winter surprised them in their colder Lodgings . The Vizier having read the Letter , had his thoughts raised as high as was possible in hopes of a Surrender ; and therefore most freely ordered , That Signior Giavarina should the Sunday following come to the Valley of Gioffiro with what Attendance and Followers he judged sit , proffering at the same time a cessation of Arms and all acts of Hostility : but the Christians who were not reduced to that extremity as to crave Peace , or a respite from action , kindly refused his gentle proffer , which so inraged the Vizier , that in a fury he gave fire to a Mine on the left side of Panigra , which was seconded with that furious assault , that Panigra had boen put into great danger , had not the courage of the Defendants been supereminent ; and repulsed the Enemy with so great a slaughter , that the earth round about was covered with dead bodies : which action was seconded by a brisk Sally performed by some Knights of Malta , asla Maison Neufve , do Langeron , de Clement , de Monrosier , de Charboniere , and de Blanbuisson , though against the advice and counsel of Marquess Villa , of which the two first were slain , and the rest returned with honour and success . At the end of this month of July the Garrison received a Supply of six hundred Foot under Command of Ottavio Abia , a noble Venetian , who likewise made his entry more acceptable by twenty thousand Ducats which he brought with him . At the time of his arrival the Christians sired a Mine with good success , but the Enemy had prepared another in revenge , which took such effect on the right Angle of Panigra , as broke the counterscarp ten paces , and filled the Ditch with Earth , on advantage of which the Turks came to an Assault , but through the courage of Luca Grandis Serjeant Major , and other gallant Officers , a stop was given to the Enemies fury , and they beaten off with considerable loss . And now for the present all Sallies ceased , whilst both sides carried on their designs under ground , thwarthing and crossing the Mines , each of other ; in which subterranean Travels and Passages , the Miners often met , and had frequent and bloody Encounters , those that were strongest robbed the Powder and Utensils of the weaker , so that the Scene of War seemed to be transferred ad inferos , and to be carried on with more fury and violence in the Grave , or the other world , than it was in the open Air of the Cydonian Fields . The Turks becoming now as expert as the Christians in their secret and hidden Traverses , had penetrated so far , that on the 8 th of August they fired a most dreadful Mine on the side of the half Moon , which made so great a Breach in that work , that eight men could march a breast ; which so animated the Enemy with the advantage , that immediately in great numbers they mounted the breach to give an Assault ; but supplies being timely afforded in assistance of the Guard , the Enemy was precipitated headlong , and overwhelmed with such showers of Musket shot , that the Retreat into their works was not only disorderly , but the number of those who survived so few and diminished , as gave proof how hazardous it was to attempt other more difficult and better fortified Bastions . Nor was the success of the Turks less on the side of Panigra , where having made a Breach , they endeavoured to make good their ground under shelter of Sacks of earth , which the Christians drew away from them with long iron hooks , which was such a piece of sport to the besieged to see their Enemies dismantled of their shelter , and lye open to their shot , that a young Page of Marquess Villa , called du Clos , venturing in this action beyond his years , was shot with a Musket Bullet in the head , and so hastned to the other World covered with glory and renown . There was scarce now a day which passed , that was not signalized with the springing of several Mines both on one side and the other ; most of those made by the Christians were seconded with Sallies , and those of the Turks with Assaults and Stormings of one Fort or other . On the 10 th of September Signior da Riva , a noble Venetian , arrived with a Recruit of five hundred Souldiers , and a great number of Pioniers , and the same day was celebrated , after the usual manner , by springing of Mines ; one of which threw a Turk on the Fort of Panigra , and ruined the Galleries of the Enemy ; the next day likewise several Fornelli were fired by the Enginier Lubatiers from the parts of the half Moon , and of Panigra , which filled up the Line , and spoiled the Redoubts of the Turks . On the 15 th the Christians vigourously sallied out with seventy Foot , under the Command of Colonel Vechia , and two other Captains from the Revelin of Panigra , who after a valiant skirmish , orderly retreated under the rampart of the Revelin ; to which place the Turks eagerly pursuing them , were entertained with a Mine , and tossed into the Air ; which being done , the Venetians returned again , and were in the same manner encountred by the Turks , whereby a very hot fight began ; during which time the Captain General , who stood on the Bastion of Betlem to observe the motions of the Enemy , saluted them with a plentiful shower of Musket shot . In short , after the Venetians had for the space of an hour resisted the Force of the Enemy with much slaughter , they retired with good order into the Ditch of the City . On the 18 th Captain Fedeli , with a hundred Souldiers , made another Sally , but being wounded , he retreated with some loss ; which was retured again on the Enemy by a Mine which the Enginier Quadruplani sprang with happy success on the Quarter of Panigra ; and on the same day the Captain of the Galleasses , called Gioseppe Morosini , arriving with five hundred men , and two hundred thousand Ducats together with good quantities of Ammunition and Victuals , gave encouragement and relief to all the City ; with whom also came the Cavalier Gonges and his Brother , in quality of Adventurers for Honour and Religion . There was not one day in all this Month , but divers Fornelli and Mines were fired on one side and the other ; and though the Christians exercised as much military Art , Industry , and Valour , as men were capable to perform , yet the Turks still gained ground , and daily advanced their works upon the Christians ; wherefore the Captain General ordered that a Mine and three Fornelli should be fired ; by which a small Fort of the Turks , near the Counterscarp , was overthrown , with divers other works lately raised . The Turks had such good success with their last Mines , that a Week after they fired another , which was calculated so well that it ruined the Gallery of Communication between Panigra and its Out-works , and threw the Counterscarp into the Ditch of the Town ; For the necessary repair of which Breach , and clearing of the Ditch , the Governors gave immediate Order , and appointed a strong Guard for defence and protection of those that laboured ; and to make better dispatch , a most ingenious Engine was contrived to remove and rid the Ditch of Earth , which whilst it worked with admirable success , the Turks , by help of a Mine , blew it into the Air , and shattered it into a thousand pieces . Howsoever , the Christians desisted not from their intended work , but still laboured with Baskets , Sacks , and Wheelbarrows to carry away the Earth ; which that they might do quietly and undisturbed , the Savoyards and Sclavonians made a furious and desperate Sally , which continued for the space of two hours ; and though in that time the Enemy had opportunity to collect their greater Force into a Body , yet the Christians were not put to slight , but retreated orderly , and in a fighting posture , though with the loss of several Officers , of which were Captain Rè , and others . To revenge these mines of the Turks , the Christians fired two others as dreadful as the others ; the first near S t Spirito , which being under the Enemies Traverses , performed its desired Effect ; the second was on the side of the half Moon , which swallowed up two of their Redoubts ; And on the third of October they fired four other mines on the sides of Panigra and Betlem , one of which consisted of six and thirty Barrels of Powder , and another of fourteen , ordering at the same time a furious Sally from divers places ; as namely , Captain Gamba sallied from the Revelin of S t Spirito , Serjeant Major Arasi from under the Bulwark of Panigra . Colonel George Maria was ordered to assault the Redoubts which were opposed to the Breach , Colonel Vecchia to attaque the Redoubts between Panigra and the half Moon , Colonel Cremasco and Marini to assault the redoubts between the half Moon and Betlem . Count Brusasco defended the work of S t Maria , Colonel Inberti defended the Revelin of S t Nicholas , and Serjeant Motta with thirty able Souldiers advanced to the farthest Lines of the Enemy , killing and putting to flight all before them . Colonel Frigeri Captain of the Fort S t Dimetry , and Lieutenant Colonel Vimes possessed several Redoubts ; and in the conclusion all retreated in excellent order with success and triumph , to yield the Turks evident arguments of their fortitude and courage ; and that the Town was still so well provided , as not only to be in a Condition of defending it self , but offending the Enemy . Yet the Turks were still labouring to countermine the Fornelli of the Enemy , and to revenge the former Plots ; to which end they had penetrated to the most inward works of Panigra ; but the Pioniers , employed by the Engineer Quadruplani , discovering their Gallery , entred boldly in , and drove away the Turks , from whom they took thirty two Barrels of Powder , and by that means for the present preserved that work , and the Lives of many Souldiers . The 17 th of October the Christians sprang two Mines , one of thirty , and another of five and thirty Barrels of Powder , which did the desired execution upon the Turks ; which some brave spirits seconded by a bold Sally , amongst which none was more eminent than a Greek Priest , who , moved with zeal to his Country , entered far into the Enemies Trenches , where having killed a Person of Quality hand to hand , he was returning with the Trophy of his head ; but being in the way intercepted by three at once , he was unequally matched , and slain , and died with the highest honour imaginable under the Walls of his Native City . Soon after the Cavalier Verneda , another Engineer , fired a Mine of forty Barrels of powder , which made the very City and Works tremble , like an Earthquake ; for whereas this Mine should have taken its effect on the Enemies Redoubts , Providence ordered that it should take its passage through an old Gallery , with so much violence and smoke , that it suffocated the Miners , Carpenters , and Masons , to the number of sixty men . Towards the end of this Summer the Turks at Constantinople and Adrianople grew big with the expectation of the happy News and Arrival of that messenger that should declare the taking of Candia , and the end of the Venetian War ; to entertain which joy with the more readiness , they had prepared Lights , and Lamps , and artificial Fire-works to solemnize their * Dunalma , and made publick prayers and procession of the youth of the City twice a week ; but finding their hopes frustrated , and their joys from Month to Month deferred , their expectations became tyred and wearied , and growing almost ashamed of their disappointment , began to throw the blame of the miscarriage of their Affairs on the ill Conduct of the Vizier , and the sluggishness of their Souldiery . The Grand Signior also more impatient than the rest , dispatched away a Messenger with Letters to the Vizier , reproaching his cowardise and sloth ; that being provided with a most puissant Army , and with all other appointments of War , should suffer the Ottoman Force to be baffléd and entertained in taking a single Fort for longer time , than formerly it had been in subduing whole Provinces and Kingdomes ; and moreover charged the Messenger to bring him a faithful and true Relation of the state of all Affairs , and what was the real cause and difficulty that so long obstructed the progress of his Arms ; but yet sent the Vizier for his encouragement a Sword , and a Vest of Sables , as tokens of his favour . The Great Vizier moved with this message , resolved to give some certain proofs of his industry and valour , and either to take the place , or else at least to convince his Master , by the knowledge and testimony of his Inquisitor , that the Work was of more hazard and longer time than was apprehended in the Seraglio . Whereupon preparations were made , and the time of assault was appointed chiefly on the side of Panigra , so that pressing valiantly forward , they planted six of their Colours on the ruines of that work ; so that now , full of hope and courage , they adventured to descend into the Ditch , but being prevented by three Mines , which contained seventy Barrels of powder , they were mounted in the air with so much noise and violence , that many Bodies were tossed on the Rampire of the Town , many of their greatest Redoubts overthrown , and Graves made for multitudes of the Assailants . This Assault as it began with great fury , so it continued for many hours ; in which action Signior Pisani , Proveditor General of the Kingdom , was killed by a Granado . Howsoever , the Enemy was repulsed by the valour of the Christians , insomuch that the Turks growing faint were pressed forward by the Vizier , who , to encourage his Souldiers , promised an extraordinary reward of honour and mony to him who should but first touch the Walls with his hands . The hopes of riches and honour so pricked forward all conditions of the Souldiery , that the Commonalty desperately threw themselves at all , and endangered so far the taking of Panigra , that they had certainly possessed themselves of it , had not the Venetians had recourse to their last refuge of Mines , and blown the whole Work into the Air , by which perished three Pashaws , and great numbers of common Souldiers . And this for the present astonished the Turks , and gave a stop to the farther proceedings of this Assault . This proof gave an evident Conviction to the Grand Signior's Inquisitor of the strength of the place , and difficulty of the Work ; and having been an Eye-witness of all , returned with dismal Stories of a cruel War , reporting perhaps , and it was related in the parts of Christendom , That this was a place where blood was spilt day and night , where Gallant Men had forgot to sleep , living in perpetual labours , enured to intolerable sufferings and hourly dangers , there being none secure either in the Church , in the house , or in the street ; for Granadoes rained , Cannons thundred , Arrows flew , with stones like a Tempest ; so that there was none in that place , but who quartered on the Brink of the Grave . It now grew towards Winter , and yet the Vizier thought of no other Quarters than his Trenches , judging that if he should quit his station , the labours and progress of the former Summer would be lost , and the Work to be again begun in the Spring . Wherefore resolving to keep his Works , provided all conveyances to carry away the Water , and sheds to cast off the Rain , and warmer Tents for the Souldiery , which yet could not so artificially be contrived , but that the Camp was full of mire and dirt , tedious and troublesome to Man and Beast , and the Quarters of the Souldiery , so damp between their Banks of Earth , as caused Catarrhs , Fluxes , Feavers , and other Camp Diseases with much mortality . It was now the dead of Winter , and yet Martial Exploits were as frequent as they had been in Summer ; and though the great rains and flouds of water extinguished the fires , and made , as it were , a cessation of Armes , and of all acts of hostility ; yet this interval of calmness and tranquillity the Christians made use of to repair the Palisade of S t Andrea , and the Lines of Communication within the Ditch . And because the main Bulwark was also shaken , and in some danger , all the Chiorma or Slaves of the Gallies were commanded ashoar to labour in the reparation , and to make aninward retrenchment , which in short time , with admirable diligence , was perfected , and on all sides compleated . The Turks in the mean time carried their Traverses forward as much as they could , for they were now entered into the very Ditch of the Town ; and because there was no possibility to work in the Mines , by reason that the Galleries were filled with water , they attended wholly to employ their great Guns , and fire Granadoes , so that they raised a new Battery near the Work of Mocenigo , which began to batter the lower parts of S t Andrea , and raised another Battery on the ruines of the Revelin of Panigra , which being lower ground could not much prejudice the main Bulwark . The Sultan satisfied with the Relation given by his Messenger concerning the progress his Vizier had made upon the Town , and of the hopes there was in time to gain it , encouraged him with a Letter of Praise , accompanied with a Sword , and Vest of Sables , the magnificent Signals of the Sultans favour . , And now besides the Force of Fire-Arms , the Turks made use of Arrows , shot into the Town , carrying papers written in Italian and French , perswading the Souldiers to fly to their Camp , where they should receive civil treatment , and a secure refuge ; which gave that encouragement to those wearied with the labours of the Siege and hard usage , that many of them made Tryal of the Turks entertainment , and escaping out of the Works , fled to the Enemies Camp , where they were cloathed , received Conduct Mony , and were permitted Licence to embark themselves for what place they pleased . About this time the Proveditor General Barbaro and the Licutenant General of the Artillery Uvertmiller having obtained licence from the Senate , returned to Venice ; the first was displeased , that Marquess Villa should take the precedence of him ; and the other , because his opinion of making a general Sally of all the Garrison on the Enemy was not followed , but rejected by the Council of War , as a design pernicious and over-hazardous ; for that the fighting with an Enemy more numerous than themselves , fortified in their Redoubts and Works , and hidden under ground in inextricable Labyrinths , was an Enterprise so rash , that no man wishing well to the Garrison , and of sound judgment ought to advise . The Turks having in this Campagne fixed themselves well in a formal Siege , and gained ground , and many advantages on the Christians , of which the destruction of the Work of Panigra was none of the least ; the Vizier supposed it a seasonable time to enter into a Treaty by the hand of the Secretary Giavarina , who was there entertained for that purpose ; but he falling sick of the Camp-distemper dyed in a short time , whose death was soon after followed by that of Signior Padavino , who finished his days at Caned ; the Plate , Money , and Houshold-stuff of both were carefully inventored , and by the justice of the Vizier duly accounted for , and administred to the Venetians . The Instruments of Treaty being thus taken away , the Captain-Pasha was dispatched to Constantinople , carrying with him four thousand wounded and sick men , and a Letter to the Grand Signior and Divan , signifying his resolutions to win the place , or dye under the Walls of it ; and to that end desired them to send him such Recruits of men and supply of Provisions as were requisite . He complained of the cowardise of those to whom they had incharged the Convoys ; that he wanted both Powder and Bullet , for default of which they could neither ply their great Guns , nor go forward in their Mines ; that bread was so dear , that no price could be set to it ; that his Souldiers by slaughter and sickness did daily diminish , so that his Army was reduced to twenty three thousand Foot , seven hundred Horse , and two thousand Pioniers ; and in fine concluded with urgent instances to have Recruits of all dispeeded to him , without which it was impossible to gain the Town , or save himself . Hereupon Recruits came from all parts , both of Men , Ammunition , and Provisions , especially from the Frontiers or adjacent places , which by such vast evacuations were almost dispeopled , more particularly in Albania and Castelnuovo extraordinary Preparations were making both of Men , Horse , and Camels ; and a report was spread , that the Grand Signior intended to pass over in Person to Candia ; but this was soon disproved by his residence at Larissa , where he remained to render assistance more easily , and receive advices more speedily than could be performed at Adrianople . Great quantities of Corn were also sent from divers places , particularly from Smyrna , where English , French , and Dutch Ships were taken up for that service , to the prejudice of the Trade , and damage of the concerned : some of which Vessels were taken in their passago to Candia , whilst others arrived in safety through the negligence , as was supposed , of the Commanders at Sea. And indeed the Turks plyed their business with that industry and diligence , that notwithstanding the Force which the Venetians had at Sea , their Recruits for the most part arrived safe , and Corn began to be so plentiful , that the Vizier gave a prohibition against having more imported ; and in short , nothing wanted for prosecution of the War , which was carried on in the Winter , as far as the season or the weather would permit ; so that scarce a day passed without something of action , either of storming or blowing up of Forts , overthrowing Galleries , filling Trenches , the particulars of all which are so numerous , that to recount them would fill a Volume , and are more proper to be related in a Journal than a History , in which minute matters ought to be passed by , and nothing but acts of greatest moment be recorded . Howsoever great Actions at this season ceased for a while on one side and the other , only continual discharges of great shot and Bomboes were practised . And the Turks endeavouring with artifice to cover their designs , dispatched a Letter to the Senate of Venice by way of Suda , and thence in a Galley to Candia , touching certain Motives of Peace , supposing that Propositions and Offers of Accommodation would loosen the minds of the Officers , and render them less intent and diligent in their Affairs ; on receipt of which Letter , though Marquess Villa replied , That he had as much power from the Senate to conclude a Peace , as the Vizier himself had from his Master , yet the Vizier would not treat with him , but sent a Letter which was consigned by an Aga at the Bulwark of Palma under the caution of a white Flag , desiring that it should be forwarded to Venice . About this time arrived to the great comfort of the Besieged the new Proveditor Bernardo Nani with five hundred Souldiers , and Matteo Matheus Sergeant General with some Recruits from the Pope , bringing with him three hundred Medals of Silver to bestow on such as deserved them , with Jubilees and Indulgences without number , and thus ended the Action of this Year . Anno Christi 1668. Hegeira 1079. THE Spring approaching , toward the end of January the Turks full of hopes to compleat their Conquest , vigorously in all maritime Ports of the Empire made provisions of Corn and other Victuals to be sent to the Camp , when occasion should require , and opened a door for Janisaries according to the Turkish phrase , the Formality of which is in this manner : The Chief Officer appointed for that purpose asks severally such as come to be listed , Of what Chamber they desire to be ; to which they making reply , That they will be of the fifth , sixth , or seventh , or the like , the Officer gives them a blow under the ear with the palm of his hand , and bids them repair to their Chamber , with which they nimbly pass away . But herein the due form and order of Janisaries was corrupted ; for in former days Janisaries were educated in that condition from children , and from thence named Yenisheri or Tyrones , or the young Souldiery ; but now on this necessity of raising Forces , ancient men , Fathers of Families with long beards were admitted , to the disparagement of that Order , and corruption of the exactness of that Discipline . Considerable Supplies also were sent of Beldargees or Pioniers ; so that this year from several parts , according to the best computation , the Forces of Candia were recruited with a Supply of seventy thousand men , for transportation of which and of their Provisions , all Christian Ships were imbarged at Smyrna and Constantinople , several of which in their voyage to Candia , were intercepted by the Maltese Corsaires , and particularly a French Ship called the Arms of France , on which were between four and five hundred Turks , was taken , and in boarding of her about an hundred Turks were killed upon the Deck : some other small Vessels ( one of which was a Ligornese under English Colours ) were taken , the French Barks which had in this manner lost their Corn , unadvisedly returned to Smyrna , supposing the excuse of having done their endeavours , and of being over-powered by a stronger Force was sufficient : But the Turks who judge of nothing well , but by the success , having gotten them into their hands , made them not only return their Freight , but satisfie the loss of the Cargason . In the Month of March the Vizier having intelligence of six or seven Venetian Gallies to be at Fodile , not far from Standia , under the Command of the Proveditor of the Armata Lorenço Cornaro , gave order to Regep Pasha of Romelia , who was Captain of the Souldiery , and Durach Begh , who commanded a Squadron of twelve Gallies , to weigh Anchor in the night , and there surprise them : Durach Begh , though sore against his will , doubting the truth of the report , yet readily obeyed and fitted his Gallies for the Enterprise . The Captain-General having intelligence of the design , prepared four Gallies in Port , and imbarked that night with a French Regiment and some Italians to the number of six hundred , besides two Companies of the Guards , and one of the Proveditor Nani , under the Command of Colonel André Facile and Montalto , accompanied also with the Proveditor Extraordinary , Daniel Justiniani , Commissary of the Treasury of the Militia , with several other Captains and Officers ; and arriving at Standia , found the Proveditor General Cornaro newly entred there from crusing the Seas with sixteen Gallies , to whom having communicated the design , they immediately loosed from the Port , and arrived at Fodilé before midnight . The Turks having from the place of their Anchorage discovered two Sail , hoped there might be no more , and therefore came forth to sight them ; but ingaging farther , met such a number as evidenced the danger , and the little hope there was in other than in their Courage and Arms. The night being dark , the Venetians not to mistake each other , carried such great Lights on their Mast-heads , as not only distinguished them from the Enemy , but also directed them to give battle to the Turks , which they prosecuted so home , that they took and sunk five of the Turkish Gallies , of which the Admiral commanded by Durach Bey was one ; the rest , though much shattered , and for the present unserviceable , did yet by the help of their Oars , and the darkness of the night , find a way to escape : nor was this Victory gained by the Venetians in a Fight of seven hours without the loss of two hundred Souldiers killed , and about five hundred wounded , besides some Persons of Quality and Command , viz. the Cavalier Arasi Justiniani , the Commissary Francesco Cornaro , Foscarini , &c. the wounded were Georgio Greco , Lorenço Bembo , and Marco Balbi . The Turks lost many of their best Sea-men and Souldiers , besides Slaves and others , counting on every Galley one with another three hundred persons ; amongst the Prisoners which amounted to four hundred and ten , the Beys of Cyprus and Navarine with Mustapha of Anatolia , and the Chiaus of the Pasha of Aleppo were taken , together with eleven hundred Christian Slaves who were all freed , on condition that they should serve the Summer following in the Venetian Armata . Of the Turks were slain Durach Bey , the Bey of Coron , and Hastam formerly Bey of Coron . The Great Vizier from the Camp could all the time behold the flashes of the small and great shot , and by help of the Venetian Lights perceive the success of his own Fleet , not answerable to his expectation . What loss the Turks sustained with Slaves and Souldiers is incertain , only an hundred Christian Slaves were released , and four hundred Turks captivated , and amongst the slain was Durach Bey himself , a stout Sea-man , and a known Pirate , who from a small Brigantine had raised himself to be Begh of the Morea , and to command four or five Gallies of his own . In like manner , and not long after , a Squadron of Venetian Ships were forced by storm in the night to anchor under Cape Spada , where accidentally six Turkish Gallies were riding . The Sky being very dark and close , the first Ship ran foul of a Galley , and so shattered and crushed her sides , that being ready to sink , the Turks forsook her , and run aboard the Ship to save a life which was to be afterwards miserable and slavish . The others assrighted at the arrival of these unexpected guests , slipt their Cables to seek harbour in a tempestuous Sea ; but the weather being too boisterous for Gallies , one of them was cast away , and about an hundred and seventy men lost : the news hereof being brought to Venice by Colonel Vecchia with the Ensigns and Spoils taken from the Enemy , the Senate bestowed the honour of Knighthood on the Captain-General , comforting the families of the slain and wounded with signal marks of Honour and Glory . The Captain-Pasha put this year to Sea more early than was usual , designing to make as many Voyages to Candia as was possible , with Succours both of Men and Ammunition ; his design and work was wholly to avoid the Venetians , and to steal ashore his Recruits ; to which end he made such expedition in every Voyage , that scarce could the Christians have advice of his arrival in any part of the Isle of Candia , before he was well forwarded in his return : yet his haste was not so great , but one time having fifty three Gallies in his Campany , he adventured to look into the Port of Nio , where he met four Corsaires or Free-booters under Maltese Colours , commanded by two Brothers Themericort , and by the Knights Verva and Bremont : two of the Ships were on the Careen washing and tallowing their Vessels , whilst the other two , viz. the Themericort Brothers were on the Guard , being at anchor in the narrowest entrance to the Harbour . The Turks supposed at first , that so formidable an appearance of their Fleet would affright the Christians to a Surrender , rather than to contend on those unequal terms . But it seems the Corsaires were more resolute than was imagined ; for no sooner did the Turks approach , than the Christians discharged their Cannon and Vollies of small shot so plentifully , as caused the Gallies to dispute at a farther distance , where shooting as it were at rovers with their long Cashee Pieces ( not adventuring to come to a nearer Fight ) for the space of eight hours made ( as reported ) about eight thousand shot , with little or no execution ; so that the Captain-Pasha made his sign of Retreat , and forsook the Engagement , as being too dangerous and difficult an Enterprise . But better success had the Turks the next month at Sea against Captain Georgio , an old and subtle Pirate , who for many years had vexed and pillaged , not only the Turks , but Christians on all Isles of the Archipelago : great fortune he had in taking Turkish Saiks and Vessels , and some of them considerably rich , and when that prey failed him , or was scarce , he then pursued his game on the shore , from whence he often carried men , women , and children into slavery , and oft-times had the fortune of considerable Booty . The Islands which lay open and unguarded were his common Rendezvous , where the men attended his service , and the women his lust . In this manner this Pirate passed for several years , having obtained unto himself a fame and terrour with the Turks , and richess at home : the place which he commonly chose to wash and tallow his Vessels , was amongst certain small Isles in the Bay of Edremit , anciently Adrimetum , opposite unto Mytilene , from whence he had as from a Thicket or Wood a view of such Vessels as passed the great Road towards Constantinople : these frequent successes rendred him so confident and secure , that he still continued his station , notwithstanding the Turkish Naval Forces , which in the Summer season made their Rendezvous at Scio. But at length the Captain-Pasha with the whole Turkish Armata being at Scio , and with him three Ships of Tripoli , advice came that Captain Georgio had not forsaken his little Isles , but was there careening his small Fleet which consisted of two Ships and a Brigantine : hereupon the Tripoleses were commanded out to encounter the Enemy , whom the next day they found so secure and negligent , that he discovered not his Foes before they were ready to attaque him . The Captain Pasha also fearing that the Tripoleses were not of sufficient Force to encounter so valiant and experienced a Commander , both to make the Enterprize the more easie and certain , and to gain the reputation of that business to himself , went out in person with all his Gallies . The Tripoleses had began to fire on Captain Georgio before the Pasha came in to their assistance , but it falling calm , and the Ships not able to join in a nearer fight , gave way for the Gallies , which being above fifty in number , overpowered the Christians on all sides ; howsoever , the two Ships defended themselves against all this Force , until the Captain himself being killed , his own Ship surrendred , but so shattered , that she was scarce able to swim above water . This Ship being overcome , the Turks boarded the other , commanded by Captain de Leseases , who seeing no remedy to avoid being taken , he leaped into his Boat , and blew up his Ship ; howsoever could not escape his destiny , for having his Arm broke , he became a prey and a slave to his Enemy . The News of this Victory was celebrated with so much the more joy , by how much this person was feared and hated ; and was not only a subject of rejoycing to the Turks , but also to the Christians , whose Parents and Relations this Corsaire had pillaged and enslaved ; so that the Inhabitants of the Archipelago for the most part were pleased with the revenge , and promised more security and quietness to their open Coasts . With no less triumph was this News posted to the Grand Signior , who rewarded the Messenger with two thousand Dollars gratuity , and caused demonstrations of joy to be made through the whole Court ; so dreadful was grown the Name of so inconsiderable a person , in respect of the greatness of the Ottoman Empire . But the success of this advantage did not heighten the courage of the Captain Pasha to that pitch , as to make him more bold with the Venetian Armata ; for in the month of July having great Recruits of Men and Provisions to land , and hearing that the Venetians lay before Canea , having fortified a Rock , called S t Todoro , at the mouth of that Port , he resolved for Retimo ; but pursuits , or intelligence of the Enemies being in the way , or his own fears still prevented him , until at length he was forced to Gira-Petra , a small and obscure place , far distant from the City of Candia , and the way thither by land rocky , and almost unpassable for Beasts of Burden ; howsoever , the Men and Ammunition were there landed with that haste and expedition , that in less than thirty hours time the Captain Pasha was again upon his return for Scio , leaving the Souldiery , and the Ammunition he had disbarked to find a passage through the Rocks and Mountains : At which the Vizier was so displeased , that he sent the Captain Pasha this Message , That the next time he should forbear to bring farther supplies , until he could find a more commodious Port wherein to land them . In this manner the Marine Affairs passed this year at Sea , the Turkish Fleet having , besides other succours , transported Ibrahim Pasha of Damascus with eight hundred Spahees unto Candia , whom we mentioned formerly to have been Pasha of Grand Cairo , and married to the Grand Signior's Sister ; and being one with whom I had a former acquaintance , and who was a great friend to the English Nation , I made him a visit as he passed through Smyrna . Whilst these matters were transacting at Sea , on the 7 th of January arrived the new Proveditor General Bernardo Nani , and Sergeant General Mutio Matei with five hundred Foot , sent by the Pope , who gave icence for destruction of some Monasteries , whose Orders were judged less necessary in the Venetian State , that their Revenue might be applied to the service of this War ; after Arriva of which succours , a general Muster was made of the whole Garrison , and the number thereof reckoned to amount unto eight thousand fighting Men ; though soon afterwards continual action and exploits of War decimated the number , and many of the brave Commanders being taken off , every tenth man perished , and rendred the place in a condition which required continual supplies . For many and various were the attempts and actions performed on both sides under the Walls of Candia ; and first the Turks began to make appear a Battery which they had raised on the side of the Lazaretto , which so offended the Port , that there was no harbour or access for Vessels . On the contrary to which , by the Fort of S t Andrea another Battery was raised , which offended Tramata very much , which was another small harbour , capable only to receive Boats or Barks ; the passage to which was so annoyed now by the Enemies Cannon , that no Vessel could go in or out , unless in the Night , and that too with some difficulty and danger . The Turks gaining advantage on the side of S t Andrea , applied their whole strength and diligence to that part ; and one dark Night passing undiscovered along the Seas , they silently fixed a Cord to the Palisade of S t Andrea , and with an Engine strained it so violently , that they tore away several of the main Stakes of the Work without being perceived by the Centinels , who paid for that neglect with the price of their lives ; upon which success they continued to advance their lines on that side , which Marquess Villa perceiving , resolved to hinder by some valiant sallies . And first two hundred brave men selected out of several Regiments , conducted by Sergeant Major Motta , issued out from Panigra , and taking their way along the Sea , bravely mixed with the Turks , and put them to slight ; and though the Alarm thereof brought a Concourse of Turks from all parts of the Camp , yet the Christians stood so stoutly to it , that they struck a terror to their Enemies , and once forced them to a Retreat within their Trenches ; and at length , after they had overthrown certain Redoubts and Traverses , they gave back with good order , returning with Victory and Glory ; which bravery the Captain General acknowledged to all , and encouraged in the common Souldiery with a Present of fifty Zechins . This success gave the besieged opportunity to finish their Platforms which they had raised on the side of the Ditch adjoining to the Bulwark of S t Andrea , on which they planted two pieces of Cannon which carried fifty pound Bullet a piece ; which much disturbed the Enemies Traverses : Howsoever , the Turks with indefatigable pains , and invincible patience battered the little Tower of Priuli , the Curtain , and Revelin of S t Andrea , and employed all their power and attention to fill the Ditch with Faggots , Earth and other Rubbish . On the 29 th of February , after the Christians had first made a Breach on the Enemies Redoubt , which confronted the Revelin of S t Andrea , and sprang five Mines one after the other , a second Sally was made by a considerable Body of the besieged , consisting of two hundred French and Savoyards , three hundred Italians , two hundred Germans , and a hundred and twenty horsemen , who issued forth with that Gallantry , that driving the Turks under Covert , advanced far within their Works , with which Demonstration of honour the Captain General being satisfied , they made the smoke which was a Signal for their Retreat ; so that returning victorious without much loss , that day was remarkable , and numbred amongst the other days which were esteemed successful and fortunate in that Siege . Howsoever , the Turks with admirable patience and assiduity crept forward by their Traverses , and help of their great shot on the Bastion of S t Andrea , which whilst Augustine Rostayne , Adjutant of Marquess Villa , considered , he was taken off by a Cannon Bullet ; and yet the Turks could not advance so fast , but that the Engineer Maupassan gave some retardment to their progress by firing a Mine , which overthrew two of their Redoubts , and afforded them new work to repair them and the adjoining Traverses . This was the present state of the miserable Candia , when the Duke of Savoy recalled his Subject Marquess Villa from his honourable employment ; and a Ship , called Alexander the Great , by appointment of the Venetian Senate arrived at Standia to transport him and his Family to Venice ; so that on the 11 of April , accompanied to Tramata by all the principal Officers of the Garrison , he embarked in order to his Voyage , whose place was about two Months after supplied by the Marquess S t Andrea Montbrun , a Nobleman of France , with whom the Venetian Ambassadour at Paris , by order of that Republick , had prevailed to take upon him the defence and protection of that deplorable City , reduced now almost to its ultimate Crisis . I cannot adventure to assign the reasons that might induce the Duke of Savoy to recal the worthy Governour from this glorious action . Some say , that those who were emulous of his glory procured his revocation ; Others , that the Marquess himself desired it ; and that finding the Forces of the Town to decline , and the Turks to encroach and penetrate daily into the innermost parts of strength , he was desirous , after so long a Siege , to return with untainted glory ; or perhaps weary of a Siege so tedious and perilous , he might desire to retire , having performed sufficient already in his own person , and enough to make all Christendom his Debtors and Admirers . So that I cannot but reproach those tongues and pens , which in report and writings attribute the cause of Marquess Villa's retirement to certain just occasions of discontent given him by the Captain General Francesco Morosini , who , envious of his Fame and actions , and unwilling to have a consharer with him in his honours , did usually thwart his Counsels and Proposals ; and more particularly contemned a Redoubt which Marquess Villa had built , and of which he had a singular esteem . Yet that Morosini might evidence the unsufficiency thereof , 't is reported that he wrote a Letter to the Vizier , to assault that Redoubt ; for if he did , he promised to afford him opportunity to take it , by withdrawing all Forces from thence ; which Letter , it is said , was betrayed to Marquess Villa , and brought to his hands , which he with great prudence and moderation dissembled until the hour of his departure , and then produced it to the astonishment and shame of Morosini . To this particular I give the less belief , because I find it wrote in a Journal of this Siege by a person who was a great Favourer of the French , and willing to share the intire glory to that Nation , and the miscarriages to the Italian . Whatsover might be the motive to Marquess Villa to perswade his return , is uncertain ; howsoever , it is reported , that being arrived at Zant in his way to Venice ; and there meeting a strong Convoy bound for Candia , with recruits of Men , and plenty of provisions , he conceived new thoughts of the greatness of the Republick ; and beholding also with what vigour and vigilance they attended to the conservation of that place , he began to testifie some remorse and dissatisfaction for having abandoned a Charge which rendred his Fame great through the World ; and the continuation of which labours being crowned with that success which his courage and conduct merited , might have brought a Blessing to all Christendom , and perpetuated his honour and glory to all posterity . The Marquess being arrived at Venice was received with the usual Ceremonies and Honours from the Publick , and being introduced , after private Audiences , into the Colledge , he spake in this manner . IF the thanks which I render to your Serenity , and to your Excellencies could equal the greatness of those favours which I have received from you , it would have been but an ordinary glory to you not to have infinitely surpassed the bounds of my acknowledgements , as you have infinitely outdone the utmost of my Deserts ; Nor could this August Senate have been exalted to the most elevated point of Soveraign Power , had I been able to render Services worthy of that generosity which composed it . For as the affection of the Creatures towards God , makes excuses for their wants and infirmities ; so having a zealous desire to contribute to the glories of this most Serene Republick , not only my endeavours , my labours , and my bloud , but also my life , and my whole being ; I beseech you to accept thereof as an attonement for the weakness of my abilities . This , my Lords , is that desire which I have ever demonstrated in all the wearisome performances of my Charge under the generous Conduct of the Captain General of your Armes , whose Valour I have endeavoured to second and imitate . This is that Desire which would have entertained me in the service of this most Serene Republick to the ultimate period of my life , if the Command of my Prince , concurring with the Assent of your Serenity , had not enjoyned my return . I confess , that I should feel in my self an inward Consolation , could I assist at the triumph of Candia , which I hope in a short time to see victorious over all her Enemies ; until when , my Lords , the honour which you have been pleased to do me hitherto , cannot but be relished by me as a Comfort of my life . And what greater Glory can I imagine to my self , than to have served a Republick , which may be called the most perfect work of the hand of God , which being founded like the Firmament upon the Waters , communicates happy Tranquillity through all the World ? I am able now to boast , That I have seen a City which of it self alone is able to resist the Puissance of all Asia , and that I have proved and tryed the valorous opposition which it made against a formidable Enemy . I can ( I say ) glory that I have awakened in the hearts of your Souldiery , their ancient Valour , and that I have sprinkled your Lawrels with my own Bloud ; and it is but just that I should distil it to the last drop for the service of this most Serene Republick , which after so many Ages resigns it self up a Sacrifice for all Christendom . It is by your Arms ( my Lords ) and by your immoveable Constancy , that the City of Candia , which in former Days was esteemed the weakest of all the Fortresses of Greece , is become at present the most famous Theatre of War. I dare not only hope , that the conclusion thereof will be happy , so long as your Serenity watchfully attends to the conservation of that place , but that also this August Senate will extend their Conquests into the most remote parts of all the East . This would be , most Serene Prince , and most Excellent Lords , the consummation of all my desires , and also that I might finish my days in the Service of this most Serene Republick , towards which I shall for ever conserve a most passionate zeal and an immortal acknowledgment . The Senate , that they might testifie the esteem they entertained of the person of Marquess Villa , presented him with a Bason of Gold valued at six thousand Ducats , together with a Patent recounting at large the many famous Exploits which he had performed in their Service , which they expressed with a stile so generous and obliging , as may serve for a Record to transmit the Fame of his Merits to all Posterity . Marquess Villa being departed from Candia , the Captain-General recalled all his Forces from divers parts of the Archipelago , which he had sent thither with the Souldiers wounded in the last Battle ; and being returned , they brought with them great numbers of Pioniers and Workmen to labour in the Fortifications and Mines : at the same time also the Captain-Pasha arrived at Canea , bringing two thousand Janisaries with him . The Marquess St. Andrea Montbrun , a Gentleman of the French Nation , was transported to Candia by the General Proveditor Cornaro , where being entred into the Charge and Office of Marquess Villa , wanted nothing of the vigilance and circumspection of his Predecessour . And therefore in the first place having visited all the Forts , Out-works , and Retrenchments of the Town , ordered what was necessary for repair of the breaches , and amended what was deficient in the most distressed Fortifications . And though the Turks fired a Mine the 22 th of August at the point of the Fort St. Andrea , which made a most dangerous breach ; yet it was so valiantly defended , and so speedily repaired , that the Enemy gained little or no advantage , and all by the extraordinary diligence of this Marquess St. Andrea , who passed whole months without uncloathing himself ; and as his nights were without sleep , so his days consumed without repose , applying himself personally to all places where was most of danger , especially at the Fort of St. Andrea , where he took up his constant Quarters . The Turks now daily pressing the Town more nearly than before , Skirmishes and Sallies were more frequent and more bloody ; so that about this time the Proveditor General Bernardo Nani applying himself with all earnestness in the performance of his Charge , was slain by a Musket-shot in his head ; his death was much lamented by all , being a Gentleman who was born ( as may be said ) in the Fleet , having had his Education there , and passed his youth in Wars and dangers for the safety and honour of his Country . Girolamo Bataglia was elected by the Republick to succeed him in the Office , whose death was also seconded by that of Francesco Bataglia , Brother of the Duke of Candia , being shot in the breast with a Musket-bullet ; and though he was sent thither to administer Justice to the People , yet his zeal and courage carrying him to Martial Acts beyond his duty , made a grave for him amongst the other Heroes and Worthies of that place . The Turks approaching daily nearer with their Works , infested very much the passage of Vessels to the Town , and shot so directly into the Port , that no Ship , Galley , or Bark could remain in any security from their Cannon ; to remedy which , a small Redoubt was raised at Tramata , which being well and strongly fortified served for a small Port , under the shelter of which the lesser Vessels found some protection , and was of great relief to the distressed City . About this time the Popes Gallies with those of Malta arrived , commanded by Fra. Vincenzo Rospigliosi , the Popes Nephew , who having not brought a greater number of people than what served to man their Gallies , they were not able to spare many for defence of the Town . The long continuance of this Siege , and the fame thereof noised through the whole World , moved the heroick and gallant Spirits of our Age , to descend into this Campus Martius , this Field of War , and give proofs of their Prowess and Valour in defence of the Christian Cause ; some being moved by a principle of vain-glory , proceeding from the briskness of a youthful and aery Spirit , and others from the sense of Devotion and fervour towards Religion : amongst which none were more forward than some Gentlemen of the French Nation , as namely Monsieur La Fueillade , aliàs Duke of Roanez , with the Count St. Paul , a young Cavalier ; to forward which design , taking first the Licence and Benediction of their King , they appointed their Rendezvous at Tolon , where they listed two hundred Gentlemen , Cadets or younger Brothers , who went in quest of Honour , and not of Pay , with four hundred ordinary Souldiers who expected their maintenance from the bounty of their Leaders . The chief of whom was Monsieur La Fueillade , and his Lieutenant the Chevalier De Tresines . Their whole Body was divided into four Brigades . The first commanded by Count St. Paul. The second by the Duke De Carderousse . The third by the Count De Villa Maur. And the fourth by the Duke De Chateau Tiery . When these Persons of Honour and Courage arrived at Candia , they found the City hardly beset , and reduced to a strait and difficult condition ; for the Turks were advanced so near to the Fort of St. Andrea , that the Souldiers within and without could cross their Muskets , and reach Tabaco one to the other : howsoever this breach was so well repaired with a good Palissado fortified with several Bonnets , and a double Retrenchment on the Bastion it self , and a third Retrenchment of squared stone withal , that the oourage of the Besieged being nothing abated by the many and furious assaults of the Enemy , the Town still remained in a defensible posture , and still capable with good Succours and Supplies to yield matter of imployment for several years to the Ottoman Forces . These worthy Champions , as I said , being arrived , moved with the sense of Religion , and desire of glory to themselves , challenged the priviledge of mounting the Guard of St. Andrea ; but that being already prepossessed by the Knights of Malta and other Officers of the place , was refused to them . Howsoever the Captain-General Morosini was pleased to gratifie them with the Guard of a small Chapel over that Bastion on the right hand of the breach , a place of no less danger , and therefore of no less honour than the other ; with which the Cavaliers being satisfied , Monsieur St. Paul mounted the Guard one day at six a clock in the morning , and continued there until the same hour of the day following ; during which time he lost his Major Dupré and Monsieur De Marenval , the latter of which had his brains knocked out with so violent a blow of a great shot , that some pieces of his skull dangerously wounded the Sieurs De Chamilly and De Lare , who were near to him : and more maliciously did the Turks ply the stations of these new-come Guests than any others , throwing Bomboes , Granadoes , Stink-pots , and other sorts of artificial Fire without cessation into their Quarters , notwithstanding which , this young Prince and Monsieur La Fueillade exposed themselves like common Souldiers , animating their men more with their example than their words . And now by this time by so many Works and removals of Earth , by so many Traverses and Mines under ground , and throwing up the caverns and bowels of the Earth into the Air , the soil became so brittle , crumbling , and as it were sandy , and like ashes , that it seemed not capable longer of enduring the Pick-ax or the Shovel , and was so porous , that the light of some Mines glimmering into the others Traverses , easily discovered each others Mines , whereby it became equally a trade and custom to steal Powder . Howsoever the Venetians so closely worked with those Props and Arts , that they formed a considerable Mine , which on the first , of December they sprang with so much success , that they wholly overthrew a Battery of the Turks directed against St. Andrea , and buried all their Cannon . But these French Gallants intended not from the first of their design to make this War their Trade , or the Town of Candia their place of habitation , but as Passengers or Pilgrims , whose souls are active , and hate idleness , to give the World some proofs of their Valour , and so away : wherefore La Fueillade their General pressed Morosini to give leave , that he and his Fellow-Souldiers might make a Sally , and enter into the Enemies Trenches , so as to yield a divertisement to those on the Walls ; and perform that Action and Enterprise for which they had designed and undertaken this Voyage : of which some of them were so impatient , that they would not expect Orders for their Sally , as the Chevalier De Tresmes , who alone entred into the Enemies Works , and returned with his Sword all bloody ; at which La Fueillade his Commander was so incensed , that he reproved him with this short reprehension , I would as gladly see a Butcher as you . Others by this example scarce refrained from the like ; amongst which Monsieur De Ville Franche drew a Turk by force from his Trench , and brought him to the foot of the Bastion ; but there he was forced to quit his Prize , for being shot in the Leg with a Pistol-bullet , soon after dyed of the wound : By these examples the Commanders seeing it impossible to repress or abate the mettle of these vigorous Spirits , their bridle was taken off , and licence given to make their excursion ; so that all things being ordered and contrived for a Sally , before break of day in the morning they silently issued forth , and leaping into the Enemies Quarters , valiantly mingled with them , cutting and hewing down all before them ; their Banner was a Crucifix carried in the Front by Father Paul a Capuchin Fryer , who little regarding those who followed him , proceeded with his Ensign as unconcerned , as if he had been in Procession ; which so animated the Souldiery , that like men conducted by miracle , they broke through the gross Body of the Enemies Force : and so violent they were in their combate , and so intent to their business , that they neither observed the multitudes of the Enemy which came upon them , nor the signal of their Commander for a Retreat ; until at length discovering their danger , they made speed with some disorder to return , having lost an hundred and twenty Gentlemen in this rencounter , whose heads being cut off ( as the custom of the Turks is ) were pitched upon the Pikes end , and ranked before the door of the Viziors Tent , amongst which the head of the Marquess Doradour did beyond all the others draw the eyes of the Turks , who admired the clearness of his complexion , and fairness of the hair ; which being breaded in tresses for the more convenience in fighting , made death it self beautiful , and was at the same time both his Enemies glory and their compassion . The French having thus evaporated their fury with this Phlebotomy , there not remaining above two hundred and thirty after this Sally of all those six hundred brought into Candia , Monsieur La Fueillade with his reliques departed : at which time the whole strength of the Town consisted of about seven thousand stranger Souldiers , four thousand Inhabitants , and two thousand Savoyards , which was too weak a Garrison to resist so potent an Enemy , so formally and strongly incamped , unless supplied with new Recruits . Wherefore the Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburg . mindful of their Christian Brethren in this distressed Siege , contributed three Regiments towards their relief , consisting in all of three thousand three hundred men . The first under Count Waldeck , the second under Molleson , and the third under Count Radesfeld . They made their Muster first at Verona , and imbarking at Venice the 28 th of March , on the 12 th of May 1669 : they arrived at Candia . These valiant Souldiers desiring to ease the long besieged Companies , demanded the Guards of Sabionera and St. Andrea ; which being by this time become hot and dangerous stations , were not disputed with that heat of honour as formerly , but were easily yielded to the fresh and new-come Souldiery . Many now and various were the assaults which the Enemy made upon the Town , hoping to carry it by dint of Sword ; but the Christians unweariedly maintained their valour and courage , and particularly the Lunenburghers , whose gallantry deserved its due praise and reward . Their General Count Waldeck whilst he undauntedly incouraged his men , and openly exposed himself on the Works , received a mortal wound , of which soon afterwards he dyed ; but before he expired , he assembled together his Fellow-Souldiers , and incouraged them in the Holy cause they were come to maintain , giving them as a Farewel-Sermon , instructions , and perswasive arguments to a godly life , and having confessed his own sins in the presence of them all , he resigned his spirit into the hands of his Creator , leaving not only his own Forces , but the whole Town disconsolate for the loss of so able a Commander . And now the time of year approaching , wherein the Town expected its ultimate Relief , and the Union of all the Princes of Christendom for raising the Siege , which had continued for the space now of about two years ; the valiant Christians full of hopes , daily animated each other , casting their eyes to Sea-ward , promised a reward to the first Descryer of the long desired Fleet. The Turks also being advised of the expected Succours , resolved if possible to perform the business designed before their arrival ; and thereupon made one of the greatest assaults that ever was yet given to the Town , in which though the Christians behaved themselves with all valour imaginable , yet the Turks still gained farther footing and advantage . And now it fared with the Town after every storm , as it doth with a physical body after every accession of a Feaver , which though it intermits for some time , yet it leaves the Patient always more weak and debilitated than before . Wherefore the Christians increasing in care and diligence , the Captain-General disarmed several of his Gallies to supply the Town with what Force he could possibly contribute , and the Engineers imployed their brains for destruction of the Enemy , so that they fell again to their Mines , and sprang one which took good effect ; soon after they sprang seven others , after which four more near the Revelin of St. Spirito , which blew up many Turks , ruined their Lodgings , and buried one of their Batteries : these also were followed by another Mine of an hundred and sixty Sacks of Powder , which took its way between St. Andrea and the Revelin of St. Spirito with extraordinary execution and violence , throwing up that vast quantity of Earth and Timber , that it not only overwhelmed the Enemy in the neighbouring Trenches , but overthrew a Battery of three Pieces of Cannon , which the Turks had raised on the Revelin of St. Andrea : yet all this served to increase the heat and fury of the Enemy rather than abate it ; for they imagining this to be the ultimate force and the last blast of the expiring Fortress , plyed their assaults with the more fury and madness , pressing forward the crowds of the Souldiery collected lately in Villages , and the Janisaries newly created taken from the Plough to be matter and fuel for the Christians Powder . Winter now approaching , and the Vizier resolving to quarter a second year under the Walls of Candia , began to provide against the weather , and resolved to lye still until the Spring should renew the time for action , but never intermitted his imployment of plying constantly his Batteries , and shooting Bomboes into the Town . In the mean time the Besieged being animated by their new additional Forces , whose spirits also were high , and desirous of action ; the Commanders thought it not policy to suppress the heat and mettle of their courage at the beginning , but gave way to the Souldiers proposition of a Sally , which was effected in the month of December with no bad success . For the Christians surprising the Turks unawares , little dreaming of any such design , fell in amongst them on the side of Sabionera , where they took a Battery , dismounted and spiked the Cannon , with the loss of the Duke of Candia , being shot in the breast with a Musket-bullet ; of the Turks near three thousand were killed , amongst whom was Benglee the Sampsongibashee or Major General of the Janisaries , and Katirgi-Oglé Pasha of Canea , whom we have already mentioned , and so returned with Triumph into the Town . This Katirgi-Oglé which signifies the Son of a Mulatier , was formerly a common Thief , who robbed on certain Mountains near Antioch in Pisidia , called Ock-shaher , which now have their names from him : and being a couragious man and fortunate , drew a considerable number of Miscreants from all parts to follow him in his Enterprises . His profession was not to rob Caravans or Merchants travelling in their honest imployment ; but Knight-Errant-like pretended to revenge the injuries and abuses of his Country by the unjust and corrupt Ministers , whom for robbing and oppressing the people , he esteemed it Justice and Vertue to deprive of their ill gotten Wealth . In which Trade he gained such Richess and Power , that at length he came to Scutari , from whence acquainting the Grand Signior of the abuses of his Officers , and his own course of living was upon promises of duty and submission received into Grace and Favour , and not only obtained pardon , but preferment . For the Grand Signior discovering in him a spirit of much resolution and bravery sent him unto Candia , and conferred on him the Pashaluck of Canea , in which on all occasions he comported himself with much bravery , dying at last before the Walls of Candia . Various were the Sallies and Conflicts the Christians made upon the Turks towards the end of this Year ; one of which , after that foregoing , was made by Marquess Villa , who with a thousand two hundred men fell in upon the Turks Trenches , where he had so good success , that he brought back with him a hundred Turks heads , which he planted on the Walls . The Turks also as they had made strong Assaults , and gained on the Fort of S t Andrea to the East , so they undauntedly pressed forwards on the Bastion of Sabionera to the West , with a Force of ten thousand men , having the advantage of three Batteries , each consisting of ten pieces of Ordnance . The next Night the Turks gave a general Assault with all their Forces to the Bastions of Panigra , Sabionera , and S t Andrea , and the great Fort S t Demetrius ; but the Besieged were armed with all caution and vigilance against surprise , and with that Conduct and Valour , that they gave the Enemy three Gallant Repulses with much slaughter and confusion ; but yet this success was diminished by the loss of the Count de Mare , an experienced Venetian Souldier , who , after proofs of an invincible Valour , lost his life in defence of the Christian Cause . But not long after the Marquess Cornaro , and the Baron Spar arriving with a Recruit of three thousand Men , as if they intended to requite the Turks last Assaults , made so resolute and so successful a Sally , that they left above two thousand Infidels dead upon the place , with a considerable number of their Officers . The State of Affairs in the Turkish Court , and other Parts of the Empire during the War in CANDIA . BUT whilst we are in relation of the Wars abroad , we must not forget the proceedings of Affairs at home . The Grand Signior now weary of his repose and aboad in his Seraglio at Adrianople , and impatient of the delays in his Affairs at Candia , judged it as well agreeable to the present convenience of his Empire , as to his own humour , to seat himself in some place of nearer distance from Candia , than his present aboad ; from whence by his presence and authority , his Army might with better expedition be supplied with all necessaries of War and provision . After various Arguments about the choice of the place , Larissa was fixed upon , a City anciently renowned for Antiquity and Plenty . And that the Court might not abound with unnecessary Attendants ; the Queen Mother , and Hasaki Sultana , with all the Ladies of their Retinue , were sent to Constantinople , a policy perhaps to amuse the minds of the people , and afford them an occasion of discourse , and hopes that the Grand Signior himself might shortly follow . But before the departure of this Female Court , the disposal of the Grand Signior's Brothers was moved and questioned by the Janisaries , who having long since been jealous and doubtful of their safety , did demand , that the protection and custody of them should be committed to the Queen Mother ; who willingly received the Charge , and gave security by Hoget to defend and preserve them from all private Treachery , or publick Attempts with the same tenderness and care as she should her own life , or the life of her Son. In this manner these Princes and Princesses departing , made a solemn and magnificent entrance into Constantinople . The chief of the Cavalcade was Kul-ogli , the Grand Signiors Mosayp , or Favourite , attended with a hundred and fifty Pages in Coats of Male , and Satten Vests ; in one Coach was the Valedé Sultana , or the Queen Mother , in the next was the Hasaki Sultana , or the Grand Signior's Queen , in the third were the Brothers , in the fourth was the young Prince , or the Grand Signior's Son , after came the Conehes of more ordinary Ladies attended with about a hundred and fifty black Eunuchs , in Vests of white Satten . The Grand Signior also preparing for his journey to Larissa , pitched his Tents without the City ; from whence one day vjewing round the Camp from a Jardac , or Tent , elevated above the rest , he espied with a Prospective Glass a certain person taking Tabaco in his Tent , whilst a Slave rubbed his Legs : His Attendants not able or willing upon his Demands to inform him who he was , he sent an Officer to make Enquiry , who returned with Answer , that it was Ibrahim , Aga , the Kahya or Steward to the Chimacam , and in effect Chimacam himself , having a great share in the mannagement of Affairs ; but the smoke had like to 〈◊〉 smothered him and all his Fortunes ; for this Grand Signior , who is as great an Enemy to it as King James was , or Sultan Morat , would have made him the Sacrifice to that Incense , had not those present interceded for him ; who with the Chimacam's own mediation , and the cost of fifty Purses , or five and twenty thousand Dollars , ransomed his Life . The Sultan being arrived at Larissa , News came of the near approach of the Excellentissimo Alvise de Molino , Ambassadour from the Venetian Republick , with propositions of peace . But the Turks before they would admit the Embassy , or the person which brought it , to a nearer approach than a Days Journey from the Court , would be resolved first whether he brought with him the Keys of Candia ; To which it was replied by the Interpreter , That he was not able to give them satisfaction in that particular , being but a mean and ordinary servant , to whom the Secrets of State , and resolutions of great men were not committed , his Office being only to render faithfully the words and sence of his Masters , and not to enter into the private thoughts and Cabinet of their Counsels . To which the Chimacam proudly and barbarously made answer , Go tell thy Master , that unless he brings the Keys of Candia , thy head shall pay for it . And that he presume not in person to approach nearer unto this Court. So the Ambassadour remained at a distance for some weeks , and at length was transferred over to the Vizier at Candia ; who being more ready to hearken to propositions , in hopes by some overture or other to hook in Candia , gave an easie Audience to the Ambassadour and controverted several Articles and Propositions with all freedom and patience . So that on the Venetians part , the Surrender of Suda was offered , and a Sum of money , in compensation of the War. The Vizier on the other side would be contented with nothing less than the Surrender of Candia ; and in lieu thereof to grant a Licence to rebuild Paleo-Castro , an ancient Fortress . But the Fortress it self of Candia being the prize and aim of both , nothing could be concluded without that ; so that , the Ambassadour in fine , declared plainly , That the City of Candia was maintained and defended by the Armes of Foreign Princes , without whose consent it could not be resigned ; all the rest of the Island should be the reward of their bloud and labour , only Candia was capable of no Conditions , but what were imposed on it by force of Armes . The Vizier , whose honour could be salved , and the glory of the Ottoman Empire maintained , at no other rate than the subjection of Candia , would hearken to no other terms or proposals ; so that the Treaty broke off , and the Ambassadour returned to Canea , there to remain until farther Overtures of an Accommodation should present . It was now towards the depth of Winter when three men of War and a Fire-Ship , sent by the most Christian King , steered up the Hellespont with words and boastings as full of Wind as their Sails ; and being arrived at Constantinople , vaunting of their Force , as if sufficient to subdue the Turkish Dominions , they uttered certain rumours , that they were come to revenge the late affront offered to their Merchants , to cause that money to be repaid , which in late and frequent Avanias had been extorted from their Nation ; and to renew their Capitulations with more advantageous terms . As namely , That their Customs from 5 be reduced to 3 per Cent. as the English , Dutch , and Genoeses pay . That their King be treated by the Sultan with the equal Presents and Gifts , according to the Custom used with the Emperour ; and that at all times interchangeably Ambassadours be sent to reside in each others Dominions ; with other propositions which seemed as extravagant to the Turks , as they appeared to others vain , and to have no foundation but in the report of the Vulgar . But that which was reported by the most judicious concerning these Ships was , That his most Christian Majesty being made to understand perfectly the affronts put on his Nation by the Turks ; and not fully satisfied ( as is supposed ) with the respect they had shown to his Ambassador at Constantinople , made it the chief Design of his Ships to withdraw him from thence , supposing it a less diminution to his honour , to have the person of his Agent subjected to affronts , than of his Ambassadour , to which ( it was imagined ) he might be obnoxious , in consideration of those great supplies , which were in the following year designed for Candia . In what manner soever the Turks deemed of this appearance of Men of War to hector and brave them at their Imperial City , they did yet for the present cunningly dissemble the matter , giving the French fair words , and what plenty of Provisions their occasions did require . In what manner this Affair was transacted , I shall not adventure to relate , nor is it well or certainly known ; Yet not long after came Orders for the Ambassadour to repair to the Court at Larissa ; and that until the Grand Signior's pleasure was farther known , the Ships of War were to be detained . The Commander in chief , called Monsieur d' Almeras , was not a little trou bled to have his Ships thus embargued , and labouring in his thoughts between the time limited in his Instructions by his Master and the restraint by the Turks , he once bravely resolved to hazard his passage through the Castles ; but protracting the execution thereof from day to day , even until the end of April ; at length Licence came for their departure , and Orders to repair unto Vola , near Larissa , there to take an Ambassadour , or Agent , or Envoyé from the Sultan to their King. For , it seems , the Vizier had intimated to the Grand Signior , That it was not time to disgust the French King , and to bring him under the notion of a declared and publick Enemy , or at least to irritate him so far as might provoke him to send greater Forces , than perhaps he designed the next year , for Candia : and that he ought to comply with the present conjuncture , and salve that up for a time , which he might afterwards open at his pleasure . This counsel seeming reasonable to the Grand Signior , and agreeable to the present necessity , he ordered ( as I was credibly informed ) a thousand Dollars only to adorn his Ambassadour ; so pitifully do the Turks esteem of Christian Princes , and so highly do they value themselves , as if a Message from them would be reverenced in Christendom as a favour , though brought by a Porter or a Slave . But the French Ambassadour considering this allowance too mean a provision for a person qualified to appear before his Master , did ( as it is said ) out of his own Purse and generous Soul contribute a far greater Sum , with two Vests of Sables towards his better Equipage . In this manner the Sultan dissembling an appearance of good correspondence with his Christian Majesty , dispatched away his Envoyé on the Ships of War , being a Person in quality of a Mutafaraca , one of the same degree with a Chaous , to expostulate with the King concerning several Particulars , and especially his Reasons for sending for his Ambassadour , without sending another according to ancient custom to supply his Office , wondering much at this sudden alteration of friendship , without any cause given on the Ottoman side : and with these smooth and fair words the Turks imagined they might charm the Spirit of the King for a while , and suspend his Succours from Candia , until at last it were beyond his power and wisdom to relieve . In the mean time the Ambassadour from the most Christian King was detained as a Hostage for the other , of whose return we shall speak in its due place . Towards the end of this year Sir Daniel Harvey Lord Ambassador from His Majesty of Great Britain arrived at Constantinople , succeeding in the place of the Earl of Winchelsea , who could not obtain Audience with the G. Signior until the end of the following year , by reason of the Sultans unsetled abode and far distance ; who at length coming to Salonica , summoned the Ambassadour thither , and there conferred on him the usual Ceremonies and Honours due to the Ambassadour at sirst Reception . Candia was now hardly assailed in four places , viz. on the side of Betlem , Panigra , St. Andrea , and Sabionera . These places being twice stormed , in which the Turks lost thirty thousand men , so many Mines and Fornelli were fired , that the ground lay open like a vast abyss , with strange heaps of confused and undigested Earth , and hindred the Enemy from approaching to the Wall ; but Sabionera and St. Andrea being esteemed the most weak , because they were not sortified by any considerable Out-works , or compassed with any depth of Ditch , were pressed and forced upon by the Turk with more violence than any parts of the City . The Enemy having by their great number of Pioniers elevated the confused Earth , they formed some Batteries , fortifying them , and sheltering their people with Sacks of Wool , and a Labyrinth ( as we may say ) of Redoubts , they advanced foot by foot upon the Revelin of St. Andrea , being destitute of all Mines to stop their proceedings ; and having at length blown up the Revelin , and with fire and earth having taken the Out-work , they penetrated into the Ditch ( which was not deep ) with four Traverses , and came now to the very foot of the wall of the Bulwark , fortified with eighteen pieces of Cannon , six of which carrying fifty pound Bullet shot into the Ditch , eight flanked that side which was opposite to Panigra , and four on that part towards the Revelin of St. Spirito , notwithstanding which they stormed the Walls in nine places . And beginning to make a breach by firing certain Mines , which opened a wideness of forty two paces at the point of that Bulwark ; and continuing their breaches towards the Sea , breaking in their way the Front of the Fort Priulo , they proceeded almost to the Gate of St. Andrea , and opened forty eight paces more , in all ninety paces . Afterwards they ruined the remainder of the Wall , and that which was called the Scotch Fort to the very Sea ; so that the Christians were forced to retire from their Out-works , and contract their Precincts to the Walls of the City . To add unto the misery of this place , an unfortunate shot from the Turks Camp entred that Magazine which was near St. Peters Church , where the artificial Fires were made ; and meeting several shells of Granadoes already charged , with thirty Barrels of Powder ; all took fire , and blew into the air , and burned all the houses which were near thereunto . At this unlucky accident the Besieged fearing a general assault , and seeing the Turkish Horse draw into a Body near Sabionera , the whole Garrison ran to the Walls ; but no farther Attempt being made , towards evening they blew up a Lodge of the Enemy , with all the people that were therein . Anno Christi 1669. Hegeira 1080. TOwards the end of the last Year , and at the beginning of this the Turks began to open their eyes , and find themselves defrauded with the grossest cheat that ever was imposed on a people who had either reason or humanity . For now three or four years had ran on , that the French , Dutch , Italians , and other Nations had introduced into all parts of the Turkish Dominions ( unless in those East-ward , as Aleppo , and farther ) a sort of small Money called by some Luigini , by others Ottavi , and by the Turks Temins , worth about five pence English ; which appearing pleasant and bright to the eye , and commodious for change , and common expences , so bewitched the Commonalty , that Pieces of Eight , Zaichins , and other merchantable Money were laid aside , as neither currant or valuable . At first about nine years past they were of good and warrantable Silver , but afterwards with time by little and little grew worse , and of baser alloy : at length the people doting more and more upon them , they came coarser every day than other ; and being still currantly passable , every person that was failed , and of bad reputation entred into the Trade , who knowing no bounds of honesty or of gain , composed their Money wholly of Copper or coarser Metals , with a fair gloss and resemblance of Silver , buying therewith the Commodities of the Country ; and at length amassed up all the Gold , Silver , and whatsoever came to hand was the price of their false and bastard Coin , with which they filled and abused all Asia : nor was this Money only of one Mint , but of divers Stamps and Mottoes reproachful to the Turks , and it is pity they had not wit enough to understand them , as namely , Voluit hanc Asia mercem De procul pretium ejus , and such like , which were so various , that many who had the curiosity to make a collection of them , found no less than an hundred and twenty several Stamps . The Commonalty still enamoured with the brightness of their colour , and commodiousness of their change , little reflected on the ill consequence to the generality , having seldom more than to supply their daily wants . And the Officers of the Customs finding a benefit extraordinary to themselves upon the vast Sums of Money imported , little cared how it fared with the publick . In the mean time the whole currant of Merchandise in the Levant was dispossessed of its ordinary and true chanel ; for vast quantities or a glut of Turkish Goods filled all Christendom , the prices low and cheap , and no profit to any Merchant dealing upon the square , or upon the old and legal way of Traffick . At Ligorne and other parts of Italy complaints were made , That the Silver and Bullion of the Country were melted down to make a composition with baser Metals for Turkie , and exchanged for decaying and perishable Commodities . In short , no man seemed satisfied with the Trade , and yet the World , like their sins , which they disapprove , pursued it with all heat and violence imaginable . This Trade being thus over-laid , and vast heaps of adulterate Money imported daily worse and worse , caused the Jews and other Merchants at first to except against some sorts , and admit of others . This seruple , together with the prohibition of them two years before by the English Factory at Smyrna , obliging themselves unto the Levant Company under a considerable penalty not to receive this money for Cloth or other Commodities of the growth of England , together with the circumspection and contrivance of the English Consul , awakened sirst the blind minds of the Turks , who having long been infatuated with this beloved money , began now to reject and abhor it like the false and farded countenance of a Courtisan : so that from eleven they fell to twelve , and so to thirteen and fourteen to the Lion-Dollars . In which conjuncture a Dutch Convoy arrived at Smyrna , importing vast Sums thereof ; which for a Bribe to the Officers of the City , or what the Customer would ask , were permitted Licence to be landed ; which overflowing in great abundance , and rather of a worse than better alloy , went declining to eighteen , and so to twenty , at which Rate for a short time they passed currant . And now at this price the Officers did what was possible to keep them up , conceiving it impossible , in a time of so much scarcity of all sorts of other Coins , that the Countries could subsist , or that Trade in buying or selling could proceed , if this money should wholly lose its esteem and value : nor were the people so much the care of the Governours , though for many years they had known no other price or reward of their labours , as were the vast damages of the Sultan , in whose Coffers were considerable Sums , which were never known to have been placed unto the loss of the Exchequer ; for it is a Proverb amongst the Turks , That the Grand Signiors Lead cannot sink . But that which raised most of tumult was the rigour of the Tax-gatherers , who refused to take that money from the people for their Duties to the Grand Signior , but demanded of them Lion-Dollars , Sevil and Mexico Pieces of Eight , or the like ; which they not being able to find , beat and imprisoned them in all places , where this question came into dispute : the people hereupon , though patient , and accustomed to violence and burden , could not yet support longer an oppression so unreasonable , but that Insurrection was made in all places where this came into dispute : and as injured patience turns to fury , at Prusa and Angora the torrent of the peoplesrage was not appeased without the blood and lives of some of their Officers , alledging with good reason , That their Ministers and Governours having introduced or permitted this money amongst them , and allowed it as currant in that manner , as that they had for some years known no other , nor received other for all the fruits of their labour or possessions , they ought not now to refuse to receive that which they themselves had made passable ; which argument and reason was pressed in sundry places with that violence , that the Officers were forced to submit to the necessity of the times , and the fury of the multitude . And now this money had wholly lost its reputation , and began to be refused generally at any rate whatsoever ; so that though the Government thought fit to license them at thirty to the Dollar ; yet the people prosecuting the abasement of it with a hate and disaffection equal to their former desires , refused generally and absolutely to accept them in payment . Wherefore the Sultan perceiving that the power of his Officers was not sufficient to render this money longer passable at any rate , at length he commanded , that every one should bring in his money of these sorts into the Mint where it should be melted down , and the Silver it produced should be delivered to the Proprietor . At which Summons several Great men voluntarily brought in their money , others had it seized and condemned to the Furnace , amongst which was a French Merchant ingaged to the import of sixty thousand Dollars . As yet the News of this alteration not having reached Christendom , divers Ships arrived at Constantinople with vast Sums of this money , which were all seized and forced to the Mint . In like manner other Ships arrived at Smyrna with the same Commodity , which my self would not suffer to be landed , and some of them having no other foundation of Stock or Freight , returned empty , to the great loss of the Employers . It was strange to see , how on a sudden all Trade ceased , no money being left in the Country , few Bargains were made but by Barters ; and though all this ruine might wholly be attributed to the ill Government , yet the people were contented , and sate down with the loss . And thus concluded this extravagant Trade of false Money , being supposed to have wrought more of destruction and loss at the end , than it brought of benefit at the beginning ; memorable for nothing more than for expiring so quietly , though it had the chief part of the Turkish Empire to support and defend it . During these Troubles the Grand Signior passed his time in hunting near Larissa , where he ruined the Country round about , and tired the people with beating and driving the Woods for Game and wild Beasts to divertise him , in which , as formerly , he continued so excessively immoderate , that without consideration of the heats , or colds , or moisture of the season , he compelled the people , but especially the Jews ( of which great numbers inhabit that Country ) to continual labours in the Woods and Fields ; by which many died through the rigid Frosts of the Winter and Calentures of the Summer . But yet notwithstanding these Divertisements , the Grand Signior could not easily cast off the melancholy apprehensions and fears he had for the state of his Affairs , imagining that the long delays and ill success at Candia , and defaults in Government had begotten in his Subjects a hate towards his Person , and a desire of alteration . Wherefore the Spring approaching , he retired into a solitary but pleasant shade amongst the Mountains , where sprang cool and crystalline waters , about sixteen hours Journey from Larissa . In this solitude his melancholy thoughts again disquieted him with a jealousie and suspicion , lest his Brothers now at Constantinople should take their advantage , and one of them be by the Peoples consent and assistance placed in his Imperial Seat : which imagination made that impression in him , that he immediately dispatched away a trusty and valiant Officer with all secrecy , without making any noise , to bring him their Heads , directing his Commands to his Mother , in whose custody they were ; and not doubting of her help and assent , as being most nearly concerned in his interest , expected every hour the return of his Messenger with that grateful Present , which could only cure the torture of his jealousie , and alleviate his cares . But no sooner was this fatal Command arrived the hands of the Queen , but she trembled so much , that she could scarce hold the Paper . At length considering , that ( as hath been said before ) she had given in caution to the Janisaries for the lives of these Princes , and that to her care they were committed , she immediately disclosed and published the design of the Grand Signior to the Janisar-Aga , craving his help and protection , protesting that she was resolved to maintain the faith she had given to those Princes , whose life she tendered equal with her own . This advice and resolution of the Queen-Mother being brought to the Janisaries , was heartily approved , and protestations given , that they would never abandon her , nor the lives she preserved . The rumour hereof in an instant flew through the streets ; but with such variety of reports , that nothing of certainty was known , only in general some great ruine was apprehended to threaten the City ; whereupon a strange outcry was made to shut up the shops , and every one to consult the safety of the Publick . But some few hours after , it being more distinctly known , that the Grand Signior had sent for the Heads of his Brothers ; the People of Constantinople , whose sole hopes of seeing the Royal City restored to its ancient Honour , was by the conservation of these Princes , were in a greater combustion than before ; for every one then betook himself to his Arms : so that in a short time were assembled forty thousand men at Okmedon well appointed , where considing in the strength of a general Cause , in which they were ingaged , they vented many opprobrious speeches against the Government , calling the Chief Ministers Orsysler , which is unfortunate Fellows , a term amongst the Turks , of the greatest ignominy , especially to a Governour , and loudly exclaimed and wished for a reformation . In the mean time the Queen-Mother desired aid from the Janisaries , and Guards about the Apartments of the Princes , lest the Bostangees , who are the Creatures of the Grand Signior , should assault their Quarters . The Consultations also amongst the Janisaries were long and secret , and the Queen-Mother dispatched several Messages to the Grand Signior , advising him to forsake the Mountains , and repair to one of his Imperial Cities , as became the Majesty of so great a Sultan , being the only means to secure to him the establishment of his Crown . And now the Reader will with impatience attend the conclusion and issue of so great rumours and disturbances ; but it is now , as it hath been experienced in other Commonwealths , acribus , ut fermè talia , initiis , incurioso sine , matters violent in their original , spend themselves at first , and produce nothing remarkable in their end . And so was the effect of these recesses , and mutiny of the people at Constantinople , whose humour of novelty and change venting it self , and in four or five days tired with expectation ; at length every one began to return to his dwelling and employment . The face likewise of things at Constantinople seemed quiet and appeased , carrying with it , as it were , a still modesty and shame for the late disorders ; and nothing was heard or murmured for the space of twenty or thirty days after , until the Grand Signior trembling with the fears of this confused Rebellion , kept more strict Guards than ordinary within his mountains , and after being better recollected , entered into Consultation , and being advised of the Heads and Leaders of the late Insurrection , proscribed such as were the prime Actors , and having dispatched away two or three Messengers on this Errant , they entered secretly in the Night to their Lodgings , where they quietly , and without noise , took off the heads of four or five of them , and banished as many without the least noise , or notice taken thereof by the Vulgar . And because this disorder happened at Constantinople , for which the chief Commander ought to answer , the Chimacam passed not without a jealousie either of negligence or consent ; wherefore the Vizier sent for him and the Janisar-Aga to Candia , as if he had occasion of their service , though not without their own fears and suspicion of others , to answer and make satisfaction for the late mutiny . And thus for a while this Flame is extinguished , and the fire raked up in the Embers . We must expect a while , and observe when and where it will again burst forth . The Spring now approaching , which supplies new Spirits , and warm and fresh bloud into the Veins of Man , as well as sap in Trees , and life in other Vegetables ; let us return again to the Wars , and survey the Camp , and posture of Affairs before the walls in Candia . The Turkish Army , which , like worms benummed with the Cold of Winter , had lain immured between their Banks of Earth , did not ply their Assaults so frequently as they had done in Summer , only for a Winters exercise , battered the inward Works of S t Andrea's Fort , which as we said before , they had hardly beset . And now the time for action being again come about , they renewed their storm on that side so violently , pressing forward the least esteemed of their Souldiery , that with the help of Spade and Mattock , and blowing up of some Mines , they penetrated forty paces within the Walls of the City . But the Christians having long since foreseen the weakness of that side , made it part of their Winters labours to draw another Wall from the Fort Panigra ( whose Revelin or Out-work was before blown up ) crossing over almost to the Tramata , which they fortified as well as could be expected , and made constant and bold resistance against the Enemy . Notwithstanding which the Turks pressed so constantly and boldly forward , that though the Christians were strong within , and provided with all sorts of provisions both of war and sustenance , yet nothing supported their Courages and Spirits more than the expectation of promised Succours from France and Italy ; it being reported , and generally believed , that they would be so numerous as might be able to give Battel in the Field unto the Turk , and force them out of their Trenches ; for by no other means was it possible for this City to be relieved : for it might fare with this place , as it did formerly with Rhodes and Ostend , which , though wanting neither men nor provisions , were yet taken by palms and inches of ground , till not so much was left , as would hold men to defend them . A pregnant example ( as S r William Tample well observes ) how impossible it is to defend any Town that cannot be relieved by an Army strong enough to raise the Siege . Whilst the Christians were entertained with these hopes , the Turks fortified themselves without as strongly as the besieged had within , heaving like Moles with their numerous Army of Pioniers , whose lives being not valued , they were wholly intent unto Mines , blowing up all before them , in that manner that every day they gained a pace of ground within the City . So that in effect ( as will be seen by the Sequel ) this most impregnable Fort of the World was forced and taken by the Spade and Shovel , and by a Crew of unarmed Labourers , who understood nothing more than the Plough and Harrow . So that now this Town seemed to be reduced to its utmost Crisis , either of being taken , or for ever freed of this malignant Enemy . And indeed the Turks had so far advanced upon the Bulwark of S t Andrea , that now nothing remained of it , more than ruines , and undigested heaps of Earth and stone , in defence of which the chief Commanders applying themselves in person with all diligence , the Marquess S t Andrea Montbrun was wounded by a stone in the face , the Cavalier de Bret was buried in the ruines to the very Neck , and with difficulty drawn out of the Earth by Assistants about him ; two other Cavaliers were wounded with Granadoes , and the Cavalier Feuillere , who carried the Standard of Malta , was shot into the Eye with a Musket . The Proveditor General Corndro serving at the repair of the Breach , was so wounded in the Belly by a Granado , that his Bowels burst , of which he died in three hours ; and with a piece of the same Granado the Count Vignole , a French Gentleman of great Valour , was likewise slain : And so hotly the Turks plyed this Breach , that from the 28 th of May to the 2 d of June they sprang five Mines , which brake all the Palisades of the Christians ; the which the Turks seconded with that fury and mettle , as if they intended to win the place and make an end of their work , before the arrival of the Forces expected from Christendom . And this Post was now grown so dangerous and weak , that the Captain General , the Marquess of Montbrun , and all the chief Officers took up their Quarters at this place , where his Excellency kept an open Table , and the Marquess took up his Lodgings at Night , that so the other Officers might have no excuse on account of attendances or orders to abandon these Quarters . The Princes of Christendom all this time forgot not their besieged Brethren in Candia . Popo Clement the IX . pressed the most Christian King to make ready his succours in due time , who had already himself prepared all things , and elected the Duke of Beaufort his General of all the Forces by Sea , whether of French or other Nations . This Duke , like a couragious and brave Prince , thinking it little glory to command at Sea , where the Enemy was of an inferiour and unable Force to encounter him , did therefore desire Licence from his King to make tryal of his Fortune in the Field , where he might evidence his Valour in the face of the Infidels , and signalize his Fame either by Death or Victory . The King , unwilling to hazard so worthy a person of his bloud out of his due Command in the rank of an ordinary Souldier , at first denied his requests ; but the Pope interceding for him , whose General he was , with holy Arguments , and devout Contemplations of Martyrdom , and Glory of dying for the Christian Cause , at length obtained a concession from the King , who of himself was flexible to so pious a request , esteeming it unholy to deprive his Kinsman either of the Palm of a Martyr , or the Lawrel of a Conqueror . The Summer being come , and all things provided , the Duke ascended his Ship at Tolon a City in Provence , the 6 th of June , New-style , with about seven thousand Land Souldiers , commanded by the Duke of Navaille , with the Marshals Lebret and Golbert , and several other Worthies and Heroes of undaunted Courage , and arrived before the Town of Candia the 19 th of the same Month , having casually encountred together in the Seas on the 17 th with fourteen Sail of Venetian Ships , laden with Horse and Ammunition to mount the Troops , and relieve the Town ; which happy encounter and speedy passage , seemed a happy Omen of the future success . The appearance of this succour seemed to the Besieged as sent from Heaven , and administred unto them new hopes and courage ; and the salutes passed between the Town and the Fleet with the usual Ceremonies , and all the imaginable testimonies of joy and triumph . No sooner were they arrived than the two Generals , with other principal Officers , immediately in their Shallops took the best view and survey they could of the Enemies Camp , and the Condition of the Besieged ; in which whilst they entertained themselves , they espied a small Vessel making towards them with S t Mark 's Colours , in which was the famous Engineer Signior Castellano , dispatched by the Captain General Morosini with an exact plat of the Town , and disposition of the Turkish Camp , which being particularly viewed and considered , it was evident , That if the Turks should make some very forcible Attempt before the new Forces could be landed ( as it was very probable they might ) they would put all in hazard of being lost ; wherefore the Captain General pressed to have some succours immediately supplied to be assistant in that case of extremity ; To which the Duke of Navailles immediately consented , and landed himself that Night in person with sufficient Force to mount the Guard on the Breach of S t Andrea , whose first Retrenchment was continually battered by the Turks ; and though there was a second Retrenchment in hand , yet time being required for compleating thereof , that part of the Town would be reduced to its ultimate hazard ; for should the Enemy spring a Mine ( which they feared was already formed under the present Work ) it would lay all open and naked , without other Fortification . The Duke being ashoar , was received by Morosini with all demonstrations of Civility and Respect due to a personage of his Quality and Employment ; and with a welcome suitable to the present extremity of his Affairs : all Ceremonies and Complements were soon passed over , the urgency of matters not permitting them time to be long impertinent ; so that falling into the Discourse of the common safety , it was resolved that the succours should be immediately landed , which was performed with that diligence and expedition , that in two days the whole Army came safe on shore , excepting only some few , cut short by shot from the Enemies Camp. On the 23 d the Generals and other Officers , held a Council of War , amongst whom was also the Marquess of S t Andrea ; and did unanimously conclude , that the Town was no longer tenable , or to be maintained , unless by some extraordinary enterprize attempted on the Enemy , and by some furious Sally performed with resolution , and stratagems of War , in order unto which it was resolved , That the 27 th should be the day of sally both with Horse and Foot , and that the Fleet not to lose their part in this action , should play with their great Guns on that side of the Turkish Army which lay incamped on the Quarters of St. Andrea . All the Forces were landed on the 26 th , and the whole night following was spent in preparations for the next days sally : the Army being drawn up made four Batalions , the first called the Admirals commanded by the Sieurs Martel , Vandre , and Gravier ; the second was the Vice-Admirals commanded by the Sieurs de la Mothe and Planta ; the third was the Rere-Admirals under Command of Chevalier de Bouillion , Gabaret , and the Chevalier Dailly ; the fourth was the Batalion of the Sieur d'Almeras commanded under him by the Sieurs Panetier , de la Rogue , Fontier , Bitault , and the Chevalier de Nemond ; and on the left hand of these aforesaid Batalions , the Guards of the Duke of Beaufort were disposed . The Duke of Beaufort unwilling to be a Spectator in this glorious Action , without bearing a part in his own person , after he had given order to the Fleet to accost the shore on the side of St. Andrea , as near as consisted with their security , and from thence with their great Guns to annoy the Enemies Camp as much as was possible , came that night on shore , resolving to fight in the Head of the Forlorn Hope , from which hazardous adventure no intreaties or counsel of his friends could prevail to disswade him . The Forlorn consisted of 400 men , on the head of which marched fifty men with hand Granadoes , flanked with three Troops of Horse , Commanded by Count Dampiere : the Regiments of Guards , with four Troops of Horse for their Wings , flanked also with three Regiments of Foot , followed the Forlorn . The Reserve consisted of the Regiments of Harcourt , Conti , Lignieres , Rosan , Montpesat , and Vendosme , slanked with four Troops of Horse under Command of the Count Choiseul , which placed themselves on a rising ground , to hinder all Communication between the Vizier , whose Camp was before S t Andrea , and the Janizar Aga , who lay before Sabionera . Between the first and second line , were placed fifty Musketiers of the King , to be assistant on occasion ; and the other Troops of Horse were to take the left hand along the Trench leading to the Sabionera : the Regiment of Montpeyroux was to mount the Guard on the Fort of St. Demetrius to secure the Retreat , if occasion should require . In like manner five hundred Pioniers were ordered to level the Trenches of the Enemy on the Quarter of St. Andrea , whilst the Body of the Turks Army was imployed in repulsing the violence of the Sally . Things being disposed in this manner , and the morn approaching , the Forces marched out by the Gate of St. George with all silence possible , covering their Matches , that the fire might not alarm the Enemy ; the Onset was to begin with the dawning of the day , and the Signal was to be given by siring of the chief Mine Royal ; which being large , and furnished with a great quantity of Powder , might ( as was supposed ) make way to the slaughter of the Turks whom the Christians might sind terrified and disordered by such an unexpected accident . This Mine was reserved for the last extremity , but being low was full of water ; so that the Powder was stowed on floats and rafts to support it , but yet received so great a damp and moisture , that when they came to spring it , the Powder took not fire , which was the first disappointment of this Enterprise . Though some are of opinion , that the Mine was so vast , and contained such a quantity of Powder , that the Engineers were timorous to spring it , lest it should reverse on the Besieged , as well as take effect on the Enemies Camp. But be it how it will , a quarter of an hour before day the Generals expecting no longer , the Forlorn Hope which lay within half a Musket-shot of the Enemy , assaulted two Redoubts , took them , and put them all to the Sword : with the like courage the other Regiments entred the Line , and making themselves Masters of the Trenches after much blood and slaughter , and storming a Fort on which was the Battery directed against St. Demetrio , possessed themselves of it , and therewith of a great Magazine of Powder belonging to the Enemy , spiking all the Cannon that were found therein . The day by this time being clearly broken out , discovered the action ; so that the Turks with all expedition put themselves into a Body on the Hill near New Candy , from whence observing and contemning the small number of the Christians , came thundring down in great numbers to regain their Trenches . The Duke of Navailles perceiving his Forlorn hardly beset , came in to their assistance with two Regiments of Foot , and two Troops of Horse , which behaved themselves with that gallantry , as ingaged the Turks again to quit their Trenches . But whilst success seemed thus to smile on the Christians , the Magazine of Powder which was newly won , containing an hundred thirty four Kintals of Powder ( by what accident is not known ) took fire , and blew up all into the air , by which many were destroyed and wounded , especially of the Batallion of the Guards , with many Officers . This fatal blow quite turned the Scale of Fortune . For the Souldiers hearing the dreadful clap , and feeling as it were the Earth to tremble under them , supposed it to be the eruption of some Mine near them , with which they were so amazed , that they began with confusion to disperse to the right and left , and put themselves into shameful flight . In like manner the Forces near the Sea sensible of the blow , began to retreat , and abandon their design , which no perswasions of their Officers , or other incouragement could animate them to prosecute ; but that the faintness of a second Attempt ( an infirmity recorded of ancient Times to be incident to the nature of the French Nation ) prevailed upon their spirits , beyond any possibility of arrest , so that in a disorderly manner they fled into the Body of the first Battalion , where being now united with the Reserve , they for some time sustained the shock of the Enemy ; until other Bodies of the Turks from New Candia and St. Andrea over-powered them with greater multitudes , so that then they wholly abandoned the field , and every one as well as he could , sought his Sanctuary and refuge within the Precincts of the Fortifications . Howsoever Choiseul and Lebret , each of which had a Horse killed under him , incouraging their Troops , disputed the case yet longer , and still with other Officers made head upon the Enemy ; but at length with the Duke of Navailles , and several other Gentlemen , who made their way through the Enemy with their Swords , they were forced to retreat honourably into the Town . The Duke of Beaufort was said to have laboured much in resisting the shameful flight of his men , and venturing his Person into danger , from whence he resolved never to retreat , was overwhelmed with unequal numbers , and so fell amongst the common heaps : but his body , though much sought after , being not found , it was believed rather , that he perished by that fatal Magazine of Powder , which blowing up , affrighted and disordered the whole Christian Army . But not only did misfortunes attend the Land-Forces , but the Fleet at Sea shared in the disasters . For some few days after the wind blowing hard from the Sea , caused the Ships to ride at a distance from the shore . The whole Fleet consisted of eighty Ships small and great , fifty Gallies , and six Galleasses , being the whole Force of that Year from France , Italy , and Malta . All which being at Anchor in due order as near the shore as was safe or convenient , made many shot into the Turks Camp , but with little execution : during which Action , the Santa Teresa , a French Ship of seventy Brass Guns blew up , and her whole Company lost , being about three hundred men , of which seven only were saved ; the Admiral of France being near to this Ship , received five shot from her which passed through her , and by the Splinters and fall of Timbers ; the Vessel called La Reale had six Cavaliers killed , and forty Souldiers Slaves were killed and wounded . After this it was proposed in Council , That another Sally should be made of ten thousand French ; to which the Duke De Navaille assented , on condition that they might be preceded in the Van by four thousand Venetians , who were well acquainted and versed in the nature of the place , and knew the several Redoubts , Galleries , and Trenches of the Enemy . But the Captain-General being desirous to reserve his own experienced Souldiers to the ultimate and last occasion of emergence , refused to assent thereunto . The loss the Turks sustained that day was uncertain , of the French were only an hundred thirty five heads brought in by tale , as I was informed from one who was present when they were counted , amongst which were many principal Officers . For besides the Duke of Beaufort were slain the Count Rosan , the Chevalier di Villarceaux , the Chevalier de Quelas , the Sieur de Guene-gaud , Marquis de Fabert Major of the Regiment of Lorrain , the Sieurs de Montreüil Captain of the Guards , de Beauvais and Do , Garnier , La Paneterie Touvenin , Lanson , Bellebrune , Hautefage d'Avenne , Maran de S. Jean de Chauveniere , Goindreville Captain of the Regiment of Bretagne , Forcan , du Boulet Captains of the Regiment of Harcourt , Chaselet , Martinval de Bossemoat , de la Haye , de Bourneuf , de Vandre Martel Captain of a Ship , the Chevalier Lodevé , with nine Captains and eight Lieutenants Reformades of the Brigade of Picardy , Navarre , and Normandy . The Sieur Lebret was shot through the Buttocks with a Musket-bullet ; besides whom were wounded the Sieurs de Montagne Colonel of a Regiment , de Castelan Major of the Guards , de Cavison , Croiselles , de Montigny , and de Moissac by the Battery which blew up : the Chevalier d'Ailleurs was hurt with an Arrow through the Arm ; De la Marliere Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment of Lorrain with five or six Officers of that Body , and Villiers Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment Jonzac were all wounded . The Marquess of Lignieres had his Thigh broken , and a Finger shot off , and his Lieutenant-Colonel had his Arm broken . The Marquess of St. Vallier Colonel with five or six of his Officers , the Chevalier de Novion Colonel with several Officers of the Regiments of Bretagnie , Montpezat , Harcourt , and Conti were all wounded , with four other Captains of Horse , and four Lieutenants ; also the Marquess of Uxelles , the Chevalier de la Haugette , the Count de Losse Captain of the Guards to the Duke of Navailles , the Count de Montbrun Commander of the Kings Musquetiers , and the Sieur de Tagni Quarter-master-General were wounded : who being Persons of great Quality as well as Courage that left their Country , and exposed themselves to dangers , with no other motive than their own gallantry or defence of the Christian Cause , ought be numbred amongst the Heroes and Champions of our Age. Of Prisoners there were not above seven or eight taken , amongst which were the Sieur de Bois-Dauphin a Norman , and Son of a Marshal of France , and the Sieur de Chateau Neus , the first for his Youth , Beauty , and Courage greatly esteemed by the Turks , and both entertained by the Vizier with more generosity than usually possesses the Nature of Turks : who after this success , having gathered and thrown the heads of the slain according to their manner into a heap , did one day in merriment pitch them upon the points of their Lances , and ranking them in file and order , with Hats and Feathers on them , beat the French March amongst them with shouts and Vollies of Muskets . Matters succeeding in this manner unhappily , and the Enemy already almost in the midst of the Town , being come to the last Retrenchment , beyond which could be raised no more inward Fortisications ; the Officers as in like cases of misfortune began to throw the blame upon each other , and the contest between the French and Italians grew as hot within the Town , as the War was without ; so that the Duke of Navailles appearing discontented , though in reality he might well be discouraged , and might be apprehensive with due reason that the Town was in a desperate condition ; howsoever he pretended , that the time was almost expired , which the King had prefixed for the continuance of his Forces in Candia , and that therefore he could not think of any other design for them , than that which was in order to their imbarking . The Captain-General being greatly surprised at this resolution , endeavoured to perswade him to the contrary , and being accompanied with the General of Candia and the Proveditor General waited on the Duke at his own Quarters , where he represented to him in the most efficacious terms possible the present dangerous condition to which the City was reduced ; until which time , under the Providence of God , they acknowledged the preservation thereof to the magnanimous Arms of their religious King ; and therefore in such a conjuncture of misfortunes and extremity they knew not unto whom they might have recourse for assistance , but to the Generosity of his Excellency , and of those Gentlemen , who for no other end but that of Religion and Honour , had undertaken so great a Voyage , and had voluntarily cast themselves into the hourly dangers of this Siege : That the Succour they demanded was really great and most important for defence of the place , in regard that thereon their whole safety depended . Howsoever it might have cost some labour , though not much blood to the French Forces , if they would have worked on a new Retrenchment with the same celerity and deligence , as they formerly used , whereby the Siege might be prolonged until the Winter , or till the Christian Princes might take new measures , and send greater Recruits . Hereunto Navaille gave answer , That the zeal which the King his Master conceived for the conservation of Candia , was evidenced by better effects , than the empty promises without fruit of other Princes ; and that accounting the present number of Forces and Gentlemen of considerable Quality which were ingaged in this War , together with the great expence and charge his Majesty had been at in maintenance of a Fleet to transport them , his Majesties affection to the Republick was unquestionable : and that both he and his Officers who had the honour to command those Forces had undertaken a long Voyage , and entred into dangers with constancy and readiness of mind , and had assaulted the Enemy almost before they saw them , and given relief to the Town before they set their foot in it ; but if the issue of affairs did not correspond with a success agreeable to their good intentions , and the primary design of this Enterprise , they must have patience , seeing that it cost no other than the slaughter of French-men , and that there had been a large effusion of the Noble and Illustrious as well as of the common blood . It was a species of ingratitude not to remain contented with such forcible arguments of friendship ; and it was a breach of modesty to pretend , that because his King had lent them eight thousand men , that therefore they should continue in Candia so long as one remained alive . It was true , that besides the Kings service he was acted by some inward motives of Religion , but that he could not transgress the Commands and Instructions of his Majesty , which injoyned him to imbark his Forces in order to their return about the 20 th of that present month of August . In reply to which , though the Captain-General and the other Venetian Officers , and also Bali Rospigliosi the Admiral of the Popes Gallies urged his stay with all the instances and arguments imaginable , yet nothing could prevail to detain him until the arrival of other Forces , only he was contented to leave six hundred men in the Town during the time that he continued at Standia : so that by this time having imbarked his Forces , and lastly the six hundred men lest on the Works , the Duke took his farewel and departed : so that the Town being as it were deserted and forsaken of its chief hopes , all things were given for desperate , and men began to be weary of their lives , as well as of the War and of their labours ; and whereas with the assistance of the French , ( as it was said in the Council ) the Town might have held out until the next Spring , it was now by this grand revulsion reduced to its last Crisis , and so weakened , as that no possibility of preservation remained but in honourable terms of Surrender . And though the French in their Voyage home about Malta encountred positive Orders to remain on the place , yet judging the Town might already be surrendered , and so the return disgraceful and in vain , proceeded not withstanding in their course for France , for which default and want of constancy the Duke of Navailles being arrived at Tolon , sustained the punishment of his Princes disfavour , and ordered for some time not to approach the Court. The Turks , by departure of the French , increasing in hopes and courage , made an assault on the Quarters of Sabionera and St. Andrea ; and first : attaquing some Souldiers to the number of about thirty , who were placed on the Guard at the Post of St. Pelagia , they cut most of them off , and put the rest to slight ; with which the Turks being more animated , advanced to the Palisade of the new Retrenchment ; but Vollies of Cannon , and showers of Musket-shot , and stones pouring on them , gave some stop to the sury of their career . Grimaldi observing that the Enemy was at a stand , brought up his Voluntiers and Cavalry which served on Foot , and together with the Forces from Brunswick so plyed the Turks with stones , Granadoes , and shot , that the Fight was confused , bloody , and horrid ; howsoever the Enemy so persisted , that the Commanders gave Order , That the gross of the Army should fall on ; but the Souldiers were so broken and torn , that they refused to advance , though thrust forward with the point of Sword and Spear . The Captain-General in the mean time taking his course along the Marine , on which part also the Turks were far advanced , caused a Mine to be sprang under the thickest crowd of the Turks : which consisting of an hundred Barrels of Powder , made such a destruction , as abated much of the storm , and induced the Enemy to retire within their Redoubts . The Marquess St. Andrea , in like manner performing the office of a valiant and experienced Souldier , applied himself to all places where danger most required his presence , and recovered certain Breast-works which the Enemy had gained in this Skirmish . Nor was the storm less furious and bloody on the part of Sabionera , nor was the success and advantage on the Christians side less considerable , in all which the Souldiery deserved great commendations and renown ; the two French Regiments of Perasi and Jonsac under the Command of the Sieur Choiseul did wonders ; as also those few which remained of the Regiments of Savoy commanded by Signior Arborio : Signior Rados , Nicolo Polani a Noble Venetian , the Proveditor Cornaro , the Colonels Gabriel , Givii , and the Sergeant Major of the Troops of Brunswick , and Sergeant Major Bellegarde , as also the Commander in chief of Malta gave honourable testimonies of their Bravery and Valour . In short the Captain-General praised them all , which was the best reward he could bestow on such generous Souls ; and then sent Orders to Standia , That the Forces arrived with the Duke Mirandola should immediately be landed : these Forces , which when they were first imbarked , amounted to the number of a thousand five hundred men , were now by Calentures and other sicknesses caused by the excessive heats of the season reduced to six hundred ; and though they were unhealthy and unexperienced Souldiers , yet the extremity of Affairs was such , as called them to immediate service , and to be placed on the Guard of the new Retrenchment . But all this could give little relief to the perishing condition of this miserable Town ; which was not only weakened by departure of the French , but by at least five hundred others , such as Swedes and Germans , and other Nations , who notwithstanding all care and endeavours to the contrary , crowded under the French Banner . Likewise the Batalion of Malta imbarked , which though reduced to a small Body , was yet very considerable for the Quality and Valour of the Cavaliers ; which example all the Voluntiers followed , and thereby reduced the Town to a condition beyond all possibility of defence ; for that in actual service not above four thousand men remained , and of these at least an hundred a day being killed , the Town must necessarily in a short time become a prey to the Enemy ; wherefore the Captain-General called a Council of the most eminent Officers ; and because the matter was of great importance , he judged fit also to have the opinion of the Commanders of the Galleasses , and of the other Captains of the Fleet. At this Council were present Francesco Morosini Captain General . Giacomo Contarini Duke of Candia . Girolamo Battaglia Proveditor General of Armes . Daniel Morosini Proveditor of the Kingdom . Giacomo Cornaro Proveditor of the Kingdom . Alvise Minio Commissary of the Ammunition and Provision . Marquis S t Andrea Montbrun General of the Army . Marquis of Frontenac Lieutenant General . The Baron Frederick de Spaar General of the Tramontani . The Cavalier Bartolomeo Varisano Grimaldi Sergeant General . Baron Chilmerseck Sergeant General . Count Francis Salvatico Governor of the Armes of the City . Cavalier Verneda Chief Engineer , and Superintendent of the Artillery . On the other side sate the Commanders at Sea , which were as followeth . Lorenzo Cornaro Proveditor of the Fleet. Alvisé Magno Captain in Extraordinary of the Galleasses . Iseppo Morosini Captain in Ordinary of the Galleasses . Georgio Benzoni Captain of the Gulf. Ascanio Giustiniano Governour of the Gulf. Angelo Morosini Pay-master . Gio. Batt . Calbo Commissary of the Ammunition and Provisions . Alexandro Locattelli Cancellier . All which having taken their places , the Captain General began to declare , That the extremity of the place was so well known and evident to them all , that there was no need for him to inform them of the particulars ; only that he had called them together to know their opinions and counsels in what manner the defence of the Town might be best prolonged , and what advice they would give him touching the present premures and emergency of Affairs . He added further , That he had by good experience proved them to be as well judicious and wise in their Counsels , as they were valiant in the Execution ; and that now was the time to lay aside all ostentation of speech , and to attend unto that which was solid reason and advice , which he desired every one to deliver freely with a clear and real sense and affection towards the grand Concernment . Then he ordered the Cancellier to read a short preamble of the matter on which they were to deliver their opinions , desiring every one to express his judgment in Writing ; But after some few had subscribed their Declaration , so much time was spent therein , that it was conceived more expedite for every person to declare his opinion by word of mouth . As to the first point all generally concurred , that considering the small number of the Defendants , the Town could not hold out much longer ; for that the Enemy on the side of S t Andrea was arrived to the last Retrenchment , which being low , weak , and composed of bad matter , could not long resist their power ; that on the side also of Sabionera they were so far advanced by the lower grounds towards the Arsenal , that in a short time they would block up the Port , and cut off all provisions and succours from the Town ; and that if the Enemy were resolved to adventure the loss of two or three thousand men by a general storm , there would remain no possibility of withstanding their Force . This being generally assented unto , and concluded on all hands , another Question was propounded ; namely , That considering the premises , what was to be done which might render the most effectual service to the Republick ; it was well known how important that place was to the Publick , and what vast Treasures of Gold and Silver , and what plentiful Effusions of bloud had been expended and poured forth in defence thereof ; and that therefore it ought to be maintained to the utmost and last gasp of strength ; but that it ought also to be considered , That the Town being either taken by assault , or the Port blocked up , there would certainly ensue such deplorable Consequences as every person may imagine ; and the Republick be damaged by losing all that which is now in a possibility of being saved . It was therefore put to the Vote , beginning on the side of the Inferiours , as the custom is , and so ascending to the chief ; and it was resolved that they should capitulate , and enter into a Treaty with the Turks . When it came to Grimaldis turn to speak , he confessed clearly , That the Town could not hold out for many days , and though it was more glorious to the Defenders to dye on the Walls of it , yet it would be of worst service to the Publick ; howsoever , he was of opinion , that rather than surrender , it would be better to burn it , or blow it up with Mines ; in execution of which , the wounded and unserviceable people should in the first place be shipped away , then taking the opportunity of a dark and quiet Night the Infantry might be all embarked ; it was true , as he confessed , that the action was difficult and full of hazard ; howsoever , two things moved him to this Counsel ; One was , The little assurance he conceived of the faith of the Turks ; and the other was , The gloriousness of the action : for as this City had been in an extraordinary manner defended , and of which the World cannot give the like example ; so the end thereof would not be less renowned and famous , it not being a greater triumph to drive the Enemy from the Walls , than being vanquisht to leave a bloudy Victory , and instead of a Palace a heap of stones and ashes . Many of the Council , and amongst them Marquess S t Andrea Montbrun was of the same opinion , and the Commissary Minio endeavoured to second it with efficacious Arguments ; But in fine , after a long Discourse , they all concluded that the resolution was more generous than practicable ; by reason that so many people could not be embarked without knowledg of the Enemy , who was not only quartered near , but within the very Walls of the City . The Captain General was of a different opinion ; for that besides the difficulty of embarking the Souldiery , there were also some other considerations which might disswade this resolution , and render it more prejudicial to the Publick than a Surrender by Composition . After some short debate , all at length concurred in the same sentiment , from which also Grimaldi did not much dissent , confessing that the proposition he had made would prove difficult in the Execution ; howsoever , considering the little faith which the Turks observe , he thought it more secure to confide their safety to Fortune and their own Swords , than to the engagements and moderation of a perfidious and enraged Enemy . In short , he submitted wholly to the better judgments of the Council , and more particularly to the Captain General , and the Marquess of S t Andrea , who were best acquainted with what more nearly concerned the service and interest of the Prince . In fine , the conclusion was , That they should enter into a Treaty with the Vizier , and en leavour to obtain the most advantageous Conditions possible . Howsoever , it was thought sit to advertise sirst this their determination to the Auxiliary Forces at Standia ; and to renew the instances they had formerly made to them for three thousand men , with which , and with two thousand Gally Slaves they would endeavour the making of another Retrenchment , whereby the Town might be conserved for some time longer . Howsoever , in this Interim the Captain General being willing to touch the Viziers pulse , that he might better discover in what manner he stood assected towards a Treaty , dispatched one Colonel Thomas Anand , an Englishman , of courage , and of able Parts , and of intire honesty , together with one Stefano Cordili , an intelligent young man to the Vizier's Camp ; and that his design might not be discovered by those of the Town , they were ordered to pass from Standia with a white Flag up the River Giossiro ; and that being come to a Treaty , they should only discover the mind and inclinations of the Turks , without making known their intentions , or entering into particulars . Being come in this manner prepared to the Vizier's Camp , they told the Turks , That they were come to renew the Treaty begun by Signior Molino , which had been broken off by the Arrival of the French and Pope's Forcés ; to which a Turk , then come srom the Vizier's Tent , resolutely answered , That they should think of no Articles nor Treaty without a Surrender . To which Anand replyed , That they would do well to acquaint the Vizier so much , for that perhaps he might be of another opinion ; and so not urging farther they departed ; but returning after Dinner the same Turk came down again , called Achmet Aga , a Confident of the Vizier's , together with Panaiotti the Vizier's Interpreter ; and then with more earnestness declaring , That nothing would be heard , unless in the sirst place they were resolved to deliver the Town , and threatned them in case they returned without this Proposition : The Captain General being advised hereof , the next morning Anand and Scordili went again on the same message ; and meeting the Turks under Paleocastro , they acquainted them that they had orders to treat about a Surrender ; but sirst desired to know what Articles they would give them , and what Town in exchange for this . In this manner a Treaty being begun , it was resolved for better expedition to erect Tents nearer to the Town for the place of Conference , where the Plenipotentiaries on both sides were to meet . Ibrahim Pasha , late Pasha of Aleppo , Achmet Aga , the Kahya-begh of the Janisaries , the Spahyler Agasi , and the Interpreter Panaiotti , were the persons chosen by the Turks : on the part of the Christians , after some Debate , no other persons were chosen besides Anand and Scordili , who meeting the Turks at the time and place appointed , demanded of them some other place in exchange for that of Candia . To which the Turk 's with some heat replyed , That it was against their Law to deliver Towns where Moschs were built , into the hands of Christians . To which the others answered , That this could not be their Law , since that in a Treaty some months past begun by the Cavalier Molino , they had offered to deliver up into the hands of the Christians Candia Nuova , Silia , and Girapitra , all places where Mahometan Moschs were erected ; and though the Turks might now imagine it easie to win the Town by sorce , they assured them that greater difficulties remained ; and that if they remembred what bloud , what labours , and what Treasures their small acquests and advance had cost them , they might thence calculate what Force still remained to conquer , and that the last gasp of this dying Fortress would spend it self with more ruine and destruction than they had felt in all the other approaches and assaults thereunto . In fine , the Turks seeming resolved to be fole Masters of the whole Kingdom of Candia , the Venetians began to condescend to receive some compensation in another manner . Howsoever , the difficulties were not yet ended but greater appeared , for the Turks demanded satisfaction for the charge of the War ; and the Haratch or head-money , which for all those years of the Wars they had not received from the people of the Isles of the Archipelago ; they demanded also a Tribute for the Forts and Islands of Cerigo , Tino , and Clissa , and the other Conquests in Dalmatia ; all which points caused new Disputes , which were maintained with those heats , and with that obstinacy , as if it had been impossible for both parties ever to meet in a conclusion . Notwithstanding , after long Debates , on the fourth of September they came to agree of giving hostages , and to certain proposals concerning the manner of surrendring the place . The Turks demanded to have the Outworks put into their hands , with one of the Gates of the City , and the Palisade of the new Retrenchment : To which Anand and Scordili answered , That this was not a proposition to be made to the Captain General , for that they were assured , the Garrison would sooner suffer themselves to be cut in pieces , than to commit themselves to the mercy of the Turkish Souldiery ; whose faith is recorded in the History of Famagusta , and may serve for a true example and mirroir of their treachery and faithlesness to all Ages . In this manner the Treaty had like to have been Broken off ; but at length they concluded , That it was necessary to render an account to the Vizier of the particulars of this Conference , adjourning the Treaty until the next Morning . Notwithstanding all which , the Turks did not abate in the least point their progress in the War , labouring in their Works , and fighting with more heat than ever . The Venetians on the other side were not less active , firing continually their Cannon and Granadoes , and making some little Sallies , endeavoured as much as they were able to cover the weakness of their Forces . The Turks had raised a new Battery which broke a great part of the Palisade of the new Retrenchment , upon which it was expected that they should make a strong attempt , for whose better entertainment two Mines were prepared to receive them ; but they deferring the assault , the Captain General gave orders to fire both the Mines at once , which consisting of a hundred and fifty Barrels of Powder , made the ground to tremble both in the City and in the Camp , overthrowing several works with miserable slaughter of the Enemy . The Turks observing this resolution in the Defendants , became more tractable , and less severe in their demands ; so that Ibrahim Pasha with the rest contented themselves with no other security for performances of Conditions than Hostages ; of which three were consigned mutually on both sides . After which , other Articles were , with less difficulty , concluded ; so that in the morning of the 6 th of September the Turks demanded that the Christians should give all their Articles in Writing ; whereupon the Council ordered Grimaldi to draw them up ; which were in substance as followeth . First , That for obtaining a good and lasting Peace , it is agree'd , That the City of Candia , with all its Cannon which were planted there before the time of the War , be consigned into the hands of the Vizier . Secondly , That quiet possession be given to the Republick of Suda , Carabusa , and Spina Longa , with the Territories thereunto belonging , with the Fortress of Clissa in Dalmatia . Thirdly , That the Venetians may carry away all the Cannon which have been brought into the Town since the beginning of the War. Fourthly , That for embarking the Souldiery , Pioniers , and Inhabitants of all Qualities and Conditions , with their Arms , Provisions , and Baggage twelve days time shall be granted and assigned . Fifthly , That what shall remain unshipped at the end of the twelve days aforesaid , the Vizier shall , with his own Boats , assist to the lading thereof . Sixthly , That during this time of truce , no person whatsoever shall transgress his Limits , or pass the bounds of his Station or Quarters ; and that he who doth shall be treated as an Enemy . Seventhly , That so soon as these Articles shall be subscribed under the white Flag , all Acts of Hostility shall cease both on one side and the other . Eighthly , That for security of performance of these Articles , three Hostages be mutually given on one side and the other . Ninthly , That for better assurance , that the Venetians will use all their endeavours to embark their Men and Goods , the Turks may employ two Officers for Eye-witnesses of the same . Tenthly , That for better effecting hereof , all Ships , Gallies , and other Vessels may freely approach near unto the shore , and enter into the Port both by Day and Night . Eleventhly , That the Venetian Fleet may remain at Standia , or at any other Island in the Archipelago , until such time as they are dispatched , or that things are duly prepared for their departure . Twelfthly , That all Commissions given by one side and the other be revoked , and that whosoever shall after the space of forty days commit any Act of Hostility against the tenour of these Articles of Peace , shall be punished with capital punishment . Thirteenthly , That so soon as an Ambassadour from Venice shall arrive at the Port , all Slaves or Prisoners of War taken under the Venetian Colours shall be sreed and released . Fourteenthly , That what depredations shall be made at Sea or Land after these Articles are subscribed , and before the publication thereof , shall be faithfully made good and restored . Fifteenthly , That a general pardon be given to the Subjects of both sides , who have acted contrary to their Faith and Allegiance , during this War. Sixteenthly , That in Virtue of these Capitulations the former Articles be likewise confirmed which were made in the Year 1571 , and that no Tribute or Present be demanded from the Port , unless as hath formerly been paid for such Islands as the Venetians hold in the Archipelago . Seventeenthly , That of these Articles two Copies be made , one in Turkish with its Translation into Italian , subscribed by the Vizier , and sealed with the Grand Signior's Signet ; and the other in Italian under-wrote by the Captain-General , and sealed with the Seal of the Republick . These Articles being signed , the Hostages were given both on one side and the other . Those given by the Venetians were Faustino da Riva Lieutenant-General , Giovanni Battista Calbo Commissary , and Zaccaria Mocenigo who had been Duke of Candia . Those given by the Turks were Belir Assan Pasha , Mahomet Aga of the Janisaries , and Gurgi Bei Testerdar or Treasurer . During this Siege , of the Venetians side there were killed and wounded thirty thousand nine hundred eighty five , of the Turks one hundred eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty four . The Batteries which the Turks raised against Sabionera and St. Andrea , consisted of fifty nine Pieces of Cannon , carrying from fifty to an hundred and twenty pound weight of Bullet . The Storms which the Turks made upon the Town were fifty six . The Combats under ground forty five . The Sallies made by the Venetians ninety six . The Mines and Fornelli sprang by the Venetians eleven hundred seventy three , by the Turks four hundred seventy two . The Venetians spent Barrels of Powder fifty thousand three hundred and seventeen . Bomboes of all sorts by the Venetians of fifty to five hundred weight , were forty eight thousand an hundred and nineteen . Granadoes of Brass and Iron an hundred thousand nine hundred and sixty : Granadoes of Glass eighty four thousand eight hundred seventy four . Cannon-shot of all sorts two hundred seventy six thousand seven hundred forty three . Pounds of Lead eighteen millions forty four thousand nine hundred fifty seven . Of Match pounds thirteen millions twelve thousand five hundred . What quantities the Turks might consume of Ammunition is not certain ; only it is observable , That the Brass taken up in the streets which came from the Enemies Bomboes was so much , that whole Ware-houses were filled with the Metal , and so much sold as yielded many thousand of Crowns . The Articles being subscribed , and Hostages given , the Captain-General attended with all application of mind and industry imaginable to imbark the Men and Ammunition , committing in the mean time the care of the City to Cornaro the Proveditor of the Fleet. During these days that all things were providing in order to a Surrender , there was great silence in the Turkish Camp , and no disorder in the City ; the Souldiers on the Ramparts , and the Turks in their Trenches saluted each other with civility , and entertained communication and discourses together with friendship and freedom of several passages relating to their War , nothing of quarrel , or scuffle , or rude words happening out between them in all the term of the twelve days . The Vizier sent divers times civil Messages and Presents of refreshment to the Captain-General and Marquess St. Andrea , which they returned with equal respect and generosity ; and so excessive were the Turks in these offices , that the Venetians began to be jealous , left under this mark and guise of courtesie some fraud or design should be covered according to their own Proverb : Chi ti fa piu carezze che suole ; ó ti ha engannato ó enganar ti vuole . In short , all things were dispatched with that diligence and care , that on the 27 th of September the City was consigned ; all the Inhibitants departed thence , not one remaining in the City , except only two Greek Priests , a Woman , and three Jews . In this manner the whole Isle of Candia , the cause and occasion of all that Blood and Treasure that was spilt , and exhausted in twenty five years Wars , fell at length to the fortune and increase of the Turkish Empire , with its most impregnable Fortress of the World , strengthened with as much Art and Industry , as the humane Wit of this Age was capable to invent , after a strait Siege of two years , three months , and twenty seven days . For the space of twelve days allotted for the Surrender being expired , on the 〈◊〉 th of September being Friday , the great Cross erected on the Wall was after midnight taken down , and advice given to the Venetians , so soon as the morning dawned , that the Turks did that day attend the Surrender , which was accordingly performed by the Principal Citizen about nine of the clock of the same morning , who offering the Keys of the City to the Great Vizier in a Bason of Silver on the breach of St. Andrea , was by him presented with a Vest of Sables , and five hundred Zechins in Gold , and to his Servants were given two hundred . To Morosini also a Present was offered worthy his Quality ; but he refused it , saying , That he would never give a seeming occasion to the malicious World to slander him with the least appearance of having sold his important Charge . Whilst these things were transacting on the breach , some of the most cowardly and disorderly amongst the Janisaries pressed forward to have entred by force , in violation of the Articles so lately agreed and confirmed ; but some of the Garrison not yet imbarked , keeping themselves still on the Guard , repulsed the most forward in the Riot by killing three or four of their Companions : which disturbance and insolence of the Souldiery , when made known to the Vizier , he assembled the disorderly together ; and first upbraiding their cowardise , who durst not enter in the time of War , would now counterfeit Valour in the time of Peace , sentenced fifteen of them to be impaled on the breach , which piece of Justice and Gallantry was immediately executed . This rumour being appeased , the Topegibashee and Gebegibashee , or the Generals of the Ordnance and Arms took quiet possession of the Forts and Cannon of the City , and whilst the Turks entred over the breach , the Christian Army withdrew and imbarked themselves as fast as convenience and decency would permit , who after the departure of the French , and of such who accompanied them , were not computed to be above two thousand five hundred men , and those sickly , ill accoutred , and half naked ; and thus this City and whole Island became subject and a prey to the Ottoman Arms. Amongst the Officers which took possession of the Town were the Tefterdar and the Aga of the Janisaries . The Tefterdar as he passed over the breach of St. Andrea , and observing how low and weak the Works were on that side , turned to the Aga of the Janisaries , and with some disdain said to him , We have here spent ten days in the Surrender of this Town which we might have taken in two hours . The Turkish Army taking possession on Friday the 〈◊〉 th of September , the Vizier made his Entry on Friday the 4 th of October ; in which time they had erected a triumphant Bridge over the breach of St. Andrea , on which the Vizier entred into the Town , and passed directly to the Church of St. Francis , which was converted to a Mahometan Mosque , where having said his Namaz or Prayer , he went to the house where the Marquess St. Andrea was lodged , which was prepared for him , with a sumptuous Entertainment of five hundred Dishes at the expence of the Grand Signior . This City in four parts of five was ruined and demolished in the time of the Siege , all the Bells and Ornaments of the Churches and Houses to the very Locks of the doors were carried away ; the Arms remaining were old and rusty , and not above three hundred and fifty Pieces of Cannon left on the Walls , and those for the most part very small : the Inhabitants remaining were only five , as we have said before , unless some few decrepit Jews and Greeks , which might make up the number of about thirty ; so that never could be a more sad spectacle of desolation , nor a more clear Mirroir of the miseries of War. The Great Vizier being possessed of the Town , dispatched away an Express with the good News thereof to the Sultan , who posted as fast as wind and weather would permit . And here the Reader may easily apprehend what joy possessed the minds of the Turks in all places where the rumour slew of this Cities Surrender , which had for so many years baffled and put a stand to the Ottoman Sword. And though the joyful tidings added wings to the Messengers haste , yet the uncertainty of the Grand Signiors abode retarded some days the arrival of the News : which will seem very strange to him that considers , that the motion of so great an Emperour in the Glory of his Fortunes should be less obscure than the light of the Sun , perceptible by all conditions , who inhabit that side of the Globe , where his rays are visible . At length the Messenger found the Sultan within the Woods and Mountains of Negropont where he had passed the heats of the Summer , and some part of his discontent in those solitary retirements : it being now towards the end of September , and the Winter approaching , the Isle was incapable to entertain so great a Court , and to return back seemed as dishonourable as it was dangerous , the Souldiery and People being equally discontented , the one by the ill success and government of Affairs , and the other by oppression of Taxes : but this joyful News cleared all those clouds and ombrages of doubtful and disconsolate thoughts , which the Grand Signior received like a dream , being at first so surprised with such an unexpected happiness , that he could scarce believe it ; but at length recollecting his scattered spirits , without delay returned the Messenger again with his Embrahore or Master of his Horse to the Vizier with the Present of a Sable Vest , a Dagger , and a Sword , being the usual signals of the Sultans favour , and with a Letter freighted with Encomiums and Praises of his Valour and Fortune . And whereas the Vizier had perswaded him to return to Constantinople , he answered , That he was resolved to winter at Salonica , where with the Spring he expected his presence , and from thence in company with him , should be ready to chuse any Seat , which in his judgment the Vizier apprehended most conducing to the benefit of the Empire . The Captain-General Morosini having in the mean time imbarked his Forces , failed to Suda to provide and fortifie that place , Spina Longa and Carabusa , poor Rocks and Appendages to the greater Isle of Candia , with all necessary supplies of Victuals and Ammunition : which only serve for a Prospect into Candia , and to keep alive the Title of the Venetian Republick to that Kingdom . Suda is the most considerable of the three , but yet not strong , the Sea being fordable between that and Candia , and not of long resistance , whensoever the Turk shall think it worthy his time to subdue . Here Morosini attended the Ratification of the Peace from Venice , and the disbanding of the Turkish Army , in which time four French Ships with Succours of Men and Ammunition arrived at Candia ; but coming late were disappointed of their design , and so returned back into their own Country . The Turks having now finished their work , dispeeded away their Janisaries and Pioniers by all occasions of shipping : those that remained were imployed all the Winter in filling the Trenches without the City , and many Slaves taken out of the Gallies to repair the breach of St. Andrea : in which work , whilst they threw up the disordered rubbish , so poysonous a stench evaporated from the bodies of the slain , which lay buried in those ruines , as begat a Pestilence and other diseases in the City and in the Gallies ; but labouring continually on that work , they soon acquitted themselves of the contagion , by help of the Winters cold which then approached . In this manner expired the Action of this Year fortunate in its success to the Turks ; for though they gained but thirty Acres of Land with expence inestimable of Blood and Treasure , yet the Glory and Fame which attended it , being the consummation of twenty five years Wars , and the Theatre where the whole World were Spectators , was of greater value to the Turks than any other consideration , and may with time prove a place of advantage to the farther increase of their Western Empire , unless God Almighty by his Mercy and Providence give a stop to the progress of this Grand Oppressour . But before this Year ended , behold the misery of Christendom , by reason of discontents and animosities in the Imperial Court , the Count Serini Prince of Croatia , the Marquess Frangipani and Count Nadasri , joyned with other Nobles of Hungary , sent Messengers to the Great Vizier at Candia , offering themselves Subjects and Tributaries to the Turk , desiring his Protection of their Religion and Liberties , designing to act the part of Bethlem Gabor : of which Conspiracy and Rebellion we shall have occasion to speak more hereafter . The Great Vizier imployed himself this whole Winter past in repairing the Fortifications of Candia , regulating them in some measure according to the Turkish Model , and in repairing and beautifying the Town , which was done with such admirable expedition , that in a few months most of the houses demolished in the time of the Siege were again erected , and the Churches converted into Moschs and adorned , three of the principal whereof took the Names of the Grand Signior , Great Vizier and Captain Pasha , and were endowed by them with an honourable Revenue , sufficient to maintain them in Reparations , Lamps , and Talismans . But the Turks were not more pious towards their Mosehs than the Christians were careless and cold towards their Churches ; for the Venetians inserted not one Article in favour of a Christian Church or a Religious House , which would have been granted as soon as demanded , only a Greek who was Interpreter to the Great Vizier called 〈◊〉 , a Person of Parts and Learning , at the expence of two thousand two hundred Dollars ; and an Armenian Merchant called Apro Chelabei at the charge of a thousand four hundred purchased two Churches for their respective Nations . The Grand Signior in the mean time returned to Salonica to pass the remainder of the Winter , which place being famous for multitude of all sorts of Game , drew his heart , and made him impatient till he arrived those Plains , more desired by him than the Elysian fields ; for having made his Entry into that City , the next day he designed to hunt : but being put in mind that the English Ambassadour Sir Daniel Harvey , who ( as we said ) arrived at Constantinople the year before , attended his Audience , he was contented to grant it to him the next morning . But yet not to lose his hunting , at midnight he sent Officers to the Ambassadour to prepare for the next days Audience very early ; and to gain time , ordered his Horses to be all ready , that so having dispatched that Ceremony , he might immediately mount into the Saddle and pursue his Game . Howsoever he was not in so much haste , but he testified due respect to His Majesty of Great Britain , and the esteem he had of the English Nation , ordering the Capitulations to be renewed ; and commanding the Chimacam , that if any one should break or insringe them , that he should cut him off without farther argument . But as to renewing the Capitulations , the Chimacam falling at the Grand Signiors feet , beseeched him , That that particular might be deferred until the arrival of the Great Vizier , whose proper power and act it was to make War and Peace ; and therefore for him to intermeddle about Capitulations was to invade the Viziers Authority , which he durst not do without putting his life in danger , or at least rendring his Person obnoxious to his irreconcileable displeasure ; with which the Grand Signior being satisfied , ordered that the renewing of the Capitulations should be deferred until the return of the Vizier , and so dismissed the Lord Ambassadour from his Presence ; but this work of renewing the Capitulations was reserved for the care and conduct of Sir John Finch , who succeeded in the Embassy after the death of Sir Daniel Harvey . The Grand Signior arising from his Throne mounted into his Saddle to follow his excessive delight in Hunting , which now he pursued every day without respect of cold or wet , or Horses or Attendants ; but like an impetuous Nimrod raged amongst the timorous Hares and flying Harts , over-spreading the Woods with vast numbers of poor Jews and Peasants , which he had commanded sorth to drive for Game , not respecting the extreme rigour and Frosts of Winter , by which many of those poor Wretches , lying abroad in the nights , were benumbed , and dyed . And so far did his humour transport him in this Recreation , that he was discouraged at no inconvenience or labours which attended it ; for one day appointing his Hunting at a certain place , which to pass on Horse-back was a great circuit , but a nearer cut over a Gulf or Arm of the Sea , he ordered his Horses round , whilst he in Person attended with the Chimacam and several of his Grandees , passed over to the other side in a Gally . But being impatient of his Sport , and not able to give time to his Horses to make their way , ascended his Gally , commanding them to row away with all speed ; and arriving at the other side some hours before his Horses could come , would yet land : and being weary of expectation , resolved to meet them on foot through all the dirt and mire of a low and rich soil : where whilst he travelled heavily , and almost tired , by good fortune they espied a Miller driving his Horse laden with two Sacks of Meal ; whom when they had called , and made him to lighten his burden , and take off the Pack-saddle , the Chimacam himself stripped off his own Sables Vest , and covered the Horse with it , on which the Grand Signior mounting in great state , rode like a Prince till he met his own Retinue , which passage served to fill the discourse at night of that days Hunting , and deserves to be chronicled with our English Dialogue between the Miller and the King : howsoever we make use of it here to demonstrate the strange and passionate humour which possessed this Sultan in his Hunting . Little other recreation did this Grand Signior take , unless it were in the Company of his chief Sultana , called the Hasaki Sultana , by whom having had a Son , which beginning now to play and speak , reconciled much of his affection to the Female Sex , but yet with that moderation and well regulated love , that he confined himself wholly to this one Woman , having sent for her to be his Companion in all journies and adventures of Errantry , whilst the other Ladies as incumbrances and impediments to the speedy motions of the wandring Court , were dispeeded to Constantinople under the Government of the Queen Mother , as we have before declared ; of which priviledge this Sultana beginning to be sensible , endeavoured to encrease and conserve the Affections of her Lord by all the arts and tricks of love imaginable ; for she was really , or else feigned to be , so enamoured of him , that she pined and macerated away her self for his absence ; and when he was indisposed in his health , or intended a long Journey from her , she would fall into Swoundings , and Paralytical Fits , or something else , which was an undoubted symptom of true affection , such as commonly intervenes amongst us in the chast embraces of single marriage ; that the Grand Signior , whose loves to Women were not naturally as vagrant as his delights after the chase of wild Beasts , was so much satisfied in her alone , that he could be no more without her than she without him ; so that , like Diana , or some Mountain Nymph , she became a Huntress after her Prince , as he a Ranger after his Game . Anno Christ 1670. Hegeira 1081. THE Spring coming forward , the Great Vizier declared , That after S t George's day , which is the 23 d day of April , ( called by the Turks Cassim gheun ) he resolved to depart from Candia ; and therefore ordered , That all Ships , Saiks , Brigantines , and other Vessels , which were found in any Port of the Grand Signior's Dominions , should be sent to Candia , to transport him and the remainder of his Army to Rhodesto in Romelia , from whence he designed his March to meet the Grand Signior at Adrianople . But before his departure he took a view of the Island , taking his progress through the whole circumference of it , and numbring all the Inhabitants which paid Harach , or Pole-money , found them not to exceed two and twenty thousand persons . For though in the time of Dellee Mehmet Pasha , who was the first that brought the Ottoman Sword into that Country , there were listed fifty five thousand , who paid duties of Harach ; yet now the Plague , the Sword , and other miseries of War had reduced them to that small number , of whom ten thousand ( as is reported ) perished in the Mines , and before the Walls of their own City ; and great numbers of Olive-Trees being cut down and burned by the Souldiery in time of the War , is the reason that that Island yields not half the quantity of Oils as in former times . The Ambassadour of Venice Signior Alivisé Molino , before mentioned , was now at Candia , designing to accompany the Vizier in his Voyage to the Grand Signior ; for adorning which Embassy the Republick had appointed a Ship to carry the Presents and several Persons of Quality for attendance of the Bailo ( for so their Ambassadour is called ; ) and in regard in that passage the ship was to touch at Zant , they laded on her a hundred thousand Zechins for payment of that Souldiery , which with the Captain General were returned from Candia to that place , with Presents for the Grand Signior and his Court ; but it pleased God , that this Ship sailing down the Gulf , met with so furious a storm of Wind , that she suffered shipwrack on the Coast of Italy , where not only the ship and goods were lost , but every soul upon that ship perished ; amongst which was Lorenzo Molino Son of the Ambassadour , and Ottavio Labia , another noble Venetian . The Great Vizier entertained himself so long in Candia that the month of May was well entered before he departed thence ; and by the way touched at Scio , where he was met by all the Officers and Governours of the adjacent Jurisdictions , who came to make tender of their Presents and Services ; but the Vizier in a plausible manner , accepted of their courteous Offers , but returned their Gifts , saying , That he was so sensible of the great oppressions and expences the neighbouring Countries had suffered by reason of the War , that he was resolved to superinduce no new Charge by Victory and Peace . In like manner from all parts was a confluence of poor oppressed people , who came to petition for justice and relief against the corruption and tyranny of their Governours in the respective Countries . But the Vizier admitted no Audience for Complaints , whether it were to maintain an apprehension of his clemency and gentleness , by acting nothing that was cruel or severe , or to enjoy himself after his cares and turmoils in the War ; he almost for fourteen days continuance entertained himself in private by the cool and crystalline Fountains of Scio. Some report , that he gave himself at that time so excessively to Wine , being overjoyed at his success , and conclusion of the War , that he was never capable , during his abode there , of serious thoughts or counsels ; so that his Kahya , or Secretary , could never be admitted access , unless he were called , though on the most urgent occasion of business . Others interpreted his retirements to be in order to serious considerations about the mannagement of Affairs at his return ; as how to satisfie the expectations of the Grandees , who patiently attended an amendment of abuses in the Government ; how he might pacifie the minds of the Souldiery , who were jealous of Conspiracies against the lives of the Royal Brothers , and how to steer in an even course at Court between the security of his Master , and satisfaction of the Vulgar ; for all the World lived in hope that alteration of times would amend abuses , and that the last remedy of all was the return of the Viziers Authority . Howsoever , it is certainly reported , That the Vizier was become exceedingly intemperate in wine , and drowned much of his cares in the fumes and vapours of it , supposing himself , as Tiberius did in Capreae , exempt from the eyes of the World , whilst he remained in Scio , which the Sea had separated from the greater Continent . And yet the Vizier , is believed , never to have tasted Wine , or known whether it was bitter or sweet , till the pride of his success in Candia transported him to make his joy extravagant , to which the Officers about his Person invited him , as that which cheared the spirits , strengthened the nerves , and induced a strange kind of delight and pleasure in the fancy , beyond any thing of Poppies , or Opiate Compositions , or Biram-Pasha's Pills , or Berse , or a thousand other inventions , sit only to confuse mens reason , and stupifie the brain , and benumb all the senses , in which some , as I have heard , had so practised themselves by degrees , that they could swallow five drams in twenty four hours , though I never knew any , unless one Turk , whom I saw eat above three ; but then they could eat nothing else , nor were they sit afterwards to receive or digest any other nourishment , Nature being used to that poyson , rejected all other sounder nutriment . But Wine ( they said ) cheared the heart in that manner , and comforted the stomach , that the Turks began now generally to drink it ; unless he were some Pharisaical Hypocrite of the Ulamah , or some superstitious aged and ignorant Profeslour . So that the vice of drunkenness became more common amongst the Turks than amongst the Germans , or our selves : I am sure more intolerable , and administred to more mischiefs , by how much the Turks being unaccustomed to Wine , knew less how to comport the heats of intemperance . And here I shall make a little digression from my purpose in hand to acquaint my Reader of the effects which I have observed to be produced in those who accustom themselves to the use of Opium . In all the Country Villages amongst the Turks , the more aged sort of men who have most leisure , and least necessity to work , addict themselves to Opium for alleviation ( as they say ) of their cares , and to forget their sorrow , for pleasure in the taste there can be none , being very bitter to the palate ; which being taken in a morning in a small quantity , about the bigness of a Tare , superinduces at first a strange chearfulness about the heart , and thence raises a more pleasing vapour to the head , than any can proceed from the spirits of the best and the highest Wines : but afterwards as it begins to digest , the vapour becomes more gross , and consequently a kind of stupefaction is induced over the brain and nerves , which with drowsiness and sleep passes away like a drunken fit . The Youth amongst them which drink Wine abhor Opium , until growing into years , and to the care of a family ( as a sign of which they suffer their beards to increase ) they are taught by their Imaum , and more by example of others , that Wine being against their Law , is only dispensable in wild and unbridled Youth , but in those of riper age is a vice to be reproached by all sober and well-governed men . In the place of which they take up the lawful and innocent Pill of Opium , which makes men serious and setled ( as they say ) because that it operates not like Wine , which makes men mad , and rash , and violent , but disposes them to be Sots , and to sit grave and quiet without doing hurt to any man , which is a qualification accounted very laudable amongst them , and is one of the greatest Vertues which they endeavour to acquire in their Tekeés or Monasteries . This being the reason for which it is taken and allowed , it is grown a common custom almost amongst all the Country-people , who in the morning before they go to work take first their Opium , and upon it three or four dishes of Coffee ; for it is observable , that none eats Opium but who accompanies it with great quantities of Coffee , which is doubtless a kind of Opiate in it self , and partakes very much of a Narcotick Quality ; by this means and constant use some arrive to take strange quantities ; the most that ever I knew any man take was three drams in twenty four hours , viz. a dram and an half or thereabouts in the morning , and as much an hour after noon : the which for more exactness I had the curiosity to see weighed . The same person offered for a small reward to take five drams in twenty four hours ; but then he said , it required a long time to digest , and did not doubt but to overcome it : but I was too scrupulous to put a man into a sleep , from whence I feared he might never awake . This person was of a thin and livid complexion , his skin shriveled , no more beard than a few hairs , his mouth commonly open , because his chap was fallen ; his countenance putting me osten in mind of the Picture I have seen of the Gorgons head ; for had it been incompassed with Snakes instead of his Turbant , it might have served for a perfect Original . He had arrived to the years of forty eight , and from the years thirty he had entred into Opium from a great excess of Wine : in which condition he found that his stomach required little other nourishment , being content with a small quantity of bread and water for his other Diet , Opium supplying him with all the other Delicacies he could desire : he was the father notwithstanding of two or three children , which he confessed to have begot in the strength of his Opium , having no desire to accompany with his wife , until he was first invigorated with his usual Dose , being till then like a Trunk or Log , wanting spirits almost to turn his body . For his Opium was that only which could revive all , which about a quarter of an hour after it was taken began to operate , and then we discovered in his eyes , which before were dull and heavy , scarce opening , a certain quickness and sparkling , and then soon after he was sitted for the work of the day , and could labour as others , and take a journey on foot of seven or eight miles to Market , and return home at night : his body was always bound , or his belly constipated with the hardness of his excrement , and yet he was subject to no other sickness , unless his vitiated desire to this Poyson which can nourish no wholesom or healthful body . The Turks , as I have learned , make little other use of Opium than this ; yet sometimes they will put it into their Camels ears , and the nostrils of their Horses , when faint and weary , wherewith they revive again , and soon recover their strength and force to travel . The Vizier having thus passed some days of Entertainment at Scio , entred again his Gally , and passing through the Streights of the Hellespont arrived at Rodesto , where having landed many of his Janisaries and such of the Army as remained with him , after a few days continuance he marched to Adrianople , where he was received by the Grand Signior with all evidences of satisfaction , and entred the City triumphant after the manner of the Turkish Allai . The Ceremonies and Complements being past , which usually intervene between Great Personages after a long absence , the grand Consultation was , In what manner to prevent the seditious irruptions of the Souldiery , and how to reconcile the Jealousies between the Grand Signior and his Brothers . For the former , two things were concluded necessary . First , to divide the Militia of the Janisaries , which was immediately executed , and eight thousand of them , under pretence of Incursions , were sent through Moldavia to remain on the Frontiers of Poland . Secondly , it being observed , that most of the Souldiery drank Wine , from whence in ancient times arose many Mutinies and Seditions of the Souldiery , dangerous to the Ottoman State , as namely in the time of Mahomet III. when the Janisaries in the heat of drunkenness entred the Seraglio by force , and demanded the Heads of the chief Favourites : And as then it was judged the best Expedient to cool the hot brains of the Janisaries , to proclaim a Prohibition of Wine at Constantinople , and to command upon pain of death , That those who had any Wine in their Houses should bring it forth , and stave it ; so now the use of it was universally forbidden in all the parts of the Grand Signiors Dominions , and a special Command was sent to all places respectively under the penalty of death , and a thousand maledictions , cursing Wine as come from Hell , and as a Liquor produced by the Devil to ensnare mens souls , and inebriate their heads , and confound States . And so generally was this Prohibition enjoyned , that his Majesties Ambassadour at Constantinople with long solicitation and charge obtained licence for his Family , and the Merchants there to make Wine ; but for the Merchants at Smyrna there was more difficulty , and this year Wine was not made in their Houses according to custom , and not without scruple permitted to be imported from the Greeks Islands and other parts where the Command extended not its force ; for the Prohibition was to all places where were Moschs or Turks Inhabitants , the Villages or Isles where Christians only lived were not included . To this Prohibition were added on every Friday Sermons to the People inveighing against Wine , and cursing the Drinkers of it , in which affair Vanni Efendi the Grand Signiors Preacher was much concerned , from whom the Original of this Counsel was judged to proceed . And now to please the Reader , who perhaps may be curious to know the stile of this Prohibition , I have here inserted the Command verbatint as translated out of the Original , and directed to the Kadi of Smyrna . TO the most persect of the Judges amongst Musulmin ( or Believers ) the most worthy amongst those Powers which profess one God , the Mine of Vertue and Wisdom , the Exemplar of Justice to all People , the Inheritor of the Sciences of the Prophets and Apostles , the Ornament of his Office and ( through the Grace of God assisting ) our President in Smyrna , whose Vertues may they ever be augmented . At Receipt of this my Royal Command know , That Wine and Games at Dice , and figured Cards , and of Arrows without feathers , which are Lotteries , are the filthiness of Diabolical work ( according to the testimony of the miraculous Revelation ) are Fomenters of malice and wickedness , and are the ferment of that Faction and Sedition which corrupt and seduce the Servants of God , which being prohibited by Authority , and yet used , provokes the anger and disdain of Almighty God against us : And whereas by this Mother of all wickedness ( that is , Wine ) the Musulmin Kingdoms are desiled , there appears an evident alteration of the Musulmin Law and Faith , and an inlet to actions of foul impression . Praised be the high and most great God , that in the days of my years abounding in Felicity , the observation of lawful Precepts hath been confirmed , and unlawful things have been prohibited ; and now I know that this is the sum of the most important Affair conducing to my Kingdoms and my own Felicities , and in general the principal and greatest care , and the best and most necessary Canon of my Empire : so that being desirous to satisfie the Creator of the World , my Royal and immutable Will resolves to cleanse and purifie the Musulmin Kingdoms of this prohibited and silthy abomination ; wherefore when this Royal Command comes to your hands , wheresoever there are Taverns of Wine , let them be rased and thrown down in all Cities and Towns ennobled with Musulmin Moschs , let the buying and selling thereof be prohibited , with all drinking and use of Wine ; and likewise I command , That in Constantinople , Brusa , and Adrianople the Imposition thereupon be wholly taken off . And that in all other Cities and Towns adorned with Musulmin Moschs , there be not a drop of Wine suffered or admitted in ; and that Musulmins neither privately nor secretly drink Wine ; and whosoever is or shall be Author of this sin , and to alter my Command in this particular , either now or hereafter , may he be punished by the Universal Lord of all the World. Likewise when this my Command of high Reputation appears , which is a Royal Writing , let it be annexed to the Decretal Rolls , and be put in execution according as it is obligatory . And when this Command comes to your hands , you are to have all due care of this injoyned particular , That it operate according to the Tenour of this Royal Injunction , participating of Prosperity and Majestick Power , by virtue of which you are to reprove , reprehend , hinder , and prohibit , according to the Law of God , the drinking of Wine ; and that it may be wholly taken away , let the Tax and Revenue which proceeds front thence be taken off , and in all guarded and governed Cities and places of my Kingdoms , let the Taverns be ruined and overthrown . And therefore you are to make known and publish to all Citizens and Inhabitants the force of this my Royal Command , as well in the City of Smyrna , as in other Cities and Towns ennobled with Musulmin Moschs , and you are to ruine the Taverns which are found there . And you are to take away the Houses of Entertainment amongst the Franks which are in Smyrna that sell Wine , nor shall they sell Wine in their own houses , but you shall hinder and prohibit them : and if those Taverns shall be the Possessions of private men , you shall advise the Owners of them ; or if they be bequeathed by Testament to the Deputies of the Muteveli , you shall admonish them with carnestness ' and threats , That in the place of Taverns they raise other more profitable and lawful Buildings , and that they re-edifie them in a different form from the first . And the Taverns being ruined and demolished according to my Royal Command , and the Butts and other Utensils thereof taken away , you shall make a publick Arz thereos , and send it to my Royal Stirrup ; and you being admonished thereof by my Royal Admonition , you are to have a care that neither in the City nor Suburbs thereof , nor in Cities adorned with Royal Moschs any person whatsoever bring in Wine , or one drop thereof , or that the buying or selling thereof be admitted , and that no Musulman drink Wine . For if aster this I come to understand , That any person have brought in Wine , though it be but one drop , I swear by the Holy Souls of my Grandfathers , and great Grandfathers , that those who bring it in , or sell it , or drink it , shall be punished with such tortures , as were never inflicted on any before . In short , this being a business so important as to the Faith , as to my Empire , my strong intention and firm resolution is to cleanse and purifie in the highest degree as well the Frontiers , as the Royal Seats of my Empire from so foul a sink of so much silthiness and dissention ; and therefore do injoyn this Royal Writing of high felicity so far , that nothing shall be able to change or alter it , or revoke this Command of Majestick Reputation . And for the future , let him be who he will , that shall offer to oppose , or alter , or change this my Command declared by these Presents , or have intention or design to the contrary , may the curse of God be upon him . In conformity hereunto know you , that are Judges , that this being my Will and Pleasure , and ultimate Resolution , you are to register this noble Command in the Book of publick Acts and Decrees , that so it may be preserved ; and for execution thereof , you are to use all your diligence and power , and therein to take due care ; for if after these Admonitions , Confirmations , Menaces , and Rigours , Wine be either bought or sold in the Cities or Suburbs , or other places , as before ; or that there remains any Tavern not ruined , or if in any wise a drop of Wine be bought or sold , you shall receive due punishment , and your self suffer the same torments which are threatned against those who are publickly guilty of the transgression of this Law. Therefore know this , and knowing it , give credit to my noble Firme . Dated in the Month Rabiul Evel , Hegeira 1081. in Adrianople . And now one would imagine that this Command being a Hattesheriff signed with the Grand Signior's own hand , would have been of durable and perpetual Force and Authority . But experience hath shewed us the contrary , that in one Year after , Licence being first given to Franks , to make Wine in their own houses , and especially to all Christian Ministers ; in one year more the indulgence became universal , and Taverns were again admitted , and still continue as common and free as in former times . Anno Christi 1671. Hegeira 1082. THE Ship which carried the Presents for the Turks , and designed to transport the Ambassadour , being cast away , new preparations were made , and the Gally Brazzana , commanded by Alexandro Zeno , a noble Venetian , was dispatched with them , being ordered to transport Signior Molino the Ambassadour to the Port , who was received with the usual honours due to his Quality and Character ; all which Ceremonies and Offices being past , several matters occurred which were not so well expressed in the Capitulations , but that they needed an explication ; and new Orders and Models for redress of Affairs in Dalmatia : For the Morlacchs , who in time of the War had submitted themselves to the obedience of the Venetians , began now to infest the Country , and to enter into those places , which in the first years of the War they had destroyed and abandoned ; the Turks on the other side opposed them , and the Country being open , many skirmishes happened , and as many troubles ensued as in the time of the War. For adjusting these differences Mahomet Pasha of Bosna was dispatched into those Countries with Authority and Instructions ; where on the other side he was met by Antonio Barbaro , Proveditor General of Dalmatia and Albania , appointed by the Senate to accord and settle the differences of the Confines ; and the place designed for meeting of the Commissioners was appointed to be between Climno and Clissa ; but such was the fury of the people , and the passion that both parties had to recover their ancient possessions , that the Turks in the Month of November by force of Armes made themselves Masters of Obronzo and Dernis , which were surrendred without much opposition , by reason of the small numbers of the Morlacchs , who neither having Garrison nor Fortifications were easily surprized , under the pretence of peace . But it succeeded otherwise at Scardona , where by the assistance of a Gally and some Brigantines , the Turks , who were the Aggressours , were repulsed ; and in like manner at Risano they were beaten off , and put to flight with much confusion and slaughter , with the death also of Usuff Bey , their chief Commander , and Author of all these troubles . The Relation of these disturbances was carried to the Port by the Bosnacs , who were concerned in these Affairs , with all circumstances of aggravation which might incense the Grand Signior , and move the Vizier to take part in their Quarrel ; But he being desirous to maintain that Peace which he himself had concluded , moved the Grand Signior to dispatch a Hasacheé , or one of his Royal Officers , to render him an exact account of the true state of the Affairs of that Country . In which Interim Mahomet Pasha of Bosna , the Commissioner , happening to dye , the Vizier moved , That the Morlacchs should surrender up those places which they had lately possessed , and that new Commissioners should be again sent for adjusting the Limits of the Confines , and the Possessions of the Inhabitants . The Senate of Venice accepting this proposition , gave Orders to their General Barbaro to withdraw the people from the places in dispute , and in the Month of May 1671 made and constituted the Cavalier Nani Procurator of S t Mark , their Plenipotentiary , with full authority to compose all differences touching the Frontiers . On part of the Turksone Mamut , once Pasha of Buda , and late Chimacam of Constantinople , was nominated and impowred with like faculty ; he was a person with whom I was well acquainted , and of whom we have had occasion to discourse , when he was Kahya to old Kuperlee . He was a Native of the Country of Bosna , who are reputed for men of much more affable and courteous disposition , and of more pleasing Conversation , than the common temper of the Turks , who are for the most part of haughty , sullen , and saturnine Complexions . These Commissioners , with Thomas Tarsia Interpreter , met about the end of July , in the plains of Island between Zara and Sebenico under Tents erected for that purpose : At this meeting were present also the Mufti , and Treasurer of Bosna , and all the Kadi's and Military Officers of that Province , which might make a Body of four or five thousand men , ill armed , and badly accoutred : With Nani the Commissioner for Venice , were present , Alberto Magno Captain of Zara , Farsetti Proveditor of Clissa ; divers military Officers , such as the Cavalier Varisano , Grimaldi Serjeant General , Count Rados , the Count Scorto , Vimercato , Cesarini , with divers other Colonels , and Persons of Quality , and Nobles of the Province , some of which were Representatives for their principal Cities , such as Zara , Sebenico , Spalato , and Trau . His Excellency the Comissioner Nani had three Troops of Horse , and as many Companies of Foot , for his Guard , and at Possidaria were two Gallies and four Brigantines to attend him : so that his Equipage appeared as well Martial , as agreeable to a place ordained for a Treaty of Peace . On the 27 th of July the Commissioners had their first Conference in the Pasha's Tent , the Debate continued many hours with much heat ; which did not only relate to the late Conquests , but new difficulties arose , in regard that Ferat Aga , appointed Commissioner for the Port , had in the year 1573 assigned Bounds and Limits to the Confines , according to his pleasure and arbitrary will , which not being assented unto by the Venetians , a new regulation was made by the said Ferat , together with Cavalier Soranzo in the year 1576. Time afterwards , and the turbulent spirits of the Inhabitants had altered these Limits , and by reason of the long War the Land-Marks and Bounds of the Confines were removed or wholly destroyed . The original Copies of the Writings of Agreement were rotted , and much defaced , the names of the places and the scituations being wrote in divers Languages , were confused , ' and the reports of the people were so different , proceeding from the diversity of their Interests , that little of judgement could be founded on their relations . At length , as to the Consines of Zara , it was agreed , That they should be regulated according as they were limited by Soranzo and Ferat ; for better settlement of which , and to avoid all doubtfulness or mistake , the Commissioners took the pains to travel several days journey in person to erect the bounds and Limits of each people ; in which though many contests and differences arose between particular persons , yet at length personal interests were forced to give way to publick determinations . In like manner the Consines of Sebenico were determined , being bounded by the River Checa , and being arrived at Scardona , the Pasha Mamut desired that he might have the convenience of passing in the Gally , and accordingly he was received aboard , and treated with that generous entertainment which is agreeable to the magnificence of the Republick ; and landing at the River of Belulla on the Banks of the Vally Daniel , where the Pasha had placed his Tents , the Turks who with a greedy eye swallowed in their thoughts the possession and enjoyment of all these Plains , would have enlarged their Confines to those marks which Ferat Aga had singly placed according to his own arbitrary pleasure , including also Verpogly within their Limits . This Verpogly was a small Redoubt on the top of a Hill once belonging to the Venetians , which at the beginning of the War they abandoned , as costing more to maintain and defend , than the value or consideration of it ; the Turks afterwards possessed it , when they had a design to besiege Sebenico , but afterwards forsook it , and retired ; upon this place Mamut much insisted , producing a Command from the Grand Signior , ordering that it be taken in , fortified , and garrisoned . But Nani with more force of Argument insisted on the contrary , producing ancient Writings , and undeniable Testimonies to prove that this place did really , and of right belong to the Republick ; by which though the Pasha was fully convinced in his own mind ; yet being over-awed by the insolent importunities of the Inhabitants , he was cautious and fearful of declaring his true sense in the case ; but rather endeavoured to overcome the Venetians sometimes with flatteries , and anon with menaces , having to that purpose , besides his own Forces , ordered the Beglerbey of Greece to approach those Confines with an Army of about ten thousand men . But all this did not move the steddy Constancy of the Venetian Commissioner from his reason and right ; for maintenance of which he appeared firm and resolute , and being necessitated for convenience of Water to remove his Quarters to the Lake Rebenich , gave some jealousie to the Pasha by this retirement of an intention to break the Peace ; howsoever , Nani declared his meaning to the contrary , and that there might be no interruption to their proceedings , proposed that these differences might be remitted to the Supreme Powers ; and that in the mean time , until answers came , they might proceed in the adjustment of other parts of the Confines . But the Pasha assented not hereunto , but desired rather the dispute should be referred to the Port , and that in the mean time he himself should retire to Cettina , and the other to Spalato . Scarce were the Messages sent , and the Dispatches made ( by Isaac Aga , a Person whom I well knew ) before Mamut Pasha , after a short indisposition ended his days : he was a man of about ninety two years of age , at which years I have admired to see him ride abroad , and transact his affairs with great dexterity , with a strong memory , and a sound judgment . And here it is admirable to observe with what constancy and patience the Turkish Officers do usually support their laborious employments ; they contemn all difficulties and incommodiousness of living , as if they did not feel them , inuring themselves to colds and heats , to watchings and labours , being abstemious in their diet , and as occasions require , not indulging to sleep : and no question but this aged man travelling in the scalding heat of the Sun , and suffering much for want of plenty , as well as of good water , dried up that little radical moisture which remained , and caused this Autumn-fruit to fall , which perhaps might have continued a short time longer on the tree , had it not been desiccated by drought , and shaken too hard by the motion of travels and labour . The News of Mamut Pasha's death being arrived at the Port , a Commission was immediately granted to Chusaein Pasha Imbrahor , or Master of the Horse to the Grand Signior , to succeed in his government and business of Treaty concerning the Limits of the Consines ; with which Authority and Instructions Chusaein posted away , and being well informed by Isaac Aga of the ill nature and rapacious disposition of those Borderers , arrived with intentions to agree , and with courteous and benign thoughts towards Cavalier Nani , who had gained an esteem and repute amongst the Turks of a generous and noble disposition . On the 〈◊〉 th of October the Commissioners met in the Valley of St. Daniel , shewing a courteous and kind aspect each towards other . Wherefore laying aside all considerations concerning the Limits assigned by Ferat Aga , and the Contests about Verpoglie , the Line drawn from the Mountain Tartarus was agreed , and determined to be the true and undoubted Confines of Schenico . The Valley of St. Daniel , for the pleasure and fruitfulness of it , administred more of difficulty ; but at length the Arguments of Nani prevailed , and induced the Pasha to assent to those Bounds , which had been assigned by Soranço in the year 1576. giving , to avoid future mistakes , the true names to those places , which the Turks for their advantage , and to confuse things , had altered and disguised , that they might not be known . Thence proceeding to the Territory of Trau , where was less of difficulty or trouble ; for the Wars not having made much alteration in that place , the Lines were evidently described by Soranço , according to whose description the Fields , Plains , Rocks , and Mountains were measured out and allowed . Lastly , They came near to Spalato , where before the War there was little of any Territory assigned ; but now by the Conquest of Clissa there was assigned unto it a spatious and fruitful Country , extending it self to the foot of the Mountains . As to Clissa there was no difference at all : howsoever the Turks would on no means admit , that the Venetians should keep Salona and Vragnizzo , because by that means they would cut off all communication between Clissa and Spalato , and thereby render it a place useless , and of more charge than benefit ; and because those two places of Salona and Vragnizza had been the Dowry of a Sultana Wife of Russen Pasha , and by her given to endow a Mosch , which therefore according to their Religion could not be given away , nor alienated . But Nani insisting as vigorously on this , as on other points , shewed himself resolute to maintain this particular , as being that , which if not granted , would certainly in a short time be occasion of those quarrels and dissentions , which must necessarily break forth into an open War : for that there could be no security of Peace to the Inhabitants of Salona , whilst they lived amidst their Enemies , and just on the Skirts of Clissa , Spalato , and Sasso . Chusaein having well comprehended this consideration , and being desirous to dispose matters towards a durable Peace , slighted the opinion and sense of the Borderers , and so concluded all matters , and in presence of Nani subscribed the Agreement on the 24 th of October in open Divan held in the Campagne of Salona ; the which was also mutually subscribed , and Copies interchangeably given . And in this manner the difference about the Consines was concluded , and the long War between Venice and the Turks had an end . Whilst all things were reducing themselves into a posture of Peace , the Timariots disbanded , and the Janisaries retired to their Chambers , in the month of October returned the Turks Envoyé from France , bringing with him an Ambassadour from that King called Monsieur De Nointel , a Person of an excellent temper , grave and serious in his Treaties and comportment ; and to give this Embassy the greater reputation , he was attended with three Men of War and a Fire-ship , which sailing along the Hellespont and Propontick without opposition , came to an Anchor near the seven Towers , from whence sending advice of their arrival to the Chimacam demanded to be resaluted by the Seraglio , they promising as they passed to shew the first demonstrations of courtesie ; but that being denied , as not usual or customary , the French Ships passed the Seraglio silently without siring a Gun , or any significations on either side , whether of Friendship or Hostility : the Ships came to an Anchor at Fonduclé , where the Ambassadour remained aboard unsaluted and unacknowledged by the publick Ministers of the City ; until the Great Vizier , who supposed that a breach with France ought to have better foundation than a meer Punctilio of Honour , seemed more to despise than take notice of the affront . For he who knew so well to dissemble , after he had seen the French Troops ranged both in Hungary and Candia , against the Ottoman Forces , and yet politickly connived thereat , and accepted an excuse , did not esteem it prudence to ground a War for want of the smoke of a few Guns ; but on the contrary ordered , That the Ambassadour should be received with the usual Form and Solemnity of Reception . The French having the advantage by this success , the Souldiers and Sea-men belonging to the Ships committed many insolencies in Pera and Galata , which never were revenged or accounted for ; and when the Ships departed , above an hundred Slaves escaped from the Gallies and parts of Constantinople , and gained Sanctuary aboard : amongst the rest one Monsieur De Beau-jeu a Knight of Malta , who had for a long time been Prisoner in the seven Towers ; but at length knocking off his Irons , and by help of a Cord letting himself down from one of the highest Towers in the night , recovered the Ships , and regained his liberty . Nor yet did this nor other affronts , whereby the French did really brave the Turks , administer sufficient subject of choler to the Vizier ; for passing all by , as if nothing had been done , or nothing worthy his notice , frankly gave his Orders to let the Ships pass the Castles , which upon the foregoing causes and pretences had been before detained : adding , That it was natural , as well for men as for birds , to endeavour to procure their liberty , and therefore were not blameable : but that those to whose care they were committed , wanting due circumspection and vigilance in their Office , should pay for the escape of their charge by the price of their own lives or liberties . The French Ambassadour in the mean time proceeded in his Journey to Adrianople , where the Court resided ; and having passed through the several degrees and Punctilio's of Visits and other Ceremonies , at length descending to matters of business , proposed the renovation of the Articles of Peace , with an addition of thirty two Particulars to be altered or adjoyned . The Vizier who all this time kept more in his heart than he evidenced in his countenance , refused to condescend to a concession of the most easie and reasonable of their demands , offering only to renew the Capitulations verbatim according to the Tenour of the ancient Canon , without other alteration than the Name of the present Sultan , and the Date of the Month and Year , and herein he was so constant and fixed , that no arguments or colours of reason could seem to move him in the most minute and less important points of circumstances ; and this perhaps lest the World should imagine , that the Turks were affrighted into Terms and better Treatments of Friendship , or that Immunities and Privileges in the Ottoman Court were acquired rather by rude usage adjoyned with menaces and neglects , than by more candid and fawning Addresses . In this manner the French Affairs rather went back than forwards in the Ottoman Court , and it seemed that the Turks late Embassy into France and of the French to the Port served to augment the differences more than allay them . For the new Ambassadour falling short in his expectation , having obtained nothing of those many Particulars which he demanded , retired male-content from Adrianople to his usual Residence at Constantinople , where he resolved to attend what farther Instructions should be given him from France ; and supposing his Master would ill resent his usage so contrary to what was promised in general terms , did suppose , that his next Orders would be of revocation , and that those frequent disgusts and disrespects so often received , and given on one side and the other , would at length burst out into an open defiance . The Turks apprehended so much themselves , and as their afsairs and designs proved afterwards with Poland , they were displeased that they had given the most Christian King so just an occasion of quarrel : for understanding towards the latter end of the Year 1671. that great Preparations for War were making in France both by Sea and Land , they were conscious that their demerits had justly deserved the chastisement of the French Arms , in revenge of the many injuries they had offered that Nation , and therefore paused a while , and observed the motion of these Enemies , before they would engage themselves in a War with Poland . But at length the beginning of the Year 1672. having discovered the designs of France to be only intended against Holland , the Turks reassumed their purposes so long premeditated against Poland , with an arrogance natural to Turks , and with a scorn not only of France , but of all Christendom . For his most Christian Majesty judging perhaps , that the rude treatment of an Infidel Prince so far remote , intrenched not so much on his Honour and Interest , as the quarrel he had with the neighbouring States , seemed to contemn for the present , or rather to defer the revenge of former injuries until a more fit and commodious season ; wherefore in the mean time his Ambassadour upon new Instructions from France brought purposely by a Man of War , repaired a second time to Adrianople , where he intimated unto the chief Ministers the great desire his Master had to maintain that League and Friendship , which for above an hundred years had continued inviolate and uninterrupted : and therefore waving all other former Particulars of demand , declared himself satisfied , only to renew the Capitulations , with that single alteration of their Customs from five to three in the hundred , according to that Priviledge which the English and all other Christian Merchants injoyed , whose League and Friendship was subsequent to that of others . The Great Vizier being now freed of that suspicion and fear he apprehended of the French Fleet , and being assured that their Arms were not now probable to disturb him in his designs intended , he seriously smiled in his sleeve at these Addresses , and with a kind of scorning neglect bid the Ambassadour welcome to the Court , saying , That he should have what he desired . Wherefore the Capitulations were transcribed , and the alteration made in the value of their Customs ; but the Vizier who meant nothing less than to yield them this Priviledge , deferred the signing thereof from day to day , pacifying the daily importunity of the Ambassadour with dilatory excuses , until at length having protracted the time to the very day that the Grand Signior and he began their March towards Poland , without so much as granting the Ambassadour a personal Audience , did then with soft and gentle words signifie to the Interpreters the grand pressures of his Affairs at present , that would not permit him time to perfect all matters with the Ambassadour , whom they should assure , that at his return with Glory and Victory from the Enterprises in hand , those requests should be granted , and his promises performed ; and in the mean time his Nation should remain secure in these Dominions , as in former times , and the League and Friendship continued and maintained . The Ambassadour was strangely surprised at this last Farewel ; but being a Gentleman of great Morality and Vertue , knew , no doubt , how to bear such a disappointment with an equality of mind agreeable to the greatness of his Soul ; and therefore with a due resentment of the injury received , he returned to Constantinople , whilst the Sultan and his Vizier proceeded in their March towards the Confines of Poland . But before I enter into a relation of the motives of that War , and the success thereof , which is the subject of the following Year , let us return to the place from whence we have digressed , and observe in this Year of Peace and repose of this Empire , what the Sultan contrived for security of himself by the death of his Brothers . We acquainted you formerly in what manner the Sultan was disappointed in his designs against his Brothers , by means of his Mother , to whom the Janisaries had committed the care of their safety , which she according to her promise had maintained , and tendered equally with her own . But now the Vizier being returned from the Wars , and the most seditions amongst the Janisaries withdrawn from Constantinople , it was thought sit to make a new attempt on the Princes still residing in the old Seraglio , which was performed with those due preparations and secrecy , that it took effect on Sultan Orchan , the eldest of the two , who in the month of September 1671. dyed by a draught of poyson , which was administred to him as a Present from his courteous Brother ; some say he was strangled , and that before he submitted his neck to the Bow-string , he killed one of the Executioners with his Hanjarre . This Prince was reported by the people to be a comely Person , of a strong and robustious body , of large and black eyes like Sultan Morat : his death was lamented by all , and presaged as fatal to the Empire , in regard that that very night that he was murthered the Moon suffered a greater Eclipse than it had done for many years before , which happening out in this conjuncture was interpreted as ominous , and served to increase the maledictions and evil speeches , which the Turks in all places cast out upon those who gave this counsel to the Sultan . About this time the State of Genoua desirous to change their Officers in Turkie , sent a new Resident to Constantinople , and a Consul to Smyrna , which change was principally obtained at the request of the old Ministers , who weary of an employment so tedious , without a benefit corresponding to their melancholy life , and perceiving their Trade decline before it was arrived to any tolerable state or degree of reputation , by the assistance and mediation of friends sollicited their Letters of Revocation . For the Trade of Genoua being chiefly founded on hopes of those advantages which they expected from a coarse or base alloy of money , did instantly decay so soon as the Turks discovered themselves to be abused by the vast quantities of Temins imported , as we have before related : after which their profit failing , the Consulage consequently decayed , which is the only subsistence and encouragement of such Officers as are necessary to reside for the continuance of that Peace , which but a few years before they unadvisedly made with the Turk . The new Resident had no sooner arrived at Constantinople , and considered the poor and mean estate and ill foundation of their Trade , the growing charge of the Residency , and the great debts thereof that were to devolve upon him from his Predecessour ; but he perceived into what a Labyrinth of troubles he had ingulfed himself , instead of being preferred according to his hopes into a place of Honour and happy retirement . In which confusion of thoughts arising one morning before day from his bed , and sitting on his Close-stool ( as the servants of the house report ) reached at a Towel , which being intangled within the Lock of a Carbine that hanged always charged near his bed , unfortunately drew the Trigger too hard , which with that gave fire , and shot the poor Gentleman into the belly with a brace of Bullets , of which being mortally wounded , after Confession and some Prayers in a few hours he passed to another life : unhappy mischance , if it may be called a chance ; for I have understood from a sober person of that Nation , that the anguish of mind which he conceived at the evil condition of his Affairs , wrought in him a deepness of melancholy and despair , under which languishing some days , did at last most miserably lay violent hands upon himself . And now it is time to recal to mind the Conspiracy of Count Serini , Marquess Frangipani , and Count Nadasti , Persons of Quality and of great Power in Croatia and Hungary , who ( as we said before ) had sent their Messengers to the Great Vizier then remaining in the Leagure of Candia , with overtures of submission to the Ottoman Power . It was strange News to the World to hear that the House of Serini should abandon the Christian Party , and those renowned Defenders of their Country should apostatize , though not from Christianity , yet from that Cause and Liberty which their Ancestors and themselves had defended with Blood , Treasure , Valour , and Constancy . But dissentions and animosities sown by Satan , the Enemy of the Christian Church , did strangely corrupt the minds of those famous Persons , and raise in them a Spirit resolved to avenge the neglect and injuries put upon them by the Ministers of the Imperial Court , though at the expence and hazard of their fortunes and lives , and ruine and shipwrack of their Honour and Consciences : For the neglects and affronts undeservedly cast on Nicholas Serini during the late War ( as before related ) and the contempt and scorn put on the Croatian and Hungarian Nobility , was supposed to have fired the hot and ambitious Spirits of these Persons , who could more easily endure the slavery of the Turkish yoke , than condescend to the Government and prevalency of a contrary Party . Wherefore in prosecution of their design , being resolved to submit to the Turk , they dispatched two Gentlemen to the Ottoman Court , who arrived at Adrianople the 11 th of February 167 ; demanding the protection of the Sultan , for which they promised a Tribute of thirty Purses , or fifteen thousand Dollars every year for those Lands they held in Croatia . To make Answer hereunto a Divan or Council was called , in which were weighed all the Arguments and Reasons on one side and the other . The Muftee opposed their receiving into protection , as being against the Capitulations and Agreement so lately concluded with the Emperour , wherein the receiving or abetting of Rebels is expresly forbidden , and provided against by one side and the other ; but Vanni Esendi the Preacher who used to be always of a different opinion to the Muftee , urged to have them received , because that the advancement of the Mahometan Cause , and enlargement of their Empire was more sacred than the conservation of their League with an Insidel Prince . And that the Ottoman Court was no longer to be termed the Refuge of the World , if it could not yield that protection which oppressed Kingdoms and distressed Princes petitioned to obtain . In this manner the matter being controverted without Agreement , it was in fine resolved to refer the matter to the determination of the Grand Vizier , who was now in a few months expected to return triumphant from Candia . But in that interim Intelligence coming by way of Bosna , that the Emperour had already entred Croatia with thirty thousand men , that he had taken Chiacheturno in Cotoriba , and that Serini and his Associates were already fled , either to Vienna to beg pardon of the Emperour , or Transylvania , or to some other place , that the Marquess of Bada had sortified Sequas and other Castles of Serini with German Garrisons ; the Turks esteemed it too late to administer help to this desperate cause , and therefore refused to owne the Patronage of a People , to whom they could neither pretend by Reason , nor defend by Arms. The Vizier also being returned , like the Fox , contemned those Grapes which he could not reach , and with an abhorrency as it were of the Revolt or the Rebellion , as a zealous Hater of all perfidiousness , refused to afford protection to any of the Complices in the late Confederacy , which he politickly designed in reference to the Emperour , whose friendship he would seem to conserve most faithfully , left he should interrupt him in the carrying on of that War , which he then meditated against Poland . But what became afterwards of these Conspirators is the subject matter of the German History , it is sufficient to acquaint the Reader here that their design being seasonably discovered , they were interrupted by the hand of Justice , and met that Fate which is due to Traitors and Rebels to their Country , having abused the goodness of their Prince , to whom clemency and mercy are connatural . We shall therefore leave these men to render the next account to the Judge of all things , and prosecute our Relation of the Wars of Poland , which now was the next prize held up to the Turkish Militia , and was that adventure which was to consummate the glories of the Great Vizier . Howsoever , this gave beginning to that Rebellion in Hungary , which to this Year 1679 hath been continued , without prospect how far it may proceed , and what may be the issue of such direful Effects . Anno 1672. Hegeira 1083. WE have formerly acquainted you how coarsely the Chimacam of Adrianople had in the year 1667 treated the Ambassadour of Poland , who came to complain of the incursions made into their Country by the Tartars ; desiring that not only satisfaction might be made for the late spoils , but that that unruly and savage people might be restrained from the like Attempt for the future . But the Vizier being now returned in person it was thought necessary , That to preserve this gross Body of Empire from corruption , it should be exercised with motion , and the vigorous agitations of a new War. To what place they should now convert or employ their Armes , was the important subject of a grand Consultation ; they had lately made up a peace with the Venetians , so that on that side it was too early to make an irruption , the parts of Persia were too remote and distant to carry on a War with success and pleasure ; the sields of Hungary had been lately traced , and they were satiated with the blood of Austria and Germany ; something now of novelty must be proposed , and the forgotten ways of Poland must be again opened , there being something , it seems , of wantonness in prosperous Armes , which delight in variety , and abhor as much to fight often in the same Country , as Travellers do to see the same place twice . The Polanders had unto this day so preserved the Limits of their Country with honour and gallantry , that the Turks could never secure to themselves one palm of Land within their Territories , until the civil and most detestable Discords of that Country laid them open to the fury of their Enemies , who embraced this most grateful opportunity , which facilitated their Design , and made that easie which they had so long desired , and with care studied and contrived . But for the better understanding of these Affairs it is convenient for us to take the Thread of History at some distance off , that so we may with better light comprehend the Causes , Original , and Occasions of this War. The hatred and jealousies which the Ottoman Port hath always nourished and conserved against the Kingdom and Dominions of Poland , are ancient and inveterate , having their rise from the valiant opposition and successful repulses it always made against the various attempts of the Turks ; whereby the Poles were animated to treat always at equals with them , and with terms agreeable to that vain glory and swelling pride , which are natural to their Nation . But that which renewed the memory of past actions , and raised an expectation in the Turks to avenge the injuries by subjugating the Cosacks , was one Bogdan Chimilniczki General of the Cosacks , who growing powerful in that Country , with the strength of a numerous Army , abhorring the Pride of the Polish Nobility , denied obedience to their Kingdom , resolving to make himself the absolute Prince of that Province , from whence various fortunes of War succeeding , he was at length forced to join himself to the Tartars , and crave the protection of the Turkish Armes . In the mean time , Poland , invaded by the Swedes , Moscovites , and Transilvanians , was dismembred of Livonia , and a great part of Lituania and Verania , the first possessed by the Swedes , and the latter by the Czar of Moscovy , and the Rebel Cosacks ; which confusions rejoiced the Turks , and gave them the first hopes , not only to free themselves from the frequent Piracies the Cosacks committed on them in the Black Sea , but to impose upon them the Ottoman Yoke ; to which end they maintained a secret correspondence with the Generals of that people , promising them the assistance of Men , Money , and Armes , but yet with that caution , that they would not seem unprovoked to quarrel with the Poles , or without just cause to violate the peace of Choccin , to which they pretended a most religious and reverend regard . Wherefore , that they might not appear causeless Actors against that solemn League , they secretly encouraged those Incursions , which in the Years 1666 and 1667 we have already mentioned to have been made by the Tartars into Poland , as far as the Walls of Leopolis ; which action , that the Tartars might not have occasion to abett and maintain , the Poles resolved to send a most splendid Embassy to the Turks , desiring that the Tartar Han might be deposed , for having unjustly violated the sacred peace of Choccin . For that as the Poles were obliged to restrain the Piracies and Depredations of the Cosacks in the Black Sea , so the Turks were become security against the incursions of the Tartars . Scarce had the Ambassadour Radiowski delivered this message , before he unhappily died at Adrianople ( as we have before signified ; ) to whose Complaint and Demand , after many delays , no other answer was given , than that the Poles should sirst break their League which they had contracted with Moscovy for thirteen years , without the consent , and against the pleasure of the Port , and then after that they might expect and promise themselves all due satisfaction . In this manner Affairs stood when King Casimir , weary of the Factions and Discords of the Nobility , resigned up his Crown to retire unto a private life . And now it being necessary to proceed to a new Election we may consequently expect various Commotions and Disturbances in this State , sufficient to attract the eyes of the Turks , and encourage the Cosacks in their intended Revolt . At length Prince Michael Korebut Wisnowieski being elected King , it seemed agreeable to reason , that all Verania should have returned to obedience of him , to whom the best part of that Country did by right of patrimony , and natural inheritance belong ; but the success thereof fell out contrary to all expectation , for Dorosensko , then General , designing to usurp that Government , proposed the project of uniting Verania to the Body of Poland , as a member of the Crown , by which means that Province would not only become free from its Vassalage to the Nobility , but obtain equal suffrages in the Diet , with all the other more free and priviledged Countries ; and in this manner he might not only compel Poland to condescend to his designs , but confirm himself in the absolute and supreme Authority of the Cosacks : This proposition therefore seemed so insolent , and savouring of Rebellion to the Polish Court , that a severe and menacing Message was dispatched to Dorosensko , threatning to take from him his Bulaua , or Truncheon of General , if ever he entertained any such imagination so highly derogatory to the Majesty of the Polish State ; he therefore thought it his time to cast himself wholly into the protection of the Sultan , and accordingly dispatched Ambassadours to the Port to signifie their submission , begging to be received into the Arms of the Ottoman Power ; and as an assurance thereof , that he might receive the ( Tough ) which is the Ensign of Authority , carried by Pashaws . The Vizier at the first motion hereof , reflecting on the evil consequences , in case the Grand Signior's honour should be foiled in this action , suspended a while a compleat answer thereunto ; but at length being instantly sollicited , and perceiving the Disorders and Factions of Poland to encrease , the Cosacks were received for Subjects of the Empire , and obliged to wage War against all Enemies to the Ottoman Power . Duke Michael being elected King , the first Act he performed was to send an Ambassadour extraordinary to the Grand Signior , with no other Design than to acquaint him of his Election to the Crown , only in case an opportunity presented , then to move for a ratification of the Articles concluded at Choccin . This Ambassadour , called Wisozki , being of a haughty and proud spirit , became the Authour of all the mischief which ensued ; for being of a temper which could not equally bear the honour of his important Office , lanched out into matters beyond his Commission , and instead of imparting his Message , would become sole Arbitrator of all the differences between those two powerful Princes ; for he being unacquainted with the Power or Affairs of the Turks , supposed nothing in this World comparable to the number , richess , and valour of his own Nation , and therefore gave himself that liberty of arrogant Language , that by way of Command and Menaces he rather seemed to act the part of a Governour or Umpire in the differences of State , than of an Oratour or Suppliant for peace . In his conceit the Turks wanted both courage and power to invade Poland , and therefore supposed he might safely brave them into a ratification of former Articles , especially when he mentioned a hundred thousand Horse , which he undertook before the Vizier to be able on his own account to conduct as far as the Walls of Adrianople . It was a strange humour of Rodomontado that inspired these two last Ambassadours , and if from them we may take a pattern of the disposition of the rest of the Polish Nobility , it will be no wonder to hear and read the Distractions that are amongst them , that they carry themselves with disrespect to their Prince , are emulous and factious amongst themselves , and that their pride and ignorance , which have flattered their humour , and triumphed amidst their Tenants and Vassals , should betray them to all those evils which we may fear may be the consequences thereof . The Great Vizier , considering the confidence which this person used in his Discourse , imagined that the differences in his Country might be composed , and therefore in compliance with his desire , offered in general terms to confirm the peace made at Choccin , without Addition of any new Article in reference to the Cosacks , being a business of that nature which admitted of no present determination ; this , he said , was his ultimate resolution , which if the Ambassadour approved not , he might then advise it home , and expect a farther result of their Counsels . Wisozki being really possessed in his fancy of the Turks weakness , gave way to his passion , and with little judgment replied , That he approved not of the Proposition , nor needed he to transmit any such advice into Poland , he himself being a Plenipotentiary of as full a Power as the King and Council ; for being a Nobleman , he was by consequence that necessary Member of the Republick , that nothing could pass without his Suffrage . The Vizier amazed at this extravagant way of discourse , the which he supported with moderation and contempt , dispatched away a Chiaus into Poland with Letters , desiring that this Ambassadour should be recalled , as being a Person unable to manage matters of the least concernment ; and if they supplied his place with another , he should be received with due respect , and a plain way laid open to conclude his Negotiations to the satisfaction of both Parties . Wisozki abounding in his own sense and humor , represented matters in a far different manner into Poland , alledging , That the Law of Nations was impeached by the violence offered to his Person , being imprisoned , and the usual Tain or Allowance of Ambassadours withheld from him ; both which were not absolutely true : for the maintenance he refused as too mean for his Quality and Office ; and for his Imprisonment , it was no other than a Confinement to the City of Constantinople , with a prohibition only from passing over unto Pera , where formerly in a house he had taken , he committed a thousand irregularities and disorders , which caused the Vizier to recal him again over to Constantinople , denying him the liberty of passing more to the other side . These were the injuries which he complained of into Poland , still fancying , That if the Nobility were assembled to consider of these matters , the Turk would be so afsrighted at it as to condescend unto any terms he should propound . These reports of Wisozki took that impression with the Court , that esteeming all authentick which he said or wrote , without farther examination issued out Orders for a general Insurrection , and that all people should prepare for the War , rendring the Vizier no other answer , than that when their Ambassadour was set at liberty , and had licence to depart , the like should be permitted unto theirs , and in the mean time the Chiaus was committed to safe custody . The Grand Signior highly angred at this obstinate misunderstanding , immediately ordered that Wisozki should depart , and at the same time commanded his whole Militia to rise and follow him to the War ; and so much the rather was he animated by the reports sent him from Dorosenzko , seconded by the Vayvods of Moldavia and Valachia , whose Letters declared the miserable confusions in Poland , divided into divers Factions and Parties , their want of money , and the mutiny of the Souldiery inclined rather to betray than defend Verania . And now a Sword and other Presents usual in these cases , being sent to the Tartar Han , he was ordered to unite with the Cossacks , and to invade Poland , where being encountred near Batowa , by a Body of Horse under the Command of Luzecki Governour of Podolia , the Poles were defeated , and was the first bad Omen of the ill success of this unhappy War. To second these beginnings , the Grand Signior having raised an Army of an hundred and fifty thousand men , marched towards Poland already sick and languishing with its own intestine distempers , and unable to contend with a Body united within it self , wanting neither internal vigour , nor nourishment to maintain its strength ; the first Enterprise was the impregnable Fortress of Caminiecz , which had often in former times baffled the Ottoman Arms ; but now being ill provided , destitute of Arms , Ammunition , Provisions , and but weakly manned , and what was worst , despairing of any Relief , after eleven days Siege surrendered it self to the pleasure of the Conquerour . Hence the Turks had an open passage through all Podolia and Volhinia to the very Walls of Leopolis , which they passed over like Travellers rather than Enemies , there not appearing one person in Arms to oppose them , delighting and sporting themselves in these most fruitful and delicious Countries of Europe : thus had private animosities and civil rancour possessed the minds of the Poles one against the other , that they had rather yield themselves to the servitude of an Enemy , than condescend to the humor or counsel of a Citizen . Thus had the Turks passed all this Summer in the Plains and Cities of Poland , where it seemed rather Peace than War , all places submitting without difficulty unto the Grand Signior as to their true and natural Lord and Soveraign , by which means the Inhabitants redeemed their Lives and Estates ; for the Sultan willing to demonstrate his clemency , and to spare those who voluntarily yielded , and encourage others to submit to so gentle a yoke , forbad all the common outrages of Souldiers , not permitting Plunder or Booty to be brought into the Camp ; nor greater Spoils to be committed , than if his Army had passed through his own Dominions ; whether this obliging or winning manner of proceedings overcame the stout hearts of the Polanders more than blows , will be experienced in the sequel of this story ; it is certain the Militia returned home poor and weary , and more broken by this years Expedition than by the long and tedious March to Persia , and hazardous Battles during the Siege of Babylon ; but the Sultan was desirous to return home , and give this first proof and testimony to the World of his warlike and invincible Spirit , of his clemency and of his success in Arms , that at his first appearing in the Field , all Armies and Fortresses submitted to his Power . The Poles on the other side being of an opinion and temper far different to that of their Ambassadour Wisozki , resolved to purchase the departure of their new Guests on any terms ; so that these following Articles were agreed and concluded . That the King of Poland should quit all Claim to Ukrain , Podolia , and Rusland . That for Leopolis and the Country thereabouts should be paid a Tribute of seventy thousand Dollars a year ; all other Capitulations formerly made were to stand in force and virtue . These Articles being signed , the Grand Signior committed the Government of Verania and Podolia to Dorosenzko , and the defence of Caminiecz to Chusaein Pasha with a Garrison of twelve thousand Janisaries ; so that now being returned home , the Militia was permitted to repair to their several Countries and Dwellings , the following year being dedicated to the repose and ease of the Souldiery . Towards the end of this Year , when the Ships of Barbary returned home , those of Tripoli conceived a certain discontent against their Pasha named Osman for his covetous behaviour towards his Souldiers ; for having that Summer taken very rich Prizes from the Venetians and other Nations , the Souldiers expected at their return home to receive a division of their Spoils according to their just and equal shares . But the Pasha grown old and covetous , getting the whole into his hands , appropriated the greatest part to his own Coffers , distributing to the Souldiers an inconsiderable proportion of what they had gained the year before . Hereupon the chiefest Commanders amongst them becoming greatly enraged began to incense the Souldiery , which for interest or want of Pay , being always ready to mutiny , took fire immediately , and easily were blown into a Rebellion ; so that first making Parties , and retiring into secret Junto's and Councils , they resolved to destroy the Pasha , and alter the Government , and thereby make themselves Masters of all the Treasure and Richess which Osman Pasha had in the space of thirty years amassed together . The Pasha having notice of all that passed , and apprehending the Conspiracies of this unbridled People to be dangerous , began to provide for his safety , and getting together so many as he supposed of his Party , and that were , or might be faithful to him , which joyned with his Slaves and Servants , made up a small Garrison , wherewith to defend and preserve himself within his Castle , which being well provided of Ammunition and Victuals , he shut his Gates , denying access or admittance unto all persons upon any pretence and account whatsoever . Hereupon the Mutiny appearing , the Souldiery drew into a Body in the open field , against whom several shot were made from the Castle ; so that now the Civil War was begun , and the whole Force of Tripoli raised against the Pasha and his Castle , which being straitly besieged , the Defendants who were for the most part Servants and Slaves , failing in their courage , resolved to make Conditions for themselves to the best advantage ; wherefore conspiring against their Master , entred his Chamber and strangled him in the night ; and the next morning opening the Castle-gates , received the Enemy within the Walls , making manifest the death of their Master and their own Treachery . Osman Pasha being dead , every one acted for a time what the wildness of an unruly multitude could suggest , till such time as the Heads of the Rebellion could frame themselves into some form of Government , which for the present was resolved to be by a Dei , as most convenient for commanding of the Souldiery , intending for the future to take the Algier Government by a Divan for their Pattern and Model of Rule , under which the people of that place had found and experienced the sweetness of liberty , richess , and success . These matters being agreed upon , some of their Men of War were sent to give advice unto the Grand Signior of the revolutions of their City , supplicating him to pardon the violence used against their Pasha Osman , whose Covetousness and Tyranny forced them for self-preservation to precipitate that Authority , which they knew on their complaints , his Majesty would have granted them ; and that he would be pleased to receive them into his protection and favour , as his faithful and humble Subjects and Slaves , and as an evidence thereof would grant them a Pasha confirmed by his Royal Signature . The Sultan , though at first shewed himself much displeased with this manner of proceeding against Osman Pasha ; yet seeing that there was no remedy , suffered himself to be mollified by their Presents and submission , granting them a Pasha for their Governour , whose power proved as unsignificant as his doth , who bears that Title at Algier . Matters being thus reduced to some tolerable condition amongst them , they concluded , That the most beneficial course of life to render them considerable , as well as to amuse and divert the minds of their rude people from innovations against their Governours , was to grant free liberty to whomsoever pleased to arm out Ships of War ; which Priviledge Osman Pasha reserved to himself and his Confidents ; and finding at present that they were able to set out six Sail from forty to fifty Guns , and four more from twelve to thirty , intending to accomplish in all the full number of fifteen Sail ; those who traded in the Levant Seas began to apprehend , that this faithless and heady people would at a time , when they found their advantage and the temptation of a rich Prize , break their Peace with his Majesty our King , the which Osman Pasha had notwithstanding conserved for several years without violation , moved perhaps thereunto out of an apprehension , that in such troubles which a War with England might bring upon them , he might lose or impair his richess , and bring the like confusion on his people , as he had lately heard of in Algier on the like occasion : but how and in what manner these matters succeeded , and how at length this people broke their Peace and Faith , we reserve to be recounted at the end of the Year 1674. Towards the end ' of the month of August it pleased God to take out of this life unto a better Sir Daniel Harvey his Majesties Ambassadour at Constantinople : a man whose person being comely , was extremely grateful to the Turks ; and for the experience he had at the Ottoman Court , was equal in the happy management of Affairs to any of his Predecessours . Anno 1673. Hegeira 1084. BUT it seems the Turks had made too much haste in their return to digest a Conquest of so large Extent ; so that they were scarce well warmed by their Winter-fires , before they were alarmed again with Jealousies of Poland , and the Seditions amongst the Cossacks , whom Dorosenzko wrote he could not keep in subjection , unless he had some Succours sent him from the Port. The rumors likewise that the Muscovite armed , and was resolved to assist the Poles in recovery of their lost Country , increased the apprehensions of the Turks , who too late perceived the errour they had committed in so soon disbanding their Army , which before some were scarce got home , they were forced to recal . But now the year was well begun , and no grand preparations made ; so that it was impossible to collect an Army in so short a time considerable enough to be honoured with the Conduct of the Sultan ; wherefore it was resolved , that all things this year should be disposed in a readiness against the next . But the Grand Signior had a project of his own to depart speedily with his Court , and to pass the heats of the Summer in the Mountains of Zegna about five or six days Journey on his way towards Poland , which being reported to be a place well planted with Trees , watered with cool and fresh Springs , and abounding with all sorts of Game , made him impatient to take up his Summer-quarters in a Country so agreeable to his humor ; and that he might cover the design of pleasure with that of profit and policy , he pretended that the report of his proceeding so far would both hasten the Army , and give a terrour to the Enemy . But the Great Vizier and his Council who weighed all things better , were of another opinion , judging it neither honourable for the Court to be retired into Woods and Mountains , nor the advantage of such a surmise able to countervail the expences and inconveniences of that Journey ; and therefore it was concluded to stand unto the first resolution , That the Grand Signior with the main Body of his Army should not move until the following year , but that in this interim all preparations should be made for Provisions and Ammunition , in order unto which three thousand Janisaries were already sent away to Keminiecz under the Command of the Sampsongibashee , and six thousand more under the Zagargibashee were to be landed on that Isthmus , which joyns the Crim Tartar unto the Main , from whence they had a short March to the assistance of Dorosenzko . Chasaein Pasha lately come from Damascus , was nominated for General to be sent into Silistria , and there to command in Chief over the Militia of Dobriza , Bosna , and Runtelia in case of any alteration and disturbance in Poland : this Person was always accounted a stout and valiant Souldier , though seldom fortunate , and was the same that lost the Battel before Lewa in the last German Wars , as we have before intimated : he was about this time grown infirm by a hepatical Dysentery , which reduced him to a weak condition of body , with little hopes of recovery . In the mean time arrived at Adrianople an Ambassadour from the great Czar of Muscovy , bringing Letters dated in April of the preceding year , which was before the time that the Turks had entred Poland , the contents of which were , That the Grand Signior would do well to desist from his design against that Country ; for that if he did proceed and invade those Dominions , he should find himself obliged to make War upon him , and with his mighty and puissant Power to drive him back to his own Jurisdiction . This Message appeared very unseasonable , and caused much laughter at first ; for that the Turk had since the Date of that Letter invaded Poland , and possessed himself of vast Countries , and yet neither encountred any opposition from the Muscovite , nor so much as heard any rumor of his Motion . Wherefore the Turks with scorn forbad the Ambassadour any farther Addresses , and commanded him to be gone speedily , saying , That his Master had neither courage nor force to maintain his word of War , nor wisdom to manage a Treaty of Peace . The Reports now from the parts of Poland spake matters to be in a quiet posture , and not likely to concern the Turks much for this year ; wherefore the Grand Signior began again to renew his purposes of pastime and pleasure in the Mountains of Zegna ; but because no true or perfect account could be given of the delights , refreshments , and situation of that place , the Olack Celebi or chief Postmaster was sent to survey the Country , and to return with a relation of all matters : but in the interim the design was altered ; for the Grand Signior having begun a Fabrick in which he had expended about eighty thousand Dollars , at a small Village about nine or ten miles from Adrianople ; the place and novelty of the Building so well pleased him , that he sound in himself an inclination to pass the whole Summer there ; and becoming likewise enamoured of a young Lady in his Seraglio , notwithstanding his former tenderness to his Queen , and late aversion to all other Women , he judged it was possible to divertise his time well in those parts , and more to his contentment , than in wild woods and uninhabited mountains . Whereupon the intentions of Zegna were laid aside , and nothing thought of but the rest and quietness of the Court for this year . But because it was reported , That the Czar of Muscovy made great Preparations for War , it was judged necessary to command the Crim Tartar to be watchful of his motion by Land , though the natural slothfulness of that people gave them no apprehension of their Arms for this year : howsoever it being probable , that they might prove more active and forward in the Black Sea , than they were capable to do by Land , by sending forth their small Boats down the Volga to take and pillage the Saiks and Vessels belonging to Constantinople and other parts ; the Captain-Pasha was ordered to pass into that Sea with thirty five or forty Sail of Gallies for defence of the Coast , and for fortifying and repairing Asac , and the Fortresses thereabouts : but whilst these Preparations were making for the Euxine or Black Sea , the other Seas were neglected and undefended ; for the Alexandrian Fleet consisting in all of eight Sail , were encountred not far from Rhodes by some Maltese and Ligornese Corsaires : the Ships of the Turks were most of them very great and potent Ships , one of them was at least fifteen hundred Tuns , and was capable to carry an hundred Guns , the others , of eight hundred or a thousand Tuns , able to have resisted and overcome , had they been well armed , double the force that assaulted them ; but being now engaged with an Enemy , though not so strong , yet better experienced in marine Affairs than themselves , they fought with them stoutly the first day ; but the next day six Gallies coming to the Christians assistance , ( which had been harboured in some Port not far distant , and led thither by the noise of the Cannon , to which also a calm giving the greater advantage ) the Turks began to faint in their courage , so that four Gallions and two Saiks yielded to mercy , which was a Prize of so great value , that it was supposed never to have been equalled since the time of Sultan Ibrahim , when the loss of the grand Sultana and other Ships gave the first occasion of War with Venice . This great Ship which was reported by those who saw her to be both longer and broader than the Soveraign , carried only sixty Guns , and was manned accordingly only with about an hundred Seamen , and about two hundred more which were Land-men , wholly unacquainted with the Sea or with Naval Fights : the biggest Ship amongst the rest was belonging to the Queen-Mother , and the others to the Grand Signior , being freighted principally with Sugar , Coffee , Rice , and other Provisions for the proper maintenance of their Courts , which we may suppose will highly inflame these grand Personages with anger and disdain , when they reflect on their own proper losses which touch them so nearly as their peculiar Goods and the Furniture of their Kitchins . The Turkish Court now angered with this loss , was more moved in the midst of May , when a Messenger from Poland arrived with Letters from the Grand Chancellour , declaring with modest terms , That their Kingdom was unable or unwilling for many respects to pay the promised Tribute ; so that if they did not judge sit to wave or lay aside those pretensions , they should be forced to take up Arms in defence of their Honour , Safety , and Priviledge of their Dominions . The Turks surprised with this unexpected Message , too late perceived the errour of the last years proceedings , which were carried on with a clemency and confidence not agreeable to the disposition and humor of such an Enemy , as is unacquainted with servitude , and so far from being able to fupport a Foreign Yoke , that they cannot endure subjection to their own Civil Government , every Nobleman ( of which there are many in Poland ) being ambitious to be a Prince , judges himself better than his elected King. Hence proceeded all those dissentions which laid them open to the late invasion of their powerful Enemy , the apprehension of whom having obducted for a while those sores of Faction which festered amongst them , and that principle of self-conservation , which by a forcible nature inclined them to Union , at length armed them with a resolution to avenge the Liberties of their Country , and assured them of the Truth of that Saying , That a Kingdom divided against it self cannot stand . The Turks now wished that they had either made a true use of their Victory , and the opportune Conjuncture of the last years Affairs to have setled and secured their Conquests , or that they had never begun the War ; for now finding themselves engaged in it , they were in honour obliged to proceed , and lose the fair opportunity which presented to make their advantage in Hungary ; to which place they had been , and were still invited by the Rebels of that Country , who to revenge the Cause of Serini , Nadasti , and some other Discontents and Aggrievances of which they complained , and to defend the Protestant Religion ; in which by the zeal of some Churchmen , they were disturbed , resolved to abandon their Allegiance to their natural Prince , and rather seek a protection for their Estates , and allowance for their Religion under the Turk , than remain beholding for either to a prevailing party at the Imperial Court. The chief Authours of this Rebellion were Petrozy , Sepesi , Tende , Gabor , Sutrey , and other principal persons amongst the Hungarians , who having on their own strength opposed themselves against the Emperour the last year were defeated in divers engagements , and at length reduced to a very low and miserable condition . Wherefore they renew again their Petitions and Presents to the Sultan , sent by their Agents about the beginning of this Month of April , begging his assistance and protection , representing the easiness of the Conquest , and how large a Gate they were able to open to his Armies , and make a plain way for him into the most fertile and opulent Countries of the World , of which he seemed already half possessed by reason of those Discontents and Factions that were amongst them . The Turks though well satissied of the reasonableness of the design , yet being engaged in honour against Poland , knew not how to retract , and therefore dispatched away the Messengers for the present with fair hopes and secret promises , well treated in private , though they received rather a Denial than Encouragement in publick . For the expedition against Poland was that which employed solely the wisest heads of the Empire , who as it were in fury issued out immediate Orders , That all those who eat the Grand Signior's Bread , should without farther delay prepare themselves for the Wars against Poland ; and that Provisions and Ammunition should be supplyed in all places according to the usual proportions ; The Tugh , or Horse-Tail , ( the Signal for departure ) was set forth , the Tents ordered to be carried into the Field , and such haste made in all parts , as if the raising of an Army were the business but of one day ; resolving immediately to proceed against their Enemies , to whom the Sultan returned a most dreadful and menacing Letter , full of expressions agreeable to the Turkish Style , which threatned Confusion Sword , Famine , Fire , Destruction , and a thousand other more direful Judgments : but the Collection of this great Army , and the appendages belonging thereunto , were not so suddenly provided as to admit of such a dispatch as the Sultan's fury pretended ; wherefore in cooler blood it was concluded , That for this Summer they should not pass much beyond the other side of the Danube , that the Winter Quarters should be designed in Silistria , from whence they might more effectually threaten and affright their Enemies with their near approach . About this time the French found an opportune season to accommodate all their Affairs with the Port , and to put a period to the several Articles and particulars they had for many years demanded . For now the French King not only appeared very formidable by reason of his success against Holland , but likewise instrumental to promote the designs of the Port , whilst he kept the Brandenburghers employed , and diverted the whole Armies of the Empire ; and now also that they might engage him not to contribute assistance to the Poles , they judged it reasonable policy to evidence to that Ambassadour more external demonstrations of kindness , and strain their courtesie beyond the terms which they could cordially , and in reality afford them . Wherefore , at length the Capitulations were renewed , and some Articles and Priviledges superadded , which are these that follow . First , That all religious Persons and Bishops of the French Church shall remain and continue quiet and unmolested in their respective habitations and dwellings , with liberty to perform all their Ecclesiastical Rites and Ceremonies . Secondly , That the religious of Jerusalem and of Bethlem shall conserve those religious places which they have anciently possessed , and there may continue to celebrate their Worship of God , and all their Devotions , without any disturbance . Thirdly , That if these Religious of Jerusalem or Bethlem have any difference or dispute with the Officers thereof , it shall be remitted to the decision of the Port. Fourthly , All Frenchmen , and all under their Banner , shall safely at all times go to Jerusalem , and return without molestation . Fifthly , The two Churches in Galata belonging to the Jesuits and Capuchins , and anciently possessed by them , are now again confirmed by these Presents ; one of which belonging to the Capuchins having been burnt , free liberty is given for the rebuilding thereof , and to remain as formerly in the hands of the French ; and in the Hospital in Galata , if they will read the Gospel after their fashion , none shall give them disturbance or hinder them . Sixthly , Whereas the French Nation formerly paid 5 per Cent. Custom , now in regard they have been ancient friends to the Port , and that they have renewed their Capitulations , they shall pay no more than 3 per Cent. and accordingly let no more be demanded . Seventhly , All Portugueses , Sicilians , Catelans , Messineses of Ancona , &c. that have no Ambassadours at the Port , if they come under the French Banner , shall pay no more than 3 per Cent. according as the French pay . Eightly , In payment of their Customs , they shall pay the Currant Money such as passes in our Treasury , and the Farmers of the Customs shall not refuse the same . Ninthly , The Mesteria they shall pay according to what the English Merchants pay , and no more . Tenthly , All the Merchandise they bring , or shall bring , shall be valued according to the present estimation , and no more pretended of them , and if the Customers will notwithstanding raise the esteem of the Goods above the value , then if the Merchant will pay his Custom in specie , it shall not be refused . Eleventhly , The Custom of Silk being paid — a new Custom ought not to be demanded . Twelfthly , The Custom being once paid , the Customer shall not refuse to give his Teschare , and the Merchant being willing to transport his Goods to another Scale , another Custom shall not be demanded . Thirteenthly , The Officers and Customers at Sidon , Birut , Aleppo , or Cairo shall not compel the Merchants to take Goods by Force , not under any pretence whatsoever take one Asper from them , nor demand mony to be lent unto them . Fourteenthly , The French Vessels may bring Goods from the Indies , by way of the Red Sea , unto the Port Suucis , and having paid their Custom once there , whatsoever Goods they cannot sell in that Country , they may have liberty to transport over land to Alexandria , and there relade them again on their own Vessels without paying another Custom , or receiving molestation from any person . Howsoever , this Capitulation is to be understood with this condition , that this point shall be signified to the chief Officers of Cairo , who having called a Council of the most knowing and experienced persons to consider hereof , and they concluding that this point is in no wife prejudicial to that Countrey , nor to the interest of the Believers , then this Article to be of force , but if they advise the contrary , then this to be of no effect . Fifteenthly , If the Fryars , or Merchants , or Druggermen will make Wine , and transport it abroad , none shall hinder them . Sixteenthly , The French Consuls , and all under their Banner , having a difference with any of , or above , four thousand Aspers , it shall be decided at our publick Divan . Seventeenthly , If any man-slaughter shall happen in the street where French dwell , they shall not be liable to pay the price of the Bloud , unless it be proved before the Justice that a Frenchman was guilty thereof . Eighteenthly , The Druggermen in service of the French Nation shall enjoy the same priviledges , as before specified . Nor was the French interest only available at that time to obtain the foregoing Articles , and renew their Capitulations with such Additions ; but likewise to procure Licence for the Ambassadour to travel into the remotest parts of the Ottoman Dominions ; for though it were a thing never practised before , and denied ( as is well known ) to other Christian Ambassadours ; yet it was granted to Monsieur de Nointel with so much freedom , that first in a Brigantine he went to Scio , thence visited the chief Isles of the Archipelago , thence crossed to Rhodes , and so proceeded to Satalia , Cyprus , and Jerusalem : so much confidence had the Turks , contrary to their custom , in this Ambassadour : for as they stile all Representatives from Foreign Princes their pawns or pledges of Peace , so had not the Turks in that conjuncture thought the interest of France worth the obliging , they would never have deviated from their ancient Custom , and given an example for other Ministers to demand a priviledg of the like nature . But to return again to the designs against Poland , the Sultan about the end of July marched with such Forces as were then in a readiness towards the Confines of the Country ; and though he had not with him above fifteen thousand men , yet it was concluded that the Fame and terrour of the Grand Signior's motion would either abate and bring low the spirits of the Poles , and induce them to dispatch an Ambassadour with terms of Peace , or at least this readiness of the Turkish Camp would be an early preparation for the designs of the next year , and put the whole Empire into a timely motion , and that uniting with the Forces of the Frontiers , they might make a Body sufficient to resist any sudden Incursion . This resolution being taken , the Great Vizier led the Van , and encamped on the Banks of the Danube near a place called Isacgee , where he with all diligence built a Bridg of Boats to pass his Forces with the greatest facility to the other side , on which lies the Country of Moldavia . The Sultan about a days journey short of the Vizier , fixed his Court and Camp at a place called Babadog ; with intention after some days to cross the River , and proceed as far as Kemenitz , that by the influence of his powerful Presence he might encourage his Army there , and provide all things necessary for security of that Garrison . But in the mean time advices coming that the Polish Army , consisting of about twenty thousand men , was roving about the Confines of Leopolis , under the Command of General Sobieski , and that a reconciliation was passed between the King and him ; and that Zircha , Commander of the Cosacks , joined to considerable forces of the Moscovite and Calmuck Tartars , had made incursions into the parts about Osac , caused the Sultan to desist from his designed progress to Kemenitz , and to pass no farther than over the River into Moldavia for hunting or other pastimes . By these matters the Turks being fully convinced , that the Poles resolved not to pay their promised tribute , nor to send an Ambassadour with propositions , which were condescending or supplicating for Peace ; the Sultan himself dispatched away an Aga with Letters into Poland full of threats , menaces , and protestations of bringing all that ruine , misery , and destruction on their Country , which always attends the most cruel and bloudy War , if they did not retrieve their errour by a speedy submission and compliance with those Articles which were the last year accorded . And this was the last motion the Turks made towards a Peace , which they were desirous to embrace on any terms honourable , that so they might have opportunity to divert their Arms to the more mild Climates of Hungary , where , besides the entertainment they expected to receive from friends , who invited them , they should not be liable to half those inconveniences of Cold , Frosts , and Famine , as they were probable to meet in the parts of Poland . But the Poles were so much in earnest , and so little esteemed the menaces of the Sultan , that they anticipated his threats by some acts of hostility , and showed that they so much scorned his anger that they were resolved to be the first Aggressours . For the great Mareschal Sobieski with his Lieutenant General Wisnowitzki marched forward , and boldly passed the Niester with fifty thousand select Souldiers . The General of the Turkish Army , Chusaein Pasha , alarmed hereat , immediately issued sorth such Orders for preparing and sitting his Camp as were agreeable to a speedy Battel ; and that he might understand the state of his Camp , he called the Prince or Vayvod of Moldavia to examine him concerning the state and condition of his Forces ; the answer he gave proving not satisfactory to the expectation of the Turk , who was enraged at the approach of the Enemy , with high and proud words insulted over the Prince , giving him no better terms than Dog and Insidel , and at length struck him over the head with his Pole-Axe ; notwithstanding which , and the disgrace he put upon him , imprudently that night committed unto him , and to the Prince of Valachia , the care of the Guards , which consisted of three thousand Men. The Valachians as near Neighbours and Associates with the others , seemed at first more grievously to resent the affront , than did the Moldavians , and therefore that Night took their Prince by force and carried him to the Polish Army . The Prince , that he might make a Vertue of Necessity , complained of no force or violence offered unto him by his Souldiers , but as if he had voluntarily revolted , showed outwardly a fair and serene countenance towards the Poles , until such time as with forty of his Men , he found an opportunity to escape ; but being by next morning at break of day overtaken by five Troops of Polonian Horse , his whole Retinue was slain by them , excepting five of his men , who with himself , saved themselves by the swiftness of their Horses ; Howsoever , the Prince received a wound on his left hand with a Sword , with which presenting himself before the Great Vizier , and by that testimony boasting of his Faith and Loyalty to the Ottoman House , was conducted by him to the presence of the Sultan , who , in reward of his fidelity and valour , vested him with a rich Coftan , and restored him again to his Principality with addition of three hundred Aspers a day pay . His Wife and Children which remained as Hostages at Constantinople , being upon the News of the Princes Revolt clapt into the seven Towers , were again released , and conducted to their house with all imaginable honour and magnificence . But the Moldavian Prince was more in earnest , and heartily disdained the affront offered him by Chusaein Pasha , towards whom , and the other Turks , though he carried a serene and calm countenance , yet he nourished a secret flame and storm within himself ; to vent which , and revenge the affront , he maintained a correspondence with Sobieski , giving him intelligence of all matters in the Turkish Camp , how he might most easily surprize the Forces of the Pasha of Sivas , and the four Generals of the Spahees of Alchabolick . The Christians made use of this intelligence accordingly , by making their assault on the enemy on the weakest side , when the Prince having reserved his anger until an opportune Season , turned his face against the Turks , and with a courage agreeable to his spirit and command , he entered the Tabor , or Intrenchment of Chusaein Pasha , and wounded him with his own hand . The heat of the Fight continued fourteen hours , in which none behaved himself more valiantly than did Solyman Pasha the Beglerbeg of Bosna , who though he was as brave , and fought as stoutly as any man could , having six Horses that day killed under him , he was at length forced to fly and abandon the field , following Chusaein Pasha , and the Pasha of Sivas and Ciddi-ogla , who made better use , in saving themselves , of their horses heels , than their own Armes ; But in this Flight his Horse pitching his foot into the hole of a wooden Bridg , which he was to pass , was there stopped until he was overtaken by a Souldier with a Hat , who shot him through the Body ; so that continuing his flight more faintly than before , he was overtaken by a Polonian Hussar , who with a Lance bore him to the Ground , where he was trod under foot , and cut in pieces by the Enemy : The other three Pashaws were wounded ; the Generals of the Green and Yellow Sangiacks of the Spahees were taken Prisoners , and two other principal Commanders of the Spahees were killed . The Zagargeebashee , who commanded eighteen Chambers of Janisaries , was taken prisoner , the Standard of the Janisaries taken , and they wholly cut in pieces and destroyed , consisting of eight thousand five hundred men ; all the Troops and Attendants of those Pashaws , with four Sangiacks of Spahees , were slain upon the place , which in all were computed to be about twenty five thousand men . The booty taken was very considerable , for besides the ordinary Baggage they took two thousand purses of money , then newly brought for payment of the Souldiery , and twenty five thousand Waggons of Provisions and Ammunition . After this success and important Victory the Poles became Masters of the strong Fortress of Chotin , and other smaller Palanchas , on the Banks of the Niester , making their Incursions into Moldavia , as far as Jash , which is the principal City of that Country . And thus far was Kaplan Pasha proceeded with the Recruits of about four thousand men , when the News came of the fatal Rout , and the fame thereof encreasing by the fearful Relations of such as fled from the Battel , alarmed the Turks with such frightful apprehensions , that they retreated back again to the other side of the Danube , and united themselves to the Forces of the Vizier . But Chusaein Pasha , though he saved his life , yet could not conserve the Air of the Sultan's favour ; for so soon as he arrived at the Court , he received an ill welcome ; for according to the manner of Turks , who punish the ill success of a General equal to Crimes committed , he was immediately put into Chains , deprived of his estate and honours , and sent prisoner with the attendance only of two servants unto the Castles of the Dardanelli , where the disturbance and unquietness of his mind reduced him to an insirmity of Body ; so that being sick , and without Friends or Physicians , he sent to Sir John Finch , his Majesties Ambassadour , as he passed up the Hellespont , to afford him the use and assistance of his Physician ; but the Ambassadour excused himself , letting him know , that his Retinue being passed before on another Vessel , he was sorry it was not in his power to accommodate him in the manner he desired . The Winter being now well entered , which is very wet and cold in those Countries , caused the Armies on both sides to draw into their warmer Quarters , there to meditate and contrive their designs for the more active season . During these Affairs the King of Poland died ; so that the Election of a new Prince , the manner of reconciling their intestine Differences , and the means to defend their Countries , were Subjects of important Consideration , and matters more than sufficient to employ the wisest heads of that Nation for a longer time than their common Enemy was resolved to afford them . The Turk on the other side though full of revenge and anger for their last mifortune , yet patiently took this loss as the paring only of his Nails , that his Claws might grow the longer , and was so rowsed with this blow , that he summoned all the Nations of his large Empire to come in to his assistance , towards which forty thousand Carts laden with Provisions were appointed to rendezvous on the Banks of the Danube towards the end of the month of March. Yet in the mean time the Turks not having patience to see their perfidious Prince avail himself of his Revolt , and in despight of the Ottoman Power to seat himself in his Principality of Jash , were resolved to drive him thence ; and in order thereunto not expecting a milder season , immediately dispeeded some Troops of Tartars , and two thousand Spahees under the Command of a new Prince , to drive him out of the Country . In the mean time the Poles , since their late Victory , kept the Fortress of Kemenitz straitly blocked up on all sides , and thereby reduced them to such a want of food and other provisions , as might probably cause them to surrender before the Summer could open a way to their relief . But before I conclude this Year , I must not omit to acquaint the Reader , that in the month of September an English Factor at Smyrna descended of good Parents , and educated under a severe and religious Master , one who had a reasonable Estate of his own , and in good business and employment , did notwithstanding in the absence of his Partner , with whom he was joyned in Commission , carry out of the house 215 ; fine Cloths belonging to several Principals of England , with a considerable Sum of ready Money , Jewels , and things of value : of which having possessed himself , he went before the Kadi , and there in presence of divers Officers of the City turned Turk , hoping by the Priviledge of the Mahometan Law , whereby no Christian testimony can pass against a Turk , to appropriate unto himself that whole Estate , which he had thus treacherously got into his sole custody . And it being impossible for Turks to attest the Marks , Numbers , or know the Estates of Persons being in England , he judged himself out of the reach of any Power or Art to dispossess him of his unjust and wicked acquests . Howsoever the Consul did so closely pursue him both at Smyrna and at the Turkish Court , that in the space of seven months he regained all the Cloth , and the best part of the Money and Jewels out of his hands : and in fine reduced this Renegado to so low a condition , that he humbly supplicated the Consul to contrive a way for his passage into England : at which time His Majesties Frigate the Centurion being then in Port , he was imbarked thereupon , and so returned into his own Country . The Particulars of all which having been amply related in Writing and Letters to private Friends , I purposely omit the same in this place , that so I might cast a veil over the nakedness and shame of our Nation in that City . Howsoever I judge it requisite to recount this Story in brief and in general heads , That men may know there is a God who rules above , who rejects impious and licentious persons , confounding the designs of those who betraying their Trust , deviate from the common Rules of Morality and Honesty . Anno 1674. Hegeira 1085. THis Year began at Smyrna with the happy Arrival of Sir John Finch , sent by His Majesty for Ambassadour to the Grand Signior in the place of Sir Daniel Harvey , who dyed in August 1672. at his Country-house not far from Constantinople . His Excellency entred the City on the first day of January 〈◊〉 rejoycing the English Factory with the sight of their new Ambassadour , ( that Office having been now void for the space of sixteen months ) who was welcome also to people of the Country , judging him fortunate for arriving at the Feast of their great Biram : nor less pleasing was the News thereof to the Court , especially to the late Pasha of Tunis , whose Goods and Monies taken by one Dominico Franceschi , out of an English Ship called the Mediterranean , in her passage from Tunis to Tripoli , this Ambassadour had recovered from Ligorne and Malta ; which being an action without example , was greatly admired and applauded by the Turks , and esteemed an evident demonstration of that great Interest and Power which the Glory of our King hath acquired in Foreign parts , and of the singular dexterity of such a Minister . But to proceed to the Wars . The Polanders being thus prosperous , made use of their success , and the sharp cold of the Winter-season to make their Incursions , and Winter-quarters through all the Principalities of Moldavia ; for they being born in cold Countries , and accustomed to the Snows and Frosts , were more patient and enduring of extremity of weather than were the Turks , who were brought forth from more mild and moderate Climates : so that neither could the Poles be driven out from those Countries , nor Keminitz be relieved by them , until such time , that the Sun getting high , and thawing the Snows , and warming the Earth , prepared a season fit for return of the Turks again into those Countries ; who marching according to their custom with an Army composed of great multitudes , quickly compelled the Poles to retire . For the Grand Signior and Vizier having both seated their Winter-quarters on the Banks of the Danube , were ready at the sirst opening of the Summer to enter their Arms into the Enemies Countries ; and having called the Tartars to their assistance , did according to the usual custom make Incursions for depredation of Slaves , Cattel , and whatsoever else was portable in a running March. The Chan or King of this People was at that time greatly indisposed in his health , of which he advised the Great Vizier , as if he intended thereby to obtain a release from his personal attendance that year in the War : But the Vizier , who either supposed this excuse to be only a pretence , or that he had a kindness for his Person , immediately dispatched away his own Physician called Signior Massellini , an Italian born , a worthy Learned man , a good Christian , and my intimate Friend : with whom maintaining a constant correspondence by Letters , he wrote me , That from the Grand Signiors Quarters which were at Batadog near the Banks of the Danube , he arrived after seventeen days Journey in Chrim , where ( he said ) he was received with singular honour and kindness by the Great Chan , whom he found to be a Prince of admirable prudence , gentleness , and generosity , but greatly afflicted with a Hypochondriacal Melancholy ; which being an infirmity of some years standing , was with the more difficulty removed ; howsoever he was so far from being uncapable to follow his Army , that he advised him to divert his mind with the thoughts of War : which counsel having taken , after thirty days abode in the Camp , he found himself much more chearful than before , and greatly relieved of that pressure of Melancholy and caliginous Vapours which offended his Brain . We are now ( said he ) at Ussia at the Mouth of the Boristhenes , which we have passed from the other side unto this , where the River is nine miles broad , from hence we are marching towards Bender upon the Niester to pass into Moldavia , and there to joyn with the Ottoman Army . The Poles have sent to demand Peace , but with condition , that Kemenitz be restored to them ; which Proposition was with great disdain rejected , and will never be granted whilst this Emperour reigns . These people greatly desired a Peace with Poland , which the Election of Sobieski for King may probably facilitate ; for not only they , but the Turks also dread a March into Poland , and are so inveterately bent to take revenge on the Muscovites and 〈◊〉 , who lately became their Subjects , that they could accept of any reasonable Terms of Accommodation with Poland . I for my part found Tartary a very pleasant Country , plentiful of all Provisions , and the people much more courteous and obliging to Strangers and Christians , than those Turks with whom you and I have conversed . Thus far Massellini writes in commendation of the Tartars , and in farther confirmation hereof , I have read in some Books , That as to their Morals , there are very few Nations to be found less vicious , they are extremely severe and faithful , they have no Thieves or false Witnesses amongst them , little Injustice or Violence , and live in union and great tranquillity : the marvellous fidelity of the Captive Tartars in Poland is every day to be observed , who never fail to return at the time appointed , when they are licensed upon their word to go and procure their Liberties by the exchange of Polish Prisoners , which they execute punctually , or return themselves , not failing a minute . And it is observed , That the Polish Gentlemen do rather trust the young Tartars , which are in their Service , with the keys of their Money and Jewels , than any of their Houshold . The time for Armies to draw out of the Winter-quarters , and take the Field being now come , the Grand Signior and Vizier , with great numbers both of Horse and Foot passed the Danube , and prosecuting their March to the Confines of Poland , they relieved Kemenitz in the first place , the Poles at the News of their approach rasing the Siege . Thence they proceeded to Chuozim , a strong Fortress on the Niester , taken from them the last year by the Christians , after the defeat given to Chusacin Pasha , as before related , the which was surrendred without much difficulty on Articles , which were ill observed , the whole Garrison being afterwards put to the Sword. Nor had they worse success against the Muscovites , who retreated backward as the Turk advanced , leaving Asac , aster it had been sacked and almost destroyed , to be again rebuilt , which was speedily effected by the assistance of the Captain-Pasha , who was that year with thirty nine Gallies dispeeded into the Black Sea , and with great numbers of Slaves and Souldiers repaired the ruines which the Muscovites had made . In the mean time , whilst the chiefest strength of the marine Force was thus employed , a small Squadron of about ten Gallies were ordered for the Archipelago and the Levant , under the Command of one Mahomet Pasha , a Person that managed sundry great Employments ; but his prodigality and profuse way of living was the cause that he could thrive in none , only he thereby gained so much interest and credit with the Grandees and Monied men of the Court , who are the Pages and Eunuchs , as served him to contract a debt of a thousand Dollars without any ability of his own to give them satisfaction : of which these Creditors being assured , made it their Petition to the Grand Signior to grant him the Command of that Squadron of Gallies , which was that year designed for the Archipelago , supposing that he in this Expedition being to pass unto many Islands and Countries , knew how to make such use of his time , and the advantage of his Employment , as would gain him a sufficient benefit whereby to satisfie and clear all scores and accounts with them . This Office being accordingly conferred , Mahomet Pasha prepared himself to depart , whilst the Creditors remained in full expectation of a profitable Voyage and speedy returns ; which to improve to the best advantage , the Pasha first visited the open and undefended Isles , from whence with the greatest severity and rapine imaginable he pillaged and plundered what he was able , making some of them to ransom their whole Country with money . Thence he proceeded to Scala Nova , called by the Turks Koush-adasee , a place on the Coast of Asia , not far from Ephesus , where he demanded of the people ( though all Turks ) the Sum of five thousand Dollars , which they not finding to pay , were treated with all kind of force and violence , till at length paying down 1500 , and engaging to pay the rest in a months time , the Pasha departed , leaving an Aga , a Servant of his , to receive the money at the time agreed . In that interim , the Kadi coming to be changed , and another of more courage and spirit succeeding in his place , believed that the best service at his beginning and entrance into Office which he could perform towards the people , was to relieve them from the oppression of the Pasha , and perswade them positively to refuse the payment ; who taking courage from their Chief , drove the Aga out of Town , with a thousand menaces and reproaches . Upon this News Mehmet Pasha returned again full of anger and indignation , but found not that easie reception nor kind entertainment , as before ; but on the contrary , the Gates were shut against him , and the people abandoning their Habitations , with common consent resolved to make a Journey to the Grand Signior ; and to shew they were in earnest , proceeded so far in their way as to Ephesus , which is about ten miles distant from thence : the prejudice and danger of which complaint Mahomet Pasha greatly fearing , sent Messengers to pacifie them with good words and promises to relinquish his pretensions , in case they would return ; but the uproar was so great , that they found as much difficulty to quiet it , as the Town-Cerk in ancient times had to appease the Tumult raised by the Silversmiths about Diana of the Ephesians . Being thus baffled at Koush-adasec , he vented his fury on some poor Islands which he could more easily master , and thence proceeded to Napoli di Romania , where the people being already alarmed with his behaviour , and violence of his actions in other places , and encouraged by the example of Koush-adasec , upon his arrival there , without farther ceremony shut their Gates , and appeared armed against him upon the Walls ; at which entertainment and unexpected opposition , the Pasha fearing some evil consequences , set sail from thence , and crossing again the Seas into Asia , made Rhodes his next Port. Thence he passed to Satalia , to Cyprus , and Scanderone , and so again returned for Constantinople , taking Smyrna in his way , committing most extreme rapine and violence on the people , whose complaints having gone before him to the Court , he was immediately cut off at his arrival ; but in the first place , his gains and ill gotten goods were seized on to satisfie the Grand Signior , and his Creditors of the Seraglio , who being sent to fish for Wealth , was served like the Cormorants in the Indies , which being made tame , and taught to fish for the benefit of their Masters , have a Ring clapped about their necks to prevent them from swallowing the prey they take . But to return to the Actions at Land , which were matters of the greatest importance . The Turks had no sooner relieved Kemenitz , recovered Choczim , and caused the Muscovites to retreat , and draw their Forces into their Country ; but being Masters of the Field , and having the choice of acting according to their own pleasure , resolved to secure the places they already possessed , esteeming it more wisdom to make sure their late acquisitions , than to add thereunto new conquesls , which they could not maintain . And therefore considering the inconstancy of the Cosacks , who having abandoned their subjection to Poland , had submitted themselves to their yoke ; and also how unable Dorosenzko their Governour was either to keep them in obedience , or else to defend them from the Polonian Incursions ; they resolved for prevention of these inconveniences , and for a secure remedy against any sinister accidents of this nature , to make seisure of that Party of the Cosacks , who had not submitted to them , and transport them into other parts , which they accordingly put into execution , and sweeping all the Countries as they passed , carried away men , women , and children into Captivity : part of which , such as belonged to the Grand Signior , had some Lands assigned them along the Coast near the Black Sea ; the Armenians , who were a Trading people , and lived at Kemenitz , were transported to Philipopoli ; of the Jews some were carried to Adrianople , and others to Constantinople ; but the younger sort of both Sexes were permitted to the Souldiery to carry them for Slaves to their own homes , and were in great numbers dispersed through all parts of the Empire : a Policy anciently used by Pharaoh to his Egyptian Subjects , who having bought their Lands of them , did afterwards transport them from one end of the Land unto the other , that so he might keep them in the greater servitude and subjection , Gen. 47. 21. And as for the people , he moved them from one end of the borders of Egypt to the other . And in this manner the success concluding the year , without any great Enterprise or Feats of Arms , the Sultan returned to his Court at Adrianople about the end of November , licensing all the Asian Horse and Souldiers of remotest parts to return to their own Countries , with liberty to appropriate the following year to their repose and care for their peculiar concernments . To these Wars amongst secular Persons and men of Arms were added Differences , and never to be decided Controversies between the Religious of the Roman and Greek Churches at Jerusalem , who contending for the possession of the Holy Sepulchre of the King of Peace , rent that seamless Coat of Christ , and managed their Controversie with more malice and rancour each against other , than Princes do , who invade one the other with Fire and Sword. For the Franks or Western Christians subjected to the Popes Dominion , had possessed for several Ages a right to the Holy Sepulchre , and enjoyed the honour of the custody thereof , notwithstanding the pretences of the Greeks thereunto , who for many years in vain attempted at the Ottoman Court to obtain that Priviledge ; for the Franks being ever more powerful by charitable contributions brought from Christendom , besides large Sums of Money from the King of Spain , did always outbid the Market of the Greeks , and consequently made use of stronger arguments , than the adverse Party could produce in defence of their cause . Until such time , that one Panaioti , a Greek born in the Island of Scio , having by his parts and excellent address arrived to the honour of being Interpreter for the Western Tongues to the Great Vizier , at length obtained that favour with his Master , that he seldom refused whatsoever he with reason and modesty requested ; and being a great Zelot in his Religion , and esteemed the chief Patron and Support of the Greek Church , he secretly begged in behalf of his Country , the recovery of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem out of the hands of the Franks ; which the Vizier would not deny him , both to reward him for some services already performed , and likewise because he knew that a concession of this nature would again raise the spirits and animosities of Christians ; the allaying and appeasing of which being an office solely in the power of himself , and the supreme Authority , would certainly prove beneficial to the Ottoman Court. Panaioti having obtained this Command , and considering that the defence thereof would be a trouble to him , for that thereby he should create Enemies which were no less than Kings and Princes to contend with , and perhaps should live to see it reversed , wisely laid it by him , there to remain dormant until the time of his death ; which happening the year past , the Command was produced and brought to light , and was before the Easter of this year set on foot at Jerusalem , and by virtue thereof the custody of the Sepulchre sentenced by the Pasha and Kadi of that place to belong unto the Greeks , the which was occasion of so great trouble and confusion , as disturbed the Holy Feast , and polluted the Sacrifices with the blood of one or two persons , who most earnestly contended for the Priviledge of their Nation and Religion . Nor could this difference be decided here , but both sides appealed to the Court above ; which being heard and debated in publick Divan , the possession of the Sepulchre was adjudged in favour of the Greeks ; the Franks being only to injoy a precarious use thereof , as Pilgrims and Strangers to the Country . Howsoever the Fryers of Jerusalem would not tamely yield up their Right , but again resolved to try their Fortune at the Court , having by means of F. Canisares their Commissario with expence of a great Sum of Money obtained a review of the case , but without success ; for all these endeavours and charge proved fruitless , the former sentence being confirmed in favour of the Greeks ; and the Franks having no other Expedient , applied themselves to the assistance of the French Ambassadour , to whose protection the Holy places are assigned by Capitulations . But neither the power of the French Ambassadour , nor of any other Christian Representative was available ; for the Vizier either mindful of his promise to Panaioti , or being resolute to maintain the Command he had given , would on no terms be perswaded to revoke it ; the which intention of the Vizier being made known to the Greeks , their Patriarch earnestly pressed a hearing of the case ; but the Fryers not willing to abide the shock , retired to Constantinople , lest the Greeks forcing them to Justice , they should be condemned in Judicio contradictorio , and a Hoget or Sentence passing , they should be condemned in Law as well as by Authority of the Hattelheriff . Which to put in execution , the Patriarch took out a Command whereunto was added , That the Fryers in token of their subjection , should pay a Drachm of Silver a head to the Patriarch , and hold all their places of them . This was the issue of the present controversies , which is certainly determined for the time of this Vizier without revocation , yet perhaps in the time of another , it may admit of a review for money , especially being received when as yet the new Minister hath not satiated his covetous desires ; howsoever , the expence will always be chargeable , and the success uncertain . Thus have I seen and observed in this particular the effect and experience of two things ; viz. The covetousness and pride of Fryars , and the conclusion of their Law-suits before Infidels . The Franks , or the Western Christians , had until this time the custody of the Holy Sepulchre , and the Greeks that of the Chappel of Bethlem , but the use was free to both ; but the Franks not being able to enjoy the Sepulchre with contentment , whilst with envious eyes they beheld the Greeks in possession of Bethlem , were always contriving designs by force of money , and power of Christian Ministers to eject them from that Right ; until that now in these contentions they have lost both ; being neither able to recover the one , nor conserve the other . Anno Christi 1675. Hegeira 1086. PRopositions of peace not being so earnestly pressed , nor so advantageously proffered by the Poles , as the pride of the Turks did expect , the War still continued , but not prosecuted either on the one side or on the other with the same violence with which it began . For the Sultan designing this year to circumcise his Son , the young Prince , now about twelve years of Age , and to marry his Daughter of seventeen to his Mosayp , or Favourite , Pasha of Magnasia , commonly called by the Name of Kul-ogli , which signifies the Son of a Slave , he resolved to dedicate this whole Year to quiet repose , mirth , and jollity at home , only two thousand Janisaries were sent to Ibrahim Pasha to recruit the Souldiers on the Frontiers of Poland , and the Tartars were reinforced with some Turkish Troops under Usuff Pasha to assist Dorosensko against the Poles , who were with a considerable Army fallen into Ukrania ; And the Captain Pasha , with twenty eight Sail of Gallies , was dispeeded into the Black Sea for carrying of such Provisions and Ammunition for War as was necessary for supply of the Army ; Besides which , no preparations of War were designed , these being judged sufficient , though not to conquer , yet at least to repress the Incursions , and amuse or keep the Armes of the Enemy employed . For at the Ottoman Court the face of all things was become serene and calm , no Seditions of great men , nor discontents of the people , nor black and cruel designs of State disturbed or clouded the splendour of the Solemnities , or the brows of the great Statists , but all matters ran in an uninterrupted course of Joy and Festivity . The Sultan , who in his actions shewed himself a most benign Prince , sparing and compassionate of the blood and misery of his Subjects , hath , since his arrival to a mature Age , exercised a wise manner of Government , severe and just , and yet void of the cruelty and tyranny of his Ancestors ; under whom the trading Christians enjoyed the priviledge of their Capitulations with more justice , and less frequent Avanias . The Vizier also , and other great Officers , being sensible of the benefit which Trade begat , treated Merchants with more gentleness and respect than in former times , their Ships not being forced on every occasion into the Grand Signior's service but rather perswaded to it by rewards and fair promises , otherwise than in the times of former Viziers ; and it is to be wished also that the like might be said under the Government of those which are to succeed ; though if we look forward to the years 1678 and 1679 we shall find the Scene of things altered , and not only Merchants , but even Ambassadors , and the Representatives themselves , remain under sad discouragements . Amongst these joys and gentle ways of Government , the manner of this Court was much altered ; the Divan had not for two months space been opened for business , to the great prejudice and interruption of Justice ; Wine , that great abomination to the Turkish Law , which four years past was by the Imperial Decree forbidden under pain of Death and a thousand Execrations and Curses , was now the common Drink , and divertisement in fashion , used immoderately by all , excepting the Grand Signior , the Mufti , and Reis Effendi ; the Vizier himself having been excessively intemperate therein , had extinguished the natural heat of his stomach , which could be warmed by no less heat than what proceeds from Aqua Vitae ; by which debauchery and indisposition all businesses were slowly and negligently dispatched , and according to his example the Officers and Ministers acted in their Affairs , which in former times being always dispatched by nine a Clock in the Morning , that became now the time and hour of rising . The Grand Signior himself , though not taught by his Attendants to drink Wine , lest it should perhaps betray him to some actions dangerous to them , gave himself to Amours ; for falling in love with a Polish Woman , lately captivated at Kemenitz , he made her his Second Hasakee or Sultaness ; for having had the good fortune to bring him a Son , that honour was the reward of her fruitfulness ; and that he might give other testimonies of his favour , he cast his eyes on a poor Chinganee , or Gipsy Boy , who with singing and dancing so pleased him , that he gave him six purses of money , containing three thousand Dollars , with Horses and Servants , and took him into the Seraglio . Amidst these Delights the Grand Signior gave order to the Vizier not to speak to him of three things , Neither of returning to Constantinople , nor against his Favourite , nor against his Hunting ; in other matters he might use freedom . Another alteration of a better nature , with reference to Learning and Knowledge , seems also remarkable in this Court ; for the Grand Signior having been some years past presented by the Dutch Resident , with twelves large Volumes of the new Atlas , upon an accidental sight thereof was so pleased , that he commanded it should speedily be translated into Turkish ; to which Work Dr Alexandro Mauro Cordato , the Viziers Interpreter , who succeeded in the place of Panaioti deceased , was nominated ; but he finding it too unweildy for him , desired the assistance of a French Jesuit , then at Scio , skilful in the Turkish and Arabick Languages , who was immediately sent for , and therein employed ; and though it is thought , that this business is above their Element , and that it will soon cool and be neglected , yet it seems to be the first step which the Turks have made unto Learning , and therefore is the more observable . And now the Festivals beginning on the 16 th of May , we must for some days lay aside all business , and observe with what order and form these Solemnities were performed . In the first place , On this day the Grand Signior , with the young Prince his Son , went to their Tents , which were pitched very sumptuously in the Plain near the City , and indeed were truly stately and magnificent ; all the great men , as the Vizier , Mufti , and others , having their Pavilions erected ; amongst which was raised a very stately Throne , with a Canopy of Cloth of Gold , extended under the shady leaviness of two tall Elms , which , set off with many Lamps , in the Night represented a very pleasant and glorious Scene . On this Seat of State the Sultan placed himself in the morning , being accompanied thither by all the Pashaws then present , and by the Representatives of those who were absent ; who according to their Degree , in order kissing his Vest , delivered in a Silk Purse a Note or Schedule of their Presents , which were afterwards put into the Tefterdar's or Lord Treasurers hands to see and compare them with the particulars received ; which were so great and considerable , that they far surpassed the Charges and Disbursments of the Solemnity . Opposite to the Tents were several poles fixed , between which at Night were hung Lamps of several shapes , which being varied every Night made a very pleasing and magnificent Object ; by light of which in the Evening were exercised several tricks of Activity , as Wrestlings , Dancing , and Singing , and sometimes were acted Turkish Comedies , which consist only of Farces , and some ridiculous Dialogues , and at last the divertisements of the night concluded with Fire-works , which were so many , that ( as reported ) 240 men were employed for four months time in the making of them , and yet there are better made in Christendome ; only one seemed to excel the rest , being a sort of Rocket , which went up very high , without any tail of fire , like the common ones , carrying only a small compacted Globe of red fire like a Star , and making no noise in mounting , but raised to its height breaks . These were the pastimes of the Night ; in the day time all the several Arts and Trades , some one day , and some another , passed before the Tents , every one offering their Presents , as they passed , representing by some kind of Pageant and Procession their diversities of Trade : this continuued for fifteen days . On the 25 th of this instant May , was a solemn Cavalcade , in which marched the Janisaries with all their chief Officers , Chiauses , and Mutafaracas , &c. And of the Great Men , the Vizier , Mufti , and Kul-ogli the Favourite , the first on the right hand , and the second in the middle ; after them followed the young Prince who was to be circumcised , extraordinary rich in the Furniture of his Horse , and the number and largeness of the Diamonds , which were on his Tulbant and Breast . In this Cavalcade were carried twenty four small Nachils , and two large ones , as high as the Mast of a Ship , which were carried by a hundred Slaves , and set before the Seraglio , which are in form of triumphant Pyramids , adorned with Tinsils in thirteen Divisions , according to this following Form or Description . A Turkish Pageant On the 27 th , being the day of Mahomet's Birth , the Grand Signior rode publickly to the Mosch of Sultan Selim , having no other attendance than the Retinue of his own Court ; his Pages were very rich in Cloth of Gold , each carrying a Feather studded with a rich Jewel on his Head ; after the Grand Signior rode the young Prince , who that Night was circumcised . During this Festival , a vast number of people was fed at the charge of the Grand Signior , and about two thousand circumcised , every one of which had a Quilt given him , with a small pay of three Aspers a day for his Life . This Solemnity for the Circumcision being ended , on the 10 th of June began the Feast for the Marriage . The Kuzlir Aga , who is the black Eunuch of the Women , was Brideman or Comparé to the young Princess , and the Tefterdar or Lord Treasurer to Kul-ogli , both which in the name of the Bride and Bridegroom went before the Lord Chief Justice called the Kadelescher , and by him had the Articles of Marriage wrote , and passed into publick Act ; which being 〈◊〉 , the Presents were sent , and sirst those from the Bridegroom to the Bride , which were these , a great number of Beasts and Birds ill-favouredly made in Sugar , thirty Mules laden with two Chests of Sweet-meats apiece , and about their necks each carried a Vest of Sattin for the Muletiers , then were carried a great many Pots of Sherbet , then an hundred and twelve men carrying Vests of Silk , Cloth , Velvet , and Cloth of Gold , some had three , some five or six at least wrapt up in Linen ; then went five Horses , one with rich Furniture ; then followed a noble Vest of Cloth of Gold lined with Sables and nine Buttons and Loops on a side embroidered with large Pearl , on the top of which on the one side was a very large Diamond , and on the other a Saphire , with Shoes , Boots , and Pattents for the Bagno , all covered with Pearl ; likewise two Dressing-boxes , with Looking-glasses , and a Cap in form of a Crown , a little Cabinet embroidered all over with Pearl , eight Girdles set with Emeralds , Rubies , and Diamonds , a large Diamond-ring , a pair of Pendants of two great Emeralds , with many other particulars , which in passage were impossible to be remembred . These Presents being thus performed on the part of the Bridegroom to his Bride , the next Presents concerned the Grand Signior to his Daughter , which were in place of her Dowry according to the custom of the Eastern Countries : wherefore the 19 th of this month the Presents were ushered with a most solemn Cavalcade of all the Grandees of the Court to the House of the Bridegroom , which were two Gardens made of Sugar , sorty little Nachils , eighty six Mules laden with Houshold-stuff , ten men with her Dressings , as Boots , Shoes , &c. embroidered with Pearl as the former ; then were carried her Jewels set in Girdles , Bracelets , &c. promiseuously together , not in that rule as those were which were sent her by the Bridegroom . The Houshold-stuff was made up with coverts , yet howsoever some parts were left open on the sides , to shew that the Cushions were embroidered with Pearl , and others were of Velvet embroidered with Gold. At last came twelve Coaches with Slaves and thirty six black Eunuchs . The 23 d the Bride was conducted to her Bridegrooms Palace with a solemn Cavalcade , with two great Nachils of the same form and bigness as those carried at the Cavalcade of the Prince , with two smaller ones of Silver . The Bride was seated in a handsom Coach drawn with six Horses , and covered with Plates of Silver , and the sides adorned with long Streamers of Tinsel : before which went the Kuzlir Aga or chief black Eunuch of the Women : after followed four Coaches with six Horses apiece , and twenty one more with four Horses , each carrying two Eunuchs : then at some distance off came the Hasakee or Queen-Mother to the Bride in a Coach all covered with Plates of Silver , and attended with ten other Coaches more : the night following the Bride was conducted to the Nuptial Chamber in ceremony only , she not being yet ripe for consummation of Marriage : all which Solemnity was attended at the Bridegrooms Court , with the same Sports and Fire-works which were made at the Tents , with an addition of dancing on the Ropes , and sliding down a Rope fastned to the top of the Steeple of the Mosch of Sultan Selim , which had like to have proved fatal to one who came down with a Boy at his back ; for when he was about twenty yards from the ground , the Rope broke , but falling on a tree first , and then on a man , he was taken up with little hurt . The most remarkable of all these Shows , was a man that walked up a Rope as high as the second Balcony of the Menareh or Steeple of Sultan Selim , which is as high as commonly our Spire-Steeples are in England : And another hanging on a Rope with his hands , with his body extended , turned himself twelve times round with his hands : at all which Sights the Grand Signior was a constant Spectator . In this manner these Solemnities ended , the Mosayp or Favourite rich in the esteem of his Prince , and in high honour with all , had yet some allay to attemper and moderate his joy ; for the Princess not yet fit for consummation , in case she dyed before that time , all her Jewels and Goods must return to the Grand Signior , notwithstanding which he would be obliged to pay her Dowry , which was said to be the Sum of two years Revenue of Grand Cairo ; but let it be what it will , he will be insolvent , being , as reported , three hundred Purses already in debt . And now to demonstrate the uncertainty of the Courts of Princes , as well as of all other places and conditions of the World , the Great Tefterdar or Treasurer , who had for the space of thirteen years managed this Office with singular industry and advantage , was now removed from thence , and under a specious shew of preferment , was advanced to the Dignity of Pasha of Grand Cairo : this change was the more wondered at , because he was a Person so acute and so proper for the Office , that no man that held the place did ever manage it with greater reputation , nor with greater benefit to the Interest of his Prince ; for besides his good husbandry in other matters , he was so skilful in knowing the price of Commodities , and so near in making his Bargains , that the Merchant could scarce live by him , which in that consumption of Goods made in the Seraglio , will produce a considerable abatement , when all things are bought at the best hand ; considering which , many reasons were alledged , and conjectures made of his removal : some said , That the Grand Signior having a liking to a young Man of his , to prevent his being taken into the Seraglio , the Testerdar gave him a Wife , and thereby greatly displeased the Grand Signior , as if he had purposely contrived it , to defeat his desires : others said , That the Grand Signior would have borrowed money of him to pay the Arrears of the Spahees , which he refused to lend : but others talked , and that with best reason , That Kara Mustapha the old Chimacam , who is always with the Grand Signior , had found an opportunity to represent him amiss , suggesting , that the Tefterdar should say , That want of money in the Treasury was caused by the vast Sums consumed in the fooleries of the late Feasts : and the Vizier , though he entertained no personal animosity against him , yet was willing to sacrifice him to the friendship of Kara Mustapha . And so being dispossessed of his Office , thereunto succeeded the Janifary Esendi or Judge-Advocate of the Janisaries , a great Drinker of Wine , and one not to hold any comparison with the parts and abilities of his Predecessour . Money now wanting greatly in the Treasury , several ways were sought to bring it in , and to save expences . The first of which was , that a review be made of all Otoraks , such as Milites emeriti , who are excused from the War , and yet receive their pay ; from which number those were excluded who had bought it , or were not come legally by it , which would save the Grand Signior a vast Sum of Money yearly : and to help at this time of need , the late Treasurer must refund and ease himself of money , before he enters on that rich and important Office of Grand Cairo . And Chusaein Aga the chief Customer , who was a man that had inriched himself by many bad ways and arts , was displaced from his Office , and caused to disgorge great Sums of Money to add unto the Supplies of the Treasury . He was a Person of a subtle disposition , raised from the mean degree of a Shoemaker , and being well acquainted both with good and bad ways of gaining money , was a proper Instrument for the Turkish Government , it being his fortune to fish riches rather for others than himself . And now being deprived of his Office and the best part of his Wealth , he resolved , like all other discontented Ministers , to take a Pilgrimage to Mecha , and to that end made a solemn Visit to the Pasha of Cairo , then in his Tents near Scutari , acquainting him of his intentions to wait on him , and perform his Respects in his passage to the Holy Kebleh or Mecha . The Turks have not of late years been very prodigal of the blood of their Subjects , nor have those Executions been done of late on any Officer , unless his Tyranny and Oppression of the people did justly draw due punishment upon himself . And such was the case of the Kahya or Secretary of the Chimacam or Governour in the Viziers absence of Constantinople , who taking on himself the management of all the Affairs of his Master , acted every thing according to his own pleasure ; for finding that whatsoever he did or propounded , was always confirmed and assented unto by his easie Lord , he assumed a boldness to undertake any thing upon the proffers of mony , so the Sum was in any manner agreeable to the greatness of the matter required , or to the danger he incurred ; by which means he involved his careless and unwary Master in such intrigues , as could have no excuse besides his own supineness , and the corruptness of his Servant . At this manner of administring Justice , the people being discontented , hastened the removal of the Chimacam : and now another entring on the Office , the Kahya remained exposed to the malice and complaints of all his Enemies , amongst which none was of greater force than an accusation laid against him , for having granted leave to the Armenian Christians at Constantinople for a Sum of Money to erect a Church ; for which , though a Command was granted by the Great Vizier , obtained at a good price , to build one there of Timber , but of a low and mean Fabrick ; yet the Kahya for a greater Sum of twenty Purses of Money , or ten thousand Dollars , improved this Command , and changed their Materials from Timber to Stone and Mortar : the which Building beginning to rise with some magnificence , offended the neighbouring Turks with so much scandal , that great numbers of them carried the Complaints thereof to the Grand Signior ; who calling the Vizier , and examining the Case , the Vizier would owne no other Command , than for repairing of an old Church , but not building one new . Whereupon Sentence of Death being passed on the Kahya , an Officer was sent to execute it . And in his way to Constantinople , at a place called Selebrea , meeting with the Offender , he caused him to return again with him to Constantinople , where having strangled him , his Body was thrown into the Sea. We have thus far discoursed of the Affairs at home , which consisted for the most part in jollities and divertisements ; let us now look on the enterprizes and attempts abroad , and we shall find no great matter of action this year performed against Poland , more than some incursions made into Ukrania by the Turks and Tartars under the Conduct of Ibrahim Pasha , in which we have no Battels , nor great Skirmishes to recount , only a seizure or surprize of those Cosacks , which were not under the jurisdiction of Dorosensko , who like sheep were driven from their pastures , and Men , Women , and Children carried away into Captivity , and transplanted into Countries , where they might better serve the purposes and designs of the Turkish Empire ; to which ends also vast numbers of Tartars with their Families , were called to inhabit the circumjacent parts of Kemenitz , for better security of that Conquest , to which the Tartars most willingly concurred , esteeming it a happy Bargain to exchange the Soil of Tartary for the fruitful Plains , and more gentle Air of Poland . And thus we may consider what the intestine Discord of the Poles hath brought upon themselves ; that they , who in former days maintained their honour and reputation with the Turks , beyond any of the bordering Nations ; not having ever suffered them to continue in their Country , much less to sojourn or possess one palm of Ground therein ; can now more easily see them before the Walls of Leopolis or Cracovia , and planted in the very Bowels of their Countrey , rather than a King of their own Countrey set over them not agreeable to their own humour and fancy ; or perhaps rather than behold the envied exaltation of some persons to dignity , or some little disorders in their Government ; of which the Turk knows well to make use , it being no new Lesson for him , to profit himself of the Discord and Animosities of the Christians . In like manner the Marine Affairs of the Turks this year afforded little worthy of observation , unless it were , That the Captain Pasha was employed with about thirty Sail of Gallies into the Black Sea , for transporting of Ammunition and Provision to those Forces in Ukrania ; but he returned not with an equal number of Gallies , with which he departed , having lost five of them by storm , and then arrived at Constantinople on the 26 th of October , called by the Greeks the Feast of S t Demetrius , and by the Turks Cassim-gheun , a day which is commonly remarkable for Storms at Sea ; of which the Turks and Greeks are so apprehensive or superstitious , that on that day or near that time , either before or after , until the storm hath vented its fury , and taken its course , they will not adventure themselves unto the Sea , upon the most pressing occasion , or hopeful inducement whatsoever . And here I judge it requisite to conclude this Year with two matters very observable relating unto Trade : The first is with reserence unto the Genoueses , who in the Year 1666. first sent their Ambassador Signior Durazzo , with many Presents and great Magnificence to conclude a Peace with the Ottoman Empire , with the sole design and intention of Trade ; which having been established on no other foundation at the beginning , than that of their Temins , and the Fabrick of their own Cloth , when the first failed , as it did in two years after , and that their Cloth turned not to account , but was out-sold by the English and Dutch , then their Trade began to decay , or rather never came to perfection , like the fruit of a young tree , which buds fairly , and produces fruit , but hath not strength to digest or bring it to maturity : Even so it was with the Genoucses , who having been at the charge of an Ambassadour Extraordinary , and setled a Resident at Constantinople , and a Consul at Smyrna , and all the other Formalities of Trade , wanted that nourishment thereof from their own soil , which produces the true and natural fruit of Commerce , which is gain and profit ; and being out-done by other Nations in shipping , there could little or no benefit be expected from their own Navigation in the Levant . For these reasons , their Trade failing , the Duties of Consulage on Goods appointed to maintain the Officers , and desray the publick Expences , were consequently wanting ; so that the Count Fieschi Rosident for that Republick at Constantinople , finding himself in great distresses and necessities , and unable to maintain himself and his Attendants agreeable to his Character and Quality , often advised his Prince and the Senate of the unhappy state of their Affairs , desiring from them either to provide a Supply agreeable to the occasions , or to recal him from that Office , where he could no longer live in that Honour required . This importunity produced the exchange of Officers , and the Mission of Signior Giustiniano to reside at Constantinople , and Signior 〈◊〉 at Smyrna ; the first of which , some few days after his arrival , being unfortunately killed with a Carabine in his Chamber at Consiantinople , as before related , the Office of Resident came to be still continued in the person of Fieschi , who remaining without provisions necessary to maintain his degree , and the annual Presents expected by the Turks , which they esteem as due as their Income , and as part of their Revenues , was forced to take up money on Pawns , and his own credit at the Interest of 20 , 25 , or 30 per cent . according as his necessities increased ; and the apprehensions men conceived of an insufficiency and hazard in their security , was the cause that the debt , which in the beginning was inconsiderable , increasing with Interest upon Interest , came at length to the Sum of sixty or seventy thousand Dollars , which the Republick of Genoua , attributing in a great measure to the ill Conduct of Fieschi , and judging the greatest part of this debt to be feigned , sent another Resident called Signior Spinola to succeed him in his Office , who arriving at Smyrna in the month of May of this present year , on a stout Ship hired of the Venetians , and under the notion of a Man of War accompanied with a Merchant Ship , and a new Consul ( the old one dying the year before ) setled there such Orders , as were judged necessary for the government of their Affairs . But before these Genoueses arrived , a report had fore-ran them from Ligorne and other parts , that their Ships brought great quantities of false Gold and false Pieces of Eight : the which coming to the cars of the Turks , Commands were provided against their arrival to search their Ships , and try their Monies ; to which the Genoueses not condescending Arz or testimony was made thereof by the Kadi unto the Grand Signiors Court. In the interim whilst this Arz went up , and the answer expected , the Genouese Resident designing to proceed forward on his Voyage to Constantinople , demanded the Kadi's Moraselau or Ticket of Licence for the Man of War on which he came , to pass the Castle , ( for that Ship had entred within the Port. ) The Kadi judging it necessary , that both the Resident and Ship should attend the arrival of the answer from above , refused to grant this Licence ; whereupon the Resident all in a rage imbarked himself , and immediately set sail , and having a fair Breez out of the Port , gently slided along by the side of the Castle without any stop or interruption . This affront being put upon the Kadi , greatly displeased him ; so that calling the Lieutenant and Gunner of the Castle into question , and not admitting of their Plea , that the Ship was a Man of War , and the person thereon a Resident , both which were priviledged , and both going up to the Grand Signiors Court , were to answer there for what was laid against them ; but this I say , not being admitted for reason , the Kadi committed them both to Prison , from whence with some charge afterwards they released themselves . The new Resident being arrived at Constantinople , the Creditors of Count Fieschi demanded payment of the debts owing to them , which was given in , to amount to sixty thousand Dollars , and so much was to be paid before Fieschi should be permitted to depart , or at least that part thereof being satisfied in hand , the new Resident Spinola should give security for payment of the remainder : the which he refusing to do , as not owning the accounts which Fieschi had given in , in regard he judged them to be composed of extravagant Interests , and to arise on charges not allowable by that Republick , who after the death of Giustiniano disowned Fieschi for their Minister ; hereupon great disturbances and commotions arose amongst the Creditors , some of which being in great Power , as the Janisary-Aga and others , Sequestration was laid on their Man of War ; so that she was toaed away to the Arsenal , and there laid up , and attached for payment of the debt : which arising on the account of the Publick , the Goods of the Common-wealth was justly esteemed liable to the Sequestration : during which time the Pestilence , the Epidemical disease of that season at Constantinople , affecting with its contagion the Ships company , about eighteen or twenty of them dyed thereof , and all their affairs reduced to a strange consternation . In this interim many and various were the disputes and contests between the two Residents ; sometimes they proposed to refer their differences to the decision of the English , French , and Venetian Ministers ; sometimes again , finding the distance so wide and spatious between them , they resolved to have their matters determined by Turkish Sentence . At length the new Resident perceiving no end of this business , and that the Ship lay ingaged at a great charge , and as it were captivated to the great dishonour of the Republick , came to an agreement to pay thirty three thousand Dollars , one third whereof was to be paid in hand , and the other two thirds by equal portions in the space of one year ; the first payment to be made after six months , and the other six months after ; to which not only the Resident , but their Merchants also entred personally into obligation . In this manner the Ship being cleared , and taking such lading as offered for Genoua at Constantinople , sailed for Smyrna ; where taking another Ship of the same Country into her company , departed with the Dutch Convoy for Christendom . But having remained six months in Port , subjected to much charge and trouble , and not finding a Freight equal to the time and expence , was no great incouragement to the Genoueses to continue this Trade ; which by good experience appears in no manner agreeable to their Country , nor yielding success answerable to the long expectation of ten years past . In this Year it was , that the Grand Signior and Great Vizier at the instigation of Chusaein Aga the chief Customer ( whom we have before mentioned ) casting their eyes on Smyrna , and finding it a place of great Trade , and a convenient Port , for which in ancient times it was always famous , and for the same cause was frequented by Merchants both from the Eastern and Western parts of the World ; so that it was become the only great and considerable Mart or Scale within the Precincts of the Turkish Empire : considering it ( I say ) in this manner with a benign eye , as bringing great profit and advantage , they began to think it worthy the Ornament of some publick Edifices , founded with that Magnificence as might endure long , and renew the ancient Honour and Reputation of Smyrna : Hereupon they erected in the first place a Besasteen , which is in the nature of our Exchange , where several Shops are made , and variety of Goods sold ; and to make the better Front towards the Sea , it was founded therein on vast Stones and Piles , fit to support a weighty Building . The next Edifice erected was a Custom-house built into the Sea only on Piles of Timber , with a handsom Front towards the Sea ; and this the Great Vizier judged to be a work not only necessary , but also agreeable to the Majesty of his Master ; for until this time the Customer lived in a hired House , not unlike the others which Merchants inhabit . And now this House being compleated , a Hattesheriff or Royal Decree came down from the Court , commanding that all Ships that came into that Port either to lade or unlade , should lay their sides to that Custom-house Scale , and thereon discharge their Goods , and receive others . And now whereas the Merchants injoyed at all times in former days the convenience of having their Goods landed on , and laden from their own Keys or Scales , they greatly resented this innovation ; and as they unwillingly quit any Privlledge , so they judged this not unworthy to be contended for with singular constancy and resolution : the commodiousness of which was thought so considerable , that it not only caused this place in former days to flourish , and to be distinguished from all the Marts in the World ; but also the injoyment thereof invited the Inhabitants from the more elevated parts of Smyrna ( where was health and pleasure ) to the lower Bogs and Marishes , exchanging health and chearful air for profit and convenience of Commerce . Hereupon applications were made by all the Consuls of the Frank Nations to their Ambassadours and Ministers at the Grand Signiors Court. In the mean time Trade by common agreement was interdicted , at least as to the lading or unlading of Ships , which continued for several days , and touched somewhat grievously the English and Dutch Nations : the first having two Ships , and the latter six Merchant-ships in Port. The English Ambassadour being then personally at Adrianople , was the first who without the assistance of any other Minister , moved in this affair , but found great opposition in it from the Turkish Officers ; who with some resentment of the present reluctancy of the Merchants , declared not without passion , the resolution the Grand Signior had to conform the honour of the Custom-house in some semblance with those of Christian Princes ; and therefore did wonder that the Christian Merchants could so easily condescend to the rules of those Custom houses in their own Countries , where they were Natives , and yet could not support the same in these parts where they were Aliens and Strangers . And as a farther evidence of the Turks resolution to maintain this point , it was said by the Vizier's Kahya , that the Grand Signior was resolved to blow up both Port and Town , rather than not be obeyed in his own Dominions ; with this Answer , Merchants despairing of the success , began to unlade their ships at the Custom house , or to give an account there of the Goods in their Boats ; for the Customer was become sensible , that there was not sufficient Water for ships to ride at the Key of the Custom house , and did also indulge unto the Merchants several other particulars herein , that so the innovation might sit the more lightly on them , which he perceived was so ill resented and taken to heart . And this was the first beginning in the Months of August and September , when this priviledge was taken from the Merchants . And in this Year also the Great Chan next to the Besasteen was in Building , and the first Foundation thereof laid , and the great Aquaduct brought from the Plains of Bogiaw , and little Harchi-bonar . Anno Christi 1676. Hegeira 1087. THis Year began with joyful News to the whole Turkish Empire , all places and Cities of less renown rejoycing to hear the intentions of the Sultan to refresh and adorn again his Capital Throne of Constantinople with the Imperial Presence ; for that City ( which is the most proper Scituation of the World , to be made the head of a great Empire ) having now almost for sixteen years wanted the Rays of Majesty , and the Countenance of the Sultan , became almost abandoned and forsaken of its Inhabitants , so that the spacious Seraglios or Palaces of the chief Ministers and Officers of the Empire began to decay and run to ruine , and the Artisans and Shop-keepers to leave their dwellings , and to follow their Trade at Adrianople , or in the Camp. But now the News of the designed return of the Grand Signior to his ancient Seat , filled all places with joy and triumph , especially at Constantinople , which was not more satisfied with the consideration of the benefit and advantage it was likely to receive by the Royal Presence , than that those suspicious and jealousies which formerly possessed the mind of the Sultan with a prejudice against this place , did seem now to vanish , and that he reassumed a confidence of his Royal City equal to that love and esteem which his Ancestors had of it ; so that the humour which then possessed Constantinople appeared like that of London at our Kings Restauration , all joy , even to transport , for this unexspected Return ; the people in the streets congratulating their mutual happiness , thanked God , that they had lived to see that happy day and blessed hour . The occasion of this unexspected and sudden resolution caused many roving guesses and opinations of the reasons of it . Some said a Dream which the Grand Signior had , and which gave great disturbance to his thoughts , until he resolved for Constantinople . Others said , the revolt and troubles at Cairo , of which we shall presently have occasion to discourse , and some added certain Commotions at Bagdat , or Babylon ; some reported , that Xeriff of Mecha wrote him a Letter , that he could not acknowledge him the Head and Protector of the Mussulmin Faith , so long as he had abandoned his Imperial City , and lived in the mountains and unknown places . Others said , that the Janisaries and Militia murmured , and that his Coming to Constantinople was forced and not to be avoided ; and that the Sultan being now out of love with Adrianople , had cursed it , and sworn never more to set foot in it , having ordered the Materials sent for the building of the Great Seraglio at Adrianople , to be stopped on the way , and returned back again . At this rate all the World talked and discoursed , joy and hopes made the people fancy every thing according to their wishes . The Grand Signior being approached near to Constantinople , fixed himself in his Camp in the Fields , near a small Seraglio of his own , called Daout Basha , from whence the people for many days expected , that he should , according to the Custom of his Ancestors , make a solemn Entry ; instead whereof he made some Sallies with a small Company through the Streets , as it were incognito , taking his pastime on the Water , and on the sides of the Bosphorus in his Gallies and Boats , but most commonly frequented his Palace of Scutari on the Asian side , where with much delight and confidence he lodged and reposed his Court , but made no solemn Entry through the City , nor frequented his great Seraglio ; where though he might perhaps dine , and pass certain hours , yet he slept not one Night there ; of which the people took especial notice , and thereby received consirmation of the jealousie their Soveraign had of them , to their extraordinary grief and dissatisfaction ; however it was some contentment to the people , and renown unto the City to have their Emperour so near , though it was rumoured as if the Court towards the approach of Winter intended again to return unto Adrianople . In the mean time the Grand Signior took his chief delight and divertisement on the Water , passing in his Gallies and Pleasure-Boats up the Bosphorus to the mouth of the Black Sea ; and thence returning , much frequented the Gardens , and Houses of Delight upon the Banks of the River ; and visiting all places , a Country House called Therapea , belonging to the Dutch Resident , received the honour of his Presence , which he liked so well , that he took it from the Proprietor , and conferred it without any consideration of money on one of his Courtiers , giving out a Proclamation , That no Christian Minister should possess any Seat or Habitation on the side of the Bosphorus . A strange thing , and what is not to be paralleled in any part of the World. About the beginning of this Year the Captain Pasha died , and Zaid Ahmet Pasha-ogli , then at the Camp , succeeded him ; his Father was a famous Man , and in the same Charge , but cut off by old Kuperlee . Soon after Ibrahim Pasha , General of the Army at Kemenitz , likewise died , and his Office was conferred on Ibrahim Pasha , that was Pasha of Candia , of whom we have had often occasion to speak , being a great friend to the English Nation . The Great Vizier also was not far remote from the Consines of Death , being now fallen , by reason of immoderate drinking of Wine , and chiefly of hot Cinamon Waters , into a formed Dropsie and Jaundice . In the preceding year we touched on the removal of the Tefterdar or Treasurer from his Office to the Government of Grand Cairo , and the reasons for it , which though it might be a preferment ( being the richest and most important Charge of the Empire ) to which the esteem the Sultan had of his parts and abilities , might probably advance him ; yet the imploying of him at a distance so remote , was certainly an effect of some displeasure , whereby he or his Favourites judged him a Person not sit to remain longer near the Royal Presence . Wherefore having commenced his Journey ( as before mentioned ) he arrived at Grand Cairo , where he had not long continued before he began , according to the natural acuteness of his mind and hugstering manner , to pierce with a narrow inspection into all Affairs of that Government , and particularly into the Revenue and Treasure of the Country , contriving with himself by what means the disorders might be corrected , and the Revenue and Tribute improved ; for he had an excellent Genius or Spirit in the matters of Money , nothing in advantage of Interest could ever escape him ; so that he began to lay a new foundation in all proceedings ; he would not be contented with the old Taxes and Impositions , and where he found Lands improved , or the Customs augmented , he would put in for a share of the Benefits , and would reform every thing wherein he judged his Master to have been abused . But though he was acute and sharp-sighted in such matters as these , yet he wanted experience in the Government of Egypt ; for the great Beghs of this Country being alarmed with these innovations , began to stand upon their Guard , and to enter into private Consultations , in what manner to oppose themselves to this new way of Government , which looked like slavery , and designs of bringing them into servitude , and a subjection unknown to them and their Fore-fathers . For indeed the Government of Egypt , if well considered , is rather Aristocratical than Monarchical ; for though they acknowledge the Sultan to be their Head , and accept his Pasha for Ruler , and pay a yearly Tribute ; yet the Beghs which are great Lords in their respective Countries , carry the sway and Dominion in all other matters , and will endure nothing which savours of oppression or innovation ; so that these persons grown jealous by the proceedings of the new Pasha , flew into open Sedition , and immediately to Arms , with force of which they assaulted the Pasha's Palace , took him and threw him into Prison . The News whereof flying with all haste to the Ottoman Court , appeared at the first apprehension or surprise as if all Egypt had revolted , and gave the World occasion to discourse , That the Wars were to be carried Eastward , and that the sudden resolution of removing the Court to Constantinople was in order to a farther March into those parts But frequent Messages with time making the business to be better understood , caused the Grand Signior to dispeed with all haste another Pasha , with Commission to remove the former , and to continue all the ancient Customs and Priviledges from the beginning indulged to the Beghs of Egypt : with which Message and gentle words of grace and favour from the Sultan , all discontents being pacified , the former Pasha was released from his Imprisonment , and suffered to depart , and thence proceeded to the Island of Candia , where he entred on that Pashaluck , succeeding Ibrahim Pasha in Charge , who ( as before related ) was sent to Kemenitz to be General of the Army , in place of the Pasha lately deceased . But here I must not forget a story which happened during the time of this Summer , whilst the Grand Signior had his abode and injoyed his Recreations in the circumjacent parts of Constantinople , there was a certain Sultana which had been a cast Wench of Sultan Ibrahim , who after his death , having been married to some Pasha , obtained her release from the old Seraglio , and being also a Widow by the death of this Husband , had liberty to take her habitation on the Banks of the Bosphorus , or where she thought fit . This Lady was called Soltana Sporcha , in Turkish Mordar : how she came to be so nominated I cannot tell , perhaps some Italian Pages of the Court might in respect to her way of living impose this Name upon her , for she was no other than a Bawd , or something worse , making it her Profession to buy young Girls , and to educate them in singing , dancing , and in all the ways which best accomplish Courtisans . Amongst this Train of Scholars , she had one more brisk and aery than the others which could sing , and dance , and prate incomparably , and was so quick in her Reparties , that she greatly delighted the Pasha's and Lords , whose pleasures she attended , bringing from them considerable Gifts and Presents to the enriching of her self and Mistress ; and became so much the talk of the Court , that at length the report of her arrived the ears of the Grand Signior , who being also desirous to injoy some divertisement by the pranks of this witty Girl , sent to the Sultana one of the black Eunuchs for her : which Imperial Command she not daring to disobey , consigned her with great submission into the hands of the Messenger ; but with this caution , that she humbly desired the Sultan not to make any attempt on her Chastity , in regard she was both a Virgin and a Free-woman . The Grand Signior having pleased himself with the wantonness of this Wench , began to take a fancy to her , and resolved to take her into the Seraglio ; but she shewing a kind of nicety and coiness , the Grand Signior , who perhaps was better accommodated , sent her back again to her Mistress , reslecting ( as was supposed ) with some disgust on the cautions which accompanied her . It happened not long after , that this Girl exercising her Art in the presence of some great Persons , one Chesmé Aga , a Bosnian by Nation , Captain of the Great Viziers Guard , a stout and valiant man , happening to be a Spectator one night , became unfortunately enamoured of her , and from that time not being able to remove the impression she had made in his heart , resolved , if possible , to make her his Wife , and to that end made his affections known and his intentions of Marriage , both to her and to her Mistress . The Girl was well enough pleased to become the Wife of so honourable a Person ; but the Sultana unwilling to lose the profit and benesit she daily brought her in , refused the Match , declaring , That she was a Slave , and not at her own disposal , and therefore in no capacity of bestowing her self any way without her consent . This impediment giving a stop to the Marriage , put the two Lovers on plots and contrivances in what manner to injoy each other , and Love being ingenious , quickly found out a means to bring them together ; for the Girl escaping from her Mistress , lodged her self in those Chambers which her Lover had found for her . And being now missed , none but Chesme Aga was charged with her , of whom she complained to the Grand Signior , and cited him before his Master the Great Vizier to answer for her ; but he denying to know any thing of her , and no witness appearing against him , all farther proceedings were superseded for the present : But Soltana Sporcha keeping watchful spies upon all the motions of Chesmé Aga , at length found him and his Mistress together , and by the Authority of Officers brought them both before the Vizier : to whom the Sultana sent a rude message , That Chesmé Aga should be punished , and that her Slave should be returned . The Vizier hereof acquainted the Grand Signior , and gave him to understand the message which the Sultana had sent him , desiring to know what punishment he was pleased should be inflicted on them . In which interim Chesmé Aga told the Vizier , That he expected no other than a sentence of death from the Grand Signior , only he desired that his beloved Mistress might be spared , for he was sure he should live in her . It was not long before the fatal Decree came for putting Chesmé Aga to death , and sending the Woman to the Seraglio , which was immediately executed ; which act might seem to denote a natural cruelty in the Sultan , being in reality very severe , though the whole course of his Reign hath been more gentle and mild than of any of the Ottoman Emperours ; only this fact proceeded rather from disdain than thirst of blood , being angry that this Girl should prefer the Love of one of his Vassals before the Honours of the Seraglio , and that her Mistress the Soltana should charm him with a lye of her being free , when she was no other than a slave , and not long before bought for an inconsiderable price . Not long after this , and towards the 11 th or 12 th of September , when the Sun was come to the Equinoctial , the Grand Signior prepared to depart . The rumour of which displeasing and making sad the peoples hearts , as much as his presence before comforted them , it was given out , That the Grand Signior intended to return with the Spring , and divide the consolation , which his residence produced , between the two Regal Cities , and for an evidence thereof , he ordered a Platform to be laid for erecting a new Seraglio at Scutari , and the Vizier designed another at Bezick-rash , and the Palaces of the Pasha's and great Men were all putting into a way of Reparation , which for some time amused and contented the minds of the Commonalty . About the beginning of October the Grand Signior set forward towards Adrianople , being accompanied with the Mosayp , which is his Favourite , and Kara Mustapha who was his Chimacam , taking his recreation by the way in Hunting ; but the Great Vizier Achmet Pasha continuing still sick of his Dropsie and Jaundice , took his Journey by Water as far as Selebrea for his better ease , and thence proceeding in a Horse-litter to Churlu , which is the half-way to Adrianople , on the 23 d of October expired his last ; his Disease , though heightned by Wine and hot Spirits , yet was in some part hereditary , his Father dying of the Dropsie . His Body was on the 25 th brought back again in a Coach to Constantinople with a small Attendance , and buried in the same Sepulchre with his Father . He was a Person ( for I have seen him often , and knew him well ) of a middle stature , of a black beard , and brown complexion , something short-sighted , which caused him to knit his brows and pore very intently when any strange person entred to his presence : he was inclining to be fat , and grew corpulent towards his latter days . If we consider his age when he first took upon him this important Charge , the Enemies his Father had created him , the contentions he had with the Valede Sultana or the Queen-Mother , and the Arts he had used to reconcile the affections of these great Personages , and conserve himself in the unalterable esteem of his Soveraign to the last hour of his death , there is none but must judge him to have deserved the Character of a prudent and politick Person . If we consider how few were put to death , and what inconsiderable Mutinies or Rebellions happened in any part of the Empire during his Government , it will afford us a clear evidence and proof of his gentleness and moderation beyond the example of former times ; for certainly he was not a Person who delighted in bloud , and in that respect of an humour far different from the temper of his Father ; He was generous , and free from Avarice , a rare Vertue in a Turk ! He was educated in the Law , and therefore greatly addicted to all the Formalities of it , and in the Administration of that sort of Justice very punctual and severe ; He was very observant of the Capitulations between our King and the Grand Signior , being ready to do Justice upon any corrupt Minister , who pertinaciously violated and transgressed them , of which I could give several instances , but these being improper for this place , are only in general to be mentioned with due gratitude in honour to his Memory . As to his behaviour towards the neighbouring Princes , there may , I believe , be fewer examples of his breach of Faith , than what his Predecessours have given in a shorter time of Rule . In his Wars abroad he was successful , having upon every expedition enlarged the Bounds of the Empire ; He overcame Newhawsel or Oywar , and laid thereunto a considerable part of Hungary , which to this day continues subject , and pays contribution to the Turk . He concluded the War with Venice after twenty seven years continuance , by an intire and total subjection of the Island of Candia , having subdued that impregnable Fortress , which by the rest of the World was esteemed invincible . He won Kemenitz , the Key of Poland , where the Turks had been frequently baffled , and laid Ukrania to the Empire ; reducing the Cosacks , those mortal Enemies , to subjection , and to a desire of taking on them the Ottoman Yoke : and finally , ho imposed a new Tribute on all Poland . After all which Glories he dyed in the 47 th year of his Age , and 15 th year and 8 th day of his Government ; a short time , if we consider it , for such great actions ; howsoever , if we measure his triumphs , rather than count his years , though he might seem to have lived but little to his Prince and People , yet certainly to himself he could not dye more seasonable , nor in a greater height and eminency of Glory . Vtcunque Principi , & Reipublicae parum , sibi certè satis suaeque Gloriae vixisse videbitur . The Great Vizier having in this manner expired his last breath , the Seal was immediately carried by his Brother to the Grand Signior , who upon Receipt thereof , according to common expectation , conferred the same on Kara Mustapha Pasha , who had for so many years formerly exercised the Office of Chimacam , which is as much as Deputy to the Great Vizier , of whom in other places we gave a Character of being a wise and experienced Person , of a smooth behaviour , and a great Courtier ; agreeable to which temper of mind , so soon as he attained this promotion , he sent an obliging and courteous Message to the Servants of the deceased Vizier , condoling with them the death of their Master , promising to take them and their Concernments into his Care and Protection ; according whereunto he advanced Solyman Kahya ( who was the late Vizier's Substitute , and for some years had managed all Affairs ) to the Office of Embrahore , which is chief Master of the Grand Signiors Horse , and is a place not only of honour , but of great security . He that was his own Kahya he made a Vizier of the Bench , and Chimacam in the same manner as he was to Achmet Vizier ; by which point of policy he seemed to have strengthened himself against all Enemies , for having two Creatures of his own so well disposed ; one near the Person of his Prince , who would be able to do him all good Offices ; and the other ( whensoever the Wars or other occasions should cause him to be absent from the Royal Presence ) might supply his place without attempting to supplant him . The Kapisler-Kahyasee , or Master of the Ceremonies to the late Vizier , he made his own Kahya , and all the other Agas which depended on that Court , he received into his own service ; so that in effect there seemed , by this great chance of Mortality , to be little other alteration in the Court , than of the single person of the deceased Vizier ; of whose Memory , that the Grand Signior might evidence the love and esteem that he retained , he did not intermeddle or appropriate unto himself any part of his Estate , or disanulled his Testament ; but resigned all into the hands of his Relations , challenging no share or proportion thereof : And whereas the Vizier left no Children , the Estate fell to his Brother and Sisters , who to evidence their Devotion to Religion , and good will to the Publick , and to please the eyes of the envious World , conferred on Mecha the Rent of the new Custom house , the Besasteen , and new Chan built at Smyrna , and finished in the year 1677. At this first change there were rumours , that the new Vizier had begun his Government in blood , having cut off several Heads lately in Authority ; but all was false , and only grounded on a displeasure which he was known to have conceived against certain persons . Only one act he performed rather of justice than severity , having cut off one of the Pay-masters of the Exchequer for false Money . The occasion was this : Certain Muletiers having received money from the Exchequer in Venetian Zechins , and finding several of them false , returned them again , but could not prevail to have them changed ; whereupon having made their Memorial thereof , they carried them to the Vizier , and upon examination , the Pay-master declared , That he received them from the Great Ibrahim Han-ogli , who being for that Cause sent for and accused , was put into a fear , which proved as dangerous to him as a Disease , the apprehensions of Death being worse than the reality ; but the Great Tefterdar soon cleared him of this Accusation , having attested , That to his knowledge the money received from him was good , and disposed on other occasions ; so that the whole blame lying now on the Pay-master , and upon farther search more of the same stamp being found in his hands , he deservedly suffered the punishment of Death , the which had likewise been inflicted on another Officer of the same rank , but not being found so culpable as the other , he was permitted to redeem his life with forty Purses of Money , or twenty thousand Dollars . Thus far we have seen the gentle and smooth behaviour of the present Vizier towards the Friends , Relations , and Servants of the deceased , and with what Acts of Justice he began his Government . But , behold , on a sudden the face of the whole Court was changed , every Officer thereof putting on a Countenance of fierceness , pride , and arrogance , beyond the manner and custom lately practised . For the Great Vizier took on himself the State and Grandeur of the Sultan , ( the access being as difficult to him as to his Master ) his Kahya that of the Vizier , and so every inferiour Officer advanced himself into a fancy of possessing the next and immediate Degree above him . This haughty behaviour had a more particular influence on the Ministers and Representatives of Foreign Princes , whose Interpreters were not admitted , as formerly , to private Audiences or Conferences about their Affairs , but only at the Publick Divan , where their Arzes or Memorials were to be preferred in the same manner as was practised by the Subjects of the Countrey , and those of conquered Nations , who petition for Justice . The which abasement was not only cast on the Interpreters , but on the Persons of the Representatives themselves : an example of which we have in the French Ambassadour ; who coming at the time appointed to receive his Audience of the Vizier , was forced to expect a long time before he could have admittance , and then entering into the Chamber of Audience , was rudely crouded , and rushed upon by a Crew of unmannerly Chaouses , who no otherwise regarded the Person of the Ambassador , than if he had been one of the Grooms or Lacquies . Being come to the Seat of Audience , the Ambassadour observed , That the Stool for the Great Vizier was set upon the Soffrá , and that for Him below , or at the foot of it ; the which being an unusual and unpractised diminution of the ancient honour given formerly to Ambassadours , he ordered one of his Servants , To set it again on the Soffrá equal with that of the Vizier's ; the which being done , was again brought down by one of the Vizier's Pages , and placed as before ; whereupon , the Ambassadour seizing the Stool with his own hand , carried it on the Soffrá , and sate upon it ; which being reported to the Vizier , then in his retiring Chamber , he sent twice to him to remove , letting him know , That unless the Stool were returned into the Place appointed by him , he would not appear in the Chamber of Audience . Whereunto his Excellency returned this prudent Answer , That the Vizier might dispose of his Chair as he pleased , but not of his Person . In which Interim the Chaous-bashee came in , roaring out , Calder , Calder , which is , Take it away , Take it away , ( meaning the Stool ) at which noise the Ambassadour arising to see what the matter was , had the Stool taken from under him ; whereat being greatly enraged , he threw out of the Room in a high passion , and causing the Presents which he brought to be again returned with him , he mounted his Horse , and departed . Afterwards it was intimated unto the English Ambassadour , That he might , if he pleased , receive Audience of the Great Vizier ; But his Excellency , understanding in what manner the French Ambassadour had been treated , excused his Going , on pretence of an Indisposition of health . Howsoever , the Venetian Bailo , and the Residents of Holland and Genoua were contented to be admitted unto Audience on those terms which the Vizier was pleased to allow . And though during the time that he was Chimacam , and bore other inferiour Offices , and Charges of Trust , his behaviour was gentle , affable , and civil ; yet I fear , that now having changed his Office , he will have altered his humour , and that his Greatness will have encreased his Pride , Avarice , and Fierceness : thus , no man knows what another will be , when he shall enter into power . Dic mihi si fueris tu Leo , qualis eris . And as Magistratus indicat Virum , so in the actions of his management the temper and constitution of this great Person will be discovered . And thus having given a short Account and Character of this present Vizier , his future Acts and Monuments must be the Subject of other Pens . FINIS . THE TABLE TO THE Reign of Sultan Morat or Amurat IV. A. ABassa Pasha of Erzirum his Rebellion , pag. 2. he advances towards Constantinople , 9. is reconciled to the Grand Signior , 21. and made Pasha of Bosna , 22. made General in the War with Poland , 44. he is strangled by command of the Grand Signior pag. 49 Algierines infest the Seas casting off their reverence to the Sultan , 16. land at Scanderone and rob the ware-houses , and then set them on fire , 16 , 17. infest the Gulf of Venice , 72. are blocked up by the Venetian in Valona ibid. Ali Pasha slain in Mesopotamia by the Persian and his Army routed pag. 10 Sultan Amurat advanced to the Throne at fourteen years of age , 3. described , ibid. his lewd debaucht life , 27 , 28. like to have been killed by lightning , 31. which works some reformation in him for the present , ibid. he sends an Ambassadour into Persia , 32. A peace made with the Persians , but quickly broken , 38. several acts of his tyranny , 43. he destroys taverns , ibid. makes war on the Poles , 44. sues to them for peace , 49. more acts of his cruelty , 51. forbids all houses of entertainment , 52. goes in person with his Arniy into Persia , ibid. musters at Erzrum three hundred thousand sighting men , 57. his patience and labours , ibid. causes his two brothers Bajazet and Orchan to be strangled , ibid. he returns from Persia to Constantinople , 58. his aversion to Tabaco , 59. more instances of his cruelty , ibid. & 60. & 69 , 70. He resolves again to march in person into Persia , pag. 68. he begins his march in May 1638. 71. the History of his march , 77 , 78. the whole Army arrives before Babylon or Bagdat , 79. he takes it , 81. his braving Letter to the King of Persia , 82. he returns to Constantinople , ibid. he dyes of a Feaver contracted by a dsbauch , 89. his Character ibid. Asac besieged and taken by the Moscovites and Cosacks pag. 65 , 66 B. BAbylon or Bagdat taken from the Turks by the Persians in 1626. 10. the Turks laying siege to it to recover it are beaten off , ibid. likewise the second time , 15. a third time , 29. the Grand Signior himself commanding the Army takes it pag. 81 Balsora taken by the Persian pag. 10 Bechir Pasha of Babylon joyns with Abassa in his rebellion pag. 4 Bethlem Gabor , vid. Gabor . Biram Pasha made Great Vizier , 63. is slain dt the Siege of Babylon pag. 8 Buda , the Garrison there mutiny ; but upon surrendring four of the Ring-leaders to punishment , and craving pardon , things are quieted and past by pag. 36 C. CAffa taken by the Tartars front the Turks , but soon restored 19 , 20 Candia its General sights a Turkish Gally belonging to the Archipelago ( mistaking it for a Pirate ) commanded by Dervis Bei , which had like to have broke the peace , but the Venetian Ambassadour at the Port makes up the business pag. 17 , 18 Cantemir , a Tartar , makes a new Colony , 64. being driven out of it by the Tartar Han , he is strangled at Constantinople pag. 65 Marin Capello takes the Algierine Gallies in the Port of Valona pag. 73 Caramosauls what pag. 41. Count Cesi French Ambassadour at the Port pag. 51 Chusaein the Great Vizier advances Sultan Amurat to the Throne , who soon deposes him from his Office , and afterwards causes him to be strangled , and why pag. 2 , 3 , 4 Constantinople , a terrible Fire there in 1634. pag. 47 Corban what pag. 3 Cosacks their Boats described , 6. in them entring the Bosphorus they make great spoil on the Turkish Coasts , 7. they insest the Black Sea , 20. again more numerously , 26 , 27. their Country described , 66. the ground of the war betwixt them and the Poles ibid. & 67 , 68 Cyrillus the Patriarch strangled at the false and malicious suggestions of the Jesuits against him pag. 71 D. DAmascus revolts to the Persian pag. 10 E. ELia Pasha rebels in Anatolia , but being first beaten in the field , and then besieged in Magnesia , surrenders himself upon fair promises , but at his arrival at Constantinople is strangled pag. 35 , 36 The Emperour sends an Envoyé to the Port , who disputes with the English Ambassador for precedence pag. 87 Erzirum siding with the Rebel Abassa is besieged by the Turks who are beaten off , 18. but is surrendred voluntarily upon Abassa's Reconciliation pag. 21 F. FAcardin an Arabian Prince his History pag. 39 — 42 French Ambassadour imprisoned , 36. his Interpreter impaled , pag. 37. another Interpreter of theirs hanged , 51. their Ambassadour Marcheville forcibly sent away pag. 50 G. GAbor Prince of Transylvania makes war on the Emperour , 7. the reasons of it , ibid. & 8. He obtains aid of the Turks , 8. a Truce made , ibid. The Turks not keeping it , are in several places discomfited by the Emperour's Forces , 9. the Truce ended , being aided by Duke John of Weymar and Count Mansfelt , as also by Morteza Pasha of Buda , he sights Wallestein the Emperour's General , and routs his Army , II. whereupon a peace is made betwixt the Emperour and Prince , 12. he dyes , 23. his Character , ibid. & 24. leaving no children his Widow for a while keeps the Government , but is perswaded to resign it to Stephen Gabor , who yet keeps it not , but resigns it to George Ragotski pag. 25 Germans continue their Truce with the Turks pag. 39 Jembeg Gheray succeeds Mehmet in the Kingdom of Tartary , 23. dispeeds sorty thousand Horse into Podolia and Russia to ravage the Country , who are intercepted by the Poles and Cosacks in their return and almost all cut off , ibid. he is treacherously slain , 65. Bechir Gheray his brother ordained King in his stead ibid. Gregorians , a great slaughter made of them by the Turk pag. 15 Emir Gumir betrays Revan to the Turks pag. 57 H. HAlil Pasha made Great Vizier , 4. made General in the war with Persia , 15. is recalled , ibid. is put out of his Office pag. 19 I. JAmbolat Ogli strangled pag. 62 Janisaries unruly , 1 , 4. they are curbed , 22. they again grow more insolent , 33 , 34. but are soon tamed by the Sultan's severity pag. 35 Jews how treated in Turkie pag. 22 Illay near Babylon garrisoned by the Turks , pag. 29. retaken by assault by the Persians pag. 30 L. LUpulo Prince of Moldavia desires the Sultan to conser the Principality of Valachia on his Son , &c. pag. 84 M. MArquess of Marcheville , French Ambassadour at the Port , for his complaints against the Captain-Pasha is forcibly sent away pag. 51 Matthew Prince of Valachia obtains a Victory over Lupulo Prince of Moldavia pag. 84 Medina taken by the Persian pag. 10 Mehmet elected King of the Tartars by the people , overcomes his elder Brother Gherey , whom the Grand Signior would have imposed on them , 5. he defeats him a second time , though assisted by the Grand Signior pag. 19 Mehmet , Pasha of Cairo , made Great Vizier pag. 34 The G. Mogul promises to assist the Turk , if he will break with the Persian pag. 38 Moldavia , troubles there pag. 36 Morat , vid. Amurat. Morteza Pasha of Buda joyns with the Prince of Transylvania against the Emperour , II. he with the Prince make peace with the Emperour pag. 12 , 13 Mosul taken by the Persian pag. 10 Sultan Mustapha his incapacity for the Government , 1. is deposed , 2 , 3. commanded to be slain by Sultan Morat pag. 83 P. PErsia , the King enters the Turks Dominions with a powerful Army , 9. his success , 10. sends an Ambassadour to the Port with proposals of peace , but without effect , 15. sends another likewise without effect , 16. the Persians receive a defeat by the Turk , 26. peace made with the Turk , but quickly broke , 38. The King again sends an Ambassadour to the Port with proposals of peace , 63. who not succeeding in his errand , is sorced to accompany the Turkish Army into Persia , pag. 70. After the loss of Babylon they send another Ambassadour to the Port , 83. who obtains a peace pag. 84 Poles make peace with the Turks , 29 , 30. but the Turks soon break it , taking part with the Moscovites , 44. they send an Ambassadour to the Port , 45. give a great deseat to the Moscovites , who profser an advantageous and honourable peace to the Poles , which is accepted , 48. They are sued unto for peace by the Grand Signior , and at last consent , 49. the peace consirmed by the Turk pag. 61 R. RAgotski elected Prince of Transylvania , 25. he refuses aid from the Turks , 31. he instates one Matthias in the Principality of Valachia , and ejects one constituted by the Grand Signior , called Stridia Bei or Lord Oysters , 39. Stephen Bethlem that had been his Competitor for the Principality , stirs up the Turk against him , whom he defeats in several battels , 53 , 55 , 56. whereby he is confirmed in the Principality , and obtains also from the Port a confirmation of the same for his Son ibid. Revan betrayed by the Governour Emir Gumir to the Turks , 57. recovered by the Persian pag. 59 S. SElictar Aga who , 19. he is made Great Vizier , ibid. gains a Victory over the Persians , 26. besieges Babylon , but is beaten off , 28 , 29. he returns to Constantinople , and is deprived of his Office pag. 32 Serches Pasha , vid. Selictar Aga. T. TArtary , the King thereof treacherously slain pag. 65 Tauris taken by the Turks from the Persian , 15. utterly destroyed by them pag. 58 Pirates of Tunis infest the Seas , 16. See Algierines . V. VAlona , the Venetian Admiral takes fourteen Algierine Gallies in this Port , pag. 73. which boldness the Venetians are glad to make amends for to the Port pag. 86 Van besieged by the Persian pag. 62 THE TABLE TO THE Reigns of Sultan Ibrahim and Sultan Mabomet . A. ABermont , the Captain of the French Man of War , whereon Monsieur de la Haye arrived at Constantinople , incurs great danger of his life , and wherefore Page 193 Achmet Great Vizier deprived of his Office and strangled 33 Aleppo , the Merchants thereof more subject to troublesom Avania's than others , and an instance given 116 Alexandria , a Plague there , 11. the Alexandrian Fleet encountred by the Venetians , 101. taken by the Malteses in 1673. 304 Algierines make complaints at the Port of the English Fleet commanded by the Earl of Sandwich , but find no encouragement , 87. they make a peace with the English , 113. the Articles signed by the Grand Signior , 129. they are carried by the Author to Algier , with a relation of two pleasant passages in his journey , ibid. 130 , 131. they except against an Article of the Peace , and send a Letter to his Majesty , whereupon the War breaks out asresh , 133 , 134. the inconstancy of their Government 133 Colonel Anand , an English-man , and one Stefano Cordili made Plenipotentiaries to treat with the Great Vizier about the surrender of Candia 273 Michael Apasi constituted Prince of Transylvania by the Turks , 80. his Letter to the Earl of Winchelsea English Ambassadour at the Port , 98. he is beloved of his people 146 Asac besieged by the Turks in the year 1641. but not taken , 6 , 7. again besieged in 1642. and then taken , being abandoned by the Inhabitants , 9. After it had been sacked by the Moscovite in 1674. the Turk rebuilds it 313 Asan Pasha of Aleppo rebels and marches towards Constantinople , 56. he joins battel with the Great Vizier and discomfits him , 57. he is treacherously strangled by Mortaza Pasha 58 Asan Aga the Mosayp or Favourite his story 123 Austria spoiled by the Turks in 1663. 141 B. BAkockza taken by Count Serini 147 Ballarino , Secretary to Signior Capello the Venetian Bailo , supplies his Office , 50. his sorrowsul Letter to Senator Nicolo Contarini , 102. his Character , 103. he is suspected by the Turks to use Sorcery 121 Balsora , its Pasha rebels in 1667. and is forced to slee into Persia 230 Baltagibashee , what 124 Cardinal Barbarini bestows a pension of eight hundred Crowns a mon h upon Count Serini , 160. he supplies the 〈◊〉 with four thousand measures of corn in their Wars in Candia pag. 228 Barcan taken by Count Soisé , and burnt 166 Girolamo Bataglia and Francesco Bataglia Proveditors General both killed at the Siege of Candia 249 Duke de Beaufort the Popes General at Sea desires of the King of France , his natural Prince , leave to try his fortune by Land at the Siege of Candia , 263. he is killed there 267 Beker Pasha of Rhodes strangles the Pasha of Cyprus , 11. made Captain Pasha , 12. put to death by order of the G. Signior 15 Belgrade , here the Great Vizier had his Winter-quarters the sirst year of the Hungarian war in 1663. 145. resides there the second winter , after the peace made 176 Signior Bembo obtains a Victory over the Turks at Sea 54 Sir Tho. Bendish Ambassadour at the Port , his Expedient for obtaining redress of wrongs offered to the Merchants , 18. he opposes the forcing of English Ships into the Turks service against Candia , but without effect . 40 Berclay made Prince of Transylvania , 73. the Transylvanians depose him 78 Berzenche taken by Count Serini 147 A Blazing-star seen in most parts of the known world in 1664. and particularly in Turkie , with their opinion what it portended 177 Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburg assist Candia with three thousand men 252 C. CAiro , a Rebellion of the great Beghs there , 153. another 330 Caminiecz taken by the Turks in eleven days , 300. blocked up the Poles , 311. but the Siege raised by the Turks 313 Candia ( the Isle ) how it became the possession of Venice , 23. what the occasion of the Turks making war against it , 13. the beginning of the war , 20. The Turks Sea and Land-forces at first employed in it , what , 21. what the preparations of tho Venetians , 22. The Turks land in this Isle , pag. 24. what supplies the Venetians had towards this war from Christendom 25 Candia ( the City ) first besieged in 1647. by the Turks , who were then forced to raise the Siege , 28. besieged a second time in 1650. and again beaten off , 41. 〈◊〉 a third time , when the Turks losing three thousand men at one assault again drew off , 43. this war carried on fainlly by the Turks for several years , 85. prosecuted asresh in 1666. 221. what aid the Venetians then had from Christian Princes , 227. the Fortisications of the Town described , and what Quarters were possessed by the Besiegers and Besieged , 332. the History of the Siege continued ( uninterruptedly ) from 232 to 254. and from 262 to 277. its Duke killed , 253. large succours sent thither from France , 263. the Garrison makes a notable sally , but with bad success , 266. French Officers slain in this sally , 267. the French depart , 268. a Council held to consider of the state of the Town , 270. the result of the Council to enter into a Treaty with the Vizier , 273. the conditions of peace , 274. the Town delivered to the Turks , 277. an account of the number of the slain on both sides , the batteries , storms , sallies , &c. 276. what a sad spectacle of desolation at its surrender 278 Canea taken by the Turks , 25. they land here forty thousand fighting men 26 Antonio Capello , Commander of the Venetian Gallies 23 Gio. Capello made Doge General of the Sea , 25. what his Armata ibid. Signior Capello Bailo at the Port imprisoned , 45. his ill usage casts him into a deep melancholy , 48. his Commission taken from him , 50. he dyes at Constantinople , but his Corps conveyed to Venice 104 Casimir King of Poland resigns his Crown , and how affairs then stood there 297 Chirfaleas , a couragious Captain , 145. is slain near Serinswar 158 Chusaein Pasha , General of the Turks in Candia , 39. is made Great Vizier , but to reside still in Candia , 42. is discharged from the Office of Great Vizier , 47. is put to death by the Great Vizier Kuperlee pag. 58 Chusaein Pasha of Buda besieges Leventz , 162. is routed by Count Soise 164 Another Chusaein Pasha is made Governor of Caminiecz 300 Clissa taken by Foscolo , the Venetian General , 28. the Turks endeavour to regain it , but are beaten off , 40. it is described 196 Claudiopolis besieged by the Turks , but not taken , 80. yields it self to Apasi Prince of Transylvania 148 Constantinople , a great plague there in 1661. 8. an Insurrection there on the account of the Grand Signior's Brothers 261 Count Coligni Commander of the French Troops in Hungary joyns Montecuculi , 162. his valour at the great battel with the Turks on the Rab , 169. having received honours of the Emperour he returns homewards with his Army 175 Corban , the manner of it among the Turks 144 Andrea Cornaro General and Inquisitor in Candia , 23. is slain in the defence of Retimo 25 Another Andrea Cornaro Captain-General of the Venetians , 223. being made Proveditor General , he is slain at Candia with a Granado 263 Cosacks infest the Black Seas , 40 , 41. they infest the Tartars , 122. great numbers of them carried into captivity by the Turks 315 Curdi or Cordiaei their Country described , their Religion and Manners 92 , 93 D. DAlmatia one seat of the War betwixt the Turks and Venetians , 27. after Candia was surrendred , Commissioners are sent hither by the Turk and Venetian for determining the differences of the Consines , 288. all the particulars adjusted , and the war between the Turk and Venetian ended 291 Clipt Dollars called in by the Great Vizier , 115. his Stewards Treasurer put to death for disobeying this command ibid. Dorosensko General of the Cosacks revolts to the Turks pag. 298 Dunelma or a Festival among the Turks how celebrated 144 The Dutch Resident unjustly sentenced to make satisfaction for Goods belonging to Turks on board a Dutch Vessel surprised by Venetian and Maliese Corsairs 127 E. EGypt , the Government there at present rather Aristocratical than Monarchical 330 Elmas , a Village in the Upper Hungary , near which the German and Turkish Ambassadours use to be exchanged 220 Embrahore , that Office what 333 English Trade first introduced into Turkie , when , 65. what befel the Nation and Trade in Turkie in the year 1662. 113. the Custom endeavoured to be raised at Aleppo and Scanderone in 1665. by the Customer , 197. the Scale also threatned to be removed from Scanderone to Tripoli in Soria by the Lord Treasurer , but both without effect , 199. An English Factor in Smyrna designing to cheat several Principals in England of 215 fine cloths , and a considerable summ of money turns Turk , but without succeeding in his knavery 311 Francesco Erizzo elected by the Venetians Doge General of the Sea , at the beginning of the War in Candia , 23. but hindred by death from executing that Office ibid. F. FEstivals how celebrated among the Turks 318 Sir John Finch English Ambassadour at the Port 311 Count Forgatz overthrows a party of Turks making Incursions into Hungary , 39. being Governour of Newhausel at the Turks invading Hungary in 1663. advising a sally is with his party routed 138 Leonardo Foscolo his success against the Turks in Dalmatia , 27 , 28. his success in Bosna , 39. he is sent into Candia with the title of Generalissimo in the room of Mocenigo pag. 43 Marquess Frangipani , with others offer themselves to the Turk in 1670. 279. they find not the protection desired , but are overtaken by the hand of Justice 295 , 296 French Ambassadour at the Port imprisoned contrary to the Law of Nations , 69. that King remits an hundred thousand Crowns to Venice to assist them against the Turks , 227. three French Ships of War arrive in the Hellespont , 256. an Ambassadour from the Grand Signior to the French King , 257. the King sends seven thousand men to the relief of Candia , commanded by the Duke of Navaille , &c. 264. after having sussered great loss there ( 267 ) they depart , 268. a French Ambassadour accompanies the Turks late Envoyé to France , in his return to Constantinople with three Men of War , who bear themselves very insolently at their arrival , 291. what success he had in his Embassy , 292. he obtains some new priviledges for his Nation , 306. and licence to travel in the Turks Dominions 307 Count Fuchier General of the Artillery of the Empire killed at the great battel betwixt Montecuculi and the Turks on the Rab 168 La Fueillade with two hundred French Gentlemen , Adventurers for honour , and four hundred common Souldiers arrive at Candia , 250. having had above half of his slain men in a desperate sally , he with the remainder return home 252 G. GEnoese make peace with the Turk , 182. they settle a Trade in Turkie , 183. they send a new Resident , who through the bad success of affairs falling into a melancholy , kills himself , 294. their Trade turns to very small account 325 , 326 Georgia , some troubles there 95 Captain Georgio a famous Pirate taken by the Turks 244 Germans deluded by the Turks pretences of peace , 118. their preparations for war with the Turks in 1663. pag. 135. what confusion then in their counsels , 141. they send Ministers to implore aid of Christian Princes , 151. their Forces in 1664. what , ibid. their great inclination to peace , notwithstanding their good success , whence , 173. a peace concluded between them and the Turks , ibid. they send an Ambassadour to the Grand Signior , 180. what his Presents were , 181. his Embassy ended with mutual contentment , 190. the controversie between him and the Turkish Ambassadour at the place of Exchange 220 Signior Giavarina sent to the Great Vizier at the Siege of Candia to make proposals of peace , 235. he dyes there of the Camp-distemper 241 Grillo the Venetian Bailo's Interpreter strangled 39 Proveditor Grimani made Captain-General in the room of Capello , 27. he suffered shipwrack and was drowned at the Island of Psara 28 Fanir Gumir a Persian Traitor strangled 7 H. HAmmerling slain before Quinque Ecclesiae 148 Count Harberstein slain before Quinque Ecclesiae 148 Chevalier d'Harcourt his gallantry at the Siege of Candia 234 Sir Daniel Harvey , Ambassadour from his Majesty to the Port , 257. has his Audience of the Grand Signior at Salonica , 280. he dyes at Constantinople 〈◊〉 Hasaki the Queen-Mother takes on her the protection of her Sons 255 Monsieur la Haye ( the father ) Ambassadour at the Port imprisoned contrary to the Law of Nations 69 Monsieur la Haye ( the son ) proposed , by the French King , to the Grand Signior and Great Vizier to be sent Ambassadour to the Port , in a Letter to each of them , and the Vizier's Answer thereto , 107 , 108 , 109. he arrives as Ambassadour at the Port , but slightly treated at his first arrival , 191 , 192. his first Audience , 192. his second Audience 194 An Horses tail set forth at the Great Vizier's gate is the signal of the Camps motion within a month pag. 118. Husaein Pasha of Silistria marries the Great Vizier's Sister 171 Hungary , the war begins there betwixt the Emperour and Turk in 1663. 135. the Hungarians unsatisfied with the peace made by the Emperour with the Turk , and why , 174. but through the Emperors arguments brought to acquiesce in it , 175. what gave occasion to the rebellion there , 296. they petition to the Turks for assistance 305 I. JAnisaries , the formality of making them in these days 242 Janoua in Transylvania taken by the Turks 73 Sultan Ibrahim succeeds his Brother Morat in the Throne , 2. his luxurious and effeminate way of living , 4 , 18 , 29. complemented by foreign Ministers , 4. seized with an Apoplexy , 6. has a Son born , viz. Sultan Mahomet that now reigns , 8. a second and a third Son , 10. a fourth and a fifth , 13. his lascivious fancy for a big woman , 19. he falls in love with his Brothers widow , but is rejected by her , 30. he falls also in love with the Mufti 's daughter , who is taught by her father to reject his love , 31. he takes her by force , but after a few days enjoyment returns her to her father , 32. by the Mufti and his Accomplices he is deposed and afterwards strangled , 34. his description and character 35 Ibrahim Pasha of Cairo imprisoned there by the Beghs , but soon obtains his liberty , 153. is deeply fined by the Grand Signior , ibid. is made Pasha of Darbiquier , ibid. arrives at Candia with eight hundred Spahees 245 Jerusalem , a great controversie betwixt the Religious there of the Latine and Greek Churches about the holy Sepulchre , 315. the possession of it adjudged by the Great Vizier to the Greeks 316 Jews strangely deluded by Sabatai Sevi the pretended Messiah in 1666. 202 , 204 , 206 , 207. they flock from all parts to him , pag. 209. their ridiculous fancies concerning Elias , 211 , 212. they receive a new form of Worship from Sabatai Sevi , 209. but are enjoined , upon his turning Turk , to return unto their old method , by the Cochams of Constantinople 215 Ishmael Pasha of Buda , made Chimacam of Constantinople , 118. killed at the great Battel upon the Rab 168 K. KAnisia besieged by Count Serini , 150 , the Siege raised 157 Kara Mustapha made Great Vizier , 333. his kindness to Kuperlee his Predecessour's servants , 334. his pride and insolence to foreign Ministers 335 Katirgi Oglé Pasha of Canea his original and life 253 Kemenius made Prince of Transylvania , 78. he is routed by Ali Pasha and slain 80 Kemenitz , see Caminiecz Kiosem , the Queen-mother , her artifice to advance her Son Ibrahim to be Emperour , 1. she is imprisoned by him , but by submission soon obtains her liberty , 30. she consents to his being deposed , 33. she with the Great Vizier and twelve Pasha's govern during Sultan Mahomet the 4 th Minority 35 Komorra where situate 136 Kul-Ogli the Grand Signior's Favourite , 167. he marries the Grand Signior's eldest Daughter 321 Kuperlee ( the father ) Pasha of Damascus made Great Vizier , 51. his disposition , 68. he gets his son joyned with him in the Office , and procures the succession therein for him , 82. his Rules given to the Grand Signior , 83. he dyes ibid. Kuperlee ( the son ) succeeds his father in the place of Great Vizier , 83. endeavours to establish himself , 88. his cruelty to the Germans of Newhausel , 138. his artifice to quiet the minds of his shattered Army after their great defeat on the Rab by Montecuculi , 170. he sends for his Mother to Belgrade , who was esteemed a cunning woman , 176. he offers to the son of the Tartar Chan to depose his father , but the son accepts not the proffer , 178. he returns to Adrianople to the Grand Signior , 180. he arrives with his Army in the Isle of Candia , 227. sits down before the city of Candia , 232. his justice on some disorderly souldiers at the surrender of Candia , 277. he drinks wine excessively , 280. he is brought thereby into a Dropsie whereof he dyes , 332. his character ibid. L. LEmnos taken by the Venetians from the Turks , 52. retaken by the Turks 55 Count Leslie German Ambassadour to the Turks , see Germans Levents , who so called 110 Leventz , or Lewa , a town in Hungary taken by the Turks , 143. retaken by the Germans under the command of Count Soisé , 161. again besieged by the Turks , but not taken 162 Lintz , the Emperour removes from Vienna hither at the beginning of the Hungarian war in 1663. 141 Dukes of Lunenburg and Brunswick assist Candia with three thousand men 252 M. MAhomet IV. born , 8. succeeds his Father at seven years of age , 34. removes his Court to Adrianople , 82. returns again to Constantinople , 88. his extravagant hunting , ibid. & 194 , 280. he concerns himself about affairs of the Government , 90 , 91. again removes his Court to Adrianople , with a description of his Cavalcade , 119. his aversion to Constantinople , 155 , 177. he has a Son born , 155. he seeks to destroy his Brothers , 177. he passionately loves his Queen , 184 , 281. he returns with the Great Vizier to Constantinople , 186. he resides at Larissa during the Siege of Candia , 241 , 254. his antipathy to Tabaco , 255. a second attempt to destroy his Brothers , 261. the news of the surrender of Candia brought to him at Negropont , and how he received it , 278. he resides the winter following at Salonica , 280. then returns to Adrianople , where he receives the Great Vizier with great respect at his return from Candia , 284. a third attempt to destroy his Brothers , which takes effect on the elder of the two , 294. he circumcises his eldest Son , and marries his eldest Daughter to Kul-Ogli , 321. his Government commended , 317. he returns to Constantinople , 328. the reasons of it , 329. he goes back to Adrianople 332 Mahomet Pasha made Great Vizier , 33. he with the Mufti and other Accomplices conspire the death of Sultan Ibrahim , ib. he is deposed from his Office , and afterwards murdered 40 Mahomet Pasha of Aleppo marries the G. Signior's Sister 171 Mahomet Pasha of Romelia sent Ambassadour to Vienna , 178. what his Presents to the Emperour were , ibid. his sordid way of living at Vienna , 221. his controversie with the German Ambassadour at the place of Exchange 220 Malta , the gallantry of the Knights of Malta at the Siege of Candia , 235. the Malteses with six Gallies take the Fleet designed for Alexandria , which had on board the Kuzlir Aga , with his slave and her son , and all his treasure 14 Marcello , a General of the Venetians slain in a Sea-fight with a Cannon-bullet , but dyes a Conq erour ( in 1656. ) 52 Count de Mare killed at Candia 254 Vicenzo della Marra Governour General of the Arms of Candia , killed there 28 Michael Korebut Wisnowieski elected King of Poland , 297. he dyes 310 Mocenigo General of the Venetians gains a great victory at Sea over the Turks in 1651. 44. another in 1655. 49. in another his Ship blown up , and himself slain 54 Prince of Moldavia revolts to the Poles 309 Francesco Molino Proveditor General to the Venetians , 23. made Doge General of the Sea , ib. dismissed from that charge 25 Alvisé de Molino sent Ambassadour to the Port , but is transferred to the Vizier at Candia , 255. after the Siege ended , he passes to the Court at Adrianople 287 Marquess S. Andrea Montbrun made Governour of Candia , pag. 247. his diligence in his charge 249 Count Montecuculi Governour of Rab made a General at the beginning of the war in Hungary in 1663. 135. puts a thousand men into Newhausel , 139. joins with Count Serini , 158. clears Serinswar of Serini's forces , ibid. repels the Great Vizier at Kemend endeavouring to pass the Rab , 166. gives a second great defeat to the Turks at Chiesfalo on this River , killing seventeen thousand , 168. for which he is highly applauded and made Lieutenant-General of the whole Army , 169. reasons why his services were more acceptable than those of Serini or Soisė ibid. Moravia spoiled by the Turks in 1663. 141 Morlacks revolt from the Turks to the Venetians 29 Girolamo Morosini Commander of the Venetian Galleasses , 22. braves the Turkish Fleet , 25. killed by a Musket-bullet shot through his head 27 Francesco Morosini made Captain-General for the Venetians , 231. he obtains a victory over the Turks and is Knighted , 243 , 244. he refuses a Present from the Vizier at the surrender of Candia , and why 277 Gioseppo Morosini Captain of the Venetian Galleasses 237 Mortaza Pasha treacherously strangles the Pasha of Aleppo , that formidable Rebel , 58. for which piece of service , &c. being made Pasha of Babylon , and removed from thence , he flees to the Curdi , whose Kings Daughter he had married , who deliver him into the Turks hands , and they strike off his head 92 , 94 , 96 Mustapha Great Vizier strangled by command of the Queen-Mother 12 Mustapha , Captain-Pasha , loses his head 4 Mustapha Pasha of Grand Cairo in Egypt , ibid. made Pasha of Silistria 9 Mustapha Captain-Pasha made Chimacam of Adrianople , 118. his affectation and popularity 179 A Mutafaraca what 178 N. NAdasti with others offer themselves to the Turk in 1670. pag. 279. they find not the protection desired , but are overtaken by the hand of Justice , 295 , 296 Bernardo Nani made Proveditor General , and arrives at Candia with five hundred Foot , 242. he is killed by a Musket-shot in the head 249 Count Nassaw killed in the great Battel betwixt Montecuculi and the Turks on the Rab 168 Nathan , a Jew , an Accomplice with Sabatai Sevi the pretended Messiah , gives out himself to be Elias , 202. his Letters to Sabatai Sevi , and the Jews of Aleppo , 203. he arrives near Smyrna 217 The Duke de Navaille Commander of the Succours from France in Candia in 1669. 264. after having lost many of his men he departs from thence , 268. for which he incurs the disfavour of his Prince at his return home 269 Nehemiah Cohen a Rival of Sabatai Sevi in his Messiahship 213 Newhausel besieged by the Turks in 1663. 140. it bravely defends it self being stormed , ibid. the Turks storm it a second time , and are repulsed , 142. it is yielded upon conditions ibid. Nitra by the cowardise of the Commander betrayed to the Turks , 144. taken again by the Christians under the command of Count Soisé 160 The Nogay Tartar desires Lands of the Grand Signior , for which they are fallen upon by the Krim Tartar 195 Monsieur de Nointel Ambassadour at the Port from France 291 Novigrade surrendred to the Turks 145 O. OPium its operation with the Turks , 130. more fully described 283 Oseck and the Bridge adjoining to it of six or seven miles long taken by Serini and burnt , 147. the Bridge is built again in forty days by the Turks 157 P. PAdavini dyes at Canea pag. 241 Count S. Paul together with la Fueillade , &c. arrive at Candia , 250. their valour 251 Signior Pisani , Proveditor General of the Kingdom , killed by a Granado at Candia 239 Poles fruitlesly complain at the Port of the incursions of the Tartars , 4. kill ten thousand of them returning from spoiling the countries of Moscovia , 12. upon another incursion , wherein the Tartars carried away an hundred thousand captives , they again send an Ambassadour to the Port , who being disgusted with his ill treatment falls into a Feaver and dyes , 229. the Turks deliberate a war against Poland , and the causes of it , 296. the war breaks out in 1672. 299. the distracted condition of the Poles at this time , ibid. they accept very dishonourable and disadvantageous conditions of peace , ibid. refusing to pay their Tribute the war breaks out afresh , 304 , 308. they obtain a considerable victory over the Turks 309 Possonium garrisoned 143 Psara , a great part of the Venetian Fleet cast away there 28 Q. QUinque Ecclesiae stormed by Count Serini , who put all the Inhabitants to the sword for their treachery , and burnt the Town 148 R. RAb ( the Fortress ) the Turks seek to take it by stratagem in 1642. 9. the description of it 139 Rab ( the River ) the great defeat of the Turk by Montecuculi here 168 Ragotski , Prince of Transylvania , raises troubles in Hungary , 11. his ambitious spirit , 70. he invades Poland , ibid. is beaten by Zerneski General of the Poles , 71. deposes himself , ibid. reassumes the Principality , 72. beats the Pasha of Buda , ibid. is again deposed , 73. and again assumes the Principality , ibid. joins battel again with the Pasha of Buda , but is beaten and dyes of his wounds , 74. his character ibid. Ramadam , a Sangiack of Egypt , taken prisoner in a Sea-sight by the Venetians , and most of his Fleet consisting of twenty three Ships taken or stranded 231 Redeius made Prince of Transylvania in the stead of Ragotski , 72. forced by Ragotski to relinquish his Power ibid. Count Remorantino killed at the first Siege of Candia by the Turks 28 David Retani his diligence and courage in defending Claudiopolis 81 Retimo taken by the Turks 25 Aug. Rostayne Adjutant of Marquess Villa at Candia killed with a Cannon-bullet 247 S. SAbatai Sevi the pretended Messiah of the Jews in the year 1666. 200. his parentage and education , 201. his Declaration , 205. he arrives at Constantinople , and is cast into a Dungeon , afterwards imprisoned in the Dardanelli , 208. while he remains there he institutes a new method of Worship for the Jews , 209. he is accused to the Chimacam of Adrianople by Nehemiah Cohen , a Rival of Sabatai in the Messiahship , 213. being threatned with death he turns Turk , 214. his death in 1676. 219 Samozadé , the Great Vizier's Secretary , his ruine , 126. his vast Estate ibid. Schinta assaulted by the Great Vizier , but he is beaten off 144 Sebenico besieged by forty thousand Turks , who were forced to raise the Siege , 28. the City described 196 Seraglio at Constantinople in a great part burnt 185 Count Nicholas Serini Commander of Croatia besieges Canisia , but commanded by the Emperour to raise the Siege , 78. he raises a Fort on the Turks Dominions , and calls it Serinswar , 79. he is made General of an Army in Croatia in 1663. by the Emperour , 135. his just cruelty to some Turkish prisoners , 139. his fortune and conduct , pag. 142. a not able instance of his valour , 145. his incomparable diligence and success , 147 , 148. he escapes a great danger , 149. upon a disgust from Montecuculi he retires from the wars , 158. reflections on his disgrace , 159. the Presents sent him , and Honours done him by Christian Princes , 160. he is slain by a wild Boar , 176. his character ibid. Count Peter Serini defeats the Turks in the Streights of Morlac 149 Serini Prince of Croatia , Count Nadasti , and others offer themselves to the Turks in 1670. 279. they find not the protection desired , but are overtaken by the hand of Justice 295 , 296 Serinswar taken by the Turks and razed 159 Shart , what 130 Shecher Para , a Pander for Sultan Ibrahims lust 30 Sigeth besieged by Count Serini , but not taken 148 Smyrna , a Besasteen or Exchange and a Custom-house built there by the Turks 327 Sobieski great Marshal of Poland obtains a great victory over the Turks in 1673. 308 Solyman Pasha , Kayah-begh of the Janisaries , banished into the Desarts of Arabia 84 Count Soisé's success in the Vpper Hungary against the Turks , 160. he beats a Body of fourteen thousand Turks , ibid. he routs Chusaein Pasha of Buda with twenty five thousand Turks , 164. his Commission taken from him , but afterwards he is made Governour of the strong Fortress of Komorra 166 Soranço , the Venetian Ambassadour at the Port , imprisoned at the beginning of the war in Candia , 22. he is sent home 42 Priest Sorich Captain of the Morlachs , his undaunted spirit , but hard Fate 29 Baron Spaar sent General into Dalmatia , 121. arrives at Candia 254 Spalato in Dalmatia described 195 , 196 General Sporch joyns Montecuculi and Scrini near Serinswar 158 Sultana Sporcha her History 331 Count Strozzi by his smooth arguments is received into Possonium with his Regiment , 143. is sent Ambassadour to the French King to implore aid against the Turks , pag. 152. his Speech to the French King , ibid. he is slain by a Musket-bullet near Serinis Fort 158 Sweeds conquer Cracovia , 70. totally routed afterwards by the Poles 71 T. TArtars their kind of life , 122. joyn with the Turks in their war against Hungary , 123. invade Poland in 1667. and carry away near an hundred thousand captives , 228. their disposition 313 False Temins , the story of them 258 Tenedos taken by the Venetians , 52. quitted again by them 54 Transylvania invaded by the Turks in 1661. 73. again in 1662. 98. a history of its misery , 100. the Turks make frequent incursions into it in 1665. yet the German Ambassadour then at the Port would not interpose in their behalf 189 Tripoli , Peace made by the English with the Tripoleses in 1663. 131. they rebel against their Pasha Osman , besiege him in his Castle , and procure him to be strangled , assuming the form of Government of Algier 301 Tunis , Peace made by the English with Tunis 131 Turks keep no Residents in foreign Courts , the reason thereof and the consequence , 3. esteem ceremony to be submission , 5. the richness of their Tents , 120. the little respect they bear to foreign Ministers , 128. superstitious admirers of old Prophecies , 145. their usual complement to foreign Ambassadours , 183 , 191. difficult to bring a Turkish Minister to punishment , 200. they fall to drinking wine excessively , 283. but it is soon forbidden them by the Grand Signior's special command , which is recited 285 V. THE Prince of Valachia , by the treachery of his servant is forced to flee his country , and to retire into the Emperours Territories , pag. 172. another Prince of Valachia is carried by his own Souldiers to the Poles in 1673. but makes his escape from them 309 Vanni Effendi , a Shegh , a notable dispute between him and the Mufti 154 Varadin besieged by the Turks , 74. the Inhabitants crave aid of the Emperour , but obtain none , 75. the Fortress described , 76. it is surrendred 77 Monsieur de Ventelay , see la Haye . Vienna , what provision it made for it self at the beginning of the war with the Turk in 1663. 136 , 143. abandoned by the Emperour who removes to Lintz 141 Marquess Villa received into the Service of the Venetians as General of the Foot , and made Governour of Candia , 186 , 222. his Speech to the Senate , 187. he surveys the Forts in Dalmatia in his passage to Candia , 195. he lands at Candia , 223. he takes the sield , ibid. but after an assault or two of the Turks retires again into the Town , 223 , 224 , 225. he is recalled by the Duke of Savoy his natural Prince , but by the intercession of the Pope and State of Venice licence for his continuance is obtained , pag. 231. he is again recalled and departs , 247. his Speech to the Senate at his return 248 W. WAldeck General of the Lunenburg and Brunswick Forces in Candia slain there 252 Earl of Winchelsea sent Ambassadour to the Port , 67. his Answer to the Captain-Pasha proposing to him to hire some English Ships to serve in the Wars against Candia 185 Wisozki Ambassadour from Poland to the Port , his insolent behaviour there 298 Y. YAmboli , a famous Hunting of the Grand Signior there 171 Z. ZEchelhyd revolts from the Emperour to Apafi Prince of Transylvaniae 146 The End of the TABLE . A Catalogue of Books Printed for John Starkey Bookseller , at the Miter in Fleetstreet near Temple-Bar . DIVINITY . 1. ADiscourse of the Freedom of the will : By Peter Sterry sometime Fellow of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge , in solio . 2. The Jesuits Morals , collected by a Doctor of the Colledge of Sorbon in Paris , who hath saithsully extracted them out of the Jesuits own Books , which are printed by the permission and approbation of the Superiors of their Society . Written in French , and exactly translated into English , in folio . 3. A Practical and Polemical Commentary or Exposition upon the third and fourth Chapters of the latter Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy . By Thomas Hall B. D. in folio . 4. Tetrachordon : Expositions upon the four chief , places in Scripture , which treat of Marriage , or nullities in Marriage . Wherein the Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce is confirmed by explanation of Scripture , by testimony of Ancient Fathers , of Civil Laws in the Primitive Church , of samousest Reformed Divines . And lastly , by an intended Act of the Parliament , and Church of England , in the last year of Edward the Sixth . The Author J. Milton , in quarto . 5. The Christians Consolations against the fears of Death ; with Prayers and Meditations fit to prepare all manner of persons for it . Written in French by the late famous Mr. Drelincourt , Minister of the Protestant Church at Charenton near Paris ; and from the twelsth Edition of it much corrected and enlarged by the Author . Now newly translated into English by Marius a'Assigny , in octavo . 6. The Living Temple , or the Notion improved ; that A good man is the Temple of God. By John Howe M. A. sometimes Fellow of Magdalen Colledge , Oxon. in octavo . 7. A Consutation of the Millenarian Opinion , plainly demonstrating that Christ will not reign visibly and personally upon earth with the Saints for a 1000 years , either before the day of Judgment , in the day of Judgment , or after it . By Too . Hall B. D. PHYSICK . 8. The Royil Pharmacopacia , Galenical and Chymical , according to the Practice of the most Eminent and Learned Physicians of France , and Published with their several Approbations . By Mosis 〈◊〉 , the Kings Chief Operator in his Royal Garden of Plants , faithfully Englished . Illustrated with several Copper Plates , in solio . 9. Basilica Chymica & Praxis Chymiatrice , or Royal and Practical Chymistry ; augmented and enlarged , by John Hartman . To which is added his Treatise of Signatares of internal things , or a true and lively Anatomy of the greater and lesser World. As also the Practice of Chymistry of John Hartman , M. D. Augmented and enlarged by his Son , with considerable Additions ; all faithfully Englished , by a lover of Chymistry . 10. The Compleat 〈◊〉 , or a New Treatise of Chymistry , teaching by a short and easy Method all its most necessary Preparations . Written in French by Christopher Glaser , Apothecary in Ordinary to the French King , and the Duke of Orleans . And from the fourth Edition Revised and Augmented by the Author . Now faithfully Englished by a Fellow of the Royal Society . Illustrated with Copper Plates , in octavo . 11. The Art of Chymistry , as it is now practised . Written in French by P. Thybault , Chymist to the French King , and Englished by W. A. Doctor in Physick , and Fellow of the Royal Society , in octavo . 12. Medicina Instaurata , or a brief Account of the true Grounds and Principles of the Art of Physick ; with the insufficiency of the vulgar way of preparing Medicines , and the Excellency of such us are made by Chymical Operations . By Edward Bolnest , Med. Lond. in octavo . 13. Aurora Chymica , or a rational way of preparing Animals , Vegetables and Minerals for a Physical Use ; by which preparations they are made most efficacious , safe and pleasant Medicines , for the preservation of the life of man. By Edward Bolnest , Med. Reg. Ord. in octavo . 14. The Chirargions Store-bouse , furnished with forty three Tables cut in Brass , in which are all sorts of Instruments both Ancient and Modern ; useful to the performance of all Manual Operations ; with an exact description of every Instrument , together with one hundred choice Observations of famous Cures performed , with three Indexes ; 1. of the Instruments . 2. Of Cures performed . 3. Of things remarkable . Written in Latin by Johannes Scultitus a famous Physician and 〈◊〉 of Ulme in Sutvia : and faithfully Englished by E. B. Dr. of Physick ; in octavo . 15. Medicina Statica : or Rules of Health , in eight Sections of Aphorisms . Originally Written by Sanctorius , Chief Professor of Physick at Padua , in twelves . LAW . 16. An Abridgment of divers Cases and Resolutions of the Common Law , Alphabetically digested under several Titles . By Henry Rolls , Serjeant at Law , published by the Lord Chief Baron Hales , and approved by all the Judges , in solio . 17. The Reports of that famous Lawyer Henry Rolls Serjeant at Law , sometime Chief Justice of the Kings Bench , of divers Cases in the Law adjudged in the time of King James ; approved by all the Judges , in solio . 18. The Reports of Sir George Crook Knight , in three Volumes , in English : allowed of by all the Judges . The second Edition , carefully corrected by the Original , in solio . 19. Brief Animadversions on , Amendments of , and Additional Explanatory Records to the fourth part of the Institutes of the Laws of England , concerning the Jurisdictions of Courts . By Will. 〈◊〉 , Esq in solio . 20. The History of Gavel-kind , with the Etymology thereof , containing a Vindication of the Laws of England ; together with a short History of 〈◊〉 the Conqueror . By Silas Taylor , in quarto . 21. The Compleat Solicitor , performing his Duty , and teaching his Client to run through , and manage his own business , as well in his Majesties superiour Courts at Westminister , as in the Mayors Court , Court of Hustings , and other Inferiour Courts in the City of London , and elsewhere . The fourth 〈◊〉 , in octavo . 22. Action upon the Case of Slander , or a Methodical Collection of thousands of Cases in the Law , of what words are Actionable , and what not . By William Sheapherd Esq in octavo . 23. An Exact Abridgment in English , of the Cases reported by Sir Francis Moor Knight ; with the Resolution of the Points of the Law therein by the Judges . By Will. Hughes , in octavo . 24. The Touchstone of Wills , 〈◊〉 , and Administrations , being a Compendium of Cases and Resolutions touching the same , carefully collected out of the Ecclesiastical , Civil , and Canon Laws , as also out of the Customs , Common Laws , and Statutes of this Kingdom . By G. Meritan , in twelves . 25. A Guide for Constables , Church wardens , Overseers of the Poor , Surveyors of the High-ways , Treasurers of the County-Stock , Masters of the House of Correction , Bayliffs of Mannours , Toll-takers in Fairs , &c. A Treatise briefly shewing the Extent and Latitude of the several Offices , with the Power of the Officers therein , both by Common Law and Statute , according to the several Additions and Alterations of the Law , till the 22 year of His Majesties Reign . The Fifth Edition Enlarged . Collected by Geo. Meriton Gent. in twelves . HISTORY . 26. The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain , presenting an Exact Geography of the Kingdoms of England , Scotland , and Ireland and the Isles adjoyning , with the Shires , Hundreds , Citys and the Shire-towns within the Kingdom of England Divided and Described ; as also a Prospect of the most famous Parts of the World. By John Speed : with many Additions never before Extant , in solio . 27. The Voyages and Travels of the Duke of 〈◊〉 Ambassadors into Moscovy , Tartary , and Persia , begun in the year 1633. and finished in 1639. containing a Compleat History of those Countries : whereunto are added , the Travels of Mandelslo , from Persia into the East-Indies , begun in 1638. and finished in 1640. The whole Illustrated with divers accurate Maps and Figures . Written originally by Adam Olearius , Secretary to the Emballie . Englished by J. Davis : The second Edition , in solio . 28. The Works of the famous Nicholas Machiavel Citizen and Secretary of Florence ; containing the History of Florence , the Prince , the Original of the Guelf and Ghibilin , the Life of Castruccio Castracani , the Murther of Vitelli , &c. by Duke Valentino , the State of France , the State of Germany , the Discourses on Titas Livius , the Art of War. the Marriage of 〈◊〉 : All from the true Original newly and faithfully translated into English , in solio . 29. I Ragguagli di Parnasso , or Advertisements from Parnassus , in two Centuries , with the Politick Touchstone . Written Originally in Italian by that famous Roman , Trajano Bocalini . Englished by the Earl of 〈◊〉 , in solio . 30. The History of Barbadoes , St. Christophers , Mevis , St. Vincents , Antego , Martinico , Monserret , and the rest of the Caribby Islands , in all twenty eight : in two Books , containing the Natural and Moral History of those Islands : Illustrated with divers pieces of Sculpture , representing the most considerable Rarities therein described , in solio . 31. The History of the Affairs of Europe in this present Age , but more particularly of the Republick of Venice . Written in Italian by Battisla Nani Cavalier , and Procurator of St. Mark. Englished by Sir Robert Honywood Kt. in selio . 32. The History of the Tarkish Empire from the year 1623. to the year 1677. Containing the Reigns of the three last Emperours , viz. Sultan Moral , or Amurat IV. Sultan Ibrahim , and Sultan Mahomet IV. his Son , the XIII . Emperour now Reigning . By Paul Rycaut Esq late Consul of Smyrna , in folio . 33. The present State of the Ottoman Empire in three Books ; containing the Maxims of the Turkish 〈◊〉 , their Religion and Military Discipline : Illustrated with divers Figures . Written by Paul 〈◊〉 Esq late Secretary to the English Ambassador there , now Consul of Smyrna . The fourth Edition , in 〈◊〉 . 34. The present State of the Greek and Armenian Churches Anno 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Written at the Command of His Majesly , by Paul 〈◊〉 Esq late Consul of Smyrna , and Fellow of the Royal Society , in 〈◊〉 . 35. The Mevoirs of Philip de Comines Lord of Argenton ; containing the History of Lewis XI . and 〈◊〉 VIII . Kings of France ; with the most remarkable 〈◊〉 in their particular Reigns from the year 1464. to 1498. Revised and Corrected from divers Manuscripts , and ancient Impressions , by Denis Godesroy , Counseller and Historiographer to the French King , and from his Edition lately Printed at Paris , newly translated into English , in octavo . 36. A Relation of Three Embassies , from his Majesty Charles the Second , to the Great Duke of Muscovy , the King of Sweden , and the King of Denmark , performed by the Right Honourable the Earl of 〈◊〉 , in the year 1663 , and 1664. Written by an Attendant on the Embassies ; in 〈◊〉 . 37. Il Nipotismo di Roma , or the History of the Pope's Nephews from the time of Sixtus the Fourth , 1471. to the death of the late Pope Alexander the Seventh , 1677. Written in Italian , and Englished by W. A. Fellow of the Royal Society : The second Edition , in 〈◊〉 . 38. A Relation of the Siege of Candia , from the first Expedition of the French Forces , to its Surrender , the 27 of September 1669. Written in French by a Gentleman who was a Voluntier in that Service , and faithfully Englished , in octavo . 39. The Present State of Egypt , or a new Relation of a late Voyage into that Kingdom , performed in the years 1672 , and 1673. By F. 〈◊〉 R. D. Wherein you have an exact and true account of many rare and wonderful particulars of that Ancient Kingdom . Englished by M. D. B. D. in octavo . 40. The History of the Government of Venice , wherein the Policies , Councils , Magistrates , and Laws of that State are fully related ; and the use of the Balloting-Box exactly described . Written in the year 1675. by the Sicur Amelott dela Houscaie , Secretary to the French Ambassador at Venice , in octavo . 41. An Historical and Geographical Description of the great Country and River of the Amazones in America , with an exact Map thereof . Translated out of French , in octavo . 42. The Secret History of the Court of the Emperor 〈◊〉 . Written by Procopins of 〈◊〉 , faithfully Englished , in octavo . 43. The Novels of the famous Don Francisco de 〈◊〉 Villegas , Knight of the Order of St. James ; whereunto is added , the Marriage of Bilphegor , an Italian Novel : Translated from Machiavel : faithfully Englished , in octavo . 44. The History of the late Revolution of the Empire of the Great Mogul ; together with the most considerable passages for five years following , in that Empire , with a new Map of it ; to which is added , an account of the extent of 〈◊〉 , the Circulation of the Gold and Silver of the World to discharge it there ; as also the 〈◊〉 , Forces , and 〈◊〉 of the same , and the principal cause of the decay of the States of Asia . By Monsieur F. 〈◊〉 , Physician of the Faculty of 〈◊〉 . Englished out of French , by H. O. Secretary to the Royal Society , in two Parts , in octavo . 45. The Amours of certain Great Men , and famous Philasophers . Written in French , and Englished by J. D. in octavo . 46. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or Seeing and 〈◊〉 are two things , a pleasant Spanish History ; faithfully translated , in 〈◊〉 . 47. The History of France , under the Ministry of Cardinal 〈◊〉 , viz. from the death of King 〈◊〉 XIII . to the year 1664. wherein all the Affairs of State to that time are exactly related . By Benjamin 〈◊〉 , and faithfully Englished by Christopher Wase , Gem. in octavo . 48. The History of the Twelve 〈◊〉 , Emperours of Rome . Written in Latin by C. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , newly translated into English , and illustrated with all the Casars Heads in Copper-plates , in octavo . 49. The Annals of Love , containing select Histories of the Amours of divers Princes Courts , pleasantly related . Ry a person of Honour , in eight Parts , in octavo . 50. A new Voyage into the Northern Countries , being a description of the Manners , Customs , Superstition , Buildings , and Habits of the Norwigians , Laplanders , Kilops , Borandians , Siberians , Samojedts , Zemblans , and Istanders , in twelves . 51. The present State of the United Provinces of the Low Countries , as to the Government , Laws , Forces , Riches , Manners , Customs , Revenue , and Territory of the Dutch. Collected out of divers Authors , by W. A. Fellow of the Royal Society . The second Edition in twelves . 52. The present State of the Princes and Republicks of Italy : The second Edition enlarged , with the manner of Election of Popes , and a Character of Spain . Written Originally in English ; by J. Gailhard , Gent. in twelves . 53. The Policy and Government of the Venetians , both in Civil and Military Affairs . Written in French by the Sieur de la Hay ; and faithfully Englished , in twelves . 54. The Voyage of Italy , or a compleat Journey through Italy : in two Parts , with the Character of the People , and the Description of the chief Towns , Churches , Palaces , Villas , Gardens , Pictures , Statues , Antiquities ; as also of the Interest , Government , Riches , Forces , &c. of all the Princes , with Instructions concerning Travel . By Richard Lassels Gent. who travelled through Italy five times , as Tutor to several of the English Nobility , Opus Posthumum , corrected and set forth by his old Friend and Fellow-Traveller S. W. Never besore extant , in twelves . 55. A Relation of the French King 's late Expedition into the Spanish Netherlands , in the years 1667 , and 1668. with an Introduction discoursing his Title thereunto , and an account of the Peace between the two Crowns , made May 2. 1667. Englished by G. H. in twelves . POETRY and PLAYS . 56. The Works of Sir William Davenant Knight , consisting of those which were formerly Printed , and those which he designed for the Press . Now published out of the Author 's Original Copies , in folio . 57. Andronicus Commenius , a Tragedy . By John Wilson , in quarto . 58. Heratlius Emperour of the East , a Tragedy . By Lodowic Carlel Esq in quarto . 59. The Shepherds Paradise , a Pastoral . By Walter Montagut Esq in octavo . 60. Aminta , The famous Italian Pastoral . Translated into English , in octavo . 61. Paradise Regain'd , a Poem in sour Books , to which is added Sampson Agonistes . The Author , John Milton , in octavo . MISCELLANIES . 62. A General Collection of Discourses of the Virtuosi of France , upon Questions of all sorts of Philosophy , and other Natural Knowledge , made in the Assembly of the Beaux Esprits at Paris , by the most ingenious Persons of that Nation . Englished by G. Havers , in two Volumes , in solio . 63. A Treatise of the Sibyls , giving an account of the Names and Numbers of them , of their Qualities , the Form and Matter of their Verses , and of their Books . Written in French by David Blondel , Englished by J. Davis , in solio . 64. A Justification of the late War against the United Netherland , in two Parts , illustrated with several Sculptures , by Henry Stubbs , in quarto . 65. Reliquiae Wottonianae , or a Collection of Lives , Letters , Poems , with Characters of sundry personages . and other incomparable pieces of Language and Art , also additional Letters to several persons not besore Printed . By Sir Henry Wotton Knight , the third Edition , with large Additions , in octavo . 66. The Compleat Gentleman : or Directions for the Education of Youth , as to their Breeding at home and Travelling abroad . In two Treatises , by J. Gailhard Gent. who hath been Tutor abroad to several of the Nobility and Gentry , in Octavo . 67. The Temperate Man , or the right Way of Preserving Lise and Health , together with Soundness of the Senses , Judgment , and Memory , unto an extream Old Age. In three Treatises . The first written by the learned 〈◊〉 Lessius . The second by Lodowick Cornaro , a Noble Gentleman of Venice . The third by a famous Italian : faithfully Englished , in twelves . 68. The Golden Cals , in which is handled the most rare and incomparable wonder of Nature , in transmuting Metals , viz. how the entire substance of Lead was in one moment transmuted into Gold Obrizon , with an exceeding small Particle of the true Philosophers Stone , at the Hague in the year 1666. Written in Latin , by John Frederick Helvetius , Doctor of Medicine at the Hagut ; and faithfully Englished , in twelves . 69. Accidence commenc'd Grammar , and supplied with sussicient Rules ; or a new and easy method for the learning of the Latin Tongue . The Author John Milton , in twelves . 70. The Rules of Civility , or certain ways of Deportment observed in France amongst all persons of Quality , upon several occasions ; saithsully Englished , in Twelves . 71. The Art of Complaisance , or the means to oblige in Conservation , in twelves . 72. A Letter from a Gentleman of the Romish Religion , to his Brother , a person of Quality of the same Religion , perswading him to go to Church , and take those Oaths the Law directs , proving the lawfulness thereof by Arguments not disagreeable to Doctrines of the Roman Church , in quarto . 73. A brief Account of Mr. Valentine Greatrakes , the famous Stroker , and divers of the strange Cures by him lately performed . Written by himself to the Honourable Robert Boyle , in quarto . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A57996-e630 * Avack in Turkish signifies a Foot. Amurat installed . * Which is a dispensing of Mutton to the Poor . * The chief City of the Krim Tartar. * Gherey the name of the Family . The form of Cosacks Boats. Bethlem Gabor desires assistance against the Emperour . The Siege raised at Bagdat , and the Turks overthrown . Duke of 〈◊〉 and Count Mansfelt joyn with the Prince of Transylvania . The Emperours Army deseated . Peace concluded between the Emperour and Gabor . Another Expedition into Persia. Proposition made by the Persian for a Peace . Rejected by the Turk . The Pirates of Tunis and Algier trouble the Seas . A Fight at Sea by mistake . Proposals of Accommodation with Abassa . Erzirum besieged . The Siege raised . New troubles from Tartary The Janisaries mutiny . They consent to treat with Abassa . Abassa reconciled to the Grand Sigmot . The Vizier and Abassa make their Entry into Constantinople . The Jews at Constantinople how treated . The Tartars overthrown by the Polanders . The death of Bethlem Gabor . The Widow of Bethlem Gabor perswaded to quit her Government . The Principality offered to Ragotski . Ragotski chosen Prince . A Victory gained by the Turks over the Persians . The difficulty of sending men into Persia. The Cosacks trouble the Turks . The disorders in the Ottoman State. The Vizier prepares to besiege Bagdat . The Siege . The Siege raised . The Poles and Turks make Peace . The Cosacks and Tartars compared . Troubles in Hungary . The G. Signior affrighted with Lightning . Illay retaken from the Turks . The Vizier deprived of his Office. Mutiny of the Spahees joyned with the Janisaries . The Vizier strangled by order of the Grand Signior . Rebellion in Anatolia . Mutinies at Buda . Troubles in Moldavia . The French Interpreter empaled . The Peace made with Persia , and speedily broken . Perswasions for a War against the Emperour . A Peace made between the Emperour and the Grand Signior . Preparations of War made against Emir Facardin . A Fight of the whole Turkish Fleet against two English Ships . The Son of Facardin overthrown , and is strangled . * A sort of Vessel or Ship so called by the Turks . Morat exercises several acts of Tyranny . Morat destroys the Taverns . Hangs a Venetian Merchant . The Turks make War on the Poles . A Fight between the Turks and the Poles . An Ambassadour sent to the G. Signior from Poland . Several mischiefs by water and fire . A terrible fire at Constantinople . Reasons for a War with Poland . The Victory which the Poles obtained 〈◊〉 the Moscovites . They make a Peace . The Turk sends an Ambassadour into Poland to desire a Peace . Abassa strangled . Articles of Peace agreed between the Poles and the Turks . A difference between the French Ambassadour and the Captain-Pasha . The French Druggerman hanged The Sicur Marcheville forcibly sent away . Acts of cruelty . The G. Signior returns to Scutari . The G. Signior resolves to go to Persia in person . Bethlem renews his complaints to the Grand Signior . His reasons to be re-inslated . The Turks send an Army into Transylvania . Ragotski implores aid from the Emperour . It is debated in Council . The Emperour resuses succour to Ragotski . Ragotski obtains succours under-hand . The Turks enter Transylvania . They fight with Cornis , are overthrown . Peace is made . Morat at Erzrum . The Grand Signiors patience and labours . Revan betrayed and surrendred by Emir Gumir . Rejoycing and a Festival kept for it at Constantinople . The Turks enter farther into Persia. Tauris destroyed . Festival for return of the G. Signior . His aversion to Tabaco . Revan regained by the Persian . The Grand Signiors severity and cruelty . Disturbances in Poland and Hungary . The Turks confirm the Peace with Poland ; Send Forces against Ragotski . Mutiny in the Turkish Army . Van befieged by the Persians . Fifteen thousand Turks killed in an Ambush . Mutiny of the Souldiers . A new Vizier sent to the Army . A Persian Ambassadour sent to the Grand Signior . Troubles in the lesser Tartary . Cantemir makes a new Colony . He is overthrown by the Tartar Han. Cantemir put to death . The King of Tartary killed . Beehir Gherey ordained King of Tartary . Asac besieged . Is taken by the Cosacks . The cause of the Civil War between the Poles and Cosacks . The Cosacks Country described . Preparations for the War in Persis . The extravagant pleasures and cruelties of Morat . The March of the Turkish Army . Cyrillus the Patriarch strangled . The Pirates of Algier and Tunis insest the Gulf of Venice . capello blocks up the Pirates in Valona . He assaults them in the Port. The 〈◊〉 angry at this News . The Grand Signiors anger against the Venetians . The Venetians Bailo imprisoned . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Morat marches to Persia. A Shegh rebels . He is overcome and punished . The Persian Army dares not give battel to the Turk . The Turks pass the River Ellphratis . The Turkish Army at Mosa . The description of Babylon or Bagdat . Bagdat desieged . Bagdat taken . The Grand Signior returns to Constantinople . The Grand Signiors Entry into Constantinople . An Ambassadour sent from Persia to the Grand Signior . A Peace concluded . Troubles in Moldavia and Valachia . The Chimacam put to death . September 1639. An Envoyé sent from the Emperour to the Grand Signior . The Turkish Counsels uncertain about a War. The Vizier returns from Persia . The death of Sultan Morat . His Character . Notes for div A57996-e19970 Vid. the 〈◊〉 . State. Reasons for a War with the Cossacks . Ambassadours sent to complement Sultan Ibrahim . The Siege of Asac . The just punishment of a Persian Traytor . The Birth of Sultan Mahomet . The War renewed against 〈◊〉 . The Inhabitants abandon Asac . The Persian renews his League . The Turks seek to take Rab by a Stratagem . The Tartars make incursions into Poland notwithstanding the Peace . The story of the Kuzlir Aga , his Slave and Son taken by the Malteses . The Engagement of the Turkish , with the Malta Gallies . * * Of the h nights of Malta . The beginning of the War. Moro ini braves the Turkish Fleet. Morosini slain . Sebenico Besieged . The ruine of the Venetian Armata at Psara . clissa taken . Notes for div A57996-e26920 A great Victory obtained by the Venetians over the Turk . A Rebellion at Constantinople . Engagement between the Turks and Venetians . The Venetians obtain the Victory . Tenedos retaken by the Turks . Lemnos retaken . The Rebellion of the Pasha of Aleppo . Notes for div A57996-e32160 The Vizier Kuperlee . The History of Prince Ragotzki . Ragotski joins with the Swedes against Poland . The difficulty of Ragotski's Affairs . Rigotski overthrown by the Swedes . The Turks threaten Ragotski . He deposes himself . Redeius made Prince of Transilvania . Ragotzki again declares himself Prince . The Vizier besieges 〈◊〉 . Berclay made Prince of Transilvania . Ragotzki makes new Troubles . The Death of Ragotzki . His Character . The people of Varadin crave aid of the Emperour . The difficulty of making war with the Turk . Varadin besieged . Two ill accidents to the Garison . A Thracian betrays the 〈◊〉 of the Town . Varadin surrendred . Vienna troubled for the loss of Varadin . Count Serini designs against the Turks , — is forbidden by the Emperour . The Transilvanians consult their safety . They beg assistance of the Emperour . Prince Gonzaga's Letter to the Pasha of Buda . Count Serini builds a Fortress on the Turks Dominions . The iust commendation of Count Serini . The 〈◊〉 sends Forces to Transilvania . The Turks Policy . Kemenius routed . Kemenius a second time put to flight . Claudiopolis besieged . The Siege raised . The Turks jealousy . The Turkish Court removes to Adrianople . A great Plague at Constantinople . Kuperlee sends for his Son. Procures the Succession for his Son. Rules given to the Grand Signior . Kuperlee dies , Pasha of Magnatia cut off . Solyman Pasha in disgrace . Tac. Lib. 14. Ann. He is sent away . Notes for div A57996-e36440 The G. Signior perswaded to return to Constantinople . The Grand Signiors extravagantHunting . The Vizier endeavours to establish himself . A notable Robbery . The Queen Mothers enmity to the Vizier . Tacit. Lib. Hist. 3. That is , of the Hizoda , or Royal Chamber The Grand Signiors 〈◊〉 prohibition of yellow shooes , and red Calpacks to Christians . The Vizier seeks to cut off Mortaza the Pasha of Babylon . Curdi . The Provinces of Georgia in disturbance . The Turks 〈◊〉 against the 〈◊〉 . The Surrender of Mortaza in the Turks hands , and his death . The resolution of War uncertain . The Reasons why the Turks deferred the War with the German . The sad Condition of Transilvania . The Prince of Transilvania's Letter to His Majesties Ambassadour . A History of Transilvanian Misery . The Alexandrian Fleet encountred by the Venetians . The Vizier destroys the Christian Churches rebuilt after the Fire . The Zeal of a Turkish Preacher . The Viziers revenge on the Cape of the Builders . Messengers from France to introduce a new Ambassadour . The Vizier styles himself The Poor in respect to the Greatness of his Master . The returns of the Turkish Armata to winter at Constantinople . The Slaves make an Inforrection in one of the Beghs Gallies . * The Souldiers at Sea called by that name . The Preparations for the German War. An Accident disposing the Christian Affairs to a peace with the Turk . The Baron of Gowtz sent to Ali Pasha . * Souldiers belonging to the Sea. TheGarden Avania . The Viziers Edict against Dollars of six Drams . Merchants of Aleppo . Reflections on the Premises . The Turks with words deceive the German Ministers . The Grand Signior impatient to leave Constantinople . Much. The Cavalcade which the Gr. Signior made when he departed from Constantinople . The richness of Turkish Tents . * In Turkish Perdéh . The Turks begin their March. * The Turks Feast . The Cosacks insest the Tartars . The Tartar unwilling to go to the War. The course of lis : amongst the Tartars . They are threatned again . They send an Army into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Kuzlir Aga 〈◊〉 to Cairo . 〈◊〉 the Baltagibashee . * Government of a Pasha . Tripoli . Tunis . The unconstancy of the popular Government at Algier , The Vizier desires a Treaty to amuse the Christians . This Tribute was paid by the Emperour to Sultan Solyman . Raab . Komorra . The Turks deliberate of the Method to be used in the war. Newhausel . Forcatz the Governour of Newhausel , ill advises a Sally . Forcatz surprises the Turkish Camp. The Germans are routed , and fly . The Vizier deals not like a Souldier with his Prisoners of War. The Turks approach to 〈◊〉 . The Turks Summons . The Turks storm the Town . The Turks enter Moravia and Austria . The confusion of the German Councils . The Emperer removes to Lintz . The Turks make another assault on the Town . Newhausel yielded . Possonium garrisoned . Count Strozzi . Leventz taken by the Turks . Festivals for Victory amongst the Turks . The manner of Corban . The Vizier assaults Schinta , but beaten off . Novigrade taken by the Turks . The Vizier retreats to his Winter Quarters . * Pasha of 〈◊〉 . Count Sirini overthrows a party of Turks and Tartars . Notes for div A57996-e47000 Zechelhyd revolts to Apasi . Oseck . The Bridge burned . Quinque Ecclesiae taken by Serini . Sigeth besieged . The Siege raised . Claudiopolis yields it self to Apasi . Count Peter Serini defeats the Turks in the Streights of Morlac . The danger of Serini . Serini makes known to the Emperour his design against Kanisia . Kanisia besieged . The Diet at Ratisbone . The strength of the Christian Army . Italy . England , Poland , France . Count Strozzi's Speech to the French King. Rebellion of the Beghs in Egypt . Ibrahim Pasha 〈◊〉 , and imprisoned . A Dispute between the Mufti and a Shegh . Predictions amongst the Turks . The Grand Signiors aversion to Constantinople . A small Seraglio by that name near Constantinople . A Son born to the Grand Signior . The Siege of Kanisia . * Fifteen English miles , The Siege of Kanista raised . The Turks pursue the Christian Attny . The Turks intrench before 〈◊〉 . Count Strozzi slain . Serini's Reasons to fight with the Turks . The German Residents Letter to Count Serini . Montecuculi contrary to the opinion of Serini declines the Battle with the Turks . 〈◊〉 retires from the Wars . 〈◊〉 taken . Reflections on the disgrace of Serini . 〈◊〉 taken by 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 The Turks assault Soisi . Lewa taken . The Pope recals his Forces from assistance of the Emperour . The Pope supplies the Emperour with money , but not with men . Count Soisé marches to raise the Siege of Leventz . The Turks before Lewa . The Christian Army put themselves into Battalia . Husaein Pasha routed und tied . Resuge denied them at Strigonium . The Moldavians and Valachians return home . Soisé assaults Barcan . Farcan burnt . The Turks with part of their Army pass the Rab. The Rab swells with immoderate Rains. The Turks vain joy . Signifies the Son of a Kul , or Slave . The defeat given the Turkish Army by the 〈◊〉 Rab. Tae . lib. 1. The slain on the Turks side . Reasons why the Services of Montecuculi were accepted better than those of Serini . Sedition in the Turkish Camp. Tae . in Vitâ Agricol . e. The Grand Signiors hunting at Yamboli . Vizier sends for the Princes of Moldavia and Valachia . The Princes of Moldavia and Valachia recalled to the Wars . Fides Graeca , or the honesty of a Greek . The reasons which inclined both Parties to Peace . The Hungarians oppose the Peace . The Emperors Reasons for a Peace . The French Army march homeward . Serini's Death . The Character of Serini . The Vizier sends for his Mother to Belgrade . The Blazing-star . The Sultans hatred to Constantinople increases . The Sultan seeks to destroy his Brother . The Vizier offers to depose the Tartar Chan. The Turkish Ambassadour departs . Rumors of the People on occasion of stay of the German Ambassadour . Mustapha 〈◊〉 affectation and popularity . * It is in the fashion of a Mace , which the Turks wear at their Saddles . The German Ambassadours Entrance . Audience given to the German Ambassadour . The Genoese make Peace with the Turk . The Genoese received . The Turks resolve to prosecute the War in Candia . The Grand Signior passionately loves his Queen . The Seraglio at Constantinople set on fire , The Turks prepare for a War on Candia . The Grand Signior arrives at Constantinople . Marquess Villa received into service of the Venetians . The Speech of Marquis Villa to the Senate . The German Ambassadour's last Audience with the Grand Signior . The Reasons why the German Ambassador interposed notin behalf of Transylvania . The German Ambassadour's Audience with the Vizier . An Ambassadour arrives srom France . Reflexions of the Turks on the Embassy of Monsieur De Ventelay . A strange accident befallen the French Captain of the Man of War. The French Embassadours second Audience . The Grand Signiors Huntings . The Nogay Tartar desires Lands of the Grand Signior . Marquess Villa surveys the Forts in Dalmatia . Spalato . Curzola . Cataro and Perasto . Clissa . Sibenico . June . * Sabatai wrote a Letter to elect one man out of every Tribe . The Jews scruple to say the head of Israel . Arab. Prov. Arab. Prov. The course of life which Sabatai led after he turned Mahometan . The manner of exchange of the Emperours and Turks Ambassadours . The Turks meditate a new War. An Engagement near Canea . Marquess Villa lands at the City of Candia . The 〈◊〉 incamp . The Turks assault them . The Turks make another assault . The Venetian Camp raised . The Great Vizier arrives at Thebes . Twelve Turkish Vessels taken . The Vizier passes over into Candia . By the number of Costans is to be esteemed the honour the Turks bear to one Prince above the other . The Polish Ambassadours Audience . The Death of the Polish Ambassadour . The Revolt of the Pasha of Balsora . The disposition of the Turks Camp. The Batteries raised by the Turks . The first Mine blown up . Two Sallies made by the Christians . The Captain-General disarms his Gallies . Five Mines the Christians sprang . Attempts of the Turks on the side of Panigra . Arrival of Gallies from the Pope and Malta . Chevalier d'Harcourt . An Agent arrives at Candia to treat with the Vizier . The Turks assault Panigra . The Turks fire a dreadsul Mine . The Turks spring another Mine . Two Mines of the Christians . Four Mines and a Sally of the Christians . Two Mines of the Christians . One Mine of the Christians . * Which is their Triumph for Victory . The G. Signior sends a Messenger to bring him certain information of the State of his Camp in Candia . The Winter causes all action to cease . General Barbaro and Uvertmiller depart from the Army . The deaths of Secretary Giavarina and Padavino . Formality in making sanisaries in these days . A Fight at Sea. The success of the Turks at Sea. Captain Giorgio taken by the Turks . The Turks resolve to make their passage by St 〈◊〉 . A Sally made by the Christians . Another Sally . Marquess Viils returns into Italy . Causes of Marquess Villa's departure . Marquess Villa's Speech . Marquess St. Andrea visits the Works . Some French Gentlemen , Adventurers for honour , arrive at Candia . The Christians overthrow a battery of the Turks . A Sally made by the French. The Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburg sent Forces to relieve Candia . Count Waldeck dyes of his wound . A Mine of an hundred and sixty Sacks of Powder fired by the Christians . The Christians sally on the side of Sabionera . Katirgi-Oglé his original and life . The Turks 〈◊〉 three Bastions at once . The Female Court sent to Constantinople . The Janisaries jealous of the safety of the Sultans Brothers . The Gran. Signior displeased with Tabaco . An Ambassadour sent from Venice . 〈◊〉 Ships 〈◊〉 War sail to Constantinople . The Gr. Signior sends a Messenger to the French King. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Sir 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ambassadour from his Maiesty . A Relation of the state of Candia toward the end of this year . The story of the false Reaux or Temins . The Grand Signior designs to cut off his Brothers . Tac. Lib. 6. The Turks storm again the Fort of St. Andrea . Succours sem out of Christendom . The French Fleet loose from Tolon . They arrive at Candia . The French Forces landed . A Council of War held in Candia . The order of the Christian Army to make their Saily . The Christians sally at the Gate St. George . The Christians fall upon the Turks . The Christian Army in consusion . French Officers slain . The French leave the Town . The Turks make an assault . A Council held for to consider of the state of Candia . Result of the Council . The Conditions of Peace . The War began in April 1645. Candia delivered . The News brought to the Grand Signior at Negropont . The Venetians at Suda . Serini and the Nobles of Hungary offer themselves to the Turk . The G. Signior returns to Salonica , and hunts . Sir Daniel Harvey , his Majesties Ambassadour , hath his Audience of the Grand Signior . The G. Signior delights solely in his Queen . The Vizier takes a survey of the whole Isle of Candia . The Vizier departs from Candia , and arrives at Scio. The Great Vizier persuaded to drink wine . The Souldiers ' and other Turks drink Wine to excess . A digression about Opium . Wine forbidden in all parts of the Grand Signiors Dominions . The Command against Wine . The Venetian Ambassador at the Port. Commissioners appointed for determining the differences of the Confines in Dalmatia . The difference about Verpogly . Mamut Pasha dyes . A new 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 Sultan Orchan put to death by his Brother . A new Resident sent from Genoua . The Conspiracy of Serini , Frangipani , and Nadasti . The Turks deliberate of a War. The Causes of the War with Poland . The unseasonable Address of the 〈◊〉 Ambassadour . The Alexandrian Fleet taken by the Malteses . The Poles refuse to pay their promised Tribute . The Rebels in Hungary renew their Petition to the Turks for assistance . The rage of the Turks against Poland . The French Ambassadour obtains licence to travel . The Turks resolve on a war against Poland . The Poles pass the Niester . The Prince of Valachia carried by his own Souldiers to the Poles . The Prince of Moldavia revolts . The Turks overthrow . Chusaein Pasha imprisoned . The King of Poland dies . A Journy into Tartary . Kemenitz relieved . Mahomet Pasha sent with a Fleet of Gallies into the Arches . The Turks secure their Conquest . The difference between the Latines and Greeks at Jerusalem . The happy state of the Ottoman Court. The great Festivals in what manner celebrated at the Turkish Court. The manner of the Marriage of the Grand Signior's Daughter , The Tefterdar put out of his Ossice . Ways for ralsing Money . The Chimacam of 〈◊〉 his Steward cut off . The Trade of 〈◊〉 . A Besasteen and new Custom-house , and a Royal Chan built at Smyrna . The G. Signior returns to Constantinople . Conjectures concerning the reasons of the Grand Signiors return to Constantinople . The People in Egypt rebel against their new Pasha . The History of Soltana Sporcha . The Grand Signior returns again to Adrianople . The Death of the Great Vizier Achmet . His Character . Kara Mustapha made Vizier . Alterations with the new Vizier . 
A67910	----	A compendious history of the Turks: containing an exact account of the originall of that people; the rise of the Othoman family; and the valiant undertakings of the Christians against them: with their various events. / By Andrew Moore, Gent. Moore, Andrew, Gent. 1659 Approx. 3114 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 742 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A67910 Wing M2530 ESTC R13134 99859421 99859421 130480-02 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A67910) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 130480-02) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 217:E1742[1] and 217:E1743[1] and 217:E1744[1] or 217:E1745[1]) A compendious history of the Turks: containing an exact account of the originall of that people; the rise of the Othoman family; and the valiant undertakings of the Christians against them: with their various events. / By Andrew Moore, Gent. Moore, Andrew, Gent. [4], 624, 621-882, 882, 893-1290, 1287-1434, [14] p. Printed by John Streater, London : 1660 [i.e. 1659] Annotation on Thomason copy: "Nouem. 1659"; the 0 in the imprint has been crossed out. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Turkey -- History -- Early works to 1800. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-03 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-03 TCP Staff (Oxford) Sampled and proofread 2002-03 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A Compendious HISTORY OF THE TURKS : CONTAINING An Exact Account OF The Originall of that People ; the Rise of the Othoman Family ; and the Valiant Undertakings of the Christians against Them : WITH Their Various Events . BY Andrew Moore , Gent. LONDON : Printed by John Streater , 1660. To the Reader . READER , THE view of the most united and greatest Empire in the World at this Day , is here presented unto Thee at once , in a portable and convenient Volum : wherein Thou 〈◊〉 the great Atchievments of many , whose memory is worthy to be preserved and transmitted over to Posterity : For that they have opposed that mighty Power of the Ottoman Family ; whom God ( no doubt ) suffereth as a Scourge to the World ; to grow to that immense Magnitude , that as a Tempest He bloweth down , and overwhelmeth Kingdoms , vast Provinces , and Principalities : Some of which are , the glorious Empire of the Greeks , the renowned Kingdomes of Macedonia , Peloponesus , Epirus , Bulgaria , Servia , 〈◊〉 , Armenia , Cyprus , Syria , Egypt , Judea , Tunis , Algiers , Media , Mesopotamia , with a great part of Hungary , as also of the Persian Kingdom : And , in brief , so much of Christendom , as far exceedeth that which is thereof at this day left . Notwithstanding this Overgrowth , Greatness , and unlimited Power that this Empire is attained unto ; yet , the King of Kings hath at several times by his providence , shewed , that he doth over-rule the great Actions of the World , and he can put a book in the Nostrils of the great Leviathan , put stops and 〈◊〉 to the mighty Ones . This History plentifully affordeth matter of this sort , as that of George Castriot , or Scanderbeg's , not able defence of Epirus against the Turk's Power , by small and Inconsiderable Forces : The defence of Malta , the Famous Battles of Huniades , the defence of Vidda in Hungary ; The continual , and not to be compared Warr of the Venetians , a small City against the Turk's whole Power : The very consideration of which should incite Noble and Valiant minds to Heroick undertakings : The accomplishing and perfecting of great undertakings , may next to the providence of God be attributed to Wisdom and Valer ; Wisdom to lay a good Foundation to noble Interprises , and Valour to put them in Execution . History is a Lanskip , that presents at one view : the Counsels of Princes , Battles , Seiges of Cities , Towns , Fortresses ; Wastings , Depopulations , erections of Edifices : Withall the various Events that time produceth . The growth of Kingdoms and their periods , the growth of this Empire ; The 〈◊〉 of this 〈◊〉 , seemeth to seace and stand at an even 〈◊〉 ; is 〈◊〉 not much over its banks , what it gaineth in one place at one time , it loseth at another : The Roman Empire when it arived to its 〈◊〉 Power and Extent , the weight of its own Greatness 〈◊〉 itself : It 's naturall for all bodies and things whatsoever , from small beginning to grow , untill they come to a full State , there to abide a while , then 〈◊〉 ; The greatest cause of the Turks Groweth hath 〈◊〉 the differences amongst 〈◊〉 Christians , and nothing will ruine him but their union : Reader , I will not detain thee any longer from the History it self , it being carefully Collected out of the writings of 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , Gregoras , Laonicus Chalcocondiles , Marinus Barletius , Leonardus Chiensis , Arch-Bishop of Mytelene , 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 , Augerius Busbequius , Nicholas Nicholai , John Crispe , Paulus , Jovius , Pantalion , Menadoie , and Leonclavius ; All writing such things as they saw , or were ( for most part ) 〈◊〉 their time done . And since continued by the hands of those that have been eminent , able , and best acquainted with those affairs ; Likewise , a native Turk contributed his help to the latter part . So that thou mayest be 〈◊〉 thou art faithfully dealt with in this matter , by him , who desireth nothing more then ( Reader ) to receive thy Caracter of Impartial , THE HISTORY OF THE Turks before the rising of the Ottoman Family : their first Kingdom 's erection by Trangrolipix in Persia of the Salzuccian Family with 〈◊〉 successe . IT is neither agreed on by the best writers , nor well known to the Turks themselves , from whence the Empire of this barbarous Nation , the worlds present terrour , first took its small & obscure beginning . Some deriving them from the Trojans , from the corrupting of Teucri their common name , into Turci ; but without any probability : Others reporting that they came first out of Persia , and some out of Arabia , and Syria . Philip of Mornay derives both Turks and Tartars from the ten Tribes of Israel , carried away by Salmanazar King of Assyria : some among the Tartars still retaining the names of Dan , Zebulon , and Nepthali . Tartar also in Syriack signifying , remnants ; and Turks , banished men . Greater store of Jews being found in Russia , Sarmatia , and Lithuania than else-where ; and the nearer the Tartars , the more . A barbarous people likewise in Livonia nigh the City Riga , differing in Language from the rest , daily and dolefully repeating in the fields , Jeru , Jeru , Masco , Lon , knowing no cause , but the teaching of their Ancestors for those words utterance ; yet thought to lament over Jerusalem , and Damasco , thereby . But both 〈◊〉 Mela ( who saith , the Thyrsagetes and Turks possess the vast Forrests , and live by hunting , fast by the Geloni . And Pliny , speaking in like manner , Next unto the Nations about Maeotis Fens are the Evazae Cottae , &c. The Thussagets and Turks unto rough desarts with woody Valleys , beyond whom are the Arympheians , 〈◊〉 on the Riphean Mountains , together with the Turks manners , attire , 〈◊〉 , gate , weapons , manner of riding and fighting , and language agreeing with the Scythians , do induce greater probabilities , that they came out of Scythia . Ptolomies Tusci in Sarmatia Asiatica being likewise supposed to be the Turkish Nation . The cause next to the hand of the Almighty , the Author of all earthly Kingdoms , of departure from their natural seats , was , either a general want in that cold Countrey , or their 〈◊〉 driving them from the Caspian Mountains . The time was either in 755 , or 844 , or both ; who rather issuing out of the Caspian , than the Caucasan streights , first seized on a part of the greater Armenia , called by them 〈◊〉 ; wherein , under leaders , they roamed up and down a long time with families and cattel , in unity , having 〈◊〉 little whereabout to strive ; who not only defended Armenia , but through hardiness and valour , and the cowardise of the Asians , incroached farther and farther , though not much skilful in war ; whereby their fame and fortune increased , and the Saracen Empire rent ( within 200 victories over the Christians ) into many Kingdoms , whose Sultans ( not obeying their great Caliph ) as fast declined , by turning their Arms one upon another . Mahomet the Persian Sultan , praying the Turks his neighbours aid against Pisasiris the Caliph of Babylon , his mortal enemy , who in hope of Persia sent him 30000 hardy men , under a valiant Captain Togra Mucalet , called by the Greeks Tangrolipix , of the Salzuccian tribe ; so that Mahomet overcame Pisasiris . And now threatned the Turks ( such necessary men , having further service for them against the Indians ) if they should talk of departure home , over the River Araxis , which they had requested , who hereupon withdrew secretly into the desart of Caravonitis , making incursions into the adjoyning Countries ; against whom Mahomet incensed , sent an Army of 20000 men , the third day after whose encamping by the Forrest side , ( in whose covert Tangrolipix a great way off lay ) the Turks at night , suddenly set upon their affrightned enemies , who fled . Tangrolipix now furnished with all warlike necessaries , shewed himself in the field , whose Army was ( through the repair of rogues and villains unto him ) grown to 50000 , against whom Mahomet set forward with a fresh Army , having put out the eyes of the Leaders of the former , and threatened to disgrace the fleeing souldiers with womens apparel , who ( by the way ) fled to Tangrolipix , to his great encouragement ; and at Ispanan of Persia they fought , with wonderful slaughter on both sides . But Mahomet breaking his neck by unadvised riding : both Armies proclaimed Tangrolipix Sultan of Persia , with all its Dominions in his stead , ( which was in 1030 , about 214 years after their coming out of Scythia ) who freed the passage for his Countreymen over Araxis ; and the Saracens being thereby kept under by the Turks ( who before used Circumcision ) do now embrace Mahometan-Superstition . Tangrolipix ( who now warred against neighbour Princes ) after he had slain Pisasiris , and joyned his Kingdom of Babylon to his own , sent his Cousen Cutlumuses with an Army against the Arabians , by whom he was overthrown : whose Turks easily overthrew , and took Stephen , the Greek Emperours Lievetenant of Media ; who sought to stop Cutlumuses his return by the confines of his Countrey . Cutlumuses returning , perswaded Tangrolipix to turn his forces into Media ; who notwithstanding , went against the Arabians in person with a new Army : by whom he was also worsted . Cutlumuses the mean while ( for fear ) revolting from the Sultan , and betaking himself to the strong City Pasar , was besieged by the Sultan ; who a long time defended himself . Tangrolipix in the mean time , sent Asan his Nephew to invade 〈◊〉 : who was by the Emperours Lievtenant , slain with most of his Army . Then he sent thither his brother Habrami Alim with 100000 men ; who while the Lievtenant expected Liparites Governour of Iberia , to come to his aid before be would encounter them , Alim besieged Arzen , a rich but open Town ; who , after six daies 〈◊〉 , setting it on fire in divers places forced the inhabitants to flee for their lives , leaving an infinite spoyl to the enemy . Liparites being now come with a great power , they overcame the Turks , and chased them in the night ; yet Liparites was taken prisoner , who was franckly set at liberty by the Sultan , with whom he sent the Seriph in Embassage to the Emperour , to make an everlasting peace with him , by becoming his tributary ; which Embassage , being scornfully rejected , the Sultan with all his power , invaded the Roman Provinces ; And coming as far as 〈◊〉 , the Countrey people and goods , being conveighed into strong Holds , and the Emperour raysing a great force against him at Caesarea , in 〈◊〉 he returned into Media , laying siege unto Mantzichiert , a City strongly fortified ; he 〈◊〉 it 30 daies with fury in vain ; and was perswaded by one Alcan , to stay another day to prove what he could do , unto whom the whole charge was committed . But this forward Captain was ( while others shot from higher ground at the Defendants ) slain in his approach to the Wall ; and being drawn ( by two Sallyers ) into the Town , had his head cast over the wall ; whereupon , the Sultan raised the siege , threatning a return the next Spring with greater power ; But discord arising between the Sultan and his Brother Alim , Alim joyned with Cutlumuses , denouncing war against the Sultan , by whom 〈◊〉 was overcome & taken neer Pasar , and put to death : And Cutlumuses with 6000 glad to flee into Arabia , being followed into Armenia by the Sultan , where they had sent for protection from the Emperour Constantine Monomachus : which Monomachus afterwards sent Michael Acoluthus ( a valiant Captain ) against the Sultan , who spoyled Iberia ; wherefore he retired to Tauris , leaving Samuch with 3000 to insest the Emperours frontiers ; the which , ( by reason of Monomachus : imposing tribute on the frontiers of his Empire ( who in lieu of defending the passages had been free ) they hereupon dissolving wonted Garrisons ; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as chiefly his successour , wholly given to hoard up treasure , gave little maintenance unto men of service ) the Turks now , and afterwards more easily did , to the weakening and ruin of the Constantinopolitan empire . And 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 as his wife , with three very young Sons now governing ; the Turks spoiled Mesopotamia , Cilicia , Cappodoeia , and sometimes Coelosyria : who fearing a remove from the Empire , thought of some valiant man for her husband , to manage so weighty affairs ; the man was Diogenes Romanus of great renown , who swelling with his Fathers ambition , had secretly aspired unto the Empire , for which by Eudocia he was held in bonds at Constantinople ; but when he was brought forth to receive the sentence of death for his treason , the Empresse moved with compassion ( as the other beholders ) pardoned him ; and made him General of her forces . But a solemn oath she had made to her husband never to marry , was a check to her purpose ; wherefore in seminine policy , she sent an instructed Eunuch unto John Xiphiline the Patriarch , to get by craft the writing of her oath , being delivered into his hands to keep , by telling him of making his nephew Barda a gallant her husband , if she might safely be discharged of her rash oath . Where at the Patriarch ( moved with his nephews preferment ) sent for the Senators , of whom , some by his perswasion , telling them of the Commonwealth's dangers , and blaming her rash oath : others by gifts and promises of the Empresse , were overcome ; so that the Patriarch delivered her the desired writings , discharging her of her oath ; who forthwith married Diogenes , and proclaimed him Emperour : who being of an haughty spirit , was weary of the pliant observations of Eudocia ; and the Eastern Provinces being in part lost , passed ( although with a small and unfitted Army ) into Asia : of whose coming the invading Sultan hearing retired ; and dividing his Army , spoyled the South and North parts of Asia , surprizing , and sacking the City Neo Caesaria . But the Emperour , using expedition , with some of his best companies , came on the Turks unawares , who fled and left the booty and prisoners of Neo Caesaria , together with bag and baggage behind them , although but few slain . Then going into Syria , Hierapolis was yielded unto him , where he built a strong Castle . And hearing of the overthrow of part of his Army , before sent unto Melitena , speedily marched for their relief ; where ( having a far inferiour number , and the Governour of 〈◊〉 traiterously joyning with the enemy ) he was surrounded with impossibility to escape ; yet suddenly and silently issuing out of his trenches ; put the Turks to flight : so he returning to Constantinople , first taking divers Towns , and billetting his Army against Winter , about Alexandria of Cilicia . And at Spring he repressed the Turks fury , who did much harm about Neo Caesaria ; after whose departure unto Exphrates , the Turks put Philaretus ( left by him at those frontiers ) to flight , wasting Cappadocia , and sacking 〈◊〉 in Cilicia . The Emperour made towards them , sending the Governour of Antioch , to stop the Turks passage at Mopsiphestia . But they being stript of their prey by the Armenians , and escaping by night at the Emperours approach , he returned from those quieted Provinces , unto Constantinople . After which Manuel Comnenus ( whose honour was envied by the Emperour , for his prevalency against the Turks ) was , near Sebastia , taken by the Turks in his way to Syria , and most part of his small Army 〈◊〉 ; who ( while the Emperour was preparing to go personally against his enemies ) fled from the displeased Sultan , with the Turk that took him . The Emperour set forward , and having pacified a mutinous Legion , at Cryapega , where he encamped ; he both removed , and divided his Army into three parts , sending one part to besiege Mantzicierts , which was soon yielded upon composition ; yet the garrison Souldiers being suddenly oppressed , as they sought for forrage , he sent 〈◊〉 for the Cities relief ; who when Basilacius was sent unto him , as being too weak , put the Turks to flight in battel . Briennius notwithstanding laden with Armour , was in the rear taken , his horse being first slain , and brought unto the Sultan , who both entreated him honourably , and questioned him frequently . The present Sultan in the field , was Axan Tangrolipix his son , who was dead , of great wisdom : who sending to the Emperour to treat of peace , had this message slighted by him , through the perlwasion of some Captains , being willed if he desired peace , to leave the place of his encamping to the Emperour ; who sent for Ruselius in hast , that he had sent against Chliat : but ( he being for safety retired into the Roman frontiers ) had not his help , some of the Scythians also in the Emperours camp revolting to the Turks ; yet he gave them battel , who having some hopes of peace , seemed not much desirous either to fight or flee . But the Emperour retreating for fear of his camp that was left weakly manned ; others ( through Andronicus Constantine his brothers son , and that envied Diogenes , giving out that the Emperour fled ) began to flee also . At which the Turks being encouraged hardly pursued ; the Emperour now standing , and notably resisting , but in vain , for he was both wounded and taken ; which the Sultan at first believed not , until he was assured thereof by his Embassadours , and Basilacius , a prisoners gesture towards Diogenes . The Sultan then cheared him with words , telling Diogenes ( who humbled himself ) he would use him as an Emperour , the which he did , concluding peace with him , on promise of marriage between their children ; and sending him away ( in a Turkish habit ) with his Embassadours towards Constantinople , being first cured of his wounds . But Michael Duc 〈◊〉 ( the eldest son of Eudocia ) who was thrust into a Monastery , being by John Caesar and others , set up in Diogenes his room , letters were sent into all Provinces , not to receive Diogenes as Emperour : who stayed at the Castle of Docia ; and was by Caesar's sons overthrown , and yielded to them in the City of Adana , upon condition of resigning the Empire for ever , who being brought by Andronicus , Caesars eldest son , to Cotai in Phrygia , while he was there sick , had ( notwithstanding the Clergies faith gaged for his safety ) his eys cruelly put out , and in the Isle Prota ( worms breeding in his wounds for want of dressing ) shortly dyed , reigning 3 years 8 moneths . Axan in revenge thereof , invaded not for booty alone , but for conquest , the Imperial Provinces , and overthrew Commen's Armie , taking him prisoner ; and Casar the Emperour's Uncle , with another Army , being also taken ; but that was by Russelius a revolting traytor , who hereby doing what he list in lesser Asia , was through Commen's secret working with the Turks for mony , betrayed to the Emperour , who being imprisoned , was afterwards employed against Briennius up in rebellion . But Cutlumuses and his cousen Melech , in the beginning of Axan's reign , returning out of Arabia , raised a great power , and were ready to encountet the Sultan's whole forces nigh the City Ere 's , as envious of his Kingdom . But the Caliph of Babylon their chief Bishop , considering the ruine of the 〈◊〉 , through civil dislention , and fearing the like in these , the chief stay of Mahometism , thrusting himself ( contrary unto Pontifical formality ) betwixt the Armies ready to joyn battel , who both by his reverence and perswasion , ( that Axan should enjoy his Kingdom entire , & that Cutlumuses with his Sons , should be the sole Lords of what they subdued in the Constantinopolitan Empire ) were content to say down Arms : Most commodious to Mahometism , and most hurtful to the Christians ; for Cutlumuses &c. soon subdued all Media , a good part of Armenia , Cappadocia , Pontus , Bythinia , and the lesser Asia ; and enlarged ( by the Persian Sultans help ) much the Turkish Empire , ( which occasioned them to be accounted Sultans , though indeed they were none , neither were Aspasalemus &c. ( though all great men of the Selzuccian family ) any other than imaginary successours in the Turks first Empire , Axan , or rather Ax-Han , that is , the white King , succeeding his Father Trangrolopix ; Axan giving to Ducas and Melech his kinsmen , Damasco's and 〈◊〉 government , ( still to hold all of him as of their Soveraign ) that he might encroach on the Aegyptian Caliph , Cutlumuses priviledges being larger : who had also assisted Botoniates , in thrusting Michael Ducas after 6 years & 6 months reign , into a Monastery , who usurped the Empire of Greece , though himself was in like manner served , by Alexius Comnenus . Cutlumuses and his sons , thus prevailing both against the Christians , and Melech against the Aegyptian Caliph , to the loss of the Saracen name and Empire , now almost quite driven out of Asia ; Peter a French Hermite , then visiting Jerusalem in devotion , diligently observed the manners , government and strength of these Barbarians : as also the grievious miseries of the oppressed Christians amongst them ; the which ( being a little hard-favoured fellow ) he had freedom safely to do ; and comming to Jerusalem , entred into deep discourse with the Abbot of the Monastery , and Master of the Hospitalers ; at length agreeing that they should write Letters to the Pope , and other Christian Princes touching the Christians miseries , craving aid against those cruel Infidels ; the Hermit promising that he would be a trusty carrier of their Letters , and also a careful Solicitor of their Petitions , which were to this effect ; That whereas the Citizens & Countrey-men of Christ Jesus , are daily scourged and brained , &c. were it not impiety in divers respects to leave the Land , they would flee to the farthest parts of the earth . And though happily the Western Christians are without fear , yet , the Turks forces , policies , & attempts , together with their success , being stronger , and deeper than the Saracens ; seeing Jerusalem itself is taken & sacked , they could not presume to stand in safety ; And therefore , since our bloud cryeth out for revenge , we lay prostrat at your feet for help , for deliverance of your Religion from accursed slavery : & averting the storm hanging over your own and childrens head . The Hermit delivered these Letters at Rome to Pope Urban the second , requesting his care for redresses of the Christians miseries seen at Jerusalem ; who calling a Councel at Claremont in France of 310 Bishops out of divers parts , with Embassadors of all Countries , propounded the same as a special matter ; where the Letters being read , and the Christians miseries and teares being ( by the Hermit ) lively represented , the whole Assembly was moved with compassion , crying out , Deus vult , that is , God willeth it , which words were afterward much used in their expedition as a sign of their chearfulness ; this religious decreed war spreading in one daies space , by flying fame , so far as is hardly to be believed . And by the effectual perswasion of the Father , returned home , were shortly seen about 300000 men with red Crosses on their breasts , ready to spend life and goods for Religion , and recovery of the holy Land , under the commands of Godfrey , Eustace , and Baldwin , Brothers of the house of Bulloin ; Great Hugh the French Kings brother , Raimond & Robert , Earls of Flanders , Robert of Normandy , William the Conquerour's Son , Stephen of Ualois , Ademar the Popes Legate , and Peter the Hermit ; many Princes being partakers of their travels , though not of such charge . One Gualter first set forward , then the Hermit with 40000 , who came at length thorow Germany , Hungary , and Bulgaria , with labour and losse to Constantinople , which weary travellers were afterwards shipped over Bosphorus into Asia , by Alexius the Emperour , ( marching & encamping not far from Nice in Bythinia ) unto whom ( by reason of distrusting the expedition to be against himself , through guilt of his usurpation ) they were not at first very welcome . Godfrey with others , followed the Hermits way ; Hugh the Legat and the French Commanders , passed into Italy , taking leave of the Pope , unto whom Bohemud a Prince of Apulia joyning with 12000 , they crossed the Adriatick from three several Ports , Brundusium , Bary and Hydruntum , passing by land to Constantinople , where they met with Godfrey , with whom jealous Alexius , better perswaded of their good meanings , made a League , to furnish them with all supplies , ( though by him but slenderly performed ) for which he should receive all Countries , except Jerusalem , gained from the Turk , and Saracens ; he transported them unto Asia : but Bohemud from his Fathers grudg with Alexius came nor to Constantinople ; yet marched & passed Hellespont sooner than was expected . The Turks understanding what was growing on them out of Europe , diligently sought to cut off Gualter , & Peters Army , who had lyen two months about Nice , expecting the other Princes , whose Souldiers weary and somewhat pinched , chose Raymond a Germane , in a mutiny , in Gualters room , suspecting also Peter's prowess , and therefore by quitting Exorgum a Town , and sending out Cattel , as a bait to train out the Christians , winking at those who brought them into Exorgum , slew asterwards full 3000 incouraged Christians , to the discouragment of their chief Cómanders ; yet the Soldiers chose one Burel a new General , & 10000 rashly going out of Exorgum in revenge , & for forrage , were almost all slain by the Turks , who afterwards hardly besieging the town , with famin & sword consum'd most of them , the Hermit with much ado defending the town Cinit , whither he had 〈◊〉 til the Princes coming . Solyman Cutlumuses his Son who was dead , who had almost nullified the Hermit's forces , was careful to withstand the great Army ; who removed from Nicomedia besieging Nice , so called from Nicea the wife of King Lysimachus ; this City was yielded July , 1097 after 50 daies siege , defended by the Turks longer then was supposed , new supplies coming to them by the lake Ascanius on the other side ; the Turks , assayling the mean while the 〈◊〉 Camp , were with great loss repulsed , Solyman's wife and two children being taken prisoners ; the City was restored to Alexius . Then the Christian Princes encamping on the fourth daies march by a river for refreshment , news was brought to Bohemud of Solymans approach ( aided by the Persian Sultan ) with 60000 men , to give the Christians battel ; who sending word to the other Princes for relief upon occasion , the two Armies most terribly fought , the Turks lying slain on heaps , some of their horsemen breaking in the mean time , into Bohemuds Camp , among women and weak persons ; appalled the fighters ; but Bohemud withdrawing some Companies , repulsed the enemy , whose Souldiers he found at his return ready to flee from the Turks ; but his coming restored the battel . The enemy with horsemen 〈◊〉 the Camp again , Hugh seasonably coming with 30000 to rescue it , whom a fresh Turkish reserve notably encountred . At length ( after a terririble and doubtful fight ) the Turks gave ground , retiring into the mountains , 40000 being slain ; about 2000 Christians ; No enemy the next morning appearing , they buryed their dead , easily distinguished by their red crosses . Solyman fleeing , gave out he had the victory burning , destroying , or carrying away all as he went. Bohemud and the Princes now marching through lesser Asia , easily took Antiochia in Pisidia , being courteously received by the Citizens of Iconium , refreshing their Army . But at their approach to Heraclea , the Turks and Garrison souldiers fled , the Christian Citizens gladly yielding themselves and City to their deliverers . Here ( through the Turks fear not daring any where to abide their coming ) Baldwin and 〈◊〉 with part of the Army soon subdued Tarsus Edessa , and Manussa , Cities of Cilicia , while the other part took the lesser 〈◊〉 , and the Cities of 〈◊〉 and Socor in Cappadocia , driving the Turks in every place out of lesser Asia , and setting the oppressed Christians at liberty . Of which Solyman sorely complained in Letters for aid unto Axan his Cousin . Thus the Turks ( until , by discord and ambition of the Greek Empire , they again became dreadful this heat being over ) were glad to retire farther off , being brought low in lesser Asia . The Conquerours mounted over high Taurus , possessing the City Maresia , ( from whence the Turks had by night fled ) being first bound by oath , not to return home till the accomplishment of that holy war. While they 〈◊〉 here , the Citizens of Artasia suddenly slaying all the Turks in Garrison , received Robert Earl of Flanders , with 1000 men that was sent to Summon it . In revenge hereof , the Turks sent 10000 out of Antioch unto Artasia , 15 miles off ; who by stragling Companies , drew the Flemings out of the City , purposely fleeing from them ; and had not the Citizens relieved them , they had surely perished by the Turks ambushments . The Army , marching forward , encamped Octob. 21. 1097 before Antioch , having passed the River 〈◊〉 , on which this famous City is scituated , ( Robert Duke of Normandy by a hard conflict making the Turks forsake the bridge , where they thought to stay their passage ) the Covernour ( for the Persian Sultan ) of this Metrapolis of Syria ( called by the Hebrews Roblatha ) was Gassianus , who had 7000 horse and 20000 〈◊〉 , as defendants , with great store of all necessary provisions ; 〈◊〉 incompassed with a double Wall , 460 Towers within it , an impregnable Castle at its East-end with a deep Lake on the South side . Many a fierce sally during the siege , was made by the Turks , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 repulsed ; chiefly at the bridg made by the Christians with boats over the River for passage to and fro . But at the beginning of February , through the abundance of rain , and scarcity of victuals whereby they eat their slain enemies , their horses perishing for lack of meat ; Peter the Hermit , author of this war , and Bohemud's Nephew among others , through these increasing miseries , secretly withdrew to steal home : who being taken , and by Hugh sharply teproved , were forced to take a new oath for their fidelity . A great part of Arethusa's Garrison being cur off by Bohemud , the Countrey was more open for distressed Souldiers relief , until a great number of Turks about Aleppo and Damasco came to relieve the besieged , who by the Christians were put to flight , 2000 being slain , taking store of victuals , &c. and setting the Turks heads on stakes before the City ; Whereupon , Cassianus ( having lost his eldest Son herein , and expecting relief from the Sultan , requested a truce for a time , which being ( by the Turks slaying one 〈◊〉 a French-man ) broken , a fresh and more hard siege began . The Governour had in 9 months space lost so many , that he used one Pirrhus , amongst divers Christian Citizens , for the guarding of a Tower ; who by secret intelligence , and easy conditions made with Bohemud , let his Souldiers by night into the City , which was recovered June 1098 , about 10000 men , women and children were put to the sword : amongst whom many Christians by the furious Souldiers ; many Turks fled into the Castle , and the fleeing Governour , was slain by Christians in the mountains of Armenia . Amongst other Letters , speedily certifying this joyful news , Bohemud wrote to Roger his Brother Prince of Apulia , shewing how it was yielded unto himself by Pyrrhus , and how few daies after he was in danger by a wound received at Aretum , that was assaulted by them ; assuring Roger both of the valour and esteem , he and the Army , had of his Son Tancred . The Venetians likewise , at the time of the siege , with 200 Galleys , having the upper hand of the Turks by Sea at the Rhodes , set at liberty 5000 souldiers , save 30 chief Commanders , and sayling into Ionia , took Smyrna , spoyling Lycia , Pamphilia , and Cilicia . Corbanas also , the Persian Sultan's Lievtenant , now besteged Edessa , intending to relieve Antioch , which was defended by Baldwin , whereof he had intelligence by the Son of Cassianus , after he had raised that siege , keeping on his way with a mighty Army resolving to hazard the fortune of a battle . The Turks still possessing the Castle , Corbanas sent some supplies into it , which sallied out on the Earl of Tholouse , who was left to keep them into the Castle , while Corbanas fought with the Christians in the field , so that within and without the City was a dreadfull fight , and bloody slaughter ; but the Turks gave ground and fled , above 10000 of them being slain , and about 4000 Christians , leaving rich prey besides Horses and other beasts , the Castle also surrendring the next day June 28. Alexius the Emperour , unto whom this City should according to agreement have been delivered , guilty of neglect , sending the Princes no relief all the siege , refused to accept of it : so that Bohemud was chosen Prince or King of Antioch . At Autumn there was a plague in the Army , of which 50000 are said to have dyed , which ceasing in November , Rugia and Albaria two Cities , were by force taken ; where Raymund , envying Bohemud's preferment , dissented with him , who for the Cause's sake , retired to Antioch . At Spring , Raymund besieging Tripolis , from some fortunate roads made on the enemies last Winter , insolently maligned Bohemud's proceedings , who had besieged Tortosa ; Bohemud considering 't was enough to divide all Christians , rose with his Army , and retired to Antioch . After which , Gabella was taken , and Tortosa , whither Godfrey ( and Raymund from Tripolis ) came , after 3 〈◊〉 siege departed spoiling about 〈◊〉 , passing by 〈◊〉 , and keeping Whitsontide at Casarea , marched to and from Rama . And upon the first descry of Jerusalem , there were piercing and rending shouts for joy : some lifting up eys and hands to Heaven , calling on Christ : others kissing the ground , and saluting those so much heard of holy places : Every one , as at the end of long travel , expressing some joy . This ancient and famous City ; being utterly destroyed by Vespatian and his son 〈◊〉 , 40 years after Christs death , lay buried in its ruins , till about the year 136 it was ( by Aelius Adrianus Emperour ) re-edified , who in part changed its scituation , enclosing the place of Christs suffering and burial within the City walls , and calling it Aelia after his own name , giving it first to the Jews , who were afterwards for rebellion thrust out , and then gave it to the Christians ( in time also recovering the ancient name Jerusalem ) who under several idolatrous and persecuting Emperours , endured grievous things ; peace being , about 320 , given to the afflicted by Constantine the Great . Whereby for 300 years they flourished under Greek Emperours , till usurping Phocas ( by killing Maurice and his Children ) occasioned Cosroes King of Persia to invade Syria , taking Jerusalem and killing almost 100000 Christians in revenge of his Father in Law : who about 624 , was again driven out of it by Heraclius that succeeded Phocas , cruelly slain by his Guard. Which 〈◊〉 , not paying a warlike people of Arabia Deserta that had helped him against Cosroes , calling them vile Dogs , because they had lately received Mahomet's Doctrine , caused them to revolt and joyn to the Caliphs , extending 〈◊〉 doctrine and Soveraignty over all Aegypt and Syria , taking Jerusalem . The Greek Emperours being overcome by the Saracens , left Syria in their possession , for which they had divers years conflicted ; who for 370 years oppressed the Christians , leaving a 3d part of Jerusalem to them , with Christs Sepulchre and mount Zion for profits sake ; untill the vagrant andcruel Turks start up , and aspiring Persia's kingdom , subdue Mesopotamia , Syria , most of the lester Asia , and all 〈◊〉 : The Saracens Government being but light unto the Christians , in respect of their Thraldome under the Turks ; and had not these Princes who were now come to 〈◊〉 , been stirred up for release of these miseries , none could have been expected . The Princes lay encamped before the North and West of Jerusalem in order , ( Bohemud being at Antioch , and Baldwin at Edessa ) 〈◊〉 with the Germans and Lorrainers lying next the City , whose Governour had a very strong Garrison with all necessaries for a long siege ; on the 5 day they fiercely assaulted it , but for want of enough scaling-ladders ( t was supposed ) they gave over , few daies after they most terribly assaulted it on both sides afresh , untill by reason of fervent heat , and want of water ( all the wells expect Siloe being poyfoned ) they retired into their Trenches . A fleet of Genowaies now arriving at Joppa , ( knowing themselves too weak for the Aegyptian Sultans fleet at Ascalon ) for Jerusalem's relief , sunk their Ships , and marched to the Camp ; among whom were divers Engineers , by whom a great moving Tower was made , covered with raw hides to save it from fire ; which by night being brought to the wall , they the next day the winde driving the Turks fire , who thought to burn it , into their own faces , gained the top of the wall : which being first footed by Godfrey and his Brother , they pressed in like a violent River killing men women and children , with a lamentable sight : The better sort of Turks retiring into the Temple fought terribly ; many on both sides falling , but the Christians fiercely breaking in , the foremost were miserably slain , the Turks also 〈◊〉 fighting in the midst of the Temple , there were slain heapes both of victors and vanquished , the pavement swimming with blood . Then the Turks held the top of the Temple ; And the next day ( upon Proclamation of mercy to such as laid down weapons ) they yielded themselves . Thus Jerusalem was recovered in 1099 , having been in the Infidels hands above 400 years . Eight daies after ( cleansing the City and giving thanks to God , and the poor Christians welcomming with joy their victorious Brethren ) the Princes consulting of their King , chose Robert Duke of Normandy , who refusing Jerusalem upon news of his Fathers death in England ( William Rufus being in possession as it were ) lost both Kingdomes : Godfrey of Bulloine a great Souldier being saluted King , who said , He would not wear a Crown of Gold , where Christ wore a Crown of thorns : but briefly certified these proceedings to Bohemud , shewing Jerusalem's strength and situation , and how he first gained part of the wall , Baldwin opening the gates for entry ; of their great conflict in Solomon's Temple ; and that , since , he was saluted King of Jerusalem , though against his will ; he would endeavour well to deserve of the universal faith . And then joyned a most dreadful battle with the greatest multitude of Turks , and Saracens , ( all as one assembled at Ascalon for revenge ) killing a 100000 of them & taking more spoile than in this whole expedition : After this Victory , some Princes returned to their Charges , others , with honour to their own Country . But shortly after , a great Pestilence ensuing , Godfrey among the rest died , July 18. 1100. Scarce reigning a full year , generally lamented , and honourably buried on mount Calvary in the Temple of Christ's Sepulchre . In whose Room Baldwin of Edessa his brother was Crowned King in 1101. Who ( aided by Sea and Land ) took the Sea-City Cesarea-Stratonis , overthrowing certain Companies at 〈◊〉 , gladly and safely conducting to Jerusalem , new westerne aides by Tyre , and three other Cities holden by the enemies , at which time the Christians were notably overthrown about Rama by the Turks , aided by the Arabians and Aegyptians ; two Stephens , Earles of Charters and Burgundy being slain , the King hardly escaping ; who repairing his Army at Joppa , speedily so overthrew his secure enemies , that they had little cause to rejoyce in their Victory . Tancred Prince of Galilee , in the mean time taking the City Apamea , and with much toyl Laodicea : But Baldwin 〈◊〉 Governour of Edessa was , at the siege of Carras thatwas upon yielding , overthrown by the Persian Sultan ; Benedict a Bishop , and 〈◊〉 his kinsman being taken with him : who ( to the offence of the 2 Sultans ) after 5 years , redeemed themselves from the Turk that took them . King Baldwin , who ( after this ) lived unmolested for a season , suddenly raised a full strength and besieged Ptolemais or Acon in Phoenicia , and was glad to raise his siege , being after a long time brought to his end , by a healed-up wound received in a skirmish at his return , yet the next year Ptolemais by the encouragement of the Genua fleet , was yielded to him on composition after 20 daies . Tancred Livetenant Governour of Antioch , soon after put to flight the invading Governour of Aleppo and others , and the Caliph of Egypt was discomfited by the Christians at land , and by tempest at Sea , comming against Jerusalem . Bohemud returning out of Italy with 40000 foot and 5000 horse , ( as is reported ) toward Jerusalem , spoiled ( in revenge of Alexius his injuries ) the Country about Dyrrhachium , forcing the Emperour to promise by oath security and kindnesse to all travelling Souldiers , and dying shortly at Antioch in 1108. Whose Principality his child Bohemud enjoyed , under Tancreds 〈◊〉 Baldwin the King , Apr. 23. 1111. wonn the City Berytus , 〈◊〉 most to the sword , and the same year Decemb. 19. Sidon was yielded to him , through the assistance of a Norway fleet : Tyre only ( of all the famous Sea-Cities from Laodicea to Ascalon remaining to the enemies , the which Baldwin hardly besieged 4 months in vain . Two years after , Baldwin and Tancred who , Bohemud dying , Reigned in Antioch , with the rest joyned a cruel battle with the Persian Sultans mighty Army under Mendus their General , ( encamping on the Sea near Tyberias ) after some companies , were by some flying skirmishers entrapped in ambush , and rescued by other Christians : who were , by the Turks far exceeding in number , put to flight , and hardly followed with great slaughter . The Ascalon Turks ( the mean while ) besieging Jerusalem , weakly manned : but news of the Kings coming , and of Supplies out of the west made them ( having burnt store-houses of Corn , and spoyled other things ) to retire home . This King ( after many hard conflicts with Turks and Saracens , won Pharamia a strong Sea City in Aegypt , taking abundance of fish , at the mouth of Nilus ; wherewith he feasted in the City . And after dinner grieved with his old wound , died near Laris in his return in 1118 , Reigning 18 years , and royally Sepulchred near his brother Godfrey . Baldwin Brugensis of Edessa , his Cousin , was chosen and Crowned King of Jerusalem , Apr. 2. 1118. a man of great courage , tall stature , and comely countenance : Against whom the Caliph of Aegypt with the King of Aleppo raised a great power the same summer , Baldwin also encamping in fight of his enemies , both armies for fear of each other , after 3 months facing , retired without any notable action . Alexius the Emperour died this year , whose Son Calo Johannes his successour ( all his Reign ) worthily defended his territories in lesser Asia . But Roger Prince of Antioch , with more courage than discretion , going forth against a great Army not far from Aleppo , was slain with most of his Army , the place being called the field of bloud . Baldwin Aug. 14 , 1120 , overthrowing the carelesse Turks with a great slaughter , joyning Antioch principality to his own ; which Antiochians , Baldwin their protecting Prince being far off , were more subject to enemies inroads than before ; the King of Damasco entring with great power , and doing harm thereabouts in 1122 ; who understanding Baldwins approach with a puissant Army , retired out of the Countrey , the King taking Garaze , a new built strong Castle of the King of Damasco's , which he raced to the ground ; Whilst this King wisely sent Embassadours to divers Christian Princes , especially to the Uenetians , for relief by Sea , Balac the Persian Sultan with a great Army invaded about him Antioch : with whom without longer stay for his friends aid , he joyned battel , and was with certain of the best Commanders carried captive unto Carras , most of his Army being overthrown . Hereupon , the Caliph of Aegypt the Saracen , for Aegypt with Tuneis and Moroccoes Kingdoms were yet in their possession , invading Jerusalems Kingdom , landed an Army at Joppa , besieging it also by Sea with 700 sail . Against which , while they lay in hope , the Duke of Venice , stirred up by the Pope for the Christians relief , came from Cyprus thither in hast with 200 sail , and either before the Saracens could make ready , or after a doubtful battel , obtained a glorious victory , going by land to Jerusalem , where he was honorably received by the Patriarch &c. Eustace also the Vice-King , overthrowing them at Ascalon . After Joppa's relief , the Saracens discomfiture , and the Christians encouragment , they besieged Tyre by Sea and Land , March 1. whose sharpe assault the Turks valiantly repulsed ; yet after 4 months , June 29 , 1124 , it was yielded on composition , of which a third part was given to the Venetians , according to a former agreement ; Baldwin , after 18 months imprisonment , being shortly ransomed for 100000 Ducats . But the Duke of Venice returning home , took Chios , 〈◊〉 , and three more Islands , with the City of Modon 〈◊〉 Peloponnesus , from the Emperour , who , as Alexius his Father , envying the Christians success , had in the Dukes absence infested his Territories . King Baldwin also invaded and spoyled the King of Damasco's Country , overthrowing him in three battels , taking great prey , as also the invading Saracens at Ascalon , whereby for a time he lived in peace ; who , with others , joyning with Hugh Paganus the first Master of the Templars , returning with a great number of Christians out of the West , and besieging Damasco , through the Cities strength , the Defendants valour , and the 〈◊〉 contagion , raised their siege . King Baldwin also now sent to Fulk Count of Turine &c. ( who was 60 years old , and making preparations for the holy Land ) offering him his eldest daughter Melisinda , with the Kingdoms succession for a dowry , whereof he accepted . And about 3 years after , feeling death draw on , removing into the Patriarchs house , he in the presence of divers great Ones commended to his Sonne in Law and Daughter , with their Son Baldwin two years old , the Government , presently after ( Aug. 22. 1131 ) dying , and solemnly buried with Godfrey and Baldwin . Fulk was Sept. 16. Crowned by the Patriarch ; the beginning of whose reign , was by Pontius of Tripolis , and Hugh of Joppa that joyned with the Ascalonian Saracens , vext with domestick discord , 〈◊〉 hurtful to the Christian State ; which by force , and others mediation was well appeased , and yet vengeance followed the Traytors . The Turks also invaded about Antioch , aud were overthrown ; But John the Greek Emperour , with a puissant Army , took Tarsus with Cilicia's whole Province , besieging Antioch , pretending it belonged to his Empire ; who ( after Christian Princes mediation ) agreed that Raymond Count of Poictou ( to whom the dukedom of Antioch was given with the Dukes daughter ) should hold it from him as his Soveraign , and so returned . Fulk about that time , coming to relieve Monteferrant-Castle , was by Sanguin the Turk overthrown , betaking him into the Castle : which now he hardlier befieged , pinching them within by famine , unto whose relief the Kingdoms whole power coming , the Turk upon deliverance of the Castle to him , set all at liberty . John the Emperour , about 4 years after , came to Antioch ( having longed also for Jerusalems Kingdom ) who not being suffered to enter , but upon an oath and few followers , with quiet departure , in revenge , pretending the Armies want of victuals , made havock of the Suburbs , cutting down the fruit-trees to dresse their meat . And wintring in Cilicia , at hunting of a Boar , had his hand lightly wounded by a poisoned arrow in his quiver , wherewith his arm swelling more and more , must be cut off , which he abhorred , saying . The Greek Empire was not to be governed with one hand , died ; Emmanuel the youngest Son ( his two eldest being dead ) succeeding him . King Fulk also now at peace , walking with his Queen out of Ptolemais , following amongst other 〈◊〉 , a Hare , put up by running boys , fell in the course with his head under the Horse , with whose weight and the 〈◊〉 hardness , the brains came out at the nose and ears of his crushed head , who died Novemb. 13. 1142 ( lying 3 days speechless ) and was magnificently buried by the other Kings with a general lamentation . The elder of whose 2 Sons , Baldwin , about 13 years 〈◊〉 , with his mother , were solemnly on Christmas-day crowned in 1142 , about which time Sanguin the bloody Turk took by undermining Edessa in Joscelin's absence exercising all cruelty on the Christians , ( the territory of 3 Archbisho-pricks being drawn from Antioch hereby ) which Turk was stabbed in his drunkenness at the siege of Cologenbar , Noradine his Son succeeding him . Who ( after Baldwin 3 had in his first year recovered and fortified Sorbal Castle beyond Jordan ) so beset him in his return , the next year going against the King of Damasco , that he miraculously escaped . Edessa's losse with the Christians miseries , ( through the stirring up of Eugenius Bishop of Rome ) greatly moved the Western Princes , to prepare almost in every Province for their relief . Conrade Emperour of Germany , raysing a puissant Army , set forward , who having before certified Emanuel the Greek Emperour of his purpose , craving passage , with victuals and all necessaries for his mony , he seemed willingly to condiscend , though inwardly pining thereat ; for strong companies of the Greeks following the Army to keep the Souldiers from stragling , now and then cut them off roaming , at advantage . And the farther they travelled , the more the Greeks discontented countenances appeared ; yet they went on to Philippolis , from whence departing , the Greeks and Armies rear , had not the wiser sort duly appeased them , had plainly fought . Then from Adrianople they came to the Plain Cherobachi , where the River Melas ( that suddenly in Winter or great fall of water , overfloweth its banks like a Sea ) through abundance of rain , so by night overflowed the encamped Army , that 〈◊〉 with burdens , besides weapons &c. and also great numbers of armed men , were with lamentable out-cties carried away , and perished like hay or chaffe every one glad to shift for himself ; the beholders saying , The wrath of God was broke into the Camp. Neverthelesse , the water being fallen , the sore troubled Emperour marched to Constantinople : Who ( by armed men glistring on the Walls ) was not suffered to enter , but perswaded by the Emperour to transport his Army over the straite , promising to supply his wants ; the Greeks sparing no labour , or vessel in that so hasty service , Who being shipped over , the Countrey people ( by his appointment ) brought nothing , as before , to sell them ; the Towns at an extream rate , first receiving their mony by ropes from the Walls , delivered them what they pleased , and oft-times nothing , vildely mingling Lime with their Meal , of which many Souldiers died ; but if the Emperour were not privy thereunto , yet he coined counterfeit mony to deceive them , practising all kind of mischeif , to terrifie their posterity from the like expedition , and secretly plotting with the Turks , how they might be defeated : some part thereby , being overthrown near Bathis , although in Phrygia themselves were greatly slaughtered by the part marching thorough Phrygia : which Turks with a great Army , to stay the Armies passage at the River Meander , and they having neither bridg nor boat to passe over , declared it their patience , that the Greeks , as they passed by , were not become their prey . Conrade retired his Souldiers out of the shot of the Turks Archers , standing on the other banks-side for refreshment , arising before day , and putting his whole Army in Battalion . Both Armies thus in readiness , the winding River only betwixt them , the Emperour encouraged his men with a Speech to this purpose . That we are exposed to dangers pining with hunger , &c. for Christ's sake and the glory of God. But these Barbarians ( divided from us by this River ) are the enemie ; of Christ's Crosse , in whose bloud we have vowed to wash our selves , calling to remembrance the grievous things , and tortures inflicted on our friends and Countrey-men , by these uncircumcised ; let not any terrour daunt us . Let them know that we are superiour to them , as our Master excells their Prophet and seducer : Let us fight in Christ's name , with assured hope of an easie victory . We are those mighty men standing about the divine Sepulchre , as about Solomon's bed : let us remove these Agarens , as stones of offence , Children of the bond-woman ; I my self will shew you the way over this River , I know the water , beaten back by our force , will , as Jordan in ancient times , be at a stand . This attempt shall ( to our immortall praise ) be spoken of in all posterity . This said , after a signal of battel , and devout prayer by every man ; Conrade first put spurs to his horse : the rest , closely following with a terrible out-cry , passed all over with lesse trouble than was feared ; the horses even beating back the water towards the fountain , then after small resistance , the discouraged Turks fled , whom the Christians like Lyons pursuing , the fields were covered with dead bodies ; huge heaps of bones long after declaring the fallen multitude , to the wonder of travellers , many Italians being wounded , but few or none slain . After this they hardly besieged Iconium in lesser Asia , but the Cities strength , the valour of the Defendants , and the peoples numberlesse dying in the Camp ( of which , the Greeks mingling Lime with the Meal was the chief cause ) caused the Emperour to raise his long siege , and return into his Countrey ; most referring this his journey into Asia to the year 1146. By this 〈◊〉 so fortunate expedition , Baldwin the mean time , fortified ruinous Gaza of the Philistins , serving as a Bulwark against Egypt , and to distresse Ascalon : which strong Sea City he besieging by Sea and Land , ( when Noradine was repulsed by the Citizens of 〈◊〉 whom he besieged , and the Caliph of Egypt's fleet from Ascalon's relief ) was with great losse repulsed , the Wall 's breach that he had made repaired , and the dead Christians hanged in ropes over the Walls , at which the Commanders moved , returned to the assault and the besieged discouraged with great slaughter , yielded the City with its spoyl to the Souldiers , departing only with their lives , the enemy having now no place in those parts . Lewis the eighth of France , with other great Princes , at or about this Emperours time , took on him the like expedition with a puissant Army , who landing in Asia found nothing answerable to the feigned courtefie of Emanuel at Constantinople ; great numbers of Souldiers perishing in desolate Countries by false guides , and many straying , cut off by the Greeks themselves ; yet he besieged Noradin's Royal Seat , the besieged being brought to extremity , and at the point even to yield . But some Christian Princes there , grudging at the Kings promise of that Cities Government , ( if won ) to Philip Earl of Flanders a stranger , corrupted also ( as some say ) with the Turks gold , persivaded the King to remove to a stronger part of the City than where he lay , from whence after a while for lack of victuals , he departed , returning into France ; detesting Emmanuel the Emperours name , by whose dealing such an expedition was brought to nought . Noradine , for some injuries done to the Turks and Arabians dwelling in the Forrest of Libanus , straightly besieged Paneda ; the multitude of Turks , after the Christians desperate fally , hardly pursuing and entring the City , put all to the sword in their way ; yet most of the Citizens stood upon their guard in the Castle . Noradine , after spoyl taken , and firing the City , departed upon Baldwin's coming for relief , waiting in the Woods to take the Christians at advantage , and set suddenly on the King passing over Jordan accompanied only with his Horsemen , and doubting no such thing , most of his Nobles were slain or taken , himself with a few hardly escaping to Saphet . Noradine after this besieged it again , ( whose Walls were again repaired ) in good hope ; but ( though he had made breaches in the Walls ) rose with his Army upon Baldwins the Prince of Autioch , and the Count Tripolis , approach . This ( among other hard conflicts of this young King ) is worth remembrance , That he put Noradine to flight , loosing most of his Army ; who besieged the Castle Sueta , belonging to his Kingdom ; and marrying the Greek Emperours Neece , he again required one of his kinswomen in marriage , and preferring Raymund's Daughter of Antioch , before Matilde the Count of Tripolis his Sister , the said Count grievously by Sea infested his frontiers . While the marriage was solemnized , Baldwin abiding at Antioch , and fortifying a Castle on Orontes , took Physick of Barac a Jew the Count's Physician of Tripolis , whereby he was verily supposed to be poysoned ; and languishing in pain with the Bloudy-flux and Consumption , he died at Beritum , Febr. 13. 1163. reignning 21 years , being solemnly enterred by his Father with a general mourning . Noradine himself refusing to invade his Kingdom at his funerals solemnity , saying , The Christians had lost such a King as the like was hardly to be found . To return to the Turks proceedings in lesser Asia . 〈◊〉 Sultan Solyman's death , Mahumet succeeded him betwixt whom and Masut Sultan of Iconium arose great discord , which broke out into open war , Comnen the Emperour aiding Masut ; But the 2 Infidels soon becoming friends , joyned , and overthrew the Emperour besieging Iconium , he hardly 〈◊〉 . Masut dying divided the whole Turks Kingdome , gotten by him , between his 3 sons , to 〈◊〉 the eldest he gave Iconium , with the Provinces belonging ; unto Jagupasan , Amasia , and Ancyra , with fruirful Cappadocia and the places adjoyning ; to Dadune , Cesarea and Sebastia with the large Countries thereabouts . These brethren soon fell at discord ; the Sultan and Jagupasan seeking openly each others destruction : Emmanuel the Emperour rejoycing thereat aided Jagupasan , whereby he obtained many notable victories against the Sultan , who weary of the quarrel , personally met the Emperour comming out of Syria , and accompanyed him to Constantinople , who rejoyced to be sued unto by such a Prince , as the Sultan was , being honourably received in triumph . For the solemnizing of which , a great number of People were assembled at the report of an active Turk , who had promised to fly a furlong from the top of an high Tower in the Tilt-yard : who hovering a great while ( girt with a long white garment of many pleats and foldings , and the Beholders crying Fly Turk , fly ) at length , finding the wind , as he thought , fit , committed himself to the air , breaking his neck , armes , &c. whereby the Sultan's attendants could not walk the streets underided , the common people crying , Fly Turk , fly ; whose insolency the smiling Emperour , in favour of the grieved Sultan , restrained . The Emperour , after the triumph ( which was obscured by an earth-quake ) gave the Sultan many rich presents with a masse of treasure , who in requitall termed himself his son , promising him Sebastia with its territories , thrusting Dadune out of Sebastia , taking from him 〈◊〉 Caesarea and Amasia , but kept all to himself , Jagupasan's dominions likewise falling into his hands , by his death , on whom he had also bent his forces . And now the Sultan swelling with pride took Laodicea from the Emperour , killing and carrying the people captive as he went , whereupon the 〈◊〉 passing with a great army into Asia , maugre the Turks , most strongly fortifyed Dorileū , carrying the first basket of stones on his own shoulders , as also Sybleum . Yet the Turks ceased not their inroads , though not with such successe as before : The Emperour now expostulated with the Sultan as an unthankfull man , who again upbraided him with breach of promise : thus open war was daily expected , the Sultan managing his by expert Captaines , whereas the Emperour commonly in great expeditions adventured in 〈◊〉 : who in revenge of his subjects so many wrongs , raised his whole power in Europe and Asia ; passing into Asia with his most puissant Army , well appointed of all necessaries , orderly marching thorow Phrygia and other places , and by the old ruinous Castlc of Myriocephalon , Ominous by its name . Though he were circumspect , yet by reason of his many Carriages , & c. he made but small speed : the Turks destroying the Country before them , and in many places poysoning the water , whereof the Christians ( especially of the flux ) died . The Sultan ( though aided by the Persian ) loath to adventure all on battel 's fortune , made to the Emperour once and again for peace on honorable conditions ; who pricked forward by his Court-Gallants , proudly dismissed the Embassadours , willing them to tell their Master , he would give him an answer under the walls of : Iconium , which caused the Sultan to take the Straits of Zibrica ; enclosed with high mountains , whose vallies opening , and growing straiter and straiter with superimpendent rocks , on both sides , almost touching each ; gave to the Army ( of necessity passing thereby , from Myriocephalon ) a difficult passage . The Emperour , though he were told that the enemy had strongly possessed the streights and mountains , not providing for his safety , desperately entred herein : John and Andronicus with others conducting the Vant-guard , the drudges and carters , & c. following : then the Emperour with the maine battle ; and Andronicus Contostephanus in the rear . After no far entry , the Turks shot as thick as hail down upon them : Yet the Vant-guard casting themselvs into a three square battle , and closely covering their heads with their Targets like a pent-house , caused their enemies , by lusty shot , to retire into the mountaines , and passing those streights with little or no losse , encamped on the top of a commodious hill . But the rest of the army not passing with such order and courage , and troubled with their carriages in those rough and streight places , were miserably overwhelmed by the Turks arrows , falling like a shoure , to their great dismaying & disordering . The Turks now incouraged , came downe from the mountains to handy blowes on plain ground , overthrowing the right wing , where Baldwin breaking into the thickest of the enemy with a valiant troop , to stay their fury , was slain with all his followers , and most of that wing . Then the Turks , with all their power , stopped all the Christians waies , who ( by reason of the places streightnesse ) could neither retire or goe forward to relieve one another , their many carriages hurting themselvs , were the cause of their own and others destruction : the valleys full of dead bodies , and the rivers running with the blood of men and beasts , in an unexpressible manner ; and if the Christians shewed any spark of valour , it was but lost , the Turks shewing the head of Andronicus Bataza the Emperour's nephew , who coming against the Turks of Amasia was overthrown . The Emperour was now so troubled that he was at his wits end , doubtful which way to turn , who having often attempted to open a way for passage , but in vain , 〈◊〉 the same danger in staying as in going forward with a few of his best souldiers , resolving to dy , by many blowes given and received , ( himself having many wounds and could not lift up his Helmet being beaten close to his head , about thirty arrows sticking in his Target ) brake through and escaped those streights . Infinite numbers of the other legions seeking to follow , were slain , besides many troden to death by their own companions . Those that escaped one streight ( this passage having 7 Valleys ) were slain in the next : the sand also , raised by men and horses and by a violent wind carried , both armies ( being as it were in darkness ) killed both friend and foe ; so that those Valleys seemed to be a burying place of Turks and Christians , the most being Christians , and those not all of the meanest sort . The wind allaying , and the day clearing , wounded and whole living men were seen middle & neck deep among dead carcases , not able with strugling to get out , with rufull voyces crying to passengers for help ; whom every man , through fear , without compassion , left living , as to be numbred among the dead . The Emperor standing alone under a wild Pear-tree , to breathe himself , a common souldier came and helped him to buckle up his armour , but a Turk came and took his horse by the bridle , from whom the Emperour cleared himself by striking him to the ground with the truncheon of his broken lance : other stragglers likewise came presently ready to seiz on him , one whereof he slew with the said staff , struck off anothers head with his sword , keeping them off till 10 relieved him : and departing toward the Vant-guard , he was troubled with other Turks and heaps of dead bodies , & 〈◊〉 John 〈◊〉 , that married his neece , fighting alone , encompassed & slain . The Turks seeing him , followed him as a rich prey : whom he with his 〈◊〉 company notably repulsed , comming at length , after much labour and more danger , long looked for , and most welcome , unto the legions . Who , in his way to them , ready to faint for thirst , and drinking some infected water of a river , with a deep sigh said , Oh how unfortunatly have I tasted Christian blood , whereunto an envious souldier replyed , that he had oft , & long since , been drunk with Christian blood , by vexing and devouring his Subjects with most grievous exactions : the Emperour , putting it up in silence , answered no more to this rayling companion than Good words Souldier . Then animating his souldiers to rescue his treasures and take it for their labour , the same souldier said , [ It should before have been given to thy souldiers , rather then now , when 't is to be recovered with great danger and blood-shed ; and therefore , if thou be a man of valour , valiantly charge the Turks thy self , & recover thine ill gotten goods . ] Andronicus Contostephanus came shortly after , having escaped the Turks fury , to the Vant-guard . The Turks cryed all the night , to increase the oppressed Christians fear , that all their countrey-men , that had abjured their Religion , or taken part with the Imperialists , if they staid till morning , should be lost men . The Emperour hereupon declared his resolution , to his chief Commanders , secretly to flee , and leave every man to shift . Which base determination a souldier without the Tent over-hearing , cryed , in detestation , with a loud voice , What meanes the Emperor ? & turning to him said , Art not thou he that hast thrust us into this desolate and streight way , casting us headlong into destruction ? What had we to do with this vale of mourning ? What can we particularly complain of these Barbarians ? Was it not Thou that broughtest us hither ? And wilt thou thy self betray us ? &c. Which reprehension ( though nought remained but death and despair ) changed his determination . And in this extremity , it pleased the Almighty so to touch the Sultan's heart , that ( by perswasion of the chief men about him , that in peace had wont to receive great gifts from the Emperour ) he voluntarily offered him peace on the very conditions of former leagues . The Turks ignorant of the Sultan's resolution , in the morning assaulting the Camp , slew divers of the Christians in their own Trenches , but by the command of one Gabras the Turkish Embassadour , ( who , with reverence to the ground , presented the Emperour with a goodly Horse , with silver furniture , and a two edged Sword , & by enchanting words concerning peace appeasing his heaviness ) they ceased to assault them : the Emperor giving Gebras his rich yellow Robe , upon a pleasant conceit by him uttered , told him 't was not fit for war , portending ill luck , and then signed the peace , this being one condition , that Dorileum and Sybleum should be rased . The Emperour purposed to returne home another way , yet ( by his guides ) was led back the same way , to behold those miserable spectacles of the slain , all that passed by calling with grief upon their lost friends . The Emperour placed his best souldiers in the rear to repulse the Turks , who , in the rail of the army , slew many ; the Sultan ( as is said ) repenting & giving leave to persue them . He rased Sybleū , but not 〈◊〉 , answering the complaining Sultan , he greatly forced not to perform what by necessity he was enforced to promise . Who in revenge , straitly charged Atapack with 24000 chosen souldiers , to waste and destroy all his provinces to the Sea side , not sparing man , woman , or child , and to bring Sea-water , an Oar , and Sea-sand as a token ; who did so to Phrygia , returning with a rich prey : But passing 〈◊〉 , he was , by John Bataza and Duc as Constantine , slain with all his army , and all the booty recovered . After many hard conflicts , Emmanuell died , having governed 38 years , being in a Monks habit a little before his death ; as jealous of the Christians in the West , as of the Turks in the East : in warr altogether laborious , and in peace given over to pleasure . The Sultan afterwards took Sozopolis , joyning more and more of the Emperour's provinces to his own without resistance : For Alexius , called 〈◊〉 - genitus , ( being but 12 years of age ) succeeding , followed his pleasure ; his Mother , and Father's kinsemen and friends ( neglecting his education ) followed their delights : Some courted the young Empresse : Others filling their coffers with the common treasures : and others aiming at the Empire it self . Amongst whom was Emmanuel's Cousin , who , for his aspiring , was by him confined to live at Oenū : who thought it now a fit time , in such disorder of state , to aspire unto the long looked-for Empire . He doubted not but he was generaly beloved , yea , & of some of the Nobility , wanting nothing more than some fair colour to shadow his purpose : He took first occasion to work on a clause in the Oath of obedience which he took , [ That if he should see , hear , or understand anything dangerous or hurtfull to the Honour , Empire , or Persons of Emmanuel or his son Alexius , he should bewray it , and to his utmost power withstand it . ] Thereupon he wrote divers Letters to the young Emperour , the Patriarch , and others , wherein he seemed to complain of the immoderate power of Alexius , President of the Councel , who ruled all things at his pleasure , & that his care of the young Emperour's safety mooved him to complaine , wishing so great power of Alexius to be abridged , aggravating the report of Alexius's too much familiarity with the Empresse : the reformation of which he ( as bound in conscience ) most earnestly desired . Wherefore , travailing towards Constantinople , he gave out what he would , for his Oaths sake , do ; unto whom men , desirous of a change of the State , flockt in great numbers . Thus honourably coming to Paphlagenia , as a deliverer of his Countrey ; divers Nobles also joyned with him , especially Mary the Emperours sister by the Father , with Caesar her husband , ( who had raised a great tumult in the City against Alexius , & the hated Empress her step-Mother , not appeased without much bloodshed ) pricked forward , by secret Messengers and Letters , Andronicus to hasten his coming , and take the government on him : who being daily encouraged , came to Heraclea , winning the peoples hearts with words and tears , saying all that he did was for the common good of the Emperour . Passing by 〈◊〉 and Nicomedia , out of which he was shut , he was 〈◊〉 by Andronicus Angelus ( sent with a great power by the President Alexius ) who spending most of the night in rioting , and the day in his bed , left nothing undone for the assuring of his estate ; working the mat er so by the rare beauty of the Empresse , by gifts and sums of mony , that none of account went to 〈◊〉 Who neverthelesse joyning battle with Angelus overthrew and put him to flight , whom Alexius in great displeasure calling to account for the mony of that war , his misfortune being taken as if he had betrayed the Army of purpose ; by the counsel of his 6 sons , first he 〈◊〉 with them to his own house , and presently after to Andronicus : Who being encouraged with the coming of these noble kinsmen , encamped almost right over against Constantinople , causing many great fires to be made in his army , to make it seem greater than it was , some Citizens running to the Sea side , some to the tops of hills and towers , willing to have drawn him , by their lookes , into the City . Alexius , not able to encounter Andronicus by land , ( for some that could not go over on foot , were in heart with him , others taking part with neither ) commanded all the Emperour's Galleys to be strongly put to Sea , to hinder Andronicus passage over Propontis and Bosphorus ; Contostephanus challenging the Generalship over this Fleet as his due , unto whom he was , without dispute , glad to commit the charge thereof . Then he sent one George Xiphiline , as from the Emperour , with Letters and instructions to Andronicus , commanding him forthwith to return in peace , promising him the Emperor's favour , with many honours , &c. otherwise it might turn to his destruction : Xiphiline , as it is reported , secretly advised Andronicus to proceed in his purpose , wherewith encouraged , he willed the Messenger to tell them , that proud Alexius should be first displaced , and called to an account , that the Empresse should be shut up as a 〈◊〉 to learn amendment of life , and that the Emperour should take the Government on himself , & not be overtopt by others , &c. Contostephanus , few daies after , carried all the Galleys to Andronicus ; casting Alexius into the bottom of despair . Andronicus his friends openly flocked together , and some ( scossing at Alexius ) passed the Strait to him , returning home 〈◊〉 and joyfull , filling the City with his praises . After that John and Manuell , sons of Andronicus , were set at liberty , and others laid fast in their rooms ; Alexius himself with all his faction , were committed to the guard . But Alexius ( by a wonderful change ) was about midnight conveigned to the Patriarch's house , and kept with a strong guard , complaining of nothing more than his keepers not suffering him to sleep ; whose misery the Patriarch undeservedly pitying , perswaded him not to provoke his keepers , by speeches , to use him evilly . Within few daies , he was brought ( on a little jade with a ragged 〈◊〉 on the top of a reed in derision ) to the Sea-side , and so to Andronicus , whose eys were , for his evil Government , by a general consent , put out . Theodosius the Patriarch approaching , the last of Nobles that came to Andronicus , he fell down at his horses feet , and rising kissed his foot , calling him the Emperour's Saviour , the defender of truth , comparing him with John Chrysostom , &c. But the Pataiarch , marking his stern countenance , subtil nature , &c. quippingly said , Hitherto I have heard , but now I have also seen and plainly known ; adjoyning with a deep sigh , that saying , As we have heard so have we seen : remembring also Emmanuel's words , wherewith he had lively represented Andronicus ( never seen before ) many times to his view . Andronicus ( all things in the City being to his mind ) departing from Damalum , crossed the strait , oftentimes singing that saying , Return my soul to thy rest , &c. Coming to the Emperour's Countrey-house near Philopatium , he most humbly prostrated himself before the Emperour with deceitful tears , kissing his feet : saluting his mother Xene , as it were , but for fashion sake ; staying a good while with the Emperour , he desired to go to Constantinople to see his Cosen Emmanuel's grave , where coming he wept bitterly , and roared as it were out , divers ignorant standers by saying , Oh what a wonderful thing is this , &c. He would not be removed by his kinsman , pulling him from the Tomb ; and secretly said something , as if he had prayed : some saying , it was a charm : Others and more truly , that he triumphed over the dead Emperour , with these or the like words , I have thee now fast , my cruel persecutor , &c. And now I will be revenged of thy posterity , and satisfie my self as a Lion with a fat prey , &c. He afterwards ( disposing of all matters at his pleasure ) allowed the Emperor hunting and other delights , watching him by Keepers , that none should talk of any important matter with him ; He took all the Government to himself , to drive away the contrary faction that had born sway . The state of that time ( by his rewarding bountifully the Souldiers that helped him , bestowing Offices on his children , or other favourites , shortly driving divers Nobles to exile , depriving some of their sight , casting others into prison for something or other that grieved him ) began to be most miserable . Some accusing their nearest kinsmen , for deriding Andronicus his proceedings , or that without regard of him they more favoured the Emperour ; Yea , many accusing & charging others with treason , were themselves charged by the accused , and both clapt up together . You might have seen not only his enemies , but some of his best friends , the same day to be crowned and beheaded , graced and disgraced : the wiser deeming his praises , bounty and kindnesse ; the beginning of a mans disgrace , undoing and death . Emmanuel's daughter , who above all others wished for his coming , was first cunningly poysoned by Pterigionites a corrupted Eunuch , her husband supposed also to be poysoned with the same cup. He made as if he would depart , if the fair Empress Xene were not removed from her Son : the incensed vulgar people flocking unto , and ready to tear the Patriarch out of his cloaths , if he consented not thereunto . So in a Councel of his favourites she was after many false things accused of treason , as to solicite Bela King of Hungary her Brother in Law , by Letters to invade Branisoba and Belligrade , belonging to the Empire ; for which she was condemned , and cast into a most filthy prison . Four of this Counsel , being asked their opinion of her , said They would know whether it was called by the Emperours consent ? Whereupon Andronicus , in great rage starting up , 〈◊〉 , Lay hands on them , his guard shaking their weapons at them : and the people catching and pulling them , were so fierce , that they had much ado to escape with life . The Empress now hourly expected the deadly blow . Andronicus demanding of the assembled former Councel , What punishment there was for betrayers of any Town or Province ? The answer being in writing , that it was death ; he brake out in choller , as if she had done it . By and by a writing was subscribed by the Emperour , ( labhor to write it ) unworthily condemning his Mother to dye ; Manuel his eldest son , and George Augustus his kinsman , saying plainly , They would not see her innocent body dismembred , never consenting to her death . At which troubled Andronicus , plucking himself by the hoary beard , &c. sighed at his own most miserable tyrannical estate , &c. Yet few daies after , he commanded her to be strangled by Pterigionites and another : which was done accordingly ; her ( lately adorned ) body was secretly raked up in the sand by the Sea-side . Andronicus ( all being covered under pretence of common good and safety ) to manifest his loyalty to his cosen the Emperour , perswaded the Nobility to have him solemnly Crowned , ( who for his tender age was not yet ) his own shoulders , at the time , supporting him to and from the great Church , with Crocodiles tears , as if it had been for joy ; many accounting the young Emperour thrice happy in him . So cunningly , under pietie's vail , shaddowed he his most execrable treachery . For ( having got into his power both Emperour and Empire ) he called a Councel of his favourites , declaring unto them the danger of the Empire , through a rebellion at Nice in Bithinia , and another at Prusa , who ( before sufficiently instructed ) answered , there would be no end of such mischiefs , except he were joyned in fellowship of the Empire with Alexius . At which , the standers by with a shout cryed , Long live Alexius and Andronicus the Greek Emperours . The people swarming like Bees in every part of the City , sounding his praises ; and a world following him out of his house , crying the same thing . The Emperour seeing the Court full of people saluting Andronicus his fellow , welcomed the old Tyrant , sore against his will , as his companion in Empire . Whom , dissemblingly unwilling , some flattering favourits carried up with both hands , placing him in the Imperial Seat : others putting on him the imperial Robes . At their proclaiming ( next day ) Andronicus was named before Alexius , This reason given , That it fitted not the name of a boy , to be set before a man so reverend , &c. Being to be Crowned in the Temple , he first , with a chearful countenance , began to fill the people with large promises of a more happy Government . And the more to deceive , the Coronation past , he with eies cast up to Heaven , receiving the bread and taking the cup , swore and deeply protested by those mysteries , that he took on him the fellowship of the Empire , for no other end , but to assist Alexius in the Government . But spending a few daies in feigned devotions , he called together his own corrupt Councel , having that saying of the Poet in their mouths , An evil thing 't is to be rul'd by many , One King and one Lord if there be any . They by general consent decreed , That Alexius ( as unfit ) should be deprived of all Imperial dignities , and live a private life ; another more cruel suddenly coming out , That he should be put to death . Theodore Badibren Captain of the tormentors , with two more : strangling him with a Bow-string in his Chamber ; Andronicus shortly after spurned the dead body , railing at his Father and Mother ; his head was left to feed the Tyrants eys , his body carried in lead , to Sea by two favourits , who returning with joy , vengeance followed them , all or most of the conspirers coming to miserable ends . Alexius perished , not full 15 years old , in the third year of his reign . Andronicus being 70 years old , as made hereby young again , married Anne the French Kings daughter 11 years old , procuring an absolution for all people from the Bishops ( whom for a while he had in great honour ) from the Oath of obedience given to Emmanuel and Alexius ; and for establishing his estate , secretly poysoned some , deprived some of their sight , some he hanged , some he burnt all of great honour and place that favoured Emmanuel or Alexius . For colour whereof ( Oh deep dissimulation ) he pretended himself sorry for them , &c. with rears running down his aged cheeks . Most being thus taken out of the way , the rest that favoured Emmanuel and his son , fled for safeguard of their lives . Isaac and Emmanuel's kinsmen , the one refuging into Cyprus , kept it : the other fleeing into Sicily , stirred up William that King , who took the Cities Dyrrachium , and Thessalonica , spoyling the Countrey as he went , bringing great fear on Constantinople it self : which evils Andronicus ( enemies at home and abroad daily encreasing ) though he sent out such forces as he could spare , was not able to remedy ; but ( resting wholly on tyranny ) he proscribed not only the friends of the fled , but sometimes whole families ; yea , and sometimes for light occasions his best favourits ; no day passing , but he killed , imprisoned , or tortured one great man or other ; whereby the City was filled with silent sorrow . Amongst other Nobles Hagio Christophorites came to Isaac Angelus his house , to apprehend him , beginning to lay hands on him , reviling his followers , for that they , touched with compassion , stood still as beholders . Isaac thus beset , cleft with his sword Hagio Christophorites his head to his shoulders , desperatly making way thorow the rest ; And with his bloudy sword , fled thorow the City into the Temple of Sophia , where the guilty flying for refuge used to sit , confessing and craving pardon of those going in and out . The Temple was filled with flocking people , thinking ( before the Sun-set ) he would be drawn thence by Andronicus , and put to some shameful death . His Uncle John Ducas , and his Son Isaac , came thither also , who had become sureties to the suspitious Tyrant for their kinsman . Many others also , in doubt of their estate , instantly requested the common people to stay , and stand by them at their need . Isaac spent that night , not thinking 〈◊〉 Empire , but expecting death ; yet no friend of Andronicus appeared , every man speaking what he list , and encouraging one another ; divers of the seditious assembly shut up the doors , and with lights stayed all night , causing by example others to stay . The next morning all the Citizens flocking to the Temple , cursed the Tyrant , wishing the Empire to Isaac . 〈◊〉 was out of the City at Meludinum , being certified hereof by 9 a clock at night , stirring not that night ; but by Letters advising the people to pacifie themselves . Nought in the morning prevailed with the inraged people : neither the perswasions of Andronicus his favourites , nor the report of his landing in the City ; but flocking and encouraging each other in the Temple , scoffed and called the lookers on Rotten limbs . Then they set at liberty the prisoners , many of them of good houses , and for some light fault or small offence , there laid fast ; who most animated the people , so that but soft murmurers afore , did now openly joyn themselves , running forth of their shops with swords , clubs , &c. Isaac was hoysed up by this assembly , and saluted Emperour , a Sexton setting Constantin's Crown of gold ( hanging over the Altar ) on his head ; who fearing it to be but as a sick mans dream , and the extream danger , seemed at first unwilling ; whereupon , Ducas his Uncle requesting it might be set on his old bald head , the people cryed out , they would no more obey an old bald man , hating for Andronicus his sake , every such : especially having a forked beard or bald head , as they had . Isaac ( mounted on one of the Emperour's horses richly furnished , the enforced Patriarch waiting on him ) was by the tumult invested in the Empire . Andronicus his friends and favourites , by whose help he thought to repress the rebellious , some shrinking from him , the rest faintly coming on , he vainly shot from the highest Tower of the Pallace among the people ; then cryed aloud , that if they would be content , he would resign to his Son Manuel : the enraged people reproaching both , and breaking into the Court , Andronicus , without 〈◊〉 fleeing , returned disguised , with his Wife and Minion , in his Galley , to Meludinum . Isaac being again ialuted Emperour in the Pallace , with the peoples greatest applause ; who forthwith sent to apprehend Andronicus , secretly fled with his Wife and Paragon , and a few old trusty servants to Chele : thence purposing to flee to the Tauroscythes , he was twice or thrice put back by foul weather , the Sea still threatning to devour him . Being thus apprehended by those that sought him , he was with two iron chains on his neck , and gyves on his leggs , cast into the Castle of Amena , and shortly after presented to Isaac , being , as he went , most shamefully reviled , and injuriously used , especially by women whose husbands he had murthered , or deprived of sight . His right hand was afterwards by the peoples fury cut off , and he committed to the Castle without meat , drink , or comfort : being after few daies , led bare thorow the Market-place , with his face towards the tail on a lean Cammel , in a short old coat . But the baser sort , omitted no villany they could devise to him they had honoured , extolled , and sworn loyalty : some thrusting nails into his head &c. a drab casting a pot of scalding-water in his face . They hanged him up by the heels , having thus brought him into the Theater , with indignities not to be named ; he sometimes saying patiently , Lord have mercy on me : and , Why do you break a bruised reed ? Yet they , cut off his privities , as he hung , one thrusting a sword to the twist thorow his throat : two others proving to strike with swords farthest into his buttocks . After 2 years reign , he thus miserably perished , a man of honourable descent , and notable vertues , &c. had he not obscured the same with ambition and cruelty . Isaac suffered him not to be buried , but he lay a space , in a base vault , till charitable men removed him into a low vault near a Monastery . Isaac the Emperour , at first governed with lenity , but afterwards ( besides forreign enemies ) troubled with an aspiring Nobility that besieged him ; for repressing of which , he was so severe , that few daies passed without condemning or executing some great man , making no great reckoning of the meaner sort , became odious as Andronicus . Whereupon his younger brother Alexius , whom he had redeemed from the Turks , rose up and deprived him of the Empire and sight , thrusting him into a Monastery , after 9 years 8 moneths reign , and not 40 years old . Out of the losses and ruin of the Constantinopolitan Empire , the Turks greatness , for the most part , grew : Chlizasthlan Sultan of Iconium , taking after Emmanuel's death , divers strong places in lesser Asia , and also a great part of Phrygia , ( the 3 succeeding Emperours opposing him with nothing but intreaty and presents ) which victorious Sultan dying , divided his Kingdom among 4 Sons , Masut to whom he bequeathed Amasia , &c. Coppatine , Melytene , &c. Reucratine , Aminsum , &c. Caichosroes , to whom he left Iconium ; with it , Lycaonia , &c. Reucratine and Masut warred for Coppatin's inheritance , who lived not long ; but Masut as too weak yielded to Reucratine , glad to keep his own . Reucratine ambitious , denounceth war against Caichosroes : who fleeing to Alexius Angelus for aid , be given to pleasure , and reputing their domestick wars part of his safety , sent him home without comfort . Who was quickly driven out of 〈◊〉 by Reucratine ; Zebune , King of Armenia , to whom he fled , denying him aid , the poor discouraged Sultan ( as forlorn ) passed his daies at Constantinoplë . The course of time calleth us back to remember the Turk's proceedings then , and shortly after , in Syria , Judea , Aegypt , &c. where these people ceased not til they brought those Kingdomes under obeysance . For after Baldwin's death , Almericus , his younger Brother , was by the better liking of Clergy and People , than of the envying Nobility , chosen King of Jerusalem , and Febr. 17. 1163. crowned , the Aegyptians first denying to pay their tribute to him . Who , in revenge overthrew Dargan the Sultan in battle ; he , to stay the Christians further pursuite , cut Nilus banks that the King was glad to return to Jerusalem . Almericus , the next year aided Dargan against Saracon , whom Noradine had sent to restore Sanar , the expulsed Sultan Dargan being slain , and Saracon keeping townes that he had won to himself ; Sanar , being doubtfull , joyned with Almericus , expulsing Saracon out of Aegypt . Noradine , the mean time , making inroads neer Tripolis , was ( by Gilbert Lacy , Master of the Templars and others ) suddenly set upon , most of his followers slain , and himself fleeing half naked . But shortly after besieging Arethusa , 〈◊〉 Prince of Antioch , with four other , came for relief , and eagerly following the Turk , that raised his siege , they were with great slaughter overthrown in deep fenns , all chief Commanders , ( but the Prince of Armenia , who fore-casting had retired ) were taken . The Prince of Antioch about a year , the Count of Tripolis after eight years , being hardly delivered . Noradine in few daies after won Arethusa , and besieged Paneade , which was delivered to him , the Citizens departing in safty at pleasure . The King returning , hanged 12 Templars for Treason , from whom Saracon had now taken one Castle in Sidon , and another beyond Fordan . Sanar ( in dread of Saracon , coming shortly with all his power into Aegypt to subdue it ) prayed aid of Almericus for 40000 Ducats , beside his yearly tribute . 〈◊〉 overthrew Saracon at Nilus ; but ( the Turks lighting on his carriages in their flight ) as the Christians had the victory , so the Turks the spoil . Saracon gathered again his dispersed souldiers , being received at Alexandria , the King attempted not the City , but encamped by the River Nilus : Saracon , thereby fore-seeing want of victuals , departed by night with his Army , leaving Saladine his son or Nephew with 1000 horsemen . Almericus being perswaded from following Saracon , approached the Walls with Engines . Wherewith the discouraged Citizens began to consult of turning out their troublesom Guests . Saladine certified Saracon thereof , requesting speedy relief : the Christians having intelligence of all , much harder besieged it . Saracon perceiving Saladine's request dangerous & difficult , by means of two noble Christian Prisoners , concluded a peace : the City was yielded , the Turks in safety departing ; and all Prisoners , on both sides , freed without ransome . Saracon thus disappointed returning to Damasco : & Almericus , Sept. 21. 1167. with glory to Ascalon . King Almericus now enflamed with the wealth of Aegypt , and 〈◊〉 with the peoples weakness , & chiefly stirred up by Gerbert Master of the Templars , purposed to invade it , pretending the Sultan's secret seeking to joyn in league with Noradine . He set forward in October , and came in ten daies to Pelusium , taking the City by force , after 3 daies ; he put all to the sword the rein , giving it to the Templars according to promise , Gerbert having , on that hope , with all his wealth and credit , furthered the Warr. His Fleet sacking Tapium , and he besieging Cair ; Sanar , 〈◊〉 his danger , offred Almericus 2000000 Ducats to withdraw , deferring the payment of 1900000 purposing to raise all Aegypt , and expecting aids by Saracon , whom Almericus , going to meet him , missed . Almericus dismayed with the joyning of the two Armies , retired to 〈◊〉 , returning to Jerusalem , having , in that expedition , laid the foundation of his Kingdom 's ruine , by bringing the Turks into Aegypt . Sarracon perceiving a fit opportunity offred , encamped near Cair , betwixt whom and the Sultan passed all tokens of friendship , often 〈◊〉 each other : but the Sultan was at length 〈◊〉 in the Turks Camp. Sarracon entring the City was by the great Caliph ( 〈◊〉 true 〈◊〉 ) appointed Sultan , as he desired , the first of the Turks that enjoyed it . He dying within a full year , Saladine his Nephew stept up , who not regarding the Caliph ( as Sarracon and the Sultan's before ) with his Horse-man's Mace struck out his brains , rooting out all his posterity ; and to encourage his Turks against the Christians , he divided the Aegyptian treasures among them . Renowned Aegypt was ( till about 704 ) part of the 〈◊〉 Empire , which revolted unto the Saracens , whose superstition they received , through the Greeks pride and covetousnesse , so living about 464 years , till now ( invaded by Almericus ) Sarracon , ayding , repulsed the Christians , but took the Kingdom , remaining in Saladines posterity , till again taken by the Mamalukes , Selymus the 1 utterly destroying them ( under whose servility it was long holden ) it hath remained to this day in the Turkish Emperour's Government , Selymus his posterity . Saladine thus possessed of Egypt entred into Palestine , in 1170 , with so great an Army , as the like of the Turks was never before there , winning Daron , and overthrowing Almericus his relievers , and returned contented into his Kingdome . Almericus , beset on both sides by the Turks , went personally to Constantinople , and sent Embassadors to Christian Princes of the West to crave aid : he and his Embassadours were loaded with great promises , all which came to nothing . Saladine made three light expeditions into the holy Land , the three following years , ( still raising his siege and retiring upon Almericus his coming ) more to prove his enemies strength , & train his souldiers ( chiefly the womanly Aegyptians ) than for hope of Victory . Noradine , Sultan of Damasco , reigning 29 years , soon after died : Almericus forthwith besieged Panead , but for a great sum from the Widdow , & noble Prisoners delivery he departed . So returning , not well , on horseback , ( with his ordinary retinue ) to Jerusalem , where being grievonsty tormented with his old disease , the Flux , which was before somewhat staied , he requested a gentle potion of his refusing Physitians , commanding it upon his own peril , wherewith ( though his loosed belly was at first eased ) his Feaver was vehement , and he suddenly died , July 10. 1173. having reigned about 10 years . This wise and right valiant Prince was buried by his Brother , with great lamentation of all . His son Baldwin ( about 13 years old ) was 4 daies after chosen and solemnly crowned , 1173. Raymund Count of Tripolis , being , by the whole consent , appointed his Tutor , for his tender age . Noradine left his son Melechsala , a youth , to succeed him . Whose disdaining Nobles betrayed Damasco to Saladine , secretly sent for ; who , in fine , unresistedly 〈◊〉 the whole Kingdom of Damasco , Arethusa excepted . The wiser not thinking it safe for the Kingdomes of Damasco and Aegypt to be joyned , Jerusalem lying betwixt both . Wherefore the Count of Tripolis made out to hinder his proceedings : ( Then also Cotabed Prince of Melechsala's Uncle's Troops , sent to aid his distressed Nephew , were almost all slain by Saladine near Aleppo ) Who appeased the Christian Princes with intreaty , rewards , and rich presents . After which he , passing 3 or 4 years in quietnesse , was greatly strengthned in those new Kingdomes . Philip Earl of Flanders comming over , the Christian Princes consulted of an expedition into Aegypt , ( Saladine drawing down into that Country ) . But Philip disliking it ( and the rather for Tripolis his no cheerfulnesse ) they turned forces a contrary way , miserably wasting about Emissa and Cesarea . 〈◊〉 taking this occasion , invaded the holy Land ; where burning the Country , and raging in bloud , he encamped not far from 〈◊〉 ; them of 〈◊〉 , being about to forsake the City for fear . Baldwin lay close in Ascalon with small forces he had left . Saladine encouraged , dispersed his Army to forrage the Countrey . The King perceiving this , secretly issued out and charged him , till ( after a hard and doubtful battel ) Saladine fled , most of his Army being slain , or lost with hunger and cold . This was Novemb. 25 , 1177. the Turk had 26000 horsmen , the King not past 4000. He returned triumphing to Jerusalem , diligently repairing the Cities Walls . In revenge Saladine did great harm , chiefly about Sidon ; the King overthrowing part of his Army carryed great booty . Saladine came as a sudden tempest on the secure Christians , dividing the spoil , slaying a great number , taking Otto and Hugh in flights confusion ; the King glad to shift . After which he took ( by force ) a strong Castle lately built by Jordan , putting all to the sword , except a few prisoners ; He becoming hereby dreadful in Syria , caused the Christians to be more vigilant ; yet there was almost a 2 years breathing by the Sultan and Kings , shortly concluding a Peace . But the Count of Tripolis , ( being through enemies suspected by the King as affected to the Kingdom , and commanded to stay ) coming toward Jerusalem , suddenly troubled this pleasing calm . The Kings turbulent Mother and her 〈◊〉 , were the chief authours ; but the other Nobles ( wisely foreseeing discords danger ) appeased that fire for a time , by causing him , being sent for , to be reconciled to the King. Saladine now renounced the League with Baldwin , setting forward with great power in Egypt , toward Damasco . Baldwin went to meet him , and encamped at Petra ; but Saladine turning away , encamped before Mount-royal Castle given to the Templars ; who there refreshing his Army , arrived unresisted at Damasco . The Turks Captains then spoiled Galilee , besieging and soon taking 〈◊〉 Castle at Mount Tabors foot , carrying away about 500 prisoners , with great slaughter made . Saladine joyning all 〈◊〉 Garrisons with Egyptian forces , entred the holy Land ; whom Baldwin ( though the Count of 〈◊〉 lay sick ) encouraged , 〈◊〉 near 〈◊〉 a Village overthrowing him , and most of his Army perishing , himself by flight escaping to Damasco ; who in revenge besieged 〈◊〉 by Sea and Land : his brother , 〈◊〉 of Aegypt , besieging Darum towards Aegypt . Baldwin thinking best first to relieve Berytus , set forward by Land , rigged 30 Gallies at Tyre ; which Saladine , by intercepted Letters , understanding , presently departed . And seeing the success against Baldwin not as his desire , passed more Eastward over Euphrates into Mesopotamia , getting Edessa , Carras , &c. by force and corruption into his hands : in which time Baldwin spoyled about Damasco , retiring to Jerusalem laded with spoil . Saladine returning , matched in revenge , to Aleppo , longed for above all other ; which ere long , was by the Governours treason delivered to him , the Princes fearing great matters to ensue . The Prince of Antioch sold Tarsus ( Saladine as it were stepping betwixt him and it ) to Rupinus of Armenia . The King sick of a Feaver , and the Leprosy daily encreasing , appointed ( to the great discontentment of the Count of Tripolis ) Guy Count of Joppa and Ascalon , to whom Sybil his Sister was espoused , Governour of the Kingdom , reserving only the Kingly title , and Jerusalem with 10000 Ducats yearly . Saladine , after a little breathing , took many Castles , doing infinite harm in the holy Land the people fleeing into Cities for fear . The Christian Army , through envy to Guy , and affection to Tripolis , lying fast by and ( never so before ) not moving , suffering the enemy to spoil and depart in safety ; who within a month , in hope of a safer passage between Damasco and Aegypt , sat down before Petra beyond Jordan with a great Army . Baldwin sent the Count of Tripolis by him restored , and Guy displaced , against him : Saladine hearing of it raised his siege . The King , a little before , growing sicker , appointed ( by the Nobles consent , Baldwin ) Sybills Son ( a posthume of William Marquess of 〈◊〉 her first husband ) 5 years old , to succeed him ; Raymund of Tripolis , during his minority , to govern the State. Guy hereupon , departed from Court to Ascalon , discontented ; the Patriarch and Princes , fearing great danger , requested the King to receive 〈◊〉 into favour , and to reconcile him with Raymund , by his Parliament at Acon ; but it was dissolved , and nothing in that point concluded . Jerusalems Kingdom , through the old King's sickness , the young ones unfitness , and the dissention between Guy and Raymund , began to decline . Raymund , fearing Guy , was thought to have intelligence with Saladine , the King almost purposing to proclaim him Traytot ; But by the Counsel of Tyre's . Archbishop and others , he sent Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem , and two more Masters of the Knights and Templers , to the Pope , the Emperour of Germany , the French and English Kings , to crave aid against the Infidels . These Embassadours , before the Pope and Emperour , declaring the Eastern Christians hard estate , moved all the Princes ( at the Councel of Verona ) to compassion . Thence passing into France , England and Germany , great preparation was made for relief , the returning Embassadours filling the sick King with great hopes . But quarrels shortly arising between Pope and Emperour , sharp war between the French and English Kings , and others , the expedition was dashed . Whereat Baldwin ( oppressed with grief ) 〈◊〉 without issue , May 16. 1185 , 25 years old ; whose body was also buried ( with a general mourning ) in the Temple by Mount Calvary , not inferiour to his Predecessors . Baldwin 5th . a boy , was Crowned . Raymund contending for the government and Kings tuition , by the late Kings 〈◊〉 : having it almost confirmed by 〈◊〉 But Sybill so animated Guy not to give place , that by his favourites , and the Marquess of 〈◊〉 ( then in 〈◊〉 with great power ) he had from the Nobles what he desired . Seven months after , the young King was buried : poysoned by his Mother ( as was said ) whose death she concealed , till it was wrought , that the King was 〈◊〉 , and Guy the same day Crowned : Let him have his place as the 8th King of Jerusalem , though some reckon him not among the Kings . Raymund , out of all hope , did what he could to crosse the King ; Saladine promising him help at need , which the Count desirously embraced . Discord reigning , the Kingdom drew to a period ; which Saladine perceiving , invited Turks , Saracens , and Egyptians to take up Arms , assuring them of great prey , and honour of conquest , which Mahometans flocked to Ptolemais , 50000 horse , besides infinit foot there meeting the Count , conducting some thorow Tiberias , Nazareth and Galilee . They besieging this City Ptolemais , Saladine terribly assaulted it on May day 1187. In the heat whereof , the 2 Masters of the Templars and Knights Hospitallers , to whom it was given to defend , sallying out , assailed the Camp ; and turning on the assaillers , made confusion and sudden danger , turned his whole forces , fighting a most bloudy battel ; the Count of Tripolis in a Turkish habit , helping the Infidels , unhorsed the Master of the Hospitallers , who surcharged with Armour , and oppressed with enemies , died , Saladine ( new succour still coming ) having lost 15000 , fled with the rest ; a 〈◊〉 not without Christian blood , most of the Hospitallers being 〈◊〉 . Saladine now thought good to joyn pollicy to open force ; working by Raymund of Tripolis , 〈◊〉 ( as utterly fallen out with the Turks ) he should seek for grace of Guy , as his dread Soveraign . Saladine to colour this , besieged Tiberias a City of the 〈◊〉 ; who , traiterously craving aid of the King , encamped with an Army near the fountain of Sophor , joyning a terrible battel with 120000 horsemen and 160000 footmen of Turks : both Armies , as by consent , retiring through extream heat and nights approach . The 〈◊〉 next day , by the false Counts flight , gained the victory ; Guy the King , with divers of great note were taken ; the Christians whole strength was here broken . Saladine , with little resistance , had Ptolemais , 〈◊〉 and Berytus delivered him ; not forcing any Christian yielding their obedience and tribute , but the Latins , to depart . And , within a month , taking , except Tyre , all Sea-port Towns betwixt 〈◊〉 and Ascalon ; he marched from Ascalons siege of 9 daies , directly to Jerusalem , perswading the Citizens timely to yield themselves and City to his mercy ; they refusing , he for 14 daies , left nothing 〈◊〉 for gaining thereof . The Citizens considering their danger , the Kingdoms strength 〈◊〉 , no forreign aid to be expected , agreed to yield on condition , of staying with goods and liberty , or departing with what they could carry on their backs ; 〈◊〉 delivered Octob. 2 , 1187 , holden by the Christians 89 years . Saladine prophaning the Temple with his superstition , using the other as Stables ; that of the Sepulchre was , for a great sum redeemed by the Christians . The Latins he thrust out , with what burdens they could bear ; who travelling to Tripolis , Tyre and 〈◊〉 , were by false Raymund of Tripolis , and his followers , lightened thereof . Others , as Syrians , &c. had places in the 〈◊〉 appointed to dwell in . All Monuments were defaced , except Christ's Sepulchre , with Godfreys and his brother Baldwins . Above 20000 Christians perished , the Count of Tripolis shortly after found dead in his bed , as some say , circumcised . Saladine returned to the siege of Ascalon , which after 10 daies , with a composition for safe departure , was delivered for freeing Guy the King , and Gerrard 〈◊〉 of the Templars . Then he attempted 〈◊〉 , but gave over the siege . He most furiously assaulted Tyre , which was full of men , by Conrade of 〈◊〉 arriving with the Greek Emperour's Fleet , and distressed Christians fleeing thither ; but was repulsed with great losse . The Admiral of Sicily landing upon his back , he ( charged behind and before ) left his Tents , with all therein , to the Christians for haste : In few daies invading about Antioch , he destroyed all with fire and sword , that so strong a Cities Castle , being ( by means of the Patriarch for gold ) betrayed to him ; whereby he soon was Master of the City , about 90 years before hardly gained by the Christians , 25 Cities with the Provinces belonging , depended thereon . The report of this losse , soon filling Christendom with pittiful complaints of 〈◊〉 , and perswasions of Pope Clement 3 , moved the Christian Princes with many great Prelats ; all or most making great preparations for relief against the Turks ; and afterwards imploying them ( at divers times ) with danger of their persons ; the success shall hereafter be declared . Of which Saladine not ignorent , set Guy at liberty ; 〈◊〉 a year contrary to promise , with an oath , never by Arms to seek revenge or recovery of his Kingdom : hoping to stay the other Princes coming thereby ; which extorted oath the Pope dispensed withal . Guy now came to Tyre , but could not ( for their sworn obedience to Montferrat ) be received ; But departing , he besieged Ptolemais with the power he had ; with whom the Venetian Fleet , them of Pisa , and 50 sail of Flemings , joyned to win the City . Saladine came with a great 〈◊〉 for relief ; there was fought a great battel , and had not Geffrey the Kings brother , come from the Camp with supplies , the Christians , who had at first the better , had had a notable overthrow ; yet 2000 were slain . Saladine sent for his strong rigged Fleet at Alexandria , putting men and victuals into the City . The encouraged Turks , made often salleys , whipping in despight , the Image of Christ crucified on top of the Wall. Saladine scoured the Seas with this Fleet , that no supplies could come to the Camp : So that some Christians , through famine shortly arising , fled to the Turks for bread . Saladine making shew as not understanding thereof , departed leaving his Camp full of victuals . The Christians supposing he had gone for fear , hastened to the forsaken Camp , of whom Saladine , returning , made a great slaughter ; yet they with many a skirmish by Sea and Land , continued the Winters siege , expecting aid the next Spring . Frederick the Emperour with other Princes , the mean time , set forward from 〈◊〉 , arriving at length at Constantinople ; where Isaac Angelus Emperour , honourably , for fear and fashion , entertaining him , hastened his passage into Asia , pretending the Christians need of aid : who passing the strait , and marching into Lycaonia , overthrew the Turks in a great battel , sent to stop him 〈◊〉 the Iconium Sultan ; which City he took by force , giving the spoyl to his Souldiers , in revenge of his Unkle Conrade . Then he overthrew them in Cilicia , taking Philomela , racing the City to the ground , and putting all to the sword , because they slew his summoning Messengers . He likewise took Melitene in lesser Armenia , overthrowing a huge Army , coming for relief , with an exceeding slaughter . Then he 〈◊〉 Saladin's Sons Army in Comagena . But his horse foundring in the River Saleph , ( at his too eager chase ) his foot hanging in the stirrop , he was drawn thorow and taken for dead ; yet with much ado he uttered , Lord receive my soul , and gave up the ghost : of whom Saladine was greatly afraid . He perished June 10 , 1190. aged 70 years , reigning 38 ; his body was pompously buried in Tyre's Cathedral , Frederick his Son Duke of 〈◊〉 , was chosen General , whose 〈◊〉 Army , the Turks fiercely charging in hopes to overthrow , returned with some losse , and like speed as they came . But famine began to encrease , the Turks having destroyed and carried away all ; yet Antioch being easily delivered him , his Souldiers were well refreshed by the Christian Citizens . 15 daies after , the Plag ue began to rage there among his Souldiers , and he glad to take the open field ; and setting forward against Do Dequin , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sent for out of Egypt , they joyned a great and doubtfull battel ; the Christians 〈◊〉 in valour , they in number . At length the Christians Vauntg uard began to retire , their seconds hardly charged . Frederick breaking in with a valiant Troop , the Turks gave ground : Leopold of Austria presently coming with his foot , they speedily fled , 4000 slain , 1000 taken and 15 Ensigns , small losse of the Christians . After which , he passed Laodicea , easily taking Berytus , with other revolted Cities : So coming to Tyre buried his Father . Thence certifying Guy , at Ptolemais , of his coming ; who sent Montferrat to transport him by Sea , because of Saladin's great Army : and being safely conducted with his Souldiers to the Camp at 〈◊〉 , he was 〈◊〉 received . After whose coming , 't was thought good to affault the City round , every Regiment being appointed what place to assaile ; which was done with such fury , as if they purposed to gage their whole forces , the Turks still beating them from the walls top . But now Saladine ( hovering aloof ) came suddenly on the Christians Camp , notably receiving the first charge ; but giving ground , some Tents with Ensigns were taken , and Pavilions fired , having slain above 100. The Christians retired from the assault to relief of their Camp ; the Turk retired also , having almost lost himself . This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was Octob. 14. Divers Princes ( the mean while ) of the West , came thither , rather increasing famine than furthering service . Then also Conrade of Montferrat ( who had married Isabel the Queens sister ) pretending a Title to the Kingdom , much hindred proceedings . But Duke Frederik dying shortly , at the siege , of the plague , and buried at Tyre , the Christians attempted no great matter ; but lay entrenched expecting aid from the Princes : which were Philip 2. of France ; and Richard King of England , on whom all the hope of affairs in Syria rested ; who met at Marselles in province , with combined forces for relief . The French King first departed for Sicilia with a prosperous gale ; but coming nigh the Island , through a sudden tempest , he with much ado arived at Messena , tossed in the deep , many ships perishing , some broken on sands and rocks , and all sore weather-beaten . Richard arived after 〈◊〉 better fortune . Both Kings resolved there to Winter , the French being 〈◊〉 so to do , for supplies from France . King Richard and Tancred , the now aspiring King of Sieily , had like to break out into war about the Queens ( Richard's sisters ) Dowry , had it not 〈◊〉 taken up . But it fell out , whilst the Kings of England and France often met as good friends , & c. that jealousie and distrust revived old , and raised new quarrels , to the great hinderance of the common good they intended : a warning to great Princes ( willing to hold a unity ) never to converse or stay long together . An old quarrel was , Richard's rejecting Adela the others sister , for suspition of too much familiarity with his Father Henry the 2d . and espousing Berengaria the King of Navar 's Daughter : which 〈◊〉 brake 〈◊〉 to this Expeditious overthrow , and disturbance of their Realms . The French King at Spring , loosed from Messana , arriving safely at Ptolemais , and was received by the Christians as succours from Heaven . Richard shortly following , two ships of whose weather-beaten Fleet , were driven on Cyrus , the Islanders spoyling them , slaying and taking the men that hardly escaped the Sea , and forbidding the rest to land . The King , moved , landed by force , fully conquering the Island , and taking Isaac Comnen ( commonly called their King ) sent him bound in silver chains into Syria . Then there at Limozin he married Berengaria , and set forward , after disposal of things , he took of the Sultans a great ship laden with victuals , & warlike provisions ; and was most honourably received at 〈◊〉 : which had been besieged 3 years , with many a hot assault and bloudy skirmish . The eys of all were fixed on these two Kings . The Camp chiefly consisted of English , French , Italians and Almains : as also many others from Zeale daily coming in . These thus besieging , had laboriously undermined that called , the accursed Tower , with part of the Wall , appointing every Regimen to assail the wall at the firing of the Mine ; in which assault the Tower fell , with part of the wall , opening a fair breach . The Turks forthwith in a Parley , yielded the City , July 12 , 1191 , and were to restore the holy Crosse , 2000 Captives , 200 horsemen of those they required , being in Saladin's power ; 200000 Ducats to be given to the 2 Kings for their cost , the City Turks being to remain hostages for performance ; and to be at the Kings mercy , if all were 〈◊〉 performed in 40 daies . The Austrians ( as the only men ) first , at entry , advanced their Ensigns on the walls top , which Richard ( especially ) not brooking , caused their Dukes Ensigns to be soyled under foot , to his after repentance . The 2 Kings dividing the spoyl , not regarding the other Christians , they withdrew , and sent them word , except they they were partaker of the gains , as of the pains , they would forsake them ; many ( the Kings delaying their promisés ) departing for poverty discontented , into their Countries . But ere long , envy and distrust , ministred new matter of greater discontentments between the 2 Kings ; King Richard requested the French King , to bind himself with him by oath , to stay 3 years for regaining Syria and Palestine ; but he , estranged before from Richard , plotting matters nearer home , would not be perswaded so to do ; but in a colour fell very sick , sending for Richard and others : to whom in few words , he declared his purpose ; That seeing he could not indure the hot air's intemperature , and that the life of one absent might more profit Christian Religion , &c. than the death of him present , he must depart ; but would leave 5000 horse and 10000 foot choise men , under Odo Duke of Burgundy , giving them pay , and supply of all things . King Richard said , his return was to invade Guien and Normandy , now disfurnished of Garrisons ; which point he so urged , that Philip bound himself to him by Oath , no way to attempt any thing , until 50 daies after Richard's return home . And embarquing the rest of his Army , he Aug. 1. departed to Tyre , thence to Rome visiting the Pope , and so safely arrived in France , having performed nothing to what the world expected . Leopold of Austria followed , and shortly the Venetians , Pisans and Genoans . Whereupon Saladine refused to pay the promised mony , or restore the prisoners , threatning to chop off all Captives heads , if extremity were used to the pledges . Richard refused Saladin's request and presents for longer sparing his pledges ; whereupon he beheaded the Christian Captives , and Richard Aug. 20 , in sight of Saladin's Army executed 2500 , or as some write , 7000 Turks prisoners . Saladine ( as it commonly happens in a great Commanders ill successe ) much impaired his reputation by the losse of Prolemais ; wherefore with a headlong despair he sacked , ruined , and overthrew the walls of Porphyria , Casaria , Joppa , Ascalon , Gaza and Elam , with divers other places like to stand the Christians in stead : most part whereof were fortified , and re-peopled by Richard and the Templers , though Saladine endeavoured to let them . But nothing more hindred the Christian Princes proceedings , then discord among themselves ; for besides the strife of the Kings of France and England , no lesse was between King Guy and Conrade of Montferrat , about the lost . Kingdom 's title . Richard with othesr taking Guy's part ; and the French King with others taking part with Conrade : who being shortly slain by two Assassines or 〈◊〉 , suborned by the Prince of Torone , for taking from him Isabel his espoused wife . Richard perswaded Isabel his Widow , to marry his Nephew the Earl of Campaine , giving him Tyre ; Guy exclaiming as of a wrong unto himself : But shortly after , he perswaded Guy to resign his small title in the Kingdom to him , and gave him Cyprus in lieu thereof ; Richard becoming hereby King of Jerusalem . Guy lived not long in the Kingdom of Cyprus ; yet 't was about 283 years in the Lusignan family : until it fell into Uenetian hands , who held it nigh 100 years , till Selymus 2 , Turkish Emperor took it from them in 1571. King Richard was now more desirous of Jerusalem than before ; And thereupon set forward himself in the Vantguard , Otho following him , and Jaques with his Flemings &c. in the rear ; being come to Arsua , Saladine , with ambuscadoes , charged the rear-ward , on whom Jaques turning , endured the charge till the rest came to their succoúr . The French , English , and Low-countrey-men , strove honourably in that notable battel , especially the Turks part , their only hopes depending on Jerusalem : it continued from noon till the Suns going down ; Richard ( some write ) was wounded with an arrow : 〈◊〉 was slain , leaving the victory to the Christians : more Turks are said to be slain , than in any battel in mans memory , the Christians lost no great number . They removed ( the next 〈◊〉 ) to Bethlehem ; but the King through Winters approach , &c. returned with most to Ascalon , which that Winter he fortified . Otho wintred at Tyre , many departed then from the Camp ; however , at Spring Richard took the field , and came to Bethlehem : taking ( by the way ) very many loaded Camels , sent to furnish Jerusalem ; but Otho ( who knew the French Kings mind ) perswaded the Frenchmen , that the glory would redound to Richard ( as present ) through whose unwillingnesse to the siege Richard ( to his grief ) returned to Ptolemais . News also was then brought , that Philip of France ( forgetting his promise ) had invaded Normandy , stirring up Richard's brother , to take on him Englands Kingdom . Richard fearing he might lose his Kingdom at home , thought best to make 〈◊〉 good end with Saladine , and so return . But the politick Sultan , to weaken the Christians forces , and discourage others from coming thither ; afterwards , offered no other conditions than that the Christians should restore all they had won in the 3 years , Ptolemais excepted ; and that , the Turks for 5 years should not molest them : which the King was willing to accept of whereby the labour , &c. of these two Kings , and others were frustrated : the Christians having only Antioch , Tyre and Ptolemais left in Syria . Richard , leaving those affairs to Henry Earl of Champain , shipped most of his men with his Wife for England , they arriving safely there : but himself from Sicily , following , was ( by extremity of weather ) driven on the coast of Histria ; and travelling homeward in a Templars habit , was by Leopold of Austria taken prisoner ; who sold him to the Emperour for 40000 pounds , and after 1 year 3 months , was ransomed for 100000 li. The great Sultan Saladine about this time dyed , who commanded no solemnity to be used at his burial , but his shirt carried on a Lance point as an Ensign , a plain Priest crying before his dead body , Saladine Conquerour of the East , of all the greatness and riches he had in his life , carrieth nothing with him after death , more than his shirt . He reigned about 16 years , leaving 9 Sons , all ( except Saphradine Sultan of Aleppo ) murthered by Saphradine their Uncle , from whom discended Meledin Sultan of Aegypt , and Coradin of Damaseo and Jerusalem . Pope Celestine was now in hope , that Jerusalem might ( in that discord of the Turks ) be recovered , and the Kingdom established , who perswaded Henry the Emperour to undertake the matter ; who sent the Duke of Saxony with a great Army into Asia , to whom two 〈◊〉 , the Archbishop of Moguntia , and the Bishop of Herbipolis were joyned . Many other German Princes and Prelats , then taking on them the holy war ; who being relieved , and transported to Antioch by the Greek Emperour , came by land to Tyre and Ptolemais , purposing to relieve the besieged Germans in Joppa ; but they being all by treason slain , and the City raced , they departed to 〈◊〉 . Then taking and fortifying Berytus , they besieged 〈◊〉 : which being brought to extremity , the Turks came on so fast for relief , that they raised their siege , which Berytus Garrison perceiving , abandoned the City , marching with the Army to Joppa and fortifying it ; The enemy coming raced Berytus in 1197. The Turks coming to disturb Joppa's fortifying , the Christians removed some miles off , to draw the Turks to a convenient place . The Turks hereupon , sent a part to assail the City , the other following disorderly ; on whom the Christians turning , sharply encountred and put them to flight , some thousands of them falling , taking the spoil and returning to the City . But the Duke of Saxony over-heating himself , and on the 〈◊〉 day , dying of a Feaver , and the Duke of Austria ( the night following ) of a wound , diminished this victories joy . Not long after , both Pope Celestine and Henry the Emperour dyed , troubles arising in Germany , about a new Emperours choice ; whereupon , the Bishop of 〈◊〉 , an Electour , and the other German Princes , could not be perswaded to stay , but home they went. The Turks afterwards , ( the Germans on Martin's day making merry in their Pots at Joppa ) had a port betrayed to them , putting all to the sword , and racing the City , thinking now to drive the Christians quite out of Syria ; yet by Simon Count of Montfort , sent thither with a tall Regiment by the French King , and their civil discords , they were repressed , and a Peace concluded for 10 years , which was in 1199 , or , as some write , in 1198 , the Count returned into France , with whom ( the time and History now calling us ) we will repair into lesser Asia , to see other Turkish affairs in those Eastern Countreys . The ruin of the Turks first Empire in Persia : with the success of their second Kingdom in lesser Asia , under the Aladine Kings . IT fared with the Turkish Empire ( first planted by Tangrolipix in Persia and other Eastern Countrys ) as with a sick body subject to many changes , which continuing for 170 years , must now give place to a greater power . For it fortuned about this time , that the Tartars or Tattars ( inhabiting the cold and bare Countries in the North of Asia , a barbarous , fierce , and needy Nation ) stirred by their own wants , and the perswasion of Zingis or Cangis , holden for a great Prophet , made their leader , and honourably named 〈◊〉 , or the mighty King , or great Cham flocked like the sand of the Sea , and conquering their poor neighbours , easily entreated to seek better fortunes with them , passed the high Mountain Caucasus , part of Taurus , dividing Asia into 2 parts ; over which , coming down as into another world full of natures delights , never seen to them before , bear down all before them . Zingis dead , Hoccata his eldest Son , took his Fathers place , who sending part of his Army Westward , turned himself Eastward ; where subduing the Bactrians and Zogdians , with others , he entred India , subduing to the East Ocean , building in Cathaia the City Cambalu , 28 miles about : where the Cham of Tartary hath his Imperial residence , having also in the Province of 〈◊〉 , Quinsay the greatest City in the World , 100 miles about 12000 〈◊〉 therein , some whereof are exceeding high . The Cham alway 30000 in Garrison : Hoccata , through the rich pleasures of India , mannaged his warrs by Lievtenants , 〈◊〉 them North , West , and South , who subdued the Arachosians , Margians , &c. and also subdued Persia , with all Parthia , Assyria , Mesopotamia , and Media . Cursumes , or Corsantes , now reigned in the City 〈◊〉 , in Chorasau the farthest part of Persia , who fled with all the people leaving all ; the Tartars racing the City , and taking the Countrey . Cursumes ( of the Selzuccian family ) dying in this flight , Ugnanchan his Son led the multitude of Turks , and seized on Babylon , now called Bagadat ; where putting all to the sword , he there , and thereabouts seated himself ; but , ere long , the Tartars pursuing , took him , and thence expelled his people . Solyman also of the Oguzian family , ( of whom more shall be said hereafter ) reigned in Persia at Nacnan ; who terrified , and waned by the Salzuccian Sultan's fall , fled with some subjects into lesser Asia . After this , the Tartars conquered greater Armenia , with Cholchis and Iberia . This proud Conquerour purposed to subdue all Asia ; but , overcome with India's delicacies , he so rested , embracing the manners and superstition of the conquered . The Turks were driven out of Persia about 1202 ; who retired into lesser Asia ( possessed by their Countreymen ) under the leading of Aladin , descended of the Selzuccian Family , who taking opportunity by the discord of the Latines and Greeks , and Greeks among themselves , first at Sebastia in Cilicia , then at Iconium , erected their new Kingdom of the Aladines . Now , and within few years , such great & strange changes were in the Constantinopolitan Empire , that it was almost utterly subverted , the Turks hereby establishing their Kingdoms in Syria and lesser Asia , and at present , triumphing in the imperiall City : which briefly to pass through shall not be from our purpose . Usurping Alexius sought also the life of Isaac his Brother's son , Heir apparent to the Empire : who seeing the villany committed on his Father , fled from his Uncle's fury , with some Greek Lords , for aid to Western Princes , comming first to Philip German Emperour , who married his sister Irene ; Who most instantly solicited her husband ( from the execrable indignity done to her Father , the banishment of her wandring Brother , and her own disgrace thereby , as also his , declaring , that if Alexius had not lightly regarded and contemned Philip , he durst not have committed so great villany ) not to leave the same unrevenged . Her Husband promised to be 〈◊〉 revenged , but , through wars with Otho his Competitour in the Empire , he could not at present . But it fortuned , that then great preparations were making in divers places for the Holy Land : Theobald , Count of Campagne , General of the Army , Boniface Marquels of 〈◊〉 , &c. were cheif , with divers Noble men : their Army was very populous . But ( since the Greeks had formerly shewed great discourtesie to the Latines ) they thought it best to journey by Italy , and cheifly to use the Venetians for their transportation by Sea , who were the easier intreated thereto , hoping hereby to scour the Adriatique Sea of the Dalmatians , and recover Jadera in Sclavonia , being revolted from them to the Hungarians ; which this Army did . But in their march into 〈◊〉 their General died , to the whole Armies sorrow ; the Marquesse of Montferrat was chosen General . This great Army having taken Jadera , was ready to be embarqued for Syria . But prince Alexius had so wrought , especially with Pope Innocent III. Philip the Emperour , and the French King ; that they commended both him and his cause ( by Letters and Messengers ) to the Army . Who comming to Jadera , with this commendation , was received as an Emperour's son , recommending himself , as a poor exiled Prince , to their protection , of a lively Spirit , &c. and being instructed by the Noble Greeks in all things for his purose , he fitted divers Nations in the Army with motives most prevalent with them : Promising to pay the mony that the French had borrowed for this War : To the Venetians , recompence for all injuries received from the Greek Emperours , chiefly Emmanuell : To the Pope and Italians , he and his Nobles had promised the Greek Church should alwaies acknowledge the Supremacy of Rome : which made the Pope , by all means , to further Alexius his cause : alledging that the Greeks & Latines difference in opinion caused that the Mahometans were not , long ago , by united forces , subdued . And promised large rewards to all that took his part . These forces for the Christians relief in Syria , were hereby converted against the Greek Empire , to the Turks grean advantage : who , had he been charged home by the Christians , as by the Tartars , might easily have been suppressed . The Commanders of the Army thought best to march directly to Constantinople : giving out thorough all Greek Cities manned against them , that they purposed not to war against the Grecians , but to restore their lawfull Emperor . And seeing antient Greece had appointed rewards and honours for their deliverers from Tyrants , they should the more favourably intreat them . So embarquing their Army , and entring the streights of Bosphorus Thracius , they anchored even in the face of the City with 240 tall ships , 60 Galleys , 70 of burden , 120 victuallers , the streight seeming rather a Wood than part of the Sea. They lay thus a while , attending if , on their sight , any tumult might arise in the City . But the Tyrant had provided , that the Citizens , favouring Alexius , durst not stir in his quarrel . Embassadours now came from Crete , yielding that Island to the young Prince , which he gave to Montferrat to encourage others in hope of recompence . Alexius had made fast the Haven between Constantinople and Pera with a great chain , manning it with 20 Galleys ; but the General sent the Eagle , a swift & the strongest ship in the Fleet , who sailing with a full gale , brake the chain , thus gaining the Haven , the Greeks left their Galleys to the Venetians . Lascaris , the Emperour's son in Law , was ready with a select company to hinder the Latines landing , who running on Land , the Foot ( for the Horses could not so soon land ) leaped out of their ships in a moment , laying about the mounted Greeks like mad men : The Citizens expecting the event of this hot skirmish , 60000 Greeks bravely sallied out of the City , and made the battle doubtfull ; yet in fine , the Greeks retired into the City , guessing the losse , by Alexius with Lascaris and a few others , secretly ( with a masse of treasure , hidden by his daughter Irene , Abbesse of a Nunnery ) the next night , fleeing . The Constantinopolitans next morning taking Isaac out of Prison , saluted him again Emperour , and opened the Gates to the Latines , calling them the Revengers of their liberty , and their Emperour's Life and Majesty , requesting to see young Alexius so long desired , so saving the City , that time , from saccage . The old Emperour and his son , in the imperiall seat , gave most hearty thanks to the Latine Princes , and though his sight could not be restored , yet he acknowledged they restored his Life , Liberty , Empire , Country , and Son , confirming whatsoever his son had promised them , and that he would content them better if they were not therewith contented , not being able to render answerable Rewards to their deserts . And consulting about means to satisfy them , ( that the Citizens might more willingly do what was to be commanded ) he intreated the Latines ( as they did ) to retire out of the City . But what every man was to pay being set down , it seemed to the Greeks most intolerable . Isaac , being brought out of a stinking Prison , through the sudden change of aire and manner of living , dyed in this very instant . The Constantinopolitans grievously exclaimed at this exaction , all in generall saying , and the Nobles ( in assemblies ) grievously complaining , that it was a villanous thing for the Empire , by a boy , to be made bare , unto a covetous and proud Nation : that the rich Isle Creet was given to the Latines : that the Greek Church was constrained to submit to the See of Rome , from which it was happily freed since the translation of the Empire thither by Constantine the Great ; whereupon a Tumult was raised . The armed people furiously ran to the Pallace , purposing to commit some outrage on the young Emperor : to whom , without stay , he , shewing himself above , promised to doe nothing without their advice and liking , appeasing the tumult with these good words . But the Emperour burning with desire of revenge , and thinking himself more bound to keep promise with the Latines , ( for he could not satisfy both ) he sent secretly to Montferrat , to send him certain souldiers about midnight , assuring him to receive them in by a Gate nigh the Pallace . Of this Alexius Duc as , sirnamed Murzufle from his bettle Browes , was not ignorant , whose aspiring mind took this occasion : and the night following , raised a tumult not inferiour to the former , comming suddenly to the Emperour , as if he had no hand in it , and told him , with a sad countenance , that the people , especially of his Guard , were in an uproar , comming to do him violence for his love to the Latines . The terrified Emperour , demanded of him , what was best to do in the case . He embraceing him , in his Gown , led him by a secret door into a Tent in the Court ; and departing as to appease the tumult he was ( in bonds ) clapt into a close stinking prison , as the Traytour before had ordered . The Traytour now made an Oration to the people , shewing his compassion to the Greeks and their Empire , and in that they were governed by a Youth , mislead by the Latines pleasure . That 't was high time for the City and Empire to look about them , since 't was sold by its Preservers : that they needed one who loved his Country before the Latines had extinguished their name . The windy people cried out with applause , That none but he was to be Chief of the Commonweal ; Others , to have him made Generall of all forces : the greatest cry was to have him made Emperour ; who , by general consent , was forthwith chosen and proclaimed . Who was of nothing more careful then to break the Latines forces , which he feared ; attempting first by Galleys filled with pitch , to burn the Venetians fleet : who , not unacquainted with such devices , and wary , by keeping themselves from each other , avoided the same , He now , to colour the matter , sent Messengers to Dandalus the General , that it was done by the peoples malice , without his privity , that he would be glad of their favour and friendship , promising to aid them with all things in their wars against the Infidels . Dandalus answered , he would believe it when young Alexius should assure him of it , and intreat for the people : which Answer mooved the Tyrant to take him clean out of the way , ( for the mutable people began to repent of what was done against the Emperour , saying , They must find means to remedy their fault with their troubles ) & with his own hands villanously strangled him in prison , bruiting abroad that the Prince despairing had hanged himself . And fearing the Latines sword , resolved to meet them in the field : so arming the Cities whole strength , with a cheerful countenance , he encouraged his souldiers to defend their Country ; to have the Walls of the City ( where they were born ) before their eyes ; to pitty their Temples , Wives , and Children , &c. graceing his enterprise with a colour of devotion , causing the Priests in their Ornaments to march with an Ensigne , having in it the Virgin Mary's picture . He first charged the Count of Flanders with a fierce and doubtfull battle , but new supplyes every way coming in , they , with a great losse , and their superstitious Ensigne , were forced to retire into the City . The City was besieged 72 daies by Sea and Land with the Latines rare agreement , fresh men stil coming to the assault gave the besieged no rest day or night . The Venetians , on the haven side , built a wooden Tower higher then the Walls and Rampiers , on 2 fastned Galleys , out of which , in the assault , they fired the City . The French likewise , on the Land side , pressing on with fury and valour , over deep ditches , high strong Walls and Bulwarks , gained the Angels Tower , and opened a way , for themselves and the rest into the City . Alexius despairing of State and Life , fled with Euphrosina and Eudocia her daughter whom he married , after 1 month 16 daies reign . The Tyrant fled , and the Latines entring , the Priests with their Ornaments , Crosses , and Banners , met them , beseeching them , with floods of tears , ( falling at their feet ) that as men , Captains , and Souldiers , they would pity men , Captains , and Souldiers , though not so fortunate as they : to abstain from slaughter , burning , ransaking ; that they might have much more pleasure and profit in preserving than destroying the City , it being their own : That the elder Alexius and Marzufle had received a reward being exiled : That they would pity a poore people often oppressed by tyrannous Governours : That in so doing tbe Lord of Hosts would reward them , &c. Some of the better sort were moved with this humble submission ; but the Souldiers fell all to the spoyle , without respect of injury to others , abstaining from innocent blood , every corner of the City being filled with mourning for so great outrages : Nobles , aged Men , and wealthy Citizens , being thrust out of all . They broke into Pallaces and Temples , where all was good prize : Some Greek Historians , eye witnesses thereof , complaining of the Latines insolency , to their eternall dishonour . Thus Constantinople , the famous seat of that Empire , fell to the Latines , April . 12. 1204. or as others , 1200. The Princes and great Commanders now considered what was best to do with the gained City and Empire , thinking not good to rase a City so ancient & important , it overlooking Asia and Europe , and so commodiously placed to keep under the Christians enemies , but to place there a Latine Governour , Lawes , and Customs , uniting it with the Church of Rome . Some would have but one Emperour in Christendome , and would choose Philip Germane Emperour , whose Wife Irene was daughter and Heir of Isaac Angelus . But all approved of this opinion , as better to choose one among themselvs , by whose personall presence ( which the Greek affaires needed ) the Latines might be alwaies aided in their wars against the Infidels . The chief in this election , were 9 Counts , with the Marquesse of Montferrat , and 5 Gentlemen of Venice : to whom were joyned two Bishops of Syria ; with two of France and an Abbot . These , assembled in the Apostles Temple , after they had craved God to inspire them in choosing a good and just Prince , chose Baldwin Count of Flanders and Hainaule , about 32 years old ; crowned by 〈◊〉 a Venetian , ( first Latin Patriarch there ) May 16. 1204 or 1205. From which time the Greek Church received Rites of the Latines , acknowledging Romes supremacy . Not long after , the Latines dividing their forces , took in most part of the Countries on Europe side , belonging to the Greek Empire , dividing them among themselvs . To Baldwin the Emperor was assigned Constantinople and Thracia , with a limited Soveraignety over all Provinces gained or to be gained by the Latines . The Venetians share was , the rich Islands Aegeum , Ionium , and Candy , in lieu whereof Montferrat had Thessalonica , with all Thessaly , a good part of Peloponesus , with a Kingly Title . The Venetian State fortified some of those greater Islands , the rest were lest to be possessed and deended by Citizens , at their private charges , the Signiour having a care over all , by a fleet suppressing the Genua Pirats , aud taking in the strong Towns Modon and Corone , which they held a long time . Other parts of the Empire , as the Dukedom of Athens , was given to French Jeffery of Troy in Champaigne , being made Prince of Achaia , another to the Count of Bloys , with divers others to private Persons , paying yearly a 4th part of their revenue to their Lord the Emperour . Yea , the Greeks also sought to share out something , every man for himself , without regard of the common good , from which they were shortly driven , by the Latines or their Countreymens greater power . Lascaris , who fled , at the Cities taking , to Adrianople , and so to Bithynia , was , with the good liking of the people ; ( having taken in the Countryes from the windings of Meander , even to the Euxine Sea ) honoured as their Emperour , making Nice his seat . The two Comnens ( Nephews of Andronicus by his son Manuel ) possessing Pontus , Galatia , and Cappadocia , erected another Empire in Trapezond ; whose posterity gloriously reigned many years , till it , with the Constantinopolitans was by Mahomet surverted . Thus it was no longer one , but many Empires , some in Royal dignity , many others as petty Kings in their Toparchies : as Aldebrandine in Attalia , Michael in Epirus , & c. 〈◊〉 , by the help of Dandalus the Venetian , and others , soon brought under all the Cities of Thrace ; Adrianople excepted : unto which the better sort of discontented Greeks with Lascaris were fled ; which Baldwin knowing , hardly besieged the same . Some evil-intreated Greeks were fled into Bulgaria , by whose perswasion , John , that Countries King ( aided by the Scythians , lately come thither , and by the Greeks themselves ) took on him to relieve the City ; who sent certain Scythian Troops before , to fetch in booties of cattle near the Camp : giving order that when they were charged , they should retire , and so draw out the Imperials , where the King lay covertly to entrap them . The Scythians under Cozus , by twice retiring , and then returning with a greater number , drew the Emperour with his Army among the woods and mountaines , where the King with his Army lay in waite : where they being wearied , and beset , were overthrown with a great slaughter : Baldwin himself taken and sent in bonds to Ternova , where , by the barbarous King , his hands and seet were cut off ; lying 3 dayes in a deep valley ( where he was cast , breathing ) he dyed , no man burying him : He perished in 1206 , not having reigned a full year . The barbarous King with his savage Souldiers , tasting the Latins wealth , over-ran all Thracia , rifling and racing the City of Serrae , with 9 more , putting all to the sword , except a few carried away prisoners . Of all Provinces , Thrace was most miserable , first spoiled by the Latins , now desolated by Bulgarians and Scythians . Didimothicum and Adrionople ( valiantly defended ) escaped their fury . The Latins made choice of Baldwin's brother , to succeed him ; who aided by the King of Thessaly , recovered all places taken by the Barbarians , driving them quite out the Countrey . But to come nearer to our purpose : Alexius Angelus fled into Thessaly from the Latins , and so to Leo Sturus ( who tyrannizing at Nauplus , was grown greater by surprizal of Argos and Corinth , by whom he entrapped Murzuffle for a secret grudg , and put out his eyes ( himself an exile a deadly foe to other exiled ) : who being shortly taken by the Latins , was brought to Constantinople ; where for murdering young Alexius , he was cast headlong from a high Tower , and crushed to pieces , miserably dying . Not long after , Alexius himself was wandring in Thraciae by Montferrat , going against Scurus stript of all , and sent away naked , wandring as a beggar in Achaia and Peloponesus who hearing that Lascaris his Son in Law reigned as an Emperour in Asia , inwardly grieved thereat , came secretly to Jathathines the Turks Sultan lying at Attalia , declaring his heavy state , requesting he might be restored especially in that part of his Empire , detained from him by Lascaris ; Jathathines , not forgetful of his own troubles , or of the kindness he had received from Alexius at Constantinople , ( when fleeing from Azatines his eldest brother , he was honourably entertained by him , received ( after Azatin's death ) for the Turks Sultan ) and hoping to share of what he got , threatned Lascaris with all extremities , except he gave place to his Father in Law , to whom those Countries of right appertained ; Lascaris , fearing both the Sultan's power , and the peoples inclination , yet finding them ready and well-affected towards him ; set forward with 2000 choise horsemen , with the Sultan's Embassadour , to Philadelphia ; the Sultan with Alexius then besieging Antioch , ( on the banks of Meander ) with 20000 Turks . Lascaris understanding the gaining that strong City would hazzard his whole Empire ; resolved to do what he might with those few to relieve it . And following the Embassadour at the heels , who coming unto the Sultan , and telling him of his approach , and at length prrswaded of the truth thereof , put his Army in the best order he could on such a sudden , and the places straitness . The Emperour had 800 resolute Italians , who brake thorough the Sultans Army , disordering them , the Greeks following ; but being divided from the rest , in coming back , were by the disordered Turks all together 〈◊〉 , having made an ( hard to be believed ) slanghter of the Turks . The Greeks were now upon the point to flee ; but the Sultan singling out the Greek Emperour , at the first encounter , gave him such a blow on the head with his 〈◊〉 , that he fell down astonished , who quickly recovering his feet , hoxed the hinder leggs of the Sultans tall Mare , with which she faltred , and the Sultan tumbled down , whose head the Emperour cut off ; the sight of which so dismaied the Turks , that they presently fled , who for his small number pursued not , but in the City gave thanks to God. The Turks sent shortly concluding a Peace on his own conditions ; who carrying Alexius taken in this battel to Nice , used him well notwithstanding his ill deserts . Whilst the Latins spent their forces against the Greeks , and Lascaris was troubled with the Turks , the Christians affairs in Syria grew worse and worse ; whereof the Knights Hospitallers and Templers , blamed Almericus King of Cyprus ; who being so near , and marrying Isabel heir of Jerusalem's Kingdom , given to pleasure did nothing to relieve the Christians ; for though the Turks were yet in League with them , and at some mutual discord ; yet building new Castles , &c. they cut them short upon occasion . The Knights requested Pope Inocent for remedy , certifying him , there was one Mary daughter of Montferrat , whom they had brought up , and were ready to bestow her on whom he should think worthy , with her right to the Kingdom , Innocent discharging Almericus , gave it to John Count of Brenne , a Frenchman of fame then in Arms with the Latin Princes ; who commending his Earldom to his brother , came with what forces he could to Uenice and Constantinople ; and thence with rejoycing , was received as King at Ptolemais , arriving Sept. 5. and marrying Mary the last day , was with her crowned at Tyre in 1209 , Almericus soon dying for grief . Some envying his promotion , called him in derision , a King Sans Ville , that is , without a Town . The 10 years peace betwixt the Turks and Christians , was almost expired : 9 years discord having continned between Noradine and Saphadin for Soveraignty , was ended by Saphadin's death . Noradine contented with Aleppo , Coradin , and Saphadin's Sons : one had Damasco , the other Aegypt , all enemies to the Christians . Not long after , Pope Innocent summoned a Councel at Lateran , to which , not only a multitude of Bishops , but most Christian Princes Embassadours repaired ; the danger of the 〈◊〉 in Syria , and their relief by the Western Princes was propounded . To which all consented , and some were appointed to publish their Decree in every Province , for relief , & to stir up the people for undertaking the same . The German Bishops of Ments , Cullen , & Trivers , were special furtherers of this , whose example moved many . Henry Count of Nivers , and one Gualter , with a great and gallant number , were sent from France , a Fleet of 200 sail meeting at the Adriatique Ports ; who arrived prosperously at Ptolemais . Andrew King of Hungary ( before bound hereto ) followed with the Duke of Bavaria , and Leopold of Austria : to all which , John of Jerusalem joyned . There was great hope of some great matter to be done ; they the first day marched into Galilee , easily overthrowing some met-Companies of the Turks . The King of Hungary bathing in Jordan , as discharged of his vow , returned ( with all his power ) home , all the rest crying out the contrary . From Jordan they came to Tabor ; But Winter coming on , and the Cattel dying by cold and want of meat , they wintred at Ptolemais and Tyre . John and the Austrian troubling the Barbarians that Winter , by taking a Castle between Caesaria and 〈◊〉 . The Army met at Spring , they thought best to attempt the conquest of Aegypt , which standing upright , they should do no great matter in Syria ; and , it being subdued , Jerusalem and Palestine would of themselves yield ; resolving to begin the war at the City Damiata , the first and commodiousest Port , by whose taking they should enter Nile , and command the Country thereabouts . This rich and ancient City , stood about a mile from the Sea , somewhat distant from Nile , environed with a navigable cut , like an Island , and compassed with 3 strong stone-Walls , a strong watch Tower at the Cut's mouth , a number of fair houses about it entrenched ; the Cut also was barred with a great strong iron chain . The Christians by great strength ( coming with their Fleet ) brake the chain ; but they 〈◊〉 a greater stay at the Watch-Tower , which strongly built , and well stored , the Souldiers overwhelmed them with shot , fire , stones , &c. The Christians had built high woodden Towers on Vessels for assault ; in the approach the Marriners and Souldiers hindred each other , by crying , they should draw nigher the Tower , others 〈◊〉 cast 〈◊〉 the bridges for entry ; the enemy also with clamour encouraging one another . In this hurly-burly the higest Tower , over-charged with men , fell with an exceeding noise , crushing some to death , the timber oppressing others being hurt , and crying for help : others hurt leapt for fear , some into Nile , some aboard ships , crying out of arm , leg , head , other part , discomfiting the rest , and giving over the assault . King John the Armies General , appeasing the tumult giving those that were hurt to Surgions , and burying the dead bodies , chearfully perswaded the Souldiers , not to be discouraged , this Towers fall being through wars chance not their cowardise , or the enemies valour . Meledine encamped in sight of Damiata , to fill the besieged with hopes of relief , often sending then by the River whatsoever they wanted , skirmishes passing daily betwixt both . The Christians had still the victory , but could neither be drawn to battel , nor kept from victnals , it being conveighed out of upper Aegypt by Nile ; whereas the same River dividing into many arms , &c. gave our men a 1000 inconveniences ; therefore they resolved to besiege the Tower again : framing a strong Tower on 2 fastned Vessels , and bringing it near their Tower , the rest of the Fleet following for assault , others standing in battel range at Land , to discourage the besieged ; and that the Sultan should not help them without hazzarding battel . They of the subburbs valiantly defended a fierce and cruel assault ; for , it being a publick Mart-City , there 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 , not only Aegyptians , but Arabians , Indians , &c. who fought for defence of lives and goods : our men being animated also , as in religious quarrels , so with the spoil of those rich Nations . The Christians drew as near with their ships as they could to Land , that they might fight hand to hand ; But the Barbarians soughr by shot , &c. to keep them from landing . The enemy boarding by chance a ship running a ground , and making a cruel slaughter , a Souldier made a great hole under the hatches , and drowned a great number of Aegyptians with the Christians , which most feard them ; The high Tower also now mating the Watch-tower , dismaied the Defendants , as with a miracle , forsaking the Tower and fleeing ; which thus taken , the discouraged in the Suburbs fleeing , many were wounded from the Watch-tower by the Christians . Other ships then landing , the Souldiers put all they found to the sword . There was abundance of victuals , but far more riehes . Now they 〈◊〉 the strong Town Damiata , but gaining nothing but hard blows and wounds , they retired ; yet they lodged in the Suburbs , lying betwixt the Sultan and the City , that no supply should be brought : the enemy being ( to their great losse ) oft hindered , both from entring or sallying forth . But now Nile swelling with an Eastern wind , most of the Christians victuals were spoiled ; who ( through the Pope's Legat ) fasting and praying for 3 daies ; the wind falling and the River decreasing on the fourth day , they prayed more earnestly , thinking , as the Almighty had feared , so he had comforted them again . Victual growing scant in the Sultan's Camp , he sent away half his Army about Caire ; at which time , 〈◊〉 sent Embassadours to the Princes of the Christian Army , in his own , and the Aegyptian Sultan his brothers behalf , suing for peace , and promising to restore whatever his Father Saladine had taken from them ; most liking that well , saying , They had taken up 〈◊〉 for recovery of that had been before gotten , : that all these things being restored , there rested no further occasion of war , &c. Yet Pelagins the Popes Legat , ( for the other 〈◊〉 dead ) King John , Master of the Hospitallers and Templers , Duke of Austria , and the Germans were contrary in opinion : alleading , this sacred war was undertaken against the Infidels and Mahometan Superstition , and they ought to impugn Aegypt as its chief seat ; whereby the Sultans large offers were rejected . Whereupon Coradine fearing , forthwith raced the Walls of Jerusalem , 〈◊〉 down most of the stately buildings , yet sparing David's Tower and Christ's Sepulchre , at the humble intercession , as is said , of the Christians of divers Countreys . The Plague arising in the Christians Camp at Damiata , the great Commanders ( so many dying ) who would have 〈◊〉 the Sultans large proffers , began to repent they had so much hearkened to the Legat. The Christians weary of a now 6 moneths siege , and the Sultan ( but only the choice of his men ) having sent away the rest , stood not so carefully on their guard as before ; whereupon the Sultan in the night hoped to send supplies to the besieged . The formost Companies were already entred ; but the Christians perceiving them , so assailed the hindermost , that the enemy , fearing they should enter in with them , shut the gates , where they were all cut to pieces : The Christians hereby encouraged , next day part of the Army presented themselves to give the Sultan battel , who would not be drawn out of his trenches , they ( especially the French-men ) attempted their rampiers , but not with answerable successe . The Aegyptians enforcing their small number to retire , Gualter with others being lost : the King also assailing the Camp , lost many , his face burnt , hardly escaping with life . After which , they thought of nothing but the siege , and the City now more streightly besieged , and brought to extream 〈◊〉 , assembled themselves to consult what to do , one or other secretly fleeing to the Camp. Had not the chief Commanders mured up the gates , and commanded none to come on the Walls or Rampiers , the City had been by the most yielded , who searching , especially Shops and Ware-houses , divided the small store of Wheat among themselves ; the people eating whatsoever came to hand , prolonged life with what they could find . These not able to endure famins extremities , were greatly slaughtered with the plague , which so encreased , that men were wanting , not only to succour , &c. the sick , but to bury the dead . The dead bodies gave a horrible stink with infectious air ; they choosing rather to die , than submit themselves to their enemies , The Christians knew of the famine , but not of the raging Plague among them . They cast up Trenches and Baricadoes , to keep in such as the famine should enforce out , still expecting when the besieged , through necessity , should yield . When they had lyen above a year at siege , certain Souldiers in a bravery , adventured to mount the Wall : and finding no resistance , they stood still hearkening ; but seeing that dumb silence continued , they returned , informing the Captains of the matter ; who thinking it some policy of the enemy , afterward caused some Companies to scale a Bulwark , in such sort , as if they had gone against a puissant enemy : who took it without resistance , and cut in pieces ( in their further entry ) a small company , very weak and feeble with famine and infection of air , after some small resistance . The gates being set open , the Christians were let in with displayed Ensigns ; but at the entry were artainted with a most grievous stink , they saw the streets covered with dead bodies , others drawing towards their end . Of 70000 persons were not found above 3000 alive , and those the most part young children , which maigred and poor ones , had their lives granted them , to cleanse the City and bury the dead , being three moneths in doing it . Damiata was taken Nov. 5. 1221. The spoil was great , with store of Gold , Silver , and precitious Stones . The Christians ( as in a Colony ) forgetting their Countrey , stayed there above a year after . The City , Pelagius ( by vertue of his Legation ) adjudged to belong to the See of Rome : at which , the King and Armies General , ( to whom all places taken was agreed to be given ) withdrew himself discontented , yet dissemblingly , to Ptolemais . Pelagius , weary to see nothing doing , the year following , commanded every man to take Arms and prosecute the war , with besieging of Cairs ; yet the Souldiers cryed out with one voice , They would be commanded by none but the King of Jerusalem . The Legat was enforced to send and request the King , to take on 〈◊〉 the mannaging of that war , who by particular affairs , 〈◊〉 his own indisposure , excusing himself , at length ( through the requests of the other Princes ) at the time when the 〈◊〉 Duke , after 10 months absence , arrived ( out of his Countrey ) with a brave Company , returned to Damiata : whom with others the Legat requested , and urged speedily to take the field , telling them , the holy wars enterprize was grown old , and cold by these delays , &c. That it was for the invaded or assailed , ( on whose lives their Countrey , Wives , &c. depended ) to prolong time , and to delude and dally off the enemy , till , having weakened his forces , he should lose his hope : Caire , he said , was a great City ; yet the greatest Cities had , by puissant and speedy enemies , become desarts : and that great Empires ought not to be assailed by forreign force , if they were not ( at first ) overthrown , or weakened as not to recover themselves , &c. That Aegypt ought not to have been attempted , or not to be given over before conquest . The King of Jerusalem , whether grieved that Damiata could not be given him , or having proved , that higher Aegypt was not to be attempted without great danger , said he would not go in any case , the war being undertaken for recovery of the holy Land ; and that after Memphis , Babylon or 〈◊〉 were taken , they could not be kept long by force ; whereas Syria was in right their own . And though he commended whatever forwardness , &c. Pelagius commended ; yet he ought to employ the same in Syria , and not where no need was , or profit to be exspected . The Legat , wedded to his opinion , commanded him and the rest , to get in the field against the Sultan , threatning the sentence of excommunication against the backward or unwilling : So as enforced , they set forward in August the hottest season . The Sultan ( as afraid of 70000 ) retired farther off , at which the unexpert Legat rejoycing said , That fortune favoured the valiant , and to cowards all fell out to the worst . The Christians seizing on a bridge , made over Nile , cut the Keepers thereof to pieces . Drawing nigh Caire , and encamping in its sight , they ran up and down , provoking them of the City to come out to battel , &c. who let them alone to brag and boast , and purposely protracted long the siege ; and the Christians having confidence in their valour , with little regard of their enemies , not considering they were within the Trenches , &c. of a deceitful River , took no care of duty , watch , &c. So the crafty enemies , abusing them with delays and deceits , drew them out at length , that they might circumvent them when they least feared it . The Christians encamped under the covert of the Banks , and Causies of that fenny Country , thinking themselves safe ; But these places were soft and durty , the people at pleasure watring them by channels and sluces out of Nile ; which opened , the River began to overflow all . Then they ( too late ) perceived themselves taken as in a gin ; all the ground being covered with water , that the victuals were corrupted , and no place for a man to lye dry in . The Aegyptians had taken the high places , that the Christians should not retire out of the covered Boggs and Marshes : so their rash valour was exposed to the enemies shot and fury . Then all began to cry out , and rail , &c. against Pelagius : the King they blamed 〈◊〉 , who was against his liking drawn into this war , &c. After 3 daies , thus coupt up with waters , the poor Souldiers fell down dead in the water for want of food and sleep , no help but to accept of the proud enemies conditions ; who most desiring his Countries liberty , required Damiata to be restored and all things as before the besieging thereof , and so the Christians to depart his Countrey . These hard conditions were by the distressed Christians accepted of ; but when they were propounded to them of Damiata , a great contention arose , some said they would not surrender the Town a stay for all Christian affairs in the East ; but being restored , carried away all their hope with it ; and therefore 't were better endure all extremities , than receive so hurtful a Peace : Others said , they ought to have compassion of so many thousand distressed souls , not to expose them to butchery , Towns consisting of men , and not men of enclosures . These seeing the others obstinate , presently , by force entred their houses , and took away their weapons , to constrain them to yield . When they before Caire ( almost drowned ) understood of this dissention , they sent word , If they would not yield Damiata to the Sultan , they would forthwith send to Ptolemais ( which would not 〈◊〉 ) to have it surrendred , instead , to the Aegyptians . So was Damiata again yielded to the Infidels . Meledin the Sultan , did neither by word or deed , despight or reproach them ; but relieved them with victuals , and other things wanting , conducting them safely ( by guides ) out of the Countrey . Likewise , Coradin his brother made a truce with them for 8 years ; whereupon , the King went into Italy , and ( by the Popes perswasion ) gave his daughter Yoland in marriage to Frederick Latin Emperour , ( she being Crowned Queen of Jerusalem in her dead 〈◊〉 right ) to stir him up for undertaking this sacred war. He and his successour illy prosecuting their pretended title . John arriving from Rome at the French Court , found King Philip desperatly sick , who ( by will ) gave to the Hospitallers and Templers 60000 Crowns for maintenance of their wars , which was afterwards paid to John ; who in the way to Spain , married Berengária the King of Castiles Daughter , returning into France , where he long expected Frederick to recover his wives right to Jerusalem's Kingdom : which though he at Rome ( at the marriage ) solemnly vowed ; yet ( otherwise let ) performed it not till almost 7 years after . Let us leave the Christians in Syria , ( who enjoyed the 8 years Peace , till new troubles ) returning to the troubled affairs at Constantinople , and in lesser Asia . Henry as aforesaid , repressing the Bulgarians and Scythians , dyed , having with trouble reigned about 11 years . After whom succeeded his Son in Law , Peter Count of Anserre ; who to gratifie the Venetians , and in revenge besieged Theodore Angelus ( Prince of Epirus his competitour ) in Dyrrachium , which he had a little before surprized from the Venetian Seigniory ; where Peter laying , was so cunningly used by the Greek , that a Peace was betwixt them concluded , and friendship joyned . So that Peter came to him as his guest , who entertained him with all feigned formalities , but most traiterously slew him in the midst of his banquet ; ( Yet others report he was by him put to death being intercepted travelling from Rome to Constantinople ) which Topulus Governour of Constantinople understanding , made peace in the Empire 's vacancy for 5 years , with him , and the Turks for 2. Peter's Son , shortly coming thither , was saluted Emperour ; but soon after , he taking a fair Lady , daughter of a rich and Noble 〈◊〉 , to Wife , before betrothed to a gallant Burgundian , the old Lady breaking her promise : the young Burgundian ( enraged with the wrong ) entred the Court in the Emperour's absence , by night , with a company of lusty Souldiers , cutting off the young Empresses nose and ears , throwing her old Mother into the Sea , and fled out of the City with those 〈◊〉 . The Emperour pierced to the heart with the disgrace , soon went to Rome , and returning thorow Achaia , died there . Baldwin , a child by his first Wife , left to succeed him , the 5th and last of the Latin Emperours there ; who being married to Martha younger Daughter of John King of Jerusalem , but then Governour of 〈◊〉 , he had both the person and Empire of Baldwin committed to his charge : which he for certain years faithfully discharged , till Baldwin was able himself to govern . Now though Constantinople with Thracia , and the other Greek Provinces , were all or most under Baldwin , the Venetian and other Latin Princes ; yet the oppressed 〈◊〉 , were in heart devoted wholly to their natural Emperours . Lasearis reigning at Nice , & 〈◊〉 , at Trapezond . Lascaris in his reign , had fought many a battel , &c. as it were , erecting a new Empire in Asia , reigning 18 years , and leaving John Duc as ( who married 〈◊〉 his Heir ) to succeed him . A man of great wit , spirit aud gravity , undertaking nothing before consideration ; which resolved on , he omitted nothing for performance : The Greeks , saying , The planting this new Empire required the celerity of Lascaris ; but its stay , the gravity of Ducas . In the beginning , setting things 〈◊〉 order , he augmented his legions , and aiming to recover Constantinople , with Thrace and Greece , built a great number of Galleys , taking in one Summer , most of the Aegeum Islands , with famous Rhodes , and many others ; and the next Spring landing over Hellespont , invaded Chersonesus , then forraging the Countrey even to the gates of Constantinople , taking also many Cities and Towns by the Sea coast ; the Greeks almost all yielding themselves where they could help him . The ruin of the Latin Empire in the East , was plainly to 〈◊〉 ; for Assan the Bulgarian King , sent his Embassadours to John , offering his Daughter Hellena in marriage to Theodore his Son , of which he ( Assan able to call in the Scythes ) loath to have him his enemy , gladly accepted - Wherefore Hellena , both about 12 years old , was solemnly married to Theodore about Chersonesus . The Sultan of Iconium ( not long after ) fearing , while his hands were full of the dreadful Tartars , he should be set on by the Greek Emperour , sent unto John to prolong the League betwixt them ; which he for many causes granted , as not able to war against the Turks and Latins at once , and to keep by this warlike Nation his own Countries safe from the Tartars . This Peace exceedingly enriched his Countries ; for now the people began to fall to the fruitful labours of peace . The Emperour himself by plowing got much Corn , planting many Vine-yards , and keeping Heards , and Flocks , and Fowls of all sorts , stirred others up to the like , causing also his Kinsmen and Nobles to have sufficient for their own spending , and not to take any thing from the poor Countreymen ; whereby in few years , every Barn was full of Corn , &c. Then also there being a 〈◊〉 famine among the Turks , they travelling into the Emperour's Provinces for Victuals , gave their gold , silver , and rich commodities for food ; so that the Countrey-mens houses were full of the Turks wealth , and the Emperour's Coffers stored with Treasure . The money gathered of Eggs daily sold , making the Empress a rich Crown of gold set with precious stones ; which he called Ovata , because ' 〈◊〉 bought with Egg-money . The Greek Empire thus flourishing in lesser Asia , the Turks pilled by the Tartars and consumed with famine , as fast declining . Frederick the Emperour , and King of Sicily , was hardly called on by Pope Honorius , to take his long vowed expedition into the holy Land ; and for delay , excommunicated by Gregory 9 , more to draw from him some of his Empire in his absence , than for their zeal thereto , which the fearing , delayed his Vows performance ; But at length . enforced with Grrgory's thundring , he set forward in 1227. Yoland his wife thereabout dying in child-bed of a Son. There met at Brundusium , an exceeding number of Souldiers out of all parts ( especially Germany ) under the Lantgrave of Thuring , and the Bishop of Augusta ; but the Plague arising there , the Lantgrave and Bishop , with many others , dyed : The Emperour falling very sick of a Feaver at Malea , on his way , returned to Brundusium , staying long there . Then the Pope , casting out his excomunications against him , accusing him with perjury , &c. he would have cleared himself in an open Assembly at Ravenna , had it not been disturbed ; yet he answered all by writings , setting forward again from Brundusium in August 1228. The Pope for that the Emperour had neither taken his leave of him , nor reconciled himself , in a great choller , forbad all forces in Syria to yield him obedience : writing also to the Sultan , not to agree with him &c. And afterwards ran on his Kingdom of Naples , troubling Italy ; yet he was honourably received at Ptolemais . Sultan Meledin hearing of his arrival , offered him most honourable conditions of Peace ; who sending first for the Pope's consent , would not suffer the Messengers to come into his presence , rending the Letters without reading them ; yet the Emperour , on condition that he should be King of Jerusalem , and all Palestine delivered to him : That all taken from Baldwin 4th by Saladin should be restored : that Nazareth and Joppa he might fortifie at pleasure , and that all prisoners , by both , be freed without ransome , concluded a Peace for 10 years : thereupon he was Crowned King of Jerusalem on Easter-day , 1229 , who repairing its 〈◊〉 Walls , with certain Temples , &c. appointing Raynold of Bavaria his Lievtenant , returned into Iealy . The Sicilian Kings have been ever since called Kings of Jerusalem . Gregory ( next year ) more in spight to the Emperour than zeal , did by the lately erected Dominicans and Franciscans , stir up a wonderful number to take on them the Crosse , so tearmed , their cognizance , who bound themselves for recovery , or defence of the holy Land , under Theobald King of Navarre , the Counts of Monifort , and Campaigne , and others , to trouble the 10 years concluded Peace ; passing Bosphorus they came to the River Sanger in Bythinia , there refreshing themselves , at length they came to the Straits of Mount Amanus , taken by the Turks , the Sultan of Iconium not far off encamping ; yet Montfort couragiously marching with his Vantguard , by force opened the Mountains passage . Navarre in vain assaulting the Sultan's Camp , who would not stir out ; wherefore the King dividing his Army , followed Montfort , with his best Souldiers in the rear ; but the Turks 〈◊〉 them upon occasion , at length taking advantage in a Plain , slew of them an exceeding number ; the battel through the night broken off , the Christians at length arrived at Antioch , having lost most of their Army and 〈◊〉 , with all their wealth and victuals ; they were 〈◊〉 to Ptolemais , and thence conducted to Gaza , spoiling the Countrey , they could have no help of the Emperor's forces there ; for he had expresly charged , not to do any thing tending to the breach of the 10 years League : which the Turks perceiving , lay in every corner to cut them off : these of Gaza , returning with spoil out of the the Countrey , were set upon by the Turks , whom they put to flight . But the next morning , far more Turks appeared , who joyned with the watching Christians a cruell battel : who ( though they shewed very much valour ) wearied and oppressed with their multitude , were almost all 〈◊〉 . The two Counts falling among the rest , the King by his horse's swiftness hardly escaping ; who after 2 daies wandring , came by hap to Joppa : some few escaped to Ptolemais : He visiting Jerusalem , returned home with a few followers . Raynold the Lievrenant about 4 years after dying , the Templers ( who would oftentimes have broke the 〈◊〉 ) now took occasion to stir up the people to take Arms against the Turks : 〈◊〉 the Aegyptian Sultan , raising an Army , & sending for the Chorasines lying near 〈◊〉 , besieged Gaza , which at length taking , he put all to the sword therein : Likewise , he dealt so with Ascalon and other places . The Templars and Hospitallers , with the weak Kingdomes strength , came to give him battle near 〈◊〉 : who hastily ( as if for fear ) retiring , came upon them next night , encamping by the River , at unawares and unarmed ; who , being awaked , hastily and disorderly , took such weapons as came to hand , fighting terribly and doubtfully a long space , encouraging each other . But the Turks keeping order , and more in number , greatly slaughtered them , yet with loss of many thousands of their own : most of the best Templars and Hospitallers were slain . The Sultan , being 〈◊〉 , forthwith took Jerusalem , putting all men , women , and children , to the sword , rasing it , burning the buildings , &c. defaceing Christ's sepulchre , never before violated , which he seemed chiefly to do , for that the Christians , for its gaining , so hardly adventured , & so troubled the 〈◊〉 and Turks . Thus by breach of the league , Jerusalem fell again into the Turks power in 1234 , in whose hands it hath remained to this day , governed by a 〈◊〉 , the Sepulchre being again repaired , was much visited , and not unreverenced by the Turks themselves . Frederick was much grieved with this losse , but ( being entangled with troubles that Gregory left unto other Popes , till they had deprived him of Empire , and life also ) he could not remedy the same . Lewis the ninth , King of France , famous for zeal , devout in life , and abounding in wealth , was careful for the Christians in Syria . In whose devout motions , before he could resolve on the enterprize , he fell dangerously sick , lying speechlesse , and but a little faintly breathing ; the first thing that he asked for ( when come a little to himself ) was the Crosse , that wars cognizance , which he received of the Bishop of Paris ; 3 Counts his Brethren , with the Duke of Burgundy , Earl of Flanders , Count of Paul , and most of his Nobles , taking ( the same time ) the same charge on them . Yet few years passed in preparation for so great an enterprize , many dying before it . At length the King , taking order with his mother Blanch &c. took his leave of the Pope at Lyous , ( who , for fear of Frederick , lay there ) and embarquing at Marcelles , Aug. 25. 1248. he arrived in Cyprus , Sept. 20. following . Who was desirous , without stay , to goe for Aegypt , had he not been otherwise perswaded through want of his whole Fleet , and the years season . But passing there the winter , the plague arising and increasing in the Camp , a great number shortly died , with the Bishop of Bravais , and divers others , 240 in number , not of the meaner sort ; so 〈◊〉 he divided his Army , attending the stay of the Infection . The Templars , in the mean time , fearing the Turk's over-running all , and the French getting the Victory , would diminish their tyrannizing power ; sent secretly to the Sultan of Aegypt , perswading him , by an agreement , to avert farther harm from the French King. Who , liking it well , sent to their Master about a peace , yet , with the French King's consent . To whom the Templars wrote , perswading him to accept thereof , setting out the Sultan's great praeparations . But the King of Cyprus acquainting Lewis , that the Master had sent to the Sultan , procuring that message , he fed the Turk's Embassadour with hope , but wrote to the Master , on his head , not to have any intelligence with the enemy . Winter past , divers Noble and great ones , who had set forth late , or , for fear of the plague , 〈◊〉 by the way , repaired to Cyprus : as Robert of Burgundy , with good Horse-men ; the Prince of Achaia , with a great fleet from Peloponesus ; William Earl of Sarisbury , with a band of lusty souldiers : So Lewis departing , tossed with winds , about 5 daies after , fell upon Aegypt , coming with his fleet before Damiata . The Sultan , understanding his purpose , had strongly fortified his stontiers , beside a great power kept with him in readinesse . The Governour of Damiata was ready to keep the Christians from landing : who , manning their long Boats with Archers , to beat the enemy from the shoare , ran a ground with other landing Boats ; coming to handy blowes , a sharp battle was fought , many falling on both sides . But the Turks , oppressed with multitudes still landing , fled into the Town , leaving their Governour , with 500 , dead on the shoar . This rich and populous City had ( since the sormer taking ) been strongly fortifyed by the Turks , with deep ditches , high walls , &c. and 〈◊〉 with all things for a long siege . Yet the Souldiers and Citizens , remembring the miseries endured in the former siege , the night following , fled over the River by a bridge made of Boats ; and brake it lest they should be followed , having first fired their houses . The Christians entring the City , did what they could to quench the fire and afterwards found abundance of riches with store of victuals , This happened about the beginning of Octob : in 1249. Meledine herewith discouraged , offered the King for peace , and the redeeming thereof , more in 〈◊〉 and Syria then they had before a long time : which was by the French proudly rejected , and Alexandria the Metropolis further demanded . Meledine ( not much beloved ) now died , in whose stead , Melechsala , couragious & welbeloved , ( even then returning from craving aid of the Mahometan Princes ) was chosen : which Princes ( though not according among themselvs , or with the Aegytian , yet in this common danger of Superstition ) joyned , sending him great aid . Who being strengthned , hotly skirmished with the Christians , not far from Damiata , wherein he retired with some losse . But the Christians , sallying out the next day , fled to the Camp with ten times more losse . Whereby the Sultan encouraged hoped for better success , stopping , that without great peril no victuals could be brought to City or Camp , so that victuals began to grow scarce ; whereof he was informed by fugitives , that fled for want . It fortuned that the Governour of Caire , not ill affected to the Christian Religion , and highly offended with the Sultan , for his Brothers wrongfull death , secretly perswaded the King to come thither with his Army , promising to deliver it to him , with instructions what to do . Whereupon he assembled what forces he could make : sending also for the Earl of Salisbury , who , with the English , was gone to Ptolemais , for indignities offered him by Artoys the King's brother , purposing to serve no more : But with promise of better usage , and recompence for wrongs , he returned into Egypt . And more strengthened by new supplies from France , leaving a convenient Garrison in Damiata ; set forward towards Caire . Wherefore the Sultan offered to restore him all 〈◊〉 , with a great summe of money , and all prisoners , so he would redeliver Damiata , and joyn in League with him . Which offer through others perswasion he refused : The King was to passe an Arme of Nilus , but being conducted by a fugitive Saracen to a foord , he 〈◊〉 Robert of Artoys his brother with a 3d part , before , accompanied with the Masters of the Templars and Earle of Sarisbury . Who assailing the Turks in their tents , ( in the Sultans absence ) put them to flight . Artois above measure encouraged , would needs on forwards , whom the antient Templars , acquainted with that Nations deceitful manners ; and considering their own strength better then he , perswaded him not further to prosecute the enemie , till the rest of the Armies coming . To whom he in despight replied , he would prosecute , &c. calling them cowards , objecting to them the common fame , that the holy Land might long since have been united to the Christians Common-wealth ; but for the false collusion of the Templars and 〈◊〉 , with the Infidels . The Master moved , answered , he should when he would , and where he durst , display his Ensignes , &c. Sarisbury also perswaded Robert to listen to the wholesome Counsel of the Templars ; being experienced men , beginning also to pacifie the Master with gentle words : Whom , whilst speaking , Robert called Dastard , wishing the Army rid of him , and the fearful Cowards his Country men : Who answered , well General , on , my foot shall be as far as yours ; and I believe we go where you shall not dare to come nigh my Horses tail : He said so , because the French , had in disdain , often called him and his English , Tailes . The Earle not to be perswaded , first assaulted a little place called Mansor , who was about to retire , having lost a number of his men . The Sultan suddenly came on with his whole power , and with his multitude , enclosed the long wished-for , divided Christian Army ; in which great fight though they worthily behaved themselves , yet being a small number , they were slain down right . Then the too late repenting Earle , cried out to Sarisbury ( valiantly fighting ) to fly , &c. who answered , God forbid , my Fathers son should run from the face of a Saracen . The French Earle swiftly fleeing and taking the River Thasues , overladed with armour , was drowned . Sarisbury with his own hand slew many that day , till his Horse being slain , and he so wounded in the legs , that he could not stand ; yet desperately laid about him on his knees , and was there slain ; scarce more than 2 Templars , 1 Hospitaller , and 1 Common Souldier escaped alive . Sicknesse also increasing in the Camp , the King sent many sick people to 〈◊〉 , down 〈◊〉 , purposing to march to Caire : whom the Sultan ( by meeting them with boats carried in Carts ) burnt and drowned all , except one English man , who , wound 〈◊〉 5 places , escaped reporting it to the rest . The Sultan 〈◊〉 now intelligence of the Governour , to betray Cair , & suddenly apprehended him till better leisure : the King had all his hope of the City hereby cut off ; who now would gladly accept of the refused conditions , which the Sultan would not hear of , but sent , in derision , to know what was become of all his mattocks , forks &c. which he brought with him , & why ( like an ill husband ) he suffered them to rot and rust by him . The King would fain have retired to Damiata : but the Sultan got betwixt him and home , so that he must fight it out or yield : Who being before often intreated by his Nobles , for safety of his person , to conveigh himself by water to Damiata , would never be perswaded , saying , He was resolved to endure with his people whatever God should lay upon him . So passing the foord afore-mentioned , coming where his Brother's battle was fought , he might see the mangled Christians ( the Sultan having proclaimed great reward to whomsoever brought him a Christians head or hand ) . Long he staied not there , but the Sultan appeared with a most huge Army : against whom the French men , for 3 hours made great resistance . But one being against ten , and the Army fainting for sicknesse and food , they were , at last , all ( except a few saved in hope of great ransome ) slain : The King , with two Brothers , was taken also : who , to the Sultan demanding , why he warred against him , answered , 't was for Religion , and the defence of his God's name . This was fought Apr. 5. 1250. most of the French Nobility being slain . The Sultan presently sent a like number of his souldiers , with French attire and Ensignes to Damiata : where the Duke of Burgundy , French Queen , and the Pop's Legate lay , but they were by them of the City discovered , and so kept out . Melechsala ( through compassion ) yet minding to make his own of 〈◊〉 Kings life , began with cheering speeches to talk of 〈◊〉 deliverance , and of a good atonement , on condition of delivering Damiata ; and paying for his ransome , and the other charges 800 pounds of Gold , that both their Prisoners should be frankly set at liberty , and so a peace for 10 years . The Sultan would have sworn to renounce Mahomet , if he performed them not : requiring the King to swear a denial of his Christ to be God , if he failed ; which the King detesting , he took his word , and published their league . But whilst they came together to Damiata , Melechsala ( not fearing the mischief hanging over his head ) was suddenly slain by 2 desperate Mamalukes ; and one Tarqueminus , a Slave of the same order , was by the Army created Sultan in his stead , and made another league with the King much on the same conditions . Which Miscreant , after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 paid his ransome , went from Damiata to Ptolemais , but performed not half that he promised , scarce freeing 4000 of 12000 Captives , and killing all sick souldiers , which he ought to have relieved , not suffering any Christian to carry his goods out of Aegypt . The King , at Ptolemais , ( by the intreaty of the Master of the Templars , &c. ) staied almost 4 years , repairing Caesarea and Joppa , and fortifying many strong places . So sending his Brethren before , himself arrived in France the 6th year after his departure thence : Some write that 80000 Christians were lost in this expedition ; the French Chronicles say that 6000 of 32000 returned into France . Damiata was ( shortly after delivery ) rased , by the Sultan , to the ground . The Aegyptian Sultans , having no great assurance in the effeminate Aegyptians , had bought an infinite number of Slaves , especially of the Circassians , near Colchis and the Euxine Sea , transported out of those bare cold Countries by Merchants : out of which the Sultans culled those of likeliest Spirit and ability , delivering them to most skilful Teachers , who taught them to run , shoot , ride , handle all sorts of weapons , &c. who , so instructed , were introlled in pay as his choise Horsemen , and called Mamalukes : In whose service finding great use , they daily erected new stored Nurseries : Whose Order now , wonderfull strong hereby , managed their greatest affairs , especially in wars , gaining by valour many fair victories , and defending their Coun ry . But proud of their preferment , traiterously slew Melechsala , their chief Fonnder , setting up the Slave Tarqueminus , of great Spirit & Valor . The Turk's power in Egypt , with Melechsala , the last of Sáladine's Stock , took end . For the Mamalukes now commanded as Lords over the rest , not suffering them to use Horse or Armour , or sway the Common-wealth , but preferring their own swarming Slaves , the people , kept under with heavy impositions , dared not to meddle , but with Merchandise , Husbandry , &c. the greatest profit whereof still came to them : choosing a Sultan still from among themselves , none of his Children to succeed , least proud of their parentage , they should reckon them their Slaves : providing also , that though the Mamalukes sons might enjoy their Fathers lands , &c. after death , yet none should take on them the name of a Mamaluke , that the Government might still rest with the Mamalukes : Neither might any Mahometan or Jew be admitted into that Order , but onely Christians ( become Slaves ) instructed in that superstition , or that had abjured Christian Religion . Many of these poor Slaves , thus exalted , proved most renowned Princes , dreadfull to the greatest Monarchs . This servile Empire flourishing 267 years , was , by victorious Selymus ( with Syria and Palestine ) united to the Turkish Empire , being overthrown by him in 1517. But leaving the Turks and Mamalukes , let us return into lesser Asia , and Constantinople . The Greek Empire all this while , flourished under John Batazes : the Latines power declining as fast , under Baldwin II. at Constantinople . The Turks had , in the mean time , more than enough to do to withstand the Tartars . John Ducas at length died , about 60 years old , happily reigning 33 years , by whom , the Greek Empire , not onely in Asia , but a little in Europe also , began to gather strength . This Emperour after long lamenting Irene his first Wives death , married Ann , the King of Sicily's Sister , among whose honourable Dames , sent to accompany her , was one Marcesina , a rare Parragon of Nature , with sugred words , and eyes , as Nets , to entangle the amorous ; the Emperour fed his eyes on this fair Object , till he became her Subject , seeming little to regard the young Empresse in respect of her , suffering her to be 〈◊〉 and honoured as the Empresse herself : She , thus triumphing , would go with most of the Court-Gallants , and some of the Guard , to visit the Monastery and Temple , which noble Blemmides had of his own cost lately built , where he with his Monks ( as weary of the World ) lived a solitary and 〈◊〉 life : ( who , chosen afterward , for his upright life and learning , Patriarch of Constantinople , refused it ) . Marcesina coming thither in great Pomp , to enter the Temple , had the doors shut against her , commanded so by Blemmides , to her great disgrace . For he deemed it impiety for that wicked Woman , against whom he had spoke and written , to tread upon the sacred 〈◊〉 . She being enraged , and pricked forward by her followers , returning , grievously complained thereof to the Emperour , stirring him up , by all means , and his own disgrace , to be revenged , her pick thanks not sparing ( as it were ) to put Oyl to the fire : who , struck with remorse , not with wrath , deeply sighing , with tears in his eyes , said : Why provoke ye me to punish so devout and just a man ? 〈◊〉 if my self had lived without Infamy , I had kept my Imperiall 〈◊〉 unpolluted . But since I have caused my own and the Empire 's disgrace , I may thank my deserts if I reap the harvest of such ill seed I have sown . Theodorus , his son , about 33 years old , was saluted Emperour , in his stead , who , in the beginning , renewed his Father's League with Jathathines the Sultan . And with a puissant Army passed over into Europe to appease the troubles raised in 〈◊〉 and Thracia , by the King of Bulgaria , and Michael Angelus Despot of Thessaly , who , in hope to joyn those Countries to their own , 〈◊〉 to spoyl them , by whose coming they were glad to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 peace . But being advertised from Nice that Michail Paleologus his Governour there , was secretly fled to the Turks , he was not a little troubled . Paleologus gave out , that being brought by his enemies into disgrace , and the Emperour , so filled with cunning complaints , not easily in short time to be refelled , was the cause ; and so willingly exiled himself , fearing his heavy displeasure , to save his life from their malice : who at Iconium found Jathatines making great preparation against the Tartars : who running still on , spoyled much of the Turk's Territories in lesser Asia , lying now at Axara . The Sultan now welcommed Baleologus , commending to his charge some Bands of Greeks , which he had retained ; as also other Latines , under the conduct of Boniface a Venetian : so he set forward against the Tartars : who at first sight of strange Ensignes and Souldiers , were much dismaied : Yet they had with them a most bloody conflict , wherein that part standing against Paleologus , being worsted , 〈◊〉 about to flee , but the Sultan's Kinsman , bearing him a grudge , revolting with his Regiment to the Tartars , the battle was quite altered , the Tartars fighting like Lyons ; and the Victors were glad to flee , a great number of them being slain . Paleologus and the Generall were hardly chased , & glad to stand fighting often for their lives , with much adoe , after many daies , recovered a Castle of the Generalls . The Tartars hazarding hereby the Turk's Kingdome , forraged all his Countries 〈◊〉 , so that the discouraged Sultan fled to Theodorus for aid , who comforted him with such small aid as he thought good , sending them home with him , for his safety , under Isaac 〈◊〉 Murzufle : who gave him Laodicea in recompence , yet , ere long , it fell again into the Turks hands as not to be holden by the Christians . The Sultan , too weak to withstand the Tartars , made a league with them for paying them a yearly tribute . They are accounted , from this time , as their 〈◊〉 and Vassals . Not long after , Paleologus was called home by the Emperour's Letters , with his faith for security : who , before his return , was bound by Oath , to be loyal , never to seek after the Empire , or cause new suspect of matters before charged , but yield dutifull obedience to the Emperour , or his Successours . Whereupon he was , again , Great Constable , living afterwards in great honour with him . Who reigning 3 years died , leaving John his Son , but six years old , to succeed him , and commended him to Arsemus the Patriarch , and George Muzalo , as trusty Tutors , together with the Empire . Muzalo , though of mean Parentage , was brought up in the Court , as the Emperor's play-fellow , still ready to say or do what might please him . And the elder they grew , they increased in mutual affection : and he , as in greatest favour , was promoted to the greatest honours , and married to the Emperour 's nigh Kinswoman . An Oath of obedience unto the young Prince , and them , as Tutors , was exacted of all sorts whatsoever , both before and after the Emperour's death : for many Nobles murmured at Muzalo's sudden fortune , many thinking themselvs to have better right thereto , as of nearer Kin to the Emperour ; and fitter for such a charge than Muzalo , who , not honourably born , and having been Theodore's minister of wrath against some Nobles , was to be hated and contemned ; and if be should now affect the Empire , he would spare no villany to effect his inordinate desire . Muzalo's wits being awakened with these dangers , he called all the Nobility into the Court ; courteously offering to yield up both the Empires administration , and the tuition , to any one whom they thought fittest for such a charge , which all refused , saying , He was to be preferred , to whom the Lord of both had committed both : Muzalo 〈◊〉 requested the contrary , for fear , chiefly , of danger to ensue . But , would he or not , he must take the charge on him . Now were all sworn with greater solemnity ( the third time ) than before , wishing a shameful end to them and theirs , if they failed to perform their obedience , &c. Yet 9 daies were not fully past , but some of the chief Nobility conspired the unworthy death of Muzalo : which was on the Emperour's funerall day , in his Abbey at Maguesia ; where , while the Hymns were singing , &c. the Souldiers , before instructed by the Conspirator , breaking into the Temple , with drawn swords , slew Muzalo , ( at the Altar for refuge ) with Andronicus and Theodore his Brethren , and divers others . The mourning Matrons thronging out , fled as fast as they could : but the Priests and Monks thinking to do the like were , by the Soulders , forced into the Temple , and on the Pavement ( slippery with blood ) ended in fear those bloody Obsequies . Arsemius , the onely Tutor , was much troubled , for , though for learning and integrity not inferiour , yet , in state matters he was far to seek , and of no great reach , yet wishing all well , he consulted with the Nobility , what were best to be done for government of the Emperour and Empire , now Muzalo was dead . Which , not being grounded on wise fore-sight , was more dangerous to the young Emperour than the murthering swords . Michael 〈◊〉 , was also called to the counsell , descended of the Comnen's house , a man very courteous and liberall , winning all mens hearts thereby , especially the Commanders of the Army : of whose aspiring many Rumours had formerly passed ; yea , the Patriarch ( on speciall favour ) committed to his trust the Keys of the common Treasury , when mony was to be paid out upon great occasions of State , the readiest way to effect what he had long plotted ; for he powred out the Masse of treasure amongst the Nobility and Martiall men , with others , and many of the Clergy also . The Patriarch was , by his favourites , ( who had many meetings ) sollicited , though generally , to take order for the States good Government , which , as a ship without a Master , was in danger to perish . Paleologus was then in every man's mouth , as onely fit to take the charge on him , till the Emperour came to Age. Unto which the Patriarch gave consent ; and so with a general contentment , made him a Governour and Tutor . This was the first step whereby he mounted to the Empire . Not many 〈◊〉 after , it was alleadged by his favourites in Counsel , It was not seemly for a Tutor , and Governour of State , who was to hear forreign Embassadours , to want the honour next to an Emperour ; whereupon he was honoured with the title of Despot . Shortly after , he was by certain great favourites , near Magnesia , with great applause , saluted Emperour : Arsemius being much troubled therewith , fearing what would become of the young child . He thought it better by Oath to bind the Emperour and his makers not to seek his life , nor to go about to deprive him , than to excommunicate them , which was done . Within a moneth , the Patriarch perswaded , set the Imperial Crown on this Usurpers head ; not as still to enjoy the Empire , but according to present necessity , till the child came of age , to whom he was then to resign . All being confirmed by oath , good news was brought him of a victory obtained by his brother John , against Michael Despot of Aetolia and Epirus ; who hearing of the Emperour's death , his Father in Law , with troubles in Asia , being aided by 2 others , entred Macedonia and Thracia , burning and spoiling the Countrey , and thinking to take most to himself . The news he received when Crowned , the great Commanders shortly bringing the Prince of Peloponesus and Achaia prisoners ; who gave to Paleologus for ransome , three of the best Cities of Peloponesus : wherein he put strong Garrisons , and gained at length most of Peloponesus from the Latins , shortly after purposing to besiege Constantinople with a great Army ; but , as too difficult , he left that , and besieged the Castle of Pera , on tother side the haven , hoping ( by winning that ) to master the Town ; but he was forced to retire with loss . So fort fying divers places thereabout , he charged the Garrisons with incursions , to cut the Citizens so short , that they should not dare look out . The 〈◊〉 hereby were soon 〈◊〉 to burn houses for fewel : which done , he 〈◊〉 to Nice . Baldwin 2 of small courage and lesse power , now reigned in Constantinople ; who for maintenance ; sold the publick Ornaments of the City , and pawned his Son to the Bruges Marchants , left by them at Venice to be brought up . Mango great Cham of Tartary ( now ) being stirred by Aiton the Armenian King , ( through whom he received the Christian Religion ) sent his brother Haalon with an exceeding Army against the Turks in 〈◊〉 , and Palestine ; who ( 〈◊〉 a Christian ) in 6 months over-ran all Persia ; with the adjoyning Countries , except ( as some say ) Samarchand ( afterward the seat of Tamerlaine ) in the mountains , which besieged with 10000 horsemen , was continued 27 years ; and at length , ( as Aiton writes ) yielded for want of cloaths to cover the Defendants : Haalon marching on ( not missing the 10000 ) entring into Assyria besieging Babylon , whose Caliph as Mahomet's true successour , was above all honoured : they from him receiving their Laws interpretation . 〈◊〉 winning it , put all to the sword , inriching his Souldiers with its spoil , and the Caliph's treasure ; commanding the Caliph to be set in the midest of the infinite treasure , saying in derision , Such a 〈◊〉 guest should be fed with nought but things of best price &c. The covetous wretch thus kept certain daies , dyed for hunger . Babylon sacked and almost raced ; the Tartar took Rhoais in Mesopotamia , where Aiton came to him with 12000 horse and 40000 foot : So entring Syria took Aleppo , which he sacked and razed in 1260. Then came Malacnesar Sultan of Damasco , Syria , and Palestine , humbling himself before him , in hope to save somewhat ; but he was either carried far into exile , or ( more probably ) afterward cut in pieces under Damasco , to his Sons terrour , after a double assault ; yet he took it ( together with that Kingdom ) and sacked it , overthrowing all the Mahometan Temp es , as before he had done . But purposing to conquer Palestine , 〈◊〉 died , upon which news he returned back , after almost 6 years expedition , in hope of his brothers Empire . At which time the Christians affairs might have been easily repaired , had the Western Princes put to their helps , as did the Tartars ; but they busied with wars and fatal discord let slip that seldom or never so fair opportunity . Haalon left his Son Abaga with 20000 horsemen 〈◊〉 the Christians if they should come ; who , hearing of his Fathers troubles at home , left Guirboca with 10000 horsmen , to like purpose ; who was with his Tartars , of a friend made a foe to the Christians : whose Souldiers fetching booty out of the Tartars Territory , refused to restore it , and evilly entreated those sent to demand it . 〈◊〉 his Nephew being slain in farther quarrels ; who in revenge , took , sacked , and burnt down Sidon , and afterwards , doing the Christians all harm they could devise . This discord occasioned 〈◊〉 the Aegyptian Sultan , with a great Army of Mamalukes , and others to enter Syria , and spoil about Damasco ; with whom Guiborcas joyning battel with a number far inferiour , was slain with most of his Tartars : the rest , fleeing into Armenia . Syria and Palestine , 〈◊〉 hereby again to the Aegyptian , except few places which shortly also did . For Bandacader succeeding Melech , took Antioch from the Christians , with most of the other places , he burnt the City , and razed the Castle ; and then did great harm in Armenia also . The Turks Kingdom going to wrack in Syria , their affairs in lesser Asia , went 〈◊〉 then much better ; for Jathatines having lost Iconium to the Tartars , 〈◊〉 fled to the Emperour 〈◊〉 , in hope to be relieved for the kindness he before 〈◊〉 him . fleeing from Theodore , he requested him , either with some 〈◊〉 to aid him , or 〈◊〉 assign him some corner , where , with his wife children and followers , with much wealth he might rest . The Emperour encumbred with wars , thought not good to diminish his forces : and a place to inhabit in , seemed as dangerous : because he a great Prince , was not like to be content with a little ; his dispersed Nobles hearing he was seared , being likely to resort to him also : yet was loath unkindly to cast him off , Therefore with fair words , he held him long in suspence . At length , in his absence , he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his train , about 1200 , to get to Aenus of Thracia by the Sea coast ; where as an honourable prisoner at large he lived , through watchful eies , not able to escape as he desired . Paleologus ( after 2 years reign ) sent Alexius Strategopulus , against the Despot of Epirus , to represse his 〈◊〉 , with little above 800 Bythinians , and to take up what he needed in Macedonia and Thracia , commanding him to passe thorow the Suburbs of Constantinople , to terrifie the Latines ; who passing over Propontis , encamped at Regium not far off ; where lighting upon poor labouring Greeks , dwelling in the City ; he enquired of them the state thereof , &c. who told him , their strength was smal , & that most thereof was at the siege of Daphnusia , a Town by the Euxian Sea : and , as ill affected to the Latins government offered to shew him a means of entrance into the City , which was by an old Mine almost swarved up near the gate ; this secret way into the City , not being known to any other : promising by night to let in ( at this hole ) 50 of his best Souldiers , &c. Few daies after , by night , at an hour appointed they received them , who aided by them and their 〈◊〉 , slew the watch , and brake open the gate ; whereby Alexius entring , and putting his men in order , caused the 〈◊〉 to be fired in 4 places , which terribly burning , was come almost to the Emperour's Pallace ; who , awaked , and seeing the City all on fire , perceiving it to no purpose to make head with his few Latines , fled with the Patriarch and some others , into Euboca by Sea , and thence to 〈◊〉 : afterwards to 〈◊〉 of France , hoping to be relieved by them . The chief Latines fled after . Constantinople thus fell into the Greeks hands in 261 , being possessed by the Latins about 58 years . This joyful news was soon carried to 〈◊〉 , who at first believed it 〈◊〉 , it being by 〈◊〉 weak a power surprized . But afterwards , caused Hymns and Psalms to be sung in every Temple , with all other signs of joy and triumph : So being wholly busied in preparing for Constantinople , he , with his wife and Andronicus his Son , 2 years old , entred the City on foot ; and after prayers and thanks , went to the Pallace near the Tilt-yard : for the other , during the Latins reign , had 〈◊〉 ruinous and defaced . And shortly after , caused Alexius Caesar ( the Cities recoverer ) in triumph , robes , and Crown of gold on his head , with great pomp to be carried thorough the City ; and that his name for one year should be joyned to the Emperours , in solemn prayers and 〈◊〉 : causing also his lively Image , to be set on a Marble pillar , before the Apostles Temple , in perpetual remembrance of him ; which overthrown by an earthquake , was restored by his Son. This great City , sometime the Worlds beauty , by the strange mutations , was wonderfully defaced &c. for its beauty , when the Latins took it , was most defaced by fire ; who while they had it , ceased not to destroy some part or other , as if they had known they should not long keep it : neither did this last fire a little deform it ; wherefore his chief care now was , to cleanse the City , and first beginning to repair the Temples , then filling empty houses with Inhabitants . Though the chief Latins were fled , yet most Tradesmen were Venetians and Pisans ; to whom to joyn the Genowaies and to sill the City , he thought not altogether safe ; but assigned them 〈◊〉 now Pera , on tother fide , to inhabit ; with priviledges and a Consul of their own over every Company ; storing 〈◊〉 what he could with natural Greeks . But though all things went as 〈◊〉 could wish ; yet fearing ( such is the torment of usurping tyrants ) lest the smouldred anger of the Empires right heirs should break into open force , and perhaps work his confusion : thought best to dispose so of Theodor's children , that he might not stand in doubt . Besides Mary and Theodora , before married to the Despot of Epirus , and the Prince of Bulgaria , other two younger were in his custody , Theodora and Irene ; whom he married to 2 Latins , one of Peloponesus , the other to one of Genua , men of no great birth or power ; John the heir only remained but 10 years old , whom Paleologus ( at first ) sent into Magnesia to be kept from Court , lest in his right , new stirrs dangerous to his estate , should begin . The which the 〈◊〉 took so ill , that he forsook all , to spend his days in a little Monastery of the Piscasins , from whence 〈◊〉 drew him almost against his will , making him Patriarch of Constantinople ; The Usurper unmindful of his former faith given , 〈◊〉 to establish him and his posterity in the soveraignty , caused the young 〈◊〉 eys to be put out ; for which barbarous cruelty , Theodora his sister ceased not to stirr up the Prince of Bulgaria her husband in revenge . Jathatines also , weary of exile , entreated him to war on the Emperour , promising him a great sum , if he might recover his liberty ; who with his own power , and above 20000 Tartars , sooner than could be thought , over ran all Thracia , leaving neither man nor beast as he went : hoping also to surprize the Emperour , returning from 〈◊〉 ; but that he , in a Galley of the Latins , put in by the Sea side to water , arrived safely in the imperial City ; wherefore the Bulgarian marching to Aenum , forthwith ( being terrified ) they delivered the Sultan unto him . In his return , they drave before them such numbers of men and cattel , that for a space , either 〈◊〉 or beast was not to be 〈◊〉 in the open 〈◊〉 . Jathathines , carried over 〈◊〉 , and set at liberty , soon died ; whom Meleck his Son succeded not , but two other Mescott and Keicubades of the Selzuccian Family , as were all the Turks Sultans ; betwixt whom , Cazan the great Tartar for a yearly tribute , divided the Turks Kingdom : unto Mescott the Cities of Amida in Galatia , Melasia in lesser Armenia , &c. unto Keicubades , Iconium , with all Countries of lesser Asia along the Sea coast . So that the Turks Kingdom , long flourishing in Persia , Syria , Palestine , and Aegypt , were overthrown by the Mamaluks and Tartars , and now brought under in lesser Asia also ; the 2 weak Princes reigning but at the devotion of the Tartar. In which confusion , divers of power , shared something of the declining Kingdom ; but many of the basest people ( only with bows and arrows ) with daily incursions from the Mountains straits , much 〈◊〉 the adjoyning Christian Countries , still gaining upon the Greeks what they lost to the Tartars ; for the frontier Garrisons , being for want of pay disbanded , and the Castles abandoned , was at length a great ruin to the Greeks in lesser Asia . At length a great power of them meeting in Paphlagonia to invade the Christians , Paleologus sent a strong Army , to stay their further coming ; which , by unskilfulness of Captains , was by the Turks ( who of purpose retiring , had drawn the Greeks into danger of ambush ) utterly 〈◊〉 , few or none of that multitude escaping . After which victory , the Turks over-ran all the Countrey to the River Sanger , on whose banks , Paleologus fortified divers places to keep them out of Bithynia . Yet they soon 〈◊〉 all from Pontus and Galatia to the Lycian and Carian Sea , to the River Eurimedon , dividing them 〈◊〉 to Toparchies , little acknowledging Mescot or Keicubades . Many conflicts in the mean time , passed between the Mamalukes and Tartars , for the Soveraignty of Syria . The poor Christians , in doubt of both , with the Armenians , infested by the Mamalukes , sent divers to the Pope and Western Princes for help , whose prayers moved Lewis of France and Henry 3 of England topromise them aid . Lewis took on him the Cross , causing Philip that succeeded him , Peter , and John surnamed 〈◊〉 , ( for his Mothers heaviness for her husband in her delivery ) his 3 Sons , and most Nobles to do the like ; to whom the King of Navarr and 2 others joyned . He set forward from 〈◊〉 March 1. 1270 , staying a while at 〈◊〉 , through force of weather , he arrived at Carthage ( not the ancient City , but another built after , in her ruins , or not far from them ) surprizing certain ships in the Haven ; but assaulting the Town , he was notably repulsed . On a day , the Defendants making a fierce sally on the French , retired by degrees , to draw their enemies on . The Constable coming and charging them behind , and the retirers now standing , they were hardly beset , who made there a great fight , not without extream peril : which they in the City beholding , hideously cried , astonying their friends and enemies . But the French approaching a Bulwark on the Sea side , took it without resistance ; at which they without began to flee , and them of the Town ( for their lives ) yielded it to the King. Carthage won , he besieged 〈◊〉 , being by the way encountred by the Moors King , who losing 10000 men fled : resolving to keep within his 〈◊〉 walls if happily he might weaken his enemies by protacting time . Lewis resolved not to stir thence , the City not seeming to hold out for want , considering the peoples multitude ; yet it held out 6 months streightly hemmed in every way ; after which , Embassadours were sent to treat for Peace . But , the whiles a furious 〈◊〉 cut down the French by heaps , John Triftan his youngest Son dying Aug. 25. 1270. The King shortly dyed of the Bloudy flux ; yet his brother Charles 〈◊〉 with fresh Souldiers , somewhat lightned the French , and daunred the Moors . Edward , Henry of England's Son , came to 〈◊〉 in 10 daies , with a brave Company . from 〈◊〉 , being joyfully received of the other Princes : who a little before concluded a peace with the Moors King , upon his paying a yearly tribute of 40000 Crowns to the King of Sicily , and suffering Christian Religion to be freely preached in his Dominions , and the converts to be baptized , & c. Edward what he might , disswaded them from it , saying , They were enemies to the Crosse of Christ , &c. But the Peace concluded they said , they might not break : and so hoysing sail , they returned toward Sicily , with purpose next Spring to go into Syria . But being come nigh the Isle Drepanum , most of the great ones went on Land in boats ; for the ships being most of great burthen , they could not put in to the harbour . As they lay at Anchor , some were eaten up , some perished by falling foul of each other , others beaten to pieces by a violent tempest : above a 120 sail perished , with all the people , &c. only Prince Edward's 13 ships escaped free without any losse . The Plague followed them at Land , Theobald of Navarre and his Wife dying , Lewis his daughter , the French Queen , with a number of others : so that Philip the French King , discouraged , returned into France , as did the rest into their own Countrey . Onely Edward at Spring set forward to Ptolemais from Sicily : where , after a moneths rest , marching with 6 or 7000 into the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 Nazareth , putting all to the sword , and returned ; killing afterward and putting to flight , his enemies following and hoping for advantage . And about Mid-summer , killed above 1000 Saracens , & dispersed the rest , making head at Cackhow , about 40 miles off . Aided by the Cyprians , he ( with like successe ) made a 3d expedition : that for his fame , they not a little dreaded him . But the Admiral of Joppa , one of the Mahometan Assassins , 〈◊〉 it meritorious to kill any great enemy of their 〈◊〉 , feigning a desire to become Christian , had sundry times secret intelligence with the Prince : Who being searched , had accesse to him ( lying , through hear , on his bed bare-headed ) and pulling out pleasing letters from his Lord , which he read ; but , the company voided , as he farther questioned with him , he suddenly pluckt out an envenomed knife secretly hidden , to strike him into the 〈◊〉 ; the Prince lifting up his arm was grievously wounded therein ; but as he went to double the stroak , he felled him to the ground with his foot , and wresting the knife out of his hand , and hurt in the forehead , he presently slew the murtherer . The servants running in , one beat out the dead man's brains with a stool , to the Princes displeasure . The wound in his arm began to mortifie after certain daies dressing , that the Surgions , began to look heavily ; yet cutting out all the dead and poysoned flesh , they perfectly cured him in 15 daies after . The Sultan sent , calling his Prophet to 〈◊〉 , it was not done by his consent ; whose Embassadours were not suffered to come nigh him . So , no expected aid comming in 18 moneths , he returned homeward , travelling from Apulia to Rome , and by France arrived in England ; where , Henry a little before dead , he was Crowned in 1272 , Gregory 10th , knowing the Christians hard state in Syria ( being lately there with Edward ) ratified the election of Rodulph of Hapspurge , to the Empire , upon promise of giving them relief : offering the Emperour also 200000 crowns with all tenths for 6 years , many blessings being by the Preachers , in his name , promised to all taking on them the holy war. Whereupon he , and shortly the Duke of Lorrain , and others took on them the Crosse ; yet busied in other wars , and delaying so long and dangerous a journey , the threatning Pope died , and nothing was done . At length the Emperour , at some good leasure , sent Henry Prince of Meckelburg , 〈◊〉 a strong power , to perform what he had 〈◊〉 ; who from Ptolemais , destroyed all with fire and 〈◊〉 about Damasco , carrying away rich booties , till circumvented by the Mamalukes , he at Caire remained 26 years in prison , till a runagate German being Sultan , demanded of him , If it would not do him good to celebrate the Nativity of his Christ in Germany , the time being at hand ? I know , said he , thou respectest that more than liberty . Truth , said Henry , for liberty would avail me nothing , if Christ by his Incarnation had not taken away our Captivity : therefore I wish I could perswade thee how much all owe to the remembrance thereof . God forbid ( said the Sultan ) ; for when I was thy Fathers chief Engineer at Knesefenick , I was of the Christian perswasion ; but leaving that Errour , I have also changed my fortune : but wouldst thou gladly be free , and return home to thy friends ? Nature craveth it , said he , though fortune ( which yet dependeth of thy pleasure ) gainsayeth , I must take thy denial in good part , assuring my self , that my Wife and beloved Sons have long since ended their mourning . Thou art 〈◊〉 said the Sultan , &c. I owe much to thy Father's remembrance , and therefore give thee thy liberty ; furnishing him with necessaries . He departed with one Martin his servant , with him all his Captivity , and came to Ptolemais , and in the way to Cyprus was as a fugitive taken by sea , and brought to the Sultan : who set him again at liberty , and transporting him to Cyprus , where , as some say , furnished with all things fit , he came to 〈◊〉 , travelling by Land into his Countrey ; and at last , being known by his own Children and friends , was joyfully received as their Father , and as the Prince of his Subjects ; shortly after dying . Thus it appeareth , what notable expeditions the Princes of the West , undertook again Christ's enemies , and for relief of the 〈◊〉 Christians in Syria and Palestine . Divers of them had glorious success , some answered not with like event , &c. Yet even in more zealous times , the Christian Princes ( not feeling those harms so far off , and more regarding their hereditary quarrels , could not be moved to reach their helping hands unto their brethren crying out for aid . The Germans were jarring about their Emperor's choice , The French agreed not with the English , nor the Low-countreymen : nor the English with the Scots : the Arragonians at odds with the French ; and in Italy , many deadly factions . Of which Melcohsares Aegyptian Sultan understanding , purposed to root out all the Christians in Syria and Palestine , and joyn them to his own Kingdom , but sudden death hindred his great designs . Alphix succeeding him , entring Syria , besieged Tripolis , and undermining it , put all Christians to the sword , but those that by speedy flight escaped , and raced it to the ground ; this was April 9. 1289. Then he took and garrisoned the Castle of Nelesine , to hinder them from building it again . Likewise sacking and racing Sidon and Berytus ; after three months siege Tyre was yielded to him , on condition of departing with bag and baggage . He took ( as without resistance ) all strong holds in Syria and Palestine , except Ptolemais the Christians Sanctuary , defended by the Knights and Templers : with whom he voluntarily made a Peace for 5 years . The Christians , as it were , faintly breathing by the late Peace , the 2 Grand Masters , passed as Embassadours to Pope Nicholas for his fatherly aid : who solicited the Princes , especially Rodolph the Emperour for their relief ; who busied with affairs and troubles , gave good words , but no help . Some getting mony of their Subjects under that colour , employed it to other uses : the Pope entertained 1500 of his own charge , to whom many voluntiers joyned , who from Brundusium with 2 Masters , arrived at Ptolemais : in which were 50000 able men , and about 40000 weaker ; among whom , divers murders , felonies , &c. were committed , unregarded saving by the injured , For all the chief Commanders were then at variance , every one laying claim to the vain title of the Kingdom of Jerusalem . Neither strove they lesse for the Government of the City . The Popes Legat , the Patriarch , Templers and Hospitallers , French and English King , by their Messengers : them of Pisa , the Venetians , the Germans , and Florentines , pretended a right to , and endeavoured for , the Government of the City . But the greatest part , were inclined to the Armenians and Tartars , as most like to stand them in stead : most of these deciding controversies in their own Laws and Courts ; where by the offenders removing their Suits as best served their turns , every one might almost do what he list . Thus were murders and many outrages , &c. done , to the hastening Cod's wrath , and grief of all good men . The Souldiers of late sent thither , were enforced ( for want of promised pay ) to take spoil in the Sultans frontiers contrary to the League : the Sultan desiring restitution and the offenders to be delivered to him . But in a dying Commonweale the Embassadours were , not courteously heard ; Wherewith the the Sultan provoked , sent Araphus with 150000 men to besiege the City : who by a Mine had soon overthrown a piece of the Wall ; but was glad to retire from the breach . Alphix now died at 〈◊〉 , the Mamalukes choosing 〈◊〉 for their Sultan , who was so far from raysing his siege , that he more straitly beset it than in the 3 moneths before . Peter , Master of the Templers , was chosen Governour of the City , of great valour and experience : unto whom and the Nobles , the Sultan offered great things so they would now yield the City : which offer he rejected , telling him , He learned not of his Ancestors to sell a City to Infidels , bought with so much Christian blood , &c. Wherewith he enraged , next day so furiously assaulted it , as if he would have carried it ; yet having lost a number of men in assault , and a sally , he was forced to retire into his trenches again . The Governour among other Christians lost , was wounded with a poysoned dart , dying 3 days after , with whom the defendants courage fainted also . Their weak and aged , were sent away to Cyprus at first of the siege ; but now 〈◊〉 Captains , &c. discouraged , conveighed themselves away , a great number of whom , were upon Cyprus coast ( with the Patriarch ) drowned . 12000 remained for defence of the City : who ( some report ) fled after , leaving it to the enemy : others , that they valiantly defended it , till , most being slain or wounded , the rest being driven to the Market-place , defended themselves a while , and fleeing to the ships were all cut off , or drowned . But however , the Sultan giving the spoil to his Souldiers , burned it to the ground , and digging up all foundations , left no sign of any City : but purging it of rubbidge , made it fit to low Corn in , which he did to other Towns by the Sea coast , that they should give the Christians no more footing there . Thus was their name utterly rooted out of Syria and Palestine in 1291 , about 192 years after the winning of Jerusalem . Which losse as tending to a general disgrace , not a little moved the greatest Christian Princes ; yet , troubled with their affairs at home , and neighbour Princes , none stirred for redress . Only Cassanes the great Tartar , at the request of the Armenian Kings daughter , his Wife , a Christian , and his Father in Law took it in hand : and with 200000 fighting men , the Armenians and Georgians , overthrew 〈◊〉 the Aegyptian Lievtenant , not far from Hama in Syria , 40000 Aegyptians being reported to be flain , sending Molais to secure him , who chased him over the desart sands into Aegypt . Then he took Hama , dividing the 〈◊〉 treasures , and the spoil among his Souldiers , reserving but a Sword and a Casket of secret Letters to himself . He took most Cities in Syria , with Jerusalem , repairing many places , giving it to the Christian Armenians , &c. repairing thither to inhabit ; and returning , Damasco was delivered to him . But purposing to destroy Aegypts Kingdom , he was certifyed of troubles in Persia and other parts ; wherefore he returned with most of his Army thither , leaving Capcacus Governour of Damasco , ( who had revolted to him from the Sultan ) and Molais of 〈◊〉 ; commanding them to re-edifie Tyre , and to send to the Christian Princes , to joyn with them for holding those Countries . Tyre was repaired and garrisoned ; but the Embassadours coming to proud Pope Boniface 8th ; could obtain nought of him . For he then by excommunication , and discharging the Subjects loyalty to Philip of France , had given his Kingdom to Albert Duke of Austria , declaring him Emperor , whereof great troubles arose . And being also of the Guelphes faction , was careful to extinguish the Guebellines , especially the Family of the Columnii , some of whom he had slain , deprived , imprisoned , and exiled : hereby not at leasure to further the Christians good ; but being suddenly taken prisoner at his Fathers house in Anagnia , by Sara Columnius , sent by the French King , and Longarett a French Knight , he was brought into St. Angelo Castle in Rome , and in 35 daies died , renting himself ( some report ) with his teeth , and devouring his fingers for madness . Cassanes was of a very short stature , and hard-favour ; but the valour and vertue of his mind , recompenced the want of his feature : After whose departure , Capcaeus , considering no aid was to be expected from the Christian Princes , revolted a new from the Tartar , drawing Damasco and most of Syria after him : Molais was about to go against him ; but Capcacus having compacted with the Aegyptian Sultan also , as too weak , he retired with his Tartars into 〈◊〉 , exspecting supplies from Cassanes and the King of Armenia . The Sultan the mean while , took Jerusalem forsaken of the Inhabitants , sparing only Christs Sepulchre at the suit of the religious . Then he won all lesse Towns , and raced all Castles , and forts of the Hospitallers and Templers ; who , of themselves , held out almost a year , most being slain , the rest abjuring Syria ( for ever ) by Oath , had leave to depart with bag and baggage ; who for 300 years had worthily defended the Christians and their Religion against the Infidels , and now for ever 〈◊〉 out about 1300. Wherefore leaving Syria and the holy Land , though 't were likely enough to be recovered again , had not Cassanes died , and the Tartars domestick troubles 〈◊〉 , We will return to the Turks troubles in lesser Asia , not thinking it good to break off abruptly ; but to make the reader partaker of its heaviness . Mescot and Ceicubades , kept in awe by the Tartar , died as they lived , almost buried in obscurity . Mescot died without issue ; but Ceicubades left his Son Aladine 2d , who united the divided Kingdom , paying also tribute to the Tartar. Aladine did not much , yet the Tartar's power began in his time to decline : he was of a quiet spirit , and a great friend to Othoman . But he dying without issue , Sahib his chief Couusellor , aspired to the Kingdom : which he could neither long hold , or deliver to his posterity ; for many of the Nobility , envying at his honour , laid hold , some on one Country , some on another , erecting greater or lesser Satrapies , and absolutely commanding over so much as by strong hand they could hold ; Wherein they shared so well for themselves , that Sahib was shortly thrust out of all ; and the Turks Kingdom in lesser Asia , become an Anarchy . The greatest sharer herein , was Caraman Alusirius , who took to himself Iconium the Regal Seat , with all Cilicia , &c. and Antioch upon Meander . All which was afterward of him called Caramania : whose successours strove long with the Othoman Sultans for soveraignty , till by the greatness of the Othoman Empire , theirs , with all the rest , were swallowed up . Next to him was 〈◊〉 or Sarchan , of whom Joma Maritima is yet called 〈◊〉 . The most part of Lydia , &c. fell to Calamus and his Son 〈◊〉 , called of him , Carasia . Aidin . possessed most of ancient Misia , &c. of him called Aidinia . Some part of Pontus , with diverse Cities near the Euxine , and Paphlagonia , fell to the Sons of 〈◊〉 , or Amar ; but is commonly called Bolli of a City there so named : as was 〈◊〉 , so called from the City Mendos or 〈◊〉 . To prosecute all Toparchies nlesser Asia were tedious . It sufficeth for shewing the Turks Anarchy , and their Kingdoms ruin there , to remember these . All those that shared the Aladinian Kingdom , were of the better sort of Turks ; who under the Selzuccian and Aladinian Sultans driven out of Persia , had here seated themselves ; amongst whom , most Writers reckon Othoman for one ; but he held no more of Aladin's Kingdom than one poor Lordship , called Suguta in Bythinia , ( before given to his Father for his good service ) with other small holds , as himself gained from his weak Christian neighbours ; For he was not of the Selzuccian family , as were the rest , but of another Tribe ; and therefore they envied the sudden rising of this Oguzian Turk , being as it were a meer stranger to them : whose fortune for all that they seemed to fear , as dangerous ( in time ) ; wherein they were not deceived . But more being to be said of him hereafter , we leave him with the rest unto their 〈◊〉 , So concluding this part of our general History . The LIVES of the Othoman KINGS and EMPEROURS ; faithfully gathered out of the best Histories , both Ancient and Modern : and digested into one continuate History , The Rising of the Great and Mighty Empire of the Turks , under Othoman first Founder thereof : With his Life and doings . THe foundation of this so great a Kingdom , and now an Empire , was first laid by valiant Othoman or Osman , not descended of the Selzuccian Family ; but of the 〈◊〉 Tribe , in whose Line it hath for 303 years wonderfully flourished ; and so yet at this day under Mahomet 3. But seeing he , and the Othoman Kings and Emperours , took their beginning from this warlike Othoman , with whose life and doings we purpose to begin this part of our History ; it shall not be amisse a little farther to fetch his race and descent also . When the Turks Kingdom flourished in Persia in the Selzuccian Princes , there was another small one at the City Marchan , over which reigned one Solyman , at the same time that the Tartars under old Zingis bare down all before them ; and overthrowing the Turks Kingdom at Balch in Persia , drave them with their King Cursumes out of their Countrey , they reigning 172 years from Tangrolipix . Solyman was of the Oguzian Tribe , a family famous also among the Turks , who seeing 〈◊〉 beaten out , and Babylons Caliph overthrown , thought good by speedy flight with such as would follow him , to provide for his safety : and in hope of like fortune with Aladin 〈◊〉 of the Selzuccian Family , ( who by force had honourably seated himself in Romania 〈◊〉 ) and accounting all well gotten from the Christians , took his way after him ; and coming to the City 〈◊〉 seated himself with many followers thereabouts , who ( as the Tartar Nomades ) still removed up and down their tents and carts , feeding their cattle ; as do the 〈◊〉 Nation in many parts of Asia at this day : being not only called Nomades , that is , Heards-men ( as the Janizaries will often call the greatest Turks in contempt ) but Hamaxophetie and Hamaxobii , that is , people carried or living in Carts . Solyman staying a while there , removed to Amasia , where , by spoyling , encountring the 〈◊〉 in field , and seazing on their Towns , 〈◊〉 had subdued a large Territory : at length having lost a great number , and wearied the rest ; fearing also with the small power left , he could not keep that already gotten , he thought best to seek better Fortune elsewhere . It was now rifely reported , the Tartars fury was well abated in Persia : wherefore Solyman resolved to visit his native 〈◊〉 . So passing thorow Syria he seized on Ziabercala Castle ; there staying for refreshment . Afterwards setting foreward , he came to the River Euphrates , but finding no meanes to get over , he stood still as dismayed . Solyman in this perplexity ; 〈◊〉 taking the River to find passage , adventuring too far was with the streams force carried away , and ( with his horse ) drowned . Whose body at length found , was buried by his people 〈◊〉 Ziaber Castle . Some of whom , seated themselves thereabouts . The rest went some to the 〈◊〉 of Arabia and Syria , called the Damascene Turcomans : others returned into Romania , of whom are the Turcomans of Iconium and Anatolia : who yet wander up and down , in manner of their Ancestors . Solyman left 4 sons , Sentur , Token ; 〈◊〉 , Ertogrul , ( the Father of Othoman ) and Dunder . Ertogrul and Dunder , marching along Euphrates , came to Pasin 〈◊〉 where , with 400 families , they 〈◊〉 with tents and carts . Sentur and Iundogdis returned ( passing the River ) into Persia ; where we leave them . Ertogrul , &c. had divers conflicts with the people thereabouts , till he thought best to return into Romania . So he came from Ancyra , and the black 〈◊〉 , to the plain Sultan Ungi , about 75 miles Eastward from Nice , where he had many skirmishes with the Christians . Now Aladin the Elder ( of whom before ) had subdued divers great Countries in lesser Asia , and was named by the Turk's 〈◊〉 Padischach , that is , their great King or Emperour . Ertogrul having 3 sons , Iundus , Sarugatin , and Othoman , sent Sarugatin unto him , to grant his poor exiled Country-men some small corner for them , their Families , and Cattle , to rest in . The Sultan ( not unmindful of his own distresse ) courteously used the Messenger . And it fortuned , that this Sultan , ( troubled in lesser Asia by the Tartars ) had Sharp conflicts with them ; in one whereof , he was in danger to lose the day : but Ertogrul coming unlooked for with 400 men on the Tartars backs , so forcibly charged them , and the Sultans men fighting now with 〈◊〉 courage , they fled after , which , The Sultan honourably welcomed Ertogrul , and gave him and his Turks a Village called Suguta in greater Phrygia , in which they might live in Winter , and feed their cattle on the mountaines . 〈◊〉 and Ormenius in Summer , he also committed to his protection his Kingdomes Frontiers where he dwelt , by whose care and prowess the before infested Country was well secured . Ertogrul ( become a petty Lord of a Country Village ) thus living certain years ; it fortuned that the Christians of Carachisur Castle fell out with him , evilly intreating him and his people , of which their ingratitude and wrongs , he so complained to the Sultan that he in person with a great Army besieged the Castle . But the Tartars entering and spoyling Caria , and taking Heraclea , he rofe with his Army , yet leaving sufficiency for the siege under Ertogrul Beg. The Sultan overthrew the Tartars at Baga , whilst Ertogrul took the Castle , sending the 5th of the spoile for a present to the Sultan , with the Captaine of the Castle : who was again restored to his Castle paying a yearly tribute ; but the Sultan , after 2 years , dying , he revolted . 〈◊〉 dying at Iconium , Azatinus his eldest Son succeeded , after him Iathatines his younger ; who slain by Lascaris , Iathatines , Azatines son , succeeded , who was expulsed and subdued by the Tartars ; after which the Selzuccian Family scarce retained the shadow of their 〈◊〉 Majesty . In which confusion Ertogrul kept close in Suguta , keeping peace on every side , sweetly passing over the troublesome times of Mescot and 〈◊〉 , till the 2d Aladin the last heir of the Iconian Kingdome , and contenting himself with a little , bare himself kindly towards all : who with his 3 Sons , were greatly beloved of their Neighbours , and favoured by Aladin then Sultan , his sons visiting him often with one present 〈◊〉 another . In Othoman was greater courage and spirit to be seen than in the other two brethren , and was especially of the youthful and warlique sort most regarded , who when he hawked or hunted , &c. resorted unto 〈◊〉 and called by them Osman the Warlique . Aladin had in this frontier Countty , divers governours of his strong holds : unto whom Othoman for friendship-sake resorted , especially , to the Captaine of Mungi to him very welcome . On a time , as Othoman was going to Eskichisar Castle to make merry ; at Itburne he saw a fair Maiden called Malhatun , to whom he sent a secret friend to intreat of marriage , who answered , there was great inequality of birth betwixt her and Othoman , &c. but one cause of this answer was , because some had put in her head , that Othoman meant under that colour to obtain a few daies pleasure with her , and afterward to cast her off : which was far from his thoughts . And going again to Eskichisar , chanced to fall in speech of his love , commending her beauty , &c. and not dissembling the repulse received at her hands ; which the governour hearing , said , she was by divine providence appointed for him only . But secretly inflamed , he began to grow amorous of her himself , whom he had not seen . Othoman by conjectures and tokens perceiving the same , who yet dissembling the matter , secretly sent a trusty servant to some of the Maidens friends , to send her farther off , least she were taken from them , by a great man more amorous of her person , than respectuous of her honour : by and by betaking himself to the Captaine of Mungi ; his dear friend . But whilst he there stayed passing the time in disports , the governour of Eskichisar , sent one to see 〈◊〉 , and how things went ; who certifying his master , that by Othomans advertisement she was conveyed afar off , being exceedingly grieved and fretted : he sent to the Captaine of Mungi , to command him forthwith to deliver Othoman unto him . But he could not be perswaded so to do : Wherefore the Governour came with the greatest power he could to the Castle , requiring him . After much consultation , it was resolved by the Captaine and Souldiers , that he should be defended , who could not without their great infamy be delivered : But Othoman terrified with the diversity of opinions at the first ; deeply conceired by a sudden sally , to make way thorow them . And with 〈◊〉 and his few followers , brake thorow by plain force , notably repulsing his pursuers towards Suguta . But being come into his Fathers Territory , such as loved him well , presently came to his rescue , slaying , and putting to flight , the Governours Souldiers . Among those taken , was Michael Cossi , a Christian Captain of a little Castle , called Hirmencaia : whom Othoman pardoned . Who ever after took part with him , and did him great service : whose posterity , even till this Age , is , next to the Othoman Family , most honourable among the Turks . Ertogrul shortly died , in 1289 , living 93 years , and governing the Oguzian Family 52 : whole body was honourably buried at Suguta . After his death they doubted whom to make choice of for their Governour , yet thinking it better to chose Othoman's Uncle , for his gravity and experience , than Othoman , who for gifts of body and mind was to be preferred before his Brethren , for his young Age suspected . But Dunder foreseeing what danger the Oguzian State stood in , through the hatred of the Greeks ; and not surely backt by the Iconium Sultan's growing weaker and weaker , said , those inconveniences required the help of a wise , vigilant , and valiant man , such as they knew Othoman was . Thus , he in private declated his mind : and , at the generall assembly , ( by his example to encourage others ) saluted him their great Lord , promising him all loyalty ; whereunto ensued the great applause of the people , as to a Governor sent them by God. Thus Othoman was great Governour of the Oguzian Turks , and named Osman Beg , or , Lord Osman . Yet this honour was included in a small , plain , and homely circuit : Amongst which rude Heardsmen , 〈◊〉 ( not far exceeding the rest in Civility ) commanded much like Romulus , of whom the Turks report many things , as the Romans do of him . Othoman fell first at odds with Hagio Nicholaus , Captain of Einegiol Castle , for molesting these Oguzians in passing with their Cattell by his Castle . Wherefore he requested the Captain of Belizuga Castle , that his people might take refuge in his Castle with their goods and Cartell upon occasion : who , with this proviso , That none should come in but the women onely , easily granted it ; which courtesy Othoman refused not . The women usually presented the Captain with one Countrey present or other , which afterwards was the losse of the Castle . Yet Othoman purposing to be revenged on the other Captain , chose 70 most able men , secretly to passe Ormenius , and ( if possible ) to surprize or fire Eigeniol Castle . The wary Captain laid a strong ambush upon the mountain to cut them off : Othoman , no lesse wary , with an augmented number , marched to the place where they lay ; where many were on both sides slain , Othoman's Nephew , being one . Yet Othoman , having the victory , his people fed their Cattell in summer in more safety , quietly passing to and fro . Othoman shortly after surprized ( by night ) the Castle Chalce , putting all the Christians to the sword . The Christians adjoyning ( much grieved ) complained to the Captain of Carachizar , that these Turks , who were of pity received into that Country , began now to lay hands on the Christians possessions , which if suffered , they would in short time drive both them and all the rest out of their native Countries , & c. The Captain being mooved , speedily sent a strong company , under his Brother Calanus , to joyn with the Christian forces at Einegiol . Whereof Othoman understanding , marched to Opsicium in Phrygia , where was fought a sharp battel , Sarugatin his Brother , with many Souldiers , being lost . Calanus was also slain , whose intrails Othoman pulled out , naming his burying place , Mesari Repec , that is , The Dog-Grave . His Brother he honourably buried at Suguta . Aladin was very sorry for Othoman's losse , & gave him the City Paleapolis , with the Territories belonging , with leave to besiege Carachizar , sending him Souldiers and Munition : who streightly besieging it , won it , and slew all the Christians , cruelly executing the Captain ; giving his souldiers the spoyl , except the 5th part to the Sultan . ( This was in 1290. ) This , with other Castles , was either in Phrygia the greater , or in Bythinia , and the confines of Mysia , where the Christians lived mingled with the Turks ; at continuall jars , till by them they were extinguished . Othoman , thus inconraged , and by the Sultan supported , cousulted with his Brother Iundus , of the best way to subject the Christians . Iundus advised him to urge his fortune with all speed , and to invade them , discouraged with Carachifar's loss . But Othoman said , The Castles & c. must be kept with strong Garrisons , elle they will be again recovered : which Garrisons cannot be maintained , if we dispeople the adjoyning Countreys : I think better that we make a league with the Christians about us , which we will keep or break , as shall serve our purpose . And he made a peace with all , chiefly with Michael Cossi , who became also a Mahometan . This he did the rather , for the envy of Germean Ogli , a Salzuccian , who ( as others ) sought by all means to hinder his greatnesse . Who to strengthen his new Common-weal , built a fair Temple in Carachizar , for Mahometan Religion , appointing Markets , and granting priviledges to all that resorted to his great Towns , using great Justice , so that all sorts furnished Towns and Countreys with all necessaries : but his aspiring mind had alwaies a greater care to enlarge his Territories , whom Michael Cossi so politickly directed , in his inroad into Bythinia that he returned with great spoil and more honour . The Christians thereabouts were now loath to give him any offence , lest he should spoyl them . About his time the Captains of Belizuga & Cuprichisar falling at odds , he of Cupriehisar first invaded him of Belizuga : who praying Othoman's aid , he presently came with companyes of lusty Souldiers : whereby he of Belizuga set upon his enemy , and by Othoman's help , the other fled to his own Castle , divers being on both sides slain : when Othoman besieging him , took his Castle , and slow him . He of Belizuga was so proud of the victory , ( though most gained by the Turks ) providing a great feast for him and his followers : that , giving Garments of great price to Othoman , in token of his favour , rewarding also his souldiers , but all with a presumptuous grace , he offered the Turk's common Souldiers his hand to kisse : wherewith Othoman was so offended that he could scarce hold his hands from him ; yet he secretly imparted the disgrace to his Cousin Dunder , inquiring of him how the Captain was to be corrected for it : who , being the Captain 's Lievtenant , told him , That , seeing Germean Ogli was their enemy on one side , and all the Christians would be in his neck if he offered him any wrong , nothing was then to be attempted . Othoman hereby perceiving his Cousin's affection to him , and lest the mischief should by him be revealed or hindered , slew him suddenly with his bow . Michael Cossi , not long after , concluding a Marriage between a Gentleman and his daughter , invited all the Christian Captains thereabouts thereto : and the rather to grow in acquaintance with Othoman ; hoping that at that merry meeting , all being made friends , every one might possesse his own without fear of Othoman , whose gifts exceeded all the other Guests , giving also to the new married folks , flocks of Sheep and Cattle ; so that , the Captains saying , Othoman's wealth portended some great matter , &c. they thought best , secretly to compasse his death : theexecution whereof they referred to him of Belizuga : whose ill disposition though Othoman long perceived , yet he in shew honoured him , and debased himself in comparison . But the Captain told Othoman that he intended to marry the Captain of Jarchiser's daughter , requesting him to honour it with his presence , & c. a colour to bring Othoman into danger : who , neer the time , sent thither fat Oxen and Sheep , in Iundus his name , certifying him Othoman himself would be present , with such presents as his poor ability could afford . The Captain now surely hoped his devised treachery would take effect : and therefore requested Michael Cossi to bring Othoman to the marriage , which he knew Cossi might easily do , sending him by Cossi a present of gilt plate . Cossi found him very willing to go ; but being moved with compassion , he discovered the Captain 's Conspiracy against him , willing him to take heed to himself , for which Othoman greatly thanked him , rewarded , & c. At thy return ( saith he ) tell him I am bound to him for many courtesies , chiefly for protecting my goods and cattell within his Castle , which I request may be continued for a year longer by reason of my wars with Gormean Ogli : wherefore I will presently send to his Castle things I most reckon of : and tell him further , my Wife and her Mother desire to be acquainted with the Lady his Mother , whom ( if he please ) I will bring with me to the Marriage . When the Captain understood his request by Cossi , he sent him back to hasten his coming , and to bring what Guests he pleased . Because the Castle was too little for the expected multitude , there was another place appointed , about 3 miles distant . Othoman had accustomed to send his best things in packs to Belizuga Castle , but now instead of houshold-stuff , & c. he thrust in armed men , chargeing the carriages to come thither before twi-light . Then he apparelled some of his best Souldiers in Womens apparel , as his Wife and Mother in Law with their Women : So contriving it , that they and the packs might at one instant meet at the Castle . The Captain thought his late coming was because the Turkish Women shun the sight of Christian men . Othoman ( being come unto the marriage place ) requested the Captain that his Gentlewomen might lodge conveniently , in his Castle , apart , according to their homely fashion , lest the presence of such Gallants might put them out of countenance , which the Captain granted , saluting them afar off . The packs and the disguised Souldiers came 〈◊〉 at a time : where when they were entred , the Souldiers suddenly leapt out of the packs , and with the help of the disguised , slew the Warders ( for most were gone to the marriage place ) of the Castle , possessing the same . Othoman ( the Captain taking his chamber ) took horse , with Cossi , and his followers , to Belizuga , whom the Captain presently pursued with his train , most being drunk ; whom Othoman in the conflict slew , putting the rest to flight . Early in the morning also he surprised Jarchiser Castle with the Captain and his daughter ( which was to have been married the next day ) with all her friends ; whom he shortly married to his Son Orchanes , who had by her Amurath I. and Solyman Bassa . He presently sent one Durgut Alpes , of great valour , to besiege Einegiol Castle , who used such speed , that he invironed it ( that none could passe in or out ) till Othoman , setting all in order at Belizuga , came with the rest to Einegiol , which he presently took by force , cutting the Captain his enemy in small pieces , for they had used the like tyranny against the Turks . Now began Othoman to execute the Justice of good Lawes to all , both Christians and Turks , his Subjects , and to protect them from the spoyl of others : whereby those who forsook their Countrey , through troubles , repayred to their 〈◊〉 dwellings , & also many strangers ; whereby the wasted Country soon grew populous . Then he besieged Isnica ( called Nice ) in Bythinia : this City ( by placeing his men on every passage in forts , that nothing could be brought in for relief ) he greatly distressed ; the Citizens , in extremity , certifyed the Emperour of Constantinople , that they must ( except present relief came ) famish or yield . The Emperour embarqued certain companies for relief ; of whose landing Othoman understanding , lay in ambush with most of his forces near the place , and slew most of them , driving the rest into the Sea , where they perished . Othoman returning , most streightly besieged it , whose Citizens , now despairing , yielded that great and rich City to him , with whose spoyl he enriched his men . Of whose good successe Aladin hearing , sent him a fair Ensigne , Drums , & c. saying that all should be his own that he took from the Christians , and publique prayers to be said for Othoman's health , &c. the Sultan's proprieties . This made many think , that the Sultan intended ( having no Children ) to adopt him his successor : who 〈◊〉 to Aladin the 5th part of 〈◊〉 spoyl , but during his life , used not his princely honours ; intending 〈◊〉 to visit the Sultan . But ( being about to 〈◊〉 forward ) he was informed of Aladin's death , and that Sahib had taken on him his dignity : which news much discontented him , being in hope to succeed him , or share in most part of his Kingdome . Yet he thought it now fit to take the princely honours , granted him by the Sultan in his life : wherefore he made Dursu Fakiche Bishop of Carachisar ; who first , by his command , made publique prayers for Othoman as was went to be for the Sultan ; coyning also mony in his own name , and taking all the honours of a Sultan ; which was about ten years after 〈◊〉 's death , in 1300 , to which time the Turkish Empire under Othoman is to be referred . Then he made his Son Orchanes princely Governour of Carachisar , and his chief followers Governours of Castles . He chose Neapolis to be his regall seat , calling it Despotopolis , that is , The City of the Lord : yet he 〈◊〉 not to augment his Kingdom , but ( accompanied with Orchanes ) surprized adjoyning places , serving best for its enlargement . The Christian bordering Princes , fearing Othoman's greatnes might shortly be their confusion jointly invaded his Kingdom with fire and sword , who meeting them in the confines of Phrygia and Bythinia , fought with them a great battle , many on both sides being 〈◊〉 , and obtained a bloody Victory . Castaleanus one of the greatest Christians was slain ; another , called Tokensis , he chased to Ulubad Castle not far off , who , for fear , was delivered him by the Captain , and afterwards cut in pieces in view of his chief Castle , which ( with the Country thereabouts ) Othoman subdued . The other Princes fled into holds farther off . The Prince of Bithynia fled into Prusa , ( now Burusa ) which Othoman hoped to win : but finding it impossible , he , in one year , built 2 strong Castles on the chief passages of the City , placeing two couragious Captains therein ; thus blocking up Prusa , he subdued Bythinia , and so returned home ; honourably rewarding his Souldiers , and establishing such Government , that people resorted from far into his Dominions : which in few years became very populous , and he most famous . So living in great quietnesse certain years , now being old and troubled with the Gout , his old Souldiers came to him with one request , To take some war in hand for enlarging his Kingdom , offering to spend their lives in his service , &c. For which he thanked them , promising he would not be long unmindfull of their request . But to make all safe at home first , he calls to him Michael Cossi , ( the onely Christian Captain he suffered to live in quiet ) to perswade him to follow Mahomet , which if he refused , he would war on him as his utter enemy . Cossi not thinking of what ensued , came with such Souldiers as he thought to use in his intended service : but hearing the cause , and seeing the danger , 〈◊〉 Othoman's hand , he requested him to enter him in Mahomet's principles , which he promised ever after to embrace : so saying certain words after Othoman , he turned Turk , Whereupon Othoman 〈◊〉 him an Ensigne and rich Robe , and assured Token of his favour : Who , after this , to content his souldiers , took many bordering Castles , 〈◊〉 all unto the Euxine Sea : and being now aged and diseased , as aforesaid , he often sent Orchanes against his enemies , who atchieved many great enterprizes , his Father yet living . The Reader may happily marvail , why Paleologus , and afterward his Son Andronicus , suffered the Turks , not Othoman , but the sharers of Aladin's Kingdome , to take spoyl , kill , and encroach , especially , in Bythinia , as it were under their noses : But let him here consider the trouble of that declining Empire , and he shall plainly fee the causes of its decay . 〈◊〉 Paleologus by trechery obtaining the Empire , and 〈◊〉 Constantinople from Baldwin , ( 〈◊〉 is declared ) fearing the Western Princes , especially the King of Sicily , whom Baldwin sollicited for his restitution , and to marry his daughter to his Son : to intangle Charls with troubles nearer home , he offered to Geregory X. Bishop of Rome , to conform the Greek Church to the Latine , and that it should be 〈◊〉 to appeal to Romes Court , as to the higher : of which the Pope gladly accepted , promising to keep Charls otherwise busied . But when this alteration in the Greek Church should be nade , the 〈◊〉 gave up his place , retiring to a Monastery , where he spent the remainder of his life . The other Clergy 〈◊〉 their Sermons inveighed against it , perswading the people not to receive it , &c. So that all the City and 〈◊〉 , was in an uproar : for many of the chief 〈◊〉 also abhorred these proceedings : Whereby Paleologus , leaving forreign 〈◊〉 , was forced to turn all his 〈◊〉 and study to 〈◊〉 domestick troubles : first perswading his Subjects , that this alteration was not made for any good liking he had thereto , but for the danger of time ; for ( said he ) if the enemies should come , the City in many places rent or but lately repaired , &c. then they would be Lords not of our Religion and Ceremonies onely , but of Wives and Children , and whatever we have , &c. With which perswasion , some were contented ; 〈◊〉 others not , whom he imprisoned , banished , tortured , &c. using all means to move their minds . All which , some with patience endured ; but the greater part , the Refuse , ran rogueing abroad , as men persecuted for their conscience , out of the Emperour's Jurisdiction ; some taking the names of Arsonius his Disciples , some of Joseph's , and some of others . Wherewith the Emperour was so encumbred , that he had no leisure to provide against the Turks : whose deep devices in aspiring , and travels in assuring , the Empire , with altering his Father's Religion , yielded him not so much as an honourable buriall . For , dying not far from Lysimachia , he was , by his Son Andronicus his command , obscurely buried in a field a good way from his Camp , as unworthy of better sepulture for revolting from the Religion of his Ancestors , though his Obsequies were afterwards , for fashion sake , with some solemnity , celebrated . Andronicus Paleologus succeeding his Father , and thinking , by restoring the Churches government and rites , to appease all troubles before raised , found them no less than his Father's , for they that liked the Latinos Customs obstinately defended them : the other faction countenanced by the Emperor , insulted on them without measure : whereof arose exceeding stirs , chiefly in the beginning of his reign . The Turks ceasing not to increase their Territories in Asia , but also in the Mediterranean Islands . For Andronicus , delivered of the greatest fear ( by Charls of Sicily's death , for which he and his Father maintained a strong Fleet of Galleys ) now perswaded by some to spare that needlesse charge ( as they termed it ) , had discharged all his Sea-men , and laid all the Galleys up in one Creek or another . The Marriners went severall waies to seek a living in forreign Countries , where some gave themselvs to Husbandry ; which at the first seemed very profitable to the Emperour , till many great mischiefs were ( too late ) found hereof . For , besides the Turks doing great harm at Sea , the Pirats took the spoyl of Mediterranean Islands , robbing all Towns along the Sea coast ; and came with their Galleys ( as in contempt ) even close to the City : yea , the Venetians ( on small displeasure ) rifled the Suburbs . Then also Andronicus had a jealous suspition of his brother Constantine's aspiring to the Empire , seeking to win the love of all , especially the Nobility at home & abroad : which were thought but mear slanders maliciously devised . The grounds of this suspition were , That from his childhood , he was ( for many causes ) better beloved of his Father than Andronicus ; so that he could willingly have left him his successour : that his Father in his life , thought to separate Thessaly and Macedonia from the Empire , and make him absolute Prince thereof . Andronicus dissembled his secret hatred 3 years after his Fathers death . The mean time , Constantine bountifully bestowed the profit of his great revenues on all sorts , and with sweet behaviour won their hearts . He that blames Constantine for the two first , ( they not proceeding of himself ) should do him wrong : but if ( not experienced ) he gave such gifts as beseemed the Emperour himself , he ignorantly erred : but if he knew that therefore he could not be unsuspected , he was greatly blameable ; for he should have considered , how many , such like doings had brought to untimely ends . Constantine lived in Lydia , lately married , not past 30 years old : whom the Emperour , passing into Asia , secretly resolved suddenly to oppresse . And at his coming , Constantine , not fearing it , was , with all his favourites and Michael Strategopulus , clapt in prison , their Lands , &c. being first confiscate . But the Turks ( those men who defended the frontiers on the East side of Meander being laid fast ) finding none to withstand them , forraged all beyond the River , and also passing it did great harm : so that the Emperour must make choice of some other worthy ( aptair , those his Cities and Countreys being in danger by the Incursions of the Turks . There was in Court Alexius Philanthropenus a valiant young Captain : whom the Emperour chose to defend his frontiers in Asia , joyning to him , Libadarius , an old experienced one : the one governed the Cities of Ionis ; the other , the frontiers along Meander . Alexius , by many victorious conflicts , soon became of great fame , being also very bountifull and courteous unto all . Thus , all things prospering with him , the bordering Turks , more moved with his courtesy , than fearing the Tartars , came to him with their Wives , &c. many serving in his Camp. Libadarius envying thereat , suspected left he should proudly aspire to the Empire , & so first begin with him . Alexius had certain companies of Cretensians , whom he trusted above others , using them for his Guard , who , in hope by his advancement to raise themselvs , perswaded him speedily to take it on him , the conceit of which would be no lesse danger than entring the action it self , as he might see by Constantine and Strategopulus : which quick suggestions wrought in him divers and contrary motions . At length , the perswaders prevailed with him ; yet , at first , he forbade any to mention him in the Army as Emperour : which caused the Cretensians almost to force the imperial Ornaments forthwith upon him ; For ( said they ) delay would but fill the Souldiers heads with doubts , & disourage them with fear of an uncertain event : all which , whether fearing the great danger , or thinking how , first , to circumvent Libàdarius , moved him not so to do . Libadarius and the Emperor ( both disquieted ) had soon the report of his designs : Alexius turned from Libadarius to follow after the Emperour's Brother Theodorus not to be feared , who ( warned by his Brother Constantine ) lived in Lydia far from Court : unto whom Alexius fearing many would ( in the hurly burly ) resort , thought best to make him sure , and afterwards to oppresse Libadarius . But he ( of great experience ) by gathering all possible coyn of his own & friends , sending also for the Emperour's treasure to Philadelphia , raised such a power out of Ionia , that in ten daies he dared give the Rebell battell in Lydia : and so wrought with the mercenary Cretensians by sums of money given , and promises , that they promised , in the beginning of the battle , to deliver him into his hands , which they 〈◊〉 , ( fast bound ) unto Libadarius , who in 3 daies after put out his eyes , left the Emperour should pardon him , and kept him in prison till his further pleasure known . Andronicus , after this , knew not whom to trust , putting more confidence in strangers than in his own Subjects to his great hurt . He gladly accepted of the Messagets , Christians beyond Ister , oppressed by the Tartars , who offered to come to him ( with 10000 Families ) and serve him against the Turks grievously wasting in Asia . But when they were to be furnished with all things , especially with Horses , Armour , and Pay ; the Subjects were hardly charged , houses searched , who murmured to have their Armes taken from them and given to strangers : and when they were to contribute to their pay , they openly cursed them . Yet , at length , they were shipped over into Asia under Michael the Emperours Son , and companion in Empire : who came and encamped about Magnesia , were the Turks at first retired into Mountains and Woods , that , protracting time , they might learn what strength they were of , and what discipline they kept ; and pèrceiving them often to roave disorderly after prey ( for , as Mercenaries , they spoiled their friends as if they were enemies ) they came down , at first , adventuring but little ; but afterward came further on with greater confidence : wherewith they being discouraged , retired , the Turks following them , who were ( thinking one thing to be two ) blinded with their own fear : neither were they like to do any great good , who setting forth carried with them the bitter curses of their friends . Michael seeing the Messagets flee retired into the Castle of Magnesia : But the Messagets , spoiling the Countrey as they went , passed over into Europe . Michael returning , not many daies after , to Constantinople , the Turks came down and subdued all unto the Coast of Lesbos . Not long after , one Ronzerius , sometime a notable Pirate , with four tall Galleys , manned with Catalonians , Narbonensiaus &c , in the Mediterranean Sea and I slands , but then a famous Captain , having stood Theodore , King of Sicily , in great stead , against Charls King of Navarre , with 2000 expert Souldiers ; and through peace concluded betwixt them , now to seek for new entertainment , he offered his service to the Greek Emperour , whereof he gladly accepting , he came to him with 2000 good Souldiers called by the name of Catalonians . He honoured Ronzerius with the name of Great Captain , and gave him his 〈◊〉 Mary in marriage : But one Tenza , another Catalonian , coming a while after with more aid , he named Ronzerius , Caesar ; & Tenza , Great Captain . But when they were to be transported into Asia , they did unspeakeable harm , to the People , for which they had many a bitter Curse . The next spring they valiantly raised the siege of Philadelphia which was hardly bestead without and within : to these Catalonians , great numbers of the best Grecian Souldiers , and all the Messagets were joyned ; so that , had not the Emperour before commanded not to pursue the Turks too far , 't was thought they might have soon recovered all they had taken . This service done , the Greeks returned home , and Messagets also . But the Catalonians turned their forces on them that they were sent to relieve ; alledging they had not their pay , &c. Poor people were every where spoiled , wives and daughters ravished , Priests and aged men tortured to confesse their store ; yea many , that had nothing , lay by the high waies begging , having hands or feet , &c. cut off upon their greedy imagination . The Emperour was much grieved , but his Coffers were not able to redresse any thing . Ronzerius , thus spoyling Asia , passed over into Europe , and leaving his Army at Calipolis , he went to Michael , then at Orestias with 200 , to demand , or with threats to extort , his pay : with whose insolency he now more offended , his Souldiers present , compassing him in , slew him , with some others , the rest fleeing to Calipolis . Neither was the Catalonians pride abated by Ronzerius his death , but was cause of greater evills : for they first slew all the Citizens of Calipolis , making it their refuge ; then , manning 8 Galleys , under the leading of Tenza , they robbed and spoyled the Merchants ships passing to and from Constantinople : the rest ( the mean time ) forraging the Countrey . But Tenza was overthrown shortly after by a Genoway Fleet , himself being taken ; yet afterwards redeemed . Now the Catalonians , somewhat discouraged , kept themselvs , certain daies , within their wals , not knowing well what to do ; for they feared both the Messagets and Thracians ; for outrages upon whom , they despaired of the Emperouur's favour . But the expectation of Michael's coming to assault them , most terrifyed them : for fear of whom they cast a deep ditch about the City , with a strong Counterlcarp : But the Emperour delaying his coming , they maliciously craved aid of the Turks , dwelling in Asia , on the other side of the Streight : who sent them 500 good Souldiets , other fugitives following ; with whom ( themselves being 3000 ) they forraged the Country , and brought great heards of Cattell , with their Keepers , into the City . This was the first coming of the Turks into Europe , that I read of , and the beginning of those miseries wherewith the Christian Commonweal hath been ever since most grievously afflicted , and in great part overwhelmed . These now lying about Cypsella and Apri , Michael with his Souldiers , with the Messagets and Turcopuli encamped at Apri . These Turcopuli were about a 1000 Turks which Jathathiues left behind him when he was delivered from the Emperour by the Tartars , who had become Christians . The Emperour , advertised of the enemies approach , put his Army in order : whose Captains divided their battle , as their enemies , into 3 parts . The Emperour , riding from place to place , encouraged his men . The Sun rising , the enemies ( much inferiour in number ) began to come on : But the Messagets ( whether by a fore-agreement , or on a sudden treason ) withdrew as idle beholders , as did also the Turcopuli , the Greeks being hereby discouraged in the very battles joyning . The Emperour intreated the Captains , by name , not to be so suddenly discouraged : but they still shrinking , he turned himself to his few foot that were left , saying ; Now , worthy men , is death better then life , &c. Valiantly charging the enemies , his horse was slain ; but one of his followers remonted him on his own horse , with the loss of his life . The Emperour fleeing to his Father , to Dydimoticum , was joyfully received , but sharply reproved for adventuring so far . The enemies pursuing , slew some , and took others : & next day divided the spoyl , forraging the Country at pleasure . The Turcopuli revolting , were enrolled in Chalel's Regiment , who was a Turk . Shortly after , the Catalonians mutinied ; Tenza , and Pharenza disdained to be commanded by Recafort their Generall . Tenza was slain , Pharenza glad to flee to Andronicus , who honourably entertained him . The Messagets were now also ( having done the Greeks more harm then the Turks ) about to return , with Wives , Children , and wealth , beyond Ister : for whom the Turcopuli and Catalonians laid wait , as they passed the streights of Mount Hemus ; where they slew almost all of them , recompencing themselves with their spoyl , for the wrongs received by them before , in dividing the Greeks spoyl . And being proud of their Victory at Apri , spoyled all along the Sea coast , and the inland Country also . Forraging Thracia , they brake into Macedonia , and wintred about Cassandria , à City then desolate . At spring they removed purposing to spoyl , especially Thessalonica ; wherein they were , by the Emperour's foresight , prevented ; and finding a forsaken Countrey , were about to return into Thracia : But being informed , that the Emperour had shut up the passage by a mighty wall at Christopolis , from the Sea to the top of the Mountains ; they thus beset , desperately resolved to break into Thessaly , ( being above 8000 men ) to relieve their wants , or towards Peloponesus , there to seat themselves : at least-wise , to enter a League with some on the Sea coast , and so return into their own Countrey . They came in 3 daies to the Thessalian Mountains , at the foot whereof , finding plenty of all necessaries , they wintred . But Winter being past , they came down into the Plains of Thessaly , spending that year at pleasure , havocking whatever came in their way . That Countrey was but weak , the Prince being but young and like to die , &c. And to avert these forreigners : the Nobility offered their Commanders gifts , and guidance into Achaia and Boetia , Countries more commodious for them : promising if they needed aid , there to seat them . Of which offers the Catalonians accepted : So at Spring , receiving their rewards and guides , passing over the mountains beyond Thessaly and the straits of Thermopylae , they encamped near Locris , and the River Cephisus . But the Duke of Thebes , &c. hearing of their coming , with great pride and contempt , denied them passage thorow his Countrey , reckoning them but as loose wandring rogues , &c. wherewith they enraged , resolved there to seat themselves or to die . So they encamped not far from the River in Boetia , 3500 horse , 4000 foot . But lying there , they caused the ground where about they lay to be plowed up , which they watered with cuts out of the River , that it little differed from a deep Marsh. Hither comes the Prince with about 6400 horse , and 4000 foot , casting no peril , coming bravely on with his horsmen ; but before he was come to the middle of the Plain , his horses sinking deep , lay with their riders for most part , tumbling in the mire , &c. other-some sticking fast stood with their riders like very Images , not able to move . The Catalonians slew them at their pleasure , and so speedily pursued the rest , that they surprized Thebes and Athens ; so they ( having wone a goodly Countrey stored with all wealth ) there ended their travels and seated themselves : not ceasing ( as saith Nicephorius Gregorias ) by little and little to extend their bounds unto this day . There were 3000 Turks in the Catalonians Army , of whom about 1100 were the Turcopuli under Melech ; the other came with Chalel out of Asia , being sent for by the Catalonians : All these , when the Catalonians were about to invade Thessaly , & seek new fortunes , partly distrusting their society , and partly loth further to follow , began to mutiny ; Whereupon Melech and Chalel , requested of the General leave to return : which he easily granted , and so they departed , proportionally deviding the captives and spoyls taken . After which , they divided into 2 parts ; the Turcopuli following Melech , and the rest Chalel . Melech having violated his Religion again and revolted , despairing of the Emperour's friendship , chose rather to go to Crales Prince of Servia ( by whom he was sent for ) with 1500 horse and foot ; but all his Souldiers ( delivering up horses and armour ) were to fall to Trades , and not to bear Arms , but when , and so many as , the Prince saw good . But Chalel with about 1300 horse and 800 foot , offered the Emperour quietly to depart his Countrey , so he would give him passage by Christopolis , and transport them and their substance over Hellespont . The Emperour considering the great harm done , desirous to be discharged of them , sent Sennacherib to conduct them out of Macedonia to the straits of Hellespont ; Where the Greeks thinking it indignity , to suffer them to carry such abundance of horses , mony , &c. taken from the Greeks , into Asia : and in hope of so rich a prey , they neither provided for them shipping , nor cared for their safety , purposing by night to destroy them . Os which the Turk understanding , surprized a Castle thereby , which they notably fortified : the Greeks were glad to get further off , and to certifie the Emperour thereof , who delayed the time , to his enemies advantage ; who speedily sent over the strait for aid of the Turks in Asia , which they presently sent them ; wherewith encouraged , they oft times grievously wasted the Country round about . The Greek Captains greatly discontented , requested Michael with all his power , to come to suppress these dangerous enemies . For which not only Soldiers , but the Country in general flocked to Michael with spades and mattocks , as though they would have digged down the Castle . Most part of whose followers , not considering the danger in gaining it , proceeded carelesly and disorderly in their 〈◊〉 , that their enemies , who before feared the very fame of their coming ; therewith much more encouraged , bestowed all their wealth , &c. within their trenches : themselves with 800 chosen horsmen , sallyed out to the place of the Imperial Ensign ; with which sudden and desperate eruption , the Grecians , especially the rustical , terrified began to flee : after whom by little and little , all fled . The Emperour did what he could to stay them ; but in so general a fear , Who regarded him ? wherefore he was glad to flee with the rest . Yet many expert Captains ashamed , making stands , stayed the barbarous from further pursuit . In which doing , many were taken by the Turks ; Whatsoever was found in the Emperour's Tent , yea the Imperial Crown it self became a prey also ; which they say Chalel putting on his head , scoffed at the Emperour . After this , the Turks spoiled almost all Thracia ; so that for 2 years , the people scarce durst go out of their Towns to plow and sow ; the Emperours exceedingly grieved , all their hope was in forreign aid ; wherein they found many difficulties , their Coffers being empty , by reason of their Territories so long wasted : yet Andronicus sent to the Prince of 〈◊〉 his Son in Law. But he making no haste , and the misery encreasing , one Phites Paleologus the Emperour 's Kinsman , undertook his Countries deliverance . He had been brought up in Court , &c. beloved of all for integrity of life , but altogether unskilful of wars , being by nature weak and sickly : and more given to devotion , than worldly affairs . He requested the Emperour , that with some small power , and a few Captains of his own choice , he might go out against the Turks , hoping ( he said ) to revenge the wrong , and return with victory . Whereunto he easily yielded , saying , God delighted not in any mans leggs , but in a contrite heart &c. For I have seen ( said he ) the swift not to gain the prize , &c. the simple to gain favour , and the subtil to fall into disgrace . So he furnished him with such conveniences as he desired ; which he receiving , first he by all waies of courtesie encouraged his Souldiers , perswading them to a temperare life , promising ( the war ended ) rewards according to every ones desert ; and before setting forth , understanding , Chalel with 1200 horse and foot was forraging about Byzia , he hasted to encounter them by the way laden with spoil , encamping the 3d day near the little River Xerogipsum , where he left nothing unsaid or undone for the animating his Souldiers . Within 2 daies , his scouts brought tydings about midnight , that the enemy was even at hand , who by Sun-rising were come in sight ; wherefore , first of all compassing themselves with their Waggons , &c. and bestowing their bound & captives booty therein , casting dust on their heads , and their hands towards Heaven , they came on . The Christian Army came on also , Philes right well conducting them . He that led the right wing at first on-set , unhorsed two enemies ; but his horse sore wounded , he retiring hastily out of the battel , somewhat troubled the Christians , and encouraged the Turks . Philes with chearful words encouraged them , and with eys cast up , and tears running down , heartily besought God , &c. The footmen encountring hand to hand , slew the Barbarians and were of them slain : But Philes having almost encompassed their horse with a valiant company , brake in upon the sides of the enemy ; who circumvented and hardly charged , most of them fell : a few horsemen were pursued to the entrance of Chersonesus , whither came Philes ; 5 Galleys were sent to keep Hellesponts Straits , 2000 horsemen came out of Servia , and 8 Gallies moe by the Potestate of Pera ; wherefore , shutting them up by Land and Sea , Philes encamping about the Town and Trenches , greatly battered the Castle , making great slaughter . The Turks by night set first upon the Grecians , by sallying out and then upon the Servians , with vain attempts : wherefore ( utterly despairing ) about midnight , they full of Coin , ran to the Sea , purposing to yield themselves to the Genowaies ; But the night being dark and misty , many unawares came to the Greek Galleys ; who lightened them of their mony , and slew them . The Genowaies slew only those with the most Coin , lest it should be sought for by the Greeks : the rest , some they sent to the Emperour , some they kept as their own prisoners . Thus by Philes his valour , the Turks for that time , were chased out of Europe . Innovation and change of the Greek's Religion , covetousness , envy , ambition , distrust , Forreign aid , and foul discord , were the chief causes of the Greek Empire's decay and ruin . But Michael had 2 Sons , Andronicus and Manuel : of these , old Andronicus entirely loved Andronicus his Nephew , causing him to be brought up in his Court as not willing to spare him out of his sight . But when he was grown a lusty youth , he began to contemn all Government , his companions leading him forth to walk the streets , hawk , hunt , and haunt Plays , and afterwards night-walks : which requiring great expence , and his Grandfather giving him but a spare allowance , He took up mony of the rich Merchants of Pera , &c. with secret consultations of flight . For seeing his Grandfather live long , & his Father like to succeed , his ambitious thoughts suggested to him such purposes : seeking after the Imperial liberty , that he might have sufficient for himself , and to reward others ; which , seeing he could not do , he sought one while after Armenia : then after Peloponesus , sometime dreaming of Lesbos and Lemnos , for which he was reproved by the one and the other . He used by night to repair to a Gentlewomans house , whom another gallant no lesse affected then himself ; wherefore he appointed Russians to watch her house . Manuel about midnight seeking him , passed by these watchmen ; who in the dark , supposing him the man they looked for , wounded him that he fell down for dead , and so was carried half dead to Court : which ourrage cast the Emperour into great heaviness ; but Michael , hearing at Thessalonica of Manuel's being dead with the wounds ; shortly after dyed with grief . The unstayed youth , purposing to flee , became more and more suspicious to his Grandfather ; who appointed one Surgiannes ( who was suspected of aspiring , imprisoned , and by the Emperour enlarged ) warily to observe the young Princes doings . But he , not unmindful of former wrong , and in hope to aspire himself , took the Prince aside , discovering his Grandfathers device , to set them together by the ears , as followeth . Thy Grandfather most noble Prince ( said he ) hath set me a watch , or rather a bloodbound over thy actions , and if possible thy most secret thoughts , &c. whilst thou followest thy shallow conceits ; for what shall it avail thee to flee away ? &c. But if thou hearken to my counsel , I will shew thee a ready way to aspire the Imperial Seat , which is by leaving Constantinople , and fleeing into the Thracian Provinces , and proclaiming immunity for ever from thy Grandfathers long and heavy yoak ; If thou likest this , I will bring the whole matter to effect : so that thou promise me to reward my travel according to desert , and that no great matter be done , without my consent ; for thou seest how unwillingly I make my self partaker of thy Calamity , &c. And seeing delay brings danger , let 's impart the matter to such as are like to keep counsel , and further our designes . He , moved herewith as with a charm , confirmed his desire by an Oath in writing . John Catacuzene , Theodore , Synadenus , men of great honour , and aged ; and Alexius Apocaucus , a man of great place being present , who shewed themselves as Ring-leaders therein . Syrgiannes and Catacuzene , by corrupting divers great ones , procured the Government of places , fittest to begin their rebellion in . In all which they mustred Souldiers , &c. entertaining Strangers , as for some great War ; placing their Friends , and removing those they suspected from Government : colouring all by false rumours of the European Tartars , and Asiain Turks coming , and commended by the Emperour himself for their care . All which Syrgiannes dissembling , oft certified the Prince what he had done , and was to do . But the Emperour seeing his Nephew proceeded in his dissolute life , was about to reprove him before the Patriarch and others : but being otherwise perswaded , for that it was on the point of Shroveride , when as the people ( through excess ) were fittest to be drawn into a tumult , he let him alone . But , a good part of Lent past , he sent for him to chide him before the Patriarch and other Bishops ; that ( as ashamed ) he might either amend , or be thought justly punished , if he proceeded . The Prince with his followers 〈◊〉 secretly armed , agreeing , if the Emperour used gentle admonition , to keep themselves quiet ; but if in anger , or threatning to punish him , to break in and kill him , placing young Andronicus in his stead . He was grievously blamed of him : yet with such moderation that all seemed from a fatherly care ; so that the assembly was quietly dissmissed , and an Oath taken , That he should not appoint any other his successour : and that the Prince should attempt no hurt to his Grand-father's Life or Empire . At his coming out , he was discouraged and ashamed at the speeches of the fretting and fuming conspiratours , saying , Thou hast left us in the Devils mouth to be devoured , &c. and sent for Theodore Metochita , requesting to deal with his Grand-father for his followers pardon : whereof he disliked , telling them , himself was to give God thanks for escaping so great a danger , &c. Wherewith the Prince troubled and discontented , and ( after a whiles musing ) commanding him to depart ; he by his Companions perswasion , entertained his former designements : which his Grand-father suspecting would often say , In our time is lost the Majesty of our Empire , and devotion of the Church . Yet he thought good to lay hands betime on him ; acquainting none but the Patriarch therewith , who acquainted the Prince , ( fleeing himself before ) who with all his Complices , the night before his apprehension to be , fled out of the City by the gate Gyrolimnia , ( still at his Command ) ; and next day came to Syrgiannes and Catacuzens Camp at Hadrianople ; the Emperour the same day proclaimed him traytour , proscribing him , with all his conspiratours ; swearing the whole City to be loyal to him . But he proclayming liberty in all Thracia , the people resorted to him armed , in great numbers . First they soulely intreated the Emperous Collectours , taking away their money : Not seven daies after almost an incredible number departed towards Constantinople , under Syrgiannes , hoping at first coming to take the City at discord in it self . Four daies after they encamped at Selybria , whither the Emperour sent Embassadours to his Nephew , for appeasing so dangerous troubles , sending with them Syrgiannes his Mother , to perswade him to retire a little , and so come to talk and demand what he pleased . Syrgiannes , retired to the Prince about Orestius , whither the Embassadours came also : with whom it was agreed , that the Prince should hold all from Christopolis to Rhegium and Constantinople's suburbs : and that the Lands given by the Prince ( to his followers ) in Maccdonia , should remain theirs : and that the Emperour should hold the imperial City , with all Macedonia beyond Christopolis , and have the honour to hear and dispatch Embassadours , the Prince not delighting in those weighty affaires . Thus while the Greek Empire was divided betwixt the Grand-father and Nephew , Asia way a prey to the greedy Turks : Othoman founding his Empire in Phrygia and Bythinia , and Aladins successours encroaching as fast on this side Meander ; robbing also the Christian Merchants trading to Constantinople , spoyling Macedonia , and Thracia's Coasts , with the 〈◊〉 Ilands , taking Rhodes ; out of which they were shortly driven by the Hospitallers , aided by the Genowaies and Sicilian King holding it 214 years , named Knights of the Rhodes , till it was lost to the Turk , for want of relief : since which they have seated themselves in Malta Island , which they have notably defended against mighty Solyman . But Syrgiannes had thought from the beginning , to have ruled all with the Prince at his pleasure : but seeing him to be wholly Ruled by Catacuzene , and himself not so much as called to any Counsel , began secretly to devise revenge on the ungrateful Prince . Wherefore he resolved again to revolt to the Emperour , not doubting but shortly to overthrow the Princes Counsels and State. He secretly ( by a trusty friend ) acquainted the Emperour of his purpose , alleadging ; He could not abide the sight of him that sought to corrupt his wife , meaning the Prince . This news was most wel-come , for it grieved the Emperour to be so con emned and deluded by his N phew , &c. So an Oath passing betwixt them , Syrgiannes secretly fled to Constantinople , ( which rejoyced many ) . But the Prince taking occasion hereat , marching towards the City , and being within sight , lay to intercept Syrgiannes by ambushes : who the third night after from Perinthus with 300 Souldiers , deceiving them , came to Constantinople . The Prince hearing of his escape , and no expected tumult in the City , presently retired into Thracia . Constantine the Despot , was by and by sent by his brother to Thessalonica to Govern Macedonia , and apprehend Xene the Princes Mother by the way , and then to invade him in Thracia ; that he on one side , and Syrgiannes on the other might shut him up , and take him . The Despot taking the Empresse at Thessalonica , sent her in a Gally to Constantinople , where she was kept close . And with all his power invaded the Prince , breaking thorow the wall of Christopolis . The Prince sent Synadenus against Syrgiannes ; hoping himself to encounter his Uncle the Despot . And first he wrote and dispersed Edicts , promising great rewards , to whomsoever brought him alive or dead . Then he proclaimed his Grand-fathers death , slain by the Constantinopolitans in a tumult : some swearing they were present thereat , others shewing white goates haires , as if they were pluckt off his head or beard at the time : which ( commonly reported ) filled mens heads with doubts ; the Despot with fear retiring to Thessalonica , whither came lettters from the Emperour to apprehend 25 chief Citizens , vehemently suspected ( by rebellion ) to deliver the City to the Prince : but they ( in time ) secretly stirring up the people , and by ringing bells , soon raised a wonderful tumult of Citizens in Arms , who running to the Despots house , he fled to the Castle : they slew , or robbed , and imprisoned all they met of his , pulling down the house . Then they fired the Castle-gates , whereupon he 〈◊〉 to a Monastery not far off , where being taken , he took a Monks habit to save his life . Yet he was carried prisoner to the Prince , whose waiters were ready to tear him in pieces ; had not the Prince ( embracing him ) saved his life . But next day he was cast into a very loathsome deep and straight prison ; his boy and others that drew up his ordure , often pouring it on his head . Where , after a great while , and wishing to die , he was removed into an easier prison . Things crossing the Emperour , he was very pensive : and one day opening the Psalter , the first verse he light on was ; When the Almighty scattered Kings for their sakes , they were white as snow in Salmon , which he applying , as if all troubles , &c. proceeded from Gods will , sought ( contrary to Syrgiannes mind ) to be reconciled to his Nephew : who being fent for , came to Rhegium visiting his Mother , ( now set at liberty ) doing what was done by her Counsel . In few dayes an attonement was made and he lighting from his horse , met the Emperour , kissing his hand and foot on horse-back , then taking horse , embraced him , kissing one another . The old man , after a few words , departed into the City ; the young man to his Camp at Pega , coming for certain dayes in and out at Constantinople . Syrgiannes now spake hardly both of the Emperour and his Nephew , wronged ( as he thought ) by them both . But seeing one Asanes Andronicus walking melancholy , he acquainted himself with him , as grieved with the like sorrow that himself was : with whom he ( as with a friend ) plainly discoursed of all things as his grief desired . Asanes spake also hardly of Emperour and Nephew ; but hating him before for his ambition , and displeased that he was enemy to Catacuzene his son in-law , noted whatever he said , telling all to the old Emperour ; and that unless Syrgiannes were ( in time ) laid hold of , he should shortly by him ( affecting the Empire ) be brought to his end . Syrgiannes was forthwith imprisoned ; the common people spoyling him of his house and wealth , and converting it , and the adjoyning Vineyards to a feeding place for sheep and goats . The Prince was shortly Crowned as fellow in the Empire , unto which the old Emperour tiding , was , by his horses stumbling , foulely bemired in the Streets , which many took as portending ill Fortune . During this peace , 70 Turks were driven on shoare at Chersonesus the Prince hunting there , who before they would yield , slew divers of his men ; himself long after being tormented by a wound ( there ) in the foot . Who not long so contenred , longed for the whole Goverment : and weary to see his Grand father live so long , resolved to thrust him out of Government ; or to dispatch him of life and State together . And ( by his Mothers counsel ) sent for Michael Prince of Bulgaria , his wife , and his Sister to Dydimethicum , in colour of a desire to see them , as before to him unknown . But the secret conclusion was , that the Bulgarian should aid the young Emperour against his Grand-father , and he him against the Servian , as need should be : and if he recovered the whole Empire , then to give him a great sum of money with confining places . So Michael loaded with rewards and promises returned home . The young Emperour encouraged ; and knowing the Constantinopolitans and other Thracian Cities to favour him , thought best to depose his Grand-father with as little stir as might be . But needing money , he took all from the Collectors in Thracia , telling them , he was an Emperour also , and that the common charge was by the common purse to be discharged . Then he took his way with a great power towards Constantinople , pretending he was there to take order for a ship to transport Embassadours to the Sultan of Aegypt ; having thrust the suspected out of Office in Thracia , placing in others . But one most inward with him , secretly fled to his Grandfather , discovering all the intended treacherie , &c. advising him to keep him out of the City , for fear of a general revolt , which the Emperour ( comparing other reports ) deeming to be true , complained in the anguish of his soul : Revenge my quarrel O God! &c. and preserve me in the imperial power , which he comes to take , whom I begat and advanced . Then first he sent to his Nephew , forbidding him entring the City ; and that 〈◊〉 was great folly for him to think his traiterous purposes were unknown ; rehearsing unto him how many occasions he had given for breaking the league with his Grand-father . After that he craved aid of Crales , Prince of Servia , and the Despot his Son Governour of Thessalonica , &c. commanding him , speedily with all his forces , and his Nephews of Macedouia to joyn with them of Servia , against the young Emperour . But these Letters ( written in Paper ) were intercepted on the Straits of Christopolis and other passages ; yet others in fine linnen ( secretly sowed ) escaped , and were delivered . Nothing was done , but the young Emperour ( for all inclined unto him ) was advertised thereof : but he understood not what his Nephew did , or intended . Theodore his own son among others ( who honourably married in Italy , and by prodigality far in debt , whose debts ( very great ) he paid , &c. living now at Constantinople ) went about to betray his own Father . For he ( especially being become a Latine in Religion and manners ) being rejected , thought he could not do him greater despight , than by revolting . Demetrius the Despot , calling to him his Nephews , Governours of Macedonia , and joyning with them , spoiled the young Emperour's friends there , confiscating the estates , and exiling all with-standers . Young Andronicus was not Idle , but secretly sent out edicts into all parts , proclaiming releasement from all tributes and payments : promising in the Souldiers the augmenting their pay , &c. which bruited , most were moved , inviting him secretly to hasten into the City : who by Embassadours srom Rhegium , requested leave of the Emperour to come in , or to send him some of the chief , and better sort to whom he might speak his mind . Which requests being both dangerous , he chose the easier , sending forth two Noble Senatours , two Bishops , and two other Prelates , and four chief Burgesses of the City : to whom he openlydelivered this crafty speech . It is not unknown , that 〈◊〉 my Subjects have been more dear to me , then I to my self . Let any tell me how I came by these wounds , but in fight with the enemies of my Country . For I , strucken with a piercing grief , ( seeing the poor Christians some barbaronsly slain , some carried into Captivity , the rest driven out of Houses and Cities ; the old Emperour through great years being become slothful ) went out , either by some honourable death to end my self ; or to stand my Country in some stead . For he that hath long reigned , wordly things 〈◊〉 in change , must at length be loathsome to his sub jects , &c. My Grand-father having reigned so long , is become hateful : yet not regarding to discharge himself of such a burthen , 〈◊〉 to relieve the declining Empire , nor grieving to see its successours die before him ( for my Father is dead : and happily I may die , before I receive any profit thereof ) I neither flatly deny nor altogether confesse my ambition in departing from my Grand father : for , might I see the Empire increase , &c. I could willingly content my self : But seeing the Empire decline 〈◊〉 ill to worse , &c. What deem ye me to think ? For most ease their present grief , with future hope : but to me is not left such vain hope . At length , I requested but 1000 men at armes to preserve the Citties of Bithynia , which he denied me , taking me ever since for his enemy . I have another request for 8000 Duckats to content my Souldiers : which granted , I will dismisse my forces , holding my self contented . Then discoursing with them apart , with great hopes he sent them away : who proclayming his praises in the City , more enflamed the people than before : Wherewith the old Emperour was exceedingly vexed , fearing to be slain in some sudden concourse . Yet he thought best to hear the Patriarchs and Bishops counsel : to whom he declared , That if he were sure ( after deposing himself ) to see his people well Governed , and himself live in safty , he should much preferre a quiet life before an Empire . But how can I safely commit to my Nephew so great a charge , who giving his power to unskilful men , and flinging away his possessions among them , liveth himself in penury , regarding nothing more than his dogs and kites . I will never willingly cast away my subjects and my self : I have loved him more than my self , purposing to leave him heir and successour of my wisdome and Empire . But he contemning my good counsel , hath lifted up his hand against a Grandfather so well deserving . Wherefore 〈◊〉 ought to censure him unworthy of the Empire , and communion of the faithful ; that so ( as ashamed ) he may lovingly return , &c. The conclusion of his former speech is feigned , and crafty , not agreeing with the reproaches given me in all that speech , &c. Upon this , most of them agreed he should not be named in Church prayers , till better conformed . But , meeting afterwards in the Patriarchs house ( who secretly favoured him ) they conspired ( divers Nobles consenting ) against the old Emperour , binding themselves to continue constant . About 3 dayes after , the Bells ringing , and the people flocking , the Patriarch pronounced excommunication against all omitters of his name in publique prayers , or refusing to do him all honour . Which ( it appears ) grieved the old Emperour , saying ; If the Doctor of Peace be so mad against us , who shall represse the Vulgars rash attempts ? &c. So the contrary Bishops excommunicated him likewise with his bribed followers : the Emperour committing him to safe-keeping in a Monastery . About 〈◊〉 daies after , the young one came to the walls to know the acceptation of his Messengers , requesting he might enter alone into the City , to do his duty to his Grand-father ; but such as stood on the walls ( not abiding to hear him speak ) drave him away with stones , &c. and so for that time he retired a little . But at night some busie heads gave him knowledge , that about mid-night they would be ready with ropes to draw him to the top of the Bulwarks . But he , approaching , found no such matter : the watchmen carefully watching and calling one to another . Wherefore with Catacuzene and Synadenus , he rowed softly along the wall towards the Sea , but there the watchmen calling and receiving no answer , began to cast stones at them : so they departed as they came . But this ill successe was shortly better recompensed ; for he had secret letters sent from Thessalonica , to come speedily thither , assuring him , with a general good liking , to open the Gates to him : who setting forward with a part of his Army entred the City in a Country man's habit , and casting off that simple attire ( and being known ) the people with joyful acclamations received him as their Soveraigne : yet a few stood on their guard in the Castle ; which was at length taken . The old Emperours chief Captaines now fled , most of whose Souldiers went to the young one : who came to Serre which was delivered him by composition : but the Castle was by Bafilicus Nicephorus ( whom the old Emperour had made Captaine rather for his fincerity , than wit or Capacity ) strongly fortified in these troubleous times , and kept till the old Emperous death , then reconciling himself to the young : who , in reward of his fidelity , gave it to him to hold as amply as before from his Grand-father : for wise men ( as did King Philip in Demosthenes ) honour virtue even in their enemies . The young Emperour soon took all strong Townes and Cities in Macedonia unresisted with the Despots wife and Children and tteasure , his Nephews and following Senatours wives also : after whom their Husbands were most cast in prison , and some perishing in exile . The old Emperour was about to send to his Nephew for peace , but at the same time Michael the Bulgarian ( in hope of great profit ) secretly offered him aid : whereof he gladly accepting , Embassadours were sent to conclude it ; but two or three trusty Counsellours being acquainted therewith . In the mean time he sent out Constantinus Assan , against Sydanenus who coupt him up ; by whom , he was over thrown , and taken prisoner ; the rest flying head-long to Constantinople . Now the young Emperour returned thither to prevent the Bulgarians coming : lest they killing the old Emperour , should seize the City themselves , or at least keep him out . There was also great want of Victuals in the City , his Army shutting it up by Land , and the Venetians ( being at Odds with the Genowaies of Pera ) by Sea. The young Emperour at first attempted to enter , but being repulsed , he gat farther off . About this time came also the 3000 Bulgarian horse-men , but remembring the harms by forraign aid , he suffered but their General and some few Commanders to come into the City . The young one , least some harm to their utter subversion should betide them , offered to do what his Grand-father should command . But he trusting to this Bulgarian aid , listened little to him : ( and how could he trust him that had so often deceived him ? ) Who , almost despairing of successe , sent great gifts to the General and chief Commanders , promising far greater if they would return home : whereunto they easily granted . Two watch-men , Camaris and Castellanus fleeing secretly to the young Emperour , offered to betray the City to him , for assurance of such money and possessions they required , returning again ( for fear of suspition ) without stay . ( The Emperour four dayes made shipladders of ropes ) . And the night being come , they gave such store of good wine by way of courtesie to their fellow watch-men , that they fell into a sound sleep : The traytours about mid-night receiving 18 men by the ladders fastned to the top of the wall ; who breaking open the Roman gate , the Army entered . The same night , just after Sun-set , a Country man in hast knocked at the gate of Gerolimna , telling the Souldiers he saw many of the young Emperours men marching towards the City , by the way of the Roman gate : The old Emperour ( troubled ) thought to send scouts to see if all were cleart but Metochita his great Counsell our letted , saying , Seeing either the rumour was false , or the endeavour of so few , vain ; it beseemeth not a couragious mind to be so leightly moved . Again , divers others came running telling the watch-men , A great number were at the Roman gate : the Emperour ( more troubled ) sharply said to Metochita : Thou seemest to be strangely Metamorphosed into a man of iron , which hast no feeling of our danger , &c. for the noise of my Nephew soundeth in mine cars , &c. Neverthelesse , he rose to go to bed , accounting them but as false alarmes . But the Emperour ( alone ) say tumbling to and fro on a pallat , as ttoubled with heavy thoughts . The mean time he hearing a great noise at the Court-gate ( for above 800 were entred with his Nephew , and they of the City joyfully saluted him ) rose ( destitute of all but his ordinary waiters ) beseeching not God to forsake , but defend him from their fury : Who heard him . For the young Emperour straightly charged all his Captaines , &c. on pain of death , not to violate his Grand-father , or any about him : For ( said he ) this victory God hath given us , and not our selves , &c. which peradventure he will give to others , who ( as we have been to them ) will shew themselves to us : wherefore if nighnesse of blood or being of one Country , move us not ; yet let 's use mercy that we feel not Gods hand in like case . A Courtier then opened a wicket with this message to him , Seeing God hath ( my son ) given thee the imperial seat , I request thee this good turn for many I bestowed on thee , not to spill the blood from which ( next to God ) thou hast taken life , &c. If brothers-blood cryed out against Cain , how much lowder shall fathers-blood cry to the Lord , &c. Have pitty on my miserable old age , and a bruised reed , cast down ; and do not again tread on it . And be not proud of thy fortune , but consider the uncertainty of worldly things ; taking by me example , &c. Young Andronicus moved herewith , entred the pallace , humbly saluting , embracing , and comforting his Grand-father : Straight way carrying away the Patriarch Esaius ( kept in the Monastery ) in a Chariot , restoring him to his Dignity ; who spared not fully to revenge himself of the old Emperour's friends . One might have seen all the Nobles wealth that took his part , carried away , and their houses overthrown , especially of Metochita , whose wealth not onely in his house , but layd up with friends ( by notes in his study ) was a prey to the people , and the rest confiscate , being brought with wife and children , to extream beggery in one day : many ( to increase his grief ) saying , All that treasure was the blood and tears of the poor subjects , brought to him by them he made rulers of provinces , &c. that he might stop them ( cruelly dealt with by them ) from complaining to the old Emperour : and that the Revenger's eye was now awaked , &c. He was confined to Didymoticum ; whence ( after a while ) he was sent back to Constantinople , where , having nothing to relieve him , he went to the Monastery of Chora , repaired by him in his prosperity , therein shrowding himself , and not long after dying . But Niphon ( sometime Patriarch ) meeting the young Emperour ( the same day ) asked , How they would deal with his Grand-father ? Who answering Emperour-like , was by him inflamed ; for Niphon bare a special grudge against the old man , for that he being by the Clergy outed of his Patriarchship , for his shameful extortion , was not defended , as he looked for : and dreaming his taking out of the way , was a step to the same Dignity . Wherefore he said , If thou desirest to Reign without fear , &c. cast haire cloath on him , and clap him in prison , or exile him : to which ungracious counsel , other Nobles consenting , much changed the young Emperour's minde : that he could not endure his Grand-father a Companion in the Empire . Whereupon it was decreed , the old man should retain the name and ornaments ; but meddle with nothing , nor come abroad ; with 10000 duckets yearly for his maintenance . Of which shameful decree 〈◊〉 the Patriarch was a furtherer rejoycingly , wresting this Scripture ; The just shall rejoyce when he seeth the Vengeance : But the old Emperour thus shut up , humours distilling , ( through grief ) first lost one eye , and shortly the other , being often mocked not by his guarding enemies onely , but by his own servants . The young Emperour not long after falling very sick , Catacuzene and the rest yet doubtful of the old blind man , put him to choice , either to put on him the habit of a Monk , or to take dear exile , or perpetual imprisonment . At which hard choice he oppressed with woes , lay on bed a great while speechlesse ; for being encompassed with barbarous Souldiers , none was left to direct him where to go or stand , But would he or not , they shaving and polling him , cast a Monks habite on him ; changing ( after the manner ) his name to Anthony the Monk ; of which Esaeias was glad , as now no hope to recover the Empire , nor cause for himself to fear . Yet ( seeming to be very sorry , but indeed deriding him ) he sent two Bishops to know of him how he would be remembred in Church-prayers . To which fetching a great sigh he answered : As in poor Lazarus appeared a double miracle , that ( dead ) he rose , and ( bound ) walked ; so in me , in a contrary manner , who ( alive ) am dead , and ( loose ) bound , my tongue also wherewith I might ( at least ) bewaile my woes and wrongs to the Aire , &c. But shame hath closed my mouth , my brethren abhorre me , and the light of mine eyes is not with me , &c. As for him that sent you , I chose and preferred him to the Patriarchship , before many worthy men , never before preferred , or famous , &c. But in my Calamity he joyned with mine enemies , more cruel than any other : feigning him to be ( much like the Crocodile of Nile ) ignorant and sorry for me . But if I should answer to his catching question , to be remembred in the Church as an Emperour ; I shall forthwith be slain . If I say , as Anthony the Monk ; it will be taken , that of mine own free will I put on this habite , which was never in my thought . Thus he sent them away : and sitting down said , My soul return to thy rest , &c. neither spake he one word more in declaring his grief , and so against his will passing over his sorrow in silence , as astonished before the humorus ( gathered into the brain ) could be difsolved into tears . But the Patriarch decreed , he should be remembred before his Nephew in Church prayers , as the most Religious and Zealous Monk Anthony , the better to colour the matter , as if weary of the world , he voluntary took it on him . Yet in four daies , Synadenus , understanding the people secretly to mutter at the hard dealing with him , Ecclesiastical Laws enforcing none against will to enter Religious orders , sent to exact an oath of him in writing , that he should never seek after , accept of , or substitute any other in the Empire ; and to fear him of his life upon refusal , setting barbarous Souldiers over him : so yielding , he signed the Oath with a red and black crosse , another guiding his hand . Thus living two years , on Feb. 12th , towards night , a day dedicated to St. Anthonies Vigil , certain friends had accesse to him ( amongst whom was the Prince of Servia's widow , his daughter , and Nicephor as Gregoras , Authour of this History ) with whom he entred discourse till past mid-night , then bidding them farewell ; pleasantly saying , To morrow they would end their discourse , no signe of sicknesse appearing . They gone , he eat of a shell-fish , after which , ( as his manner was when he felt inward heat ) he drank cold water , then feeling a great pain in his Stomach , and afterwards very sick . fell into a loosenesse ; and going often to a house of Office in an inner Chamber , not able to recover his own bed , and none to help him , he dyed before day , sitting on a homely bed fast by , having Reigned 43 years , whose death was by strange signs and accidents foretold , a great Eclipse of the Sun , just 43 daies before , and after of the Moon , an earthquake the day before , the Sea rising above the bounds made breaches in the Citie-Walls , &c. Many Crosses and Pinacles , with a great Pillar before the Church of the 40 Martyrs , ( he having wished to live so long as it stood ) were overthrown . He was honourably buried in the Monastery of Libe , whose Obsequies 9 daies yearly were solemnly kept . Thus the Reader may see , the Greek Emperour's were not at leasure , to look over into Asia . At which time Othoman on one side in Phrygia and Bithynia ; and Aladin's Successours along Meander , encroached as fast , till the Greeks were thrust quite out . But Othoman's 2 Garrisons built before Prusa , having continued certain years , brought the City to such 〈◊〉 , that many Citizens and others died of famine ; The rest out of hope to be relieved , yielded the City to Orchanes , to depart safely with as much goods as themselves could carry . Most write the Turks faithfully performed the conditions ; yet some report , Orchanes brake most part . Prusa was yielded 1327 , and afterwards by Orchanes made the seat of the Othoman Kings . Othoman died in the year 1328 , 69 years old , in the 28th year of his Reign , buried at Prusa ; whose Tomb is there yet to be seen , &c. There is another Monument of him at Suguta , by his Father's Sepulchre , made by his Sons . Some report him to be there buried ; yet the Turks generally suppose his interring Monument is at Prusa . He was 〈◊〉 , politick , valiant and fortunate , full of dissimularion and ambition , not rash in attempts , but very resolute , bountiful especially to his men of war , and the poor . He is worthily accounted the Turks Empire's Founder ; whose Kings by lineal descent are called ; The Othoman Kings : and the Turks , Osmanide or people of Osman . The Life of Orchanes or Vrchan , second King of Turks . AFter Othoman's death ( with great solemnity interred ) Orchanes or Urchan and Aladin his Sons , 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 for establishing a new succession , and dividing his treasure and goods ; but he having bestowed it on his men of war , there was no Mony , Plate or Jewels found , but the remembrance of his life for them to imitate ; great Dominions , store of horses and armour , with great heards of Cattel . Aladin answered to Orchanes asking , what order was to be taken with those things , That it was requisite , first to establish a King , which ( like a good shepherd ) might govern , &c. And that to him ( as his eldest brother ) all other things belonged , and so to me instead of a Father , &c. Through this commended modesty of Aladin , the Kingdom peaceably descended to Orchanes ; who would have made him President of his Councel ; but he requested rather the Lordship of Fodore : which frankly granted , Aladin lived there ( mostly ) a private and quiet life , then building two Temples and an Abby at Prusa . Some report Orchanes obtained the Kingdom by murthering two elder brothers which he had . But that practise ( lately much used ) was not before Bajazet 1. as the most probable collections from the Turks Chronicles affirm . The Christians presently recovered Nice , with divers holds from the Turks . Among whom Tzuprichiser Castle on the River Sangarius ( by impeaching that passage , into Bithynia ) most grieved them . Orchanes apparrelling himself and few others like Christian Marchants came to the Castle , craving leave to passe : they supposing them to be Merchants , let them in : who 〈◊〉 the warders , possessed the Castle , who now so forraged the Countrey , that Nice wanting victuals to relieve so many fled into it for fear , was brought to great extremity ; For whose relief young Andronicus , passed the strait into Asia , whose greatest strength was in 2000 choise horsemen , the rest being most 〈◊〉 ( who carried many small Vessels with them to receive them when they should flee ) or Rascals taken up here and there . Orchanes sent expert Captains to forelay the strait passages , following with his Army . The Emperour in three daies march , came to the little Town Philocrene , and understanding Orchanes laying not far off , having taken the straits , he there stayed that night . Next morning , divers Turks Companies coming down the Mountains , he set forward to meet them . The Turks shot freely , keeping themselves a loof off . The Emperour supposing that proceeded from fear , commanded some Companies disorderly to march , and skirmish with them : his expert Captains would have had him kept his strength together ; yet such was his youthful heat , they must needs set forward ; But , the forenoon spent in this leight skirmishing , Orchanes perceiving the Christians weary therewith , and the heat , came down with a world of men , charging them with a hideous cry , some a far off , some hand to hand : both sides were couragious , with great slaughter , till nights approach ; then the Christians weary and oppressed with multitudes , retired disorderly , receiving great losse by the pursuers . The battel was at length ended , the Emperour wounded in the foot : who going to Philocrene , fast by , to be dressed , the Army supposing him to have fled , ( as if Orchanes would have slain them all that night ) fled also : some to their boats : some , hasting to the Town-gates , were by others trodden to death : some hanging at one another , got some up the Towns Rampiers ; others drawn down by the hangers on , 〈◊〉 on and perished ; some ( 't is reported ) died for fear , none chasing them . In the morning , 200 of the 300 horsemen that Orchanes ( retiring to places of advantage , doubting the Christians farther coming on ) had left as scouts , took the spoyl of the forsaken Camp at pleasure ; yea , the Emperour 's own furniture and 〈◊〉 horses : the other 100 , slew a great number of hartless wandring Christians . The Emperour seeing the hand of God , returned to Constantinople : After which , the Turks seizing many Sea Towns of Bithynia , laid heavy tributes on the other Country places , not destroying them for the benefit thereof . Nice holding now out in hope only of 1000 horsmen , the Emperour promised to send to lye in Garrison ; Of which Orchanes understanding , furnished 800 of his own after the Christians manner : who by a compass about , trooped towards the City , in the high-way from Constantinople . Then sending 300 other in Turks habit , to forrage the 〈◊〉 , within the Cities view , what they could : the 800 following them as by chance , put them toflight in their sight : who returned again towards Nice . The Citizens , supposing them Constantinopolitan horsmen , with joy received them as expected friends ; But entring the gates , and seconded with the other 300 , bringing also others in ambush not far off , won the great City : whose spoil the Souldiers had , the Citizens led into miserable Captivity , and they possessing it to this day . Orchanes other Captains daily encroached on the weak Christians . Cunger Alpes subdued 〈◊〉 in Phrygia , Bolli in Paphlagonia , appointing valorous Abdura Cham , Governour . Then also old Accecozza subjected Candara and Ermome to the Turk , 〈◊〉 all Castles &c. Then 〈◊〉 the Captains Son in Scamandria , ( not far from old Troys ruins ) died ; to whose 〈◊〉 , his Father with his 〈◊〉 repeiring , crafty Accecozza suddenly setting on them , slew most and took the rest : with the Captain , his Castle , and Countrey : whom he leading to Abydus renowned Castle ( situate on Asia's Sea coast , over against Sestus Castle in Europe ) so near as he could , offered him liberty on the Castles surrender , or they to see him there slain : who said , They might cut off his head , seeth him , and eat him , but the Castle he would not deliver . The Emperour refused also to redeem him proffered unto him ; yet at last by Nicomedia's Governour ransomed . Accecozza ( at Scamandria ) being long molested by Abydus Castle , and the Constantinopolitans , was glad to be most times on horseback against the enemies attempt . The Captain of Abydus had a fair young Daughter , who then dreamed that ( fallen into a deep miry ditch ) a young gallant comming by , did both help her out , make her clean , and richly apparrel her ; the Image was so fantasied , in her troubled brain , that waking she thought she saw him , and sleeping longed for him . Accecozza , the while , besieging her Fathers Castle , she often went into a high Turret , to see the Martiall deeds on both sides , &c. But on the first sight of Abdurachman's approach to the siege , she thought he was the man dreamed of ; wherefore waiting another time of his approach to the Castle , she cast down a Letter fastened to a stone , in Greek , ( which he delivered to Accecozza ) promising ( after her affections discovery ) to deliver the Castle in the night , to Abdurachman , he returning with a few , after the siege raised . Accecozza giving small credit thereto for fear of treason ; yet said to Abdurachman , Seeing she hath on special liking chosen thee , Wilt thou adventure ? He said , he would undertake it if it were his pleasure . Accecozza sharply 〈◊〉 the Castle , and presently as despairing brake up his siege . The Defendants rejoycing hereat , surcharged themselves that night with excess ; Abdurachman came to the appointed place of the Castle , where she was attending , and by her means being conveighed in , and so to the Porters lodg : he slew the Porter a sleep , and let his 〈◊〉 in at the gates ; who took the Captain , overtaken with Wine , and fast asleep : who with his daughter and rich spoil , being presented by Abdurachman to Orchanes , He , glad , gave her with most of the prey to him . There was also one Cararachman , so dreadful , that the Constantinopolitans would pacifie their children , saying , Cararachman comes . Cunger Alpes and Accecozza shortly dying , Orchanes made Solyman aud Amurath his Sons Governours of those Countries . He intending to besiege 〈◊〉 , took divers small holds in his march thitherward , which being governed by a Lady , Andronicus his kinswoman , she doubting her forces ability to hold the siege , yielded the City on condition , with whom she would , she might depart with lives , liberties , and goods : so shipping for Constantinople , Solyman was made Governour of Nicomedia . The Temples were converted to Turkish Meschitas . The greatest being turned into a School for the Students of Mahomet's Law , yet called Orchanes his Colledge ; who placed divers the most experienced Souldiers , with Pensions and possessions for defence of the Countrey near , and open to the Sea , in danger of the Constantinopolitan Galleys . Then by Aladin's Counsel , all his men wore white caps ( which the Jannizaries now use ) to be known from others wearing red . The Turks then and long after , did not shave their beards : so that the King in disgrace , would command a mans beard to be cut or shaven . They borrowed cutting or shaving of the Italians , also many other fashions contrary to their ancient ones . Orchanes , removing his Court to Nice , built a sumptuous Temple , appointing a Preacher for every Fryday : also two fair Abbies , in one of which himself served the strangers , and poor , the first dinner . He first builded Abbeys and Monasteries , whom most his successours imitated . He gave Solyman great charge to be vigilant over Taxara , 〈◊〉 and Mudurne , nigh Nicomedia ; all which Towns , with the Couutries joyning , he soon got by composition from the Christians . Solyman so tempering justice with clemency , that many Christians became of his Religion , and under his government , not changing the Countries politique Laws , which greatly won their-hearts . 〈◊〉 was made Lord of Prusa ; Carachisar Castle with its Seigniory , Orchanes gave his Cosen 〈◊〉 . Orchanes ( by perswasion of Turson Beg the King of Charasia's Son ) whose subjects ( when dead ) denyed the elder brother wishing Turson their Soveraign ) went with an Army into that Country , surprizing to his own use many Holds by the way . Orchanes entred , Turson's elder brother fled to 〈◊〉 , the Turks pursuing ; where Turson approaching to speak with his brother , was slain from the Walls . Orchanes hereupon , threatning to destroy all with fire and sword , if they submitted not by a day to mercy ; the people terrified , yielded themselves . The Kings Son also on reasonable conditions , who ( sent to Prusa ) died there after two years , of the Plague ; Solyman being then made Prince of Carazina : One of the greatest Successours of Sulten Alaain there by took end , whose Dominions were not small . Orchanes returning , or his good successe , built a Temple and Monastery at Prusa seeking for religious men out of all his Kingdom : of which religious men , the Turks write many Fables . Orchanes so augmented his Kingdom , that , viewing Europe , from many parts of Asia , and 〈◊〉 with desire of 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 devised how to passe narrow Hellespont into Europe : which he imparting to his Son Solyman , he answered . He , if he pleased , doubted not to passe the strait , and plant 〈◊〉 Religion in those Countries . His Father , much 〈◊〉 , gave him leave to depart , and proceed as he thought best therein ; who journeying into Carasina , made to the place ( as for pleasure ) where Troy was said to have stood , by the Sea side . And standing a great while still in a study , without speaking to any , 〈◊〉 a Chieftain , boldly said , My Lord , what strange thing is this ? &c. 't is some great matter thou 〈◊〉 studying on . It is , said Solyman , I was thinking how to passe this Sea , to view Europe and return undiscovered . Said Ezesbeg , joyning Fazilbeg , We two will by God's power perform this . They shewed Solyman ( 〈◊〉 to know ) what place they would 〈◊〉 over ; and shortly after , making a little boat or raffe , arrived by night in Europe side , near Zemenick Castle , of the Greeks called 〈◊〉 , or Hogs Castle , not 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 ; where finding a good sensible Greek in a 〈◊〉 , returning back presented him to Solyman : who gave him great gifts and rich apparel , learning at length of him how to take Zemenick Castle at unawares ; For which , boats being peedily made , Solyman with 80 chosen men passed the Strait ( not past an Italian mile over ) with their guide : who brought him to a 〈◊〉 at the Castle , so high that getting in ( in harvest time ) they easily won 〈◊〉 . Solyman sought by courtesie rather 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to win the Inhabitants good wills ; yet some of the better , he sent into Asia , returning in one day 200 〈◊〉 more into Europe , and sent 〈◊〉 in small Vessels to 〈◊〉 the Christians Vessels , 〈◊〉 they should 〈◊〉 his passage : so 〈◊〉 few daies he had 2000 Turks in Europe ; who doing no violence to the vulgar Christians , they began to like of them , and 〈◊〉 without 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 some of them had sundry times come over , yet this was the first coming of the Turks 〈◊〉 conguer and inhabit , whose posterity was never since removed ; but have joyned to their Asian Kingdom , agreat part of Europe also . Solyman took 〈◊〉 Castle , 2 miles from Zemenick Castle , strongly 〈◊〉 both 〈◊〉 After which the Turks came in 〈◊〉 number into Europe to dwell in 〈◊〉 : Solyman in their room , sending Christians into Asia , Such was the negligence and security of the Greeks , that when 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 taking was carried 〈◊〉 to Constantinople , they to extenuate 〈◊〉 , said , 〈◊〉 was but a Hogstie lost ; 〈◊〉 to the Castles 〈◊〉 ; 〈◊〉 foolish laughter ( as saith a grave one of their own ) being converted into most bi ter 〈◊〉 . Solyman's strength thus encreasing , he spoyled almost to Callipolis about 22 miles off ; whose Governour perceiving the Turk began to long for the City , went out against him with what power he 〈◊〉 ( all the other Greeks lying still ) but he was overthrown , and fled into his City : the Turks following spoyled the Countrey , and returning , took both City and Castle in 1358. The Constantinopolitans making small account of its losse , commonly said ( jesting ) The Turks had took from them but a pottle of Wine . But they got ( in few years ) so far into Thracia , that Amarah placed his Seat in Hadrianople , and Bajaxet his Son laid hard siege some years to the Imperial City , and had not Tamerlain's expedition ( to him fatal ) then happened , he had carried it . But Solyman certified his Father what he had done , and that it was expedient speedily to send him a great supply for keeping what he had got , as for further invasion . Orchanes welcoming this Message , commanded the Saracens likewise , ( who were come into Caracina , to possess their dwellings who were gone into Europe ) to passe over , which they did , Solyman omitted not to win small Holds , and people them with Turks : they of Caracina also placing themselves as in a new world ; For which , and to extend the Turkish Dominions and Religion , they refused no pains . Not far from Callipolis was the little Castle 〈◊〉 , whose valiant Captain Calo Joannes molested the Turks on that side , under Ezesbeg slaying and taking many at advantage . Solyman much argred , learning when he was gone out for some exploit , beset the Castle placing others in by waies , lest he should any waies escape . The Captain ignorant , thinking to return with a Turk prisoner , was pursued by Fazilbeg , and hasting fell into the Turks ambush ; where all his men slain and he taken , his head was struck off before his own Castle , which forthwith surrendred , and Chazi Ilibeg placed therein , who thence troubled the Country to Didymothicum : as 〈◊〉 from Callipolis ; who gave divers places ( taken thus in one year in Europe ) to his Captains and Souldiers , as by the Tombs of Ezes and Fazil-beg there appeareth . Solyman hawking in Bolare fields , on Europe side , was overthrown in a ditch and with the fall shortly died : whose Father Orchanes then laying sick , justly sorrowing , within two moneths died , about 1359 , 80 years old , reigning 31. Some report otherwise of his death and time wherein he lived . But John Leunclave in his History of the Turks Chronicles , reporteth as before . He was wise , courteous and bountiful , &c. very zealous in his superstition , appointing Pensions to the sayers of Mahomet's Law by heart in the Temple , and competent maintenance for all Judges , that for reward they should not pervert justice , living and dying a mortal enemy to the Christians . The Life of Amurath I. third King of Turks , and the great augmenter of their Kingdom . AMurath the younger Son , succeeded 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 having wondrous 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 zeal , more than any , for Mahometan Religion . Purposing ( at first ) to invade Thracia , he 〈◊〉 Army from all parts to Prusa ; But the Mahometan Asian Princes combining , he must turn his forces upon them prevailing and returning with victory : and next year prosecuting his intended war in Europe ; wherefore with a strong Army , he passed to Callipolis , with Lala Schahin his Tutor , whose counsel he most followed in weighty affairs . Then Benutum Castle was yielded him on composition , and the Town Tzurulus he won , after sharp encounter with the Christians : taking divers small places in Romania ( now called Rumilia ) in Thracia , razing some , and garrisoning others . Then also the valiant ones , Chasi Ilbeg and Eurenoses , took some Forts on the River 〈◊〉 , much troubling the Inhabitants there abouts ; wherefore Didymothicum's Caprain , gathered his Souldiers to intercept Chasi Ilbeg , losing most , and himself taken : for whose ransome , &c. the Citizens yielded Didymothicum . Amurath soon after sent Lala Schahin to besiege Hadrianople : the Christians encountred him on the way , many being lost on both sides , but in the end worsted , they retired to the City . Schahin sending news of this victory to Amurath , with some Christians heads , Chasis and Eurenoses going before , himself followed to the siege : which the Governour hearing , fled by night to Aenus . The 〈◊〉 seeing this , yielded to Amurath in 1362. Some Turks Histories otherwise report , especially the taking these 2 Cities : which because `t is not disagreeing from their subtil dealing , I thought good to set down . Amurath at first of his reign , concluded a Peace with the 〈◊〉 Christians , during which the Governour of 〈◊〉 entertained all workmen , more to fortifie his City . Amurath caused 200 Iusty men to come our of Asia , to offer him their service , who gladly used their help : some of the wiser , wishing him to beware of those Asians . But he , through the peace , and they no Souldiers , had the lesse care , yet lodging them without the walls every night . 〈◊〉 ( they entertained ) requested 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to go with 30 good Souldiers 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 and to espy any opportunity to surprize 〈◊〉 City . 〈◊〉 coming accordingly , they found 〈◊〉 , carlying stones , mortar , &c. shewlng diligence ; he vigilantly awaiting for a surprizal . Night come , and the 〈◊〉 workmen going into the Suburbs to lodge , Chasis secretly 〈◊〉 shewed Amurath , how one gate of the City might suddenly be taken , if he would place a 〈◊〉 ambush near , to joyn with the labourers upon occasion : which resolved on , and Chasis returning , instructed what workmen he thought meet , what was to be done . Next day at dinner time , these 〈◊〉 at fained words , and blows among themselves , suddenly running to the gate appointed , and laying hands on the Warders weapons , ( as to defend themselves ) and so 〈◊〉 them ; 〈◊〉 opening the gate , 〈◊〉 in the Turks ( laying in wait ) who presently took the City , and put the chiefest to the sword . 〈◊〉 also was ( in this peace ) by sudden assault of Eurenoses by night taken . The Christians charging 〈◊〉 with this breach of League , turned it to his Captains , threatning them severely : feigning himself 〈◊〉 in a colour , all the while 〈◊〉 but he refused to restore these Cities , saying , 'T was against Mahomet's Law to deliver that wherein his Religion had been openly taught . Whereupon fresh wars ( very tedious to both ) arose . Amurath therefore made peace with them of Selybria , Constantinople and Hadrianople ; yet this he desiring heartily to take , causing Chasis Ilibeg ( as discontented ) to flee from his Master to Hadrianople ; from whence , issuing out with other dissembling fugitives , he often skirmished with the Turks , and growing into the Governours favour thereby . Many others also , under like 〈◊〉 , resorting to him , he wrote secretly to Amurath , If he would send him succour against the time , he would deliver a gate unto him . Chasis with ten followers , at day dawn ( as going to hunt ) came to the gate , which opened , they furiously slew the Warders , and aided by the other fugitives , possessed the gate , till Amurath's near ambush , hearing the alarm , speedily came and entred , where was a cruel fight all day ; but the Turks prevailing have possessed it to this day . These Cities thus ( or as aforesaid ) taken , Amurath seated his Court at Hadrianople , as the most fit place for enlarging his Kingdom : from whence a world of woe hath overflowed great part of Christendom , drowning many Kingdoms in Europe , the Greeks of all other most miserable . The proud Sultan now presently sent Lala Scahin , to invade about Philopolis with the Country Zagora toward Haemus , and charging Eurenoses to subdue Ipsala's Territory ; who soon subjected them all , wherein he shortly placed Sanzacks or Governours for better assurance thereof . Cara Rustemes a Mahometan Doctor suggesting it , Zinderlu Chelil their chief Justice ( afterwards Catradin Bassa by Amurath's command ) ordered every fifth Captive above 15 years old , to be taken up , as due by Law , for the King : and if under 5 , to pay 25 Aspers a head , as tribute , Cara the deviser , being chief Collector hereof , numbers of Christian youths , were by Zinderlu's Counsel distributed among the Asian husbandmen , to learn the Turkish Religion language and manners ; where after two or three years painful labour , they ( at Court ) the better sort , were chosen to attend on and serve the Prince in wars , where they practizing all activity , are called Jannizaries , that is new Souldiers : This was their first beginning , but increased under Amurath 2 , and hath ever since been continued by that and some greater means , being ( in time ) so great , that they are oft dreadful to the great Turk himself , and sometimes preferring that Son they best like , to the Empire , contrary to the will of the Deceased Sultan , now the greatest strength of that Empire , and ( being conrinual Garrisons of martial men ) not unlike to be the greatest cause of its ruin . Amurath ( after a great while ) determining to return to Asia , made Scahin Viceroy of Romania , Eurenoses Governour of the marches , Zinderlu President of his Councel , calling him Cairadin Bassa that is , the Bassa wel deserving . Then returning , he spent that Winter at Prusa . Cairadin & Cara once two Doctors ( as Turkish histories report ) first corrupted that Court with coverousness and bribery , as yet of them much blamed . Amurath thus in Asia , hearing the Servians & Bulgarians , had gathered an Army to besiege Hadrianople , he greatly prepared for aid in Europe , taking Boga in his way , putting all Christians that could bear Arms to the sword , captivating the rest , his Souldiers had the spoil , which Town ere long they recovering , gave them like measure , and razing it ; yet it was rebuilt by the Turks in 1365. The Servian &c. Army , now near Hadrianople , mutinied among themselves : which the Turks espying set suddenly on them by night ; who ( through inward hatred ) joyned not against them , being ready to turn their Weapons on each other ; whereby the Turks put to flight & slew them with such a slaughter , that the place is at this day called , Zirf Zindugi , or , the place where the Servians were overthrown . This notable news with the spoils fifth part , and many Christians heads , were sent to Amurath in Asia : who then , returned to Prusa ; this was in 1366. This year he triumphantly circumcised his Sons Bajazet and Jacup , building Temples , a Monastery , two Colledges , and a Pallace at Bilezuga , Neapolis , and Prusa . Germean Ogli , having alwaies envied , ( as did the other Selzuccian Princes ) and fearing the Othoman Kings greatness might be dangerous to his Son after his death , now very aged , sent Isaac a Mahometan Doctor to Amurath , with rich presents , to offer his daughter Hatun in marriage to Bajazet , promising with her divers great Cities and Towns , as Cutai , & c. with their Territories : Cutai being now the City where the Turks great Viceroy is resident , as in the heart of lesser Asia . Amurath liking it well , contracted Bajazet unto her , and preparing with great magnificence for the marriage , invited most Mahometan Princes ; and commanding most of his Nobles to honour it with their presence . The Aegyptians Embassadour had the highest place of all the others before invited ; who all presented Amurath with many great gifts beseeming their Masters . At length , Eurenoses one of his own Nobles , besides many rich gifts , presented him with 100 goodly Christian captive boys , and as many maidens richly attired , with a cup of gold with divers precious stones in one hand , and a silver cup full of gold in their other : the Embassad ours wondring at the richnesse hereof : All which Amurath bestowed on them , and their presents on Eurenoses : None also of the learned and religious came thither so poor , but he went away rich . He sent divers Nobles with 100 Ladies , &c. & 3000 horsmen , to attend the brides coming : whom Germean Ogli meeting , saluted every man of account : feasting them royally ( with Princely gifts ) in one of his Cities . And delivering Hatun to two ancient Ladies , one Bajazet's nurse , sent her away with his wife Jenses , and other Courtiers , being most royally married at Prusa . The dowry promised , was delivered Amurath , garrisoning the Cities and Towns. Chusen-beg Prince of Amisum , sold that Territory to Amurath , at this marriage , with many others , doubring ( as was thought ) how to keep them , Amurath being come so near him . Amurath spending great time in Asia , committing that Kingdom to Bajazets and Temurtases his Government , returned into Europe with a strong Army , marching from Callipolis towards Hadrianople , soon winning Magalgara by the way : whither Lala Scahin and Eurenoses coming , he sent them to besiege Pherae , which they took after few daies . But leading his Army into Servia , and forraging the Country 14 daies , presently marched to Nissa , the Metropolis and Key of that Kingdom , winning it shortly by Jaxis Begs advice . Lazarus the Despot was so danted hereat , that for peace he offered 50000 li. tribute yearly , and 1000 mens aid when he required it : Amurath granted him peace and deparfed . Then with much a do he won great Apolonia near Mount Athos , the Christians departing with wives , &c. and goods not spoyled by the Souldiers . Returning to Hadrianople , Eurenoses ( left ) shortly took Berrhea , &c. Then also Scahin won Zichne , and Seres in Macedonia's confines , with many other upon Thessaly and Thrace : who made his abode in Seres ; great numbers being sent for from Asia to inhabit thereabouts forsaken by the Christians . Aladin advertised out of Asia , that Aladin King of Caramania his son in Law invaded him with fire & sword , was exceedingly troubled ; Wherefore , telling his Nobles . &c. what Aladin ( so getting all bonds of Religion , alliance , &c. ) had done , whilst he sought with honour , the Mahometan sincere Religions increase in Europe : from which godly wars , said he , I am forced to turn , against men joyned with us in Religion and alliance ; he appointed Chairadin Basa his 〈◊〉 and his Son Alis one of his Councel : so passing into Asia and so to Prusa he there spent that Winter . To whom Aegyptian Embassadours , then coming to renew former amity , he thankfully sent them back with kind Letters and rewards . At Spring in 1387 , he levying a great Army , to war on the Caramanian , he prepared no lesse power to meet him associating to him all the lesse Mahometan Princes , who brought him great supplies : and thinking himself strong enough for his Father in Law , certified him , That ( not being inferiour in power ) he did not fear him , yet he could hearken to peace on reasonable tearms ; but if he had rather have war , he should be ready to dare him battel when he came . Amurath willed the Embassadour to tell him , That he , against faith , having cruelly invaded him , whilst busied against the misbelieving Christians , from which , he was by him withdrawn , against their Prophets Law , he would shortly take revenge , therefore he was to expect nought but war , willing him so to provide as not to be wanting to himself . Wherefore Aladin with great perswasions and promises , encouraged the Princes to this war : who kissing the ground , promised with Oaths never to forsake him , but to do all that Princes desirous of honor ought to do . Chairadin died in this preparation , in whose stead Amurath appointed Alis his Son : But he , stayed in his journey towards Europe , by urgent occasions , he sent Post for him back again . Aladin forecasting likely dangers , sent another with reasonable conditions for Peace to Amurath , who answered , Perhaps he would have accepted them if one month before sent ; but seeing he had drawn him so far into the field , to his infinite charge , no end to be but wars chance ; and whereas he called me , A heardsman , &c. in disgrace , if he be not such a one himself , let him meet me in the field , &c. The Embassadour replyed , The King offered not this for fear , but to save innocent blood : which set apart , he should find him not inferiour in number of expert Souldiers , or other provision , &c. Amurath commanded him to depart , ( in great rage ) willing his Master , ( if of such courage ) to end all in the field , not doubting but shortly to chastise him , &c. Three daies after Alis came to him , whom he dearly loved , relying much upon his Counsel . The Embassadour leaving nothing untold that Amurath had said ; Aladin said to the Princes , Amurath threatneth to take from us Iconium and Larenda , but let him take heed we take not from him Prusa . The Embassadour deeming him about 20000 strong , Aladin rejoycing said , Surely he wil not dare give us battel : if he do , it 's upon great disadvantage , his men being fewer , and wearied with travel . Amurath holding on his way , and daily encouraging his Souldiers with perswasions gifts , and promises , came to the great Plains of Caramania ; into which Aladin coming encamped , within a daies march of him , resting that night . Amurath next morning , put his Army in order , appointing Jacup his youngest Son ( joyned with expert Captains ) in the right wing , Bajazet &c. in the left in which were the 1000 Servians : himself in the main battel , Temurtazes in the Vantguard , the Sub-bassae of 〈◊〉 & Achmetes in the rear . Aladin set his men in like order , that in all judgment he was not inferiour to Amurath . These great enemies came on couragiously with displayed Ensigns , and noise of Trumpets ; Drums , &c. very great . But the sign given , Sanagazes one of the Princes , brake Temurtazes his ranks , Teberruses also a Tartar , and Varsacides another Prince , shot arrows like hail upon the Vantguard : which Bajazet seeing , ( and leave obtained ) brake in on the enemy with such violence , that he was surnamed Gilderun , that is , Lightning . 〈◊〉 and Hozza with others ; following him with like courage , there was ( a great space ) a dreadful and doubtful fight ; in which many thousands were on 〈◊〉 sides slain . At 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Princes ( overmatched ) fled : which Aladin seeing , despairing of victory sped hastily to Iconium . Most of the great spoyl , Amurath giving to Temurtases and his Souldiers , speedily marched to Iconium , besieging Aladin , and proclaiming no kind of violence to be done to any on pain of death , that it might appear , he warred against the Mahometan rather to propulse wrong than for soveraignty and spoyl ; which Lazarus his Christians among others transgressing , they were exemplarily punished . Aladin ( without hope of escape ) sent to his wife , Amurath's daughter , bewailing his estate , and requesting her , by all love te her miserable husband , to adventure her self to crave pardon for his offence of her angry Father ; who attired as fittest for her husband's estate , came falling down on her knees , with wise words and distilling tears , and would not be taken up till she had obtained grace ; who ( Amurath entirely loving her ) assured of her Father's promise , sent to her husband , to come out next day , and humbly to acknowledge his fault before her Father ; who prostrating himself and acknowledging his undutifulnesse , obtained , for his wives sake , pardon of life , and restitution to his Kingdom with many great gifts . Latin Historys report , this was fought against Amurath's Grandfather by the Mother , who 〈◊〉 great part of his Kingdom . But the Turkish make Amurath , Orchanes , and Lulufers Son the daughtér of the Captain of Jarchiser Castle . This victory was the true beginning of the Othoman Kingdoms greatness in Asia ; the other Selzuccian Princes submitting themselves to Amurath , and after to Bajazet : till great Tamerlain taking Bajazet , restored the Princes to their old possessions . Amurath took Despotopolis in his return , in disbanding at Cutai , and in triumph , coming to Prusa . Uaywod with his Servians returning home , reported to Lazarus the Despot , that wars sucees , and in what cruel manner his men were used by Amurath's command : With whom , said he , Thou hast causelesly made a most dishonourable peace , by giving faith to such a miscreant , sending thy subjects ( in recompence ) to be so butchered , besides the shameful 〈◊〉 : whereas in depth of wisdom , thou shalt find thy self nothing inferiour to the Tyrant , in warlike force ; for by our valour ( but a handful ) not his , he got the victory . I know he cannot bring into the field above 50000 fighting men , admit 100000 , Art not thou able to levie far more ? and tenfold better provided for all other warlike provision ? Besides , the Christian Princes will send such aid , that his Barbarian forces will be no hing to those thou shalt be able to bring into the field , &c. Lazarus was now so moved , he determined to break the servile League ; and sent to the King of Bosna his neighbour , chiefly to crave aid against their common enemy the Turk : who answered , It had been better that to have been thought of , before the foul and disgraceful contract made , &c. But seeing things done could not be undone , he promised to joyn with him . And meeting at an appointed place , concluded fully all Articles . There was a Castle in Bosna's confines called Alexandria , whose Christian Captain , was the Turks 〈◊〉 : He under colour of friendship went to Amurath , secretly opening 〈◊〉 Kingdoms state , and what the King intended 〈◊〉 him , shewing probable means , how it might be subjected ; by a convenient power , and offering his own service . He casting a rich garment on him , ( a sure token of his favour ) appointed Lala Schahin to invade Bosna ; who joyning himself with this 〈◊〉 , with 20000 men over-runing one side , took great booties unresisted : and to do the more harm , by his advice , divided his Army to burn and spoyl in diverse parts . The King advertized by the Captain of all , conveniently 〈◊〉 ambushes : and as Schahin with but 1000 men returned with booty , suddenly 30000 Christians appearing , he would have fled ; but his other gallants , presuming , and 〈◊〉 to lose rich prey , would skirmish with them , and were almost all slain , and the spoil recovered . Schahin saved himself by flight , most of the rest being intercepted and slain , scarce 5000 of 20000 returned home . Amurath , the while , married the Greek , Emperour's daughter at Neapolis , whose 2 sisters also married his two Sons : and then Circumcised jazet's 3 Sons with great solemnity . Now also Jazgi Ogli , his Embassadour to the Aegyptian Sultan , in requital of his Embassage returned . He , upon the losse in 〈◊〉 , and the Despot's revolt , was much disquieted , commanding Alis Bassa to send speedy Commissions into all parts for levying a royal Army , which was done in post-haste . Then were the other Mahometan Princes , homaging him , sent for to aid him ; who through fear and zeal , brought them forces . Divers voluntier Mahometans , came from far also . Cutai's Governour , &c. came to aid his Father , with all his forces . Two Christian tributaries Custendyll and Seratzill , came also ; but Sasmenos of Bulgaria and the Prince of Varna &c. came not . Now Lala Schahin , os great years dyed , in whose place , Temurtases governed . Amurath highly offended and grieved at the 2 Princes revolt , commanded Alis with 30000 , to invade and spoyl Sasmenos his Country : whose Army accordingly assembled , the Bassa took many strong holds in Bulgaria , as Piravade , Venuzina , &c. Amurath the while , gathering a great Army , in Asia , determined to passe into Europe at Spring , committing his Countrie 's Government , to Temurtases Basia , and 4 others ; being stayed a while with 〈◊〉 winds , he was transported to Callipolis by its Sanzack , the 3d time of Amurath's Army being brought into Europe . Ba ja zet came to him thither : Alis also retiring out of Bulgaria to Chalcide , recounted to him his expeditions successe . Sasmenos seeing his Country spoyled , &c. by his Nobles advice , tying a winding sheet about his neck ( a token of deserved death ) came to Calcide , and falling flat at Amuraths horses feet , most humbly craved pardon , offering to deliver his chief City Silistria , a pledg of fidelity : who pardoned him , and in assurance cast a rich garment upon him , sending Alis to possess Silistria . But ( he repenting ) delivered it not , but strongly fortified it . Amurath , now more offended , commanded Alis , with fire and sword again to spoil him : who so terrified the peoples hearts , that many strong places were voluntarily yielded ; then he besieged Nicopolis the strongest City , on Danubius , whither Sasmenos was fled ; who taking his Son with him craved pardon as he had done before , with whose misery the Bassa moved , and having taken most of his Dominion , he granted it . So returning to Amurath , who sending for Jacup Governour of Carasia , repaired to his Father with all his power . This was the greatest Army brought by the Turks before into Europe . Lazarus joyned to him the King of Bosna , with Uulcus Macedons Prince , his son in law . Also he procured great supplies from Valachia , Hungaria , &c. and Italy , with numbers of voluntary Christians : all which far exceeded the Turks great Army . He encamped by the River Morova the greater , and sent Demetrius ( a terrour to the Turks ) to take the strong Castle of Serkive , taken before from Sasmenos , and thought dangerous to Servia ; they hearing he was come , yielded it without resistance . Lazarus doubting it would be hardly kept , sent Uulcus with 20000 to bring away all therein , and in the City , who razed both , before Jaxis Begs coming , sent by Amurath to have done the same . The two Christian tributaries met Amurath in his march , who marched with their forces before him as guides , and in Custendist's Country , was refreshed with all necessaries ; then 〈◊〉 Morova the lesse River , he drew so near Cossova's Plains , that he with Bajazet could view the Christian camp to cover those large plains : And ( daunted ) he 〈◊〉 with his greatest Captains what course to take ; and would that day have given 〈◊〉 , but Eurenoses d 〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , next morning 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ba jazet , &c. in the right 〈◊〉 , Jacup in the 〈◊〉 , himself in the main body . Uulcus was in Lazarus his right wing , Bosna's King and his Son in the 〈◊〉 himself in the main battel : who ( they report ) had 500000 men : Amurath scarce half so many ; who drawing out 2000 of the best Archers , and placing them under Malcozzeus and Mustapha , on both the Armies sides , Eurenose's told him , that in 〈◊〉 battel , if he retired a little ; the Christians following upon hope , would loose their close standing , and leave an entrance for his men . The archers first 〈◊〉 conragiously , the Turks gave a little ground , then the Christians 〈◊〉 assailing the left wing , aster hard fight put it to flight ; Ba jazet so renewed the battel , that the left wing began to turn 〈◊〉 : In which bloody fight many thousands fell on both sides ; the armour and weapons 〈◊〉 was as lightning , and whose noise , with horses neighing 〈◊〉 mens out - 〈◊〉 , was so terrible and great , 〈◊〉 the wild 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 astonied . About noon , the Christians gave ground , and at length plainly fled , whom the Turks pursuing , slew without 〈◊〉 ; Lazarus the Despot being slain . 〈◊〉 some report , he was ( with his Son ) taken , and afterwards cruelly slain , in revenge of Amurath's death : others , that he died in 〈◊〉 . Amurath with a few chief Captains , viewing the numberlesse heaps of dead bodies , a Christian Souldier sore wounded and bloody , arose out of the heap , and as he came towards him , fell divers times , ( through weakness ) ; drawing nigh to Amurath he was commanded to come nearer , ( being slayed by the Guarders ) supposing he would crave his life ; who pressing as if to kisse his feet , stabb'd him in the belly with a dagger under his coat , of which he presently died . His name was Miles Cobelitz , shortly after cut in small pieces before Ba jazet . The Turks Annals report , That Cobelitz ( coming to him as a fugitive servant of the Despots ) so stabbed and slew him , being so cut in pieces as aforesaid . Since this , when any comes to kisse the Sultans hand or approach to him , he is ( as for honour ) led between two Courtiers ; but indeed so entangling him , that he shall not violate him . Ba jazet being brought with an Ensign , as the successuor , 〈◊〉 his dead Fathers Tent , secretly conveighed thither ; Jacup Zelebi , or the Noble , was sent for by the Bassaes as from his Father ; who coming in ignorant of the chance , was ( as most report ) by jazet's command , by them strangled ; yet their Annals charge not Ba jazet . Ever since 't was holden a good pollicy , in beginning of the Turks Reign to Massacre their brethren and nearest kinsmen . Amurath was more zealous in his superstition than any , of great courage , fortunate in all ; he slew more than Father and Grandfather : he greatly inlarged his territories in Asia , by sword , marriage and purchase ; and by the Greeks discord and cowardise , he subdued the Romania in 〈◊〉 , with its Territories ; leaving the Constantinopolitan Emperour little or nothing there , but the City it self . He won much of Bulgaria ; entred Servia , Bosua , and Macedonia ; he was liberal and severe ; beloved and feared of his Subjects , of few words , deeply 〈◊〉 ; slain , being 68 years old , reigning 31 , in 1390. He was royally buried at Prusa , &c. There is a Castle and Tomb in remembrance of him in Cassova's Plains , where he was 〈◊〉 , and his entrails buried . The Life of Bajazet I. the 4th , and most unfortunate King of the Turks . BAjazet succeeding his Father , the first year of his Reign , besieged the City Cratova in Servia , ( whereto the silver Mines ( not that wars least cause ) belonged ) yielded to him , on condition , that the Inhabitants might with life and liberty depart ; who no sooner gone , but they were all slain by his men sent for that purpose . Then also he wone 〈◊〉 , with divers Castles near Cratova . Young Sigismund King of Hungary , advertized by the Servians , of Bajazet's proceedings , requested him ( by Embassadours ) as he was just , and wished to live in quiet with his own , to desist from such open wrong , &c. Whom he answered not , till be over-ran a great part of the 〈◊〉 Countrey . Then calling them into a Town filled with his Souldiers , said , They might see his right good enough to that Town , and the rest taken , seeing the walls acknowledged it , willing them so to tell their Master ; Which 〈◊〉 answer 〈◊〉 the King , as if open war had been 〈◊〉 to him : yet , not being well settled in his Kingdom , and doubting of a contrary faction , he was glad then to put it up . Next year he by Forises Beg taking Vidina in Servia , returned to Hadrianople . But the Caramanian King , invading his frontiers in Asia the while , though then not 〈◊〉 leisure , yet afterwards he fully revenged it . Eurenoses then took the City Sitros in Thessaly : and Ferises passed over 〈◊〉 , grievously spoiling Valachia , returning loaden with prey . Now also Jegides Bassa entred 〈◊〉 , carrying a number of Captives to Hadrianople , where Bajazet wintred . Next spring Bajazet passing to Prusa , built a fair Temple , a Colledge , and 〈◊〉 house , and , returning into Europe , a Monastery at Hadrianople . In Asia , he besieged Philadelphia , the onely City in lesser Asia holden by the Christians . At first , he straightly commanded not to spoile or 〈◊〉 any thing belonging to the Citizens , hoping to make them more willing to yield . But finding them resolved to the last , he commanded not to spare any thing : which was by his Souldiers done . The Citizens after long siege , not able to endure , and no hope of relief , yielded their City . Some write , it was not besieged without the Emperour's consent : and the Greeks envying its holding out , helped to win it . At the siege , Aiden Ogli Prince of Caria , came to Bajazet , yielding himself his Vassal : to whom , he restored places taken from him a little before , on this condition , not to coyn money in his own name , or publiquely to be prayed for as before ; but all to be done in Bajazet's name . 〈◊〉 he led his Army into Saruchania , subduing it on like conditions : Then passing farther , to Mentesia in Caria , the Prince left it to his pleasure , fleeing to 〈◊〉 Prince . And in revenge of the King of Caramania's former invasion , he entred it , taking Cesaria , and otherplaces : the King glad to be content , making peace as he pleased . As he was making this expedition , Prince Germian's son ( with a chief Counsellour ) coming to him , were sent prisoners over the Straite to Ipsala Castle , laying in durance many years . Thus he oppressing most of Aladin's successours , returned to Prusa in triumph . Aiden ( fled ) had incited the Prince of Castamona , to invade the bordering side of Bajazets Kingdome . At which time the Vayvod of Valachia passed over 〈◊〉 into the parts of Servia and Bulgaria , possessed by the 〈◊〉 , spoyling the Country , and slaying them by heaps ; and carrying back many prisoners . Bajazet deferring his purpose against the other , turned his forces against the 〈◊〉 : Wherefore passing to Hadrianople , thence to Nicopolis , and so over Danubius , he entred Valachia , spoyling and burning : whom he Vaywod giving battle , was overthrown , and many slain ; at last , he obtained peace by submission , and a yearly tribute . News being brought ( the while ) that the Christian Galleys greatly hurt along the Coasts of Asia , he entred into Thessalie , destroying all to 〈◊〉 : and taking Neapolis in Greece , and Joannina in Aetolia , he wintred in Asia . Next spring he with great power passed the 〈◊〉 of Callipolis , to invade Hungary . But ( intercepting a 〈◊〉 with Letters from the Greek Emperour , giving that King warning thereof ; and understanding of another Messenger before sent ) 〈◊〉 perswaded him to desist , and besiege Constantinople , which was ( he said ) surrounded with Turkish Provinces : bringing Philadelphia for example . Bajazet returning , besieged it first by Land , then by Sea , which ( most report ) continued 8 years , in which , Emmanuel the Emperour , left the City to crave aid of the German Emperour , French King ; and others . The Citizens at length had happily yielded , if the Hungarian King ( assisted with French aud other Voluntiers , with a 130000 under John Count of Nivers ) had not passed into his Dominions , recovering Vidina &c. in Bulgaria , and besieging Nicopolis . Who ( 't is reported ) should proudly say in his jollity ( through his Armies greatnesse ) What need we fear the Turks ? who need not fear the Heavens fall ; if they should , we were able to hold them up with our Speares and Halberts . Bajazet commanding the ladders , &c. for assault , to be burnt : marched from the siege , with a puissant Army to Nicopolis , sending Eurenoses before to intercept some Christians , to learn their Armies state . But he returned , without any prisoner taken : which troubled Bajazet , fearing a wary enemy . Sigismund ( eaving sufficient for the siege ) went to meet his proud proud enemies : who ( within sight ) shewed but half his Army keeping close in ambush not far off with the other . The Christians deeming they were far 〈◊〉 in number , divided also their Army to inclose the Turks . The French disiring to give the first Charge , began the battle ( the Hungarians , &c. not yet in order ) where was so many thousands slain . Bajazet ( ere long ) arising with the other half , and coming on as became his name Gilderum , so hardly charged the French , that they stood at first as dismayed : but seeing no remedy , and hoping of relief from the rest , fought till they were almost all slain or taken : divers French horse-men ( as their manner was ) fought on foot , which horses running on the Hungarians , made them doubt they were quite overthrown : wherewith dismaied , they fled in great haste ; the Turks pursuing , made great slaughter , many being also drowned in Danubius . They took so many , 't was thought every Turk had his prisoner . 〈◊〉 ( 〈◊〉 like ) got over Danubius in a little boat , and fearing the Hungarians violence for the battle's losse , fled by Sea to 〈◊〉 ; then sayling to Rhodes ; and from thence , landed in Dalmatia : so after 18 months painful 〈◊〉 , he returned into Hungary , where the contrary faction had chosen the King of Naples their King , then going with an Army to take possession ; had 〈◊〉 Sigismund ( by some Nobles help ) prevented him : There were 20000 Christians , 6000 Turks slain . The Count of Nivers was taken with 300 great ones , who ( after great Contumelie before Bajazet ) was commanded 〈◊〉 choose 5 other Caprives , and with them was sent to Prusa , ( all the rest being 〈◊〉 in pieces before his face ) and ransomed afterwards for 200000 Duckets . This bloody battle was in 1396. Bajazet thus relieving Nicopolis , besieged Contanstinople more hardly than before ; building Forts , &c. on one side , and a Castle upon the straite over against it , to hinder ( what possible ) passage thereto by Sea. This 〈◊〉 years siege , I suppose ( by the History ) was part of the 8 years . Emmanuel ( wearied ) sent to 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to which , ( hearing that 〈◊〉 intended shortly to war upon him ) he the more harkened ; yet on condition , for the Turks to dwell in a Street of the City , with freedome of Religion , Laws , their own Judge , and to give him 10000 Duckats yearly ; which he was glad to accept of . A Temple was built , for the Turks sent out of Bythinia there to dwell : which when 〈◊〉 was overthrown by 〈◊〉 , was pulled down , and the Turks : driven out . Stephen , Despot of a part of Servia , 〈◊〉 his son , sent 〈◊〉 an Embassadour with loving Letters , and Royal presents : by whom , also the old Princesse offered her fair Daughter Despina in marriage , who was promised him , whilst Amurath lived . 〈◊〉 being very glad thereof , she was forthwith sent to him ; and with great solemnity shortly married . He held her dearest of all his wives , restoring ( for her sake ) the 〈◊〉 City and Castle , and 〈◊〉 to her Brother Stephen : She allured him to drink wine , forbidden by their Law , and to delight in sumptuous Banquets , never used by his predecessours . Corruption increasing in the Turkish kingdome , 〈◊〉 determined to execute divers apprehended Judges : whosé estate though Alis 〈◊〉 ( in such favour with him that the Vulgar honoured him as the King ) and other great ones pitied ; yet ( He dangerous to be spoken to when angry ) none durst intreat for them . Alis requested an Aethiopian jester ( who many times ( under some jest ) would bolt out that , in the Kings heat , which his Counsellours durst not speak of in secret ) to devise some meanes for these Judges , &c. Who putting on a rich Hat wrought with gold , and apparrel beseeming an Embassadour ; presented himself before the King with a Counterfeit gravity . Bajazet asked him , why he was so 〈◊〉 . I have a request said he to thee , wishing to find favour . Bajazet asked him , what it was . I would fain go ( said he ) Embassadour to Constantinople . To what purpose , said Bajazet ? To crave 40 or 50 of the Emperours grave Monks and Fryers to bring thither . What should they do here , said he ? To be placed instead of the doting Judges to be put to death , said the jeaster . I can place of my own , said Bajazet . True ( said he ) for gravity , &c. so would the Monks , &c. serve , but not so learned as those in thy displeasure . If they be learned said Bajazet , why do they contrarily pervert justice , & c ? There 's good reason , said he . What reason , 〈◊〉 Bajazet ? He ( poynting to Alis ) can tell better than I ( said he ) : who , commanded to give the reason , shewed , those Judges ( being not conveniently provided for ) were inforced ( many times ) to take rewards to the staying justice . Which true , he commanded Alis to appoint them convenient stipends , granting their pardon . The Bassa 〈◊〉 down , the Judge to have 20 aspers of every suite exceeding a 1000 ; and for every writing , &c. out of the Court 12 aspers : taking it at this day . Bajazet ( not long after ) intended to put certain Commanders to death , grievously offended for a small occasion . Who ( before him ) the Counsellours sate hanging down their heads , not daring to speak a good word for them , &c. The jeaster stepping forth earnestly requested him to execute them presently as Traitours ; rayling on them , &c. Bajazet asked him why he so exclaimed , thinking he could greatly accuse them . Because the Knaves be good for nothing , said he , and they say , Tamerlane is coming against us : if thou take up but an ensigne , and I go before with a drum , I le strike up such a terrible march , that we shall need none of these , &c. to get the Victory . Bajazet musing deeply a great while , and considering the jeasters drift , granted them an unlooked for pardon . Bajazet sending this jeaster to his Mother , to bring her desired news of his successe against the Christians ; she began to demand how he did , and of his successe . He answered ; Very well , having won a great Country , enriching 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . A little after , she asked him again , How he did , and how 〈◊〉 in his Wars . He answered , as before . But asking the 3d time how he did , Dost ask me so often ( said he ) Oh? whore ! thou 〈◊〉 brought forth a son like a Devil , who doth nought , but burn and destroy the World where he cometh . She crying out , up start he , and was never more seen . Bajazet passing over Hellespont against the Valachian , who had aided Sigismund , leaving Temurtases his Lievtenant at 〈◊〉 : The Caramanian King came and surprized Temurtases ( by night ) fearing nothing , and carried him in bonds to Caramania . But Bajazet ending his Wars in Valachia , he ( fearing ) released Temurtases , apparrelled him richly , craving pardon for his wrong , and sent great presents , to Bajazet to make his excuse : Bajazet would not hear the Embassadour , but then levied a great Army to invade him . Aladin now levied all forces he could , entertaining all mercenary Souldiers ; and at Aczae upon the way gave him battle , but was overcome and put to flight : in which , his horse stumbling and he falling , was taken and brought bound to Bajazet ; his 2 sons being taken also and sent to Prusa . Himself was delivered to Temurtases : who presently caused him to be hanged , Bajazet seeming to be very sorry , for he was his Sister's son . He won 〈◊〉 , &c. with all Aladins kingdome : also Amasia , Cappadocia's Metropolis , was delivered to Bajazet , by its Prince , too weak for Casi-Burchanidin Prince of Sebastia , and who had solicited Aegypt-Sultan to aide him 〈◊〉 Bajazet . Who led his Army towards Sebastia , whose Citizens had deprived Casi for cruelty , 〈◊〉 in his son ; but soon weary 〈◊〉 the son , they sent that they would yield it to him coming that way : Casis his son now fled to Nasradin his brother in-law ; the Citizens delivering it to Bajazet accordingly , leaving Solyman his eldest son Governour So conquering Caramania , taking Amasia and 〈◊〉 , most of Cappadocia and all Rumilia , Asiatica , he wintred at Prusa : who at spring , ( Cutrum of Castamona dead ) came thither with a great Army ; wherefore his Son Isendiar fled to Synope , whence he humbly requested him , to suffer him to have that little City to live in ; and not seek the sons blood , for the Fathers offence . Bajazet granted it ; yet took from him Castamona with most of Pontus , giving it to Solyman . Then also he oppressed Prince Germean , and took from him all his Dominion . And the Prince of Mentesia abiding at Castamona , and doubting now of safety after Bajazet's Death , fled into a Hermites habit to Tamerlane the Tartar. Bajazet returning , built a Magnificent Temple at Prusa , during which , he forbare wine , reposing with grave and learned men , and administring justice ; greatly winning his subjects : and now all bordering Princes stood in great fear of him . Achmetes King of Bagdat and Eiracum , with Josephus of Colchis forced by Tamerlan's incursions , fled for their lives into Syria , and ( discovered ) were imprisoned by Aegypts Sultan : from whence escaping , they fled to Bajazet . Achmetes after two months , by Bajazets aid , recovered Eiracum . Josephus tarrying 8 months , procured Bajazet to invade the Aegyptian : who slew his general , discomfiting his forces , took Malatie in Armenia , with 3 places taken from the Turcomans , spoyling all threabouts , Thence marching towards Erznitzane , Tachretin its Prince meeting him , yielded all into his power , who giving it to Josephus , after 6 daies , ( finding them unwilling to be governed by a Stranger ) surrendred it into his hands again . Them of 〈◊〉 requesting him to have their old Prince Tachretin , he granted : but sent his wife and children , as a pledge , to Prusa , where they were ( ere long ) made away . Bajazet having mightily prevailed in Romania , Bulgaria , &c. and other places in Europe ; and having worse oppressed the 〈◊〉 Princes of Asia , some of whom he slew : some he exiled , some imprisoned , and other living , but at his devotion ; and fearing no man , was ( as he thought ) the Worlds terrour ; divers of these Mahometans , met at Tamerlans Court , whither they fled for relief . Germian Ogli after long imprisonment in Europe , brake prison with his great Counsellour , who consorting and roaming with loytering Companions , delighted the people with toyes ; so passing Hellespont , came with much ado to 〈◊〉 : the Prince of Mentesia ( shaven ) as aforesaid , Aidin Ogli passing as a Pedler , came thither also : Tachretin as a 〈◊〉 - man attending on Issendiar coming as an Embassadour from another Prince . These with others ariving at 〈◊〉 , every one particularly complaining , all earnestly requested Tamerlane to revenge the wrong done them by the Tyrant Bajazet . In so great a matter , he coldly answered them , that he could not tell , whether all were so as they reported ; but he knew him very zealous in the 〈◊〉 Religion , therefore warring on the Christians : in which godly cause ( said he ) perhaps they refused to assist , or had given him some greater offence : For ( said he ) I can hardly believe , such a Prince as he would , without cause , offer you such violence , especially to Neighbours , and of the same Religion . Yet I will first send an Embassadour to him , to understand more of him and his proceedings , before I resolve on any thing . But being advertized that Achmetes and Josephus , were come to Bajazets Court for aid , he deferred to send , suspecting Bajazet ( by them incited ) would first war on him . But they being departed , he dispatched his Embassadour with many rich gifts , &c. requesting him to deal kindly with these poor Mahometan Princes ; as also with the Greek Emperour , whose intercessour to him he was become . Some report he desired the Kings of Bagdat and Colchis to be delivered him ; seeming to dislike his proceedings against the Turcomans . But Bajazet ( highly offended with this Embassage ) in great scorne rejected his presents , especially certain garments ; bidding his Master meddle with his own matters , &c. and not prescribe him Laws with whom he had nought to do ; and to send his rags to his inferiours , not to Princes of greater power than himself . Adding many despightful and disdainful words : calling him plain Tamerlan , and the Husband of a whore , if he met him not in field , wishing himself to take his thrice divorced wife ( polluted by another ) if he met him not in battle wherever he durst . Which answer ( aggravated by Axalla a Christian Genoway , and one of his greatest Counsellours , and the Greek Emperours friend ) was so ill 〈◊〉 , that he resolved ( all things set apart ) to go against the Turk . Besides , he thought it not fit to suffer so unquiet a Neighbour to grow great , who adding conquests to conquest , might in the end prove dangerous to his own Estate . Tamerlan ( though a Mahometan ) for the fidelity , valour , and virtue he found in Axalla a Christian , was advised by him in his greatest affaires , disliked none for his Religion , so he worshipped but one God , Creatour of Heaven and Earth , &c. For which cause he permitted all Religions within his Countries ; were they not Atheists , Idolaters , or worshippers of strange gods . Bajazet ( not ignorant of Tamerlan's power and purpose ) prosecuted the enlargement of his Empire , and increase of his strength : deeming Tamerlan's messages to be forewarnings of his designes against him ; which he was so far from fearing , that 〈◊〉 spared no intemperate speech to provoke him the more . It shall not be much from our 〈◊〉 , to see what this mighty Tamerlane was , who held the East in such 〈◊〉 , that he was commonnly called . Gods wrath , and the Worlds terrour . Most report him to have been poorly born , and ( in youth ) to be a poor Shepheard , or heardsman in the Mountaines ; where consorting with other sturdy Companions , he become a masterful thief among them . To whom other such still resorting , he soon grew to that greatnesse as none but he ever yet came to ; contrary to the course of things , which from small beginnings grow not to notable perfection , but by degrees ; and that in long time . Wherein , late Historiographers seem too much to follow the Turks report , who ( by him brought low ) charge him with many untruths , making him first a very abject amongst men : and for cruelty a monster in nature , &c. which reports , I list not to follow : especially , others ( of no lesse credit ) with greater probability , reporting of him the greatest honour . He was born at Samercand , chief City of the Zagataian Tartars , whose Father was Zain Cham or Og their Prince , 3d in descent from Zingis before remembred : which Og ( of a peaceable Nature ) long lived in happy peace with his , subjects : contenting himself more with the increase of his cattle , than hoording up gold or silver : which ( haply ) occasioned some ( ignorant of the Tartars Princes custome ) to report Tamerlane as a Shepheard's son , &c. His Father well striken in years , delivered him his Kingdom , but 15 years old , and joyning Ordinar , and Aly two faithful Counsellours to assist him in Government , retired himself to a Solitary life . He first proved his Valour against the Moscovite , for spoyling a City under his protection , entring his Country , & proclaiming war against him : whom he overthrew , slaying 25000 of his foot , between 15 and 16000 horse , with the loss of scarce 8000 horse , and 4000 foot of his own . Where he beholding so many dead on the ground , to a familiar , lamented the condition of great Armies Commanders , commending his Fathers quiet life , &c. protesting he was heartily grieved thereat . The 〈◊〉 ( discouraged ) sent for peace , which was concluded on such conditions as he pleased . The great Cham of Tartary now growing old , sent to him divers presents , offered him his onely daughter , and with her to proclaim him heir apparant of his Empire : as in right he was , being his Brothers son . Which Tamerlane gladly accepting , was afterwards done : being supported by his Father in-law while he lived , and succeding him after his death . Yet ( the while ) he wanted not envious Competitours : who now onwards of his way against the King of China , Calix ( of great power in the great Chams Court ) with a puissant Army seized on great Cambalu , the Citizens also disdaining to be governed by the Zagataian Tartar. Tamerlane returning with most of his Army , met the Rebel , who had 80000 horse , and 100000 foot , and ( above 50000 being on both sides slain ) overthrew him , ( himself being beaten to the ground ) took him and beheaded him . His state newly confirmed by his Victory : he proceeded in war against China , breaking down their strong wall of 400 Leagues long , and entred their Country , overcoming the King , leading 350000 with the slaughter of 50000 of his men , took him , and yet ( wisely moderating his Fortune ) shortly freed him : yet , as having taken half his kingdome , leaving Ormar his Lievtenant ; and imposing other conditions , with 300000 Crowns yearly tribute . So returning in triumph to the old Emperour at 〈◊〉 , glad to see him and his daughter , who had still accompanied him . The War against Bajazet resolved on , he sent Axalla to Sachetay or Zagati to begin assembling of forces , that at first of the spring he might set foreward , He procured from his Father in-law a 100000 foot and 80000 horse , hoping to have as many from Sachetay , besides 50000 from the Lords that would accompany him , and divers other supplies expected also ; he would oft say , he was appointed by God to abate the Othoman pride . So departing towards Samarchand his Empires seat , he left the great Emperours forces to come to Ozara ; the place of general meeting . The Moscovite ( requested ) sent him 15000 horse , with a sum of money , and to passe thorow his necessary Territories . Axalla the Livetenant general had ( the while ) assembled all the Army at Ozara , whom Tamerlane sent for to Samarchand , to conferre about setting forward ; for by his advice he did all things , without him nothing : who wanted not the envy of the Court , but his virtues , 〈◊〉 , and worthy services , supported him against malice : who having largely discoursed with him about the Armies estate and order : they shortly departed to Ozara , where Tamerlane consulted with his most expert Captaines , whether to lead his Army towards Capha , by the Moscovites Coasts , or on tother side the Caspian Sea by Persia's skirts . It was ( in the end ) resolved to passe ( though the longer way ) by the Moscovite , so to the Georgians , and Therizonda , thence into the Othoman Kings Country . From Ozara he came to Maranis , staying 3 daies for Odmars forces from China , receiving news thereof ; paying , and generally mustring his Army . He conveighed Victual's , and most of his Furniture by the Caspian Sea , a great ease to his Army , to passe some 20 Leagues thorow places without victuals and water . His Army extended 20 Leagues : At the river Edel he stayed at 〈◊〉 while his Army passed over at Mechet , and 2 bridges made for that purpose . The Circassians and Georgians now offered him all assistance they could , he passing that way . The Georgians being Christians , a great and warlique 〈◊〉 , long tributaries to the Greek Emperours ; tributaries , and sometimes confederates to the Persians , but the Turks enemies : Axalla drew great number of them to his Princes service , whom ( being tall , beautiful , strong , couragious , and expert ) he not a little esteemed : who had 〈◊〉 resisted the Othoman Power by their rough Countries advantage . Tamerlane was by these , with all necessaries relieved : In marching thorow whose Countries , he so severely ordered his Souldiers , that if any had taken injurionsly but an Apple , or the like , he died for it . 'T is reported , a woman complaining of a little milk taken from her , he ript up the Souldiers stomach ; where it ( lately drunk ) being found , he sent her away , contenting her ; who otherwise had surely died . Which severity ( of many accounted extreame cruelty ) was the preservation of his Army , 〈◊〉 Camp ( now , as a well governed City ) was stored with all things : Artificers and Merchants from far , and Country people , receiving present money , and safely departing . Then coming to Bachichich , and staying 8 dayes to refresh , he 〈◊〉 400000 horse , and 600000 foot : or as some present affirme , 300000 horse , and 500000 foot : whom he generally paide , orating what orders ( and military discipline whereof he was curious ) he would have kept . Then also , every Common Souldier might more boldly behold him , than on other dayes . Who passing the Georgians , and comming to Buysabuich , Axalla who led the head of the Army , came to him with news that Bajazet raysing Constantinople siege , was resolved to come to battle in Asia ; ( trusting more to the experience , than multitude of his Souldiers ) whom , Tamerlane could hardly be perswaded , would adventure out of Europe , but rather there protract time to weary him : at which he not insolently rejoycing , said , a small number well conducted , did oft carry the victory from a confused multitude , staying 3 dayes , his Souldiers still marching , passed over Euphrates , the rather to maintain his Army on the enemies spoile . All Cities yielding , he favourably received , those refusing , he used with all extremity : 〈◊〉 strong Sebastia , where some of his fore-runners were cut off , and the gates in contempt set open . Tamerlaxe offended , sent certain horsemen ( upon his displeasure ) so to bear themselves , that he might find the City taken , or the gates shut : for nothing was more dreadful to his men than his displeasure : if any in hunting gave way to the Lyon or Bear for fear , and slew him not , he was sure to dye : and to turn his back on the enemy , was to run on his own death . The garrison Turks , seeing these Tartarians ( not many ) issued out to meet them , who were so charged by them : that ( retiring ) for haste , they shut out part their own , lest the enemy following should have entred of with them : who were slain by the Tartarians . Shortly after came Tamerlane , and sitting down before it , lay still 7 daies , the defendants thinking he intended to distresse it by long siege . But about the 8th day the walls , &c. in many places undermined , were suddenly overthrown , leaving large breaches to enter . The Turks forthwith yielded in hope of their lives : but he ( as the Turks report ) commanding deep pits to be digged , buried quick all the people of the City , and utterly rased it : Then he bid 〈◊〉 the Governour , spared onely for that purpose , to go tell his Master , what he had there seen ; which tragedy he relating , Bajazet demanded of him , wch Army he thought the bigger , he answered , Tamerlane had the greater number . Bajazet , in great Choler , replyed , surely the Tartars sight , hath so frightned this coward , that he thinketh every enemy to be two . Most report , that Tamerlane putting the men to the sword , over-ran the women and Children ( with his horsemen ) in the fields , except a few for prisoners . Also that Bajazet losing there his eldest son , of some called Orthobules , in his march , hearing a Sheapheard merrily reposing himself with his pipe , ( standing long listning ) with a deep sigh said . Oh happy Shepheard ! which hadst neither Orthobules nor Sebastia to lose . Yet the Turks give Orthobules lost 6 years before , against Casi Buchaniden ; They reported 12000 in all to be in Sebastia 〈◊〉 . Other Cities yielded for fear of like danger , whose Citizens ( chiefly the Christians in respect of the Greek Emperour ) he courteously used , &c. Not gone far , he was certainly advertised , that Bajazet ( coming ) was within 30 Leagues of him ; after which , he marched more closely with his his Army . Axalla sent Chiansen , Prince of Ciarcan with 4000 Parthian horse , to know ( if he could ) of the Turks Army , &c. and make relation to him : who ( sending another Parthian with 500 horse before ) not ridden 10 leagues but heard of Bajazet's coming , and susprizing Sennas , understood his Armies state , so marching foreward . Tamerlane commanded him not to retire , till the enemies arrival seen , and to give him notice every hour , himself resolving not to passe further , being at a large plaine , and Country , advantagious for battel of his Army far greater than Bajazets . Yet , ( his Army being of divers Nations , and not to fight against the foft Chinois , but the Turks most warlique , &c ) he thought to be well advised in proceeding . Wherefore he sent for Axalla to view the place ; who not misliking it , advised him to keep Sennas as long as possible . So sending word unto them , to fire it upon the enemies , approach , and so withdraw , that the enemy not desiring there to incamp , might come forward to those plaines . The Turks drawing near Sennas , they all retired , except some 100 left to fire it , which done , they retired in great disorder . Ciarcan dividing in two parts , commanded the first to receive the 100 , purposely in disorder fleeing so soon as the enemies pursued them , retiring altogether . Himself stood in a Valley near a wood , unseen : where suffering 2000 horse enemies to pass by , he charged them home in the reare the retirers turning on them also : who thus beset , fled , most being slain , the rest taken prisoners : who were sent to Tamerlane as a present , with the Bassa of Natolia who led them ; whom Tamerlane demanding , why Bajazet shewed such contempt of his Army , &c. He answered , his Lord was Sun upon Earth , enduring no equal : that he was rather astonied to see him enterprize from so far , to hinder his Lords fortune ; the heavens bending to further it , &c. that he committed great folly in resisting it . Tamerlane replied , he was sent from Heaven to punish his rashnesse , and to teach him , the proud are hated of God , &c. Thy self ( said he ) hast felt already my Parthians Valour against thy Turkish , and I have caused him already to raise Constantinoples siege , and look to his own in Asia . Furthermore he demanded , if his Master resolved to bid him battle ? Be assured ( said he ) he desires nothing more : and I would I might acknowledge thee in giving me leave to assist my Lord. Go , ( said Tamerlane ) and tell thy Lord thou hast seen me , and he shall find me on horse-back , where a green ensigne is displayed . The Bassa thanking him , &c. and returning , declared he had seen him , and reported all he willed him ; and published his courtesie : who besides liberty , had given him a fair furnished horse , though he were to serve against him . Bajazet answered , he would shortly try him , hoping ere the march ended , to make him acknowledge his folly . Next day the 2 Armies encamped within a League : where the Scythians ( greedy and needy ) talked ( all night ) of the spoile , the Parthians of honour , the Christians of their deliverance , &c. All which Tamerlane hearing , rejoyced to see his Souldiers hope of Victory : who after the 2 watch , thought to sleep a while in his pavilion . But his cares not suffering , he then read ( as ordinary ) in a book of his Ancessours lives , not to deceive time , but to imitate and decline what they worthily did , or by rashnesse , &c. fell into . After slumbring , he sent for Axalla , who came with divers great Captaines , with whom consulting a while , he mounting , sent every one to their Charges to make ready . At which , he heard , the enemy came to take his ground ; whose Order he desired to see , to marshal his own by . Causing 3000 horse to advance , to begin skirmishing ; himself followed to lodge every part in places , foreseen for his advantage . Seeing the Janizaries in a square battle in midst , on the 2 fronts 2 squadrons of horse , seeming 30000 , and another covering the Janizaries battalion , he thinking this order hard to be broken , said to Axalla , I thought to have fought a foot , but now I see it behooves me to fight on horse-back , to encourage my Souldiers , to open the enemies great battalion . And my will is , that my men come so soon as they may , for I will advance with a 100000 foot-men , &c. Ciarcan commanded the first 40000 horse , Lord Synopes a Genovois , the foremost foot : Axalla over 5 squadrons of horse . Bajazet's Army came bravely on towards their enemies , who stirred not from their place ; except some light horse-men ( as loose ) skirmishing before the Armies . Tamerlane had notice that Bajazet meant to fight on foot in midst of 30000 Janizaries , in whom he most hoped . His horse were 14000 old Souldiers . The Aegyptian Sultan having also sent him 30000 Mamalukes , with 30000 foot : whose Army marching in one front like a half moon , ( but not so well knit as Tamerlanes ) seemed almost as great as his . So with horrible out-cries still advancing ; Tameriane standing fast with great silence . Young Ciarcan with his 40000 horse , was in the first encounter almost wholly overthrown , by the Turks most furious charge : yet fighting valiantly and entring into the midst of the Janizaries , was himself slain . About which time , Axalla with the avauntguard , cutting a wing of the enemies all to pieces , and his foot joyning faced the Janizaries , who 〈◊〉 behaved themselves for their Prince's safety . This hard fight continued one hour , not any seen scattered , horse-men rushing together like mountaines , men dying , crying and threatning all at once . Tamerlane patient the while to see the event ; at length his men giving ground , he sent 10000 horse to joyn with the 10000 for the reare ward to assist him at need , and charged himself , causing the , foot to charge , commanded by the Prince of Thanais , who furiously charged the Janizaries where Bajazet yet was : in whose Army were a number of mercenary Tartars called Destenses ; with many 1000s . taken up in exiled Princes Countries , who seeing some their friends , others their Natural Princes in Tamerlane's Army , revolted from Bajazet . Who yet with his own men , and the Christians from Servia , and other places help , with great courage maintained the fight : but the multitude ( not true valour ) prevailed . Tamerlane giving a fresh charge , and his avauntguard knit to him again reenforcing it , he with much ado obtained the victory . Bajazet wounded and mounted to escape , fell into Axalla's hands ( thinking him Tamerlane ) who for a space took him for some other great Commander ; Bajazet's son with divers great Captaines were taken there also , with George , 〈◊〉 of Servia , who ( yet ) gained the reputation of a Worthy Captain , who afterwards brought to Tamerlane , was by him wel-comed ; but reproved for fighting against him , come in favour of the Emperour , and other oppressed Princes as himself was . Who answered , his own safety ( against his will ) made him take Bajazet's part , to whom all the World seemed to bend : Whereupon he gave him leave to depart at pleasure . Bajazet being afterwards brought to him , aud courteously entertained , presumptnously answered him to whatever he demanded . Tamerlane ( moved ) told him , 't was in his power to make him lose his life . He answered , Do it ; that losse should be his greatest happinesse . Tamerlane demanded why he enterprized to subject so Noble a Prince as the Greek Emperour ? He answered , for glory and soveraignety , that moved thee to invade me . But wherefore ( said he ) art thou so cruel towards the conquered , without respect ; said he , for the greater terrour of mine enemies . What ( said Tamerlane ) wouldst thou have done with me , if I had fallen in thine hands ? I would ( said he ) have enclosed thee in a Cage of Iron , and in triumph have carried thee up and down my kingdome : So ( said Tamerlane ) shalt thou be served . So being taken out of his presence , he said to his followers : Behold a proud and cruel man , he deserveth to be chastized accordingly , &c. I acknowledge God hath delivered to me a great enemy this day , to whom we must give thanks ; which he did . Next day ( the dead being to be buried ) Ciarcan's body was found amongst the dead Janizaries : Tamerlane greatly lamenting his Kinsman's death , and embalming it , conveighed it , with 2000 horse , ( and divers prisoners chained , &c. ) to Samarchand till his coming : The other were honourably buried at Sennas . This bloody battle , in 1397 , was fought from 7 in the morning till 4 in the after-noon . Tamerlane's politique tiring of Bajazet's strong forces , was the safeguard of his own . The number slain is diversly reported : the Turks say that Bajazet lost his Son Mustapha , with 200000 men , Tamerlane , not many fewer ; others , that there were 60000 Turks slain , of Tamerlane's 20000. It was three daies ( as they report ) before Bajazet could be pacified , but still seeking and calling for death : neither did Tamerlane afterwards courteously use him , but , as of a proud man , made small account of him , and shackling him in golden fetters , made him be shut up in an iron Cage , to be seen on every side , so carrying him up and down in Asia to be derided of his own people , used him for a footstool when he took horse ; and at other times sed him , like a dog , with his crums . All which he did , not so much for hatred , as to shew God's Judgment against the arrogant folly of the proud . This great overthrow so feared all Bajazet's Countries in Asia , that Axalla sent to prosecute with 40000 horse & 100000 foot came unresisted to Prusa , whither the armies remainders were retired , the Country still yielding as he went. Yea , the great Bassa with the rest fled over Hellespont to Hadrianople , carrying Solyman , the eldest Son , with them , setting him up in his Fathers place . Mahomet , the younger , fled to Amasia . Prusa yielding to Axalla without resistance , he rifled it , taking ( with other Wives and Concubines ) fair Despina , which doubled Bajazet's grief . Emmanuel the Emperor sent his Embassadours to Prusa , whom Axalla stayed till Tamerlane's coming ; who receiving them honourably , shewed them his magnificence , and order of his Camp , to their great admiration . By these , the Greek Emperour submitted all to Tamerlan , as his Vassal , bound so to do ( he said ) being delivered from the cruellest of Tyrants , by the long journey , discommodities , losse of his People , and danger of his person ; besides his many virtues and accomplishments . And therefore he would attend him in his chief City , to deliver it , with all the Empire , into his hands . The Embassadours , looking for nought but bondage , thought Tamerlane's acceptance thereof in friendship was the best bargain that they could make . But he , mildly beholding them , answered , He was not come from so far to enlarge his dominions , already large enough ; but rather to win honour : And it should appear that he was come to aid him , as his ally , being requested : that his upright meaning was the greatest cause that God ( by his power ) had bruised the fiercest enemy of mankind , under heaven : He desired no more , but that his service for the Greek Emperor might be ingraven in the memory of his posterity , that they might for ever wish well to him and his Successors : Long might the noble Emperour live happily , to govern : And that he ( before his returne ) would so consider , that he should not lightly fall into the like jeopardy . Few Princes ( I suppose ) would perform such a part ; but there be but few Tamerlanes in the World. One of these joyfull Embassadours , being sent to carry this unexpected news , filled the Emperour ( with all Constantinople ) with exceeding joy and gladnesse ; who shortly after passed to Prusa to see Tamerlane , and , in person , to give him thanks : who , being very glad , sent Axalla to meet and conduct him to Prusa , where these great Princes met with the greatest magnificence , spending a whole day together . Tamerlane had a desire to see Constantinople ; yet he would go thither as a private person , which by Axalla was accomplished , where he was with all possible familiarity received by the Emperour , who shewed him all the rare things to be seen , all the fair Gardens , a league or 2 off , along the Sea coast , spending 5 or 6 daies with all mirth possible : Tamerlane often saying in his private conduct , he never saw a fairer City , which ( for its fair and rich scituation ) was worthy to command all the World. He wondring at the costly buildings of the Temples &c. said , it repented not him of his so long dangerous voyage , if it had been but to preserve so noble a City from fire and sword . The Emperour gave him 30 of the best horses possible to be gotten , richly furnished : knowing him above all things to take pleasure in them ; sending fair presents to all his great Commanders , and bountifully delivering all necessaries for the Army . So a streight bond of friendship being made , & by Oath confirmed between them , Tamerlane returned to Prusa , wasting and spoyling all Bajazet's Dominion in Asia without resistance . The year being well spent , Tamerlane dispersed his Army into divers provinces of lesser Asia , expecting when some of Bajazet's sons or friends should make means to him for his deliverance , but none came . Whereupon passing by , he said unto him : I marvail that none of thy Sons or friends come to see thee or intreat for thee , thou must needs have ill deserved of them , as of others : Yet , if I should set thee at liberty , would they receive thee as their Soveraign ? Bajazet answered , Were I at liberty , thou shouldst see that I want neither courage nor means to revenge my wrongs , and to make those disobedient and forgetfull know their duties better . Which made Tamerlan keep a straiter hand over him . Then restoring to the Mahometan Princes , Tachretin , Isfendiar , Germian , and others , all their inheritance with something more ; as he did divers Cities and Countreys of Natolia to the Greek Emperour , for 400000 Duckats of Gold , and 800000 Franks of silver , yearly tribute ; and enriching his Army with Othoman spoiles in Asia , he turned against the Aegyptian Sultan , who had aided Bajazet ; and entring into Syria , near Aleppo ( before yielded to him ) was fought a mortal battle , the Sultan having an 100000 foot and 74000 horse , whereof 30000 were Mamalukes . Axalla with the Vant-guard , hardly distressed , was taken , but rescued forthwith by Tamerlane ; who , if he had not come on with fresh forces , that day might have ended his good fortune : After long fight , ( 80000 being slain ) the Sultan fled , Tamerlane pursuing him 3 leagues , and sending Axalla with 40000 horse and 50000 foot , to pursue along Arabia's coast : himself , the while , with 60000 horse and 100000 foot , had all Cities by the Sea coast as he went yielded to him , as Magata , Aman , &c. onely Damasco refused , Prince Zamadzen strongly defending the same : but Tamerlane , overthrowing part of the Wall by battery , won it by assault , the Castle ( almost impregnable ) yet remaining ; but the retired multitude soon pinched with hunger , and many dead , the rest , for their lives , offered to yield , to whom he would not shew mercy : so that most dying , the rest yielded without condition , and were almost all slain . Which severity made them bring the keys of their Cities to him 30 leagues off , and contribution to his army . Thence he turned towards Jerusalem , the City driving out the Sultan's Garrison . Chorazin at first stood on their guard , but afterwards dismayed , and submitting they found mercy , where leaving certain men in garrison , for repressing the troublesome Mamalukes , he rode to Jerusalem , to visit the Sepulchre , and make his oblations : where ( joyfully received ) seeking out all antiquities , and conducted to all places thereabouts as Pilgrims , gave to the Sepulchre and devout there many rich gifts , to the contentment of all but the Jews , who blamed him , whom he called the accursed of God. He heard the Sultan ( gathering his forces ) was in Aegypt fortifying , especially Alexandria and Tamerlane's Army the while came towards Damiata : which he would not leav behind him , though perswaded by some ( as thought impregnable ) so commanding Axalla to set on it , himself followed after . Axalla declaring to the Inhabitants ( most Christians ) Tamerlane's courtesy ; and what Religion himself held , and made many Greek Captains tell them of their misery under the Moors and Mamalukes : which so prevailed , that ( by night ) they mastering a quarter of the City delivered a Gate to Axalla : who entring slew or took all the Mamalukes , gaining the City . Tamerlane ( yet on his march ) hearing of this , was in good hope of a happy end in Aegypt ; for he knew this haven , might serve him with victuals out of all Greece . He left there two thousand of the Emperour's Souldiers , taking Oath for obedience . His Vant-guard marched towards Alexandria , and passing the River , turned even instantly to Cair , to the Sultan's great astonishment . But using diligence , ( as Tamerlane approached ) he entredthe City to defend it , with 40000 horse and 60000 foot : whereby the City , ready to revolt , was again confirmed : Tamerlan could not stay long before it for want of victuals , yet making a great trench to cover his horse , &c. he drew near it giving divers on-sets , to try the enemies confidence , and to see the affection of the Citizens ( especially of the slaves ) to whom he promised liberty . One day he shewed his Army in battle array before it , to seek occasion to fight ; hoping also , if the Sultan came forth , some revolt might happen within , he having made known to the Citizens , he came not to hurt them , but to destroy the Mamalukes . But none came forth , neither was any stir raised in the City : for the Sultan resolved to weary him out with lying still . Who resolved to force him even in his greatest Cities heart , though not to be done without great adventure . He purposing first to take one City ( for it 's divided into 3 ) advanced by little and little , still fighting : Having brought his foot to the place of onset ( for t was fortifyed onely with ditches and trenches ) he commanded the Prince of Thanais to begin with 50000 , and there began a most terrible fight . Axalla setching a compasse , passed the trenches on another quarter of the City with small resistance ; leaving 30000 to fill the ditches , and make way for the horse to enter : advancing himself against 20000 sent by the Sultan to stop him , Thanais being almost beat back by the Mamalukes . But the way being made plain , and 10000 horse entred ( who charged on their backs where the Sultan was ) and seconded by 10000 moe , Tamerlane following with all his power : the Sultan retired into the next City . The fight was 7 hours , above 16000 of the Sultan's being slain , and betwixt 7 & 8000 of Tamerlane's : who now sounded a retrait , hoping next day to win the rest , as he did . For Thanais forcing their trenches in one place , and Axalla in another , the Sultan ( after a great fight ) abandoned the City , encamping by Nilus , purposing to passe it , and flee to Alexandria , whom Tamerlane followed with his horse , and a few foot , ( whose service he had promised to reward ) hardly drawn from their fellows spoiling the City , against whom the Sultan opposed ( on a narrow cawsey ) 12 or 15000 slaves , to favour his passage , who stood fast , but at length forced by their enemies increasing ( not without great losse ) they took the River , with a weapon in one hand and swimming with the other to the bank . The Sultan fleeing with 18000 horse ( not fled or drowned ) is reported to comforchis men , saying tha they were not men but Gods that vanquished them . Divers Mamalukes being taken and brought to Tamerlane , he demanded if they would serve him now their Master was fled , which they refused , yet he freed them for their fidelity ; every man after 24 hours spoyl , was commanded to his quarters . He set all the Citizens at liberty , & leaving 10000 good souldiers with many others , ( whereof he caried great multitudes ) & c. to keep the City : his Army passed the river to follow the Sultan . Axalla before with the avauntguard , and Chanais with the rest ; himself going by water , greatly pleased to see the river's sometimes swist course , and ( in an instant ) scarce moving . The Alexandrians ( hearing of his coming ) besought the Sultan to withdraw into Lybia , whither ( for barrenness ) he could not greatly follow ; they resolving no more to resist so great a force ; promising to remain his in heart , and to make it ( on the first occasion ) appear . Wherefore he ( hoping time would bring some change ) determined to retire : and departing with standing tears , often said , God was angry , &c. That he must needs suffer the overthrow of his Estate , &c. Yet he hoped to return and deliver his pecple from bondage , &c. Tamerlane staying long here , sent Axalla to pursue him , grieved he could not get him . This bruite passing with Axalla into Lybia , so feared all Africa , that 22 Moores Kings sent ( thinking he followed ) to offer obedience : the Sultan still flying off , the nearest Tamerlane took hostages ; the rest , faith given , contented him . After this , Tamerlane desired to see his native Country , the rather moved by his Wive's request ; his Father in-laws sicknesse ; his Own age ; and his wearied Souldiers desires . The stay was Calibes his coming , ( whom he , for his deserts , appointed governour of all his conquests in Aegypt and Syria ) who was making way along Euphrates , for the conquest of Mesopotamia and Persia ; and being sent for , came to Alexandria , whither the whole Army was assembled . Tamerlane leaving Zamalzan ( Cal bes his Lievtenant general ) Governour with 6000 horse , and 10000 foot , departed to Cair , leaving Calibes 40000 horse and 50000 foot , and instructing him how he would have those Kingdomes Governed , dismissed him , seeming very sorry to leave him . So setting forward , he ( with a few ) turned aside to Jerusalem ; tarrying 11 dayes , visiting Christ's 〈◊〉 ( whom he called the Christians god ) and the ruines of Salomon's Temple wondring , &c. but grieved not to see them in their former beauty : despising the Jews , who so cruelly murdered Him that came to save them ; he commanded Jerusalem to be free from all subsidies and garrisons , giving great gifts to , and honouring the Monasteries . Thence he came to Damasco , which ( infected with Jezides opinion ( an arch heretique with the Mahometans ) and ill affected to him ) he razed , digging up and burning Jezides his bones , and filling his before-honoured grave with dung . So marching and blasting the world as he went , he passed Euphrates , and conquering Mesopotamia with Babylon , and all Persia , he returned loaded with spoil to Samarchand . Bajazet having layen 2 years in miserable thraldome , did violently beat out his braines , against the barrs of the iron cage inclosing him in 1399. Yet of his death are divers reports : that he ( through sorrow ) died of an Ague , that he poysoned himself : the Turks affirming an unlikely report , that first poysoned by Tamerlane , he was freed , dying 3 〈◊〉 after . His body ( at Mahomets request his son ) sent to Asprapolis , was conveyed to Prusa , and buried in a Chappel without the City Eastward , where also Despina lyeth . Tamerlane and Bajazet , both began from the Tartars : Bajazet being the 4th from Othoman : and Tamerlane the 4th from great Zingis : both of great power , and like spirit , &c. above measure ambitious , the ground of all troubles raised by them to the Worlds astonishment . Yet Bajazet's virtues were much obscured by his Choler and waywardnesse , &c. He used commonly to say , His treasures was his Childrens meat , not his Souldiers pay : which was by a Souldier cast in his teeth , when he raged to see himself forsaken by them in the great battel . Whereas Tamerlanes virtues were graced with divers of like nature , no man more kind to his friends , or more dreadful to his enemies , &c. Bajazet is to be accounted more fortunate than the Conquerour his enemie , having ever since one lineally to succeed in his Kingdome and Empire : as at this day . Whereas Tamerlane's Empire ( divided by him among his sons ) shortly after his death decayed , rent asunder by ambition and civil discord ; and not long after ( with his posterity ) rooted out by Usun Cassanes the Persian King. The Life of Mahomet I. 5th King of the Turks , and Restorer of their sore Shaken Kingdome . SOme write Bajazet had 2 sons , Orchanes or Calepinus , 〈◊〉 in the 2d year of his Reign ; and Mahomet who possessed his Brothers Kingdom . Others that Orchanes and Mahomet were Calepinus's sons , who died Reigning 6 years : that Orchanes slain by his Uncle Mustapha , Mahomet in revenge slew him , possessing the Kingdome . Others reckon 7 sons of Bajazet , with their uncertain succession . I shall leave these divers reports , with the History following , to the credit they shall find with considerate Readers . Neither the Greek Historiographers , nor John Leunclavius a great traveller among the Turks , do mention Calepinus or Orchanes . But , in mine opinion , the great confusion of the Turkish Kingdome wrought by Tamerlane , with the civil discord afterwards arising among Bajazet's sons for the restless Room of Soveraignity , &c. might give just occasion of such divers reports : some reckoning such , as never were , to have succeeded in Government . Wherefore leaving Calepinus and Orchanes , &c. I ( following the Turkish Historie's authority ) reckon this Mahomet a younger son of Bajazet , 5th King 〈◊〉 Turks : who after his fathers Captivity , about 10 years , was ( after great and dangerous wat 's ) solely invested in that Kingdome . Bajazet ( as the Turkish Kings ) had by divers wives and concubins , 7 sons . Erthogrul the eldest was lost against Casi 〈◊〉 , Mustapha slain against Tamerlane . Casa the youngest , a child when his father was taken , and afterwards ( with Fatine his Sister ) died hostage to the Emperour . Solyman ( conveyed out of the battle into Europe ) was saluted Sultan . Mahomet fleeing to 〈◊〉 was Governour ( in his fathers time ) there . Isa , after 〈◊〉 departure , seized on Prusa . Musa was taken with his father , and afterwards freed by Tamerlane . Places about Aniasia , with a great part of Cappadocia , were so troublesome after Tamerlan's Victory , that keeping watch and ward continually , many wearied and despairing of better times , voluntarily exiled themselves , which much grieved Mahomet , but 15 years old . Wherefore consulting , what course to take , it was thought best , to get farther off into stronger places , and while their enemies departed not , to cut them short by policy . For though Tamerlane lay at Caria : yet his Captaines 〈◊〉 and spoyled at pleasure over lesser Asia . Hereupon , he departed to Derby : encountring ( by the way ) with Cara 〈◊〉 , Isfendiars Kinsman : whom he put to 〈◊〉 with great slaughter . Thence going to Kereden , he sent a sple into Tamerlan's Camp : afterwards consulting of farther proceedings . Some thought he were best withdraw into the mountaines of 〈◊〉 Asia , till Tamerlan's departure . Others thought those mountaines no places to trust to , and therefore to return to Amasia , there to live protecting his subjects , and not leave them a prey to stragling Tartars : which 〈◊〉 he following , and ready to set forward , the spie returned certifying of Bajazets health , but , for the straight guard over him he could not speak with him : that Tamerlane 〈◊〉 all that part of Asia . Mahomet had not long 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 , but 〈◊〉 heard , Caradulets Chach was with 20000 coming to spoile his Country , given him by Tamerlane . Wherefore he speedily sent a spie before his forces , who hastily returning , told him , Cara lay at Aegiolus , but with a small power , having dispersed his Army to seek after Pillage . Mahomet marching thither with celerity , overcame , and utterly discomfited his Army : Cara being slain with an arrow in the head , and returning to 〈◊〉 , refreshed and rewarded his Souldiers . Being shortly advertised that Cubad Ogi ( hardly besieging Casaria ) was like in short time to take it to the hazarding of all Cappadocia : he marching day and night thither , was upon him at unawares , putting him to flight , and slaying most . Then entring Cubads Country , Pontus , he grievously spoyled it , winning also Peltae , a strong Castle in Phrygia's confines . Inal Ogli another of Tamerlan's Captaines , immediately after entring Cappadocia with 20000 men , killed and spoyled before him ; the people sleeing into woods and mountaines , for fear . Mahomet exceedingly grieved wrote to him . Whereas without just cause , or war proclaimed , thou hast invaded our Kingdome , cruelly killing our subiects , &c. digressing from the Laws of true Mahometan 〈◊〉 , &c. thou shouldst forthwith depart with thine Arms , &c. But seeing thou wilt proceed in thy wicked purpose ; falsely perswading thy self , my kingdome is 〈◊〉 of a lawful inheritour , I will shorty ( by Gods power ) come against thee , and in field Chastize thee according to thy deserts . Therefore while thou mayest , reclaime thy self , &c. In the year after the great Prophet 〈◊〉 departure , 806. To which , Inal answered in writing ; Why dost thou ( Mahomet ) so provoke me ? &c. being ( in truth ) but a very child . Thou oughtst not to have laid hands on the Countries , with the wrongful Title of Sultan . There 's no cause to Complain I seek after thy life , thy Kingdome , &c. I challenge it to my self , none of thine , &c. Wherefore except thou without delay , get thee packing , &c. I denounce against thee all the Calamities of war , wishing thee with speed to prepare to battle , &c. This year of our great Prophet 806. Mahomet had shortly a notable victory of this Tartar Prince , and the like against 2 other at Charachisar Castle and Artuck Ona plaine . And one Mesites a Turk , ( fortified in 〈◊〉 ) spoyling the Country about , he sent Bajazet Bassa who shortly brought him bound unto him : who seeing an invincible courage in him when he was to die , pardoned him : for which he ( ever faithful ) did him great service . The bruite of Mahomet's name , coming to Tamerlane , he many times highly commended his valour in so render years ; 〈◊〉 Bajazet , he was very desirous to see him : and if he found that true that was reported , he would bestow one of his daughters on him &c. willing Bajazet to write to him , not to doubt to come to him to his own & fathers good . Bajazet ( at first ) ( doubting the Worst ) requested Tamerlane not to believe that of his son . Yet perswaded by his protestations , and importuned , he wrote : Tamerlame sent Mahomet's Embassadour , with these and other letters and rich presents ; but understanding the cause of his coming , he consulted with the Bassaes , whether he were best go or not . They were all of opinion , it was not good to adventure , &c. And ( said they ) if Tamerlane offended will by force seek thee , we will take refuge of the woods and mountaines untill he be departed &c. Yet Mahomet hoping his journey to be for his Father 's good and his own advancement , 〈◊〉 to go setting forward . But Cara Iahia getting some of the Prince 〈◊〉 forces , set on him by the way , but with as ill successe as before : fo travelling-on , Alis Beg , went about to intercept him ; who ( in hast ) was upon Alis ere he was aware , or well provided , so that he fled . Mahomet considering , the nearer he came to Tamerlane , the more like he was to danger , by his Counsellours advice , resolving to go no further , spake to Tamerlan's Embassadour ; Thou seest the dangers , &c. I endure , and my mind forebodeth greater to ensue , &c. Commend me therefore to Tamerlane 〈◊〉 my Father : hoping they will excuse me ; for which I will send an Embassadour of mine own , which was 〈◊〉 Bajazet his Schoolmaster , a wise and learned man , in whom Tamerlane taking pleasure , never suffered him , to return to his Master . Mighty Prince Tamerlane returned at last into his own Kingdom , wonderfully enlarging Samarchand , and beautifying it with the worlds spoils ; where he afterwards in great peace and glory reigned : keeping alway a standing Army of 40000 horse , and 60000 foot , besides other Garrisons , &c. commonly in every place 60000 strong upon occasion . At length , hearing of the Turkish Kingdoms rising under Bajazet's Son : ' with whom the oppressed Mamalukes and Greek Emperour had for fear combined ; he prepared for a second expedition to root out the Othoman family , and subdue the Greek Empire . But ( a Turkish Bassa being by Axalla overthrown , and 30000 slain ) he in midst of these great hopes , died of an Ague , Jan. 27. 1402. A little before , appeared a great and terrible blazing-Star . He was of a middle stature , somewhat narrow shouldred , well limmed , and of great strength . Many in talking with and beholding him , became dumb through the majesty in his eys : which oft caused him to abstain from looking too earnestly on them . His other visage amiable , &c. little hair on his chin : he ware his hair long and curled , for the most part bare-headed , contrary to the manner of the Tartars , his hair was somewhat toward a violet colour , 〈◊〉 beautiful : which his Mother coming of Sampson's 〈◊〉 , ( as he gave out ) willed him to nourish ; most of his men of war believing there was some rare vertue or fatal destiny therein . His great Empire , was by his Sons discord , and ambition of some their disloyal Subjects , shortly brought to confusion , and his posterity , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out by 〈◊〉 Cassanes , the Armenian Prince . But Tamerlane departing those Countries , Mahomet determined to go to Prusa , where his brother Isa reigned . But Isa having taken the 〈◊〉 of mount Horminius , he came about to 〈◊〉 , where Eine Sub-bassa remained , who refreshed both him and his Army . Great forces 〈◊〉 repairing , he marched to Ulabad . Isa marched thither also , on the fide toward Prusa , to give him battel . But Mahomet consulting what was 〈◊〉 to be done ; Eine told him , It was not for brethren to pollute their hands in each others blood ; but to assay the quarrels composure , by some other means ; wherefore Mahomet offered Isa , 〈◊〉 with 4 Provinces , and other Countreys belonging , so he might have Prusa , with all about the same . Isa seeing Mahomet 〈◊〉 him but such Countries as were rather Bajazet's tributaries than part of his Kingdom , &c. in choller said , Doth not my Fathers Kingdom belong to me the Elder brother ? by what right can he ( but a youth ) claim it ? if he can by the sword win it , let him take and hold it . Mahomet hereupon , prepared to the field , where his brother ( expecting his coming ) gave the first charge , in which most cruel fight , many were on both sides slain . At last Isa's Army beginning to retire , he 〈◊〉 into the thickest of his enemies , with his own hand 〈◊〉 ancient & valiant Eine Sub-bassa . But Isa 〈◊〉 done what he could , on every side forsaken , fled to the Sea-side ; where in a ship bound for Constantinople , he passing thither yielded to the Emperour's protection . Temurtases being taken in this 〈◊〉 , and brought to 〈◊〉 , he in revenge of Eine , smot off his head , hanging his body on a tree . Of this 〈◊〉 certified Solyman , sending Temurtases head . This battel was much spoken of , being betwixt two brethren , and for the death of 〈◊〉 and Temurtases , both wishing peace betwixt the ambitious brethren . Mahomet , after this , led his Army to Prusa , and was joyfully received as their Sultan : so likewise at Nice and Neapolis the Garrisons of Carasina , Saruchania , and 〈◊〉 with other Inhabitants resorting thither , and 〈◊〉 themselves to him , as to their King. And sending to Germean for Bajazet's body , ( and his brother Musa left by Tamerlane ) he sumptuously buried it at Prusa ; the Turkish Alcaron being read 7 daies on his 〈◊〉 : Great chear was for all comers , and much given to the poor for Bajazet's soul ; but above all to Mahomet's posterity , ( known by their all green apparel ) who were then by him greatly enriched . He also endowed the Abby built by his Father with great possessions ; which done , he ( in progresse ) was every where ioyfully received , spending the Summer at Amasia , in pleasure . 〈◊〉 , the eldest , at Hadrianople peaceably reigning in Europe , 〈◊〉 how Mahomet had driven Isa out of Prusa , was much offended : and declaring to his Bassaes &c. his natural proceedings , said he , He doth me also great wrong , his eldest brother , in taking the soveraignty in Asia : In revenge whereof , I intend to passe with a strong Army into Asia , and recover mine inheritance &c. A 〈◊〉 Counsellour replyed , It was not best in his opinion , to go personaliy into those wars ; for though ( said he ) Mahomet be but young , yet is his experience above his years , &c. Wherefore it were best to send for angry Isa , and make him General , in which was one brother ( not unlike to be lost ) thou shalt have one competitour lesse , &c. This counsel approved of , Isa was presently sent for , and made General of a great Army : at whose first coming into Asia , he possessed all Carasia and Lydia : all people where he came , promising him obedience , if he prevailled against Mahomet : So he wintred at Despotopolis , seeming the while , by kind Letters to Mahomet , to be glad he was so obeyed and liked of , &c. Mahomet answering with like dissimulation , he was even glad of his coming , &c. commending a rich garment to be cast on the Messenger , and sending him rich presents , with provision , and necessaries for his Souldiers . But Winter past , Isa marched to Prusa , shewing the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 loving Letters , hoping they should 〈◊〉 well agree , requesting the Castle , whose gates the 〈◊〉 sort had 〈◊〉 against him ; but seeing he could not gain 〈◊〉 by fair words or policy , he enraged , burnt it to the ground : 〈◊〉 not ignorant 〈◊〉 Isa roamed up and down , &c. and how he had razed the royal City ; between Amasia and Prusa , overthrew all his forces in a great 〈◊〉 . Isa with but ten , fled to 〈◊〉 , whose Prince 〈◊〉 ( for friendship at his hands when he was a Suiter in Bajazet's Court ) entertained : him with all 〈◊〉 he could . 〈◊〉 exceedingly grieved , gave among the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sums of money ; 〈◊〉 the Citie 's rebuilding , and staying to see it begun . Isa the while inciting 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , was by him , the third 〈◊〉 overthrown ; yet entring twice more with small 〈◊〉 , and finding few or none , to 〈◊〉 , he fled 〈◊〉 the Prince of 〈◊〉 , honourably entertained by him ; who in so manifest a wrong , not only promised what help he could , but solicited the Princes of Aidinia &c. to give 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; who pitying his case and fearing Mahomet's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so amongst them , that Na had 20000 in 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 with a strong Army entred so speedily , the Prince of 〈◊〉 Countrey , 〈◊〉 he was upon them before looked for : after a bloody fight , obtaining a notable victory . Isa 〈◊〉 into 〈◊〉 dyed none knows how . The Prince of Smyrna humbling himself , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 favour . The others he shortly spoiled ( mostly ) of their Dominions , returning to Prusa . But 〈◊〉 there , he was 〈◊〉 , That Solyman had raised a great Army to invade Asia ; wherefore furnishing the Castle , with all things needful for a long siege , he 〈◊〉 thence to 〈◊〉 , directing Commissions to take up 〈◊〉 in all parts , writing so to Doioran a Tartar , ( whom he often pleasured ) for aid : who came with Troops of brave horse promising fideli y. Not long after , Solyman now come over Hellespont , he thought without delay to meet him in the field . But being by expert Captains advised to retire further off , waiting all good opportunities , rather than commit all to one battell 's hazzard , he being to fight against his eldest brother , and Fathers heir . Upon which he retired towards Amasia . 〈◊〉 Doioran ( marching out at the other side ) fell to robbing and spoiling , burning the Villages as he went. Mahomet pursuing and overtaking him unlooked for , flew most of his men , recovered all the spoil , Doioran hardly escaping : and so held on his way . Solyman 〈◊〉 towards Prusa , the Citizens brought him peaceably into the City . But Jacup Beg would by no means deliver the Castle ; wherefore sharply assaulting it , he slew many , and wounded most of the Desendants . Jacup certifying Mahomet , the Castle could not hold out long , except speedily relieved ; he ( hastning towards Prusa ) sent the Messenger with Letters , commending the Captain , and promising speedy relief , who being intercepted and brought to Al 's Bassa , he , perusing them , presently wrote others in Mahomet's name , commending the Captain , &c. but since he could not in time relieve him , to deliver the Castle on the best conditions he 〈◊〉 ; who yielded it to Solyman on reasonable tearms . Mahomet ( now within a daies march ) was exceedingly 〈◊〉 , and returned to Amasia : where Solyman shortly besieged him ; but ( without hope to win it ) he retiring to Prusa , spent his time 〈◊〉 , &c. exceedingly given thereunto . Mahomet advertized , that Solyman lay 〈◊〉 at Prusa , but with small power , marched in haste , to surprize him ; but he was discovered by Solyman 〈◊〉 , at the River Sangarius : who in all hast gave knowledge of his brothers comming : Solyman ( dismayed ) would have fled into Europe , if Alis ( from the blemish and discouragement of his friends , and encouragment of his enemies to 〈◊〉 ) had not otherwise perswaded him , it were better to take Neapolis Straits , till he might assemble the rest of his Army . Mahomet coming entered those Straits , for he must needs passe them , being repulsed by Solyman ; who , avith little losse , frustrated his brothers brave attempts , ( through the places advantage ) though much the weaker . Bassa's wilie-head ( the while ) sent secretly Letters to Mahomet , that most of his great Captains , &c. had bound themselves to Solyman and one another , to betray him into his hands as the undoubted Heir , &c. which Treason he discovered with great protestation of love and good will , &c. Mahomet yet ceased not for 6 or 7 days to gain those passages , but in vain ; one of whose servants fleeing to the enemy , caused him to suspect the more : So prevailing nothing , and doubting to be betrayed , he returned to Amasia : Solyman ( glad ) to Prusa , ordeding his Armies assembling ; but the Caramanian King and Mahomet , agreeing in League to joyn against him , he forthwith drew all to Ancyra . Musa remaining all this while with Mahomet , though no altogether well pleased , spake ( one day ) to his brother : Thou seest how Solyman coaseth not to vex us , not unlike to prevail , &c. Now I would go to 〈◊〉 his enemy and procure passage over the Euxine into Europe , where I doubt not ( in his absence ) to make some innovation , &c. which if I shall gain , by thy support , I promise to hold it of thee as my Soveraign , Mahomet greatly pleased , ( after their Turkish faith given to stand to each other during life ) furnished Musa with money , and necessaries for so great an enterprize ; who setting forward , Isfendiar entertained him as a great Prince : and 〈◊〉 him with his purpose , he visited the King of Caramania . Mark of Valachia ( having his Countrey spoiled by Solyman's Garrisons ) wrot to Musa , promising him his daughter and Heir , if he would come and revenge the wrong done by Solyman . Musa gladly returning into Europe , the Valachian received him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and gave him his Daughter . This fame was soon bruited thorow Solyman's Kingdom , and wrought such effect , that the vulgar submitted ( as it were all ) to him as their Soveraign : so that coming to Hadrianople he was received as their King. Solyman understanding Musa's proceedings , was exceedingly troubled . Leaving a Deputy in 〈◊〉 , he with his Army , obtained passage of the Emperour over Bosphorus , promising ( therefore ) to restore him some places taken from him in Asia ; for Musa had brought all Turkish shipping unto Europe side . Musa made toward him : but their Armies ready to joyn battel , many of Musa's Captains fled to Solyman : he fleeing to the woods and mountains . Solyman taking again his Kingdoms possession , gave himself ( at Hadrianople ) to excesse without measure . Solyman's Deputy , lately received into Mahomet's favour , delivered to him Prusa's Castle , and all the rest in Asia , who shortly reducing again Carasia , Aidinia &c. to his obeysance , returning to Prusa , he took a second possession of his Fathers Kingdom . Musa still put to the worst by Solyman , gathering some good strength , drew near where Solyman was banquetting in his Camp and full of Wine : So that news being brought , Musa was at hand , he caused the messenger to be beaten : and when he affirmed it more earnestly than liked him , commanded him to be slain . Ere long Musa's Vaunt-courrours skirmishing with Solymans . Souldiers : Eurenoses told him 〈◊〉 had skirmished , &c. Solylyman ( in Wine ) said , Good Tutor trouble me no more , Musa dares not come so nigh me ; if I hold but up my Cap , he is gone . He discontented , sent in Chasan , Aga of the Janizaries , who boldly told him the danger , and sharply reproved him . Solyman moved , commanded his beard to be 〈◊〉 off ; Chasan coming forth thus disgraced , said , This is the honour wherewith Solyman in ( his excess ) rewardeth his ; Wherefore I will serve Musa a 〈◊〉 of more temperance , and discretion . Who will follow me , come and wellcome . So with a number of Janizaries , he went to Musa , as did others by his example . But then it repented Solyman of his too dissolute solly and hiding himself till night , then accompanied only with two Noble men and a Countrey Turk as their guide , thought to flee to Constantinople . This Clown led them on purpose ( all night ) to and fro , bringing them in the morning not far from whence they departed : and riding before , willed a sturdy-peasant or two to make stop of Solyman ; who with others like running out with Bats , &c. slew 〈◊〉 and Muchil that stood on their 〈◊〉 , taking Solyman alive ; some in their fury , cryed out to kill him , &c. and end the wars : some few to save him . In this 〈◊〉 came Musa , who caused him to be strangled , reigning 6 years 10 months . This was Solymans miserable end ; much in excess , otherwise endued with many virtues . 〈◊〉 writing Alexander the Great 's History in Turkish verse , 〈◊〉 publishing it in his name , he bountiously rewarded him . His body lyeth buried at Prusa by his Grandfather Amurath . Musa now reigning in Europe , in the beginning , displaced most that bare great Offices in Solyman's time , fearing to be by them , betrayed or 〈◊〉 as his brother was , and on small causes imprisoned and put to death many well deserving of him ; Wherefore many Nobles doubting the event of such Tyranny , kept our of the way ; Eurenoses seigning himself blind , to be absent from the Court. He also demanded of divers Christian Princes , tribute payed or promised to Bajazet , invading some of them , and demanding ( by Ibrahim Bassa ) the like of Emmanuel the Emperour : who advertizing Mahomet of Musa's undiscreet Government &c. he sent back , requesting the Bassa to come over to him , with rich garments , and Princely promises : the Bassa going to Prusa was sworn one of his Privy Councel , serving him faithfully , and his Son Amurath after him . Mahomet upon advantage of his Brothers ill government assembled 15000 choyse Souldiers to invade him , before well established ; and was transported over Bosphorus into Europe by the Emperour ( after a League concluded betwixt them , the one should never damnifie the other , &c. ) Musa having stopped all other passages . Mahomet not marched far from the Sea , Musa's Vaunt-Courriers met with his 〈◊〉 at Musa's were put to flight and chased to his Army ; who thinking Mahomet was : upon them , were almost ready to flee , but both Armies rested that night . Next day , began a mortal and bloody fight : Michael Bassa of Romania , and other Captains ( on discontent ) revolting to Mahomet : Many of Musa's Souldiers ( discouraged ) fled . Mahomet's Souldiers so pursued , that few were left with him ; yet ( in hope ) he set upon his brother : who ( though half discomfited ) stood himself with 7000 Jannizaries , valiantly receiving his charge . But Mahomet was glad to flee to 〈◊〉 with scarce 200 men and was ( according to the agreement ) shipped into Asia by the Emperour . Musa taking his Tents , there encamped . They who followed the chase returning to the Camp , and finding it possessed by their enemies , stood as amazed &c. Musa suffered not his Souldiers to put them to the sword , but dispoyling them of what they had , suffered them to depart . After this , the Prince of Smyrna forcibly entred Aidinia , to 〈◊〉 into Saruchania : Mahomet with a great Army so spoyled his Countrey , and distressed himself , that submiting , he was glad to hold his Dominion of him , as of his Lord , &c. Mahomet levied a choise Army again , to try his fortune against Musa , craving aid of Dulgader Ogli his Father in Law from Amasia ; who answering his Letters , sent his Son with a Company of brave Souldiers excellently furnished , whom he royally feasting , gave to the Prince , his own rich apparrel , and horse , and all the gold and silver plate wherein they were served : to every Noble man a rich garment , with some other gift : & ( telling them he inrended to recover his Fathers Kingdom in Europe , or there to end his daies ) said , The prey shall be theirs that win it : a Horse , Sword , and Mace , shall content my self . So coming to Bosphorus Strait , the Emperour transported his Army into Europe , and feasted him in a Country Pallace ; who , though he excused to joyn ( through age ) with him in that war , yet assisted him with some Christian Companies , who stood the Turks in grear stead : marching to the River Wyzen , where Eurenoses ( by the way ) advising him to march very circumspectly , and not too much to hasten joyning battel , counselled him also ( if by any means ) to allure Jegides 〈◊〉 , Barac Beg , and Siman Beg to follow him , promising ( in good time ) to come himself . He shortly marching to Hadrianople , Cara Calile began to shew himself , and presently put to flight by Michael Ogli besieging Hadrianople the Citizens sent to certifie him , they could not ( through Musa's Garrison ) then deliver him the City ; but if by trying it in the field he should carry the victory , they should be ready to yield themselves , City and all to his pleasure . Mahomet content , raised the siege , marching towards Zagora . Musa is reported to come secretly into Mahomet's Camp disguised ; but perceiving himself too weak , withdrew 〈◊〉 woods and strong places ; from thence to Philopopolis , 〈◊〉 along the River Meritze , where Jegides with two of Musa's Captains , setting on 〈◊〉 rear , were by Michael repulsed . Mahomet 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 : as he 〈◊〉 , Muse shewed his Army from the Mountains , not daring to come down to battel . Mahomet marching to 〈◊〉 , Jegides , Barac , and Siman , perswaded by Eurenoses , 〈◊〉 to him : We are three young men , having 3000 〈◊〉 Souldiers , of incomparable valour , &c. Draw near 〈◊〉 with what speed thou canst , and thou shalt find us 〈◊〉 to come to thee . He marching all next night , came to the River Morava : where the 3 Captains joyned unto him . Old Eurenoses also with a great company of expert Souldiers . Mark of Servia sent him aid also . He began to march farther to Cossova , his forces still increasing by the revolt of his Brothers . Musa seeing none almost left , but the Souldiers of the Court , his best and faithfullest men , thought best to attempt something , before left alone , seeking with 7000 to take his brother at advantage . But Mahomet had a vigilant eye unto him . At last , he suddenly set upon his brothers Army : but ( oppressed with multitude ) after a bloudy fight , was put to the worst ; which he seeing , sought death among the thickest of his enemies . But Bajazet Bassa desirous to take him alive , he was be-set , and breaking from the midst of them , fled . But his horse falling into a muddy ditch , or ( as some ) hoxed by his owu servant and himself wounded , overthrew him , and was there taken by Bajazet , 〈◊〉 and Barac , hardly persuing him . Being brought hand-bound through the Army , which grieved many ; most were glad , hoping this long Civil war would now end . Shortly after , came Balta Ogli sent ( as they thought ) from Mahomet , who after a bitter reproof for his cruelty to Solyman , caus'd him to be strangled with a Bow-string . Mahomet shed a few Crocodiles tears over his dead body . He lyeth buried at Prusa by . Solyman , reigning 3 years , 7 months . Mahomet now taking on him the sole Government in Europe and Asia ; 〈◊〉 Turkish histories here begin his reign , accounting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 time to Musa's death as a vacancy : But 〈◊〉 Mahomet held all or most in Asia , during this , 〈◊〉 ( in the end ) the other part in Europe also , I reckon 〈◊〉 Bajazet's Successour , including all that intestine Tragedy , wherein he was chief actor . Mahomet busied against Musa in Europe , the King of Caramania invaded his Kingdom joyning upon him in Asia , burning and spoyling all before him , Eivases his Lievtenant , not able to withstand him , and fearing his coming to Prusa , made the Citizens bring most of their wealth into the Castle , receiving so many of them as he could , willing the rest to shift for themselves . The King shortly came to Prusa , not yet fully fortified , burning it to the ground the second time , and besieging the Castle , gave it great assaults for 30 daies ; but was repulsed by Eivases , comforting his Souldiers that Mahomet ( overcomming in Europe ) would come in few daies for relief . Musa's dead body was then conveighing to Prusa with much people . The Caramanian fearing it was Mahomet with his power , speedily departed : the Turks long jested , saying , If the Caramanian run for fear of the Othoman Kings dead body , What would h●● , had he come against them alive ? Solyman's Son , ( a boy ) departed from Constantinople , for the League made between the Emperour and Mahomet , to go into Valachia : by the way , great numbers of voluntary Turks offered to spend their lives in his quarrel . Mahomet marching hastily to suppress them , they dispersed & fled . Orchanes being betrayed by his Tu or Zaganes , Mahomet put out his Eys , allowing him g●eat Revenues at Prusa , &c. This is he who some reckon among the Turkish Kings , betrayed to his Uncle Moses ; etring , I suppose , in succession and name . Now Mahomet assembled a great Army , to revenge himself of the Caramanian King : Isfendiar sending his Son Casumes for aid : and commanding Germian Ogli to provide for victualling as he passed by ; he entred Caramania , taking three Cities and besieging Iconium ; but ( through the rain then falling ) he made peace with the Caramanian . News was brought him into Pontus , that he renouncing his League , was again in Arms. Wherefore , returning to Iconium , he overthrew the King , taking him and his Son prisoners ; who redeeming themselves by many Cities and Castles , concluded a peace , receiving of him an Ensign as a token of Vass●lship Then passing over Danubius iu Europe , he forraged Valachia Transal pina , whose Prince sent him what tribute he demanded and his Son to serve in his Court. Then about , happenned a great earth-quake in Prusa , &c. great troubles ensuing in Asia ; Yet Mahomet going thither kept all in quiet . Isfendiar disinheriting his Son ( for that he would not return to him from Mahomet's Court and wars ) reserving Castamona with a little more , gave Mahomet the rest ; who ( in lieu ) gave Cassumes other great possessions in his own Kingdom . He sent Bedredin ( Musa's Cadelcher ) to Nice as exiled ; yet allowing him a great pension : Bedredin having in his house one Burgluzes , they laid their heads how to trouble Mahomet's peaceable Government ; Wherefore Burgluzes going into Aidinia , pretending great zeal , broached divers strange opinions : by which he was shortly reputed a famous , learned , and devout man , and had many followers , &c. Bedredin , fled to Isfendiars Country , from thence into Valachia , and in a Forrest as some devout man , allured to him a number of Out-laws , and theives there living , whom ( instructed ) he sent in religious habit , into Zagora , and other Mahomet's frontiers , as his Disciples : who published his doctrine , &c. and that he was by God , appointed King of justice , and Commander of the world , set forth by Burgluluses , and received in Asia : therefore they should repair to Bedredin , shortly to shew himself and promote his followers according to desert . Many in hope of preferment resorted to Bedredin : who at last , came out of the Forrest , with displayed Banner , and a great multitude resorting daily unto him : Mahomet sent his Son Amurath and Bajazet with 2000 , to apprehend Burgluzes : whom they found guarded with 3000 well appointed ; there was a bloudy battel and many slain : the rebells fleeing , Burgluzes was slain and hewen to pieces . 〈◊〉 Bajazet executed Torlac Kema , who with 2000 seduced did much harm about Magnesia . Mahomet sending also against Bedredin , whose followers , seeing in him no such matter as they hoped for , were fallen from him , whereby he ( easily apprehended ) was brought to Mahomet at Serras , and hanged in the Market-place . Mahomet furnished the great Temple at Hadrianople , begun by Solyman and Musa , where he built a Princely Pallace : also another Temple , a sumptuous Abby , a publick School 〈◊〉 , with great Revenues , giving also great sums yearly for Pilgrims travelling far to Mahomets Sepulchre at Medina , or his Temple at Mecha . Shortly after falling sick at Hadrianople , he sent in post to Amasia for Amurath his eldest Son , by his last will , to succeed him : But feeling death approach , he streightly charged his Bassaes to conceal his death , till his comming , lest any trouble should arise . So he departed about the year 1422 , reigning 17 years , Bajazet's rent Kingdom being ( by him ) wholly restored 7 years before his death . The 3 Bassaes , Evaises , Bajazet , and Ibrahim , ( fearing the Janizaries and other Court Souldiers ) called a Counsel of war as if he were alive : pretending the Kings pleasure for the Janizaries to passe to Baga Castle in Asia , to war on the Prince of Smyrna . Press-mony being presently given , they were sent over with Letters , &c. The Bassaes sat daily in Counsel placing and displacing , as if the King had so commanded . His Physitians also went with their potions , &c. as they had wont . Yet the Pensioners and others ( some of them of the Privy Chamber ) suspecting , said , They marvelled the King shewed not himself so long , as before he did . The Bassaes answered , He was yet but little recovered , and the Physitians would not suffer him to look abroad . Then said they , ( ready to force in ) We `will our selves see his Majesty . Eivases desired them not then to trouble him , having taken Physick ; but to morrow , said he , we will request ( if he please ) that ye may see him . Geordiron a subtil Persian Physitian devised , that the dead body Royally apparelled , and wrapped about his head , should be brought betwixt two , as if led into an high open Gallery , and a Boy neatly placed under his Robes behind , to move his hand , as stroaking his face or beard , as his manner was . Being brought accordingly , suddenly a Physitian came in fuming and raging , &c. asking the Bassaes , if they meant to kill the King by bringing him into the open air , &c. Pardon us good Doctor , said Eivases , for these ( pointing to the Pensioners ) were so importunate to see him , that he was content to be led forth , &c. They supposing him to be alive , held themselves contented . The Physitians , carried him in again , as an extream sick man. His death was thus concealed 41 daies . He was wise and valiant , exceeding bountiful , but ambitious above measure . He left to Amurath an entire Kingdom , in the former greatness , though not much augmented . His body lyeth buried in a fair Tomb in a Chappel at the East of Prusa . The Life of Amurath II. sixth King of the Turks , and the great Establisher of their Kingdom . AMurath or Murat , being placed in his Fathers Seat , and Mahomet's death published ; great troubles began to arise . The Princes of Smyrna and Mentesia rose in Arms : and at Thessalonica , an obscure fellow took on him the name and person of Bajazet's Son , slain long before against Tamerlain . This counterfeit , animated by Greek Princes , and going to Vardarium , set on so good a courtenance , that not only the Country people , but Tzunites Beg , the prince of Smyrna's Son , with Eurenoses 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 unto him as to their naturall Prince . Going to Hadrianople , ( Amurath yet at Prusa ) he was received as Mustapha : and shortly honoured as King in all the Turkish Kingdom in Europe . Amurath sending Bajazet Bassa with a strong Army into Europe , he found all the Country 〈◊〉 to Mustapha ; but being forsaken of the European Souldiers which he brought , and afterwards of the rest , he with his brother Hamze yielded for safety to Mustapha , upon promise of loyalty , sworne one of his Privy-Councel ; who , the better to maintain his credit , 〈◊〉 a great Army to make war upon Amurath in Asia . On the way his Counsellours repining at Bajazet's 〈◊〉 , advised him to beware he trusted him not too far , &c. Whereupon , Bajazet apprehended , was without tryal 〈◊〉 , and Haze with much ado , spared . This done , he proceeding , marching over into Asia . Amurath joyned three new 〈◊〉 , Temurtases his Sons , to Ibrahim and Eivases ; by whose advice he sent for Michael Ogli , ( Viceroy in 〈◊〉 in Musa's time ) after 8 years imprisonment from Musa's deposing ) because well known to most chief men in Mustapha's Army . Amurath setting forward to 〈◊〉 him , distrusting his forces , much inferiour to Mustapha's , prostrated himself at an Emir's feet ( one of Mahomet's posterity ) to receive a blessing for his better 〈◊〉 , &c. For all whose charms , he marched in fear 〈◊〉 to the River Ulibad , causing , through Mustapha's 〈◊〉 , the bridge to be broken down , & encamped on 〈◊〉 side . Mustapha finding the bridge broken , encamped on the other side : They thus lying that both might 〈◊〉 together , Michael Ogli called aloud upon the old Souldiers in Mustapha's Army , asking by name for 〈◊〉 old friends : many there present , rejoycing to see him , ( whom they supposed dead in prison ) came to the rivers 〈◊〉 to hear him . Who lowdly perswaded them that this man was not the honorable Mustapha , but some base 〈◊〉 fellow set up by the 〈◊〉 Princes as a vail , &c. 〈◊〉 them Bajazet's Son , ended his daies 22 years before , in his Countries defence , in the great 〈◊〉 against Tamerlane : wherefore they should forsake that supposed one , & yield obedience to their undoubted Soveraign Amurath . These words from him whom they generally reverenced and trusted , so wrought , that some adventured over the river unto him , and many that 〈◊〉 , doubted . Eivases also , sent in secret to 〈◊〉 , to terrify him , that ( Amurath next night 〈◊〉 to pass over above the bridge ) his chief Captains 〈◊〉 promised to deliver Mustapha into his hands . 〈◊〉 , with some Troops ( in the night ) passed the river in 〈◊〉 same place , with such noise as if Amurath's whole 〈◊〉 was coming . Mustapha seeing things begin as 〈◊〉 had written , and carrying a guilty 〈◊〉 , fled in 〈◊〉 , but with 10 persons ( none pursuing ) till he came to Boga river , and by a great sum to the Captain of the Castle , got passage , landing the 3d day over Hellespont , at Callipolis . This known they all yielded to Eivases , who repairing the bridge , Amurath joyned with him . Ibrahim would have had all the Rebels put to the sword , but by Eivases they were generally pardoned , Amurath coming to Boga , hanged the Captain : and intending to pursue him , hired ( by chance ) a Genoway ship to transport his Army into Europe ; ( for Mustapha caused the shipping to be brought to the other side ) . He now fleeing to Hadrianople , fearing to be betrayed , speeded thence : coming to an obscure place in the Country , whence the pursuers brought him bound to Amurath at Hadrianople , where he was hanged from the battlements of a high Tower. Some Writers report him indeed to be Bajazet's Son : but the Turkish Histories reporting as before , call him Dusme or counterfait Mustapha , &c. 〈◊〉 of the common Souldiers apparelled and armed like Janizaries , sell into the true Janizaries hands , Amurath's guard , who used them with all possible indignities . A Janizary being hungry , brought 2 of these to a Cooks shop , to sell them for a little victuals : who refusing to give him , as having no use of such ; the Janizary swore to cut off their heads , and give them him for nought if he would not redeem them for a thing of nought . The Cook , moved with pity , offered him a Sheeps head , which he took , swearing he had given more than they were worth ; which disgrace is yet often objected by the insolent Janizaries , telling these Asapi ( in their rage ) two of them are not worth a sodden Sheeps head . Amurath was not a little grieved to think that this dangerous rebellion was first plotted by the Greeks , and then 〈◊〉 by the Emperour ; of whom 〈◊〉 to be revenged , he sent Michael Ogli , with his Europeans to 〈◊〉 about Constantinople , following in person with the Janizaries and Asians , filling the Land's neck before the City from Sea to Sea , and beginning furiously to batter the walls : but they , stronger than he , supposed , and the Defendants still repairing , he ceasing his battery , desperately assaulted it , but they were notably repulsed , some losing their hands , some their armes , but most their lives ; no shott falling ( from the walls ) in vain . Which Amurath beholding sounded a retreat , and shortly in great rage departed : To whom the Emperour , sending about peace , he would not hear , but threatned ere long to be revenged . Wherefore the Emperour , to keep him busied , devised with the Caramanian King , countenancing another Amurath's younger Brother , to his no small trouble . Mahomet had 5 Sons and 7 Daughters , Mustapha surnamed the little was the second , who being but 13 years old , was set up by Caramanian , and other Mahometan , and Christian Princes to impeach Amurath's greatnesse : who strengthened with their forces , besieged Nice , at length yielded to him . But Amurath corrupting by great gifts and promises , Ilias Beg , the Princes Tutor , he in 9 dayes came to Nice , entring with small resistance , Mustapha being presented by the Tutor to him : who because he would not spill a drop of Sacred Othoman blood , strangled him with a bow-string , buried at Prusa . Amurath now fearing no Competitour , removed the 3 Bassaes into honourable places , retaining onely Eivases and Ibrahim of his Council . Eivases being shortly accused , that he sought to aspire the Kingdome , usually wearing a privy Coat , the Tyrant ( jealous ) cast his arme about him ( as in kindnesse ) as he rod with him : finding him secretly armed , would know the cause ; who answered , for fear of some enemies in Court ; but he forthwith apprehended , had his eyes burnt out with a hot steel glasse . Mahumethes ( the while ) Caramanian King besieged Attalia 6 months , Valiantly 〈◊〉 d by Amurath's Lievtenant : the King being slain with a great shot , as he viewed the City . Ibrahim succeeeding brake up the siege , to bury his Father . Then also Dracula of Valachia passing Danubius , did much hurt about Silistra , but afterwards was forced to become Amuraths tributary . Tzunites ( then about ) pretending an interest of descent in the Seignory of Aidinia , ( by all meanes vexed Jaxis Beg the Lievtenant ) secretly favoured of the Country what they durst . Amurath Commanded Anatolia's Viceroy with all power to war on him , who invaded the Princes Country : who meeting him well provided , gave him battle : Hasan the Prince's son , with a part , put part of the Turks to flight , and too furiously pursuing , left his Father hard beset by the Viceroy , glad to flee to Hipsily Castle : Hasan returning , ignorant of the hap , was overcome and taken : The Viceroy presently besieging the Castle , after a while , the Prince ( in extremity , yielded to him , ( without Violence to him or his son ) to be sent prisoners to Amurath : the Viceroy promising it by Oath . Iaxis whose brother the Prince ( by chance ) before taking , put to death , attending Hamze to his tent , and Hasan ( as the Turks manner 〈◊〉 ) sitting on the ground , drawing him by the Coller to his fa hers feet struck off his head , and in the same rage , the aged Prince's also ; to the great dishonour or the Viceroy . Their heads set on 2 Launces in the Castles sight , the defendants yielded . After Zunites his death , all this territory was united to the Othoman Kingdome . After all this , Amurath married Isfendiars Daughter . He now thought high time to 〈◊〉 revenge of the Greek Princes that aided the Rebels aforesaid : wherefore ranging with a great Army thorow Macedonia , to Thessalonica , he surprized divers places ( belonging to the Emperour ) by the way . This famous City , ( sometime for beauty and wealth ) not inferiour to any in Greece , Amurath hardly besieged with 〈◊〉 battery , corrupting secretly some Citizens , to have let him in by a secret Mine ; which being by the Venetian Governours perceived , the plotters 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 , fled to the Turks . Amurath promising his Souldiers all its spoyle if they wan it , so inflamed them ( especially the Janizaries ) that by a most terrible assault they entred the City . The Venetians fleeing to their Galleys , got to Sea : but no tongue or pen describe , the miseries the Christian Citizens endured , heartily wishing to die and could 〈◊〉 . The furious enemy devoured all Sexes and Ages , but those who for strength or comelinesse , were reserved to labour and lust , afterwards dispersed into most miserable slavery . The infinite riches became a spoile : the houses ( desolate ) given for a habitation to such Turks as ( at pleasure ) repaired thither , and at this day possessed by them . This happened in 1432 , 〈◊〉 returning to Hadrianople , sent Caratze with most of his Army into Aetolia : whose Prince , Charles , dying a little before , divided Acharnania amongst his 3 Base sons , ( leaving the rest to his Brothers Son , Charles ) . Shortly after , Amurath sending aid to one of the brethen falling at discord , in fine , subjected all Aetolia to himself . The Princes of Athens , Phocis , Boetia , and all Greece unto Corinths strait , terryfied hereby , became tribularies to the Tyrant , living long under his slavery . Thus the Greeks lost their liberty , &c. and 〈◊〉 now so degenerate , that whereas they accounted all Nations 〈◊〉 in comparison , themselves are 〈◊〉 no lesse 〈◊〉 . John Castriott who reigned in Epirus , seeing how the Turk 〈◊〉 against his Neighbour-Princes , ( for peace ) delivered his 4 Sons , Szanstius , Reposius , Constantine , and George , Hostages to Amurath , promising well to intreat them : But having gotten them , he circumcised and instructed them in Turkish superstition , to their 〈◊〉 great grief : and the Father dying he poysoned the 3 Elder , seizing on Croia his chief City , and all his Territories , as if ( by right ) devolved to him . But George ( named Scanderbeg , or Lord Alexander for his feature and wit ) he loved ( some thought ) more passionately than he should a boy : 〈◊〉 him to be instructed in all activity , &c. wherein he excelling all his equals , came ( very young ) to be a great Sanzack , and being often General of his Armies , he got the love of all , increasing in credit with Amurath . Who shortly turning into Servia , the Prince to procure his favour 〈◊〉 him a yearly tribute , and to do what he reasonably demanded . He beside the tribute , required Mary his fair Daughter in marriage , the Hungarians not to passe through his Country to invade him , and not to deny his Army passage , when he would invade Bosna . All which the Prince was glad to agree to : Now about , Josephus and Amurath's 〈◊〉 , and Solyman's son , &c. died of the plague at Prusa . While he thus in Europe , the Caramanian King invaded him in Asia : for 't was agreed between the Christians of Europe and Mahometans of Asia , to invade him ( when in Europe ) in Asia , and when in Asia , in Europe . Amurath seizing on Saruchania Mentesia , &c. before , but his tributaries , entred Caramania , forcing the King to yield to his own conditions , and send his Son to wait at his Court : and made Isfendiar his tributary , and to send his son also ; Thus becoming terrible to all the Mahometan Princes . Returning to Hadrianople , he sent Ali's Bassa to invade Hungary , in revenge of their incursions in his absence : which he performing for a month , returned with rich booty . Ere long he personally inroaded in to Hungary , the Prince of Servia giving his Army passage , and Dracula of Valachia aiding him more for fear than good will. So returning , his Souldiers enriched , he wintred at Hadrianople . Who to spoyle the secret suspected confederacy between the Hungarians and the King of Caramania , doubting the Servian his Father in-law was chief Author , sent for him to Hadrianople : who doubting some tragedy , pretended greatly he could not come ; and fearing , fortified all his strong places , chiefly the City Semendre , leaving Gregory or George his son Governour , ( for Stephen was at Court with his Sister ) and went into Hungary to procure some aid , and having there certain Territories exchanged of Sigismund for the City Belgrade . Not long after , Amurath , forgetting affinity and league , entred Servia , destroying and hardly besieging Semendre , where after long siege , the Princes son ( doubting sudden assault ) yielded himself and City : so that Sophia , Novomont , with all the rest yielded to Amurath . After which , hearing the Servian and Hungarian were making head , and that Gregory and Stephen , had intelligence with his Father , he cast them into prison at Didymoticum , & burnt out their eyes 〈◊〉 a red 〈◊〉 brasse bason . Albert Duke of Austria marrying Sigismund the Emperour's onely Daughter , and succeeding him , died in the 2d year of his Reign in preparation against Amurath : who driving George of Servia out of his Dominions , had extended his Kingdome even to Hungarian's borders . Albert leaving his wife with child , the Hungarians ( the Turks come so nigh ) thought needful not to rest on the peoples devotion towards the Queen , and expectation of her issue : but to choose some great Prince , the better to 〈◊〉 the Kingdome against their enemies . Whereupon they sent Embassage to Uladislaus young King of Polonia , to offer him the Queen in marriage , and with her the Kingdome also . So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 Court of the inequality of the 〈◊〉 , the King being in his prime , and the Queen well stept in years ; nought was offered herein but wars : that the Hungarians sought to defend themselves by Polonian force : Others said , the 〈◊〉 of these 2 Kingdomes , would be great good to both , to the Kings great honour , &c. that it were greater policy to keep the Turk out of Hungary , than leaving it a prey , to be forced to fight with him in Polonia : and for inequality of years , it was not so great a matter , for Princes regard more the virtues of their choice , with their honours increase , &c. than the Summer fruit of youth , which doth shortly perish , &c. Uladislaus answered the Embassadours he would accept of their offers . But the Queen being delivered of a son , whom she named 〈◊〉 , she began to repent of calling in the Polonian King , to her sons prejudice . And animated by some Nobles , ( hoping to grow great themselves ) determined by all means to exclude the Polonian : but most considering the most expedience , and that they could neither with honour or safety flye from what was concluded . Hungary was divided into 2 Factions , and grew to civil Wars . The Queen , the more to gain the people , caused herson ( but 3 Months old ) to be solemnly Crowned at Albaregalis . But the Polonian entring Hungary with an Army , and joyning with his friends , most which followed the Queen , revolted to him . So that she ( committing her sons tuition , with the Crown , to Frederick the Emperour , yet ) ceased not to stir up wars against 〈◊〉 at home and abroad , till by her death her quarrel ended . 〈◊〉 ( in these civil Wars ) thought a fair opportunity for Hungaria's conquest . Wherefore with a great Army marching to the strong City Belgrade , ( which invironed on the East with 〈◊〉 , on the South with the river Saus ; and on the other sides with strong walls and deep large ditches , was then accounted , the gate into Hungary ) First gave 2 terrible 〈◊〉 ( in good hope ) but was Valiantly repulsed with great slaughter . Wherefore he raising mounts , and high woodden Towers , furiously battered the walls , causing also galleys , &c. in great number to be brought into both rivers , to assault the City , and keep the Citizens from succours . Yet it was still defended under Uranus a Florentine Governour , who with Sallies and shot , slew great numbers . The Turk knowing , that Uladislaus was at this time troubled by the Queens Faction , continued his siege , though famine began much to increase in his Campe , hoping the defendants ( despairing of help ) would shortly yield . Uladislaus assayed to raise the siege by sending 3 Polonian Nobles Embassadours to Amurath , declaring , for as much as he had offered to joyn with him in league before he came out of Polonia , if he would desist from invading Hungary , whereof he was now chosen King , and raise his siege , then they should easily agree upon the desired peace , &c. but if he had rather proceed in Armes , he would do his best to make him know he was of power sufficient to withstand his greatest forces , and revenge his wrongs . Amurath appointing the Embassadours to withdraw to Synderovia of Servia , not far off , till he might better consider their demands , and pretending their safety : so soon as they were departed , he first assaied the Citizens and Souldiers , with magnifical promises , &c. if they would yield the City : shooting in also many letters full of like promises . But seeing no hope to prevail , he spake to his 〈◊〉 ( called together ) as followeth . Though I know 't is in my power to grant or not grant the motioned peace : yet it is my pleasure to know your minds also . For so much as we have that 〈◊〉 hand ; wherein , with worldly 〈◊〉 , is endangered our religion , &c. As for mine own estate , I possesse so large Countries in Asia and Europe , that perhaps it might better stand with my estate to take more care for keeping that I have , then to travel for more : but whether have you sufficient or not , and how long assured of the same ? And moreover , we shall be driven at length to forsake our Religion , if we now lay down Armes . For our enemies require we should first cease from War , and then they would talk of Peace . I omitt what labour we have taken in our siege , &c , all which they command us to forsake . Our enemies 〈◊〉 , whosoever shall have this City , shall have 〈◊〉 ul 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 for his own , 〈◊〉 an entrance 〈◊〉 subduing of others . 〈◊〉 is now divided : and this motion is but to gain time for satisfying private quarrels , that with double 〈◊〉 they may 〈◊〉 on us , &c. Their proud demands for restoring Bulgaria and Rascia , &c. sounds already in my 〈◊〉 : which we refusing to grant , the Hungarians and 〈◊〉 joyned , will bring those Wars to our doors , which we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 make on them 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . And if we should restore all in reason they could desire , do you think the Prince of Servia would rest 〈◊〉 with his own ? whose haughty mind gapeth at all ours in Europe , &c. If whose fortune should answer his designes , besides all the 〈◊〉 out-rages to be 〈◊〉 , they count it a godly work to use all cruel villanies against our Nation , except we will forsake the Faith and Religion delivered by our Ancestors , &c. accounting all holy Saints which die in fight against us . If ye will but , a little inforce : your selves , ye shall find all worldy and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 assured unto us , 〈◊〉 ( to morrow ) you shall overthrow the foundation of the enemies wall . Hitherto we have 〈◊〉 with nature in the rough mountaines of Bulgaria and 〈◊〉 , &c. that at length we might attain to the wealth of fruitful Hungary , whose pleasant places do yield plenty of all food for man and beast , not onely to satisfie 〈◊〉 necessity , but even glut our wanton desires : gold which others most painfully dig up ( in few places ) the Hungarians gather as it were a growing plant . It is in your power ( worthy Souldiers ) whether ye will ( to morrow ) open your selves a way to these good things for ever , or leave the way open for your enemies to all that you hold . According as I shall see you fight , I shall perceive what to answer , to the insolent demands of the Embassadours . Next 〈◊〉 ( early ) 〈◊〉 commanded the 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 given to a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 had made 〈◊〉 the Souldiers assayling it with great courage , especially 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 the same . The Christians seeing all in 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 from all parts to the breach , 〈◊〉 charged the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they retired more hastily then they 〈◊〉 . Many 〈◊〉 the rest fleeing 〈◊〉 , were either 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 to death in the 〈◊〉 , or strangled in the smoak : the Defendants wild fire taking hold upon faggots , &c. where with the Turks made their way over . He is reported to lose 〈◊〉 8000 of his best 〈◊〉 , besides 7000 over whelmed in the Mines , by 〈◊〉 . They that assaulted by water had rather worse successe . Many Galleys , &c. 〈◊〉 , some burnt , divers in sudden fear 〈◊〉 upon the Shelves , 〈◊〉 shamefully beaten , and by famine , and 〈◊〉 force losing most of his Army , determined after 7 months siege to return . Yet 〈◊〉 answered the Embassadours in the Campe : we will talke of peace , when 〈◊〉 shall deliver us all of 〈◊〉 which he holdeth , and also Belgrade as a pledge . For this time I will raise my siege : yet I would wish him , rather to accept of my friendship , than , by denying that little , to hazard both his 〈◊〉 . I ask but what is mine by law of armes , before he was called into Hungary . If he will rather strive for other mens , than quietly possesse his own , I will ( in good time ) repaire thither again , &c. In his way , he 〈◊〉 Isa Beg with certain troopes at Scopia in Servia , who so troubled the King of Bosna , that ( for peace ) he promised Amurath 25000 Duckets yearly tribute . Uladislans seeing Transylvania much subject to the Turks incursious , ( having gotten all Moldavia into their possession ) created John Huniades his Vicegerent there : Whatever his parents were , himself was a most polique , Valiant , and fortunate Caprain , obtaining such Victories , as was never before ( by any Christian Prince ) against the Turks , with whose 〈◊〉 they used to fear their crying Children : He began to keep them short , cutting them off when they encred , and shutting the passages of Transilvania , and not resting till he won Moldavia quite from them , And many times passing Danubius , made havock of the Turks , carrying away great booty , with many Captives . Laying at 〈◊〉 , and Isa at Sinderovia , both of great Spirit : Isa to increase his credit with the Sultan his Uncle , &c. continually forraged about Belgrade , that wearying the Inhabitants with daily harms , he might gain the City , mostly abandoned of the Citizens , which Amurath could not by force obtain . Sometimes not content to spoyle the open Country , he assayled the Citie 's Suburbs , and was hardly repulsed . And Huniades onely hindring his further proceedings , he brake sometimes into his Country , laying ambushes in every Corner to Circumvent him : who grieved hereat , secretly raised a strong power , and with Valiant Nicolas Vilarch , passing Danubius , encamped betwixt Belgrade and Sinderovia . Isa forthwith setting forward against him with a great Army , he found 〈◊〉 as ready for battle as 〈◊〉 . At the first encounter , 〈◊〉 his wings were forced to retire : but the Turks coming to the men at Armes , their fury was stayed ; many fell on both sides , but of the Turks more , who not able long to endure the Shock , were by heapes overthrown . Which Isa beholding , fled to 〈◊〉 ; the rest fled also : whom the 〈◊〉 ( especially Huniades ) fiercely following , left not the Chase till come almost to the Suburbs of Sinderovia : few escaped , the rest being taken or slain : Huniades returning with rich prey , &c. to Belgrade , after which Isa was more quiet . This Victorie soon filled Buda with joy and gladnesse : Uladislaus causing publique prayers with thanksgiving to be made , and by letters gratulatory , with rich presents , encouraged Huniades to the prosecution of the Religious War. Amurath , lest he would seem to yield to the Hungarians , repaired his broken forces , to renew his wars in Valachia : sending Mesites Bassa with a puissant Army , to invade Transylvania . He passing out of Servia over 〈◊〉 , suddenly entred Huniades his Country , burning , spoyling , and killing all he lightt on without respect . Huniades ( lately come ) and having no sufficient forces to oppose the enemy , was wonderfully grieved and perplexed . At length he fled to his old friend the Bishop of Alba Jula : but staying there about raysing a 〈◊〉 Army , the enemy was come near him , glad to march softlier , as it were surcharged with spoyle . Which they beholding , thought it 〈◊〉 , with what power they had to go out , and honourably to die , than longer to behold the miserable destruction of their Countty . But whilst they marched on unadvisedly , without scouts , they fell in ambushes layed in the woods and Vallyes to intercept them . Huniades and the Bishop so entrapped and beset , fled back again , after whom the Turks following , put all they could overtake to the sword : yet most 〈◊〉 to Alba Jula . The Bishop in taking a river with his horse was overthown and slain . The Bassa encouraged , now wasted at pleasure 〈◊〉 fire and sword , that part yet unspoyled . Huniades with wonderful speed taking what Souldiers he could , perswaded also the Sicilians to take up Armes , who ( for the present necessity ) chearfully did , he following the Bassa returning laden with spoyle , to 〈◊〉 upon him on occasion : of whose coming , Mesites not 〈◊〉 reckoning , said , Let him come , and with the spoile of himself enrich our Victory . John , an Espial , 〈◊〉 discovered to Huniades , that the Bassa had appointed some of his best Companies , above all things , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Huniades his person in battle , ( all depending on his direction ) 〈◊〉 them tokens to know 〈◊〉 and his horse . One Simon 〈◊〉 a Valiant man , 〈◊〉 much unlike Huniades , changed horse and armour with him , appointing him a 〈◊〉 troope to attend him : Huniades , finding an opportunity , came so suddenly on the Turks , that they were glad to 〈◊〉 without Order ; many fell on both sides , but far more of the Turks . The Turkish troopes ( the while ) descrying Simon , with all their power made towards him , where was fought a most bloody battle . But they bending their forces more and more to kill him : at length slaying them about him , ( not without their great losse ) slew him , supposing him the very General . But Huniades riding to and fro , encouraged his Souldiers not to forsake the Victory , nor leave unrevenged , so many slaughters and harmes , committed by their enemies , &c. In the heat of this battle , 〈◊〉 favouring neither , great number of Transylvanian prisoners in the Camp , with one consent brake their bonds , slaying many of their keepers , and 〈◊〉 into the battle , encouraged their Country men . Yet it was hardly fought : But at length , the Turks , out of hope of Victory , retired by little and little ; the other fought more fiercely than before . Mesites beholding some as if they fled , others fleeing outright , and no meanes to stay them , fled also : the Hungarians pursuing with most terrible execution , in which Mesites and his son were slain : the report of which added swiftnesse to the Hungarians , 〈◊〉 them for certain dayes to the top of the Alpes , 20000 Turks were 〈◊〉 , about 3000 Hungarians . Huniades recovered all the prey , with their tents and baggage , a number of Cap ives kissing his feet , gave God thanks for their deliverance : some called him the Father , some the Defender of his Country , &c. He again with tears standing , embracing them , rejoyced at the publique good , giving hearty thanks to God , Commanding the like to be done in all that Province . He commended the Souldiers Valour , and the people's Loyalty , extolling the worthy Captives by name , &c. part of the spoyle ; he appointed a part to devout uses , part amongst the Souldiers . He 〈◊〉 a great wagon loaded with the Turks ensignes ; and the chief of their Heads , ( the Bassaes and his sons stood foremost ) to Uladislaus and the Despot of Servia , presented by an old Turk , as followeth ; Huniades , &c. sendeth to you part of the spoyle , lest he should seem to defraud you of the honour of the battle . These heads he sendeth , that you should not want assurance of such a Victory . All these witnesse the greatnesse of the Slaughter , and exhort you to great atchievements ; requesting that general Supplications may be commanded , and a great Army provided : for all suppose the Turk will engage his whole forces in revenge of so great a slaughter . The King and the Despot , commending Huniades his discreet Valour , with the Victory , worthy ( as they said ) of a Roman triumph , publique supplications were made thorow Hungaria , Messengers sent to give Huniades great thanks , with rich presents , commending his faithful service requesting him to prosecute the war with like care , that he should want nothing needful thereunto . Moldavia and Valachia the Turks Tributaries , now revolted to the Hungarians : and Huniades fame was soon dispersed thorow Europe , and a general hope conceived of him &c. This overthrow , with Mesites his death , most of all Moldavia's and Valachia's revolt , much troubled the Turk . So that , raysing a great Army of 80000 men under Schech Abedin Bassa , an Eunuch , yet right Valiant and expert , charged him 〈◊〉 doing what harm he could in Valachia and Moldavia , to break into Transylvania , fully to revenge the losse before received , &c. The Bassa entred Valachia , filling the Country with fear and 〈◊〉 , sore repenting of their revolt . Huniades chearing them , willed them to retire to their safest places , and not to expose their weak forces against their fury , promising to come to their relief , &c. The Bassa dividing his Army , forraged far and near , 〈◊〉 , and spoyled all in their way , killing without 〈◊〉 of Age , Sex , or Condition . But the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 themselves 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the 〈◊〉 hands . The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into 〈◊〉 , purposing to do greater harme if possible : but 〈◊〉 was therewith 15000 chosen Souldiers , ready to 〈◊〉 them . The 〈◊〉 ( as well 〈◊〉 with whom he had to do ) 〈◊〉 , to see the enemies power . But informed by scouts that he was not a quarter so many 〈◊〉 the Turks , but lay strongly 〈◊〉 with his 〈◊〉 and Carriages as in a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , he wondered at his courage and skill 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doubted not to offer him 〈◊〉 Being come within 〈◊〉 a mile of each other , the Turks thought not best to joyn battle in one 〈◊〉 , but to divide and so fight by degrees ; if he could not so , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Christians 〈◊〉 with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Souldiers ; above all things to keep their 〈◊〉 . Next day being come to 〈◊〉 , the Bassa spent a good space in martialling his Army , as did also 〈◊〉 , encouraging his chief Commanders that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 could have induced him to encounter such a 〈◊〉 did not necessity , their approved Valour , and the assured hope in Christ , confirme him . Three commodities God propounded unto them , the 〈◊〉 of Wives , Children and Country , renown in this World and immortality in the World to come . The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , Bulgarians , 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 could not abide the Turks force : The 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , willingly gave them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 us 〈◊〉 this praise of this Victory by God assigned , who oft with a small power and sometime against all hope , have with notable slaughter overthrown them , &c. learning no lesse to 〈◊〉 you though but few , than if you were many . Now they are come with innumerable Legions : yet more than the Janizaries are no good Souldiers among them , the rest as enforced serve them for fear , &c. We are not to fight for other mens houses and altars , but for our own , &c. That , God is able with his little finger ( if he will ) to destroy all the Turks in the World , but he first makes proof of our courage for defence of his name , that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , he may 〈◊〉 it with his own fight 〈◊〉 . They fight for their Prophet , Authour of all 〈◊〉 , for spoyle and 〈◊〉 , destruction of 〈◊〉 , other mens Kingdomes ; enlarging their 〈◊〉 , worldly 〈◊〉 . But we contrary wise , &c. A little refreshing your selves ( with a repast ) as you stand , on the 〈◊〉 given , thrice calling aloud upon the name of Christ , sight ( as 〈◊〉 you can ) with like 〈◊〉 that He fought for your redemption , &c. for Christ will be 〈◊〉 present with us , who ( believe me and so hope ) will not onely deliver us this day out of the Turks hands , but load us with their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and so bring all home in safety , with much joy and 〈◊〉 . The Bassa encouraged his , 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 former Victories , not to degenerate from their Ancestours and themselves , to whom 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 interpreter had foretold the Empire of the whole World , &c. He filled them with hope of great spoyle , promising to the Valiant , whole Villages , &c. with great 〈◊〉 , as they should deserve . He assured them of Victory , their enemies being weak , and themselves a great number , if they would fight it out like men . That 〈◊〉 overcome Huniades , whom he had found the most Valiant and skillful Christian Captaine , nothing should 〈◊〉 their farther conquests ; willing them above all 〈◊〉 to seek 〈◊〉 him ; promising to him 〈◊〉 killed him , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Both Armies being come within 〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉 , the signal given , the battle began : 〈◊〉 seeing the enemie cast his first battle in forme of a wedge , the 〈◊〉 to divide them , they in forme of a pare of Sheers were ready 〈◊〉 them , where both sides encountred with a 〈◊〉 and outcry , never more terrible . They fought a while , in the light horsemens wings , with like hope : but the Turks better acquainted with that kind of 〈◊〉 , better appointed & exceeding in number , enforced the Christians to retire to the men 〈◊〉 force , where was made a most terrible fight : most of the Turks light horsemen were slain , for they could not abide the men at armes force , though but 〈◊〉 in Comparison of them : so that the Turks in both wings began to faint . But the battle yet wavering , the Janizaries with men at armes , and troopes of light 〈◊〉 , compassed the Christian men at armes , standing in the main battle , where the old Janizaries , with 〈◊〉 cut their horses legs asunder ; many of whom falling , were made shorter by the head : likewise the Janizaries were themselves trodden under foot . Whereupon blood ran like Rivers ; most of the Janizaries being 〈◊〉 , and many Christians also . The Bassa yet in hope the Hungarians would faint with long fight , came on with the 〈◊〉 ward , and a number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Souldiers left for guarding his baggage . It was after four 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . He commanded them to compasse in the Hnngarians , &c. vainly boasting it would be the last battle ever they would fight . Haniadis suffering part of his men to be 〈◊〉 , caused the 〈◊〉 to thrust in with armed Carts , &c. behind the enemies ; and afterwards with fresh supplies renewed the batele . The fight was great , and though the Turks slaughter great , 〈◊〉 not much feeling 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 multitude , still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 desperately , till the 〈◊〉 wing seeing themselves compassed with waggons , and thence 〈◊〉 with shot , &c. fearing the danger 〈◊〉 , shrunk from the fight . The Hungarians , now more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their fainting enemies 〈◊〉 ; encouraging them in the waggons to approach them nearer , the 〈◊〉 hardly 〈◊〉 , and fighting disorderly , first retired , presently after fled . They that were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in , &c. all perished . The lest wing discouraged , 〈◊〉 likewise : the Hungarians fiercely following . The 〈◊〉 strucken with dispaire fled , with some Janizaries kept for his persons safeguard , whom so many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , followed : the rest flying 〈◊〉 woods and 〈◊〉 , either perished with hunger , or 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 flain : 〈◊〉 half the Army 〈◊〉 over 〈◊〉 . Huniades content with so great a Victory , 〈◊〉 them not far , but with their Campes spoyle , greatly enriched himself and his Souldiers : 5000 〈◊〉 taken prisoners , and 〈◊〉 Ensignes . Huniades caused prayers with thanksgiving to be made for 3 dayes in 〈◊〉 those 3 〈◊〉 , and hanged up at Vascape ( where the battle was fought ) certain Turks Ensignes , Trophies of Victory . It was the 〈◊〉 ever any Christian 〈◊〉 obtained against the Turk . Many Inhabitants 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 for a season , for fear of infection by the Turks 〈◊〉 , wherewith the 〈◊〉 covered . Then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in triumph , he presented 〈◊〉 , the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. which he 〈◊〉 receiving , and highly commending his Valour , its 〈◊〉 shortly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Amurath a 〈◊〉 before , 〈◊〉 a proud Embassage to 〈◊〉 , offering peace , on 〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉 , or paying him a yearly 〈◊〉 the King ( upon the 〈◊〉 report of the Victory ) 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 to the issue of matters , he would shortly in person come and give him further answer . And for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 power or desire of revenge , 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his Kingdome , with 〈◊〉 the Popes Legate , sent 〈◊〉 thither to stir up the Hungarians against the Turks , he propounded the danger 〈◊〉 , and how it might be averted . 〈◊〉 , requested by the King to 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 , first spake : Since the Turkish 〈◊〉 began to rage in Europe , no newes was more welcome to the 〈◊〉 Bishop , &c. than Uladistaus his being chosen King of Hungary , for a fitter could not the Hungarians any where have found , &c. The Kingdom is by your force and valour , my mediation , and the Queen's death well pacified : but yet the Turkish Tyranny , &c. is to be repressed , &c. If so great an Army was vanquished by one of thy Captain 's power , but small . what is to be hoped of thee ( most mighty King ) if thou shalt lead thine Armies in person , under the Protection of Christ Jesus ? The eyes of all Christian Princes are upon thee , &c. And albeit the Common cause of Religion require thee to be a revenger , &c. yet Hungary and Poland's necessity no lesse enforce it ; of which one is miserably vexed with the Turke out of Servia and Dalmatia , the other out of Moldavia and Valachia . You lack not ( worthy Captaines ) money , which shall be brought unto you from all part , not lusty and couragious Souldiers , not policy , not for tune , &c. you want nothing but will. It 's an Expedition necessary , religious , profitable and honourable , wherein are all ample rewards in this life , and the life to come . Wherefore I beseech you by the faith of Christ , by love of your Children , health of your Kingdome , &c. with valiant courage and one consent , to take this sacred war in hand , and so enroll your names in the eternal book of fame . Forthwith ensued the Despot's reares , perswading them of that expedition's necessity , declaring the Turks cruelty and strange tortures , his sons deprived of sight , and spoyled of their Genitories , &c. that the Hungarians were divided from the Turks but by the river Saus , oft to be waded in Summer , and hard frozen in Winter : that he was driven into exile by the Turks power , fleeing to Ragusium , then into Hungary , of which the Barbarian now asked tribute , to have some colour for its invasion , &c. Wherefore with many teares running down his aged face , he besought Uladislaus , not to let slip this fair occasion , &c. offering a great sum himself towards the war's charges , assuring them also of great supplies of men and money from other Princes . Whereupon a decree was made , that the King should personally with all speed entertain that war. Though Winter approached , men were taken up , and Embassadours sent to the Emperour , and others to pray their aid . Who 〈◊〉 excusing themselves , sent no aid at all . Yet many out of France and Germany , forsaking all , came and served on their own charge . The spring come , and supplications made for successe , Uladislaus ( May 1. ) passing Danubius from Buda , stayed 3 dayes at the River Tibiscus for his Armies coming ; departing thence , marching till within sight of Bulgaria , he 〈◊〉 Cobis passing Danubius with his very great Army , marched to Sophia in about 6 dayes , in Bulgaria's 〈◊〉 . Which being badly fortified , was easily taken ; and afterward burnt , as were all other Towns and Villages thereabouts , for terrour to the rest . Thence he encamped at the River Morava , where 500 light horse men being sent over , to view a safe and easie passage for the Army , they took 4 Turks scouts ; understanding them , that 2000 Turks were at hand . They retiring back with all speed to the River , many leaping ( for fear ) from the high banks , perished in the deep , the rest stood doubtfully expecting what should become of themselves . The Turks descrying the King hovering on the top of the hill beyond the River , doubting an ambush , retired . Which they on the far side perceiving , and encouraged by the Kings coming down , followed a while to increase their fear . Next day the King passing the River , sent to see if all 〈◊〉 clear : but being 〈◊〉 that the Turks ( at hand ) had placed ambushes fast by ; he entring into counsel , resolved , that Huniades with 10000 horse , should next night suddenly set on the enemy . Who 〈◊〉 near them , and the Moon shining out , he led his men by the way the enemy was likeliest 〈◊〉 flee , if put to the worst ; and entring the Campe with a hideous cry , the Turks suddenly awakened , and dismayed , betook some to their weapons , some to their heels , &c. Huniades the whiles , cheared up his men couragiously to assaile their sleepy , naked , and fearful enemies . At first , the Turks made a Stir , but hearing Huniades was there , with the greatnesse of the sudden fear , with an inconsirate desire of flight , they trod down one another , thrusting on each others weapons . Most of them driven into thickets , &c. were by the fierce pursurers slain : the rest when 't was day , ran the same fortune , 30000 Turks were slain , 4000 taken , with a number of Ensigns . Most report Huniades lost but 500 ; for few found any enemy to resist them . They took all the spoyle of a most rich Campe : The King and Despot hearing of Huniades approach in triumph from the slaughter of the Turks , with great applause of the other Legions went 3 miles to meet him , and would not suffer Huniades to alight , to do him honour , but taking him by the right hand , joyed with him , thanking God who had given him a Captain worthy to rule the Romane Empire , &c. The Common Souldiers embracing one anothet , welcomed their victorious Friends . So the King and Huniades , sending the spoyle , and the chained Prisoners before , returned in great triumph , causing prayers with thanksgivings to be made to God , thorowout the Army . The Legate General of the Voluntary Christians , perswaded the King and the rest , to prosecure their good fortune , and take in the rest of Bulgaria . Huniades had learned it was but. 3 dayes journey to Philippopolis in Thrace , the like to Hadrianople , as much to Constantinople . The difficulty was the great and rough mountain Hemus , which dividing Bulgaria and Servia from Macedouia and Thrace , is not to be passed over but in 2 places , one made by Traian the Emperour , with a mighty stone-gate to be opened or shut at pleasure , the other near the little River Saltiza , Huniades marching foreward took all Towns ( in their way ) of Bulgaria ; wherein conformity of Religon , the Turks 〈◊〉 , great affinity of Language , was no small help . 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 Thrace , the weather now very cold , they learned , those passages were so strongly shut with great stones , &c. they were very hardly to be forced . Wherefore 〈◊〉 leaving the straighter way made by man , came 〈◊〉 Christmas , even to the other , by Saltiza ; where Amurath had shut up the passage , and placed strong Garrisons to defend Macedonia and Thracia from the dreaded Hungarians invasion . In the Army was such want of all things , that the Souldiers were ready to forsake their 〈◊〉 , and , mutinie beginning , to grow weak , by victuals failing . Besides , the Winter was so cold , and the frost so great , they could not many times seek for forrage or water . So that the Army began to retire and had been dissolved , had not 〈◊〉 daily 〈◊〉 them , the greatest difficulties werealready past &c. that in going back , they should find greater difficulties in those wast Countries , than in going forward 〈◊〉 that , these straits opened , there remained not but the spoile of a most rich and pleasant Country , that what they had already won , was easie to be recovered , except those enemies remaining , were driven quite out of Europe . Whilst Huniades spake , every man was encouraged : but remembring their 〈◊〉 , they cursed the rash attempts of ambitious Princes . The Turks coming after them , Huniades was sent with some troupes , who 8 times encountred them , and as 〈◊〉 forced them to retire . In retiring back , the King with most of the Army went before Huniades , and the Despot followed after a good daies Dayes march : the Turks that kept the passage , followed them down the hill , in hope of revenge . Carambey was their General , with expresse charge not to fight upon any occasion with the enemy : ( for Amurath thought it Victory enough , without losse to keep them out of 〈◊〉 ) . Which 〈◊〉 ( for all that neglecting ) followed the Christian Army , 〈◊〉 to the mountain 〈◊〉 , hovering over 〈◊〉 heads to take them at advantage : The Christians would many times fight with them in disadvantagious places , 〈◊〉 , They had rather dye like men , then 〈◊〉 with hunger and cold . 〈◊〉 exceeding both in strength and number , besides the ground 's advantage , would needs give battle . 〈◊〉 and the Despot ( though much troubled with the King's absence , who was gone a dayes march before ) saw they could not shun battle ; yet Carambey coming down upon them , put themselves in the best order they could , &c. Carambey sending his horse down , a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was made : in which many on both sides were slain . The 〈◊〉 men at armes , with the Hungarian light horse men fought ( but as how ? ) 〈◊〉 to dye . The Turks stood hard to it for a 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 length being hardly laied to , they began to give ground : Carambey coming in with new supplies , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 roughly , sometimes perswading fairely , 〈◊〉 them that were fleeing . Huniades and the Despot , when they perceived the enemy a little to faint , cryed 〈◊〉 , Victory , &c. And sent some companies of foot , who climbing up among the bushes , paunched the Turks horses with half pikes , &c. as they passed by them . Here began the battle to decline ; the bolder 〈◊〉 which were come into the Valleys , compassed with the men at armes , hardly recovered the hill . Carambey ( the while ) performed all the parts of a Valiant and worthy Captaine , and couragiously fighting in the thickest of his enemies , stayed , for a time , the lost battle . At last , deceived by the snow , he fell into a bogge , and was taken prisoner by a common Souldier . Many great ones were taken besides Carambey , but more slain , and most in the flight ; few escaped but such as fled to the mountains to them that were left to desend the passage . In the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 seeing such a man as Carambey ( though to him unknown ) led prisoner , asked the Souldier , 〈◊〉 would sell him ? who asked for him 10 〈◊〉 , Huniades giving him 400 , sent him to his tent , 〈◊〉 him with chearful words . The Despot coming that night to the 〈◊〉 , began to talk with him in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and guessing by his talk Who he was , asked Huniades , how he would ransome him ? who said , he cost him 400 Duckats , but he valued him at 40000 , which the Despot offered to pay : The 〈◊〉 report , that Uladislaus was present and commanded as chief in this battle : yet Hungarian writers ( whose credit we follow ) report as before . Shortly after , Huniades and the Despot confulted with the King for removing the Turks Garrisons left to keep the passages , and to prosecute the War. Uladislaus ( considering the Difficulty , and his Souldiers necessity ) thought good 〈◊〉 with to return . But they , the one for honour , the other hoping to recover his lost Kingdome , said ; The Turks were in any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be removed , &c. alleadging the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 courage of his Souldiers . Whose valour , ( lest the King should seem to distrust ) he commanded to set forward . The Kings battle first mounted the hill , often stayed by its roughnesse , &c. Huniades in searching , found a crooked way , whereby ( with his men ) he got to the top even with their enemies . But being come to the desired place , they found such a deep wide gaping rock . 〈◊〉 , as was not to be passed or filled up : yet being very near , they attempted by crossbow-shot , &c. to remove the Turks , who were ( at first ) so annoyed and discomfited , they were almost at the point to forsake the passe , had not Alis Beg encouraged and taught them , ( by shrowding under the broken rooks ) &c. to save themselves from the shot . Huniades had sent up other Companies , by another more steep way , who ( by too much disadvantage ) were easily rejected . At length seeing the vain attempt , and desperate danger , he ( by the Kings command sounding a retreat ) retired down to the Turks , rejoycing . Next day the cold raging , and wants increasing , the King consulted with the 〈◊〉 , for hasting their return into places of greater plenty ; whereunto 〈◊〉 now easily yielded , the rest spake against it ; blaming them , &c. promising he would find money for all things needful : So said the Legate also . But the Souldiers could nor be perswaded to slay , crying out , It was not their Captaines , &c. but them that starved for hunger : as for the Despot ( in hope of recovering his Kingdome ) he perswaded things impossible , Need , they said , could not be vanquished ; but , Winter past , they would willingly return to the War. The King sending his baggage before , retired the way he came : the Turks following and assayling them in the reare , on both sides , did and received harm . The Army loaded with spoil , could make no great hast : and passing thorow a great thick wood , full of bogs &c. they left fome strong men at armes , as a wall against the pursuers ; whom the Turks fiercely charging , there was a great 〈◊〉 and tumult raised , to which noise many 〈◊〉 returning , in skirmishing , fell into the bogs , &c. hardly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out . Besides , there were many crooked turnings , &c. with so sleep deseents , that their horses lay heeles overhead , overthrown with their Rides , that they were often forced to fight on foot . About 80 men at armes were lost ; besides the Turks slain , were taken a 120 , all presently slain . The King , fearing his Army ( in so long and troublesome a march ) should be consumed with hunger , &c. caused all things of the carriages and 〈◊〉 , serving rather for burthen than use , to be burnt ; all 〈◊〉 of them whom he lost , as of the enemy , to be 〈◊〉 ; and all weak beasts of burthen to be killed . So the Army marched more speedily , nor so much subject to 〈◊〉 . At length Uladislaus arriving at Belgrade , stayed some daies well to refrésh ; thence passing the River Savus , he came to Buda , of all joyfully received . The Legate and Huniades went on his right hand , the Despot on his left , &c. Before the King at his coming to the City , went the notable Turks 〈◊〉 ; Carambey next before him , bound in chaines ; with them also the enemies Ensigns and saved spoyles . Huniades came behind the King , between the Legate and Despot in a triumphant robe , as next to the King best deserving , &c. Before all went the Prelates and Priests singing Hymns , &c. Uladislaus , alighred at the gate , going on foot to a 〈◊〉 , giving there 〈◊〉 thanks , and hanging up the enemies Ensigns & part of the 〈◊〉 in remembrance of so notable a Victory , &c. Then he went to his pallace in the Castle , and duely commending ever man , ( especially Huniades ) gave them leave to depart . Thus the Hungarians report : yet the Turks ( dissemblers of their losses ) call the Bassa overthrown , Cassanes and the noble prisoner Mechmet Beg Sanzacit of Ancyra , called ( of some ) Carambey after his Father's name . Out of this Turkish slaughter , escaped that Valiant 〈◊〉 George Castriot ( called Scanderbeg ) whose mind had long desired to break out of the Turks thraldome , and be revenged of Amurath's intolerable injuries , being often animated thereto by secret letters and messengers from Epirus : but wisely dissembled the same un o Amurath , till now under the leading of Carambey , in such a confusion , he took occasion to put in practise what he had long plotted , Scanderbeg a little before , imparting the matter to some 〈◊〉 Country men , especially to Amessa his brothers son , of great courage , had a 〈◊〉 eye on the 〈◊〉 chief Secretaries flight , 〈◊〉 with Amessa , and other friends he closely followed : but getting the 〈◊〉 with a 〈◊〉 followers in place convenient , he slew all the Turks , carrying away the Secretary bound , and with threats 〈◊〉 him to write letters as from the Bassa , to the Governour of Croia , 〈◊〉 ( in Amurath's name ) to deliver to Scanderbeg , the charge of the City and Garrison , cunningly enterlacing other things , &c. And then 〈◊〉 the Secretary , and many Turks coming in his way , that his doings might be the longer kept from Amurath's knowledge . Who having with him 300 Epirot Souldiers that followed him out of the battle , came with incredible celerity , into Dibria , about 70 miles from Croia , where staying but a day , he chose a few to waite on him to Croia , as if his houshould servants ; the rest ; with other 300 come out of Dibria , he appointed secretly to be led thorow woods and mountains , till come so nigh Croia as possible , unperceived . When he drew near the City , he sent Amessa before as his Secretary , to certifie the Governour of his coming ; who framing his countenance and attire as a natural Turk , he delivered his Message with so good grace and words , that all was verily believed . But Scanderbeg himself coming , and delivered the great Commanders letters , the Governour delivering him the Government of the City , departing next day , with his houshold towards Hardrianople . Scanderbeg thus gaining the chief City of Epirus ; in the dead of the night , received in the Souldiers come from Dibria : placing most in convenient places , he with the rest , flew the Watch , and afterwards many in their beds : the Christian Citizens also helping , in a few hours there was none of the Turks Garrison left , except some few , who were content to forsake their superstition , many chose rather to die , and ( as is reported ) to kill themselves , than so to save their lives . Seanderbeg now sending speedy messengers into all parts of Epirus , to disperse the news , and 〈◊〉 up the people for recovery of their liberty , flying fame had already prevented the Messengers , and the oppressed Epirots ; were in armes in every place greatly desiring leaders ; yet running by heaps they slew most Turks 〈◊〉 in the Country , abroad . No Turk could stir but he was slain , &c. the Governour of Croia with his retinue , was by the way slain by the Country people , and his goods a prey . Scanderbeg commanded those he appointed Captaines , speedily to repaire to Croia with all power they could possibly make , divers Nobles also resorting to him with their followers ; in few days he had 12000 well appointed : wherein , marching to Petrella , 25 miles from Croia , and 〈◊〉 on a steep rocky mountain , as the rest of the Cities be , he sent a wise Souldier to offer the Souldiers of Petrella , that if they would yield it , they should choose to continue in Scanderbeg's service , with bountiful entertainement ; or depart with bag and baggage with honourable reward . The subtile Messenger , declared to them , That Amurath lately vanquished by the Hungarians , and looking daily to be set on by Christian Princes , had no leisure to look to Epirus ; willing them to consider the dreadful misery that befell the Garrison at Croia , &c. The Governour considering the matter , gave up the City , onely upon departure with such things as they had , because it should not be said , he sold the City . Scanderbeg giving them both meat and money , sent them out of Epirus safely , with a Convoy . Petrella thus gained , he placed therein a convenient Garrison , presently marching towards Petra Alba in great hast . It is a City in Aemathia 3 miles from Petrella . Scanderbeg scarce well encamped , but the Governour terryfied , offered to deliver the City , on the same conditions granted at Petrella ; which Scanderbeg faithfully performed . All things were there set in order , he came without delay to Stellusa , a strong City 50 miles from Croia , where 〈◊〉 , next morning he sent a messenger to the City , with like conditions accepted of at Petra Alba : which most of the Souldiers would accept of , but the Governour 〈◊〉 with a few , earnestly withstood . But the greater part , when they could not perswade him with those few , to yield , they delivered him and them bound to Scanderbeg , and so yielded up the City . Wherefore fearing to return to Amurath , some remained with Scanderbeg , others provided for , or rewarded , departed whither they would . All other weaker places , in short time yielded themselves on like condition : onely Sfetigrade in Epirus frontiers , placed as it were an Eagles nest , remained in the Turks possession . Scanderbeg coming hither , began to assay it by composition , causing his Embassadours to declare , all that happened at Croia , Petrella , &c. how courteously he used the Garrison of Stellusa which yielded to him ; and having the Governour with his partakers in bonds , whom they should see executed , if they forthwith delivered it not . This troubled the Garrison , chiefly the Governour , seeing thereby what might happen to himself . Wherefore first entertaining the Embassadovrs honourably , he said to the Citizens and Souldiers : Worthy and faithful men , what is your pleasure , we shall answer to our enemies demands ? A rough and bold spirited Souldier , drawing his sword , and shaking it on high , answered . Most Valiant Governour , this and the like shall answer for us . Nothing was to lesse purpose , than to seek to terrifie Valiant minds , with the fortune of Croia , and Stellusa , &c. we prescribe them of Petrella , or Stellusa , no laws , neither let them us : brave mindes disdain to imitate others in honest actions , much lesse in cowardise . Let Scanderbeg kill the Governour , and our fellow Souldiers before our faces , do ye therefore think we shall die in their bodies ? &c. But oh happy bodies 〈◊〉 &c. which in defence of their liberty and faith have contemned Gold , Silver , Death and 〈◊〉 . Wherefore carry back this answer from a common Souldier : If thy Master seek to impose these conditions on us , let him once more bare his Arme , which men of courage fear not so much as he thinketh . Yet Scanderbeg is not the 〈◊〉 we have heard him reported to be : sor why ( holding the Governour of Stellusa in bonds ) doth he threaten him with death , not deserving the same , & c ? Then the Suoldiers thronging about him beating their swords and targets , gave a shout , as approving his speech . So the Governour , returning the common Souliders answer , appointed every man to his charge , ordering all things for defence of the City . Scanderbeg smiling at the common Souldiers answer , said . He is a Valiant Souldier , if his deeds be answerable to his speeches : but if my force fail 〈◊〉 , I will make him happy among the happy Ghosts of Stellusa : and commanding the Governour to be brought with the other , some forsaking Mahometism were baptized . 〈◊〉 with the rest were put to death in sight of the Garrison Souldiers , shouting from the wall and railing on the Christians . Winter now grown on , he left 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with 3000 Souldiers , to keep in the Turks at 〈◊〉 , and defend Epirus borders , till a more convenient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Croia , when in a little above a month he had recovered his Kingdom 〈◊〉 being also ere long delivered by composicion : during this time he slept 〈◊〉 above 2 hours in a night ; fighting alwaies with his arme bare , the blood oft 〈◊〉 out of his lips . 〈◊〉 written , he slew 3000 Turks with his own hands in his wars against them . After he had wrung his inheritance from Amurath , he overran part of Macedonia , making incursions into the heart of the 〈◊〉 , so 〈◊〉 his Souldiers , that they desired no 〈◊〉 pay : it beginning to be a proverb , that the spoil of Amurath's Dominions was Scanderbeg's revenews . Amurath ( troubled with 〈◊〉 wars ) at first seemed not greatly to account of it , though inwardly grieved at the heart . But seeing no end to be expected of these miseries , he sent 〈◊〉 's Bassa with 40000 〈◊〉 Souldiers , to subdue Epirus . This replenished the Turks with such hope of Victory , that the Souldiers before setting forth , were contending for division of the 〈◊〉 . Fame also filled Epirus with great fear of Alis his coming . The Country fleeing into strong Cities fortyfied the same , watching and warding , the aged commended them and theirs to God , and the Souldiers courage , with 〈◊〉 . Scanderbeg was nothing moved , having ( as was supposed ) 〈◊〉 from Friends in Court of all Amurath's designes . Out of all the 〈◊〉 that repaired to him at Croia in Epirus , from 〈◊〉 Princes , &c. besides 〈◊〉 Voluntiers , he chose onely 8000 horse , and 7000 〈◊〉 , and placing some few in frontier Garrisons , at which his friends , yea and enemies marvelled . With which 〈◊〉 , marching to Dibria , after encouraging his Souldiers , he encamped in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , where the Bassa must needs passe . In which wood , he placed Gnee and Amessa with 3000 , to stand close , till he had joyned battle with the Bassa , then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forth upon his 〈◊〉 Who 〈◊〉 near 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 that night , making great shew of 〈◊〉 , with great fires : whereas in 〈◊〉 Campe all was silent , and no shew of fire , which made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the more carelesse . Next morning 〈◊〉 placing 3000 horse and foot in the left 〈◊〉 , and the like in the right , himself led the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : The 〈◊〉 ward was 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then 〈◊〉 , &c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 charged with a 〈◊〉 troope of 〈◊〉 who retired that the Christians ( hastily pursuing ) might disorder their battle . But Scanderbeg perceiving the Bassa's meaning , all was kept in good order . So the wings beginning a 〈◊〉 , Scanderbeg 〈◊〉 charged the Bassa with his main battle . But those in the wood suddenly issuing upon the Turks rear , made great slaughter , and forced many to flee . The Bassa's best Souldiers placed nearest himself , renewed the 〈◊〉 , almost lost . Scanderbeg's fortune was even 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 : till Uranocontes receiving the wearied into the reare , brake thorow the Bassa's Army with fresh troopes brought thence , with such slaughter , that he made way for all the rest . The Turks discomfited , fled , whom the Christians fiercely pursuing , slew of them 22000 , 2000 taken prisoners , 24 Turks Ensigns ; of the Christians were slain not past 120. Scanderbeg making his 7000 foot horsemen , with the Turks horses , entred far into Macedonia ; filling his Souldiers with wealth , and sparing nothing from fire and sword . Ali● with the remainder returning to Hadrianople , was charged by Amurath of cowardise and indiscretion . Whereof clearing himself by rehearsal of his former Victories , and the testimony of the Captaines present in battle , he was again received into favour . Amurath overthrown , first by Hunu●des , now by Scanderbeg , and elsewhere beset that he knew not which way to turn , fell into such a Melancholy passion , that he was about to execute himself , had not Cali Bassa ( by whose perswasion , he yielded to desire peace of Uladislaus , using the Despot a mean therein ) comforted his dying spirits . The Despot at first smally credited what the Embassadours told him , till better perswaded , he so wrought especially with Huniades , that Amurath departing withall his forces out of Servia , restored it to the Despot , delivering him his 2 sons , whom , bereft of sight , he had long kept in prison . That thenceforth he should not claim Moldavia , nor that part of Bulgaria lost in the last Wars . Not to molest any part of Hungaria , during the time : and to pay 40000. Duckats for Carambey's ransome : a Peace was for 10 years concluded , and by solemn Oath on both parts confirmed . This was the honourablest Peace ever before made with any Turk , and most profitable , had it been sincerely kept . Amurath now converted all his forces against the Caramanian King , injuring him whilst busied in the Hungarian Wars . The Caramanian not daring to meet him , nor trust to any his strong holds , fortified himself in the mountaines . Amurath made great spoile , taking great booties in his Country , at last hardly 〈◊〉 Iconium . Whereupon he sent Embasladours with his wife , Amurath's sister , to intreat for Peace , offering him the double tribute , and his son in hostage . Amurath granting him Peace returned : In this War Amurath's Eldest son died with a fall from his horse , ( hawking ) to his great grief : Who old , and thorowly wearied with Wars , &c. sending for his son Mahomet but 15 years old , resigned to him his Kingdome , appointing Cali Bassa and one , 〈◊〉 his trusty Counsellours . So with Hamze Beg , departing to Magnesia , he gave himself to a Monastery life amongst certain Turkish Monks . Many Mahometan and Christian Princes , sorry for the peace between Uladislaus and the Sultan , thinking that War's prosecution would have been the utter ruine of the Turkish Kingdome , sought by all means to induce 〈◊〉 to break the solemn league , especially John the Greek Emperour , remembring him of the confederacy made with other Christian Princes against the common enemy of Christianity , that he ( rejecting divers offers of Amurath for Peace ) was ready with the other Princes , to joyn his forces with his , if he would ; which he could not do in a better time : Amurath having drawn his greatest forces into Asia , and betaken himself to a private life : requesting 〈◊〉 not to leave them a prey to the Turk . who when he thought himself safe from the Hungarians , would invade them . Then also letters came from the Cardinal of Florence General of the Fleet , declaring how Amurath leaving almost none in Europe , was gone into Asia : that he was ( according to promise ) come to the straits of Hellespont to embarre his passage out of Asia : Both these letters being 〈◊〉 in the Council , the King with all the Hungarian Nobility , were never more sorry or ashamed for any thing , than the late league with Amurath , &c. whilst they stood wavering , Julian the Legat , an enemy to Peace , and by his place next to the King disswaded them , That they entred a League with the Turk an Infidel , 〈◊〉 violate their faith with the Christians , and break the holy League made with the great Bishop , and other confederate Princes , that they might recover 〈◊〉 long before destroyed ; verily a small and woful profit , &c. Did they not in his presence ( and he the Author ) willingly make a League with the Italians and Greeks , that the one should meet them with aid out of 〈◊〉 : the other with a great Fleet to come 〈◊〉 Hellespont ? If they made it , why made they not another with the Turks , or by what right can they keep the same , being made ? This second League is to be broken , which except they do , be feared , as Judas betrayed Christ , they may seem to betray his Vicar , &c. And what would they answer to the 〈◊〉 Emperour , who had ( with the first ) taken the field , and expecteth but their coming ? What would they answer the great Bishop ? What the Venetians & Genowaies whose Fleet is ready ? What the Burgundians , who for zeal passing the Ocean , by many dangers now flore in Hellespont ? That they promised the first of the Spring to be in field , and now their Souldiers both in Spring & Summer play . That some perhaps would blame him for suffering it with the rest : he was indeed present , but as much as in him was , he 〈◊〉 it might not be , &c. That he was overcome by the wisdom and authority of Huniades , and compassion of the 〈◊〉 , &c. that having made restitution of Servia and the Captives , what remained but to repair their Army , and keep their first League ? and to say that Uladislaus after his League with the Greek and Latin Princes , could not without their 〈◊〉 conclude any thing , especially with enemies of Christian 〈◊〉 , &c. That a just and lawful 〈◊〉 is to he religiously kept , but that which ten 〈◊〉 not only to a private but publick destruction , ought to be frustrate . That before their faithless dealing were farther spread , not to violate their faith , ( for the good of the Christian Commonweal ) given , to prosecute the expedition , by common consent taken in hand : To deliver the Christian Provinces oppressed with Turkish servitude , and not to deceive the worlds expectation conceived of them , than which nothing can be more dishonourable : not to suffer so fit an occasion to slip away ; but requesting them above all things , to march forward with their victorious forces into Macedonia and Thracia . In conclusion , speaking of the great Bishop's authority , he in his name , disanulled the League , absolving them from the Oath : which so contented the King , and the rest , that a Decree was made to continue the League with their confederates , and to prosecute the wars against the Turks . To which unfortunate Decree , both the Despot and Huniades easily consented , the one in hopes of the Wars good success , the other with desire of Bulgaria , promised and ( as some say ) assured by Charter to him , by Uladislaus . Of this breach notice was speedily given to the Greek Emperour and the Florentine Cardinal , lest , hearing of the Peace concluded , they should alter or desist from their purposes . The Turk being ignorant hereof , had withdrawn all Garrisons out of Servia , and other places agreed upon , restoring them to the Despot and others ; freeing a number of Captives and the Despot's two Sons . Yet Uladislaus ( through Huniades ) detained some strong holds in Servia , for which the Despot ever grudged against Huniades . As Uladislaus was preparing his Forces , the fame of Scanderbeg was grown great , every man speaking of him honour and praise ; Whereupon Uladislaus by consent of his nobility , dispatching Embassadours to him with Letters , certifying of his purpose to root out the Turks in that Common Cause , praying his aid to this purport ; That as he seemed to him above all other Princes , accomplished with all perfections of body and mind , so to be endowed with some Divine and wonderful fortune , under whose good conduct , not only Epirus may think it self secure ; but the other Nations also , lately by the 〈◊〉 Kings dismembred from Macedons Realm , may recover their ancient Laws and Liberties . For what can be more glorious than this victory obtained by the utter discomfiture of Alis Bassa ? But now there offers unto him an object of far greater glory , with a fit occasion to revenge injuries of Amurath both new and old : also the publick calamities , and opprobrious disgraces against the Christian Religion in general , now oppressed , if he would succour him in this extremity of affairs : whereto all the Princes of Hungarie , and Polonia &c. Julian the Cardinal 〈◊〉 him , with those couragious Christians with them , wishing for nothing more than the presence of his victorious Ensigns : which occasion , if he 〈◊〉 not , would be a mean to drive the Turk quite out of Europe , &c. That the flame hath well near consumed them all , whilst none thought it would come near himself . That there is no house-wife or Matron in Hungary , not in some measure partaker of this heavinesse . That the Christian Princes hear of this , yet the misery of their Allies can nothing move them : Only Eugenius Bishop of Rome , and Philip of Burgundy , have not refused to bear part of the burthen . That albeit 〈◊〉 was not ignorant how ill at leasure he might be to take such an expedition in hand ; yet it should not withhold him assuring him , that as it could not be but to him most honorable , so this present desert should not be bestowed on ungrateful men . Scanderbeg liking well this motion : by the general consent of the Albanian Princes his Allies , promised the King by Letters ( in good time ) to be present with him , with 30000 Souldiers ; which Letters being dispatched , he ( beginning to levy his sorces ) joyned 15000 no lesse valiant , to the 15000 which discomfited Alis : so setting forward with the Vows and hope of all his loving Subjects . But at Servia's borders , he found the strait and difficult passages shut up by George the Despot ( a Christian only in name ) who but lately restored by 〈◊〉 help , now in favour of the Turks quarrel , and in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Huniades , did this . Scanderbeg complained to him of the wrong , &c. requesting if but for the common Cause of Christianity to give him ( as to his friend ) passage ; and not perpetually to stain himself &c. But what availeth requests ? Scanderbeg resolved to open his way by force , though it much grieved him , &c. But the while , 〈◊〉 prickt forward by Julian the Cardinal , or his own destiny , assembling a great Army ; yet far inferiour to that he had the year before from Segedinum ( in the beginning of November ) came to Nicopolis in Bulgaria , whose Suburbs he 〈◊〉 refreshing his people thereabouts , and mustering his Army ; Dracula the Vayuod of Ualachia , ( of great experience ) considering the King 's small number , said , He had learned to deem aright , by his own harms , of the Sultan's power , &c. perswading him not to expose his small forces to so manifest perill , in such an unseasonable time ; but reserve to a fitter opportunity . This Counsel was thought wholsome ; but the Cardinal , extolling the last years victory , with promises of aid from the Pope , & Constantinopolitans , and others , &c. perswaded the King that Dracula his speech proceeded on a superficial judgment , 〈◊〉 regarding the Kings strength from his friends , or in regard of a League , lately made betwxt him & the Turk . The Prince seeing his Counsel not so well taken as it was meant : doubted , whether to leave him to his fortune , 〈◊〉 ( casting off the Turkish League ) to joyn with him ; but , at length resolved , he 〈◊〉 to the King , That he prayed the hope of his friends help failed him nor at his need , &c. that his resolution , which he could not by perswasion alter he would ( as times suddenness ) and his ability permited gladly further , and so presented to him his Son with 4000 horsemen ; preferring also to him two lusty young men , perfect guides , with two horses of incredible swiftness , and with standing tears , said , Take this small gift in good part , &c. I pray God they be given in vain ; yet if necessity shall force thee to use them ; thou shalt find them serviceable . Uladislaus marching towards Thracia , took many places by the way , the Turks yielding for fear ; coming to Sumium and Pezechium , the Garrisons stood upon their guard ; but besieging and taking them by assault , he put 5000 Turks to the sword . The Bassaes terrified , requested Amurath to leave his obscure life , and to levy his greatest power in Asia , for defence in Europe ; blaming him for committing the Government to so young a Prince as Mahomet , many great ones scorning to obey him : Amurath ( awaked left his Cloyster ) speedily gathering a strong Army , and finding Hellespontus Straits stopped by the Venetians and Pope's Galleys , was at his wits end . But at Bosphorus Straits , he found conveyance : some write , he payed the Gennoways for passage , a Duckat for a Turk , amounting to 100000 Duckets : Others affirm , by bribing the Defendants of the passage . Being got over , he , joyning his Asian and European forces , in 7 daies encamped within 4 miles of Varna in Bulgaria , whither Uladislaus , hearing of his coming had retired , having taken it but a little before , with others on the Sea-coast . And , before in hope he could not possibly find passage , consulted now with his Commanders , what course to take ; many were so discouraged with the fame of his coming , they advised him to return , and not oppose so small an Army , against such a world of people reported . But others , chiefly 〈◊〉 , said , It was not for his honour , first to invade , and to turn his back upon the first report of their coming , wishing him rather to remember the good fortune of his former wars ; that he learned ( by experience ) not to be moved with the enemies multitude , &c. Whereupon the King resolved to try the fortune of the field : And committing the ordering of all his forces to Huniades he carefully disposed the 〈◊〉 , guarding one side with a marsh , the other with carriages , the rear with a steep hill , that the Army could not be compassed with the 〈◊〉 of their enemies . The Turks approaching , began to skirmish , which fight was long maintained with a 〈◊〉 fortune , the ground being covered and stained : with dead bodies and blood : At length , joyning closer , Huniades had with his Transilvanian and Ualachian horse , put to flight both the Turkish wings , so that Amurath was about to flee , had he not by a Souldier holding the Reins of his Bridle , been stayed . The Captains and Prelats encouraged by Huniades his successe foolishly left their appointed 〈◊〉 , pursuing disorderly ; nor gone far they were hardly encountred by a party of Turks in a valley fast by . Lesco one of the most valiant Hungarians was slain ; the Bishop of Veradium that first disordered the battel , 〈◊〉 thorow a Fenne , after strugling with his horse , was strangled in the mud ; The Bishop of Agria , was then lost , with many Church-men : The Cardinal with others retiring 〈◊〉 their standings , and assailed by the Turks , they were by the King and Huniades coming , with great slaughter forced to retire . Amurath ( in extream danger ) beholding the Crucifix in the voluntary Christians Ensigns , plucked forth the writing of the late League , and holding it up with eys to Heaven said , Behold thou crucified Christ , this is the League thy Christians have without cause 〈◊〉 . If thou be a God , &c , shew thy power upon thy 〈◊〉 people , who in their deeds deny thee . The King ( in heat ) hardly perswaded by Huniades , to return from the bloody pursuit , coming to the Camp , found Julian and others overcharged with the Turks , who there fought couragiously backt by the Amurath's last refuge . There began a most cruel fight , many slain on both sides . The victory stood long doubtful : at length the Turks shrunk back , where the King and Huniades fought ; But in the left side they so prevailed , the Christians were ready to flee , which Huniades perceiving , speedily with his presence there , restored the battel ; then returning to the King , who repulsing a number of Turks , was come to the Janizaries . There was a 1000 deaths to be seen , &c. in which confnsion young Uladislam brake in among them ; then also Amurath ( by a French Knight ) was wounded with a Pike , and asfailed with his fword , but being speedily rescued , the Knight was slain , and performing all parts of a worthy Souldier , his horse being slain , he was forthwith slain , and his head , struck off by Ferizes , was presented to Amurath ; who on a Launces point , proclaiming it the head of the Christian King , the Christians discouraged therewith , fled . Huniades after vain attempts to rescue the Kings body , gave place to necessity , fleeing over the Mountains into woods , thence got over into Ualachia , and imprisoned by Dracula , as some write ; who after enlargement , aiding Danus against him and his Son , they were slain ; and Danus put in his room . Julian the Cardinal was found by the way side half stripped , and mortally wounded , sharply reproved by Gregory Sanose , as author of that perfidious war. Many fleeing Christians were slain ; but more drowned in the Fenns , perishing by cold and hunger in woods , or fell at length into Turkish slavery . The number slain in this battel was great as the little hills raised of bones & bodies do 〈◊〉 declare . Most agree , that scarce a third of the Christians Army escaped . The Turks multitude was made lesse by ( at least ) 30000 ; For Amurath very sad , answered those demanding why he was no merrier after such a victory , That he wished not at so great a price to gain many such . Yet he erected a Pillar where the King was 〈◊〉 , inscribing all that was done . This battel was fought near 〈◊〉 , ( a place fatal to many Warriers ) Novemb. 10. 1444. Some impute this losse to Huniades's fleeing out of the battel with 10000 horse , but it seemeth to be devised to excuse the Clergies foul dealing , the report not agreeing with his noble disposition . Amurath returning to Hadrianople , and solemnly burying the body of the Vice-Roy 〈◊〉 Europe slain in the battel , resigned his Kingdom , again to Mahomet , living a solitary life , at Magnesia , vowing so to do in the fear of the late battel ; but after a short time , he returned to Hadrianople , resuming the Government to the great discontent of his ambitious Son. Scanderbeg yet in Servia's Borders , hearing what happened to the Hungarians was exceedingly grieved , resolving to return into Epirus ; yet breaking into the Despots Country , he did exceeding harm . Returning home , he relieved many Hungarians and 〈◊〉 escaped from the slaughter , and repairing to him , providing to Ragusa , thence to return into their Countries . Thus was Scanderbeg by the Despot's treachery , stayed from being at the bloudy battel of Varna , to the unspeakable losse of the Christian 〈◊〉 . Of the two , Huniades was accounted the better Commander , and the more politick , for his greater years : which was well countrevailed by Scanderbeg's good fortune , and by experience afterwards gotten . Amurath was exceedingly moved at Scanderbeg's proceedings , and his great harms in Macedonia , &c. yet still dreading the Hungarians ; himself ( through years ) desirous of rest , and the young years of his Son Mahomet , with Scanderbeg's fortune , and Huniades , his malice , he proved by Letters ( mixt with threats and feigned courtesies to draw him into some peace for a time , to be the better revenged at leasure ) shewing that he never wanted preferments , to 〈◊〉 on him most unkind Scanderbeg ; 〈◊〉 now he had so highly offended him , he knew not what 〈◊〉 words to use unto him , &c. that it grieved him to rehearse his manifold and horrible treasons , &c. if his mind would suffer them to be covered with silence ; yet he thought good to advertize him , lest his heat ( when he had lost himself ) should overthrow him with his unlucky Kingdom ; Did he think his late outrages should escape his revenging hands ? that he ( gracelesse man ) should amend , and not farther expect , whether his indignation will break out : that the allurements of his good fortune should not so puff up his foolish desires , &c. that his misery afterwards may move even his greatest enemies , or himself , to compassion ; that he should remember his courtesies , and make him no longer sorry , that he so ill bestowed the same ; That , letting passe his souls health , which he esteemed as nothing , and 〈◊〉 Laws by him despised ; What had he ever wanted at his hands of all things most delighting mens desires ? &c. For all these benefits , that , he shewed himself but a very 〈◊〉 brought up in his own bosome . But the love of his Countrey moved him : which if he had asked , would he have denied him ? which he often proffered unto him ; but he had rather gain it by treachery , than receive it from him by 〈◊〉 . That he now pardoned him all , chiefly for that the time he faithfully served him , was longer than the time of offending him . That his Fathers Kingdom he gives unto him , on condition of restoring him the other Towns of Epirus ; by himself honourably won . That , restoring all taken from the Prince of Servia , and recompencing him for other harms ; and never violating any his friends , or aiding his enemies , he should eyer stand in his favour as before : That he knew his strength , and had before his eyes the Hungarian fortune . That he might conferr with Airadin his trusty Messenger , to understand more : to write at large what he intended to do . Scanderbeg knowing the old Fox wrought nothing simply of good meaning , he called 〈◊〉 unto him and after many publick and private discourses , to sound his meaning , &c. he shewed him the strength of his Camp , that the crafty Messenger might not think he was afraid of his Master . Then complaining of Amurath's dealing against his Father , Brethren , and himself , he sent him away with such a writing , That , as Amurath had exceeded him in many courtesies , so he would now exceed him in temperate speech : that his Letters and Messenger , gave him more occasion of smile than choller : whilst ( at first ) accusing him of ingratitude and treason , he presently seemed 〈◊〉 of his souls health , himself being a defender of a most damnable errour , and as a conquerour to a vanquished enemy , propounding many conditions , which he scorned to hear . That he imputed his rayling to his great age , way ward nature , and conceived grief , &c. Yet wherefore did he so exclaim against him ? Did he call his needful departing a treachery , his native Countrys recovering a villany ? That if Amurath's kindnesse toward him were compared with his miseries , his good deserts would be overwhelmed with his greater tyrannies : That he took away his Fathers Kingdom , murdered his brethren , vowed him to death when he little feared it , &c. How long did he think he would endure his insolent bondage ? which yet he many years endured , not refusing his commands &c. That simply believing his words and deeds to be void of fraud , when his cankered malice , began apparently to shew it self , he also glosed with him , till he found occasion ro recover his liberty ; yet these are but trifles to what he had laid up in hope and resolution : therefore ceasing his threats , he shou'd not tell him of the Hungarian fortune , &c. Amurath herewith ( and conferring with Airadin ) was filled with wrath ; yet to give no token of fear , stroking often his beard , ( as when thoroughly angry ) chearfully dissembling , he said , Thou desirest ( wicked man ) some honourable death ; We will give it thee . Wee will be present at the burial of our 〈◊〉 child , &c. Thou shalt not complain , thou diedst an obscure death . And because of many then great occurrents , he sent Ferises with 9000 choise horsmen to keep Scanderbeg in doing , and spoyl his Countrey what he could . For all whose haste , Scanderbeg hearing thereof , placed 1500 footmen in ambush on the mountains leading into the valley of Novea , and 2000 horsemen , as he thought most fit . Ferizes descending those woody and bushy mountains by broken and stony waies , was set upon by the foot , suddenly arising : 760 Turks were in this conflict taken , a number slain , and Ferises with the rest fleeing , cryed still out , Better some saved than all lost . Scanderbeg pursuing him into Macedonia , rewarded his Souldiers with its spoyl , Amurath grieved , presently sent Mustapha with a supply of 6000 to take Ferises charge ; in no case to enter far , but to burn and spoyl Epirus frontiers , accounting it good service , if but the trees and fruits had felt his anger . Mustapha ( by continual Scouts ) warily entred the Valley of Novea , entrenching upon the rising of a hill , placing espialls on the mountains tops , to give notice of the enemy by signs ; reserving 4000 horse in his Camp , he sent about 9000 to forrage and spoil : charging every one ( on pain of death ) to retire thither upon sign given . The Turkish Army making havock of all that fire and sword could destroy ; Scanderbeg drawing near the Valley was advertized ( by a wounded Epirot Souldier ) of all the enemies doings ; who considering Mustapha's wary proceedings , resolved , by force , suddenly to afsault him in his trenches , before his Souldiers could return to the Camp : and speedily entring the Valley , was discovered by the espialls , giving a sign to the Camp , whence it was given to the dispersed Souldiers : most of whom being strayed and busied in spoyl , heard or saw it not . Scanderbeg's Souldiers following those that heard it , ( and terrifying them with his name ) many were slain in entring the Camp with their booties , and the Turks trenches presently assaulted , and they beaten from their top ; which won , all their Camp was filled with fear and slaughter , being come to 〈◊〉 mell . Mustapha , put to the worst , fled by the part furthest from the enemy ; the rest fleeing , shifted as they could ; 5000 Turks were slain , but 300 taken by the enraged Christians : Scanderbeg losing but 20 horse , and 50 foot . The Turks in the Countrey ( misdoubting ) fled also , many being pursued and slain . Mustapha , to excuse the misfortune to Amurath , greatly commended Scanderbeg's courage , and wonderful skill , and said , To send such small Armies , was but to increase his glory , and the Turks infamy , &c. Wherefore Amurath determined for a time to suffer him to live in peace : yet commanding Mustapha to renew his Army , for defence of his borders towards Epirus ; but in no case to invade any thereof , or to joyn battel with Scanderbeg . Now also the Peloponesians ( building 5 strong Castles in a wall , with deep trenches on Corinth's strait from Sea to Sea , 6 miles long ) began to deny the yearly tribute payed to the Turk , and to invade such Princes of Achaia , content still to be his tributaries : of whom , the Prince of Athens , and the Governour of Thessaly continually incensed him against them : who coming ( though Winter ) into Achaia , most Grecians were fled for fear , into Peloponesus . Coming to the Isthmus where Corinth sometime stood , he there encamped ; but perceiving them to stand on their guard , he battering the wall 4 daies , brake thorough with his Army . The Grecians fleeing , some to one strong hold some to another , the Turks spoyled that rich and pleasant Country at pleasure : selling the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at a vile price . Amurath sacrificing 600 captives to his Fathers Ghost : and imposing yearly tribute on the Peloponesians & other Greek Princes , yielding again unto him , he in his return took the Cities , Patras 〈◊〉 Sicyane . This was 1445. Amurath now old , was content to take rest at Hadrianople : during which time , Mahomet's Son was born in 1446. The Hungarians loosing Uladislaus , chose Ladislaus Albertus his posthume Son , their King. But he being but 5 years old , it was thought necessary to choose some worthy man ( during his minority ) for the Government and protection of so turbulent a Kingdom : many were well thought of , but the glory and valour of Huniades procured to him , that by the general consent of all the States , he was ( with great 〈◊〉 of the people ) chosen and proclaimed Governour , quietly spending some years in deciding controversies in indifferent administration of justice , ending many controversies far from the place of judgment , dispatching many weighty matters , sitting , going , standing , riding , alwaies affable as well to the poorer sort as others : in peace , providing for war : above all , so dexterously careful of the Nobilities agreement , that he was of them and others generally beloved and feared . Being advertized ( the mean time ) that Amurath was raysing great forces ( as the fame went ) for Hungaries invasion ; for withstanding thereof in his 4th year of government in 1448 , with most of the Nobles and the Waiwod of Valachia , he set forward against him with 22000 choise 〈◊〉 . Travelling thorow Valachia and getting over Danubius into Servia , he requested the 〈◊〉 , ( as before ) to put 〈◊〉 into that war , and not to shew himself ungrateful to the Hungarians great benefits , &c. But he , for no Religion , and better affecting the Turk than Huniades , pretended the League he had with 〈◊〉 , the times unseasonableness , Autumn being past , with many other such : but his malice to Huniades , preferred before him in government , and disdaining to serve under his 〈◊〉 , caus'd his backwardness . Huniades ( angry ) threatned him if he returned with victory , to give his 〈◊〉 to a more worthy than he . So comming to Bulgaria , the Despot advertized Amurath of their comming and strength ; yea of every daies march : if he suffered them to come on further , and so get betwixt them and home , Huniades should hardly scape his hands . Amurath so suffering Huniades to do , came two or three daies march behinde him , that being stopped , he must needs fight . They being both come into the Plain of Cossova in Bulgaria , about 20 miles long , 5 broad , environed with mountains , &c. an old woman of a Village by the River fast by , where both Armies passed , cryed out aloud , Oh how much I fear the hard fortune of the Hungarians : whose passage troubled the River but a day , the Turks 3 ! Not far beyond a little hill in the Plain , was a certain Piramide Tower in memorial of Amurath I. there slain . Amurath fearing Huniades should take the Tower before him , and so become ominous , hasted the more to joyn battel before he should come thither . Huniades encamped at the rising hill , expecting Scanderbeg every hour ; wherefore Amurath provoked him to battel , cutting off his water and forrage to draw him thereto ; for he had about 80000 men . At length enforced to fight , upon Luke's day , dividing his Army into 32 battalions , he spake to them , That the day was come wherein they might revenge the dishonour in the battel of Varna : that although the enemy be moe in number ; yet in hope , 〈◊〉 , and strength , far inferiour , &c. That of their overthrow at Varna , he verily believed the angry powers from above ( to revenge their breach of faith ) was the cause rather than their cowardise ; for even there every one received the just guerdon of their treachery ; whereas they against their wills drawn into that war , by Goo's mercy , are yet preserved for defence of the Christians 〈◊〉 and especially of Hungary , &c. That God is alway present with them that ( in his just quarrel ) fight couragiously : thereunto being joyned their 〈◊〉 manner of fight , &c. their many notable 〈◊〉 forcible Engines , which the enemies have not : that they look for worthy Scanderbeg every hour : that the danger is not so great as to fear it , nor so little as to contemn it : That if the way back , were never so easie ; yet without doing what they came for , and glory with victory they might not retire . That they at Varna lost a devout King , by whose sacrifice , that divine anger is appeased : unto whose Ghost in this battel , he beseeched them to make an honourable sacrifice , not forgetting other worthy mens death . That this fear of the Turks is even this day to be cut off , as never to grow again , &c. Beseeching them them so to fight , as men resolutely set to overcome , or ( if otherwise ) honourably to dy . The hearers were greatly enflamed herewith , and by their own desires sufficiently encouraged . Neither did Amurath with lesse care , marshal and encourage his Army , which filled the Plain from side to side , to the Christians astonishment . Huniades sending both his wings down the hill , with certain light-horsmen before , and men at Arms betwixt them ; the Souldiers began at first to skirmish a far off ; but afterwards they fought foot to foot , and hand to hand about three hours : the Turks being ( at length ) put to the worst in both wings , Amurath sending strong supplies renewed the battel ; whereby the wearied Light-horsmen retired to the men at Arms , who easily repulsed the Turks ; many were slain , but far moe Turks , not so well horsed and armed as the Christians . Huniades much hurting them with the Artillery from the hill , Amurath drew as close thereto as he could out of the danger ; whereupon Huniades coming down , and sending supplies to both wings , encouraged them with chearful speech , and sometime with his valiant hand , &c. omitting nothing of a good General to be done , whereby the battel became in every place fierce and terrible . Amurath likewise , presuming on his multitude , hoped ( by continual sending fresh supplies , to weary his enemies , one battalian of the Hungarians being forced to weary 3 or 4 of the Turks : who were that day put to the worst , and often forced to retire ; yet was the battel still again renewed . The night ending this fight , both returned to their Trenches , purposing next day to renew the batrel : which began when scarce fair day ; the Hungarians not fighting with such courage as before ; for they had spent their strength the day before , whereas almost 40000 Turks not fought at all , or but lightly skirmished . Huniades exhorted his Souldiers , that remembring how many thousands of their enemies they slew the day before , not now to give over ; for that , they were to be thought worthy of honour , not who began , but who ended honourable actions : wishing them to set before them the calamities like to ensue , if they should ( as cowards ) be overcome , &c. Amurath also , promising and threatning his , perswaded them rather to endure any thing , than ( by that daies overthrow ) to be 〈◊〉 out of Europe . After some skirmishes , it was fought with no lesse fury , than the day before : The slaughter being great , and the Hungarians force not to be withstood ; the Turks began with fresh horsemen to delude their fiercenesse , by turning their backs ( divers being slain by the eager pursuers ) ; And again ( on a signal given ) turning back upon them , well revenged their fellows deaths : wearying the Hungarians ( thus ) all day long . Many Hungarians were slain , and the Turks had the better that day : so ( at night ) both returned into their Trenches . By day dawn , the battel was again begun : Huniades his brother , with his Light-horsmen , first setting forward ; for some hours they fought with like hope , the Hungarians being chiefly slaughtered . Zechel Huniades Sisters Son , was in the front , the first of the leaders , 〈◊〉 : Marzalus and Bamffi there died also . Amurath seeing Zechel's Ensigns taken , and his Souldiers ( now di comfited ) turning their backs , commanded all the fresh Companies to issue forth , and overwhelm the few Christians , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 daies fight ; who breaking out , overthrew both the Christians wings , discomfited and put to 〈◊〉 the rest , with a great slaughter . Huniades , seeing the battel quite lost , fled also , leaving all for prey ; who following the 〈◊〉 with cruel execution , returned ( 〈◊〉 night ) to their Trenches . The rest compassing the Camp , were by the wounded Souldiers , Waggoners , &c. kept out so long as they had shot , but in the end were all slain , two or three Turks in many places lying dead by one Hungarian . Amurath to cover his losse , cast most of his common Souldiers into the River Schichniza ; for which the Inhabitants long abstained from eating fish therein taken . The plain laying covered ( for many years ) with mens bones , could not be ploughed , &c. Though the Turks had the victory , yet they lost 34000 at least , for 8000 Hungarians ; yet themselves report , The Christians lost 17000 , and themselves 40000. There fell most of the Hungarian Nobility . Many taken in chase , were by the angry Tyrant slain , of such as returned through Servia , few escaped , being either slain or stripped of all . Huniades travelling 3 daies without maet or drink , cast off his tired horse the fourth day ; and falling into the hands of two thieves , they spoyling him of apparel , strove for his golden Crucifix ; whereby ( laying hand on one of their swords ) he thrust him thorow , then putt the other to flight . Next day , he lighted upon a sturdy Shepheard roaming for prey , who strucken with his Majesty , at first stood at gaze , as did Huniades , fearing his so great weakness : after a while , the Shepheard asked him of his fortune . He craving something to eat , the Shepheard moved , and hoping of reward , caused bread and water to be set before him in a cottage , not far off , with Onions ; who would often say in his banquets , He 〈◊〉 fared better than with the Shepheard . Being conducted to 〈◊〉 , the 〈◊〉 caused him to be imprisoned ; who left he should deliver him to into Amurath's hands , yielded that all the strong Towns detained when he was restored by 〈◊〉 , should be delivered him , his youngest Son 〈◊〉 marry the Despots daughter , and other like ; requiring his eldest son in hostage for performance . Huniades comming to Segedinum , was honourably received by the Hungarians . Raysing suddenly a great Army , he invaded the Despots territorie in Hungary , destroying and burning , never resting till he got it into his power , and presently entered Rascia , where the Despots Embassadours met him with the hostage , craving peace : which at the Nobilities request , he granted , forgiving all wrongs , so returning into Hungary . Amurath , exceeding wroth with the Despot for freeing Huniades , sent , in 1449 , 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 , with a strong Army to invade Rascia , who fortifying Chrysonicum on the River Morava , destroyed with fire and sword far and near . The Despot dismaied , and wisting not what to do ; yet had rather 〈◊〉 any thing than the Turks bondage again , humbly ( and not without shame ) craved aid of Huniades : which the courteous Governour easily granted . And forthwith setting forward with a convenient power , he joyned with the Despot's power in Rascia . Marching on with expedition and in a thick mist , he was the fourth day upon the Turks before they were aware : who ( the mist breaking up ) discovering Huniades's dreadful Ensigns , speedily fled ; whom the Light-horsmen followed with bloudy execution all the day : Huniades with his men at Arms , following in good order . Fritzebeg , with most of the best Commanders were taken . Then Huniades entring Bulgaria burnt Budina its Metropolis to the ground . So clearing the Country of the Turks , and presenting all the prisoners to the Despot , he returned with triumph to Buda , to find no lesse trouble with the Bohemians , and some Hungarian Nobles , than he had with the Turks , to the Christian Commonweales great hurt . Mustapha lying still all this 〈◊〉 on Macedonia's borders , a great quarrel arose betwixt the Venetians and Scanderbeg , about the inheritance of 〈◊〉 Zachary murthered , which laying in Epirus frontiers , they claimed , holding the City Dayna against him : so that they were by him at the River Drine , 〈◊〉 in battel ; wherefore Mustapha would fain have taken his opportunity to enter the Countrey , but not daring to attempt it without his Master's leave , he giving him intelligence from time to time of those troubles , earnestly requested him to give him leave . The suspicious Sultan at length discharged of fear of the Hungarians , sent Mustapha Letters answerable to his desire , that his own valour should give him the glory of the wars he so desired , which he granted him ; yet , that he must deal warily with that enemy , and not rashly take up Arms , &c. Mustapha entred into Epirus , hoping in one battel to end the war : Of which Scanderbeg hearing ( then at Dayna siege ) from his frontier Garritons , commanded them to protract the time of encounter , till his coming . Then choosing 500 horse , and 1500 foot , ( old Souldiers ) he marched into the upper Dibria , leaving Amesa at the siege . Mustapha beginning to burn and spoyl , when he understood of Scanderbeg's coming , encamped at Oronoche , within two miles of him . Scanderbeg had in his Camp 4000 horse and 2000 foot , 300 of whom he left in the fortified Trenches . Whilst both Armies ranged in view of each other , expecting the signal , Caragusa a Turks man at Arms , in gallant furniture , issuing out , challenged to fight with any one of the Christian Army . At first , Scanderbeg's Souldiers 〈◊〉 still , looking one upon another : till one Paul Manessi accounted the best man at Arms there , with great courage and chearfulness , requested Scanderbeg , he might accept that challenge ; who commending him , willed him to set forward , for honour to himself , and example of the rest . Paul bravely armed , mounted to horse and riding forth , called to the Turk to make ready to fight . Caragusa required to stay a while , speaking unto him , That 〈◊〉 he had the honour of the day , he might by Law of Arms , carry away his rich spoyls , and dispose of his dead body : But if he should fall under him he required the same right and power , that none move out of either Army , to better either of their fortunes . Manessi answered , he agreed to those conditions , saying , Where the fierce soul yielded , all the rest ought to be Conquerours ; therefore he should fight fearlesse of any enemies but himself : that if he would give his dead body to his fellow Souldiers tears , yet Scanderbeg would not suffer a vanquished cowards carkase to be brought into his Camp. Caragusa marvelled at his resolution . Both Champions ( after confirmation of the combate-laws by the Generals ) being left alone betwixt the Armys , with all eys fixed on them , and withdrawing themselves for making their course , violently running together , Caragusa was at the first encounter strook thorough the head and slain , whose head Manessi striking off , returned ( with his armour and head ) victoriously to the Army , and was honourably commended , and rewarded by Scanderbeg . Scanderbeg and his men hereby encouraged , and the Turks dismayed , set himself first forward towards the enemy ; and had charged them , had not Mustapha with some disordered Troops , opposed himself , the Army faintly following , and at first encounter driven to retire , Mustapha earnestly calling on them to follow him , fiercely charged Scanderbeg's front , whom most of his principal Captains following , 〈◊〉 battel was for a while renewed . But Moses greatly prevailing in one part , the Turks fled . Mustapha with 12 chief ones being taken , of the common Souldiers few saved , 10000 Turks were slain , 15 Ensigns taken , but 300 Christians lost . All their Camp became a prey : yet Scanderbeg entring Macedonia , burnt and spoyled all he could do . Leaving 2000 horse , and 1000 foot , to defend his frontiers , he returned to Dayna siege . Amurath ( about the time of the Venetians making peace with Scanderbeg ) sent him presents , with 25000 Ducats for Mustapha and the others ransome , which he divided amongst his Souldiers : and leading his Army again into Macedonia , he made his Souldiers better pay with the spoyl ; and for the more harm , divided it into 3 parts , putting all the Turks coming in his way to the sword , leaving the Christians no more than their lives : utterly consuming the buildings with fire , in all that part bordering upon Epirus : that the Turks should find no relief to lay in Garrison , or invade it ; it was thought there was not enough left to relieve the Turks Army for a day . Amurath herewith exceedingly vexed , resolved to go in person with an Army , not to conquer Epirus , but if need were to fill every corner of it . None but the Bassa's of the Councel knew whither he imployed the same : which made the bordering Christian Princes prepare for their own assurance . But Scanderbeg easily perceived it to be made against him ; and the rather for Amurath's unaccustomed quietness , as if he had been in a 〈◊〉 sleep . It was thought also , he had intelligence from suspecting Courtiers , his friends ; wherefore setting all things apart , he first advertized his neighbour Princes of that 〈◊〉 danger , Amurath seeking the destruction of them all ; and therefore to stand fast on their guard . Then he sent Moses and others , to take the Souldiers and all provision possible , himself not resting till he left nothing in the Countrey for the enemies cruelty . Most of the people with their substance , were received into the strong Cities : the rest into the Venetian and other Princes Countreys , till this sury was overpast ; all able to bear Arms , were commanded to Croia , out of which multitude Scanderbeg those only 1000 old Souldiers , with whom he purposed to encounter the Turks , as he saw occasion , and placing 1300 in Croia , whose Citizens were furnished with all weapons , and provision to defend the City : Proclamation was made , that all aged men with women and children , should depart , &c. Croia being the chief City , Scanderbeg had the greater care for its defence . All was full of weeping and wailing at the departure of this weak company , no house , no street , no part of the City was without mourning , &c. In the midst of these passions commandement came from Scanderbeg , That they must now depart , that the Souldiers might take their charge . Then began sorrows afresh , with pitious screeching and tears , and departing set their feet ( many times ) they wist not where , for desire of looking back upon the City ; who were conveighed into Venetian Cities , and other places , whither all , not before received into strong Cities , resorted with their substance , and nothing left in all Epirus but the ground . After this , Scanderbeg stored Croia with all needful things , giving to every Souldier a small reward ; and placing vatiant 〈◊〉 Governour thereof . And exhorting them ( in few words ) couragiously to endure the siege , not listening to Amurath's charms , departing to his Army ( within view ) marched towards Dibria . Not gone far , he met Moses with a gallant Troop coming from Sfetigrade , which strong City was Scanderbeg's second care , it standing first in the Tyrant's way . Moses , having there set all in like order , placed politique Peter Perlat Governour with a strong Garrison chosen out of all Dibria , accounted the best men of war in Epirus , Scanderbeg delivering him prepared-forces , sent him with divers others to take order for defence of other Cities and Castles , every man having his charge . Himself with a small Troop , went to Sfetigrade ; where , all the Souldiers assembled in the Market-place , he spake unto them , That a fairer occasion could not be presented unto brave minds , than that which now caused them to take up Arms , which they had hitherto borne for their Kingdoms honour ; 〈◊〉 now they must fight for their lives , liberty , &c. That Amurath's first pastage would be this way that the first fruits of this war is theirs : that if they bear couragious hearts , they might beat down the haughty enemies strength , and discourage his high conceits ; who will not lay long here , except the way-ward old man will foolishly gage all his forces ; for such is the scituation and strength of this City , that it may easily set at naught an angry enemy . Therefore to resolve with themselves , &c. That it seldom chanceth fortune to fail sound advice or vertue : and they had all things which politick care could provide sor their safety , that they might be encouraged with the very sight one of another , and himself would not be far off , a silent beholder and encourager of their vertue ; where ( though he might not try this wars fortun in plain field ) yet he would trouble the enemies designs with many a hot skirmish : that he will first feed their hardiness with his base Souldiers blood , the easier to entrap and oppresse their rashness ; but his crafty devices are by great policy and consideration to be frustrated . For that victory should be to him lamentable , bought with Souldiers blood , &c. That if they suffered not themselves to be conquered of the Sultan , he would praise and honour his subjects as conquerours . Having thus encouraged their minds , he visited other Cities , returning to his Army near Croia . Amurath the mean time , his Army of 150000 was assembled at Hadrianople , whereof many were pioniers , &c. He sending 40000 Light-horsmen before him , to encamp before the City , Scanderbeg with 4000 horse & 1000 foot took his way towards Sfetigrade , strongly encamping within 7 miles thereof ; whence with Moses and Tanusius , he went by blind waies , till from the top of a hill he might discover how the enemy lay encamped ; returning back , he the night following , drawing as near the Turks as he could , placed his Army in the Woods and Valleys unperceived : Then he sent Moses and Musache , with 30 of the best horsemen , as if but common Souldiers , driving horses laden with Corne , by a by-way , and secretly , to 〈◊〉 into the City . Being discovered and set upon , they fled on purpose : but Moses seeing themselves 〈◊〉 but with a like number ; returning back , he slew five , chasing the rest to the Campe : whose Genetall sending 〈◊〉 horse to pursue them , they soon recovered sight of them , Moses of purpose slowly hastening ; the Turks drawing nigh , Moses leaving the Horses , fled ; yet drawing them on , till brought where the Army lay in 〈◊〉 , by whom being with great slaughter put to flight , 2000 were slain , and 1000 Horses taken , but 22 Christians being lost . Amurath came 8 dayes after , the beginning of May , 1449. and encamping his baser 〈◊〉 at the foot of the Hill , himself lay with his 〈◊〉 , &c. farther off ; After one day , he towards evening sent a Meslenger to the City to speak with the Governour , whom he requested the Souldiers might goe further off , having something to say to him in 〈◊〉 ; Perlat merrily answering , said , He had not learned to hear any message from his Enemy by night , not at any time else out of the Garrisons hearing ; tomorrow if thy Master please , I will heare thee at large , commanding him to depart from the Walls . Amurath more hoping to gaine the City by large offers , than by great force , dissembled his wrath , sending that Messenger with a grave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Epirus , who with 5 men , being received into the City , and brought into Maries Temple , where after insinuating eloquence , he augmented the terrour of Amurath's power ; exhorting them to yield the City : promising the Citizens to live in all respects , as under Scanderbeg before : that Perlat should have most honourable preferments , with many rich gifts ; the Souldiers safely to depart whither they would , and 300000 〈◊〉 among them . But the Governour replied , That , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 had not been delivered to resolute men , it might 〈◊〉 have wrought some effect , &c. But since no ill 〈◊〉 of Scanderbeg's , nor good desert of Amuraths , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Stranger before their naturall Prince had passed , &c. his Master should first proceed in his action , 〈◊〉 down their Walls , make havock of their men , &c. But it were almost to be laughed at , if they should cowardly accept of these conditions before any assault given , &c. that Amurath had better get back to Hadrianople to spend his old years in quiet , and not provoke them his fatall enemies , &c : that he would never forget his faith given , to the last drop of blood ; 't was reward enough to him , if living , to defend the City , or loosing life to leave his guiltlesse soule at liberty , &c. Then 〈◊〉 the Bassa , he led him thorow the City on purpose to shew him the store of Victualls : So sending him away much discontented , to his Master : who exceeding wroth , 〈◊〉 the City three dayes together , and making a small breach , he gave a most terrible assault by his common Souldiers the Asapi , thereby to give easier Victory to his Janizaries and better Souldiers : whilst these are slaine by 〈◊〉 at the breach , the Janizaries attempted the Wall in another place , who first difficultly crawling up the steep Rock , then mounting their Scaling ladders , they were with huge stones , &c. 〈◊〉 down to the bottom , and miserably slain . Many with their Scaling ladders were thrust from the Wall , carrying others behind them , with them . Some taking hold of the Battlements , lost fingers , hands , most their lives . Many farther off , were wounded also with 〈◊〉 . The Turks discouraged , began to withdraw : but , the Captains by exhorting and threatning some , and beating others , the assault was renewed , not with such courage , yet no lesse slaughter : the defendants shouting from the Walls . Amurath sent Feri Bassa with 3000 chosen Souldiers to renew the fight : who without regard of danger brought them to the Walls , whom the defendants overwhelmed with Stones , Timber , Wild-fire , &c. Yet Feri Bassa slew divers , and had not the Governour with a fresh company , speedily come to the place , had entered . Amurath seeing the great slaughter , and no hope , retired into his Campe : Yet not ceasing to give the like vaine attempt , The Captaine of the Janizaries perceiving a part of the City , seeming impregnable , to be commonly but slenderly manned ; told Amurath he would assay it secretly by night : wherewith the King pleased , it was silently put in execution . The Governour advertised hereof by the watch , repaired thither with a great Company , beholding the Turks climbing and helping up each other by that desperate way . But being come to the top of the Rock , they were suddenly overwhelmed , and violently forced downe , most being crushed to death , and many of the rest , slaine with shot : wherewith Amurath was exceedingly grieved . Scanderbeg , still removing as best served his purpose , brake sometimes into one quarter of their Campe , sometimes into another , and was straight way gone againe . Being , the latter end of June , come within 8 miles , he sent Moses , like a common Souldier , to view how the enemy encamped . Being informed , that the Turks kept but negligent watch ; He the night following , suddenly assaulted one of their Camps quarters , which though discoverd by Scouts ; yet by his furious assault , he slew 2000 before they could well arme , carrying away 230 horse , losing but 42 men , whom the Turks in revenge next morning hewed in peeces . Amurath upon these disgraces , gave three fierce assaults to the City , and was alwayes with losse repulsed . But turning the 〈◊〉 with revenge , he encouraged them to a fresh assault , with 〈◊〉 promises than ever before in all his warrs : appointing Feri Bassa with 12000 horse , and 6000 foot to attend on Scanderbeg , lest he should trouble the assault , by assailing his Campe : Feri Bassa glad 〈◊〉 , lay as he was commanded , boasting , that he would seek Scanderbeg in the field , and trie with him hand to hand . Amurath next morning compassed the City round , purposing to gage his whole forces on the taking thereof . The battered Walls were not without Ladders to be assaulted through the places strength , and the defendants still filling up with earth . They first deliver ed their Arrowes and Bullers like a Haile shower . And in this heate , clapping Ladders to the Walls , began desperately to Scale : but the Christians with shot slew and wounded many : yet others pressing up , the assault was terrible in many places , especially neere the Gate : where with timber , & c : raising as it were a wodden Tower , for they fought with the Christians as upon even ground ; and prevailed so far , that they had set ensignes on the Wall. The Governour hastning with a fresh Company , and repulsing the Turks , sent their Ensignes into the Market-place : Consuming the Wodden Tower with Wild-fire from the Walls ; and presently placing fresh Souldiers , worthily defended the City . Scanderbeg the while , came with 9000 Souldiers to assaile their Campe : Feri Bassa opposed against him : Scanderbeg retired a little to draw him further from the Camp. The Bassa withdrew 4000 horse to fetch a compasse and to set upon Scanderbegs reare , & c. But the expert Captaine perceiving 〈◊〉 , leaving Moses with the maine battell , with 2000. so charged these 4000 , before well departed , that they had now more cause to look to their own safety : Scanderbeg here encountering with Feri hand to hand , slew him . Moses all this while , stood fast , receiving the assault , expecting their Successe . But Scanderbeg comming now in , he set forward with such force and courage , that the Turks fled : many of whom were shine in chase ; yet not daring to follow them too far , he retraited , and having put his Army in order , appointed some to take the spoile of the slaine . Amurath hearing what hapned to Feri , was so overcome , that he could not for a while speak , but afterwards he commanded some Ordnance to be placed on that side of the Campe , most in danger ; Sending 4000 to joyne to Feri Bassaes for its defence , charging them not to issue out of their trenches . Continuing the assault all that day , and no hope appearing , he left the assault , in which he lost 7000 , and many dying afterwards : of the Garrison , but 70 were slain , and 90 hurt . Scanderbeg hoped Amurath would at length begone : yet with 2000 he would oft shew himself on the Mountaines sides to draw the Turks out , and take them at advantage : But the King commanding none to goe out , or speak of battell or assault on paine of death , lay certain daies more like one besieged himself : which Scanderbeg the more distrusted , fearing he was hatching some mischiefe , who thought good againe to prove if t were possible to overcome the Garrison Souldiers with gifts ; wherefore he sent , offering to the besieged conditions , with such large rewards , as had not been heard offered to any . All which being leightly rejected by common consent , one base-minded fellow , corrupted herewith , secretly promised the Turks espialls , that on assurance of the profered reward , the City should be yielded . He layed many plots : but the first device served his purpose . The Garrison Souldiers were of the upper Dibria : exceeding superstitious , putting nice difference between meats , chusing rather to die , than eate or drink of that which they deemed unclean . Sfétigrade was watered but with one Well which sunk deep into the Rock . The Traytor in the night , cast the stinking Carcase of a dead dog therein . In the morning , the Garrison being drawn out of the Well , the report was , it was poysoned : all were in an uproar to find out the Traitour . The Citizens were very sorry , but the Souldiers detested that loathsome water more than Turkish servitude , protesting they would rather perish with thirst , than drink thereof : Some desiring to fire the City , and break thorough the enemies , or die . They that thought best , that it might be yielded up , as ready to sue to Amurath for peace , though on harder termes than the former . The Governour troubled and astonied , the better to pacifie the matter , exhorted them in the Market place to continue faithfull , and make small reckoning to use the water , which would soon be brought to its wonted purity : drinking in their sight a great draught , whose example the Citizens followed . But the Captaines and Souldiers refused to tast thereof , as of some deadly poyson , crying , to give up the City , wherefore many thought they were corrupted by Amurath ; Yet none but the Traitor did afterwards revolt , or appeared richer . The Governour seeing they were not to be moved by perswasion , reward , or any other meanes , resolved with his chiefe Captains , and best of the Citizens , to yield the City to Amurath , on condition that all might safely depart with Armour , and other things : that such Citizens as would stay , might there dwell as under Scanderbeg , the rest to depart at pleasure with bag & baggage . Glad was Amurath ; yet 〈◊〉 not that the Citizens should continue in the City , but build their houses without the Wall. The Garrison Souldiers quietly passing , Mahomet earnestly perswaded his Father to put them all to the sword , saying 'T was one of Mahomets chiefe commands , to use all cruelty to destroy the Christians . But the old King would not hearken therein , saying , People abhorre the government of a faithlesse and cruell Prince . The Traitor had three rich suits of apparell , 50000 aspers , and a yearly pension of 2000 Duckats . But after a few dayes , he was suddenly gone , and never seene or heard of : supposed to be secretly made away : Amurath detesting the Traitor , though the Treason served his purpose , Sfetigrades Walls being repaired , and 1200 Janizaries put in 〈◊〉 , Amurath , September 1. departed out of 〈◊〉 , having lost 30000 at the Seige ; much grieved that he could not 〈◊〉 the enemie : Scanderbeg understanding of his departure , speedily followed with 8000 horse , and 3000 foot , and taking advantage of Woods and Mountain-straites , skirmished often with the Turks , charging them everyway , and slew many . Amurath left the Viceroy of Romania with 30000 to attend on Scanderbeg , who now ceased to follow Amurath , fearing to be enclosed between both . Which he seeing , followed to Hadrianople , Scanderbeg returning to Croia : who leaving 2000 Souldiers upon the borders for defence , they so kept in the 〈◊〉 at Sfetigrade , that they could not look out , but were intercepted and slain : and within sew dayes besieging Sfetigrade a month , was repulsed in two great assaults , losing 500 men . Amurath sending with speed to recall his dispersed Armie , Scanderbeg returned to Croia , Winter approaching ; wherein he put 2000 of his best Souldiers under famous Uranocontes , storing the City with a year's Victuall , greatly helped therein by the Venetians and others . The like care he had of the rest , being advertised by secret friends in Court , of the Turks great preparation against him , at beginning of the Spring : who by the latter end of March had ready an Army of 160000 men : of which he sent 40000 , under politique 〈◊〉 , into Epirus in beginning of April , 1450. who with great speed , and without let , comming to Croia , strongly encamped neere the pleasant plaine Tyranna : and keeping close , attended that no new supply should be conveyed into the City : for he was expresly forbidden to attempt any thing against Scanderbeg himself . After 20 dayes , Amurath , through age , oft marching but 5 miles a day , came thither with his Army , filling the Country round about : And after 4 dayes setling his Camp , he sent two Messengers , offering the Governour , if he would yield , to depart with his Souldiers , with bag and baggage , 200000 aspers to himself , with an honourable place among his great Bassaes : and the Citizens to enjoy all their former liberties , promising greater . They being commanded to deliver their message without the Gates , he scornfully rejected their offers , and the Souldiers shamefully 〈◊〉 them . Amurath more offended at this , than the refusall , commanded ten great Artillery pieces to be cast , for by reason of the high Mountaines , he brought none ready made , but store of mettall in masse . This work being in 15 〈◊〉 perfected , 6 he 〈◊〉 against the East side toward the plaine , 4 against the Gate , in which places onely , Croia was subject to battery . In 4 dayes Amurath had in both places beaten downe halfe the Wall , and sore shaken the rest . The Turks encouraged with great cheerfullnesse made ready for assault , striving who should shew himself most foreward : And Mahomet besides his Fathers rewards , promised a 100000 Aspers to him that first set an Ensigne upon the Walls . The Garrison nothing dismaied , comforted and encouraged each other to endure all manner of perill , especially Uranocontes , who shaking some Souldiers by the hand , said ; These were the fortresses of their City , &c. What honour , triumph should they hope for , if these Walls standing whole , they should shroud under their defence , and not they defended by them ? So can Cowards defend , and Sheep not feare the Wolves rage , &c. That men of worth shun such things , which being kept or lost , yield like praise : that things ready to fall need shoaring , and there appeareth valour . Therefore their valiant right hands should instead of dead Walls , oppose their 〈◊〉 armed bodyes against the enemies force . That he in the thickest should view and judge of every mans courage . Yet that their former hopes were little or nothing by these breaches diminished : For that the rising of the hill , though not so high as in other places , doth serve them at great advantage to charge their enemies . That this breach will encourage the Barbarians to climbe up , &c : whereof so many shall be easily slaine , as they shall but aime at 〈◊〉 that onely those 2 places can be assaulted ; How will so many valiant Souldiers bestow themselves in so little roome ? Yet let them play the men , and in one conflict weaken the Tyrants strength , and burst his proud heart , &c. Uranocontes setting all thiugs in order , and repairing the breaches as well as possible , they rested that night . In the morning the Turks cheerfully assaulted both breaches : but it being well begun , Scanderbeg had suddenly broke in on the Turks Campe , with 5000 , slaying 600 Turks , and was spoyling their Tents ; which rumour made them with lesse courage to assault . Amurath for more suretie sent 〈◊〉 with 4000 into the Camp , saying , Nothing could be too sure against that wild beast . Mahomet also hasted thither against his Father's will. But Moses knowing himself too weak ; had before retired into the Mountaines , having done great harme , losing but ten men . Scanderbeg here , forgetting himself , so engaged , that being on every side enclosed , yet valiantly breaking thorow , he escaped the great danger recovering the Mountaines . This was the greatest oversight of Scanderbeg in all his Wars . When all was quieted , Amurath brought all his forces to the Walls , with multitude of Archers and small shot , labouring to drive away the defendants . Then likewise other common Souldiers brought Scaling ladders , &c. The 〈◊〉 and others following ready to mount them . But the Garrison Souldiers made such slaughter , that had not the Captaines spared neither stripes nor wounds , they would presently have retired . Hereby the Ladders were with great slaughter set up , and the Turks came to handie blowes at the breaches : who being with their Ladders tumbled down the Mountaine with horrible slaughter and discomfiture , that none would set one foot forward again , though fierce young Mahomet caused them that returned to be slain . These common Souldiers are most miserable Christians , now under the Turks slavery : of whom the Turks draw great multitudes in their Wars , commonly unarmed , because 〈◊〉 daring well to trust them ; they carry all the baggage , fetch wood and water , serve for Pioneers : when 〈◊〉 is in field , they with weapons are thrust into the fore-front to blunt their enemies swords : if a City be to be besieged , serving to fill ditches with their dead bodies ; and if they shrinke , more cruelly used by their commanders than enemies . Amurath stood in doubt , whether he had better retrait : but being enraged , he gave a fresh assault with divers of his better companies : But Uranocontes placing 〈◊〉 men in the breaches , they repulsed the Turks with a double slaughter : till the King not able longer to behold it , sounded a retraite , having lost 8000 men , without any notable harme to the defendants . Mahomet , burning with 〈◊〉 , drew most of the best Souldiers into that quarter neerest Scanderbeg , intrenching on the Mountaine of Tumenist ; that if he should againe there assail the Campe , he might hardly do great harme , or himself escape . Whereupon Scanderbeg left Moses with 500 , where he lay , ordering him in the night 〈◊〉 assail the quarter where Mahomet lay , and speedily retire to the Mountaine . Himself with about 8000 fetching a compasse by secret waies , came to Mountecle the farther side of the Turks Armie . Moses at the hour assailed the Campe with the tumult of some great Armie . Scanderbeg at the instant breaking into the other side , there made such a slaughter , that Croia's losse was forgot in comparison of this . Moses doing little harme , safely retired : and Scanderbeg making great spoil , timely returned , scarce losing one man. Amurath 〈◊〉 this , withdrew most of his small Ordinance into his trenches , against Scanderbegs sudden attempts . Yet seeing in that hot season he could not so closely encamp , but that some part would still be in danger , he appointed 〈◊〉 with 15000 to attend Scanderbeg : Then battering the Walls afresh , he made greater breaches than before , appointing next day , for a new assault . But perceiving no signe of courage in their heavy countenances , &c : he calling them 〈◊〉 , said , Every weake Castle can hold out one assault ; but if they will draw these wild beasts out of their dens , they must arme themselves to endure whatever shall happen : that great Captaines have growne old under their enemies Walls , &c : that they remember the glorious victory of Varna : that all honourable things are brought to passe with adventure and labour : and the end of this War depends on taking of Croia : that fortune is to be proved and oft provoked , of them that will wed her . Yet that they must work warily with this enemy : that they should weare them out if they kill but ten at a daily assault . That peradventure fortune may find some unlooked-for mean , as at the 〈◊〉 of Sfetigrade , &c. Early next morning , began a valiant assault , the Turks assaying vainely and desperately to break open the Gates . Wild-fire being cast into many places of the City , and the Artillerie oft discharged into the breaches , many Turks were slaine together with the Christians : who still repulfed their enemies . Yet Amurath maintained the assault by supplies , but grieved at heart to see them so slaine : at last weary to behold it , and perswaded by his Bassaes , not wilfully to cast away his valiant Souldiers , he ended the assault : and thought good to prove what might be done by undermining : daily alaruming the City , to busie the 〈◊〉 . Buying store of Corne of the 〈◊〉 of Lisia , Scanderbeg slaying the convoy , carryed it away , dividing it among his Souldiers . Yet , he received abundance of provision from Macedonia , and the 〈◊〉 Merchants furnished him with Corne , Oyle , Hony , &c. which Scanderbeg , they being his secret friends , would not hinder ; considering he might have had all the same from the further part of Macedonia , Thracia , Mysia , &c. 400 Souldiers sallying out the while , chased divers Turks to the Campe : Amurath hoping they would to their losse , give the like attempt . But the governour would not suffer them any more to sally , Scanderbeg also encreasing his Armie with 2000 , 〈◊〉 a part to Moses , another to Tanusie , & a third to himself : determining by night to assail the Camp in 3 places at once . But Scanderbeg being discovered by their Scouts , Souldiers were appointed diligently to guard that side : Moses and Tanusie the while assailing in 2 divers quarters , slew a number of Turks , and made great spoile . Scanderbeg discovered , did not much harme : and retiring , sate down by faire daylight , on a Mountaine's side , in sight of the Turks , that Moses and Tanusie might see to meet him again . But the Turks thinking he stood to brave them : divers craved leave , that they might go , and , at least , beat him out of sight : which granted , 7000 horse , and 5000 foot presently set forward . Scanderbeg seeing them , retired a little farther up , expecting Moses and Tanusies comming . When the Turks well wearied , and laboriously marching up the 〈◊〉 hills , were come a great way , and perceived by the dust , some greater force , and ere long , saw the foremost of them , they retired : Scanderbeg pursuing through the grounds advantage , slew many . Moses also comming in , beside 〈◊〉 , took divers ; After which victory , Scanderbeg retired into the Mountaines . The late spoile , with this overthrow , much grieved the Tyrant ; but the mines 〈◊〉 to no good purpose , for the Rocks hardnesse , and the defendants discovery , drove him to his wit's end . Resolving now to prove , if by great gifts and promises , he could corrupt the Governour and 〈◊〉 ; he sent a dexterous Bassa , commanding him if possible , first to fasten rich presents on him , in honour of his valiant minde : and afterwards delivering his message , to promise more than should be desired , for giving up of the City . The Bassa being with two Servants , received into the City , presented to Uranocontes the rich 〈◊〉 , with much reverence , and many magnificall words . Uranocontes willed him first to declare his message : whereupon he would , either receive or refuse them . The subtill Bassa nothing dismaied , thus began . That however they agreed , yet they brought not these guifts to deceive any : and though enemie's guifts are as he rightly said , ever to be suspected : Yet they durst not for shame come to so worthy a Governour empty handed : neither ought he , if he be what he seeme , to refuse their courtesie , &c. That they went not about with filed speech and rich rewards to circumvent him , whose invincible mind they had so oft , in vaine proved with their forces : That is it for which Amurath loveth him : desiring to have his virtuous enemies with himself : that he was worthy of another manner of Soveraign than Scanderbeg , whom he condemned not ; and another manner of calling , &c : that Scanderbegs destruction might be deferred , but not avoided , against whom Amurath conceiving implacable displeasure , would never depart out of Epirus , till he imposed a deadly yoake on his neck : That the first of this misery beginneth at this City : that his eyes would scarce behold the horrible spectacle of the men of Croia's miserable fortune , &c. Did they think Amurath would in the mid'st of this heat , raise his siege and be gone ? No no , if force will not prevaile , they shall alwayes have these 〈◊〉 in their eves , till long famine tame their courage . Can Scanderbeg victuall them , 〈◊〉 able to relieve his own misery ? or will the Venetians ? who daily brings them plenty of all necessaries : Therefore they should repent of their over hardinesse , and gather their wits together : That they should find liberty , rewards , perpetuall rest with Amurath , &c. The Bassa expected some great motion in the Souldiers : but perceiving his speech rather to fill them with anger than feare , requested to talke in secret , with the Governour : which was granted : who beginning cunningly to deliver his 〈◊〉 secret message , Vranocontes interrupting him , commanded him to depart : and that if he or any other came from his Master to speak with him about any such matter , he would returne them dismembred of hands , noses , and eares . So the Bassa was with his presents turn'd out of the City , though the Souldiers could well have eased him of that carriage . Amurath understanding the Governours answer , in great rage next day , caused a furious assault to be given , rather to satisfie anger , than in hope to prevaile , and with greater losse than before , many Turks being slaine at the breach , with their own great shot . At length wearied , he gave over , returning to his Camp , as halfe frantick or distract ; sitting all day , full of melancholly passions , 〈◊〉 violently pulling his beard and locks , complaining , that he lived so long to see those disgracefull dayes . His Bassaes , to comfort him , recounted his many and glorious victories , and producing examples of his like event . But nothing could content his mind , or revive his Spirits ; so that oppressed with melanchollyconceits , he became sick for griefe . Whereupon by some's Counsell , he sent to Scanderbeg , offering him peace for 10000 duckats yearly tribute , thinking hereby well to save his honour , which being utterly refused , greatly increased his sicknesse . Scanderbeg to grieve him the more , &c : daily assailed the Campe : which he often suspected by alarums and tumults , languishing with the griefe thereof . Feeling he could not longer live , g ievously complained , that all his former life was so blemished : who repressing the Hungarians fury , and almost nullifying the Grecians pride and name , was enforced to give up the Ghost under the Walls of an obscure Castle , and in sight of his contemptible enemie . Then he gave his Son Mahomet many grave advertisements , commending him to the faithfullnesse of his Bassaes ; weaknesse , and teares oft upon sight of him , interrupting his speech ; Yet forcing himself , he warned him of what now most grieved him . That his example be a warning to him not to contemne his never so weak enemy , &c : whereby he had purchased this calamity , and for ever blemished the honour of the Othoman Kings , &c. That this Trait or should then have been suppressed , when first he recovered his wicked Kingdome , &c. Ali Bassa , nor the other Generalls , should not have been sent against him , &c : That they entered into 〈◊〉 160000 strong , &c : but now how many tents stand empty , &c. That the destinies had vowed his Spirits to Epirus as to him fatall . But why did he impute these impediments and chances to himself ? for this mischievous seed first began when the Hungarians with others rose up against him . So whilst he could not take order for all important affaires at once , this enemy grew great ? That fortune never deceived his endeavours more than in this . Therefore he charged his Son that for so great and stately a patrimony as he should receive , not to leave his death unrevenged of this enemy . Shortly after becomming speechlesse , &c : he breathed out his Ghost , to the Christians great joy , in Autumne 1450 , 85 years old as most write : reigning 28 , or as some 30 , about 5 months after Croia's siege . Thus 〈◊〉 great Amurath dead almost in despaire ! Who had fought greater battels ? who gained greater Victories , or obtained more glorious Triumphs than he ? &c. But oh , how far was he now changed from the man he then was ! how far did his last speeches differ from his forepassed life ! full of base passionate complaints , beseeming some vile 〈◊〉 overtaken with despaire , and yet afraide to die . He lyeth now dead a gastly stinking Carcale , &c : and of such infinite riches , such stately honours , &c : his fraile body enjoyeth nothing . The Turks say , he died , miraculously forewarned of his death at Hadrianople : others that he died in Asia with an Apoplexie surfeiting of immoderate Wine . But Marinus Barlesius , who lived in his time , in Scodra fast by Epirus , sets it downe as aforesaid . Mahomet fearing some innovation at home , presently returning to Hadrianople : buryed his body with great solemnity on the West of Prusa : lying in a Chappel without a roofe , his grave not differing from the common Turks : which they say , he so commanded , that Gods blessing might come to him by the Sun and Moones shining , and raine , and dewes falling on his grave . He mightily enlarged the Turkish Kingdome : for the better establishing whereof in his owne house , he in the beginning of his reigne , by manifold favours began to bind to himself men of forreigne Coùntryes , his Servants . And whereas the Othoman Kings , had mostly , or altogether raised their Janizaries , and other Court Souldiers of Christians Children taken in War ; he seeing how serviceable they were , plotted , how to make an Armie of such , his own Creatures , &c : wherefore taking from the Christians every 5th . Child : he placed the fairest and aptest in his own Seraglio , the rest in other like places , where being instructed in Mahometane Religion , then in all seats of Armes : of these he made Horsemen , &c : to guard his person , naming he better sort Spahi-Oglani , 〈◊〉 is , his Sons the Knights . Of these he made Bassaes , Generals , and Governours , with all great Officers ; dispersing the rest and greatest part into every Country of his Dominion in Asia to be brought up in hardnesse and painefull labour , out of whom he choosing the most lusty and able , they were taught to handle all manner of weapons added to the other upon occasion , calling them his Sons , binding them , of all sorts , so fast to him by continual pay , &c. that he might account so many Sons as Souldiers . A great policy from a deep judgment , to weaken the Christians by taking their Children of greatest hope , and to keep in awe his own natural Subjects also . Amurath's successours keeping and increasing this Custome , have not only kept the Empire in their Family : but so maintained their State , that they are feared , obeyed , and honoured as Gods , &c. Hence it comes to passe , that the better of them called Turks ( but indeed Christians children ) desire to be called Musulmans , that is , right believers , holding it a reproach to be called Turks : For they knowing , there is not one natural Turk among all in authority , &c. but he is borne a Christian either of father or Grandfather , avouch those only to be Turks , living in Natolia , all Merchants , Mechanicks , or poor labourers , &c. Yea , many of the Grand-Signiors , had Christian Mothers , accounting it in the greatest part of their Nobility . 〈◊〉 great King , was wonderfully beloved , and noless after death lamented ; more faithful of his word , than any before or after him ; melancholick ; rather politick than valiant , yet both : a great dissembler , painful in travel , exceeding wayward and testy , many imputing it to his age , He had 6 Sons , Achmetes , Aladin , Mahomet , Hasan or Chasan , Urchan , and Achmetes the younger : three of whom died before him . The Life of Mahomet II. 7th King , and first Emperour of Turks , for his many victories , surnamed , the Great . IT was thought that Mahomet , who , being about 21 years old , succeeded his Father in 1450 , and the supposed Son of the Prince of Servia's Daughter , a Christian , would have embraced the Christian Religion ; but embracing in shew the Mahometan , abhorring the Christian , he greatly reckoned not of either ; and worshipping no God , but Fortune , he derided such as thought God had any care of worldly men : so that he kept no League , Promise , or Oath , longer than stood with his profit and pleasure . The Bassaes , and others of great Authority to whom Amurath's Government was never grievous , inwardly lamented his death ; doubting Mahomet's fierce nature , &c. But the Court gallants in hope of preferment were glad to see him on his Fathers Seat : and the vulgar exceedingly rejoyced in him . Then also the Janizaries ( as their 〈◊〉 is ) spoyling the Christians and Jews , easily obtained pardon : whereupon he was by them and other Court Souldiers triumphantly saluted King : which approbation is a greater assurance of their Kingdom , than to be born the King's eldest Son. The young Tyrant , was presently about to murther 〈◊〉 his own hands his youngest brother , but 18 months old . Moses a Bassa requested him , rather to commit the 〈◊〉 thereof to some other ; which thing Mahomet commanding him to do ; he taking it from the Nurse . strangled it with water : Spondertius his Daughter , in her rage , reviling the Tyrant to his face , &c. He requesting her to be contented , for that it stood with policy , said , she should have whatsoever she asked . But she desiring to have Moses ( her Son's executioner ) delivered to her bound , presently struck him in the breast with a knife , crying in vain for help , and cutting a hole in his side , cut out , and cast his Liver by piece-meal to the dogs . He also caused another Brother in Caly Bassa's keeping , to be murthered . Presently after , he began to abrogate and alter the old Lawes and Customs , publishing new , better fitting his own humour : imposing also new Taxes and Subsidies on his Subsects , and was ( through avarice ) thought over-sparing in apparel and diet . He calling all great Officers to streight account , put some to death , confiscated the goods , greatly fined , or quite removed from Office , others . He admitted also false and surmized accusations against his Bassa's ; little mercy was to be looked for ; whereby he was exceedingly feared of his Subjects , but more hated . Of 7000 Faulconers and not many fewer Huntsmen that were maintained of the Kings charge , ( saying , He would not be such a fool , to maintain such a multitude to attend on so meer a vanity ) he ordered 500 Faulconers only , and 100 Huntsmen : the rest to serve in wars . Then also he entred League with Constantine Emperour of Constantinople , and the other Greek Princes : as also with the Despot his Grandfather , as some will ; yet some write , the Despots Daughter was but his Mother in Law , whom he sent again to her Father allowing her a Princely Dowry . Ibrahim King of Caramania , took occasion the first year of his Reign , to invade him in Asia with fire and sword . Mahomet displacing Isa his Lievetenant there , as unsufficient , appointed Isaac Bassa in his room ; who passing into Asia , raised a great Army . After whom Mahomēt following with a greater , he entred with great hostility into Caramania : whose King fleeing into the great Mountains , offered him such conditions of peace , whereof he accepted : which being by Oath confirmed , he returned to Prusa ; where the presuming Janizaries came ( in order of battel ) and demanded a Donative , as a reward of their good service , who inwardly chafing , yet ( having warning by Abedin Bassa , and Turechanbeg ) he for the present dissembled his anger , scattering ten great baggs of Aspers among them . But few daies after , he 〈◊〉 Doganes their chief Captain to be shamefully whipt , discharging him of his Office : and so likewise used he the under Captains , a punishment usually inflicted ( on the King 's least displeasure ) upon any man , if not a natural Turk . Presently after , 〈◊〉 Isaac against the Prince of Caria , he was driven out of his Country : which hath ever since remained subject to the Turkish Kings . Mahomet determining to return to Hadrianople with his Army , was advertized , he could not passe Hellespontus Straits without manifest danger ; wherefore taking his way through that part of Bythinia lying above Constantinople , passing over at the Castle Accechisar , standing on Bosphorus Strait in Asia ; being got over , and encamping by the Sea side , he began to build a great Castle near Propontis , directly over against the other Castle ; and assembling all workmen possible , his 〈◊〉 working also , it was sooner perfected than was by any at first expected : which for greatness is of most Writers , reputed a City named Genichisar , Neocastron , and 〈◊〉 , built as for the Turks safe passage to and fro , so to hinder the Christians passage , thorow those narrow Straits : and to distresse Constantinople but 5 miles distant . The rich Trade which the Venetian , Genoan , and Constantinopolitan Merchants had to Cassa , and other places on the Euxine , were hereby almost cut off , to the great hinderance of those 〈◊〉 . Mahomet ambitious , thinking nothing more answerable to his conceits than to attempt Constantinople , & the Greek Empires utter subversion : and grieving at that goodly Citie 's commodious Situation , and not at his disposing ; and the Emperour 's small power with the other Christian Princes discord , ministring no small hope of success ; made great preparation all the Winter both by Sea and Land , to be ready against Spring : none certainly knowing whither he would imploy the same : Constantinus then Emperour , of a mild and soft Spirit hearing hereof , prepared according to his own small ability , also earnestly craved aid of other Christian Princes . But they being at variance , all his Suit was vain . Nicolas the 5th , Bishop of Rome , Alphonsus King of Naples , and the State of Venice promised him 30 Galleys ; but none came . The Emperour made stay of certain Ships and Galleys of Venice , Genua , &c. Then also Johannes Justinianus a Genuan adventurer came to Constantinople , with two tall Ships and 400 Souldiers ; where being entertained , he was made the Emperour's Lievtenant General . 6000 entertain'd Greeks , with 3000 Venetians , &c. made stay of , joyned to the Citizens , was all the defence for his Empire . The Turk had a great Army of 300000 , ready against Spring , most out of Bulgaria , Servia , &c. either indeed Christians , or else 〈◊〉 : to these were joyned divers out of Germany , Bohemia , and Hungary . This enforcing and alluring Christians against Christians , hath not been the least means of the Turks greatnesse . His effeminate Asians , natural Turks , and Janizaries , were mingled ; these last the fewest , yet commanding all . Mahomet encamping April 9. 1453 , before Constantinople , filled he Land , from Bosphorus Sea side , unto the place where it , compassing the City on two parts , makes a goodly haven betwixt Constantinople and Pera. This City ( anciently called Bizantium ) is , in form of a Triangle , situated in Europe , in the pleasant Countrey of 〈◊〉 , on a point of the main Land , shooting out towards Asia , called of Pliny 〈◊〉 Solinus the promontory Chrysoceras , where the Sea Propontis joyneth unto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which divideth Asia from Europe , called in ancient time Bosphorus Thracius , &c. and about 200 years past or more , St. George's arm . It was first built by Pausanias the 〈◊〉 King , flourishing till the Civil Wars between Severus the Emperour and Niger : when it , enduring 3 years siege of the Romans under 〈◊〉 , yielded not till the Citizens did eat one another : the walls were overthrown ; the City destroyed , and brought to the state of a poor Country Village , given by Severus to the Pyrinthians , until Constantine the Great new built and beautified it : translating his Imperial Seat thither , calling it New Rome ; and that part of Thracia along the Sea Coast , Romania . But the founders name so prevailed , that it was , and is called Constantinople or Constantine's-City . ] The longest side running from North-East to South-West , is commonly reputed 8 miles long : The other side East and West , 5 miles , washed with the Haven more than 8 miles long , before it meet the fresh water , and about a quarter of a mile broad , the City Pera or Galata , standing on the further side , very deep , bearing ships full fraught , close to the shoar . The 3d side almost North and South , 5 miles also in length ; the two Sea and Haven sides , are environed with a single wall , with high Towers flanking the same , &c. But the other side regarding the main Land , beside the fenced ditch , is defended with 3 walls , &c. Mahomet placed his Asians on the right , toward Bosphorus ; on the left , towards the Haven ; lay himself with 15000 Janizaries , &c. betwixt both against the heart of the City : placing also , on the further side of the Haven Zoganius , with another part of his Army . Then also Pantologes came to the siege with 30 Galleys , and 200 small ships , and a number of others fitter for shew than service . But the Emperour chaining the Haven overthwart , ( placing his small Fleet within it , rather there by chance than provided for such service ) the City was put in good safety on that side . When he had surrounded the City by Sea and Land ; he cast up great Trenches as near the Walls as possible , raising mounts in divers places , as high as the walls ; thence greatly annoying the Defendants . Then , he terribly battered the Gate called Calegaria , chiefly with one Ordnance , difficultly brought from Hadrianople with 150 yoake of Oxen , carrying a bullet of 100 pound , made of a hard black stone from the Euxine Sea. The Christians also discharged their Artillery on the Turks ; but sparingly , as if afraid to shake their own Walls , or loth to spend shot and Powder ; yet the Turks were grievously annoyed with what was spent . The breach also made at the Gate , was dangerously and laboriously repaired with 〈◊〉 and earth , and made stronger than before : In which they were directed and greatly encouraged by Justinianus . Mahomet continuing his battery , in greater hope , employed his store of Pioners to dig a Mine , directed by skilful 〈◊〉 , therefore entertained ; whereby that 〈◊〉 of the wall , with one strong Tower therein was quite undermined , and supported but with stays , till it should be blown up . This , the Constantinopolitans neither perceived nor feared ; for that , Bajazet and Amurath had both vainly attempted the same . But Mahomet had by men of greater device , brought this to passe , though it took not the wished effect ; for John Grandis a German , suspecting , by a Counter-mine timely discovered the Turks , and they with fire and sword were driven out , and the Mine strongly filled again . Mahomet removed his battery , planting it against the Bactatina Tower , near the Romane Gate : which , at length , falling down , filled up the ditch 〈◊〉 the outer wall . But this breach was speedily and couragiously made up again . The Turks also erecting high Timber Towers covered with raw hides , slew many Christians ; But Mahomet seeing their valiantness , said , It was not the Grecians , but the Frenchmen that defended the City ; for so the Turks call all the Christians of the West . The Turkish King , almost despairing to win the City , ( which he could but on one side assault ) a Christian in his Camp shewed him how to bring a great part of his Fleet by Land into the Haven , to assault the City by water : by which device , and mens strength , Zoganus Bassa , brought 70 lesser Ships and Galliots , with sails abroad , up a great hill , 8 miles , into Constantinople's Haven . The Christian is supposed to have learnt it of the Venetians , who did the like before , at the Lake of Bennacus . Glad was Mahomet , and the Christians ( with its sight ) discouraged : who attempting to burn them in launching , the Turks with great Ordinance , sunk the foremost Christian Galley : the rest , being dismayed , returned . Next day the Turks slew certain Christians , of the Galley , took up in the Haven ; and in revenge , certain Turks prisoners were put to death on the top of the walls , in sight of the Camp. Shortly after , Mahomet made a wonderful bridge , more than half a mile long , over the Haven , built with timber planks , &c. whereby his Army came over to assault the City on that side also . Three tall Genoway Ships laden with Corn , and munition from Chios , and one of the Emperour 's with Corn from Sicilia , coming for Constantinople ; the Turks Fleet set upon them , and boarded them ( after an exceeding number of Turks slain ) ; but being much lower , they could not well look out , but they were slain or wounded . Mahomet beholding it , cryed aloud , swearing and blaspheming God , riding in rage into the Sea , and 〈◊〉 back , rent his cloathes . The whole Army was filled with indignation also . The great Fleet ashamed in sight of their King to be overcome of so few ; did what they might to enter , but in vaine : glad to fall off againe . Some 〈◊〉 Turks reported , almost 10000 Turks to have perished . Three of these ships arrived at Constantinople , the other was lost . Though Pantogles , Mahomets Admirall lost an eye in that fight , yet he thrust him out of office , confiscating his goods , and hardly sparing his life . A rumour being raised , of great aide comming out of Italy by Sea , and Hungarie by land , for reliefe of the besieged : the Turks Camp was filled with feare : So that the Souldiers murmured , &c. Whereupon , Mahomet consulted with his three great Bassaes , whether he were best continue the siege or not . Caly Bassa of greatest authority , and secretly favouring the distressed Emperour , after long declaring the difficulty of the wished successe , &c : concluded , it were best for him to depart before further losse or disgrace received . But Zoganus envying Caly Bassaes greatnesse , perswaded the King to proceed in his enterprise , assuring him of its good successe , &c. Of the same opinion also was the third Bassa , rather to crosse Caly , &c : than for any great hope in the desired successe . The King resolved to continue the siege : authorizing Zoganus to appoint a day for a great and general assault , who appointed the Tuesday next , May 29. The meane time he sent one Ismael to offer the Emperour peace : but on conditions , no lesse to be refused than death it self : the Turks being most of opinion ; God will not prosper them , except they first make their enemies some offer of peace : and to prove what confidence the enemy yet had : But they were by the Emperour refused . Three dayes before the assault , the Turks kept their fast , eating nothing till night : then making the greatest cheere and joy , and taking their leave one of another , Mahomet proclaimed he Citye's spoile for three dayes , to his Souldiers if they won it , solemnly swearing the Turks great Oath : By the immortall God , &c : for confirmation thereof . Caly Bassa , 〈◊〉 that his counsell was rejected : secretly advertised the Emperour of the appointed day for assault , perswading him 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 them , who were no lesse afraid of him , &c. The wofull Emperour did , all the siege , what he could : but the Citizens many times were hardly drawne from their Trades , to the Walls , affirming , 't was to no purpose to fight at the breaches , and starve at home . Wherefore the Emperour commanding a view to be taken of all Corne in the City , such store was found in many's hands , that it appeared the dearth then beginning to increas , proceeded rather of covetousnesse , than true want : this store the Emperour proportionably divided at reasonable prizes : so easing the people's murmuring . The Greek mercenaries also refused longer to go to the Walls , than sure of daily pay : the Church-plate . &c : being converted into money , to content them . For the Emperour requesting to borrow money of his Subjects ; they would still swear they had it not , as poor for want of Trade : which their enemies finding in abundance , wondred at their wealth , and derided their folly . But this was their 〈◊〉 dealing with their Emperours , in that declining state , as well appeared in Baldwins time . But the Emperour advertised of the Enemie's purpose , first commended their defence to the Almighty's protection by fasting and prayer : then by Justinianus his direction , appointed every commander to his certain place . The City beset , and the defendants but few : the Walls could be in many places but slenderly 〈◊〉 . The greatest and best strength were for defence of the utter Wall. Justinianus with 300 Genowales , and some chosen Greeks undertook that battered 〈◊〉 the Roman Gate : against which , Mahomet with his 〈◊〉 , lay . The Emperour neer Justinian for defence of another part : shutting fast up the Gates of the inner Wall , that the defendants should have no hope but in their valour . Thus they laying all night , a little before day , the Turks began the 〈◊〉 ; who pressing fast , and not seeing in the dark to defend themselves , were without number wounded or slain ; but these were of the common and worst Souldiers . Upon the day's appearance , the City was at one instant on every side most furiously assaulted : they delivering their Arrowes and shot , so thick , that the light was darkned : others mounting the Ladders , came even to handy stroakes . The Christians with no lesse courage , 〈◊〉 them down with great stones , &c : and soon whelmed them with shot , darts , &c : that they were ready to retire : 〈◊〉 sending in fresh supplyes of 〈◊〉 , &c : his last 〈◊〉 ; the terrible assault began afresh . The King calling on , and promising the forward Captaines Golden Mountaines : to others , threatning terrible death , so that , though the Turks lay dead by heapes , yet others pressing on , over them , either slew or wereslaine . In this conflict , Justinianus being wounded in the Arme , and losing much blood ; withdrew himself without any to supply his room ; getting into the City by the Gate Romana in the inner Wall ; pretending for binding up his wound : but indeed wholly discouraged . Upon 〈◊〉 departure , the Souldiers dismaied , fled to the same Gate : with which sight others , ran by heapes also . But striving to get in at once , they so wedged in each other , that in the presse and confusion , 800 were trodden or thrust to death . The Emperour also fleeing 〈◊〉 the rest , there ended his dayes . Whose body shortly found , and known by his apparell : his head was presented to the Tyrant : by whose command it was afterwards as a trophie of Victory , carried about in the Camp and City . The Turks advancing their Ensignes on the Walls , cryed , Victory ; entring by the breach , like a flood : and entring the City by the Gate opened for Justinianus , and by a breach they had before made , cutting in pieces all in their way , they became Lords of that Imperiall City . Some few Christians preferring death before Turkish slavery , sold their lives deare to their Enemies . Many 1000 of men , women and Children perished in this fury . Many fleeing into Sophia's Temple , were all slain except a few reserved to more grievous purposes than death it self . The Ornaments and Jewells of that sumptuous Temple , were pluckt down and carryed away : it self converted at present into a stable , &c : the Image of the Crucifix was with a Turks Cap on its head , shot at with Arrowes , carried about their Camp in derision , with Drums playing ; rayling and spitting at it , calling it the Christians God. Others ransacked private houses , to whom all things were lawfull that stood with their lust , &c. What tongue were able to expresse the misery of that time ? &c. But the hidden Treasure and Riches there found passeth credit ; that its a proverb at this day , if any grow suddenly Rich , to say , He hath been at the sacking of Constantinople . Yea the Citizens had not care so much as to fortifie the inner Wall of the City , but suffered those having the charge thereof to turn most of the money into their own purses , as appeared by Manuel Grageras ; and by Neophytus ; who soore gathered 70000 Florens : all a 〈◊〉 prey to the Turks . After three dayes ransacking every corner of the City , the Souldiers returned into the Camp , driving the Christian Captives before them as droves of 〈◊〉 : a spectacle no lesse lamentable , than the sacking of the City , &c : There might Parents , Children , Husbands , Wives , see the wofull misery of their Children , Parents , Wives and Husbands , and one friend another ; Yet not able to mourn together , being in the thraldome of divers cruell Masters : The Souldiers retired , Mahomet with great Triumph entered the City void of Christian Inhabitants making a sumptuous feast unto his great Captaines ; where surcharged with excesse , he caused divers chiefe Captaines men and women , many of the Emperours race , to be in his presence put to death : which cruelty he daily used , till he destroyed all the Greek Nobility in his power , with the chiefe of the Citizens , divers Uenetian Senatours , with their Governour Baiulus , and many 〈◊〉 Merchants , &c. were likewife murthered . So that of 47 Venetian Senatours , there unluckily shut up , a few found favour with exceeding ransoms . Amongst these , was one Lucas Leontares of late , great Chancellour of Constantinople : whom the Tyrant seemed to blame , that he perswaded not the Emperour in time to seek peace on any condition , or to have yielded . He said , his Master was encouraged by the Venetians and Citizins of Pera : he also drew out Bassa's letters to the Emperour , delivering them to Mahomet , hoping for favour thereby . But his eldest Son then living was executed in his sight : the youngest reserved for the Tyrants lust : and his own head struck off with the rest . Justinianus escaping to Chios , within few dayes died of griefe , rather than his wound . Isidore the Pope's Legat , simply apparelled , redeemed himself for a small ransome : This Cityes glory continued many 100 years , till by civill discord and private gaine it was by little and little weakned , yet holding the title of an Empire 1221 years : till by this Mahomet overthrown , with the Christian Easterne Empire , May 29. 1453. Constantine having reigned about 8 years : remaining since , the seat of the Turkish Emperours . The Citizens of Pera , doubting the same misery : sent 〈◊〉 to Mahomet , offering him their keyes , and to become his Subjects . Of which he accepting , took possession thereof by Zoganus : who establishing the Turks government , confiscated the goods of all fled , using the rest with oppression , little lesse than theirs of Constantinople . And doubting the Genowaies might aide the Citizens by Sea , upon any revolt ; he cast down all the Walls and fortresses toward the land , to the ground . Mahomet had long boren a grudge against Caly Bassa his tutor : by whose meanes Amurath his Father resumed the government before resigned to him . But he being the chiefe Bassa , &c : he durst not in the beginning of his reigne , take revenge : keeping it still in mind , and warily dissembling it . Yet some time , words fell from him , whereby the wary Courtiers , perceived the secret grudge sticking in his stomack against him : which not unknown to the Bassa himself , he , troubled , went on Pilgrimage to their great Prophets Temple at Mecha , holden for a right religious work , hoping the young Kings malice might in time be asswaged . Mahomet perceiving his distrust hereby : willed him not to misdoubt any thing , assuring him of his undoubted favour : sending him continually rich gifts , and heaping on him new honours . Till now Leontares discovering his intelligence with the Emperour , he sent him in bonds to Hadrianople : where after exquisite torments to confesse his treasures , he was in extreame old age cruelly executed . After which , his friends and servants , for he was greatly beloved , putting on mourning apparell ; Mahomet offended , proclaimed all such next day to appeare before him : at which time , for feare , there was none about the Court , in that heavy attire . Mahomet resolving to place his imperiall seate there , repairing the spoiled Walls and buildings , gave 〈◊〉 by proclamation , to all commers thither to dwell , with freedome of Religion and Trade : whereby it was soon well peopled , especially with Jewes , who , driven out else where , came thither in great numbers : then taking on him the title of Emperour of Turks . There was among the Captive Virgins , one Irene a Greek , of incomparable beauty , and rare perfection : which Paragon being presented to Mahomet , he was on the first view not a little moved . Yet for the present , committed her to his Eunuch to be safely kept untill his better leisure . But his new conquests well assured , he began to think of the faire Irene : taking in her such delight , that she soon became commander of so great a Conqueror , and he in nothing more delighted than in doing her the greatest honour and service . All the day he spent with her in discourse , and the night in dalliance : his wonted care of Armes was quite neglected : Yea the Government of his Empire , seemed in comparison of her , little or not at all regarded . But he thus spending a whole yeare or two in pleasure : the Janizaries and other Court Souldiers first secretly murmured : at length openly said : It were well done to deprive him , and set up one of his Sons in his stead ; so that it was feared by some Bassaes , whereunto this their insolency would grow . But who should tell the Tyrant thereof ; whose frowne was death ? or , who durst take in hand to cure his sick minde ? There was one Mustapha Bassa , for his good service , and brought up with him of a Child , highly favoured and promoted by Mahomet , and he by him no lesse honoured and feared : who espying a convenient leisure , and presuming of his former Credit with him , adventured to give him warning ; that if it were not for the loyalty owed to his greatnesse , dearer to him than his own life , he would not adventure now , the hazard of his doubtfull acceptance of his faithfull speech and meaning , &c. That the life he led since the taking of Constantinople , had given occasion not onely to the Vulgar , and Souldiers of the Court , but to his greatest Commanders , to mutmur and grudge , he dared not say , conspire against him . That he had given himself a prey to a poor simple woman , his Slave and Vassall , &c : that , had noble 〈◊〉 so given himself to pleasure , he had not now inherited Bithynia , and Galatia , with more others along the Euxine , &c : That Bajazet in his misfortune was more to be commended , as vanquished in field by mighty Tamerlane , and not by a silly woman . That all those famous conquests of his noble progenitours , should awake him out of his heavie Lethargie , wherein he had too long slept : and let it never be said , he could with the sword overcome his greatest enemies , and not with reason subdue his inordinate affections . What availeth it him to have won Constantinople , and to have lost himself ? That he should shake off those Golden Chaines , wherein the wilie Greek had so fast bound him : which , though at first , it seem hard , yet time shall digest it , and make him think it good and necessary for his estate , &c. That from the want of martiall discipline proceedeth disloyall speeches in his Souldiers , that if he will not lead them forth , &c : they will set up one of his own Children which shall . That what the common Souldier foolishly saith , the great Commanders malitiously purpose , &c. That Rebellions are far easier 〈◊〉 , than in their heat appeased . That what was fit for him to do , beseemed not him to say ; beseeching him to pardon him , for saying so much already ( contrary perhaps to his good liking ) provoked even halfe against his will to discover unto him the secret of his heart , &c. Falling at his feet to receive the doome of his free speech , if not well taken : the Sultan having attentively and sternly hearkened to all , knew it to be true , and that he discharged but the part of a faithfull servant . Yet he was at war with himself , as in his often changed countenance appeared . Thus tossed too and fro , he resolved considering the danger , at once to cut off all his troubled passions : and to strike a errour into them that had condemned him , as unable to governe his affections : saying to the Bassa yet at his feet ; that , although he as a slave , presuming to enter into his Soveraign's greatest secrets , deserved to die ; yet , being brought up with him of a Child , and ever faithfull , he now pardoned him : and would make known to morrow , to him and others , whether he were able to bridle his affections ; that he should not faile to assemble all the Bassaes and chief Commanders to know his farther pleasure . The Bassa departing , he made more of the Greek than ever , dining with her : then ( sumptuously apparelling her , and with inestimable Jewells deckt ) he entred the Pallace Hall , where Mustapha had assembled the Nobles and Commanders , marvelling at his meaning , who had not shewed himself publiquely so long , leading the faire Greek by the hand . After reverence done them by all , he furiously looking about him , said , He understood of their great discontent , &c. that he overcomn , could not withdraw from this Paragons presence : But he would know which of them , if he possessed so rare a thing , would forgoe it without thrice advising ? they should freely say what they thought : They with incredible admiration , all said , He had with greater reason passed the time with her , than any had to find fault : whereto he answered , But I will make you understand , there is no earthly thing can so blind me , as not to see what beseemeth my high place : that nothing but death can put out of my remembrance the honour and conquests of the Othoman Kings : with a desire to exceed the same . Then catching the Greek by the haire , he struck off her head with his Falchion at one blow : saying they should judge whether he could bridle his affections or not . A while after he greatly prepared for conquest of Peloponesus , and Belgrades siege . When the Turks took Constantinople , Thomas and Demetrius , the Emperours brethren , governed a great part of Peloponesus : which in form of a plane Leafe , is almost environed with the Ionian and Aegean Seas , leaving but a strait neck of land , called Isthmos about five miles broad . It s 175 miles lorg , and almost as broad : wherein are contained Achaia , Messenia , Lacedemonia , Argolica , and Arcadia . These two Princes were now about to have fled by Sea into Italy . Then also it fortuned that the Albanians rose in armes against those their Soveraigns , whose diversity of living , like the Scythian heardsmen , and language , from the naturall Greeks , was no small cause of their often spurning against the Government . In this extremity the Princes offered , for peace , to be Mahomets tributaryes : of which he willingly accepting , sent Thessalia's Governour with an Army , to aide against the 〈◊〉 : whereby the Rebells were soon discomfited , and the Country quieted . Demetrius , and Thomas , lived a few yeares as the Turk's Vassalls : during which , many displeasures arose betwixt them , desiring plausibly to win their subjects from each other . Yet , understanding , the Westerne Princes were greatly preparing against the Turk : and that Pope Calixtus had put a Fleet of Gallies to Sea ; they refused to pay the Turk any more tribute , &c : whereupon , he first besieged 〈◊〉 ; and , 〈◊〉 Peloponesus , took divers strong Townes , destroying the Country , forcing the Princes to flee , one to Mantinia , the other to strong Epidaurus , now Ragusium . They , destitute of expected aide , sued againe for peace : which he granted on condition , that all places taken should be his own , Patras with its Country to be delivered him , and they to pay him a yearly tribute for the rest . Returning , he took Athens , before taken from Francus Accioval promising him Boetia with Thebes in lieu thereof . Francus was Nereus his Nephew , Prince of Athens , brought up in the Turks Court as one of Mahomets Minions . But he having received that 〈◊〉 , was sent to Zaganus in Peloponesus as in great friendship : but departing he was stayed , and ( as Mahomet had commanded ) murthered . About 3 years after the peace with the two brethren , Mahome : understanding the Christian Princes had combined to drive him out of Greece , thought it much for his assurance , to root up that Empire 's Reliques in Thomas and Demetrius : they being now at variance , neither paid him the promised tribute . Coming to Coriuth with a great Army ; Arsanes , whose sister Demetrius had married , came to him from his brother in Law with many gallonts , to aid him against Thomas , they both reckoning him as a friend . But Mahomet , being come to Tegea , he cast Arsanes with his chief followers into bonds . Demetrius hearing of it , fled to Sparta , now Mizithra : which in few daies Mahomet besieging , the Prince went out and submitted himself to him with all he had ; whom the Tyrant comforting , promised to give him other Lands , &c. instead of Sparta : yet , he carried him as a prisoner till he ended those wars . Then besieging 〈◊〉 , he lost divers 〈◊〉 : wherefore , the City taken , he put all the Souldiers to the sword , cutting the Captains into pieces . Then he took Leontarium , anciently Megalopolis , with Cardicla : whither these had conveighed their Wives and children , leaving not one alive in 〈◊〉 Cities of about 6000 , and commanding the very cattel to be killed . Many Cities ( terrified ) forthwith yielded , he causing all the Inhabitants 10000 of Salvarium in Arcadia , to be cast in bonds , with which ( as Captives ) he peopled Conscantinople's Suburbs . Then by Demetrius his Counsel he sent Greek Souldiers to strong Epidaurus , to deliver it him in the Prince's name , with his Wife and Daughteŕ : but the Governour refusing , suffered the Princes ; and Daughter , to depart to her husband , who being presented to Mahomet , they were sent to Boetia to attend his return ; an Eunuch taking charge of the young Lady , whom Mahomet took afterwards to wife . Then also subduing most of Achaia , and Elis by Zoganus , himself 〈◊〉 long , besieged Salmenica there , which yielded for lack of water ; but the Castle was for a year defended by Prince Thomas , whom he commended , that he found many slaves in Peloponesus , but never a man but he . Thomas getting to Sea , was at Rome allowed , for life , a large pension by Pope Pius 2. Thus all Peloponesus being subdued ( except some Sea-holds holden by the Venetians ) leaving Zoganus his Lievtenant , he returned toward Constantinople with triumph : catrying away with him Demetrius , his wife and daughter , &c. giving unto him the City Aenum , with the Custom of Salt there made , to live on . This famous Countrey , fell into the Turks thraldom about 1460. The Christian Princes seeing by the Turks continual preparations , his desires to be increased rather than satisfied with so great victories , fortifying their frontiers provided for repulsing so mighty an enemy . George the old Despots Dominions lying in most danger , he left nothing undone for defence ; for he had many times endured the Turks fury : then he journeyed into Hungary , to procure aid against a time of need . But they , especially Huni ades ( having sufficient tryal of his light faith , neither accounted right Turk or good Christian ) leaving him to his own fortunes , he returned full of indignation : and soon after died of a hurt in a skirmish with Michael Governour of Belgrade , whose brother he treacherously murdered , travelling with Michael by Wagon to Belgrade , himself hardly escaping . This was his end , living 90 years : a man of great courage , but marvellous unquiet , &c. a deep dissembler , and double in all his waies , whereby he was neither beloved or trusted of neighbour-Princes , and so detested of his Subjects , that they still tearm him in their Songs , The faithless and graceless Despot . Lazarus his youngest Son succeeded him ; yet his two blind brethren fleeing to Mahomet with a masse of mony , so incited him against Lazarus , that for his friendship , he became his tributary , and dying few months after , great troubles arose in Servia : the blind brethren craving aid of Mahomet ; and Lazarus his widow with her 3 sons , putting her self into the Hungarians protection , with trouble held it , till the 〈◊〉 , weary of the Turks harms , yielded to Mahomet's obedience ; who united it to his Empire , as at this day . Mahomet now thinking no enterprize so great , which he was not able to bring to passe , ceased not to vex the bordering Princes ; But his heart was greatest against the Hungarians . Wherefore , because Belgrade was accounted the Key of Hungary , he determined there to begin his wars , and levied 150000 Soldiers , in whom he repoled great confidence . He provided 200 Ships and Galleys , that no relief should be brought to the City out of Hungary , by the Rivers Danubius and Savius ; and landing his Souldiers farther up Danubius , spoyled along the River side . Shortly after encamping before it , he at first terribly assaulted ; but finding greater resistance then he imagined , he entrenched his Army , and provided against sudden salleys : then laying a part of the wall flat by the fury of his great Artillery , the Defendants with great labour repaired it rather stronger than before . Huniades the while , sent a Fleet ( well appointed ) from Buda down Danubius , which taking 20 sail of Turks , and discomfiting the rest , they ran on ground near their camps which were set on fire , as not to come into the Hungarians power . Hereby the Christians ( at pleasure ) conveighed all necessaries by water , to Belgrade . Huniades also with 5000 , and a Minorate Fryar ( by whose perswasion , 40000 Voluntiers were come to that war ) entred that way with their followers . Mahomet resolutely bent , determined next day to give a general assault ; but , as they were preparing all things for the service , Carazi Bassa , his best man of war , was slain from the Town , Mahomet being exceedingly troubled herewith as ominous ; yet next day early , he with the sound of Trumpets , &c. brought on his Janizaries to the breach ; who without great resistance entred there , and in divers other places ; For Huniades ordered the Defendants ( upon the first charge ) to retire towards the City as discouraged , on purpose to draw the enemies faster on to their destruction : so that great numbers being entred , the retirers , at the sign appointed , turning again , fiercely charged them , and Huniades issuing out , 〈◊〉 oppressed the Turks , that few escaped , not being slain or taken ; the rest with exceeding slaughter beaten from the Walls . Huniades ( with the Fryar's Souldiers ) presently sallying out , so charged the Turks , defending the great Ordnance , that they with great slaughter , left them to their enemies . The Tyrant couragiously charging to recover them again , was so repulsed , and beaten with murthering shot from the City , that he was glad when got into his Trenches . A great part of the Army was in this hurly , speedily transported over Danubius , joyning with Huniades , laying without the walls : who now assailed their Trenches , as if presently to enter their Camp : which the Tyrant disdaining , went out and valiantly beat him back to the Ordinance : from whence , he was again driven to his Trenches : which manner of fight , was indifferently maintained till the day almost spent . Chasanes Captain of the Janizaries , was herein slain , and Mahomet himself sore wounded under his left pap , and carried into his Pavilion for dead . But comming to himself , and considering his losse in that siege , & c. departed with great silence in the night , still looking behind when the Hungarians should have pursued and troubled him . Here were slain 40000. his best Souldiers , besides Commanders : so that he would shake his head , & c. wishing , he had never seen that City where he and his Father received so great dishonor . This notable Victory was August 6th , 1456. Huniades shortly after , died of a hurt in these Warres ; or as some , of the plague , then rife in Hungary , who would in any case be carried to the Temple to receive the Sacrament before his departure ; saying , the Lord should not come to his Servants house , but the Servant to the House of his Lord. He was the first Christian Captain , shewing the Turks were to be overcome , obtaining more great Victories over them than any before him . He was honourably buried at Alba Julia , in St. Stephens Temple , greatly lamented of all good men . Mahomet soon after the taking Constantinople , putting a great Fleet to Sea , surprized divers Islands in the Aegeum , and hardly besieged Rhodes . At which time Calixtus the 3d Pope , aided by the Genowayes , for the grudge of Pera taken , put to Sea sixteen tall Ships and Gallies , under Patriach Lodovicus , who recovered 〈◊〉 from the Turks , with other small Islands , and encountring them near the Island Rhodes , sunk and took divers , forcing them to forsake the Rhodes , spoyling for three years after , at pleasure , the Turks frontiers , along the Sea coast of lesser Asia , terrifying the effeminate people , and returning with many prisoners and much spoil . Mahomet after that , began diligently to prepare against spring , to subdue the Aegeum Islands , chiefly those near Peloponesus : Embassadors from Usuncassanes , the Persian King arrived the while , with divers rich presents : among which were a pair of playing Tables , whose men and dice were of inestimable prerious stones and workmanship , found in the Persian Kings Treasures , that Usun had 〈◊〉 and bereft , and left there by Tamerlane . Their Embassage was , that those two mighty Princes might joyn and live in amity , and that David , Emperour of Trapezond , being forced to pay Mahomet a tribute by his Asian Lieutenant , he should not now look for it : seeing that Empire , after Davids death , belonged to him in his Wives right , Davids elder Brothers Daughter , requiring him not to molest him , so should he be his faithful confederate , otherwise his mighty enemy . Mahomet , envying the Persian rising , and now disdaining his peremptory requests , dismissed them with this answer , He would ere long be personally in Asia , to teach Usun what to request of a greater than himself . This was the ground of the mortall Warres ensuing between these two . Mahomet , now altering his determination for the Aegeum Isles , most under the Venetians protection , sent his Admiral with one hundred and fifty Sail into the Euxine , now the black Sea , to anchor before Paphlagonia's chief City , to expect him with his Army by Land , who was come thither before he was looked for . Ismael a Mahometan Prince ; governing all thereabout , on whom Mahomet bent his forces , as being in league with Usun , though he had 400 great Artillery Pieces , and 10000 Souldiers for his defence : yet doubting how to endure the siege , yielded to him the City with all his Dominions , in lieu of Philopopolis in Thrace with the adjoyning Country . This was the last of the Isfendiars long reigning in Pontus . Thence he marched to Trapezond in Pontus , where the Constantinopolitan Emperours had their Deputies , whilest commanding as farre as Parthia : but it declining , one Isaac fleeing from Constantinople , and taking the Government of Trapezond with Pontus and Cappadocia , &c. was first called King ; but afterwards , he and his Successors , Emperors . David Comnenus then raigned : Mahomet hardly besieged Trapezond for 30 dayes by Sea and Land , burnt its Suburbs , as at Sinope . The fearful Emperour offered to yield his whole Empire to him , on condition of taking his Daughter to Wife : and for some other Province yielding a sufficient yearly profit . Mahomet perceiving his enemie's weakness , attempted the City by force , which not sorting , they again parled : at last it was agreed , the Emperour on the Turks saith for his return , should meet him without the City for some good attonement , who as soon as he came out , Mahomet ( faith not to be kept with Christians ) detained him a prisoner in bonds , wherewith the Citizens discouraged , yielded themselves and City into his power : who entering it , and taking his Daughter and all his Children , with all Nobles he found , sent them forthwith by Sea with the Emperour , to Constantinople as in triumph : choosing what Citizens he pleased for his own service : bringing up 800 Christian Children for Janizaries , many Citizens sent captives to Constantinople , dividing the beautiful Women to his friends and men of Warre , he sent some choise ones to his Sonnes . The other Towns , shortly submitted to the Turkish thraldom , wherein they have since miserably lived : he appointed Janizaries for the Castle , and his Admiral to govern the common Souldiers in the City . So Mahomet , having in few moneths , subdued Paphlagonia , Pontus , and a great part of Cappadocia , &c. returned in great triumph . Afterwards , Usuns Queen seeking to get some of her Uncles children , possibly by her Husbands power , to advance to her Fathers Empire ; Mahomet cruelly put to death David with all his sonnes and kinsmen : rooting out all the Family of the Comnens , but George the youngest Sonne , who at first turned Turk , and whose Sister was afterwards one of his concubines . This Empire was by Mahomet subverted in 1461. The year following , Ulanus Prince of Valachia resolving to joyn to the Hungarians , Mahomet thought to circumvent this his tributary , before wholly fallen from him : wherefore he sent Catabolinus his Secretary , to bring him to Court , promising him greater promotions than ever : and commanding by him , Chamuzes Bassa , Governour of Bidina , &c. to do his utmost for entrapping of Uladus , promising him great rewards . Chamuzes devised , the Secretary to give him notice of the day of his return from the Prince : when 't was like , Uladus would bring him on his way of himself , or at least being by the Secretary requested ; the Bassa , passing with Troops over Danubius , should lay close in ambush on the way . The Secretary forced his wit , to perswade the Prince to go to Court , &c. But he obtained no more from him wary , than good words , and in courtesie to conduct him unto Danubius side . The Secretary giving Chamuzes notice , he lay where the Secretary must needs passe : comming at the prefixed time to the place , Chamuzes suddenly assailing the Prince , slew divers . But Uladus being of great courage , and better appointed than the Bassa supposed , slew many Turks , and at length took Chamuzes with the rest : whose hands and feet he cutting off , thrust their bodies on sharp stakes fastned in the ground , hanging the Bassa and Secretary on a Gibbet , much higher than the other . And gathering his forces , passed Danubius , burning along the River side , killing man , woman , and Child , so returning into Valachia . This newes set Mahomet into such a rage , that he commanded Bassa Mahometes telling him of it , to be cruelly whipt . But when he surely understood , rather worse than the Bassa reported , it is not to be expressed into what a rage he fell . Wherefore assembling speedily his Souldiers to Philopopolis , he soon raised such an Army , as had not been against Constantinople : sending also 25. Galli s , and 150 small Vessels , to land in Danubius , and joyn with the Podolian ; who for a grudge against Uladus , promised to aid the Turk : who before Mahomets comming with the Polodians help , had burnt Prailaba , the greatest Trade-Town in Valachia : then besieging Cebium awhile with some losse , the Podolian departed into his Country , the Admiral to his Fleet. Mahomet got over , burnt , &c. making havock of all in his way , taking but few Prisoners ; for the Valachies had retired all unfit for Warres , into strong Cities or Woods , or high and rough Mountains . The Prince kept the Woods and Mountains , following the Turks as near as with safety , and cutting off straglers many times : yet being but a handful , durst not shew himself in field . Mahomet roaming up and down , and not reckoning of so weak an enemy , pitched in open plains , not entrenched . Uladus understanding thereof , furiously assailed in the dead of night , the Asian quarter of the Camp , slaying many in their Tents ; the rest terrified , fled to the European Souldiers : whom the Prince following did great harm in that quarter also : so fearing the Turks in generall , that they were on the point to flee . Yea Mahomet , fearing the Hungarians had joyned with the Prince , had fled , had not Mahomet Bassa perswaded him ; and , by Proclamation , none on pain of death to forsake his place , enforced a head against the Prince : which Uladus perceiving , after great slaughter and spoil of the Asians Tents , retired into the Woods . It being day , Halybeg with select Companies , pursuing them , took one thousand , putting the rest to flight , who were presently put to the Sword. After that , Mahomet entrenched every night , keeping better Watches and Ward in every quarter . Who as he marched . came where the Bassa and Secretary hanged , and the dismembred Turks on stakes : with which he was grievously offended . Passing fu ther , he came to a plain , almost one mile broad , and two long , full of Gallows , Gibbets and Stakes , &c. hanging full of dead men , women and children , deemed about twenty thousand . Some their limbs broken on wheels , with many horrible kinds of death . All which , the cruel Prince , jealous of his estate , had for desert or suspition put to death ; his Souldiers had their goods , executing the whole Family , sometime the whole kindred , with the offender . Mahomet , though by nature fierce and cruel , wondred . Yet said onely , Uladus knew how to have his Subjects at command . Then sending Josephus to skirmish with the Valachies , he was put to the worst . But Omares comming in , they were overthrown , and two thousand heads brought on launces into the Camp ; for which Omares was by Mahomet made Governour of Thessalie . Mahomet seeing it to no purpose , to hunt after his fleeing enemy , returned to Constantinople , leaving Haly-beg with Vladus his younger Brother , called also Vladus , to prosecute that Warre with a party . This younger Dracula was , of a little youth , brought up in Mahomets Court : who for his comely feature , sought first by fair words and gifts , to corrupt him , at last to force him . The youth enraged , drew his Rapier to slay him , grievously wounding his thigh and fled : yet being drawn back , he was pardoned and reconciled , becomming his Ganymede , and being long beloved and honoured , was now set up for a Stale to 〈◊〉 the Valachies into rebellion : divers of whom comming to Haly , to ransom their friends taken in those Warres : young Vladus declaring the Turks great power , and as lamenting the Countries endless miseries , imputed them to the disordered Government of his cruel Brother : assuring speedy relief , if the Valachies forsaking his Brother , would cleave to him as their Soveraign . By whose lively reasons , &c. they present , perswaded , and others by them , soon all forsook the elder , and chose him the younger , who by Mahomets consent , took on him the Government , yet holding it as his vassal . Vladus thus forsaken , fled into Transilvania , where he was laid fast by the Hungarian King , at Belgrade , for cruelly and unjustly executing divers Hungarians : yet after ten years , being inlarged , he died in battel against the Turks . Mahomet sent the same Fleet into the Aegeum , to take the Islands , who before under the Constantinopolitan , had put themselves now under the Venetian , especially Mitylene pretending its Prince harbored the Italian Pirates and others , buying prisoners , and booty taken from the Turks at Sea , and along the Sea-coast : also , that he , slaying his eldest Brother , unjustly governed . Himself passing into Asia , came to Possidium , over against Mitylene ; Landing his small Army over the narrow Strait , he soon over-ran and spoiled the Island , captivating all its Inhabitants , who being sold at Constantinople , were thence dispersed . Then besieging the Prince in the City Mitylene , he battered it twenty seven dayes ; and the defendants , by sharp assaults , greatly diminished , the Prince offered to yield up all in the Isle , for some other Province of like value : which Mahomet accepting , solemnly sware to perform . The Prince humbly comming forth , excused himself for receiving the men of Warre , that they might not spoil his own Country : denying he had bought or shared any of their prizes . Mahomet seemingly contented , cheared him with good words : yet all being delivered into his hands , he put to death many of the chief Citizens , cutting three hundred Pirates in the middle , and placing Garisons , he returned , carrying the Prince with him , and all the better sort , with all the wealth , leaving his Garrisons with a few of the poorest people . Being arrived , he closly imprisoned the Prince , with his cousin , used in killing his Brother ; who in danger of their lives every houre , offered renouncing Christianity to turn Turk . Mahomet in rich Apparel , triumphantly circumcising them , set them at liberty : yet bearing the old grudge , soon clapt them fast again , cruelly putting them to death . Shortly after , Stephen King of Bosna , who through the Turks support , had wrongfully obtained it against his two brethren , refused to pay Mahomet his promised tribute : wherefore entring Bosna , he besieged Dorobiza ; which taken , one part of the people he gave slaves to his men of War , sending another to Constantinople , a third to inhabite the City . Marching to Jaziga ( now Jaica ) the chiefe City , it was delivered after four months on composition . Here taking the Kings Brother and Sister with most of the Nobles , he sent them in Triumph to Constantinople . The lesser Cityes yielded also . Mahomet sent Mahometes Bassa to pursue the King , retired into the farthest parts : who so inclosed him before he was aware , that he could not escape , a thing thought impossible . The King taking refuge of Clyssa , was so hardly laid to , that he yielded himself on the Bassaes solemne oath conceived in writing , that he being honourably used , should not be hurt by the Emperour . The Bassa carryed him about with him , till he possessed all Bosna : whose Master was offended with him for engàging his Faith so far . The poor King departing , was suddenly sent for : who doubting , carryed the Bassas Oath in writing : yet the faithlesse Tyrant most cruelly put him to death , or as some slew him quick . Bosna was subverted by Mahomet in 1464 , who reducing it into a province , returned in great triumph to Constantinople , with many a wofull Captive , and that Kingdom 's wealth . Mahomet in the beginning of his reigne , sent to Scanderbeg offering him peace , so he would pay him the yearly tribute demanded by Amurath : rather to prove his confidence , than in hope to have it granted . Scanderbeg scornfully rejecting this , entred into the Turks bordered dominion , wasting the Country & returning with spoyl . Mahomet in revenge , sent Amesa with 12000 Horse into Epirus to do the like : of whose comming , he understanding , lay close with 6000 on the Mountain Modrissa . The Turks by night , being almost gotten to its rough and sleep top , were suddenly charged , and with great slaughter driven down amaine , their horses being rather their hinderance . Being come to the foot , they were againe fiercely assailed by Scanderbeg on one side , and his Nephew Amesa on the other : who before had placed themselves advantagiously : So that the Turks soone overthrowne were put to flight , 7000 were slaine : Amesa their Generall taken with divers Captaines , and sent to Croia , where was great triumph and feasting for joy : Scanderbeg then enlarging Amesa and the rest to be partakers thereof : and using them with all courtesie during their abode , Amesa requested he might send to Mahomet , how the case stood with them , and to procure their ransome , which Scanderbeg granting set downe at 13000 Duckats . The newes sore grieved the Tyrant : but seeing the Armies remainder , most of their Ensignes and Armour lost , and Amesa's messenger , he enraged , denied any thing for ransome : imputing all to his treachery , folly , or cowardise . Yet he was perswaded by his Bassaes and other Amesaes friends , to think better of him , and to send his ransome , lest he should discourage other Captaines , who might haply fall into like danger : on receipt whereof they freed , were conveyed out of Epirus : Scanderbeg dividing the mony among his Souldiers . The Tyrant determining to send another Army , and promising great rewards , &c : to the vanquisher of Scanderbeg ; among others , Debrias in great favour , by great sute obtained that charge , promising confidently to make a better beginning , than others before sent , requiring no more power than was sent the yeare before . But Amesa setting forth Scanderbegs virtues and valour , with his Souldiers courage , Debrias was content with a new supply , having 14000 , with whom marching to Polagus , and encamping with great security , being not yet come into Enemies Country ; Scanderbeg chose 6000 of his best Horsemen , and marching 〈◊〉 all speed , came by night , where the Turks lay , to be upon them before aware . But by the Moon-light he was timely discried ; yet the sudden approach , and strange attempt oismaied the whole Army . But Debrias encouraging his Souldiers , sent light Horse-men to receive the first charge , till he might set his Army in order : betwixt whom and others of Scanderbeg's , a sharp skirmish beginning , Scanderbeg doubting , seconded them with fresh Troops under Amesa : by whose comming the Turks were chased even to their main battell . In which , Moses had , following too fast , been enclosed , had not Amesa stayed his fury , blamed by Scanderbeg : commending such forewardnesse in a private Souldier , not in so great a Commander . Scanderbeg now fiercely affailed the Turks with his Army . Debrias so encouraged his Souldiers , that Scanderbegs fortune was even at a stand : till Musachius with resolute Troops out of the left wing , so charged , that he sore disordered the side of the Turks Army : which Debrias perceiving , came to that place , cheering them up with his presence and valour , seeming the life of his Army . Scanderbeg the while , mainly charging the Enemies front , they began in their Generalls absence to loose order and give ground . Moses then breaking into the thickest , threw amongst his followers a taken Ensigne : who thereby , so pressed on their Enemies , that they , discouraged and disordered , were almost ready to 〈◊〉 . Debrias here-upon , hastening to encourage his Souldiers among the foremost , was by Scanderbeg encountered hand to hand and slain . Wherewith the Army discouraged , fled . Moses and Musachius killing more in 〈◊〉 than was in battell : 4120 Turks were slain and some taken , but few or no Christians : so that Scanderbeg accounted it a Victory given . All spoile , and prisoners were equally divided among the Souldiers . Moses had Debrias his horse and Armour : Musachius a Prisoner seeming of some account given them : whose prisoner drawing 200 Duckats out of a little bag about him for his agreed-ransome , Musachius told him he must provide another , seeing that money was taken with his person . The Turk alleadged the agreement already made ; which controversie , Scanderbeg hearing , and smiling , said , They contended for what was ( by right ) his : for , said he , I gave thee ( Musachius ) the prisoner which I knew ; but not the mońey , which I knew not of . And to the Turk : the concealement makes it not thine : who by law of Armes , hast lost thy self with all about thee . Thus he brirging them both in doubt , awarded Musachius the money , and to the Turk his liberty : who departing with his horse and Armes , spake honourably of so noble a Conquerour ; After this , Scanderbeg triumphantly returned to Croia . Mahomet being very melancholly with this newes : seeing the many Souldiers that returned , he could not endure the sight of them . The Captaines generally envied Debreas his hardinesse , or hated his insolency . Amesa was glad his proud successour took part of his ill fortune . The men of war offered to spend their lives in that service , to their revengefull King : which he seeming not to refuse , had yet plotted another manner of revenge , whereby his Father had brought great matters to passe . He hoped to find some Chiefetain in Epirus , whom wealth or promotion might allure against Scanderbegs life or state . Moses of Dibria accounted the next best Captain to Scanderbeg , and most inward with him ; he most desired to alienate from him , because he commonly lay in Dibria on the very frontiers . Wherefore he commanded the Governour of Sfetigrade to devise by all meanes to withdraw and allure Moses : promising him also great preferment if he could win him . Who at last thinking upon a shrewd-headed Christian in Sfetigrade ( whom therefore he might use unsuspected ) and winning him by great gifts and promises to undertake it , sent him away fully instructed : who obtaining to speak with Moses in private , after some discourse began to utter his poyson : shewing him , as from the Governour , that the Turks Emperour could not but honour him , though his enemie , for his valour and prowesse : and marvelling he could be commanded by Scanderbeg , whose state was by him chiefely upholden : wherèas , if he would follow Mahomet , he should soon find entertainment , to be preferred before Scanderbegs state : or , if Epirus its soveraigntie better pleased him , he might easily be advanced thereto , by joyning to Mahomet's great power . Moses praises and favour with the Turk , well pleased him : But the hope of Epirus Kingdome moved him more than all . Yet he made no semblance of liking or disliking : which the wily messenger taking for a secret consent , and departing , promised shortly to returne to him againe . After this , many troubled thoughts arising in Moses , &c : he in short time seemed to the wiser altogether metamorphosed . Some asking the cause of the Messenger ' s comming : he answered to receive intelligence from him concerning the good of the State ; which was holden for true . The Messenger comming againe , brought presents secretly , beseeming the Great Turk , with his message better 〈◊〉 . Moses is reported to have received nought but the Treason it self : answering , he could not but accept the Turks favours : and for the rest , he should not thenceforth find him any great enemy : commanding the Messenger no more to repaire to him , for feare of suspition . Scanderbeg comming into Dibria , to see how things stood , and to consult about besieging of Sfetigrade ; Moses to avert him therefrom , told him : he lately understood by a Messenger thence , that the City was so well stored of all things , that it were but lost labour to attempt it : advising him rather to besiege Belgrade ( not on Danubius ) but in the confines of Epirus , distant from Sfetigrade about 140 miles . Which Scanderbeg resolving on , and his Souldiers not so fit for besieging of Townes ; he sent two Embassadours to pray aide out of Italy , from his old friend Alphonsus King of Naples , with presents and letters ; declaring , that his Souldiers knew not how to deale with Walls , that the Italians had skill in that service , that there were certaine Townes of their enemies in Epirus : which eye-sore he long desired to take out of his sight , &c. Therefore Alphonsus should lend him Harquebusiers and Canoneers : for of other Souldiers he had plenty . That he did so lovingly embrace his former kindnesse , &c : that he could sometimes wish him that fortune , which ( as the common saying is ) proveth , but getteth not friends ; that he might more certainely prove how much he was to him devoted . Scanderbeg purposing also to use Moses his service in the siege : he found many excuses to stay at Dibria : alleadging , it was to be thought , the Turk would invade some part of Epirus , to withdraw them from Belgrade : that no part lay neerer , and in more danger than Dibria : that he could not do better service , than to see to that Country's safety , in which 〈◊〉 most of his living lay . These Treasonable excuses were thought reasonable , and he commended for his care : authorized also to augment the Garrison upon occasion . Scanderbeg finishing his preparation , the Embassadours returned from Alphonsus , with much more aide than was requested ; for he reckoned Epirus ; but 60 miles from his dominions , the strongest Walls of Apulia , as it afterwards appeared when the Turks took Otranto . He wrote 〈◊〉 loving letters to Scanderbeg , &c : and to make bold 〈◊〉 all things as his own : merrily writing , that his Italian Souldiers could fight better with women then men and walls : therefore the Epirots were best take heed , &c. Scanderbeg now furnished , encamped before Belgrade with 14000 good Souldiers : which he soone so 〈◊〉 , that the Turks promised to deliver it up , if not relieved before 16 dayes truce . During which time , Scanderbeg encamped on a hill neere the Towne with 3000 〈◊〉 , and 1000 foot , appointing Musachius and Tanusius to remove into a Plain farther off , for more fresh aire in that hot season : also he ordered 25 Scouts to watch continually on the highest Mountain , to give warning of the Enemies comming by making a fire . Mahomet , now ready to passe into Asia against the Emperour of Trapezond , and grieving to lose Belgrade , holding on his intended journey 〈◊〉 , sent Sebalias a Bassa with 40000 Horse to relieve it , promising him great rewards for Scanderbeg , dead or alive . This Bassa , alwayes accounted more politique than forward , came on so fast by great journeys , that he prevented the same of his comming , intercepting or corrupting the Watch on the Mountaines , that no expected signe was given . So that those in the plaines had not leisure to bridle their horses , or put on their Armour . Musachius armed , &c : as the Enemyes approach would permit , doubting whether to fight or flee : but seeing alike danger in both , he resolutely received the Enemy's charge . At length , seeing his men slaine by heapes , he fiercely attempted to break thorow to Scanderbegs Mountain : but no way being to be made , he fought till he and all with him were slaine . Tanusius also after divers vaine attempts to rescue his Cousin Musachius , exhorted all left , to 〈◊〉 : in which many were slaine : for the Enemy filled all places , and eagerly pursued . Scanderbeg was about many times to descend the hill , to help them , or have died with them , 〈◊〉 : his Captaines earnestly requesting him , not to thrust himself and them into perill of assured death . Sebalias following Tanusius with most of his Army ' except few , and such as rifled the dead , Scanderbeg comming downe with his 4000 , slew all Turks in his way , and cut off a great number afterwards in the rear . So that Sebalias leaving the chase , turned upon his pursuing Enemy : and 〈◊〉 a sharp skirmish begun , sounded a 〈◊〉 to call together his dispersed Souldiers , the better to encounter his dangerous Enemy . Scanderbeg assembling his remainder , and valiantly encountering the Turks ( thinking now to end these Wars ) 〈◊〉 with his own hand Achmat and Barach two valiant Turks , who had sworne to Mahomet Scanderbegs death , if they met him . Many Turks were here slaine . Night drawing on , Sebalias retired to a Mountaine nigh the City : and Scanderbeg to another almost two miles off : and in dead of the night returned into Epirus , leaving strong Garrisons on all strait passages , 〈◊〉 the Bassa should break into Epirus . This was the onely and greatest overthrow Scanderbeg hitherto received , losing 2000 Horse , and 3000 Foot ( most of whom were the Italians ) with his Tents , and great Artillery , and about 80taken , 3000 Turks were slain also . Next day , Sebalias buried the bodyes of the slain Turks : but left the yet-breathing-Christians , cutting off their hands and feet , among the dead . Musachius his head , and others thought of the better sort , were cut off : and because of the heat of the weather , being flayed and stuffed , Sebalias carried them as Tropheys to Constantinople : Repairing Belgrades Walls , and adding 700 fresh Souldiers to the old Garrison ; he returned , causing as he entred the City , the Christian Captives to be led in Chaines before him , after whom were the taken Ensignes , with the heads on Launces , then all the spoil . Himself with 〈◊〉 Sou diers were received , with such applause as Conquering some great Kingdome . Sebalias praises was in every mans month : he onely ( they said ) shewing Scanderbeg was to be overcome : No preferment or reward was thought too great , to countervaile his desert . Most of the Captives being sold , the rest were thrust alive on sharpe stakes , hang'd on iron hooks , and otherwise tortured to death . Moses after Scanderbegs losse , thought it a most fit time now to revolt : but he thought good , if possible , to allure some others into his Treason , both to diminish his own infamy , and to appear with more credit before the Turks . Wherefore at first , seeming very pensive for Scanderbeg and Epirus ; with many words , he set forth ( to his utmost ) Mahomets power : but to those more inward with him , he discovered Mahomets great favour , and offered 〈◊〉 , &c. assuring them of the like also , if they would conforme : yet he found none , but a few of the baser sort , which hearkened to , or followed him . Wherefore he fearing now to be discovered , fled by night , to Sfet'grade , with those base ones ; thence , by the Governours passe , to Constantinople ; where arriving a little before Sebalias : Mahomet joyfully received him , &c : At the first report whereof , Scanderbeg ( as astonied ) stood speechlesse : but pawsing a while , said no more , but that he could easily excuse Moses , he being carried away with that which might alienate a constant man : commanding divers aggravating his 〈◊〉 to hold their peace , wishing all Treason and ill fortune were gone with Moses . Scanderbeg went into Dibria , diligently enquiring if any of his partakers 〈◊〉 be found . But finding none , he much rejoyced , and things being set in order 〈◊〉 to Croia . Moses solicited Mahomet to proceed in his Warrs against Scanderbeg : promising to spend his life therein . But he delaying him till next Spring , diligently observed ( the while ) Moses talke and behaviour : and oft discoursed with him about that Warr's management : and finding undoubted signes of a minde for his service , he at Spring committed 15000 Horse to him , for invading Epirus , for a greater number he required not . These Souldiers through the opinion of their new Generall , and hope by his meanes , of friends there to joyne with them , were the willinger to goe . So Moses furnished 〈◊〉 an Army of his own choosing , &c. marching thorow Thrace and Macedonia , came and entred into Dibria . Whom Scanderbeg stood not to encounter upon policy , he being privy to his stratagems , but with true valour . Both Armies standing ranged in order , a Messenger came to Scanderbeg to know if any one durst fight hand to hand with one of the Turks , whose name was Ahemaze , 〈◊〉 the generall battell . Upon his challenge , Zacharias Groppe hastily stepping forth , requested Scanderbeg , he might be the man : who embracing , commending , and wishing him good fortune , gave him leave : Whom as he was Arming , his companions wished onely the fortune of Manessi . He put upon his Armour many rich Jewells , &c. The Turkish Champion no sooner was come forth in great bravery , but Zacharias bravely mounted , was as ready to charge him : to whom Ahemaze said , It was time enough to hasten his death , requesting to talke with him . So propounding the conditions before to Manessi , Zacharias in no better sort accepted them . Thus agreed , and withdrawing a good distance from each other , they ran together with such force , they they brake their Launces , and were both horse and man overthrowne : who nimbly recovering , assailed each other on foot , with their 〈◊〉 . After many sturdy stroakes without hurt , being so strongly Armed , and their swords being beaten out of their hands , they grapled with their hands : After long strugling , Zacharias overthrowing the Turk , thrust him into the throat with his dagger and slew him , then cutting off his head with a sword : whereat the Christians shouting , discomfited the Turks . Zacharias returning with spoil , and presenting to Scanderbeg the Turks head , was by him afterwards honourably rewarded . Into this place came Moses , and aloud challenged Scanderbeg hand to hand : but seeing him ready to come forth , he with shame returned into his Armie . Presently after , both Armies joyned battell , where at first onset , the Turks vanguard gave ground , whom Moses relieved with supplies , here and there with his presence restoring the battell . Yet the Epirots still prevailing , with great slaughter came to the strength of their battaile , Moses his best Souldiers , and last refuge : here the Turks fought very couragiously , and Moses warily observing Scanderbeg , directed his forces if possible , to slay him : one of whose couragious Souldiers , with his Horsemans staffe , bare him quite backward on his Horse : that the Turk thinking him to be slain , greatly shouted : but Scanderbeg recovering , and chafed herewith , after a furious fight slew the Turk with his sword . Divers Souldiers thrusting the Turks heads on Speares that were already overthrown : astonished the Turks : and with Scanderbeg , charged their main battell fiercer than before . Moses with his own valour staied the Victory a while : till seeing the ground covered with dead bodyes , and that he must flee or die , fled : in which many of the hindermost were slaine . Moses , with 4000 , escaped by wayes well known : the rest about 11000 being slaine : not past a 100 Christians were lost , and about 80 wounded . All the Turks taken , were tortured to death in revenge of their cruelty at Belgrade , except one ransomed that yielded to Zacharias : Scanderbeg not knowing , or winking thereat . Moses laying still on Epirus borders , would perswade his discomfited Army , Scanderbeg being departed , to follow him into Epirus , to surprize the two thousand in Garison at Dibria , before they were aware . But the Turks now contemning him : were about generally to return home . Wherefore Moses returned with them : with a countenance as heavy as of a condemned man , and the Turks now disgraced him as fast as they before admired him , speaking all evil of him ; yea the Tyrant , though he could blame but his fortune , was so offended , that he had put him to a most cruel death , had not the Bassaes , &c. perswaded him , that hereby he should alienate others from revolting , or attempting any great matter for him . So he was pardoned , but had little or nothing afterwards allowed him : all which , though he outwardly seemed to bear , yet was inwardly so tormented , that he could neither eat or drink . The Tyrant's measuring all by the event , filled him with indignation ; and to return to his Prince , having so ill deserved , he was ashamed . Sometimes Scanderbegs clemency , &c. heartned him to think of return ; and by and by his foul treason overwhelmed him with despair : yet , at last , he resolved to submit to Scanderbeg's mercy , &c. And getting secretly one evening , out of Constantinople , travelling all night , and next day not resting he came at last by long Journies to Dibria , whom the Garison beholding full of heaviness , &c. received him with many teares and embracings , bringing him to Scanderbeg , then not far off ; who falling at his feet with a girdle about his neck , as deserving death , craved his gracious pardon : which Scanderbeg granting , took him up by the hand , embraced him , and kissed him : restoring to him all things of his 〈◊〉 , with all promotions as before ; and openly proclaiming , none to speak of Moses his trespasse . Mahomet was much grieved , and exceedingly fumed at Moses return ; for that he had trusted him , and let him slip out of his hands , being perswaded it was all but a deceit of Scanderbeg . Shortly after , Mahomet allured Amesa to himself , Scanderbeg's Nephew , promising him to be King of Epirus : hereby thinking it easier to draw the people from Scanderbeg to him of the 〈◊〉 bloud , than to any stranger . Amesa fleeing to clear the Tyrant of suspition , carried with him his Wife and Children , who though low of stature , and not so perfect of feature , yet of exceeding haughty courage , subtil , &c. painful , courteous , and bountiful : he could notably dissemble his affections , being beloved and honoured of all , next to Scanderbeg . He at his first comming , filled not Mahomet with great promises , and vain prayses of himself , as had Moses ; but spake to him ; that if he should remember the old injuries against his Majesty , they might seem to come , rather to receive the just guerdon of their deserts , then in hope of preferment , &c. that his Father's Army was betrayed at 〈◊〉 , and Epirus by treachery wrested out of his hands : the cause of so much calamity and blood-shed . But this fear was vain , &c. especially seeing his then green years , &c. deceived him . He believed his Uncle , &c. but discretion growing with years , he both perceived his slie 〈◊〉 dealing , and that his revolt from him , was more 〈◊〉 to himself than any other , that Scanderbeg not recovering and enlarging the Kingdom without him , he long expected he should give him at least , some part of his Father's Inheritance : But marrying a Wife , he begot an Heire : assigning unto him a base corner of Epirus , &c. that he could never digest that injury : yet the times iniquity , and the mans insolency , compelled him to 〈◊〉 his thoughts : lest he should entrap him , as lately he did his Sisters sonne , George Stresie , whom charging with fained surmises , he hath almost 〈◊〉 of all . That he would willingly have fled to his Highness feet , &c. but the remembrance of old , and since many injuries , feared him : But now following his faith and promise , he scarcely had beckoned to him , &c. but he came with such speed , as if he would have flowen , that he lingered not , &c. as did Moses . Neither had he left any cause of desiring to return againinto Epirus ; having brought unto him whatsoever is dear unto him , &c. pawns as might assure him of the faith of a most doubtful man , that if he had had time to have trussed up his substance , he should have thought it a kind of 〈◊〉 , to bring any part thereof , especially to him ; onely his fidelity he laid down before him , &c. that , he dared not to promise to subdue Epirus with 15000 men , &c. that in him he should not want diligence or faithfulness : that for other things concerning this Warr's event , he was not to be advised by him his unskilful vassall . This speech seeming free from dissimulation , and his Wife and Children confirming it : Mahomet with commendation , honourably entertained him ; and upon the Spring 's approach , consulted with his Bassaes of invading Epirus : Manesaes Counsel herein being best liked . And it was concluded , Isaac the Bassa of Constantinople , should with 50000 men , be sent ; and Amesa with him , commanding 5000 Horse , Amesa to be proclaimed King of Epirus , to perswade the Epirots he invaded it more against Scanderbeg and for Amesa , than to take it to himself . Fame soon filled Epirus with the report hereof , adding much more than truth . Wherefore Scanderbeg sending without delay for his Captains , &c. to 〈◊〉 , declared to them , that hope and fear were the two greatest things God had left to vex and grieve the mindes of men : the first a more comfortable thing , &c. the other of more discretion and safety , &c. Hereupon the former chiefetaines have gained greater honour and victories , ( by fearing what was to be 〈◊〉 ) than other , in shew more hardy . But that might be more 〈◊〉 called discretion , or wholsom policy : from whence none can deny , but the ancient Discipline of Warre hath risen : that this cherisheth hope it self , &c. that they might perceive , his speech tended to know their opinions , before determination of the order of this Warre . That the Great Bassa , flower of Europe , &c. knocketh at their Gates : that he thinketh it better to u●e policy and wariness , than their wonted courage : that the events of Warre are uncertain , and it was never given to any by inheritance , to overcome : that new occurrents require new correspondents , &c. that Victory is like a Traveller , &c. that he was wont to require only valour in his Souldiers , &c. but the losse received at Belgrade hath made him deem farre otherwise of the uncertainty of fortune , &c. that he spake not this to terrifie any ; but to admonish and consult with them , how some notable Victory may be atchieved without the price of bloud , or other losse , &c. that Epirus must needs be soon unpeopled , if they should so desperately only seek such glorious Victories as at Belgrade : they must fight so to day , that they may fight to morrow also , that the losse of 50000 is not so much to the Turks , as 100 of them to him , &c. yet he would gladly trie the whole fortune in plain field , if he might thereby for ever end all warres against the Turks : But when this Isaac is gone , another Isaac will ere long come in his place &c. wherefore they must so well divide their Patrimony , as alwayes to have somewhat to content their creditors , when they come upon them . Yet God would no doubt , give an end to these troubles and extremities , &c. then should it be no small pleasure to them , to remember so many labors and dangers past , &c. That perhaps some would say , they are to be overtaken by policy , of which opinion himself was . Then he thought it best to deceive them , when they think they cannot be deceived ; that besides their own distrust , by others harms , they have with them his graceless Nephew , and domestical Foe Amisa , who will teach them to shun such snares , as he with them , formerly was wont to lay for them : wherefore they must tower up to the height of some strange policy , whereby some great victory without their bloodshed , seldom chancing , may be obtained : with which device , time and space , with sight of the enemy , should furnish them : that first , all things subject to the enemies fury are to be removed : all people brought into safe places , and their Towns to be strongly garrison'd , with all necessary provision : Besides , who knew whether the Tyrant would follow the Bassa at the heels or not ? That , if all things be thus set in order , and they follow his directions , they shall undoubtedly be victors ; and he will make the Epirots more terrible to the Turk , than ever it hath been : that every one the while , should take part in this charge , that he will command nothing , which he will not do himself , nor refuse any thing tending to their common honour and profit . This Speech was so well liked , that many besought him to shew how he would proceed in those Warres , who chearfully answered : it was enough , if they did but believe him , &c. And dispatching his Lieutenants into divers parts , he provided , that all things were conveyed out of the Countrey , in places of refuge , as before at Amuraths comming to the Siege of Croia . By which time , Isaac with Amesa , was come into Epirus : who sent his Scouts and espialls before him , to view every corner , for fear of entrapping . Scanderbeg had his Army in readiness to use ; but lay onely with 6000 Horse , in shew , as if he determined to give battel . But the Bassa being in sight , he as discouraged , fled : and to avoid suspicion of some policy therein , not into the Mountains and Woods , but towards Lyssa , a Venetian Town on the Sea-Coast , as fleeing thither for refuge . The Bassa glad , sent some Troops to pursue him , and mark the way he took : himself encamping in Dibriaes plains , and resting his weary Army , expecting his Horsmens return , who certainly reporting , he was fled out of Epirus , and no enemy to be seen , they began to rejoyce and triumph : yet grieved to finde nothing to satisfie their desires , cause enough to distrust some great matter , but they supposed it to be done for fear of them . The 〈◊〉 consulted now , with his chief Captains , what were best be done ? Amesa perswading him to stay , expecting a further event . But the greater number said , it was better to go farther , and take the spoil , before the people had conveighed all their substance into 〈◊〉 places , as in Dibria they had done . Hereupon the Bassa setting forward early , proclaimed none on pain of death , to break his array , or straggle : yet he first highly commending Amesa , and inveighing against Scanderbeg , created him in Mahomets name , King of Epirus . Marching not farre that night for the great hear , for it was in July , he encamping kept diligent watch that night every way , chiefly towards Lyssum . Next day , the third after his comming into Epirus , he came and encamped that night in Aemathia . Scanderbeg gone farre out of their sight , stayed there all that day . And a little before Sun 's set , with a few chosen Horse , got up to the Mountains top , whence a man might well discover Aemathia's plains : where he appointed 〈◊〉 Emmanuel with some Horse to mark the enemies way , and by secret signes , to give notice to the Army , comming after midnight again to the Camp : And presently fetching a compasse , secretly came as neere as possible , to those Mountains , 〈◊〉 for the enemies least motion . The Bassa early setting forward , came to Pharsalia's plains , famous for the great battel between Casar and Pompey . Here being some stragling Cattel , &c. the enemy fell to seek for booty , spending that day in roaming ; and at night , encamping with no great watch , but towards Lyssum : carrying Amesa in triumph up and down the Camp , as in disgrace of Scanderbeg : who perceiving by his espialls , which way the enemy lay ; and with great silence bent his course the same way , till come to Mount Tumenist , and encamping at its foot : nor farre from which , the Bassa next day , came and encamped , sending Amesa with half the Army , to burn and spoil : who about noon , returned with such prey he had , and his Souldiers wearied . Scanderbeg like a careful Housholder , to welcom so great guests , carefully viewing the Mountains and Woods thereabouts , set Moses in one place , 〈◊〉 in another , and the rest in places convenient : so dividing his forces to make the most terrible shew ; for which he placed more Drums , Trumpets , &c. than ever before : Then with forty thousand Horsemen , and as many Foot , speedily marching up rough Tumenist , he beheld how the 〈◊〉 lay in the plains . They that lately returned with Amesa , were scattered abroad in the fields , resting themselves , &c. the rest were passing away time , with kinds of sport , for 't was the hottest of the year and day . Where the Bassa lay , they were negligent also , little regarding Horse or Armour , for they thought Scanderbeg a great way off , at Lyssum . They were then consulting in the Bassaes Pavilion , what to do to content Mahomet , and commend themselves : some said , when they had wasted the Countrey with fire and sword , to return : others to march to Croia ; to prove if the Citizens yielding , would receive Amesa as King , else to threaten them with a continual siege , and their Countries utter destruction . Scanderbeg from the Mountain , delighted with the sight of the Turks security and disorder , encouraged and martialled his Souldiers . But first , he secretly descending with a few , the rest soon following , suddenly slew all the Turks Scouts but one : who running swiftly into the Camp , crying out , Scanderbeg was comming : the Turks scarce believed he was so nigh who following as fast as he could , was in a moment fallen in among the unarmed , greatly slaying , and filling the Camp with sudden 〈◊〉 . Amesa with some half armed , some on foot , first made head against Scanderbeg : the Bassa doing what he might to arm and put his men in order . But the Souldiers comming down from the Woods the while , with horrible shouts , and noyse of warlike Instruments ; so dismayed the Turks , that fearing , all Epirus , with the adjoyning Countries were come , they began to flee on every side . Amesa cryed aloud telling them , Such vain terrors were not to be feared , &c. and slaying many by his own valour . The Bassa coming to aid Amesa hardly charged Moses with his horse , Tanusius and Emmanuel with their foot , so encountred him that with great loss he retired to his Trenches . 〈◊〉 couragiously withstanding his Uncle , and heartning them on with hope of speedy relief , if they would a while endure their enemies fury ; who would presently be discouraged , if not prevailing in their first attempt , the Turks were again encouraged . But Scanderbeg prevailing on them , and no help come , ( for many were 〈◊〉 , arming , coming , and others put to flight ) they fled also . Scanderbeg's horse made great slaughter in the chase , and took Amesa . Before Scanderbeg came with 1000 foot and some horse to aid Moses , he had put the Bassa with his Army to flight , whom Scanderbeg following , he looked not behind him till out of Epirus . Amongst the many here taken , was Mesites a Zanzack , 20 the fairest Enfigns were taken , besides prisoners . Other spoils taken almost incredible . Those who write most of the Turks slain reckon 30000 they who least 20000. But 60 Christians were lost . There was a sudden alteration of worldly things , Scanderbeg possessing the Bassa's rich Pavilion , his Captains enjoying Tents , &c. Amesa who the same day overran part of Aemathia , and was honoured and called a King , is now led bound to his Uncle , as a slave , speechle , confounded , whose misery moved most to compassion , and forced reares from many . Scanderbeg ( next day ) burying the slain Turks , that the Country might not be infected , he returned in triumph to Croia ; whom the Countrey people ( from the Woods and Mountains ) meeting , as others out of Cities , they were full of his praises . The Captives with hands bound behind , went before him , except those carrying the Ensigns . Next , the Bassa's Pavillion , supported as in field : Then came Scanderbeg with the Sanzack & Amesa following : for he had humbly obtained not to be carried among the captives . Lastly , the victorious Souldiers every one with a spare horse 〈◊〉 with spoil . So being joyfully received at Croia , he brake up his Army . Amesa being afterwards condemned to perpetual prison , was sent to A 〈◊〉 , to be kept at Naples : with whom was sent an honourable present of the spoil . Amesa , remaining a year there in prison ; Scanderbeg ( Alphonsus dying ) requested Ferdinand his Son to restore him to him ; who being imprisoned at Croia , but not so straitly as before ( for Scanderbeg began to forget the injury ) at last through his supplication , &c. pardoned his life , restored his liberty , and took him into former favour . But Amesa , fearing what would become of his wife and children if he 〈◊〉 used it , with humble thanks brake his mind to his Uncle : That whereas he had graciously regarded his life and welfare : he ought also to to be careful of the life of others : to wit , his wife a nd children ; who ( when Mahomet should perceive that he was fallen from him ) shall pay the guilt of his 〈◊〉 . Wherefore he was by some device to be deceived to preserve those pledges , till some fit occasion to redeem them . That ( by his leave ) he would flee as breaking 〈◊〉 , making the greatest shew of his wonted loyalty to 〈◊〉 , &c. That at length with his wife and children , he might escape from him , wherein he might much help him , if ( as grieved ) he seemed highly offended with the Keepers : that in the mean time he would stand him instead of a faithful intelligencer . Scanderbeg refused not his request , but said ; Amesa , since we have granted thee life , &c : we will not prohibit thee the preservation of them who may justly call on thee as a debtor for their welfare . Go thy way , proceed , and reform while thou hast space : we now believe thee , and like of this device ; thou shalt but deceive thy self , if thou longer follow the barbarous King : when thou shalt return , no greater pleasure ; thou shalt be with us as heretofore . Amesa escaping that night , and the Keepers sharply rebuked , easily perswaded Mahomet he was by chance escaped with all 〈◊〉 told him ; yet , for his ill success , he was not so graced of him as before . But ( whether Amesa neglected his promise , or found no opportunity ) he soon after dyed at Constantinople thought to be poysoned , Mahomet no longer enduring the sight of him for the notable overthrow in Aemathia : wherewith being much grieved , he justly blamed the Bassaes security ; whose credit with him better passed it over than was supposed . Mahomet would have emplyoed all his forces upon Scanderbeg : but , besides great wars arising between him and the Venetians , he was informed , the Christian Princes were strongly confederating against him ; wherefore he , by those sent to redeem the prisoners , & by the Sanzack , cunningly perswaded Scanderbeg to require peace of him : that if he did but ask it , it would be long obtained . Scanderbeg utterly refusing to do it : Mahomet sent Sinam and Hamur each with 14000 into Macedonia , for defence of his borders on Epirus , but by no means to enter Epirus , or provoke Scanderbeg , whereby the Epirots enjoy'd the fruits of peace almost 2 years : so that old injuries wearing out , those Captains mediating , 2 years peace was concluded betwixt them : in which time Scanderbeg notably aided Ferdinand in Apulia against the French. The time of peace expired , Mahomet ( all things going well with him ) sending new supplies to Sinam , commanded him to make war on Scanderbeg : who 〈◊〉 Epirus with 20000 , was utterly overthrown , but few escaping with 〈◊〉 . Presently after Asam was with 30000 vanquished by Scanderbeg at Ocrida , in which battel Asam sore wounded , yielded himself to Scanderbeg , and afterwards 〈◊〉 by him , 〈◊〉 following Asam with 18000 , losing part , saved himself by flight with the rest . After which , Caraza an old Captain , & Scanderbeg's companion in Amurath's time , requested Mahomet he might prove his fortune against him , assuring him of better success : whose long experience put Mahomet in such hope , that he levied 10000 more then Caraza at first required ; who setting forward with almost 40000 , Scanderbeg more doubted of the man than his power , and assembled greater forces than usually , sending 2000 expert Souldiers into the enemies Country to lye in ambush , whereby Caraza must needs passe ; who setting upon 4000 horse Caraza's forerunners , they were most part slain , those escaping posting back to bring tydings . Caraza was now so discomfited he could willingly have returned ; yet for honours sake he came to Epirus ; where long resolving what to do , he was suddenly assailed by Scanderbeg , before he could put his men in order . Then ( through a vehement shower ) both Armies retired before any great hurt done . It rained three days together , for it was about the latter end of Autumn , Scanderbeg not ceasing to trouble the Turks camp : so that Caraza through the weathers extremity , and Scanderbeg's restless attempts , rose , and returned to Constantinople ; whom Mahomet derided , promising so much , and performing so little ; yet in some sort commending him , for looking on Scanderbeg with lesse losse than other Generals . Mahomet , not at leasure to imploy such forces wherewith Scanderbeg was to be subdued , proved , if by getting within him , he might bring him to confusion , wherefore he sent rich Presents and Letters to this purport ; that He thought no acquaintance greater , or friendship firmer , than that which grew from long and mutual converse , and living together , as he knew it had been betwixt them . Wherefore remembring all those things , and also what he often did for advancement of his Empire , &c. he could not but embrace him with a singular affection , that nothing could be more welcom to him than to enjoy his company a while . Neither needed he to fear comming to him , &c. that to let passe his Souldiers late breaking into his Kingdom without his knowledge , who was not offended at their overthrow , he was perswaded to joyn with him in a perpetual league of amity . Of which these should be the capitulations , if they seemed to him reasonable : first to suffer his Armies to passe thorow his Kingdom against the Venetians : then to have his Sonne John in hostage , whom he would use as his natural Child . A free Trade of his Merchants into all parts of his Kingdom ; Lastly , Himself to repair to him , and return without fear . In which things he yielding , he promised him in the faith of a King , to grant him and his Kingdom sincere peace , with perpetual tranquillity , &c. May 10th , 1461. Scanderbeg well considering , returned answer , that He wrote of exceeding love , &c. toward him , which should alwayes retain its strength . But since among other conditions of the propounded league , that his forces may have free passage to invade the Venetians : it standeth not with equity , or his honour , they being his friends and confederates ; and for his Sonne , since he hath no more but him , it is not good to have him taken from him , being as yet , a tender Child , &c. As for the Merchants , he heartily wished a free entercourse indifferently into both their Kingdoms . And for his perswasion of him , boldly to come unto him : He could not but prayse his honourable disposition , &c. whose perswasion , if other urgent affaires , and his Kingdoms Government , a fierce and restless Nation , would permit , he would follow . Yet he in a more commodious time , would come unto him May 30. 1461. Mahomet well perusing these Letters , wrote to him again , that , he understood , he liked of none of the conditions propounded , but that of the Merchants : that , this offer he would accept of , and his other excuses admit of ; promising him to keep a sincere peace with him for ever , except he first caused its violation . And that he had signed these Letters with the Imperial Seal , sent unto him by Mustapha , thereby confirming it , that he might likewise with his Seal confirm this of his ; That he openly proclaim the same through his Kingdom , as he will cause to be in his ; That of his meer bounty he freely granted and confirmed to him and his Heires , all the right to what he had forcibly taken from his Father in Albania and Epirus ; and will alwayes account and call him Prince thereof , &c. So bidding him farewel , and render love for love . June 22. 1461. Hereupon , a peace was concluded betwixt them , and solemnly proclaimed to the great joy of many . It was faithfully kept on both sides , till the Turks on the frontiers , began to fetch booties out of Epirus , of which Scanderbeg complaining , Mahomet as ignorant , seemed much offended , causing much to be restored : whereby the peace was still continued . A little before this peace , Warres began between the Turks and Venetians , who being in league with the Turk , followed their Traffique , little regarding their Neighbors harms ; But Mahomet after the subverting Constantinople's Empire , and driving Thomas and Demetrius out of Peloponesus , now Morea , began to disturb the Venetians , who held then divers strong Towns there : Mahomet's Lievtenant having through a Greek Priest's treachery , surprized . Argos and Omares first spoyling about Naupactum , now 〈◊〉 , made all havock about Methone and Corone . Wherefore the Venetian Senators much troubled , deliberated ost in Counsel , what course to take . Some thought it best to try if it might be fairly redressed by Ambassadors to Mahomet : others deemed it to no purpose , seeing such outrages could not be done without his knowledge and command . In this diversity of opinions , and nothing yet concluded , at length one Victor Capella , a grave Senator , franckly delivered a notable Speech unto them , calling upon them for resolution : Seeing , he said , they must of necessity take up Arms , be they never so loath , &c. and endeavouring to remove their objections , he said , when their Ambassadors not long since came to him , he dallied off the time with deceitful and glosing Speeches , doing such contrary things , as they least hoped , &c. that Argos was already taken from them : that Mahomet , it was reported , going a second time out of Peloponesus , and sounding the passage its depth , himself rode over that Sea , strait betwixt 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 , curiously viewing where he might most conveniently passe over with his Army to besiege that City : and that those were manifest signes of Warre , &c. And whereas , some fed themselves and others with vain hopes , that he would never turn his forces upon them , &c. He said , it plainly appeared , that he had already proclaimed open Warre against them by invading , surprising and killing their people : whether they thought it more expedient to sit still , suffering their Dominions to be taken from them , or by open Warre to make the barbarous King kno w the greatness of their power ? who if suffered prosperously still to run on , people would daily more and more fall to him , hoping to live the better as his friends : wherefore he thought it better , to prefer an honourable Warre , before a doubtful Peace . That delay had hurt many States , themselves most of all , whereby they , in a fort , had betrayed the Greek Empire ; for their traffique was much holpen by the Grecians whom they left to themselves : After that , he said , they rejected the Princes of Peloponesus , who craved their aid with teares : also suffering the King of Bosna's Kingdom to be lost after a humble request of aid , and promise of requital , and himself to be cruelly murdered by the Turks : that for these neglects 〈◊〉 could not escape the 〈◊〉 of all other Nations 〈◊〉 rope , &c. wherefore it was his opinion , to send into Hungary , with a masse of money , to stir up that warlike Nation into a fellowship of that Warre . Also to send 2000 Italian Horsemen into Peloponesus , to animate the people to revolt from the Turks , which they would undoubtedly do , when they should see them so proceed : The great Bishop also was by all meanes , he said , to be drawn as a chief man into the Warre . Hereupon most of the Senate decreeing speedy Warres , sent to the Pope , the King of Hungary , and others , to 〈◊〉 their aid . Sending also Bertholdus Este with an Army into Peloponesus : who soon recovering Argos , marched with 15000 men to Corinth's strait : where Alovisius the Venetian Admirall meeting him , and joyning their forces , they in 15 dayes , with 30000 men , fortified all that Isthmus about 5 miles from the Ionian to the Aegean Sea , with a rampier and double ditch , being furthered therein by the old walls ruines : then they besieged . Corinth Bertholdus being greatly wounded in the assault by a stone , shortly died : yet Betinus , who succeeded Bertholdus , continued the siege ; But Mahomet now comming with a great Army to raise the siege , and destroy the newly fortified Isthmus , the Venetians left the siege , purposing 〈◊〉 defend the other ; but Mahomets Army being 800000. and at hand , Betinus left the place with his small number , retiring to Neapolis to keep the Sea-coast . Soon after which , Mahomet entring Peloponesus , and roaming about Argos with the people's great slaughter , came to Neapolis , terribly assaulting it twice , and was notably , with many slain , repulsed : who departing , 〈◊〉 and destroyed about Modon & Corone , assaulting Juncum , but with no better success : wherefore winter approaching , he returned to Constantinople . After which , the Venetians spoiled 〈◊〉 that of Arcadia subject to the Turks : and not 〈◊〉 , Alovisius had Lemnos delivered him by 〈◊〉 famous Pyrat , who taking it from the Turks , and distrusting how to keep it , delivered it to the Venetians . Ursatus being sent soon after , to succeed Alovisius their Admirall : Dandalus their Land-General , while he was scouring the Aegeum , inconfiderately encountring with the Turks Horse , was overthrown and slain with divers of g eat account , 1500 Venetians perishing : and then also Ursatus landing in Lesbos , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , lost 5000 men in two assaults , and the Turks Fleet being comming for relief , he raised the siege ; and sailing into 〈◊〉 , passed into Peloponesus , where he shortly after died for grief : the Venetians sending Jacobus 〈◊〉 in his place , and labouring to draw as many Princes as they could , into the Warre 's fellowship . Pius 2d at first answered their Ambassadors , He must take away the little Turk , before he had to do with the Great , meaning Sigismund Prince of Ariminum , whom he hated , because he sided with the French against the Arragonians ; yet the Italian Warres being well allayed , and Pius still solicited , he made great preparation , and giving out , he would personally go unto those Warres , great aid out of Germany , France , Spain , &c. were procured : Voluntiers also greatly resorting from all parts of Christendom into Italy to that end . And then also through Paulus Angelus , Arch Bishop of Dirrhachium , the Venetians had hardly perswaded Scanderbeg to renounce his league , and enter into Arms again , who presently spoyling the Turks borders , Mahomet fearing ( so dreadful was his name ) that he should be made General of the Christians , wrote to him by his Ambassador to reconcile him if possible : saying , He thought it incredible , that he being a Prince of so heroical perfection , should without any occasion break the league , not long since contracted with him , &c. of which , he knew the Venetians were the onely cause on whom he said , he laid the blame rather than on him , &c. Therefore remembring the old familiarity of their tender years , whilest they lived together at Andrinople , he thought himself bound unto Scanderbeg , in all courtesie , calling him his good Scanderbeg : he most heartily entreated him , that by solemn Oath , they might confirm the former peace , wherewith if it had been established , he said he would not have suffered himself to be so circumvented , or seduced by the Venetians . So telling him if he would be advised by him therein , his posterity should alway reign in peace , &c. but if not , it would quickly repent him : and setting forth before him the Grecians , Emperours of Constantinople , and Trapezond , the Princes of Servia , and Rascia the King of Bosna , and all the Kingdom of Asia , with many others vanquished and subjected unto him , he said , he poor Princes his Neighbors , the Venetians his seducers could not deliver him from his force and power : wherefore he advised him to follow his counsel , &c. this was written May 7. 1463. To which Scanderbeg replyed at large , saying , his Souldiers had done that in the confines of his Dominions , having complained to him , that Mahomets Souldiers had before done the like in their goods and possessions : wherefore they also upon a military bravery , as was Mahomet's phrase , had done one shrewd turn for another : there was no cause why he should think it strange , or blame him : and that he would have restrained his Souldiers , if Mahomet would have but taken order for a full restitution of what they had lost , or by punishment have chastized his Souldiers insolency &c. And as sor his inveighing against the Venetians , in excusing him under colour of old friendship , he did them wrong , &c. and whereas he advised him to reject their friendship , it was but lost labour ; for , said he , what man is so desperate , or hated of his subjects , that would not chuse rather to erre with that Senate , then to be in right with thee , especially himself , who had long been their confederate , and was of all other , unto them most dear : which Mahomet for all that , had no regard of , but breaking the bonds of peace , had spoyled and wasted their Territorie in Peloponesus . Neither could he make him afraid , though but a small Prince , with his honourable friends the Venetians . And that he made him smile , &c. in falsly usurping to himself the stately Style of Emperour of the World , asking him , if all were his in the lesser Asia , what he possessed in Asia the greater ? nothing , What had he in Europe , except Thrasia Mysia , part of Greece , Peloponesus , with the Isle of Mytelene ? And as for Africk , he never set foot therein ; and supposing all were his , yet he should cease to boast , and learn if he could , the special , but true examples of humane frailty , &c. Neither , he said , was it he alone that so much stomacked Mahomet ; for the whole Chivalry and glory of the Christian Common-weale was in Arms , and comming against him with all their force , &c. from which , whether he could escape or not , he knew not ; yet if following his advise , he casting off Mahometane superstition , would embrace the faith of Christ , he might make his name and Empire of great , greater , &c. Scanderbeg about this time receiving letters from the Pope , that he with Christian Princes , would withour delay , come into Epirus with a strong Army , most joyfully denouncing war against the Turk , brake into his Dominion , burning and destroying before him , and returning laden with spoil . Mahomet likewise perusing Scanderbeg's Letters , and hearing of the late spoil , became exceeding melancholy , which increased , as not seeing the wonted chearfulnesse in his Men of Warre ; yet he levied a great Army fortifying his strong holds , &c. Sending also Seremet Bassa with 14000 men to attend onely on Scanderbeg , upon Epirus borders : who accordingly came unto Ocrida , now Alchria , in Macedonia , lodging some in the City , the rest in convenient places there abouts . Scanderbeg 〈◊〉 ignorant hereof , marched in the night towards Ocriba with 12000 men , laying in ambush three miles off , and on break of day , sent out 500 Horse under two expert Captaines , commanding them , if the Enemy came forth to fight , they should retire as if they fled , so to traine him on : which was so well performed , that the Bassa with all his power was drawn to the place where Scanderbeg lay : who rising suddenly up , in the battell were slaine 10000 Turks : the Treasurer with 12 of great note being taken , and being brought bound , Scanderbeg ransom'd them for 40000 Duckats . And returning with triumph , he expected the Armies comming out of Italy ; But Pope Pius being on the way with a great Armie , and come to Ancona on the Sea side , whither Christopher Duke of Venice came to him with 10 Galleys , he sickning with a Fever , died in 1464 : whereupon the Armie was dispersed , to the exceeding griefe of many Princes , and no lesse joy of the Turks . Lauretanus , his yeare being expired : Victor Capella was sent Generall of the Venetians at Sea , who sayling out of Euboea , soon took the City Aulis in Peloponesus , and Larsum , with the Isle of Himber . Then , he by night surprised Athens , now Sethinae , carrying away all the people as Prisoners , with its rich spoile into Euboea , where being perswaded , that if he but shewed himself before Patras , the Christians there would deliver it him , he departing thence , landed 4000 foot under Barbaricus , and 200 horse under Ragius ; who being come within a mile of Patras : and many of them scattering abroad , seeking for pillage : the Turks Garrisons setting on them with Horse , easily overthrew them : Barbaricus being slaine , and Ragius taken and empailed alive upon a sharpe stake : Scarce 1000 of them all escaping to the Galleys . Victor was herewith greatly discomfited , yet , in hope , few dayes after he attempted Patras againe , but losing 1000 of his men , and the rest fleeing to the Fleet , he departed with great dishonour : suddenly dying in Euboea , oppressed with melancholly . The Venetians being much troubled with these hard proceedings , solicited Matthias King of Hungary to joyne in league with them , and to take up Armes against the common Enemy : offering him a great summe , besides a large yearly Pension ; for which he should defend all of theirs betwixt the Rhetian Alpes , and the Adriatique , against Turkish invasion . This Matthias was the younger Son of Huniades : whose elder Brother Uladislaus having for injuries done to him and his Brother , slaine Ulricus , Count of Cilia , Uncle to Ladislaus King of Bohemia and Hungaria , was afterwards most cruelly executed in Bohemia by the said Ladislaus , Matthias being kept in Prison , and , had not young Ladislaus been taken away by untimely death , had been partaker of his Brother's fortune : But he dying , Matthias for love to Huniades , was , while imprisoned at Prague , by a military election , chosen King of Hungary , where he reigned 38 years : and was a far greater terrour to the Turks than his Father , notably enlarging that Kingdome , &c. And forgetting all unkindnesse of the Venetians , who had refused often to aide the Hungarian Kings in like case , saying , they received no harme from the Turk , &c : he undertook the protection of their aforesaid territory : and passing over Danubius at Belgrade , next Spring , with a puissant Armie , he razed the Turks Forts thereabouts : and wasting Servia , returned laden with spoil and 20000 Captives : maintayning great Warrs both with Mahomet , and his Son Bajazet , wherein he most commonly returned victorious . Mahomet now in revenge of Scanderbegs proceeding and Seremet his late overthrow , sent Balabanus ( an Epirot borne , and from a Captive Boy as he was keeping Cattell , brought up in servitude among the Turks ) with 15000 Horse , and 3000 Foot to invade Epirus : who being the first that gained the top of the Wall at the taking of Constantinople , was afterwards of Mahomet greatly esteemed , and comming to 〈◊〉 , on Epirus frontiers , he sent Presents to Scanderbeg ; as if he desired peaceably to lye upon the borders : yet waiting to do him the greatest mischiefe . Scanderbeg seeing into his malice , rejecting his gifts , sent him a Spade , Mattock , and Flaile , &c : in derision , willing him to follow his Fathers trade of life , &c : which Balabanus taking in very ill part , he determined to set on Scanderbeg suddenly in the night , who lay not far off ; but he knowing thereof by his Scouts , set forward to meet him : which Balabanus perceiving , stayed , encamping within two miles of him : who lay in the valley Valchal , but with 4000 Horse , and 1500 Foot , though choise Souldiers , they thus laying in view of each other , Scanderbeg cheerfully encouraging his Souldiers , straitly charged them , if the Enemy should flee , or retire , they should not pursue them beyond the hills straits , whereby the Enemy lay , guessing he would leave an Ambush in the rough and wooddy hill adjoyning . Then retiring unto a Rising , a good way behind his former place , for the grounds advantage , if the Enemy should follow to fight ; Balabanus chinking verily he fled for feare , set forward in such haste , that being come where Scanderbeg stayed , his men were greatly disordered . Scanderbegs Souldiers receiving them with great courage , there was a fierce battell a great while doubtfull , with much slaughter on both sides ; yet the Turks being at last put to flight , they were with much slaughter chased to those Straits where Scanderbeg had commanded his men to stay ; but some of his chiefe Captaines unadvisedly pursuing them , they were beset with their Enemyes arising out of Ambush , and after a long desperate fighting , taken and brought to Balabanus , who forthwith sent them to Constantinople . Mahomet when he heard of their taking , being reported with joy to have said , Now I am sure Scanderbeg's strength is broken . The chief taken were , Moses of Dibria , next to Scanderbeg himself , with 7 other , every one of them able to conduct an Army : all in Epirus so lamented this losse , that the victory was not accounted of . Scanderbeg presently sent to Mahomet , requesting him he might redeem them by exchange , or for what ransome he pleased ; but he refusing to do either , after all despightful usage of them , slew them quick by little and little , they dying after 15 daies miserable torment : whereof Scanderbeg hearing , entred the Turks Dominion with fire and sword , sparing nothing he could by any means destroy . Mahomet highly commending Balabanus , sent him divers rich gifts , with command to repair his Army and proceed ; which Balabanus diligently performing , lying at Alchria , sent Scanderbeg again divers presents , as desirous to live in peace by him : which Scanderbeg rejecting , Balabanus corrupted Scanderbeg's Scouts with rewards ( some being Balabanus kinsmen unknown to Scanderbeg ) ; whereby he had oppressed him in the night at Orincheum , if Scanderbeg going about the Camp , had not perceived his coming by the horses noyse ; wherefore with wonderful speed , he putting his Army in order , after a great fight put him to flight , slaying most of his Army in the chase , Balabanus with a few hardly escaping ; which when Mahomet understood , he doubted whether to send another General ; but considering Balabanus to be right valiant , knowing well the Countrey , and Scanderbeg's mortal enemy , he committed unto him 14000 horse , and 3000 foot to invade again Epirus , promising to make him King thereof if he subdued Scanderbeg ; who coming to Alchria , sent a third time Presents , which Scanderbeg scornfully refused ; and lying at Alehria three Moneths , he determined to adventure on him by plain force ; wherefore marching into the Plains nigh Sfetigrade , Scanderbeg with 8000 horse and 1500 foot , refused not there to fight with him ; and being come to handy blows , the 〈◊〉 fought like raging Lyons ; Scanderbeg with skill , care and valour , performing all the parts of a worthy Chiestain ; But while he thus fought , his horse being slain and falling under him , he sorely bruised his Arm , whereof he long complained . The Turks also seeing him down , pressed fiercely to kill him , but he was soon rescued and remounted : forthwith slaying Sultman a great Turkish Commander hand to hand ; whereupon the Turks retiring , after a while plainly fled , few with Balabanus escaping through the pursuits execution ; who returning to Mahomet , he was sharply rebuked for these great overthrows ; But the Kings fury being over , Balabanus cunningly excusing himself , told Mahomet , It was in vain to send such small Armies ; but if he would send two Captains with a puissant Army , ( who dividing the same , might at once enter in several places , and one not to accept of battel except the other were at hand ) he by their thus enclosing Scanderbeg , promised him an assured victory ; which well fitting Mahomet's humour , he commissionated Balabanus to leavy what Army he thought sufficient , and chuse as his associate , which of his Captains he pleased ; who , choosing 40000 good Souldiers , and Jacob Arnauth , ( born also in Epirus ) for his companion , he sent him with 16000 by the way of Thessaly and Grecia , himself taking the nearer way through Thrace and Macedonia into Epirus , encamping in Valchal valley with 20000 horse , and 4000 foot . Scanderbeg having intelligence from the Turks Court , of all Balabanus his intent , had provided 8000 horse and 4000 foot in readiness , sending out three espialls , to discover in what order Balabanus lay ; one of whom being his Kinsman , perswaded the other two , in hope of reward , to go over to Balabanus , discovering all they knew of Scanderbeg ; who ( his espials not returning ) presently rode himself forth with 5 lusty Souldiers to discover their manner of lying ; who prying into every bush and thicket as they went , descryed certain horlmen lying in secret ambush to intercept them ; yet so that they coming to handy-stroaks , Scanderbeg and his followers were glad to flee into the next wood , the Turks closely following them . A great old tree being fallen a crosse the way , Scanderbeg with one of his men leaped over it : the other 4 not being able , turning and fighting were slain ; one of the Turks leaping the tree , followed Scanderbeg : who seeing but one turned and slew him , the other Turks returning , and Scanderbeg with one man to his Camp ; who speedily made ready to go against Balabanus , before Arnauth's coming , and came with speed into the valley of Valchal , having divided his Army into 4 squadrons between Tanusius , Zacharias , Peicus , and himself , and sending some Harquebussers and Archers before to provoke the enemy , Balabanus would not stir from before his Tents , expecting the coming of his fellow ; which Scanderbeg perceiving , drew nearer and nearer to his Trenches , and by continual skirmishing with those he sent out , dared and braved him , as if he would by force have fet him out ; whereat the Turks chasing were ready to rise against their General , because he suffered them to be so disgraced . Balabanus deferring time what he could , and his fellow not comming , the Turks also oft ready to issue out without his direction , went out to battel , himself leading the left wing , betwixt whom and Scanderbeg was a fierce fight , many falling on both sides ; in other places they stood almost as lookers on , expecting the force of their Generals ; whereupon Scanderbeg ( the Turks having before given ground ) drawing some Troops out of the right wing , and fetching a compasse charged the side of the enemies Army ; and withdrawing , speedily set on the back of the left wing : so that the Turks there fiercely charged before and behind , fell in other places with a great slaughter . Balabanus , withstanding as long as he could , and now become desperate , fled out of the battel . The rest fleeing also ( except a few escaping , with Balabanus ) were most either slain or taken . Scanderbeg had scarce divided the spoyl ; but he heard from his Sister , then at Petrella , that Arnauth was entred by the way of Belgrade , burning and destroying , and encamping in the lesse Tiranua's Plains ; wherefore he presently letting forward with his chearful Souldiers , soon came where the enemy lay . Jacup having removed his Camp into a corner of the Plain , Scanderbeg encamped in Jacup's former place : where resting one day , next morning , he cast before the enemies Trenches divers of the late slain Turks heads , shewing them divers prisoners , which Jacup beholding despairingly said , I see the evil hap of Mahomet : Scanderbeg sending forth 500 horse to skirmish , Jacup ( seeing his fellow not now to be looked for ) came readily into the field , beginning a fierce battel ; but Scanderbeg singling Jacup out , slew him with his own hand ; whereupon the Turks fleeing , were most slain or taken : and those that escaped , were by the Countrey people in their stragling , either slain or taken . Scanderbeg in these two battels , loosing about 1000 , but the Turks 24000 and 6000 taken , the Epiruts being so weary of slaughter , that Scanderbeg ( being told Balabanus might be surprized as fleeing but with one horse Cornet ) said , O let some of our enemies live to report their own slaughter and our victory ! Presently after he entring into the Turks frontiers , and roaming at his pleasure , made havock of all in his way . Then returning to Croia , he brake up his Army . In the mean time , Mahomet procuring two Turks with great rewards to kill Seanderbeg , they coming to him seemed so to detest Mahomet's Tyranny and Superstition , that they were reputed to be what they would be accounted : and learning the Christian Principles were baptized ; but these Traytors ( while watching an opportunity ) falling at variance , let some words fall whereby they were suspected by some present ; whereupon being examined , they at last confessed the design , and were presently executed . Mahomet , understanding what was befallen to Balabanus and Jacup , became almost frantiek ; and , by his Bassa's advice , resolved to go in person with such an Army as should for ever end his wars in Epirus , raysing 200000 men ; whereof Seanderbeg being advertized , fortified all strong Holds , especially Croia : leaving Balthazar Perduci Governour thereof , and conveighing the people into places of refuge , he left nought for the Turks to prey upon , as he did before at Amuraths coming . Balabanus entring Epirus with 80000 horse , after two days ranging , sat down before Croia ; on whom , Perduci made many brave salleys , Mahomet encamping there also ; who fummoning the City upon his own conditions , the Governour returned nothing but continual shot for answer ; whereupon , he planting Ordinance for battery , cast other new ones there , rather to terrisie the Defendants than for any great hope of taking the City by force . Scanderbeg the while , lying abroad in the Woods and Mountains with a small Army cut off the Turks forragers &c. and breaking into one quarter or other of their Camp by night with great slaughter , suffered them not to rest in quiet ; wherefore Mahomet , seeing no hope , and fearing his Fathers mischance , leaving Balabanus with 8 expert Companies under him , with a great part of his Army to continue the fiege , departed with the rest to Constantinople , and by the way took some small forts : also by fair promises corrupting the Governour of Chidna ; and , his faith given , that all the Souldiers lying there , corrupting the Governour of Chidna , being 8000 and people , should safely depart , it was delivered unto him ; but having them in his power , he cut man , woman and child in pieces , to Scanderbeg's great grief and weakning , who never received such a losse before ; and finding himself unable to relieve Croia , his Souldiers being sore wasted , and his enemies warily encamping , he sent to the Uenetians and other confederate Princes , praying their aid at this his need , &c. all which promised him succours . Also , he passing disguised into Italy , came to Rome , craving Pope Paul 2 his aid ; who being honourably entertained , yet obtained nothing of what he came for : only his Treasurer had 3000 Ducats at departure ; who returning into Epirus , found all the promised aid ready ( chiefly the Uenetians most drawn out of 4 of their Garrisons ) so that he had 13400 choise Souldiers , wherewith marching towards Croia , he suddenly came upon Jonima with some Troops by night , who was bringing supply to his brother Balabanus , taking Jonima with his Son Hedar ; whom he shewed in bonds to Balabanus . Then returning to his Army , and so to Croia , he drave the Turks from the Mountain Cruina : which Balabanus seeing , he riding with some Troops even to the Cities gates , perswaded them to yield , making them promises in his Masters name ; but they sallying out , and forcing him to retire , he enraged came upon them with a fresh charge to drive them into the City ; but being shot quite thorow the throat he ran as fast as he could to his Camp , where presently falling from his horse he dyed . The Turks herewith discouraged , and with Scanderbeg's coming , rising that night , silently retired to Tirana Plain , about 8 miles off . Scanderbeg entring their Tents , found store of victuals , which he conveighing into Croia , followed himself in great triumph , to the besieged's joy whom he both cōmended & rewarded ; and sending some Companies to take the strait passages out of Epirus : the Turks by 2 Messengers offered to deliver up their Horses and Arms , so they might depart with life ; which Scanderbeg propounding to his Captains , himself at last answered , That as they came into his Countrey without his command : so they should not by his leave depart ; Whereupon , the Turks in the dead of that same night brake thorow those straits by force , yet not without their great losse ; for whose escape , the Souldiers greatly murmuring , were hardly appeased . But Scanderbeg recovering all places taken from him , and putting Mahomet's Souldiers therein , to the sword , he brake up his Army except 2000 Horse and 1000 Foot to defend his frontiers . Mahomet hearing of this evill successe , so fretted and grieved , that he could neither eat , drink , nor take rest for a season . At last he resolved to go again next Spring , with a most puissant Army ; whereof Scanderbeg hearing , provided for him as formerly , who being entred Epirus , first repaired or re-edified the ruinous City Valmes , leaving a strong Garrison to trouble that part of the Country , Thence he marching to Dirrachium , ( now Durazzo ) a City not on the Sea-coast , possessed by the Uenetians , thought to have taken it unprovided ; but ( it being strongly fortified both by the Uenetians and Scanderbeg ) , he having to his great losse in vain attempted it , suddenly rising came again before Croia , ( the chief cause being a perswasion that Scanderbeg was in Dirrachium , because he had seen some of his men in his assailing thereof ) offering at first , great things to the Citizens if they would yield : otherwise , threatning all warlike calamities , vowing not to depart till he had it ; he receiving no answer , but from the Cannon or brave Salleys : Scanderbeg also every night molesting his Camp ; wherefore rising with his Army , he marched to Kedon , not far from Dirrachium , and in spight razed Chiurili which Scanderbeg had begun to build . Then seeking those Epirots retired into the Mountaines ' he was by them with great losse repulsed . Scanderbeg at his heels daily cutting off part of his Armie . So at last despairing of any good to be done , he returned full of discontent to Constantinople . After this , Scanderbeg riding to view the state of his Kingdome , came to Lyssa , a City of the Vinetians , to conter with the Legate and other Princes , as in generall , so how to take Valmes , which much troubled that part of Epirus ; but he there falling sick of a Feaver , and sending for his confederates , and the Venetian Ambassadours , and his Wife and Son , after discoursing of his troublesome life , and exhorting them , in concord to stand in defence of their Religion , Country , and Liberty , commending his Wife and Son with the Kingdome to the Venetians tuition according to the Articles of confederation , willing them after his death to passe into Apulia quietly , to live on possessions there held by King Ferdinands gift , after prayer , departed January 17. 1466. about 63 years old , and raigning about 24 years . His death was generally lamented , chiefly of the Venetians and Albanian Princes , who had lost their Watchman and Champion : all his Subjects bewayling him as the onely stay of the Common-weale , &c. He was royally interred in Lyssa's Cathedrall : which City the Turks about 9 years after , taking , in the way of the Siege of Scodra : they digging up his bones , those who could get never so little thereof , set it in silver or gold , hanging it about their necks , or otherwise wearing , thinking thereby , to have such good hap as Scanderbeg had while he lived . The Hungarians and Venetians , most time of these Wars , busied the Turks ; for Matthias entring Bosna overthrew the Turks frontier forts , and driving them out till he came to Jaziga , or Jaitze the chiefe City , at length took it , wresting all that Kingdome out of their hands : whereupon , Mahomet hardly besieging Jaziga , it was valiantly defended , till Mathias comming to its reliefe , so troubled the Turks Campe on one sice , and the besieged with salleys on the other , that the Turk stealing away with his Armie by night into Servia , left his Tents and great Ordinance for haste ( which the Turks Histories report , he cast into the River ) whom Mathias following into Servia , and taking part thereof , united it with 〈◊〉 , to Hungarie . After which Mahomet had no great stomack to provoke the Hungarians : Mathias being now as dreadfull to the Turks as the name of his Father Huniades . Then also the Venetians scouring the Seas , did great harme to the Turk by landing in severall places : amongst others Nicholas Canalis succeeding Lauretanus , comming into Salonichi Bay , burnt divers Townes and Villages by the Sea side . Then returning into Pelopouesus , he in despire of all the Turks could do , fortified 〈◊〉 , where leaving a strong Garrison , he returned into Euboea : and soon after , sayling along Macedonia and Thracia , surprized Aenus upon the River Meritza's mouth , taking its spoile , and carrying away 2000 Captives into Euboea . Then likewise the Venetians ayding Duchaine against his Brother Alexius , striving for Zadrima's principality , greatly overthrew the Turks neer Drine River in Epirus , who came in Alexius quarrel . Mahomet perceiving that Euboea Island , now Nigropont , 10 miles long , abounded with Corne , Wine , Oyle , Fruit , and Wood for shipping , and , separated from 〈◊〉 with à narrow strait of the Sea , was for its commodious 〈◊〉 and strength , the chiefe place whence the Venetians wrought him all these wrongs , resolved to imploy all his forces both by Sea and land for the gayning thereof ; wherefore assembling a mighty A rmie , and sending Mahomet Bassa with 300 Galleys , and other small Vessels well furnished into Euboea : himself marched through Achaiae , till he came over against Chalcis . The Venetian Admirall , finding himself too weak for the Turks Fleet , returned towards Seiros : But the Bassa comming out of Hellspontus Straits , came without let to Euboea : where taking and razing Stora and Basilicon , he went directly to Chaleis : of whose smaller Vessels Mahomet making a bridge over the Strait , passed to the City Chaleis , Rich , Populous , and very strong , besieging it round by Sea and land : where , with his battery , faire breaches by the chiefe Cannoneers giving the Turks by signes , knowledge where the Walls were weakest , being the sooner made , the Traitour , it being perceived , was executed ; Yet , what he beate downe by day , they repaired by night . Thus for 30 dayes , the City being defended , to the Turks great losse in their sharpe assaults ; the Venetian Admirall , comming in view of the City , shewed as if he would give the Turks battell : Wherefore Mahomet , ( it s reported ) was about to goe over into the maine with his Armie , lest the Venetians breaking the bridge , should have shut him in : which its thought he might have done , if he would have adventured , as his Capraines earnestly requested . But comming to an Anchor , he moved not : which the Turk perceiving , brought on his men to the Wal's breaches , promising them the Cityes spoile , &c : whereof himself said , he would be aneye witnesse . Whereupon the Turks furiously assaulting , the defendants made such slaughter of them , that the ditches were filled , and the breaches made up with their dead bodys ; but Mahomet still sending in fresh supplies , this dreadfull assault was maintained a day and a night without ceasing : who twice winning the breaches , were beaten out againe . At length the defendants being most flain or wounded , and the rest wearied , retiring into the Market place , sold their lives deare to the Turks : among whom were found many dead women , who chose rather to die in defence , than to fall into the Turks hands . Mahomet , although Lord of the City , yet losing 40000 in the siege , put all men there alive to most cruel death , especially the Italians with exquisite torments . Ericus the Governour fleeing with a few into the Castle , on promise of safe departure delivered up the same , but having them in his power , the Tyrant cruelly murthered them : Erigus's Daughter being - presented to Mahomet as the mirrour of beauty : when he could not prevaile on her by flattering words , &c : to consent unto his desire , threatned her with death , torture , &c : But the constant Virgin resolutely denying , he commanded her forthwith to be slaine . And the horrible cruelty committed by the Turks at the taking of Chalcis passeth credit : the rest of the Island without resistance yielding to the Turkish slavety . This happened in 1470. Caualis the City being lost , fearing to be set on by the Turks , dishonourably returning to Venice , he was by the Senate imprisoned , and afterwards with his family banished to Utinum . Mahomet and his Fleet soone after returning , the Venetians attempted a sudden surprize of Chalois ; but the Garrison there left , was so strong , that retiring to their Galleys , they forsook Euboea . Petrus Mocenicus being chofen Admirall instead of Canalis : the Venetians solicited Pope Sixtus the 4th , the King of Naples , the King of Cyprus , and the Master of Rhodes , to joyne with them against the common Enemy : which they promised . They sent also Zenus to Usun Cassanes , King of Persia , to incite him against the Turk , who next year taking up Arms , had with him mortall Warres , who not ignorant of these things : and knowing how he had offended Christian Princes by his cruelty at Chalsis , lay a while still at Constantinople , as if desirous to live in peace , whereby , as he wisht , nought worth speaking was that year attempted against him : who also requested the Persian King , if it were onely but for community of the Mahometan Religion , to withdraw taking up Arms in the Christians Cause , though otherwise he regarded not Religion ; but Zenus so wrought wi h Usun Cassanes , that he told the Turks Ambassadors , he neither could nor would longer endure the Turkish Kings injury : and that having made a league with the Christian Princes , he would to his power perform whatever he had promised : so dismissing them discontented , as were the Persian Ambassadors before from the Turkish Court , touching the Emperour of Trapezond . The yeare following , 1472. Mocenicus arriving in Lesbos , did great harm : and passing into the lesser Asia , sore spoiled about Pergamus . Then landing again at Cnidus , he took a great booty : so returning , having exceedingly hurt all along the Sea-Coast , laden with spoil to Peloponesus : on whose Coast , he met with Richiensis , with seventeen Gallies from King Ferdinand of Naples : who joyning their Fleets in one , landed at Modon in Peloponesus : where refreshing , and new victualling , they putting to Sea , landed in Asia : whom the Country Turks encountring , they put them to flight , pillaging for four dayes , store of rich booty , especially Turkie Carpets : thence sailing to Halicarnassus , a part of Caria , they took a wondrous spoil : there comming to them the Bishop of Modrussa with twenty Gallies from the Pope , joyfully welcomed : also two Gallies from the great Rhodian Master . With these 85 Gallies , they sailed to the Isle Samos , over against Ephesus , then desolate , to consult of further proceeding . Loosing thence , they landed at Attalia , the Metropolis of Pamphilia , of great Traffique : in whose Suburbs , finding store of rich Commodities from Aegypt and Syria , taking what pleased them , they burnt the rest with the Suburbs ; and beginning to besiege the City , not without great losse to be taken , they departed , and running along Pamphylia , burning and destroying , they returned to Rhodes : where meeting an Ambassador from Usun-Cassanes , for great Ordnance , they understood by him that his Master was preparing against the Turk : Mahomet the while , no lesse requiting the Venetians ; for Scanderbeg being dead , he much prevailed on the Princes of Epirus and Albania , &c. but the Fleet from Rhodes landed in the Myndians Countrey : returning to the Isle Naxos with great spoil , whence Ferdinand's Galleys , the year farre spent , returned home with much spoil ; but Mocenicus with the Legate , returning into Asia , took Smyrua with its spoyl , setting it on fire , much hurting also about Clazomene not farre off . So , laden with Asia's spoils . Mocenicus returned to Modon , and the Legate into Italy . Mohomet through the insatiable desire of Soveraignty , had not long before under pretence of a friendly parley , circumvented the King of Mysia , cruelly putting him to death , and , subduing his Kingdom , slew all of his bloud . Then invading Caramania , where Pyramet and 〈◊〉 reigned , he drove them both out : Pyramet fleeing to Usun-Cassaues : Cassanbet seeking to recover his Inheritance , was besieging some Towns on the Sea-coast , which taken , would draw in all the rest of the Kingdom : who requesting Mocenicus , now on Cilicia's coast , he landing some Companies and great Artillery under Victor . So battered Sichinum's walls , that the Turks yielding it up , he delivered it to Cassambet : also Corycus , which he took , then besieging Seleucia upon 〈◊〉 , about five miles from the Sea : the Governour discouraged at the great Artillery , delivered it to Victor : who restored it to Cassambet , who thus re-brought into his Kingdom , much thanked the Admiral , promising , himself and Brother to be alwayes the Venetians friends . Mocenicus departing , harried all along the Sea-coast of Lycia : sailing also into Cyprus , to appease an insurrection against the Queen , left to the Venetians protection by her dead Husband : which he 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 appointed Admiral , being come into Peloponesus , he hastning thither to give up his charge , returned to Venice . About which time , Usun Cassanes , who of a small Prince , was accounted amongst the greatest Monarchs theu living , began to warre upon Mahomet . He was the Sonne of Tachretin , who with other poor Princes , were exiled by Bajazet the first his violence , and was again restored by Tamerlane : Usun Cassanes obtaining a small territory in Armenia , by Tachretin's death . Wherefore not contented , he wrung one province from this Prince , another from that , and thrusting some quite out of all ; thus soone getting a great part of Armenia into his hands : So that Calo Joannes the Trapezond Emperour , whose style exceeded his power , fearing Mahomets greatnesse , gave him Despina his onely Daughter in Marriage : agreeing that Usun Cassanes ( after Calo's death , and of David his Brother ) should in his Wives right , enjoy Pontus : Despina freely to exercise her Christian Religion : by whom he had a Daughter Martha , Mother of Hysmael the Sophi . Usun Cassanes , now ceasing not daily to encroach , at length began to lay hold on part of the Persian Kings Dominion , in Armenia . Zenza then reigning in Persia , in a sort commanded Usun not to come within the bounds of his Dominion , threatning ( otherwise ) to turn his forces upon him : wherewith Usun offended , commanded the Ambassadours speedily to depart , and tell their Master , he would shortly come and debate the matter with him face to face . The Persian King moved , set forward an Army , thought sufficient to subdue a sar greater Prince . Usun Cassanes ( though he had scarce one man to 10 ) searing nothing , set forward by great journeys to meet them : and with whom joyning 〈◊〉 after a long and cruel fight , overthrew them with a great slaughter . Zenza raising a far greater Army ( the very strength of his Kingdome ) set 〈◊〉 in person , and joyning battell with Usun , the Persians were againe put to flight , more being slaine than were in the first Army : he slaying Zenza with his own hand , and taking Cariasuphu's Son Prisoner : whom to please the Persians , he honoured with the Title of King , calling himself the Persian Protector . But having under colour of a peaceable Governour gotten the Regall City Tauris with the rest : he secretly dispatching the titular King ( the last of Tamerlaines posterity ) took on himself the highest place . Mahomet the while , having scornfully rejected his Ambassadours and presents , and flaine David the Trapezond Emperour his aliance : turning Pontus into a Turkish Province which Usun Cassanes of right claimed : after Usun was surely seated , through the remembrance of the former injuries , suggested by 〈◊〉 , and the Venetian's solicitation ; he raising a great Army and passing toward Pontus , was nigh Euphrates , encountred by Mustapha , Mahomets eldest Son , and Amurath the Romanian Bassa , whom Mahomet had sent out of Europe to joyne with Mustapha , who were by Usun Cassanes over-thrown , Amurath with 30000 Turks being shine ; Mustapha and the rest saving themselves by flight . Mahomet being exceedingly troubled therear , leavied a mighty Army of 320000 men : Usun Cassanes Army being nothing in number inferiour , which two Mahometans meeting neer Armenia's Mountaines : at the first encounter a Turkish Bassa was slaine with 40000 Turks : wherewith Mahomet was so daunted that he had retired , had not some of his most valiant Captaines sharply reproved him , &c : who now withdrew his Army into a straite between two Mountains , fortifying the front with his Carriages , behind which were his Ordnance , on either side of his Archers . The Persians . encouraged , comming on without fear , were all ere they were aware , on the mouth of the Turks Artillery , which breaking their ranks , took away a number of them . Besides , the Persian Horses through the unacquainted report of the Ordnance , were not to be ruled : wherefore Mahomet fiercely charged them with his Horsemen , being by themselves now out of order : yet the Persians slew many Turks ; but they were at last forced to flee : wherein a great number were slain , and their Tents taken , whose flight , Usun's eldest Sonne labouring to stay , was slain : forty thousand Turks , not above one thousand Persians fell . Mahomet , contented with this dear-bought Victory , returned homewards : and Usun ( leaving another Sonne with his Army to defend Armenia ) to Tauris . But 〈◊〉 the Christian Princes expected the event of these Warres , they suddenly confirmed a peace , excluding the Christians . This last battel being in one thousand four hundred seventy four , Usun Cassanes dying in Jan. 5. 1478. In the time of these Warres , Mahomet's eldest Sonne , died at Iconium , having spent himself among his Paragons ; yet some write thus . He comming to Court to see his Father , became 〈◊〉 of Bassa's Wife exceeding beautiful , and Bassa's Daughter : wherefore awaiting , when she went to bathe her self , he shamefully forced her . Achmetes comming to Mahomet with Cloaths and Hat rent , craved vengeance for the same : who replyed , Art not thou my slave ? and if Mustapha have known thy Wise , is she not my bond-slave ? hold thy self therefore content . yet he in secret sharply reproving him , commanded him out of his sight , & in few dayes after , to be secretly strangled : nevertheless , the haughty Bassa putting away his Wife , it caused implacable hatred betwixt him and Isaac Bassa , and was in the end the cause of his destruction . Mahomet being at leasure through the concluded peace with Usun , determined first to subdue Epirus , and Albania standing in his way , for invading Italy , and the Venetians Territories . And seeing the strong City Scodra , possessed by the Venetians , seemed to give him the best entrance into Albania Epirus Dalmatia , &c. he resolved there to begin . Wherefore preparing all things fit for its besieging , he sent Solyman Bassa with 80000 Souldiers thither ; about which , he encamping May 25. 1475. began to shake the walls most furiously , giving divers sharp assaults , and omitting nothing that could be devised for the gaining thereof : yet was still with great losse , valiantly repulsed by the defendants , Lauretanus being their Governour . Mocenicus the while , by the Senates command , joyned himself to Grittus the Admiral , who as one man , first put strong Garrisons into Cholchinum , Lyssa , Dyrrhachium , and others on the Sea-coast . Then going up the River Boliana , came in sight of Scodra , assuring them of relief , by fires in the night , & c. wherewith the Turks grieved , would have shut up those Galleys , with a Chain a crosse the narrowest of the River : in their doing whereof , the Venetians slaying 500. of them , returned to Sea. They also attempted to put a supply into the City , but it was not to be done . Mathias of Hungary the while , made such spoil in the Turks bordering Dominions , that Mahomet called the Bassa from the Siege after three moneths there lying , and 14000 men lost , most dying of sickness taken in the moorish ground nigh the River : with which the Venetians being also taken , Grittus died thereof , and Mocenicus was dangerously sick ; but returning home , he , Mareellus being dead , was soon after chose Duke of Venice . But Mahomet was so discontented at this dishonour , that he gave one a yearly fee , to mind him daily of the Siege of Scodra . Solyman the same year being sent into Valachia with a great Army , was so entangled in the Woods and Fens by the Vawod , that loosing his Army , himself escaped but by his Mares wondrous swiftnesse . Next year 1476. Mahomet sent out a great Fleet under Geduces Achmetes , hoping to surprize the Isle of Candia ; but the plot being timely discovered , the Traitors were executed , and He disappointed : Wherefore He sent Achmetes into the Euxine , to besiege the rich City Cassa , scituate in Taurica Chersonesus , by the Sea side , long possessed by the Genowaies , and of exceeding Trade : till Mahomet had by building Castles on Hellespontus and Bosphorus straits , taken away the Merchants Traffique into those Seas , and all meanes of succour to it , yet it s reported , a valiant Genoway carrying but 150 men almost 2000 miles from Genoa to Cassa by Land , performed the same , Achmetes enclosing it by Sea and Land , the Inhabitants being Genowaies , Greeks , Armenians , but most Tartars , it was soon yielded to the Bassa , on condition , that the Genoway Merchants might safely depart with their wealth , which the Bassa performed , sending some to Constantinople : the rest on pain of death not to depart , or convey away any substance , all Taurica soon yielding also to the Turk . The Precopenses , and Destences ; Tartars , becomming fot fear his tributaries : since which , they living a servile and troublesom life , have often done great service in the Turks Warres against the Persians , Polonians , Transilvanians and Germans , &c. The Venetians yet holding divers strong and commodious Havens within and without Peloponesus , Mahomet , sore longed after them . Wherefore he sent Solyman the European Bassa into Peloponesus , who besieged Lepauto in the Gulf of Corinth . Lauretanus the Venetian Admirall speedily comming thither , furnished the City with all necessaries ; so that the Bassa after 4 moneths lying there , in fury departed with his Army : and returning towards Constantinople , he landed some men in 〈◊〉 , hoping to surprize Coccinum ; but being about to enter , they were resisted by those next the Gate . Where Marulla a Maiden taking up her slain Fathers Weapons , and fighting desperately with those few there , they kept out the Turks till the other Citizens comming to the Gate , forced them with some losse to retire : the Bassa departing for Constantinople , before Lauretanus his comming . Mahomet having now subdued most of Epirus , and other parts of Albania , about this time besieged Croia ; for whose relief , Contarenus the Venetian Lievetenant , comming , he gave the Turks battel in Tirana-plain : at length the Turks fled : the Venetians contenting themselves with their Tents and Forts against Croia ; But while the Souldiers , being more set on the spoil than pursuit , scattered themselves , and the Captains were consulting where to lodge that night : the Turks suddenly returning on them , overthrew them , 1000 falling in the flight . Contarenus , with other noted ones , being also flain , Mahomet making divers incursions into Dalmatia , Histria and Carniola , sometimes went as farre as the Province of Frinli , part of the Venetian Seigniory , carrying away much prisoners and spoil . Wherefore the Venetians fortified 12 miles along the River Sontium , building two Forts , wherein were kept strong Garrisons : whereby the Countrey falling into security , Asabeg or Marbeck suddenly shewed himself with 1000 Horse on the farther side of the River : whereupon every man put himself into a readiness ; but night being so nigh , nought could be done , yet they watched all night in Arms. In those Forts were 3000 Horse , and some Foot under Nowel Count of Verona who resolved to keep the Turks from passing the River , or to give them battel . Marbeck secretly by night , conveyed 1000. of his best men over the River , 4 miles off , where the Venetians least feared , to lay in ambush behind a hill in sight , and on a sign given to charge the Venetians : sending early next morning some Troops over the River , who by offering to skirmish , and then as in doubt whether to fight or flee to tole them to the ambush . The Venetians being in three battalions ; Nowel leading the first , easily put those Troops to flight , earnestly pursuing them , especially his Sonne , who with others , thought that day to gain great honour . Marbeck forthwith passing over with the rest of his Army , and following the Venetians , the fleeing Turks now turning , withstood their enemies : at which instant , those in ambush came down the hill with such violence and clamour , that the Venetians being on every side beset , were all slain , except a few who yielded themselves . Many also of the other two battalions being in flight slain : The Count himself , and Sonne , with half the Horsemen , were lost . The Turks encouraged , spoiled all Friuli , betwixt Sontium and Tiliaventum . So burning the Country , that 100 Villages were to be seen on a light fire at once . So , laden with spoil , driving before them great numbers of Captives , they returned to Sontium : and passing the River , that all thought them to be quite gone , they returning , passed the River Tiliaventum , no lesse harming on that side than before on the other : So returning the way they came . This overthrow being accounted among the greatest they received from the Turks . Next year about Harvest , 1478. they passing Sontium , came before the Forrs with a far greater power , offering to draw Fortebrachius into the field ; but he wary , stood on his Guard , expecting to take them at advantage , wherefore the Turks durst not disperse for spoil . So going about 4 miles , they turning up into part of the Alps , towards Germany , grievously spoiled those people , strangely passing those abrupt and high Mountains with their Horses , then returning home another way about . Mahomet , determining once more to engage his whole forces , for the winning of Scodra , gave order both in Europe and Asia , for assembling his best Souldiers , seldom or never having a stronger Army : first he sent Aly-beg with 80000 Achanzij towards Scodra , who are Horsemen , that having Lands for life from the King , are bound to serve on their own charge as forerunners , when he besiegeth a place : who burning and spoiling , till they come to the appointed place , may depart or stay , when all the Army is come . Scodra's Governour fortifying night and day , provided all necessaries for a long siege , sending forth the aged , &c. into safer places : and taking in many able men about the Countrey , among whom were many Marriners , or others who got their living on the River and lake of Scodra . The Mountains North from the City the while , shining with fires , and the smoak drawing nearer and nearer , soon after the Countrey people with what they could carry , came running to the Cities by the Sea side , crying out , The Turks were come . And next day May 14. Aly Beg with his Achanzij encamped in the Suburbs , that none could go in or out . Scander-Beg , Governour of Bosna and Malcotius ( the Majesty of whose countenance and resplendent beames of his eyes were of such piercing brightness , that none was able with fixed eye long to behold them ) with 7000 Horse joyning unto him ; of which Horsemen , the Christians with often sallies and shot , slew many with little or no losse . Ten dayes after , came Taut Bassa of Constantinople with 25000 men , and about 12000 Came's , most laden with metall , to make Ordnance , &c. whose stately Purple-Tent was pitch'd on a hill where Solyman had layn about 4 years before , his Army encamping between that and the Town . Taut was born in Epirus , of mean Parentage , and for his wit and activity , was thus promoted , and suspected he would have aspired the Empire . Whilest the great Ordnance were casting , the Bassa made a great Bridge over the River , to passe at pleasure . The busied Christians the while were so vigilant , that no Turk stirred within shot , but he was slain . June 13. Mustapha Viceroy of Asia , came with 30000 Asians to the Siege , personable men , but not accounted so good Souldiers as the Europeans , whose rich green Pavilion was pitched in a Vineyard about a mile from the Town . Mustapha propounding a reward to whomsoever durst touch the Cities walls , two Souldiers well mounted , hastening thither , were both slain from the wall , one of whose bodies being recovered by a salley , his Head was set on a Launce upon the Wall 's top . June 15. 5600 Janizaries comming to the Camp , the Bassaes wellcommed them with a wondrous shout : 3. dayes after , came two other great men , with many followers , desiring safely to speak with the Governour and Captains of the City . Which granted , the Elder , after setting forth his Master's power , and what he had done to others , perswaded them to yield , assuring them of all kind usage with rich rewards , otherwise to expect nought but extreme misery and death : in whose name , Pagnanus answered , They feared not Mahomets greatness , &c. that he should find it hard to enforce them , impossible to perswade them , &c. concluding , they should expect no answer to any such motion hereafter , but from the Cannons mouth . At this time , Croia having held out a yeares siege , for lack of Victuals was yielded to the Turk , on condition , that the hunger-starv'd defendants might safely depart at pleasure , who not withstanding , put them all to the sword : the Scodrians being much grieved , but not discouraged thereat . The Watermen comming often down the River by night , and much hurting the Camp , they builded some Gallies to keep them in , who yet stealing on them , much troubled 〈◊〉 who June 22 , mounting 2 great Ordnance on the 〈◊〉 hill , one carrying a stone Bullet of 300 l. the other of 400 , battered the Town four dayes : then planting a third piece at the Hills foot , bearing a bullet of 400 l. and next day , they planted a 4th piece about the middle of the Hill , carrying 650 weight : The while , came 8000 Asapi into the Campe , and shortly after came Mahomet with all his Army to the River Drinon , where the two Bassaes pompously met him . Who July 2 , comming to the Campe , after viewing Scodra's Scituation , is reported to have said : O what a stately place hath the Eagle chosen to build her nest , and hatch her young ones in . Round about his divers rich Tents lay the Janizaries : whereinto , was but one entrance , most strongly guarded ; about the Janizaries all the rest of the Army encamped : and still more resorting daily thither : it was deemed , Mahomet to have in all 350000 men . Against which terrour , the defendants were notably encouraged by one Bartholmew , who being somtimes Scanderbegs Souldier , was become a Preacher . July the 5th , the Turks mounted two other great pieces , one like the former , but the other discharging a 1200 pound shot , being called the Prince's piece , and wherewith , the Turks had from the beginning threatned the besieged . Next day a 7th piece carrying 550 pound was planted on the same Bassaes Mount : they casting in Fire-balls out of Morter-pieces by night , to fire the City ; but divers Citizens uncovering their houses , and by men , watching the fall of the fire works , &c : the Enemie's device took no effect . Then also they casting huge stones out of short Mortar-pieces , which falling from on high , crushed what ever they lighted on , wondrously troubled the defendants . Few dayes after they mounting three other piece's , one was bigger then the Prince's , carrying 1300 weight : So battering the City daily with 10 such pieces as hath been seldome heard of , Arrowes falling like haile showers into the City . Yet they with their shot from the Walls , exceedingly annoyed the Enemy . July 11 , mounting another like the former , they the same day battered the Walls with 178 of those shot , and having now beaten down a great part of the Wall , which the defendants had onely repaired with Timber and Earth between : Mahomet sent some Janizaries , and others to assault the breaches ; so either to enter or burn the defendants fortifications ; but the Turks approaching , many were on both sides slaine , especially of the assailants . Which Mahomet perceiving , sounded a retreat , renewed his battery , shaking the Wall every day , with 160 or 180 terrible great shot , and one day with 194. Then he caused a fresh assault to be given , rather with worse successe than before , being forced againe to retire with shame , though two Italian Captaines , and some of the better Citizens were slaine with great shot , 193 being that day discharged . Yet he continuing his battery , the third day after gave a more furious attempt than before ; So that they comming to handy stroakes , made a most deadly fight ; many of the Christians falling chiefely by the great Ordinance , but of the Turks , most ; the Enemy had so prevailed , as ready to enter . But all seeming almost forlorne , a new supply of lusty Souldiers comming to the breach , drove him downe again , forcing him to retire with great losse : Wherewith Mahomet grieved , discharging 173 great shot into the City , sent for his Bassaes and other principall men , and said to them , that none were ignorant that it was the third month since Scodra was straitly besieged , &c : and the Walls and Bulworks as good as razed , having much vexed them with assaults , &c : Wherefore the morrow at day dawning , they should enclose the City round , and give them a terrible assault before the worn out Enemy could recover his strength , and repaire his breaches : that he would now prove and know them that were worthy of his pay , &c : that they were few , but the Turks almost innumerable , far passing them in Artillery wherewith many should perish in defending the breaches , that his minde gave him , the morrow before that time they should win the City ; asking them , if the very name of Scodra were not hatefull unto them ? remembring their Parents , Brethren , Friends or Companions slain under those Walls ? that it was not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 years since , so many thousands of his people fell ; that very hill , and the stones , seeming yet sprinkled with their blood : therefore they should glut themselves with Christian blood , as their lawes did so much exhort them , doing what they might , that not one of those of Scodra might be left alive : saying , all things were ready : it was easie for a strong man to overcome the weak , as they were . Hereupon , it was proclaimed , every man to be ready against the time , on pain of death : the Commanders also viewing the City on the Bassaes hill , consulted how 〈◊〉 to assault it : the Defendants , alwayes expecting their hovering enemies , left nothing undone for defence . Mahomet July 22. entring the royal Pavilion on the top of the Bassaes Mount , plainly to behold all the assault ; on a 〈◊〉 given , they suddenly ran to the breaches thick , 〈◊〉 to take the Christians at some advantage ; wherein they were deceived : so there was begun a most mortall 〈◊〉 , especially towards the Gate , where the Cannon had made the walls most assaultable . There fighting hand to hand , a Turks Ensign was set upon the rampier's top . Mahomet rejoycing , thought the City as good as taken ; 〈◊〉 the Christians speedily repairing thither with new supplies , beat them from the rampiers ; also they casting down timber , stores , &c. on them that were comming up : no shot likewise falling in vain , ( they stood so thick ) their Ensign was pluckt down , and they forced to retire : Wherefore Mahomet in a great rage , commanded his Ordnance to be discharged into the breach with greater 〈◊〉 ; commanding the two Bassaes standing by him , to go and force the Souldiers to return to the assault . Who 〈◊〉 the hill , where perswasion would not , with their drawn Swords , forced the Souldiers : who striving might and main to win the rampiers , the walls having been there shaken with 2539. shot , the Christians with invincible courage opposed them , so that a more desperate fight was hardly to be seen , &c. In which dreadful fight , many of the Defendants were slain ; but of the Turks 20 to one : the Christians with murthering shot making lanes out of the loupes nigh the Gate , 〈◊〉 the ditch : yet the Bassaes and great Captains forcing them foreward , if any turned back , 〈◊〉 him ; so that the Turks seeing the danger in retiring , pressing on , and others stepping into the rooms of the slain , they again recovered the rampiers advancing their Ensigns : Mahomet beginning to lift up his head ; but the Companies ready in the Market-place for all events , speedily comming , before the Turks had taken good footing , slew a great number , forcing the rest from the rampiers , plucking down their Ensigns , and setting up their own . Wherewith , the Turks dismayed , without a sign , retreated , in spight of their Commanders , hastily to the Camp. Mahomet returning into his Pavilion , two dayes tormented himself , not admitting any one to his presence . The Christians having taken their spoil , set dead Turks Heads on poles , round the City : 12000 of them being slain in the assault , besides wounded : 400 Christians were lost , none that came to the breach escaping without some wound . After two dayes , Mahomet resolved with his two Bassaes , to gage his whole forces on another assault ; for they thought the defendants , wasted and weakened , could not hold out another . Whereupon , every man being straitly commanded to be ready , great rewards were promised to those who performed any special service . Mahomet the mean time , spared not the walls , &c. omitting his Cannon ; and the Christians with restless labour , &c. omitting nought that could be devised for defence . The new Moon beginning to shew her self : the Turks Priests gave the Souldiers knowledge thereof , by singing a Song like a procession : the Army answering with a short , but wonderful noise , bowed to the Moon with great superstition . Then beginning to draw nigh the City , a mile round was thick covered with them : The Christians were ready to repulse them , chiefly at the great Gate , where Moneta and his Brother Moncinus undertook to receive the first assault , commonly the terriblest of the three which they give . Mahomet going to the top of the Mount before day , and the Signall given by 11 Cannons , and 12 lesser Pieces , the Turks assailing the City round , with a most hideous outcry and nimbleness , had in a trice set up an Ensign on the Gate 's rampiers , which was pluckt down by Moneta , and the Turks driven down , with great slaughter , the assault thus continuing till day : Moneta received divers wounds , being twice beaten down , yet still recovered himself , &c. Mahomet discharging his great Ordnance on the Christians , standing thick in the breach , many were rent in pieces , and the rest dismayed : wherefore the Turks comming on again , forced to enter to the uttermost ; but Moneta maintained the place till new Supplies came , not departing , nor suffering others till the assault was ended , whom nothing so much troubled as the great Ordnance , when the Turks were driven back , almost clearing the breach : but others stepping in their room , manfully repulsed the Turks . Mahomet now commanded all his forces to be drawn to the Gate , there to renew the assault . Whereupon the greatest part being brought to the place , they so furiously assaulted the breach , that soon slaying most of the defendants , they had advanced divers Ensignes ; but new supplies comming to the place of danger , drave them back , clearing the breach , and overthrowing the Ensigns : which turning Mahomet's joy into choler , he discharging all his great Artillery at once into the breach , many of his own were slain with the defendants . The great Captains , being in the eye of their Master , forced the Souldiers forward with their swords , adventuring also themselves , whereby the fight was more fierce than before . Many Turks were slain , but the Defendants being oppressed with multitude , and overwhelmed with shot , were scarce able to maintain the place ; Wherefore a great cry running through the City , that every man should repair to the breach , a multitude of all sorts meeting there together , so valiantly encountred the Turks upon the Rampiers , that they began again to shrink back ; which Mahomet perceiving , commanded the Ordnance to be discharged into the breach , not regarding his own men : and threatning his Captains with horrible death , if they returned without victory : wherefore the assault was 〈◊〉 newed ; but the Ordnance slew many Turks , as well as Christians ; the shot falling thrice among the Turks themselves , rent many a sunder to the others discouragement ; yet they maintained a long and terrible fight : at which time , with one onely shot 18 Defendants were slain : Arrows fleeing and lying so thick , that for a month after , they burnt nothing but Turks Arrows , nothing was to be heard , but the terrour of the ears , nothing but death and its instruments to be seen : a fearful cry running through the City , that without present help , all would be lost ; whereupon not only the whole , but the sick and wounded chearing themselves , ran with speed to the place : so that the Turks were slain in great numbers ; yet fresh ones still coming up , the deadly fight was still maintained , many falling on both sides ; the Turks one while seeming to have the better , and streightway the worse ; which doubtful fight continued most part of the day , and most ( on both sides alive ) being wounded or hurt , the assault began to asswage . Mahomet now despairing of victory , sounded a retreat ; which the Turks hearing ran as men affrighted to their 〈◊〉 . The Christians joy of this victory , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with much sorrow , for such men as were slain ; many of whose bodies they gathering up by peace-male , buried with the rest of the slain . Then also , repairing their breaches , they made ready for a fresh assault . Mahomet , much grieved with this losse and dishonour , wished he had never heard of Scodra's name , saying of God , It were enough for him to care for heavenly matters , and not crosse him in his worldly actions : and , tormenting himself again in his Tent two dayes , not to be spoke withall ; On the third day , calling a general Councel , said , He determined to give a fresh assault , hoping for an easie victory , over those so weakened ; but they all with one voice cryed out to the contrary , his best Souldiers being already slain , and most of those left , sore wounded , or weakned , &c. And Achmetes Bassa , the Turks great champion standing up , with pleasing speech calmed Mahomets fury , and with grounded reasons , perswaded him to desist , and to take a surer course ; who ( having set forch the greatness of his valour , praises , and conquests , who had gained from the Christians 20 Provinces , and 200 great Cities , saying , Caesar , Scipio , Pyrrhus , and Hannibal , &c. were all inferiour to him in victories , and Countries subdued ) said , In his opinion Scodra ( which should not so much grieve him , worldly things often deceiving their expectation ) was not again to be assaulted ; for he searching every Tent , found no place without groaning , sighing , &c. he having also lot above 30000 of his best Souldiers in the last assault ; they being all now afraid and discouraged , whom , himself ( he said ) asking how so great a fear was come upon them , they answered , It was the very look of the men of Scodra ( whose eyes seemed to sparkle with fire ) that struck that terrour into them ; wherefore , setting forth Scodra's strength , and how himself had subjected to Mahomet , the long desired City of Croia , he concluded , that if he would win Scodra , he must block it up , build strong Forts round about it , and make a 〈◊〉 over Boliana , with a strong Castle on each side to stop the passage ; then to besiege other weaker Cities of the Venetians , and subdue the Country round about , which would not be hard , he being Master of the field : so Scodra , said he , must needs yield at last , as lately did Croia by famine . This Counsel so pleased Mahomet and the rest , that the assault being laid aside , the Bassa of Constantinople was sent to Zabiache a City in Dalmatia's borders , which in few daies was yielded to him ; who thrusting out the Inhabitants , and leaving therein a Turkish Garrison , returned to Scodra . Then also the Bassa of Asia , was sent against Drivasto , whither Mahomet coming , after 16 daies siege , next day he took it without much resistance , putting those on the walls to the sword : and cruelly slaying the rest being 300 , before Scodra , to terrifie the Defendants . Next day , he sending the Bassa of Constantinople to Lyssa , 30 miles from Scodra , he finding the Citizens fled for fear , fired the City , where also the Turks dig'd up Scanderbeg's bones as aforesaid . Mahomet committing all touching Scodra's siege unto Achmetes , himself departed about Sept. 7. with 40000 to Constantinople , cursing & banning by the way , Epirus and all that was therein , especially Scodra . After which the two Bassaes built a Bridge over Boliana , with a Castle on either side to hinder Scodra's relief : which being furnished with all necessaries , they returning left Achmetes with 40000 to continue the siege ; who so ordering that no relief could be brought , the Christians at length were fain to eat all loathsome things , &c. a Mouse being sold at an 〈◊〉 price , as also puddings made of Dogs guts . The Venetians now weary of 16 years chargeable war to their great losse , and not able to relieve distressed Scodra , sent 〈◊〉 an experienced Senator to Mahomet , who at length concluded a Peace , Mahomet to have Scodra , Lemnos , and the Castle of Tenarus in Peloponesus delivered to him , with 8000 Duckats yearly ; And that they might freely traffique in all parts of his Dominions , and for those of Scodra , they might live still under the Turks Government , or depart with goods whither they pleased ; whereof the Governour being certified , declared to the Citizens how things stood . After a thorow debate , they concluded all , to forsake the City , and the house of bondage , and to live as pleased God , among other Christians : So receiving Turkish pledges of safety , they came forth with bag & baggage , being transported into Italy , where they lived in peace ; the Turks after a whole years siege , entring the City with joy & triumph , this happened in 1478. Mahomet in 1480 sent Achmetes with a fleet against Leonard Prince of three Islands nigh Peloponesus , 〈◊〉 he easily taking , Leonard fled for his life into Italy , with his wife and treasure to King Ferdinand , whose Kinswoman he had married . About which time Alis Beg & 2 others entring Transilvania with 100000 men , so feared the Country , that Stephen the Vaywod speedily fled to King Matthias craving his ayd ; who , though sick of the Gout , by his Captains , encountred the Turks , not far from Alba Julia , slaying 30000 of them with Isa Beg ; which victory was not without the Vaywods sore wounding , and 8000 Christians slain . Mahomet grieved that so small an Island as Rhodes should lye so near his Dominions , troubling his Merchants , &c. which being formerly unfortunately attempted by Mahometane Princes , he now assembled his expert Captains , propounding the matter . Some perswaded him to subdue it and revenge Christian injuries , not fearing a repulse ; who was to bring moe assailants than was stones in the wall : Others declaring the Islands strength with the Defendants valour , &c. said ; It was like to prove more difficult than some supposed , &c. alledging it was not worth engaging his honour with the lives of so many valiant Souldiers , who might conquer a Kingdom ; yet Mahomet ambitious , and solicited by Meligales a fugitive Knight of Rhodes , ( who having spent his great substance , fled to the Turk with two others of like who presented him with a plot of the City , with it and the Islands strength , and how to win it , offering to spend their lives therein , to repair their broken estate ) he resolved to follow their Counsel who perswaded the war ; wherefore committing that great action to Mesithes Paleologus his management : he sayled from Constantinople with 80000 men toward Rhodes , calling by the way Demetrius one of the fugitive Knights , to know , how safely to Land. Meligalus falling sick on the way , and growing loathsome and troublesome to the Turks , was thrown overboard alive , crying out in vain for help . Peter Damboys a Frenchman , was then great Master of the Rhodes ; who having once in 8 daies intelligence from the Turkish Court , and of such judgment as scarce ever to be deceived by false advertisements , had strongly fortifyed the City with all necessaries for many years siege . Then also many valiant ones repaired thither out of Italy , France , Germany , &c. in defence of the place and Religion . Damboys had 16000 able men in the City , among whom were many Jews and other 〈◊〉 men , who did good service . Mesithes landing in the Island Junt 22 , not far from the City , Damboys calling the Defendants together , spake unto them ; that the Turks their mortal enemies , were ready to destroy their Temples , Oratories , Religion , seeking to ruin that noble City , the cruel death of them , &c. and although the chance of war were doubtful ; yet considering their courage and chearfulness , he conceived an assured hope of victory , That the Turks armed not against them so much for their desert , as for rule and spight against them , and Christianity ; shewing them , they wanted neither provision , nor a most strong Garrison of divers Nations , and which was more , Christ their Captain , &c. That they were warlike , their enemies effeminate Asians , &c. that he said not this to fill their ears with windy words ; but he assured them , if the siege were long , there would come such strong aid out of other Countries , as would not only serve to raise the siege , but recover the Constantinopolitan and Trapezond Empires . But supposing the hardest , would not any one account his life most happily spent in defence of a good conscience , and Christs quarrel ? &c. Therefore they shewing themselves couragions , he doubted not , but time and his discretion should provide for the rest . They resting in the assurance of their aged Governour , departed to their charge , full of hope &c. The Bassa sent Demetrius , ( and his traiterous companion ) to view ( with some Troops and foot ) where best to encamp ; who being known by Anthony the Master's brother , he sallyed out , skirmishing with them ; but the Turks exceeding in number , Anthony turned on those behind him with such force , that he slew or wounded most of them . Demetrius , having his horse slain , himself was trodden to death by the horses , whose bodie Murtius unadvisedly dispoiling , was slain and his head presented to the Bassa ; who at his first coming , taking a strong entrenched Orchard , placed some Companies therein , with small Ordnance , ( the defendants having abandoned it by night , leaving their Ordnance behind them for haste ) and by one Frapaine a fugitive Christian his Counsel , he there began to batter Nicholas-Tower , 300 paces distant ; but Damboyse mounting two great Basilisks , he quickly forsook it ; yet shortly after , he planted a greater battery near the same , and of far greater force , and 300 smaller pieces ; but Frapaine Master of his Ordnance , bestowed the shot to small purpose , whom the Bassa distrusting , he fleeing by night , again to the Rhodians , discovered the Turks secrets , who continuing the battery , had beaten down some part of that Tower , : which the Christians repaired the best they could ; yet the Turks fiercely assaulting it for 6 hours , they retired having lost 800 men , with many drowned , and 1000 sore wounded . Mesithes having after this made a fair breach in the wall ; Damboyse cast up such Rampires with a Countermure , that he durst not adventure to enter ; the Captains helping therein , and moving the rest by their example . The mean time , young Caly Bassa being sent to see how the siege went forward , it was given out ( to terrifie the Defendants ) that Mahomet was coming with 100000 men , and 150 great Ordnance ; whereat some were exceedingly feared , especially the Spaniards and their neighbours of Navarre , that desiring leave to be gone , they discouraged the rest ; Damboyse sending for them , and sharply reproving them promised to ship them forthwith out of the Isle , &c. commanding them ( the mean time ) to cease their mutinous talk , with threats : who shortly after , considering the dishonour to themselves and Nation , if they should be so sent away , craving pardon they shewed themselves most forward in all services during that siege ; yet Damboyse would never trust them alone . The Bassa seeing by the Masters policy , all his devices countermanded , practised to poyson him by one Janus a Dalmatian ; who being received into the City as a Christian fugitive acquainted himself with one Pythius an Epirot , familiar with Philelphus , ( Damboyse his late Secretary ; but then in disgrace as partaker in the late mutiny ) a fit instrument to work the Treason , as being well acquainted with the Cooks and Butlers , &c. whom Pythius perswading to revenge the disgrace he lived in , shewed him how to do it , &c. Philelphus dissembling the matter , desired to know what benefit might thereby arise more than revenge . Pythius shewed him the Bassa's Letters to Janus , assuring him what he promised any one for furtherance of his poysoning , he would fully perform the same . Philelphus , discovering the matter to Damboyse , Janus and Pythius confessing the Treason , upon examination , Janus was beheaded , and Pythius hanged ; but Philelphus received again into favour . The Bassa herewith much grieved , yet still battered the City , and chiefly , Nicholas Tower , framing ( besides other preparations ) a great bridge stayed with strong ropes , &c. betwixt his battery & the Tower , for assailing it . But as it was making fast , Rogers an Englishman , found means by night , to break and cut all the Cables , whereby it was carried away by the Sea ; for which he was by Damboyse rewarded , and publickly commended . Yet a new Bridge being framed on boats , &c. and fassoned with Cables , and Anchors , with divers Ordnance placed therein , the Tower was at once battered by Sea and Land , the Defendants with shot assailed , and the Tower desperatly scaled . But Damboyse with his Ordnance brake the Bridge sinking four foists and store of men , &c. and with shot , timber , stones , &c. overwhelmed the scalers , with great slaughter , the assault holding from 3 in the morning till 10 , the Bassa giving over , having lost about 2500 men , in which night , two mercenaries of Creet , about to flee to the enemy , were put to death ; and Frapine , suspected of Treason , executed also . Then the Bassa offered Damboyse ( in his Masters name ) great rewards and preferments to yield the City ; which the Messengers said , he could not long hold , &c. who answered , He would not in his sure estate use his enemies Counsel , nor in 〈◊〉 refuse to yield his life to God , far rather then to yield though on never so good conditions in shew . Then ( according to the Bassa's instructions ) they perswaded him to yield to Mahomes some yearly tribute or homage . But Damboyse knowing by others example , Turkish Thraldom to lye included under that small request , utterly refused either . The Bassa exceedingly troubled , resolved , for his honours sake , to use ( in that extremity ) an extream remedy ; wherefore mounting some pieces much higher , he battered the City day and night , for four 〈◊〉 ; the Christians also not sparing their shot , but women and children in the City , shrouded themselves in Cellars and Caves for the thickness of the shot . At length , a fair breach being made , the Turks so desperatly assaulted it , that they suddenly set some Ensigns on the top of the walls ; but they being soon repulsed into the ditches , most never rose again . Then also in another place , they both advanced their Ensigns , and 500 of them entred comming into Jew-street , where being all slain by Damboyse , their Ensigns were thrown down , the rest yet scaling , being with wondrous slaughter rejected . So the Bassa sounded a retreat , about 5000 being lost , with small losse of the Christians : Damboyse himself receiving 5 wounds , one whereof , under his right pap , was thought deadly , but was cured . The Bassa , having for 3 Months spent his forces and devices to small purpose , losing 9000 of his best Souldiers , and all the rest filled with heavinesse , of whom 15000 lay sore wounded , many being ready to give up the Ghost , also two ships being landed at Rhodes , ( in spight of the Turks ) from Ferdinand of Naples , with men and Munition , whilst he was deliberating whether to depart or not , a rumour was spread , that Christian Princes were coming for relief ; whereupon he raised the siege . Some say , Mahomet hearing of his ill successe , ( himself being ready to go against the Egyptian Sultan ) sent for the Bassa ; who , having first cut down and spoiled all the Vines , and Trees in that part , embarqued his Army , and departed , August 17. While Rhodes was besieged , Achmetes Bassa was sent with a strong Army to enter Italy ; who enbarquing at Vallona or Aulona , in Macedonia's borders , passed over that Sea , about 60 miles broad , and landed in fertile Apulia , now Puglia , nigh old and famous Hydruntum , now Otranto ; where taking an infinite spoyl , which he conveighed to his Galleys , after 14 daies ranging , and seeing none oppose him , he besieged Otranto , ( as it were the Key of that part of Italy ; ) where making a breach with Ordnance , he took it being but weakly manned , and weaklier defended , with no great losse ; the Archbishop and chief of the City , being slain in the Cathedral , whither they had fled , the rest being sold for slaves in Greece ; this brought such a fear on all Italy , that Pope Sixtus 4th was about to forsake Rome . Achmetes , having ransacked , victualled , & strongly fortified the Otranto leaving 8000 in Garison , he returned to Vallona , and so to Constantinople to know Mahomet's pleasure ; but purposing next Spring to return against Italy with greater forces : which if he had , it was to be feared ( it being then rent by the Princes discord and ambition ) it had become a prey to the barbarous Turks . But at the same time , the Caramanian King , aided by the Persian and Sultan of Aegypt , had overthrown Mahomet's eldest Son , slaying most of his Army ; Wherefore Mahomet with Achmetes as his chief warriour , passed into Asia ; where falling sick at Geivisen in Bythinia , after 3 daies torment of his belly , supposed ( by some ) the Cholick ; yet most thought him to be poysoned . He dyed about 52 years old , reigning 31 , in 1481. being buried magnificently at Constantinople , in a 〈◊〉 nigh a great Temple which he built . He was but low of stature , square set , and strong limmed , his complexion being Tartar-like , as were most of his Ancestors : his look was sterne , his eyes piercing and hollow , his nose very crooked : he was of a sharp wit , learned , chiefly in Astronomy ; and could speak Greek , Latin , Arabick , Chalde , and Persian , delighting much in reading of History , &c. of an exceeding courage and 〈◊〉 : a severe punisher of injustice , chiefly in those to whom justice was committed , greatly favouring and entertaining men excelling in any faculty : so punishing theft , that a thief was scarcely to be heard of . But he was wholly irreligious , perfidious and ambitious , delighting in blood , ( being probably the death of 800000 men ) ; and craft , covetousness and dissimulation , were in him accounted tolerable faults : In whose love being no assurance , and his least displeasure death ; he lived eared of all , and died lamented of none . Alphonsus Duke of Calabriae , taking the opportunity of Bajazet's competitor and troubler , besieged Otranto , losing divers great Commanders , and still by the Turks worsted ; till being aided out of Spain and Italy , chiefly out of Hungary , from Matthias , he straitly besieged them by Sea and Land , till the besieged ( hearing of Mahomet's death and now not expecting Achmetes his return , ready to come to their rescue , yielded it up , departing safely with bag and baggage , having held it a year . The Life of Bajazet II , second Emperour of the Turks . MAhomet being dead , and some great ones seeking to place Bajazet the eldest Son , others labouring to prefer Zemes Gemes , or Zizimus the younger to the Empire , two great factions arose , so that there were soon tumults , hot skirmishes & great slaughter in divers places of Constantinople , the Janizaries slaying Mahometes one of the 4 great Bassaes , for an old grudge , and spoyling all Christians and Jews amongst them of their substance , the City Merchants ( natural Turks ) not escaping their ravenous hands . The other 3 Bassaes Isaac , Mesithes , and Achmetes , though secretly envying each others greatness ; yet to appease trouble , and assure their own , found means by their authority that Corcutus a younger Son of Bajazet 18 years old , was generally saluted Emperour with great triumph : in whose name , the Bassaes disposed of all things little regarding Bajazet or Zemes , one being at Amasia , the other at Iconium ; for the Turkish Kings , send their Sons to Govern remote Provinces , where they are also under their Lievtenant Generals command , and may not depart even to visit their Father without expresse leave . These two hasting towards Constantinople , Bajazet as the nearer , first arrived ; but finding the Empire already possessed , he in grief , called Heaven and Earth to witness of the great wrong done him by the Bassaes ; and what by tears , &c. what by gifts . &c. chiefly by Cherseogles , Viceroy of Greece his solicitation , and the Captain of the Janizaries his Sons in Law , so prevailed , that Corcutus resigned to his Father the Imperial Government , himself being made Governour of Lycia , Caria , and Jonia , &c. with a yearly Pension , and promise of the Empire after his decease , where he pleasantly living , and wholly given to Philosophy , was afterwards lesse favoured of the Janizaries and others . Zemes thus prevented by his elder Brother , raising a puissant Army in the Countries under him , and marching thorow the lesser Asia , taking in strong places by the way ; also Prusa in Bythinia , purposing to exclude Bajazet out of Asia in requital : fortune at first seeming to favour him therein , the people yielding him obedience , &c. Bajazet , perceiving most of his Empire in danger , and doubting Zemes would scarce long be content therewith , passed into Asia with a puissant Army , comming to Neapolis , nigh which Zemes encamped . Bajazet being on his way , Achmetes , the best Turkish Warrior , presented himself on his knees before Bajazet unarmed , his Sword hanging at his Saddle bow , to the admiration of many : The cause was , for that in the Warre between Usun Cassanes and Mahomet , Bajazet not martialling the right wing to Mahomet's liking , he commanded Achmetes to set it in better order : which he performing , and Bajazet taking it as in disgrace , threatned to finde a time of revenge on the Bassa , who being of great Spirit , bid him do his pleasure , and laying his hand on his Sword , vowed , when he came to be Emperour , he would never weare Sword in field : So here being ready to serve , if commanded , otherwise to endure his Princes pleasure . Bajazet stretching out his Scepter , and taking him up , bid him girt on his Sword , and not remember what he had long forgiven and forgotten : making him Generall , to the Janizaries and the rest , their great content , giving great shouts as if victory had attended him : who encamping as near as possible to Zemes , for 10 dayes space , many sharp skirmishes were made with diverse fortune . At length , after a long fight and great slaughter on both sides Bajazet , by Achmetes his policy , prevailed : Zemes fleeing to Iconium : in which flight many were taken , whom Bajazet , Achmetes changing his mind , for terror of others suffered to be put to the Sword. Zemes doubting to fall into his Brothers hands , after 3 dayes stay , trussing up his Treasure , &c. fled with his Mother and two young Children , and a small retinue , from Iconium into Syria , part of Caytheius the Sultan's Dominion . Bajazet came thither to have surprized him , but he , fled , he took order for the Government of that part of his Empire , returning with victory to Constantinople . Zemes comming in 1482. to Jerusalem , stayed there , visiting its ancient Monuments : thence travelling into Aegypt , he was honourably conducted to Caire , by divers of the Nobles sent from the Sultan to meet him , & being welcomed by Caytheus , he declared the cause of his comming : which he said , was to complain unto him of the wrongs done him by Bajazet , whom he might more justly tearm his cruel enemy , than kind Brother : who had not onely taken the Empire by tumult and slaughter , but had persecuted him , &c. never resting , till he had chased him out of the Empire 's bounds , moved thereto not so much by the jealous desire of Soveraignty , as by an unnatural cruelty towards all his kindred , and a mortall hatred against him in particular , &c. shewing , that he was not to be blamed for the troubles arising at Constantinople , betwixt the favourites of them both , he being then farre from thence , and was sent for by many of his good friends , but lest his comming thither might have occasioned new troubles , he returned into Bythinia to Prusa , to have rested in quiet , if his Brother would have suffered him , &c. that Bajazet would sway all things alone ; and being of a farre other mind , than either Xerxes or Alexander , had rather have his Brother his enemy , than his friend , and drive him into exile , than to make him partaker of his counsels : beseeching the Sultan by the sacred reliques of Mahomet , &c. to bridle domestical wrong , and lift up the afflicted by his great Authority , or the Sword 's revenge , &c. putting him in minde what deadly enemies , Christian Princes were to the Turks : who could not but be thought suddenly to invade their Kingdom , if shaken with civill Warres , seeking the utter destruction of the same : and then Caytheius must stand alone for himself , and the rest of the Mahometans against the Christians , &c. requesting him to deal with Bajazet by Embassadors , that if he would not receive him as a partner of the Empire , yet admit him into some small part of his Father's Kingdom , &c. which if he should refuse to grant , he would as at Jerusalem , so at Mecha , complain unto the great Prophet of the injuries done him , &c. but if all those proved in vain , he would go with fire , Sword , and slaughter , and vex his hateful Brother , with all manner of revenge , &c. The Sultan comforting the distressed Prince , willed him to bear patiently his present hap , &c. commending him withall , for his courage , promising him to do what in him lay to perswade his Brother : and soon after sent to Bajazet , Zemes the while , travelling by the Sultans leave , to visit Mahomets Temple at Mecha , and his Sepulchre at Medina : upon whose return to Caire , the Embassadors returned also , not obtaining any thing , Bajazet seeming to despise his Brother . Wherefore Zemes determined to warre upon him , reposing some hope in his secret friends , and some discontented Captain's revolt . Then also fitly came Letters from the 〈◊〉 Caramanian King , living then in Armenia , offering to joyn with Zemes all the power he could make , ( hoping thereby to recover all the part of the Kingdom , whence Mahomet drave his Father ) who both together were 〈◊〉 unable by all friends they could make , to encounter with Bajazet's great power . Zemes , with gifts from the Sultan and promised aid , met the Caramanian ( perswading the contrary ) , on Asia the lesse its borders , where they concluded joyntly to invade Bajazet ; and entring Cilicia , now Caramannia , they encamped between Iconium and Larenda . Bajazet fearing more the revolt of his Souldiers , than his Brothers power , raised an Army of 200000 men , sending Achmetes before with one part ; in his march a rumour was in the Camp , that some Captains had conspired to betray him into his Brothers hands , and that many upon joyning battel , would revolt to his Brother : wherefore Bajazet doubting what to do , divided a masse of money amongst the Army , loading them with ample promises , they shewing fidelity and valour : then drawing nigh Iconium , he glozingly shewed a desire to come to some agreement with them , secretly endeavouring to stop all passages , that they might not retire into Syria . Zemes weighing his own weak forces , timely retired to Mount Amanus's straits , dividing Cilicia from Syria : perswading the Caramanian to give place unto the time , &c. So breaking up his Army , he with a few , came to Cilicia's Sea-coast , hiring a tall Ship to save himself upon sudden danger : sending the while , to Damboys , that since he had no safety amongst his own people , he would upon his safe conduct come into Rhodes . The great Master deeming his flight to be much profitable to Christians , presently sent to fetch him ; but before the Gallies came , Zemes was forced by the access of his enemies , to go aboard the afore prepared Ship : and putting a little from shoar , he shot an Arrow back with fastened Letters directed to Bajazet , shewing , he fled not to the Christians , for hatred of his Religion or Nation , but as enforced thereto by his injurious dealing ; but he surely hoped , that he or his Children should receive the just guerdon of that his tyranny : which Bajazet reading , it 's reported , he altogether mourned , shunning for a season , as half distracted , all speech and company . Zemes being honourably entertained at Rhodes , alleadged , 3 dayes after , in the Knights publique assembly , for colour of his rebellion , that Bajazet though the elder , was born whilest his Father lived in a private estate ; but he was his Fathers first-born , being an Emperour , &c. yet he could have been content to have given him place , so he would have granted him some small portion of the Empire , &c. wherefore he hoped to finde succour in that his distress : protesting , that if ever he should by their meanes obtain the Empire , he would make with them a perpetual peace , and rest their friend for ever : Damboys chearing him , promised to keep him safe from his Brothers fury , and to commend his cause to other Christian Princes . He was now about 28 years old , tall , somewhat corpulent , and well limb'd , gray-eyed , somewhat squinting , hook nosed , rising in the middle , brown , spare of speech , chollerick , a great feeder , delighting in swimming , melancholy , &c. never to be drawn from his superstition , learned , writing the History of his Fathers life . But Bajazet , things being well quieted , returned to Constantinople , attending some new motion by his Brother to be made ; but hearing he was at Rhodes , he sent certain Bassaes to Damboys , to deliver up Zemes , for a wondrous summ of money . Which , when it could not be obtained , they concluded a commodious peace for the Rhodians ; also agreeing , that Zemes should be kept in safe custody , Bajazet to pay in consideration , and for his honourable usage , 30000 Duckets yearly to the Master , Aug. 1. While Achmetes was employed abroad , Bajazet discoursing with the other Bassaes , on his late expedition against his Brother , seemed highly offended with the untrustiness of some great Captain , seeming somewhat to distrust Achmetes : wherefore Isaac Bassae ( whose Daughter Achmetes had put away , as aforesaid ) taking hold of the opportunity , increased his suspition : sometimes imagining intelligence to have passed betwixt Zemes and Achmetes : and forthwith amplifying his power with the Janizaries , so that he might thereby do more in Zemes his quarrel , than should stand with Bajazets safety , & c. wherefore Achmetes at his return was to be slain : who comming to Court , was by Bajazet invited to Supper , to solace himself , as was given out with his great Bassaes ; Achmetes mistrusting nothing , came , Bajazet drunk Wine plentifully , causing them also to do the like , although utterly forbidden by their Law. Supper now ended , Bajazet as a token of his grace , caused Robes of pleasing colours , to be cast on his guests , giving to every one a fair bowle full of Gold ; but on Achmetes was cast a Gown of black Velvet , a token of such indignation , that its death for any man to intreat for such a one : Achmetes , now under the shadow of death , said , ( Oh Cachpogli ) that is , Thou Sonne of a Whore , since thou intendest such cruelty , why didst thou not execute it , before enforcing me to drink this impure and forbidden Wine ? so looking on the ground , sate still . The other Bassaes kissing the ground at his feet , & c. departed , with whom Achmetes offering to go out , was commanded to sit still , & c. The executioners stepping in to have slain him , an Eunuch in Bajazets greatest favour , advised him not to be too hasty in executing so great a Man , but to stay to see how it would be digested , wresting the while out of him what might be got , by torture , &c. who was hereupon stript , and carried to be tortured . Achmetes his Sonne , missing his Father at the Bassaes comming forth , presently mistrusted and with much adoe learned of the Baslaes , of his Fathers Estate , then also advised of the same by a secret friend : 〈◊〉 , lamenting and exclaiming against Bajazets cruelty , he calling on the Janizaries for ayd , and minding them of his Fathers deserts towards them , and of his eminent danger , had in the dead of the night , raised them all up in Arms : who running from all parts of the City to the Court Gate , redoubling Bre , Bre , a word expressing their greatest sury , so furiously beat at it , that Bajazet causing the outer Gate to be opened , shewed himself out at an Iron Window , demanding the cause of that uproare : who answered , they would teach him as a Drunken Beast , and a Rascall , to use his place with more sobriety , and discretion , calling him amongst many opprobrious words , Bengi , that is , Batchellour or Scholler , no small disgrace among those Martiall men ; then commanding him forthwith to deliver Achmetes , or to take what should ensue . Bajazet terrified with this insolency , commanded him to be delivered to them : who in haste was brought forth almost naked , with marks in his body of hard usage . The Janizaries rejoycing , supplyed his want , with apparell taken from Bajazets minions , carrying him out on their shouldiers , crying out , How he did , & c : undoubtedly ready to have slaine Bajazet if he would , and to rifle the Court ; But he laboured to pacifie them , excusing it as done to correct him , he haply neglecting some part of his duty . A heart-burning long remained between Bajazet and the Janizaries ; yet for feare , he had Achmetes ( in shew ) in greater honour than before , but mortally hating him : and by Isaac's perswasion , all being thought to be forgotten , Bajazet had him thrust thorow , sitting at supper in the Court. This was the miserable end of the Turks great Champion : about which time also , Caigulus Zemes his Son ( a Child ) was by his command strangled . Bajazet grievously offended with the Janizaries , finding upon inquiry their Officers to be the Authors of those stirs , he under colour of preferment sent them away into divers parts of his Empire , appointing to them as to old Souldiers , lands , & c : for their maintenance ; but secretly sent to the Governours of the places , whither they were sent , to execute them as Traitours , which was done . The Janizaries hearing what was done , began to mutiny , uttering revengfull words against the Emperour : which Bajazet understanding , purposed to kill suddenly all the Janizaries , chiefly those about the Court and City , wherefore he sent for great numbers of the Acanzij , reputed the best sort of Common Souldiers ; most of the Bassaes to whom he imparted his device , much disliked it ; but Alis and Ishender Bassa of Ogli's Family , disswaded him from it , alleadging their number , courage , experience , & c. And , if he should kill all about Constantinople , yet all his strong holds being holden by other Janizaries , they would take up Armes in their own defence and friends revenge , which were likely to endanger himself and his whole Empire , besides his perpetuall dishonour . The vigilant Janizaries getting an inckling thereof , more and more suspected the matter , both by the often and secret repaire of great men to Court , and also by the unwonted multitude of those Acanzij brought into the City . Wherefore banding themselves together , they stood on their guard , and lighting on Alis Beg , comming from Court , opprobriously demanded of him , if he were one who had conspired their destruction , and had he not greatly protested and sworn tò the contrary , they had presently slain him . Bajazet seeing his purpose discovered , by others counsell ; to colour his intention , proclaimed , that the Janizaries and others now assembled at Constantinople , should be ready against a day , to goe with him into Moldavia . But when he should set forward , the Janizaries joyned in order of battell by themselves , nor would they receive the Emperour into the mid'st of their ranks , as formerly , but shaking their weapons at him , told him , He had sought their destruction , bidding him ( if he would ) set his Executioners to work upon them , whom he should finde ready and able to defend themselves . Bajazet giving them good words , and using all meanes , by his Bassaes , & c : to pacifie them , swearing by his Fathers holy Soul , he would not harme the meanest of them , with much ado they received Bajazet : who passing Danubius , entered Moldavia , and besieging strong Achilleia ( now Kele ) a Sea-Town , it was delivered him by composition , thence going to Acgiemen or Asprocastron , it was likewise surrendred after a months siege : so returning to Constantinople . Bajazet fearing Zemes breaking forth , or his setting up by Christian Princes , offered great summs for his delivery to him : and Charles the French King purposing to invade Greece ( after Naple's its Conquest ) was wondrous desirous of him ; also Matthias of Hungary , sought by all meanes to obtaine him : then also Pope Innocent the 8th , no lesse desirous of so great a pledge , with the large pension , so wrought by his cunning Legate , that the Grand Master delivered Zemes to him at Rome in 1488 : wherefore he was honoured with the title of Cardinall . So Zemes remaining at Rome , all Innocent's and Alexander the 6th , their time , receiving for him 20000 Duckats yearly , till Charles passing through Italy against Alphonsus of Naples in 1495 , so terrified the Pope , furthering Alphonsu's title , that among other conditions he was glad to give him his gracelesse Son Caesar Borgia in hostage , and to deliver Zemes unto him . Scanderbeg's Son , aided by the Venetians , while Bajazet was busied against Zemes , overthrowing the Turks nigh Croia recovered much of Epirus : then also Chernovich an Albanian Prince ( by the Venetians help ) expulsed them out of that part of Albania : So that Bajazet was glad to suffer him to enjoy all he recovered , paying him a small tribute for the rest . Bajazet , in revenge of the King of Caramania his aiding Zemes , raising a great Army , and marching along the Asian Countryes in 1486 , entred Caramania : whose King ( knowing himself too weak ) fortified his strong places , and retired into Taurus Straits , where he was in the most safety . Bajazet spoyling the Country most of the Summer , layed siege to the City Tarsus , soon making the Walls saultable by battery : the Citizens now offering to deliver it up reserving their lives , libertyes , and goods , which Bajazet accepted of and performed : not suffering any Souldiers more than needfull to enter : and Winter growing on , he dispersing his Souldiers round about , not suffering them to Till , Sow , &c : they were forced to yield to his devotion . Wherefore the Caramanian King obtaining aide of Caytheius the Aegyptian Sultan , took the field the first of the Spring , though much inferiour to his puissant Enemy . So betwixt them was begun a terrible fight , which was maintained the whole day , with doubtfull Victory and great slaughter , new supplies comming in . The Caramanian seeing his overlaid Souldiers begin to give ground , so furiously brake with his guard and other valiant ones into the mid'st of his Enemyes , that being forthwith environed , &c : his horse slaine , and fighting on foot , fell downe dead , having slaine divers Turks with his own hand : whose Souldiers now discouraged , fled , and were most slaine or taken : after which Bajazet over-running all , soon subdued the large Country of Cilicia . Then was there an auntient Mahometan Prince commanding most of Trachea in Cilicia with the famous City Scandeloro : who had long lived as a Neuter betwixt the Christian and Caramanian Kings ; against which poore Prince ( onely left in Asia the lesse ) Bajazet turning his forces : he weighing his small power ; offered to deliver up Scandeloro with all his territory , so Bajazet would give him other possessions for it in lesser Asia : which he accepting , became Lord of all the Sea-Coast , from Bosphorus to Syria's confines . After this , he descending into the lesser Armenia , subjected all thereof , as of Cappadocia , belonging to the Caramanian Kings : so leaving Mustapha Bassa at Iconium with his Asian Army to keep under his new Conquests , himself triumphantly returned to Constantinople where he was joyfully received . After which , Bajazet swelling in disdaine against the Aegyptian and Syrian Sultan , who had aided Zemes , and then the Caramanian , appointed in 1487 , Caragoses Bassa with Ishender , to invade Syria with a strong Army , who being come to the utmost parts of Cilicia , Aladenles ( King of the rude & fierce people , dwelling along mount Taurus ) being in league with the Sultan , lay in Ambush in the straites whereby the Turks must needs passe . Ishender marching in the Avant with many Acanzij , before he was aware , was so fiercely charged , that losing most of his men , the rest fleeing , he with his two Sons were taken : Michael the eldest being bound , was slaine by one whose Brother he had there slaine : whose head , Aladenles sending to Ishender to grieve him the more , he bid the Messenger not shew it him , but to bid his Master eat it if he would : wherewith Aladenles exceedingly moved , yet pitying the old man , set the younger soon at Liberty , sending Ishender Prisoner to Carie , where he remained 5 years ; Caragoses discouraged , retired into Cilicia , and was commanded by Bajazet to Constantinople , as unfit for such an enterprize . Next Spring 1488 , Bajazet sent Achmetes Bassa with a far greater Army against the Sultan : who being come to the farthest of Cilicia , was at Tzugar Ova overthrown by the Aegyptians and Arabians : himself fighting valiantly lost two fingers , and was sent Prisoner to Caire . Bajazet rather incensed herewith , made the greatest preparation in 1489 by Sea and Land against the Sultan : sending Alis Bassa , or Calibeus with Cherseogles his Son in Law , with a great Army by land , requesting of the Venetians ( in league with him ) to refresh his Fleet upon occasion , in Cyprus : which the Senate denying , yet sent their Admirall with 30 Galleys for defence of Cyprus : who considering how secret and sudden the Turks designes were , he sent sundry Companyes out of Creete into Cyprus for its better defence ; but understanding all their Fleet to be met , and set forward , he hois'd saile for Cyprus : the Turkish Fleet keeping on their course , met the land-Army neere Mount Taurus . Caytheius having sent Usbeg with a strong Army of Mamalukes and others to be in readinesse . He ( though far inferiour to his Enemyes ) expected not their comming into Syria , but met them not far from Tarsus of Cilicia : who so soon as come together , cheerfully joyned battell : which terrible fight was maintained all day with doubtfull Victory and exceeding slaughter : The Generalls with fresh supplyes relieving their distressed . Night approaching , both Armyes ( chiefly the Turks ) wearied and weakened , retired to their Camps . But the Aegyptians finding all their Carriages , Victualls , &c : gone which , ( some say ) the robberous borderers had done to please the Turks : others , that those in charge terrified with the Turks number , and battell 's doubtfullnesse , fled along the Sea-side , and were spoiled by the Turks out of the Galleys , were foretroubled , fearing great extremities . Wherefore early in the morning they braved their Enemyes : which the Turks disdayning , set foreward with displayed Ensignes : there beginning such a desperately resolved fight , that one might have said , the former was but a play in comparison ; none being seen to give ground , or look back : the Janizaryes and Mamalukes Foot to Foot , spending their utmost force upon each other ; Usbeg the while freshly charged the Turks with 15000 valiant Horse as a reserve , so that they began to give ground : which being made good againe by others brought on by the Bassaes , till the Sun 's going downe , the battell was fiercer than before ; then retiring to their Camps , not knowing yet who had the better . The Bassaes finding scarce a third part of 100000 men , left , and most of them hurt , doubting to be set upon againe , fled away the same Night , leaving all behind them . The Aegyptians also losing halfe of 70000 , and wanting provision , were retired into Mount Taurus , not knowing of the Turks flight : Some passing into Syria , reported , the Sultans Army was overthrown ; so uncertaine was the event of that battell . But Aladeuses certifying them of their flight , and the espialls confirming the same , Usbeg presently comming downe , entred the Turks Camp , finding plenty of all necessaryes for refreshment . Aladeuses with his Varsacides , robbed and slew many Turks in their returne , so stopping the passages , that the Mamalukes overtaking them , few remained alive to carry news home ; Calibeus and Cherseogles being both taken and presented to Caytheius , with 18 Sanzacks Ensignes . Bajazets Navy also riding at Orontes mouth , was by tempest put from Anchor , and swallowed up of the Sea , or beaten in pieces upon the maine . Wherefore , with much adoe he concluded a Peace with the Sultan , restoring all places taken from him : the Sultan delivering him Calibeius , Cherseogles , Achmetes , and Ishander , with a number of other Prisoners . Shortly after Calibeius died , having worthily governed Aegypt with all Africk , unto Cirene Westward , and unto Euphrates Eastward : who through Dultibe his Wife's importunity , had joyned his Son Mahomethes in the fellowship of the Kingdome , the better to enjoy it after his death : contrary to the Mamaluk's custome , who grudging to be defrauded of their wonted choice , slew Mahomethes , and soon after four more , who aspired the Kingdome , setting up a Sultan of their own choyce . About the time of the Peace concluded , Charls the French King greatly preparing against Alphonsus King of Naples gave out , that after its recovery , he would invade Greece : induced hereto chiefly by Sfortia Duke of Millane his solicitation , whereby Italy was sore shaken , and Sfartia himself at last dyed a Prisoner in France . Alphonsus doubting the French Kings greatnesse , entred a confederacy with some States of Italy , chiefly with Pope Alexander the 6th : giving his base Daughter in Marriage to Godfry Borgia the Bishops Son , making him Prince of Carinula , entertayning his other Son Francis in great pay , in his Wars . And by Camillus , his Embassadour , acquainted Bajazet what the French King purposed against them both , requesting him to aide him with 1 2000 Horse and Foot : Alexander also , sending George Buc ciarde to Bajazet , to declare , with what power ( after the French King had dispatched his Wars in Italy ) he intended to passe into Greece : Wherefore he had been earnest with him for Zemes ; yet he distrusting the French , and carefull for the State of Italy , had entred a league with Alphonsus , wanting nothing more than money : by which Bajazet ( he said ) might provide for the safety of Greece ; Rome and Naples being the surest Walls of that side the Othoman Empire , & c. Bajazet knowing this to be true , thanked the Bishop for his timely admonition , & c : willing Bucciarde to returne to his Master with one Dautius his Ambassadour , who should carry money and other secret resolves , writing a Greek Epistle , cunningly to perswade the Bishop to Poyson Zemes : promising him for this , 200000 Duckats , and never to take up Armes against the Christians . But George and Dautius being about to land at Ancona , were boarded by John Rovereus , pretending a great sum due to him for his service done in Pope Innocent's time , & quit of their Treasure , and whatever else aboard , which , the Bishop much troubled , could never recover , though seeking recompence from the Venetians , who were to save the Turks harmless in those Seas , for Rovereus bearing upon the French , set at naught the Bishops curses and threats . Dautius being set on shoare , went to Ancona , and thence to Gonzaga , Duke of Mantua , and was by him , for auncient-friendship with Bajazet , courteously entertained , and furnished with money and Apparel , so returning into Greece . Bajazet forthwith sent Mustapha Bassa , to Pope Alexander with like instructions , who comming safely to Rome , among many things in charge , the life of Zemes , was , that he most sought for of the Bishop . Charls the French King then in 1495 , passing thorow Italy , against Alphonsus , and so thorow Rome , so terrified Alexander the Bishop , that he yielded to all conditions he demanded ( not purposing the performance of any ) giving him Casar Borgia his Sonne in hostage , then a Cardinal , covering the disgrace with his Sonnes Title of Legate , and was forced to deliver him Zemes : who to the Bishop's profit , had remained seven yeares there in custody , who three dayes after , died at Caieta , thought to be poysoned before , by a wondrous white and pleasant powder , cunningly mingled with the Sugar which Zemes drank with water , whose dead body sent to Bajazet , was by his appointment honourably interred at Prusa : Borgia also deceiving his Keepers at Velitras , returned to Rome before Charls came to Naples : which wicked imp , shortly after , envying Candianus his Brother , General of the Bishops forces , then great , having supped together with their Mother , caused him to be murthered going home , and his body to be cast into Tiber. Then casting off his 〈◊〉 Robes , took on him the leading of his Fathers Army . And with exceeding prodigality , exhausting his Fathers Coffers , and the Church Treasures , bound to him desperate Ruffians and Souldiers , chiefly Spaniards , his Fathers Countreymen : which proceedings , his Father winked at , fearing , it was thought , to be murdered of him , himself . He now became a terror to the Roman Nobility and Signiories thereabouts , by his Fathers help , desiring to make him great ; drave the Family of the Columnii out of the City , then out of Italy : and poysoning or killing the honourable of the Ursine and Caetane Families , took their possessions : strangling at once 4 Nobles of the Camertes , and driving Guide Feltrius out of Urbin , taking Pisaurum from John Sfortia , hardly escaped his hands : and driving the Malatestaes out of Ariminum , thrusting the Lady Catherine Sfortia out of Forum Liuli , and Cornelii , shamefully leading her in triumph thorow Rome . And shedding blood without measure , he took Faventia from young Astor Manfredus , whom having abused against Nature , he caused to be strangled , and east into Tiber : But he being with his Father at a solemn Supper in the Vaticane , prepared to destroy some Cardinalls , and other chief Citizens , they were both poysoned by a waiter's mistaking the Flagon of poysoned Wine , prepared for the guests , the Bishop dying few dayes after ; but his Sonne , the same being more allayed with water , died not a long time after , yet was so sick , that he was soon forsaken of his followers ; seeing two of his enemies , Pius the 3d , and Julius the 2d , sitting in his Fathers place , Pius enjoying it but 16 dayes : whom Julius succeeding , caused Casar Borgia to be shut up in a Castle , whence he freed him upon delivery of some strong Holds held by his Garrisons , who fleeing to Ostia , and so by Sea to Naples , he was for fear of raising new stirs in Italy , apprehended by Ferdinand , King of Spain's Command , and imprisoned in Spain in Medina Castle : where , after three years , he escaping by a rope , from a high Tower , fled to the King of Navarre , in whose Warres he was in a hot skirmish , though he got the Victory , slain with a small shot , whose body found stript , and brought to the King on a bad Beast , was honourably buried at Pampilona . But the French King having lost Zemes by death , and Borgia by escape , journied toward Naples , all places yielding to him as he went , without much resistance . Alphonsus destitute of requested aid , and most of the Nobility hating him , for too severely punishing the late rebellious , the Princes of Sarne and Salerne being chief : and the people murmuring at their heavy exactions for these Warres maintenance , with teares in sight of the Neopolitans , resigned his Kingdom to his Sonne Ferdinand , scarce reigning a year after his Fathers death , passing over to Mazerea in Sicilia : Ferdiuand was , to the wondrous content of the Neapolitans , with joy , & c. saluted King , returning presently to his Army : by which time the French King was with his forces entred far into Naples , and having taken divers Cities by assault , struck the Neopolitans with a general terror . Ferdinand had taken the Straits of St. Germanes Forrest , to hinder Charls his further passage ; but suddenly hearing that Columna had broken by the Appenines , into Campania , he doubting to be shut up betwixt two Armies , retired to Capua , where through the River Vulturnus deepness , he purposed to stop the French ; but newes being brought , that the Citizens of Naples were all up in Arms , doubting which way to turn ; he , troubled , leaving his Army and Capua in charge to his Captains , rode back post to Naples : by whole arrivall , every man laying down his Arms , generally welcommed him : who earnestly requesting them not to betray him their natural King unto his cruel enemies , & c. they all answered , they would spend themselves in his quarrel , while keeping his Army whole , and defending Capua ; but if the Arragonians should be overthrown , or abandon that City , and the French King approach Naples , he should against reason and equity exact his Subjects fidelity . So exposing City and Country thereabouts to be spoiled , &c. Charls the while , being come to Capua , the Citizens , though ever affected to the Arragon Kings , yet ( the French King beating down all before him ) they consulted of yielding up the City : and the rather , through the revolt of Trivultius and his followers , which caused Verginius & Petilianus to flee to Nola with their Companies . The French hereupon entring the Suburbs , Gothfredus & Gaspar , two valiant Germanes , sallied forth with their Companies ; and having valiantly repulsed the French , in their return were shut out of the Gate , and in danger of the enemy : who on their knees , entreating the cowardly Citizens on the Walls , not so to berray their friends , &c. at length were received ten by ten , in at one Gate , and put out at another , farthest from the enemy ; who going towards Naples , met with the King at Aversa , declaring what had hapned at Capua , who notwithstanding , came to its very Gates , calling on divers chief ones to be let in ; but none answering him , and a French Ensign being on the Wall , he returned to Naples where he found the Gates shut against him , and all the Citizens in Arms , not willing to receive any but the King himself ; for it was famed , that all his chief Captains were gone to the enemy , or fled , the Army broken up , and Capua yielded : wherefore they began to contemn Ferdinand , who fetching a compasse , came to the Castle , whereinto he was received ; but foreseeing , he should there be besieged by Sea and Land , he commending it to valiant Davalus his keeping , departed with 20 Gallies , to the Island Aenuria , not farre off ; But Justus , the Captain of the Castle , traiterously shut the Gates against him : wherewith the Prince wondrously perplexed , with intreaty and remembrance of his Fathers , and his own benefits bestowed on him , he prevailed with Justus so , as to come in but himself alone : So opening a Port , Ferdinand suddenly at his entrance stab'd him to the heart , in the midst of his Souldiers : the Warders dismayed with his look , at his Command let in all his followers : the day after whose departure from Naple's Castle , Charls was received with such triumph by the Neopolitans , as if restored to perfect liberty : and soon after that Castle , with all strong holds thereabouts , were yielded to the French : all the Princes and people submitting unto Charls his power . All being lost , Ferdinand , from Aeuaria , departed to Sicilie : the House of Arragon losing that Kingdom in lesse than 5 moneths ; about 63 years after it was taken from the French by Alphonsus the Elder . When the Turks saw the French Ensigns displayed on the Walls , all along Calabria and Salern's Coast , many of them , along Epirus and Macedonia's Coast forsook their charge for fear of the Christians in Greece beginning to lift up their heads , chiefly the wild Acrocerauni in Epirus borders , who taking Arms , refused Turkish Tribute . Both Christian Princes and the Turk , doubted whither Charls his greatness would grow : many thinking he affected the Roman Empire , and Monarchy of Italy . Pope Alexander , and Maximilian then Emperour , being troubled : Bajazet also fearing the turning of his forces into Epirus or Greece ; and Ferdinand of Spain no lesse car ful for Sicilie ; Sfortia also , shortly after , Duke of Millane , the occasion of his comming and great aider , began to doubt of the King , who little reckoned of his promise , so he might enlarge his Dominions : and the Venetians , who had stood as Newters , doubted to lose some part of their own Territory , before hoping to share something for themselves , by the Arragonians and French , weakening each other . Wherefore the said Christian Princes , concluded a strong League among themselves , that if any one should warre on any Prince , to do it on their own charge ; but if invaded by others , every one , of their own charge , to send four thousand Horse , and ten thousand Foot , to aid their Confederate : the league being for twenty years ; and if it pleased Bajazet , as other Princes , especially , who for fear had offered ayd to the Venetians by Sea and Land , against the French : whose King the League troubled more , although pretended for their own safety onely ; wherefore placing Garrisons in all strong holds of Naples , and Mompenser his Viceroy , he returned with the rest , purposing by the way to terrifie the Bishop , if possible , from the League , and then to deal with Sfortia as he might ; but being come to Rome , Alexander was fled to Perusium . Charls stayed 3 dayes violating none , but those of the Arragonian faction . Thence marching to Pisa , and passing the Alps , he was set upon by Gonsaga Duke of Mantua , General of the Venetians and Sfortia , to stop his passage , who being in great danger , lost his Tents , with all his rich spoil ; yet repulsing his enemies with great slaughter , got safely home : this was at the River Taurus , about which time , Ferdinand returning to Naples , was joyfully received by the Citizens , and by help chiefly of Gonsalvus , sent by Ferdinand of Spain , recovered the Kingdom within a year ; and dying without issue , left it unto his Uncle Fredericus ; the chief Government of this one Kingdom , being six times changed in lesse than threee years : Fredericus being as unfortunate as the rest , and Charls the French King soon after suddenly dying , as he came from Tennise , but twenty seven years old , leaving France with Naples its Title to Lewis , who with great trouble , conquered it , and with greater grief lost it . But Bajazet now delivered of feares , by Bali-beg Sanzack of Silistra , invading Podolia and Russia , part of the Polonians Kingdom , did great harm , carrying away many Prisoners , but comming the second time in like manner , Winters extream cold being come on , they were , in return , denyed passage and Victuals , by Stephen Prince of Moldavia ; so that going all along the Sea-Coast , many straglers were cut off by the Moldavians , the rest perishing by cold , want , and waye 's fowlness , so that very few came home : 40000 being reported to be lost . He sending also Cadumes into Illyria , spoyling it , with a part of Croatia , 9000 Croatians and Hungarians under Francopaine , encountring them , were worsted , above 7000 being slain and drowned in the River Morava , the rest fleeing thorow Woods and Mountains : the overthrow was imputed to the General , who would fight in field , though entreated by Torquatus to keep the Straits for advantage . Torquatus lost all his Horsemen , whose Horse being killed , he fought on Foot till he was slain . The Bassa sent all the Noses of the Christians , put on strings , as a present to Bajazet . Lewis the 12th of France , writing himself Duke of Millan , as discended of John Galeatius , resolving to warre upon Sfortia , and seeking above all others , to draw the Venetians into a fellowship , made a firm League with them , promising them for their ayd , the City Cremona , with all about Abdua , which was afterwards performed . Sfortia farre too weak , tryed to set Maximilian with the States of Germany , upon the French King : which not sorting , he offered to hold his Dukedom of the King for a yearly Tribute : all meanes being in vain proved , he certified Bajazet of the confederation , & that their intent was , he being oppressed , and some other Italian States , to invade his Dominions , &c. The Duke hoping to busie the Venetians by bringing the Turk upon them : the Florence Embassadors also pricking the Turk forward , for malice against the Venetians , who protected the Pisans against their oppression . Bajazet calling to minde the former injuries of the Venetians , in aiding John Castriot and Chernovich , and denying his Fleet to put into Cyprus , promised , as glad of an opportunity , to do what they requested : wherefore in 1499 , greatly preparing by Sea and Land , he caused Scander-Bassa with 12000 Horse , too break into Friuli , on Italies frontiers : who passing great Rivers , and entring , burned and destroyed as farre as Liquentia , carrying away all the people ; but being come to late ( for the French and Venetians had before , unresisted , driven out Sfortia ) he at Tiliaventum , put 4000 prisoners to the Sword , and so returned laden with spoil . Bajazet setting forth a greater Fleet than any of his Predecessors , marched himself with a great Army , along the Sea-coast of Morea ; so that what they could , they kept in sight of each other : the Venetians also setting sorth a Fleet under Grimani their Admiral , for strength , skill , &c. superiour , though in number inferiour : whom the Turks braving , yet durst not ( at first ) joyn battel , but crept along the Coast : the Venetians troubling them , never departed from them , accounting it good service , if they could but keep them from landing in any place of their Territory . The longer they thus sailed , the more was the State of Venice offended with their Admiral , delaying to fight , suffering them to draw nearer and nearer to their Territory : while all expected some great exployt to be done , news came , that the Turks Fleet had put into Sapientia Haven , in Sphraga Island , to water , and were there embayed by the Venetians : most were joyful , as of an assured Victory ; but others said , the place was such , that the enemy might depart at pleasure ; yet they all thought , the Admiral would set upon them in their comming out : which he attending to do , it hapned that Lauredanus and Armenius comming from Corcira to the battel , first began the fight , and with two nimble Ships boarded a tall Turkish Ship , like a Castle , whereof one Baruch , a Smyrna Pyrate was Captain , who perceiving , after long fight , he must either yield or be taken , fired his ship , whereby the Venetians , grapled to her , were all 3 burnt , some leaping over board were taken up , and some perished . Some few other ships assailed the Turks , putting them in fear ; but most of the Venetian Galleys looking on a far off , the other doing what they could , retired to them ; But it plainly appeared , the Venetian Admiral let slip a notable victory . After this , the Turks holding on their course , the Venetians followed them , and faintly setting on them at the gulf of Patrus , suffered them to recover it : many lying aloof , afraid to fight , so that Dauthes the Turks Admiral purposing to run ashore , and flee to the Land Army if overcharged , now recovered the desired gulf , though with losse of some Gallies . Bajazet being come to Lepanto within that gulf , by the coming of his Fleet , hardly besieged it by Sea and Land : which they of the City seeing , yielded it to Bajazet on composition . 〈◊〉 returning to Venice , was cast into prison , and though never man in Venice was more impugned with spight , or defended by friends ; yet he was banished into one of the Absytides Islands on Liburnia's coast ; Bajazet returning with victory to Constantinople . Next year 1500 , Bajazet putting a stronger and greater Fleet to Sea , himself with an Army of 150000 entred into Peloponesus , encamping before Modon , then under the Venetians , where his Foot met him ; who making 3 great breaches in the walls , he so terribly assaulted it twice , that the foremost was trodden to death by them which followed ; yet he was glad to retire from the walls , having filled the ditches with slain Turks . Trivisamus the Venetian Admiral , lying at Zante ( far too weak for the enemy ) at first sent two Gallies full of men and munition in relief of the besieged , and doubting their farther wants , sent 3 resolute Captains with 3 great Gallies with necessaries ; who with a full wind , &c. breaking thorow the Turks Fleet , ran a ground under Modon's walls , the besieged having so barred the haven , that they could not get in ; who running by heaps towards the Sea , to receive their new-come aid , divers places of the City were left without Defendants : which the Janizaries perceiving , entred with little or no resistance ; who making way for the rest , they slew all in their way , with all those newly landed out of the Galleys : also the two Governours , with Falco the Bishop in his Pontificalibus : none escaping but those reserved for slavery , or beauty to the victor's lost , 1000 of whom , being bound together in ropes were slain in sight of Bajazet's Pavilion ; Corone , and Pylus ( now Navarrinum ) terrified herewith , yielded to Bajazet on Composition ; Crisseum also , now Caput St : Galli , was taken by Cherseogles ; Nauplium was besieged by Haly Bafsa , but defended by the Venetians . Bajazet fortifying , new peopling , and garrisoning Modon , returned to Constantinople . Trivisanus dying in 1501 of grief ( as some supposed ) the Senate sent Pisaurius in his place ; who following the enemy ( then departing from Nauplium even to Hellespontus Straits ) took above 20 of their ships and Galleys , that stragled or tarried behind , taking Aegina Island in his return , and landing in divers places , left the Turks a woful remembrance of his being there ; then meeting with Gonsalvus the great ( sent by Ferdinand of Spain to aid him ) at Zante , he invaded Cephalania , in vain attempted the year before by Trivisanus ; the Turks in defence of the City fighting it out to the last man , and at length , was taken by Gonsalvus his good conduct , the whole Island forth with yielding to the Venetians . Pisaurius repairing the City , and strongly garrisoning the Isle departed to Corcyra , where being advertized , that the Turks were rigging a great Fleet against Spring , some lying in Ambracia Bay , some at Eante , the rest in Hellespontus Straits , he to avert the Turks from perceiving his secret purpose , sent most of his Fleet to Neritos Isle , to put the Inhabitants in fear , and himself coming to the Bay of Ambracia ( whose entrance is but half a mile over ) but by and by opening with a great widnesse , the Turks thinking him to have been at Neritos , burnt a great Turkish Galley , carrying away 11 more laded with munition , and victual , the Turks vainly endeavouring to have sunk him from shore in going forth ; who returned to Corcyra , with his prey , and ere long he recovered Pylos Castle in Morea ; But Camalia a Turkish Pirate , putting in there by chance , took 3 Galleys left there for defence , the faint-hearted Captain , yielding him the Castle on composition , which being twice in one year yielded to the Turks , the Captains were both beheaded . Pisaurius attempted to burn the Turks Galleys in the River Eante ; but they by the losse at Ambracia , did now more warily look to them : so that 200 resolute Souldiers , being sent in small vessels up the River , they being by the way encountred by the Turks , were forced to return , and the wind rising with such a stiffe and contrary gale at the Rivers mouth , they were driven a shore on each side , falling into the hands of their mercilesse enemies . Bajazet ( then about ) took also Dyrrachium ( now Durazo ) from the Uenetians ( before ruinous and almost quite abandoned ) the Turks having got all the Countrey about it , who sore pressed with these long wars , had oft craved aid , and now Lewis of France , sent the Lord Ravesten with 10 Ships and 15 Galleys , to aid the Venetians ; who coming to Melos , Pisaurius soon arrived there also : and mutually departing to invade Lesbos , landed , and besieged Mytilene , soon making a fair breach in the wall ; Pisaurius the while , sayling with part of his Fleet to Tenedos , the French , some write , reporting , that some Turkish Galleys were coming thither out of Hellespont , to withdraw Pisaurius , that they ( in his absence ) might carry away the honour , and spoil of the Town . Others blame Pisaurius as departing through envy of the French their honour , which is hard to be believed . The French furiously assaulting the breach ( though the Venetian Vice-Admiral earnestly requested its deferring , and to expect Pisaurius his return ) were valiantly repulsed by the Turks , and ( though many fell on both sides ) they were forced to retire ; whereupon the French Admiral purposing to depart , the Uenetian Admiral returning , perswaded him to stay : the battery beginning with a greater fury than before ; and as they were consulting of a fresh assault , news came , that the Turks were coming for relief ; who being but few , were partly taken and cast over board , few getting to Land , saved themselves in Woods , &c. The Venetians now couragiously assailed the breach , and having twice gained the top of the Rampiers were yet beaten down : the French looking on many valiant ones , being there slain and hurt . A Pinnace then coming with news , that the Master of the Rhodes was coming with his Galleys to the siege , the Admirals determined to maintain it till then . But Ravesten next day ( changing his purpose ) departed to Chios , thence towards Italy , and by a terrible tempest , the Admiral-Galley with two others and 800 Souldiers were lost , the Admiral himself ( with 40 others ) being ( by a chance ) saved , who recovered Tarentum with his weather-beaten Fleet. Pisaurius forsaken , and the Master of the Rhodes not coming , departed to Chios , thence to Paros , where finding the Master of the Rhodes , he imputed the not winning of Mytilene , to the French-inconstancy ; who also , where they came , blamed him as much or more : who , in 1502 , comming to Melos found one Richius a Turkish arch-Pirate ; who , being driven a shore , was taken by the Islanders : whom ( for his exceeding cruelty towards some Christians ) Pisaurius tyed to a spit , and had him roasted to death with a small fire , so wintering at Corcyra . And next Spring , with some Galleys sent him by Pope Alexander , sailed to Neritos , now St. Maura , parted from the firm Land , ( with a little fret of the Sea ) by the Corinthians , who suddenly surprizing it , cast up two great Trenches : so that 3000 Turks horse coming at low water over the strait , were with losse repulsed ; whereupon , the City and Island was yielded to Pisanrius . The Venetians weary of the war , sent Manesius to Bajazet for Peace : who stood on such rearms , that nought was concluded ; yet he got Ba jazet to send with him an Embassadour to Venice , to propound his own conditions ; who having audience twice , his unreasonable conditions were by the Senate rejected and himself dismissed . Next year 1503 , they sent an Embassadour to Ba jazet , who ( through his subjects complaints of harms received from the Venetians , and want of trade , fearing also troubles in Asia ) hearkened more willingly to peace than before : Phriscus returning honourably rewarded by Bajazet , and with far more reasonable conditions , the Venetians sent Gritti , well known to Ba jazet for his former traffique , and whose life was spared at the winning of Modon at Cherseogles intercession , who concluded a peace : That the Venetians should deliver up Neritos and Leucadia , reserving the Isle Cephalenia only : and that Ba jazet should restore all Merchants goods taken in the wars , and they safely to traffique in the Euxine Sea , having their Consul at Constantinople as formerly : also their Territory to be separated from the Turks , by certain bounds . This firm peace was in 1503 after 5 years wars : in which year , Ba jazet with a great and puissant Army , ( met at Sophia ) purposed as was thought to invade Hungaria , but doubting the successe , he leaving Achmetes with his Asians , went with the rest to reduce the rebellious of Albania , sending a Fleet to stop the Sea passages ; but the people fleeing into the rockie Mountains , did the Turks much harm ; who yet , mounting those difficult places , slew an exceeding number of them , carrying away all women and children , and desolating the Countrey with fire , and sword ; thence returning to Manastirum , Ba jazet ( on the way ) met with a Dervislar or beggarly Turkish Monk ( apparrelled but with two sheeps-skins , and a great ring in each ear ) who approaching him ( as for an alms ) assailed him with a short Scimiter under his habit ; but Bajazet's horse starting at the hobgoblins approach , he partly avoided the blow ( yet somewhat wounded ) who being about to double his stroke , Ishender striking him down with his Mace , he was rent in pieces by the Souldiers ; wherefore , all of that order were banished his Empire . After these troubles , Bajazet quietly spent most of his time in Philosophies study , and conference with the learned ( to which he was naturally most inclined , though his state and men of warrs desire , drew him oft involuntarily into the field ) the Civil government being referred to his three chief Bassaes. After 5 years thus spent , of a neglected spark arose a great fire in Asia , kindled by 2 Persians , Chasen Cheliffe , and Schach Culi his boy ; who fleeing thither under a shew of holinesse , raised such diversity of opinions , about Mahomet's true successour , and afterwards such rebellion , as that the one yet remains , the other was ( with great blood-shed ) in a good while , not appeased . The ground of which troubles , and the mortal wars between Hysmael , Sophie of Persia , and Selimus 1 , was from one Haidar or Harduelles , honourably descended among the Persians , who ( Usan Cassanes there reigning ) contemning honour , riches , pleasure , &c. led such a strict life , that the vulgar wondring at that in him , which they neither could or would imitate , began to have him in singular admiration : Multitudes resorting to Tauris out of Persia and Armenia , to see this accounted new Prophet ; who ( reviving the opinion of Giuni ) inveighed against the opinion concerning Mahomet's true successours , perswading the people ( as if inspired ) that no Mahometan should inherit Heaven after death ; but the followers of Haly , Mahomets true successours and fellow in writing to whose mind he was privie , whose writings were authentical , therefore only to be honoured : rejecting 〈◊〉 , Omer and Osman with their writings , as accursed , whom the Turks do honour as his true successours and interpreters ; as also Haly , whom the Persians only acknowledge , praying for him , and cursing the other in their prayers : which difference , is a chief cause of their mortal wars , and not the divers interpretation of their Law. Usun Cassanes , either moved with Haiders vertues , or to win the hearts of the multitude , gave him Martha begotten of Despina , Calo-Joannes of Trapezond his Daughter ; who was freely to exetcise Christian Religion as the Emperour covenanted with Usun , whereby Martha was a Christian also : who soon bare Haider a Son called Hysmael , whom she so trained up in her Principles , that he obtaining the Kingdom of Persia never found fault with the Christians Religion . Haider , graced with this marriage , grew into greater estimation than before : so that his doctrine and followers increasing , Jacup succeeding his dead father Usun , distrusted left the Persians ( secretly favouring their ancient Kings posterity ) should raise some dangerous rebellion before he was well settled . Wherefore , he caused Haider his brother in Law to be secretly murdered , with fire and sword persecuted the professours of that new doctrine . Hysmael ( then a child ) escaping his Uncles fury , fled to Pyrchales his Fathers friend , ruling in a small Territory of Hyrcania . Amongst others that fled , Chasan Shelif , and Schach Culi , ( afterwards surnamed Cuselbas ) came into the lesser Armenia , dwelling at the Mountain Antitaurus : at whose foot the broken rocks have obscure Caves , made by art and nature : which place being called Tekeili , divers historians have called Schach Culi , Techellis . The place being very wholesome , and pleasant for variety of Springs and fruits , wherewith the Plains are alway watered , and the Mountains garnished . Here they contemplatively and austerely lived for divers years with such things as the earth of it self afforded , whom afterwards , the Shepherds on the Mountains , and Countrey people wondring at their devoutness , relieved with necessaries : Bajazet sending them 6 or 7000 Aspers as his alms . But when they told fortunes , prognosticating things to come , the people firmly thought them divine Prophets : and being first drawn into villages , were afterwards ( as if against their wills ) into Cities , filling the Country far and near with their fame ; but publishing their doctrine about Mahomet's true successour , they wanted not followers , perswaded by them , they should be condemned for ever , if they did not only reverence , but call on Hali , next to the great Prophet himself : and commanded their Disciples to wear a red band or riband on their Hats , whereby to be known from others : whence they were , and yet are ( over all the East ) called Cuselba's , that is , Red. heads . Hysmael also , embracing his Fathers superstition , being grown a man , and eloquent , comely , wise and couragious , was ( of the rude vulgar ) accounted of , more like a god than a man : Also Noblemen , &c. allured with his new doctrine , ceased not to commend him in the highest degree ; who ( as yet but a youth ) seemed to make no reckoning of riches , honour , fame , or authority : some also swearing , that Haider ( calculating his Nativity ) said , He should prove a great Prophet , and the Author of true Religion ; who subduing most of the East , should be as glorious as was Mahomet himself : which report occasioned the vulgar to talk of wonders . Hysmael , was afterwards surnamed Sophos , that is , a wise man , or the god's Interpreter . Jacup being ( with his Son ) poysoned by his adulterous wife , whom he forcing to drink of the same cup , and striking off her head , presently died with his Son ; after which , troubles arose ; divers great ones aspiring the Kingdom in order , not long enjoying it : Elvan-Beg being then mightily impugned by his brother Moratchamus . Hysmael taking this opportunity , arming divers of his most able men , with some small aid from Pyrchales , entred Armenia ; and more by fame and good will , than force , recovered his Fathers inheritance , growing stronger , & stronger by the continual repairing of such , who having received Haiders doctrine , had long ( for fear ) dissembled the same , and besieging the City Sumachia in Media's confines ; he took and sacked it , enriching and Arming his Souldiery : after which , he thought how to compasse the great City Tauris , the Persian King's Seat , and then the Kingdom ; wherefore , coming thither with his Army , before any such thing was feared , Elvan was there , who had lately vanquished Moratchamus ; after which , he had severely executed divers chief Citizens of Tauris , who had taken his brother's part , whereby the Citizens were so alienated from him , that upon Hysmael's approach , they were ready to forsake him : whereof Hysmael was before informed . Elvan , as dismayed , fleeing out of the City , the gates were set open to Hysmael ; for the Citizens ( before suffering great calamities by the brothers contention ) saw now an open way to preferment , by receiving Hysmael's reformed Religion ; who entring the City , slew some of the King's Guard , raising Jacup's stately Tomb , and in revenge of his Father's death , had his bones digged up and scattered abroad , razing also his memoriall out of all the City . Hysmael ( knowing that while Elvan lived , his conquest was not assured ) augmented his Army to the utmost , furnishing them with Arms out of the King's Armory : aand had news that the Persian King was coming from Scyras with a great Army against him , and that Moratchamus ( forgetting former quarrels ) had raised an Army about Babylon , to joyn with him ; who , nothing terrified , resolved to go against them , and letting forward , encouraged his Souldiers resolutely to follow him ( a leader given them of God ) to an assured victory : So coming with incredible celerity , to Mount Niphates ( parting Armenia from Assyria , Elvan purposing shortly to passe over it , had sent his Scouts to discover the Straits , and Pioniers to make the waies more commodious ; wherefore , Hysmael advancing his Ensigns up the Mountains , and discomfiting those who kept the passages , came furiously down , assailing the King in his Camp at the Mountains foot , whereby such a hurly-burly was raised in the Camp , that the King could scarce give order what to have done &c. so that Hysmael giving a fierce on-set , a most b oody battel began : and assailing the Kings Foot , with three squadrons at once ; put them to flight , before the Horsemen could arm and mount ; the King was glad to run too and fro , to encourage his men , and stay his discomfited , yea , and to come to handy blows himself ; But his Souldiers , not being able to execute his sudden directions , he tesolutely thrusting himself into the head of his battel , and valiantly fighting , was slain ; whereupon , the Horsmen first , then all the rest , fled . Hysmael ( having had little losse ) possessed the enemies Tents , not much pursuing them , but reposing there some daies with his wearied Army . Then Embassadours from divers places , yielding their Towns unto him , &c. he marched to Scyras , where he was joyfully received , and his Army relieved with all things ; Hysmael there often preaching of the excellency of his Fathers doctrine , strictly proclaimed all them to be as his enemies , who , within 30 dayes , did not renounce their old Superstition , and receive his new found verity : the which , by proposing rewards , and denouncing threats , he soon drew all the vulgar to embrace . Then paying his Souldiers with Scyra's riches , and furnishing them with Armour there , cunningly made of Iron and Steel , and the juice of certain herbs , better than in Europe , he departed and took the two great Cities of Sapha , supposed to be Susa , and Sultania , deemed for its wondrous ruines , to be Tigranocertum : then passing Tigris , into Mesopotamia , to expulse Moratchamus out of Babylon : who terrified with his Brothers calamity , withdrew into the remotest parts , expecting some better fortune . Hysmael , thus become a terrour to all the Princes of the East , entred into Mosopotamia , after the flight of Moratchamus , receiving it all into subjection , every one striving to purchase his favour thereby ; so that Moratchamus trussing up his things of greatest price , fled with his Wives and Children into Arabia . Some calling him Mara Beg , the Turks Imirfa - Beg , who they say , marrying afterwards 〈◊〉 Daughter , and recovering part of the Persian Kingdom , was murdered by some of his Nobles , whom he purposed secretly to put to death . Hysmael returning out of Assyria into Media , took in the late Persian King's strong Holds , yet there : and returning into Armenia , warred on the Albanians , Iberians , and Scythians on the Caspian borders , who through long civill Warres , had neither payed tribute for 4 years , nor now sent any honourable message as they were wont , and as was expected . But nothing made Hysmael more spoken of , than his innovation in Mahometanism ; for he brought a new form of Prayer into their Temples : whereby Ebubekir , Homer , and Osman with their writings , began to be contemned , and Haly exalted as the true Successor ; commanding his Subjects to wear some red Hatband-lace , & . on their Hats , to be known from other Mahometans , which they still observing , are called Cuselba's , or Red-heads , and was soon so beloved and honoured , that his sayings and commands were accounted Oracles and Lawes ; they swearing by his head , solemnly to confirm any thing : saying , Hysmael grant thy desire , when they wished any one well : upon whose Coyn was on one side words to this effect , There are no Gods but one , and Mahomet is his Messenger : on the other side , Hysmacl the Vicar of God. Chasan Chelife , and Techellis the while , in 1508 , having gathered a great Army , invaded the Turks Dominion ; for now , such a desire of that new superstition possessed the peoples mindes in general , that 10000 of them met first at the City Tascia , at the foot of Antitaurus , or else at Attalia , on a Fair day : where they executed the chief Magistrate , setting his quarters on 4. of the highest Towers of the City , all swearing never to forsake their Captains , nor refuse any hazard for honour of their most holy Religion , as they would have it . These Ring-leaders considering the money brought in by the Countrey people , was not sufficient to maintain such a multitude , gave their followers proclaimed-leave to 〈◊〉 the Countrey , and live on the spoil of those who received not their new Doctrine : whereupon , bringing store of Cattel , &c. into the Camp , they , their multitude increasing , entred Lycaonia , and roaming up and down many dayes , the whole Country so feared them , that those in the Villages , fled with Wives , Children , and Goods into Iconium ; for Proclamations were set up , proposing large blessings , spiritual and temporal , to such as followed their established Doctrine in Persia ; but to the obstinate , after their Sword once drawn , utter destruction ; so that the Inhabitants thereabouts for one cause or other , resorted daily to them . While the Turks were preparing to suppress them , some Troops of Horse came timely to these Prophets , from Hysmael : who a little before , by Messengers , had exhorted them couragiously to proceed in so religious an enterprise , promising them skilful leaders , and Coyn from time to time ; for Hysmael bearing an old grudge against Ba jazet , for former Warres betwixt Turks and Persians , disagreeing also in their Superstition , and heat of youth pricking him on , greatly desired in this his prosperous success , to have occasion of warring with him : sending Embassadors to the State of Venice , to joyn with them in league , as before with Usun Cassanes his Grandfather , chiefly requesting them to send him men skilful in casting Ordnance , and with their Fleet to trouble Ba jazet by Sea , he promising by filling Asia the lesse with his Land-Army , to give them occasion of recovering all places they lost in the late Warres tothe Turks . The Venetians answered , they would never forget the ancient league , &c. being wondrous glad , that Hysmael was the Turks enemy , &c. But the Embassadors , such was the badness of the Venetians State and condition , obtaining no more than the hope of a league to be in time concluded , returned to Cyprus : thence to Syria , where having secret conference with Zenus , Governour of the Venetian Merchants at Damasco , Ba jazet grievously complained unto Gaurus the Aegyptian Sultan , for suffering ( not as a confederate ) them to passe thorow Syria to the Christians their common enemies , to stir them up to warre ; whereupon , Zeuus with all the Merchants at Tripolis , Aleppo , Beritus , and Alexandria , were carried in bonds to Cairo , where often answering in Chains to what was laid to their charge , after a year's suffering manifold despight , hardly escaped with life and liberty . Chasan and Techellis well strengthened , and comming to Iconium , wasting the Country , drew a multitude to receive their Doctrine . Wherefore Orchanes and Mahomet Ba jazets Nephews governing those Countries , gathering their forces , came into field against them ; but they youthfully , and hastily joyning battel in a disadvantagious place , were put to flight : and had not these wanted Artillery , and Engines requisite , they would have besieged Iconium . Also Corcutus then levying an Army about Thyatira , &c. 〈◊〉 not set foreward against the Rebels , though dispersed fast by him . These Prophets , entring at last into Bythinia , met near the River Sangarius , with Caragoses the Asian Viceroy comming against them with a great Army , commanding Achomates or Achmates , Ba jazets eldest Sonne , Governour of Cappadocia and Pontus , with his power to follow at the back of the Rebels ; but Techellis marching with all possible speed , was upon Caragoses , near Mount Horminus , before he was well aware , then taking up more Souldiers : who thought it not honourable to refuse battel , though his Army consisted most of rude Countrey people , suddenly taken up , most unarmed , and called Asapi , but he reposed his greatest confidence in his ancient Horsmen's valour ; and the Rebels most consisted of Foot. Techellis exhorted his Souldiers couragiously to defend their lives and Religion by Victory , as having no new power or Cities of refuge , there to flie unto , &c. who giving a terrible shout as chearful , set upon their enemies . The Viceroy placed his foot in the middle , and his Horse in the Wings , to compasse-in his enemy ; but Techellis set all his Foot in a square battel , and the Horse for a reserve , who with their red Hats , as if bloody , terrified the Viceroy's fresh-water-Souldiers , fleeing in half an houre . The Turkish Horse , although they had slain many , and somewhat disordered the battel ; yet Techellis his men beginning to kill their Horses with their Pikes and lay hard at them , they fled also : then the Persian horse , as yet lookers on , following the chase , slew many , enclosing the Viceroy stayinghis Horsemen , who for the dust could not well discern them , so that he had bin taken , if not rescued by his Guard ; 7000 Turks Foot were slain , all their Ensigns , with store of provision taken . Chasan & Techellis resting a day , marched to Cutaie , as it were in the midst of lesser Asia , the Viceroy's seat , who fled thither , the Countrey also , having for fear , conveighed thither most of their wealth . Techellis placing such Field pieces , he had before taken in battel , and his Archers in fit places for annoying the Defendants , caused scaling-ladders to be set up , proclaiming the Citie 's spoil to his Souldiers , if they could take it , with greater rewards , to them that first recovered the wall 's top . Wherefore fearing nothing , they strove who first should get up the Ladders , &c. the Defendants , casting down on them Stones , Timber , Fire , Scalding-water , Lime , Sand , &c. wherewith , though many were killed and spoiled , yet others stept up in their place , none shrinking back ; for the Viceroy on one side , and Techellis on the other , were eye-witnesses of every mans valour ; the Viceroy , all being in danger , personally performing all parts of a couragious Souldier ; but , the Defendants at last wearied and most wounded , Techellis brake into the City in two places , over heaps of dead bodies , bringing in his Army at one of the Gates : the Souldiers and Citizens being miserably slaughtered : the Viceroy with his Wives and Children , being taken , and the stately Marble Pallace consumed with fire . Techellis , thought it was now no hard matter to take Prusa so to indanger the Turks whole Empire in Asia : wherefore , appointing when to set forward , he prepared ( if he delayed not ) all necessaries for its taking , being neither strongly walled , nor garrisoned . But a new Army being shipt over Hellespont into Asia , he changed his purpose ; for Ba jazet had now sent Alis Bassa over with his European Army , who , though an Eunuch , yet comparable in valour with the greatest Captains , who with the choisest Horsemen , and 7000 Janizaries , passing into Phrygia , sent to all Governours of the Turks Provinces in Asia , speedily to meet him with their forces in Galatia . Techellis now thought best to depart out of Pontus , to re ire more safely , lest he should be enclosed , &c. Wherefore calling together his Captains to consult , it was thought madness or extream necessity , to joyn battel with an enemy better knowing the Countrey than he , and farre exceeding him in number and expertness of Souldiers . So trussing up his prey , he speedily returned thorow Galatia ; but the Bassa having almost daily intelligence thereof , and of his way ; passing Sangarius , came and encamped between Cutaie and Ancyra , supposing it the enemie's passage . Where resting , and advertised Techellis had gone another way , he after five dayes march , overtook the enemie's wearied or wounded straglers , putting them to the Sword : Techellis causing Cartagoses , carried along with him in chains , to be impaled on a sharp stake , fastned in the ground by the high way side ; but Alis nothing dismayed with his horrible death , held on his , and exhorted his Souldiers patiently to endure , and strain themselves to take revenge of those rebellious robbers , who destroying the Countrey , spared not the Turks very Children nor Temples ; comming next day into Ancyra's plains , to whom Achomates came with 10000 Souldiers . Alis grieved that he could not overtake them with his whole Army , leaving his Foot with Achomates , followed them on the spur , with 8000 Horse , and overtaking their rears at Mount Olyga , nigh Ancyra , he hotly skirmished with them . Techellis , perceiving he should have to do onely with Horsemen , and that in a place of advantage , valiantly received the Turks impression , at first repulsing them with their long Pikes and Arrows ; but Alis , sending in a thousand Carbines , who in order shot thick on the enemy , many were slain , and more wounded , and their Ranks somewhat disordered : so that the Horse breaking in , overthrew with great slaughter Techellis his vauntguard . Chasan himself being slain , Techellis set in order a new battel of his readiest and best armed , opposing them against the Horse , commanding them , by degrees to retire to the Mountain , hoping the Turks finding the disadvantage of the place , would leave assailing them so hardly ; but the Bassa exhorting them to urge the Victory , &c. himself , with a Troop of his best Horse to animate the rest , brake thorow the enemies battel : which he attempting the second time , was enclosed and slain . The Turks now dismayed , fought but faintly , and at last fled . Techellis his Souldiers having now thrust forward , and with a terrible noyse crying Victory , put them to flight : who notwithstanding , having lost many of his best Souldiers , and the rest sore wearied , refreshed them on the Mountain Oliga : whence he marched to Tascia , his old dwelling place , thence to the City Celenis , now Maras , then the seat of King Aladeules . Bajazet not long after , sent Jonuses Bassa , born in Epirus , in Alis his stead , who receiving the Army from Achomates , came in few dayes to the City Tascia , where burning and destroying the Countrey , he encamped at Antitaurus's Foot ; he had above 40000 well appointed . Techellis terrified , nor lately receiving ayd from Hysmael , and wanting great Artillery , determined to keep the rough Mountain , and thick Woods , hoping for ayd from Hysmael , and to take the Turks at some advantage : who oft fetching a compasse , by the easie rising of the Hills , came to skirmish , and Techellis his men sallying out of those places , valiantly assailed the Turks : at length , the Turks perceiving two wayes to bring up their Army to the Mountain's top : the Bassa caused the Janizaries to march up one way , and the rest by the other , who softly climbing up , defended themselves what they could , with their Targets ; for the enemy cast down on them great stones , and shot , without number ; But the Turks Field-pieces drave them from their standings : the harquebuziers shrouding under the Targetiers , thickly delivered their shot : at whose approach , Techellis retired farther off into higher Mountains , and rougher Woods ; and next night he with great silence , fled over the Mountains into Armania , of the Persian Kingdom ; which , when the Bassa by some wounded Souldiers taken by his Scouts , when it was day-light , understood , he chafed , that he had not presently beset the Wood , and sending his Horse-men in vain to pursue them , they brought back some few straglers to the Bassa . Jonuses , straitly inquiring thorow all Cities , for those who had professed the Persian Religion , put those who had born Arms to death , with the greatest torments , burning the rest in their fore-heads with a hot Iron , whom with the Kinsfolks and friends of the executed or fled , he transported , and dispersed in Europe : fearing a new Rebellion , if Techellis should return with new forces , but here ended this dangerous rebellion , wherein all or most of the Turks Dominions in Asia , might have been surprised , if Hysmael had thorowly prosecuted the opportunity . Thechellis his followers fleeing into Persia , and spoiling , by the way , a Caravan of Merchants laden with Silks , &c. the Captains comming to Tauris , were executed , and Techellis burnt alive . Next year 1509. Septemb. 14th , through a great and terrible Earth-quake in Constantinople and thereabouts , most of the Walls , with many stately , publique and private Buildings , were overthrown , and 13000 people slain , so that the people generally lay in the Fields : yea , Bajazet , very aged and gowty , removed to Hadrianople , but not safe there , he lay abroad in his Tent. It lasted 28 dayes , or a moneth , with very little intermission , accounted ominous ( as shortly appeared ) to the Othoman Family . Then by a great plague , the City was mostly unpeopled ; but it being asswaged , Bajazet by Commissions took up 80000 Workmen , who working at once , in four moneths , repaired Constantinople's ruines . Bajazet had eight Sons and six Daughters , Men and Women , the Sons all Governours of Provinces ; ( yet Utrius a Genoway , who lived long in Bajazets Court , mentions but six ) ; Sciemscia , for his towardlinesse deerly beloved of his Father , the eldest , died before him . Alemscia also died , whereof Bajazet advertised by white Characters in black Paper ( their way of writing heavy newes ) he casting away all tokens of Honour , made a generall mourning in the Court , and throughout Constantinople for three dayes all shops being shut up , &c : making for some space , solemne sacrifices for the health of his Soul , giving 7000 Aspers weekly to the Poor : his body being afterwards buryed at Prusa with great solemnity . Tzihan and Mahomet were ( upon their Fathers indignation ) strangled . Of his other four , Machmot or Mahometes was of greatest hope , not so voluptuous as Achomates his Elder Brother , nor so bookish as Corcutus , nor so cruel as Selymus : but so lively , witty , bountifull , and of Princely a carriage , that he seemed to most , worthy of a Kingdome : wherefore Achomates , yea Bajazet himself were jealous of his affecting the Empire , soon the cause of his death : which he hastened by meanes , as he least feared . Achomates and Mahometes had one Mother , wherefore Mahometes more delighted in him than in the others , though not answered with like love . Achomates governed Amasia ; Mahometes , Magnesia : who desirous to see his Brothers life and government , disguised himself with two faithfull friends , as if they had been of the Religious order called 〈◊〉 ( who being most comely , well borne , cleanly though homely attired , do wander up and down , making large discourses of others manners , and commonly playing on Silver Cymballs , and singing duties , they receive money as a devoutalms : they are the corrupters of Youth , defilers of others beds , wholly given to ease and pleasure ) travelled up and down 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and so to Amasia , where on a solemn holiday , Achomates ( coming to the Temple ) passing by , listened a while to their alluring harmony , most skilfully devised and performed . Their Musick ended , Achomates ( spare-handed ) commands 5 Aspers , that is , about fix pence to be given them , which Mahometes disdaining , would not now discover himself , as he determined ; but speedily riding to Magnesia , he by taunting letters scoffed at Achomates's good husbandry , sending him his 5 Aspers , Achomates being never afterwards friends with him : diverse also diversly deemed of his purpose therein . Not long after , Mahometes 〈◊〉 himself with some followers , like seafaring men , came in a barque to Constantinople , diligently viewing Constantinople and Pera , and noting how all things were governed . Bajazet the while , assembling his chief Bassaes at the Court : Mahometes pressing in with his companions to see them , with the fashion of the Court , the Porters ( as rude 〈◊〉 ) kept them out ; wherefore buying a beautiful Christian Captive boy , he came next day with two companions ( as Sea-adventurers ) requesting to be let in , as having a present : So being admitted to Bajazet's 〈◊〉 , one of them ( as a Sea Captain ) reverently proffered him the present , which he thankfully taking gave him his hand to kisse , with a rich golden garment , with two of less value to Mahometes and his fellow , who stood afar off . In their return , they meeting with three Courtiers who knew Mahometes , they had done him honour , had he not by secret signs forbidden them : so speedily returning to Magnesia . The report hereof was at last brought to Bajazet , which raised in him troublesome thoughts , fearing some desperate and secret conspiracy ; wherefore , after long discourse with the 3 Bassaes , he resolved to take him away , causing them to write to Asmehimedi near to Mahometes , to poyson him with a poyson enclosed in the Letters , with promise of great rewards , &c. from the Emperour , charging him ( if he could not effect it without mistrust ) to conceal it , &c. Bajazet also knew Asmehemedi to bear Mahometes a grudge . Mahometes , disporting himself , in his Gardens , and being thirsty , called for drink , into which Asmehemedi conveighed the poyson : which Mahometes drinking , and ill at ease , sent for his Physitians : who thinking it a distemper with the cold drink in his heat , perceived not he was poysoned , till within 6 daies he died ; whereof Bajazet hearing , could not but mourn , commanding all the Court to mourn with him , and prayers to be made in the Temples , with Alms to be given for the health of his soul : he being honourably buried at Prusa . Asmehemedi was cast into prison , and never more to be seen , supposed there to be secretly made away . Of Bajazet's 3 Sons left , Achomates ( politick and valiant , but given to pleasure ) Bajazet and most of the Court favoured above the rest ; Corcutus , for his mildnesse and quietnesse , was of most beloved , but not thought fit for the Empire , chiefly by the Souldiers , whom they thought was drowned in the study of Philosophy ; yet Bajazet promised to restore it him , of whom he had received it almost 30 years before . But haughty Selimus , not brooking a subjects life under his brethren , and wholly given to Martial affairs , sought by bounty , courtesie , policy , &c. to aspire to the Empire . Him therefore the Janizaries &c. with some chief Bassa's , wished for their Soveraign . Bajazet the while ( far worn with years ) and not able to help himself for the Gout , for preventing future troubles , determined while living , to establish the succession in one of his Sons to represse the pride of the other . And although he resolved on Achomates as the elder , and for affection ; yet to try his subjects disposition , it was said in general tearms , he meant to make known his Successour , without naming any one Son : not the least cause , that every one with like ambition thought only on the Empire . Selimus Governour of Trapezond in 1511 , with what Ships he could , sailed thence to the City Capha , thence coming by Land to Mahometes King of the Praecopensian Tartars ( whose daughter he had married without Bajazet's liking ) he besought him not to shrink from him his loving Son in Law , great hope of the Empire being proposed to him by his faithful friends of the Court , &c. if he would but come nearer to his Father , by fair means or fowl , then about to transfer the Empire to some one Son. The Tartar commending him , speedily made ready store of shipping , and arming 1500 horsemen , delivered them to Selimus , promising him greater aid upon occasion , who passing Borysthenes , and also Danubius at the City Cheliae , had commanded his Flect to meet him at Varna in Bulgaria , and Thracia's confines : and levying more by the way , pretended , he purposed to invade Hungary . But Bajazet ( before advertized of Selimus his coming into Europe ( Techellis his rebellion yet scarce quietted ) with forreign aid , on his own head , against the warlique Hungarians , seizing also on the places nearest Thracia , and keeping the Euxine Sea with a Navy ) suspected the preparation to be against himself : and thinking it better with like dissimulation , to appease his fierce nature , than by sharp reproof further to move him , sent him Embassadours , declaring with what danger the Turkish Kings had formerly undertaken those Hungarian wars , Mahomet his Grandfather being an example ; wherefore , he should expect a fitter opportunity , for better advice , greater power , and hope of victory . Selimus answered , He was forced to leave Asia by Achomates his injuries , and therefore came into Europe , to win ( from the enemies of Mahometanism ) a larger and better Province , for that little barren and peaceable one , which his Father had given him , that he was not to be daunted , for danger of the Hungarians ; yet thinking the ancient prowels of that Nation to be much changed , with the change of their Kings , &c. therefore he was resolved for his own honour , which Bajazet had some way blemished , by his brethrens advancement , to dye in field against the enemies of Mahometanism , or to extend the bounds of the Turkish Empire : who though one of the youngest , yet would not be accounted inferiour to any brother in prowesse . The Embassadours ( though Selimus shewed no tokens of peaee ) presented to him divers gifts to appease him adjoyning Samandria , or Schenderonia , a strong City of Servia on Hungaries borders , with other Towns , unto his Government , giving him 60000 Ducats , and 1000 cloth and silk Garments , with store of provision to relieve and content his Souldiers ; who returned them to his Father with more doubtful answers than before , yet not changing his resolution secret Messengers and Letters came from Court , whetting him forward , to make quick speed ; Achomates ( sent for ) being coming with a great power out of Capadocia . Bajazet ( now the rather moved ) said he would appoint his Successout , who in his stead , should be fit to'govern so great an Empire ; but the 4 Bassaes propounding it to the Court Soldiers , they cryed aloud , No Emperour but Bajazet , under whose fortunate conduct they had served above 30 years &c. saying . There was in him yet strength enough , if he would retain the aged majesty of his place , &c. and that such a one of his children , should in due time succeed him , as of right ought , wishing the old Emperour to live in health with a long and happy reign , he needing not to fear any controversie after his death ; for the Othoman Progeny used to attain the Empire by right and not by faction ; but if upon his own liking , he would choose such a one as the people so well liked not of , it might perhaps bring in that confusion , which he thought thereby to eschew ; for the other brethren would never endure so notable an injury , &c. The Souldiers spake these things by the instruction of Selimus , his corrupted friends ; But Bajazet thinking they chiefly affected Achomates , 〈◊〉 , He would choose him if they liked it ; but the chief Souldiers ( corrupted ) cunningly commended Achomates , &c. yet saying , it neither agreed with the custome of the Othoman Kings , nor was good for the Souldiery or State ; for besides , that neither Selimus nor Corcutus could endure the least suspicion of infidelity , &c. it seemed to them unreasonable , that thereby the Souldiers should be defrauded of their usual rewards in the vacancy of the Empire : for then all Jews and Christians , chiefly Merchants at Constantinople , Peru , Hadrianople , Thessalonica , and Prusa , are by the Janizaries and others , spoiled of all their goods : neither will they swear allegiance to the new Emperour till he hath granted them that prey as a bounty , swearing by his head ( the greatest assurance ) to pardon all the offenders . Bajazet hereupon , promised to give them 500000 Ducats , if they would accept Achomates for Soveraign : yet the frowardness of these men of war , overcame his good fortune ; for they conceived far greater rewards , if , instead of a peaceable Prince , a restlesse Tyrant as was Selimus , might by their help , aspire the Empire . So Bajazet concealing his grief , put up that cishonour , till a fitter opportunity . Selimus advertized hereof , not longer to frustrate his favourites expectation by delay , &c. leaving Hungaries borders , and marching thorow Thracia , encamped on a 〈◊〉 rising , nor far from Hadrianople , whence his horses neighing and Tents ( from the City ) might be discovered ; and sent to his Father , then there , that having not seen him in many years , he desired to visit him before his return ( by his appointmen ) to Trapezond , never perhaps to see him again , saying , It much concerned Asia's quietness , if the controversies betwixt him and Achomates , might by themselves be discovered to him their Father , as a decider , humbly beseeching for a time and place of audience , and to kisse his hands , which his Ancestors never refused , to their poor friends , much lesse children . Bajazet had called to him certain Zanzacks , with their Companies , out of the nearest parts of Greece , setting also strong watch thorow the City , left his Souldiers about his person ( upon the point of revolt ) should in shew of Parley , quite be drawn away , and now blamed Selimus , that he had , on his own head , brought his Army into anothers Province , requiring audience in Arms , and insolently abusing his Fathers lenity ; that he should not presume to approach nearer to him , &c. but speedily to repair to his own charge in Pontus , so he should find greater kindness with him than before ; but if he proceeded in his course ( not taking him for a Son , but an enemy ) he would shortly chastise him for his malepert insolency , &c. Bajazet , being advertized , that Selimus , the night following , was marched towards Constantinople , hoping for some tumult upon his approach , departed by break of day from Hadrianople thither-ward ; upon which , Selimus peaceably entred Hadrianople , the Citizens fearing destruction upon resistance ; and refreshing his Army , set forward , by speedy marches to prevent his Fathers coming to Constantinople ; who scarce come to Tzurulum almost the mid-way , warning was given , that Selimus's forerunners were cutting off Bajazets straglers troubling his rear ; who commanded his Standard to be set up , that Selimus might find him in readinesse . The great Captains and Nobles , cunningly favouring Selimus , seemed not to like of his resolution of battel , the victory bringing nought but sorrow ; but the overthrow threatning destruction , which seemed the more dangerous , he being then inferiour to his Son in provision and number ; therefore not so hastily by a miserable death , to stain the glory of his former life ; but speedily to march to Constantinople , out of which , Selimus being excluded , might ( for fear ) think of return , and so perish with his 〈◊〉 followers , by their hands , whom he had spoiled , rather than by his Father's sword . Mustapha the most ancient Bassa gave this Counsel , who maliciously hated Bajazet , emulating the younger Bassaes , by him promoted , & secretly affected Selimus , esembling Mahomet his Grandfather , both for in favour and condition . Mustapha was a Greek Priest's Son , born in Sores , of a sly and crafty wit , subject to corruption , his froward and sainting look , discovering it . Selimus had allured also Bostanges Bassa ( infamous for covetousness , ambition , and treachery ) betroathing by promise , one of his daughters unto him , and by the same slight Aiax , Aga of the Janizaries ; yea , the Captains either for reward or fear , almost generally leaned that way . Only Cherseogles a faithful and upright man , thought that Selimus was there by force of Arms to be oppressed , before his nearer approach to the Imperiall City , &c. not to be thought , said he , that the naked Tartarian horsemen ( though more in number ) would abide the charge of Bajazet's well-armed Pens oners : not doubting but the Janizaries would defend their aged and victorious Emperour against disobedient Selimus &c. Wherefore he perswaded him , cheerfully to mind his Souldiers of his former bounty , as of their duty ; who reposing his trust in their fidelity and valour , in that place resolved to chastise his unnatural Son's insolence , with his followers . Cherseogles ( a Christian born ) turned Turk being a man grown , alway loving Christians and their Religion , not common with such renegates . His Father was Chersechius , a small Prince of Illyria : who lustfully beholding a Lady of rare beauty and feature , to whom Cherseogles was going to be married , whom he entirely loved , took her in marriage himself , all his friends crying shame on so fowl a fact . Wherefore , he driven headlong with despair , fled to Constantinople : on whom Bajazet ( liking the honourable man , and his cause of revolt ) smiling on him said , Be chearful , noble youth , for thy courage is worthy of greater fortune than thy Father's house can affoord : instead of thy love taken from thee , the 〈◊〉 of an 〈◊〉 Prince ( for she was descended of the Despot's house ) thou shalt have the daughter of a great Emperour , of singular perfection : So , abjuring his Religion , and named ( of Stephen ) Cherseogles , he married Bajazet's daughter , deserving to be one of the greatest Bassaes ; yet with a desire to return to his former profession , he secretly kept the Image of the Crucifix . This man by intreaty , saved the Venetian Senators at the taking of Modon , afterwards delivering Gritti a prisoner condemned to dye , chosen afterwards Duke of Venice ; By him , the Venetians obtained a peace to their good , redeeming a multitude of Christians , by his authority and charge , from slavery : Neither is his furtherance of learning to be forgotten , as in Pope Leo 10th his time . But Bajazet encouraged by Cherseogles , and hearing ( among other things ) that Selimus had almost enclosed his rereward , got out of his Pavilion , ( grinding his teeth with trickling tears ) in his Horse-litter ( not able for the Gout to sit on hors-back ) saying to the Pensioners and Janizaries , Whether they his foster-children , &c. would suffer him , innocent , to be butchered by his gracelesse Son ? And being old and diseased , to be murthered by wilde Tartars , little better then Rogues and thieves , &c. that many perswaded him to commit himself to flight , &c. But he , contrarily , would give the fierce enemy battel , and in this his last danger prove all their fidelity , and valour , &c. and so either break that gracelesse man , or ( having reigned above 30 years ) end his dayes with those that should continue loyall , and though fame would make him believe he should be betrayed by some of his Guard , yet he would not fear it , till he saw proof thereof . The common Janizaries , to whom the Commanders had not communicated their purpose of Selimus , cryed out , He should not doubt to joyn battell , shouting , clapping hands , and clattering their armour : Others for fashion sake doing the like , the great Commanders especially , ( whether for shame or fear ) changing their affection , and Mustapha with Bostanges , out of a feigned loyalty , encouraged and martialled the battell : and by Cherseogles advice , the Sanzacks , with their horsmen ( about 6000 ) being set in the front , &c. Bajazet commanded the Trumpets to sound , and a red Ensign to be displayed : Selimus placing his Tartarians in both wings , and Turks in the midst , &c. The Tartars running round in great rings , to shoot backwards and forward , annoyed the Turks greatly with showers of Arrows ; the others farther off , shooting more upwards , so galled the Turks horses with their Arrows direct fall ; but the old Souldiers ●erring close , received their Arrows with their Targets over their heads , hastening to come to handy blows : the Pensioners then also bravely charging the middle of Selimus his battel ; and Aiax drawing out 700 Harquebusiers from the Janizaries , assailed the hindmost of the Tartarian wing ; the 4000 servants left in the rear , repulsing the other wing ( with great slaughter ) coming to spoil the Turks Carriages . This fierce and doubtful battel , lasted from noon till Sun-setting . Selimus fighting and stirring as for an Empire ; but the Tartars not able to abide the Harquebuziers shot , their Horses chiefly terrified with that unwonted noise , fled : the rest , who could not be enforced to stay , fled also : the Foot attired and armed like Janizaries , being sorsaken , were almost all slain by Bajazets Horse . Selimus hardly beset , was yet delivered by some Turkish Troops , staying with him , and being wounded and freshly mounted , 〈◊〉 sollowed the Tartars ; but doubting to be overtaken , he took another cole-black Horse of wonderful swiftness , 〈◊〉 fleeing with a few to Varna , 〈◊〉 by Sea , to Capha . The Horse called Carabulo , that is , a 〈◊〉 Cloud , Selimus so esteemed , that covered with Cloth of Gold , he was in all his expeditions led after him as a spare-Horse , and dying at Caire , as Alexander for Bucephalus , be erected a Monument for him . Of 40000 men brought into the field , not above 8000 escaped from being slain or taken . Bajazet losing about 700 , and 3000 hurt with Tartarian Arrowes , in revenge , put all taken to the Sword , whose Heads and Bodies were laid apart by heaps : old ruinous Chiurlus or Zurulum , became famous by this battel , in 1511 ; but more famous afterwards by Selimus , there 〈◊〉 his dayes by a most 〈◊〉 Disease . Bajazet's Souldiers being after 3 dayes returned from the Chase , he went to Constantinople , rewarding them there . Achomates hearing of what had happened , came with 20000 men from Amasia , to the City Scutari , scituated directly against Constantinople , expecting what course his Father would now take : for his minde was filled with hope of the Empire for sundry reasons ceasing not to send over Bosphorus Strait to Constantinople , soliciting Bajazet to 〈◊〉 the Empires resignation , importuning also his friends to commend him , and 〈◊〉 to extoll Bajazet's purpose herein , that Selymus being overthrown , through them 〈◊〉 might the sooner 〈◊〉 the Empire , his Inheritance . Bajazet was easily entreated to hasten what he before determined , preparing Galleys for transporting Achomates to Constantinople . But the Court-Bassaes and Souldiers , again resisted it , alleadging the former reasons , and saying , they would not suffer him so to disable himself , as to resign , who had lately so couragiously fought for the honour of his Crown , &c. yet not to cut off Achomates , nor he to distrust their good will , but to enjoy his right in due time as the eldest Sonne , and a man of approved valour : saying , they had sufficiently declared in the battel against Selimus , what minds they were of , &c. Oh fowl dissimulation , &c. Bajazet again disappointed of his purpose , or as some thought , delighted with Soveraignty ; for that after the Victory , he seemed as young again , &c. sent to Achomates how it stood , and to depart to his charge at Amasia , whence he would call him when he had won the Souldiers with new bounty , and procured other Courtiers liking , whereby so great and unusual a matter might the more securely be effected . Achomates thus deceived , and complaining he was so mocked and contemned , began to inveigh against his Father , for making him a by word , &c. after by his appointment he had come so farre ; but if he still so doated , reckoning so of the Court Souldiers , as not to regard his promise , or what was right , he would by Arms defend his honour and right , and revenge the disgrace : Bajazet answered him by the Cadalescher , the Interpreter of their Law , and so of greatest authority , that he did neither well nor wisely , to fall into such choler , thinking to get that by force , which was onely by love and loyalty to be gained , whereas all should be surely kept for him , if he marred not that by haste which by patience he ought to cherish : the Cadalescher telling him , he might learn by Selymus his Example , what might be for his good , &c. Achomates enflamed with anger and grief , while he was speaking , sharply taunting him , could scarce stay from violence , threatning , that his Father should dearly buy the change of his purpose , and the Souldiers their treachery ; 〈◊〉 rising with his Army , he cruelly spoiled in Bythinia in his return , determining to invade the lesser Asia , to use its wealth , if he must try his right against either Brother ; and being at leastwise possessed of half the Empire , he should thereby , be readier for all events : wherefore greatly complaining of Bajazets unkindness , &c. to his Sonnes Amurathes and Aladin , he declared , there was no hope left , except they with him , would arm to defend his and their own right , easie to be done by a couragious surprizing of the lesser Asia ; seeing Pisidia , Lycaonia , Pamphylia and Ionia's Sea-coast , had no Army or Navy ; and for Corcutus , there was no great doubt but he would either sit still , or in a just quarrel take his part ; however he might easily be thrust out , doubting not but that the other Governours would yield to his Command or Fortune : wherefore he willed them to pluck up their hearts , &c. These Gallants encouraged , had soon raised a notable Army of Volunteers , most being servile men ; But Achomates , besides his old Army , led against the Persian Rebels , levied new forces , with all the able men in Cities , so running and proclaiming himself King of Asia , prosecuting , with his two Sonnes , all who yielded not to him , whereby many Cities , for fear , or constraint , were delivered to him . Then entring Lycaonia and Cilicia's borders , he frequently requested Mahometes his Brothers Sonne , governing there , to ayd him in his just quarrel , for the recovering of the Empire , &c : And if Mahometes would ayd him with men and Victuall , he promised , he should finde a better Uncle then he had a Father , in time to be most bountifully 〈◊〉 : who answered , he could not do it , without Bajazet , his onely Soveraign , his Command ; 〈◊〉 not for him to judge whether he did right or not , that in his life-time , he would resign to his Sonne . But this he knew , he was to obey no other , so long as he lived in possession of the Empire : to whom both his Father , Tzihan and himself had sworn loyalty . Wherefore , it were good to pacifie himself , lest he wronged his Father , and overthrew his hope and honour , which of right , should be great , if he could have patience . Achomates unexpectedly finding his requests more considerately denyed , than were reasonably by him demanded , entring his Province , destroyed with fire and sword : which , Mahometes seeking by power to remedy , was overthrown by Achomates : who fleeing to Larenda , not farre off , was there besieged ; and at last , with his Brother a Child , delivered into his hands , the City being yielded on Composition , who put to death Mahometes his Councellors , with his foster Brother , supposing they had perswaded him so to answer , &c. Bajazet , wroth and grieved , in old age , to be set upon by two Sonnes , sent to him , reproving his disloyalty , commanding him to free his two Nephewes , and without more stir , to get him to Amasia ; and , if not , to denounce to him open Warre ; but he receiving this Message , caused the chief Embassador , frankly speaking , to be put to death in his presence , threatning the rest with the like , if they voided not his Camp before Sun-set . This unreverent outrage , and against the Law of Nations , highly offending Bajazet , and estranging many from Achomates : the Souldiers exclaimed in Bajazet's hearing , that his insolence was forthwith to be repressed , &c. Mustapha also , with Bostanges , and others , who had cunningly dispersed these things , began as it were to wonder at the fact , as condemning the deed , but not the doer ; but when they saw Bajazet from sundry motives , ready to seek revenge , they bitterly inveighed against Achomates as a Traitor , commending the Souldiers fidelity and courage , who for their aged Emperour , were most ready to expose all unto new dangers . So Achomates being proclaimed Traytor , t was ordered , the Court-Souldiers , with the European Horse , to be with all speed sent against him ; but choice being to be made of some worthy Generall , they all began to strain courtesie , &c. saying , It were a great indignity , for the Emperors Army to be led against his Sonne by a Servant ; and the Souldiers having their Lesson , said , they neither durst , nor would draw Sword against his son & Heir , except conducted by one of the Othoman blood in person ; for so had his Brother long before , and lately Selimus , been both vanquished by Bajazet's own Conduct . All this was , that Selimus , whom yet they durst not name , but in way of disgrace , might indirectly be reconciled to Bajazet , whereby comming to Constantinople , he might seize on the Empire ; for besides Bajazet and Corcutus , who , it was not probable , would for age and study , undertake those 〈◊〉 , Selimus was only left , all the young Nephews being as yet unfit . Bajazet in a chase , flung into his Pallace , excusing himself ; but complaining that Corcutus following learning , had neglected other studies , better beseeming a Prince . Mustapha the while , having drawn him into a Discourse concerning that Warres proceeding , craftily and destructively said ; himself , though never so able , must not passe into Asia personally , lest Selimus should in his absence seize on Thrace , Greece and the Imperial City : nor , if he should send his old Souldiers into Asia , calling Corcutus with his Asians into Europe , would ( said he ) Selimus , fear these fresh-water Souldiers , or their Philosophical Generall , &c. but if Bajazet should for defence of Thrace retain his most approved Souldiers , he should see all Asia on a fire , &c. wherefore seeing t was his fate , that two begotten of him , should be adjudged Traitors : why did he not set upon them as occasion should serve , when they were by the eares betwixt themselves ? At present , saith he dissemble thy grief , and taking one , in shew , into favour imploy him against the other , &c. at pleasure to oppress him , to whom he should commit his Army , his trusty Souldiers being ever ready , &c. He scarce having don speaking , the other Baslaes , as before agreed , perswaded Bajazet to call home Selimus , and make him Generall , saying , It was like , he , now corrected , would contain himself within compasse : whereas Acho mates was not like to be brought to conformity , till by force pluckt down , as was Selimus . Bajazet seeing Cherseogles sit silent , hanging the head , as not of that opinion , stood a while in doubt what to resolve on ; but the unfaithful Bassaes , Cherseogles most instantly perswading the contrary , so perswaded him , as to write himself to Selimus , that , on hope of his loyalty , he would receive him into his former favour , making him Generall against his rebellious Brother Achomates , if he would speedily repair to Constantinople . Corcutus the while , advertised of these things , sailed to Constantinople in his Gallies , where entring the Privy-Chamber with many friends , humbling himself , and kissing his Father's hand after much talk betwixt them , is reported to have said , that he above 30 years past , being by a general consent chosen and proclaimed Emperour , had chearfully and willingly delivered that glorious Empire unto him , &c. Neither did it ever repent him of that his singular kindness and duty done , when as being contented , with what he assigned him , as with a Kingdom , he thought , that his Father's great Estate , &c. not comparable to the quiet of his pleasing studies , those worldly things working no full contentment to the insariable desire of man , and that surmounting vertue , and most sweet meditation of heavenly things promised to his contemplative and ravished minde , of farre more worth and Majesty , than all the Monarchies of the World ; but whilest he was for devotion and desire of knowledge , travelling to Mahomet's Altar , and so to the Indians , as more knowing and sincere men , he drew him out of Aegypt by that Sultan , into Phrygia , &c. as if he thought , the time would come , when for the ill disposition of some , an innocent man , devoted to study , might be a stay to him and the Othoman Family . Since which , he had with all possible integrity discharged his charge : and in the late Persian Warre , defended his Frontiers from invasion . But they being vanquished , his unnatural Brethren having one assailed Bajazets person and Empire , the other , setting all that part in Asia on a broil , he thought himself in duty bound to repair to his Majesty , &c. who having had too great proof of his Brethrens infidelity &c. he humbly besought him before the coming of Selimus , he hearing , that his Father's Guard and chief Commanders , did but expect a time when they might salute him Emperour , whom he sore against their wills overthrew infidels , to restore him the Empire due to him , whilest it was yet in his power , in that so momentary occasion then presented . Bajazet moved with a Fatherly affection towards Corcutus , whose teares stood in his eyes , bad him be of good cheere , discovering his ground of calling home Selimus , and that he could be content to resign to him the Empire ; but it was not at present in his power , for fear of the Court-Souldiers , &c. But by the plot now laid , Selimus should , under the Title of Honour , with the Souldiers , be drawn into Asia , whither as soon as they were passed , he promised to resign unto him : which done , although they wholly liked not , yet he feared not , that , they who had lately defended him against Selimus , should for his sake dislike Corcutus , &c. hoping rather , that if Achomates and Selimus should joyn battel , either one or both should justly perish . Corcutus , not much misliking his Fathers purpose &c. returned to his Lodging not without hope , and remaining many dayes at Constantinople , he as a plain upright man , neither by gifts nor promises , strove to procure any ones good will. Selimus his friends the while advertising him of Corcutus his comming to Court , advised him with all speed , to come to Constantinople , &c. whereupon , he with certain Troops commanding the rest to follow , came thither with wondrous speed : Corcutus , the Bassaes Courtiers , and most of the Souldiers receiving him , as their manner is , ( at the Gates entrance ) with a kisse , bringing him thorow the City , the people running to see him , who was welcomed with much thundring shot , and joyful acclamation of all Ages and Sexes : and next day comming to Court , humbly in shew , kissed Bajazet's feet , craving pardon : who smiling on this Crocodile , courteously took him up , saying , His faults were so much lesse , as finding speedy repentance ; therefore he the willinglier pardoned him , henceforth to endeavour , that God may be thought to have endued him with a good minde , as with a notable courage : which , with his forwardness , he might manifest by a martial matter , worthy his hardinesse . A Councel of Warre being called , Selimus dissembled the Generalship ; not to be preferred before Corcutus , for his years and discretion ; that he having his Fathers favour , could be now content with never so little corner of the Empire . Corcutus and his friends , whose hope was in Selymus his departure with the Souldiers , instantly requested him , not to refuse that Honour , without disgrace to Corcutus , he being more experienced in Warre . So he was no sooner chosen Generall against Achomates , but the Janizaries and Court-Souldiers especially before instructed , saluted him their Emperour also , arming to defend their act : Selimus at first , shewed a half unwillingness , as to reverence of his alive-Father ; but afterwards promised , besides particular favours owing to the Men of Warre , to bestow a great and general largess amongst them , which he did . Then he requested the Bassaes and chief Commanders , to go and take Orders since t was their minde , that the Empire might be transferred on him by his Fathers good will , without farther trouble . Mustapha , whether on a new fineness of his own , or that Selimus threatned to kill him , if he did not ; coming as dismayed to Bajazet , who hearing the Souldiers clamour was come into the open rooms , most unwelcomly said , Emperour , the Men of Warre have saluted Selimus , &c. requiring thy ratification , ready to break in and kill us both , if thou refuse to resign : they request that of thee , which they have already put into his hand . Wherefore it s farre more dangerous to seek to recover , &c. than willingly to yield , &c. they in Arms and fury , thinking on greater mischief . Bajazet troubled , and perceiving the treachery , after pausing , furiously brake out : False and forsworn , do you thus betray me ? &c. why not also take away my life , who could not a while expect my dissolution ? but must in post-hast set up a most wicked man. But much good may do you with him , &c. to whom ere long , you shall dearly pay for this treachery . And he , beginning his Empire with unnatural treason and blood-shed , shall not , I hope , escape Gods heavy hand . Mustapha with false Bostanges and Aiax returning , told them ; he , as well content , had appointed Selimus to succeed him : then those corrupted , began to look big , and others , standing before doubtful , joyned themselves to that faction . Selimus being mounted , was in pomp conducted up and down the streets , and generally by the people , yet most otherwise affected , saluted Emperour , the Bassaes and Souldiers being that day sworn unto him . Corcutus , whether for grief or fear , ( though Selimus promised him Mytilene with Lesbos ) secretly returned to 〈◊〉 . Bajazet overcome with sorrow ; before he were enforced , trussing up store of Treasure , &c. with 500 Servants , departed towards Hadrianople , to have gone to Dimotica , not far thence , and wholsomly scituated . Selimus bringing him about two miles on his way , returned , possessing the Pallace . Whilest Bajazet was travelling not above five or six miles a day , then about 76 or 80 years old , and for pain , &c. sometime staying two or three dayes in a place , Selimus doubted , if he should passe over into Asia , Bajazet might the while possess Constantinople and the Empire : wherefore before his going , he secretly compacted with Hamon a Jew , Bajazet's chief Physitian , to poyson him , promising him a reward of 10 Duckets a day for life , and threatning him with most cruel death , if he did not secretly and speedily work it , when he had done to return to him : the Jew comming to Bajazet very weak , told him , he would prepare a potion to restore and strengthen him , if he would early next morning take it . Bajazet , not mistrusting his old Physitian , said , He would gladly take it . Hamon comming , stood waiting till he should awake ; but he still sleeping , the Jew awaking him , said , the time was almost past , &c. Bajazet willing him to bring it , Hamon took the assay , having before taken a preservative , drank it up , he bidding the waiters to keep him well covered , not to give him drink , till he had well sweat , and so fled to Constantinople . Bajazet feeling most grievous gripings in his stomach , gave up the Ghost in 1512. 〈◊〉 30 years , the Turks say he died naturally ; but Genoway serving then in his Chamber , reports , plain tokens of poyson , were to be seen on his dead body : Selinus having all his Treasures , buried Bajazet's body with the greatest solemnity , in a Chappel he built nigh the great Mahometan Temple at Constantinople : all his Servants but five , who attired themselves in mourning , were restored to their former places : they being imprisonned , two of them being put to death , the other saved , by Solyman Selimus his Sonne , and two Bassaes sute ; who being stript of all , were enrolled for common Souldiers . Utrius a Genoway being one , who after ten years captivity , escaping difficultly , and returning into Italy , wrote a History of what he had seen there . Hamon , expecting his reward , was beheaded by Selimus his Command , saying , He would not stick for reward , to do the like against himself , when opportunity offered . The Life of Selimus the I , the third and most Warlike Emperour of the Turks . SElimus fully possessed of the Empire , first viewed the Turkish King 's abundant heaped up Treasures , and gave to the Court-Souldiers 3 millions of Duckats , augmenting the Horsmens pay 4 aspers a day , and the Footmens two : whereby he greatly assured their minds unto him , then passing with a great Army into Asia , Sloyman his only Sonne to govern Constantinople , he came to Ancyra in Galatia , hoping to oppress Achomates ; but he considering his unableness , fled into the Mountains of Cappadocia , taking up men by the way , praying ayd of all sorts , though strangers to him , to make head against Selimus , and recover Asia . Selimus doing very little that Summer , because of the winter cold and snows near Taurus . Achomates also fleeing from place to place , sending his European Horse towards the Sea-coast , and the Janizaries to Constantinople , wintered with the rest at Prusa , who then continued the league concluded by Bajazet , with the Hungarian , Polonian , and Venetian : and calling to him five of his Brothers Sonnes , between 16 and 20 years old , except Musa , not past 7 ; Mahometes , whom Achomates had upon Bajazet's death , freed , being about 20 , who for his feature and courage , was accounted the Paragon of the Othoman Family , &c. He demanded of divers Doctors and Lawyers , whether 〈◊〉 not better , 5 , 8 , or 10. to be taken away , than the whole Empire with great blood-shed , to be rent asunder , &c. who , fearing displeasure , answered , It were better , for in a general calamity , those few must needs perish with the rest : upon which colour , he leading those five Nephews into Prusa Castle , by 5 of his Captains , they were in the night strangled . Mahometes is said , to have slain one sent to kill him with his penknife , wounding the other for dead Selimus being in a Chamber fast by , sent in others , who first binding him , then strangled him : their bodies were buried at Prusa ; which cruelty so offended most , that many martial men , for some daies absented from his sight , as from some raging Lyon. Amurat and Aladin ( Achomates Sons ) only remained of all the Nephews ( whom he purposed suddenly to surprize ) besides his two brethren of the Othoman Family . These young Princes had recovered Amasia , whence they were expulsed by Selimus , when Achomates fled : wherefore Selimus sent Usegi Bassa with 5000 horse , who ( by great travel ) might suddenly take them , the City being neigther well walled , nor furnished for defence , Achomates also being absent in taking up Souldiers . But Mustapha the old Bassa , now detesting his execrable tyranny , by secret and speedy Messengers , warned them of Usegi his coming , &c. who , advertizing Achomates thereof , lay in ambush for them ; So that the Bassa fell at unawares into the midst of his enemies , and Achomates also following him , most of his men being slain , he , with other Captains were taken prisoners , and committed to safe custody . But some of Achomates Souldiers , scoffing the prisoners , told them how the matter had been carried , boasting they wanted not friends , most inward with Selimus , who favouring the Better Cause , would not long suffer the Beast to rage : all which , when ransomed , they reported . But Usegi still in prison , secretly informed Selimus , that Mustapha was the only cause of that losse ; who of late , envying at Mustapha's authority , caused him to be in his sight , without trial , strangled and his body cast out into the street , a rare spectacle of the worlds uncertainty , and example of disloyalty . Achomates ( in revenge ) executed Usegi , setting all the rest at liberty . Selimus at Spring , resolving on the destruction of Corcutus spending his time in quiet contemplation at Magnesia , giving out , he would make a sudden inroad into Cappadocia , set forward from Prusa with 1000 horsemen , ( whereof Antonius Maenavinus a Genoway , Author of this History , was one ) and keeping on the right hand , the Souldiers perceived they were to go for Lydia , and Ionia . A valiant Souldier ( sometimes of Corcutus his Court ) secretly and speedily coming to Magnesia , gave him warning of his Brothers coming ; Corcutns richly rewarding him , fled with two servants to the Sea-side , hoping for passage into Crete or Rhodes . Next day early , Selinms came to Magnesia's Castle , hoping to find Corcutus in his bed ; but being deceived , he in a rage examined his servants , &c. with cruel torments , getting it out of them , that he , warned by a Souldier , was fled they knew not whither . Wherefore Selimus caused a diligent search for 15 daies all over the Countrey , and along the Sea-coast ; but not hearing of him , he sent all Corcutus his treasure , &c. to Constantinople ; and leaving there a Captain with 1000 horse , he returned to Prusa , supposing he was fled by Sea into Italy . But Bostanges with a Fleet on Ionia's coast , hindered Corcutus escape ; so that he hid himself in a Cave nigh the Sea-side , hoping to find some opportunity in few daies : he living thus with Countrey-Crabs , &c. a good while , and forced to send his man to a Shepherd's Cortage for relief was discovered to Cassumes , ( by a Peasant ) seeking after his life : and being apprehended was carried towards Prusa ; and being within a dayes journey thereof , Selimus sent Kirengen Ogli called ( of his squint look ) Chior Zeinall to strangle him , and bring his body to Prusa , who awakening him in the dead of the night , told him , He was sent to see him executed , which must presently be done . Corcutus deeply sighing , desired to be so long spared , as to write a few lines to Selimus , which guiltlesse , he readily in Turkish verse reproved him of his most horrible cruelty , upbraiding him with his Father's , Nephews , and thirsting after his and Achomates guiltlesse blood ; and concluding with bitter curses , besought God justly to revenge so much innocent blood ; requesting the Captain , the letter with his dead body might be delivered to Selimus ; which being next day done , ( for he was presently strangled ) Selimus uncovering the face to be sure it was he , took and read the paper from his hand ; which done , he bursting into tears , protested he was never so troubled at any mans death , and commanding a general mourning in the Court , he Princely buried his body , and 3 daies after , struck off 15 of the Searchers heads , flinging the bodies into the Sea , saying , If he were driven to flee and hide himself , they would not stick so to serve him . Achomates at Spring , set forward with his Army from Amasia , being frequently excited by friends letters , assuring him , Selimus might be easily oppressed , if with expedition he would come to Prusa , the Janizaries and Europaean horse being then absent , and himself as hated of God and man , could not in so unexpected danger , tell what best to do , &c. wherefore they willed him to hasten , &c. lest Selimus should call together his dispersed forces , &c. for Summer being come , he must either conquer by plain battel , which was hard , or get him out of Cappadocia , and the lesser Asia . He hoping for better success , as well for his own strength , supply of horse from Hysmael , and chiefly hoping , Selimus now hated , would be forsaken in time of battel , yielded to his friends perswasion , and being come into Galatia with above 15000 horse , left his foot for haste , to come after : wherefore , Selimus sent speedily for his horse , and while he levyed common Souldiers Achomates friends with Selimus , did by Letters earnestly perswade him , to make haste from Paphlagonia , before Selimus his Janizaries , and horsemen were come , he also making all speedy and possible preparation , &c. which letters being intercepted , Selimus executing the writers caused others to be written in their names to Achomates ( and signed with their Seals ) with all speed to come on , and not stay for his foot , since Selimus might be easily oppressed with a few Troops , if he would but shew himself to his friends : who on the signal of battel would tumult & kill Solimus going to & fro ; and having them cunningly delivered , Achomates giving credit , & much presuming on his strength , left his footmen under Amurath , encamping with his horse nigh Mount Horminius , upon Parthenius bank . Selimus going from Prusa , 10000 Janizaries lately being come to him sent Sinan Bassa his Asian horse-General , to prove his enemies strength ; who not knowing where Achomates lay , through the mornings darknesse , was set upon in a disadvantagious place , and losing 7000 , fled back with other 8000. Selimus not discomfited , marched to the River Elata , which running out of Horminius into Pontus , watereth most large fields on the right hand , called , the Plains of the new Land : So did Achomates , who though Selimus was too strong for him ; yet being now encouraged , and hoping upon his friends with Selimus , neither retired , nor expected his others coming : the River was betwixt them , and their number discovered , yet Achomates , to whom the open fields offered a safe retreat , could not be perswaded to provide in time for his , and his Armies safety . Selimus , passing the River , commanded every man to be ready for battel next day , and placing 1000 horse under Canoglis his wives brother , sent a little before from Taurica , with some choise , Tartarians , in ambush in a wood , charged him to charge the enemy , ( battel being joyned ) on their backs ; and when it was day , he put his Army into battalia , Achomates ( having no Foot ) dividing his Horse into two wings . Whilst they thus stood , Achomates offered Selimus to try their quarrels equity hand to hand : which if refused , he took God and the world to witnesse , Selimus was the only cause of the blood to be shed ; who answered , He was not to do that at Achomates appointment , and though he could be content so to do , his Souldiers would not suffer him , &c. returning the Messenger with 1000 Aspers reward . Achomates charging his brother's right wing , they valiantly received them ; but when it came to handy-blows , they by the force of the Persians ( well armed ) were disordered , and forced with great losse to retire . Wherefore , Selimus to encourage them , brought on his left wing , and his Janizaries also , who with their shot enforced the other to retire . Achomates ( careful ) couragiously coming on with fresh Troops , the battel was renewed , and whilst he was in great hope of victory , Canoglis rising out of ambush , with great out-cries , caused their enemies to turn upon them ; the Footmen , standing close , charged them a Front , and the Horse who had fled , were for shame also returned ; so that Achomates , being beset , his Ensigns were taken , many slain , the rest fled : and himself fleeing , fell with his horse into a rainy and miry ditch , and being taken , could not obtain to be presently slain , but was reserved to Selimus his pleasure ; who sent Kirengen , with a Bow-string to strangle him : whose dead body , being brought to Selimus was royally buried at Prusa . Amurath , hearing on the way by the Persians ( who made their way thorough the Turks ) of what happened , returned to Amasia , resolving with his brother ; he with the Persians to flee to Hysmael ; Aladin , to flee into Syria , and so to Campsoa Gaurus Sultan of Aegypt . Selimus , after this , soon with little trouble , bringing all lesser Asia under , and disposing of all things , would return to Constantinople ; but the Plague being there hot , he came to Hadrianople , where he spent that Summer , and the next Winter , So to Constantinople , the mortality being ceased , 160000 having there dyed . Hysmael sending for Amurath , demanded why he came ? who by his heavy countenance and abundance of tears , expressed the cause ; yet briefly declared , That his Father , Uncle , and Consens , had lately been murdered by the Tyrant Selimus ; who sought also his and his Brothers life , wherefore they were glad to flee . Hysmael taking him into his protection , willed him to be chearful , promising him ayd , shortly giving him his Daughter in marriage ; for t was thought , if Selimus should any way miscarry , none was to be preferred before Amurat : and if he should invade him out of Persia , all lesser Asia , for the death of Achomates , would revolt from him . Wherefore Hysmael , at Spring , willed Amurat , to passe Euphrates at Arsenga , into Cappadocia , with 10000 Horsemen , to prove the Countries affection , and enemie's strength : sending Usta Ogli with 20000 Horse to follow Amurat within a dayes journey , himself staying in Armenia with a far greater power , doubting to want Victual in those vast and barren places , whereby he must passe . Amurat entring Cappadocia , had some Towns yielded him by friends ; others he took by force , sacking or razing them , and so fearing the Inhabitants , that they submitting all the way , 't was thought that he had gone to Amasia , had not old Chendemus , Selimus his Asian Lievtenant , at Sebastia , now Sivas , met him with a great Army : who also having advertised Selimus of the Persian's coming , he came into Asia , meeting all his forces at Prusa , speedily levying thereabout 40000 Souldiers : which Amurat understanding , though desirous to fight Chendemus , yet doubting to be intangled in Antitaurus's straits by Selimus his speed , he retired to Usta Ogli . Selimus to the great joy of Christendom , converted into the East , in 30 dayes came and joyned with Chendemus at Arsenga , and in revenge of his enemies harrying the Countrey , resolved to follow them , and enter the greater Armenia , the chief Persian Province . The difficulties of this expedition were propounded in Councel , to be great and many ; for the Souldiers , who had soon marched thither , out of Europe already , were to endure the pinching cold of Mount Taurus ; by and by , scorching heat in plains , with thirst , hunger and want ; and the more , since the 〈◊〉 retreating , destroyed all , serving for the use of man , on purpose , if they should pursue them ; besides , they stood in no small doubt of the petty Princes of Armenia the lesse , and Aladeules the Mountain-King , whom they should leave behind them , with no great assurance of their friendship , &c. Aladeules his forces being not to be contemned , and his command by Castles and Garrisons stretching from the Mountains Scodrisci , near Pontus , to Amanus , dividing Cilicia from Syria . Chendemus also , of great experience , and in greatest authority with Selimus , perswaded him with a notable and grave speech , to stay a while in Cappadocia , to refresh his wearied Europeans , and to expect the coming of his enemies , disswading him from the dangerous expedition into Persia. But he doing all things according to his own direction , though not a little moved with that speech , and seeing many Captains troubled at the imagination of the danger ; yet in a fume , refuting a little of Chendemus his speech , dismissed the Councel , protesting he would proceed , hap what would hap : though that old fellow he said , feared to die honourably . Whereupon , others accustomed to serve his humour , and envying Chendemus , beginning with the greatness of his forces , valour of his Souldiers , &c. laboured to lessen , what the Bassa had said , touching te enemies prowesse and power : Then discrediting him , saying , he being of known resolution , had not so said , as wanting courage , but as foreloaded with Amurat's promises , and Persian Gold. Wherefore they wished him to beware of the Fox , and proceed so much the boldlier , &c. And moreover , these flatterers suborned false accusers , affirming he received great summes from Amurat , and therefore timely went not against the Persian robbers ; for which pretences , Selimus commanded Chendemus , without further hearing , to be slain , indeed to terrifie others from like liberty of speech , and to teach them to accept of their Sovernighs devices and counsels , without contradiction . The sudden death of this faithful Counsellor , struck exceeding fear into the mindes of all . Selimus marching on , came to the lesser Armenian King's Confines , and of Aladeules , requesting them then in Arms , to joyn and go with him against the Persian : promising , the Warres happily ended , to give them all taken from the enemy , as a reward ; But they hating them both for daily injuries received , and expecting the event , answered , they took not up Arms , but for their own defence , &c. yet , if he would peaceably passe thorow their Dominions , they promised a free passage , and to relieve him in Armenia the greater , with what Victual their bare Countrey afforded . Selimus thinking those poor Kings would for love or fear have done him what service they could , then dissembled his grief . Wherefore passing the Mountains Scodrisci , in 8 dayes , to the great Mountains Moschii , which famous Euphrates separates from Antitaurus ; and running into Iberia and Colchis , discovereth Armenia the greater , on the right hand here ; Selimus , least he should lack water , departed not from Euphrates his banks . So holding on Eastward , till he came to the Mountain Periardo , for its fertility , there called Leprus , that is , fruitful ; for Euphrates and Araxis there running forth of contrary marishes , water that Champian drie Countrey . Selimus , not yet hearing where Hysmael with his great Army was , as half afraid , encamped at the head of Euphrates , sending his Scouts every way , to intercept some that might inform him therein . But the Armenians , whether for fear of Hysmael's command , were fled out of that part , whereby Selimus was to passe , carrying away , or burning whatever was for mans use . The Scouts after two dayes , returned to Selimus , not taking one man , shewing him how it was , and thinking either the Armenian Guides mistaking , or on purpose , had brought them into such desart places , where Horses and men must perish together : the weak Kings increasing their fear , chiefly Aladeules , who for a few dayes , helped them with Victuals ; but being gone farre thereinto , Armenia performed not his promise , thinking Hysmael would vanquish the Turks , as he had most of the East . Selimus , perplexed , & c. with grief remembred what Chendemus had before told him , yet seeming chearful to his Souldiers , & c. and calling his Guides , he understood , that on the right hand beyond Periardo , lay the fruitful Countrey of Armenia ; so , compassing the Hill Northward , he turn'd down toward Araxis , passing it over about the City Coy ; for it is foordable , till it receive Rivers out of Periardo . He had scarcely got over , but Usta-Ogli with Amurat encamping not farre off , quickly set forward to meet the Turks , lest Coy where the Persian Kings for fresh Fountains , &c. wholsom air , and plenty of all fruit , used to spend most of the Summer , should be suddenly surprized . ( Cussimus an Armenian , probably shewed Jovius ; Coy to have been famous Artaxata , which Domitius Corbulo destroyed , ) Nor did Hysmael , though he lately sent most of his forces against the Coraxeni in rebellion , not much reckoning the Turks , durst come so far , delay ; but forthwith came personally to his Army . Usa-Ogli , incamping near the City , when as the Turks Scouts , upon Hysmael's coming , the dust rising , and the Horses neighing ; perceived a great power was at hand . The Turks were glad , that now they should by Victory , turn their toyl and famine , &c. into ease and plenty , or honourably end their miseries at once ; for the Horsemen , especially the Europeans , whose Horses were starved , and the Foot spent with travel , and a great flux , living mostly on Crabs , &c. with a supping of meal and Vinegar , began to die in every corner . Hysmael , to terrific them the more , sent a Herald to Selimus , with some skilful Souldiers , to view what they could ; his number , Artillery , and how encamped ; telling him , seeing the Turks had no Title to Armenia , &c. he marvelled why he entred his Dominion ; but if , as Alexander the great , he should think so much his own as by the Sword he could win , he should next day prove his fortune , and others forces not inferior to his . Selimus answered , the manifold injuries done to the Turks by the Persians formerly , and also in his Warres against Achomates , might give him just cause , yet he esteemed them not sufficient causes of Warre , only seeking after Amurat , lately spoiling Cappadocia , whom if he would friendly deliver to him , as mutual Laws of amity required , he would peaceably return : else he threatned to destroy with fire and Sword , even the heart of Persia. Next day , Selimus set forward in order of battel against the enemies laying about two miles off , thinking , so great a Prince would fight without delay , yet what strength , &c. the Persian was of , he certainly knew not ; for the ingenious Persians , generally so loved Hysmael , that not one went to the Turks : whereas many revolted from Selimus to him . Selimus having 80000 Horse , placed Casan Bassa with his Europeans in the right Wing , Sinan Bassa with his Asians in the left ; before them both , the Acanzii ; in the middle , the Asapi ; behind them , the Artillery guarded with 4000 Horse : lastly following himself with his Pensioners and Janizaries , compassed with his small Field-pieces and Carriages , commanding his Vant-guard Foot , upon the enemies approach , speedily to divide , that the great Ordnance might play betwixt them . Hysmael understanding by fugitives , his enemies devices , said to his chief Commanders , there was no doubt of Victory , if they could shun the Artillery : wherefore , when the Turks Foot divided , they should likewise withdraw into two parts , causing two great Ensigns to be displayed , whither then to retire , one for himself , the other for Usta Ogli , and the rest . He had about 30000 Horse , no Foot ; among whom were 10000 men at Arms , resolute , experienced , mounted on couragious barbed Horses , and bravely armed ; no Guns ; in which , and number , they were inferior to the Turks : yet contemning about 300000 Turks , and little reckoning of their Artillery , they doubted not to give them battel : being also exhorted by Hysmael , to remember their former Honour , &c. telling them , they had to do with such whose Weapons were but weak Staves , and light Targets : their Horses little poor jades , almost dead with hunger . Selimus gave notice , that the long-wished for battel , was come , wherein if they would worthily acquit themselves , they should to their immortal fame , extend the Turkish Empire from the Persian Sea , to Mount Caucasus ; but if otherwise , they must not think to escape by flight , through those desolate Countries , where they either should perish , or being taken , be forced alwayes to serve the Persian Women : also , Euphrates , Taurus , and Aladeules , who had shut up the passages , did cut off all such hope . The Asapi making place for the Artillery to play , Hysmael also dividing , charged the Turk's right wing so forcibly , that Casan Bassa , after a terrible fight with the foremost being slain , and many after them , that wing was forced to retire unto Selimus ; but Usta Ogli , who had no small harm by the Ordnance , as not clearing his men so speedily as Hysmael , charged their left wing , making great slaughter , and in his couragious assail was slain with a small shot . Wherewith the Turks encouraged , who before gave ground , renewed the battel , and with their terrifying Harque-busiers , drave the Persians upon the Turk 's common foot : who serring together , brake thorow them , bearing them down with a mighty slaughter , and slaying the Cannoniers , who discharging at all adventure , slew many of their own , as of enemies , so making way till they came to the right wing , where Hysmael still hardly charging the European Horses , they were forced to retire ; but now charged afresh , scarce able to endure it , cryed to Selimus for help : who opening his carriages , sent out part of his Horsemen , and said to his Janizaries , that dayes Victory was reserved to their valour : therefore as fresh men , they should assail their wearied enemies , whose Horses were all on a water , and the men faint under their Armour : yet Selimus could say , they were not very forward , and whilest they leisurely set forward , the Persians slew the European Horsemen down right , and were ready to assail Selimus himself on every side ; but Sinan Bassa , though his wing was sore rent , came in in good time , and with some fresh Troops , restored the battel almost lost ; but chiefly by the courage of Alisbeg , and his Brother Mahomet resembling their warlike Father Malcozzius . Selimus still in hope , commanded all the Ordnance about him to be discharged : whereby such slaughter was made of his own , as well as of his enemies , that for dust , smoak , & noise of the Artillery , both sides almost losing sight , and hearing their Horses terrified with the Ordnance , not now to be ruled , the battel brake off , the Victory yet doubtful . The Turkish Histories tearm this , the onely day of doom . Hysmael being wounded under his left shoulder with a small shot , and withdrawing through perswasion to have it searched , was the safeguard of Selimus and his Army : for they following their King , left the Victory , thought by all to be almost gotten ; but Hysmael perceiving the wound was not deep , he was about to charge a fresh ; but hearing of Oglie's death , in whom was his greatest confidence , his Captains also perswading him not to set light by his wound , whose grief he yet felt not , being warm , he softly marched away , as not resembling flight : and passing by Tauris , willed the Citizens to open the Gates to Selimus , if he came , rather than to fall into destruction , himself marching in Media's confines . The Turks having no hearts nor strength to pursue them , yet took their Tents , where besides much rich furniture , were many Ladies and Gentlewomen , who , Persian-like , had followed their Husbands in those Warres , whom Selimus safely freed , except a Wife of Hysmael , whom he gave in marriage to a Bassa . Some there present , reported that divers Persian women were found among the dead , armed , whom Selimus honestly buried . This notable battel in the Galderan fields nigh Coy , was fought August 7th , 1514. Selimus losing above 30000 men , Cusun , Lievetenant of Europe , being one , Seven Sanzacks , two being the Malcozzian Brethren , who were slain rescuing each other : most of his European Horse ; the flower of his Army , being almost all slain , or grievously wounded : yet he having the Victory , by his enemies confession , and having Embassadors from Coy and other Cities also from Tauris , promising to relieve him , and do what he commanded , he marched thither to see and possess himself of that chief City , two dayes journey from Coy . The Citizens being ready , brought them store of Victuals into the Suburbs , Selimus not holding it safe to lodge within that populous City , only kept the Gates with a strong Guard : Some say Selimus went not into Tauris , but in a common Souldiers habit : others that he banqueted in the Kings Pallace , discoursing with the Taurisians , about his Victory . And purposing to winter in Armenia , he asked his great Captains , how they liked of it , who for fear , referred themselves to him . Only Musthapha , chief Bassa said , t were good to know the mindes of the Janizaries , & Court-Souldiers : wherefore Selimus , commanded him out of his sight , and degraded him , sending a Jester after him in disgrace , who cut off part of his Tulipant that hung down ; but the Janizaries much offended with the indignity , rose in arms , telling Selimus , they would not winter so farre from home , in the enemie's Countrey : therefore he were best betime consider of it , they being resolved to forsake him , if he did not speedily return . Selimus much troubled , and hearing Hysmael was comming upon him with a greater power , and considering with what difficulty and danger he escaped in the last battel , &c. and suspecting the fidelity of the Taurisians , he resolved to return into Cappadocia : wherefore exacting from them a great Masse of money against his promise , he speedily retired towards Euphrates , a longer way than he came , carrying away 3000 Families , the best artificers , chiefly those skilled in making Armour and Weapons : fearing to return by the head of Araxis , &c. for meeting the Albanian and Iberian Horsemen . Hysmael followed him with such speed , that he left his Carriages , and such as could not endure such a march , behind him ; yet he overtook no part of his Army , till come to Euphrates , where he was transporting his Foot in divers small Boats made , many swimming over for haste upon bladders ; some on broken pieces of their Carriages burst in sunder to that end . Selimus got over in a little Boat , causing the Horsemen at once , to take the River , to break the streams force , whereby his Foot and burthened Cammels got over , lesse dangerously , and some Field-pieces also with lesse difficulty : yet the Georgian Horsemen coming in sight before all got over , raised such a fear , that 2000 Turks were in their haste drowned , divers Ordnance sticking in the mud , and much baggage carried away with the River . The Georgians drew out the Turkish trash , pursuing them no farther . Hysmael rejoycing , that chasing away his enemies , he recovered much of the Ordnance , that did him such hurt . Selimus his passage was much more dangerous at Antitaurus , than he thought of ; for Aladeules waiting for his prey , had taken all strait passages of that Mountain-Countrey , whose savage people assailing them every night , robbed their Carriages : so fleeing into the thick Woods , rocky aud Mountainous : Aladeules fraudulently excusing him self , as if done by the people used to such robberies against his will , yet saying he would chastise the Authours , so soon as found . And sending a little provision for some dayes , he spoiled the Turks by night , by his Souldiers upon advantage , which Selimus could not prevent : wherefore purposing to be in time revenged , he with much adoe , came to Trapezond , thence to Amosia , repairing his sore weakened Army that winter . Thus Jovius reports the said Warres , whom others since have mostly followed ; yet Manavinus a Genoway , who served therein , doth much otherwise report the same . Selimus , saith he , with about 300000 coming to Euphrates , the Bridge was broken down by Amurat ; and his enemies encamped on the farther side , having new supplies from Hysmael : so that the Persians were about 90000 Horse and Foot , most having two serviceable Horses apiece : neither could Selimus , any way learn whether Hysmael were there , of , which he most feared , raising greater forces . Wherefore , repairing the Bridge , he sent over Casan and Sinan , Bassa's , who encamped as they thought convenient : next morning , Amurat , two houres before Sun-rising , suddenly assailed Casan in his Trenches , discomfiting them , and taking their Tents : whereupon such a terror came on Sinan , that his men swam over with great danger to the rest . Selimus troubled hereat , placed his Artillery along the hither most bank of Euphrates , and to hide them , ranged some Souldiers before them , as if presently to passe over ; but upon a signall , should withdraw from the Ordnance , bent upon the enemy ; many of whom being over-charged , burst in sunder , slaying divers Turks , also many Horses and Mules , terrified with the noyse , leapt into the River , and were drowned with their Riders . The Porsians also having great losse , retired farther off for fear : So Selimus passing over , marched toward the enemy , whom the Persians notably encountred : The Fight was long doubtful , and much blood shed on both fides ; and had not the nights approach broke it off , the Persians through multitude , rather then valour , had been greatly overthrown ; but now they escaped the Turk's pursuit . Selimus leaving his Carriages , &c. with his Foot , marched with his Horse , suddenly to surprise Tauris , before the fame of the battel : the Persians being as careful of their affaires . The day before , 10000 fresh Horsemen were comming to Hysmael , who placing them in the Turks way , commanded them , upon their approach , to flee . Selimus in the morning , descrying them , supposing they were such as could not follow the rest , exhorted them couragiously to pursue them ; of which , being about mid day ; weary , they stayed at a little River to refresh : then again pursuing , leaving those who could not follow , hoping before night to ransack rich Tauris . The Persian Horsemen in ambush , set the while on the Turks Foot , thought to be secure , greatly slaughtering them , taking all Selimus his Treasure and Artillery . Which being by Posts made known to him about two at night , and that the enemy was following him , he , wonderfully abashed , began to retire . The 10000 Persians now turning on the Turks , charged them hardly : who being enclosed before and behind , received a great overthrow ; and losing their Ensigns , brake out sidewayes and fled . Selimus also fleeing , and passing Euphrates , brake down the Bridge , fearing further pursuit , and coming to Amasia with trouble and danger , assembled the reliques of his discomfited Army : such as could not follow in flight , being all slain by the Persians . The Genoway concludeth , that Hysmael did not more rejoyce hereat than himself , hoping now to free himself of thraldom , as he did . For , fleeing into Trapezond , he thence had passage to Hadrianople , thence by Land to Salonica ; thence transported into Chios , whence he returned to Genua , after ten years captivity , part as a page in jazet's privy Chamber , the rest a Court-Souldier under Selimus Jonius compares these two great Princes together , Hysmael and Selimus , who for royal discent , strength of body , courage of mind , riches & power , were equall , thereby obtaining like fame and renown ; but in conditions and qualities of minde , and Martial Discipline , much differing : for Hysmael was Majestical , Selimus tyrannical ; Hysmael courteous , Selimus churlish in devotion and gravity : neither suffered he his Wives to come to Court , nor using their Company , but for procreation sake , and that , as was thought , without any great countenance ; for he being more delighted with unnatural pleasure , thought a mans minde and body to be not a little weakned with the allurements of Women : scoffing also many times at his Father Ba jazet , who , he said , was so drowned in the study of Averroes , determining nothing certainly of the souls nature , and the Heavens motions , that he desired rather the name of a sharp disputer , amongst the idle professors of Philosophy , than of a renowned Chiefetain , amongst his valiant Souldiers . A Persian Ambassador finding him pleasant , asked him , Why he wore not his beard long as Ba jazet and others , to seem of greater Majesty ; who answered , He liked not to carry such an unnecessary handful , whereby his Bassaes might at pleasure , lead him up and down the Court , as they did his Father ; for Selimus followed no advice but his own , in what ever he undertook . The cause why Hysmael , out of so many large Provinces ; for he had under his Dominion , Armenia the greater , Sulthania , Persia , Assyria , Mesopotamia , Media , and Parthia : Armenia being the chiefest which yields the Persian his best foot , Persia his choyce Horsemen , chiefly from Scyras ; next to them , from Assyria , whose chief City is Bagdat , or Babylon : the Medes and Parthians being the best Archers next to the Scythians , brought now so small an Army against Selimus , was , because to win his peoples hearts , he had remitted a great part of his Customs and Tributes ; so that he wanting money , could not raise such an Army , as otherwise he might , out of those populous Countries , yielding plentifully all necessaries for mans use . But in 1515 , Selimus wintring at Amasia , raised such a power in Europe and Asia , that at first of the Spring , he entred again into the Persian Confines with a greater Army , and that sooner than either that part of Armenia's cold would suffer ; or the enemy thought he could have done : who thought in any case to be Master of strong Ciamassum , standing on the first entrance into Armenia ; thereby , as of some holds thereabouts , to open a fair way into his enemies Countrey . Hysmael being then gone against the rebellious Hyrcanians , Bactrians , &c. Selimus making a Bridge over Euphrates , laid hard siege to Ciamassum , before they were well aware , driving the Defendants from the Walls , with their Harquebusiers and Archers , and still bringing on fresh men ; others then also breaking open the Gates , and scaling the walls in divers places , the Defendants retired into the Market-place ; where though spent and wounded , they resolutely fought it out to the last man. Having taken and ransacked the Town , with two small Castles , for fear abandoned , he thought good to enter no farther , till he had chased out Aladeules : who , fearing his own estate , hearing Selimus was come , soon raised a great Army for his defence , purposing to do as formerly . Wherefore Selimus leaving a Garrison at Ciamassum , retired to Antitaurus , where his enemies were reported to lay . Aladeule's people were fierce and warlike , who could profit little by Husbandry , yet bred Horses and Cammels in Pasture-bearing places ; but most of their living stood in hunting and stealing . His chief City was Maras , which may be thought so called from the fair River Marsias , running thorow it out of the Mountain 〈◊〉 ; who seeing Selimus enter his frontiers , brought down about 15000 Horsemen into a large Valley , ordering his great store of Foot to keep the Mountains on the right and left , there advantagiously expecting his coming . Selimus considered the places disadvantage , yet presuming on his strength and multitude , commanded Sinan Bassa the Eunuch , Generall of his European Horse , in stead of Casan , to charge the enemy afront , with a square battel , because of the places straightness , himself with the Janizaries and Asian Horse , following after . Aladeule's Souldiers also , fought valiantly in the head of the battel ; and having spent their Arrows , stood close , keeping the grounds advantage , so repulsing the Turks old Souldiers , that they seemed little or nought to prevail ; for they could not enclose them on either side , and the Foot grievously wounding the Turks from the sides of the Hills , with darts and Arrows . Selimus seeing such strong resistance , contrary to expectation , sent some Harquebusiers to relieve their Fellows , and the Janizaries at that instant , to mount the Hill. The Aladeulians terrified with the shot , fled into the Mountains and Woods fast by ; yet the most slaughter was of the Foot , who , the Horse being fled , and the Janizaries coming up the Hills , did with much difficulty by steep and broken wayes , clamber up the Mountains , as surprized with sudden fear : the Turks killed them to the going down of the Sun : the swift Horsemen retiring into further and stronger places , with little losse . Aladeules , thinking it now best to protract the Warre , as the Turks pursued him , burning the Cottages , he fled from Mountain to Mountain , not offering battel , but in advantagious places ; wherefore Selimus fearing want of Victual , or intrapping , on the 7th day left off the pursuit : and himself conveniently encamping , sent Sinan , carrying Victuals with him , with all speed and policy to hunt after the King himself . And the while inquiring of the Captives , of Aladeules strength , &c. found , he had taken with him his best Horse and Foot , commanding the people to forsake the Villages to leave all desolate ; and intrenching himself on a strong Rock , with store of Provision , resolved not to give battel , till he had drawn them where their multitude should little avail , but to increase their Iosse : also they said , he feared to be betrayed by Alisbeg , General of his Horse , who first fled ; for Aladeules had treacherously murdered his Father , upon a suspition of his aspiring the Kingdom . Selimus striking off their Irons , laded them with gifts and promises , and sent them to Alis , to perswade him in so fit a time , to revenge his Fathers death , which if he should perform by some notable exploit , he should have both credit with him and the Kingdom : these imparting the matter to Sinan , he soon wrought with Alis , pricked on with desire of a Kingdom and Selimus his rewards , that he went over to Sinan , with a great part of the best Horsemen ; whereby the rest , for rewards , came all by degrees , over to the Bassa . Aladeules , thus unexpectedly circumvented , reposed his hope in secret flight ; but they pursuing him as he fled , hiding himself , at last drew him out of a Cave , betrayed by the Peasants : and being brought to Selimus , was in few dayes put to death , and his head in derision carried about afterwards thorow lesser Asia , then sent to the Venetians as a witness of his Victory . Selimus reduced all his Kingdom into a Province of 3 parts , to every part a Sanzack . Alisbeg to be chief over the rest , wanting nothing of a King , but the name only . And leaving Sinan there , commanded him , after he had set all things in good order , to winter in Iconium , himself , with a few , returning to Constantinople ; for he heard , the Hungarians had made incursions into Servia , and spoiled it . Wherefore least he should lose Samandria , reputed the Bulwark of Servia and Thrace , he sent Jonuses , Bassa of Bosnia , with 8000 Horse into Croatia , as far as Catinum , transporting another Army over Dannbius , into Hungary , that the Hungarians at once ; doubly beset , might fear their estate : and to shew the World of what power the Othomur Emperors were , &c. Having thus pressed the Hungarians , he at Hadrianople , and Constantinople , the following winter , more prepared for Warre than ever , as being advertized , that Maximilian the Emperour , with the Germ : Princes , Uladislaus of Hungary , and Sigismund of Poland , had combined to war on him ; but learning by his intelligencers sent into all parts of Europe , that their meetings proved but great words and Banquets , he turned himself with all his preparations again toward the East , to the great quiet of Christendom . Yet he strengthned his frontiers , with most strong Garisons , leaving his Son to Solyman at Hadrianople , and Pyrrhus Bassa his Tutor , which was strange , a native Turk , at Constantinople , then he sent Cherseogles , whom he was most trusted , with his Army into Bythinia , making Zafferus an Eunuch , Admiral of his Navy lately built , and with wondrous charge rigged forth , and staying a little at Constantinople , to see the young Souldiers then choosing Janizaries , he departed to his Army at Iconium , intending again to invade the Persian , Being come thither , he heard that Campson Gaurus , Sultan of Aegypt , was come into Syria with a great Army , giving out , he wou'd ayd the Persian King his Confederate , entring into Cilicia with all Hostility , if Selimus proceeded to invade him : he , perplexed , and fearing if he should passe Euphrates , Campson should break in by Mount Amanus , and indanger that part of his Dominion , stayed at Iconium , sending the Cadalescher , who wrote the Commentaries of this Warre , and Jachis a great Captain , with great presents to pacifie him , if possible , not to hinder or disturb Selimus , from warring upon Hysmael , who had so invaded his Dominions in Asia ; and by a new form of superstition , had corrupted and altered the most sure grounds of Mahometanism : and if Campson would by no conditions be removed , then diligently to learn his strength and designs , and speedily to return . Campson , though spent with age and living in worldly blisse ; yet for sundry causes thought this expedition good and needful ; for he hated Selimus for his cruelty , and would never renew the League with him made with Bajazet ; desiring also to represse and abate his insolency , grown by success , beyond reasons bounds , &c. especially , fearing the losse of Syria , and so of all his Kingdom : for Aegypt , Judea , and Syria intollerably oppressed with the Mamalukes , were in danger to revolt , if the Persians should chance to be vanquished , with whom he h dmade a firm League : also moved with Aladin's misery , he was perswaded , Selimus might by his and Hysmael's forces be thrust out of all ; for Aladin living three years in his Court , had by all means possible incited the Mamalukes to revenge . Likewise Aladules eldest Son fleeing into Aegypt , had filled so the minds of all with detestation of Selimus his cruelty , that the chief of the Mamalukes humbly besought Campson , to take on him so just a war : & if through years he thought himself unable ; yet to give them leave of themselves to take it in hand . These Mamalukes far excelled the Turks both in strength , skilful riding , goodly armour and also in courage and wealth . Many Christians of loose life , or condemned for notorious offences , fleeing to Aegypt , and abjuring their Religion , being circumcised , and meet for the wars grew by degrees to great honour , as did Tangarihardinus the Son of a Spanish Marriner , by whose advice ( in Campson's time ) almost all things were done , and was by him sent Ambassadour to Bajazet , and to the State of Venice , about matters of great importance ; yet at length by envy he was brought into disgrace , thrust out of his place , cast into prison , and miserably died , loaded with cold irons . For appeasing the mischief arising in that servile Monarchy ( for 4 years ) by civil wars , about the succession of a Sultan , after Caytheius his death , to the sore weakening of the Mamalukes estate , the great Courtiers , and chief men amongst them offered the Kingdom to Campson Gaurus , or ( as the Turks ) Casaves Gauris a man of great integrity and courage , and free from ambition : who earnestly , at first , refused it , excusing himself as unfit for so high a place , and with tears standing in his eys , besought other great Lords to forbear to thrust him , ( content with his private life ) into that place subject to so many dangers , &c. ( for he was terrified with the example of so many Kings slain in a short time by other proud competitors ) . They perswaded him not upon a foolish obstinacy or vain modesty , to refuse his good fortune ; but couragiously to take on him the government of the State , sore shaken with civil discord , together with the regal dignity , promising by solemn Oath , with all their power , policy , and wealth , to maintain and defend the Majesty of his State , and that the men of war , should not demand their wonted largesse , till it might be raised out of his Customs , and other Crown-Revenues ; whereby he suffered himself to be salured Sultan , and having given 10 millions of Ducars to the men of War , as a largess , and by his moderate Government , had caused men generally to admire his prowesse and wisdom , he so reformed the shaken State of that Kingdom , taking away by poyson and other secret devices , the chief Authors of that Sedition , that for 16 years , neither tumult or noise of war , was heard in all Syria and Aegypt : Undoubtedly worthy the name of a most excellent and fortunate Prince , if in the winding up of his life he had not rashly thrust himself into the dangerous quarrels of other Princes . Campson , encamping at the River Orontes , ( now Farfar ) entertained Selimus , his Embassadours with more bounty than courtesie ; who most temperately and calmly delivering their Embassage in his Pavilion , he answered , The Aegyptian Sultans ( holding the chief place in their Religion ) used to keep with all care other Mahometans in concord , whereof he was ever desirous , and was come into Syria , only to perswade 〈◊〉 to peace ; who , if he would proceed against Hysmael his confederate , he would not long suffer all to go to rack for the pleasure and fury of one insolent and ambitious man , saying , He had long seen into Selimus his insatiable , fierce , and troublesome disposition ; who , procuring the death of his Father , slaying his Brethren , Nephews , with many other his best friends and faithful Counsellors , could make no end of his ambitious tyranny : therefore , to tell him the only condion of peace should be , If he desisted from invading Hysmael , and restored to Aladeules's Son his Father's Kingdom , long under the Aegyptian Sultan's protection , as he ought to be ; whereby , besides his friendship , he should reap more glory by a sure and honourable peace , than by a dangerous war. Though the Embassadours knew , Selimus would not , for any threats , give over his enterprize ; yet that being the sooner dispatched , they might truly advertize Selimus of the Sultans sudden coming , he seemed wondrously to like of his motion , and to give good hope by their perswasions to induce Selimus his liking , &c. So being by Campson rewarded , they departed , travelling day and night till they came to Selimus , who was come to Caesaria . Campson also came into Comagena unto Aleppo , at this day a famous City , for its commodious scituation , much frequented by Marchants from the farthest part of the world ; but the City Birtha at Euphrates , of late time bounded the Aegyptian Sultan's Kingdom from the Persian . Selimus understanding by his Embassadours , both of the comming and number of his enemies , also the Sultan's proud answer , thought good to convert his forces another way than 〈◊〉 ; Wherefore , making shew as if he would have gone against the Persian , he sent before , part of his Army with his Carriages to Suassia , formerly Sebastae , standing in the Persians frontiers ; but , turning on the right hand , purposed to passe Taurus , and suddenly into Comagena , to come upon Campson before he were well aware ; wherefore he cheerfully declared to his Janizaries , & other Court Souldiers , what he resolved to do , with the Reasons , perswading them , the victory would be easily atchieved ; if they couragiously and with speed , would get up to the top of the Mountains , and recover those difficult passages , not fearing the vain names of 〈◊〉 ; for why , said he , the strength of those horsemen is long since decayed and gone ; the old Mamalukes , who in Caytheius his time were of some fame , are all dead , &c. To overcome ( said he ) , indeed wholly consisteth in their courage and valour , who deem nothing more honourable or better than to spend their 〈◊〉 for the honour of their Prince and Country . Here the Janizaries 〈◊〉 their weapons , cryed our , He should conduct them whither he would , they being ready to overcome all difficulties , and endure all labours and dangers . Selimus , by the people , finding the easiest passages , resolved to passe the Mountain in three places , and by opening streight passages , by the people and Souldiers , and making rough waies smooth , encouraging by reward those Souldiers who took extraordinary pains therein , in 5 daies , all his Army , baggage , and Carriages , got over the mountain into Comagena's Plains : for where Taurus takes the name of Amanus , it is not exceeding high , nor yet impassible . Alis Beg the betrayer of Aladeules , being sent for , with a strong power of Horse , speedily over-ran all at the foot of Amanus and Taurus ; thereby to understand , of the people and those they could take , where Campson lay : also by keeping the passages to do what possible , that Selimus his coming might not be 〈◊〉 . Campson who had vainly and proudly flattered himself , could not be perswaded , Selimus was come over Mount Amanus , till he had certain news , that he was encamped with a most puissant Army , within 2 daies march of him . Then as sore troubled , he sometimes hoped well , and by and by was as half dismayed . And being exceeding careful of his honour and himself , doubted whether to retire into more safe places , or to hazzard a battel , though on great disadvantage ; for besides the Mamalukes Military glory above 300 years , himself being 77 years old , was not willing to reserve his last daies to shame and obloquie . One Jamburd Gazelles above others ( valiant , experienced , and Governour of Apamia ) thought , to fight with the Turks most expert Souldiers , with so small a power , was desperately dangerous : also that 't was good speedily to retire , choosing 〈◊〉 as the fittest place for war , whither they might easily retire , ( the Turks not able hastily to follow them for their Foot and Carriages ) and calling thither all the Mamalukes in 〈◊〉 and Aegypt , and entertaining the Arabians to protract the war till Winter , when the enemy would want victual : neither was it to be feared , Aleppo ( though but reasonably furnished ) could be presently taken , the enemy having but small field-pieces . Besides , aid would soon come from the Persians out of Mesopotamia , and Hysmael was like enough to break into Asia the lesse : they might also , upon request , have great Artillery from Rhodes and Cyprus against the common enemy ; afterwards , he said , Campson , if he saw meet might ( on eeven hand ) give battel ; but seeing the most 〈◊〉 motions of the greatest wars , did commonly by politick delay grow calm , he should not make too much haste , since the errours of war often chancing through Chieftain's rashnes , might be lamen ed and detested , but hardly or never recovered or amended . This grave speech much moved the Sultan and others ; but the fool-hardy Mamalukes began to leap , dance , and rejoyce , that now they might prove their 〈◊〉 , and win themselves honour , a time long wished for , by notable 〈◊〉 of their enemies , to advance Campsons Majesty far above the fame of 〈◊〉 : Some chief ones also , upon flattery and boasting , alleadged how they overthrew the Turks great Army at Taurus , perswading him the victory would be easily gotten . Chiefly Cayerbeius Governour of the Province and 〈◊〉 ( afterward preferred by Selimus to the greatest honours of Aegypt ) extolling the Mamalukes , and extenuating the enemy , strove to the utmost to overthrow Gazelles wholsome Counsel ; for he grudged in heart against Campson , who had poysoned his brother next to himself in power , and of an aspiring mind . Cayerbeius , doubting the same on himself , when summoned to a Parliament at Caire , feigned himself sick : Campson offended hereat , thought best to wait for a fitter opportunity , to take away that proud man , &c. either coming to Aleppo upon occasion of that war , or of going in person to Euphrates ; for the Sultans accounted themselves unworthy of that name before they had encamped their Army at Byrtha , and with solemn pomp forced their horses into the River to drink , thereby to shew , they were ready by Arms to prove , all to be theirs along Euphrates , from Taurus to Arabia's desarts . 〈◊〉 this wars consideration , caused him to deferr his wrath against Cayerbeius , till the end thereof , lest the Mamalukes should revolt , or some mutiny be raised in Aleppo , he keeping there a strong Citidal , built on a hills rising in the middle of the City , with a sure Garrison . Many of Campson's secret friends ( the while ) advised Cayerbeius to beware of the Sultan , &c. who without delay , sent secretly to Selimus , declaring the cause of his grief , promising to come to him upon occasion and to deliver to him the Castle , with the heart of the Citizens , and all his own Horsmen : & for performance of promise on both sides , required Hostages ; also advertising him of the Sultan's strength , in any case to give him battel , before he had a greater power . Selimus condiscended to all , promising him far greater things than he required . Campson , through the General consent of his Souldiers , resolved to dare him battel . He lay encamped on the River Singa , almost 10 miles from the City , that his Souldiers using the benefit of the River , and removed from the Cities pleasures , might yet be relieved with the plenty thereof . The Mamalukes were scarce 12000 , yet every one according to his place , had more servants well furnished . Besides , their cunning and furniture in their fighting , their Horses were strong , couragious and swift , and so docible , that at signs and speeches of the Rider , they would reach him with their teeth from the ground a Launce , Arrow . &c. and run upon the enemy with open mouth , lashing at him with their heels , and had learned not to be afraid of anything . Campson made 4 battels : Cayerbeius led the first , it being in his Province . Sybeius , Governour of Damasco , ( called for his activity Balvano , that is , a Tumbler ) the second . After them ( who were to charge both the Turkish wings at once ) followed Gazelles with the third . Campson , all glistering , himself led the fourth , almost a mile and half behind . The last was to defend the Camp. Selimus ordered his Asian horse in the right wing , his European in the left , his Janizaries and Artillery in the main battel ; before whom , between the wings , he placed his valiant Pensioners , serving that day amongst them , not used so to do . Cayerbeius gave a hot charge upon the Europeans ; and by and by , as if to compasse in that wing , wheeled a great way about behind them , where lighting on a great company of drugdes , &c. with Cammels and Carriages , he made there a great stir , with little slaughter . Sybeius , turning his Troops on the left hand , entred overthwart the ranks of the other wing ; where , having made great slaughter of the Asian Horse , they furiously bare down all before them , till they came to their Ensigns in the midst : neither could Mustapha the Beglerbeg , nor the Imbrahar Bassa , ( or Master of the horse ) by any means stay the rest from flight . So Sybeius now thrusting in betwixt the foot and the Pensioners backs , brought great fear on the whole main battel ; the matter being extreamly dangerous ; for Selimus was hereby almost cut off from his Foot ; the Janizaries being also hardly charged by Gazelles , setting on the head of their battel . But by the seasonable coming in of Sinan Bassa with many fresh troops , ( being but lightly charged by Cayerbeius the traytor ) the Mamalukes fury was repressed , the Turks encouraged , and the victory soon wrung out of their hands : Selimus then discharging his Artillery amongst them , their Horses somewhat troubled , could not be so well ruled as before , themselves , though wondrous couragious , being oppressed with the multitude of their enemies ; yet serring close , they brake thorough the midst of them , with great slaughter of the Europeans , and hurt of the Pensioners , speedily fleeing toward the Camp and City , Sinan following with the readiest Troops ; for Selimus who that day seemd greater than himself ; riding up and down , called earnestly upon them to urge the victory . Campson on the way , coming for relief , or to partake of victory , heard by those that fled , That Cayerbeius was revolted , his Army overthrown , and his Souldiers flight not to be stayed : 't was also reported , that the enemies multitude and their Artilleries force were not to be encountred ; Whereat the proud old man , who never rasted of ill hap , was ready for grief to sink down , and forthwith his own men and the pursuing enemy , coming upon him , who without regard overthrew whomsoever they met , he being corpulent , of great years , and , besides his weighty Armour , troubled with a rupture , through hear and grief , fainted in that presse , and falling down was troden to death . The 〈◊〉 of Damasco and Tripolis fighting behind , to represse the pursuers force , were slain . Selymus erecting a few Tents in the field ; keeping most of his men in Arms , slept not that night , as not yet assured of his victory , lest the Mamalukes should set upon his Camp , knowing they were put to flight rather by Cayerbeius his treachery , and fury of his Ordnance , than by valour . Gazelles and others hearing of Campson's death , baiting their Horses hasted from Aleppo , to Damasco . Next day , Selimus giving his enemies rich Tents , to his Souldiers for a prey , had Aleppo delivered to him by Cayerbeius , and , to win the Citizens hearts the more , granted them greater priviledges than formerly . This noted battel ( wherein not above 1000 Mamalukes were slain , but of their servants , &c. many more , whose foggy fat Horses , brought up in cold Stables , fainted , with the scorching heat , so that many betook themselves to their feet and were easily slain ) was fought Aug. 17. 1516 , on which day two years , he obtained the victory against Hysmael , in the Calderan fields . He lost 3000 Horsemen , although Sinan by Cayerbeius his Treason , escaped with small losse . Campson's body being found two dayes after , was laid in open place , that such as believed him alive , might be out of hope of his return from Caire ; and others , revolted , might be the more confirmed ; and afrer three dayes , thus laying and beginning to grow noysome , it was simply buried in the most ancient Temple of Aleppo . Selimus sent Jonuses Bassa to pursue his enemies to Damasco , who himself came thither few dayes after , his enemies being fled to Cair . They of Damasco not thinking it good to hazard their lives with that Cities great Wealth , opened to him the Gates ; other Sea-Cities , as Tripolis , Berytus , Sidon , Ptolemais , &c. yielding themselves in like manner . Not long after , he held a great Counsel in his Camp , under its walls ; for he brought not his Souldiers in , for troubling the Cities State , and the great Trade then very securely there kept by Merchants of divers Countries . And so severe was his Discipline , that 〈◊〉 Orchards and 〈◊〉 , it being 〈◊〉 , rested without a 〈◊〉 , untouched : whereby his Camp had 〈◊〉 of all necessaries , at reasonable prices . And taking men skilled in the Lawes and Customs of the Country , with Embassadors of all Cities , he decided the Syrians greatest controversies , appointing Governours , viewing the Tributes and Customs , abrogating many old ones due , seeming unreasonable or grievous . Having refreshed his Army , especially his Horses grown lean , he most desirous of conquering Aegypt , sent Sinan into Judea with 15000 Horse , and a selected Regiment of Harquebusiers to try the passage , and open a way to Gaza , thought to be troublesome , for the wild roaming Arabians : Gaza 〈◊〉 nigh the Sea , towards Aegypt , not farre from the Sandy Desarts . The Mamalukes the while , assembled generally at Caire , without contention 〈◊〉 Tomombeius or Tuman-bai a Curcassian , their King , being Diadare , or next in office before . He thinking his own Majesty , and the Mamalukes remaining hopes , to be wholly reposed in Arms ; with great industry provided Armor , Weapons and Horses , casting store of Ordnance , and mustering great Companies of his slaves : entertain ng many Moors and Arabians : Hiring also men skilful to go thorow the Palmyren Desarts , into Mesopotamia , and so to Hysmael , requesting him by Letters to invade Asia the lesse , or speedily to break into Comagena , then destitute of sufficient Garrisons : and that Selimus , then in Judea's 〈◊〉 , might easily be inclosed by them both , and vanquished or distressed for want : and the rather , for that there was no Turkish Fleet on that Coast , &c. Sinan the while Selimus his forerunner ( having 〈◊〉 divers Companies of theevish Arabians ) was come to Gaza : the 〈◊〉 , ( though in heart the Mamalukes ) yielded him their City on composition , and relieved him , giving him great dissembled thanks , that by his meanes they were 〈◊〉 from the Mamalukes bondage , & ever promised to remain faithfull for so great a benefit . Sinan commending their good will , lodged his Army nigh the Walls , within defence of the Gardens , there to expect Selimus his coming . And the while , 〈◊〉 sought to get knowledge of that 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 Country , chiefly of the nature of the great sanos : winning by rewards the Inhabitants thereabout , to procure the chief Arabians favour , by large offers , and to spie what the Mamalukes did at Caire , &c. and give him knowledge . The Gazians on tother side , advertized Tomombeius of Sinan's coming , and that he might be oppressed before Selimus came , if a strong power were sent thither , and if the Mamalukes would at an appointed time , set by night upon them , they then sallying out , would do them what harm they could with fire and sword . Tomombeius presently sent Gazelles with 6000 choise Horsemen and many Arabians ; who having shewn himself a politique and valiant Chiefetain , all held a great opinion of his valour and direction . But Sinan was instantly advertised by his Intelligencers , that they were coming suddenly to oppress him , and would be with him within two dayes , being on the 〈◊〉 . But Sinan , though he knew nothing , yet providently suspecting the Gazians treachery , silently betwixt 10 and 12 at night , 〈◊〉 his Army , marched about 15 miles toward Aegypt , nigh which was a small Village , wherein Travellers lodged , for a plentious Spring 〈◊〉 rise h ; Sinan and Gazelles both , purposed to stay there : both whose fore runners brought newes that the enemy was at hand . Gazelles not a little troubled , and unable to fight in plain battel ; especially his Horses 〈◊〉 sore wearied , was inforced on a new resolution ; yet not 〈◊〉 , he chearfully exhorted his Souldiers to make ready , and perform that by force which they could not by policy . Sinan having somewhat sooner set his men in order , as taking order before , with long hopeful perswasions encouraged his , to play the men ; not to think of flight , for the wayes would be shut up ; chiefly to be perswaded , no one could perish , but whom the immortal God had appointed to die : that valiant men found life in the midst of their enemies , as cowards death in their safest flight . Sinan placed his Harquebusiers in the wings , in thin Ranks , the easier to use their pieces , and enclose the enemy . Gazelles sent , before , the Arabian light Troops , to trouble the enemies wings : charging their middle battel with a square battel . The battel was long terrible , and doubtful ; for the Turks being glad to give ground , and disordered by the Mamalukes breaking in , began to look which way to flee ; but the Harquebusiers having repulsed the Arabians , wheeling about , enclosed the enemies battel , whereby men and Horse were a far off slain , true valour helping them not ; for the Mamalukes pressing forward , the Turks retired , labouring only to gaul them with shot . Gazelles , his Horses being spent , the Arabians beginning to fall off , and many of his valiantest men slain or wounded , ( himself also wounded in the neck ) making his way thorow , losing divers Ensigns , fled back to Caire : having lost the Governours of Alexandria and Caire , with 1000 more , and a great number of Arabians . Sinan lost above 2000 of his best Horsemen , some being noted Commanders . The Turks ( not able to pursue ) there encamped near the Fountain : and next day gathering the spoil , fastned their enemies heads , known by their long beards , upon date Trees ; in witness of their labour , and to feed the eyes of fierce Selimus , shortly to passe that way . They of Gaza , supposing Sinan on some knowledge of the Mamalukes coming , had retired , early setting upon many left in the Camp , most being sick and weak , slew them , and presently spoyled 2000 Horsemen of their Carriages , putting them to flight , who were sent from Selimus to Sinan : who fearing he had been lost with his Army , in fear retiring , were slain by the Arabians : neither had one escaped , if Juleb sent from Selimus to Sinan with Graecian Horsemen at Rama , had not repressed their fury : yet they calling for more and more , dwelling in the Mountains , were a great Army overtaking the Turks , at the Village Carasbara , forcing them to fight in a place of great disadvantage ; for having taken straits , closing in the passage of a large Valley , they were before , behind , and on both sides at once . They skilfully used Bows and Arrows , with long Speares armed at both ends , upon their swift Horses ; so that the Turks keeping close , hardly defended themselves , in number few : Juleb opening the way by 4 pieces of Artillery , speedily brought his men thorow those straits ; then marching more safely , he skirmished a far off with them , discharging his Field-pieces , where he saw the thickest of those wild people : yet they were still hovering in their rear ; slaying such as could not follow , and not suffering them to refresh or take rest : so that many through thirst , wounds and labour , died ; but a great number of other Turks met them unlooked for , being even at last cast ; for Selimus having left Imbrahor Bassa upon Persia's borders , and sent for supplies from Constantinople , by Sea to be transported , had removed from Damasco , and the better to provide for Victuals and forrage , every day , sent before , great Companies of his Army . Juleb , next day meeting with Selimus , told him all that had hapned , and what they conjectured of Sinan Bassa : He now exceeding melancholy , thought good to go no further , before he knew how it stood with Sinan , in whose fortune he had put the hope of his good success ; But suddenly came the Syrian Spies , declaring what Sinan had done , turning that melancholy into joy , seeing by that Victory Aegypt laid open to him , &c. Next day removing to Rama , he burnt , by the way , the dwellings , Wives , and Children of those Arabians , who had done so much harm to his men ; and sending his Foot to Sinan at Gaza , himself turned on the left hand to Jerusalem , to visit that ancient and famous City , then unpeopled , desolate and defaced , not inhabited by Jews , but mostly by a few poor Christians , who payed a wondrous yearly tribute to the Sultan of Aegypt , for the possession of the holy Grave ; & reverently worshiping the Monuments of the Prophets , and having done special sacrifice to Mahomet , he gave to the Christian Priests keepers thereof , as to devout men , money to maintain them for six moneths ; and afrer one nights stay , marched in four dayes to Gaza , having skirmishes day and night with the Arabians : who , where the Turks were forced for the wayes straightness , to extenuate their ranks , they would be ready to skirmish , and suddenly come to handiblows : tumbling down upon them great stones from the Mountains : their Harquebusiers through the weathers rayniness , and tempestuousness , serving to little purpose ; yet the Janizaries climbing up the hills with Pikes , and driving them from their standings , near the Emperors Person , no 〈◊〉 hurt was done . Sinan , who returning , had put to death the Authors of the treachery at Gaza , confiscating their Goods , and exacted a great sum of the People in general , went to meet Selimus with his victorious Souldiers : who gave to the Captains generally , and particularly , the 〈◊〉 common Souldiers , silk Garments , with a great sum of money as a reward . He stayed but four dayes at Gaza ; and although his expedition required great haste , yet his Army was to be refreshed , and great provision to be made for carriage of water on Cammels backs , thorow the drie , solitary and light 〈◊〉 Desarts , by the winde much troubling the weary passengers ; but such a sudden calm ensued , the great rain falling few dayes before , that Selimus wanted nothing , no not plenty of water , for the happy conduct of his Army ; yet the wild Arabians all along , hovered about them for prey , snatching up , and slaying any that stragled , or stayed behind ; but he provided an easie re-medy by placing his Field-pieces in divers parts to be , upon danger , discharged upon them : also strong Harquebusiers in the rear-ward , for defence of the weak who could but softly follow . By this meanes , with small losse he in 8 dayes drew nigh to Caire ; Sinan with his Europeans , keeping a dayes journey before . Into a Village called Matharea , famous for plenty of excellent balm , about six miles from Caire , nigh the Village Rhodania , Tomombeius conveighing all his new and old Artillery , had drawn deep ditches a crosse the field and high way , closly covering them with weak hurdles and earth : and he with about 12000 Mamalukes , and a multitude of Arabian Horsemen , lay in convenient places , that the Turks approaching might feel the force of his Ordnance , before come within Arrowes shot , and forthwith to set upon them , disordered and entrapped , so that none doubted of the success ; a great mischief to the Turks , if the treachery of a few , had not frustrated their great endeavors . For 4 Epirot Mamalukes ( grieving at the preferment of Tomombeius : whether upon malice , or hope of reward , &c. or in that declining of their Kingdom to seek new friends , fled secretly to Sinan : who being born in a Village of Epirus , a Sow kept in the House , is reported to have bit off his Genitories , being a Child sleeping in a shady place ; and being brought to Constantinople , by the takers up of minions for 〈◊〉 Turk , was presented to Mahomet the great : where 〈◊〉 advanced him to his appointed honours whom she had before dismembered ) instructing Selimus and him especially , what stratagems Tomombeius had devised , whereinto they must needs fall , if they forlook not the high way . Wherefore by their guidance , they by a great compass and unusual way , came before day , shewing themselves at their enemies backs in order of 〈◊〉 , with their Artillery ready bent . Tomombeius , though above measure 〈◊〉 at the frustrating of all that he with such industry and labour had brought to pass , yet being of an invincible courage , entered into his wonted devices , telling quickly his chief Commanders what to do : the Signal for making ready was to be given , the battel to be ordered , the 〈◊〉 encouraged : and his Ordnance to be quite contrary turned , hardly at once , to be directed by one , and hastily to be done by many ; but especially the great concourse for removing of the huge iron 〈◊〉 like Ship Ordnance , most troubled the well ordering of the rest with their tumultuous stir ; but 〈◊〉 and constancy much helped their difficulties : who although twice overcome , and in so suddain an accident , were still of greater spirit and confidence . Wherefore Tomombeius , the signal being given , commanded his Arabians to enclose the enemie's wings behind , skirmishing with them , that , if possible , the Turks Horsmen , might be 〈◊〉 , before he came to charge them , 〈◊〉 his Ordnance presently to be discharged . So did the Turks likewise , bringing them within an arrow-shot . So that for a good space they beat one upon another with their Ordnance only : the Egyptians Cannoneers being almost all 〈◊〉 , and many of their Field-peeces broken , by the others shot . For Selimus had allured many excellent Canoniers , out of Italy and Germany , chiefly of those Jews who were banished Spain by Ferdinand , dispersing , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 those devices thorough the East . Jacobus Regio Lepidi was the chief , a cunning Engineer , who lately through the Turks rewards , revolted to 〈◊〉 . But after the matter brought to battel , the 〈◊〉 with a most hideous cry , furiously assailed the Turks in three 〈◊〉 : for Selimus keeping his wont , approached his enemies in form of a half Moon : Mustapha 〈◊〉 the Asians in the right wing , Jonuses the Europeians in the left , himself the main battel : Sinan the General of the field led a 〈◊〉 number of selected Horsmen , 〈◊〉 five hundred 〈◊〉 , Harquebusiers , ready against all uncertain events . So almost at once , four sharp battels were made in divers places . Some present , report , that , what for clamour , 〈◊〉 of Instruments of War , and rising of the 〈◊〉 , all were so confounded , that mistaking one another , they sle v many friends instead of 〈◊〉 : never battels meeting with greater 〈◊〉 , nor two Kings with lesse care of their persons and safety , 〈◊〉 desperately shewed their strength and courage . Gazellus to requite the Eurepeians for the 〈◊〉 not far from Gaza very suriously 〈◊〉 Jonuses , and at first 〈◊〉 brake his first Ranks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his Guidons ; and the Arabians then pressing in behind forced 〈◊〉 victorious , the flower of Thrace , Thessalia , Epirus , 〈◊〉 and Grecia to 〈◊〉 , which never enemy before saw : but Sinan comming speedily in with his fresh Troops , 〈◊〉 the declining battel ; and while he was fighting couragiously in the head of his battel , he was by 〈◊〉 Bidon coming in , slain : to rescue whose dead body , while his followers laboured , they were by Gazellus unfolding his Troops , most slain , the rest put to flight : and the five hundred choise Janizaries , now destitute of Horse , when they had done what was possible were compassed , cut in pieces , and trodden under foot in a trice . Mustapha in the other wing , sore pressed the Egyptians left wing , which valliant Helymis the Diadare , and Giapal led , who had lately received great harm by Selimus his overthwart Ordnance . Mustapha hereupon with his whole Troops , overthrew their broken Ranks , and glistering , with a lond voyce encouraged his Asians by valour or honourable death , to recover their honour lost in the fields of Aleppo . Then also Tomombeius breaking thorow the middle battle of the Turks-Horse , entered among the Foot , giving many a deadly wound with his Scimitar , he being big and strong . The Arabians also had enclosed the uttermost of the Turks , forcing them in many places to turn upon them , being doubtfully charged before and behind . Selimus setting forward with his foot , and Janizaries , neither the couragious barbed Horses , nor their Riders could abide their force ; for with their harquebusiers and pikes , they so strongly be set their front , that nothing could stand where that linked body swayed ; yet this cruel battel continued doubtful fromthe fourth hour , till Sun setting , every part of both Armies with divers successes enduring the fury of that fight , both victors and 〈◊〉 , fighting as prodigal of their lives , &c. So that their bodies wearied and weakened with wounds , supported with anger seemed sufficient to mantain that Battel till next day ; if the darkness coming on , had not ended that dayes slaughter . Tomombeius fearing to be utterly 〈◊〉 , first sounded a retreat , that his Mamalukes might not seem to be put to 〈◊〉 ; for the fortune which deceiv'd his first hopes , seemed to promise better success , if , as not discouraged , he should renew the War. The Turks enjoying their enemies tents and Ordnance , pursued them till midnight . It was fought Jan. 24. 1517. The Diadare was taken in flight , mortally wounded , and valiant Bidon , having his knee broken with a 〈◊〉 his Horse being therewith slain : both whom , Selimus next day , commanded to be slain either for their wounds thought uncurable , or to revenge Sinan's death , which he wondrously lamented . The Turks Armies was greatly impaired even in their fortunate Battels : the fourth part was consumed by sickness and Sword , that day tyring many Horses , besides their former long journey . Wherefore not yet experiencing the 〈◊〉 disposicion , nor certainly understanding where Tomombeius stayed , or what he resolved , staying four dayes at Matharea and Rhodania , he provided for his wounded , and burying his dead but not his enemies . Then for more commodious watering , he came into the plains between old Caire and Bulace . Tomombeius , encamping between new Caire and Nilus , with his collected 〈◊〉 , Aethiopian slaves , 〈◊〉 so is and 〈◊〉 : also Jews and Arabians having opened the old Armory , 〈◊〉 for a 〈◊〉 War than before ; but , having lost his 〈◊〉 , with many of his 〈◊〉 Horsmen , and desiring to protract the War till heat of Summer , he thought not good to adventure another 〈◊〉 : but resolved by night to 〈◊〉 the Turks Camp , and if possible to 〈◊〉 on fire : that he might attempt some notable exploit before the enemies should perceive his weak 〈◊〉 , and before grown into contempt with the 〈◊〉 Aegyptians , expecting but some fit occasion to 〈◊〉 : also by benefit of the night , to avoid the danger of their great 〈◊〉 . But Selimus by some 〈◊〉 who daily 〈◊〉 him , understanding hereof , making great fires in his Camp , kept most careful watch : whereby next night Tomombeius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with no small loss of his first Troops , unadvisedly going on too far , and misdoubting the unwonted fires , called back his hasting Troops , marching into the very mouth of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on 〈◊〉 . Tomombeius his chief Captains now 〈◊〉 him with his whole strength to man Caire and keep the Turks from entring : wherefore the Mamalukes coming thither , furnished all their 〈◊〉 , and flat roofs of their Houses with all 〈◊〉 of Weapons : requesting the Egyptians to take arms against their antient and 〈◊〉 enemies , not to suffer themselves to be slain , their goods spoiled , and their wives and children to be miserably captivated , since the merciless enemy ( if they overcame ) would not spare them , though they stood as newters , &c. Many of the wealthiest , as they thought the charge would be hurtful to their trades and wealth ; so were they ready to help their old Lords . But many of the middle sort , and far moe of the basest vulgar , having little or nought to lose , hoped to gain by others losses , and remembring their about three hundred years slavery under the proud Mamalukes , kept close , expecting the last event , secretly rejoycing , that their cruel Masters should now be justly punished ; and the more , that the revenge should be by the hazard of others lives , with which , they hoped shortly to fill their eyes . Tomombeius with much labour and care fortified all the gates and entrances of that great and ancient City ( for it was not compassed with any walls ) appointing to every street a Captain , in every publike 〈◊〉 encouraging the people , and omitting nothing that could be done or devised : making cheerful shew of greatest hope in so great a danger . The Mamalukes also , strivingly , according to every ones devise , caused great ditches , or Timber-logs to be cast along the streets , some setting up sharp Stakes in covert Trenches , that the enemy falling on them unawares , might be engaged ; others furnished the windows and fronts of their Houses in the greatest streets , with Harquebusiers , and all ( with many moe ) with such speed , that none refused to put his hand to any labour . The broadest street came strait from the East gate to the Castle and middle of the City ( the rest , were so narrow and crooked , that no great Artillery could be brought by them , or Souldiers enter without great danger ) : into this , especially , Tomombeius conveighed his chiefest strength , for the enemy must needs come in that way ; but the innermost part , where the Castle stood , was kept with very great , strong and valiant Garrison : thence , on all occasions to come for relief ; for why , that greatest City , could not with his then so small power , be in every place sufficiently defended . Selimus certainly understanding hereof , drew nearer to the City with his Army , exhorting them , now a little to force themselves for gaining of the Rewards due to their former labours and Victories , which he said , would be more and greater than they had imagined : telling them , there was but few good Souldiers left with the desolate Sultan , &c. making them believe , he was sent for by the Aegyptians , promising to assail the Mamalukes whose name they hated , upon occasion , out of their houses ; yet saying , they were not to be accounted quite overcome , which lived in hope , with Weapons in their hands , possessed of the chief City ; therefore to think , that in that day's fortune rested the good or bad estate of their lives , honour and fortunes : assuring them it would be but small labour to bring it to an end , if in that new kind of fight as in other Battels , they would but resolve to overcome . This speech enflamed the Souldiers , but hope of such prey , much more ; So that Selimus entring by the gate , Bassuela thrust in his Horse at divers places at once , but brought in his Janizaries by the largest street . At first , Horsmen with Horsmen bloodily fought in the narrow streets , but the Foot discharging their Culverings and Falcons before them among the thickest enemies , cleared the street ; but coming to the Bàracadoes and 〈◊〉 , and to remove Timber-logs , &c. by force , they fought with force and obstinacy on both parts , never in mans memory more cruel : for they were not ignorant , that 't was as well as for their lives and Empire , as for honour . Here the Turks received great losse , for running on , the hindermost on the formost , they tumbled by heaps into the covert Trenches , and were impailed upon the sharp stakes . The women and children also throwing down stones , tyles , &c. from house-tops and windows , upon them : they , as they could spie them , fetching them off with their Harquebusies , or breaking into their Houses and fighting with diverse successe ; but most of the Aegyptians according to either fortune , assailed sometimes the Turks , sometimes the Mamalukes , Many cruel encounters were at once , in divers places ; for , crossing from street to street , they both happened on new enemies , and the Victors pursuing a-front , were by others following them slain downright . The lanes and streets so flowed with blood of the slain heaps ; that the dust at first , very thick , was laid as with a plentiful showr , the ayr was darkned with smoak and arrows , and through clamour , noise of Armour , and Artillary , the earth seemed to tremble , and the houses to fall down . It thus continued two whole dayes and nights without ceasing , yet the Mamalukes few , and through such labour and watching , giving ground by degrees , retired further into the City . The third day beset with the greatest danger they so resolutely fought that the Turks retiring a great way , left some Field-pieces behind them : whereat , Selimus despairing commanded to fire the Houses , especially for that Jonuses Bassa , was in his sight dangerously wounded by a stone out of a window . The Houses burning , the Egyptians cryed for mercy : the Turks fighting , but faintly expecting a retreat : but they had sudden news , that Mustapha on their side had forced the enemies to retire and flee ; for he being by some directed to a broad street , where the Mamalukes had left their Horses ready that on the worst chance , they might retire , and so haste to their appointed Refuges , took them all away , having put to flight the weak Garrison of most part Horsboies and Muletors . This accident , daunted the Mamalukes : who now , hardly beset , and in their own judgement overcome , fled , most with Tomombeius to Nile , where being transported in boats , they fled into the Country Sigesta : others hiding in Egyptians Houses and loathsome corners of the City : 1500. of the better sort fled into Mahomet's Temple , long defending themselves , to yield on honourable conditions ; at last , through thirst , wearinesse , and wounds , with the fury of the Ordnance , they yielded to their pleasure ; part being slain in the porch , the rest , sent down the River to Alexandria to be afterwards there murdered . Selimus now , sent part of his Army , to quench the raging fire , proclaiming thorow the City , that all Mamalukes yielding themselves within twelve hours , should have mercy , otherwise , no hope of life ; proposing Rewards to the Egyptians revealing them , but concealing them , to impail them , selling their wives and children , and to burn their Houses ; whereupon , many Mamalukes came forth , and being cast into Irons , were soon after perfidiously murdered , it being given out , they sought to escape : and many Egyptians not breaking their faith with the Mamalukes , their neighbours appeaching them , most constantly died for their friends . The insolent Turks ransacked all the City , drawing out , and 〈◊〉 the hidden Mamalukes , riffling the Houses of friends and foes : and some , in the same Houses , raged at once with covetousnesse , cruelty and lust , as every one was inclined . That day that Selimus took Caire , Gazelles , lately gone to Thebais to assemble the Arabians and new supplies , came thither ; but finding all lost , & c. he came to Selimus upon faith given for 〈◊〉 of him and his followers ( three Arabian Captains and a number of good 〈◊〉 ) in the midst of his chief Captains boldly speaking to him ; If fortune had not envied our safety , thou . shouldst not now have had matter ( most noble Selimus ) to excel others in worthinesse of mind . Whilst we were in Arms , our State standing whole we , as proudly presuming , little 〈◊〉 of thee or the Turks name , yea we hated thee as enemies ; but having to the utmost proved thy force , admiring thy prowesse and victories , not given without the providence of the immortal God , we 〈◊〉 come to thee , to better our 〈◊〉 fortune , that thou by sparing thy vanquished and yielding enemies , mayest extend thy Fame beyond the 〈◊〉 of thy immortal glory . We faithfully served Tomombeius , while he held even but the name of a King , & c. But he being driven out , wandring the Desarts , uncertain whether to live or not ; we come to thee , rather as forsaken than forsaking their Prince , to shew thee our loyalty and valour : if by thy goodnesse , we may serve under thy worthy conduct . Selimus knowing Gazelles his vertue and valour , and desiring a league with the Arabians ( or rather Alarbes ) most to be feared ; courteously received them with honourable pensions , and to sorget their old 〈◊〉 looking for greater things of him . Not long after , the Moors and Arabians with some 〈◊〉 fled to Achasia , making incursions about Caire , often cutting off 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sorrage ) he sending 〈◊〉 to represse them , he quickly winning and lacking Achasia slaying most of those Adventurers , returned in lesse time then was expected . Tomombeius the while , began to make head again , in Sigesta ; for he sent for a strong company of Mamalukes from Alexandria , many great Arabians and Moors of that Country promising him their help : Besides , many Egyptians of Caire , who became a prey , promised , if he would come thither by night , they would raise a tumult , that should easily work the Turks confusion , since they could no longer endure their indignities : sending him word , that the Turks were now but a contemptible number , most being slain in the Battel , and most of the rest very weak with wounds and sicknesse : wherefore hope began to revive Tomombeius his invincible heart , above his miserable state . One 〈◊〉 an Egyptian , the greatest man in all Sigesta , whether to avert the War out of his Country , or to gain Selimus his good liking , came and certified him of Tomombeius his strength , and of the Citizens practises . Who keeping strong watch and ward in all places , secured the suspended Citizens in the Castle , then also in his possession : placing along Nilus armed boats to impeach Tomombeius his passage at the further banks ; yet ( considering Tomombeius was still preparing greater forces in those vast and unknown Countries , and fearing the doubtful faith of the numerous Citizens his power being so small : the Mamalukes also levying supplies in divers Countries whither they fled , and the fleet in the Arabian gulf against the Portugals ( wherein were 3000. Mamalukes with store of brasse Ordnance ) being daily expected at Suezzia ; chiefly fearing , if the Bassa , left at Taurus , should not be able to withstand the Persian King , he should be excluded both out of lesser Asia and Syria before supplies could arrive from Constantinople to Alexandria ) He sent some the reverendest of his Religion , with some honourable Egyptians , Embassadors to Tomombeius , bountifully promising him on the faith of a Prince , if he would come in and submit , he should on reasonable conditions , repossesse his Kingdom , never by force to regain ; but otherwise , when the matter was again tryed by Battel , he should never find any regard of his Princely State , from his angry enemy : These passing into Sigesta , were barbarously slain by some Mamalukes chancing on them , to gratifie Tomombeius now not knowing of it , and shew , they desired no peace . Selimus provoked by so great injury , provided all things necessarie for his expedition into Sigesta against Tomombeius ; and , for his honour and conveniency , mad a strong Bridge to passe over Nilus , with all small Vessels and Lighters he could gather . Tomombeius understanding hereof , and fearing the Country-people's revolt , by means of Albucho●ar , determined once again to prove the fortune of a battel : wherefore by advice of his best Captains , he timely departed out of Sigesta with 4000 Mamalukes , and 8000 Moors and Arabians , travelling day and 〈◊〉 to come to Nilus , the Turks suspecting no such thing from their weak enemies , hoping by his suddain approach to overthrow part of the Turks Army first passing the River , before relieved from tother side : and fitly came to the place , even as the Asian Horsmen were come over the Bridge . Selimus his harbingers and Pages being gone somewhat farther then the rest , to choose a fit place for his Pavilion , perceiv'd their coming by the dust . Mustapha suddenly raising an alarm , brought great fear , both on them passed over , and on them on the further side . Tomombeius assailing them , while but putting themselves in order , & c. slew those that resisted , discomfiting the rest : neither could Mustapha by his invincible courage or perswasion , repair his disordered Battel , or stay their flight , all being full of tumult , slaughter and fear : and all along the Rivers Bank Turks ruthfully looking on the River , cryed to those on tother side for help : many forced to take the River , perished : Others striving to return by the Bridge , . through fear or being overborn by their fellows , sell in and were drowned . Four men abreast might pass at once ; but the Ordnance passing over , fewer Horse were sent than the sudden danger required : nor could their Ordnance be discharged without hurt to the further Banks , their own men standing between . Selimus the while , filling a number of Boats , & c. with his Harquebusse Janizaries , hasted his Horsmen over the Bridge for relief ; in which Boats the Watermen were so nimble , that they soon transported divers bands of them : which wondrously comforted the Asians , , ready to give over . Canoglis also with loss of a few Horsmen swam over the River , to the Beholder's admiration ; but the Tartars had oft by Troops swam over Taurus and Valga , Rivers as dangerous as Nile . For speedy Victories sake , Tomombeius strained with might and main to gain the Bridge's-head , by plucking away some few Boats , to shut in his enemies : and , by cutting the Cables fastning them to the Bank , the Bridge with Turks thereon might be carried away by the River's force : whereupon a most bloudy sight arose , Mustapha having drawn his Ensigns and best Souldiers thither . And being relieved by Janizaries and European Horse , comne over in great number , they by little and little enforced them to retire . This Mustapha the Hungarian , Baiazet's son in Law , built , for his Fame , that notable stately stone-Bridge ( of the spoils of this Victory ) over the River Stremon , by which men pass over into 〈◊〉 , wondring thereat . Tomombeius to give a breathing rime to his Mamalukes with their fainting Horses , exhorted the Moors and the Arabians awhile to charge the enemy , which after their manner , they valiantly performed . Then the Mamalukes so suriously renewed the Battel , that Selimus doubting the Victory ( though perswaded to the contrary ) adventured over the Bridge in person , by whose coming , his Souldiers encouraged , repressed the enemie's fury . Who , soon after , by fresh Janizaries coming on , were notably repulsed , and at length put to flight , fresh Horsmen pursuing them all the fields over : The Tartars also ( who through the streams force recovered not the further Bank so soon ) were now come in , augmenting the slaughter with their swift Horses . Selymus not assured of any thing gotten while Tomombeius lived , commanded Mustapha , Gazelles and Cayerbeius , with fresh Troops of light Horse to pursue him , not to 〈◊〉 if possible : who making speed , overtook him next day at a 〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉 deep Fenn ; where having a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , hewas about to cut off a wooden Bridge , to binder the pursuit ; some of 〈◊〉 followers being flain and taken , he again fled . The third day all his men being almost lost , and he come in 〈◊〉 Sucussane 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( these 〈◊〉 Captains denouncing to the people thereabouts , all extremities and tortures , if they diligently kept not those Marish passages , that he should not escape ) he was so 〈◊〉 that he hid himself in a foul deep marsh alone : and was soon , by the Peasants search , found , up to the shoulders in water among the flags , who delivering him bound , he was with certain 〈◊〉 taken in flight 〈◊〉 to Caire . Selimus ( resolving his death , and the rather for the injury to his Embassadors ) not admitting him to his presence , commanded him to be 〈◊〉 , to reveal Campsons great Treasures , which he was thought to have 〈◊〉 : wherein , he is reported , with great constancy and stern look to 〈◊〉 nothing , but deep sighs and groans : after which he was set on a lean Camel in ragged apparel , with his hand 's bound behind him , and so carried in derision thorow all the notable places of the City . Then bringing him to the chief gate Basuela , they there openly 〈◊〉 him with a rope , hanging him up by the neck upon an Iron hook in an arch of that gate , so leaving him to the worlds wonder . This misery befell him April , 13. 1517. Many shed tears to behold so lamentable a Spectacle , seeming thereby to detest that unworthy death of their late Sultan ; yet the Janizaries reproved them threatning them with death , who like giddy brain'd fools ( they said ) enured to the slavery of the Mamalukes , thankfully accepted not their deliverance ; for the Aegyptians doubted , lest the Turks ( no more courteous then the Mamalukes ) should no less tyrannize over them under their cruel Emperour : they remembred also , that Tomombeius with a general favour rose by all degrees of honour to the regal Dignity : with which also , and his Martial 〈◊〉 ; his tall and strong body , grave countenance , and long and hoary beard , well agreed . Divers of the Mamaluke Princes , with some of the common sort , ran he same fortune . No power being now heard of in all Egypt to renew the War. Selimus dividing his Forces , sent them to take in the Aegyptian Provinces farther off . Alexandria after the Battel of Caire , expelling the 〈◊〉 , and easily surprizing the 〈◊〉 of Pharus , 〈◊〉 many dayes before to the Turks : Damiata 〈◊〉 submitting 〈◊〉 to them , and every City betwixt Nilus and Judaea and Arabia's borders yielding to Selimus his obedience . Also the African Kings boroering on Cyrenaica , the Sultan's Tributaries , or Confederates , sent him Embassadours with 〈◊〉 . The wild Arabians , chiefly they of Africk , only remained , who losing many friends in ayding Tomombeius , 〈◊〉 thought would never submit to the Turk . These wanderers living mostly by theft , had filled all from Euphrates running by the Palmyrens , with the meaner part of Egypt and Africk to the Atlantick Sea , with multitudes : living under divers Leaders a hard kind of life in Tents and Waggons , like the Tartars , whose greatest wealth is a serviceable Horse , with a Lance or bundle of Darts , by whose perpetual discord the Egyptian Sultans seemed to hold their Empire , rather than by their own strength . Wherefore Selimus 〈◊〉 alluring many of their 〈◊〉 ( by faith afore given ) to Caire , honourably entertained and rewarded them , whereby others came in daily , and receiving Rewards , 〈◊〉 Allegiance to Selimus . Others who would not be won , being cunningly intercepted by 〈◊〉 Captains , suffered for their obstinacy . The other remote Nations towards Aethiopia being formerly in friendship , 〈◊〉 than under command , through the 〈◊〉 of the Victory , easily joyned in like amity with the 〈◊〉 . Selimus , about this time , sent Horsmen to Suazzia ( of old Arsinoc ) a part of the red Sea , where Gampson had built a strong 〈◊〉 against the Portugals , who by their Indian 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 taken away all the Indian Trade into the Arabian Gulf , greatly hindering his customes : over 〈◊〉 ( a 〈◊〉 before the Wars ) Amyrasses and Ray 〈◊〉 we e made Generals : who laying at Gidda , the port of the City Mecha ( having yet done nothing ) and hearing what had happened , fell at variance : one willing to obey Tomombeius , the other to follow the Victor's fortune : whereupon a 〈◊〉 arising , Amyrases was forced to flee to Mecha : where Salomon requiring him with all hostile threats , they fearing the spoil of Gidda , apprehended him , sending him to the Fleet. Salomon ( to be sole Admiral , and to 〈◊〉 into Selimus favour ) 〈◊〉 Amyrases over-board by night , and giving the Souldiers two moneths pay , sware them to Selimus his obedience , and sailing bick to Suazzia , and leaving the Fleet , he came to Selimus to Caire , being graciously received ; after which , all former Tributary or confederate Princes , even to John's confines , quickly 〈◊〉 to and confederated with the Turks , All being thus subjected , Selimus ( about the 〈◊〉 of July , sailed down 〈◊〉 to Alexandria , to view his Fleet come from Constantinople , with supplyes of men and victuals : and viewing also the Citie 's Walls and 〈◊〉 Castle , he returned to Caire , having slain all the Mamalukes in durance at Alexandria , in the prison's entrance . Then also 500. the 〈◊〉 , &c. Aegyptian Families were commanded from Caire to Constantinople , a great number of the 〈◊〉 , Women and children , were were also 〈◊〉 thither , with the Kings Treasure and Riches , and all the publike and private Ornaments of that City : yea , the very Marble stones excellently wrought or beautiful , were rent out of the Walls to his great infamy : Laying a Caire , he pleasantly beheld the rising of Nilus , then having overflowed the adjoyning Country , most curiously enquiring of the old Country-men , the measure and nature of the River ; for by the diversity of its rising , known by certain marks and measures , they fore-tel abundant plenty , extream dearch , or reasonable store . Selimus now resolving to return into Syria ( and the rather , it being reported , Hysmael was coming into Mesopotamia , and so likely to break into Comagena ) disposed of all things , leaving a strong 〈◊〉 of his best Souldiers in Caire under Cayerbeius , whom he made his Deputy 〈◊〉 all that great Kingdom , now turned into a Province , as at this day . Which preferment so unworthily bestowed , exceedingly troubled Jonuses Bassa , enflamed with 〈◊〉 and just desire thereof ; for , Sinan being dead , he , puffed up with his own worth and valour , thought himself the only man , to whom that charge should be committed , neither wanted he the general liking of the Souldiery ; for after recovery of his wound , he in the Diadaries house ( usurped rather than by gift obtained ) keeping dayly Princely chear for all commers , giving to all , some Horses , some beautiful slaves , some Money Plate , Jewels , rich Garments , fair Armour . &c. won such favour , that when he went to the Castle to the Governour , he was brought with a great and goodly Train , in all 's judgement 〈◊〉 to that Government . All which highly offended Selimus . Jonuses colouring his discontentment by faigning himself sick came not abroad for certain dayes , yet in his choler , some words fell from him , whereby it was perceived . Cayerbeius coming to visit him , and in heat of the day , calling for water and Sugar ( the Egyptian drink ) felt 〈◊〉 ly , such grievous and unwonted torments in his stomach and belly , that many supposed the Bassa poysoned him , yet by a soveraign Remedy he was pre erved : which uncertain report sunk farther into Selimus , than any one would have thought , . He had heard also , that many of those Families commanded to Constantinople , Jonuses being to order that matter , had for great summs obtained quietly to remain still in Aegypt : which was probably alleadged by the repiners at his honour , secretly accusing him , that those Prince-like expences , not to be maintained by his pension , were supported with the imbezelled spoil and revenues of that new got Kingdom : which tending to lighten his credit , another crime coming on the neck , so wrought his confusion ; for Selimus ( expecting but some new occasion ) waited vigilantly on his words and deeds , with a full purpose to destroy him . The Souldiers , left in Garrison at Caire , alleadging the distance of the place , expected-dangers , and alteady endured-labours , requested of Selimus an augmentarion of their wages : who , never spare-handed to his Souldiers , commanded Jonuses , that the required summ might be added , and entered into his accounts ; but he acquainted neither the Treasurers nor Pay-masters herewith that they , deceived of what was promised , might begin to hate Cayerbeius , as author of such an injury ; whereby Caire and the Kingdom being disquieted by a mutiny , Selimus should in stead of him ( hated by the Egyptians for his treason and not beloved of the Souldiers , as being to them a stranger ) of necessity send a Turkish Bassa to govern ; but Selimus now on his way ( almost as far as Jerusalem ) the pay day being come , and the Souldiers receiving but their old wages , began insolently to insult and threaten the Treasurer & Pay-masters , openly rayling upon Cayerbeius : wherewith he astonied , ( as not yet acquainted with their fashions ) with the Pay-masters , requested them not to think so hardly of them , who were innocent , and patiently to understand the truth , craving no favour , if they were found fraudulent : at last it was ( with much ado ) agreed , trusty Messengers to be forthwith sent to Selimus ( not yet gone out of 〈◊〉 ) to know the truth of the matter . They making great speed , overtook him a little from Larissa , declaring the Souldiers complaints , and the others care to excuse the matter , with their danger , and all that had happened since his departure . Selimus incensed , forthwith commanded Jonuses before him to answer , who though struck with guilt , and surprised with fear , being pale as ashes , seeing in Selimus his 〈◊〉 most certain tokens of veavy displeasure ; yet being of great spirit , boldly answered , He had not forbidden the wages ( against his Command ) to invert the money to his own use , or to draw any man into disgrace , as was maliciously by some suggested ; but to provice for his Majestie 's Coffers wondrously emptied by those late Wars : the constant Report of new troubles like to arise out of Persia giving also occasion , &c. Whereas the Garrison Souldiers ( he said ) were enriched with Egypt's spoils , possessing the Mamalukes sumptuous Houses and Lands : feeding on the Egyptians goods , and had received greater pay and Rewards from him than any , from any of his Predecessors : wherefore ( if not past all modesty ) they might take it well enough , if somwhat restrained in their unreasonable requests : saying , that Princes 〈◊〉 their Souldiers in reasonable pay , in peace and war , ought sometime for Warlike Discipline , to moderate their desires , lest striving for private gain , money be afterwards wanting for a greater and more needful Charge , Wars rising upon Wars , since none , if never so valiant , or fortunate , did ever any great matter , if he wanted Coyn , the very sinews of War : Selimus full of wrath interrupted him , lest by longer discourse , he ( recounting his Deserts and worthy service , in 〈◊〉 and his own time ) should have had Intercessours , causing him in his presence to be there executed : saying , Others who would presume to prescribe what their Soveraigns had to do , should ever ( by that insolent servant's example ) be admonished of their condition and duty . It 's reported , the Souldiers in 〈◊〉 of Selimus , wondrously lamented his unworthy death : who by his rare valour , 〈◊〉 wit , comely Personage , Military Eloquence , and gallantry of living , so won the love of all , that few or none in the Army but acknowledged themselves some way beholden to him , condemning Selimus his cruelty , beginning to tell of Mustapha and old Chendemus , not forgetting Bostanges his son in Law , nor Cherseogles , both which , about two years before , had their heads struck off , none well knowing wherefore ; and their dead bodies cast out at the Court-gate to the terrour of the beholders . Yea 〈◊〉 , Achomates , and 〈◊〉 , with the other Princes of the Bloud , were presented afresh to all mens eyes . So that men generally both feared and hated him , who had set down in his ambitious and tyrannical mind ; it was better ( for assuring his Estate ) to be feared of all , than be loved of many ; therefore not sparing any mans life , whom he in the least suspected . Yet his severity against this Jonuses , may be excused ( in some sort ) as being justly moved thereto , by his presumption and malice underhand ( contrary to his charge ) to the peril of Selimus his late Conquests . This great Bassa , by his cruelty on the fair Manto his best beloved Wife , offended ( most ) the people's minds . She ( her lovely conditions being answerable , and a Greek born ) was by Sebalia her first Husband , carried with him into the Wars as his chief delight ; but , he slain , and she falling into the Turks hands , was a prisoner , till Jonuses , ( seeing her far to exceed the other Captives ) became amorous of her beauty , which he finding graced with no less inward Vertues , took her to Wife , honouring her above all his Wives and Concubines , she also loyally seeking to please him , lived a while in all worldly felicity ; but the Bassa fearing lest that which so pleased him , gave no less content to others , began to distrust her , though he saw no cause , but his own conceit ; which jealous humour more and more encreasing , he became so froward and imperious , that nothing she could say or do could please him , tormenting still both himself and her , whom he so loved , with his passionate distrust : till , the fair Lady , grieved and wearied herewith , determined secretly to depart from him into her own Countrey : which she discovering to one of her Eunuchs to whom she gave Letters to be conveighed to friends , whose help she was to use therein , he openly delivered them to his Master ; who enraged , calling for Manto , stabbed her with a dagger to the heart : So curing his tormenting jeal ousie with the death of his Love. But Selimus now come into Syria , was advertised from the Hembracor Bassa , whom he left on his Frontiers to attend the Persians motion , that the hot rumour of their preparations at beginning of Winter , was grown cold in heat of Summer , he having seen in all that time , none but stragling companies , shewing as if greater power were coming , making ( oft ) suddain inroads , whom he divers times had prosperously encountred , and that it was both by prisoners taken and his own espials reported , that Hysmael troubled with the Hyrcanians and Tartars , had turned most of his forces against them ; so that Winter drawing on , and deep snows already fallen on Taurus , he could not that year look after Asia the less and Syria . Some said , the Tartars dwelling between Tanais and Volga , by Selymus his procurement 〈◊〉 money , busied Hysmael by invading the Albanians , and Iberians , who were under his protection , and that by means of his father in law , who being of the same Nation , easily induced them ( needy ) by Rewards to take up Arms against them . Many marvelled , why Hysmael neglected such an opportunity , who ( 't was thought ) might have thrust 〈◊〉 out of Asia and Syria ( while thus busied ) yea , and have destroyed him , shut up , especially while Campson and Tomombeius made such resistance . But others saw , that Hysmael was not so strong abroad ( as at home ) most of his Army consisting of Gentlemen , or those used voluntarily to serve in defensive Wars without pay . These valiantest Horsmen of the East did worthily defend the Persian Kingdom , upon occasion Warring with near Neighbours also ; but could by no means away with a longer expedition , being so addicted to their Wives , and accustomed to draw after them Carriages and Horses even for wanton uses , not to be done without wages : with which difficulty Usuncassanes was much troubled in his Wars against 〈◊〉 the great ; but it was harder for Hysmael to do , who obtaining his Grandfather's Kingdom , by meer good will of the people , eased them of their heavy Impositions alwayes thinking the love of his Subjects ( gotten by Bounty and Justice ) the surest Riches of his Kingdom , &c. Whereas Selimus , stepping into his Fathers 〈◊〉 by force , mischief , &c. had ( like the Othoman Kings ) put his most assured strength in a mercenary kind of men , whom ( for pay ) he might at pleasure , draw far from home , from place to place , for enlarging of his Empire ; thoreby deeming true and ready Power to stand only in money , and the severity of his own Command . Who the Winter following , 1518. stayed in Syria , visiting its parts and Cities , and setting things in order ; but Spring approaching , when he understood , that Pope Leo 10th . had procured the Christian Princes , to consult of Warring upon him , &c. he ( leaving Gazelles his Lievtenant in Syria ) returned to Constantinople , there , as at hand , to behold the Christian Princes motions and devices , fearing no alteration in Syria and Egypt , to arise , since he well saw , Cayerbeius and Gazelles were at deadly hatred betwixt themselves ; as for old grudges , so for Cayerbeius's Treason , the great cause of the 〈◊〉 ruine . Selimus being at Constantinople , purposed thenceforth to turn all his Force upon the Christians , making wondrous preparations , chiefly at Sea ; so that 't was thought he would either attempt Rhodes , or some parts of Italy . But while he delighted himself with Gracian Cities , solacing in the pleasant Countrey about Hadrianople , he was struck with a Canker in his Reins , which contemning cure , did so by degrees eat up and corrupt his body , as that he ( so honoured before ) was now loathsome to himself and others . As he lay thus languishing , leaning his head in the lap of his most loved Bassa Pyrrhus : said , O Pyrrhus , I see I must shortly die without remedy . Pyrrhus thereupon discoursing with him of many matters , , perswaded him to 〈◊〉 the great wealth taken taken from the Persian Merchants in divers places of his Empire , upon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : who rep yed , 〈◊〉 thou I should bestow others goods wrongfully taken away , on works of Charity , for my own vain prayses ? I will never do it . 〈◊〉 , see rather they be restored to the right owners : which was forthwith done . To the shame of many Christians , who make , of Robbery , a sacrifice , not minding restitution . He 〈◊〉 above ground in his Tent , on his way to Hadrianople , sent 〈◊〉 and Achmetes , 〈◊〉 , before to provide for solemnizing their great Feast Bairam , as it were their Easter , keeping with him only Ferhates Bassa , to come after as his weak body would permit ; but such was his Disease , fury and intolerable pains , that he soon after died in September in 1520. 〈◊〉 Chiurli in the very place , where he had assailed his aged Father Bajazet , aged 46 years , reigning 8 : To the great joy of all Christendom . His dead body being solemnly buried by his Son Solyman , in a Temple he built at Constantinople for that purpose . He used to say , Nothing was sweeter than to reign without fear or suspition of his 〈◊〉 ; and commending Solyman to Pyrrhus , charged him , to leave the Persians , and turn wholly against the Christians : and , to incense him , left his lively Counterfeit by his beds-side , with sundry bloody Precepts . The Life of Solyman the Magnificent , fourth Emperour of Turks . FErhates Bassa carefully concealing Selimus's death , lest the Janizaries and Court Souldiers , should in the vacancy spoil the Merchants and strangers , and afterwards , as wont , insolently prescribe to the chief Bassaes at pleasure , sent letters in Post to Solyman , then at Magnesia , of his Father's death , and to hasten to Constantinople , while things were in good order , timely to repress the feared disorders of his Men of Warre . He perusing the Letters to his great content , yet considering his Fathers cruelty , who on a jealousie of his aspiring minde , and for some words in dislike of his Fathers extremity , had sent him a poysoned shirt , whose misdoubting Mother 〈◊〉 one of his Chamber first to wear it , whereof he soon died ; and that the newes was not seconded from any other Bassa , fearing some plot , durst not adventure from his charge , giving little or no credit to the Messenger . Ferhates , hearing of his wariness , ten dayes being past , sent to Pyrrhus and Mustapha at Hadrianople , speedily to repair to Court ; to whom , when come , he declared Selimus's death ; who all , speedily and secretly sent to Solyman Letters thereof , with their Hands and Seals : who now assured , by long journies came to Scrutarium , of old Chrysopolic : where the Aga of the Janizaries meeting him , he was 〈◊〉 over the passage to Constantinople : where the Janizaries knowing yet nothing , till Solyman were ready to receive him in the midst , the Captains said aloud , Behold your Emperour ! who cryed with great acclamation , Long live the great Emperour Solyman : which concent , is the greatest assurancè of their Estate . So being tryumphantly brought into the Palace , he was placed in his Father's Seat in 1520. Charls 5th , being chose Em perour of Germany that year . The Janizaries , in lieu of the spoil , received a great largess of Solyman , he somewhat also increasing their wages , to their wondrous 〈◊〉 . Solyman , beginning to reign about 28 years old , the Princes to whom Selimus's name was dreadful , hoped , a quiet Lamb was come in place of a raging Lion ; but they were soon deceived therein , chiefly the bordering Christian Princes , upon whom he converted his forces , most of his long reign , which Selimus almost wholly employed against the Persian and Egyptian Kings . Gazelles , as if now discharged of his Oath to Selimus , and earnestly desiring to restore the Mamaluke's Kingdom , gathered speedily to him the dispersed remnant of the Mamalukes , and by rewards , the wild Arabian leaders , with great numbers of the discontented Syrians , driving the Turk's Garrisons out of Birtha , Tripolis , and other Syrian Cities , and possessing them . He sent also Embassadors to Cayerbeius , perswading him to revenge the wrong done to the Mamalukes , and by killing the Turk's Garrisons , to make himself Sultan of Aegypt , offering therein , his utmost service . But he , whether not trusting Gazelles , or ashamed of new 〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉 his own strength , presently in his sight , caused them to be executed as traitors : speedily certifying Soliman hereof , who sent Ferhates with a strong Army into Syria . Gazelles retired with all his Army , into strong Damasce ; whither Ferhates coming , Gazelles , rather than to be shut up valiantly issued forth with all his power , and gave him battel , for six houres most cruel , and many 〈◊〉 on both sides : At last , being oppressed with his enemies , eight to one in number , he was forced to fight in a ring valiantly dying with his Mamalukes , in midst of his enemies , who had a bloudy Victory . Gazelles thus slain , all Syria presently yielded to the Turks : Ferhates , taking it in good part , suffered not his men to enter Damasco , then richly stored with all sorts of Commodities from divers parts . Ferhates going to Cairo , commending Cayerbeius , confirmed him in his Government ; and inveighing against Selimus his cruelty , to please the Aegyptians , bid them hope for happiness under peaceable Solyman , to whom he returned , all things being set in order . Next year , by Pyrrhus's counsel , ( the Christians mortal enemy , ) and the Janizaries 〈◊〉 , Solyman resolved to besiege strong Belgrade on Hungaries borders , vainly attempted by Mahomet the great , and Amurath , to their great losse and dishonour : where the Turk's Ensigns were taken , with other of Huniades , and Mathias's Trophies of Victory , were reserved , to their grief . His Army sent before , was come to Sophia in Servia , the European Lievetenant's residence , before the Hungarians were aware ; for , they living at ease , all Uladislaus's time , and now secure under young Lodovicus his Sonne , of no experience who being poled by his Nobles and great Clergy , could not raise sufficient power against such an enemy , especially his Nobility , promising much , but performing nothing ; so that Solyman coming without lett before the City , by battery and undermining , soon became Lord thereof , and with little losse . It was won Aug. 29. 1521. The miseries ensuing upon the opening of that gap , did and do declare , how much that losse concerned the Christian Common-wealth . Solyman returning to Constantinople , breaking up his Army , lay still almost a year , greatly preparing at Calipolis , and other Ports , for rigging up a great Fleet : which caused the Italians , Venetians , and them of Rhodes to look about them . About which time , Philip Villers , wise and conragious , was , in his absence at the French Court , chosen Great Master by the Knights of the Rhodes , who safely arrived there from Marselles , after a dangerous Voyage , hardly layed for by Cortug-ogli , a famous Turksish Pirate . Solyman knowing it , whole two Brethren the Knights had surprized at Sea , and slain , keeping the third in prison . Pyrrhus , by whose advice Solyman was directed , consulting with the other Bassaes , what great exploit was first to be attempted , differed in opinion about Rhodes . Pyrrhus , disswading , as too full of difficulty and danger , producing Mahomet the Great for an example : But Mustapha next to Pyrrhus , extolling Solyman , said , Their 〈◊〉 was not to be included within his Predecessor's attempts ; as appeared by Belgrade , who should likewise prevail against the Rhodes , being able to : 〈◊〉 more men before it , than there were stones in the walls , presumptuously 〈◊〉 , that upon the first landing of Solymans great Army , they would presently yield themselves and City into his hands . Solyman desirous of Cortug-oglies Opinion , before the undertaking of so great a matter , Mustapha and Ferhates ushering him in , after reverence , and command to speak , said : Thy great desarts , most mighty Emperour , makes me now frankly speak , what I think may be for thy Majesties and Empires glory : I daily hear the pittiful lamentation of those of Mitylene , 〈◊〉 , Peloponesus , Achaia , Caria , Lycia , &c. for the spoil of their Countries , 〈◊〉 their Cities , carrying away Cattle and people , &c. which they suffer by the Rhodian Pirates , none withstanding them . Often have they instantly requested me , to be a mean to thy Majesty , whereby they might be protected from these cruel rovers : wherefore I beseech thee by the most reverent 〈◊〉 Mahomet , 〈◊〉 by thy 〈◊〉 heroicalness , to deliver thy afflicted subjects from their most cruel enemies , &c. It rending not so much to their hurt in private , as to the 〈◊〉 of thy imperial Dignity which if any other 〈◊〉 Prince should offer , I know thou wouldest not suffer , unrevenged . Who 〈◊〉 passe to Tripolis , Damasco , &c. without manifest danger ? What have we heard every Spring , this many years , but that they have taken one Port or other , & 〈◊〉 and that , under thy nose in the heart of thy Empire ? We thy loyal Subjects , ought not for the increase of our Religion , and enlarging thy Empire , 〈◊〉 to adventure the hazard of all . If thou likewise be carried with love of Glory and Renown &c. in what canst thou easier gain the same , or better imploy us , than in subduing this reputed Bulwark of Christendom , which onely keeps us from their Countries ? Thy happy fortune hath subjected Belgrade , farre more strong than in times past , and dost thou then despair of Rhodes ? If thy captivated subjects , built it for the Christians , cannot they now at liberty , &c. destroy the same ? If thou please , thou shalt see a divine occasion procured by Mahomet , presented unto 〈◊〉 , The Western Christians being at discord , and mortal Warres among themselves . Thy Majesty is not ignorant that in managing of Warres , the opportunity is especially to be followed &c. Solyman ambitious , and pricked forward by Cortug and others , hereby seeking 〈◊〉 , chiefly by Mustapha , resolved to go in person against the Rhodes . And first to prove what spirit and courage Villers was of , he sent him a cold friendly Letter , thus directed . Solyman by God's Grace , King of Kings , &c. To the Reverend Father Viller us Lilladamus , Great Master of the Rhodes and Legate of Asia , Greeting . I Am glad of thy coming an new promotion , which I wish thou mayst long and happily enjoy , since I hope thou wilt exceed all before thee : from whom as my Auncestors have withdrawn , so I joyn with thee in friendship : joy thou therefore my friend , rejoycing also in my Victory , &c. For last Summer passing Danubius , I expected the Hungarian to give battel , taking his strongest City Belgrade with othea Holds , and destroying much people with fire and sword , captivating many more , and , in triumph breaking up my Army , am returning to Constantinople ; whence farewel . Villerius considering these Letters , perceived , Peace was offered in shew , but Warre in meaning : wherefore rewarding the Messenger , he sent with him another of his own , a private person , for they seldom sent any honourable Embassadors to each other . Vi●lerius Lilladamus , Great Master of the Rhodes , to the Turk . I Well understand thy Letters . Thy friendship is as pleasing to me , as displeasing to Cortug-Ogli , who would suddenly have intercepted me ; but that failing , he tryed to rob some Merchants Ships in the Rhodian Sea , bound from Joppa to Venice ; but sending my Fleet , I forced the Pirate to leave behind him the Prizes taken from the Merchants of Creet : Farewell ; from the Rhodes . Hereby Solyman perceived he should not so easily carry the Rhodes as he had Belgrade ; yet resolving to try , he thus opened his determination to certain chief Commanders . Though I doubt not , ye are of the same minde as ever , in the invading other Nations ; yet I thought good in matters tending to all our good to use your general advice . Since my Father left this World , we have made Warre with divers Nations , having our forces shut up within the compass of the mighty Sophi of Persia his Dominions ; yet , my minde , greater in conceit than my Empire , and the blood of O●homan , findes no content in these Victories ; all ye have done , though great , seeming but little , to your worth . This I have above all desired , to root out the very name of the Rhodian Souldiers : and how oft have I heard you crying out , The Rhodes , the Rhodes ? Never a greater opportunity : much of the Cities Walls lying level , Coin wanting , the Castle Garrison but small , their French ayd far off , which will come too late , or I believe , never : that King being at Warres with the Germane Emperour , and Lord of Italy , &c. Nor do ye believe the Spaniard's distressed at home , will easily come out of Sicily and Campania with supplies : and I have prevented the danger to be feared from the Venetian Fleet. Wherefore , couragious Souldiers , chearfully follow your Soveraign , against those most cruel enemies . Admit , their Valour did gain Victory in one unluckie assault , my Great Grandfather unfortunately calling home Mesithes Paleologus : will you therefore alwayes suffer these piratical excursions , & c ? So help me Mahomet , it shall not be so : I vow in despight of Christ and John , shortly to set up my Ensigns with the Moon , in the midst of their Market-place ; not seeking my self , more than the honour thereof : the profit reported to be great , I give you my Fellow-Souldiers : wherefore let us now set forward with all our force and courage . This his purpose being with one accord liked , Pyrrhus at first disswading the Warre , now said , I cannot but admire the great Wisdom and Vertues of our young Emperour : who hath declared all deep Counsels of a worthy Chiefetain , in taking Warre in hand . Blessed be Mahomet , thrice and four times blessed is this Empire , &c. with such a Prince : which manner of proceeding , if we would alwayes follow , we should soon subdue , as the Rhodes , so all Kingdoms in Christendom . Yet besides this , mine age and experience , exhorts you , by gifts , and all other meanes , to corrupt if possible , the very chief Citizens , thereby to enter into their most secret Councels : and that it may be wrought , I. as one desiring peace , will induce the Great Master to send some honourable Embassage ; which if once brought unto , let me alone with the rest . Solyman pleased above others , with the old Fox his Counsel , charged him speedily to prove what he could do : the other to prepare the greatest Land and Sea-forces : therefore it could not be kept so secret , but Febr. the 4th , the Rhodians had newes of it : which daily increasing , Villerius lent a Christian spie , who could speak the Turkish Language , to Constantinople , who secretly informed him , The Turks were preparing a great Fleet , and mighty Army , with a great deal of battering Artillery ; but whether for Italy , Rhodes , Cyprus , or Corcyra , was not known ; whilest every one thought , 't was against any one , rather than himself , certain notice was given the Rhodians , that the Turks diligently kept strict Watch and Ward along all their Sea-ports thereabouts otherwise than before , which seemed to foreshew somewhat else , than defence of their frontiers : wherefore Villerius with all diligence , provided great store of Victual , Armour , Weapons , and all necessaries for defence . The new Walls , and Avergne fortress begun in Caractus's time , was laboriously set about by Basilius , an Engineer to Charls the 5th , every one putting to his helping hand : a Messenger the while , coming from Pyrrhus Bassa , the cunning fellow delivering his Field-Message by the way , painted 〈◊〉 Solyman's courreous nature , greatly also , commending Pyrrhus , and delivering Letters from both , to this purport . Solyman by God's Grace , King of Kings , &c. to Villerius Lillidamus , Great Master , &c. I Am certainly informed , my Letters are delivered thee , which thou rightly understanding , pleaseth me beyond expression : Trust to it , I am not content with the 〈◊〉 at Belgrade , hoping for another : nay assuring my self , which I will not hide from thee , whom I am always mindful of . Pyrrhus great Councellor , &c. To Villerius Lilladamus , Great Master , &c. THy Letters , more in meaning than Character , I have delivered to our mighty Emperour ; but I would not suffer the bearer 〈◊〉 come into his presence , lest too much offended with so base a Messenger : henceforth , send him men of worth , years and discretion , with whom , if he please , he may confer and conclude of publique matters , which to do , it shall not repent thee , nor me of my counsel . The Messengers brings Letters also from our Emperour ; how to answer , ye are admonished . These Letters being openly read , such as wished for peace , commended Pirrhus's Counsel , as being old , and greatly experienced , more desiring his Countries quiet than theirs : wishing to order that by wisdom , which the young Prince sought for by Warre , fearing the common chance of Warre , &c. Whereupon , Raymund March a Knight , a Spaniard , Muster - 〈◊〉 , eloquent , couragious and skilful in the Turks Language , was appointed to go Embassador . Many contrarily suspecting deceit , said , 〈◊〉 good to beware , asking , To what end ? for , Should we proclaim War , say they , against the mighty Tyrant , writing all peace ? or , Should we intreat for peace , no Warre as yet proclaimed ? &c. Besides , with what security or face , can he go , unrequested by the Emperour , who having him in his power shall with cruel torture force him to discover our secrets , &c. The Messenger 's diligent enquiry of the state of things , confirmed this opinion : who was sent back with one private Souldier , to carry Villerins's Letters to the Turk . Villerius &c. to the Turk . THat thou art mindful of me , grieveth me not , I also minde thee . Thou , as not content , hopest for another Victory , nay assurest thy self thereof , before the attempt . Beware , &c. mens expectations never deceive them more than in Warre . Villerius to Pyrrhus the Bassa . I Have considered thy Letters with thy Messengers behaviour : As I contemn not thy counsel , so will I not follow it , whilest my men do spoil thy Masters Countries and Ports : which I bear withall , for injuries they sustained by Turkish Pirates ; but I will call them home , and send Embassadors , thou first sending me safe conduct under thy Masters great Seal . But these were not delivered ; for the Turk being come into the main , posted on Horseback to Constantinople , leaving the other behinde him : who returning , and telling what he heard and saw , they despaired of peace , and Villerius sent to hire Cretensians : he was also advertised from Naxos Isle , the Turks were ready to pu t to Sea , at first of the New-Moon ; which they observe in the beginning of all great actions : Merchants also coming to the Rhodes with Corn from Euboea , brought the same newes of 〈◊〉 : who being the Turks Tributaries , by his command under that colour , noted what was done in the City . Villerius likewise sent divers Gallies to learn of the enemies doings . Lupus a Knight and a Captain , took a great Turkish Ship laden with Corn , bringing her home ; but 〈◊〉 another Captain , suffering his men to straggle into an Island , his Ship in harbour , was by a Turkish Pirate taken . About which time , the Turks making great fires by night , signifying , they desired some parley , a Knight was sent with a Galley to the Main , to see the matter . Xaycus a pay-master , skilful at Sea , and civil affaires , beloved of Turkish Merchants , whose Language he had learned , being joyned with him , drawing nigh , the Merchants , were making merry on the Main , with such Merchandize as they used to exchange with the Rhodians for Woollen-Cloth : they gaged their faith for each others safety ; but being requested to come ashore , till a familiar of his was sent for , not far off , he said ; not so , except a pledge were delivered on Ship-board . These perfidious , laughing , sent their pledge and Merchandize abroad . Xaycus going ashore , and embracing the Merchants , was upon a sign given , beset and taken , and conveighed post to Constantinople , where he was , with most exquisite torments , forced to confess what they desired . Then was their wisdom commended , who occasioned the Decree for sending the Embassador to be revoked ; The Turks Hostage , was found to be a Countrey fellow , well apparelled to deceive the Rhodians , who answered to all things demanded , according to his knowledge , as that the Turks were greatly preparing on Caria and Lycia's Coasts by Sea , taking up there many Souldiers , for defence of Syria's frontiers against the Persians : Solyman doing this to put the Rhodians out of suspition of invasion ; but Villerius perceiving by many circumstances , chiefly by that of Xaycus , that the Rhodes was that longed after , proclaimed a Cessation from all businesses , till all things for defence of the City were accomplished . A general Muster being taken , and 5000 able free men being found , amongst whom were 600 Knights , 500 of Creete ; the rest , most Marriners , who did great service : the 〈◊〉 serving chiefly to dig and carry Earth : and the Citizens , except a few of the better sort , were most weak , and of small courage , great speakers , but small doers , yet hardly to be governed . Villerius rearing nought more than the faint hearts of the Citizens 〈◊〉 them together , encouraged them by a speech , the 〈◊〉 whereof 〈◊〉 , to 〈◊〉 the Turks , who came out of the dark Dens of 〈◊〉 Caucasus , their injury and tyranny , and 〈◊〉 desire of Soveraignty ; especially to exceed herein against Christ , and Christians : whose Islands and Countries he strove to the utmost to take from them , and utterly to root out the Christian name : hoping , he said , other Christian Princes would in good time , joyn with him and his Knights of the Order , who were most ready to defend them , their Wives , Children , Goods , and Temples ; declaring the Cities strength , and great store of furniture of Arms and Provision , 〈◊〉 as they should not feel hunger and thirst , which calamities for all that , he said some people in faithfulness and valour , not comparable to them , had most constantly endured , as they of Petilinum , when besieged by the Carthaginians and they of Cassilinum , by Hannibal , holding out till a 〈◊〉 was sold for much money ; who thrusting their Children and Parents 〈◊〉 , lived with Leather , or Hides sodden , leaves of Trees &c. till wanting strength , to hold their Weapons , or stand on the walls : that , if their Houses chanced to be beaten down , they must have patience ; for they should be repaired : neither was 〈◊〉 of such importance , as therefore to yield to enemies , in whose 〈◊〉 and fidelity , there was no assurance ; for , said he , besides Solymans being cruel and unfaithful by nature , he can by no meanes be gentle and faithful toward us who have done him so much harm : that God had hitherto protected them , so often assailed by open force , whom he wished them above all things to serve and call upon ; for , saith he , except the Lord keep and defend the City , the Watchmen watch but in vain . The vulgar especially , were much encouraged herewith ; but whilest they dreamed of nothing but victory , the wiser 〈◊〉 , careful , did what they could to effect the forewished good . Clement the Greek Bishop , greatly repured by them , labouring to perswade the Greeks , in that great and common danger to joyn with the Latines , whose Governme nt they many times repined at , fordefence of the City : and it was so ordered at that time , that they all agreed as one man , to spend their lives , &c. many of the vulgar , wishing his coming rather then not : And few nights after , the Turks by night fires in the Main , gave sig 〈◊〉 parley : whereupon , a Galley and long Boat , setting forth , being nigh the shoare , was hailed by a Turk with a Troop of Horse , desiring to send one ashore , for more convenient parley : which the Captain refusing , Art thou , said the Turk , afraid of Xaycus's fortune ? who 〈◊〉 answered , Xaycus troubled him not , nor they feared him ; but if he had nothing else to say , to get further off , or he would speak to them by the Cannon . A Turk coming , layed down Letters on a stone , and said , In them was their charge : who , being departed with the rest , the long Boat was sent for them , thus directed . Solyman by Gods Grace , King of Kings , &c. To the Reverend Villerius Lilladamus , Great Master , &c. THe Purport was , that , pittying his Subjects , and for his great injury , he was wroth . Therefore he should yield him the Island and City without delay : making divers protestations , that if they chose rather his friendship than his force , they should depart with all their Riches or live under him without infringement of Liberty and Religion , by any Tribute : but to those that were subdued , were all extremities from the angry Conqueror threatned , from which , neither their force , forraign ayd , nor huge Walls , which he would utterly over-throw , should defend them . This being openly read , some thought , 't were good to answer him roundly : Others , not further to provoke so great an enemy ; at last they agreed to send him no answer at all . The day these Letters came , June 14. a Turkish Commander , arrived at Coos-Island ( part of the Rhodes Dominion ) with 30. Galley fore-runners . Who beginning to burn the Corn almost ripe , and Villages ; Prejanes the Governour ( of great valour ) with some Horse and Foot suddenly set upon the dispersed Turks , with such a cry of the people and Instruments of War ; that running away amazed , many were slain , not resisting ; and had not the Galleys received them , not one had escaped , who then put to Sea again . The Rhodians now ( most of them ) assured of the Turks coming , by Pomerolus Vice-master his perswasion , burnt down the Suburbs , utterly destroying their pleasant Gardens nigh the City , and all the rest within a mile ( except things needful for the Siege , which they took in ) that the enemy should find nothing there to use : A woful sight the while , more mournful than the enemie's 〈◊〉 , presenting it self ; for the miserable Country-people ( as Villerius commanded ) bringing in wood , corn , cattel , fowls , &c. numbers of Women and Children followed them weeping , with dischivelled hair , scratching their faces , tearing themselves , wringing hands , and casting up eyes , beseeching God to defend the City and themselves : which multitude being packt into narrow Rooms , and their cattel starved , afterwards corrupted the ayr , rotten agues and 〈◊〉 ensuing : but the City being yielded , there followed such a plague , as destroyed great numbers of Turks , and Christians not knowing whither to go . The Turkish General which landed in Coos , was sent before to provoke the Rhodians to Battel , who with 20 Galleys came daily betwixt Lycia and Rhodes ( leaving the rest at Gnidum 〈◊〉 , not far from Rhodes , to ayd him upon necessity ; braving them many dayes ; knowing a Victory then , was little less than taking the City ; or if he could by fight but weaken their number , he should further his Masters Victory : and sometimes laying at the very Havens mouth : the Rhodians moved , as not wont to be so braved , by importunity had a Councel call'd , to consider whether to fight or not ? Whereupon the Chancellour , of great authority & spirit , &c. said , Such disgrace was presently to be revenged : for , said he , the huge Fleet of the Turks is as a head to be joyned to these Pyratical Galleys as members , to which head they should give such a blow , by cutting off those limbs , that it should ever after stagger : or if no Fleet were prepared to follow that , then it being discomfited , they should be at quiet : which in his judgement , was most like to be true , the fit time of the year for a Siege being so far spent , &c. Wherefore to set upon their proud enemies : not fearing a few threatning words , and sitting still like cowards not daring to shew their heads : which forsooth , they called Fabius his policy : wishing they were as Fabius ; but fearing they should prove more like Antiochus , the Aetolians and Vitellians , all whose courage consisted in words , &c. but Victory was gained by exposing themselves to danger . Though the multitude , with these and the like 〈◊〉 moved desired to fight , as not wanting Weapons , courage or hands to slaughter their enemies : yet the graver sort thought not good to adventure any great part of forces , afterwards to be wanted for defence of the City . The Turkish General deceived of his expectation , withdrew 12 miles off to Villanova where landing his men he burnt all the corn thereabouts : the people being all retired either into the Rhodes , or Castles in other places of the Islands . Villerius careful to reserve his Souldiers for more expected dangers commanded troops ( sent to skirmish with them ) to return : and during the Siege , he would often eat his meat with his Souldiers : watching himself , and walking up and down , he would rest on some homely seat as it chanced , being more adventurous in time of assault than was wished ; yet more allowing Counsel grounded on Reason , than prosperous actions commended but by events , he carried alwayes among so many cares , such a grace in his chearful countenance , as made him to be reverenced and loved : bestowing all the time he could spare in praying , &c. and that ( oftentimes ) most of the night in the Temple alone , his Armour laying by him ; so that it was commonly said , His Devotion and Care would make the City invincible . July 26. Early , news came from Stevens watch-Tower about a mile off : 〈◊〉 a huge Fleet ( reported , above 200 sayl ) was making thitherwards along the West of Lycia : whereupon all places were full of tumult , and a pittiful cry as is usual in such cases : publike prayers were made throughout the City ; 〈◊〉 ended , the gates were shut up : people of all ages and sexes going forth to gaze upon that dreadful Fleet ; the formost being the Admiral of Callipolis , who was to assail the City by Sea : Cara Mahometes was Rear-Admiral , with a great squadron of Galleys , and a fair wind , striking before the mouth of the Haven began to row towards the City ; but many hasting unto that Bulwark defending the left side of the Haven more subject to danger than the other ; the Turk fearing to be sunk , got him to the rest of the Fleet : the Rhodians deriding him with out-cryes for his folly : The Fleet passing on came to the Promontorie of Bo , about 3 miles Eastward : which Harbour being too small , many Galleys , riding it out at Sea , were by shot , often forced to get further off . Whilst the enemy was landing , and transporting all things and men ; also viewing the City , and choosing a fit place for his Camp : the Rhodians sunk many soundding the Walls to discover the enemies Mines , and fortified their Bulwarks with bigger Rampires . The Master sent also , one Knight into Spain to Charls the Emperour , and another to Rome : thence into France , craving ayd by Letters for relief by Sea and Land ; but they grudging against each other , or respecting only themselves , returned them with good words without relief . Then also Preianes , forementioned , ( comparable with any Captain of that age , &c. ) having hid himself 2 or 3 dayes in the Rocks at Sea for fear of the Turks , came by night in a Pinnace to the Rhodes , whereat they wondrously rejoyced : whom Villerius in any great exploit , trusted above any , and who in the Siege , chearfully endured such labours as others accounted extream miseries . Also Mariningus a most skilful Engineer coming out of Creet , defeated , by Counter-mines , 55 Mines which the Turks made with exceeding charge and labour . The City is 〈◊〉 on a Plain every way to be besieged ( except Northward ) for its goodly Haven , thence laying all Westward : 〈◊〉 it and the Hill's about it , is a stony Plain longer than broader , the Hills being full of planted Orchards ; but it was compassed with a most strong double Wall , deep Trenches , having 13 sure and stately Towers , with 5 mighty Bulwarks divers fair gates : with most exact Warlike Discipline from the French. Tower ( seeming to mate the skie ) stood the French with the Lillies in their Ensignes , under Abimus a Knight of the Order : thence to George's gate lay the Germans with the Eagle : then the French Avergnois with the Spaniards , the Ditches being there not so deep or broad as elswhere . Fiftly , the English , whom the Master himself commanded : then they of Narbona : lastly , the Italians under Balimus and Morgutus . In every Station were divers valiant Knights of the Order . A Turkish woman-slave , conspired with some others : when the Turks gave the first assault , to fire the Houses ( wherein they dwelt ) in divers places , that the defendants drawn to quench it , the Turks might more easily enter ; but the Treason was revealed , and they executed . The Turks had not placed their Battery , when as they took a Hill , whereon stood Cosmus and Domianus Temple , right against the English Station , with little hurt ( so far off ) shooting thence into the City . Then ( having with them 5000 pioneers , whom they forced to labour day and night ) with incredible speed , wayes were cut through the stony Rocks , Plaines rais'd to Mountains , with earth brought two miles off , and Mountains levelled ; yet were they sadly rent in sunder with the Town-Ordnance : the Rhodians also sallying out , fiercely pursued and slew great numbers of them , and of others defending them : and when many others , thought to relieve their fellows , the Ordnance from the Walls so thundered among them , that the ground was covered with Weapons and Carcasses . After three such salleys , the Turks wrought most by night , keeping most strong watch , and doubling it by day , bending their Ordnance against the Rhodians sallying places , which kept them not so much in , as the fear of weakening themselves . Amongst others , certain Marriners having the Turks 〈◊〉 , by leave ( disguising themselves as Turks ) came forth by night , in a small Boat laden with Apples , Pears , Plums , &c. to the place where the passage is out of the maine . There ( as if come from the main ) the Turks bought their fruit greedily : which they having sold and now ready to depart ; certain Turks , disliking the hard beginning of the Siege , earnestly requested to be taken with them into the maine ; who with much ado ( in shew ) were entreated to take in 7 or 8 , ( whom they could master ) bringing them prisoners to the Rhodes : Where being brought up by Preianes to the top a Tower , where they might descry all the Turks Camp , discovered unto him all he demanded : and confessing , that the Souldiers discontented with the Siege , were ready to mutiny , hardly to be commanded forth , saying , all was but lost labour , &c. Wherefore , if they were wise , they should in time depart : which appeared afterwards true , for Pyrrhus Bassa gladder , to please the Souldiers than to punish , wrote to Solyman : if he would have the Siege go forward , he should speedily come in person to the Camp , they refusing to be commanded . The Turkish Captains heard the while , by some fugitives , that the high steeple of St. Johns served as a watch-Tower : Wherefore , and in despight of the Cross upon it , they laboured with continual shot to beat it down . Solyman coming to the Camp ; Aug. 28. more grieved to see the signes of cowardise , and the great disorder , than he did take pleasure and hope of 200000 men in his Army ; yet moderating his indignation , he called them together , causing them to be disarmed , and compassing them in with 15000 Harquebufiers brought with him , he stept up into a high Royal Seat ; and pausing a good while , he thought it enough to correct the multitude with sharp words , uttering after silence made , a cholerick speech , calling them Slaves , for he could not afford to call them Souldiers , asking them , what kind of men they were become ? &c. If any one ( he said ) at home should have but named the Rhodes among their Feasts and pots , &c. they could then brag to pull it down ; but when he here proved their courage , it was nothing but perhaps they thought , the Rhodians so soon as they saw their Ensignes before their gates , would yield ; but that infamous denn was full of most cruel beasts , whose madness , they should never tame without much labour and bloodshed ; yet , said he , I shall tame them , or else here spend my dayes , wishing himself , his Empire , and strength for ever cursed , and if he did or said otherwise . So pardoning all their former offences , he sware them all again to his obedience : all things being afterwards done with better success and more care . First planting divers great guns , they shot up huge stones into the ayr ; which might ( falling down ) break whatever they lighted on ; Villerius was like to be slain hereby ; yet with 200 such shot , there was but ten men slain , which Apella a traiterous fugitive declared to the enemy , as he confessed upon examination , for which he was executed . The Turks planted also 40 great battering Pieces , 12 being Basilisks : ( the Basilisk killing man and beast with his sight ) with these they battered continually ; but being somewhat far off , did little harm . They then likwise laying battery against Nicholas Tower ( defending the Haven on the right hand , where stood the great Colossus ) it was valiantly defended by Guido a Frenchman , with 200 Souldiers , 30 being Knights . The Turks Artillery being soon dismounted with their shot , and many Gunners slain ; so that , laying still all day , they began to batter it by night ; but the Defendants warily observing , so aptly placed their Ordnance , that the Turks 〈◊〉 , their doings were by some means discovered ; so after 500 shot bestowed , and a small breach made which they durst not attempt , they abandoned the place . Pyrrhus was busie in working Mines , 35 whereof were frustrated by counter-mines , many being lost on both sides therein ; yet the English Bulwark was Sept. 4. in part blown up , the violence whereof seemed at first , an Earthquake : and divers English , were overwhelmed ; the Turks attempting to enter , were with great slaughter repulsed : but Mustapha , crying out of their cowardise , renewed the assault with supplies : where for a while was a most cruel fight . The Townsmen and Women casting down upon the Turks , fire , stones , timber , &c. So that , not able longer to endure it they ran away , not looking for a signe of retreat : the Ordnance wondrously slaughtering them as they fled : some write almost 2000 Turks were slain at this assault , amongst them , the Master of their Ordnance ; the Christians also losing ( besides a few others ) 50 Knights of the Order . Septemb. 9. Solyman by Mustapha's perswasion commanded a fresh assault ; which was with greater resolution than the first : 7 Ensignes being broken into the Bulwark , the Defendants giving ground : but the Master coming in with his Ensigne and Knights , drave them out again , Mustapha couragiously restored the Battel , with new supplies , other Captains forcing the retired Souldiers to fight . Then began a more cruel fight than ever before , and more dangerous to the Christians , for the Turks much shot ; but in that extremity none regarded , either danger or life ; it continued three hours : at length Mustapha , losing two thousand with three Noble men , whom Solyman specially favoured ( the Spaniards beating them out of their Flankers ) retired . Few Christians were slain ( in comparison ) ; but , Cluis the Ensign bearer being shot blind , had not Ruiavix a Knight most couragiously rescued it , the Ensign of the Order had been lost . After this , Mustapha began to grow in contempt with Solyman : and Pyrrhus , to keep his credit , continually battered the Mount nigh the Italian Bulwark with 17 great Pieces . Then also Cassius Governour of Bythinia laboured by undermining to over-throw the French Bulwark : but was frustrated by Chierus his countenance : and Pyrrhus in a hot assault , gaining the Mount , and greatly affrightning the City , was with great loss repulsed , and caused by Solyman to retire : the Governour of Solyman's Lievtenant General being slain : for which he was exceeding pensive . Mustapha determined ( if possible ) by a third assault of the English Bulwark to recover his credit : agreeing with Achimetes at the same time to assault the Spanish ; who suddenly blowing up part of those Walls , and entring presently in the thick of the dust and smoak ; recovered the Rampiers-top . Mustapha , also hardly charging the English , a doubtful fight was made in both places . The Rhodians manfully repulsed the enemy , forcing him with shame to retire , many English were slain , and Preianes sore hurt : having slain many Turks ; 2 of Mustapha's Ensignes were taken by 〈◊〉 , commendatour of the Germane Knights . Achimetes having set up his Ensignes ; by valonr , and some Ordnance placed by Martiningus in the Houses before the breach , and by shot out of the Flankers on both sides , he was forced also to retire . Sept. 23. They hoping through a Mine , made against the Avergne Bulwark , to win the City , were , upon their approach at the blowing of it up , met with by a countermine ; so that being in a place of great disadvantage , they returned with some hurt ; yet their expert Captains , conjecturing , the wall might be inwardly shaken by the mine , though not outwardly perceived ; violently battered there all that day and night after , making a large breach : that night was heard , an unwonted noise in the Camp ; which the Rhodians rightly conjectured a sign of some great assault to be shortly given ; for Solyman resolving next day with all his Force to assault the new breach , after a melancholly walking in his Tent , sent for the chief Commanders , declaring unto them : that though they needed not any exhortation , yet the enemie's desperate madness made him speak to them a few words : by effectual persuasion and large promises to hearten on his men to the winning of the City , rent , shaken , beaten down : and they wearied and worn out , &c. worthily seeming unto his Souldiers of invincible force and courage , for in taking that one City , they should make entrance upon the matter , into all Dominions of the Christians ; and enjoy store of Warlike provision with a rich City , and a Haven of all others most commodious , &c. And as for them he said , considering he had by their valour and wisdom , lately subdued Belgrade , he rested in great hope , those fierce and obstinate Christians , should not be able long to defend themselves in their Dens and lurking places . The Captains making known the Emperours pleasure , proclaimed the spoil of that rich City , to the 〈◊〉 s a prey . Solyman layd him down on his Pallet to take rest ; but Villerius all night in Arms , viewed all the City , encouraging his Souldiers to remember they watched for Countrey , life , and liberty . A Christian serving a Turk , secretly warning the Watchmen of a general assault next day : Villerius calling his Knights to prevent rashness and fearfulness , said , He was glad the time was come , when in one battel , they might be justly accounted the defenders of the Christian Commonwealth : the Turks presumed upon their multitude ; but if they measured valour , not by number , but courage , a few , resolute , would overcome a multitude of cowards ; that they knew their manner of fight , &c. Wherefore remembring their birth , and what opinion the Christian Common-wealth hath had of them , they should furiously fight , as if their slaves bore Arms against them : necessity as well as wrong , enforcing them ; for they were in an Island , whence was no escape , and in a City , whose rent walls defended them not so much as their Weapons : therefore to morrow should give them a joyful Victory , or a most honourable death . The enemies approach made him cease , every one hastening to his charge ; they with a horrible cry , fiercely assailed 5 stations , 10000 Turks being appointed to a Place : Mustapha calling on Mahomet , and promising his men the spoil , assailed the English , whence he had been thrice repulsed . Pyrrhus 〈◊〉 ed the Italian ; a cruel and deadly fight was in both places : also Women , Children , and aged men , bringing stones , burning-Pitch-Barrels , hoops with wild-fire , scalding Oyl , and boyling Pitch : on whomsoever it fell , so scalded them , that 〈◊〉 down their weapons to tear off their Cloaths , many rent off the skin and flesh ; besides the deadly shot which fell , never in vain . Villerius having well relieved the Italians station , at first hardly distressed , left Monterollus a Knight , with company convenient , and went to the English hardly laid to by Mustapha ; but having well relieved that place , a cry ran , that the Spanish Bulwark was possessed by the enemy : at which heavy newes , he leaving Gombaulus with a choyse Company , hasted thither with his Guard : which he found taken ; for some Turks at the first , hiding for fear at the Bulwarks foot among the stones , beaten down by battery : Achimetes hotly charging the Spaniards on the right hand not medling with the Bulwark it self , those in the Bulwark , seeing their fellowes distressed fast by , left the Bulwark , and went to that place . The hidden Turks , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 silent over them , secretly crawling up the battered walls , got in 〈◊〉 , before discovered ; suddenly slaying a few 〈◊〉 Souldier , in removing a great piece , and overthrowing the Christiań Ensigns : which the Turks 〈◊〉 , seeing , made great hast thorow the Town-Ditch , to get into the Bulwark ; but were so cut off by shot from the flankers that few got up . Villerius , nothing fearing , resolutely scaled the same , and Caponus a Spaniard , with Menotius a Frenchman , breaking in by a Gate , not yet bolted ; whom they 〈◊〉 not , they forced to mischief themselves for 〈◊〉 over the walls . It was two 〈◊〉 in the enemies possession . Villerius leaving there a sufficient number , went with the rest , where the Spaeniards , sore charged by Achimetes , had much adoe to hold out : who encouraged with his sight , valiantly repulsed their enemies . It were long to tell the hard fight and adventures at the Avergnoys and Narbonenses stations ; but the Turks laying slain by heaps : Solyman beholding it from his standing made of high Masts , and no hope of Victory , caused a retreat welcom to both sides to be sounded : divers Knights , with 150 common Souldiers , were slain in this six houres assault , and 2000 Turks . Solyman was so much offended hereat , that falling into a rage , especially against Mustapha , as an unfaithful Counsellour , and chief perswader of that unlucky Warre , commanded him to be put forthwith to death in his presence : which sudden dreadful doom on so light occasion , upon such a man , struck such terrour in all present , that none durst so much as sigh in pittying his case . The Executioner ready , Pyrrhus presuming of his great favour , 〈◊〉 forth , earnestly requested him to spare his life : wherewith Solyman was so wrathful , and for sending for him to Constantinople , that he commanded him to be executed also : All the rest seeing the danger , fell down at the Tyrants feet , craving pardon , saying , The enemies ground , had already drunk too much Turkish blood , &c. Solyman at this general intercession , pausing a little , granted them their lives : Pyrrhus for his age and wisdom , and Mustapha for his Wife 's , Solymans Sisters sake , once Bostanges his Wife . The Turks great Fleet all the while , lay before the Haven , not doing any thing ; for the Admiral no man of Warre , seeing all fortified , durst not try to enter , or besiege the Castles : suffering also Victual and Ammunition to be conveighed into the City : 〈◊〉 though by Achimetes mediation , Solyman spared him from a most cruel death ; yet on the poupe of the Admiral Galley , he receiving an 100 stripes with a cudgel , was thrust out of office . The remembrance of so many unfortunate assaults , &c. so grieved Solyman , that being ready to raise the siege , he also lay 〈◊〉 speechless , with fainting : and a great while alter , would not be spoken withall , till Abraham his minion , recomforted him , and perswaded him to continue the siege , time working that , which the Sword could not suddenly subdue . Solyman building a Castle upon Mount Philermus , in sight of the City : Letters were shot in the while , revealing many of Solymans secretest Counsels , and promising a great mans revolt : which the Rhodians gathered to be Mustapha , not forgetting the late injury ; but tyding : coming , that Cayerbeius was dead , Solyman sent Mustapha to be Governour of Aegypt , thereby pleasing him , no letters coming into the City after that . It now seemed , that the Turks purposed by long siege , rather than assault to take the Town ; yet the watchers in their Trenches , would sometimes offer the Souldiers on the walls , great rewards to yield , sometimes threats , and would politickly say , Solyman , desiring onely revenge upon the Latines , meant no harm to the Greeks . October was now begun , Rain , Thunder , &c. and mighty Tempests , fell so abundantly , that the wearied Turks were now discouraged : the Admiral being forced for the Seas roughness , to slip his Anchors , and run his Gallies on ground . In these troubles , Achimetes , one of his valiantest Captains , comforted Solyman , promising , if he would continue , shortly to make open way into the City : who , thereupon assembling his fainting-Souldiers 〈◊〉 his Pavilion , thus 〈◊〉 , that he knew what great things they had endured for his honour , &c. that the threatenings of the Heavens did perswade him to give them leave to lay down Arms ; but they were first to consider , whether it were not a dishonour to men of courage , &c. And if they should thence depart , who doubted but the enemy , out of revenge , and having lost what he had , would prey upon theirs , more miserably captivating their Wives and Children , than himself was now in bondage : wherefore he advised them to continue , till they attained the end of their desires . And if there were no necessity ; yet the eyes of all Nations , chiefly the Christians being on them , when they should hear , they could not endure the field one Winter , would call 〈◊〉 Summer Birds , &c : If the Graecians for a strumpet , besieged Troy ten years ' should not the Turks , vexed and oppressed 214 years , endure one winters siege ? that 〈◊〉 and thirst hath vanquished impregnable Cities , as it shall do Rhodes , telling them , there was a secret mischief 〈◊〉 against it , which might not in that open audience be published . Though many thought this was spoken out of policy , and the cold courages of the Souldiers were little moved ; yet in regard of duty , with an expectation of the secret , they departed at least in shew , content to endure all difficulties . Achimetes daily assailing the Vanmures of the Avergne station , not very high , at length obtained them , desperately keeping the place till more help ran in , who speedily clapt up a strong covering , like a Pent-house betwixt the wall and the Vanmure : easie to do , the ditches there being filled so high , that the slankers could not scoure them , nor the Defendants without danger , come to cast any thing down from the walls : so that the Rhodians overtaken with a sudden mischief , were first heavily silenced , then breaking out into pittiful out-cries . The Turks under their Pent-house laboured to dig up the walls foundation : and Prejanes , what might be , threw down fire , scalding Oil , &c. upon them : who shrinking away for fear , and being beaten forward by their Commanders , and fresh men still thrust on , the fatal work begun Octob. 7th , went forward apace : The Asapi were imployed in this work , who oft serve to fill Town-ditches , for the Janizaries to passe over upon , shoring it up as they wrought with Timber , then firing it , hoping to overthrow the wall : which not sorting , as not being enough undermined , they tryed to pull it down with hooks and ropes ; but the Ordnance soon put them off with great 〈◊〉 . Achimetes disappointed , doubted whether to give over , or there to expect some better hap , knowing the Tyrant measured all things by the event ; who understanding the wall to be sore shaken , however , planted his battery against the undermined part , which falling down more and more , the Rhodians laboured day and night to raise a new wall . Solyman perswaded generally , the City was that day to be taken or never , determined another general assault , proclaiming the Cities spoll to his men , and briefly speaking to them , that fortune having proved their courage and patience , now offered them the reward of their pains , &c. that it was the time to end those mungrel-people , of whom more were slain than left alive : who , he knew , would resist , not as daring but for 〈◊〉 ; wherefore they should revenge themselves , and make them a woful example to posterity , saying , There was a fair breach wherein 30 Horsmen might enter , nothing wanting but their courage . The Souldiers encouraged chearfully promised to do their utmost , threatning the Christians with horrible death and captivity : the great shot the while , flying thorow the breach , beat down many Houses ; but the Countermure , standing on a lower ground , it seldom touched . The Citizens were wondrously terrified with the ratling , noise , and thundring : Women and Children lamenting , and seeming forlorn : the night following was more troublesom ; but the day dawning , the Turks with glistering Ensigns , and chearful with hope , hasted to the breach with great outcries and songs : setting down many Ensigns before Ambrose Gate , deckt with Garlands , in token of Victory : their Fleet also , made shew before the Haven , as if it would assail the City on that side ; yet for all these extremities , the Rhodians regarding no danger , running by heaps to the walls , opposed their bodies , instead of battered walls , propounding to each other , the cruel death , servitude , and taunts , if they fell into their enemies hands , to be endured . Achimetes fiercely assailed the breach : the deadly fight being on both sides with great courage maintained ; ( the dismayd Matrons & Maidens , some in their Houses , some in Temples with flouds of teares , craved the Almighties help in that distress . ) The Turks hoped to win the City , if they did but a little strain themselves , therefore for terrors sake , gave terrible outcries : the Rhodians accounting them as good as vanquished , they having not yet prevailed ; and by whose invincible courage the Turks were forced to retire : whom the Rhodians shouted at in derision : who disdaining , that they in number many , should be so derided by a handful of men , as good as 〈◊〉 , returned with a more furious assault than at first : and then had the City been taken , had not the Turks been overwhelmed with shot out of their Barricadoes , and flankers of the new walls , more slaughter for the time , was ever hardly seen : wherefore Achimetes again retired , leaving in the breach and Town-ditch , 500 dead Turks , many more dying afterwards of hurt received . This was on Novemb. the last : the Turkish Captains , though not despairing of Victory , resolved for no more notable assaults , but by great Trenches , to be made thorough the ruines , to get into the City , and with mattocks , &c. to overthrow the new wall , and another 〈◊〉 without the same ; and the while , to busie the Rhodians with skirmishes and Alarms . This device served to more purpose than all done before , for the multitude destroying the new Fortifications , and creeping on further by degrees , the Defendants were glad to pull down their Houses to make new ones , lessening their City by new Trenches ; so that in short time , they knew not which place to fortifie first , for the enemy had gained almost 200 paces in breadth , and 150 in length . Soly man , though cruel , and assured of Victory , yet Achimetes and Cassius perswa ding him , nothing was better for enlarging his Empire than the fame of Clemency : commanded Pyrrhus to try , if they would by parley , yield on reasonable conditions : who sent one Monilia a Genoway to the Walls , who craving safe conduct , said , He had somewhat to say , tending to the good of the distessed City : who being commanded to speak , said , He would in secret , either by 〈◊〉 or Letters , deliver his Message to one Matthias his Country-man a Citizen : Fornovius a French cholerick Knight ( reported to have 〈◊〉 , himself , 500 Turks from Georges Tower ) moved to hear a motion of private conference , bending his piece , made him depart without doing his Message . Many understanding the enemy had offered parley , conceiving some hope of life , requested Villerias to provide for the safety of his loving people , & c. most of whom left , being wounded or sick : saying , they had proved their force and fortune , wherefore he should beware left by too long consulting , the enemy conceived further indignation : with these and such speeches he was forced to send Embassadours to Solyman : Groleus the Ensign-bearer , and Barasius skilled in the Greek-tongue , for whom Achimetes kinsman , and an Epirot who had fled to the Turks because a Greek Captain struck him with his open hand , of a sharp wit , and speaking Greek , Turkish , Italian Languages ; were pledges . Solyman's Interpreter came also after ; for Solyman counted it a disgrace to speak any Language but his own ; the Embassadours told Solyman , they were sent to know why he sent for parley : Who in a flaming heat , as if not knowing thereof , said , There was no such matter , and commanding them to void the Camp , sent them away with Letters , that they should yield speedily as he commanded : their Lives , Wealth , and choice to tarry there still , or to depart , he granted them : that they should not refuse grace frankly offered , & c. saying , it should not be always lawful for them to make choice of both . Upon their return , the multitude flocked to Villerius his House , who being dismissed , and the chief Burgers sent for , the Letter was read before the Knights and better sort of Citizens . To which the Master answered : they had heard those imperious letters , & were sorrowful , that they must resolve to yield or die except Forreign ayd come : Wherefore with Weapons in hand , letus , said he , to the last gasp valiantly defend our Faiths and Nobility received from our Ancestours , & c. never to besaid , Honours died , but with our selves . This speech seemed to many heavier than Solymans Command : who stood silent , heavily looking one upon another , & c. At length , a Greek Priest with great compassion of mind , and tears trickling down , brake forth into a 〈◊〉 speech , perswading the Great Master to yield . Most there present was of his mind ; yet the speech was not liked of all ; Some considering the harms they had done the Turks , doubted with what safety , they might yield unto those faithless people , rather to fight it out to the last man , and so leave them a bloody Victory : Amongst these one bold-spoken fellow stept forth , a common Souldier , and , by a most resolute speech , disswaded the yielding up of the Rhodes : concluding they should enjoy eternal fame , and glory in Heaven and earth , prepared for such as honourably dic in defence of their Prince and Country : which honour , said he , it becommeth not them to envy , who for many years enjoying the profit of peace , and being greatly enriched by the bounty of this sacred Military Order , refuse now to bear this last burden of War. At these words , an ancient Greek , for wisdom and discretion greatly reputed by Greeks and Latines , perceiving his Country-men wrongfully touched , and the desperate holding out of the City vainly perswaded , interrupting him , notably answered to his speech , and urged earnestly and affectionately the yielding of the City . Notwithstanding , Villerius , making shew of greater courage than his present State required , after thus discoursing most of the night , commanded every man to his charge , answering only , He would be careful of all their well-doing . Next morning he sent for Preianes , Martiningus , and a few other , who resolved him , the City could not be long defended . Wherefore calling a Common-Councel ; it was by a general consent concluded , the City should be yielded ; and a Decree by the Great Master pronounced . During a 4 dayes truce with the enemy , full of danger ; divers presuming Turks , came to behold the , Walls and Rampires ; Fornovius sore moved , without command , discharged a Tire of Ordnance among the thickest of them . Then also they received by night into the City , a ship-load of Wines from Creet , with Alphonsus chief Pilot of the Rhodian Galleys , and 100 voluntary Latines thence , without the knowledge of the Venetian Senate then in league with Solyman . The Turks hereby justly offended , supposing the supplies far greater than they were , without command or Ensigne displayed , thrust in , in great numbers , to the new Rampires and Barracadoes , with a furious assault , many being slain and wounded on both sides ; but the Turks retired . The truce thus broken , the bloudy Captain of the Turks Senoeres , having taken 3 Christians , cut off their hands ears and noses , sending them thus with Letters to Villerius , charging him with Truce-breach ; threatning , within 3 or 4 dayes to make him the like example to Posterity . None was more troubled with this breach than the 3 Knights , then Embassadours in the Turks Camp : who had been slain or tortured , had they not feared the like to their Hostages : but two Burgesses being come into the Camp with Articles of surrender , their rage was soon appeased . Solyman gave them audience , beset with his great Army and glistering Janizaries , who with great humility presented the conditions : The chief were , that the Temples should remain to the Christians 〈◊〉 : No children to be taken from their Parents , nor no Christians forced to turn Turks : That such as would tarry in the City , might , at liberty , paying no Tribute for 5 years : All others to depart with bag and baggage , furnished with convenient Shipping and Provision as far as Creet ; carrying so much Ordnance as they pleased ; and a reasonable day to appoint for their departure : Solyman solemnly swearing to perform them all : but it seems , they were not altogether kept nor broken : many great out-rages being committed against the mind of Solyman . Fontanus a Civilian , then a Judge of the City , reports ; the Turks brake in one Christmas-day by the 〈◊〉 Cosqueinium , polluting the Temples , abusing the Christians , and making havock of all things : Himself redeeming himself with what money he had , not having enough to content all their desires , was hardly entreated , and grievously beaten : Villerius by Achimetes counsel , putting on simple attire , went out into the Camp , with a few Knights , where waiting most of the day in the rain , at Solyman's Tent , at last having a rich Gown cast upon him , was brought into his presence : where a while piercingly beholding each other , the great Master humbling himself , was admitted to kiss his hand ; and welcomed by Solyman , thus , Though I might justly infringe the Articles , with thee especially such a Capital 〈◊〉 , & c. Yet I have determined to be not only gracious , but bountiful , promising , if thou 〈◊〉 amend ; the highest places in my Empire in time of War and Peace , thy present state perswades thee not to refuse , & the Christians deserve no better at thy hands . For what should let thee as it were betrayed & vanquished , to cast thy self into the protection of a most merciful and mighty Conquerour , Villerius answered , Most mighty , & c. Thy Favours before thy other Worthies I deserve not , nor dare I , or ought now , to refel the same ; yet I will speak freely in the presence of the Conqueror ( whose mercy I never despaired of , or of his faith doubted ) I had rather , having lost my Soveraignty , lose my life , or for ever live in obscurity , than to be accounted a fugitive ; for to be a vanquished man , is but War's chance ; and of so great a Conquerour , no shame : but afterwards to forsake his people and turn to the enemy , I account it shameful cowardise and treachery . Solyman marvelled at the courage of the old Prince , in such extremity ; Sent him into the City with his own guard , till come into his Pallace ; every Knight , atttending him , having a rich Garment in token of his favour ; and few dayes after coming into the City , he went to visit Villerius , busie in packing up his things : who falling on his knees to worship Solyman , he would not suffer him ; but putting aside his Vail of Majesty ( a reverence given only to God and Mahomet ) took him up , saluting him by the name of Father , to whom the great Master spake : Since the fatal Destinies would needs overthrow the Rhodian State ; he was glad , he was the man before all other , & c. the least of whose prayses , that should not be , that he vanquished the Rhodes , and shewed mercy . Wherefore he doubted not , but he would keep the Conventions of peace inviolate , which his Clemency perswaded him to grant , and their necessity forced them to take : saying , He should be an Example of the Turkish Emperour's Clemency and Vertue , more than if he had at first yielded . Solyman answered by his Interpreter . It was a great pleasure to him , that God had at any time put it into his mind , to chuse Peace before War : which if he had liked from the beginning , he had now received more good from him , than hurt ; which that he did not for hatred , but desire of Soveraignty he might gather , because he suffered them to depart at liberty with all their substance ; for he warred not to heap up wealth , but for Honour , Fame , and an enlagement of his Empire , & c. But it was commonly bruited : he had ordered a Ship and Galleys to transport the Master & Knights to Constantinople : but if he had so purposed , who should have let him ? Joulus reports , he heard Lilladamus say , that when Solyman entred Rhodes with 30000 men : there was not any man heard to speak a word : and when he came to ask Solyman leave to depart , he turning to Abraham Bassa , said , Truly , I cannot but grieve to see this unfortunate old man driven out of his dwelling , to depart so heavily . Lilladamus embarquing himself with his Knights , and such as were willing to depart , departed on New-years-day at night , landing after long and dangerous travels at Messana in Sicily : thence he went to Rome , where he was honourably received by Pope Adrian 6 , a Hollander , who if he had been so forward to relieve the Rhodes , as to maintain Charls his quarrel against the French King , its like it had been relieved . Thus Solyman , while Christian Princes were at discord , entred the Rhodes , Decemb. 25. 1522. after 214 years valiant defence against the Turks , from whom the Knights took it in 1308. It was 6 moneths besieged by Solyman , who lost a great part of his Army , 30000 dying of the flux , besides those slain . Alis Beg , who betrayed his Uncle Aladeules , being made chief Governour by Selimus , as aforesaid ; Solyman jealous of his honour ( all Aladeules children being dead ) especially if they should joyn in friendship with the Persian sent Ferhates Bassa , with a great Army to take him out of the way , who marching along the confines of his Country , as if but to look to those marches of the Empire , whereof he was Governour , faigning himself very sick , sent to Alis , requesting him to come to him , at the point of death : to whom he had things of importance from Solyman to impart , and would leave with him his charge , if he died , till Solyman should dispose thereof . Alis alwayes faithful and mistrusting no harm , came to him with his four sons , whom with their Father , he presently put to death , and reducing that Country into a Province , under Solyman , came to him with 20000 men about the time of the yielding of Rhodes : where all things being disposed of , Solyman returning to Constantinople , brake up his Army , and for 3 years after , followed his pleasure : in which time and many years after , Italy was miserably afflicted and rent by Charls the 5th . Emperour , and Francis the French King : This , envying of his glory : and Charls , seeking to make himself Lord of all Italy : most of other Christian Princes and States being drawn into fellowship of the War : Whereupon Solyman thought it now a fit time to set foot into Hungaria ; Belgrade being already taken : for he knew Lewis that King was but young , unacquainted with War , rather over-ruled by his Subjects , than commanding them , hoping also that other Christian Princes near him , either regarding their own estate would not , or being by League bound to him , could not greatly ayd him . So setting forward from Constantinople , he was come so far as Sophia with 200000 men , before the Hungarians ( so blind and secure was that State ) knew of his coming . The young King was wondrously dismaied at this fame : yet he sent to his neighbour Princes with all speed , requesting their aid , but in vain . He the while summoned the Assembly of his Councel for the Wars : Thither his stipendary Prelares ( bound to appear ) came with ill-appointed Horsmen , the Troops not half full , delivering in far lass 〈◊〉 of money than they ought . And the Nobility as fresh-water Souldiers , never seeing the Turk in his strength vaunted : That though they were but few , they would easily overthrow their great numbers , if they came to handy-stroaks ; but above all , Tomoreus Arch Bishop of Colossa , who had been in som light skir-mishes with the Turks , so did confidently brag of the Victory , that in his Sermons to the Souldiers , and talk with the Nobility , he seemed himself sufficient to vanquish the Turks Army ; but a general muster being taken , there was scarce 25000 Horse and Foot. So the fool hardinesse of Tomoreus and others , was of most wise men disliked : the old Souldiers , saying , 'T was meer madness to give Battel with such a handful of men . Wherefore amongst others ; Verbetius a noble Captain , counselled that King 〈◊〉 should be kept out of danger in the strong Castle of Buda ; but the unruly Souldiers said , unless the King led them , they would not fight : Of which opinion was Tomoreus , perswading them speedily to give the enemy Battel , * c. The King ruled by this unlucky Counsel set forward with his Army , & came to Mohatchor Mugace , a Village not far from Danubius , the mid way between Buda and Belgrade . Balybeus , with 20000 Turks , fore-runners was at hand , and then the Hungarians consulted , whither 〈◊〉 to encamp along Danubius within their waggons , to expect Sepussius Uayuod of Transilvanias's coming with his Horsmen , or to march forward and give Battel ? But Tomoreus , knowing upon Sepusius his coming , he was to give place , would not hear of delay , and by his frantick perswasions drew the young King into most apparant danger : for Balybeus making 4 Battels , skirmished with the Kings Army without ceasing day or night , keeping them in so straight , that none could water his Horse at Danubius without danger , or once stir forth ; but must dig Water pits where they lay ; so that Tomoreus must of necessi y fight . His Battel was ranged all in length , and his Horse placed here and there by Troops among his Foot , lest the Turks should with their multitude compass them , for Solyman was come with all his Army . Tomoreus placed a choyse Troop ( nigh the chained waggons inclosing the Tents ) to defend the Kings person against all events : but at the first encounter , the Hungarians , though not hurt by the Turks Artillery ( being mounted too high , most of the Guuners being Christians ) were easily overthrown , as oppressed by multitude : Tomoreus with the rest of the Prelates and Nobles , being almost all slain together , and the Horsmen slain or put to flight : the Turks assailed the Camp , hardly defended by the weak Garrison : whom the Kings Guard-Troop would needs go to help : the King , seeing himself forsaken , fled ; but passing over a Fenny-ditch , his Horse plunging out , fell backwards upon him , where being loaded with Armour , he was miserably drowned in the filthy ditch ; some few Horsmen escaped , the rest were slain or taken : This woful Battel , the ground of that Kingdoms miseries , was fought , Octob. 29. 1526. Solyman after this , marching to Buda the regal City , it was delivered him with the Castle ; on condition to violate no man or goods , and to leave it again to the Hungarians , all which he performed ; he much commended the Castle , but lodged not therein , but in his Camp , the Turkish Emperour being forbidden by their Law to lodge in any walled place not his own . He laying at Buda , 7 heads of the Slain Bishops and Nobles were presented to him , set on a wooden step , his Courtiers bending with their right hands on their breasts , and deridingly saluting them by name , as valiant Popes , whereat he smiled , and enquiring particularly what they were ; he most detested Sal-canius Bishop of Strigonium , who although abounding in wealth , refused part thereof unto his Soveraign at his great need : blaming Tomoreus of rashness , who busied himself fo far in matters not belonging to his vocation : commending Perenus Bishop of Veradium , who sharply said in the Council when Tomoreus would needs fight with the Turks : that he foresaw , their friendlike General would thereby but effect one Holy-day more in the Christians Kalenders for 30000 Hungarian Martyrs slain by the Turks in unequal Battel . He called George Sepusius and others rash fools , for adventuring with so small strength to encounter so strong an enemy . King Lewis and his Wives counterfeit being shewed him : he said , he was sorry it was his ill hap to have so unadvised Counsellours in so important a matter : and that he came not to take away his Kingdom ; but to revenge the wrongs done him by the Hungarians : and , had he escaped , he would have restoredto him the Kingdom , as content with a smal Tribute , &c. All which he commanded to be told to Mary the Queen , who was fled to Possonium : and he did ( shortly after ) give the said Kingdom to John Sepusius , not royally descended ( and he then retaining the mind of a very enemy ) After that he took away three goodly Brass-Images : placed by Matthias in the entrance of the Kings Pallace , Representing Hercules with his Club , Apollo with his Harp , and Diana with her Bow and Quiver , placing them in the Tilt-yard of Constantinople as a Trophy of Victory ; yet they were since taken away by the Mufties perswasion ( as against their superstition ) and Ordnance made of them . Also he carried away 3 most curious Artillery Pieces , and certain Brazen Pillars . In his 20 daye 's stay at Buda , to satisfie his cruel and greedy Souldiers , he sent divers Troops , by whom all the Country betwixt Rab and the River Tybiscus , was so destroyed , that above 15000 people were said to be slain or led Captive : all 〈◊〉 being done , he returned to Constantinople . John Sepusius Vayvod of Transilvania , coming too late to aid the King , forasmuch as the King being dead without issue ; He was of greatest account among the Nobility of Hungarie : he cunningly and instantly requested divers Noble men one by one , at the next Parliament not to betray the honour of their Countrey , in suffering the Royal Dignity to be transferred to a stranger , &c. for they ought to remember what calamities they had formerly received in chusing forraign Kings to rule over them , and in following their unfortunate Ensignes against the Turks : saying , there remained of the Nobility of Hungarie , men honourably descended of most antient Houses , worthy of the Kingdom , &c. Among whom , said he , I would not be accounted so base or heavy-headed ( though many for honour of house , and wealth , may seem to go before me ) that I will therefore confess any to be better then my self , for conducting an Army , or Government of a Kingdom . He had hereby won many of their good wills and the easier , for that Steven Bator was gone into Bohemia to King Ferdinand , then greatly busied in procuring the Nobilitie's favour , and Commons of that Realm against the time of the Parliament , wherein he was shortly after chosen King. Lewis his dead body , after Solyman's departure being found by the demonstration of Cotriscus quire of his Body , present when he was drowned , was buried with great solemnity at Alba Regalis amongst the Sepulchers of the Hungarian Kings ; which ended , the general Military Parliament ( by whose Voyce the Kings were antiently chosen ) was called : where John the Vayvod was by the great Applause and Consent of all there present , chosen King : to whom Perenus 〈◊〉 the ancient Crown of the Kingdom , which was in his keeping , and he being orderly Crowned , was consecrated by the hands of Paul lately chosen Bishop of Strigonium , and Steven Bishop of Vacia , whom he chose his Secretary : giving unto Gybachus Bishop of Veradium the Vayvod-Ship of Transilvania ; But whilst he was thus rewarding his friends , and strengthening himself in his Kingdom ; he heard that Ferdinand his Competitour was chosen King of Bohemia , who ont of the old controversie betwixt Matthias and Frederick the Emperours great Grandfather alleadged great claim to that Kingdom , derived from the time of Ladislaus , reported to be poysoned at the solemnization of his marriage , through the ambition and malice of Pogibracius , who shortly after obtained the Bohemian Kingdom . And now it seemed , that Férdinand made greater herewith , and strengthened by his Brother Charls the Emperour might on good ground claim the Hungarian Kingdom , belonging to him ( as he pretended ) ever since Albertus the Emperour's time : neither wanted he the furtherance of divers Nobles of Hungarie , besides Bater who were in his Court , and 〈◊〉 at the Vayvoá's preferment . By whose perswasion , he ( trusting to his strength in Austria , Bohemia , Rhetia , Stiria , and Corinthia ) marched towards Buda . Whereat John being exceedingly troubled , as not having sufficient strength , nor greatly assured of his Subjects fidelity ; departed from Buda , exhorting his Captains to follow him : And by long marches passed over Tybiscus , encamping at the strong Castle of Tocai . Ferdinand obtaining Buda without resistance ; and staying a while , consulted whether to pursue John or not : It was soon resolved , he was speedily to be pursued , before he should gather greater strength , &c. Ferdinand committing his Army to the Hungarian Nobles his Friends : they with all speed passed Tybiscus on a bridge made of Boats brought with them , coming to the Castle of Tocai : John terrified , and debating with his 〈◊〉 of the danger , they perswaded him to withdraw a 〈◊〉 out of the Battel , and if things fell out contrary , to reserve himself to better fortunes : but they would resolutely fight against those traiterous Fugitives , &c. Bodo was chief of the Kings Army , to whom he delivered his Ensign with his own hand : who stood himself in the main Battel with the Hungarians , placing the Transilvanians in the wings . Turacous led Ferdinands main Battel , strengthened on one 〈◊〉 with the Stirian , on tother with the Austrian Horse ; but Bachitius ( well acquainted with the Turkish Wars : lay a good distance off in ambush with light-horsmen to take his advantage upon occasion . The Ordnance discharged , they joyned Battel ; the wings fighting with divers fortune . The Stirians were worsted by the Transilvanians , and Bodoes left wing being mostly 〈◊〉 Souldiers , were likewise overthrown by the Austrians . The main Battels almost all Hungarians , fought most eagerly with equal courage ; but Bodoes right wing being now put to 〈◊〉 by a fresh charge , all his Army was put to flight . Bodo labouring to restore the Battel , and save the Kings Ensign , was by Bachitius s coming in , taken : All the Kings Artillery and Ensignes being taken also : himself fleeing into Polonia . Ferdinands Captains entring Transilvania : all the Province submitting to Ferdinand : to whom all the Noble prisoners with the Ensignes , being sent , when Bodo could not be perswaded to renounce his Oath to King John , and bear Arms against him ; He was cast into a dark Dungeon , where soon after he miserably died . Ferdinand , was by common consent of the Hungarians saluted King , and crowned with the same Crown that John was Crowned , brought to him by the same Perenus . Anne his Wife , Lewis his only sister , being Crowned with him : and all at Alba Regalis . Ferdiuand leaving Bator , and the revolted Bishop of Strigonium his Deputies for Government , making Berethsaxius Secretary ; and Tursonus a Moravian Treasurer , returned into Bohemia , John thus thrust out of his Kingdom ; fled to Lascius of great fame amongst the Polonians : who frankly promised him his own wealth , for recovery of his Estate ; and more than that , the utmost of his Device ; which was accounted wonderful in great matters . Lascus's entertainment of John was not unpleasant to Sigismund King of Poland , though , not to offend Ferdinand his Alliant ; he seemed to forget himself in shewing so small kindness to John , whose Sister he had married . After almost a moneths debating , Lascus rested on this one point , that ready help in so hard a case , was only to be hoped for of the Turkish Emperour Solyman , thinking that he would not reject his humble prayers ; especially if being by him restored , he could be content to hold his Kingdom as of the Othoman Kings bounty . And ere long , upon this resolution with the King ; Lascus went as Embassadour from John to Solyman : It was reported that Sigismund gave him his safe conduct with Letters of Credence : who being come to Constantinople , he soon won the favour of the Bassaes , & other Courtiers , presenting them with gifts for Rareness rather than value , as might be most pleasing to theit Wives . Abraham was then Visier or chief Bassa , and keeper of the Emperours Seal , doing whatever pleased himself ; and commonly said to be the Commander of Solymans thoughts : Lascus , for that he could speak the Slavonian tongue , the Turkish Courtiers familiar speech , earnestly solicited the Kings cause , wondrously commending him : for ( having saluted Solyman ) he was turned over ( after the manner of the Turkish Court ) to the Bassaes : which his request with the particular motives and Arguments thereof , being sharply delivered , and by the Bassaes reported to Solyman : who at a secret Window had before heard them heclared by Lascus : It was no great labour to perswade him , again to undertake the Hungarian War , and grant John his request according to the success of the Victory ; so he would faithfully perform what he had promised , not shew himself unthankful . Ferdinand the while , fearing no force but the Turks , sent John Oberdanscus a Hungarian , Embassadour to Solyman ( with gifts for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) by shewing to him his ancient Title and claim to the Kingdom of Hungarie , 〈◊〉 desire his Friendship , and joyn with him in League upon Ladislaus , his Son Lewis , and Sigismund of Polonia , their very conditions : but though he was courteously received by Solyman , and patiently heard , yet in conclusion Solyman said , it was far from the manner of his Ancestors , to receive them into favour , who had injured the Othoman name : Ferdinand having done impudently to invade 〈◊〉 Kingdom , and to think to hold it , seeing his old Claim , was lost by the Law of Arms , by his late Victory against King Lewis : wherefore instead of Friendship and League , he denounced unto him all the calamities of War : commanding Oberdanscus speedily to depart from Constantinople : who coming to Vienna and telling the Kings Lievtenants , that Solyman would shortly come thither with his Army , he was not believed , but reputed a vain man : wherefore he hastened to Ferdinand then at Spires ( hoping to be chosen King of the Romanes at the Assembly of the States of the Empire at hand ) for crowning his Brother Charls . This news not a little troubled Ferdinand , even fore-seeing what would happen , knowing he should come in an ill time to crave help of the Germanes , especially his Brother Charls being busied in his Wars in Italy , and himself wanting money . The Spring come , Solyman set forward from Hadrianople with 150000 men . Abraham and Achomates conducting the Europeian Horse : Michael Ogli General of the Acanzij : Becrambeius following him with his Asians : himself in the middle with his Janizaries and Court-Souldiers , 〈◊〉 in 15 dayes to Belgrade : where John with Lascus , and other Hungarian Nobles , came to him , and doing him all honour , requested him to proceed to revenge his quarrel . Solyman 〈◊〉 , and yet friendly , gave him his right hand , protesting , nothing was better to him , or he more desired of God , than to relieve distressed Princes , chiefly those wrongfully 〈◊〉 by his enemies , willing him to be of good comfort , promising to bestow on him what in that warre he won by the Sword. John obtained this by Bassa's mediation , whom Lascus had so won by gifts and requests : Grittus , the Duke of Venice his Son , born and brought up in Constantinople , then following the Turk's Camp , and in great reputation among the Turks , and so favoured by Abraham , that he could perswade him to any thing , especially helping him herein . The fame of Solyman's coming , so terrified the Citizens of Buda , that they almost all fled to places further off ; so entring Buda unresisted , he besieged the Castle , whose Captain was Nadastus , of great account among the Hungarians : who perceiving his Souldiers , as dismayd willing to surrender , forbad them to talk with the enemy , bending his Artillery upon the Turks , and seeing his men timorous , he reproved them of cowardise and treason , threatning them with shameful death , if they held not out to the utmost , &c. But they misdoubting by the Turks running to and fro , that the Castle was undermined , & at least imagining to smell the sent of Gunpowder , were struck with such fear , that nought could s●ay them , but they would needs deliver up the Castle : which when they could not perswade the resolute Captain to consent unto , but sternly exclaiming against them , they bound him hand and foot , presently concluding with the enemy to yield , so they might depart with bag and baggage : and they about 700 , about to depart towards Possonium : and the Janizaries loosing the Captain , were about to let him go also . Solyman advertized of their treachery , and the Captains fidelity , in detestation , gave them all to the Janizaries to be slain ; but offered Nadastus's honourable entertainment , which he refusing , he courteously sent him away , holpen by King Johns commendation , though his Sister was married to Stephen Malat , his deadly enemy . This bloudy execution , the Turks said , was not onely lawful , but also to Solyman's immortal glory , in the execution of justice . Buda thus taken , Solyman resolved forthwith to besiege Vienna , the chief City of Austria : sending Achomates , before him , with the Achanzii , who running thorow Hungary , and entring Austria , passed by Vienna , miserably burning and destroying , as far as Lyntz . The poor people fleeing as men and women dismayed , carried with them their Children , and what else they could ; for whatever fell into their hands , was lost , the old men slain , the young led captive , women ravished before their Husbands faces , and then slain with their Children ; Infants ript out of their Mothers wombs : others taken from their breasts , were cut in pieces , or thrust on sharp stake , &c. Solyman shortly after , following them with all his Army , took Altenburg Castle by the way , commanding 300 of the Bohemians there in Garrison , to follow his Camp. He also assaulted the little City Neapolis , 7 times in one day , still repulsed : but he forsook that , and came to Vienna Septemb. 26. incamping in 5 places about it , with such a multitude ; that from the highest Tower thereof , the ground seemed to be covered 8 miles space with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 people . Ferdinand , besides his own forces ( not 〈◊〉 to oppose so mighty an enemy ) had craved ayd of Christian Princes his Neighbors , chiefly those of the Empire , who appointed Frederick Palatine of Rhexe , and 〈◊〉 of Bavaria their General ; but the Germanes ( after their manner , slowly serting forward , Solyman the while , had so belayed the City , that Frederick could not get into 〈◊〉 but stayed with his Army at Chremse , about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 off ; yet a few dayes before , 20000 Horse and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 come to Vienna , their chief Commanders being Philip the Palsgrave Fredericks Nephew , sent thither a little before by his Uncle , with a few Companies of Horse and 〈◊〉 ; Nicholaus Count of Salma ; the Lord 〈◊〉 John Cazzianzer , a Croatian Noble , with four others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and valour , of great account . Vienna was somewhat strong toward the North , by reason of Danubius ; but in other places , the Ditches were drie , easie to be passed ; the walls of Brick , round , without Flankers , neither high nor thick : neither had they , as men secure , cast up any rampire or Bulwark , unless at the Gate of Carinthia ; so that of 100 great pieces , and 300 others , lesse , a great part were of no use ; yet , as the sudden coming of the enemy gave leave , they cast up Bulwarks , and planted their Ordnance thereon . Abraham Bassa encamped on a Hill , where stood a ruinous Castle , whence he might overlook all the City ; yet laying out of danger of Gunshot : Becrambeius lay at the Gate Purgatoria : toward the Hill's rising , lay Michael Ogli . At the Scottish gate towards Danubius , lay the Asapi , with divers Companies of Janizaries , who powred such showers of shot and Arrowes into the City , that none could appear on the walls without danger , or 〈◊〉 in the City unarmed , but he was wounded . Solyman lay nigh St. Marks Temple , compassed with his Janizaries and Court-Souldiers , defended also with the brick walls of the Gardens : the Defendants sallying often out , slew many , while thus encamping : in one of which sallies , Hagen with certain old Spanish Souldiers , was slain , fighting valiantly at the Castle Gates ; and in another , Zetlitz sallying out with 500 Horse , even to their Trenches , was taken with six others , whom the Turks compelled to carry so many Heads of their slain fellows , on poles , and so presented to Solyman : of whom he enquired many things concerning Ferdinand , and where he was , and whether the Princes within hoped to defend the City against his power . Zetlitz answered ( though not so truly ) that Ferdinand lay not far of at Lintz , expecting a great Army ; and that divers Princes were coming to him with great ayd , And as for the Princes in the City , he knew , they and all the Souldiers were solemnly sworn , not to give it over to the last man , But as for him and the others taken with him , they were in his power to kill or save : yet he granted them their lives and liberties , charging them to wish the Defendants in his name , to yield the City : which it was impossible for them long to defend against his mighty power , &c. and to accept before too late , of safe departure with bag and baggage ; for he was resolved not to depart before he had taken it . So he sent them away with three Hungarian Duckats a man. They being received into the City , related the threatnings and proud speeches of the Turk , which they so disdamed , as to send him no answer : whereat he displeased , deridingly sent them word , if they wanted help , he would send them the 300 Bohemians taken in Altenburge Castle : who answered , they needed none from him , therefore , he might dispose of his prisoners , as he saw good : wherefore he began to batter the walls with such Ordnance as he brought with him : which being not great , did not much harm , more than to beat down the battlements of Timber , hanging over the walls for small shot to play out of . His great Artillery was coming up Danubius ; but Wolfgangus Hoder going out of Possonium , with certain small Vessels , set upon the Turks with such resolution , that slaying many of them , he sunk amongst other Vessels , those battering-pieces with the Boats that brought them ; so losing a few men , he returned with Victory : the City hereby , being delivered of a great danger ; yet another part of the Turks Fleet , at the first coming up to Vienna , brake down all the Bridges , which joyned divers Islands together , made by Danubius ; over which is the way from Austria , unto Vienna : and so kept the passage , that none by land or water could go in or out without danger . Solyman now fell to undermining the City : which was with exceeding labour and diligence , attempted in 15 places ; but was perceived by Drums on the ground , basons filled with water , and sounds made in the Earth , and so , met withall by countermines , that most were frustrated , and 8000 Turks slain or buried quick therein . Solyman , that they might not so perfectly discover his Mines , appointed his Army , divided into four parts , in order to give the Defendants a continual Alarum : whereby his works went forward with all possible speed : and one Mine was suddenly blown up , shaking and overthrowing much of the wall nigh the Gate , leading towards Carinthia : whereat , the Turks greatly shouting , pressed in on all sides by the ruines of the wall , charging the Defendants with shot and Arrowes very thick : who resolutely standing in the face of the breach , so received them with shot and push of Pike , that they began to retire : whereupon , Solyman sent in new supplies ; but these also receiving a great overthrow , retired without any sign of retreat . The ground nigh the Town lay covered , and the ditches filled with dead Turks . Ere long , the wall was blown up in two other places , by which breach not very great , they sought so desperately to enter , that they thrust one another upon the point of their enemies Weapons : who slew them without number , being mostly , without Armour , enforcing them again disorderly to retire , filling the breaches with their dead Carkasses . Three dayes after , another piece of the Wall , not farre from the first breach , was so suddenly overthrown , that for eagerness on both sides , throwing away Guns and Bowes , they came to handy-blowes in midst of the breach , the Turks with Scimitars , the Germanes with long Swords : as their Captains encouraged ( them ) with chearful perswasions ; so the Turks Captains forced ( them ) forward with words and wounds : t was thought , a more fierce and deadly fight was never seen ; for many Turks Horsemen , thrust in on foot amongst the rest , and fought most desperately . At the last , after three houres furious fight , the Turks seeing no hope , retired to their Camp , many of their best Captains and Souldiers lying dead by heaps . It were tedious to recount every assault in particular ; yet Lord Rogendorff is not to be forgotten , who one day sallyed out ( with some Troops ) upon many stragling Turks , with such violence , that overthrowing them at first on-set , and chasing them , scarce 140 , of 5300 escaped : after which his name was terrible to the Turks . Solyman exceedingly grieved with his vain assaults , purposed to prove the utmost of his forces , and calling his chief Commanders , at first , sharply reproved them as of no courage , who had turned their backs in the breaches half won : wherefore ( he counting it a great dishonour to forsake the siege ) they should resolve next day as Conquerors , to take the City , or as cowards , to end their dayes . Next day , Octob. 15. they with all their sorces assailed the City , thrusting their men by heaps into the breaches , as if they would with very multitude , have overborn the Christians ; being at handy blowes , the fight was most terrible , the Christians still repulsing them : whose Ordnance also fitly mounted , made such slaughter among the thickest of them , that they shrunk back , and chose rather to be slain of their own Captains , as some were , then to be rent in sunder by the murthering shot ; so that the Captains , seeing no remedy , retired , leaving many thousands dead in the Town-ditches . Next day Solyman despairing , and fearing Ferdinand and the Count Palatine their coming , winter also coming fast on , determined to raise the siege : to colour which dishonour , he sent certain chief prisoners , richly appareld , and full of money , to tell them of the City , he came not intending to besiege or take Vienna ; but to revenge wrongs done him by Ferdinand ; and to fight with him for the Hungarian Kingdom : whom , since he could not draw to Vienna , he would remove to seek for him : wherefore they should yield , promising not to enter their City , but to receive them all into his protection , reserving them their lives , goods and freedom : which they scornfully refused , as proceeding of desperation . Next night , he slew all the prisoners in his Army : which pittiful outcries , they heard into the City , not knowing what it should be , till , after his departure , they found men women and Children wallowed in their own blood . Solyman causing Abraham , to shew himself in order , as if to give a fresh assault , rose himself the while , with the rest , returningin such 〈◊〉 , that he neither garrison'd or demanded tribute of any places taken . Abraham following him a dayes journey behind , he arrived at Buda in five dayes , 32 Germane miles from Vienna . He is reported to have lost 80000 men , his Lieutenant of Asia being one , and many forward Captains . Few or none of name , of the defendants were lost ; but of the country , above 60000 were thought to be slain and carried captive : all about Vienna being miserably spoiled . Solyman restored Buda to King John , who by writing , acknowledged himself his Vassall , to whom he joyned Grittus as his legat , to help him in providing for that Kingdoms defence . While Solyman lay at Buda , he was one day earnest with King John , to receive the Bishop of Strigonium and Perenus , who had taken part with Ferdinand , into his former favour , who shewing himself unwilling to be intreated , said , their mutable mindes would never contain themselves within the bounds of loyalty , but find occasion to commit some fowler treason : whereto , Solyman straining his voice a little as somewhat moved , replyed , Can any thing happen better to thee in this life , than for thy enemies by thy kindness to be accounted by all ungrateful , &c. when as in thee the commendation of a courteous Prince shall for ever remain ? So fearing the cold of approaching Winter , he set forward to Belgrade , thence to Constantinople . All this while , Charls the Emperour , lately reconciled to Pope Clement 7th , besieged Florence , by Davalus , labouring to bring them again under the subjection of the Medici's , whereof Clement was chief : which with much adoe he bringing to passe , invested Alexander the Popes Nephew in 〈◊〉 Dukedom . And giving him his 〈◊〉 Daughter in marriage ; forgetting his Brother Ferdinand the 〈◊〉 and Austria 〈◊〉 , with Vienna endangered . Next year , 1520 , Solyman , with great solemnity , circumcised his Sons Mustapha , Mahomet , and Selimus at Constantinople . And hardly digesting the dishonour at Vienna , and solicited by John against Ferdinand , who with greater stomack still 〈◊〉 him ; but mostly , from an exceeding unsatiable desire of enlarging his Empire , he raised an Army , purposing chiefly , to conquer all Ferdinands Dominions , and so , all Germany ; prefining to himself but three years for accomplishment . It was reported , that he would oft say , what belonged to the Roman Empire , was of right his , he being possessed of the Seat and Scepter of Constantine the great : wherefore , when he mentioned Charls , he would as in disdain , terme him , King of Spain , but never , Emperour . Christian Princes discord , and great troubles then in Germany , about Religion , not a little encouraged him to his expedition . Ferdinand sent him three Embassadors , whereof Noble Negarola , skilled in divers Languages , was chief , with rich presents , and reasonable offers for peace , who meeting him on Servia's borders , were courteously received and heard ; yet had no answer , but to follow his Camp , and atrend his pleasure : the report whereof , brought fear on all Germany , chiefly the Austrians , in whose remembrance were the bleeding wounds of their Country &c. Charls the Emperour , had a little before , for a while well appeased the dissention about Religion , put the Germans in hope of a general Councel , for deciding all such matters ; and in a great Assembly of the states of the Empire at Ratisbone , shewed them the greatness of the eminent danger , &c. If they should then fall at variance among themselves : offering to go in person with all his old Souldiers in defence of the Christian cause ; so that , highly commending him , all other matters then set apart : they agreed with one consent to send at a prefixed day , such Forces to Vienna , as they had ( in any time before ) sent . Whereupon he wrote to Vastius his Lieutenant General in Italy , speedily to call together the old Captains , and to leavy what Harquebusiers they could , with whom , and the Spanish , to repair sorthwith into Austria : enjoyning Auria his Admiral to rig up a strong Fleet ; and to go against the Turks Navy into Greece : He sent also for his choyce Horsmen out of Burgundy , and the Low-countries : and many Noble and expert out of Spain : entertaining 12000 Germanes for his guard , commanded by famous Herbersthene and Tamisius . Pope Clement also , having exacted from the Clergy a great mass of Money ( for his Coffers were much emptied by the Florentine Wars : whereto his rich Cardinals contributed nothing ) sent the yong Cardinal Hippolytus , Medices his Nephew , ( about 20 years old , as his Legate to Charls ) accompanied with good Captains and store of Treasure , whose comming was very welcome : for besides his great bounty , he entertained 8000 Hungarian Horsmen , best acquainted with the Turkish Wars . King John thought it now a fit time to wring from Ferdinand what Towns he yet held in Hungary : wherefore he sent Aloysius Grittus , to besiege Strigonium , scituated on Danubius side , about 30 miles from Buda : the Castle was holden with a strong garrison ; yet Grittus so besieged it by water and land , that the Defendants doubting to hold out , ( chiefly , if Solyman took that in his way , sent for relief to Gazzianer Governour of Vienna , who sent certain smal Frigots down Danubius ( well manned ) from Possonium , by their unexpected coming to open a way to the Castle hindered by the Turks Fleet : but Grittus informed hereof by the Hungarians serving Ferdinand , and yet sometime fleeing to either party , sent his Fleet up the River , to oppress his enemies , as they thought to have done him ( promising great rewards to such as performed any extraordinary service ) who at first were exceedingly dismaied : yet thinking it a great shame to flee , couragiously encountred their enemies many being wounded on both sides in that sharp fight : at last , they of Possonium ( not able to endure the shot , especially of the Turkish Archers ) fled : and but 13 of 60 Frigots escaping with Corporamus their General , the rest being sunk , or run a shore , and forsaken by the Possonians , of whom almost 500 were slain . After this Grirtus hoping , they of the Castle would not long hold out , left off battering and under-mining it , by keeping them from relief to force them to yield . Thus , whilst the divided Hungarians sought each others ruine , Solyman was ready to devour them and their Country , as in fewyears he did . The Spanish Souldiers drawn together by Vastius were , much about this time , come to the Alps : being of all sorts about 20000 , yet almost the third part not serviceable . For the old Souldiers enriched with the long Wars in Italy , brought with them all their gotten spoils , and their very Women , which drew a multitude of Carriages and unnecessary people : Wherefore Vastius straitly commanded , they should leave behind all such unnecessary Baggage , whereat they murmuring , presently 〈◊〉 in mutiny : for many Captains being rich , and disliking that long & dangerous expedition , covertly put into the Souldiers heads , that they all said , they would go no further before they had their pay . Vastius though he perceived the tumult was raised by some of his enemies , yet diss mbling the matter contented them with a month's pay , promising the full when they came to the Emperour ; so having with much ado appeased them , he set forward , Immediately after followed the Italians , so cheerfully offering their service that every . Captain brought twice so many as was expected ; So that Vastius ( who before doubted their forwardness , especially to aid the Germans of whom they had received great harms ) was now glad to dismiss many Common Souldiers , and , against his will , to displace most of the forward Gentlemen , who had gallantly furnished themselves : for the Emperour had appointed the number of Italians to be led by old Captains , whose valour and discretion he had well experienced . They were 14000 select Footmen , besides many brave men voluntarily resorting to Vienna . Gonsaga followed these with 2000 Horse , and some Greek & Spanish troops , with whom came many noble Gentlemen , who served now as private men without pay , counting it shame not to be present in that religious War The Emperour also viewing his Low-country Horse , and shipping his store of bought Ordnance , departed down Danubius from Ratisbone to Lintz : which never carried so many Vessels and Souldiers since the time of the great Romane Emperours : and yet the Banks on both sides were filled with Horse and Foot , passing along under Colours with Drums and Trumpets sounding : a most glorious earthly shew . Solyman the while , in 1532 , coming to Belgrade in 56 dayes , sent a multitude of Horsmen into Hungarie over the River Savus by Bridges made , and leaving Danubius on the right hand , marched towards rich Stiria , now Stiermarke ; coming by the way , to the little Town Gunza , which couragious Jureschitz kept with a smal Garrison of his own , not very strongly walled , an obscure thing , standing in a Plain . Abraham very desirous to save the said Captain , knowing him to be of great courage , and his familiar acquaintance at Constantinople ; first by perswasions and offers , then by terrible threats , tried to induce him to yield . But finding him resolute : he enclosing it round overthrew the Walls ( by Mines ) in 3 places : which while the Garrison valiantly defended against the Janizarics assaults on the South side ; the Bassa with his Field-pieces on the Hills from the North , grievously annoyed the Defendants . Wherewith the Governour troubled , though not much discouraged , raised a Curtain of Timber and Boards 12 foot-high at his Souldiers backs ; so that they now shooting at all adventures at the Curtain , did nothing such harm as before ; with desperate and restless labour , repairing the Breaches strong as at first : 200 Turks Horsmen the while , stragling for booty as far as Neostat , were by Hungarian Horse all slain and taken ; whose Heads they bringing to Vienna , to encourage the Souldiers , set them on stakes upon the Walls : Then they knew by the prisoners that Solyman had 500000 men and 300 Field pieces ; but smal ' . For why , Solyman by destroying the Country , purposed to draw the Emperour to Bartel : which report was confirmed by Ferdinands Embassidours , whom Solyman granted to depart at Gunza with each of them a Velvet Gown and piece of Plate , and Letters to Charls and Ferdinand ; proudly usurping the Titles of many Kingdoms : saying , he was come into Hungarie to revenge the wrongs they had done to King John his Friend and Vassal , and would enter their Country , with fire and sword : and by God's and Mahomet's power , would give them Battel , if they durst meet him in one Battel to end that quarrel , either by winning or losing the Empire of the World. Solyman having a great while sharply assaulted Gunza and still with great loss repulsed : He in 4 dayes cast up nigh the Town-ditch two great Mounts of Faggots and earth , so high , that they over-topped the highest Towers of the Town : one was against the face of the Town , the other at a corner to flanker the Wall : whence he with his shot , beat both them on the walls , and those who went to and fro in the streets . The Town-ditch being filled up , and many Defendants 〈◊〉 or wounded , the Turks most furiously assaulted the place before shaken , the valiant Captain opposing all his strength left ; but the Turks with their multitude , got up the walls with 8 Ensignes , whence they had repulsed the Defendants , who being all wounded or wearied , shrouded themselves under their Pent-houses , so that the Walls were now abandoned . But such a sudden clamour was make by the Women and Children , and other fearful people ; that the Turks on the Walls , thinking the Town full of Souldiers , stood as men dismayed : whereupon the Defendants began again to shew themselves , at whose sight they forsook the Wall , and could by no means be brought on again . The Town was then defended in all judgement , by Gods power , not mans strength : Solyman exceedingly grieved to see so base a Town hold out so long , oft ( in his rage ) threatned to leave no signe thereof remaining : but Abraham Bassa waited a fit time when his choler was past ; told him , it was not worth his name and greatness , to spend his time and Forces upon so smal a Town of no importance , by razing whereof he should get neither honour nor profit , &c. Wherefore 't were more honourable to raise his Siege , and , calling the Governour , to give him the Town as of bounty , than to spend so many good men in winning it by force . The Bassa so prevailed , that the Governour was by a Herauld , sent for to Abraham , who though grievously wounded , yet refused to come to any parley , except first assured by sale conduct and good Hostages for his safety , and nothing to be exacted unbeseeming his Religion and Honour : which stout answer made them think , he was still able to hold out the Siege : whereupon what he required , was forthwith granted ; So he going forth , was by Abraham honourably received , and bid sit down by him in his Tent , who courteously demanding , whether he had recovered his old infirmity which he had when sent Embassadour to Solyman , and whether his wounds were dangerous ? But last of all , on what hope he alone had so long and obstinately withstood the mighty Solyman ? saying , he marvelled , why he reposed confidence in the bringing King Ferdinand ? Who modestly answered , he was ( thanks be to God ) well delivered of his old Disease : his wounds being without danger ; As for his holding out , he knew ( he said ) it was the duty of a good Souldier , valiantly to withstand his enemies , nor to be discouraged with any chance of War , &c. That Ferdinand would ere long be there present with a great Army : he not much marvelling , he was not relieved before then , since many lets might hinder the King's purpose , considering Fortune's inconstancy in Martial assairs . The Bassa wondring at his courage , said , Although Solyman might utterly destroy the Town with all therein ; yet being by nature most honourable and mild , and a great lover of valiant men , He had commanded him in his Name to give him that Town , and all the lives in it as a Reward of his Valour : yet so , as to swear to him obedience , and receive some few Turks into it in token of yielding . The Governour knowing 〈◊〉 a third part of 800 Souldiers were left , and them sore weakened , thought it needful to make his peace in best sort he could : and so cunningly used the matter , that Abraham was content , he should only receive a Captain with 10 Janizaries in , at one of the gates for a while courteously entertained , and then dismissed ; though he had neither Germane nor Spaniard then in the Garrison ; yet he told the Bassa , he was much affraid the Turks would be ill intreated by them , who deadly hated them . So Solyman having layen at that Siege 28 dayes : and to his great loss assaulted Gunza 13 times : He rose with his Army , glad of a little seigned submission for safety of his honour . And leaving Vienna on the right hand , where was most of the Christian Army , he came into Carinthia , and so to the River Mura , thence to the City Gratia. This put all fear out of the Christians minds : for that Solyman ( a little before feared ) being repulsed at Gunza , shunned his enemies at Vienna , &c. Which disgrace , the Turks sought to cover , as that Neostat lay betwixt him and Vienua , not to be taken without great difficulty , nor without danger left behind him : Winter also beginning to approach . But some were of opinion , Solyman understanding that the Germane Princes had joyned Forces with the Emperour 's brought from Spain , Italy and the Low-countries , which at first he least feared ; and that the Christian Army great , were ( mostly ) not inferiour to his best men of War , chose rather to take the spoil of the Country with safety , than to adventure person and state in a most doubtful Battel . While this was doing , Cason was sent with 15000 Acanzij , to spoil all the Countrey between Danubius and the Alps : Wherefore dividing his Horsmen into 3 Companies not far asunder , he slew or carried away prisoners a multitude of all sorts of people as he went , forcing thousands of men and women to run ( tied together ) as fast as their Horses , burning down the Villages , and in them the children of the Parents : so that , almost 150 miles every way was covered with smoak and fire within 3 mile of Lintz , whence Ferdinand was glad to get to Strabinga to Charls the Emperour . This cruel Turk , loaded with spoil and prisoners , began to return the way he came , to Solyman : either ( as he thought ) at Gunza , or Neostat , coming towards Vienna ; but the Christian Captains went out of the Camp , to meet with them : using such diligence in taking the passages , it was impossible they should escape unfought withal : 4 troops of Spanish and Italians under Valiant Coue , first lighting on them nigh Neostat , and charging them , were ( most ) slain ; but Cason perceiving how he was on every side laid for : the night following slew 4000 Christian prisoners , lest he should be hindred in flight ; and , dividing into two parts , set forward about midnight to escape out of the enclosed Valleys : One part of his Army led by Ferises , going Southward , with incredible labour , cut a way thorough the thick Woods , coming with little loss to Solyman into Stiria , Cason with 8000 Turks breaking out of Storamberg Valley , chanced on the Palatine , who with 10000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , and some Field-pieces , brake them , slaying a great number . Casons Ensigne being taken , and himself fighting in the rear for others to escape , was slain . Whose gallant Head piece presented to the Emperour , confirmed the report . Those who there escaped ( falling into the hands of Lewis , and Marquess of Brandenburg , and of Hungarian Horsmen , led by Turacus , who killing them 7 miles , insulting over them in their own Language ; and of the Countrey people , about Vesprinium , and the lake of Balaton ) it was thought , not one escaped to Solyman . The Emperour hearing Solyman was gone as far as Gratia , called a Councel in Lintz Castle , to know wherher 't were best to follow the enemy . From Lintz to Gratia is 3 good dayes-journey of bad rough way . Some said , 't was best to fight the Turks in that uneven Mountain-countrey : whose chief strength ( being Horse ) should stand them in smal stead ; their Foot being in eriour to the Christians . The Emperour presently sent Apontius a Spaniard to view that passage , who soon brought word , that all the Countrey was desolate ; and ( sor fear ) forsaken ; but where the enemy lay , he could not certainly learn : whereupon they concluded to go all to Vienna , to view the Army and fight the enemy , if he returned . Some disliked that ; saying , Charls should in that distress of Stiria and Carinthie , rather pursue his enemy ; but others said , t was one thing to invade , and another to defend , &c. Charls being come to Vienna , and viewing the Army , found therein 260000 men , 120000 being counted old Souldiers ; It was thought , that so many worthy Captains and valiant Souldiers , were never ( before ) in man's memory , together in one Camp : all the Flowre and strength of Germany from Vistula to Rhene , from the Ocean to the Alps , were sent or voluntarily came thither . A thing never before heard of , &c. Besides , the great number of Spaniards and Burgundians : the Bohemians lay not far off , with the Silesians and Moravians : There were also some Troops of Polonians ; as voluntary men . King Sigismund winking thereat ( as if without his knowledge ) being careful , not rashly to break his League with Solyman . This Army lay in a great field near Vienna , in an excellent order ; ready to receive the enemy : which many Gentlemen beholding , wept for joy , conceiving assured hope of Victory , if the Turk with all his Forces durst joyn in Battel . But Solyman advertised of the Emperours strength and manner of laying , got over the River 〈◊〉 , and at Marpurg , by Bridges suddenly made , passed over Dravus , and so to Belgrade , thence to Constantinople , leaving here and there some remembrance of his cruelty , and still looking behind him , if the Emperour were not at his heels , when as a few Dalmatian and Croatian Horse pursued his Rear . It s reported he carried 30000 into captivity , besides many thousand slain . Charls now determined speedily to return into Italy , though Ferdinand earnestly intreated him , first to employ those great Forces against King John , who might then have been easily thrust out of all ; but Winter approoching , and the plague in the Camp , yea in his Court , he continued in his purpose ; yet leaving behind him all the Italians , who with Ferdinands own Forces were thought sufficient for the Hungarian War. One Maramaldus was appointed General over those Italians ; but no order taken for their pay . Other Captains thought themselves disgraced by Maramaldus's preferment : whereby the under-Captains and Officers , said plainly , they would not go into Hungary except Ferdinand himself went , or Vastius , or Leva were their General : and the Souldiers said , They would ask leave to depart , if they had not 3 months pay , knowing they should never get it of poor King Ferdinand ; Vastius greatly perswaded them to remember the faith of Souldiers , &c. saying , Valiant Souldiers never wanted pay , furnishing themselves by Victories , with all necessaries : and that they had no just cause to mislike Maramaldus , being an old Captain of great experience , and placed by the Emperour as most sufficient : having well appeased them , and being gone to Vienna , to take order for remedying of all difficulties : night the nurse of sedition , gave farther scope to the mutinous Souldiers . There was then brought to the Camp , very coorse hoary , moulded bread , which some , on their Speares point , shewed to their fellows in great choler , rayling against King Ferdinand , &c. And a little before , a Spanish common Souldier casting the like bread at Vastius's feet in the Generalls Tent , bitterly cursing the Emperour and Ferdinand , had raised a wondrous tumult : wherefore , the Italians flocking together , gave many hard speeches about their pay , Victualls , and the War's difficulty ; and setting up one Marconius upon a heap of Saddles , he was by divers Captains , requested frankly to speak , what he thought concerned all their safety and welfare : where , he is reported , to have uttered a seditious Oration unto them : at which very time , a great Blazing-Starre was seen at Vienna , which the said Marconius called a terrible and bloudy Comet , shooting he said , his Beams toward Italy . But his Speech ended , the Souldiers highly commending it ; a confused noyse was heard throughout them ; but the Drums presently striking up a march , they go forward towards Neostat . Six Captains drew after them 8000 Souldiers , the rest for shame , and fear staying with Maramaldus . Vastius , and divers great Companies hearing thereof , posted after them 6 miles , requesting them to stay , and not dishonour themselves with so foul a fact , saying , their pay was ready , and mingling prayers with grievous threats ; but they , as inraged , sternly discharged some small shot upon them . Vastius was oft in danger to be slain , so that in the end , he was glad to forsake them . Ferdinand hereby , for that time disappointed of hope to recover the Hungarian Kingdom , wrote to his Stirian and Carinthian Subjects , to shew them no courtesie in their passagee whereupon ensued great hurt on both sides : yet the Italians at length , recovered Tiliaventum in Italies borders , where disbanding , they returned to their dwellings . Charls also breaking up his Army at Vienna , appointed Gonzaga to go formost with the light Horse , with whom himself went : Vastius following with the Spaniards ; two dayes after came the Cardinal with the biggest Train . Lastly , the mercenary Germans ; so returning safe into Italy . This was the end of Solyman and Charls the 5th , their wondrous preparations in 1532 , some marvellous alteration being expected , and the more for that , then , a great Blazing-Starre appeared for 15 dayes . In the mean time , Andreas Auria with 35 tall Ships , and 48 Galleys , and 25000 good Souldiers , greatly annoyed the Turks in Peloponesus : who near Zant Island , met with Capellius the Venetian Admiral with 60 Galleys set forth for their own defence : who though kind to Auria , yet could not joyn with him against the Turk , Solyman having lately renewed an old league with the Venetians : who bare themselves so indifferent at that time , that t was thought they at one instant advertised Auria of Hymerales , the Turks laying with 60 Galleys in Ambracia Bay , ill appointed , easily to be surprized : and warned him also of Auria's coming with a strong Fleet , wishing him to provide for his better safety : who departed to the strong Haven of Calcide : So , the Christian Princes being then either in wars among themselves , or entangled by Solyman in uncertain leagues , omitted the fairest opportunity for abating the Turks greatness . Auria ( out of hope of doing any good against the Turk's Admirall , being at Calcide ) came to Corone , about 12 miles from Modon , laying hard siege thereto by Sea and Land , most terribly battering it with 14 great Pieces by Land and 150 by Sea ; yet the Turks manfully repulsed the Italians , who under the Count of Sarne assaulted the City by Land. The adjacent Garrisons did what might be to relieve it , being discomfited by the said Count , and Zadares their leader slain , whose head with others were set on stakes , for terror of the Defendants : who at length , wearied and terrified , and driven from their greatest strength toward● Sea by some resolute Christians , fearing also to want Victual and Powder , yielded the City and Castle to Auria , to depart with bag and baggage : Corone was taken , and strongly garrisoned , and the Christian Greeks worn to them . Auria came to Patras , which he easily took and ransacked : the Turks also , soon yielded their strong trench with the Castle covenanting , that they , chiefly their Wives , might with their Garments , only safely depart into Aetolia ; so that , when some Souldiers ( as they passed along ) began roughly to handle some Women , and take away some Jewels . Auria presently hanged them ; And leaving his Army to follow him by Land , sailed to the Strait of Naupactum , now Lepanto , on which Strait stood two Castles : Rhium on Peloponesus Coast , and Molycreum in Aetolia , which Bajazet had greatly fortified with Ordnance . Auria threatning all extremities to the Captain of Rhium , if he forced him to plant his battery , he presently yielded , onely him and his Souldiers safely to depart ; those who came with him by Sea , had the Castles spoil : whereby those who came by Land , were about to forsake him . The other Castle being defended by old Janizaries , was not so easily taken ; yet the Christians entring by a breach made , slew 300 of them , the rest fleeing into a strong Tower , and seeing no remedy but taking , blew up themselves with Gunpowder , in such sort , that all the Sea-coast seemed shaken with an Earth-quake , and the Galleys a bow shoot off almost overwhelmed with 〈◊〉 some Piece of very great Ordnance here taken , were 〈◊〉 Auria mounted , in token of Victory on the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Genua's Haven . Auria strongly fortifying and storing Corone , promised to relieve Mendoza , the Governour , a Spaniard , 〈◊〉 need , if the Emperour deferred to do it . Salviatus , Naupactum strait laid open , with the Galleys of Malta , did great harm to the Turks on both 〈◊〉 of Corinthsgulfe , even as far as Corinth . Winter approaching , Auria hearing from the Emperour of Solymans departure , returned loaden with poil to Genua . In 1533 , Mendoza advertised the Viceroy of Naples , that he was hardly besieged by the Turks both by Sea and Land : wherefore , he most earnestly requested , that the Emperour , if he would have Corone kept , should send him timely relief : whereupon the Greeks were likely to help expulse the Turks out of Peloponesus : especially he put Auria in minde of his promise to relieve him , whom Charls commanded to rig up a Fleet for that service , promising him 12 Galleys new built in Spain , and requesting the Knights of Malta to aid him : who taking in his Souldiers at Naples , where the mutinous Spaniards for want of pay , having rifled Aversa , having pay given them , were embarqued for Corone under Macicaus ; also Frederick the Viceroy's Son , with a Company of Gentlemen , went aboard . The Knights of Malta coming thither also with their Galleys , Auria the while , to incourage them of Corone , sent thither Palavicine , of invincible courage , with a most swift Galley , who by day-light , thorow the midst of the Turk's Fleet , recovered the Haven to their great joy ; and viewing all things , and assuring the Defendants of speedy relief , he about noon , brake out again thorow them , safely escaping for all that they could do to overtake him . Auria being informed at Messana , of the enemies force , stayed not for the Spanish Galleys , being told the enemies Fleet daily encreased by Turkish Pirates , and that Assembeg , or the Moor of Alexandria , an arch Pirate , was looked for , in whose directions , the Turks put the greatest hope ; being come to Zant , he heard that Lutzis Bassa their great Admiral , with two others , and the Moor , men of great skill at Sea , lay before Corone with 80 Galleys , manned with old Janizaries . Wherefore Auria sent before Palavicine again , to view their manner of laying : who returned to Auria confirming the former report : the Turks Fleer greatly increased ; seeming ready to give him battel , when he approached the City ; yet Auria made no stay , and with a fair gale of wind , passing the Promontory of Acrites , came directly towards Corone . Two great Gallions cam foremost : whom he appointed to turn a little on the left hand , and when the enemy put off from shoare , to cast Anchor betwixt both Fleets , to beat the Turks Galleys with their great store of Ordnance . Auria himself was in the middle of the Fleet. At first sight , the Turks moved not , discharging their Ordnance at them a far off ; then beginning to set forward chiefly by the Moor , who 〈◊〉 most courage , assail'd the side and rear of the Fleet : for the Christians keeping a straight course , seemed to flee ; and the more , since the right wing Galleys , fearing the Turk's great Ordnance , fet a great compass : many also of the middle Squadron , and left Wing , having thrust in disorderly among the Ships , though they had received little or no harm . The Moor now requested Lutzis , not to let slip so fair an occasion : who while he set slowly forward , Auria had put his Fleet in order again , and was come to Corone . Two Ships falling foul of each other , 〈◊〉 behind : about which the Turks flocking , took the lesser , killing all the Spaniards therein : out of whom , boording the greater , with a bloody fight had won the fore Castle and waste : wherefore Auria caused all his Galleys to return , to rescue those Ships : which the Turks seeing and by degrees falling down with the Ships in danger of the Town-shot , withdrew themselves with their Oares in manner of flight , whom Auria pursued towards Modon , liberally thundering in their Poups : Antonius Auria the while , coming to rescue the two Ships , the Spaniards ( as revived ) couragiously now made resistance : and those with Antonius entring speedily on every side , slew and took 300 Janizaries , left in those Ships by the sudden departure of their fellows . Josuphus , an old Captain of a 1000 , being one , to whom Auria at Corone , gave a fair Suit , and Chain of Gold , freeing him without ransom , to provoke the Turks to the like . The Moor and the other Captains , wondrously blamed Lutzis , for not fighting then with the Christians : but he said , he had special charge from Solyman , not to come to the hazard of a battel . The besiegers by Land , upon Auria's approach , fled , Mendoza taking great store of Victual and Warlique provision , left behind them . So Auria furnishing the City with store of necessaries , committed its defence to Macicaus , and his mutinous Spaniards , comforting and exhorting the Greeks to patience , in the calamities of war , telling them , the Emperour next Spring , would free them from Turkish bondage , by warring in Peloponesus by Sea and Land. So embarking the old Spanish Garrison , he came even braving the Turks Admiral before Modon ; but seeing he could not be allured out , or assailed as he lay , he departed to Corcyra , and so to Messana in Sicilie . Few dayes after which , Assambeg , waiting for Venetian Merchants Ships from Syria , met with Canalis on Creet Coast , and fighting a cruel battel by night ; of the Moors 13 Gallies , 4 were sunk , 3 taken , the rest fleeing to Alexandria , having lost most of their rowers : 300 Janizaries going to Caire , were slain , and 1000 other Turks : of all taken , scarce one was saved : the Moor wounded in the face , was , for safety , glad to discover himself , ( for the traffiquing Venctians , shew least favour to Pirates ) then was care taken for his wounds , and both Canalis and the Moor , began notably to dissemble the matter to each other , as mistaking , &c. yet the Venetians sought to excuse it to Solyman , as done by error and mischance : who accepted thereof , saying , Canalis had well done , to repulse the wrong offered him . Three of Auria's Gallies staying behind the rest , were on Apulia's Coast , carried away by Sinam surnamed the Jew , a notable Pirate also . In winter , they of Corone , beginning to want Victuals , chiefly Wine and flesh , the Turks having blocked up the City by Land , the Souldiers requested Macicaus , they not hoping for relief elsewhere , before April , to lead them forth to some service against the enemy ; but Macićaus ; mindful of his charge , sought by many reasons to disswade them , &c. yet the matter was so urged by Touarres and Hermosilla , great Captains , and by a general importunity , that they yielded to their desire , protesting he did it against his will. A forward man herein , was one Barbatins , a valiant Greek , who speaking the Turks Language , also , best knew the by-wayes : undertaking in dead of the night , to bring them to the enemies , undiscovered . So Macicaus charging Liscanius and Mendosius , not to suffer any to go out of the City , lest the enemy should know , set forward about 10 at night , towards Andrussa : & resting all next day in a secret wooddy valley , they set forward again at night , and came to Andrussa before day ; in which Town , of no great strength , lay one Caranus with 3000 Foot , half Janizaries ; and in the Suburbs , Achomates with 1000 choise Horsemen . Macicaus went directly to the Town to surprize it : Hermosilla the while , standing still with some Spaniards , over against the Horsemen , discovered them by their light matches , who awaking the careless Watchmen , an Alarum was raised in the Suburbs . Hermosilla , setting upon the Horsemen , slew many before they could arm ; and firing the Stables , many Turks perished with Horses and Arms. Through the terrible noyse , ( especially of the Horses , which burnt tied ; or breaking loose , ran up and down with tails and mains on fire ) there was an Alarum in the Town , the Turks getting to the Walls before the Spaniards could enter . Macicaus striving to break in at a Postern , was shot in the head and slain , with divers others near him : the Turks sallying out upon the small number , forced them to retire to Hermosilla , by whose direction , they retired in so good order , that those most forward to pursue , caused others by their death to make least haste . Achomates hasting thither also with 200 Harquebusiers , taken up behind his Horsemen , and too hotly pressing on to be revenged , was slain with a Bullet ; so these Horsemen returned from further pursuit . The wearied Spaniards and Greeks retiring still as ready to fight , returned to Corone . The Turkish Garrison presently after , removing to Megalopolis , now Londarium , they of Corone came to Andrussa , and buried their slain fellows , burying honourably Macicaus's Head at Corone , which the Turks had set on a pole . Not long after , the Plague growing hot , with many other difficulties : the Spaniards embarking themselves and Ordnance with such Greeks as would go in Ships come with Corn out of Sicilie , left Corone empty to the Turks : whilest the Emperour drawn diversly with consideration of his honour in keeping it , and of his profit in giving it up , stood too long in resolving ; yet thought not to be done without his secret consent : and the rather , because the deserters of the place , received no disgrace thereby . Solyman in 1534 , purposing to turn his forces against the Persians , having done him much hurt in his frontiers , renewed his League with the Venetians , and some other Christian Princes ; but he was most careful of his interest in Hungary it being reported , that King John , through his Subjects solicitation , 〈◊〉 peace with Ferdinand , so he might enjoy the Kingdom during life , afterwards to remain to Ferdinand and his Heirs : wherefore Solyman , that nothing might be done unknown , in his absence , sent Aloyfius Grittus as his Lieutenant , to be assistant to John , and so , as that without him he might conclude nothing in matters of State. With this Commission , Grittus entred Transilvania ( much about Solyman's going against the Persian ) with 7000 Attendants ; Batianus and Docia Hungarian Captains , with their Companies , being two , also many being Janizaries . At his first coming , he sent out his Command to the Governours in that Province , charging them to repair to him as Solymans Deputy , &c. Cibachus , Bishop of Veradium , was then Vayuod of Transilvania , whose small 〈◊〉 to welcom him , &c. very much offended Grittus , who so desired , at his first entrance , to have his Authority confirme in the mindes of the vulgar , by the ready attendance of the Governour . But it was 〈◊〉 , that the Bishop upon a Christian Zeal , detested the Turks friendship , lest that fruitful Countrey should by some meanes fall into their hands . Grittus at Baxonia , heard that the Vayuod was coming with a great Train , encamping about 10 miles off , with divers gallant Troops of Horsemen ; insomuch , as the Bishops Retinue made shew of a good Army : which mooved Grittus exceedingly , that he should be forced openly to parley with him , as with an enemy . When these two great ones had met together in the fields , and dined without any shew of friendship , Grittus covertly threatned to be revenged on all who should make so light of his Authority : and departing , took his Turkish Cap from his head , and opening it , said , This Cap will not hold two Heads , and therefore it must be fitted to one , and so put it on again . Docia deadly hating the Vayuod , ( who long before had for his malapert Speech in a great Assembly , given him a blow with his fist ) hereupon incensed Grittus against him , saying , Thy Honour makes a fit comparison : neither can this Province contain two equal Governours , nor thou ever enjoy thy power , except thou this day with speedy resolution , defend both Solyman's credit , and thy own , &c. Grittus the more enraged with his Speech , commended Docia , promising him soon to requite his good will , especially , if by some notable attempt , he would 〈◊〉 the Bishop's pride . It s said , Grittus once charged him to take the Bishop , that he might have sent him in Chains to Constantinople , and bestowed the Vayuodship on Lascus : who because King John could not without danger place him a Polonian , Governour of so Warlike a people , but preferted this Bishop , revernced and feared of them : he ever complained , that John had deluded him ; and though he kept within the bounds of Loyalty , yet estranged from him in mind , was now become one of Grittus his followers . Grittus , delivering a strong Company of Horse to Docia , came secretly and suddenly to the Vayuods Camp , having learned by his Hungarian Spies , that he lay in the fields in his Tent through the heat , without Watch and Ward , his Retinue being dispersed round about ; so that , laying in his bed , and fcarce well awaked by his Chamberlians , and the noise of Docia ; breaking in , cut off his head as he lay : those laying near , fleeing and leaving their Horses and other things for a prey . Docia returning , presented the Head to Grittus , brought by the eare . Lascus was present , but ignorant of the murther : to whom Grittus said , Lascus , dost thou know this shaven pate : 't is a great mans head ; but of one very ambitious , rebellious , and proud : who replyed , though I loved him not , yet I thought it not so , whilest it stood on his shoulders , disallowing therein , the fact : whereupon , Grittus began to repent it , saying , Though he was worthily slain , yet he had rather he had been taken . The Bishops friends , and almost all Transilvania rose in Arms to revenge his death , whom they loved and feared : 4000 Horse and Foot under Stephen Malat , being assembled in few dayes . Grittus perplexed , and doubting what to do , speedily got with his followers , to the strong Town Mege , till either the peoples rage were appeased , or he were relieved by King John , or the Sanzacks of the Turks frontiers . They of Mege seeing so many Turks with him , shut the Gates ; yet by Docia's and Batianus's perswasion , they received him into the base Town , having retired with their substance into the higher , commanding the lower . While Grittus was fortifying , and sending for ayd , the people with hideous noyse , approaching , attempted to scale the Walls and Rampiers : which they doing , with more fury than discretion , were easily repulsed , and many slain . After which , by Malat's direction , they encamped on every side of the Town , hoping , that unprovided of Victuals , they could not long hold out : Grittus the while , fell sick , and the rather , not hearing of any expected ayd ; for John , glad in mind of the distress of his Kingdoms Overseer , yet sent for fashions sake , some Troops : who not wholly ignorant thereof , purposed not to come timely for his good . The Sanzacks refused , envying his honour , to depart from their charge without Solymans own Command : and Lascus , departing to procure some relief , did in this extremity , forsake him also . The Citizens in the upper Town , perceiving their Countreymens full resolution , and the Turks difficulties , assailed them thence also . Grittus offered them a masse of money , to let him passe forward into Hungary ; but they were not to be mooved from revenge , by Gold. At last , he sent rich Jewels to the Governour of Moldavia , to be ready to receive him with some Troops , when he sallied out of the Town . And sallying out at the time appointed , with his Commission in his hand , missing the Moldavian , fell upon Schenden , the Bishops Kinsman , and Maylat , his familiar friend : who running on him with tumultuous speech , caught from his head his rich Cap , and took him , weak and not resisting : all his followers , chiefly Turks , being slain or taken . Grittus beset round , and examined in the Generals Tent , why he commanded the Vayuod to be slain ? protested he never commanded any such thing ; but all the people cryed , that he should be sacrificed to the Vayuods Ghost : whereupon , Maylat delivering him to Schenden , his Head was presently struck off . The Nobles and the Vayuods Kinsmen , dipping some part of their Garments in his blood , the longer to keep in mind the revenge . This was the shameful end of Aloysius Grittus , a Christian , ( who was in such credit with Solyman ) while he climbed too fast up the ill-staved ladder of ambition . The Executioner , found about him , Jewels , valued at 40 Millions of Duckets : ere long , Lascus was examined at Buda by John , upon torture , concerning Grittus's Commission and purposes , and in great danger of life ; but by Sigismund of Poland's intercession , he was freed , so fleeing to Sigismund's Court. Docia was rent in pieces by the people . When Grittus came into Hungary , Solyman undertook two great expeditions at once : one by Land , against the Persians , the other against the Moores in Africk by Sea , but we will first declare what his Lievtenants did against the Moors . Hariadenus , surnamed Barbarussa succeeding his elder Brother Horruccius in the Kingdom of Algiers , had by many Victories , so enlarged that Kingdom , that his name was become terrible , both to the Christians and wild Moors , and his fame in the Turkish Court , the chief Motive of Solyman's invading Africk . Horruccius and Hariadenus born at Mytilene of Lesbos , weary of their poor estate with their Father a renegade Grecian , stole a small Galliot , and by chance consorting with 〈◊〉 , a most famous Pirate : Horruccius became a Captain under him ; and growing rich , and also strong , with Gallies and slaves taken , at last , consorting with other Pirates , over whom he commanded as an arch Pirate , sought for purchase as far as Mauritania . Then was Selimes , King of that now called Algiers , in Arms against his Brother Mechemetes his competitor , who aided by the Numidians , put his Brother in great doubt : who with a masse of money payd , induced Horruccius , and his followers , to defend him against Mechemetes : which he so happily performed , especially by his Harquebusiers , that repulsing those Savages , he set Selimes at peace in his Kingdom ; but Horruccius noting the Kings mild and simple disposition , ( and that the naked Moores were no Souldiers , alwayes at variance ; and the Numidians divided and bare ) flew him as he was bathing himself : and murthering those he thought would withstand him , also by cruelty and bounty , so wrought , that he was chosen King of Algiers : shortly after , he surprised Circello , a famous City , 60 miles off , by his Souldiers in Merchants Habit ; After which , he by Hariadenus , troubled the Mediterranean , and all his Neighbors with his Galleys : and himself by Land so prevailing , that men of service resorted to him , as the chief man in those parts . He drave the Spaniards out of Bugea , famous for great Trade , and once for a Mahometan School : there losing his righthand , he obtained many Victories with an Iron hand ; for he overthrew a Spanish Army under Diega , nigh Algiers : and soon after Moncada , landing from Italy ( with the old Spanish Souldiers ) in his Country , he forced him to Sea again : where they , by Shipwrack or driving a shoare , were slain or taken , and thrust into his Galleys at last ; and having overcome the King of Tremissa expulsing him ; Charls the Emperour , stirred up the Christians and Numid ans to ayd that his consederate ; so that Horruccius coming to take Ora and Portus he was first repulsed , then quite overthrown , where most of his Army being slain or taken , he fled with a few over the Sandy Desarts , scattering much Gold to stay his enemies hasty pursuit , who , notwithstanding , overtook him , and struck off his Head , which was sent into Spain and carried on a Lance thorow the Sea Towns , to the great joy of the people , formerly hurt by him . Hariadenus not inferior to his Brother , by the Souldiers general consent , took the Kingdom , and began to aspire to the Empire of all that part of Africk : wherefore he held peace with some , and Warres with others , as best served his purpose : robbing and spoiling the Coasts of Spain , Sardinia , and the Baleares Islands , becoming famous , and fearful to his enemies : slaying Hamet of the Numidians , and chasing away Benchades and Amida , two great Princes : overcoming Moncada the Spaniard who sore wounded , hardly escaped the flight , losing divers Gallies : he also at Sea slew Pertundus , admiral of Spain with his Son , taking seven of his Gallies : sending his Ensign with part of the spoil , a present to Solyman ; but was much more famous , with the Turks , when he had repulsed Auria from Cercenna , and taken two great Genoway Ships , coming to him with men and Ammunition , filling Genua with sorrow : Solyman grieved with his losse in Peloponesus , by Auria , chiefly by Abraham , chief Bassae's Counsel , sent him Sinas an Embassador to Algiers : offering him the greatest honours , and to make him his Admiral , if he would forthwith repair to Constantinople . Barbarussa was exceeding glad hereof : conceiving no small hope of the Monarchy of Africk , if coming to Solyman he might shew him the State of Africk , and the Christians power with their continual discord : Wherefore committing his Son and Kingdom to two of his faithful kinsmen's Government : with 40 of his Warlike Galley's , he set forward with Sinas , taking and burning by the way ( after a cruel fight ) a Fleet of Genowayes bound for Sicily : then landing by night in the Isle Elba , he surprized Chium a rich City , and carrying away their wealth , and them into Captivity , he arrived at Constantinople in 1533. joyfully received , if but for the boyes and maidens richly apparelled , Eunuchs , Lions , Leopards of Lybia , which he gave Solyman ; but after some dayes discourse with the Bassaes of Africks affairs , he ( envy soon over-taking him ) was seldomer sent for , and hardly admitted into their company , though offering himself : many saying , the Ottoman Kings used not to prefer Pirates to the Admiralship : and that there wanted not , nor ever would men 〈◊〉 and valiant in the Turks - Court , &c. Whereas he , against all Right , had intruded into another's Kingdom , and persecuted Mahometane Princes , being of no Religion himself , &c. Abraham was then gone into Comagena : After long suit , Solyman answered Barbarussa by 2 Bassaes , that all concerning him should be referred to Abraham chief-Bassa , by whose counsel he was chiefly sent for , wherefore he must repair to him in Syria . Though this tended to his disgrace ; yet in hope , by sufferance , to obtain another Kingdom , he posted thorow Asia the less ( by land ) coming over Mount Amanus ( covered with Winters deep snow ) to Aleppo , where Abraham honourably receiving and largely hearing him , wrote to Solyman , wishing him to place him as a 4th . Bassa of his Council ; besides his deeming him the most fit to command his Power at Sea : who returning with this effectual commendation , the 〈◊〉 of the Court was suddenly changed upon him . Who was now in all mens mouths , but Barbarussa . He had brought with him Roscetes ( Muleasses , King of Tunisselder brother ) whom he wrongfully exiling , he had lived at Algiers ; but now came to Barbarussa to crave aid of Solyman . Him he set out to the Bassaes as a most fit instrument for subduing the Kingdom of Tunis , as more affected by the people , than Muleasses the Usurper . After long consultation with the Bassaes about Africks invasion , he , admitted to Solyman's presence , 〈◊〉 him in a Speech from divers motives , to that War : and saying , by the way as he returned , he would so use the matter , that the Christians also should have good cause to bewail their calamities : and , if he happened to meet with Auria , he should have smal cause to rejoyce of the mischief he had done ; for him alone he challenged to persecure as his peculiar enemy , both for the harms received , and for the despight he had at his Fame , who taken out of the way , the Seas should be open only to Solyman's Fleet : And believe me , said he , he that can command the Seas , shall easily subdue the Kingdoms by Land. Solyman using well to consider , and afterwards to resolve , commending Barbarussa's forwardness , then brake up the Council . Ere long a Decree was made , that he should be joyned a 4th Bassa in Council , and made great Admiral , &c. Which proclaimed , Solyman himself delivered him a Scepter and Sword , willing him by worthy deeds to perform his promise : after which Ajax and Cassimes the Bassae's , brought him with exceeding pomp to the Navy ; all Tokens of his new Honour being carried before him ; and having towards the Sea-ward , 800000 Duckats out of the Treasury , with 800 janizaries : Not long after he departed out of Hellespont with 80 Galleys and certain Galliors towards Italy , leaving Amurathes with 12 Galleys to transport Solyman and his Army over into Asia , for Persia : which done , he over-took him at Methone , who suddenly passing the strait betwixt Italy and Sicily , much frighted both Countries : but passing by the Bay of Hippona , he set upon the Town of Lucidius ( of old Tempsa : which though standing on a Rock with reasonable walls , it was taken by the Turks violence , with the more hurt to the Inhabitants , because the Mayor had locked up the gates on the other side to keep them from flight . Thence with spoil and many prisoners he went to Citharium , where ( he heard ) a Fleet was building : this forsaken Town for fear , he ransacked and burnt , firing 7 Galleys unfinished , but being come in sight of Naples : all ( along the coast ) were so terrified , that 't was thought , if he had landed , and gone to Naples , it would have been abandoned ; but coming to Procita , he took and rifled it , and came to Spelunca , the hithermost part of that Kingdom : which the dismayed Townsmen yielded without resistance , he there taking 1200 prisoners . Pelegrinus a chief man there , fled into the Castle : whom Barbarussa promised to let go , if presently yielding : if not , to make him repent it with his own and the Town 's utter destruction : who forthwith coming out and falling at his feet , he gave him his liberty , restoring him his Wife , Son and Niece , prisoners : whom he received with many tears from their eyes for joy . The same night 2000 of those Turks came to Fundi , 10 miles off , thought to be conducted by some Italians , who through Turkish slavery , had turn'd Mahometans . They came so suddenly , that Italie's Parragon , could scarce take Horse half naked , and escape . Barbarussa afterwards seeming not to deny , that for her beauty and perfection , he exceedingly desired her as a present for Solyman : 〈◊〉 or taking most of the Citizens , they returned with the Cities spoil . Others came to Tarracina , all the Inhabitants being fled into the Mountains , except some sick and aged , whom they slew , spoiling the Temples . It was thought , if Barbarussa had come but to Ostia , they of Rome had generally 〈◊〉 the City ; but watering at Pontia , he arrived in Africk , before 't was thought he was departed from Italic's coast ; For to deceive Muleasses , he gave out , he would burn and spoil Christian Countries in revenge of Auria's harm done . The Vonetians also then preparing a great Fleet : did somewhat lessen his fear ; but that which chiefly made him secure , was his hearing by especials , that Roscetes his Brother , was safely kept at Constantinople , as a prisoner at large ; for he knew his State could not be more endangered , than by producing the Competitor of his Kingdom . This Muleasses was descended of the Kings or Tunis ( who had ruled that great Kingdom from Tripolis to Bagia , nigh 800 miles , and into the Main as far as Mount Atlas 954 years : who being appointed by his Father Mahometes , his Successour , through his mother Lentigessia's importuniry ( Maimo the eldest son being in durance for his hasty aspiring ) was thought to shorten his Fathers old years : presently after murdering Maimo , executing 17 of his other Brethren , making three blind with a hot Iron : Roscetes and Abdemelech escaping , fled to Morhabitus a great Numidian Prince : where seeking by practice and poyson to take them away , at last he offered a great sum for them ; which money the Numidian received ; yet suffered them ( as if against his will ) to flee to another Prince , Bentiesses ; where Muleasses practising as before , they fled ( at last ) to the City Biscaris , far into the main . Where Abdemelech ( as one weary ) became a Mahometane Monk ; but Roscetes found such favour with Abdalla , the Prince of Bisearis , that he gave him his Daughter to Wife , and fearing Muleasses's practices , he seldom suffered him to eat any meat , but what himself or his Wife before tasted of . Muleasses murdered divers of his Brothers children also : torturing to death the Maniset and Mesuar , men of greatest Authority , and his chief Friends in his aspiring the Kingdom ; fearing their greatness , or grieving at their life to whom he was so much beholden : and by his mothers instigation , causing divers of his Fathers Wives and Concubines to be murdered , inveighing against him as effeminate , who with exceeding charges had maintained so many , by whom he begot so many Competitors , that he had a laborious work to destroy so great a brood . Roscetes 〈◊〉 by his Father in law and other Princes ( to whom Muleasses was become odious ) with a great Army , nigh Tunis , in a sharp conflict , overthrew his Brothers Army , forcing Dorax the General ( with those escaping ) to flee to Tunis : and presenting his Army before the City , hoping , that the Citizens would let him in : and laying there 20 dayes , to alienate them the more from Muleasses , he burnt and destroyed all the Olive and fruit-trees from the ruines of Old Carthage , to the Walls of Tunis , a heavy Spectacle to the Citizens ; but Muleasses promising every man full recompence for all harm , and strongly possessing Tunis by his Souldiers , they would not or could not revolt : The Numidian Princes , weary ( according to that Nation 's levity ) began to shrink home , perswading Roscetes to provide for himself in time : Wherefore he fled to Barbarussa , honourably there remaining till by his perswasion he went with him to Constantinople , where he was detained : though Barbarussa gave out in policy , he was in his Fleet , and by Solyman to be restored to his Fathers Kingdom . He landing at Biserta a famous Port of that Kingdom , the Townsmen weary of Muleasses's Government , hearing of Roscetes's name , drave out their Governour , receiving in the Turks ( for he had sent Roscetes's familiar friends ashoar ) saying he was there , but could not come a-shoar , being Seasick , and having an Ague ; Barbarussa now sailing on , came before Gulletta-Castle ( in Tunis-Bay ) commanding all Sea passage unto Tunis : where , in Friendship , mutually discharging their Ordnance , and the Castle required for Roscetes : they said , he that ruled in Tunis should alway command it . Roscetes's supposed coming , and the great Fleet discovered , set all the City in an uproar , both for the love of Roscetes , and the hatred of Muleasses : which he was not ignorant of , who also had made them no recompence for their goodly Houses and Gardens , formerly destroyed by Roscetes : wherefore coming out of the Castle , and perswading them to play the men , promising them what he was never able to perform , they all departed : yet some ( in a colour ) and Abdahar the Mesuar ( next to the King ) perswaded him to flee , for all said the Turks were at hand : Wherefore Muleasses fled in such haste , that he left behind him his Treasure and Jewels , which his enemies afterwards had : Fetuches , Captain of the Castle , who with Abezes ( a great man ) first revolted , now brought sorth Roscetes's Wife and children ( long imprisoned by Muleasses ) placing the Royal Seat : and Abezes advertised Barbarussa of Muleasses's departure , and with what longing Roscetes was expected , sending a goodly Barbarian Horse richly furnished , with others for his chief Captains . Barbarussa coming to the City with 5000 Turks , was joyfully received ; but Roscetes being not descried ; and hearing onely Solyman's and Barbarussas's names in the Turks acclamations , they distrusted , they had received the Turkish Government , which they utterly 〈◊〉 Roscetes's Friends also brought by Barbarossa to delude the people , now grieving , feared not to tell their Friends as they went , that Roscetes was left in bonds at Constantinople . Whereupon , they most furiously assailed the Turks , not yet got all into the Castle . Abdahar was the chief Leader , who now sought by all means to expulse the Turks and recall Muleasses , crying to the people aloud as he stood on high : We are ( worthy Citizens ) most villanously betrayed , for Roscetes whom we expected for our lawful King , laments his misery in chains ; and except we presently , do valiantly fight for our liberty , we shall ever serve as slaves to these Forraign and merciless Pirates : I my self will be your Leader , &c. Many Turks were slain before aware : the Citizens being numerous enough , but not so well armed or conducted ; yet they swarmed up one of theeasi est Bulwarks of the Castle , where the Turks had set upon an Ensign ; and with Darts and Arrows made them retire into a stronger place , whence with their Artillery and small shot , they wonderously slaughtered the naked Moors ; Barbarussa though alway acquainted with desperate dangers ; yet being suddenly shut upon in an unknown place , and Victuals but for three dayes , was not a little troubled ; which his care was much diminished , by the enemies disorder'd fury , and the known valour of his Souldiers : chiefly , seeing them fight still as full of hope , and the Moors as half-dismayed , ready to retire ; yet the double assault was twice as desperately renewed as at first , by Muleasses and Dorax coming in : in which danger , Halis a runagate Spaniard , said to Barbarussa : that if he would save his Honour , and hold that Fort , they must salley out upon those which had never seen a set-battel , &c. Which motion generally approved of , Barbarussa commanded Halis with other Captains , to salley out at once at two Ports , so that a multitude of Moors were soon slain : Abdahar the Mesuar being killed with a bullet , the assault being then given over : and , in the streets some hours , was fought a most bloudy Battel : at last the Citizens overcome , took refuge of their Houses : and wearied Halis with the rest , returning with Victory : 3000 Citizens were said to be slain and 9000 hurt : Muleasses hardly escaping his enemie's hands , by Dorax his Uncle's help , fled with him over Bagrada River , and came to Constantina , then part of Dorax's Dominion : and there protected till the coming of Charls the Emperour . The ensuing , both Citizens and Turks stood upon their strongest guard . And next day the Citizens craved pardon , excusing their rash attempt , by the name of Loyalty , offering faithfully to submit : Whereupon Barbarussa granted a general peace , by Oath confirmed on both sides : the Citizens being bound to obey Solyman , and Barbarussa as his chief Lievtenant . All things set in order ; he won to him by gifts and rewards , the fickle and needy Numidian Princes : then sending an Eunuch and Halis , to take in the other Cities of Tunis , they were peaceably received , except at Carvenna , which holding out a while , received them also for fear . But let us return to the Wars at the same time undertaken ( by Solyman in person ) in Persia , perswaded thereto by Abraham the great Bassa : who being born in a Village of Epirus , and taken from his Christian Parents by Turkish Tribure gatherers , being a boy , served Scander-Bassa in Selimus his time , and there instructed in Mahometanism ; but giving himself to all manner of curiosity , he was commended by his Mistress to her Husband , as a fit Page to attemper his wayward and melancholly disposition : wherein he excelling , he gave him as a rare gift to Solyman , with whom he was brought up as his companion and play-fellow by old Baiazet : where he so framed himself to young Solyman's disposition , that afterwards , he wanted nothing of the Majesty of an Emperour , but the Name only ; and commonly called the Great Commander of all Solymans Forces : Also he partaked of Solymans secret Delights , that if he were present , all were well , if away , nothing pleased ; that 't was commonly said , the soul of Solyman lived in Abraham , whereat , many great Courtiers repined : chiefly Solymans mother , and fair Roxalana his dearest Concubine . This great Commander , sought many times in his discourses with Solyman , to perswade him to divert his Forces from the Christians , over whom he had sufficiently triumphed : and to turn them upon the Persians by whom he was daily injured , and who were the wicked and irreligious impugners of the Divine Precepts of Mahomet : also so famous in ancient time for their Martial Prowesse : that the so oft vanquishing them by Alexander , gave unto him the name of Great ; therefore he said , 't was not so much to have destroyed the Mamrlukes ( by condition slaves ) as to subdue them . Alleadging what a strong and Warlike people the Germans were : and that it were not good to provoke Charls the Emperour ( of all Christian Princes the mightiest , &c. ) Solyman at length beginning to yield to his perswasions : Abraham ( in himself ) greatly rejoyced for many thought he was only in shew a Turk , and in heart a Christian : and the rather , because he very much favoured and protected the Christian Merchants , and furthered ( by all means ) the Leagues of Christian Princes with Solyman : labouring alwayes to turn his Forces from them upon the Persians : insinuating into Solymans acquaintance one Mulcarabe of Damasco , famous at Constantinople for holinesse and the Art of Magick ; who prophesied to him all happinesse in so religious a War , and so much ( as he said ) pleasing to God. Ulemas also a noble Persian , who ( marrying King Tamasses's Sister ) was revolted from him to Solyman ) fearing to be call'd to account for extortion from the Counties where he governed ) furthered Abrahams purpose : discovering to Solyman the power , and State of the Persian Kingdom : and plotting the easiest waies for conquering it ; he offered also to do his utmost . So Solyman 〈◊〉 a mighty Army , commanded them to be ready at Nice in Bythinia at a certain day : His mother and Roxalana mightily impugned it as that which wholly proceeded from the Bassa ; but his credit was so strong , that all their devices and prayers were ( by Solyman ) rejected , and his Counsel regarded : who ( with Ulemas ) was sent before him into Syria with a strong Army at Spring , to invade the Persian : wintring at Aleppo . The Spring approaching , Abraham sent Ulemas before with the light-Horsmen into Mesapotamia as his guide , following himself not far behind , and so came to Tauris unresisted , great and rich , but unwalled and of no strength . The Persian King , Tamas , was then absent . warring with Kezien-Bassa , a Prince of the Corasine Hircanians ; so that the Citizens presently yielded . Tamas hearing hereof , drew nigh with his power , expecting to take the Turks at some advantage , as being too weak for a plain Battel : which the Bassa perceiving , speedily advettised Solyman of Iunis being taken , and the enemies purpose ; and speedily to repair with his Army thither . He was come far on his way , on the right hand from Nice to Iconium , and by Cesarea to Malathia , where is the notable passage over Euphrates , bursting out by the Valleys of Autitaurus , whence Mesapotamia's plains ( then part of the Persian Kingdom ) begin to open ; through which he peaceably marched , paying for what ever he took , coming in 54 dayes from Nice to Coimini Armenia , the greater . But hearing such news aforesaid , he soon after came to Tauris . Tamas , yet expecting the Georgian Light-horse men , and hearing with what a multitude Solyman was coming , that he might cut off his spent , wanting , and diseased people , by advantages , retired into Sultania , about 6 dayes journey from Tauris : which Solyman knowing , departed thence without doing hurt , following after Tamas , to joyn Battel , if possible , leaving behinde him for haste , many of his Carriages and much baggage with 500 Janizaries and 3 Zanzacks with their Companies , near the City Sultania , ruined by Tamerlant , except the Temples . Solyman encamped many dayes , expecting that Tamas would come out of the Mountains and give him Battel ; but he comparing his own strength with his enemie's , so retired , that Solyman could not learn what was become of him . And whilst he lay in those plain fields , such a horrid tempest ( never before seen in the beginning of September ) fell from the circumjacent Mountains ( whose tops are alway covered with deep snow ) with such abundance of rain , so eagerly freezing as it fell , that the depth of Winter seemed suddenly to be come ; for the raging winds so swept the snow from the tops of those high Mountains , that the Turks lay , as buried alive therein ; most of their Tents being overthrown : wherein a huge humber of sick Souldiers , and others following the Camp perished : Others losing the use of hands and feet for ever , through benumming : most of their beasts for carriage , chiefly Camels , being frozen to death . Yea , Solyman was endangered in his Tent ; Neither was there any remedy by reason of the night's great darknesse , most of their fires being put out by the storm : a thing accounted by them ominous ; They feared also the sudden coming of the enemy , till the Sun next morning breaking out , revived many ready to dye for cold , and discovered the fields clear of enemies : Many Turks vainly thought it was brought on them by the Persian Magician's Inchantments . Solyman troubled hereat , after some refreshment of his men , took his way into Assyria . Ulemas perswading him , chiefly from hopes of taking Babylon , its Governour being his friend ; But Mahometes was not to be won to betray the City . Wherefore Solyman resolving to take it by force : Mahometes hearing of their coming , ( who thought they would not come so far ) being neither provided nor beloved , fled out of the City : Solyman being soon received by the Babylonians , It 's called Bagdat ( not far from old Babylon , out of whose ruines it role ) standing on the River Tygris : Solyman ( according to the old manner ) received of that Caliph ( the chief Mahometane Priest ) and greatly reverenced ; the Ensigns and Ornaments of the Assyrian Kings , bountifully winning the peoples hearts , and spending the Winter there . Other Cities ( Babylon being taken unresisted ) yielded themselves ; Yea , Ambassadours came to him as far as Ormus City , famous for great Traffique , out of India suing for peace . Thus Babylon , with Assyria and Mesopotamia , became Turkish Provinces in 1534. Solyman after Winter past , placed a Beglerbey , that is , a Lord of Lords : and under him divers Sanzacks or Governours for Government : causing his Treasurer for the Wars there to be hanged , and confiscating all his goods , for his unfaithful dealing . Solyman being gone to Babylon , Tamas returned to Solyman's men , there left , fleeing away in such haste , that all in their custody was left for a prey . Solymans Army being much encreased by the coming of the great Bassaes of Caire and Syria with the Sanzacks of Alexandria , Judea and Comagena , departed , by Abraham and Ulemas's perswasion , towards Tauris ; but Tamas ( too weak to give battel ) fled from the City into the Hircanian Mountains ( destroying all as he went ) and carrying away the Inhabitants : Wherefore he sent Ulemas with all his choyse Horsmen , to overtake and fight him if possible : but after 2 or 3 dayes , still finding the Countrey neither yielding forrage nor relief , and no hope of overtaking him , he in time retired back to Solyman , declaring how it was : who fretting that Tamas was not to be drawn to battel , he marched to Tauris , sparing the submitting Citizens lives , but giving the City for a prey to his Souldiers : They 〈◊〉 king every corner , abused the people with all manner of insolence ; Solyman razing Tamas's most stately Pallace , with the Nobles sumptuous Houses , and carrying away the best Citizens , and beautifullest of all sorts , Captives ; and so returning again towards Mesopotamia , destroying all as he went , and killing the very Cattel . He was scarce past Coim , and the Calderan fields : but some Persian troops were in his rear , taking some baggage , and slaying divers sick and stragling Souldiers , troubling his whole Army with skirmishes : Besides , it was noysed , that Tamas was coming with a great power of Horsmen , and would be at their backs before they could get out of Armenia ; wherefore he appointed the Bassaes of Caire and Syria , with Ulemas , to follow him in the rear with 18000 good Souldiers : so keeping on till he came to Amida ( now Caraemida ) in Mesopotamia . Tamas the while , return'd to Tauris with a mighty Army , hoping to surprize his enemy ; but finding him gone , and the miserable desolation made , he ( with indignation ) resolved to pursue him : going as far as Coim , where , hearing he was hardly to be overtaken , and his Noble Gentlemen being unwilling in their heavy Armor , to undertake such a pursuit , &c. Tamas knowing their reasons were good , thought it best to stay there , till Delimenthes a Noble man , alway most forward , offered with 5000 choyse Horsmen , to overtake some part of the Turks Army , and do some good service : which Tamas accepting of , greatly commending him , and promising reward , sent him ( 〈◊〉 haste ) away ; who used such expedition in the nearest way , that he overtook those 18000 at Bethlis a famous Town , in a pleasant Valley , bordering on Mesopotamia , with a Garrison'd Castle . The Bassaes with Ulemas ( Solyman being come safe to Amida ) 〈◊〉 secure in that Valley , to refresh their wearied Souldiers : which Delimenthes ( being within a dayes journey of Bethlis ) by diligent espials , understood , and determining to assail their Camp the night following , he secretly sent to the Captain of the Castle , to salley out upon sign given upon that side of the Turks Camp ; which his design was much furthered by the night's darknesse , and the abundance of rain then falling . The Persians did such speedy execution amongst the sleepy Turks , that the Bassaes & Ulemas hardly escaped , they being slain by thousands , few escaping the sword . And of 5 Sanzacks , 3 were slain , & one taken : 800 Janizaries ( being forsaken ) layed down their weapons , and yielded on Delimenthes's his word . The Mountain-people also joyning to the Persians , revenged their wrongs done them after Aladules's death , who had the baggage of the Camp. The Turks account that slaughter among their greatest losses : in memorial whereof , the Persians kept that day , Octob. 13. as a solemn Holiday , many years : Delimenthes returning from the slaughter , and loaded with spoils , was joyfully received , and honourably rewarded . This overthrow so daunted Solyman , that he resolved to return , and no more to prosecute that unfortunate War : whose ill event , his mother ( he said ) more truly presaged , than the cold Prophet Mulcarabe ; being secretly offended with Abraham Bassa . At Iconium , Barbarussa and Sinan Bassa , surnamed the Jew , met him by land , to shew joy for his Conquest of Mesopotamia and Assyria , and to excuse themselves for the losse of Tunis Kingdom , which was , before the end of the Persian war , wrung from Barbarussa , and restored to Muleasses . They declaring that whole war , shewed , there wanted neither valour , nor direction , but only fortune . Solyman accepted their excuse , taking them up , prostrate at his feet , commending them , &c. bidding them be of good cheer , saying , he would find occasion for them , to recompence that disgrace , &c. Coming to Bosphorus strait . Abraham had ( in sign of triumph ) caused along the shoar , Persian-silk to be laid , for him to tread upon as he went aboard the Galley ; whence he passed over with triumph to Constantinople . Envy soon discovering ( in Court ) Solymans changed countenance on Abraham , some now sought by all secret means to work his confusion , especially Solyman's mother : and Roxalana , who perceived her design of preferring her own son Bajazet to the Empire after Solymans death , was much crossed by him , who most sought for Mustapha's preferment , the eldest son by another woman , but that which most impaired his credit with Solyman , was a report raised , that he , in heart a Christian , did in all things favour such , and therefore perswaded Solyman to undertake the Persian war : and to encrease the su pition , that he about that time , caused one Nicholas a Venetian Merchant ( who came to him oft , while at Babylon , with secret Letters , &c , not unsuspected ) to be murthered in the night , and cast into the sea , because he should not discover that which might hurt him . Abraham being bid to a supper about March 14. it 's said , after supper Solyman fell into a great rage with him , for mis-governing the State , turning his Treasures to his own private , and having traiterous intelligence with Christian Princes : sternly shewing him for proof his own intercepted Letters , often , furiously asking him , if he knew not that hand and seal : all which he confessed , craving pardon at his feet ; yet the same night , as he was slumbering on a Pallare in the Court through heavinesse , an Eunuch cut his throat with a crooked knife , which Solyman himself delivered him . He was murthered sleeping , because Solyman had sworn to him , he would never kill him whilst he lived : the Mufty saying , he might kill him sleeping , being then accounted as dead , &c , It s reported , Solyman looking on his dead body , bitterly cursed it , causing it to be cast into the sea with a great weight tied on it . His abundance of wealth being next day seized on , and a small part appointed for his Wife ; the vulgar devising on him infamous songs and slanderous reports as of a Traytour , defacing , with stones and mire , the Trophies of the Hungarian Victory : which he had most statelily erected before his sumptuous House . He was murthered , March 15 , 1536 , It was commonly reported , and justly feared that Barbarussa would the next Summer , with all his Forces invade Sicily , Italics Garnerie ; and then attempt the Conquest of the Kingdom of Naples : To represse which , and for safety of the Christian's Frontiers ( much subject to the Rapines of Turkish Pirates ) Charls the Emperour whilst Solyman was busied yet in the Persian wars , resolved in person with a puissant Army to passe into Africk , and to dispossesse the Pirate of his new-got Kingdom of Tunis . Wherefore he levying 8000 foot and 7000 Horse in Spain , came to Barcelona before expectation : Among many Nobles , there was chiefly Ferdinand Duke of Alba , whose forwardnesse , with desire to revenge his Father Garcias's death , slain by the Moors at Girapolis , made his Countrey-men hope he would prove a worthy Chieftain , as he did . Auria the while , alone knowing the Emperours full purpose , had with speed rigged up a great Fleet of Ships and Galleys very well furnished , joyning also 17 Galleys , and 3 Galleasses of his own , and embarquing therein the Flower of Genna and Liguria ( they cheerfully offering themselves ) and coming to Barcelona : whither came also Lewis , the King of Portugal's Brother ( whose sister Charls had married ) with 25 Caravels ( ships used in their Indian Voyages ) one being a huge Galleon , wherein were 2000 Portugals , besides Marrinets : also 60 sayl of tall Ships out of the Low-countries , with a number of condemned men , spared to serve in the Galleys . Also Pope Paul the 3d. sent 10 Galleys under Sursinus : and the Master of Malta sent his Fleet also . Then did Davalus Vastius the Emperour's Land-General , take up 5000 new Souldiers in Italy , led by the Count of Sarne , and other famous Captains . The old Spanish Garrisons in Lombardie were there left under Leva , though the Emperour's best Commander , he not daring so well to trust the French and Swissers , who were so near that Countrey . Then also came old Eberstern to Vastius , with 8000 Germans , to Genua ; divers serving voluntarily of their own charges . With these and the Italians , Vastius embarquing at Portus Veneris in Liguria , had perswaded them patiently to endure the Sea , and to comfort themselves with the hope of Victory in Africa , &c. So coming to Naples the Viceroy and divers Nobles had of their own charges built or furnished , some one Galley , some more , for that service , accounted sacred : both the old Souldiers and lusty youths of that Kingdom , won by Vastius's courtesie , most cheerfully offering themselves ; but some mutinous Souldiers found fault with their wages and ( weary of the Sea ) fearing dangers in so long a Voyage , perswaded the multitude to run away : the Authors of which mutiny , Vastius thrust into sacks , and cast into the sea , in their sight . So from Naples he came to Palermo in Sicily . The Emperour also came from Barcelona to Mago port in Minorca Isle , thence to Caralis in Sardinia , whither Vastius was a little before come . Charls ( ere long ) passed with a Westerly wind into the Port Utica or Farina in Africk : in entring whereof the Emperours Galley struck on the sand sticking fast ( which troubled him the more , seeing his Father Philip was so like to be cast away on Englands coast , sayling out of the Low countries into Spain ) yet by Aurias's direction , they quickly got off , to all their great joy ; So departing from Utica , he doubled the Promontorie of Carthage , anchoring before Aquaria or the Water-Castle , so called of a Well beneath it . The Moors , who from Hills and Watch Towers had viewed the Fleet and its course , advertised Barbarussa , that the Christians were coming against him with an innumerable Fleet , for they were almost seven hundred sayl , 82 being great Galleys : but he was most troubled , hearing often , that the most mighty Christian Emperour was personally there with such a world of people , that Italy and Spain seemed to be left bare of able men : which , certain Mahometans slaves , swimming ashoare in the night , reported ; for the proud Turks , never thought the Emperour would have so adventnred , especially in an unknown , barren , and scorching Countrey , &c. wherein he was confirmed by Prefenda a German , who was a prisoner ( at large ) in Tunis : of whom Barbarussa 〈◊〉 him with hope of liberty , if he would declare , had learned many things : but now in his rage , he charging him bitterly , that he had persidiously told him lies for truth concerning the Emperour , commanded him to be execused . Then forthwith casting about how to withstand his puissant enemy : he first of all calling to Council his Sea-Captains , in whom he most confided ; shewed them that they as valiant men , and acquainted with dangerns , were not to doubt of the Victory , since he saw it as good as already gotten ; having before for the same reasons perswaded himself , that if Charls had not be in half mad , he would not have undertaken so desperate and doubtful a Warre : and encouraging them in a short speech , most earnestly required this one thing , that they should most valiantly defend the strong Castle of Guletta , as the most assured defence both of the City & the whole Kingdom , and especially their Navy , which lay there in safe harbour , &c. They all answered , they would most chearfully perform what ever he pleased to command ; nor to do any thing unbeseeming most valiant men . Guletta Castle stands in the bottom of Carthage-Bay , on a point of Land , where the Sea on the side by a narrow strait , runneth into Tunis-Lake ; but now the Castle is parted on the West side also by the Sea , begun by Barbarussa , but perfected by others , commanding both sides : He now put into it strongly fortified , Sinan of Smyrna , a Jew , of greatest account , Haidinus for his fury surnamed Caccia Diabolo , Salec of Ionia , Tabacches of Laodicea , and Giaffer a Captain of the Janizaries ; most expert and resolute Captains . The Emperour commanded his men to be landed with all speed , which was so done , that the Moores terrified with their cry , and not able to abide their shot , were beaten from shoare , suffering them to land quietly : first the Spanish , then the Italians , and last the Germanes whom Vastius caused presently to encamp , strictly charging none to straggle , till the Horse and Ordnance were landed : the Emperour chearfully landing also . Vastius the while , sent out some to view the neer places , and se k out the Cisterns and Fountains of waters , once serving Carthage ; with whom , the Moores ( chiefly , the swift , subtile , and painful Numidian Horsemen ) oft skirmished ; and though but naked , yet on all advantages , furiously assailed them with Arrows and Darts unawares , and overloaded with Armour , sparing none that fell into their hands : two of whom , were Spinnula , a Ligurian Captain , and Noble Carectus , slain by Vastius's side , as they viewed ; notwithstanding , Charls himself would needs with a small Troop , view the places , even in sight of the Numidians , every where pricking up and down , though he was often perswaded not to expose himself to endanger his person and the common safety . Vastius brought the Army nigh the Castle , casting up a rolling trench as he came to defend his men : which was done by all sorts , yea many Captains set to their hands ; for the Emperour was a beholder , and chearful commender of labour and forwardness , and the busie enemy ever ready to take advantage , oft sallying out and defying them , even at their very Trenches . When all Commanders were to be appointed to their several charges , the Count of Sarne , requested Vastius to have the Mount neerest the Castle , a place of most danger , but of greatest honour : whereat the Spaniards much repined , he set up his rich Tent on the top of the Mount , in the enemie's sight , there laying with his Italians . Ere long , Salec with some Companies , salsied forth upon that Mount , as if he would have assailed it , raising a great Alarm ; yet after Vollies of shot on both sides , he retired , as if constrained : whereupon the Count bitterly in rage , reproving some Captains not so forward to pursue them ; ran furiously down , the rest for shame following him , slaying divers enemies . Salec now turning about , said to his Souldiers , The wished advantage is now offered , &c. wherefore , shew your selves valiant , not letting one of these proud fresh-water Souldiers , escape alive or unwounded ; which said , they making a stand , so hardly charged the Italians , that they fled . The Count fighting valiantly with his Kinsman , was slain , with many others , and others slain in flight : the Turks entring so far into the Trenches , that they carried away the riches of the Count's Tent : No Spaniard once stirring out of their places to help the Italians . His Head and right hand Salec sent to Barbarussa . Vastius comforted the grieved Italians , imputing that losse onely to the Count's rashness , for which he had worthily payd the price ; but he sharply reproved the Spaniards , as merciless men , &c. The Turks by often great shot , shewed joy for this Victory ; but Tabacches , soon after , sallying out in day-dawning , got to the top of the Spaniards Trenches , before they were aware , slaying some sleeping , some idly sitting , others arming themselves : who with their sudden cry , made the rest which lay near , to flee out of their Trenches : where the Turks taking their trash , slaying and wounding many with Mendosa a Captain , carried away Sarmentus's Ensign , on the top of the Trench . The Alarm caused the Emperour to come running in his Armour , sharply reproving them who forsook the place , and greatly offended with those who kept such negligent watch , against such an enemy . This disgrace of the old Spaniards , well comforted the Italians : The tumult appeased , Vastius calling their chief Captains into his Tent , said , He was sory and ashamed to say it , They who elsewhere alwayes valiant , were grown wholly out of order , and heartless , &c. the Italians worthily laughing at their negligence , who yesterday smiled at their unskilful forwardness . Wherefore he exhorted and straightly commanded them , speedily to prepare their Minds and Weapons for atchieving some new honour , &c. They all answered , they would so behave themselves , that he should not desire greater courage , &c. in men desirous of honour and commendation . 'T was not long , but Giaffer of exceeding courage and strength , issued forth with Janizaries and Moorish Archers about noon , assailing the utmost Trenches , hoping in that broyling heat , to find them unprepared . The Spaniards then kept such negligent Watch , that they discharged their shot and Arrows on them , from the rampiers top , before they were well aware ; but the Drum striking up , some Harquebusiers brake out in two places at once , as Vastius had commanded , seconding them with Halbardiers , keeping his Squadrons to rescue his Harquebusiers , if they were forced to retire . The Skirmish was valiantly maintained on both sides , till Giaffer desperately fighting among the foremost Janizaries , was slain with two Bullets at once ; for whole body , the Janizaries most cruelly fought , many being slain on both sides , upon the carcase : at length , being forced to flee , they were so fiercely followed , that they of Guletta , shut out almost a fourth part of their own men , lest the Christians should enter with them . Abila , an Ensign-bearer , advanced his Ensign to the top of a Rampier , and was slain ; but his Ensign was saved by a Souldier . Upon their retreat , they lost most ; for the Turks discharged their shot on them very fast , which they could not before for their own men . This abated the Turk's pride , and gave hope , the Castle would be gained without great losse ; perceiving being nigh it , 't was not so strong as they supposed . The Emperour after few dayes , consulting and preparing things , resolved without delay to assault it with all his forces , for many reasons , chiefly , for that his men began to grow sickly : scorched as it were , all the day , and almost starved with cold by night , and exceeding dewes commonly wetting them to the skin : neither was there good water , or fresh Victual to be had in that sandy and barren Soil , other than out of the Fleet ; for the water was so unpleasant and brackish , that sick and whole were glad of a Crab to quench extream thirst ; yet much relief was timely sent from Sicilie and Naples : the Bisket also chiefly in the Spanish Gallies , was grown hoary and unwholsom : about July 15th , he began to place his battery defended with Gabions and Caske of Sand. Aurias divided his Gallies into three Squadrons , which should by turns beat on the Castle , his great Ships at Anchor thundred from their fore-Castles with great Ordnance . Vastius divided Spaniards , Italians , and Germans apart for assault . There was never strong place since Guns were invented , assailed with greater force , preparation , or industry . The Earth seeming not onely to quake , but even by and by to swallow them up : the Sea beginning to rage and foam as in a great storm : the Air became thick and dark with smoak : from day-break till noon , the Cannon and Culvering never ceased ; so that the Vamures were beat down , the Castle saultable , and many Turkish Cannoniers and Cannons , buried in the Walls ruines : which being perceived , upon a Signal given , the Artillery ceasing , the breach was assailed , and the Walls scaled , and with such resolution , that the Turks having done what was possible , by casting down Darts , Wild-fire , &c. upon them climbing up , at length as despairing , fled . Sinan and the other Captains fled forth at the further side by a Woodden Bridge , and so by Land to Tunis : which way most of his men followed him . The rest were slain or driven into the Lake , where they were slain coming to Land by Horsemen ; or in swiming , shot by the Harquebusiers : the Lake being even covered with dead bodies . This Castle , with all its Warlike Provision , and all Barbarussa's great Fleet , his and his Pyrates greatest grief , Charls gained with small losse . Barbarussa troubled and terrified , sternly and scornfully received Sinan and the rest , reviling and calling them faint-hearted Cowards , so soon giving over so strong a place . Sinan answered , when they were to withstand the Devil and his furies , &c. it ought not to seem strange , if they sought to escape . Neither did they count it a disgrace , as men that minded again to fight : from which danger , if himself had been present , he would have accounted it very good discretion to escape . Hairadin now began more temperately to request every one of them couragiously to stand fast to him , well hoping , that the great supply of Moorish foot , and Numidian Horse at hand , once come , the enemy should not long joy in taking Guletta . Then he wholly indeavoured , to prepare things needful for Warre , bountifully bestowing his Treasures among the Moores and Numidians , to confirm the well-affected , and to win the doubtful . Muleasses the while , with a small retinue , came into the Emperour's Camp , he sitting royally in his Pavilion , who being admitted , with a Myter , and a green and blew silk Garment , he tall and manly , tawny ( so squint-eyed , that he seemed to look spitefully ) kissing Charls his hand , sat down with his legs close under him upon a Carpet , on the ground , after his Countries fashion , speaking unto him by an Interpreter , that he was come thither , not by any desert of his , their different Religion so requiring , yet , he verily thought , not but by the appointment of the most high God , whom both did with like devotion worship , to take revenge of the most perfidious , cruel Tyrant and Pyrate , whom he saw as good as vanquished , Guletta and his Navy being taken , &c. which would be the more to his comfort , hoping thereby to be restored by him , into his Fathers Kingdom , which he most humbly requested of his justice and honour : not refusing to pay him tribute , and to acknowledge himself his Vassal : of which the remembrance of so great a benefit never to be forgotten of him and his Posterity , was a most great assurance , he abhorring the name of unthankful , and experimentally finding how much his State and People might be assured to him , by his near Garrisons in Sicilie and Sardinia . The Emperour answered , he was come into Africk to revenge the injuries done oft , by Barbarussa upon his Frontiers , and to root out the most mischievous Pirates : which , by his Saviour's goodness , had taken such effect , that he doubted not soon to obtain a perfect Victory ; and then he would grant him what should stand with the convenience of his affaires , &c. so he would not falsifie his faith , which he might well suspect , if he specially trusted not , that such a benefit would alway remain in his heroical mind ; being assured , that that power which restored him his Kingdom , could take it from him , if his unthankfulness deserved it . Muleasses before the Emperour used a full gravity and grace in his Speech ; but exceeding courteous to the Generall and other Captains : riding up and down with them , and shewing himself a very good Horseman , and of great activity . He would also reason with learned men after Averroes , of the nature of things , the Heavens motion , and Starres power : he had a Tent appointed him , and honourable allowance . Vastius courteously brought him , when desirous , into all places of the Camp , to see all things and orders there , demanding of him , whether that puissant Army brought to his great good , he judged sufficient to subdue the enemy ? Muleasses chiefly wondered at the number and order of the great Ordnance ; next , at the wondrous plenty of things , and the Souldiers quietness in buying them . Ere long they learned of him many things , well serving for their better proceeding : which things , orderly reported to the Emperour , confirmed his former hope of the desired Victory ; so that carefully forecasting , he resolved forthwith to besiege Tunis . But whilest he was preparing , they daily skirmished with the Numidians : once like to come to a Battel ; for the Moores planting Field-pieces among the Olive Gardens , shot continually into the Camp : wherefore the Emperour leaving enough to keep his Camp and Trenches , went forth with his Horsemen and the rest , sending Montegius General of the Spanish Horsmen before , who were most , but raw Souldiers . These skirmished a while with the enemy ; but seeing themselves hardly charged , and Montegius greatly wounded , they fled in the Emperour's sight , to the men at Arms coming after them . The enemy at first , would desperately charge , then retire to avoid their enemies force , and by and by turn again with a fresh charge , the light Horsemen fleeing , Charls came on couragiously with his men at Arms , whereby they were put to flight , and their Field-pieces taken . Here the Emperour standing formost , gave the Signal , crying aloud , St. James , St. James , the Spaniards Patron . He rescued with his own hand Pontius of Granado , who , unhorsed and sore wounded , was ready to be slain . Also 30000 Moores came suddenly to surprise a small Tower , on a Hill near Carthages ruines , wherein Souldiers were placed ; for it was near the Camp. Before these went a Numidian Priest , bellowing out certain Charms , and casting abroad scroles of paper , wherein he cursed the Christians : they brought those in the Tower with fire and smoak , to great extremity ; but the Emperour coming to their rescue , flew the Priest with others , and put the rest to 〈◊〉 . The discomfiture of the Spanish Horsemen made many think , that the Emperour's Horse were too weak for a set-battel , being but few , and inferiour to the Numidians . For which cause and divers others , some of his Councellors willed him to proceed no farther in that dangerous Warre but speedily to return , since he had won honour enough , by taking Guletta and the enemies Fleet ; but he gave them a resolute answer to the contrary : willing them to cease further to 〈◊〉 him , no way dismayd , or to possess his valiant Souldiers with a vain fear , and resolutely against next day , with him to expect the fortune of the field for a full accomplishment , who was set down to give battel , or he enemy refusing , to batter the Walls of Tunis , not doubting but God would stand by him in so good and godly a quarrel . So garrisoning Guletta , and repairing its breaches , laying the Ordnance on Carriages , which before , lay bound in unweldy pieces of Timber , with Iron rings . Then causing the Country to be well viewed ( which betwixt the Olive Groves , and the right side of the lake , passeth directly to Tunis ) he set forward with his Army in so good an order , as still ready to fight , and in his Armour he rode from squadron to squadron , cheerfully and hopefully recounting the former Victories they had got for him , telling them , he , that day , expected of them a most honourable day's service , seeing they were to fight against the naked enemies of the Christian Religion ; and to resolve to endure all difficulties , till they might joyn battel with their enemies : where , they should undoubtedly ( by Gods goodnesse ) obtain the Victory , comforting themselves the while , with the sure hope of a most rich prey , of a rich City . They all answered with a great shout , he should not trouble himself with those matters , for they would patiently endure all extremities , and by a valiant fight make him Emperour ( not of Africk ) but Asia also . Vastius made General , chiefly for that day , withdrew two Spanish Companies of Harquebusiers to skirmish with the Moors , following in their Rear : whom , by those and some Troops of Horse , the Duke of Alba notably repulsed . The Army being come to the 〈◊〉 , which Muleasses and others had told them of ; the extream thirsty Souldiers descrying them afar off , forsook their Colours , and ran as fast as they could unto them : Vastius laboured in vain , by fair and fowl means to stay them , a great advantage being , by that disorder , offered to the enemy , not far off . The Emperour himself hasted thither to keep them in order , yet such was their intolerable thirst , that he could not remedy the disorder , some 〈◊〉 in the sands for lack of drink , and some ready to burst their bellies at the Fountains , so that he beat them away with his Truncheon : One Cicero of Arpinas , a famous Captain , died there with over drinking . This extremity seemed just ; for Vastius had the day before , commanded every Souldier to carry a bottle of Wine or Water at his girdle : though he caused what water he could conveniently , to be carried in Casks for common relief , the Germans having the most . Some ready to give over , bought a draught of water of their fellows for two Duckats . The Army being brought into order , Charls held on his march ; for Barbarussa coming ( with a great multitude of Horse and Foot , and a number of Ensigns gallantly displayed ) about 3 miles from Tunis , and some Field-pieces , went about to break the Christian's Battel : those Pieces doing little or no hurt , through the Cannoniers unskilfulnesse . Vastius had likewife commanded the Ordnance to be brought into the Front ; but perceiving what toyl and time it required : He told the Emperour , he thought it not best to stay for them , every man desiring Battel , lest staying too long upon their great Ordnance , their enemies should gather courage , and the Souldiers cheerfulnesse grow cold . The Emperour cheerfully answered : If thou think good , I like it well , In Gods Name , give the Signal : That I shall ( said he ) but first 't is reason , that thou which swayest a great part of the world , at this time obey me , whom thou for this day hast made General of so mighty an Army : wherefore since I may not request , I command thee to get into the middle of the Battel , lest by some unlucky shot , the whole Army be extreamly endangered by the danger of one mans life ; Charls smiling , willed him not to fear it ; saying , Never Emperour was yet slain with a gun ; yet he went into the middle of the Battel . The Signal given by Trumpet and Drum : the enemy was furiously charged by his Horsmen , who , to avoid the Artillery , made all haste to come to handy-blows . Noble and valiant Gonzaga being somewhat foremost at the first onset , slew with his Launce a notable Moorish Captain , with his sword , so troubling those next him , that he opened a way to break into the enemies Battel : the Harquebufiers also discharged so fast , that 300 of them lay dead , before Battel was joyned : whereupon the other Footmen fled back ( from their Ordnance ) to Barbarussa : who not long enduring the Christians force or fight , but grinding his teeth for grief , retired with his Turks into Tunis : 〈◊〉 himself with hope out of his enemies foreseen distresses , to take some fit advantage , if he could but a while defend the City : the Numidians and Moors retired also into the Suburbs , and other places near . The Emperour glad of his enemies flight ( thought to be a 100000 ) encamped that night where they before lay , determining next day to batter Tunis's walls : Barbarussa exceedingly surprized with fear , and distracted with cares , purposed to kill all the Christian-captives in the Castle ; but Sinan the Jew for divers reasons disswaded him from that most execrable fact ; Solyman using to derest and revenge such outrages : who living bound in Chains ( if they should lust after their unlucky liberty ) 〈◊〉 neither give victory to the enemy , nor take it from him , or hinder it , and might shortly serve him to good purpose ; whereat ( he ashamed ) went out of the Castle , assembling all the chief of the City into the biggest Temple , telling them what he would have done for defence , and encouraging them to fight , from whom a little before Charls his coming , he had taken all kind of arms . A constant report of a danger so eminent , run even in the Dungeons of the Castle ; by some manumissed slaves , ( who had in heart returned to their old Christian Religion , secretly encouraging the chief Captives , with whom they were acquainted , to lay hold on their liberty ) two of whom , Francis a Spaniard , and Caterus a Dalmatian Eunuch adventured to open the prison-doors , giving Instruments to the poor prisoners : who boldly brake off their chains and Gyves : and so , about 6000 Christians armed with what came first to hand , chiefly with stones : brake forth suddenly upon the Turks in the Castle . Ramadas the runagate Captain , stirred up with the terrible noise , with a few Souldiers , ran to the gate , where a lusty Cicilian prisoner , had with a bar thereof , struck down one or two of the Warders , and bolted the Gate . Ramadas 〈◊〉 him , went forth with his few followers , carrying news to Barbarussa ; the Christians now loosed , slaying divers Turks , possessed all the Castle , and breaking open the Armory , gave signs from a Turret to the Christian Army , by smoak and false fires of Gunpowder . Lastly , displaying Sarmentus his Ensign ( taken by Tabacches as aforesaid ) they were too far off , well to perceive these signes ; yet by fugitives comming oft out of Tunis , Charls and Muleasses were perswaded some great tumult was risen : wherefore 2 Captains with their Companies were sent to discover the matter . Barbarussa the while , in his fury blaspheming his gods , and bitterly curling the Jew , came to the Castle-gate , with tears in his eyes , requesting the late-captives , forthwith to let him in , faithfully promising them liberty , with a general pardon ; but they 〈◊〉 stones at him , with many opprobrions words rejected him ; So that he enraged , shot at them himse f ; betaking himself to flight : 7000 Turks following him , intending to flee to the Citty Hippona ( now Bona ) : for there had Barbarussa left 14 Galleys against any mischance , having laid up their furniture in the Garrison'd Castle fast by the Lake . Charls hearing of his flight , came to the gates , the Magistrates being ready to submit : only requesting that his Sculdiers might encamp without the City , and not seek the utter ruine thereof , promising they should want nothing there to be had : Muleasses also earnestly entreating him in the Citizens behalf ; but he doubting ( not without cause ) the Moors fidelity , they also delaying the Souldiers promised wages , expecting the utmost of Barbarussa , he could not be perswaded to promise them certain safety , moved also by the Souldiers discontenred speeches : Whilst the Emperour stood thus in doubt , Vastius came with a few to the Castle gate , and was joyfully received in by the Captives ; but whilst he viewed the wealth and provision , a Ligurian-captive discovered to him a Well wherein Barbarussa had cast 30000 Duckats in bags , which he easily obtained of Charls , as well deserving them . The Captives taking the Castle 's spoyl : the Army would enter the City , running after the spoyl ; the Citizens in vain calling upon the faith of Muleasses . They slew many at first entrance : the Spaniards and Italians seeking most after spoyl , but the Germans filled all places with dead Mahometans , not regarding sex or age : their Temples swimming with the blood of those fled into them : which continued , till Charls , through Muleasse's pittiful request , proclaimed , None on pain of death to hurt any Citizen , or take prisoners . For all that , many young men and women , were by the Marriners carried away to the Fleet : many of whom Muleasses redeemed for a little money : one of his Wives ( the dearest ) being ransomed for two Duckats . The Emperour entring the Castle , commended the captives , giving them money , & promising them shipping and provision to bring every man to his own Countrey ; unto the manumissed servants , he gave money and apparel , learning of them , of Barbarussas's purposes and secret disposition . In the Castle 's spoyl , Muleasses chiefly lamented the loss of the old Arabian books , containing the interpretation of Mahomet's Law , and his Predecessours Acts : which losse ( he said ) he would most gladly ( if possible ) have redeemed with the price of a City : then the pretious oyntments and perfumes , with the great store of Ambetgreece , Musk and Civet . Lastly , the rare and rich Colours for painting , trodden under foot . Here were divers Head-pieces and other Armour of the French ( laid up in memory of the Moors Victorie , who with King Lewis had besieged it about 300 years before . Barbarussa easily passed over the River Bagrada or Maior-dech ( though pursued by certain Namidian horse raised by Muleasses , who dared not come near him for his Harquebusiers and Archers in the rear ) : and so came to Hippona ( yet he lost Haiden of Smyrna in that passage , who died on the bank with drinking so much ) resting his men two dayes : He called them together , comforting them with good words , and perswading them , &c. for he determined ( he said ) to go with the Fleet he had , to Algiers : where he would ( being recruited ) undertake some Attempt , answerable to their desires and his own credit . It 's reported , Never was vanquished Captain answered with a more cheerful acclamation , than he then was . Wherefore he most speedily weighed up those sunk Galleys , furnishing them against all assayes , casting upon the Lake's-brink a Mount , with Artillary for defence of the Harbour ; not vainly conjecturing that the Christian Fleet would come to impeach his going out . And indeed , Adam , a German Captain ( of no great skil , yet the Admiral 's Kinsman ) was appointed with some Gallions and 14 Galleys , to set forward towards Hippona , hoping to purchase great honour of the unproviced enemy ; but being come near Hippona , he was advertised what Barbarussa had done : Whereat he greatly troubled , upon good advice , returned to the Fleet for more aid : Barbarussa a while doubting , whether to pursue them ( more in number than his own Galleys ) or to persist in his former purpose : unto which opinion the Captains inclining , he letting slip a fair occasion , leaving a small Garrison in the Castle , sayled to Algiers . Adam being returned , many great ones were exceedingly offended , that by some's negligence , and others unrulinesse , going ashear without leave , so fair an occasion was neglected : for had those Galleys been sunk or taken , Barbarussa could not have escaped , it being verily thought , the Numidians ( the Turks deadly enemies ) would in advantagious places , have cut off him and his followers in his long and painful travail by land to Algiers , Auria angry both with himself & those entrusted ; yet not out of hope , went to Hippona ; but Barbarussa gone , he took the City overthrowing its walls : but taking the Castle by force , he placed Gometius with a Garrison , and so returned . This Gometius ( though valiant ) became so infamous for avarice towards enemy and friend , that for fear how to answer such things , he executed himself : the Castle being afterwards razed , as not without marvellous charge to be kept : after which a Council being held touching Muleasses , Charls placed him in his Kingdom , to pay him yearly ( as tribute ) 2 Faulcons , and 2 Numid an 〈◊〉 : also ever to honour the Emperour , and be a friend to all Christians , and an utter enemy to the Turks ; and to defray the charges of above 1000 Spaniards left in Guletta : whereby he ( as it were ) kept the Keys of that Kingdom at his girdle . These things done , he sayled into Sicily , being received in great triumph at Panormus and Messana , whence he passed over to Rhegium in Italy , thence by Land to Naples . Solyman , to encrease the glory of his name , and enlarge his Empire , determined to take away all the Portugals traffique in the East-Indies : It grieved him that the Christian Religion should begin to root among them , not long before , receiving Mahometanism ; he was also credibly informed , that they ( in his late wars against the Persians ) had aided them with some Haerquebusiers : sending them workmen , to shew them the making and use of Ordnance : but the chief motive , was because the Portugals by their Traffique , had cut off all Trade into the Arabian gulf ( whereby the riches of the East , used to be transported to Caire , thence to Alexandria , whence they were dispersed into all Europe ) to the great binderance of his Tributes and Customes : wherefore , and at the instance of Solyman-Bassa an Eunuch , Governour of Aegypt : he built a great Fleet in the Red-sea to go against them : the Timber was cut in the Mountains of Cilicia , thence transported to Caire ; where being framed , it was with vast labour and charge carried on Camels through the hot and sandy Desarts to Suetia , a Port of the Red-sea , antiently called Arsing , from whence ( 80 Miles from Caire ) the antient Kings of Egypt , had with incredible charge ( to eternize their memory ) cut thorow all that main Land , so that Vessels of good burden , might come up to Caire from Arsing . Solyman Bassa severely commanding all the people thereabouts to further the building of that Fleet , had ( in short time ) built 80 tall Ships and Galleys at Arsing : furnishing them for so long a Voyage ; at which time picking a causelesse quarrel , yet ( with Solyman's liking ) he confiscated the goods of the Venetian Merchants at Alexandria and Caire , thrusting the Marriners into his Galleys as slaves : so accompanied with Assanbeg , he set forward against the Portugals , coming at length as far as the River Indus , where he assaulted Dium , a Castle of the Portugals : but having besieged it many dayes by sea and Land and tried the utmost , he was so repulsed , that leaving his great Ordnance behind him for haste , he returned to Aden , a City of great Trade in Arabia Foelix : where , because he would be thought to do something , he allured the King to come to him upon Faith before given ; but having him aboord , he hanged him up at the Yards-arm of his Admiral-Galley , taking the Citie 's spoyl . He likewise murthered the King and all the Nobili y of Zibyth , another famous Port of Arabia contrary to Faith given ; so travelling by land to Mecca ( as if he had been some devout Pilgrim ) he sent back his Fleet by the Moor to Suetia . At the same time , Solyman ( Lutzis & Ajax , the greatest Bassa's perswading him ) purposed to convert all his Forces upon Italy : whereunto he was solicited by Forrest the French Embassadour , to incite Solyman against the Emperour , assuring him , he could not ( at once ) desend Apulia against him , and the Dukedom of Millain against the French King , who intended that Summer to invade it . Also , one Pignatellus , sometime Commander in Charls his Army , but then exiled out of Naples , fled to Solyman , who being like to do him great service , in the invasion of Apulia , was honourably entertained amongst his Mutfaracas , a Company of Horsemen chose out of all Nations , having free exercise of their Religion , onely bound to attend the person of the Turk , when going to Warres . He revolted , because the Viceroy had executed Andrew his Brother , a Knight of the Rhodes . He , oftentimes called to Councel , ceased not to perswade Solyman to invade the same , assuring him , that they of Apulia and Salerne , grievously oppressed by the Emperour's Officers , would at first revolt , especially , seeing any of the French to cleave unto ; but the greatest Motive was , the ancient Turks telling him into what fear all Italy was strucken , when Achmetes Bassa had taken Hydruntum . Wherefore he made such expedition by Sea and Land , that he was come with 200000 men to Aulona in Macedonia , before 't was thought he was come from Constantinople , where he stayed not long ; but Lutzis his Admiral , with Barbarossa , sailing by Corcyra , where Pisaurius the Venetian Admiral lay , and , after mutual Sea-salutation done , put into the Haven of Aulona also . Solyman now commanded Lutzis and Barbarossa to passe over with the Fleet , to Oiranto , and to prove the mindes of the people : with whom went also Troilus Pignatellus : who knowing Hydruntum and Brundusium , to be strongly kept by Charls his Garrisons , directed them to the Town Castrum , on the Sea-Coast , eight miles from Hydruntum : nigh which stands a Castle , then belonging to 〈◊〉 , who unacquainted with Warres , and perswaded by Troilus , yielded it up ; the Turks not to violate him or his , in body or goods : on which condition , Castrum was also delivered up ; but the Turks , once got in ( do what Troilus Lutzis , or Barbarussa could ) especially the Marriners , rifled Town and Castle , carrying away Catinarius himself , with the floure of the people to their Galleys , as prisoners ; but Lutzis ashamed , presently freed Catinarius . Then also , Solyman had , by night , sent over light Horsemen : who running along the Sea from Tarentum to Brundusium , carried away people and Cattel , and whatever came in their way , for 40 miles ; so that the fear and danger of Otranto , was likely to have overwhelmed all Italy , had not the rashness of one Venetian Captain , turned that Tempest from the Italians , upon the Venetians themselves . For Contarenus meeting with Turkish Galleys , which would do nothing in token of Reverence and friendship , as they ought in those Seas , fiercely assailed them , sinking two of them . Ustamenes , Governour of Callipolis , of no small Reputation , being said to have perished : which out-rage , in a most unfit time , was imputed to a private grudge , the Turks having intercepted a Ship of his , laden with rich Merchandise , from the East , not regarding what might ensue to the common State. Auria , hearing that Solyman with his Army and Fleet , were , at Aulona , put to Sea towards the Isles Cephalenia and Zante : there chancing upon divers of the Turk's Victua lers , which he easily took , chaining the Marriners in his own Galleys for slaves , and seizing on the Victuall , fired the Ships . Solyman the while , sending Junusbeius , his chief Interpreter , with two Gallies on a Message to Lutzis : he coming near Corcyra , offered to passe by the Venetian Fleet , without vailing : upon which his pride , certain Captains so furiously set upon him , that they were forced to run them ashoare on the Coast of Epirus : where they were 〈◊〉 by the people of the Mountainscalled Acroctraumi . These people live most by theft . Junusbeius hardly redeeming himself from them , and returning to Solyman . Auria chancing on those sore bruised Gallies , fired them . For which things , the Turks greatly offended , grievously complained of the Venetians to Solyman , though the Admiral laboured to excuse the matter , about Junusbeius , as a great oversight on both sides ; but the Turks sought to break the League which was the sooner don , because Auria diligently looking into every Harbour in the Ionian Sea , lighted on 12 great Turks Gallies near Corcyra , filled with their best Souldiers Horse and Foot , the Horses being sent before to the Camp by their Lackies , who with invincible courage , fought bloudily with Auria , having 30. Gallies till most were slain , the rest sore wounded : who seeing they must fall into his hands , threw their Scimiters over board , because those choyce Weapons should not come into their hands . Auria lost many of his best men , yet with Victory anchored nigh Corcyra : where he was advertised , that Barbarussa was coming against him with 80 Gallies ; wherefore , as too weak , he returned to Messana , to repair his Fleet. Solyman now throughly junusbeius , cursed Barbarussa , who had done him no good service in these Warres , grievously threatning the Venetians , who under colour of an ancient League , being secretly confederate with Charls , had holpen Auria with intelligence , and all necessaries , &c : Junusbeius , Barbarussa , and Ajax , incensing him : the one out of private revenge ; these , gaping after the spoil of the adjacent Venetian Isles : the Warres in Italy , being more difficult than they imagined ; for the French King came not then into Italy : it being commonly reported , that the Viceroy of Naples strongly garrisoning all Sea Towns , was coming with a great Army ; besides the Horse sent over , ranging for spoil , were oft cut off by Scipio , Governour of Otranto for Charls : wherefore Solyman proclaiming Warre against the Venetians , arose from Aulona , encamping near the Mountains Acrocerauni : where the wild people of the high and rough Mountain Chimera , for so great a prey ( by meanes of one Damianus a notable Thief , and perfect in the blind and difficult passages ) attempted by night to spoil Solyman in his Pavilion , hoping ( though guarded with so many thousands ) to steal into the Camp undiscovered , and kill him sleeping there . But having put all things in readiness , Damianus their Ring-leader , by secret wayes , stealing down the broken Rocks , came very nigh the Camp , to view the standing of the Pavilion , with the order of their Watch , and was , by a bough cracking , espied by the Janizaries in a Tree : where , taken , and tortured , he confessed his intent , and was by Solyman commanded to be torn in pieces : who forthwith sent a great party up the Mountains , who hunted after , and slew many of those wild people : doing what they could quite to destroy them , as enemies to all men . Solyman purposing to invade Corcyra , now Corfu , sent Barbarussa before , with his great Artillery : which Pisaurius timely foreseeing , strengthened both the Castles with good Souldiers out of his Gallies : withdrawing himself into the Adriatique Gulf , to joyn with Veturius : who kept that Sea with another Venetian Fleet , and so to defend the Venetian Coasts against the Auria's coming being also daily expected . Solyman sending a great part of his Army into the Island , burnt and destroyed the Villages , leading away a number of people Captives . Ajax and Barbarussa , came as nigh the City Corfu , as they could , to see how fitly to besiege it ; but perceiving its great strength , they advertised Solyman that it was impregnable . Ripa and Leonius Senators , were then Governours of Corfu , who , doubting of the Turks great strength , 〈◊〉 down the Suburbs , very great and sumptuous , a woful thing to behold , when as then also , the Turks had fired the Magnificent Houses of the Venetian Merchants in every place ; but in so great a publique danger , all was accounted lightly of , in respect of lives and liberty , since they might with new charge , be soon recovered . The two Governours fearing a long Siege , and not Victuals enough for such a multitude as were there , turned a number of weak people and Children out of the City ; many , chiefly Children , dying in the Town-Ditches , in their Mothers Arms , not daring to go further for fear of the enemy , who had fast by planted his Ordnance on Mounts against the City : onely S. Angelo Castle in midst of the Isle , about 15 miles from Corfu , being valiantly defended against assaults , saved above 3000 , which fled thither ; all being made desolate elsewhere . The Turks on a Hill covered with their Tents , shot with their Ordnance from the Rock Maripetus , into the Town : and some standing close in the Suburbs ruines , did kill or wound those appearing on the Walls . The Galley also oft discharging their Pieces : more terrifying than hurting the Defendants . Solyman seeing he did but loose his labour , determined to raise his siege , and return to Constantinople , greatly ashamed he had no better sped ; but being about to depart , he was told , how unfaithfully some Souldiers dealt with them of Castrum : which tending to his dishonour , and the deterring of others from yielding , he put the authors to death , and those Captives to be diligently sought out , and sent home . The Turks departed out of the Island , about Septemb. 12th , in 1537. carrying away above 16000 into perpetual captivity ; so he returned , having done great harm , both in Italy and Corcyra ; but not increasing his Empire or honour . Before his departure , he commanded Lutzis to return with his Fleet to Hellespont : who passing by Zante , took divers Countrey people prisoners in the night ; but , the City it self being well fortified , he departed to Cythera , where vainly attempting to take the Castle , he spoyling what he could , with 800 prisoners , returned into Aegium to Aegina a rich City , and well peopled . He approaching the Isle , sent to the Governour of the City by fair meanes , and , then by threats to have the City yielded unto him : and not prevailing , he landed his men giving the signall of Battel : whom they manfully meeting , slew many Turks . Lutzis greatly offended , still landing fresh men , oppressed them with multitude , being but few , and weary of long fight , forcing them to retire into the City . The Bassa in revenge , planted a battery against the City , soon opening the walls in divers places : then assaulting the breaches , took it , which he rifling , and burning to the ground , razed the walls , killing all the men , and giving the women to the lust of his men : whom afterwards with the Children , he shipped away into servitude : raging with much like cruelty on them of Paros , and Islands thereabouts : killing the old men , and such as resisted , thrusting the rest into his Gallies . And coming to Naxos , all the Island people fled into the City for fear : where he made havock of all in his way : sending a Messenger to the Duke , to yield himself and City to Solyman's obedience : who in blunt termes said , If he would without more adoe , yield to Solyman , he might save himself with what he had ; but otherwise , he should never have the like offer , &c. That there was present a most mighty Fleet , &c. To be warned by them of Aegina , Paros , and other Neighbour Princes : That his hap was good , if he were not misadvised , &c. He being commanded to stand aside a while , the Duke with his chief Subjects , full of Heaviness , consulted for an answer : generally agreeing , that since they could not withstand such an enemy , or expect ayd , to yield to the present necessity , &c. So the Duke answered him , he was ready to yield to Solyman as his vassall , and to hold his Seigniory of him for 5000 Duckats yearly tribute : which Lutzis accepted , receiving in a years tribute : this yielding of Naxos , was Novemb. 11th , 1537. whence Lutzis returned laden with rich spoil , to Constantinople : who , ere long , fell at odds with his Wife , Solyman's Sister ; for keeping in his House , a delicate youth , in whom he took more pleasure than in her : she of a great spirit , and knowing him , by marrying her , to have been , of base degree , advanced to the greatest honours : in great rage , bitterly reproved him , saying ; she married him to be beloved , and used as his Wife , not to be abused by his minions : whereupon , he gave her a blow on the eare , causing her to be shut up in her Chamber ; but she came weeping and complaining to Solyman , requesting to be divorced from him . Solyman was so incensed , that he took from him his Seal , and thrust him out of all , and had put him to death , had not his old love and friendship stayd him ; yet he banished him into Macedonia : where he spent his life as a poor private man. Solyman to entangle the Venetians in divers places at once , commanded his Lieutenants , bordering on their Seigniory , to vex them with all hostility . In Peloponesus , Cassumes besieged Mauplium and Epidaurus . Barbarussa surprized ancient Botrotus in Dalmatia , razing it , and carrying away the Citizens . Ustress of Illyria , took Obroatium , with the Castle of Nadin , in Dalmatia : the Venetians requiring the like , Pisaurius and Veturius took Scardona in Dalmatia's borders , putting the Turks to the Sword , and overthrowing the walls : they sent also Ribeus to besiege Obroatium , who upon the coming of Amurathes fled , and lost most of his men : wherefore Pisaurius had his head struck off aboard the Admiral Galley , and Ursinus Governour of Jadera upon their frontiers in Dalmatia , took Ostrovilla from the Turks , burning it down : recovering Obroatium , and by the Senates Command , razing it , as not well to be kept . The same Autumne , 1537. King Ferdinand received a great and shameful overthrow by the Turks . After the battel of Mohathz , the Turks kept Possega of Hungary to themselves , having thereby , a fit passage from Belgrade , further into Hungary : The Rivers Savus and Dravus inclosing this rich plentiful and populous Country on both sides . It bordereth upon Croatia and Corbania , which in time past , had continual Warres with the Turks Garrisons in Illyria and Bosna . Then was Mahometes a most valiant Captain , Governour of Belgrade : having the keeping of those frontiers , and the protection of Hungary in the behalf of King John. He , the year before , by force and policy , took from the Christians above 30 small Castles in the Countrey , joyning them to the Regiment of Belgrade : one whereof called Exek , for his passage over Dravus into Hungary , he strongly fortified : whence he fetcht abundance of prey out of Ferdinands Countrey near him . Yet was there then a certain League betwixt Solyman and Ferdinand : which notwithstanding , did bear with taking of booty , and light skirmishes , without a great power or Field-pieces : which Matthias and his Predecessors had long used with the Turks , doing a like harm with their nimble light Horse ; but the Germanes , now serving upon great Horses , with heavy Armour , received great hurt by those light skirmishes . Ferdinand not well brooking these injuries , and finding his League with Solyman , at his going into Persia , to be hurtful to him , determined to take up Arms , that if he could drive the Turks out of Possega , then to go to Buda against John. There were some , who wished him not rashly to take up Arms against so mighty an enemy : foreseeing that Solyman , so provoked , would do as he had of late done against the Venetians upon a light occasion ; but all Ferdinands Subjects were so earnest therein , that they said , they would never bear Arms more against the Turks , if he omitted that occasion ; for they of Carinthia , Stiria , Croatia and Noricum , receiving great harms , thought they might easily be expulsed from Possega , since Mahometes had no great power , not like to have greater , Autumne being almost spent . So Ferdinand , with the exceeding joy of his Subjects , very soon raised a good Army , yet supposed more strong than numerous most being select men : they were 8000 Horse , & 16000 Foot , with store of all sorts of Artillery : Cazzianzer ( as one of great experience , and famous for the defence of Vienna ) Ferdinand made his General ; for he ( advised by his best friends ) never adventured his person in any battel , chiefly against the Turks , by whom many Christian Kings had been formerly vanquished and slain . Mahometes hearing of this preparation against him , sent for divers Companies of Garrison Souldiers upon the borders : requiring ayd of the Governours the 〈◊〉 : being chiefly holpen by Ustorf , Governour of Bosna who sent him Amurathes with a great Company of gallant Horsemen : to whom were joyned some Companies of Foot , of the wild and Mountain Dalmatians , kept in order by Janizaries : also many out of Servia and Rascia . The receiver , giving those willing to serve , two moneths pay before hand : neither wanted he ayd from Buda ; so that Mahometes soon gathered an Army , not much inferiour to Ferdinands , expecting the enemies coming at Exek . Cazzianzer , come as far as Caprunza upon Dravus , had before well provided for victualling his Army : the chief of the Countrey by the direction of the Bishop of Zagrabia , promising to serve the Camp with plenty , at a very low rate : which the people now hindered by Mahometes by Land and water , could not perform ; he also alluring them for a great price , ready mony , to bring it to his own Camp. Cazzianzer scarce came from Caprunza to 〈◊〉 Castle , ( but about 40 miles ) in ten dayes for the troublesome carriage of some great 〈◊〉 - pieces : and they were enforced to spend the Victual , provided , not for the beginning , but the difficulties of a long protracted War : wherefore he wrote sharply to the Bishop and the rest , to use all possible speed , and not to let the hope of a notable Victory , be lost for want of Victual : and there he stayed , expecting its coming , sending Bachitius before , with 1000 Hungarian light Horse , and some Italian Harquebusiers , as far as Zopia Castle , by taking some prisoners , to searn of the enemies purpose : the Turks thinking the whole Army was at hand , fired the Castle , fleeing down Dravus in Boats ; yet Bachitius took some of them : of whom , Cazzianzer learned what he knew by his 〈◊〉 , that Mahometes encamped at Exek , resolving to give him battel : who setting forward , came in eight dayes to Walpo Castle : where he stayed seven dayes at the River Crassus , till a Bridge was made to transport his Army . Entring there into often Councel , for his better proceeding : some said it were best to leave Exek , and besiege Villach Castle thereby : others more wary , thought it best to stay there , till the expected ayd and Victual were come ; but the greater number prevailed for going to Exek , delay breeding danger , saying there was strength and Victual enough , for obtaining of the Victory , &c. The young Souldiers having no proof of the Turk's manner of fight , thought two dayes staying a long delay of so ready a Victory : wherefore the Army was mustered , and 10000 Horsemen found ( for divers Germane Troops were come to the Camp ) : a more gallant Company seldom seen , so suddenly raised ; but the Foot were scarce 8000 , many being sick , and others weary , who lingringly stole away : and generally those left , moyled with dirt , wet with rain , almost starved with cold , and pinched with hunger , were thought scarce able to endure the hardness of the Warre . Command was given , every Souldier to carry with him three dayes Victuals : and Proclamation made , none on pain of death to take any Turk prisoner , though yielding , or charge himself with any spoil ; for the Captains would afterwards divide that among them . Thus setting forward , they the third day encamped in a Valley three miles from Exck : next day , some Turks appearing , were by the Ordnance repulsed : the day following , the enemy sallyed out with oft skirmishes , many being flain on both sides ; but more wounded of the Christians : certain 〈◊〉 being mingled with the Turk's Horsemen : wherefore the General forbad all such light skirmishes , commanding his Cannoniers so to place his Ordnance , that the Turks sallying forth , received great hurt thereby . That day came the Bishop with his Horsemen , and a certain provision of Victual , well easing their fear . Mahometes now to annoy them by other meanes , sent many small Boats , manned with Harquebusiers and small Ordnance into the lake nigh the Camp , to keep them from watering , and shooting oft into the Camp : nigh which , was a Hill , having a Village , wherein were some Turkish Companies , to skirmish upon occasion with the Christians : to displace whom , the Army was put in battalia , and the Ordnance bent upon them : whereupon , the Turks firing the Town , retired to Exek . The Christians being come up the hill ; might see Exek , about two miles off in a fair plain , near Dravus : which low ground , was so subject to the Castle , that it was thought too dangerous to attempt that way to batter the Castle ; but descrying a rising ground on tother side of the City , they thought best , on that side to plant their battery against it ; but to come thither , was thought a matter of no small trouble , for the 3 miles foul and troublesom compasse they were to fetch : and the Army being like soon to feel want of Victual , which would hardly be had ; the enemy besetting every passage , and scouring about : wherefore , some thought it best to stay there , till more supplies were come ; but others said , the enemy was but barely victualled himself : which they understood by some Christian fugitives ; and that Mahometes had put his chief substance into Boats , purposing to flee after 3 dayes siege : they thinking the Forrest would well enough be passed thorow ; beside , winter coming so fast on , suffered no delay : wherefore next day , the Army marched in good order through the Forrest . Which Mahometes perceiving , sent forth a 1000 light Horsemen , and some Companies of Janizaries , to trouble them , suddenly charging the reareward , being Bohemians and Italians ( the first quickly 〈◊〉 the other hardly endured the charge ; ) but being relieved by men at Arms , they put the Turks to flight : so the Army with small losse , came to the place desired : where , after placing all things in order for the siege , they offered the enemy battel ; But he , reported not above 16000 strong , kept within the Town , shooting at them with his Ordnance : they also , with two great Pieces on the Hill , shot thorow both Walls and Bulwark , to the Defendants great terrour . Having stood almost all day vainly expecting their coming forth to fight , returned at night into their Camp ; for Mahometes , kept in his earnest Souldiers , knowing the Christians want of Victual : the fugitives reporting also , that Solyman charged him upon pain of a most shameful death , to defend it to the last . The Christians , in few dayes , began to feel a general want : neither saw they plainly how to be relieved , so that they began to fear some general mischief . Baltazar Pamphilus , a Noble Hungarian , sitting in Counsel , advised them for relief of the Army , presently to remove to Hermande Castle , about ten miles from Exek , with whose provision ( not like to be small ) they might refresh their whole Army , and so proceed further , as occasion required . Fast by the Castle , was a prety little walled Town , without flankers , easily ( he said ) with the Castle , to be taken , who was sent with some Companies thither : which at his first coming , was surrendred to him , but no such store of Victual as he hoped for therein ; yet were there some Vessels of Wine , to the great relief of the weak men : Hereupon , the Camp removed from Exek , about 10 at night ; but very disorderly : yet the Turks stirred not out , misdoubting some deceit . The Army being come , the Victual was equally divided , and next morning , battery laid against the Castle : which , but 20 Turks defended half a day , then yielding on composition ; but there was found in it , but two Barrels of meal , and two of Millet . Then the very Captains hung their heads , as struck with fear , who found nought but a few Women and Children there , and scarce Victual enough in Town and Castle to serve two dayes ; yet they fed the Souldiers with better hope , after the Bridge over Bodrog running by the Town , was repaired : which the Turks had broken : so , Carpenters , and every man helping , it was in 3 dayes repaired . Next day , the Bridge overcharged with the wondrous weight of the 7th Battering-piece , began to break ; so that they brake it , carrying it away by pieces . All things being passed over , the Bridge was again broken , that the enemy should not pursue them , that ( much the nearest ) way . Cazzianzer himself , upon debate , thought the great Ordnance were best be broken , promising to new cast them of his own charge . As for scaling-ladders , &c. they burnt them ; but most thought it not best to break those goodly Pieces ; but to march on thorow Possega to Juvancha , which Town with Gara Castle , fast by , stored with provision , they said , would easily be taken before the Turks could come so far about the Lake : and a great shame it were , to return doing nothing . Cazzianzer with great toil , came by night to Juvancha , but 3 miles off : where the Turks with exceeding speed , at the same time arrived . The Turks fleeing out of a small Town nigh the Castle , the Christians received in the Souldiers , who so filled themselves with Wine , that they were hardly driven out to the Camp : which Town , the Turks that night burnt , with what the Christians had there left ; and in the dawning of the day , began hotly to skirmish with the Christians , especially in the Bohemians quarter : whom , Rascinius ( grieved ) with a Troop of his best Horse , forced to flee ; but they soon returning , and being relieved , beset the Bohemians , and slew many . Rascinius with his followers , being slain , Cazzianzer purposing to retire home , placed 4 ranks of Waggons on each side for defence , the weak and sick in the Vangard ; yet in the front were some lusty Companies , but in the rear the greatest strength . They met oft with wooddy Hills hindring their way ; yet the Turks could not so conveniently assail them thereby : wherefore Mahometes sent Janizaries and nimble Footmen before , ( knowing well the passages ) with some small Pieces to take the Straits , and to gall them in their passage : and when they could keep a place no longer , to flee back to another : and in the open places , were light Horsemen busie with them , whereby they received much harm : which grieved them the more , for that the Turks were but in stragling Companies . At a strait bigger than the rest , Bachitius a Hungarian Captain ( in whom they generally reposed their greatest trust ) was slain with a Faulcon-shot , with divers valiant Hungarians : who seeing there more than in other places , thought to do some good service on them . Bachitius's death , brought a fear on the whole Army ; yet in revenge , the Hungarians did so repulse them , that losing many men , they ran away , leaving their small Pieces behind them ; but the nimble Turks , with shot out of the Woods , stayed the Hungarian Horse from pursuit , recovering their Pieces , before the Christian Foot could carry them away ; so still troubling them as before : who thus beset , and almost spent for want , did generally fear some extream calamity : and the more , hearing that Mahometes expected supplies from Belgrade , Samandria and Nicopolis : and many Hungarian light Horsemen , stealing away from them : neither saw they any comfort now , in their dismayd Captains ; but being come into a fair Field near the Town Gara , they heard , the Enemy had in the Woods before them , cut down great Trees acrosse the wayes , so that neither their Ordnance , Wagons , or Horse , could passe without breaking their order . This filled them with despair ; and the more , for that , Moreus and others , said , there was but two wayes to escape : one through those Woods to Walpo , about 10 miles : the other towards Zenthner-Zebeth Castle , in Moreus his Countrey , some miles from Gara , by taking whereof , the enemy ( through the straitness of the passag ) must needs give over his pursuit ; yet it was resolved in Councel , to take the way through the Woods , there being in the Castle Victual enough , and money from Ferdinand , to pay the Souldiers for all that winter . So leaving the great Ordnance behind , and burning the Powder , with what could not well be carried , upon the sound of a Hoboy to set forward . Many much disliked this resolution : saying , ( amongst other things ) that to run away , would be a dishonour to the Captains , and also dangerous to them , who respected nothing but life : wherefore they thought better to fight a Battel with them , and not believe the false reports of new supplies come unto them , and that God would undoubtedly ayd them , &c. After this , they consulted and determined , that the sick and wounded should be carried on the Wagon and Cart-horses , ( before carried in the Wagons or amongst other baggage ) and that such as could not stay themselves should be holden by others riding behind them . Those who were so desirous to go , said , This their departure was not a shameful flight , but a right honest & necessary manner of retiring , seeing they were stronger than their enemies in Horse , and equall ( if not stronger ) in foot , though they were sore weakened with sickness . Every Captain the while , not regarding shame , bethought how to betake himself to flight , the uncertain hope of desired life . Mahometes using most certain spies , did by most diligent watch , and Troops of Horse , ( besetting all passages ) most vigilantly attend their motion , having shut them up as in a toil . It was now almost midnight , and the Army expecting the sign of setting forward , many great Captains upon a cowardly conceit , departed before the rest without leave . The Hungarian Horsemen are reported to begin it , who knowing the wayes , made haste to Walpo . Moreus going the other way to his Castle , after whom followed in great hast , Hugonot with his Stirian Horsemen : the Bishop fled also , known by his great Lanthorn , wandring in the Wood. Cazzianzer hearing hereof , and that all the rest were upon fleeing , presently got to Horse , forgetting the Signal , thinking ( as he said afterwards ) they were all gone before ; and unarmed , fled , leaving rich furnished Tents behind for hast . In this tumult , famous Lodronius , was called up , and told by his Servants , that the General was fled : who answered , without doubt not so , that I should be so perfidiously betrayed of him ; and so as megered with watching and labour , laid down again to sleep . Mahometes hearing the stir in the Camp , rose to assail his enemies ; yet for better assurance of the enemies action , he stayed for day-light in order of battel , his men very silently to expect the sign of setting forward : which was by the soft sound of a Horsemans Drum , passing through each Company . The day appearing , Lodronius awaking , heard a confused noyse of the Turks ; and being forsaken by most of the Horsemen , complained , he was betrayed ; yet as nothing discouraged , he cheared up the Footmen , exhorting them to remember their former valour , &c. himself who had been their happy General in many battels , being resolved ( by repulsing the enemy ) to bring them into a safe place , or valiantly fighting with them , to end his dayes . The Carinthian , Saxonian , Austrian , and Bohemian Horse , came the while , to Lodronius , beseeching him , to take on him their treacherous General 's place , &c. who modestly protested himself unworthy thereof ; yet as a man of courage , and moved with the Armies hard estate : he solemnly promised to execute the place in best manner he could . It 's reported , as Lodronius was inveighing ( to his foot ) against shameful flight , an old German said , Worthy Lodronius , thou canst never be thought to flee shamefully , with a Horse of such a price under thee : whereupon he alighting , hoxed his Horse , saying aloud , That , that day , they should have him fighting on foot , as one of themselves : See ( saith he ) ye deceive me not , &c. All his other Horses , he gave away to sick and wounded Souldiers he best knew . The first Troops and Bands were scarce out of the Camp , but the Turks with a hideous cry assayled them on every side : the Christian Horsmen repulsing the proud enemy , still busie with them . In these skirmishes as they marched , Fuchstat General of the Carinthians was slain , supposed for his brave Armor to have been General of the field : 24 Horsmen of great name being slain also ( and their Guidon taken ) 3 being Noble men . In another place was a most cruel skirmish with the Saxon Horsmen , and those who followed their Ensignes : above 36 worthy Captains , Lievtenants or Antients being slain : and Chuenricus a principal Captain taken , who died afterwards in bonds : Likewise the Austrian Horse , couragiously resisting a while , were overthrown : 2 Noble men being slain with others of great place and reputation : But the greatest slaughter was of the Bohemians , by the breaking in of old Garrison Troops with their Scimitars and iron Mazes . The Foot being sore gauled by Janizaries and Archers of the Asapi ( discharging on them in their march from a Woody Bank ) were on tother side so charged by Amurathes , troops of Bosna , that they were at last broken , and slain without mercy . Lodronius was driven into a marsh , where , after sore wounding , and almost fast in the mud , having done his utmost , by the Turks fair intreaty , yielded himself , with 3 Companies , and were all saved ; for now the Turks seeking after spoyl , hunted after them who dispersedly fled , taking and leading away a great number for slaves . Mahometes having thus obtained so great a Victory , almost without the bloud of his Souldiers , and taking the spoyl , pitched his Tents in a little Medow cleansed of dead bodies : and after feasting with his Captains , he commanded the chief prisoners , spoyls , and Ensignes to be brought ; and commending the Captains that had done any good service , He rewarded the Souldiers , some with Gold , some Silver , as they deserved ; and diligently viewed all prisoners , not common Souldiers , He caused every ones name and Office to be enrolled : giving one reward or other to such as brought in the Heads , Ears , or Hands of Christians with Rings upon them . Lodronius , being for his deadly wounds thought unable to endure travel , was slain by his keepers , and his Head sent afterward to Constantinople ; for many ( who were afterwards ransomed ) have reported , that amongst the Prisoners , fair Ensigns , guilt Armour , &c. presented to Solyman ; Bachitius , Macer , and Lodronius their Heads were seen & known , in a silver Bason : which after he had looked asquint upon , he sternly commanded all the prisoners to be slain : but the Janizaries , interceding for them as valiant , and to whom they had given their Faith , and might do him good service , he saved many of them ; but Cazzianzer fleeing to his own Castle , was of all men accused , and commonly railed upon ; so that it was reported , he durst nor shew his face for shame : Infamous Libels being sung in the Cities of Germany , of him and the other runaway Captains : Whereat he was so grieved , that he requested Ferdinand , safely to come to Court , to answer what could be laid against him ; the King receiving him there with doubtful countenance . Bnt his hearing being somewhat protracted , and he the while ( half doubtful whether to be quitted or condemned ) kept in safe custody ; feigning himself sick , by degrees brake thorow a brick Pavement under his bed , with his knife , and by his sheetes escaped , Post-Horses being ready without the Castle . Not long after , he fled to the Turks : Mahometes gladly received him and promising him the Government of Croatia , as a tributarie King , if he would faithfully serve Solyman , and help him subdue the Cities of Austria : after this agreement for his more credit , he dealt with Sirenus a Croatian Noble ; and his supposed dear Friend , to revolt with him , assuring him of Solymans kind dealing with them : who promised to go over with him to the Turk , with a troop of his best and most trusty Horsmen , but changing his purpose , after he had well feasted Cazzianzer at his House , he caused him to be slain , sending his Head to Ferdinand : of whom he received in reward , his Castle , with all his substance . In the mean time , the Venetians provoked , resolved without delay to War upon the Turk also , being animated by the Emperour and Pope Pauls who lately warned , thought it more safe to keep the Turks busied farther off , than to suffer them to be too much acquainted with the Ports of Italy or Cicilia : Wherefore , their Embassadors consulting all the following Winter ; at last agreed ( at Rome ) the Emperour to set forth 82 Galleys , the Venetians as many , and the Pope 36 ; in all 200. The Venetians were to lend the Pope as many rigged Galleys as he would furnish with men : and the Emperour and State of Genna to find shipping , to transport the Land Forces and Victual . Auria was Charls his General : Grimmanus a Patriarch , the Popes : Capellus for the Venetians : to whom was joyned , Justinianus , a chief Senatour very expert in Sea-matters . Gonzaga Viceroy of Sicily was to command the Land-Forces : and what ever was gotten from the Turks in Greece , the Islands or Dalmatia ; was to be the Venetians , who had been so injured by them . Charls also promising the Confederates , to have what wheat they would out of Sicily , for reasonable price , and without Custom . Solyman understanding this , commanded Barbarussa to make ready his Fleet , and do all harm he could to the Venetian's Islands : who with 130 Warlike Galleys with the first of the Spring ( in 1538 ) departed to Creete , where he unadvisedly landed most of his men , to surprize the City Canea . For Grittus with a strong Garrison , so vexed the Turks with great and small shot , and the sallying out of two Italian Companies , that he ( having lost many ) retired in such haste , that he left a 1000 Turks behind him , gone after booty ; who were all slain by them of Creet . Then attempting divers other places , he was notably repulsed , with the City of Candia , not daring to meddle ; but sayling almost round , took little Sicilia forsaken by the Inhabitants , which he firing , departed from Creet : for he heard , that Capellus , ( come to Corcyra ) would soon come to relieve it . Auria , came to Corcyra also , joyning with Capellus . Barbarussa then lay in the Bay of Ambracia , expecting the Christians entrance of its Strait , that he might sink them , with his Ordnance placed on both sides ; for Grimmanus had ( a little before ) begun to besiege Prevesa upon the Promontorie of Actium , fast by that strait , so battering the Castle , that had not the Turks from Aetolia come to relieve it with a strong power he had probably taken it ; wherefore , the Patriarch , returned to Corcyra , having well viewed the Straits of that Bay , and the Turks Fleet at Anchor therein : upon whose Relation , the great Commanders consulted what course best to take , for their better proceeding : Gonzaga was of opinion , Prevesa's Castle was with all their Force to be assaulted , which taken , all passages might easily be taken from the enemies Fleet in the Bay , by sinking a great ship in the strait's mouth : and moaring three great Galleons full of Artillary ; so that if Barbarussa would adventure forth , he must needs be sunk . Auria replyed , 〈◊〉 Counsel was in shew glorious ; but most dangerous to execute , both for the peril of landing Souldiers and Ordnance : it being to be thought , the Aetolian Horse , would ( as before ) speedily come for relief , whose force their Foot could scarce abide . And if the Fleet ( Autumn approaching ) should by force of Weather forsake that coast : whence should the Landed men get any Victual in the enemie's Country ? &c. Wherefore he thought best , if the enemy could not be drawn out to Battel , to go into Naupactum - Bay , taking that Town , not greatly fortified , so to ransack all Towns to the bottom of Corynth Bay , which the Greeks in the Fleet said , might easily be done ; whereby it might happen , that Barbarussa , would for shame come out and joyn Battel . This counsel was best liked of , and Auria came to Ambracia Bay , so placing his Fleet ( 250 sayl ) that the Turks might easily number them . At which sight Barbarussa ( though couragious ) was exceedingly moved : So that an Eunuch ( sent by Solyman as Barbarussa's Companion ) seeing him to delay the time , did uncivilly and proudly take him up , because he would not forthwith go out of the Bay , and fight with the daring Christians : concluding , he should beware , that he fearing a most honourable death ( uncertain though the battel were lost ) drew not on himself the sure danger of a most shameful death by Solyman's displeasure : Whereupon Barbarussa turning him to Salec , said , We ought , for that I can see , adventure this battel although much disadvantagious , left haply we perish by the complaints of this barking Demie-man ; So weighing Anchor at the time that Auria was on his way toward Naupactum , thinking he durst not come out , who being come to Leucade , the enemies Fleet was deseryed from the top of 〈◊〉 great Gallion , making towards them , keeping close by the shoar : the crafty Turk , counting it less losse ( if the worst should happen ) to lose the Galleys than the men . Auria somewhat troubled hereat , yet commanded the Fleet to prepare to battel , and follow his Admiral Galley . The Turks Fleet was come into the open 〈◊〉 in such order with 150 Galleys , that Auria confessed afterwards , a more firm and orderly Fleet , could not have been brought out by any : before which came Drogut an arch Pirate with about 20 nimble Galleys . Capellus came in his long boat to Auria , requesting , that he with his Galleys might give the first charge : whom Auria thanking and praising , requested him to follow him , to whom he would give a seasonable signe what to do . The foremost of the Turks Galleys was come to the great Galleon ( the foremost of the Christian Fleet ) whereto were sent some Galleys from Salec , to help assayl it , which shooting afar off , did no harm , nor Bondelmerius them ; who suffered not a piece to be discharged , expecting them to come nearer : who coming accordingly , were by the great and small shot glad to stay and retire : Auria the while , called back the Ships gone before , towing out his Galleon , and charging the Captains of the Galleys to make ready upon signal given ; yet was he not minded to fight without his ships : which the enemy perceiving , sought by all means to fight before the coming in of the tall ships : for it was so calm , that the ships could not keep way with the Galleys and the smooth water offering an opportunity for battel : so that Grimannus ctyed aloud to Auria , to give the signal , &c. who fetching a great compass , held a strange course ( hovering about his ships ) of purpose to draw the enemies Galleys within danger of his great ships ; but Barbarussa doubting to be circumvented with some finenesse , stayed his course , expecting to what purpose that his strange course tended : both his wings the while , had begun in divers places to encounter with the Christians : some still vainely assayling Bondelmerius : others had sore beaten two ships with their Ordnance , wherein 2 Spanish Companies were embarqued , many men being slain : 2 other ships laden with victual were burnt , and some few men saved by their ship-boats , and by swimming to the next ships . In the close of the evening , Salec took 2 Galleys stragling behind : After which , was taken the ship of Figaroa a Spaniard , ( though his men fought most valiantly for a time ) whose son taken with him ( beautified with nature's gifts ) was afterwards presented to Solyman , turning Turk , and growing in credit , obtaining his Fathers liberty after 3 years miserable imprisonment , sending him home well rewarded . Whilst both Fleets lay expecting their most advantage , a great tempest os Thunder , Lightning & Rain , with a fresh Easterly gale , arose . The Christians seeing the Turks hoysing up their small sayls , hoysed up both small and great , sparing no Oar , to clear themselves of the enemy , and that disorderly and in great haste : So that Auria , ( called a second Neptune ) was that day accounted no Captain . Barbarussa is reported , to have pursued them a while , till through the night's darkness , he stayed his course ; for the Admirals had put out their Lights in the poupes : whereat he laughing , said oft in Spanish , Auria hath therefore put out his Light , The better in the dark to hide his flight . Being come to Corcyra , they generally thought , by that sudden storm , they had avoided a great danger . The Emperials ( to excuse Auria ) imputed it to the Venetians ; who would never take any Spaniards into their Galleys : wherefore Auria doubting of them , refrained battel : and the rather , because they had hoysed their sayls tyed to their Yards with lines : which they cutting , might flye which way they would . Shortly after , came Barbarussa to the Isle Naxus , about 4 leagues from Corcyra Eastward braving the Christians : Gonzaga grieving , requested the 3 great Commanders , for the Christian's Honour , to represse their insolence ; at last ( the Venetians taking in some Spanish Companies ) they were to give battel in 4 squadrons ; but it was so long protracted , that Barbarussa fearing Tempests , returned about Octob. 7. into the Bay of Ambracia : After which , the Generals went to befiege Newcastle , a strong Turkish Town in the Bay of Sinus Rizonicus : the people were Dalmatians ; Epirots who had renounced their Religion , and some Turks : which they soon won , with a great prey , and a number of captives : and 3 dayes after the Castle was also yielded , the Turks covenanting in vain to depart with life and liberty . This Town ( for all the Covenants of the League ) was reserved for the Emperour : and Sarmentus with 4000 old Spanish Souldlers left in Garrison : Capellus urging in vain the Venetians right : Wherefore the grieved Senate ( now assured of an ill neighbour to their Town Castrum ) decreed to sue to Solyman for peace : which they easily obtained a little while , by Grittus their Duke's son , and Ryncus the French Embassadour , who told the Bassaes , that the Venetians League with Charls , was made without most of the Senates consent . Barbarussa putting to sea to relieve Newcastle , many of his Galleys were by a Tempest , cast away on the Acroceraunian Rocks : 20000 men being reported to be lost . Capellus would have perswaded Auria to pursue Barbarussa so distressed : which , Gonzaga well liked , to recompence the former disgrace ; but Auria not liking the matter , presently hoysed sayl for Italy , leaving Capellus in such a rage , that he detested himself for submitting to another man , wishing the Captains present , never to be subject to a'stranger , &c. But Auria referring all he said , and did , to the Emperour's profit , so far , that Ursinus ( then serving the Venetian ) merrily said , Auria had done nothing , but politiquly to set the Venetians and Turks together by the ears : opening a gate for a long War , &c. without his losing one Galley ; for many thought that would sort to Charls's great good : when the Venetians , spent with long and chargable wars , should be stripped by force , or wrung by necessity , from Lands and Territories . Solyman grieved , determined to besiege Newcastle again by sea and land , caufing also Nauplium and Epidaurus in Peloponnesus ( Venetian . Cities ) to be besieged ; yet he took singular pleasure , that Barbarussa ( the worst fu . nished ) had driven the great Christian Fleet out of the sea . Wherefore at Spring , 1539. Barbarussa repaired his Fleet , notably furnishing it , and manning his Galleys most with select Souldiers ; and , Summer well come on , He came to Rizonicus Bay ; when Ulames Governour of Bosna , appeared with his Forces on the Mountains , as he had in charge . Barbarussa sent before him Dragut and Corsetus with 30 Galliots who landing their men at Castronovum or Newcastle , were encountred by Sarmentus , and forced to their Galliots , many being slain and taken : After which , came Barbarussa with 60 Galleys , and 3 tall ships , which carried all warlike provisions : spending 3 dayes in landing his Ordnance , and casting up Trenches , done but by night , for the Town-shot , which slew in that space about 1000 Turks : Agis Hariadexus , as it were a King at Taiorea in Africa , being one , to Barbarussas's great grief : who gave a fourth part of his 54 battering pieces to Ulames on the North side , himself bat ering the East side in 3 places ; and Salec from sea battering another part . Sarmentus thus assayled , did what he could to repair the breaches : the Turks the while taking a Tower , whence ( having displayed their Ensignes ) they sore troubled the Spaniards : Ulames also had made a breach , and was ready to enter . Whereupon Sarmentus commanded the hurt Souldiers to get into the Castle below , and the rest with him to take the Market-place : where the Turks ( breaking in ) made a most bloudy fight : the Spaniards being almost every man slain . Sarmentus ( wounded in the face with 3 arrows , and wearied ) seeing Fria a Captain ready to flee , sharply reproving him , caught him by the hand , making him tarry , till , both slain , many valiant Captains were there lost . Arius with the wounded Soldiers in the Castle , now yielded : whose lives Barbarussa ( as he promised ) spared , but carried them into captivity ; and desirous to send Sarmentus's Head to Solyman , he offered money and liberty for his body , but it could not be known among so many dead heaps . Barbarussa proud of this Victory , wrote threats to Bembus a Venetian Senatour , Governour of Cattarus in the bottom of that Bay , to deliver the City , else he would assault it . Bembus answered , in so doing , he should violate the late League , and that he should find him ready to repel his Forces : He displeased , sent some Galleys , discharging great pieces at Cattarus , as if come to besiege it : Bembus discharging as many more at them , shewed his men on the Walls ; whereupon Barbarussa returned to Castronovum , and ( appeased with Presents from Bembus ) he departed out of the Bay. The long wars between the Emperour and French King were now well pacified , and such shew of Friendship betwixt them , that most men thought they would ( as one ) go against the Turk : which opinion ( not wholly believed by the wiser sort ) this also confirmed , that Vastius and Hanebald ( 2 of their most famous Captains ) were sent Embassadours to draw the Venetians into the confederation of that War : who gallantly coming to Venice , were by Duke Laudus and the State , magnificently received , the people flocking together to behold them , especially Vastius with his tall and comely person . They having audience in the Senate , Vastius arising from the Dukes side , made an oration , shewing , That by Gods great Providence , two of the mightiest Kings of Europe , having had long mortal wars , were ( being touched with zeal of Religion ) become great friends , to revenge so many calamities received from the Infidel : that they were sent to kindle in them the like zeal , who being of such power at sea , were wished for ( of all other ) as their Confederates in that sacred war , and hoped Victory . As for Land Forces , unto those lately brought into the field at Vienna , should be joined all the horse & Infantry of France & all the forces of Sigismund King of Polonia . Wherefore the Victorious Emperour , and most Christian King Francis did most instantly request them to enter into the like godly cogitations , &c. For it might worthily seem a most shameful thing unto them to have renewed their League , &c. Neither did it beseem that most wealthy State , to be terrified , with any charges , from what was good and right ; for by the profit of one sea or land-Victory , they should to their incomparable praise recompence all former losses . The Duke answered in the name of the State ; Never any thing happened to them more honourable , or more desirable , than the hope of such a peace , wholsome to the endangered Venetian State , and wondrously to be desired of all Christian Princes ; if those two ( most mighty ) would sincerely , religiously , and unitedly resolve upon that sacred War : for then would the Venetians not be wanting , &c. but end their League with the Turk : wherefore it was to be requested of the Almighty God , that they would speedily and seriously fulfil that hope of Peace , which they had in shew promised . Few dayes after , some select Senatours sitting in Council , calling the Embassadours , asked them , if they knew any thing of the Capitulation of that League : and whether they thought , Charls in regard thereof , would give Francis his son the Dukedome of Millane , as was reported ? Hanebald was silent : Vastius said , He knew no more but that they had agreed betwixt themselves , and that the Emperour 's desired peace , to help the afflicted &c. could not be effected without yielding in many things to the requests of the French King , &c. The Nobility and Authority of this Embassage , more moved the Senate , than , he former Embassadours , Mendoza a Spaniard and Pellicerius a French-man , then present ; yet they much suspected it , because containing no certain resolution , &c. yet all seemed to rest in this point , that the Venetians in hope of this League , should neglect the renewing of last-years League with Solyman , now almost expired . On which uncertainty the grave Senatours thought it too dangerous to depend : yet the Senate was wonderfully divided . Some inveighed against the renewing of that shameful League with the Infidels , urging with many reasons the Christian Confederation : Others of deeper reach , considering their exceeding harms by falling out with the Turk , and suspecting the Emperours drift , with the great dearth then in the City ; not to be relieved but out of Macedonia and Greece : Charls having then imposed a Custome on all Corn ( coming out of Sicily ) amounting to the price of the Corn and fraight : which mischiefs , they said , were to be prevented by renewing of the league : They speut almost whole Winter-nights in the Court , consulting what best to do , but all there said , or decreed , was made known ; not only to the Embassadours , but in Provinces far off , never before in that State known . Foscarus , an old Senatour perceiving it , said , The State was betrayed by multitude and corruption of Voyces , and must shortly perish , if not speedily committed to some few ( for there were almost 200 Voyces ) reducing them to 50 , who were holden for men of greatest gravity & secrecy ; but Foscarus , soon after fell into such hatred , that he was by the Voyces of the multitude thrust out of Council himself , and kept a great while from all City-preferments : which disgrace turned afterwards to his great honour and credit ( as one foreseeing much ) when they were found out and condemned , who had traiterously revealed the secrets of the State. The result was , That they doubting of the union of Charls and Francis , yet expecting the event , they sent two Embassadours to them to discover their designes , and a third Badoerius , a wise man to Solyman , to prevent the fame of the distrust of their agreement , and to spare no cost to save Nauplium and Epidaurus , which he required of them before he would grant a peace : And if it could not be obtained , to conclude a peace on any conditions : which the Decemviri thought to be most expedient ; yet gave him secret instructions for yielding up the Cities , fearing the force and tumult of the multitude ; for if they had sought for peace too late , Solyman would have encreased his insatiable desire , not granting peace except they ( low and forsaken ) would deliver the Islands Cephalenia , Zante and Corcyra , as grievous as the destruction of Venice it self . So Vastius and Hanebald , comming to hinder the League , wrought no more by their great diligence , than for the Venetians foreseeing the danger , to hasten to conclude the same : and undoubtedly Hanebald was sent but for fashion , and secretly , by Pellicerius , perswaded them to hasten the peace with Solyman : which Badoerius carefully soliciting , and loath to yield the Cities , offered Solyman a great sum instead of them : who threatningly took him up as a shameless dissembler : protesting , he would never grant him peace without it , rehearsing the most secret points of his Embassage , which Badoerius little thought he had known : wherefore ( he also doubting of his life ) accepted of peace , yielding those Peloponesian Cities , and with them 2 Cities of Dalmatia , to the Senates great grief . The common people thinking he of himself had done it , were so enraged at him , that with much ado he was saved from exile , and his goods from confiscating , though the Traitours who had discovered the secrets were known : These were Leonius a Senatour and Cabatius Secretary to the Decemviri ( who fled into France ) and Valerius a Senatour's base son , the disperser of the Turks money : who with his complices were hanged in the Market-place . About which time , in 1540. John King of Hungaria died , after which great wars ensued , and the subvertion of that flourishing Kingdom ; for Ferdinand and John had made a League profitable to them both , and most welcome to the Hungarians , who divided into factions , yet enjoyed their Estates hereby , the strong Holds being kept by them who possessed them at the making of the peace : in the Capitulations whereof , Ferdinand was thenceforth to call John a King , who before called him but the Vayuod ; also if John died , Ferdinand should succeed him in the whole Kingdom , which divers of the Nobles subscribed to : which condition was kept very secret for fear of Solyman , who accounted of that Kingdom as of his own . This matter is reported , to have been revealed by Lascus unto Solyman , to bring John into hatred . Whereupon Solyman exceedingly angry , called John unthankful Churl , saying to Lutzis Bassa : How unworthily do these two Christian Kings wear their Crowns ? &c. who are not afraid for shame , or fear of God , for profit , to falsifie their Faith ; but John greatly afraid , did by Friends and Presents pacifie Solyman , laying the blame upon Ferdinand , as better able to bear it . Not long after , John having set all in good order , and fortified Buda , being far in years , at the earnest request of most of his Nobility and other Friends , married Sigismund's Daughter of Polonia , begotten of the Lady Bonasfortia Daughter to Galeasias Duke of Millane : which Solyman liked well of , having often condemned his single life ; but Ferdinand disliked it , foreseeking if he should have a son , himself should be rejected as a Stranger . Isabel soon conceived with child , and was very big : when John was forced personally to go against Maylat and Balas , Governours of Transilvania : Maylat seeking to make himself King. But Solyman deresting his arrogancy , and hating him for the death of Grittus and the Turks then slain , wished John to be more circumspect , whom he trusted with such a Country ; So Maylat fearing to be thrust quite out of Government by John , thought best to raise up all the Province into Rebellion , taking part with Ferdinand , who secretly furthered it to the utmost : ( for these two Kings in heart envied each other ) . John then exacting ( chiefly of the Transilvanians ) a great summe to pay the Turk his two years Tribute , was a fit occasion to raise the people : to appease which dangerous troubles , John sent a great power into Transilvania , following after in his Chariot , not well recovered of his sickness . The Noble men entring it in two places , the tumult was by force and policy well pacified , and some chief offenders executed : Maylat retiring with all his wealth , into strong Fogaras , which they shortly after , hardly besieged : John himself laying sick of an Ague at Sibynium about a mile from Fogaras ( into which he relapsed through too much care and pains in travelling in that hot season ) . News was brought ( the while ) that his Queen was delivered of a son : which once bruited , the Hungarians as overjoyed , came to the Court , discharging their pieces in triumph , with all signs of joy possible : the Noblemen came from the Camp to rejoyce with the King , and all the Army was filled with gladnesse : and a royal Feast was prepared , which they would have the King honour with his presence ( though unwilling ) as but a little recovered ; yet he yielding to their importunity , he forgot himself , eating and drinking more liberally , than was for the health of his weak Body : whereby his Feavour was renewed ; Wherefore feeling his end draw fast on , he appointed his son his Heir , committing his Tuition to George Bishop of Veradium & Peter Vicche his nigh kinsman , requesting the nobles to prefer his son before a Stranger ; saying , Solyman would surely protect the Kingdom and his Son , if they in time sending Presents , promised he should reign as his Tributary ; so presently after dying . This King , besides his vigilant , courteous , gentle and bountiful Nature and Learning , used oft to say , that the love of valiant men got by bounty and courtesie was the best Treasures of a Prince : for that the thankful did oft in some worthy service , fully repay what had been bestowed : the unthankful shamefully bearing the witness of anothers Vertue . His death was concealed till the Nobles had agreed with Maylat to take the oath of Allegiance to the King and his Son , and to enjoy his former Government . Then they decreed in Council to send the appointed Embassage to Solyman : so Exechius Bishop of Quinque-Ecclesiae , and Verbetius the aged Chancellour , were dispatched with ten curious wrought Bowls of Gold , 600 of Silver-guilt , and engraven : 50 pieces of Purple silk and gold-cloath , and 30 pound of coyned Gold , as two years tribute , who came to Constantinople . The Kings dead body was the while with much heavinesse , and most of the Army , solemnly buried at Alba Regalis : After which the young child ( was Christened and called Steven , and Crowned with the Ancient Crown of King Steven , who first erected that Kingdom ; yet the Royal Dignity was given given to the Queen , so as in all publique Writings , &c. The Bishop was Treasurer , and commanded the strong Holds : yet the Souldiers were at the devotion of Thuraccus : and Vicche ( as a middle man ) was named High Constable . This Bishop was born in Croatia , and brought up from his youth in the House of King John , where Vertue and Industry never wanted relief . Having forsaken his Monastick Prof ssion , as weary of its straitnesse ; he still followed John driven out of his Kingdom , winning such credit , &c. that he obtained the Bishoprick of Veradium after Sibbachus slain by Grittus's treachery : He was such a notable man in his religious service , and otherwise , that John would confesse himself to raign by his special industry : and King Ferdinand would oft say , he envied at John for nothing he had , but for one hooded fellow , better for defence of a Kingdom , than 10000 with Helmets on their heads . Taking on him the tuition of the young King , he was busied in all weighty causes , civil and martiall : carefully labouring for the Hungarians concord in love and unity , and that no tumult or rebellion should arise . But Ferdinand now thought it a fit time to recover that so long desired Kingdom : being prickt forward by 7 men of great account in Hungary , who having taken Ferdinand's part , lived in exile , concluding their motives to him : What could be more dishonour to him , so great a King and Emperour Elect , than by shameful delay , to forsake them , being noble and valiant , who had followed his part , and were then ready with strong Troops , to do him their best service . The Germane Captains also perswaded him , who , as martial men , desired honour , pay and prey . But Lascus ( who in matters of Peace and War saw more than they ) was of a contrary opinion , telling Ferdinand plainly in a Speech , that the Kingdom of Hungary was to be obtained rather by policy than force , by craving it of Solyman , to hold it of him by tribute , as King John did : saying , that if he should once joyn battel with the Turks , if the best did happen , &c. he should have endless Warre with such an enemy , &c. His Speech so moved Ferdinand , that though purposing to proceed , yet he thought good to prove Solymans minde also : none being thought fitter for that Embassage , than Lascus himself , who being furnished with all necessaries , departed from Vienna , to Constantinople : yet Ferdinand withall , prepared for Warres , trusting to the Emperour's Brother , and the coming over of the Hungarians for present profit ; but before open Warre , he sent the Count of Salma to the Queen , to shew her the Instruments of the last League betwixt her late Husband and him , exhorting her to yield up the Kingdom , and not by delay to hurt herself and Son ; for Ferdinand offered to give the Child the Province of Sepnsia , as was before agreed in the League , and to the Queen a great Revenue , beside her Dowry ; but if she would forget that League , he threatned , Neither Charls his Brother , nor he , wanted force , &c. The Count hardly obtained admittance to the Queens presence ; for George and Vicche mistrusting her courage , said , she was not to be spoken with , for sorrow ; and that they were of Authority to give him audience and answer : which opinion of her weakness , She of an Heroical Spirit , took so in disgrace , that she said , She would kill her self , if the Embassadors were not suffered to come into her Chamber , ( dark and hung with black ) she sitting on a low Pallet , negligently attired , pale-coloured , yet then shedding no teares ; yet her voice and countenance such as might shew her sorrow was nothing abated ; for contemning all dangers , she resolved for defence of her Soveraign , to call in the Turks . After the Counts admittance , and delivery of his Message , she answered , Such was the fortune of her Sex and years , and griess of body and minde , that she could neither take nor give counsel : wherefore she requested a convenient time to ask Counsel of her Father Sigismund , to whose just judgement she would stand , as she thought the Nobility would also ; but if they would needs forthwith make Warre upon her , she said , the Emperour and Ferdinand should win no great honour to oppugne a Widow consumed with teares , and a young Child yet crying in his Cradle . The Count returning , told Ferdinand , he had heard and seen , that the Queen was wholly in the power of the Bishop , &c. the rest shifted among them the honours and preferments of the Realm , &c. wherefore all the hope was in speedy Warre , the Queen ( with her Sonne ) to be driven out of Buda , before they could take Arms , or well advise what to do : She delaying but to make her self stronger , and the while , to call in the Turk . Ferdinand , furnished with money from Charls , soon raised a great Army , which he sent down Danubius to Strigonium , alwayes faithful to him . Velsius a Noble Rhetian was General : who to open first , the way to Buda , after nine dayes siege , took Vicegrade , ( but not the Castle ) with the losse of about two hundred men . Then passing Danubius , he took Pesth , forsaken by the enemy : also the City Vacia , without losse : whence crossing the River , he came before Buda , to terrifie the Citizens , and discover what he could , the Queens purpose , where Perenus , Rascaius , and Francopanes , Bishop of Agria , revolted to Ferdinand : the Bishop was reputed to go upon meere conscience : yet George challenged him by Letters , in hope to be made a Cardinal . Velsius lay as if he would rather besiege than assault the City . the Germans fetching in great booty round about , burning and carrying away prisoners : wherefore the Hungarians fell oft together by the eares , with them ; they of Buda also , with their Troops , skirmished with them , if they did but stir out of the Camp , well defending the Villages ; for Thuraccus had taken into the City , a multitude of light Horsmen . Balthasar Pamphilus coming to the Gates , desired the Warders to give him leave to talk with his old Friend Thuraccus , and confer with him concerning the good of the State , which the General granting , he was let in with his Troop : and soon returning to the Camp , he reported , that viewing the strength of the City , he perceived , it was not to be taken without greater power , and a better season of the year . Wherefore Velsius , doubtful of the Hungarian his fidelity , in anger bid him void the Camp : who without his leave , had private conference with the enemy , and discouraging the Army . Wherefore Velsius returned to Vicegrade , taking the Castle ( wherein the ancient Crown was kept ) with lesse losse than he had the lower Town . Ere long , he marching to Alba Regalis through Perenus , it was delivered him garrisoning it for Ferdinand . Then he retired to Strigonium ; and the rather , because the rough Germans and Hungarians could not agree together ; so that Velfius parting them , was wounded in the Thigh , and Perenus hurt with a stone : Winter was also come far on , and the Souldiers crying out for pay . Wherefore he also sick of the stone , billited his men that Winter , about the Countrey , having new fortified Pesth ; because 't was reported , the Turks on their frontiers were preparing to ayd Buda . While Ferdinand was levying his forces , the Queen had craved ayd of the Turk 's bordering-Lievtenants : who answered , they might in no case , without expresse Command from Solyman , depart from their charges : besides , Mahometes was overcome by rewards from Lascus ( in his passage ) not to stir : wherefore she certified Solyman , what danger they were in , craving his speedy ayd . Lascus falling sick by the way , sent his Physician before , to the great Bassaes , chiefly to Lutzis , by whom he hoped to obtain his desire : but in vain ; for Solyman , besides defending his own right , thought it would redound to his great profit and glory , if he undertook the protection of the Widow and Fatherless Child in so great distress : wherefore he said to the Embassadours , that to declare his constancy , inseparable from his bounty , he would take such course , that the Germans should not long rejoyce of the Warres begun : and in token of friendship , gave them a royal Robe , a Buckler with a curious Bosse , a Horsemans Mace , with a golden handle , and a Scimiter with a Scabbard richly set with Stones , writing to Ustref and Mahometes , speedily to ayd the Queen : who , if harmed through their cefault , it should cost them their heads . The Embassadors were scarce gone , when Lascus came to Constantinople : whose success he understanding , yet he proceeded in his business , &c. But when he often mentioned the Emperour , as if he would ayd his Brother with all the power of Germany , Solyman was so moved , that he was presently imprisoned : young Rustan Bassa especially , chiding him as worthy of death , for offending by his liberal speech , so courteous a Prince , and as it were , mocking the King of Kings , requiring friendship , while his Master most impudently warred in Hungary . Ustreff and Mahometes , assembling their dispersed forces , by shipping brought them down Savus and Dravus into Danubius ; ( for t is hard to perform any great matter by Warre in Hungary , without the help of a great Fleet ) ; but Danubius was then so frozen on both sides , that the middle was scarce open : so that the Turks not daring to return , were enforced to abide the Winters incredible hardness in their Tents , to shew their readinesse : their most dear Horses starving for cold , and want of meat . The Spring coming on ( in the year of Christ 1541 ) they entred Hungary : with whom , Thuraccus the Queens General , joyned also : the Queen , sending presents to the Turks Generalls , victualling the Camp , and furnishing them with Ordnance , for besieging of Cities holden by Ferdinand : who took Vacia , but badly defended , putting many to the Sword , and burning the City : thence removing to Pesth , a Hungarian and a German , so vallantly defended the City , ( and the Turks not well relieved with Victuall ) that they passing Danubius , and restoring the Ordnance , returned home ; but in their retiring the Hungarians , led by Gnarus , slew many , Achomates one of their best Captains being one . The Turks gone , Ferdinand , perswading the Emperour not to give over the War so fortunately begun , the late supplies for Velsius , were sent into Hungary , under Lord Regendorffe ; then gone as farre as Possonium , to relieve Pesth : unto whom Velsius gave place , who joyning with the old Army , marched to Buda , besieging it . Upon a great Hill called Gerard's Mount ( whose middle was equal with the top of the Castle over against it ( a great Valley and deep Ditch laying betwixt ) Regendorffe planted his Battery , so shaking a new Tower thereof , that it was thought it would fall : if it had , yet supposed dangerous to assault it , having a treble Wall ; but he sparing the sumptuous Turrets and Galleries of the King's Pallace therein , sent to the Queen : wishing her to break 〈◊〉 sunder the Bishops Fetters , and accept of Ferdinands offer : ready to bestow on her , a goodly Seigniory , honourably to live and bring up her Sonne in safety : which if she as a simple Woman , and ignorant of her own danger , should refuse , he would beat down the Pallace about her eares . The Bishop answered in her behalf , she was not such a fool , to exchange the Kingdom of Hungary , for the principality of Sepusia : scornfully answering him , as a very doting and mad old man , &c. And above all , requesting him of private courtesie , to discharge his Pieces with a little lesse noyse , lest his Sow at home , great with Pig , terrified , should farrow before her time , to the great grief of his Guests ; for he was of a sharp and taunting spirit : so contemning the Germans , that two being taken burning Houses in the Kings Orchard , he hanged two Hoggs on the Gallowes with them . Ere long , Regendorffe removed to a place called the JEWES GRAVES , near Jewes Gate : the Bishop quipping him now , as a proper wise man : who had pitched his Tents in a most fit place , among the dead , &c. But he battering the Walls in two places , a great part thereof was beaten down ; another part overcharged with Earth ( cast up within side , for strengthening it ) then fell down also , to the exceeding dismaying of them in the City : which opportunity , Regendorffe let slip , either ( through the smoak and dust ) not well aware , or doing all things leasurely and suspiciously , and the Germans not so easily brought to a sudden assault , as Spaniards , Italians and French ; so that it was deferred , ( night coming fast on ) till the next morning : the Budians the while , with incredible diligence , rating a rampier instead thereof . In the morning they fiercely assaulted it , so that Fotiscus , with some Companies , entering a shattered adjoyning House , had almost recovered the top of the Rampier ; but they of Buda , wondrously withstanding ( the Bishop encouraging and fighting amongst them ) the Germans were forced to retire , above 800 men being lost : Perenus being also repulsed , ( but with lesse losse ) at the breach at the Gate Sabatina . Then he began to undermine the City ; but , by countermines , was disappointed : yet , the common people in the City , pinched with hunger , mutinously cryed out , 't was time to yield , and end those common miseries ; but the Bishop shewing but himself in the Market-place , as if he would have preached , could turn the peevish people which way he pleased . After this , the City had almost by the treason of one Bornemissa a Lawyer been lost ; who hating the Bishop , for taking part with a Banckrupt Jew against him , promised Revalius the Enemies Marshal , to open a blind Postern in St. Maries yard , whereby he might enter . Regendorffe so liked thereof , that he thought not good to use the service of the Hungarians therein : against the request of Bornemissa , that many guiltless people might not be slaughtered by the Germans ; but he hoping by excluding the Hungarians to have all the glory of the Victory to himself , made as if he would use the Hungarians , glosing with Revalius , whose Sonne he took as a pledge . About midnight , he sent four Select Companies of Germanes , with great silence to the Postern : his Sonne Condi standing ready to enter with a strong Troop , when the Germans let in , should break open the great Gate . Bornemissa opening the Postern , had silently received in most of them ; but still asking softly for Revalius , and they answering in the German Tongue , he was so surprized with fear , that as amazed , he forgot to conduct the Germans : who knew not which way first to go , stealing on softly for fear of treason , still asking for their Guide ; but by their matches and noyse of Armour , being 〈◊〉 yed by the Watch : they not giving the Word , an Alarum was raised , who ignorant of the way , and now chased with their own fear , ran back to the Postern in such haste , that they sadly wrung each other in getting out . And the passage being much letted by the Weapons of the first , cast acrosse the way to run the lighter . Bacianus who had charge of the watch , first set upon them : then Vicche from the Market place came thither , with a strong company : many of the valiantest Germans were slain or taken , some being Bornemissa's Friends ( himself being got out with the foremost ) whom the Bishop by torture wrung the plot out of , then executing them ; Revalius Bornemissa lamenting , that besides the name of a Traitour , he had lost all and undone his Friends and Kindred . Regendorff ( condemned even of the common Souldiers for his foolish pride , &c. ) from that time set him down ( by long siege ) to win the City . Solyman hearing of the Queen's distress in Hungaria , consulted with his Bassaes of the purposes and power of his enemies , there and elswhere : and sent first , Solyman Bassa to Babylon , to defend Mesopotamia , and his Frontiers along Tygris against Tamas the Persian King : sending Mahometes Bassa into Hungaria : and after him Ustreff Bassa with another Army , to stay at Belgrade , in readinesse to ayd Mahometes upon occasion : committing his Navy to Barbarussa , for defence of Greece and Epirus against Auria : who a little before had driven the Turks and Moors out of 5 Cities , and all along the Coast of Africk called Mahomedia , except Leptis , now called Africa , causing those Cities to submit to Muleasses of Tunis . And because Maylat the Vayuod took part with Ferdinand , he sent against him , Achomates Governour of Nicopolis , commanding Peter of Moldavia , Prince of Vallachia to ayd him : who came with 30000 Horsmen . Himself also doubting more of the Christian Princes purposes , than he needed , raised a third Army , about Hadrianople , to ayd Mahometes and Ustreff , keeping with him his son in law , Rustan made 1 of his 4 great Bassaes , having thrust out Luftibeius or Lutzis as aforesaid , but at this time done . Mahometes entring Hungaria about the midst of June , 1541. took along with him the other Mahometes , Governour of Belgrade , joyning with him , the power of Bosna under Ulemas the Persian , for old Ustreff was lately dead . The Christians now consulted , whether to continue . the siege , or go meet them and joyn battel ; but Regendorff prevailed for continuing the siege , though divers perswaded him to crosse the River to Pesth , or retire to Vicegrade or Strigonium : Wherefore removing , he encamped on the further side of the City at the foot of Gerrard's Mount , where the Hill leaveth a fair Plain toward the East , that the Turks , whom he knew would not go far from their Fleet and the river , should be forced to pass by his great Ordnance , aptly placed on the Front of his Trenches . On the right hand , on a small rising ground , he placed the lesser Camp of Hungarians : making also a bridge from his Camp , into a small Island in the River , and , with a Fort , commanded both the River and Plain ; to beat their Fleet coming up , and themselves marching in the Plain . The Turks being come nigh the City , Valentinus Thuraccus met them with 2000 Horse , instructing them , what the Christians did , what their strength , and the most conveniently to encamp . Wherefore , the Bassa boldly came within half a Mile of the Christian Camp ; strongly intrenching himself round : but Mahometes of Belgrade politiquely took the higher ground next the Hungarians Tents . The Christian Fleet had 24 Galleots , about 80 small Pinnaces , and little lesse than 100 ships of burden , and other small boats ; the Turks Fleetnot thought above half so great . Near the little Island aforesaid , had the Turks taken the Island Sepelia , over against their own Camp , where casting up a great Bulwark , they thence shot at the Fort , in the little Island , and at their vessels in the River as the Christians did at them . Cepelia , layeth about 40 miles long in Danubius full of Villages : so commodiously , that if Regendorff had at first fortified it , as he was perswaded , the Turks could not have encamped in the Plain , to their great disadvantage ; but he was not willing to divide his Forces , till he had some new supply from Ferdinand . The Armies thus laying , there were light skirmishes every day , and sometime one brave man challenging forth another hand to hand : which was so pleasant to behold , that both Armies many times would forbear to shoot to see those prove their manhood on each other with spears and swords only . In which skirmishes the Germans were oft put to the worst , by reason of their heavy Horses , fitter for a set-battel : but the Hungarians acquainted with the Turks manner of fight , and better Armed , did foyl them , though more in number . Noble Rayschachius ( a German ) his valiant son , going forth , unknown to his Father , bare himself so galiantly against the enemy in his Father's and Armie's sight , that he was highly commended ( chiefly of his Father ) ; yet was he encompassed and slain . Rayschachius moved with his death , said to the other Captains : This worthy Gentleman , whoever he be , deserves eternal commendation , and to be most honourably buried by the whole Army . As the other Captains were approving his speech , the dead body was presented to the Father , all there present shedding tears : but Rayschachius was so struck at heart , that standing a while speechlesse , with his eyes set , he suddenly fell down dead : After which , the General commanded none on pain of death , to skirmish without leave , hanging one or two for so doing . So that the enemy would sometimes brave them , on the top of their own Trenches . Many dayes having now passed : the Turks and Budians , daily encreased in strength and courage : when on the other side , the contrary . Only the often Letters of Ferdinand , and the firm opinion , that Charls would not in so great danger , fail to ayd his brother , and the General 's firm resolution , upheld their fainting minds . The Turks from the higher ground , and out of Cepelia , perceiving the Germans in the little Island as carelesse , agreed , at once to assayl divers of their Forts : landing at break of day , so closely and suddenly , that they slew 600 , ere well awake or armed : the rest fleeing to the Camp in such haste , that many fell beside the bridge & were drowned . The whole Camp was wondrously troubled , the Turks with hideous cries raising the Alarm in divers places at once ; yet Herbestulfe the Camp master perswading some German-companies and Souldiers in the Fleet , not to suffer the Ensignes and Ordnance to be so shamefully carried away : and Marius then landing divers Companies in the Island , they drave the Turks again to their boats , receiving no lesse losse themselves , than had the Germans before ; It was said , the Turks Fleet might have been quite overthrown , if the Christians had couragiously pursued them and landded with them ; yet 4 Turks Pinnaces were sunk , 3 taken , and many Turks slain , or drowned in the River . Shortly after , the Turks did so assayl the Camp on every side , that they left them almost no time of rest ; so that they almost despaired long to defend it ; for the Bassa at Belgrade , taking to him the sick and wounded , sent fresh men still , in their stead : and Valentinus with Harquebusse Janizaries had driven Perenus with the Hungarian Horse out of the upper Camp , so that the nether Camp was hardly beset ; yet the great Artillary from Pesth much troubled Valentinus , assayling it on that side . Some say , Valentinus did privately wish Perenus speedily to provide for himself and his Hungarians : for there was a great Beast coming , which ( at one morsel ) would devour them all : This was Solyman coming in haste with a great Army : Wherefore Perenus told Regendorff . Except they would presently depart with the Army , he would in time shift for himself & Country-men : at last they agreed , it was best , next night , to pass the River to Pesth only the General said , he would not depart from Buda without Ferdinands command ; so sending the Count of Salma swiftly up the River to Vienna , to know his pleasure ( Perenus fretting at their long stay ) 't was resolved , next night when the Moon was down , to passe over in 4 Convoys : for 't was not so easy to make a bridge over Danubius as was supposed : which being almost planked , such a wind and tempest arose , and the River was so rough , that the bridge was loosed and broken , many of its boats being carried away with the streams force . The 2 first Convoys passed well over ; for though the Budians and Turks ( seeing by day the Fleet drawing into one place ) might suspect , yet could they foresee nothing of their sudden departure ; but the vigilant eye was not long deceived , and the less , for that 2 Fugitives then discovered to the Bishop their flight : who presently certifying the Bassaes thereof , they eame to assault the Christians in their Camp with a horrible cry assayling their Trenches : The Germans began to quaile , yet , with the Bohemians , a while , notably resisted : All the Camp was filled with confusion , every man at the River-side striving to get aboard disorderly : Regendorff's Authority ( through the nights darknesse , so great noise of people , and Ordnance ) being as nothing : who then lay in bed wounded in the shoulder by a Faulkon-shot falling in his Tent ( as he was writing Letters to Fordinand ) striking a chest in sunder . The Foot-Captains envying at the Horsmen so well escaped , faintly resisted the enemy : the upmost Tents were first taken , and the German-Foot chased all over Gerrards Mount. They of Buda also entred the Camp on the Cities side , burning the Tents , a little before forsaken , and the Bishop firing a great stack of straw nigh the Rivers side , it gave such a light , that one might plainly see over Danubius to the Walls of Pesth : whereby , their flight by water , and confusion by land was discovered . Then was the Ordnance from every place , discharged upon the Fleet : Cason the Turks Admiral with his light-boats , setting on the ships crossing the River , taking divers boats laden with Souldiers , sinking others with his Ordnance . After the Janizaries brake into the lower Camp : the Germans , fleeing over the bridge into the little Island , were slain without mercy by the pursuers , many leaping into the River and perishing : 300 sayl of all sorts were mingled together , covering the River as with a Bridge , but the Christian Fleet , cleering themselves , and beating the Turks back with their Ordnance , got up to Comara . The other Land-Forces enduring the same fortune in the Camp ; the Bohemians died there in fight . Many were slain or saved by the Budians , as they fell into the hands of a merciful or mercilesse man. But the Sun rising , plainly discovered the slaughter and the Victory . About 3000 taking a little Hill by Gerards Temple , stood on their guard till above 2000 were slain : the rest yielding in hope of life , were reserved for a grievous spectacle . Cason coming to the shoar of Pesth , so feared those escaped thither only with the cry of his Souldiers and noyse of the Artillery , that the Horsmen for haste to get out , were like to over-run each other , leaving behind them whatever good thing they had ; yet some Hungarians stayed behind , rifling the Merchants shops : for Pesth was now become a notable Mart-Town , as of more safety than other Cities ; but Cason entring it , slew some of those greedy Hungarians : sparing neither man woman or child , except some few reserved for the Turks lust or slavish labour : Above 20000 Christians being one way or other reported to be slain in this War. There was taken 36 great battering pieces ; Field-pieces 150 , and wondrous store of Arms and Ammunition and Victual . Regendorff was against his will carried aboard a Pinnace by his Physitian and Chamberlain , and so was conveighed to the Island Comara ; wherefore he shortly after , partly for his Wounds , but more through grief , died in the Village Samarium . Solyman still doubting the coming of Charls and Ferdinand to Buda , was coming in such haste , that he caused his Janizaries to march as fast as his Horsmen : but hearing of the Victory he came more leisurely to Buda , in August , encamping on tother side of the City ( the dead bodies laying yet unburied ) and making one huge Camp of both Armies . He especially commended the two Mahometes : making him of Belgrade General of all his European Horse , the Victory being gotten chiefly by his means ; rewarding the other Captains as they deserved , and augmenting their pay . After which , he commanded the prisoners about 800 to be brought forth , and led in long ropes all along the raunged Army in derision , then to be slain by his young Souldiers : sternly saying , they were worthy of such death who had waged war , while entreating a peace . There was one Bavarian exceeding tall : whom ( in despight of the German Nation ) he delivered to a little dwarf to be slain , his head being scarce so high as the Captives knees , who being long mangled about the legs with his little Scimitar fell down , and was with many feeble blows hardly at last slain : others heartning the Dwarf on , to satisfie the eyes of the disporting Princes . This done , Solyman sent Embassadours with Presents to the young King : 3 fair Horses with Golden-bridles , their trappings set with precious stones : 3 Robes of cloth of Gold , and to the chief Nobles , rich Gowns and Gold Chains : courteously requesting the Queen to send the young King attended with his Nobility , into the Camp , and without all fear to hope that all should go well both with her , and her son , & c. That Solyman would alwayes account of her as of his Daughter ; but he came not to see her , as in courtesie he desired , because , by antient custom , the Othoman Kings were forbidden to visit other mens Wives in their Houses , & c. The Queen answered very doubtfully ; but the Bishop perswading and instantly requesting her , not to give the Turks occasion to suspect her distrust of them , by her delay ; She sent him in Princely swathing cloaths in a rich Chariot with his Nurse , and certain great Ladies , with almost all the Nobility , to whom Solyman had sent presents , who was met on the way by Troops of the Turks brave Horsmen : and as he passed in the Camp , orderly stood the Janizaries of Solymans guard : Being brought into the Pavillion , Solyman looked on him familiarly , talking with the Nurse & commanding his Sons , Selimus and Bajazet , begotten of Roxalana , to take him in their arms & kiss him , in sure token of the love they would bear to him , whom they were in time to have their Friend & Tributary : But Solyman , while the Nobles were dining with the Bassaes , had commanded certain Companies under colour of seeing the City , to take the Gare Sabatina , and chief streets : which was so quietly and cunningly done , that a wary watchman beholding the manner of the Turks going to and fro , could scarce perceive how the gate was taken , till it was too late . The Gate , Market-place , and chief streets so finely taken : the Captains of the Janizaries made Proclamations , That the Citizens should without fear keep in their Houses , and forthwith to deliver all their Weapons : which they did , receiving the Turks into their Houses , as their unwelcome guests ; but such was the severity of their Martial Discipline , that none was wronged by them in word or deed . Solyman hearing of the City thus taken , sent the child back unto the Queen ; but the chief Nobles he retained with him , to wit , George the Bishop : Vicche , Thuraccus , Verbetius the Chancellour , Urbanus Governour of Buda ; whose minds , this sudden and unexpected change troubled the more , because the great Bassaes began to pick quarrels with them , and as it were to call them to account for all they had done . The Queen fearing and grieving , by humble Letters , requested Solyman not to forget the Faith given , and of late confirmed ; but to send back the Noble men , who for their fidelity and valour had well deserved both of him and her : This she did by Rustemes Bassa , whom she had loaded with gifts , sending him a fair Coronet of her own , of Orient Pearl , and a goodly Jewel set with rich stones , a present for his wife , Solymans Daughter . After which , Solyman consulted 4 dayes what order to take with that Kingdom . Mahometes advised him , to carry the child and all the Nobles to Constantinople ; and to leave such a Governour in Buda , as might put the people out of fear of servitude and bondage : yet by degrees to lay on them the Yoke of the Turks Governmeut ; but Rustemes ( before corrupted ) stood wholly upon terms of Honour ; saying , Nothing could be more dishonourable to so mighty a Monarch , who had never blemished the glory of his Name , than after Victory , to break his Faith with a weak Woman and silly Infant , whom he had taken upon him to defend ; but Mahometes of Belgrade then extraordinarily admitted into the Council among the great Bassaes , disliked of both the former opinions , as too full of Lenity : and being asked his opinion , delivered it in a mischievous speech : saying towards the latter end thereof : Every year to take in hand so long and laboursome an expedition of an Army of Horse , Foot , Artillery , and a Fleet of Ships for defence of another man ( as commonly we do ) seemeth to be meer madnesse : Neither do I think it to stand with the Majesty of the Othoman Emperours , thus to be moved every year at the request of a puling Woman , crying for help ; except you think it more profitable and honorable to maintain a defensive than an invasive War : wherefore I think it best to turn this Kingdom ( so oft conquered and defended by Law of Arms ) like thy Ancestours , into form of a Province : the Queen I would have sent to her Father , and her son brought up in thy Court , and instructed in our Religion : the Nobility I wish to be slain ; their Castles razed , and all their notablest Families to be carried away into Asia : the multitude kept under with good Garrisons , to till the ground and inhabit the Cities : so shall the Hungarians perceive themselves conquered , and the Germans forbear coming into Hungary , unless they will hazard both Stiria and Austria . But Solyman , before he would resolve of so great a matter , entred Buda with his two sons , Aug. 30. 1541. and in the Cathedral ( before purified by his Priest ) offered the first Mahometan-sacrifice in Buda . Shortly after , he ( for his own security and Honour ) as it were moderated their opinions , publishing a Decree , That Buda should thenceforth be kept with a Garrison of Turks , and the Kingdom turned into a Turkish Province ; the Queen with her son forthwith to depart and live in Lippa , a quiet and fertile Countrey beyond the River Tybiscus , and near her Fathers borders : safely to be conducted thither by Janizaries with all her wealth : Wherefore she and her son , with mourning and tears ( detesting inwardly his perfidious dealing ) departed from Buda . The Nobles went with her also , who though sorrowful for this unexpected change , yet very glad of liberty and safety , whereof they had for 3 dayes despaired : only Thuraccus was kept in safe custody , because he was a martial man ; and much also hated by the Turks , for the hard pursuit of Cason in Austria . Ferdinand hearing of this shameful overthrow , and that Solyman was coming towards Vienna , sent Velsius ( who never liked of Buda siege ) to Comara , to stay their further flight , and gather together the dispersed Reliques of the Army , and to comfort the men with hope of new supplies . And somewhat to stay Solyman , he sent Count Salma and Lithestaine Embassadours with Presents and new conditions of peace : The Presents were , a high standing Cup of Gold , curiously set with rich stones : and a wondrous Globe of Silver , daily expressing the passing of the Houres : the Planets motions , the change and full of the Moon , the motion of the upper Orbs : and that exactly , by certain wheels and weights within , devised and perfected by the most cunning Astronomers , for Maximilian the Emperour . They at their landing , were first received by Cason , and brought into a rich Tent , the ground being covered with rich Carpets : to whom Rustan Bassa sent such chear as the Camp afforded , especially most excellent Wine ; Next day the Bassaes feasted them : not sitting with their legs under them on the ground , as their manner was , but in Chairs at a Table ; only Mahometes of Belgrade , an extraordinary guest , sat down upon a Cushion beneath the Bassaes. Their chear was but Rice and Mutton , as if noting thereby the Christians excesse : and the Bassaes drink , fair water out of Danubius . After dinner , they were brought in to Solyman , each of them led betwixt 2 Bassaes , holding them fast by the arms : so to kiss his hand ; yet hath the Turkish Emperour sitting in his Throne , for fear of violence , laying by him , a Target , Scimitar , Iron Mace , with Bow and Arrows . The great Globe being brought in , filled Solyman and his Bassaes with Admiration ; for Solyman had curionsly studied Astronomy , and especially Cosmography , as his leasure served . The Embassadours desired him to give the Kingdom of Hungary to Ferdinand almost on the same conditions that Lascus had required it for him , paying him such Tribute as John had done ; promising to draw Charls into the same League ; so that he might then at pleasure , turn his Forces upon the Persian : and urging Ferdinand's League with John , and so excusing him of the late war , they concluded , Nothing could be to him more commendable , profitable or Honourable , than to call such a King as Ferdinand , and also Emperour Elect , and brother of the great Emperour , his Tributary . Solyman 2 dayes after , answered by Rustan , that this was his resolute condition of peace : If Ferdinand would restore all places before belonging to King Lewis , and for ever abstain from Hungary ; and for his often provocations , great travel and charges , he could be content to impose an easie Tribute upon Austria . But if those conditions seemed too heavy , he would cause by continual War , that such things as were taken from Hungary , should be requited with the destruion of Austria . Though the Embassadours were much moved at the latter demand , yet they , to win some time , required a truce till Ferdinand and the Emperour might be made acquainted with the matter : which the Turk , winter coming fast on , would in no case grant . And being rewarded and sent away , Solyman commanded Mahometes of Belgrade to spoyl the borders of Austria all along Danubius : Cason also General of Acanzii , he sent into Moravia , but neither did any great harm : the Rivers rising , and abundance of Rain falling . Solyman made one Solyman a Mahometan Hungarian , Governour of Buda : who by justice and courtesie ( with Verbetius the Chancellour ) should endeavour to put the people in hope of long peace ; which done , after about 20 dayes stay , because of the rain and cold , and fearing to be shut in with the rising of the great Rivers , he determined to return : setting Lascus ( in prison at Belgrade ) at liberty , who soon dyed of the Flux in Polonia , supposed to be poysoned by the Turks , whose death the King himself much lamented . Solyman being come to the River Dravus , it was told him that Maylat was taken by the cunning of Peter of Moldavia , and that Transilvania was well pacified , yielding to his obedience ; whereof he was passing glad , for he hated Maylat for Grittus and the Turks by him slain , and knew that the Transilvanians an invincible people was by him stirred up . This Peter uniting with Achomates against Maylat , they were 50000 Horse besides Foot , which ( after the manner of those Countries ) were not many : Maylat finding himself too weak , and despairing of ayd from Ferdinand , fled again into Fogaras : where , as in a most strong place , he had laid up his greatest substance and warlique provision , especially the rich spoyl taken from Grittus : Acho mates coming and perceiving , it was not to be taken but with much labour and time , craftily sent a Messenger to him , perswading him to yield to Solyman : choosing rather to be called his Friend than his Enemy , &c. promising he would labour for him as his Friend ; that he might still enjoy the Government of Transilvania , paying him some small yearly Tribute , as he had before requested , &c. saying , Solyman was coming with his Victorious Army , who would with assured death revenge his vain hope of holding out . Maylat foreseeing it better to make a certain peace , than to endure an uncertain War , answered , He could be content to conclude a peace , so it were not on any hard conditions , &c. Wherefore , he demanded Achomates's valiant son in Hostage for his coming into the Camp : Achomates said , he had given him to Solyman , and so had over him no power , but he promised him 4 of his best Captains : which Maylat accepting , came with a gallant retinue , and was honourably received . The Parley was deferred till next day , that the Moldavian might take him , whom he invited to a Banquet ; about mid-dinner , Maylat ( of a very proud and cholerick nature ) was by some insolent speech ( of purpose ) so fretted , that with his hand on his sword , he in a rage flung from the Table : the other guests starting up also , took him fuming , and crying out , he was shamefully betrayed ( his followers being stript of all ) : Incame Achomates the while , with deep dissimulation sharply reproving the Moldavian : whereto he scornfully ( as if in contempt ) answered , He had upon good cause taken Maylat prisoner , and would safely keep him for Solyman , to whom it only belonged to judge ; Ere long , Fogaras was delivered with the Hostages , through fear or corruption . This Town surrendred , almost all Transilvania was by Solyman given to the young King ; to whom all the people most willingly submitted , swearing obedience , his Father having almost thirty yeares with justice and quietnesse Governed that Province : honouring him , the Queen , and his two Tutours , laying in Leppa , with many Presents : At the same time , Charls the Emperour at the importunity of his Subjects of Spain , greatly prepared for conquering of Algiers : whose Pirates so insested all the Coast from Gades to the Pyrenean Mountains , that ( all Merchandize set apart ) they were glad to keep continual watch and ward : wherefore though he knew how hardly he was spoken of ( for leaving his brother so hardly bestead ) yet he departed out of Germany into Italy : where , nigh Verona , he was met by Farnesius his son in law , Vastius , and the Venetian Embassadours , and brought to Millane : where he was with great solemnity joyfully received , and , under a Canopy of Gold , brought to the Pallace , in a plain black Cloak and Cap , mourning-wise ; when as the vulgar expected him in his Royal Robes , and the Imperial Crown on his Head : his heavy countenance presaging the wofull overthrow the day before at Buda , not yet known in Italy : Thence departing to Genua ; he was advertised thereof from Ferdinand and of Solyman's coming ; Whereupon , Vastius and Auria perswaded him to defer his African expedition till Spring : and with his present power to stay in Italy , making shew of returning to help his brother ; and the while , to assure his State in Italy against the French : but he answered them sitting in Council ; If he should then stay in Italy , 't would be thought , he was for fear of the Turks fled out of Germany &c. hoping that Algiers might be won before the seas should grow rough and dangerous ; which if so falling out , he would not much care what the French could do . There was a new grudge between him and them about the death of Rinuo the French Embassadour for certain years to Solyman , who returning to Constantinople with new instructions from his Master , for confirming a further League : he was belaid ( by some old Spanish souldiers upon the River Pádus ) and slain , together with Fregosius : or first tortured to get from him the secrets of his Negotiation , and then slain : Vastius in purgation of his credit , offering the combate to any of like quality that durst charge him with the truth thereof ; but many thought he was worthily served , who stirred up the Turks against the Christians , discovering to them the Emperours designs ; but whether well or ill , Pope Paul 3d. meeting Charls at Luca , could not , or would not determine . The Emperour there came thrice to talk with him , the Pope to him once : who not prevailing with him , for the appeasing the troubles like to arise betwixt him and the French King , perswaded him what he might , to employ those Forces in defence of his Brother Ferdinand and Austria , if Solyman should pursue his Victory ; so prevailing little in the greatest publike matters , he took his leave , returning to Rome . Charls the while , with some Italian Bands under Columna , and Spinula , and 6000 Germans came to the Port Lune , embarquing his Souldiers in Merchant-ships , and 35 Galleys ; directing their course to the Islands Baleares ; but were by a sudden tempest brought in sight of Corsica ; and after 2 dayes tossing to and fro , the wind somewhat failing , they put into the Haven of Syracusa , now Bonifacium . Then putting to sea again for those Islands , he met with a Tempest from the West , more terrible than the first , divers Galleys losing their Masts and sayls , being glad with extream labour and peril to get into a Harbour of Minorca . Thence he passed over to Majorca , very glad that Gonzaga Viceroy of Sicily was come with 150 Galleys and ships , bringing Victual enough for a long war : Mendoza by reason of contrary winds , cut over directly with his Spanish Fleet to Algiers : so the Emperour by Auria's perswasion , hoysed sayl , and in two dayes came thither , anchoring in order before the City . Two Algier-Pyrates , not knowing of the Fleet , fell into the Bay ere they were aware : the bigger , Cycada stemmed and sunk ; the other with wondrous speed got into the Haven . Mendoza having passed the Cape of Cassineus , saluted the Emperour with all his Ordnance , giving knowledge the Spanish Fleet was not far behind : which were above 100 tall Ship , and of smaller Vessels far more : besides , the Foot embarqued therein , were a great number of brave Horsmen : over whom the Duke of Alba commanded . These ships could not double the Cape , as did Mendoza with his Galleys , for it was a dead calm ; but the billows went yet so high that the Souldiers could not land , but they must be washed up to the middle : which the Emperour thought not good to put them unto . He also staied for the Spanish ships , both that with united power he might more strongly assault the City , and to commuicate the whole glory of the action with them , at whose request , forwardnesse and greatest charge he undertook it : which did not only disturb an assured Victory , but opened a way to all the ensuing calamities . The Emperour sent a Messenger to Asan the Eunuch ( born in Sardinia ) and brought up from a youth in the Mahometan superstition by Barbarussa ( whom he left to keep his Kingdom in his absence ) requiring him forthwith to deliver the City to Charls the mighty Emperour , come in person to be revenged on those horrible Pirates : which if he would do , the Turks should depart whither they would : the Moors to abide with goods and Religion as formerly ; himself to receive great rewards in peace and war : so he would accept of that the fairest occasion to return again to the worshipping of the true God , and to enjoy the favour of the Emperour , and to revenge himself of Barbarussa's unnatural villany on his person : who answered , he thought him mad , that would follow his enemies Counsel , grinningly asking him , Upon what hope the Emperour trusted to win the City ? the Messenger pointing to the Fleet , told him , That which thou seest , &c. who scornfully laughing , replyed , And we with like force & valour will defend it , and make this place famous for your overthrows here twice , the 3d. time most famous by the Emperour's discomfiture : It s reported , there was an old Witch in Algiers , who had foretold the shipwrack and miseries of Verra and Moncada : prefixing a time , when the Christian Emperour , besieging the City , should receive a great losse by Sea and Land : which Assan so fed and augmented , that he not only encouraged his own men , but terrified the weaker sort of his enemies therewith , they being on so dangerous a coast , nigh Winter . There was in Garrison but 800 Turks ; the other multitude of natural Moors , and those born in Granado , scarce made 5000 : to whom was joyned many rebellious fugitives , who fled thither out of the Baleares ; But the wild Numidians made up a great number , which should molest the Christians in the open fields : Assan having allured the brutish people of the Countries thereabouts to ayd him , for rewards and hope of spoyl : proposing also pain of death to any who should but look out heavily , or speak a word savouring of fear . The Emperour , after a convenient and soon landing of his Souldiers with plenty of Boats , and a little resting of them , divided his Army ( which was about 20000 Footmen , besides Horsmen and other Volunteers ) into 3 equal Battels : and 3 Field-pieces to a Battel , to terrifie the Numidian Horsmen still ready to charge them , if upon advantage . He encamped nigh the City between 2 deep Ditches , that none could well passe but by Bridge ; and fastby on the left hand , was a Hill , whence it seemed , the City might well be battered . Algiers is like a Triangle , fast by the sea , having a Haven neither great , nor safe from the North-wind : the Houses farther off , standing in seemly order on the rising of a steep Hill , as it were by degrees , most beautiful to behold . The Emperour was in great hope to win the City ; and the rather , because while he assaulted it on the East-side , his ships and galleys on the North , might with Ordnance beat the enemy all along the wall . Nigh the Hills-rising , lay the Spaniards in the midst of the Germans with the Emperour : in the plain nighest the sea , the Italians . All that day , the Ordnance was landing , and the Horses shipping : The Numidians from the Mountains skirmished afar off , with small danger , but much trouble to the Spaniards : and at night they never left shooting , and where they saw fire , came Arrows thick as Hail ; so that the Spaniards put out their fires , silently expecting the day ; which being come , by the perswasion of Sandes the Camp-Master , they climbing up the Mountains , put the Numidians to flight , laying there ( as it were encamped in the Shepheards-Cottages ) but that day , such a multitude flocked about them , that they were glad to fight in a Ring ; yet their fiercenesse was soon repressed , by the Sicilian Companies of bright-armed pike-men and Harquebusiers close by them : the Numidian Foot are most youths , half-naked , using nought but Darts ; of wondrous ninblenesse , fighting mingled with their Horsmen , who use long spears armed at both ends : As the Emperour was beholding the unshipping of the Warlike necessaries : a storm of wind and rain began about 6 in the afternoon , holding on all that night with such rage , that the whole Army at land was wondrously troubled , and a great part of the Fleet , driven aground , perished : & 3 Italian Companies who lay without the Trenches against sudden assault , were exceedingly overcome with extremity of the weather ; for they could neither well stand nor lye down , sinking up at every step to the calf of the leg in mire : upon these the enemy , perceiving their distress , sallyed out at day-dawning , and so charged them , that their match and powder being wet , they all fled but a few Pikemen , quickly slain , they pursuing the rest over the Trenches into the Camp ; Whereupon , Columna being sent thither with certain Companies over the Bridge , the Enemy did indeed or in shew disorderly retire : Gonzaga the Viceroy comming in also , and angry with them that fled , perswaded them to recompence their flight by driving the enemy to his own door , which Columna said could not be done without great peril ; but Gonzaga thinking also that perhaps the enemy being hastily pursued , they might together with them enter the City without danger of the Artillery ; Spinula led forth the other Italian Companies , who put them to flight , pursuing them to the very gates , where many ( shut out for fear ) escaped some to another Gate , some to the Mountains . But then they began to overwhelm them with darts and shot from the Walls with terrible outcryes , and those shut out returned again to fight : they also within sallyed forth , hardly charging them : who gauled with shot from the Walls , and rent in sunder with the Ordnance , fled most disorderly ; for they were but raw Souldiers : Assan also sallying out , pursued the chase with his Turkish-troops and Moorish-foot : only some Knights of the Rhodes fought valiantly ( retiring orderly ) and Spinula with others , making a stand at a little Bridge , somewhat stayed the enemy , saving the lives of many . The hindermost Italians covered the fields with their dead bodies for half a mile ; chiefly those who fled toward the sea , who were slain by the Numidians , who beholding the ship-wrack were come down for prey ; but the foremost Companies fled in so much haste , that , no Leader performing the duty of an advised Captain , all seemed at once lost both at sea and land : only the Emperour was that day the greatest Captain ; for he in good time came on with the Germans , sending before 3 Ensigns to stay the flight , and guard his Camp beyond the bridge over the ditch ; but these ( as if afraid of the Turks white Caps , never wont to turn their backs ) shamefully fled for company with the Italians : then the Emperour galloping forth with his sword drawn , reproved them , setting forward with his Germans , stoutly speaking to them : When will you ( fellow-Souldiers ) shew your faces ? if now when you should fight , &c. in presence of your Emperour , you fear a few disordered and naked Barbarians ? Immediately hereupon they issued out against the enemy , who moved with their coming , stood a while , and began to retire : many of their men hasting to the sea-side in hope of a more certain prey , where no enemy was to be feared ; for the blustring winds had made such huge billows , that the ships put from their Anchors , fell foul of each other and were lost , or beaten in pieces upon the Main in sight of the Army , so that the sea-coast from Algiers to Cercello , lay full of dead men ; Horses and ribs of ships ; the Numidians coming down , and slaying all that came alive to land . In few hours was lost above 140 ships , and all the small Boats and Carvels . Some Galleys having from mid-night to noon next day , by painfulness and skill rid it out : being no longer able to endure the rage of the tempest , ran a ground , but the men swimming to land , were by the Numidian Horsmen slain . There did Freemen commend their lives and Liberty with tears to their own Galley-slaves , by their entreaty to be saved from the cruelty of the Numidians : yet most chose rather to abide che danger of the sea , than to hasten their end by the enemies hand ; whereby many Galley's were saved , which should otherwise have been run on ground : but the Jannetin ( Auria his Galley ) being driven on the sands , the Emperour not enduring to see so valiant a man slain by the Moors in sight of Auria , his Uncle sent a Captain with 3 Italian Bands to the sea-side , whereby the Moons were put to slight , and they in the Galley saved ; but many others trusting to the rescue of the Souldiers , ran their Galleys on ground : and had not some bold Captains with their drawn-swords threatned death to the Galley slaves and Marriners , most of the Galleys had likewise perished . Auria angry at the Emperour , for undertaking that great expedition unseasonably , strove invincibly against the violence of the tempest , bestowing some under the Hatches , who requested him to save himself whatever became of his Galley . Also 4 Galleys of Ursinus Earl of Anguillaria , & as many Rhodian tid it out . Some also of 〈◊〉 , Naples and Spain endured it ; yet was there fifteen great Galleys cast away , whereby , besides the losse of so many ships , the Tempest still enduring , the whole Army was utterly discouraged , for all their Victuals was lost , wanting Tents to shroud them in such perpetual rain and dirt , and a heavier care troubled them , doubting how to return home ; yet the notable courage of the Emperour still kept the distressed men in hope : who having assured his Camp , He commanded the wearied Captains chiefly the Duke of Alba , to take rest , comforting the wounded , and causing them to be cherished in the Tents yet standing ; not sparing any pains , being in his Armour and thorow wet . About 3000 men were lost , 5 being forward Captains , and 3 Knights of the Rhodes : but many more hurt . Shortly after , Auria foreseeing a tempest , departed with his remainder to the Cape Metafusium , advising the Emperour to march thither by land : who first commanded all the draught-Horses , then the Horses for service to be killed , and divided among the hungry Souldiers : they having plenty of the broken ships to make fire of : next day departing from Algiers , the sick and wounded being in the middle of the Army : and marching 7 miles , ( the enemy hovering about him ) he came to the Brook Alcaraz , which was now grown so high , that it was not to be passed over by a good Horsman : wherefore he there encamped in form of a Triangle ; two sides of his Army being defended by the sea and the Brook , & the other with a strong guard . Many adventuring to swim over , were carried away by the stream , & drowned ; wherefore a Bridge being made with Masts and Sayl-yards , the Italians and Germans passed over : the Spaniards foording it over higher up : after which , the Turks pursued them no further , but the Moors and Numidians following at hand , were easily repulsed by the Harquebusiers and field-pieces : yet on such sick and wounded as could not keep way with the Army , they shewed all manner of cruelty . Next day wading up to the breasts over another little River , they came in 3 dayes to the place of the Fleet , encamping in the ruines of the old City Tipasa , serving them in stead of a Fortress . The sea being now calm , the Emperour commanded every man to make ready to go aboard : first the Italians , next the Germans , lastly the Spaniards : but it was thought there was scarce Vessels enough left to receive the whole Army , though close crowded ; Wherefore he commanded all the horses , though of great worth , to bo cast over board , to the great grief of the owners : who said , they should also lose the most notable Race of Horses in Spain . But scarce half the Souldiers were embarqued , but the East and North wind , and then contrary-winds rose : whereupon the ships already loaded , without command , for fear of being driven on Rocks , directed their course with full sayls along the Coast : who were soon dispersed with 〈◊〉 Tempest into several Countries : some being in sight of their fellows , swallowed up in the sea , and 2 Spanish ships were driven again to Algiers , falling on the shoar , where the Numidians and Moors came running to kill them as they came ashoar ; for the barbarous people would not receive them to mercy : which cruelty the Spaniards 〈◊〉 , got to shoar , and standing close , desperately withstood them , who with their multitude quickly encompassed them : yet they made their way through them unto the gates of the City ; but seeing the Turks salley out , they offered to yield themselves prisoners to Assan , if they would assure them of life ; so Assan comming forth gave them his Faith , and beating away the Barbarians , saved them all , to his great gain , and commendation of clemency . Above two parts of the Germans were either lost by shipwrack , or dead of sicknesse . The Emperour over-ruled by Auria , sailed along the coast Eastward to Buzia : in whose Castle , kept by Spaniards , he found some fresh Victual , while he lay here for fair weather . A great Genuan ship laded with Victual , came into the Bay ; yet , through the violence of the Tempest , she was cast away upon the flats : yet part of the Victual ( half-spoyled ) was driven ashoar , well relieving their increasing want . The wind , of North , being come to Northwest , he sent away Gonzaga with the Sicilian and Rhodian Galleys , putting them in hope to adventure again to sea : So with a troublesome course , they soon came into the Port of Utica , or Farinas : where Muleasses hountifully relieved them , whence they safely landed in Sicilia . The rageing sea becoming calm , they reasoned in Council often , what course best to take ; but the wind coming fair at East , the Emperour sayled to the Baleares , thence arrived at length at the Port of new Carthage in Spain , greatly commended even of his Enemies , for his wondrous conrage and constancy in so many extremities . About this time the dissembled Friendship , betwixt Charls aod King Francis brake out into open hatred ; this thinking himself deluded by the other , who had fed him with vain hope of restoring the Dukedom of Millane : and lately abused by the death of Rinco his Embassador : wherefore he raised a great power in France , sending Charls his son with one part into the Low-countries , and Henry his other son with the other part , to invade Spain : setting on the Duke of Cleve in the Low-countries , and soliciting Solyman by Polinus his Embassadour , to spoyl the borders of Spain with his Galley's , while Henry was besieging Perpenna ; for which he was of most discommended , as too much favouring his own grief . Polinus passing by many by-wayes to Venice , and crossing 〈◊〉 , met with Solyman in Misia coming from Buda , first offering him a curious Cupboard of Plate , weighing 600 pounds , and 500 rich garments for the Bassaes and great 〈◊〉 . Solyman reading the French Kings Letters , and hearing what he had further to say , promised him he would not be wanting by sea or Land , to give him ayd in his just wars against Charls his enemy ; telling him , when he was come to Constantinople , he should have answer ( by his Bassaes ) . Of all Polinus chiefly desired him to send Barbarussa with his Fleet against next summer , into Provence , to be employed against the Emperour out of the French Harbour : also to request the Venetians to joyn in League with his Master against Charls , who began to be dreadful to them : when they were come out to Constantinople in the latter end of Decem. Solyman advised Polinus 〈◊〉 return to France , and to bring him certain word of the determinate time of undertaking those wars : and that he would the while , send 〈◊〉 to Venice , who would provide such a Fleet in readiness as he desired . He exceeding 〈◊〉 , speedily returned , with 2 goodly Horses and a rich sword , presents from Solyman to the French King : who discoursing with Polinus 3 days together of his proceedings , soon sent him back with full instructions of time and place , with other circumstances of the intended War. He coming to Venice , found not Junusbeius there : yet with Pellicerius the French Embassador Legier and others of that faction , he laboured with the Senators in behalf of his Master ; and having audience in the Senate , notably pleaded the French Kings cause , grievously lamenting the death of the Embassador slain by the Spaniards & bitterly inveighing against the Emperor's ambition . The Senate declaring the time for Junusbeius his coming , gravely answered , 〈◊〉 ' 〈◊〉 with the French King , ought to be an Ornament to them , but no burthen : the like they held with the Emperour , whom they would in no case seem to cast off , though they had been by him over-raught : that they were generally of opinion to preserve their peace , having in hard times of war endured great extremities , hardly to be recovered with long peace : whether 't were good for them to thrust themselves into war , being in League with 3 of the greatest Princes of the World. Junusbeius the while arrived there , requesting , that the League made by Badoerius might be confirmed : and requested only to joyn further courtesies to that amity which they held with the French King ; and the rather , because Solyman , accounting him for his Brother , had also undertaken to ayd him against Charls : but as to joyn in League , or in his quarrel to take up arms , he requested nothing : Wherefore Polinus and Pellicerius , thought the Turk , who had spoke so coldly in the cause , to be corrupted ; but it afterwards appeared , there was such equity and modesty in Solyman's Letters , that he would not then exact any thing of them , not standing with the good of their State , Polinus travelling by Land to Gonstantinople from Regusium whither he was transported , found all things more difficult than he dreamed of ; for the great Bassaes said , there could be no Fleet set out that year , he being come too late , the spring being past ; Polinus was exceedingly vexed with grief and care : Dixius also being come to carry newes into France of the coming of the Turks Fleet : who told Polinus , The Kings sons expected nothing more than their coming : Wherefore he wondrously tormented himself , cursed the froward and unconstant manners of the Bassaes , calling upon the Faith of Solyman , beseeching the Bassaes one by one , against their promise not to forsake the King , since by that delay his Majesty was betrayed , and a Victory now as good as gotten , quite marred . He was so 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 , that becoming rather loathsome than gracious unto them , they sent for him and his followers to Court ; Barbarussa sitting with them : who being entred the Council-Chamber ; Solyman Bassa , the Eunuch made a sharp speech unto them , telling them : In their Demands , was no equity nor Modesty : that they Frenchman were ever forgetful and negligent in the Turks dangers , but in their own alwayes mindful and diligent : shewing themselves friends to them when need was , not in deeds and certain ayd , but only in bare Letters and Embassages , instancing in particulars : and saying . A Fleet would be rigged in Winter , furnished and set forward in Spring : In summer was safe sayling and making war : Which that it might be so , they would for the Commonwealths sake perswade the Emperour : If 〈◊〉 be wise , saith he , to Polinus , take these things in good part , as friendly spoken , &c. This severe speech troubled him the more , because they seemed to be sent from Solyman himself , who was thought to have heard all ; for behind the Bassaes was a Window , where the Emperour ( unperceived ) might when he pleased , hear the complaints , and suits of Nations : and note the Bassaes manners : whose care was the greater , for fear of his presence , yet did not Polinus so give over his suit ; but by gifts to the Capiaga or chief Porter , laboured to be brought to the speech of Solyman himself . So being brought to Solyman's presence , he most earnestly requested him not to fail the King , of the promised Fleet : who was then invading his enemies in 3 places . Solyman expresly answered , The opportunity was past , not by his will , but by his late-coming ; but promised next spring to send unto his friend and brother , twice so big a Fleet as he had desired : with which answer he dispatched Dixius into France : whereupon King Francis , called back Henry his eldest son from besieging Perpenna . The Princes and 〈◊〉 of Germany , at the request of Ferdinand and the Hungarian Nobility decreed about this time , to take up Arms , for recovering Buda and other lost places : for they saw , if the Hungarians were not speedily relieved , they should soon be forc ed to fight for all they enjoyed , against the Turk at their own doors . Wherefore they sent out 30000 Foot and 7000 Horse , Joachimus Marquesse of Brandeburgh being General ; yet so , that to him were 8 others ( aged and experienced men ) joyned , by whose counsel he was to be directed . Ferdinand's power met them at Vienna : 〈◊〉 Governour of Stiria coming in with 10000 Horsmen : unto whom Seredius Bathor , and Perenus Nobles of Hungary , joyned with 15000 Horsmen : whither also Pope Paul 3d. sent 3000 choyse Footmen out of Italy , under the conduct of famous Vitellius . The Marquesse with his Army marched from Vienna , so softly that the Hungarian and Italian Captains said , The best part of summer was spent in loytering : chiefly Medices , who had perswaded the King , to be ready to set sorward with the first of the spring , before the Turks could augment their Garrisons : which wholsome counsel Ferdinand ( too much crediting his great Courtiers ) rejected , first expecting the assembly of all his Forces . At length they came to Strigonium : where it was reported , that Solyman fearing to lose Buda , was coming himself , or sending the General of his Europeian Horse , who never warred without 60000 Horsmen . Wherefore the Germans made no great haste , doubting how to return if they got not the Victory . Besides 't was thought , the Marquess purposed only to defend the bounds of Austria , and by shewing the strength of Germany to terrifie the Turks ; but it being certainly known that that report of the Turks Army was vain , and that there was scarce 1000 Janizaries and 2000 Horse come to Buda , the Turks Fleet also inferiour to the Kings : they set forward with more cheerfulnesse , much encouraged by the Hungarians , assuring them , if they would speedily march on , they should not find at Buda , any Turks worth the name of an Army ; for Solyman used to make war but every second year : Wherefore the Marquesse appointed to pass over Danubius : which Perenus Huganot and Medices liked not of , rather to hold on his way directly to Buda : but the General and his Counsellours said , The Souldiers would with much more coutage and cheerfulness endure the siege of Buda , if they had first beaten them out of Pesth ; so the Army by 2 Bridges with great labour made , was transported over . Then did Medices an Italian , the Kings Admiral take the Island of St. Margaret , a little above Buda , repulsing the Turks Fleet to the Suburbs of the City . The Marques to avoid the danger of the shot from Buda , fetcht a great compass , and came to the North side of Pesth ; for Buda standing on a Hill , and divided from Pesth only with the River , so commands all the plain thereabouts , that none can stir without danger on any side but Northward : Coming thither , he was told by some fugitives that Bulis Governour of Buda ( for Solyman the Hungarian was dead of the plague ) had in Garrison , 2000 Horsmen , & that Ulames of Bosna was come with 3000 more : whereto Amurathes had joyned another 1000 from Dalmatia : and that Segemenes was come with 1000 Janizaries , the other foot being but Country-people : also that their Fleet was 60 smal Pinnaces , 10 Galleys , & a few great boats : that Solyman had commanded them to defend Pesth & Buda to the last man , proposing great rewards to the valiant , to the cowardly extream punishment : and if need were , to send to Sophia for Achomates General of his European Horse ; Upon their approach the Turks issuing out , skirmished with the Hungarians ; but some few being on both sides slain they both retired . Next day , Vitellius coming nigh the City , to chuse a place for battery ; the Turks sallied out at 2 gates at once : the fight being begun with like courage & force , the Turks still sending forth supplies , forced them disorderly to retire , losing 4 Captains & 2 Ensigns : & had not Vitellius with one troop valiantly repulsed the Janizaries , the loss had been much more : Vitellius exceeingly grieved , and perceiving their manner of fight ; encouraged his Souldiers , requesting Perenus to be ready to joyn with him upon occasion : and going out of the Kings walled-Orchards ( where he lay encamped ) with 12 Companies , he commanded the rest to stand ready at all assays : so fetching a compass , marched toward the City . The proud enemy speedily sallying out , couragiously charged them ; whom Vitellius ( covering his shot with his pikes & stand standing close ) ; received by whose shot , oft on their knees , many Turks were laid on ground , while they desperately sought to break their order : when many Turks had come out of the gates , and divers come over from Buda to partake of the Victory , Vitellius ( of purpose ) by little and little retired : then the enemy with a great shout began more fiercely to assayl them , their Horse also clapping behind them ; whereupon , Perenus suddenly clapt in with his Light-horse betwixt the City and Turks : after whom followed Mauritius ( about 20 years old ) afterward Duke of Saxonie , with a strong troop of Germans . The Turks thus shut in , began to retire ; Vitellius coming on , charged them fiercely , and the Horse breaking in on tother side , made great slaughter of them : who run to the gates in such fear , that many thrust each other thorow with their pikes : divers being driven into the River and drowned , a 100 Janizaries , and 400 others being lost . Mauritius having his Horse slain under him was in danger to be lost , had not Ribische covered him with his own body till rescued , Ribische presently dying of his wounds . The battery was now presently planted , at first so far off , ( doing little harm ) though the walls were old and thin : the Ordnance also mislaid , either shot short or quite over the City ; the battery being removed nearer , a fair Breach was soon made in the wall . Vitellius first offered to assault it , so the Germans would presently second him , which they all by holding up their hands , promised couragiously ; but cowardly by and by , about to break the same : the Hungarians also promising not to be behind ; Segemenes receiving new supplyes from Ulames , had cast a deep Countermure against the Breach : and within that a strong Barricado , with Vessels filled with sand and earth : behind which stood the Souldiers in order with so much silence , that many thought they had been fled over to Buda . The signal given , 4 Italian Captains ran with their Companies to the Breach ; but while they set up their Ensignes , and wondring at the Fortification , were ready to leap down , they were suddenly overwhelmed with Arrows and Bullets ; yet Vitellius encouraging them brought them still on ; but the German Foot with their General stood still under the walls , the Hungarians retiring without looking on the enemy ; 2 Italian Captains were slain , and Vitellius his Nephew shot in the shoulder . The Turks repulsed and beat down the Italians : the idle Germans being more galled than one would have thought ; for there they still stood for shame : Wherefore Vitellius would in no case depart from the breach , that the Germans might not say , they stayed longest ; of whom he complained , he was cowardly betrayed . A Turk spake 〈◊〉 in the Italian Tongue : Why do not you , valiant Italians , spare your selves , and give place to those lasie Germans ? We all wish to spare you , and to beat the drunkenness out of their most cowardly heads , that they should no more hereafter provoke us . At length the Germans weary , got farther off : the Italians forthwith retiring , but very disorderly to be out of danger of shot : 700 were there slain , and many more hurt , who afterwards dyed of their wounds . All this while , the Marquesse and Huganot were not to be seen , till two valiant Captains finding them out , wished them for shame to appear , to comfort the Army : who consulted whether to forsake or continue the siege : most of the German Captains liking to be gone , though Vitellius & others spake earnestly against it ; but a Spy then bringing news ( either faigned or vainly believed ) that Achomates was coming to Dravus , the Germans resolsolved to return to Vienna : which made many old German Souldiers hang their heads for shame ; and the Hungarians to curse the Germans , and the hard fortune of their Nation , vainly wishing for a more couragious General . Segemenus early in the morning , sent out all the Horsmen , and after them some Foot-companies for a relief in retiring : who skirmishing with the Hungarians in many places , many of the most notable Souldiers on either side , regarded no other enemy , but him whom every one had singled out to encounter hand to hand . A notable Turk desired to see Vitellius : who being shewed to him , he ran to embrace him for his Honour , and departed . About 500 Horse encountred hand to hand , many being slain or hurt . The Turks perceiving the Christians to be departed , the night following , sallyed out , upbraiding them aloud of cowardise , and hardly pursuing their rear . Ulames , come from Buda , so eagerly followed them , that Vitellius made a stand , requesting the German and Hungarian Horsmen to turn upon them : who put Ulames to flight , slaying many in chase : then they passed on quietly : Yet 700 sick and stragling Germans were slain in sight of their fellows : who , thrice soyled by the Turks , returned full of heavinesse . The Army coming to Vienna was broke up , and the Italian's sent home , who most dyed by the way of Infection taken in the Camp. But to cover the shame of this unfortunate Expedition , Perenus was pickt out to fill mens mouths with : who , through envy of the Court , was for suspition of aspiring the Kingdom of Hungary , by Ferdinands command , apprehended in the Castle of Strigonium as a Traitour , and delivered to Medices to be conveyed up the river to Vienna . Liscanus the Spaniard apprehending him , took from him his rich Chain and Cloak : whereupon , above 12000 Hungarians presently returned home , cursing the Germans to the Devil . Perenus was one of the greatest Peers of Hungary , but most haughty and Magnificent , sometimes having almost a 100 goodly Horses led before him without Riders , and speaking too freely against the barrennesse of Ferdinand's Court : who , polled by his Courtiers , hardly maintained his State : Wherefore the other great Courtiers , conspiring his overthrow would also point at him ; saying He savoured of a Crown . Who as he had many Vertues ; so was not causelesly noted of ambition and unconstancy , as is before declared , First it was given out , that his son , who had many years been detained in Solyman's Court , as a pledge of his Fathers fidelity : was then , under colour of a feigned escape , come into Transilvania , agreeing with Solyman ; that his Father , should , by promising them all freedom , allure them to Turkish subjection : for which he should be made Governour of Hungary , and in hope to be made Tributary King , if the Child should die : Besides , he had very suspitiously , the Winter before , sent the Turks Captains great presents , receiving the like : Lastly , his Letters seeming to promise some Hungarian Captains , greater entertainment than agreed with his estate : all which , Ferdinand ( hardly conceiving ill of the Germans , but any thing of Strangers ) soon believed . Perenus being come near the Gate of Vienna , hearing Torniellus with other brave ones were come to meet the Admiral ; requested , he might speak to them out of the close Coach ( being opened ) wherein he rode : which was easily granted ; he seeming to those who had charge of him , unworthy of such suspition ; he made a lamentable speech unto them concerning his being apprehended : saying , As for the Kingdom of Hungary , he might well have affected it , and easily have deserved it of Solyman , when Ferdinand ( John being dead ) was preparing for that war ; at which time his friends & followers with the Hungarians love toward him , might have ministred no unreasonable or unseasonable hope to have drawn a man into courses , not wholly beseeming a Christian : wherefore ( saith he ) I have , and will ( while I live ) fight against the Turks , if King Ferdinand shall shew himself an indifferent Judge in this accusation , falsely surmised by the malice of mine enemies . The Admirall Medices , perswaded him to hope well in the most just King's clemency ; and soon after , he and Torniellus entreated the King while hunting , to deal favourably with him ; Yet Perenus could not obtain an open hearing , but was committed to perpetual imprisonment , either for surprision of new Treason , or for his old inconstancy . This end had the Warres undertaken by general consent of the Germans against the Turks in 1542. Ferdinand 〈◊〉 spent in vain , a masse of Treasure , and lost the opinion before conceived of the strength of Germany . Polinus in 1543. ceased not by all meanes to solicit Solyman to ayd his Master against Charls in Italy , Sicily , and Spain ; but he was so crossed by Solyman , ( then Visier ) that he almost despaired ; for the 〈◊〉 being a great Seaman , envied the honour of Barbarussa , protesting in Councel , he saw no cause why Solyman 〈◊〉 send out such a Fleet , but to serve Barbarussa's own turn ; but Solyman decreed according to his promise , to send his Fleet to the French King by Barbarussa : two dayes after which , Polinus was 〈◊〉 by Rustan Bassa , and Solyman the Eunuch ( for it was their Master's pleasure ) both joying of him for the friendship confirmed betwixt the two Princes . So after divers 〈◊〉 bestowed on him and his chief followers , Solyman at his departure , gave him great charge of his Navy , after the service done , to be again returned , delivering him Letters to King Francis , to the like purpose , telling him , all things should 〈◊〉 out , according to both their desires , if he took heed , that Charls did not again deceive him with the motion of a deceitful peace . Polinus returned from Hadrianople where Solyman then lay , to Constantinople , finding Barbarussa ready to put to Sea with 110 Gallies , and 40 Galliots : so setting forward , April 28. 1543 , he arrived first at Caristius , in Euboea : thence to Malea , and , cast by contrary winds into Lacedemon . Bay , staying nine dayes ere he could double the Cape Metapanium . Then from Methone , he came to the Strait of Messana , where , in sight of Rhegium , they began to land their men ; wherefore they of the City , fled forth for fear ; but the Castle was kept by Gaietane , a Spaniard , who refusing parley , slew certain of the Turks with shot : wherewith the rest enraged , fired the desolate City , sore against Polinus and Barbarussa's will , who sought for the Authours to punish them . Ordnance being planted against the Castle , a few shot so terrified the Captain , troubled with his Wives outcry , that he yielded it with all therein to the enemy : to whom , with his Wife and Children , he granted life and liberty , 〈◊〉 up the rest , and giving the spoil to his Souldiers : there was about 70 Spaniards , and many more Citizens , all carried away prisoners . Old Barbarussa becoming amorous of one of the Captains very beautiful Daughters , entring her into Mahometanism , made of her as his Wife , bountifully entertaining the Captain as his Father in Law , who came to see her at Hercules Port in Tuscany : Barbarussa came to Ostia , in the mouth of Tiber , so frighting them of Rome , that they were ready to forsake the City , had not Polinus by his Letters to Rodolph , Pope Paul's Legate in the City , in part stayed the sudden tumult . The Bishop was then at Buxetum , travelling in shew , with 〈◊〉 Emperour to make peace betwixt him and the French ; but secretly labouring to buy of him the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 , for Octavius his Kinsman , Charls's Son in Law : As Polinus comforted up Rodolph the Cardinall , so also them of 〈◊〉 and Ostia ; so that they brought the Turks all manner of Victuall , and sometimes four Sheep , or two Oxen , redeemed a Prisoner of Naples ; yet many of the weaker sort fled out of the City by night , though the Magistrates did what they could to stay them . Barbarussa laying there three dayes , and watring , passed along Etruria and Liguria , without doing harm , and so sailed to Marselles , where we leave him for a while . Solyman came with a great Army into Hungary , for the more assured possession of that Kingdom , sending Amurathes and Ulames to besiege Walpo , strong , and scituate upon Dravus , not far from Exek : after whom followed Achomates with his European Horse . This Town Perenus's possession , was by his Wife and her friends , worthily defended three moneths : at last , delivered to the enemy by the Souldiers , who when they could not perswade their General to consent to a yielding , took him perforce , delivering him with the Town to the Turks , who received him with all courtesie , but the traiterous Souldiers were all put to the Sword : the other Citizens being well used ; the Bishop and chief men of Quinque-Ecclesiae , not far off , now fled for fear , the meaner sort willingly yielding it to the Turks . Next strong Town was Soclosia , belonging also to Perenus , which ( divers Gentlemen , encouraging the Citizens to stand on their defence ) held out a while ; but after much harm on both sides , they retired into the Castle , hoping to save themselves by yielding ; but Amurathes was so offended , that ( promising them onely to come forth at their pleasure ) as they came out , slew them all to terrifie others . Solyman giving those Towns to Amurathes , departed from Buda to besiege Strigonium , kept by Liscanus and 〈◊〉 , two Spaniards with 〈◊〉 Souldiers . Paul the Bishop , got away betimes , despairing of mercy , who by Solyman's interposing had been reconciled to 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 again revolted to Ferdinand . The Castle stood on a high Hill , overlooking Danubius underneath it : the Walls were built after the old manner , before Guns were invented : wherefore , Vitellius and Torniellus , sent the year before to view the place , thought the City could hardly be defended , if besieged by a strong enemy , being also subject to a Hill not far off ; so that the old Garrison cast up new Bulwarks and Fortifications , and making great boast , seemed to wish for Solyman's coming ; but when he had with his Tents , covered the places round about , and brought a 〈◊〉 Fleet up the River , every man began to doubt of his own safety . This fear was encreased by Messengers from Solyman , who hearing of what Nations the Garrison consisted , sent three Renegates of his Guard , a Spaniard , Italian and German , to speak to their Countreymen in their own Language . They offered great rewards and 〈◊〉 , to such as would yield in time , denouncing all torture and extremities to those who endured the Summons of a Cannon . It was answered by the Captains , those faithful and valiant Souldiers were not to be won with Gifts , nor terrified with threats . The same day , the Ordnance was planted on the Hill before the Gate , and all the weakest 〈◊〉 of the Walls so well pickt out to be assaulted , that it s to be thought , the Christians wanted faith among themselves . Salamanca d strusting the Suburb's Fortifications , retired into the City , contrary to what he had boasted . Achomates 〈◊〉 that part next the Bishop's Gardens : Ulames , the Towre next the Gate toward Buda : the Asapi were brought on to dig Trenches , and cast up Mounts : the 〈◊〉 was so discharged without 〈◊〉 that the Towre , with much of the Wall near it , fell down , as if shaken with a terrible Earth-quake : the 〈◊〉 Janizaries also , fetching off any man that stood on the Walls : many further off being grievously wounded with Arrowes falling from high ; and the 〈◊〉 broken with the great shot , killed or maimed the Souldiers near hand : wherefore they forsook the uttermost Wall , casting up new Fortifications within . The enemy also , thrice desperately assailed the breach , but still with losse repulsed : Bultazes Sanzack of Selymeria , a man of great account , being lost . Many the while , who came up the River , with necessaries for the Army , went ashoare , and lay in the Suburbs with great security : wherefore they in the City , suddenly sallying out , slew many before they could arm , driving the rest to their Fleet : so that there was about 200 slain . Zymar the Persian Admiral , in rescuing them , being slain with a small shot . While the Turks did with greater force , daily assail the City , and the 〈◊〉 despairing of relief , more and more discouraged : an old Calabrian Engineer , fled out to the Turks , who satisfied them in all their questions , directing them in planting their batteries in the most convenient places . It fortuned , that a gilt Brazen Crosse on the Steeple of the Cathedrall , was by the Turk 's shooting thereat , at length beaten down : wherefore Solyman is reported ( taking it as a token of good luck ) presently to cry out , Strigonium is won . Liscanus and Salamanca secretly conferring together , resolved to give up the Town ; for Liscanus was no great Souldier , yet by spoil , exceeding rich ; and therefore thought it folly to buy the name of resolute Captain , with the losse of life and wealth : the like feeling was also in Salamanca . This secret purpose was noised among the Souldiers , a third part being slain , or weak with wounds or sickness : yet they thought generally , they were able still to 〈◊〉 the Town ; but the under-Captains , &c. flatteringly , liked the motion , rather to yield on reasonable termes , than to expose themselves to most certain death , and not better Ferdinands cause . Ere long , an Auncient was by night let down over the Wall , and receiving the Turk's faith , called forth Salamanca ; who coming out , went to Achomates , commanding , before he went , them who defended the Water-Towre ( of great danger ) for safety of their lives to get into the City : who hastily retiring , the vigilant Turks suddenly breaking in , slew such as were not gone , possessing the Castle ; but Salamanca , when he had stood upon many nice termes with the Bassaes , obtained onely , without delay to yield , and put themselves wholly on Solyman's mercy ; so being there stayed , he wrote to Liscanus , how he sped , wishing him , if he loved his safety , to yield the City without further termes . Liscanus hereupon , declared to the Souldiers , the necessity of yielding up , and what hope of life and liberty ; but whilest the angry Souldiers stood as in a doubt , Halis , Commander of the Janizaries came , not sternly requiring the Gate to be opened to him , according to Salamanca's agreement : which was done , and the keys delivered to him : they entring peaceably , possessed themselves of the Walls and fortresses , chusing all the beardless youths out of the Souldiers , commanding the rest to cast down their Weapons in a place appointedw ; hich they did , expecting nothing but some cruel execution : which fear , was the more increased by a strange accident ; for while with their Harquebusses , they cast their flasks of powder also , one of them suddenly took fire of a match , which firing the rest , blew abroad that heap of Weapons among the Janizaries : whereupon , they slew divers Christians ; till Halis , perswaded 't was rather by chance , than malice , commanded them to stay their fury . Then he proclaimed , that all Christians , who would serve Solyman , should have places answerable , with large entertainment ; yet were there but seventy , which accepted the offer , for fear of their lives : whom Halis sent down the River with the culled out youths to Buda : the other helped the Turks to cleanse the Castle ; but Liscanus was glad to give Halis the Chain of Gold he took from Perenus , he requiring it as of military courtesie , ( a strange Ornament with the Turks ) hoping thereby to save his other Coyn ; but when the covetous Coward was about to depart with his Horses of service , and Saddles cunningly stuffed full of Gold , the Turk laughing at him , took them also so furnished , saying , He who was to go by water , needed no Horses : The rest , were conveighed over Danubius : travelling to Possonium , where Count Salma by Ferdinand's Command , committed Liscanus and Salamanca and some others to custody , to answer their cowardly yielding up the City : which Solyman entred Aug. 10. 1543 , and turning the Christian Temples into Mahometane , first sacrificed for his Victory , as before at Buda , and speedily so fortified it , as if to take away all hope of recovery thereof : deriding the Germans negligence , who keeping it 14 years , had not fortified it . Solyman leaving Ossainus Governour there , sent his Tartarian Horse to spoil the Countrey , as farre as Alba Regalis , going himself to besiege Tatta Castle , 〈◊〉 terrified Souldiers , upon the first Summons yielded , and quietly departed : the Castle , ( the Turks keeping their Provinces under , by few , but very strong holds ) being presently rased to the ground : Torniellus causing Hanniball the Captain to lose his head for his cowardly yielding up his charge , thereby to admonish others . Solyman marched thence to 〈◊〉 Regalis , which stands more into the Land , than Buda and Strigonium , strongly seated in midst of a Lake , but not so wholsomly , especially in Summer . From the City thorow the Lake , lay three broad and high Causies , built with fair Houses , and Gardens on each side : at the end of every Causey , toward the Land , were strong Bulwarks , which the Citizens used not to watch , but in dangerous times of Warre : the City thus standing , and compassed about with a strong Wall , with a deep ditch alwayes full of water , was hardly to be besieged : wherefore a great number of people , fled into it with their Cartel , as into a most sure hold . There was two German Companies , and 200 Horsemen , with 500 Hungarian Horsemen , who , living by robbing , are infamously called Usarous . Tornicllus the Italian , sent in four Companies of Italians , the most forward in that service : Then came Borcocius Captain of the King's Guard , with a Company of Horse , as Generall : who no sooner come , but news was brought of Solyman's approach : wherefore he convened the Captains , with Birrous the Mayor , and other chief Citizens , what was best to be done ; but chiefly , whether the Suburbs were to be destroyed or not ? that the City might with lesse labour and danger , be defended . This question was seriously debated , and great reasons alledged on both sides : at last , the Citizens cryed out with one voice against the matter : of which opinion , was Serofactus , an Italian Captain , saying , both City and Suburbs might with like danger be defended , since both were equally fortified with the Marish ; and at the worst , the Defendants might safely retire into the City : at last standing up , he said 〈◊〉 Gentlemen , what shew will you give of your valour , &c. If you shall defend so famous a City , by deforming it your selves , &c. before the danger ? Verily ye shall do nothing , &c. un ess this City ( if God please ) be of you whole and sound , valiantly defended . Hereupon they all rose , the wiser yielding to the 〈◊〉 of the simple : Barcocius also , setting a good coun enance on that which liked him not ) declared to the Souldiers , the reasons thereof , exhorting them with the like valour , to answer that honourable 〈◊〉 , promising to provide all necessaries for a Victory , and 〈◊〉 those deserving of great rewards . The Suburbs were quickly fortified , the Ordnance conveniently planted , and Watch and Ward kept by turns , day and night . The Turks bent their forces onely against the Suburbs of the Gate , towards Buda , because the Lake was there driest , and the ground sandy , more unfit for Fortifications . Barcocius drew all the Italians and Germans into the Suburbs of that Gate , leaving the Countrey people in their places . At first , they sallying out , made light skirmishes for three dayes , without any great harm on either side ; but Solyman himself being come , and besetting the City far and near with his Tents ; they shut up the Gates , and sallyed no more out : wherefore the Hungarian Usarons , that they might not be coupt up , as they termed it , asking-leave for fashion , sake , by night departed , though entreated to stay , escaping thorow the Woods from the enemy . The Turks the while , being come with Winding Trenches , within shot , so scoured the top of the Bulwark , that none could appear but he was wounded : the Ordnance also soon battered asunder the Planks and Timber , which kept in the sandy mould ; and the shot flying quite thorow , slew and wounded many far off , the Asapi the while , in 12 dayes , making a way to passe over to the Bulwark and Suburbs , with Earth and Wood , brought thereby , in 600 Wagons , thought impossible to have bin done . The Ditches 〈◊〉 filled up , the Turks sought by force to enter the Bulwark : first the Asapi : then the Horsemen now on foot , covering the Janizaries , who on their knees with Harquebusses , sore gauled the Defendants : they fought above 3 houres with equal hope ; but the Turks still 〈◊〉 afresh , gained the uttermost Bulwark ; yet the Italian Fort was valiantly defended , the Women and religious helping ; and a tall Hungarian Woman , thrusting in upon the top of 〈◊〉 Fort , struck off two Turks Heads with a Sithe at one blow . This assault was Aug. 29. on which day they took Belgrade , and slew King Lewis , hoping to take the City then , as on a fortunate day , but they were forced to retire . Solyman 〈◊〉 , sharply reproved Abraham Achomates , and Halis , because , the Bulwark being won , they had not more couragiously prosecuted the Victory , &c. sternly commanding them to prepare for a fresh assault within 3 dayes , uever to return to him without winning the City : who answered , They would in short time accomplish his desire ; and encouraging the Souldiers , they terribly assayled the Rampires : and ( through a thick mist ) they got up to the top thereof with great silence , coming to handy blows ere they were well discovered . The fight was for the time terrible ; but the Janizaries at length put the Germans , then the Italians to a hasty flight , which 〈◊〉 availed , seeing they were to passe thorow a little narrow Gate ; and they in the City , without regard of them that fled , had plucked up the draw-Bridge over the Ditch ; so the Turks pursuing them all along those Suburbs , many notable men , some fighting , some fleeing , were slain ; Serosactus being one : Barcocius fleeing to the little gate not to be passed thorow on Hors-back , and crying in vain to have the great Gate opened , was by the Janizaries slain , whose Head and right-hand full of Rings , was carried about in derision on a Launce . The rest finding the little gate shut up with dead bodies , and the Bridge drawn up , threw themselves into the Ditch : where some taken hold of by others that could not swim , were drowned together . Some hardly crawling over , were shotwith arrows : others sticking in the mud , were shot to death also ; some few got over & were saved . The General of the German-Horse and Uscasades an Italian , gathering the remainder , placedthem on the Walls : but Birrous , the Aldermen and others , were now so overcome with despair , that they thought of no hope but in the mercy of Solyman ; wherfore Birrous spake from the Wall , safely to send to Solyman ; to treat upon reasonable conditions of surrender : which Achomates easily granted . The General of the German Horse , and Rufus an Italian ( the most valiant men in all the assaults ) went with the Embassadours : who requested ( upon yielding ) for their lives and Liberties : who so answered , as that it seemed all should not be pardoned . Rufus easily obtained , the Italians to depart with bag and baggage to Vienna : so did the German General for his . Rufus refusing to serve Solyman , as bound by oath to Ferdinand , Solyman Bassa gave him a rich Cloak in Honour of his Valour . The Embassadours returning , and telling their successe , freed the Citizens of a great fear . The City yielded : Achomates openly proclaimed , the Italians and Germans to be ready to depart next day , and to beware that no Hungarian went with them : the Citizens also to keep their Houses till they were departed : whom Homares faithfully defended against the roaming Tartars : losing nothing but their dags , carried at the Germans saddle-bow : The Turks delighting to see them shot off with a Fire-lock , as a Novelty ; but they ( after Homares departure ) had hot skirmishes with the Hungarians , in their passage , being rescued from danger by the Kings Garrisons : which remainder came to Vienna more like ghosts than men . Solyman entring the City , and visiting the King's Sepulchres : proclaimed , the Hungarians should not fear ; for he came not to Conquer them , but to free them from German-bondage ; so to restore that Kingdom entire to young Steven . But 3 or 4 dayes after , he called out the chief Citizens into a field , where condemned men were buried , as if to swear them to fidelity : whether they coming as to a solemn feast , the Tyrant slew them all ; yet some report , they were only such as bare Office when they revolted from the Queen , and Infant-King to Ferdinand , the rest being exiled to Buda and Belgrade . So leaving Balibeius the Governour , and Mahometes of Belgrade his Lievtenant , for the whole Kingdom , he returned to Constantinople . All this while , Ferdinand had no power worth speaking of to withstand so mighty an enemy . While Solyman lay at this siege , he sent his Tartarian Horsmen to spoyl the Country round ; about 3000 in divers places were slain by the Hungarians : one of them being taken , had half a child of two-years old in his Snap-sack . Barbarussa fretted exceedingly , that he had all this while layen at Marceilles , doing nothing : the blame whereof , he said , would be imputed to him : and that Solyman would take it ill to have it reported , that he had set out so great a Fleet , and so far off to help his Friend , and to do nothing ; also he took on like a Turk , that he should now blemish his former credit , by laying still all that Summer , where his Souldiers grew lazy ; Wherefore Polinus told the King hereof , bringing order to Barbarussa to besiege Nice a sea-City in Provence , pawned by a French King to the Duke of Savoy for a great summe of money ; which Francis had oft offered to repay , but could not get it out of his hands . He sent also 22 Galleys , and 18 ships of his own , with 8000 Foot and much Victual : 2 dayes after which , came Barbarussa also to the Port of Monoc with 150 Galleys ; whence Polinus wrote to the State of Genua not to fear , that Fleet being not to hurt so much as them of Nice , if they would yield : and for more assurance , had divers Genua captives freed out of the Turks Galleys without Ransom . Then he friendly exhorted them of Nice , to yield to their 〈◊〉 and Lawful Prince , rather than to adventure all extremities for that distressed Duke , between the Emperour & French King , spoiled of most of his Dominions , &c. The Magistrates answered , They knew no other Soveraign but Charls their Duke : wherefore he should desist further to solicite them , &c. Wherefore they besieged it in 3 places . They had lately new fortified their walls by Simeon Capt. of the Castle , and an experienced Knight of the Rhodes his direction : who for their more resolute withstanding the Turks , took their wives and children and the weaker sort into the Castle , thence furnishing the Citizens with all necessaries . The City being battered in divers places by sea and land at once , the Turks had much beaten a new Bulwark , attempting to enter : Leo Strozza with a Band of Italians , seeking also to enter , but they manfully repulsing both , caused them to retire , about 200 Turks being slain , and of Strozza's men 22. Barbarussa battered it afresh , so terribly , that their walls being opened , the Souldiers sore wounded , and no hope of timely relief : parlyed with the General from the wall , to yield the City , living under the French King in all respects , as they had under the Duke : for which he gave them his Faith : but fearing the Turks would violate this Composition , he entreated Barbarussa to cause his Souldiers to go aboard : Wherefore , the Janizaries deceived of their hoped prey , were about to have slain Polinus and Strozza comming from Barbarussa . The taking of the Castle now , consisted in assailing the Castle it self , and defending the City from salleys , and from an enemies raising the siege . Barbarussa put the French to choise which to take : Who standing in doubt , he scorning their slownesse , conveniently placed 7 battering-peeces , 2 being very great , in a trice to their admiration : wherewith he quickly beat down the Battlements and Sentinel-houses , so that none could appear on the walls : the French also bartered the Castle ; but through long shooting , Polinus requested to borrow , or buy powder and shot of Barbarussa : who fumed exceedingly , that they in their own Country should want provision , &c. not forbearing to taunt them , and oft complaining , that he was deluded with hope of great matters promised : threatning to lay hands on Polinus , who had brought him , where he must lose his Honour ; or , having spent his Ammunition , expose his Fleet to all dangers : Wherefore , calling a Council , He gave out , presently to return to Constantinople , seeing , among those cowardly and unskilfull men , he found nothing ready , or according to promise ; yet by entreatance and large promises , he was perswaded to continue the siege ; but presently Letters were intercepted from Vastius to the Captain of the Castle , to 〈◊〉 out a while , till he ( who had sent his Light-Horsmen before ) might come with his men at arms , who would in 2 days ( with slaughter of the Turks ) put him out of fear : Whereupon , such a fear came on the besiegers ( next night being also very rainy and Tempestuous ) that leaving all , and by narrow-paths , climbing over the High-Mountain , they came down to the Fleet ; but at day ( no enemy to be seen ) they ( ashamed ) came again to the siege : Ere long , when the Castle ( standing on a Rock ) was judged hardly to be battered or under-mined , they thought good to depart : the Turks then , taking the spoil of the City , set it on fire . Barbarussa retiring to Antipolis , came to Anchor at the Island Margarita : Vastius the Duke , with Auria , then arriving at Villa Franca . In which Haven's entrance , the Galley wherein Vastius went , was like to be lost : 4 other being , by Tempest driven upon Rocks , and so suddenly beaten in pieces , that the Galley-slaves could not strike off their Irons , but were drowned . Polinus hearing hereof , sent to Barbarussa , perswading him to hasten thither , as to an assured Victory ; who promised to go , yet moved 〈◊〉 , letted as was thought by contrary weather . But the wind fallen and sea calm , and he setting slowly forward , coming again to an Anchor : the Turks Captains scoffingly said , Barbarussa did but reason to deal kindly with Auria , who had received the like Friendship at his hands , in letting him escape at Hippona : who answered then and afterwards , only , That 〈◊〉 an old Commander and half-blind , 〈◊〉 more in the matter than all those green Captains with their sharp sight . Ere long he returned into the Haven of Tolon . Vastius and the Duke coming to Nice , commended Simeon , preferring the Turks Fortifications before the Christians ; Barbarussa , with all courtesie entertained , sent Salec and Assanes his Kinsman with 25 Galleys , who riffled some sea-Towns in Spain : taking great prize about the Promontorie of Creum ; and a Merchant-ship , and a Galley in Paiamos-Haven : passing to Algiers to winter , and at spring to return to Provence . Barbarussa that Winter repairing his Fleet , had many necessaries from the Genowayes : especially from Auria , and that under colour of redeeming prisoners : for he would not shew an enemies mind by denial of a little sea Furniture , lest he should have hurt his Native Country Genua . But Muleasses hearing of Barbarussa's coming with this great Fleet , doubted ( not without cause ) lest it was prepared against himself . Besides , five of his great Cities ( Constantina , Mahemedia , Mahometa , Leptis , and Adrumentum ) were then holden by the Turks : Wherefore about the time that he sayled along Italy , himself passed into Sicily to have met the Emperour at Genua for greater ayd against the Turks : committing the tuition of his Kingdom to Mahometes ( Manifaet ) to Govern the City ; Corsus or Fares to keep the Castle , whose brother Mahometes and son Fares were left pledges to Tavarres ( Captain of Guletta-Castle ) of his Faith ; but to his son Amiva , he committed the leading of his men of War. Passing out of Sicily , he was driven by contrary winds ( at length ) to Naples : being Honourably entertained by the Viceroy : The Citizens wondring at his people's strange Attire , with their costly Dishes , putting therein Odours of exceeding price ; so that a Peacock and two Fea sants dressed , cost above 100 Duckats : all dwelling near partaking of the smell . While he abode at Naples , ( the Emperour from Buxetum so willing him ) attending what course Barbarussa ( disappointed at Nice ) would take ; he was advertised out of Africk that Amida his son possessing his Kingdom , had slain his Captains , polluted his Wives , and taken Tunis-Castle ; Wherefore Muleasses exceedingly troubled , with all haste opened his Coffers , entertaining Souldiers : the Viceroy giving leave to all banished men to come and give their name to go into Africk : whereupon a great number of Malefactors and condemned persons flocked to Naples : of which infamous men , one Lofredius ( of a fierce and covetous disposition ) undertook the leading ; who having three moneths pay before hand ; leavying 1800 men , and keeping most of their pay , passed over with the King into Africk . Amida rose up against his Father by means of certain Noblemen about him , who ruled him at their pleasure : the chief was Mahometes son of Bohamer ( Manifaet ) in the Raign of Muleasses's Father , whom Muleasses reigning slew , by cutting off his privities , for deceiving him of Rahamana a maid of exceeding beauty whom he most passionately loved : for which Mahometes had long conceived a dissembled deadly hatred against him . Next was Mahometes Adulzes , whom Muleasses used to call his worst servant These two with others , gave out that Muleasses was dead , having first revolted to Christianity , perswading him quickly to enter into his Fathers seat , lest Mahometes his younger Brother in Hostage at Guletta , should by the hélp of 〈◊〉 be preferred before him ; for he was 18 years old , resembling ( every way ) his Grandfather , and therefore best beloved of those of Tunis . Wherefore 〈◊〉 came in post to 〈◊〉 , to lay first hand on the Kingdom . The people as yet hearing not of his Fathers death , marvelled at his rashnesse : Mahometes the Governour sharply reproved him of Treason , perswading him to return to the Camp ; and seeing him stay , thrust him out of the City : who got him into the pleasant Countrey of Martia : but the Governour got him speedily to Touarres , to know more assuredly if there were Newes from Sicily of the Kings death , complaining of Amida ; where staying somewhat long , and then returning , the Voyce went , he had practised with Touarres , to make Mahometes King ; whereby some Citizens ( hating the very name of Muleasses ) speedily certified grieving-Amida how all stood , &c. Who now revived , and encouraged by his followers , returned to Tunis ; and entring in at the open Gate , ran to the Governour 's House , who not at home , he slew all his Houshold , going presently to the Castle : Where , Fares , the Captain , laying hands on his Horses-bridle to keep him out , was by an Aethiopian thrust thorow with a sword : over whose sprawling body Amida riding , brake into the Castle with his followers , where he slew the Governour of the City : after which , murdering his yonger brethren , he polluted his Fathers Concubines . Muleasses ( landing at Guletta ) was advised by Touarres not to go to Tunis with so few men , before assurance of the Citizens good disposition toward him : being the more earnest with Lofredius : because the Viceroy had written , he should in no case go further , except the the King ( as he promised ) had also a good strength of 〈◊〉 ; but some Moorish Nobles fleeing under a colour , out of the City , putting their swords to their throats , and ( swearing to be faithful ) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them forward : saying , 〈◊〉 ( 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his Father ) would flee ; so they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 displayed ; Touarres requesting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Moors treachery . Muleasses being now descryed from the Walls , a strong Troop suddenly 〈◊〉 out with a terrible cry , and a fierce assail , many falling on both sides . Muleasses fighting couragiously , was wounded in the face , bleeding exceedingly , whose men doubting of his life , fled : a great number of Horse and Foot , suddenly besetting Lofredius round , out of the Olive Gardens , on whom the Italians discharged some Field-pieces ; but had no leisure to charge again , they coming on so thick and fast ; so the Italians , discouraged , let fall their Weapons , and cast themselvs into the Lake , to save themselves by swimming , and taking hold of small Boats , which furnished with small Pieces , did repulse the Moores pursuing them into the Lake with their Horses . Lofredius was unhorsed in the Lake andslain , as were divers with him . A few , chose rather to die in midst of their enemies , than to be strangled in the stinking Lake . Muleasses soyled with blood and dust , was taken : nothing bewraying him more than his odours . 1300 Italians were slain : Touarres relieving the rest , shipped them into Sicilie , who came to Naples exceeding poor . Amida , victorious , cut out his Fathers eyes with a hot Pen knife , to make him unfit for Government : so he served his two Brethren , taken with him . Then he certified Touarres , he would deliver to him a few youths , taken prisoners ; & that he had bereaved his Father of his sight , deserving worse , as having done the like to his Brethren , &c. confirming , upon conditions , his Fathers League with him : which Touarres refused not , as profitable at present ; for he was to give him money to pay his Souldiers : to deliver the prisoners , with the Ensigns and body of Lofredius , giving Sehites his Son , nine years old , in hostage for more assurance yet , Touarres safely to restore him , if they must needs enter into War ; but Touarres thought it not wholly agreeing with the Emperours honour , that he should enjoy the Kingdom , who treasonously and villanously , had thrust himself thereunto , without his leave . Wherefore ( there being among the Numidians , one Abdamaelech , ( an exile ever since Roscetes fled to Muleasses's Brother ) Touarres 〈◊〉 for him , putting him in hope of the Kingdom , supported by 〈◊〉 , a great Numidian Prince , who had long 〈◊〉 him : he was encouraged also by predictions of Astrologers , who foretold him , he should die King of Tunis . Amida was gone to Biserta ( casting no peril ) to take order for his Customs there great upon fishing : wherefore ; Touarres sent back Sehites in a Boat to Tunis , and received 〈◊〉 , secretly come thither , and after a few 〈◊〉 rest , he posted with 〈◊〉 Numidian Troop to Tunis , entring the Castle without resistance , the Warders thinking him to be Amidae , come from Biserta ; for Abdamaelech had 〈◊〉 their manner , covered his face with a Scarfe , as if to keep him from the Sun and dust . The Warders perceiving their errour , in making resistance , were soon slain by Abdimaelech's Numidians : who letting his many friends in the City , into the Castle , was presently saluted King , the rest well 〈◊〉 it , or not daring to stir . But this new King sickned , and died , having reigned but 26 dayes , and was royally enterred : whose friends encouraged by 〈◊〉 , chose Mahometes his Son ( scarce twelve years old ) to reign : 〈◊〉 Abdalages ( Maxiphaethis his Brother , whom Amida slew ) , Abdelchirinus , Mesuar , Schyrifsus , and Perellus a Christian Knight , to be his Directors and Governours ; but Abdelchirinus , devising how to set up one of the Royal blood , able of himself to govern , was by the other three slain , with all his Kindred and known friends : so setting up a kind of Triumvirate Government . Amida thus shut out , wandred up and down to many places , 〈◊〉 ayd of all to recover his Kingdom , miserably rent ( he said ) by most wicked men , tryumphing over the boy-King : which they of Tunis knew to be true , complaining of 〈◊〉 's death , whom they called the Father of his Country : 〈◊〉 the while , obtained of the young King some time to go out of the Castle to the Temple , 〈◊〉 colour whereof , he took Sanctuary , a most inviolate refuge to all as fled thereto , 〈◊〉 long , when Mendoza the Spanish Admiral , came to Guletta with his Fleet , Muleasses at Touarres's request , was conveighed out of the Sanctuary , to Guletta , to be present at a consultation , for the utter subverting of Amida , and driving the Turks out of some Cities along the Coast. Muleasses hardly escaped before at Tunis , an old Woman hiding him under a heap of Garlick ; and had he not now escaped to Guletta , he had again fallen into Amida's hands , who soon after recovered his Kingdom ( saying , he would not have spared him for reverence of any Sanctuary ) ; for the Citizens weary of the ill Government , and offended also with the King himself , for espousing one of Muleasses's Daughters , his Cousin , secretly encouraged Amida to repair to the City , &c. who came in such hast , that the young King had scarce time to get away . Amida easily obtaining the Kingdom , exercised most exquisite cruelty , causing some enemies to be devoured of fierce Mastives , first kept hungry : torturing Perillus , cutting off his secrets , and burning him to ashes in the Market-place . But Muleasses stayed not long at Guletta , offended with Touarres , who had avaritiously deceived him ( he said ) of a part of his Houshold-stuffe , pretious Stones , and some Treasure , with which he entrusted him ; for deciding whereof , they were commanded to repair to the Emperour in Germany : where in conclusion , Touarres was discharged of his Government ; and Muleasses sent into S 〈◊〉 to be kept at the common charge thereof : who coming to Rome , by the way , was honourably feasted by Cardinal Fernesius ; but would onely kisse Pope Paul's knee , not his foot . Barbarussa in 1544 , requested King Francis , thorowly to employ him , or to let him depart , offering to spoil all along the Coast of Spain ; but he knowing what hard speeches ran of him in all parts , for bringing in the Turks , was loath to leave such a slaughter to the memory of Posterity : besides , the Turks did much harm in the Province where they lay , being reported to snatch up now and then one , for slaves in their Galleys : wherefore , the King giving Barbarussa about 400 Mahometan slaves , for the Turks that were dead , with all kind of provision , and great gifts to him and his Captains , sent him away , and Strozza with some Galleys , his Embassador to Solyman ; so 〈◊〉 being come to Savona , the Germans sent Presents and fresh Victuals to Barbarussa ; for which , he protested not to hurt any of their Territory : thence sailing to Elba Island , belonging to the Duke of Florence , he wrote to Appianus the Governour by promises and threats , to deliver a Son of Sinan the Jew , there kept prisoner . Appianus shewing his men on the Walls , as not afraid , answered , The young man was become a Christian , and so might not be delivered to the Turks , but he would in any other thing gratifie him , and for his sake use him as his Sonne , sending him fresh Victuall and Presents ; but he offended , landed his men , commanding them to make what spoil they could , who hunted the people up and down the Rocks and Mountains , till Appianus doubting an utter spoil , delivered the young man to Salec , who brought him to Barbarussa gallantly attired , of whom he was joyfully received , giving Appianus great thanks . Barbarussa gave him Command of 7 Galleys , and afterwards sent him to old Sinan , at the Port of Solyman's Admiral against the Portugals ; but he overjoyed with the unexpected return of his Son for many years counted lost , in embracing him , fainted , and presently died . Barbarussa came from Elba , into the Bay of Telamon , in Tuscanie , taking , spoiling and burning the City , chiefly the House of 〈◊〉 , whose late 〈◊〉 body , he pluckt out of the Grave , and scattered his bones , for ( he being the Popes Admirall ) wasting his Fathers poor possession in Lesbos . He surprized also Montenum by night , captivating almost all the Inhabitants : doing the like at Hercules's Port ; but was repulsed from 〈◊〉 , by Luna and Vitellius , before sent thither ; yet having done great harm , and exceedingly frighted all Tuscanie , he landed at the Island Giglis , about 12 miles from Hercules's Port ; where , 〈◊〉 the Town , he carried away a huge number into captivity . Passing the Cape Linar , he had burnt Cantumcelle , for the same reason as he did Telamon , had he not been perswaded by Strozza , fearing his Masters further obloquie . Thence he came to the Isle 〈◊〉 , where , in the night , he intercepted most of the Inhabitants fleeing into the Mountains : and , in revenge against Vastius , about the Siege of Nice , he burnt three chief Towns thereof ; but Vastius's dwelling places , standing on a Rock , and somewhat from the Sea , he durst not attempt ; then doing lesse hurt along Prochita , because most of the Inhabitants were fled to Pithacusa , he put into the Bay of Puteoli , sending Salec to try if the City might be battered by Sea : who shooting into it with his Ordnance , slew Saiavedra , a valiant Spaniard , on the walls , putting the unprovided Citizens in great fear of the whole Fleet 's 〈◊〉 ; but the Viceroy coming with a power from Naples , Barbarussa discovering them , re-called 〈◊〉 . Then he was about to seize on Salernum ; but a sudden Tempest dispersed his Fleet , driving him upon the Coast of Calabria , where he did exceeding harm , chiefly at Carreato . Departing to the Isle Lipari , he miserably spoiled it ; so battering the City with 40 great Pieces , that they were constrained to yield : whom he carried all away ( about 7000 ) burning the City ; so he returned towards Constantinople , some Captives almost every hour being cast dead overboard , who were all shut close up together among their excrements , all detesting the hatred betwixt Charls and Francis , the grounds of these , and thousands of other calamities . He arriving at Constantinople , in beginning of Autumne 1544 , was honourably received of Solyman , and highly commended for his good service . Solyman , while tryumphing for his good successe in Hungary , was advertized of the death of his eldest and dearest Sonne Mahomet , whose body was brought from Magnesia ; and with exceeding solemnity and mourning , buried at Constantinople . Solyman not onely built him a stately Tombe , but a Temple , called the Temple of Mahomet the lesser : annexing thereto , a Monastery and Colledge , with many things more , for the health of his soul. After which , he ceased from Warres two years : in which time , Francis the French King died ; also Barbarussa , of great years and Fame in 1547 , buried at his own House called Bejactas , about four miles from Pera , on Europe side , where he at one time sold about 16000 Captives from Corcyra : he there also built a Mahometan Temple , yet with his Sepulchre to be seen , that place was called Jasonium : about which time also , famous Vastius , at 45 years old , died of conceit : at which time Charls the Emperour , concluded a peace with Solyman for five years : Ferdinand being included , which was broken by Solyman , at the request of Henry the French King , before its expiration . Ercases Imirza , King of Sirvan , through the often injuries of his Brother Tamas the Persian King , fled to Solyman , craving ayd against him . Solyman glad of the occasion , used him with all courtesie , promising to take his quarrel upon him ; And making all things ready , he passed into Asia , entring at last into Armenia , besieging the City Van , yielded to him after 10 〈◊〉 , on condition that the Persian Souldiers might with life , liberty , and Arms , depart . Thence he sent his chief Commanders to burn and spoil the enemies Countrey : who running far , strove as it were , who should do most harm : Imirza being as forward therein as any , presenting the richest things he got , to Solyman , to draw him on still in that Warre ; but Tamas , without shewing any power had ( as he was wont ) withdrawn his people far into the Mountain-Countrey , leaving nothing behind , but the bare ground ; so that , the farther the Turks went , the more they wanted , without hope of better success than formerly : wherefore the Captains and Souldiers , ( to end such a War , taken in hand for anothers good ) consulted either to kill Imirza , or disgrace him with Solyman : some cunningly filling Solyman's Head with distrust of Imirza's treacherous dealing , and others Imirza's with fear of danger he was in : they perswading the Hare to flee , and the Hounds to follow . Imirza doubting some sudden mischief , fled to a Chaldean Prince , his old acquaintance , who treacherously sent him in bonds to Tamas : who glad , cast him in prison ; and there murthering him , that none should in his behalf , prosecute the Warre , or by his meanes hope for Victory . Solyman was occupied a year and 9 moneths , in this expedition : the Turks enduring great troubles , and hard distresses by the Persians : till he weary , returned to Constantinople , having got neither honour nor profit . In the mean time , one Raises a notable Turkish Pirate , craftily surprizing the City Africa in Tunis , and also Mahomedia , there setled himself , exceedingly troubling the Christians by sea and land , chiefly those trading in the Mediterranean ; so that the Emperour moved , commanded the Viceroy of Sicily , and Anria , to leavy a sufficient power to represse him before he grew stronger . Whereupon they , ayded also by the Knights of Malta , passed into Africk , besieging the City , and making it saultable with battery : and hearing that Raises was coming to relieve it , they speedily assaulted it by sea and land , taking it in few hours , Sept. 10. 1550. many enemies being slain , the rest taken . Auria , considering the City was not without excessive charge to be holden there , razed it to the ground , carrying away 7000 Captives , and all its spoil : doing also , all harm he could with fire and sword all along the coast , that the Turks might find no relief , taking 12 prisoners out of Monasterium , and returning to Sicily . Raises thrust out of all , 〈◊〉 with a few to Solyman , and so incensed him with complaint of the wrong ; that he resolved to make War upon the Emperour and Ferdinand , though the 5 years-League was not expired . So comforting up the Pirate , the spring following , 1551. he furnished him with a great warlike Fleet , 140 Sail , Sinan Bassa commanding in chief , who arriving in Sicily , suddenly surprized the Town and Castle of Augusta , which they sacked . Thence they came to Malta , landing their men in the Port of Marza or Moxet , battering the Castle with Ordnance to no great purpose : yet some Turks running farther up , made havock of all in their way . A few dayes thus spent , and they valiantly repulsed , and in other places by Ambushments , &c. cut off ; they removed to Paul's Road , landing their Ordnance to besiege the City ; but perceiving small hope , and their men dyng through the extream heat , they went to the little Isand Goza 5 miles off , westward ( subject to the Knights ) miserably spoiling it , and carrying away of all sorts 6300 captives , whence they sailed to Tripolis in Barbary ( then kept by the Knights of Malta , given them by Charls ) for taking whereof , landing their Forces , they drew as near it as they could by long-winding Trenches , not without great loss ; for they of the Castle with continual great shot often enforced them to retire : yet they came at last within 800 paces of the walls : where the Bassa by night , planting his battery ; next day , Aug. 8. the Canon began to play , and was answered with the like , every hour some of the Turks being slain ; 4 of their best Canoniers were that day slain , with others of good account ; the well-beloved Clerk General having his Hand shot off : breaking one of their best peeces , and dismounting four others , which made them that day to leave the battery . Next night they approached nearer : the Christians ( in day-break ) sallying out to their very Trenches , and so retired . The Turks at Sun-rising renewed a more forcible Battery ; but the fire happening into their powder , 30 were burnt , many hurt , and one piece broken . At length , the Turks continuing a furious Battery within 150 paces of the wall , made a fair Breach : but they repairing by night what was beat down by day , it was not to be assaulted . Yet a corrupted Souldier , fleeing out of the Castle , declared to the Bassa the weakest places thereof , ispecially that against the Governours Lodging , which standing toward the Ditch , and Cellars to retire the Ammunition into underneath it , could not , if battered , be well repaired or fortified : Wherefore , the Bassa laying the pieces low , did easily so beat the Cellars , that the rampiers above the walls , greatly sunk , which so amazed the Souldiers , that they requested the Governour , since the matter began to grow desperate , &c. he would , in time , take some order with the enemy for their safety : Whereat , Vallier was exceedingly troubled ; which Peisieu the most antient Knight perceiving , declared , in the others name , unto them , that the Breach was defensible enough , if they would couragiously repair it : saying , It was more Honourable to die , fighting against the Infidels , &c. than to yield to the mercy of those , from whom 〈◊〉 cruelty was to be expected , perswading Vallier to hold out to the last ; yet he overcome with the importunity of those who would needs yield , consented , A 〈◊〉 Ensigne to be displayed , in token of parley ; whereto the Bassa willingly consenting , 2 Knights were sent out , offering him the Castle , so he would 〈◊〉 them with ships to bring them with bag and baggage to Malta : who answered , if they would pay all the charges of the Army , he would grant it , or all within the Castle to remain his slaves and prisoners : yet he would exempt 200 of them , if they would incontinently yield . But afterwards he solemnly , though dissemblingly sware twice ( first to the Messengers ) then before Vallier the Governour himself , whom by a subtile Turk he drew out of the Castle , and who had answered the Bassa warily , that they should all be delivered and set at liberty without paying the charges of the Army : which good news being reported to them , they ran in press who should first get out with their wives children and moveables : but , being issued forth , they were spoiled of all , and taken , part of the Knights being sent to the Galleys , the rest to the Bassa : whom the Governour ( minding of his Faith twice given ) he answered , there was no Faith to be kept with dogs : they having first violated their oaths to Solyman , at giving over the Rhodes , never to bear Arms against the Turks . Thus the strong Castle and City of Tripolis , was delivered to the Turks , Aug. 15. 1551. the Castle being spoiled , and about 200 Moors , who served the Knights , cut in pieces : with a great peal of Ordnance , and great cryes and shouts in token of Victory . Lord Aramont , the old French Embassador , sent again by Henry 2d . to Constantinople , came to the Turks Camp at the great Master's request , to disswade the Bassa from the siege , but not prevailing ; yet grieved at the faithless Bassaes dealing , he put him in mind of his promise by oath , at least to release 200 , as he offered : but 〈◊〉 still said , no faith was to be kept with dogs , &c. yet he freed 200 of the eldest and most unfit for service : of whom were the Governor and some old Knights transported to Malto in Aramonts Galleys , but hardly welcome for that cowardly surrender , Aug. 16. The Bassa for joy made a solemn 〈◊〉 , inviting the Embassadour and Vallier . It was kept in the Castle-ditch against the Breach in 2 stately Pavillions : one for the Bassa , the other for Aramont and his company , feasted with great 〈◊〉 of flesh , fish , and wines found in the Castle , with Musick , and above 100 Officers most in rich long Gowns : all the Ordnance of the Fleet being discharged . After dinner , Aramont and Vallier entred the Bassaes Pavilion , obtaining 20 more to be released upon the Embassadors promise of 30 Turks , taken at Malta , to be released at the Feast . The Turks bringing forth John de 〈◊〉 ( an antient Gunner of the Castle , who shot off the Clerk Generals hand ) into the Town cut off his Hands & Nose , and setting him quick into the ground to the waste , shot at him with Arrows for pleasure , and then cut his throat . The Bassa departing , left Raises Governour of Tripolis , giving him the Title of Zanzack ; whence he many years greatly troubled the Moors nigh him , by Land , and the Christians by Sea. That year , 1551. Solyman for all the peace with Ferdinand , at his going into Perfia , sent Achomates into Hungarie with a great power , who with Hala the Bassa took Temesware ( slaying the Garrison contrary to their Faith given ) then also Zolnock Castle , first forsaken , with other small ones ; but besieging Ersam , they were by the Defendant's valour , and winters coming on , forced to get into their wintring-places . Queen Issabel , seeing the Turks daily encroaching on that little they left her , by George the Bishop his advise delivered to Ferdinand the Government of Transilvania , with all the royal Dignity of Hungary , for Cassovia and 100000 Duckats yearly pension and so returning into 〈◊〉 ; but the Bishop ( made a Cardinal ) being suspected by Baptista the Italian , to favour more the Turks than Ferdinand , thereby to get the Governmeut , was by his device murdered at his own House at Veradium . Haly Bassa of Buda proud of his success , purposed ( in 1552 ) to besiege some chief Hungarians withdrawn into the Castle of Agria : so , aided by Achomates , Chasan , and others ready at his call ; he came with 35000 Turks , Sept. 10. round the Castle , beginning a most furous battery : , attempting also to undermine it . But all in vain , for the Hungarians by Dobus the Captain 's good direction , very manfully repulsed them , Sept. 29. they with 28 choise Companies gave a fresh assault , and were forced to retire ; 24 Barrels of Gunpowder firing , blew up divers with much harm to the Castle , and to the great dismaying of the Defendants , Octob. 12. they assaulted it fiercely from morning till night , leaving nothing unattempred ; but were forced at last with great loss to give other . Then he would by large promises and offers have bought them out ; but his Letters being scornfully burnt , he brought on his Souldiers most furiously again , but with no better success than before . So after 6 weeks siege he retired to 〈◊〉 , having battered the wall with 12000 shot , 6000 Turks being slain , and 300 Defendants : Ferdinand making the Captain Vayuod of Transilvania and bountifully rewarding he rest . Henry the French King , so wrought with Solyman by Aramont , that in 1553 , he sent a great Fleet into the 〈◊〉 sea , doing great hurt , that and the year after , on Calabria and divers Islands and places on the Emperours Frontiers ; yet were the Turks in most places notably repulsed by the people . In which year Solyman seduced by Roxalana then his imperious wife , not Concubine , and Rustan Bassa his son in law , murdered his eldest son Mustapha , the mirrour of the Othoman family : who was begotten on a Circassian Bondwoman , and for his towardliness and perfection , had in the greatest expectation and admiration among the Turks : while he thus grew , Solyman became amorous of Roxalana , Rosa ( or rather Hazathya ) a captive , but so beautiful and Courtly , that she soon was commandress of him : having made him a Father of 4 fair sons , Mahomet , Selimus , Bajazet and Tziander , and one Daughter married to Rustan , called Chameria : Mustapha embarring one of Roxalana's sons ( she thought ) of the hope of the Empire ; she procured him and his mother ( with a Princely allowance ) to be sent to govern Caramania afar from Court attended on ( after the manner of sons so sent ) with a Bassa , and a grave Doctor of their Law ; but she saw , Mustapha's utter destruction was not to be brought to pass without some Complices : pitching at last on Rustan ( her son in law , among many conceited of ) who was of a mean birth in Epirus , and though none of the best Souldier yet by dissimulation and flattery , grew to be the greatest man in the Court : and whom she knew was especially odious to Mustapha , for attempting to cut off some part of his allowance ( as he did the pensions and fees of the Officers and Servitours at Court ) thinking , if he obtained the Empire , he would not forget it . Having broke with Rustan upon the matter , she suddenly became very devout , and being exceeding rich , pretended ( as for the health of her soul ) to build an Abbey , with an Hospital and Temple , demanding of the Mufti or chief Priest , if such works of Charity were not acceptable to God , and available for her souls Health ? who answered , They were gracious in Gods sight , but not meritorious for her soul , being a Bondwoman , yet very profitable for Solyman's soul , to whom she and all she had appertained . Whereupon , she became wondrous pensive and melancholly , her eyes flowing with tears , & c. which Solyman perceiving , sent her word to be of good cheer , promising shortly to ease her of all her griefs , which he did , manumissing her from her Bond 〈◊〉 : wherefore she began those intended works : and hoping thus a good while , busied her self ; Solyman , not able longer to forbear her company , sent for her by an Eunuch to his bed-Chamber , to whom she with eyes cast-upward , demurely answered , All was at her Soveraign's command ; but to yield her body to him being now free , she might in no case do without the great offence of the High God , referring her self to the judgement of the Mufti , with whom she had fully conferred . Solyman ravished with her love , required the Mufti 's judgement : who agreed with Roxalana , aggravating the fact , if he should enforce her as his slave , whom being free , he might not touch unmarried ; Whereupon , he became a fresh Suitor to her for marriage ( the mark she aymed at ) and speedily ( contrary to the manner of those Emperours ) solemnly married her ; with 5000 Sultanyns yearly for her Dowry , who now became the greatest Empresse of the East ; yet Noble Mustapha , Heir of the Empire , in midst of her blisse , suffered her to take no rest : Wherefore she laboured cunningly by degrees , to breed in Solyman's Head , no small suspition of him , that he haughty , and generally beloved , & c. left nothing to be expected of him , but when ( as did Selimus ) he should lay hand on the Empire , and work his aged Fathers destruction . Rustan also omitting nothing that could be slily devised for disgrace or confusion of the young Prince ; for he secretly told all , 〈◊〉 Governours into Syria , that Mustapha was suspected by Solyman of aspiring to the Kingdom , charging them to observe his actions , & c. and to advertise him of whatsoever he should see or hear : and saying , The more odiously they should write of him , the more acceptable it would be to the Sultan ? Wherefore , he oft certified of his Princely disposition , &c. whereby he had won all mens hearts , saw plainly he would at length be preferred to the Empire ; yet durst he not adventure to tamper with Solyman , but still delivered the Letters to the malitious Woman : who ceased not upon occasion with pleasing Allurements to infect Solyman , that whenever he spake of Mustapha she might the fitter produce those Letters ; and with trickling 〈◊〉 told him in what danger he stood : recounting , how his Father Selimus had dealt with his Grandfather ; instantly ( as if out of a careful love ) beseeching him , to look to himse f ; but she little prevailing by those light Arguments of suspition , sought how to poyson Mustapha : and rich apparrel being sent him by her in his Fathers Name , he fearing , would not touch it before one of his servants had worn it . Yet was she still plotting new devices , and obtained that her sons might ( by turns ) be present in the Court : thereby , more and more to procure their Fathers love ; and if Mustapha should chance to come thither , that she might the better dispatch him ; if not , to expect some other fit time ; but he never coming ( as not having leave ) she devised that her sons should wait on their Father into the Provinces also ; so that Ttzihanger , surnamed Crouchbask , alwayes followed his Father in the Camp : at length , she got suspitious Letters from the Bassa ( who governed Mustapha and the Province Amasia ) that there was a speech of a marriage betwixt Mustapha and the Persian Kings Daughter : which he thought good to give the Council notice of . Rustan receiving the Letters , opened the matter to 〈◊〉 , both of them going and declaring it to the Emperour ; forcing their wits to fill his suspitions Head with the fear of his most dutiful son ; by their accusations so prevailing , that at length , he resolved to work his safety by his sons death : Proclaiming , almost in all his Provincos in 1552. that since the Persians invaded Syria , burning and destroying , &c. he was forced to send Rustan Bassa with an Army ( which was soon raised ) : commanding Rustan with what secrecy and quiet possible to apprehend and bring Mustapha bound to Constantinople : otherwise by any other means to take him out of the way . Mustapha hearing of his coming into Syria , made thitherward with 7000 of the best Horsmen in Turkie : Wherefore Rustan returned to Constantinople so speedily , that he endured not to see the 〈◊〉 raised by his men , much less his presence giving out : He heard the Province was in quiet , as indeed it was ; but he maliciously told Solyman , he manifestly perceived the whole Army so enclined towards Mustapha , that if he had attempted any thing against him by force he had been utterly forsaken . This raised in him new and great 〈◊〉 : Wherefore in 1553 , he raised a great Army ( giving out the Persians had with greater power invaded Syria ) and therefore he determined to go in person to repress the attempts of his enemies ) so coming at length into Syria , he ( by trusty Messengers ) commanded Mustapha to come unto him to Aleppo , where he encamped ; yet 〈◊〉 his close hatred against him perceived by great men about him : Wherefore Achamat Bassa , secretly gave him warning thereof . Mustapha himself also marvelling ; that his aged Father should come so far without apparant reason , with so great an Army ; yet , being innocent , though-much perplexed , he resolved to obey his Fathers command : thinking it more commendable to incur the danger of death , than , living , to be suspected of 〈◊〉 Loyaltie : and after much discourse with himself what best to do , He asked the Doctor ( alwayes in his Court ) Whether the Empire of the world , or a blessed life , were most to be desired ? who answered , the Empire ( on due consideration ) brought no felicity more than a vain shew of good , nothing being more frail than worldly Honour , bringing with it , fear , vexation , murder , wrong , captivity , and abundance of like mischiefs , whereby the blessed Life was to be lost , and not gained ; but those to whom God had given Grace rightly to consider these things , and striving against the Vanities of this world , and to embrace an upright Life , had surely a place prepared in Heaven , where they should at length enjoy life and 〈◊〉 eternal . This answer very much satisfied his troubled mind , foreseeing as it were his end approaching ; and so , hastening towards his Father , pitched his Tents in the open field , not far off from his Camp ; But this his hasty coming , the more encreased the 〈◊〉 : Rustan craftily encreasing the same . For he caused the Janizaries and chief men to go meet Mustapha , as if for Honours-sake : and the while , with troubled countenance , came in haste to Solyman , falsly telling him , that almost all the best Souldiers of the Army were without leave gone to meet him , he fearing what would ensue : Whereat , he became pale for fear , and going out of his Tent ( finding them gone ) he easily believed all to be true . Mustapha also , the 3d. day before his setting forward , falling asleep in the evening , seemed to see Mahomet in bright Apparel to lead him by the Hand into a most pleasant place , with most glorious Pallaces and delicate Gardens : and pointing to every thing with his finger , to say , Here they rest for ever , who have led an upright and godly life , &c. Then on tother side , to have shewn him 2 great and swift Rivers : one boyling with water blacker than pitch , and in them numbers of men , tumbling some up and some down , crying horribly for mercy : saying , There are all punished , who have been malicious workers of iniquity , the chief being great men of the world . He awaking , asked his Doctor what it might signifie ? who musing a great while full of grief , answered , This Vision was to be feared , as 〈◊〉 the extream peril of his life , and therefore requested him to have great care of Life and Honour : but he stoutly replyed , Shall I suffer my self to be terrified and overcome with childish and vain fear ? Why rather haste I not ? &c. and the more boldly , because I know I have alwayes reverenced his Majesty , never turning eyes or foot against his Royal-Seat ; much lesse affecting his Empire , except God had called him to a better Life ; nor then without the general choice of the Army , that I might without murder , bloud and tyrannie , well and justly reign ; and , in love and peace inviolate , live with my brethren , &c. So he came , as was said , to the Camp all in white , in token of Innocency , and wrote Letters ( as the Turks superstitiously do , when going to any dangerous place ) and , putting them in his bosom , came with a few trusty followers , with great reverence towards his Fathers Tent , to kiss his Hand : and remembring his dagger girt about him , entred not till he had put it off ; being come into the inner-Rooms , he was sutably received by Solymans Eunuch's ; but seeing but one seat , he perplexed , stood a while musing , then asking , Where his Father was ? who answered , He should by and by see him : and looking aside , he saw 7 Mutes ( strong men bereft of speech ) whom the Turks hath alway ready for the more secret execution of their Butchery , coming toward him : saying no more , but Lo my death , and arising was about to flee ; but , he was caught hold of by the Eunuchs and Mutes : and being drawn to the appointed place , they cast a Bow-string about his neck , he striving and requesting to speak but 2 words first to his Father . All which the Murderer heard and saw by a Travers on tother side , saying to the Villains , with a most terrible Voyce ; Will ye never dispatch what I bid you ? will ye never make an end of this Traitour for whom I have not rested one night this ten years in quiet ? Whereupon , they threw the poor Innocent on the ground , and withthe Eunuchs help drawing the knotted string both wayes , strangled him , he doing the like to his Son shortly after . But presently commanding his Bassa to be apprehended , and beheaded in his presence : Then sending for 〈◊〉 the crooked , bid him in sporting-wise , go meet his Brother Mustapha : which he ( ignorant ) hasted to do , as glad of his coming ; but when he came to the place where his brother lay dead on the ground , he was beyond measure tormented . Solyman sent to him , offering him all Mustapha's wealth with his Government ; but Tzihanger calling his Father ungodly Caint , and Traitour , and most highly commending Mustapha : said , Himself would provide , that none should so shamefully triumph over a poor crooked wretch , stabbing himself with his dagger , and shortly dying : Whereat , the old Tyger exceedingly grieved : His Body being Honourably buried at Pera. He forthwith commanded all Mustapha's riches to be brought into his Tent : which the Souldiers hoping for , hasted to perform ; but Mustapha's Souldiers , not knowing what was become of him , 〈◊〉 such a multitude thrust into their Camp without order , notably repulsed them , not without much bloud-shed . The rest of the Kings Souldiers hearing the stir , ran to help their fellows : so that in short time 2000 were slain , and more wounded : neither had the broil so ended , had not Achomat Bassa , a grave and experienced Captain of no small Authority , kept back the Janizaries , and likewise appeased the rage of Mustapha's Souldiers by gentle and mild words , and courteous perswasions : whereby they were so mollified , that they suffered all that was in Mustapha's Tent , to be carried into Solyman's ; but when Mustapha's death was blown about the Camp , another worse tumult arose ; They in a rage breaking into Solymans Pavilion with drawn swords : which so frighted him , that he was with extream peril about to flee ; 〈◊〉 being holden by his Friends , and making a Vertue of Necessity ; he went forth of his Tent , but with a pale countenance , speaking unto them : What broil is this ? &c. What means your fierce and angry looks ? know ye not your Soveraign ? Have ye resolved to stain your own and Ancestours invincible Honour , with the bloud of your Lord and Emperour ? They boldly answed , He was the man whom they had long before chosen ; but they had got and preserved for him a large and mighty Empire , that he should govern them virtuousty , and not lay his bloudy hands on every just man &c. and that they came thither armed justly to revenge the death of guiltless Mustapha , for which he had no just cause to be angry : protesting they would never lay down weapons , till the Accuser of him for treason appeared commencing his accusation judicially , upon pain of the like punishment , if he 〈◊〉 in proof . The late hainous fact made every man the while , to shed tears , so that Solyman seemed to be sorry for his murder : promising the Souldiers whatever they required ; yet lest he should slip away , and deceive them of what he had promised , they kept most diligent watch and ward : Wherefore to appease them , he deprived Rustan Bassa of all Honours , and of his Seal which he delivered to Achomates ; But Rustan , now in no safety in his own tents : secretly asked Achomates , what course best to take in so dangerous a case ? who answered , to do what the Emperour advised and commanded : Which was , without delay to get him out of his sight and Camp : which he said he could not do conveniently , being disfurnished of all necessaries : Solyman sent answer again , He were best to be gone for fear of further harm . Whereupon , the guilty Bassa , but with 8 Friends posted to Constantinople : where , with Roxalana , and other contrivers against Mustapha , he in great great fear expected the event . Mustapha was generally beloved , for his Vertues ; but of the Souldiers , most for his Martial disposition , and readiness to shed Christian-bloud : When in private or publike actions they fail of any great hope ; They use to say , Gietti Sultan Mustava : Sultan Mustapha is dead . When Achomates Bassa received the 〈◊〉 from Solyman ; he told him , as he did frankly bestow it on him , 〈◊〉 he would to his disgrace take it from him : who sware to him , not to displace him so long as he lived ; yet Solyman falling in dislike with him , and willing to promote Rustan to that the greatest Honour , to save his Oath , he resolved to put Achomates to death : whereof , he ( ignorant ) came ( as he was wont ) into the Divano ; receiving word from Solyman , he must presently die , the Hangman being ready to strangle him : whom he thrusting away with his hand , ( shewing no more trouble than if it had not concerned him ) looking round , at last espyed an honest man , whom he had often pleasured ; He earnestly requested him to strangle him as the greatest good turn he could devise , detesting to die by the Executioners hand : which he at last undertaking ; Achomates willed him not at one twitch to do it , but slacking the string agaiu , to let him once breathe and then dispatch him : being ( it seems ) desirous first to taste of death , and not to die all at once . Rustan was presently restored to the Visiership , which he enjoying about 6 years , died of the Dropsie . Solyman is reported to say , 'T was better for Achomates once to die , than to die 1000 times , in seeing his Honour bestowed on another . The Turks Galleys brought by the French into the Tuscane-sea did much hurt , in 1554 , and divers years after ; Then did Contarenus the Venetian Admiral , chance to meet with the Bassa of Calipolis ( who the year before had rifled certain of their Merchants ) and having greatly spoiled them , he ransacked Dyrrachium a Turkish Port in Dalmatia . Next year 1555 that Bassa recruited , surprizing the Isles Plumbis and Elba , subject to the Duke of Florence : and perswading Solyman to take Arms against the Venetians , who had broken the League . Then also did Haly by policy surprize Baboza-Castle in Hungarie , hoping to do the like to Zigeth Town and Castle : but his purpose failing , he in 1556 encamped before it with a great Army , June 13 : wherein was valiant Horwath , and a notable Garrison . During his terrible battery , they sallying forth slew many : yet June 20. they won the uttermost wall , hoping at the 6th . assault to win the Castle also : but the Christians sallying out , slew 800 of them , driving the rest from the wall ; yet the Turks with abundance of Carts laboured to fill up the Marsh and Ditches about the Town , which they also 〈◊〉 . The Bassa now perswaded them to yield on composition ; but failing therein , He beginning July 12. assaulted the City 5 dayes together without ceasing , still sending in fresh men , yet was the City notably defended ; so raising his siege , July 21. He in 6 dayes after returned from Quinqe 〈◊〉 , assaulting it afresh , but at last was glad to be gone , losing above 2000 , his best Souldiers , & but 120 of the Defendants being slain : He had battered the Town and Castle with 10000 shot found . The Turks the while , did what harm they could in the Tuscane-sea , miserably again spoiling Corsica ; for withstanding of whom , the Pope exacted of his people a great subsidy , stripping the Jews of their money , and seizing on their rich Merchandize ; at whose earnest suit Solyman wrote to him briefly : requesting him ( having called him most mighty Lord of the professours of the Messias Jesu ) to restore them their goods , that they might pay him his tribute : which if he should do , he should feel his favour . Haly Bassa grieved , besieged Zigeth again next year ; when as Ferdinand sent Polwiler and Count Serinus with a power to recover Baboza Castle : Wherefore Haly rose from Zigeth , and met with them not fat from Baboza : who after a sharp fight , put him to flight . Upon 〈◊〉 Victory , and young Ferdinands coming with new supplies , the Turks for fear forsook Baboza , Samartin , San-Lawrence , and divers other small Castles , 〈◊〉 to Quinque Ecclesiae ; the Governour of Zigeth , slaying many in their flight overthrew a Troop , and taking the money they were bringing for 〈◊〉 . Then also the Governour of Rab , or 〈◊〉 , burning the Suburbs of Alba Regalis , and driving away 1000 of Cattel : and at Sian overthrew 500 Turks , and as many fugitive Christians : so with little or no loss returning . Henry the French King , troubled with the overthrow of his Army by Philip of Spain , not far from St. Quintins ( Duke Montmomence the General , with his son and divers Nobles being taken ) solicited Solyman by 〈◊〉 to invade Naples and Sicily by sea , to withdraw the Spanish out of France : which , he ( offended with the Embassadours insolence ) refused ; yet commanding his adventurer's along Africk , to do what harm they could ; so that the Viceroy of Silily was fain for defence of those Countries to lay with his Galleys in the Port of Caletta and Naples . The Grand Prior of St. John's Knights in France ( brother of the Duke of Guise , General of the French in Italy , who upon the overthrow at St. Quintins , called rhence , soon after took Calis ) went Eastward with 4 Malta Galleys to wait for the Turks : meeting with 2 great ships of Merchandize , which he took , and by and by had a great fight with 4 Turks Galleys , sinking one , burning another , and taking the rest : but , in his return , 4 other great Galleys met with him , in revenge setting upon him : who seeing no remedy , encountred them : but before , losing some men , and 72 Knights laying sore wounded , he re urned towards Malta : one of his Galley's with 52 Knights being taken by the way ; yet he brought away the prizes , staying that Winter at Malta : then sayling into France to partake of long troubles shortly beginning . Solyman had now only remaining alive , Selimus , and Bajazet his younger brother , both men grown , but very much differing from each other , both in feature and disposition . Selimus ( most like his mother ) was secretly determined Heir of the Empire by his Father . Bajazet ( much resembling his Father ) was strongly supported by the 〈◊〉 love of his Mother , whom she would have preferred before Selimus , if it had layen in her power . Bajazet , not ignorant of his Fathers resolution towards Selimus : ( being comforted by his mother Roxalana and Rustan Bassa ) resolved rather to end his dayes by proving his Fortune , than upon the death of his aged Father , to be but jeered by his Brother , being already fallen out with him . He knowing the disposition of the people for the unworthy death of Mustapha : and some fearing to be called to account for their immoderate affection they had born towards him ; found out a notable bold obscure fellow who should take on him the name and person of Mustapha : from whose stature , countenance , and proportion , he not much differed : who came ( as if by chance escaping ) into a part of Thracia ( not far from Moldavia and Valachia ) best stored with Horsmen , and most Honouring Mustapha ( slenderly accompanied , as if , at first , not desirous to be known ) ; his followers rather fearfully giving them that asked , occasion to guesse , than plainly to tell them , it was Mustapha : neither did he himself much deny it , whereby the people were more and more desirous to know him . Afterward he began to give God thanks for his safe arrival there , telling them , that when he was sent for by his Father , he by his friends counsel , perswaded ( with great promises ) one mavellous like 〈◊〉 to go in his stead : who , before he was admitted to his speech , was strangled , and cast out before his Pavilion , the greatest part being deceived in the miserable dead man , who was much altered with the terrible pains of death : wherefore he presently fled but with a few , and passing above Pontus and the people of Bosphorus , was now come thither , where he hoped to find much help from his Friends : whom he requested not now to forsake him , or less to account him , disgraced by the malice of his stepMother , than they had in his prosperity ; for he was minded to revenge the wrong done him , &c. who had the Janizaries , with most of his Fathers family , and great multitudes on his side : giving out those things , at last , openly wherever he came . The same also did they report , whom he said were the Companions of his flight , confirmed by divers of good account , whom Bajazet had dealt with to that purpose ; so that a great number were hereby seduced . And Mustaphas followers who knew the deceit , yet blinded with fear , grief , and desire of revenge , were the first who offer'd their service to this Counterfeit : who kept with , or entertained , some with fair promises , some with courteous speeches , and many with Rewards ; which he said , he had still reserved . So in few dayes , enow almost for a whole Army resorted unto him . Solyman advertised from the Zanzacks thereabouts , of the danger like to ensue , and suspecting it was not done without the privity of one of his sons , reproved the Zanzacks by Letters that they had not in the beginning suppressed the same , grievously threatning them , if they did not speedily send that Counterfeit with his Complices , bound to Constantinople : promising to send them Partau Bassa ( who had married Mahomets Widow , Roxalana's eldest son ) with a strong power ; but if they would be excused , to dispatch the matter before his comming . Partau's squadrons of Court-souldiers , were not so many , as notably faithful : for the common Janizaries , standing in suspense at the fame , and expectation of some Novelty , favoured that broil . The Zanzacks began now to encourage each other to bestir themselves , and ( with all possible speed and power ) to oppose the attempts of this new-found Mustapha : by labouring to stay such as were comming to him , and to disperse those already come , by shewing them the danger , and threatning all the extremities : Partau the while , being come not far off , the Counterfeit's Souldiers , seeing themselves beset , a few slipt away , and afterwards every man fled whither he thought best : the Captain also seeking to do the like , was with his chief followers delivered by the Zanzacks to the Bassa : who sent them to Constantinople ; where Solyman by most exquisite torments , drew from them all the secret devices of his son Bajazet : causing them to be drowned in the sea , at mid-night , that his domestique , yea bleeding wounds , might not be laid open to his Neighbour Princes . Yet being greatly offended with Bajazet , he cast in his mind how to be revenged on him ; which Roxalana not ignorant of , when his fury was over-past , fell into talk with him about it , alledging in her sons behalf , the undiscreetnesse of youth , the necessity of the fact , and example of his Ancestours in like case , &c. That it was reason he should forgive him this first fault ; but if he should again relapse , time would be to punish him for both faults : that if he would not pardon him for his own sake , yet for hers , &c. requesting him to preferre Clemency before just Indignation : since God himself did deal with finners for most part in mercy , else all mankind would not suffice his wrath : And would mercy in any place be more fit , than in the Father towards his child ? promising , he should thenceforth remain in most dutiful obedience toward his Majesty ; the remembrance of which Fatherly forgivenesse , should be a stay to him for ever doing the like : which , and such like words , with tears and other gestures , so wrought , that Solyman resolved to forgive the fault : but he should come and submit , and receive from him his charge . Wherefore , she speedily and secretly advertised Bajazet , not to fear coming to his Father when sent for : assuring him , she had made his peace . Bajazet comforted , resolved to go when sent for : yet full of fear , oft looking back to his brother Mustapha . Yet he came to a common Inne at Carestan , a few miles from Constantinople , the place appointed ; for the Turk in these times suffers no son , when a man , to come into Coustantinople : Bajazet alighting , his Fathers guard were ready to receive him , commanding him to lay aside his Sword and Dagger . But his kind mother ( foreseeing in what perplexity he would come ) called unto him ( in passing by ) out of a little Casement , covered with a thin linnen-cloth : saying , Corcoma Oglon , Corcoma : that is , Fear not my son , fear not ; not a little comforting and encouraging him . But having done his duty to Solyman , he bid him sit down by him , reproving him of 〈◊〉 and want of discretion in taking up Arms , &c. And so having in other words also reproved him of disloyalty , pardoned him : and telling him , if t were his destiny to enjoy the Empire , it was not by mans power to be kept from him ( as ordained by God for him ) ; but if otherwise appointed by God , then were it a mad thing for him , to labour in vain against Gods will ; Wherefore , he should cease to rage and molest his brother and aged Father ; for if he should raise new stirs , no place of mercy would be found for his second offence . Ba jazet , rather craving pardon for his trespasse , than excusing himself , promised thenceforth to live most loyally : Solyman calling for drink for Ba jazet , who drank what he thought good ; doubting it might be his last , but his Father forthwith drank a good draught of the same Cup. So Ba jazet returned to his former charge , behaving himself with all dutiful and brotherly kindness from that time , 1555. while his mother lived , rather to keep her favour , than for any confidence in his Father , or love to his brother ; but she dying about 2 years after , he , by secret practises to make away his brother , and by open force entred his Province not far off , evil entreating some of his followers : omitting nothing tending to his disgrace , whom he wished ( of all other ) dead . He sought also to gain the Souldiers love by some favorites at Constantinople , passing thither himself upon occasion , secretly there lurking with those of his faction : Of all which ( chiefly by Selimus , his Letters , wherein he also advised him to have a care of his safety , &c. ) Solyman had knowledge : Wherefore , he by Letters put Ba jazet in mind of his duty , promise , and his courtesie towards him : that there would not be alwayes place for forgiveness ; and that , after his death , God would assign them both their Fortunes : But Ba jazet was fully set down to hazard all , rather than to be slain by his brother : yet answered his Father not impertinently , but his deeds agreed not with his saying ; Wherefore Solyman gave his sons to understand , that both of them within a prefixed time should remove their Governments farther off , Ba jazet from 〈◊〉 to Amasia , 〈◊〉 from Magnesia to Iconium : He commanded them both to remove , to seem indifferent , adjoyning this : that the farther they were off from each other , they should be so much the nearer in mind and brotherly love , &c. to do in any case as he commanded , and he who stayed longest should not be free from the suspition of contempt . Selimus made no long stay ; but Ba jazet hung back , staying a little way off , complaining of the unlucky Province of Amasia : stained with Mustapha's blood , &c. requesting , to Winter in those places where he was , or there from whence Selimus was departed : but Solyman would not hearken to him . Selimus with some Troops from his Father beside his own , returning and fetching a compass , appeared at his 〈◊〉 brothers back , marching towards Prusa , not without his Fathers privity : who thought it best for Selimus to stay there , the fitter to help one another : if Bajazet should , as was feared , turn upon either of them . But when he saw this contrary to his expectation , and that Selimus should be Heir of the Empire : He wrote unto his Father , accusing his Brother that he thereby declared how maliciously he affected him , only to aspire to the Empire ; and have a short cut over to Constantinople , if his Father dyed , which he gaped after : but otherwise , by secret Ministers of his Treason , to dispatch him , &c. yet this man , as a most dutiful son , to be much made of : whereas he , meaning well , &c. was not had in any regard , whose greatest request was but to shun an ominous Province . Then he prayed , requesting his Father to gratifie him , if it were but with that Province which his Brother left , or any other more lucky than Amasia , &c. However he was ready to go whither he should command : It 's the manner of the Turks , of the smallest things to divine upon the greatest ; but Solyman not ignorant of his sons teares , knew he sought but for a more fit place to raise new stirs in , nearer Constantinople . So Bajazet the while , augmented his strength , and whatever else served for his own defence , and impugning his Brother : which Solyman took as intended against himself ; but would not , by taking notice thereof , drive his too hasty-son head long ; knowing also , the eyes of all Nations were bent upon this discord : Wherefore , he answered Bajazet courteously , they should both do well to go to their appointed places , which he could not alter . For the rest he would so order it , that neither of them should justly complain : Partau Bassa was sent with this Message to him ; and Mehement with the like , to Selimus : who were commanded not to depart from them , till come to 〈◊〉 assigned places of Government . Selimus took it in good part , but Ba jazet thought nothing more unfit for his designs , than to have one of his Fathers greatest Councellours still at his elbow , as a Censor : Wherefore he dismissed him ( though unwilling ) with this excuse , that he would use him as his Patron , having none other to defend his cause in Court , promising not to be to him an unthankful Client ; and to carry word to his Father , he would ( above all ) have care of his command , if he might for Selimus : whose wrongs and treacheries he had much ado to brook . Partau assured Solyman of Bajazets very purpose : and , although he made shew to go to Amasia ; yet Solyman made all preparation against him , sending the Beglerbeg of Greece with his Horsmen , and Mehemet with some trusty Janizaries , to ayd Selimus : himself making semblance , as if he would have gone over : but the Court-Souldiers detested that War between the Brethren : saying , It might well be let alone , and not they to be forced to embrew their hands in each others bloud : saying , What Bajazet did , was to be excused as from necessity : which speeches Solyman declared to the 〈◊〉 as to a most sacred Oracle ; demanding How he was to be entreated , who of himself levyed Souldiers , and troubled the State of the Empire ; and what he deemed of his followers , and of those who refused to bear Arms against him : saying , He had not offended ? Who answered , That he and his partakers were worthy of death : and those refusing to take up arms , &c. as profane men to be accounted intestible . Which answer published to the people , was sent to Bajazet by the chief Chiaus , to see if it might move him : who in few dayes after sent to his Father by an intercepted Chiaus sent to Selimus , That he was in all duty his , but he had only to do with his brother , and with him to fight for his life , by whose sword he must needs die , or he by his , &c. Therefore , he should do best not to meddle in the quarrel : but if he would needs passe over to aid Selimus , he knew , if the worst came , how to escape : and would ( ere he could get into Asia ) spoil with fire & sword more then Tamerlane or any other : which not a little troubled Solyman , and it was reported that Axuar , where Selimus's son was Zanzack , was taken by Bajazet and sacked . But Selimus hearing Bajazet , was gone as far as Ancyra towards Amasia , being now out of danger on the way , hasted towards Iconium , kept with a strong Garrison for him ; for Solyman feared , lest Bajazet intercepting it , should get into Syria , thence into Aegypt , not yet forgetful of the Mamalukes Government : and therefore desirous of change : out of which open Countrey it would be hard to drive him out ; chiefly the Arabians being ready at hand : and whence he might transport himself into any Christian Kingdom : Wherefore , he also commanded most of his Asian Commanders , to be alwayes ready to ayd Selimus : with whom he lay under the walls of Iconium , attending Bajazets motion , and expecting more ayd from his Father . Bajazet the while , first entertained Chiurts Horsmen , supposed to be of the Gordions ( famous for their known 〈◊〉 ) laying in the fields by Ancyra , in whose Castle he put his Concubines and Children : taking up money of rich Merchants , to be re-paid with use upon the success of the war : taking thence also all needful Furniture for his men : Besides his own very great Family , and those Chiurts ; many repaired unto him both of valiant men and expert Souldiers , and an exceeding Rabble who desired some change : many were drawn out of pitty to him , who 〈◊〉 resembled his Father , but Selimus his mother , who was generally hated of the people : He went heavy with a fat paunch , blub-cheeked , and very red-faced : the Souldiers saying in sport , he was 〈◊〉 with green Malt , he was given to eate , drunkennesse and sleep , not courteous , who would not , He said , offend his Father , by being popular : so he was of all other men hated , he most misliking those who hoped in a bounteous and couragious Prince . They us'd to call Bajazet Softi , or one quiet and studious ; but now they began to admire him as a man of valour : asking each other : why his Father should reject him his express Image , preferring that gor-bellied sluggard , in whom no spark of his Fathers valour was to be 〈◊〉 ? saying , This was no fault in Bajazet , being necessitated to take up Arms : for , did not Selimus the Grandfather the like ? &c. yet this man , they said , intended no harm against his Father , nor yet his Brother ; if he might by his leave but live , he ceasing to do him wrong . By such affections , Bajazets power daily encreased almost to a full Army , who marched forthwith against his Brother ; for whose comming Selimus waited before Iconium , with an exceeding strong Army , and many notable Commanders : who lay covered , with their Ordnance conveniently planted ; But Bajazet , come within sight of them , exhorted his Souldiers to play the men , for now the time and place was come , where they should shew themselves couragious and valiant , and he would make them all rich and fortunate , &c. saying , It was only Selimus who withstood his welfare , and theirs , whom they should seek for as their common enemy , and not fear his multitudes : since Victory was to be gained not by number , but valour ; and the most mighty God was present not with the most , but best ; concluding , if they fought for his Honour , as they should see him do for their profit , he dared assure them of Victory : which said , he performed all the parts of a worthy Captain : so that he was alike commended of his own , and enemies . The battel was terriblo , many falling on both sides , 40000 Turks in all being slain , but at length the Victory enclined to the stronger , juster , and better Counsel'd-side . Bajazet retiring , but so leisurely , and without shew of fear , that he seemed well near to gain as lose the field : neither durst Selimus pursue him , being most glad to see his back . But Bajazet thus disappointed of his journey into Syria , began now in good earnest to go to Amasia . Solyman speedily hearing of the 〈◊〉 , passed into Asia , his great Bassaes now thinking it not good for him longer to stay , left Bajazets overthrow might occasion his secret Favorites to raise greater troubles : but hastily to pursue Bajazet , and not suffer him ( as his Grandfather Selimus ) to gather greater courage ; and indeed this battel got Bajazet great admiration and love , though unfortunate , who with so small a power durst encounter , and so behaving himself in fight ; men saying , Selimus might boast to his Father of the Victory ; but Bajazet deserved to overcome , &c. These speeches doubled his fathers care , encreasing his hatred ; so passing into Asia , he purposed not to go far from the sea-coast , but , as it were , a far off to countenance Selimus's proceedings : doubting ( by coming too near with his Army ) of the sudden revolt of his Janizaries . Augerius , the Reporter of this History , saw him depart out of Constantinople , June 1. 1559. who himself was sent for within few dayes , the Bassaes thinking it not amiss to have him in the Camp & use him as their friend who was assigned to lodge in an Inne near the Camp : he descryed the good order , & great quietness and cleanliness of the Turks Camp , who when they disburthen nature , dig a hole and bury it : Also their opinion of those dying in their wars , that no souls go more speedily to Heaven than of such , valiantly dying ; for whose welfare their maidens make daily prayers & vows : He also saw their Butchery , but very small , the Janizaries using a spare diet , & in their Fasts being very precise , preparing themselves to abstinence the day before : not , as a Turkish Embassadour reported of the Germans , saying , The Christians on certain dayes did riot & become mad , till besprinkled with ashes in the Temple , they came to themselves again ; meaning their disorder at Shrovetide , and the Ceremonies used on Ash-wednesday : whereat the Turks marvelled the more , as having many Medicines to drive away madnesse , but few or none which presently ease the same . While I lay here , saith he , one learned Albertus came from the Emperour , with Gilt-plate , and a rare Clock , carried on an Elephant , and Crownes for the Bassaes , presents for Solyman : who , that their friendship might the better be known , and that he needed not fear Christian Princes , would have them presented , in the Armies sight . But Bajazet retired to Amasia , as if he would there have lived quietly , if his Father would suffer him ceasing not by Letters and fit men to prove his mind : who at first easily heard the Messengers , read the Letters , and courteously returned answer ; so that it was commonly reported , the Father and the Son would agree ; but this was but ( by the Bassaes counsel ) dissimulation , till he had got him into 〈◊〉 hand ; fearing lest he , despairing of pardon , should break with such a power into Persia , as might prevent the diligence of the Lievtenants on those Frontiers : whom Solyman charged to 〈◊〉 exactly all passages . Solyman the while , torturing an making secretly away all in his reach , that were but suspected to take his part : and some , whom Bajazet 〈◊〉 sent to excuse themselves . Bajazet was often warned by some friends , not to trust his Father , but speedily to provide for his 〈◊〉 . But Solyman thinking he could now by no means escape , returned to Constantinople the day after their Easter ; but Bajazet upon the very Feast-day after its solemnities , trusted up all his things , setting forward towards Persia : who though he went to the antient enemy of the Othoman Family ; yet resolved to prove any mans mercy , rather than to fall into his angry Fathers-hands : some weak ones were left behind , amongst whom was Solyman , his son , newly born ( with his mother ) whom Solyman commanded to be nursed at Prusa . Bajazet used such speed , that he lighted on many appointed to stop him before they were ready or aware : deceiving 〈◊〉 Bassa of Sebastia by seeming Fugitives , telling him , he was gone the other of the 2 wayes , only to passe : and him of Erzirum under the pretence of desire of leave to shoo his Horses and refresh them , in his Territory ; who hearing he came still on , made all haste , joyning his Forces to the Bassaes , following fast after him : who with Zanzacks , were on pain of their Heads , to bring him back , alive or dead ; but he made more haste to flee than they to follow ; yet the Bassa of Erzirum was displaced , and afterwards slain by Selimus with his 2 stripling sons , in despight having abused them against nature . Solyman was grieved above measure at his departure , and would presently have gone against the Persian to terrifie him from relieving his rebellious son : but these raging fits , his grave Councellours for 2 weighty reasons , moderated . Bajazet , as he went , wrote on gates and doors , he would give double pay to those who would follow him : Wherefore the Captains distrusted their Souldiers , who also heard their often speeches of great love towards him . Being come to the River Araxis , he left certain followers upon the Bank to keep the Zanzacks , who still pursued him , from passing over , whom they repulsing , passed the River , entring far into the Persian Kingdom : till some Persian Nobles with great Troops , met with them , demanding what they meant and sought for in another Kingdom ? who answered , they pursued their Kings-fugitive son : they replyed , they did not well , against the League to come Armed beyond their bounds , &c. As for Bajazet , their King would consider what was meet for him to do ; in the mean time to be gone , &c. whereupon the Turks retired . King Tamas sent Messengers to salute Bajazet , to know why he came , and see his strength , which some reckon about 20000 : who declared , through his Brothers injuries and Fathers hard dealing , he was fled to the Persian-King , as his most assured Refuge , &c. but otherwise wholly destitute . The Persian replyed , He had done very unwisely , in respect of his and his Fathers League : being , to account the e-enemies of one , the enemies of the other , and on the contrary : yet since it was so , he was welcome as to his Friend , who would leave nothing unattempted to reconcile him to his Father , which he despaired not of . At their first meeting there was friendly countenance , often conference , and great Feasting each other : Also there was a motion , one of the Kings Daughters to be promised to Orchanes Bajazets son , and he put in hope that Tamas would never be quiet till Solyman made him Governour of Mesopotamia , Babylon , or Erzirum far off from both Brother and Father : where his Brother the Persian-King might be his sure Refuge from danger . Bajazet seemed by these speeches , so assured of Tamas's love , that when his Embassadour went to Constantinople for a reconciliation ( as was supposed ) ; He bid him tell Solyman , he had lost a Father at Constantinople , and found another at Persia ; but ( the while ) all things were plotted tending to his destruction : which being ripe , a motion was made , that it was more convenient to have Bajazets multitude , billeted thereabouts farther asunder , both for the better Victualling them , and other purposes also . And indeed Tamas ( unlike his Father Hysmaell ) was in fear of Bajazet ; yet many thought he was enforced to destroy him ( not at first so minded ) by reason of some of his followers : who perswaded him to thrust him out of his Kingdom , whereof there was many tokens : Tamas hearing also , that a chief Captain said , Why stay we to kill this Haeretical King , and possess his Kingdom , by whose treachery we shall surely be all destroyed , Bajazet might not ( then ) well gainsay the dispersing of his Forces : though many of his wise followers did shrewdly suspect the sequel ; They so being bestowed in Countrey-Villages where the Persians saw good : ere many dayes , they few and scattered , were enclosed and slain : and whatever they had , became a prey . Then was Bajazet and his sons cast into bonds ; and that ( as many say ) while merrily at dinner , at the Kings Table : who seemed to foresee , that it stood far better with the safety of his estate , that Selimus should raign , than Bajazet a couragious Prince , and much better Souldier than his Brother . Bajazet imprisoned , Messengers ran to and fro betwixt , Solyman and Tamas ; This sending the Turk curious Tents , costly Carpets , one of their Alcorans , and strange beasts by a solemn Embassadour , pretending to reconcile Solyman and his son : Solyman craving to have him delivered to him , and the Persian seeming to defend him : whom Solyman sometimes spake fair , minding him of his league ; otherwhile denouncing War , strongly Garrisoning all his Frontiers towards Persia , filling Mesopotamia and Euphrates 〈◊〉 with Souldiers : Mehemet the 3d. of the 〈◊〉 Bassaes , and the Beglerbeg of Greece commanding them ; inciting also the Georgians against the Persians : who answered , they were not so confident in themselves as to provoke Tamas : but when they saw Solyman himself in field , they knew what to do , &c. He made shew as if he would go in person to invade Tamas on the side of Aleppo ( who was somewhat fearful ) having proved Solyman to his cost ; but the Souldiers unwillingnesse ( many of whom without leave returned to Constantinople yet unwillingly going again to the Camp when commanded ) easily staye the raging Turk ; who perceiving that Bajazet could not be got alive from the Persian , excusing himself by fear of his revenge , if he should any way escape , thought best to have him there slain : which he hoped the rather , because Tamas lately wrote to him , He could not but marvel he dealt so slenderly in so important a matter : That he should do well now to send him men of account , with whom he might conferre and conclude according to the weightinesse of the cause : Bajazet having also been to him no small charge , before he could get him into his power : whereby Solyman perceived money was the thing sought after . Whereupon Hassan Aga , and the Bassa of Maras departed towards Persia in the depth of Winter , and with great speed , losing many followers by the way . Being come to the Court at Casbin ; they desired first to see Bajazet , close shut up , wan and pale & not to be known before he was trimmed ; and then Hassan knew it to be him , who was brought up with him from a child . But after long discourse with the King : it was agreed that Solyman should recompence all his charges and harmes , since Bajazet came into Persia , with a reward sutable to so great a good turn : and then Solyman might have him made away . Hassan posting to his Master , he forthwith made all ready , sending it to the borders of Persia by a safe Convoy , the Persians receiving it , Hassan coming presently after , and 〈◊〉 him ( with a Bow-string ) himself , as Solyman had straightly charged him , not being suffered to see his Children first , as he requested , as is reported : 3 of his sons , Omer , Amurat , and Selym , being there also strangled , whose bodies with their Fathers were buried at Sebastia ; but young Muhamet at nurse at Amasia , was now commanded to bestrangled also : the Eunuch sent , loath to do it himself , took with him a hard-hearted Porter of the Court , who coming , and fitting the string to the Childs neck , it swiled on him , and lifting it self up as it could , offered to embrace his neck and kisse him : whereat the stony-hearted man fell down in a swound , & lay for dead . The Eunuch standing without the Chamber , and marvelling at his long stay , goes in , where finding the Ruffian on the ground , strangled the guiltlesse child himself . So long as it was uncertain what success Bajazets attempts would have , Solyman spared the Infant , lest upon his good hap , he might seem to strive against the will of God : but his Father being dead , and his quarrel by the ill success condemned as it were , by the Sentence of the Almighty , he though not good to suffer him longer to live , lest of an ill Bird might come an ill Chick ; for the Turks judge all to be well or ill done by the good or bad success , though brought to passe , or endeavoured by never so bad or good means ; as appeared by a Chiaus in his talk with the Author of this History , who justified Solyman's Father , but exclaimed against Bajazet . This Year , 1558. the Emperours Charls 5th , who had 2 years before , delivered all his Haereditary Dominions to his son Philip : on Febr. 24. the day of his birth , by his Embassadours , resigned the Empire to his brother Ferdinand , requesting the Electours to confirm him therein , which they did March 13. following ; so as a private man in a solitary life , whereto he had certain years before retired himself . He died Sept. 21 after , living 58. and raigning 39 years : About which time also died Mary Queen of Hungarie , and Eleanor the French Queen , his Sisters . The Knights of Malta , had at length so prevailed with the Pope and King of Spain for recovery of Tripolis in Barbary : and the Island Zerbi betwixt Tripolis and Tunis ( then also surprized by the Turks ) whence they much troubled the Christians ; that the King made ready a great Fleet in Septemb. 1559. unto which , the Pope , Duke of Florence , the said Knights , and others , joyned their Forces , there being 100 Galleys and ships met together in Sicily , Gonzaga being General ; but whilst they wintred in the Haven of Marza-Moxet in Malta , many Souldiers died . Spring being come , the Captains consulted , whether first to set upon Tripolis , or Zerbi , otherwise Mening . The Knights thought best to besiege Tripolis speedily , before Dragut should come to furnish it . Others rather , first to invade Zerbi Island , where the Army might be relieved with plenty , and whence they might , in danger , safely retire , & thence go to Tripolis as time should serve : Which most agreeing to , in Feb. 1560. they sailed to Zerbi . Dragut the while being come to Tripolis with 800 Janizaries had also notably sortified the City , certifying Solyman of the Christians Fleets arrival : who at their first landing on Zerbi , were encounted by the Moors , whom they repulsed , and landed at pleasure . It is not far from the main , no River in it but boggs ond Marshes , and somewhat Hilly in the middle . About 30000 men inhabited it , dwelling in low Cottages , yet is the Island , reasonable fertile . The Christians sent for Carvanus thither , a poor King , from whom Dragut had taken it , to use his Counsel : & going with 8000 to besiege the strongest Castle in the Island , they lighted on 10000 Moors ; which lay in ambush in a Wood : 700 of whom being slain in skirmish by the Spaniards , ( who went foremost ) the rest fled ; so laying hard siege to the Castle , the Captain fled secretly with his Turks , leaving it for the Moores to defend : who ( to depart in safety ) yielded the Castle : three Spanish Companies being there left , Caravanus the Moor-King ( with the King of Tunis's Sonne ) came the while , to the Camp , sitting on the ground , and wisely discoursing with the Generall , how the Turks were to be removed out of Africk ; but suddenly , a Pinnace brought newes , that Piall the Turk's Admirall , was coming with 85 Galleys ( more repairing to him daily ) with a number of the Turk's best and most approved Souldiers ( for the Turks had a great opinion of the valour of the Spaniards : they were doubtful also of the long journey ; so many of them before setting forth , making their wills ; so that all Constantinople was in a confused fear ) . The Christians were not a little troubled hereat : yet they new fortified the Castle , agreeing with the chief Moore in the Island ( who had set up the King of Spain's Ensigns , instead of Draguts ) to pay yearly tribute to the King ( as before to Dragut ) 6000 Crowns , 1 Cammell , 4 Ostriches , 4 Sparrow-Hawks , and 4 blew Faulcons . But May 9th , the Master of Malta gave those at Zerbi to understand , that the Turk's Fleet was even at hand , advising them to get them to some more safe place , or come to him for fear of being by so great a power oppressed : whereupon , Auria the Admirall requested the Generall presently to come aboard ; but he for all that , stayed at the Castle , where they had built four strong Bulwarks , not yet all perfectly finished ; but whilest he is thus busie , next day , descrying the Turks from far , he hasted to be gone , with the Admiral , and was twice by a contrary wind , driven again into the Haven ; so that with much adoe , they got into the Castle ; for the wind brought the Turks so fast on , that the Christians dismayed , knew not well which way to turn ; but most of the Ships and 14 Gallies , were gone the night before , and the Master of Malta had called home his , in April : of the rest , some few Galleys escaped , others ran aground , 10 whereof , were taken by the Turks ; and the rest that were left , though they ( awhile ) did what they might to save themselves . The night following , the Viceroy and Admiral , secretly got away to Malta . Auria gathered together the remainder of the dispersed Fleer , having lost 17 Galleys , and a good part of the Ships . Don de Sandes was left as General in the Castle , with 5000 Foot , some Germans and Italians , but most Spaniards : besides 1000 , no Souldiers . The Turks besieging it May 17. were notably encountred , and repulsed in their assaults . Dragut came at length to the siege , encreasing the battery with 15 great Pieces . The Christians also with 40 great Pieces , slew a number of Turks and Moores , and sallying out , fought with them , slaying and wounding many . Thus the siege continued three moneths ; but in the Castle was but one great Cistern , which though yielding some store of water , yet was not enough to suffice so great a multitude in that hot Clymate and season ; but was sparingly measured our to the Souldiers , as far as it would go : which some augmented by distilling Sea-water , mingling it with their allowance , till they had spent all their Wood. Many half dead lying on the ground , gaping and crying , water , water , into whose mouthes , if any one powred a little they as revived , would sit up , till for thirst they fell down again , at length giving up the Ghost . The Governour considering the great extremity attempted with Doude Leyva , the Neopolitan Admiral , and Bellingerius the Sicilian Admiral , and others to escape by night , into a Galley under the Castle ; but , in so doing , were all taken : whereupon , the Souldiers , covenanting onely for life , yielded themselves into captivity . In this expedition , about 18000 Christians one way or other , perished . Psall sent newes hereof , by a Galley , to Constantinople , dragging ( as a token ) at its Poup , a great Christian Ensign , having the Picture of Christ crucified , the Turks exceedingly rejoysing for so great a Victory ; yea , many came by heaps to the Emperours Embassador his Gate , deridingly asking his servants , if they had any Brethren , Kinsmen or friends , in the Spanish Fleet at Zebri , saying , if they had , they should shortly see them there : bragging also of their own valour , and scorning the Christians cowardice , asking , Who could withstand them , now the Spaniards also were overcome . In September , the Victorious Fleet returned , with the prisoners , spoils , and Christians Galleys , anchoring that night near the Rocks in the face of the City . Solyman , from a Gallery near the Havens mouth , joyning to his Garden , beheld the coming in of the Fleet , De Sandes , De Leyna , and Don Bellingerus , being on the Poup of the Admiral Galley , to shew ; the Christian Galleys difarmed and unrigid , were towed at the tail of the Turk's Galleys : no man perceiving in Solyman's countenance , any sign at all of insolent joy : so capable was the great heart of that old Sire of any fortune . Few dayes after , the Captives ( almost starved ) were brought to Court : many could scarce stand , some fell down and fainted , others died : they were scornfully led in triumph , with Arms disorderly put upon them : the Turks insulting about them , promising themselves the Empire of the whole World , and asking , What enemy they were to fear , now the Spaniard was overcome : De Sandes was brought into the Divano , and demanded by Rustan Bassa , What his Master meant , being not able to defend his own , to invade other mens ? Who answered , that it beseemed not him to judge of it : himself to have done but his duty , &c. though he had no good fortune therein . Then he besought the Bassa on his knee , to speak to Solyman to spare him , for his poor Wife & small Children's sake at home . Rustan answered courteously , his Soveraign was of a mild nature , and that he was in good hope of his pardon : So he was sent to Caradines Castle ; but not gone far , he was sent for back again ; for the great Chamberlain had not seen him : whereat , he was much troubled , fearing the Bassaes would have put him to death . The rest , of the bettersort , were committed to Pera Castle ; yet the three chief aforesaid , were with much adoe , at the Emperour's request , and his Embassadors dexterity set at liberty , though Solyman had denied them to the French Embassador , an earnest intercessour ; yet the Mufties opinion was first asked : whether many Turks might be changed for a few Christians ? ( for 40 common Turks were to be freed for them ) who answered : some of their Doctors said it was lawful , and some , not ; yet himself then resolved on the more favourable part . There were two other noble persons taken at Bellingerius's Son in Law , and Don Gasto , the Duke of Medina's Son , yet a youth . Don John had ordered a great sum to be left in Chios , as the Turk's Fleet went by , whence he got into Spain ; but Gasto was by Piall ( in hope of a great Ransom ) hidden ; but Solyman having an inkling thereof by Rustan , laboured to have Casto sought out , to have a more just occasion to put Piall to death ; but Gasto was dead , either through the Plague or Piall's meanes , lest the truth should be found out : whose Fathers servants seeking for him with great care , he could never be heard of : yet Piall took occasion with a few Galleys , to wander among the Isles of Aegeum , as if he had something to do ; but indeed , shunning the sight of his angry Lord , lest he should have answered the matter in bonds : till at the request of his Son Selimus , and Suleiman Bassa , the Eunuch and Chamberlain , he was appeased , saying : Well , hath he from me pardon for so great an offence ; but let God the most just revenger of all villanies , take of him due punishment after this life . Busbequius the Emperours Embassadour , easily obtained of a Turkish Colonel , the Emperial Ensign of the Galleys of Naples , containing within the compass of an Eagle , the Arms of all Provinces belonging to Spain : an Ensign of Charls the 5th , by sending him 2 Suits of Silk , ( such as the Turks make reckoning of ) for it . Novemb. 25. this year , died Andreas Auria . 94 years old , of great fame and reputation , chiefly with Charls the 5th , in whose service he did much ; yet the notablest thing , was the kindness he shewed to Genua his Native Countrey , which he freed from French oppression : not taking on him the sole Government , ( as others had done ) ; but appeasing the great long dissention there , he established such a wholsom Government ( no mans liberty infringed ) as that it hath ever since flourished in Wealth , State , and Freedom . In 1561 , the Turks robbed and spoiled upon the Coasts of Italy , Sicily , and Malta , against whom Philip of Spain sending his Galleys , lost 25 by Tempest , with Mendoza the Admiral , Septemb. 18. Ferdinand the Emperour , having with long suit , and much intreaty , obtained peace of Solyman ; and being well stricken in years , commended to the Princes Elector , his Son Maximilian , King of Bohemia , to be chose King of Romans : whereupon , an Assembly of them met at Frankford ; and November 24 , they chose Maximilian accordingly , solemnly crowning him : who Sept. 8th , 1562. was crowned King of Hungary at Presburg . Unto this Assembly , came Ibraim Bassa , or Abraham Strotzza ( a Polonian born ) Embassador from Solyman , with Presents and Letters to Ferdinand , to confirm the aforesaid peace for 8 years : where having audience , after much speech in setting forth his Masters greatness with his love towards the Emperour , and his Sonne the new chosen King , he delivered his Letters of credence to the Emperour , notably shewing Solyman's most insolent pride and presumption , and miserable Estate of Hungary , divided as it were at his pleasure , betwixt him and the Emperour : laying down the several conditions of the peace to be observed : promising toward the conclusion , that he should give unto that new-made friendship , so great Honour , Reverence , and Authority , that what might even in the least things be had , should not on his part , be wanting : in token whereof , ( saith he ) we have suffered certain Christian Captives , to return unto 〈◊〉 without ransom , as thou requestedst by thy Embassadour , who could never have been redeemed , if in regard of this amity we had not granted them liberty : trusting thou wilt likewise set at liberty , such of ours as thou hast Captives . The gifts presented , were two naturall Crystall Cups , curious , and set with pretious stones : a couragious Horse , with a golden wrought Saddle , and Trappings set with pretious stones , and chains of pure Gold , and 4 very fair Cammels : the Bassa making excuse , that the Horse and Cammels had lost their beauty , being somewhat lean and weary , with 4 moneths Travel . This peace held firm till the death of Ferdinand , who about two years after July 25. died , ( being 60 years old ) in 1564. In whose place succeeded Maximilian his son . Then began the Emperour's Captains on one side , and the Turk's Captains , with the Vayuod of Transilvania , on the other , to surprize strong Holds in each others confines , in Hungary . Melchior Balas , first surprized certain Towns , on the frontiers about Transilvania : in revenge whereof , the Vayuod set upon Sackmarin , the Emperours Territory , which he took , with Balas his Wife and Children : wherefore , Balas ransacked and burnt 〈◊〉 , a great Town of the Vayuods . Ere long , the Vayuod aided with 4000 Turks , and 3000 Moldavians , did much hurt on the Emperours Frontiers in Hungary , taking Hadad , and besieging Ungar : wherefore Maximilian sent Suendi with 8000 men , besieging , and taking the Castle of Tokay , Feb. 5th , 1565. and afterward rich Erden . Solyman the while , to stay the Emperours proceedings , till he had better leisure to be revenged , ( for he was then preparing for Malta ) sent Lilinesius , a Renegate Transilvanian , his Embassador to Maximilian , to minde him of the League with his Father , &c. Whereupon , he commanded Transilvania , nor the Turk's part of Hungary , to be no more invaded ; yet while this Embassadour was at Vienna , the Bassa of Temeswar , made divers incursions , besieging Jula Castle with 6000 men , many Turks coming daily into Transilvania . Then also Suendi , by Messengers , wished the Emperour not to give credit to the Turks Embassador , who under colour of peace , sought but to take him suddenly , unprovided . But in June , the Transilvanians besieged Erden , before taken by the Imperialls , and after two moneths , had it yielded to them : Chernovich also , the Emperour's Embassadour , returning from Constantinople , assured him , that the Turks meant nothing indeed , but Warres , greatly preparing by Sea and Land : Whereupon , he raised new forces , divers Nobles coming to him with their followers ; and Romerus , a Knight of Malta , and divers of his Brethren , sent by Rochenheim ( their grand Prior in Germany , and then confirmed a Prince of the Empire ) . The Turks being then busie upon the borders of Stiria , and thereabouts , were oft cut off by Charls the Arch-Duke , upon advantage , 〈◊〉 3000 at one time ; yet was the Turk's Embassador at Vienna , intreating for peace , and so cunningly , that Salma a valiant Captain , having corrupted the Judge and others , of Alba Regalis , to have betrayed it , ( giving their Wives and Children as Hostages ) and was on his way from Rab ( but 8 miles off ) was by Post-letters called back by the Emperour , for corrupting the hope of peace ; the Turks afterwards , of 40 of the conspirators , impaled some on sharp stakes , hanging others on Iron hooks , by the jawes , till they were dead . The Turks shortly after took Neostat , which was ere long , recovered again . At the same time , a Turkish Spie was taken at Zigeth , who was sent from Constantinople , to view its strength and scituarion : who said ( before the Arch-Duke ) that Solyman would personally come at Spring , to besiege the Castles of Zigeth and Jula . Count Serinus took also other spies , by whom he was advertized of Solyman's coming : besides , the CountreyContributors to both parties , were straightly commanded to pay no more Contribution to the Imperials : whereupon , what Suendi had often written , was easily gathered to be true : Also the Turks made daily incursions into the Emperours Territories : wherefore ( being also warned by many letters ) put strong Garrisons into his Frontier-Towns , chiefly Rab and Zigeth ; but he likewise resolved to call ( against the next year ) a general Assembly of the Princes of the Empire at Augusta , for the better withstanding of the common Enemy . Solyman at that time , in revenge of the manifold injuries done to his Subjects , by the Knights of Malta , made great preparation by Sea and Land : whereunto he was much incited by Barbarussa's Son , King of Algiers , and Dragut of Tripolis ; and having understood in what forwardness things were , he called a great Assembly of his chief men , making known his minde in a speech for the invasion of Malta : calling the Knights crossed Pirats , whom utterly to root , he thought by God and his Prophets favour , he had now obtained leisure , which he wished for alwayes , 40 years : neither could any thing happen more pleasing or honourable , than before he died , to win Malta , and leave all things in order , in Hungary and Polonia . But some will say , ( saith he ) , Malta is nearer Italy , than the Rhodes , Syria , or Jerusalem , whence ayd may be easily sent , &c. Believe me , they will never fight with us at Sea , who have been there so often by us overthrown : nor can so small a place contain any great Garrison , or ( if it could ) could it long feed them , &c. After the matter well considered , and they which best knew the strong Holds , and manners of the Malteses , had declared what they thought most expedient , it was decreed speedily to set forward . John Valetta a Frenchman , Grand Master , being adverrized hereof , by his fit Intelligencers at Constantinople , was not afraid ; but assembling his Knights , briefly said , The enemy , with his insatiable ambition , strength , and mortal hate against them and the Christians name was known : wherefore they should by amendment of life , and religious worshipping of God , first reconcile themselves to Him , by which meanes , their Ancestors obtained many Victories against the Infidels in the East ; but since God usually helped not the negligent and sloathful , they must joyn those helps which their profession and the course of War required , consisting in themselves and other Christian Princes : saying , The cruel Tyrant should feel the sting of the Crosse , which he so much contemned , even in Constantinople , and his Houses of pleasure ; for , ( saith he ) we shall not have to do with him now in the Island of Rhodes , far from help of friends ' , inclosed with enemies by Sea and Land ; but in the eyes of Italy and Spain , in strong places , whence the enemy may be easily circumvented ; for which , let us not cease to pray unto Almighty God. This said , all present promised rather to lose their lives , than to fail the cause , or come into Solyman's power . Then was publique prayer made throughout the Isle , and three most expert Colonels chosen , diligently to provide for all . Warlike necessaries : by whose appointment also , the supposed hurtful Suburbs and Trees were overthrown : Letters being sent from the Grand Master to the Pope , and other Princes , requesting their ayd : Messengers also into divers places , certifying the Knights of the Order , and others of the Turk's preparation , who departed from Constantinople March 22 , 1565. And at Methone , Mustapha Bassa , 75 years old , and General , mustered the Army , 7000 Horsemen , called Spahi , 500 out of the lesser Asia : out of Mytilene 400 , Janizaries 4500 , ( whose Aga , or chief Captain , leaveth not the City , but when the Sultan himself goeth ) 13000 who lived of the Revenues of their Church , who had vowed their lives for their superstition : 1200 Horse from Thrace and Peloponesus ; and 3500 Volunteers out of divers Countries . In Piall's Fleet were found about 77 Galleys , Ships , and Galliots , beside one ship cast away near Methone , with 6000 Barrels of Powder , 1. 3000 great 〈◊〉 , and 400 Spahi . This strong Fleet arrived at Malta the 18th of May , and put into the Haven Marzasirock ; but not being there safe , they removed to the Port Maior . Malta layeth betwixt Africa and Sicily , and is twenty miles long , and 12 broad : looking to Africk Southward , and ` Sicily Northward , seeming to be called Melita , from Mel hony ; whereof it yieldeth plenty : it is in some places stony , gravelly , and bare of Wood , great Thistles serving for fewel : fresh water is exceeding scarce , their Wells filled with rain in Winter : in Summer being dry , or the Water braccy : the Inhabitants differing little in colour from the Aethiopians : their Buildings , except the City , in midst of the Island , being long and low , covered with Turf or Reed . It s rather to be thought from Act. 27. and 28. that Paul was cast upon the other Melita , between Corcyra and Illyria : the trouble and ship-wrack being in the Adriatique Sea , out of which , ' 〈◊〉 not to be gathered they were driven . That side of Malta towards Sicilie , hath many good Harbours and Havens ; two whereof , Maior and Marzamoxet are divided by a narrow piece of ground : on the head of whose high ridge stands St. Elmo Castle , of great strength . On the left hand of the Haven Maior , are promontories : on the first standeth the Gallows , whence it s named : on the point of the second , on a rough and high Rock , stands the most strong Castle of St. Angelo , the Town adjoyning , in which resideth the Grand Master , and the Souldiers in the Town or Burg : on the 3d , stands the strong Castle , or Burg of St. Michael . Valetta had to defend those three Castles and Towns , 1300 Mercinaries , Spaniards , French , Florentines , and Neopolitans : 1000 Seamen of the Knights Fleet , and 500 in St. Angelo , 5000 Countrey people , which fled into the strong places : 500 Knights , besides Priests and Squires ; ( for these 3 sorts are called Brethren of the Order . ) In the City Melita it self , was 200 Souldiers , and as many Citizens , with 300 Country Horsemen , commanded by valiant Vagno : Every place being furnished with whatever was needful for a long fiege ; and minds armed with invincible courage against all chances : 200 Turks going ashoare , met with Riverius & 8 Knights more , whose Horse being killed , and one Knight slain , they were all taken . The Turks returning with their Fleet to Marzasirock Port , landed 2000 Souldiers , and 5 field-Pieces , so intrenching themselves , Piall Bassa went to view Michael Castle , but for fear of great shot , durst not come nigh it ; yet they sallying out , skirmished with the Turks . Curfelinus , and but one Spaniard with him , taking an Ensign from them , and slaying a Sanzack with divers others : Piall being returned , the General in consultation , agreed with the Captains to besiege Elmo Castle ; and going up the Hill to view it , they were encountred by the Garrison Souldiers , some few being lost on both sides . Things growing hotter and hotter , Valetta sent Salvagus a Knight , in a Galley by night , to certifie Garzias , Viceroy of Sicily , how things stood , that he might the sooner come to their rescue . The Turks the while , cast up a Mount to batter the Castle , and beat the Galleys in the Haven Major , for their Fleet to enter ; but it was forthwith beat down again by thundring shot from the Castle , much abating their courage . 〈◊〉 came to them with 6 Ships , and 900 Souldiers : They cast up another Mount on higher ground , annoying with 3 great Pieces , not onely the Haven , but Angelo Castle , and with a rowling Trench , drew nearer and nearer to Elmo Castle : which , though at first hindered by the Defendants , yet at last , they brought to perfection , and soon so planted their Ordnance , that they batter both Elmo and Michael Castles . A Spanish Gentleman , then a slave to the Turk advertised Valetta of the Enemies purpose : who sent forthwith two Spanish Companies into Elmo Castle , a great strength thereunto . At length came Dragut long looked-for , with 13 Galleys , and 1600 Souldiers : 10 Galliots following him from Bona , with two Companies . Salvagus having done his Message at Messana , was commanded to return to Malta in a Galliot , conducted by 2 Galleys : who bringing him near the Island , returned ; but he in the 3d Watch of the night brake into the Town thorow the midst of the Enemie's Fleet , losing but one man : where delivering the Viceroy's charge to Valetta , he was sent that night , back again into Sicily : to request him with all speed , to send him supply : who soon arrived at Syracusa , sending thence in the two Galleys , 400 Souldiers , divers being Knights , and some skilful Canoniers : willing them to shun the West part of the Island , and passe by the East end thereof , farther about , but safer . Then he went to Messana , declaring to Garzias the danger , requesting 1000 foot : which with those already sent , he thought would hold out , till he might with his Fleet relieve them ; but while these things were slowly providing : the Turks June the 3d , assaulted Elmo Castle , hoping with short Ladders , to get over the Rampiers , nearest to the Castle-Bulwark ; but the Defendants having made a large strong Flanker , the Castle also helping them , filled the ditches with their dead bodies : who thrust still on with their multitude , till they had gained the Flanker : where they so speedily fortified themselves , that they could not be hurt : their Ordnance on the other side of the Haven Marza , driving the Defendants from the place , beating down the corner of the Rampire , and battering the front of the Bulwark . But night coming on , five thousand of the nine thousand Turks , tarried there , the Christians being forced to retire into the Castle . The Turks filling up the Ditch under the Bulwark , with Sacks of Tow and Earth , gave a fresh assault , 800 Janizaries and Spachi being slain , and many wounded , most of whom remained in the Ditch , where they perished : 45 Christians were lost , 5 being Knights of the Order . That night , Valetta sent 200 Knights , and as many Souldiers into the Castle : who , if they had been more , with the 400 there before , might perhaps have driven the Turks from the Rampiers and Flankers , and kept the place longer . But the grand Master , marvelled exceedingly , that no 〈◊〉 came ; for 〈◊〉 two Galleys ( through the Master's fear ) kept not the appointed course , he vainly affirming , he saw some Turkish Galliots before the Port Milleria , shaping his course to the Island Gaulos : which much grieved the Viceroy and others , especially Salvagus ; for he saw what would come to passe . Yet in the mean time , six hundred Souldiers were taken up at Rome , by Pope Pius the 4th , His Command , under Columna : whom his Legate Me dices accompanied ; and for example to other Princes , gave 100 l. of Gold to the Legate of the Order , with Gunpowder , and other Warlike necessaries . With these went many Volunteers , and that with a most ardent desire : who found John Auria and others , at Naples , with 36 Ships , wherein these Footmen being imbarqued , were transported to Messana , where the King's Fleet was providing . But the Turks , resolved to prove the utmost , before the slow Christians strength were ready , assuring themselves more easily of the rest , Elmo Castle being once taken : wherefore they began again to batter it furiously for four dayes , without ceasing : the night following , giving a great assault , almost gaining the top of the wall : the Defendants driving them down with such force , that they never durst set Ladder to the wall , till the last conflict . Dragut's Souldiers the while , upon a bravery , went to Martia Scala , ( betwixt the Gallows and 〈◊〉 . Thomas Road ) as if to do more than the rest ; but , they of St. Angelo sallying forth , they were glad after a great losse to retire whence they came : Bonnemius one of the Knights , and 7 others , being slain . Monferratus was then sent into Elmo Castle as Governour , instead of Brolia , sick through watching , and pains taking , who had oft written to Valetta , that he thought it unpossible to be won . The Turks not discouraged , battered the Castle with greater fury than before , and presently gave an assault , having made a Bridge over the Ditch , that ten men might go abreast : placing 4000 Harquebusiers about the Ditch , with their Fleet at Georges shoare , not far off : And hoping even presently to win the Castle . Beragamus a Knight , and Medranus a Spanish Captain , with others , ran to the Bridge with great admiration , opposing the multitude : the fight hand to hand , being on both sides terrible : a Turk advancing an Ensign on the Bulwark , Medranus laid hold on it : who in striving together , were both slain wth a Turks Bullet . Some of the 400 sent in a little before , thrust Barrels of Gunpowder under the Bridge , some cast down Wild-fire , Stones , &c. on the enemy ; others gauling them with Harquebusses . So the Bridge was burnt and blown up , overwhelming 800 Turks in its fall : the rest retiring , most being wounded : The Defendants having plucked down Mustapha's and Dragut's two Ensigns , set upon the very Battlements of the Walls . Toward the South-west , some Turks got up to the top of the highest Rampier , whom they of Angelo Castle , thinking to beat off , slew seven Defendants thereon ; but at the next shot , they rent in sunder , four Turks Captains , and twelve the most forward Souldiers : other Turks casting up a Trench on that side toward St. Angelo , they were soon driven forth by fire , &c. cast down upon them . They retired , having lost 2000 of their best Souldiers : almost 100 Christians were slain , and as many wounded The same day , Valetta had a sight Brigandine , carried over Land to Martia Scala , thence to send into Sicily , to certifie by Letters the Viceroy and Pope , what was done , and the danger , requesting speedy relief , saying to the Viceroy , Our lives lay in thy hands , on whom next unto God , resteth all our hope : wherefore , we most instantly request thee not to forsake us . Garzias greatly moved , seemed desirous to bring forth his whole Fleet against the Turks ; but seeing the supply of Ships from Genua and Spain , was not yet come , he sent Cardona with 4 Galleys joyning Robles Camp master , with a choise Company of Spaniards ; also 80 Knights went wth them , staying at Messana for a fit time to passe over : who letted by Tempest and otherwise , came not before Elmo Castle was lost ; yet served they in great ste●d . The Turks desperately renewed the fight , first thundering day and night with their Ordnance on the Castle , then assaulting the breaches , with an exceeding multitude and force , five houres endured that most terrible assault ; at length , the Turks repulsed , retired ; yet the night following , they did so beat the Defendants with their Ordnance , that they had much adoe to keep them from scaling the Walls : the Christians lost two hundred , and the Turks an exceeding number : Dragut himself , dying two dayes after of a blow in the Head with a stone : whose body was buried at Tripolis . The Turkish Commanders , more and more enraged with the Christians valour , and their own slaughter , commanded their Fleet to compass the Castle , purposing by Sea and Land , to send in fresh supplies , till they had taken it ; with great industry , preparing what ever was needful for the assault : which Valetta perceiving , and fearing they should not be able longer to endure such a fury , called his Knights together , requesting them to declare , what they thought best to be done for their safety : whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 delivered , a Decree was made , that 12 Pinnaces should be sent to fetch them away ; But first , 3 Knights were sent thither the night following , to tell them what was agreed on , and carefully to consider the state of the Castle , which if the Defendants thought was to be abandoned , then to poyson the water , and clay the Ordnance . The Knights , oftentimes shot at by the Turks , got into the Castle , declaring the care taken of them : who all gave thanks therefore , saying , if they considered the places straightness , the few Defendants and the enemies multitude , they should well perceive the danger they were in , if such assaults should be 〈◊〉 renewed ; yet since they had hitherto felt the help of God , present , &c. they , for all the most manifest danger of their lives , would keep it to the last man ; for perhaps the like honourable occasion to shew themselves in , 〈◊〉 never be offered , &c. requesting the great Master , not to be too careful of them ; but promise himself of them what beseemed resolute men . The Knights having diligently viewed the Castle , returned to Valetta , who with his Knights , heard the answer of the besieged , and would needs hear the three Knights Opinion : Castriot , thinking the place was still to be defended , &c. But Recca was of another minde , saying , If Julius Caesar were alive , he would not suffer so many valiant Souldiers to be lost , but reserve his men to further service . Medina said , he thought it not good , the place should be so easily forsaken , since the Ditches and Bulwarks were yet defensible ; and there being so great a consent among the Defendants . So it seemed good to the greater part , that they should for certain dayes hold out , that the enemy might see his pride abated ; for the Knights used not easily to abandon their strong Holds . But the Turks , June 23. in the dead of the night , battering the rest of the Walls yet standing , presently gave a most terrible assault : the Defendants beating down , repulsing , and slaying . Great were the outcries on both sides , mixt with exhortation , mirth , and mourning : it was now the third houre of the day , when still the Victory stood doubtful ; but the very Rock bared of Walls and Defendants , above four hundred being slain , a man could scarce appear , but he was struck in pieces . Montferratus the Governour , and Garas of Euboea , were both slain with one shot : yet the rest fought with greater force than before , overthrew the Turk's Ensigns , set up : slaying the Ensign-bearers , Captains , and Colonels : by which time it was noon , very hot , and men exceeding 〈◊〉 : the Ordnance never ceasing , and the enemy sending in fresh men : and so the Castle was won ; but it was a wonder , that so many should be 〈◊〉 of so few : the Defendants were every man slain in fight . The Turks , finding certain Knights yet breathing , and but half dead , cut out their hearts , then their heads from their bodies , 〈◊〉 them up by the heels , in their red Cloaks , with white Crosses , ( black in time of peace ) in 〈◊〉 of other Castles . Mustapha , commanding them afterwards to be bound together , and cast into the Sea : who being cast up in the Haven Major , were honourably buried by sorrowful Valetta : who , moved with such 〈◊〉 , put to the Sword all Turks before taken , casting their Heads over the Walls , and every one that should be taken , to be presently slain . From the first of the siege , to the taking of the Castle , were slain 1300 Christians , 130 being Knights of the Order . Valetta , though exceedingly grieved , yet seemed otherwise , because of daunting his Souldiers : telling them , nothing was happened unprovided for , or unforeseen : that it was the will of God , and chance of Warre , sometimes one , sometimes another , to be overcome , &c. so encouraging them : then withdrawing aside , he ( among many things cast in his troubled minde ) determined to write to Mesquita , Governour of Melita , to certifie him , the Knights at Messania , and the Viceroy , of the losse of St. Elmo , saying in his Letter , He for all that , thought it not lawful , to doubt of Gods mercy and power , though yet , he might complain , that they were forsaken of whom it least beseemed : saying , all their welfare consisted in celerity of relief from the Viceroy , bidding Mesquita to send him three Captains , with their Companies , and praying God to send them ayd from some place . Mesquita sent Codonellus a Knight , in a Galliot into Sicily , requesting him with all possible speed , to passe over with those Letters : Mustapha the while , sent a Messenger to Valetta , promising a Spanish captive liberty for going with him , to try if he would come to any agreement for yielding up the Town : whereinto the Christian being entred , ( the Turk waiting at the Gate ) declared his Message to Valetta , who was so angry at the name of composition , that had he not been a Christian , he would presently have hanged him : giving him his choyce , either to tarry still in the Town , or to go tell his Companion , if he packed not quickly away , he would send him farther off with a great shot . The Turk returning with this answer , Mustapha , enraged , protested , never to forbear any kind of cruelty against the Christians . One Philip , of the Grecian Family of Lascaris , then with Mastapha , ( who had been courteously used by the Christians in Patras , by whom he was taken prisoner of a boy ) had oft attempted to flee to St. Michaels Castle , at length , July 1. he swum to the Castle , being many times shot at by the Turk's Arrowes , and small shot . He revealed to Valetta , many of the enemies secrets , 〈◊〉 him , how to srustrate the enemies purpose , for assailing Michaels point , with other things , no small help to the Defendants , fighting himself valiantly during the Siege . Codonellus , coming safely to Messana , found the Christian Fleet not ready : wherefore , the Knights , after debate , resolved by all meanes possible , to help their Brethren : choosing two Generalls of their own fellows , the Commanders of Messana and Baroli , who declared to Garzias , what the Knights of their Order had done for the King of Spain and the Christian Commonweale , and what charge they had been at the year before , in the Pinionian expedition ; beseeching him also to consider , of what concernment the losse of Malta was : therefore requesting of him four thousand Footmen , with whom all the Knights there , and many Volunteers would make all speed to relieve the besieged . But whilest the Viceroy considereth of an answer , a Messenger came from Spain ; whereupon , he answered , he could not grant their request ; for so he should disfurnish his Fleet ; but they might transport the Knights , with part of the Bishop's Souldiers , with their own two Galleys , to whom he would joyn another . Those four Galleys aforementioned , with the eighty Knights , and six hundred Souldiers , ( through a great tempest , hindering the Frigot's return , which they sent to see whether Elmo Castle were still holden ; and afterwards , by mistrusting a fire , which they saw within two Leagues , where they thought to land , ( which yet was made as a sign , that they might without fear , come forward ) arrived not at the black Rocks , on the South side of the Island , till June the 29 , about midnight , getting unseen to the 〈◊〉 Malta , there expecting what Valetta should command : in the mean time , a great fogge ( seldom there chancing ) arising , a Boy looked out of a Window in the Castle , crying out ( as afraid ) that he saw a Turk going from the City , to Michaels Castle : wherefore some of the Knights running out , found a Greek of the City , who upon examination ( for none 〈◊〉 to go forth without a Passe ) confessed , he intended to give the Turks notice of those Souldiers coming , that they might be intercepted as they came to the grand Master ; for which , he was cut in four Pieces . Three dayes after , in the first Watch , they came safely to Valetta , except two or three Boyes , who charged with Armour and Baggage , could not keep way with the rest , The besieged , incredibly rejoyced at their coming , chiefly Valetta : who with teares trickling down , and eyes caft up to Heaven , said , I thank thee ( O Heavenly Father ) which hearest my prayers , and forsakest not this thy little Flock , beset round with most ravening Wolves : these are the works of thine everlasting goodness , mercy , and providence . Valetta easily granting their desire , to be put into St. Michaels Town ; ( yet not removing the old Garrison ) they next day sallyed out ; and having slain 200 Turks , and wounded as many , returned without a man lost . Mustapha knowing it was they which came lately in , fell in rage with his Captains , as that they entred by their negligence . But the suspition was the more increased on them , which kept the uttermost part of the Island , because 3 Galliots of Algiers had withdrawn ; so that he neither trusted them , nor the Renegate Christians , who fled daily from him : wherefore he proclaimed , those who lay out of the Galleys by night , should be burnt , or impaled on stakes ; and changing his Warders , appointed Sales with his Galliots , to keep the Island : chaining together divers Galleys in the entrance of the Haven Marza-Moxet , causing the rest of the Fleet to ride nearer together than before . Three places were also assigned for the wounded : and the then exceeding many sick in the Turk's Camp. Mustapha then appointed Ochiall Bassa , Governour of Tripolis ; who going thither , and setting things in order , returned again : having carried two Ships of Corn there , to make bread , whose want they began to feel . He sent also a Colonel to Solyman , to certifie him of the winning of Elmo Castle , with a description of the Isle , as they found it : and to declare , that the Malteses were stronger and 〈◊〉 provided , than was supposed : wherefore if he should continue the siege , he should send a new supply of Men , Victual , &c. and while he expected an answer , he would do what possibly he might : who began his battery in fourteen places , with seventy great Pieces , three being most huge Basilisks , so incessantly battering the Towns and Castles of Michael and Angelo , that scarce any could be safe therein : which most troubled the Women and Children . But the Turks were far more safe in their Trenches ; yet they durst not stray farre from the Camp , but with a multitude , and then also were cut off by the Horsemen of Malta , who were ever ready at their heels . At Rome , some were sory for the dishonour at the losse of Elmo Castle : others , fearing lest the calamities of the Malteses , should redound unto themselves : There were also a sort of men , unacquainted with Martiall affaires , who shamed not to lay the blame upon Valetta : whom his own valour , the testimony of so many famous men present , and this History shall now and hereafter acquit of so false a slander . But when the three Galleys ( containing besides Knights , six hundred Spaniards , and three hundred of the 〈◊〉 Souldiers ) which through diligence , departed from Messana , July the 7th , with five hundred bushels of Wheat , ( beside Gunpowder , Saltpeter , and Lead for shot ) approached the Island ; their Scout perceived by the sign , that they should retire : the Turks presently obscuring the Air with smoak , &c. that those Signes should not be discerned ; but they were already descryed : so they returned to Sicilie ; about which time , those in the City Melita , pursued the Turks , when they were fetching in booty of Cattel , slaying divers , recovering the prey , and chasing them even to their Camp ; but the other Turks , seeing them flee so hastily toward them , raised an Alarum , ran to the 〈◊〉 Tent , and for that time , ceased their battery . Valetta , conjecturing , the Turks would soon assault the Town and Castle of Michael : was about himself to have gone thither , by a Bridge made of Boats , from one point to the other ; but hearing the certainty thereof , returned into his Castle . Some think it had been full of danger , for him so to have done ; and therefore to have been discommended . Others think the Generalls presence , chiefly in great dangers , is prayse-worthy and most necessary : after the examples of Alexander the great , Julius Caesar , Themistocles , Marius , and others : who said to their Souldiers , I my self will be your Conductor in field , in the Battel partaker of the same danger , ye shall be in all things as my self . The King of Algiers came to the Turks , with seven Galleys , ten Galliots , and 2200 Souldiers : who requested Mustapha , for the first place in besieging Michaels Castle , which he granted him , joyning to his forces , two thousand of his best Souldiers : who commanded 90 small Vessels to be carried by Land out of Marza-Moxet , to Aqua Martia , on that side , to besiege the Castle by water : Wherefore Valetta demanded of two skilful Shipmasters , what they thought best to be done , to keep the Turks from landing : who thought their purpose might be defeated , if a Chain of Masts and Sail-yards , joyned together with Iron Rings , were drawn from the corner of St. Angela , to the place where the Enemy thought to Land , which was done the night following : the Turks perceiving this barre , when 't was day , knew not how to Land their men ; but a desperate Christian fugitive , promised the King to break the Chain , and swimming to it , two or three more following to help him , they got up upon it , hewing apace with their Hatchets . Wherefore five or six Malteses swam thither with their drawn Swords , slaying two , and causing the rest to flee : after which , none attempted the same ; yet the barbarous King , diligently prepared for the Siege , which July the 15th , began by Sea and Land ; but the Defendants ( in the three houres assault ) slew with their Ordnance two thousand Turks , and sunk twelve Gallies : the rest , coming to the Chain which stopt them , turned their prows on the corner of the Castle , but were glad at last to retire . The Land-assault , endured also five houres : many Turks being slain , and two hundred Defendants , four being Knights : Medina was also wounded , whereof he died . But Valetta considering what danger was like to be , if he should fight many such fights : July the 17th , sent a Messenger into Sicilie , who swam from the Castle to Aqua Martia , thence escaping unknown , thorow the Enemies , to Melita , and so came to Messana : 〈◊〉 Letters , requested the Viceroy , to send Valetta his own two Gallies , with those Knights there , and what Souldiers might be transported therein : at which time , the Fleet from Spain came to Messana , with many Knights from divers Nations . The Viceroy sent Letters before , to Valetta , in Caracters , by two Frigots , requiring some sign from him , whereby the Galleys at their coming , might know whether to enter or retire : one of which Frigots , laden with Medicines , was intercepted , the other came to Melita ; yet since all passages between that and St. Michael , were shut up , and the Haven straightly kept , there could be no further direction from Valetta , for their safe sending ; yet the Knights of Messana , thought good to adventure 40 Knights , with other Souldiers . Salazar a Spanish Captain being sent with them to be landed in the Isle Gaulos : who should thence in a boat passe over to Malta as a Spy , to view the City and enemies Camp : The Turks the while , in revenge of the former losse , so battered the Castle , that they beat down by day what was repaired by night , laying a Bridge over the Ditch , July 20. that they might come to fight hand to hand : which seen , Parisot and Agleria Knights , with some Mercenaries , sallyed out to burn the Bridge , but they were ( with the Knights ) almost all slain , and the exploit unperformed . The Turks battered without ceasing , till July 28 : which afternoon , they assaulted it in divers places , with 3 fresh supplies : but the Defendants so repulsed them with weapons , shot , fire and force , that with no small losse they enforced them to retire : Wherefore now they made small reckoning of the enemy , who now determined to prove what might be done by undermining , which they almost perfected undiscovered ; for they caused 2 Galleys to come as near as they could , and to batter that place , hoping thereby that the Defendants should the lesse regard what they were working in secret ; yet the besieged , perceiving their purpose , with a Countermine , defeated their Mine ; One Antient , especially , casting pots of Wild-fire before him , and following after with a fire-work in his hand , forcing them out ; for which he was rewarded with a Chain of Gold weighing 5 l. And next day , Aug. 1. the Bridge , was ( by a salley made ) burnt down with fire and Gunpowder cast thereon , seasonably done ; for next day the Turks again assailing that part , where Rufus had the charge , were valiantly repulsed , 300 being slain in that 3 hours assault , and Rufus himself with Baresus Knights , and some Mercenaties . At this time , the Christians could not look into the Ditch or shew themselves , but they were set off with great Ordnance ; yet Calderomus a Spaniard , seeing some viewing that part of the wall , most battered at , the Castle-Bulwark , sallied out , but was presently slain with a bullet : which did the more incense ( not terrifie ) the rest so that when they saw the enemy busie in filling the Ditch , 100 Knights and Souldiers sallying forth , made the enemy betake himself to flight , slaying 80 , and losing ten . men , 2 being Knights , whose Heads next day , the Turks set on spears upon their Trenches . The same day , they of Melita ( at night ) made many fires , discharging great Valleys of small shot , &c. done only to shew their cheerfulnesse , and keep the Turks in suspence : who for all that filled up the Ditch at the Castle-bulwark , whereby they might without stay passe unto the over-thrown Wall : with 2 great peeces from a High Mount cast up , playing upon the Castle , shooting at first shot in Castilia's Loupe , a Spanish Knight being there slain with a small shot : on which day a Spanish Souldier fled out of the Town to the enemy , assuring them , they should by a fresh assault win the Town ; there being but 400 alive in it and they ( he said ) almost spent with labour and wounds . Wherefore Aug. 7. they at one instant assaulted the City at the Castle-bulwark , and the Castle at the Breach , with an exceeding multitude ; the noise of Warlike Instruments and cry of men on both sides , being exceeding confused and great : which the Knights in Melita hearing , and seeing the smoak , fearing the worst , All the Horsmen issued forth to avert the Turks from the assault by setting upon those at Aqua Martia ; who fled , these hardly pursuing them with bloudy execution , who pittifully cryed for help : whereby the other gave over the assault , to rescue their fellows ; having lost 1500 , besides those slain in chase : the Defendants in both places losing above 100 and almost as many wounded . Valetta going that day and certain others , to the Temple to give publike thanks for that Victory ; Garzias was advertised , that some ships with men and warlike provision were coming from Constantinople to Malta : who sent 2 Noblemen with 5 Galleys to meet them : who met only one Frigot and a Galliot , taking the one , the other escaping to Malta . Mustapha commanded his Souldiers again to assault the Breach at Michaels Castle ; where they were ( with no small slaughter ) soon repulsed ; He gave so many assaults , more to shew valour , and satisfie Solyman , than for hope of Victory , who had commanded , either to win the Island , or to lose all their lives . Mustapha also sent in haste to Solyman , shewing the state of the Fleet , the Armies difficulties , their small hope to win , how well the Christians were provided , &c. The 2 Galleys aforesaid going out of the Haven of Syracusa met with a Maltese , coming from Pozalo in a boat sore wounded , telling them , that landing by night with one Companion , he was requested by 2 Sicilians to rest there that night , and 5 Turks breaking into the House , killed his Companion , carried away the Sicilians , wounding him thus , who hardly escaped by benefit of the night ; Moreover , that the Sicilians told the Turks , two Galleys were come into that Port , bound for Malta : whereby they perceived their coming would be discovered ; yet they kept on their course as far as Pozalo , whence they certified the Viceroy what had happened , and the South-wind blowing stifly against them , they returned to Syracusa expecting his further direction , which was to stay for the coming of the whole Fleet , ready shortly to passe to Malta : but Salazar in his little boat , from Pozalo , soon arrived at Malta , and came to the City , and in Turkish Apparel , with a Companion who could speak their Language , by night got into the Turks Camp , where they perceived there was scarce 14000 Souldiers in all , many being wounded and sick , the rest but unserviceable and feeble . So they returned to the City , whence Salazar with one Paccius a Spaniard , went to a place nigh the Watch-Tower of Muleca , which they curiously viewing , Paccius was there left , that observing the signes from Gaulos and Melita , he might give knowledge to the Viceroy at his approach : Salazar himself returned to Messana in his little boat , declaring to the Viceroy all he had seen ; and affirming , the Turks Fleet was far unable to encounter with 10000 Christians : one of the 2 Frigots sent to Malta , returning with another Spaniard and a Turkish fugitive , and 4 Galleys coming in with 14 Turks taken about Malta , confirming the same , and saying , that the Turks seeing the Christians invincible courage , and skill in shooting , repented that ever they took in hand that expedition ; many stealing away , especially the 〈◊〉 of the Christian Faith , &c. There was in the Castle one Givara , Captain of the Vaunt-guard , who about 10 foot from the Wall beaten down , drew a Curtain 50 foot-long , and 5 foot-thick , with Flankers at both ends , a great help to the besieged : the enemy the while began a Mine under the Corner of the Town-ditch , defeated by a counter-mine . As a fugitive was swimming to the 〈◊〉 , he was taken by the enemy , which much grieved the besieged . Now part of the Turks assailed the Castle , and part thought to have blown up the Castle-bulwark ; but many were in both places slain , and some baggs of powder taken from them in the Mine . Mustapha and Piall disappointed of their hope , consulted with the other great Captains , whether to continue that desperate siege or depart ; most thinking , it was best betime to depart , yet Mustapha said , He would stay till the Galliot were returned from Solyman : and the while , by force and policy to seek after Victory : which he did too often , either for his Armie's or the besieged's estate , bringing all to such perfection in short time , as might have carried a stronger place , had not the Defendants valour far exceeded all his devices . Robles Governour of the Castle viewing by night the Walls-ruines , was struck in the Head with a 〈◊〉 shot and slain , A man for his many good parts beloved . In whose stead , Valetta , sent an expert and resolute Colonell , who so vigilantly discharged his place , that the Turks were repulsed with losse , so oft as they attempted the place . Two Galleys with a Galliot 〈◊〉 by the 2 Galleys of Malta , told Piall , The Christian Fleet was ready to come forth : Wherefore he caused 70 Galleys to be in readinesse , keeping himself by day in the Port Maior nigh the shoar , putting to sea by night , expecting their coming ; but ( after long looking ) when he saw none , he landed his men again , taking out of every Galley most of the powder for the Bassa , 〈◊〉 land . After which , they ( with a greater fury ) battered the Walls of both Towns , especially with Basilisks , whose shot was 7 hands about : the Walls of Michaels-Castle being 〈◊〉 flat : and the Castle Bulwark of St. Angelo was almost fallen quite down , Wherefore Aug. 18. ( at noon ) they fiercely assaulted both Towns , being thrice repulsed , and still coming on afresh ; yet at length with greater slaughter they gave over the 5 hours assault : Wherein Valetta armed with a 〈◊〉 , was still valiantly fighting in the face of the Breach , so encouraging even the boyes and women to fight , yet part of the Turks stood still in the Town-ditch , having cast up a defence of earth , faggots , &c. to save themselves , in approaching to undermine the wall ; but the besieged bending their Artillery upon it , slew many , 〈◊〉 what was left . Next day the assault was renewed at the same places : first battering both Towns all day , and the Moon rising , about mid night with a horrible cry , began a most terrible assault ; yet the Christians ( at first much troubled ) with weapons and fire-works , made the enemy after 3 hours fight , to retire ill-intreated : on which day a Mine was perceived at the Castle-bulwark , wherein 100 Turks were almost all slain , and the Mine destroyed ; yet next 〈◊〉 did the enemy , give 7 assaults , using fire-works also , Bobinsegna losing one of his eyes therewith . The Turks also mightily laboured to enter the Castle at the Spur ; but Centius a 〈◊〉 , with a pike , thrust them down 〈◊〉 were climbing up the Rampire , thrusting one thorow ; but himself shot in the arm , who withdrawing to have his 〈◊〉 bound up , returned to the Rampire , never departing , till ( as a Conquerour ) he had preserved the place . So the Turks with great slaughter , left the Christians Victors of whom almost 100 were slain : one Knight at St. Angelo , and divers at St. Michaels , where the Turks also having wrought a Mine , it was destroyed . Certain Knights fearing , lest that so often attempted by the enemy , should at length be effected , told Valetta , they thought it meet and needful , to remove all the Records , Pictures , reliques of Saints , &c. into the Castle of S. Angelo , a place of more strength : He , exceeding moved ( though he knew they spake it of a good mind ) answered , So to do , were but to discourage the Malteses , and also the mercenary Souldiers : Wherefore , he would keep all , or lose all . And because none should hope in the strength of that Castle , he would bring forth all the Garrison into the Town , leaving nothing but Gunners in it , to shoot at the enemy as need required . But with the dawning of this day , the Turks assayled the same places with the greatest fury , chiefly at the ruines of the Castle , where Romanus an Avergnois lost his transitory life , and at Michaels divers Knight were grievously wounded ; for the enemy suddenly retiring , mightily thundred into the breaches with great and small shot . Valetta thorowly wearied , had withdrawn himself but a little when a Priest came roaring out , that all was lost , 3 or 4 Ensigns being by the Castle breach , broken into the Town : whereupon he clapt on his Helmet , and with pike in hand , uttered a brief comfortable speech to those about him , concluding , Wherefore follow me , valiant hearts : and so hastened to the place of most danger , with Souldiers , Citizens , men and women , old and young , yea the very Children . There was a most dreadful and dangerous battel : within , without , all was covered with Darts , Weapons , dead bodies and blood : Valetta being every where present , commending , exhorting , directing as occasion required . At length the Turks with sun-setting retired , above 2000 were slain , besides every one of them who were entred : Valetta losing in this fight above 200 men . 〈◊〉 the Viceroy , Aug. 20. with 72 Galleys , set forward ftom Messana to Syracusa , with 1000 select Souldiers , above 200 being Knights of St. John , and about 40 of the order of St. Steven , instituted by Cosmus Medices , Duke of Florence in 1561 , and residing in Cosmopolis , a new-built City in the Island of Elba . There were also divers noble and valiant men . The Viceroy sent Auria from Syracusa to land a man , to know of Paccius what news , or what he had seen ? who said , there was but one Galliot seen at sea , which Aug. 21 , made towards Gaulos , and the same day 16 Galleys came to water at Saline , but the nights coming on , hindred a further deserying of them . The besieged had notably repaired the breach at the Castle-bulwark , placing Ordnance in divers places to flanker the Ditches , and beat the Mount cast up by the enemy to annoy the Castle with small shot : who , at once to assault both Towns as before , brought an Engine to cover 30 men under the breach at Michaels ; so that the Defendants could not ( without danger ) there appear : Wherefore sallying out , they put them to slight under it , burning the Engine . So also they did at the new City : and next night some issuing out of the Castle , destroyed the Engines prepared , slew the keepers thereof and safely returned : but the enemies 〈◊〉 not , but repairing things , laboured to beat the Ch 〈◊〉 from the walls in both places , and were by valour and industry frustrated . The besieged made a Mine at the Castle-breach to blow up the enemy , if he should again assault it ; but the Turks there working a Mine also , lighted on theirs , spoiling it & carrying away the powder . Mustapha considering the summer to be far spent , determined with all his power , once more to assault Michaels Castle : Wherefore displaying of his Emperours stately Standard , he commanded his men to enter the Breach , where was made a most terrible and doubtful fight ; but the Turks having been twice beaten down , Mustapha came himself to the places , praying and exhorting his Souldiers , faintly fighting , not to be discouraged , but to confirm their former labours and Victories , and not suffer their vanquished enemies to triumph over them , &c. promising Money , Honour and Preferment , threatning and requesting . Who , moved , gave a fresh and fierce assault ; yet the Turks were again forced to retire , for the Defendants with 2 Field peeces from a Rampire , at first shot , struck in sunder their strongest wooden-Engine ( covered with raw Hides ) with 40 Souldiers under it : and they in the other Town , sallying forth , destroyed all their defences : and ( though but 25 of them ) they drave almost 300 Turks from a Mount. The Defendants had made another Mine at the Castle-bulwark , but seeing it in danger to be found , they fired it , 60 Turks within danger being slain . Garzias the while , departed from Syracusa to Pachinum , overtaking a tall ship driven thither by Tempest , who was carrying shot and powder to the Turks , which he sent to Syracusa . A Tempest arising from the East , drave the Christian Fleet to the Island Aegusa , 220 miles west of Malta , whence Valetta had Letters , Sept 1. that the Viceroy would shortly come and relieve him : on which day a Christian captive , fled to St. Angelo , reporting , that the Turks had few men able to fight , and that great numbers died daily , yet that they determined to besiege Melita , and had already mounted 5 great peeces for battery : Having taken first 12 , then 14 Horsmen of the Garrison . The Fleet coming from Aegusa to Drepranum , thence toward Gaulos , 2 Malta Galleys ( by the way ) took 2 Turks Galliots . The Viceroy perceiving not the appointed signes , returned from Gaulos to Pozalo , but Auria following , and telling him , he had seen the signs of safe landing , he next day returned again to Gaulos . On which day , a Christian captive fled to St. Angelo , and told Valetta , the Turks would prove their last fortune in astaulting Michaels Castle next day , and if they had not answerable success , forthwith to be gone : Mustapha promising 5 Talents of Gold to those who first advanced their Ensigns on the Walls , and promote them higher , and to reward the rest according to their desert . Valetta first gave thanks to God , for such discoveries from time to time , then preparing necessaries for repulsing the enemy : but the Turks all that day battered the new City , and the shipping in the Haven , sinking one great ship . Garzias in the morning arrived at Malta , landing his Forces , and going forward with them about half a mile , instructed the chief Commanders what was to be done ; all things to be in the King of Spain's name , but till they came to the Great Master . So exhorting them to play the men , he left them marching to Melita , in sight whereof he came with all his Fleet : they of the City discharging all their Ordnance , which was answered from the Fleet twice . Then he returned into Sicily to take in the Duke of Urbins companies , and some Spanish Bands , and so to return to attend the Turks Fleet 's departure , as good as half overthrown . Assoon as the Turks heard the Army was landed , there arose a wondrous confusion among them : some crying Arm , arm , and others To be gone ; the greatest number , burning the Engines and Fortifications , with all speed embarqued their Ordnance and baggage : which they in St. Angelo perceiving , sallyed out ( without command ) to Burmola : where some Turks fleeing from a huge piece of Ordnance which they kept , they drew it within their Walls : and , had the new-come Forces charged the enemy , as they disorderly ran to their Galleys , perhaps they had found occasion of Victory , or taken most of their Artillery : but they thought it not convenient to leave the things brought for relief of the besieged , which for roughnesse of the way , and want of Horses , were hardly carried , Sept. 11. a Genuan fugitive came in haste , telling Valetta , that 1000 Turks were marching to meet with the Christians on the way : whereupon , he sent Souldiers to St. Elmo Castle , to set upon an Ensign of the Order : who found 24 great Peeces which they could not ( for haste ) remove . Mustapha being landed from Marza Moxet at St. Paul's Port ( with 7000 men ) by the Fleet ; and being falsly informed , the Christians were not above 3000 , marched toward Melita , and at the rising of a Hill , both Armies meeting , gave a great shout , the formost beginning Battel , a few being slain on both sides : but the Christians growing on them in number and strength , they fled , the Christians killing of them to their Galleys , where , striving who to get in first , about 400 were drowned , besides 1800 slain . The Turks lay in the Haven all next day , and most of the night following : and upon shooting of a great piece , hoysed sayl , leaving Malta sore wasted , losing in all about 24000 , most being their best Souldiers , About 5000 Christians were slain , besides 240 Knights , honourably buried . The Turks spending 78000 great shot in battery . All things considered , a man shall scarce find a place these many years more mightily impugned , or with greater valour and resolution defended . Valetta thus acquitted , commanded publike prayers with thanksgiving to be made to the giver of all Victory ; then rewarded the Valiant , commended the rest , thanked all , relieved the sick and wounded , bewailed the spoil , provided for reparation of Breaches , &c. And yet in all this was not secure ; but because of the great harms , and the enemies return , next year feared , He by Letters to divers Princes , chiefly to the grand Priors of the Order in divers Countries , requested help : containing also briefly in his Letter to George , grand Prior of Germany and founder of Elmo Castle , what hath been largely written in this History . And being bountifully relieved by those he wrote to , he both repaired and with Fortifications strengthened places , subject to the enemies force . Solyman exceeding angry with the Governour of Chios Island ( who during the siege had intelligence with Valetta , revealing many of the Turk's designs , also for detaining 2 years Tribure , 20000 Duckats , and not sending his wonted Presents to the Bassaes ) commanded Piall to prepare his Fleet , and take that Island into his own hand : who April 15 , 1566. with 80 Galleys , there arrived : Whereupon , the chief men , sent him Embassadours with presents , offering him the Haven , and whatever he should require ; who kindly accepting thereof , and landing sent for the Governor and 12 Citizens , as if he had some special matter to confer about from Solyman , before he went thence for Malta or Italy : who coming to him with great fear , he cast them into Irons ; the Souldiers taking the Town-Hall , pulling down the Towns-Ensign , having in it St. George with a Red-crosse , and setting up one of the Turks , and so was it thorow the whole Island . Then rifling the Temples , they consecrated them after their manner . The Governour and Senators with their Families were sent to Constantinople : the vulgar to tarry there or depart . So Piall placing a Turkish Governour , and a strong Garrison , departed from that fertile Island for Italy : burning and destroying the Villages along Apulia , and carrying the people into captivity , so returning . John the Vayuod of Transilvania grieved with the harms from the Emperours Captains ( whereof he was the cause ) and vainly hoping ( from Solyman ) to have most part of Hungarie , calling himself King thereof , ceased not to solicite him to come personally to make a full Conquest , summoning the Nobility and Burgesses ( as if by Solymans appointment ) to meet at Thorda , March 9. about matters for the common good ; which Swendi the Emperours Lievtenant hearing , counter-manded them , perswading the Hungarians not to listen to the Vayuods and Turks charms tending to destruction , but to obey Maximilian , who purposed to protect them in peace . Hence it was , that the remainders of this sore-shaken Kingdome ( divided ) began afresh to work each others confusion , serving the Turks for a further encroachment : who then surprized Ainastch ( in the Captain and some of the Souldiers absence ) putting all to the sword : but they were by valiant Serinus at Sigeth after 4 hours hard fight overthrown and put to flight ; not long after , they ranged up and down fetching in booty , and doing much harm ; Wherefore , Maximilian appointed his Captains to raise such Forces in Germany , as were lately granted him by the Princes and States of the Empire at Augusta , going himself to Vienna ; for Solyman was set forward with a mighty Army , and come to Belgrade , where the Vayuod of Transilvania met him , kissing his Hand , and commending himself and all his State to his protection . Then did Swendi hardly besiege Husth in the borders of Transilvania : and the Bassa of Buda ( on the other side ) besieging Palotta , had , by 8 days continual battery , greatly endangered it , though valiantly defended by Thuriger ; but the Count of Helffenshein approaching with some Companies , he rose in such haste , that he left some Ordnance and much baggage behind him . The Count had the Breaches repaired , strengthening the Garrison with a supply . After that , he strengthened by Count Salina , with some Companies from Rab , came to Vesprimium about 2 miles off , which he taking by force , June 30. left not a Turk alive , who had lately slain some Christians which they took : so leaving a strong Garrison they returned to Rab. Shortly after , Count Salma besieged Tatta or Dotis , taking it by assault , July 28. slaying all the Turk 's but 50 , who fleeing into a Tower of the Castle yielded on composition , the Governour and 2 other chief ones being sent prisoners to Vienna . He was on his way to besiege Gestes nigh Palotta ; but the Turks seeing his Army , left all and fled to Strigonium : 3 other Garrisons of Castles , firing what they could not carry , doing the like ; for which good success , Maximilian caused publike prayers and thanksgiving to be made all thereabouts . Count Serinus certainly advertised of Solymans comming to Zigeth , sent 2 of his Captains with 1000 Foot , and 500 Horse to lie in wait for the fore-runners of his Army , who not far from Quinque Ecclesiae , next day about night , suddenly set upon them , who disorderly fleeing several wayes , were most slain or wounded in flight . Halibeg sore wounded , perishing in the Marshes : whose son and many others were carried prisoners to Zigeth : beside store of Plate and Coin , they took 8 Camels , 5 Mules , and 6 Carts laden with all manner of spoil , and many rich Garments , with 2 fair red-Ensignes . Maximilian besides his own Forces , procured great aid of the States of the Empire and other Princes , who met at Rab ; beside which Land-forces , he had 12 Galleys and 30 ships : so made , that the men could not be hurt with Arrows : wherein was 3000 Souldiers , most Italians , under Flachius a Germane , and a Knight of Malta ; afterward , one of the number of the Princes of the Empire . Solyman commanded a bridge to be made over Dravus , and the deep 〈◊〉 on tother side , for transporting his Army , so difficult , that 〈◊〉 thrice begun , it was given over as impossible . Solyman swearing in his rage to hang up the great Bassa who had the charge thereof , if he did not with all speed-perfect it : whereupon all boats to be found , were taken up , and timber brought from far , not only the vulgar , but the Gentlemen of the Countrey were forced to work day and night , till the Bridge was , in ten dayes space ( by such a multitude ) finished : Over which ( a mile long ) Solyman passing , encamped at Muhatchz● staying till his huge Army was come together . July 30. 90000 ( the Vantguard ) encamped within a mile of Zigeth : 100000 more following soon after , many in their approach being slain from the Castle , yet they encamped and began the siege : Zigeth is strongly scituate in a Marsh on the Frontiers of Dalmatia , denominated from the Countrey it commandeth , and a strong Bulwark against the Turks further entrance that way towards Stiria . Serinus the Governour seeing that huge Army , called together the Captains of the Garrison ( being 2300 good Souldiers ( into the Castle , making a short but comfortable and resolute fpeech , saying toward the end , I am resolved , as I hope ye are , that as I am a Christian and free born so ( by Gods Grace ) in the same faith and freedom to end my dayes : neither shall the proud Turk , while I can hold up this hand , have power to command over me , or the ground whereon I stand : which to perform he solemnly took oath , perswading them to the like ; so every one returned to his charge . Aug. 5. The Army encamped a mile off , and next day Solyman came into the Camp , the great Ordnance exceedingly thundering , and the Turks ( as they were wont ) crying aloud , Alla , Alla , Alla , the Christians answering with the Name of Jesus , Aug. 7. They cast up a great Mount , planting some great Ordnance . Next day , they most terribly battered the new Town in 3 places , casting up a Mount in the midst of the Marsh : whence , next day and night , they battered the inward Castle without ceasing , greatly hurting both Castle and Defendants . Serinus seeing the new City was not now to be defended , set all on fire , and retired into the old , Aug. 10. they furiously battered the old Town in 3 places , bringing their Ordnance into the new Town , and making a bridge the better to go over the marsh : 2 plain wayes of wood , earth , stones , faggots , &c. being ( with wondrous labour ) made thorow the deep Fenne from the Town to the Castle , where the Janizaries defended with Wool-sacks , &c. ( the Defendants could not shew themselves on the Walls without great danger for their small shot . So the Turks ( yet with great lols ) by force entred the old town , Aug. 19. and with such speed , that rhey slew many of the most valiant before they could recover the Castle . Next day they planted their battery against the Castle in 4 places , making 2 plain wayes to it thorow the Marsh ; and Aug. 29. they flercely assailed the Breaches ; but having lost many men they were forced to retire , a great Bassa being also lost . Solyman ( the while ) distempered with long travel fell sick of a loosness , retiring for Health-sake to Quinque 〈◊〉 near Zigeth , where Sept. 4. 1566. he died of the Bloody-flux , 76 years old , Raigning 46. who was tall and slender , long-necked , pale and wan , long and Hook-nosed , ambitious and bountiful , more faithful of his promise than most of his Progenitors . Muhamet the Visier Bassa , fearing the insolence of the Janizaries , and some tumult in the Camp , concealed his death , and to that end , had his Physitians and Apothecaries secretly strangled : willing Selimus then at Magnesia by a 〈◊〉 Post to hasten to Constantinople , to take the possession of the Empire , and so to come to the Army ; but the Janizaries began to mistrust the matter . Wherefore Muhamet caused the dead body of Solyman to be brought into his Tent sitting upright in his Horse-litter , as if sick of the Gout , whereby he contented the Janizaries , who began now to undermine the greatest Bulwark , whence the Defendants did most annoy them ; and Septemb. 5. had set all the Bulwark on a light-fire . Whereby possessing it , they with all their force assailed the Bulwark next the Castle-gate , whence they were with great slaughter twice repulsed ; but the fire encreasing , Serinus was was forced with those left , to retire into the inner-Castle , where was but two great pieces , besides fourteen others . Septemb. 7. They furiously assaulted the little Castle , whereinto they cast so much fire , that it set all on fire . No place being now left for the Count safely to retire unto , He went into his Chamber , putting on a new rich suit , and came presently out with his Sword and Targuet , speaking a few , his last words to his chearful Souldiers : That the hard Fortune of that sinful Kingdom , with their own , had overtaken them , but they should with patience endure , and since the place was no longer to be kept , & c. They should valiantly break into the utter Castle , there to die and live with God for ever ; saying , He would go out first , they to follow like men . So with Sword and Targuet , calling thrice on the Name of Jesus , he issued out of the Gate with the rest , where valiantly fighting on the Bridge , slaying some Janizaries , he fell down dead with a shot in the Head ( being first wounded twice with small shot ) the Turks crying for joy , Alla : the rest fleeing back , were all slain , but a few whom some Janizaries ( for their valour ) by putting their Caps on their Head , saved from the others fury . The Turks reported , they lost 7000 Janizaries , 28000 others , beside Volunteers not enrolled , and three Bassaes. Serinus Head was cut off , and next day ( with the other Heads ) set upon a pole ; then , by Muhamet , sent tothe Bassa of Buda , who sent it to Count Salma in the Camp at Rab , covered with a fair linnen-cloath , with a few quipping words in a Letter : Whose death was much lamented of all the Army , and his Head honourably buried with many tears by his son among his Ancestours . Solyman purposed ( before his return ) to Conquer both the remainder of Hungary , and to attempt Vienna again . To which end , he sent Parthau Bassa with 40000 Turks to help the Bassa of Temesware , and the Tartars besiege strong Giula , in the Vayuods behalf ; not far from whence , Swendi in Aug. before , had slain 10000 〈◊〉 , called in by Solyman to ayd the Vayuod . He then also sent Mustapha of Bosna and Carambeius with a great power , who with the Bassa of Buda , should busie the Emperour , whilst he besieged Zigeth . Parthau was still notably repulsed by Keretschen the Governour , before Giula , having some of his Ordnance taken from him , and the rest cloyed ; but this brave Captain , was at last perswaded by his Kinsman Bebicus ( from whom Swendi had taken some Castles for revolting to the Vayuod ) for a great summe to deliver up the Town : the Souldiers all to depart with bag and baggage ; who were not gone past a mile , but they were all slain by the Turks , but a few who crept into the Reeds in a Marsh. Keretschen himself being carried in Bonds to Constantinople , where , upon complaint , how hardly he had used some Turks taken , he was by Selimus's command rolled up and down in a closed Hogshead stuck full of Nails with the points inward , till he died , with this inscription , Here , Receive the reward of thy avarice and Treason : Giula , thou soldest for Gold. If thou be not faithful to Maximilian thy Lord , neither wilt thou be to me . Many hot skirmishes passing between the Emperours Camp at Rab , and the Bassa of Buda and Bosna at Alba Regalis , Septemb. 5. The Turks came in great number out of the Camp , lighting on a few Forragers , slaying some , the rest fleeing and raising an Allarm : whereupon , some issuing out , pursued the Turks , and slew divers : Thuriger descrying the Governour of Alba Regalis , never left him till he took him , and presenting him to the Emperour , he was Knighted and rewarded with a Chain of Gold : When a Spaniard charged the prisoner before the Emperour ; that he heard him say openly at Constantinople , He with his power only could vanquish the Germane King ( as the Turks term the Emperour . ) The Turk answered him : such is the chance of War , Thou seest me now a prisoner and able to do nothing . Muhamet Bassa , repairing , strongly Garrisoning , and placing a Governour in Zigeth , call'd back the dispersed Forces , and retired towards Belgrade , carrying Solymans body sitting upright in his 〈◊〉 - 〈◊〉 , he having been many yeares so carried ; whose fortunate presence , though he could do nothing , the Janizaries still desired . The Life of Selimus the Second , fifth Emperour of the Turks . SElimus hasting from Cutai in Gallatia , was from Scutari conducted over the Strait to Constantinople , by Bostanges Bassa , where he was conveighed into the Pallace , Septemb. 23. 1566 , and by the Janizaries , saluted Emperour , a man unconstant , hasty , wholly given to wantonness and excess , never going to Warres himself , contrary to his Grandfather's charge to Solyman , of which he was alwayes mindful . Next day he came abroad in his Majesty , causing prayers and Sacrifices to be made for his Father in the Temple of Sophia , then giving 100000 Sultanies to the Janizaries , with promise to augment their wages ; and setting forward Septemb. 27. he met the Army a little from Belgrade , Octob. 20. gallantly coming from Sigeth , with Solyman's dead body , whom the Souldiers supposed to be alive . Selimus coming in mourning attire to the Horse-litter , looked upon , and kissed the dead body , weeping over it , as did the other great Bassaes ; and to make known his death , the Ensignes were trailed on the ground , a dead march sounded , and a heavy silence commanded . Shortly after , Selimus was with great applause , proclaimed Emperour , his Ensigns advanced , and all the great Commanders admitted to 〈◊〉 his hand . So returning to Constantinople Novemb. 22 , and thinking to enter the Pallace , or Seraglio , he was by the discontented Janizaries ( demanding a greater Donative , and the confirmation of all their priviledges ) prohibited ; against which presumption , the Visier Bassaes , and Aga opposing , and seeking to 〈◊〉 them , were fowly intreated , and well rapped about the pates , with the Stocks of their Collivars ; chiefly Muhamet and Partau , as chief Authours , that their Lord dealt no more liberally with them . Selimus not a little troubled , demanded of the Aga , the cause of that mutiny , who with teares , told him 't was for money : which he promising them , with the confirmation of their liberties ; and the Aga with fair words and heavy countenance , entreating them , and assuring them to content them to the full of their desires , all was 〈◊〉 , and Selimus into the Seraglio received ; yet Muhamet , chief Visier , kept himself close for certain dayes , for fear of greater mischief . Selimus now buried his Father with all royal solemnity , in a most stately Chappel , which he had in his life-time built , with a Colledge and an Hospitall ; for maintenance whereof , the Revenues arising about Sigeth , were given . Fast by Solymans side , is the Tombe of Roxalana , and certain of his murthered Children ; and by him hangeth his Scimitar , in token , he died in the Warres . That great Army withdrawn by Solyman's death , somewhat asswaged , but not wholly appeased , the troubles of Hungary . Maximilian on the one side , and the Vayuod with the Turk's Captains on the other , renting it in pieces ; The Vayuod hardly besieged 〈◊〉 Castle in his Frontiers , lately taken from him by Swendi , and brought it to great 〈◊〉 , though notably defended by Raminger ; but the Tartars ( whom he had called in to his ayd ) burning and destroying his Countrey , so that the people were glad to take up Arms against them ; he left the Siege , and after much bloud-shed , overcame them with much adoe , ridding himself of them . Swendi ( the while ) had taken the Castle of Zackmar , and had Muncatz Castle yielded unto him , then besieging Husth ; so that the Vayuod craved ayd of Selimus : who sent Partau Bassa his Lievtenant in Romania , with his forces into Transilvania ; but Embassadors being coming from Maximilian , he recalled him , till he had heard the effect of that embassage . The Bassa of Buda also sent Presents to the Emperour , requesting him to remove some Captains from the Frontiers , lest they should interrupt the Treaty of peace purposed , promising to put to death all Turks , as should raise any new troubles : he wrote also to Count Salma , marvelling , why Maximilian was about to treat with his Lord of peace , whilest Swendi raged in Transilvania , then under his protection , saying , If he proceeded , Selimus would turn all his forces that way : requesting him to perswade the Emperour to take some easier course , promising , he would travel with his Master , better to like of peace than Warre , wishing him to do the like . Which the Emperour hearing of , commanded Swendi from the siege of Husth , and to be quiet , till he might understand what the Turk proposed . Both Maximilian and Selimus , were secretly desirous of peace ; for Maximilian wanted money : and Selymus , ( beside other troubles ) was to appease a great and dangerous Rebellion in Arabia faelix , where the people having slain the Bassaes and Zanzacks , were ready to cast off the Turkish obedience , the Persians being reported ready to warre on him : neither could he send any 〈◊〉 Army into Hungary , for want of many necessary 〈◊〉 in a Countrey so impoverished . So it was at last concluded , ( by Messengers sent up and down to Constantinople ) that if Maximilian would send Embassadors with the Tribute yet behind for Hungary , and a large Commission for a Treaty , Selimus should give them his safe Conduct , with liberty to return , in case of Peace or Warre : which agreed to , Selymus set at liberty L. Albert de Vuis , Embassadour Lieger six years in Constantinople , who had been so closely imprisoned in his own House , that beside Watch and Ward there kept , his Windows were boorded up , that neither he , nor any of his Houshold , should look out any whither , but into the Court onely . Maximilian , for the bringing so weighty matter about , chose Lord Verantius of Agria , ( of his Counsel for Hungary ) his Embassador , who being 63 years old , besides his great learning , had the experience of 27 Embassages , alwayes contenting his Prince , ( and now returning from Selimus , with good success , was by Maximilian created a Prince of the Empire , and Bishop of Agria ) to whom he joyned Teusenbatch , a most honourable Baron , one of his Counsellors also for the Warres : who , with full instructions , taking leave of the Emperour , ( then holding a Parliament at Presburg ) set forward with a great and honourable Retinue , July 1. 1567 , and came to Comara , but a League from the Turks Frontiers ; and being met by an Aga of the Turks , with a Chiaus in some Galleys with Turkish Souldiers , they sailed to Strigonium , by whose Governour they were denyed landing ; for which he was 〈◊〉 rebuked by the Bassa of Buda . Next day , they , with five Leagues-sailing , came to Buda , ( in whose Castle layeth a Captain , with 500 Souldiers , or not so many , who loseth his Head , if he stir from his charge , having also Commission to deny the Bassa himself entrance , unless he come very slightly accompanied ) ; and next morning after , 〈◊〉 the Bassa with two great gilt Cups , a Clock all curiously wrought in Gold , and one thousand Dollars , they delivered a Speech in the Italian Tongue , ( after the Emperours Letters and greetings ) that for the common benefit of their Subjects in Hungary , the Emperour requested him to continue his dealing for peace , and to give safe conduct unto them , till come to the Turk's Court : and so having stayed two dayes at Buda , the Bassa sent with them his Chechai ( the Steward of his House ) and Becram the aforesaid Chiaus , with a Guard and some Janizaries , who were also to provide all necessaries for them and their Horses , at the Turk's charges ; so they came down the River to Belgrade , July 18. thence ( 〈◊〉 their Coaches ) they gathered fast upon Constantinople , Aug. 22. where many Spabies and Chiausais of the Court , with a number of Janizaries and other Souldiers , came to meet them , conducting them to their Lodgings about the midst of the City : where Lord De Vuis , having long looked for their coming , most joyfully received them : who Aug. 28. went all three to visit Muhamet , or Mehemet , the chief Visier , giving him Presents ; and besides the Contents of the Emperours Letters , declared to him the cause of their coming , & c. turning the blame of the late Warres upon others . Neither was the Bassa to seek of good words . That day also , they saluted Partau and Ferat , Bassaes , giving them Presents : and next day visited Acomat , Piall , and Muhamet , the other three Visier Bassaes , with Presents . Then to set their 〈◊〉 on foot , they Septemb. 4th , closed with Mehemet , who had the especial ordering of State-matters : yet because they must first do Selimus Reverence , and deliver him the presents , with the Emperour's Letters ; for few dayes , there was no point of their business handled ; but Selimus returning from hunting Septemb. 21. they were appointed to have audience 〈◊〉 Court , chusing but 12 persons out of their followers , to attend them ; for they to whom this charge was committed , said , they might bring no more before so great a Prince . The Presents were 15 Cups , all of silver , and guilt ; two exceeding pretious Clocks ; and 45000 Dollars , for the Tribute behind . They were honourably conducted to the Court , and thorow two Gates of the Pallace , before they entred the third Gate . Which leadeth into the privy Pallace of the Turkish Emperour , into which , none entreth , but the Capitzi Bassa , or chief Porter , who keeps this Gate , and the Cesigniers , that serve in his meat , with the Bassaes , and some few great men , and that onely when they have some great business , or sent for by the Sultan : who himself , with his Eunuchs , and the young Pages his Minions in the Eunuch's Custody , have here continual abiding . Being entred in , the Capitzi caused them to stay , setting them about five paces asunder in a little room , passing delicate ( between the Gate and the more inward Lodgings ) : on both sides whereof , certain little Birds onely , were heard to warble out their sweet notes , and flicker up and down the green Trees of the Gardens . Selymus was in great Majesty , set in an under-Chamber adjoyning to the Room , where in the Embassadours followers attended , whereinto he might look thorow a little Window . The Embassadors entring in , were led one after another , to make their Reverence 〈◊〉 him ; and the while , certain of the Capitzi , with the Presents in their hands , fetching a compass before the Window , mustered them in his sight : all this while not the least sound being raised . Their followers were fetcht in one by one , and having done their Reverence , were sent out another way into the Court : the Capitzi Bassa , and the Odda Bassa taking them by the Arms and Neck , leading them apace ; and , by the way , softly feeling their wrists and hands , lest they might have some short Weapon in their sleeve ; yet were they not all thus groped : who kneeling down , and kissing the hem of his Garment , he not daining to give them a look , they were led back again , going backwards , till out of his presence ; and then the Embassadors delivered to Selymus , the Emperours Letters , briefly declaring to him their Message : who answered in four words , Confer with my Bassaes , and presently they were dismissed ; and coming out of the two inner-Gates , they mounted on Horseback toward their Lodging , being accompanied with the Aga and his Janizaries . Among whom were certain of their Religious , called Haagi , ( who use to follow the Janizaries ) continually turning about , and in their going , singing , or rather howling out , Psalms and Prayers , for the welfare of their great Sultan : Many more also on Horseback , attended their forth-coming : The Embassadors , to requite their greedy courtesie , distributing among them , above 4000 Dollars , and yet not well contented them . The Embassadors after this , having divers times conference with the great Bassaes , concerning peace , they among other unreasonable requests , demanded to have their Subjects freed from paying any Taxes or Tributes unto their old Lords , living in the Emperour's jurisdiction in Hungary ; and yet the Emperour's Subjects to pay their Lords in the Turks jurisdiction as formerly : to which , the Embassadors would by no meanes consent , till they knew Maximilian's further pleasure therein : whereupon they dispatched one Odoardo a Mantuan , who had been employed divers times from Vienna , to Constantinople , in the Emperour's service . Selymus , Octob. 20. departed in great magnificence to Hadrianople : after whose departure , the Embassadors having fully viewed the City , embarqued , and crossed the mouth of the Haven betwixt Constantinople and Pera , passing all along the Coast on Europe side , unto the 〈◊〉 Sea , and back again by the other side thereof , noting the great ruines of the Cities of Bythinia , with others along the Asian shoare , with their former pleasant scituation , and so returned ; but while they lay long expecting their own Messengers return , and of Selymus himself , they were advertized in haste , to repair to Hadrianople , whither the Messenger was now come with full instructions : who setting forward , Jan. 1. 1568. arrived at Hadrianople , ( about 153. Italian miles from Constantinople ) after nine dayes ; and Febr. 17. the peace was concluded : whose chief capitulations were , that both Princes , should hold what they had got each from other : the Emperour to pay 30000 Duckats , yearly Tribute to the Turk for Hungary , to begin January last 1568 : that either Subjects should be free from the payments aforesaid ; and so firm a peace to be betwixt the two Monarchs for 8. years : wherein the Vayuod as the Turks Tributary was to be included . Yet the Turks raising sundry Cavillations , and many doubts , did what they might , to have somewhat altered what they had agreed upon : and with many unreasonable demands , stayed the Embassadors , till March 20 following ; and then with Hebraim Beg ( Selimus's Embassador to the Emperour ) they returned to Vienna , May 10th , with joyful newes of peace , being two dayes after , most honourably received at Court ; five dayes after which , Hebraim had audience : who well rewarded , soon returned with a full conclusion of peace . But whilest the Embassadors were resident at Hadrianople , February 16th , came an honourable Embassage from 〈◊〉 the Persian King to Selimus , to entreat , or rather to conclude a peace with him , before agreed upon controversies , for which they afterwards fell to open Warres . He was with the greatest pomp entertained by the Turks at his first coming to Hadrianople : who seeing some of the Emperours Embassadours Retinue before their door , asked of the Capitzi Bassa , what people they were ? Who told him , they were the followers of the Christian Emperours Embassadour , who was desirous to make peace with his Master : the Embassadour replyed , he would willingly salute them ; the Capitzi turning his Horse toward the place , the Emperours Embassadour went forth upon the Threshold , and so they with signes and words saluted each other . He said also , he would gladly talk with them , if it might please the Grand Seignior , but they never after came together . Two dayes after , his Steward presented all the Visier Bassaes with divers rich Gifts and Presents : and the day after going to visit them himself ; a Giamoglan meeting him , shot at him with a Harquebusse , but missed him , hurting one of his followers in the Arm , He supposed he was betrayed , turned his Horse to go to his Lodging , but the chief Visier sent out his men to guard him , and excuse himself of the fact ; so he held on his way . The fellow being apprehended , was asked by the Bassa before the Embassadour , why he did it ? why boldly answered , because the Embassador was an Heretique , and sent from an Heretical King , and an enemy to their Religion : Wherefore 't was not meet he should come to treat with his Lord of peace ; adding , he was not worthy of any peace ; Wherefore the Bassa adjudged him next day , to be drawn at a Hors-tail thorow the City , then to have his right hand cut off and afterward his Head , which was done . Febr. 22. he went to deliver the Presents sent to Selimus , and to kiss his Hand , sending them before upon 34 Camels of the Persian King , and 10 of his own . There was an Alcaron with the Anthority of Hali ( for they alwayes present one such Alcoran to whom they send Embassadours ) . It was rich with Gold and precious Stones : also a rich Book of Histories : a Box with a very fair precious Stone , call'd Balasso , and 2 wondrous great Pearls , with 2 purses of a handful-long full of Jewels : 8 Firvari or China dishes : 2 most stately Pavillions : 20 great silk Carpets , & many other less of Silk and Gold : also 9 fair Canopies to hang over the ports of their Pavillions : 9 very fair Carpets of Camels-hair : 9 Saddles set with stone after their fashion : 7 Staves of silver : 7 Scimitars with red Scabberds : 7 Bowes with Arrows and Quivers richly wrought : also many other Carpets called Testich , of the finest Lawn , 7 men could scarce carry one of them : all the Faulcons died by the way . In his own name he gave an Alcoran , a large and fair Pavillion , Scimitars , rich Bowes and Arrowes : some Carpets of Silk and Camels-hair . After which , and reverence done to the Sultan by him and 30 of his followers in cloath of Gold , he returned to his Lodging very Honourably accompanied , both by the Turk's and his own retinue : and although the Persians ( as may be thought ) shewed all their pomp , yet they made nothing so fair a shew as the Turk's : nor are they so fair , but most of a swart and brown colour , and rather little men than otherwise , not much unlike the Spaniards . Selimus allowed for their ordinary charges , 500 Duckats a day , their number being great , and their beasts many : which expences do begin assoon as Embassadours do enter into the Sultans Dominions : and end assoon as their businesse is finished . He having concluded a peace beewixt Tamas and Selimus , ere long returned into Persia. The Venetians also sought to renew their League , now expired : which was easily obtained , but of small assurance . Selimus now , in 1569. purposed to build a Magnificent Temple at Hadrianople for his own Sepulture , with a Monastery , a Colledge , and an Alms-House ; but was troubled how to 〈◊〉 them with Revenues sufficient ; for the Mahometan Kings are forbidden to convert any Lands or Possessions to such holy uses , but what they have won from the enemies of their Religion ; which is as a Spur to prick them forward to add to their Empire ; Nothing that was presented so pleased him , as the taking of the rich Island Cyprus from the Venetians : which Conquest would be enough , with a large over-plus to supply what wanted in his Fathers devout works : but that which moved him most , was the glory of such a Conquest . His Predecessors usually in the beginning of their Raign , doing or attempting some notable thing against the Christians . The matter being propounded to the great Bassaes , Muhamet chief Visier , and a secret friend to the Venetians , perswaded him not to yield thereunto , alledging , besides the danger , that Solyman at his death , charged him , the League with the Venetians to be religiously kept , which he also had lately most solemnly confirmed . But Mustapha with Piall , Bassaes , so 〈◊〉 what he said ( envying at his Honour ) , and so shewed both the Honour , profit and easinesse thereof ( much of the Venetian Arsenal being also burnt ) that Selimus calling Muhamet in his choller Christian ( no small disgrace ) presently prepared by sea and land for performance of his resolution : which was discovered by Barbarus the Venetian Embassadour , and suspected by their Merchants ; whom the Turks began 〈◊〉 cut short in their Traffique , looking big on them , and giving them hard speeches . The Embassadour came to Muhamet , complaining of the breach of the League , and remembring him of the Venetian State 's fidelity , requesting Selimus ( before he began that War ) to declare his mind to the Senate , that so happily all might be 〈◊〉 to the good of both parties : which he did not for hope to avert the War , but to win time , till the State might make ready their Fleet and Forces : neither left he the Bassa , till he procured Cubates to be sent Embassadour to Venice , to prove , whether the Senatours , would deliver the Island , or adventure the taking it from them by force . These , and such like things made known at Venice , brought a general heaviness on the City . Cubates , come to Ragusium , Surianus sent to meet him , brought him to Venice in his Galley . The Senators the while , were divided in opinions ; some thought it not good to wage Warre against such an invincible Enemy , &c. alleadging , they had alwayes in the winding up of the Warres , lost something , besides losses already sustained ; that it were better to part with Cyprus , so they might quietly enjoy the rest : saying , time would give them some fit occasion , to recover what they had lost : to trust in their confederates , was but to deceive themselves , destruction having come thence , whence ayd was alwayes to have bin hoped for . Others said , nothing could be more dishonourable , than without Fight , to 〈◊〉 with so notable a piece of their Seigniory , &c. that the Turks would afterwards seek also after Creet and Corcyra , and so they yielding one thing after another , to spoil themselves of all , &c. that hard beginnings had oftentimes merry endings : that the favour of that insolent and greedy Nation , was not to be gained , but with such a costly peace , much more hurtful than Warre it self . Besides , it much concerned Christian Princes , to have their State preserved : wherefore 't was to be hoped , they would ayd them to the utmost . In the end it was resolved on , by plain force to withstand the Turks . So when Cubates came to Venice , no man met him , or shewed him common courtesie ; but being admitted into the Senate-house , with his two Interpreters onely , he delivered Selimus's Letters , which whilest they were breaking up , and translating , he delivered also his Message , the effect whereof was , that Selimus worthily grieved , that the like care of keeping faith , did not appear in them , as in him : who harboured Pirates in their Havens , murthering his Subjects : which injuries longer to forbear , might rather be imputed to him for cowardise , than courtesie : that the onely remedy of falling out , by new quarrels daily arising , was to deliver to him the Island Cyprus , the cause of all those grievances : to which small request , if they did not yield , he purposed not onely to take it from them , but prosecute them with most cruel Warre by Sea and Land : taking God to witness , all the calamities to ensue thereof , to be imputed to themselves . Then , he in Muhamet , the Visier's name , told them , that he was right sory for this breach , &c. most instantly requesting them , and advising them , not wilfully to plunge themselves into such dangers , as they could hardly or never finde the way out , &c. telling them , Selimus did nothing but thunder out most cruel threats ; which his indignation was raised of the manifold complaints brought against them . Selimus's Letters were also full of false surmized grievances , as that they had in Warlike manner , entred his Frontiers in Dalmatia , doing great harm : that they had put to death , certain Turkish Pirates : that Cyprus was a Harbour for the Pyrates of the West : wherefore , he required them to yield it to him , or else he would by force , take it from them : saying , he renewed his Fathers League with them , not for any liking thereof ; but because , he had resolved , at first , peaceably to endure all things . The Venetians answered the Embassador , that they had alwayes inviolably kept their Leagues with the Othoman Emperours : in regard whereof they had let slip many opportunities to augment their Dominions in : That they had never passed their own bounds or invaded the Turks : only to have taken order , that no Pirates should roam up and down at pleasure : taking God to witnesse , they were the Authors of Peace , and Selimus of War , who contrary to the League , had denounced war against them : Wherefore , they would defend that Kingdom , which they by Ancient and lawful right possessed : and that the same God would be present to their 〈◊〉 complaints , &c. Cubates departed at a secret Postern , guarded for fear of the people ; who in great numbers were assembled to the Court-Gate , muttering , It were well done to rend him in pieces , that accursed Turk the Messenger of his faithless Master : he as he went , storming and swearing by his Mahomet , to be revenged of so great an indignity . The Senates answer , was of some highly commended : others deemed it too sharp , to the further incensing of the Turk , thinking they might have obtained a more indifferent peace by courtesie , &c. The Venetians forthwith , sent Letters to the Governours of Cyprus , with all care and diligence to prepare to withstand the Turk : and made choice of most valiant and expert Captains by Sea and Land , for the defence of their dispersed Seigniorie , with the leading of their forces . Zanius was Admiral : Noble Singliticus was sent with 1000 Footmen into Cyprus ( who led also all the Horsemen in the Island ) . Martiningus , promising to follow with 2000 more . Their strong Cities were new fortified , and provided with all necessaries , for defence of their State ; earnestly soiiciting the Christian Princes , to give them ayd against the common enemy ; but Maximilian excused himself by the 8 years League made with the Turk : as also Charls the French King , and Sigismund of Poland , upon the same account , yet seeming very sory for the breach betwixt them : yet Charls offered to be a Mediator , ( if they pleased ) betwixt them and Selymus . Sebastian also of Portugal , made an excuse from the great Plague that had lately raged in his Kingdom : also that he was to maintain Sea-Warres , against the Turks in the East - 〈◊〉 . Onely Pope Pius the 5th , and Philip of Spain , with the Duke of Savoy , Duke of Urbin , and Duke of Florence , and Knights of Malta , promised them , and performed their ayd . Selimus was with the Venetian's short answer , and Cubates's contemptuous usage , farther enraged , they also having in their Letters omitted his glorious Titles : wherefore he imprisoned their Embassador , and all the Christian Merchants of the West , throughout his Empire , staying their ships under Arrest , setting himself wholly to prepare things needful for the intended Warre . Cyprus layeth in the farthest of the Cilician Sea , between Syria East , Pamphylia West , Aegypt South , and Cilicia ( now Caramannia ) North. It is in length , ( after Strabo ) 175 miles ; in breadth 65 , in circuit 427. It abounds with what ever is needful for the sustentation of man : sending forth great abundance , and craving no help again . The people generally lived so at ease and pleasure , that the Island was dedicated to Venus , who was there chiefly worshipped , and thereof called Cypria : Marcellinus saith , that Cyprus is , of it self , able to build a tall Ship from the Keel to the Top-sail , and put it to Sea , furnished of all things needful : In the heart whereof , stands Nicosia , sometime its Mother-City ; and in the East end thereof , Famagusta the chief and onely Port of all that most pleasant Island . It came first into the hands of the Venetians , as hath bin before declared , by Catherine Cornelia , the Wife of James the King thereof , and adopted Daughter of the Senate , who ( her Husband being dead ) by the perswasion of her Brother George Cornelius , ( all the Island being ready to revolt , after the death of her young Sonne a Posthume ) coming to Venice , and with the greatest honour received ; in the Senate-House , before the Tribunal of Duke Barbaricus , laid down her Crown and Scepter , and , as a loving Daughter , resigned up her Kingdom to the great honour and profit of her Countrey , ( in one thousand four hundred seventy three ) then paying to the Sultans of Aegypt , such yearly Tribute as James did ; and afterwards the same , to the Turk by Law of Conquest . But now , this Selimus the 2d , made no account of the accustomed Tribute , but of the fruitful Island itself : who , in the beginning of February , 1570 , sent a great power into Epirus , and the Frontiers of Dalmatia to forrage , especially about Jadera , to withdraw the Venetians from the defence of Cyprus , so far off : and in April following , he sent Piall , ( who was a Hungarian , born of mean Parents ) with 80 Galleys , and 300 Galliots , to keep the Venetians from sending ayd to Cyprus : who coming to Euboea , so lay certain dayes , as if he would give them battel ; but understanding that they , grievously visited with the Plague , and slowly relieved by friends , were not like in haste to come out , he sailed to have taken the Island Troos from them , stronger by the Defendants industry , than by nature : who ( though far from Christian Countries ) could neither for fear or danger , be removed from Christian Religion , or submit to the Turks Government , as most of the Cyclades had done . Piall by fair meanes and fowl , perswaded the Inhabitants to yield their Town ; but getting nothing from them , but fowl words again , he valiantly assaulted it two dayes ; but seeing how little he prevailed , and the Defendants resolution , he abandoned the Island , sailing towards Cyprus ; for Mustapha ( a hater of the Christians ) was made General , who appointed Piall to meet him at the Rhodes , where , he that came first , should tarry for the other , to sail together to Cyprus . Mustapha having sent a great part of his Army by Land into Pamphylia , departed in a royal and wondrous great Galley , ( together with Haly Bassa , General of the forces at Sea and the rest of the Fleet ) from Constantinople May 26 , meeting with Piall at the Rhodes , and to colour so manifest a wrong , according to the Turkish manner , a little before his arrival at Cyprus , sent Letters to the Venetians : that Cyprus , together with Aegypt , which was conquered by the Turks , was become of right , a part of the Othoman Empire : which they came to challenge , leading after them 200000 valiant Souldiers , &c. And if they should prefer their vain hopes before the wholsom Counsel of leaving the Island without resistance , they were to expect all the calamities of War , &c. he giving them a moneths space to bethink themselves . The whole Fleet consisted of 200 Galleys , divers Galliots and small Men of Warre , with divers Vessels for transporting of Horses ; whose coming , the Islanders from their Watch-Towers , first discovered at the West end : whence , ( on the right hand ) passing the promontory of Del legate , they landed divers of their men : who , burning and spoyling some Villages , with spoil and prisoners , returned to the Fleet , which coming to Salinae , a place ( so called from abundance of Salt there made ) they came to an Anchor in an open Road , landing their Army on a plain shoare , unresisted : which exceedingly encouraged the Turks , thinking they should not have so done , without a bloudy Fight ; but the Christians ( all whose hope was to have 〈◊〉 them from landing ) either terrified with the greatness of the Fleet ; or prevented by their celerity , to their great hurt omitted so fair an opportunity . The Bassa entrenching his Army , sent the Fleet to transport his other forces out of Pamphylia into the Island ; and Scouts to take some prisoners , of whom they might learn many things of concernment ; but the greatest question among themselves was , whether they should first set 〈◊〉 Famagusta or Nicosia ? Famagusta standing low , and wholly subject to the then scorching heat : the Bassa for fear of Diseases , thought it better to begin with Nicosia . So put ing all things in order , and well viewing the Countrey , he set forward : it was about 30 miles distant , being the chief and richest City of the 〈◊〉 . The spreading Army , the neerer it came , the greater was the 〈◊〉 of the people , and the number of prisoners ; but the Enemies approaching , a general fear possessed all men : there being in the City no renowned Captain , nor any strong Army without , to oppose the enemy . Dandulus was Governour of the City , too weak for so great a burthen , being brought up in civil Affaires : who had taken up 4000 Foot , and 1000 Horse , raw Souldiers , commanded by the Gentlemen of the Countrey : The greatest hope being reposed in 1200 Italian Foot , and 600 Horse : the whole number of Souldiers in Garrison were deemed about 8000 Horse and Foot , too weak a Company against so fierce and strong an enemy , under an old and expert General . The Venetians having ever great care of Cyprus as remote , oft intended to have fortified it ; but , lest they should seem to distrust or dread the Turks , left it still undone . Nicosia stands in a Champain Countrey , about five miles in circuit , magnificently built , and for its wholsom and commodious scituation , notably peopled : the Venetians had fortified it lately with new Walls , thick Rampiers , 11 strong Bulwarks , and 3 great Fortresses , for defence of the Wall : which they did well furnish with Men , and Warlike Provision ; yet they found that Fortifications are strengthened by Defendants , rather than Defendant , by Fortifications . July 22. the Bassa encamped within a mile and half of the City : the Turks issuing out , rode before the Walls and Gates , and with often and lowd out-cries , upbraided the Defendants : whose silence was taken as a token of fear . Mustapha also coming , and fully viewing its Walls and Scituation , shortly after , they drew nearer , filling with their Tents the lower part of the Hill Mandia : setting the Bassaes Tent upon the Hill , to the terrour of the Defendants , and encouragement of the Turks , who brought their Trenches from far , casting up a few Forts ; but , as their Army increased , many more ; which they raised above the Walls , making the City more dangerous to defend . There , with 70 great Pieces , they battered the City day and night , without ceasing : many being slain with the shot , and the pieces of stones beaten out of the walls . Never such a fear as then , within Nicosia : the enemy with restless labour , bringing his Trenches to the very brim of the Town-ditch , which had not been well scoured . Being so nigh , they first skirmished a farre off , with small Pieces : but afterwards , they battered with their great Artillery , and overwhelmed the Defendants with thick small shot , Arrowes and stones , to drive them off the Wall and Rampiers . Not onely the Curtains betwixt three Bulwarks , were soon 〈◊〉 down ; but all places thereabouts , lay full of the dead bodies of Assailants and Defendants . These ( through desperation , joyned with necessity ) besides , defending their Walls , with small shot , stones , &c. oft made great slaughter of them , with their Artillery and murthering Pieces ; dismounting also many of their great Pieces , and with Feather-beds , & Sacks of Cotton-Wooll , making up the breaches : which the Turks laboured to burn with Pitch Barrels , and Pots of Wild-fire ; and after long fight , entring the Ditch , made two wayes to the Walls , which they so fortified on both sides , that they were safe from the loups of the Bulwarks , flankering the Ditch : presently setting up Scaling Ladders , filling the Ditches , and were digging down the Foundation of two Bulwarks . The Christians in the first assault , struck many down dead , climbing up the Ladders ; and soon 〈◊〉 more than themselves were , forced the rest to give over the assault : in these first and hard conflicts , a number of Souldiers were lost , and most of the Cannoniers slain . After this assault , both parties were busied a while , in ingenious devices . The Venetians had in good time , put their Fleet to sea , but being too weak , they lay still about Jadera , expecting the coming of the Spanish Admiral with his Galleys : Two moneths were past , and no news thereof ; so that the Venetians speed and industry was marred by the Spaniards delay and lingring ; besides the plague ( at length ) grew so hot in the Fleet , that there was neither Marriner nor Souldier left in many Galleys : 20000 dying thereof , among whom were many of great account . The plague well ceased , and Zanius weary of expecting the Spanish Admiral , collecting his dispersed Fleet , sailed to Corcyra , where he met with Venerius , who had lately taken from the Turks , Suppoto a sea-Town over against it . All their Fleet was now 117 sayl , 12 being Galleasses , but too weak for the Turks , they being weakly manned ; yet the Admiral sorry for Cyprus's spoil and the distresse of Nicosia , landed at Suda in Creet , Aug. 12. In the latter end whereof , Columnius for the Pope , and Auria for the Spanish King arrived there also , welcomed with great triumph ; so that there was now 192 Galleys , 12 Galleasses , 〈◊〉 Vessels laden with provision , and Ammunition , &c. The Pope set forth 12 Galleys , the Spaniards 42 , proportionably manned . The 3 Commanders after long consulting , by Zanius's perswasion , about the midst of Septemb. ( with a fair gale of wind ) set forward for Cyprus , keeping such order as if they should presently have met with the enemy : Loredanus Duke of Venice died in these troubles , leaving the rest of the care to Moscnicus his Successour . While the Christians slowly proceed , Mustapha dividing his Army into 4 parts , assaulted 4 Bulwarks of the City with greater force than before : the presence of the General , besides their natural fiercenesse , carrying the Turks head-long without peril , and the fear of life and liberty , with hope of relief , encouraging the Defendants to dare any thing : many Turks were slain and their Ladders overthrown : the poor Defendants being brought to a small number , few or none escaping unwounded : many thought the City might then have been taken , if the Bassa had still brought on fresh men : but his loss was such , that for that time he gave over the assault . After this , some thought good ( whilst they had some reasonable strength ) to salley forth upon the enemy , which Dandulus in no case liked , as loath to diminish the number of the Defendants , yet he yielded to the desire of the Captains : so in the hottest time of the day , some Italian Companies under Caesar and Albertus , issued forth , and suddenly brake into the enemies Trenches , where the Turks were playing and sleeping . At first , the Italians brought great fear upon that quarter , and slew many : but the Turks running in on every side , they were glad to retire , divers being slain and their 2 Leaders ; so that this salley only weakened the Defendants , and caused the Turks to keep better watch and ward . All hope of long holding out now almost lost , the Defendants scarcely shewing their Heads without danger , They sent out skilful Scouts to the Country people ( who in great multitudes had 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Mountains ) to tell them , if they came not in time to their relief , their wives and children sent into the City , must shortly fall into the enemie's Hands or perish with Hunger ; but these being intercepted , were in sight of the 〈◊〉 tortured to death . When divers Letters were shot into the City , perswading the Christians by mild promises and extream threatnings to yield , but in vain ; Mustapha called forth certain Souldiers on a Bulwark , to parley , some being sent to him , who complained that no answer was given to his Letters , setting forth the power of the Turkish Empire , propounding great miseries , and shewing the profit of yielding up the City ; offering them large entertainment : concluding , they should never find so much offered grace afterward . The Bassa did this , doubting the coming of the Christian Fleet , and his Army being exceedingly troubled with diseases ; but the Souldiers answered , they yet doubted not of their own strength , being ready to endure any thing , rather than prefer the uncertain friendship of an unknown prince , before the favour of such worthy Princes as they had so good experience of . The Bassa grieved and enraged , made ready for the assault , promising great things to those who should first or second mount the Walls : encouraging them with the small number and feeblenesse of their enemies , the approach of hoped rewards and end of their labours , &c. Some he reproved in that general assault ; some mindful of promises , others of disgrace , with their thick shot and Ordnance suffered none to stand safely on the walls : by whose ruines , and in other places they attempted with scaling-Ladders to enter , which they maintained for divers dayes without intermission , fresh men still coming on : yet the Defendants performed what was possible for so few to do : still in hope that relief might come by the approach of the Christian Fleet. At length , when the Turks were in great hope to gain the walls , and Mustapha guessed the Christians to be weary , and sore weakened , which was also confirmed by some fugitives : yet he sounded a retreat , laying still all next day . The Defendants thinking he had given over , because of some ayd coming to them , upon that vain Hope became more carelesse . But the Bassa choosing out about 200 of his best , valiant and 〈◊〉 Captains and Souldiers , sent them early next day , to try if they could without noise , set up Ladders and get into those 4 Bulwarks , before-shaken . These getting up , others followed , so taking the Bulwarks , and presently other Companies standing ready in divers places with Ladders , recovered the top of the Walls . In every Bulwark was 140 Italians and Epirots , who part asleep , as fearing no danger , and part laying on the ground , were surprized and slain ; other-some , awaked with the noise , leapt down out of the Bulwarks at places next to them , some running unawares into the midst of their Enemies . Upon the Alarm , some Captains came speedily with their Companies to the Walls , as Eugenius who crying out to some he met , not so cowardly to flee , and staying others , was slain with a small shot : Other Captains also in other places labouring in vain , to stay the fleeing Souldiers . The Defendants now gathered into the Market place , but the Citizens stood in the entrance of their Houses , fearfully expecting their own and their Countries destruction . The Governour of Aleppo the while , scoured the Walls round , putting all to the sword they met ; a Company of the Italians at the Bulwark Earbarus , fighting desperately a while , but were at last overthrown and slain . After this , he came down into the City , and seeing those in the Market-place fight as desperate men , in a Ring , he bent murdering-pieces upon them : Whereupon they laid down their Weapons , , yielding to mercy . By and by all the Gates were strongly guarded , that none should go in or out . Dandulus with the Bishop of Paphos , and the other Nobles , and better sort of Citizens , stood on their guard in the Town-Hall : to 〈◊〉 Mustapha sent word , he would take them all to mercy , if they ( without more resistance ) would yield ; but while Messengers ran to and fro , the Turks breaking in , slew them every man : after which they spared none , and slaying those in the streets , brake into the Houses , making havock of all things . Babes were taken from their mothers : Virgins ravished : women before their Husbands faces abused , Temples spoiled , and all places filled with mourning and dead bodies , for in the City was slain that day 14866 persons . It s reported , the prey there taken amounted to 20000 millions of Duckats : 200 of the most goodly youths were chosen to be sent a present to Selimus : 250 pieces of Ordnance were taken , some being carried away , the rest left for defence . Thus famous Nicosia , fell into the Turks Hands , Septemb. 9. 1570. Mustapha with the terrour of his Name , rather than by force , brought most of the Towns under his obedience , and by promise of good usage , brought back the Countrey people ( who had fled into the Mountains with all they had ) to their dwellings , to till and sow as they were wont . He sent a Sanzack to summon the City Syrene , strongly scituate and well furnished for a long siege ; but Palacius the Governour , no sooner saw the enemy , but he delivered it up to him , only to depart thence with all his Garrison , which was easily granted . Ere long , Mustapha leaving a strong Garrison in Nicosia , marched to besiege Famagusta : for terrours-sake , sending to them by a Country fellow in a Basket Dandulus's Head , sending before him divers Horsmen , who upon their staves , carried the Heads of many slain Nobles : so riding in triumph about the Walls : but they of Famagusta not terrified thereby to yield , he encamped about 3 miles off : and casting up divers Mounts , he placed battery against the Tower defending the Haven . Himself the while , battering the Gate leading to Amathus . But perceiving by their desperate salleys , he was like to have much more here to do , than at Nicosia , and Winter drawing fast on : it being reported also the Christian Fleet was at hand , he rose with his Army further off , billeting his Souldiers in the Villages round , for that Winter . Haly and Piall , in doubt of the Fleets coming , then at Creet , sent out 6 Galliots to discover the Christians doings , who returning with some prisoners taken in Creet , declared what they heard , and that the Christian Fleet was on their way to Cyprus : Whereupon , the Bassaes set forward from before Famagusta towards Limisso to meet them : who were coming between the Isles Caprathos and Rhodes : but there hearing that Nicosia was lost , and that the Turks were come to besiege Famagusta , they called a Council , to consult what best to do . Columnus then chief Commander , and Zanius , thought it best to hold on and relieve Famagusta , because it was like , that the Turks proud of Victory , for desire of prey , had left their Fleet but slenderly manned : alledging also , the Senates express decree , to give The Turks battel ; but Auria thinking of the matter as it was : said , He marvelled how the Venetian Senatours , sitting at ease in Counsel , before knowledge of their own and enemies strength , the nature of the Countrey , and purpose of their foes , could determine what were fit for martial men to do , to whose actions no certain Rule could be prescribed : and besides , divers difficulties and wants alleadged ; he said , he had express command from the King of Spain to return to Messana before Winter : Wherefore , when the month was out he would depart . Zanius urged Auria to proceed : saying , So great ayd was not sent from the Pope and King only for reliefe of Nicosia , but to deliver the whole Island from the danger of the Turk . Divers great Captains were of Aurias's opinion , as Sfortia : who said , Nothing was to be done as might rashly expose unto casualty or power of the enemy ; the Fortune & Majesty of the Christian Common weal , greatly hazarded in that Fleet : that longer stay might bring further danger , &c. Upon which so fowl a disagreement , the Fleet began to return back , every Admiral now by himself leading his own Fleet : Auria after 2 dayes wondrous tossing at sea , came to Caprathos : thence with much ado arriving in Creet : whence by a Messenger , he requested leave of Columnus , presently to return home : who answered , He would give him none , charging him to keep company with the rest of the Fleet till it were past Zant ; for if they should not passe safely by their enemies Countrey , it should be imputed to his dishonor , who had forsaken his friends , and not to them ; but Auria answered , The welfare of Sicily and Naples consisted in that Fleet 's safety , and therefore he could not stay to go with their heavy Galleasses and other ships , which must oft be towed . Yet it was deemed he sought occasion ( accounting himself the better man at sea ) to withdraw from the command of Columnus . After a while thus reasoning the matter , Auria without leave came to Messana in Sicily : the other two not staying long after him , but with much trouble at sea , Columnus arrived in Italy , and Zanius at Corcyra . In this idle expedition many thousands of valiant men lost their lives of divers diseases , from change of diet , and the weathers unseasonablenesse in that hot Climate : Marteningus with most of his 3000 Souldiers , sent for defence of Famagusta perishing also . Barbaricus was sent to Corcyra to discharge Zanius of his Admiralship , and send him prisoner to Venice ; Venerius Governour of the Isle being put in his room . The Bassaes at sea , were not a little proud of the Christians Fleet 's departure ; yet the seas growing rough , and no enemy appearing , they left 7 Galleys before Famagusta to hinder it from relief that way , departing themselves : Piall with the greatest part to Constantinople , and Haly with the rest to the Rhodes : fraughting a great Gallion and 2 tall ships , with the richest of the spoil of Nicosia , and choise of the prisoners for a present to Selimus ; but being ready to hoyse sail , as they were carrying out of the Gallion , some barrels of Gunpowder , which Mustapha had commanded to be landed , a Noble Woman Captive fired the powder , which rent the Gallion with the other two ships in pieces , blowing up all that was therein , none escaping with life but the Master of the Gallion and 2 captives ; but the Bassaes following their resolution , Piall came to Constantinople , where such preparation was then , and all winter making , as if Selimus ( next year ) purposed some greater matter , While Venerius yet lay at Corcyra , the theevish and needy Acroceraunians , promised to deliver to him the strong Castle of Caymera kept by 300 Turks , if with a few Galleys and fit number of foot , he would come into the Bay of Ambracia , offering him good Hostages for performance : who forthwith went thither , landing a Company of Horsmen and 3000 Foot , and presently 1000 of those Mountain-people coming to them , they took the Hill , repulsing the Turks coming for relief of the Castle : they therein next night let themselves down with Ropes , but were all taken or slain : a strong Christian Garrison being put into it . Ere long , Couragious Quirinus the Vice-Admiral besieged a strong Castle in Peloponesus , by sea and Land , which the Turks had built 2 years before to trouble the Christian passage . He took it in 5 hours , putting 500 Turks to the sword , and razing it , carried away 25 great Ordnance into Zant. While Mustapha lay before Famagusta , Bragadine the Governour , and Balcone a most expert Captain , beholding the Turks great Army , with-their cunning Fortification , were much moved : Wherefore , they entreated Ragazonius Bishop of the City to go to the Senate , in so great danger to crave their ayd ( joyning to him Donatus a noble Cypriot ) ; he was at first loath , in such danger , to leave his Flock , but was at length overcome by entreaty and tears : and loosing out of the Haven about Sun-setting with a fair gale , passed thorow the Turks Fleet laying at Anchor . Being come to Venice , he declared to the Senate ( as before to Zanius at Creet ) the danger of the City , the Enemie's strength , and Defendants weaknesse against such a multitude , and want of necessaries to hold out &c. Zanius then Admiral , sent 4 tall ships ( laden with Victual and Gunpowder , with 1700 choise Souldiers ) from Creet to Famagusta , appointing Quirinus with 12 of the best Galleys to conduct them thither . Zanius at his departure to Venice , though he knew it required haste , yet left it to his discretion when and how to perform that service , who ( the seas being then full of the Turks Galleys ) stayed till Winter was well spent , and so setting forward , Jan. 17. 1571. He kept aloof from the ships , who came directly before Famagusta , hoping , the Turks Galleys might be drawn further into the sea in hope of booty , himself fitly staying out of sight . The Turks upon Day-dawning , made hastily toward them from the Harbours mouth ; but Quirinus desirous to fight with them , shewed himself before the enemy came nigh the ships : who presently with all speed retired . But Quirinus following them faster , they were glad to run 3 Galleys aground , and get ashoar , which 3 he beat to pieces with his Ordnance , sore gauling the other 4. The Haven cleared , he brought the ships with the supply to Famagusta , for which there was great joy . Quirinus coming forth again , and roaming up and down at pleasure , took 2 enemies ships coming to the Camp , richly laden ; enriching his Souldiers therewith , doing great harm in divers places along the coast of Pamphylia : so returning to Famagusta , he perswaded the Garrison to remember their wonted valour , that the Christian Fleet would be with them next summer to raise the siege . So having in 20 dayes dispatched that he came for he departed to Creet in 5 dayes . Selimus having knowledge hereof , was so highly displeased , that he beheaded the Governour of Chios , disgracing the Governour of the Rhodes , who should have kept those seas : He displaced also Piall Bassa . making Partau Admiral , because it was supposed he might have ( the year before ) discomfited the Christian Fleet at Creet . As for Philip the King of Spain his joyning with the Venetians and Pope Pius 5th . ( who greatly favoured their cause ) in perpetual League and Confederation ( as it was tearmed ) against the common enemy ; he referred it to 2 Cardinals , and Zunica his Embassadour sent to Rome for that purpose : where also to that end , then lay Surianus the Venetian Embassadour : to whom the Pope joyned divers Cardinals , to compose such differences as should arise betwixt the Commissioners for the King and the Venetians : but so soon as they were set together in Consultation , They began to jarre about the capitulation of the said League . The ostner they sate , the farther off : if one difficulty were by the discretion of some appeased , at the next meeting arose 3 others ; but the chief difference was about the proportioning of the charge , the Spanish seeking to turn the greatest part thereof on the Venetians , and they on them : and with such earnestness , as if they had met for bettering their particular states , rather than for the common good ; for the Spaniard ( the War being risen between the Venetian and Turk , and , through the Popes indulgence , raising vast summs of mony upon his Clergy ) cared not for entring into any further League with the Venetians : but as it were in courtesie to send them a yearly ayd for a defensive lingting War : and so to keep the Turk's busied upon them farther off from his Territories : but the Venetians were even for the same reasons moved to shorten the War , whose Customs also were greatly impaired , and their Traffique almost quite cut off . Thus was all the last year , and a great part of this , spent in turbulent conferences , but uothing concluded , which troubled the Venetians not a little , being of themselves too weak for so mighty an enemy as Selimus ; but on a sudden and unexpected , they might choose either to joyn in League with the Pope and the King , or agree with Selimus : for Muhamet the chief Bassa devised how to cross the rising of Mustapha the Competitour of his Honor , and to help the Venetians , to whom he was much beholden . He by secret Messengers had oft put the Venetian Embassadour in hope , that if suit were made to Selimus for peace , it would be granted , promising himself to be an Intercessour ; but finding him to give small credit to their talk , who had before deceived them : he did not so give over the matter , but for the 〈◊〉 took opportunity to tell Selimus , that it was reported , the Venetians weary of their long Altercation with the Spaniards , and now destitute of all hope and ayd , would happily grant him that they had before denied . Selimus not unwilling so to hear ; he proceeded to know what he would have done therein , by the way perswading him to what he most wished himself ; secretly advertising the Embassadour , there was great hope of peace : Wherefore , the Senate ( under colour of exchanging prisoners , and redeeming Merchants goods ) should send one to Constantinople , with whom he would secretly confer of what might further the pacification . The Senate ( thinking it much to concern their State to have a way , on tolerable conditions to make peace , if the League with the Spaniard could not be concluded ) chose one Ragazonius , a man of great dexterity and wit in any matter , and exceeding rich , and of a very good carriage ; ( things thought of great moment to win the favour of that covetous and barbarous Nation ; certifying the Pope and Spaniard , and other Christian Princes of his sending ; yet of purpose concealing the secret drift of his going : who with thorow-Instructions , was in a Galley conducted to Ragusium , and was met by Muhamet's son ( by his Fathers appointment ) upon the Frontiers , safely to conduct him , and have him convoyed , till out of all danger . Ragazonius was , by night , 〈◊〉 received into Constantinople , and brought into an obscure Inne , with a guard over him , that he should speak with no man ; but after 3 dayes , he was removed much better , and presented with divers kinds of dainty dishes . Having access to Muhamet ; after his Message delivered about prisoners and Merchants goods ; He asked him , if he had nothing from the Senate concerning a pacification ? Who answered he had , but he must 〈◊〉 speak with the Embassadour , without whom he was to do nothing , The Bassa , to terrifie him , declared the exceeding strength of the Turks both by Land and sea : yet so , as not to cut off the hope of a pacification : saying , The Venetians had done better , if they had at first listened to him ; yet , as the case stood , it should be to their great good , by yielding up Cyprus , to gain to themselves perpetual tranquillity : the Island it self being now not worth the hazarding so many dangers , &c. Ragazonius being cool , and advised , and perceiving the Bassa was not to be contraried ; so answered , as that he shewed no token of fear , nor let any word fall that might offend his eares . This was at their first meeting : Ragazonius having leave to speak with the Embassadour ( who lay at Pera under safe keeping ) ; in passing over , the Turks of purpose with a Fleet of Galleys encountred each other like a sea-fight : who smiling said , 't was a pretty childish sport for him that never saw the like , but not to them , who were acquainted with these things in earnest , as the Turks should well know , when ever they would prove the Venetians at sea . Coming to the Embassadour , he by large conference , resolved with him what to do , and returning to Muhamet , easily dispatched with him about prisoners and goods : but as to the Capitulations of a pacification ; They were at first as if they would never agree : but after much conference , they were likely enough to have agreed . Pope Pius , and Philip of Spain , began to imagine that Ragazonius was sent about some 〈◊〉 of Peace , what ever colour it was covered with ; Wherefore , doubting 〈◊〉 the Turk having made peace with the Venetians , should turn his Forces , upon one or both of them , they speedily hastened the former delayed League , the Pope sending Columnius to Venice ; who declared to the Senate , how matters had passed at Rome concerning the League , what harm might ensue of the same neglected , and how much it concerned the common good , but them especially , to have it speedily confirmed , &c. Though many enclined thereto , yet many could not be resolved , whether it were better to embrace peace with the Turk , or the League with the Pope and King ? and that for divers reasons on both hands : and after so weighty a matter , had been with great contention thorowly debated in the Senate ; the League was by most voices , as most honourable , received , and the Turks peace rejected : a Decree being made to that effect . Ragazonius ( by secret Letters ) understanding hereof , dealt more warily with Muhamet , and more hardly to yield to his demands : and devising many difficulties , requested that he might return to Venice to be resolved of many things by the Senate , whereof he of himself could not judge ; and so to return again with more certain Instructions , &c. His request obtained , he speedily got out of Constantinople , but was scarce out of the Gates , when the report of the League was brought to Court. Which made his way the more troublesome , and frustrated the exchange of prisoners and Merchants goods . Ragazonius declaring to the Senate , the Turks drift , his conference with the Bassa , and the forwardnesse of the peace , was by them highly commended , and honourably rewarded . The Commissioners at Rome the while , concluded a League , which they would have perpetual , for invasive and defensive wars against the Turk : which the Pope & King of Spain , and Senate confirmed by oath , May 20. 1571. The sea and Land-Forces were to consist of 200 Galleys : 100 ships : 50000 Foot , 4500 Horse , with necessaries proportionable , yearly to be ready in March , or April at farthest , to meet at an appointed place in the East , to be employed as the state of things required . The King of Spain to defray half the charge ; the Venetians 2 parts of the other half , and the Pope a third , which if too heavy for him , then the Spaniard to bear 3 parts of that left by him undischarged , and the Venetians 2. Victuals was also to be taken up at a reasonable price in any of their Dominions , where the Forces should stay ; yet the Spaniard was first to Victual Guletta , Malta , and his own Navy out of Naples and Sicily . Also if the Spaniard should ( when there was no common War ) invade Algiers , Tripolis , or Tunis ; the Venetians to ayd him with 50 well appointed Galleys : he likewise to ayd them , when by the Turks invaded . But if the Roman Territory should be invaded , then both to the utmost of their power to defend it , and the Pope's person : and in managing the confederate war , what most of the 3 Admirals should agree upon , to be reputed as agreed by all : That Don John of Austria , Charls 5. his son , should command in chief all the Forces , but to display the common Ensign : Also all places ( except Tunis , Algiers and Tripolis ) gained from the Turk , to be divided among the Confederates : the Pope to decide all controversies of the Generals : to whom the Venetians should lend 12 Galleys , which the Pope should supply with men and Victuals , and deliver , as they were , at the end of the War. That Maximilian , the French King , the Polonian , and Portugal , should have a place to enter into the League , whom with other Christian Princes , it should beseem him to stir up in so good a quarrel . None of the Confederates to treat of peace , or enter a League without the others consent : Every Autumn , their Embassadours being at Rome to consult of the next years Wars , and determine whether their Forces were to be encreased or diminished . This League was in June with great pomp and triumph , proclaimed in Rome , Venice and Spain . The Venetians ( in the mean time ) tryed if they could stir up Tamas the Persian King against The Turk ; whom he exceedingly hated for the difference about their Religion , and for manifold injuries sustained : One Alexander a Secretary of State ( escaping lately out of prison at Constantinople ) being ( for his several Accomplishments ) thought fittest for so great a matter : who thorowly furnished and instructed , came to Moncastron in Turkish Attire , a Port-town at the mouth of the River Borysthenes , embarquing for Trapezond ; but was driven by a contrary wind to Sinope , whence he travelled to Cutai , keeping on the left hand , because he would not fall upon the Turks Army , marching thorow all those Countries , yet he fell on a part thereof , but being taken for a Turk , he thorow Rocks and Forrests arrived at length at Erzirum a Frontier City of the Turks . His journey was vented at Constantinople , by a Spie : who , as a friend , haunted the Venetian Embassadours House at Pera : Whereupon Currours were speedily to beset the 3 straight passes into Persia , with his favour , stature , &c. But he fearing such a thing , leaving his Company , posted to Tauris , whom the Courrours followed as far as they durst . At Tauris , Alexander hearing , the Court lay at Casbin about 12 miles Journey , he came thither Aug. 14. 1571. meeting with English Merchants of his acquaintance ; by whom , he got to speak with Aider the Kings third son , learning of them also the fashions of the Court , and how to bear himself therein . The Persians ( through the intolerable heat ) doing most business then by night . Alexander about midnight declared to Aider the cause of his comming , and next day to his Father , delivered his Letters of credence ; declaring to him in the Senate's name how perfidiously Selimus , was about to take away Cyprus from them : with what greediness and pride he had set upon the Christians : and that , discharged of that war , he would in all likelyhood set upon the Persians , through an ardent and insatiable desire of Soveraignty : Then setting forth the prowess of the Christians , and their wondrous preparation both at sea and Land ; he perswaded the King , with all his power to invade the Turk , now wholly busied in the Wars of Cyprus : using divers motives and arguments . The King willingly heard him : saying , He would consider what to do ; A fair House , and a bountiful Allowance being appointed for him and his followers : who also requested the Nobles ( who feasted him oft ) to be Mediatours to the King therein : who had a son called Ismael , whom he kept in durance , for making in-roads into the Turks Frontiers , to the disturbance of his League with Solyman ; he fretting and languishing for very grief of revenge upon the Turks , wished to Alexander , that either his Father had his mind , or he the powre of a King , and that if ever he obtained the Kingdom , he would shew what he then thought . While the matter went slowlier on than the Embassador would have had it , news was brought to Court , of a great Victory obtained by the Christians of the Turks at 〈◊〉 : Whereat Alexander solicited the King more earnestly than before ; but he then troubled with the rebellion in Media , or weary of former Wars with the Turks , answered him , Since the Christians had made a perpetual League among themselves , he would for 2 years 〈◊〉 the event , and then , as occasion served , resolve on peace or war. Which improvidentact , brought afterwards a too late Repentance unto the whole Persian Kingdom , all the calamities which the Senate foretold . redounding in few years to the shaking thereof . Mustapha furnished with all necessaries for his siege , and Souldiers daily repairing to him , besides great supplies brought by Haly from Constantinople , ( being thought to have 200000 men in his Army ) : In April . drew nearer to Famagusta , casting up Trenches and Mounts so high against it , that the Defendants could scarce see the points of the Turks spears or top of their Tents ; for the Bassa had 40000 Pioniers ready at his command . Famagusta standeth at the East end of the Isle , low , betwixt 2 Promontories : it 's 2 miles about , almost four-square : Almost 2 parts whereof is beaten on with the sea , the Land-parts being defended with a ditch but 15 foot broad , a stone-wall , and Bulwark and Parapets : Towers also stand out scarce containing 6 Ordance a-piece . It 's Haven South-Eastward is defended by 2 great Rocks , betwixt which the Sea cometh in but about 40 paces over , but then opening wider , giveth a fit Harbour for ships ( though in no great number ) and was now strongly chained . Near the Haven , is an old Castle with 4 Towers . There was one Bulwark so built after the manner of the Fortification of our time , that it seemed almost impregnable : yet there wanting many things , the City was thought too weak long to hold out against so great a power ; but they had therein 2500 Italians , 200 Albano's Horsmen , and 2500 Cypriots , all resolutely bent . Mustapha planted 64 great pieces , 4 being exceeding great Basilisks : wherewith he , without ceasing , battered the City in 5 places , chiefly the wall between the Haven and the Gate leading to Amathus : and with great Morter-pieces , cast up huge stones , which from on high brake down Houses , falling oft-times into the bottom of their Cellars to their great terrour . Then he assaulted the City : the Defendants both valiantly repulsing the Turks , and furiously sallying out , slew and wounded many , much disturbing their Fortifications , and abating their courage : they so sent also their great shot into the thickest of them , that in few dayes 30000 were lost , and The Turks Captains wondring at their valour , began to despair of 〈◊〉 the City : The Christians the while , made up their breaches with earth , baskets , wool-sacks , &c. not sparing their Houshold-stuffe : their greatest want feared , was of powder , wherefore they thought best to shoot more seldom ; but the Turks still drawing nearer , & raising Mounts higher than the walls , filled up the ditch : and making walls on either side , of the broken stones , to defend the 〈◊〉 - 〈◊〉 , gave a fresh assault , not only with missive Weapons , but fighting hand to hand in the breach : which they did daily , for 6 hours : and though they we e divided into many parts , and fresh men still succeeded the weary , yet the Defendants requesting for the most 〈◊〉 places , thence couragiously repulsed them with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; yet the enemy by often 〈◊〉 in the night also , kept the Christians in continual suspence of an assault , and day appearing with fresh men , desperately assailed them , almost spent for lack of 〈◊〉 . There grew in the Island great plenty of wood much of the nature of the Fir-tree , yet in this differing , that in burning , it cast such a noysome smell , as was not well to be endured . The Turks brought a great quantity hereof to the Gate Limosina , which fired , could not be quenched : though the Defendants cast whole Tunns of water at once into it , but terribly burning for four dayes : the heat and smell so troubled them , that ever and anon forsaking the Wall , the enemy was like to have leave to enter . Bragadine the Governour , ceased not going about from place to place , encouraging the Italians from divers motives : praising also the fidelity and courage of the Greeks , who could never be removed , from the Venetians , or submit to the Turks Government : perswading them with the same resolution to defend their own City ; that they saw in the Venetian Souldiers , fighting for them , &c. Baleonius also General of the Garrison Souldiers , by being present in every skirmish , by careful foresight , & encouraging his men , appeared to be a worthy Commander and valiant Souldier . The Women also brought meat and Weapons to the Defendants , also stones , beds , chests , &c. to make up the Breaches : but Victuals beginning to wax scant , 8000 of the Vulgar were turned forth : who safely passed thorow the Turks Army , to seek their living in the Countrey . Force not prevailing , the Turks undermined the City in 4 places ; but the Defendants by sundry means discovered their works , frustrating them by 〈◊〉 : yet in so great a stir , all things could not be discovered ; so that while they were defending the Walls a Mine not perceived , was suddenly blown up nigh the Haven-Tower , overthrowing much of the wall with most horrible noise : the Turks with a horrible 〈◊〉 mounting the wall , and setting up their Ensigns in the Breach : Count Peter commanding there , being now not able to defend the same ; which Martinengus perceiving , came speedily from his own station . The fight was there most terrible : hope of entring on the one side , desperation on the other , encouraging their minds . In the mean time , Andrew Bragadine , with some great Pieces out of the Castle slew a number of the Turks as they were coming to the Breach : Baleonius hearing of the danger , came in haste with a Company of couragious Souldiers , and cheering them up , thrust himself with the foremost into the face of the Breach , both appointing what was to be done , and encouraging his Souldiers , and , slaying many himself , tumbled a Turks Ensign into the Ditch , having slain its bearer : whereat others encouraged , made a notable Battel ; the Turks retiring , leaving 4000 slain in the Town-ditch , with 14 Ensigns brought into the City ; above 100 Christians were slain , among whom were 4 Captains . Yet they in the City took small rest , for the Turks continual great shot , on June 8. 5000 such shot being sent into the City , one of the round Bulwarks being so shaken , that a part of it's Front was fallen down , and another part stood leaning : the Christians seeing it was not without danger to be defended , undermined that Bulwark , placing some barrels of Gunpowder in the Mine ; The Turks coming to assault it , they retired as if for fear after a small resistance , to draw them the faster on : who coming to the place , the Mine being fired , blew up the Bulwark with all that stood thereon : about 600 Turks perished at this assault , 2 being of great note ; but about 100 Christians perished also by the hasty firing thereof , some being of great account . The Turks enflamed with their great losses , being more enraged by the speeches and perswasion of Mustapha ( asking them what place was impregnable , for the Turks ? ) began a more terrible siege than ever , and speedily making and blowing up 3 great Mines , overthrew a great part of the Wall with the Castle , the notable defence of the Haven : then with all their force oft assailing the City night and day ; that part also on the sea being assailed by them in the Galleys also ; so that the poor Christians spent with wounds , labour , and watching , and brought to small number , held out that tempest rather with courage than strength ; the enemies Army encreasing daily in hope of the like spoil as at Nicosia . The Captains ( seeing there was not above 300 sound men left , but 7 Barrels of powder , want of all things daily encreasing ; and the relief from Venice staying at Creet , because the Turks Galleys , laying before Famagusta , nothing could safely be brought thither , began to quaile in courage ; which being ( ere long ) perceived by the Citizens , they flocked to the Governour , with abundance of tears , beseeching him to take compassion on them , their wives and children , a people alwayes so well deserving of the Venetian State ; 〈◊〉 open their own weakness , & enemies encreasing strength : so that they must needs soon all perish with the sword , if the City were by force taken . Wherefore , they besought him not to refuse any conditions , how hard soever . Bragadine perswaded them to be of good cheer , for that he would so provide for them , that they should 〈◊〉 repent of their fidelity to the Venetian State ; and calling a general Councel , after a little debate , they all agreed to yield : only Baleonius at first dissented , as doubtful of the Turk's Faith , but afterwards yielded to the rest . So a Truce being taken to parley in , and mutual Hostages given : for the time neither Dart or Arrow was sent from either side . After few dayes , the Conditions were agreed on : The Inhabitants safely to enjoy lives , liberty , and goods , with free exercise of the Christian Religion : the Governour , Captains and Souldiers , to depart safely with bag and baggage ; with 5 great Ordnance , and any 3 Horses they should choose , the Turks to conduct them to Creet with Victuall and shipping : which things conceived in writing and by Oath confirmed ; the Governour requested he might come to see the Bassa , and deliver him the keyes of the City . Leave granted , himself with Baleonius , Andrew Bragadine , Theupolus Earl of Paphos , Quirinus , Martinengus , with many other Captains came into the Camp , delivering their weapons before they entred the Bassaes Pavilion : who at first entertained them courteously , extolling their valour and courage : saying , He was glad to know them by face , whose valiant minds before he knew by their most valiant deeds ; but after a long discourse , the false Bassa complained , that some of his men taken at the siege , had been against all reason and order slain : which they utterly denying , he started up as in a rage , urging the fact , & commanding them to be cast into bonds , brought them forth , and in sight of the Army caused them to be slain . Bragadine and Theupolus were oft commanded to lay down their Heads : yet was their execution deferred for a more exquisite punishment and torture ; for next day , Bragadine having his eares cut off , was brought forth to be wondred at , and dispoiled of Jewels and Attire , he was forced to carry baskets of earth to repair the Rampiers ; as he passed by , the proud Bassa insulting to have him kisse the ground at his feet . And so , buffeted with their fists , and spurned with their feet ; he was asked , Whether he hoped Christ would come to help or not ? whose comly countenance and long beard , even in that extream misery , added to him a certain grace . The Christians could neithis well stay tears , nor let them fall , fearing the Turks displeasure ; but the cruel and foresworn Bassa , caused that noble and worthy Bragadine to be set in a Chair , and his skin to be flain off quick , in which horrible torture , he was not heard to let fall any unbeseeming word , but calling on Gods mercy , and detesting the Turks perfidious treachery , he breathed out his life : the Tyrant setting his Head on a spear on high to be beheld , and hanging up his skin stuffed with chaffe , at the yards arm so to be carried about : 2 dayes after , Theupolus first most shamefully entreated , was hanged in the market-place ; of the mean sort of Citizens , some he slew , chaining some in the Galleys , and carrying away the rest into bondage : 300 Citizens and Souldiers who came forth with the Governour to see the Camp being there slain ; one Nestor Martinengus being hidden by an Eunuch of the Bassaes , by help of a Greek Fisherman got to Leptis , and so to Venice from Creet ; where , he reported to the Duke the whole process of the War , and that in 70 dayes there was above 140000 great shot discharged against the City . Such chief ones as escaped , lived afterwards a banished miserable and vagrant life , though some were credibly reported to be well maintained by the Venetian State. The Countrey people and Artificers were generally spared . This was the fatal ruine of Cyprus sometime a Kingdom , and now a Province of the Turkish Empire . 〈◊〉 Mustapha lay against Famagusta , Partau and Haly , Bassaes , about mid - May arrived in Eubaea with 230 Galleys : whither divers notable Pirates with galleys resorted to them : who departing toward the Rhodes , 30 Galleys more ( adventurers ) met them : then leaving some to lay before Famagusta , they June 13. in the Bay of Suda in Creet landed 12000 men . This Island now called Candia had once 100 Cities therein , as witnesseth ( amongst others ) Seneca : now only 3 , Candia , Canea and Retimo . It 's 520 miles in circuit , fertile , Hilly : Wherefore , the people much delighted in hunting ; It hath no Navigable River nor venemous beast , and is now famous from it's abundance of good Malmesey , and great plenty of Cyprus-trees for shipping . The Turks ranging up and down burned and spoiled all as they went , till Justinianus ( lately come thither with 100 men ) and now joyning with the people slew many , they being dispersed for prey , forcing the rest to retire to their Galleys . Next day landing again in great number , they burnt divers Towns , ransacking Setia and Retimo , and carrying away many prisoners ; but loaded with booty , dispersed , and fearing nothing , Valiant Michael slew 2000 of them , ritiring with loss of booty and prisoners to their Galleys . Then sailing to Cythera , Zante , and Cephalenia , besides other harms , they carried away captive 6000 Christians . Thence coming to Suppolo ( before taken from the Turks ) they now recovered it : Then coming to Dulsigno , which the Turks besieged by Land , because it 's Governour , and of Antivari ( another Venetian-Town ) agreed with 300 Epirots , to stir up a Rebellion , and revolt to the Venetians : who promised them 6000 Souldiers to make head . They raising most of Epirus in Arms , one Company of the Italians was at first sent them ; but vainly expecting the promised ayd , being hardly beset , they yielded to the mercy of Achmetes Bassa Lieutenant of Greece coming thither with 80000 Turks . They of Dulsigno hardly beset by sea and Land , delivered the Town to Partau upon safe departure , : The Governour and Garrison being in 4 ships conveyed to Ragusium : promise being kept with the Citizens after the Turkish manner . They took also Buda and Antivari , which though strong and a good Garrison in it , yet Donatus the Governour , no Souldier , through fear yielded it to the enemy : for which cowardise , the Senate confiscated his goods , put him out of the Senate , and exiled him . After this , the Turks going into the Bay of Catharo , hardly besieged the strong Town ( so called ) by sea and Land : planting 9 great pieces upon 2 great Bulwarks : but the Defendants by a resolute salley , put them from their Ordnance , forcing them to their Galleys . Uluzalis & Carracossa got leave ( the while ) for 10 days , with 60 Galleys to spoil the Venetian's Islands there abou ts who coming to assanlt Curzola in the Isle so called , Contarenus the Governor , fled away by night into Rocks and safer places , the Townsmen following , not above 20 men & 8 women being left , who came armed to the walls ; but while the women with stones , fire , and weapon , swere beating the Turks off , with more courage than was in their sex to be expected , a great tempest suddenly arising from the North , so tossed the Galleys , that théy were glad to give over the assault : and sailing along they spoiled Lysna , Bracia and Lisa , small Islands upon Dalmatia's coast , carrying away 1600 captives . They roaming up & down , took a ship bound from Messana to Corcyra , and in 〈◊〉 it found Letters to the Governor , certifying him of the late League concluded among the Christian Princes , which they sent in post to Selimus ; Who wrote to his Admiral 's , to infest any Dominions of the Confederates . The Turks Fleet brought great fear also upon the sea-coast of Apulia & all along that side , yea upon Venice it self ; so that they new fortified & garrison'd both the City & their frontiers . For every ship or galley looking out , was presently surprized , so that the Venetians seemed rather to quake for fear , than ( as wont ) gravely to consult how to repulse the enemy ; yet they strongly fortified the bank , defending the City from the sea , keeping 12000 men in readiness in Venice for its more assurance . All the Turks Fleet ( met together ) departed from Aulona , Aug. 26 , to Corcyra . Partau landing 800 Horse & 1000 Foot , doing great hurt , and burning the very Suburbs of the City ; but the Garrison Souldiers sallying out with 1000 Horse and 500 foot , slew a great number , one being Rays , a man of great name . Thus the Turks ( having done much harm ) enriched with spoil , & carrying away 15000 captives , arrived in the Bay of Corinth , now the gulf of Lepanto . When this Fleet first put into the Adriatick , Venerius the Venetian Admiral , laying with 50 Galleys at Corcyra , departed thence to Messana the more commodiously , and safely to attend the coming of Don John with the Spanish forces . Columnius meeting him with 12 galleys , which the Duke of Florence had sent for aid , & 3 Malta galleys . Ere long , Quirinus and Canalis came thither with 62 Galleys , and in short time the Galleys of Sicily : at last came Don John in the latter end of August with the Spanish Fleet ; about 24 years old , wanting no honourable parts , his mothers blemish only excepted . The Venetian and Pope's Admiral went to meet him , all the heaviness of his long-staying being turned into triumph and joy ; with a most assured hope of Victory . The Venetian Fleet consisted of 108 Galleys , 6 Galleasses , 2 tall Ships , and a great number of small Galliots : 12 Galleys of the Pope being joyned to them under Columnius . Don John and Auria had 81 Galleys , 3 being from the Knights of Malta . In the Fleet besides Marriners were reckoned 10000 fighting men , old beaten-Souldiers being almost throughout that Army intermixed : divers coming as voluntary men ; who being noble persons , had many favorites and followers , strong , and of their own charge bravely armed ; and seeking for no pay , but honour of Victory , or to spend their lives for defence of the Christian faith . Of these honourable and resolute men , Fernesius Prince of Parma ( whose untimely death in the Low-countries , even his honourable Enemies lamented ) , Maria Prince of Urbin , & Ursinus of the Family of the Ursini at Rome , were of greatest mark . A Councel was now called , to which was admitted only Don John ( the General ) Rechizenes or Requizenius the Generals Lievtenant , or rather Directour : Venerius , Barbadicus General proveditour to him , and one Secretary , Columna the Pope's Admiral , with Colonna his kinsman : the chief point to resolve on ( being ) Whether they should adventure a battel against so strong an enemy , or only seek to defend their own Frontiers ? Requisenius speaking first , said , The Enemies strength was before battel necessarily to be known , wherefore delay was to be used , lest improvident care overthrew all , highly commending the advice of Scipio Africanus , who counselled great Commanders not to sight with the enemy , but upon some great advantage , or forced by necessity , shewing they had neither : and propounding to them the uncertain events of things , and the enemies strength by sea and Land much exceeding theirs , and what a heap of miseries was like to overwhelm the Christian Commonweale , if they should miscarry in any thing ; he said , Safe advice was to be preferred before that attended with greater danger . But the Venetians , Venerius and Barbadicus , most instantly requested the General and the rest , so soon , as opportunity served , to commit the matter to triall of a battel ; saying , If desire of honour moved them not , should not the spoiling of their Frontiers ; the insolency of their enemies which they encreased by delay , move them ? So urging battel from many Arguments : then they began to entreat & beseech them not to suffer the Christian Commonweale to receive loss upon loss , but to repose their only hope in the good success of one worthy battel , and never look for the like opportunity , if they let slip the present : After a thorow-debate , They heard the opinion of other notable Captains in the Fleet : Whereof Cornea and Sebellio Spaniards being asked , With most substantial reasons declared the necessity of giving battel ; and that it was not so dangerous as to be shunned or delayed : since the violent enemy must not fight at sea ( as at Land ) with his huge multitude of men : which their opinion , generally well liked of , was soon after by the General and the rest approved , and a resolution taken to give battel ; which known , every day seemed to the rejoycing Army nothing but a delay of a most assured Victory . Next day , the Admirals brought forth their Fleets into the open sea : Auria was placed in the right-wing with 53 Galleys , Barbadicus with so many in the left : in the middle stood the General with 70 Galleys , on his right hand Columnius , on his left Venerius , betwixt the Wings and middle-Battel , was space but for 3 Galleys to row in the rear followed Requisenius , great Commander of Castile ; Fernesius followed Columnius with the Admiral Galley of Genua : and the Prince of Urbin with the Admiral Galley of Savoy . Jordanus was betwixt the middle-Battel and left-wing . Justinian betwixt that and the right with the Malta Galleys . About half a mile behind , followed Bacianus Admiral of the Neopolitane Fleet with 30 Galleys , to be at all times ready for relief of this or that part : the 6 Galleasses like Castles , conducted by most expert Dodus were before the Fleet about a mile , 2 before each Wing , and 2 before the middle-Battel , with equal space , answering the whole breadth of the front of the Fleet , almost 5 miles : serving it instead of Bulwarks . All the Galleys kept a convenient space one from another . In the Wings , as in the main Battel , were the Pope's , Kings , and Venetian-Galleys indifferently intermixed , for the more mutual care of reliefs-sake . Cordonius with 8 Sicily Galleys , and 2 Galliots was to go 10 miles before to descry what he could , and returning to joyn his Galleys equally to the wings . In this sort they ere long came to Paxo : and next day Don John finding ( upon view ) the Venetian Galleys to be but weakly manned , ordered 4000 Spaniards and 1000 Italians to be put aboord them where most need was . There was one Company under Mutius their Captain , an unquiet and furious man , who aboord the Galley of Galergus , first fell to words with the Captain , and after much stir to plain fight , as well Souldiers as Captains , Mutius being Author of all the stir : Venerius hearing hereof , sent his own Captain to appease the tumult , who in the midst of the furious multitude , was fouly entreated by Mutius and divers that came with him shrewdly beaten : which Venerius ( of a hot nature ) taking , as done in disgrace of the Venetians , having hung up Mutius and his Ensign-bearer at the Yards-arm , to the great offence of all the Spaniards ; The General also full of choler and indignation complained , that himself was not a little wronged therein ; that it became every Commander to know what belonged to his place , and not to encroach upon his betters : so would the conditions of the League be the better kept , &c. threatning ( if he had not a publike and honourable amends ) by force of Arms to redresse his wrong ; and , the League being broken , to carry away with him the Kings Galleys : Some also laying more coals upon the fire . Venerius sent him word , He should do well to moderate his anger , and advise at leisure , &c. so should he plainly see , never was more just or wholsome execution done on any than on those mutinous : but if through the heat of youth , he should attempt any more violent course than stood with the common quiet , no marvel if he afterward repented , he being also in Arms , and ready to shew himself a man. The matter was not far only from breaking the League , but even at the point to have set all on a broil ; but Columnius with all his power laboured to cure the wounded mind of Don John , and by divers Arguments to appease his anger , using also this Similitude ; King Philip had many Kingdoms : Now , if any Millanois had committed any capital crime in Naples , should the Judgement thereof be of right referred to the King himself , or to the Governour of Millane ? or rather to the Magistrate of Naples , in whose jurisdiction the fact was committed , and so of , right there to be executed ? 〈◊〉 then , but that Mutius might seem justly to be punished by Venerius , who though a Spanish Captain , had yet raised a mutiny in the Venetian-Galley under his command ; besides , the discipline of War ( he said ) sometimes required a severe and exemplary kind of punishment . Wherefore Clearchus notably and truly said , A General ought to be more feared of his Souldiers , than the enemy , &c. concluding , he had discharged his own duty in dealing plainly and faithfully , only he would pray to God , with merciful eye to behold the troubled Christian Common-weale in such a most dangerous time . Thus was the mutiny hardly appeased : yet , Don John not enduring so much as to come into Venerius's company ; all things of Counsel was done by Barbadicus , not beneath Venerius in valour , but far beyond him in discretion : of a tall and goodly personage , and of temperate speech , being greatly honoured and beloved of all ; He also chiefly endeavoured to further the attonement between the Spaniards and Venetians ; so they came from Paxo to Corcyra , thence to Cephalenia , where , by Letters from Contarenus Governour of Zant , they heard , that the Turks Fleet ( 333 sail of all sorts ) lay in the gulf of Lepanto : Whereupon , purposing to go to Petala a Haven opposite to the Rock , Corzulares , and so to Lepanto , they ( by contrary winds ) put back again into another Port of the Island Cephalenia ) heard ( by the way ) from Creet , that Famagusta was lost , whereat they were rather enflamed with desire of revenge ; so staying at the good Harbour of Galanga one night , they purposed next day to go to the mouth of the gulf of Lepanto to dare the Turks to battel . Partau & Haly , upon the approach of the Christian Fleet , consulted with their Captains , whether to give battel , or keep still within their safe Harbour , who were of divers opinions . Chiroche a most Noble and ancient Captain , exhorted the Bassaes , in no case , when no need was , upon vain glory to adventure all to the fortune of battel , and that on divers considerations : not to go out ( he said ) at the enemies pleasure , but when they saw good themselves , when the enemy was not so well provided ; so should they without great labour or danger , attain to the full of their own desires . Partau thought , the Christians would not at all offer him battel , and as one indifferent , and loath to incurre blame , appeared ready to stay or set forward , as the most part should think best ; but Haly of a hotter spirit , could not endure to hear but of present battel : the pleasure of Selimus , hope of Victory . the displeasure Piall Bassa had incurred , inducing him to accept thereof , if offered ; Caracoza also a famous Pirate , in a swift Galliot viewing the Christian Fleet , had reported it to be much less than it was , deceived ( 't was thought ) by not fully viewing it through his posting haste , or blinded by the Island laying behind the Fleet ; Whereupon , the Turks greatly rejoyced , dreaming now onely of Victory ; so that Haly would needs fight , hoping the Christians at first sight of them , would retire or flee , or fighting at so great odds , receive a notable overthrow : which opinion was also confirmed by the perswasion of Barbarussa's son , Uluzales and Chais Beg Governour of Smyrna , all of great experience , chiefly in sea-matters ; So that though Partau stood wavering , and Chiroche with the Governours of Cicilia and Euboea were against it , yet Haly's Authority or rather importunity , prevailed , although 2 other espials returning , told the Bassaes ( as it was ) that the Christian Fleet , with much more number than was supposed , were coming with Ensignes displayed , to fight : whereat , they exceedingly troubled , demanded , whether the formost galleys were all Venetians or not ? who answering , they were intermixt with Spanish and others , they became exceeding pensive ; yet being well furnished and Victualled , taking in 12000 Janizaries and Spahies in the Bay out of divers garrisons , and 4000 other Souldiers , and that they could not with honour shrink back , they held their former resolution ; So Partau calling together the chief Commanders and Captains , by a speech encouraged them : concluding , they should so set forward , as if they saw the Emperour himself encouraging them , and giving them the signal of battel , of his bounty , and the present Victory , expecting all felicity and bliss ; which comfortable speech so encouraged the Turks , that with one voyce and mind ( and still possessed with the first report of Caracoza ) they seemed to desire nothing more than battel , and thinking only of present Victory ; and coming out of the gulf with great cheerfulness , they made for the little Islands Echinades or Corzulares about noon , betwixt Lepanto and Patras : the Christians also coming still on , Octob. 7. in the afternoon , and understanding by espisals , that the Turks Fleet was even at hand , the General commanded the common Ensign to be displayed ( the signal of battel ) and a warning piece to be discharged out of his galley , and himself in bright Armor with Cordona , and his Secretary , went in a long boat all to the squadrons of the Fleet , cheerfully exhorting them to follow their Leaders , and play the men , &c. To which and other such speeches , they ( before cheerful enough ) gave such applause with the cry of Victory , Victory , so often and so cheerful , that it was taken as a lucky aboadment of the same ensuing . Likewise Auria and Barbadicus ceased not by all comfortable speeches to encourage their followers : concluding , to make ( they said ) the enemies ( rejoycing for the Conquest of Cyprus ) short , before they had well tasted the pleasure thereof : and all the Captains left nothing unsaid that might hearten their men on ; or undone , that might further the Victory . The Turks also ( though it was fallen out much contrary to their expectation ) encouraged with former Victories , with a fair gale , came orderly and gallantly on in form of a half-Moon ; their fortunate Ensigne : yet the Sun shining full in their faces , so dazled their eyes , that they could not well see to direct their galleys to their most advantage ; They had 250 galleys , 50 galliots , 20 Brigandines , and other small Vessels : the middle battel was conducted by Haly and Partau ; attended on by many of great account and place , and for experience at sea , the chief strength of the Turkish Empire . Mahomet Bey commanded the right wing with 56 galleys , and Uluzales Viceroy of Algiers , an old Arch-Pirate , the left , with 95 galleys . In the rear came Dragut with 30 galleys & other small vessels . The middle battels , and wings came directly against each other : whose signal given , by discharging some great pieces ; the Turks coming on with a hideous cry , first lighted on the 6 galleasses : which in their passing by , so plagued them with their broad-sides of murthering shot , that with great loss and divers galleys sunk , they were forced to break their order , and fall further off : which great Carts and unserviceable Ships ( as the Turks accounted them ) they supposed to have carried little or no great Ordnance on their sides ; yet were they ( to the Turks great trouble ) of greatest importance for gaining of the Victory . The wind also which all that day had favoured the Turks , now was come about to the West , pleasantly carrying the smoak ( in time of fight ) upon them . The fierce enemy 〈◊〉 passing by these galleasses , soon made good their disordered squadrons , and with all their force assailed the Christian Fleet. The Instruments of War had scarce well sounded , but all shook with confused cries & noise , flames of fire , thundering of Artillery , many being so astonied , that on a sudden , they almost lost the use of sight and hearing : even showers of Arrowes and Darts being mixt with shot : the Masts broken , Sail-yards struck down , Tackle rent , and all confused with horrour and fear . Haly ran upon the Admiral-galley with such violence , as if he would have presently stemmed her ; but being with like force opposed , they met so violently , that , both their beakes fell into the sea with the feaze . In the Admiral-galley of the Christians were 400 select men , most Captains and Antients , who forcing the furious enemies to shrink back , entred their galley even to the main-Mast , who by new supply repulsed the Spaniards : clearing their galley again , many on both sides being wounded and slain , Don John sending in new supply , the other more lustily than before charged the Turks , who with like hope and 〈◊〉 encountred them : being thrice driven even to the main-Mast , and by new supplies with great slaughter repulsing the Christians back again . Venerius seeing the danger of the General , was about to have assailed the poupe of Halyes galley , but Partau opposed himself against him with his galleys so speedily , that shewing as if he would charge a Front , set upon his side , which at first much troubled the Christians , but afterwards they notably defended themselves . Venerius being above 77 years old , performing all the parts of a brave youthful Commander , by entreating , threatning , and fighting in the midst of his men , much moved their minds . The enemy having slain many , pressing on more furiously , and fighting close together , entred the prow of Venerius's galley , now bared of Defendants : who had been overcome , had not Lauretanus and Malipetra speedily come to their relief : whereby they which fiercely assailed the Venetian galleys , were now glad to defend their own : but in process of this indifferent battel , these 2 worthy Captains , were slain with small shot , which rather enraged than discouraged their Souldiers ; so that they desperately pressed in upon the Turks : the terrour of the batrel being turned upon the Victours : 2 of their galleys being taken after their great slaughter , and Partau in a Long boat escaping out of the battel . Columnius also hardly assailed other Turks galleys , and made great slaughter , taking one , and disordering the other : Lignius also in the thickest of his enemies made a notable fight ; many an enemy falling about : Fernesius , Rueres , Ursinus , Cornea , and Justinian most couragiously fighting . Chiroche or Mahomet Bey , coming forward against the Christian's left-wing , was ( ere aware ) beaten with the Ordnance from the 〈◊〉 , many being slain , and divers of his galleys sunk and torn , they standing so thick : divers being also burnt with pots of wild-fire from the Galleasses : to avoid whose danger , and shun the dangerous shelf which the River of Achelous ( there falling into the sea ) maketh , he sent a great part of his galleys under Alis to come aloof upon the back of Barbadicus : who forthwith turning his 〈◊〉 , received his first onset : and divers galleys fast grapled together , they encountred each other , not only with missive weapons , but with swords : 6 Turks galleys fell upon Ciconia's galley , and 5 upon Barbadicus's yet did they most valiantly endure that most dangerous fight . Barbadicus , whilst encouraging his men and fighting where most danger was , was struck into the brain with an Arrow thorow the left eye , being taken up for dead , yet living till 3 dayes after . The Turks now as Conquerers Iustily boarded the Galley , and the Venetians as discouraged gave way : the galley had been lost , if Nanius and Porcia had not speedily come for relief , and not onely clearing her , but divers Turks galleys were boarded also , some taken and great 〈◊〉 made ; Silvius was here grievously wounded in his thigh and right side . Barbadicus is reported , the battel ended , Epaminondas-like , to ask which part had got the Victory , and being told , the Turks Fleet was most taken , the rest sunk or burnt , He with eyes lifted-up , gave unto God immortal thanks , and , ere long joyfully departed this life . Ciconia ( as was said ) hardly beset , was sore burnt with wild-fire , and hurt in the face , and was now even at the point to have been lost , but was saved by sudden relief , who encouraged , with his weary and wounded Souldiers charged a fresh , taking a principal Turkish Galley and Ensign . In the same wing , Contarenus doing exceeding much harm with his great 〈◊〉 , Chiroche enraged , ran so fiercely upon the side of his galley , that with his beak he had well nigh stemmed her : and grapling fast with her , was like to board her : whom yet the Christians repulsed , with greater slaughter than was thought possible for so small a number , to make ; the enemies , being also embrewed with their bloud . But after a long doubtful bartel , many Turks being slain or wounded ; and both parties , seeing Chiroche slain , and the enemy destitute of fresh supplies : the galley also in danger to sink , through great shot , they reposed their trust in 〈◊〉 nearness of the Main ; but turning about toward the shoare , the Christians entring the galley , and slaying or driving over-board almost all lest , made an end of Chiroche half-dead , with fresh wounds . Divers and doubtful was the whole face of the battel : in one place the Vanquished lifted up , and in another , the Victorious overthrown : All was full of terrour , errour , sorrow , and confusion ; yet the 〈◊〉 at length began to appear much superiour in strength and courage , the Turks seeming rather to defend themselves than assail their enemies . Bacianus in the rear , ever as need required , sent in ayd . The Turks seeing the Christian General 's galley ( hardly charged on the prow by Haly ) almost bared of men in the poupe , fetched a compass to board her abath : whereupon , Bacianus comming speedily in with some galleys , stayed their course , and having discharged many vollies of shot , and a multitude of Arrows and Darts , grapling together , they came to the sword : where Bacianus much encouraged his men , by words , presence and valour , and received 2 shot in his Targuet , many were slain on both sides : the Spaniards ( though with great loss repulsed , in attempting to enter the Turks galleys ) yet overcame valour by pertinacy and overthrowing and slaying their enemies , enjoyed their galleys . After 3 hours dreadful fight between Haly and Don John , the Christians began to faint , and were in danger to have been overcome : but the Don upon a sign given to the 400 of his best and select Souldiers , reserved under the Hatches against all events , they started out , and with a terrible cry desperately assailed the enemy , almost spent with labour and Wounds : who astonied , confounded , and with great slaughter vanquished the Turks , possessing the galley : Haly shot into the Head , and all bloody , was brought to Don John : who seeing him ready to die , had his Head struck off , which on the point of a spear , himself held up aloft as a Trophey of Victory , and to terrifie the other Turks , who fast by , fought yet right valiantly : which they beholding , and a flag of the Crosse being in the top of their General 's Galley , the Christians also crying Victory thorow the Army , they with might and main , made towards the Land , not much above a mile off : whom Canalis and Quirinus , hardly pursuing , sunk and took divers of their Galleys : Partau's Son , by staying the rest , had time to run his Galley on ground , and forsake her with his men , as did others also , the Galleys becoming a prey to the Christians . Caracoza in this hot conflict ( a famous renegate Pyrate ) who had long done exceeding mischief , was slain by Buzzacharinus of Padua . Requisenius also took the Galley of Haly's two Sons , with themselves , one being 23 , the other 13 years old , and the Nephews of Selimus : who though strongly guarded with Janizaries , fled ( as exceedingly afraid ) upon this discomfiture of the main Battel . The chained Christian slaves breaking off their geives and loosing each other , with any Weapons that came to hand , notably furthered the Victory : yet was the Battel doubtful ( betwixt Auria and Uluzales ) , in the right Wing the Turks having almost two Galleys for one . Auria , ( whatever the cause was ) upon signal of Battel given , shrunk farther from the rest of the Battel , but it seemes his purpose was to countervail by policie , what he wanted in strength : it seemed most strange to the Turks : yet he fell off farther , hovering aloof , and seeming to wait some advantagious opportunity ; a galeasse of Pisa ( the while ) laying before him with 〈◊〉 , much troubled the Enemy . Uluzales also so extended his Wing , as if he would have compassed in Auria , yet offered not Battel , but rather expected some advantage might be given him : who had not lain so , long , but 12 Venetian Galleys withdrawing from Auria , and roaming without order , fell into his danger : which he speedily enclosing , boarded them , 〈◊〉 the Defendants , and took the Galleys : many of the Knights of St. Stephen being here most valiantly fighting , slain . Superantius , ( most of his men being slain , and himself mortally wounded , and his Galley almost taken ) blew up themselves with a great number of the Enemies 〈◊〉 . The Victors in the middle Battel hearing the noyse , turned thitherward , to ayd Auria , but one after another , as they had cleared themselves of the Enemy . Justinian , Admiral of the Malta Galleys , being foremost , most terribly encountred with three Turks Galleys : Uluzales sending in three others to help their fellows , so Justinian hardly beset with six Galleys , having lost 50 Knights , and an Ensign , with much adoe , hardly defended himself ; but the Galley given for lost , two other Malta Galleys , who were upon point , by fight , to take three other Turks Galleys , with all speed came to relieve their Admirall ( who was yet alive , but shot with three Arrows ) whereby , the Turks were repulsed , and the Galley rescued : Uluzales hearing of the overthrow of their main Batrel , and right Wing , leaving the Galleys he had taken , was the first in that Wing that fled . Cardonius , suddenly appearing at his back , labouring to stay the flight of the hindermost Galleys , till other victorious Galleys were come in ; but 15 of the Turks Captains , enraged with such unwonted disgrace , unexpectedly turned about , renewing the Battel , and in a trice , almost all Cardonius's men were 〈◊〉 : the Galley was not taken , for that ( the three Admiralls being near at hand ) and Auria coming fast on , Uluzales giving over the fight fled apace ; yet carrying away a Galley of Cyprus , and a Knights Ensign , as a witness of his valour to Selimus . The Christians pursued them , so long as there was hope to overtake any , though weary of almost five houres fight ; but it was more than time , to see to their weary and wounded , men ; and night coming fast on , the old Pyrate under its Covert , escaped into the Bay of Lepanto , with 30 or 40 Galleys . The number of Turks lost , could hardly be known , many being drowned , and some slain swimming , ( though some , mercy most prevailing , took the Turks prisoners ) . Guarnerius reporteth , 32000 to have perished ; others , not past half-so many to have been slain : the chief being Haly the General , Chiroche , Cassanes , with his Son Malamur , Gider , Cassambeius , Governours of Islands : Provi Aga , Mustapha the Treasurer , Caracozae , with many others ; chief prisoners were Halies Sons , sent as Presents to the Pope , the eldest dying by the way at Naples , the younger he kept prisoner , and Mecbmet Bey Governour of Eubaea : and about 3500 taken also . The chief escaping , were Partau Bassa , and Uluzales , afterwards certainly known to flee but with 25 Galleys and 10 Galliots , 16 Galleys were taken , 40 sunk or burnt ; of Galliots and other small Vessels were taken about 60. The Admirall Galley taken , scarce any in the whole Ocean for beauty and richness , was comparable unto her . Haly's Casket , with 600 Duckats therein , and a yearly Pension of 300 Duckats being given to the Greek that slew him , and was also Knighted by Don John , he had also the burrel of the Turks Standard , which at his return to Venice , he sold to a Goldsmith : the Senate redeeming it for a Duckat an ounce . It was massive silver guilt , and engraven with letters : on one side , God doth conduct and adorn the faithful in Warlike enterprizes : on the other , God hath no other God , and Mahomet is his Prophet . Don John , Venerius , and Columnius came together , whom the Don embraced , chiefly Venerius , calling him Father , and attributing to him most of the Victory . Afterwards , they on their knees , with hands and eyes cast up , gave thanks to Almighty God : as did the other Captains and Masters , commending each others valour and good service : especially theirs , who had spent their lives , which were about 7566 : the chief being John and Bernardine , Spaniards ; Caraffa , Bisballus , Virginius , and Horatius , Romans : Barbadicus , Superantius , Quirinus , Lauretanus , Contarenus , Malipetra , two other Barbadicusses : Landus , Bonus , another Contarenus , Paschaligus , Jerome , Venerius , all Venetian Senators , besides others . The chief of the German Knights of Malta slain , were Spart , Commendour of Moguntia and Franck fort : Ro : Commendour of Hemmendorf and Drost : the chief wounded were Don John , Venerius the Admirall shot thorow the foot ; Jordanus , Savel , Molinus , and others , almost 7000 : 12000 Christians were by this Victory delivered from most miserable thraldom . Two dayes after , Venerius sent Justinian with newes thereof to the Senate : who , by shooting off Ordnance , gave warning to the City of his coming : which then hung in great suspence . The Citizens came flocking to the Adriatique Port , longing to hear the first newes . When Justinian was come nearer , they perceiving the Marriners attired like Turks , and four Turks Ensigns hanging at the Poup , their mindes were filled with hope of good newes ; but being with much adoe landed for the Prease , delivering his Letters at Court , and discoursing of all the success , which was blown abroad , the Marriners also having reported the Victory , the people as overjoyed , ran up and down , doubling and redoubling the name of Victory : the Senators also gave publick thanks , by prayers and Hymns in every Temple : then by ringing of Bells , Ordnance , Bonefires , &c. setting all prisoners at liberty , and paying all debts not above 25 Crowns , out of the common Treasury , throughout all the Venetian Seigniory : decreeing , that Octob. 7. the day of the Victory , dedicated to Justina , should be ever kept Holyday ; and a masse of money was coyned , with Justina's Impression , and an Inscription of the Victory . Many also their Neighbour-Princes , sent their Embassadors congratulatory to Venice : no man putting on mourning-Garments , or shewing heaviness , though many had lost their friends and Kinsmen , whose lives they counted given to the Christian Commonwealth . The like joy was made in Rome , Spain , Naples , Sicilie & Malta , especially , when Neighbour-Embassadors came to joy them ; yea , and afterwards in remoter Countries , as here in England . This is that Battel of Lepanto , fought near the Island Curzolari , Octob. 7th , 1571 , the like being never fought at Sea against the Turk . One of the Turks chief prisoners , hearing this Victory compared with the losse of Cyprus , said , It was to Selimus , as the shaving of ones beard , which would ere long grow again ; but the losse of Cyprus to the Venetians , was as of an Arm , which , cut off , could never be recovered . Of the spoil taken , the Pope had 19 Galleys , 2 Galliots , 9 great Ordnance , 42 lesser Pieces , and 81 prisoners : The Venetians had 39 Galleys & an half , 4 Galliots and an half ; 39 great Pieces , and an half , 5 great murthering Pieces and an half ; 86 lesser Pieces , and 1162 prisoners : The King of Spain had 58 Galleys and a half , six Galliots and a half , 128 lesser Pieces , and 1713 prisoners : the rest were bestowed on ayding Princes , or those otherwise deserving in that service . So soon as Selimus ( then at Hadrianople ) heard that his Fleet was overthrown , and almost all sunk or taken , he was exceedingly grieved , and melancholy , and that day would not be spoken withall . Some in all places bewailing their Parents , Children , Husbands , Friends , or Kinsmen , lost : but Selimus's greatest grief , was for losse of so many expert Captains , skilful Masters , and notable Souldiers ; besides , the perpetual disgrace of him and his Posterity : Wherefore , full of wrath , he was about to put to death the multitude of Christians in his Dominions : doubting indeed , that they weary of Turkish thraldom , would rise up armed against him , and take part with the other Christians ; but whilest the other Bassaes ( as dismayed ) stood silent : Muhamet , for his former deserts in great favour , thought good to prove if his fury might by reasonable perswasion , be mitigated , &c. Yet knowing the danger of an open contradiction of him , he , leaning as it were to his opinion and pleasure , by little and little , to draw him from himself , cunningly disswadeth him by a speech from so rigorous a resolution , by filling his head with most necessary considerations : whose grace and Authority was such , that the Tyrants wrath was well asswaged ; but by Uluzales's coming , he was fully quieted ; who after excuse of himself , and declaring what himself had done in the Battel , presenting an Ensign of the Knights of Malta , told him also , the Christian Fleet was so torn , that it could not possible be made serviceable against the next year . Selimus the while , placing Uluzales in the stead of Haly Bassa , straightly commanded new shipping to be built night and day , and enjoyned every Governour to have a Galley or two ready by next Spring , out of his Province : many of his great men , putting to their helping hands ; new supplies of Souldiers , Ordnance cast , and all necessaries were put into his frontier Towns , & provided . So the Turks had reason and industry , but the Christians , ( some note ) wanted discretion to use the Victory . The three great Commanders consulted , what further course to take ; but Winter beginning to approach , and the Fleet wanting Furniture and Men , Don John , and Columnius returned to Messana ; and thence departing , the Don came to Naples , the other to Rome , where they were with great joy and triumph received , having resolved with Venerius , to meet next April at Corcyra : yet the Venetians grieved with the losse of Cyprus , added to their Navy 30 Galleys , with 6000 Souldiers , winning Margarita Castle in Epirus , and recovering Suppato , which the Turks now upon their approach forsook , Canalis also with the Galleys of Creet , took many Vessels passing from Famagusta to Constantinople , laden with the spoils and Captives . An inward heartburning stil remaining between John and Venerius , the Spaniards requested the Venetians for another Admirall : who were wonderful loath therein to gratifie the Spaniard ; yet not forgetting what Commodity came by Concord , and what evils of discord , they chose one Fuscarinus , their chief Governour in Dalmatia , ( who for 14 moneths , had notably repressed the furious incursions of the Turks ) : which honourable place , with the belonging Ceremonies , he received not at Venice , as the manner was , but at Jadera : whence , sailing in the Admiral Galley to Corcyra , he found old Venerius , providing for all things , as if himself should still have continued Admiral . Fuscarinus , preparing at Corcyra against Spring , Martinengus , who had the Charge of the Adriatick , by the counsel of Venerius , ( now returned to Venice ) landed his men , befieging Castronovum on Istria's borders : where he took the Suburbs , and soon brought the Town to great extremity ; but the Beglerbeg of Greece , being coming with a great power , he with all speed returned to the Sea. The Turks likewise , built a great strong Fort , to hinder the strong Town Cataro , from any relief by Sea ; for by Land it was already environed by them . Superantius hereupon , with 20 Galleys , manned with the most choise Souldiers , and some other Galleys which met him by the way , came by night before the Bay of Cataro , leaving one part at Anchor before the Fort ; himself , with the other , passing further into the Bay : the Turks shooting at them from the Fort , to small purpose in the dark , after viewing of the Fort ; he battered it on that side , as did the Galleys on the other side , and landing their men on both sides , by plain force entred it , putting every one of that Turkish Garrison to the sword : the Fort was five hundred paces long , not strong towards Land , whence was no such fear : they took seventeen great Ordnance , much Armour , and abundance of Victuall , and seven Galleys under the Fort ; so Superantius returned to 〈◊〉 . Fuscarinus , in 1572 , ( all things being ready ) sent Superantius the Providetor , to Messana with 25 Galleys , to hasten John's coming , and attend him ; but he there found such small preparation , as well shewed the Spaniards small care for repressing the Turks : who with grief and indignation , complaining to himself of their unfaithfulness , bewailing his Countrey and the Christian Commonwealth ; for the Don had solemnly promised , all should be in readiness , but much of the Summer was past , when scarce a few Companies , and 50 Galleys were met at Messana . Selimus fearing to be driven quite out of the Sea , had built and repaired 200 Galleys , charging Uluzales , to beware of the like danger , not to go out of the Archipelago , or fight but upon advantage , or even hand . Uluzales now Admiral , threatned revenge upon the Venetians , with fire and sword : which much troubled them at Venice , as well acquainted with his fury ; besides , Barbarus their Embassador , in safe custody at Constantinople , certified them , that he told 250 Galleys , when they set forward , besides some others to meet them : therefore to beware of encountring , but on equall strength . It was also reported , that King Philip , careless of the other Warres , was about to turn his forces upon Tunis , and Algiers , ( as he did the year following . ) The Venetians were even at their wits end , the Senate sitting and consulting from Sun-rising to Sun-setting , daily : commanding Fuscarinus , whether the confederates came in or not , to set forward , and not refuse Battel with the hovering Enemy , if he saw any good hope of Victory : calling also earnestly on the Pope and King , to hasten their forces to encounter their Enemy , before he should come out of his own Seas . They put also Don John often in minde of his place , the time , and danger of the time ; entreating him , if possible , to add something to that haste , which so important a cause required : who nevertheless , delayed from day to day , telling them , he would by and by come , &c. which was so far from his thought , that he called back Requisenius also , whom he had sent with 20 Galleys to Corcyra . Superantius , ( two moneths , fittest for Warre , vainly spent ) with great instance , importuned him to hasten : who answered , The Venetians requested but reason , but he was advertized , that the French King pretending the suppressing of Pirates , had a great Fleet at Rochel , intending to invade Spain , now they were busied against the Turk , he being commanded from the King , not to depart from Messana till he had other order : The Venetians much doubted of this excuse ; for the French King hearing hereof , was exceedingly offended , protesting , if troubles at home would permit him , he would gladly give them ayd in that religious War : many thought , also , that had a great power in this delay . Superantius weary , and almost out of hope of any help in time from the Spaniard ; yet would not give him occasion in so dangerous a time to fall quite off : however , he spake not flatteringly of the matter , but gravely declared , he thought Heaven would sooner have fallen , than Don John , not at the appointed time have come to Corcyra : beseeching and wishing him to beware , he brought not the common State into some great danger , pressing him with divers reasons drawn from the common good and truth it self ; but the Kings pleasure was to be preferred before all reasons and dangers . Yet hearing the resolute command of the Senate to their Admirall , he fearing , if without his help , he should gain the Victory , he wou'd take all the glory to himself ; but if overthrown , it would turn to his utter reproach , who had in such a time withdrawn himself , stood a while , as perplexed , and in doubt what to do ; yet at last he sent 22 Galleys , under one Lilly , to the Venetian Admirall : with whom went Columnius ( whom Pope Gregory 13th , entertaining the same League as Pius that was dead , kept still for his Admiral ) with the Popes Fleet. August was come , but not such ayd as Fuscarinus expected ; yet he 〈◊〉 perswaded Columnius and Lilly , to sail with him 〈◊〉 , and give the Enemy Battel , telling them , that if they were all of like courage , they should go both to the glory of the present Battel , and to the great honour and advancement of the whole Christian Commonwealth : then he extenuated the power of the Enemy , from divers grounds , saying , his Provision was , by flying fame , made far greater than it was , or possibly could be : wherefore they should set forward with the greater courage , because the last years Victory , had opened the way for another : which if it should so fall out , the Enemy could not ( but in a long time ) recover his strength at Sea ; so that they the while , might take the rich Islands in the Archipelago : and if the Turks , declining Battel , should retire into Hellespont , they might spoil with fire and sword , all their frontiers on this side the Straits , and open a way to the Christians to do great matters . They were hardly perswaded , nor did they consent , till 't was decreed not to joyn Battel , but with their Galleons and Galleasses in the front ; so sailing to Commentitia , Don John wrote to them , He was commanded by the King , to come and joyn with them , which he promised , so soon as possible to do , being first to be provided of all necessaries ; they the while , to be careful of all things . Columnius and Lilly hereupon doubted , whether to go or expect his coming ; but he not having written expresly of their staying , and Fuscarinus urging them on , they went , divided into 3 Battels , consisting of 155 Galleys , 6 Galleasses , and 20 tall Ships : Superantius in the right Wing , Canalis in the left , the Generalls in the middle , Quirinus in the Reare . Two Galleasses going before each Battel : thus they came to Zante , so to Cerigo ; next day to Colubraria , or Dragonaria , over against it : Surianus , here sent to discover the Enemie's strength returning , declared , that the Turks Fleet , ( being 160 Galleys , 60 Galliots , 4 great Ships ) lay in the entrance of the Bay , called Sinus Argolicus , about 50 miles of them : which being soon discovered to make for Malea , the Christians made with what speed they could , toward them : the Enemy being more in number , but inferiour in strength : his Fleet being rather nimble than strong ; but the Christians more firm and forward : who fearing to be circumvented , by the others multitude , set their Ships and Galleasses before them ; and the Turk , by how much he had the worst before , was so much the carefuller of the reach of the Galleasses : the Christians , very much desirous of fight , and to come to handy-blowes ; but the Turks sometime made away a pace , then stayed , if perhaps they might take the Galleys seperated from the Galleasses going more slowly : and seeing the 〈◊〉 Fleet still coming on for 〈◊〉 , they seemed to do the like , but turning on the right hand , kept aloof along the Coast of Malea , and were quickly gone too far for the Christians to follow them , especially with their heavy Ships ; towards Sun-setting , the Turks put into a 〈◊〉 betwixt Cerigo and Harts-Island , about 10 miles broad , and filling it overthwart , ( 〈◊〉 prows being turned ) as 〈◊〉 they had purposed nothing more than to fight ; but they pretended that , fearing by open flight to dishonour Selimus : the Christians with much labour and rowing , came so near them , that the great shot began to fly on both sides ; but when they came to dint of Sword , the Turks keeping their prows upon the Christians Galleys , by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 back ; and night approaching , discharged all their Ordnance onely with Powder , retiring in the 〈◊〉 unseen , shewing by lights left in their Cock-boats , as if the whole Fleet had still stayed : neither could the Christians ( through the heaviness of their Galleasses ) but softly pursue them , who returned to Cerigo : The Turks 2 dayes after , staying in the Bay of Taenarus , now Metapon , the Christians very desirous of battel , the 3d day after , went from Cerigo , being by break of day , descryed from Land by the Turks : Uluzales , by Warning-pieces commanding his men to go aboard and make ready : who , coming out of the Haven in 3 Battels , ( no faster than the Tide drave them , and oftentimes staying to draw the Christians Galleys from the Ships ) ; Uluzales fearing much the Galleasses , commanded both Wings , ( 80 Galleys apiece ) to fetch a great compasse , on the right and left hand , so to assail the Christians Wings on the sides , or behind : which they perceiving , turned about their Galleys in the Wings , their main Battel facing the Turks middle Battel . Euscarinus , now requested and perswaded Columnius and Lilly , that not staying for the heavy ships , they would with him assail the Enemies middle Battel , destitute of the Wings : not doubting to overthrow their greatest strength there , before the Wings ( gon so far ) could joyn to the Battel again , urging it with other motives : his counsel was well liked , with a great and general chearfulness of the Souldiers ; but Columnius and Lilly , said flatly , that without those Vessels , ( so much feared of their Enemies ) they would not hazard the fortune of a Battel . The Christian's Wings in turning about , were a little disordered : whereupon , the Turks with 15 Galleys , were about to charge the stragling Galleys : hereupon , Superantius went and fought couragiously with them , with four Galleys ; but seeing 40 more of the Enemies making towards them , he sent for 20 Galleys , and two Galleasses , which came presently in : 18 Galleys being soon all reut and torn , the dismayed Turks returning in great haste ; Superantius with but one Galley shot thorow , returning also . The Christian Fleet , in following the Turkish , came so nigh , that they oft changed Bullets , small and great . Uluzales , the better to frustrate the Christians endeavours , who with great labour , drew with them their heavy Ships , sent his great Ships to Malvasia , to be unrigged , whereby he was able at his own pleasure , to leave or take fight ; supplying also his whole Fleet with the Soul diers & necessaries therein ; so that if the Christians would needs fight , they must forsake their Galleasses . The day declining , the Enemy in seemly order , as not afraid , sailed to Corona : the Christians retiring to Cerigo . Don John the while , gave the Fleet knowledge , that he was come to Corcyra , sharply blaming the Commanders , that they stayed not for his coming ; and commanding them , forthwith to meet him at Zante , there to resolve of all matters . Columnius , was in such haste , that he would , Fuscarinus ( leaving all other Vessels at Cerigo ) should return to Don John with 100 of the best Galleys : Lilly was also of that opinion . But Fuscarinus , more careful than the rest , whom the danger of so doing more concerned , would not yield to that perswasion for divers reasons ; but they ( resolved , hap what would ) told him flatly , if he would not yield unto them , they would forthwith leave him , and with their Galleys return to Zante , as the General had commanded . Newes being now brought , that the Turks were in the fret of Cerigo , they all resolved to passe by the Enemy in order , as for Battel ; before , having determined to leave their Ships and Galleasses at Creet , and then to return to Don John. The Enemy in their passing by , 〈◊〉 as it were , stood on their Guard , than resolved for Battel . Being come to Zante in 3 dayes , the Don was not there , but gave a command , leaving there their heavy Ships , to come to Cephalenia , where they should not fail to meet him : whereupon , the grieved Venetians generally muttered , that the Spaniards bearing upon their wealth , were too proud , in respect of themselves , regarding neither the conditions of the League , nor any other mans credit , but trod all men underfoot , &c. yet they went to Cephalenia : whither Don John was not yet come , but , that if they would joyn with his forces , they should come further back to Corcyra : which Message much troubled the Venetians , fretting , & complaining , as of divers things , so that they had long agoe , by many secret signs conjectured , the Spaniards had more care to hinder and crosse other mens doings , than to do any thing of themselves ; and that the Turks of late discouraged with the fortunate proceedings of the Christians , might again rejoyce at their mishaps : yet being loath to fall off from the Spaniard , they kept on with the rest to Corcyra , the Don laying at Spilca with 53 Galleys , and 18 Ships , in the utmost end of the Island : who at first , seemed not a little offended , that they had not with more duty attended his coming , and they as much complaining of his long stay , and many other grievances . The Fleet now consisting of 200 Galleys , nine Galleasses , and 36 tall Ships : they all agreed to set forward against the Enemy , two espialls bringing newes , that the Turk's Fleet ( weak of men ) was at Navarinum , they well hoped , upon the sudden , they might easily oppress them : wherefore ( not to be descried ) sailing by night , they kept aloof upon the right hand , coming with great silence to the Strophades , and the evening following , loosed thence , that , the more to terrifie the Enemy , they might before day , fall upon him ; but , it being day long before they could come to the mouth of the Haven , the Turks from their Watch-Towers , discovering them a far off , gave warning : whereupon , an Alarum was raised in the Town , but the Turks not daring to trust 〈◊〉 their ill-rigged Fleet , and that weak Harbour , ran consusedly aboard , hastening forth , as men chased , and going into the safe Harbour at Modon , about six miles off : recovering the same , before Columnius , sent before , could overtake them . The Christians came before the Harbour , and leaving a space as it were , for the Enemy to come forth , dared him Battel ; but after almost a dayes laying , and none coming out , signes of Tempest appeared : wherefore , they put further off to Sea : Uluzales sending out some light gallies to follow in their Reare , the Confederates driving them headlong again into the Harbour , and retiring into the Islands Sapientia . Next day , they removed to the Bay of Messana , to water in the mouth of the River Pamisus , there falling into the Sea : where passing by Corone , they were oft shot at from thence ; and landing to water , were encountred by some Troops , sent by Uluzales : Many were slain on both sides ; but they prevailing , watered , so returning to the Islands Sapientia . And coming to the mouth of the Bay , ( the Turks having planted Ordnance on the little Hill Albus and St. Bernards Rock , to keep them from entring both wayes ) doubted as they lay , what to do , the entrances being but narrow , and far more dangerous for the Ordnance ; yet Fuscarinus , loath to let the Enemy escape , would fain have had the Generall to enter the Bay , and in the Harbour to oppress the Enemy : which he shewed to be no matter to do , the Enemy being but weak , and not to be by Land relieved : pressing it on by divers motives ; and saying , I my self in person , will be the first that shall enter , and adventure the first danger , &c. The Spaniards heard him with ill-liking and Don John deeming both the time and place , unfit for so great an attempt , rehearsed the Enemies strength , the places disadvantage , the difficulty of the Battel , with the manifold and great calamities received by the over-hasty and rash attempts of their Enemies , &c. concluding , the Christians had sufficiently prevailed , if those things fell out well , which were warily and advisedly considered and resolved upon . Nothing thus done , they returned into the Port of Navarinum : which Proceeding , as it diversly moved the Spaniards and Venetians , so every one spake in favour of his own Nation . Laying at Navarinum , and consulting of many things , they resolved at last to besiege the Castle of Modon , which kept the passage into the Bay : so returning thither , they landed 7000 of their best Souldiers , appointing the Galleasses with some Galleys , to batter it also by Sea , and fastning two of their greatest Galleys , side to side , boarded them over : where they placed gabions filled with Earth and Ordnance betwixt , to have battered the Castle ; but this Engin , ( like a floating Fort ) proved unserviceable , being ready to sink with the weight of the Ordnance , and other things : wherefore , and a number of Horsemen being come into the Town , they gave over their Siege , and put to Sea. A tall Ship of Venice , coming from Zante , with provision for the Fleet , was descryed by the Enemy , who sent out some light Galleys to take her . Uluzales with the rest , laying ready to come out , if the Christian Fleet should stir to relieve her : wherefore the Christians sent Columnius to rescue the Ship , and others also to get in betwixt the Turks Galleys and the Bay : Don John and Uluzales laying ready for Battel , if Uluzales should come forth ; But he ( afraid ) by Warning-Pieces , in time called back those Galleys ( already gone out ) ; but one Barbarussa's Nephew , stayed a little while with more courage than discretion , expecting who should 〈◊〉 him : whom a Marquess set upon , with a terrible fight ; but at last , flew Mahomet , with all his Turks , carrying away the Galley . Next day , because the hope of so great preparation should not come to nothing ; he determined to besiege the Castle of the City Navarinum : which place some being sent to view , brought word , the Castle might in 3 dayes be won , which was committed to Farnesius : who landing 2000 Italians ; 500 Germans , and 1000 Spaniards , with 12 great pieces battered the Castle yet far off ; but the passages thorow a rough & thick forrest being left free , the enemy sallying forth , gave the Christians a hot skirmish , and the while , by a Port toward the forrest on tother side , received in a great number of Horse and Foot : Whereupon , Farnesius went aboard again with his men ; but there was not small hope of gaining the Town by the Fleet , for the Turks received not Victuals by Land , nor could they by sea : being troubled with a plague and famine , who seeking for Victuals further off , the little that came , was oft intercepted , by Souldiers in the Villages , wanting no less than they in the City . And what a death the mortality had made , the want of men in the galley ; declared , for lack whereof , many were sent away or left at Malvasia : those galleys at Modon being scarce 100 , with 40 galliots , the biggest galleys having scarce 120 men therein , and those very meagre and faint : Wherefore , the Christians hoping for a notable Victory upon continuing the siege ; Fuscarinus perswaded the 〈◊〉 resolvedly to hold it out : for the Turks ( except changed into Fishes or Birds ) could not escape out of the Bay , without a notable overthrow ; but they , whether for tediousness of the siege , or want of Victuals , or Winter's approach , or other reasons , thought diversly thereof : At first there was a report , that the Christians would shortly return home , because they wanted bisket , and had scarce Victuals left for 15 dayes , Winter also approaching : and having done what they could , the enemy could never be drawn out to battel ; wherefore , they would now also regard the safety of their Fleet. These speeches were afterwards divulged , not only by common men , but by those also of better place ; yea D. John himself , began to blame others : Why he , so lately come from Messana , should so soon want Victuals and all necessaries . Hereat , the Venetian Commanders were exceedingly troubled and grieved ; for it seemed not credible , that they which were but a little before come from the most fertile Country of Sicily , could so soon want Victuals ; so murmuring by divers expressions against the Spaniards , they said , Verily , they by the infamy of a voluntary return , shewed themselves not so willing to have the Turks power abated , as the strength of the Venetians not encreased . Sometimes they fretted at these things among themselves : and other whiles , Fuscarinus expostulated the same with Don John and Columnius , in the presence of the greatest Councellours : shewing , not only how profitable , but how necessary perseverance was in Martial affairs : perswading the Spaniards for many reasons , in no case to return from the Enemy ; and promising , that till the ships laden with Victuals at Tarentum , were ( being first sent for ) come , himself would supply their wants out of his own store . Don John replied , among many things in answer , That the action in hand , no less concerned the Spaniards than the Venetians : and that he had in his life , desired nothing more , than to stand the Common-weale in stead , &c. neither desired any thing more , than indeed to be a most constant upholder of the most Christian League , and that beyond expectation , even in the judgement of the Venetians themselves : who yet , must now pardon him , if he gave place to the necessity of the time . As for their offer of Victuals , that would not be a help , but the destruction of both Fleet 's : Wherefore , 't were much better to preserve the Fleet which they might use next year , than to cast it away by famine & rage of the sea ; saying , What an indignity should the Christians sustain , if themselves should be overthrown , by that means , whereby they 〈◊〉 to have overthrown others . Secret command being given to the Masters of the Galleys with all haste to depart to Messana ; Fuscarinus troubled as with an unexpected matter , came aboord the General , greatly complaining of his so sudden purpose , requesting him to stay till the 2 fastned Galleys aforesaid , with the Ordnance thereon might be secured ( with all things else ) from the enemy ; so , with much ado , he stayed that night to that end , and in debating the matter to and fro , the Don would needs have it conceived into a publike writing , that the Fleet by consent of the 3 Admirals , retutned for lack of Victuals ; the Venetian Apmiral hardly consenting . But when the Instrument should have been made , one of the Dons Secreraries , advising him of the great dishonour to be to the King and himself , that the Fleet coming out of fruitful Sicily , should ( in a months space want Victuals ) changed his mind , only requesting Fuscarinus to credit him and Columnius concerning that want : promising , if he met with the Victuals sent for on the way , he would forthwith return ; but the while , to proceed by common consent to what was most needful ; so returning at Corcyra , they met the ship with Victuals : Whereupon , Fuscarinus put Don John in mind of his promise : telling him , 't was not unlike , but the enemy upon their departure , would come out of the Bay for Constantinople , who might easily be overtaken and overthrown ; but he was not to be perswaded , pretending the Kings command forthwith to return ; so the expectation of great matters this year ( through jealousy of self-Honour , or Envy ) came to nought . The Don departed to Messana , Columnius to Rome , Fuscarinus with more honour than success , to Venice , where he was with great joy received , with the good likeing of all , giving up his charge in few years after , to receive a greater . About this time , Amida King of Tunis , a little before driven out of his Kingdom by the Turks ( who by degrees had encroached upon him ) , and living in Exile with his 2 Sons at Guletta : hearing of the great overthrow of the Turks at Lepanto : sent Embassadours to Don John at Sicily , humbly requesting his aid , promising to defray all the charges of the War , and for ever to hold his Kingdome of the King of Spain as his Vassal and Tributary : which request being thought of no small consequence for the safety of the Christian Countries laying over against that part of Africk ; He next year in Octob. 1573. by the King , his Brother's command , with 105 Galleys and 40 Ships , arrived next day from Drepanum at Guletta , where the Malta Galleys came to him , and shortly after , Auria with 90 more , and Columnus with 14 more . Don John understanding by Amida and Touares the Governor , the whole state of the City & Kingdom of Tunis ; and that the Turks terrified , were about to forsake the City ; He next day landed his forces about 4 miles off from Tunis , sending 2500 Footmen before the rest , who found the Turks and Moors fled for fear , and coming to the Castle , 200 Moors therein said , they kept it for Amida , 〈◊〉 would not suffer the Christians to enter : all which being made known to Don John , he early next morning set forward with his Army , finding nothing in the Castle but great store of oyl , butter , and wool . While the Don was at Tunis , he had news , Octob. 13. that the fled Turks with some Moors coming to Biserta , were kept out by the Citizens ; Wherefore , they began to burn and spoil 〈◊〉 : Whereupon , he sent Touares with part of the Army , who overthrew the Turks , 〈◊〉 had the City peaceably delivered to him . Don John informed of the faithless and cruel dealing of Amida : and that in detestation of the Christians and their Religion , he by Intelligence already with the Turks , had procured some of their deaths : sentenced him , being yet in the Castle of Guletta , that since he had bin the Author ( long ) of great discord , and endless troubles there , depriving Muleasses his Father of his Kingdom and sight , and so also tyrannizing over his brethren the rightful Heirs : whereby ( the Turks took occasion to possess the Kingdom ) he by the King of Spain's command should with his 2 Sons be carried into Sicily to perpetual imprisonment : who , though he cryed out for mercy was thrust into a Galley , and transported with Wife and Children accordingly . After which , Mahomet his elder brother and right Heir , was appointed King in his place , by Oath promising , to be ever the King of Spain's Vassal , and to do whatever he commanded . 40000 Moors before departing from Tunis , now supplicated Don John , that they might return and live with their new King : which granted , they returned every day into the City . Shotly 〈◊〉 , 1500 Turks , with 3000 wild Arabians or Alarbes , sore troubled all passages about the City ; who were at last overthrown , and 150 Christian prisoners rescued . After that , the Don by advice of his most expert Captains , left Serbellio ( with 2000 Italians ) and Calazar with as many at Guletta , for building a strong Castle betwixt that and Tunis . Thus disposing of all things , he returned into Sicily . So fit opportunity of doing great things , by the most famous Victory of Lepanto , being let slip , and passed over so lightly regarded , made the Venetians now to have no other hope of welfare , but in concluding a peace with the Turk . They thought honourably of King Philip , yet greatly blaming his Officers , and others of great Authority about him , as men more regarding their own private , than the good of the Christian Common-weale . Philip promised them a greater and stronger Fleet against the next year and to be sooner in readiness : who , for all that gave small credit thereto , because they had bin oft before deceived : Wherefore , trusting most to their own strength , they entertained more Souldiers , placing some in their Fleet , and others in their Garrison of Creet , Dalmatia , and their Frontiers of Epirus . The Turks also of purpose gave it out , that they would next Spring with divers Armies invade the Venetian Territories , in Creet , Dalmatia and Epirus : yea , and in Italy it self , and overwhelm them with their multitude ; this ( and more too ) they vaunted of ; but Uluzales brought his Fleet to Constantinople so shaken and weak , that it seemed not possible , but in long time to be again repaired , & furnished with Souldiers and Marriners : but however it stood , the Venetians comparing their own strength with the Enemies , were also no less discouraged with the delayes and cross dealing of the Confederates , than with all the provision of the Enemy ; many things sticking in their minds , they doubted also , lest the Flemmings with their Confederates should so intangle the King of Spain , as that he should not be at leisure to send any ayd into the East . And in revolving many things among themselves , one only Remedy seemed most effectual to cure their afflicted State : to wit , to conclude a peace with the Turk ; of which , they the rather hoped , for that divers speeches of the same had passed at Constantinople . The Senate referred the proceeding therein to Barbarus their Embassadour ( who all these Wars had layen in safe custody at Constantinople ) willing him to make use of the French Embassadour therein , who had alwayes bin a perswader of peace : who it was thought , might have got an indifferent peace ( Selimus being also desirous enough thereof ) had he but expected the opportunity of time ; but he in making too much haste , much hurt the cause of the Venetians : which he most desired to have furthered . Selimus having found him , resolved with Muhamet Bassa what he would have done , who craftily told the Embassadour , he had often moved , yea , and so far as he might , importuned Selimus for peace , but could never find him willing to hear thereof , till now wearied with the solicitation of such as might do most with him , he had yielded thereto . At first , the Bassa with fair and cunning speech , promised him the matter should soon and easily be composed : This being only on both parties consented to , That the Venetians should send an Embassadour for the full concluding and confirming of the desired peace : who committing that charge to Superantius ; he was no sooner come to Constantinople , and the Confederation being dissolved , but the Venetians were glad to endure proud looks , disdainful eares , despightful speeches , long and insolent attendance , with many other indignities : yea , the Bassa asked them , How they durst be so bold as to impugne great Selimus's Fleet ? Superantius answered , The Venetians had alwayes honoured the Turkish Emperours , never taking up Arms against them , but in their own defence , a thing lawful even for the wild Beast in the Wildernesse to do . The Bassa at first seemed to put him in hope , that the Venetians should enjoy all their Territories in Dalmatia as formerly , whereof they had lost some part in these Wars about Jadera , but at the shutting up ( though the French Embassador complained that promises were not performed , and the Venetians so fretted , that they were about to return as shamefully deluded ) they concluded a peace by the Senat 's appointment , upon the Turks hard terms , Febr. 11. 1574. The chief Capitulations whereof were : That the Venetians should give Selimus 300000 Duckats , 100000 to be presently paid , and the rest by equal portions in the 2 years following : That the Merchants goods should be indifferently on both sides restored : and that such places of the Venetians as the Turk 's possessed , should still remain unto them , but those the Venetians had taken from the Turks , should be forthwith restored : The Turks being earnest for the first payment as an honourable Fine for an offence committed ; The Senate confirming the same by a Decree , it was proclaimed at Venice , Apr. 13. following , to the great wonder of the other Confederates : for whose better satisfaction , the Duke ( though many things grieved the Venetians ) with calm and temperate speech declared to the Pope's Nuntio and Spanish Embassador in the Senate-House the causes thereof . The Venetians were for this , generally hardly spoken of , as if they had betrayed the whole Christian Common-weale , or at least their Confederates ; for men , for the most part thought , that the Turks , peace would be but faigned and deceitful , &c. Yet the Venetians , besides a present ease of many heavy burdens , thereby enjoyed the fruits of a long , happy , wholsome , and profitable peace . Selimus shortly after , turned his Forces against John Vayuod of Valachia , antiently called Dacia , having on the West Transilvania , on the North Russia , and is divided into Transalpinia , which Mahomet the great subjected to his Empire , and Moldavia of its River Moldavus , which far passeth the other in greatness , and much pasture : on which Mahomet only imposed a Tribute of 2000 Duckats yearly ; after which , the Vayuods thereof , sometime by Hungarian , sometime by Polonian ayd , rose oft in Arms , refusing Homage to the Turks . Bagdanus a Vayuod hereof , joyning in League with the Polonians , lived much in Russia , purposing thence to take his Wife : which Selimus suspecting , chased him into Exile ; placing in his stead one John or Iwan the supposed son of Stephen , sometime Vayuod there : who with Czarnieviche a Moldavian , having long lived among the Turks , turned Turk ; becoming a Merchant of such fame , that he became very familiar with the Bassaes of the Court , and at length with Selimus : whose purpose he understanding concerning Bagdanus , got by rewards the Bassaes to be his Mediators for the Vayuod-ship of Moldavia , encreasing Selimus's suspition of Boguanus , that he supported by the Polonians : was like enough soon to reject his Obedience to him . Selimus nominated this John to be Vayuod , who entring Moldavia with a great power of Horse ( Bogdanius being in Russia ) suspecting nothing , easily possessed the Country : which Bogdanus , by help of the Polonians , vainly attempting to recover , fled into Muscovia , where he long lived . John after some few years , repenting himself , and embracing again the Christian Faith , 〈◊〉 also too severely , those who had withstood his coming thither ; and now not favouring The Turks as he was wont , but crossing them in many matters , became suspicious to Selimus and the Bassaes : Whereupon the Vayuod of Transalpina , became an earnest Suitor for his Brother Peter , that as John had by Selimus his help expulsed Bogdanus , so Peter by his help might drive out John ; and , besides malicious suggestions to encrease the suspicion of John , offered , that Peter should pay twice so much yearly Tribute as John did , to wit , 120000 Duckats . The Bassaes corrupted , and moved with the great . Tribute , perswaded Selimus to send for John , and command him to give place to another of his sending , which if he refused , to denounce to him open War. Selimus having much emptied his Coffers in the late Wars , sent his Embassadour to the Vayuod , who Febr. 21. delivered his Message , the summe whereof was : Either to send him twice so much Tribute as he was wont , ( another being ready to give it for him and his posterity ) or else to return with him to Constantinople , to answer the matter : Otherwise , He was to denounce to him and his Countrey all Hostility . John dissembling his grief , had him brought to his appointed Lodging , telling him , upon mature deliberation had with his Nobility and Council in so important a matter , he would soon answer him : and deeply considering , that in the Turks Faith was no assurance ; and if he should grant to pay so heavy a Tribute in so great poverty of his Kingdom , wasted with civil War , Selimus happily , so long as any man would give more , would next year exact a greater , and in the end , such a one as he with his Subjects could not pay , He call'd together his Nobility and States , declaring to them the sum of the Embassadours Message , and his own considerations thereof : saying , 't were better for them in his opinion ( for he was not to pay it ) but they and their posterity , to lose their lives with Wives and Children , than to suffer so great an Indignity : which base servitude if he heard from them , that they listed not to endure , He would so provide as to pay the barbarous Tyrant no tribute at all , so they were not wanting to themselves ; he being always ready to lay down his life for the welfare of them and the Common-weile . A secret sorrow , and unwonted silence as it were oppressed the whole Assembly : at length , they murmured against the Turks unreasonableness : and thought , the Vayuod had truly spoken of the intollerableness thereof : Whereupon , they offered him upon their owne charge , to meet the Enemy upon the bank of Danubius , and in defence of life and liberty to fight it out to the last man : He commending their fidelity , and taking of them an Oath for performance , gave the Embassadour a short answer : saying , Himself would willingly yield Selimus the required Tribute , did he not know the minds of his people to abhor the same , &c. Wherefore , he should tell his Lord Selimus , That he most humbly requested him not to take it ill , whose amity he wished , might rather be to him an Ornament and Refuge , than a disgrace or hinderance , &c. The Embassadour being sent away unrewarded : the Vayuod began forthwith to raise his Army ; sending to Henry Valoys , King of Poland ( afterward the French King ) certifying him of the dangerous estate of Moldavia , the surest Bulwark of the Polonian Kingdom : requesting him , That as those Kings for their own safety had anciently protected that Country , so he would now give him aid : or , at least , to give leave to such of his Subjects as were willing to serve for entertainment , to come unto him : Who answered , Since his Predecessours had for above a hundred years been in League with the Turk , he could do neither . The Vayuod was much troubled with this answer ; yet he sent to 1200 Polonian Cossacks , Suiercevius being chief : who having long layen in hope of prey upon the side of Borysthenes , were returning empty home , offering them great entertainment , of which they gladly accepted without the Kings knowledge . They are light-Horsmen laying most commonly upon the Borders of Poland towards the Tartars , hardy and valiant men , whose best living is spoil taken from the Enemy ; for though the Turks and Tartars are most commonly in League with the Polonians ; yet do they oft in great numbers suddenly break into Podolia and Russia , part of their Kingdom , and do great harm , if they be not in time repressed , or cut off by the said Cossacks . Selimus being exceedingly enraged with the Vayuods answer , and the more by the angry Ambassadour , who because he was no more regarded , nor rewarded , incensed him against him to the utmost , sent 30000 Turks and 2000 Hungarians to the Palatine of Transalpina , who joyning them with his own Forces , should take John , and , sending him in Bonds to Constantinople , place his brother Peter in his place . He with an Army of about 102000 fighting men , swimming over the River Moldavus , and little fearing or regarding the sudden comming of the Vayvod , let his men lay disorderly and dispersed along the River side , to refresh themselves being weary : Whereof , some Scouts certifying the Vayuod then at dinner , He glad , forthwith sent Suiercevius with his Cossacks , and 5000 other Light-Horsmen more certainly to descry the Enemie's doings and manner of laying , Himself with the rest following 〈◊〉 after . Suiercevius approaching very silently , enclosed 500 of the enemie's Scouts ere they were aware ; taking them all , and straightly examining them of the state of their Army and Camp : who for fear , confessed , the Palatine 〈◊〉 securely , resting his Army chiefly ; that with greater strength he might set upon John with his fresh Souldiers , declaring their number , and that they might easily be overthrown . Suiervercevius requested John with all speed to hasten his comming for a most notable and assured Victory ; Who comming without delay , commanded Suiercevius , to give the first onset upon the Enemy ( purposing himself to charge them on the other side in three places ) who , with a terrible out-cry , set upon the secure Enemies : who , dismayed with the unexpected danger , knew not which way to flee or how to resist . The Vayuod the while , on the other side of the Camp , came and bare down all before him ; The Enemies Horses being far from them in rich Pastures , they unarmed were miserably slain ; few or none escaping , besides the Palatine and Peter , who with much ado getting Horses , swam over the River , and came to the Castle of Brailovia in Valachia : The Vayuod giving to his Souldiers the great Riches there found , and staying four dayes to refresh his wearied men : then entring the Palatine's Countrey , he took many places , putting all in his way to the sword , of all sexes and Ages : and burning all as he went : so that all that part of the Countrey was terribly covered with smoak and fire . John commending his men in executing all kind of cruelty , and perswading them so still to prosecute the Victory for enriching of themselves ; and hearing that 〈◊〉 Palvtins and his Brother were in Brailovia Castle ; he forthwith marched thither . The City stands upon Danubius : the Castle having a strong Garrison of Turks as the Key of the Countrey . The Vayuod sent Letters by two Valachian Captives to the Captain , to deliver to him the Palatine and Peter , his mortal Enemies ; who , never wronged by him , had invaded his Countrey : otherwise , he threatened never to depart , till , to his farther hurt , he had constrained him to yield them ; whereto , he bluntly answered , by four Turks , by whom he sent twenty great and small shot , with two Arrowes ; saying , Except he did raise his siege betime , he would feed him and his followers with such Dishes as those : whereupon they , gorged , should all dangerously surfeit and cast . The Vayuod moved , commanded their Noses , Lips and Eares to be cut off , and their seet to be sastened with Nailes to a long piece of Timber , so to be set up before the City with their Heads downward ; shewing also to the Captain that sent them , That himself with his Guests , should be so served if they fell into his Hands : Immediately after , he taking the City by assault ; no Man , Babe , or Mother were taken to mercy , nor any living thing spared . Much rich spoyl becomming a prey ; for it was a place much frequented , and had enjoyed long peace : which John razed to the ground , not daring to adventure upon the Castle , being well fortified and furnished . While he was busied in the spoyl of Brailovia : newes came of 15000 Turks , comming to relieve the Castle ; Who , forthwith sent Suiercevius with his Cossacks , and other 8000 Horse against them : who suddenly comming upon them , slew almost fourteen thousand , chasing the rest unto Teina Castle ; Whereof Suiercevius certified John , and of another great Turkish power comming , which might easily be overthrown , if he leaving the siege , would , without delay , come and joyn Forces , who went accordingly to Suiercevius : and upon conference , besieged Teina : which City taken without much labour , he left not one alive therein , and by the service of Suiercevius , overthrew the Turks , coming towards Brailovia . Selimus much troubled , and doubting to be thrust quite out of Valachia , prepared new Forces : appointing general supplications to be made to Mahomet for his better successe ; the undoubted sign of his fear . John , now purposing for a while to break up his great Army , called to him Czarnieviche his old Friend , to whom he with a kind speech committed part of his Army ( to wit thirteen thousand of his choise Souldiers ) to lay upon the side of Danubius : to keep the Turks from passing again over , charging him to let him from time to time , understand with all expedition of every motion of the Enemy : and taking his leave of him with a kisse ; gave leave to most of his Souldiers to depart , yet to be alwayes ready upon occasion . Czarnieviche , promising the utmost of his Faithfull devoire , went towards Danubius , most carefully there keeping the passages . Ere long , great numbers of Turks were come , and coming down to the other side ; yet none adventured the River , because of Czarnieviche : Wheresore , the Bassa ( sent with the Army ) dispatch to him some pickt-out men , to sound , if he might be drawn over , in secret , to talk with him ; sending him , besides his safe conduct , 〈◊〉 thousand Hungarian Duckats for a present : who shortly after , secretly passing the River , had conference 〈◊〉 Peter the Palatines Brother . To whom he declaring , in how great danger the Vayuod stood ; and how highly Selimus was offended with him , cunningly from divers Motives , perswaded him to give the Turks passage over Danubius . Czarnieviche overcome with his Golden Promises , withdrew his Forces further off from the River , as if it had been for his more safety : two hundred thousand Turks well appointed of all necessaries , passing quietly over . Then he posted to , and certified John , that the Turks , trusting to their multitude , had passed the River , against whom he could not make Head : Wherefore , he should speedily go against them with what Forces he had ready , which joyned to his , might easily overthrow them . The Vayuod glad , demanded , what strength they might be of ? Not above 12000 ( said he ) already come over , but are still comming , and will before thy comming be above 15000. John raising his siege from before Teina Castle , in four dayes came and encamped within three miles off the Enemy , sending Suiercevius with his Cossacks , and Jeremias with six thousand Horse , to view their Camp , and understand ( what might be ) of their designes , who lighting on about six thousand Turkish 〈◊〉 , after a light skirmish , put them to flight : and taking one who felt himself wounded to death , he told them , the Turks were not many : but the Cossacks conjecturing by so great a number of Scouts , the untruth of that report ; soon certifyed the Vayuod thereof , wishing him in time to provide for safety , and not too much to trust Czarnieviche , whom they had a good while suspected ; but he answered only , He knew whom he trusted ; 〈◊〉 that it was not now time to doubt or be affraid , &c. So fortifying his Camp near a Lake for more convenient watring of his Army , he set forward with all his power against the Enemy : and coming to a Hill , whence he thought to have descried his enemies number and laying , he could descry but four Companies of Scouts ; who , withdrew also on purpose , out of sight to the Army , which lay in a low Valley behind a Hill. John suspecting the enemy to be at hand , divided his 30000 Horse into 30 Companies , placing Field pieces before each of them : and placing his many rude and homely , but most faithfull Foot , by themselves . So marching on from another Hill he might easily descry the Turks huge Army , and how Czatnieviche's treason had deceived him : whereupon ( he sending for him ) he sent back word , he could not then come , the Enemy being so nigh ; but he should forthwith see him in field , as forward as the forwardest ( against the Enemy ) ; but upon the signal of Battel given on both sides , he first setting forward , as if to have given the onset , caused his Ensign to be let fall , and his men with their Caps on the points of their speares and swords to bow down : whom the Turks with speares and Lances on High joyfully received . The rest of the Army almost discouraged , hastily retired to the Vayuod , crying out , All was lost , all was lost ; but he nothing discouraged , willed them couragiously to follow him : They in all things exceeding the Enemy except in number : which alwayes gave not the Victory : The Turks upon joyning of 〈◊〉 , thrust the revolting Moldavians shrinking back , perforce into the front , slaying them that hung back : on whom John most furiously discharged his Field-pieces : most of them being 〈◊〉 , over whose dead bodies the Turks coming on , were at first notably encountred , begining to retire but indeed on purpose to draw the Moldavians within danger of their Ordnance & Ambushes covertly placed : which Suiercevius perceiving , with 〈◊〉 ado stayed their further pursuit . The Turks comming on again with no lesse fury than at first , the Christians made with them a most cruel Battel ; many falling on both sides : but , after long fight , the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 with multitude , gave ground : and then betook 〈◊〉 to flight , most of them being 〈◊〉 in a hard 〈◊〉 , and but 250 Cossacks left . The Vayuod with 20000 〈◊〉 , and such 〈◊〉 as had joyned to them after the 〈◊〉 , retired , and fortified himself in the ruines of a Town , which he but a little before razed : the Turks the same night , so besetting his Camp , with a multitude of men , that no man could go in or out . Next day , June 11th , the Turks shooting divers great shot into his Camp , to small purpose , and considering the danger of 〈◊〉 him in his strength , sent to him to perswade him without delay , to yield himself , and repose more trust in the mercy of the Turks , than in his own broken forces , 〈◊〉 being so beset , &c. Who answered , he knew into what danger he was brought , rather by treason than the 〈◊〉 valour ; yet had he a strong power of most valiant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 men , who would sell their lives dear to the Turks ; however , to avoid the further shedding of blood , he could be content to yield on reasonable conditions , 〈◊〉 the great Commanders of the Turks would seven times 〈◊〉 swear to perform them : they willed him to set them down , which were , that the Cossacks might safely depart with Horses and Armour : that they should send him alive , and in good safety to Selimus , to 〈◊〉 his own cause : covenanting nothing for the Moldavians , whose injury ( he said ) tended to the hurt of the Emperour himself , and of him that should be Vayuod : these 〈◊〉 being seven times confirmed by Oath accordingly , the Vayuod brought all his Army out of their Trenches , taking with heavy heart his last leave of them , to their 〈◊〉 : dividing his money and Jewels among them : and disarming himself , went onely with one Polonian , like a Suppliant to the Turk's Camp , talking four houres with the great Commanders : till at last , Capucius Bassa , with his Scimitar , struck him a great blow acrosse the face , and another acrosse the belly : whom yet but half dead , the Janizaries took , and cut off his Head , which was set on a Lance for all to behold : they tearing his body to pieces , having bound his feet to two Cammels , and happy was he that could get any little piece thereof , or embrew his Sword in the least drop of his blood . The Turks forthwith set upon the Moldavians , and slew them down-right : whereupon , the Cossacks thrusting in among the thickest of the Turks , and valiantly fighting , were all slain , except a few of the better sort , Suiercevius being one : who were afterwards , for great sums redeemed , when they could by no meanes be perswaded to turn Turks . The Turks over-running all Moldavia , put all the Nobility , with many Countrey people to the Sword : sending great numbers in Colonies , into the farthest parts of the Turkish Empire , and placing strong Garrisons in the Towns and Castles . Thus all Valachia , was by Selimus joyned to the Turkish Empire , in 1574 : opening also thereby , a fair and easie way for his Successors to enter into Podolia , or Russiayea , and into Poland it self . Selimus , not a little grieved with the losse of the Kingdom of Tunis , cast in his minde , how to recover the same , and thrust the Spaniards out of Guletta Castle , of no small moment : which with Malta , served as two most sure Bulwarks against the Turks and Moores adventures , by whose meanes , they many times came short home : wherefore , Selimus having made great preparation , commanded Sinan , Piall , and Uluzales , speedily to passe over with his Fleet into Africk , to besiege Tunis , and Guletta , before which , they came with 300 Galleys , July 13. Other Turks men of Warre , from Alexandria , Algiers , &c. 〈◊〉 unto them . At first , they besieged the water-Tower , wherein were 800 Souldiers , well provided : who maintained the place , till most were slain by often assaults , the rest retiring by Command , into the Castle : the Turks losing 3000 men in taking of it . Then besieging the Castle of Guletta , they from divers Mounts , most terribly battered it : whence the deadly shot was sent again among them not sparingly ; but after many surious assaults , and much harm done on both sides , the Turks took the Channel of the Lake of Tunis , and to hinder the 〈◊〉 relief , assaulted them day and night without ceasing ; yet some Companies sent from the New 〈◊〉 , got in ; after which , the besieged , sallying out , Aug. 20 , repulsed them with an exceeding slaughter ; but the Bassaes without ceasing , still bringing on fresh Souldiers , after a most terrible assault all day , about two houres before Sun-set , they took the Castle Aug. 23. scarce 200 Souldiers being alive therein : who with the other weak people , were cut in pieces : whatever other wealth the Turks there found , they had great store of Victualls , Armour , Ammunition , and 400 Pieces of Ordnance . They forthwith laid siege to the new Castle , betwixt Guletta and Tunis , not yet wholly finished , wherein Serbellio and Salazar , lay with 4000 good Souldiers . Serbellio answering the Bassaes first summons , Aug. 24 , that he had promised the King his Master , to give him a better account of the place ; and being also very old , could not endure the Turks yoak ; but would hold it out to the last man , which by sallies and repulses they truly persormed ; But the Turks little feeling , or regarding the losse of men , to gain the place , at length , Septemb . 13th , after six houres furious assault with all their force , slaying most of the Defendants , took it . Serbellio , shot with two Bullets , would have 〈◊〉 in the midst of the Turks ; but by Piall's hasty coming in , both he and Salazar were taken alive : all the rest were put to the Sword. The Bassa in his rage , struck Serbellio , causing his Son to be murdered in his sight : yet the Turks lost above 30000 men , in lesse than three moneths space . Then they marching to Tunis , easily took it , overthrowing its Fortifications , because it should no more rebel . Mahomet the young King , being sent with Carrera , Captain of Guletta , in bonds to Constantinople . The Bassaes departing thence , came with 400 Sail , Octob. 4th , within sight of Malta : nevertheless , they turned aside , sailing directly to Constantinople . Shortly after , Selimns , spent with Wine and Women , died Decemb. 9th , 1574 , 51 years old , reigning eight , buried at Hadrianople ; of a mean Stature , heavy disposition , his face swollen much like a Drunkard : of least valour of the Othoman Kings , leaving his Empire to Amurath his eldest Sonne , more temperate , but not much greater in courage . The Life of Amurath the third , Sixth Emperour of the Turks . SElimus's Death , was , for fear of the Janizaries , concealed by the Bassaes , till Amurath , speedily advertized thereof , arrived at Constantinople , out of Asia , about 12 dayes after , taking possession of the Empire in the Seraglio , Decemb. 25 : being about 30 , or ( as some ) 27 years old : of a manly Stature , pale and corpulent , his beard thin and long , not of so fierce a countenance as the Othoman Princes , being of a peaceable disposition , loving justice ; and in his superstition very zealous : reforming the riot and excesse ( grown by his Fathers ill example ) by his own , and the severe punishment of notorious Drunkards ; yet he is reported to drink oft , plentifully of Wormwood-Wine , much subject to the Falling-sickness , and sore troubled with the Stone ; and yielding more to the counsel of his Mother , Wife , and Sister , than of his great Bassaes , which many imputed to him for simplicity . To appease the murmuring of the Janizaries , disappointed of the spoil of the Christians and Jewes , he besides the usual largesse , augmented their wages ; and granted their Sons at 20 years old to be enrolled among the younger Janizaries , and partake of their immunities : whereby he won their favours exceedingly . And , to rid himself of all competitors , he caused his five Brethren , Mustapha , Solyman , Abdulla , Osman , and Tzihanger , to be strangled in his sight : Osman , and Tzihanger , to be strangled in his sight : Solyman's Mother overcome with sorrow , struck her self to the heart with a Dagger : at which , Amurath is reported to shed some teares , as not delighting in such cruelty , but that his State and Government so required . At first , he established divers wholsom Lawes , altered the Coyn , and relieved the poor ; and because he would not seem to degenerate from his Progenitors , he prosecuted his Fathers Warres by the Tartars Praecopenses , in Octob. 1575 , entring Russia , of the Polonian Kingdom , burning and destroying two hundred Noblemens Houses , with a multitude of Towns and Villages , making great slaughter of the people , and carrying away great numbers of Cattel , and prisoners bound in thongs of raw Hides ; but whilest they divided the spoil with Peter , Vayuod of Valachia , who had promised to give the Tartars no passage that way , the Cossacks brake into their Countrey , requiting them with like harm , and bringing back a number of old Captives . At this time , the Polonians were at variance , about the Election of their King ( Henry Valois after Charls his Brothers death , stealing away from them , into France , to take on him the Kingdom ) some making choyce of 〈◊〉 the Emperour ; others no lesse inclining to the Duke of Muscovie , and some unto others . Amurath , loath that either of those two great Princes should be strengthened with so great a Kingdom , so near to him , in the beginning of his Reign , wrote to the Polonians to that purpose , commending to them Stephen Bator Vayuod of 〈◊〉 for their King : and threatning , if they did otherwise , to give all their Wealth and Goods , Wives and Children , for a prey to his Souldiers : with the chief men of their Cities of Cracovia and Leptis : which Letters so prevailed with them , that both Maximilian and the Muscovite being passed over , Anne of the Jagellonian House , was chosen Queen of Poland , yet so as to marry Stephen the said Vayuod , who , afterwards elected King , worthily governed that Kingdom all his life , and enlarging it with Territories by force of Arms gotten from his Neighbours , especially the Muscovite ; Amurath would often boast and say , he had given the Polonians their King. The year following 1576 , great and sore shaking troubles arising in Persia , Amurath took opportunity to invade the same to the long quiet of the Christian Commonwealth . Old Tamas the Persian King , after above 50 years glorious Reign , died May 11th , 1576 , leaving 11 Sons . Mahomet the eldest ( of an infirmity in his eyes , surnamed Codabanda ) being of a peaceable disposition , was most delighted with a contented life . Ismael the second Son was of a more fierce and troublesom nature : whom his Father ( outwardly seeming to mislike of his youthful pranks aforesaid , tending to the breach of the league betwixt him and the Turk ) sent to the Castle of Cahaca , where he remained at the time of his death : Aidere the third Son , was as ambitious as Ismahel , but not so valorous . Tamas had by his last will appointed Ismahel to succeed him , as of all his Sons , the fittest for so great a charge : which Mahomet seemed not much to dislike , as contented with the honours bestowed on him by his Father . Ismahel being sent for by the Sultans to take on him the Kingdom at Casbin , there arose a great tumult in the City and Pallace ; for Aidere ( who , in his Fathers sight , when he lay drawing toward his end , had presumptuously set the Crown on his head ; for which he was reproved ) now supported by Zalchan , and other mighty favourites , had so dealt with Periaconcona his eldest Sister , and the other Sultans Counsellors of State , that the succession could not be any longer kept from him , but by some fine deceit : Wherefore this Lady Periaconcona of great Spirit and deep conceit , left in trust by her Father with the Sultans ; resolved with them upon a thorow-debate , that Aidere in Royal Apparel , in the great Gallery , should attend the acclamation of the people , and be there openly Enthronized as the very elected King : which done , she by their advice ordered the Gates of the Pallace to be presently locked , and surely guarded with Souldiers , wholly devoted to Tamas and Ismahel : to suffer every man to enter in at the open Wicket , save the known Friends of Aidere , who is now in conceit a King ; but perceiving the prohibition of his best friends , and moved with the great stir of Zalcan , who discovered the deceit ; and crying upon King Aidere , threatened the Lady : the Sultans and the rest ( that waited on the feigned succession ) through fear and sorrow , withdrew closely among certain Women of the Court , hoping to find some way to escape . In the meantime , the cries and threatnings of Aidere's Friends so encreased , that the Counsellours with the Ladie 's consent were enforced to take order , that Aidere should be deprived of life : Whereupon , Sahamal , his Uncle by the mothers-side , after long search found him hidden amongst the Women , who taking him by the Locks , struck off his head , and among the thickest press , where Zalchan and the rest stood crying and threatning , flung the Head all bloudy , crying aloud unto them : Behold , there your King ! enjoy him at your pleasure ; Whereat , every man burned in rage and anger : and many vainly threatened most cruel revenge : but at last , perceiving Ismahel's succession inevitable , and Aidere's death irrevocable , every man departed scattering themselves as they thought best for their own safety . Shortly after , Ismahel arrived at Casbin , where he was joyfully received and saluted King : whose power being answerable to his desires , he beheaded his eight younger Brethren , and bereaved not onely those rear him in blood and affinity , but all the favourites of Aidere , of their lives ; so that Casbin was defiled with blood , and filled with mourning and complaints : which unexpected cruelty , so altered the mindes of his Subjects , that their hopes were turned into new feares , and their joy into mourning ; but much greater did the miseries grow , when 't was given out , that he would change the Religion of the Persians , into the superstition of the Turks ; for hereby , and by force of an edict by him published , many of his Priests and Governours of his friendly and subject-Cities , were some exiled , some imprisoned , some ( as the Caliph of Casbin ) had their eyes pluckt out , and not a few , sundry wayes slain , yea , many Ladies , and divers others of Ismahel's Kinsfolks , endured sundry torments , and strange calamities . There went abroad withall , a general rumour ; even as far as Constantinople , that Ismahel , with a puissant Army of such as favoured this new proclaimed vanity , determined to go to Babylon , there to receive the Crown of the Empire , from him who should be the Successor of their great Caliph , as Solyman the Turk , and the Persian Kings had of old done . The fear of further miseries incresing rather than otherwise , he was by the help of the aforesaid Periaconcona ( whether through poyson , strangling , or otherwise ) taken out of this World November 24 , 1577 , to the exceeding joy of all those Nations , having reigned one year , seven moneths , and six dayes . The Lady forthwith perswaded the Sultans , that as they had for the good of all Persia , contrived the death of Ismahel , so they would take on them that Kingdom 's Protection , till 't were known , who should worthily succeed . Emir Chan was in hope , by meanes of a match with a Sister of Periaconcona , greatly enclining unto him , to be exalted to the Soveraignty : Mirize Salmas , chief Sultan , hoped to advance , either Mahomet Codabanda , or else Hamze his eldest Sonne , and by bestowing on him his Daughter in Marriage ( as he did ) to increase the glory of his House : others thought they could draw Abas Mirize , Mahomets middle Sonne , out of Heri , and make him King : neither wanted the Infant Tamas his aspiring friends , whose Tutor waited for some opportunity to settle him in the Kingdom : many others waiting secretly on every occasion , for their preferment : howbeit , the Sultans promised the Lady all the protection their forces could afford ; and yet did every one , both in word and action , clearly dissemble their severall Imaginations . Amurath , by these things awakened , thought hereby a fair occasion to be ministred unto him , to take up Arms against the Persians ; for 't is an ancient custom amongst the Othoman Kings , that they may not challenge their due honours in their life-time , nor their proud Monuments after death , unless they perform some exploit conformable to their Majesty . As soon as Ismahel was dead , Mirize Salmas , after many Letters to and fro , at last assured Mahomet Codabanda , that with all quietness and security , he might come and possess the Kingdom : advertising him also of the whole conspiracy against his Brother , and how the fraudulent Lady ( with the Sultans ) had capitally consulted against himself , and how she favouring Emir Chan , and Abas Mirize his Sonne , more than became her , little regarded the rightful succession of him . So Mahomet , ( desiring also to see 〈◊〉 Mirize advanced , who was virtuous and prudent , both in civill and warlike matters , and seemed jealous , least some other should usurp upon his honour ) wrote back again , that he was minded to take the rightful succession upon him , and to that end , was putting himself upon his journey : but with straight charge , that Salmas should before his entrance into Casbin , present him with the mischievous head of 〈◊〉 . Salmas , secretly performing whatever Mahomet had enjoyned him , he was thereby presently and solemnly proclaimed King : then with many Squadrons of Men at Mahomets devotion , he met him on the way , carrying the Head of Periaconcona upon a Launces point , with her hair dispersed , and some other uncouth sights . From which novelties arose much civill Warres , Mahomet , by the 〈◊〉 of Salmas seeking revenge on the Sultans for his Brothers death , and they opposing with all their power against him . Also the neighbour Nations to the Turks , and the people of Sirvan , disliked of this new King ; so that under him , the State of Persia was more weakened , than of long time before . Amurath had more particularly intelligence of all these things from 〈◊〉 of Van , a City of Armenia the greater : discoursing unto him also of the King being diseased in his eyes , little esteemed of his Subjects , besotted in affection to his Sonnes , the facility to overrule the chief Governours of the Georgians , and those of Sirvan , ill-affected towards him : wishing him in any case , not to let slip so faire an occasion , as the Othomans had never before , for overcoming that King. Amurath , now stirred up with these Advertisements from Ustresse , setled himself more deeply in his former 〈◊〉 to prove his great forces for subduing the Persian King , being also then wholly in league with Christendom : and although this Warre could not be moved , either against the Persians , or Christians , without breach of Faith ; yet there was no Bassa that made any account of that defect : but after long consultation , the three Bassaes , Mahomet , Sinan , and Mustapha , agreed , that it would be better and lesse danger , to attempt Warre against the Persians , than against the Christians , whose valour Mustapha having well tried , chiefly at Famagusta , preferred before the forces of the Georgians and Persians . Amurath , greatly urging upon what Coast to begin their journey ( protesting he would not enter into Warre , except he had great hope of the Victory ) ; Some thought it best to send the Army to Babylon , thence to Syras , the chief City of the Country of Persia : others to send it directly to Tauris : and some ( t is reported ) would have had two several Armies sent to the said places , so to bring the Enemy to a straight . But Amurath , not daring to repose such confidence in his forces so divided , resolved to send one onely Army , for conquering Sirvan , and the chief Cities of Media the greater , reposing also great hope in the notable help promised him by the Tartars Praecopenses : determining not to go in person with his Army , ( a matter most strange to them , especially to Siman ) ; for he was troubled with the Falling-sickness , and much feared his Sonne Mahomet in his absence , who was much favoured of the people , besides the suspected dangers from Christian Potentates , perswading himself also , it would be his great honour to perform those things by his Servants : which had been unfortunately attempted by his Predecessors in person . Whilest they were thus consulting , and divers made meanes to be sent as Generall , he sent divers Posts and light Horsemen to the Governours of Van Babylon , and Erzirum , by often inroads to spoil the Persian Holds and do them all harm they could : which they were not 〈◊〉 to do , especially Ustreffe , both in the Countries Tributarie , and subject to the Persian . In these great preparations , Stephen Bator , now King of Poland , in the beginning of his Reign , by his Embassador , entred into a strong league and confederation with Amurath at Constantinople , in many Capitulations , shewing on what termes that Kingdom stood , if not yet standeth , with the Turks great Empire : which League , after Stephen's death by Sigismund the 3d , renewed , hath been commodious to the Polonian Kingdom ; but so bound it , that in the hardest distresses of the Christian Common-wealth , ( and most indeed concerning itself , ) it hath afforded no help at all , as too plainly appeared in the Warres between the Emperour and Turk about Hungary . But for all this League , in the great consultation of Amurath , with his Bassaes , after the Persian Warre , for the invading of Christendom , the Polonians were laid in the same ballance with the rest , and , had not'the Turk been led against the Emperour their Neighbour , they were scarce to have looked for peace : to whom for all that they lent no great ayd in a long and most chargeable Warre . But the great Bassa Mustapha , was appointed by Amurath , Generall of the Turks Army into Persia ; and to provide whatever he should think needful for so great a Warre : with command to the Commanders of he greatest part of the Turkish Empire Eastward , with their Souldiers of all sorts , bound by their annuities to go to Warre , at Spring 1578 , to repair to Erzirum , bordering upon Armenia , to attend their 〈◊〉 Command : who passing thorow Amasia and Sivas , in the very beginning of Summer , arrived at Erzirum , there staying till his people , and necessary provision was come thither : whence he departed for Sirvan ; having first mustered the Souldiers of every Nation by themselves : in which general survey were found about 110000 men , most Horsmen : yet none stirred out of places along the sea-coasts : neither were the Provinces whence these came , left destitute of their ordinary Garrisons , Mustapha also brought with him 500 small pieces of Artillery with many loads of mony to pay his Souldiers , with order to take up more at Aleppo and other places upon occasion . From Erzirum , he in 8 dayes in seemly array , arrived at the consines of Chars , resting himself in the fruitful Country thereabout , but was surprized with such a tempest of wind and rain , as rent in sunder his Tents , and doing great harm : whereby , many through sickness forsook the Army . From Chars , the bounder of the two Empires ; He after 3 dayes departed , lodging that evening under the Mountains of Cheilder : where , hearing the Persians to be in Arms , lest he should be assaulted unawares : he planting himself in the Plaine , ordered two Bassaes to keep two Hills on the right and left-Hand : and with them three Bassaes adventurers , with many others , both Stipendiaries and Volunteers : so that making as it were a Wings to the Camp , they might discover every ones coming , and yet himself lay unperceived of any . Mahomet , as yet scarce setled in his Kingdom , resolved to stand upon the defence of his State , and to make some shew that he was reconciled to the Sultans of Persia , and Princes of Georgia : so that almost all the great men of account undertoke the protection of his State and Kingdom . 〈◊〉 the Chan and Governour of Reivan , was chosen General , with charge , that , gathering together what men he could out of places near the Turks , he should by all means stop their passage into Georgia and Media Astropatia : Whereupon , Precepts were sent into all parts , for all Sultans , Chans , and Souldiers , to come and attend their Generall . Many came , but many would not stir : for their obstinacy in the broils begun , and suspition of unlooked-for mischiefs : at whose Disobedience , the King much grieved ; yet Tocomac was dispatched with above twenty thousand about this businesse . They were all Horsmen , well armed , but above all couragious and resolute , & the more for the valour of their General ; so comming to the turning of Chars , they were advertised that the Enemy was passed . Being come within a dayes journey of Cheilder , they sent Scouts to bring them certain newes of the condition and number of the Turks Army : who , discovering the Turkish Host aloft , perswaded themselves , that was all the Battel which they saw upon the Hills : whereof , with all speed , they returned newes to Tocomac sostly following his Scouts afar off : Whereupon , boldly holding on his way , and discovering their Tents upon the Hills , he was confirmed in the Scouts relation , setting forward the more confidently to assail them : but Beyran and Dervis perceiving from the Hills the Persians comming in the Plain , confiding in their General 's Battel , speedily ran to meet them : so in those Plaines was joyned a most bloudy Battel , seven Turkish Zanzacks being slain a very great number of Souldiers , without any apparent loss to the Persians . But Mustapha , who stayed waiting till the fight was at the hottest , now seeing his men could not longer endure the Enemies fury , ran with grievous cries and exclamations , upon his adversaries , so renewing a most terrible battel . The Persians , with incredible signes of valour , for that little time of day light that was left , continued their slaughters , and , at last , through the night's darkness , withdrew with as little losse as possibly they might : neither durst Mustapha any longer pursue them . The Persians certified their King of their success , the Turk's number , with their further purpose to annoy them . The Turks presented to Mustapha ( who had sent away Posts to Amurath ) five thousand Persian Heads , and three thousand Persians alive . He greatly rejoycing at this Victory , to make it seem greater , had the heads of those three thousand alive , cut off , ordering a Bulwark to be framed of those Heads in those fields , for a most horrible spectacle : on the day of which barbarous work , Messengers came from Manucchiar ( a younger Brother , but great Prince of Georgians ) telling Mustapha , that their Master , with his good leave , was coming to salute him , and offer himself as his devoted servant . Mustapha redoubling his joy , commanded all the Cap ains with all Warlike pomp , to meet Manucchiar , and accompany him to his Presence : which they did , saluting him again with like triumph , before Mustapha's Pavilion . Manucchiar beholding against his will , the strange and uncouth pile of heads ; yet doing his reverence to the Bassa , and placing himself next to his side , after presenting him with his Countrey gifts , told him , that for his esteem of the Turkish valour , he was alwayes devoted to the Othomans , and as he had often desired to spend life and goods in their service ; so now allured by the same of his victorious Army , and through a phantasie to learn the hard precepts of Military Art under such a General , he offered him all service ; consecrating his life to his commands , &c. beseeching him to accept of him in Amuraths name , whose obedient vassal he vowed to remain for ever . Mustapha graciously receiving all this discourse , shewing him again the pile of Heads , with his Battels , Armour , &c. told him , all those Forces were Gods gift , who alwayes favoured the just Counsels of the Othomans : so that , they Lord it over all the world , to the astonishment of all therein : That had he chosen the better part , though it had bin better if he had yielded himself before ; and that he did very friendly accept of his desire to be his fellow in those Warlike affaires , promising him all good entertainment and safety ; So , apparelling him in cloath of gold , he gave him a Battel-Axe and Target , wrought with Gold and Ammel : never going from his Pavilion without a Train of his slaves after him . Mustapha gave order , that next morning the Camp should remove ; and as they were preparing , there arose a most terrible tempest of Wind , Rain , Thunder and Lightning for 4 dayes together : Whereby , out of the dead Carcasses and Heads , issued a most horrible stink , so by it and with other annoyances , divers diseases arose among the Turks : but the weather breaking up , he set forward towards Teflis , staying that day in the Plaines through the fowlness of the way , refreshing his sick and wounded at the Lake Chielder Giol ; next day he came to Archichelec Castle , taken from the Georgians by Solyman : Where , surveying his Army , he wanted 40000 of his Souldiers : thence the Army removing , lodged at night near Peruana Giol , or the Lake of slaves , coming next day to Triala , where are yet to be seen the ruines of a great City and Temples , some being yet maintained by Christians , the Reliques of those Forces that passed those Seas and Mountains into the Holy Land ; Next day , the Turks ascending the High and craggy Mountain standing upon Teflis , whence descending next day , they seized on a Castle , called by them Giurgi Chala : then lodging in certain Plains , the day after they came to the River running by Teflis : but in these 4 dayes march , many Turks stragling for Victuals and Provender , were cut off by the Georgian Captains : who , with a number of Souldiers secretly followed the Army , and lay in Ambush upon such places as the Victuallers were to pass thorow . Mustapha coming to Teflis , found the Castle empty : Daut Chan Lord thereof , having betook himself to the fields . Mustapha for its convenient scituation , repaired and fortified it , planting therein 100 pieces of Ordnance , appointing Mahomet Bassa Governour of Teflis , with 6000 Souldiers , so departing for Sirvan : at which time 1000 persons of Soria , that had brought a 1000 loads of Rent-corn to the Camp from Aleppo , with 500 others of Omps ( anciently Hus Jobbs ) City and other places of Soria , returning Homewards , were all slain by Alessandro and 2 other Georgian Lords , except a few escaping with Nassardin their Captain . While Mustapha lay in the Plaines after his descent from the Mountains of Teflis , the Embassadors of Alessandro the Great , came and told him , their Lord , if he pleased , was ready to come to do him reverence , and to promise that devotion he had alwayes born to the Othoman Emperours . He gladly and cheerfully sent them back to will him to come , and that his Friendship should be to him most dear and acceptable ; Ordering all his Commanders to receive him with all possible signes of joy : who coming , and presenting the General with rich gifts , offered him his obedience , with the most lively speeches : calling Amurath his Lord , seeming to take it ill , that he passed not through his Territory : where he should have had plenty of all things : yet hoping , that in his return , he would take it in his way , where he should be ready to bestow all upon the service of his Lord : and although he could not for many urgencies go with him into Sirvan ; yet he would always have himin mind , & pray to the Creatour for his most happy success . Mustapha courteously receiving all , and re-bestowing on him gifts , promised in his return to pass thorow his Countrey : so dismissing the Georgian Duke with like Honour as at first ; and in 12 days after he departing from 〈◊〉 , came unto the confines of Sirvan , resting on this side the River Canac one day , at which time the Citizens of 〈◊〉 came to offer themselves as subjects to the Turks : the General gladly promising them his assured protection . The Turks over-wearied with travel , but far more afflicted with Hunger ; whilst they were enquiring among themselves , who could conduct them where they might supply their wants , some Persians were taken : who being straightly examined , after much resistance told them , that not far off , over Marshes , where Canac dischargeth it self into Araxis , were many fields full of Rice and Corn in the Blade ; and a little further , some fat Herds of Cattel . Though Mustapha much doubted the subtilties of his Enemy ; yet to gratifie and make his men more willing to follow him into Sirvan , suffered all that would to go for Viotuals : about 10000 servile Persons with Beasts went to fetch away this provision ; but Toconac having gathered together the remainder of his Army , devised how they might in some measure revenge their loss , and impeach the Turks entrance into Sirvan , but 〈◊〉 strength , they stayed in Ambush , till some part of the Turks Army should for relief descend into those fields : sending out divers men , who , as if they had by chance lighted upon the Turks Camp , revealed unto them as a great secret , what a good prey was hard by them , and within 3 dayes , the said ten thousand Forragers at the wished place , were surprized by the Persians and all slain , save a few , who by hasty flight saved themselves . Mustapha hearing the noise of this hot skirmish , hasted with all speed to have succoured them , and though he came not timely enough for their relief , yet fitly to revenge their death upon the Persians , staying too long about the spoil . The place of the booty was almost enclosed with Araxis and Canac : whereinto Mustapha entring in battel-array , the Persians in those difficulties began every man to betake himself to his own private conceit and fortune . Tocomac Emirchan , and other great ones first turned their backs , and by help of their couragious Horses , got over Canac , but others attempting the like , their Horses not of such courage , and out of breath , many of them were drowned , which others perceiving , ran in rage and fury upon their Enemies , and were there all slain . The Turks in this conflict losing not above 3000 men besides the Forragers ; though Tocomac , that his loss might seem the more tollerable , reported ( a greater slaughter ) to the King. The Persian Captains full of sorrow , with license of Tocomac ( who himself went to Reiuan ) departed to their several Governments , expecting the Kings further pleasure from Casbin . Mustapha straitly proclaiming , that every man should be ready against next day to pass over the River Canac into Sirvan ; all his people arose in a tumult , injuriously to his face reproving his folly and inhumanity , as utterly to 〈◊〉 himself and confound the whole Army : praying him to surcease , unless he would cast them all away ; but he resolutely answered them , that he would persist , concluding , that the desire of his Lord , was not in any sort to be frustrated , for his making too great account of his own life . For all the sundry murmurings and whisperings upon this speech ; Mustapha next morning first waded over the River himself , the Bassaes with their slaves following him , ( the rest doing the like ) and so continued until night ; whereby , above half the Army could not then get over . This passage being tumultuous and disorderly , above 8000 carried away with the violence of the River , were drowned , with the great outcry of the Hoast : also many Beasts ( on whose backs divers hoped to have passed dry over ) were over whelmed therein : That night being spent with great complaints and cursings , by those yet on this side , whose feares were encreased by example of their fellows : some 〈◊〉 sedition was likely to ensue ; but that the gravel of the bottom of the River being removed by the hooves of the Cattel of them which followed , Mustapha was driven to a place where there happened to be also a Foord ; which gathered in a heap , made as it were a shelf , so that the rest of the Army , Carriages and Artillery passed over , not one man perishing ; so resting that day and the next , till the Army was mustered and put in order , next day they encamped in Barren Champaines without Corn or Cattel : neither could they learn where were any Villages , whereby they were forced to give their Horses and Mule , leaves and stalks of withered trees , &c. And the men for Hunger-sake , eat the Reliques which they picked out of corrupted and loathsome Victuals , neither saw they any end of these miseries , yet was there now no looking back . Mustapha before all the rest setting forward , who had not long marched , but store of sundry plants were discovered , and soon after , A large Plain and green Country , by the sight whereof every one was refreshed : hasting into those Champaines abounding with all kind of Corn and Fruits . Here every man satisfying his Appetite ; Mustapha at last arrived at Ere 's , the chief City in that Coast of Sirvan , which a number of her Inhabitants had forsaken , following their Governour Samir Chan , who with other Governours of Sirvan withdrew into the Mountaines , attending the Events of those great motions , but they found no rich prey therein , the people having carried away the best things they had . Mustapha here staying 22 days , erected a fortress with 200 small pieces of Ordnance , appointing Cartas Bassa with 5000 Souldiers to keep it , commanding also Osman Bassa with 10000 to possess Sumachia , with the Title of Visier of Sirvan , charging him to clear the passages to Derbent , and advertise the 〈◊〉 of his arrival there , whom he supposed by that time to be come into those quarters . Osman was friendly entertained by those of Sumachia , he suffering no outrage to be done upon them : whereupon , they of Derbent offered him their City , beseeching him to defend them from the Persians : to whom , though they long were subject , yet better agreed with the Turks in their superstition . Mustapha , having thus subjected Sirvan and put all things in order , importuned by the Janizaries and Graecians , and through the season of the year , departed from Ere 's homeward toward Alexander the Great his Country , sending some before him to make a Bridge over Canac , which he passing over , gave Sahanial notice of his Arrival , who came yielding himself the Turks Vassal , and being pompously entertained and rewarded , returned into his Mountain of 〈◊〉 . Mustapha setting forward by night for the fair weather-sake , by errour of his Guides , fell into difficult passages , being forced to stay waiting for day-light , which shewed them that they were entred into the Countreys of Alexander : Wherefore , he proclaimed , no man on pain of death to molest any of his Subjects ; Next day , travelling on , Embassadours came to him from Alexander with abundance of Victuals and relief , excusing that he came not himself through the infirmity of his body : wherewith he satisfied , caused the Messengers to guide him to Teflis , so that in 3 dayes they conducted his Army thither without any annoyance , being well rewarded for their pains : who , come to Teflis , found the Garrison there so pinched with Famine , that they were glad to eat Cats , Dogs , sheep skins , &c. For they durst not go out of the Castle for the Enemy ; neither if they had , had it any thing availed , but by Mustapha's coming they were relieved with all plenty . After 2 dayes he removed thence , destroying all in his way with fire and sword in the Champains subject to Teflis , onely the Sepulchres of Sinions Progenitors ( Lord of that Countrey ) were left untouched . Next day , they travelled over rough Mountains full of difficulties , and the more for the great snows there fallen , whereby many men and beasts perished : In which 2 dayes distress , the Souldiers without regard of the Enemies Countrey , wherein they were , lodged some here , some there , where was some thick Bush or Cottage , or quiet Valley to shelter in : Whereupon , some Georgian Lords joyning themselves together , expecting to perform some notable exploit , and observing that Nosaine Bey had withdrawn with his Regiment under Mountains from the storms of wind , they assayling him , slew his men , taking Loads of Money and Apparrel , with all his Horses , and what ever they could find , himself scarce escaping into the Tents of Begran Bassa . Next morning the Turks removing , came to the Castle Chiurchale , & sending abroad many slaves for viotuall , conducted by them of the Castle , were all cut in pieces by the Georgians . Hence the Turks departing over divers rough places , were fain oftentimes to rest ; at last , coming to the Confines of Deddesmit , of her called The Widdows Country , into which they must needs pass thorow a Narrow Strait between Mountains , where , Araxis greatly winding it self in the Valleys , but one man could pass thorow at once , between this and a thick Hilly-Wood : they lodging on the Bank of the River , removed next morning , travelling over steep Mountains and rough Forrests , hard Ice and Snow , and hanging Rocks , so that many Beasts tumbling down into the River , there perished through these and other miseries : They marched the 2 next dayes , at last , arriving in the Territories under 〈◊〉 , or Golden Castle Deddesmits Palace , where they had all manner of relief , for all the miseries of their six dayes travel from Chyurchala : which , had it bin a fair way , might have been performed in one . The Widow with Alexanders her eldest son came unto Mustapha's Pavillion , offering him Presents , and promising all obedience ; whom he courteonsly receiving , declared , what Honourable entertainment he had given to 〈◊〉 her younger son there present , and then dissembling his displeasure against Alexander , whom he thought was one that spoiled the Sorian's ; in their return embracing him , prayed her to be content to leave him also , there with him : saying , he would send both her sons to Amurath , with Letters of Credence for their yieldded obedience , and that for their good deserts , they might of him be Honourably rewarded and entertained . The Lady , ( though inwardly sore troubled ) yet seemed courteously to yield to what necessity constrained her ; so leaving them behind her , she returned heavy to her Castle . After 2 dayes refreshment , he departed towards Chars , arriving at last at Erzirum to the great joy of the Army , which he there presently discharged , dispatching Posts from thence , with Letters to his Great Lord of all things that had passed , exceedingly magnifying his own exploits ; propounding also unto him what he thought convenient to be attempted next year , for strengthening the places Conquered , and preparing way for new enterprizes , and sending to him the Widows 2 sons , certified him of their submission , and his good entertainment in their Country ; declaring withal his opinion , that Manucchiar was fitter for Government , and readier to do him service then Alexander . Amurath greatly commended Mustapha , pleasing himself that of these beginnings might grow mighty Conquests , whereby he should surpass the glory of his Predecessours . Not long after , Mustapha departed from Ere 's : the Tartars arrived upon the Confines of Sirvan , attending the command of the Turks , to the number of 30000 , conducted by Abdilcherai , a young man of great valour , comliness and fame , according to the promise of 〈◊〉 Chan Osman hearing of their approach , invited them into Sirvan , to further these beginnings of Amurath . Abd lcherai entring the Iron Gates of Derbent ( called by the Turks Demircapi , that is , the Gates of 〈◊〉 ) passed thence into Sirvan , giving Osman advertisement thereof . Ares Chan late Governour of Sumachia , resolved , upon the departure of Mustapha , with the Governours of Ere 's and Sechi , to return again to their forsaken Country , and prove if he could revenge the injury done him by the Turks : so having put to the sword some of Osmans Victuallers that were gone stragling out of the City , he encamped a little from Sumachia , and surprized some Messengers sent from Abdilcherai , to certifie Osman of his arrival , and know his pleasure , who , after much torture disclosed their Letters : which Ares reading , and considering the great number of the Tartars that were come , he presently raised his Camp , retiring towards Canac , thence to certifie the King of the Novelties , and there to attend his answer . The Tartar coming to Sumachia , the Bassa appointed him to pass over Canac into Genge , the Country of Emanguli Chan , to inrich its self with its spoil ; who with posting Journeys came to Canac , and most furiously assaulring Ares , discomsited all his Host , sending Ares alive to Sumashia , where Osman hanged him by the neck out of a lodging in the State-House , where he not long before had sat as Governour . Abdilcherai swimming over the River , found Emanguli Chan with his Wife and Family , and a great part of the Nobility of Genge hunting the Wild Boar ; putting him to flight , taking his wife , all the Ladies , many slaves , and slew many that were come to see the sport . Then going to Genge , he took it , whose barbarous Souldiers left no manner of inhumane cruelty unattempted , so loaded with spoiles , and weary with slaughter , they returned merrily towards Sirvan . And at the higher side of Ere 's in low Champains invironed with Hills , they pitched their Tents without fear , to sleep and rest their weary bodies . The Persian King having gathered new Forces , dispatched Namze Mirize his eldest son with 12000 Souldiers to see what hurt was done in Sirvan , and attempt revenge ; but especially to punish them of Sethi , and other Cities , who had so voluntarily yielded to the Obedience and Religion of the Turks : He departing from Casbin with his Mother Begum , would needs follow her beloved son , who was on his way under the guidance and Government of Mirize Salmas , and was certified from Ares Chan of the arrival of Abdilcherai with his great number of Tartars , being thereby at first almost out of comfort : yet out of desire of glory and revenge , he hastened and came to Ere 's , long before his Father thought he could have so done . Caitas Bassa was gone out spoiling the Country , carrying away whatever he met withall , and committing such insolencies as hungry Souldiers use to do , but was suddenly assailed by the Prince ; and after a fierce and bloudy Battel ( wherein the Turks , though few yet shewed many effects of Valour ) he was slain with all his Souldiers , leaving all to the pleasure of the Victor . Whereupon , the Prince sent the 200 pieces of Ordnance left in the Fort by Mustapha to Casbin to his Father ; and now encouraged , leaving his Mother at Ere 's , went on towards Sumachia , but descending the Hills he discovered the Tartars Camp. Whereupon , he greatly doubted whether to adventure on so mighty an Enemy , or content himself with the Victory already gotten : but thinking it too great a shame to return into Persia , he defended the Hill , perceiving the Army was all laid down to rest , and their Horses all unsaddled ; Whereupon , he pricking forward . most terribly assaulted the Tartars : and slaying their first and second Watch , though with some loss , put some to slight , killing others , and taking divers of them Captives ; Abdill Cherai being one , who was sent alive to the King. After this , the Prince encompassed Sumachia , wherein Osman Bassa sat as Governour to the reproach of Persia : to whom he sent word , If he would yield , he should depart with life and goods ; otherwise he should be constrained to surrender the City and his life withall . Osman knowing nothing of the Tartars overthrow , but hoping of their return , gave him a courteous answer , that he was ready to yield , but entreated him to stay but three dayes , to put all things in readiness for his free departure . The Prince glad , expected of the Turk the performance thereof : but Osman , the Tartars not appearing , resolved secretly to flee , doubting , if he should longer stay to be betrayed by the Citizens : Wherefore , before the 3 dayes end , he by the help of a dark night , and the cover of High & rough Crags , silently withdrew out of Sumachia , carrying away all his substance and safely arriving at Derbent : Next morning the Inhabitants opened the Gates to the Prince ; Who seeing their infidelity , first , by entertaining Osman , & now helping him to escape without giving him knowledge thereof , with great cruelty did punish them , razing their Houses with the Walls of the City . The strength of Derbent , Winters approach and his long Journey home , perswaded him to lay aside his enterprize for that City , and to return to Casbin ; Yet first repairing to Ere 's and Sechi ; he spared neither Sex , Age , nor condition . Which done , he with his said Mother & Victorious Army , somewhat diminished , returned to Casbin . Abdill Cherai was kept safe at the Kings Pallace at Casbin , but with very easie Imprisonment : which was daily so inlarged , that he seemed rather as a Companion of those of the Court then a prisoner ; Whereby , insinuating into the love of Queen Begum , he spent his time in courting of her , and she in all secret entertainment of him : yet was it a rife report in Court and City , that the shameless Lady had participated her bed and self with the Tartarian prisoner . Howbeit , the King and Prince knew nothing of it , but the King perceiving the young Gentleman to be generally commended , valiant , courreous and comely , also nobly born ; for he said , he was the Brother of Tartar Chan , was perswaded , it would stand with the great good of his State , of a Captive to give him his Daughter in marriage : whereby , he hoped the Tartarian Praecopenses , would thenceforth both refuse to favour Amurath , and in favour of Persia turn their Armes against him ; which his purpose so displeased the Sultan's of Casbin , that they sought by all means possible to avert the King from so strange a policy : but he , fully resolved , and upon the point to conclude the Marriage ; the Sultan's entring the Pallace with their followers , ran the Tartar through the body , and cutting off his Privities , flapped them about his mouth . It s reported , the Queen was also then murdered by them : However it was , the Lady after that day never saw the Sun , Upon these murders sprung up much civil dissention to the singular benefit of Amurath . All which disorders , the King by bridling of his own affections , and the motions of his Son well appeased , procured at last a perfect Unity . Osman Bassa being in Derbent , devised with all care possible to assure Sirvan , now again almost lost , under Amurath's Government . Wherefore , he thought good to enter into friendship with old Sahamall the Georgian Lord ; These two mutually practising many Tokens of good will , and in short time Osman took to Wife a Daughter of the said Sahamall : yet he soon began to suspect that Sahamall for all the fair shew of Friendship he made , might receive some secret order from the Persian King to betray him , and free the City from the Turks : and so reduce all that Province , in which he was fully confirmed by the speeches of his Wife , who frankly told him , that her Father being secretly reconciled to the Persian King , Letters went between them of great matters , and particularly of the affairs of Sirvan . The Bassa kept this in store , to his own safety and the destruction of Sahamall : and inviting him , according to the custom , to a Feast , he enjoyned certain Companies of his Souldiers , that as soon as Sahamall was entred into his Court , even in his very dismounting , to fall upon him , cut off his head , and put all his retinue to the sword : which being done accordingly , he forthwith sent 2000 Horsmen to spoyl and sack all his Country , to the great marvel both of far and near . The Persian King took this most grievously , foreseeing , that the recovery of that Province would prove very difficult , and fearing it would still remain as it doth in the Turks possession : This was the end of the Turks attempts against the Persians in Sirvan , this year 1578 , wherein one way or other they lost above 70000 men . Amurath advertised from Mustapha , who , for the advancing of his own credit , had described these successes to be far greater than they were , began to devise touching the next years attempts : and upon his better consideration , ceased further to think of sending Forces again into Sirvan for the recovery of the lost places there , because Tartar Chan , had faithfully assured both him and Osman to over-run that Province anew , and do great matters : which for all that , fell out to be but windy words . So Amurath devised for sending his Army to Tauris , to erect a Fortress there , which , being also strongly Garrisoned should never be again subdued : And , hereby to keep under all those Countries between Tauris and Erzirum , which important conceit was much encreased by others : who almost thought it was very easie for so great an Host , both to perform that service , and pass whithersoever he would desire ; yet , having with more indifferent judgement , compared his own Forces with his Enemie's : to wit , the Georgians on one side , of whom he had yet no great assurance , and the Persians on the other : He found many difficulties and dangers in that tedious Journy ; which at first , he saw not . Whereupon he concluded : first , to make sure his own borders , and afterwards , by little and little to enter into the Enemie's Country : still fortifying in convenient places as he went ; Hereof , he wrote to Mustapha , charging him against next spring to provide all things necessary for building certain Forts between Erzirium & Georgia , to secure those ways , and bring those people first under Obedience : Whereupon , Mustapha presently directed precepts to divers places , for taking up 20000 cunning Pyoneers , &c. and writing to all the Countries , whence he raised his Army the last year , that a greater number of Souldiers should be ready against next spring , which he caused to be spread as far as 〈◊〉 : commanding also the Taxes and Tenths to be collected , and using the Chambers of Aleppo and other places , for what mony he thought necessary . Alexander and Manucchiar the while , in doubtfull hope at Constantinople , were examined and exhorted to embrace the Mahometan Religion . Manucchiar easily yielded , but Alexander would by no means consent , though he knew he should be deprived of his Estate , and protesting his Obedience at all times to Amurath , and his love to his Brother , requested only but as a private man to go and live in his own Country , there to be buried among his Ancestours : which request the Turk referring to Manucchiars discretion , he consented thereto . Manucchiar was circumcised and called Mustapha , with the Title of Bassa of Altan Cala , and of all his Mother and Brother's Countries , so they both returned home . Now in the Persian Court were many consultations for repressing the Turks Invasions : Imanguli Chan , doubting to lose his Government of Genge , by reason of the late sacking of his City , and spoyl of his Countrey , offered to the King on pain of his Head to defend Sirvan against Osman's further Fortifications or Conquests : Whereupon , the Government of Genge , and guarding of Sirvan , was committed unto him ; and divers other Governours and Captains , that were nearest commanded to assist him , if either the Tartars or Turks with any great power should enter therein , But how to protect the Georgian Country was thought a matter of greater importance , because most thought some great Turkish power would be sent thither to assure the Conquest begun , and to succour the Fortress of Teflis , which must else fall again into the Georgians hands . Simon a famous Georgian , once a prisoner with Ismahel at Cahata , and by him seduced from the Christian Faith , for defence whereof he had chosen to live , deprived of liberty and estate ; thinking it now a fit time to obtain from the King long desired help to recover his Dominion , usurped by Daut his younger Brother , who for obtaining thereof of Tamas , had renounced his Religion , offered the King his faithful service for defence of that part of Georgia , wherein Teflis stood against the Turks , reproving his younger Brother by way of disgrace of cowardize . The Persian King with great content consented to his request , naming him Chan of all that Kingdom , which he possessed whilst he was a Christian , and sent with him Aliculi Chan with five thousand Horsmen , and certain Ordnance taken at Ere 's . Simon comming to Georgia , was joyfully received , pressing about three thousand Souldiers of his owne and his Neighbours , excusing his becomming a Persian , as no preferring Mahometanism before Christianity , but thereby to be delivered from long imprisonment , and to maintain his estate . The Spring approaching , all the Turks Forces in 1579. met at Erzirum , with all necessaries for the intended Warre , i th this Army equal with the first . Mustapha in twelve dayes 〈◊〉 to Chars ; and , since they were to fortifie that City with Walls and Ditches , and that with all speed , many of the Spaoglani , yea , and of the Janizaries also must needs be set to work : whereupon , they tumultuously and bitterly protested to the General , that their stipends were not bestowed on them to employ them in such servile works , but only with their Weapons ro exercise that force for which they were esteemed worthy of that honour , but he using most haughty terms , and all means of Authority and Terrour , they wrought as much as he desired : so in 23 dayes all was finished and the Water brought round it ; whilst they were busie in this work , amongst many inconveniences the Souldiers endured a most sudden cold , by reason of great abundance of snow falling August 25. Mustapha resolved to send succour to Teflis , but how to relieve it he was doubtfull ; yet to preserve his credit with Amurath , he sent Nassan Bassa , of Damasco , Mahamet the Visier his Sonne of great valour with between eighteen and twenty thousand Souldiers , with one Resvan Captain of certain Adventurers , who freely offered themselves , assigning also to him forty thousand Duckats , and many loades of Corn with other necessaries . Nassan , resolving to put these succours into Teflis , or to lose all , came to the Strait of Tomanis , where the over grown Woods on one side , and deep Valleys and craggy Rocks on the other , would astonish a constant Beholder . Simon and Aliculi Chan with eight thousand Souldiers , understanding by their espials of his comming with this ayd , had scattered themselves all along the said Strait ; but Nassan to avoid that danger , entred with his Army into the Wood , to discover what might be plotted against him , and was hardly charged by the Enemy and constrained to fight with a 1000 windings and turnings , with great slaughter of his men , who in the skirmish were driven so far that down they fell , and were presently slain . Nassan having with much ado passed this Strait , burning with desire of revenge , would needs stay near those Straits , as if to refresh his 〈◊〉 Army ; appointing Resvan with some Bands of Souldiers to lay in ambush attentive to every stir of the enemy . Simon and Aliculi Chan , on the third day , imagining this their stay was for fear , gave a fresh onset upon the Flank of Nassan's squadrons , who giving Resvan a signe speedily compassed in his Enemies , taking some alive , cutting in pieces others , and put the rest to flight . Aliculi rashly charging upon the face of Nassan , was taken . Next day the 11th . after his departure from Chars , he arrived at Teflis , where he found some besieged Turks dead , some sick ; for , through Famine , they devoured even the very skins of Horses , sheep , and dogs , whom Nassan comforted with gifts and good words , exhorting them to constancy in the service of their King , whose honour was never more then there to be respected : and because the Souldiers did all mislike Mahomet Bassa whom Mustapha had left Governour of that Fort , he put Amet Bassa in his place ; and so having filled up the Garrison and set all things in order , he returned , and being come to the Strait of Tomanis , was advertised by Scouts , that it was so strongly possessed by the Enemy as not to be passed thorow . Nassan perplexed , and doubtful which way to turn himself , Aliculi Chan , to purchase his liberty , which he covenanted for before hand , offered to shew him a safe and short cut ; whereby he might without danger pass with his Army : so bending on the right-hand , he guided him through strange and uncouth places , not meeting so much as one Enemy ; but when the Persian Duke put the Turk in mind of his promised liberty , he with deep and fained sighs protested , he was sorry he could not perform what he had promised , since it lay not in his power to free any man taken in battel by the Souldiers of his Soveraign ; yet gave him his Faith to use all the most earnest means he could with Mustapha to procure his liberty . Simon imagined , that the Turks had taken this new way , but being certified by his spies , that it was so indeed , he , enflamed with rage for their great fortune , fell upon the rear , which he wholly destroyed , leading away all the People , Horses , and all the Treasure of Mahomet and Nassan Bassaes ; As for Aliculi , he was sent away in the Front , and so not to be rescued . Nassan came from Teflis to Chars in 8 dayes , presenting Aliculi to Mustapha , and recounting unto him whatsoever had happened in that expedition . Allouli was sent prisoner by Mustapha to Erzirum Castle : and ere long himself returned to the said Erzirum with his Army sore weakened and discontented , which he presently discharged . About the time that these things were doing , Amurath to make a safer and easier passage for his Forces into Georgia , sent Uluzales with a great Fléet to Mengrelia ( of old , Colchis ) who fortifying in the River Fassa , laid such a beginning , that it is now one of the Turks Beglerbegships . Though those Fortifications were soon after his departure for the present demolished by the Mengrelians : and here ended the stirs of this Year , 1579. Of all these successes , Mustapha sent advertisement to Amurath , and because he had the yeer before perswaded him that Georgia and its people were brought under his Obedience , that he should not marvel at so many losses and Battels ; declared unto him , that all these troubles were not raised by the home-bred Georgians , but by Aliculi and Simon sent out of Persia. Amurath reading all that Mustapha had written with great delight , sent to Nassan a Battel-Axe all gilt and full of Stones : A Target of Gold and Pearl , and a rich Garment of Cloth of Gold in reward of his good service ; and ordered Aliculi to be kept where he was , in diligent and safe custody . The Persian Kings care for Turkish Invasions , which much troubled him , was doubled with domestical fears . Mirik Salmas his chief Visier still filling his Head with jealousie , that Abas Miriz his son , Governour of Iteri , was about , in these troubles , to proclaim himself King of Persia , to the great Ignominy of his Father , and prejudice of Emerhanze his eldest Brother , to whom Salmas had married a Daughter of his ; who , the better to perswade the King to commit Abaz to prison , or bereave him of all Authority , discovered unto him , how little Abaz had respected him in divers occasions , not having sent forth one man in these late Wars : but forbad those of his Jurisdiction to come to Casbin , when summoned to have passed with Emer Namke into Sirvan ; they answered , Abaz their Lord , who enjoyned them not to stir , was not only called King of Iteri , but had given out he meant to claim the succession in the whole Kingdom . The King , carried away with leight belief of these complaints , made more effectual by means of divers great Ladies , and other usual devices continually , thought to repress the boldness of his disobedient Son ; yet not forgetting to prepare against the Turks , as might stay their passage to Tauris , if they purposed so to do . But Mustapha laying at Erzirum , many grievous complaints were made of him to Amurath , whereby he took from him his General-ship , calling him to Court to give accompt of his actions : who sending such a strong power to succour Teflis , Amurath conjectured the affaires of Georgia not to be so secure as he had informed him , whose Souldiers also in an uproar accused him of improvidence and prodigality : because now this second year he had with so much ado , gathered such a number of Souldiers together , to the vast charge of their Lord , and yet performed nothing worthy the glory of Amurath , or answerable to so great a charge . The Emperour for the great favours he bare unto him , his antient Tutour , would never have construed these complaints so hardly , as to have deprived him of his place , if the inveterate envy of Sinan Bassa had not ministred force to these hard accusations . : for he was a most ancient enemy to Mustapha , and in all things thought himself his match both in courage and years ; yea , and did not stick to think himself his better to : for in the enterprize of Glamen in Arabia , he did that which Mustapha neither durst , nor knew how to put in execution : for which , ever after one envying at anothers glory both in word and deed , opposed each other upon occasion . At last Sinan taking this occasion of so many complaints against Mustapha , caused a great number to supplicate Amurath , which himself did most malignantly exaggerate against him , accusing him , that this second year he had most manifestly shewed , he went not to the Wars as a worthy Generall , desirous of noble enterprizes , but as one that would make Merchandize of bloud , his Souldiers , Pages , Corn , and Money , &c. These and the like complaints , with the hard opinion conceived against him by Amurath , occasioned his resolution . Besides , he deemed it not so much for his honour , still to employ one man as to shew that he had choice of Subjects , worthy of so great a Charge : Wherefore , he sent the chief of his Gentlemen Porters with fifteen others , to bring him with his Chancellour and Treasurer to the Court , to give accompt of money received ; and of their whole Office ; he delivered three Letters to this Messenger , which he should warily shew : One was so written , that Mustapha , in receiving it , might by them be strangled : In the second , was their warrant to do what they were commanded : The third contained , that Mustapha should forthwith send his Chancellour and Treasurer to the Court by them . Mustapha , by divers means , especially guilt , suspecting his life was by those Messengers sought after : When the Captain-Porter came to the Camp , put him off with delayes , and would not be spoken withall : but when he would endure no longer delay , he was admitted to his presence , having a Circle appointed him , out of which , he and his Companions might not stir : the Bassa being guarded round about : Whereupon , the Porter plucked forth the third Letter about the sending of his Chancellour and Treasurer , which the Bassa found many excuses to delay : but being hardly pressed , he delivered them both : agreeing with the Messenger to have their lives spared , who at Constantinople were clapped into the Tower Jadicula , to have been severely examined of all the Bassaes doings : but Mustapha comming at length to Constantinople , April . 9. through the potent mediation of divers great Ladies , and other friends was again at length received into Amuraths favour without any further proceeding : his Chancellour and Treasurer being afterwards also enlarged . While Mustapha lay at Erzirum , Muhamet the Visier was slain at Constantinople ; after whom , shortly after died also Achmet Bassa , who succeeded in his place ; the death of Muhamet , is worthy to be registred as a mirrour for all that administer Justice in so great a place : he had for some leight causes , deprived a Souldier of Constantinople of his yearly pension , bestowing it upon another , so that the other poor soul remained in misery ; who not guilty to himself of any fault worthy of so great punishment , determined to bereave him of life , who had bereft him of living : which because he could not fitly do , by reason of the Guard of slaves that keep the Person of the Vissier , he taking upon him the Habit of those Religious , called Dervis●ars , and after their manner with a kind of folly and lightness of mind , to present himself every morning in the Divano before the Vissier , by his appointment with others , to say his prayers , and in singing prayses to their Prophet , to intreat God for his salvation , and so to ask his Alms : At last , the crafty Hypocrite , with a very sharp Dagger in one of his sleeves , being admitted into the Divano , according to his Custom , where Muhamet set in his House to give publique audience , sate right against him , as he was wont , powring out those vain devotions ; which finished , while the Vissier reacheth him his wonted Alms , he once or twice stabd him in the breast : the standers by astonied , ran in ; but lo , the hoary Vissier , lay breathing forth his last gasp . The murderer being bound fast , the Emperour suspecting , that some other great Bassa desiring that high Dignity had provoked him to do this , would needs understand what had moved him so treacherously to kill his Vissier ; who answered , he did it to free the City from the tyranny of him , by whom he was undeservedly deprived of his Pension : when he could get no other answer , he delivered him to the Vissiers slaves , who with most exquisite torments , put him to death . Achmet Bassa , succeeding him , and shortly after dying , Mustapha being the third Bassa in order , should have succeeded in his room ; but he could by no meanes , finde so much grace in Amuraths sight , as to have it under seal , though all State-matters were brought to him as chief Visier ; but the Seal was sent to Sinan , now Generall for the Persian Watres , which not a little discontented Mustapha , fearing some other strange Accident , soon to befall him . Sinan , being nominated Generall against the Persians , and full power given him in 1580 , determined to build a Fort at Tomanis , to assure the passage thither from Chars , and by all meanes , to induce the Persian King to send Embassadors for peace , with conditions acceptable to Amurath . Of these changes and alterations , the Persian King being advertised , and being perswaded by Leventogli , the Georgian , and Miriz Salmas , he dispatched Maxut Chan , or Maxudes his Embassador , to demand peace of Amurath ; and by Letters to him , to labour for pacifying all those troubles . Maxut in any case to conclude a peace , so Amurath would be content with Chars and Teflis . He coming to Erzirium , was thence conducted towards Amasia ; but at Sivas , he found Sinan there , collecting his Army , for execution of his designs . Of this Embassador's coming , newes was in Post joyfully sent to the Court , Maxut informing Sinan , of all he had to treat with Amurath , on behalf of the King , declaring unto him , that since both Nations were conjoyned under the Law of Mahomet , though there seemed some small difference , not worth those troubles , it were very inconvenient for them to seek the utter destruction 〈◊〉 of another : wherefore , he was in good hope to obtain of Amurath this desired peace , if he had no other cause , for which he was agrieved , as in truth he had not : wherefore , he besought him safely to conduct him to Amurath , that , if it were possible , those bloody Warres might end . Sinan , thinking the very fame of his valour to have wrought this demand of peace , granted him a safe Convoy , writing to Amurath , what he thought was fit to be demanded , and what great matters might now be obtained ; but he advised the Embassador , not to go without resolution , to yield to Amurath all that Country which he had before conquered , for he knew his mind very well . Maxut hereupon , doubted whether to proceed on his Journey , or return back into Persia ; but hoping to receive more reasonable conditions from Amurath himself , he gave Sinan large words , and so departing from Sirvas , arrived at Constantinople Aug. 4th . The Persian King the while , stirred up with a report of the Turks preparations , commanded all his Chans and Governours , to meet him and the Prince , with all their forces at Tauris , and after many consultations there , he resolved to send Souldiers towards Teflis , whither succours must needs be sent by the Turks , determining also to go himself to Carrach with his Army , a place commodiously scituated between Tauris and Sirvan , and there to expect Sinan's remove , who , he doubted , to surmount Mustapha , would attempt some great enterprize ; but into Georgia , he sent such as had best experience of those Countries , and were nearest unto him , with whom he sent Tocomach also ; and others , whose service he had before used , that they joyning their forces with Sinan , if the Enemy should bend to Tauris , they should follow him , that so they might joyn together with him , and so incounter the Enemy : the forces that these lead , were 10000 men , which with them of Georgia , made 13000 , who arriving at Genge , gave Simon knowledge of their coming , and that in his behalf , they were ready to do great matters . The Persian Embassador , was honourably received at Constantinople , and honourably entertained by the great Bassaes , but chiefly by Mustapha , who , two dayes after , suddenly died , surfetting of immoderate eating of Musk-millions , and drinking of Zurbet , a pleasant drink , made of water and Sugar ; but most , thought he poysoned himself , as 〈◊〉 new complaints of the 〈◊〉 against him , for suppressing Embassages in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sent from the Persian King : 〈◊〉 his death , it was commonly reported , that if he had longer lived , he should have been undoubtedly strangled ; and i deed , his 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the Kings Treasure , only a sma l portion left to his Nephews , a most certain token of Amurath s indignation . Maxut , 〈◊〉 audience , Aug. 7th , with 〈◊〉 lively reasons , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Turk to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Warre began , as 〈◊〉 to the will and pleasure of their Prophet Mahomet : as also to the Peace 〈◊〉 and largely concluded between Tamas and Soliman , not to have been broken , but upon some great injury 〈◊〉 , which the Persians 〈◊〉 never offered , but had declared by an 〈◊〉 sent by Sultan 〈◊〉 , that they had 〈◊〉 wished him all happiness ; and though there was some 〈◊〉 , that Ismahel in his short Raign , would go to Babylon , &c. yet he had received due punishment for that you 〈◊〉 part and abuse of his liberty , after long and straight imprisonment ; but their present King did above all others , imbrace amity with him ; and therefore did most earnestly desire him to emper his anger , conceived against him so much his friend , and of the same Religion . Amurath , onely 〈◊〉 order , that he should communicate whatsoever he had to say with his Visier , who required all those Cities and Countries which the Turk had 〈◊〉 that time , conquered : or , whereon his Generals Horse 〈◊〉 trod , to be yielded again unto him , which the 〈◊〉 had no warrant to do : whereupon , he 〈◊〉 to be evil 〈◊〉 , as suspected for a Spie , wherewith he was too plainly charged by he Visier's Speech . And perceiving himself strained to grant these demands , and receiving also some threatnings , he gave the Visier good hope he should perswade his King to yield up so much as Amurath did demand : hereupon , he was in friendly manner , sent from Constantinople to Chars , where Sinan was Commissioned speedily and faithfully to have the Embassador conducted to Van , thence into Persia , wheresoever he did desire . But Sinan the General , who from Erzirum , was now come to Chars , dispatched thence the Embassador , much discontented that no other conclusion for peace could be wrought . Maxut , arriving at Court , reported to the King , all that had happened in this his Embassage , who for the present , was well satisfied with what he had done , giving him in reward , the name of Chamberlain of Tauris : of which great Office , he took small pleasure , for that Emir Chan , his ancient Enemy , was chief Governour of that City : wherefore , leaving a Deputy to execute his Office , himself withdrew to Cassanggith , a place of his own , till the King should otherwise dispose of him ; but Emir Chan certified the King , that Maxut had in contempt of his rewards , abandoned Tauris , substituting a most base person , to represent his Majesty , and mannage his Treasure ; and that he had no doubt , withdrawn himself into the Confines of Turkey , either to yield himself to them , or have intelligence with them , and was likely enough to be guilty to himself of his great errour , in promising so large conditions to the Turk , whereby as a Traitor to his own King , he had obtained such a safe Convoy : wherefore it were good to try his inclination , &c. whereupon , the suspicious King , commanded Emir secretly to apprehend him , and bring him to Court ; and if he could not by other meanes then by torture , to wrest from him the truth of all : glad was Emir hereof , but Maxut having some inckling , when 15 tall Fellows were sent to him from Emir , in the Kings name , to summon him to Court , he in shew , courteously entertained them with great Cheere ; but when sleep had overcome them , by reason of excess , he had them straightly bound , and with long Cords , hanged down into a deep Well , which he secretly covered : then withall his most precious things , he fled with all his Family in the Evening , and was next day friendly entertained by the Turkish Bassa at Salmas , so also at Van , whence he was sent to Sinan , honourably accompanied , who very glad , sent him with all diligence to Amurath . Sinan , after eight dayes stay at Chars , went to Tomanis , there to build a Fort , but he could not perform it for the immoderate Rain , which for eight dayes space , continually fell , besides , he greatly feared , least the Enemy , taking the opportunity of the rain , and building , suddenly should assault his Army , and greatly endammage it ; wherefore he removed thence , to carry succours to Teflis , but as soon as he was past the straight , 〈◊〉 , Capta n of the Janizaries of Damasco and Homar a Sanzack secretly hearing that a 〈◊〉 out of the way was good store of Corn and Cattel , with 2000 Souldiers went to 〈◊〉 in that 〈◊〉 . Now Simon and the Persians had divided their Souldiers into all places , where there was any thing to allure the Turks to scatter from the Camp , who suddenly fell upon these 〈◊〉 Turks , being 〈◊〉 ; so that of that 2000 , all were slain , except Ta-logli , who escaped . Sinan coming to 〈◊〉 in two 〈◊〉 , in reproach of Mustapha , who falsely had informed Amurath , that Teflis was as great and 〈◊〉 , as Damasco called a Councel of his chief Captains , ordering every man to depose upon Oath , the 〈◊〉 , touching the greatness thereof , then dividing the Treasure and suckers brought amongst the Souldiers of the Fortress , he cheared 〈◊〉 with good words , and great promises , and 〈◊〉 they greatly complained against their Bassa , he caused a 〈◊〉 to be framed against him , and 〈◊〉 he had converted pay to his own use , he condemned him to restitution , and placed Guisuf Beg a Georgian , in his room , who for the ancient enmity between him and Simon , had most welcomly yielded himself to the Turks . Sinan departing thence , and passing the straight of Toman's , Mustafzad Bassa declared unto him , that not far off , was great store of Corn and Cattel , and none but a few Georgians to keep the same . Sinan was well affected to this Mustafzad , but remembring what had hapned to Talzogli and Homar , he ordered 10000 Horsemen , and their Servants under Mustafzad , to go forth , who being come to the desired place , and having almost charged all their Horses and Mules , the hidden Persians suddenly issuing out , with great slaughter put them to flight , pursued them with such fury , that they slew 7000 of them , carrying away many prisoners , and the laden Beasts . Mustafzad first fled , and first brought this unhappy newes to Sinan , which being forthwith confirmed by others that escaped , he dispatched away the Bassa of Caramania , with a great power and charge to set upon the Enemy , following him himself with his whole Camp ; but the Persians had speedily withdrawn themselves into their strong places , and disposing of their prey , were returning to wait for some fresh occasion ; but descrying the Turks whole Army , upon the rising of the Hill , they retired again into the strength of the Mountains ; yet the Turks overtook some few of them , slaying about 50 or 60 , whose Heads they carried upon the points of their Speares , in sign of Triumph , and took prisoners about 70 more . Sinan having passed these dangerous places of Georgia , arrived at Triala , where it was told him , that the Persian King in person , was coming from Tauris , with an exceeding Army , to bid him battel : whereupon , he made Proclamation , that every man should be ready for the voyage to Tauris , to go to meet with the King ; and the while , as is reported , he dispatched Posts to the said King , then at Caracach , intreating him to send another Embassador to Amurath for peace , thinking thereby , as some guesse , to remove the King from that his resolution , if he had any such : then he descended into the plains of Cheilder , where mustering his Army , he gave out , that before he would set forward , he would try the readiness and nimbleness of his Souldiers , as if they were presently to joyn battel ; so next morning , ranging his whole Army in order of Battel , and then sending out some few to shew themselves upon the Hills , as if they had been Enemies coming upon them , he caused such a medley of all things to be made , as if it had been the turmoyl of a Battel indeed , then he sounded a retreat ; and setting his Army in order again , made the like shew the second and third time , which the Souldiers performed , but with great scorn and derision deeming it rather Childrens play , then any commendation to him : neither did he set forward towards Tauris , but loytered eight dayes in those plains ; where arrived from Persia , an Embassador from the King , propounding divers things to Sinan , such as Maxut had done ; but the conclusion was , that the King would be content to relinquish Chars and Teflis , and so remain in amity with Amurath , desiring Sinan to conclude a peace , if it might be . Sinan promised to deal with Amurath , so the King would send another Embassador to Constantinople : upon which conclusion , he returned into Persia : after this , when the rumour of the Kings coming , was found to be false , Sinan , instead of going to Tauris , returned to Chars , where he stayed a whole moneth , the whole Army marvelling , and murmuring to see themselves brought forth to their Kings great charge , and disturbance of his Kingdom , not for any honourable 〈◊〉 . Winter being come on , he came to Erzirum , presently dismissing every man : but remained himself in the same City ; whence by speedy Posts , he informed Amurath of all that was by Mustapha misreported , and of all his own actions : also that the enterprise of Persia was very hard , 〈◊〉 , and difficult ; and that which needed another manner of preparation , then had been as yet appointed for it : sending several Messengers to solicite them for his return to Constantinople , telling him , it was not possible to signifie by writing , what he purposed verbally to report to him for the better accomplishing thereof ; but Sinan abhorred this Warre , having his mind bent wholly against the Christians in Europe , at last he solicited the matter so much , and so earnestly , that Amurath was perswaded to send for him , as soon as ever he was certified of the Arrival of the new Embassador from Persia , who at length , came to Sinan , who gave present inrelligence to Amurath , beseeching him again , to suffer him to come to Constantinople , which he then granted . At his first coming to Amurath's presence , the conditions were 〈◊〉 down for reducing the capitulations of peace with Persia , to a good end : after which , Ebraim Chan , Embassador ( being now come ) had audience : who with much glorious speech , laboured to perswade Amurath , that his King had a most ardent desire to be reconciled unto him , and to joyn his forces with his , against the Enemies of Mahometisme , &c. Amurath onely answered , 〈◊〉 should treat of all matters concerning the peace , with his Visier . Amurath circumcising his eldest sonne Mahomet the nabout 16 years old , at Constantinople , many Christian Princes were invited to the solemnity , who sent thither their Embassadors with great gifts and presents ; beside the Embassador of Persia , and those of the Kings of Morocho , and Fez : this Circumcision was for 40 dayes and 40 nights , with all tryumph and joy solemnized in the great Market-place , where all the Embassadors had their Scaffolds furnished according to their degrees : onely the Persian , whose Scaffold was severall ; but he not regarded as the rest , rejoyced not at these Feasts and Tryumphs ; for , besides sundry storms done to the Persian Nation , as by hanging up Pictures of Persians , made of Laths and sticks ; and then burning them , and scornfully abusing them . Amurath , for the great displeasure conceived for the harm done to Osman , and the Turks in Sirvan , and for his disdain against Ebraim Chan , who yielded no more to any conditions of peace , which he expected , then Maxut had done before , commanded his Scaffold to be cast down , and himself and followers , to be shut up close prisoners in the House of Mahomet Bassa , where , though a thousand of his followers dyed of the Plague : yet he was there inforced to tarry it out , till afterwards he was ordered to be carried a prisoner to Erzirum ; to end these Solemnities , Mahomet was circumcised in his Fathers Chamber by Mechmet , an inferiour Bassa , sometime Soliman's Barber . Whilest Sinan sate as great Visier there , the Garrisons in Chars and Teflis , kept in by the Enemy , were thought to be driven to great wants : wherefore Sinan counselled Amurath , to send a new Garrison to Van , for safety of the Countrey thereabouts ; and then by some valiant Captain , to send Suckers to Teflis : Amurath willed him , to think of some fit man , who propounded divers , but none pleased him ; for he was resolved to bestow this charge upon Mahomet Bassa , Nephew to Mustapha ; and for his sake , hated of 〈◊〉 . Him he sent to Erzirum , as Bassa of that Province , and as Gen. of the Army for Teflis ; commanding Hassal Bassa of Caraemit , Musta. the Georgian , all the Sanzacks , the Curdy , and Souldiers of Erzirum , to follow 〈◊〉 their General to Teflis : whereupon , there assembled about 25000 Men , with all necessaries for relief of that Garrison : he commanded also the Bassaes of Aleppo and Maaras , to repair to Van with all their Souldiers , and there to abide till Winter , which they did , not molested by any Enemy . Mahamet departing from Erzirum , in the end of August , came in eight dayes to Chars , thence to Archelech , where he found 〈◊〉 , otherwise Manucchiar , with all his Souldiers , whom he joyfully honoured with gifts , admonishing him to continue in his obedience , and conduct him with his Army the shortest and safest way to Teflis . Mustapha resolved him , that the easiest , shortest , and , in his Opin on the safest way was 〈◊〉 his own Countrey ; so 〈◊〉 greatly pleased , resting wholly upon his good airection , and having passed Mustapha his Countrey , abounding with all sustenance they came to a friendly Castle , called Gory from whence they discovered a great Army of 〈◊〉 , mingled with Persians , who were 〈◊〉 like Georgians , that the reaty of peace might not be disturbed , and their King accounted unjust of his word : these seeing the Turk's Army and themselves also to be discryed , sent them proud words of defiance ; and so to offer them Battel , the 〈◊〉 was grieved herewith , but pursuing onely to bring his Succours safe to 〈◊〉 , he studied by all meanes , to shun the Battel : the great rain which fell that evening , served him for a reasonable excuse of delay ; but next day , the Sun 〈◊〉 bright , both Armies marched in sight of each other , till some houres before night : at which time , the Turks arrived near a River , separating both Armies . Mahamet consulting with Mustapha , he advised him to stay on this side the River , till next morning , lest the Enemy should annoy the 〈◊〉 , disordered in passing the River ; but he having a strong conceit , that there was some compact between Mustapha and the Persians , and therefore he had perswaded him to come that way , and not by Tomanis , commanded with all speed , his Souldiers to passe the River , that before 〈◊〉 , he might encamp on the other side , in some good place , to the derision of his Enemies : his Lievtenant first ventured over , and after him the Carriages of Money and Corn , and then the whole Army , with such speed , that some were drowned rather , being trodden down by the Beasts , than either by the depth or 〈◊〉 of the River : as soon as they were passed over , the Georgians , in great hast and fury assailed them , while they were yet out of order , whereby the Turks , though they made some good resistance , yet the banks of the River , were soon stained in many places , with Turkish blood , without any apparent losse to the Enemies : a number of Sanzacks of the Curdi and Mesopotanians fell ; which the rest perceiving fled , and at last , the whole Army , whom the Georgians pressed so soar in flight , that many took the River , hardly escaping with their lives : the losse of the Kings money and Corn taken , was greater then their shame and confusion , every man saving onely so much for himself , as he could secretly hide , or convey by the help of the swift Horses of some trusty slave . The Turks next morning , gathering themselves together , cursed the Heavens , their King and adverse fortune : some also threatning Mustapha , as though all this mischief hapned through his treachery ; yet when they found that they had still so much money and other things left , as would comfort the afflicted Souldiers besieged in the Fort , they journied so speedily towards Teflis : that next day in the Evening , they arrived there ; but when they of the Fort , saw their long expected friends in such a bad condition , they were astonied , and wonderfully grieved , confusedly protesting to Mahomet , they would abandon the place , if necessary provision were not forthwith made for them ; but he , mitigating them with large promises , called a Councel in the morning , of his chief men into the Castle , where he made an Oration unto them , that since such sad disasters had befallen them , who would needs passe over the River , and joyn battel with their Enemies , he advised them every one , to put his hand into his private purse , and with their own money to succour the necessity of those men , as regarding the honour of their King , so said he , shall we make our flight lesse blame-worthy , justifie our actions more honestly , and which is of greatest importance , better to pacifie the wrath of Amurath , which he might most justly conceive against us , saying , I my self am most ready to disburst 4000 Duckats towards it , if you all shall please to follow me accordingly : hereupon , one whi pered many a curse and shame upon the King , upon Mahomet ; yea , and upon God himself : another denied to disburst any thing , another determined to steal away ; some saying one thing , some another ; but in the end , 30000 Duckats were collected amongst them , and word sent to Levent Ogli , at Zaghen , to lend thither necessary Victualls , for the better continuance of the defence of the Fort. Mahomet stayed but two dayes in Teflis , where changing some Souldiers , and appointing Homar Bassa the Governour , instead of Giusuf , before his departure , they consulted which way to keep , and in the end , resolved upon the way of Tomanis ; whereupon , they were all ordered to passe the River , the Curdi first went over , and had pitched their Tents on the further side , when the General sent them word to return , because he would go back the same way he came : the Sanzacks in a rage , answered , these mutabilities were rather Childrens play , then manly resolution , and that they were not minded to change their Journey ; so setting forward , they arrived at Chars , long before Mahomet , who was much grieved at this their disobedience . Mahomet arriving at Altun Chala , the chief Castle of Mustapha , in desire of revenge of those losses , which he thought he had received by his treachery , or as some thought , thereby to make Amurath believe , that all those mischiefs had hapned through all his malicious devices , and not through their cowardice , devised a plot , how to take him suddenly away , as guilty of so foul a Treason : he called a Counsel into his own Pavillion , as if he had received some command from Court , with whom sate the Bassa of 〈◊〉 , some Sanzacks belonging to Erzirum , the chief Gentleman Usher , and his own Lieutenant , having taken of them an Oath for secresie of his deceit . Mustapha was also called , who having heard some privy 〈◊〉 of such a matter , yet thought he might not deny to go to the Counsel , least he might seem guilty of the fault , whereof perhaps not without cause he was suspected , wherefore chusing out 50 of his most faithful and resolute Souldiers , commanding them to follow him to the Generals Pavillion , and there to stay attentive , and at his first call , to rush into the Pavillion , and rather then any wrong should be done him , to shew their valour against any Turk whatsoever : these 50 taking some others also of their trusty friends followed Mustapha accordingly , who entring into the place of Counsel , desired of Mahomet , to know his pleasure , who caused the counterfit Command to be read , Mustapha giving an attentive eare ; but when the rest began to sit down 〈◊〉 to the Turks manner , who use alwayes to stand up , till any Command from the Emperour be fully read , the Georgian took his leave , promising to be ever ready to perform whatsoever the King should command ; and so being about to depart , the great Usher , plucking him by the sleeve , would have forced him to have sit down : indeed that the Lievtenant , with those of Mahamets chief band that stood about him , might cut off his head . Mustapha crying out , with his Sword ( having wrought the Role from his pate with his left hand ) at one blow , cleft the 〈◊〉 head down to his very stomach , to the great astonishment of all there present : then 〈◊〉 at the head of he 〈◊〉 of Charemit , it being defended with the roles of the Turbant , the stroke slipt down by his care , which it carried quite away with a peece of the 〈◊〉 , and a peece of the flesh of his cheek : eagerly assailing Mahomet himself , whom , risen up in the 〈◊〉 , he wounded with five mortall wounds , which yet were afterwards cunningly healed , when they had brought him even to deaths door , upon the rushing in of the Georgians , and the fear that Mustapha had struck into the Turks , every man speedily departed towards Chars , whither also was brought the two wounded Bassaes , and the rest that were ill handled , and greatly scared . Of all this treachery , Mustapha sent present word to Amurath , as much grieved at the false suspicion conceived 〈◊〉 him , and so wrought , that 〈◊〉 sent him both Cloth of Gold , and a Battle-Axe , all guilt . Mahamet on the other side , wrote at large of all his misfortunes , and aggravated to the King both the treachery of Mustapha , and the slender security of those wayes and Countries . When Amurath understood of these calamities and losses , and the apparent danger of the Fort of Teflis , then like to be abandoned , he in a rage rated exceedingly the Bassaes of his Court , reproving their lewd Counsel , and recounting his losses from time to time , as if through their defaults ; especially of Sinan , who like an improvident fool , he said , would needs leave his Army , and like a King sit idle at Constantinople , &c. who when Mustapha was General , most vainly boasted with the like power , to fetch the Persian King out of Casbin , in bonds to Amurath , but had indeed performed nothing worth remembrance . Sinan peremptorily answered , that seeing he would needs make choyce of Mahamet Bassa , an unfit man to convey this year's Succours to Teflis , he was to blame none but himself . As for his coming to Constantinople , it was long before thought most needful , both that the matter of peace might come to some good passe , and if not then he had to talk with him , how to compass his Enemies overthrow , which yet he had no fit time to declare , but was now ready to reveal , if it were his pleasure . Amurath was wonderfully grieved with so arrogant a reproof from a slave of his own , yet he disembled his discontentment against him , commanding him to disclose those his devices : who propounded 〈◊〉 , not to proceed in this Warre , as they had done with 〈◊〉 , to hold the Enemies Countries ; their Treasures 〈◊〉 not able to maintain so many and great Garrisons . 〈◊〉 , for Amurath to go in person himself , and so aganst so mighty a King , by opposing the person of a King the Persians would easily come to an agreement ; or if ot , he might then proceed in his Warres , and obtain 〈◊〉 glorious Conquest : the effeminate King now concived an envious affection against him , and a further 〈◊〉 fostered by great Ladies , especially his Mother , 〈◊〉 Sinan had counselled him to go in person , onely 〈◊〉 meanes for the Prince his Sonne , to make him 〈◊〉 . Sinan and the Prince , carrying great 〈◊〉 towards each other : wherefore , depriving him ofall charge , he presently banished him to Demotica of 〈◊〉 , whence he , by most humble supplication , obtained terward to be removed to Marmara . Siaus Bassa , who married Amurath's 〈◊〉 , being preferred to the Visiership , a personable and 〈◊〉 Hungarian , but the greatest seller of Justice 〈◊〉 preferments , yet a great friend to peace with the Chrians , which Sinan had alwayes maligned . The Persian Captains the while , 〈◊〉 spoils , and Enemies Ensigns , were with great joy reived in Persia , which was redoubled , when the 〈◊〉 betwixt Mahomet and Mustapha was reported , wereby every one thought the next years dangerous attents of the Turks into Persia , which were feared , migl be hindered : whereupon , the Persian King determid to march toward Heri , against Abas Meriz , hisonne then with him in disgrace , being earnestly solicid thereto by his elder Sonne , especially by Salmas his Visier ; so committing his defence of that side of his Kingdom to Emer Chan , Governour of Tauris , Himself with his Army , arrived at length at Salvar : which principal City , he taking by force , beheaded the Governour thereof , though he alledged a thousand excuses , and objected as many accusations against seditious Salmas ; and having put to death some great ones , accused by the Visier , as confederates in his Sonnes rebellion , he arrived at last at the City of Heri , very strong by situation , a good Wall , and deep Channels of water , conveighed into it by Tamerlain : there was also therein many valiant Captains , Enemies to Miriz Salmas . The King approaching the City , left in himself many troubled passions , grieving to think he should beget so graceless a Sonne , and to remember the blood of his Subjects , spilt upon so strange an occasion ; yet being more and more solicited by Salmas , he attempted to understand the mind of his Sonne , and if possible , to get him into his hands ; but Abas in the mean time , wrote divers Letters to his Father and Brother , beseeching them to make known unto him , the occasion of this their stir , for if desire of rule had moved them to seek his deprivation , he was alwayes ready to spend and be spent in their service , acknowledging his Father to be his good Father and King ; but if they were induced hereto for revenging some trespasses committed by him against the Crown of Persia , he was most ready to submit to any amends , and yield up all , the more fully to satisfie their minds : with twice and thrice reading over , were these affectionate Letters considered , and at last , both Father and Brother determined to attempt the reducing the young mans mind to some good passe ; whereupon , they wrote back 〈◊〉 him , that his causing himself to be called King of Persia , and the not sending them so much as one Captain to ayd them against the Turks , had onely induced them hereunto . Abas , glad when he understood his accusations , wrote back unto them , if they would faithfully promise safely to receive his Embassadors , he would send them so clear information , touching those accusations , that they should clearly perceive he had alwayes desired and laboured the contrary , and would open to them such matter as in respect of other men , might cause their coming to prove profitable to all Persia : which request , they solemnly promised to perform , being very desirous to know what those strange novelties should be ; whereupon , Abas sent unto them two of his chief Counsellors with full instructions , who after many speeches , swore by the Creator of all things , by the head of Hali , and by the Religion of Mahomet , that such perverse thoughts never entred into Abas Miriz , alledging many manifest proofs , that when the King was advanced to the Kingdom , and in his battels against the Turks , his Sonne had alwayes caused devout prayers to be made for his prosperity , and never desiring to hear but of his happy success , they brought with them abundance of precepts and loyall Letters from Abas to the Governours his Subjects , for Government of the State , never naming himself King of Persia , but onely your King and Governour of Heri , they prayed the King also , if there should be found any shadow of such a suspition in his Sonne , upon a diligent process framed against them , to take from him his Estate and liberty , offering themselves as his Hostages ; but if Abas should be found free from these accusations , then 〈◊〉 the Earth , they besought him to take information upon what mind his Counsellor had advised him to undertake so dangerous a voyage , &c. And as for Abas his forbidding the Governours to go to Warres against the Turks , that was onely in respect of an invasion , justly feared in those quarters , by the Tartarian Gesselbas , who by divers inroads , had already done great harms thereabouts : all which , was by writing signified unto the Visier himself , which he maliciously concealed to try if he could bring to passe that Abas , and the King might be taken away in those troubles , whom Emer Hamsey succeeding , himself might remain the superintendant of his Sonne in Law , &c. which they imputed not to the Prince , altogether ignorant of such a purpose , but onely to the ambition of the wicked Traitor Miriz Salmas : the King by nature credulous , made great construction of these grave Speeches , and could not chuse but harken unto their so earnest and upright requests : wherefore , calling unto him , all the chief Officers of all the Cities of Heri , he demanded of them , how they esteemed of Amas , and in what degree he desired to be esteemed of them : who all answered , they held him , and he desired to be taken for , their Lord and Lievtenant to the King of Casben , bringing forth divers papers , wherein he entituled himself only . Your King of Heri ; and demanding of them , whether those Tartars had attempted any such Warres , they largely informed him they had , to the great dammage of all those Territories , though he might justly now have put Salmas to death , as the Authour of so great troubles and bloodshed : yet , for better information sake , he first of all in great secresie , examined the Prince why he had advised this Journey against his guilty Bro : Abas , who answered , onely from the credit he always gave to his Father in Law Miriz Salmas , as to a chief Counsellor , &c. touching whom , the King diligently inquiring both of Courtiers and Army-men , found him guilty of all that the Embassadors of Heri had accused him ; for which so foul a Treason the false VISIER by the Kings command , had his Head struck off ; so the 2 Brethren being reconciled , and the Son to the Father , after Abas had again promised Obedience , which he most dutifully performed ; the King returned towards Casbin , where , by reason of the Turks unexpected motion , he had bin long looked for . Amurath , through the rough speeches of Sinan was more and more setled in his purpose for continuance of the Persian War ; Wherefore , he resolved at last to make choice of Ferat Bassa , for his general ; fierce in courage ; tough in opinion , hardy in Counsel , but especially devoted to the King : Who , calling him apart , encouraged him to take the charge upon him , with a firm resolution to perform all things answerable thereunto , with the Opinion he had of his valour . Ferat promised to do his utmost , to execute whatever should be offered him , either by occasion , or his real command . Amurath at first onely intended to employ him in assuring the passage to Teflis , and so into all Georgia , and to have destroyed Mustaffa his Country , who had put his whole Army into confusion : but hearing of the troubles between the Persian King & his Son , he commanded Ferat to erect a Fort at Reivan belonging to Tochmac , and to assure the passage from Chars thither , so should they be revenged of many harms received by him , and lay open the way to Tauris , he willed Ferat to dissemble his ill Opinion of Mustaffa , and if possible to make use of him for convoying succours to Teflis , whereby all Georgia would be won without any more Fortresses : and next year they might attempt the enterprize for Tauris ; In the beginning of the year , 1583. all Cities that used to appear at these Wars , were commanded upon Summons , to be ready to execute their new General 's Injunctions : all which sent their Captains and Souldiers accordingly . So Ferat coming to Erzirum viewed all his Army and provision ; thence arriving at Chars , conducted by Maxut-chan , he set forwards Reivan but 3 dayes before he came thither , he erected a Fortress of some ruines of an old Castle , leaving in it 400 Souldiers with a Zanzack and some Ordnance : Between Reivan and Tauris 8 or 9 dayes journey distant . are Stannasivan , Chiulfal , Maraut and Sosian , having goodly Gardens and Greens : but in the way are many craggy Mountains and sundry hard passages . Here Ferat consulted with his chief Captains where to build the Fort , who advised him to fortifie the Houses and Gardens of Tochomac , which he did ; and enclosed the Gardens with strong Walls and deep Ditches , whereinto he conveyed water from a certain River . This Fortress was finished in 15 dayes , being 750 yards about . Tochomac , exceedingly grieved , so suddenly to lose his Country and dwelling , sought at least in some part to be revenged of so great an injury : Wherefore , he wrote to King Emer-chan , and Simon gathering Souldiers out of the Villages , but he could receive no help : the King being so far against his son ; the Georgian being bufied by hindering the relief of Teflis ; and Emer-chan either would not , or could not stir from Tauris , having as some supposed secret intelligence with Ferat , not to disturb him in this work . So Tochomac not able of himself to do much : yet by privy Ambushes , killed sometimes a 100 , sometimes 150 Turks , and sometimes more , and dispatched Horsmen in haste to the King at Chorazan , amplifying by Letters , the cowardize of Emer-chan , with some causes of suspition , that he had some Intelligence with Ferat : who , having built this new Fort , and furnished it with all necessaries , appointed Sinan Bassa , son of a Runagate Genuan with 8000 Souldiers to keep the same ; and so departing , he arrived in 10 dayes at Chars : where , he had not long stayed , but newes was brought , that Mustapha , to whom Amurath had sent 30000 Duckats by 2 Capigi , and 2 Chiaus , for him to convey to Teflis , was revolted from the Turkish Obedience : having left that Fortress in manifold danger to yield . Ferat , exceedingly troubled to know the certainty , called for all the Messengers of this misfortune : who certainly informing him , that Mustapha with the Capigi & Chiaus , being upon their way with the Treasure , guarded with 500 of his Souldiers , met with his Cousin Simon , who perswaded him to return to his ancient Religion , which to the great perill of his soul he had abandoned , and to shake off Amuraths service , which would yield him but some infamous Captivity , and in the end some fraudulent death . So that Mustapha had beheaded Amuraths Messengers ? and dividing the Treasure with Simon , had vowed a perpetuall Confederacy , laying in wait for succours brought to Teflis . Ferat , in a fury sware , that he would not return to Erzirum , till he had put all Mustapha's Country to fire and sword : yet first he thought it 〈◊〉 to relieve Teflis ; Wherefore , he assigned to Hassan Bassa 40000 Duckats with other provision , appointing him 15000 of his most choyse Souldiers to conduct the same : who went and came from Teflis in 10 dayes , losing but some few men in his many skirmishes with the Georgians . After this , he sent Resvan Bassa with 6000 Souldiers to spoyl the 〈◊〉 of the Rebell Mustapha ; who over-run all his Territories , burnt his Towns , and committed most uncouth outrages , which extended to the very Trees , and carried away much corn and Cattell , and so came to Ardacan to the General ; but Winter approaching , they retired to Erzirum , whence all the Souldiers were licensed to depart , and a memorial sent to Amurath of all actions : especially , of Hassans good service , for which he again Honored him with cloth of Gold , a Battel-Axe , and guilt Target . About this time , Amurath in revenge of an outrage by the Cossacks against the Turks , whereof he had then newes , stayed 4 Podolovians : a Pelonian in his return home , sent by his King to buy certain Horses in Anatolia , with the Great Turks leave and pass ; all his men 34 in number being slain , except one boy who escaped into a Wood , himself being beheaded : the 24 goodly Horses , he bestowed some into his own Stable , the rest among the Bassaes , who pointed at them with fingers in derision of the Polonian King. Novemb. 29 of this year died Itama Chadum the mother of Amurath , who layeth buried by her Husband Selimus , and his 5 Sons strangled by Amurath . Ferat from Erzirum summoned the Souldiers of all the accustomed Cities against next Spring , 1584. collecting more Pioneers and Engineers then ever had bin in these Wars before : and gave it out that he would do great matters at Nasivan : whereat , the Persians cast many things in their heads , but especially the King , who began to fear they would this year pass to Tauris , or at least to Nasivan , and build new Fortresses to the great danger of the Persian Empire ; Wherefore , retaining his Forces brought from Heri , and commanding as many more as he could to follow him to Tauris ; his comming thither with so great an Army , made the world expect great matters would be done by him against the Turks : so that Ferat advertised Amurath , that his desire was to go to Nasivan and build Fortresses there , but the Persian King being come to Tauris with a huge Army , and resolved to encounter him , he thought it his duty not so to do without his express command . Amurath wrote back he should not go to Nasivan , but assure the passage to Tomanis and Lori : that so the Fort of Teflis might next year be relieved by some small Band. Ferat kept this secret to himself , encreasing the rumor of his going to Nasivan more and more , that so deluding the Persians , he might with less danger build the Forts intended for assuring those passages : upon which resolution he removed with his Army from Erzirum towards Chars , where he stayed ten dayes , to take a new survey of his Souldiers and provision . So setting forward towards Lori , he sent Hafsan before him with 5000 Light-Horsmen to scour the Country , and learn what he could of the Enemie's purposes and the state of Georgia : which Hassan did , even to Tamanis , without meeting with any more then certain Robbers upon the high-Way , whom he slew , setting their Heads on the tops of their Lances , and so returned , recounting all that had happened in his excursion , Ferat encamping at Lori , which sometime belonged to Simon , seized upon the High Castle , there enclosed with very deep Ditches and a thick Wall , almost a mile about : which he repairing , placed thereon Ali Bassa of Greece with 7000 Souldiers , and 200 small pieces of Ordnance , and so departed toward Tomanis : commanding Ali at some fit time to fortifie the Castle Saitan about ten miles off , with a convenient Garrison and Artillery . The General made 4 dayes work of going from Lori to Tomanis , being ordinarily but one , to take the spoyl of those rich Fields of Corn , Cattel , and Fruit. At Tomanis was a Castle of Simons , but now by him abandoned : after many discourses where to erect their Fortress , they concluded not to fortifie in that Castle , as being too far from the Strait , but to fortifie upon the very mouth of the Strait . So marching forward at the very entrance of the narrow-passage , they found the ruines of another steep Castle , so compassed round with a thick Wood , that their Ordnance could not avail them , to whom the defence thereof should be committed : Wherefore , Ferat commanded every man to lay his hand to cut down that Wood , the receptacle of a 1000 dangerous Treacheries which was done in a very short space : the plot of the old Castle was encompassed with a Wall of 17000 yards : in the midst whereof was erected strong Lodgings and Chambers , and 200 pieces of Ordnance distributed upon the Walls . Then Ferat sent Resvan and the Bassa Charaemit with 20000 choyse Souldiers with succours to Teflis : who , in one day arriving at the Fort with their supplies , substituted one Bagli in the Governours room . Whilst Resvan lay at Simon 's Brother , who , at the coming of Mustapha had fled out of Teflis , came with all his Family , offering himself a Subject and Vassall to Amurath , whom Resvan entertained with great promises and large assurances . Simon , 〈◊〉 newes that Ferat had sent Resvan with a far less number to Teflis then indeed he had , without delay , with but 4000 , partly of his own , and partly of Manucchiars subjects went against him ; but the while , Ferat fearing the worst , had dispatched away 2 Bassaes with 10000 Souldiers , at all adventures to make Resvan the stronger . Simon found Resvan encamped with 6000 at the foot of a Hill , the rest of his Army laying behind it . And charging upon him , those behind the Hill were ready also to receive him , who now repented himself of his rash assault , but since he could not but encrease his grief by flight , he with the strange and unusual valour of so few Christians , joyned a most cruel battel with that great Army : yet the Turks with a huge number of swords and spears so prevailed upon them , that they were brought to a great extremity , yea , Simon himself having his Horse slain , fell to the ground and was very nigh bein graken prisoner with his Lievtenant , and many others : but , while the battel was even at the greatest heat , Resvan discovering the 2 Bassaes with the 10000 sent by Ferat , thought them , as did his Army , to be Persians : whereby , being surprised with fear , they became now very doubtfull of the Victory ; so that the battel was also intermitted , and the Georgians , especially Simon , had the opportunity to escape , leaving behind them most sure signes of their valour among the Turks : but when Resvan discovered the Bassaes , to be his friends , he fretted exceedingly at Simons escape ; yet he went to Tomanis in great triumph , drawing Simons Standards on the ground , and carrying many of the Georgians Heads upon Lances , to the great Joy of Ferat : to whom he delivered all the prisoners taken , and Daut-chan , who of a Christian was first become a Persian , and now disploding their superstition , had yielded to the Turks vanity , and made himself a slave to Amurath . Every man fearing Winters approach , the Generall determined to draw into places of more safety : So appointing Hassan Bassa of Tomanis with 8000 select Souldiers , he resolved not to return to Chars or Erzirum till first passing into Manucchiers Country , he had most cruelly revenged those notable injuries received from him ; and arriving at Triala in 3 dayes , such a death and scarcity of all things arose , chiefly of Victuals ; that 5 Bushels and a half of Wheat was sold for 500 Duckats . While Ferat was raising his Tents to go on towards the Country of Manucchier , Veis Bassa of Aleppo told him , 't was not good now to spend time in wandring about those Countries , both for the season of the year , now full of Snows , Frosts and Tempests : the want and scarcity of all necessaries , and the Georgians , who by a common uniting , and perhaps ayded by the Persians , might notably mischief the Army . Ferat was so offended herewith , that he bitterly reproved Veis : telling him , He well perceived he was brought up among Villages , and of a Villaine , upon some superfluity of grace or foolish importunity , advanced to be a Bassa : Wherefore , he should not have presumed even to think it lawfull for him so impudently & malepartly to advertise him but rather to have held his peace , and hearkened to the command of his Superiours , &c. So he passed to Archelech , burning & destroying the Country before him , though it was confederate with the Turks , but those of Archelech had for fear abandoned the Cityand withdrawn into the Mountains . Ferat staying here 4 dayes among the rocky Brags , and in a barren soyl for man and beast : the Souldiers for those 4 dayes space endured patiently unspeakable miseries , but a huge snow falling , so greatly encreased their griefs , that all the Janizaries & Spaoglans of Constantinople arose in a tumult , and in despightful & contemptuous manner , very haughtily and resolutely asked him , Where was his due pitty , which he a rustical and unreasonable Captain , ought to bear towards the Vassals of his Soveraign : twitting him with his fat harlots , delicate Viands , Sugars , spices & Conserves , Meat and precious Wines mixt with pleasant Water provided for him by Doyters , and also brought him from far , whilst others lived in misery : saying , It would be no longer endured , &c. Wherefore , he should return towards Erzirum , or they should be forced to do that which would breed him more displeasure then any man alive ; He in a great agony calling a Council , They concluded , to send their strong Sumpter Horses to Ardachan , and the rest to follow him into Manucchers Country onely to take the spoyl and booty thereof , to refresh his afflicted Souldiers : This they readily obeyed because he promised them a speedy voyage , and desired the sacking of Altonchara , & other of Manucchiers Territories : So holding on his way with great Famine and scarcity , he came to Clissa belonging to Manucchier ; whose Inhabitants with Wives and Children , and all their best stuffe were fled into remote and safe places in the adjacent fields of Corn , Cattel , and Fruit : he refreshed his whole Army , determining to erect a Fort in that place , and commanded Resvan , to set up an Ensign on the top of the Tower with Proclamation : That he would in Amuraths name , there erect and fortifie a Fort as he had in other places . Resvan , with the Bassa of Caramania , set up an Ensign or two ; which being 〈◊〉 ; those Janizaries and Spaoglans thinking themselves too much abused , ran up in a rage to take down the Ensigns : and taking them in their hands , rapt Resvan once or twice on the pate , sharply rebuking him with a 1000 injurious and despightfull words , and returning to Ferat , now come thither to continue the action , with despightful and disdainfull gestures , with many shamefull terms , they protested unto him , They were not come to the Warres to exercise the occupations of Masons and Dawbers , &c. Wherefore , if he loved his Head , he should resolve to leave the new Buildings and Designments , and to have due care of their common desires and necessities : One more bold then the rest , did not stick to assault him , and threaten to wreak his fury upon him , which haply had bin done , had not the Bassa of Caramania , with his own Horse conducted him to his Pavillion ; yet they still pursued him , and sharply accused him for his stay : then , after many reproachful speeches , expresly told him , if next morning he removed not out of those quarters , he should without fail lose his life for it . Yet Ferat disdaining to yield to them , and seeking by all means to stay long enough to build a Fort that would so much offend Manucchier , answered them , He accompted not of their threatning of him , of his life , which he alwayes offered to lay down for any security of his King ; but if they cared not to serve him in this new-building , they might go : but he was resolved to obey his Lord in whatsoever he commanded , for whose Honour , they all ought to think their lives very well bestowed . Upon this answer were divers railings , and cursings against the King , the Generall , and them all : every man betaking themselves to their Weapons ; wrathfull whisperings and grumblings in every corner ; a great fear of some dangerous event , but greater suspition of the Generals life ; every man had withdrawn to the guarding of those things he most esteemed ; and in a trice all the Pavillions fell down to the ground , all the coards thereof being cut in funder by the wrathful Souldiers : by whom also all the Cattel for the Generall and Bassaes ordinary use , were seized on and guarded with all diligence : and turning afresh upon Ferat , now in a maze and deadly fear , they threatned him , if he did not forthwith remove towards Erzirum , those Vallies should without fail become the Sepulchres of the Bassaes , &c. The Generall being loath to gratifie them with any liberality , was forced to his great shame to obey them , whom with right usage he might have made Obedient : Wherefore , removing , he arrived at Medachan with the great trouble of his Souldiers , for he would make but one dayes journey of 2 dayes ordinary work , the rather to grieve them : but he received the just reward of his wilfulnesse ; for that day , the Charriots wherein his Women rode , with the Eunuches , their keepers , were conveyed away : some say by the Georgians , who lay in wait : Others , by the Janizaries , the more to dishonour their Generall . Who , was far more reproached at Constantinople with these newes then in the Army : but he must perforce , now discontented as he was , keep on his way towards Erzirum . In Ardican , surveying his Army ; he gave them leave to depart , and arrived himself at Erzirum ; hated of his Souldiers , envied by his Captains , derided for the loss of his Women , and in disgrace with every man : and no less was Amurath discontented with him also in that he did nothing worth the speaking of , in the revenge of the injury done by Manucchier , and yet so mightily discontented his Souldiers , and had suffered Aliculi - 〈◊〉 to escape , about whose flight ' 〈◊〉 thought , he must needs have some Intelligence : for when he diverted his journey from Nasivan to the Straits of Georgia , he took Aliculi out of prison , to use him as his Guide in those dangerous wayes : carrying him under a guard , and entreating him well , at last , being come to the aforesaid Castle of 〈◊〉 : some say , Ferat to perform his promise for his good direction , gave him his liberty : Others , that Ferat for mony gave him opportunity to escape ; but others more probably , that he started away into Persia in the night by his own vigilancy , and the sleepinesse of his Keepers . Ferat by commanding Ali Bassa , left at Lori to fortifie Saitan-chas , or the Castle of the Devil , which he diligently performed , leaving 50 pieces of Ordnance and a 1000 Souldiers under a Zanzack therein , caused all the wayes from Rivan to Chars , and from thence to Teflis to be made safe ; no small piece of good service . In the mean time , the Persian King laying at Tauris , and hearing that the Turks had changed their purpose from Nasivan to Georgia , licensed his Souldiers to depart , and applyed himself to more private revenges : for he required of Emer-chan , why he had not endeavored to hinder the Turks Fabrick at Reivan ? and why he went not out with other Souldiers , and namely those of Turkoma , as he had promised , to revenge what he could , so great an injury . Emer alledged sundry excuses for himself , but none sufficient to clear him of the Crimes objected : Wherefore , the King adjudging him , to have his Eyes burnt out with a hot Iron , and to be dispoyled of all his goods and shut up in close prison , in a few monthes space he miserably died thereof ; yet a famous Souldier : who being in great esteem with the Turkoman Nation , he absolutely denied their defences for the Crown of Persia , and the more , when they heard the King had bestowed Emers place upon Aliculi , who being an ancient Enemy to some of their Captains , though he was very deserving , would in no case endure he should be so exalted . Hereby the Persian forces became more weakned and divided . For all the League between Amurath and the Christian Emperor , the Turks made often incursions into the upper part of Hungary , burning the Villages & carrying the people captive , but in their return were often cut off by the Emperors Souldiers , which report much moved the Turk , but understanding that his men had cauflesly made those inroads , he was appeased , and in the beginning of this Year , 1584 , renewed the League between him and the Emperour for 8 yeares more . Ferat advertised Amurath of all that happened in his late Expedition , defiring him to command what he would have taken in hand the next Spring ; but many others also informed him , and that in an odious sort of the particulars , of all such actions as had not altogether so honorably bin performed by him that year , and with his falling out with Vies Bassa , a man well regarded of Amurath himself ; with the disorder of his whole Camp for want of discretion . Amurath also ever since the last departure of Ferat from Erzirum , had thoughts the next year to attempt the enterprize of Tauris , to stir up through the world a famous report ; bethinking himself of Osman Bassa , to whom he might commit so great a trust , who , having remained at Sumachia in Sirvan , since the first year of this War , had without any help of the Tartars , brought that large Country into a reasonable Obedience , and at so far a distance maintained his Army without any expences to his King ; having levyed a good while his Souldiers stipends upon that Region : still exercising a kind of Soveraignty over it , of all which he had from time to time sent intelligence to the Court : Where , by help of other favourers which he had about the King , he had a wondrous good Opinion of him : wherefore , he had dispatched some Chapigi and Chiaous to call this famous Warriour unto him : yet some , and those not of the meanest sort , went about to hinder his comming to Court ; and also these important designs ; for 〈◊〉 the chief Visier greatly feared , lest Osman , whose course it was to sit next him in the Order of the greatest 〈◊〉 , should perswade the King to what he listed , and so perhaps take from him the chiefest Office , whereby so great wealth was to be gained ; wherefore , in consideration of many gifts bestowed on him by Mahomet the Cuman Tartar King ; he having many times excused him to Amurath , of divers accusations laid to his charge by Osman for not aiding him in subduing of Sirvan , according to his promise and duty ; and having so far proceeded in countenancing this Tartarian , that there was confirmed between Amurath and him a mutuall 〈◊〉 and confederation ; he imagined to find him ready by all means to hinder Osman his comming to Court , if he were but made acquainted with the matter : so he secretly wrote to the Tartar , who lay encamped upon the Fens of 〈◊〉 , that Osman was to come to Court : wherefore , it were good for him to call to mind , how much he had 〈◊〉 by Letters to turn all Amuraths displeasure against him . And , if he could do so much by Letters , as , if he had not excused him , the King had executed his wrathfull displeasure against him : he should then imagine what Osman could do when he came in person to Amurath , &c. These and perhaps worse Letters , caused the Tartar to send 12000 Souldiers : who , changing their Weapons & Apparrel , should lie in wait for Osman in the Borders between Colehis and Iberia , by which way he was to come , and so assaulting him to bereave him of his life : hoping such an outrage could or would be rather imputed to the Tartar Nomades , Melgrellians , &c. or to any body then to himself . Amuraths Messengers coming to Osman , he presently set forward towards Constantinople : having first taken a very good Order in Derbent and Sumachia , and an assured establishment of all places which Mustapha had subdued in Sirvan , and himself maintained ; he chose out also 4000 tried Souldiers , through whose Valour he doubted not , but to pass thorow the treacheries of the Albanians : and the 〈◊〉 squadrons of the Tartarians and Mengrellians . Thus coasting along , even at his first entrance unto the shoares of the Euxine-sea ; he was by the said twelve thousand Tartars , apparrelled like Theeves , suddenly assailed , who stood so fast and firm , turning the bold countenances of his resolute Souldiers against them ( who , at first as their manner is , used great force ) that they began at last to quail ; Whereupon , Osman couragiously forcing upon them , very soon , and with a very small loss put them to flight , killing a number of them : and taking many , by whom he was informed of their Kings treachery ; whereof , Osman 〈◊〉 a perfect process to be made , with the dispositions of the prisoners , which he sent the shortest way he could to Amurath ; declaring all that had passed , enflaming him to revenge so dangerous an injury : Who , took order that Uluzales his Admiral , with some Galleys should fetch Osman , and carry with him Island a Brother of the Tartar Kings ; commanding Osman , to the terrour of others , to put the treacherous King to death and put his Brother in his room . This Mahomet was one of those mighty Princes , who led a most violent troublesome life , as Tributaries and Vassals , under the Othomans power ; whose younger Brother Island became a Sutor to The Turk at Constantinople , to be placed in his Brothers Kingdom , who was for his ill Government hated of his Subjects : which his suit was so crossed by the Kings Embassadours , who spared for no cost , that the ambitious youth was sent to Iconium , and clapt fast up in prison : where , apparrelled like a Hermite , he led his life altogether conformable to his misery : but whilst he thus lived separated from all worldly cogitations , he was now in post-haste sent for to Constantinople to the end aforesaid . Now , in the mean time , Osman had cunningly got into his hand , this Tartar-King , reported to be betrayed by his own Counsellours , corrupted by Gold ; whom , with his two Sonnes , Amurath caused to be presently strangled with a Bow-string , and Island to be saluted King , yet as Vassall to Amurath . This was thought justly to have happened to this Tartar-King : who , not long before , supported by Amurath , had most unnaturally 〈◊〉 his most aged Father . Osman , embarquing himself at a Port of Caffa , arrived at Constantinople : where , he was received with great pomp , and singular signification of love ; but with most express kinds of Joy was he received by Amurath himself . When he had declared unto him the particularity of matters that happened in his long and important Voyage , and his Conquests in Sirvan ; afterwards he conferred with Osman about the enterprize of Tauris , and in the end , would needs know of him what issue he could promise him of this his desire ; and how by his advise , the Forces should be employed and disposed for subduing that City , which was so famous , and so great an honour to the Persian Kingdom ? Who answered , that since the matters of Georgia were now well setled , and Sirvan under his Obedience established , there was no cause why he should longer fore-slow so famous an enterprize ; but by erecting a Fort in that proud City , to bring a terrour upon all Persia , and raise a glorious Renown of so mighty a Conquest among the Nations of Europe : thinking either the same Army , or a very little greater , so it were of the best Souldiers , would suffice to do it , by reason of one of the Letters which Sciaous wrote to the Tartar ; and by the 〈◊〉 of Mahomets mother , jealous of his near alliance with her Husband , as prejudicial to her Son. Amurath had in the open Divano deprived him of his 〈◊〉 , and hardly pardoning his life , at the intercession of his Wife , his Sister , had banished him ; so that he lived about Chalcedon , in a close Pallace he had there built for his own pleasure , appointing Osman to be chief Visier and General of his Army , against the Persians : Truth it is , that from a private Souldier , though well born , he by degrees grew up to the highest Honour of that so great an Empire . Great was Osmans joy , and great his desire to be worthy of so Honourable a favour ; Wherefore , since the greatness of the Enterprize required a greater Army , it was needful also for him the sooner to send out his advertisements into the Provinces , and by his own example to stir up others even in Winter to pass over to Seutari , and in the Territories of Angori , Amasia , and Sivas , to drive out time , till his Souldiers were all gathered together . And that it might not fall out by this great speed , that the Enemy misdoubting his purpose for Tauris , should provide the greater Army , he had it given out , that he must go for Nasivan : notwithstanding , the Persians being very jealous of the City of Tauris , ceased not diligently to enquire about it , and sent divers Messengers to Osman , as if he had meant to feel his mind touching a peace ; but indeed only to sound his designments : which , for all that , he could not , with all his cunning , discover , but still remained doubtful ; the fame still running for Nasivan . In the beginning of this year , Amurath sent Ameanechias to Stephen King of Poland , to excuse the death of 〈◊〉 , as if it had happened not by his command , but by the insolency of some Souldiers , bringing with him 2 base fellows as authors of that outrage , for the king to take revenge upon ; who were indeed no such men , but rather , as was thought , condemned for some other fact worthy of death ; for whom the Chiaus proudly and threatningly required present restitution of all goods which the Cossacks had taken from the Turks : and their Captain to be delivered also unto him to be carried to Amurath : which he so hardly urged , that all the goods were forthwith restored , which he almost triumphantly presented unto Amurath : who disporting himself with his Mutes this Summer , was almost dead . They are lusty fellows , deprived of speech who ye by signes , can aptly express both their own and others meaning : who for their secresie , are the Ministers of the Turkish Tyrant's most horrible commands ; and therefore greatly regar ed by them . With these , mounted upon fair , but heavy Horses , was Amurath upon a ready Hore , sporting himself , riding about one and another , and striking now the Horse , now the man , at his pleasure , and was taken suddenly by a fit of the Falling sickness , and falling from his Horse , was taken up for dead ; whom the Janizaries , supposing to have been dead , fell to spoiling of the Christians and Jewes ; and had not their Aga hanged up one of them , taken in the manner , and others in Janizaries habit , to the terror of the 〈◊〉 they had proceeded to further outrages : yet Amurath soon recovering to appease the rumor of his death upon their Sabbath , which is Friday , rode to the Temple of Sophia from his Palace , his countenance yet all pale and discoloured . This year also hapned such a chance as had like to raise new Warres betwixt the Turks and Venetians . The Widow of Rimadan Bassa , Governour of Tripolis in Barbary , with her Sonne Hamili , and a great number of slaves , being about to depart from thence to Constantinople , rigged up a fair Galley , 〈◊〉 to be worth 800000 〈◊〉 , joyning two others for her more safety , and sailing by Corfu , she was by tempest , driven into the Adriatick Gulf : at which time , one Emus , a Venetian 〈◊〉 had charge to keep that Sea against Pirates , and all other Enemies , who without delay , set upon the Turks , and took them all , exercising most barbarous cruelty ; for , having slain 250 men , and Ramadans Sonne in her lap , he caused the Women , being first ravished , to be cast overboard , being about 40. Emus his Brother was most earnestly intreated by a beautiful Virgin , to spare her Honour ; and the rather , because she said she was a Christian taken in Cyprus , about 12 years before : since which time , she had lived in most miserable Captivity ; and being now fallen into the hands of a noble Venetian , was in good hope to be set at liberty inviolated , which she most humbly 〈◊〉 him for the love of God to do , and not imbrew his hands with her guiltless blood : but the cruel and unbridled youth , after he had abused her , cast her with the rest into the Sea. It s thought that Emus suffered this so great an outrage to be done , that none should be left alive to betray the great booty or villany committed , which yet was revealed by a Turk , who saved by a Surgion of 〈◊〉 that knew him , 〈◊〉 declared it at Canstantinople , whereat the Turks were so inraged , that , in every corner of the City ; they threatned unto the Venetians , most cruel revenge ; yea , they could scarce hold their hands from Mowro 〈◊〉 , the Bilo , or Governour of their Marchants , or forbear to 〈◊〉 in his face as he went in the street , who hearing , that Amurath in his rage , was about to send one of his great Gentlemen , whom they call Zansi the Turks usuall Embassadors found meanes , that another of lesse Authority was sent to the Senate to Venice about it , and to require the offendor to be punished , and the Gallie slaves and goods to be restored ; so should their mutuall League continue firm , otherwise he should be constrained by force , to revenge the wrongs done to his Subjects : the Senators , after diligent examination of the matter , answered , that the Widow with her Family , was honourably entertained at Zant , an Island of theirs , and had courteous Presents ; but coming to Sefalenia , another of their Islands , her people running on Land , spared neither Man nor Beast , the Providitor making after them , found them in Arms within the Gulf , whom they neither saluted , nor struck any Top-sail , to shew that the command of that Sea belonged to the Venetians , which by the League they ought to have done ; for which out-rages and contempt , he took so sharp a revenge ; yet they promised in that case , to do what 〈◊〉 them in reason and Justice : wherewith Amurath seemed to be well contented ; but indeed , loath to intangle himself with Warres against that mighty State at Sea , because of his Warres against the Persians : yet shortly after , Emus was worthily beheaded , and the Galleys with all the goods and slaves restored . This great Woman had therein , four hundred Christian slaves , which were set at liberty ; for whom the Venetians restored as many Turks . Ramadan Bassa himself , having Warres with a King of the Moores , went out against him with all his forces , wherein was certain Companies of Janizaries , sent from Constantinople . Ramadan entring the great and sandy Desarts of that Countrey was unprovided both of Victualls and skilful Guides ; so that at length , he could neither go forward , nor without losse of his men , return ; yet he got home , but with the losse of some men , and the manifest danger of his whole Army ; for which his imprudence , the Janizaries in a rage , fell upon him , and slew him . Let no man marvel , that Amurath winked at their insolency ; for those martiall men are now not as in former times ; grown proud and insolent , by living in continual pay , doing whatsoever seemeth them best , though never so foul or unreasonable . Not many years before , the Janizaries in Cyprus flew Achmetes Bassa the Governour , pretending he had defrauded them of their pay , and intolerably exacted upon the Countrey . Amurath highly offended at their killing their Generall , whom they never before complained of , for his own Majesties sake , and the repressing of the like insolencies in others , sent a new Governour into Cyprus , with such a number of Souldiers , as might seise upon the chief offendors ; who dissembling his Commission by certain trusty men , gave it out amongst the Janizaries , that Amurath was so far from being angry for the death of Achmetes , that he thought him to be worthily slain ; this was to put the Janizaries in security : hereupon , they chearfully , and with all due reverence , received their new Governour ; but shortly after , by an unexpected guil , they compassed in all the new-come Souldiers , and slew them every one , seizing also upon the Gallies that brought them : by which second outrage , though Amurath saw his Majesty contemned , yet was he content to passe it over , being loath to add domestical troubles to the great Warres he had with the Persian . To end this matter with the opinion of Rustan Bassa , concerning these masterful men . Whilest 〈◊〉 the Emperour's Embassador , lay in the Turks Camp , when Solyman went in person into Asia , to countenance Selimus against Bajazet , upon a light quarrel , ( though heavily taken between his followers ) and some Janizaries , washing themselves at the Sea side : the Embassador , for quieting thereof , was glad to use the help of Rustan , who understanding the matter by a Messenger sent on purpose , advised him to cut off all occasion of contention , with those most naughty fellows , asking him further , If he knew not that it was now the time of Warre , in which time they so raigned , that Solyman himself was not able to rule them , but stood in fear of them . But let us return again unto the Warres of Persia : According to the Commands gone out through all the Cities of the Empire , the Souldiers began to flock together , and all that were 〈◊〉 to be established in their former places , or sought to be now promoted , repaired to Osman , as unto a King , presenting him with very large gifts , whereby he collected a huge heap of Treasure ; and so entertaining them with courtesie , and promising rewards and honour to such as would follow him , he levied a wonderful number of men and monies ; and notwithstanding the great dearth that commonly raigned in those quarters , yet to Erzirum , he must ; where he was greatly expected of his huge Army , where he arrived about the latter end of July , in 1585 , and there viewing his whole Army , with all its necessary provision , he laboured to hasten his departure : there was met together at Erzirum , a greater number than ever before ; for every man 〈◊〉 his own private business , and upon sure hopes of new rewards and unwonted honours , followed the fame of their new Visier and Generall : onely those of Egypt and Damasco , were now busied with more private quarrels at home , which I will rehearse as briefly as I can . Amurath had sent Hassan Bassa the Eunuch , from his charge in the Queens Court at her instance , as Bassa to Caire in Egypt : which great office , besides the honour , is beneficial to them that are advanced thereunto ; the Riches and multitudes of people therein , being so great . Hassan , being exceeding covetous , sought by all manner of meanes , to oppress the whole Nation , and by all importunities , to wring & extort from them rewards and bribes , whereby he was so odious and intolerable to the people , that they in great number , and many times , began to go to Constantinople , with humble Petitions to request the King to take from them so cruel and unjust a Governour ; so that the general talk in Court , was of the villanies and mischiefs reported of the covetous Eunuch . At last , Amurath for shame , sent him certain Messages , sundry times , to return home ; but he , loath to leave so fit an occasion to inrich himself , still delayed his return , by many fained excuses : which when Amurath understood , he determined by punishing him to satisfie in some part , the discontented minds of his oppressed Subjects . There was then amongst the chief Bassaes , one Ebrain , or Ibrahim , a young Sclavonian , about 32 years old , judicious and well conditioned , on whom Amurath had determined to bestow his Daughter to Wife : wherefore , now minded to remove the Eunuch from his Office , and willing withall , to inrich his said Sonne in Law , resolved to send him as Soveraign Judge into Egypt , charging him to remember how wickedly his Predecessor had dealt before him : at the rumour of whose coming , and of his great Authority , as the Egyptians were joyful , so the Eunuch was sorrowful , as perswaded , that this change could not but ingender some strange Issue against him : whereupon , he resolved not to stay the coming of the new Governour ; but departing with great care , for fear of meeting Ebrain , he travelled towards Constantinople , hoping to appease the Kings wrath , or at least by bribes , and the Queens intercession , to finde him 〈◊〉 favourable then he should Ebraim , who withou doubt , would have bereft him both of goods and life . Amurath advertized from Ebraim , of his sudden flight out of Egypt ; and withall , that he kept not the high way to Constantinople , feared , lest when he came to Soria , he should flee to the Persian King , and so work him double and treble dammage , as one that had gathered a huge Treasure , and had long lived in the Court : whereupon , he dispatched the Master of his Horse , with 40 Chapigi , charging them , if they met him , to bring him to Court , using all the assistance of his people that might be requisite , delivering unto him , very effectual and large Letters to that end ; who departing , without any extraordinary inquiring , found the Eunuch encamped in the plains of Soria , near the City Aman , once called Apania ; who hearing of his coming , gave order to his Guard of slaves , not to suffer any to enter into his Tent , but onely the Imbrahor himself , who , as soon as he had discovered his Tents , hastned towards the same , and would have entred the Eunuchs Tent , with all his followers ; but the armed slaves opposing them , permitted onely the Imbrahor to enter , who read unto the Eunuch , the Kings Command to bring him to Court , most instantly moving him , without further resistance , quietly to go with him , who warily answered ; behold , without the Kings call , or your conduct , I come of my selfe , well assured to finde favour and grace in the sight of my Lord , whose upright and mild nature , the treacheries of my false accusers cannot abuse to the prejudice of me an innocent ; so they went all to Constantinople , the Eunuch still standing upon his Guard : who , the mean time , had certified the Sultan Ladies , by Letters of his coming ; but chiefly , beseeching the Queen to appease the Kings wrath , that happily might be conceived against him . When Amurath heard he was come to Scutari , he caused all his Treasure and private substance , to be taken from him , and himself to be clapt up in the Jadicula , where he many dayes fearing some deadly blow , at length received from the Queen , that he should be of good cheere , for that his Wealth had saved his life , and she hoped also to procure his liberty also ; so she earnestly petitioning her Husband , that since he had bereft her Eunuch of all his goods , he would yet deliver him out of prison , and restore him to her again ; the Eunuch was enlarged accordingly . But Ebrain now arrived in Egypt had soon by far more sinister devices , then the Eunuch , scraped together , a huge heap of riches ; wherefore he was called home to Court , to accomplish the intended Marriage , receiving also in charge , to make his Journey through the people of Dru●in , to confirm the loyall in their obedience , and payment of their ancient duties ; but quite to destroy the stubborn and disobedient . Ebrain , packing up all his Riches , raised good store of Souldiers in that Province , taking with him 13 Sanzacks , that used to sit as assistants under the Bassa 〈◊〉 Caire . So coming to Gaza , and 〈◊〉 the Sanzack thereof with him , he went to Jerusalem , and causing that Sanzack also to follow him he took with him the Sanzacks of Zafetto , Lezium , and Naplos 〈◊〉 old Samaria ; 〈◊〉 that before he joyned with the band 〈◊〉 Damasco , he had 18 Sanzacks with their Squadrons : he had also his own 〈◊〉 Court very populous , and 200 Janizaries , which he brought with him at 〈◊〉 from Court in all almost 20000 Horsemen : Vies , Bassa of Damasco , met him as far as Jerusalem , with about 2000 ; and , by the way of Sidon , came the Aga with his Janizaries , transported into the main , in 〈◊〉 Gallies sent to fetch Ebrain . These Drusians against whom the preparations was made , are supposed to be by descent Frenchmen : the reliques of those who , in times past , did fight he Christian Battels in Jury ; but being 〈◊〉 low by the Plague , and fury of the Barbarians mingled with the circumcised Nation , and so lost their Religion and Command together : yet hating the Turkish Superstirion , and the Jews Circumcision , they follow a new Prophet of their own , called Isman ; for the right Grecians are uncircumcised , not 〈◊〉 Wine as the Turks , and making it lawful to marry their own 〈◊〉 ; who notwithstanding all the attempts of the Turk , especially Selimus the second , they would never admit any Turkish Governour within their Countrey : they inhabit all the Countrey within the confines of Joppa , above 〈◊〉 and Palestine , and within the Rivers of Orontes and Jordan , 〈◊〉 it self even to the plain of Damasco , near the Hills that encompass it on the Coast of Mount Libanus . They were once much esteemed for their Conquest ; but now 〈◊〉 at variance , through covetousness , one sought the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 her : they were at this time , governed by 5 Emirs , or Princes , Ebneman or Manogli ; Serafadin Mahomet , Ebne Mansor , Ebne Freck Ali , Ebne Carfus , who have divers Deputies , called their Macademi 〈◊〉 Agents : Manoglies 〈◊〉 , lay under the jurisdictions of 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 and Sidon , residing for the most part on a Hill in the Town 〈◊〉 ; mighty in Men and Armour , and alwayes a deadly Enemy to the Turk , since his Father was murdered 〈◊〉 the treachery of Mustapha , then Bassa of Damasco . Freck , Carsus , and Mansor , were alwayes friends ; but at the com ng of Ebrain , more straitly confederate : 〈◊〉 and Manogli ever opposing 〈◊〉 , whereby they 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 to defend themselves against the Turks . The three 〈◊〉 above named , to turn all the intended mischief upon Serafadin and Manogli , met Ebrain at Jerusalem with store of Money loads of Silks , with Cloaths and other things of exceeding 〈◊〉 , with 〈◊〉 2000 another 3000 men ; whose coming , Ebrain took in very good part , courteously receiving their presents , and by the offers of their fidelity , and their grievous accusations against the other two , conceived great hope of his intended enterprize , who incamped in the Champain of Bocca , whither came people all thereabouts with Presents to the Bassa , to whom he likewise yielded such small favours , as his covetous nature could afford : who presently sent to Serafadin and Manogli , inviting them to come in to acknowledge their obedience , otherwise they might be sure to be soon deprived of Estate and life : Serafadin poor and weak , packing up divers the like Presents as aforesaid , and attended on with divers of his Subjects , arrived at Ebrains Pavil ion , whose Presents were readily received , and himself attentively 〈◊〉 : who said in effect , he had alwayes been a devo ed Vassall to Amurath , &c. and being now assured of his favour , by his courteous offers in his Letters he profered him whatsoever lay in his 〈◊〉 power to perform : Ebrain made no answer , onely asked him , why he lived in continual discord with the three Emirs , then in the Pavillion , Who answered , it was not long of him , who never took up Arms , but in his just defence against their injuries , who being more mighty then he , 〈◊〉 continually to oppress him : hereat the 〈◊〉 arose , and with grim looks , falsely charged him to have been ever the authour of those brawls ; adding , that at that time , no strange Vessel 〈◊〉 , for fear of him , arrive at Sidon , Tyrus , or Berito , nor any Marchant or Marchandize , passe over the plains , but that those Countries 〈◊〉 generally 〈◊〉 both by Sea and Land , to the great hindrance of the Sultans Customs . He would have gladly replyed ; but by Ebrain , was with many injurious words , committed to the Custody of the 200 Janizaries , who bringing him into a rotten Tent , he was every night put in the Stocks fast chained , & continually guarded by them : in the mean time , Manogli wrote back to Ebrain , excusing his not coming first , because of his three Enemies there present with him , and from the ancient Oath that he took , when he was but a Child , to keep himself alwayes out of the hands of a Turk , when he saw his own Father so villainously betrayed by the murdering Sword of Mustapha : saying also , He had alwayes so carried himself toward his Lord , that he was not his Debtor one Asper , in the managing of his Customs ; whereas Ebner Mansor , though he would make a shew of fidelity , yet did he detain from the King 200000 Duckats of his Customs ; so he hoped he would pardon him in that his seeming disobedience , assuring him , that all whatsoever he had , was his . Ebrain perceiving the resolution of Manogli , resolved either by force or slight , to get him into his hands ; or at least , to draw from him so many Harquebusses , great gifts , and Tributes , as possibly he could : wherefore turning himself towards his Countrey , he burnt and destroyed 24 of his Towns ; and so on the top of a large Hill , he encamped himself ; but whilest the Army was thus marching forward , Veis Bassa with his Sonne , the Sanzack of Jerusalem , with a good number of Souldiers , in manner of a reare-ward , being busie in raising their Tents , were 〈◊〉 assaulted and discomfited by the Drusians of Manogli's faction , putting to the Sword 500 persons , leading away 〈◊〉 Horses and Carriages , and possessing their Pavillions Wealth and Armor ; and scarce gave leave to the Father 〈◊〉 escape , or to the Sonne , who fleeing to Jerusalem , returned not again to Ebrain ; but Veis still followed the Army , with those that he had left . Ebrain stayed 24 dayes upon the Hill , attending nothing else but to try all his advices upon Manogli . Wherefore he dispatched one Gomeda Ebne , Mansors Agent , to tell him , that since he would not adventure himself into the hand of his friend , he should send him all the Harquebusses he had ; 〈◊〉 it was the Sultans pleasure , that his people that went not to his Warres , should not be furnished with so great store of Weapons . Manogli , with great grief , beheld the Agent of his deadly Enemy : yet in regard of him that sent him , he forbore any injury or reproach , telling him , All his people and Weapons were dispersed ; he could not tell what Harquebusses to send him : wherefore Ali , Bassa of Aleppo , offered the Generall to go to him , to some better purpose : who used many reasons to perswade Manogli to come and yield his obedience , swearing no harm should be done to him , and promising him great favours , but he could never win him so to do : yet with much adoe , he prevailed so with the Drusian , that he gave him 320 Harquebusses , 20 〈◊〉 of Andarine Silks , and fifty thousand Duckats for a gift ; and to reconcile the Bassa unto him , sending also his own Mother , who excused her Sonne in respect of his Enemies , who sate there so near him , and in regard of his former Oath , beseeching him to accept of the gifts , and a minde most ready to serve and obey the King , and to 〈◊〉 him , whose excuses were just and reasonable : the Turk replyed , though she had found so foul a fault in Mustapha ; yet she ought not to fear any such act at his hands , who stood upon his honour and the word of a Souldier , and so , by Oath , protesting all 〈◊〉 towards him , he in token thereof , cast a white vail about her neck , and another on himself ; and a third he gave into her hands , willing her to report the Oath to her Son , and carry him that vail , and bring him with her , protesting to intreat him but as a friend and Brother ; but she neither could , nor would go about to alter her Sonnes purpose ; but returned Ebrain an answer not greatly pleasing . After which , he sought more then before , to get him into his hands , or at least to draw from him more Presents and Weapons , sending again the crafty Gomeda , to exhort him upon faith given , to come unto him ; but he could obtain nothing of the Drusian but good words , onely yet at last Manogli was contented to send another Present to Ebrain , on condition that he should cause him to depart out of those quarters , and himself not to come to him with any further request : so he gave him 50000 Duckats more , 480 Harquebusses , 1000 Goats , 150 Cammels , as many Buffs , 1000 Oxen , & 200 Weathers : Gomeda came to Ebrain with this rich Present , declaring his promise not to molest the Drusian any more : who sharply reproving him , threatned to make him know what it was to take upon him so dangerous a liberty ; and , in despite of them both , would needs have Gomeda return to the Drusian with the same Message ; but Manogli was so moved at the very sight of Gomeda , that he was about to dispatch him with a dart , had not more dangerous effects stayd his fury ; yet he gave him reproachful words , and deadly threats : notwithstanding , Gomeda so wrought with him , that he sent four burdens more of Harquebusses , 10 Swords , and 10 guilt Daggers , some silver Belts , 10 Packs of Silk , and some few pence , causing him to protest never to be perswaded to come again to him ; for if he did , he threatned to kill him , hap what would . Ebrain with exceeding joy , received this Present , rose with his Army , and being conducted by 〈◊〉 Frec , burnt Andera , and in two dayes burnt and destroyed nine other of Manoglies Towns with fire and sword : After all this , he sent divers Messengers to Manogli , to try if he would yet come ; but nothing could move him , his constancy being rather increased , to avoid a most certain death : now the Bassa un erstanding by a spie that the Captain of Andera with 350 Souldiers , was gone up a Hill , for more security ; he sent Ebne Frec to tell him , that since his Lord would not come unto him , he should : which if he would do , he would in despite of Manogli , make him a Sanzack of some of those places . The 〈◊〉 and unheedy Macademo , with his followers , went with him , causing his men to stay in a Valley two or three miles off ; but Ebrain would not so much as see him , though in respect both of his nimble person and fierce looks , he was worthy to be beheld , commanding him to be kept apart from Serafadin ; and in the mean time , trained his 350 followers , by meanes of Ebne Frec , into a Vineyard , suddenly setting upon them , and killing them every one : Then he commanded the Macademo , to be brought before him , and flaid quick ; who stourly upbraided Ebrain of his promise and Oath ; and while they stripped him , amongst other speeches , he 〈◊〉 one , though not seemly , yet very reproachful unto Ebrain ; and to the Executioners he said , It was their fortune indeed , that with such needless deformity , they were now able to take his life , whereas none once durst , Man to Man , to have drawn one drop of blood from him , no , nor to have indured his countenance : But they should proceed to fulfill the cruel Command of their Visier ; for , in the end , there would also light upon them the just reward of so villainous a fact : So 3 great slashes were made on his back , where they began to flea him : he the while , blaspheming their Religion , cursing their King , and false Prophet also ; but the Souldiers made other like gashes upon his breast and stomack , and drawing the skin downward , before it was brought to his navel , he was with the extremity of pain dead ; after this , he caused Serafadins 150 followers to be cruelly 〈◊〉 , and most miserably wasting his Countrey ; and the while , sent Post to Sidon , where his Galleys lay , that 〈◊〉 4000 Souldiers , they should sack all those Countries along the Sea-Coast , even as far as Caesaria , sparing neither Age , Sexe , nor condition , which was done , 3000 souls 〈◊〉 away Captives , and much rich Marchandize , and the whole Countrey of Serafadin and Manogli , laid utterly wast . But Ebrain thinking what he had hitherto done , would be little or nothing accompted of , unless he in some sort , provided for quieting those people under Turkish obedience , nominated Ebne Carfus , the richest and most obedient of the three Emirs , to be Bassa of all those Regions ; yet not without a bribe of 100000 Duckats : wherefore he apparelled him in Cloth of Gold , gave him a 〈◊〉 Mace , a Sword all guilt , and the Kings Commission to whom he sware faith and obedience , and so he returned to Damasco , staying 12 dayes , and by shameful shifts , extorting monie from divers persons : at last , he turned towards Gazir , and Barento , places under Mansur's Government , finding his Gallies in the Haven of Barento , as he had commanded , Ebrain had pitched his one Tent onely upon a Hill near the Sea : under which base Tent , himself onely shrouding , he called Ebne Mansur , pleasantly telling him , 'T was now time to pay the 160000 Duckats which he owed his Lord for the Custom of Tripoli and Bareuto ; for he was now to return to Constantinople , which he knew not how to do , 〈◊〉 that was discharged : he answered , Ere long , his Maccademoes would come with his money , and then without delay make payment : which Ebrain knowing to be but an excuse , determined o thrust the debtor into his Gallies , for lack of the debt ; but for fear of some insurrection , he being in his own Territories , and greatly beloved of Frec and Carsus , he thought it better outwardly to shew him all good countenance , and secretly and 〈◊〉 to take him prisoner ; so he told him , that since he was next day to make a Road into Manoglies Country , he prayed him to be his guid ; for which end , when he should send for him at midnight , that he would come to him very secretly , because he would depart without any stir , onely with 500 men . The Drusian believing the matter , and withall , in hope thereby to find some way to escape his hands , went to his Tent , when called ; who presently charging him with many abominable and foul termes , sent him into his Gallies with a Chain about his neck , and Arms , and took the spoil of all his Countrey , a prey of Money ; Clothes of Silk and Gold , as was marvellous to behold : which being conveighed into his Gallies , he sailed to Tripoli , where he found Serafadin in the Custody of Veis and Ali ; and staying there a few dayes , committed sundry villanous robberies : he pursued Serafadin into the Gallies , with all his Wealth , and so departed to Constantinople , where entring the Channel with 24 Gallies , he was received by a great number of his friends and favourites , and saluted with an honourable peal of Ordnance out of the Seraglio , Minadoi , who saw the presents which the ravenous Bassa gave the Turkish King , reports the sum thereof to have been a million of Gold , besides the yearly Revenue of Caire , amounting to 600000 Duckats , 60 most beautiful and rich garnished Horses of the Arabian Race , a live Elephant , 〈◊〉 a Beast like a Cammel , and a Panther , two great dead Crocodiles , a Chaire of Massey gold , richly set with precious stones , a rich Casket , many packs of most fine Cloaths , woollen and silks ; other Cloaths , with Gold and Silver fringe , and the Barbarian cutwork , most fine 〈◊〉 of Alexandria , and all the Harquebusses , besides sundry rich presents he gave to the great Ladies , reported to be worth 200000 Sultinues . But it shall not be altogether impertinent , to declare what passed between the aforesaid Zanzack of Jerusalem , and the Arabians of Palestine a little before the coming of 〈◊〉 into those quarters . In the 〈◊〉 of Sodome , and in the 〈◊〉 not onely 〈◊〉 the Lake Asphaltites and Damasco , but also in the Plaines of 〈◊〉 , Samaria , and divers other Townes ; there do haunt and live certain Arabian Captains , who over-run at pleasure all the Countries round about , even as far as Rama and Joppa , committing grievous out-rages against the Inhabitants , and upon their goods and wealth , as also on strangers and travellers : yea , they dare to assault the fenced Cities , they are good Horsmen without Armour , their Horses very swift , themselves bold and 〈◊〉 Thieves : who , having Intelligence that the strong Zanzacks of Jerusalem , would joyn with all the 〈◊〉 thereabouts , and with his Father Veis , to work their destruction by sundry Invasions upon him , even to the Gates of Jerusalem : They provoked him to come out into the fields , compacting with a Subbassi of 〈◊〉 , their friend , to animate the Zanzack thereunto , by promising him good success ; Whereupon , the ambitious young man , having armed a hundred of his Vassals , and raised all the Horsmen under his Government , in number 600 made a road towards Jericho , sending before defiance unto the Arabians : who , comming with their Arrows and Indian Canes , overwhelmed his Harquebusiers ; and the 〈◊〉 being yet at the hottest , the Traiterous Subbassi fled towards Bethlehem , leaving the Souldiers of Jerusalem in the Arabians hands , 〈◊〉 most of them , and the Zanzack scarce saving himself by flight : who , informed of the Subbassi his fraud , fained that he would try his Forces against them : Whereby the Subbassi came armed unto him , suspecting no mischief ; but being come , the Zanzack took him , and presently caused him to be flayed quick . But Osman having gathered together too huge an Army , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should want victual for so great a multitude , neither so fearing the Persian forces ; drew out about 4000 Persons , such as he thought least able to endure travel , who according to every ones ability redeeming the ordinary perills of the Warrs , returned home . So Osman had about 180000 men in his Army , with whom he departed from Erzirum in Aug. 1585 towards Tauris , yet continuing the speech for Nasivan ; but he had scarce marched two dayes , but divers Souldiers of Greece and Constantinople upbraided him of great improvidence : and telling him , They had already that day wanted their allowance of Corn for their Horses : so that , if in the beginning of so long a journy , they began to feel such want , they could not tell why he meant to lead so great a Company so far as Nasivan , nor by what cunning he had presumed to sustain so great an Army . Osman quietly heard them , causing the Barley desired , to be delivered among them , and severely punishing the Officers for allowance of Corn , who began to make Merchandize of the common provision . So proceeding on his journy , he arrived upon the Calderan Plaines , where he took a generall view of his Army , wanting a number , who by reason of sickness were forced to stay behind : from hence he went not towards Nasivan , but directly to Tauris : which , the a foresaid Souldiers hearing , fell into a great rage reviling Osman with most insolent speech , to his face , calling him Villain and 〈◊〉 , as not brooking his Lyes and Deceit . But if he had changed his Opinion upon good advice , for the enterprize of Tauris ; why did he dismisse so many Souldiers ? Did he think by suffering others to redeem their Liberties , to encrease his Riches , to set their lives to sale , and make them 〈◊〉 to the Persians ? At these arrogant speeches , the Generall was exceedingly troubled ; seeing his good meaning to advance the Majesty of his King so ill taken by his best Souldiers , and upon good advice he sorbare 〈◊〉 and punishment ; but sending for many Captaines and chief 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 those seditious , he perswaded them that the former speech for Nasivan was not raised by him , nor was he minded then to go to Tauris : but all he had done was 〈◊〉 fulfill the command of the Sultan , who had charged him so to do , to lessen the Persians preparations : neither need they to fear that the Souldiers dismissed might weaken the Army , for they themselves were not only sufficient to pierce into Tauris , but to daunt their Enemies even with their Looks : and those that were discharged , had but purged the Hoast of all cowardice . By this mild answer , the Souldiers were sufficiently pacified ; but much better , when he had bestowed amongst them all a small quantity of monies : for now they became so willing and couragious , that they durst venture to the 〈◊〉 parts of all the Persian Kingdom . The General went towards Coy , in the midst between Tauris and the Marshan Meer , where he refreshed his Army with all things : then he passed to Maraut plentifull of all necessaries : thence towards Saffion a fruitful place , whence he began to discover Tauris . Great was the joy of the Souldiers ; and those of Greece and Constantinople , did highly commend the advice , in giving out the rumor of Nasivan for Tauris , as the onely meanes whereby they were in quiet come so far , so that every man without fear proudly plotted to themselves , all insolent and outragious actions that use to proceed from those barbarous Victors , especially the Van-guard , who descended down towards pleasant Gardens full of all sorts of Trees , Springs , and Fruits ; and , satisfying their Appetites , they withdrew to a little River , near a Bridge , called the Bridge of salt Water , at pleasure attending the comming of the Army . But the Persian Prince Emir Hamsey , having closely couched himself with 10000 good Souldiers suddenly set upon them , with such speed , courage , and fury , that in a manner without resistance , he dispersed them , killing about 7000 , and with many Prisoners , Horses , Slaves , sundry Ensignes and Drums , he withdrew back towards his blind Father , who lay encamped about 12 miles from Tauris with about 50000 Souldiers . Aliculi had but 4000 left in Tauris , for the Persian King could not leavy above 64000 men : for the Turkomans , because of the death of Emir-chan , would not be brought to defend that City , whereof Aliculi their Capital Enemy was Governor , and from Isheilam and Meri , there came not one Souldier : so that the Persian King had 〈◊〉 stomack to meet the Turks in plain Battel , but sought by all politick meanes to weaken and annoy his strong Enemy . Osman , dispatching Sinan Bassa , and the Bassa of Charaemit , with 14000 Souldiers to pursue the Victorious Prince , they used such expedition that they overtook him in the way towards his Fathers Camp : who , seeing he could not avoid Battel , without a shamefull and dangerous flight , joyned with them a most bloudy Conflict for 2 houres , till the darkness of the night enforced both sides to retire ; the Turks losing , as was commonly reported 6000 men , so that hitherto they lost above 10000 Souldiers , and yet had scarce discovered or seen the City , they so greedily longed after . Next morning , the Turks encamped within 2 miles of Tauris , but whilst they were setting up their Tents , Aliculi issuing out with all his Garrison , and Citizens fit to bear Arms , with many cunning turnings and windings , so charged the Vanguard now renewed , that he 〈◊〉 them to retire even to the main Battel ; they being disordered , and almost 3000 〈◊〉 in a very small time . Aliculi spying the Ordnance , withdrew himself without 〈◊〉 into the City , but in the shutting in of the evening , he sallied out again , and swif ly running along that side of the Army towards Tauris , he slew the Bassa of Maras , and did great hurt : which done , he fled to the Kings Camp , not being able to hold the City , yet the Taurisions that remained therein , gathered together to the Gates , to make a bloody entrance for the Turks : And upon the break of day , a great multitude of the servile and rascàll Turks , without order from their Captains , with Corstets , Spears and Swords went to that Wealthy City , thinking to have sacked it ; but , contrary to their expectation they were forced at the Gates to joyn a hard and mortall Battel : so that the Vallies entrance , and ground thereabouts was bathed with bloud , and as it were covered with Weapons and dead 〈◊〉 : yet , at last , the Persians was constrained to yield entrance , a multitude out of the Camp flowing in upon them , who retiring into the City astonied and amazed , fortified themselves in their Houses under ground , and in the corners and windings of the streets , whence they did the Turks great harm : who at last were too mighty for them , and wrought many grievous mischiefs in that wofull City ; and so a great number of this rascall people returned to the Camp with manifest tokens of the oppressed City ; wherein , the women and impotent souls stood embracing and straining their doors and posts , and kissing their native soyl with prayers , mournings , and complaints : bewailing their present misery , and yet fearing worse to come . Osman , acquainted with these calamities , proclaimed , that 〈◊〉 should be so hardy as to molest the Taurisians ; going about the City himself , and thorowly viewing its scituation , and wherein he might safely encamp , and more securely erect a Castle or Fort. The buildings in Tauris , which is seared at the foot of the hill Orontes , after the manner of the East , are of burnt-clay rather low then high . It carrieth the name for all things , and was the Persian Kings place of residence , till Tamas removed his seat farther into his Kingdom to 〈◊〉 : yet though it hath bin sundry times 〈◊〉 by the inroads & fury of the Turk it was stil in great estimation & renown . Osman 〈◊〉 his Tents to be pitched on the south-side thereof , where was a spacious Garden , replenished with sundry 〈◊〉 of Trees and sweet smelling plants , & many Brooks derived from a pretty River , which divided the Garden from the City : for the delicacy thereof , it was called the 8 Paradise ; & was in times 〈◊〉 the standing House of their Kings : but after their remove to Casbin , became the Habitation of the Governour of Tauris . Here Osman would build his Castle , giving the Modell himself , and commanding all those pleasant Greens , to be environed with walls and Trenches , to convey the water from the said River , which whole work was finished in 36 dayes : store of Artillery mounted on the Walls , and divers Baths , Lodgings , and such other Houses built within : the first day of which building , Osman sickned of a Feaver with a bloudy Flux . Five dayes after the Castle was 〈◊〉 , newes was brought to the Camp , that 8 Janizaries and divers Spaoglans were seen strangled in a Bath within the City : whereupon , the Janizaries and others came to the Generall , telling him , That although , according to his pleasure , every man had used modesty towards the Taurisians , yet themselves had strangled in a Bath 8 Janizaries and certain Spaoglans : which injury and insolency , in their judgment was not to be suffered . Osman was so moved , that commanding the City to be sacked , he left it wholly to the 〈◊〉 of his Souldiers : Whereupon , every place was filled with 〈◊〉 , ravishment , rapine , & murder : Men-Children , most horribly defiled ; younglings snatched out of their Parents arms : Houses burnt and destroyed ; Riches and Money carryed away , and all things ruinated . Thrice were these mischiefs committed , one exceeding another . This wo sore troubled the Persian King , but the Prince much more , who resolved to attempt any thing to requite so great a wrong , and commanded 500 Horsmen to present themselves even to the very sight of their Enemies Tents , & as it were to dare them Battel : the Turks imagining that the Persians were in great number come to affail the Army , the sick Generall ordered Cicala Bassa , and the Bassa of Careamit , with near 40000 of those of Greece their own Forces , and servile people to go to encounter the Enemy : the 5000 Persians with a cunning kind of skirmishing drew the Turks forward above 8 miles , where , the Persian Prince with about 20000 of his Army couragiously 〈◊〉 upon them , with the cruellest Battel that ever was written of : who , having done great harm , it was thought , as content , they would have 〈◊〉 retired , which the Turks to prevent , hardly pressed upon them hoping to put them to flight , & give them a deadly overthrow ; but the Persians having endured their charge , began a most deadly Battel afresh , wherein the Bassa of Careamit being wholly discomfited , fled back to the Camp with most manifest Tokens of the unhappy issue : yet Sicala valiantly and cunningly still 〈◊〉 their fury , labouring by all meanes to encourage his men and restore the Battel : but at last was forced also to flee , comming to the Camp without any Ensign , having left behind him 8000 of his Souldiers dead upon the ground : The Prince herewith encouraged , speedily sent to Osman , ( whom he thought had been in health ) that if he would sight he was 〈◊〉 how he pleased to accept of Battel , and make him know , both that Amurath had most unjustly raised this War , and also that it had bin good for himself not to have taken the same in hand . Osman 〈◊〉 this offer sent out 60000 men , the Bassa of Careamit , and Sicala leading the main Battel : the Bassa of Natolia the left-Wing , and the Bassa of Caramania the right-Wing . The Prince lay about 10 miles off from Osman's Camp : who had of Persians , Hircanians , Parthians , and Meropatians , in all 40000 , himself being in the midst of them . The Turks feared , lest the Persians fetching a great compass should set upon their Tents and Riches : wherefore , retiring what they might , as if they had given place , they had well-nigh brought them even within the mark of their Artillery , which the Persians perceiving , hardly began to assail their main body : into the midst whereof , the Prince entring , dispatched every man that came in his way , and singling out the Bassa of Careamit , who sustained Osman's place , smote off his head & gave it one of his followers to carry upon the 〈◊〉 of his Lance , which brought a great terrour upon the Turks , and exceedingly 〈◊〉 the Persians : who intermingled themselves more and more amongst them , made of them a most confused and general slaughter , there dying also the Bassa of Trabszonda , and 6 Zanzacks with 20000 Turks more as was commonly reported : the Bassa of Caramania being also taken with divers other common Souldiers : but night comming on , and the Persians come somewhat too nigh to the Turkish Artillery , they withdrew themselves back to the King , Camp. The Fortress of Tauris being fully finished ; the Souldiers of Greece and Constantinople wearied to see their fellows thus 〈◊〉 , and having laid up the prey and booty gotten in Tauris , Winter also comming fast on , by 〈◊〉 trusty friends about Osman , who was in despair of life , represented 〈◊〉 him the 〈◊〉 of their return : and after many reverend 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto him , that if he would needs 〈◊〉 , dallying out time in those dangerous places where no need was , they should be forced to forsake him . Osman promised to satisfie their request by departing the next morning . So he made Giaffor the Eunuch Bassa of Tripolis , a crafty and cruel man Governor of the new-built Fortress : whom , to encourage to undertake that charge , he gave him for 3 whole years the Office and Revenues of the Bassa of Careamit 〈◊〉 slain , Honouring him also with the Title of Bassa of the 〈◊〉 ; so that after his 3 yeares Office of Careamit , he was to sit amongst the Soveraign seats of the Bassaes of the Porta . The Bassa hereupon dispatching his Lieutenant for Careamit , 〈◊〉 a 100 of his own followers , setled himself in the said Fort with 12000 Souldiers , furnished with all necessaries till the next Spring : so the General departed the same morning being the 87th . day after his departure from Erzirum , came to Sancazan , 7 miles from Tauris . The Tauris being now ready confusedly to encamp ; There was heard the neighing of Horses , and noise of Drums and Trumpets : which when the whole Camp understood , they ran disorderly to rescue on that side where those noises were heard : but whilst the Turks intentively expected the Enemies comming on that side the Prince with 28000 Horsmen was ready upon them on the other side ; and with a safe Convoy , had taken 18000 Camels and Mules well loaden with Booty and Victuall : which he sending away with 6000 Souldiers , Himself , 〈◊〉 22000 Persians entred into the Turks Army , who , now on that side also had made a Head against him . In a moment the Tents and Pavillions were turned upside-down , and replenished with dead Carcasses , and bloud , and so generall a slaughter made , that the Turks themselves marvelled at , and do to this day with great admiration recount , the Valour of the Persians : but they doubting , lest the enemy should have entred the Lodgings of the sick Visier , now at the last 〈◊〉 , He that commanded in his Name , ordered the Artillery to be forthwith unbarred and discharged , which in that medly , overthrew both friends and foes , & did perhaps most harm to the Turks : For the Prince with his followers at the noise thereof , speedily retired ; so that the Turks left behind , were more annoyed then the Persians : the Turks made shew , as if they would gladly have overtaken them , but night coming on , they feared to proceed any further . In this Battel were slain 20000 Turks , 〈◊〉 any notable loss of the Persians . Osman , the General also here at Sancazan , died through the violence of an ague , & a flux of bloud , which was kept secret from the whole Army , because the Charriots wherein he lay were stil kept close . And in his name Cicala Bassa for so he had appointed , gave out commands to the Army ; yet 3 young men , who had the charge of Osmans Jewels & Treasure , fleeing to the Persians with the best therof , and the fairest of his Horses , disclosed to them the death of the Generall , who were thereby encouraged to attempt the utter overthrow of the Turkish remnant : whereupon , the Prince with 14000 followed the Turks , who were removed to a certain River of salt water , not far from Sancazan , where he pitched a few Tents about 4 or 5 miles distant from the Turks camp ( the said brook running betwixt the 2 Armies ) Now the Prince purposed to assail the Turks in the morning , while they were loading their Carriages ; which his design was revealed to the Turks by one of his Spies , which they caught : wherefore , they neither rose so early as their manner was , nor loaded their stuff , till they were all ready to receive their Enemies : yet , the Persian considering , they should find no other good opportunity to annoy them before next Spring , resolved to venture the assault ; and , observing the Enemies Artillery to be on the right side , they began to enter on the left : but the Turks presently so turned their Artillery against them , that it was to their great loss & danger , yet were they so nimble to shroud themselves under the Enemies Army , that being now come very near them , they must needs joyn Battel : they had purposed , as soon as they saw the Turks begin to stir , to retire ; so to draw them on into a filthy and deep Marsh , which being then dry , was not doubted , but onely by those that were well acquainted therewith , or born thereabouts : which policy Maxut and Dant-chan perceiving , gave notice thereof to Cicala . Who caused a great compassing-wing to be made , and to charge the Persians home , which they did so , that their fore-front opened with very large corners upon the Prince ; who , by and by perceiving that his purpose was discovered , without stay , began to retire , which could not so readily be done , but that 3000 Persians were over-trodden and 〈◊〉 in the mire with very little loss to the Turks . This onely Battel of 5 , that were fought in those Quarters , being least hurtful to the Turks . The Prince returned to his Fathers Camp , recounting unto him the whole action and the Enemies departure . The Turk came to Salmas , where Osman's death was published , thence they went to Van , where , surveying their Army , they missed about 85000 persons or more : at Van they were all dismissed , whence Sicala gave notice to Amurath of all that had happened . First was published Osman's death at Constantinople , with many signes of great sorrow , also the bloudy and mortal actions that were performed in that Expedition : the whole City seemed much discomforted , and in many places were much secret railings on the King , many curses of these wars , and of those manifold mischiefs ; after which , was dispersed the great fame of the 〈◊〉 at Tauris , with all the losse that had happened to the City , & an Edict published , that through all the Cities of the Empire , they should make solemn Feasts and other Tokens of joy , which was done accordingly : Word was also sent to the Embassadours of divers Countries to do the like , but they all answered , It was never the custom of Embassadours so to do , but when the King in Person returned from such Victories . In the mean time , they consulted at Van to send succours to Teflis , Daut-chan , to deserve some reward , offering himself ; to whom Cicala delivered 30000 Ecchines to be conveyed to the Fort , which he performed , and without trouble relieved the Souldiers , for which good service Amurath made him Bassa of Maras . Maxut also , that guided the Turkish Army to Reivan and also to Tauris , was by Amurath made Bassa of Aleppo , a great and rich Office. The Zanzack of Aman , a City of Soria , present in all this Expedition for Tauris , reports in a Letter to Ali Bassa of Aleppo , that the Turks were forced to give their Camels Bisket and Rice : which failing , they gave them their Pack-saddles , to eat : then Wood beaten to powder , and at last the very earth ; which dearth , endured till they arrived at Van : and while the Fortress was building at Tauris ; they gave their Horses their 〈◊〉 in very dry powder , whereby there followed a grievous mortality of Beasts , and Men : the 〈◊〉 became so great , that every man was fain to carry a piece of a strong Onion under his Nose . The late-built Fort in Tauris , exceedingly grieved the Persians , but especially the King and the Prince , reckoning it too great a shame to let it alone , and not well knowing how to demolish it , as destitute of Artillery , and also of sufficient strength : yet prickt on with the desire of glory and necessity ; they determined even in Winter to gather new Forces , and with Trenches to approach the 〈◊〉 , and try if they could advance a Counter-mure as high as their Walls : but to hire any Souldiers either from 〈◊〉 , or Gheilan , Abass and Amet-chan denied them : and the Turkomans for the death of Emer-chan , and the succession of Aliculi , were grown very contumacious : so that , neither they nor the Governours could tell which way to turn . At last , for the common safety , the King sent kind Letters to the Heads of those Nations , and chiefly to Mahomet-chan , and to Califf the Sultan , declaring the perills of his State , and Liberty of the whole Kingdom , with his confidence in their valour : Wherefore , forgetting what was past , as not done in shame or scorn of their Nation , but for love to the Kingdom , that they would demand what satisfaction they desired : and that he would be ready to agree to any just request ; They readily answered , They would come unto him to execute whatever he should command , for the common Necessity or Honour of his State. Now , they had concluded amongst themselves , to suffer none to fit in Emir's room but young Tamas the Kings third son , in the end , to cause him to be accepted for King of Casbin in despight of the King and the Prince being bent to revenge the death of one only Emer chan . So 10000 Turkomans , under the conduct of Mahomet , and Calife , went to the King , offering themselves with all readiness . The credulous King , not suspecting any rebellious plot , was greatly comforted at their coming : and although by some Sultans that had felt some inkling of this conspiracy , he was advised not to commit any matter of importance to their trust ; yet did he think it long till he had offered them satisfaction : promising them , whatever Captain they desired in the room of Emer-chan , if 't were possible , they should have him ? Mahomet dissemblingly answered , Their chief desire was to do him pleasure and service , not doubting but he would appoint them an acceptable Chieftain . The King frankly declared , that to give them a pawn of his good Will , He had chose young Tamas his son to succeed in Emers room : which voluntary and unexpected grant of the King Mahomet hearing , became more jocund then he was wont , and seemed ready for whatsoever the King would command him ; yielding also in the others Name large promises of Fidelity and Obedience , so the thing promised might be performed . The King against the advice of the wisest Sultans , and the Prince , secretly gave Tamas into the hands of Mahomet as chief of all the Turkomans : who , in a colour with his followers lustily began with Trenches and Rampiers to approach the Fort , neither was there any great time spent therein : so that there wanted but little more labour , to begin the desired assault ; but the Traitor Mahomet-Chan with the Turkomans , & the child Tamas , unexpectedly & suddenly departed in the night silently removing from the besieged walls , and went on towards Casbin , terming Tamas the King of Persia , and abusing and mocking the old King and Prince . By which so sudden and dangerous a Rebellion , they and all good men exceedingly grieved in the huge waves of contrary thoughts ; whether to Abandon that important siege , or to suffer so pernitious a Rebellion to go forward . The Prince at last resolved , to suppresse that Rebellion as most dangerous to the State ; and so with twelve thousand Souldiers , and a part of the Kings guard , he followed after them , overtaking them at 〈◊〉 , a dayes-journey on this side Casbin , and joyning Battel with them ; wherein , many being sorry for what they had done , would not draw their swords against the Prince ; many also fled for fear , so that ( he easily obtaining a Victory ) Mahomet-chan was taken , and by the Princes command , presently beheaded : so was also Calife and divers other Captains : and young Tamas he sent to the Castle of Cahaza ; 5000 of these Turkomans that fled , went and yielded themselves to Solyman , Bassa of Babylon : and his rightfull succession , who afterward repenting , sought to return into their kings favour ' , but in vain ; so , that they did at once lose their Country , Liberty , Honour , and the favour both of friends and foes . The Prince , after this Victory , went to Casbin , labouring to gather the dispersed Turkomans , chiefly those that would not bear Armes in so unjust an action ; intending afterwards to attend the Conquest of the Fort of Tauris . Thus ended this dangerous rebellion , the chief cause that Tauris was not recovered out of the Turks hands , to the great weakening of the Persian Kingdom . Now Giaffor , Governour of the Castle , fearing , left the Prince would with a greater Army return to the Siege , and waxing weaker and weaker , many of his men secretly fleeing from him , besides those that dyed with sicknesse , and others slain in adventuring abroad too bold for Victuals , signified to Cicala at Van ; that if the Prince should return again , he should be forced to yield the Fort : Wherefore , as he tendered the Honour of his Sultan , he should be carefull to send him succour : adding , it was now most easy to be done , because there was none but a few Forces in those Quarters , which lay with the King twelve miles off from Tauris . 〈◊〉 with three thousand Harquebusiers , and good store of munition , set forward towards Tauris : whereof the King being advertised , sent out spies to learn which way they held , meaning to set upon them , but they , near Salmas , were apprehended by the fore-runners of Cicala , and through torture revealed at last , that their King was on his way towards Santazan : Whereat , Cicala was greatly astonied , both for the danger of his Forces and Munition ; as also for that by any loss which his Troops should sustain , the City of Van , the best Frontier-Town in all those Countries must needs be in hazard , he having left in it but a very few Souldiers : Whereupon , he withdrew himself back to Van. But the preparations of the Prince were so long and troublesom , that the Turks new Generall had time enough to go with a strong Army into those Quarters , and preserved all that which the only Expedition & celerity of the Persians , might have put in great hazard . In the mean time , Amurath , was much troubled in his choyce of a new General . Osman , having by will left Cina Cicala to be his Successor , a man of approved valour , and the danger he had run through , with his great favours in the Court , not a little enclined the King to his Election ; but he heard of a publick rumour , that the Souldiers could not endure to be commanded by so young a Captain ; and , that some should say , they would not obey him . Ferat Bassa also now very ambitiously sought again this Honour , having lately performed some good service to the Kings good likeing ; so because he was in good time to provide for his affairs , he chose Ferat Bassa , granting him Authority to manage at his pleasure such affairs of the Empire as concerned his Journy : Whereupon , Precepts were sent out to all Bassaes and Governours of Cities , that all their Souldiers with their Taxes , Tents , Artificers , and all their necessary provision upon the first warning to be sent them the next Spring in Soria . Besides all the Revenue of that Country for the yearly pay of Souldiers in Reivan , Erzirum , Lori , 〈◊〉 , Teflis and Chars , with the revenue of Tripoli , amounting to 600000 Duckats ; there was taken up of private Merchants of Aleppo only 60000 Cecchines , to be re-paid with the first mony received from the Kings Custom-Houses , a matter that moved an extraordinary grudging among the people : who , besides so many grievances laid upon them , should also lend their mony without hope of restitution ; yea , and every man did much wonder , how they were so ill advised , to make known to Christian Princes what want of money they had . The Ceneral also had 400 pieces of Ordnance : and did so work , that Maxut chan was granted to be the Guide of his Army , as he had bin of Osman's : and that Cicala , Bassa of Van , scarce his good friend , was sent out of his way as Bassa to Babylon . So all things being in readiness , he departed from Constantinople in April , 1586. coming to Sivas somewhat later then he should , partly through the plague , which then raged in Constantinople , and partly by other occasions at Sivas ; He stayed so long for the coming together of his Army , and in mustring men , and indeed by the exceeding dearth at Erzirum , that it was the latter end of July before he departed thence ; which dearth was also so great in Aleppo , that a Venice Bushell of Wheat was sold for 12 Cecchines . Ferat ready to depart from Sivas , was advertised from Giaffa from Tauris , that the Persian Prince was hourly expected with a great Army , greatly doubting , if he did foreslow to send succours , and give the Prince time to assault the Castle , how he could hold the same ; whereupon , Ferat so hasted his journy , that about the beginning of August he was at Erzirum , and hearing more & more of the Princes coming , hasted to Van : whence , collecting all his souldiers , & surveying his Army a-new , he departed , & being come into the large Champains to prove their readiness , he marshalled them , as if he should forthwith 〈◊〉 Battel , and so marched on . Ferat alway feared some sudden assault of the Persians ; which the constant report of the Princes coming to Tauris much encreased ; yet he reposed much confidence in the conspiracy , now plotted against the Princes life , with the privity of Aliculi , the Protector of Heri , who under colour of assisting the Prince , had concluded with himself , and promised Abas , having given notice thereof also to Ferat , to rid Prince Hamsey of his life ; or , at least , in the variable chances of Battel , at some time or other , to make him fall into Ferats hands , and so settle his Lord Abas in his Estate : hereupon , Ferat more confidently disposed his designments , and somewhat lesse feared the great preparations of Persia : which preparations in truth , were by most wicked devices and conspiracies , turned from the end whereto the Prince had appointed them : and since Rebellion and Discord have for the utter undoing of the glory of Persia , alwayes favoured the Turks Army , it s no marvel , that our Writers cannot chuse but write of the undoubted Victories of the Turks , and the bare shadows of the Persian exploits , which yet many Christians vainly believe , because they most earnestly desire them to be true , although they do see the contrary manifest . The Persian Prince , about the latter end of July , arrived at Tauris with most of his Army , where he , contrary to all mens opinion , stayed not ; the cause is uncertain ; but hearing that Zinel Bassa of Salmas , who of a Persian , became a Turk , and had done great harm , encamped before the City , he with 12000 Souldiers , road to Salmas , and gave him the assault , who with the Souldiers , fled presently , and fell before the Persians , so that Zinell himself , with a few others , had much adoe to escape , leaving his City unto the angry Enemy , who sacked and spoiled it , exercising all such cruelties , as partly the desire of Souldiers use to do , and partly such as the Turks shewed unto them , in sacking of Tauris the last year : the like spoils did they in all those Quarters , and perhaps had returned to Tauris , but that some spies advertized them , that the Bassa of Reivan , with 1500 Harquebusiers , had committed the like outrages thereabouts , wherewith he greatly moved immediately marched towards Rievan , and incountred the Bassa , not far from the City , who discovering the Enemy afar off , disorderly retired into his Fort with such speed , that he left most of his Souldiers to the Prince's fury , who slew them all , and did what harm possibly he could all thereabouts . At the same time , Manogli the valiant Drusian , in revenge of the injuries done him and his people , by Ebrain Bassa , and to recompence himself of all those bribes and presents , which he wrung from him , had wasted and sacked all the Territory of Ebner Mansor , and of his other Enemies , who had yielded their obedience to the Turks without let , doing exceeding harm , by sudden inroads , even very near unto Balbeck and Tripolis ; so that Amurath was glad to dispatch away Ali Bassa , with the 〈◊〉 of Bassa of Damasco , to muster fresh Souldiers , and attend the utter subversion of Manogli ; but coming thither , he found all quiet again : so that his presence was for a peace-making amongst them rather then for prosecuting any further Warre ; which , for want of money , and exceeding scarcity of Victuals , was then most necessary for the Turks to be avoided . Now the Persian Prince , retired toward his Fathers Camp , where the rest of his Army was arrived , being about 40000 , of whom he dispatched away 8000 Souldiers of Heri , under the conduct of traiterous Aliculi , and part also of the Turkomans , under Emanguli Chan , with special charge , that they should , in places of most advantage , meet the Enemy , and do him what mischief they could , thinking hereby to weaken his forces , and so at their arrival at Tauris , with all his power utterly to destroy them . Both these Captains made shew of all affection to accomplish his Command ; but Aliculi , after their departure , alledged many forced reasons , why they should surcease from meeting the Turks ; and Emanguli , as yet ignorant of the treachery of Aliculi , was mis-lead by him also : by which negligence , Ferat took leisure , without any hindrance at all , to arrive at Tauris , and put succours into the Fort : at which time , the Prince had got knowledge of the treachery of Aliculi , and of the designs contrived by many Sultans , for betraying him alive into the hands of Ferat ; so that he quite abandoned this noble Enterprize , as not daring to trust himself to perform his determined Battels , and imployed all his study for the safegard of his own person , who pursued Aliculi and his complices , as Rebels and Traitors ; and Abas Mirize of Heri was discovered for a contriver of his Brother's death , whereby the common mischiefs were increased more then ever , and yielded greater hopes to the Turks , then they ever had in all these Warres . Ferat having thus relieved the Fort , returned towards Erzirum , having first erected a Fort at Curchive-Tauris , near to Tauris , and two others at Coy and Cum , leaving in them all convenient Garrisons , with all things necessary : he sent also succours to Teflis , which they had long expected , and now most 〈◊〉 received ; but the Persian Prince having hunred Aliculi out of the Quarters of Tauris , thought he was now delivered from the great fear of his life : wherefore he journied in haste towards Genge , where having collected a good number of Souldiers , he determined to remove to intercept the Succours , that were to be brought to Teflis . He had alwayes found Emanguli to be both faithful and wise , putting confidence in him for performing any enterprise , and communicated unto him all his 〈◊〉 : wherefore he joyned with him , and lodging in his City , he stayed there to set in order , and dispose of his aforesaid designment ; which when he was even at the farthest to put in execution , and least of all feared any treachery , he was suddenly in the night , as he slept upon a Paller , struck by an Eunuch of his that attended on him ; and so the most bright lustre that ever shined in Persia , was extinguished : some think that his 〈◊〉 Abas of Heri , had now by money and gifts , induced the Eunuch thereunto ; others deemed it not to be done without his Fathers privity , as most desirous to prefer Abas Miriz to the Kingdom : divers others do diversly reason of the matter , wherefore we leave the certainty thereof with the further process of the Persian State , to the further discovery of time . For all the League betwixt the Emperor Rodolph the second , and Amurath ; many sharp skirmishes , oft fell out betwixt the Christians and Turks upon their frontiers , especially in Hungary , Croatia and Stiria . And in December 1586 , the Turks making an inroad into the borders of Croatia , received a notable overthrow by the Christians , though much fewer : where , amongst others , the Bassa of Bosna , ( with his Brother , reported to have been the Sonnes of Muhamet the great Visier by Amuraths Sister ) was slain , whose head with certain prisoners , was sent to Vienna , to 〈◊〉 , arch Duke of Austria : the Emperours Brother . Amurath , divers years after , did no great matter worth remembrance , contented , it seemes , with what he had already got from the Persians ; and holding his League in some reasonable sort with the Christians : yet many a bloody broil , tending at last even to the breach of the League , passed betwixt them , which we will briefly set down . In February 1587 , the Christians provoked by the Turks outrages , surprized the Castle of Coppan in Hungary , not farre from the Lake of Babylon , then frozen ; in which there was three Sanzacks , and about 1000 Turks , of whom 190 of the better sort , with 70 Women , besides some of the meaner sort , fell into their hands , the rest saving themselves by flight , or creeping into corners , 100 serviceable Horses were taken also , and a booty reckoned worth 40000 Duckats . Alis Sanzack of Coppan was taken , and afterwards presented to the Emperour : another was smoothered in a vault , standing in his defence : the third escaped by flight ; but was the same year taken , with divers others . For Aug. the 8th following , four Turkish Commanders in Hungary the Bassa of Ziget the Sanzacks of Mohas , and Quinque Ecclesiae , and the new Sanzack of Coppan , with 5000 Souldiers , brake into the Christian Borders , distroying 17 Villages about Limbath , and carrying away all the Countrey people , with the 〈◊〉 therefe ; wherefore George Serinus , Sonne to that most valiant Serinus slain at Ziget , Governour of Chanina , speedily raised such forces as he could out of his Territory , and calling unto his Ayd , the Count Nadasty , the Lord Bathian , and some others that had the chargeof those frontiers , took the strait passages , whereby the Turks must needs return amongst the Marshes , who being in the break of day hardly charged by them about a mile from Chanina , were at length put to flight with such a slaughter , that many yielded up their Scimitars , crying for mercy ; others fled back into the Woods , and many running into the Marshes perished , or stuck fast in the deep mud , crying for mercy and help of their Enemies : the Sanzack of Quinque Ecclesiae , Son to Haly Bassa , slain in the Battel of Lepanto , was taken : the Sanzack of Mohas stuck fast with his Horse in the Marsh : and being shot through the head , dyed : the Bassa of Ziget , with the new Sanzack of Coppan , seeing all lost , fled away betimes ; but he of Coppan , was next night after , taken with others wandring in the Woods : the Bassa of Ziget , with great hunger and grief , came on foot seven dayes after to Bresansa ; 1300 Turks were taken , of whom many died of wounds ; about 2000 were slain , and perished in the Marshes and Woods , above 1500 Horses being takeń , all the Prey with their Captives , was again recovered : there was but 1500 Foot , and 500 Horse that performed this service ; eleven being slain , but most of them wounded : 400 heads of the slain Turks , were carried for a shew to Canisia with 500 prisoners : the Christians and Countrey people hunting after the Turks , fled into the Woods , found a great number ; divers also seeing no meanes to escape , came forth and yielded themselves . Amurath hereupon , commanded Ali Bassa of Buda , to be strangled , for that he had broken the League , in not restraining the insolency of his Sanzacks , and placed 〈◊〉 Bassa in his stead , whom he had now again by the request of his Wife , received into favour . About this time also , Sigismund the King of Swedens Sonne , chosen King of Poland , even in the beginning of his Reign , wrote to Amurath , to renew the League which his Predecessors had before made with the Turkish Sultans : unto which his Request and Letters , Amurath , not long after , returned answer , that he took it well that he had sent his Embassador , with Letters to his Court , who had requested in his name , that no invasion should be made in his behalf , into the borders of the Kingdom of Poland , or any harm there done between that time , and the confirmation of the League : wherefore as it beseemed him , that nothing be on his part done , either much or little , against the League : so should it be on his part , most inviolately , observed : to which end , his Letters were directed to Isban Gerai , the Tartar Prince , straightly commanding him not to make or suffer any incursion to be made , into the Borders of Poland , telling Sigismund , that it was on his part requisite not to forget oft to intimate to his Court , such occurrents and newes , as should happen in those parts , which should be unto him a signe of his sincere love and friendship . Sigismund , according to his promise , being crowned at Cracovia , sent Dzioursius his Embassador to Amurath , for confirming of the League ; which he so firmly kept , that he could never by the intreaty of the Emperour or others , be drawn into the fellowship of that long Warre , which he and a few other Princes , his confederates , hardly maintained against Amurath , while he lived ; and also against Mahomet his Sonne : the year following 1588 , Ferat took the City of Genge , being for fear quite forsaken by the Inhabitants ; who yet upon his faith given for their safety , returned again , yielding to pay the Turks 5000 Duckats , yearly tribute ; but going further into the Enemie's Countrey , and having part of his Army cut off by the way , he was by his Souldiers ill-intreated , wounded , and forced to retire . Cicala also passing over Euphrates , had bloudy skirmishes with the Persians , sometime having the better , sometime the worse , till Amurath himself , as weary as his people , of that long and chargeable Warre , and the Persian King , inclining also to the peace , by Sinan Bassas perswading , was intreated to hearken thereunto , both for new troubles then arising in other places ; as also for the great Famine and Plague then in Constantinople . Sinan also wisely told him , he could not confirm his new Conquests in Persia , without peace : wherefore , Embassadors passing to and fro , a peace was at length concluded on betwixt these two Mahometans : the Turks still to keep Tauris , Genge , Sirvan , and Chars , with all the profits thereof , to maintain his Garrisons and Timariots there : whereof , although it was thought , new stirs would soon arise , yet the League was on both sides for 10 years space , orderly confirmed ; for the more assurance of which , one of the Persian King's Sonnes or Nephews , was given in Hostage to Amurath , as he required . Shortly after , there was a great sedition , at Constantinople by the Court-Souldiers , who , returning out of Persia , insolently demanded their pay : wherefore Amurath 〈◊〉 to inhaunce the value of the Coyn , and a new kind of Subsidy , imposed upon all without exception , who standing upon their old Liberties , refused to pay it , chiesly the Souldiers of the Court : wherefore the Aga of the Janizaries , was commanded to appease them , and perswade them to pay , and was in danger to be slain in the attempt : yet for prevailing no more with them , he was thrust out of his Office , and another placed in his room , that should have married Amuraths Daughter , whom for all that they would not accept of , but threw stones at him , and threatned to kill him . Next night , a great fire arose in the City : to quench which , the Janizaries were commanded to help , which they both refused to do , and kept back others that brought water , to that end ; and with the other Court Souldiers , did what they might , to make it burn faster : the fire consumed seven Temples , 25 great Inns , 1500 Houses , with many Shops and Ware-houses . Commandment was given to a Beglerbegge of Greece and Passi a Jew , the first Authours of this new Imposition , either to gather the said Tribute , or by some other meanes , to content the Souldiers ; but the Priests publickly perswaded the people from paying of this new Tribute , or any other such like : whereupon , the Temples were shut up by the Priests Prayers , for the Sultans health intermitted , the Bassaes Houses assaulted , and all the City in a new hurliburly ; so that Amurath was glad to pay the Souldiers out of his own Treasury , to revoke his Mandates for the new Tribute , and to deliver the Beglerbegge and the Jew , to the will of the Janizaries , who drew them up and down at Horses Tails , then cut off their Heads , tossing them from one to another , like Tennice-Balls . About the latter end of September , Sinan Bassa of Buda , by the help of other Sanzacks , raising 11000 Souldiers to spoil all the upper part of Hungary , summoned the Castle of Putnock , October the 6th ; but they being better provided , and more resolute then he supposed , he departed thence ; and passing the River Sachayo , came to Sizo , a small Town , which after soar battery , he took burning it to the ground : Russel the while , Generall in that part of Hungary , came upon him , and after hard fight , put him to the worst , having slain about 2500 Turks , besides 300 drowned in the said River . Shortly after , the Christians breaking into the Turks Frontiers , took the Castles of Blavensten Gestes , with some other small Forts thereabouts . Sinan having against the League , and without Amurath's Command , so unfortunately attempted Warre , was in 1589 , sent for with great displeasure to Constantinople , and Ferat Bassa of Bosna placed in his room at Buda . Amurath , not ignorant of the ill success of the invincible Armado ( as it was termed ) of Philip of Spain , set forth to invade England in 1588 , and of the purpose of Queen Elizabeth , to trouble his rich Trade , especially into the West-Indies ; and for relief of Don Antonio , by him driven out of Portugal ; wrote unto her about this time , confirming those and such like matters , as had been moved by her Agent , telling her , that since he had for many years past , made Warres in Persia , with a full intent utterly to subdue the Kingdom of that accursed Persian Heretick , and now was upon point of satisfying of his desire , that once done , provision should be made for all things she had desired of him , who by her Orator , had requested him , at the first of the next Spring , to send out his imperiall Fleet against the King of Spain , exhorting her in the mean time , to be alwayes vigilant ; and according to the conventions betwixt them , to be favourable to his friends , and an enemy to his foes ; and to give notice to his Court , of all new Warres which she should hear of , concerning the said King , for behoof of her self and him . So commending her Embassador , for his good and faithful service there done , who having left Bardon his Deputy , was returning towards England , that he , or some other principal Embassador , should without delay , be sent to his Court , to continue the Office of Legation . Yet for all these fair shewes , it may seem by the state of the Turkish affaires at those times , and what hath since ensued , that Amurath , glad of the 〈◊〉 of those two great Princes , and not well yet assured of his Conquest in Persia , had no great minde to invade Spain , as too farre off , and not to be so easily managed at Sea , as the Warres he shortly after waged against Rodolph the Emperour by Land. About this time also , the Cossacks making an in road upon the Turks and Tartars , surprized 〈◊〉 , a Port-Town , where they spoyled many rich Ware-Houses of Turkish Merchants ; and rifling some Ships in Harbour , burnt the rest , with great booty returning to their lurking places : wherewith the Tartars provoked , and set on by the Turks , forty thousand of them brake into Podolia , and the Provinces near Poland , burning the Countrey before them , slaying the poor people without mercy ; and besides spoyl , carried away many thousands Captive : yet most of them , the Polonian rescued with the notable slaughter of his Enemy in his return : whereupon , it was thought , open Warres would have broke out betwixt the Turk and King Sigismund , had not he by his Embassadors , and the Queen of Englands mediation , appeased the angry Turk , and renewed his League . Amurath , now at peace with the World , and sitting idle at home , was perswaded by his Bassaes , to take some new Warre in hand ; for that great Empires , they said , could not without the continuall use of Arms , long stand , as appeared by the Roman State : which whilest it was at Warres with Carthage , or their great Captains , occupied in Arms against Neighbour-Princes , still remained triumphant ; but giving it self to ease and pleasure , and the Martiall-men not imployed as they were wont , it soon , by civill discord , fell ; and the Mistris of the World becam it self a prey , even to the basest Nations : which old 〈◊〉 foreseeing , cryed out in the Senate , that the Souldiers were to be still busied in Arms farre from home ; for in so doing , the glory of the State should increase : whereto , Amurath's Progenitors , having respect , propounded not peace as the end of their Warres , as do other weak Princes ; but as invincible Conquerors , still made one Victory the beginning of another , &c. which , and the like reasons , they alleaged not so much , for love of their Prince , or zeal to the State , as their own particular profit , especially the two old Bassaes , Sinan and Ferat , the envious competitors of each others honour : these perswasions well pleased Amurath , who though he were no Souldier himself , yet was he desirous of new Conquests ; and to increase his name , accounting it no lesse honour by his Servants , to perform great things , then it was to his Ancestors to do that they did in person ; but Amurath could not at first , tell what to resolve upon , for the great Bassaes , concerning the intended Warre , were of eight sundry Opinions : The first was , that the Wars against the Persians should be renewed : The second , for the invading the King of Morocco and Fez : The third , for Warre against the King of Spain : The fourth , for the besieging again of Malta : The fifth , to set upon the Venetians : The sixth , for invading some part of Italy : The seventh , for the King of Poland : The eighth , for Warre upon the Emperour and Kingdom of Hungary : with all which aforesaid Princes , ( except the Spaniard ) though the Turk were then in League , yet was that never made question of ; but onely which might best stand with the profit of his State , for him to set upon : his barbarous Law , allowing him that liberty in such cases , to break all faith and promise , especially with Christians . Sundry reasons were alleaged by the Bassaes , for every one of these Opinions , too large here to relate particularly . But the Reasons for the eighth Opinion of making Warre upon the Christian Emperour , whom the Turks call King of Vienna , were , for that Uschocci were grown so insolent , as to make prize of the Turks , both by Sea and Land ; so that , for both the harms they did , and for the honour of the Othoman Empire , they were no longer to be suffered ; for hereby , especially the Merchants great hindrance , and the Sultans great losse , had removed their Mart from Narenta , in the Turks Dominion to Spalato , a Town of the Venetians ; and yet were not so secure , though there were peace betwixt the Emperour and Venetians : because these unruly men troubled all , both by Sea and Land , with their robberies , driving away Cattel , burning Villages , and taking away babes out of their Mothers Arms ; so that it was no doubt , but if occasion should serve , they would attempt to surprise with all their power , the Turks strong Holds upon the Frontiers ; nor was it unknown , how little the Emperour esteemed the Turk , when he warred with the Persian paying Tribute too late , at his pleasure : neither was this Warre to be deemed difficult or doubtful , because they might attempt it by Croatia , Hungary , and Austria , Countries abounding with all necessaries , they being also to travel almost all the way in the Turks own Territories ; besides the chief fortresses of Hungary , with many other strong places they already held , whither their Armies in all cases , might retire , or repair their losses out of the same . They said , the Roman Empire desired peace more then War , that the Princes were very careful to heap up , and preserve their Treasures ; and the Germans having had no Warres a long time , were now lesse fit for Arms , and worse to be commanded ; alwayes distrusting the Hungarians , Italians and Spaniards , whom they rather hated then loved , being divided also amongst themselves , chiefly about Religion : neither were forraign Princes to be feared , to give the Emperour ayd : the Polonian and Transilvanian , lived 〈◊〉 in peace with the Turk , and therefore would by no meanes , turn the heat of this Warre into the rown bosoms , &c. And though the King of Spain might afford the House of Austria great ayd , yet he was now too much busied elsewhere , and the Bishop of Rome could not be ready in all places to serve his turn : the Italian Princes would not spend themselves , to pleasure another man ; and the Venetians would not rashly stir up the Turks against themselves , but rather at ease expect the effect of the Warre . All those Opinions of the great Bassaes concerning the Warre , proceeded not so much from any sound advice , as commonly 〈◊〉 do ; but rather from a certain barbarous insolency and contempt of others . Amurath stood long in doubt in such diversities of Opinions , what to resolve upon ; but contenting himself with what he had already done in Persia , having as he boasted , by his Servants there performed more than his Predecessors could do in person : wherefore he resolved to turn his forces against the Christian Emperour ; for first , it grieved him to see the honour of the House of Austria , and that he durst make head against him ; besides , it would be farre lesse difficult , to make Warre upon a Countrey so near him , then upon Persia , where his Armies were still to be led through his own Countries , whence they were to be at all times plentifully relieved . Sinan confirming him also in this Opinion , who having vainly perswaded him to Warre against the Venetians , now furthered this , hoping thereby , to recover his credit , impaired by the little he did in 〈◊〉 ; as also by the discord betwixt him and Ferat , ( commonly called the black Serpent : ) as also to increase his Wealth , who was shortly after made Generall by Amurath for those Warres ; but above all , Hassan , Bassa of Bosna , furthered this matter , in hope to gain great Riches with the greatest honours of the Field , as he was vainly perswaded by his bold Prophets : wherefore he daily certified Amurath , of the burnings , spoylings , and robbings of the Uschocci , and other the arch-Dukes Subjects , upon his Frontiers ; inciting him to begin his Warre in Croatia , and continue the same , either against the Emperour , or Venetians , or that way to break into Italy , as had sometimes before been done : by which his importunity , he got leave to begin those stirs , in the Frontiers of the Empire ; yet unto this leave , was this condition annexed , that he should not seem to do it , by Amurath's Command , but of himself , under colour to restrain the Uschocci , who both by Land 〈◊〉 Sea , as he pretended , spoyled both the Christians and Turks , whom the Princes of Austria had small care to chasten : neither was it any great matter for Hassan so to do , for disturbing of the peace : the Turks Leagues with their Neighbours , being seldom so , but that their Souldiers in Garrisons , and adventurers by Sea might , to keep themselves doing , upon a Military insolency , as they terme it , now & then make incursions for booty by Sea and Land ; so that the Venetians , wronged at Sea by their Embassadors , complained at Constantinople , of injuries done them by Turkish Pirates , 〈◊〉 to have them called home , and justice done upon them . The Emperour also , seeing many things , both this year , one thousand five hundred ninety one , and the next , attempted by Hassan in Croatia , and the other Turks in Hungary , by his Embassador then laying at Constantinople , complained of these outrages , desiring to know , whether they were done by Amuraths consent and knowledge , if not then , that order may be taken for restraining thereof , which was accordingly done for a while . Amurath making shew , as if the League of eight years , should not on his part , be in any wise infringed : at which time , the Persian King's sonne dyed in the Turks Court , where he lay in Hostage , whose dead body , Amurath honourably sent home to his Father with an Apology of a suspicion of some , that 〈◊〉 should be the cause of his untimely death , still urging withall , the confirmation of the League , which by the death of the Prince , had like enough been broken : whereof , Amurath was the more desirous , because perswaded to make Warres with the Emperour , he hoped thereby , to add the Reliques of Hungary to his Empire , with a good part of the Territories of the House of Austria , and so open a way into the heart of Germany : wherefore he raised a strong Army , putting a great Fleet of Gallies into the Achipelago , for the safety of his Islands there : So the Bassa of Bosna in 1592 , entred Croatia with 50000 Men , burning , destroying , and sparing nothing that came in his way ; and also besieged Wihitz , the Metropolis of that Country , strongly scituated , as incompassed about with the River Una , which he 〈◊〉 soare battered , and twice assaulted , was by the distressed Defendants , yielded on Composition , that the Germans in Garrison , might depart with Bagg and 〈◊〉 ; and that such Citizens as would , might still remain there , without hurt in body or goods : the Bassa faithfully and safely conveighed the 400 Souldiers into their own Territory ; but exercised afterwards all Turkish Tyranny upon the Citizens : the Emperour , upon this unexpected invasion , sent the Lord Petzen to pray ayd of the German Princes , against the common Enemy , who largely promised their help first : Ernestus Arch Duke of Austria his Brother , with five thousand Souldiers came to Gr●ys , the chief City of Stiria , to whom more , daily repaired out of Carinthia : the Turks Army the while , daily increasing , inclosed six thousand Foot , and five hundred Horse of the Christians , who had taken the Woods , Mountains , and strait-passages ; and so that few of them escaped with life : amongst whom , many valiant Captains and expert Souldiers , were slain : the Bassa , to make his Victory more famous , lading six Waggons with the Heads of the slain : the Turks thus raging in Croatia , brought a fear upon all Hungary , and divers Provinces of the Empire : whereupon , the Emperour assembling the States of Silesia and Moldavia , declared unto them the eminent danger , perswading them to joyn their forces with the rest , for repulsing the Enemy . After long delay , Ernest the Arch-Duke , August the tenth , came to the Emperour his Brother , with the Embassador of Hungary ; and the seventh day after , were called together : the Embassadors of the Kingdoms and Provinces of the Empire , thorowly debating , How the Turks were to be resisted , and , from whence forces , money , &c , were to be raised ; for now longer delay did seem dangerous ; and the rather , for that the Beglerbegge of Greece , with 60000 select Souldiers , was ere long expected ; for preventing of which so great and manifest dangers , they sate daily at Prague ; yea , even from morning to night : for the Hungarians ( especially the Lord Nadasty ) instantly urged to have succours sent into Hungary ; for if the Turk should get into his hands , the rest of the Towns and Castles there , 't was to be feared , lest he should soon after indanger all Germany ; whose strength the Turk lesse feared , than the reliques of Hungary : others were as careful of Croatia and Stiria , as more proper to themselves , the Enemy now there raging : the Hungarians with the other distressed , crying to the Emperour for help and he also calling upon the Princes of the Empire ; divers Assemblies were had in divers places , and Embassadors sent to the Emperor from almost all the German Princes ; all was full of consultation , but help came in slowly : yet that which was , was sent into Croatia , to defend the Fortresses against the furious Enemy . September the 18th , the Turks on a sudden , by night , assaulted Toccay Castle in upper Hungary , hoping to surprize it , but finding it a more difficult matter then they imagined , they departed , attempting the lesser Comara , which standing in a Marsh-ground , was easily defended : then also the Bassa of Buda , entred the Christians Frontiers ; but upon viewing the strong Holds thereof , finding nothing for his purpose , he returned without doing any thing . Septemb. 26. Hassan encamping betwixt the Rivers of Kulp and 〈◊〉 , by night passed over part of his Army into Turopolis ; with fire and sword , spoiling all that fertile Island , the Lord of Bonny labouring in vain to defend the same . About the end of this moneth , the Bassa of Ziget , the Sanzacks of Mohas , Koppan , and Quinque Ecclesiae , and others , encamped with a strong Army betwixt Ziget and Rodesto : soon after which , the Emperour had newes that Kainsia . a City of Stiria , was hardly besieged ; and that the Turks in coming thither , had taken many Captives , whom they had sent to be sold at Constantinople , and that their Army were about one hundred and sixty thousand ; but since the Christian Army , increasing also , was now grown to sixty thousand Men , he hoped well , that their Enemies rage would be stayed : about which time , Ernest , appoin ed Generall with the Marquesse , sonne to Ferdinand , the arch-Duke his Lievtenant , came to the Army . About the beginning of October , the Emperour had sad news , of 7000 men slain , whom he had sent into Croatia , men the conduct of Beane , and 2 others , to hinder the Turks proceeding , encamping between Wyhitz and Carolstat : and , having Septemb. the 12th , discovered from a mountain some Turkish Companies , come thither to view the Army of the Christians ; sent out 50 Horsmen to discover where the Turks Army lay , with its attempts : who , finding no more Turks then those before-seen from the Mountains , returned with such Intelligence ; whereupon , the Christians as secure in their Tents , kept but negligent Watch. But a hundred thousand Turks suddenly brake into their Trenches ; where , those Footmen for 4 hours maintained a notable fight , many being slain on both sides : but the Christians , beset and oppressed with multitude , were slain almost all : yet the Captains speedily fled for which their cowardize and negligence , they were afterwards beheaded . Such as fell alive into the Enemies hands were cut in pieces . The Enemy also had the spoil of the Tents : wherein , besides abundance of other things found , 60000 Dollars lately brought from Luitz for the Souldiers pay . The Turks in ostentation , laded 14 Waggons with the Heads of the slain , which they sent to divers of their places thereabouts , yet the Christians flew of their Enemies above 12000. The night following , the Turks in the dead of the night surprized the Castle of St. George ; putting to the sword all therein , of any Age or Sexe , except 150 , whom they carried Captive : so firing the Castle , departed . At which time , some Turks were seen about Sifeg , who led away Captive above 600 Christians : and 300 Waggons , loaded with all kind of provisions , for relief of the Garrisons in Croatia , were all intercepted by the Turks and carried away . The Emperour hereupon gave notice by writing to the Princes and States of the Empire ; What incursions the Turks had lately made into Croatia , the Frontiers of Hungary and other places near them , and that the Beglerbeg of Greece , with the Bassaes of Bosna , Buda , and Temesware , without regard of the League had , by taking divers strong places , extended their bounds above 40 German miles , slaying , and carrying away the Inhabitants , and were grown to that height , that except they were represfed , they would soon set foot into Germany it self , &c. which to hinder , he required their generall help : requesting them at length to open their Coffers , and send out their Forces against the common Enemy : which request , with so great a danger , moved not only them , but others , farther off , liberally to contribute thereunto . The Turks hearing of these great preparations , besides the Christian Army already in Field , and that they had made a strong bridge over Dravus , which they had fortified also for the safe transporting of their Army ; forthwith furnished the places they had gotten with strong garrisons , and so withdrew into their own Territories : and the rather , because the plague so raged in Constantinople , that there dyed a 1000 a day , which had also infected the Turkish Army ; which the Christians fearing , forthwith slew every Turk they took . The Turks , in the beginning of 1593 , began also their wonted incursions into the Christians Frontiers : The Garrison of Petrinia , a strong Fort lately built by the Turks on the River Kulp , for the further invasion of Croatia , made daily excursions , spoiling and burning the Town and Castle of Beck Vochobinam in the Island Turopolis , and after a great slaughter , carried away 400 prisoners : and , in Hungary , the Turks Garrisons to supply their wants , made divers inroades & did exceeding harm : of whom 600 passing over the frozen Lake , were all drowned therein . In another place 3000 of them near Nutiusa , dividing themselves in twaine , one part shewed themselves in sight of the Townsmen , the other laying in Ambush , the Townsmen hereupon sallyed out , and causing them to retire , followed them till they were past the place , where the other Turks lay : who ran with all speed , and wanted not much to surprize the Town ; for there was scarce a hundred Germans lelf in Garrison , who had hardly time to draw up the bridges , which done , they with the Ordnance forced them to retire . About the same time also they of Petrinia , suddenly saliying out took the Town of Martenize , which they spoiled , killing about seven hundred setting it on fire , and so returning , having lost not past a hundred and fifty men . Ere long , the said Garrison took another Castle three miles from the River Kulp : Whereinto , the Christians round about , had for fear conveyed all their Wealth , with great store of Victuall , and slaying six hundred men in the Castle , returned with a very rich booty , yet with the losse of five hundred Turks slain in that enterprize ; So also did the other Turkish Garrisons , rage in all other parts of Hungary : About Sasobia in upper - Hungary , they carried away about three hundred Captives , and in the nether , they took the strong Castle of Hedwigg upon the Lake of Balaton , which they spoiled and burnt ; as also the Castle of Isna ; but attempting the lesser Comara , they were valiantly repulsed . They fortified also Stock Castle , which they lately took as a refuge for their Adventurours , all which declared their desire to begin that bloudy Warre , which presently ensued : and it was the more suspected , because Crocowitts the Emperour's Embassadour was shut up close in his House at Constantinople , not to speak with any man , nor write or send to the Emperour ; Wherefore , he began to raise new Forces : the Hungarians and Bohemians also , seeing these miseries that 〈◊〉 them , and the Enemies strength daily encreasing , agreed to maintain some horse & foot upon their own charges for repressing these incursions : now though the Emperor well knew that these outrages could not be done without Amuraths knowledge and liking , as before informed thereof by his Embassadour ; yet he wrote Letters unto him , the effect whereof , were , to shew himself willing to have the League on his behalf kept , and also to make a further proof of Amuraths resolution for peace or war ; desiring him , that since the Honourable Present which was then ready , should be brought unto him at the time , which should be agreed on betwixt his Embassadour and himself , &c. In the mean time , He should do well that his Souldiers made no Hostile Incursions into his Territories : as he had severely commanded his Subjects to keep the peace upon his Frontiers . He wrote also at the same time , to the same purpose to Sinan Bassa : telling him , It should well beseem his uprightness , and good will which he had at other times proved for the high Place and Authority which he held , and which he rejoyced again to be restored unto him ; to give those things such easie passage before Amurath , that he might acknowledge his kindness and favour , and have occasion to shew himself thankful therefore : saying , he assuredly hoped so to prevail with his Emperour , that all places and things as were wrongfully taken away , might be restored : and the Fort of Petrinia razed , and the Bassa of Bosna , with whosoever else guilty of the breach of the League , to be according to their deserts punished and displaced . Sinan returned answer to those Letters : That , whereas the Emperour laid the fault of so long deserring the wonted presents upon the insolency of the Turks Garrisons in Bosna , and breach of the publike Peace , Those Letters being by him read before Amurath ; He in great choler burst out against his Son the Beglerbeg of Buda , who had written to Amurath that the Presents would certainly come , &c. and for all that , the Presents were not yet come , but the Bassa of Bosna , had sent word to Court that the Emperour would not send them , and all his doings to be but meer deceit : Wherefore , Amurath ( said he ) hath removed my son from his place in Buda , and rewarded the Bassa of Bosna with Honourable Garments : and taxing the Emperour with his Souldiers continuall excursions into the Turks Territories : Whereas , their Souldiers were kept in as with a bridle . He told him , that his Majesty was to resolve upon 2 points : Whether he were minded to keep friendship with them as beseemed , and to send the 2 last yeares Presents , or not ? And whether he would set at liberty their captive Zanzacks , or not , for whom such Christian saptives as he should desire , should be enlarged ? Which , if he should refuse to do , within two months next , he should assure himself , That he , who was to go himself in person in this War ; putting his confidence in the Highest , with the Army of the right believing Turks would come into those parts , and not fail there to encounter him , requesting a speedy answer of those Letters . Yet for all these fair offers of peace , Sinan sought only to draw the 2 years presents from the Emperour , amounting to a great sum ; and nevertheles purposed to prosecute the intended War , whereof the Emperour was not ignorant , being thereof , as was said before , by his Embassador advertised . At Summer Hassan Bassa of Bosna , ceased not for the encrease of his credit , to work what mischief he could against the christians bordring uponhim , who mortally hated the Governour , or , as some call him , the Abbot of Siseg ; a strong Castle upon the borders of that part of Croatia , where Culp falls into Savus , and was indeed the very Bulwark of that Country : the cause of which hatred is thus reported . Tthe year before , the Bassa had sent a Messenger to this Abbot , to require him to deliver the Castle unto him , whom the Abbot honourably entertaining for certain dayes , learned of him , with what power , in what place , and with what Engines he determined to besiege the Castle ? The mean while , 't was discovered , that his Steward had long before plotted with the Turk to betray the Castle , receiving of him a yearly Pension : Whereupon , the Abbot caused both Messenger and Steward to be bound hand and foot , and cast out at a window into the River Saw. The Bassa , his Messenger not returning , sent another to the Abbot , grievously threatning him , if he did not send him again : who answered , He had dismissed him some dayes before , marvelling he was not yet returned , yet was he resolved to yield the Monastery to the Bassa , against whose Forces he saw himself unable to hold it : requesting onely , that he would please to send some men of Account ; because it would be no small dishonour to him to deliver it up to common Souldiers . The Bassa glad , sent forthwith certain men of great Account : So 3 days after , some turkish troops came to the Monastery , and the Gates being open , the Noblemen with about five hundred others entered : but presently , Portculisses was let fall , and Murdering-pieces , secretly placed in the Court , discharged , whereby the Turks were rent in pieces , their Heads , Armes , and Leggs flying in the Ayr , and presently the Souldiers starting out of their 〈◊〉 - places , soon dispatched those that had escaped the Artillery : the Turks shut out , hearing the cry and noyse of them within , fled . The Bassa hearing of this slaughter and deceit , swore in great rage by his Mahomet , to raze this Monastery down to the ground , and to pluck the Abbots skin over his Eares : the which by threatning Letters he gave him to understand . And in the beginning of June with 30000 Horse and Foot , he besieged the Fortress of Trenschiin : which he by battery and assaults taking , sacked the Town , slew most of the Inhabitants ( except about 800 of the younger sort , which he carried away Captives ) : and removing thence by a Bridge which he made , passed the River ; and the 12th . of June , came before the Castle of Siseg , and after a vain summons , next day planted his Ordnance , so thundring against the walls , that in the fall of the new Tower , two Christian Cannoniers perished : This furious battery he maintained ten days without intermission so that it seemed not possible the Monastery long to be defended if not with speed relieved ; the Bishop of Zagrabia & Eggenberg Generall of the Emperours Forces there , craved Ayd and Counsel herein of Lord Aversberg Governour of Charolstat ; who raised a good number of Horse and Foot of his own , calling also the bordering Horsmen of Carnia and Carania ; who , June 17. met all , not far from Justaunitz , there tarrying that night : next day passing over the River Savus , they joyned with the Emperour's Forces : marching the 19th day to Sceline , expecting rhe comming of Count Serinus , The 20th . day , Herdelius with his Hussars , and the Lord Graswien , came into the Camp with many of those Light-Horsmen , which the Hungarians call Hufchocehi . The 21 day they lodged at Gradium , stil expecting Serinus his coming ; who , busied , could not come ; next day , a Souldier came from the besieged , teling the Captains , except they hastened that day to relieve them , the Castle would be lost , for it was made saultable , and would that night be assaulted ; and the Defendants doubting how they should maintain the place , began before his departure to think of composition : whereupon , the Captains forthwith consulted what course to take . Aversberg was of opinion , it was best to go and give the Enemy battel ; so was also the Lord Rederen ; the rest were of a contrary mind , because the strength of the Christians were too weak : & therefore they thought it better to retire in time , &c. whereat , Avarsberg at first much moved , afterwards plainly set before them , a necessity of the cause with lively reasons : chearing up the fearful Croatians , and notably perswading them all in generall to put their whole trust in God ; to whom it was as easy to give Victory by a few as by many . With these & other words he so prevailed , that they all resolved to go against the enemy and to do what they could to relieve their Friends : so the whole Army not above 4000 , hasted on with great speed , and being come within a Mile of the Enemies Camp , put themselves in order of Battel : Whereupon , the Turks brought all their Horsmen over Kulp by a Bridge which they made , and came on in order to joyn Battel with the Christians : the Croatians and Hussars in the Van-guard , gave the first charge ; but having for a good 〈◊〉 made a good sight , they , discouraged with the Enemies multitude , were about to flee : but Aversbeg the General comming on , both restored the 〈◊〉 , and so charge the Turks main Battel , that the Bassa first retired , then fled , after whom all the rest followed : the Christians keeping their array , pursued them with great speed , and coming to their Bridge before them , took that passage ; the Turks seeing their miserable slaughter , and no way to escape , ran some into the River Odera , some into Culp , and were most drowned , the rest were all slain : the Christians resolved to take no prisoners . The Turks at the siege hearing of this overthrow , set fire on their powder and provision , and in great fear fled : Whose tents the Christians took with 9 great Ordnance , and good store of great shot , with the Bassaes Pavillion , and much other rich spoil , which was all carried into the Monastery . Most Writers agree , that 18000 Turks were 〈◊〉 and drowned : Hassan himself being one found near the Bridge , and known by his sumptuous Apparrel ; and near unto him Mahomet beg , and Achmet beg . In other places , was also found the dead bodies of Saffer beg the Bassaes 〈◊〉 , with 4 other Begs , and the Bassaes chief Counsellour and Master of his Houshold ; but , above all , the death of Sinan-beg , Amuraths Sisters only Son , sent to learn the feats of War under Hassan , was most lamented . The Christian Army 〈◊〉 thrice about the Monastery , every time falling all on their knees , giving hearty thanks to God for this miraculous Victory , and afterwards made all shew of joy possible . Siseg thus delivered , the Christians , with all speed laid siege to the strong Fort of Petrinea , most 〈◊〉 battering it for 5 dayes : but hearing that the Beglerbeg of Greece or Romania , was comming with a great power to relieve the Fort , they raised the siege , every man returning to his wonted charge . The mean while , a Post coming from Constantinople , brought the first news of the overthrow to Buda : Wherefore , the Bassa called him , diligently examining him of the truth thereof ; who told him , that upon the way as he came , he 〈◊〉 with divers Horsmen ; who escaped from the slaughter : who told him the Bassa was slain , and his Army destroyed ; the Bassa replyed , He was happy in his death ; for if he had escaped , he should for his indiscretion have undoubtedly suffered some more shamefull death at Court. Newes of the Victory being brought to Prague ; the Emperour commanded publike prayers with Thanksgiving to be made in all Temples : sending a Letter to Amurath , to know how he understood those insolent proceedings ; chiefly the late Expedition of the Bassa of Bosna , and his Complices contrary to their League : He sent also the Lord Popelius with the yearly Tribute , yet with this charge , that being come to Comaro , in the borders of Hungary , he should stay till the return of the said Messenger ; who , if he brought tidings of peace , then to proceed on to the Turks Court , otherwise to return with his Present , as he did ; for Amurath enraged at the losse at Siseg , and prickt forward with the tears and prayers of his Sister , to revenge her sons death , he proclaimed open War against the Emperour , Aug. 7th . both at Constantinople and Buda : the managing whereof , he committed to Sinan Bassa , the old Enemy of the Christians . Who , departing from Constantinople with 40000 men , 5600 being Janizaries , being brought by Amurath , and the great Courtiers a mile on his way , with charge from him by the assistance of the Bassaes and other his Commanders in that part of his Empire , to revenge his Nephews death , and the dishonour received at Siseg . His denounciation of war against the Emperour , was proud , cruel , and blasphemous ; threatning , to besiege his chief Cities , to burn , destroy , & kill ; and with the most exquisite torments they could devise , to torture to death , and slay such Christian Captains as should fall into their hands : or to keep them as Dogs , Captives in perpetual misery ; to impale upon stakes their fairest Sons & Daughters , and to kill like dogs the women great with child , and the children in their bellies ; for he was now fully resolved , to bring him that ruled but in a small Country into subjection , and to keep from him his Kingdom . As also to oppress , root up , and destroy the Keys & See of Rome with its golden Scepter ; and he would prove how their crucified Jesus would help them , as theirs perswaded them , Trust in him still , said he , and see how he hath holpen his Messengers , which have put confidence in him ; for we neither believe , nor can endure to hear , that he can help who is dead so long ago , which could not help himself , nor deliver his own Country and Inheritance from our power , over which we have so long raigned ? Sinan , kept on his way towards Buda : but the Beglerbeg of Greece , with a far greater power marched towards Croatia , both to relieve their distressed Forts , and again to besiege the Castle of Siseg : which , he compassing about , overthrew the walls , giving no rest to the Defendants : which Breaches they valiantly defended ; and notably repaired ; the very Women bringing Tables , Stools , and whatsoever came to hand , to keep the Enemies out . A great number being slain , at length , Septemb. the 3d. the Turks entred by main force , putting all the Souldiers to the sword , 200 being Germans , some of whom they cut in pieces , and threw the rest into the River Kulp : the religious man there found , they 〈◊〉 quick , and cutting him in small pieces , burnt them to ashes : so taking all the spoil , and leaving a strong Garrison there , they passed over Savus burning the Country , and carrying away about a thousand into captivity . These Invasions caused the Emperour to crave ayd , both of the States of the Empire , and other Princes farther off , by some easily granted , but not so speedily performed . About this time , Peter Lehussar , who commanded the Horsmen , whom the Hungarians call Hussars , Captain of Pappa , by the appointment of the Governour of Rab , took at advantage the Turks Treasurers in Hungary , who commanded 5000 Turks : as he was mustering , and paying some of his Countries , slaying him with divers of his men , and putting the rest to flight ; and so with the spoyl and a few prisoners returned with the dead Treasurer . Sinan being come to Buda with his Army , resolved to begin with the siege of Vesprivium : so , compassing the City round , he continually thundred against this City with his Battery ; the Christians perceiving the City was not long to be holden against so great a power , placed divers barrels of gunpowder in Mines they had made under the walls and bulwarks , with traines to take fire at a certain time ; then they departed secretly out of the City in the dead of the night ; yet were they by the Turks descried , and most of them slain . Samaria the Governour , having a while defended himself , was taken alive , together with Hors-kirk a German Captain . The Turks strivingly entered the City , October 26. as greedy of prey ; but the powder taking fire , blew up the very Foundations , slaying a number of Turks , and also wonderously defacing the City . The Bassa removing to Palotta , summoned the Castle : but receiving no pleasing answer , he besieged it with all his power ; which , at first , Ornan the Captain cheerfully received , but being afterwards discouraged : though the Castle was yet but little shaken , but one man slain , and the Souldiers ready to spend their lives in defence , he offered to yield the Castle to the Bassa , so they might safely depart with bag and baggage , who granted his request : but they being come forth , and ready to depart , the faithless Turk slew them all , except the Captain and 2 others ; after which without much labour , he took in all the Country thereabouts , near the Lake Balaton . Now at last , about the middle of Octob. the Christians mustered their Army , of above 18000 of good and expert Souldiers : With which , passing over Danubius , at the first encounter with the Turks , they slew a great number , rescuing a number of Captives : about the end of which Month , Count Hardeth Governour of Rab , and Generall in that part , came from Camara , and besieged Alba regalis , which he soon made saultable with his Artilery , but in the assault was notably repulsed by the Turks so perceiving , no good could be done without a long siege for which he was not then provided ; after consultation , had , he raised his siege Novemb. the second , removing that day but half a mile : but being about to remove next day , newes was brought that the Enemies power was almost in sight ; the Bassa of Buda by the command of Sinan was come forth with 13 Zanzacks , twenty thousand Souldiers , 30 Field-pieces , and 500 Waggons laden with Victuals , and other provision to relieve the City : Whereupon , the Count , assisted by Serinus , and other valiant and experienced Captains , with great speed put his Army in order , and couragiously set forward ; the Bassa seeing them marching towards him , took the upper ground , thence discharging his Field-pieces upon them which mounted too high , did litle or no harm at all . The Christians for all that , calling on the name of the Almighty , mounted the Hill , and by plain force constrained the Turks to flye ; about 5000 of whom were foot , 〈◊〉 being Janizaries , who making often stands , wounded many , yet were almost all slain , with many others : among whom , were 3 great Zanzacks , 7 Chiaus , with many others of the valiantest Captains of the Turks Borderers . The Turks , lost in this Battel , were deemed to be at least 8000 , few prisoners were saved ; Whereupon , Sinan sware by Mahomet never to spare any Christian : All their Waggons and Artillery became a prey , many Ensigns being found , and Weapons of great value . The Count with great joy brought back his Army to Alba Regalis , encamping near the Bulwark Stopaseh : where the 〈◊〉 most feared the assault . Palfi , Nudasty , and others , earnestly perswaded the Count , not to depart before he had won the City ; but he considering the hard time of the year , the Cities strength , which was full of Souldiers , by reason of them that fled in thither , with the want of things necessary for a longer siege : and fearing at last of being forced to leave it , called a Council , resolving to raise his siege , afterwards imputed to him for more then an oversight . So , firing the Suburbs , he departed towards Rab , Novem. 5th . Ere long , the Lord Teuffingbath , the Lieutenant in the upper - Hungary removed from Casovia with 14000 suldiers , and laid siege to Sabatzka , out of which Castle the Turks did usually much harm . Teuffingbath battering it in three places , made it Saultable , taking it by force , Novemb. 19th . and put to the sword all the Turks therein , about 250. leaving a strong Garrison of his own , whereby the Country thereabouts was in great quiet . Thence the Generall removed with all speed to Fileck , a strong City of upper - Hungary : and planting his battery terribly without ceasing , thundred against the walls and gates : the Zanzack-Governour thereof , got out by night with a few to acquaint his neighbour Zanzacks with the Christians coming , and their number also : to consult how the City might be relieved . The Bassa of Tenesware , with 4 other Zanzacks , undertook the matter ; Whereupon , the Bassa sent for 800 Janizaries , left by Sinan at Buda , and Albaregalis , who flatly 〈◊〉 to go : saying , They would not be led as beasts to the slaughter , as were their fellows at Albaregalis ; yet they forced the Armenians brought thither , to go . But from Buda . Alba , and Scamboth , were sent only 1500 common Souldiers : for all that , the Bassa with the Zanzacks being firm in their resolutions , raised an Army of 18000 , with many Field-pieces , and by night came within two Miles of Fileck : but the Gene rall with Stephen Bathor , and others with 7000 choyse Souldiers went out against them : and Novemb. the 21 , assailing their Tents , put them all to flight , fiercely pursuing them with a terrible 〈◊〉 . In the fight and flight were slain 6000 , but few or none taken . The Bassa with the Zanzack of Fileck , with many other great ones were found slain . This Victory gained with little or no loss , yielded to the Christians a rich prey , all which they carried into the Camp , more straitly besieging the City then before ; on which day the Lord Palfy and Lasla came to the Camp with 6000 , and forthwith they sent to the besieged , That if they would forthwith yield , they should depart with life and goods : though the Turks had lately broken their faith at Palotta ; otherwise , they denounced unto them all extremities : yet the Turks refused to yield . Whereupon , the battery began more terribly then before , so that though the City was most strongly fortified , yet in 3 dayes a fair breach was made , whereby they entred without any notable loss Nov. 24. ransacked the City , and burnt a great part thereof : On which day , they took the utmost Castle , wherein was the Zanzacks Pallace . It stands upon a very High Hill , strengthened by Art and Nature ; and had in it a strong and valiant Garrison ; who , lustily bestowing their shot , slew a great number : yet the Christians having for 2 dayes and 2 nights most furiously shaken the walls , entred by plain force , Novemb. 26. and put to the sword all the Souldiers , except those that had retired into a more inward Castle , who being 800 , with Wives and Children without hope of relief , and the Canon bent against them , set out a white Ensign , and upon Parly it was agreed , they should depart with life , and what goods e-every one could carry : whereupon , the Castle was yielded the 28 day , and the Turks safely conveyed to the place desired . Here they found great booty with much warlike provision , but of Victuals 〈◊〉 store . The Generall with the Captains fell on their knees in the Castle , and with Hearts and Hands lifted up , thanked God for the recovery of that strong City ; but chiefly , for delivery of so many Christians out of Thraldom : for 't is reported , there were above 800 Villages subject to the jurisdiction of Fileck ; the Christians forthwith repairing & 〈◊〉 every place , left a sufficient Garrison in the City & Castles departing with about 20000 towards Sodoch 6 miles off : but upon the way , the Generall heard that the Turks for fear had abandoned the Castles of Diswin and Somosk : Who , sending out some Companies to take in those places , they found them indeed forsaken , but yet many Ordnance and other warlike provision there left . About the end of November , the Generall marched towards Sethchine a strong Town in the Diocess of Agria ; but the Turks having sent their wives , children , & the best of their substance to Hatwan & Buda ; hearing of the approach of this Army , fired the Town & fled : the Christians entring , saved a great part of the Town from the fire , so leaving there a fit Garrison he hasted to Blavenstine , which the Turks fetting on fire , fled . The Christians next day , Decem. 4th . found a great part yet unburnt , leaving a strong garrison : so marching to Sallek , they took it being forsaken by the Enemies , putting into it a strong garrison . The General was very desirous to have prosecuted so happy a course of victory ; but through the foulness of the winter-weather , he could not travel with his great Artillery : and his Army in that wasted country began to feel want , so that many had withdrawn unto their Habitations . Then also the Lord Palpey finding Dregel and Palanka forsaken , furnished both places with Garrisons : other strong places were also this Month recovered , and as much Territory gained by the Christians , as was thought to equalize the lower Austria . This joyfull newes of Victories and Recovery made great Rejoycing at Vienna and Prague : Wherefore , publike prayers with thanksgiving were made in both places , with many tokens of triumph both there and in other places . But the dead bodies of the Turks slain at Alba , not being buried , so noysome a smell rose thereabouts , that none could abide to come near the place , to the great trouble of the Inhabitants round about . At length , 350 Turks out of Buda and Alba meeting , to have buried those Carcasses , a Captain of the Hussars lighting on them , left most of them there dead , carrying away the rest prisoners . The Bassa of Buda , causing the Zanzack of Palotta to be strangled , upon suspition of Intelligence with the Christians : another coming with 600 Turks to possess his place , was by the way by Peter Lehushar with the Souldiers of 2 Garrisons slain , with most of his followers , 35 being taken with the Zanzacks 〈◊〉 furniture . Also the Turks of Petrinia , Siseg , Castrowitz , and other places : about 3000 passing over Savus , Decemb. 19. began to spoil those Frontiers ; but by the Lord Graswin , and the Borderers , 500 of them were slain , divers of good account taken , & almost all the rest drowned in the River : towards the end of which Month , great numbers of Souldiers being taken up in Saxony and other places , were sent to Prague and Vienna : and in Hungary the Christians encreased with new supplies . In Austria also was a new Army raised , and 22 great pieces sent down Danubius to Comara , and preparation every where made against the next year . Amurath , going out of Constantinople , Jan. the 11th , 1594 , to muster the Army prepared against the Christians a Tempest of Wind and Rain , suddenly overthrew his Tents and Charriots ; yea , his Horses and Men had much adoe to withstand it : whereat , he , as with an ominous prodigie , exceedingly troubled , returned with his Army into the City , and oppressed with melancholy , cast himself upon his Bed : where falling asleep , he dreamed , he saw an exceeding tall man , standing with one foot upon the Tower of the City , and the other over the strait in Asia , who stretching out his Arms , held the Sun in one , and the Moon in another : whom , whilest he wondered at , the Man with his foot struck the Tower , which falling down , overthrew the great Temple and Pallace : he awaked , as he thought , with the noyse ; and much troubled , sent for all his 〈◊〉 , and Interpreters , to know the meaning of so strange a dream ; who answered him , that since he had not with all his force , impugned the Christians , their Prophet Mahomet threatned thereby , to overthrow the Religion and Empire of the Turks : which vain Interpretation , so moved the superstitious Tyrant , that he sware from thenceforth , not to give over War , till he had done what he would with all his forces , to subdue the Christians : which Dream , Interpretation , and solemn Vow , was read in the Temples of Transilvania , with many exhortations to the people by prayer , and all good meanes to avert so threatned thraldom . Of the rich spoyl taken from the Turks , in the Victory near Abba regalis , the Captains sent a Present for the Emperour , and the arch-Duke his Brother , by the Lords Gall and Brun , which they presented unto them Jan. 11th , at Vienna , in a pompous order ; and being rewarded by the Emperour , with Chains of Gold , and other gifts , returned unto the Camp ; and though it was now deep Winter , yet many sharp skirmishes daily passed upon the Borders betwixt the Turks and Christians : The 15th of this moneth , 2000 Turks were making an inroad about Fileck ; but Lord Teuffenbach laying in waite for them , slew and took 1500 of them . Matthias the arch-Duke , Governour of Stiria , Carinthia , and the Countries thereabout ( Ernest his Brother , being lately by Philip of Spain , made Governour of the low Countries ) was now also made Generall of the Christian Army , who , to further the new Warre , departed February the 26 , from Vienna to Rab ; the forces newly raised in Germany and Hungary , daily following him , and by the perswasion of Teuffenbach , sent Count Schlike with an hundred Horse to Fileck , for the more safety of that place , and the Country so lately gained . About this time , a Turk taken and brought into the Camp , confessed , among other things , that in Novigrad , a strong Town , but three miles from Buda , was left but about eight hundred Souldiers , who were in great fear to be besieged : wherefore the Turks , had brought thither much provision . Whereupon , the Christians removing , came betwixt Dregel and Novigrad , understanding of the people , that the report was true : so forthwith , they sent for some Ordnance to Dregel , and March the 8th , very early , the whole Army came with the Ordnance before Novigrad ; and before night , they had planted certain great Pieces on a high Hill , whence they might see into the Castle : against which , the Master of the Ordnance , discharged three of the greatest about Sun-setting , that the Turks might know , they wanted nothing for the siege : That night also , they cast up a great Mount in the Valley , whence they sent six great shot into the Castle ; but early in the morning , they began to batter the Castle , discharging 300 great Shot ( that day ) against it , but to small purpose ; for it stood on a most strong Rock , with high and thick Walls , and a deep encompassing Ditch , hewen out of the Rock , and was so fortified with Timber-Pallisadoes , that there was no access to the Walls : yet the Generall commanded some Companies to assault the breach , such as it was ; who firing certain dry Faggots , burnt the Pallisado in divers places ; and so opening a way to the Walls , slew divers Turks upon the Rampiers , who but faintly defending themselves , yet slew divers of them , beating them down with stones , Fire-works , &c : This night the assault ceased , till four in the morning . Shortly after , came the arch-Duke with 1000 Horse , renewing the Battery , whereby the chief Cannonier , a renegate German being slain● , the Turks dismayed presently set forth three white Ensigns for parley ; but the Christians continuing their battery , the Turks pittifully crying out , desired to send two Captains to fall to some Composition : so the Battery ceasing , those Captains brought nine of the best Turks to the arch-Duke , declaring by their Interpreter , that , considering the Christians forces , and seeing no relief from the Bassa of Buda , as he had promised , they were content to yield the Castle , so , they might safely depart with bag and baggage ; but Palfi in the person of the arch-Duke , ( who would not be known ) answered , that since they yielded not at the first Summons , but had held out to the losse of many of his mens lives , and great charge , they were unworthy of any favour , yet he would of clemency receive them , if without condition they would yield to mercy : which , being told to the Sanzack , he said , he would still stand on his defence ; whereupon , a fresh assault being about to begin , it was at last agreed , the Turks safely to depart with their Apparel and Scimitars onely : upon which agreement , onely two of the Turks were sent back into the Castle , they delayed 4 houres , as doubtful what to do ; but Palfi being earnest for an answer , and the Christians being ready for assault , they yielded , four hundred and fifty comming forth , the Sanzack Governour being one , with his Wife and Daughter , and another Sanzack sent to ayd him ; and one Chiaus lately come from Court. Instead of their gallant Horses , they had base Jades to ride upon : Men and Women being searched , that they carried away no more than their Clothes ; any thing else , fell to the Souldiers share . Novograd ( serving as it were for a Bulwark to Pesth & Buda ) now opened a way to the Turk's further harms , Lord Rebei , a Hungarian , was made Governour , with a strong Garrison , and some Troops of Hussars . The Sanzack coming to Buda , was laid in prison by the Bassa : who , though he alledged , the Town could not be possibly held with so small a Garrison , against such a power , imputing the fault ( if any ) to them of Buda , for not sending timely relief ; and appealing to Amurath , yet was he by his Command , hanged by night on a Tree nigh the Gate , and then cut in pieces . The Emperour the while , sent Embassadors to the great Duke of Muscovie , the King of Poland , and Transilvanian Prince , to prove their affection towards these Warres , and what ayd he might obtain : Warkutch coming to Mosco , found the Tartarian , Turkish , Persian , Polonian , and Danish Embassadors there : the Tartar and Turk , could have no audience , being with reproachful words , rejected as miscreants : Warkutch was honourably entertained , and , after their manner , was daily and largely allowed Wine , Meade , Aquavitae , flesh , fish , and fowl of sundry sorts . At length , having audience , the great Duke answered , he would give the Emperour , during that War , 500000 Duckats , and allow him yearly 400000 , requesting him not to make peace with the Turks ; and promising him also ayd of forces , if he needed : the Persian also feasting the Emperours Embassador , had great conference with him about the Christians Warres with the Turks , promising the continuation of his Masters Warres with the Turk ; so the Emperour would promise to have no League with him , that so he might not turn all his Forces into Persia. Warkutch , after four moneths stay in Muscovia , returned to the Emperour : Then also Dr. Wacker , returned out of Poland with joyful newes , that the Polanders with 28000 , had stopped the passage of 100000 Tartars , sent for by the Turk ; and , if he needed , to be ayded by the Cossacks : but the King being in Sweden , he was by the States , referred to a further answer of his other requests , at his return . At this time , Serinus having assembled 10000 men , departed from Canisia , to besiege Bresenza Castle ; but the Turks had conveyed away their best substance , firing the Castle , and departing March 23 : into which , the Earl put a Garrison ; so also did he to Sigesta , forsaken by the Turks , and then besieged Babostcha : which Castle , ( though strongly scituated in a Marsh , was for fear , abandoned by the Turks : by all which , the Bassa of Ziget , not a little doubted to have been even then besieged . Amurath , to vex the Emperour every way , would send his Fleet into the Adriatick , to besiege Zegna , a City of his scituate in the Bay of Quernero : wherefore , he sent a Chiaus , to request the Venetians , that his Fleet might passe along that Sea , and use their Ports and Harbours upon occasion : which , ( the Venetians fearing the Turk's treachery ) wou'd in no case grant ; yet they most honourably used the Embassador , and so sent him away . Lord Teuffenbach , Lievtenant in upper Hungary , with 20000 Souldiers , April 16th , laid siege to Hatwan , six miles from Buda , it having a triple 〈◊〉 , and exceeding strong Bulwarks : wherefore the Christians blockt it up . Hereupon , they of the Town , by secret Messengers , certified the Bassa of Buda , how it was ; praying his ayd : who with 10000 in readiness , and five Sanzacks , with 5000 more , came April 30 , and encamped on the side of the River Sagywa , in sight of the Christian Army ; but not daring to passe the River , he retired to passe over at Jasperin , or Jasbrin , where the River had a Bridge , and not far off , a good Foord , thinking to come upon their backs , and the more safely to relieve the besieged ; but Teuffenbach , forthwith passing the River with much difficulty , overtook him , next day about one in the afternoon , & with his Ordnance disordered his Reare , and coming on couragiously , 〈◊〉 a most cruel fight , which the Turks long endured with wondrous resolution ; but now , destitute of their wonted multitude , and hardly laid to , they fled : whom 6000 men fiercely pursuing , had the killing of them almost to Buda . The Christians took all their Ordnance , 17 Ensigns ; and Jasperin Castle for fear was abandoned , wherein was store of Victualls , and much Warlike Provision . Teuffenbach certified the arch-Duke of this notable Victory , as soon as he returned to the siege of Hatwan , as that there were 2500 Turks slain , and as many wounded , of whom many perished , and those not a few , of great name and place , 8 Sanzacks being redeemed , and some Chiaus sent from Court , with the Bassa's Guard of 800 〈◊〉 Souldiers , of whom few escaped with life : that the Germans and Hungarians had agreed it should be counted a dishonour , to spare any enemies , so that they took but 16 common Souldiers , that the Bassa of Buda , besides other 3 wounds , was grievously wounded in the side : that the Christians lost about 100 , and about 600 grievously wounded , many being then dead : neither was the losse small they received in their Horses and Armour . The Turks in Zabola Fort , now discouraged , forsook the same , which for strength and bigness , was comparable with Tocay or Erlawan . While valiant Teuffenbach thus lay at the siege of Hatwan , the arch-Duke , encouraged with his good success at Novigrad , came with 44000 men before Strigonium , ( once the Metropolis of Hungary ) ; and , May 6th , encamped nigh the Castle in a Meadow , whence both City and Castle were plainly to be seen : they of the Castle , and three Gallies in the River , discharging some Ordnance on them , without any great harm ; but the Christian Fleet coming a little before night , and beginning to answer them again , the Enemy lay still that night . The mean while , a Turkish youth taken in a Garden , and brought and examined , confessed there was but 400 Janizaries in the City , a supply being daily expected from Buda . The Christians , bringing their Trenches by break of day , to a Hill opposite to the Castle , placed their battery , and began to batter the City : on which day , May 7th , 22 Turks Heads were presented to the arch-Duke , and 4 alive , newly sent out to view the Camp. About night , Balls of Wild-fire being shot in , one set fire on St. Adelberts Tower , first the Temple , then much of the Town falling on fire , the Sanzacks House , Horses and Armour , with much Powder , being burnt , and exceeding hurt done in the City : next day , they had made a breach in the Castle-Wall ; but a high and broad sandy Rampier adjoyning , could scarce be battered : yet the Germans gave a fierce assault to the breach ; but not being able to get over the 〈◊〉 , retired with losse . The day after , they began the battery again , with 18 great Pieces : in which morning , the Rascians in the old City , acquainted the Generall , if he would assault the bigger City at a place they appointed , they the while , 〈◊〉 let the Christians , by some little Posterns 〈◊〉 the old City , so they nor theirs might have no violence : which agreed to , they assaulted it May the 11th , and took the old City , all the Rascians having 〈◊〉 , but the Turks 〈◊〉 , except such as recovered the new Town . Two German Companies , six hundred Hungarians , three hundred Rascians , and other Townsmen kept the same , who burnt the Suburbs , yet the new Town , and the Castle was still 〈◊〉 . Wherefore the Christians , placing their Battery , began again to batter the Castle : which being made saultable , they couragiously assailed the breach , but were glad to retire , 130 of their Fellows being slain . The Turks had fortified St. Nicholas Hill , somewhat subjecting the Castle , which the Christians gaining May 17th , put all the live Turks to the Sword , and turning the Ordnance , thence also battered the Castle . May 22 , a little before Sun-setting , some Ensigns of Foot were drawn out to assault the lower Town : which they attempting in the dead of the night , were notably encountred by the Turks sallying forth upon them , who yet forcing them to retire , proceeded , and with much adoe , got over the outmost Wall ; but unexpectedly , finding a deep and broad countermure , they stood as dismayd ; and disorderly retiring in the darkness of the night , many perished in the deep mud : In this assault , were 1000 wounded and slain ; and though they twice or thrice renewed it , they were still with losse repulsed . Many Turks were slain also ; yea , the Governour himself , hurt with a great 〈◊〉 , sent to Buda with many wounded men , brought newes of the assaults , and state of the besieged . The Camp had newes the while , that Sinan Bassa coming towards Hungary , with a great Army , and by Boats conveying part thereof , was set upon by the Rascians , ( poor oppressed Christians dwelling on both sides of Danubius , but now encouraged by the Emperours success ) who after divers skirmishes , had taken 13 Vessels : wherein , besides Victualls and Ordnance , they found 2400 weight of powder , 44700 of Lead , 46454 bundels of Match , 1200 great shot , Harquebusse shot 48500 , with much other Warlike Provision : whereupon , Sinan altered his purpose for Cassovia . June 4th , about 500 Turks conducted up the River , by two Sanzacks , landed near Gakara , on the farther side , over against Strigonium : where a while refreshing themselves , and a few left , the more to assure the place , all the rest arrived at Strigonium , the old Garrison being now soare weakened : the Turks herewith encouraged , four dayes after , suddenly sallying forth , entred a Fort of the Christians , but were repulsed , with the losse of 26 men , and two Ensigns . The Christians often assaulted this City , but were so received , that in five assaults , they lost five thousand men ; among whom , were divers Commanders of good account : 23 Cannoniers , were also slain , and ten great Pieces of Ordnance made unserviceable . This Garrison consisted most of Janizaries : whose notable valour in holding out , was much commended by their friends and enemies . About the same time , some Turks lighting on a Germane Troop , slew about 50 , putting the rest to flight : which raising an Alarm , many ran , with some small Field-pieces , to rescue them : whereupon , the Turks fleeing , the Christians eagerly pursuing them , were assailed by other Turks sallying out of a Fort fast by , and forced to retire , leaving their Field-pieces , which the Turks cloyed , breaking their Carriages . About which time , Teuffenbach requested ayd of the Arch-Duke , against Hatwan ; for that his forces were one way or other so weakened , that he had scarce 600 sound men ; who spared him but 1200 Foot , because of too much weakening his own Army . Amurath , seeking by all meanes revenge , besides his own great power now about to come with Sinan , had procured 70000 Tartars from the grand Cham to be sent into Hungary to joyn with his Army , who breaking into Podolia , Walachia , and Moldavia , collected a huge number of Oxen and Kine , that they might be both assured of Victualls , and the saflier travel thorow a part of Polonia ; but being come to those borders , they found Samoschi the Chancellour , and the Cossacks in Arms : wherefore placing those Cattel round about them like a Trench , they marched on ; but the Polanders with their Ordnance , so terrified the Cattel , that they turning upon the Tartars , and overthrowing all in their way , did exceeding harm : the Polonians following them , and hardly charging the confused Army , armed onely with Bowes and Arrowes , after a small fight , put them to flight , gaining an exceeding rich Prey . The Polonians lost about 1800 : of the Tartars , were slain 30000 ; the rest ; retiring into Polodia , passed the River Nester by the way of Transilvania ; and , doing exceeding harm , came to Temesware , and so further into Hungary , being conducted to the Army by 700 Turkish Horsemen . But June 14th , the Christians between 8 and 9 in the morning , furiously assaulted Strigonium in three places , which they notably maintained , till almost 3 in the afternoon : yet were they glad ( at last ) with losse to retire . The arch-Duke from a high place beholding the assault , had one of his Footmen slain fast by him , with a small shot : many Turks were also slain , three being Sanzacks . Next night , there arose a most horrible Tempest of wind and rain , so that the arch-Dukes Tent was overthrown ; and others , blown down or rent , were carried in the Air , from place to place . About which time , Lord 〈◊〉 in sight of the Castle , cast up a notable Fort ( in the very place where Solyman lay , when he besieged this City ) whereby the Enemy was embarred to convey any thing up the River for relief of the City ) to hinder which , the Enemy in vain sallyed out . The Christians took also another Fort , in an Island on the other side of the River , which the Turks lately took from them , cloying the Ordnance : which they again repairing , furnished it with a Garrison and other Ordnance . Then was the Castle and lower Town , in five places , from the new Fort , old Town and Island , so continually battered , that one would have thought all should have been beaten down . June 17th , a Cannonier so dismounted a great Piece in the Castle , that the Piece with the Turkish Cannonier , fell down into the Ditch : on which day , a Mason that fled out of the Castle , reported , that many Turks had been slain , and but an hour before , 40 were slain in one Chamber : The Turks now resolving , when they were at the last cast , desperately to sally out , and to return with Victory , or shift every one for himself , which seemed not wholly feigned ; for about midnight , 1000 Turks sallying out upon the new Fort , were notably repulsed , and forced to retire , 50 being slain , and many more wounded and taken ; and toward evening , eight Turks being taken , confessed , that six dayes before , they saw seven Boats of wounded and dead men , sent down the River to Buda : so that it might be easily gathered , how bloody a siege this was to the Turks ; for those were bodies of account : those of the common Souldiers slain , being thrown into the River . The Turks much troubled with the new-built Fort , on the bank of Danubius , sent to the Admirall of the Turk's Galleys , below in the River , to come up with his Galleys , as high as the Fort , and at least to seem as if he would assault it : at which time , the besieged would sallie out , and assail it indeed on the other side . The Admirall did accordingly , discharging some great Pieces at the Fort , but was so welcomed , that he was glad with his Galleys rent to fall down out of danger ; but the while , they of the Town so desperately assaulted the Fort on the other side , that some on the top of the Rampiers for two houres , most cruelly fought , many being slain and wounded , and the rest forced to retire . The Christians intentively laying at the siege ; understood that a supply of men and Victuals , was shortly to be put into Strigonium : wherefore they sent out Companies , that the one Party lying fitly upon the River , the other by Land , might intercept the same : both which places , being before possessed by the Enemy , they suddenly assailed them there , slaying some , & putting the rest to flight : who for all that , in their retreat , brake the Turks Bridge ( made of Boats ) under the Castle over Danubius , some Boats being carried away with the stream , and 30 falling into their hands ; but five perishing , who fell into the River , by too much haste out of a little Boat. Now fame had brought newes , that Sinan Bassa was coming to relieve Strigonium : of whose power , were divers reports ; but most doubting the worst , and weary of the long siege , with its calamities , still added something to make the danger of stay seem greater . The besieged were in great wants , the intercepted Letters of the Sanzack to the Bassa of Buda , declaring their hard Estate , and craving his promised help ; or else the City could not be defended for lack of Victualls , above three dayes : which Letters being read in the Camp , great preparations were made for continuing the siege , and withstanding the Enemy , hourly expected : The Ordnance never ceasing on either side , many were slain on both sides , many being Cannoniers . But the fame of Sinans coming daily encreasing , and the Camp possessed with a general feare , the Generall consulted with Count Hardeck , Lord Palfi , Lord 〈◊〉 , and Eraun , Governour of Comara , what were best to do ? who all agreed , betimes to raise the siege , and remove into some more safe place : which resolution , next day June 26 , they made known to the other great ones in the Army , who , wondrously discontented , chiefly the Germans , both by word and writing , protested against it , as most dishonourable , and made without their knowledge and liking : to whom 〈◊〉 , President of the Councel of Warre , declared , the Enemy was even at hand , with a very great Army , which encreased daily , &c. besides , it was known how that in the assaults they had lost many of their best Souldiers , besides others that died , and that the place of encamping , was subject to many dangers : wherefore the arch-Duke was resolved in time , to raise his siege , &c. But the German Princes and Commanders , urged still their Protestation , requiring the Generall to excuse them before God and the World , if they yielding to his Command , did what they would not have otherwise done , causing their said Protestation , to be solemnly conceived in writing , which they sealed to , and subscribed , to wit , the Dukes of Saxony and Brunswick , and nine others . The arch-Duke first sent away the Ordnance , and raising the siege June 28 , passed over Danubius , with the whole Army , not far from Kokara , doubtfully expecting what course Sinan would take : before their departure , they fired the old Town , rasing St. Nicholas Tower , which they once purposed to keep ; the besieged Turks were much gladded . Yet Teuffenbach lay still before Hatwan , labouring by all meanes , to take from the besieged their water , and with Earth and Faggots , to fill up the Ditches , which he having now brought to some good perfection , they wrote to the Bassa of Buda , except they were in three dayes relieved , they should be forced to yield : he speedily assembling all his forces , hoped to come upon the Christians ere they were aware , but Teuffenbach having notice , went with 5000 choyse Horsemen , to meet him : coming on him unexpected , he slew 5000 Turks , put the Bassa to flight , obtaining an exceeding rich prey . And now having with continual battery , layed the breaches of Hatwan fair open ; he was in the assault , so notably repulsed by the Turks , that he retired with the losse of his best and resolutest Souldiers : which put him out of hope of taking it by force ; for he had scarce sound men enough left to furnish his Garrisons , to defend his Frontiers : the Hungarians being almost all shrunk home , and scarce 2000 Germans left : he had also oft ( but in vain ) craved supplies of the arch-Duke : wherefore he was glad to abandon two strong Forts he had built , and leave the Town now brought to extremity . While Strigonium and Hatwan were besieged , the Rascians , to rid themselves of Turkish thraldom , assembled to the number of 15000 between Buda and Belgrade , under a Generall of their own : wherefore the Bassa of Temeswar for fear of a surprize , went with fourteen thousand , to fortifie and victuall Lippa ; but in his return , the Rascians fought twice with him in one day , with the losse of most of his Army . After which , they took Beczkeber , a strong Town , in a Marsh , four miles from Buda , slaying all Turks found therein ; and after that Ottadt Castle , so serving those Turks also . Then they besieged Beche Castle , upon the River Tibiscus or Teise , the adjoyning Town presently yielding , but they in the Castle standing a while on their Guard , offered at last to yield on conditions ; but the Rascians knowing the 〈◊〉 thereabouts , had conveyed thither most of their Wealth , and that it was but weakly manned , would needs have it delivered up to their pleasure . The mean while , the Bassa of Temeswar and his Son , in great haste came with 11000 Turks , to relieve the Castle : upon whom the Rascians turning , overthrew him , and so pursued the Victory , that scarce one thousand escaped : the Bassa with three Sanzacks , being slain , his Sonne escaping : they took eighteen great Pieces , and ere long , two other strong places : after which , they sent to 〈◊〉 for ayd ; 〈◊〉 chiefly , for Cannoniers , professing themselves the Turks utter Enemies : the Rascians also about Temeswar , sent word , that they would come and joyn with those of the Camp ; and they who dwelt between Danubius and Tibiscus , sent to the Lord Teuffenbach , offering to send him ten or twelve thousand men , so he would take them and their Countrey , into the Emperours protection , which he granted and assured by writing . They sent also to the arch-Duke himself , desiring a Generall from him , promising all obedience : their Messengers soon returning with an answer , thought most convenient for their present State. The Emperour after the ancient manner , in so common and eminent danger , called a general Assembly of the Princes and States of the Empire at Ratisbone , about the end of February , which for urgent causes , was put off till March , April , and May : at which time , the Emperour and the rest , being solemnly assembled in the Bishops Pallace , began to fit June 2d : Unto whom so assembled , after the Emperour had by Philip , Count Palatine of Rhene , given great thanks for their so ready appearance , and briefly declared the cause of their Assembly , he himself , after some complaint of the Turkish insidelity , declared unto them , how Amurath had violated his League made with him in 1591 , for eight years , and making , as it were , a summary relation of what had happened , even from the beginning of that violation ; yet for as much as there was need of a continuall supply , for maintenance of a perpetual Warre ; and that it was even then presently to be descryed , that the Turk in his quarrell , which he alwayes deemed just against the CHRISTIANS ; and in revenge of those overthrowes , would adventure his whole strength he had , by consent of the Princes Electors , appointed that present Diet , as for the aforesaid causes , so for the generall peace of the Empire , the pacification of the low Countries , the reforming of Justice , and amendment of Coyn ; but above all , to make it known , how much it concerned to have the Turks pride , timely abated , and at length , some effectual defence for Hungary , it being the strongest Bulwark of that part of Christendom ; and whereas his hereditary Provinces were not sufficient to maintain so chargeable a Warre , he requested the Electors Princes and States , not to grudge to help with whatever should be needful against so puissant and dangerous an Enemy : So he caused all his demands to be read and delivered unto them ; for answering whereof , they desired time , which granted after many long consultations , they answered with one consent , It was hard , by reason of the late dearth , and other like occasions , for them to grant such ayd as the Emperour in writing required ; yet beholding the great danger wherein the Christian Commonwealth then stood , they had of their own free will , and meere compassion , granted besides their usuall contribution , such relief for six years , as they thought sufficient to maintain a defensive Warre , both for the present and future . Of all these things , was not Sinan ignorant : who , even úpon the Christians departure from Strigonium , was come with an Army of Turks , ( the Tartars also joyning unto him , reckoned in all above 150000 fighting men ) between Buda and Alba Regalis , to the great terror , not onely of Hungary and the Provinces thereabouts , but of all Germany . The Christians being departed from Strigonium , before Sinans coming , he resolved to go and besiege Jaurinum , or Rab , a strong City ; yet to make all sure before him , he would take in Dotis by the way , about five Hungarian miles short of Rab. The Christian Army in marching toward Comara , might see the places on th' other side of the River covered with The Turks multitudes , who marching dispersedly , shewed more than they were : So both Armies in sight of each other kept on , the Christians to Comara , encamping under the very walls ; yet so , as well to descry each other afar off : the Turks towards Dotis . Where Sinan encamped , July 21 : and next night began furiously to 〈◊〉 the Castle ; the Christian Army not daring at such odds to relieve the distressed : so , while the Bassa tyreth the besieged with continual battery and Alarnms : They of the Town despairing of their own strength , 3 days after yielded the sore battered and undermined Town , on condition for Souldiers and Townsmen , with Wives and Children safely to depart : but at their departure many Wives and Children were stayed , and Lord Baxi , the Governour fowly entreated . Presently after , Sinan had St. Martins Castle yielded to him by the Captain without much ado . The forsaken Villages round about , were ( the while ) burnt , and the Country laid waste : yea , some Turkish fore-runners passing the River Tabnitz , ran as far as Altenburg , but 5 miles from Vienna , burning and slaying as they went , or carrying away the people captive ; yet 400 of these Roamers were cut off by Nadasti . Palfi also , and Brun Governour of Comara , set upon the Turks Rear , slaying a great number of those that had charge of the Victuals , taking 120 , 150 Camels , men , and 300 Mules ; laden with Rice and Meal , which they carried away . Sinan comming towards Rab , encamped within a mile thereof . It is populous , and was accounted the strongest Bulwark of Vienna , being from it about 12 German miles standing on the south-side of Danubius , whence the River maketh a most fertile Isle , called Schut , in whose East-point standeth strong Comara . Count Hardeck had the keeping thereof with 1200 choise Souldiers , to whom were lately joyned some Italian Companies , who with the Citizens made up 5000 men . July 31. ( Matthias about Sun-setting , 〈◊〉 out of Rab into Schut Island ) Sinan came and beset it round ; so speedily casting up Trenches , Mounts , and placing whatever was necessary for so great a siege , that it was thought most strange . Aug. 2. he furiously battered the City , bringing his Trenches within Musket shot of the walls : at which time , 4000 Tartarian Horse swam over Danubius , between Rab and Comara , 6000 Turks following them , who , suddenly surprizing a Fort next the River , discharged five great pieces found therein upon the Christian Camp , who terrified with the sudden accident , hardly charged them , and slew many , chiefly those that were dispersed for booty , forcing the rest to take the River , wherein most of them perished . About 5 dayes after , the Tartars swam over again , and burning a Village in the Island , slew some Christians in their Tents , but they were easily overthrown by Horsmen , and many slain : the rest forsaking Weapons and Horses , ran into the River : whom , the Christians hardly pursuing , slew about 2000 therein . Sinan the while , thundred with 60 great pieces against the City without ceasing , but as yet had made no breach for entrance : but the towers , and high Houses were hurt , and the Camp , by random-shot fleeing over the Town . The Janizaries in a great rain , furiously & with a horrible cry assaulred an outer Bulwark , which the Christians forsaking for fear , had retired into the City , so that the Janizaries had there set up 3 Ensignes ; but , the Christians ashamed , forthwith sallied out again , and couragiously charging them , 〈◊〉 many and recovered the 〈◊〉 . Sinan was now 〈◊〉 up a great Mount : which whilst he daily surveyed , he fell sick , appointing a Bassa in his siead to oversee the work ; who , walking to and fro 〈◊〉 the work , was slain with a shot out of the Town , Aug. 15. Some Turks early getting over the River in 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 a Fort , which the Souldiers presently forsook : which John de Medices perceiving , came with his Italians , and , driving the Turks out of the Fort , slew divers , forcing the rest into the River , where they were all drowned . At which time 5000 Tartars in another place , passing into the Island , were by 〈◊〉 and his Hussars without much resistance put to flight , slaying many , the rest hoping to get over the River , but other Turks meeting them in the River : would have beaten them back and stayed their flight , but the Tartars opposing them , made a most cruel fight ; so that of the 5000 Tartars , few returned to their fellows . Now began great scarcity in the Turks Camp , so that the Souldiers eating unripe fruit , &c. had the Bloudy-flux , and many Diseases which did wondrously consume the Army . Besides , many were slain from the City , one being Sinan's Son in law , upon whose death , he is said to have fallen sick for grief , but soon recovered again . The Tartars , passing into the Island , Aug. 19. 3000 were there slain , : some Turkish Companies , having also 〈◊〉 passed over , assailed the Christians Camp , and other Tartars got over not farre from Comara , hoping at length to perform some great matter ; but finding the Turks , overthrown before their comming , and the Christians ready for them , they were 〈◊〉 & 2000 slain : in which conflict , 3 Zanzacks , and many of great account , perished . Shortly after , the Christians sallying out of Rab , slew many Turks , retiring with small loss . Many now perswaded the Bassa to raise his siege , and to remove to some other more wholsome and plentisull place ; but he would not hearken to any 〈◊〉 . In the mean time , Maximilian the Emperour's Brother took Cragstowitz , a 〈◊〉 upon 〈◊〉 Borders of Croatia , and put all the Turks to the sword . Then he besieged the exceeding strong Fortress of Petrinia , by whose and his Souldiers industry , they so terrified the Turks with continuall battery and Mines , that firing the Fort , they fled away by night , shifting for themselves : whereupon , they of Sifeg firing the Castle , left it to the Christians . So did they of Gara ; by which success all Croatia was for that time freed of a great trouble and danger . Aug. 28. 20000 Christians , passing the River by a Bridge , and joyning with them of the Town , fallied out upon the Turks Camp. The Hungarians in the front at first onset beating the Turks out of two Bulwarks , and cloyed their Ordnance , but they returning with more power , forced the Christians to retire and recovered their Bulwarks , many were slain on bo h sides . Thouhause and Hardeck's Lievtenant , came in boates with 1500 Foot to help their fellows , but landing too late , they were by the Turks forced with such speed to retire , that many not able to recover the boats were drowned : Geitzhofler himself perishing , and Thonhause deadly wounded : yet the Christians assembling under the very walls , gave them a second assault : the Foot being foremost were easily repulsed by the Turkish Horse ; but Lord Rinsberg comming in ( who at first onset was slain ) , the Turks were forced to their trenches , except a few divided ones : who being found hid in Vineyards , were all flain . Lord Palfi was much wounded in his thigh : 400 Christians were slain , and about 2000 Turks . These conflicts endured from 7 in the morning till noon : the Christians then retiring and returning , carried away , besides other spoiles , 17 Turks Ensignes , daily skirmishes passing . Septem . 9. 10000 Turks getting over into Schut Island , suddenly set upon the Christians ( sleeping in security ) slaying 2000 , and after a small fight , put the rest to flight : so , that Matthias himself with the other great ones had much ado to escape . The , 〈◊〉 the while , took their Tents , Ordnance , Ammunition , and all the money lately brought for the Souldiers pay , with 1000 Waggons , and 200 boats loaden with provision , and 10 Galleys , containing 120 piece of Ordnance , the loss being valued at 500000 Duckats : And though the Turks lost 2500 men , yet by this Victory they roamed far and near unresisted , and burnt some Villages not far from Vienna , so that for many miles the Towns were for fear forsaken : some people being slain , some carried captive , and some with what they had , getting farther off into more safe places : and shortly after , the Tartars passing Danubius , sacked and burned Weisenburg , with certain Towns thereabouts ; but adventuring to go further , they were with loss forced to return . Cicala Bassa , the Turkish Admiral , the mean time landing his men in divers places of Italy , did exceeding harm , chiefly in Calabria , where surprizing Rhegium , 〈◊〉 rifled and burnt it ; but sayling thence . 〈◊〉 in sight of Messana of Sicily landed some men : who , adventuring too far , were by the people put to flight , so they returning to Rhegium utterly razed what they before 〈◊〉 . The while , even in sight of the Garrison of 〈◊〉 , they took a ship comming out of the East , and 3 others from Apulia : afterwards they changing a few shot with some Eastern galleys to no great purpose , sayled along the Calabrian coast , oft landing men ; who , skirmishing with the Calabrians , had sometime the better , sometime the worse , being again received 〈◊〉 their Galleys . The Messanians gave speedy knowledge hereof to the Viceroy ( then at Palermo for his pleasure ) requesting his present ayd ; but he dallying off time , they of themselves raised 500 Horse to be led by Ph. Cicala , the Renegate Admirals Brother , storing the City with all necessaries for a Siege : certifying the Spanish King of all , and of the Viceroy's negligence , requesting speedy ayd against these Turkish terrours . The Neopolitans put to sea 30 Galleys , to whom the Pope , Duke of Florence , the Genowayes , and Knights of Malta , joyning theirs , there was about 80 Galleys under Auria's conduct . The Venetians also , though in League with the Turks , for more safety , set forth about 100 Ships and Galleys under Foscarin their Admiral ; which Fleets sayling up and down , freed Italy , Sicily , Dalmatia , &c. of a great fear . 〈◊〉 , having encouraged his Souldiers with great hope and large promises , assaulted Rab , Septemb. 23. the Sun 〈◊〉 scarce up , furiously maintaining it till night ; but through the Defendants valour , the Turks with loss retired : yet was the assault renewed next day , and that most desperate for two dayes , 12000 Turks being slain , the rest retiring into their Trenches , Few dayes after , the Turks by a Mine , blew up a Bulwark of the Town , whereby the Ditch was there somewhat filled , the Turks with all their power next day striving to enter , but were still notably repulsed with loss ; yet ceased not the Enemy his 〈◊〉 and assaults , till he had gained two Bulwarks , whence he might by the fallen rubbish have access to the Town , to the great terrour of the Defendants : Whereupon , Count Hardeck ( who , corruptéd by the Turk , had often said , The Town could not possibly long be defended ) now took occasion to consult with the other Captains ( divers being already framed to his purpose ) what to do for yielding up the Town : and after a little consultation for fashion-sake , resolved to send to Sinan sor a truce for a while , for coming to some reasonable composition ; yet , to excuse his doings , he conceived a publike Instrument in writing in his , and his Captains names : that since 't was impossible longer to defend the town against such an enemy without new supplies instead of the 〈◊〉 , which they had oft in vain requested , they were necessitated to compound with the Enemy , which they subscribed and sealed . So a Truce being granted , and Pledges mutually given it was agreed : That the whole Garrison , should with bag and baggage , and 〈◊〉 displayed , with a safe convoy be brought to Altenburg ; which though by Oath confirmed , yet , when the Count had , September 29. delivered up the City , and all were come forth , himself and a few friends , were conveyed to the appointed place , but the rest were spoiled of all they had , and hardly escaping with life , came to Hochstrate , and next day to Altenburg . Rab , even when it was given up was Victualled for a year , and sufficiently furnished with all necessaries for defence . Sinan glad of this Victory , gave his Master speedy knowledge thereof , of whom he was highly commended , and afterwards bountifully rewarded ; for Amurath now hoped to devour Austria with the adjacent Provinces . Sinan , 〈◊〉 delay repaired and fortified the City , enlarging the Ditches , and filling the Cathedral with 〈◊〉 ; Whereon , he planted store of great Ordnance , speedily dispatching all things : and , the while sent the Tartars to summon Pappa : which Castle , and small Town , the Christians next night setting on fire , fled . The 〈◊〉 leaving 4000 Janizaries , and 2000 Horse in Garrison , departed from Rab to Comara , a strong town , about 4 Miles from it ( which is enclosed on the East , North , and South , with the two arms of Danubius ) all 〈◊〉 ways , 〈◊〉 , with his well appointed Fleet , hardly besieged the Town , giving divers assaults , while , the Beglerbeg of Greece by continuall Battery and Mines , shook the walls and bulwarks by land , but the Christians with no less courage defended themselves , than they 〈◊〉 by the Turks assailed . Matthias the Arch-Duke the while , collecting again a good Army , resolved to go and raise the siege from this City of such concernment to the Emperor ; so he came & encamped Octob. 28. at N tria , about 5 Miles off . The Tartars were a little before departed purposing to return home : yea , the Turks weary of the siege , and wanting Victualls , began to shrink away : Wheresore , the Bassa upon the Christians approach forsook the City after three weeks hard besieging it , and , by a bridge of boats , passed over Danubius to Dotis : where , next day he brake up his Army . The arch-Duke coming to Comara diligently repaired the Breaches , filled up the Mines , made new Bulwarks and Rampiers in divers places , leaving Lord Brun the Governour still ; who , in defence thereof was grievously wounded in his right knee : to whom Sinan in the late siege , sending 5 Turks under colour of a parley , but indeed to try , if he were any way to be won to yield the City ; he having heard them out , had 4 of their Heads struck off and set upon pikes upon a Bulwark ; but the 5th . he sent back to tell the Bassa , He was much deceived , if in him he thought to find a Count Hardeck ; he wishing rather to die the Emperour 's faithfull servant in the bloud of the Turks , than to betray his charge . Count Hardeck generally suspected to have betrayed Rab to Sinan , was sent for to Vienna , and by the Emperour committed to prison ; and , being accused of sundry things ( as that at first , he suffered the Enemy to do many things , which afterwards turned to great danger ) : That he caused some Cannoniers to discharge some great pieces with powder onely : and seeing one piece especially to do much harm , he caused it to be removed : hat he should oft say , The Turks should be but one Town the richer if he won it , &c. The heaviest thing was the Testimony of one , who being taken young , and serving in Sinan's Chamber , now was fled from the Turks : declaring to Matthias , in time of the Siege , he , but 3 dayes before , by his Master's command , had delivered 2 baggs full of Duckats to 2 Christians , one having a notable scar in his face , and afterwards known to have bin a servant to the Count. Upon this and the like proof , he , after many hearings in open Court , where were 47 Nobles and great Capt. was condemned of Treason , and adjudged to be hanged , and to hang 3 dayes on the gallows , and all his estate to be confiscate : which rigour , the Emperour mitigated , by having his right hand ( given to him in pawn of his Faith ) and his Head struck off upon a Scaffold at Vienna , and so buried . So , June 10th . following , in the high street , after the sentence read , and he commending himself to Gods mercy on his knees , with eyes covered , and his right-hand covered with black both Head and Hand were so suddenly struck off , that it could scarce be judged which was first done ; so being conveyed away in his Coach covered with black , he was buried among his Ancestours . The Tartars departing from Sinan's Camp , purposed to have gone home thorow upper - Hungary , and by the borders of Transilvania and Moldavia : 2 parties of whom being utterly defeated , and cut off by Palfi , the rest finding the passages hardly beset by the Prince of Transilvania , and Vayuod of Valachia , returned the same way they came : and rifling and burning some Towns and Villages about Tockai , passed the River , and wintring in places about Rab , lived on the spoil as far as Meinersdorf . The Tartars at their first comming , by order from Amurath , stayed on the Borders of Transilvania , either to have surprized that Country , or to have thrust out Sigismund Bator , the young Prince , or sent him in bonds to Constantinople ; for it was reported , that he weary of his heavy Tribute ( having bin divers times enhaunsed ) intended to revolt from the Turk , and enter a confederacy with the Emperour ; which change , some of the chief of Transilvania , sought by all means to hinder : and acquainting Amurath hereof , and conspiring with the Tartars , undertook the aforesaid matter : wherefore , they cunningly perswaded the Prince , that Samosche the Polonian Chancellour lay on his own borders , expecting his comming to consult with him of important matters , counterfeiting Letters to that effect , from the Chancellour to the Prince , so that he suspecting no Treason , put himself upon his way ; but he was advised by some suspitious friends not to go any further , whose comming was not attended by the Polonians , but the Tartars his Enemies , who lay in wait for him at Hust . The Prince astonied , retiring to the strong Fort of Rehwere , staying 14 dayes , as for fear of the Tartars onely ; and the while , gave notice to the Nobles and Governours his Friends , of the eminent danger , who repaired to him in Arms : But the Traytors perswaded Bornemissa the Princes Generall , that to fight with the Tartars was of no small danger : Wherefore , he should only shew himself near them , as not unprovided for them : So , the Army was brought so nigh the Tartars , that they might hear the noise of their Drumms and Trumpets ; Whereby , the Tartars as by a Watch-word , perceiving themselves discovered , removed , and breaking another way thorow Transilvania , and so into Hungaria , rifled and burnt 500 Villages , slew all males above 12 years old , carrying away the rest to the Turks Camp , then at Rab. The Traitors the mean time , conspired to set up Bator the Princes kinsman ; and with Amuraths favour , to prefer him to the Government Wherefore Sigismund doubting , wholly to trust his own Subjects , wrote to the Rascians and other Confederates praying their ayd , which he receiving , appointed an assembly of all his States at Clasehburg ; every one to appear personally upon a great pain , none absenting but Cardinall Bator , and Stephen his Brother : who as guilty , were fled into Poland . All thus met , the Prince , commanded the Gates to be shut , watch to be diligently kept , and none on pain of death to speak of imagined Treason : politiquely also publishing in writing , that the Germans had got a notable Victory over the Turks , commanding Bon-fires and other signes of Joy to be made ; he prepared also a Banquet , whereto , he with others the chief Conspirators were invited : who , being at dinner , he apprehended 14 , committing them to prison , executing 5 in the Market-place n xt morning ; He , who had undertook to have slain the Prince , after 3 or 4 light cuts in the neck , being drawn in pieces with 4 Horses , the other 4 were beheaded , and left there as a Spectacle : the rest being afterwards executed : and Balthazor his Kinsman , that should have been exalted , strangled . Then , by a publike Edict , he gave leave to all his Subjects , of their own charge to take up Arms against the Turks , and whatsoever they could take from them to have it to themselves : whereby , the Transilvanians encouraged , armed themselves to the number of 40000. who , being sworn to hold together against the Turks , came first to Danubius , where they lighted on some Turks ships , laden with provision for the Camp , Merchandize of all sorts , and much Treasure , of whom they took 7 , but the 8th . the Admirall escaped : they took an exceeding rich booty , slew many , carrying back seven Turkish Ensignes to the Prince . This prosperous beginning caused great joy in Transilvania . Sinan is reported to say , If this provision had come to him in safety : he could more easily ( with that Treasure ) have bought Vienna than he had Rab. After this Victory , the Prince besieged Temesware ; but hearing of the Tartars comming towards Transilvania , upon their return , he gave off , to look to his own Country . Ere long , about December 22. a tumult of the Janizaries at Constantinople grew to such a height , that a Bassa was slain , with other great Ones , and a son of Amurath's sore wounded and with much ado saved . Upon conceit whereof , Amurath fell into a grievousfit of the falling sicknesse , vexed 3 dayes and 3 nights therewith ; so that the City was filled with heaviness and fear , and the Courtiers even ready to think of a new Lord. This tumult many supposed was the cause of Amurath's death , shortly ensuing : whose grief & malady daily encreased by ill news , still brought him , chiefly out of Transilvania : where the Prince waiting on every occasion cut the Turks short in every place , and took also this Month many of their strong holds . He had then in field 3 Armies : one under Ferens , in the Country Lugaz , nigh Temesware : another under Horat on th' other side Danubius , to intercept the Turks coming to Buda , the 3d. under Cornoyse nigh Giula ; to whom came 1500 Horse out of upper Hungary . Sigismund thus revolted from the Turk , thought best betimes to enter a confederacy with those of Valachia and Moldavia ( who shortly after also , cast off the servile yoke ) but chiefly with the Emperour ; Wherefore , he sent his Embassadours , who arrived at Prague , Jan. 12. with 20 Waggons and 150 Horse , where they were most honourably received and entertained ; and having audience , after much grave consultation , the Confederacy was fully concluded , 1. That they should mutually proceed in their Wars begun , and not enter any League with the Turk , without the liking of each other : and that in all conclusions of peace made by the Emperour , Transilvania , Valachia , and Moldavia , should be comprised ; nor the Prince to enter any League with the Turk , without the consent of the Hungarian Nobility also . 2. Transilvania , with all parts thereof possessed by the Prince in Hungary , to remain to 〈◊〉 and his Heirs male , in absolute Authority ; yet to acknowledge the Emperours for their lawfull Soveraigns , &c. But for lack of Heirs male , Transilvania to descend to the Emperours , the Kings of Hungary : but then should they keep inviolate the ancient Laws , Priviledges and Customs of that Country , and alwayes appoint a Transilvanian Noble , to be Vayuod of the same . 3. The Emperour to acknowledge the Transilvanian an absolute Prince ; and by Charter confirm to him the Title of , Most Excellent . 4. The Emperour to procure a Daughter of his Uncle Charls , late Arch-Duke for a Wife to the Prince , for affinity sake . 5. The Prince to be by him procured one of the Order of the Golden-Fleece . 6. That the Prince should not be forsaken by the Emperour , however things fell out , but if more need should be to have greater help : which 〈◊〉 was to be reciprocall , according to the necessity of either part . 7. The Roman Empire to undertake the protection of the Prince and his Territories , and to create him and his successours Princes of the Empire , yet to have no voyce or place among them . 8. Whatsoever places of strength should be taken by both their Forces , when the Emperour should send a full Army , should be his Majesties ; but what the Prince should by his own Forces gain , should remain his : yet what places the Prince did recover , which belonged to Hungary , before it was taken by the Turk , he should 〈◊〉 to the Emperour , as soon as he had of him reasonable recompence . 9. The Emperour to give the Prince sufficient ayd for fortifying places thought needfull : and the Prince not to spare his own Coffers or 〈◊〉 to the same end . 10. That if it should chance that the Prince or his Successours , having spent themselves , should not be able longer to defend their State and Country , but should by the Enemy be forced to forsake it : the Emperour within a moneth to assign some place in his Dominions , where they might honourably live : and the like regard to be had of such other principall men , as should adventure life and living , in defence of the Christian Common-weal . Which Articles solemnly confirmed , the Embassadours were with all bounty sent back ; the Prince the while , labouring by all means to draw to him , Michael Vayuod of Valachia , and Aaron of Moldavia , both the Turks Tributaries , so that they shortly after joyned hands with him for recovery of their lost liberty : which revolt so much concerned the common good , that the safeguard of Austria , the remnants of Hungary , with some good part of Germany , is not causelesly 〈◊〉 to have rested therein . The revolt of the Noble Vayuod of Valachia , of no less worth than the Prince , was after this manner . But first , let us see how he obtained of the Turk this preferment . Alexander the late Vayuod , a Moldavian ( proud above measure of so great preferment , as of his Nobility , and Fortune fawning upon him ) intolerably oppressed his people , and , in further favour of the Turks , brought into that too much exhausted Country , such a company of them , as that they oppressed the Christians with new exactions , and more than tyrannical injuries : breaking into their Houses , dispoyling them of goods , and also taking Tyth of their Children , a thing never before seen ; they ravished also their Wives and Daughters even in sight of Husbands and Parents , with divers outragious villanies , not with modesty to be rehearsed . His Subjects being hereby out of hope of recovering their ancient liberty , and not knowing which way to turn ; there was at Crailowa a City in the confines of Valachia ( where the Governour is with a strong Garrison alwayes resiant ) 〈◊〉 ( that is , with the Valachians , Christians ) 〈◊〉 , son to Peter , Alexanders Predecessour ; who , as he was for his birth , comliness and tallness , well known to the 〈◊〉 ; so for his zeal towards Christianity , love to his Country , kindness , 〈◊〉 , upright-dealing , constancy and bounty , heroick mind , wisdome , foresight , pleasingspeech without affectation , no less gracious and dear : whose Fame caused Alexander to command him secretly to be apprehended , and so taken out of the way : whereof he understanding , fled into Hungary , and thence went to Constantinople in 1591 , to 〈◊〉 for the Vayuodship ; About which time , the chief and gravest of the Valachians , laying at Amuraths feet , most grievously complaining of the manifold and intolerable injuries they had , and were like to sustain from Alexander & his Courtiers : the Turks Garrisons and Merchants with many tears , declaring his most foul facts , and highly commending Jon Michael for his Vertues , as the true Heir ; humbly requested Amurath , either to appoint him Vayuod , or to assign some other place for them to dwell in ; wishing any where to live , rather then under so merciless a man ; neither did Michaels Uncle by the mother , a very rich Greek , spare for any cost . So Michael was with great solemnity created Vayuod of Valachia ; and that oppressed Country by little and little ( though not altogether without most sharp and violent remedies ) well relieved : at the beginning of whose Soveraignty , Alexander , guilty of his evil and shamefull Government , secretly fled ; but some yeares after , going with his Wife to Constantinople , and there attempting ill means to obtain the Palatinate of Moldavia , for which he was accused by the Palatines Agent ; he was by Amuraths command strangled in his own House , in 1597. about 6 years after his departure from Valachia . Michael thus made Vayuod , ere long , Cornelius de No●a , sent from Pope Clement to the great Duke of Muscovy in his return , informed Sigismund of Transilvania and Aaron of Moldavia , of the great consent of divers Christian Princes to maintain War against the Turk , perswading them with many reasons in that Christian quarrel , to joyn to them their Forces , raised near Danubius and Nester : but for divers important businesses , he could not come unto Michael ; whom yet , Sigismund his Neighbour desirously sought to draw into the fellowship of that War , even for the same reasons a●mos● , wherewith he had been himself moved ; and , in brief , he said , It was a wise mans part , not without most manifest and weighty reasons to promise himself better fortune or more assurance than had his Predecessours , but warned by their harmes , betimes to provide for his own safety : whereby , he so prevailed with the Vayuod ; that although he would not for the weightiness of the matter at first yield : yet promised with his Friends and Nobles to consider thereof ; The Prince laying down , How a sufficient number of Souldiers might alwayes be raised : pay provided , and ayd still sent him as need should be , from the Emperour or himself : Also , that the Palatine of Moldavia would be ready to combine , that so with united Forces , they might upon Danubius and Nester's Banks easily represse the Incursions of the Turks and Tartars . The Emperour the while , the easier proceeding in his Wars on tother side of Hungary . Whilst this plot was laying ( not wholly unsuspected by the Turks ) , Sinan coming , had as aforesaid taken Rab : whereat the Vayuod began more deeply to consider of his estate ; and grieving to see his Subjects , to be so daily more and more oppressed by the insolent Turks , he ( as he had promised ) called an assembly of all his States to consult what were best to be dene for remedy of such evils ; and preventing of greater , not causlesly to be feared . Where they all agreed , rather to joyn with the Christian Princes , than longer to endure the Turkish yoake : Whereupon , the Vayuod taking 2000 Hungarian Garrison-Souldiers , secretly laid upon his Frontiers for that end ; and calling on the Name of Christ Jesus , in one day slew about 2000 Janizaries , who without his leave had seated themselves in Valachia , with all other insolent Turks , and traiterous Jewes , he could come by in the open Country . And to drive them out of their strong Holds also , he , within 14 dayes after , set upon Dziurdzowa a great Turkish Town upon the Bank of Danubius , which he burnt , all but the Castle ; and , having made great slaughter , he returned to his chief Seat Bucaresta , loaded with spoil . But ere long , he perceived the Turks in revenge thereof to seek his life , though he seemed onely enforced thereto , through the Turks insolence ; for the same Month , a Turkish Emir or Lord , descended of the Family of their false Prophet , and then Cadilescher , with 200 choyse Souldiers , 50 of Amuraths Chamber , and many Zanzii and Spahi , suddenly came to Bucaresta , under colour of refreshing themselves after long travel : where they committed all kind of outrages , & demanded of Michael then at his Pallace without the City , without any defence , 1000 Florens for a Present , with provision for his followers : and the Emir hearing he was almost alone , went on foot out of the City with 1000 Souldiers , as if in courtesie to have seen the Vayuod : who got him away betimes into the Camp of his Hungarians fast by : the Turk deceived of his hope , sent 〈◊〉 to know of him , Why , in time of peace he entertained so many Hungarian Souldiers ? Who cunningly answered , They were first entertained , to take Peter the Son of Alexander , sometime Palatine of Moldavia : who , though he were apprehended and hanged on a Hook at Constantinople , yet they were still there to be billeted , till their pay could be provided . The Turk commanded him forthwith to discharge them , promising next day to lend him a Tunn of Gold to pay them : Which feigned promise he seemed thankfully to take , yet commanded them to stand ready to intercept the Turks , if , by him distressed , they should flee . He the while , with his Courtiers and Souldiers secretly assembled , came , and unexpectedly encompassed the Turks Innes where they lay , and firing them in 5 places , notably forced them with fire & sword : yet the Turks for a while valiantly defended 〈◊〉 , & sought by force to escape thorow the midst of their Eenmies : yea , many tearing off their burning cloaths , fought stark naked ; but most that could , fled to the Emirs Palace , there with him to die or live ; but the Vayuod with two great pieces , opening a way for his Souldiers unto them : the Emir now in despair , threw out of a Window a great Chest of Gold and Jewels , and precious Stones , to appease his wrath , humbly requesting but to have his life spared , promising a large ransom for himself , and those few yet alive with him : Howbeit , Michael commanded all those his enemies , now in his power to be slain , they having a wondrous rich spoyl , though much more was lost in the fire : and so , giving God thanks , rested a while in quiet . Yet in less than a Month , he sent Kirall his Lievtenant with an Army to Phloch , a great unwalled Town on the further side of Danubius : Whence , the Turks oft passing over that frozen River , had done great harm in Valachia : which he suddenly surprizing , sacked it , and slew all the Inhabitants that were not sled . And shortly after , he marching over the Frozen-River , to surprize Hersowa a walled City , was greatly encountred by the Turks upon the Ice : who having slain many , and put the rest to flight , he went and took that rich City , which he rifled and burnt to the ground , except the Castle which was valiantly defended , and so returned over the River to refresh his Souldiers , weary with labour and extremity of Winter-weather ; and within 6 days after , having on the other side of the River overthrown the Turks Garrisons , he took Sibistra , a great City of Macedonia , the Seat of a Zanzack , and inhabited with rich Merchants , which he ransacked , and , slaying most of the Inhabitants , burnt it down , to the grief and terrour of the Turks . But Amurath , vexed with the Stone , and attainted with the Falling-sickness , and tormented with the Janizaries insolency , and revolt of the 3 said Countries , departed this life , Jan. 28. 1595. being 51 or 52 yeares old , raigning 19 : At his death , arose a most sudden and terrible tempest at Constantinople , his dead body being with great pomp buried in a Moschie which he before built . The Life of Mahomet the third , seventh Emperour of the Turks . Amurath's death was , with wondrous secresie , concealed , both for fear of the Janizaries , and also because the people distrusting the fierce nature of 〈◊〉 the eldest Son , were better affected to Amurath the younger , more mild and courteous . Ten dayes after , came Mahomet in Post from Amasia to Constantinople ; where , by the great Bassaes and other mighty Favorites , he was saluted Emperour ; which done , he invited all his Brethren to a Feast in the Court ; whereto they , ignorant of their Father's death , chearfully came , and were all by his command strangled : and the same day ( as is reported ) he caused ten of his Fathers Wives & Concubines , by whom Issue was to be feared , to be drowned in the Sea. The Janizaries and other Court-souldiers , not before acquainted with Amurath's death , nor of the choyce of Mahomet without their privity , and offended to be disappointed of the spoils , which they reckoned due to them in the Vacancy , rose in a rage , and made such spoil in the Imperial City , as greater could not well have bin , had no Emperour been chosen : and were even ready to have 〈◊〉 the Court , and to have violated Mahomets person , in revenge of his cruelty on his Brethren & Fathers Wives , ( which they easily excuse by the name of State-policy . ) Mahomet called to him , some of the chief of these seditious , seeking by fair perswasions and large promises to win them to him , thereby to appease the rest , but to little or no purpose , till the Bassaes themselves with their followers , with many fair perswasions & grievous threats . & firm promise of a general pardon , with much ado appeased the 〈◊〉 ; yet kept all the streets with strong watch & ward . A new Tent was now commanded by Mahomet to be set up before the Temple of Sophia , in which on the right hand was placed his Fathers dead body , and on the left the bodies of his 19 strangled Brethren , as a Spectacle for the people : who all ere long were with their Father buried with great solemnity ; and Mahomet about 29 years old , was proclaimed great Emperour of The Turks , and L. of all , from the rising of the Sun to the going down thereof . Then , in his Pallace , he made to his great men a royall Feast ; but , while they were in their mirth , all the City was in an uproar ; so , that 't was thought , scarce one would have escaped alive from the Banquet , had not the chief Bassa , by gravity , wisdom , and labour , timely appeased them , and caused all the Ordnance to be brought into the streets and discharged among them . In the mean time , divers fortunate inroades and skirmishes were made by the late Confederate Princes in the Turks Frontiers . The City Weitze was in the beginning of Aug. 1595. again recovered , and the Christians about Scuthia ( being about 4000 ) carried out of the Turks Frontiers an exceeding rich prey , with divers notable captives ; so did also the Christians of Vivaria : when also the Garrison-souldiers of Altenburg inroading about Rab , encountred 4000 Turks , slaying 200 , and taking certain prisoners : And Sinan Bassa , returning towards Constantinople with much Treasure , scraped together in the Warrers in Hungary , was stript of all by the Valachians not far from Belgrade , himself hardly escaping with a few . Those Valachians , with the Transilvanians , under the conduct of Gestius Ferens , 〈◊〉 further on the Turks took from them divers Towns and Castles , and meeting with 12000 Tartars , slew many , and put the rest to flight . The Turk being highly offended with the insolency of the Valachians , sent one Bogdanus a Valachian ( of the Palatines House ) with a great power , to expulse Michael , and take his place as his Tributary : who came into Valachia , yet thought best to expect the comming of the Tartars , left in Hungary by Sinan ; but the Valachians & Transilvanians 〈◊〉 them , slew 8000 of them , putting the rest to flight , and so returned , unto whom presently after Sigismund sent 14000 more to ayd them . Bogdanus , hearing of the Tartars overthrow , and of this new supply , kept himself still within his 〈◊〉 . Ere long , Han the Crim Tartar , with a great power of Horse entred Moldavia , by fire and sword , to reduce it to the Turks Obedience ; but Aaron the Vayuod , ayded by his Neighbour Michael , so belayed him , that in 3 〈◊〉 having slain 12000 Tartars , he forced the rest to retire out of his Country : and presently after took Bendar , and divers other strong Holds of the Turks near Danubius , furnishing them with his own Garrisons ; also the Inhabitants of the rich Country Bograga willingly submitted unto him , as weary of the Turkish 〈◊〉 . He likewise , ayded by the Cossacks , overthrew Janicula ( the Son of Bogdanus once Vayuod of Moldavia , sent by Mahomet with a great power to recover that Country ) , at Scarpetra ( a Mile from Danubius ) in plain battel ; slaying 8000 Turks , putting him to flight , and taking the whole spoyl : and marching presently to Nester Alba , he much frightned the Turks ; then burning the Suburbs , he retired . Sinan Bassa brought Krecowitz the Emperors Embassadour aforesaid with him when he came into Hungary : who , having suffered many indignities upon the way , and at Belgrade , there died : 5 of whose servants he kept in strait prison , as guilty of their Master's death , to avert the infamy thereof from himself ; but upon the coming thither of a new Treasurer from Court , he caused those five to be brought before him , charging them with his death : saying , They should answer it before God and their Emperour ; and that his end of bringing him with him , was only to use his help in concluding a peace , & so to have set him and his at liberty : but , he being dead , he would send them to the Emperour to be examined , and to tell him , he was sent from the Great Sultan ( who was not but by God to be withstood ) to besiege Vienna : which he could easier have taken last year , than he had done Rab ; Wherefore , he had best seek for peace , before so great a power had taken the field ; sending them with the Treasurer to the Bassa of Buda his Son for further Instructions : Who , being brought before him , as also the late Embassadour's Secretary ; after he had said something of the hard dealing with them , he declared , He alwayes disliked the same , and oft entreated his Father for their liberty , which he put them in hope shortly to have : one of them the while , to go to the Emperours Court , and speak with one of his Secretaries , whom he had advised to bethink of peace : writing to him afterwards , on what conditions he thought peace might be obtained , viz. If all strong Holds taken by the Emperours Forces in these wars , with their Territories should be restored , & Siseg surrendred , If the Emperor should leave the Transilvanians , Moldavians , and Valachians , to the Sultan to be chastized as Rebels : and , If he would send the Turk ( at once ) his tribute for the years past , and so yearly afterwards : so could he be content by his Fathers mediation to further the treaty of Peace . This , the Secretary wrote ; sending it by the young Lord Perling ; yet on condition , That , if Perling returned not with answer in 25 dayes , all the rest should lose their heads . A subtile and deceitfull device of the Father and the Son , only to see what confidence the Christians had , and to break the Confederacy between the Emperout and the Transilvanians , &c. and that other Princes hearing of a rumour of peace , might defer to send their promised ayd . For Transilvania , Moldavia , and Valachia , brought 1000000 Duckats yearly into the Sultans Treasury : and these were also the fittest to intercept all manner of provision , brought either to , or from , Constantinople by land . Sinan , for all this motion , diligently prepared for war at Belgrade , making three Bridges over Danubius in divers places , for transporting his Army , sending for the Garrisons round about , and others billetted in the Country . Perling came within the limited time , with an answer to the Letters : That it was alwayes the Emperour's mind , and his endeavour for a firm Peace , between him and the Sultan on reasonable conditions , &c. That he had sent his double tribute , which lay long at Komara , till Amuraths mind were known , &c. But , whereas Sinan and his son were of opinion , that the Emperour was brought so low , that , he must be glad to accept of most hard , and dishonour able conditions of peace propounded by them , they much deceived themselves : for by the power of God , they should shortly by experience know the contrary , &c. Yet forgetting all injuries , he was more enclined to an honourable peace , than to protract the war , with the unspeakable harm of the subjects on both sides ; But Sinan must above all things know , All strong Holds taken by the Turks in this war , must be restored , beginning at Whitz in Croatia , even to the last subject carried into captivity : and that the Transilvanians , Moldavians , and Valachians ( many Ages united as inseparable members to Hungary , and by the late treacherous practice of certain rebellious , seperated from it ) were henceforth to be left under the protection and Government of the Emperour , and never more to be impugned by the Turks : which things being done , and order taken , that the injury and disgrace done to his Embassador ( which all Princes cryed shame of ) might he punished : and that his servants in durance might be freed : then some good form of peace , and bounding of Territories , might perhaps be agreed on ; else , all talk of peace was but vain , &c. This Answer , the Captives at Buda , were to give by word or writing to the Bassa ; and , earnestly to request him , both for their own and fellowes Liberty at Constantinople ; however , to comfort themselves , that they should have Allowance sufficient for things necessary , as the Emperour had granted to Perling , whom he might have justly detained , being no lawfull prisoner , but for his Oaths-sake : No mans name was set to this Answer . The Emperour most carefull of the Reliques of Hungary , laying as it were in the Lyons mouth , prayed Ayd as far as Spain and Italy , especially of the King of Poland , as his near Alliance and Neighbour : He , and the States of Hungary , sending their Embassadours thither , when he , through the daily Incursions of the Turks and Tartars into the adjoyning Countries , had called a Parliament in Febr. at Cracovia : whereof , Mahomet fearing , sent 2 of his chief Chiaus , Embassadours to the King and States , to crave ayd in his Wars in Hungary : promising the King ( if he refused not ) Coyn sufficient to pay his Souldiers , and to be alway ready to requite him the like upon occaon . These Embassadours , obtaining safe conduct of Michael of Valachia through his Country , were by him honourably entertained , and brought into a fair Lodging , discoursing with him of many matters : but the Vayuods followers , grieved at such honor done to their mortall Enemies , 〈◊〉 into the room with their Weapons , and slew them both : and setting upon their followers , cut them all in 〈◊〉 Mahomet hereupon wondrously enraged , threatned all evils , both to the Moldavians and Valachians : forthwith sending other Embassadours , who arrived safely at Poland . The Tartars being overthrown and many strong Holds taken from the Turks by the Transilvanians &c. Mahomet called home Sinan to confer with him ( as was thought ) of some great matters , sending Ferat Bassa in his place ; who , coming to Belgrade in April , took the charge upon him : at whose first coming , in the night , all the cords of the Tents were cut in sunder , and his Tent let fall about his eares : Some supposing it was disgracefully done by Cicala , before wronged by him ; Others thought , by the Janizaries , who wished rather to be led by Mahomet himself . At his comming , the Famine , last year begun , was now exceeding great in most places of Hungary possessed by the Turks : so , that the Tartar-women roasted their own children , and ate them : there was also a terrible plague , great numbers of Turks and Tartars dying daily ; so that , of 85000 Tartars , scarce 8000 remained through the sword , 〈◊〉 , and famine . Great were the harms the Turks daily received from the three revolted Countries . Michael of Valachia entring their Frontiers , surprized Chimele with the Castle , wherein were 14 Field-pieces , 2 , having the Arms of the Emperour Ferdinand , and th' other 2 the Arms of Huniades : which he sent a Present to Sigismund of Transilvania . Then he took Orosige , a famous Port-town , the abode of the Turks Purveyor ; finding therein Butter , Cheese , Honey , and other provision enough for 8000 men for a whole year : He took also from them Kilec and Galempe , with the strong Castle of St. George ; called Grigio , and then besieged Laganoc . At first of the Spring , came Matthias from the Nobles of Hungary , assembled at Presburg to Vienna , and so to the Emperour at Prague , who made him General of lower Hungary : & Maximilian his Brother , General of upper . Maximilians Lievt . was Lo. Matthias's was Count Mansfelt , sent for out of Flanders ; Joh. de Medices , he made a Master of the Ordnance , with charge to fortifie Komara : which he so did , that it was thought not inferiour to Rab in strength ; all which time , the Emperour soliciting the Christian Princes , for repressing of the common Enemy , out of his Hereditary Provinces , and from other Princes . He had this Spring , raised a right puissant Army , to the number of 15900 Horse , and 50500 Foot : which notable Army raised from the power of divers Christian Princes , and conducted by worthy Chieftains , had much better success this Summer , than had the like Army the year before . Charls , Count Mansfelt , son of Peter Ernest the old Count , from his youth brought up in Arms , was , by the King of Spain , sent with 2000 Horse , and 6000 Foot out of the Low-countries , most of whom being Walloons . He departed from Bruxelles in Febr. and , taking leave of his Father at Luxenburg , came ( through Germany ) in March to Prague , where he was by the Emperour and Arch-Duke most honourably entertained , and shortly aster with great solemnity created a Prince of the Empire . His following Forces were by the way stayed , partly ( through the unwonted rising of rivers ) , partly , by some German Princes jealousie : who denied them passage , till the Emperours Letters had opened the way ; yet , the Princes in their passage stood on their guard . Fame now encreasing the wondrous preparations of Turks and Christians ; the Turks exceeding , carefully looked to the fortifying of their Frontier-towns , chiefly Strigonium and Rab , as did the Christians to Komara and Altenburg . Many hot skirmishes passed the while between them , especially in Transilvania and Valachia , the Turks being still worsted , to the great discontent of their Emperour . Near Temesware the Bassa of Buda was overthrown by Ferentz and the Transilvanians . Asid Ferat entring Valachia with a great Army , was by Lo. Nadasti and the Valachians , ayded by Transilvanians , discomfited and overthrown . Nadasti sending 8000 Turks heads to Alba Julia to Sigismund , and some Ensigns : one most richly garnished , being thought worth 30000 Dollars : which the Prince restoring to Nadasti , offered him great possessions in Transilvania , if he would have seated himself there . All this Spring , the Turks boasted and threatned , they would shortly work Wonders by Sea and Land : and , for the more credit , Rays a notable Pyrate , was sent with 12 Galleys , who did much harm upon the coasts of Italy ; reporting , where he landed , that this was but the beginning of a greater War , a wondrous Fleet being to follow : which raised a great fear in divers places ; yet , no such Fleet appeared : for the Turk much troubled with the revolt of Transilvania ; &c. and the then raging mortality among his Souldiers and Horses , could not look into the Sea , his hands being sull enough with the troubles of Hungary . Sigismund , upon some just causes , suspecting Aaron of Moldavia to have Intelligence with the Polanders , and also with Cardinal Bator , and other his mortal Enemies : and secretly , to have bin about to make his peace with Mahomet ; which encreasing suspition , being about this time confirmed by Letters intercepted , the Prince had Aaron apprehended , and with his Wife and Son to be sent as prisoners to Prague , placing by consent of the Nobility one Roswan in his room , a wise and discreet Moldavian , and who had bin alway to him faithfull ; but against the secret practises of the Polonians , he protested openly by Letters to the Emperour , to redress those so great injuries himself by the sword . In the mean time , came 3 〈◊〉 from the Turk to the Prince , perswading him , to put himself again into his protection , & give him passage ( as formerly ) into Hungary : promising , all injuries for ever to be forgiven and forgotten : and that he should have Transilvania , Valachia , and Moldavia as his free Inheritance , paying no tribute , and so be accounted as the Turks most loving Friend and Vassal . What he answered hereto was unknown ; but by his after-doings it might easily be gathered , he harkened not to those deceitfull charms . These Embassadours scarce gone , a secret Messenger came with Letters from the chief of the Christians in Bulgaria : that if the Prince did with any good success prosecute his wars , they would be ready to joyn with him against the cruell Tyrant ; and to shut up all passages that way into Valachia , Moldavia , and Hungary . The mean while , Giezian , an old Janizary , and bold-spoken fellow , came to Mahomet at Constantinople , and openly set upon him with this speech ; How long , most mighty Emperour , 〈◊〉 thou suffer thy selfe to be seduced and blinded by thy great Bassaes and Commanders , to thy own great danger , and hurt of thy Subjects ? Seest thou not how fraudulently and cunningly , they ( moved with their own covetousnesse and ambition ) have dealt with Thee and thy Father ? chiefly , in that thou hast broken thy League , and taken up Arms against the Christian Emperour . At length , open thine eyes , &c. Sinan , who must be honoured above others , hath not by strong hand won Rab , but bought it with thy money , thereby casting thee into infinite troubles . Oh , Rab , Rab , &c. As if thereby all Christendom should soon be subdued . But thou art much deceived : thy Barns , Store-houses , as are Transilvania , &c. are by this War shut up ; so that down Danubius Westward , or by the Euxine Eastward , thou canst look for no provision ; whence then wilt thou maintain thy self , Court , this populous City , and the Country hereabouts ? All manner of Victuals , are at such a price now in Hungary , that the common souldiers cannot buy them : not men only , but even the beasts starve for 〈◊〉 , &c. This calamity of thy people thou seest daily , and yet wilt not with sound judgement lift up thine eyes , to see whence these harms come , &c. Mahomet much moved , commanded him to be committed to ward , and by fair means examined , by whose suggestion , or why he so boldly uttered this rude speech to his Soveraign , and what he further intended ; but the other Janizaries rose presently in a tumult , and took him out of prison , solemnly taking Oath to defend him even with their own bloud : whereat the Turk was glad to wink . Most of the promised ayd being now come to Vienna , Count Mansfelt Lievt . Generall under the Arch-Duke , called a Council of War , to consult Whether presently to lay siege to some Town , or expect to give the Enemy battell in field . That being resolved on which was thought most expedient ; he removed to Altenburg , mustering his Army , and , departing with a few to Walkenburg , a Village by Danubius , he chose a place to encamp in : so returning , he by Proclamation straitly commanded , that against an hour every man should be ready to set forward against the Enemy ; but divers Souldiers especially the Germans , began ( after their manner ) to cry out for their pay , ere they would 〈◊〉 ; so that the Count proclaimed the second time , they should rise , promising their pay within 8 dayes ; but they refusing , sent 6 of the best sort of those mutinous , in all their names , to demand their pay , whom he commanded to be all hanged : but 3 reasonably excusing themselves , he let them go , and causing th' other 3 to cast lots , hanged 2 of them : which so terrified the rest , that upon a sign given , they arose and followed the Count with the rest of the Army : they being come to Walkenburg , the Count with other Nobles , wrought in digging and casting up Trenches , till they sweatt again ; by whose example the whole Army moved , night and day , had soon cast up a huge Trench , from Danubius to the Marshes , for 80000 men to encamp in . The Count was stil carefull by his espials , to understand where the Enemy lay and what they did ; ready to hear all , but to believe what seemed most like truth , keeping his purposes secret ( wherin late Generals had much erred ) , and commonly his resolutions were shadowed with some other matter : security he much abhorred , and although he heard by divers , the Enemy was but of strength small , disorderly encamped , and greatly distressed for want of Victuals ; yet he little credited it , knowing , such reports to have been oft given out by the Turks to lull the Christians in security . The Army strongly intrenched , and the Trenches planted with Ordnance ; he , with some Troops would oft appear before Rab , and sometimes before Dotis , viewing the places , as if he purposed to besiege one of them : causing also the ground to be marked out for the most convenient encamping , and casting up of Mounts : Wherefore , the Turks of Strigonium and other places , sent part of their warlique provision , as of their Garrisons , some to Rab , and some to Dotis . The Count now came and sat down before Dotis , demanding the same , and began to cast up Trenches and raise Mounts , commanding every man to set his hand in some measure to further those works : and , to encourage others , would often carry a Faggot , or some other thing before him on his Horse to raise the Mount : yet , some Hungarian Gentlemen , deeming such labour to be base , refused to do any thing : Whereupon , the Count straitly charged one of them by his example , to carry a Faggot to the Mount , which he refusing , the Count laid his own Faggot before him , upon his Horse , charging him to carry it to the appointed place : the Hungarian , when he thought he was out of the Count's sight , in scorn threw it down : which , the Count ( having an eye after him ) perceiving , commanded him presently ( all armed ) to be hanged upon the next tree : which severity , then and afterwards made others more diligently to do what they were commanded . About this time , 3 Turks being taken , the Count straitly examined them of all matters ; but the first , neither by fair or foul means would answer to any thing : wherefore , the Count had him cut in small pieces in sight of the other two : who , terrified , confessed to many things asked ; and , that the Sultan determined to turn his greatest Forces that Summer , into Transilvania , 〈◊〉 and upper - Hungary . 〈◊〉 ( although so belaid ) yet , suddenly , June 30 , command was given , that every man ( upon a sign ) to be ready to follow his Leaders : yet none knew whither they were to remove , but some chief Commanders . Next night , being dark and foul , the Count rose with his Army , and next day , July 1. came to Strigonium : they of the City not hearing of his comming , before they saw him under their walls : Wherefore , the Turks in the Suburbs , and those in the Fort under Thomas-hill , firing the Houses , and defacing the Fort what they could in that sudden fear , fled into the Lower-town . Next day , the Count took those forsaken places , manning them with 〈◊〉 : making a Bridge with boats over Danubius , casting up Mounts , and doing many other things ; in 3 dayes he repairing St. Thomas Fort , placed 4 great pieces , and battered the Lower-town , and straitning the besieged in other places , more than they had bin the year before . The Bassa of Buda , knowing their wants of men and munition , attempted thrice ( as he did many times after ) to have ( by the River ) put supplies into the City , but was still forced with loss to return . The Lower-town , called 〈◊〉 , or the Water-town , was soon so battered , that scarce any building was whole : and a Counter-scarfe , made last year , beaten down . Certain Walloons were sent hither to view the Ditches , after whom , some Hungarian Heidons followed , without any command : who couragiously set some Ensigns on the top of another Counter-scarf ; but the Turks comming on close together , forced them with loss to retire : divers walloons were also slain , with some others of good place , to the 〈◊〉 his great grief , not a little offended with that disordered service ; yet , the battery ceased not , and the Christians slew many Turks on the walls with Musket-shot , receiving little hurt again , being in their Trenches , and the Turks shooting but sparingly ; yet , with what they spent , they had slain four Christian-Cannoniers , and one Walloon-Captain . About the midst of July , the Count thinking the Water-Town to be made saultable ; sent some Companies to assault it , who , passing the Counter-scarf , found the Ditch full of mud , and but newly cut broader , being thought scarce passeable without a Bridge : behind which was a huge Wall , with strong Bulwarks , and within that another new Ditch , on whose brink was a thick and huge parapet ; yet , some Walloons ventured to pass all this , but through the Defendants valour , the small number of the assailants , with the places disadvantage , they retired with the loss of many . The Christians had taken a little Island before the City , kept by some of Palfi's Heidons : but the Turks from Buda there landing three thousand Souldiers , slew the Heidons , and recovered the Island , furnishing it with a Garrison and all necessaries , so departing . About 3 dayes after , the Christians the second time assaulted the Water-town , the chief Leaders being 〈◊〉 , Greis , and Zinne , who , being pardoned for the stain with Count Hardeck at Rab , most couragiously , with the rest , now assaulted the Breach ; but were notably repulsed , retiring with the loss of 150 men : Zinne himself being slain with Ruger a Captain , and some of the Count his Guards . Greis was wounded in the Head , and the yonger Lord Schuendi , with other Captains , grievously hurt . Next day , 600 Mountain people came supplicating the Count , not to give over the siege , till he had won the City ; promising in their names who sent them , to repair ( of their own cost ) all harms : yea , though he should lay the City even with the ground : the harmes they daily received from the Garrison being so great . Then also was the Count advertised by his espials ( of whom he maintained many ) that Mahomet had written to the Bassa of Buda , carefully to provide that his beloved Strigonium took no harm , and not to spare for men or money to relieve it in time : and doe nothing therein without the advice of old Alis Beg , a long time Governour thereof ; and that nothing might be wanting , he had sent Alexander , Aga of the Janizaries , ( whom he could ill spare ) whose Counsell and help he might also use ; for he had rather lose some other Kingdom , than that City : wherefore , he should , upon the price of his head , beware , it were neither won , nor yielded on composition : which severe Command , the Bassa sent to Strigonium , with most grievous threats from himself , if they ( terrified with any thing ) should not hold it out to the last man , swearing to empail those on stakes , who should consent to a yielding . Alis hereupon , to deter the Souldiers from a thought of yielding , diligently enquired , if any of them had at any time made any motion of yielding , or murmured against their Commanders , in any service , and whom he found so to have done , he presently executed : and then went into the lower Town , to see that nothing were wanting or amisse , where most danger was ; but when he would have returned , the Janizaries stayed him , saying , Seeing he was so couragious , and their Governour , he should there stay and take such part as they did , were it better or worse . Now the Bassaes of Buda and Temeswar , with divers Sanzacks , were assembling their forces , for relief of Strigonium : whereupon , the Transilvanian , made shew , as if he would besiege Temeswar ; so that that Bassa was glad to return , for defence of his own charge : they also of Stiria , Carinthia , and Croatia , with Serinus's Troops , so stopped all passages , that 12000 Turks coming from Zigeth and thereabouts , could not joyn 〈◊〉 the rest for the Citie 's relief . The Count having made a notable Fort upon St. Thomas Hill , placed therein 5 great Culverins , greatly hurting the upper-Town , by a furious Battery ; so that none also could go betwixt the upper and lower Towns , but he was endangered by those , or Musketiers , who , defended by them , lay waiting to that end , on the side of the Hill , in Caves and bushes ; but Gokara Town and Fort , on the other side of Danubius , besieged by Palfi , was most shaken by the great Ordnance : wherefore the Count increased the battery , continuing it till the Counter-scarfe was beaten down , and fair breaches made in the wall . The Moravians , July 21 , assaulted it in five places , whom Palfi seconded with his Hungarians , some being appointed , to bring with them things to fire the Town ; so that in time of the aslaut , the Town was all on a light fire . The Turks having notably resisted , now being overpressed and the fire so encreasing , that it caught hold of the lower Town on the other side of the River , the rest were all slain by the Christians . The fire being quenched , they repaired the breaches , and left therein a strong Garrison . A night or two after , 200 Turkish Horse being descryed fast by , an Alarum was raised in the Camp , as if all their Army had been at hand ; yet it was afterwards known , they were onely Scouts sent out to view how the Christians lay encamped . A young Countrey Fellow , being , the latter end of this moneth , secretly sent out of the City , was taken by Palfi , and sent to the Count , who friendly demanded of him , Whence he came , Whither going , and whereabouts ? who answered , he was sent by the Governour with Letters to the Bassa of Buda , which he presently delivered unto him : the purport whereof were , that if the Bassa did not within 6 or 7 dayes , ayd and relieve him , he should be forced ( through want of necessaries ) to abandon the City , or yield it up : so the Count causing them to be closed up again , gave the youth a few Crowns , commanding him to carry them to the Bassa , and bring him his answer , promising to reward him bountifully . The Bassa returned answer , he would be with him at the time appointed , willing him the while , to be mindful of his wonted valour , telling him all circumstances , how he would relieve him : whereupon , the Count provided for welcoming of the Bassa . Also within a day after , a Turkish Cannonier fearing the City would be lost , 〈◊〉 forth into the Camp : who , besides declaring the Cities state and wants of the besieged , did good service during the siege . The Turks had often sallied out , to their great losse ; yet they adventured out again on the 29 day of this moneth , 80 being left behind them , slaying but five Christians . The Turks in great wants , at length , news was brought into the Camp , that the Bassa was coming with 20000 men : who came Aug. 2d , encamping within 4 miles of the Christians : some Turkish Horse seeking after booty , out of the Pastures , even under their noses , carried away some few Horses ; some German and Hungarian Troops issuing out , had a hot skirmish with them ; but the Turk retiring , as if overcharged , had at length drawn them , where divers Troops of Turks lay in ambush , who hardly charged them . The Hungarians acquainted with such dangerous skirmishes , fled , the Germans a while valiantly encountring them , but oppressed with multitude , at last fled : about 100 being in all lost , and much wounded . The Turks now encouraged , came all on , next day , resolved , by force to open a way into the City . The Count had strongly belayed all wayes thereinto ; yet the Enemy coming on between St. Thomas and St. Georges Hills , nigh the Suburbs ( called the Rascian City ) put themselves in order of Battel , as did the Christians , letting them come , even to 〈◊〉 Trenches . Palfi ( the while ) with his Hungarian Horsemen , fetching a compasse on one side of the Hill , and Lord Swartzenburgh on the other , the Turks could not without much danger retire . The Signall given , the Turks having discharged seventeen Field-pieces , without any great harm , came on with a most hideous cry , and at first onset darkened the Skie with with their Arrowes ; but the German and Walloon Horse , lent their shot as thick as hail amongst them again ; and the men at Arms taught the Turks to their cost , how unfit their half-naked light Horsemen were in a set battel to meet with them : in a trice , but with great slaughter , the battel was brought to the Sword : The noises of Warlike Instruments , neighing of Horses , crying of the wounded , and groans of the dying , making deaf the eates of the hearers , &c. The Battel had scarce endured half an houre , but many thousands of Turks lay dead on the ground , the rest fleeing , and leaving behind them their Ordnance , and whatever they brought for relief of the besieged : whom so fleeing , Palfi and Swartzenburgh so received them , that of those who came that way , few escaped . The Bassa , who stood on the Hill , fled also himself : the Bassa of Natolia , with about 100 Turks more , got into Strigonium : some say 14000 Turks were 〈◊〉 in this Battel ; and some , fewer . Many were also taken , some being of great name and place : also 27 Ensigns , with a multitude of Beasts laden with money , shot , powder , and other provision for relief of the besieged . In heat of the Battel , the besieged sallying out , entred a Fort on the River side , but were presently forced with losse to retire . After this , the Count sent some Companies , with 500 Wagons to the Enemie's Camp , 〈◊〉 farre off in the Mountains , who found it forsaken , but well stored with all kinde of provision , which they brought away , with 600 rich Tents . The Bassaes Tent , taken by a Horse Colonel , was given by him to the Count , with the 〈◊〉 and Money there found , all which he divided among the Souldiers , according to their 〈◊〉 : they found also , some Heads of Christians , with the dead body of Lord Blandestine , slain the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : which were honourably buried in the Christian Camp. The rest of the Turks hiding in the Mountains and Woods , by night shifted for themselves . The Bassa came to Buda but with 20 Horse , every man there 〈◊〉 his lost friends . The Hungarian Heidons best 〈◊〉 with the Countrey , for certain dayes brought into the Camp , such prisoners as they took , or the Heads of those Turks they slew . The Count certified the arch-Duke at Vienna , speedily of this notable Victory , who rewarded the Messenger , with a Chain worth 500 Duckats , causing Thanksgiving to be sung , first at Augustine Fryars , then in all Temples of the City . The Count also sent to the Emperour , by his Nephew , two chief prisoners , with 4 Horsemens Guidons , cunningly made of Horse hairs , such as use to be carried before the greatest Turkish Commanders , and 14 other Ensigns , with 14 most goodly Turkish Horses for a Present . Next day after this Battel , the Count sent Lord Palfi with an Interpreter , to the City , to demand it : who declared the danger they were in , their expected help to be quite overthrown , new relief could not but in long time be sent them : wherefore they were best bethink themselves betime , lest perhaps when they would yield the City , it would not be accepted , promising to entreat with the General , that they might safely depart , and be conveyed to places convenient : The Turks answered , they had layen 5 weeks at the siege , and must lay 5 weeks longer ; and whereas some few friends had lately failed to relieve them , yet 100000 more were to come : who if they could not perform what they came for , yet would they not leave the City , till ready to be drawn out by the heels , and then also take 3 dayes to resolve . The Christians had sore beaten both the Towns , maintaining their battery with greater fury than ever before ; and the besieged , had nothing now to live on , but a little Wheat and Barley , with some 〈◊〉 : to whom Lord Palfi , by the Count's Command , Aug. 9th , sent two Gentlemen to the 〈◊〉 , to do a Message from him to the Governour : who being very aged , and courteous , came with the Aga to the Walls , to hear what they had to say : one of whom briefly said , that his Lord Palfi , knowing him to be both valiant and wise , and who had ever courteously used those fallen into his hands , had compassion of his obstinacy : wherefore , he advised and exhorted him , if he would save him and his from most eminent and undoubted death , and utter confusion , without delay to deliver up the City . To whom Alis answered He should tell Lord Palfi , he could not pleasure him with the least stone in that City : that he had one foot already in grave , and would with honour , carry his gray hairs thereinto ; yet had he an undoubted hope , that his most dread Soveraign , and his Lord Sinan would not forsake him ; and if they should write , they could not relieve him , yet would he at leasure consider , whether 't were fit for him to deliver up that City , since , on its defence , depended all his honour and credit , &c. All this while , the Aga spake not one word , but declared by silent sighing , and grinding his teeth , his indignation and grief . In the mid way between Strigonium and Buda , is the small Island , viz. where many rich Clothiers dwelt : this the Heidons spoyling , in their return took 24 Wagons laden with Corn , going to Buda , with 28 prisoners , bringing all to the Camp. The lower Town made saultable , the Christians assaulted it Aug. 13. in three places at once . The Bavarians , who gave the first charge , being notably repulsed , began to faint ; but seconded by them of Retinaw and Suevia , they pluckt down a great Palisado , filled the Ditches , removed all in their way , and fought so long with the Turks , that the Marquess of Burgaw coming with six fresh Companies , they so prevailed , that they all entred the Town : The Marquess himself cheering them up in this dangerous fight . There was a miserable cry throughout the City ; for the Christains slew all in their way , not sparing Women great with Child , nor Children hanging at their Mothers breasts ; yet some more attended the spoil , especially the Hungarians , to whom , the very hinges of Doors and Windows were good booty : whereby many escaped into the Castle and upper Town , with the Bassa , and Alis the Governour : within not many houres , divers fires brake out in the lower Town : which at last , was found to have been caused by the deceitful Turks , who had left Gunpowder , which by burning Matches , should at a certain time set all on fire ; by which most horrible fires , scarce quenched in a day or two , many goodly Buildings , and things were consumed . But Count Mansfelt , saw not this so joyful a Victory ; for he fell sick of a Feaver a few dayes 〈◊〉 , through drinking too much cold drink in his heat , with immoderate 〈◊〉 in the late Battel ; and so falling into a great flux , was by counsel of his Physitians , removed to Komara , having sent for the arch-Duke , to come into the Camp , and for Blankmier into Bavaria , to supply his room ; but his Disease encreasing , the Physitians now despaired of his health : yet he almost every houre , enquired how the Army did , and whether the City were yet taken , and 〈◊〉 hope there was to take it ; but being told a little before death , that the lower Town was won , he 〈◊〉 rejoyced ; and , next day , Aug. 14. towards night , departed this life , to the exceeding grief of the whole Army . All the time of 〈◊〉 siege , he would scarce lay down upon his bed for two or three nights together : that little he did eat , was most standing or walking , yea sometimes on Horseback . His bowels were solemnly buried at Komara ; but his body was carried to Luxenburgh , to be honourably enterred among his Ancestors . About which time , the great Duke of Muscovy , sent two Embassadors with Letters and Presents to the Emperour ; who coming to Prague , Aug. 16th , with 250 Horse , were honourably entertained , and having audience , first delivered the Letters of Credence from their Duke . It was not commonly known , what particulars they were sent about ; but it s said , one thing was to request the Emperour , to send an Embassador to the Persian , to draw him into league with them against the Turk , who should passe thorow Muscovia into Persia. The great Duke's Presents were 150000 Florens of gold , great store of most rich Furs , and perfumes , deemed of an exceeding value , two white Faulcons , and three live Leopards . Iwanowitze the Embassador , of himself , presented rich Turkie , Persian , and Babylonian Hangings and Carpets , Timbers of Sables : with other Furs , no lesse precious , as many as eight Porters could scarce carry . These Embassadors , Decemb. 27. returned with the Emperour's answer . But at Strigonium , the Christians now from the lower Town bent their battery upon the higher : where , Aug. 14th , old Alis , while he was walking to and fro , to see 〈◊〉 most danger was , had his Arm struck off , of which , he presently died : being of great gravity , about 80 years old : much about which time , the Aga of the Janizaries . being before mortally wounded , died also . The Souldiers made choice of the Bassa of Natolia for their Governour , who heavily undertook the forlorn charge . The Christians , not ignorant of the deaths of these two , well hoped , that the rest would the more readily hearken to some good Composition : wherefore , they sent to demand , if they would yield , while there was some mercy left ; yet their answer was , They would hold it out to the last man , both in respect of the straight charge of the Bassa of Buda , and counting the City holy , as won by Solyman : whom the Turks yet have in a devout remembrance . Next day , came the arch-Duke into the Camp : who after well viewing it , and the manner of siege ; he called into his Tent , the Marquess of Burgaw , John de Medices the Florentine , and Palfi the Hungarian , to consult with them what further to do . Shortly after , he commanded an assault to be given in two places at once , which the Walloons and Germans couragiously performed ; but such was the valour of the Defendents , that they were glad at last , with losse to retire : about which time , the Duke of Mantua , with three Counts , his Brethren , came to the siege . And now the Turks b gan to draw together again , near Buda , for relief of Strigonium : whereupon , the archDuke sent forth 8000 chosen Souldiers , who setting upon the Turks , before Sun-rising , made great slaughter , and took some prisoners ; of whom the Sanzack of Copan was one : of which overthrow the besieged Turks hearing , began now to faint . Wherefore , the Bassa and Captains , overcome with difficulties , and outcry of the fearfull people , resolved to come to a parley ; so a Flag of Truce set up , and a parley granted , 9 Turks attended the arch-Dukes coming in the lower Town . Who required with safe convoy , and bag and baggage to depart : which he would in no case grant . At length with much entreaty , they obtained , to depart as the Christians did at Rab , with Scimitars by their sides , and what goods they could beare , 〈◊〉 Ships appointed to carry them to Buda : So Hostages being on both sides given , next day , Septemb 2d , they came forth , more than either prisoners taken , had confessed , or the Christians thought ; 30. Ships not sufficing to carr , them , many tarried in the City till next day ; and then the Bassa with the sick and wounded , sailed to Buda . Strigonium had 52 years groaned under Turkish thraldom , which the Christians forthwith repaired , and new fortified ; and about the middle of this moneth , 18000 being 〈◊〉 to besiege Vicegrade , a strong Castle between Strigonium and Buda , they took it : whereat those of Buda were so terrified , that the Bassa , to flay the flight of many of the better sort , commanded the Gates to be shut upon them . This good success , caused great rejoycing in most parts of Christendom . All this while , the Transilvanian Prince did the Turks exceeding harm , so that they began to dread his name . The same day that Count Mansfelt died , Sigismund with great solemnity , married Maria Christina , Charls the arch-Duke his Daughter , at Alba Julia : whereupon , 30000 Turks or more , thought to have come as unwelcome Guests thereunto ; but the vigilant Prince , setting his pleasures for a while apart , and unexpectedly coming upon them , in a great Battel , flew most of them , and as a triumphant victor , carried away the whole spoil : About the same time , the Transilvanians also besieging Fagiat , not far from Temeswar , they of the Town came to parley , covenanting to depart with Bag and Baggage ; but in their coming out , hearing the Bassa of Temeswar , with two Sanzacks , were coming to their relief , those in the Town began to delay , and those gone out to return : the Transilvanians much moved , by force entring the Town , slew them all . Then turning upon the Bassa , who with 10000 Turks , and some Field-Pieces , was coming , they had a cruel Battel , most of the Turks falling , with small losse of the other : who so eagerly pursued the Victory , that the Bassa with 500 , with much adoe escaped : the two Sanzacks , with divers of good place , being sent prisoners to the Prince . About the end of August , they besieged Lippa of Hungary , not far from Temeswar : which , the Turks not able longer to hold , fled into the Castle , where after three dayes , they 〈◊〉 and yielded , on condition of safe departure , with what goods they could carry . About which time , the Bassa of Bosna , with 10000 Turks and Tartars , attempting to recover Babostica , a Frontier Town ; the Stirians and other Christians thereabouts , conducted by Herbersein , and two other Lords that lookt to those Frontiers , fought them , and overthrew them nigh Babostica . Mahomet not a little grieved at these successes , and exceedingly offended with Ferat ( being perswaded by envious Sinan , that all or most of this was through his negligence ) sent for him home , sending Sinan in his place . Ferat was forewarned by the Sultan's Mother , of his displeasure , and advised not to come in sight , till his peace was made : who yet , doubting not to answer whatever Sinan should charge him with , came to Court : where Mahomet , soon after commanded him to be 〈◊〉 and his goods worth 500000 Duckats confiscated . Sinan now about 83 years old , yet as his Motto was , breathed nothing but ( bloud and War ) ; who promised Mahomet , upon peril of his head , to reduce Transilvania , Valachia and Moldavia , to their former thraldom : and after a moneth spent , in making a Bridge of Boats over 〈◊〉 , passed over with a right puissant Army into 〈◊〉 ; but they of the said three Countries , had so shut up the passages , that he could not but with much danger , have far entred , being ready also , even at his first entrance , to give him battel : so that there began a most cruel Battel , with much bloud-shed on both sides : thrice did the Transilvanians retire ; but still relieved with supplies , came on fresh again , charging the Turks as hardly as they had been charged . Thus doubtfully was the Battell maintained from morning till night , till the Turks being quite disordered and broken , were glad to flee : many thousands of common Turks were slain , and divers of great account among the Turks : Haider Bassa ( much regarded ) being found dead on the place : It was fought Septemb. 11th . Sinan himself , making too much 〈◊〉 over the Bridge , fell into the deep mud ; yet was with much adoe , drawn out by them of his Guard , and saved to further mischief ; yet for certain dayes it was commonly reported , he was drowned , most of his own , not certainly knowing , what was become of him : the Christians had all the spoil , and their Ordnance , all their Tents , abundance of Victuall , and Warlike provision , with many Ensigns : one being green , which they counted sacred to their Prophet Mahomet : whereto , in greatest distress they flee , as to their last refuge . The old Bassa full of grief , posted to Court , thinking it better to make the best of that which was naught , than to have it made worse by the envious report of others ; and to fill the Sultan with desire of revenge , which himself most longed after : who so used the matter , 〈◊〉 the losse was easily passed over , as received by any occasion , rather than his default . In the mean time , he caused 112 Christian Captives , to be brought from Belgrade in chains to Constantinople ; and so being led thorow the chief streets , to the content of the Citizens , to be brought to the Court Gate , for Mahomet to look upon , and the Courtiers to deride : whence , after many grievous indignities , they were conveyed to most loathsom Prisons , to be fed with the bread of tribulation . About which time , the Bassa of Bosna , with almost 20000 Turks , inroaded into Croatia , where , by the Christians under Lord Eckenberg , and Leucowitz , they were almost all slain ; and following the chase into their Frontiers , burnt 15 Villages , and took the Castle Varvivar : whose Forces increasing also , by the coming of Lord Herbersteine , and other Troops out of Carinthia , and thereabouts , they returned , Septemb. 13th , to besiege Petrinia , or Petrowina , couragiously assailing it at their first coming ; but after two houres hard fight , finding more resistance and difficulty , than they before supposed , and having no great Ordnance , they gave over , and with such losse as they had , returned toward Siseg ; but that night , a fugitive Horseman , came to the Camp , saying , that Rustan the Governour , was dead of a wound in the last assault ; and that the Turks hereby discouraged , and with the late overthrow in Croatia , would upon the first sight of them , abandon the Town : whereupon , they presently set forward towards Petrinia , finding it abandoned accordingly : So the Christians entring , found some pillage , but more Powder and Shot , and presently sending some Troops to pursue them , took divers , bringing back Rustan's Lievtenant into the Town : the recovery of Petrinia , procured great quiet to all that side of the Countrey . Sigismund knowing with what an Enemy he had to do , and of the secret practice of the Polonians , for withdrawing of Moldavia from him , sought by all meanes to make himself as strong as he could . The Zaculians or Siculi , formerly a free people , but now tributary to the Turks , bordering on the North-East of Transilvania , seeing the good success of their Neighbour-revolted Countries , offered the Prince , of their own charge , to maintain 40000 men in field , during his Warres with the Turk , and every House to pay him a dollar yearly , with a certain measure of Wheat , Oats , and Barley : that if he should have a Son to succeed him , every Housholder to give him a fat Oxe : onely craving to live as his subjects , yet to be governed by their own ancient Lawes and Customs : whereof he accepting , it was forthwith proclaimed in their Camp , and all sworn to perform the agreements : and pressing 15000 more , to add to the 25000 then in field , they with those 40000 came to the Prince , who found himself now to be 80000 strong , to welcom the Bassa withall : who had raised 70000 choise Souldiers , ( amongst whom were many whole bands of Janizaries ) who being joyned to his other reliques , he thought himself strong enough to subdue the Prince : to whom also came Hassan Bassa , and Bogdanus the expulsed Vayuod , with many others of great name . Sinan , by an exceeding chargeable Bridge , made of Boats , passed danubius , at a Town called Zorza , or St. George in Valachia , a great way beneath where Trajan once built his famous Bridge of stone : thence he marched to Tergovista , then in the Turks power , whose Monastery he turned into a Castle , fortifying it with deep Trenches , strong Bulwarks and Ordnance , purposing to make it the Seat of his Warre , till he had reduced those revolted Countries . The Prince set forward to meet him , and to give battel ; but encamping in Valachia , a great Eagle is reported to descend from a Rock , called the Kings Rock , and hovering over the Army , flew about , and lighted on the Princes Tent : which taken , he commanded her to be kept as a good presage ; So Octob. 15th , being come with in half a dayes march of Tergovista , he heard by two Christians , escaped from the Turks , that two dayes before , the Turks hearing of his coming , were so terrified , that Sinan could scarce stay the Janizaries from flight , and when he had done all , some Companies went quite away ; but indeed , Sinan as fearful as his Army , upon the Princes approach , fled , leaving behind him all his Tents , and Warlike Provision , carrying away onely things of most value . Tergovista and the Castle , he committed to Hassan and Bogdanus , with 4000 choise Souldiers , promising in few dayes , if need were , to relieve them , so fleeing to Bucaresta , whence , he presently wrote to Hassan , willing him , if he could to defend it ; but if he thought it not possible so to do , then in time to forsake it ; but these Letters being intercepted , never came to his hands . Ere long , the Prince entred the forsaken Camp , where he found what they had left , and forthwith , summoned both City and Castle : which yet were denied him ; but next day , Hassan , considering the Princes power , and doubting of relief from Sinan , whom he ( not without cause ) suspected not to love him , was about to yield , on some reasonable Composition ; but the Garrison ( most Janizaries ) would in no case give consent : whereupon , the Prince , after some few houres furious battery , took City and Castle by assault , putting them all to the Sword , except Hassan , as taken with his own hand , and two other Sanzacks : Bogdanus the Renegate being slain . There was a rich prey , and store of all Warlike provision . Hassan grievously complained , that Sinan had maliciously exposed him to so manifest danger , for the grudge he bare his Father Muhamet ; yet he craved good usage of the Prince , offering for his Ransom , ten hundred thousand Hungarian Duckats . While the Prince lay at Tergovista , came thither four thousand Turks , sent to spoyl and seek for prey , thinking Sinan had been there still , who were all slain , and 60000 head of Cattel recovered , which they had taken out of Valachia and Moldavia , to have been sent to Constantinople ; for those two Countries so abound with Corn and Cattel , that they plentifully serve Constantinople with Corn and flesh ; and at least 150 Ships , laden yearly thither , with other Victualls : of all which , the Turks were now deprived . The Prince strongly garrisoning Tergovista , set forward to Bucaresta ; but Sinan was fled thence also to Zorza : the Prince had in Bucaresta , some field-Pieces , and good store of Shot and Powder , left there by Sinan : and staying there a while , for manning of the place , he so speedily set forward towards Zorza , that he overtook a great number of Turks , slaying them all , so that the fields were in many places covered with dead bodies : yet the fearful Bassa , was about six houres or more , before him , come to his Bridge over Danubius : over the hithermost part whereof , about a mile long , was Sinan with most of his Army , got into an Island , in the midst of the River , wherein he had at his coming over , encamped ; but the Prince being come , he with all speed , got over the other part of the Bridge , to the further side of the River , with what men he could , breaking and 〈◊〉 the Bridge on that side , whereby many of his men not yet come over , were cut off , the Prince forcing many into the River , where they perished : others , fleeing into the Island , were pursued , and either slain , or , seeking to get over by the other part of the Bridge broken down , and the hither end now cut off by the Christians , were with the Bridge carried away by the Rivers violence . Other Christians the while , took the Bridge that leadeth to Zorza Castle , which , encompassed with an Arm of Danubius , and not very great , was kept by 700 choise Souldiers : which the Prince besieging , and the Souldiers resolved to hold it out to the last man , after soare battery , took it by force , and put all to the Sword he could lay hands on : about 100 Turks desperately leaping from the top of the Castle into the River , were all drowned , or slain with small shot , 250 Christians being here lost , and many wounded ; but between the 18th and 31 of October , above 26 Turks and Tartars perished . They took herein 39 great Pieces ; and Warlike provision , enough for a whole Kingdom ; 4000 Captive Valachians , beside Women and Children , being also delivered : with whom the Prince returned in triumph to Tergovista , thence to Alba Julia : where , as at 〈◊〉 Cities throughout his Dominions , he caused publick prayers , with Thanksgiving to be made for so great a Victory : as did Michael the Vayuod of Valachia , who in all these Wars , was not inferior to Sigismund . It was , by some of the better sort of Turks taken , reported , that Sinan should oft say , 〈◊〉 young Prince had bereft him of all the honour he had , with great Travel , got in all the course of his life ; and though he had escaped his hands , yet he feared he would be the cause of losing his life , with goods and honour . After the overthrow of this great Bassa , the Transilvanian Prince his name , became dreadful to the Turks , and famous 〈◊〉 all Christendom . Whom , the mean tars were worsted , with the Ioss of 3000 men . The 〈◊〉 and Sidriack , finding , that without his leave he could not pass , sent to the Polonian , excusing what was past , as done without their consent : telling him , They came not to fight with him , as having express command from Mahomet , not to disturb the League betwixt him and the Polonians ; but quietly to pass into Moldavia , and there to place Sidriack his Tributary , instead of usurping Stephen , craving his leave to pass . He answered , He was come thither by the Kings command , to defend those Countries from wrongful invasion , and that he would keep inviolate the conditions of the ancient League ; yet so , as that Poland took no harm thereby , but might quietly live by the Turk 〈◊〉 his good neighbour ; protesting , the League was not by him , but by them infringed , to whom he could not give passage . Yet , at last , Articles were agreed on , to the reasonable content of the Tartar and Chancellor , as also of the Turkish Sultan , though not of Sidriack , disappointed of his Vayuodship : so the Tartar returned with his multitude . But far was it from Zomoschi's thought ( though the common opinion was so ) to do the Transilvanian Prince any good , by keeping out the Tartars : who envying at his glory , had with the Cardinal & his Brother , the Princes Uncles , conspired , what they could , his utter ruin ( wishing rather those Countries subjected to the Turk than to see them so at liberty governed by the Prince ) ; & presently after the departure of the Tartars , he passing the River Nijester into Moldavia , when the Prince was going against Sinan , seized the Castle of Chotjim , which he garrison'd : thence marching to Zorona the Metropolis , had it yielded unto him , & had soon almost all the Country delivered unto him : Stephen fleeing from place to place , before him from whom he least feared any such thing . The Chancellour presently placed one Jeremiah Vayuod in Stephen's room , to hold it of the Polonian King ; yet , he sent to 〈◊〉 , requesting him , not to take it ill , that he had entered Moldavia , placing a Vayuod there , but , in Mahomet's Name , to confirm his deeds : promising , this new Vayuod should pay him the Tribute behind : and for future , a far greater , than had Moldavia before . But the haughty Bassa , not fearing to be driven out of those Countries by the Prince , answered , It was not the Sultans mind , that the Polonians should invade Moldavia ; for , besides his ability , without them , to reduce those Countries , he had given it to the Tartar , in reward of his good service already done ; whose Subjects would ere long , be ready to possess it : yet Zamoschi defended the new Vayuod ; but , if Sinan had not been ( as he was presently after ) overthrown and driven quite out , the Chancellour had not now holden Moldavia : who , pretended also , that Moldavia did of ancient right , belong to the Kingdom of Poland ; which the Transilvanians took to be but open wrong : by which supposed Title , the King and States of Poland inferred the Invasion : and , placing a Vayuod of Moldavia to his discretion , who , laboured also by forced reasons , to shew them the power of the Prince , to be so inferiour unto the Turks , that it was to be feared he should at length be thrust out of all : and so it should happen , that the Polonians should have an untrusty and trouble some Neighbour , &c. perswading himself , to find such favour with the Turkish Emperour , that he should be well contented with his Invasion , which proved a great trouble of the Prince , and benefit to the Turk ; The new Vayuod not long after , opening a way for the Tartars to enter 〈◊〉 , by the way of the Ciculi , of Alba-Julia , and of Valachia . Sigismund , after the flight of Sinan , sent some Companies of Horse and Foot to Stephen the late Vayuod , to try if he could drive out the Polonians again , and recover his former Dignity : with which ayd , and others , he bloodily fought with them : but being overcome and taken , he was a while kept ( as the Prince feared ) to be delivered to the Turk ; and ( as is said ) was afterward by them 〈◊〉 put to death . This foul dealing of the Polonian , much grieved many Christians , as tending to a generall hurt : Wherefore , the Emperour thought to 〈◊〉 the Polonian King by his Embassadours , to desist from such invasion of the Transilvanian Prince , as nothing standing with his Honour ; and that some good reconciliation might be made between the Prince and his Uncles , the authors of all these troubles . Pope Clement the 8th . also sent a Messenger with like Instructions , and large Letters to the King , pathetically perswading him , not so to prosecute his wars against the Prince , but to turn his thoughts , to a more peaceable and Christian-like course , especially with him , with whom he was so nigh linked in marriage ( for they married 2 Sisters ) ; he also wrote 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 like effect to Cardinal Bator ; and , after many Admonitions , cited him to Rome . Which Letters dated from Rome , Novemb. 8. were delivered in December : the Pope sharply reproving the Cardinall and Chancellour , as Authors and Contrivers of all these mischiefs . The Tartar C ham also about this time , sent his Embassadour to the King of Poland , for confirmation of such Articles , as he had before agreed on with the Chancellour , whose Letters did declare the ground and purpose of his intended Expedition into Moldavia with the collusion of the Chancellour , with the Turks and Tartars , against the Transilvanian Prince : saying , When the Chancellour had promised , He would take order that the Cossacks on the further side of Nijester should be utterly rooted out , that they should not hereafter do any harm in the Sultans Territories : and that the Presents usually sent him since the time of Solyman , should no more be detained , nor any harms done in any part of his Dominions : he also consented that Jeremiah should hold the Vayuodship of Valachia . Unto which agreement , if his Majesty should consent , then he should alwayes find brotherly friendship with him and all his Captains and Murzis ; Otherwise , he did not perform the Oath and Covenants made . The Embassador delivering a speech to the King , to the same effect with the Letters , gave him a Horse and an Arrow for a Present , and was brought to a Lodging there to expect his answer . At length , it was given in sealed Letters : which he taking much against his will , requested the King , to send an Embassadour to the Cham ; and by word , to tell him what to answer to his Lord ; but other answer he could get none ; and , so rewarded with a 〈◊〉 furred with Sables , was dismissed without the Present requested by the Cham , or any Embassadour . Thus , the Transilvanian Prince , received more harm from the Polonians , than from the Turk and 〈◊〉 ; for , by taking away of Moldavia , they weakened his strength , and opened a way for the 〈◊〉 into his Country ; yet , the Chancellour in his large Letters to the Pope , alledged much for excuse of themselves : with which , however the Pope was contented , yet it nothing pleased the Emperor , and much less the Prince . In the beginning of Novemb. Leucovits Governour of Carolstat , the second time surprized Wihitz in the Frontiers of Croatia : but not being able to take the Castle , took the spoil of the City , and setting it on fire , departed . Maximilian also attempted Zolnoc ; and the Christians , at Strigonium and Plindenburg , did with continual inroads 〈◊〉 the Turks at Buda all the latter end of this year , and the beginning of the next : and the Turks in Braila in Valachia , fearing , after the flight of 〈◊〉 to be besieged by Michael , forsook the City , passing over the River Danubius in such haste , that 300 perished . Sinan , was ere long sent for to Constantinople , but the old Fox knowing the fierce nature of the Sultan , and warned by Ferat , 〈◊〉 delay , till he was the third time sent for . The mean while , he so wrought by his mighty friends in Court , and rich rewards , that he was honourably received at Court as the chiefest Bassa ; and being offered to be discharged of the wars , as one above 80 years old , he said , He was born and brought up among Souldiers , and so wished among them to die , as not long after he did , thought to be of-conceit of this his ill success . Mahomet , exceedingly grieved at the loss of so many Cities and strong Holds this year : and daily understanding of the slaughter of his people , and wasting of his Frontiers , greatly prepared against next Spring , giving out , that he would in person come into Hungary with such a power , as never had any of his Predecessors . Yet , by the 〈◊〉 and famine , which then raged extreamly in most parts of his Empire ; and by other great Occurrents of that time , by that time the Spring came , he scarce knew which way to turn : for , besides these troubles of the West , the warlike Georgians in the East , moved with these good successes of the Christians , had taken up Arms against him ; and the Persian King lately dying , had left his son , a man of greater spirit , than was like to endure the Turks former manifold injuries : Whereof , the Bassa of Tauris informed Mahomet , wishing him betimes to provide for such storms . The Transilvanian Prince , now thought it not unfit for his Affairs , to go in person to the Emperour , to declare the wrong done him by the Polonian , and to confer with him about the managing of the Wars . So , setting forward in Jan. 1596. he arrived at Prague , Febr. the 4th . where he was most honourably entertained ; but , he presently sickned of an Ague , which grievously vexed him for 3 weeks . In the latter end of February , he went to the Cathedrall ; where after devotion done , he was welcomed by the Dean , with a most Eloquent Oration : setting forth his praises , and animating him unto the like 〈◊〉 against the Enemy of all Christianity : who answered in Latine so Eloquently and readily , that the Hearers marvelled , protesting in his speech : That as he and his Subjects , had not ( hitherto ) spared life or goods ; so , would they adventure all ( hereafter ) for the Christian Commonweal ; hoping , that the Emperour and other Princes would not be wanting to him with their Forces upon occasion , or the Clergy with their prayers : whereby , he doubted not ( through Gods power ) to obtain more notable Victories , than he had yet , against the enemies of God. In the mean time , the Ciculi offended at their Liberties being somewhat infringed in the Assembly of States , holden in Transilvania in December last , rose up in Arms in divers places , a thing like enough to have wrought the Prince much trouble , and supposed not to be done without the Cardinall his privity : but , by the wisdom and courage of those he had entrusted in his absence , divers Ring-leaders were apprehended , and diversly executed : and 300 Complices for Terrour-sake , had their Noses and Eares cut off ; so , the Country was again quieted . About which time also , Mahomet sending a new Bassa to Temeswar ; the old Bassa had in 75 Waggons trussed up abundance of wealth , which he had there gotten , to have been with himself by a strong Convoy conducted to Belgrade : whereof , the Hungarian Heidons at Lippa and Jenna hearing , lay in wait for him , and , in a sharp conflict , overthrew the Convoy , slaying the Bassa , whose Head they sent to the Princess at Alba Julia : and taking the spoil of the Carriages , a wonderfull wealth ; for , in one Waggon . 20000 Hungarian Duckats were reported to be found . Also , in the Princes absence , 10000 Rascians came and offered their service to the Princesse ; Whereof , she speedily certifying her Husband , he hasted to dispatch with the Emperour ; and having promise from him and the Pope , of some ayd to be sent him , departed from Prague to Vienna , where he arrived , March the 11th . in a Princely Charriot with six most beautifull Horses , the Emperour's gift : he was met by the Nobility , and by the Popes Nephew ; who presented him with 3 goodly serviceable Horses richly furnished ; whom he taking into his Charriot , entred the City , where , he was honourably and joyfully received ; and , being brought to the Pallace , the Students of that University acted before him the History of 〈◊〉 , staying there 3 dayes , and purposing to have visited his Mother in law at Greicz : in 〈◊〉 , he had news , that the Turks and Tartars , by instigation of Stephen his Uncle , were about to break into Transilvania ; Wherefore , he speedily kept on his way from the Presburg , arriving in Transilvania , in the beginning of Apr. to the great joy of his Subjects in generall . Many hot skirmishes the while , passed betwixt the Turks and Christians in their Frontiers . And now the plague and famine 〈◊〉 to asswage in the Turks Dominions : wherefore , Mahomet caused the 〈◊〉 of his wars against the Emperour and Prince , to be 3 dayes together proclaimed in Constantinople ; and a great Army to be raised : with which , he gave out , he would come in person into Hungary ; then also it was reported , he had already sent his Tents , and other provision to Hadrianople : for the name of the Transilvanian was most odious in the Turks Court. Of all these things was not the Emperour ignorant , by sundry means : Wherefore , he speedily and carefully endeavoured , that the Enemy at his comming , might not find him unprovided . He also prayed ayd of other Neighbour Princes , chiefly of the Polonian , whom , he had divers times sought to draw into the Confederation ; So , he sent to him a Bishop and a Lord , his Embassadours ; as did the Pope , Cardinal Cajetane , and the Electours , theirs : unto whom , he gave good words , but would in no case break his League with the Turks or afford them any ayd ; though Cajetane , with many reasons shewed him , What small 〈◊〉 there was in the Turks Leagues , and how dangerous it might be to his State ; if the Turk , making peace with the Emperour , should turn his Force upon him , which it was like enough he would : besides the immortall blemish , by dissevering himself , to hold friendship with the Infidels . But most imputed this , not so much to the King , as to others : especially to 〈◊〉 the Chancellour , by whom that State was swayed ; who was openly reported , to have secret Intelligence with the Turk and Tartar. All this while , Palfi Governour of 〈◊〉 , vexed the Turks , even to the gates of Buda , as did other Captains in other places of their Frontiers in Hungary . There were 2 great Villages nigh Buda , most inhabited by Christians : who , having given Oath of Obedience to the Turk , lived a miserable life , for payment of an excessive yearly Tribute . These , by secret 〈◊〉 requested Palfi , to carry them with their substance into some other place , to live among Christians , as he had lately done for them of old Buda : Wherefore , he willed them against an appointed time , to put all things in readiness : So , with wives and children , and their trash , 〈◊〉 up in 〈◊〉 Waggons , drawn with 14 and 16 Oxen a piece , about midnight , they removing , were by them of Strigonium , sent for them , brought safely thither ; they were about 755 Families , many being rich men , bringing with them much coyn , with an exceeding number of Cattel : Palfi assigned them some fields , between Strigonium and Vivaria . Shortly after , 600 of the Garrison of Lippa , adventuring too far for booty in the Turks Territories , were discovered , and so beset by Turks and Tartars , billetted about Temeswar , that they had no way to escape : so , being on every side hardly charged by them , they ( as men resolved before to die ) although scarce one to twenty , fought most desperately , and were all slain , except some few , which by great fortune escaped , leaving to the Enemy , a right bloody Victory , yet hereby was the Garrison of Lippa much weakened : Whereupon , the Enemy forthwith prepared to besiege the Town : which , Barbelus the Governour foreseeing , sent in post to Sigismund , requesting him speedily , to send him 4 or 5000 good Souldiers : to whom the Prince without delay sent 8000. Shortly after whose arrival , 40000. Turks and Tartars came , and enclosed Lippa on every side , doing very little for certain dayes . The besieged the while , doing them all harm they could with their plentifull great shot ; but , news being brought that the Transilvanian , was coming with a great power , hereupon they presently retired to about 2 miles from Lippa : where , certainly understanding the report , was not , nor could be true , they returned , more straitly besieging it than before , and battered the Town with 17 pieces ; then giving thereunto divers desperate assaults , but were still with great slaughter repulsed ; for , the Christians with murdering pieces out of the Towers and bulwarks , flanking each other , made great spoil of them . In the heat of one assault , the Governour , as of meer desperation , set open one of the gates , having within , placed 16 pieces at the very entrance , charged with murdering shot ; whereupon , the Enemy came thronging exceeding thick , and were suddenly cut down as with a Sithe , and so the third and fourth time , before they could clear themselves , their rent limbs most miserably flying in the ayr : yet was the siege continued , and by often assaults very 〈◊〉 maintained . But whilst the Bassa of Temeswar lay at this siege , they that were left in Temeswar , lived in great security . In the mean time , the Governour of Lugaz , sent out 6000 Souldiers , now in the Bassaes absence , to seek after booty ; who , coming to Temeswar , speedily rifled the Suburbs , slew all the Turks they lighted on , and freed 1000 captives ; so , setting the Suburbs on fire , they departed : which fire grew so great , that it was plainly seen into the Camp at Lippa , shewing , as if the whole City had been on fire : which so daunted the besiegers , that they most disorderly fled , leaving all that they had behind them : the Transilvanians , who were even then comming thither , pursuing them , slew divers , and took some prisoners . At which time , some Hungarian Heidons that served the Prince ( who was now come into the confines of Hungary ) getting over 〈◊〉 , took Plenia , a small Turkish Town , which they ransacked and burnt , and slaying above 3000 Turks thereaabout , returned with a rich prey . Not long before the Christians had surprized Clissa , a strong Frontier-town in Dalmatia ; the Bassa of Bosna , layed hard siege thereto : for relief whereof , Lewcowitz , Governour of Stiria and other Provinces thereabouts , and him of Zeng , embarqued 4000 Souldiers ( in 42. ships ) well appointed , so setting forward : and light-on a Venetian Galley , bound for the Turks Camp with warlike provision , they took and rifled her . The Governour landing his men at Siret , marched that night part of his way , and all next day lay close : at night , setting forward again , they came to the Enemies Camp before day ; where , assailing the secure Turks in their Trenches , they as amazed , fled sundry wayes , every man in so sudden a fear shifting for himself , leaving all behind them : the Christians falling presently to the spoil , and not by hasty pursuit possessing themselves of an assured Victory ; the Turks from the Hills , discovering ( at day-dawning ) their small number and disorder , came down , and enclosed them on every side , 〈◊〉 them downright : Lewcowitz , with the Governour of Zeng , and some others getting into Clissa ; where , after 2 dayes stay , and doubting of safety , they secretly by night issued forth with 600 men , hoping to recover their Fleet ; but the suspitious Turks had so beset the passages , that of all them , Leucowitz , hardly with 3 others escaped . The Enemy , now more straitly besieged the Town than before : Whereupon , the besieged now despairing of relief , yielded the Town upon departure with bag and baggage . About which time , Palfi hearing of an Assembly of some Turks Adventurers at 〈◊〉 Castle , betwixt Buda and Alba-regalis , set forward from Strigonium , May 22. with the greatest strength he could , comming thither about 3 in the afternoon : where , after 3 hours dangerous and most desperate assault , he , with much difficulty prevailed , putting man , woman , & child to the sword , 50 being Janizaries , but that day come thither . The Bassa of Buda oft resorted to this beautifull and pleasantly scituated Castle ; for his pleasure ; wherefore , Palsi much desired to take it without spoiling ; but , the fire already raised , burnt down all the goodly Buildings , and left no more Victuals or other provision , than what the Christians had saved for themselves . Lippa , being by a great chance 〈◊〉 before the Prince his comming ; he besieged Temeswar : but 40000 Turks and Tartars came to raise the siege of that famous City : Wherefore , the Prince rose and went to meet them , and had a terrible battel , & doubtful for a while ; yet , seeming rather to encline to the Enemy : who at length disordered with the Artillery , and the Transilvanians charging them afresh , gave ground , and so fled ; 5000 Turks and Tartars being slain , and 1500 Christians : the Prince himself , being for a time reported ( though falsly ) to be 〈◊〉 . After this , he returned to the siege , leaving nothing unattempted , that he could devise to win the City ; but , news was brought him , that Giaffer Bassa and the Tartars , were comming with a great Army to relieve it : Whereupon , considering the power of the Enemy , and his promised ayd not yet ready ; he , with great grief retired with his Army to Lippa , expecting supplies , both of his own and friends : and was there advertised , that the Bassa of Mahomet's 〈◊〉 , was at Belgrade , with 14000 Horse and 4000 Janizaries , to joyn with the Bassa of Buda , to relieve Temeswar , in all about 60000 : and that Mahomet himself was comming after with a far greater power ; Wherefore , leaving a strong Garrison at Lippa , he returned to Alba - Julia , there assembling his States , for repressing so puissant an Enemy . Mahomet ( although the Tartar at first said , he would not send so much as an Asse thereunto ) had by great gifts and his own respect with the Tartar , made him now ready with a strong Army , upon the Frontiers of Moldavia , to meet him in Hungary : to whom , that Vayuod sent Presents , with what Victuals he could possibly provide : Mahomet also , entreated with the Polonian King for his passage , as also to confirm the ancient League , which he knew the Emperour and other Princes sought ( by all means ) to withdraw him from . He also sent an Embassadour to Michael Vayuod of Valachia , both by shew of great dangers , to deterr him from the Confederacy with the Transilvanian : and by glorious promises to allure him to submit to his protection , and in taking of fidelity , to deliver to him , what 2 Frontier Towns he should require : Who answered , He was not yet weary of Friendship with the Prince , neither were those Towns in his power to give , as belonging to him ; to whom he would write , and stay the Embassadour till he had an answer . The Emperour had , with what care he could , provided , that his Army might be ready at first of the Spring ; but , although his own Forces were in some good time ready , yet was a good part of Summer past , before the ayd from other Princes met together : at length , when some convenient number were assembled at Vienna : they were by Lord Swartzenburg brought into the field , and encamped in those very Trenches that were cast up last year by count Mansfelt , there to expect the comming down of their Warlike provision by the River : as also , the rest of the daily expected Forces . From Altenburg they marched to 〈◊〉 , thence to Vacia or Woczen , July 24. Upon whose approach , the Turks forsook the Town , and with their Ordnance , Cattel , and best Goods , fled to Pesth , burying the biggest Ordnance by the way : which yet was found out . And though the Turks had fired both Town and Castle ; yet , the Christians , left therein , by the help of 2000 Foot and some Horse sent thither , preserved a great part of both : The whole Army comming and encamping in the open field , braved the Turks , even to the Gates of Pesth ; insomuch , that they of Pesth and Buda , sent their Wives and Children with their chief substance down the River , to places farther off , and that so disorderly , that many for haste thrust one another into the River , and so perished . Ferdiuand the Emperour's Uncle , Count of Tirol , being dead , the Emperour preferred Matthias his Brother to that Government , not inferiour to some Kingdoms , appointing Maximilian the yonger Brother Generall , who came into the Camp , Aug. 4th . being by Swartzenburg his Lievt . and Palfi , received with great triumph . The Christians being now 60000 strong , and , having fortified and garrisoned Vacia , resolved to besiege Hatwan , a strong Town in upper Hungary , whither they came August the 15. and so speedily , that they were seen by the Turks , before heard of ; so that at first they sallyed out upon them , as some come to seek for booty ; skirmishing a while , till they saw the whole Battel coming . The Christians encamping themselves , battered the Counterscarf in 3 places . Besides the strong Garrison , was also a broad Ditch , with a broad Counter-scarf , and strong Pallisadoes . The Turks sallying out , brake into the Christians Trenches , doing greater harm , and were likely to do more , had not the Horsmen in time , come & forced them to retire . Greis a notable Captain was here slain , being forsaken of his own men : who , for their cowardize were openly disarmed , and turned out of the Camp : One morning , as the Christians were at their devotions in their Trenches , a Turkish Priest from a high Tower , most bitterly railing on , and cursing . and 〈◊〉 them , a Cannonier much moved , shot at the Tower , which he struck down , together , with the railing and blaspheming Priest. The Christians having at length , made the Town Saultable , the Turks offered to yield it , upon the same conditions that they of Strigonium had , but they received no answer : yea , command was given , none on pain of death to have any parly with them . Shortly after , they , about 5 in the afternoon assaulted the Town in 4 places , and after 3 hours hard fight , took it , with the 〈◊〉 and lamenting of the women and children , and other fearfull ones . Four hours Execution was done upon all that came to hand : Women great with child , and yong children at their Mother's breasts , were slain ; and the Walloons ript the children out of their mothers wombs , making thongs and points of the skins of men and women , whom they had slain quick : which cruelty , ( when they were reproved afterwards for it ) they excused : pretending , they taught the Turks hereafter , not so wickedly to blaspheme against Christ , or with such wonted cruelty to torment the Christians for fear of the like . In this fury , about 4000 Turks perished , and but three hundred Christians ; Here was a very rich prey , besides what the fire devoured . One Terski ( with his Company ) first entred the Town , after whom followed Rusworme , who , in their entrance , were thought to have slain with their own hand eight or ten Turks apiece . Mahomet the while , sending Cicala before him , arrived at length from Belgrade at Buda , with about 200000 men , and 300 Field-pieces ; whence , sending 40000 presently to Temeswar , he stayed there himself with the rest . The Christians at Hatwan , doubting lest he should suddenly come upon them , as yet unprovided , departed thence , encamping not far fram Vacia , from whence , the Christian Garrison ( next day , after the Turks comming to Buda ) had fled for fear , firing the Town , and following the Camp. His comming also , caused those of Vienna , to labour day and night to fortifie , and provide all things , as if for a present siege ; But , Mahomet not provided for such an undertaking , and not ignorant of Solyman's disgrace , had , at his comming into Hungary , cast his eyes upon the City Agria , not far from Hatwan , purposing by taking thereof , and strongly garrisoning it , to hinder the uniting of the Emperours Forces with the Transilvanians , by the way of upper Hungary : Wherefore , the Arch-Duke sent thither valiant Terski , with a notable Company of Italians and Germans , and 1000 other Harquebusiers . Septemb. 21. Mahomet with 4 Bassaes ( Sinan being now dead ) and an Army of 150000 , encamped between Danubius and Tibiscus , and with wondrous speed , casting up 5 great Mounts , so furiously battered the walls , that the Christians were glad night and day , to stand in Arms for defence of the City ; and , though the walls were long , and in many places so weak as not to be defended , but by a greater garrison : yet , for 6 dayes they defended the whole City against the Enemies fury , doing them great harm : But , the danger greatly encreasing they set it on fire , having first convayed all their best substance , with themselves , into the Castle , fair and strong ; Whereupon , the Turks brake so suddenly into the City , as if they would have entred the Castle with them , but in that attempt they were repulsed , and many slain . There was a strong Bulwark adjoyning to the Castle : which , the Turks having sore shaken with their Ordnance , thundring without ceasing , in 2 dayes assaulted it 12 times , but with wonderful loss ; but , as men the more enraged , they came on with greater fury than before : & at last took it , putting all to the Sword , except such as betimes got into the Castle . Which Bulwark , the Christians next day again recovered , slaying a great number of Turks , with the losse of some 30 men , and as many wounded . The besieged now divers times , craved ayd of Maximilian , telling him , they could not long hold out for want of shot and Powder , if not timely relieved ( which the Enemy knew ) , yet they resolved to hold it out to the last man ; though Mahomet had oft willed them to yield it up , promising safe departure with life and goods , otherwise threatning greater extremities than was shewed at Hatwan : whereto they never answered him ; for Terski had forbad all parley , setting up Gallowes in the Market-place , and threatning to hang whoever should once motion a yielding of the City . The arch-Duke , having stayed somewhat too long at 〈◊〉 , expecting more ayd , began now to set forward , as if he indeed purposed to relieve his friends so hardly beset at Agria ; but through the foulness of the weather , hindering the passage of his Ordnance ( to omit other things ) he marched scarce 12 miles in 14 dayes : whereby the Enemy , now hearing of their coming , turned all his endeavours from battery , to fill up the Ditch of the old Castle : to hasten which , Mahomet himself rode up and done , encouraging his men in that desperate work ; but whilest they were busied therein , the Christians sallying out , made great slaughter of them , 〈◊〉 so chased Ibraim Bassa , with those about him , that in flight , he lost his Tulipant , and was very nigh taking ; yet the work by the restless labour of such a multitude , was so perfected , that the Turks Octob. 10th , gave the Castle four desperate assaults , being still with great slaughter repulsed ; but the fifth time , by a greater fury , they entred , putting about 800 which were therein , to the sword : 400 of whose heads , a Captain sent to Mahomet in the Camp ; where at , he is said to have taken great pleasure : The new Castle now onely remaining , although the Turk's battery was very terrible against it ; yet their greatest hope , was in 14 secret Mines , which were now almost ready to be blown up : whereupon , the besieged ( hearing of no relief ) resolved , without consent of their chief Commanders , to yield , rising up as one man , in a mutiny against Niari and Terski , who first greatly disswaded them from such cowardise , minding them of their Oath ; then requested them on their knees , to hold out a while , in hope of speedy relief ; yea , Terski , with hands cast up , intreated them , if they would needs yield , first to kill him , that he might not see so great a dishonour . In the mean time , 250 common Souldiers ( many being Italians ) escaped out into the Camp , divers of whom , turned Turks : which so added to the former fear , that forthwith , coming to a parley , they agreed , with Swords by their sides , and bag and baggage , safely to depart . Mahomet gave them his faith , with mutual Hostages for performance ; so Octob. 13th , about 2000 coming forth , they were not gone far , but were cut in pieces by the Turks and Tartars : some being flain quick , and others otherwise dismembred : the Turks upbraidingly saying , Faith was not to be kept with them , that had dealt so cruelly at Hatwan . Some of 〈◊〉 chief Turks , complained to the Sultans of this perfidiousness , who is 〈◊〉 to have executed some of the chief Authours , and to proclaim , that if the Turks or Tartars , had taken any of them , to set them at liberty . Whilest Mahomet besieged Agria , the Bassa of Bosna , with some other Sanzacks , besieged 〈◊〉 with a 〈◊〉 Army : and so furiously battered it for 7 dayes , that it 〈◊〉 thought impossible , to hold it out two days longer ; 〈◊〉 Herbenstein and 〈◊〉 , with all their power , coming towards Petrinia , retired towards Siseg , there in haste to passe over the River Kulp : whom the Turks supposing to have fled , put 6000 Horse over the River , to pursue them : on whom , the Christians turning , slew many , and drave the rest into the River , where most of them perished : so next day , they by a Bridge , passed over at Siseg ; and being come near to Petrinia , were encountred by 8000 Turks , whom they putting to flight , understood by some prisoners taken , that the Bassa , the day before , was risen and gone : which they at first believed not ; but coming thither , found it so . Maximilian came to Cassovia , Octob. 17th , four days after the losse of Agria : whither the Transilvanian Prince was come with 18000 Horse and Foot , and forty Field-pieces to ayd him . Next day , they setting forward , joyned with Teuffenbach and Palsi , all whose united forces , consisted now of 32000 Horse , and 28000 Foot , having 120 Field-pieces , and 2000 Wagons , wherewith they enclosed their Army every night ; so they orderly marched towards Agria , all seeming very desirous to give the Turks battel , and by the way , came to a fair Heath , where they were to passe over a River : which passage , Giaffar Bassa , had taken with 20000 Turks and Tartars , purposing by enlarging it , to have made way for the whole Army over on the other side , as commodious for many things , especially for plenty of water for themselves , and to have kept the Christians from it ; but next day , Octob. 23 , they skirmishing with him , especially at the passage , slew 300 of his men at the first encounter , who seeing the whole Army coming on , fled to the Sultan , losing two Ensigns , and two Field-pieces , but not many Men , through timely flight , and the nights approach . The Christians finding the place where the Bassa lay , not so commodious for them as they supposed , ( chiefly for lack of Wood , and hearing of the Sultan's approach , retired over the River , again to their former place , enclosing themselves with their Wagons . Next day , Octob. 24 , towards night , Mahomet appeared with all his Army , sending 3000 Tartars to passe the River , of whom the Christians slew many with great shot , and put the rest to flight . In the morning , Mahomet with his Army , ranged in order of Battel , came in sight , sending again , part of his Forces over the River ; with whom the Christians skirmished from morning till night , the main Bodies all this while , standing falt on both sides of the River . But at length , both sides being well wearied , nd many slain , the Turks retired again over the River : and next day , ( both sides resolving to give Battel ) Octob. 26 , Mahomet drew down with his Army towards the River , nigh which place , were the ruines of an old Temple , wherein he placed Janizaries , and 24 Field pieces , sending 20000 choise Souldiers over the River : whom the Christians , with part of their Army , so fiercely charged , that they soon overthrew them : as also , some Companies of Tartars , came over in another place , and following the chase , put to flight also them on the further side of the River , flaying a great number ; and by the coming on of the rest of the Army , took from them 190 great Pieces , which so affrighted the Turks Camp , that Mahomet with Ibraim Bassa , fled towards Agria , shedding some teares as he went , and wiping his eyes with a piece of Mahomets Garment , which for reverence , he carried about him . Night drawing on , the General was about to found a retreat for that day ; but the Prince , Palfi , and the rest ; perswaded him in so great a fear of the Enemy , to prosecute the Victory ; and the rather , because the Turks began to repair their disordered Battels : wherefore the Christians charged the Front of the Turks restored Battel , ( in number 40000 ) with such violence , that they soon 〈◊〉 most of them , putting the rest to flight ; and also , charging their main body , forced them with great slaughter , into their own Camp. Now a general Command was given , None on pain of death , to forsake his place in seeking after spoil , till the Victory was assured ; but they breaking together with the Turks into their Tents , slew a great number , and seeing great store of rich spoil , left the pursuit , falling to the spoil , till they came to the very Tent of the Sultan , where they lighted on a strong and resolute Squadron , who discharged store of Ordnance , among the thickest of them , renting in sunder a great number , and then coming on resolutely themselves : and the while , Cicala with his untouched Horsemen , brake in also upon them , so that ( as terrified ) they fled amain , especially the Hungarians and Germans , most busied in the spoil : neither could they by threats or intreaty , be perswaded to shew any token of true valour ; and whilest they fled thus headlong , they also over-ran their own Footmen . Thus , through the greediness of some disordered men , the most notable Victory that ever the Christian ; were like to have had over the Turks , was let slip . Many Gentlemen and Commanders , in seeking to stay their flight , were slain ; and though the Turks pursued them scarce half a mile , yet the Christians fled all over the Countrey , no man pursuing them . Maximilian , seeing all desperate , fled to Cassovia : the Transilvanian retiring the most orderly towards Tocai , having lost not above 200 , no one being of fame : all which losse , he imputed to the Hungarian's covetousness , and the German Horse their cowardise : Lord Berstain fled also , as did Palfi ; and in fine , all the rest : yet the night following , the Turks themselves , for fear of the Christian's return , with their best things , fled towards Agria ; & it was afterwards known , that the Turks Ordnance , Tents & Baggage , stood 3 days in their Trenches , not at all , or but slenderly guarded ; so that they might easily have been taken had the Christians made head again ; yea , Mahomet is said , oft to have confessed the danger and fear , himself and Army were then in , if the Christians had pursued the Victory , and not so basely run after the spoil . Wherefore he would never afterwards adventure his Person to the like perill in the Field . In this Battel of Karesta , and at the siege of Agria , were lost about 20000 Christians , and 60000 Turks . Mahomet after this Victory , fortifying , and garrisoning Agria with 10000 Souldiers , returned to Belgrade . The Bassa of Buda , perswaded that the Christians could not this year recover their strength to any purpose , besieged Vacia Novemb. 4th , with all his power ; but finding greater resistance than he had imagined , and hearing that the dispersed Christians in upper Hungary , were making head to come for its relief , he returned to Buda , more afraid than hurt ; for those dispersed reliques , had cast away their Arms in the late flight , and so could have done him small harm , had he continued the siege . Mahomet , dividing his Army into two parts at Belgrade , billited the one thereabouts , to be ready for all events , returning with the other to Constantinople ; but Januschi , the Transilvanian Princes Lievtenant , and the Vayuod of Valachia , getting over Danubius with a great power , and secretly favoured by the people , lay in ambush for him , and still following his Reare , cut off 7000 of his men , before he could be rid of them , arriving at length , at Constantinople . Maximilian , arriving at Vienna with a small retinue , in the latter end of November , found there , the Vicount of Burgan , Swartzenburg , and some other of his Commanders , most of the rest , chiefly the Italians , being slain . The small remainder of this year , was spent in often skirmishes and inroads into each others Frontiers . Rodolph the Emperour , for all the late discomfiture , chose again his Brother Maximilian , General for his next years Warres , whereto the Pope , by his Legate , promised to send 10000 Italians , under the Duke of Mantua , of his own charge , as did the German Princes their wonted ayd , with some others : who all slowly meeting together nigh Possonium and Altenburg , departed in July and August , to Pappa : which after 8 dayes hard siege , they took retiring to Altenburg , where mustering the Army , they in the beginning of September , appeared before Rab , where Lord Berstein approaching too nigh , was slain with a shot : yet they there stayed till they heard of Bassa's coming with a great Army ; and then Septemb . 24 , they passed over Danubins , into Schut 〈◊〉 , where they encamped . And 8 dayes after , Dotis Castle standing on the other side of the River , was by the Bassa before their faces , besieged and taken : the whole Christian Army , not daring to relieve their friends , but marched to Vacia : where , hearing of the Turks coming against them from Pesth , they fired the Castle , and so retired along the North side of the River , till they came over against Vicegrade : where , by the good direction of Lord Basta Lievtenant General of the Army , they so strongly encamped , that the Turks , after many brave attempts , to force them in their Trenches , were glad with some losse to depart . The Transilvanian Prince , also besieging Temeswar by his Chancellor , in October , was by the 〈◊〉 valour , and the weather's unseasonableness , forced to raise his siege , and depart . Also Michael of Valachia , now wearied with the Turks often invasions , and almost utter desolation of his Countrey , many thousands being carried captive , and most of his strong Ho'ds razed , to give his Subjects a breathing time , submitted again to the Turk , receiving of a Chiaus , sent on purpose , an Ensign , in token thereof , and of Mahomet's favour : of which , the more to assure him , he shortly after , received more kind Letters from him , than ever before , with 〈◊〉 of the Vaynodship , by his solemn Oath , to him and his Son Peter , ( about 13 years old ) during their lives , without disturbance , and to pay but half the old yearly Tribute : he received also , a goodly Horse , most richly furnish d , with a fair Scimitar , and Horsemans Mace , in sign of the Martiall Power committed to him : nevertheless , Michael not daring too far to trust the Turk , having had former experience , still kept strong Garrisons upon his Frontiers , with other wonted Forces , excusing it as done , for fear of the Tartars , telling also Mahomet , when he requested him to go with the Turks General , this year into Hungary , he might not in any case so do , for fear of the Tartars most horrible incursions , requesting , that his reasonable excuse to be in good part accepted : yet he well knew , that they were expresly charged by the Sultan , to do no harm in Moldavia , or Valachia , as they went into Hungary . Thus passed this year , without any other great thing done , than what is declared . Sigismund , who was confederated but with his poor oppressed Neighbours , the Valachians and Moldavians , did so much against the Turk , that if all should be particularly set down , it would not onely be tedious , but perhaps seem incredible : besides which calamities of War , the great Sultan , found no small wants , both in his Coffers , and other necessary supplies , for maintenance of his Warres , chiefly in Hungary , and that by the revolt of those three aforesaid Countries . But their wholsom confederation being now broken , the Transilvanian Prince Sigismund now left as it were all alone ; and fearing least his Countrey should with himself fall into the Turks , Polonians , or some other his Enemies hands , resigned Transilvania unto the Emperour and his Heires for ever ; and so leaving his Wife there , himself went into Silesia , to take possession of two Dukedoms : which , with the yearly Pension of fifty thousand Joachims , or the Revenues of the Bishopwrick of 〈◊〉 , he , in lieu thereof , received of the EMPEROUR : whereupon , Transilvania was by the general consent of those States , in the beginning of one thousand five hundred ninety eight , delivered up to the three Emperours Commissioners ; and an Oath of obedience taken of them all , although both the Commissioners and Emperour would have perswaded the Prince , either not at all , or not so suddenly to have forsaken his Country , who was the natural Prince thereof , and exceedingly beloved of his Subjects . These Commissioners likewise in June following , took the like Oath of Michael , and his people in Valachia , they loathing the Turkish Soveraignty . They also then agreed with the Tartars Embassadors , who offered 〈◊〉 peace , and ayd for forty thousand Duckats yearly , and as many Sheepskin-Gowns , their usual Apparell . All this while continued the Diet begun at Ratisbone , in December last : Matthias being there his Brother's Deputy , who demanded more ayd against the Turk , than against the PRINCES and STATES of the Empire offered ; where at last , a large proportion was agreed upon , for defraying the charges of those Warres , to be payd in three years next ; and so the Assembly was dissolved : but as they returned home , RAB , one of the strongest Fortresles of Christendom , was by Lord Swartzenburg again recovered , to the great grief of the storming TURKS , and joy of the Christians , after this manner . The Lord SWARTZENBURG , then laying at Komara , doubting of some attempt of the TURKS at Rab , against him , kept continuall Watch and Ward , all that Winter time , with a strong Garrison : the Spring approaching , it hapned March 22th , about night , the Gates being shut , two Italians were heard nigh the Walls , earnestly requesting to be let in , for fear of the Enemies pursuit : which being told the Governour by a Gentinel , he doubting it to be some subtilty of the Enemy , bad them there to tarry till morning ; and then being let in , they prostrating themselves before the Governour , pittifully requested him , to comfort them with his charitable relief , that they might return into their own Countrey : answering to him , demanding of them , that they were Italians , and had even then escaped out of the Turks hands at Rab : and though they shewed by their gesture , not to know any newes ; yet he would needs know of them , when , and how they were taken by the Turks , and how they escaped out of that cruel servitude : so the younger told him , that when the Christians were overthrown by the Turks , under Agria , they having by flight escaped the greatest danger ; and travelling towards Vienna , were ( by a hundred Turks come out of Rab ) taken and committed to the Chain , where they had almost two years , with great patience , served : telling him also , they had been three moneths before , carefully devising how to recover their lost liberty , which now seemed to make some offer of it self unto them ; for , since the departure of the Emperours Army from the Town , they lay as men not much regarded ; so one day , as they were carrying munition from the Pallace of Giaffar , for the Souldiers , they secretly conveyed three Pieces of Coard , by night to let themselves down from the Wall , burying the Coard in the ground ; but night come , and they roaming in the dark , and still finding one let or other , they were forced to defer it till the night following : when as they fastning the Coard above , slid down one after another : the younger , though he could not swim , being by the assistance of the elder , conducted over the broad and deep Ditch ; and so , in the great darkness of the night , they were come by chance to Komara , thinking to have gone to Vienna . The Governour now demanded further , how Rab , was governed and guarded : they told him , Very ill , and with small care , especially since the departure of the Emperors Camp , and that four of the Gates being filled up with Earth , if broken open , would fall into the Ditch , and further them that would attempt to enter with divers others particulars . Whereupon , he requested Lord Palfi , in all haste and secresie , with 1600 Foot , and what Horse he could make , to come unto him , who presently setting forward by night , March 26 , before day , with 1400 Foot , and 120 Horse , arrived at Komara : where they entring , the Gates were again fast shut , and so kept for fear of the Enemies Spies ; so Swartzenburg and Palfi fully discoursing of the intended enterprise , and resolving thereon , they found they had 2600 Foot , and 300 Horse , all couragious men : who staying two dayes , and many of them , confessing , and receiving the Sacrament , now doubted not to encounter a far greater number of Turks than themselves . And the more to incite them , Palfi delivered to them , a notable Speech , ( yet not telling them whither they were to go ) at the end whereof , they all cryed aloud , They were most ready to do any of their Commands , and follow them any whither ; and so having well refreshed themselves , about the 11th houre , March 27 , they in good order set forward towards Rab : and least the Enemy should have warning of what was intended , Palfi ordered Stroine his Maior , to follow softly after him , with 1700 Horse and Foot ; so upon the break of day , they drew towards Rab , lying in close ambush , about 7 miles short of the Town ; and night being come , in two houres march , they drew near Rab , where they stayed about five houres , sending before them a French Engineer , with 13 others , ( rewarded with 1500 Duckats ) having with them four Petards : where they found the Draw-bridge down because the Turks then secure , hourely expected some Wagons , with Provision from Alba Regalis , whereby they coming to the Gate unperceived , and fastning their forcible Engines thereunto , gave fire to the same ; and being not gone far , were descryed , and asked by a Sentinel , What they were ; but was presently answered by the Petards , which in a trice , tore in sunder the Gate , with some of the Wall , and adjacent Fortifications . The Watch now gave the Alarum , & the Christians thrusting in , took the Gate , no Turk yet coming to hinder their entrance : 200 Turks first appeared with their hideous cry , Alla , Alla , but were overcharged by 300 already entred . The Bassa also came on with above one thousand following him , with the greatest Turkish courage and fury : where , after two hours most terrible fight , the Bassa being slain , the Turks a little retired , whereby one thousand Christians more entred ; but Giaffar Bassa coming with above one thousand tall Souldiers , all the Inhabitants also running after him with great force , they constrained the Christians to retire to the Gate : who there with incredible courage , sustaining the greatest fury of the Enemy ; and this Bassa also encountred by Lord Swartzenburg , being at length slain also , most of the Turks retired into the City : about 300 crept underneath a Bulwark , where were some Barrels of Gunpowder , which they firing , blew up with themselves 300 Christians that were above upon the Bulwark , who else , were not supposed to have lost in that Victory , above two hundred men . The Turks discomfited , fled in every place before the Christians , they most horribly slaughtering them : the Turkish Women all this while , casting down from on high , Stones , Timber , &c. upon the heads of the Christians : the bloudy execution , in one secret place or another , continued all that day untill night : who ransacking also every corner , were by their wealth greatly enriched ; but they found exceeding store of rich Furniture , at the Pallace of Giaffor : also Letters , in Characters of Gold , from the Bassa of Buda to this Bassa : with many things written from the Sultan unto him , with great store of Coin , which all fell to the Souldiers share : 60 Pieces of Ordnance were there recovered , sometimes the Emperours ; and 24 others brought from Buda , with great store of Ammunition and small Pieces , and Meal enough to serve four thousand Men for a year and a half ; but of Wine , onely four Vessels . In Giaffars Palace , was also found great store of Armour and Weapons , abundance of Cloth and Apparel , all given to the Souldiers . Rab was thus taken , March 29 , 1598 , about six thousand Turks or more being slain , and scarce six hundred Christians . The Heads of the two Bassaes being sent for a Present , to the Emperour at Prague , with all particulars of the whole action . For all this , did not Mahomet cease to make greater provision than before , for his Warres in Hungary , ordering Ibrain Bassa , his Brother in Law , and Generall , with all convenient speed , to take the Field : which yet fell out otherwise ; for a great dissention arose betwixt the Janizaries , the best footmen ; and the Spahi , the best Horsemen of the Turkish Empire : the one whereof , standing upon their strength , and the other upon their honour , do oft in setting forwards toward the Wars , fall at odds , as now they did : insomuch , that the Generall , to appease this tumult , was glad to put to death some insolent Janizaries , refusing to set forward as their Aga commanded them ; but he thinking to have executed some others of them also , was by them and their adherents , put in such fear of his life , that to avoid the danger , he was glad to lay all the blame upon his Lievtenant : who was therefore delivered to their fury , who presently slew him , with some others of the Bassa's followers . So Ibrahim reviewing his Army at Sophia , there stayed , expecting order from the Sultan , whether to begin his Warres in Hungary or Transilvania , which could not well be before the beginning of July ; such scarcity of Victuall then arising in the Camp. To supply which , Mahomet not a little cared ; but this caused , that a great number of Janizaries coming from Hadrianople , and hearing that the General would not yet set forward , and not knowing the cause , were about to have returned back again : whereupon , Command was presently sent from Court to Ibrahim , without longer stay , to march towards Hungary . In which long delay , the Christians had good leisure to prepare new forces ; and doubting , that ( August now at hand ) the Enemy would not turn his forces into lower Hungary , they thought best to provide for the safety of the upper : where Basta , a man of great experience and valour , was made Lievtenant General for that Countrey , to the great content of the Souldiery . 〈◊〉 the while , remaining in lower Hungary at Rab , with eight thousand good Souldiers : and Matthias : at Vienna , for the dispatch of 〈◊〉 , because the upper Hungary , began now to feel the incursions of the Turks and Tartars : besides , he was afterwards to return to the Emperour , expecting a Turkish 〈◊〉 , sent by the way of Polonia for Prague , to 〈◊〉 with him of peace . No Turkish Army being then in field , in lower Hungary : Palfi set forward to attempt Buda ; and Octob. 16th , began to batter it , to the great feat and discomfiture of the besieged , he having first taken the Fort of St. Gerard. wherefore , all that dwelt in the City , most earnestly befought the Bassa , in time to hearken to some reasonable Composition , that every man might , at leastwith life , depart : yet the Bassa would not hearken , putting them still in hope of present relief ; howbeit , the battery still continuing , and they not able longer to endure the force of the Imperials , not any relief coming , at last abandoned the City , 2000 Janizaries being slain , and but 300 Christians , and 800 hurt , the rest of the Turks retiring into the Castle . Palfi possessed of the City , laid siege to the Castle , which though in some places shaken by the Cannon , yet were the Defendants ready to make it good ; so that Palfi giving chereto a general assault , was forced to retire , they within , the while , repairing with great labour the breaches and gauls ; so that Palfi thought it better , by undermining , to shake the Rock whereon the Castle stood , than to give a new assault : which purpose , was by a Countermine disappointed . Yet the Christians still hoped by another Mine , as yet unperceived , to obtain their desire : and the more , because the Defendants now were silent and quiet , as if they had been consulting about yielding up the Castle ; for the Christians , by possessing a strong Abbey and Fortresse fast by , and breaking down all Bridges over the River , had deprived the besieged of all relief , either by Land or Water : but the time of the year beginning to grow tedious and sharp , the Christians resolved to give another general assault , and at the same instant , to blow up the Mine , but they were again repulsed , with the losse of 200 men . Then also some Turks sallied forth , and couragiously encountred the Christians , but they were almost all cut in pieces : the Mine also being blown up , did little or no harm ; so that they were about to rise . Yet willing to give a fresh attempt by the Mine , they began again to work therein , and in hope to parley with the Defendants ; but the Mine having taken no effect , the Souldiers could hardly be drawn on , thorow the deep and muddy ditches , to give a new assault ; in fine , seeing no hope , and hearing also of a great Army of Turks , for relief of the besieged , they departed with a great booty towards Strigonium , having burnt the Suburbs : and shortly after , there was order , that the disbanded forces should be dispersed into Garrisons , and the Countrey thereabouts ; that they might be ready with the first of the Spring , to be employed , as there should be occasion . But the Transilvanian Prince ( the while ) repenting of his exchange made with the Emperour , in disguised Apparel , posted to Glausenburg , in Transilvania : where being joyfully received , and taking a new Oath of his Subjects , certified Maximilian , ( appointed Governour of Transilvania , and on his way as far as Cassovia ) of the causes of his return , perswading him rather to turn his Forces for recovery of Agria , than to come any farther for Transilvania , whereof ( to his Subjects great content ) he was again repossessed , as did also his Wife : wishing him to consider , what hurt and dishonour he should do to the Emperour , himself , Empire , and whole Christian Common Weale , if in so dangerous a time he should attempt any thing against her Husband , to him by her so nearly allied . Now the Turks 〈◊〉 Army , lay under the Walls of Veradinum , in upper Hungary , where Basta not having strength enough to go against so mighty an Enemy , or relieve the besieged City , not having a sufficient Carrison , he acquainted Maximilian therewith . In the mean time , the besieged notably defended themselves , and by brave sallies , did the Enemy great harm , expecting , that Basta , Sigismund , or Maximilian with divided or united Forces , would send them relief , whom they certified Octob. 19th , that the Turks with all their Force and fury , had as yet little prevailed , being so repulsed , &c. that they well hoped to protract time , till they might be by them relieved ; yet not doubting , but the Turks would do what they might to subdue them . The Transilvanian Prince taking the Field to relieve them , was letted by the Tartars , stirred up by the Turks to that purpose : yet he sent some Companies of brave Souldiers to Basta : who hearing that of 2000 good Souldiers in the City at the first , there were scarce 700 left alive , used a notable 〈◊〉 to delude the Enemy ; for , comming bravely on , as if he would have presently joined battel ; whilst the Turks were wholly busied in putting themselves in order to that end , he , by a way least suspected , thrust into the City 800 men , and so presently retired to his Trenches : who , returning without battel , deceived by this fineness . The Turks shortly after , through continual foulness of the weather , raised the siege , now not without great 〈◊〉 and danger to be maintained , leaving also behind them many Tents , with some Ordnance , as not able to convey them by water to Buda : also , greatly fearing to be encountred by Basta's Forces , even then receiving new supplies from the Emperour . In the mean time , Matthias , Swartzenburg , and others , with 12000 men , and the Souldiers of Rab , Strigonium , and Komara , and the Hungarian Horsmen , over-ran the Country , even to the Gates of Buda , hoping also to have met with 8000 Turks , comming towards Pesth , with Victuals for Buda Castle . Mahomet the mean while , sent Cicala , his Admirall , with a great Fleet to Sea : who comming upon the coast of Sicily , requested that Viceroy , to send him aboord his Mother Lucretia , who dwelt in Messana , he much desiring to see and Honour her , promising so quietly to depart : he considering , how the 〈◊〉 for the like courtesie before denied , had done great harm all along the sea-coast : on condition of sending her back in safety , sent her to him honorably accompanied : whom , Cicala her son receiving with great joy & triumph ; and keeping her with him one day , with all honor , sent her back accordingly , & so peaceably returned , without doing any harm to any part of Christendom . In the mean time , Michael of Valachia with good forces , resolved , to give an attempt upon Nicopolis in Bulgaria , causing a bridge to be made over Danubius for his passage ; but , the Bassaes of Silistra and Badova , comming with all their power , as the bridge was laid over upon boates , attempted to break the same . Michael hasting thither , enforced the Bassaes to forsake the Exploit begun ; there being for a while a hard conflict , till the Turks being greatly slaughtered , were glad , by a dispersed flight to save their lives : So the Vayuod passing the 〈◊〉 , came to Nicopolis : where they of the City without resistance , yielded themselves into his power ; who , sacking & firing the City , carried away a great Spoyl , with many Bulgarians , choosing out the best and strongest to serve in his Wars : and appointing the rest to inhabite , and manure the waste places of Valachia . The report of this overthrow and sacking , brought a generall fear on the Turks , even in Constantinople ; Wherefore , Mahomet commanded his chief Bassaes , with a great power , taken up in haste , to stop his further proceedings , himself horribly threatning him : Who , now encouraged , and knowing the Turks manuers , little regarded the same . Mahomet oppressed with melancholy , at the raging plague in Constantinople , the bloudy Wars in Hungary , his ill success at Veradium , and the great harm done at Nicopolis ; yet ceased not , what he could , to provide for so many evils : Ordering Taut Bassa with all speed , to march towards Valachia : Who put himself upon the way with 600 Janizaries towards Hadrianople : there to expect the rest of the Army at Spring ; that so , being united with the Forces of Mehemet ( who besieged Veradium the last year ) he might appear more terrible to his Enemies . The Emperour also was then much discontented , that his men had failed of the Castle of Buda , the Walloons blaming the chief Commanders : who ( when they valiantly offered to do their utmost to win it ) chose rather , by the Spade and Mattock , than the Sword , to perform the same . But Michael , to the Turks greater terrour and hurt , made new inroads upon them : so that he entred 10 Miles into their Territory ; against whom Mehemet comming , he retired , carrying away the spoyl of the wasted Country . They of Buda the while , fearing some sudden assault , and suffering great want , expected long to be relieved with necessaries ; yet they heard , that Mahomet had given it out at Constantinople , that he was raising a great power of his best Souldiers : having sent for all his Old men of War , such as had served in the Wars of Persia. The Turks the while , providing to relieve distressed Buda , some resolute Hungarians , understanding that a Bassa was comming thither with 3000 Souldiers to encrease the Garrison , lay close in Ambush : where , the Turks securely and disorderly passing by , were overthrown and put to flight , losing many Horses , much Mony and Jewels ; many Captains being taken , and the Bassa hardly escaping into the City . But shortly after , 400 Christians scouring the Country about Buda , and returning loaded with prey , were assaulted by the Turks , and forced to forsake it , and fight for their lives : yet they notably repulsed the Turk , slaying divers of them , and recovering their booty , returned : and in upper - Hungary , a great power of Turks and Tartars , having done great harm , came before Cassovia : making shew , as if they would presently besiege the City ; so that many Inhabitants , fled forthwith into the Mountains : yet by the perswasion of Basta , 2000 expert Souldiers stayed there 〈◊〉 him , expecting what the Turks would do ; who demanded of them a great sum of mony as contribution , threatning otherwise the utter destruction thereof : which was stoutly rejected by Basta , and they with the loss of many lives , forced to get them further from the walls : Wherefore , they for fear by night arose , departing by another way than they came , doing great harm as they went. The free Haiducks of Valachia also living most upon prey , by Bridges , passing over Danubius , overthrew the Bassa of Natolia's great power , with a great slaughter , and loss of his Brother : then over-running the Country , they did exceeding harm , and took the Bassa's son prisoner . Thus passed the Winter with many light skirmishes , and incursions in divers parts of Hungary . Maximilian ( the mean while ) comming from Prague to Vienna ; found in his Camp but 24000 Foot , and 10000 Horse ready against next Spring ( divers German Princes , sending this year 1599. no ayd at all , by reason of troubles with the Spaniards in the lower side of Germany ) which made him the more to dread the Enemies comming ; but about this time , the great Duke of Muscovy , requested leave of the Polonian , for 40000 Horse to pass thorow his Country , to ayd the Emperour against the Turk ; which he would in no case grant , as dangerous to his State : Wherefore , the Muscovite offended , sent other Embassadours to the Emperour by Sea : who , in an English ship in Nicolas Port , sayled about Sweden , Norway , and Denmark ; and , after long trouble , arrived at Stoad ; and from thence travelling by Land to Hamborough , Lubeck and Maidenborough , came to the Emperour then at Plissena , for the plague was hot at Prague . Who , having delivered their Presents and Letters of Credence , had audience , and were most honourably used ; yet the Polonian , suffered the Turks Embassadour , calling himself Gabriel a Jew , to pass thorow his Country to the Emperour , to entreat of peace ; which Gabriel comming to Prague , and having no Letters of Credence to shew ( for he said , They were taken from him upon the way by the Polonian Cossacks , and some of his retinue slain ) was taken for a Spy , and sent to Vienna : where , at first he was well used in an Inne , but the night following , the Martial clapt him fast in prison , with as many Irons as he could bear : and all his followers , with gyves on their leggs , were compelled to work daily in the Town-ditch . About this time , Sigismund of Transilvanian , gave a most manifest token of an unconstant Nature , to the great wonder of the World ; for , he having again taken upon him the Government : and withall , requested himself and the Transilvanians , to be discharged of their Oath of Loyalty to the Emperour ; and Veradinum , with the adjacent Country to be restored unto him : and , the Emperour pausing thereupon : did now ( doubting of his ability to keep that Country ) in the beginning of 1599. by his Embassadours , request the Emperour to have the first Agreements again renewed : and a Principality in Moravia added to the 2 Dukedoms in Silesia , with 50000 Duckats yearly out of the Imperiall Chamber , and a generall pardon for all the Transilvanians , that , following him , had lately revolted from the Emperour , and their antient liberties confirmed : All which Conditions being obtained , they returned from Prague , Apr. 19. But , Sigismund in the mean time , consulting with some of the Polonian Nobility , far differing from the former Agreement ; and sending for a Turks Chiaus : and for his cousin the proud Cardinall out of Borussia , met them in a Village towards Polonia , accompanied with some of his chiefest States : and there , in the presence of the Polonians and the Chiaus , resigned all Right & Title in Transilvania to the Cardinall , commanding the States to swear Obedience and Fidelity unto him ; who shortly after , with the Polonian Embassadour , sent a special Favourite to Constantinople , to desire safe conduct for his Embassadors thither : who were both courteously received in the Turks Court ; and , as with a special favour , rewarded with right sumptuous Garments : and charged , that the Cardinall should within 3 months , send thither a solemn Embassadour , with the accustomed Tribute . Thus Transilvania ( one of the strongest Fortresses of that side of Christendom ) became again Triburary to the Turk . The Turks of Buda , not able longer to endure the great Famine , had most earnestly requested relief from their Friends in Hungary : Who , comming near to Buda , could not put into it such provision as they had brought the Imperials about a League off , diligently attending every motion of the Enemy ; whence , Swartzenburg , secretly approachiug by night to one of the gates , thought with a Petard to have broken it open : but the gate , being within strongly fortified , he was forced to depart , being also discovered from the wall . Shortly after , the Bassa issuing out with 600 Horse to meet with Victuals coming thither , fell into an Ambush of the Haiducks , who putting him to flight , took him prisoner , his Horse falling under him , whom his Souldiers seeking to rescue , they encreased their former overthrow , with the loss of most of those left : the Bassa's son , and Aga of the Janizaries , losing their lives . The Bassa being brought to the Camp , was with great threats forced to reveal the state of his City , with other Turkish designs : Whereupon , the Haiducks returned towarks Buda , 〈◊〉 by all means , to stop the comming of Victuals thither , hoping at length to gain the City ; but newes was brought them , that the Bassa of Bosna , with 3 Zanzacks were comming with 10000 men to oppress them : who , went to meet them , and , in a place of good advantage , upon their first appearance , with great courage charging them , brake their Arrays , and slew most of them , with the Bassa himself : yet , had not Palsi in time , sent in some 〈◊〉 Companies , it was doubted the Haiducks had been worsted , about 300 being already slain : Nevertheless the Tartars held on their way , purposing , by over-running the Country , to have withdrawn the Imperialls from the City ; but , Swartzenburg , his Regiment onely going against them , so overthrew them , that , part being slain , and part driven into Danubius , most of them there perished . Basta at that time , lay at Cassovia with 18000 men , doubting , lest the Turk : Army , which he heard was at hand , should come and besiege it . In the mean time , Ibraim Bassa , came to Solnoch with 50000 men , 10000 being Janizaries ; yet , hearing that Basta waited his comming at Cassovia , he retired back to Belgrade , a place of more security , expecting a great Fleet to bring Victualls for the Army , & also for relief of Buda , Alba regalis , &c. with divers battering pieces , and other less pieces upon Carriages , with other Instruments of Warr , all guarded with 5000 Turks up Danubius : Whereupon , Palsi dispatched a convenient power of good and valiant Souldiers , to cut off this Convoy ; who , suddenly assayling them , and comming to handy blows , cut them in pieces and rifled the ships , most whereof were there sunk , and took a booty , deemed to be worth a million of Gold ; and 100000 Dollars , there found , were all divided among the Souldiers . This being known at Buda and other Cities , greatly terrified them ; yea , Ibraim's Army grew much discontented , as disappointed of Victuals and pay : besides , the Imperials , ransacked and destroyed the Villages , and Castles thereabouts without mercy , though the poor Inhabitants offered them large contribution . Hereupon also , Swartzenburg , determined with all his Forces to come again to the siege of Buda , sending for some great Ordnance to Vienna : Col. Rodoler of St. Andrews , in upper - Hungary , also upon this overthrow , shewed himself with 500 Horse , and 600 Foot before Agria : yet , leaving most of his Forces a little way off in Ambush . The Bassa hereupon sallying out , began a hot skirmish , but those in Ambush started out , and couragiously assayling the Turks , put them to flight , pursuing them even to the gates of the City , and , had there bin more Footmen , 't was thought , that the dismayed and confounded Turks , had abandoned the place . Nevertheless , the Christians with small loss retired , having slain a great number : and carrying away 100 prisoners , with 500 Horse and much Cattell . The free Haiducks also receiving new supplies , had done great harm in the Country about Buda without opposition : Wherefore , the poor Christians , which yet dwelt there , ŕose up against the Turks , promising Obedience to the Emperour : and , that they might be no more molested by the Imperials , offered to do their utmost themselves to hinder the Turks passage by Land and Water . These Haiducks , also brake down all Bridges , which the Turks had made between Buda and Alba-regalis , for the commodious bringing of Victuals , and munition to each other : and Palfi & Nadasti , hearing that the Tartars in 3 companies , had over-run much of the Country , and were retiring towards Buda with great booty , went out and forced them to fight , who , better inured to filch , lost all their lives , with what they had stollen . Then , with their Forces , they took 2 of the Turks Castles , with much rich spoyl , which they sacked and burnt , with the great Town of Zolna , breaking down the bridge upon the river Trava . The Turks at Buda , now having no Governour , and also pinched with great want , doubting some sudden attempt , retired into the Castle , leaving the City to the Imperials , then ready to have besieged it : but the Avantguard of the Turks great Army , being come to Moattesh , where Sartes Bassa was also looked for ; and , there being a report , that the Turks having relieved Buda , would besiege Canisia , or Strigonium ; they as in doubt , went no farther . So , some Commanders with their Souldiers , were sent to fortifie some passages , whereby the Enemy was to pass ; the rest retiring , for that he began to approach ; they knew also what desire Ibraim had , to recover Strigonium . The Imperials the while , encamping near 〈◊〉 and Zolnock cut off 500 Turks going towards Buda , to vctual it , taking a Chiaus prisoner , who was sent from Ibraim to Agria , to put them in hope of speedy relief . Then also , they approaching the 〈◊〉 of Zolnock with certain Petards , being discovered by the watch , were ensorced to retire , 40 being left slain , and many more carried away wounded : in revenge whereof , the rest destroyed the Villages , intercepting much Munition and Victuals going to Buda and Agria . Ibraim Bassa , in the beginning of September , came to Buda , with an Army of 130000 ; Whence , in his Masters Name , he gave the Emperour to understand , That , to save the further effusion of innocent bloud , and not for any distrust of his own strength , he could be content to hearken to some reasonable Conditions of peace : whereunto , both these Princes , having well wearied themselves , and exhausted their Treasures , seemed not now unwilling : & the rather , because the old Sultanness , who ( through the greatest weakness of her Sons Government , did bear most 〈◊〉 ) seemed , in what she might to further the same ; Wherefore , about the end of this month , a parley was agreed on , in an Island of Danubius beneath Strigonium . Swartzenburg , Nadasti ; Palfi , and the Bishop of Vacia , being for the Emperour ; and the Bassa of Buda , with the Lievr . Gen. of the Tartars , and some others for the Sultan . The Turks at first , demanded Rab , Strigonium , with all other Towns and Castles taken from them in 5 years before , with a yearly Tribute to be paid at Constantinople ; the Emperour also to have his Embassadour Leiger , alway attending upon the Turks Court ; for which they would deliver the City of Agria only : All which Demands , being by the Emperour's Commissioners rejected , they offered to leave unto the Emperour Rab and Agria , onely for Strigonium ; exchanging as it were , Strigonium for Agria : which , when it could not be obtaied , the Treaty was broken off , & the wars again continued . But in the mean time , Michael of Valachia , certainly informed , his life to be sought after in the Turks Court , by the ambitious Cardinall Bator , his envious Neighbour , by command from the Emperour , with an Army of 60000 men , entred Transilvania , most horribly burning the Country , and killing the people as he went : Where , while the Cardinall was making head against him , he had the City Corona , or Brasso , with the strong Castle of Focaras yielded unto him : whence , marching towards Alba - Julia , with all his Army Octob. 26 , before divided into 3 parts , he came into the Plaines near 〈◊〉 ; where assured , that his Lievtenant ( corrupted by Ibraim ) had promised to kill him , with his own hands presently cut his throat . By and by after , came unto him the Popes-Nuntio , sent from the Cardinall , with another Embassadour : telling him , the Embassadour had Commission from the Emperour to will him , forthwith to desist from Arms , and depart out of Transilvania : Which seeming to the Vayuod almost impossible , he desired to see that Commission : the Nuntio answered , He had left it with the Cardinall himself : But I ( said the Vayuod ) have one here present of another Purport : which I purpose fully to execute : yet , was he for that day entreated by the Nuncio , to stay his Army ; and in the mean time , the Vayuod would know of the Nuntio , Why the Cardinall so troubled the Country , by intruding himself , to the great prejudice of them , to whom it more justly belonged ; not attending to the Government of the Church , better beseeming his calling : but he had no answer . So Octob. 28. these Messengers were sent back to the Cardinall , who presently returned them with rew Instructions to the Vayuod ( then busie with his yong Son in setting his men in Array ) : who answered them only , He was resolved to come to the tryall of a battel with him ; so the 2 Armies ( encamped near each other ) the same day joyned a most cruell battell , for 5 hours space with desperate obstinacy fought : till the Cardinalls men , at length overcome , were utterly overthrown , 30000 of them being Turks and Tartars sent from Ibraim . The Vayuod now Master of the field sent out some Troops to pursue the Cardinall divers wayes : himself with the rest , came to his Camp quite forsaken , 45 pieces of Ordnance , great store of Coyn and Wealth , a great number of Tents and Horses , becomming to him a prey . Then marching to Alba-Julia , he was joyfully received of his Friends ; for , there were divers who still favoured the Emperour . After that , the Vayuod sent his Lievt . to Claudiopolis , which willingly yielded , with many other places in divers parts : so that shortly after , all Transilvania swore Obedience unto the Emperour , most of the Nobles being slain , and put to death by the Vayuod ; among whom were 5 , who , corrupted by the Cardinall , had undertaken to kill him . Novemb. 14. After divers reports of the Cardinals escape , his Head was presented to the Vayuod : which , being for a while set up in Alba - Julia , was afterwards sent for a Present to the Emperour , and the Arch-Duke : his body being honourably buried in a Monastery there , in the same Tomb he made for his Brother , beheaded by his Cousin Sigismund . His Treasure also fell into the Vayuods hands , said to be 3 millions of Gold. Transilvania , being thus again restored to the Christian Empire ; the Cardinall not having possessed his Princely Honours full 8 months : Sigismund , who almost all this while , had stayed in Borussia ; hearing news of the Cardinals overthrow , secretly got him into Polonia , to seek new Fortunes . Swartzenburg , then uniting his Forces in lower - Hungary , with those of Stiria : took in above 200 Villages for the Emperour ; but thinking to surprize Capisuar-Castle ; and , approaching the Gates by night , with a Petard ( not taking the expected effect ) he was discovered , repulsed , and forced to retire with the loss of above a 100 , and divers wounded , all of good account : who , in revenge , sent out divers , Troops , which scouring as far as Zigeth , burnt it , and returned with a great booty . Ibraim Bassa , much troubled with this overthrow , sent news : hereof in Post to Constantinople , which brought a fear upon the whole City ; so that the Sultan gave him Commission , to come to some honourable Peace with the Emperour , and to bring it with him , who was shortly to return to Constantinople ; his Army , besides the cold season , greatly wanting bread , and many of his best Souldiers dying of the plague , besides abundance of their cattel also : so , that the Souldiers fell to robbing one another , and at length into mutiny : wherein divers being slain , most of the rest , by divers wayes returned home , not well trusting each other : So , that nothing more was now done with the Turks great preparation ; neither for relief of those evils , did Ibraim bring at his return , any conclusion of peace unto his Lord. Besides these troubles , Cusahin or Cassan , the Son of a Sultaness , brought up in the Seraglio , and having served in the Wars of Persia and Hungary , and at length made Bassa of Caramania , a man of great spirit ; upon the report of the ill success in Hungary , and the desire he saw in the Persians , to recover their lost Fortress ; and grieved also with some particular wrongs to himself , resolved to take up Arms , laying before his Souldiers the Deformities of the present State : and Gallantly perswading them , What an easie thing it were to chase Mahomet out of Asia . And so , having won to him 3000 Harquebusiers , and 5000 Horsmen , he took the field . News whereof comming in post to Court , 4 Zanzacks nearest unto him , were commissioned for suppressing that Rebellion , but even then arising : who , going against Cusahin with 10000 Horse and Foot , he went to meet them , overthrowing them with a great slaughter , taking their baggage , with 6 pieces of Ordnance : Then he seized upon all the Castles thereabouts , giving whatever he found therein to his Souldiers : who also much enriched themselves with the spoil of the Jewes : never resting , till he had made almost all Caramania his own . After which , he besieging Cogna , a City in the confines of Natolia , it was yielded unto him ; He also openly proclaimed , that for reformation of the disordered State , he would ere long go to besiege Constantinople ; Wherefore , those that would follow him , should be well entreated by him , threatni ng to the rest most cruell destruction . Mahomet , then disporting himself at his Gardens of pleasure in the Country ; hearing hereof , hasted with all speed to Constantinople , dispatching Mehemet Bassa , Sinan's Son , with all the Forces he could make , to go against him : who passing into Asia , yet , fearing to come to a Battel with him , who was desperate , and favoured of his own Souldiers , so wrought by large promises , that Cusahin's foot were ready to forsake him : Whereupon , he fled into Arabia with his Horsmen , and those of Sinan the Georgian ; purposing at Spring by help of the Arabians and Persians , to appear with greater Forces . Mehemet following him , came to Aleppo , there to Winter , and to expect the Rebels return . This dangerous Rebellion , with the troubles of Transilvania & Valachia , caused the Sultan to be readier to encline to peace ; whereto the Emperour was not hasty to hearken , but on honourable conditions , as knowing the Turks end in requiring the same : His Janizaries also , and other men of War , in this his so weak Government , being hardly to be commanded : threatning in their discontent , to depose both his chief Officers and Himself , and to banish the Sultaness his mother : saying , She had bewitched him , that she her self might rule . But Casahin grown strong , was come into the field and even ready to give the Bassa battel ; who thought it best again to prove , if his followers might by fair means be drawn from him : and so comming nigh him , proclaimed a generall pardon to all , who should forthwith forsake the Rebell , and return home , which thing was the ruin of Cusahin ; for , most of them enriched with great booties , upon this free pardon , returned unto their own Countries , to live of their ill-gotten goods , leaving Cusahin with some few others : so that in few dayes he was taken , and brought to Constantinople , where he was with most exquisite torments tortured to death . The Emperour with the beginning of the next year , 1600 , called A dyet of the Princes of the Empire , to consider with him , of such helps as were to be given against next Spring ; who all promised , to send their Souldiers with their pay , and sufficient contribution to maintain that defensive War. Pope Clement also this Year of Jubilie , sent such ayd of men and mony as he had promised . At first of the Spring , the Turks began to stir : who , although Ibraim Bassa , was then in some speech with the Emperour about a peace , yet , ceased they not with their scattering Companies , to do what harm they could upon the Emperour's Frontiers : the cause , why he the more speedily called on his Friends for ayd . He also made Duke Mercurie ( who had drawn a great number of Horse and Foot out of France ) his Generall : sending Ferrent Gonzaga ( whom he had sent for to Mantua ) Governour in upper - Hungary . So , the Souldiers daily resorting into Austria , were thence sent to repress the Turks incursions , as they did : for 8000 Turks , going suddenly to surprize Pappa , were by that Garrison overthrown . And , while Ferdinand the Arch-Duke , was assembling his people in Croatia , for defence of that Country ; 6000 Turks entring as far as Baccari , burning the Villages as they went , and taking many prisoners with much cattell : were in their return set upon by Serinus ; in strait and troublesome passages , where they least feared any such thing , being overthrown , and put to flight , and all the booty recovered . Then also an Imperiall Colonel , inroading about Alba-regalis , with 1500 Horse , slew 600 Turks and Tartars , and took divers of their Captains : 6000 other Tartars also , now returning homewards out of Hungary , were so set upon by the Cossacks , near the Black-sea , that many being slain , the rest ran into the Sea , leaving all their prey to their Enemies . In the heat of these broils , Lord Palfi died in his Castle of Biberpurg , March 23. to the great grief of many , chiefly the Hungarians his Countrymen : the Emperour appointing Lord Swartzenburg , Governour of Strigonium in his stead ; the fame still running , that Ibraim would come thither with a great Army , if the peace went not forward ; which was less and less hoped for , by reason of his proud demands . But , while these and such like troubles , passed in divers parts of Hungary , 1200 French and Walloons , in Garrison at Pappa , mutined for want of pay ; Wherefore , the chief Commanders thought good to have them removed ; but they knowing themselves too strong for the rest of the Garrison ; first , resolved to thrust their own Captains out of the Town , then laying hands on Marotti , the pay-Master , and other Hungarian and Dutch Commanders & Souldiers , disarmed them , casting Marotti , the Captains , and some of the better sort of Souldiers into Irons : exacting of the rest ( in number about 1000 ) 1000 Duckats , else threatning to deliver them up to the Turks : and , though Marotti offered 1800 Duckats for his own liberty , they spoiled him and the rest of all : furnishing the Turks their prisoners , with their Apparel and Weapons , and sending them away to Alba regalis : and afterwards rifled every mans House , compacting also with the Turks of Alba regalis and Buda , for the pay , which they said , the Emperour owed them , to deliver them the Town : and promised , if Swartzenburg came ( as he was to come ) with mony to the Town , to deliver him and it into their hands : or , for more surety , they might intercept him at the passage Zesnegkh , whereby he must come ; and , for their more credit , they sent an Ensign to them to Alba-regalis , who for all that did not altogether believe them : yet , they sent them 2 Chiaus as Hostages , for whom they sent 2 other of the better sort of them : concluding , that June 25. at furthest , the mony should be paid , and the Town delivered . June 10th . Swartzenburg , with 2000 Horse and Foot came within 2 miles of Pappa , sending 24 Horsmen , to disswade them from yielding the Town to the Turks , telling them , they should shortly have their pay : who sent them back shamefully derided ; so that Swartzenburg retired again to Rab , till some greater strength were come unto him . Immediatly after , Dr. Petzen , Counsellour for the Wars , was by Matthias conducted to Pappa , with 400 Horse , to see , if by his discretion , he could disswade them from their purpose : whom they both refused to hear , though he spake most kindly , and also threatned to shoot him , if he did not forthwith depart . Shortly after , 20 Hungarians , imprisoned in a Cellar , brake out , and came to Rab : telling them , the French and Walloons were at variance , about the yielding up Pappa ; So that they in the Castle and Town , shot at each other , and that they had already received 〈◊〉 Duckats , with some Victuals , and were shortly to receive the rest of the mony from the Turks , and so to deliver up the Town ; Wherefore , Swartzenburg , Jun. 22. sent Lo. Sharpsenstein , a French Col. with 3000 Souldiers , some Petards , and many scaling-Ladders towards Pappa , whom they suffered peaceably to enter , June 24. encouraging them to come on , calling them Countrymen & Brethren , and shaking them by the hands : telling them , They desired but assurance of their pay ; but , having received in so many as they thought good , they shut the rest out , cutting these all in pieces : and then in derision , called upon the High. Dutch to come on . Likewise , 300 of these Rebels , had then laid themselves in Ambush , by a Mill without the Town , & were charged by the Walloons and Haiducks , discovering them : yet ( for the shot from the Town ) they could do no good upon them ; but retired , having lost 300 men the Lievt . Generall , and the chief Engineer being 2 of them . About 3 dayes after , 3 of these Rebels , being by chance taken , and brought to Rab , were not only apparrelled , but trimmed like Turks ; their fellows also , imitating the Turks fashions in Apparel , and manner of service ; yet would they not yield the Town to the Turks , before they had the full sum agreed on , the Bassa of Bosna being commanded in haste to provide it , and receive the Town ; but they received into the Town a Turkish Ensign , with some Wagons of Victuals , so strongly convoyed , that the Imperialls durst not meddle therewith : in which Wagons , they sent in bonds , 600 Hungarians and Dutch , Men , Women and Children , to Alba Regalis , whereof they were glad , hoping to finde more favour at the Turks hands , than they had with these renegate Christians . Shortly after , they sent Messengers to the Governour of Alba , to know his full resolution , who conducted by Turks of great account , were by the way taken by the free Haiducks , with 100 Turks more . Marotti the while , by Letters , secretly advertised Swartzenburg of a place , whereby he might easily enter ; and the rather , for that the Rebels were at variance : who July 12th , came to Pappa with 9000 Horse and Foot , but disappointed of entrance , yet hardly belayed the Town : on whom , the mutiniers sallying out , valiantly encountred them , but were still , without any notable losse , beaten back again . In one of their sallies , a Captain was taken , who was slain quick , and his Head and Skin set upon a Pike , for his fellows to behold . But Swartzenburg , more and more prevailing , they sent secretly to the Turks for ayd : whereof , he hearing , sent for three Regiments more , to come to him , whereby he , well strengthned , and approacling nearer , took the Mill , whereby the Rebels thought the more easily to have received ayd from the Turks , who were letted to relieve them , by the rising of the water , that had spoiled all the Provision at the Bridge of Esseg , and also hindered their march . The Imperials at last , came even to the Town-ditches with their Trenches , having let out the water : where some Townsmen escaping out , declared , that the mutinous within , laboured day and night to fortifie the Town , but were much letted by continual assaults : also , that now they had no Victuals left , but a little Salt , and sixty Horse , of which they had begun to eat , &c. July 29 , they desperately sallied out upon the Trenches of a Dutch Captain , slaying many of his Souldiers being drunk , and driving out the rest : whereupon , Lord Swartzenburg hastning thither to the rescue , was , with a Musquet : shot , struck in the Head , and slain , which the Rebeis knowing of , Dela Mota , their General , gave the salliers 1000 Dollars in reward . His dead body was honourably interred at Rab. The like salley they made next day , slaying 130 Imperials , and taking some ; and in their retiring , cryed aloud , that when they lacked meat , rather than yield , they would eat Christians , of whom , Marotti should be the first . The Government of the Army , was now committed to the Lord Redern , both valiant and learned , who though very sickly , came to the Camp Aug. 8th , where hearing that the Rebels , brought to great extremity , purposed by night to flee , kept a more vigilant and strong Watch : next night , about two houres before day , they began to issue out , and were suffered to go out as unperceived ; but Nadasti , the Earl of Thurne , and Count Solmes , were presently sent after them , who in three places , overtaking them , near the great Wood Packem , slew most of them , Dela Mota being slain by Solmes , because he would not yield ; and his Head presented to the Generall . The Hussars found out 200 Walloons in the Wood , who , though they made strong resistance a while , yet at last , were forced to yield . The Hussars also , upon another passage , light upon 200 more of them , who because they were more desperate than the rest , the General sent 〈◊〉 Horse more upon them ; so that they were allmost all slain ; divers also were slain in coming forth , and in Marshes about the Town : Motta's Lievtenant , and other chief Commanders , were by Lo Redern , delivered to the Provost Martiall , dividing the rest at the Souldiers Request , into divers parts of the Army , to be executed : from whom they could there scarce hold their hands . But being brought to Rab , and leave given to do what they would with them , they impaled some , brake some upon the Wheel , cutting off some of their skins as it were into thongs , so powring into the wounds Vinegar , Salt , and Pepper : of some they cut off their privities , some they roasted , putting some upon the Tenalia : on some they dropped molten pitch , then burnt them to death with Gunpowder , hanging others on Iron-hooks : some they set in the ground up to the Chin , bowling at their Heads with Iron Bullets : the 〈◊〉 nothing but deriding them in all these torments : the wretches the while , confessing the hainousness of their offence , and craving for death as a favour : Whilest some were tortured , others were brought to see the same misery , to be by them endured . One Peter Orsy , caused one of these mutiniers to be sowed up in a Mare 's Belly , with his Head hanging out , and so to be roasted , in which torment , he lived 3 houres : then was the loathsom body so roasted , given to others starving upon the Wheel to eat . At this time also , many a hot and bloudy skirmish , passed betwixt the Christians and Turks in one place or other of Hungary . Amongst the rest , ( one Horbath 〈◊〉 Lievtenant , with 150 men , and Thussi , going to seek for booty ) Thussi hearing the Turks were abroad , to surprize certain Haiducks , stayed fast in a secret place , Horbath going on another way : now the Bassa of Sigeth by chance met with Horbath , overthrowing him , and slaying most of his men , Horbath hardly escaping : But Thussi hearing this skirmish , and hasting thither , found the Bassa in the Field on foot , viewing the slain : upon whom he came so suddenly and forcibly , that the Bassa had much adoe , disorderly to take Horse , and without much resistance , to 〈◊〉 : whom the Hungarians fiercely pursuing , slew many Turks , and the Bassa himself , whose Head , Horbath sent to Serinus , who by Thussi himself , sent it to Matthias . This Bassa , ( about 36 years old , was for his strength , valour , and experience , of a common Souldier , made a Bassa : whose Head being shewn to the Bassa of Buda , a prisoner at Vienna , & he demanded whether he knew it or not , sighing , answered , he knew it well to be the Bassa of Sigeth his Head , a braver man than whom , the Sultan had not in all his Empire , earnestly desiring to know , how he was slain ; and ere long , a great party out of Strigonium and other places , having taken a great booty from the Turks , at a Fair at Gombar ; and thinking to passe Danubius , in hope of a greater , 700 of them being passed over , were by the new Bassa of Sigeth , with 5000 Turks overthrown ; yet was the Bassa himself , with two 〈◊〉 , and 500 Turks slain , and but 50 Christians left dead upon the place : the rest disorderly retiring to their Boats , being most drowned . The free Haiducks , also surprizing and firing Jula , the Turks fleeing into the Castle , for haste , thrust so many from the Bridge , into the Castle-ditch , that one might have gone dry-foot over upon the bodies of the drowned . They took there also 600 prisoners , with much booty , delivering 200 Christian Captives ; and though they were hardly pursued by other Turks , yet they safely retired with their booty . But Cardinal Bator , being overthrown and slain , and Transilvania reduced to the Emperour's obedience , the Vayuod of Valachia , forthwith certified him , of all his proceedings and success : also of his purpose to invade 〈◊〉 ; for it was commonly reported and believed , that Sigismund ayded by Turks , Tartars , 〈◊〉 and Moldavians , would now attempt some greater matter , for recovery of Transilvania ; for divers of his Spics also being taken , ( besides his Letters found about them to the Nobility and States , perswading them to revolt from the Vayuod unto him , who meant shortly , to come with a great Army to repulse him ) confessed , that Sigismund had been in Transilvania disguised , to confer with divers friends about it . The Emperour honourably receiving the Vayuods Embassadors , confirmed unto him the Government of Transilvania , sending him also divers Presents ; yet forbidding him to invade Moldavia , for fear of raising a new and dangerous War against the Polonians also : wherefore , the Vayuods stayed his intended expedition ; yet he sent some good forces to the Frontiers of Moldavia , for fear of Sigismund , whom he heard even then to lay upon the same . After a few moneths , Husraim Aga , with five other eminent Turks , came to Cronsta , where the Vayuod then lay , as Embassadors from Mahomet , with a great Retinue : whom , he with 4000 brave Horsemen , went half a mile to meet the Foot , standing on both sides of the street , from the Gate of the City whereby they were to enter , even to the Vayuods Lodging , where stood his Guard in red and white silk . So meeting , they both alighted , saluting each other : the Embassador presently embracing the Vayuod , ungirt his Scimitar , and in the Sultans name , put another about him , most richly garnished with Gold and precious Stones . He also presented him with a fair Plume of black Hearnes feathers , mixt with some white , which he would not put upon his Head in the Field , though he most earnestly requested him , causing it to be carried before him ; also with two very fair red 〈◊〉 : likewise , he gave him two exceeding faire Horses , richly furnished , with four others , and a most fair Faulcon . The Vayuod had 10 very fair spare-Horses led before him , at whose entrance , all the great Ordnance was discharged , with great vollies of small shot : so the Embassador riding on his left hand , being brought to his Lodging , six of his chief followers were presented with six rich Robes of Cloth of gold : the Embassador , giving 100 of the Vayuod's followers , each of them a good Suit in requitall : with whom also , was the Polonian Embassador : who , ( 't was 〈◊〉 ) did what they could to draw him with Transilvania and Valachia , from the Emperour to the Turk ; but 〈◊〉 seldom or never spake with them , but he 〈◊〉 , either before or after , with the Emperours Commissioners , about their requests , protesting , not to yield to any thing without his good liking : whereof Mahomet advertized , gave the Vayuod to understand , that he was in some speech with the Emperour , touching peace , which if it took effect , all should be well : if not , it should be good for him , timely to consider of his estate , and submit to him who was able to defend him , rather than to adventure himself , with all he had , to most certain destruction , promising , for his loyalty onely , to give him Transilvania , Valachia and Moldavia , for ever ; and to furnish him at his need with Men and money ; and offering to make him a great Commander in Hungary , and the Bassa of Temeswar , to be 〈◊〉 ready to assist him against the Emperour , with 50000 Horse and Foot , reserving to himself , whatever he should more win from him . All 〈◊〉 large offers , the Vayuod declaring to the Commissioners , still protested never to start from the 〈◊〉 : yet he hereby took occasion to request Transilvania of the Emperour , to him and his Son in Inheritance for ever , with such Frontier-Towns , as formerly 〈◊〉 thereunto : also , that all dignities and preferments formerly granted to Sigismund , might be bestowed on himself , and for his service done , to have money to pay his Souldiers ; and that what he should win from the Turks , might be his and his Sonnes ; and that the Emperour and Princes should assure him , to ransom him , if taken ; but if he were driven out by the Turks , then to have some fit place in upper Hungary , to live in , with 100000 Dollars yearly : for all which he ( the Emperour ) to do so much this year against the Turk , as had not been done in 100 years before : vaunting , that if he had had the employment of the money which was spent in this Warre , he would not have doubted to have brought all from the 〈◊〉 to Buda , Alba Regalis , and Zolnock under the Emperour's obedience . Sigismund the while , supported by the Polonians , and ayded by the Turks , Tartars , and Moldavians , was ready to enter 〈◊〉 ; yea , the forerunning Tartars , had already carried away some booty out of the Frontiers thereof : wherefore , the Vayuod in great haste assembled his Forces out of all places , the Countrey people and resolute free Haiducks , in great number , resorting unto him . So April 24 , he removed to Cronstat , with 8000 〈◊〉 , and 200 pieces of Ordnance : and all his Forces ( almost 50000 Horse and Foot ) being assembled at Nessen , he speedily passed the rough and high Mountains into Moldavia ; yet his Souldiers by the way , were glad sometimes to eat leaves of Trees , the Enemy having carried away whatsoever sustenance he could . Of whose speedy coming , and great strengrh , Sigismund and Jeremiah of Moldavia , hearing , retired into the Frontiers of 〈◊〉 , to gather more strength , and so to meet him ; for Jeremiah had not yet received the promised Forces from the Turks . 〈◊〉 , his Enemies thus fled , with fire and sword , entring Moldavia , took-in most part thereof , the fearful people yielding to him as he went ; and the rather , because Jeremiah their Vayuod , had laid upon every man a Duckat a moneths Tribute ; for which , they 〈◊〉 hated one of the trusty Servants of the Commissioners in Transilvania , who might report unto them all his proceedings , stayed not long in Moldavia , but made towards Sigismund and Jeremiah ; and May 18th , found them by Othune Castle , nigh the River Nester , being 30000 strong , where a most cruel battel , from about 10 in the morning , was with great courage and obstinacy , maintained till the Evening : when as at last , the Valachian his Enemies fled , 8000 being slain , besides many drowned in the River : the Valachian losing but two thousand . Sigismund and Jeremiah , though some said they were slain , and some drowned , yet they both escaped by flight . Michael after this , caused all Moldavia to sweare obedience to the Emperour himself , and Sonne , to the great offence of the Polonians , especially of the great Chancellor , an old enemy to the House of Austria : whereof ensued greater troubles than before , to the further effusion of Christian bloud . Now the Vayuod , notwithstanding this great Victory , considering , he could hardly keep Moldavia , against the power of the Turk : as also , against the Polonians , ( as desirous to restore Jeremiah into Moldavia , as Sigismund into Transilvania ) of himself , by Embassadors , offered the Soveraignty of those three Countries to the Emperour , on condition , that he should be perpetual Governour thereof under him . The Emperour also heard , that Mahomet had sent unto him a Chiaus , commanding him to restore Transilvania to Sigismund ( to whom , by the King of Poland's mediation , he had been reconciled ; else , threatning with fire and sword , to destroy Valachia , and deprive him of Transilvania and his life together : Wherefore he yielded to all that his Embassadors requested ; conditioning , he should be bound to serve with his people against the Turk , as need should be ; and that in Transilvania , should be alwayes near him resident , the Emperours superintendent over the whole Countrey : which was Dr. Petzen , sent thither with 6000 Souldiers , and much money to pay the Vayuods Souldiers ; and so to take of them an Oath , thenceforth to be his Majesties faithful Servants . The superintendent , the Vayuod received with great honour ; yet being returned into Transilvania , ere long , without regard of him , he began to oppress the people with new exactions , and in a sort , to tyrannize over them : using great severity against divers Nobles also , chiefly those whom he knew had taken part with the Cardinal , or lately with Sigismund , or any way to have favoured his quarrel , which was contrary to his promise ; no more to imbrue his hands in the blood of those Nobility , without the knowledge or consent of the Emperour , or his superintendent : which yet if he had not done , he could not have kept those disdainful ones under obedience . Nevertheless , the Transilvanians taking these things in ill part , rose all up in Arms against him ; so that he finding himself to weak for them , retired with all that would follow him , into the Mountains : whence he presently sent for ayd to Lord Basta , for subduing and reducing them : who by Letters from Matthias , commanded so to do , with about 6000 Horse and Foot , and 8 Field-pieces , removed from Cassovia Septemb . 4th , where by the way , came to him , Embassadors from the Confederate Transilvanians , requesting also his ayd , pretending themselves , to be the Emperours most loyall Subjects , but not under the Government of such a Tyrant as was the Vayuod , exaggerating many his most cruel actions , &c. Basta sent back the Embassadors , comforting them to expect his arrival in Transilvania ; yet convenanting with all , that they should first conceive in writing the Oath of their fidelity to the Emperour . Now might many and important considerations , trouble the minde of Basta , in so doubtful a case , whom to give ayd unto , but he laid hand upon the helm of good meaning and spread the Sails of such discretion as taught him , that in matters of Warre , a General might depart from the instructions of his Prince , not concerning the end , but the meanes leading thereunto , especially , when the present occasion suffered not so much delay , as to expect counsel from far ; so he resolved to joyn to the confederates , most ( in his judgement ) concerning his Imperiall Majesty , as being the utmost scope of his so great cost and charge , to keep Transilvania at his devotion : wherefore , arriving at Torda Septemb. 14th , he joyned unto them ( to the great wonder of the Vayuod ) who being in all , about 18000 strong , and twelve Field pieces , he determined not to give leisure to the Vayuod , to call to him for more help , having with him about 20000 Foot , 12000 Horse , and 27 Field-pieces : amongst whom , were divers Siculi , in hope of their ancient liberty , with a mixture of Cossacks , Valachians , Rascians , and Servians , people of prey , whom Basta knew to be far inferiour in courage to his 18000 : wherefore he set forward the sixteenth day , and in two dayes march , came in sight of the Vayuod : who seeing some great Troops , he sent to view the Enemy , to be repulsed , firing Mirislo , a Village fast by , out of which , they had drawn certain small Pieces into the Camp. Mirislo is two Leagues on this side Alba Julia , upon the high way , stretching from the side of the River Maracz to the foot of a Hill : along which , the River runing unequally , and by the rising of the Hill , maketh the ground in some places half a mile broad , and more ; and in some , shut up narrow , as there where the Village standeth , and where the Vayuod advantagiously lay behinde a great trench drawn from the River to the Mountain . On this side , where , from 〈◊〉 , the plain enlargeth more and more , Basta encamping close to the Village , opposed against the Enemie's coming , three great Corps du guard , two towards the Hill , and one towards the River , under the charge of the Major of the Field , with the Artillery : who there entrenched himself , both sides still drawing nearer and nearer : Towards the Evening , September the 17th , came one with Letters from the Vayuod to Basta , containing , He desired to know whether his arrivall in the Conspirator's Camp , were by the Emperor's consent or Command , or not ; and how it hapned , he would do so , considering the divers chances of War , & c. Who answered , To morrow he would shew him his Authority ( alluding to the Imperiall Standard ) and as for the fortune and danger , he referred that to the will of the Almighty , the just Judge of all controversies ; but the mean while , he exhorted him to leave that Province he had so ill governed , unto the Emperour , promising him free passage into Valachia , and giving him time till the next morning , to consider thereof : after which , every one might do for himself what he could . The Vayuod disdaining this answer , with many threatning and disgraceful words , presently caused the Battel to be proclaimed against next day , by sound of Drum and Trumpet . Basta assuring his Camp , and not onely sending , but going himself to see how the Enemy lay , and finding no reasonable meanes for him there to attempt any exploit by , thought it best to make a retreat , of about an Italian mile , according to the commodiousness of the place , which his purpose was much disliked by the confederate Captains : to whom it seemed more safe to assault the Enemy in his Trenches , than to retire before the face of an Enemy so strong and adventurous , & c. but Basta , promised therein to shew them a more cunning kind of fight , than they yet knew , and the assurance which himself and the Almaines in the Rear , would give in the retreat ; so that they should not lose one man , much lesse , to fall into any disorder , his purpose being onely to give the Enemy the plain , to shew himself openly in ; so the morning following , the three Corps Duguard , were called back , and the baggage sent away : whom the Transilvanians and Hungarians followed , the Almaines enclosing the Ordnance in the Reare . The Vayuod hereupon sent a great Troop to view them , and skirmish with them , which were so kept off by Musquetiers in the Reare , that they could not come to do any harm , though they were all the way charged by them , to the great content of Basta : who when he saw the Ordnance on Carriages , to come out of the Village , he marched softly , to give the Enemy hope to overtake him , having before thought of a convenient place for his men , with room enough , upon advantage to stay : and when he might ( about half a mile off ) see the Enemy march in order of Battel , he began to march towards him : and having placed his men in a fit station and order , according to the scituation of the place , and order of the Enemy , and the manner of his proceeding set down , he put on his Helmet , and chearfully said , he trusted , then to shew the Vayuod , that his Trunchion could do more than his Scimitar : So himself setting forward betwixt the Squadron of the Almaine Foot , and the Wing of Musquetiers , in the afternoon , he marched fair and softly toward the Enemy : who without moving , expected the discharge of their Artillery , whereunto the nearer the Enemy came , the lesse harm it did him . The Wing of Musquetiers , went directly to charge the Artillery ; and the Squadron towards the Foot of the Hill , where Basta desired forcibly to charge , presently came in a Front , just upon the sign given ; and so with his Almaine Foot , and the Rutters on the right hand , enclosed in behind most part of the Enemies Foot : at which instant , the Rutters on the left hand also , so couragiously charged upon the three thousand Launces , that better could not have been desired . The Launces retiring without hurt , and the first Volley discharged , forced the Infantry , and so disordered the rest : whereupon , the Wings charging , there presently ensued a great slaughter and overthrow : the Enemy losing one hundred thousand , and Basta but forty , and as many hurt ; and greater had the slaughter been , if the Village and nights approach had not covered many of them that fled , and stayed the pursuit of the Victors ; yet was there afterwards found in all ( as was by the Peasants reported ) twenty thousand slain in this Battel . Basta recovered many Ensigns , and much Armour before sent by the Emperour to the Vayuod , with all his Tents and Baggage : sending out presently many Troops of Horse every way , with Proclamation to spare the lives of such Siculi , as should lay down Arms : many of whom , were sent prisoners to divers places , especially to Fogaras : the Vayuod himself , with some Cossacks , escaping by flight . On the morrow , Basta sent away Count Caurioli , to inform the Emperour of all particulars , who seemed to be pleased ; yet neither rewarded the Count , nor commended Basta in what he had done , although he had in writing , approved of his resolution and motion . Basta ordered the Chiaki , or chief man of the rebellious Transilvanians , to send out one thousand Horse to pursue the Vayuod ; who instead thereof , joyning with other consorts , fell to ransacking of Alba Julia , pretending , there was the Vayuods . Wealth ; yet sparing neither MERCHANT nor CITIZEN : which seemed to Basta , a great wrong , to see the innocent punished , and the guilty to escape ; and though he made what he could thitherwards , and stayed one day not farre off to have given some redresse unto the spoil , yet he lost his labour , be ause many of the chiefest sort had a hand therein , with whom he thought it more wisdom then to dissemble , than to use any severity , without hope of doing good : So resolving in haste to march towards Fogaras , whither he heard the Vayuod was come with new forces , he in six dayes came to Cibinium , where he had certain newes , that the Chancellor of Poland and Sigismund , were with a strong Army upon the Frontiers of Moldavia ; having sent before them Moyses the Siculian , with eight thousand of his Siculi : wherefore he thought good now to stay where he was , to provide for all events , as need should be , resolving to send the Chiaki , and one Pithi , to parley with Moses , who made a shew of no great moment , of his good will towards the Confederates : in the mean time , came two Messengers from the Vayuod , offering , that he should do whatsoever were in the Emperour's behalf , to be imposed upon him : To whom it was propounded , first , that he should forever resign all claim in Transilvania : then , he with his Army , to sweare fidelity to the Emperour : also , that he should forthwith go with his Army unto the Frontiers of Moldavia , to stay the Polonians from further entrance ; and to give his Wife and little Sonne in Hostage , for performance of these things . One Techelli , was sent to receive the Oath and Hostages ; for whose keeping , the Castle of Alba Julia was appointed . This agreement being made , Basta kept on towards Fogaras , which he found already possessed by the Chiaki , thence to Corona . After which , the Vayuod distrusting the Articles , went into Valachia , but not into Moldavia ; not so much discomfited with the Forces of the Polouians , as for his distrust of Moyses the Siculian , who in the Battel , might appear his Enemy behind him . Now , whether it were for distrust of his own followers , or onely for fear of Treason plotted by the Polonians , who with so small Forces , were come to fight : he of his own accord , fled into the Mountains , without any great losse , having left his Baggage behind him , which was assailed , and taken by the Haiducks , and such other sharkers : although afterwards in divers skirmishes with the Turks , ( who , to cause him the rather to turn his back on the Polonians , had scoured up and down the Countrey ) he lost many : in the end , giving Moldavia for lost , he was now out of hope , how to be able to hold onely Valachia his old Government : Even he , which but lately commanded above one hundred thousand Souldiers in field ; he who was able in despight of any , to command Valachia and Moldavia ; and perhaps , the other Countries neare him also , as having received the Command of 〈◊〉 ; he that made Constantinople to tremble , and found no Empire equal to his designes ; to him , I say , now , while Basta encamped in Field , a Messenger came from the Chancellour of Poland , to declare , that he had no order from the King , to trouble Transilvania , yet he would advise the Transilvanians , to make choice of a Prince of their own Nation , and such a one as the Turk should like of ; otherwise , they should but seek their own and Neighbours destruction . But the Transilvanians in generall , answered , ( thanking him for his good will ) that in all their consultations they would have a principal regard of their own welfare , together with the common : after which answer , he forthwith placed one Simon , ( Brother to Jeremiah ) Vayuod of Valachia , instead of Michael , by him driven out ; and leaving a fit number of Souldiers with him , returned towards POLONIA : unto which Election , the Turks craftily gave place , wisely for a time , comporting the injury : and the old Chancellor as crafty as they , secretly purposing by occasion of these troubles , to prefer his Sonne at length , to the Principality of Transilvania ; and thereunto also , to joyn MOLDAVIA and VALACHIA , had therein , of purpose , placed this Simon , a Man of no valour , and of a small apprehension , whom he might at his pleasure again displace . Basta the Polonians being retired , consulted with the Chiaki , and other chief Men of that Province , for calling together the States and people , to choose some men , as they thought meetest to be sent to the Emperour , to know his pleasure for the Government of that Province ; but in the mean time , certain male-contents , with one voyce cryed out , that Sigismund was entred into the Confines of Transilvania , one while , towards Valachia ; another while , by the way of Moldavia ; unto whom , great strength resorted : with other such like devises , to have made Basta suddenly to depart , or at least , to have troubled the Assembly called , and the consultation also ; but Basta moved not out of his quarter , but lay very privately , to declare thereby , the confidence he had in the thankfulnesse of the Nobility , as by him delivered from oppression : as also to make them know , that the GOVERNMENT was not to be setled in the sole power of a Tyrant , but in the fidelity of the Subjects , protected under a most Father-like Government , not ambitiously sought after , but voluntarily offered ; and for the common good , by the Emperour accepted . He well knew also , that Castaldo ( in the year one thousand five hundred fifty one ) sent into Transilvania with eight thousand Almaines , went privately to Alba Julia , where Queen ISABEL had for her defence , assembled a Diet of all the States : and there by well handling the matter , got to Ferdinand the Emperour that Kingdom , which he could not by fear of his Forces have gained : for which Writers attribute to him the name of Great Wisdom ; howbeit , the year after , he was forced to abandon his Conquest , but yet not through his default . The Diet being assembled , divers broils were there raised by the Male-contents : some crying out . That the Almaines might be payed , discharged and 〈◊〉 for their pains , offering to do them the like pleasure as they should have occasion . Others most unreasonably cryed , to have them all put to the sword : Others , That they were by no meanes to endure the Government of Maximilian the Arch Duke , but would needs have a Prince of their own Country , approved of by the Turk . Yet Basta not dismaied ( when the Chiaki and other chief men came ( as their manner was ) every other day to visit him ) : told them plainly . He well perceived their drift , and yet doubted not either of their Oath of Obedience given , or of the fresh remembrance of the great benefit they had from him so lately received ; and , in case they should little esteem of those things , yet they should know he was not to be feared with words : but fully resolved not to stir a foot thence with his Forces , but rather to lose his life ; which , for all that , he would sell as dear as he could , They courteously answered him , He should not give 〈◊〉 to any speeches of the light vulgar , but to content himself , that the Nobility , had not done any 〈◊〉 thing . So after much dispute , were appointed 3 persons , according to the 3 estates , to go and request the Emperour Maximilian , for their Governour with special request also , that he would not overcharge with forraign Souldiers that Province already sore 〈◊〉 especially having in it-self people sufficient , & more nimble to encounter with Turks than the slow Almaines , and they also of a double charge . Basta thought it not good to call again any such Assembly ; seeing plainly the mind of the people was , to resolve to remain for ever free , if they should have come to a second consultation : yea , in that very Diet , the Chiaki was declared Governour in behalf of the people , with authority in many things , of himself to determin , without any assembly of the other States : which they said , They did only , till they by the Emperour were provided of a 〈◊〉 . Howbeit , Basta perceived more than a Tribunitiall power , to be now ioyned by the people to the Emperour's Commissioners : knowing that this Chiaki was in great hope to have bin proclaimed Prince of the Confederates , if they had not bin presently relieved against the Vayuod , having noted in him his great ambition , in marching from 〈◊〉 towards the Vayuod . Next day , came all the Councel of that Province , with the Deputies ( appointed to have gone to the Emperour ) and the people , to Basta's House , requesting him to send his Germans out of the Country , and after so many troubles , to give it a little leave to 〈◊〉 : himself might stay at Alba Julia , till the Deputies might go to his Majesty with their requests . Basta , not a little troubled with such an Imperious request , now saw himself deceived in the ground of all this action , by trusting too much to his own too small Forces in so populous a Province : contenting himself only with their Oath , without any other Hostages . Besides , of the 6000 that he brought with him thither , 3500 of Silesia , now brought to 2000 , could not be perswaded longer to stay without their pay before-hand , the pay of their Country being already spent : and the rest drawn out of the Garrisons of upper - Hungary , or there pressed , were at a certain time to return . Yet , for not grieving of the Country , he requested of them some strong place , wherein his men in Garrison , might live upon their own Wages : which , when he could not obtain , and considering it might happen unto those few , which would stay with him , as it did to the 8000 Almaines of Castaldo , driven out of that Country , under colour of some insolency committed ( though about 20 〈◊〉 , had bin the chief doers thereof ) he resolved of all these things to give notice to the Court , & so to march softly to the confines : and to save his 8 pieces of Ordnance , and Munition in Vivar-Castle , a good way within the confines , which with Kniver-Castle , the Generall of the Vayuods Horse , delivered to one of the Emperour's Commissioners : who there provided for Basta his familiar Favorite , although the Transilvanians had sought with great promises , to have had the said strong Castles in their own power . But , the matter was so well handled afterwards by Basta , 〈◊〉 , and the other Emperour 's great Favorites , that in a Diet of the Transilvaniaus , he was with a convenient guard , again received as the Emperors Lievt . till further order were by him taken . The Chiaki and his Complices , faintly consenting thereunto . Neither had Basta any longer assurance of that his Government , than the fickle people would afford him , with which his weak State , among more enemies than friends , we will a while leave him . In the mean time ( the Treaty betwixt the Emperour and the Turk being frustrated ) Ibraim Bassa , having made great preparation all last Winter ; now at length in the latter end of Aug. began to set forward with his Army from Belgrade , supposed to be about 200000 men : and sitting down before Babotsca , a strong Fortress in lower - Hungary , furiously battered it , purposing next day to assault it ; but , the Captain of the Castle , considering the weakness of his Garrison , and the walls to be already sore shaken , delivered up the place upon reasonable composition . Thence , the Bassa marched to Canisia , in the Frontiers of Stiria , a Town supposed by most to be impregnable ; for , it was scituated in a very deep Marsh , and strongly garrisoned with Hungarians and Almaines . Ibrahim especially longed for this place , both to free the Turks Frontiers , from the often incursions of the Souldiers therein : and hereby also to open a more free & safe passage for the Turks into Austria ; So encamping on the side of the Marsh , which encompassed the Isle , whereon the Town stood , he began with Faggots & Earth to fill up the Marsh , so to pass over his Army ; the besieged not ceasing with great shot to disturb them , &c. Who yet proceeding in their work , had brought it almost close to the Island : where , being about to land , they were by the Garrison-souldiers encountring them , forced to retire with the loss of a number of men , and 2 of their best Captains ; but , preparing against next day with a greater force to have assaulted the Isle , they saw the Imperiall Army now at their backs , aud doing them great harm with their Artillery ; divers Bands also sometime sallying out of the Camp , discharged great Vollies of shot , even into their Trenches : also from the Town , they received no small hurt . The Imperiall Army , were about 42000 Horse and Foot : men of divers Nations , under the leading of Duke Mercurie ; with whom , were also Nadasti , and divers other famous Captains , come for the relief of 〈◊〉 , a place of so great importance . But , Ibrahim understanding by his espials , the smalness of their number , went out and joyned battel with them , with great slaughter on both sides : which doubtfull fight ( yet in all mens judgement most enclinable unto the Christians ) was by the coming on of the night , broken off , The Christians retiring into their Trenches , the Turks stood all night in the field , with their Weapons in their hands : who , presuming on their multitude , and next day daring the Christians to battel ; their Captains being at variance , could by no means be perswaded to go out against them . So , that the Tartarian General taking courage , made an inroad into the Country : and meeting with 200 Waggons laden with Victuals , for the Christian Army , slew the Convoy , and carried them away ; whereby such want arose among them , that they were glad by night to dislodge and retire , which for all that , being by the Turks perceived , they presently following them , cut off above 3000 , with some Ordnance , and most of the Baggage : the rest ( the while ) retiring farther off into more safe places . The Turks now returning to the siege , the Garrison ( a few dayes after ) despairing of timely relief , mutined , refusing any longer to defend the Town , hardly layed to : and the rather , because divers Hungarians were fled out of the Town ; having ( as was thought ) revealed to the Bassa the state of the besieged : yet , Paradiser the Governour , and some other Captains , did what they might ( as they said afterward ) to have perswaded the contrary . Whereupon , they covenanted with the Bassa , with bag and baggage to depart , and to be safely convoyed over the River Mur ; 〈◊〉 Octob. 22. the Town was cowardly delivered . After the Agreement made for yielding up the Town , the Bassa sent Paradiser a very rich Gown of cloth of Gold ; which although he refused , yet was it afterwards laid to his charge , as a presumption of some treacherous collusion betwixt them : for it was thought , he might have kept the Town much longer . Ibrahim , now fortified the Town more strongly than before , putting into it 4000 Foot ; and 500 Horse , all old Souldiers : and , then forraged the Country round about Canisia , burning all as he went , the poor Inhabitants fleeing still as fast as they could . But , having thus with the spoil well pleased his Souldiers , he desirous to have the Country timely re-peopled , stayed their outrage , upon a great pain : by open proclamations , in every place set up , inviting the Christians without fear to return into the Country ; where , submitting to the Sultans Obeysance , they should safely dwell , and no Tribute to be exacted of them for 3 years following , that they might the better recover themselves : Whereupon , many not knowing where to bestow themselves , returned to their ancient dwellings . But since Count Serinus was the man he most feared , after his departure , to trouble his new Conquest , and seek revenge ) who , in this generall calamity of Stiria his Country , had 20 Villages of his own quite burnt , and the people most slain or taken ; the Bassa having many times sought , to perswade him to yield Obedience to the Turk , and now in hope , after so great loss to bring him in , before he were come to utter ruin ) wrote unto him again to that purpose : which Letters being ( as the rest ) answered with silence ; and Ibrahim , having disposed of all things at Canisia , and thereabouts , returned with his Army to Belgrade , to Winter there ; having first certified the Sultan of all his proceedings and success ; vaunting , next Spring to besiege Vienna also , if he should so command . Mahomet not a little pleased , caused great triumphs for 4 dayes at Constantinople ; sending a rich Robe of cloth of Gold , with a Leading-staffe set with Pearls and precious Stones unto the Bassa at Belgrade . The loss of Canisia , much troubled all that side of Christendom , chiefly those of the Austrian Territories : all men blaming the discord of the Captains , who retired without doing any good ; but above all , detesting the cowardise of Paradiser : who , if he had done the utmost of his devoir , perhaps , the cold and unseasonable Winter-weather , though no other relief had been , might have forced the Turks to raise the siege : Wherefore , he was by the Emperour's command imprisoned at Vienna , where his cause being often examined , he was the year following condemned of Felony and Cowardise : and Octob. 15. had first his hand at 4 stro●ks struck off , and after that his head ; so also was his Ensign bearer executed , and after them his Lievt . with the Mayor of the Town ; who both bound to a stake , had first their heads cut out , then their heads chopt off . Now the Rebellion raised in Caramania by Cusahin , was not with his death wholly 〈◊〉 : also Orsa a great City , still held out against 〈◊〉 Bassa . Then , also a Companion of 〈◊〉 , called the 〈◊〉 , seeing how hardly Cusahin and his followers had been handled , called unto him all such as loved their Liberty ; unto which sweet name , so many soon came about him , as out of them he framed a dreadfull Army : against whom , 〈◊〉 Bassa going with all his power , they so couragiously joyned battel with him , that he received a notable overthrow ; so that he was glad to retire , and send out Commissions for raising of greater Forces . Mahomet the while , whether for fear of this new Rebellion , or understanding of the Embassadours , sent from the Persian to the Christian Princes ( he suspecting that King might break his League with him ) sent an Embassadour into Persia : demanding of the King ( for the more assurance of the League ) one of his Sons to be sent to him in Hostage ; upon which so proud a demand , the Persian King commanded the Embassadour to be forthwith slain : but his fury by his Counsellours , being somewhat appeased , he was contented , he should , in contempt , be put to the Bastinado only , and so , grievously threatned , sent back to his Master ; who , now in doubt of some further matter from that angry King , garrisoned strongly all his strong Holds confining upon the Persian . The Emperour much troubled with the loss of Canisia , and in doubt of worse to come ( though Ibrahim did afresh treat with him of peace ) with great instancy requested ayd of the Pope , and other Princes of Italy , in 1601. So the Pope at first of the Spring , sent him 8000 Souldiers in pay , under his Nephew , 〈◊〉 . King Philip also ordered Count Fuentes to send into Croatia certain Bands of the Dutchess : who , by his direction were conducted to Millain : the Duke of Florence , likewise sent him 2000 Souldiers , under de Monte : with whom also went John de 〈◊〉 , whom Ferdinand the Arch-Duke requested to be Master of his Camp. Thither came also the Duke of Mantua , both with Horse and Foot , being made by the Arch-Duke , his Lievtenant General . The Emperour sent also another good Army into Hungary under the leading of Matthias , and the Duke Mercurie his Lievtenant Gen. He made also a third Army , which strengthened with the Forces of Don Ferrant Gonzaga joyned with Basta , for recovery of Transilvania ; out of which he had bin of late driven . In the mean time , many hot skirmishes passed in Hungary , betwixt the Christians and Turks . But , the time being come for taking the field : Ibrahim Bassa being before dead at Belgrade , and Hassan a Visier Bassa appointed Generall in his place ; yet delaying his comming , and the Parly for peace layed aside ( as never intended by the Turks but to dally off time to their own advantage ) Duke Mercury came with his Army from Comara ( where he lay expecting the event of the parly ) and laid siege to Alba regalis , one of the chiefest and strongest Cities of Hungary : which he for certain dayes continually battered , as if he had purposed to have taken it by assault : but being informed by a Fugitive , that the broad Lake on the other side of the City , was not so deep , but it might be passed over ( against the opinion of the Turks Captives , and Inhabitants , whom he had examined ) ; and that the Turks thinking themselves on that side safe , had turned almost all their care and Forces unto that side of the City which he had battered ; He appointed Lord Rusworme , to prove if those Zigeth-Suburbs were not to be surprized , which being taken , the City could not long hold out . For undertaking of which enterprize he was by the captive Turks and Country people much discouraged : who nevertheless , sent certain of his men to try the Lake , who brought word , that it was undoubtedly , though with much difficulty , to be passed : Whereupon , he with 1000 select Souldiers , with every one a good Faggot on his back , beside his Arms , to fill up the deepest of the Marsh , by night entered it , wherein he had not gone far , but he found it much deeper and more troublesome than his Spies had reported ; but carried with an invincible courage ( these adventurous men going still up in Water and mud unto the waste where 't was shallowest ; where also , if one missed but a step , he was over head and eares and in danger of drowning , if he were not by his fellowes presently holden ) ; They at length got over but with the loss of six or seven men , a little before day : Whereof the Duke being advertised by a sign , with greater stir than at any time before , assailed that side of the City where he lay : and in the mean time , 〈◊〉 with Ladders provided , sealed the Walls on th' other side , and almost unperceived recovered the top thereof , and so being got into the Suburbs , with a terrible cry assailed the Turks , who , not well knowing which way to turn , without great resistance , fled into the City , the Christians following them with a great slaughter : in which so great confusion , the Duke took the rest of the Suburbs : the Turks there also for feare , forsaking them , and retiring with all haste into the City . The Christians , besides other rich prey here , took 14 great pieces , with good store of shot and powder . The Duke now again summoned the City , whereunto the Turks gave no answer , but by their pieces : whereat the Duke much displeased , sent them word , he would send them other manner of Messengers to morrow , and by Gods help sup with them in the City , though unwelcome . So next day , having made two fair Breaches into the City , he with great slaughter of the Enemy entered the same , though the Turks cast downe upon the Christians , Darts , Wild-fire , &c. But , seeing they must needs now give place , they fled amain into their Houses , there to defend themselves , or die : many whereof , they had so undermined , that they could easily overthrow them , and as many as should come within danger of them : so that the Temple-pallace , with many other sumptuous buildings , were left all rent and torn ; yet the Bassa , upon promise of life , yielded himself , and was sent to the Camp , the rest of the Souldiers being all or most of them put to the Sword. The Walloons breaking by heaps into the richest Houses , both took what themselves lighted on , and stript the Germans of what they had gotten : yea , they opened the Tombs of the Hungarian Kings , to spoyl the dead of such things as were , for honours-fake , long before enterred with them : shewing themselves therein more barbarous than the Turks . The Bassa of Buda ( then laying a prisoner at Vieuna , hearing of the taking of this City , fasted with his 2 servants a whole day , prostrate on his face , and praying to his Prophet Mahomet ) who had ( as he said ) all this year been angry with the Turks . Now Hassan the Turkish Generall , was comming to relieve Alba-regalis : and though he heard by the way , that the City was won ; yet , taking with him the Bassa of Buda , with the other Commanders thereabouts : and , having formed an Army of about 60000 , but most raw Souldiers , he held on his way thitherwards , both to give some content to his angry Lord ; and hoping to overthow the Christian Army , or at least to regain the City , as yet unrepaired . But the Duke had presently repaired the Breaches , and put therein a strong Garrison of expert Souldiers : and being himself about 20000 strong , set forward to meet the Bassa , beginning a hot and bloudy skirmish with him ; yet , the Bassa next day sent away part of his Army , to prove , if the City might be recovered : himself ( the mean while ) offering the Christians battel , so to busie them . But , the Duke informed of the basenesse of the Bassa's Souldiers ( although he were in number far above him ) went out and encountred him : and , at the first onset disordering his foremost Squadrons , sorced the Turks to retire with the loss of 6000 men : among whom were , the Bassa of Buda , 6 Zanzacks , and divers others of good place and note . The Duke also took from them divers Ordnance , and had not a great squadron of Tartars appeared at his back , he had undoubtedly overthrown all the Bassa's Army ; but , now contenting himself with the Victory already gotten , he retired orderly into his Trenches , having not lost above 300 men . Whilst both Armies thus lay , supplies repairing unto them , and expecting a day of generall battel ; the Janizaries still murmuring , that it was now no time of the year to keep the field , enforced the Bassa to retire to Buda , and disband his Army : in which retreat , many were by the Christians cut off in the Rear , and many taken , 50 being of the French mutineers of Pappa : whom Matthias , at the instance of Duke Mercurie , pardoned . They also , who were sent to attempt Alba-regalis , were so welcomed with shot , and charged with often sallies ; that , despairing to prevail , they returned to the Bassa that sent them . About the time that the Duke began to besiege Alba-regalis , Ferdinand the Arch-Duke , now 30000 strong , by the advise of the Duke of Mantua his Lievt . Gen. resolved to besiege Canisia : the recovery whereof , much concerned even Italy it self ; Whereupon , he came and encamped before it , Septemb. 10. And although the Turks in Garrison ( not past a 1000 ) with their often and gallant sallies much troubled the Christians , and that other bands of the Turks came many times out of the strong Holds thereabouts to skirmish with them , and to see if they could put any more Souldiers into the Town ; yet , both in the one place and the other , The Turks were to their cost still repulsed and put to flight , losing also some small Castles and Forts . The Christians found means to dry the Marsh a little , that invironed the Town , and to fill it up on one side , and to come so near the Town , that having planted 3 tire of Artillery against it , they began furiously to batter it . Yea , at length they approached so nigh , that they came with their Trenches even close to the Town-ditch , perswading the Turks now , whilst they might , upon good conditions to yield , and so save their Lives . But , they braving the Christians , said , They would keep the place for the Sultan , in despight of all their Forces : Whereupon , it was resolved to give a general assault . In the mean time , the news of the winning of Alba-Regalis , caused great Joy and Triumph in the Camp ; the Christians also by fit men perswaded the Souldiers in Canisia to yield , and not cast themselves into such danger , as had their fellowes at Alba-regalis , &c. Whereunto , they ( among whom the Renegate Walloons were chief ) contemptuously answered , They little feared such weak Assailants , scornfully commanding the Messengers to depart , and oft-times discharging their great Ordnance , as had the Christians in triumph the day before . Now , though the Walls were sore shaken , and the Breaches almost laid open : yet was the assault for a while delayed , till Bridges might be made to be laid over the Ditch ; but all things now ready , and the Florentines with some other Italians ( according to Lot ) comming forward , the Bridge was found both too short and weak for them to get over by ; so that sinking under them , both Souldiers and Commanders ( as 〈◊〉 ) were in great danger : Where , by and by the Enemies flanking murdering-pieces , and their Musquetiers afront , they were forced to retire , 300 being slain . Yet , were not the Christian-Commanders at all discouraged , but began to provide against the violence of the Winter-weather , as also to hinder any Victuals from being brought to the Town . And although already , Horse , flesh was dainty Chear with the Defendants , yet , they being again required to yield , instead of answering them one word , shook their Swords afar off at them . But for all the Commanders resolution to continue the siege , 〈◊〉 being a little before dead , the Italians began first a few secretly to withdraw , but afterwards by great numbers to depart , alledging , want of pay , and 〈◊〉 . But the rest , hearing that the Turks were risen from before Alba-regalis , and the rest of their Army disbanded : also , being informed of the weakness and wants of the besieged , began afresh to make new Engines for approaching the Walls , without danger of the Enemies flanking-Ordnance : at which time also , Novemb. 4th . Rusworm came to them from Duke Mercury with 8000 Souldiers , whereby they were the more encouraged to proceed . Neither failed the Turks the while , to trouble them by often sallies , attempting especially to have fired their Tents , but they were still with loss beaten back into the Town . But whilst the Turks , as it were with desperate hope thus defend the place : lo , in the latter end of November , the raging North-wind , accompanied with a deep Snow , overthrew most of the Tents and Pavillions of the Christians , burying as it were their whole Army in Snow and Ice : so , that in Ferdinands Camp , were 1500 men , with 300 Horses , starved and frozen to death . But those that came with Rusworm being wearied with the siege of Alba-regalis , and as it were spent with dirty travell , had not brought with them their Tents , &c. were enforced to lay abroad : with whose miseries , though their Generall was much grieved , yet he with them right patiently endured . Hereupon , the Commanders thought it better to rise in time , than longer to expose their Army , to most certain destruction either of the Enemy or Cold ; which was done with such haste and confused tumult , that they left behind them their great Ordnance , with Tents and Baggage ; a common voice running , they were well if they could but save themselves : so that the Souldiers , in fear to be pursued , fled ; but accompanied with such Winds , Snow , and extream cold , that many of them fell down frozen , and never rose more , not being to 〈◊〉 help from others , every man having enough to do to look to himself ; so that upon the way , lay 500 dead of cold , besides 400 left sick in the Trenches : who ; were thought afterwards to have bin put to the Sword by them of Canisia . But Michael the Vayuod of Valachia , not knowing well which way to turn himself , thought it best now at last to submit to the Emperour , if so at leastwise he might recover his Government in 〈◊〉 ; so Jan. 23. he arrived at 〈◊〉 , with 35 followers and 6 Coaches , where he was honourably received , and his cost at the Emperours charge defrayed : unto whom , he excusing his severity used in Transilvania , as enforced thereto by their stubbornness , &c. his excuse was admitted , and he with all kindness used . Now 〈◊〉 , then laying in Transilvania as aforesaid , he without fear one night ( the Watch being set ) went to bed : where he had not layen long , but certain Transilvanian Lords ( the Chiaki being chief ) came with their followers , and surprizing the Watch , entred the Pallace , and breaking into his Chamber , took him out of his bed ; and next morning going forth , about 12 miles off , met with Sigismund their late Prince , secretly by them called in , with whom they comming to Clausenberg , there delivered unto him Basta , whom he commanded to be cast into Irons : and going to the Pallace , gave like order for apprehending and safe keeping , other of the Nobility , who had taken part with Basta , in behalf of the Emperour ; for one part of the Transilvanians now stood for him , another part for Istuan Bator , pretending the Soveraignty belonged to him : but the third and far greatest part for Sigismund , who , now by means of the 〈◊〉 King , reconciled to the Turk , was joyfully received in the chief Cities of Transilvania , who , for the better assuring of his 〈◊〉 , wrote to the Emperour what had happened , requesting him to be content : that he was 〈◊〉 of his love and favour , promising for ever to keep good amity with him : telling Basta also ( whom at the intercession of some great friends he had enlarged ) that , he must forthwith depart his Principality , as also to cease from 〈◊〉 his people , now voluntarily returned to his Obedience . The Emperour , upon the first advertisement hereof , took order with Michael ( who was troubled for his Wife and Son left as Hostages with Basta , but now fallen into the hands of his mortall Enemies ) : that returning speedily into Valachia ( where the people generally disliked the simple Vayuod , set over them by the Polonian Chancellour ) , and collecting what power he could , he should joyn with Basta , to whom he had sent many Horse and Foot , for expulsing of 〈◊〉 , and reducing Transilvania under his Obedience . Michael , assembling accordingly about 10000 expert Souldiers , went and found Basta in the field , with about 20000 Foot ; and 8000 Horse , and so entred into Transilvania with united Forces : where the Vayuod in disdain , wasted all as he went with fire and sword , not without the great discontent of Basta . But Sigismund , to hinder their further proceeding , came from 〈◊〉 with his Army to meet them ; yet he would not come to tryall of a battel with them , which they offered : but , fortified himself in his Trenches , expecting the comming of the Tartars from the Chancellour of Poland , as also 6000 Turks from the Bassa of Belgrade : where , hearing that the passage of the Tartars , was stayed by 〈◊〉 Gonzaga , and that the Turks would come no further than Giula , without their pay beforehand : finding himself too weak , he rose , purposing to have taken certain Straits whereby the Enemy must pass , so by advantage to have holpen his weakness . But , Basta & the Vayuod followed him with such speed , that they overtook him before he could get thither , so hardly pressing him , that he must needs turn about and fight , or suffer his men to be slain like beasts : wherein , though he , nor his failed to do their utmost , yet such was the Valour of the other , that in a great fight disordering his Foot , they put them to flight , and cut them all in pieces : Whereupon , the Prince fled betime with his Horsmen to the uttermost Confines of Transilvania , having lost 10000 Souldiers . Hereupon , Claudiopolis with divers other Cities and Towns , returned again to the Emperours Obeysance . The Vayuod , to satisfie his long hatred against the Transilvanians , utterly wasted all places whereby he passed , which Basta not liking , requested him to use his Victory with more modesty , especially toward such places as voluntarily returned to the Emperour's Obeysance ; who answered , He would do what he thought good , without his appointment or the Emperour 's either , chiefly in that , which he had now twice Conquered : wherefore , Basta might command them , that were to be commanded by him ; for , he acknowledged no Soveraignty of Basta , or the Emperour over hims : Unto which presumptuous speech Basta replyed not ; but from that time , better observing his proceedings , perceived he had Intelligence with the Turks : that by chasing the Imperials out of Transilvania , he might hold it to himself , as Tributary to the Sultan , best able to defend him . The truth whereof , he certainly understood by Letters of his to that purpose , intercepted by his Souldiers : Whereupon , he became very pensive for the great power of the Vayuod in those Countries , and also for the great strength he had even then present about him : So , consulting with certain of his chief Commanders , what were best to be done in so dangerous a case , A Walloon Captain offered to go into the Vayuods Camp , and in his own Tent to kill him as a Traitor : so he going with some 60 men , boldly stept into his Tent , willing him to yield himself the Emperours prisoner : who being about to lay his hand upon his Scimitar , the Walloon with an Holberd , thrust him into the breast : at which instant , another with a Sword , at one blow , cleft his Head down to his shoulders . Presently , upon his death , a great tumult was raised in his Camp ; but Basta forthwith , appearing with all his Souldiers , and producing the treasonable Letters , all was again appeased ; but especially , for that his souldiers now saw themselves without a Head , and too weak also for the Imperials there present in Arms. In the Vayuods Tent , were also other Letters found , so plainly declaring the same treason , that the Walachians , who were at first wonde rously moved , hearing them read , said , he was worthily slain ; and had they known any such traiterous purpose by him , they would themselves have taken of him deserved punishment . Basta offered his Souldiers , either to depart wither they would ; or , taking an Oath of obedience to the Emperour , to enter into his pay . His dead body was laid out a whole day for the Souldiers to gaze upon , and afterwards buried . Basta , now , what by force , what by agreement , soon took in most of that Countrey : nevertheless , for all that he had done for the assurance thereof unto the Emperour , ( being so much , as most men thought , sufficient ) even in the winding up of this year 1601 , the Transilvanians understanding , that Sigismund , with a great Army of Polonians , Turks and Tartars , was coming against the Imperialls , most part of them took up Arms in his behalf , saying , Their first Oath voluntarily given to him as their natural Prince , was more to be respected , than any other afterwards , by force extorted from them by a forraign Prince ; So that Basta withdrew himself ; with his followers unto a strong Town , in a corner of Transilvania : whence , with all speed , he sent to the Emperour for greater ayd . After whose departure , Sigismund entring without resistance , was of the people in generall , joyfully received , and all the honour done unto him , that was by them possible . In the mean time , the Bassa of Agria going out with 10000 Turks , in hope to have surprized Toccay , in upper Hungary , was encountred by Gonzaga the Lievtenant , there overthrown , and with great slaughter , chased to the Gates of Agria . The Scrivano also in Caramania , and Natolia , came now again this year , with a greater power into the field , to meet with Mahomet Bassa , who with 50000 good Souldiers , was ready to encounter him , a great part of whose Army , the Scrivano cut asunder in a great fight , and becoming Master of the Field , forraged all the adjoyning Countries , almost to Aleppo , still calling the people to liberty , and proclaiming himself the true defendor of the Mahometan faith , and of the liberty of those combined Countries ; so that the great Turk must now send another great Army to ayd the Bassa , with whom the Scrivano joyning Battel , and overcharged with multitude , was at first put to the worst ; but having repaired his disordered Battel , he with a great slaughter , disordered also the Bassa's Army : so contenting himself with what he had already done , he retired with his Army , into the strength of the Mountains , to live that winter upon the spoil of the adjoyning Countries . Besides all which troubles , the Plague also this year , soar raged , both in Constantinople , and many places of the Turkish Empire : when also the Janizaries at Constantinople , having received some disgrace , by some of the Sultans favourites , caused their Aga , well accompanied , to enter into the Seraglio , to require their heads : whom Mahomet , caused for his presumption , to be cut in pieces , in the midst of the Spahi , yet not without the great slaughter of the Spahi themselves , slain by the Janizaries . The other Janizaries also now ready to revenge the death of their Captain , were by Cicala Bassa , bellowing among them a great sum of money , again appeased : which their insolency , Mahomet imputing to their drinking of Wine , contrary to their Law , by the perswasion of the Musti , commanded all that had any Wine in their Houses in Constantinople , or Pera , upon pain of death , to bring it forth , and stave it , except the English , French , and Venetian Embassadors : so that some report , Wine ran down the Channel in Constantinople , as if it had been water , after a great showre . Sigismund , now again possessed of Transilvania could not yet well assure himself to keep it ; for Basta still strengthened with new supplies from the Emperour , was already entred into Transilvania , in 1602 : the Polonians busied in their Warres of Swethland ; and the Turks with their other greater affaires , not sending Sigismund their promised ayd . Wherefore , he dealt with Basta for a cessation of Arms , till Embassadors might be sent to the Emperour , to intreat for some good attonement : who so handled the matter with the Emperour , that Sigismund was content , to the behoof of his Majesty , to resign unto Basta , all places as he yet held in Transilvania , upon much like conditions , he had about three years before made with him ; and so in and for all , to submit to his Majesty : whereupon , Zachel , Moyses , the Princes Lievtenant , not able to endure , or hear that the Province should again fall into the hands of the Germans , went upon a sudden to assail Basta . But he an old and xpert Commander , perceiving even his first moving , with great speed put his Army in order , joyning Battel with him , and with the losse of some 500 men , overthrew Moyses , with his Transilvanians , Turks , and Tartars , slaying above 3000 , and putting the rest to flight ; but Sigismund hearing what his Lievetenant had done , went into the Camp to Basta , excusing himself as done without his privity , and against his will : offering to perform , whatever was by him to be performed , according to the agreement : and presently calling forth his Garrisons out of all strong places , yet by him holden , he surrendred them to Basta , and so put himself on his way towards the Emperour : after whose departure , all that Province without more adoe , yielded to Basta , as to the Emperour's Lievtenant , who calling an Assembly of all the Nobility , took of them an Oath for their obedience and Loyalty to the Emperour . But the mean while , the Valachians not able longer to endure the great insolency of the Turks , ( who after the death of Michael , had made one Jeremiah Vayuod there ) took up Arms : and proclaiming one Radoll , ( the Emperours favourite ) Vayuod , chased Jeremiah quite out of the Countrey : who fleeing to Simon , Palatine of Moldavia , by his and the Turks help , drave out Radoll again : who now being with Basta with about 10000 Valachians , earnestly requested him , to help him for the recovery of Valachia : who , considering how much it concerned the quiet of Transilvania , to have so near a Province a Friend , gave him a great Regiment of approved Souldiers : with whom , at his entrance into Valachia , the Moldavian meeting with a great power of his own and Turks , there was fought a most bloudy Battel , Radoll carrying away the Victory : two Turks Bassaes being slain , with a great number of others : after which , Radoll recovered his Government . Shortly after , with the same ayd , cutting in pieces a great power of Tartars , coming to ayd the Moldavians . In Hungary the mean while , passed many a hot skirmish ; for the Garrisons of Buda and other places , attempting to surprize Alba Regalis , were with great slaughter , enforced to retire . Then also , Count 〈◊〉 suddenly setting upon 200 Turkish Wagons going to Canisia , with Ammunition and Victualls , slew and put to flight the Convoy , and carried away the laden Wagons . And shortly after , the free 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 , going in a great party towards Buda for booty , returning homeward with sixty prisoners , and hearing that Ali , Governour of Pesth , was coming but with a small retinue down the River , to Belgrade , there to meet the 〈◊〉 Bassa , they slew all the prisoners ; and with two small Boats , lay in wait for him , who coming down accordingly , they slew 14 of his 30 followers : himself also being shot in two places , was taken , with a great booty : whom they brought to Comara , presenting him shortly after , to Matthias at Vienna , who certainly informing him , that Hassan Bassa , was coming with a great Army , to besiege Alba Regalis , presently sent thither , Count Isolan the Governour , who with much adoe , getting into the City , the Turks having already taken all passages , and being a good Engineer , caused all in the City , to labour on the Rampiers ; so that it was soon so fortified , that it seemed almost impregnable . Ali was sometime the great Turks Butler ; but after the taking of Agria , made Bassa of Buda , being after 3 moneths , by the envy and ambition of some displaced , and made Governour of 〈◊〉 : who offered for his ransom to the Haiducks , 300000 Sultanines , and had with him when taken , 70000 Duckats , Hassan Bassa ( by the Command of Sultan Mahomet ) coming to Buda , by the way of Belgrade , with 150000 men from thence , came and encamped before Alba Regalis , Aug. 12th , where having well entrenched himself , and planted his Battery , he most terribly and furiously battered the same ; and because the Moorish and deep Ditches , much letted his men from coming to the assault , he had them filled up by the number of his Pioniers , and so assaulted the Counterscarfe , which Isolan had made before the City : which assault , though it cost him much blood , yet the great number of the Turks prevailing ; the Christians were forced to retire into the City ; but they soon sallying out , slew most of 〈◊〉 Turks in the Counterscarfe , and forced the other out again : whereupon , multitudes of Turks came running thither , and without regard of their lives , desperately still pressing on , fell twice as many as before : so that the Christians weary , and overwhelmed with their shot , not without great losse , abandoned the place : with which skirmishes , and divers others , he Defendants were greatly diminished , to keep a weak City ( as yet shewing the ruines of the late siege ) against so puissant an Enemy : yet valiant Isolan the Italian , not discouraged , wrote to Matthias , how things stood in the City , requesting speedy relief , or else it would be endangered : many Souldiers being already slain , and divers Hungarians daily fleeing to the Turks ; howbeit , promising to do his utmost . Whereupon , the Arch-Duke , ordered Lord Russworm , to go to Comara , and with such forces as were come thither , to go and try , if by any meanes they might put into Alba Regalis , some fresh Souldiers : who accordingly , took the Field without delay , with 12000 men ; but whilest by discord betwixt him and the other Colonels , about the manner of relieving it , the matter was too long delayed , the Bassa Aug. 28. continued a general assault all that day , and next night , with some part of the day following , without ceasing : so that the Defendants much weakened , and they that were left , so wearied or wounded , as that they could make no longer resistance , and the Count himself being carried away , dangerously shot in the thigh , there was a sign of parley given to the Enemy , which being granted , some of the chief Commanders going to the Governour , put him in minde of the weakness of the place , the Enemies force , and want of Defendants , perswading him ( they not being relieved ) by divers reasons , to yield the City : wherewith he moved , came to a parley with the Bassa , who was right glad thereof : wherein it was soon agreed , that the COUNT should yield up the Town to the Bassa , with all Warlike Ammunition therein : himself , with his Garrison , with Bag , Baggage , and Arms , safely to be convoyed half way to Rab. Upon the first bruit of this composition , whilest the Merchants were seeking for Wagons , to carry their Merchandize , and the Souldiers for Horses , to carry their Baggage : the scarceness thereof , bred a confusion and stir among the people ; so whilest some were quarrelling about these things , and others were opening the Gates to be gone ; others were as busie in robbing and pilfering the Baggages of their Captains and Companions : which encouraged the rest of the Souldiers to fall to pillage all also : which the Souldiers keeping the breaches , seeing , left their charge , and thrust themselves in among these pilferers , as if they themselves had been Victors , and not vanquished . The Tartars at the foot of the breach , pressing now on , without any great resistance , entred the same , and in a trice , thirty thousand of them surprized the Christians at once , loaded with prey , fear , and despair : after whom , the Turks entred also to partake of the spoil : who besides their own booty , quarrelled with the Tartars for some part of theirs ; but when there was no more pillage to be had , the perfidious wretches fell to massacring the Christians , so that all the City flowed with blood , till , by the coming in of the Bassa , the slaughter was stayed : whereby Count Isolan , with some other Captains and Souldiers were saved : three thousand Souldiers were slain ; besides , not a few Citizens : Isalan and the other Captains being led prisoners to Constantinople . Howbeir , he plainly shewed , they were unjustly detained , as taken contrary to the publick Faith , to them before given , and out of the actions of Warre . Whereto it was answered , that the Town , when he was taken , was yet still in his power : that if he would by yielding , challenge his liberty , according to the Articles , he ought then to have delivered it , and not suffered it to have been taken by force , & c. that every Town which ( during the Treaty ) is 〈◊〉 force taken , followeth the course of the latter condition , ( to wit ) Death or Captivity , and not of the former , to wit , Liberty ; for a man is not to expect of his mortall Enemy any other courtesie , than what necessity caused him to promise , which he may for his own good again violate , & c. With such quirks , the Count deluded , say what he could , was carried away prisoner . So the Bassa causing the breaches to be repaired , and the City to be well furnished , and leaving therein 6000 Souldiers , over-ran all the Countrey , as far as Strigonium , and so retired to Buda : where , as he was making a Bridge , betwixt Buda and Pesth , and about to have gone to the Siege of Strigonium , a Command came , that he should speedily return to Constantinople , for that Mahomet was for his valour , now minded to employ him in his Wars , against his Rebels in Natolia . Whereupon , the Bassa gave leave to all that had any charge , to return to their places of Government , appointing some others , with 30000 Souldiers , to go with Zachiel Moises into 〈◊〉 : who was come 〈◊〉 Hassan , offering with this ayd , and the help of others in Transilvania , to chase 〈◊〉 with his Germanes out from thence , and reduce it again unto the devotion of the Othoman Emperors . So the Bassa hasted with the rest , towards Constantinople , which he was thought the more willingly to do , because the Sultan had put him in good hope to marry one of his Aunts , a Woman of great Wealth and Honour , if by the winning of Alba Regalis , he should make himself worthy thereof . But ere long , the Imperials assembled at Comara , to the number of about 30000 , with twelve Nassadies , and two Galleys , some by water , some by Land , went down to Strigonium , where they were all embarqued in twenty other Ships , and conducted by Rusworme and others , to Buda : whose coming was so sudden and unlooked for , that the Turks had no time to take any more help or provision into the City . The Turks had lately built a Bridge upon Boats over 〈◊〉 , for passage and carriage of things from Buda to Pesth : which Bridge , the Imperials thinking necessary , first to break , the more easily to besiege the one or other City , by a strange device , built a Ship , which by force of the stream , carried down , and resting upon the Bridge , should break the same : which Ship , the Turks seeing coming , with the rest of the 〈◊〉 , ran by heaps to the Bridge , for defence thereof : in the mean time , Count Sultze on the Land side , with a Petard , blew up one of the Gates of the lower City , and so entring , and killing whom he lighted on , came upon the backs of the Turks at the Bridge , slaying some , driving others into the River , the rest fleeing into the City , where both Souldiers and Citizens , ( the Christians following them ) for fear , took a speedy resuge into the upper City , much stronger than the lower : the Bridge being then also broken upon the River ; and because they of Pesth , might with their Ordnance , much annoy them in besieging the upper City and Castle of Buda , they began with it first : So Russworme with his Fleet , making a great shew , as if he would have entred on the Rivers side , had drawn most of the Garrison unto that side of the City ; and the while , Sultze , and another Governour , suddenly scaled the Walls on the Land side , and gained them : whereupon , began a great out-cry , the Turks especially , now feeling the Christians Weapons , before they knew they were gotten into the City . In this so great amazement , some fled into Towers , others hid themselves in Cellars , and the most secret corners , out of which they were drawn and slain . They also in the strong places of the City , seeing the Ordnance bent upon them , offered to yield , so they might with Wives , Children , and life depart , promising for that favour , to perswade them of Buda , to yield also . Whereupon , Nadasti , with some other Captains , were 〈◊〉 with some of these Citizens , to Buda : who coming thither with Wives and Children , most earnestly requested them to yield , as not to expect any further help ; and that by their obstinacy , they should cause the death of them , their friends , Wives , and Children : unto whom also , Nadasti promised , that they should all , except a few Commanders , in safety depart : howbeit , they would not hearken . In Pesth , the Christians found great store of Wealth , with one thousand serviceable Horses , and much Warlike provision . This done , they returned to besiege the upper City and Castle of Buda , undermining and battering the same ; and had planted some of their Ordnance so high , that they could , at pleasure , shoot into the streets : they thundered also at the same time , with other batteries , in divers places of the Walls , both of Castle and City ; and hearing , that the Turks Garrisons were coming for their relief , they sent out their Horse , and some Foot , against them : who gave them a great overthrow , and so returned unto the siege : where , while the Christians lay in hope , and had Octob. 12th , planted certain notable Pieces near the Walls , purposing next day with all their power , to assault the City , Hassan hearing ( as he was going toward Constantinople ) of what had hapned , returned , and unlooked for , came and sate down before Pesth , with but about five and twenty thousand men , yet most of them expert Souldiers : divers brave attempts being in both places made , both on the one side and the other . The besieged in Pesth , one day , under the Conduct of their brave Captains , sallied out , and coming with the Turks to the Sword , disordered , and forced them to flee , pursuing them even to their Trenches , whence a great Squadron issuing out , constrained the Imperials to retire . Count Martinengo , doing what he might , to have stayed the disordered 〈◊〉 , being with many others slain : wherewith the rest discouraged , made towards the City . Whereupon , the Garrison sent out some Companies to relieve them , whereby the Turks were even to their Trenches , again repulsed . Shortly after , RUSSWORM having with continuall battery , made a considerable breach in the CASTLE , with certain Foot-Companies , couragiously assailed it : where the TURKS having in best sort they could , repaired it , and on both sides thereof , placed Murthering-Pieces , with store of Fire-works , so overwhelmed the first assailants with that deadly fire , and so rent them with their murthering shot , that they were forthwith cut off ; yet they who were to second them , nothing discouraged , but seeking desperately to have entred , were in like sort welcomed : So that now one thousand of them being lost , they caused a retreat to be sounded . But Hassan had not long layen before 〈◊〉 , but great wants ( through his so sudden return ) began to arise in his Camp , the Souldiers being glad to eat their dead Horses , a pound scarcely to be gotten for two Hungarian Duckats , and a bushel of Oats for five : which wants encreasing , and many Souldiers stealing away , he had much adoe to perswade them to stay eight dayes longer : which expired , and nothing effectually done , he fearing some sudden mischief to be done by the hungry and discontented Souldiers , November the second , in the night rose with his Army , in haste retiring towards Belgrade , leaving behind him 300 dead Horses : after whose departure , Nadasti and some other Commanders , presently went down to Adona ( a fair Town , upon the bank of Danubius , about four Hungarian miles from Buda , and serving as it were a Store-house for that Garrison ) with five thousand men , and certain Ordnance : which Town , Nadasti ( by his Hussars sent before ) summoning , they at first , refused to yield ; but being with the sight of a farre greater power discouraged , they yielded the Town upon safe departure , with bag and baggage , being conducted as farre as Feldwar : which Castle , was also at first summons , by the perswasion of them of Adom , delivered unto them : which done , the free Haiducks the same night , surprised Pax Castle : whence , the Christians marching on , took in also the City of 〈◊〉 . In the mean time , they in the Camp at Buda , were advertized , that the Bassa of 〈◊〉 , with others , had assembled thirty thousand men to raise the siege : Wherefore the Christians , leaving their Tents in their Trenches , gathered together in the water-Town : whereupon , the Turks presently sallying out , took both the Trenches and Tents , with no small slaughter of their keepers ; so holding them for two houres space , till they were by strong hand beaten out , and forced to retire , with some losse . Nadasti also making a Road towards Alba Regalis , in their return , within a mile of Buda , lighted upon a thousand Turks , slaying most of them , taking one hundred and sixty , with a number of Horses , and much rich booty . They also at the siege , having by fury of the Cannon , beaten down a strong Tower next to Danubius , were a little before night about to have entred ; but such a Tempest of wind and rain , suddenly arose , that they were enforced for that time to give over the assault : which storm ended , two hundred Turks to keep the Christians otherwise busied , sallyed out , charging upon the Stirian Horsemen , who presently relieved by the men at Arms , made them speedily retire with the losse of one hundred and sixty men ; but taking heart again , next day Novemb. 11th , they sallied out again : where , though a great number were slain ; yet came they forth the third day also , and were by Count Thurn , with great losse , beat back into the City ; but in the pursuit , they were by some Janizaries ( laying close ) dangerously ganled ; the Count being hurt in his left Arm , and some Captains slain : the Turks by these sallies , though worsted , yet gained time somewhat well to repair their breaches . Shortly after , the Imperials certainly informed , that a multitude of Tartars were coming as far as Temeswar , to relieve Buda , thought best ( chiefly winter being come ) betimes to raise their siege , and be gone : which they did Novemb. 16th , yet they furnished Pesth with all necessaries , and almost 10000 Souldiers . As for Adom , it had a Garrison of Hungarians , with their wages offered to be payd before hand : which they refused , alleaging that for the great danger of this place , above others , they could not safely take their Oath to defend it : yet offering to do what beseemed valiant Souldiers , that all should see , no ill should happen thereunto , through their default . The Imperials departed , the Turks forthwith came down into the lower City , by often thundering with their Ordnance , and other signes of triumph , declaring their joy ; but whilest in their jollity , they shot to them of Pesth , they from them , so received the like , that the Turks requested them , to spare their Shot and Powder , and quietly to live by them , till next Spring ; yet for all this their joy at Buda , Victuals was become so scarce , that they feared , if the Christians had layen longer at the siege , they should have been forced for very want to yield the City : whose friends , with a great Convoy , bringing what provision they could , for their relief : they of Comara and Strigonium , meeting with the Turks betwixt Alba Regalis , and Buda , overthrew the Convoy , and carried away all the Victuals . But nothing troubled Mahomet , like the Warres he had in Asia against the Rebel , the Scrivano : who , encouraged with the last years success , and still growing stronger and stronger , through the allurements of liberty , hope of prey , or good entertainment , had this year over-run much of the Turk's Dominions in Asia , putting all to fire and sword , and ransacking divers walled and fenced Cities , as he went ; for the Janizaries of Aleppo and Damasco , with many of their partakers , who might much have hindered his proceedings , were together by the eares among themselves ; but the Scrivano , in the midst of these desired fortunes , fell sick and died : howbeit , the rebellion soon grew to be far greater , and more dangerous than before ; for a younger Brother of his , stept up in his place , fiercely prosecuting the undertaken Warres : against whom , Hassan Bassa , being sent with a great Army , and joyning battel with him , was by him in a great and bloody fight overthrown and slain , with his whole Army , except such as by speedy flight escaped . So the Sultan was forced to call Mahomet Bassa out of Hungary , to serve against this new Rebel : who the mean while , made havock of all as he went , receiving the tribute of those Countries , and others also further off , having exacted onely of Ancyra , and the Countrey thereabouts , 300000 Duckats ; so heaping up great Treasures of his Enemies , for maintenance of his Warres . Yet before Mahomet had called the Bassa out of Hungary , he had provided that the Tartar Han with a great power , should even against that time , come into that Countrey : which rough and needy people , for pay or prey , alwayes ready to serve the Othoman Emperours , by plain force , brake through Valachia , though not without great losse , ( being fought with by the Valachians , and free Haiducks a whole day ) and came into Hungary in the latter end of December : the Han with forty thousand to Quinque Ecclesia ; and his two Sonnes , with twenty thousand into Possega , where they spoiled both Turks and Christians , pretending all that frontier Countrey to be given to them by the Sultan , in reward of their service . But ere long , they forced the Christians thereabouts , to victuall Canisia for the Turks ; and so breaking into Stiria , not far from Caramant , they carried away above two thousand Captives ; then surprising Keschemet , they slew most of the Inhabitants of that great Town , carrying away the rest prisoners . Others of them also , inroading to Sharvar , and burning down twenty Villages , carried away thence about 1000 into captivity . At their first coming , they also relieved them of Buda , Nadasti with his Hussars , not being able now , longer to keep them from Victuals : by them also , the Turks encouraged , took and burnt certain places of the Christians nigh Buda , slaying all they found therein . Against these Tartars , for all this , the Christians , beside their ordinary Garrisons , began in Winter to oppose some of their other forces : the Palatine of 〈◊〉 , sending ten Troops of Horse , for defence of Stiria ; and Collonitz raising 400 Horse , 1000 Hussars , and 3000 free Haiducks , for repressing of them : the Duke of Brunswick also , sending 1000 Horse , and 2000 Foot , for the same service . January with a sharp Frost , began the next year 1603 , whereby the 〈◊〉 in many places , seemed rather wholly turned into ice , than frozen : Danubius also , ( for all his swift course ) being so hard frozen , that men and carts might safely passe thereupon : which so cold a season did rather increase the hot desires of the greedy Turks . Wherefore , out of their Garrisons , they raised 18000 men , to have forraged and over-run the Christians with their Territories , confining upon them : Quermanie , and places thereabouts , being assigned , first to feel their force : whereupon , Collonitz with all speed , put into the Suburbs of Quermanie , one thousand Reisters , and two thousand Lansquenets ; and in the Boroughs , added to the Regiment of Count Reingrave , six Companies of Cossacks , 4000 Haiducks , 400 Carabins , French and Walloons , 200 Horse of his own Regiment , himself commanding over all these Troops ; and withall , 〈◊〉 all the Inhabitants thereabouts , to take up Arms , and with strong Barricadoes , to strengthen the wayes , and stop up the passages into their Countrey : which they chearfully performed , with Weapons in one 〈◊〉 , and Spades and Shovels in the other : wherefore , the Turks changed their former design for the invading of Quermany , ( where the Christians had for five weeks expected them ) marching along by Roquesbourg , with purpose to load themselves with spoil of the Countrey ; but Collonitz , collecting his forces , frustrated their new design , by favour of the River , which strengthened him against their incursions , and was well to be defended ; so , that the Turks , whose intent was not to fight , again retired , contenting themselves to gather a Convoy of Victuals to put into Canisia : which then extreamly wanted : so they came to Babotz , thence to march to Canisia ; of which their purpose , Collonitz , by his espials advertised , upon a brave resolution , on March 24 , with his Troops , marched towards little Comara , about two Leagues from Canisia , and lay close in Ambush in the Woods near two Marshes , over which the Turks had made two Bridges to pass the Artillery and Waggons upon , who were nigh 20000 strong , and Collonitz but two thousand-two hundred Horse , and six thousand Foot. But , 40 of the 200 surprized Waggons , going to Buda with Victuals , being by them of Strigonium and Comara , sent to Pesth : the Turks of Buda ) hearing of that medley , and knowing it was for their bread , posted to succour their Troops , and arrived at the very time that the Victors led along , by Danubius , the Waggons before gained , furiously charging them : so , that the Christians daunted with the unexpected perill ( the Turks being 1500 〈◊〉 in number than they ) without more ado quite 〈◊〉 the Waggons , accounting themselves happy enough , if they might but save themselves : and the Turks contented to have recovered their Victuals , pursued them not , but returned home along the Bank of the River ; but two thousand of the Garrison of Pesth , seizing on a Forrest , whereby the Turks must pass at unawares , hardly charged them afront and behind : so that the Turks enclosed , without any great resistance , fled , leaving their Waggons , and casting away their Arms , a number being left dead on the place , some taken prisoners , and the rest chased even to the gates of their City . So , the Victors of Pesth returning 〈◊〉 , by their Ordnance gave many Testimonies of their Victory : But see again the change of Fortune ; 〈◊〉 was then also ( as it is often ) 〈◊〉 hard frozen , that men and Carts might safely pass it : in which so hard season , the Turks in Buda , having once upon the frozen River 〈◊〉 the Christians in Pesth , and Jan. 22. in like bravery coming out the second time , were by them of Pesth put to flight , and by 200 of the most forward and valiant hardly pursued ; upon whom , not onely they which fled , but othèr Turks out of Buda in great number returning , chased them back again even to the Bridge of Pesth : which now drawn up for fear of so many Turks , as were ready to have entered at the heels of the fleeing Souldiers , they were even in fight of their friends every man slain , the Turks with little harm returning . Few dayes after , one Lethner a Captain in Pesth more grieved than the rest with this loss , some being his Friends and Companions also , hearing that some of the chief Turks of Buda , and a great train of Gentlewomen , were , for their pleasure , next day to go to the hot Baths near Buda , with 60 Musquetiers , by night passed over the River , and not far from the Baths , lay in close Ambush ; so these Turks casting no perill , came accordingly , merrily bathing and solaceing themselves ; but , in the midst of their delights , these resolute men came suddenly upon them , slaying all the men , sparing none but one Boy and the Gentlewomen , who , in the time of conflict , ran naked as they were , into the City : which exploit done , the Captain returned laden with rich booty , and merrily sporting at the naked Gentlewomen , at whose fearfull cry , they of Buda sent out certain Souldiers after them , but they were safely before got home . By continuance of this frost , Victuals could not be sent down the River to Pesth , so that the Souldiers there accounted Dogs and Cats good meat : the Turks still roaming about to 〈◊〉 them from Victuals . Of which necessities , they of Buda were partakers also , yet every 〈◊〉 in field to seek relief : and that they might deceive those of Pesth , and assure themselves of Victuals , they gave out , and made shew as if they would besiege the Fort of Adom : under which colour , they received into Buda 50 Waggons laden with Victuals and Munition ; and , encouraged herewith , they gave knowledge thereof to their Neighbors of Pesth by 1000 great shot sent over the River unto them ; yet for the dispence of their powder and shot , they gained not so much as the life of one Souldier , nor one stone out of their Walls . Shortly after , the Budans thought suddenly to have surprized Palotta ( a small Castle ) by night , but being timely discovered , they were forced to retire with the loss of 120 men : to whom Horwad Capt. of the Castle ( by a Peasant sworn to do the errand ) sent a small pot of Salt , and a bottle of Wine , willing them to season the Venison they took in the late Hunting , and quenching their thirst , to chear them up after their late Conquest . These Enemies more provoked by this jest , discharged a showre of thundering great shot , 〈◊〉 small bullets upon the Garrison of Pesth ; but their Cannons being ill levelled , overshot the Town , carrying more fear than hurt ; yea , and while they were thus thundering , fire , by negligence of the Cannoniers fell into a barrel of their powder , which taking hold of another , and running along , 〈◊〉 if it had been by a train , overthrew a long piece of the Wall of Buda , by whose fall , many Souldiers near it were overwhelmed . The noise and force was so terrible , that ( the Turks being retired from this Breach ) the Governour of Pesth resolved to assault the place : Whereupon , with 1000 Almaines , and 300 Hungarians , he forthwith ( in hope ) marched towards the Breach : but by the way , they met with a Company of Turks , who gave an alarm to those of the upper-Town , who manned their walls , and with great speed repaired the Breach . Now those Turks whom 〈◊〉 met withall , were all slain , except some few , whom 〈◊〉 carried prisoners to Pesth , to be by them instructed of the 〈◊〉 affairs . About 〈◊〉 time , Radol Vayuod of Valachia , hearing that the Turks in Garrison at Silistria , were gone abroad to seek for Booty and Victnals , passed forthwith over the River upon the Ice to surprize the Town , whose men for desire of Riches , and for fear of the Souldiers return , so 〈◊〉 the Town ; that the Turks , dismayed , and deeming the Christians ( through the 〈◊〉 of the enterprize ) to be more than they were : after a small resistance , left a way open for them , who thrusting into the Town , took the 〈◊〉 spoil thereof , great and rich , and so set it on fire , returning before the Turks could gather together to hinder their retreat . The Vayuod sent to Basta ( then in Transilvania against the Turks ) 13 Turkish Ensigns for his part of the Booty . But Collonitz , having laid 3 dayes in Ambush without discovery of any Enemy ; March 6 , 3 espials fell into his 〈◊〉 , whom the Turks had sent forth before , who would not discover any thing , hurtfull to their friends ; so that at last the 〈◊〉 , moved , commanded one of their Heads to be struck off to terrifie the other 2 : who , dismayed with this Spectacle , and well beaten to tell the Truth , confessed 〈◊〉 were Spies sent by the Enemy to view the Country , and see if the Christians had any Forces there : which if not , and they reporting it , then within 2 dayes after , the Convoy was to pass that way , to be put into Canisia , setting forth from Babotz 2 hours before day : and that which more confirmed the matter , was , that within 2 hours after their taking , the Haiducks which lay hidden without the chief Ambuscado , discovered a Cornet with 5 Turks Ensignes , marching from Canisia to meet 〈◊〉 Convoy : Whereupon , they acquainted Collonitz therewith ; who put his Horsmen in good Order to enclose the Turks betwixt the Marsh and Wood : who holding on their way , the Christian Carabines , charged them in the head of their Companies , disordering them : the Hungarians sell upon their flanks , which they opened , and the Horsmen on their backs . The small resistance these poor enclosed men made , deserved not the name of a fight , being of 600 , not 4 left , but they were all slain , without killing one of their Enemies . Their Horsmen who followed them , seeing them surprized , shamefully fled , but the Carabins with their Horses pursuing amain after them , slew a number of them that were worst mounted , pursuing the rest even to the gates of Canisia . Those of the Town discharging their Ordnance , and many Vollies of small shot against the Christians , both to stay their pursuit , and to give warning to those who were bringing the relief to the Christians that were in the field . But during this fight , three very well mounted Turks , adventured to pass by the Christian Troops , and to give those which were bringing the Convoy , warning of the overthrow , and to return to Babotz : which brave attempt Fortune favouring , the Turks ( on the way ) upon this advertisement retired accordingly : Whereupon , the Christians made towards Babotz almost sixteen miles off , with a resolution to carry the place , using such diligence in their march , that about nine at night they there arrived : and , to daunt their Enemies what they might , they presently sounded their Trumpets , struck up Drumms , removed their Artillery , rusled with their Arms , and kept a stir themselves , to make the noise of a great Army ; but the Turks twice so many in number , and within a strong place , prepared for fight , if they should assail them : who , oft repeating the name of Jesus , advanced and made ready for fight . The Turks from the Castle , delivered 1000 Cannon-shot upon the Christian Troops : their Mu●qu●ts still playing from the Curtain of their Walls , yet the resolute Footmen , passing athwart these flaming showers , marched along the Counterscarp of the Ditch toward the gate , to have broken it open . The Turks the same time were come forth of the Town , but at the very instant that they charged the front of the Christian Foot , they were so encountred , that having lost some men , they were glad again to retire into the Town : whom the Christians , upon the Town-ditch so plyed with small shot upon their Walls , and in their Holds , as that they durst not shew themselves or look out : and if the Christians had had Instruments to have opened the Gates or Walls , the Town had 〈◊〉 been won ; but , at last , they having bin 4 hours in fight before it , doing & receiving harm , and finding no means to enter , were forced to leave it , burning in their retreat certain Villages of the Enemies : which done , they retired to little Comara ; for the 〈◊〉 began now on every side , by heaps to flock together to swallow them up , and even pressed upon their retreat , But Collonitz being with his Souldiers safely entred into Comara , caused the Heads of the principal slain Enemies , to be set upon the pikes of the Pallisadoes , and on a great Pine tree before the gate , whose Branches were first lopt : an action learned from the cruelty of the Turks . This done , they departed from this Castle , as 〈◊〉 spent with Famine than travell and weariness : for in that short expected design , they had taken no provision of Victuals with them : their Horses also languished , the Country being alike cruell to both . The Souldiers had for 3 days eaten nothing but Crabs and Acorns which they found in the Woods : so that being come to this Castle , they 〈◊〉 abundance of Victuals , every one requesting to return unto their Garrisons , being scarce able to bear their Arms ; but 〈◊〉 from little Comara , they heard , the Turks had shut up the wayes whereby they were to passe home : 〈◊〉 Collonitz , was so far from being 〈◊〉 , that , whereas it was reported , that the Turks marched near to a 〈◊〉 of the Christians , to make head upon a 〈◊〉 , he 〈◊〉 toward the same place on the sudden to encounter the Enemy , who thought to have surprized him by cowardize : and the Souldiers though weakened with hunger , and apprehending the danger , gave out , and yet upon a good courage were content to follow their Generall any whither , resting on his great resolution , and their own 〈◊〉 to go further ; but they being come to the Castle , there was no body to be seen : yet did those hungry men stay one day in Ambush , expecting the comming of the Turks , who appeared not , giving them time safely to retire every man unto his own Garrison . But , at such time as Hassan Bassa departed from Constantinople , to go to the Conquest of Alba-regalis , Mahomet caused to be presented unto him a Sword and a Crown ; this in reward of his valour , if he returned with Victory , the other in revenge of his cowardize , if he failed thereof : promising him indeed his Sister in marriage , among other Trophies of his Victory , and threatning him with death amongst the griefs of his dishonour ; but , he taking the City and returning to Constantinople , was magnificently received of his Prince , courteously saluted of all the Nobility , and with the greatest reverence honoured of the people . His Lord had also caused them to be most 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the solemnizing of the marriage , and contentment of the Bassa ; but , the solemnization it self , being now every day by all men expected , 25000 Janizaries , Spahi , and other Court-Souldiers , suddenly and unexpectedly presented themselves in Arms before the Divano , or Tribunall , holden for the chief administration of Justice in the Turks Pallace the first 4 dayes of every week : and , setting Guards at the Court-gates , demanded audience ; for certain Spahi , and Janizaries , whom they had chosen to deliver , in their names , their grievances to the Bassaes : being entred into the Divano , at the first , demanded to have Hassan Bassa delivered unto them : who affraid of his Head , passed wan and pale thorow this mutinous multitude , to go to the Sultan , protesting his own Innocency , and calling on his Prophet , to discover unto them the truth of all things ; but they , after a 1000 injuries and reproaches heaped on him , demanded of him : Whence it was , that whilst he with a great power was busied in Hungary , there was ( the while ) no good order taken for repressing the Rebells in Asia ; who ( by sufferance ) now were come within three or four dayes journey of Constantinople , with Ensignes displayed : Whereto , he in fear answered , Even his Enemies could witnesse , that he had done his duty , while in Asia , and now of late in Hungary ; But , seeing himself ready to die , he yet requested , That his guiltless death , might be profitable to the State in generall : and , in discharging of his conscience to declare unto them the causes of this contempt , and neglect , for the suppressing of this Asian 〈◊〉 ; saying , It proceeded only from the ill Government of the Sultans Mother , and from the carelesnesse of the Capi-Aga . They hearing him ( though with much 〈◊〉 ) so well to excuse himself , gave him leave to go to 〈◊〉 Sultan , to request him that they might speak with him , and to deal with him , that they might have the heads of those , who had bin the cause of this dishonourable service , or had cowardly behaved themselves in Asia ; threatning him , if he performed not his charge he should feel the heavy effects of their just fury , and heavy charge ; but he must now so do , or else die . So , he comming to the Sultan almost as fearfull as himself , he , partly cut of Justice , partly from Prudence , in such an extraordinary case , perswaded him to give way to their request : who thus perswaded , as also to appear in his 〈◊〉 , unto his discontented Subjects , One part of their desire ( necessity so requiring ) presented himself in his Imperial Seat unto them , accompanied with the Mufci , and a few other Doctors of their Law ; who , by Mahomct commanded to sit down , and the Bassaes standing up : the chief of the seditious stepping forth , 〈◊〉 leave to speak for himself and the rest ; which granted , he boldly said , That they , his obedient slaves , full of grief and discontent , to see a great part of his Empire endangered , desired to know of him , Why his Greatnesse did not employ the means God had given him , for remedy thereof ? That they supposed the Rebells courses in Asia , were unknown unto him , since they were so hardy as to come without resistance , so near to his Imperial City : That they desired to know if he had known all this : and , whether he would take upon himself the care of his great Monarchy , or no ? which through the negligence and ill Government of some put in trust , was like a great and well proportioned Body , but of little or no strength : Or else , that he could be content that all should be dismembred , and every man take what he could lay hand of , as the Rebells did . However , Mahomet was moved with so insolent a Speech ; yet being 〈◊〉 with such a furious and armed multitude , whom he had no meanes to withstand , 〈◊〉 wisely dissémbled his choler , and with the best and calmest words he could devise , sought to appease them , imputing the disorder and ill success of his affaires to the unfaithfulness of his Ministers , and the concealing of the Truth thereof from him ; and saying , That he had resolved before , to reform these matters , and to take from them all occasion of discontent , or of any Speech not beseeming them , whose Obedience and loyall respect to him their Soveraign , should have been an example to all the rest of his Subjects . Hereupon , they fiercely demanded of Hassan : Why , he gave not his Majesty an account of the Rebells proceeding in Asia ? Who answered , He had never failed of his Duty therein , but that the Capi-Aga alwayes said , It was not needfull to trouble their Soveraign therewith , having committed these matters to others , &c. And further , That the cause of all these Disorders proceeded from his Mother , the Capi-Aga & a few others , to whom he had commended the managing of those affairs . The mutiniers now more moved , furiously said , They were assembled to demand the Heads of such offendours : being resolved to take another course , if he should refuse to grant it them , meaning to make a new Emperor . Howbeit , Mahomet answered , It was no reason , neither would he for their humours put those whom they demanded , innocently to death ; but willed them to be contented , till they might by order of justice be tryed : and then he would give them even his own Son , if he were found culpable . But they replyed , He had not executed his Brethren by justice , but for preservation of the State ; and that those whom they demanded were so guilty that they deserved not an orderly tryall , &c. As for the Empress , his mother they were content she should be confined farther off , and no more to meddle with State-matters . So Mahomet ( through the violent resolution of these most insolent men ) caused the Capi-Aga , and such others as they required , to be brought forth : Who presented themselves as already half-dead , whom Mahomet did what he might to have saved ; but , the mutiniers clamour to have them dispatched , could not be appeased , till they saw their Heads struck off from their shoulders . Mahomet inwardly grieved , commanded the Executioner to serve some other of the chief Bassaes ( whom he knew to be much beloved of the Janizaries , and whom he could willingly have bin rid off ) as he had the Capi-Aga & the rest ; but then their murmuring and mutiny was as it were re-doubled , so that Mahomet was for fear forced by giving way to appease them : The old Empress for all that was not then confined . Mahomet himself but a few dayes before had beheaded Capion , one of his great Bassaes , either for desire of his wealth , or for envy of his Honor & Valour , yet the former seemed to many the more probable ; for , immediately after his death , he seized upon all his Riches , except 400000 Duckats , which Calil Bassa his Father detained for himself : which his purloyning , Mahomet having discovered , demanded of him one day , if it were true , that he had retained those Duckats : which Fact , Calil through fear and covetousness denied and forswore : Whereupon , thinking by lying to have saved his life , he was for the truth put to death , having his Head forthwith struck off ; the greedy Tyrant ( for the Bassaes blood served but for a shew ) seizing , rifling , and carrying away all his wealth , and changing the Dowry and succession of his Wife and Children , into Bonds , Prisons , and Slaveries . Mahomet another Bassa , perceiving the like danger to hang over his own Head , resolved to flee to the Rebels in Asia : but this his purpose discovered by certain Spics , and he with a chief follower of Capin Bassa taken by the Janizaries , were both by them cut in pieces . In the mean time , the Rebels in Asia prosecuted their Rebellion with all diligence , every man joyning unto the first Forces , which were in good estate and rich with the spoils that they had taken . They , resolutely besieging Angore , a great and strong Town , the Citizens affraid , offered them a great summ to redeem themselves and City ; and , so at last upon the payment of 200000 Duckats , they presently departed . Shortly after , Mahomet's new Captains ( whom he had put in place of them whom he executed for the appeafing of the Court-souldiers ) arrived there also , who would needs make it Treason , and put the Citizens to death for giving the Rebels the said mony ( though 't were done for preservation of their lives ) and sack their City ; Whereupon , arose a great and cruell fight betwixt these Souldiers and Citizens , both the Subjects of one Prince , and all of one Superstition ; but the one side armed with pride and 〈◊〉 , and the other with necessity and despair . At last , the Citizens having slain a great number of the Souldiers , chased the rest out of the City ; which ill encounter of these new Captains , encreased the Rebels courage ; So that 40000 under one of the Tartar Han his Brethren , besieged Burze , a great and rich City ; the Armory , and Place where all the Customs and Taxes of 〈◊〉 were kept : which , after certain dayes siege , and great resistance made ; they by force took , 〈◊〉 the Inhabitants , and sacked the City . By which exploit , their 〈◊〉 and reputation encreasing with their booty and courage , Mahomet , dismayed , resolved by fair means to appease them : for this good Fortune had drawn the Government of Babylon on their side ; also , the great Shaugh or Sophy of Persia , thrusting himself into these 〈◊〉 , had now taken Corbery , a strong Town upon the Turks borders , and was preparing for new Conquests : So , Mahomet ( at length ) but not without his great dishonour , came to some good agreement with his 〈◊〉 Subjects , granting unto them all their demands disarming them by yielding , and not by Valour : and giving unto Zellaly one of their Chieftains , the Bassaship of Bosna , to content his ambition , and to bind him thereby to his service . Mahomets other men of War , seeing this dishonourable 〈◊〉 , and preferment of the Rebels , instead of punishments , which they should have justly endured , began to 〈◊〉 into great murmuring & discontent against their great Sultan ; ( such Honours of Right belonging to his most faithfull and loyal servants ) : yea , they resolved to thrust him out of his Imperial State , and set up his eldest son Mahomet in his 〈◊〉 . These are the ordinary effects of injustice and cowardize , the overthrow of Princes . These Mutineers joyned to 〈◊〉 discontents , Mahomets Sloth , Effeminateness , and insufficiency , and cowardize . They drew also into this plot , the Sultanness , Mahomets chief Wife , who blinded with Ambition , cast both her self and son the young Prince into most desperate danger . This important project resolved on , 〈◊〉 of these men ( according to the Turkish manner ) 〈◊〉 with an Astrologer touching the success of the Prince , who , erecting a Figure of his Nativity ; consulting with his Spirits , and considering the 〈◊〉 Bodies , gave judgement for his good and 〈◊〉 ; and so dispatched an Eunuch towards the Sultarness with Letters , that she should be of good courage ; and , in 〈◊〉 hope , 〈◊〉 her Son within few dayes should have the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 set on his Head , and the 〈◊〉 Scepter 〈◊〉 into his 〈◊〉 : His Art ( he said ) 〈◊〉 the same and Spirits , with whom he had conference , 〈◊〉 him thereof ; but , it chanced that these Letters were intercepted and 〈◊〉 to Mahomet : Whereupon it happened , that he which took upon him to foretell a long life , and Empire to fall to another man , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his own life , being himself by the Sultans command , with the yong Prince , the Eunuch , and 50 others of the 〈◊〉 and consenters thereunto , strangled , and the Sultanness drowned ; yet some report , this Prince was strangled upon suspition , of conspiring with the 〈◊〉 Rebels against his Father , which after his death being 〈◊〉 not to be so , the Bassa who caused the suspition was 〈◊〉 . Tartar Han , comming with a great Army 〈◊〉 Hungary , demanded of the King of Polonia , Tribute and passage through his Country ; but the King denied both , and roughly answered his threats . Wherefore , the 〈◊〉 Tartar ( for fear of being 〈◊〉 ) in his passage by the Polonians ( as the Tartars had often been ) turned with his Army toward Valachia ; Whereupon , Radoll hearing , that , besides the 〈◊〉 of his Country , they purposed to set up another Vayuod in his stead , marched to his Borders with the greatest power he could make , to attend their comming , and 〈◊〉 them from entring : and , taking all the advantages of the Strait-passages , in the 2 first encounters , notably repulsed the fierce Enemy with this little Army , slaying about 3000 of them : but their Avant-guard still comming on , they at the third encounter , so long maintained the fight , that after a cruell fight , the strong Enemy prevailed , and entring Valachia , brought in with it , Ruine , Death and Destruction ; and , being come to Qninque Ecclesiae in Hungary , to joyn with Hassan Bassa ( now after his marriarge ) returned with a great Army thither ; he mustering the Tartars , found them to be 40000 strong : who , instead of assaulting any strong Walls , fell upon Cottages , ransacking and pillaging the Inhabitants , both in the Turkish and Christian Territories : constraining the Christian people contrary to their conscience to swear to serve the Turk ; they also forced them to furnish them with Warlique Provision and Munition , which they put into Canisia : but a while after the defeat of that Garrison , they likewise over-ran part of Stiria with their Families , spoiling it of men , cattel , and goods , and carryed away 2000 for slaves , whom they sold unto the Turk for great profit . Thence they went into Shavary , slaying the Christians , rifling their Villages , then burning them , carrying away 1000 Captives : which outrages afterwards , thrust the Valiant Collonitz into the field against these barbarous people : who , a few dayes before , with much trouble , and by his Wisdom , appeased the French light-Horsmen in the Villages about Roquesburg , mutining for their pay : so that they sware again to the Emperour , joyning themselves to his Army , being 10000 good men . In the mean time , the greedy Tartars ransacked and burned 25 Villages about Veradin , carrying away many men and cattell : Others of them also , then invading Count Serinus's Island as far as Rackenspurge ; made great spoil , as had their fellows elswhere , and , beside other booty , carried away 2000 Captives : Whereupon , the Count and Collonitz , couragiously opposing against them , for a while stayed their Incursions ; so that now 35000 , turning their course into Slavonia , carrying away a great number of prisoners and booties : and , meeting by the way with 600 Christian Souldiers , they slew them every man : at length , some of their roaming Troops chanced to fall into the danger of the Count , who hovered aloof off , for fear of their multitude , a part whereof now falling into his Hands , were all cut in pieces , and a number of Captives set at liberty thereby . Hereupon , the Tartars still in doubt to meet with the Christian Troops , who slew all of them they lighted on , kept closer together , and so did a great deal the less hurt , than when they roamed up and down at pleasure . The Garrison Souldiers of Canisia , consulting how to be revenged for the late Defeat at the same time ; there was a Fugitive Christian in the Town , who seemed desirous to turn Turk : of whom the Turks made much reckoning , for that he seemed to know much of the Christians designs , and the means how to cross them : who , promised to bring them into the midst of the Christians Camp , and deliver it into their hands ; but , he seeing the Turks much busied with carrying of Victuals into the Castle , brought into the Town after the overthrow of their fellows , knowing where the Ammunition lay , by a Train , laid fire thereunto ; and , amidst the stir , by a loop in the Wall got away , and came to Collonitz , who lay near in Ambush , expecting the opportunity upon the success of so dangerous an adventure , whereto he was privy . All the place felt the fury of this dreadfull blast , all was shaken and turned upside down : yea , the fire burst out of the Castle and burnt most of the Town also : the terror hereof , made many Turks to leap over the walls in hope so to save their lives : but meeting with the Souldiers of Collouitz , they were all either taken or slain . But now , when occasion served for the re-gaining of Canisia , those French and Walloons , whom Collonitz had before appeased , who were most of his strength , for want of pay ( as they pretended ) turned their backs , and were by no entreaty or perswasions to be moved , withdrawing from the rest of the Army to their discouragement : so that Collonitz , was to his great discontentment , forced to retire , without any thing more doing . Whilst this exploit was in hand , The Turks and Tartars made a cruell spoil about Rab , even almost to the gates thereof , carrying away a great number of men and beasts : at last , Nadasti his Hussars comming that way , by speed overtook them near Alba regalis slaying a great number , and forcing the rest to leave much of their prey behind them : with which recovered booty , they returning to Rab , the Inhabitants and Country people with tears standing in their eyes , requested to have their owne goods again ; but yet they were fain to redeem them for present mony . Collonitz so shamefully forsaken by his own Souldiers , and a great number of Turks & Tartars coming to relieve and repair the lore-shaken Town , full of grief & indignation returned towards Comara ; but upon the way of his return , meeting with 2000 Turks , he after some small resistance , cut them all in pieces : their Ensignes were all taken , and many prisoners : the chief of whom with the Ensigns , he sent as a Present to the Emperor to Prague . And though it was reported , what hurt the Turks and Tartars united , had done in Slavonia , carrying away 8000 prisoners , and slaying or consuming by fire many more , and that being come to Quinque-Ecclesiae with a great booty , they 〈◊〉 received command , and were resolved to besiege Comara : yet he , no whit dismayed , fortified Comara , and taking from thence 4 Culverins , resolved to take from the Turks the Castles of Loqua and Boulonnevar : whose Garrisons greatly annoyed the Christian Territories , and hindered his designs . They are scituated upon a great Marsh , which separateth Hungary from Rascia , and strong enough to be detended against a small Army . Being come within sight of Loqua Castle , well manned and furnished with all necessaries , and the Army lodged , he summoned the besieged to yield , with promises of courtesie , if they would in time accept thereof : who swore , that they would live and die within those Walls : whereupon , Collonitz first assaulted a Mill , which served the Castle instead of a Bulwark , seeming hard to be taken ; yet his men so bravely assaulted it , that they became Masters of the place , and therein lodged ; but finding it dangerous to keep , and to stand them in small stead , they fired it , and planted four Culverins before the Castle ; but the while , the Turks couragiously sallied out upon them ; for they hoped shortly to be relieved by their great Army . They fiercely charging the Haiducks , slew 30 of them , retiring without losse , and forthwith discharging so many shot and Arrowes , that the Christians well knew not , how to defend the danger ; so that alwayes to approach the place , being stopped , they devised how to fire the Castle , whose Fire-works were to small purpose , the fire being by the Turks quenched , so soon as kindled . This done , they devised to set fire on the Timber , which joyned the Palisado to the Castle , but the fire burned but slowly , to do any great harm : 〈◊〉 , they resolved by plain force , to assault and scale it ; so the Haiducks , carrying thick woodden planks before them , instead of Targets , gained the Palisado , placed upon the Ditch , from whence they so plyed the besieged , with small shot , that they drave them from their Curtains , not daring any more to appear on the Walls . Immediately after , two Companies of Haiducks , couragiously mounted a Tower of the Castle upon 10 Ladders ; but the Turks valiantly repulsed them , and by force , drew in the two Ensign-bearers , from off the Ladders , whose Heads they cut off , and cast them down to those who were coming up , placing the two gained Ensigns , in the midst of their own . Hereupon , the Christians , not a little dismayed , kept close at the foot of the Wall , as afraid any further to force the place . But Collonitz , immediately drawing out of every 〈◊〉 of Count Reingrave , some of the best and most 〈◊〉 Souldiers , to renew the assault , they forthwith , chearfully began to mount the Ladders : whereupon , the Haiducks , partly through shame , partly to partake of the spoil , did what they might to win the place ; so that the Turks , not able longer to withstand them , were constrained to yield to the fury of their Enemies : who slew almost all in the Castle , both Rascians and Turks , taking the rest prisoners ; yet it cost much Christian blood also . Among others , there was an Hungarian Renegate there taken , whom they beheaded , not being at leisure , to empail him . But during this spoil , the fire which they had cast upon the Pallisado , now increasing with the winde , 〈◊〉 degrees having burnt the Pallisado , got hold of the 〈◊〉 also : which the Souldiers ( loaded with prey ) not regarding , the fire utterly consumed the Castle , with whatever had escaped their hands . The Turks at Boulowenar ( but a League off ) 〈◊〉 these flames , consulted what course were best for them to take , and at last , resolved to flee : So putting all their goods into certain Boats upon the Lake , departed , perswading themselves , that the Christians coming , and finding nothing , would not long there stay , hiding themselves ( the mean while ) in the Marsh ; but they coming thither , wondered to see men so cowardly , and sought out every corner thereabouts , to finds out whither they were fled : at last , they found certain Boats , which the Turks had sunk in the Channel , nigh the Castle-Gate , whereby they thought that they were fled by water , and perhaps not far off : which Boats being drawn up , and having Oars , &c. Collonitz commanded some of the most resolute Haiducks , to follow after the Turks ; who , accustomed to such exploits , went aboard , and had not gone past two Leagues upon the Lake , but they discovered a party of them , hid in a little Island : who , dismayed , yet forced to stand on their Guard , thought to have hindered the Haiducks from landing , by somelittle Faulcon-shot ; but they ( all fear of danger set apart ) landed in the Isle , whom the Turks couragiously receiving , an exceeding great fight ( for so small a number ) was fought ; but at last , the chief of the Turks , and their Governour being slain , the rest parlyed , yielding Wives , Children , and all that they had , as a prey to the Victors : next day , the Christians putting four hundred Haiducks , and two hundred Hussars into Boulowenar Castle , with their prisoners and rich booty , returned toward Comara , where they arrived in safety . The Emperour had thirteen Ensignes , besides the places won , which being nigh Canisia , much bridled the incursions of that Garrison . But in Transilvania , Moyses being overthrown by Basta , betook himself to Solomose , a strong Castle of his own , in fear attending the finall 〈◊〉 of his affaires . Basta , the while , subdued the rest of the Countrey , repressed the Rebels , &c. and put MOYSES in despair of safety : wherefore , offering to yield his Castle to the TURKS , he thrust himself , with Wife and Family , and all his substance into TEMESWAR , whom the BASSA , in shew , most courteously received ; and the rather , for that he hoped to make a prey of his Wealth . Ere long , he had perswaded the Captain of GIVASCAR , a strong Frontier Castle , to deliver it to the Turks , without the Souldiers privity : who , yet getting knowledge thereof , besought their Captain not to draw such an infamy on himself and them , by so foul a fact ; but afterwards , finding him resolved so to do , they suddenly laid hands on him , and struck off his Head , and held the place . Moyses still plotting to trouble the State of Transilvania , sent many Spies with Letters of credence to the chief men of that Countrey , assuring them of sufficient ayd from the Turk , if they would , as he termed it , but take up Arms for their liberty . Basta the mean while , made choice of 6000 of his best Souldiers , and went to besiege Moyses's Castle , of Solomose : whom , at his arrival , the Turks there in Garrison derided ; for why ? they thought , the Castle being seated on a steep high hill , and well fortified with Walls , and a broad and deep Ditch , and not subject to battery , could not but with much labour , danger , and time , be gained ; and indeed , the Christians at first , stood as men dismayed , at the foot of 〈◊〉 Hill of the Castle ; yet more discouraged with the impregnableness of the place , than with the valour of the Defendants ; but in seeking , they discovered a little steep Hill , over against the Castle , from whence it was to be battered ; but to bring the Cannon thither with Horses , was impossible for the steep roughness of the ascent , with broken and hanging Rocks , overgrown with Trees and Bushes : yet these resolved men , by force of hand , drew their Cannon up to the top of the Hill ; and planting it , began to batter the Castle : then they , day and night , put all things in such order , as if they would even by plain force , have carried the place ; but the Turks being not many in number , and seeing themselves to have to do with men of invincible courage , craved a parley , and agreed , with their Arms and lives onely , to depart : a great Conquest got with small charge . This strong place so gained , led the whole Province to the Emperour's obedience : so that Basta , assembling all the chief men of Transilvania , declared unto them the justice of his cause , the right of the Emperour , with the malice and treachery of the Turks and Rebels : how they might live in assurance with the one , and become miserable with the other , with sundry other admonitions : who answered , beseeching him , that their Countrey might be relieved from the crowd and cruelty of the men of Warre , and delivered from the intolerable burthens of Tributes , &c. in recompence whereof , they would pay him 15000 Hungarian Duckats yearly , to pay his Souldiers , and furnish him with all necessary provisions : which offer , being by Basta accepted , and the people hereby contented , they were kept in their allegiance and loyalty to the Emperour . But , in the mean time , Moyses the Rebel , having by the Visier Bassa's appointment , received 10000 Tartars in his ayd , and a great number of Turks , entred Transilvania , protesting there to die , or be revenged of Basta , making choice of a most fit time , for the performance thereof ; for Basta , upon the trust he now had of the Transilvanian's allegiance , being with a small power , come from Claudionopolis , & then laying at Wiscebourg , upon the confines of Hungary , the Transilvanians believed , that ( through the necessity of his presence in Hungary ) he should stay there for that year , as the Emperour 's General● : whereupon , many , both of the Nobility and others , before by Moyses prepared , and now by his presence encouraged , joyned themselves unto him against the Imperials . Moyses first forced a Castle , about three Leagues from Wiscebourg , and slew all the Garrison : which exploit , encouraging him , and full of hope in the absence of Basta , he , as Master of the Field , forraged , robbed , and spoiled , besieging Wiscebourg a small Town , neither by art or nature strong ; howbeit , it held out three weeks siege , and having a breach made in the Walls , endured two Assaults . After which , the besieged , out of hope to be relieved by the weak forces of Basta , yielded to him the Town , upon saving their lives and goods , and so departed to 〈◊〉 . Albeit , the Haiducks failed not to follow these Warres in Transilvania , and were ever taking some prey from the Enemy , the chiefest meanes , whereby they live : not a little also , easing thereby the Countrey , by repressing the excursions and pillages of the Turks : where , among other prisoners , they lighted upon a Chiaus come from Constantinople , going toward Moyses from the Sultan Mahomet : who examined , confessed that Moyses was in great grace with his Lord and Master , of which he was sent to assure him : as also of all the needful assistance of his Prince , if he should bring Transilvania under his subjection , as he had promised & sworn : whereby he should not onely gain credit , but be made Lievtenant Gen. of the Sultan's Army there : he said also , that Mahomet had on foot an Army of 150000 men , to conquer Pesth and Strigonium ; which had already made towards Hungary , had it not been for some Rebellion , whom for all that , he would soon chastise , and turn his whole Forces upon the Emperour . Moyses finding much Ordnance in Wiscebourg , resolved to besiege Basta in Sosinnar , whither Basta came with his small forces . But he , better acquainted with Martiall affaires , than Moyses ; thought best , first to take order for strengthning of the place , and then to provide as he could , for the safety of himself and his : wherefore he advertising the Governour of Cassova , of his necessity , he presently commanded six Companies of Horsemen , to thrust into Sosinnar , for the better defence thereof : who , either fearing , or favouring the Rebels Army , without any attempt at all given , returned to Cassova , much provoking the Countrey by the way , by their pilfering and out-rages ; but now craving pardon of their Governour , who was about with the rest of his power to cut them in pieces , they offered him six principall Authours of their disloyalty who were forthwith executed , and their quarters hanged upon Gibbets , by the high way side ; but Basta ( the while ) was without succour , and the place wherein he lay in danger of taking : howbeit , the TRANSILVANIANS thereabouts , resolved to relieve him , both for fear of the TURKS bondage , and of the tyranny of MOYSES ; one of whose Secretaries , with Letters of Credence , threatned all the Countrey , with all kind of miseries , if they helped not , with all their power , to force and win the place . Amongst others , RADOL of VALACHIA , raised immediately eight thousand men , which he presently sent to the relief of Basta . Moyses hearing hereof , and also , that Basta having well fortified the place , was departed , assuring his men , there left , to relieve them ; and that he was gathering together his Army , of himself raised his Siege , and departed : whom the TURKS forthwith forlook , being called back by the Bassa of Temeswar , to repress the Haiducks , who in the absence of most of the Garrison , had desperately assailed those Suburbs , slaying all they found there , and rifling and burning them ; and so returned to VERADIN : yet not so contented , were every day abroad , seeking after new booty : which caused the Bassa to call the TURKS home into their Garrisons . Moyses notwithstanding , was yet Master of the Field , Basta not daring to oppose him , the Succours from Valachia , being not yet come , which he daily expected ; yet there were many hot skirmishes betwixt the stragling Souldiers on both sides , as they met seeking after booty . Moyses therefore , laid siege to Claudionopolis , a great , but weak City , and for that cause , not very well manned . Howbeit , the Souldiers and Inhabitants , standing upon their defence , Moyses was constrained to batter it , and in very short time , had made a very fair breach , ready now to have given the assault : whereupon , the besieged gave up the City , the Citizens having life , goods , liberty , and Religion saved , and to stay there still ; and the Souldiers with Arms and Baggage , to be safely brought over the Mountains , into some place of surety . The Rebell much encouraged , resolved to make this the Seat of his Principality . The Turks and Tartars , allured with the smell of riches , repaired thither on every side ; so that Moyses's Army , hope and fortune , encreased , sending to Temeswar , for his Wife and Family , to come to him to Claudionople , with a Convoy of four hundred Turks : who being come thither , and about to have led the Wife and Family out of the City , were not suffered by the Janizaries so to do , telling him , The Sultan had found so many disloyalties , treacheries and treasons , in the Hungarians , Transilvanians , and Valachians , that , doubting of the fidelity of Moyses , he was resolved to keep this gage for more assurance ; and that they should receive nothing from him but favour , so long as he received from Moyses , the effects of his loyalty ; but he should never hope to enjoy them , but in Temeswar , or some such like place , assured for his service . Moyses astonied , was much moved against the Sultan , complaining in his soul , that having ruinated his faith , honour , and the welfare of his Countrey , to assure him of his fidelity , he yet doubted of his constancy , &c. In the mean time , the Valachian-Succours were upon the borders of Transilvania , under the Conduct of Marsa , the Vayuods Lievtenant ; and Basta was gathering together his forces , hourly expecting 2000 Horsemen out of Silefia : wherefore , Moyses marched with 30000 men , to cut off the Valachians , before they could come far into Transilvania , or joyn with Basta , learning the place where they were to enter , their numbers , and the way they were to hold ; so the Valachians ( being but 8000 , and the Turks and Tartarian Horsemen being at their backs ) must needs fight or die . Necessity indeed , gave courage to the weaker side ; yet the greater number at length prevailed , so that , after a great fight , wherein a great number of Turks and Tartars were slain : the Valachians left their dead Companions , with Tents and Baggage , and fled , yet often making stands . The Rebels now fearing no harm , divided the spoil , filling the Heavens with the noise of Trumpets , in token of Victory : which disorder , the Valachians perceiving , turned head , and serring close together , couragiously thrust themselves into the midst of these Victors : which so dismayed and troubled them , that , surprized in disorder , with their hands full of spoiles , they could not recover themselves : some stood as men amazed , others ran away , others stood on their defence , but all were alike slain ; so that , at last , most of them were cut in pieces , and the rest put to flight , Moyses himself being slain . Of which Victory , the Vayuod certified Basta , sending him 25 of the Enemies Ensigns ; and writing , that the dead Body of Moyses was found among the midst of the dead , slain even at the first charge , wherein his Guard was overthrown . And because some had given out , he was not dead , nor present at that Battel , his Head was set up at Cārolstad , upon a Launce , for all men to behold . But another Rebel , called Albert Nage , by and by starts up , who with 6000 Transilvanians , Turks , Tartars , Cossacks , and Moldavians , made head towards Lippa : against whom , Basta speedily sent 3000 Haiducks , well acquainted with the Countrey ; for the Rebels chiefly sought , by taking the advantages of places , to delay time , and gain purchase : whom the Haiducks surprizing near to Ferre-Castle , where they meant to have charged them , they , suddenly overtaken , and supposing them to have been more than they were , made small resistance ; but by flight , shifted every man for himself , most of them being slain , and their Chieftain , with much adoe , saved , to be at another time justly executed . Basta , being again become Master of the Field , very soon after reduced all Transilvania , under the Emperors obeisance , to whom he , with the Vaynod , sent 100 Ensigns , with some other rich spoils of the Rebels , for a Present : all which , the Master of the Ceremonies , in great Pomp led , together with Moyses's Horse , exceeding richly furnished ; to whom , the Emperour , in reward , sent a Chain of Gold , by Count Fustenberg . Basta , now resolved to besiege Temeswar , marched towards Lippa , there to meet with the Vayuod's Forces . His Army consisted of 20000 men , well furnished ; and having 25 Pieces of Ordnance , of the enterprise , every man had good hope ; but his Souldiers at the siege , 〈◊〉 excessively feeding upon Fruit , whereof , there was that year , great store ( though he most straightly commanded , none to be eaten , or brought into the Camp ) so many died of the Bloody-Flux , that he was glad to be gone . Count Solmes , the while , laying at Carolstad , set forth with 400 Souldiers of his Garrison , to surprise Wiscenburg , without any great resistance , becoming Masters thereof ; but the Citizens , over-grieved with their insolent out-rages , opened their Gates to the Rebels of Transilvania , even then fled from the overthrow : who full of revenge , and too strong for them , so slaughtered them in the streets , ( they also of the Town from above helping them ) that the Count had but sixty left alive , who with himself , were thrust into a strong and loathsom prison . Now upon the bruit of the coming of the Turks great Army into Hungary , there came together an Army of 25000 Foot , and 10000 Horse , well appointed : of which gallant Army , Lord Russworme was for this year , made Generall , who therewith , marched in sight of Strigonium , to assure it of relief , if the Enemy ( as newes then went ) should chance to besiege them . Laying there three weeks , waiting for the rest of the forces , he the while disposed of all things needful , for keeping of Strigonium , putting into St. Andrews Fort , near unto it , 3000 Lansquenets for its relief : then he removed towards Posth , encamping within a League thereof , hoping that the preservation thereof , if the Enemy should befiege it , might in time , be a cause to win Buda . The Turks Army being 100000 men , few dayes after , came and encamped in sight of the Christian Army , on the other side of Danubius . In the mean time , certain Souldiers of Pesth , fled by stealth , to the TURKS in BUDA , craving of them Victuals : whom ( though they were almost in as great want ) they bountiously relieved : the Bassa of BUDA , ( to corrupt their followers ) entertaining these Fugitives , with double pay : who gave him a thousand thanks , greatly 〈◊〉 his bounty , and from the Walls inviting their Companions , to do as they had done ; yet although they from the BASSA'S mouth , 〈◊〉 them plenty of Victuals , good entertainment , and four moneths pay more : none of them hearkened to their allurements , but rather offered of themselves to be sworn again to their allegiance to the Emperour , and to die in the place , rather then forsake it ; yet was the want of Victuals then in Pesth great : but ere long , May 15th , a great Ship laden with Wine and Victualls , arrived there : whose passage , the Turks attending in the Isle , to have intercepted , they of Pesth sallying out , killed many of them , forcing the rest to quit the place ; and shortly after , a number of other Ships , laden with provision and necessaries , arriving there , filled it with as great plenty , as there had been want : which being conducted thither , by 500 Harquebusiers of Strigonium , the Turks of Buda durst not , or could not stay it . At the same time , a Turkish Captain fleeing from Alba Regalis to Rab , shewed the Christians , how they might come to the Suburbs thereof , and spoil the same ; yea , and happily surprize the Town , offering himself also to be the Guide : to whom , the Christians then giving credit , the two Garrisons of Rab and Strigonium , surprized the Suburbs of Alba Regalis , slaying all that resisted , rifling them , firing them , and so , laden with spoil , returned in safety . Then also Lord Nadasti , Col. Mesbourg and Count Thur , with their Hungarians , Almaines , and Hussars , on the other side of Danubins , to brave the Enemy , marched over the plain , with a Convoy of Victuals for Pesth , at mid-day , with Trumpers gallantly sounding , the Turks from the Walls of Buda , beholding the same ; but not daring to adventure upon it . The Haiducks , left at the Castle of Adom , ( commodious for impeaching the bringing of Victuals to Buda , and for relief of Pesth ) now upon the bruit of the coming of the Turks great Army , trussed up their baggage , fired the Castle , and retired to Strigonium : where the Governour examining them why they fled , and what Enemies chased them thence : whereof , they rendering no reason , but their imaginary fear , he imprisoned them , there to remain , till order were taken by the General , for their further punishment . Mahomet , amidst all his delights , was in the midst of the insolencies of his tumultuous Janizaries at home , and abroad , in Warres against the rebellious in Asia , and the Christians in Europe : wherefore he resolved ( if possible ) first to appease the troubles with his subjects in Asia , ( though the punishing of Rebellion is more needful in a Prince to maintain his State , than is Warre against a stranger , for conquering of a new Countrey . ) Howbeit , the Sequel shewed , Falshood and treachery was the ground of the whole business on both sides . Mahomet , spared no kind of cunning , to deceive these crafty men , offering them , with his pardon , great preferments and honours , so they would lay down Arms , and no more take them up , but in his service ; but they well knew , the promises of faithless Princes , cost them nothing but words ; so that they not onely refused , to yield him their obedience as he desired , but even to have peace with him upon any conditions . Hereupon , he thought best , to offer the Christians that which the other had refused , hoping that peace with the one , should be the ruine of the other ; and to ease him of a care , how to give an honest and honourable way thereunto , the French Embassador Leger , was then entreating with the great Bassaes , for the deliverance of Count Isolan : whom Mahomet thought a fit man , to deal with the Emperour , concerning a Treaty of peace to be had : whereupon , he set him at liberty , with charge , that he should discreetly and faithfully deal with the Emperour about it : which if he should effect to Mahomets content , then to remain free , otherwise to return into his former captivity ; for whom the French Embassador became a pledge . Achmet Bassa , also wrote to Collonitz , for the negotiation of this peace , telling him , if they were not resolved to surrender Strigonium , before they began to treat of any other matter , he need not trouble himself , to give any answer to those Letters : saying also , if they should continue to pay the Tribute for the time to come , and discharge the Arrerages for the time past , it should be commodious for the Turks , and honourable for the Imperials : besides he said , peace should be entreated of with the great Cham of Tartary who was commanded by the Turkish Emperour , upon just and reasonable conditions , to entertain the same , and never more , but in peaceable manner , to come into Hungary . Collonitz forthwith , sent these Letters to the Emperour , requesting him to consider what answer he would have given . The Emperour commanded him to embrace the occasion , and to try , whether the Turks desire were agreeable to their words or not : Collonitz hereupon , with some of the best Commanders in the Army , entred into a Treaty of peace with the Turks : whose demands tended so much to the hurt and dishonour of the Emperour , that they even at first , shut up the way to all further conference ; for after their proud manner , they unreasonably demanded to have Transilvania , Strigonium , and Pesth , restored to them ; for which , they offered to deliver Agria and Canisia , pibble for Pearls ; so that they departed on both sides , as they came : also , while this Treaty was in hand , the Turks gathered together , great store of Men and Ammunition at Belgrade , to convoy much Victuals to put into Buda : whereof Collonitz hearing , ceased further to treat , and betook himself to his Arms , to do what they might , for the hindering their purpose for Buda , where there was now such want , that the Turks having eaten all their Horses , and rifled the Governours House for Victuals , resolved to abandon the City , if not relieved within few dayes . The Christians embarqued their Footmen upon the River , under Alimeine , Governour of Strigonium , and Sultze , Governour of Pesth . Whilest Collonitz with the Horsemen , scoured along the Banks of the River , and Aug. 22 , near to Mohatsch , fell upon the head of the Turk's Army , led by Murat Bassa , six thousand in number , two thousand being Janizaries , who laying encamped upon an even plain , he forthwith charged them : where after many notable charges , the Turks retired toward the Body of their Army in great hast : whom Collonitz followed with like heat , as he had charged them ; but ill followed by his friends , who sought after the spoil , instead of pursuing their Enemies ; so that the Turks perceiving the fewness of the pursuers , turned about , and even right hardly charged them : who were now glad themselves to retire ; yet so , as without any great losse received : Howbeit , the Turks came on so fast and couragiously , that they had defeated the Christians , had not the Haiducks out of their Boats , resolutely come to their relief : whereupon , the Turks again retired , whom the Christians furiously charged , and pursued even to their great Camp , and so returned with the glory of the Field , and spoil of their Enemies : Bassa's red Cornet being taken , with two Field-pieces , seven hundred Turks being slain , and 120 taken , Saxar Beg being one : who upon examination , confessed , that Hassan the day before , came into the Camp , dining with the great Cham ; after which , he discoursing with him , among other great matters , of his return into his Countrey , was much against the same , till they had victualled Buda : whereunto , he was ( he said ) in honour and duty , bound to give his assistance , the losse of this good place , being of so great importance to the great Sultan : otherwise his ayd had bin unto him , rather hurtful than profitable , &c. He also assured them , that the Bassa purposed to new fortifie three frontier Castles , and so to go to the Siege of Pesth , which done , to besiege Strigonium : which yet he doubted to win this year , winter approaching , and a great part of his forces being far off , that the Tartars were far from the Camp , where the Bassa of Asia , leading the reconciled Rebels of Asia , and him of Caramania , 6000 Janizaries were in few dayes expected : which Confession , though not altogether true ; yet time shewed , it carried some shew of probability : few Christians , in Comparison of the Turks , were slain . It was noted , that the Souldiers of Col. Sultze refused to pursue the Enemy , whether fearing some ambush , or disdaining to follow Gen. Collonitz ; the reasons , perhaps , why Sultze stayed them from the pursuit . Collonitz most bravely behaved himself in this Conflict , sometime forcing the charge , and again staying his men in their retreat ; so that oft lost among his Enemies , and again returning , he escaped death as it were by a miracle , and from being taken by chance ; and doubtless , had the rest , after his example , prosecuted their good fortune , the Enemy had been quite overthrown , and themselves been both victorious and rich ; for besides the spoils by them gotten , they might have carried away a whole years pay , due to the Garrison of Buda , which the fearful Turks had left in their Camp , ( which upon the recovery of their courage , they recovered ) with much more . Russworm , ( the Christian Army being assembled , about Septemb. 4th ) sent forth two most trusty and expert Souldiers , to understand of the Turks affaires and designes , who , in Turkish Habit , were in their Army 8 dayes unsuspected ; and returning back , declared to the General , that the Turks Army was very great , but not such as that which last year besieged Pesth : that they lay encamped at large , which made them seem the greater , being well provided of Ordnance : that Hassan commanded as General , having brought with him 12000 Janizaries , besides his Horsemen , and reconciled Rebels in Asia daily looked for : that the great Tartar Han , was to Hassan's great discontent , already returned homewards with Christian booty and prisoners , to appease a Rebellion raised by his Nephew ; who , by his Uncle , given in Hostage to Mahomet , had found meanes to escape from Constantinople ; hoping now in his Uncle's absence from Tartary , to place himself in his Throne ; and , that the Tartars being denied boats by the Turks , to pass Danubius with many opprobrious Speeches for his departure , Asa Conard , had made a floating Bridge of great 〈◊〉 , whereby he passed over his Foot , his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 over . Who boasted as he went , that he had trodden underfoot all the requests of Hassan Bassa . Besides , they had seen six great Vessels upon the River , ten lesser following them , manned with 3000 well armed men , 300 being Janizaries , to conduct the Munition , and the Victuals that was to follow up the River , if the Christians should attempt any thing against the same . Lastly , that the Turks Army , by reason of many great lets , could not this year be great : Wherefore , the Turks Captaines came unwillingly to these Warres , accounting it a happinesse , if they might in this Expedition but take Pesth . Hereupon , the Christians were so encouraged , as if they had bin to fight with men already discouraged . The Hussars of Strigonium the while , going forth , met with 400 Turkish Forragers , who at first made a most gallant fight together ; but , the skilfull and couragious Husfars , at length brake the Turks ranks , a 120 laying dead on the ground , most of the rest being taken , with 130 good & serviceable Horses . Sultz also marching from the Camp with 300 men , discovered a 100 of those brave Horsmen , lately come out of Asia with Zellaly the Rebell : who , were with 300 Janizaries , upon a bravery , come over Danubius , to view the Christian Camp. Sultze , to draw these on , sent forth 50 Horse , as it were to discover the Country thereabouts : who meeting with the Turks , as if by chance , were by them forthwith charged ; 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 comming suddenly on , and hotly charging them , they , thinking the Christians to be more than they were , having left some fifty dead on the place , as men dismayed , fled ; in which flight , such as were not slain , were drowned 〈◊〉 the River . Rusworm wisely doubting , lest Hassan should lodge his Army between Vicegrade and Buda : and so Victual Buda at pleasure , made a strong Fort of an old Temple betwixt these two , lodging therein a Regiment of 〈◊〉 , building another at the Head thereof in the Isle of Vicegrade ; and so , that these 2 Forts might one 〈◊〉 the other : the Fort in the Ifle also , kept the passage upon 〈◊〉 open , for bringing necessaries to the Christian Camp ; 4000 well armed Italians being put therein : then he made a Bridge of boats , extending from the Camp to the Isle , for relief of the Fort ; and thence passed over the River to Vacia , a small Town needful to be kept . Ere long , the Bassa sent 10000 Horse and Foot to take the first of these Forts , which they supposed to be but weak : who were so received by the Lansquenet's Harquebusses , that the whole Fort seemed to be on fire : Whereupon , the Turks dismayed , and having lost some men , and more hurt , sounded a retreat , and returned . Then the Turks made a Bridge over 〈◊〉 , hoping thereby to pass over , and annoy the Christians on th' other side , whom Rusworm let alone without interruption ; but enformed by his Espials ( of the very time when they were about to pass over ) he laid 4000 〈◊〉 , and 2000 Reisters in Ambush behind , great store of 〈◊〉 & Reeds growing upon the Banks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , having with them 4 Culverings ready charged : Collonitz with his Regiment laying behind their Prince 〈◊〉 , with some French Gentlemen , who followed him into those Wars to see service . In the Head , there was also Lord 〈◊〉 a French man , with his few , but valourous private followers ; upon the flanks lay 4 Carabin Troops of French 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 . The Turks passing over , were of purpose charged by some few Christian Forrainers , whom the Turks pressing still on , hoped to overtake and cut in pieces . The Footmen , the while , having perceived ten thousand Turks to be come over , making towards them , the 〈◊〉 upon the Bank first discharged upon them , slaying some few : yet the Turks passing on , slew about 24 of them , marching directly towards the Christians : but , in passing by , they were suddenly and hardly assailed by the Lansquenets and Reisters : also , the Horsmen now come in , 〈◊〉 somewhat disordered them before they were well aware . The scattered Walloons also , now rallied , on another side furiously charged their Enemies : the Culverins not ceasing to open the Turks flanks , with the loss of a number of them : likewise Collonitz charging them afront , caused them to give ground ; the Carabins the while , charging upon their flanks , & the Walloons behind : who thus beset , and out of hope to be relieved , fled amain to have recovered the Bridge , 2000 in fight and flight being 〈◊〉 , 5000 driven into the River and drowned , and the rest taken prisoners : one Bassa of great 〈◊〉 was slain , with many other Commanders of great note , and 1500 Janizaries : 4 Fieldpieces , 30 Ensignes , 2 Coronets , brave Horses , much fair Armour rich Apparrell , and good Scimitars , being also taken . This , much abated the courage and hope of the other Turks , and encreased the same in the Christians for this years good success . About this time , Mahomet putting a Fleet to Sea against the King of Fez , was assured , that the same , with Tempest sore beaten , to avoid shipwrack , was returned to the Fort from whence it loosed , and that with sickness and great losses . The like or worse hap also then befell another Fleet which he set out into the Euxine Sea , to defend those 〈◊〉 from being spoiled by the Asian Rebels , which did there great harm ; for , though Sellaly was by the Strait of Dardanelli ( of old Hellespont ) come with 12000 good Souldiers on t of Asia into Hungary , to do his Lord service ; yet the chief Rebell , both now , and divers years after maintained a most cruell and dangerous War , to the great hinderance of the Sultans Affairs : and the Rebell seeming as if he would have submitted himself , and come into Europe as did Zellaly , had some Galleys sent him , for transporting him and his Souldiers in : who possessed thereof , slew all those therein , keeping the Galleys ; So , that the Rebels were now up in greater number , and did more harm than ever , being the more encouraged by the example of Hassan Bassa ( not him the Generall in Hungary ) who sent against these Rebels , had for a time kept them under ; but , now by Mahomet displaced , and another sent to succeed him : he , discontented , so incensed his Souldiers against him , that when he came , most of them were ready to turn their Weapons upon him . At length , falling together by the eares about the old Generall and the new : a number were slain , all of the richer sort spoiled , and the Sultans service neglected ; but , the new Generall at last prevailing . Hassan with his partakers were glad to flee : yet afterwards , collecting the dispersed Souldiers , and joyning with the Rebells , held still a good Army on foot , doing what harm he could . The Persian King also , taking advantage by all these troubles , besieged Tauris , kept with a most strong Garrison of Turks , using the battering Cannon therein , long scorned by the Persians , as not beseeming valiant men ; wherewith , as with skilfull Cannoniers , the Portugalls furnished him ; whereby he soon again recovered this great City from the Turks . Mahomet thus on every side beset with troubles , and in mind much perplexed , and struck as it were with a remorse of conscience , and a firm belief , that God did thus chastise and punish him for his offences ; considering , that his Ancestours were never so troubled , commanded publique prayers to be continually said , in all Mosquies throughout his Dominions , giving himself wholly also unto such Exercises , and works of Charity ; sending withall , two of his chiefest Priests bare-headed and footed on Pilgrimage to Mecha ( where their Prophet's chief Temple is , & wherin they believe to be most speedily heard ) to pray to him for their Prince his health and prosperity . At the same time , Amurat Rais , an old Pirate , and the Turks Admirall , for the West part of the Mediterranean ; in his roaming , lighted on a great Flemish ship , which he forthwith beset with his Galleys : the calmnesse of the weather favouring him . The Flemmings after a great fight made , slaying a number of Turks , and sore renting divers Galleys , yet losing many men , not able longer to fight ; and being boarded , by as many Turks as could well stand upon the Hatches , and their Galleys hanging round about her , laid all their powder left , on a heap , and fired it , whereby the Turks were blown up , themselves and ship tore in pieces , with divers Galleys , grapled unto her , and exceeding harm done to the other Galleys near her . Rais astonied at so great and desperate a resolution , hasted to shoar to repair , and so to put to Sea again : where he had not long layen , but he met with the Duke of Florence's Galleys ( accounted the best in the World ) and after many a Cannon on both sides discharged , with the Turks apparent loss , when they should have come to grapling , and fight hand to hand , which the Florentines most desired , Rais suddenly fled : whom , they following amain , sunk some Galleys , and took others full of Riches ; So , that this renowned Pirate , for a great while after , was little feared upon that Coast. But , many a hot skirmish passed betwixt the 2 Armies in Hungary ; the Turks receiving the most hurt and loss . A Troop of Christians going to seek Booty , fell upon a like Troop of the Turks : where , after a sharp encounter on both sides : the Turks at length fled , leaving a number dead on the place ; losing 2 Ensignes , with 130 serviceable Horses : the Christians pursuing them hard , drave a number more into Danubius , wherein they perished , taking many more prisoners , above 80 being Italian Renegates , who as Enemies to God , were in a Court Martiall condemned and hanged , saving the Captain who was beheaded . Shortly after , the Bassa came in the beginning of October and encamped nigh Buda , both for preservation of the place , and safety of his Army ; for it was known , that in these conflicts , the Turks had lost a number of their best Souldiers , chiefly Janizaries ; so , that the Bassa armed 6000 of his best Souldiers with Musquets and s●imitars in the rooms and pay of the dead Janizaries : the rest of his Army being , mostly , bare and feeble raw Souldiers : Besides , instead of their wonted threats and bravery , the Souldiers in all places sighed , and bewailed the loss of their Brethren and Friends : also , the Christian Army being thought to be much greater and stronger than it was , had so feared the Turks , that they resolved , Buda once Victualled , to return home , all their other designs for this year set apart . The Turks being now encamped nigh Buda , the Christians left Pesth as out of danger ; and encamped betwixt the Fort in the Isle of Vicegrade and Vacia , staying there 4 dayes ; and , then by a Bridge made upon Danubius , they passed the River , and came and encamped before the Fort of St. Andrew ( kept by the Lansquenets ) in the face of the Enemy . The field was plain and open , not to hinder the joyning of a set battel : the encouraged Christians being come thither , to seek it in so fit a place , which the Turks sought as much to shun . Nevertheless , for very shame , they put forth 5000 men into the field , 5 dayes after : which Battalion came marching near the Christians upon confidence of 10000 Horse and Foot , which lay as close as possible a little out of the way ; whom the Christians not thinking of , sent forth 1200 against these 5000 , to skirmish with them , till the whole Army were put in order , even for a generall Battell that day , whereunto , the whole Christian Army was fully enclined : with great chearfulnes marching on foot , thinking those 5000 Turks to have bin the head of the Avaunt-guard , sent to draw them out to skirmish , till the comming on of the rest of their Forces : Howbeit , their design was only to train them out into their Ambushes : whereof they gave sufficient Testimony , because , after 3 hours skirmish , with loss on both sides , the Turks Army appeared not , and the 5000 Turks by little and little retired : who , it was not like , would have given ground to 1200 , if they had not had some secret meaning therein : which , caused the Christian Carabins not to be too earnest in their pursuit , and more closely to serve together , the better to endure the shock if they should charge them . The Turks seeing their purpose discovered , on a sudden made a stand , came on , and hardly charged the foremost Carabins : who , as men half surprized , were not able so valiantly to receive the charge of so great a number , but some few were overthrown and slain , with some Hungarians among them , yet they valiantly repulsed them , slaying a good number . The prease in this conflict was great on both sides : but , new supplies still comming in , the Turks at last retited ; 300 being left slain , and 100 Christians . Now upon the retreat , every man conceived a generall battell next day ; the brags of the Turks occasioning the Christians so to think ; for they seldom or never refused battel offered them by the Christians ( accounting that an eternal Infamy ) both for their confidence commonly had in their multitude , and for their opinion of mens inevitable predestination to life or death ; being perswaded also , that no mens souls go more readily to Heaven , than of such as die in battell against the Christians ; yet at this time , shewed , that a strong apprehension of fear is able to prevail against all customs , perswasions , and accidents : for , the Turks came not forth according to promise ; they having ( besides almost all their Janizaries and valiant'st Souldiers ) lost also all their Erasbles desperate Souldiers , fighting on Hors-back onely ; with a little piece of Tapestry on their Horses-backs : by whose readiness , they do long in one sort maintain their fight : carrying Darts made of fair Canes , & strongly armed , with Sables or broad Curtelasses ; the loss of these men , who stood the Turks in great stead , in receiving the Enemies charges , much discouraged them : Howbeit , they in some part returned the like losses to the Christians ; for , while the Turks lodged in the Isle of Vicegrade , Collonitz so annoyed them with 8 great Field-pieces , that they were about to forsake the place : which , the more to force them to do , he embarqued himself with 600 Haiducks , landing by night near them with great silence , thinking to have surprized them ; but , by the dayes coming on , the Turks were aware thereof , issuing out of their Trenches , and with all their Force charging him , who made Head against them , though he had not men enow to withstand the least part of his Enemies : upon which his so great resolution , the Turks stood a great while in doubt to charge them : the Field-pieces which Collonitz had brought with him , served him to good purpose ; the fight endured 2 hours : at length , the Christians oppressed with number , rather than vanquished , left their pieces , disorderly retiring to their Boats : the Turks slaying 400 Haiducks in eager pursuit , the rest with much ado recovering their Boats , hardly defending their Generall from the Enemies fury : yet , were the most forward and couragious Turks in that fight slain also , as was known by some prisoners afterwards taken . To prevent the like attempt , the Turks cast up great Trenches in the Isle along the Bank of the River , kept by some of their best Souldiers , till the dis-lodgement of the Camp to lay before Buda . The Turks before this , had built a 〈◊〉 of Boats at Lamascin to pass into Stiria , where they did great harm ; to strengthen which , they built 2 strong Forts at the 〈◊〉 ends thereof : this Bridge Trantmestorfe , Governour of Stiria , undertaking to break with his Troops , and ayd brought by Serinus , right furiously assailed one of these Forts , before they therein were well aware of his coming : causing the greatest noise possible to be made with Warlique Instruments , as if it had bin some great Army . The Turks , terrified without much resistance quitted the place , fleeing over the Bridge to the other Fort , which the Christians presently , with 3 Cannons out of the Conquered Fort , battered : and a Breach being made , and scaling Ladders set up , they on every side assaulted the Fort , which the Turks for 5 hours valiantly endured , many being on both sides slain ; at last , the Turks with much flaughter overcome , the Fort was taken ; most Turks therein being slain , the rest taken , and then were both the Forts razed , the Bridge broken , the Boats , whereof it was made , all burnt : and some Ordnance therein found , broken and cast into the River . At which time Lugaze , a place of great importance for the Emperour , and very near the Turks , was by the Transilvanians delivered to Basta ; whence he sending Scouts toward Belgrade , they brought in certain prisoners : Who said , That , Hassan Bassa had writ to 〈◊〉 Bassa of Temeswar , That the present state of things so requiring , he should only attend the preservation of this Town ; and , that himself having re victualled Buda , purposed for this year to return , hoping of peace to be ere long concluded betwixt the Sultan and Emperour . The Christians desirous in what they might , to hinder Buda's re-victualling , October 17. after shooting of three Warning pieces , took the field , and so stood ready ranged to give or accept of Battel : before whom Count Reingrave was sent with his Regiment to discover the 〈◊〉 of the Enemy , and receive his first charge , if occasion required : whose Scouts , about noon discovered a Turkish Troop , whom the Scouts supposing to have bin the fore-runners of the Turks Army , and by them almost surprized , by a hasty retreat , put the whole Army in an alarm , which came bravely on , in hope to have tried the matter by true labour , and to have made that day for ever famous by their Victory : but the Turks , resolved only upon safeguard of themselves and Victualling of Buda , kept themselves within their Tents and Trenches : So , the Christians most of the day in vain expecting their comming , returned into their Camp. The same day , a Spy was taken , thought to be a Turk , yet one of their own men : who better informed them of the Turks resolucion for the shunning of battell , both for the losses received , and for divers other unlucky accidents , which made them misdoubt some ill successes in the end of this Expedition ; yet , the Christians not much trusting to these reports , still kept their Army in readiness . Howbeit , the time passed but in light skirmishes , and vain Alarms betwixt the 2 Armies : till at length , Buda being by the River stored with Victuals , Hassan Bassa , with much silence by night rose with his Army , retiring towards Belgrade . Next day , the Enemies sudden departure being perceived , the Christian General consulted with his great Commanders , What were best to be done in so unexpected an Occurrent ? Some thought it best to pursue them , others disswading it , and others propounding some other notable 〈◊〉 : at last it was resolved , Not to hazard any Troops in pursuing their Enemies , hardly to be overtaken , but to attempt some one of their strong Holds , Hatwan being thought the most necessary place ; being so seated , as that , besides the great harm it did to the Christians thereabouts , it much hindered both Advertisements and Victuals to be brought to Pesthe Whereupon , they forthwith razing St. Andrews and Vicegrade Forts , with all their power set 〈◊〉 toward Hatwan , beyond Danubius toward the North , about 8 Leagues from Buda : which , Maximilian taking in 1594. for the irrepairable losses the Christians had received from this Garrison , caused it to be then dismantled , and made unserviceable for the Wars ; after which , for all that , the Turks had new fortified it with Walls , made of Wood and Faggots , with earth rammed in betwixt them , stronger , and better able to endure the Cannon than Walls of stone : in which sort , the Turks use most commonly to fortifie such places as they mean to defend . At the Christians first comming unto it , Sultz with 300 Lansquenets , and Grasold with part of his Italian Regiment , were sent before to begin to make the approaches : which they did , by forcing of a Water-mill , not past a Musquet shot from the Town ; the Turks the while , sallying out , had with them a sharp Combat hand to hand , many losing their lives : Grasold himself being slain with a smal shot , to the great hurt of the whole Army ( specially of the Italians ) : yet at last the Turks were forced confusedly to retire into the Town , losing a number also . The Christians proceeded in making their approaches , and placing their Gabions to recover their Cannon ; wherein the Turks greatly hurt them with great & small shot , chiefly with murdering pieces charged with nailes . Yet , by the comming in of the Army , the approaches next day were brought on , and the battery planted . so near , that the Turks could not without most manifest danger and loss , any more sally out : While the diligent Christians took from the besieged their Water , the Cannon furiously battered the Walls . The Turk , discouraged , and out of hope of relief , thought it best by 〈◊〉 , while their strength was whole , to prevent the danger of a Breach and Assault , sent 2 of their chief men to treat ; at first , Demanding to depart safely with bag and baggage but it was answered , They should only with life and liberty 〈◊〉 gone , with some few hundreds of their worst Horses to carry them whither they meant to retire , and to deliver into the Christians hands , all Renegates in the Town ; the Generall threatning the like misery asat the former siege , if they should expect the dreadfull event of a generall assault ; So , that they accepted of these hard conditions : and , full of sorrow and heaviness , departed with their Families November 29 , being safely conducted to Solnock . The Christians entring the Town , found great store of Victuals , Munition , Corn , and other necessaries , and the shops stored with weapons , shot and powder , with 24 pieces of Ordnance ready mounted ; but , without resolution , all these are but of small force , and with which they are able to do much . The place thus furnished , well considered , seemed almost impossible to be forced , especially Winter being come on , which might have brought many intolerable storms and difficulties upon the besiegers : So , that every man with eyes cast up , gave God the praise , for taking away the Turks courages in so great advantages , & encreasing the Christians in no less difficulties . The Christian Generall put into it 1000 Lansquenets , and 500 Hungarian Horse and Foot , then he retired toward Pesth , which he relieved with Victuals , there billeting that 〈◊〉 . The Troops of 〈◊〉 Geisberg and Rover , to preserve it also against the devices and practices of those of Buda , for regaining thereof . Lord Rusworm breaking up his Army near Strigonium , sent sixty four brave Ensignes , all that he this year gained from the Turks , with great triumph to Vienna , for a Present to Matthias , who greatly thanked both the Generall and Souldiers , and bountifully rewarded them that brought them : they of Vienna also , highly commending Rusworm , and not a little rejoycing to see those braving Ensignes now in their power . The Army being broken up , a number of Souldiers , especially of Colonel Altmein's Regiment comming for Booty , most cruelly rifled and spoiled the Villages and Inhabitants , both Christians and Turks : who , by the Emperours command were charged at Widhof , and 230 of them brought in prisoners to Vienna , 34 of whom , were for Example hanged , and the rest cashiered . Count Reingrave's Regiment , were put into the Villages of Chiante and Ternavy : where , besides the troubles they had with the Neighbouring Turks , the very Country-Inhabitants , oft-times , and that for little or no occasion , right furiously charged them as their mortal Enemies ; so that these valiant men still forced to buy their bread with the price of their bloud , used the Christians as they did the Turks ; but , in these small and often fights , some good number of men on one side or other were every day slain : Wherefore , these Souldiers resolved to go seek their living elswhere , and the rather , for that Captain Clinchamp's Troop , the best in the Regiment , was one night furiously assailed , and almost surprized by the Peasants : Wherefore , they departed into Austria without Victuals , Apparrell , or Mony , their pay due for 17 months being kept from them , a cruelty full of covetousness , and a covetousness full of cruelty ; but , great was the Wisdome of Angustus , upholding of his State , who laid up the publique Revenue apart by it self , to defray the publique charge , and his own private for his private uses . These poor Souldiers , craved leave of the Bishop of Bresburg to passe by his Suburbs without doing any harm , which he granting , they passed accordingly : Wherefore , the Bishop furnished them with Boats to pass over the River ; dividing Hungary from Austria ; but 1500 of the Peasants of Austria assembled together , and cast up a Fort upon the Bank with three Faulcons , to keep them from comming over : for a while , courteously requested passage of them , promising all good behaviour in passing quietly thorow their Country : who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 the danger of their lives , if they should attempt the passage : Whereupon , these provoked Martiall men , turning the head of their baggages toward the Fort as if they would have there passed , while the Peasants stood gazing upon them , Camgaillard with his Troop , swam over a little higher up , unperceived : Chinchampe with his , following also : they were much troubled with flakes of Ice , the Rivers deepness , steepness of the Banks , and many difficulties : yet being got over , they suddenly and furiously charged these Peasants , 300 of them being soon slain upon the place , as many hurt , the rest put to flight : which done , the rest of the Troops passed the River : 7 weeks were they in Austria , and longer had stayed ; but that , upon complaint and request of the people , they receiving 9 months pay for 17 , had leave to depart : a great oversight , to disband at once so many men , as not their like among all the Emperour's Garrison ; for , when necessity called for them again , the Emperour could raise but 3 Troops of all that strong Regiment ( they being sundrywayes dispersed ) one whereof Camgaillard had , the second Marades a Spaniard , the third , John Paul an Italian : who , all had before done good service in Reingraves Regiment . This year 1603 ended with divers conflicts , favouring the Christians : 300 Haiducks seeking for booty , met with a very rich Company of . Turks : the Governour of Mohatz being one all whom they cut in pieces , who , most cruelly had before spoiled them of their Parents Lands and Goods . They took also the Governour of Capan with his Son , and 24 other rich Turks : 170 Horses for service , and 8 fat Oxen , which drew forth others to seek for the like : Of whom , certain Troops met the Gouernour of Batzwar , come out against them with his Garrison ; in which hot fight , at first , the Turks seemed to have the better , but at last , the Christians cut them in pieces : divers prisoners being 〈◊〉 , 3 Ensignes , and many rich spoils ; after which , the Vayuod of Moldavia sent news , that the Tartars having with all cruelty wasted that Country , the Inhabitants , desperate , generally joyned in Arms with him to try their last Fortune , and fighting with the Tartars , slew a number upon the place , put the rest to flight , and chased them out of the Country . So , notably revenging their former losses . Neither were the Turks in this cold time of the year idle . The Bassa Beged , hearing that Basta lay with his Troops dispersed about Lippa in great security , by reason of the extremity of the time , acquainted 3 other Turkish Commanders with the matter : who , with 5000 men set all forward , hoping suddenly to have surprized him : but he had his Spies still abroad : who , advising him of their purpose and comming , he collected his Forces , and set forward to meet them , and , in a place of disadvantage , suddenly charged them round , fearing no such thing ; so that , as dismayed , after some small resistance , they fled : above 1100 Turks being slain , the rest perishing in the river 〈◊〉 , a few only with the Bassa , by speed , escaping : 20 Captains were taken , a few other prisoners , but a great and rich prey . Much about this time , Barbell a chief Rebell in Transilvania , acknowledging his fault , came to 〈◊〉 , to swear his Allegiance ; whereby , a great many others submitted also : but Barbell 〈◊〉 after , suddenly died , The other Rebels not moved , chose one 〈◊〉 Gabor ( a most renowned Captain for their Chieftain ) who proud hereof , presently sent a Herauld to 〈◊〉 , Willing him to deliver to him all Transilvania as to him lately chosen Prince , or else to denounce to him most cruell War , hoping without any ayd of the Turk , to drive him out , being well assured of the Transilvanians . Basta smiling , vouchsafed him 〈◊〉 other answer , but the shewing him his open hand . Gabor bare himself the higher for marrying Moyses's Widow gaining thereby great Riches , and much credit among the common 〈◊〉 ; but , the fourth day after he was married , he dyed : yet , Basta put into the strong places Garrisons of his most faithfull Germans , sending Crausenich to the 〈◊〉 , to request 1000 Horse , and 4000 Foot , without which speedy supply , he thought it unpossible to preserve and keep that Province , troubled with so great Factions , and so earnestly sought after by the Turks : for want whereof , he would acquit himself for the loss thereof : and lay it upon the negligence of those , who might and ought to have sent the same . But , the Bassa with his weak Army being returned out of Hungary , and himself returned toward Constantinople ; Zellaly the Asian Rebell , who had done notable service all the time of that Bassaes abode in Hungary , withdrew himself with 3000 Horse into his promised Government of Bosna , to possess the same , encamping in a large Meadow in sight of Bagnale , the chief City of that Province . Zeffer Bassa , not yet discharged of his Government , seeing him thus encroach ; as if he would by force intrude himself , speedily assembling his men of War , went against Zellay , with purpose quickly to cut his smal number in pieces ; but he , having lost the best part of his Forces in Hungary , resolved to attempt that by policy , which by force he could not effect ; Wherefore , he began to encamp himself , as if he meant there to lay : and presently after making great fires by night in his Tents , as if to beguile the Enemy , he suddenly departed ; Whereupon , the Bassa with his Souldiers hearing thereof , hasted to take the pillage of the same , esteeming of Zellaly but as of a base Coward ; but , while the Souldiers were charging themselves with the spoil , which the Bassa gave unto them , Zellaly , the same night , surprized them being asleep : Some began to make head ; but , through the generall fear , and being disordered , they were quickly with the rest , forced , overthrown , and slain : 6000 of the Turks being found dead on the place : the Bassa himself escaping by flight , with such as could get out of the Camp to follow him . Zellaly marching in haste - to all the chief places , caused all those Inhabitants , with most of the Countrey people , to swear to him their faithful obedience : collecting , in so doing , great Wealth , and many brave Horses , all which , he put into Balnaluc , a strong Town , whereinto he in triumph entred , with a Crown of Laurel on his Head , his Souldiers singing prayses , and the Ordnance continually shooting off , for two dayes together ; giving out withall , among all his joyful Feasts and triumphs , that he resolved to take part with the Emperour , if the great Courtiers should seek to crosse his desires , or formalize this manner of obtaining his Government . Mahomet , in doubt of this man , sent for him by divers Messengers , to Constantinople , to receive the rewards of his good service and valour in Hungary : the greatness whereof , he said , he understood by Hassan Bassa , so that it was his desire and pleasure , to grace him in Court with his own hands , for the greater Testimony of his love , and esteem of him ; but he , craftily doubting these fair words were but baits , to draw him into his power , &c. civilly answered , He most humbly thanked the Sultan , &c. but he desired no greater reward for his services done , more than the Government his Majesty promised him , whereof he was now possessed , resolving to keep it for his service , which he could not think , but to be to his good liking . But with this slie answer , Mahomet must , as yet , content himself , lest if he should have sought by force , to remove him , he might have raised a more dangerous Rebellion in Europe , than was in Asia . The business of peace the last year begun , was even with the beginning of this year 1604 , continued , so that Commissioners on both sides , were appointed to confer , and conclude about the same : Col. Althem being one , who with the other Commissioners , and some other Captains , landed in the Island betwixt Buda and Pesth : the Turks of Buda , coming forthwith thither also , with all outward shewes of their most earnest desire , for concluding a peace ; but the Christians assured , that necessity , and not a desire of quietness , had drawn them to seek for it , shewed themselves very backward herein , knowing they did it but to overtake them , &c. Jan. 5th , the Bassa of Buda , had appointed , with the other Commissioners , to come into the Isle ; but at length , Letters came from him to Althem , excusing his not coming , requesting them to come over to Buda the more commodiously to confer , and conclude Althem , deeming every action , tending to the hinderance of the common good , to be but in shew , honourable , and indeed , hurtful , sent before , the Gentleman of his Stable , his Cook , with the Turk sent from the Bassa , who were assailed with such a cruel Tempest upon the River , that the Boat was sunk , and the men drowned , an ill presage of peace to be made . But the Tempest being appeased , Althem and 〈◊〉 , passed over the River to Buda : at whose coming , the Turks ( in shew , gave 1000 Testimonies of their joy . The Germanes fed largely of the good Cheere , and filled themselves with 〈◊〉 of Wine given them ; and they also using the Turks kindly , as if their Brethren , &c. Amidst which , a Truce for 12 dayes , was demanded , to consider of the Turks Proposition of peace : during which time , every man should freely come and go , whither they would : which agreed on , the Bassa , in presence of the Commissioners ; dispatched a Courrour toward the Sultan , to advertise him of this his proceeding , according to his Command : that they might believe , the Sultan and his Captains were desirous of peace . Then the Bassa presented to Althem , two Cases of Arms of all fashions , very rich and artificial , carried by a Mule , with very sumptuous Furniture for a Horse , as a Present from his Master to the Emperour ; and for Matthias , he presented , a Purple-Velvet rich Robe , so cunningly wrought with the needle , that every man wondered thereat , when Althem presented it with other Turkish Presents to the Arch-Duke : He presented also to Althem himself , a very fair and rich Robe , and all the Commissioners had Robes of lesse value ; yet very rich and sumptuous . The Commissioners returned back to Pesth : yet these fair Presents , were indeed but like those of Hector and Ajax , tending rather to Warre , than Peace . At this time died Lord Nadasti , of a naturall death ; ( about 54 years old ) another ill presage of the bad success of this Treaty : who was the first Christian Chieftain , that made head against the Turks , when Amurath invaded Hungary : who being by their sudden coming in , almost surprized ; yet performed , great and worthy exploits and service against them : he being dead , the Countrey of Hungaries good fortune died also : even at the giving up the Ghost , he yet breathed Warres against those Enemies of the Christian Faith : his death being much lamented of many , chiefly of his own Tenants , whom he had always preserved in safety and peace ; the Turks not daring to assail them , nor enter their Territory : in which , never was Turk buried , through his wisdom and valour , no more than were the Barbarians , upon the banks of the River Eurotas . He was another Epaminondas , who made his Town both free from their Enemies invasions , and also dreadful to their Forces , while he lived . The Turks rejoycing , came now into his rich and plentiful Countrey , to take its spoil ; but they were no sooner entered therein , but valiant Collonitz , a new Nadasti , holding that for his own , which his honoured Fellow in Armes had left , encountred , and so overthrew them , that , for a good while after , they durst not attempt the like . But about the time of his Death , the valiant Vayuod of Valachia , collecting his Troops , and other small forces , ( whereof the Turks little accounted , and therefore without order , ransacked his Countrey ) on a sudden , cut many in pieces , and took a number more , chasing the rest with such fear , out of his Countrey , that for a great while , they delighted not to look thereinto . The Bassa of Buda , now , sent divers Currours to the Turkish Captains and Governours , especially to him of Agria , to abstain from their ordinary incursions into the Christians Territories , and from all other acts of hostility , till by him otherwise commanded : which little respite , greatly contented the poor people , with Warres almost exhausted and spent . During this Truce , both Turks as well as Christian Souldiers , ran to the places of encamping , and , mingled together , delved and searched to finde such things as the Armies rising in haste , had haply left there buried , without any injury to each other by word or deed : in which mad labour , they spent many dayes . They of Pesth , also went into the victualling-Houses of the Turks at Buda , and walked up and down the Town at pleasure . So did the Turks of Buda , at Pesth ; but while these mutuall and unwonted courtesies thus passed 〈◊〉 them , and most mens mindes were filled with expectation of a sudden peace , Sultan Mahomet died : which newes , being brought by a Currour , in the evening , to Buda , the Bassa sent a Captain to Geisberg at 〈◊〉 , to assure him thereof , and of his young Son Achmat his succession in his Empire : by which Messenger , he also wrote to Althem , to certifie him , both of Mahomet's death , the succession of his Sonne , and also that he was by him commanded to continne the negotiation of the peace , and if he could , to conclude the same : which Letters , although they were too friendly from an Enemy , to have any good meaning for peace ; yet did they 〈◊〉 assure the Colonel of the Sultan's Death , and Succession of his Sonne Achmat. Mahomet , departed this life , about the end of Jan. 1604 , about 44 years old , reigning 8. He was of no great spirit , yet exceeding proud : wherefore , he was both the lesse beloved and feared of his Subjects : the Janizaries and other Souldiers , not onely rebelling , but 〈◊〉 in their rages , about to depose him . He was wholly given to sensuality and pleasure , the marks whereof , were , a Foul , swoln , and over-grown body , whose idleness , pleasure , and excess , were no small meanes for shortning his dayes : which he ended with obloquie , unregarded of his Subjects , and of few or none lamented . He had 4 Sonnes , 3 Daughters , married to 3 of the great Bassaes. Mahomet his eldest Sonne he had strangled ( as aforesaid ) in his own sight , but finding him afterwards guiltless , he buried him in his own Sepulchre : his second Sonnedied very young : Achmat was the third Sonne . The fourth , being kept in the Seraglio , with such a strait Guard , that his name was not to be searned by one , who laying above 3 moneths at Constantinople , most curiously enquired after the same . He was reported to have been murthered ; yet he was a good while after that , alive ; but looking every day to be strangled by his Brothers Command . Mahomets dead Body , lieth buried in a fair Chappel of white Marble , nigh the Temple of Sophia , built by himself for that onely purpose , about 50 foot square , with four high small round Towers , about which , are certain small round Galleries of Stone , from which , the Turkish Priests , &c. use to call the people , daily to publick devotion ; for they use no Bells themselves , nor will they 〈◊〉 the Christians to use any . The Turks bury none within their Temples , or City-Walls , but the Emperours , with Wives and Children about them , and some few other of their great Bassaes ; and those in Chappels built on purpose , with their adjoyning stately Alms-houses , not much inferior to those of the great Sultans . All other Turks are buried in the Fields , some in Tombs of Marble : the rest , with stones laid upon them , or two great stones at head and foot , most being white Marble , brought from the Isle Marmora . They burie none , where another hath been buried , accounting it great impiety , to dig up another mans bones : whereby all the best ground about the City , is covered with an infinite number of such great Stones . Neither Christian or Turk , may enter into any Turkish Temple or Chappel , 〈◊〉 he must put off his shooes . But let us now 〈◊〉 the course of our History . The Life of Achmat the first , Eighth Emperour of the Turks . AChmat , to take from the Court-Souldiers , all occasions of discontentment , by the Counsel of the great Bassaes , before he took on him the Government , distributed two millions and a half of money among them : the Spahi and Silictars Horsemen , having ten Crowns a man , with five aspers a day more pay ; and the Janizaries 30 Crowns a man , and one asper a day more ; they of his Court , tasting of his bounty also . Then ( all men contented ) he in a most stately Chariot , was in great Majesty , carried through all the chief Streets of Constantinople , the people gazing and acclaiming ; some wishing , that he ( but young , about 15 years old ) might , as another Solyman , begin his Reign with the Conquest of Malta , as he had of the Rhodes : others , that with glorious Conquests , he might be like Mahomet the great , whom he was reported much to resemble ; So he , with all solemnities openly crowned , every man wishing him , a long and happy Reign : in whose Authority and Name , there were many good Orders , for relief of his oppressed Subjects , during his Fathers loose Reign : He removed also , his most proud and rich Grandmother , from all Command in the State , setting the Persian Embassador ( close shut up by his Father ) at liberty , sending with him , the Bassa of Aleppo , to entreat of peace , with the Shaugh of Persia , who was reported , to recover Tauris , and then preparing for new Conquests ; for which motion of peace , some condemned his patience , as not beseeming the Othoman Emperours , &c. others praysing his 〈◊〉 dom therein , in seeking by fair meanes , in the beginning of his Reign , to disarm his Enemies ; in his setled Estate , to oppress them . The Bassa of Buda also , wrote to the Governour of Strigonium , to repair to some fit place , for concluding of peace : whereupon , he 〈◊〉 other Commissioners , Febr. the 4th , came to Collonitz his Camp : whence , being bravely conducted to the Ships , ready to carry them to Pesth , in their passage , both the Turks of Buda , and Christians of Pesth , strove to excel in the thundring of the great Artillery . The Commissioners were met at Pesth , with many of the better sort of Turks sent from the Bassa of Buda , in his name , to greet them : who , with many honours , again received them ; and next day , sent a number of Christians to Buda , to invite some of the chief Turks to a Banquet at Pesth , 600 of whom , willingly coming , the Feast was most magnificently prepared , ten Pavilions being set up for their entertainment , a little off from Pesth : in the first , were three stately Tables : 〈◊〉 the first whereof , on the right hand , sate the Commissioners , the two Bassaes , one Mufti or arch-Priest , with his 〈◊〉 , a long furred Gown , under which , was a Robe of exceeding rich silk : on the left hand , were Turkish Lords , and other great ones : at all other Tables , were set a Christian and a Turk , till they were all placed : the Turks ( after their superstitious manner , would not sit down before Sun-setting , and then , with abundance of Ceremonies , in imitation of their Mufti , sate down , merrily reposing till nine at night , and then returned to Buda ; Instruments of Musick , Trumpets and Drums on every side sounding about them . And yet was all this fair shew , nothing but deep dissimulation , and treachery ; for a little before their departure , they of Pesth were advertised , that the Turks of Buda , were come out to surprize Pesth , hoping , that during this Feast , the Christians had 〈◊〉 the Walls unfurnished ; but they , as well providing for defence of the Town , as for the Feast abroad : the Turks were glad to return disappointed of their purpose . Next day , the Commissioners complained to the Bassa , and other Turks Commissioners , of this so treacherous dealing : who excused themselves , as ignorant thereof , disavowing the action , for want of success , which otherwise , they would have maintained to the utmost ; an ordinary course among the great . Nevertheless , the Turks , next day , requested the Christian Commissioners , to come likewise to Buda ; but they excusing themselves , returned to Strigonium , as loath to adventure themselves into their power ; yet they left Geisberg , to continue the negotiation with the Bassa , if he should finde him thereunto disposed , & c. Count ISOLAN being set at liberty by MAHOMET , upon the condition aforesaid , declared to the EMPEROUR , that the SULTAN offered to deliver Buda , Alba Regalis , and Canisia , in exchange of TRANSILVANIA , and VALACHIA , whereto he laid claim , promising to give such reasonable assurance of a most firm peace , as the EMPEROUR should demand . The Bassa of Buda also , among other fair Remonstrances , had offered the Commissioners of Canisia and Agria , for Pesth , Hatwan , and Vacia ; with remission of all Tributes and payments , due for Hungary : all which , though much unreasonable , were but windy words to delay time , and snares to entangle the CHRISTIANS , with vain hope of their so much wished , and expected peace , till they might fortifie their Towns with all things needful ; for Achmat now succeeding Mahomet , they aggravated the conditions of the peace , propounding them very far from reason : and sent from Constantinople , in post to the Bassa of Buda , forbidding him , on pain of his Head , any longer to continue the Treaty , but forthwith , to renew the Warre ; and yet , during this negotiation of peace , oft sought for by the Turks , many a solemn 〈◊〉 , had passed from Sultan , Mahomet , and the 〈◊〉 Bassa , for their faithful dealing therein , as , By the God of Heaven and Earth , By the Books of Moyses , By Davids 〈◊〉 , and By the Holy Evangelists : Oaths much used in their greatest Solemnities , and strongest assurances of their promises . The Treaty for peace thus broken off , some bruited , that Achmat , under the Conduct of the Visier his Governour , was in person , about to come into Hungary , with a most huge Army : others reported , he was letted so to do , by reason of the Persian Warres ; so that he would onely send a great Bassa , with the remainder of his great Forces into Hungary , being sworn , never to return to Constantinople , till he had brought Transilvania , Valachia , with the remainder of Hungary , under Turkish obeisance , together with Austria , chiefly Vienna : to which ends , Achmat had rigorously in all places , leavied great sums of money : others also said , that onely preparations for so great an Army , should be made this year , to do much with all the next ; and not return out of Hungary , till 〈◊〉 had conquered all the rest of it , in whose rent reliques , the fortune of the Othomans had stayed ; So that all Handy-crafts men , were employed day and night , to prepare all things and Instruments , for so great exploits : to wit , for the service of the Visier in Hungary , and of Cicala Bassa , in Persia , having presumptuously promised , 〈◊〉 to ruinate the Persian Estate : which Eastern Warres , much troubled the Turks ; newes still coming of Persian Conquests , upon their Territories ; and that the Persian had lately taken Babylon , with all the Countrey thereabout ; and that 〈◊〉 other Towns and Cities , now yielded to the Persian , as weary of the Turk's servitude ; and yet the Turks had given it out , that the Persian King was , nigh to Babylon , wholly overthrown , and himself taken ; so that the Turk's forces should now all joyn to the utter ruine of the Christians in HUNGARY : also , that the BEGLERBEG of Greece , had raised a great power to joyn with the Visier Bassa , that nothing might be left unconquered in Hungary , causing a great number of Vessels , 〈◊〉 with Powder , and Warlike Provision , to be brought out of Aegypt to Belgrade , to ruinate the Christians : all which reports , were to cover their mishaps , and terrifie their Enemies , knowing that a false bruit believed , worketh oft times the effect of a thing done . Some at Constantinople , now perswaded the Great Sultan , that he might at one and the same time , vanquish the Persian , by Cicala , and conquer the remainder of Hungary , with Transilvania and Valachia , by 〈◊〉 Visier : it being ( they said ) both honourable , and 〈◊〉 , for a Prince to bestow both men and money , to gain Men , Honour , and Empire : So that things , which with great charge , might be done all at once , were more profitable then , though with lesse charge , done at 〈◊〉 times ; and indeed , men stood in great fear of this young Achmat : who in his behaviour and actions , much resembled Mahomet the 2d , and , like a young Alexander occupied himself in all Exercises of War , hating idleness , & c. So that it was greatly to be feared , that he would have brought Christendom under his obeysance . He soon put to death , divers of his chief Nobles , and domestick Servants , with one Bassa also , who was Governour of Pesth , when it was wonne . But let us return into Hungary , taking Transilvania in our way : which sometime renowned and plentifull Province , was by civil discord and Rebellion , against the Emperour not by 〈◊〉 invasion , so wasted and spoiled by the Souldiers on all sides , that many Inhabitants , for want of food , fell down dead in the streets , and fields : miserable wretches , alwayes sowing , but never reaping ; labouring , but not profiting ; so that at length , the fields lay untilled , the Pastures unstored and neglected , and all 〈◊〉 unmanured , and quite out of course ; so that the poor Peasants , having eaten up all the Doggs , Cats , Mice , and 〈◊〉 , they could get , àte dead Horses , and other hunger-starved Carrion ; they report also , one man eat another . And that at Hermanstat , a Woman having six Children , they ate each other , till all six 〈◊〉 devoured ; and that two men did eat their own Mother ; yea , malefactors hanged , were by the hungry people , cut down and devoured : people generally living onely on roots of Weeds , green Herbs , and leaves of Trees : whereupon , all parties agreed , a general Assembly of the States , to be holden at Dewa , where they accorded , that all Hostility set a part , the Gentlemen of Transilvania , having by Rebellion , forfeited life and Land , should be pardoned their lives , with 3 parts of their Lands , and that for ready money , they might redeem of the 〈◊〉 , the 4th part also ; but the moveables of such as died in those troubles , and already confiscated , should so remain ; and they to pay their dismes , or tenth of their Wine and Fruits to the Emperour ; and that no exercise of Religion to be permitted them , but the Romish onely ; and that Constat and Clausenberg , within three weeks , to pay the one twenty thousand Dollars , the other eight thousand , and their MAGISTRATES , to deliver up the Keyes of the Towns , with all power , into the hands of the EMPEROUR'S Lievtenant ; and the Gentlemen hereof , that would not be accounted as Rebels , to take Letters of pardon of the GENERALL : which pacification , gave some little breathing-time , to this poor distressed Countrey : whose people ( in hope ) began to give themselves to their wonted labours ; but alas , all in vain ; for the Souldiers enured to prey , made havock of all things : the causes whereof , were the Nobility and Gentlemen , who ( as they took it ) oppressed by the GERMANES , and being rather necessitated , than upon any desire , to yield to the said pacification , still under-hand incited the Souldiers , and in what they could , troubled the GERMAN'S Government , whom they accounted but as strangers : which doings , BASTA perceiving , apprehended three of the greatest Gentlemen , suspected to be the Authours of these troubles , and mured them fast up betwixt two strong Walls in an old Monastery : whose friends coming to visit them , and finding them starved to death , were much abashed , as were their complices , when they heard thereof . Now the TURKS having provided ALBA REGALIS , AGRIA , and BUDA , of necessaries , and put into Agria in four Wagons , the pay due to their Garrisons , began to scoffe and jest at the CHRISTIANS credulity , that they had any purpose to conclude on any thing not agreeing with their profit , how farre soever differing from their honour or faith ; so that they renewed their wonted incursions and pillages , in more cruel manner than ever : the Hussars , on the other side , requiting them with the like , being as well contented as the Turks with these doings . Now eighty Turks going forth for booty , met with these Hussars , who being too weak , fled , some being taken and brought to the General , who upon examination , confessed , that the Turks much marvelled at the simplicity & folly of the Christians , to believe that they were 〈◊〉 of peace , and not to have discovered their so manifest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the contrary , &c. and that young Achmat was alwayes against this Treaty , whatever shew ( by 〈◊〉 of the Persian Victorie ) he made to the contrary , aiming 〈◊〉 no other mark , but the ruine of Christendom . The 〈◊〉 of Pappa and Vesprinium , first began the broils 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 , who , conjoyning , met with a number of 〈◊〉 , driving Cattel toward Alba Regalis , carrying away ( with the Cattel ) them prisoners , and one night , 20 Christians prisoners in Buda , cutting the throats of their keepers , oppressed with Wine and sleep , escaped to Pesth . In the mean time , Zeffer Bassa , supported with the Sultan's Authority , and desirous to be revenged , with a great Army , suddenly entred Bosna , overthrowing Zellaly , fearing no such matter ; and , chasing him quite out of the Province , recovered that Government again . But short was his joy thereof ; for within few dayes after , he died . The Court-Bassaes , loath now to lose such a Souldier as Zellaly , ( who , as distressed , was shifting for himself ) or by hard 〈◊〉 , to deterr the other Asian Rebels from coming in ; yet unwilling to trust him with so great a Government as Bosna , made him Governour of Temeswar ; and Begedes Bassa , before Governour there , to succeed Zeffer Bassa . But the States of Hungary , appointing a generall Meeting at Possonium , wherein Matthias was to sit as President , to 〈◊〉 of meanes to maintain this years Warres : as the Arch-Duke was about to enter the City among his Souldiers , a sudden fire arose , which consumed most part thereof : which evil presage , and woful Spectacle , turned all men from his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to the 〈◊〉 of the raging fire : Besides which , and the harms then done by the Turks in other parts of Hungary , holden by the Christians ; Col. Althem's Regiment , had so spoiled the Countrey where it lay , that the people in generall , grievously 〈◊〉 to the Emperour , he caused the Authours of these g eat outrages , to be brought prisoners to Vienna , where 〈◊〉 were beheaded , and some hanged : and son e other Captains and Lievtenants , derying the fact , and others justifying what they had done , as of extream necessity , were for further tryall , sent prisoners to Prague : amongst whom , was Althem's Auncient , who had lately slain Neudercy , a Gentleman , and his fellow in Arms ; for which , he was committed into a very high and strong Tower within the Castle , till his Triall : who through guilt of conscience , and horror of that criminal place , ( one of his Lacquies finding meanes to bring him a long Cord ) by straining himself out at a little Window , whereby 〈◊〉 thought , almost impossible for any man to get out , got safely down , and by two good Horses ready for him , escaped : his Keepers , drunk over night , being found in the morning , yet sleeping . Of the other Officers , some were beheaded , and some hanged : the rest , at the intercession of great men , were pardoned ; yet so , that they should pay their fines , and serve the Emperour three moneths , of their own charge : a few common Souldiers , for terror sake , had two fingers of their right hands , cut off , and then set up by the way side , nailed to Gibbets . Likewise , Col. Meysberg's Regiment , mutininging for pay , encamped at Sneche , about a League from Vienna , threatning to destroy the Countrey , and kill the chief men , if they were not paid : whose Captains , entereated them , and promised them pay , but to no purpose ; yea , the Colonel himself in the midst of them , with most earnest prayers , and hands cast up , minded them of their duty and danger ; but they , carried head-long with their fury , presently chose another Chieftain , under whom , they resolved , to rifle the Suburbs of Vienna , thereby to pay themselves ; and so drawing near the City , the Governours thereof moved , resolved by plain force , to repress and 〈◊〉 them : many of whom , ( for all 〈◊〉 ) were , even against their wills , carried away in this mutinous action , as with the violence of a heady River . Now besides the Town-Captains , with their Companies , and other sent-supply , divers Burgesses were enforced to enter into this action also : two of whom being counted very honest religious men , laboured by lively reasons , and the word of God , to prove , that they might not enter into 〈◊〉 ; against their Christian Brethren : forced with extremities to forget their duty ; but Law or Reason , cannot be heard among the clattering of Arms ; so these two men , forced to go , and much grieved in Conscience 〈◊〉 , resolved rather to die themselves , than to 〈◊〉 their hands with the blood of the innocent ( as they accounted them : ) whereupon , one of them , oft calling upon the name of Jesus , thrust himself thorow with his Sword ; the other , throwing himself into the River , and perishing also . At last , the mutiners being even ready to be charged , and that with a stronger power , layed down Arms , craving pardon of the Arch-Duke , who took them to mercy ; yet with condition of returning to their Garrisons , and delivering up the ringleaders to be punished , as they were afterwards . The Turks ( the while ) were ready to take advantage of the Christians dangerous discord . Zellaly , having plotted the surprisall of Lippa , came by night from Temeswar to Lippa , with the greatest power he could make , 〈◊〉 up scaling-Ladders ; and at the same time , labouring to force the Gates , and that with a most terrible out-cry , being once discovered , thereby to dismay the Christians , who coming ( as awaked ) to the Walls , so repulsed the Turks , that they retired , losing a number of their men . on whom the Christians sallying out , slew many in their disordered retreat , and took many more prisoners ; yea , Zellaly himself was glad he had recovered the Walls of Temeswar : Some Turks taken , said , the Army this year to come into Hungary , was like to be very great , part thereof being come into Belgrade , expecting there the comming of the Tartars : and that by reason of the Warres with Persia , the Sultan had commanded all able to bear Arms both in 〈◊〉 , and that part of Hungary , subject to him , and in adjoyning places , 〈◊〉 be ready to joyn with his Army in Hungary : and that the Persian had overthrown 〈◊〉 , taken his Son , slain almost all his Troops , & confederated with Caracase , chief Rebell in Asia : whose great number of valiant men , were resolutely set for the troubling of the Sultans estate . About this time , the Governour of Cassovia , going forth with many of his Garrisons , to appease the Souldiers in the Country mutinying for their pay , shewing them the danger , & perswading them by the ill success of such actions to return to their duties : & they contrarily urging payment , or leave to depart , as not able longer to continue ; in his few days absence , certain Turks 〈◊〉 in Cassovia , brake their Irons , and slew their keepers , in hope to escape : but being discovered and surprized , and by torture examined , how they thought to have escaped , the Walls being still kept with Sentinels ; they confessed , They intended that night to fire the City in divers places , and then to have flain the Sentinels , & so to escape : Whereupon , some few were executed , & the rest more straitly imprisoned , & looked to than before . But at the same time , a Souldier of the Garrison of 〈◊〉 in the Cittadel there , by neglect or mishap , 〈◊〉 fire into the powder for the Castle 's store , blew up the Citadel , Towers , Houses , Walls & made this place like another Rome , burnt by Nero ; so that , had any Christian Forces bin near , they might easily have won the same , both for the small resistance in so great astonishment , as destruction thereof . Now also , 200 Turks of Buda , sent to fetch in forrage a little from Pesth ; the Christians there sallied out , and charged them in this action : who , right valiantly defended themselves a while , but at length , oppressed with number , they were most slain , and the rest taken : so , that the Bassa of Buda , in his rage , threatned to do unto the Christians what harm he could . But men warned are half-armed . There were the like or worse Calamities in Transilvania , extream want of all things , sore raging in both Countries : so that , hardly hath any misery been seen or read of , which was not in those 2 Countries to be found , and of many felt : wherefore , Basta had by diligence lately ( as was declared ) brought Transilvania into some good terms as was thought ; yet it proved far otherwise : for the Nobility , detesting the Germans and their Government , rejected the decrees of the late Assembly , for concluding of peace ; so that , assisted by the Turks , they had took some strong places in the Province , appointing a place to meet at , where the Turks and they might confer of the means to effect their designes : Basta , hearing secretly hereof , sent many Haidusks to lay in wait for them on the way : by which skilfull men in the passages of the Country , the Turks and Transilvanians were altogether surprized and slain : after which , these and other Souldiers , destitute of pay , furiously fell upon the Province , as if they had bin mortall Enemies , seizing upon all mens goods in common , for that which some few kept from them , massacring all in their way : chiefly , the poor weak innocent people ; who , called and cryed upon the Almighty for remedy of these evils , and for revenge of so great and cruell wrongs . No man could travell , without danger to be spoiled by Theeves : for the Haiducks , living by prey and roaming up and down , spared neither Turks nor Christians : so that they , hearing the Zecclers were bringing many Waggons laden with Victuals , and many Cattle to Claudianople , though they were of the same party , lay in wait for them : against whom they seeking to defend themselves , were cruelly massacred , and Waggons with the Beeves , and other cattel carryediaway . But hunger forceth men to all extremities . The Famine now was such , that the people lived mostly by Roots of Herbs and Weeds , &c. whereof great mortality ensued : which caused Horwat , Captain of these Haiducks , being reproved for their outrages , and charged to take order that no more such were done , to answer , It was not possible to keep Souldiers in any order amidst the extremities of Famine ; for that , The Belly was an inexorable Usurer , &c. Amidst these troubles , two Turkish Spies of Buda were taken , who had observed all the Christians proceedings : also all their designs , preparations , and levies for this years-Wars ; one of whom was empailed , the other straitly imprisoned , till more matter might be drawn from him . The Bassa of Buda , hearing that the Christians would forthwith take the Field in Hungary ; to hinder their forwardness , and gain time , till the Turks great Army ( then preparing ) might be brought down into Hungary , wrote in most friendly manner to the Governour of Strigonium , for the Treaty and concluding of a peace with the Christians : whereof , he with the rest of the Turks , seemed to be very desirous : telling him , If their Army , then before Belgrade , did once arrive at Buda and march in field , they could not cause it to return without doing something , considering the great harms they had received from the Christians during the Truce , which they had many ways violated : which evil dealings , he said , had greatly incensed them against their Christian-captives , causing their Souldidiers to snew great rigour against their slaves : wherefore . he attended his answer . Yet , during the time of all those fair shews of peace ; the Turks , out of their Garrisons , by night surprized the Castle of Simnin , slew part of the Christian Souldiers carried away the rest prisoners , and burnt the place , manifesting by fowl deeds , the ill meaning of fair words : but passing over many small skirmishes in Hungary and Transilvania , let us look over into Asia . Cicala Bassa the old Renegate , was sent General into Asia against the Rebels with a mighty Army , where was made a great and terrible fight . Howbeit , at length , the Bassa , after a great number on both sides slain , being fled , fled with his Army wholly disordered , with much ado to save himself ; But he , more ashamed than discouraged , repaired his Army , joyning thereto great and mighty supplies , and so came to revenge his dishonour , and utterly to suppress the Rebels : who now too weak , wisely betime retired , praying ayd of the Persian King , who sent them his Son , with a great , good , and valiant Army . The two Armies were now in number equal , but the Rebels of the two , more resolute and carefull of themselves : so that the battel was with great out-cries and fury begun on both sides : at first , The Turks seemed somewhat to prevail , till the Persian Kings Son with some of his bravest Troops , charging them in the Rear , and some Rebels with like fury on their flanks , their whole Army was so disordered , that Cicala doing what he could to restore the Battel , and nothing prevailing , was glad to flee , 30000 Turks being slain , and 1000 Rebels . The Persian King after this discomfiture , took in the Country of Sirvan , whither Cicala ( had he prevailed against the Rebels ) should have marched , to have stayed the Persian's Victories : who now won also Arusta , a very great and strong Town near to Tygris , where it runneth into Euphrates , with all the adjoyning places and Countries ; and hath since recovered from the Turks , whatever they in Solyman's time took from his Predecessours , except 2 or 3 places . Young Achmat , had not many months raigned , but he fell sick of the small pox : whose gross body was so tormented therewith for 14 dayes , that he oft fainting , 't was thought he would have died : yea , divers great Bassaes spake concerning his younger Brother to be taken out of the Seraglio , to succeed him ; which no doubt had cost him his life after Achmat's recovery , but that he was the only Othoman Heir left , if his Brother should fail ; who now recovered , to shew it to the doubting Janizaries and others , in great State rode up and down through most of the chief streets of the City ; the people rejoycing to see him , and with most joyfull acclamations , wishing him a long and happy Raign : who forthwith , gave himself to his youthfull immoderate pleasures of the Field , and other such violent exercises : Whereupon , 2 of his Bassaes carefull of his health upon the new recovery of his late sickness , were so bold as to reprove him for such his immoderate and violent exercises ( the day not being long enough for them ) by effectuall reasons disswading him ; but he was so far from hearkening , that therewith enraged , he thrust them both out of their places : and having glutted himself with his pleasures , began to cast his eyes upon his more necessary State-affaires : especially on his Warrs with the Christian-Emperour and Persian King : Hassan Bassa was then at Belgrade , whose longing desire Achmat quickly satisfied , by sending unto him both a Commission for the continuance of his Generalship , and also a Generalls Ensign , with a Hungarian Mace of pure Gold , in token of his extraordinary favour towards him : who , to shew his contentment , caused all the great Ordnance of the place to be ost-times discharged , and the Trumpets and Drumms to be most joyfully sounded . Newes came the while to 〈◊〉 , that the Persian King was in field with above 100000 good Souldiers , and that Baggages Bassa , a Rebell in Asia , had confederated himself with him : Whereupon Achmat , though he had ordered Hassan to besiege Teradium , a strong City in upper , Hungary , now in haste commanded the same Visier , with all the power he could make , to return to Constantinople ; to consult and resolve upon the most necessary War ; and of the readiest means to continue it : who being come thither , the Grand Seignior came to his House ; whither the Council being assembled , it was resolved , at one and the same time to make War with equal Forces , both upon the Emperour in Hungary , and the Persian King : no power on Earth , being in their proud conceit , able to withstand theirs . So , Hassan Bassa was continued in his charge , and Cicala Bassa the Renegate , to command the Army to be sent the Persian : an ordinary Policy of the Othomans , not to commit the charge of their Armies against the Christians unto Renegates : lest , they touched with remorse , might betray the same , or otherwise deal unfaithfully . But , Cicula acquainted with the difficulty and danger of the Persian War , began to excuse himself , till , upon promise to furnish him with a sufficient Army , and all things also necessary , with a large and most honourable entertainment for himself ; and all the Persian prisoners being also given unto him , he accepted thereof , being in his ambitious mind most desirous of that charge : so , he chearfully prepared for this so great Expedition , expecting but the comming of his Son , who , at the Venetians request was gone with a Fleet , to scour the Levant Seas of Pirates , then exceedingly troubling their Traffique . Amidst which designes , the Tartar Cham , bound for his pay to serve the Turk against the Christians , excused himself by his Embassadour , that he could not come in person this year into Hungary , as being necessarily busied with his own most urgent affairs : yet promising to send his Son with a good power . Now , there are divers causes , why , so a great a Prince , not much in danger to the Turk being seperated from him by the Euxine-Sea , should be so ready at the Turks call : First , their descent from one beginning , by often marriages confirmed . Secondly , their likeness of manners and conditions . Thirdly , the Turkish Empire , for want of Heirs-male , is assured , and as it were entailed , to the Tartar-Cham , Fourthly , and chiefly , for the yearly Pension and great Pay , which he , a bare Prince , receiveth from the Turk ; his rude and needy people , being ready to follow him in hope of spoil . But , his excuse accepted of , Hassan made great preparation for his good success , gave Achmat great hope , and was proclaimed Lievt . Generall of all the Sultans Forces against the Christians , every man affording a thousand wishes for his health and welfare : chiefly , the Mahometan Priests assured him of their help , so he would do his utmost against the Christians ; for , the Turks account him the best and most zealous man , which can do them most harm . So Hassan set forward with his Army towards Hungary , The Emperour now , sought by all means how to resist these great preparations and designs : dispatching his Brother Maximilian to the Pope with express charge in his name , to yield him all submission , to move him , to relieve his wofull and distressed affairs : who arriving at Venice , was honourably entertained by the State ; thence travelling towards Rome with a great Retinue ; he was met by a great number of Nobles and their followers , sent from the Pope , and so brought into the Vatican Palace , the oftner and easier to have access to the Pope , then sick of the 〈◊〉 , Next day , comming into his presence , after usuall reverence done , he ( all the Cardinals being present ) first , put him in mind of the manifest danger which hung over the Christians in general from the Turk , chiefly over Italy , so nigh unto him , who had a great gap opened to enter , by Canisia , the Key of Stiria : then , he requested him in the Emperour's behalf , to stretch forth his helping-Hand against this his mortal Enemy , &c. hoping he should find the like assistance in this his second need , that he had before received : the precious Balm of his devout Charity , being of greater Virtue than to serve but for one time , &c. Which , he besought him to apply upon the present Wound , since without his help , he was more like to perish than to live . The Pope answered , His former actions spake enough for him in this , so that he need not use further words : who albeit , these evils had so far prevailed in Hungary , had for his part still done what he might for redeeming thereof : and now by the advise of his Council , present , had appointed 150000 Crowns toward those Warrs maintenance this year ; hoping to do more afterwards against the Turks , Whom God , he said , suffered to prevail upon the Christians , not for any goodness in them , but to chastise the wickedness of the Christians themselves . The 150000 Crowns , was by a decree of the Pope and Cardinall levied , and payed , of the Tenths of the Clergy throughout all Italy . So Maximilian magnificently entertained , & by the Pope rewarded with 4000 Crowns , returned unto the Emperour ; whom the Turks were not behind in augmenting their Forces , to invade him : and now the Tartars , comming in great number , and , denied passage by the Polonians , entered into Valashia , which they all over rifled and spoiled at pleasure : such people as could escape , fleeing into Towns , leaving their goods to their merciless rage : Radol the Vayuod , fled to Constat to Basta , where considering his present danger , and still to expect the like , as often as the Tartars were thus to come into Hungary , he took a new Oath of Allegiance to the Emperour , to die and live in his service ; who before , had proudly rejected the acknowledgement of his duty , and remedy of his harms : upon which submission , Basta took him and his Country into his protection . In the mean time , 2 Traitours were brought to Claudianople , who very craftily surprizing a strong Castle of a great Lady a Widdow , and sacking the same , the Haiducks surprized them by the way , and ( as too weak for them ) cut most of them in pieces , and took the rest : the Traitors being most cruelly put to death to terrifie others . The Haiducks having no Houses , Fields or Trade , but Arms , and now enraged for want of their pay , if their right-Hands spoiled the Turks , their left robbed the Christians , taking from the Turks of Agria much Cattel , and rifling divers Christian-Villages in one day : and meeting with a 100 or 120 Waggons , going with Victuals toward Alba-Julia , conducted by the Zecclers 〈◊〉 their drivers , and carried away the Waggons ; And the Turks of Temeswar , having bin towards Lippa , meeting with them , were charged by them for their Booty : but , being twice as many in number as the Haiducks , they slew most of them , and took the rest prisoners . In the mean time , the Christians gave some ear to the Turks old practice of soliciting a peace , to discover in policy the Commodities and Inconveniencies of the peace by them but in shew offered , though with many protestations : for , in the very time of the parly , they fortified their strong Holds with men and Victualls : especially Buda , whereinto , by a Convoy , they put in of all sorts of provision enough for a whole year . Besides , it was known by some Turkish prisoners , that all was but feigned , to put the Christians in security : for the Bassa of Buda , had no Commission to conclude any peace in the Visier's absence ; whom the Sultan had charged , not to make any peace without the delivery of Strigonium , the only cause why they desired peace : which if the Emperour would not yield , then to take it by force , and so refuse all other Treaty : Wherefore , the Emperour , wholly resolved for Warr , sent Count Zultze to Vienna , appointing Basta his Lievtenant-Gen . in Hungary , advising them carefully to look to their charge , and not to trust too much to the Turks glozing speeches . Now the Haiducks , who ceased not still to look abroad , in roaming towards Belgrade , lighted upon 〈◊〉 Castle , wherein 800 Turks Souldiers , and other their people , abode with most of their substance ; who , thrusting each other forward , at length carried that strong place ; slew most of the Turks , before secure , and with the rest prisoners , and a great rich Booty , returned to Lippa . The Garrison of 〈◊〉 likewise , took and spoiled the Castle and Borrough of Lambac , setting it on fire , the flame whereof being a Signall to 〈◊〉 Troops passing that way , they cut the Turks in pieces , and recovered the Booty . About which time , some of the Garrison of Petrinia , corrupted , conspiring with the Turks to deliver to them that strong Castle , by a Mine they were making under a Stable , nigh the Storehouse of powder , by firing the same , to have given them entrance , who lay close in a Wood near the place ; certain offenders being then prisoners in the Stable , perceiving their purpose , and fearing to be burnt or blown up , discovered the same : who , being by the Governour apprehended , and convicted of such a Treason , were exemplarily executed . The Turks not ceasing with great earnestness , to solicite for peace ; The Emperour once again , appointed certain great persons to attend their propositions : Casar Gallen Sheriff of Strigonium at Italian , much experienced in State-matters , being one , whom the Governour of Strigonium had sent before to Pesth , for concluding of peace by some good means . The Turks demands were , That the Emperour should , for the future , pay to the Sultan and his Successors the whole wonted tribute , without demanding thereof : That the Emperour should alwayes have his Embassador-Lieger at the Sultans Court , with presents , there to solicite the continuation of his love and friendship ; that he should deliver all Towns and Castles , taken from the Turks , during this War , with Transilvania and Valachia ; which granted , they promised to send to the Sultan , to entreat him to surrender Canisia , but not Agria , except constrained by force of Arms. The Emperour's Commissioners answered , That the Emperour , having by so many perfidious dealings , proved the 〈◊〉 of Sultan-Achmat's Predecessours , in violating their strong League , by surprizing many places in Hungary : and , also taking many in 〈◊〉 , between the Rivers Kulpe and Unna ; which places , he had oft by as just right , remanded , as they were unjustly usurped before these Wars : All which Demands ( though deemed just and reasonable by the Turks themselves ) were rejected by the Sultans : What assurance could he conceive of his fidelity ? Yet , if he might hope so much of anothers Faith , as he was assured of his own just meaning , he could be well content to embrace the peace , so he might have Canisia and Agria delivered unto him : which if the Turk would needs hold , that he likewise , might with peace hold the places he had won in that Wat. And as for Transilvania , he could not deliver that , without betraying of his right , and the welfare thereof : which , he obtained both by Covenants between him and the Son of the last Duke , John , as by voluntary releasement of Sigismund 〈◊〉 , the last Prince thereof , to him : for defence of which his Rights , he had spent many men and great summs of 〈◊〉 : and , for Valachia , he could be content to yield some part of his right unto that Province , so the Turk should cease to demand of him any yearly tribute : or that he would , as of ordinary duty , send his Embassadours with yearly Presents to the Grand Seigniour : since every Prince ought to be at liberty therein . At which answer , the Turks laughing and sporting , still pressing the Commissioners , to yield to their unreasonable demands ; else threatning to acquaint the Sultan therewith , who by force should take that from them , which they refused to grant by fair means : so the Treaty was for that time broken off ; yet the Governour of Strigonium , left Casar Galen to entertain it , in such small hope as was left : who afterwards , seeing it was desperate ; and feasting some of the chief Turks of Buda , who in that merriment , promised to live as Friends with those of Pesth , and other nigh places , retired to Strigonium . Yet shortly after , Jagenreuter , Governour of 〈◊〉 ( though Galen had also assured him of a speedy furnishing of the Town with all necessaries for its defence ) dismayed with the bruit of Hassan Bassa's comming with his great Army , to begin with the Conquest of Pesth , Septemb. 5 , ( having trussed up his Baggage ) forsook the Town ; 5 Companies of Foot , and of Horse following him , leaving the Town , Victuals , Munition , and his Honour for a prey to his Enemies ; yet before his departure , he undermined the chief Buildings , laying Gunpowder under them , whereby they were soon after overthrown , and most of the Town burnt . But , being gone not past half a League , he met 400 Haiducks well armed sent for the relief of Pesth , with a number of Boats , with necessaries of all sorts : which Haiducks meeting with these Cowards on the way , returned with them to Strigonium , leaving their Vessels and Munition to their Enemies , who presently after seized upon them . Next day , the Turks wondring to see so great a fire in Pesth more and more encreasing , adventured over the River , and drew near the Town , which they finding abandoned , diligently quenched the fire , repaired the ruines , and became Masters thereof . 〈◊〉 the Coward , with his fearfull Troops comming to Strigonium , was examined by the Governor of the Causes of his flight : who alledging no other , but the great report of Hassan's comming to besiege the Town , was imprisoned , and reserved forjust punishment . The Bassa of Buda , by Letters excused himself to the Governor of Pesth for the taking of Pesth , the Treaty being not yet quite broken off : saying , He took it as a place upon a vain fear forsaken , and set on fire , &c. and offered to deal with him for exchange of prisoners , one for another : and for the peace he was very desirous it might be fully concluded , before Hassan-Bassa's arrivall in Hungary : who once come , there would be no time , amidst the noise of so many Weapons and Warriours to talk of peace . For all that , the Visier was already entered Hungary with a huge Army comming towards Sexart ; to view which , the Governour of Pallantwar , going with 100 Horsmen , ere he was aware , met with 500 Turks , sent also to discover the Country , who charging & 〈◊〉 him with multitude , was himself taken , most of his men slain , and some few hardly escaping by flight ; but Count Serinus , setting upon 300 Turks nigh Zigeth with courage , though scarce half so many in number , overthrew and cut them in pieces , ere well aware of him . The Turks out of hope of regaining Strigonium by any Capitulations of peace , resolved to do their utmost to take it by force : often protesting , if they should so gain it , never more to have peace with the Christians : at which vain threats and speeches , the resolved Christians could not but with scorn smile ; Unto this siege , the Turks in hope of spoil , came flocking from all places . They encamped near Charls his Hill , taking up with their Tents half a League round about : and at first , bravely advanced their half-Moon Ensignes , the Arms of their then encreasing Empire ; whom the besieged herein imitated , and further provoked them with abundance of thundering shot : yet , the Turks comming resolutely on , began to make their approaches : upon whom , the Christians couragiously sallying 〈◊〉 to disturb them : and so , after certain hours hot skirmish , without much hurt , retired , leaving their Enemies a good Testimony of their valour . Howbeit , The 〈◊〉 intrenched and encamped before St. 〈◊〉 Fort , where they placed their Cannon to batter the same ; but , Basta having , near to Strigonium , cast up a great Fort , and well furnished , greatly annoyed the Turks with its Ordnance , forcing them to remove further off : his Army ( the while ) laying upon the River betwixt the Isle of Strigonium , and the old Rascian Town , to hinder the Enemy from entring into either . Count Sultze the Governour , having mustered his men , and by sundry speeches , motives , and cautions of trusting to the Turks fair promises , &c : encouraging his Souldiers , most earnestly besought them to follow him in his Honourable purpose , for preservation of Strigonium , or there ending of his dayes : As a Testimony of his earnest desire to further which service , he had , he said commandded them to have certain months pay before-hand ; which they had accodingly . Sept. 24. The Turks came to assault and batter St. 〈◊〉 . Fort ; upon whom 500 Horse and 2000 Foot sallying out , made them , after a sharp conflict , with some loss on both sides , to retire and forsake the Mount whereon they were : encamped : but pursuing them too far , they fell into a great Turkish Ambush . where was fought a bloudy fight : till valour being oppressed by number , the 〈◊〉 ; retired , 700 Turks being slain , and about 100 of them : Count Casimir of Holenloth being one , for whose body they notably fought ; not much unlike the Trojans and Greeks , for the Body of Patroclus in Homer . Howbeit , the whole Turkish Army comming on , the Christians were glad to leave the dead body in their power ; who , in 〈◊〉 , cut off his Nose and Eares , and then his Head ; but a few dayes after , this disfigured body was delivered to 〈◊〉 : Christians for a 〈◊〉 of good account , about that time taken : At which time , the Turks seemed very desirous of peace ; earnestly requesting Frederick the slain Count's Brother , not to be a hinderer thereof ; yet , it was but one of their old practises , depending on unreasonable conditions : whereof , the yielding up of Strigonium , was one of the chiefest . But the 〈◊〉 of Hatwan , doubting lest the Turks , leaving the siege of Strigonium , should come and besiege them ; Septemb , 19. abandoned the place with bag and baggage , and the best Ordnance , leaving the rest , the Town , and much provision , to the Enemy , not hoping such a thing . Count 〈◊〉 Governour of Lippa ( among others ) was about to go toward Strigonium with some Troops to 〈◊〉 his Generall for preservation of the place ; but the while Bethlem Gabor of Transilvania , ayded by Beckheres Bassa , with 4000 Turks entred the Province ; Wherefore , the Count resolved to go and encounter him at his very first entrance . This old Rebell , knowing Basta was gone thence with his best Troops , came on in great security , and so was surprised by Tambier before he was aware , and put to flight , and that in no long fight ; above 1000 of them being slain , and 1000 serviceable Horses taken , Bethlem and his Bassa fleeing with the rest , saved themselves by swimming amidst many chances & dangers of their lives . The Bassa of Temeswar , sent forth his Lievtenant with a good number , to relieve the vanquished Turks : who , by the way , hearing of their general overthrow , and his Enemies strength , retired homeward as fast as they could ; but , being discovered and hotly pursued , they were almost at the gates of Temeswar cut in pieces by the Victors , without any resistance made , beseeming men of their sort ; the 〈◊〉 . being slain also . After which , the Count turning toward Jula , lighted on certain Turkish Companies loaded with booty , whom he pursuing , even to the Town-gates , they were shut against them , for fear of the Christians entting with them , so that they were all by the Christians slain , even in sight of their Companions : after which Massacre , they burning the Suburbs , departed loaded with spoil . The Count arriving at Lippa , Septemb. 25. thence advertised Basta of these his exploits , causing 10 Turkish Ensigns , stained with their bloud , to be presented unto him . But the Visier Bassa , perceiving by the Christians Valour , how little he prevailed in the siege of Strigonium , like enough to tend to his dishonour , made a motion to the besieged for a treaty of peace : whereunto the Imperials ( though out of hope ) easily yielded , lest they might be thought obstinate ; and so Althem , Ferdinand , 〈◊〉 and Frederick of Hohenlo , Count of Rhene , met the Turks Commissioners nigh the Rascian Town ; but , the Turks still urging the yielding up of Strigonium , and the Imperials refusing the same , the Treaty was broken off , and the siege more cruelly continued than before . 〈◊〉 there were in the Turks Army some Companies of Cossacks , for pay indifferent to serve any Prince whatsoever : who being 700 , had agreed , Sept. 28. by night to come over to the Christians ; but some untrusty among them , giving knowledge to the Visier of their purpose , he apprehended and slew the Footmen : 〈◊〉 Horsmen , making way over the bellies of such as would have stayed them , escaped , some to Komara , others to Dotis ; 60 of them hardly pursued , adventured over Danubius , and all naked came to Collonitz , who courteously entertained and cloathed them : and within 3 dayes , 300 more of those Horsmen came to him also : who , in good order , marching to the head of the Camp , were sworn to the Emperour's service , in token of Loyalty discharging their Pistols thrice , whom Collonitz divided among his Troops , as having former experience of the courage and good service of such . By which Fugi ives they learned , that the Janizaries mutinying against Hassan , would have forced him to have left the siege , pretending the manifest danger of their lives , with little or no hope to prevail : they having the besieged on the head of them , assuredly resolved ; and the Christian Army at their backs , of known valour and experience : the place they said , being also impregnable , being alwayes to be relieved , for that it commanded over the Danubie : wherefore , when for honouts sake , they had once or twice assaulted St. Thomas Fort , they resolved to be gone ; and Septemb. 29. in the night , a most dreadful fiery , red impression , like a Rainbow , was seen , which beginning at Gockara , and rising higher over Strigonium , vanished away over Thomas Fort : which sight , troubled both Christians and Turks , as the oft presagers of ruine , to whom they appear . In the mean time , Basta came with 7000 brave Horsemen , shewing himself in order of Battel ; so , as it were , braving the Turks , even to their own Trenches , where discharging their Pistolls thrice , they returned as victorious , alwayes keeping themselves in order ; yet the Turks , for the present , moved not . But Octob. 3d , they came forth , and gave a second assault to St. Thomas Fort , with the utmost of their power : howbeit , it endured not long ; for the Turks fought , rather to discharge their duty , and for some just cause to raise their siege , than for any hope to carry the place : So they , after a little more than half an hour , gave over , losing 500 of their best Souldiers . Of 6000 Haiducks in Strigonium , all but 500 through fear and treason , forsook the place : whereat , and at the Bassa's resolution for forcing it , the Germanes promised their dismayed Captains , to supply the defect of the others treachery by their own valour : offering to be sworn again , and to die all , rather than to yield it up , or leave it to their Enemies : So a Decree , by general consent was made , that whosoever should once mention a yielding the Town , should be hanged on a Gibbet . The Turks Octob. 5th , assaulted St. Thomas Fort the third time , doing what they could ; but they were so received , that they with great losse retired : after which disgrace , they undermined the Wall in many places , filling them with Gunpowder ; but the Christians not onely by Counter-mines frustrated their endeavour , but carried away the Powder also . Wherefore , the Turks moved for a parley of peace : whereof , the Christians disliked not ; but the Commissioners being met in a small Island beneath the Town , the Turks offered Agria for Strigonium , or if the Christians would needs keep Strigonium still , then to deliver to them Fileck , Setschin , Pallanka , and Novigrade : which demands being unreasonable , nothing was concluded . Now the Bassa , and some other Commanders , stood stifly for the taking of Strigonium ; but the Janizaries were as earnest to be gone , as impossible to prevail : whereat the Bassa enraged , yet before his departure , Oct ob . 10th , he six times greatly assaulted the Fort ; but the Defendants encouraged by their valiant Commanders , the Turks were so repulsed , that they were glad still , with 〈◊〉 losse to retire : their often retreats being as hurtful to them , as their assaults , by the deadly Bullets out of the Fort ; so that the Bassa rose with his Army , retiring near a Castle about a League off : whence , next day , the better to cover their dishonour , and hinder the Christians from pursuit , they shewed themselves with a good number before the Rascian Town , skirmishing with the Haiducks ; neither party receiving any great hurt or losse . They of Strigonium the while , knowing the Enemy had removed his Cannon , &c. into Buda , discharged all their 〈◊〉 Ordnance , in token of joy : whereof , the other 〈◊〉 Holds of the Christians , were partakers , as 〈◊〉 from some part of the fear brought upon them by that siege , which beginning Septemb. 18th , was given over Octob. 13th , the Janizaries threatning to slay their Generall , if he had any longer there stayed . Basta now following the Turk's Army , with his 〈◊〉 , slew many , and took some prisoners : then returning to their Camp , found it full of Bullets , with some great Pieces , which the Turks had not time to remove to Buda . Some of the Turks Commanders , were now desirous still to hold the Field , in hope of spoil ; but they which dwelt further off , chiefly those come out of Asia , much desired to be discharged , their Horses being almost dead , and themselves weary of the service . Two Turkish fugitives , bravely mounted , came to Basta , presenting him with a rich Ring , and a most fair Turkish Ensign ; and telling him , that most of the Turks Army , lay encamped near Pesth ; and the young Cham , about 20 years old , to be come thither with a great power of Tartars : wherewith the Turks encouraged , determined to spoyl the Countrey ; and shortly after , the plain Countrey of upper Hungary , about 〈◊〉 , Setschin , and 〈◊〉 , was all spoiled and burnt ; but Sigefride Collonitz , so daunted these Forragers , with his Hungarian Horsemen , that they departed , carrying away with them , their prisoners and spoils , and leaving 3000 good Souldiers , for repairing and keeping of Pesth ; but Octob. 24 , Hassan Bassa , wrote to Althem , for a Treaty of peace , for the 〈◊〉 of the distressed people , solemnly protesting to keep it , if once concluded , and yet ( the while ) with fire and Sword , spoiled all by the way , as he departed . But in TRANSILVANIA , Lord BELGIOSA , Basta's Lievetenant there , thinking after the overthrow of BETHLIN Habor , to have gone to ayd him his General , then laying in the plains of Strigonium ; behold a second unexpected 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , far worse than the first , to wit , Lord ISTIVAN , or BOTSCAY ; or , in scorn called POTSCAY , from the long delayes he had endured in the Emperours Court ( Potscay in the Bohemian Language , signifying stay or tarrie ) who with great Troops under Turkish protection , stiling himself Prince of Transilvania , miserably burnt and spoiled the same : wherefore Belgiosa , with 1000 Horse , marched towards Veradin , and coming to the Village Ador , he sent to the Governour of Veradin , minding him of his Duty , and craving his ayd : who , with six Companies of Foot out of Romosa , four out of Veradin , with a Regiment of Silesian Horse , and the Haiducks of Count Tambier , came to Ador , with all Warlike provision . Belgiosa , now marching against Botscay , he attended his coming ; for he knew Tambiers Haiducks , to favour him more than Belgiosa : who accordingly , at first joyning of 〈◊〉 , turned to his part ; whereby Belgiosa , with his small number , having done their utmost , were almost all 〈◊〉 in pieces , and there buried in the field of 〈◊〉 loyalty , and embrued with the bloud of their Enemies . Divers good Captains were slain : Petsie , Governour of Veradin , and Pallas Lipa , grievously wounded , were taken : also Petfie's Lievtenant , retiring with some Troops into a strong place , so valiantly defended themselves , that Botscay promised them , upon Oath , if they would yield , safely to depart ; yet afterwards , were by this faithless Rebel , cruelly slain : the Silesian Horsemen were also there buried among their Enemies : Belgiosa strangely escaped , and fled to Veradin . Botscay sent a great part of the Ensignes gained , to the Visier Bassa , with many praises for supporting of him , and vaunting much of his Victory , let him know , he had slain above 6000 of his Enemies . Botscay , by this Victory , and his humble submission , obtained of the Sultan , thenceforth to be stiled Prince of Transilvania , charging him to do his utmost , for the subduing the rest thereof , promising him plentifully to supply him with men and money , and speedily to send him 3000 〈◊〉 . This Battel indeed , was fought from break of day , till 11 at noon ; yet it s not certain , whether so many were slain or not ; for divers were said to be slain , who were hid in a Wood thereby : others , by other meanes , escaping also . 〈◊〉 had two Monks with him , whom the Souldiers in despight , cut in pieces , carrying him fast bound to Derritza , there to be cured of his dangerous wounds ; but Lipa was by Botscay , afterwards proclaimed his Lievetenant Generall , as being desirous to take upon him , the defence of the reformed Religion : who forthwith proclaimed , that all who desired liberty of Conscience , and to live free from Romish Superstitions , should repair to him , who was ready to allow every man , five Dollars a moneth pay : whereupon , he had in short time , 10000 Haiducks following him , besides a number of other rascall people : yea , almost all the Gentlemen repairing unto him , sware to each other , that as they would take up Arms against the Emperour , so they would not submit to the Turk ; but onely stand upon defence of their Religion and liberty of Conscience . Botscay , now beset all the passages of the Countrey , commanding the Cities , still as he went , to yield unto him ; but hearing that Belgiosa was gone to Cassovia , where his Wife lay , whither being come , he was rejected by the Citizens , turning his Wife out of the City unto him , he came and took Cassovia , without resistance , most of the Citizens inclining unto him : where he , forthwith changed its Religion , and civil Government , slaying some of the Romish Religion , thrusting the rest out of the City , with all the Church-men ; and taking the Bishop and Emperours Treasurer prisoners : laying in wait by all meanes , to take Belgiosa , with a purpose to have used him most hardly . The Visier Bassa , to grace that little he had done this year in Hungary , borrowed of Botscay , the rest of the Ensigns , with Petsie , and the other Noble Captives , and confidently , afterwards , had them presented to Sultan Achmat , as taken by himself : in recompence whereof , he left three thousand Turks and Tartars with Botscay , to ayd him . Basta having set all things in order , at Strigonium , marched with 14000 men toward Cassovia , with purpose to suppress the rebellion in upper Hungary , ere it should spread further ; yet the Rebels being very much increased , had took in most of the strong places there , the people almost generally favouring their quarrel , carrying the face of Religion , with suppressing of the Germane Government ; and hearing that Belgiosa was fled into 〈◊〉 Castle , they demanded him of Turson the Captain , to be deservedly punished : promising to do Turson no harm , so he would take part with them : which if he should refuse , yet safely to conduct him whither he would , out of his Castle , so he would forthwith resolve ; but otherwise , they threatned to spoil his Countrey , kill his people , raise his Castle , and make himself an example : howbeit , he refused to deliver Belgiosa , or accept of any of their offers : Wherefore , they laboriously repairing the broken way betwixt Cassovia and the Castle , brought thence great Ordnance , and straitly besieged it : whom Turson with his thundring shot , so welcomed , that receiving great harm , they , with the greatest part of their Army , resolved to go to Presburg , to reform it , and some other places by the way , being perswaded , that this Captain so shut up , would at length , yield of himself . But while they lay at this siege , some of them went to spoil a religious House there by ; but they returned almost empty-handed : the Priests having for fear of them , carried with them all their best substance into the Castle : also upon the report of their coming to Presburg , almost all the Priests and Jesuites there , and thereabouts , fled with their substance to VIENNA , where they scarce thought themselves safe , till six hundred men as a supply , were put into that strong City . Basta coming , and encamping about three miles from Filek , followed the Rebels toward Budnock , who upon his coming , retired from besieging divers strong places ; who also leaving Budnoc Castle , gathered together in great number , near Ramosambat , intending to fight with Basta : who by a Herauld , courteously advised them , to change their mindes , and return to their former allegiance ; but finding them obstinate , he marched forward , forcibly charging certain Companies of them , who kept the passage of Filek : they at first , valiantly defended it , till oppressed with number , and four hundred being slain , they were worsted and fled . Nemet their Captain , being ( among others ) taken in flight , whom Basta hanging up by the heels , a while , with the Ensigns ( he took ) set up about him , had him taken down , and beheaded : 50 of Basta his men , were slain also , many more hurt ; among whom was Collonitz , being hurt in his shoulder and foot . Basta marching on , met with other Companies of Haiducks , with whom he had many a hot skirmish , for three dayes together ; so that burning many of his Carriages , Tents , &c. He was very careful how to get out of their hands ; yet he couragiously , both endured their fierce and increasing assaults ; and also Novemb. 28. charged them again in order of Battel , who 〈◊〉 a thick mist , being not able to perceive their Enemies attempts , and how to turn themselves , were ( as dismayd ) easily put to flight , whom Basta fiercely pursuing , in lesse than three houres , one thousand five hundred of them were slain , with a few of Basta's men also , Frederick , Earl of Solmes , being one ; and the Count of Erback , wounded . Hereupon , the Rebels at the siege of Zipse Castle , forthwith retired to Leusta ; but Basta going , and recovering St. Andrewes , and gartisoning it , somewhat daunted and repressed the Haiducks in those quarters ; and through the unseasonable time of the year , wrote to reclaim the Cassovians to their allegiance , offering pardon for all past , 〈◊〉 they would acknowledge their fault , and admit of an Imperial Garrison : So also he wrote to those of Eperia , hoping by gaining those strong Towns , safely to winter in them with his Army ; but the Cassovians , having 6000 in Garrison , and not fearing then to be besieged , Botscay being also reported 40000 strong , utterly refused Basta's motion : wherefore , he came nearer to the City , seeking rather by fair meanes , to perswade them , than by force , to constrain them ; but they , obstinate , and with their Ordnance troubling his Camp , sending Count Hohenloh , and Rotvitz , before to Eperia , to command them to receive in the Emperours Souldiers , and relieve them what they could , Decemb. 5th , himself followed , with the rest of his Army ; and after much talk with the chief of the City , it was unexpectedly agreed , that Basta assuring them of the free exercise of their Religion , the good behaviour of his Souldiers , and to defend them from the injury of their Enemies , they should open their Gates to , and relieve the Imperials , and continue their allegiance as before ; a thing most welcom to the almost dead and starved Souldiers : Leusta , Barbeld , and Zebena , following the Example of Eperia . Thither with great danger , 〈◊〉 Sigefride Collonitz , of great Authority in those parts , to confer with Basta , about appe sing these troubles : who , by Letters to the States , and Nobility of Hungary , in vain perswaded them to lay down Arms , and return to the Emperours obedience . For remedy of great wants in the Imperial Camp , 30 Wagons loaded with money and Cloth , had been sent from Vienna , under the Conduct of Count Solmes , and others : to whom Tanhusar joyned 1500 Hussars , for fear of the Haiducks ; but the Convoy being come into a thick Wood , about two miles from Filek , 〈◊〉 Hussars set upon the Wagoners , and made great slaughter of those that were about to resist them ; so that Solmes , had much adoe to get away : so they drave away the Wagons to Botscay's Camp , Tanhusar , with such Hussars ( as had no hand in so foul a treachery ) pursuing them ; but recovered onely 10 Wagons of Cloth , which the Traitors had left , whose Horses they had put into the Wagons , with the money ( reported 130000 Florens ) to make the more haste . Botscay , having received so great and unexpected sum , divided it among his Souldiers , for their further encouragement . This newes at first filled the Emperours Souldiers , with grief , and disdain against the Hussars ; but afterwards with wrath , against their own Commanders , as deeming it a devised report to deceive them ; So that they were ready all to mutinie and forsake the service to the utter perill of their Captains , and of the whole Province : wherefore Basta , strove by fair words and promises , to appease them : which not serving , he with some thousands of Duckats , and Wagons of Cloth taken up at Leusta , and other Towns , wisely contented them , the old Souldiers being before half naked . Shortly after , the Imperials surprizing a Castle thereabouts , carried away many Hungarian Gentlemen prisoners , to learn what they could of the Rebels proceedings and designs : the Haiducks the while , after many assaults , took Sendra Castle , putting all the Garrison to the sword ; and then departing , rifled and burnt Filek . They took also , in upper Hungary , besides six other Castles , the strong Castle of Cabragetia , whither those of Hatwan , for fear of the Turks , when they besieged Strigonium , had carried their great Ordnance : after all which , the chief Captains of the Rebels , exacted contribution of the Minerall Towns so called , chiefly of Newsoli , forcing them to sweare obedience to Botscay , and take his part , threatning fire and Sword , to those that should refuse the like ; and going out to meet Collonitz , who was coming thither to encourage or defend them , they belaying all passages , forced him to retire to his Castle of Lebentsia , where he laying in great danger with his Wife then in Child-bed , having 〈◊〉 50 Germanes with him ( for he durst not trust his Hungarian Cossacks ) he sent in Post to Vienna , most humbly requesting a new supply of Germanes , for his relief and furtherance of the Emperours service , &c. While Basta lay at Eperia and thereabouts , he daily received great harm from the Haiducks , who slew his Souldiers , fetching in Wood and other necessaries ; yea , they oft troubled his Camp , assailing his Souldiers in his Trenches ; and about the end of December , they by night , breaking into Charls Collonitz , Copell , and Pettinger , their quarters , slew Copell with almost all his Souldiers , burnt Pettinger in his Tent , Collonitz being hardly beset also : till he by true valour , forced them at last , to retire 〈◊〉 the Woods , whence they came , having slain 14 with his own hand : about which time , a spie being taken , one of Botscay's chief men , discovered by one that knew him ; Basta , after his Examination and Confession upon torture , had him hanged and quartered , to the terrour of others . Cicala Bassa , the Turks Generall against the Persians , was this year by that King overthrown , and put to flight , and Babylon ( now Bagdat ) taken : which newes being reported at Prague , Octob. 22. by the Vayuod of Valachia's Secretary , sent in Embassage to the Emperour , was afterward confirmed by the Persian Embassador himself , who having audience , told the Emperour , that his Master was not ignorant of his great and difficult War , for many years against the Turk , against whom he had taken up Arms , so to avert some part thereof from his Majesty , even upon himself ; and that he had already , obtained many notable Victories and Conquests , recovering a great Territory , wrongfully taken from his predecessors , by the Turkish Sultans ; and now he was very desirous , to joyn in a perpetual League and Amity with him ; never to be dissevered , or ever to make peace with the Turk , without each others consent ; and that he was minded , never to give over the Warre , till he had driven him , even into Constantinople , so his Majesty would do the like ; it being impossible for him to hold out against them both : requesting him withall , to send back with him , some grave Embassador , with sufficient instructions , for the more easie concluding of the said Confederation . Unto these forrain Warres , were joyned the Turks own 〈◊〉 and civil Warres also , the Rebels being yet up in lesser Asia , and the two great Bassaes of Aleppo and Damasco , of late up in-Arms against each other ; so that he of Aleppo , being in a great and bloudy Battel overcome , was pursued by him of Damasco , to his own City , and so straitly besieged by him , with 30000 men , 〈◊〉 through extream Famine then in the City , and a number 〈◊〉 his men slain , whom he secretly sent out to seek for 〈◊〉 , he was glad to yield to whatever the other Bassa demanded of him : whereat , the Court-Bassaes were much troubled ; young Achmat himself , being the 〈◊〉 , delighted with the pleasures of the Court , and much rejoycing at the birth of his first Sonne . The troubles of HUNGARY , and Transilvania , in one thousand six hundred and five , yet more and more increased , whose Natural Inhabitants , divided , both in 〈◊〉 and affection , did themselves and Countrey , more harm in a short time , than had the Turks in many years before : of which , Belgiosa , left by Basta , as his Lievetenant , was reported the first and chief Authour ; for whereas the Assembly of the Clergy at Possonium , had without the knowledge of the States of Hungary , published a Decree , for the burning or perpetual banishing of those of the reformed Religion in Hungary : against which , those States solemnly protesting under the Seal of the Lord Palatine , affirmed by Arms to defend themselves , if they should be troubled for their Religion , repeating the same Protestation at Galset ; yet Belgiosa cunningly seizing upon the reformed Churches at Cassovia , would not suffer those Citizens , either to have Sermons in their private Houses , or to read in the Bible , taking also to himself , all their Lands and Goods , and not suffering them to bury their dead within the City , near the Monasteries ; and because Botscay denied to lend him some thousands of Crowns , he caused his Souldiers to ransack two of his Castles , and spoil him of all Wealth and Treasure therein . Botscay hereat enraged , proclaimed , to give every Haiduck that would serve him four Crowns a moneth pay , with all the booty they could get : whereupon 6000 revolted from Belgiosa , to Botscay , encreasing daily ; but when Pallas Lipa , had to this pay , joyned also the defence of the reformed Religion , the Haiducks resorted to him by heaps , and all people where he came , were ready to joyn with him against the Imperialls : the Turks and Tartars also , furthering him with men and money , which he refused not . Basta , not able by force , to remedy so great increasing troubles , by Letters , oft times advised Botscay , to change his minde , lay down Arms , and to perswade with the rest of his followers , to return to their wonted obedience : who at length answered , if himself alone might govern in Transilvania : if a natural Hungarian , might be still Lievt . Gen. in Hungary , if none but Hungarians should command all Garrisons in Hungary : if the 〈◊〉 and French Souldiers , might be shut out of Hungary : if naturall Hungarians might thenceforth be regarded , and provided of pay , if every man might have free exercise of his Religion : if the Authours of these troubles , might be delivered to the HUNGARIANS for punishment : if the Emperour should be personally present at the PARLIAMENT at Presburg : if the GERMANE Garrison-Souldiers , should make no excursions into places near them , and not hurt the poor Countreymen : he could be content so to have peace . But Basta not liking thereof , sent back the two Messengers without concluding any thing . In the mean time , some Haiducks , and a number of Tartars in seeking booty , surprized Gokara , over against Strigonium : where , 〈◊〉 some Germane Souldiers , and rifling the Town , as they were about to fire it , the Governour of Strigonium , with his Garrison , forced them to depart : but Captain Bathian , the Imperiall , requited this losse , by taking of Palantwar , after a long and cruel fight , slaying a number of Turks retired thither , with all the 〈◊〉 , divers being of good account : which Fortresse , he razed , because thereby , the Turks should no more annoy the Christians . About which time , the Turks purposing to besiege Vacia , a City , which stood the Christians in great stead , the Haiducks there in Garrison , conspired to deliver to them the place ; and being far too strong for the Germanes in Garrison with them , they slew most of them , the rest fleeing speedily to Strigonium ; and so they delivered the Town to the Turks , joyning with them and the Tartars , and directing them for the easier spoiling of the Christians thereabouts . The taking of Vacia , had soon called together great numbers of Turks and Tartars , who with the Haiducks , made a puissant Army , to the terrour of the Imperials , not then able to hold the Field against them : who turned to Gokara , with purpose to passe the River upon the Ice , and surprize Strigonium , which they once before had attempted , but were repulsed with great and small shot , as now again ; yet they of Strigonium , seeing their Enemies daily to increase , stood more in doubt of a second siege , than of the first . These things much troubled , and grieved the Emperour , who 〈◊〉 what power he could , and levied great summes on his subjects , taking a Duckat upon every house in Austria , being then in great fear of these miseries , so fast spreading , and that way approaching . But all , or most part of the ayd promised from the Pope , King of Spain , and Princes of Italy and Germany , this year failing ; and Basta's Forces much weekened with wants , and Winters extremity , and not able to 〈◊〉 the Field ; the increasing Enemies , began to draw near to Vicegrade , purposing to besiege it : whereupon , the Germans in Garrison , warned by the treachery of the Haiducks of Vacia , betime retired into the Castle : so the Turks and Haiducks , were no sooner come thither , but the Haiducks in the Town , opened the Gates to them , as to friends , directing them the best they could , to besiege and win the Castle : which , while the Germans notably defended , Hassan 〈◊〉 , with Begedes Bassa , wrote to them , perswading them to yield it up ; but the Germanes valiantly stood upon their defence , till through extream necessity , they yielded by Composition . Basta the while , laying at and about Eperia , and seeing , that for want of greater strength , he must lay still as it were besieged , was exceedingly grieved : yet having procured from the Emperour , a general pardon for all , who taking part with the Rebels , were willing to return to their allegiance ; he caused Letters of general pardon , to be published , for all to take knowledge of : which being proclaimed , with the sound of many Drums and Trumpets , Jan. 6th , and ten dayes liberty given , for such as would come in ; divers Gentlemen near Eperia , for fear of being spoiled , accepted of the grace offered : others farther off , little or nothing regarding the same ; so that Botscay was now grown so strong , that he dismissed most of the Turks , which he had used , reserving some Janizaries , whom he mingled with his GarrisonHaiducks of Cassovia . Botscay's Lievtenant General , being by some , envying at his Estate , accused to Botscay , as if he intended to make him away , and delivering Cassovia to Basta , to go over again unto the Emperour , was by his Command beheaded , with five others more , suspected to be partakers in that Conspiracy : 100000 Hungarian Duckats , with seven Chains of Gold , being found in his Treasure , which he had scraped together in that small time of his Lievetenantship : with which money , Botscay confirmed in his Rebellion , would admit of no talk of peace ; but on conditions , best liking himself . Now I will briefly passe over , and even lightly , touch such things , as for the most part of this year 1605 , 〈◊〉 in this troublesom Countrey , not staying , but upon the most weighty matters . The Haiducks , in the beginning of February , besieged Sacmar Castle , which the Garrison doubting , to be able to defend it , ( nor past sixty sound men being left therein ) and destitute of necessary provision , at length yielded , on condition of sparing their lives ; but in going thence , they were near Tokay , most , slain by other Haiducks , a few escaping by flight . Sacmar being taken , they attempted the surprisal of Tokay Town and Castle ; but the Governour timely advertised of their purpose , caused the Ice of the River to be broken , 40 paces over , nigh the Castle , and lightly covered with straw : The Haiducks coming by night , by heaps , thrust each other forward , to have scaled the Castle ; but the Ice breaking under them , they by heaps perished : many also which escaped , being slain with shot out of the Castle , wherein was no great store of Victuals : wherefore , Basta marched towards Bodac , holden by the Rebels , in hope with its spoil to relieve Tokay ; but the Rebels having burnt the Town , and got themselves with what they had , into the Castle , so welcomed Basta with their Ordnance , that having lost some men , he was glad after four houres stay , speedily to return to Eperia : some Nobles being reported , in his absence , to have made a Road towards Eperia , to the endangering thereof : in which his return , Count Turon , and Charls Collonitz , their Troops lighting on 500 Haiducks in a Village , fired it , and burnt most of them , slaying the rest , seeking by flight to escape . In the mean time , a great Turk , brought a great sum of money to Cassovia , which being divided among Rebels , much confirmed them in Rebellion , and towards the Turks , who more prevailed by sparing for no cost , than by their greatest forces , for the Conquest of Hungary . Basta was no sooner returned to Eperia , but the exclaiming Souldiers , were about in a mutiny to forsake him for want of pay : who making what shift he could for money , with much adoe , agreed with them for six weeks longer service : the Eperians being thereby freed of a great fear , to be spoiled by those mutinous Souldiers . The roaming Haiducks , March the 2d , in the morning , came to new Soli , and by many reasons , perswading the Citizens to revolt , had parley with them till noon ; but still approaching nearer the Town ; so that Turbel the Governour , perceiving a yielding inclination in the Citizens , with his Cossacks , retired into the Castle : which done , the Haiducks breaking into the City , with six Companies , summoned the Castle , of whom Turbel slew divers with shot ; and in the evening , sallying forth with Harquebusiers , drave the Haiducks out of the City , which he afterwards , better fortified ; and next day , hearing that some Haidncks and Turks were comming to Turzo with many cattell , women and children , which they had gotten thereabouts ; he sent forth his 〈◊〉 with his Cossacks , who slew of them about 150 , recovering all the cattel , 200 Horses , and a Mule loaded with 4000 Hungarian Duckats . Now Filek-Castle , as it were the Key of that part of upper Hungary , had been hardly besieged certain months by the Haiducks : which , although for provision , it might have held out 3 months longer , yet for want of water , the Garrison were forced to yield it : for keeping whereof , Ferents Captain of the Haiducks , put therein a Garrison of Haiducks and Turks : as not daring to trust the Haiducks alone for fear of treachery , nor the Turks for their desire of the place , for its commodious scituation . This Castle , Valiant Collonitz ( all the wayes being beset 〈◊〉 numbers of Turks , Tartars , and Rebells ) had in vain oft sought to relieve : neither durst he well trust his own men ( most being Haiducks ) for fear of being betrayed : Concerning which matters , he , in a Writing to a Nobleman ( first shewing his earnest desire to be discharged of his service ) brake forth : that the Enemies strength and number more and more encreasing ; things could not be in a worse state than they were : and he being attended on with very Traicours , could not possibly serve the Emperour without a sufficient strength of Germane Souldiers : yet this most comforted him , that he had done his duty , or else this mischief had spread further : that the Enemies were then in his Dukedom of 〈◊〉 , spoyling all : and , reckoning up 25 strong Towns and places in upper - Hungary , beside almost all Transilvania , subject to Rebels . Now , if Collonitz was thus beset , and spoiled of his Substance , having at one time received hurt , to the valeu of a hundred thousand Duckats , and not daring to trust his own Hungarians , in what state may the rest of the people be thought to have bin , being at the same time exposed to the Rebells , Turks , & Tartars , for a prey . But 4000 Haiducks attempting to surprize Wiglace , were so repulsed thence , that many being slain , 35 Waggons , could scarce carry the wounded over the Mountains ; 100 died by the way . But going thence , and rifling all 〈◊〉 's Country , they commanded all the States within 3 dayes to submit and swear fealty to Botscay , or expect all extremities : which for fear , they promised to do , to Botscay's Lievtenant . Now were 2 grave Counsellours sent , in the Emperor's name , to treat with Botscay of peace : who sent before them an Herauld to Cassovia , to advertise him of their comming : whom the Turks so straitly kept , that none might speak with him but Botscay , 〈◊〉 he also , but in the open hearing of the Turks . Botscay told him , if the Embassadours were sent from the Nobility & States of Hungary , they should be right welcome to him ; but if from the Emperour , they should come no farther : for that all matters had with him been oft enough talked of ; now more than time to be performed . The Messenger returning told them what he said , and that the Haiducks had built a very high Bulwark in Cassovia , beset the gates with strong guards , and so filled the Trenches with Souldiers , that a man could hardly enter the City ; yet one might safely go and come about his businesse : also that Redeius , had assembled all Governours thereabouts , advising them to beware of the excursions of the Haiducks for 14 dayes : and the while , to bring their wives and children , and best things into the City , because he could not as yet govern the Head-strong Haiducks , being yet in their rage and fury : of whom , some bringing many Cattel from towards Newhuse , were by Collonitz and Trautmanstorff , pursuing them with their Horsmen , overthrown , and all the booty recovered . About which time , Botscay , March 29. by Letters , declaring the necessity 〈◊〉 defending their Priviledges and Religion against strangers ; summoned all the Nobility and States of Hungary , to an Assembly , to be holden at Serents , April 17. and declaring , that those , who upon a presumptuous or careless contempt should not come , should be accounted Enemies to their Country ; and their goods to be disposed of , as should to the Nobles and States then , and there assembled , be thought meet . Much about this time , there was a great tumult of the Court-Souldiers at Constantinople , a great fire then arising in the City ( as hath bin often done by the Janizaries , who in such confusion make their own gaines ) wherein many men & women perished , with above 500 rich Shops and Ware-houses , most belonging tothe Jews , of whom almost 200 were said to be burnt . The young Sultan 〈◊〉 , and seeing the like to arise at Pera , on th' other side of the Haven , could not think but the Souldiers were about fome dangerous Treason : which suspition , 2 Messengers lately come from Cicala , encreased , who desired speedy supplies : for , having in a great Battel lost a number of men , he must else retire , and leave all to the Persian . Howbeit , the fire quenched , and the Souldiers with spoil satisfied , the tumult was with much ado quieted . Now Basta's Souldiers , seeing neither pay nor other relief to come unto them , rose in mutiny , and in great rage brake into his Lodging : where heaping upon him many Reproaches , with their pieces bent against him , and spoiling certain Carriages richly laden , they left him , marching towards Presburg ; so rifling and spoiling whatever came in their way , that they seemed to the people worse than very Turks and Tartars : carrying away ( besides other very great prey ) above 10000 Oxen , and 2000 Horses : and threatning as they went to burn the Suburbs of Presburg , if they were not forthwith paid ; Whereupon , many Citizens for fear removed to Vienna . But the Rebels again in great number , besieging New-soli , April 16. 〈◊〉 it , to the exceeding loss of the Citizens : other of their fellows , but the day before , taking 〈◊〉 , and divers other places . Thus , while both Haiducks and Imperials 〈◊〉 the upper - Hungary ; the poor Husbandmen leaving their dwellings and what they had , fled ; some into Poland , others into the Mountains , where many perished with 〈◊〉 : the Husbandman now dared not to go forth to till , nor the Shepherd to feed his flock , all places being filled with misery , mourning , and heaviness . The Turks and Tartars being not the causers thereof , but even the divided Christians themselves . These troubles also brake out in other adjoyning Provinces , chiefly into Moravia , which the Haiducks miserably spoiled with fire and sword , taking certain Towns by force , and 〈◊〉 them , carryed away the very little children , to be sold afterwards to the Turks : for remedy of which encreasing-mischiefs , Lichtenstein the Governour raising all his power , went against them & with much ado drave them out of the Country ; yet they carried away much of its wealth , and 4000 Captives appointed to Turkish slavery . Basta also laying at Presburg , and hearing that of 14000 Turks and Tartars comming to St. Georges , 6000 of them were gone over Danubius ; that whilst they made a road into Austria , the rest might attempt Presburg followed them to cut off straglers who otherwise might have done great harm , leaving but 300 Walloon Horse , with some Foot-Companies to keep the City . These 300 expert Horsmen by night going forth , where the rest of the Haiducks and Turks securely lay , suddenly fell upon them , and slaying above 500 before the rest could arm , returned with some few Horses of service to Presburg . In the mean time , they of Comara , hearing that Begedes Bassa , was to go with a notable Convoy from Buda with 17 Waggons of mony , &c. to Botscay , and the Tartar-Chams son , who was with some 1000 come to ayd him ; lay in wait for him , and setting upon him , slew a number of his men : the Bassa himself being shot in the Breast , as he was mounting up his Horse ; with whose dead Body the Turks about to flee , were some 〈◊〉 , some taken , the rest 〈◊〉 escaping : the exceeding 〈◊〉 Booty the Souldiers carried to Comara , with the Bassa's head struck off with his own Scimitar , which 〈◊〉 his Coat , Pogramus the Governour sent as a Present to the Emperour . This Bassa was the chief plotter and Author of all the late troubles in Hungary ; having before much confirmed Botscay in his Rebellion in Transilvania , for he spake the Hungarians-Language naturally , and was therein very Eloquent . Now was the very name of the Germans become odious and contemptible to the potent Rebels in Hungary : so , that Basta offering to put supplies of Germans into Tyrna , then in danger , that Governour refused them , and also to let them have any thing for mony : saying , They had Citizens enough to defend the same , and as they needed not the Germans help so they would have nothing to do with them : yet , when Redeius came thither with his Army , they presently received him in , and were about to slay all the Germans , being well nigh a third part of the Inhabitants : but some of the wiser considering , that they having long dwelt there , were by Marriages in 〈◊〉 with the Hungarians , & they with them , otherwise perswaded them , lest they might seem cruell against their own blood : and so it being referred to Redeius ; he ( by the Council of an Eminent Turk ) ordered the Germans lives to be spared , but 〈◊〉 to use the Hungarian . About May 24. the Turks , Tartars and Rebels , burnt 14 Villages about the Lake of Neusidler , & as many more towards Neustat , putting most of the women & children to the sword , impaling divers upon stakes , carrying the men away captive & the cattel as a prey , so leaving the Country as they went , almost desolate : and about the end of this month , the Rebels surprized 3 Towns , and a little while after Ginsium , all which they rifled and spoiled , as they did also Hogengoa , and Niders-Prungia , which they rifled and burnt , by such terrour , forcing all far and near to yield to them . Only Alteoli and Cremnicz , standing fast to the Emperour , did the Rebels much harm . About the beginning of June , some Turks and Haiducks , came again to Presburg ; whose Governour issuing out with 3 Troops of Walloons , and some Companies of Harquebusiers , made them retire : but the Walloons riding about , fell upon them , when they thought themselves past danger , slaying 500 , and driving the rest into Danubius ; so that but 14 escaped , 3 being Turks , and one Fugitive Citizen , whom with great spoil they brought into the City . At which time , the Citizens of Vesprivium rose in Rebellion also , causing the Captain of the Castle , his Lievt . and the Keys to be carried to Botscay's Lievtenant : with which revolt the Turks greatly pleased , sent to , and wished the Sultan to hast the comming of his Army , for the passages were now open to his further Conquest ; and , advising him more and more to encourage Botsoay . And now , the Rebels breaking also into Stiria : 〈◊〉 and spoiled all as they went : so that Serinus , Lo. Nadasty and Budian , seeing themselves and all they had in danger to be spoiled without remedy , submitted to Botscay , as did many other Nobles there also . The Rebels thence making Head into Austria , did like harm . Thus was the State of Hungary and Austria , at this time most miserable , as appeared by the Letters of a Citizen of Vienna , who was himself an Eye-witnesse of most part thereof : declaring among other calamities , by fire , &c. that the Rebels , who lately forraged Austria , carried away upon Horses little Boyes and Children : who , by reason of their tender years could not go ( whose pittifull lamentation might move the very stones ) to be sent into Turky ; yea many of them , were by the way found dashed against the ground : the Turks themselves being amazed at the Rebels cruel behaviour ; and whereas they pretended Religion , their most cruel tormenting of a Minister , did shew what lovers they were thereof ; complaining also , that their own mutinous Souldiers excluded them of 〈◊〉 from all Victuals , and in cruelty and hostility almost exceeded the very Enemies . The Haiducks had most straitly besieged Odenburg , assaulting it in 5 places at once : upon whom Trautmanstorff , caused some of his Horsmen to sally forth , skirmishing with them 3 hours , and then the Haiducks beginning to prevail : himself with other Horse , some Foot & Citizens , and 3 Field-pieces , suddenly breaking forth , put them to flight , slew many , and taking 12 Ensignes with many ptisoners ; but the Haiducks in revenge , shortly after returning , burnt the Suburbs of Odenburg , and spoiled the Villages ; yet Basta approaching them , but with a small power , they rose , and passing over Dravus , carried away 2000 cattel , & many Captives . The Turks having bin often in hand with Botscay , to deliver Cassovia wholly into their hands , the better to obtain it , sent unto him three Waggons loaded with mony , and other rich Commodities for a Present ; and to supply his wants by a Convoy of 400 Haiducks , and some Turks : which Haiducks , secretly informed the Governour of Tokay , of their comming that way ; and that if he would receive them , they would with some small help deliver that rich Booty into his hands , and continue his faithfull Souldiers : who forthwith sending 400 of his Carrison to meet them , they joyning , and slaying every one of the Turks , were with the Booty received into Tokay , and courteously entertained : Whence , they ere long looking abroad , met with some Companies of Botscay's men , and slaying near about 500 of them , took 7 Waggons of provision , 30 Horses , and much rich spoil . But the Rebels encreasing , more and more prevailed : the Towns , in upper - Hungary especially , daily revolting unto them : as also 〈◊〉 did , whence the Rebels sent part of their Ordnance with Relinger a German , Governour of the Town , and some other Germans there taken , to Redeius ; Then besieging Newhuse with 30000 Haiducks and Turks : who , as they had oft-times sharply assaulted it , so the Souldiers ( who protested to hold out even to the last man ) most notably defended it ; Wherefore , Redeius ( having layen some months before it ) promised his men the whole spoil of the Town ; yet were the Turks oft kept back from assault , lest if they should by force take it , they would by force hold it to themselves , as most commodious for conquering the rest of upper - Hungary ; but Redeius with his Haiducks , July 25. most furiously assaulted it , advancing , in great hope , 10 Ensignes to the top of the Rampiers , yet were they forced to retire , leaving above 700 dead in the Trenches . The Bassa of Agria , came afterward to this siege with 3000 Horse , and many Janizaries : so that through Mines , Shot , and often Assaults , scarce 200 sound men were left in the Garrison : besides , Victuals & powder began to grow scarce ; yet armed with resolution , they still valiantly held out . The Hungarians in the Isle of Shut , having submitted to the Rebels , did much trouble the passages to Rab , Comara , and Strigonium ; to whom Messengers being sent , to perswade them to return to their Obedience : they so used the matter , that those of Shut taking a Truce for 8 days , sent 5 chief men to Presburg , 〈◊〉 , If they and their goods might be secured , and the Haiducks there with them entertained into pay , they would be ready again to swear Allegiance , &c. and leave their wives and children as pledges at Presburg ; The Governour gladly accepting their Offer , courteously dismissed them : who returning , and declaring what they had done , it was agreed , 4000 of them to joyn to Collonitz , who wore special Fea hers in their Crests for distinction's-sake : their Wives and Children being carried to Presburg . Upon which Agreement , the Rebels and Turks invaded the Isle , to surprize them ; but were by the Inhabitants , ayded by some German Troops , put to flight , 3000 being slain . About the beginning of July , Commissioners were sent to treat with Botscay about a pacification ; who being honorably entertained , were July 29. dismissed . Botscay's Propositions were these : 1. Every one to have free exercise of the reformed Religion ; for though he said , he desired not to have an ancient Hungarian Decree ( to burn all not professing , or revolting from , the Catholike Religion ) repealed : yet the Emperour regarding the present troubles , to assure ; That none should thenceforth be troubled for his Religion . 2. He requested to have Transilvania during his life , after whose death it should return to the Emperour , yet a natural Hungarian to govern the same , as also Hungary . 3. But one Bishop to sit in Council , who might ( if thought meet ) be the Chancellour . 4. Their Liberties and Priviledges to be kept inviolate . 5. That he should only choose the chief Palatine of the Kingdom . 6. All confiscated goods to be given to men of desert . 7. All State-offendours to be judged by the Council of Hungary . 8. None to be Bishops , but those of the Noble Hungarian blood . 9. All former injuries to be forgiven and forgotten . All which , if granted , he promised to do his utmost for peace betwixt the Sultan and Emperour , upon the best conditions he could : requesting also , the Charters of peace might be subscribed and confirmed by the Pope , Emperour , Polish-King , and all the Imperiall Countries . Achmat hearing of this Treaty , sent in haste to Botscay , seeking by great Offers and Promises to hinder it , minding him also : that he had lately subscribed as well as promised , that Botscay having King Johns priviledges , should shortly be proclaimed & crowned King of Hungary : Wherefore , he was even now ready to send a Scepter and Crown to Alba-regalis ; but at present , he sent him 2 goodly Horses with furniture of Gold and precious Stones : also a rich Scimitar , a pair of Golden Spurs , and a long Horsmans-coat most richly garnished , perswading him valiantly to 〈◊〉 ; who presently after went with a gallant Train into Transilvania , to take an Oath of the Nobility , for their 〈◊〉 to him ; sending also Redeius his Chancellour , and others into Poland , to renew the former Confederacy betwixt the Polonians and Hungarians : who declared to the King the causes of that civil War , which he imputed chiefly to the oppression of Religion , and the German's insolency , labouring much to perswade him thereof : then requesting him of his grace and care , which he and other Christian Princes had for the quiet of Christendom , chiefly of those 2 distressed Countries , to consult how so great troubles might be appeased , and to afford his ayd to so good a work . The King answered , The renewing of the ancient 〈◊〉 , was very pleasing unto him , yet he could not well like of Botscay's revolt from that Family , to which he was so nearly affined : promising however , to propound the matter to his Nobility : who agreed , That he that should out of Poland ayd Botscay , should lose his head . So the Embassadors returned much discontented to Botscay , being now returned with a great power to Cassovia . About this time , Lord 〈◊〉 at Prague , falling from words to blowes with Francis Count Belioisa his Brother : Francis ( their men taking each part ) was flain , Belioiosa being dangerously hurt in 5 places : who so prosecuted his Brothers death , that Rusworm was by the Emperour condemned , and beheaded , and divers of his men hanged , with the Weapons at their heels : wherewith they 〈◊〉 Francis. Although the time of the year was now come , that the Turks by reason of the Persians , and their own Asian Rebels , could not send so great Forces , as they had wont into Hungary ; neither could the Emperour now raise such power as formerly , to oppose them , through the Hungarians revolt : the Italian and German Princes affording little or no ayd , and his own mercinary Souldiers mutinying for want of pay . Serdar Bassa , Achmat's Lievt . General , with what Forces he brought , and supplies of the Rebels , being ( notwithstanding 50000 strong : Aug. 29. encamped before Strigonium , having 40 battering-pieces and all necessaries for the siege : the Tartars who came with them thither , presently passing over the River Gran , spoiled & burned all the Christian Territory before them . The Turks the while , to deprive the City of all relief , made a great Bridge of Boats over the River , which they strongly fortified at both ends : which much dismayed them of the City ; yea Basta , seeing himself so weak , much doubted of the event : yet during the siege , he shewed the utmost of his Valour and Wisdom for safeguard of the place . Now those of the Isle of Strigonium , had remained faithfull , whom the Rebels often sought to force and perswade from their Loyalty ; 200 Haiducks ( returned to the Emperour's service ) were joyned to the Islanders ; but , the Rebels suddenly surprized the Isle , cut all these Haiducks in pieces : Wherefore , Basta would have sent the Walloons for defence thereof , but the Islanders requested the contrary , lest they should ( after their manner ) prey upon them ; so Collonitz was appointed , who with Mounsieur de Lavall a French Gentleman , lately come with his Troop to see service , went into the Island : into which the Rebels shortly entring , he drave them our , slaying 250 , and taking about 50 : in which conflict , Lavall so bravely behaved himself , that everymans mouth was full of his praises ; for he was scarce 〈◊〉 years old : but the Rebels soon returning again more numerous and resolute : there was a more bloudy fight , yet the Rebels were forced with loss to retire ; Laval , not to be perswaded from adventurously pressing on the retiring Enemy , was shot and slain ; all that knew him , much lamenting him . But , the Rebels still , in one place or other invading the Isle , and threatning all extremities , most of the Islanders revolted , and suddenly setting upon the Count of Rhene , slew 300 of his men grievously wounding himself also : Wherefore , Basta sent over Ratzians and Walloons , who spoiled the Islanders of what the Rebels had left them . The Turks before Strigonium battering St. Thomas Fort for almost 3 weeks together , had with great charge and loss of men made it saultable : and Septemb. 24. swarming up up the Hill , furiously assaulted it for 5 hours , with invincible courage by the Christians endured , many valiant ones falling on both sides , for they came to handy-blows even in the Breaches : thrice were the Turks forced to retire , and still brought on again ; so at last 900 Christians 〈◊〉 slain , with Count Oetingen their Chieftain , and his Lievt . mortally wounded : the Turks entered the Fort , slaying those few whom they found yet breathing ; and whence they carried certain great pieces to help batter the City ; and planting 30 great pieces against the Low or Water-Town , they most terribly battered it , which being environed with a Palisado of Wood , the Turks by firing brush-Faggots , stuffed with powder and brimstone , burnt down , making their way even to the Walls : which they incessantly battered till they had made a large Breach : and then not regarding the showers of Bullets , matched hand to hand : the Janizaries especially had undertaken this service , who with their great Musquets cruelly gauled the Defendants : the great Bassa was also present at the assault , encouraging his Souldiers with terrour and comfort ; the fight was 〈◊〉 and terrible , few Bullets falling in vain among such a multitude : howbeit , after 4 attempts , most of the Christians being slain , the Turks forced the rest , and gained the Breach , 〈◊〉 both dead Turks and Christians under 〈◊〉 to get into the City . Which won ; and those that were left , put to the Sword , and the Town rifled ; the Turks attempted the High-Town , hoping in so great confusion of the Defendants , to have carried that also ; yet were they at present notably repulsed : Wherefore , underminining it , their Mines in few dayes perfected , violently blew up Walls , Men , &c. smothering and burning many : which Breaches so made , that the Christians could not shew themselves without danger of their lives , the Turks forthwith came to the assault : whom the Christian Captains preparing to withstand , found their Souldiers , as 〈◊〉 at his most need found his , not willing in any wise to sight , so that none would come nigh the Walls : yet the Captains prayed , exhorted , and sometimes threatned them with death , to stir them up , but all in vain : during which time , the Turks had without any great resistance gained the foot of the Breach ; Whereupon , the cowardly Souldiers compassing in 〈◊〉 Dampierre the Governor , would by reasons have perswaded him to yield , and by threats have feared him from further resistance : Howbeit , he enraged , continued firmly resolved , his courage 〈◊〉 in this mutinous storm ; and by divers Expressions minded them of their Duties , and perswaded them : saying , For his part , he was resolved rather there to die with Honour , than to be beholden to his Enemies for an infamous and miserable life : Wherefore , he besought them to follow him in this 〈◊〉 Action , carrying with it 〈◊〉 the Trophies of their precedent Ones , who had oft assisted him in many actions of less worth , and much more dangerous . But these Degenerate Souldiers , stood with their hands behind them , without any Weapons in them : and the while , some of them conceived their cowardly requests and reasons thereof into writing , which they sent to the Governour ; which he having read , tore in pieces in their fight , and 〈◊〉 under his feet , going himself to the Breach with some few to defend it , but they now threatned to deliver him with the place , to the Enemy to save their lives , if he would not by Treaty save them from those eminent perils : who being deaf to their requests or threats , they laying hands upon him , put him in prison , & then craved parley with the Bassa who sending in Haly Bassa ; it was soon agreed , they to yield up the place , upon safe departurewhither they would , with bag & baggage , Ensignes frilled up , and fire in their matches , leaving behind them all their Ordnance & Warlike provision : Which Composition , was now by the Turks faithfully kept , among many other-like , before by them broken ; for it being yielded Octob. the 3d. they safely conducted these Cowards within a League of Comara , helping them to carry their sick and wounded , with their Fardels : which the Turks oft carried upon their own shoulders : their Governour was also sent out with them . Many Inhabitants who had there dwelt , by leave remained there still , the rest which would not , might depart whither they would . Thus famous Strigonium , holden 10 years and one month by the Christians , fell again into the power of the Turks . These base Souldiers ( with their Governour ) come to Comara , were spoiled of Honour and Arms , and sent back to Presburg ; where being detested of all , and chiefly of the revolted Hungarians themselves , the chief of them were imprisoned , and after some time convicted of great damnifying Treason ; for which they were , according to the quality of their offences diversly 〈◊〉 : Capt. Schleker , having his right hand cut off , & his tongue drawn out at his neck , and both nailed to the gallowes , was to be hanged ; yet , through the intercession of many , he was beheaded : 5 other Captains , were to have their right-hands cut off and nailed to the gallows , and then to be hanged ; but by the intercession of Count Mansfield , their hands were not cut off : another was to be quartered alive , but by the Count's intercession , beheaded , & then quartered : 12 others were only hanged : another , was to serve as a common Souldier 2 years without pay , but by Mansfield's means , one year was pardoned : divers others who fled , or stayed still at Strigonium , had their names set on the gallows : and being caught , some to be quartered , others hands to be cut off , & nailed to the gallows , & then hanged . But , as the Sultan received the pleasing news of the winning of Strigonium in Hungary : so also , the melancholly report , of the overthrow of his great Armies in Asia , with the loss of Damasco , the greatest City in Syria ; for first , The King of Persia , invaded by Cicala , and hearing that the Bassa of Caramania , was with all speed to 〈◊〉 to him with a great supply of Souldiers , presently with a puissant Army , set forward against Cicala , & by his unexpected coming , overthrew him , and took all his Ordnance : Cicala with 300 Souldiers with much ado , escaping to Adena , which City , the Persian shortly after straitly besieged : upon which news , Achmat forthwith wrote to the Bassa of Trebesond , speedily to ayd Cicala , who with a great Army set forward : Whereupon Cicala , being with 10 trusty Souldiers secretly by night let down over the walls came to the Bassa , keeping on his way with him , to joyn Battel with the King as nigh the City as he could , for he had ordered , that so soon as they perceived the Battel to be joined , to sally out upon the backs of the Persians : which the King doubting , left one part of his Army to continue the siege , & went himself with the other to meet the Bassa , & falling upon him before he could put his men in 〈◊〉 , made of the Turks such an exceeding slaughter , that few escaped : Cicala but with 2 or 3 , much 〈◊〉 escaping in a small Boat over the River : after which , the 〈◊〉 returning to the siege , after many sharp & great assaults , and many men lost on both sides , Adena was yielded to his mercy . Hereupon , Achmat enraged , 〈◊〉 Cicala's 〈◊〉 at Constantinople , full of treasure & wealth to be 〈◊〉 yet shortly after , he delivered great summs of mony , and raised new Forces for renewing of the Persian war : Whereunto , many Janizaries being appointed , they mutined : saying , They would not stir one foot , except they were payed before-hand , & assured to have their wages encreased : grievously complaining , that the Bassa of Damasco , the Sultan's Treasurer , converting the Treasures to his own use , did not pay the Souldiers their due : To appease which tumult , the Sultan caused the same Bassa to be beheaded . The Bassa's of Damasco & Aleppo long agreed not , after the aforesaid reconciliation ; he of Damasco , continuing faithfull in his Allegiance ; th' other of Aleppo secretly enclining to Rebellion : against whom , he of Damasco , with those of Tripolis and Gazare , went with 60000 good men , purposing to besiege him in his City Aleppo ; but , he having very soon raised 30000 valiant men , ready chearfully to follow him , went & joyned battel with them : which was fought with great fury & hideous noise for a great while : howbeit , at last , the lone Bassa overcame the other 〈◊〉 and put them to flight , & eagerly pursuing them , besieged Tripolis , whose Bassa fleeing thence with all his Treasures into Cyprus , he of Aleppo easily took & ransackt the same , and forthwith besieged Damasco ; whither the Bassa of Tripolis being coming with another great Army to raise the siege , the Bassa of Aleppo with most of his Army meeting him , again overthrew and put him to flight . Whereupon , the besieged dismayed , upon certain Capitulations yielded to him the City ; Who , there seizing upon great Treasure of the Turks Tributes , resolved thereby to make himself master of all Syria ; giving free passage to all Persian and Indian Merchants unto Damasco . In the mean time , the Beglerbeg of Natolia , sending his Lievtenant with a great Army against him , he marched towards his Enemies : and in two dayes space had taken all passages whereby he might be distressed , and in the Straits of the Mountains , layed 2000 Harquebusiers and 3000 Horse in Ambush ; who , the Enemies being passed , & he charging them 〈◊〉 , set upon them in the Reare : so that they having lost a number of men in a great fight , fled . He also intercepted a Ship cast by weather upon the Coast , laded with the Tributes of Aegypt , going to Constantinople ; so that the Persian King , sought to joyn in amity with him , highly commending his valiant acts , and sending him a Pistoll , Helmet , and Target , set with gems , esteemed worth 50000 Crowns : This Rebel spread into Caramania , & so further & further ; wherefore the Sultan commanded the Visier Bassa , then in Hungary ( now Strigonium was taken ) upon reasonable conditions , to conclude a peace , that he might forthwith after , turn his Forces against the Persians , and Asian Rebels . But in Hungary , 〈◊〉 being long besieged by the Rebels and Turks , most of that Garrison were slain , and the rest grievously wounded : of which strong Town , the Turks were , for its commodious scituation , very desirous , and the Rebels as unwilling , because it being once in their hand , would scarce be ever recovered from them : 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , a Captain Hungarian Rebel , by Letters , requested of 〈◊〉 , that the Town might be delivered to 〈◊〉 , another Hungarian-Rebel , lest the Turks should get it by force : assuring him , upon the peril of his life , and confiscation of all his goods , that upon a reconciliation , made betwixt the Emperour , and the Hungarians , he should deliver Newhuse into his possession ; 〈◊〉 the Town was yielded Octob. 17th , to Humanoius , and the Hungarians onely received in ; yet so , as that the 〈◊〉 there , yet left , might still stay in the Town in pay , and watch and ward with the rest . Wherefore , the Turks not a little discontented with the Hungarians , marched toward the siege at Strigonium : yet , few dayes after , the Hungarians turned the Germanes with their Captain S 〈◊〉 , out of the Town , conducting them to 〈◊〉 . At which time , they of Altexsol , not far from Newhuse , being long besieged by the Rebels ; and having but seven Horses left to eat , yielded themselves and Town to them : as did they of Wiglace , Shemnitz , and Kemnitz . Botscay the while , with a very great Army , came to Tyrna , about 16 miles from Vienna : a little before which , Humanoius had summoned Presburg , Botscay , also , now requiring i by Letters , or else threatning most straitly to besiege them : wherefore , Schonberg the Governour , doubting of the Faith of the Hungarian Citizens , retired with a good part of his Souldiers into the Castle , protesting , to spend life , and all he had , for its defence : whereat , the Citizens moved , continued firm ; so that 〈◊〉 forthwith removed to Pesth , where he was presented by the Visier , with a Crown of curious 〈◊〉 , 60000 Duckats , and 25 most goodly Horses ; and having full power from him , to treat and conclude of peace 〈◊〉 the Imperialls , Haly Bassa , and other Turks , being joyned with him , he went to Kirpa , to an Hungarian Assembly , there to be holden ; whither Forgat was come with the Emperours resolution , concerning the negotiation ; and the while , other Commissioners came to Comara , about a Treaty of peace with the Turks , who required it ; 〈◊〉 Collonitz then by Letters , advised the Arch-Duke , that ( if possible ) an attonement should be first made with the Rebels , and then peace concluded with the Turks , because he perceived the Turks not to desire peace , but onely by endeavouring to keep the Christians at 〈◊〉 , and in suspence , to do them harm , and 〈◊〉 good , which was afterwards found so to be . The Persian King , having sent three Embassadors to the Emperour , and they coming one after another , were all with peculiar Letters , dismissed from Prague , Novemb . 29 , congratulating with his successes against the 〈◊〉 , and desiring a perpetual and firm friendship , to be 〈◊〉 betwixt them , with a certain , secure , and free commerce , if the Persian King should extend his Victories unto the Sea : and that he had then appointed to send unto him , the famous Baron of Dohna ; but all things being ready for his Journey , he suddenly died , and would have sent another Embassador , had not the unexpected change of the Muscovite's affaires , otherwise disswaded him , he having no other way but that , who had yet no experience how the Prince there reigning stood affected . One of these Embassadors went into Poland , declaring to the King , the great affection of the Persian King towards him , requesting him to joyn with him in all friendship , &c. and then to take up Arms against the Turk , promising , that his Master should not lay down Arms , till he were utterly destroyed , so the Christian Princes would likewise impugne him . Such a Message was not before heard of in Poland , yet the Messenger was bountifully entertained , and with good words , put in hope of obtaining his request . But in Hungary the Turks and Rebels assembling at Hidweg , purposed to surprize the Impe ialls in their Camp , whereof they timely advertised , so received them at their coming , that after a small fight , they fled : whom the Imperials so 〈◊〉 towards Canisia , that they slew above 1000 , took about 200 , with 1500 Horse ; and , leaving sufficient Garrisons on that side of the Countrey , 〈◊〉 towards Vienna . Decemb. 6th , the Emperours Commissioners at Comara , receiving Letters from the Bassa of Buda , some of them next day , went by water thither ; where after much talk , they found little difficulty about a peace , onely the Turks said , they could determine nothing , without the 〈◊〉 and consent of the Hungarians ; so they returned full of hope to Comara , as did Forgat from Botscay , who being ready to go from Kirpay , 〈◊〉 Cassovia , gave power to Illishascius , for furtherance of the Treaty , who having Letters of safe conduct from the ARCH DUKE , went to 〈◊〉 about the end of December , where he talked an hour and half with the Arch-Duke , and every day after , conferred with the Councellors 4 houres ; at last , composing all differences touching the peace , except five Articles concerning freedom of Religion , in any wise required by the Hungarians . The Haiducks in Hungary , began the next year 1606 , with great harm in upper Hungary , tyrannizing upon all sorts of men ; and , giving divers assaults to divers Cities , were valiantly repulsed by the Polonians and Cossacks , 〈◊〉 Defendants ; yet did they no small harm to the Country-people : wherefore , the King of Poland , upon complaint , obtained by his Embassador to Botscay , that those 〈◊〉 should be recalled . Illishaschius had so well dealt in the Treaty of peace , that about the end of Jan. it should have been published at Vienna ; but that some chief Clergymen , would not consent to the free exercise of Religion to all , but onely to the Nobility : whereupon , the Hungarian Commissioners , being about to return greatly discontented , nothing being concluded , the Emperours Deputies at length , agreed , that the free Exercise , both of the reformed , as well as the Romish Religion , should be permitted to all men throughout Hungary , as it was in Maximilians and Ferdinand's time : concerning which point ; Letters were delivered to Illishascius ; all other points being put off to the Assembly of the States of Hungary , shortly to be holden at Presburg . About the beginning of March , the Spahi at Constantinople , requested of the Visier , that they might take up their Pension of the Husband men in the Countrey : which though he denied , as commanded by the Sultan , in few dayes , to pay every one in money ; yet they presumed to trouble the Countrey , and do the Farmers great harm : wherefore , the Sultan beheaded and hanged some of the chief leaders of them , drowning others , first bound in Chains , so striking no small fear into the other common Souldiers ; but the Rebellion in Asia encreasing , and those Rebels secretly favouring , and furthering the proceedings of the Persian , the Sultan forthwith , sent sent for the Visier , to go into Asia against them both , committing the while , the managing of the Warre in Hungary , unto his Lievtenant . March 18th , being appointed for the Turks and Emperours Commissioners , to meet at Rab , to further the peace , not past 50 Turks coming to the Gate , desired to be let in : whom the Christians being about to receive , a Sentinel ( it being a thick mist ) perceived 3000 more Turks , lurking thereby , and giving an Alarm , 〈◊〉 their treachery , who retired , the Ordnance being discharged after them . Next moneth , Messengers came from Eperia , to Vienna , declaring , that the City was now so , on every side , beset by the Rebels , that no provision could more come thereunto , by which meanes , they had lately obtained Tokay , where the Souldiers eating their shooes , and leather-Jerkins , had killed two Boyes to eat , and cast lots among themselves , which should be killed to eat : Ruber the Governour , was forced to yield , whom Botscay is said to have offered much money , &c. to take his part ; but he refused all , protesting even unto death , to abide faithful to the Emperour . About which time , 〈◊〉 wrote to a great man at Vienna , declaring , that Botscay , without the consent of the States of Hungary , could determine nothing of the peace , who had oft told him , rather than to submit to a forraign power , for ever to put themselves under Turkish protection ; yet he promised , that though he had got the great displeasure of the 〈◊〉 , he would yet seek by all meanes , to draw the States in their next Assembly unto him , whereby that which was concluded at Vienna , about Religion , should not be reversed ; for many ( he said ) feared that particular would not be performed : wherefore they would not be perswaded , from Turkish protection , till they were secured , both in their Religion , and ancient priviledges ; and that they would not endure a forraign Governour , with whom they could not talk , nor Clergy men to vote in civil affaires : therefore , he thought it very needful , for the Emperour herein to gratifie them : and that 〈◊〉 , being now left to Botscay , he should appoint such a Governour over Hungary , as those States should require ; for there was no hope of peace with the Turks , unless Botscay , and the States , undertook the Treaty , since they , by a shew of peace , were oft discovered , but to seek for their own advantages . But the Rebels seeing Illishachius labour so much about peace in scorn , called him Cripelishacius , as inclining too much to the Germanes ; which he took so ill , that he departed to Eperia , not purposing to be present at the next Assembly . But Botscay pacifying and recalling him , he there so notably spake to the States , that all began to hope and wish for peace , more than before . The Turks the while , assembling at Belgrade expected the end of this Treaty ; and Letters from the Sultan to Botscay , were also intercepted , advising him to joyn with his forces , and seize upon Austria , Bohemia , and 〈◊〉 ; for he could be content with Hungary and Transilvania , leaving the other Provinces unto Botscay : About which time , the Tartars were about to inroad into Polonia ; but when by often incursions , they had not a little troubled the Haiducks , they resolved thenceforth , to fight both against Turks and Tartars ; so that the Turks coming to assault Lippa , the Haiducks leaving the Town , fortified the Castle with men , and bestowing others in Caves and Cellars in the Town , layed much Gunpowder in the streets : the Turks entring unresisted , hasted to take the Castle ; but the while , the Powder taking fire , blew up a number of them , and those who lay hid , forthwith breaking out , made of the Turks a great slaughter , and so cleared the Town . The Estates of Austria ( considering their great harms , received both from the Rebels , and Emperours mutinous Souldiers , and no more to rely upon forrain protection , still to seek , when they had most need ) in a generall Assembly , agreed to have 2000 Horse , and 8000 Foot , alwayes in readiyess ; 50 Pesants 〈◊〉 one of those Souldiers . And much about this 〈◊〉 , Illishaschius , having Letters of safe conduct from the Arch-Duke , came again to Vienna , more largely to confer with the Emperours Deputies , upon the Articles of peace : where he was so crossed by the Bishop of Vienna , in respect of the Article about liberty of Religion , that there was no hope of a conclusion , while he was 〈◊〉 in Councel : wherefore , he was in the Arch-Dukes name , willed no more to come into the Councel . So Illishaschius , having travelled to and fro , betwixt the Arch-Duke and Botscay , with the States of Hungary , and debated the matter ; for a full conclusion , himself , with Humanoius , and divers others with their Train , came to Vienna Septemb. 7th , and shortly after , the Treaty was earnestly begun , with often Messengers betwixt Vienna and Cassovia , to Botscay , then dangerously sick , till all the Articles of peace , were near about Septemb. 14th , agreed on , most difference arising about that of Religion ; for the Hungarians bringing the word Religion , to a particularity , would have it set down , that men might freely exercise the Lutheran , Calvinian , and Romish Religion , without which , they would conclude no peace : which concluded , they next day sent to the Visier at Buda , certifying him of all , and requesting him , not yet to do any thing for disturbing of the peace . The 15 Articles were , 1. Every man in Hungary , to have freedom of his Religion , and believe what he would . 2. The Hungarians might choose a Palatine for their Governour ; and the while , the Arch Duke to use the Title of Viceroy . 3. That Crown to be still in the 〈◊〉 keeping . 4. The Hungarian Bishops nobly descended , and that had Lands of their own , to be admitted to Counsel , but the other not so . 5. Botscay and his Heires male , for eyer to hold Transilvania . 6. Transilvania to be still subject to Hungary . 7. Three Crowns , and three open Helmets , to be for his Arms. 8. No more to style himself Prince , but Lord of part of Hungary . 9. Those to pay the Haiducks , who levied them . 10. All harms to be for ever forgotten . 11. Bohemia , Moravia , Silesia , Lausnicium , and Austria , not onely to seal to the Articles , but swear to keep them , so far as concerned them . 12. The Hungarians to send some to Vienna , in their behalf , to ratifie them also with their Letters , Seals , & Oaths . 13. The Assembly of the Hungarian-States , to be referred till a more fit time . 14. This agreement to be confirmed , and inrolled in the Records of Hungary . 15. The Hungarians might by Embassadors , invite the Princes of the Empire , to approve and confirm these Articles : which were subscribed by Commissioners on both sides . Septemb. 20 , Botscay and the Hungarian's Embassador , admitted to the Arch-Duke's presence , obtained of him , pardon for all the fore-passed Rebellion : to whom the Provinces also , gave 〈◊〉 , not to be troubled for the same ; but yet was the Title of Prince of Transilvania left to Botscay , for his life , whose sickness increasing , he would oft say , he could willingly die , so it might please God first to permit him to excuse himself of his Rebellion , before the whole Empire ; and about the end of September , the Commissioners on both sides , and certain Noblemen of the Empire , received every one , a fair Copy of the Articles of the peace , in Parchment , and then returned to their dwellings ; but 〈◊〉 , went to Newhuse , to be present at the peace to be made with the Turks also , whence he wrote to the Visier , requesting him , not yet to attempt any thing , but quietly to expect the Emperour's Commissioners , shortly to come unto him . But while this peace was in hand , some Tartars at Constantinople , firing a Jew's House , there was such a terrible fire , that not onely many Houses , but many Jewes were burnt also : the harm being valued at 4000000 Duckats : the Sultan also falling from his Horse , in the Tumult , was a while sick thereof . Also the Turks of Canisia , conspiring with a Captain of the lesser Comara , came to surprize it ; but the suspicious Garrison , suffering some to enter , shut the Gates , and killed them every one , the rest returning to Canisia . The Emperours Commissioners going to Comara , about a peace with the Turks , the Army followed them , lest they should be intercepted by the way : who carried with them , Solyman , the Bassa of Buda , and Aly Bassa , prisoners , apparelled in blew Silk , 6 Wagons , with Presents for the Sultan , following them , to 〈◊〉 , a most curious Clock , fair Pieces of Plate , 100000 Duckats , with divers rich things . But while they there stayed , Octob. 8th , when as a Hungarian Lutheran , was preaching in the Pulpit to the people , in the Suburbs , Buchem and Knevie , Captains , with certain of their Servants , above half drunk , rushing in with their drawn Swords , 〈◊〉 out the Preacher , Buchem's Trumpeter , discharging his Pistoll upon him : in which Tumult , divers Children were trod to death , and the rest put in great fear : at which insolency , Turson and Budian , Hungarian Commissioners , would next day have departed from Comara , being hardly entreated by Mollart , and Collonitz , to stay . Buchem and Knevie , being bound to their appearance , and the Trumpeter with Irons , clapt in prison ; but when fame had made the Report hereof at Newhuse , much more than it was , as that 150 were slain , Illishaschius and others , had much adoe to appease the tumult there : the Huugarians determining to joyn with some Turks and Haiducks , and so by night , to invade Comara , had not grave Pogranius the elder , coming thence , and declaring the whole matter , appeased them ; but since the said Captains , were fled by night to Vienna , the Hungarians were very earnest , to have them severely punished , as breakers of the first Article of the peace . Botscay , the while , beheaded Catayus his Chancellour , who went about to poyson him , in hope of the Princedom of Transilvania , placing Janusy in his stead , and giving him his Lands . Caesar Galen , with some other Captains , being now appointed to finde out some commodious and secure place for the Turks , Emperours , and Hungarians Commissioners to meet in , at length made choice of three Islands , encompassed with the arms of Danubius , whereinto they might freely passe over one to another , to treat of their affaires , as occasions required ; and being all thus apart , arrived in the Islands , toward the end of Octob. and first by themselves , then mutually consulting and conferring , Novemb. 19th , the peace was betwixt all parties fully agreed upon , and Hostages with solemn Oaths and promises , given for the inviolate keeping of the same : the Articles were , 1. The Emperour and great Sultan , in all their Letters , &c. to style themselves onely Father and Sonne , the Emperour , Father ( for his years ) and the Sultan's Sonne . 2. To take on them , onely the name of Emperours , in the beginning of their Letters . 3. They to take order , that Hungary and Austria , might be assured in full peace and tranquillity . 4. The King of Spain , might enter into this peace , without let . 5. The Tartars , and all others , to be comprized herein , so to be disarmed , and the Hungarians assured from their injuries . 6. Each party to forbear all acts of Hostility against each other , yet to have power to pursue Theeves and Robbers , &c. and to give notice of them , and cause them to recompence the wrongs done . 7. All strong Holds to be unattempted , any way , by either party ; and also , the Goods and Families of their Subjects ; Botscay holding all , granted him by the Treaty of 〈◊〉 . 8. All prisoners taken , to be freed , chiefly , those taken in places , which they sought to defend ; others by exchange or ransom , as should be most expedient . 9. All Controversies be hither , and beyond Danubius , to be ended by the Governour of Rab , the Bassa of Buda , the Governour of Sclavonia , and those else-where ; but if for their importance , they could not compose them , to be decided by the 2 Emperours : also , that both parties might restore ruined places , but not build new ones , prejudicial to either . 10. Amurath , the Visier , to send Presents to the arch-Duke Matthias , and the Emperour to send 200000 Duckats , to the Sultan ; and the Sultan also to send great and rich Presents to the Emperour . 11. This peace to begin in 1607 , and remain for 20 years ; and every third year , the Emperours to send one another , honourable and rich Presents , according to their pleasure and power . 12. The Emperours and Sultan's Successors , with all their Kinsmen , Allies , &c. to be included in this agreement : as also , those of the Kingdom of Hungary . 13. The Christians to have Vacia , which they should fortifie at pleasure ; but Strigonium , with all Villages belonging , to remain to the Sultan , yet none to pay any new Tribute ; and those who had been free , so to remain . 14. The Turks not to exact their Tributes by the Sword , but by Justice , except it should be presumptuously denied , or too long deferred from payment , and then both sides might use what meanes they thought good to obtain the same . For these Articles of peace , all the Towns of Hungary , made great joy and triumph : The Commissioners also , in token of joy , magnificently feasted one another , which the Turks began , giving unto nine of the Emperours Commissioners couragious Horses , gallantly furnished , and to the rest , very rich Garments , and Tapstry-hangings : And Alla Bassa , to declare his great pleasure received by the sallies and vollies of shot given by Mansfield's Troop , at the time of the Feast , sent the Captain 200 Duckats , which he refused , requesting instead thereof , a Captain then a prisoner with the Turks , whom the Bassa delivering , sent back also those Duckats for the Souldiers , which yet Mansfield sent back again . Every man going home well pleased , the Bassa of Buda , forthwith sent to Constantinople , to certifie the Sultan , of the peace made , who with many Janizaries , and others , went to the Temple , to give his Mahomet thanks , spending next day , with great sport and pleasure , purposing thenceforth , to turn all his force against the Rebels in Asia , and the Persian . Now for all the aforesaid peace at Vienna , divers stirs were raised by the Haiducks in upper Hungary , so that the Inhabitants of Bocotsie , were forced to fight with them , a number being slain on both sides , and three Villages burnt about the end of November : Decemb. 13th , Botscay assembling , the States of Hungary propounded to their consideration , 1. That the late revolt , with all the troubles thereupon , had been onely for defence of their Religion , and ancient liberty : then , whereas they had chose him for their Prince , who had hitherto done nothing , without their consent ; and that now by their consent , he was ready to depart from the Castles and free Cities of upper Hungary , and had sent to Matthias , to send his Deputies to receive them , whether he should relinquish the Title of Prince , or not ; and for avoiding further troubles , he would , a Decree to be made , that all injuries should be forgiven , and forgotten , and every man still to hold all such goods , during the late Warre : wishing them also in the next generall Assembly , with all their power , to urge the repealing of the Article , about burning of Hereticks ; and all other Articles against their Religion , and not to remit any thing about the choyce of their Palatine , as formerly ; nor to neglect any thing , seeming to concern their priviledges and liberty : wherefore , they should be careful to send thither , men as should not be easily overcome , with the clamours of the contrary part : also , how a sincere confederation might be made betwixt Hungary and Transilvania , that a safe Commerce might be used . Which done , 〈◊〉 sickness increasing , he died at Cassovia Decemb. 30. 1606 , to the great grief of all in general , who had him in great regard . Before his death , he perswaded 〈◊〉 , not to raise new stirs , or in what he could , suffer any to be raised ; yet some presently after his death , were about to raise new forces to seize upon Transilvania : wherefore Matthias , sent forthwith to the States of upper Hungary , advising them , that considering the great miseries there lately endured , &c. thenceforth , to give themselves to quietness , and not again to prescribe the Emperour what to do , or how to dispose of Transilvania : assuring them , he would forthwith , turn all his power , to the utter destruction , and rooting out such rebellious and seditious persons : by which warning , some else ready enough to disturb , kept themselves quiet . Many marvelled , that the Emperour would make peace with the Sultan , he being so troubled with his own Rebels , and the Persian King in Asia : indeed , time then well served for the Emperour , not onely to have holden his owne ( which he did not ) in Hungary , but also to recover some good part of his losses there received ; but what availeth opportunity , without power ? for the revolted Hungarians , then taking part with the Turks , and they with them , and he with his own power , not able to hold the Field against them , or well to maintain a defensive Warre ; and his friends and Allies then at his most need , failing him also , what should he in such a case do , but as he did ? Now Botscay , was no sooner dead , but some other Hungarian and Transilvanian Nobles , began divers ways , to aspire to that Principality under hand , as not fearing the arch-Dukes great words : wherefore , some of the Nobility of Transilvania , assembling at Claudianople , Feb. 12th 1607 , chose Sigismund Ragotsie , for their Prince , binding themselves unto him , by the Oath of their allegiance ; and then sent Messengers to the arch-Duke , to excuse themselves thereof , who at Presburg , March 12th , openly protested Ragotsies Election , was not ; because they were about to rebel ( for they would always acknowledge the Emperour for their Soveraign ) but so many Nobles gaping after that Principality , necessitating the same ; yet Ragotsie , doubting of his ability , without great trouble and danger , besides the Emperours displeasure to hold it ; about a year after , giving it up , got away to Sarentum , and straight way Gabriel Bathor , was about to step up in his place : to whom , the States sent word by two Noblemen , that the free choice of the Prince , belonged to them : wherefore , he should not seek to intrude by force , but quietly to come to the Election , with not above 1000 Horse , and 500 Foot. About which time , Newhuse was again delivered to Sigefrid Collonitz , for the Emperour , who coming to 〈◊〉 , told of a number of rebellious Turks at Belgrade , who rifled it ; and burning down Alischria to the ground , went over to the Rebels ; and that Redeius , going to take possession of some Lands Botscay gave him , was slain by his Tenants , waiting for him upon a strait passage . The Emperours Embassador , deferring to set forward with the Presents to Constantinople , the Turks and Tartars began to roam abroad , into the Christians Territories , and caused the Pledges of the peace at Buda , to be hardly used , and clapt fast in prison , whom the Bassa soon suffering a little to walk abroad , the Janizaries tumulting , had almost slain him with stones , and with many reproaches , called him Traytor ; and wounding grievously one of the pledges : wherefore , the Bassa next night , had some of them secretly taken , and cast bound into Danubius : yet shortly after , purposing to make an inroad , to colour their harms , they caused the Bassa of Buda , to write to the arch Duke , of great wrongs done by the Christians , when as there was no such thing at all . The Sultan desirous , first to appease his troubles at home , before he further dealt with the Persian , sent a 〈◊〉 to the Bassa of Aleppo , to lay down Arms , and deliver over his charge , to whom he had appointed it , promising hereupon , to pardon him of all past , and to receive him into favour : who answered , he never took up Arms against him , but to be revenged of the Bassaes of Damasco and Tripolis , his sworn Enemies , who taken out of the way , he would both yield himself unto him , and re-deliver the Tribute sent out of Aegypt ; and if he pleased to employ him , to bring great forces against the Persian . The Sultan not contented , sent the Visier with a great Army against the Asian Rebels : who by wisdom and discretion , more than by force , appeasing those in lesser Asia , with 130000 men , marched towards Aleppo , whose Bassa with 40000 men ( most Harquebusiers ) in a place of advantage , but two miles from the City , in three notable Battels , withstood his whole forces ; but preparing for a fourth encounter , and hearing of great ayd coming from the Bassaes of Damasco and Tripolis , he speedily retired into the City , and trussing up his Treasure , &c. fled into the Mountains , towards Persia , most of his Army being left following him : after which , the Visier taking Aleppo by force , put all the Garrison-Souldiers to the Sword. But the Bassa forsaken by many of his former friends , by Letters requested the Visier , to write for him to the Sultan , if possible to procure his peace : which easily obtained , the Sultan by Letters sent for him to Constantinople , assuring him of being employed against the Persian ; so the Bassa there arriving with 100 Horse , before many Bassaes humbled himself to the Sultan , who both pardoned him , and for his ancient descent , great valour , and fair conditions , took him into favour , and restored him all his goods . The Sultan ( the mean while ) had by the Tartar Cham , in vain sought for peace with the Persian King ; for he demanded the restoring of Tauris , with all Provinces taken from him by the Persians , which he utterly denied , as formerly belonging to his Ancestors : then also , the Persian King , wrote to the King of Spain , to this effect ; though they were divided in Religion , yet in power and hatred against the Othoman Empire , conjoyned ; and considering , he was become his powerful Neighbour in the East , he most entirely loved him : wherefore , he had commanded all his Provinces in India , and thereabouts , to be wholly courteous to his Subjects , demanding no Tribute of them ; and he having recovered the 〈◊〉 of Aden ; had appointed it to the service of the Spanish Governour of 〈◊〉 : that all Christians dwelling in his Kingdom , should enjoy the same priviledges which his own Subjects had ; and that he had for seven years , warred against the Turks , who by Treason , had taken from him that strong Town 〈◊〉 ; for recovery whereof , he had divers times overthrown his Armies : but , since he resolved not to cease , till he had driven them out of those parts , and recovered the seat of Ismael , and Juchell in Babylon and Caire , he requested him to confederate with him , and send his dreadful Fleet into the Persian Gulf , whereby he could easily become Lord of Syria and Aegypt . Then he reckons up the Presents he sent him : the Images of Ismael , Juchel , and Jonas , with his own , in gold , and set with most rich Stones , and Pearls , a writing Table , garnished with fair precious Stones , four Doggs , naturally spotted with red , yellow , and blew : two pieces of Arras , adorned with most precious Stones and Pearl , wherein were Tamerlane's acts lively to be seen , four Hunters Horns , very smooth and richly garnished : twelve most gallant Plumes of feathers of divers sorts , six drinking-Glasses , not to be broken ; and Couch-Beds , like unto Chaires , having the ancient Warres between Ascanius and Chiusa , King of the Medes . The Emperour , in August , calling together the Hungarian States to Presburg they long expecting the coming of the arch-Duke , appointed President in that Assembly , were about to return home , in the beginning of September ; but they were content , by the arch-Bishops Request , to stay 15 dayes more , and no longer ; for the Tartars having requested a place in the Borders of Hungary to dwell in , they desired much , that Parliament to be adjourned , for their more timely preventing of their designs ; and the Turks ( the while ) hoping the peace would not long hold , came so to Buda , that Tents were set up for them , to lay in within the City ; for the Bassa , would have none set up in the Fields , lest the Christians should suspect them to be about raising of an Army . But the arch-Duke not coming , the States wrote a solemn Protestation , before the Chapter of the Cathedrall , that they departed from Presburg , not upon discontent , or contumacy , but for want of necessaries , and other their urgencies ; yet if the Emperour should call another Parliament , they would be ready upon summons , to return and consult of all things good for the Commonweale ; so nothing were propounded , contrary to the Articles of Vienna : against which , they would ratifie nothing , though by the Emperour allowed . Which Protestation , they requested to have registred , sealed with the Chapters Seal . After whose departure , the Haiducks most discontented with this general peace , began to raise new stirs , craving ayd of the Turks and Tartars , and not of their now loyal Countreymen ; and a number of them flocking to Buda , the Bassa with other Commanders , consulted what to do with these fit instruments , for disturbing of the peace : so he wrote to them of Comara , except they better kept the Articles , they should shortly hear of new matters ; but , the while , the Sultan writing to the Bassa , that though the Christians were said to increase their strength , yet he to attempt nothing against them , till they proceeded to open force , &c. the Turks again departed from Buda ; most of their Ordnance , brought from Sigeth , being carried back . But the States of Hungary assembling again Octob. 14th , at Presburg , decreed , Tockay to be rejoyned to their jurisdiction : the Ordnance in all free Cities , to be carried to places whereto they belonged : the Vayuod of Transilvania , to be warned , not to seperate that from Hungary , and the Bassa of Buda , to keep his Turks within their own bounds : also the Hungarian Nobility , with all their force , to repress the Haiducks , and all other enemies ; yet the Haiducks more insolent than before , took some Forts , spoiling many places with fire and sword , and making the people swear to be friends to the Turks , and enemies to the Germanes and Walloons ; and demanding of Botscay's Crown , to crown him , or some other , for their King : who sent them word , he would not accept of that dignity , but abide faithful to the Emperour ; but when the States were about to go against them , they were deterred by the Bassa of Agria , threatning with his Turks and Tartars , to take their parts . About which time , six hundred Haiducks being not let into St. Andrews Castle , as they desired , openly professed themselves , the great Sultans Servants ; and marching to Budnoc , they took it by force , and ransackt it : then running out still for booty , Humanoius waiting for them in a strait , slew them almost all , and sent two of their Ensigns to Vienna , and empaled some of them on stakes at Cassovia : wherefore , some other Haiducks , lighting on two of the Captains that had escaped , for the ill leading of their fellows , hanged one , and hewed the other all to pieces . Some of the prisoners reported , this new Rebellion to be procured by the Bassaes of Buda and Agria , who promised them all help : the truth whereof , was shortly confirmed ; for , Novemb. 27 , almost 15000 Haiducks , receiving of the Sultan 300000 Duckats , straitly besieged Filek ; the Turks of Agria , sending them Ordnance , whom they promised all places they should win : yet Bosnias , Captain of Filek-Castle , with his Germanes , so repulsed them , and the winter weather , was so extream , that they departed . About the beginning of Novem was a great fire at Constantinople , burning almost five hundred Shops , with many other fair Buildings , the losse was valued at above two millions of Gold. At the time of the Assembly at Presburg , the Emperour appointing another of the States and Nobles of Austria , at Vienna : certain Articles were propounded , tending to the securing of Austria and Vienna , against the Turks : also how the too much inhauncing the value of money , might be restrained , that good orders might be kept , the Countrey cleared from the robberies of stragling Souldiers : the counterfeit Hungarian , and Polonian money , to be prohibited : good orders to be taken , for staying the Plague , then beginning in many places of Austria ; but when those States assembled , complained , all that Countrey , with long Warres , the Rebels incursions , outrages of mutinous Souldiers , to be almost exhausted , all was to a further time deferred , and the Assembly broken up . Also at the same time , the Emperour appointed a Diet of Empire at Ratisbone : Ferdinand , the arch-Duke of Austria , being chief in his place , where Ortelius the Emperours Secretary , notably setting forth his love and affection towards the Electors , Princes and States , and why himself could not be present with them , he propounded five Articles for them , chiefly to consider of , 1. How the Empire might be preserved against Turkish violence , and the dangerous rebellions through them stirred up in Hungary , &c. 2. About the correcting and reforming of the administration of Justice , in the Imperial Chamber . 3. About the long Warres in the low Countries ( a Member and see of the Empire ) and the inconveniency thereof , redounding to the Empire : he having also heard , that in the Treaty of peace , the confederate Princes were now acknowledged a free State. 4. Concerning the daily raising of Coyn. 5. About the perfecting the matriculer of the Empire , for the giving unto every man his due . About the order of the consideration of which Articles , there fell a great Controversie amongst the Deputies of the Princes : and Jan. 22 , 1608 , a Writing by the Emperours , was read unto them , of the combination of the Turks , with the rebellious Haiducks : these having especially conspired the destruction of the Germanes , confirming that League , by drinking of an health : wherefore , it was requested , that they would turn their Consultations , unto the first Article , and resolve , how ayd might be sent against the Emperour's enemies ; but when in their often meetings , nought could be concluded , for the different opinions , betwixt the Protestants and Catholiques , ( the first , labouring first for reformation of Justice , and confirming of the peace of Religion : and the second , first for considera ion of Contribution , to be given against the enemies in Hungary . ) Ferdinand , calling them together , by Letters declared the Emperours great grief , for the protracting of the Articles , and had requested the Protestants , to 〈◊〉 leave of their Superiors , by Letters , first to determine some certainty about the first Article : howbeit , this prevailed nothing ; so that he , out of hope of concluding any thing , May 5th , dismissed the Assembly , all being left undeceived . Matthias , the arch-Duke , came the while , with a 〈◊〉 Train to Presburg , welcomed by the Bishop of Rab , with an eloquent Oration , before some Hungarian Nobles , who went as far as Hainburg , to meet him with much joy . Next day , the Arch Bishop and Cardinall of Strigonium , with a notable Train , came to Presburg , who in the Castle , conferred with the arch Duke , of many things to be consulted of . In the mean time , Illishachius arrived there also , honourably attended : so the chief States being come , the Consultation began , Jan. 23 , where the Arch Bishop , propounding what they were chiefly to consider of , they answered , The Haiducks determined , not a whit to depart from the last years Articles , agreed on at Vienna : to confirm which , was alone necessary , to appease the Tumults of the Haiducks : from which , the Hungarians being not to be removed , and also grieved at the scoffing of some of the Clergy , were about to depart , protesting themselves guiltless of such harms , as should afterwards ensue : it was agreed , the whole matter to be decided by 10 Hungarian Councellors , and 10 of those of Austria : who meeting in Illishaschius's 〈◊〉 , Jan. 28 , they concluded , that for the peace sake of Hungary and Austria , those Articles which could be agreed on at Vienna , being quite left off , those which were agreed on , should be still 〈◊〉 observed and kept : which thing , the Commissioners of Austria , by a special writing there , confirmed unto the Hungarians , declaring the Reasons thereof , and promising to the Hungarians , to give ayd for defence of these Articles , being ready to give good reason thereof , before God , the Emperour , and all the House of Austria , as necessity should seem to require : hoping also , that the States of Hungary , would rest in , and observe fully , the said pacification , and be ready to give Austria , their like ayd against their Enemies : so Letters of confederation , were , in Matthias's name , and of both the Ecclesiasticall and civil States of Hungary and Austria , written , concluding , that if hereafter , any detriment or Warre , should be by any made , to the Hungarians , or thereabout , for the said Articles , they would with united Forces , come to ayd their confederate Brethren , and live or die together : which being signed and sealed , Febr. 1 , Illishaschius and Turson , were sent to the tumultuous Haiducks , who had appointed to send to the Sultan , and Tartar Cham , to crave their ayd , disswading them there-from , & perswading them to quietness , and threatning them to be at once oppressed by the Power of the States , if they would not hearken to such honest conditions . Matthias returning to Vienna , assembled the States of Enseric , declaring all that was done at Presburg , advising them so carefully , to provide for the Common-weale , as that having money alwayes in readiness , they might go to meet with the Haiducks , if they would not conform to the Articles , but raise new broils . About Spring , Jerome Prince of Valachia , being dead , and leaving a Son , but 13 years old , the Emperour admitted him under Tutors unto the succession : wherefore , the Valachians trusting to the Turks help , went to choose another Prince ; but the Widow , certifying Polloscie her Son in Law hereof , obtaining much money of him , and raising 10000 good Souldiers , overcame the Valachians and Turks , and so preserved that Principality for her Sonne . The Duke of Florence , having hitherto done the Turks great harm , in the Mediterranean Sea , the Sultan sent , and promised him great matters , hereafter to desist ; but the Duke increasing his Fleet , did more harm than before . Now though Illishaschius and Turson , had delivered to the Haiducks , the Articles , and commanded them to be quiet , yet they living by their Swords , could not endure to fall to labour : wherefore , they about Gimerit , wrote to them about Newsoli , that since they being divers times certified of the misery of their Neighbours , had refused to ayd them ; yet they should now remember , how needful it was mutually to help each other ; for the Haiducks passing over Teise , were run into that Province , as far as Budnoc , minding to spoil all the Countrey , if not speedily encountred ; and the rather , because they lately had 30000 Hungarian Duckats from the Turks , whom they owned their Lords , with Horses , and other gifts for their leaders , and daily expected ayd from the numerous Tartars about Belgrade : so , since the harm , the Haiducks did , was inexpressible , they should inform their Neighbours , and , with all speed , take up Arms against them . About the end of March , Matthias the arch-Duke , proclaimed throughout Austria , every man to provide , to take up Arms ; joyning this Reason , that he intended himself , to go in April , into Moravia , and there to assemble both Hungarians , Austrians , and Haiducks , for a Warre : writing also , to the Vassals of Austria , that whereas they knew the States of ENSERIC , had approved of their Deputies report of what was decreed at PRESBuRG ; yet some did not onely not rest upon that pacification , but gathered an Army in the Borders of Moravia , purposing to inroad both into Moravia , and Austria ; wherefore the States of Moravia , also were forced to raise an Army , and crave help of their Neighbours ; and therefore the arch-Duke , mindful of his promise , resolved in person , to undertake this expedition , that the States also should with their Servants , joyn unto him ; that God , in whose name it was to be taken in hand , might soon grant unto those Countries , wished peace : wherefore , they were to be warned , with what Horse and Foot , they could raise at a day , to be shortly named , to joyn to the arch-Duke , and not suffer any thing to let them . So that if any thing should happen to their Generall , yet to send their Forces under some other , seeing he adventured his own life and fortunes ; and if God saw good , accounted it great gain to lose them , thereby to benefit his Countrey . A little after which time , the Cardinall brought the Emperour's answer to Vienna , that he did 〈◊〉 all things concluded with the Hungarians , and Turks , but the Confederation betwixt the States of Hungary and Austria , should be void : which , the Arch Duke protesting he could not like of , or suffer , April 15th , with a great many chief-ones , and a good Army , set forward with 28 Ordnance , expecting his Souldiers , levied in all places , at Newberg , and declaring , that none should be harmed by his Army ; or , if any chanced to be done , it should be restored , and recompensed . Hereupon , the Nobility of Bohemia , began to assemble , April 15th : whither , when the Deputies of the other Countries were come also , it was decreed , that they should speedily return , and provide themselves and Subjects of necessary Arms , to defend their Countrey , as need required ; besides , the Emperour caused many Horse and Foot to be brought to Prague , and April 18 〈◊〉 , wrote to some Princes of the Empire , and others of Bohemia , 〈◊〉 all speed to send him ayd to Prague . But Matthias the while , marching on with 20000 Horse and Foot , April 24 , came to Zname in Moravia , honourably received by those States , comne thither with 400 Horse : Thence sending Letters into Bohemia and to Prague , he requested them to send Deputies to the Assembly , to be at Zaslavia , May 4th , promising , that himself would there give a reason of his actions , and what he would do hereafter : he also wrote to the Princes of the Empire , shewing the cause of this his expedition , and sending a Copy of the agreement at Vienna , April 25 , 1606 , by the consent of the Arch-Duke , requesting them friendlily , not to intermeddle in this business ; but rather by Counsel and ayd , to further it . But the Emperour , sent the Popes Embassador , with others laying at Prague , and sundry Bohemian Ministers to Matthias , still at Zname , whom , the Cardinall next day followed , to make a good peace with him , if possible : the Emperour the while , calling the Councellors of old and new Prague , in unwonted manner , most courceously received them with his own hand , and thanked them for their fidelity hitherto , requesting them hereafter , so to continue , promising them all kindness , with the priviledges of shutting of the Gates which they lost in Ferdinana's time ; and ere long , there was a Generall Muster , both in Prague , and throughout all Bohemia , and 300 Musquetiers , appointed to keep the Castle under Count Solmes , who had Commission to raise other Souldiers also . Then was it certainly reported from Constantinople , that the Tartar Cham died and the Sultan to have caused his Sonne , hitherto detained as a Pledge , to be with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 transported over the black Sea , to possess his Fathers Kingdom . Also , that some seditious Turks , going to surprize Smyrna , and forraging far and near about it , came to Magnesia , whose 〈◊〉 offered them 10000 Crowns to spare the Countrey thereabouts . The Persian also then to do the Turk great harms , he Turks and Tartars seeking in vain to withstand him . The Electors of Saxonie and Brandenburg , coming to Prague , part of them May 9th , went to Matthias , to Zaslavia , where he lay with 25000 men ; who requesting 8 dayes truce of him , for making a pacification , easily obtained : chiefly , since those Electors , being bound 〈◊〉 , the Emperour , both for their Electorship , and in respect of Bohemia , they could not ( they said ) but send him present ayd : to which end , they had some thousands of Souldiers ready in their frontiers . About May 17th , Matthias marched towards Prague , with 18000 , Collonitz following him with the rest ; and though he had severely commanded his men not to rob , spoil , or burn , and had hanged some , headed others therefore ; yet some would be stragling sometimes , and doing harm , chiefly , the Hungarians , who ran out as far as the Emperour's Camp , and new Prague : whom yet , the Imperials , though 20000 strong , let alone , the Emperour so commanding : howbeit , some of them going too far abroad , were by the Country-men slain . May 23 , the States of Bohemia , were assembled at Prague , the Emperor being present : where they promised , to spend lives and goods in his quarrel ; yet requested divers things to be granted and confirmed , the chief whereof were , that Religion , according to the Confession of Bohemia and Augusta , should not be violated , and the Professors of either , not scoffe or despise each other : the arch-Bishop , not to meddle with civil affaires : that Protestants and Patrons of the University of Prague , should be joyned to the Consistory , as in Ferdinand's time : Political Office , not to be void above a moneth , to which men of both Religions , should be admitted : every man to enjoy his right , and no decree published against it : Every man to have access to the Emperour , and not all to be done by his Councellours : all men to know what was treason : a difference to be made bet 〈◊〉 offences , and none for a leight one to lose goods , life , and reputation : the suits of Widows , Orphans , and others to be expedited , and not from day to day deferred : the Father not to pay the Sonnes debt , which he ran into without his knowledge , but the Sonne himself : Lawyers which plead Causes , to be content with fees , by common decrees appointed them ; and in any wise , they requested the Emperour to ease them of these griefs , before compelled to answer to what was to be propounded in his behalf : most things he easily granted ; those which concerned Religion onely excepted , which were put off unto the next Assembly . About the end of May , Matthias's Embassadors came to Prague , upon safe conduct , who caused their charge to be read before the Councel out of a long writing , in the Bohemian Tongue : then being put aside , and a while after , called again , they were answered , That the points were of more weight , than to be sufficiently deliberated of so soon : wherefore , they thought meet , that Commissioners on both sides , meeting in open field , nigh Debritse , should consult there , of those Articles : who at length , accordingly , so wrought by often going to and fro , that the Emperour and arch Duke , were again made friends : the Articles of which pacification , were June 17th , openly read in the Castle of Prague ; according to the first whereof , the Crown of Hungary , with its Ornaments , as King Stephen's Sword , the Golden Apple , with the Crosse of the Kingdom upon it , two pair of rich shooes , a very ancient Robe , with a royal 〈◊〉 , were by the Emperours chief Lievtenant , delivered to the arch-Duke Matthias , ( to whom also , the arch-Dukedom of Austria , before by the Emperour possessed , was surrendred ) who , with his Army , ranged in order , &c. commanded three great Vollies of shot to be discharged , and then royally feasted the Emperours Embassadors ; and many of Matthias his Camp , especially the Hungarians , went into Prague , to buy necessaries , many coming also , out of the City , to see his Camp ; but ( the while ) some insolent Souldiers by night , breaking up some Shops of the Jewes , and carrying away much rich Wares , caused great stirs : so that divers Souldiers were cast into prison . July 1 , King Matthias departed from Prague , with his chief Councellors towards Lintze , dividing his Army into three parts , for their more easie passage ; but one Cottovitz , a Noble Bohemian , to whom the Hungarians and Haiducks , had done great 〈◊〉 in this expedition , with 600 Harquebusiers , and many Countreymen , went to Patrovitse , where cutting off the passage , and cutting down Trees acrosse the wayes , he slew about 900 Hungarians , coming that way , carrying away some prisoners , with much booty of Horses , Wagons and Goods : whereupon , the Hungarians trod down the Corn , as they went , and began to fire the Villages and Houses thereabouts ; but the King , by the General of Horse , commanded them , not onely to desist , but upon a great penalty , to help quench the fires they had raised . In the mean time , great preparation was made at Vienna , for receiving K. Matthias , and bringing him into the City , according to his Dignity : which triumphs and Solemnities ended , when as they there began to consult of things concerning the good Government of Hungary , and crowning of the King ; and that the Protestant States of Austria , began to exercise their Religion , according to the Confession of Augusta , Leopold the arch-Duke , and Bishop of Passavia , Melinus the Popes Nuntio , Cardinall Forgats , and the Bishop of Vienna came , and by earnest soliciting of the King , obtained , that that exercise of Religion , should be again abrogated , the Temples shut , and publique preaching forbidden : whereupon , the Protestant States , calling a Councel , refused the Oath of allegiance to the new King , till they had obtained the liberty of their Religion , commanding all their Subjects and Tenants to be ready in arms ; and if need were , every 30th , 10th , or 5th man , to be prest to the Warres ; but they supplicating unto the King , 180 Nobles subscribing thereto , and being answered onely , to desist from their purpose , and appear forthwith to take the Oath , they Septemb . 14 , going to Horne , by Letters to the Popish States , protested themselves clear of all the evils to ensue , if they should take their Oath of allegiance to the King ; and so raised an Army , beginning by all meanes , to provide for their affaires ; but the States of Bohemia and Moravia , informed them , that they would intercede for them to the King , yet not to be wanting to them at their need . Letters the mean time , came to Vienna , from Constantinople , declaring Matthias's Embassadors , to have on his behalf , promised faithfully to keep the peace , and the Sultan to have received the presents before the chief Bassaes ; but he would in no wise grant them the Government of Transilvania , giving it to Gabriel Bathor , and commanding the Bassa of Buda , to establish him in that principality . About the beginning of October , 2 Counts were sent to the Protestant States at Horne , Maximilian , the arch-Duke following them , who , by no meanes or promises , could draw them to take the Oath of allegiance , without the freedom of their Religion ; but Octob. 16th , the Popish States took that Oath to King Matthias at Vienna , with Ordnance , Drums and Trumpets thundring and sounding , and great feasting , triumph and solemnity : which done , Matthias came Octob. 22 , to Presburg , being brought by the Hungarian Nobles , with 10000 Souldiers into the City , who Novemb. 6th , offered the King some Articles in writing , for him to confirm : most being drawn out of the pacification at Vienna , in 1606 : 1. Freédom of Religion to be permitted in every City and Town . 2. All the strong places to be governed by natural Hungarian Captains . 3. That Crown to be still in Hungary , and kept by temporal men . 4. First of all , a Palatine to be chosen . 5. If the King did not alwayes reside there , he to be content , that the Palatine and Councel , should , in his absence , conclude of all things . 6. All publick Offices , to be bestowed onely upon well deserving Hungarians , none to be admitted for money . 7. No Jesuites to be in the Kingdom , nor Ecclesiastical men so much favoured as formerly . 8. Officers not to be bound to give account , but before the Treasurers of Presburg , being natural Hungarians . 9. Money not to be carried out of the Kingdom , as hitherto . 10. The Palatine dying , the King to chuse another within a year , the chief Justice the while , ( as of old ) supplying the place . The Protestant States of Austria , had sent to those of Hungary , then at Presburg , requesting , that since they could not obtain the free exercise of Religion , as well within , as without their Cities , they would afford them the ayd due by the pacification at Vienna : who sent Turson and others , with interceding Letters to Maximilian , who answered , King Matthias never thought to attempt against the priviledges of Austria , granted by the Emperour Maximilian ; but he could by no means , grant to the Cities , the liberty of Religion , both for Conscience , and for danger , that might ensue from the Pope , and King of Spain ; yet he would promise to suffer it , without the Cities , and in bestowing publique Offices , to regard no Religion ; yet so , that they laid down Arms , submitted to the King , confessed their fault , craving pardon , whereby perhaps they should prevail most . The Hungarian Embassadors , going with this answer to the Austrians , by divers Reasons , earnestly perswaded them to submit , and , by request , to solicite their cause with the King : whereof were , That the League betwixt the Hungarians and Austrians , concerned as well the Catholiques , as Protestants : that the Hungarian power , could not be brought into Austria , but to its utter destruction : that 〈◊〉 Religion , was never planted , or defended with the Sword , Christ saying , them to be happy , who therefore suffer persecution ; and commanding Peter to put up his Sword into his scabberd : that hereby , Hungary it self , should be exposed to many dangers , &c. But all Controversies ended with the Hungarians , Illishashius was chosen Palatine , and Matthias , November the 14th , proclaimed King of Hungary ; and on the 19th day , Crowned in great Pomp and solemnity at Presburg , and on a high 〈◊〉 , covered with Cloth , sworn to the HUNGARIANS , as their KING , and they to him as his Subjects : where many Haiducks and common people , at , or after the great Feast , scrambling for the money that was cast abroad , and in taking up the Cloth from the scaffold , had their hands and fingers cut off . King MATTHIAS , now stayed at Presburg , till the new Building in the Castle was ended , where the Crown was to be kept , that he might see it , with the other Ornaments put thereinto , and sealed up with his own Seal , and the while , laboured to appease divers contentions , and to place fit men in great Offices ; for the Hungarians would not suffer the Germanes therein : wherefore many were displaced , and Sigifrid Collonitz also , a most well-deserving man : yet soon after , by Maximilian's Counsel , he was by the Hungarians ( repenting thereof ) both restored to his former Offices , and had even greater preferments offered him also ; but Illishaschius now Palatine , Novemb. 28 , largely and earnestly entreated with the King , in behalf of the Protestants of Austria , chiefly , because those of Hungary , seemed in their behalf , much moved , and the Moravian Embassadors , openly protested , their States could not forsake them , if their need required . The Elector of Saxonie , and other Princes of the Empire , earnestly interceded also for them ; yet the Popes Nuntio so withstood them , that the King then granted nothing : who returning to Vienna , the Protestant States of Austria , sent six EMBASSADORS to the KING , to know whereto to trust , who answered them , December the 27 , they should be content with the former answer , and submit to the Kings pleasure , or do what they saw good : whereupon , they levied new Forces , perswading their Souldiers , that minding their Oaths , to serve faithfully , wheresoever , and against whomsoever . Now a great Army of the Protestants lay about Crembsa and Spain : So that the King sent to those two Towns 1500 Horse , and some Ordnance under Bucheme , to strengthen them : publishing an Edict , Jan. 10th , 1609 , charging the States to come to Vienna , on the 21 day , to take the 〈◊〉 of allegiance ; yet they most stifly refused , remitting nothing of their Requests : so that 〈◊〉 , who had 〈◊〉 in this cause , was quite out of 〈◊〉 . Bucheme the while , was like to be disappointed of a 〈◊〉 place , he was about to take up for his Horsemen , by Gerrane's Horse , on the States side : wherefore Bucheime with seven Troops , and Gerrane with 3 , and 3 Companies of Foot , had a hot skirmish , Jan. 13th , 100 of Bucheimes men being slain , of Gerranes not so many , they having the advantage of ground : hereupon , the King much moved , proclaimed at Vienna , proscribing all the Protestants Souldiers , and pronouncing them Rebels , except before Jan. 21 , they laying down Arms , departed their Camp : howbeit , the 〈◊〉 States , increased their Forces , and from a Hill , not far from Hallenbynne , discharging three tire of Ordnance , much terrified the Kings Souldiers within the Town . The States of Moravia , about this time , sent Embassadors to those at Horne , and others to the King , declaring unto him , their States were earnestly importuned by those of Austria , to 〈◊〉 them ayd , according to their agreement the year before ; and amongst the rest , telling him , the Protestant States were content to put the controversie , to grave and wise Arbitrators on both sides : yet so , that for 〈◊〉 dayes , no Hostility should be used : the Inhabitants above , and beneath Amisum , to be comprised in this Truce : those in durance , for Religion to be freed ; and all high wayes and passes , to be cleared from all dangers . Hereupon , the King gave leave to the States of Moravia , upon the most equall tearms they could , to compose all matters : who so laboured therein , that March the 12th . a Pacification was made betwixt the King and them , the Pope's Nuntio , and other great Ones seeking in vain to lett it : and among other Articles concerning the liberty of their Religion and Priviledges : some who were put out of Office for not taking the oath of Allegiance , were to be restored to their places : all grudging , 〈◊〉 , and quarrell , to be on both sides forgiven and for ever forgotten : the Towns above Amisum , to have the free exercise of the reformed Religion in their Suburbs and Hospitals . Ere long , the King going to Lintze with 300 Horse , was with 8 Troops , aud 15 Foot. Companies meeting him , most honourably brought into the City ; where he received of the States the Oath of Obedience , which Triumphantly performed , he May 27. 〈◊〉 to Vienna ; The States of Austria ( the while ) Zealously exercising their Religion at Horne , a multitudet of people daily resorted to their Sermons : the Romanists much grieving and fretting thereat ; the King also put divers Catholicks out of Office , placing Protestants in their rooms , greatly discontenting many . About which time , the Bassa of Agria , had compacted with one Drake , for 20000 Crowns before-hand , to have Filek delivered unto him , who would have effected it , by setting his House on fire in the night ; but his traiterous purpose discovered , and by him confessed , he was alive cut into 4 pieces . The Bassa of Buda , also went about to exact the Oath of Allegiance of above 400 Christian-Villages , not comprized within the Treaty ; but the Haiducks ( on the other side ) assembled in great numbers in upper - Hungary , began here and there to trouble the Turks , till they were commanded to desist , for disturbing the peace . About this time also , Illishachius ( much beloved and lamented of the Hungarians , died at Vienna : who was , with all Funerall pomp , buried in his own Territory in Hungary with his Ancestours : in whose stead Turson , was by the Hungarian Nobility chose Palatine , and by the generall acclamations of the people so saluted . And now rather worse troubles began to arise in Bohemia for Religion , than in Austria : the Hussites ( so called ) earnestly importuning the Emperour for the free exercise thereof , or rather for removall of some grievances done thereto ; and the Catholiques leaving nothing unattempted , to frustrate whatever the Emperour had in a generall Assembly granted to them of the Religion : which controversie , he having referred to some of his chief Counsellours : and they wholly favouring the Romanists , would give the other no answer to rest on ; they , upon good deliberation , appointed May 4th . to hold a generall meeting in the new Court at Prague , to consult of all matters concerning their Religion ; yet the while , protesting in Parliament by Codovitsius , They appointed it for the Emperour 's good , and quiet of the whole Realm , &c. Immediatly after , they sent Embassadors to King Matthias , the Electour Palatine , Dukes of Saxony and Brunswick ; requesting them , to mediate for them to the Emperour for the freedom of their Religion ; wholly agreeing with the confession of Augusta , long before allowed by Maximilian . Now these 〈◊〉 were by some commended , by others , both blamed and accused of Rebellion ; but , the Emperour complaining of the inconsideratnesse of his Counsellours , prorogued the Parliament ; commanding by a 〈◊〉 , that very day , to be appointed for concluding that Article of Religion : on which the States had appointed their Assembly : Howbeit , many troublesome Spirits published in Writing , that the States-Assembly was only to rise rebelliously against the Laws , and their Prince ; and advised them to forbear from making any such Assembly : Hereupon in Prague , they of the Religion and Romanists , not daring to trust each other , were ready upon every false report and vain surmise to go together by the ears : till the Emperour caused it to be proclaimed in the now Court at Prague ; that he , understanding the States Apology , did abrogate his late Edict against them , accounting them all for his good Subjects , &c , Denouncing their appointing their Assembly in the new Court at Prague , not to be contrary to his Majesty , and that he appointed May 25. for a Parliament to be in Prague-Castle , for ending the Article about Religion , and reforming other grievances of the Common-wealth ; yet so , that the said States , should safely and quietly come thither , not entertaining any Forraign Souldiers , as neither should himself do : Whereupon , they publiquely praying , and singing for their good success , returned from the new Court , to provide to come to the Parliament next day , But , the Emperour still delaying the matter , the States weary , and in doubt , June 3d. offered to the Emperour a short writing concerning their grief and further purpose , 〈◊〉 the blame to the troublesome Natures of some Ecclesiastical and Temporal persons : protesting also , that since they certainly heard much Warlique preparation , ( chiefly in Bavaria ) to be : and divers consultations to be holden against them ( unknown to him and his faithfull Counsellours ) which might tend to the destruction of himself , and the whole Kingdom : they would endeavour by Arms to their utmost , to defend him their Soveraign , with themselves and the Kingdom against Forraign Force and Invasion . In the mean time , an Embassadour from the Duke of Saxony , came to entreat the Emperour in the State 's behalf : 〈◊〉 also of the Silesian States came , requesting the Emperour to have the free exercise of their Religion 〈◊〉 unto them , and , promising most readily , to ayd the Bohemian States , if need should be ; but the Bohemian States raised a great number of Horse and Foot , whom they brought even to the City ; at length , July the 11. the Saxon Embassadours earnestly soliciting their cause , they received answer from the Emperor according to their desire , by effectual Letters : granting the States of the Religion a free communicating under both kinds , and a free exercise of their Religion in all points , throughout all Bohemia , without the let or interruption of any : and to be ( he said ) for ever inviolably kept . Which to be for ever remembred , he would cause the same to be enrolled in the publique Records of Parliament . The Letters were publiquely set up in Prague-Castle , July 13. that all might know , this Article of Religion , the first in that Parliament propounded , to be concluded according to the minds of the States , who on the 15 day , had a publique Sermon , according to the confession of Augusta , preached in the German Tongue in an assembling place , which had long bin shut up : sending also to the Duke of Saxony for learned men , for the setting up of the University of Prage , and governing the lower-Consistory there , both now granted unto them also by the Emperors Letters . And for all this , the Silesian Embassadour's still labouring with the Emperour for the religious liberty of that Province ; the Bohemian States would not dismisse their Souldiers mustered nigh Roggenson , till the Silesians had their request : offering him also a large Narrative of their griefs . But the Turks Embassador coming from Vienna with a notable Train , Sept. 21. ( having first saluted and presented the King with great gifts at Vienna ) comming to Prague , was honourably received by the Citizens and Emperour's Council , Octob. 12. and on the 19 day , presented to the Emperour from the Sultan , a rich Tent of divers colours , most curiously wrought with Orient Pearls ; 4 couragious Horses with most sumptuous Furniture ; some Turkish Weapons set with precious Stones : a Princely Turks-Robe ( used at their Marriages ) with other rare things of less value ; He also delivered him the Sultans Letters , desiring the peace for 20 years , to be again renewed : unto whom Letters were delivered from the Emperour , with rich Presents for the Sultan : to wit , Caroches lined within with Damask , and covered without with black Velvet ; 6 gallant Horses most richly furnished : a Clock of wondrous workmanship , 2 fair writing Desks of Ebony , with divers other-like : who so charged , bountifully rewarded , and well answered , was Honourably dismissed in the beginning of January , 1610. The Turkish Emperour , now bending all his Forces against his Rebels in Asia , and the Sophy of Persia : who , now entred into the Province of Babylon to joyn it to Persia : Wherefore , Achmat sends thither a mighty Army under Nassut Bassa , but the Persians meeting him , defeated him , and slew 20000 of his men . The Sultan much troubled at rhis mournfull news , to repair this loss , levies new Forces , to be commanded by Gambolat , the potent Rebellious Bassa of Aleppo , lately reconciled to the Grand Seignior ; who , comming to the Port to receive his Commands , and pass his Army into Asia ( whether upon suspition of his Intelligence with the Persians ; or , those who envied his greatness , giving some bad Impression of his Loy altie ) Achmat caused him to be flain by his Capigi . The Persian King , seeing what advantage he had gotten of the Turks : sent his Embassadour to the Emperour at Prague , to perswade him to joyn with him against him : they presenting him with a Cross of Gold , set with precious Stones : one being Amber , whereon was the Image of the Virgin , holding her Babe ; so artificially wrought , that it might seem the work of Nature : an exceeding great Topaz : 2 Knives of Damask , with Jasper-hafts , and Sheaves covered with Diamonds : a kind of Indian-wood , most soveraign against pains of the Breast , and to purge the Stomack ; a Pellican's gall , excellent against the Pleurisie , Apoplexy and Feaver ; 2 Topazes , White and Violet , this being big enough to make a Cup : an 〈◊〉 as big as a Hens-Egg : a Persian Bow , inlaid with a Camels Veines : an exceeding great rough Diamond : a Water-coloured Stone , preserving against the Plague , if hung about the neck : 3 exceeding great Orient Pearls : 3 rich Carbuncles : 3 wondrous fair Diamonds , and a Serpentshorn , much esteemed for its rare Virtues . But , though these Presents were very acceptable , and the Embassadours much honoured , yet , the Emperours affairs , not suffering him to joyn with the Persian , so farre from his Countries , the Embassadour's returned home onely with good words ; for , if he had broken his peace with the Turk , he had given his Enemy assured means to ruin him ; for the Arch-Duke Leopold , entring Bohemia , with 9000 Foot , and 3000 Horse , surprized 〈◊〉 Prague , attempted the old-Town by force , slaying many resistants : Whereupon , King Matthias , advanceth speedily towards Bohemia with a powerfull Army . The Emperour , foreseeing the danger if these 2 Armies , should meet , gave Romeo , Leopolds Lievtenant , 300000 Florens to pay his Army , and so sent him out of Bohemia . This division betwixt the Austrian Princes , grew by some of the Emperours Councell : who , being delegated to compound the differences of the Bohemians , of divers Religions , made themselves partisans , the one to oppress the other : besides the Arch-Dukes , Ferdinand and Leopold , practised to deprive King Matthias of his Succession , pretended to Bohemia , lest he should take revenge upon their Partisans , for their former troubling of the Country . The last year , 1609 , the Christians had no good success at Sea , the loss falling particularly upon the Knights of Malta . The Gallion of the Order , commanded by Guidoti an Italian , had in 2 fortunate Voyages , brought to Malta 300 Turkish slaves : upon which good success , many Knights made a Fleet of 10 good ships : but meeting with the Turks Fleet in the seas of Cyprus , they were set upon & most of them slain or made slaves . In this Voyage , the Gallion of the Order , accompanied with 2 small ones set upon the Caravan of the Turks Fleet nigh the Rhodes ( in which were 2 great Gallions , Ships belonging to the grand Seignior-women , laden cōmonly with great riches ) 〈◊〉 a successful beginning : but 20 galleys of the Rhodes cōming forth , through a fair wind , drew them into safety . Upon the bruit at Malta , that 80 Turks galleys should besiege the Isle of Goza ; the Great Master caused a good 〈◊〉 , to be there made for fortifying of the Cattle , sending thither 200 Souldiers , and 30 Knights for supply ; but the enemies Fleet passed on & gave them time to rest . But this year , 1610. Vignancourt he great Master , sent the 5 galleys of the Order into Barbary , towards Port Farino , to surprize the galleys of 〈◊〉 , who used to fetch Palms there in the Spring time : but contrary winds & tempestuous Seas overthrew the enterprize ; yet they returning towards Malta , encountred with a great Gallion of Tunes . The Rayse , who commanded , smiling , promised to free them from their Enemies : and spake confidently , that he would not fear 20 galleys of Malta ; but , those 5 coming close under him , so plyed him that they sunk him ; & then the Turks began to swim away : but they were all made slaves to serve in the galleys of Malta . The galleys of the great Duke of Tuscany , parting from Ligorne , under the conduct of Inghirami , took a Turkish ship in the sight of Algier , laden with Merchandize Arms & Munition , freeing many Christian-slaves : & passing on some 25 Leagues further , they went to surprize Bisquerre , a small Town , but strong & well walled . Inghirami , taking down his Masts , lest they should discover his coming , sent 2 Long - 〈◊〉 to find a fit landing place ; where Col. Bindij landing his men , about 11 at night , marched forward , & forced the Town , and setting their Guards and Sentinels , in the most important places of the Wall , day being come , they sackt and spoiled it : some Moors and Turks , had by night retired to a Mosque , which they fortified : and being summoned , the fear of being slaves made them resolve to die ; so , the Florentines forcing the place , put them all to the Sword , and then embarqued , having filled Bisquerre with fire and bloud . At night , they took a Pinnace laden with Corn , in the Gulph of Bad-woman : and passing on , upon the coast of Sardinia , Jugharami sends his Galleys to pursue 2 Galliots of Biserta , taking one with 120 Slaves , and freeing many Christian-captives from the Chain . They also took a Turkish Galley within half a League of Algier , and spoiled it . This year , the Morisques or new Christians in Spain ( in number 900000 persons , as the Originall writes ) who had continued there , from Father to son almost 900 years , were in an instant banished by the Kings Edict ; some saying , the King had reason to do it , because they had secret Intelligence and practises with the Turks : Others affirmed , he did wisely , to prevent their attempts against his Estate ; which were to be feared considering their so great numbers ; and some said , it was to have their Lands and Inheritance , which had continued so long in their Races . They had 30 dayes assigned them to dispose of their moveable goods before their departure ; which they might carry away , not in Gold , Silver , Jewels or Letters of Exchange ; but in Merchandize not prohibited , bought of the naturall Subjects of Spain , and not of others , or in the Commodities of the said Country . But , after the publication of the Edict ; the term of 30 days was restrained to 20 , so that the Morisques were hastened to depart : and the Vessels of what Country soever , were stayed in all parts of Spain , to transport them whither they would go . Many passed into Barbary ; but this year , above 150000 of them came into France ; the King sending Commissaries to see them well used , and orderly transported away . There was a War in Barbary , betwixt Muley Nequy King of Fez , and Sidon his younger Brother : this forcing the Elder to flee , and craved ayd of Philip King of Spain : who treated with the Mahometan , promising him Succours , with 100000 Duckats , to return to Alarache , or Arache , a strong Town in the Realm of Fez , seated on the Ocean , at the mouth of the River Lucus , that held for him , to draw unto him as many Souldiers as he could , and for the safety of those Succours , to put Arache into Philip's hands : in which the Kings of Fez , do usually keep 300 Light-horse . and 300 Harquebusiers in Garrison , because the Portugals and Castilians , hold almost all the sea-Towns of the Provinces of Habat and Eriff , Arache being in that of Algar . Xequy returned to Arache with his mony in a Ship of the Kings , to whom shortly , many repaired . The Spaniard the while , preparing a great Fleet , embarqued 10000 Souldiers , under the Marquess of St. Germain : who , Novemb. 20 , arrived at the Port of Arache ; next morning , the Marquess calling a Councill , imparted his design to force Arache , if Xequy kept not his promise , the Captains assuring him of their valiant behaviour ; but the King of Fez , having no means to go from his word : many of his people , fearing to fall under the power of Spain , would have abandoned him ; but the Captain of the Castle being his , he thrust out the Garrison , and delivered the Keyes himself to the Marquess : Whereupon , all the Inhabitants ran to Arms , and after 3 hours valiant Combat , many of them being slain , were forced to yield to the Marquess ; who presently set the Cross and Arms of Castile , upon all the Towers and Steeples . This news much pleased the King of Spain , the people making Bonfires for joy . News came to Constantinople , that the great Cham of Tartary , his Son comming to enjoy his Fathers Estate ; his Uncle practised to seize upon the Crown ; but each of them joyning Battel , with an Army of 60000 men , after 40000 slain upon the place : the Son had the Victory , and so obtained the Crown . Some years before , one Willowby an English man , rigging out a ship for War in the Levant , came into Algier to sell his prize ; where one Cattania was Bassa , who commanded this ship , to be seized and rifled , pretending she had burnt a Caramousall of his , which indeed he had caused to be fired , under the colour , to seize upon thē ship and goods : Willowby complained at Constantinople to 〈◊〉 , an English Embassadour , but could get no satisfaction : Wherefore , he came into England , obtaining Letters from the King to the Sultan ; and Sir 〈◊〉 . Glover , then residing Embassadour , who went to the Chimacham the Grand Visiers Lievtenant ( he being then employed against the Persian ) who would not suffer these Letters to be delivered to the Sultan : promising justice upon Catania , whom he discharging of his place , sent for him to Constantinople , where he denied the Fact. Hereupon , Willowby , suborned one Ofis's Bassa , who having been at Mecha , was held a very holy Turk ; who set his Brother to procure false witnesses , on promise of the Tenth of what was recovered : these being 〈◊〉 to swear , Catania compounded with Willowby , for 4 or 5000 Dollars . Thus the holiest of the Turks for mony , will not stick to swear falsely . In 1611. Constantinople was so afflicted with the Plague , that it crept into the Seraglio , one of the Grand Seigniors Sons dying thereof : Wherefore , he passed the rest of the Summer in a Seraglio , about a League and half from the City . The contagion so raged for 5 months , that 200000 persons died in that time ; which great mortality is most to be imputed , to the wilfull negligence of the Turks : who , neither turned away from a dead body , going to buriall , nor forbare visiting their infected Frends : for , say they , as soon as a man comes into the world , God writes in his forehead , all his good and evil haps , and of what death he shall die , which no humane power can avoid : so that , when any one is dead , another wears his cloathes : Wherefore , Constantinople and Caire are seldom free ; and when the Ayr is disposed to infection , they number not the dead but by 100 thousands . Before this Plague , the Baron of Salignac , French Embassadour , dying at Constantinople ; that King sent the Baron of Mole to supply his place : who , having visited the Mufti , the Grand Visier , the Destorda or high Treasurer ; the Bostangi Bassa , or chief Gardiner , and other great Ones , was admitted to Audience , and to kisse the Sultans Hand , being returned to Constantinople about the end of October . The Embassadour and his Followers , parted from his Lodging at Pera in Turkish Robes ( for the Majesty of the great Turk is such , that Forraign Embassadours approaching him , they and their Train must be attired after the Turkish manner ) and passing the Channell , he was honourably conducted to the 〈◊〉 ; and as honourably received at the Pallace-Royal . Where the grand Visier attended him at Dinner in the Hall ; his Train dined in a low Gallery : a great Tapistry , being laid on the ground without Cloth or Napkins , and some Dishes of water-gruell with Sugar , and pottage with pullets , being thin-set , their drink being Cerbet , made of the juyce of Limons , Water and Sugar . Then passing into another Gallery , the Embassadour and sixteen of his Company , had each of them a Robe of Tinsell , which they putting on , were conducted to the Imperiall Chamber ; at the entry whereof , two of the 6 Capigi led the Embassadours by the armes to kisse the Sultans Hand , or rather his Robe ; having first saluted him from his King : and then was led on the the oneside , going backward : the French Gentlemen kissing his Robe likewise ; but they could hardly see his face , it being turned towards a Window grated : before which 30 Capigi the while , passed with the Embassador's presents . Then he made a short Speech , presenting to the Sultan the chief Letter of his Embassage in the Turkish Tongue . But in Transilvania , Gabriel Bator , who governed it since the Cession of Ragotzi , had put himself into Turkish protection against King Matthias , pretending a Title through the grant of Sigismund , to the Emperor as King of Hungary : and had recovered Hermstad , and chased Radville out of Valachia ; where setling a new Vayuod , and placing Haiducks in Garrison , he returned toward Transilvania , to oppose Forgatsie Matthias Lievtenant who passed the River Tibisce with Troops : Radville had retired into Moldavia to Constantine : informing him , that Bator intended to seize on his Country , and make but one Monarchy of the 3 Provinces : Whereupon , they joyning Forces in the end of June , entred Valachia , expelling Bator's Lievt . with all the Garrison : then entering Transilvania , they so pursued Bator , that they forced him to fight nigh Cromstar ; where losing the Battel , and part of his Troops , he saved himself in Hermstad : Upon which disgrace , some chief Inhabitants would have submitted to King Matthias ; but he discovering the attempt , did such execution , that he was called Cruell . Forgatsi the while , accorded with Andrew Nage ( who had drawn high - Hungary into Rebellion ) and so enters Transilvania : where he taking some strong Holds , 〈◊〉 Clausenburg , which he so battered , that the besieged ready to be forced , yielded , and sware Allegiance to King Matthias , July 25. But Bator being shut up in Hermstad , conjures all his Friends to come to him : and entreated the Bassa of Buda and Temeswar to succour him , according to the command from the Sultan : making also Nage , to revolt again in upper - Hungary , upon surmise , that Forgatsi had not kept his promise , so as with him he seized upon the 〈◊〉 of Bayens , and filling that Country with combustions , Forgatsi could expect no Succours thence : then receiving some Turks and Tartars , he pursued Forgatsie with such fury , that he forced him to leave all in Transilvania , and retire into Valachia . Bator going to surprize Tocai , in the Faire-time with 1000 Horse , found the Garrison so watchfull , that with loss , he was forced to return . Forgatsie , thinking to recover upper-Hungary , by the Country of the Zeclerians , could not effect it ; for Bator stopping his passage : and likewise the Earl ' s of Bucheime , and Dampier passed Tibisce to meet him ; so as Forgatsie , was forced to retire towards Poland , by steep and desart-places , where his Army for want , miserably perished : few remaining alive , with the which he passed thither , and soon returned into Hungary , with a very poor Equipage . But a more violent Tempest ariseth in Moldavia ; for the Turk hearing , that Prince Constantine had relieved Radville against Bator his Ally , or rather Tributary sends a new Prince into Moldavia , the supposed Son of one Thomas ( or Aaron , as some ) who had formerly commanded there , with 1500 Souldiers , and Letters to the Turks and Tartars thereabouts , to assist him . Thus 2 Princes contend for Moldavia ; the one supported by the Polonian , the other by the Turk : but a third comes and pretends a Title , being the son of Janicolo , who commanded there : who , escaping from the black-Tower in Constantinople , whither he was committed prisoner , for losing a Battel against Michael of Moldavia , in 1601. came at last into England ; whose estate that King pittying , recommended him by his Letters to Sir Tho. Glover , then at Constantinople , with command to assist him , and solicite his restitution : Whereupon , he entertained him in his House at Pera , with many of his Friends for a long time : and the while , solicited the Sultan for his restoring , having good accesse to him , because he spake the Turkish Tongue perfectly : to whom he gave good answers , but with delayes , that it was not yet time . His Competitor in Moldavia hearing hereof , made Friends , and corrupted some of the Court-Bassa's by Bribes : and Murath the chief Visier himself , who tryed many means to get the Moldavian into his hands : first sending to Glover , that the Sultan desired to see the man , if he were capable of the place or not , but he refused to send him ; then he wrote to him , It was the Sultan's pleasure he should send the Moldavian to him , to confer with him : who answered , Unlesse he saw a Warrant under his own hand , he would not deliver him : Hereupon , Murath with 2000 Janizaries , resolved to fetch him out by force ; so , that Glover fortified his House , arming his people and the Moldavians for defence : Murath disguising a Janizary like a Greek Shepherd , ( he entering his House ) found them all in Arms : then returning , he told Murath , he had to do with a man man , and if he proceeded , he would hazard many Janizaries : so he desisted . After which , Glover the Embassador being called home , the Moldavian despairing , turned Turk , and was made Bey of Bursia in Asia ; but Nassuff comming from the Persian Wars , soon discharged him . The great Duke of Tuscany advertised , that the Caravian , which transported the Turks Tribute of Aegypt to Transilvania , prepared to put to Sea , speedily armed 4 Gallions , under the command of Beauregard , a French man , with command to passe into the Levant , to meet with the Caravan : who arriving in the Port of Calismene in Candy to water , after 6 dayes he sailing forward , learned of a ship of Marseilles , that the Caravan was yet in the Port of Alexandria , preparing for their Voyage : to attend whom , the Admiral Beauregard , cast Anchor at the Fort of Sidon , called 〈◊〉 , governed by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Rebell to the Turks , but a great Friend to the Florentines , where he stayed 12 dayes to take his necessaries : and making a stricter League with Facardin , he gave him a Coffer of Arms , whereby the Florentine ships came most freely into those parts . Beauregard returning towards Cyprus , found a Christian ship , which came from Damietta : assuring him , that a great number of Turks galleys were gone out of the Rhodes , & had taken a Flemish ship ; Wherefore , making all things ready , and prescribing the Order his Captains should use during the fight , he caused his Ordnance to be mounted ; his 4 very good Gallions , having each 40 pieces , and 400 good Souldiers . Betwixt Cyprus and Caramania , they encountred this Turkish Fleet , being 40 Galleys and 2 Galleasses , under the command of Bassa Grego : the Galleasses advance to view them , and find how far their Cannon would reach : and the while , the Galleys made ready for Combat . Beauregard an old Sea-Captain , attended till the whole Fleet came up close to him , and then gave them such furious broad-sides , that the amazed Turks made a stand . Grego well observing their resolution , dividing his galleys in 2 squadrons , cōmanded the one to assault the Florentins , and the rest the while , to prepare to the fight , which continued 6 hours , & yet could they not board them : Grego seeing 5 of his galleys sunk , & all the men lost : but suddenly the wind favouring the Florentines , they chased the Turks , forcing them to seek safety in the Haven of Famagussa ; so of assailants , they became Runnaways : Beauregard seeing his design against the Caravan disappointed , resolved to return towards Ligorne ; encountring a Turkish Caramousal going to Cyprus , in chase overtaking it , slaying 130 Turks and taking 300 slaves . The Booty was valued at 140000 Crowns . After this , their Victuals beginning to fail , they made for Ligorne , but the wind falling contrary , they stayed 8 dayes in the Island of Scarpante , and having chased some Galleys of Tunes , they arrived at Ligorne , June 15. where was great joy for their return and prize , which was to be divided , one third part to the men , the other 2 parts for entertainment of the Ships , and payment of the Captains . This Caravan , is yearly attended , both by the Gallions of Florence ; those of Malta and Naples , and all the Pirates of the Mediterranean-sea ; yet had they other enterprizes upon the Turks Country : besides , the spoil of Merchants , which many times paid the charge of their Voyage ; and sometimes themselves lost both ships and lives : soon after , the Galleys of Malta , and those of Naples joyned , to set upon the Caravan , or else to execute their long-project upon some places in Albania , or to surprize or spoil some Island in the Archipelago , which might pay their charges ; but the first failing , they met with a Venetian-Merchant Ship , worth 180000 Crowns . The Spaniards in the Galleys of Naples seized on her , but the General of Malta , would not consent , or suffer any of the Merchandize to be put into his Galleys , because of unjust violation of the Friendship , betwixt his Order and the Venetian State. The Spaniards , touched , sent away the ship , but had unloaded all the Merchandize . After which , they discovered 2 Sail at Sea , sending after them , being 2 Barks , one from Candy , laden with Wood , the other from Scarpante with wine ; who informed the Generals , that the Caravan of Aegypt was not yet past , being advertised , that 50 Christians Galleys attended them : Whereupon , they out of hope to surprize the Caravan , presently resolved to surprize the Island and Castle of Lango , upon the coast of Natolia , setting sayl with a good Wind , which being changed next morning , they returned to the Island 〈◊〉 : whence they parted at 8 at night , and in the morning discovered 3 Florentine ships , who said , they entred the Isle Nigropont with 7 Galleys ; but being discovered , they could effect nothing : and that their Galleys , were separated from them in the chase of 4 Galliots , continuing their course , they arrived next day at St. Jean de Servae ; where casting anchor , and calling a Council , they resolved to petard the Castle of Lango toward the Sea ; and to that end , to land 30 Knights , and 50 Souldiers of the Malta Galleys , and 120 Spaniards out of those of Naples ; the other men they should land , were to assault the Town : So departing thence , they arrived at the Isle Lango , June 6. in the Night , landing 3 miles from the Town , and marching on with their Petards : but , it being very dark , those of Malta strayed from their Guide , yet Valour brought them to the Town-Walls , where seeking to find a fit place to fix the Petard , though much shot at , Captain Beaulague set it to a Sea-port , which he forced , and his men , furiously entring , put all to the sword that resisted . The Spaniards at another breach entred on the other side , though at first the Turks played upon them with great and small shot : the Troops being joyned , came before the Castle ; but the Bridge was drawn , and they lay open to their shot : so that 15 Knights were hurt , one slain , with a Spanish Captain , and some 36 of those of Naples , and as many wounded . Day come , the General of the Maltezes , came to the Town with 150 Knights , and 450 Souldiers : the other following him with the two Sons of the Vice-Roy of Naples , and 1500 Spaniards , who spoiled the Town , and took all alive , Captives : and finding the Castle impossible to force , they imbarked , resolving in their return to attempt some Towns of Albania ; but they heard by the way , the Turks had discovered their intelligence with the Greeks of the Countrey : wherefore they put many of them to death , one being a Patriarch , who being accused to have practised the Christians Revolt , was flayed alive , and his skin sent to Constantinople . The Caravan of Aegypt was attending a free passage , staying also the longer through the great plague at Constantinople ; but in the end of October , Mechmet , Bassa of Caire , in person with a good Convoy put to Sea , and arrived there without encounter , who carried a years Tribute of Aegypt , to the Serail , on sixty Mules , laden with 20000 Chequins apiece . This money was then very welcom , and Mechmet , who had faithfully and diligently collected the same , was made Bassa of the Sea , ( he who had it before , being made Visier ) the Sultan also promising him his Daughter in Marriage , being but 3 years old . Newes coming to the Port , that 50 Vessels of the Christians , came near HELLESPONT , put the Turks in great fear ; and the Grand Seignior being complained to , that some Caramousals had been taken , he sent for the Admiral of the Sea , demanding whether those Reports were true : who answered , Yes : then said he , Why art thou not at Sea ? He answered , Because I can get nor men nor money : Whereupon , the Treasurer being sent for , had lost his Head , had not the Aga of Sultans Women , intreated for him . This Summer , great Clouds of Grashoppers ( almost the bigness of a Dormouse , with red wings ) fell upon Constantinople , and round about it . The Turks consulting with their Wizards , what it might portend , they said , Great plenty ; but indeed , they left no green thing in Countrey or City , where they entred into their very Chambers ; and soon after , there fell such extraordinary great hail , with such abundance of Rain , as the water shut up one of the Gates ; and rebounding , so filled their Shops and Houses , that many were much endangered : some Houses fell down , some were slain , the pavements torn up , and the stones carried into heaps . There arrived this year at CONSTANTINOPLE , a Persian Embassador , who was conducted to his Lodging after the TURK'S manner . Few dayes after , the several Tradesmen of the City , marched by themselves before the Serail : marching as in the Warres , and carrying on their shoulders , Sheep , Beef , &c. a policy to daunt the said Embassador , and encourage their own people ; and next day , the Chimacham , or Visiers Lievtenant , sent for this Persian Embassador ; and , during their conference , had ordered the Emperour of the Tartars Brother , to come in : whereat , he arising , said , Oh , I know thou 〈◊〉 for money for thy Souldiers , thou shalt receive it at such a place : which was done , to terrifie the Persian : to which end , they then also sent over divers Troops to Scudaret , as if they were ready to march with an Army . The Turks great Armies are not raised in haste , nor march in Post ; for the Spahi having no other pay than the Revenues of some Land , must , when discharged , have a years time , to put themselves in equipage : also , it s sixty dayes march from CONSTANTINOPLE , into Persia. Neither had the Turk in 1609 , and 1610 , attempted any thing against the Persian , who still solicited him for peace , which the greatness of the Ottoman Empire , could not resolve to make , having been so defeated : so this year , Achmat resolved to send an Army of above 150000 men against him , under Serder his Visier ; but before it entred Persia , Serder died , so that they were forced to stay and attend the Sultans pleasure . He was suspected to be poysoned by Nassuf Bassa , a Rebel , yet had he many friends in the Turks Army : wherefore , to prevent mutinies , Serder in his sickness advised the Grand Seignior by Letters , to make Nassuf General , so to draw him home , and then dispose of him at pleasure . This advice approved of , he chose him Visier & Generall , who receiving the Seal , forthwith put many of Serders friends to death , paying all the Souldiers with their money , some having been without pay five years : he sent also to the Sultan , 70 mules , laden with Serders Treasure , and 60 with Goods , all which , he gave to his Wife and Children . The Grand Seigniors rigour is observable ; For , Jan. 7. 1612. he being abroad in the snow , and not well provided of fewel , caused Stambol Aga , who had that charge , to be set in the snow naked 4 or 5 hours . This Winter was very rigorous , abundance of snow & great storms throughout all Turkie ; many houses were beaten down , and the French Consul at Aleppo slain with the fall of his own house . Nassuf marching to the Frontiers of Persia , made such spoyl , that the Sophie drew all his Forces together in August , to prevent the ruine of his Countrey : but they being about to fight , the Persian finding inequality , offered for peace a yearly Tribute of silk , enough to load 200 Camels , in acknowledgment of some Countries he had conquered . This was acceptable at Constantinople ; but it was added , The Persians son should be called Bassa of Tauris , and the Cady or Judge thereof to be sent from Constantinople . April 26 , a Turk lending a good sum of money to a Christian , came before the day of payment with another Turk , willing him to pay the money to that other Turk at the day : which the Christian did accordingly . But the Turk denied the Receit . Wherefore he that lent it came & demanded it : The Christian answered , He had paid it to the party assigned . The Turk replyed , Then he was satisfied ; yet the other denyed it : So the matter coming before the Judge , the Receiver sware to the contrary , and the Christian was forced to pay the money again , praying God to shew some sign , Which had done the wrong : So , as the Turk went home , he fell down dead in the street . Vignancourt , the Grand Master of Malta , having an enterprise against Navarrin , an important place to the Turk , sent five Galleys under Vaqueras great Commander of the Order ; who coming pretty nigh the shoar , were discovered by a Castle which had allarum'd the whole Countrey : wherefore they passed thence , and came near to the Coast of Morea , ten Leagues from Corinth , landing by night 800 men under the General at Land , and an hour before day were at the Gates of Corinth to force them : some Turks took arms ; but the Knights entring , sackt the Town , and carryed away 500 slaves : after which they happily and orderly retreated , although ten thousand horse and foot were drawn together in that populous Countrey , imbarking in view of them their spoil and slaves : so that it appears to be one of the most desperate Eńterprises that hath bin of long time seen . But at Prague the Germans entertained themselves with consideration of a Crown appearing in the Firmament over that City in October , giving a huge Light , and Armies about it fighting for it . At which time , Rodolph the Emperour was upon the declining of his dayes , and Matthias who succeeded him , upon the rising of his triumphs : many expounded this Apparition , as a presage of his being King of the Romanes , who enjoyed the Crown of Hungary already , and that of Bohemia by designment : Three Suns seen over Vienna the year following , confirming the Germans in this their hope . Some of the English Ambassadors men , quarrelling with some Jamoglans of the next Serail , fell to blows , and one of the Embassadors men threw a stone , hitting a Jamoglan on the forehead , whereof he soon died . The Aga complaining to the Visier , he sent to make enquiry of the fact : the Embassadors went to the Serail , sending for his men , and willing the Turks to design the party : who all ran upon one Dibbins newly come from Candie , and now in the Embassadors service : he threw not the stone , yet the Turks would have none but him , dragging him away . The Embassador offering to pledge for him , was thrust away , his men beaten , and a page wounded . He complained to the Visier , but they drag'd Dibbins to prison , and kept him a moneth there , not to be released , though the English offered great sums for his life . The day of Execution appointed , the Embassador sent his Chaplain to the Prison , to prepare him for death , to whom he confessed , that in England he killed a man : wherefore , he fled to Candie , whence he came to Constantinople , ( the just judgement of God pursuing him ) to suffer for that which he did not . He was hanged at the Embassador's 〈◊〉 , his head & heels being stollen away next night by the Turks , as was thought , to use in some sorcery ; the rest of his body they had leave to burie . This year , 1612 , a double nuptial Feast , was celebrated at Constantinople , for the Mariages of Mehemet Bassa , Sonne to Cicala , with the Sultan's Sister , and of Mechmet Bassa , the Admiral , with the eldest Daughter of his Emperour . Great was the Pomp of the first , but far greater the Magnificence of the second , the Jewels and moveables of this Bride , being in great state conducted from the Serail , to the Bridegrooms Lodging , the day before the consummation of the Marriage ; and her self next conducted to her Husbands Lodging , with no lesse Pomp and State , than her moveables . The Ceremonie being performed on June 30th , 20 dayes after the other . But not many dayes after , the Sultan's second Daughter , promised to Nassuf Bassa , was carried to her Grave , without any Pomp or honour ; for the Turks do not much esteem of Women . The day after the Mariage , the Grand Seignior , did cruelly beat his Sultana , the Mother of this Daughter , stobbing her with his Handiarre , or Dagger , through the cheek , and treading her under his feet , because she had strangled one of his Sisters slaves , whom he being enamored with , had sent for : She having her brought to her Lodging , stript her , strangled her ; and putting her Cloaths upon one of her own slaves , sent her to the Sultan in her stead , strangling her also , as she had many others , when they appeared with Child by him . The Plague beginning furiously to rage in Constantinople , the Sultan returned to his Countrey Pallace , to avoid the danger ; so that it seemes , the Turkish Emperours for their own profit , dispense with some Articles of the r faith ; for they ( though the Turks are so obstinately 〈◊〉 to the belief of predestination ) know well how to flee the danger ; yea , and to cause those who come to kisse his hand , to be led under the Arms , for fear of violence : Thus we see the defect of false Religions ; when we see universality in the faith taken away : for there all believe , according to their private Interests , as well as among many others , who have seperated from the truth . Achmat being at his Pallace of Darut Bassa , and going to visit a stately Mosque which he had built there , a Derviser cast a great stone at him , to beat him down , but it fell upon his shoulder , and hurt him but lightly . Achmat commands they should draw from this Traitor , the Confession of his Confederates ; but the Officers caused him to be executed next day , cutting but off his Head. April 14th , Anne Glover , Sir Thomas's Wife , was buried with such solemnity at Constantinople , as the like had not been , since the 〈◊〉 conquered it ; and most Nations in the World were present , the Sermon was under a Cypress-Tree in a large Garden : and though but few understood it , yet whereas the Jesuites and Fryers , had possest Turks , Jewes , and others , that the English , since the change of their Religion , had neither Temples , nor form of service , hereby they perceived both , and that more decently than they ; so that the Jesuites durst not for a while after , walk the streets , the Turks threatning them for so much belying the English. The Body was carried from Pera , to the English Graves , almost a mile off , a great number of all Nations following her to the Grave : the Tomb being of fair Marble , with an Epitaph upon it . This year , in June , the Duke of Florence his Galleys running over the Archipelago , forced and spoiled the Castle of Lango , carrying away 1200 prisoners . Mechmet Bassa , the Admiral , advertized of these spoyls by the daily complaints of Turks , who lost their shipping , and of many other Enterprises attempted on his Masters Countries , set sayl in August with 33 great Galleys , commanding all Bays in the Archipelago to joyn with him , with what Galleys they could make ; but while he is there busied , the Russian Pirates descending into the Euxine , spoiled the Turks Coasts there . At Land , Constantine of Moldavia annoyed all that depended on the Turk : part of the King of Polands great Army which mutinied for pay , spoiled Podolia ; and a 〈◊〉 Prince , angry that Achmat preferred his Cousin before him in the Realm of the Procopians , with five thousand souldiers spoiled the Rivers of Moldavia under the Turks Dominion , as he did in the Gulph of Nicopolis . At this time , Tomsho having bin chosen Vayuod of Moldavia , Constantine arming the Countrey , over-ran it , & made havock of all , detaining 2 Capigi prisoners , whom the Sultan had sent to him , with a prohibition not to trouble Tomsho ; but he carryed them with him into Poland , whither he went to demand succours , and by the aid of Potosty his brother in law , obtained from the K. of Poland to be supported against Tomsho his Competitor . They resolved to send an Ambassador to Constantinople , to intreat Achmat to call back Tomsho , that Constantine might quietly enjoy Moldavia , and to acquaint him with the right the Polonians had by their Capitulations with the Turks , to name a Prince in that Country . This Ambassador arriving , thought to be soon dispatched , either by a Grant or Denial , and was visited by all Christian Ambassadors there : but after 6 weeks , instead of audience , he was arrested and kept prisoner , not to be freed till the two Capigi were released . Now that Valachia , Moldavia , yea , and Transilvania , are continually tost and turmoild , the Sultan imployes all his thoughts , how to make himself Soveraign of these Provinces , and to possess all betwixt Danubius , the Sarmatian Mountains , the River 〈◊〉 , and the Euxine , drawing Forces about Belgrade , under Bassa Belzergi , commanding the Tartars , to enter Moldavia , and sending a Fleet towards the mouth of Danubius , which made the Frigots of Russia to dislodge . Bator of Transilvania , was then besieging Cromstad ; but through the tediousness thereof , he sent Giezy . Embassador to the Sultans Port , to demand succours from him against the Town : who practised Treason against Bator , to make the Sultan absolute Soveraign of Transilvania ; they concluding , Belzergi should enter it with his Army , and Giezi to joyn with him ; with some Troops , and to deliver to him Varadin , Lippa , and some other strong places ; for which , he should have Bator's place ; and under the Authority of Achmat. But the crafty Bassa of Buda , hearing that Bator had some vent of this practise , & that he , being now in great fear , had raised his siege , and was read , to crave relief from the Palatine of Hungary ; and finding that to depose Bator , would be more difficult than they expected , diverted Belzergi , ftom attempting any thing against him : it was also said , that the Bassa would not attempt any thing in Transilvania , by reason of the Election of the Emperour Matthias , whereof the Bassa of Buda , was assured by his Embassador , sent with the Presents to the Sultan , who was honourably entertained by him at Buda , and safely conducted to Constantinople . Belzergi Bassa , hearing that Constantinople had been in Poland , to crave assistance , resolved to 〈◊〉 his forces toward Moldavia . But we must know , that in one thousand six hundred and eight , Jeremy , Prince of Moldavia , dying , committed the Government to his Brother Simeon , during the minority of his three Sonnes , Constantine the eldest , being but eight years old . His three Daughters , married three Polonian Princes . Simeon governed till 1611 , who deceasing , young Constantine , ( by his Mother's perswasion ) entred the Government : at which time , there was at Constantinople , one Stephano , or Tomsho , who had long practised the favour of Mehemet , a Visier Bassa , and Chimacham , and of some others , by money and otherwise , falsly suggesting , he was the Sonne of Aaron , who had been Vayuod before Jeremy ; and he so prevailed , that the grand Seignior , admitted him to the Principality : and the Visier informing him , that Constantine , had rashly thrust himself into the Government , nor would own him for his Soveraign , nor pay the 4000 Chequines yearly Tribute , he sent Fousseyen Aga , with 20000 Turks and Tartars , to expel 〈◊〉 , and settle Stephen or Tomsho : who marched so secretly , that they had almost surprized him , yet with 10000 men , he would attend the issue . The Aga let him know his Commission , threatning , if he would not let him proclaim Stephen , Vayuod , and yield him the City Yas , he would cut him in pieces . Constantine answered , by Potoskies advice , The Sultan was abused ; for if he understood that his Predecessor had granted to Jeremy and Simeon , that he should succeed his Father , ' 〈◊〉 not credible , he would seek to dispossess him without hearing , and put in his place , one who had falsely supposed himself , the Sonne of Aaron , neither had he refused the Sultan for his Soveraign , or denied the wonted Tribute ; but , if the Aga would needs proceed , he hoped the true God of Battail , would not suffer an Usurper to prevail over a lawful Prince . Fousseyen being corrupted by Stephen , with Presents and promises , advanced , so that next day , they joyned Battel ; but the Moldavians opprest with multitude , could not make it good . Potoskie intreated Constantine to save himself , and let him finish the Battel , but he would not be perswaded ; so they both charged again , and defeated many of the Turks Forces ; but through a supply of 2000 Horse , they were forced to yield to their enemies mercy . Constantine sell to the Tartars share ; but as they led him away , he lept into the River Niestre , either to save himself , or not to survive the disgrace . Potoskie , was kept in the black Tower at Constantinople , till 1616. So none daring to oppose Fousseyen's forces , he proclaimed Stephen , Prince of Moldavia , in the City Yas , and then dismissed his Army . This Summer , Constantinople , and the Countrey round , was annoyed with Grashoppers , as the year before : wherefore in July , the Patriarch of Constantinople , and Alexandria , with other Bishops and Caloires , in their Ornaments , went forth solemnly at the North Gate : whereupon , said the Greeks , they all perished ; but abundance were dead , before they cursed them , and many lived af er their curse , continuing till next Summer . God causing extraordinary cold dewes to fall , they were thought to be the cause of their destruction . Gabriel Bator , lawfully descended from the Princes of Transilvania , making himself the Turks Tributary , and mingling Mahomets Religion with the Christian : also , exceeding in cruelty , became a memorable example to Posterity : who seeing many factions made against him , by the descendents of Botscay , Giezy , Bethlem Gabor , &c. supports himself with the Forces of Nage , who came to assist him before Cromstad . Bator , inviting him to dinner in his Tent ; after dinner , the more to demonstrate their friendship , they went to take the Air. Nage had drunk much , Bator intreated him to run his Horse a Carreere , which he refused : wherefore , Bator spake to him many contemptible words , who answered in like manner : Bator wondrously offended , that one , crept up but by degrees of Rebellion , should give him such words , slew him by 3 blowes with his Battel-Axe on the Head. But Bator was annoyed by Decaci Botscayes Kinsman , Giezi levies forces to prosecute him ; and Bethlem Gabor , a Transilvanian Noble , and assisted by the Turk , took many places from him , after Giezi had forced him to raisehis siege at Cromstad . Transilvania is peopled by Sicules , Saxons , and Hungarians : the Sicules ( of the Scythians ) came with Attila the Hunne , into Pannonia , now Hungary , and going toward their Countrey , inhabited that of Transilvania , next Moldavia , building six Towns. The Saxons mutinying against the Emperour Charlemain , for certain impositions , retired thither , seizing by force , on that part next Valachia ; building Alba Julia , and six other Towns. The Hungarians inhabited it from the time of King Stephen ; and mastering the others , their successors have been since called Nobles of Transilvania , and the Princes thereof taken from among them : they built Varradin , and other Towns. Most of these three Nations , revolted from Bator , particularly , the Saxons , through his great cruelty : who thus forsaken and prosecuted , and not daring to trust to the Turk , who openly favoured Gabor , sent Embassadors to the Emperour Matthias , promising all obedience , and sending him rich and rare Presents : he would have Matthias signifie to the Bassa of Buda , that this attempt against Transilvania , was against the Articles of peace : who answered , The Sultan was not to be blamed , if he seized on that which immediately belonged to him , and kept it quiet from others practises ; but Bator sent also Embassadors to the Sultan , with rare and rich Presents , who had secret Treaties with the Bassaes : which Matthias's Embassador discovering , sent him word , he entertained a Monster among men . About which time , Embassadors came from the Saxon Towns of Transilvania , much complaining of Bator's cruelty and Tyranny : who ( against his Oath ) had deprived them of their priviledges , and in a manner ruined them : that he had sought to root out the ancient Family of the Saxons , afflicting them three years in prison , onely because he brought a great Estate out of Germany : depriving Widows of their Estates , and exacting upon others : surprizing Hermstad , and suffering the Haiducks to spoil it , and commit all insolencies , expelling the Magistrate , banishing honest Citizens , ravishing Women , slaying Parents , to deprive Children of their Inheritance : sending 300 Captives to the Sultan , for a Present , cutting many in small pieces , throwing down some from high places , hanging up some by the feet , drawing others in pieces with Horses and Trees , and practising all barbarous cruelties : having expelled Religious Princes out of Moldavia and Valachia , he had subjected them to the Turk , that he might waste all with fire and sword ; and having freed Gaudin , he chose 20 of its chief Inhabitants , and giving them Pikes , forced them to kill each other in the Market-place . But Bethlem Gabor , joyning with Serder Bassa , they enter Transilvania , force Lugatsi , take Deve , and terrifie the whole Conntrey . Ogli Bassa also comes , and lodgeth in the Suburbs of Cromstad , and thence went and encamped over all Barsac . Bator attended the Emperours succours , under the Palatine of Hungary and Forgatsi , but they could not resist the Turk : wherefore , he wrote to Trinau , for levying of Souldiers ; but none , through hatred , would march under his Ensignes : whereupon , he tells his most familiar friends , he holds it needful to purchase peace with Serder at any price ; but they answered , they had rather die , than advise him to it : he wanted money , his Subjects , yea , his Souldiers hated him ; so at last , he fell into despair , intreating one of his servants to kill him , but he refused it ; but within few dayes after , going in an open Chariot , to view where his Troops were lodged , onely with two Gentlemen , 50 of his Souldiers in ambush , shot and slew him , hurting his accompaniers : This hapned in 1613. Few dayes after , Bethlem Gabor , was declared Prince of Transilvania by Serder , who thus advertised him : Bator shall serve for an example to bad Princes . I think thou wilt not follow his steps : beware thou do nothing without my Masters privity : maintain peace with thy Neighbours , and make men of experience and honesty , of thy Counsel . The desire of peace and fear of the Turks Army , drew 〈◊〉 the Towns in Transilvania , to swear fidelity to Gabor . Let us now end the remainder of 1612. Nassuff the Visier Bassa , brings the Persian Embassador , to conclude the aforesaid peace : they with the Army , arrived at Scudaret , whither most of the Bassaes crossed over to salute him , and then returned ; but Nassuf stayed there two dayes , and on the third , passing over to Constantinople , with 234 Mules , loaden with gold and silver for the Sultan , where he was very honourably entertained at the water side . The Visier passing by the Sultans Window , bowed very low unto him , from whom he had a nod , and so rode away fast , as the Turks use , when they salute a greater than themselves , to run , or ride away a pace . Being come to the Seraill , he went in to kisse the Sultans hand , staying an hour , the other Bassaes attending without . The Emperours , French , English , Polonian , Dutch , and Venetian Embassadors , were present at this dayes pomp . Nassuf , with Hat off , saluting the Emperours , but not the rest , the Persian being still at Scudaret . The same day , Tomsho sent many Polonians to Constantinople , whom he took in Warres : who ( though they threw down their Caps , and offered to turn Turks ) were put to death . Few dayes after , 〈◊〉 the Visier sitting in the Divan , had three Robes sent him from the G. Seignior . Achmat , to let the Persian see the magnificence of his Court , went out under pretence , to go to take the air , at his Countrey Pallace of Darut Bassa : whereupon , the wayes from thence to the City ( being four English miles ) were covered with Sand , and then he entred in great pomp , into Constantinople , with a great number of Horsemen , and some Companies of Foot , the Cadis , or men of justice of the City , all the Talumans , or those of Mahomets Law , then the Visiers and Bassaes , after whom followed the Sultan , with his Houshold ; many being most fair Pages , chosen among the Infants of the Tribute , for the unnatural pleasures of their Master . Divers Beglerbegs also attended him , and with their Companies , and Nassuff's five hundred attendants richly armed , &c. The number of all sorts of Attendants , was esteemed forty thousand persons . The Persian Embassador , that he might carry into his Countrey , a pattern of the Ottoman State and greatness , cast out , as the Sultan passed by his Lodging , one hundred pieces of Silk , which were gathered up by the Archers of his Guard. There was other pomp celebrated this year in France , Spain , Naples and Germany , for the Marriages of Lewis the 13th of France , with Anne Infanta of Spain , and of the Prince of Spain , with Lewis's eldest Sister ; for the Crowning of the Empress , and the Emperours entrance into Nuremberg . Four dayes after , the Persian Embassador had audience , kissing the Sultans hand , and presenting unto him in his Masters behalf , four hundred Balls of Silk , a Bezoar-stone , as big as a mans fist , and others lesse ; nine Bags full of Turquoises , a Foot and a half long , and above four fingers broad , many Tapestries of Wooll , Silk , Cloth of Gold and Silver , with many other precious and rare things . Then beginning to treat seriously , after some difficulties , a peace was concluded : the Persian King , to pay two hundred Camels Loads of Silk , yearly Tribute to the Turk : the Persian's Sonne , to be called Bassa of Tauris ; and the Cadi thereof , to be sent from Constantinople . The Embassador now returned , leaving most of his Train dead of the Plague at Constantinople : whose Head , his King cut off for this dishonourable and burthensom peace , sending back the Chiaux comn from Constantinople , to see him sweare the peace : Some write , he did him some indignities , which made the Turk and him return to Arms. Nassuf , to shew his Authority , procured to have the Chimacham deprived of his Bassa's-place , and sent over to Scudaret , pretending to prefer him to a Government nigh Trebizond , but intending to deprive him of his head : whereupon , his many and great friends in Court , procured of the Sultan , to have him , sent for back again ; for he was old , and might live at home in quiet ; and for his former services , had one thousand aspers a day allowed him , which much discontented Nassuf . Matthias the Emperour , sent Negroni his Embassador to the Sultan , to complain of the daily enterprises upon Transilvania , which he said , belonged to him , as a dependant on Hungary : Negroni kissed the Sultans hand , but his Presents being of lesse value than the Persians , were little esteemed . His demands of Transilvania , were grounded upon an Article of the peace between the Emperour and Botscay , which was , that Botscay dying without issue-male , Transilvania should be at the Emperours disposall : this being read , the Mufti answered , it was against their Law ; so those demands were rejected , since Botscay ( said the Visier ) had no power from the 〈◊〉 to treat , and give to the Emperor Transilvania after death . Negroni grounded Botscay's gift upon the 8th . Article of peace , betwixt the Turk and Emperour , concluded in the Isle of Danubius : to wit , That all , granted in Botscays Treaty at Vienna , should be faithfully observed : Nassuf replyed , Amurath then Visier might err in Signing those Articles , shewing some other Articles where that was not inserted : saying , The Sultan would perform only those , pressing Negroni to sign them , which he refused , so as Nassuf used some threats ; but he replyed , In this case he had rather die gloriously for the good of his Masters affairs , than having signed those , to die with infamy at his return : yet , promising to acquaint his Emperour , and certifie them of his pleasure . Achmat after this , went to lay at Hadrianople , where his Janizrries began to mutiny , spurning at their daily Bread and Rice : and being asked the reason , answered , No Emperour before him , had so carried out his men in the depth of Winter . This much incensed Nassuf , who was in such credit with the Sultan , that while he stayed there , he came 3 times privately to visit him : and obtained a priviledge , none privately to speak with him but himself . Returning to Constantinople , there was a great fire , 500 Houses being burnt . Nassuf finding some Janizaries , readier to break open Locks , & rifle Shops than to quench the fire , struck out the brains of one with his Mace , and brake anothers arm . It was an old custom there , that the whole Family , where the fire began , should die for neglect ; but , the Seraill , in Achmats Fathers time , happening on fire , Cicala petitioned him , this custom to be abolished , as unjust that others should die , and not so in the Emperour's House ; whereto he yielded . Soon after , there was another great fire , where Nassuf hanged many Janizaries , finding them too busie in rifling : going up and down with his Scimitar in one hand , and a Janizaries head he had cut off , in the other . The G. Seignior sent him Holy-water , wherein he had dipt a piece of 〈◊〉 Garment ; which poured into the fire , the Turks said , It ceased presently : yet many Eye-witnesses say , It burned 4 hours after . This Visier was a cruell Enemy to the Janizaries , sending 16000 into Asia , suffering no more to be made , but only Saphies : and over such as remained , he made his own servants to be Churbagies and Agaes of fifties and hundreds : fortifying himself by all means he could to prevent his sudden ruin . Let us pass into Africk . The Family of the Xeriffs of Fez and Morrocco , began some 104 years since , from Mahomet Xerif , born at Tigumedet in Dara , a Province of Morrocco : he was Alfaqui , or Preacher of Mahomet's Law ; who , seeing the divisions betwixt those Soveraign Princes : and that the Portugals , had seized on the chief Forts of Morrocco , began with 3 of his Sons , Abdalla , Hamet , and Mahomet , to lay the Foundation of a new Monarchy , by a cóvnterfeit Piety , on a godly pretence of warring against the Portugals : and upon a desire to retire the Moors , who were in their pay , the more easily to chase them out of Morroeco . The King of Fez ( seeing but the out-side of his Designes ) let his son's display their Standard against the Portugals in Morrocco : who , being at first followed by a great number , vanquished in many encounters , the bruit whereof retired the Moors from their service ; whom with Barriga their Leader they soon after defeated ; yet Abdalla lost his life in this Combat : but seized upon Tarradent in Sus ; and in a manner , the whole Country betwixt Morrocco and Mount Atlas , setling their Principality in Tarradent , their Father being called Governour of the Province of Sus. The King of Morrocco , fearing their present greatness , yet assured of some fit occasion to bring them under , let them enter into Morrocco , but they poisoned him , seizing upon his Realm . The King of Fez , seeing afar off this Tempest , the fear of the like calamity much afflicted him ; but the Xeriffs , with the fourth part of the rich spoiles , lull his distrust asleep , sending him also the Tribute due for Morrocco : Hamet is called King of Morrocco , Mahomet King of Sus ; and by a good mutual Intelligence , became fearfull to all those Countries , and then plainly denied the King of Fez the Tribute of Morrocco : saying , They were issued from Mahomet's line . The King of Fez , seeing the Xeriffs had abused the liberty he gave them , besieged the City Morrocco with 18000 men , but he was chased away , and his Army defeated at the passage of a River . Then these two Brethren through peace and idlenesse , quarrelled and fought : where Mahomet , after 2 bloudy Battels took Hamet , depriving him of his Realm , & made him die in prison . Then he turned the Arms , wherewith he had vanquished his elder Brother , against the King of Fez , vanquishing and taking him , and depriving him both of Realm and Life . Thus the Xeriffs became Soveraigns of Fez and Morrocco . These Victories made Mahomet fearfull , but his posterity was miserable ; for Cidan was expelled by his Brother Kequi , but afterwards , Kequi was defeated by Cidan , and forced to save his life in 1610 , in Algarbe in Kequi's son , hereupon retires towards the Mountains in Sus , making daily incursions upon his Uncles Territories , with 4000 Arabians Horse and Foot that joyned with him ; but , finding this too long a course for Conquest , he made use of a Prophesie , forged in his ambition , and to work an Impression in the peoples minds : he sent some religious Mahometans to preach from place to place , that one Flaquere of a holy life , gave a son of his a Drumm of admirable Virtue , commanding him to keep it carefully , till a Prince called Abdalla ( expelled by the injustice of his own bloud ) should come into Morrocco , and then he should beat it , and the people might safely go to war at the sound thereof that it should give peace to the Realm , and settle all its Customs and ancient Laws : Which Prophesie , they said , was now accomplished . This encreased Abdalla's party : Wherefore , Cidan sent a great Army against him into Sus , under Alcas Elmy , to hinder his progress : upon whose approach , Abdalla retiring towards the Mountains , thence so charged the Enemy , that he in few dayes cut off 5000 : whereby his Troops daily encreasing ; Cidan must go against him with new Forces , defeating and shying him in 1612. Gotardus writes , that this miraculous Abdalla , whom he calls Muley Hamet , was charmed with devillish-Incantations , freed from all outward Force , carrying himself for a Divine Prophet : he instancing in sundry prrticulars concerning him . Yet ( having gotten some Victories against Cidan , and taken the Town of Morocco ) in the end , his Art failing him , he was slain as aforesaid . In Algier , a wondrous drought had so devoured the Fruits of the earth , as there was an exceeding Famine throughout the Land : the Turks ascribing the cause , sometimes to their sins ; then to the Moors , who came out of Spain ; and sometimes to the licentiousness of Christians in those places : Wherefore , the Judge ordered all Turks to pray devoutly to their Prophet for Rain ; the Moors to depart within 3 dayes on pain of death , and all Christians to shave their Heads and Beards , which was speedily executed . But the Moors , who through sickness or otherwise , could not depart Algier at that time , were cut in pieces . For 13 dayes , the Turks made Processions without Turbants ; crying and howling for rain : but God held the pipes of Heaven yet stopped . Bernard Murroy , of the Order of Redemption of Captives , hearing the Turks would revenge their miseries upon them , and ruin a little Chappel , which the Christian slaves had in the prison , obtained ( through the French Consull ) leave from the Dovan or Judge to make Processions , and to pray to God for the dew of Heaven . They so continued 5 dayes : but on the 4th . day , May 8. there fell abundance of Rain ; so that they , seeing their prayers heard , in midst of the Enemies of their Faith , gave exceeding thanks to God. Yet were these sleaves still detained by this accident . Murroy with 2 others of the same Order had redeemed 136 : but being ready to embarque them , the Galleys of Genoa , landed some men nigh Algier , taking the Bassa's Son , with many Turks , and a very fair Slave , a Virgin of Algier of a Noble Family ; and when the rest were redeemed , by a Frigat sent by the Bassa , the Virgin was detained by a Genoway-Captain ; who retired into an adjoyning Isle , there to satisfie his desires with more ease upon her : Whereupon , the Bassa of Algier put the 136 slaves again into Irons , with those 3 that redeemed them : However , the Genowayes ( flattering his lust ) say , His desire to win her to God , and make her a Christian , made him to keep her so carefully . But a Capuchin Florentine Fryer , lost his life at Tunes , by the cruelty of the Moors , retired thither out of Spain . He being a slave , daily waited for mony to redeem him : but one day , disputing with a Morisque about Christian Religion , he said among divers Turks , His Religion was better than Mahomets ; which being reported to the Cadi , they prest him with such clamours , that he sentenced the Capuchin to death ; so , they stripping him naked led him thorow Tunes out of the Town , some spitting in his Face , others casting dirt at him : then tying him to a post , and a Morrabour or religious Turk , saying He that gave him not one blow with a stone , should be no good Turk , they stoned him to death , burning his Body , and throwing the ashes into the wind . After this , 4 French-men , slaves in the Island Chios , in the chief Galley belonging to the Governour or Bey , resolved to carry that Galley with themselves into some Port of Christendom , drawing to their party the Captain , being a Florentine Renegado : they were to do it when they went to cut wood ; but the Scribe , either through treachery or indiscretion , being on Land , said aloud , Hoe , we shall return into Christendom . A Turk near , reported these words to the Patron , who presently apprehending the Scribe , drew from him the whole enterprize , sending 100 men to seize upon the four French slaves , and the Captain ; but these 5 made such resistance , that if the other slaves ( who were most Moldavians or Borderers on the Black-sea ) had had courage , their design had well succeeded ; yet they slew 15. wounding many : the French men were all slain , and the Florentine taken , whom they continued 6 hours in most violent torments : he still calling upon Jesus Christ even to the last gasp , and detesting the falshood of Mahomets Law : this was in Octob. A little before , the States of the United Provinces , and Count Maurice : seeing the losses of their Ships in the Mediterranean , and a great number of their men made slaves : sent Cornelius Hage Embassadour to Constantinople ; who being forced to fetch a great circuit , because of some creatures to the Pope and Spaniard in Hungary ; and then 〈◊〉 at Sea , came thither May 1. He was to treat of the freedom of the Holland-slaves : to make a League with the Turk , and obtain a free Navigation for the Hollanders throughout his Empire . He kist Achmat's hand , and was favourably received , presenting to him the Letters of his Embassy , and rich and rare Presents , which the Sultan accepted with Admiration ! July 6. After the League betwixt them was sworn , according to the Embassadours forementioned charge ; Achmat also granting , That the States should have an Embassador residing at his Port. About the end of this year , the Moors ( chased out of Spain ) having by Presents won the favour of the Cadi of Pera , who was a Negro , newly placed in by Nassuf , had power to thrust all the Jews out of Pera , and to ruin their Synagogues : which they did with all violence . One of the Jews Sect ( dwelling in Chios ) thinking he had more credit than the rest , complained to the Cadi ; who in stead of doing justice , caused 500 blows to be given him with a cudgel . The Morisques , threatned also to do as much to the Christians at Pera , as had bin done to them in Spain , bragging , they would seize upon their Temples , chiefly that of the Franciscans , reasonable fair ; but the French Embassador complaining to the Visier , he prohibited any of their attempts on rigorous punishment : but throughout all the Levant , and in all encounters where they came , they did the Christians much more mischief than the Turks . At this time , Achmat had collected a mighty Army for Transilvania , encamping it about his Pallace of Darut Bassa , whither the Constantinopolitans walked to see it : few days after , he went to Hadrianople , meaning to proceed in his Voyage , leaving only his Admirall at Constantinople to have a care of the City ; who published an Edict , That no man should go out of his House , nor keep light therein after the Cry , which is an hour within night , when the Talismans from the top of their Mosques , invite the people to make their Sala or prayer : then he sent some Chaoux , 〈◊〉 entreat all Embassadors there , to suffer none of their people to go out by night , that their liberty might not give a dangerous Example ; yet 3 English men of the Embassadors train , going forth , were met by the Provost of Pera ; who took them , and causing each of them to have 150 blows with a Cudgel , committed them to prison , never opened but with a silver Key . About the end of the year , the Patriarch of Constantinople ( upon divers complaints ) was deprived by the Visier , & Cyrillus Patriarch of Alexandria , much against his will , preferred to the place . The former Excōmunicates all that wrought his overthrow , but himself was banished into Rhodes : in his passage , the Vessel being cast upon Mitilene , he there renounced the Patriarchship before that Bishop , resigning it to him of Patras , who coming to Constantinople , labored with Nassuf for the place ; who , upon promise to pay 15000 Chequines ( 10000 more than they were wort ) made him a grant : whereupon , Cyril came with the Greeks to expostulate with the Visier , who said , He must do what he could for the Emperours fit : Wherefore , if they would give the 15000 Chequines , Cyril should continue : the people were willing , but Cyril refusing , th' other was made Patriarch : who sent for the old one 〈◊〉 Rhodes , to make peace with him , holding his excommunication unjust , being deprived by a Council also . About which time , Nassuf sent for the English , French , Venetian , and Low-country Embassadors to raise their Custom , one in the 100 more than the Merchants formerly paid . Whilst Achmat's Army drew near to Transilvania , fortifying his places in those Countries , Cosmo de Medicis , G. D. of Tuscany , bent his designes against the Fort of Agliman in Caramania ( of old Cilicia ) being the Fort and Port of the City Selencia ; which in old time contained within it , the most fearfull Forces of the Pirates of those days . The Trophy of the Heads of 40 Florentines were erected on the Walls of Agliman , by the ignorance of the Captain of the ship . Prosper caused the G. Duke to study this 〈◊〉 in the end of March 1613. he armed 6 galleys under Inghirami , manning them with 6 Companies of Foot , commanded by Montanto , besides 40 Knights of St. Steven , and many other Gentlemen , Petro de Medicis being one ; from Ligorne , they came to Civita Vecchia : In the beginning of April , they took in the Earl of Candale , and other Nobles and Gentlemen of France , who would be partakers in the enterprize . About mid - April , they landed by night , nigh 〈◊〉 , a small Town in Asia the less , but they found it forsaken by the Inhabitants : sayling Eastward , they set upon and took 3 Vessels like Caramousalls . Upon their way to Agliman , they took a Vessell called Grippe ; instructing them , that there were 2 Galleys of Cyprus in the Port , which was well furnished with all necessaries , and without a good number of Horsmen , and that one of the Gallies was to come forth to fetch a new Mast from the Isle Pappadula . Inghirami , laid his Fleet close in the Island to surprize that Galley ; but it discovering them , speedily returned to Agliman , allaruming all the Country : of which they had news by a long-Boat they sent from the Port Cavalier to discover ; yet they pass on , and about 3 in the morning came near the shoar , and before 6 they landed about a mile and half from the Port. Montanto , the Earl of Candale and a few choise ones landed first , to discover , encountring with the Turkish-horse ; yet Montanto commanded they should all land , save 20 to guard every Galley . Within this strong Fort , seated upon a little pleasant Hill , were above 300 fighting men , with store of necessaries for defence : without were a 100 Horse scouring up and down ; and , within the Port , 2 Galleys , a Caramousall , and a Greek Brigandine , with about 150 fighting men . The order of the Florentines Combat being divided by Montanto , Candale led them forward without being charged by the Turks , till he came within 120 paces of the Wall , where he was charged before from the Fort , behind by the Galleys , and in Flank from the Mountain , with such a horrible cry , that the Marriners with the Petards , exceedingly terrified , let them fall and fled , but Monterault , and Tiel took them up . Being come within 15 paces of the Walls , 20 Turks sallied forth , but being too weak , they fled presently back into the Town : the Earl tried to enter with them , but the Port was shut so soon as they were in . While they were fastning the Petard to the Gate , great stones fell upon the Troop , wherewith Don Pedro was overthrown and half-slain : Whilst they were thus busied , the Mayor came and told Candale , there was 300 Musquetiers come to charge him : they were 2 Beys , come out of the Galleys , through the bad guarding of those left to hinder their landing : he leaving some with the Petard , turned with the rest to charge them , but they retreated towards the Mountain , making many a shot : so the Christians returned to the 〈◊〉 , which made a Breach for 3 men to enter in Front. Candale entred first with all his Troop , suddenly running to the Port of the Retrait to apply a Petard , which also made a Breach : the Turks amazed , fled to their Walls : some retiring into their Towers , and others into the Barricadoes in the street ; they planted also 2 Ladders on the lower part of the Town , one breaking with the loss of those upon it : by the other ( though the Turks charged them behind ) many got up the Walls , making their way , whilst others taking the Turks Cornet ; made the rest flee to the Mountains . The Knights , with those of the Galley of Mary Magd. came not to the Tower upon the Hill , till the Petard had wrought effect ; so the Turks being retired thither . they found very great resistance : besides , the Horse charging them behind ; thrice they planted their Ladders and could not make them hold ; Wherefore , the valiant Commander Commis Lanzoni , would go to some other place , but retreating the last , he was slain with two Musquet Bullets . Those of the Galley of St. John vanquished the 2 Galleys in the Port ; whereof Inghirami , a sign being given him , went to take possession . The fight in the Fort , Towers , and at the Barracadoes was hot ; but at last , after 4 hours the Christians obtained an absolute Victory ; which , as it could not be made without the loss of their Enemies , so 55 of them were wounded , De Vic a French man being one : some Gentlemen were slain , among whom was Bossierre a French man , valourous in this action , the sorrow for whose death was generall ; 2 other brave French men were 〈◊〉 also . So carrying their dead & wounded to their Galleys , and emptying the Fort of all its Artillery , Munition and Victuals ; and beating down the Florentines Heads , they set all the Houses on fire , shipping with their Booties 350 Turks-slaves , and freeing about 250 Christians from Irons . As Inghirami sailed towards Ligorne , a Turkish Caramousall fell among their Fleet , the Patrons Galley infesting it ; but the Turks made such resistance , that above 80 Christians were hurt or slain , Candale fighting alone at the prow : but the Caramousall being taken and entred , it split and sunk suddenly . They encountred also with some smaller Vessels , taking them , and arriving happily at their Port. Aug. 12. after Octaviae , General of the Galleys of Sicily , by that Viceroy's command , parted from Palermo , with 8 good Galleys toward the Levant , touching first upon Cerigo ; where he heard that the Turkish Admiral with 30 Galleys , was bending toward the Isle Negropont , where 60 others attended him : also that the Galleys of Rhodes prepared to joyn with him ; all to fall upon 〈◊〉 against the Turks Rebels . Yet he sailed to Nicaria Island ; understanding there , that the Turks Admiral would send 12 Galleys to Rhodes , to guard some Vessels of the Fleet which came from Alexandria : 2 of which 12 were sent by their Captain to Chio. Octavio resolving to charge those 10 , rowed as secretly as he could along the shoar of Natolia , comming at break of day to the Cape de-Corvo , 20 miles from Chio , sending out his long-Boat to discover ; but the while , espying 10 Turkish Galleys : he was so diligent , that at Sun-rising he had invested them : discharging all his Ordnance , he with his own Galley joyned with the Turks Standard Galley : The Spaniards entring , and slaying all that resisted , going from the prow to the poop , where the Bey or chief Commander stood , they forced him to yield . The other Galley the while , so charged the Turks , that they took 5 great Vessels , and fled towards Land ; the Turks having scarce leisure to leap ashoar , left them to the pursuing Spaniards , the other 3 escaped : so 7 were taken , with a very rich Booty ; above 1000 Christian slaves freed , and the Turks inchained in their places . The most no ed prisoners , were Sinan Bey , Commander of the 10 Galleys : the Bey of Alexandria , son to Piali Bassa , and some 〈◊〉 and Patrons of Galleys . This Summer , the Emp. Matthias , being gone to an Assembly at Presburg , Sigismuud Bator , 〈◊〉 Prince of Transilvania , living a private life at 〈◊〉 there died of an Apoplexy . At Presburg , the States of Hungary , consulted of fortifying and well manning their frontier-Towns , doubting of the Turks fidelity ; but , there was some question ( upon a decree to the contrary ) of admitting Germans into Garrison : at last they concluded , They should be equally admitted with the Hungarians , all others to be excluded . The Turks the while , had burnt and spoiled many Villages in Hungary and Transilvania , carrying away many captives , & c. so that all feared a new War ; but Achmat , hearing , upon his way toward Transilvania , that Bethlem Gabor , was owned Prince under his protection , returned ; yet chiefly , because the 〈◊〉 Rebels had burnt and spoiled many places , and an Arabian usurping the Title of King , had collected 50000 Rebels , over-running & spoiling his Country , threatning his Dominions with greater ruines : besides , the Portugals and Spaniards , making incursions near the red-Sea , had taken and spoiled Aden ; but Achmat approaching Constantinople , the Plague was so hot , that he stayed at Hadrianople till the end of this year , and then came unto the City where he most stately entered , and passing before the Mosques , the Talismans sacrificed Sheep and Oxen upon Altars in his presence , for his prosperity ; then cutting them in pieces , they gave them to the people . The G. Seignior after this great plague , yet apprehending the infection , by the advice of some , had all the dogs of Constantinople , transported to Scutary in Asia , every Housholder being to bring in his dog first to the Cadi , and to receive a Tuscary or Ticket for his passage , or else to pay 4 Chequines , whereby 50000 dogs were transported : The reason hereof was ; for that he found in the acts of his Father , that he had sent them all away , 30 years before for fear . Allowance of bread and flesh , was carried every day to sustain them : which not sufficing the Inhabitants were much oppressed and ready to mutiny ; but by his Muphti's advice , they were transported to an uninhabited-Island , where they all perished . The G. Seignior had propounded to his Muphti , they might be slain : who answered , Every dog had a soul , and so not fit to kill them . A Jew turning Turk , soon after bought Grapes of another Turk : they falling to blows about the weighing of them , the Jew beat the other , which he bare very patiently to encourage him ( it seems ) in his new Religion ; for Another Jew came to the Turk , demanding , Why he suffered himself to be so abused ? Who answered , Thou shalt beat me as much if thou wilt turn Musulman . In October , at the Turks Bairan or Easter , observed twice a year , a Turk having drunk Wine too freely , was carried before the Visier ; who , seeing the fact verified , commanded boiling Lead to be powred into his mouth and eares , which was speedily executed . Sarder Bassa , being retired out of Transilvania with his Turks : some nearly allyed to Gabriel Bator ( to revenge his death ) caused some alterations : and others had surprized Hust , and other places in the Emperour's Name : Wherefore , the Sultan wrote to the Nobles and States of that Province , telling them among other things : That he held Bethlem Gabor , worthy to succeed Bator , and enjoy Transilvania , where he purposed to do no wrong there , nor suffer it to be done by any other : and therefore , he would have the Emperour advertised , That if he meant to have the peace preserved , he should cause those places to be presently restored to the Prince , or signifie his mind to him by Letters . Of the Rebels in Asia , Facardin , Emir of Sidon hearing that the Bassa of Damas , and the Bassa of the sea , came to fall upon him with a mighty Army , left his eldest son with Forces in Sidon and other Forts about it , and with 3 ships retired into Europe , with his 4 Wives , 10 Sons , 70 Turks , and 14000 pound weight of Gold : he went from Ligorne to Florence , under the protection of Cosmo , the G. Duke kissing his Hands , and presenting him with a very curious Cutlass enrich't with stones , & 2 Jewels to his Dutchess worth 6000 Crowns : Cosmo received this Turk with all kind of 〈◊〉 , defraying his charge , and furnishing him with mony . They say , that Emir made many good Overtures for setling the Christians in Asia : and Cosmo had proved the good intentions of most Christian Princes , by many generous enterprizes against the Turk ; but one Prince cannot do all . Novemb. 10. A fearfull Tempest , full of Winds , Thunder and Lightning , caused the loss of many Vessels in the Port of Genoa , the loss being above 800000 Crowns , with a number of persons drowned . Naples was not free , and the Malta Galleys with many other Vessels had great loss . The Sultan , having this 2 years had great loss in the Mediterranean by the Galleys of Naples , Malta , & Florence ; and in the Euxine , by the Cassocks : charged the Christian Armenians , to build him 9 Galleys at their own costs , and the Grecians 20 : such is the Tyrannie of the Turk over the poor Christians . Nassuf the Visier , re 〈◊〉 with his Prince from Hadrianople , many Janzaries conspired to kill him , as he should enter in at the North gate , placing themselves there to that end ; but the Sultan called for him to speak with him , keeping him by him till entred into the City , whereby he escaped . Nassuf shortly after , invited the Sultan to a sumptuous Peast ; and few dayes after , he , caused all the Crosses in the Temple of Sophia to be thrown down : and the Images defaced , which had stood entire ever since the Christians Government . The year before , the Persian King had put to death 1200 Armenians : the English Embassadour's Chaplain desirous of the reason , conferred with the Armenian Patriarch at Constantinople ( for there are 2 , one being under the Persian , and the other at Constantinople under the Turk ) who told him , it was by an Armenian , who had counterfeited Letters from the Armenian Patriarch , offering to acknowledge the Pope for his and his Churches Head ; entreating him to write to the King of Persia , to give them free leave to do it . The Pope bountifully rewarding the Messenger , wrote to the King , to let them use their consciences , who in a rage , caused many Armenians to be put to death : saying , If they would be Obedient to the Pope , he would expect no service from them ; yet the Papists said , 't was doue by the Patriarch , but the Armenians , by a counterfeit Rogue . Soon after , there arrived a Circassian , a Georgian Bishop , and a Mingrelian Embassadour , at Constantinople , complaining of the Persians oppression and cruelty , and imploring Succours from the Sultan : and straitway came a Persian Embassadour , whom the Sultan would not hear , till all differences were ended betwixt himself and the Emperour ; who having sent Gasparo ( once a servant to the English Embassadour ) to treat with him , at length all matters were reconciled . The Year , 1614. began with great Prodigies in Hungary and Silesia : over Vienna the Heavens were most fearfully red and darkened ; but all these signes , had none other effect this year , but the ruin of Nassuf Bassa , Grand Visier of the Turkish Empire ; who being the Son of a Greek Priest , and a Tribute child ( the Turks exacting from the Christians one of three ) was sold for three Chequines ( not above 24 s. ) to an Eunuch at Constantinople ; And afterwards pleasing the Sultana , in overseeing the Building of her stately Mosque , she made him Governour of her Houshold : thence he was made Capigi Bassa by the Sultan ; and then Bassa of Aleppo ; and soon after , Governour of all 〈◊〉 ; where his Ambition made him practise with the King of Persia , an ancient Enemy to his Master : who , dissembling the Knowledge of his treachery , the more to gain him , made him after Muraths death G. Visier , giving him all his goods , and , making him his Generall against the Persian , promised him his Daughter . He entring Persia , forced Ka Abbas , that King , to conclude a peace beneficiall to his Master . He presents a Million of Gold to his Emperour , is well received at the Seraglio , and married the Sultans Daughter ; but he fearing his Spirit , commands Bostangi Bassa , to execute him about the end of the year : Nassuf was then sick at his House , whither Bostangi , goes with but 7 or 8 men because of suspition , demanding to speak with him , who excused himself by his servants , by reason of sickness : the Bostangi replied , He could not return to the Sultan ( who sent him to have certain news of his health ) before he had seen him . Nassuf hereat distrusted , yet believing , whatever happened to him was inevitable , bid them let him enter : who at first complemented with him , and asked him about his health ; and then drew forth a Command to Nassuf , to deliver the Seal of the Empire : which done , he drew out another , enjoyning him to send the Sultan his Head. Nassuf crying aloud , desired to speak with him ; but the Bostangi said , He had no such Commission : then he entreats him , to let him wash himself in the next Chamber , that his sonl ( according to the Turks belief ) might not depart in pollution : this being also denied him ; the 7 or 8 Capigies invironed his Bed , to whom at last he turning himself , willed them to do their duties : Whereupon , they cast a cord about his neck to strangle him ; but his fatness not suffering them to take away his life presently , they cut his throat . His designs tended to the ruin of the Christians , perswading his Master to break peace with the Emperor , the French King , and the Venetians , promising him , to make him Monarch of the whole World , that he might keep his spirit in action , make himself necessary to his Master , and live more safely in Combustions than in a Calm : Whereas the Envy and Malice of his Enemies gave him many furious assaults . Achmat took his riches into his Chasna or Treasury : among which , were found about two Bushels of Pearls and Diamonds . His death is otherwise related by one , then in Constantinople : The Sultan dissembled his great discontent against him , till some fit opportunity ; yet Nassuf had discovered it , labouring by great gifts to the Sultana , and others , to pacifie him ; yet sending Horsemen daily into Asia , meaning , to passe himself , when strong enough ; but Octob. 7th , on their Sabbath , the Moon , about 8 at night , was much eclipsed , which made the Turks , expect some great accident : the Sultan having it bruited , that he would passe to visit a new Mosque then building , the streets were hanged with Cloth of Arras , a cry going before , The King cometh . Nassuf descended his House to salute him , as he passed by ; but it was his Bostangi Bassa , attired like himself , who leaping to Nassuf , told him , 〈◊〉 the Sultans pleasure , he should deliver up his Seal : Nassuf amazed , asked what the Sultan meant to do ? He replyed , he knew not that , but if he would not deliver it , he would return with the Message . Nassuf drawing it forth , gave it him , then he shewed him a Warrant for his Head , whereto he submitting , two Jamoglans strangled him ; and his Head was carried to the great Seignior , his body being thrown into the street . His death was thought to be procured by Cicala's Wife , the Sultans Sister , he having deprived her Husband , the Bassa of Babylon , of his Government , whom he allowed not to have access to the Sultan's presence : wherefore , he accusing Nassuf in a Letter , of conspiracy with the Persian , to kill the Sultan , and of many capital things , he sent it , by his Wife , who coming to the Sultans speech , ( though warily observed by Nassuf ) left the Letter in his Chamber , who reading it , was never quiet , till he had his Head : He writes , there were found in his House , 80 Bags of Gold , containing 10000 Chequines a piece . After this , Mechmet the Admirall was made chief Visier , the first natural Turk that was ever Visier , since Constantinople was wonne . The Sultans imperious Letters to the States of Transilvania , were fixed up as a Mandate , throughout all the Countrey : at which time , Bethlem Gabor , defeating some Troops of Lippa and Genoa , which spoiled the Countrey , those Governours sent to Vienna , for men and money : then also a Chiaus , brought Letters to the Emperour , from the great Seignior , to 〈◊〉 . 1. That he should take heed , the twenty years peace , were not violated , which himself desired faithfully to observe . 2. That in his name , they had seized on certain places in Transilvania , which he was bound to 〈◊〉 against all her Enemies . 3. That Bator's tyranny had made him give forces to Gabor , to dispossess him , he having invested Gabor to govern it in peace . 4. That he was since advertised , that some Troops in his name , ( against the Articles ) had seized on the Forts of Hust and Vivar , and the Towns Nagipan and Tonase . 5. He had charged Bethlem , to repel the least enterprise upon his Principality , by force . 6. Exhorting him , if he desired continuance of peace , to command his people to restore places 〈◊〉 , or signifie his intent by that Chiaus ; for the mischief daily increasing , his affection to peace might grow cold . The Emperour received the Chiaus very honourably , returning answer , that he desired to confer with the Electors and States of the Empire , about this important business , and then he should know his resolution , and to assure himself , he would not attempt any thing against the peace . In the mean time , the Turks of Agria , took a great number of Cattel from the Christians : whereupon , 800 Haiducks , 〈◊〉 them so speedily , that they soon overtook them , put them to flight , and made them leave their prize : wherefore , the Bassa of Agria , goeth forth with 1000 men , to recover the booty ; but after a sharp encounter , he was forced to retreat , losing his Horse , and 200 men : thence the Haiducks went and spoiled about Solnoc : others , took a Turkish Bride , with her baggage , going from Gran to Buda ; and 400 〈◊〉 ( Haiducks and Turks , which hold no party but their own ) seized on 3 places ; but at their recovery , most of them were 〈◊〉 , and the rest taken , by the Hungarians . But the Emperour assembling the States of his Hereditary Countries about the business of Transilvania , told them , the peace was violated in Hungary , by the Hostilities of the Turks : Achmat having subjected ( to the Christians prejudice ) Vaiachia , Moldavia , and Transilvania , under 〈◊〉 Gabor , who had made himself his Vassail : the Sultan had also sent him word , not to 〈◊〉 any thing there , that it might be wholly united to the Turks Empire : wherefore they should wisely consider : whether Transilvania should be wholly in the Turks power : and why the Sultan would not yield to ratifie the truce : of meanes to make War , if necessity forced him : why the Turk would hinder him from pretending any right to Transilvania : that the Turks Embassador , had brought him no Presents : if they should accord anew with the Turk , to consider upon what assurance , since he would not consent to the sixth Article of the peace . Their opinions were divers ; but all consented to maintain the Imperial Authority : onely the Hungarians besought the Emperour , if he would send Forces into Transilvania , they might march some other way , and not over their Lands : Gabor the while , provided to make some attempts upon Lippa and other places : the Governours whereof , represented to Forgatsi , the State of their Garrisons , fearing , if Bethlem should once possess them , he would deliver them to the Turk : and if they would send them succours , they would rather endure all extremities , than yield ; yet they hastned not to send succours ; and Sander Bassa , bringing Forces to Bethlem , Octob. 25 , the Cannon being drawn out of Varadin , to batter Lippa , Bethlem battered it so furiously , that he made a breach for 400 men to escape : whereupon , the Governour ( despairing also of succours from Hungary , yielded the place , upon his sparing their lives and goods : Genoe and Arach being delivered on the same condition : which places , should not be put into the Turks hands , from whom , to take all interest , the States should pay to Sander , the charges of his Troops . Bethlem , manned them with new Garrisons , the Imperials being retired to Forgatsi 〈◊〉 : in high Hungary , But the States of Transilvania , assembling at Varradin , disputed diversly , whether to resign those three places to the Sultan ; but at length , they concluded , that Bethlem 〈◊〉 do therein , what he held most needful for the quiet of the Countrey , most humbly beseeching him , to free them from the Imperials , who had seized upon Hust and Vivar . At Constantinople , Achmat , to beautifie the outward part of his Seraigle , upon the Sea-shoare , caused a platform to be made within the Sea , 800 paces long , and 120 broad . The Provost proclaiming this resolution , every House sent a man , and the chief of Families laboured in person . The Bassaes were Overseers , and the Janizaries and Spahies , carried Scuttles with all chearfulness ; and at all 〈◊〉 , there was Musick of divers sorts : The Visiers coming , and casting pieces of silver among the Workmen : so the Sultan beginning this work in October , saw it finished in 3 moneths . In the mean time , there was an imployment of Jesuites , into Mingrelia , of old Colchos : Lewis 〈◊〉 , with two others of this Order , and an Armenian Interpreter , parting from Thrace , with resolution , to preach unto the people . About JUNE , this year , they arrived at Verna , a famous Town in Thrace : where 〈◊〉 Souldiers ( whom necessity had formerly forced to leave the Emperours service in Hungary ) were in Garrison to defend the Turks Subjects against the Cossack's incursions ; yet did they still observe the Roman Religion : thence they sailed to Cordula , and by the encounter of a small Gallion , entred the Port of Trebezond : few dayes after , they were carried to Erissa , in Laxia , which looks toward both Georgia and Trebezond . These ancient Christians , to free their Children from Turkish Tribute , caused them to be circumcised after the Mahometan manner , marrying their Daughters to JANIZARIES : also abandoning themselves to MAHOMETANISME , that they might be freed from the Turkish - Yoak : so that here , the JESUITES , catechised the Men , baptized the Children , telling the Women married to Turks , what they should do to maintain their Faith. But their charge being to go to MINGRELIA , they sailed towards GOVEA ; but that Haven being unfit to cast Anchor in , they followed the Galleys of Bassa . ONEZE , who was to treat a peace for ACHMAT , with the Prince of the MINGRELIANS , and dispose him to pay a Tribute : they went into the Port MACROGALO , nine miles off that of GOVEA ; but a North-West wind , arising about midnight , September the fifteenth , drave their Galleys nigh shelfs and Rocks , one being cast away . This Tempest continuing many dayes , another was lost : out of which , the Jesuites had retired ( by advice ) during the same : who imputed the cause to Oneze , who had forbidden them to passe into Mingrelia , before the peace was concluded : which was long , by 〈◊〉 of difficulties in the Treaty : at last , they resolving to pay Tribute , it was concluded . Twenty dayes after the Jesuites departure from Macrogalo , they arrived at Satrapella , in Georgia , where the 〈◊〉 Visier , came and saluted them bare headed , and kneeling on one knee . Gorell the Prince , ( then at Barlet , where the Court was to keep Christmas ) hearing of the arrival of these French Preachers , sent for them , 〈◊〉 them , as did his Visier : then causing them to blesse his Court , he much 〈◊〉 with them , of the truth of the Romane Church : the Popes power , as Father of all Christendom ; 〈◊〉 being , as it were , inlightned , he intreated Grangier , to crave absolution of his sins , from the Pope : which he said , he might give him , by the power he had from God , promising , to send him his Confession ; but hearing the Jesuite had power to absolve him , he made a general confession of his life : A Monke of Georgia , who had lived at Rome 12 years , had formerly planted piety there , which these now altered . Gorell intreated the Jesuites , to send him some of 〈◊〉 Company at their return , promising , much to esteem of them , and give them a House , Temple , and maintenance : he offered them Silver , which they modestly refused , upon the Rules of their Institution : this Prince , much commending their manner of living , had them conducted to Satrapella . Febr. 3d , 1615 , they left this Town , arriving at Heraclia , and thence to Margoula , where Dodran , the Mingrelian Prince , then remained ; whither Threbis Cham , King of Georgia , expelled his 〈◊〉 by the Persian , in 1613 , was come to visit him . The Jesuites kissed Dodran's hands , and of his Uncle Lipartia , who was regent during his minority : who , both promised them assistance , sending them to Macaury , there to stay , 〈◊〉 they were busied in the affaires of the Countrey , then somewhat confused : that Bishop entertained them , with great shew of love ; and feasting Threbis Cham , would needs have the Jesuites assist him at the Feast : these Mingrelians , and also the Georgians , use to sing at meat : Threbis , desired the Jesuites might sing , when 't was their turn , who excused themselves ; but they must do as the rest : so they sung Plange Lingua &c. appointed for holy Thursday . They reside at Macaury , hoping to labour profitably for the health of souls . The Colchians , and Georgians , are Christians of the Greek profession , under divers Princes , ever in Warre with the Turk or Persian , being called Chams , that is , Kings , or soveraign Princes . In the mean time , a Turk comes out of Asia , into Christendom demanding favourable succours from Christian Princes , to possess the Empire , whereto his birth seemed to call him : He termed himself , the Sonne of Mahomet the 3d , Father to Achmat ; maintaining , that his Father had 〈◊〉 4 Women , 4 Sonnes , Mustapha , who was strangled ; Jacaia , which was himself , Achmat , and Osman , ( yet it seemes , by the sequel , he had another Mustapha ) that having been sent for from Magnesia , to Constantinople , his Mother , who had been a Christian , but afterwards for her beauty , used by Mahomet , and called Sultana Lalpare , could not conduct him to his Father , being dangerously sick of the small Pox : she well foresaw , that Jacaia the 2d Son , should one day secure the life of Mustapha the elder : wherefore , to retire him into Christendom , she gave out , her Sonne Jacaia , was dead of the small Pox , disguising her design , by constrained teares , at the Funeral of an Eunuch's Sonne , dead of the same disease . An Eunuch Astam , was hér faithful Secretary , with whom she leaves Magnesia , under a pretext to go to certain Bathes , and so transports her Sonne into Morea , lodging as unknown , in a Bishops House at Miclo : where Jacaia ( above 9 years old ) not being secure , she retires him into Cassandria of Macedonia , discovering to the Arch-Bishop of Thessalonica , her desire to make him a Christian : intreating him to take them both into his protection , who lodged her in a Nunnery , and commits her Sonne to a learned Abbot , where he much profited in the Greek Tongue , and many arts . I have seen him 〈◊〉 in the Company of learned men , speak the Greek as easily as his Mother Tongue . He continued under this Abbot , till the age of 17 years : during which time , he became a Christian. The Arch-Bishop , baptized him in a Temple without Thessalonica , yet secretly , for fear of the Eunuch . Jacaia , calling himself Sultan , leaves the Monastery , and with the Eunuch , travels up and down Greece ; and lest he should be known , takes on him the Habit and License of a Derviser ; but coming to Siopia , he heard of his Fathers death , and the rejoycing for Achmat's advancement , learning also , that Mustapha had been strangled : wherefore , after many Discourses with his Eunuch , he sends him to the Sonne of Peri Bassa , a Rebel of Asia , who receives for his Master , the Rebels Oath , and , returning to Tarlis , conducted Jacaia to Peri , to be head of his Troops . Achmat's Treasurer , was ready upon the banks of the River Bardate , to give Battel to Peri , with 7000 Horse , and 3000 Foot : his Troops being lesse in number , there was a sharp encounter ; but at last , Peri Bassa was defeated , and Jacaia being wounded in four places , saved himself on the other side of the River , where , wandring up and down , a Peasant relieved him , then an Abbot , who had him cured , taking him ( he said ) for a page of the Treasurers . 〈◊〉 he returns towards Greece , conferring with his Mother , then with his Eunuch , of his affaires : the Eunuch is sent to Constantinople , to the Visier Dervis , who was then discontented with Achmat , whom he findes disposed , to entertain the offers of Jacaia : they sweare to kill Achmat , and settle Jacaia in the Throne , who goes to Constantinople disguised ; but being ready to execute their enterprise , they say , the Dervis died : hereupon , Jacaia fled towards the black Sea , and then wandred into Valachia and Moldavia , following a Polonian Embassador on Foot , till he came to Cracovia : where a Turks Chiaus knowing him , desired that King to stay him , assuring him thereby , strictly to oblige the affections of Achmat , whose unjust demand , he refused : then the Chiaus , gets some Tartarians of the Kings Guard , for money to promise to murder him ; but a Flemish embroiderer , gave him notice , and let him hide himself in his Lodging : after which , he went to Prague , Rodulph the Emperour being then alive : who furnished him with all necessaries ; he was there a year , and in that time , acknowledged by many Turks , to be Achmat's Brother ; but he finding nothing but good wishes , and fair words at Prague , certain Saxons his friends , advised him to passe to Florence , to Duke Ferdinand , from whose Embassador , he takes his directions ; but entring Italy , he heares Ferdinand was dead ; yet Cosmo his successor , honourably entertains him at Florence , lodging him in St. JOHNS Fort , and supplying him with all Commodities . Cosmo , also gave him the Title of Excellency , Horses and Caroches , and Company for hunting : Ere long , the great Duke , sent him with his armed Galleys , into the Levant , under Beauregard , where Jacaia , conferred with Nassuf , then chief Rebel in Asia , who offers him men , arms , and money , if he would march towards 〈◊〉 ; but Beauregard , had no Commission to leave him in Nassuf's hands , so he carried him back to 〈◊〉 . While Jacaia was aboard , the great Duke sent into many parts of the Levant , carefully to be informed , of what he had delivered , who all brought back certain proofs of the truth thereof : wherefore , he wrote to the King of Spain , informing him of his quality , that contributing succours , they might undertake some happy enterprise against the Turk . He commanded the Viceroy of Naples , to give him suitable reception : Jacaia went towards Naples ; but having newes from thence , he stayed at Averso , where he was honourably received by the Governour . The Viceroy visiting him , gave him the right hand and Title of Excellency ; but the Council of Spain delaying too long the succours expected , he 〈◊〉 to Millane , and thence disguised , passed into the Levant , to sound mens good wills ; but prevailing as little as before , he went to Rome to kisse the Popes feet . Cardinall Bellarmine , received him as the Viceroy of Naples did : the Pope assuring him of affection and succours ; but it was needful , that secular Princes , should make the first warlike overture . Since , he was at Paris , under the protection of the Duke of Nevers , and assisted by his Counsel ; and , had not civil combustions directed his Armies , there had been seen some success of the affaires he treated in Lorain , Germany , &c. Yet some affirm , ( and those that have conversed in the East ) that Mahomet had but three Sonnes , Mustapha , Achmat , and Osman ; however , it was hard to discover in Jacaia's carriage , any signes of an imposture . Stephano , or 〈◊〉 , Vayuod of Moldavia , as he held it by usurpation , so he governed it with all cruelty and inhumanity , like that Tyrant , who said openly , He respected not the love of his Subjects , so they feared him . At first , 〈◊〉 plotted how to root 〈◊〉 all the Noblemen , called 〈◊〉 , with all others of credit and authority , both because they supported 〈◊〉 , and for the jealousie he had of them . First , he impaled Lord 〈◊〉 , the Princess Widow , her Brother , with two other chief Nobles ; and soon after , he beheaded 75 Boyers , not pardoning one , for all the great instance of their Kinsfolks , charging them with conspiracy against his person , without any proof ; but these cruelties , the more incensed the Boyers : many of whom , took up Arms , and had then been revenged , and freed their Countrey , if 〈◊〉 had not conjured those of Yas , by promising them immunities of all Subsidies , to second him : wherefore , they fought valiantly against the Boyers , who came to assault Yas : so after some light skirmish , in their retreat , many were taken , whom the Tyrant slew , or impaled for terrors sake . Those that escaped , now resolved , to have recourse to the Princess , Widow to Jeremie , who had fled into Poland , when she heard of the taking of her Sonne Constantine : who , understanding from the Boyers , that they desired Prince Alexander , in the Tyrant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : She also desiring Command under her Sonne ( then but 16 years old ) they both imparted the design to Visinoviskie her Sonne in Law , and Coreskie , who at that time married her youngest Daughter : which 〈◊〉 , willingly offered to go with Alexander , into Moldavia , and take the care of his Army so within lesse than 2 months , collecting 10 or 12000 Horse and Foot , Polonians , Cossacks , and Transilvanians , Stephane also gathered together almost 20000 Moldavians , Tartars , and Valachians , whom he kept about Yas , to attend the Princes coming . Alexander advancing within two Leagues of Caminithe in Podolia , was much 〈◊〉 to passe Niestre , there being a strong Garrison of Moldavians , in a Fort to defend the Rivers passage ; but the Captain of the Fort , much discontented at Stephanoes cruelties , voluntarily offering his service to Alexander , delivered him the Fort : so that passing easily into Moldavia , he for joy , discharged many vollies of his Ordnance : which made Stephano distrust the Moldavians affections , and feel a pricking in his Conscience . Alexander , making some stay there ( in 1615 ) advanced , and coming within half a dayes journey of Yas , sent out 800 chosen Cossacks , to discover his Enemies Army , who soon encountered with 1500 Tartars , sent out by Stephano , whom the Cossacks finding disordered , so charged them , as defeating many , they routed the rest . Then they brought back word , that Stephano's Army , might be about fifteen thousand ; yet such as were not trained up to Arms , drawn thereto , rather by constraint , than free will. Alexander's Army was greatly encouraged , and also much incensed against Stephano , for Letters he wrote to their Prince , full of threats , as if they had been already at his mercy : on which day , came Deputies to Alexander , ( Stephano not knowing it ) to know his design , and intreat him to take pitty upon Moldavia , who answered , he intended not to oppress it , but free it from Stephano's tyranny , being invited by many Boyers , assuring him , 't was the common desire of the Moldavians ; and if he prevailed , ( as by their assistance , he was certain to do ) he would rule them as mildly as his Father 〈◊〉 had done : they being well satisfied , and publishing his answer in divers places , many came and joyned with his Army : who in October , advancing , made a stand in a Champian , where were two Springs , calling a Councel of Warre : and the while , sent a Troop of Cossacks , to discover ; who brought word , the Enemy was ranged in Battel , having 20 Cannons in front . Yet Alexander , was not much amazed , because the General of Artillery , had assured him , he would annoy his men as little as he could , desiring to serve him , and so be revenged of Stephano , who had beheaded his Brother in Law , upon a false suspect . Stephano , to discover the Princes Army , sent 1200 Tartars , and 2 or 300 Moldavians , who being seen a far off in that plain , Alexander sent 500 Cossacks , and 400 Polonian Lances , to encounter them , who at first , seemed to retire , to draw them by degrees from their Camp ; and being about a League off , stood , thinking they durst not charge them ; but they fell so upon them , that they slew most of them , not above 5 or 600 escaping to their Camp , causing great amazement . The Princes Army was much encouraged hereby , increasing daily , as is usual in civil Warre . Presently after , the Prince meaning to advance toward the Enemy , his fore-ward was stayed , by 1000 Horse , who had seized on a narrow passage , betwixt a Poole and a Marish ; but certain Moldavians advising to send some Horse , by an unknown way , to surprise them behind , the Cossacks speedily went , Moldavians guiding them : who coming undiscovered , within 50 paces , charged them ; and being seconded by the fore-ward , of the 1000 Horse , there returned not above 50 to their Camp. Alexander , now coming with his Army , within Cannon-shot , Visnoviskie , thought they must make an inclosure with Carts , having no retreating place within 10 Leagues : which Stephano discovering , shot through that Fort , some being flain , and some hurt : the Prince answered him , but to small purpose , night surprizing them , and having but 8 small Pieces . Visnoviskie , spent the night , in encouraging his Souldiers from their former encounters against their Enemies , ( who though more in number , yet were most Peasants ) which successes , were assurances , that God would use them , to punish the tyrannies of Stephano ; and then every one should return loaden with rich spoils and recompences from Alexander . Hereat , the Souldiers all protested , rather to die , than fail of their duties : the Princess also , comforted the Colonel and Captain , with the intelligence from the Generall of the Artillery . Next day , while they put their Armies in Battel , Alexanders men had the odds in divers skirmishes . Visnoviskie was Alexanders Generall , as most capable : who , seeing Stephanoes Horse in three Squadrons , and the Tartars most advanced , ordered the Cossacks to encounter them : discreetly done ; for they both charge freely , are covered with but skins of Beasts , to seem as fearful as they can , observe no order , using cries , fearful to the unaccustomed ; and being broken , seldom return to charge . The Polish Lanciers , called Housarskie , being 1500 well armed , and led by Coreskie , were set on the right hand , against 3000 Horse : the Hungarian Foot ( about 3000 ) were in midst of the Army with the Cannon , upon a little Hill : on the left , were the other Chivalry , led by Alexander and Visnoviskie : the Baggage being a little behind in the Camp. Stephano disposing his Army , began about nine in the morning , to play with his Cannon ; but the Bullers flew over Alexanders men : who thereupon , bad the Cossacks charge the Tartars , whom they defeated : at which time , 2000 Horse , charging the Foot that guarded Stephano's Cannon , slew most , taking the rest , and so possest his Cannon : who seeing his Infantry also indangered , caused 3000 Horse to advance ; but Coreskie charged them so furiously , that he slew almost half , and routed the rest . Presently after , another Squadron followed : whereupon , Coreskie seeing his men wearied , and tired , retired towards his Camp. Then came Alexander and Visnoviskie , to encounter these , and that with the more courage , because , sure that Stephano was there : during this quarter of an houres charge , Coreskie breathed , collecting what men he could , to succour those in fight , who were almost tired , and Alexander far ingaged : who now recovering their Forces , their amazed Enemies that were alive , were put to flight . But Stephano ( a coward ) had retired to the rest of his Foot , who had not yet fought , seeming rather to die there , than flee ; yet seeing the issue of this last charge , he soon fled , having not struck a stroak . The Foot that remained ( about 4000 ) yielded to mercy , crying aloud , God save Alexander , Vayuod of Moldavia . That day , Prince Alexander entred into Yas , and in the Castle , was proclaimed by all the Boyers , Vayuod , which before , he would never accept of . Next day , hearing that many of the chief of Yas , were fled into Mountains and Forrests , to attend the event , he sent Boyers to invite them home , with all assurance , causing part of his Army to be quartered in the Countrey ; and 500 Horse , and 1500 Foot , under Coreskie , were sent to Vasseloy , for that Stephano had fled that way , and might return . Some of the Artillery , were sent into Poland , some put into the Fort of Cochina , as it were the Arsenall of Moldavia . Alexander called his chief Nobles to Counsel , to resolve what to do to maintain him in his Estate : who concluded among other things , he should send an Embassador to the G. Seignior , to let him know , he never intended to take Arms against him , but was sought to by the Boyers , for the unspeakable cruelties of the Vayuod Stephano , &c. they were also to inform him , that Stephano had 〈◊〉 suggested , that he was Sonne to a Prince of Moldavia , that he was not truly informed , that his predecessors had promised Jeremie and 〈◊〉 , that his Sons should succeed him , if not unworthy , and did pay the yearly Tribute , which was offered by 〈◊〉 , to Houssine Aga : Alexander , promising to pay it hereafter , and if need were , to give his Brother Bougdan as a pledge , during the first year . The Embassadors going by Transilvania , lest they should be hindered by Men of Warre , then troubling all Thrace , came to Buda , and went to salute that Bassa , who being a special friend to Stephano , imprisoned them , and then sent them to Braille , whither Stephano had fled , who they say , gave him 15000 Chequines reward : causing their Heads to be cut off , one night after Supper , and their bodies to be cast into Danow : whereby the Sultan was not truly advertised of passages in Moldavia and Alexander's offers ; so that he sware his ruine . Stephano , with 4000 men from Michna , Vayuod of Valachia , and the reliques of his scattered Forces , marcht towards Moldavia : wherefore , Coreskie was sent with 6000 Horse to Ticouch , a strong Frontier Town , Alexander and Visnoviskie , staying at Yas , to prevent all alterations , in favour of Stephano : Within few dayes , the Prince hearing that those of Horreova , a small Countrey in Moldavia , had joyned with a great Troop of Tartars , to come and invest him , sent Visnoviskie to encounter them : who meeting them two Leagues off the City slew half of them , and put the rest to flight : a great number were taken , the Horreoveans being brought to Yas , as in triumph : 800 Tartars and others , were found slain , and but 50 Polonians , with some 100 hurt . Alexander , went presently with his Company of French , to meet Visnoviskie , and congratulate his Victory , with many Complements : then casting his eye upon the poor Horreoveans , he sent them back again , taking an Oath of their fidelity hoping that his clemency , would draw the most factious to obedience ; and giving God thanks , he sent to Coreskie , to advertise him of this new Victory , who was then busie in preparing to meet Stephano : they encountered in a Plain , having on one side the River Sirette , dividing Moldavia from Valachia : it continued two houres with like advantage ; but Coreskie , joyning to him 400 Gerbeys , so charged Stephano in a Squadron of Horse , that he forced them to give back ; yet did the Event seem doubtful : Whereupon another Captain , with five hundred Light-Horse , came in so fitly , that Stephano was forced to fly , the Prince pursuing , and cutting them in pieces : who afterwards found that of Stephano's side were 3400 slain on the place , besides prisoners and wounded ; and of his , but 350. Then the season being cold in November , he put his Troops in Garrison , and returned with 150 Horse to Yas , honorably and joyfully received . The Princess yet in Poland , now returns to Yas , with Bougdan her Son , and Alexandrina her Daughter , with great feasting and joy : Then they treated of a Marriage betwixt Coreskie and Alexandrina ; but Bellona then opposed it , to try their patience who loved each other from their youth . For about the end of this moneth , 1615 , they heard that Michna of Valachia , with Hebraim Bassa , came against them with 40000 men to succour Stephano : also that Bethlem Gabor had charge from the Grand Seignior to assail them ; but it was false : for that Bassa was sent with Caphtanes or Roabs which the Sultan sends to Princes under his power , to Michna & Stephana , but not with any Army ; for he was yet ignorant what had passed against Stephano : yet the Princes thinking this true , called a Council , resolving to send Boyartskie ( a brave Polonian ) to Michna to know his intent and designs : who arriving at Bouza in Valachia , demanded audience before Michna ; who sending him to the Bassa , He ( without hearing him ) demanded , Who made his Master so bold , as to bear arms in the Sultans Country without his authority , commanding the Embassadour presently to be put in Irons : whose servants escaped as they could , informing Prince Alexander what had past , and that Michna had no Army , nor intent then to enter Moldavia . The Bassa charged some of his Officers to examine Boyartskie of all matters , and of Alexanders forces ; and returning to 〈◊〉 , led him with him thither : where he being examined by a Visier , in the Divano , was condemned perpetually to the Galleys . Alexander sent another Embassador to Beth : Gabor being at Alba Julia , whom he courteously received : the Embassadour told him , that Alexander had heard , he levied Men to joyn with Michna against him , which he could not easily believe , for he had professed friendship to his Father , and had no cause now to leave it , intreating him not to meddle , and if there were occasion , he would serve him to his utmost : Then he gave him his Letters of credit . Who answered , He never intended any thing against Alexander , whose Father was his true Friend : nor would he ever give cause of discontinuing that Friendship , &c. Here was much satisfaction , yet he afterwards levied Forces against him , though not joyning with Michna's Army . Presently after the Bassa's departure , Pr. Michna sent an Embassadour to Alexander , protesting by Letters his great grief for his Embassadour's ill usage , without whose consent he was carried away with the Bassa , promising to do his best for his delivery : He knew also the Sultans Power over him , whom he might not resist , that he had no Army on Foot , and that he designed not to support Stephano , unlesse forced by the Sultan's Command ; but he could not deliver Stephano up to him , unlesse he should violate the Laws of Hospitality : also he should incurr the Sultan's indignation , and be in danger to be dispossest of his own Estate ; Alexander after this , by advice of his Councel , dismissed all his Foot , part of the Cossakes , retaining but 5 or 6000 that Winter . About this time Pr. Visnoviski ( a Protestant of the Greek Church ) receiving the Communion at Christmas , the 〈◊〉 ( who had usually served him ) , for money poysoned the Bread ; which he receiving , sickened , and with torments dyed the next day : whereupon the Priest , apprehended upon suspition , confessed forthwith his guilt , being provoked by his Enemies . He was bound in a Chair made of Copper-wire , and a Fire made round him ; so that for twelve hours , he fearfully cryed out for his insupportable paines . Whilst Alexander and his Court mourned for this beloved Prince ; a Spie arrived out of Valachia , informing him that one Skinder Bassa , with a great Army , was there arrived , Stephano pressing them daylie , to March into Moldavia , sending 400 Men to surprize Berlada , where Coreski had left some men , who keeping bad Guard , were most cut in pieces , which much puft up Stephano ; but Alexander sending 400 Cossacks , within three dayes they arrived at that Town unwalled ( like the rest ) ; and firing many places , forced his Men out , and slew them , the rest being burnt ; so that but five or six escaped , Stephano being much afflicted . Then also Coreski , in revenge , with 2500 choyse Horse went speedily into Vaselloy , lest his Garrison there should be so served also : which the Bassa hearing , sent his Son ( twelve or thirteen years old ) with an old experienced Turk , and 7000 Men , to get his Son reputation . Coreskie advertised hereof , and knowing they must passe a wooden Bridge over a River by the Town , cunningly disposed some of his Men within Vasselloy , the rest being covered with a little adjoyning Mountain : Some Turks being passed over , two squadrons from the Town , so charged them , that almost all in Poland were slain , with the old conductor ; for the Turks , having marched almost all night to arrive early , were benummed with cold ; the rest ( on tother side ) retired speedily , fearing perhaps the Bassa's Son might be also lost . Coreskie pursued them 4 Leagues , killing and taking all in his way : One prisoner saying , he was the Bassa's nigh Kinsman , Alexander gave him a fit garment and horse , sending him to the Bassa with a Convoy , whom he intreated also ( by a Letter ) not to advance in Stephano's behalf ; promising , if the Sultan would let him quietly enjoy Moldavia , he would be most 〈◊〉 , and pay him the yearly Tribute : which the Bassa little esteemed , being exceedingly incensed for his Sons bad success , and his Captains death . The same day Alexander sending 1500 Horse to Coreskie , 800 of them lodged 6 leagues from Ticouth , where the Bassa and Michna then were with about 25000 men : these 800 neglecting their Guards , drank themselvs drunk , 〈◊〉 sting their Hosts with all insolencies , & forcing their Wives and Daughters : Wherfore calling to them certain Boyers , they cut all their throats sleeping , and most drunk . About the end of the year , Pr. Alexander called a General Council , where it was resolved to retire to Cochina , 30 French Leagues off , it being the strongest place of Moldavia , far from Enemies , and near Poland : so next day he marched , and came thither in 4 days , in the extreamest cold : then he sent to all his Friends and Confederates speedily to come to succour them , ordering the while to provide all Necessaries for his Army . The Bassa hereupon marched with Michna and Stephano , towards Yas ; but many ( through cold ) dying on the way , they stayd till a milder time . At March , L. Tischevich came to Alexander with 3500 Cossacks , and within few days , L. Potoskie , Nephew to him who was taken at the first Battel , with 1500 well armed Polonians ; other succours came also : so that by the end of this moneth he was 10 or 12000 strong : who sending forth one thousand horse , with his French Cavaliers , to discover the Enemies Army , they staying to refresh themselves 〈◊〉 way from Espanocha , where Michna's Tartars lodged : These , with many Turks , presently invested them , who ( though little hope to withstand so many ) behaved themselves very 〈◊〉 , fighting from 10 in the morning , till night : but 7 Polonians , and 5 French escaping the rest being slain or taken , Mountespin ( the French Captain ) being one , whom they would have sent with the rest to the Galleys ; but Stephano preserved him , upon promise of his good service . About the end of Aug. 1616. six Jesuits , setled at Pera , at the perswasion of Henry the 4th , King of France , were accused before the Visier to be Spies to Spain , to absolve Renegadoes , baptize Turks , conceal fugitive slaves , sending them into Christendom : Objecting also , the killing of Kings , if Tyrants , which had been written by a Spaniard of their coat : all capital crimes . They were thrust into a Dungeon , and with them a Franciscan , Vicar to the Patriarch of Constantinople : whereinto the while the Embassadors entred to renew the Truce , with Drums beating , and Ensigns displayed . Some who thought to erect Trophies by the Jesuits ruine , making use of this Entry falsly advertized , that many thousands of Christians in Greek and Turkish Habits , came with him to execute the Jesuits project : also informing the Visier and Muphti , that the Temples in Pera , and Embassadors houses were full of arms ; and now when as the Turks Estate , chiefly Constantinople , was unprovided of Forces , as having Armies in divers places , they meant to draw the Greekes into Rebellion , and give entrance to the Cossacks by the Black Sea. The Sultan commands all to wear the habit of their own Nation , forbidding to wear any Hat , except the Franks , and they to wear a Greek Habit ; enrolling also all Christians in the City , and Pera : yet not thinking Constantinople free from danger , he commanded all the Franks to be slain , which took not effect : The Grand Visier , and Muphti representing unto him , that by this cruelty , he should draw upon his estate a dangerous War from all Christian Princes : but he walks up and down the City all night on Horseback , causing the Fryer , Vicar to the Patriarch , to be executed in his sight , and expresly forbids passing from Constantinople to Pera , or hence thither ; So that the French Embassadour having passed from Pera to solicite the Jesuits Liberty , returning , found a stop , going to the Muphti , and leaving his People at the Sea-side ( for they use to go to him with a small train ) , during which time , a multitude ran to see them , thinking surely they went to put them to Death : they lamenting their misery , and the Turks furiously charging them with conspiracy ; but the Visier , sending a Writing by one of his own to the Keeper of the passage , the Embassadour with his train was let pass ; but being at Ptra , one night the People fell into an exceeding fury , upon a Subject of small importance . Not far from the Embassadour's house , there happen'd a dispute in a Lodging betwixt some who watched about some Imployment : whereat the Turks awakened , ran to Arms in the Street , ( 1000 in all ) crying out , The noise came from the Frankes , ( that is , from Italians , French , Spanish , English and Others ) ; who meant to Rise , resolving to force the Embassadour's House , and put all to Fire and Sword ; But some better advised , perswaded them to stay till Day ; and then the Embassadour got the Sultan to interpose , so brideling their insolency . But the Jesuits remained in the Dungeon , till the French Embassadour had lett the Visier see their innocency , procuring their Liberty , the Sultan by his Letters , Pattents , publishing the falsehood of the malitions accusations against them : yet , to avoyd the fury of a blind multitude , they went to Sea for France : but were again committed at the Dardanelles , through some advertisement to the Sultan to the same effect : who being informed truly of their honesty , freed them , recalling 2 to Pera , to live as formerly . Though the Bassa and Stephano were puft up with Alexander's losse , near Cochina ; yet Michna hearing , he there would defend himself , had no joy thereof ; for an Italian had foretold to him , If ever he fought with the Polonians , he would be in danger of his Life : wherefore by his Chancellour's and Camp-Master's advice , he pretended , he heard from his Lievtenant , There are many Tartars entred Valachia , and spoyling it ; So he returned onely with 100 Horse for his Guard. But Stephano ( to mock Michna ) writing to him , that he had slain 6000 Polonians upon the Place , and taken a great number , whom they would send to the grand Seignior ; he was so discontented , that he beheaded his Chancellour and Camp-Master , charging them to have secret intelligence with the Poles . About the end of March , the Bassa , Stephano , and Monoza a Tartar , advancing with 20000 Men towards Cochina , made a stand within 2 Leagues for refreshment : the Princes the while , put their Army in Order , in a Plain near Cochina , leaving 1000 choyse Horse in the Town under Coreskie , as assured that the Turks would Camp betwixt the Town and Army ; that , ifdefeated , they might not retire into the very strong Fort : They planted also 8 Cannons in a Trench covered with a Wood. The Bassa informed , they had not half so many Men arrived by 7 in the Morning nigh Cochina . where making a stand to discover the Princes Army , he encamped betwixt it and the Town : the Tartars desiring to be revenged of the Cossakes , intreated to have the Point , and so advanced towards a Battalion of them , not distrusting the unseen Cannon , which playing upon them , overthrew a great number , terrifying the rest : So that the Cossakes furiously cut them in pieces , and so retired ; Seeing Valachians and 〈◊〉 come to succour them ; whom Tischevich with his 15 or 1600 horse coming to encounter , they advanced bravely towards the Princes Canon : The Combat being long and doubtful , the Turks Marshal sent 3000 Turks to succour them , and the Princes caused a Squadron of Cossacks and Moldavians to advance , who forced the Turks to retire above 100 paces : then Alexander cryed out , Now my Companions , the Enemy is in disorder , let us charge them resolutely , and the Victory is sure . So advancing with the rest , he discharged two Canons , as a sign to Correskie to salley forth : but he was already come above 300 paces . The Bassa hereupon began to be amazed , and sending two thousand horse to second his other Troops , retired apart with Stephano , and the rest of the Turkish Cavalry , to attend the event : a most furious Combate there was for two hours , full of fearful howlings of Turks , who at last fainted , seeing no succours come , whereas if the Bassa and Stephano had joyned with them , they had by all appearance won the Victory ; but they seeing no means to collect their routed forces , retreated with above two thousand horse , which had not yet fought . Tischevich and Correskie the while , cut all in pieces they could meet ; and drawing all their men together , stood upon the place , suffering none to go to the spoyl , before assured of the Enemies hasty retreat , fearing a pursuit ; but the Princes men and horses were almost tired , above twelve thousand men being slain , besides prisoners and wounded . Alexander returning so Cochina , they gave thanks to God for this Victory , and the Princes and Ladies much joyed , who in the Fort attended the fearful Event ; and Coreskie two dayes after the Victory , was married to Alexandrina , to the great content of all the Court. The Bassa and Stephano going to Yas , and finding no safety , the one went presently to Constantinople , and the Tyrant to Pr. Michna , who was his only support , though he had apparently mock'd him ; but he first fired Yas in many places : so that of 22000 houses , but 600 were untouched . The Princes coming , and finding it desolate , next day marched towards Valachia to punish Stephano ; and on t'other side of the River Siretta , Michna had 400 men in a Burrough to keep the Frontiers , who putting themselves in defence , were every one cut in pieces , the Inhabitants being well intreated , as not resisting , and hating Michna for the vexations from the said Garrison : resting 3 days , they speedily marched towards Bonza , and coming within a league of that City , some Country-men ran thither , wishing Michna to save himself speedily from the Polonian Army : he was ready to go to Dinner with Stephano ; but now he was so amazed , that running into his stable , he mounted without a saddle , and went towards Tergovist with a few , one of whom gave him his own horse which was better furnished : Stephano upon his own horse flying alone towards Nicopolis . The Princes entring Bonza , were wondrously grieved at Stephano's escape , and that Michna whom they would not have hurt was so amazed : Their Army at first entrance spoiled the City , ravishing many , which drew the future wrath of God upon them ; yet the Princes could not hinder them . During their abode , many Boyers , Michna governing insolently , came and besought Alexander to stay in Valachia , promising the whole Nobility would willingly obey him : but he thanking them onely for their good will , they told him , they would be glad that Prince 〈◊〉 ( who governing before Michna , had been expelled by Bethlehem Gabor ) might suddainly return to the Vayuodship , intreating him to give him passage thorow Moldavia out of Germany , if he came , which he willingly granted , because Michna favoured his Enemy , and had himself a designe upon Moldavia . Michna staying some dayes at Playa , attending his train , sent to his wife at Tergovist , with all speed to go to Nicopolis , fearing the Princes would seize both upon them and their Estates : Then coming himself to Tergovist , he sent to Alexander , to know why he entered Valachia with an Army , without cause ; he having shewen that he was his Friend in not assisting the Bassa and Stephano nigh Cochina , though they appeared much stronger ; and if he meant onely to seize upon Stephano , he was fled another way : promising if he ever took him , to deliver him up to him , intreating him to retire , without further spoyl , and that they might remain good Friends . Pr. Alexander answered the Embassadour , he had sent to informe his Master the Day before , that he meant not to attempt any thing against him , but onely Stephano , who had Fired the City Yas : which that Michna might know , he had sent him back his Plate and all his rich Moveables , the Embassadour thanking him and returning , found all 〈◊〉 , Michna being freed from fear . Alexander sent Troianoskie with 2000 Horse to pursue Stephano , but he heard he had passed 〈◊〉 with his Wife and a small train : 1500 Tartars advertised of this pursuit but with 1000 , and that they were tyred therein , came to Charge them ; but Troianoskie discovering them afar off in a Plain , had leisure to put his Men into four squadrons ; they approaching and discovering their number , would gladly have retired ; but Troianoskie Commanding two squadrons suddenly to Charge , they were presently defeated , above 400 being slain , the rest flying : but 25 Poles were 〈◊〉 , and 50 hurt . The Princes resolving to leave Valachia , forbad all on pain of Death , to carry away Valachians with them ; hearing some were seized on , for Ransome-sake : being upon their March , they heard the Horreoveans were again up in Arms , refusing to own or pay to Alexander , unless it could appear he was confirmed by the Sultan : Coreskie being sent thither with 5000 Men , they yielded without resistance . Then Coreskie besiedged Bialigront , on the River Bohou , held by the Tartars-Praecopenses , where was a Garrison of Janlzaries , and many Moldavian Boyers , who making many salleys , slew above 300 of his Men , himself being like to be taken , if Tiscevich and his Troop had not speedily forced the Enemies to retire , leaving many dead on the place . Coreskie being without Cannon , now rose and returned to Yas ; and soon after Hebraym Bassa wrote to Alexander ( as if his Friend ) and told him , thenceforth he should be quiet in Moldavia , because the chief Stephano's greatest Supporter , was in disgrace , promising to imploy himself for him , to the Sultan ; this was to make him carelesse , or draw some reward from him , if the grand Seignior should confirme him , as it was somewhat likely ; for soon after they heard he had commanded that Bassa to bring Stephano alive or dead , with all belonging to him , from Brahile whither he was retired : Who marching thitherward withall diligence , and a 〈◊〉 with him , sent one to tell Stephano of his coming , and that next day he would dine with him : he distrusting nothing , went early to meet him , alighting to do him reverence as the Bassa did ; where after some little conference , he drew out a Commission to seize upon him , and carry him to Constantinople . Whereupon Stephano willed his Servants to shift for themselves ; then the 〈◊〉 struck Him betwixt the Shoulders with his Mace , and binding him hand and foot , they drew him in a Cart with four horses to Constantinople : where , to avoid punishment for his wicked actions and flight , he turned Turk . The Bassa also had sent to seiz on all he had at Brahile , and Nicopolis where his wife was : so that he had nothing left , but continual torment of conscience for his barbarous cruelties in 〈◊〉 : Some of his men , telling at Yas , what befell him in their sight , they generally gave thanks to God , and were very joyfull . Soon after , News came to Yas , that the Sultan had appointed 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 of Moldavia ( much better than Valachia ) sending Skinder Bassa with a powerful army to settle him , and expel Alexander : And June 25. 1616. he came to Tergovist , where was Michna with great preparations : the Bassa entred with 30 or 40 Musicians on horseback , making but silly musick ; and many Pages , who for cloaks , ware Leopards , Lions , and Tigers skins , his army being about twenty thousand men , Turks and Tartars , to whom Michna joyned with ten thousand horse and 〈◊〉 . Being come into the Castle , after many complements , the Bassa and Michna entred into a great Hall , where he presented him his Letters Patents , and a Robe his Master had sent him : Michna putting it on in presence of his Nobles , and being proclaimed Prince and Vayuod of Moldavia , with many ceremonies : Then Michna led the Bassa into another great Hall , where was a Feast prepared , offering to serve him ; but he made him sit down right against him . July 2d . they marched into Moldavia : but the Princess ( Alexanders Mother ) maintained , that the Bassa came onely to bring the Patents to her Son , by reason of Bassa's former Letters , was the cause of their utter ruine . About which time Zolchelchy ( the Polish Kings General ) through Envie and private Interest , wrote to Michna and the Bassa , if they would promise him to procure the eldest Son of Simeon living with him , to be Prince of Valachia , he would so weaken Alexander's Army , that he must yield or flee : which granted , he wrote to some Cossack Captains to come speedily into Poland , to go with Uladislam their Kings Son , chose Duke of Muscovie , who would go thither with a great Army through some crosses , and they should be very well paid : Wherefore concealing that Invitation , they began to mutiny ; saying , If they had not money speedily , they would be gone : 8000 of whom went early in the morning , with great store of cattel , and the spoils they had gotten . Likewise Bicho , Alexanders General , whether through fear , or being corrupted , retired toward the Enemy with two thousand horse : Hereupon many advised Alexander to retreat : yea Michna ( for fear of his false Prophets fore-warning ) wrote and advised him to retire into Poland , before his Army approached nearer : Alexander went to counsel , July 25. but they could not resolve , most of the Army demanding their pay , or they would not fight : which they took for a pretext of retreating . The mean while , Michna's Vanguard of Tartars approaching , made them march from Yas towards Cochina : but the Tartars having notice , went and charged them in the Rear , where Potoskie having slain many with his own hand , was at last slain with an arrow . ' Tischevich coming speedily with a Troop of Cossacks , suriously slew 800 Tartars on the place , routing the rest . Alexander answered Michna's Letter , That contrary to his promise , he had craved aid of the Turks , to dispossess him of Moldavia , to which his predecessors never laid claim , neither could they , according to the Laws and Conventions , when the Moldavians submitted to the Sultan : none to be Vayuod there , unless there born ; also he minded him that he might have dispossessed him of Valachia , when he entred Bonza , which he would not , sending him all his rich moveabls ; and that if he abused his present Power , God would not let him go unpunished : and though his Army were far lesse than his , yet he feared them not ; putting his chief confidence in the Almighty , who had used them oft to abate the Turks Pride , which he should abhorre , if a true Christian , rather than joyn to satisfie his ambition . Skinder Bassa seeing this Letter , and incensed , Commanded his Lievtenant to pursue the Poles with 12000 choyse Men , who being then at Cotnard , Alexander hereupon made them advance towards 〈◊〉 : at which time , Cherban's Chancellour , who came with 150 Horse , to assure him that his Master was coming with 5 or 6000 to ayd him , was pursued by the Turks near Yas , onely himself and one more escaping ; So that Alexander could have no sure News of Cherban . Coreski also who stayed with 2500 Horse not far from Cotnard , was encountred by a great Troop , which he could not discover for a little Mountain ; he charged some of them . But one Troop being defeated , another succeding , he must retreat : yet he slew almost 6000 Enemies , not above 250 of his own being lost . The Turkish Commander amazed hereat , collecting his Men , joyned with 15000 others sent from Yas , approaching very near to the Polonians , where encouraging his Men , he sent a Challenge to Coreski , by a Captain whom he confest the most Valiant of all the Polonians , who coming and delivering his Charge , Coreskie , though he could not stand or sit on Horse-back for his wounds , would have accepted the Challenge , if Alexander and the rest had not caused him to excuse himself , through indisposition : shewing what the event of such a Combat , did import , the Princesses also instantly intreating , and his dearest Spouse , who was much afflicted for his wounds . Tischevich intreated leave of Alexander , that he might accept thereof for his cousin Coreskie ; which grantred , he sent to know if the Turks General would own it , which he did , knowing what Tischevich was : The Combat was to be betwixt the Armies within a quarter of a League of each other , and neither Party to be assisted . The Turks General being about 50 paces from his Army , washed his Mouth , Eyes , Nose , Ears , and privy Parts , believing ( after his Law ) that it would serve as a purifying ; then praying toward the East , and so mounting , richly Armed and Furnished , marched softly towards Tischevich , who attended him : they began with Bowes and Arrowes , not hurting each other , till Tischevich shooting the Turk thorow with a Petronel , in his striving to rise , he rodd over him , wounding him in the right Arm , and at next blow slew him ; then cutting off his head , he carried it to Alexander . The Poles were very joyful , and the Turks much amazed , advertising the Bassa and Michna , they must bring all the Army and Cannon if they would be revenged . In the mean time , Bicho the Traytor with 2000 Tartars and Moldavians , got before the 〈◊〉 to hinder their passage from Cotnard to Michna's Army investing them on the right hand , and the Turks behind ; so that they had but on the left a Wood to favour their retrait : who being so invironed , Resolved to Fortifie themselves with their Ca t s and Carriages ; but they were but 5 or 6000 , to 22 or 23000 , as they were thought to be ; true , Cherban and Bossi were within 2 dayes journey with 10 or 12000 Men , which made the Enemy the more to advance . who coming near their Camp , and desiring onely to take the Princes and Princesses prisoners , with the chief Nobles , summoned the Polonians to deliver them into their hands ; the rest to depart with Bag and Baggage : But they all answered , They would rather die than commit such base treachery . Hereupon some Canons were discharged , a great number of Poles being slain and wounded : These shooting to small purpose , with their small pieces , all their bullets being spent , and part of their powder lately burnt by accident : Tischevich thus enclosed , furiously with five hundred of the most valiant horse , forced thorow 3 or 4 Squadrons , set in guard by the Wood side , overthrowing all they encountred . Correskie would not have failed so to do , and carryed Alexander with him , but he could not sit on horseback : also he had rather die , than leave his Wife in that extremity : so he disguised himself , giving out , he escaped with Tischevich , as did the Princesses , that , if to be ransomed , to go for common persons . The Turks Cannon having overthrown many of their Carriages , two Squadrons of Tartars and Turks in two places , came to force their Camp : who thereupon laid down arms , crying aloud , They yielded : The Enemy was very glad , as very desirous to take the Princes prisoners , and dispose of the rest : who entring their camp , and seizing on what they could , Alexander and Bougdan were delivered to Skinder Bassa , who leading them to Constantinople ; for fear of perpetual Imprisonment , they became Renegadoes : But Bougdan being circumcized , dyed ; and his Mother was confined to the old Seraglio . Coreskie ( through disguise ) was led to Yas among the common souldiers , where he was afterwards discovered by a souldier of his own party , who got his liberty and freedom thereby . the Turk who had gotten this Prince , led him to the Bassa : who recompencing him well , made both him and the Souldier swear , not to tell it to any , for he intended to draw some great Ransom from him ; knowing , if he carried him to Constantinople , the Sultan would imprison him , and so he should have no benefit : but another false Polonian told Michna thereof , who was so 〈◊〉 , that he told the Bassa before many : He certainly knew , Coreskie was among his slaves , for whom the G. Seignior would call him to account : He answered , he would be glad of that , but he had yet no notice of him , thanking Michna for his caution : and , fearing the event of Coreskies escape for a Ransom , he told Michna next day , that Coreskie was found disguised , whom he would present unto his Master , with Alexander and Bougdan , as he did . Coreskies Wife , disguised and disfigured with her nailes and otherwise , fell into the hands of a Tartar. Captain , with many others , who carried her into Tartary , where she was inhumanly intreated . Cosmo , the G. Duke's Galleys parting from Ligorne this year , they drew near Cerigo , April 25. where meeting with some Christian ships , they heard 〈◊〉 in Chio , the Turk had prepared 2 Galleys to passe into Barbary : Inghirami resolving to set upon them by cover of the night , cast Anchor under Castle-Roux : but the Moon shining discovered him to the Turks : who advertising the 〈◊〉 , they began to flee , one rowing a main towards Land , and the other speeding her course at Sea. Inghiramie's Galley got before that going to land , being followed by St. Stephens Galley , grapling with it 3 hours , and striving to enter ; but the Turks defending it valiantly , they were above an hour fastened together , hewing each other furiously , yea , the Turks entring Inghiramies Galley , fought valiantly upon the Hatches ; but at last , the 〈◊〉 took her , yet with much loss : It was the Iron Galley of that famous Pirate , Amurath Raise ; the Captain Mustapha . Celebi a Portugall being taken , but sore wounded . The other was the Captain Galley of the said Raise , commanded by the Bey of Mitylene , called Amurath : this was infested by 2 Florentine Galleys , the Combat being no less furious than the other ; but after some hours fight , the Florentines had the Victory : Amurath being slain , and Mustapha , whom these Galleys carried to Algier . They were great Galleys well furnished , and manned with 420 Janizaries , practised in Piracies : 240 Turks were taken , 430 Christians freed . They also recovered a Cannon and 2 Sacres of St. Johns Galley , and a Sayl of the G. Duke's Captain-Galley , which Raise had formerly spoiled : the rich commodities taken , were valued at 200000 Crowns ; but the Florentines had 223 men wounded , and 35 slain : which made Inghirami return to Ligorn . But the Emperour's Embassadour coming to Constantinople , was , because the peace concluded at 〈◊〉 Torok in 1606 , was somewhat altered by divers Interpretations made of those Articles : and this year in March , the Embassadours of both Emperours assembled at Vienna : wherethey concluded upon divers Articles , to remove all pretext of controversie in their explication : but Embassadours had first been mutually sent to Constantinople and Prague , with royal and rich Presents . The peace made at Situa Torok was to be observed for 20 years compleat , beginning at the date of those Presents which were signed and sealed by Embassadours on both sides , March 1. 1616. Of these Articles extracted out of Achmat's Letters Pattents , and of an accord for execution of the same , touching the Villages in controversie , and razing Fortifications ; thou maist read at large in the 1362 , 1363 , and 1364 pages of the Turks History . Alexandrina , Wife to P. Coreskie , being led captive unknown , to Bialigrot in Tartary , there received many indignities being with child : yea while she lay in , which was 5 or 6 months after her taking . There was also one Jaques , a Polonian Souldier under Coreski , who though he might by her discovery , have purchased his own freedom , yet he would not : Wherefore the Princess ( the Tartarian being one day absent ) told Jaques : That having found him faithfull , she would direct him , how to redeem himself from captivity , so he would observe what she did prescribe : who promising so to do , yea with the hazard of his life ; She said , Thou knowest the Tartar , whose captives we are , hath an elder Brother ( very rich ) who is lately become blind and deaf , through a great defluxion into his eyes and eares , for which his Brother seems much afflicted . I have a Jewel which my Husband gave me when we were made sure : which I much esteeming , have hid , sometimes in my hair , sometimes in rags since my captivity ; for he assured me , it had many and singular Vertues : and that it would restore the sight ; and cure deafnesse , so 't were not natural or too inveterate . I will give thee this Stone , when thou hast sounded the Tartar , whether he will free thee if thou dost cure his Brother , making him swear solemnly not to retain it , that thou mayest restore it me unknown to him : She said also , Thou must demand of the sick man , a Horse , Money , and Passeports to go into thy own Country , that thou mayst go speedily to my dear Husband ; where ever thou shalt hear of him , and bring me an Answer of my Letters if possible . Jaques , having sworn to perform all , she gave him the Stone : who finding the Tartar one day much afflicted with his Brother's infirmity , told him , He knew how to cure him , without pain , or taking any thing inwardly : I believe nothing , said he ; for all the Physitians in the Country could not do it : yet if he could , he promised to free him without Ransom , and give him whererewith to conduct him : that is that ( said Jaques ) I meant to demand : thou swearing also by thy great God , not to fail of thy promise , when I have performed mine , and not to retain , or let any one take from me what I shall use in the cure . The Tartar swearing , and laying his right hand upon his heart , although distrustful , yet acquainted his Brother herewith , who entreated him not to neglect the offer , promising him both the Ransom , and mony he should give him . The day comne , the Tartar prest the prisoner to perform his promise , and the sick man promised him a Horse and 〈◊〉 Chequines , taking his Brothers Oath ; so he bound the stone to one eye seven hours : which taken off , he saw clearly , recovering th' other eye in like manner , and his hearing by the like application : Wherea they much rejoycing , gave him what they promised , and procured him Passports from the Governour : who , before his departure , told the Tartar , the Polonian-woman was his near kinswoman entreating him for his sake to use her and her Infant better ; and perhaps returning , himself would bring her ransom ; so , he receiving the Ladies Letters to Prince Coreski : he departed , and by the way met with a Polonian , who being taken with Alex. had escaped ; of whom Jaques carefully enquiring of the captive-Princes , and chiefly of Coreskie ; and , hearing he was in the prisons of the black-sea , enquired how he might speak with him , or convay some Letters to him : he answered , 'T was very difficult , for he was straitly guarded : but he heard the French Embassadour could sometimes send to visit him . Jaques entreated him , to deliver some Letters Alexandrina had wrote to her kinsfolks ; came to Constantinople ; and through means of one of the French Embassadours men , employed to carry Coreskie money , &c. he delivered to him his Letters , which he received with much joy : and 8 days after he came and received from him an answer to his Wife ; and after many troubles returning to Bialigrot ( the Tartar and his servants being a hunting ) he gave her an account , and delivered his Letters , whereat she was much joyed , though abundantly , grieved for his captivity , hearing all Ransom was refused : she told Jaques , since his departure , the Tartar was jealous of her quality , enquiring of her , of her Husband , Kinsfolks , and their Estates : who said , he was a Captain , taken and carried with Alexander into Turky ; her other Kinsfolks being Souldiers , ruined in the troubles of Moldavia , bidding Jaques well to remember it , lest they were found to differ , when treating of her Ransom . The Tartar comming home , entertained Jaques very kindly : who asked him , what Ransom he would require for her ? he said , 6000 Chequines for her and her Son , unless he would give him the Stone , with which he had cured his Brother . Jaques replyed , he had restored the stone to a Nobleman , whom he followed when he was taken : and as for the Ransom demanded , 't was more than she and all her Kinn were worth : she being Wife to a Captain taken with Alexander , still detained for lack of means : the Tartar interruptingly said , he heard she was of Noble Extraction , and had rich Kinsfolks : True , said the Polonian , she is of Noble parents , but ruined in the troubles of Moldavia ; adding , he would not have returned , if he had thought he would have demanded above a 1000 Chequines , entreating him to accept thereof , she being his Kinswoman , and for the good he did to his Brother . Thou hast bin satisfied , said the Tartar , and no cause to complain ; yet , after some contest , by the mediation of the cured man , her Ransom was set at 3000 Chequines : whereof Jaques advertising Charls , Coreskies Brother , he sent it with all speed : so the Princess and her Infant were redeemed , and conducted into Poland by their faithfull Solicitour : whence , she certified Coreskie of her deliverance . This was written by a Frenchman , who said , he was present in all the troubles of Moldavia . In 1617. a Chiaus , a Spanish Renegado , called Solyman , came to Paris from Achmat , with Letters for freeing 28 slaves , who being ransomed in Italy , returning to Constantinople , were taken by ships of Marcelles , which that King did : but the Chiaus further intreated him for justice 〈◊〉 the Moors , expelled Spain , and wronged in goods and persons , passing into France : wherein he had all contentment ; yet he openly said , he was amazed at their long delayes in the dispatch of suits in France , which had the reputation to maintain every mans right ; the Execution being many times longer than the suit it self : wheras the Turks within eight days see an end of the greatest Suites . He with his train was defrayed 6 or 7 moneths at the King's charge . The Othoman Empire entertained this year 4 great Armies : one against the Persian , the other against the Pole , almost all Tartars ( Land-Armies ) as supporting Michna , whom the Turks had settled in Moldavia ; and 2 Naval Armies , one in the black-Sea against the Russians or Cossacks : who made daily incursions into the Othoman Country , going to sea in small Boats , carrying but 5 or 6 men , made of hollow Trees ; so that , when disadvantage forces them to retreat , they retire so near to 〈◊〉 , that the Turks Galleys cannot approach them , so preventing a total overthrow ; yea , in the end of the last year , finding the passage stopt at the mouth of Danubius by the Turkish Galleys , they brought their Boats in Carts by the Mountains , into the Sea. A fourth Army was employed , either to conduct the Caravan of Aegypt to Constantinople , or in the search of the annoying Galleys of Malta and Florence . Haly Bassa led that against the Persian , succeeding Mehemet ; who , having lost 60000 men in a set-Battel , and being sent for , fearing the Sultans revenge , retired to the Sophie . The Turks , much annoyed at Sea and Land by the Uscoques , greatly complained to the Venetian State , with whom they were in League , by whose Territories they got into Turkie : the small resistance made , gave much cause to suspect there was secret Intelligence betwixt their Subjects and the Uscoques , dividing the spoil betwixt them . The Turks , seeing it impossible to revenge themselves in the Uscoques Country because by Letters of the Venetian State , their passage was stopt , they resolved to be revenged upon their Subjects , preparing to , come into the gulphs of Venice with a mighty Army , which doubtless had brought that State to great extremities , and much prejudiced many Christian Provinces ; but let us shew what these Uscoques were . About 1550 , there assembled in plains nigh the Sea , belonging to the House of Austria , people , from divers confines of Hungary , and such as were banished the State of Venice , delighting onely to live upon spoil and bloud : which Thieves ( called Uscoques ) as enemies to all Art and Industry , retired into a Desart Country , receiving no pay from the Princes of Austria , there commanding ; so , adding the spur of poverty to their inclination , all Liberty was left them to rob and spoil : and making light foists , they made Sea-courses with the most barbarous cruelty of any inhumane Nation ; yet concluding to shadow their insolencies , with a colour of going against the Infidels : Wherefore ( at first ) all Merchants , Turks Jews , or Turkish Subjects ( though Christians ) , if they entred the gulph to Traffique , or furnish Venice , they took them , dividing their goods , and must pay a great ransom , or die miserably : all the Ports of the Venetian State , whence they had Victuals , these Pirates soon after shut up ; & the Turks now traffiquing no more , they began to set upon the Venetian ships , forcing the Merchants by torments , to say , the goods belonged to the Turks , though their chief booty came from Christians . And having drawn many to them , they ( ere long ) out of covetousness , and for the more pretence , that they might be supported in Princes Courts , entred with all violence into the Turks Country thorow the Venetian's , to whom they were as hurtful as to them , from whom they carried rich spoils and many prisoners . If they came nigh the Maritime coasts by Sea , all rich and good things were subject to their greediness : whence grew the aforesaid complaint , and threatning of the Venetian : which afterwards bred a cruell War betwixt that State , and the Arch. Duke , Ferdinand of Grets , and then Emperour , who seemed to support them , to engage the Venetian against the Turk . Novemb. 15. 1617. Sultan Achmat , 30 years old , and Raigning 15 , died : being of a good constitution and complexion , enclining to be fat , strong and active , exceeding any of his Court , in casting a Horsmans Mace of 9 or 10 li : there being 2 pillars set up in a Court of the Seraglio , in memory of his dexterity : he was ambitious and proud , which some hold befitting his 〈◊〉 , not so cruell as many of his Predecessors : much given to sensuality , entertaining 3000 Concubines and Virgins , the fairest Daughters of Christians : he kept for hawking , in Greece and Natolia , 40000 Faulkoners , with good yearly pensions , his Huntsmen being as many and chargeable . Mahomet his Father ( according to their Law , once a day to practise some manual Trade ) made Arrows : and Achmat Horn-rings used in drawing of Bowes . This is in the morning , after their prayers : but 't is but for form , for the Sultans scarce make one of these in a year . The Raign of Mustapha the first , ninth Emperour of the Turks . ALthough the Custom of the Turkish Emperors , was to have neither Brother or Nephew alive , unless saving themselves by flight : yet the Court Officers concluded , it was not fit Mustapha , Achmats younger Brother should die ; for that , their Emperour being but 15 years old , they feared , that dying in his nonage , without children able to Govern , the Empire might fall into combustion and ruin through civil Wars , so Mustapha's life was preserved : yet so , as to remain still a prisoner in some of the Chambers of the Seraglio : and before Achmat had children , no cruel Decree was made against him , but he continued his contemplation without any liberty ; but when Achmat had issue , he oft propounded the putting Mustapha to death , which was often concluded : It 's written , his death was one evening agreed on , and to be executed next day ; but Achmat was so frighted in the night with Apparitions and fearfull dreams : that he said , Since that resolution alone had so terrified him , he believed his torments would much encrease , if put in execution : Wherefore , he commanded his Brother should live . Another time , Achmat out of a Window , beheld Mustapha , whom he had permitted to walk in the Gardens with his Guard ; and one near him ( to 〈◊〉 him ) told him , 't was dangerous to suffer his so great liberty : Whereupon , in a rage , he took his Bow and Arrow ( being a very expert Archer as the Turks generally are ) ayming to kill his Brother , but at that instant , he felt such pain in his arm and shoulder , as not able to let loose his Arrow : saying aloud , Mahomet would not have Mustapha to die . He had 3 Chambers for Contemplation , whose whole delight was to read the Arabian Books of their Doctors in divers Sciences . Achmat let him sometimes take the ayr of his Gardens , calling him to consult with him of State-affairs , taking his advice , knowing him of a sound judgement . But Achmat falling grievously sick , his Bassaes and Counsellors perswaded him to take some good course for the succession . His young children were not capable to govern , and besides the Sultana their Mother was dead : but Mustapha's Mother was yet living , who lest her Honour should be Ecclipsed , by Government of the Bassaes during the Childrens minority , perswaded dying Achmat , to make Mustapha his Successour ; So on his dying day , he calling sor Mustapha , entreated him to take the Government upon him presently after his death : who amazed , answered in much fear and humility , He might not accept of that Honour , since the Empire of right belonged to his eldest Son. Achmat , disabled his Son for so great a Government , both for his age and capacity , recommending the Sultanaes children unto him , entreating him to use them as he had him , leaving the other children to his discretion : soon after which words he died : and Mustapha 25 years old ( Osman Achmats eldest son being but 12 ) was proclaimed Sultan Cham , who at first , thought he had been in a dream : causing the Persian Embassadour to be set at liberty , whom Achmat had restrained , contrary to the publike Faith ; then , he sent speedily to the Bassa of Buda , to entertain the Treaty of peace made with the Emperour , inviolably : yet during his short Raign , he behaved himself insolently and cruelly ; for he , ill entreating the Baron of Mole or Sancie , French Embassadour , set Guards upon him , as a prisoner , imprisoning and torturing his people : and that upon this occasion . Prince Coreskie being brought to Constantinople , the G. Seignior , was exceedingly pleased ; for his very Enemies held him for one of the most valiant and redoubted Princes of Christendom : Wherefore , he was confined to the Towers of the black-Sea ( five miles from Constantinople ) appointed for prisoners of great Quality and Importance : being shut up with Rigaut a French Captain , in a small Chamber on the top of a Tower , wherein was a Window for a man to passe thorow , yet without Barrs , as being so high , Coreski was much solicited by the Turk to turn Renegado ; but he wovld rather die in tedious Captivity , than do such an act against God and his Conscience : which made the King of Poland write to the French Embassadour , to be a meanes that he might be freed from Captivity at any Ransom : which the Embassadour durst not undertake , though much desiring it , as having no charge from his King. The Emperour's Embassadour did what possibly he could , but the Turk would by no means release him , so as his Friends despaired of his liberty . But there had been a Lady taken out of Podolia , with her fair young Daughter , and a maid servant , by the Tartars , who selling them to a Turk , he brought them to Constantinople to make profit . This Lady ( a Christian ) not hearing of her Husband in nine months : went , with her Daughter to the French Embassadour's House at Pera , to crave his assistance : where his Secretary ( Martin ) promised them all service ; and afterwards assured the Mother , if she would promise him , he should marry her Daughter , he would endeavour their Redemption : Who yielding thereto , and passing their promise in Writing , he payed 2500 Crownes Ransom , and sent them home : at whose return , the Lady acquainting her Husband and Friends with the whole businesse ; the Father wholly disliked of the Marriage ; because Martin ( he said ) was no Gentleman , and had not an Estate according to his Daughters quality : the Mother advertising Martin hereof , protested , her Husbands refusal was the only hinderance ; but for the mony he disbursed , they would send it him ( if he pleased ) with interest . Martin much discontented , divers Expostulations passed betwixt them , but he could not obtain their promise : Whereupon , growing full of grief and melancholy , he went to visit P. Coreskie ; complaining unto him , asking what course he had best to follow ( for he knew these Podolians , and had formerly allowed of his suit to the Virgin ) who comforted him : saying , If he might any way escape , he would maintain him to all Opposers against the accomplishment of his desires : Hereupon , love suggested unto Martin , to send unto Coreskie a bottom of Packthred in a little pye , which he sent him with other meat : writing to him , that on a night appointed , he should let down the packthred , whereto a Ladder of cords should be tyed , whereby he might descend : to effect which , Martin having engaged a Greek Priest , upon hope of great reward from Coreskie , himself resolved to be gone for fear of suspition ; telling the Embassadour , he had some speciall affairs which pressed his speedy return for France . The Greek Priest , failed not at the time , to do as the Secretary had directed him , attending the descent of the Prince and his Chamber-fellow , and conducting them to a cave in a Rock , a League off , and in the evening conducting these 2 Cameradoes to his Lodging in Constantinople , in habits like his own , and concealing them there as long as they thought fit . At break of day , Novemb. 23. 1617. Some of the Guards entring the Chamber , saw them escaped , and finding the Ladder of Ropes tyed to the Window , were much amazed , knowing they should smart for it ; yet the chief Jaylor sent speedily to Constantinople , to give notice thereof : then Posts were sent to all parts to enquire of these Fugitives : giving those of the ports and passages speciall charge to observe all men that passed , if there were not one who had the little finger of his right hand shrunk up , as Coreskie had , by a wound . Few dayes after , the Turk seized on the French Embassadours servants , torturing 2 of them , by laying them ( as they are wont ) on a Table , on their bellies , and giving them 3 or 400 blows with a staff on the soles of their feet , calves of their leggs , and buttocks , yet said they nothing to charge their Master ; they did also the same to a poor Turk ( a Weaver ) dwelling nigh the Embassador , that he might falsely depose , he had seen Martin going and comming to his Masters Lodging , till the time of the prisoners escape : but God suffered him to depose nought but truth , notwithstanding all those cruel Torments : though the Turks do generally much rejoyce at the dysasters of Christians . Of the guarders , some were impaled , others beatt to pieces in great Iron Mortars , wherein they pound their Rice to Meal . Three dayes after , the Chiaus Bassa seized upon the French Embassadour himself , and that very severely and uncivilly , leading him to the Visier's House , where being examine much , about Coreskies escape , he was left a prisoner in the Chiaus's House 3 days : who the while , desiring to speak with some Friends , and also with the Mufti , of his just grievances , he could not , but by giving 2000 Crowns to his Jaylor ; who , hereupon told him , if he would have any favour from the Mufti , it must be by mony ; so , he giving 3 or 4000 Crowns , the Mufti acquainted the G. Seignior Mustapha , with his just complaints , and of what importance his detention was , since nought was found to charge him with favoring Coreskies escape ; & that his Secretary , who did it for private profit , 〈◊〉 left him to or 12 days before : and that all the world would tax him with violating the Law of Nations ; no Christian Prince would confide in him , and to be feared they would all joyntly War against him . And truly , the English and Dutch Embassadours protested openly , if he were not speedily set free , they would retire home . Hereupon , Mustapha commanded the said French Embassador , to be sent to his House without further displeasure ; yet he must pay 22 , or 23000 Crowns for the redemption of his Houshold servants , who were threatned to be tormented to the danger of their lives . But soon after , the G. Visier hearing of Mustaphaes tyrannous Government , returned from Persia with his Army , raigning but 2 moneths and odd days , who had given great summs to the Janizaries and Spahies , to confirm him in his Throne , keeping yong Osman under sure Guards , and putting to death his Brethren . But Coreskie , and Captain Rigaut , laying hid 2 months in the Greek Priests House ; he got leave of the Patriarch of Alexandria , for himself and 2 others ( he said ) of his Society , to go to Hermites , living in the Desarts of the Archipelagus , like the ancient Anchorites ; So disguised as Priests , they sailed to Etchut , where an English ship being ready to set sail for Messana , Coreski thence went to Naples : where discovering himself to the Polish Embassadour , he , exceedingly glad , led him to the Duke of Ossuna the Viceroy ; who furnished him to go to Rome , where the Pope had great content to see him , and hear of his Adventures : thence passing to Vienna , the Emperour , worthily entertained him : after which he went home , full of Honor ; yet the English Embassadour said , He 〈◊〉 into Poland by the Black-sea . Osman the first , tenth Emperor of the Turks . OSman set at libeuty , the G. Visier , had him proclaimed Sultan , and seated in the Othoman Throne , with a generall applause : whereby , the French Embassadour freed from his Guard , advertised his Master of his barbarous intreaty by Mustapha , intreating a revoke from his charge ; Wherefore , the King sent 2 to Osman , to demand reparation of the Indignity to his Embassador and Secretary ; telling him , He could send no other to his Court , to condole Achmat his Fathers death , nor congratulate with himself , till suitable satisfaction were received : Whereupon , the Visier and Mufti , advised Osman , to send an Embassadour to the King of France , to confirm their League , and to testifie both by word , and Letters ( which he sent unto him by Uri Chiaus ) how much he was displeased for his discontentment : whereby the French King receiving full satisfaction for the said Indignity ; soon after , calling home the Baron of Mole , or Sancie , he sent the Earl of Sezi to succeed him . The G. Visier , being sent to invade Persia with a great Army : after many exploits , news came to Constantinople , that the Visier had much the better of the Sophi in a Battel , wherein a hundred thousand men were slain : the Turks lost most , who retired or fled ; for that 〈◊〉 useth to fight with the Turks , in giving way a little . After this , the Visier entring far into Persia , many doubted , his return would prove difficult : yet soon after came Letters , that the Turks in Persia , being much distressed for Victuals ; the Sophie had sent to the Visier to demand peace ; promising hereafter the Tribute of Silks he owed yearly : the Visier granting him peace in regard of necessity , which Osman ratifying , the Sophie sent many Camels laden with Victuals to the Turks Army . During this War , upon Achmat's Anniversary day , a Comet appeared by night over Constantinople , like a crooked Sword or Scimitar : it extending from the Meridian near our Zenith to the Horizon : the point shewing it self , it appeared little and somewhat whitish ; 〈◊〉 an hour more apparent , and of a deeper colour : and the more it rose , the redder and like bloud : but at day-break , it vanished by degrees in the light . It was so big , when the point drew nigh the Zenith , that the Hilt was hid under the Horizon : Mathematitians observed , it followed the Heavens motion , ever rising in one place ; and the Swords bending was towards Crates , but more Southerly : appearing in the very East a quarter Southward , the point comming directly towards Constantinople , and the blade extending East and a quarter South , just where Persia is scituated : the 〈◊〉 directly towards Constantinople . Men discoursed diversly , and many amazed , feared the losse and defeat of their Army in Persia. Uri Chiaus , ending his Embassy in France , came into England with the like charge ( to wit ) for continuing the bond of Peace , & daily encreasing of Friendship , betwixt the Turkish Emperour and the King , 〈◊〉 whom he had audience at Whitehall : Sir Tho. Glover , being Interpreter of his 〈◊〉 : 〈◊〉 he made a very brief speech at taking of his leave : beseeching the King to vouchsafe his Princely Answer by 〈◊〉 , by him his slave , as he had presented to him the Imperial Letter of the most Mighty Sultan Osman his Lord and Master ; Wherein he declares , that the Turkish Monarchy , had almost till that time been alwayes hereditary from Father to Sonne ; but his Noble Uncle , Sultan Mustapha , was for his years , preferred to sit on the Ottoman Throne , taking care of its affaires for a time ; but he having been many years retired in solitariness , and given to devotion and divine obedience , and , as it were , wearied with cares of the Empire , of his own accord , withdrew himself from the Government ; because the Scepter of the 7 Climates , was the true right of himself , whereof ( he said ) God Almighty ( by the consent of all the Visiers , and other Deputies of State , the Primate of the Musulman Law , and the other Doctors , the other Souldiers , and all Subjects ) had made a worthy guift unto him , &c. and since it was an ancient Custom of his Predecessors , to certifie such Princes thereof as were , and continued in sincere friendship , with his House of great Majesty , he had also written those Letters by Uri , or Hussein Chiaus , the choise among his equals , hoping when they should come to his hands , he ( in conformity of the well-grounded friendship upon the League and 〈◊〉 , of old established with his Royal Race ) would certifie to the Governours of his Dominions , his great joy therefore , that they might know that those former Articles , and firm points of the Oath , should undoubtedly , during his Reign , be observed with all respect . Halill Bassa also ( chief Visier ) and General against the Persian , at his return from the Wars to the City Senit , in April 1618 , wrote to Sir Paul Pindar , the English Embassador , then at Constantinople , giving him a brief account of the said expedition , and how they went to Van , then to Tauris , sacking , destroying , & tormenting all the people that came to hand : and putting 7 or 800 Persians of note , to the Sword , whom some of his Army met withall ; the Persian General , ( whom he calls , of perverse Religion , and accursed ) fleeing : they going on towards Erdevil ( after a 〈◊〉 ) wherein some of his , he said , but innumerable of the enemies fell ) they went so burning , spoiling and killing all they met , that from the Confines to Erdevill , 20 dayes journey , was by them so destroyed : then the King fleeing out of Erdevil to Hulchal , made his Army go to the top of a high Mountain , and thence sent 3 or 4 times for peace , promising 100 Somes of silk yearly to the Sultan , and all places gotten upon the confines in Solyman's time , except Der Ne , and Der Tink , wherewith he was contented : and so returning the same way , always spoiling , they came to Erzirum . The Warres growing hot in Bohemia , against the Protestants in 1619 , by the Emperour 's raising what Forces he could to suppress them : the Governours wrote to Bethlem Gabor , to acquaint them with their affaires : who answered : Transilvania standing even in the jawes of the Turks , who were always watchful to embrace all occasions , upon any discord of the Christians , chiefly , having pacified all quarrels with the Persian , and no Rebels in Asia ; he would attend the consent and favour of the Sultan , that he might have no occasion to break into the Neighbour Countries , and himself the better to imploy his best meanes to reconcile the discords among the Christians : so sending to Constantinople accordingly , he 〈◊〉 Letters thence Aug. 17th , assuring him of his consent and favour : whereupon , he resolved , for all the 〈◊〉 of the House of Austria , the Pope , and others , to take Arms in defence of the Bohemians , 〈◊〉 in Septemb. to be upon the confines of Moravia , if not somewhat stayed in Hungary : Hearing of Bohemia and Moravia's Estate , he entred upper Hungary with an Army , where most of the Barons submitted to him : onely Humanoy opposed him ; but he was fain to flee into Poland : then Bethlem sent his Army 18000 , and took Filek , Novigrade , and other places , seizing on Newhusall , whose Governour was delivered unto him bound . The Palatine of Hungary , wrote to Redei his General , to consider what the Kings of Spain and France , their forces were , with the House of Austria , and their Allies , and that Electors , ( some excepted ) would aid the Emperour : who answered , he doubted not of those things , yet hoping ere they came , all should be ended , and their dinners provided . Soon after , Pr. Bethlem came to Presburg with his Army , where the Hungarian Kings are usually crowned : whereupon , they sent 3000 Souldiers from Vienna , with three Ordnance down 〈◊〉 , who entring the Suburbs Octob. 13th , the Transilvanians in that stormy and rainy night , slew most of them , their Commander fleeing with some few : Then Bethlem sent to the Palatine to demand the Town and Castle , giving him some time to resolve ; and after some consulting with the Nobles , the Town was yielded unto him , after which , he sent part of his Army to the Gates of Vienna in Austria , where they committed great spoil . In Novemb. Bethlem Gabor , and the States of Hungary , sending Embassadors 〈◊〉 Prague , propounded ( among other Articles ) they joyntly to send Embassadors to the Grand Seignior , and the Prince of Transilvania , to negotiate : and since Hungary was much exhausted , what should be taken in Stiria , Carinthia , and Carniola , to be united to it , that it might the better resist the Turk : all which , tended to the prejudice and ruine of the House of Austria . Bethlem , knowing he had much incensed the Emperour , and whole House of Austria , by these actions ; he therefore in the end of this year , sent an Embassador with Presents to Constantinople , to crave assurance of the Sultans aid and support , if the Emperour should invade Transilvania , having first prevailed over the Bohemians : where , being countenanced by many chief Bassaes , Osman confirmed unto him , his constant support and protection by an Oath , containing many fearful and Turkish imprecations , Jan. 5th : whereby Gabor assured , in the beginning of 1620 , called an Assembly of the States of Hungary at Presburg , whither came Embassadors from the Bohemian King and States , and incorporated Provinces , concluding a mutual and perpetual League , both there , and then at Prague , one of the Articles being , that seeing there was chiefly need , a peace to be made and kept with the Turk , a new Embassage should be sent to the Sultan from them all , and 〈◊〉 , chiefly to undertake that business ; yet so , that all should 〈◊〉 their Embassadors , and bear their shares , both for the Presents and Charges . In June , Bethlem Gabor , at an Assembly-of the Hungarian States at Newhusall , propounded , That he very much desired to restore Hungary , so afflicted , to freedom , and enjoyment of Religion and priviledges , he sparing no cost for its lawful defence , having ( as a Witness that he desired peace ) 〈◊〉 the Crown offered him at Presburg : that the ground of peace , was to maintain the League begun with the Bohemians : That he always desired peace with other Princes help , so it were sincere : to obtain which , he had aided his miserably afflicted Confederates : That he knew the Emperour desired Warre , who had let the Cossacks spoil many places of Hungary , with fire and sword , denying passage for the Bohemian and Austrian Embassadors : wherefore , they must now consult how Warre might be begun and maintained , &c. and for speedy sending Embassadors to the Turk , lest , being engaged in intestine Warre , the frontier Forts should be attempted : then there came Embassadors thither from Bohemia , Austria , Silesia , Lusatia , Poland , Turkie and Venice ; this being content , that Commonwèalth should enter a League ; the Turk also offering a perpetual League with them . Aug. 25 , Bethlem Gabor , at the Turks instance and with the applause of most of the States , was proclaimed King of Hungary , by the Palatine : and then he levied an Army of 30000 , some say 50000 , Horse and Foot , with many Ensignes , with divers Emblems and devices : wherefore , the Protestants of Vienna , the Emperour consenting , wrote , humbly intreating to spare the City and Countrey , for their innocent Wives and Childrens sakes ; yet all the Citizens the while , were to provide for six moneths Victuals . Constantinople had newes of an apparition seen at Medina in Arabia , where 〈◊〉 being buried , the Turks use to go in Pilgrimage , to visit his Tombe , but they must first go to Mecha , a few days journey off for a Ticket from the Beglerbeg . The Vision continued three weeks , terrifying the whole Countrey , because none could discover what it meant . About Septemb. 20th , there was such a Tempest , and fearful thunder about midnight , as the Heavens were darkned , and those awake , almost distracted ; but the Element being clear , they might read these words therein in Arabick , Oh why will ye 〈◊〉 in lies ? Between 2 and 3 a Clock , a Woman in white , was seen encompassed with the 〈◊〉 , with chearful countenance , and a Book in her hand . From the North-west , ( right against her ) came Armies of Turks , Persians , Arabians , and other 〈◊〉 , in order , and ready to charge her ; but she stirred not , onely opening the Book : whereat they fled ; and presently , all the Lamps about Mahomet's Tombe , went out ; for the Vision vanishing , ( commonly an hour before Sun rising ) they heard a murmuring wind , imputing their extinguishment thereto . The ancient Pilgrims of Mahomet's race , who visiting this place , cut not their 〈◊〉 , were much amazed , as not conceiving the meaning hereof ; but a Derviser , or Turkish Capuchin , living in contemplation , stepping boldly up , said to the Company : The World had rever but three true Religions , each having a Prophet : first God choosing the Jewes , did wonders for them in Aegypt , bringing them out by Moses , who gave them a Law , wherein he would have maintained them , if not obstinate , rebellious and idolatrous : so he gave them over , scattering them upon the face of the Earth : Presently after , he raised a new Prophet , who taught the Christian Religion ; which Good Man the Jews 〈◊〉 as a Seducer , not moved with his Piety , great Miracles , or Doctrine ; yet afterwards , the preaching of a few Fishermen so moved mens hearts , as the greatest Monarchs bowed to his very Title , and yielded to the command of his Ministers ; but their Church being dismembred into East and West , and idolatrously setting up Images , with many idle Ceremonies , God was weary of them too , sending divisions among them ; and also , forsaking them , dispossessed them of Jerusalem , and Constantinople : Yet God , the Governour of the World , raised great Mahomet , giving way to our Nation , so that we shall be for ever happy , if we can serve this God aright , and take example by others fall ; But alas ! I tremble to speak it , we have erred in all points , wilfully breaking our first Institutions , so as God hath shewed his wrath by evident signs , keeping our Prophet from us , who set a time to return with all happinesse to his People , 40 years being past , by our account : Wherefore this strange and fearful Vision foretells some great troubles and Changes ; For either the opening of the Woman's Book foretells our falling from 〈◊〉 first intent of our Law , whereat these armed men depart , as confounded with guilt of Conscience ; or 〈◊〉 other Book in which we have not yet read , and against which no power shall prevail ; so as I fear , our Religion will be proved corrupt , and our Prophet an Impostor , and then this Christ , whom they talk of , shall shine like the Sun , and set up his Name everlastingly . The company at this word charging him with Blasphemy , a Capitall offence , condemned him , and by the Beglerbegs warrant , put him to Death , not beheading or strangling him as they usually do ; but stripping him naked , gave him , 100 blows on the soles of his Feet , till the blood came forth ; the poor Priest crying still upon the Woman that opened the Book : Then they beat all his Body with a Bulls pizzel , till his sinewes crackt , and laying him on a Wheel , with an Indian Sword of Sinewes , they brake his bones to pieces ; He crying to the last gasp , Oh thou Woman with the Book save me ! The Beglerbeg ( when as there was a fearful tempest ) sent some Spahies to advertise the Sultan of these tydings . Michna being made Vayuod of Moldavia by Achmat , and the Polonian party wholly overthrown in 1616 , he enjoyed it not long ; but , whether through a natural death , or disgrace with the Sultan , I read not ; yet after him was there another Vayuod of Moldavia , Gasparo Gratsiani , and this year in disgrace with the grand Seignior . He was born at Gretz , a Town of great strength belonging to the Arch-Dukes of Austria ; but being of small fortune , and regard , in his own Country , he went to Constantinople , serving Sir Tho : Glover , before he was English Embassadour , under whom he learned to Read and Write the Turkish tongue : Then he came with him into England , and by his recommendation was imployed to Constantinople , for redeeming young Sir Tho : Sherley , a Prisoner among the Turks : with whom , he coming to Venice , and hearing Sir Tho : Glover was sent Embassadour to the Sultan , he went to Constantinople , to his old Master , where he yearly carryed Christians into Italy , returning Turks for them : and arriving with a Shipfull of Turks about the end of Achmat's Reign , he acquainted the Visier with his good service , who asking him of his Countrey and breeding , asked also , if he would undertake to go to the Emperour , to reconcile all difficulties touching the Peace , which should be for his advancement ; but before his return , Achmat was dead , yet he pressed the Bassa , to be made Vayuod of Moldavia , which he effected rather for his Presents , than his Merits ; but growing into some disgrace , the Sultan choosing another , charged certain Capigies , that , taking 400 Turks upon the Frontiers of Moldavia , to go and strangle Gasparo ; whose Spies advertising him hereof , he with some Troops , met them on the way , and cut them all in pieces ; then returning to Yas , he slew one thousand Turks : after which , fleeing into Poland , with two thousand Horse , they write , he thence made divers incursions into Moldavia , and , aided by the Cossacks , much spoiled the Turks , keeping possession thereof , though the Turk had made another Vayuod . For which support , and former quarrels , Osman seeming much incensed against the Polonians , made it his colour , for levying an Army , ( as is said ) of 300000 men , having drawn all his Forces out of Asia . The Turk sending 60 Galleys to Sea , they came into the Mediterranean , and coasting Sicilie , they sent 20 Galleys , who surprized the Town Manfredonia in Naples ; and spoiling it , carried away 14 , or 1500 Captives , and so retired to Sea. The other Galleys laying about Vellona , in the Gulf ; the Spaniard suspected , the Venetian knew of this enterprise . After which , was newes , that the Vessels of Algiers , took Juisa , an Isle four miles about , nigh 〈◊〉 , of great importance : its Haven being able to contain much shipping ; to guard which , the King of Spain had a great Garrison , which much annoyed those of Algiers : yet was it not then certain , whether the Castle ( as was the Town ) were taken . Osman , imputing his losse in Poland , to the sedition of the Pretorians , resolved to cashier them , and transport his Throne out of Constantinople , and establish it in Damascus in Syria : But his design being discovered , his Souldiers rebelled , and having brought Mustapha , his Uncle , out of prison , they disrobe Osman , and strangle him with a Bow-string , the 20th of May , one thousand six hundred twenty two . And so Mustapha was again declared Emperour ; but the year following , he was again shut up in prison . The Life of Amurath the fourth , Eleventh Emperour of the Turks . Osman's Brother , was chosen in his Place ; Who in 1632 concluded a Truce with the young Persian , and brings back his torn Armies , at which time his American Navy was cast away , being 10 Ships , whereby he lost 1500 Sea-men of Warr. In 1634 , he hanged a Venetian Merchant , who had ( as it were ) defiled his Concubins Palace , with a Prospective Glasse ; as also the Muphti , that is , the High-Priest , which is strange , he being accounted his Corrivall , and equal with him in honour . The Turk had a Battle with the Persians ( in 1635 ) , whereby Rava was surrendred to him . In that Battle were slain 90000 Turks , and 20000 Persians ; yet the Turk , being more numerous , remained Victor : He burn'd 4 Villages belonging to Buda , killed 50 poor men , and carryed away 70 into slavery ; though , but in August before , he had almost destroyed Buda by Fire . In 1639 the Turks in Asia conquered Babylon , where the Persians lost 40000 men , but their own losse is unknown : But in the mean time the Sultan appoints a Navy to go against the Cossacks , which ran toward Breger in Hungary , devouring the prey ; yet the Plague in Aleppo makes his Imperial Majesty depart for fear . The Life of Ibraim , Twelth Emperour of the Turks , first of that Name . AMurath ( who had the repute of a good Souldier , but a great Tyrant ) dying in the year 1640 , the 33d year of his Age ; his Brother Ibraim , in the 27th year of his Age succeded him ; who continued his endeavour for Peace with Persia , but , calling the Tartars into his fellowship , threatned War with Poland ; his Pyrates likewise took a Spanish Ship , valued to be worth 300000 Florens . In 1644 , the great Vizier presents himself armed before the Sultan , and reproveth evil-affected Persons ; whom , being received by the Emperour's Mother , ( an invective Woman ) he represseth , by laying to her charge the unruly desire of Women to bear Command , of which ( it appears ) she was guilty ; for which he was assaulted with a Dagger , and striving to slip away was slain . Usur Piall , the High Admiral at Sea , ( who was this year scattered by the Ships and People of Malta , who had taken a Ship , having in it many Concubins of noble Pedigree , and esteemed at 4000000 l. ) was ( after endeavour to escape ) choaked by the Command of thegreat Turk ; who , in 1645 , gave Peace to Ragotzi of Transylvania , through the earnestness of Techerine his Embassadour . Now also the Sultan goes to Arms by Sea and Land , as threatning the European world , wherewith he besiegeth and taketh Canea : And deals injuriously with the French and Venetian Embassadours at Constantinople . In 1646 the Emperour straggled with the Venetians , John Capello being his General in the room of Francis Erizzo , who dyed this year ; and Francis Molino chief Capt. of the Duke's Navy , the first above 70 years of Age , the second one under . The Turk's Weapons made Dalmatia tremble , for Novigrade is yielded to him , and Zare overcome ; yet the Venetian recovered them again , freeing another place from siege , and slaying the Bassa of Bosna : The Turk vanquisheth Schissavian Castle , but is overcome at Dardanelles , and by Sea , losing 3 Oar-Gallies ; yet had the upper hand at Canea , through the error of the Commander Valettane . Capello , craving excuse for his Age , had John 〈◊〉 of Grimana his successor in General-ship : After which , the Venetians joyn a doubtful Battle with the Turks at Retime , a Town that yielded it self unto their violence . At that time also , the Jewes were taken in the very act of passing over , or conveighing Weapons to the Turks . In 1647 and 1648 , The Venetians afflict the Turks by Sea and Land ; For the Christian Navy under the Knights of Malta , possess some places in their Enemy's Countrey , taking many Oar-Galleys , their Land-Army doing the like throughout Dalmatia , which made the Turk angry with his Captains . Foscol , the Land-General , vanquisheth three Towns in Dalmatia , and dispersing 4000 Infidels , two places more yielded to him ; yet the Turk won Licca , and something elsewhere . The Venetians get Mirabel in Creet or Candy , with the Victualling-ships , and fight prosperously at the Forts of Dardanel ; for which the Governour and three Bassaes , were slain at Constantinople ; but he lost by shipwrack , Grimmane the High Admiral , with 1600 Souldiers , and the value of 14 millions . Thirty Gallies come laden with Souldiers and Victuals to Canea , from the Turk this year 1648 , where two Forts are lost and regained by the Venetians , and that with much blood : the Earl of Solm is killed , with 17 Captains . The Venetians likewise maintained the Haven of the pleasant vale of Suda , in that fruitful Island , against the opposing Turks ; whose Emperour Ibrahim , by reason of his Tyranny , is reported about that time , to have given place to his Son. The Life of Achmat the second , 13th Emperour of the Turks . AChmat II , being proclaimed Emperour , and established . In 1649. The Venetians gave the Turks two overthrowes ; one in the Haven of Foggio , where 72 Oar-Galleys perished , 18 bigger Ships , 60 Ships laden , 6000 Turks were slain with the Bassa , and as many 〈◊〉 taken : And all this , with the losse of 90 Venetians , and 40 wounded . This made the Sultan change the purple Garments of Saranzone , his Embassador , into mourning Weeds . He also makes stop of the English ships , and so turns his force against the Venetians , who slew 1500 Turks at the Haven of Suda , drowning six Galleys , with the Bassa that was their chief Captain . They contend vehemently for 〈◊〉 , 4000 Sacks of Wooll , and 33000 scaling Ladders , being brought thither for storming ; 't is twice lost , and as often recovered , but at the third attempt , a Mine is made , which consumed 3000 Turks , and 200 Christians . Twice were the Alps of Italy crossed , into the lower 〈◊〉 , for prey . And when Haase had given place unto 〈◊〉 , and had gone into Dalmatia , twenty thousand Turks were there consumed with the Plague . However , more than 50000 Christians were captivated by him . In 1650 , He is watchful over the Persians , who appeared in Arms against Babylon , and he reneweth Peace with the Hungarians . He likewise reduceth the Cyprians , and the Bassa of Cagre into obedience . But in Candy the Venetian afflicts him in the Gulph , Del 〈◊〉 ; four times he was preyed upon , and the Haven of Maluase was stopt , together with 〈◊〉 . Whereupon he moves War by Usais his Bassa , and that chiefly , because his Navy at Dardanelle was penn'd up ; other Havens also were possessed by the Venetians , that provision could not be brought in to the Island . In 1654. The Venetians obtained a great Victory over the Turks , having fought them two dayes together in the Dardanelles , wherein they slew 6000 Turks , wounded the General , Amurath Bassa , to death ; taking 4 Men of War , and 16 Galleys ; yet not without the losse of one Galliot , and five Galleys . The Turks about December the same year , thinking to surpize the Fortresse of Vesprin in Hungary by night , found such resistance , that they were forced to retire with the losse of 900 Men. Not 〈◊〉 before which , the Grand Seignior of the Turks 〈◊〉 advertised that the Vizier Bassa had long projected to make himself Emperour , through the assistance of the Greeks , who were to have rebelled ; also by the correspondence he held with the Moscovites & Cossacks , whom he promised to embrace the Greek Religion ; He called him before a Private Council , and being condemned to death , was strangled within 5 or 6 hours ; imprisoning also the Patriarch of Jerusalem . About April in 1656 , there were great 〈◊〉 ( raised by 20000 Janizaries ) at Constantinople , who massacred divers of the Sultan's Council , strangled the Visier Bassa , forced the Sultana , Mother of the Sultan , to fly to the old Seraglio for safety , the Muphti being glad to flye , 〈◊〉 trusting these Mutineers , who designed to dethrone the grand Seignior , and establish his Brother . They deposing all 〈◊〉 Officers in the Empire , to secure themselves from punishment , chose others in their room , who were at their devotion : So that although this confusion might have stop'd the Turks proceedings against the Venetians , yet the new ones made more vigorous preparations against their Interest in Candia than formerly ; so that the 〈◊〉 were forced to send Prince Horatio Farnese , & other chief Commanders with good numbers of Men , and store of Ammunition to maintain what they held in that Island . The Turks being come to Bagnaluth , making great Magazines at Clivano , with 8 great Artillery-pieces , and 1000 yoak of Oxen to draw them , for the besieging of 〈◊〉 , they ordered Antonio Bernardo to go into Dalmatia , as Commissary General , to assist the General Zeno. But within 2 or 3 Months after , these tumults in Constantinople being appeased , the grand Seignior riding through the City , gave Order for executing of the Ring - 〈◊〉 of these Disorders : sending for the Bassa of Damasco , to accept of the slain grand Visier's Office ; which great place was conferred on him , through but 24 years of Age , because of his great abilities . Who , about June , coming to Constantinople , with great Pomp and Solemnities was installed into the said Office : Presently after , that 〈◊〉 Fleet was recruited with Men , Money , and other necessaries , over which the Venetian Fleet obtained a notable Victory , June 26 , 1656. Who , having stayd one month in the Dardanelles , to wait for , and fight the Enemy , ( 7 Galleys of Malta arriving there ) ; the Turks Capt. Bassa appeared in the sight of the Castles , his Fleet consisting of 28 great Ships , 60 Galleys , 9 Galeasses , and other small Vessels : The Venetian Navy had 28 great Ships , 24 Galleys , 7 Galeasses , besides those of Malta , who keeping in the narrow Channel , the Turks must needs accept the Battle : The Bassa had raised 2 Batteries on Land on both sides the River , thereby thinking to facilitate his own going forth , by causing the other to leave 〈◊〉 Station ; yet the Venetians undauntedly 〈◊〉 their shot , 〈◊〉 that advantage unprofitable . Wherefore the Bassa , on the 26 in the morning , advanced all his great Ships , yet he withdrew behind the point of Barbiera ; a few houres after , the Venetian Navy moving , Eleazon Moccenigo , now a Volunteer , commanding the left Wing , and passing beyond the Turkish Fleet , fought valiantly to stop their retreat : The Battle being begun , Laurence Marcello , the Venetian General , with him of Malta , intermingling with the other Venetian Vessels , so hemmed the Turks in from escaping , that they were forced to fight with more eagerness ; but they were wholly routed with fire , sword , and water , the Captain Bassa onely saving himself with 14 Galleys , 40 Gallies being taken in the fight , 10 sunk and burnt , with 9 Mahones taken ; but the 28 great Ships were ( for the most part ) burnt . The number of Turks slain , were judged to be 5000 , 4 or 5000 Christian slaves being released , and 4000 Turks made slaves : The Venetians losse being their chief Captain Marcello , 500 Souldiers and Marriners ; 3 Ships likewise of theirs were burnt , two in fight , and one by accident . After an extraordinary joy by the Duke and City of Venice , the Senate ordered for releasing prisoners for debt , some Banditti being also freed ; and Moccenigo , who had contributed much to the gaining of the Victory , was knighted by the Senate , with a Chain of Gold of 2000 Crowns conferred on him ; and then was declared Generalissimo , in the room of slain Marcello ; in remembrance of whom , a publick service was celebrated at the publick charge . About the same time , some Thieves set fire on the Seraglio of Bosna , four thousand Houses , four Dovens of Custom-houses , and three Mosques being burned down to the ground , and the Jewes quarter plundered . In Septemb. in the same year , the Venetians took that considerable Isle and Fort of Tenedos about the mouth of the Dardanelles , from the Turk ; forcing the Inhabitants of the Isle to surrender it , not onely by vexing them with 26 Ordnance , and 5 Morter-pieces , but also by firing their Munitions , and spoiling their Wells ; 800 men , and 300 Women , Turks and Grecians , coming out of it : And through the fear and confusion that was among the Turks in Constantinople , they doubted not but soon to take the Isle of Lemnos , besides divers other places like to fall into their hands . The Inhabitants of Scio , sent Deputies to the Venetian Forces , at that time , inviting them to draw near to their Island , assuring them of an easie entrance through the division of the Turkish Commanders there , who were , through their oppressions , become so odious to the Inhabitants , that they alwayes were in hope of an opportunity to cut the throats of their oppressors . The Venetians , after Tenedos , soon took Stalimene , or Lemnos Island from the Turks , and having furnished the Fortress there , with all necessaries for defence , their Proveditor General , set sail with the Fleet towards Scio and Zia , to refresh his men : about which time , the Turk cast away all thoughts of peace with the Venetians , having wholly broken the Treaty that had been begun at Constantinople , by their Secretary Bellarini . In July 1657. The Turks having taken the Fort Bossina , in Dalmatia , put 800 Christians to the Sword. And 6000 Turks , coming nigh to Spalatro , turned to the passage of St. Francois , there to raise Forts ; but Possidario sallying out , drave them away , with the losse of many great Commanders , who in their retreat , went to Salona , lying between Spalatro and Clissa , where they were recruited with 6000 Foot , and 4000 Horse . But the Turks under Bassa's Command , came July 2d , in the night , with storming-Ladders , pressing to surprize the City of Candia ; but 500 of those in the City crying our , Turks , Turks , the Chains were drawn , and the Souldiers and Citizens drave out the Turks : Also , issuing forth , they disordering the Turks , put many of them to the Sword ; who left behind them 29 Ensigns , and 5 Cornets , which they had put upon the Wall ; 1400 Turks were slain , and 2100 ( with a great booty ) taken . About August following , the Venetians obtained a signal Victory against the Turkish Fleet , at the mouth of the Dardanelles , in the sight of the great Turk himself . But the losse of their General Moccenigo , soured this success , who being in prosecution of the Victory , and afterwards , returning to attaque the Isle of Scio , a Tire of great Guns being discharged from the Castles of the Dardanelles , one of them lighted into the Magazine of Powder in his Galley , and blew him ( with many more Nobles ) up into the Air. In October in the same year , the Turks regained the Isle of Tenedos though not without ruine to themselves : The Venetian Fleet being gone from that Island , to take in fresh water : the Turks Fleet landed there a great Body of men , who setting upon the Fort of Tenedos by storm , were at first repulsed ; but preparing for a new Onser , the Venetian Garrison working a Mine under the Fort , disposed their Powder therein , with a Match fitted to it ; and quitting the place , the Turks taking possession , were blown ( Fort and all ) up into the Ayr. The Venetian Fleet returning , and perceiving what had hapned , the Turks Fleet being at hand , prepared for an encounter , which being resolutely performed on both sides , ( for the Grand Seignior , having come purposely to see that Island regained , being of so great importance to the commerce of Constantinople , encouraged the Turks ) : but in conclusion , the Venetians got a notable Victory , sinking sixteen 〈◊〉 men of War , with four that came from Tripoli , taking 4 of their Galleys . About December following , a Persian Embassador , with a gallant Train , coming to Constantinople , presently went to audience ; and making his Proposition , said , That in case the Grand Seignior would not restore the lesser Babylon , and make satisfaction for the Merchants Goods , and captivated Persians , which ( during the Treaty of peace ) were carried away by the Turks ; then in his Kings Name , he declared War. No Answer followed hereupon , but the Embassador's Head was 〈◊〉 from his Body , and the chiefest of his Train cast into prison . So that , the Turks being sure of War with the Persians , there was but one Camp with the Turks great Ensign set out against the Venetians : The great Prince staying at home to supply Recruits , and watch the Muscovites , who spake Thunder in their Warlike threatnings against the Turks . Before which time , the Sonne of the Grand Visier , sware , He would be revenged on the Grand Seignior himself , and all that counselled him to put his Father to death : whereupon , he rose up in Rebellion , and made no small disturbance . Then were the Persians also stirring against the Turks , whose Land-forces were to act against them ( if they could make no cessation of Arms with them ) : wherefore , they then blockt up Lemnos , which being reduced , their Land-forces might be imployed against the Persians , or some other parts . The Venetian Commander , repulsed the Turks in 15 assaults ; yet the Turks , at last taking the said Island of Stalimene or Lemnos , sent thither a Garrison of 10000 men . In 1658. Prince Ragotzi , being returned out of Poland into Transilvania , the great Turk ( having commanded him in 1657 , upon great penalty , not to proceed against Poland ) sent to him to resign his Principality of Transilvania to his Cousin 〈◊〉 ; he at the present yielded thereto ; ( though to deliver any of his Forts into the Turk's hands , he utterly denied , ) and reasiuming his Principality without the Turk's consent , he being enraged , would try his utmost to devest him , and dispossess the Princes of Moldavia and Wallachia : Wherefore , ordering great Forces against him , about the latter end of April , the Turks totally defeated the Prince of Vallachia , who was marching to Prince Ragotzi's aid , ( who had sent to Vienna , to demand the promised aid against the Turks from the King of Hungary ; ) 8000 being slain upon the place , and a great number of prisoners taken ; among whom , were divers Boyars , the principal Officers of that Prince , who flying into Transilvania , the Turks forced another to accept his 〈◊〉 : The Grand Seignior being still bent to dethrone Ragotzi , sent rigorous Orders to the Moldavian and Wallachian Princes , That they should invade him . But he sent more severe Order to the 〈◊〉 of Buda , threatning , That if he did not his duty , he should be flead alive , and his skin placed on one of Buda's Towers : whereupon , Ragotzi challenged the 〈◊〉 to a fight , advancing about the beginning of July ; who thereupon , breaking up from Lippa , the Transilvanians fired the Suburbs of Arad Castle , towards which , he was marching . The Turks Officers , who led the Avaunt , seeing the smoak and fire , hastned directly to the 〈◊〉 , whom the Hungarians following put to flight , Mustapha Beg being taken Prisoner : whereby the encouraged Transilvanians drew near the Turks main Army : the Turks thereupon , discharged 3 great Guns to warn their men to retire within the Waggons , placed for a 〈◊〉 ; but the Transilvanians so plyed them with their great Guns , that they fled into a Valley ; who , the Transilvanians pursuing them into the River Mor , were drowned , and the whole Turkish Army , became a prey on July 4th , 1658. The chief prisoners , besides Mustapha wounded being the Bassa of Agria , the Col. Aga of the Janizaries , Col. Gyenety Aga at Buda , and the Beg of Lippa ; Alai Beg of Waitzen being trodden to death by the Horse : the Bassa was likewise so put to it in flight , that he was forced to run into the water , whom , a Hussar pursuing , catched by the Garment , to take him ; but he was rescued , and the Hussar slain . The Prince's men pursuing them above 30 leagues , to one of their chief Cities , they returned with rich booties . The newes of this overthrow caused such an alteration at Constantinople , that ( contrary to the Law of Nation ) they imprisoned the Imperial and French Embassadors , charging the French of being a Complice with his Son in his Letter in Cyphers , which he intercepted ; and the other , That his Master had suffered some German Companies to serve under Ragotzi , ( though the Emperour's Deputies had demonstrated it was without his consent ) and that the Turk , for his money , might have as many of them as he would . The Turks besieged the chief City of Candia , expecting that the Captain Bassa , who was at Sea , would shut up all the passages by Sea , with 40 Galleys ; but he hearing that the Venetian Galleys were in his way , retired to Scio. The Venetian General re-inforced his Fleet with Galleys sent by the Pope and the Grand Master of Malta , having monies , and all 〈◊〉 of Ammunitions and Provisions , with 4 Fire-ships , provided for him , July 9. wherewith he defeated 44 Turkish Galleys , at the Dardanelles , ( which were commanded to clear the Passage ) taking very rich booty . Prince Ragotzi , having had good success against the Turks , thereby so obliged the States of Transylvania to him , that they resolved to establish him in that 〈◊〉 , from which the Grand Seigniour would have 〈◊〉 him , sending him an Embassadour , to let him know , That they desired his good Will for the continuance of the Prince . Who July 18. defeated a Party of Turks , but gave no Quarter ; and holding a Generall Muster , there appeared 16000 fighting men , besides a great party of Dragoons which he expected ; whereby in part he recovered two 〈◊〉 which the Turk had before taken from him . The Hungarians also raised an Army 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 7 Towns , 〈◊〉 to them , which the Turks formerly had taken , whereof they would restore but three . July 18. 1658. Prince Leopold of Austria , King of Hungary and Bohemia , was elected to be Emperour of the Romans , at Franckford , by the Prince Elector Palatine , the Elector of Mentz , Trior , Colen , Saxony , and the Brandenburgish and Bavarian Embassadours , with all the State and Splendour usual in that Ceremony . And Sept. 24. was received into Vienna with all magnificent Soem nity possible . Prince Ragotzi proceeding against the Turks , put the Bassa of Buda 〈◊〉 flight , 4 of his chief Commanders , and 6000 men , being taken and killed ; But the Prime Visier marched towards Belgrade with 80000. men , besides Forces which were to come . Aug. 1. Count Vorgats commanded 300. Hussars to fetch away the Cattle from Graen ; but 300 Janizaries issued 〈◊〉 , and put them to flight : yet the Count at length forced them into a Village , which he set on fire , burning some of them , and carried away 〈◊〉 Prisoners . Aug. 9. Prince Ragotzi came upon the Turks at unawares , defeated them , and pursued above 30 〈◊〉 to one of their chief Cities , and returned with rich booty ; And after that , he burned Lippa to the ground . About this time , the Hungurian General Prince Gonzaga , finding the Turks in a Warlike posture , demanded what they intended , and they answered , That they intended no hostility against Hungary , but that the Great Turk was Resolved to call Ragotzi 〈◊〉 an Account for his Actions . The Turks , Sept. 21. took the Castle Jeno , without much opposition , and besieged Wardein : 300 foot , and 300 Horse of theirs , falling in at the Old Castle , put many of Ragotzi's men to the Sword , where was store of Gunpowder ; the rest blew themselves , and the Turks into the Ayr. The Venetian Fleet , Sept. 28. departed to Candia to a oid Tempests at Sea ; And the Ships of Malta , and the Pope's Galley's returned home with great booty , which they got out of the Turkish Islands . Octob. 9. The Turks laid waste all the Territories which belong to Ragotzi , using the people cruelly , carrying away many thousands in Captivity , and from thence they went towards the Danow to suppresse 〈◊〉 Rebellious Bassaes , which made the Hungarian States consult daily to help Prince Ragotzi , but could get no answer from the Emperor concerning this point , because he would know what the Turkish Embassadour would propound , and had appointed Lamboy to be General of the Army in Hungary in stead of Gonzaga . The chief Vizier having taken 〈◊〉 Castle , besieged Varadin , by reason of which , Prince Ragotzi finding himself too weak , retired so far , that the Tartars took Alba-Julia , the Metropolis of Transilvania , and made more then 40000 slaves , Octob. 12. About which time , the English Ship 〈◊〉 was set upon , comming from Constantinople to Legorn , by three ships of the Pirate 〈◊〉 ; they defended themselves bravely , and much endamaged the Pirates , but the captain seeing that he could not save the ship , blew up themselves with the Pirates that had boarded her . The Venetian Generalissimo Morisini , perceiving he could 〈◊〉 no opportunity to engage the Turks , as he desired , thought fit , by uniting with the Pope's Squadrons and those of Malta , to attempt a surprise of the City of 〈◊〉 , which seemed easy , in regard the Governour was gone forth with the better part of the Garrison ; and had gained Intelligence of the principal 〈◊〉 . For Execution whereof , the Fleet set Sail to Delos , and staid there three dayes , under the command of the Marquess of Villa nova , where the Generalissimo arriving , gave order for Fire-works , Petards , Scaling-ladders , and other necessary Instruments , designing to every one what Post to attaque , Seignior Philippo Ghesi , had command to break the chain in the entrance of the Mole , and Coll. Dayon , to enter as soon as the passage of the Port should have been cleared . But as the Souldiers were impatiently expecting the signall to fall on , the Generalissimo caused the Ladders to be brought back , and the Souldiers to re-imbarque , none knowing the cause : After which , the Fleet retired to Delos , from whence , part went to the Seas of Cerigo , and the rest towards Candia , with no less discontent then astonishment : The cause being , the Governour of Canea had notice of their purpose ; and thereupon returned , and re-inforced his 〈◊〉 with 5000 men , drawn out of places which the Turks held in Candia , and sent two Galleyes to Rhodes , to demand aid of the Turkish Fleet. This mischief wrought a separation betwixt the Venetian Generalissimo , and the chief Commanders of the Papall and Maltese Squadrons . Sept. 12. In the Province of Albania , there arose a great tumult , because the Bassa which commanded there , obstructed the trading betwixt the Albanish Christians , and Turks : Whereupon these Christians and Turks joyned together to oppose his power , in which Action , much bloud was spilt , 4000 of the Bassa's men being killed . An Envoy from Prince Ragotzi being come to Vienna , Nov. 12. made severall instances to obtain succour from the Emperour ; but notwithstanding all reasons alledged , the matter would not take effect , in regard the Emperor having other designs in the limits of Christendome , thought fit to correspond with the Turk and therefore would leave him to his pleasure , who had setled a Prince in the room of Ragotzi , which Prince used al means to secure himself , having forces left there by 〈◊〉 chief Visier for his defence . The Bassa Ussaim not being able to extort from the Inhabitants the 5000 Rixdollars , which they are obliged to pay to the Grand Seignior yearly , fired all in the two Isles of Paris and Nixia , which are parted onely by a Channel of about five miles , so that the Inhabitants were forced to retire to the Mountains , to save themselves from the fury of this Bassa . But ( in the mean time ) the great differences continuing still in Constantinople , whither the chief Visier intended to march with his army , which he had in Trausilvania , to oppose the rebellious designs of the Bassa of Aleppo . The Persian King likewise , having made agreement with the Successors of the Great Mogull , prepared to employ all his Forces for the regaining of Babylon . Ussaim Bassa , Novemb. 14. being advanced near the head City in Candia , caused his Ordnance to be planted , and stormed the two Forts , Della Palma , and Corona , but the Venetian Generalls made a resolute sally , putting 3000 to the Sword , and made them retreat , and fell upon the Island Paris , plundered it , and enslaved all the Inhabitants , because they refused to let them have provisions for mony , and were forward in supplying the Turks . The Bassa of Aleppo arrived at Scuton , Novemb. 15th , four miles from Constantinople , with 40000 men , making great havock . The Grand Seignior's Mother put the said Bassa upon this work , because she sought the ruine of the Visier , intending to put Ussaim Bassa in his place . There were three factions ; the Janizaries held with the Great Prince ; the Spahies were for the Mother ; and the rest with the chief Statesmen , were for the brother of the Great Prince , because he was more inclinable to preserve the countrey in peace and safety . The German Emperor Novemb. 16th , declared 〈◊〉 Don Hanniball Gonzaga , who was Vice-President over the Militia , chief Commander in Hungary . The Venetians Novemb. 26 , loaded a great number of Vessells , with Biskit , meal , and other provisions , to repair the want of the chief city of Candia , occasioned by a fire which hapned in their Magazine : The Pirats of Barbary having taken two ships of Provisions which were sent that way , retired , upon Intelligence , that some Venetian ships were sent from the Fleet to pursue them : The tumults in Asia grew greater , forasmuch as the Faction of Ussaim , Bassa of Aleppo , did every day increase , and that a certain person named Turtaw , joyned to his 〈◊〉 ; which pretended to make a Reformation of their Religion affirming that to be false which the Grand Seignior professed : Against whom the Grand Seignior dispatched the Souldiers that came from Transilvania , commanded by the Vizier's Lievtenant ; who being arrived at Bursia , where the Rebells were encamped , fighting a bloudy battell , the army of the Grand Seignior , was totally defeated . Novemb. 29. They were again troubled by Prince Ragotzi , who had gotten great forces together , the rather , because the Bassa of Aleppo marched against Constantinople with a mighty Army , demanding the head of the Prime Vizier . The Great Prince being Resolved to go in person against him , and to abandone all other enterprises , till he had brought this Rebell to a better condition , came in all haste to confer with the Venetian Bayliff Capello , and Secretary Bellarini , who had order to negotiate with him , which made the Venetians hope for an accommodation , because he would have occasion to imploy all his Forces against the Bassa of Aleppo , who kept the City in continuall fear ; He likewise received sad newes , That the Persians were in a Body of 30000 Horse , and 30000 Foot , besides another Army , consisting of 100000 , which were set down before Babylon ; the Citizens being more affected to the Persians then Turks . Prince Ragotzi having lost all , except two of the greater Cities , Dobrintz and Varad , leaving Coll. Gaude a Scotchman with 5000 men at Varad , did 〈◊〉 encamp at Dobrintz : And when the Turk's Army , 50000 strong , first began to besiege Varad , the Coll. making a gallant sally , put their 〈◊〉 to flight , killing above 200 , and taking 160 Prisoners , without any losse . An Edict was published at Constantinople , Jan. 10. 1659. wherein was expressed , That all the Rebells and their complices should be destroyed , and killed , where-ever they were met with ; and that those that did execution upon them , should enjoy the goods of such Rebels , which caused men in divers Villages to fall foul one upon another . On the contrary , the Rebelling Bassa published an Edict , wherein he charged all his Souldiers , and Officers to destroy all such as opposed , and would not acknowledge his power . The Ministers of the Divan in Constantinople , after a long deliberation how to satisfy him , offered to him in the Grand Seigniors name , the perpetuall Government of Soria , for which he should onely pay 100000 Sultanin's yearly , whereas 300000 were due : but he rejected those offers , as far from his pretentions , which were no lesse then the dividing of the Empire . And the Persian would so much the more easily carry Babylon , the Sultan well knew , in regard that the Divan thought not fit to make use of the forces of the Empire to relieve such a remore place , the wayes to it being seized on by the Rebells , since that they 〈◊〉 be made use of with greater advantage for the defence of 〈◊〉 , which otherwise would be at the mercy of the Rebels . The Grand Seignior being very much perplexed , promised 400000 〈◊〉 to him that should bring the Rebell Bassaes head , besides the Bassa-ship in his Monarchy ; or in case the Bassa would submit , all should not onely be forgiven and forgotten , but he should be vested with any dignity he pleased to make choice of ; But the Bassa went on still in his design , and whereas formerly he demanded the Prime Vizier's head , now he demands further a reformation in the Mahometan Religion , and have the Persian Womans son setled in the 〈◊〉 That young Prince being served in his Court as the Grand Seignior , and honoured as the mighty Emperor , and all respects given him , as if ( indeed ) he were the great Prince of Turky . The Turkish Chiaux had private audience of Arch-duke Leopold William , March 19. 1659. having presented him with two Turkish Horses , and other things : his proposalls was , That the Great Prince of Turky desired to prolong the peace with the Emperour , which was granted . The Bassa of Aleppo totally defeated the Grand Vizier again , March 27. retiring Victorious to Trocaria , with the Cannon and Baggage which he took . Nevertheless , the Grand Seignior caused the chief Vizier at his return , to publish in Constantinople , that the Rebell-Bassa had refused the combat ; but the truth being too much known to be concealed , the carriage of the matter so discontented the people , that they ran into great disorder . which was not easily composed . The Bassa of Aleppo , made his head quarter in the Capitoll City of that country , where he setled the pretended Son of Sultan Amurath as Prince , with a Court , and all Officers and Ministers of State about him , having made new Laws more agreeable to the humours of the Turks , and chosen a new Muphti , as their chief Interpreter in matters of Religion , by whom he made an Interpretation of the Alcaron , which gave more liberty to the people . He treated them with great humanity and indulgence , severely punishing the Souldiers for any misdemeaner , Declaring , That he took up arms to reform the ill Government of the Empire . And as the Caracan was passing from Alexandria to constantinople , he defaced the Seals of the Passports given by the Grand Seignior , causing his own to be given them ; And sent a Letter by them to the Grand Seignior , wherein he lets him understand , That the Son of Sultan Amurath , being lawfully successour of the Empire , he ought of right to have Natolia , and if he refused that , the said Bassa would make his way into constantinople by force of Arms : Where , if he should advance the standard of Mahomet to oppose him , then the said Bassa would erect the standard of the Prophet Ali , by which means he doubted not to draw the Persians to him . The said Bassa had well nigh subdued all Asia , and seemed to intend no lesse then parting Stake with the Emperour ; but the chief Visier being marched to Scutari , April 7. with an Army of 20000 Horse , and 30000 Foot , and expecting 60000 more to joyn with him , being Ordered to reduce him to Obedience ; He having notice of the strength of the chief Visier , called a Council of his principal Officers , where , weighing their own inability , they concluded to implore the mercy of the Grand Seignior by a timely submission . To this end , they sent a dispatch to complement the chief Visier , and let him know , That they had not taken Arms , against their Prince , but against certain persons that had abused his Trust and Favour ; Yet , rather then tumults should be longer continued , they humbly cast themselves upon the clemency of their Lord , the Grand Seignior . Of which , when the Sultan was advertized , he was so affected to see so grand a civil War so soon ended , that he sent his pardon to the Bassa and his Complices . But he with some of his Associates , putting himself into the tuition of Mortaza Bassa , who promised to obtain their pardon , he caused them to be beheaded , and sent their heads to Constantinople , where 31 of the most eminent , were perched on Poles before the Seraglio , among whom was Keiman Bassa , Brother to the Bassa of Buda . Afterwards the said Mortaza , falling upon a Party which were rallied in the Territories of Aleppo , cut 3000 in pieces , and dispersed the rest , so that there remained not the least footstep of their undertaking . April 20 , 1659. Ussaim Bassa heretofore General in Candia , and then Bassa of Bosna , being returned to Constantinople to give an Account of his Actions , was imprisoned in the 7 Towers : and was May 9. beheaded by Order from the Grand Seignior . The German Emperour having concluded a Peace with the Turk , upon Condition that the House of Austria should not meddle in Prince Ragotzies cause , sent the Baron of Radolt to tell Ragotzi , that his best way was to retire out of Transilvania into some safer place , because he could not protect him , without hazarding a War in Hungary . He levyed 20000 stout men under the command of General Lamboy , May 18. The Venetian forces in Morea had good successe , May 15. The Infantry being landed , and divided into 21 Battalions , and the Horse in 4 squadrons , drawing up within three Leagues of Calamata , the Turks presently advanced thence in a great body , and good order , but were put to flight towards the said place , and were so close pursued , that the Venetians entred the City with them , making a great Massacre , and gained rich booty ; during which time , the Turks that kept the Castle , being terrified with the cries of their men , and the Cities Flames , quitting the place , got over the River ; but some Horse , and 1000 〈◊〉 pursuing them , they were most cut in pieces , and the rest taken Prisoners . Afterwards they passed to Milo , where the Generalissimo , having given a Moneths pay to the Souldiers and Seamen , and furnished the men of War , and Galleys with all necessaries , he sailed towards Mitylene to encounter the Captain Bassa , whose Armado was supposed to be thereabouts ; which consisted of twenty four Galleys , four Galleasses , and twelve men of War : also the Gallions under their Captain Generall Contarini , with a squadron of 〈◊〉 , having run up and down about the Isles of the Archipelago , and gained good prizes , returned May the thirtieth , to the mouth of the Dardanelles , where all the Officers declared a high resolution to oppose the passage of the Turks , which were to come that way from Constantinople . The troubles in Asia were not quite extinct by the death of the Bassa of Aleppo , because a Nephew of his who was Lievtenant of his Army , had openly declared , That he would revenge his death ; and recollecting new forces , drew one Charan Bassa to his party , a man of a Noble spirit . Hereupon Assam 〈◊〉 , who had a hand in executing some of the said Bassa's party , which were his prisoners ; gave over that severity , lest upon this stir it should provoke the people . The Bassa of Bosna likewise , having 〈◊〉 oppressed the people in his Government , was complained of to the Grand Seignior , whereupon the Sultan sent for him to Constantinople ; Which order he would not obey , having a Guard of 6000 Horse : But the Inhabitants of Mustar , unable to endure his Tyranny , put themselves in Arms , and received fourty Troops of Horse for succour , from Constantinople , the Commander of them having Commission to try to gain the Bassa by fair means , and for that end , to offer him the Government of Buda for his own , with divers other advantages , which the said Bassa accepting , and resting secure , was seised on , and lost his head . Much about that time , it hapned , That one of the Ministers of the Divan , presuming to speak but a word in the presence of the Grand Seignior , in favour of Ragotzi , was presently strangled . Yet Prince Ragotzi , being in hope to win favour from the Grand Seignior , was content to deliver to him the fortresse of Varadin ; But fearing the Grand Seignior might lay claim to the two Countries he held in Hungary , he yielded them to the Emperour's protection , June the 7th . The Bey of Jergay , being Resolved to joyn with the Rebells in Asia , ( under pretence that he had been grieved by the Bassa of Gran Cairo ) got an Army of 30000 men , hoping to make them up 100000 by the aid of the Saniac's of Egypt , who were ( mostly ) Christians ; so that the Sultan not knowing how to entrap him , was much perplexed , which was like to divert his fury from Dalmatia . But divers of 〈◊〉 Ring leaders were executed , whose sons and Heirs sided with the Persians for revenge . The Venetian Generallissimo Morisini riding near the Dardanelles , took two Turkish Vessels laden with provisions for candia ; but twelve got through , which were carrying provision for the Turkish Fleet , July 8. Their Embassador Bellarini was commanded to appear before the chief Vizier , by whom he was seriously examined how far his Commission did extend about an accommodation , and whether his Masters would not quit candia for a considerable sum ; To which he answered , that there was no likelihood any such Proposal should be hearkned unto ; whereupon they threatned the Venetian State , and the Embassador was re-committed to his old custody . The great Turk extraordinarily honored the French Embassador , having heard of the peace between France and Spain , fearing lest they should aid the Venetian State , which for so many years alone , sustained the fury of that mighty enemy of the Christian name . July , 27. contarini , captain of the Venetian Galleys , hearing that about 28 Turks Galleys were near the Dardanelles , he engaged them , and put them to flight , many being taken , with two principal persons on the Turks side , but he lost but few ; the greatest fury of the encounter having fallen upon the captain Generall 's ship . Aug. 2 , the Pirates of Algiers took severall Ships from the Christians , and at one time , 7 together ; two of them were Holland ships , Laden with fine Linnen , and other commodities , valued at 100000 crowns . Prince Ragotzi desired the Germane Emperour to take his Forts into his protection , lest the Turk should take them into his own power , and so infest Hungary with his forces . Hereupon , the Emperors forces in Hungary , went to take possession of them . In Venice , Aug. 15. A tempest rose on a sudden , which overturned divers houses , dispersed and tore abundance of boats : and the Arms of the Seignory , which were in Marble , upon the frontispiece of the Arsenal , were blown down . And on the 24 of Aug. another great tempest , brake down great part of St. Maries Church , the mischief done by it , being valued at above 100000 crowns . The Emperour determining to take Ragotzi into his protection , ordered forces to be on the Frontires of Hungary , under the command of Arch-Duke Leopold ; and Gonzaga marched thither with 2500 fresh men , that if the Turks should meditate a passage into Hungary , they might make it a matter of difficulty , for they threatned to make their way through Hungary , to fall upon Venice . The Grand Seignior departed from constantinople , Sept. 7. in regard the pestilence increased daily , and he intended to take this occasion , finally to extirpate the Rebels : to which end , he ordered most of the Divan to accompany him , with the Janizaries and Spahies , and all that he could collect , leaving the care of his affairs to the Muphti and his mother the Sultana . The chief Visier ordered two new Forts to be built near the Dardanelles , but that work was much Interrupted by the frequent shooting of contarini Captain of the Venetian Galleys , who retarded it , though he could not 〈◊〉 it . Prince Ragotzi encountred with his competitor , ( who was back't by the Turks ) aud defeated him , who took refuge in the Castle Deina , that Garrison intending to deliver him to Ragotzi , who thereupon was received by the Nobility and Gentry , whereby his establishment was compleated . The great Turk onely required a sum of mony to defray his expences which he sustained in the quarrel of the other Prince . A Table whereby you may find most of the remarkable Passages contained in this foregoing History . A. AChmat I. crown'd Emperour of Turks , 1233. confirms Hasan in his Generalship , 1247. besiegeth Strigonium , 1255. but depart , 1260. besiegeth it again , 1285. and wins it , 1288. concludes Articles of peace with the Emperour , 1296 , 1297. marries his Daughter to Mechmet Bassa , 1340. commands every Nation to wear its own habit , 1387. confirms his peace with the Emperour for 20 years , 1400. and dies , 1406. having first appointed his Brother to be his Successour , 1408. Achmat II. established Emperour of the Turks , captivates 50000 Christians , 1427. strangles the aspiring Visier Bassa , 1428. beheads a Persian Embassadour , and defeats the Prince of Valachia , 1433. imprisons Christian Embassadors , 1435. drives Ragotzi out of his Country , 1437. honours the French Embassadour , 1446. departs from Constantinople , 1447. Achomates , Bajazets son , comes to Scutari , and sollicites for resignation of the Empire , 455. spoyls Bythinia , 457. puts his Father's Embassadours to death , and is proclaimed Traytor , 458. surpriseth useg , 467. and is strangled , 471. Aladin Kingdom erected , 64. Aladin , Sultan of Iconium , dies , 121. Aleppo's Bassa overthrowes the Bassa of Damasco , wins Tripolis , 1290. withstands the Turks Forces , but flies , 1301. Alexander made Vayvod of Moldavia , 1381. puts the Horroveans and Tartars to flight , 1382. and Turks , 1385 , 1390. invades Valachia , 1391. is taken and sent to Constantinople , 1398. Alexius made Emperour of Greece , 34. is deposed and strangled , 40. Alexius Angelus crowned Emperour of Greece , 44. seeks the life of Isaac his Brother's son , 65. 〈◊〉 from Constantinople , 67. is put to death by the Latines , 73. Alexius Ducas , or 〈◊〉 , betrayes young Alexius , 68. is chosen Emperour , and strangles Alexius , 69. his eyes are put out , 73. Algier is perplexed with great drought , but Christian Captives , through their prayers , obtain rain , 1354. Almericus chosen King of Jerusalem , drives Saracon out of Egypt , 45. and dies , 48. Alphix Sultan of Egypt , razeth Tripolis , 112. and dies at Damasco , 113. Scanderbeg's Nephew , flies to Mahomet , 346. invades Epirus , 347. is created King thereof , 350. is taken Prisoner , and brought to Scanderbeg , 352. is sreed , 353. returns to Constantinople , and dies , 354. Amurath I. made King of Turks , 170. takes Dydimothicum , 170. Hadrianople , 172. and Nissa , 175. overthrowes Aladin Sultan of Iconium , and takes Despotopolis , 177 , 178. marries the Greek Emperour's Daughter , 180. overthrowes Lazarus his great Army , 182. and is stabb'd , 183. Amurath II. crowned King of the Turks , 231. hangs Mustapha who ruled in Europe , 233. assaults Constantinople in vain , 234. wins Thessalonica , 236. invades Hungary , 237. besiegeth Belgrade in 〈◊〉 , 239 , to 242. sends Alis Bassa to subdue Epirus , who is overthrown , 264. besiegeth Ico nium , 265. concludes peace with Hungary , 264. invades Rascia , 283. befiegeth Sfetigrade , 289. and wins it , 294. besiegeth Croia , 295. and dyes , 303. Amurath III. enthroned Emperour of Turks , murthers his Brethren , 879. appoint Stephen Bator , King of Poland , 880. invades Persia , 898. and fights with Tochomac , 900. subdues Sirvan , but returns in distress , 905 , 906 , 907. overthrowes the Georgians , 917. circumciseth his son Mahomet , 931. appoints Ferat Bassa General , 941. his Mother dies , 944. reneweth his League with the German Empero : , 952. strangles the Tartar-King , and puts his Brother in his stead , 954. appoints Osman Bassa to be Chief Visier and General of his Army , 956. makes Ebraim Bassa of Egypt , 962. and sends him against the Drusians , 963. who commits sundry Villanies there , 965 , to 971. breaks his League with the German Empe. our , 991. but strángles Ali Bassa of Buda for breaking that League , 993. makes a League with the Persians , 994. encourageth Q. Elizabeth against Spain , 996. breaks his League with the Emperour , 1002. endamageth the Christians , 1004 , to 1007. but receives great losse , 1019 , 1020. and dies , 1054. Amurath IV. chosen Emperor of Turks , wins Rava and Babylon from the Persians , 1429. Andreas Auria wins Corona from the Turks , 588. relieves it , 590 , 591. and dyes , 791. Andronicus aspires to the Empire , 35. comes to Constantinople , 37. is joyned in the Empire with Alexius , 40. marries Anne the French King's daughter , 41. is shamefully executed , 43. Andronicus Paleologus crowned Emperour of Constantinople , 132. is deposed , 158. and dyes , 159. Andronicus the younger obtains the Empire , 156. suffers losse in Asia , 162. Antioch taken by the Christians , 14. Araphax chosen Sultan of Egypt , 113. Axan , Nephew to Tangroliphix ; invades Media , 4. B. BAjazet I. crowned King of Turks , 184. wins Philadelphia , 185. Neapolis , and Constantinople , 186. overthrowes Sigismund the German Emperour , 187. subdues Caramania , 191. is put into an iron Cage by Tamerlane , 202. and kills himself , 210. Bajazet II. received Emperour of Turks , 404. puts his Brother Zemes to flight , 406. murthers Achmetes , 411. subdues Caramania , 414. invades Egypt with loss , 415. wins Lepanto , 427. Modon , 428. and Dyrrachium , 429. concludes a peace with the 〈◊〉 , 431. poysoneth his son Mahometes , 447. and is poysoned , 464. Solyman's son rebells , 741 , 742. is pardoned , 743. seeks his Brother Selimus his death , 744 , 745. fights with his Brother , and retreats , 749. flies to the Persian King , 752. is imprisoned , 753. with his Sons , is strangled . 755. Baldwin I. subdues Cilicia and Cappadocia , 13. slew 10000. Turks , with the losse of 4000. Christians , 15. crowned King of Jerusalem , 18. wins Ptolemais , 〈◊〉 and Sydon , 19 , 20. is made Prince of Antioch , 21. and dies , 20. Baldwin Brugensis II. crowned King of Jerusalem , 20. overthrows the Turks in Antioch , 21. dies , 22. Baldwin III. crowned King of Jerusalem , 22. dies at Berytus , 28. Baldwin IIII. crowned King of Jerusalem , 48. puts Saracon to flight , 49. and dies , 51. Baldwin V. crowned King of Jerusalem , 51. is supposed to be poysoned ; 52. Baldwin Count of Flanders , crowned I. Latine Emperour of Greece 71. besiegeth Adrianople , 72. is barbarously slain , 73. Baldwin the II. chosen Emperour of Greece , 85. pawned his Son to the Bruges Merchants , 102. flies from Constantinople , 104. Barbarussa made King of Algiers , 599. comes to Constantinople , 600. is made 4th Bassa 601. takes Lucidius and Spelunca , 602. puts Muleasses to flight , 605 , wins Tunis , 607. and New-Castle , 654. besiegeth Nice , a City in Provence in vain , 713. he endamageth the Christians , 721 , 722. and dyes , 723. Bassa of Aleppo , a Rebell comes to Scutari , 1439 , overthrows the Grand Seignior's Army , 1440 , 1442. submits , and is beheaded , 1443. Belgrade besieged in vain by Mahomet II. 325. taken by Solyman , 527. B thlem Gabor Prince of Transilvania , assists the Bohemians against the Emperour , 1416. wins Presburg , 1417. is proclaimed King of Hungary , 1419. Bohemud made Prince of Antioch , 15. Botscay a Rebell , stiles himself Prince of 〈◊〉 ; and overthrows Belgiosa , 1262. takes Cassovia 1263. receives 130000 Florens from the Hussars , 1267. 6000 revolt to him , 1270. and wins Vacia , 1271. propounds Articles of peace to the Emperour , 1283 , 1289. and peace is concluded , 1290. he wins Tokay , 1291. and dyes at Cassovia , 1299. Buda in Hungary is yielded to Solyman , 562. is besieged by Ferdinand in vain , 666 , 696. Bator takes the Government of Transilvania , 1315. submits to Turkish protection , 1330. is discomfited , ibid. and kills Nage . 1345. C. CAmpson Gaurus invades Syria , 487. is chosen Sultan of Egypt , 493. his Army is put to fl ght by Selimus , and he is 〈◊〉 to death , 495. Cambalu , 28 miles in compass , built by Zingis , 63. Caragusa , a Turkish Champion conquered by Manessi , 285. Carambey the Turks Generall taken prisoner by Huniades , 255. ransomed , 264. Cassanes the Tartar , wins Jerusalem and Damasco , 114. Cassan Bassa of Caramania revolts , and overthrowes 4. Zanzacks , 1128 , but is taken and put to death , 1129. Cayerbeius Governour of Aleppo , revolts to Selymus , 493. is made Depury of Egypt , 518. Caytheius Sultan of Egypt , comforteth Zemes , 406. overthrowes Caragoses and Achmetes , 413. puts Calibeus to flight , 417. Catalonians break into Thessaly , 139. take Thebes and Athens , 140. Charles the French King invadeth Naples , 421. wins Capua , 422. Naples , 423. and dyes , 424. Charles the Emperour besiegeth Florence , 575. wins it , 576. invades Tunis , 617. takes Guletta , 621. he rescueth a Captain with his own hands , 624. puts Barbarussa to flight , 623. wins Tunis , 624. besiegeth Algiers , 683 , 684 , 685. loseth 140 Ships , 688. raiseth his siege , 689. returns with great loss , 690. delivers up his Empire , 755. and dyes , 756. Conrade , Emperour of Germany , goes to the Holy War , 24. is ill entertained by the Greeks , 25. and puts the Turks to flight , 26. Constantinople taken by the Latines , 71. regain'd by the Greeks , 105. won by the Turks , 315. is filled with Grashoppers , 1336 , 1345. Constantine , Vayvod of Moldavia , is expelled , 1344. Corcutus crowned Emperor of Turks , resigns it to his Father Bajazet , 404. 〈◊〉 , sent by 〈◊〉 against the Arabians , revolts . 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 against Axan , 8. subdues part of Greece , 9. D. DAmiata taken by the Christians , 80. again yielded to the Turks , 83. regain'd by the Christians , 91. Diogenes proclaimed Emperour of Greece , wins Hierapolis , puts the Turks to flight , 6. is taken prisoner by the Turks , 7. is set at liberty by Axan , and hath his eyes put out , whereof he dyes , 8. Dyrrachium won by Bajazet II. 429. E. EUdocia , Empresse of Constantinople , marries Diogenes , 6. Edessa taken by the Turks , 24. 〈◊〉 made Emperour of Greece , 23. is discomfited by the Turks , 31. concludes a peace with their Sultan , 34. and dyes , ibid. Edward , son to Hen. 3d. of England , comes to Tunis , and wins Nazareth , 109. he narrowly escapes murther , and is crowned at his return , 110. 〈◊〉 comes into lesser Asia , 120. 〈◊〉 a Castle , 121. and dies , 122. F. FErat 〈◊〉 made Generall by Amurath III , 941. fortifies Castles at Lori , 945. is threatned by the Janizaries , 948 , 949. is discharged of that Office , 950. regains it , 986. takes Genge , 994. is made General in Sinan's place , 1060. is discomfited , 1062. is fent for home and strangled , 1079. Ferdinand King of Bohemia , claims Hungary , and comes to Buda , 565. subdues Transylvania , 566. breaks his League with Solyman , 637. besiegeth Exek in vain for want of Victuals , 640. suffers 〈◊〉 , 642. to 645. takes Vicegrade , 663. besiegeth Buda , 666. is discomsited by the Turks , 673 , 674. besiegeth it again , 696. but shamefully departs , 699. Ferdinand , Arch-Duke of Austria , besiegeth Canisia , 1175. but is forced by cold to depart , 1160. Frederick German Emperour wins Iconium , and is drowned , 55. Frederick his son is made General , 16. overthrowes the Turks , and dies at the siege of Tyre , 56. : Frederick the Emperour King of Sicily , hath all Palestine yielded to him , and is crowned King of Jerusalem , 87. Fulk King of Jerusalem , overthrown by Sanguin the Turk , dies by a fall off his horse , 23. G. GOdfrey goes to the Holy War , 11. besiegeth Jerusalem , 17. taketh it , is made King thereof , and dies of the Plague , 18. Guy crowned King of Jerusalem , 52. is made King of Cyprus , 60. Gazelles , an Egyptian Champion yieldeth to the Turks , 510. but rebells , 526. and is 〈◊〉 , 527. H. HAssan Bassa besiegeth Alba-Regalis , 1167. and wins it , 1169. comes to relieve Buda in vain , 1173. 〈◊〉 slain in a Battle against the 〈◊〉 in Asia , 1176. Baldwin's Brother , crowned Emperour of Greece , 73. and dies , 84. Henry King of France , obtains a Fleet of Solyman , 729. Horruccius becomes King of Algiers , 598. coming to Ora , is put to flight , and slain , 599. Hungary imbroyled in Civill Wars , 239. Huniades puts the Turks to flight , 243. is in danger , 244. overthrowes Mesites , 245. discomfits the Turks , 250. slayes 30000 Turks , 253. conquers Carambey , 255. after three dayes fight , flies , 282. puts the Turks to flight , 283. repulseth them at Belgrade , 326. and dies , 327. Hysmael , 〈◊〉 's son , flies after his Father's death , 433. embraceth his Superstition , 434. takes Tauris , 435. puts Elvan the Persian King to flight , 436. subdues Mesopotamia , 437. fights with Selimus , 477 , 478. and retires , 479. pursues him , and takes his Ordnance , 480. I. JAcaia , second Son to Mahomet , is sent into Morea , joyns with the Rebels in Asia , and is wounded , 1374. Janizaries , their first rise , 173. make a Tumult in Constantinople , 1185 , 1277 , 1428 , 1429. Ibraim I. chosen Emperour of Turks , strangles his Admiral , 1425. hath various events against the Venetians , 1426. is deposed , 1427. Jerusalem taken by the Christians , 18. is won by Cassanes the Tartar , and given to the Christians , 114. is retaken by the Turks , 115. John the Greek Emperor takes Tarsus , and dies , 23. John , King of Jerusalem , bebesiegeth Damiata , 78. and takes it , 80. John Ducas succeeds Lascaris in the Empire at Nice , 85. and dyes , 96. John Castriot delivers his sons for Hostages to Amurath , 236. John , Vayuod of Transylvania , chosen King of Hungary , 564. is deposed , 566. re-installed at Buda by Solyman , 575. besiegeth Strigonium , 577. and dyes , 659. John made Vayuod of Valachia by Selimus II. 876. overthrowes Peter , Vayuod of Transylvania , 870. takes Teina , discomfits the Turks , 872. is vanquished by the Turks , 874. Jonūses Bassa is sent to Damasco , 406. wounded in Selimus's sight , 509. is executed , 520. he slew his wife , 522. Isaac Comnenus taken prisoner by Axan , 8. Isaac saluted Emperour of Greece , 42 , 43. is deprived of sight and Empire , 44. is restored to his Crown , 67. and dies , 68. 〈◊〉 , saluted King of Persia , for his cruelty is killed , 893. L. LAdislaus chosen King of Hungary , 278. Lascaris crowned Emperour of Greece at Nice , 72. and dies , 85. Leopold of Austria , crowned Emperor of the Romans , 1436. denyes aid to Ragotzi , 1138. concludes a peace with the Turk , 1444. takes Ragotzi into his protection , 1447. Lepanto besieged in vain by Solyman Bassa , 384. yielded to the Turks , 427. Lewis 8th of France makes a vain Expedition into Palestine , 27. Lewis 9th of France , takes Damiata , 91. wins Carthage , besiegeth Tunis , and dies , 108. Lewis King of Hungary is over-ruled by his Nobles , 560. is drown'd , 562. M. MAhomet I. invested King of Turks , 212. overthrowes Cara , 214. puts his Brother Isa to flight , 217 , 219. sends Musa into Europe , where he is made King , 222. is put to flight by Musa , 224. takes Musa prisoner , and strangles him , 226. takes the Caramanion King prisoner , 227. and dies , 229. Mahomet II. crowned Emperor of Turks , 306. subdues Caria , 308. besiegeth Constantinople , 309. wins it , 315. beheads Irene , 321. conquers 〈◊〉 , and Athens , 322. 〈◊〉 Servia , assaulteth Belgrade , 325. is wounded , and departeth , 326. befiegeth Rhodes with losse , 327. wins 〈◊〉 , 328. and 〈◊〉 , 329. takes Mytelene and its Prince , 333. subverts Bosna , and sends Amesa into Epirus , 334. besiegeth Croia , 370. again besiegeth Croia , but returns with loss , 372. takes it , 387. takes the Island Euboea , 375. subdues Mysia , 378. and 〈◊〉 , 380. besiegeth 〈◊〉 in vain , 382. loseth an Army in Valachia , 383. surpriseth the Venetians , 385. after infinite losse wins Scodra , 395. invades Transylvania with losse , 396. besiegeth Rhodes , 397. but leaves it , 401. and dies , 402. Mahomet made King of Persia , is hated , 895. is invaded by the Turks , 898. sends his son against them , 910. who regains Sumachia , 911. Mahomet III. saluted Emperor of Turks , 1055. suffers losse , 1056. proclaims War against the Emperour , 1092. invades Transylvania , 1097. besigeth Agria , 1100. wins it , 1102. is discomfited , 1104. invades Hungary , 1114. suffers losse , 1119. besiegeth Canisia , 1149. wins it , 1151. Ibrahim Bassa being dead , he appoints Hassan General , 1154. appeaseth Rebels in Asia , 1190. puts his eldest Son Mahomet to death , 1191. invades Hungary , 1205. is sorely troubled by Rebels , 1214. and at Sea , 1215. he suffers loss , 1224 , 1225. and dies , 1230. 〈◊〉 besieged by Solyman , 767. who takes Elm-Castle , 773. but returns with losse , 790. its Knights suffer losse by Sea , 〈◊〉 . takes the Castle Lango , 1333. Manucchiar Prince of the Georgians joyns with the Turks , 900. and is circumcised , 914. but revolts , 943. 〈◊〉 an Engineer in Rhodes , defeated , 55. Turkish Mines , 541. Masut divides the Turks Kingdome , 29. Matthias King of Hungary spoyls Servia , 364. wins the Kingdom of Bosna , 373. Count Mantsfield is made General of Upper Germany , 1061. besiegeth Dotis , 1066. and Strigonium , 1067. discomfits the Bassa of Buda , 1072. takes the Lower Town of Strigonium , 1074. and dies , 1075. Matthias made Arch-Duke of Austria , 1022. wins Novigrade , 1023 besiegeth Strigonium , 1026. but raiseth the siege , 1033. is made General of Lower Hungary , 1061. wins 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 , 1077. takes Ali Bassa prisoner , 1167. is crowned King of Hungary , 1317. makes an agreement between Papists and Protestants , 1319. makes Illeshachius Palatine , 1317. who dyes , 1320. is crowned Emperour of Germany , 1339. sends Negroni Embassador to 〈◊〉 I. 1350. Maximilian crowned Roman Emperour , 803. concludes a peace with Selimus , 806. Maximilian made Generall of the Emperour's forces , 1098. wins Hatwan , 1099. overthrows the Turks , 1104. but flies , 1105. Melechsala , made Sultan of Damasco , but is betrayed to Saladin , 48. Meledin Sultan of Egypt , dyes 91. Melechsala chosen Sultan of Egypt , 91. overthrows the French Army , 94. and dyes , 112. Duke Mercury made Generall , 1130. wins Alba-Regalis , 1155. discomfits Hassan Bassa , 1175. 〈◊〉 come into Greece , 185. Michael Ducas made Emperour instead of Diogenes , 8. Michael Emperour of Greece , goes to Magnesia , but returns with losse , 135. and dies , 144. Michael is created Vayvod of Valachia , 1050. revolts from the Turk , 1052. wins Hersowa and Silistra , 1054. overthrowes Turks and Tartars , 1056 , 1057. submits to the Turk , 1107. yet takes Nicopolis , 1118. invades Transylvania , 1125. overthrowes Bator Vayvod thereof , 1126. and wins it , 1127. receives an Embassador , and rich Presents from the Turk , 1137 , 1138. subdues Moldavia , 1140. is overthrown by 〈◊〉 , 1145. resigns Transylvania to the German Emperour , 1146. recovers it , and drives out Sigismund , 1162. is slain in his Tent , 1163. Michna Vayvod of Valachia , proclaimed Prince of Moldavia , 1394. 〈◊〉 is made Admiral by the Venetians , 〈◊〉 doth great harm to the Turks , 377 , 378. gives up that charge , 379. is chosen Duke of Venice , 383. Moses revolts from Scanderbeg , 342. and comes to Epirus with an Army , 343. is discomfited , 344. submits to Scanderbeg , 345. is taken by the Turks , and is flead alive , 366. Moyses , Sigismunds Lievtenant , is overthrown by 〈◊〉 , 1165 , 1197. loseth Solomose Castle , 1198. invades . Transylvania , 1109. wins Claudinopolis , 1201. puts the Valachians to flight , but is discomfited and slain , 1203. Mustapha chosen Emperour of Turks . 1408. imprisoneth the French Embassadour for 〈◊〉 escape , 1411. but frees him , 1412. N. NAdasti , who had done excellent service for the Emperour in Hungary , dyes , 1229. Nassuf , the Grand Visier , his life related , 1365. he is strangled , 1366. Nice is recovered by the Christians , 161. Noradine , Sultan of Damasco , fires Panead , 27. wins it , and Arethusa , 45. and dyes , 48. O. 〈◊〉 wins Prusa , 160. is established King of Turks , 161. wins Nice , 163. and 〈◊〉 , 165. and dies , 169. Original of the Turks uncertain , 1 , 2. Osman Bassa is sent for by Amurath III , 952. puts the Tartars to flight , 954. is appointed Chief Visier , and General , 956. is surprized by the Persian's sleights , 975. wins Tauris , 976. falls sick , 977. his Army is discomfited by the Persians , 978 , 979. and dies , 980. Osman I. proclaimed Sultan , 1113. sends an Embassadour to K. James of England , 1414. and is strangled , 1423. Othoman made Governour of the Oguzian Turks , 123. surpriseth the Castle Chalce , 124. and Einegiol , 128. settleth his Kingdome , 129. subdues Bythinia , 130 , and dyes , 160. Otranto taken and fortified by the Turks , 402. but regained , 403. P. 〈◊〉 crowned Emperour of Greece , 101. gains Constantinople from the Latines , 105. and dies , 85. Palfi , Governour of Strigonium , dies , 1130. Pappa yielded to the Turks , 1133. Persian King 〈◊〉 Taur's , 984. his eldest son Hamsy is slain , 990. recovers Tauris , 1214. wins Babylon , 1237 , 1268. overthrows Cicola , 1243 , 1246 , 1268. wins Damasco and Adena , 1289. defeats the Turks , 1323. kills 60000 Turks , 1404. besiegeth Babylon , 1440. Peter stirs up Christian Princes to the Holy War , 10. Peter Count of Flanders , chosen Emperour of Constantinople , 84. dyes , 85. Philip 2. of France , departs for Sicilia , 57. returns out of Syria , 59. invades Normandy , 61. Philes Paleologus chaseth the Turks out of Europe , 143. Plague in the Christian Camp , whereof 50000 dye , 15. in Constantinople , where 200000 dye , 1328 , 1340. Prodigies seen in the Air , 1339 , 1365 , 1414 , 1419. Ptolemais yielded to the Christians , 58. and razed by the Turks , 114. R. R 〈◊〉 Prince of Transylvania , deposed by the Turk , re-aslumes his Government , 1433. discomfits the Turks , 1434. the States establish him , 1435. puts the Bassa of Buda to flight , 1436. delivers Varadin to the Turk , 1446. takes his Competitor prisoner , 1448. Rhodes besieged by Mahomet in vain , 398 — 401. its scituation , 541. besieged by Solyman , 542. and yielded to him , 558. Richard I. King of England , sets forward to Syria , takes Cyprus , with its King , 57. and becomes King of Jerusalem , 60. Robert of Normandy chosen King of Jerusalem , 18. Rodolph the Emperour makes a League with Amurath III. 952. which is broken , 991 , 1002. overthrowes the Turks at SisegCastle , 1012. wins Subatska , 1017. discomfits the Turks , and takes Filek , 1018. sends an Embassadour to the Duke of Muscovy , who promiseth aid , 1024. takes Jasperin Castle , 1026. and Rab , 1112. overthrowes the Turks and Tartars , 1122. takes a prize from the Turks , 1123. besiegeth Buda , 1171. wins 〈◊〉 , 1172. and Adona , 1174. raiseth Buda's siege , 1175. discomfits the Turks , 1213. takes Hatwan , 1222. hath aid from the Pope , 1250. hath a Treaty of peace with the Turks , 1252 , 1253. which is broken , 1254. suppresseth the Rebels of Transylvania , 1265. hath Cassoria yielded to him , 1266. puts the Turks and Rebels to flight , 1289. concludes Articles of peace with the Hungarians , 1293 , 1294 , 1307 , 1308. grants free exercise of Religion in Bohemia , 1322. and dies , 1339. Ronzerius entertained by the Greek Emperor , and slain , 136. Roxalana , a slave , married to to Solyman , married to Solyman , 731. plotteth Mustapha's destruction , 732 , 733. S. SAladin is made Sultan of Egypt , 47. invades the Holy Land , and is put to flight , 49. breaks his League with Baldwin , and is overthrown , 50. loseth 15000 men , and flies , 52. takes Ptolemais , and 〈◊〉 Towns , with 〈◊〉 , 53. makes a great slaughter of the Christians , 55. and dyes , 61. Saracon invades Egypt , is vanquished by Almericus , 46. is appointed Sultan of Egypt , and dies , 61. Scanderbeg delivered to the Turks for Hostage , 236. hath 〈◊〉 delivered to him , 259. gains Petrella and Petralba , 260. taketh Sfetigrade , 262. puts Alis Bassa , 264. Ferises , 276. and Muslapha to flight . 277. overthrows the Venetians , 284. takes Mustapha , 285. assaults the Turks Camp , 291 , 298. takes Amesa prisoner , 335. kills Debrias , 336. receives aid from Alphonsus , 339. is surprized at Belgrade , 340. discomfits his revolted Nephew Amesa , 352. concludes 2. years peace with the Turk , 354. defeats Sinam , Asam , Jussumbeg , and Caraza , 355. makes a peace with Mahomet , 357. spoyles the Turks borders , 360. surprizeth Seremet Bassa , 363. 〈◊〉 Balabanus 4. times , 365 — 368. and slew Jacup , 369. With Venetian aid he raiseth Croia's siege , where 〈◊〉 is slain , 371. dies , and is interred in Lyssa , 373. Scrivano , a Rebell , overthrows Mehemet Bassa , 1153 , 1164. wins many Cities in Asia , and dyes , 1176. Selimus I. aided by the Tartar , comes into Europe , 448. to Hadrianople , 450. is put to flight by his Father , 454 , 455. is made General , and saluted Emperour , 462. invades Armenia , 474. fights with Hysmael , 477 , 478. puts Aladeules to flight , 485. sends Sinan Bassa into Egypt , 498. takes Caire , 509 , 510. and dyes , 524. Selimus II. installed Emperour of Turks , 799. invades Cyprus , 815. wins Nicosia , 821. besiegeth Famagusta , 822 , 823. and wins it , 837. makes John Vayuod of Valachia , 876. subdues it to himself , 876. wins Tunis , and dyes , 878. Sigismund cator Vayvod of Transylvania , revolts from the Turks , 1047. makes a League with the German Emperor , 1028. wins Tergovista , 1082 , 1083. & Zorza Castle , 1084. goes to the Emperour in person , 1090. overthrowes the Turks and Tartars at Temeswar , 1096. resigns Transylvania to the Emperour , 1108. reassumes the Government , 1116. yields it to the Turks , 1121. takes Basta prisoner , 1160. is expelled , 1162. is received again , 1164. & submits to the Emperour , 1166 , and dies at Prague , 1361. Sinan is made General against the Persians , 923. dismisseth his Army , 929. is made Visier . 931. is degraded , 937. is made General against the Hungarians , 1001. marcheth towards Buda , and wins Siseg Castle , 1014. and Vesprizcium , 1015. is put to flight , 1017. takes Dotis , 1037. besiegeth Rab with losse , 1038 , 〈◊〉 . but takes it , 1042. is called home , 1060. regains his Generalship , and is discomfited , 1079. He dyes , 1090. Solymaa , son to Orchanes , takes Callipolis , 168. is slain with a fall , 169. Solyman , son to Bajazet , is made Sultan in Europe , 218. invades Asia , and is received in Prusa , 220. returns into Europe , and puts Musa to flight , 222. is forsaken and strangled , 223. Solyman installed Emperour of Turks , 526. wins Belgrade , 527. comes in person to Rhodes , 541. gives two assaults with losle , 945 , 546 , 548 , 553. commands 〈◊〉 and Pyrrhus to be executed , but spares them upon intreaty , 549. 〈◊〉 Mustapha to rule Egypt , 550. enters Rhodes , 558. invados Hungary , 560. overthrowes the Kings Army , and wins Buda , 562. gives the Kingdome to Joha Sepusius , 563. besiegeth Vienna , 570. and raiseth that siege , 575. besiegeth Gunza , 581. spoyls the Country , 583. renews his League with the Venetians , 593. sends Grittus into Hungary , 574. who kills the Vayvod of Transylvania , 595. and is slain , 597. takes Tauris , 608. and Babylon , 610. is driven out of Persia , 612. murthers Amurath Bassa , 614. invades Italy , 629. besiegeth Corfu in vain , 633. turns Hungary into a Turkish Province , 678. subdues Transylvania , 681. aids the French King against Charls the Emperour , 701. invades Hungary , 703. takes Strigonium , 706. and Alba-Regalis , 711. concludes a Peace with Charls the Emperor , 723. breaks it , 725. wins 〈◊〉 in Barbary , 727. and Temeswar in Hungary , 728. marries Roxalana , 731. murthers his son Mustapha , 735. besiegeth Zigeth , 739 , 794. wins it , 795. invades Hungary , 792. takes Giula Castle , 793. and dies , 795. Stephen Vayvod of Moldavia , turns Tyrant , 1377. is defeated by Alexander , 1381. and put to flight by Coreski , 1383. turns Turk , 1394. Strigonium is won by the Christians , 1077. besieged by the Turks in vain , 1255. and taken by them , 1288. T. TAmas the Persian King concludes a peace with Selimus , 808. and dies , 881. Tamerlan's Original , he is made King , and overthrowes the Muscovite , 194. conquers China , 195. razeth Sebastia , 198. overthrows Bajazet's Army , and takes him prisoner , 202. wins Prusa , 203. puts the Egyptian Sultan to flight , takes Damasco , 206. Damiata , 207. and Caire , 208. razeth Damasco , 210. and dies , 216. Tangrolipix proclaimed Sultan of Persia , 3. Tarquemius a Mamaluke is created Sultan of Egypt , 35. Tartars invade Moldavia , 1085. but are kept back , 1086. do much harm in Hungary , 1177 , 1192. overthrow Radall of Valachia , ibid. fire a Jew's house in Constantinople , doing great harm , 1295. Techellis lives obscurtly , 432. invades the Turks Dominions , 438. encouraged by Hysmaell , 439. puts the Asian Viceroy to flight , 440. takes Catay , 441. discomfits Alis Bassa , 443. flies into Armenia , and is burnt alive , 444. Theodore saluted Emperour of Greece , 97. dies , and leaves his sou John to succeed , 99. Tomombeius is chosen Sultan of Egypt , 497. his 〈◊〉 discovered to the Turks , 503. fortifieth Caire , 507. is taken , and strangled , 515. Transylvania 〈◊〉 great misery through famine , 1238 , 1244. Tumults arise in Constantinople , 995 , 1428. Tuscanian Duke endangereth the Turks , 1332 , 1333 , 1360 , 1361. V. VEnetians with 200 Galleys , defeat the Turkes near Rhodes , take Smyrna , 15. Chios & Rhodes , 22. Besiege Corinth , but leave it , 355. win Aulis , Larsum , Himber , and Alhens , but suffer loss at Patras , 363. Spoyl the Turks Dominions , 377. Put the Turks to flight in Epirus , but are vanquished , 384 , 385. Take 〈◊〉 , 428. Discomfite the Turks at Ambracia , 429. Besiege Mytelene in vain , 429 , 430. overthrow the Turks at Corcyra , 691. Send Ragazonius to treat of peace with Selimus 11 , 828. Conclude a with the Pope and King of Spain , 830. discomfite the Turks in the battle of Lepanto , 849 , to 854. make Fuscarinus Admiral , 859. recover Tunis , 873. make a League with the Turks , 874. give them two 〈◊〉 , 1427 , 1428. Defeat them , making Moccenigo 〈◊〉 , and win 〈◊〉 , 1430. and 〈◊〉 , driving . the Turks from Candia , 1431. difcomfit them with the loss of 〈◊〉 , but lose Tenedos , 1432. defeat the Turks at the Dardanelles , 1435. attempt to surprize Canea in vain , 1437. 〈◊〉 rives at 〈◊〉 , 257. makes a the Turks in Morea , 1444. suffer great losse by Tempests , 1447. defeat the Turks , 1448. Villerius Lilladamus chosen Great Master of the Rhodes , 528. encourageth the Citizens , 536 , 554. is honourably received by Solyman , 557. 〈◊〉 passeth over Danubius against the Turks , 252. arLeague with Amurath , 264. breaks it , 267. sends to Scanderbeg for aid , 268. is slain , 272. Uscoques , what they are , 1405. Usun 〈◊〉 overthrowes the Persian King , and Amurath's son , 380. but is put to slight , 181. X. XAynes , a Rhodian , treachecherously taken by the Turks , 535. Xene , Mother to Alexius , condemned and strangled , 39. The Xeriffs seize upon the Province of Suz , and Morocco , 1362. defeat the King of Fez. Z. ZEllaly , a Rebell , overthrowes the Bassa of Bosna , and takes his Government , 1227. is driven out by Zeffer Bassa , and is made Governour of Temeswar , 1240. his design to surprize Lyppa is frustrated , 1243. Zemes , 〈◊〉 's son , flies into Egypt , 406. and to Rhodes , 409. is delivered to the Pope , 412. and is poysoned , 419. FINIS . 
A04911	----	The generall historie of the Turkes from the first beginning of that nation to the rising of the Othoman familie: with all the notable expeditions of the Christian princes against them. Together with the liues and conquests of the Othoman kings and emperours faithfullie collected out of the- best histories, both auntient and moderne, and digested into one continuat historie vntill this present yeare 1603: by Richard Knolles Knolles, Richard, 1550?-1610. 1603 Approx. 6294 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 616 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A04911 STC 15051 ESTC S112893 99848134 99848134 13212 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A04911) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 13212) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 763:4) The generall historie of the Turkes from the first beginning of that nation to the rising of the Othoman familie: with all the notable expeditions of the Christian princes against them. Together with the liues and conquests of the Othoman kings and emperours faithfullie collected out of the- best histories, both auntient and moderne, and digested into one continuat historie vntill this present yeare 1603: by Richard Knolles Knolles, Richard, 1550?-1610. Johnson, Laurence, fl. 1603, engraver. [12], 1152, [40] p. : ill., ports. (metal cuts) Printed by Adam Islip, London : 1603. The title page is engraved and signed: Laurence Iohnson, sculpsit,. The first leaf is blank. Includes index. With a final errata leaf. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Turkey -- History -- Early works to 1800. 2003-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-09 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-10 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2003-10 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE GENERALL HISTORIE of the Turkes , from The first beginning of that Nation to the rising of the Othoman Familie : with all the notable expeditions of the Christian Princes against them . Together with THE LIVES AND CONquests of the OTHOMAN Kings and Emperours Faithfullie collected out of the-best Histories , both auntient and moderne , and digested into one continuat Historie vntill this present Yeare 1603 : BY RICHARD KNOLLES LONDON : Printed by Adam 〈◊〉 . TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTIE PRINCE IAMES , BY THE GRACE OF GOD KING OF ENGLAND , SCOTLAND , FRAVNCE , AND IRELAND , defendor of the faith , &c. IT may of some , and not without iust cause ( most gratious and dread Soueraigne ) be imputed vnto me for no small presumption , to present vnto your royall Maiestie ( a prince of so great learning and iudgement ) these homely fruits of mine endeuours and paines taken in the Generall Historie of the Turks , and strange successe of their great and mightie Othoman Empire . Whereunto for all that I was the rather induced , not only by the rare and wonderfull clemencie ioyned vnto many other the great and most resplendent vertues of your heroicall mind ; the least whereof , is sufficient to haue cheared vp my weake and feeble spirits ; but also by the encouragement of the right Worshipfull my most especiall friend Sir Peter Manwood knight , the first moouer of me to take this great Worke in hand , and my continuall and onely comfort and helper therein . Which to doe , I was also the more desirous , seeing diuers little volumes and small parts of the Historie presented vnto the greatest Princes : as the little Treatise of Pau. Iouius , de Rebus Turcicis , dedicated vnto the great and mightie Emperour Charles the fift : and the small Historie of Coelius Secundus , de Bello Melitensi , vnto her late sacred Maiestie , of most happie and blessed memorie , the rare Phoenix of her sex , who now resteth in glorie : with diuers others of like sort , by the learned authors thereof still commended some to one great prince of their times , some to others : all filling me vvith good hope , that this whole and continuat Historie of that Northerne and warlike Nation ( vvhich in short time by God his appointment hath brought such fatall mutations vpon a great part of the world as former times haue sildome or neuer seene ) drawne euen from the first beginning thereof , and continued vnto this present yeare ( not together to my knowledge by any one before written ) should with your most noble Maiestie find no lesse grace and fauour , than hath almost euery part thereof with other the aforesaid and such like most mightie and famous Princes : and the rather , for that your Maiestie hath not disdained in your Lepanto , or Heroicall Song , vvith your learned Muse to adorne and set forth the greatest and most glorious victorie that euer was by any the Christian confederat princes obtained against these the Othoman Kings or Emperors . Besides that , the matter and argument of this Historie and such like ( so much concerning the state and good of the Christian commonweale in generall , neuer by any so much impugned or endangered , as by these the naturall & capitall enemies therof ) of right vnto none so properly belongeth , as vnto your most excellent Maiestie , with the rest of the Christian princes , sitting at the helme of your Estates ; who onely by your vnited forces ( the barbarous enemies greatest terrour ) are able to giue remedie thereunto : in the chiefest ranke of whom , your sacred Maiestie for glorie , honour , strength and power ( God long preserue the same ) is now second vnto none . Thus persuaded and encouraged , I in all humble and dutifull manner doe present vnto your Maiestie these my weake endeuours : which how vnworthie soeuer they be of so great and princely a fauour , as well for the meanenesse of me the Author , as for the plainenesse of the style ; yet if for the worthinesse of the matter , or of your owne great and infinit clemencie you vouchsafe them your Maiesties fauourable regard , they shall no doubt liue no lesse fortunat than if they had beene more happily borne and brought to light : seruing ( if to no other vse ) yet as faire warnings vnto such great ones as God hath here vpon earth exalted aboue the rest vnto the highest degrees of power and of state , for the good gouernment and defence of his church and people . Accept them I beseech you most mightie Monarch into your gratious protection , so shall I ( if God spare life ) be comforted & encouraged vnder so mightie a fauor to proceed to amend what shall be found amisse , and adde what future times and better helpe shall descrie and minister vnto me for the perfection of this Historie : and according to my bounden dutie incessantly in all humilitie pray vnto the great God of all might and power ( by whom all kings and princes raigne ) to his glory long to preserue your most royall Maiestie in blessed health and peace to rule and raigne ouer vs and these your great kingdomes , so happily by you vnited : and so likewise ( his will so being ) your most noble posteritie after you euen to the worlds end . Your Maiesties most humble and obedient subiect , Richard Knolles . THE AVTHORS INDVCTIon to the Christian Reader vnto the Historie of the Turkes following . THE long and still declining state of the Christian commonweale , with the vtter ruine and subuersion of the Empire of the East , and many other most glorious kingdomes and prouinces of the Christians , neuer to be sufficiently lamented , might with the due consideration thereof worthily mooue euen a right stonie heart to ruth : but therewith also to call to remembrance the dishonour done vnto the blessed name of our Sauiour Christ Iesus , the desolation of his Church here millitant vpon earth , the dreadfull danger daily threatened vnto the poore remainder thereof , the millions of soules cast headlong into eternall destruction , the infinit numbers of wofull Christians ( whose grieuous gronings vnder the heauie yoke of infidelitie , no tongue is able to expresse ) with the carelesnesse of the great for the redresse thereof , might giue iust cause vnto any good Christian to sit downe , and with the heauie Prophet to say as he did of Hierusalem : O how hath the Lord darkened the daughter of Sion in his wrath ? and cast downe from heauen vnto the earth the beautie of Israel , and remembred not his footstoole in the day of his wrath ? All which miseries ( with many others so great , as greater there can none be ) the prince of darkenesse and author of all mischiefe hath by the persecuting princes of all ages , and auntient heretickes , his ministers , laboured from time to time to bring vpon the Church of God , to the obscuring of his blessed name , and vtter subuersion of his most sacred word ; but yet by none , no not by them all together so much preuailed , as by the false Prophet Mahomet , borne in an vnhappie houre , to the great destruction of mankind : whose most grosse and blasphemous doctrine first phantasied by himselfe in Arabia , and so by him obtruded vnto the world ; and afterwards by the Sarasin Caliphes ( his seduced successours ) with greater forces maintained , was by them together with their Empire dispersed ouer a great part of the face of the earth , to the vnspeakeable ruine and destruction of the Christian Religion and State : especially in Asia and Affricke , with some good part of Europe also . But the vnitie of this great Mahometane Monarchie being once dissolued , and it diuided into many kingdomes , and so after the manner of worldly things drawing vnto the fatall period of it selfe , in processe of time became of farre lesse force than before , and so lesse dreadfull vnto the Christian princes of the West , by whom these Sarasins were againe expulsed out of all the parts of Europe , excepting one corner of Spaine , which they yet held within the remembrance of our fathers , vntill that by their victorious forces they were thence at length happily remooued also , after that they had possessed the same about the space of seuen hundred yeares . In this declination of the Sarasins ( the first champions of the Mahometane superstition , who though they had lost much , yet held many great kingdomes both in Asia and Affricke , taken for the most part from the Christians ) arise the Turks , an obscure and base people , before scarce knowne vnto the world , yet fierce and courageous , who by their valour first aspired vnto the kingdome of Persia , with diuers other large prouinces : from whence they were about an hundred threescore and ten yeares after againe expulsed by the Tartars , and enforced to retire themselues into the lesser Asia : where taking the benefit of the discord of the Christian princes of the East , and the carelesnesse of the Christians in generall , they in some good measure repaired their former losses againe , and maintained the state of a kingdome at Iconium in Cilicia ( now of them called Caramania ) holding in their subiection the greater part of that fruitfull countrey , still seeking to gaine from the Christians what they had before lost vnto the Tartars . But this kingdome of the Turkes declining also , by the dismembring of the same , there slept vp among the Turkes in Bythinia one Osman or Othoman , of the Og●zian tribe or familie , a man of great spirit and valour , who by little and little growing vp amongst the rest of his countreymen , and other the effeminate Christians on that side of Asia , at last like another Romulus tooke vpon him the name of a Sultan or King , and is right worthely accounted the first founder of the mightie Empire of the Turks : which continued by many discents directly in the line of himselfe , euen vnto Mahomet the third of that name , who now raigneth , is from a small beginning become the greatest terror of the world , and holding in subiection many great and mightie kingdomes in Asia , Europe , and Affricke , is growne to that height of pride , as that it threateneth destruction vnto the rest of the kingdomes of the earth ; labouring with nothing more than with the weight of it selfe . In the greatnesse whereof is swallowed vp both the name and Empire of the Sarasins , the glorious Empire of the Greekes , the renowmed kingdomes of Macedonia , Peloponesus , Epirus , Bulgaria , Seruia , Bosna , Armenia , Cyprus , Syria , Aegipt , Iudea , Tunes , Argiers , Media , Mesopotamia , with a great part of Hungarie , as also of the Persian kingdome , and all those churches and places so much spoken of in holy Scripture ( the Romanes onely excepted ; ) and in briefe , so much of Christendome as farre exceedeth that which is thereof at this day left . So that at this present if you consider the beginning , progresse , and perpetuall felicitie of this the Othoman Empire , there is in this world nothing more admirable or strange ; if the greatnesse and lustre thereof , nothing more magnificent or glorious ; if the power and strength thereof , nothing more dreadfull or dangerous : which wondering at nothing but at the beautie of it selfe , and drunke with the pleasant wine of perpetuall felicitie , holdeth all the rest of the world in scorne , thundering out nothing but still bloud and warre , with a full persuasion in time to rule ouer all , prefining vnto it selfe no other limits than the vttermost bounds of the earth , from the rising of the Sunne vnto the going downe of the same . The causes whereof are many and right lamentable , but for the most part so shut vp in the counsels of the Great , as that for me to seeke after them , were great follie : yet amongst the rest , some others there be , so pregnant and manifest , as that the blind world taketh thereof as it were a generall knowledge , and may therefore without offence of the wiser sort ( as I hope ) euen in these our nice dayes be lightly touched . Whereof the first and greatest , is the iust and secret iudgement of the Almightie , who in iustice deliuereth into the hands of these mercilesse miscreants , nation after nation , and kingdome vpon kingdome , as vnto the most terrible executioners of his dreadfull wrath , to be punished for their sinnes : others in the meane while , no lesse sinfull than they , in his mercie enioying the benefit of a longer time , calling them vnto repentance . Then , the vncertainetie of worldly things , which subiect to perpetuall change cannot long stay in one state , but as the sea is with the wind , so are they in like sort tossed vp and downe with the continuall surges and waues of alteration and change ; so that being once growne to their height , they there stay not long , but fall againe as fast as euer they rise , and so in time come to nothing : As we see the greatest Monarchies that euer yet were vpon earth haue done , their course being run ; ouer whom , Time now triumpheth , as no doubt at length it shall ouer this so great a Monarchie also , when it shall but then liue by fame , as the others now doe . Next to these causes from aboue ( without offence be it said ) is the small care the Christian princes , especially those that dwelt further off , haue had of the common state of the Christian Commonweale : whereof euen the verie greatest are to account themselues but as the principall members of one and the same bodie , and haue or ought to haue as sharpe a feeling one of anothers harmes , as hath the head of the wrongs done vnto the feet , or rather as if it were done vnto themselues : in stead of which Christian compassion and vnitie , they haue euer and euen yet at this time are so deuided among themselues with endlesse quarrels , partly for questions of religion ( neuer by the sword to bee determined , ) partly for matters touching their owne proper state and soueraignetie , and that with such distrust and implacable hatred , that they neuer could as yet ( although it haue beene long wished ) ioyne their common forces against the common enemie : but turning their weapons one vpon another ( the more to bee lamented ) haue from time to time weakened themselues , and opened a way for him to deuour them one after another : Whereas with their combined forces ( the greedie enemies greatest terrour ) they might long since not onely haue repressed his fur●e , and abated his pride , but with small danger and much glorie ( God fauouring their so honourable attempts ) haue againe recouered from him most of those famous Christian kingdomes , which he by force against all right holdeth at this day in most miserable subiection and thraldome ; many millions of the poore oppressed Christians in the meane time out of the furnace of tribulation in the anguish of their soules crying in vaine vnto their Christian brethren for reliefe . By ciuile discord the noble countrey of Graecia perished , when as the father rising against the sonne , and the sonne against the father , and brother against brother , they to the mutuall destruction of themselues called in the Turke , who like a greedie lyon lurking in his den , lay in wait for them all . So perished the kingdomes of Bulgaria , Seruia , Bosna , and Epirus , with the famous islands of the Rhodes and Cyprus , betraied as it were by the Christian princes their neighbours , by whom they might haue easily beene relieued . So the most flourishing and strong kingdome of Hungarie ( in the reliques whereof , the fortune of the Turkish Empire hath longer stucke than in the conquest of any other kingdome , by it attempted , whatsoeuer ) diuided in it selfe by the ambition of princes and ciuile discord , the weaker still calling vnto his aid the mightie power of the Turke , is long since for the most part become vnto him a prey , the poore remainders thereof being at this day hardly defended by the forces of the Christian Emperour and of the princes his confederats , sildome times meeting together with such cheerefulnesse or expedition , as the necessitie of so great a matter requireth . Vnto which so great a cause of the common decay , may be added the euill choice of our souldiours emploied in those warres , who taken vp hand ouer head out of the promiscuous vulgar people , are for most part vntrained men , seruing rather for shew and the filling vp of number , than for vse , and in no respect to be compared with the Turks Ianizaries and other his most expert souldiours , continually euen from their youth exercised in feats of armes . Not to speake in the meane time of the want of the auntient martiall discipline , the wholesome preseruatiue of most puissant armies , which breedeth in the proud enemie a contempt of the Christian forces , with a full persuasion of himselfe , that he is not by such disordered and weake meanes to be withstood . But to come neerer vnto the causes of the Turks greatnesse , and more proper vnto themselues , as not depending of the improuident carelesnesse , weaknesse , discord , or imperfections of others : first in them is to be noted an ardent and infinit desire of soueraignetie , wherewith they haue long since promised vnto themselues the monarchie of the whole world , a quicke motiue vnto their so haughtie designes : Then , such a rare vnitie and agreement amongst them , as well in the manner of their religion ( if it be so to be called ) as in matters concerning their state ( especially in all their enterprises to be taken in hand for the augmenting of their Empire ) as that thereof they call themselues Islami , that is to say , men of one mind , or at peace among themselues ; so as it is not to be maruelled , if thereby they grow strong themselues , and dreadfull to others : ioyne vnto this their courage , conceiued by the wonderfull successe of their perpetuall fortune , their notable vigilancie in taking the aduantage of euery occasion for the enlarging of their Monarchie , their frugalitie and temperatnesse in their diet and other manner of liuing , their straight obseruing of their auntient militarie discipline , their cheerefull and almost incredible obedience vnto their princes and Sultans ; such , as in that point no nation in the world was to be worthily compared vnto them : all great causes why their Empire hath so mightily encreased and so long continued . Whereunto may be added the two strongest sinewes of euery well gouerned commonweale , Reward propounded to the good , and Punishment threatened vnto the offendor ; where the prize is for vertue and valour set vp , and the way laied open for euery common person , be he neuer so meanely borne , to aspire vnto the greatest honours and preferments both of the Court a●d of the field , yea euen vnto the neerest affinitie of the great Sultan himselfe , if his valour or other worth shall so deserue : when as on the contrarie part the disloyall or cowardly is to expect from the same soueraigne power nothing but disgrace , death , and torture . And yet these great ones not contented by such commendable and lawfull meanes still to extend or establish their farre spreading Empire , if that point once come in question , they sticke not in their diuellish policie to breake and infringe the lawes both of Nations and Nature . Their leagues grounded vpon the law of Nations , be they with neuer so strong capitulations concluded , or solemnitie of oath confirmed , haue with them no longer force than standeth with their owne profit , seruing indeed but as snares to entangle other princes in , vntill they haue singled out him whom they purpose to deuour ; the rest fast bound still looking on as if their own turne should neuer come , yet with no more assurance of their safetie by their leagues than had the other whom they see perish before their faces . As for the kind law of nature , what can be thereunto more contrarie , than for the father most vnnaturally to embrue his hands in the bloud of his owne children ? and the brother to become the bloudie executioner of his owne brethren ? a common matter among the Othoman Emperours . All which most execrable and inhumane murthers they couer with the pretended safetie of their state , as thereby freed from the feare of all aspiring competitors ( the greatest torment of the mightie ) and by the preseruation of the integritie of their Empire , which they thereby keepe whole and entire vnto themselues , and so deliuer it as it were by hand from one to another , in no part dismembred or impaired . By these and such like meanes is this barbarous Empire ( of almost nothing ) growne to that height of maiestie and power , as that it hath in contempt all the rest , being it selfe not inferiour in greatnesse and strength vnto the greatest monarchies that euer yet were vpon the face of the earth , the Romane Empire only excepted . Which how farre it shall yet farther spread , none knoweth , but he that holdeth in his hand all the kingdomes of the earth , and with his word boundeth in the raging of the sea , so that it cannot further passe . Moued with the greatnesse and glorie of this so mightie and dreadfull an Empire , growne for the most part out of the ruine of the Christian commonweale , with the vtter subuersion of many great and flourishing kingdomes , and wofull fall of many moe right puissant and mightie princes , not without griefe to be remembred : I long since ( as many others haue ) entered into the heauie consideration thereof , purposing so to haue contented my selfe with a light view of that which might well be for euer of all good Christians lamented , but hardly or neuer remedied ; vntill that afterwards led with a more earnest desire to know the strange and fatall mutations , by this barbarous nation in former time brought vpon a great part of the world , as also so much as I might to see so great a terrour of the present time , and in what tearmes it standeth with the rest , I had with long search and much labour , mixt with some pleasure and mine owne reasonable contentment , passed through the whole melancholie course of their tragicall Historie : yet without purpose euer to haue commended the same or any part thereof vnto the remembrance of posteritie , as deeming it an argument of too high a reach , and fitter for some more happie wit , better furnished with such helpes both of nature and art , as are of necessitie requisit for the vndertaking of so great a charge , than was my selfe , of many thousands the meanest . Not vnmind●ull also of that which the Poet ( keeping decorum ) saith in like case , though farre lesse matter , of himselfe : Cum canerem reges & praelia , Cynthius aurem Vellit , & admonuit : Pastorem Tittere pingues Pascere oportet oues , deductum ducere carmen . When I did sing of mightie kings , or els of bloudie warre , Apollo pluckt me by the eare , and said I went too farre : Beseemes a shepheard Titterus his fatlings for to feed , And for to fit his rurall song vnto his slender reed . Besides that , so many difficulties euen at the first presented themselues vnto my view , as that to ouercome the same , if I should take the labour in hand , seemed to me almost impossible : for beside the sea and world of matter I was to passe through ( requiring both great labour and time ) full of the most rare example ●oth of the letter and worse fortune in men of all sort and condition , yeelding more pleasure vnto the reader than facilitie to the writer , I saw not any ( among so many as had taken this argument in hand ) whom I might as a sure guide or loadstarre long follow in the course of this so great an Historie : many right worthie and learned men ( whose memorie my soule honoureth ) contenting themselues to haue with their learned pennes enrolled in the records of neuer-dying fame , some , one great expedition or action , some another , as in their times they ●ell out ; yea the Turkish Histories and Chronicles themselues ( from whom the greatest light for the continuation of the Historie was in reason to haue beene expected ) being in the declaration of their owne a●●aires ( according to their barbarous manner ) so sparing and short , as that they may of right be accounted rather short rude notes than iust Histories , rather pointing things out , than declaring the same ; and that with such obscur●tie , by changing the auntient and vsuall names as well of whole kingdomes , countries , and prouinces , as of cities , townes , riuers , mountaines , and other places , yea , and oftentimes of men themselues , into other strange and barbarous names of their owne deuising , in such sort , as might well stay an intentiue reader , and depriue him of the pleasure together with the profit he might otherwise expect by the reading thereof ; whereunto to giue order , perspicuitie , and light , would require no small trauell and paine . Not to speake in the meane time of the diuersitie of the reports in the course of the whole Historie , such as is oftentimes most hard , if not altogether impossible to reconcile . Notwithstanding all which difficulties , with many others more proper vnto my selfe , hauing with long labour and diligent search passed through the course of the whole Historie , and so in some reasonable sort satisfied my selfe therein , I thought it not amisse , as well for the worthinesse of the matter , as for the zeale I beare vnto the Christian common-weale , and for the satisfying also of some others my good friends , much desirous of the same , to make proofe if out of the dispersed workes of many right worthie men , I could set downe one orderly and continuat Historie of this so mightie an Empire , with the great and fatall mutation or rather subuersion of many right strong and flourishing kingdomes and states ( the proper worke of all mightie rising Empires , still encreasing by the fall of others ) wherewith this proud monarchie hath alreadie daunted a great part of the world , being so many and so strange , as that moe or more wonderfull were not euer to be seene in any of the greatest monarchies of auntient time or memorie , and so together , and as it were vnder one view and at one shew , to lay open vnto the Christian Reader , what I was glad to seeke for out of the defused labours of many : a worke so long and laborious as might well haue deterred a right resolute and constant mind from the vndertaking thereof , being as yet to my knowledge not vndergone or performed by any : wherein among such varietie , or more truly to say , contrarietie of writers , I contented not my selfe , as a blind man led by his guide happily of no better sight than himselfe , to tread the steps of this or that one man , going for a while before me , and by and by leauing me againe stumbling in the darke : but out of the learned and faithfull workes of many , according to my simple iudgement to make choice of that was most probable , still supplying with the perfections of the better , what I found wanting or defectiue in the weaker , propounding vnto my selfe no other marke to aime at than the very truth of the Historie ; as that which is it selfe of power to giue life vnto the dead letter , and to couer the faults escaped in the homely penning or compiling thereof . Which the better to performe , I collected so much of the Historie as possibly I could , out of the writings of such as were themselues present and as it were eye-witnesses of the greatest part of that they writ , and so as of all others best able , most like also to haue left vnto vs the very truth . Such is the greatest part of so much of the Historie of the Greeke Empire , as I haue ( for the better vnderstanding of the rising of the Turkes ) in this Historie set downe , gathered out of the doings of Nicetas Choniates , Nicephorus Gregoras , and Laonicus Chalcocondiles , all writing such things as they themselues saw , or were for most part in their time , and neere vnto them done . Such are the wonderfull and almost incredible warres betwixt old Amurath the second , and his foster child , the fortunat prince of Epirus , of the Turks commanly called Scanderbeg , and by that wayward tirant at his death together with his kingdome deliuered as it were by inheritance vnto his sonne , the great and cruell Sultan Mahomet ; all written by Marinus Ba●letius , himselfe an Epirot , and in all those troublesome times then liuing in Scodra , a citie of the Venetians ioyning vpon Epirus . Such is the wofull captiuitie of the imperiall citie of Constantinople , with the miserable death of the Greeke Emperour Constantinus Palaeologus , and the fatall ruine of the Greeke Empire , written by Leonardus Chiensis , Archbishop of Mitylene , being himselfe then present , and there taken prisoner . Such is the lamentable Historie of the Rhodes , taken for most part out of Ia. Fontanus his three bookes de Bello Rhodio , a learned man , then present and in great credit with Villerius the Great Master , at such time as that famous island , after it had by him and the other worthie knights of the Order beene most wonderfully of long defended , was to the great ruth of Christendome taken by the great Sultan Solyman . Such is the most tragicall Historie of Baiazet , Solyman his youngest sonne , collected out of the notable Epistles of Augerius Busbequius Legationis Turcicae , he himselfe then lying embassador for the Emperour Ferdinand at Constantinople , and present in Solymans campe at such time as he himselfe in person went ouer with his armie into Asia , to countenance his eldest sonne Selymus , who succeeded him in his Empire against his valiant yonger brother Baiazet : and beside , well acquainted with the great Bassaes Achmet , Rustan , Haly , and others , oftentimes mentioned in the Historie following . Such is also the Historie of the taking of the auntient citie of Tripolis in Barbarie from the knights of Malta by Sinan the proud Bassa , written by Nicholas Nicholay lord of Arfeuile , present at the same time with the lord of Aramont , then embassadour for the French king vnto Solyman . So might I say also of the miserable spoile of the fruitfull and pleasant islands of the Mediterranean , made by Lutzis Bassa , Solyman his brother in law and great Admirall , with the submitting of the island of Naxos to the Turkes obe●sance , written by Iohn Crispe , at that time duke of the same island . And so likewise of diuers other parts of the Historie , too long to rehearse . But for as much as euery great and famous action had not the fortune to haue in it a Caesar , such as both could and would commend vnto posteritie by writing that whereof they might truly say , They were themselues a great part ; many right excellent Generals contenting themselues with the honour of the field , and their glorie there woon , leauing the honourable fame thereof to be by others reported . For lacke of such most certaine authors , or rather ( as I before said ) eye-witnesses , I gathered so much as I could of that remained , out of the works of such , as being themselues men of great place , and well acquainted with the great and worthie personages of their time , might from their mouths as from certain Oracles report the vndoubted truth of many most famous exploits done both by themselues and others : as might Pau. Iouius from the mouth of Muleasses king of Tunes , from Vastius the great Generall , from Auria the prince of Melphis , Charles the Emperour his Admirall , and such others : or els out of the writings of such as were themselues great trauellers into the Turkes dominions , and withall diligent obseruers of their affaires and state , as were the phisitions Pantaleon , Minadoie , and Leunclauius ( of all others a most curious searcher of their antiquities and Histories ) vnto which great Clarkes and some others of that learned profession , we may worthily attribute the greatest light and certainetie of that is reported of a great part of the Turkish affairs . But these in the course of so long an Historie failing also ( as by conferring that which is hereafter written , together with their Histories , is easily to be perceiued ) to perfect that I had taken in hand , I tooke my refuge vnto the writings of such other learned and credible authours , as of whose integritie and faithfulnesse the world hath not to my knowledge at any time yet doubted : yea for these few late yeares I was glad out of the Germane and Italian writers in their owne language to borrow the knowledge of these late affaires as not yet written in Latin , wherein if the reader find not himselfe so fully satisfied as he could desire , I would be glad by him to be better enformed , as being no lesse desirous of others to learn the truth of that I know not , than willing to impart vnto others that little which I know . Thus much I thought good to set downe , to persuade the Christian Reader of the truth of the Historie following , wherein he shall find matter enough to wonder at , and no lesse strange than that whatsoeuer it is that is written of the greatest monarchies of auntient time , vnto whom for power and maiestie it yeeldeth litle : But so much the more worthy our consideration than they , for that their periods alreadie run , and so their furie ouerpast , this in our time so flourisheth , and at this present so mightily swelleth , as if it would ouerflow all , were it not by the mercie of God first , and then by the forces of some few of the Christian princes neerest vnto so great a danger with their great charge to their immortall glorie and benefit of the Christian commonweale mightily checked and kept within some bounds and compasse . This Historie for the most part thus as is aforesaid passed through , and brought to some good perfection , was yet by me againe laid aside , and like ynough euen as an abortiue fruit to haue perished in the birth before it was growne to perfection , had I not many times fainting in the long and painefull trauell therewith , by my especiall good friend Sir Peter Manwood of S. Stephens in the countie of Kent knight of the honourable order of the Bath , a louer and great fauourer of learning ( in whose keeping it so for the most part many yeares in safetie rested ) beene still comforted and as it were againe reuiued , and now finally encouraged to take it in hand , and so at length as I might to perfect it : vnto whom ( being the onely furtherer , stay , and helpe of these my labours ) thou art for such pleasure as thou findest therein ( if it be any ) in courtesie beholden . Now what I for my part haue in this my long trauell performed , I leaue it to thy good discretion to consider , contenting my selfe in so great a matter to haue bin willing to haue done somthing ; wishing no longer to liue , than in some measure to be profitable to the Christian commonweale , which long since in my nursing mother house Lincolne Colledge in Oxford , where I was sometime Fellow , I did purpose to persorme , as it should please God in time to giue me meanes and occasion : in which mind I hope by the goodnesse & mercie of Christ so long as I liue to continue . Only this fauor ( to conclude with ) I request of thee That if in this so long and perplexed an Historie ( by peecemeale of so many diuersly handled ) written by me in a world of troubles and cares , in a place that affoorded no meanes or comfort to proceed in so great a worke , thou chance to light vpon some things otherwise reported than thou hast elsewhere read them ( as I doubt not but thou maiest ) not therfore forthwith to condemne what thou here findest , being happily taken from a more certaine reporter than was that whereunto thou giuest more credit ; or at leastwise not written by me , as meaning in any thing to preiudice thy better iudgement , but to leaue it to thy good choice in such diuersitie of reports to follow that which may seeme vnto thee most true . By which courtesie thou maiest hereafter encourage me to performe some other worke to thy no lesse contentment . So wishing thee all happinesse , I bid thee farwell . From Sandwich the last of September . 1603. Thine in all dutifull kindnesse , R. KNOLLES . The names of the Authors whom we especially vsed in the collecting and writing of the Historie of the Turks following . ABrahamus Ortelius . Achillis Traducci . Aeneas Syluius Pont. Alcoranum Turcicum . Antonius Sabellicus . Antonius Bonfinius . Antonius Pigafetta . Antonius Guarnerius . Augerius Busbequius . Bernard de Girard . Blondus Foroliuiensis . Caelius Secundus Curio . Dauid Chytreus . Franciscus Sansouinus . Henricus Pantaleon . Iacobus Fontanus . Ioannes Leunclauius . Laonicus Chalcocondilas . Lazarus Soranzi . Leonardus Chiensis . Leonardus Goretius . Marinus Barletius . Martinus Chromerus . Nicephorus Gregoras . Nicetas Choniates . Nicholaus Honigerus . Nicholaus Reusnerus . Paulus Iouius . Philippus Lonicerus . Petrus Bizara . Sebastianus Monsterus . Thomas Minadoi . Theodorus Spanduginus . Germanicae Continuationes Relationum Historicarum . Andreae Strigelij . Theodori Meureri . Iacobi Franci . THE GENERAL HISTORIE OF THE TVRKES , BEFORE THE RISING OF THE OTHOMAN FAMILIE , WITH ALL THE NOTABLE EXPEDITIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN PRINCES AGAINST THEM . THE glorious Empire of the Turkes , the present terrour of the world , hath amongst other things nothing in it more wonderfull or strange , than the poore beginning of it selfe ; so small and obscure , as that it is not well knowne vnto themselues , or agreed vpon euen among the best writers of their histories , from whence this barbarous nation that now so triumpheth ouer the best part of the world , first crept out or tooke their beginning . Some ( after the manner of most nations ) deriue them from the Trojans , led thereunto by the affinity of the words Turci & Teucri ; supposing ( but with what probabilitie I know not ) the word Turci or Turks , to haue beene made of the corruption of the word Teucri , the common name of the Trojans : as also for that the Turks haue of long most inhabited the lesser ASIA , wherein the antient and most famous citie of TROY sometime stood . No great reason in my deeming : yet giue the authors thereof leaue therewith to please themselues , as well as some others , which dwelling much farther off , borrow , or rather force their beginning from thence , without any probabilitie at al ; and that with such earnestnesse , as if they could not elsewhere haue found ▪ any so honourable ancestours . Othersome report them to haue first come out of PERSIA , and of I wot not what citie there , to haue taken their name : neither want there some which affirme them to haue taken their beginning out of ARABIA , yea and some out of SYRIA , with many other far fet deuises concerning the beginning and name of this people : all seruing to no better purpose , than to shew the vncertaintie thereof . Amongst others , Philip of MORNAY , the noble and learned Frenchman in his woorthy worke concerning the truenesse of the Christian religion , seemeth ( and that not without good reason ) to deriue the Turks together with the Tartars , from the Iewes , namely , from the ten Tribes , which were by Salmanazar king of ASIRIA , in the time of Oseas king of ISRAEL , caried away into captiuitie , and by him confined into MEDIA , and the other vnpeopled countries of the North , whose going thither is not vnaptly described by Esdras , where among the great Hords of the Tartars in the farthest part of the world Northward , euen at this day are found some , that still retaine the names of Dan , Zabulon , and Nepthaly , a certaine argument of their discent ; whereunto also the word Tartar or Tatar , signifying in the Syrian tongue remnants or leauings ; and the word Turke , a word of disgrace , signifying in Hebrew , banished men ; seemeth right well to agreee . Besides that , in the Northern countries of RVSSIA , SARMATIA , and LYTHVANIA , are found greater store of the Iewish nation than elsewhere , and so neerer vnto the Tartarians still the mo : whereunto Io. Leunclauius the most curious searcher out of the Turks antiquities and monuments , addeth as a farther conjecture of the discent of those barbarous northern people from the Iewes , That in his trauell through LIVONIA into LYTHVANIA , in the countrie neere vnto the metropoliticall citie of RI●A , he found there the barbarous people of the Lettoes , quite differing in language from the other countrey people of the Curons and Estons , no lesse barbarous than themselues ; who had alwaies in their mouths as a perpetuall lamentation , which they with doleful moanes daily repeated abroad in the fields , Ieru , Ieru , Masco , Lon : whereby they were thought to lament ouer IERVSALEM and DAMASCO , as forgetfull of all other things in their antient countrey , after so many worlds of yeeres , and in a desolat place so far distant thence . And Munster in his description of LIVONIA repeating the like words , reporteth , That this rude people being demaunded what they meant by these words so often and so lamentably by them without cause vttered : answered , That they knew no more than that they had beene so of long taught by their ancestors . But to leaue these opinions concerning their beginning , so diuers and vncertaine , and to follow greater probabilities as concerning the place from whence they came : it is vpon better ground thought by diuers others , and those of the best historiographers , That this barbarous nation which hath of late brought such fatall mutations vpon so great a part , not of Christendom onely , but euen of the whole world , tooke their first beginning out of the cold and bare countrey of SCYTHIA : induced thereunto , both by the authoritie of the greatest Cosmographers , as by most apparant reasons . Pomponius Mela , the describer of the world , reckning vp the people neere vnto the great riuer TANAIS ( the bounder of EVROPE from ASIA Eastward ) amongst others maketh expresse mention of the Turks , in these words : Geloni vrbem ligneam habitant . Iuxta Thyrsagete Turceque vastas syluas occupant alunturque venando . Tum continuis rupibus late aspera & deserta regio ad Arympheos vsque permittitur . The Geloni inhabit a citie of wood . And fast by , the Thyrsagets and Turks possesse the vast forrests , and liue by hunting . Then , a rough and desart countrey with continuall rocks , is spaciously extended euen as far as vnto the Arympheians . Plinie also in like manner reckning vp the nations about the fennes of MaeOTIS , agreeing with that Mela reporteth , saith : Deinde Euazae , Cottae , Cicimeni , Messeniani , Costobocci , Choatrae , Zigae , Dandari , Thussagetae , Turcae , vsque ad solitudines saltuosis , conuallibus asperas vltra quos Arymphet qui ad Riphaeos pertinent montes . Next vnto them , are the Euazae , Cottae , Cicimeni , Messeniani , Costobocci , Choatrae , Zigae , Dandari , the Thussagets and Turks vnto the desarts rough with wooddie vallies : beyond whom are the Arympheians , which border vnto the Riphean mountaines . And Ptolomie in the description of SARMATIA ASIATICA maketh mention of the Tusci , whom many learned men suppose to haue been the same nation with the Turks . Vnto which antient testimonies of reuerend antiquitie , adde the manners and conditions of the Turks , their antient attire , their gesture , their gate , their weapons , and manner of riding , and fight , their language and dialect , so well agreeing with the Scythians : and a man shall find matter enough sufficient to persuade him in reason , that the Turks haue vndoubtedly taken their beginning from the Scythes ; whom they in so many things resemble , and with whom of all other nations they best agree . Now it hath beene no lesse doubted also among the writers of the Turks histories ; at what time , and for what causes the Turks ( to the trouble of the world ) left their naturall seats in the cold countrey of SCYTHIA , to seeke themselues others in more pleasant and temperat countries more Southerly , than it hath beene of their originall beginning . Blondus and Platina , report them , enforced with a generall want , to haue forsaken their natiue countrey and followed their better fortune , in the yeere of our Lord 755 : with whom also Segonius agreeth in the cause of their departure , but not in the time or place when or whereby they departed . For they ( as he saith ) issued out of their dwelling places in the yeere of grace 844 , by the straits of the mountaine CAVCASVS : whereas the other with greater probabilitie suppose them to haue come foorth by the Caspian straits : which the Turks also ( as saith Sabellicus ) affirme of themselues , their ancestors ( as they say ) being by their neighbours driuen out of the Caspian mountaines . Some others there be that report them to haue forsaken their natiue countrey , neither enforced thereunto by necessitie , or the power of others ; but for their valour sent for by the Sultan of PERSIA to aide him in his wars : vnaduisedly supposing that to have beene the cause of their first comming out , which in deed hapned long time after , as in the processe of this historie shall appeare . But whatsoeuer the aforesaid causes of want , or of the enemies power , might enforce them vnto , a greater power no doubt it was that stirred them vp , euen the hand of the Almightie , who being the author of all kingdomes vpon earth , as well those which he hath appointed as scourges wherewith to punish the world , as others more blessed ; will haue his worke and purpose full of diuine majestie , to appeare in the stirring of them vp from right small beginnings , in the increasing & establishing of their greatnesse and power , to the astonishment of the world ; and in the ruine and destruction of them againe , the course of their appointed time once runne . As for the difference of the time of their comming foorth , before remembred ; it may reasonably be referred vnto the diuers emotions of that people , who being not vnder the command of any one , but of their diuers gouernours , as the manner of that people was , are not to be thought to haue come foorth all at once , either for one cause ; but at diuers times , some sooner , some later , and that for diuers causes . This people thus stirred vp , and by the Caspian ports passing thorow the Georgian countrey , then called IBERIA , neere vnto the Caspian sea : first ceased vpon a part of the greater ARMENIA , and that with so strong hand , that it is by their posteritie yet holden at this day , and of them called TVRCOMANIA ; of all other , the most true progenie of the ancient Turks . In which great countrey , they of long , vnder their diuers leaders , in the manner of their liuing most resembling their ancestors , roamed vp and downe with their families and heards of cattell , after the manner of the Scythian Nomades , their countrey men , without any certaine places of aboad ; yet at great vnitie among themselues , as not hauing much to loose or wherefore to striue . The first kingdome of the Turks erected in Persia by Tangrolipix , Chieftaine of the Selzuccian family : with the successe thereof . THis wandring and vnregarded people , but now the terrour of the world , thus first seated in ARMENIA : long time there liued in that wide countrey , after their rude and woonted manner ( from which the Turcoman nation their posteritie in that place , euen at this day as we said much differeth not ) and not onely notably defended the countrey thus by them at the first possessed , but still incroching farther and farther , and gaining by other mens harmes , became at length dreadfull vnto their neighbours , and of some fame also farther off : whereunto the effeminat cowardise of those delicate people of ASIA , with whom they had to do gaue no lesse furtherance , than their owne valour ; being neuerthelesse an hardie rough people , though not much skilfull or trained vp in the feats of war. The fame of these Turks togither with their fortune , thus daily encreasing , and the mightie Empire of the Sarasins as fast declining : which vnder their Chaliphes the successors of the false prophet Mahomet , hauing in lesse than the space of two hundred yeeres , ouerspread not onely the greatest part of ASIA and AFRIKE , euen vnto GADES and the pillers of Hercules : but also passing ouer that strait , had ouerwhelmed almost all SPAINE , and not there staying , but passing the Pyrenei had pearsed euen into the heart of FRANCE , and diuers other parts of Christendom ▪ as namely , ITALY , SICILY , the famous Iland of the RHODES , with many others of the MEDITERRANEAN : now diuided in it selfe , and rent into many kingdomes , turned their victorious armes from the Christians vpon one another , to the mutuall destruction of themselues & their empire . Amongst other the Sarasin Sultans which forgetting their obedience vnto their great Chaliph , tooke vpon them the soueraigntie of gouernment ( which admitteth no partner ) was one Mahomet , Sultan of PERSIA , a right great prince , who hardly beset on the one side with the Indians , and on the other with the Chaliph of BABYLON his mortall enemie , praied aid of the Turks his neighbours , who were now come even to the side of ARAXIS , the bounds , of his empire : Vnto which his request the Turks easily granted , in hope therby to find a way for them afterwards to enter into PERSIA , and so sent him three thousand hardie men , vnder the leading of one Togra Mucalet , the sonne of Mikeil , a valiant captaine and cheefe of the Selzuccian tribe or family ; whom the Greeks commonly call Tangrolipix , and some others Selduck or Sadock , names ( as I suppose ) corrupted of the great family whereof he was descended . By the aide of this Tangrolipix ( for now we will so call him , as by the name most vsed ) Mahomet the Persian Sultan , ouercame Pisasiris the Chaliph of BABYLON , his Arabians being not able to endure the force of the Turkish archers . This war thus happily ended , the Turks desiring to returne home , requested of the Sultan leaue to depart , and with a safe conuoy to be conducted vnto the riuer ARAXIS , and there to haue the passage of that swift riuer opened vnto them , which was by the Persians strongly kept by two castels built vpon each end of the bridge whereby the riuer was to be passed : But Mahomet loth to forgo such necessarie men , by whom he had obtained so great a victorie , and purposing to employ them further in his seruice against the Indians , would by no meanes hearken vnto their request ; but seeming therewith to be discontented , commanded them to speake no more thereof , threatning them violence , if they should more presume to talke of their departure . The Turks therefore doubtfull of their estate , and fearing further danger , secretly withdrew themselues into the desart of CARAVONITIS , and for that they were in number but few , and not able to come into the open field against so many millions of the Sarasins , liued as they might by continuall excursions and roads which they made out of the desert forrest into the countries adjoyning : wherewith Mahomet greatly incensed , sent out an armie of twentie thousand men , vnder the conduct of ten of his best captaines against them : who for want of water and other necessaries , doubting to enter the desart , encamped themselues in the side of the forrest , there to consult what course to take . But Tangrolipix who with his Turks lay a great way off in the couert of the woods and mountaines , vnderstanding of the comming of his enemies , and of the manner of their lying ; thought it best vpon the sudden by night to set vpon the Sarasins and Persians , if so happily he might ouerthrow them by policie , whom he was not able to encounter in plaine battell . Vpon which resolution , hauing trauelled two daies long march in the desart , the third day at night he suddenly set vpon his enemies , lying negligently in their trenches , and by his vnexpected comming , brought such a feare vpon them , that they without longer stay betooke themselues to flight , euerie man shifting for himselfe without regard of others . This victorie so happily gained , and Tangrolipix now ( beyond his hope ) throughly furnished , with armour , horses , and abundance of all things needfull for the wars , kept the woods and forrests no longer as a theefe or out-law , but shewed himselfe in the open field , where daily repaired vnto him numbers of roagues and vagabonds , seeking after spoile ; with many other desperat villaines , who for feare of punishment were glad of such a refuge : So that in a short space his armie was growne to be fiftie thousand strong , and so much the stronger , for that they had nothing to trust vnto , more than the valour of themselues . Whilest Tangrolipix thus encreaseth , Mahomet enraged with the ouerthrow of his armie , in his furie caused all those ten captaines that had the leading thereof , to haue their eies pluckt out , threatning also to attire all the souldiers that fled out of the battell in womens apparell , and so disgraced , to carrie them about as cowards : and withall raised a great armie for the suppressing of the Turks . All things being now in readines , he set forward ▪ when by the way the souldiers whom he had before so threatned to disgrace , suddenly fled to the enemie : with whose comming , Tangrolipix greatly encouraged and strengthened , resolued to giue the Sultan battell . And so boldly comming on , met with him at ISPAHAN , a citie of PERSIA , where was fought betwixt them a most terrible battell , with woonderfull slaughter on both sides . In the heat of which battell , Mahomet vnaduisedly riding too and fro to encourage his souldiers , falling with his horse , brake his necke : vpon which mischance both the armies comming to agreement , by common consent proclaimed Tangrolipix Sultan in his stead , and so made him king of PERSIA and of all the other large dominions vnto that kingdome belonging . This was the first kingdome of the Turks , begun by the good fortune of Tangrolipix , about 214 yeeres after their comming out of SCYTHIA , in the yeere also of our Lord 1030 ; Constantinus Monomachus then raigning , or a little before ( according to the Turks account ) in the raigne of Romanus Argirus , Constantine his predecessour . Tangrolipix by rare fortune , thus of a meane captaine become king of PERSIA , foorthwith commanded the garrison that kept the bridge ouer the riuer ARAXIS , to be remooued , and so free passage to be giuen vnto the Turks his countreymen , at their pleasure to come ouer : who in great multitudes repaired into PERSIA , where they were by the new Sultan well prouided for , and by little and little promoted vnto the greatest dignities of that kingdome ; the Persians and Sarasins the antient inhabitants thereof , being by these new come guests now kept vnder , and as it were troden vnder fo●t . Together with this kingdome , the Turks receiued the Mahometane superstition , from which they before not much abhorred , as men vsing circumcision : So that hard it is to say , whether nation lo●t more ; the Persians and Sarasins , by the losse of so great a kingdome , or the Turks by embracing so great a vanitie . Tangrolipix with his Turks thus possessed of the kingdome of PERSIA , held not himselfe therewith long content , but made war vpon his neighbour princes , especially against Pisasir●s the Chaliph of BABYLON , whom hee in diuers battels ouerthrew ; and hauing 〈◊〉 length slaine him , joyned his kingdome vnto his owne . After that he sent Cutlu-Muses his cou●in , with an a●mie against the Arabians , by whom he was ouerthrown and put to flight . But returning by MEDIA he requested of Stephan the Greeke emperours lieutenant leaue to passe with his armie by the confines of his countrey : which his request , Stephan not onely rejected , but also by strong hand sought to stop his passage ; but joyning battell with him , was by the Turks easily ouerthrown and himselfe taken . So Cutlu-Muses returning to Tangrolipix , and recounting vnto him the successe of his wars , persuaded him to turne his forces into MEDIA , as a most fruitfull countrey , and easie to be subdued . But he highly offended with the ouerhrow giuen by the Arabians , would not hearken vnto him , but raising a new armie in hope of better fortune , went against the Arabians in person himselfe . Cutlu-Muses in the meane time fearing the Sultans displeasure , fled with his followers and fauorits : and taking for his refuge PASAR a strong citie of the Chorasmians , reuolted from him ; which the Sultan seeming not to regard , held on his intended journey against the Arabians , by whom he was also put to the woorst , and enforced with dishonour to returne . After that , he with part of his armie besieged Cutlu-Muses , who by the strength of the place and valour of his people , for a great while notably defended himselfe . In the meane time Tangrolipix not vnmindfull what Cutlu-Muses had before said vnto him , concerning the easinesse of the conquest of MEDIA ( a countrey ( as heersaid ) defended but by women ) sent Asan his brothers sonne , surnamed the Deafe , with a conuenient armie to inuade the same : who entring into the frontiers of that prouince , was there by the emperours lieutenant ouerthrown , and himselfe with the greatest part of his armie slaine : with which losse the Sultan rather enraged than discouraged , sent Habramie Alim his brother , againe with an army of an hundred thousand fighting men ; with which so great a power the emperors lieutenant thought it not good to encounter , vntill he had procured farther aid from the emperour , especially out of IBERIA , and therefore kept himselfe with such power as he had within his strong and fenced places : which Alim perceiuing , and out of hope to draw him vnto battell , roming vp and downe the countrey , at last besieged ARZEN an open towne , but full of rich merchants , by whom it was contrarie to his expectation , notably defended for the space of six daies ; vntill that at length the Turks seeing no other way to win it , set fire vpon it in diuers places : by force whereof the inhabitants were enforced for safegard of their liues to flie , and to leaue the towne with an infinit wealth to the spoile of the enemie . By this time was Liparites gouernour of IBERIA come with a great power to the aide of the emperors lieutenant in MEDIA : whereof Alim hauing intelligence , without delay hasted with his armie towards his enemies : and meeting with them a little before night , had with them a cruell fight , wherein the victorie fell vnto the Christians , who had the Turks in chace a great part of the night . Neuerthelesse Liparites valiantly fighting in another wing of the battell , was there taken and so carried away prisoner : For whose ransome the emperor sent a great summe of money , with certaine presents to the Sultan ; all which he sent back againe , and frankly set Liparites at libertie , wishing him neuer to beare armes more against the Turks . And with him sent the Seriph , a man of great place among the Mahumetans , his embassadour vnto the emperour : who comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , amongst other things proudly demanded of the emperour to become tributarie vnto the Sultan , and so to be at peace with him for euer . Which his vnreasonable demand , was by the emperour with no lesse disdaine scornfully rejected , and the Seriph so dismissed : which contempt of his embassadour the Sultan taking in euill part , as also not a little mooued with the death of his nephew and losse of his armie , with all his power inuaded the Roman prouinces . But being come as far as COIME without any notable harme doing , for that the countrey people hearing before of his comming , had in time conueighed themselues with their substance into their strong holds , whereof there was great store in those countries ; and hearing also that the Greeke emperour was raising a great power to come against him at CESAREA ; not daring to proceed any further , leauing so many enemies behind him , he fretting in himselfe returned into MEDIA , where finding the people all fled into their strong townes , he laid siege vnto MANTZICHIERT , a citie standing in a plaine champion countrey , but strongly fortified with a triple wall and deepe ditches : This citie he furiously assaulted by the space of thirtie daies without intermission , but all in vaine , the same being still notably defended by Basilius gouernour thereof , and the other Christians therein . The Sultan wearie of this siege , and about to haue risen , was by Alcan one of his great captaines , persuaded yet to stay one day , for him to make proofe in , what he were able to do for the gaining thereof : whereunto the Sultan yeelding , committed the whole charge of the assault vnto him . Alcan the next day diuiding the armie into two parts , and placing the one part vpon the higher ground , of purpose , with the multitude of their shot to haue ouerwhelmed the defendants ; with the other part of the armie , furnished with all things needful for the assault , approched the wals : the Sultan in the meane time with certaine of the chiefe Turks , from an high place beholding all that was done . But this so forward a captaine in the middest of his endeuour lost himselfe , being slaine with a great number of his followers in approching the wall . His dead bodie knowne by the beautie of his armour , was by two valiant yoong men that salied out of the gate , drawne by the haire of his head into the citie ; and his head being foorthwith cut off , was cast ouer the wall among the Turks : wherewith the Sultan discouraged , and out of hope of gaining the citie , rose with his armie , pretending himselfe with other his vrgent affaires to be called home , and threatning withall , the next spring to returne with greater power , and to do great matters . But not long after , great discord arose betwixt the Sultan and his brother Habramie Alim , in so much that the Sultan sought by diuers meanes to have taken him out of the way : which Habramie perceiuing , fled to his nephew Cutlu Muses , and ioyning his forces with his , denounced war vnto the Sultan his brother ; who meeting with them not far from PASAR , ouercame them in plaine battell , wherein Habramie was taken , and presently by the commandement of his brother put to death . But Cutlu Muses with his cousin Melech , & six thousand Turks fled into ARMENIA ; and by messengers sent of purpose , requested of the emperour Constantinus Monomachus to be receiued into his protection . But the Sultan with his armie following them at the heeles , they for their more safetie were glad to flie into ARABIA . The Sultan afterwards turning into IBERIA did there great harme , spoiling the countrey before him : against whom the emperour sent Michael Acoluthus , a valiant captaine ; of whose approch the Sultan hearing , and that he would vndoubtedly ere long give him battell ( deeming it no great honour vnto him to ouercome the emperours seruant , but an eternall dishonour to bee of him ouerthrown ) retired with his armie backe againe to TAVRIS , leauing behind him one Samuch with three thousand Turks to infest the frontiers of the emperors territories ; which both he and other the Turks captaines afterward more easily did , for that Monomachus the emperour hauing prodigally spent the treasures of the empire , to encrease his reuenue , had imposed a tribute vpon the frontier countries of his empire , woont before to be free from all exactions : in lieu whereof , they were bound to defend the passages from all incursions of the enemies ; but now pressed with new impositions , had dissolued their woonted garrisons , and left an easie entrance for the barbarous enemies into the prouinces confining vpon them : Besides that the emperours immediatly following , and especially Constantinus Ducas , abhorring from wars , and giuen altogether to the hoording vp of treasure , gaue little countenance and lesse maintenance vnto men of seruice , which in short time turned vnto the great weakning , and in fine to the vtter ruine of the Constantinopolitane empire . At the same time also the gouernment of the Constantinopolitane empire by the death of Constantinus Ducas the late emperour , came to his wife Eudocia with her three sonnes , Michael , Andronicus , and Constantinus , all verie yoong ; whose sex and tender yeeres the barbarous nations hauing in contempt , at their pleasure grieuously spoiled the prouinces of the empire , namely , MESOPOTAMIA , CILICIA , CAPADOCIA , yea and sometime as far as CoeLESIRIA . The report wherof much troubled the empresse , & gaue occasion for many that loued her not , to say , That so troubled an estate required the gouernment of some worthie man. Wherefore shee fearing lest that the Senat , making choise of some other , she and her children should be remooued from the gouernment , thought it best for the preseruation of her state and her childrens , to make choice of some notable & valiant man for her husband , that for her and hers should take vpon him the managing of so weightie affaires . But to check this her purpose ( the onely remedie of her troubled thoughts ) shee had at the death of the late emperour Constantine her husband , at such time as the soueraigntie was by the Senat confirmed vnto her and her sonnes , solemnly sworne neuer more to marrie ; which her oath was for the more assurance conceiued into writing , and so deliuered vnto the Patriarch to keepe . This troubled her more than to find out the man whom she could thinke worthie of her selfe , with so great honor . Shee held then in prison one Diogenes Romanus , a man of great renown & honorably discended ; whose father hauing married the neece of the emperour Romanus Argirus , and aspiring to the empire , being conuicted thereof , slew himselfe for feare to be enforced by torments to bewray his confederats . This Diogenes was by the late emperour Constantine , for his good seruice against the Scythes ( who then much troubled the empire ) highly promoted , with most honourable testimonie in the charters of his promotions , That such honours were bestowed vpon him , not of the emperours meere bountie , but as the due rewards of his woorthie deserts . Notwithstanding after the death of the emperour , he sicke of his fathers disease , and swelling with the pride of ambition , sought by secret meanes to haue aspired vnto the empire : Whereof the empresse hauing intelligence , caused him to be apprehended and brought in bonds to CONSTANTINOPLE , where being found guiltie of the foule treason , and so committed to safe keeping , was shortly after brought foorth to the judgement seat againe , to receiue the heauie sentence of death . In which wofull plight , standing as a man out of hope and now vtterly forlorne , he mooued all the beholders with a sorrowfull compassion : For beside that he was a man of exceeding strength , so was he of incomparable feature and beautie , adorned with many other rare qualities and vertues answerable thereunto : wherewith the empresse mooued with the rest , or pearsed with a secret good liking , is hard to say , reuoked the sentence of condemnation readie to haue beene pronounced vpon him , and gaue him pardon . And shortly after hauing set him at libertie , sent for him as he was going into CAPADOCIA his natiue countrey , and made him generall of all her forces , with a ful resolution in her selfe to marie him , and to make him emperour , if shee might by any meanes get the writing out of the Patriarches hand , wherein her oath for neuer marrying againe , was comprised . For the compassing whereof , she entred into a deepe deuice full of feminine policie with one of her Eunuches , whom she purposed to vse as her pander for the circumuenting of the Patriarch . This craftie Eunuche instructed by his mistresse , comming to the Patriarch Ioannes Xiliphilinus , a man both for his place and integritie of life much honoured , told him in great secret , That the empresse had so far set her good liking vpon a yoong gentleman , a nephew of his called Barda ( then a gallant of the court ) as that she could be content to take him to her husband and to make him emperour , if shee might by his holinesse be persuaded , that she might with safe conscience do it , and by him be discharged of the rash oath she had vnaduisedly taken , neuer to marrie againe , whereof hee had the keeping . The Patriarch , otherwise a contemner of worldly honours , yet mooued with so great a preferment of his nephew , promised the Eunuch to do therein whatsoeuer the empresse had desired , which he accordingly performed . And so sending for the Senators one by one , in whose good liking the matter cheefly rested : he with much grauitie propounded vnto them the dangerous estate of the common weale , with the troubles dayly encreasing , and the continual feare of forreine enemies , not to be repressed by the weake hand of a woman , or the authoritie of yoong children , but requiring ( as he said ) the valiant courage of some woorthie man. After that , hee began to find great fault with the rash oath which the empresse had taken a little before the death of her husband , neuer to marrie ; and vtterly condemning the same , as contrarie to the word of God , and vnjustly exacted of her , rather to satisfie the jealous humour of the emperour her late husband , than for any good of the common-weale : he in fine persuaded them , that the vnlawfull oath might be reuoked , and the empresse set at libertie at her pleasure , by their good liking to make choice of such a man for her husband , as might better vndertake so weightie affaires of the empire , more fit for a man , than for so tender a lady and three yoong children . The greater part of the Senat thus persuaded by the Patriarch , and the rest with gifts and promises ouercome by the empresse ; the Patriarch deliuered vnto her the writing she so much desired , & discharged her of her oath : whereupon shee foorthwith calling vnto her certaine of her secret friends , married Diogenes , whom she caused to be proclaimed emperour . Now thought Eudocia , after the manner of women , to haue had her husband ( whom she euen from the bottom of dispaire had exalted vnto the highest tipe of honour ) in all things loyall and pliant : whereunto he for a while at the first forced himselfe , but afterwards ( being a man of a proud nature , and haughtie spirit ) became wearie of such obseruance , and began by little and little to take euerie day more and more vpon him . And for that the imperiall prouinces in the East , were in some part lost , and the rest in no small danger , he aswell for the redresse thereof , as for his owne honour , and to shew himselfe an emperour indeed , and not the seruant of the empresse , left the court and passed ouer into ASIA , although it were with a small armie and euill appointed : for why , it was no easie matter for him to furnish out the armie with all things necessarie , which by the sloth and sparing of the late emperours , had to the great danger and dishonour of the empire , beene vtterly neglected . Neuerthelesse the Turkish Sultan , who at the same time with a great power inuaded the prouinces of the empire , hearing of his comming , and that he was a man of great valour , and doubting what power he might bring with him , retired himselfe ; and diuiding his armie , sent the one part thereof into the South part of ASIA , and the other into the North , which spoiled all the countrey before them as they went , and suddenly surprising the citie of NEO-CESARIA , sacked it , and so laded with the spoile thereof departed . But the emperour vnderstanding thereof , and not a little greeued therewith , drawing out certaine bands and companies of the best and most readiest souldiers in his armie , and with them coasting the countrey to get betwixt the Turks and home , vsed therein such expedition , that he was vpon them before they were aware , and so suddenly charging them , brought such a feare vpon them , that they betooke themselues to their heeles , leauing behind them for hast , their baggage and carriages , with all the prisoners and bootie they had before taken at NEO-CESARIA , and in their late expedition : yet was there no great number of them slaine , for that the Christians forewearied with long trauell , were not able far to follow the chace . From thence taking his way into SYRIA , he sent part of his armie to MELITENA , and carried himselfe from ALEPPO , a great bootie both of men and cattell . At which time also the citie of HIERAPOLIS was yeelded vnto him , where he shortly after built a strong castell . But whilest he there staied , newes was brought vnto him that the other part of his armie which he had sent away , was ouerthrowne by the Turks , for the releefe of whom , he rose with all hast and marched towards them : but being in number farre inferiour vnto his enemies , hee was by them as hee lay encamped , enclosed round in such sort , as that it was thought almost impossible for him to haue escaped . At which time also the gouernour of ALEPPO , traiterously reuolted from him , and joyned his forces with the enemie , making now no other reckoning , but assuredly to haue taken him . But whiles the Turks thus dreame of nothing but of most glorious victorie , and were in mind diuiding the spoile ; the emperour without so much as the sounding of a trumpet , suddenly issuing out of his trenches , when they least thought he durst so haue done , and resolutly charging them home , put them to flight , & had of them had a notable victorie , had he throughly prosecuted the same . After that , hauing taken diuers townes he came to ALEXANDRIA in CILICIA , and there all about in the countrey billited his armie , because of the approch of winter , and so returned himselfe to CONSTANTINOPLE . The next spring the Turks , according to their vsuall manner inuading the frontiers of the empire , did much harme about NEO-CESARIA : whereof the emperour aduertised , went thither with is armie , and quickly repressing their furie , tooke his journey to the riuer EVPHRATES , where leauing part of his armie with Philaretus for the keeping of those frontiers , he himselfe retired Northward into CAPADOCIA . But after his departure , the Turks setting vpon Philaretus , put him to flight with his garrisons : and taking the spoile of the frontiers entred into CAPADOCIA , wasting all as they went : and afterwards turning into CILICIA , sacked ICONIVM a rich and populus citie , Whereof the emperour vnderstanding , at SEBASTIA , made towards them : but hearing by the way that they had ransackt the citie , and were for feare of his comming alreadie retired , he sent Chatagurio gouernour of ANTIOCH , with part of his armie to MOPSIPHESTIA to stop the Turks of their passage . But they in the plaines of THARSVS were before distressed by the Armenians , and stript of all their rich prey : and hearing farther of the approch of the emperours power , fled by night , and so escaped : which the emperour vnderstanding , and hauing now well quieted those prouinces , and the yeere far spent , returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE . But after his departure , the Turks againe inuading the frontier prouinces , he sent Manuel Comnenus , a valiant yoong man , generall against them ; who so preuailed , that the emperour enuying at his honour , tooke from him a great part of his armie , and sent him with a small power into into SIRIA . But as he was vpon his way , he was by the Turks entrapped neere vnto SEBASTIA , and there taken , most part of his armie being at the same time ouerthrowne and slaine ; with which losse , the emperour troubled , made great preparation to go himselfe in person against his enemies ; who encouraged with the former victorie , ceased not to infest his territories . In the meane time , by great fortune came Manuel Comnenus home , together with the Turke that tooke him ; who being fallen into the displeasure of the Sultan , fled vnto the emperor with his prisoner , of whom he was honorably entertained . All things now in a readinesse for so great an expedition as the emperour had in person purposed , he set forward ▪ and after long trauell hauing passed CESAREA , he encamped at a place-called CRYAPEGA ; where for seuere execution done vpon certaine mutinous souldiers , one of the legions of his armie rose in mutinie against him : whom for all that he quickly pacified with the terrour of the rest of his armie , which he threatned to turne vpon them if they proceeded to forget their dutie ▪ After that , remoouing to THEODOSOPOLIS , he diuided his armie , and sent Ruselius one of his best captaines , with one part thereof against Chliat , and another part hee sent to besiege MANTZICIERTS , retaining with himselfe the rest , being of no great strength . The Turks in MANTZICIERTS finding themselues not able long to hold out , fell to composition , and yeelded the city . But shortly after , the souldiers left there in garrison for the keeping therof , going out to seeke for forrage , were by the Turks suddenly oppressed : which the emperour vnderstanding , sent thither one Nicephorus Bryennius , with certaine companies to releiue the citie ; who encountring with the Turks , and finding himselfe too weake , sent vnto the emperour for aid : who not knowing the strength of the enemies , blamed him of cowardise , yet sent vnto him Nicephorus Basilacius with part of his armie ; who joyning his forces with Bryennius , and giuing the Turks battell , put them to flight . But following too fast vpon them vnto their trenches , and Bryennius making no great hast after , he had his horse slaine vnder him , and so on foot heauily laded with armour , and not able to shift for himselfe , was there taken and brought to the Sultan : who honourably entreated him , and oftentimes questioning with him concerning the emperour , and shewing him his owne power , examined him also of the emperours . Tangrolipix was now dead , and the Sultan now in field against the emperour , was Axan his son , a man of great wisedome and discretion : who considering the doubtfull euent of battell , sent embassadours vnto the emperour to entreat with him of peace . But he ( persuaded by some of his captaines , that this motion made by the Sultan for peace , proceeded but of a meere feare and distrust he had in his owne power , or else to gaine time vntill some greater strength came ) had small regard of the embassadours or their message , but proudly willed them to tell their master , That if he were desirous of peace , he should get him farther off , and leaue the place wherein hee lay encamped , for him to lodge in . And so without other answere commanded them away . Now had the emperour ( as is before said ) sent away part of his armie by Ruselius against Chliat , whom he now sent for in hast againe : but he hearing of the approch of the Sultan , by the persuasion of Tarchomates , one of his captaines , was retired for his more safetie backe into the Romain frontiers , leauing the emperour destitute of his helpe . At which time also , a companie of the Scythians which serued in the emperours campe , reuolted vnto the Turks ; not without some suspition , that the rest of their fellowes which remained , would ere long do the like . Neuerthelesse the emperour presuming of such strength as he had , or carried headlong with his owne fortune , resolued to giue the Turks battell , and therefore putting his men in order , set vpon them . Who somewhat troubled with the emperours so sudden a resolution , as being yet in some hope of peace : yet hauing put themselues in order of battell , receiued the enemies charge ; still giuing a little ground , as men not greatly desirous either to fight or to flie . This fight continuing long , and the day now declining , the emperour doubting least the Sultan should send part of his armie to assault his campe ( from which he was now drawne somewhat far , and had left the same but weakly manned ) caused a retrait to be sounded , and so began orderly to retire himselfe with them that were about him : which others a far off in the battell beholding , and supposing him to haue fled , began themselues to flie a maine . Of which so shamefull flight and sudden feare Andronicus ( the sonne of Iohn Ducas , the late emperour Constantine his brother , and by him created Caesar , who with his sonnes secretly enuied at the honour of Diogenes ) was the cause . For he commanding a great part of the armie , gaue it first out vnto such as were about him , that the emperour fled : and to encrease the feare , turning his horse about , fled towards the campe as fast as he could : after whom all the rest most disorderly followed : which the emperor beholding , and therewith not a little troubled , made a stand , labouring in vaine to haue staid the rest . For now the Turks encouraged with the sudden flight of the Christians , began hardly to pursue them , as men alreadie ouerthrown by the hand of God : whom for all that , the emperour with such as yet stood with him , for a space notably resisted . But being forsaken by the greater part of his armie , and oppressed with the multitude of his enemies , being wounded himselfe , and his horse slaine vnder him , he was there taken all embrued with his owne blood , and the blood of his enemies , of whom he had wounded and slaine many . The Sultan aduertised of his taking , at the first beleeued it not , supposing it rather to haue beene some other great man : vntill that he was both by them whom he had but a little before sent embassadour vnto him , and by Basilacius one of his captaines then prisoner with him , assured that it was vndoubtedly he , which Basilacius brought before him to see if he knew him , fell downe prostrat at his feet , as before his dread lord and soueraigne . The emperour brought before the Sultan , and humbling himselfe in such sort as best beseemed his heauie fortune , the Sultan presently tooke him vp and thus cheerfully spoke vnto him : Greeue not noble emperour ( said he ) at thy mishap , for such is the chance of war , ouerwhelming sometimes one , and sometimes another : neither feare thou any harme , for I will vse thee not as my prisoner , but as an emperour . Which he accordingly did , presently appointing him a princely pauilion , with all things answerable to his estate , setting him oftentimes at his owne boord , and for his sake enlarging such prisoners as he required . And after he had thus for certaine daies honourably vsed him , and discoursed with him of many things , he concluded a perpetuall peace with him , vpon promise of a marriage to be made betwixt their children , and so with a safe conuoy sent him away with greater honour than was at an enemies hand to haue beene expected . The emperour in Turkish attire , which the Sultan had bestowed vpon him , comming to THEODOSOPOLIS , there staid for the curing of his wounds , & afterwards accompanied with the Sultans embassadors , set forward toward CONSTANTINOPLE . But all was now there changed : for vpon the report of his captiuitie , Iohn the Caesar , with Psellus one of the cheefe Senators , and others of the same faction , which alwaies enuied at the honour of Diogenes , presently tooke the imperiall gouernment from Eudocia the empresse , and thrusting her into a monasterie which shee had built neere vnto PROPONTIS , set vp Michael Ducas her eldest sonne , emperour , in steed of Diogenes : whose simplicitie , Caesar his vncle , abusing with the rest , did now what they list . And hearing that Diogenes was now contrarie to their expectation , set at liberlie by the Sultan , and comming towards the emperiall citie , sent out letters euerie way in the new emperours name , vnto all the gouernours of the prouinces whereby hee was to passe , not to receiue him as emperour , or to doe him any honour : which Diogenes vnderstanding , staid at the castle of DOCIA , whether some of his friends with such power as they were able to make , resorted vnto him . Against whom , Caesar with the contrarie faction first sent his sonne Constantine , and after that Andronicus his eldest sonne , both Diogenes his mortall enemies , with a great armie : by whom Diogenes with his friends and followers , were ouerthrown and discomfited . Diogenes himselfe flying to the citie of ADANA , was there hardly besieged by Andronicus , and in the end glad to yeeld himselfe , vpon condition , that he should resigne the empire , and so for euer after to lead a priuat life . For whose safetie , certaine of the cheefe of the clergie sent of purpose from Michael the emperour , gaue their faith . So Diogenes all attired in blacke , yeelded himselfe to Andronicus : by whom hee was brought to COTAI , then the metropoliticall citie of PHRIGIA , there to expect what further order should be taken for him from the court : during which time , he fell sicke , being as many supposed secretly poysoned . But whilst he there lay languishing , an heauier doom came from the yoong emperor , That he should haue his eies put out : which was foorthwith in most cruell manner done ; the clergie men that had before for his safetie gaged their faith , crying out in vaine against so horrible a crueltie . Thus depriued of his sight , he was conueighed into the iland of PROTA , where his eies for lacke of looking to , putrifying , and wormes breeding in them , with such an odious smell as that no man could abide to come nigh him , he in short time after died , when he had raigned three yeeres , eight months . All which miserie was thought to haue hapned vnto him through the malice of Caesar , without the knowledge of the yoong emperour his nephew . Axan hearing of the miserable end of the late emperour Diogenes , was therewith much greeued , and the more , for that the league which he had to his good content so lately made with him , was thereby come to naught : wherefore in reuenge thereof , he with great power inuaded the imperiall prouinces ; not for spoile and bootie onely , as in former time , but now to conquer and to hold the same . Against whom Michael the emperour sent Isaack Comnenus his lieutenant , with a great armie : who meeting with the Turks , and joyning battell , was by them ouerthrown with all his army , and taken prisoner : and glad afterwards for a great summe of money to redeeme himselfe . After which ouerthrow , the emperour sent his vncle Caesar with an other armie against them , who was by Ruselius , that had before reuolted from the emperour , ouerthrown at the riuer SANGARIVS , and taken prisoner : whom he for all that , shortly after set at libertie againe , and joyning with him against the Turks , were both together by them discomfited and taken prisoners , but afterwards redeemed ; Caesar by the emperour , and Ruselius by his wife . This Ruselius was a notable traitour , who joyning with the Turks did what he list in the prouinces of the empire in the lesser ASIA : for the repressing of whom , the emperour sent Alexius Comnenus , a yoong man , but verie politike and couragious ; who secretly practising with the Turks that were great with Ruselius , had him at last by them for a summe of money betraied into his power : who forthwith sent him to CONSTANTINOPLE to the emperor , by whom he was imprisoned , but afterward set at libertie and employed against Bryennius and his brother , then vp in rebellion against the emperour . But to come neerer vnto the Turkish affaires . Cutlu-Muses who with his cousin Melech and others were for feare of Tangrolipix their cousin fled into ARABIA , as is before declared , now in the beginning of the raigne of Axan , returned : and as the enuious competitours of his kingdome , hauing raised a great power of their friends and partakers , were now ready to haue tried the matter with him by plaine battell . Against whom also the Sultan on the other side had brought into the field his whole forces , and was now readie likewise to haue encountred them neere vnto the citie of ERE 's . But whilst the Turks thus diuided , stood ready to destroy themselues , the Caliph of BABYLON ( from whom though the Turks had taken all temporall soueraigntie , yet in matters of religion still held him in great reuerence and esteeme , as their chiefe bishop , and the successour of their great prophet ) considering that nothing could be more dangerous vnto his sect and religion than that ciuile dissention , the late confusion and vtter ruine of the Sarasin empire , and authoritie of the Caliphs ; and fearing the like effect in these new Sarasines , now the chiefe stay of the Mahometane superstition : setting aside all his pontificall formalitie , whereby he was bound not to go out of his owne house , came with all speed , euen as the armies were now ready to joyne battell , and thrusting himselfe into the middest betwixt them ; what with the reuerence of his person , what with his effectuall persuasion , wrought so much and preuailed so far with both parties , that they were content to lay downe their weapons , and to stand to his order and judgement : which was , That Axan the Sultan should still enjoy his kingdome and territories , whole and entire vnto himselfe as he did : and that Cutlu-Muses and his sonnes , aided by him , and so inuading the prouinces of the Constantinopolitane empire , should thereof subdue so much as they could vnto themselues , and to be thereof accounted the onely lords and gouernours . Which order as it was vnto the Turks , and for the maintenance of the Mahometane superstition , verie wholesome & commodious ; so was it vnto the Christian common weale and religion most dangerous and hurtfull , as in processe of time by proofe it appeared . For by this meane , in short time after , Cutlu-Muses with his cousin and sonnes subdued all MEDIA with a great part of ARMENIA , CAPADOCIA , PONTVS , and BYTHINIA , and so a great part of the lesser ASIA . By the aid of this Cutlu-Muses & the fauour of the souldiers , Nicephorus Botoniates aspiring vnto the empire of CONSTANTINOPLE , displaced his master the emperour , Michael Ducas , after he had raigned six yeeres and six months , and in the habit of a munke thrust him into an abbey : which vsurper by the just judgement of God , was at length required euen with the same measure ▪ and in like manner serued by Alexius Comnenus ; who thrusting him out , succeeded himselfe in the empire . Much it was that this Cutlu-Muses with his sonnes and kinsmen did for the enlarging of the Turkish empire , by the helpe of the great Persian Sultan : whose forces , together with their owne , in diuers countries conducted by these worthy leaders his nigh kinsmen , and doing great matters , gaue occasion for themselues to be accounted Sultans , though in deed they were none , neither their names such as are by some antient writers and some others of later time also reported ; but vnto the Turks themselues , by those names , either for Sultans , vnknowne . Out of these great commanders , all borne of the Selzuccian family , hath Aithonus , and others following his report , deriued their Dogrissa , Aspasalemus , Meleclas , and Belchiaroc , whom they suppose to haue orderly succeeded Zadoc , otherwise called Tangrolipix , in the Turkish empire , and to haue done great matters : whereas both by the report of the Turks themselues , and the relation the Greeks , it appeareth plainly , Axan ( more truely called Ax-Han , that is to say , the White king ) to haue beene the sonne of Tangrolipix , and to haue succeeded him in the empire : and that by him the emperour Diogenes was taken , and not by Aspasalemus as they vainely imagine . As for Aspasalemus , whom the Turks by that name know not either any thing of his doings , it seemeth to haue beene a name corrupted of Aspam Sallarius , the brother of Tangrolipix and Habrami , and not his sonnes sonne as they would haue it . In like manner Meleclas also seemeth to haue beene forged of Melech the sonne of Habrami , Tangrolipix his brother , and not of Aspasalemus , as some without any good ground report . Whom they finding to haue beene all great men in the Selzuccian family , with some others also , haue both corrupted their names , and giuen vnto them an imaginarie soueraigntie and succession in the Turks first empire , such as beside that the Turks themselues acknowledge not , is easily to be refelled out of the histories of the Greeks , who had with them still much to doe . Wherefore leauing these supposed princes of the Turks , with their imaginarie succession , and doings , vnto the authors thereof , following more certainties , to returne againe vnto the course of our historie . Axan the Sultan at the same time that he had by the mediation of the Chaliph ( or not long after ) fallen to agreement with his cousin Cutlu-Muses : to encrease the honour of his nation and the bounds of his empire , gaue vnto Ducat and Melech , two of his nigh kinsmen , the gouernment of DAMASCO and ALEPPO , with that part of SIRIA which joyneth vnto them , of purpose that way to encroch vpon the Aegyptian Chaliph , who then had vnder his jurisdiction all as far as LAODICEA in SIRIA ; yet not with so large priuiledges as had Cutlu-Muses , vnto whom and his posteritie he had yeelded the absolute honour of a Sultan or king , ouer such countreis and prouinces as they should winne from the Christians : but vnto these others his kinsmen , he gaue the gouernment of the aforesaid cities of DAMASCO and ALEPPO in the frontiers of his dominion in SIRIA , conditionally that they should still remaine his vassals , and hold of him as of their soueraigne , whatsoeuer they had : who neuerthelesse in short time mightily preuailed vpon the Aegyptian , stil increasing the Turkish territorie with the losse of the Sarasins , whose name together with their empire , was now by the Turks almost quite driuen out of ASIA . But these proud branches of the Turkish empire , thus ouerspreading the lesser ASIA , with the greatest part of SIRIA , were in short time after by the mercie of God , and the valour of the most Christian and religious princes of the West , cut shorter , and brought againe into some better order . The full discourse whereof , worthie eternall memorie , by others inrolled in the antient records of fame , I purpose not at large to follow , but in briefe to touch , for the orderly continuation of the present historie , hasting to the doings of this victorious nation of later times , wherein we are to make a longer stay , as more pertinent vnto the dangerous estate of the present time . It fortuned that whilest Cutlu-Muses and his sonnes , supported by the Sultan Axan their kinsman , thus mightily preuailed against the Christians in the lesser ASIA on the one side , and Melich with his cousin against the Aegyptian Caliph in SIRIA on the other : that one Peter a French Heremite mooued with a deuout zeale , according to the manner of that time , went to visit the sepulcher of our Sauiour , with the other holy places at IERVSALEM : who comming into SIRIA , then for the most part possessed by the Turks and Sarasins , diligently noted by the way as he trauelled , the manners and fashions of these barbarous nations , their gouernment , their cities , their power and strength ; but aboue all , the grieuous miseries of the poore oppressed Christians , that there liued in most miserable thraldom amongst them , without hope of release : all which , he in the habit of a poore pilgrim , at libertie safely viewed , in the midst of these miscreants , being withall a little low hard fauoured fellow , and therefore in shew more to be contemned than feared . Yet vnder such simple & homely feature , lay vnregarded a most subtill sharp and pearcing wit , fraught with discretion and sound judgement , still applying to some good vse what he had in his long and painfull trauell most curiously obserued . He comming to IERVSALEM , and performing his deuotions there , saw the grieuous miserie of the poore deuout Christians , so great and heauie , as that greater or more intollerable could none be : wherewith not a little grieued , he entred into a deepe discourse thereof with Simon the Patriarch and Abbot of the monasterie of the Christians ( there before built by certaine deuout Italian merchants ) and with the master o●●he Hospitalars , by whom he was fully enformed thereof , as of whatsoeuer else he required . After much graue conference , it was at length agreed vpon amongst them , That the Patriarch and the Grand-master , should in their owne , and the names of the other oppressed Christians , write their letters vnto the Pope and the other Christian princes , concerning their miseries ; and to craue their aid for the recouerie of those holy places out of the hands of those cruell infidels : of which letters , the deuout hermit promised himselfe to be the trustie carrier , and of their petitions the most carefull soliciter . Whereupon the Patriarch and Grand-master in the name of the poore oppressed Christians , wrote their letters vnto this effect . We the citizens of the Holy citie , and countreymen of Christ Iesus , dayly suffer those things which Christ our king suffered but once ; in the last daies of his mortalitie . We are dayly buffeted , scourged , and pierced : euerie day some of vs are brained , beheaded , or crucified . We would flie from citie to citie vnto the remotest parts of the earth , and remooue out of the middle of that land , where Christ our Sauiour wrought our redemption , to lead a poore exiled and vagrant life ; were it not impietie to leaue the land ( sacred with the birth , doctrine , death , resurrection , and assention of our Sauiour ) without inhabitants and priests : and that there should first lacke such as would endure death and martyrdome , than such as would inflict the same : and that there should not be which would willingly die for Christ , as in battell , so long as there were any that would fight against them . These things truly we most miserably suffer : yet was there a time when as our ancestors feared no such thing , either to themselues or their posteritie . And now perhaps the Christian kingdomes of the West , liue likewise without the least suspition of feare : but let them bee mooued by our example and testimonie . The strength of the Turks is dayly encreased , & ours diminished : The continuall gaining of new kingdoms giueth them courage : They haue already deuoured the whole world , in hope . The forces of the Turks are fiercer and stronger than the forces of the Sarasins , their policies deeper , their attempts more desperat , their endeuours greater , and their successe fortunater . Yet haue the Sarasins attempted both ROMES ; they haue besieged CONSTANTINOPLE , and haue wasted not only the Sea coasts of ITALY , but euen the heart of the land also . Then why should the kingdomes of the West presume themselues to stand in safetie and out of all perill , when as the chiefe fortresses of the world haue beene so endangered ? What may the rest of Christendome promise vnto it selfe , seing that IERVSALEM ( the seat and spectacle of the Christian religion ) hath beene besieged , taken , sacked , rased , and triumphed vpon ? Seeing that of the Christian profession , remaine but the poore and weake reliques , in comparison of the ancient whole entire bodie ? This land , which is dayly be sprinkled with our blood , yea the blood it selfe crieth out for reuenge . And we your most humble suppliants , prostrate at your feet , call vpon the helpe , aid , mercie , faith , and religion , of you most blessed Father , of the kings , princes and potentates ; Christians not in name and profession onely , but in heart , soule and spirit . Before the tempest thunder , before the lightning fall vpon you , auert from you and your children the storme hanging ouer your heads : defend vs your poore suppliants : deliuer your religion from most wicked and accursed slauerie . You shall in so doing , deserue immortall fame , and God shall requite your so great valour in this world with terrestriall kingdomes , and in the world to come with eternall blisse , whose sacred inheritance you shall haue defended from the rage of hell . With these letters , and plentie of other secret instructions ▪ the deuout hermit returning into ITALY , and comming to ROME , deliuered his letters vnto Vrban the second of that name , then Pope , with a full discourse of the miseries of the Christians vnder the Turkish thraldome , which he had seene at IERVSALEM , and other places as he trauelled ; requesting his holy care for the redresse thereof : with whom he so preuailed , that shortly after , he calling a Councell at CLAREMONT in FRANCE , among other things , propounded the miserie of the poore oppressed Christians at IERVSALEM , as an especiall matter to be considered of . And hauing caused the aforesaid letters , directed vnto him and the other Christian princes , to bee openly read in the Counsell , wherunto three hundred and ten bishops were then out of diuers parts of Christendome assembled , with the embassadours of all countries , much mooued the whole assembly to compassion : at which time also the hermit , whose flowing eloquence fully counteruailed what wanted in his feature , standing vp in the midst of the Counsell , deliuered his message in the name of the afflicted Christians , with their heauie gronings and teares : which as they could not be in letters expressed , so were they not hardly by the religious hermit ( as by him who hauing but lately seene , both the miserie of the men , and desolation of the places , and at the heart touched with the greife thereof ) so liuely represented , as that it mooued the whole assembly with the like simpathie of heauinesse and greife . Which the Pope perceiuing , tooke thereupon occasion to enter into a large discourse concerning that matter , with many effectuall reasons persuading the fathers and princes there present , of the necessitie of so religious a war to be taken in hand , for the deliuerance of their oppressed brethren out of the thraldome of the infidels ; and now as well with their present decree , as afterwards at their returne home into their countries , by all meanes to further the same . Which notable persuasion , with the heauie complaint of the hermit , and the equitie of the cause , so much mooued the whole counsell and the rest there present , that they all as men inspired with one spirit , declared their consent by their often crying out , Deus vult , Deus vult , God willeth it , God willeth it : which words so then vttered by way of applause , was in the great and most sacred expedition following , much vsed of the deuout Christians , as the fortunate signall of their cheerfull forwardnesse , euen in their most dangerous enterprises . Strange it were to tell , and hardly to be beleeued ( but that the antient histories beare witnesse of the like ) how far in one daies space the report of this religious decreed war , was by flying fame dispersed . The Counsell dissolued , and the reuerend fathers returning euerie man home into his owne countrey ; it pleased God by their effectuall persuasions so to worke with the rest of the Christian princes , and people in generall , that in all countries and prouinces in Christendome , were shortly to be seene men of all sorts in great number , with red crosses on their brests ( the cognisance of that sacred expedition ) readie of themselues to spend both life and goods for the defence of the Christian religion , and recouerie of the Holy land . The number of whom is of diuers diuersly reported , but of most supposed to haue beene three hundred thousand fighting men : of whom the chiefe commanders were Godfrey Duke of LORRAINE , with his two brethren Eustace and Baldwin , all of the honourable house of BUILLON ; Hugh surnamed the Great , brother to Philip then the French king ; Raymond and Robert , earles of FLANDERS ; Robert duke of NORMANDIE , William the Conquerours sonne ; Stephan de Valois earle of CHARTIERS ; Ademar bishop of PODIE , the Popes legat ; and Peter the hermit , not to be numbred amongst the least , as chiefe author of this most famous expedition : vnto whom many other honourable princes joyned themselues as partakers of their trauels , though not with like charge . The first that set forward in this expedition , was one Gualter Sensauier , a noble gentleman , with a great band of men : not long after whom , followed Peter the hermit , with fortie thousand mo : who both , trauelling thorow GERMANIE , HVNGARIE , and BVLGARIA , were glad oftentimes , especially in the further part of HVNGARIE and BVLGARIA to open themselues a way with the sword ; and so with much labour , and no lesse losse , came at length to CONSTANTINOPLE : where they were not greatly welcome vnto the emperour Alexius Comnenus , who guiltie vnto himselfe of the vnlawfull meanes whereby he had extorted the empire from Nicephorus his predecessour , had that expedition of the Christians into the East , in distrust , as purposed against himselfe : vntill that fully resolued to the contrarie , by the hermit and others ; and that a far greater power was comming after , for the inuasion of the Turks and recouerie of the Holy land , he was content to relieue them now wearie of their long trauell : & afterward to make roome for thē that were to come , shipped thē ouer the strait of BOSPHORVS into ASIA ; who marching forward into BITHINYA , encamped their armie in the countrey not far from the citie of NICE . In the meane time Godfrey with his brethren , and diuers other princes that had joyned themselues vnto him , with the Germaines and Loranois , and the greatest part of the armie , followed the same way that the hermit had taken before him . At which time also Hugh the French kings brother , with the Legate , the two Roberts , ( the one duke of NORMANDIE , and the other earle of FLANDERS ) and the rest of the French commanders , passing ouer the mountaines into ITALY , came to ROME , with a wonderfull great armie : where taking their leaue of the Pope , because they would be lesse troublesome vnto the cities and countries whereby they were to passe , they diuided their great armie into three parts ; whereof the one part went to BRVNDVSIVM , and the other to BARY , and the third to HYDRVNTVM , vnto whom also Bohemund , one of the great princes of APVLIA , joyned himselfe with twelue thousand good souldiers that followed him . From these three ports the Christian armie departing , and crossing the ADRIATIKE , arriued in safetie at DIRRACHIVM , and nigh thereabout , vpon the coast of DALMATIA : from whence they trauelled by land thorow MACEDONIA to CONSTANTINOPLE , where they met with the duke Godfrey , and the rest of the armie : whom also at the first , Alexius the emperour is reported to haue but coldly entertained , as jealous of his owne state ; vntill that better persuaded of their designements and good meaning towards him , confirmed by many rich presents sent vnto him from these strange princes , he joyned with them in league : wherein it was agreed , That the emperour during the time of this expedition , should furnish them with new supplies of men , armour , victuals , and whatsoeuer else they should want : in regard whereof , the princes on the other side ▪ promised to restore againe vnto the empire , what prouinces , countries , or cities they should happily gaine out of the hands of the Turks and Sarasins , the citie of IERVSALEM onely excepted : which agreement was afterward on the suspicious emperours part , but slenderly performed . Neuerthelesse this league so made , he graunted them passage , and so transported them ouer the strait into ASIA ; onely Bohemund , for an old grudge betwixt the emperour Alexius and his father , would not come to CONSTANTINOPLE , but marching with his armie thorow the vpper MISIA and THRACIA , came sooner than any man had thought vnto the strait of HELLESPONTVS , and so passed . Now had Gualter , and the hermit Peter , with their armie , lyen two months in the countrey about NICE , expecting the comming of the rest of the Christian princes : for why , they thought it not good , before their comming , to attempt any thing against the enemie , whom they knew to lie not far off verie strong . But the common souldiers , wearie of so long lying , and naught doing , and pinched with some wants ; and withall disliking of Gualter their chiefe commander , and the hermit Peter , of whose integritie and holinesse they had a greater opinion than of his prowesse and direction ; rise vp in mutinie , and displacing Gualter , made choise of one Raymund , a valiant Germain captaine , for their generall : by whose conduct they tooke EXOROVM , a towne of purpose forsaken of the Turks . For they long before vnderstanding what a tempest of war was growing vpon them out of EVROPE , sought by all meanes to cut off these that were alreadie come ouer , as the forerunners of a greater armie following , and therefore had left them this towne , as a bait to traine them out of their trenches . And after that the Christians were thus possessed of the towne , hauing laid certain strong ambushes , they draue out certaine heards of cattell the more to allure them : all which , certaine companies of the Christians brought in , without any losse , the Turks still winking thereat . With which bootie the Christians encouraged , went out ( three thousand of them ) to take in a tittle towne not far off , who were by the Turks cut off and slaine euerie mothers son , as they were about to haue diuided the spoile which ouerthrow reported into the towne , discouraged euen the chiefe commanders of the armie , so that they resolued no more to try the fortune of the field , before the comming of the●● friends . Neuerthelesse the common souldiers , condemning them of cowardise , chose them a new generall , one Godfrey Burell , whom they now requested not , but enforced to go out to reuenge the death of their fellowes : which their rashnesse not long after turned to their owne destruction . For ten thousand of them going out of EXORGVM , to forrage the countrey , were by the Turks entrapped , and almost all slaine , except some few which by speedie flight escaped . The Turks prosecuting their victorie , laid hard siege to them in the towne also , vntill they had partly with famine ▪ and partly with the sword consumed the most part of them . The hermit with the poore remainder of his armie tooke his refuge to CINITE , a towne not far off , before abandoned by the Turks ; where with much adoe he defended himselfe , vntill the comming of duke Godfrey , and the rest of the princes . Cutlu-Muses the Turke was now dead , hauing left vnto his son Sultan Solyman many large countries & prouinces , altogether gained from the Christians in ASIA , whom he held in great subjection & thraldom . This warlike prince hauing discomfited , and almost brought to naught the hermits forces , was no lesse carefull for the withstanding of the great army following : which now being come into BYTHINIA , & lying before NICOMEDIA , remoouing thence laid siege to the citie of NICE , called in antient time ANTIGONIA of Antigonus , the son of Philip that built it , and afterwards NICEA , of Nicea the wife of king Lisimachus . In this citie dwelt many deuout Greeks , Christians ; but in such thraldom vnto the Turks , as that they could not do any thing for the deliuerie of themselues . This siege endured longer than the Christian princes had at the first supposed : who although they to the vttermost of their power , forced the citie on three sides , yet was it still notably defended ; new supplies still comming from the Turks by the lake of ASCANIVS joyning vpon the other side of the citie . But after that the Christians possessed of the lake , began on that side also to lay hardly vnto the citie , the Turks discouraged , and seeing themselues beset round with their enemies , yeelded vp the citie the fift of Iuly , in the yeere 1097 , after it had beene fiftie daies besieged . But whilst the Christians thus lay at the siege , the Turks assailed that quarter of the campe where the Legat lay ; by whom they were notably repulsed , and with great losse enforced to retire vnto the mountaines . In this citie amongst the rest of the Turks , was taken Solymans wife , with two of her children , whom the princes sent prisoners to CONSTANTINOPLE . This citie so woon , was according to the agreement before made , restored vnto Alexius the emperour , whose fleet had in that siege done good seruice , by taking the lake from the Turks . The citie of NICE thus woon , the Christian princes remoouing thence with their armie ; and marching thorow the countrey , came the fourth day after vnto a riuer which watred many rich pastures : where , as they were about to haue encamped for the commodiousnesse of the place ▪ and refreshing of the armie , suddenly newes was brought into the quarter where Bohemund lay , now busie in casting vp his trenches , That the Turks with a great army were ready euen at hand to charge him . For Solyman hauing raised a great power of his owne , and aided by the Sultan of PERSIA his kinsman , was now come with an armie of threescore thousand strong , to giue the Christians battell : of whose approch Bohemund aduertised , left the fortifying of his trenches , and putting his souldiers in array , set forward to meet him , sending word to the rest of the princes that lay a far off , to be readie as occasion should require , to relieue him . These two armies conducted by their most resolute chieftaines , meeting together , joyned a most fierce and terrible battell , where in a short space the Turks lay slaine vpon heapes , in such sort that they serued the Christians in steed of bulwarks . But whilst Bohemund thus preuaileth in the battell , certaine of the Turks horsemen wheeling about , brake into Bohemunds campe ; ( not as then altogether fortified , & but slenderly manned ) where among the women , & other weake persons there left , they raised a great tumult & outcry , to the great appauling of them that were fighting in the battell : which Bohemund perceiuing , withdrew himselfe with certaine companies vnto the campe , from whence he with great slaughter repulsed the enemie . But returning againe into the battell , he found there a great alteration : for his souldiers whom before he had left , as it were in possession of a most glorious victory , were now so hardly laid vnto by the Turks , as that they were readie to haue turned their backs and fled . Neuerthelesse by his comming in , the battell was notably restored , and againe made doubtfull : when the enemie perceiuing how much the assaulting of the campe had troubled the Christians in battell , sent out certaine troupes of horsemen againe to assault the same : and had not failed vndoubtedly to haue taken it , being as aforesaid not yet fortified , had not Hugh the French kings brother come in good time to the rescue : who comming in with thirtie thousand horsemen , after he had relieued the campe , entring directly into the battell , was notably encountred by a squadron of fresh soldiers of the Turks , by them of purpose reserued for such euent . There began a battell more terrible than the first , with most doubtfull victorie . But at the length , the Turks wearie of the long and cruell fight , and seeing most of their fellowes slaine , began by little and little to giue ground , and so retired into the mountaines , which were not far off . In this battell which continued a great part of the day , were slaine of the Turks fortie thousand , and of the Christians about two thousand . The next morning Bohemund with the French kings brother , came againe into the field , in such order , as if they should presently haue giuen or receiued battell : where after they had staid a great while , and saw no enemie to appeare , they fell to the honest buriall of their dead : which were easily known from the Turks , by the red crosses vpon their garments , the cognisance of their sacred warfare . Solyman flying with the remainder of his armie , notably dissembled his losse , giuing it out that he had got the victorie : yet by the way as hee went , he burnt vp the countrey villages , and destroyed or carried away whatsoeuer else he thought might stand the Christians in any steed , if they should further follow after him , leauing nothing for them but the bare ground . After this victorie , Bohemund and the Christian princes , without resistance marching through the hot and drie countreis of the lesser ASIA , came to ANTIOCHIA , a citie of PISIDIA , which they tooke with small labour : & so marching vnto ICONIVM the principal citie of CILICIA , neere vnto the mountaine TAVRVS , were there also of the citizens courteously receiued , where they staid certaine daies for the refreshing of the armie . From thence they set forward toward HERACLEA , where a great power of the Turks were reported to be assembled . But they together with the garrison souldiers vpon the approch of the victorious armie of the Christians forsooke the citie and fled . The citizens being Christians ( as they were yet generally in all the prouinces of the lesser ASIA , but in great subjection to the Turks ) and now rid of their cruel masters the Turkish garrisons ; came foorth , and meeting the princes , gladly yeelded themselues with their citie vnto them , as vnto their deliuerers . Here the Christian princes fully instructed of the great feare and desperation of the Turks , who now in no place durst abide their comming ; for the more speedie taking in of those countries but lately oppressed by the Turks , diuided their armie into two parts , leauing the one part thereof with Baldwin and Tancred in CILICIA , for the full subduing thereof ( who in short time tooke the cities of TARSVS , EDISSA , and MANVSSA , with all the rest of the countrey , the Turks not daring any where to abide their comming : ) the other part of the armie in the meane time entring into the lesser ARMENIA , tooke the same from the Turks , which the princes gaue to one Palmurus an Armenian , who had in that expedition done them great seruice . From thence they tooke their way into CAPADOCIA , which they also subdued , driuing out the Turks in euerie place , and tooke the cities of CESAREA and SOCOR ; where they staid a few daies for the refreshing of the armie : with like successe they passed through the rest of the prouinces of the lesser ASIA , of late possessed by the Turks , still chasing them out before them , and setting at libertie the poore oppressed Christians of those countreis . Whereof Solyman ( crauing aid of Axan the Persian Sultan his cousin ) grieuously complained by his letters to him directed in this sort . The famous citie of NICE , with the countrey of ROMANIA , which we by your aid and power haue gotten from the kingdome of the Greeks , and of your bountie possessed : the Christians of the kingdome of FRANCE haue againe taken from vs. Thus was the late erected kingdome of the Turks in the lesser ASIA , by these valiant Christian champions againe brought low , and they glad to retire themselues farther off into the mountaines and more Easterne countries , vntill this heat was ouerpast ; and that they , taking the benefit of the troubled state of the Greeke empire ( afterwards rent in sunder by ambition and ciuile discord , the ruine of the greatest monarchies ) recouered not onely their former state , but became also dreadful vnto the Greeke emperours themselues : vpon whom they dayly gained in one corner or other , still maintaining the honour of their estate , vntill the rising of the Othoman familie , as in the processe of this historie shall God willing be declared . These victorious princes then , and to the worlds end famous , not contented to their immortall praise , to haue thus driuen the Turks out of the lesser ASIA , and recouered so many countries ; bound themselues , as well the princes as the common souldiers , by solemne oath ; neuer to return againe into their countri●s , vntil they had accomplished that sacred war , with the conquest of the Holy citie . So mounting together the high mountaine TAVRVS , and discending thence as into another world , they came to the citie MARESIA , which they tooke without resistance , the Turks there in garrison , being by night before for feare fled : where the Christians for the refreshing of themselues , certaine daies staid . In the meane time Robert earle of FLANDERS with a thousand men at armes , was sent out to giue summons vnto a citie called ARTASIA , about fifteene miles distant from ANTIOCH : when as the citizens beholding the ensignes of the Christians , suddenly tooke vp armes against the Turks there in garrison ; which had of long holden them in subjection , and preuailing vpon them , slew them euerie mothers sonne : whose heads they presented vnto the earle , and receiued him into their citie . The Turks to reuenge the death of their friends , and to recouer againe the citie before the comming of the rest of the armie , sent out about ten thousand men out of ANTIOCH ; for thither was assembled a great power of them to haue hindred the farther proceedings of the Christians : and being come neere to ARIASIA , they sent before certaine stragling companies , of purpose to draw the new come Christians out of the citie , lying in the meane time in ambush with the rest , of purpose to entrap them . With these stragling companies , the Flemings sallying out lustily , encountred , & easily put them to flight ; the Turks in deed flying of purpose to bring them within the danger of the other , lying in Ambush . After whom the Flemings eagerly following , were before they were aware enclosed round with their enemies , and there had vndoubtedly perished , had not the citizens being Christians , presently salied out , and right woorthily relieued them . Shortly after the Christian princes marching forward with their armie , were encountred by the Turke at the riuer ORONTES , who had there thought to haue staid their farther passage : with whom Robert duke of NORMANDIE , who had the leading of the vauntguard , had a hard conflict , vntill that the Turks discouraged with the sight of the armie still comming on , forsooke the bridge , and betooke themselues to flight . So the Christians passing the riuer , came and encamped with their armie before the famous citie of ANTIOCH the one and twentith day of October , in the yeere 1097 : the gouernour whereof vnder the Persian Sultan , was one Cassianus ( of some also honoured with the name of a king ) who at the comming of the Christians , had with him in the citie seuen thousand horsemen , and twentie thousand foot of the Turks , with great store of victuals , and all manner of other prouisions necessarie for the defence thereof . This citie called in antient time EPIDAPHANE , or EPIPHANE , and of the Hebrewes , REBLATHA , sometime the seat of the Sirian kings , and afterwards the Metropoliticall citie of SIRIA , hauing vnder it an hundred and fiftie bishops ( famous for many things , and amongst others , for that it was the seat of the blessed Apostle Saint Peter , and first place whereas the professours of the Christian religion tooke the name of Christians ) is situate vpon the riuer ORONTES , about twelue miles from the sea , and was then strongly fortified both by nature and art , being compassed about with a double wall ; the vttermost whereof was of hard stone , and the other of bricke , with 460 towres in the same , and an inpregnable castle at the East end thereof , whereunto was joyning a deepe lake , comming out of the great riuer which watred the South side of the citie . Round about this strong citie ( one of the most assured refuges of the Turks ) although it were in circuit great , lay the Christian princes encamped , except on that side which being defended with the high broken mountaines , is not there to be besieged . Vpon whom the Turks out of the citie , duing the time of the siege , made many a fierce & desperat sally , being stil by the Christians most valiantly repulsed : especially at the bridge which the Christians had made of boats for their more commodious passage too and fro ouer the riuer . In this sort was the siege continued , vntill the beginning of Februarie , with many a bloodie skirmish . At which time such abundance of raine sell , as that hardly could a man find any place to lie drie in : and the scarsitie of victuall grew so great in the campe , that many ( horrible it is to say ) to assuage their hunger , were glad to eat the dead bodies of their late slaine enemies . In these extremities , many died of hunger and cold ; yea their horses also perished for want of meat , so that in the whole campe were scarcely left two thousand horses fit for seruice , the rest being either all dead , or brought so low , as that they were altogether vnseruiceable . These miseries dayly increasing diuers men of great account whom no terrour of the enemie could haue dismaid , began secretly to withdraw themselues out of the campe , with purpose to haue stolne home ; among whom were Peter the heremit , authour of this war , and Tancred the nephew of Bohemund , who taken by the way , and brought backe with the rest as fugitiues , were sharply reprooued by Hugh the French kings brother , as cowards , and traitors to their brethren and fellow souldiers , and so enforced to take a new oath for their fidelitie and perseuerance . Bohemund in the meane time going to ARETHVSA , a towne not far off , by good fortune cut off a great part of the Turks there in garrison : who after their vsual manner sallying out to haue cut off the forrages of the Christians , were now themselues caught tardie : whereby the countrey for a time was more open for the distressed Christian souldiers to seeke abroad for reliefe . But this libertie so lately gained , lasted not long , when newes was brought vnto the campe , That the Turks in great number out of the prouinces about ALEPPO and DAMASCO , were comming to the reliefe of their besieged friends in ANTIOCH . Neuerthelesse the Christians trusting vnto their owne strength , & the strength of the place wherein they were encamped , lay still , and at their comming so encountred them that they slew 2000 of them , and put the rest to flight : In which conflict the Christians got great store of prouision & victuals , which the Turks had thought to haue put into the citie . The heads of the slaine Turks the Christians set vpon stakes before the citie , to the more terrour of the defendants . This ouerthrow of the Turks , wherein Cassianus had lost his eldest sonne , with others of his best captaines , so daunted the besieged , that they requested a truce for a time of the Christian princes : which granted , they of the citie came oftentimes into the campe , and they of the campe likewise into the citie : Cassianus still expecting reliefe from the Persian Sultan . Whilst the Christian princes were thus busie in ASIA , the Venetians with a great fleet of two hundred gallies scouring the seas , vnder the conduct of Henrie Contarenus the bishop , and of Vitalis the dukes sonne , meeting with the gallies of Pisa at the RHODES , and falling out with them , had with them a great fight , wherein the Venetians hauing the vpper hand , tooke eighteene of their gallies , and in them fiue thousand souldiers : whom they seeing to be marked with the red crosse , the cognisance of the sacred warre , they presently set at libertie together with the gallies , detayning onely thirtie of the better sort as hostages . After that , the Venetians sayling into IONIA , tooke the citie of SMYRNA , and spoiled all along the costs of LYCIA , PAMPHILIA , and CILICIA , before for feare abandoned by the Turks . The truce before taken betweene the Turks and the Christians at the siege of ANTIOCH , being in short time after broken by the death of one Vollo a French man , slaine by the Turks : the war was againe begun , and the citie more hardly laid vnto than before . At which time the gouernour who in the time of this long siege , which had now continued nine months , had lost most part of his best souldiers , was glad for the defence of so great a citie to vse the seruice of diuers Christians , then dwelling in the citie . Amongst whom was one Pirrhus , a citizen of great reputation , vnto whom he had committed the guarding of a tower , called the two Sisters , but afterward saint Georges tower . This Pyrrhus had secret intelligence with Bohemund prince of TARENTVM , with whom he agreed to giue him there entrance into the city , vpon condition , That he should of the other Christian princes procure the gouernment of the citie vnto himselfe ; and that he , with the rest of the Christian citizens in the citie might be at his hands well vsed : Which thing being easily obtayned , and all things agreed vpon , Bohemund with his souldiers were by night by Pyrrhus let into the citie , who made way for the rest of the armie to enter . The citie thus taken , many of the Turks fled into the castell , the rest were put vnto the sword , man , woman , and child ; and amongst them also many of the Christians , the furious souldiers taking of them no knowledge . Great wealth was there found , but small store of victuals . Casstanus the late gouernour flying out of the citie to saue himselfe , in wandring through the mountaines , fell into the hands of the Christian Armenians , who lately thrust out of IERVSALEM were fled thither for refuge , by whom he was there slaine . In the citie were slaine about ten thousand persons . Thus was the famous citie of ANTIOCH , which the Turks had long before by famine taken from the Christians , againe recouered the third day of Iune , in the yeere of our Lord God 1098. The poore oppressed Christians in IERVSALEM hearing of this so notable a victorie , gaue secret thanks vnto God therefore , and began to lift vp their heads in hope that their deliuerie was now at hand . Of this victorie , the princes of the armie by speedie messengers and letters certified their friends in all countries , so that in short time the fame thereof had filled a great part of the world . Amongst others , Bohemund prince of TARENTVM , vnto whom the citie was deliuered , sent the joyfull newes thereof vnto Roger his brother prince of APVLIA : whose letters , as the most certaine witnesses of the historie before reported , I thought it not amisse here to set downe . I suppose you to haue vnderstood by the letters of your sonne Tancred , both of the great feare of some of vs , and the battels which we haue of late with our great glorie fought . But concerning the truce , and the proceeding of the whole action , I had rather you should be certified by my letters , than the letters of others . King Cassianus had required a time of truce : during which , our soldiers had free recourse into the citie without danger , vntill that by the death of Vollo a Frenchman , slaine by the enemie , the truce was broken . But whilst it yet seemed an hard matter to winne the citie , one Pyr●hus a citizen of ANTIOCH , of great authoritie and much deuoted vnto me , had conference with me concerning the yeelding vp of the citie ; yet vpon condition , That the gouernment thereof should be committed to me , in whom he had reposed an especiall trust . I conferred of the whole matter with the princes and great commanders of the armie , and easily obtained that the gouernment of the citie was by their generall consent alotted vnto me . So our armie entring by a gate opened by Pyrrhus , tooke the citie . Within a few daies after , the towne ARETVM was by vs assaulted , but not without some losse and danger to our person , by reason of a wound I there receiued : I assure you much of the valour of your sonne Tancred , of whom I and the whole armie make such account and reckoning , as is to be made of a most valiant and resolute generall . Farewell from ANTIOCH . Whilst the Christians thus lay at the siege of ANTIOCH , Corbanas ( the Persian Sultan his lieutenant ) with a great armie besieged EDESSA , with purpose after the taking thereof , to haue relieued the citie of ANTIOCH . But this citie being notably defended by Baldwin left there of purpose with a strong garrison for the defence thereof ; the Turke fearing in the meane time to loose ANTIOCH , the safest refuge of the Turks in all those parts , rise with his armie and set forward against the Christians : where by the way it was his fortune to meet with Sansadolus , Cassianus his sonne , but lately fled from ANTIOCH , by whom he vnderstood of the losse of the citie , and by what meanes the same was most like to be againe recouered : vpon which hope , Corbanas with his mightie armie kept on his way , with a full resolution to set all vpon the fortune of a battell . Whose comming much troubled the Christians ; for that although they were possessed of the citie , yet was the castell still holden by the Turks . Neuerthelesse leauing the earle of THOLOVS in the citie with a competent power for the keeping in of them in the castell , they tooke the field with the whole strength of the armie , and so in order of battell expected the comming of their enemies : who couragiously comming on as men before resolued to fight , joyned with them a most terrible and bloodie battell . Neither were they in the citie in the mean time idle ; for that the Turks in the castell hauing receiued in vnto them certaine supplies from Corbanas , sallied out vpon them that were left for the safegard of the citie , and had with them a cruell conflict . Thus both within the citie and without was to be seene a most dreadfull fight of resolute men , with great slaughter on both sides : yet after long fight and much effusion of blood , the fortune of the Christians preuailing , the Turks began to giue ground , and afterwards betooke themselues to plaine flight , whom the Christians hardly pursuing , made of them a woonderfull slaughter . In this battell were slaine of the Turks aboue an hundred thousand , and of the Christians about foure thousand two hundred . There was also taken a great prey : for besides horses and other beasts for burden , were taken also fiue thousand camels with their lading . The next day , being the 28 of Iune , the castell was by the Turks ( now dispairing of releife ) yeelded vp vnto the Christians . ANTIOCH thus taken , Hugh the French kings brother , surnamed the Great , was sent from the rest of the princes to CONSTANTINOPLE , to haue deliuered the citie vnto Alexius the emperour , according to the agreement before made . But he , guiltie in conscience of his owne foule dealing with them , vnto whom he had sent no reliefe at all during the long and hard siege of ANTIOCH ; neither performed any thing of that he had further promised , and therefore knowing himselfe hated of them ; had in distrust so great an offer of the princes , so euill deserued , and therefore refused to accept thereof . Whereupon Bohemund by the generall consent of the whole armie was chosen prince , or ( as some call him ) king of ANTIOCH . After this long siege and want of victuals , ensued a great plague in the armie of the Christians , the Autumne following , whereof it is reported fiftie thousand men to haue died , and amongst them many of great account . But the mortalitie ceasing , the Christians , in Nouember following , by force tooke RVGIA , and ALBARIA , two cities , about two daies journey from ANTIOCH : where dissention arising betwixt Bohemund & Raimond , who of all others only enuied at his preferment vnto the principalitie of ANTIOCH : Bohemund for the common causes sake , gaue way vnto his aduersarie , & retired with his soldiers backe againe to ANTIOCH ; after whom followed the duke Godfrey , and the earle of FLANDERS with their regiments . The rest of the princes wintred some at RVGIA , some at ALBARIA , from whence Raimund made sundrie light expeditions further into the enemies countrey : But the spring approching , the Christian princes with all their power tooke the field againe . Bohemund with them that remained with him , departing from ANTIOCH , besieged TORTOSA . Raimund in the meane time with the rest , besieging the citie of TRIPOLIS : who become much more insolent than before , by reason of some fortunate roads he had made vpon the enemies the last winter , ceased not still to maligne Bohemund and his proceedings : matter enough to haue diuided the whole power of the Christians , & to haue turned their weapons vpon themselues : which Bohemund wel considering , rise with his armie ; and because he would not with his presence trouble the proceeding of the religious war , retired himselfe to ANTIOCH . After whose departure , Godfrey and the earle of FLANDERS , tooke GABELLA , a citie about twelue miles from LAODICIA , and from thence returned againe to the siege of TORTOSA , whether Raimund came also with his armie , hauing before driuen the gouernour of TRIPOLIS to such composition as pleased himselfe , and to furnish him with such things as he wanted . Thus was TORTOSA hardly on three sides besieged by the Christians , but so notably defended by the Turks , that after three months hard siege the Christians were glad to depart thence : and marching alongst the sea side , spoiled the countrey about SIDON . But forasmuch as that citie was not easily to be woon , they left it , & encamped before PTOLEMAIS , which they also passed by : the gouernor thereof sending them out victuals , with such other things as they wanted ; and vpon summons giuen , promising to yeeld the citie after they had once woon the citie of IERVSALEM . From thence they came to CESARIA in PALESTINE , where they solemnly kept the feast of Whitsontide , and so to RAMA , which they found for feare forsaken of the Infidels . Marching from RAMA , and drawing neere to IERVSALEM , they in the vantgard of the armie , vpon the first descrying of the Holy citie , gaue for joy diuers great shouts and outcries , which with the like applause of the whole armie was so doubled and redoubled , as if therewith they would haue rent the verie mountaines and pearced the highest heauens . There might a man haue seene the deuout passions of these most woorthie and zealous Christians , vttered in right diuers manners : Some , with their eies and hands cast vp towards heauen , called aloud vpon the name and helpe of Christ Iesus ; some , prostrat vpon their faces , kissed the ground , as that whereon the Redeemer of the world sometime walked ; others , joyfully saluted those holy places which they had heard so much of , and then first beheld : In briefe , euerie man in some sort expressed the joy he had conceiued of the sight of the Holy citie , as the end of their long trauell . This most antient and famous citie , so much renowmed in holy writ , is situat in an hillie countrey ; not watred with any riuer or fresh springs , as other famous cities for most part be ; neither yet was it well seated for wood , or pasture ground : But what wanted in these , and such other benefits of nature , was by the extraordinarie blessings of the most highest , so supplied , as that the Iewes there dwelling , so long as they kept the ordinances of the Lord , were of all other people in the world justly accounted the most happie and fortunate . Yet in those so blessed times , was this citie for the sinne of the people oftentimes deliuered into the enemies hand , and the glorie thereof defaced : as well appeareth by the whole course of the historie of holy Scripture , as also by the antient and approoued histories as well of the Iewes themselues , as others . Neuerthelesse , it still rise againe ( though not in like glorie as before in the time of king Dauid , Salomon , and the other next succeeding kings ) and so was still repeopled by the Iewes , vntill that at last according to the foretelling of our Sauiour Christ , it was with a great and of all others most lamentable destruction , vtterly rased and destroyed by the Romans , vnder the leading of Vespatian the emperour , and his noble sonne Titus , fortie yeeres after our Sauiour his pretious death and passion . Sithence which time , it was neuer vntill this day againe repaired , or yet well inhabited , by the Iewes ; but lying buried in the ruines of it selfe , all the raigne of Domitian , Nerua , and Trajan , vntill the time of the great emperour Aelius Adrianus , it was againe by him reedified about the yeere 136 , and after the name of him called AELIA ; who together with the name changed also in some part the antient situation of the citie . For whereas before it was seated vpon the steepe rising of an hill , in such sort that towards the East and the South it ouerlooked the whole ground , hauing onely the temple and the castle called ANTONIA , in the highest part of the citie : Adrian translated the whole citie vnto the verie top of the hill , so that the place where our blessed Sauiour suffred his most bitter passion , with the sepulcher wherein he was also laid , and from whence he in glorie rise againe , before without the citie , were then enclosed within the walles thereof , as they are at this day to be seene . Yet for all that the emperour being dead , in processe of time this new built citie recouered againe the antient name of IERVSALEM ▪ whereby it hath euer since , and is at this day yet known . This citie so reedified , the emperour first gaue vnto the Iewes , whom he afterwards againe thrust out for their rebellion , and gaue it to the Christians to inhabit : ouer whom , one Marke , first bishop of the Gentiles there , had the charge : But forasmuch as the Romane emperours were at that time altogether idolaters and persecutors of the poore Christians , the church also at IERVSALEM , with others endured sundrie and many grieuous persecutions , vnder the emperors Antoninus , Commodus , Seuerus ▪ Maximinus , Valerianus , Aurelianus , Dioclesianus , and Maxentius , vntill that at length Constantine the Great conuerted vnto the faith of Christ , about the yeere of Grace 320 , suppressing the Pagan idolatrie , gaue generall peace vnto the afflicted church : whereby the Christian church at IERVSALEM , for the space of three hundred yeeres after , happily flourished vnder the Greeke emperours , vntill the time of the emperour Phocas ; who hauing most cruelly slaine the good emperour Maurice with his children , and so possessed himselfe of the empire , gaue occasion thereby vnto Chosroe the Persian king , in reuenge of the death of Maurice his father in law ; with all his power to inuade SIRIA : who as a tempest bearing downe all before him , tooke also by force the citie of IERVSALEM , hauing that yeere , which was about the yeere six hundred and ten , slaine almost an hundred thousand christians . But Phocas the vsurper being by them of his guard most cruelly slaine , and Heraclius succeeding in his steed , Chosroe was by him againe driuen out of SIRIA , and the Holy citie againe recouered , about the yeere 624. In these great wars against the Persians , Heraclius had vsed the helpe of the Arabians , called Scenite , a warlike people of ARABIA DESERTA , altogether giuen to the spoile : who , the wars now ended , expecting to haue receiued their pay , were contrarie to their expectation , and without all reason rejected by them that should haue paid them , with verie foule and contumelious words ; as , that there was not money enough to pay the Christian soldiers of the Latines and the Greeks , much lesse those vile dogs ( whom they so called , for that they had but a little before receiued the damnable doctrine of the false prophet Mahomet , the great seducer of the world , who euen in that time flourished . ) Vpon which discontentment they at their returne reuolted from the empire , and joyned themselues vnto their great prophet , and so afterwards vnto the Caliphs his successors , extending his doctrine , together with his soueraigntie to the vttermost of their power : and that with so good successe , that in short time they had ouerrun all AEGYPT , SIRIA , the land of promise , and taken the Holy citie . With these ( the disciples of Mahomet and his successors , the Sarasins , for so now they would be called ) the Greeke emperors ensuing , had for certaine yeeres diuers conflicts , with diuers fortune , for the possession of SIRIA . But at length wearied out , & by them ouercom , they left the aforesaid countries wholy vnto their deuotion . Hereby it came to passe , that the Sarasins for the space of 370 yeeres following held those countries , with many others , in great subjection , oppressing still the poore Christians in IERVSALEM with most grieuous tributes and exactions : vnto whom they yet left a third part of the citie for them to dwell in , with the temple of the Sepulcher of our Sauiour , and mount SION ; not for any deuotion , either vnto them , or those places , but for that it yeelded them a great profit by the recourse of deuout Christians trauelling thither : reseruing in the meane time vnto themselues , the other two parts of the citie , with the temple of Salomon , before reedified by the Christians . Now whilst the Sarasins thus triumph it in the East , and not in the East onely , but ouer a great part of the West also , contenting themselues with such tributs as they had imposed vpon the subdued nations and countries : vp start the Turks , a vagrant , fierce , and cruell people ; who first breaking into ASIA ( as is before declared ) and by rare fortune aspiring vnto the kingdome of PERSIA , subdued the countries of MESOPOTAMIA , SIRIA , with the greatest part of the lesser ASIA , and IVDEA , together with the Holy citie : who both there and in all other places held the poore oppressed Christians in such subjection and thraldom , as that the former gouernment of the Sarasins seemed in comparison of this to haue beene but light and easie . Neither was there any end or release of these so great miseries to haue beene expected , had not God in mercie by the weake meanes of a poore heremit , stirred vp these most woorthie princes of the West to take vp armes in their defence , who hauing with their victorious armies recouered the lesser ASIA , with a great part of SIRIA , were now come vnto this Holy citie . The gouernour of IERVSALEM vnderstanding by his espials , of the proceedings of the Christians , had before their approch , got into the citie a verie strong garrison of right valiant souldiers , with good store of all things necessarie for the holding out of a long siege . The Christians with their armie approching the citie , encamped before it on the North ; for that towards the East and the South , it was not well to be besieged , by reason of the broken rocks and mountaines . Next vnto the citie lay Godfrey the duke , with the Germans and Loranois : neere vnto him lay the earle of FLANDERS , and Robert the Norman : before the West gate lay Tancred , and the earle of THOLOVS : Bohemund and Baldwin were both absent , the one at ANTIOCH , the other at EDESSA . The Christians thus strongly encamped , the fift day after gaue vnto the citie a fierce assault , with such cheerfulnesse , as that it was verily supposed , it might haue beene euen then woon , had they beene sufficiently furnished with scaling ladders : for want whereof , they were glad to giue ouer the assault and retire . But within a few daies after , hauing supplied that defect , and prouided all things necessarie , they came on againe afresh , and with all their power gaue vnto the citie a most terrible assault , wherein was on both sides seene great valour , policie , & cunning , with much slaughter , vntill that at length the Christians wearie of the long fight , and in that hot countrey , and most feruent time of the yeere fainting for lacke of water , were glad againe to forsake the assault , and to retire into their trenches : onely the well of Siloe yeelded them water , and that not sufficient for the whole campe ; the rest of the wels which were but few , being before by the enemie either filled vp or else poysoned . Whilst the Christians thus lay at the siege of IERVSALEM , a fleet of the Genowaies arriued at IOPPA ; at which time also a great fleet of the Egyptian Sultans lay at ASCALON , to haue brought reliefe to the besieged Turks in IERVSALEM : whereof the Genowaies vnderstanding , and knowing themselues too weake to encounter them at sea , tooke all such things out of their ships as they thought good , and so sinking them , marched by land vnto the campe . There was amongst these Genowaies diuers enginers , men ( after the manner of that time ) cunning in making of all manner of engines fit for the besieging of cities : by whose deuice , a great moouing tower was framed of timber and thick plancks , couered ouer with raw hides , to saue the same from fire : out of which the Christians might in safetie greatly annoy the defendants . This tower being by night brought close vnto the wall , serued the Christians in steed of a most sure fortresse in the assault the next day : where whilst they striue with like valour and doubtfull victorie on both sides , from morning vntill midday , by chance the wind fauouring the Christians , carried the flame of the fire into the face of the Turks , wherewith they had thought to haue burnt the tower ; with such violence , that the Christians taking the benefit thereof , and holpen by the tower , gained the top of the wall : which was first footed by the duke Godfrey , and his brother Eustace , with their followers , and the ensigns of the duke there first set vp , to the great encouraging of the Christians ; who now pressing in on euerie side , like a violent riuer that had broken ouer the banks , bare downe all before them . All were slaine that came to hand , men , women , and children , without respect of age , sex , or condition : the slaughter was great , and the sight lamentable , all the streets were filled with blood , and the bodies of the dead , death triumphing in euerie place . Yet in this confusion , a woonderfull number of the better sort of the Turks , retiring vnto Salomons temple there to do their last deuoire , made there a great and terrible fight , armed with dispaire to endure any thing ; and the victorious Christians no lesse disdaining , after the winning of the citie , to find there so great resistance . In this desperat conflict , fought with woonderfull obstinacie of mind , many fell on both sides : but the Christians came on so fiercely , with desire of blood , that breaking into the temple , the foremost of them were by the presse of them that followed after , violently thrust vpon the weapons of their enemies , and so miserably slaine . Neither did the Turks thus oppressed , giue it ouer , but as men resolued to die , desperatly fought it out with inuincible courage , not at the gates of the temple onely , but euen in the middest thereof also , where was to be seene great heaps , both of the victors and the vanquished , slaine indifferently together . All the pauement of the temple swam with blood , in such sort , that a man could not set his foot , but either vpon some dead man , or ouer the shooes in blood . Yet for all that , the obstinate enemie still held the vaults and top of the temple , when as the darknesse of the night came so fast on , that the Christians were glad to make an end of the slaughter , and to sound a retrait . The next day ( for that proclamation was made , for mercie to be shewed vnto all such as should lay downe their weapons ) the Turks that yet held the vpper part of the temple , came down & yeelded themselues . Thus was the famous citie of IERVSALEM with great bloodshed , but far greater honor , recouered by these worthie Christians , in the yeere 1099 , after it had beene in the hands of the infidels aboue foure hundred yeeres . The next day after , hauing buried the dead and cleansed the citie , they gaue thanks to God with publicke praiers , and great rejoycing . The poore Christians before oppressed , now ouercome with vnexpected joy , welcomed their victorious brethren with great joy and praise ; and the souldiers embracing one another , sparing to speake of themselues , freely commended each others valour . Eight daies after , the princes of the armie meeting together , began to consult about the choice of their king : amongst whom was no such difference , as might well shew which was to be preferred before the others . And although euerie one of them for prowesse and desert , seemed woorthie of so great an honour ; yet by the generall consent of all , it was giuen to Robert duke of NORMANDIE : who about the same time hearing of the death of the Conquerour his father , and more in loue with his fathers new gotten kingdome in ENGLAND , in hope thereof , refused the kingdome of IERVSALEM , then offered vnto him : which at his returne he found possessed by William Rufus his yoonger brother , and so in hope of a better refusing the woorse , vpon the matter lost both . After whose departure , Godfrey of BVILLON duke of LORAINE ( whose ensigne was first displaid vpon the wals ) was by the generall consent both of the princes and the armie , saluted king . He was a great souldier , and endued with many heroicall vertues , brought vp in the court of the emperour Henrie the fourth , and by him much emploied . At the time of his inauguration , he refused to be crowned with a crowne of gold saying , That it became not a Christian man , there to were a crowne of gold , where Christ the sonne of God had for the saluation of mankind , sometime worne a crowne of thorne . Of the greatest part of these proceedings of the Christians , from the time of their departure from ANTIOCH vntill the winning of the Holy citie , Godfrey by letters briefly certified Bohemund , as followeth . Godfrey of Buillon to Bohemund king of Antioch , greeting . After long trauell , hauing first taken certaine townes , we came to IERVSALEM : which citie is enuironed with high hils , without riuers or fountaines , excepting onely that of Solomans , and that a verie little one . In it are many cesterns , wherein water is kept , both in the citie and the countrey thereabout . On the East are the Arabians , the Moabits , and Ammonits : on the South , the Idumeans , Aegyptians , and Philistians : Westward alongst the sea coast lie the cities of PTOLEMAIS , TIRVS , and TRIPOLIS : and Northward , TIBERIAS , CESAREA , PHILIPPI , with the countrey DECAPOLIS and DAMASCO . In the assault of the citie , I first gained that part of the wall that fell to my lot to assaile , and commanded Baldwin to enter the citie : who hauing slaine certaine companies of the enemies , broke open one of the gates for the Christians to enter . Raymond had the citie of Dauid , with much rich spoile , yeelded vnto him . But when we came vnto the temple of Soloman , there we had a great conflict , with so great slaughter of the enemie , that our men stood in blood aboue the ancles : the night approching , we could not take the vpper part of the temple , which the next day was yeelded , the Turks pitifully crying out for mercie : and so the citie of IERVSALEM was by vs taken , the fifteenth of Iuly , in the yeere of our redemption 1099 , 39 daies after the beginning of the siege , 409 yeeres after it fell into the hands of the Sarasins in the time of Heraclius the emperour . Besides this , the princes with one consent saluted me ( against my will ) king of IERVSALEM : who although I feare to take vpon me so great a kingdome ; yet I will do my deuoir , that they shall easily know me for a Christian king , and well deseruing of the vniuersall Faith. But loue you me as you do . And so farewell from IERVSALEM . Whilest these things were in doing at IERVSALEM , such a multitude of the Turks , and Sarasins their confederats ( now in their common calamitie all as one ) were assembled at ASCALON ( a citie about fiue and twentie miles from IERVSALEM ) to reuenge the injuries they had before receiued , as had not before met together in all the time of this sacred war. Against whom , Godfrey ( the late duke , and now king ) assembled the whole forces of the Christians in those countries , and leauing a strong garrison in the new woon citie , set forward : and meeting with them , joyned a most dreadfull and cruell battell , wherein ( as most report ) were slaine of the Infidels an hundred thousand men , and the rest put to flight . The spoile there taken , far exceeded all that the Christians had before taken in this long expedition . Godfrey after so great a victorie , returning to IERVSALEM , gaue vnto God most humble thanks . The rest of the princes returned either to their charge , as did Bohemund to ANTIOCH , Baldwin to EDESSA , Tancred into GALLILEY , whereof he was created prince : or else hauing now performed the vttermost of their vowes , returned with honour into their owne countries . This was of all others the most honourable expedition that euer the Christians tooke in hand against the Infidels , and with the greatest resolution performed , for the most part , by such voluntary men , as mooued with a deuout zeale , to their immortall praise , spared neither life nor liuing in defence of the Christian faith and religion ; all men woorthie eternall fame and memorie . Not long after ensued a great pestilence ( the readie attendant of long war and want ) whereof infinit numbers of people died , and among the rest Godfrey , the first Christian king of IERVSALEM , neuer to be sufficiently commended : who with the generall lamentation of all good Christians , was honourably buried in the church of the sepulchre of our Sauiour on the mount CALVERIE , where our Sauiour suffred his passion : in which the Christian kings succeeding him , were also afterwards buried . He departed this life the eighteenth of Iuly , in the yeere of our Lord 1100 , when he had yet scarce raigned a full yeere . Whose tombe is yet at this day there to be seene with an honourable inscrption thereupon . After the death of Godfrey , the Christians made choice of Baldwin his brother , countie of EDESSA ; who leauing his former gouernment to Baldwin surnamed Burgensis , his neere kinsman , came to IERVSALEM honourably accompanied , and was there by the Patriarch on Christmas day with all solemnitie crowned king , in the yeere 1101. He aided by the Venetians and Genowaies at sea , and by Bohemund king of ANTIOCH by land , tooke from the Infidels the citie of CESAREA STRATONIS , standing vpon the sea side ; and ouerthrew certaine companies of the Aegyptian Sultans at RAMA . But vnderstanding that the Christian princes of the West were comming to his aid with a new power ; he glad thereof , went to meet them , and safely conducted them to IERVSALEM alongst the sea coast , by the cities of BERYTVS , SIDON , TIRE , and PTOLEMAIS , all yet holden by the enemies . At which time the Turks at ASCALON hauing receiued great aid from the Arabians and Aegyptians , inuaded the countrey about RAMA : where betwixt them and the Christians was fought a most cruell battell , wherein the Christians receiued a most notable ouerthrow ; many of their great commanders being there slaine , and among the rest Stephen earle of CHARTERS ( but lately returned home from the former expedition , and now come backe againe ) and Stephen earle of BVRGVNDIE and THOLOVS : yea the king himselfe hardly escaped the enemies hands , and after many dangers came at length to IOPPA after it had beene constantly before reported him to haue been in that battell also slaine . Who hauing there in hast repaired his armie , came againe speedily vpon his enemies , fearing as then nothing lesse ; and ouerthrew them with such a slaughter , as that they had small cause to rejoyce of the former victorie . Neither were the rest of the Christian princes in the other parts of SIRIA and PALESTINE , in the meane time idle , but sought by all meanes to enlarge their territories . Tancred prince of GALLILIE , hauing raised a great power , tooke APAMEA , the Metropoliticall citie of CoeLESYRIA , and after much toile woon also the citie of LAODICEA . Baldwin also gouernour of EDESSA besieging the citie of CARRAS , had brought the besieged Turks to such extremitie , that they were about to haue yeelded the citie : when suddenly hee was set vpon by a great armie of the Turks sent from the Persian Sultan , for the reliefe of the besieged ; and being there ouerthrown , was himselfe there taken , with Benedict the bishop , and one Ioscelin his kinsman : who after fiue yeeres captiuitie , found means with the Turke that had taken them , to redeeme themselues , to the great offence of the Persian Sultan , & of the Sultan Solyman . King Baldwin after the late victorie , liued for a season at some good rest in IERVSALEM , vnmolested by his enemies : but knowing his greatest safetie among such warlike people , to consist in armes , he vpon the sudden raised the whole strength of his kingdome , and laid siege to PTOLOMAIS , otherwise called ACON , a citie of PHoeNICIA standing vpon the riuage of the sea ; where he found such resistance , that he was glad to raise his siege and depart , hauing done nothing more than spoiled the pleasant places without the citie . By the way in his returne backe againe , it fortuned him to meet with certaine companies of the enemies aduenturers , by whom he was in a skirmish mortally wounded , although he died not thereof in long time after : for albeit that the wound was by his surgeans healed vp , yet was the griefe thereof so great , that at length it brought him to his end . Yet he notwithstanding the former repulse , the next yeere , encouraged by the comming of the Genua fleet , laid hard siege againe to PTOLOMAIS both by sea and land , which after twentie daies siege was by composition yeelded vnto him . Shortly after , the gouernour of ALEPPO with certaine others of the Turks great captaines in those quarters , hauing joyned their forces together and so inuaded the countrey about ANTIOCH , were by Tancred ( whom Bohemund at his departure into ITALY , had left gouernour of that citie ) notably encountred and put to flight . At which time also the Caliph of AEGYPT sending great forces both by sea and land against the king of IERVSALEM , was in both places discomfited , at land by the Christians , and at sea by tempest . Bohemund in the meane time , with a great armie of voluntarie men , and others ( wherein he is reported to haue had fiue thousand horse , and fortie thousand foot ) returning towards the Holy land , in reuenge of many injuries done by Alexius the emperour , vnto the souldiers of this sacred war , contrarie to his faith and promise to them before giuen : by the way landed his men in EPIRVS , and grieuously spoiled the countrey about DIRRACHIVM , part of the emperours dominion . Neither made he an end of spoiling , vntill he had enforced the emperour for redresse of so great harmes , to make peace with him ; and againe by solemne oath to promise all securitie and kindnesse , vnto all such Christian souldiers as should haue occasion to trauell too or fro through his countries , during the time of this religious war. After which agreement hee put to sea againe , and so returned for IERVSALEM . But whilest he staid at ANTIOCH , hee shortly after there died in the yeere 1108 , leauing the principalitie thereof vnto his yoong sonne Bohemund , a child vnder the tuition of his nephew Tancred . Yet were the cities of BERYTVS , SIDON , and TIRE , alongst the sea coast , in the enemies possession : for the gaining whereof , Baldwin the king raised a great armie , and so came and laid siege to BERYTVS , which after many sharpe assaults he at length woon , the three and twentith day of Aprill in the yeere 1111 , and put to sword most part of them that he found therein . The same yeere also he , assisted by a fleet sent vnto him out of NORWAY , besieged the citie of SIDON : which the citizens seeing themselues now beset both by sea and land , at length yeelded vnto him by composition , the nineteenth day of December . After which victorie he dismissed the fleet , and returned himselfe in triumph to IERVSALEM . Now of all the famous cities alongst the sea coast of PHoeNICIA and PALESTINE , from LAODICEA to ASCALON , was onely the citie of TYRE that remained in the hands of the enemies : which citie Baldwin also hardly besieged ; neuerthelesse , it was so well defended by the Turks , that after he had all in vaine lyen before it by the space of foure months , he was glad to rise with his armie and depart . It fortuned , that within two yeeres after , the Turks with a mightie armie sent from the Persian Sultan , inuaded the countrey of CoeLESYRIA , where spoiling all before them as they went , they came and encamped vpon the sea coast neere vnto TYBERIAS . Against whom Baldwin gathered the whole strength of his kingdome , with whom also Tancred ( who now raigned in ANTIOCH , the yoong Bohemund being dead ) with the countie of TRIPOLI , and the rest of the Christian princes , joyned their forces : who altogether marching forward , came and encamped , not far from the enemie , being in number far moe than they . Mendus generall of the Turks armie ( for so I find him called ) vnderstanding of their approch , sent out certaine companies of his men to skirmish with them : against whom the Christians also sent out others ; who encountring them , easily put them to flight , being before commanded so to do , of purpose to draw the Christians into the danger of a greater strength , lying in ambush to intrap them : which according to the Turks desire fell out . For the Christians fiercely pursuing the flying enemie , fell into the ambush , and so before they were well aware , were beset on euerie side with their enemies : vnto the rescue of whom , other companies of the Christians comming in , and others likewise from the Turks , both the great armies were at length drawn into the field , where betwixt them was joyned a most fierce and terrible battell , with great slaughter on both sides . But at length the multitude of the Turks preuailing , the Christians were put to the woorse , and so glad to flie : after whom the fierce enemy hardly followed , not without great slaughter . In which flight the king himselfe hardly escaped , with Arnolphus the Patriarch . Whilest Baldwin was thus busied abroad , the Turks & Sarasins from ASCALON , came & besieged IERVSALEM , being then but weakly manned : but hearing of the kings comming , & that the armie of the Christians dayly increased with new supplies out of the West by sea , they retired home againe , hauing burnt certaine storehouses full of corne , and spoiled such things as was subject to their furie . Long it were to recount all the hard conflicts and combats this king had with the Sarasins and Turks , which for breuitie I passe ouer , contented to haue briefly touched the greatest . In the last yeere of his raigne , hauing for certaine yeeres before liued in some reasonable peace , he made an expedition into AEGYPT , where he with much difficultie woon PHARAMIA , a strong citie vpon the sea coast , which he joyned vnto his owne kingdome . After that he went to the mouth of the riuer NILVS , and with great admiration , learned the nature of that strange riuer . And hauing therein taken abundance of fish , returned into the citie , and there with the same feasted himselfe with his friends . But after dinner he began to feele the griefe of his old wound ; and growing thereof sicker and sicker , returned with his armie toward IERVSALEM , where by the way neere vnto a citie called LARIS , he died ( to the great griefe of all the Christians ) in the yeere 1118. His dead bodie being brought backe vnto IERVSALEM , was there roially buried , neere vnto his brother Godfrey , after he had raigned eighteene yeeres : whose sepulchre is yet there also to be seene , fast by the sepulchre of his brother . The late king thus dead and buried , the Christians with one consent made choise of his cousin Baldwin surnamed Brugensis , gouernour of EDESSA : who by the name of Baldwin the second , was the second of Aprill in the yeere 1118 , solemnly crowned king of IERVSALEM . He was of stature tall and well proportioned , of countenance comely and gratious , hauing his haire thinne and yellow , his beard mingled with some gray haires hanging downe to his breast , his colour fresh and liuely for one of his yeeres . He was a man of great courage , and therefore no lesse redoubted of his enemies than beloued of his subjects , who had in him reposed great hope both for the defence and enlarging of that new gained kingdome . Against him the same Sommer the Caliph of AEGYPT , aided by the king of DAMASCO and the Turks , in reuenge of the losse he had in the expedition the yeere before receiued , raised a great power to inuade him both by sea and land . Against whom Baldwin also opposed himselfe with his whole strength , and so came and encamped within the sight of his enemies . In which sort , when both armies had lyen the one facing the other by the space of three months , they both rise : the Christians fearing the multitude of the Turks , and the Turks the valour of the Christians , and so retired without any notably thing doing . This yeere died Alexius the Greeke emperour , who euen from the beginning of this sacred war , secretly repined at the good successe of the Christians in SIRIA , although his empire were thereby greatly enlarged : after whome succeeded Calo Ioannes his sonne , who all the time of his raigne right woorthily defended his territories in the lesser ASIA against the inuasion of the Turks . Not long after , Gazi one of the greatest princes of the Turks in the lesser ASIA , with the king of DAMASCO , and Debeis king of ARABIA , joyning their forces together , with a great armie inuading the countrey about ANTIOCH , came and encamped not far from ALEPPO : against whom Roger prince of ANTIOCH , not expecting the comming of Baldwin and the other Christian princes his confederats , but presuming of his owne strength , went foorth with greater courage than discretion , whereunto his successe was answerable : for encountring with them at too much ods , he was by them in a great battell ouerthrown , wherein he himselfe was slaine with most part of his armie . Of which so great a slaughter , the place wherein this battell was fought , was afterward called , The field of Blood. But whilst the Turks after so great a victorie , carelesly and at pleasure roame vp and downe the countrey , Baldwin setting vpon them , ouerthrew them with a great slaughter , and so put them to flight . After this victorie gained by the Christians the fourteenth of August , in the yeere 1120 , king Baldwin in great triumph entred into ANTIOCH , and so joyned that principalitie vnto his owne kingdome . The yeer following , the Turks with another armie , inuaded the same country again : for repressing of whom , whilst Baldwin with the other Christian princes were making their preparations , it fortuned that Gazi their great commander suddenly died of an Apoplexie ; vpon whose death they retired without further harme doing . Neuerthelesse the next Spring , the king of DAMASCO aided by the Arabians , entred againe with a great power into the countrey about ANTIOCH , and there did some harme : for the Antiochians now destitute of their owne prince , and Baldwin ( who had taken vpon him their protection ) being far off , and otherwise busied at IERVSALEM , were much more subject vnto the inrodes of their enemies ( still at hand ) than before when they had a prince of their owne still present amongst them . But Baldwin aduertised thereof , was making towards them with a puissant armie , sooner than they had thought it could haue beene possible . Of whose approch the Turks vnderstanding , retired againe out of the countrey : after whom , the king thinking it not good to make further pursuit , turned a little out of the way , and tooke by force GARAZE , one of the strongest cast●ls of the kings of DAMASCO , built but the yeere before ; which because it was not without great charge and danger to be holden , he rased downe to the ground . Baldwin notwithstanding that hee had many times thus honourably repulsed his enemies , wisely considering how he was on the one side beset with the Turks , and on the other side with the Sarasins ( which yet raigned in AEGYPT , the kingdome of IERVSALEM lying as it were in the mouth of them both ) thought it good betime to pray aid of the Christian princes of EVROPE , and to that purpose had sent diuers his embassadors vnto diuers of them , but especially vnto the Venetians ; whom of all others he thought fittest at his need to yeeld him reliefe by sea . It fortuned in the meane time , that Balac the Persian Sultan with a great armie of the Turks , inuaded the countrey about ANTIOCH , whereof Baldwin vnderstanding ( although he certainly knew he should ere long receiue aid from the other Christian princes his friends , but especially from the Venetians , & might therfore with great reason haue protracted the war vntil their comming , yet being therewith much mooued , or else his destinie so requiring ) raised such forces as he had of his owne , and without longer staying for his friends , with greater courage than good speed , set forward : and so joyning battell with the enemy , was therein ouerthrown , with the greatest part of his armie , and himselfe taken prisoner in the fight , with certaine other of his best commanders ; who altogether were carried away captiues vnto CARRAS . Vpon the report of this ouerthrow , and taking of the king , the Caliph of AEGYPT on the other side tooke occasion with all his power to inuade the kingdome of IERVSALEM ; and hauing in himselfe purposed the vtter ruine thereof , beside the great armie which he sent thither by land , which lay encamped not far from ASCALON , he put to sea an huge fleet also , of seuen hundred saile , for the distressing of the sea townes , which he well knew were not otherwise to be woon . This fleet of the Sarasin kings ( for AEGYPT with the kingdomes of TVNES and MOROCCO were yet in possession of the Sarasins ) ariuing at IOPPA , there put a shore their land forces , and hardly besieged the towne both by sea and land . But whilst they thus lay in great hope to haue woon the towne , Dominicus Michael , duke of VENICE , stirred vp by Calixtus then bishop of ROME , was come to CIPRVS with a fleet of two hundred saile , for the reliefe of the Christians in SYRIA , and the Holy land : And hearing of the distresse of IOPPA , nothing dismaid with the number of the enemies fleet , hasted thither , and came so suddenly vpon them , that he had ( as some report ) ouerthrown them , before they could put themselues in order , or be in readinesse to fight : or as some others say , after a great and doubtfull fight , hauing sunke or taken a great number of them , and put the rest to flight , he obtained of them a most glorious victoritie . With like good fortune also , were the Sarasins ouerthrown in a notable battell at land , neere vnto ASCALON , by the lord Eustace , vnto whom the defence of the kingdome was committed after the taking of the king , who not long after so great a victorie died . IOPPA relieued ( as is aforesaid ) the duke of VENICE trauelled by land to IERVSALEN , where he was honourably receiued by Guarimund the Patriarch , and the confederation before made betwixt king Baldwin & the Venetians , vpon the same conditions solemnly againe renued . The Sarasins thus notably discomfited both by sea and land , and the Christians thereby not a little encouraged , and joyning their forces together with the Venetians , came and the first of March laid siege vnto the antient and strong citie of TYRE : which they hauing beset both by sea and land , gaue thereunto many a sharpe assault : which the Turks as men fighting for their liues , and wiues , right valiantly repulsed . In which sort the siege was continued longer than the Christians had at the first thought should haue needed : yet at length , after foure months siege , the Turks sore weakned with often assaults , and hardly pinched with want of food , all their store being spent , yeelded the citie by composition . Thus was the citie of TYRE ( the most famous port of PHoeNICIA ) yeelded vnto the Christians the nine and twentith of Iune , in the yeere 1124. The third part of this citie was giuen vnto the Venetians , according to the composition made betwixt them and the kings of IERVSALEM , That of all such cities as were by their helpe woon from the Infidels in SYRIA , they should haue a third part , with one street , and free traficke in all the rest of the cities of the kingdome of IERVSALEM . Shortly after was king Baldwin set at libertie for the ransom of an hundred thousand ducats , after he had beene eighteene moneths prisoner among the Turkes . The duke of VENICE hauing now spent almost three yeares in this sacred expedition , & well confirmed the state of the Christians in SIRIA , returning home , by the way tooke the islands of CHIOS , RHODUS , SAMOS , MITYLEN , and ANDRUS , with the citie of MODON in PELOPONESUS ; all , places belonging vnto the Greekes empire . Which hee did in reuenge of the injuries done by the emperour , in the time of his absence , who enuying at the successe of the Christians in SYRIA , as had his father Alexius before him , had in the absence of the duke , infested the territories of the Venetians , for the which he was now justly requited with the losse of a good part of his owne . Baldwin also not vnmindfull of the injuries vnto him before done by the Turkes , in requitall thereof , inuaded the countrey about DAMASCO , and there in three notable battels ouerthrew the king , and spoiled the countrey : wherin he tooke so great a prey , that therewith he redeemed his daughter , whom he had at the time of his deliuerance left in hostage with the Turks for the payment of his ransom . He also ouerthrew the Sarasins at ASCALON ▪ who aided by the Caliph of AEGYPT , had sundrie times inuaded the countrey about IERVSALEM . And so hauing well repressed his enemies , for a space liued in peace . Not long after , Hugh Paganus first master of the Templars , ( an order of knights first begun in the raigne of this Baldwin ) before sent to craue aid of the Christian princes of the West , against the Turks and Sarasins , returned with a great number of zealous Christians , readie to lay downe their liues for defence of the Christian faith and religion : with whom Baldwin and the other Christian princes of SYRIA joyning their forces , set forward and besieged DAMASCO , the regall seat of the Turks in those quarters . But such was the strength of this citie , with the valour of the defendants , and contagiousnesse of the aire , that the Christians ( the heauens as it were then fighting against them ) were glad to raise their siege in vaine begun , and so to retire . Whilst things thus passed in SYRIA , Fulke countie of TVRIN , MAYN , and ANIOV , a man almost of threescore yeeres , hauing as he thought best disposed of his things at home , had for deuotion sake taken vpon him an expedition into the Holy land . In the time of which his preparations , embassadours came vnto him from king Baldwin , offring him in marriage Melisenda ( or as some call her Margaret ) his eldest daughter , with the succession into the kingdome of IERVSALEM in dowrie , if he should suruiue the king ; and in the meane time to content himselfe with the cities of TYRE and PTOLEMAIS : of which offer he accepted , and so held on his journey before intended . It fortuned about three yeeres after , that the king fell dangerously sicke , and feeling his death drawing on , hauing laid aside all regall dignitie , caused himselfe to be remooued out of his owne palace , into the Patriarchs house , which was neerer vnto the temple of the Sepulchre : and there calling vnto him Fulke the countie , his sonne in law , with his daughter , and his sonne Baldwin , then but two yeeres old , in the presence of the Patriarch , and diuers other princes & great commanders , commended vnto them the gouernment and defence of the kingdome , appointing Fulke to succeed him . And taking vnto himselfe the habit and profession of a munke , if he should haue longer liued , presently after gaue vp the ghost the two and twentith day of August , in the yeere 1131 ; whereof he raigned with much trouble thirteene yeeres , and was solemnly buried in the temple vpon mount CALVARIE , with the other two kings Godfrey and Baldwin , his predecessors . The kings funerall ended , the princes of the kingdome with one accord made choise of Fulke the old countie , earle of ANIOV , for their king : who the sixteenth day of September , was with all solemnitie by William the Patriarch crowned in IERVSALEM . This man in the beginning of his raigne , besides his troubles abroad , was also vext with domesticall and intestine discord : Pontius countie of TRIPOLIS , seeking by force of armes to haue rent the dukedome of ANTIOCH from the kingdome : and Hugh countie of IOPPA , for feare of due punishment for his treason , joyning himselfe with the Sarasins of ASCALON , and so with them infesting the territories of IERVSALEM , to the great hurt of the Christian state , and aduantage of the infidels . Which troublesome broiles were yet afterwards by the king , partly by force , partly by the mediation of the Patriarch & other princes ( who seeing the danger like thereof to ensue , had enterposed themselues ) well againe appeased . Vengeance yet neuerthelesse still following both the aforesaid traitours : Pontius being shortly after slaine by the Turks , and Hugh dying in exile . Besides these domesticall troubles , the Turks also inuaded the countrey abou● ANTIOCH , where they were by the sudden comming of the king ouerthrown , with the losse of their tents , and exceeding great riches . And that nothing might be wanting vnto the disquieting of the state of that new erected kingdome , not long after , Iohn the Constantinopolitan emperour ( together with the empire , inheritour also of his fathers malice , against the proceeding of the Christians in SYRIA ) with a puissant armie passing through the lesser ASIA , and by the way taking by force TARSVS the metropoliticall citie of CILICIA , with the whole prouince thereunto belonging , came and besieged ANTIOCH ; which Fulke but a little before had together with Constance , the daughter and heire of the late duke of ANTIOCH , giuen in marriage to Raymund countie of POITV , for that purpose sent for out of FRANCE . But in this so dangerous a state of that Christian kingdome , the other zealous Christian princes interposed themselues as mediatours betwixt the emperour ( pretending the same to belong vnto his empire ) and Raymund that was in possession thereof . And in fine brought it to this end , That Raymund for the present submitting himselfe vnto the emperour , should from thencefoorth hold his dukedome of him as of his lord and soueraigne : vpon which agreement the emperour returned vnto TARSVS , where he wintred , and so afterwards vnto CONSTANTINOPLE . Much about the same time , Saguin one of the Turks great princes , inuading the countrey about TRIPOLIS , besieged the castell of MONTE-FERRAND : vnto the reliefe whereof , Fulke comming with his armie , was by the Turks ouerthrown ; and for the safegard of his life , glad to take the refuge of the castell , the countie himselfe being in that battell taken prisoner . After which victorie , the Turks laid harder siege vnto the castell than before : the besieged in the meane time being no lesse pinched within with famine , than pressed without by the enemie . In this the kings hard distresse , the other princes hauing raised the whole power of the kingdome , were comming to his reliefe : whereof the Turke vnderstanding , offred of himselfe to giue them all leaue freely to depart , and to set the countie at libertie , so that they would deliuer vnto him the castle : of which his offer they gladly accepting , yeelded vp the strong hold , and so departed . The king by the way meeting with the armie , thanked his friends for their forwardnesse , and so returned to IERVSALEM . About foure yeeres after , Iohn the Constantinopolitan emperour , with a great armie came againe into SYRIA , with purpose to haue vnited the famous citie of ANTIOCH vnto his empire , and so to haue made a way into the kingdome of IERVSALEM , whereafter hee had now a good while longed . But comming thither , in hope to haue found the Cilicians and Syrians readie to haue receiued him , he was deceiued of his expectation , being shut out by the Latins , and not suffred to enter , but vpon his oath , and that with some few of his followers ; and so after due reuerence done vnto him , quietly to depart without any stir or innouation in the city . In reuenge of which disgrace , at his departure he gaue the suburbs of the city as a prey vnto his greedie souldiers ; pretending the same to be done for want of victuals : who made hauocke of whatsoeuer came to hand , not sparing the verie fruit trees , but cutting them downe to dresse their meat withall . Hauing thus vnder colour of necessitie , reuenged the disgrace receiued , he returned into CILICIA , and there wintred : where one day for his disport , hunting of the wild boare ; and hauing wounded him with his boare speare , the wild beast therewith inraged , and with all his force bearing forward vpon the weapon , forced the emperours hand backward vpon the point of a poysoned arrow , that was hanging in a quiuer at his backe , and so was therewith lightly wounded . Neuerthelesse , as light as the wound was , such was the strength of the poyson , that the griefe thereof still increasing , and his hand and arme more and more swelling , there was no remedie to be found , but that his arme must be cut off ; which desperat and vncertaine cure he abhorring , and in the extremitie of his paine oftentimes pleasantly saying , That the Greeke empire was not to be gouerned with one hand : ouercome with the strength of the poyson died . In whose place succeeded his yoongest sonne Emanuel , Alexius and Andronicus his two elder sonnes being both dead at his setting foorth vnto this so vnhappie an expedition . It fortuned about this time also , the kingdome of IERVSALEM being now at peace , that Fulke the king with the queene his wife , lying at the citie of PTOLEMAIS in the time of Autumne , it pleased the queene for her disport , to walke out of the citie , vnto certaine pleasant fountaines thereby in the countrey ; for whose companie the king would needs go also , with certaine of his courtiers , where by the way it chanced that certaine boyes running along the field , put vp an hare that was sitting in a furrow : after which , all the courtiers on horsebacke galloped a maine , with notable outcrie and hallowing . Amongst the rest , the king to be partaker of the sport , forcing his horse to the vttermost of his power , in the midst of his course fell , together with his horse foundring vnder him , and in falling , chanced to fall with his head vnder the horse : with whose waight , and the hardnesse of his saddle , he was so crushed , that the braines came out both at his nose and eares . In this pitifull case being taken vp for dead , and with great heauinesse carried backe ; he yet breathing , lay speechlesse three daies , and so died the thirteenth of Nouember , in the yeere of Grace 1142. His dead bodie afterwards brought to IERVSALEM , was there with great magnificence , and the generall lamentation of all his subjects , buried with the other kings his predecessours . Now had the late king left behind him two sonnes , Baldwyn about the age of thirteene yeeres , and Almerike about the age of seuen . Of the elder of these two , the Christian princes made choice , who by the name of Baldwyn the third , was together with Melesinda his mother , partner with him in the kingdome , vpon Christenmas day with great solemnitie crowned king of HIERUSALEM , in the yeere 1142. About which time Sanguin the Turke , taking hold of the discord betwixt Raymund prince of ANTIOCH , and Ioscelin countie of EDESSA , came and with a great power besieged EDESSA , the countie being at the same time absent : And did so much , that at length he tooke the citie by vndermining of it , where the bloodie Turke exercised all manner of crueltie vpon the poore Christians in the citie . By the losse of this famous citie , so large a territorie fell againe into the hands of the Turkes , as that three archbishopricks were therby drawne from the church of ANTIOCH . The Turke encouraged with this victorie , straightwaies after besieged COLOGENBAR , another strong towne of the Christians : where one night drinking liberally with his friends , he was by one of them in his drunkennesse stabbed , and so slaine , and the siege raised . In whose stead Noradin his sonne succeeded . Baldwyn , in the first yeere of his raigne , recouered from the Turkes the castle of SOBAL , a strong hold beyond IORDAN , which hee notably fortefied , for the defence of that side of his kingdome against the incursions of the Turks . But the next yeere vndertaking an expedition against the king of DAMASCO , he was by Noradin the Turke , the kings sonne in law , so hardly beset in his returne , as that it was accounted a thing miraculous , how he with his armie escaped his hands . The report of the losse of EDESSA with the miseries there endured by the Christians , being bruted through all parts of Christendome , greatly mooued the Christian princes of the West . Whom Eugenius the third , then bishop of Rome , ceased not both by himselfe and by his Legates to stirre vp to take that sacred warre in hand . And therein wrought so effectually , that almost in everie prouince of Christendome preparation was made for the reliefe of the distressed Christians in SYRIA . Of all others , Conrade the third then emperour of GERMANIE was most forward , who aided by the Germane princes and others , with an incredible number of voluntarie men out of all parts of Christendome , had raised a most puissant armie , and therewith set forward on this sacred expedition . Of this his deuout purpose he had before certefied Emanuell the Greeke emperour , through whose countries hee was to passe , crauing that hee might by his good fauour so doe , and for his money to be relieued with victuals , and other such things as hee should haue need of for himselfe or his people ; promising in most quiet and peaceable manner to passe , without any harme doing vnto his territories or subjects . All which the Greeke emperour , commending his zeale , seemed in most large tearmes willingly to condiscend vnto . Neuerthelesse he inwardly repined thereat , wishing indeed no better successe vnto the Christians in this so honourable an expedition , than did the infidels themselues , as by the sequell of his doings well appeared . For Conrade with his populous armie , indeed a terrour vnto the Greekes , entring into the frontiers of the Constantinopolitane empire , found all things in shew friendly ( for why Emanuell had before giuen out strait command , that good store of victuals and all other necessaries should be readie at all places to be sold as the armie was to passe : ) but they were not farre come into the countrey , but that in the taile of the armie still followed certaine strong companies of the Greeks , to keepe the souldiors from stragling from their ensignes , roming about in the countrey , now and then cutting them short , as they tooke them at aduantage . And still the further that they trauelled , the more it was to be seene in the countenances of the discontented Greekes , how vnwelcome guests they were . Yet still on they went through the countries of their dissembling friends , little differing from open enemies , vntill they came to PHILIPPOPOLIS : in departing from whence , such contention rise betweene them that were in the rereward of the armie , and the Greekes that followed them , that it was like to haue come to plaine battell , had not those broiles , by the discretion of some of the wiser sort , been in good time appeased . So marching on they came to ADRIANOPLE , & in a few daies after to the plaine called CHEROBACHI , through which the riuer MELAS hath his course ; which in Summer being almost drie , in Winter or any other great downefall of water , right suddenly ouerfloweth his bankes , and so drowneth the whole countrey , that then it seemeth no more a riuer , but a sea ; and swelling with the wind , is not to be passed ouer , but by great boats : This riuer then suddenly rising by night , by reason of the great raine that then fell , in such abundance , as if the flood-gates of heauen had ben opened , so ouerflowed the place wherein the armie lay encamped vpon the side thereof , that with the violence of the water were carried away not onely manie weapons , saddles , garments , & such other the souldiors necessaries ; but euen the horses and mules , with their burdens , yea and great numbers of armed men themselues also , a most miserable and lamentable thing to behold . Many valiant men there fell without fight , and died no man killing them : to be tall , helped not ; neither did valour stand them in any stead , they perished like hay , and were caried away like cha●fe , with such outcries and lamentation , that they which saw it , verely said , That the wrath of God was broke into the campe : such a suddaine inundation had ouerwhelmed all , that happie was hee could make shift for himselfe , without regarding one another . This misfortune sore troubled the emperour with his whole armie . Neuerthelesse , the water being againe fallen , and all put in so good order , as in such a confusion was possible , he marched on vnto the imperiall citie : which the suspicious and malicious Greeke , had before notably fortefied and so strongly manned with armed men glistring upon the wals , in such sort as if it should haue presently been assaulted . Conrade approching the citie , was not suffered to enter , but persuaded by the Greeke emperor forthwith to transport his armie ouer the strait , with promise to supplie his wants with whatsoeuer he should require . Which was done with such hast , as if nothing had beene farther to haue been regarded , but onely to haue them shipped ouer : in which seruice the Greekes spared no labour , or kind of vessell , that might serue to transport them . The Greeke emperour in the meane time , by men secretly appointed for that purpose , keeping account of the number that passed , vntill that they wearied with the multitude , ceased farther to number them . But when they were once shipped ouer , then began the couert mallice of the Greeke emperour forthwith to appeare . For besides that they trusting vnto his promises , had brought little or no prouisions ouer with them , the countrey people by his appointment brought nothing unto them to sell , as before : and they of the townes and cities shut their gates against them as they marched , not affoording them any thing , but at an extreame rate , for which they would first receiue their money by ropes cast downe from the wals , and then deliuer them what they pleased therefore , yea and oftentimes nought at all . Amongst many other vile practises , not beseeming Christians , the mischeeuous Greekes , to poyson the souldiors , mingled lime with the meale which they sold unto the armie , whereof many of the hungrie souldiors greedily feeding , died . Whether the Greeke emperour were priuie thereunto , or no , is not certainely knowne ; but certaine it is , that he caused counterfeit money to be coined , of purpose to deceiue them : and in breefe , that there was no kind of mischiefe to be practised against them , which either hee himselfe deuised not , or ●et not others to deuise ; to the intent that their posteritie , terrified by this so vnfortunat an expedition , might for euer be afraid to take the like in hand againe . And that nothing might be wanting that mallice could deuise , he had secret intelligence with the Turkes themselues , concerning the strength of the armie , plotting vnto them the meanes how the same might best be defeated : whereby it came to passe , that some part thereof was by Pamplano , a captaine of the Turkes , ouerthrowne neere BATHIS , and many slaine . But attempting to haue done the like vnto that part of the armie that marched through PHRIGIA , they were themselues ouertaken in their own deuise , and ouerthrowne , with a great slaughter . After which , the Turkes in great number , to stay the Christians further passage , kept the riuer of MoeANDER , encamping vpon the farther banke of that winding riuer , with a most huge armie . There these worthie Christians right well declared , that it was but their patience , that the Grecian legions that had before so long followed them , with their countries and cities they had passed by , were not vnto them become a prey . For the emperour comming vnto the riuer side , where was neither bridge nor boat to passe ouer , and finding the great armie of the Turkes on the other side , readie to giue him battell if hee should aduenture the riuer , with their archers standing vpon the verie banke side : he retired a little out of the danger of the shot , and there encamping , commanded his souldiors to refresh themselues and their horses that night , and to be readie against the next morning to joine battell with their enemies they were so farre come to seeke for . Little rest serued him that night , early in the morning before day he arose , and arming himselfe , put his whole armie in order of battell : as did also the enemie on the other side of the riuer , with their battalions orderly placed , and their archers vpon the banke side , readie to giue the first charge vpon the Christians , if they should aduenture to come ouer . Both armies thus standing in readinesse the one in sight of the other , and nothing but the winding riuer betwixt them , the emperour before resolued to fight , with cheerefull countenance and speech encouraged his men as followeth : That this expedition was of vs taken in hand , for Christ his sake , and for the glorie of God , and not of man , you know right well fellow souldiers . For , for this cause hauing contemned a pleasant life at home , voluntarily seperated from our neerest and deerest friends , we endure miseries in forren countries ; we are exposed vnto dangers ; we pine with hunger ; we quake with cold ; we languish with heat ; we haue the earth our bed , the heauen our couering : and although we be noble , famous , renowmed , rich , ruling ouer many nations ; yet weare we alwaies our gorgets as necessarie bonds , and are with them and our armor loaded , as was the greatest seruant of Christ , Peter , surcharged with two chaines , and kept with foure quaternions of souldiers . But these Barbarians ( diuided from vs by this riuer ) to be the enemies of the crosse of Christ , whom we of long haue desired to encounter withall , in whose blood ( as Dauid saith ) we haue vowed to wash our selues : Who is there that knoweth not , except he be altogether blockish , and will not with open eies see , nor open eares heare ? If we wish to ascend straight way into heauen , ( for neither is God vnjust , that he knoweth not the cause of this our journey , or will not in recompence giue vnto vs the immortall fields , and shadie dwellings of Paradice , which hauing forsaken our owne dwellings , haue chose rather for his sake to die than to liue ) if we call to remembrance what things these men of vncircumcised hearts do commit against our friends and countreymen , if we remember what grieuous tortures they inflict vpon them , or if we be any thing touched with the compassion of their innocent blood , vnworthily spilt ; stand now couragiously , and fight valiantly , and let not any feare or terrour daunt vs. Let these Barbarians know , that by how much Christ our master and instructer doth excell their false prophet and seducer , author of their vaine impietie ; so much are we superiours vnto them in all things . Seeing therefore we are an holy campe , and an armie gathered by the power of God , let vs not cowardly loose our selues , or feare for Christ his sake honourably to aduenture our liues . For if Christ died for vs , how much more right is it that we for him should die also ? vnto this so honourable an expedition , let vs also giue an honourable end : let vs fight in Christs name , with a most assured hope of an easie victorie . For none of them ( I trust ) shall be able to abide our force , but shall all giue way , euen to our first charge . But if we shall die ( which God forbid ) there shall be an honourable place of our buriall , wheresoeuer we shall for Christ fall . Let the Persian archer for Christ his sake , strike me , I will die in an assured hope ; and with that arrow , as with a chariot , I will come vnto that rest , which shall be to me deerer than if I should with a base ordinarie kind of death in my sinnes end my daies in my bed . Now at length let vs take reuenge of them , with whose impure feet our kinsmen and Christian brethren troden downe , are gone into that common sanctuarie , in which Christ our Sauiour , equall and associat to his father , is become a companion of the dead . We are those mightie men , we all haue drawne our swords , which stand about the liuely and diuine sepulchre , as about Solomons bed . Wherefore we that be free borne , let vs take out of the way these Agarens , the children of the bondwoman ; and let vs remooue them as stones of offence out of the way of Christ : whom I know not why , the Grecians feed vp as greedie wolues to their owne destruction , and with shame fat them with their blood ; when as with couragious minds and thoughts beseeming wise men , they ought so to haue beene driuen from their prouinces and cities , as rauening wild beasts from their flocks . Now for as much as this riuer , as it seemeth , is not , but by some aduenture to be passed ouer , I my selfe will shew you the way , and be the first that shall take it . Let vs , serred together , forcibly breake into the riuer , and we shall well enough ride through it . I know that the water beaten backe by our force , will be at a stand , and breake the course , returning as it were backward . By not vnlike meanes the Israelits in antient time on foot passed ouer IORDAN , the course of the riuer being staid . This attempt shall be spoken of in all posteritie , it shall by no tract of time be worne out or forgotten , but still remaine in fresh remembrance , to the great dishonour of the Turks , whose dead bodies ouerthrown at this riuer , shall lie like a mountaine , and be seene as a Trophey of our victorie , vnto the worlds end , and our immortall praise and glorie . Hauing thus said , and the signall of battell giuen , euerie man hauing before by deuout praier commended himselfe vnto almightie God : he was the first that put spurs to his horse , and tooke the riuer ; after whom followed the rest , so close and so forcibly , with such a terrible outcrie , that the course of the water , being by the force of their horses staid , and as it were beaten backe towards the fountaine , the whole armie passed ouer with lesse trouble than was feared . And then charging the Turks , alreadie discouraged to haue seene them so desperatly , and contrarie to their expectation , to haue passed the riuer ; after some small resistance put them to flight , wherein such infinit numbers of them fell , the Christians like fierce lyons pursuing the chace , that all the vallies ran with blood , and the fields were couered with the bodies of the dead . Many of the Italians were wounded with the Turks arrowes , and but few or none slaine . But what a multitude of the enemies there fell , the sundrie and hugie heapes of bones , to be compared vnto great hils , did long time after well declare ; whereat euerie man that trauelled that way did woorthily woonder , as did I my selfe ( saith Nicetas Choniates ) in reporting this historie . Not much vnlike that , is reported of the Cimbers , slaine by Marius in such number , that of their bones the countrey people about MARCELLIS where the field was fought , long time after made wals for the defence of their vineyards . After this so great a victorie , the Christians without resistance came to ICONIVM , the chiefe seat of the Turkish kings in the lesser ASIA , which they hardly besieged . Neuerthelesse , such was the strength of the citie , being strongly fortified both by nature and art , together with the valour of the defendants ; that lying there long , they little preuailed , pressed in the meane time with greater extremities and wants in the campe , than were the besieged in the citie : whereupon ensued such a mortalitie , people dayly without number dying in the armie , that the emperour was glad to raise his siege and to returne into his countrey . The chiefe cause as well of this so great a mortalitie , as of the ouerthrow of so notable an action , most men ascribe vnto the malice of the Greeks ; who not without the priuitie of their emperour ( as it was commonly bruited ) mingled lime with the meale which they brought to sell into the armie , whereof the hungrie souldiers desirously feeding , were therewith poysoned , and so miserably died . Of the certaine time of this journey of the emperours into ASIA , authors agree not ; howbe●t most refer it vnto the yeere 1146. This expedition , though not so fortunat as was at the first well hoped of , yet profited the Christian common weale in this , That the Turks therewith throughly busied , and doubtfull of the euent thereof , Baldwin in the meane time fortified GAZA ( sometimes a famous citie of the Philistines , but as then ruinous ) which serued as a most sure bulwarke for the defence of that part of his kingdome toward AEGYPT ; and also for the distressing of ASCALON , the onely refuge of the Aegyptians , then left in that country : which strong citie standing vpon the sea side , he with all the power of his kingdome afterward besieged both by sea and land ; vnto the reliefe whereof , the Caliph of AEGYPT , after it had beene fiue moneths by the Christians besieged , sent a strong fleet of threescore and ten gallies . At which time also on the other side Noradin the Turke , who had now got into his hand all the kingdome of DAMASCO , to withdraw the Christians from the siege of ASCALON , besieged PANEADA , from whence he was by the valour of the citizens repulsed , as was also the Caliphs fleet at sea , and the siege at ASCALON continued . Where at length the Christians after long batterie had made a breach in the wall , but giuing thereunto an assault , they were with great losse of their men repulsed , and the breach againe by the enemie repaired ; who to the greater despite of the Christians , hanged ouer the walles in roaps the dead bodies of their slaine : with which spectacle , the chiefe commanders of the armie were so mooued , that they with all their power returned againe to the assault , with a full resolution to gage thereon their whole forces : which they so couragiously performed , that the besieged discouraged with the great slaughter of their men , and now with true valour ouercome , craued parley ; and so couenanting that they might with their liues in safetie depart , agreed to yeeld vp the citie , which they accordingly performed . The spoile of the citie was giuen to the souldiers , and the gouernment thereof vnto Almericke , the kings brother , earle of IOPPA . By this victorie , great securitie was gained vnto that side of the kingdome , the enemie hauing now no place left in those parts whereon to set his foot . About the same time also ( or as some write euen at the same time together with the emperour ) Lewis the French king , the eight of that name , tooke vpon him the like expedition for the reliefe of the Christians in the Holy land : who setting forward with all the chiualrie of FRANCE , and accompanied with diuers other great princes , with a right puissant armie came to CONSTANTINOPLE , where he was by Emanuel the emperour honourably receiued , with all the outward shews of faigned courtesie that could be deuised . But hauing passed the strait and landed in ASIA , he found nothing answerable to that the dissembling Greeke had before most largely promised . And to distresse him the more , was by false guides before corrupted by the emperour , conducted through the most desolate and barren countries , where by the way a wonderfull number of his souldiers perished of hunger and thirst : many of them also being cut off in the strait and difficult passages , or as they straied from the armie by the Greeks themselues , appointed by the malicious emperour for that purpose . Yet after many dangers passed , and his armie sore wasted , he came at length into SYRIA , and laid siege vnto DAMASCO , the royall seat of Noradin the Turkish king ; which he so notably impugned that the defendants were almost out of hope to be able for any long time to hold him out . Neither had it otherwise hapned , had not enuie the inseperable attendant of all honourable actions , frustrated so great an hope : for the besieged Turks being brought to great extremitie , and now euen at the point to haue yeelded the citie , certaine of the Christian princes of that countrey ; vnderstanding that the king had promised the gouernment of that so famous a citie vnto Philip earle of FLANDERS , if it should be woon ; and secretly grudging to haue a stranger preferred before themselues ; corrupted also ( as some say ) with the Turks gold , fraudulently persuaded the king to remooue from that part of the citie where he lay and might in fine haue taken the same , vnto another far stronger : where , after he had lyen a great while , striuing with no small extremities , he was inforced for want of victuals , to raise his siege and to depart . And so without any thing done woorth the remembrance , returned againe into FRANCE , detesting the verie name of Emanuel the Greeke emperour ; by whose sinister dealing , so notable an expedition was brought to be of none effect , to the great discouraging of all other Christian princes for taking the like againe in hand . Now had the state of the Christians in SYRIA for certaine yeeres after the aforesaid expeditions , rested in good peace : when Noradin the Turke ( mooued with some injuries done by the Christians vnto the Turks and Arabians , who by the leaue of king Baldwin dwelt in the forrest of LYBANVS ) came and straightly besieged PANEADE , a citie of the Christians there by : vpon whom the Christians in the citie , now brought vnto great extremitie , made a most desperat sally , and had with the Turks a sharpe and cruell fight : but oppressed with the multitude & enforced to retire , they were so hardly pursued , that the Turks together with them entred the citie , and put to sword all that came in their way . Neuerthelesse , the greater part of the citizens ( by good fortune ) had in good time before retired themselues into the castle , which was of great strength , and there stood vpon their guard . Of whose distresse , with the taking of the citie , Baldwin hearing , raised a great armie , & so set forward to relieue thē . But Noradin hearing of his comming , & doubtfull of his owne strength , after he had takē the spoile of what he could , set fire on the citi● & so departed . The citizens thus deliuered , repaired againe the wals of the citie , the kings power still defending them . Noradin with his power all the while lying close in the woods not far off , still awaiting the offer of some good opportunitie to take the Christians at aduantage , which shortly after fell out according to his owne desire : For the king doubting no such matter , but supposing him to haue been quite gone , hauing at his returne sent away all his footmen , followed after himselfe accompanied onely with his horsemen , and they also not verie strong : but as he was passing the riuer IORDAN , he was suddenly set vpon by Noradin and the Turks , and after a sharpe conflict ouerthrown . The king himselfe with some few hardly escaped to SAPHET , a towne therby ; most part of his nobilitie being there either slaine or taken prisoners : amongst the rest , Bertrand of BLANQVEFORT , master of the Templars , with diuers others of great name fell at that time into the enemies hands , and so were carried away prisoners . After this victorie , Noradin strengthened with new supplies from DAMASCO , came againe and besieged PANEADE , in good hope that the citizens discouraged with so great an ouerthrow of the king , and out of hope to be by him relieued , would now either yeeld the citie , or else not be able long to hold it out . But the king contrarie to his expectation , had in shorter time than was thought possible , raised a great power ; and aided by the prince of ANTIOCH and the countie of TRIPOLIS was marching to the reliefe of his citie : of whose approch Noradin vnderstanding , although he had made diuers breaches in the wals , & brought the citizens almost vnto vtter despaire , rise with his armie and departed . And so Baldwin hauing now twice relieued the besieged citie , returned also to IERVSALEM . Many an hard conflict with the Turks had this young king afterwards , during the fortunate time of his raigne : wherein that troublesome kingdome happily flourished amidst the miscreants , all which to recount , were long and tedious . Yet among other things , it is woorth the remembrance , how that Noradin the Turke , then king of DAMASCO , besieging SUETA , a castle belonging to the kingdome of HIERUSALEM , was in a set battell by Baldwin ouerthrowne and put to flight , with the losse of the greatest part of his armie . King Baldwin had before married Emanuell the Greeke emperours neece : and now the same emperour by Guido Stephanus , and Trisillus his embassadours , requested to haue giuen him againe in marriage one of the kings nigh kinswomen . Vnto whom the king after mature deliberation had concerning that matter , offered him Matilde , an honourable ladie , the sister of the countie of TRIPOLIS ; whom the emperour refused : and afterward by the consent of the king , made choice of Mary the daughter of Raymund prince of ANTIOCH lately dead . Which the countie of TRIPOLIS taking in euill part , in reuenge thereof , by certaine men of warre whom he put to sea , grieuously infested the frontiers of the emperours dominions . Now during the time that the marriage was in solemnising , the king made his abode at ANTIOCH , at which time he fortefied the castle of PONTISFER vpon the riuer ORONTES , against the incursions of the enemies . But lying there , he according to his wonted manner , to preuent sicknesse , vpon the approch of Winter tooke physicke of Baraca Iew , the countie of TRIPOLIS his physician . After the taking whereof , he fell presently into the bloudie flix , and afterward into a consumption : whereby it was verely supposed , that he was poysoned by the Iew , and the rather , for that some little part of the same medicine that was left , being giuen to a dog , he thereof in short time died . The king thus languishing in paine , to change the aire , remooued first to TRIPOLIS , & afterward to BERYTUS , where he departed this troublesome life , to liue with his Sauiour Christ in blisse for euer . His dead bodie was afterward with the generall mourning of his subjects conueied to HIERUSALEM , and there solemnly enterred by the bodie of his father . He departed the 13 of Februarie in the yeere of grace 1163 when he had raigned 21 yeeres . He was a man so gracious , that not onely his friends , but euen the infidels themselues ( as it is reported ) lamented his death . Insomuch that Noradin king of DAMASCO , his antient enemie , being incited by some of his captaines to inuade his kingdome at such time as his funerals were in solemnising , refused so to doe , answering , That compassion and regard was to be had of the just sorrow of the Christians his subjects ; for that they had lost such a king , as the like was hardly againe to bee found in the world . But leauing the kingdome of HIERUSALEM , with the greater part of SYRIA , thus victoriously gained from the infidels : let vs for the orderly continuation of our historie , againe returne to see th● proceedings of the Turkes at the same time in the lesser ASIA also : wherein they yet held the state of a kingdome , though not so great as before the comming of the princes of the West into those countries . After the death of Sultan Solyman ( with whome duke Godfrey and the other Christian princes had much to doe as they passed into SYRIA ) as is aforesaid , one Muhamet succeeded him : betwixt whom and Masut , Sultan of ICONIUM , great discord arise , which at length brake out into open warre , to the farther weakening of that late shaken kingdome . For the maintenance of which quarrell , as profitable for his state , Iohn Comnenus the Greeke emperour , gaue aid to Masut against his enemie Muhamet . Neuerthelesse in short time the two infidels ( professing both one superstition ) became friends , and joyning their forces , ouerthrew the emperour with his whole armie , as he lay at the siege of ICONIUM , at which time he himselfe with much adoe escaped by flight . Masut afterwards hauing got into his hands the whole kingdome of the Turks , at the time of his death deuided the same amongst his three sonnes : Vnto Clizasthlan his eldest sonne hee gaue ICONIUM his cheefe citie , with the townes and prouinces subject thereunto : Vnto Iagupasan his other sonne ( or rather as some will haue it , his sonne in law ) he allotted AMASIA and ANCYRA , with the fruitfull country of CAPPADOCIA and the places adjoyning : But vnto Dadune his other sonne ( or sonne in law ) hee gaue the great cities of CESARIA and SEBASTIA , with the large countries thereabouts , all sometime part of the Greeke empire , but then the portions of the Turks . Long it was not after this deuision of the kingdome , but that these brethren after the manner of ambitious men , forgetfull of the bonds both of loue and nature , fell at discord among themselues ; the Sultan seeking the destruction of Iagupasan , and he likewise of him , and that not by secret meanes , but euen by open force of armes ▪ Emanuell the Greeke emperour in the meane time wishing the destruction of them both , heartely rejoycing thereat , and by his embassadours secretly animating the one against the other , yet in open shew more fauouring the part of Iagupasan than of the Sultan , by whose aid he obtained against him many a notable and bloodie victorie : insomuch , that the Sultan wearie of the quarrell , was glad not onely by his embassadours to seeke the emperours sauour , but euen in person himselfe to go and meet him , as he came with his armie out of SIRIA , and so to accompanie him vnto CONSTANTINOPLE , where he was together with the emperour most honourably receiued , with all the signes of joy and triumph that could possibly be deuised . The emperour no lesse rejoycing to be sued vnto by so great a prince , than did the Sultan at his so honourable entertainment . Among other queint deuises of many , for the solemnizing of so great a triumph , there was an actiue Turke , who had openly giuen it out , that against an appointed time he would from the top of an high tower in the tilt-yeard , flie by the space of a furlong . The report whereof had filled the citie with a woonderfull expectation of so strange a noueltie . The time prefixed being come , and the people without number assembled ; the Turke according to his promise , vpon the top of the high tower shewed himselfe , girt in a long and large white garment , gathered into many plites and foldings , made of purpose for the gathering of the wind : wherewith the foolish man had vainely persuaded himselfe to haue houered in the aire , as do birds vpon their wings , or to haue guided himselfe as are ships with their sailes . Standing thus houering a great while , as readie to take his flight ; the beholders still laughing , and crying out , Flie Turke , flie , how long shall we expect thy flight ? The emperour in the meane time dissuading him from so desperat an attempt : and the Sultan betwixt feare and hope hanging in doubtfull suspence what might happen to his countrieman . The Turke , after he had a great while houered with his armes abroad ( the better to haue gathered the wind , as birds do with their wings ) and long deluded the expectation of the beholders : at length finding the wind fit , as he thought for his purpose , committed himselfe with his vaine hope vnto the aire : But in steed of mounting aloft , this foolish Icarus came tumbling downe headlong with such violence , that he brake his necke , his armes and legs , with almost all the bones of his bodie . This foolish flight of the Turke gaue such occasion of sport and laughter vnto the vulgar people , alwaies readie to scoffe and jest at such ridiculous matters , that the Turks attending vpon the Sultan , could not walke in the streets vnderided ; the artificers in their shops shaking their armes with their tooles in their hands , as did the Turke , and still crying out Flie Turke , flie : whereof the emperour hearing , although he could not chuse but thereat smile himselfe , as not ignorant of the scoffes and taunts of the vulgar people ; yet in fauour of the Sultan , who was not a little grieued therewith , he commanded such their insolencie to be restrained . The solemnitie of the triumph ouerpassed ( which by an ominous earthquake at the same time hapning , was somewhat obscured ) the emperour to shew his wealth , and to gratifie the Sultan , gaue vnto him many rich and royall presents , with such a masse of treasure , as that he much woondred thereat . In requitall whereof , and in token of his thankfulnesse , he againe honoured the emperor with the name of his Father , and tearming himselfe by the name of his Sonne , promised to restore vnto him the citie of SEBASTIA , with the territorie thereunto belonging , then part of Dadune his inheritance . Neuerthelesse , all this was nothing else but meere dissimulation , as afterward by proofe appeared . For returning home , hee thrust Dadune indeed out of SEBASTIA , which he spoiled with the countrey thereabout ; but forgetfull of his promise , kept it wholy to himselfe : and by force tooke also from him the citie of CESARIA , with the countrey of AMASIA , by him before but lately possessed . In like manner , he bent his forces also vpon I●gupasan his other brother , who in the very preparation of those wars died : by whose vntimely death the citie of ANCYRA , with all his dominions in CAPADOCIA , fell into the Sultans hands . Who now possessed of all his fathers kingdom , and swelling with pride , forgetting all former curtesies , inuaded the emperours territories , and tooke from him the citie of LAODICEA in PHRIGIA , where he did great harme ; as also in the countrey thereabouts , killing the people as he went , or else carrying them away with him captiues . For the repressing of which outrages , the emperor with a strong armie passed ouer into ASIA , and there in the frontiers of his territories fortified DORILEVM against the incursious of the Turks . In performing whereof , he to the example and stirring vp of others , carried the first basked of stones himselfe vpon his shoulders ; and vsed such farther diligence , that in short time the citie was compassed about with strong wals , and deepe ditches , maugre the Turkes , who ceased not with continuall alarms and skirmishes to haue hindred the worke . With like care and for like purpose he also fortified SVELEVM , another strong hold : and leauing in either place a strong garrison , returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE . Neuerthelesse the Turks ceased not with continuall inroads to do what harmes they might vpon the frontiers of the empire , though not altogether with so good successe as before , being many times cut off by the garrisons of the late fortified townes : which grieuances still encreasing , caused the emperour to expostulate with the Sultan , as with an vnthankfull man , and forgetfull of so great kindnesse before done vnto him , as the establishment of him in his kingdome came vnto : who with no lesse vehemencie vpbraided him againe with vnconstancie and breach of promise , as well for fortifying the aforesaid places contrarie to the league betwixt them , as for that hauing promised much more , he had thereof performed nothing . Thus vnkindnesse dayly growing vpon euerie trifle , as it commonly falleth out among men of great spirit , and jealous of their owne honours : it was dayly expected when the matter should fall out into open & bloodie war ; both of them being men of great valour , and apt to reuenge the least injurie to them offred . Yet was it the Sultans maner warely to mannage his wars by his politike and expert captaines : whereas the emperour being of an hotter nature , and couragious aboue measure , commonly in all his great expeditions aduentured his owne person , without respect what danger might thereof ensue vnto himselfe or his state . Long it was not but that the emperour fully resolued to be reuenged of so many wrongs done vnto him and his subjects by the Turks , raised the whole power of his empire both in EVROPE and ASIA , in such sort as if he had therewith purposed , not onely to haue rased to the ground ICONIVM , the regall seat of the Turkish Sultan , but euen vtterly to haue destroied the whole nation of the Turks . Thus with a most puissant and populous armie , well appointed of all things necessarie , he passed ouer into ASIA , and so in good order marching through PHRYGIA , LAODICEA , CHONAS ( called in antient time PASSAS ) S. ARCHANGEL , LAMPIS , CaeraeNAS ( where the head of the great and famous riuer MaeANDER riseth , whereinto the riuer MARSYAS falleth ) and from thence to CHONIA , he with euill lucke , and woorse speed , passed by MYRIOCEPHALON , an old ruinous castle , ominous by the name thereof , as by the euent in short time after it prooued . And albeit that he marched verie circumspectly , still intrenching his armie in euerie place where he lodged ; yet could he make but small speed , by reason of the multitude of his carriages , and of the base people that attended the same . The Turks in the meane while oftentimes shewing themselues in troupes , and in places of aduantage , skirmishing sometime with one part of the armie and sometime with another , but neuer daring to aduenture the fortune of a just battell : yet by such meanes were the victualers of the armie oftentimes cut off , and the passages for the emperour made verie dangerous . And the more to distresse the Christians in their long trauell , they found the countrey before them of purpose destroied by the Turks , and the water in many places poysoned , whereof the Christians vnaduisedly drinking , fell into many grieuous diseases , especially the flix , and thereof died in great number . The Sultan in the mean time , although he had in readines a right puissant armie of his owne , & had procured great and from the Persian Sultan his kinsman and chiefe supporter : yet fearing the doubtfull euent of war , and loath to aduenture his whole estate vpon the fortune of a battell , sought by his embassadours ( sent for that purpose ) to grow to some peace with the emperour , and that vpon such honourable conditions , as by the wiser sort were thought not to bee at any hand refused : which large offers , the Sultan as desirous of peace , made vnto him not once , but againe and againe ; which the emperour neuerthelesse ( reposing great confidence in his owne power , and prickt forward by the gallants of the court , better acquainted with the braue triumphs of peace than the hard wars of the Turks ) proudly rejected ; and so dismissing the embassadours , scornfully willed them to tell their master , That he would giue him answere vnto his requests vnder the wals of ICONIUM . Which caused the Sultan , now out of all hope of any reconciliation to be made betwixt the emperour and him , with all his power to take the straits of ZIBRICA , whereby the armie of the Christians , departing from MYRIOCEPHALON must of necessitie passe . The entrance into these straits was by a long valley , on either side enclosed with high mountaines , which toward the North rising and falling according as the hils gaue leaue , opened into diuers large vallies , which by little and little growing againe straighter and straighter , with high and craggie rocks hanging ouer on either side , and almost touching one another , gaue vnto the painefull traveller a most hard and difficult passage . Into this so dangerous a valley , the emperour not fearing the enemies force , desperately entred with his armie , hauing neither prouided for the cleering of the passages , or safetie of his carriages ▪ in no other order than as if hee had marched through the plaine and champain countrey , although it were before told him ( that which he shortly after , but too late , saw ) that the enemie had strongly possessed both the straits and the mountains , to hinder his farther passage . The vauward of his armie was conducted by Iohn and Andronicus , the sonnes of Angelus Constantine , accompanied with Macroducas Constantine and Lapardas Andronicus : In the right wing was Baldwin , the emperours brother in law ; and in the left Maurozomes Theodorus : After them followed the drudges and scullions , with an infinit number of carters and other base people , attending vpon the carriages , with the baggage of the whole armie : Next vnto these came the emperour with the maine battell , consisting for the most part of right valiant and worthie souldiers : The rereward was shut vp by Andronicus Contostephanus , with a number of most resolute men . They were not farre entred into these straits , but that the Turks from the mountains and broken cliffes , shewed themselues on euery side , deliuering their deadly shot from the vpper ground vpon the Christians below , as thicke as haile . Neuerthelesse the sonnes of Angelus with Macroducas and Lapardus , and the vauntguard , casting themselues into a three square battell in forme of a wedge , with their targuets in manner of a penthouse cast close together ouer their heads , and their archers on euery side lustely bestowing their shot amongst the thickest of their enemies , by plaine force driue them out of the straits they had before possessed , and caused them to retire farther off into the mountaines ; and so hauing made themselues way , with little or no losse passed those dangerous straits : vntill that at length hauing recouered the top of an hill , very commodious for their purpose , as the case stood , they there staied , and presently encamped themselues . And happely , with like good fortune might the rest of the armie haue passed also , had they in like order , and with like courage , presently followed after . But failing so to doe , and troubled with the multitude of their carriages , which could not possibly make any way through those strait and rough passages ( but troubled themselues one another , as also the whole armie ) they were from the vpper ground miserably ouerwhelmed with the multitude of the Turkish archers , whose arrowes fell as thicke vpon them from the mountaines , as if it had been a perpetuall tempest or shoure of haile , to the great disordering & dismaying of the whole armie : which the Turks quickly perceiuing , and therewith encouraged , in great numbers came downe from the mountaines where they had before houered ouer the heads of the Christians , and forcibly entring the plaine ground , and comming to handy blowes , first ouerthrew the right wing ; where Baldwin himselfe seeking to restore his disordered companies , and to stay the furie of the enemie , ( now raging in the blood of the Christians ) with a troupe of valiant horsemen breaking into the thickest of them , as became a worthie captaine , was there compassed in with the multitude of his enemies , and slaine , together with all his followers , and the greatest part of the whole wing by him commanded . With this victorie the Turkes were so encouraged , that comming down with all their power , they stopped all the waies whereby the Christians were to passe , who as men couped vp in those dangerous straits , were not able either to defend themselues , or to helpe one another : but inclosed as deere in a toyle , and one troubling another , were the cause both of the destruction of themselues and others . For by reason of the straitnesse of the place , neither could they that were before , retire , either they that were behind in the rereward , come forward to relieue the one the other , as need required : the carriages also , which were many , and in the middle of the armie , seruing them to no other purpose than to the hurt of themselues . There were the beasts that serued for burden , together with the souldiours , ouerwhelmed with the Turkes shot , the vallies lay full of dead bodies , the riuers ran mingled with the blood of men and beasts , in such terrible manner , as is not by pen to be expressed . For the Christians not able either to goe forward , or retire , were there in those straits slaine like sheepe : if any courage or sparke of valour were by any shewed against the enemie , fighting at so great aduantage , it was but lost , seruing to little or no purpose . And to increase these miseries , the Turks in scorn shewed vpon the point of a launce the head of Andronicus Bataza , the emperours nephew , who comming with an armie out of PAPHLAGONIA , and HERACLEA PONTICA , against the Turks of AMASIA , was now by the way by them ouerthrowne and slaine . The report whereof , confirmed by the sight of his head , and the consideration of the desperat danger wherin the whole armie presently stood , so troubled the emperour that hee was at his wits end : and with drie teares ( if it may be so said ) dissembling his inward greefe , as one out of comfort , stood doubtfull which way to turne himselfe . For the Turks hauing suffred the vauntguard to passe , with all their power charged the emperours maine battell , as his cheefe strength , nothing doubting , but that hauing once ouerthrowne it , they should easily and at pleasure ouerthrow the rest . Oftentimes had the emperour attempted to haue driuen the enemie out of those straits , and so to haue opened a way for his armie to haue passed , but all in vaine , the power of the Turkes still increasing , and they at great aduantage notably maintaining the passages before by them taken . Neuerthelesse , seeing no lesse danger in staying still , than in going forward , he with a few of his best souldiers , armed with despaire , and resolued to die ( vnto which kind of men nothing is terrible ) set forward directly vpon his enemies , willing the rest with like resolution euery man to make for himselfe the best shift he could . And so with many wounds and sturdie blows both giuen & receiued , he by plaine force and might of hand brake through the thickest of his enemies , and so escaped out of those straits , as out of a trap . But yet not without many wounds receiued in his person , and himselfe so wearied as that he was not able to lift vp his helmet , being beaten close to his head , and in his targuet were found sticking thirtie of the Turkes arrowes or thereabouts , the manifest tokens of his danger . The other legions seeking to follow the emperour ( for other way they had none ) were on euery side hardly assailed by the Turkes , and infinit numbers of them slaine ; beside many others that perished in those straits , ouerborne and troden to death by their owne fellowes . Yea such as had the fortune to escape out of one of these perrillous straits , were forthwith slaine in the next : for this so dangerous a passage through the mountaines , was deuided ( as is aforesaid ) into seuen vallies , which giuing faire and broad entrances , the farther a man w●nt , grew still straiter and straiter , all which straits the Turkes had before strongly possessed . At which time also , the more to increase the terrour of the day , the light sand raised with the feet of the men and horses , was with the violence of a most tempestuous wind which then blew , carried so forcibly and thicke , that both the armies grapling together , as if it had been in the darkenesse of the night , killed whomsoeuer they met withall , without respect of friend or foe , by which errour many were euen of their owne friends slaine . In euery place lay great heapes of the Turks slaine together with the Christians , and with them great numbers of horses and other beasts for carriage , so that those vallies where this bloodie conflict was , seemed to bee nothing els but a large burying place of the Turk●s and Christians with their horses : But the greater number was of the Christians that perished , and they not altogether of the common sort , but euen of the brauest captaines , and the emperours neerest kinsmen . The violence of the wind ceasing and the day cleering vp , there was of all others to bee seene ( a most wofull spectacle ) men yet aliue , some wounded , some whole , couered some to the middle , some to the necke , with dead carkasses , in such sort , as that they were not able with any strugling to get out : who with their hands cast vp towards heauen , with ruthfull voices cried out for helpe to such as passed by ; but all in vaine , for euery man possessed with the common feare , and by their danger measuring their owne , passed by them without compassion , as more carefull of their owne safetie , leauing them yet liuing as men to be numbred among the dead . The emperor himselfe , as a man almost now spent , being got out of the danger , stood a while to breath himselfe vnder the shaddow of a wild peare tree , without any page or man to attend him ; whom a poore common souldior espying , and mooued with compassion , came vnto him , and offring him the best seruice he could , helped him vp with his helmet , and buckled vp his armour , which before hung dangling here and there about him : when in the meane while a Turke comming in vpon him , had taken his horse by the bridle , in hope to haue led him away prisoner : whom for all that , the emperour as wearie as hee was , with the trunchion of his broken launce which he had yet in his hand , strucke downe to the ground , and so 〈◊〉 himselfe of him . Presently after came also another sort of the stragling Turkes , readie also to ●aue ceized vpon him and to haue taken him prisoner , of whom he slew one with the aforesaid horsemans staffe , and with his sword strucke off the head of another of them , and so kept them off vntill that by the comming in of ten of his owne souldiors hee was relieued . Departing thence with purpose to haue joined himselfe vnto the legions that were gone before in the vauward , hee had not gone farre but that he was much troubled by other Turkes that hee met , and the heapes of the dead bodies that lay in his way : yet at last , hauing with much labour and more danger passed those straits , and a riuer running thereby , being glad in many places to ride ouer the dead bodies of his owne people , and some other of his owne souldiors now resorting vnto him ; he there saw Iohn Catacuzene , a noble and right valiant gentleman that had maried his neece , fighting alone against a great number of the Turkes , to be compassed in and slaine ; whom he was no way able to relieue . Which Turkes also seeing him passe by , followed after him as after a most rich prey , in hope to haue either presently taken or slaine him : whom neuerthelesse hee ( encouraging the small companie he had about him ) notably repulsed ; and so sometime marching forward , and againe as occasion required , making a stand , came at length long looked for but most welcome , vnto the legions that were gone before , not so sorrie for their owne hard estate , as carefull of his danger . But before he could come to those his legions , he readie to faint for thirst , commanded water to be brought him out of the riuer that ran fast by ; which after he had tasted , and by the vnpleasant tast thereof , perceiued the same to be infected , he fetting a deepe sigh , said , O how vnfortunately haue I tasted Christian bloud : whereunto an audacious and malapert souldior there present , and more bitter than the cruell time it selfe , replied ; Emperour , thou didst not now , thou didst not now , I say , first , but long since , and oftentimes , drinke the bloud of the Christians , euen vntill thou wast drunke againe , at such time as thou didst with most grieuous exactions vex and deuour thy poore subiects . Which reprochfull speech the emperour put vp in silence , making as if hee had not heard it . With like patience he also forbare the same rayling companion , at such time as he seeing his treasures hardly beset and in danger to be taken by the Turks , to animate his souldiors , willed them to doe what they could to rescue the same , and to take it for their labour . This treasure ( said this impudent fellow ) should before haue been giuen vnto thy souldiors , rather than now when as it cannot be recouered but with great danger and bloodshed : and therefore , if thou be a man of valour , as thou wouldest bee accounted , and as the present case requireth , valiantly charge the Turkes ( now readie to carrie it away ) thy selfe , and so recouer thine euill gotten goods . Whereunto the emperour answered no more but , Good words souldior , and so put it vp , as did Dauid the railings of Shimei . Shortly after the comming of the emperour vnto these legions of his vaunt-guard ( the onely remainder of his armie that was left whole and vnbroken ) came also Andronicus Contostephanus , who had the leading of the rereward , with diuers others of great place , who had by good fortune escaped the furie of the Turks . The miseries of that day ( not well to be expressed ) being ended by the comming on of the night , the Christians sat in the campe oppressed with a generall heauinesse , leaning their heads vpon their elbowes , and considering the present danger wherein they were , scarcely accounted themselues among the liuing : the Turks in the meane time to increase their feare , all the night running about the campe , & crying aloud vnto such of their countrimen in the campe , as had abjured their religion , or for other respects had taken part with the imperials , that they should that night get them out of the campe , whereas otherwise if they staied vnto the morning they should be all but lost men . In this so great an extremitie the emperour not knowing what to do , calling together his chiefe commanders , declared vnto them the desperate danger they were in , together with his resolution : which was , secretly himselfe to flie , and to leaue the rest , euery man to make what shift he could for himselfe . Which his base determination , so foule as fouler could not be , they all wondering at , as proceeding from a distraughted mind : and by chaunce ouerheard by one of the common souldiors , that stood without the tent , the same souldior fetching a deepe sigh , in detestation thereof , cried out with a loud voice , What meanes the emperour : and so turning himselfe vnto him , said : Art not thou hee that hast thrust vs into this desolat and strait way , and cast vs headlong into destruction ? and hast as it were in a morter enclosed vs in these rockes and mountaines , readie as it were to ouerwhelme vs. What had we to doe with this vaile of mourning , and mouth of hell ? Wherefore came wee into these mischieuous and rough straits ? What can wee particularly complaine of the Barbarians , which in these inextricable windings and straits haue thus entangled and beset vs ? Was it not thou that broughtst vs hither ? And wilt thou now as sheepe appointed to the slaughter , thy selfe betray vs ? With which so sharpe a reprehension the emperour throughly pierced , changed his former determination for flight , resoluing now to stand by it , whatsoeuer happened . But what should hee now doe beset with his enemies , still readie to deuour him ? helpe he saw none , either in himselfe or to be expected from others ; nought remained but death and despaire . In this extremitie , all mans helpe now failing , it pleased the most mightie ( which chastiseth and healeth againe , which striketh and yet giueth life , and suffereth not the staffe of the sinners alwaies to rage into the portion of the just ) with mercifull eye to looke downe vpon these distressed men , and with an vnwonted kind of clemencie to touch the Sultans heart , in such sort , as that he which but the other day stood in dread of the emperour , and now hauing him as it were in his power , was ouercome with his miserie : or as in times past hee by Husai ouerthrew the counsell of Achitophell , and changed the mind of Absolon to follow such aduise as should bring him to destruction : so then also he turned the mind of the Turkish Sultan , that ( persuaded by certain of the chiefe men about him , who in time of peace had vsed to receiue great gifts and presents from the emperor ) he of his own accord by his embassadors offred peace vnto the emperor , before that he in so great distresse sued vnto him for any ; & that vpon the selfesame conditions they had made their leagues before . The Turks in the meane time ignorant of the Sultans resolution , early in the morning were readie to assault the emperours campe , in hope at once to haue ouerthrowne his whole power ; and with a barbarous outcrie still riding about it , came so nigh , that with their arrowes they slew diuers of the Christians within their owne trenches : Against whom the emperour sent out Iohn the sonne of Constantinus Angelus , and after him Macroducas Constantinus , but to little or no purpose . In the meane time came one Gabras , a man of the greatest reputation among the Turkes , embassadour from the Sultan , by whose commandement the Turks ceased farther to assault the campe . This Gabras comming vnto the emperour , and after the manner of the Barbarians , honouring him with reuerence done euen downe to the ground : First presented him with a goodly horse , whose furniture was all of siluer , as if it had beche for triumph , and a faire two edged sword . Afterwards falling into a large discourse concerning a peace to be made , and with many kind words , as with an enchantment , appeasing the emperours heauinesse conceiued of his late losse ; he among other pleasant conceits then vttered , seeing the emperor in a rich roab of yellow ouer his a●mour , told him , That that colour was not fit for war , as ominous and portending euill lucke : whereat the emperour a little smiling , gaue it him with the fortune thereof : and receiuing the horse and sword sent him from the Sultan , signed the peace . Amongst other conditions of the peace ( which the dangerousnesse of the time suffred not the emperour curiously to examine ; one was , That DORILEVM and SVBLEVM before by him fortified , and the ground of this vnfortunate war , should be againe rased . Peace thus beyond all hope being concluded , and the emperour deliuered of a great feare , purposed another way to returne home to auoid the sight of the slaine : yet was he by his guides , euen of purpose as it was thought , lead backe the same way , to behold with his eies those miserable spectacles of the slaine , which could not with any teares be sufficiently lamented : for the straits were made plaine , the vallies were raised into hils , and the forrest lay couered with the carkasses of the slaine : no man passed by , but with heauinesse and griefe , calling by name vpon their friends and familiars there lost . Hauing again passed those dolefull straits , the Turks were againe in the taile of the armie : for it was reported , that the Sultan repenting himselfe to haue suffered his enemies so to escape out of his hands , had giuen leaue vnto such as would , to pursue them , but followed not himselfe with his whole power as before ; for most of the better sort of his souldiers loaded with the spoile , were now returned home . Yet these that followed after the armie , slew many , especially such as were weake or wounded , and so vnable to follow the rest : although the emperour to helpe the matter , had for the repulsing of them , placed the best of his captaines and souldiers in the rearward . Being come to CHONAS , and now out of feare of his enemies , he gaue vnto euerie one of his hurt souldiers money to pay for the curing of their wounds , and to bring them into their countries . And comming to PHILADELPHIA , there staid for the refreshing of himselfe after so great miseries . In his returne he rased SVBLEVM according to his promise , but not DORILEVM : whereof the Sultan by his embassadors complaining , he answered , That what he had , enforced thereunto by necessitie , promised , he greatly forced not to performe . In reuenge whereof , the Sultan sent out one of his most valiant captaines , called Atapacke , with foure and twentie thousand good souldiers , chosen out of his whole armie , with strait charge to waste and destroy all the emperours prouinces and townes , euen vnto the sea side , without sparing man woman or child ; and in token thereof , to bring with him some of the sea water , an oare , and some of the sea sand : who according to his charge , spoiled PHRIGIA with the cities along the riuer MEANDER , euen vnto the sea side . And so returning with a rich prey , by the way spoiled what before he had lest vntouched . But in passing the riuer MEANDER , when he feared least , he fell into the hands of Iohn Bataza the emperours nephew , and of Ducas Constantine , a most valiant captaine , of purpose sent against him by the Emperour with a great power ; where he was by them slaine together with all his armie , and the rich bootie hee had taken all againe recouered . Many other hard conflicts passed after this betwixt the Imperials and the Turks , the one continually seeking to anoy the other ; all which for that therein nothing fell out much woorth the remembrance , I for breuitie willingly passe ouer . In these endlesse troubles died Emanuel the Greeke emperour , when he had by the space of eight and thirtie yeeres woorthily gouerned that great empire , hauing in the time of his sicknesse but a little before his death taken vpon him the habit of a monke , in token he had forsaken the world . All the time of his raigne he was no lesse jealous of the Christian princes of the West than of the Turks in the East , and therefore euer delt with them vnkindly . In time of war he was so laborious , as if he had neuer taken felicitie but in paine ; and againe in peace so giuen ouer to his pleasure , as if he had neuer thought of any thing else . After whose death the Turkish Sultan , without resistance inuading the frontiers of the empire , tooke SOZOPOLIS with diuers townes thereabout in PHRIGIA ; and long besieged the famous cittie of ATTALIA , and so dayly encroched more and more vpon the prouinces of the empire , joyning the same vnto his owne , which was no great matter for him to doe , the Greeke empire being then no better gouerned than was the charriot of the Sunne ( as the Poets faigne ) by Phaëton , far vnfit for so great a charge : for Alexius Comnenus , otherwise called Porphyrogenitus , being then but a child of about twelue yeeres old , succeeding his graue father in the empire , after the manner of children altogether following his pleasure ; his mother with his fathers kinsmen and friends , who aboue all things ought to haue had an especiall care of his education , neglecting the old emperors trust in them reposed , followed also their owne delights , without regard of the ruine of the common weale . Some enamoured with the beautie of the yoong empresse , gaue themselues all to brauerie , and the courting of her : othersome in great authoritie with no lesse desire in the meane time , with the common treasures filled their emptie cofers : and a third sort there was ( of all the rest most dangerous ) who neither respecting their sensuall pleasure , neither the heaping vp of wealth , looked not so low , ayming at the verie empire it selfe . As for the common good , that was of all other things of them all least regarded . Amongst these third sort of the ambitious , was one Andronicus , the cousin of the late emperour Emanuel , a man of an haughtie and troublesome spirit , whom he the said emperor Emanuel had for his aspiring , most part of the time of his raigne kept in prison , or else in exile , as he now was , being by him not long before , for feare of raising of new troubles , confined to liue far off from the court at OENUM : who now hearing of the death of the emperour Emanuel , of the factions in court , of the childishnesse of the yoong emperour Alexius , giuen wholy to his sports ; and the great men put in trust to haue seene to his bringing vp and to the gouernment of the empire , some like bees to flie abroad into the countrey , seeking after money as the bees do for honie ; some others in the meane time like hogs , lying still and fatting themselues with great and gainefull offices , wallowing in all excesse and pleasure , to haue no regard of the honour or profit of the common weale : thought it now a fit time ( in such disorder of the state ) for him to aspire vnto the empire , after which he had all his life time longed . That he was generally beloued of the Constantinopolitans , yea and of some of the nobilitie also , he doubted not : for them he had long before by his popular behauiour gained , together with the distrust of the late emperor , jealous of his estate ; which as it cost him his libertie , so missed it not much but that it had cost him his life also : but now that he was dead , wanted nothing more than some faire colour for the shadowing of his foule purpose . Amongst many and right diuers things by him thought vpon , was a clause in the oath of obedience which he had giuen vnto the emperour Emanuel and Alexius his sonne , ( which oath he had deliuered vnto him in writing ) That if he should see , heare , or vnderstand of any thing dangerous or hurtfull to their honour , empire , or persons , he should foorthwith bewray it , and to the vttermost of his power withstand it : which words ( not so to haue beene wrested ) as best seruing for his purpose , he tooke first occasion for to worke vpon . And as he was a stout and emperious man , thereupon writ diuers letters vnto the yoong emperour his cousin , vnto Theodosius the Patriarch , and other such as he knew well affected vnto the late emperour Emanuel : wherein among other things which he wished to be amended in the present gouernment , he seemed most to complaine of the immoderat power and authoritie of Alexius , then president of the Counsell : who in great fauour with the yoong emperour , and more inward with the empresse his mother than was supposed to stand with her honour , ruled all things at his pleasure , in so much , as that nothing done by any the great officers of the empire , or by the emperour himselfe , was accounted of any force , except his approbation were thereunto annexed : whereby he was growne vnto such an excessiue pride , hauing all things in his power , as that no man could without danger , as vpon the venemous Basiliske , looke vpon him . Of which his so excessiue and insolent power Andronicus by his letters now greatly complained , mooued thereunto ( as he would haue it beleeued ) with the care he had of the yoong emperours safetie , which could not ( as he said ) long stand with the others so great power , which he therefore ( as in dutie bound ) wished to be abridged : agrauating withall the infamous report of Alexius his too much familiaritie with the empresse , which first muttered in court , afterwards flew ( as he said ) throughout the whole world . The reformation of which things , as tending to the danger of the person of the emperour , and dishonour of the state , he forsooth as one in conscience bound , with great grauitie and eloquence ( being a verie learned man ) both in open speech and writing most earnestly desired : and thereby so wrought , as that he was generally accounted for a man of great experience ( as indeed he was ) and a faithfull counsellor to the state , a thing much to haue beene wished . Wherefore leauing OENUM , the place whereunto he was by the emperour Emanuel in a sort banished , trauelling towards CONSTANTINOPLE , he gaue it out in euerie place where he came , what he had sworne , and what he would for his oaths sake do : vnto whom men desirous of the change of the state , & such as gaue credit vnto the report long before giuen out , That he should at length become emperour ; flockt in great numbers , as birds about an owle to see him , and with vaine praises to chatter about him . In this sort he came as farre as PAPHLAGONIA ; in euerie place honourably receiued , as if he had beene a deliuerer of his countrey sent from God. And in the imperiall citie he was not longed for of the vulgar people onely , as their light and load stat : but diuers of the nobilitie also by secret messengers and letters , persuaded him to hasten his comming , and to take vpon him the gouernment ; assuring him that there would be none to resist him , or to oppose themselues against his shadow , but all readie to receiue him : Especially Marie the yoong emperours sister by the fathers side , with her husband Caesar ( who being a woman of a great spirit , and grieuing much to see her fathers empire made a prey vnto Alexius the president , and the empresse her stepmother , whom she naturally hated ) had raised a great and dangerous tumult in the citie against them both , which was not without much bloodshed appeased : and now ceased not by often and most earnest letters ( to her owne destruction and her husbands , as it afterwards fell out ) to pricke forward Andronicus and to hasten his comming : who by letters and messengers dayly comming vnto him from the court , still more and more encouraged , leauing behind him the countrey of PAPHLAGONIA , came to HERACLEA in PONTUS , and still on towards the imperiall citie , with great cunning and dissimulation winning the hearts of the people as he went. For who was so stonie hearted , whom his sweet words and abundant teares flowing from his gratious eies , as from two plentifull fountaines downe by his hoarie cheeks , might not haue mooued ? All that he did or desired was ( as he said ) for the common good and libertie of the emperour . By which meanes he had drawne vnto him a woonderfull number of the rude countrey people by the way as he came . But comming into BYTHINIA , he was by Iohn Ducas gouernour of the great citie of NICE , shut out as an enemie to the state , and so at NICOMEDIA also . Neuerthelesse , passing by those cities , he held still on his way , vntill at length he was neere vnto a castle called CHARACE , encountred by Andronicus Angelus , sent with a great power against him , by the great president Alexius ; who otherwise as an effeminat man giuen ouer to his pleasure , spending the greatest part of the night in rioting by candle light , and most part of the day in his bed , with courtaines close drawn as if it had beene night ; yet doubtfull now of the comming of his enemie , left nothing vndone which he thought might helpe for the assuring of his estate . Many of the nobilitie of whom he stood in doubt , he gained vnto him by meanes of the emperors mother ; who by her rare beautie , sweet words , and gratious behauiour , as with a line drew all men vnto her : Other some he ouercame with gifts and great summes of money , whereof he now made no spare : And so wrought the matter that no man of any account or marke , went ouer to Andronicus . Who neuerthelesse with such followers as he had , joyning battell with Angelus ( sent against him , as is before said ) ouerthrew him and put him to flight . Wherewith Alexius much troubled , in great displeasure and without reason , called Angelus ( now fled to CONSTANTINOPLE ) to an account for the money deliuered vnto him for the defraying of the charges of that vnfortunat war : who seeeing his misforturne to be so taken as if he had framed it himselfe , and of purpose betraid the armie committed to his charge ; by the counsell of his six sonnes , being all men of great valour and wisedome , first tooke the refuge of his owne house : but finding himselfe there in no safetie , with his wife and his said sonnes ( two of which came afterwards to be emperours ) presently fled ouer the strait to Andronicus : Who seeing of him comming towards him , is reported to haue vsed this text of Scripture , Behold I will send mine Angell before thy face , to prepare thy wayes , alluding to his name of Angelus , as the presage of his good successe . Wherefore encouraged with the cōming of these noblemen his kinsmen , he without longer stay marched directly vnto the sea side , and there a little aboue CHALCEDON encamped almost right ouer against CONSTANTINOPLE : causing many great fires ( moe than needed ) to be made in his armie , to make it seeme vnto them of the citie greater than indeed it was ; and with the sight thereof to keepe the citizens in suspence , with the doubtfull expectation of some great matter to ensue . Wherein he was no whit deceiued , for they hauing him now as it were in sight , leauing their worke , ransome to the sea side , some vp to the hils & high towers to behold his armie a far off , willing with their friendly looks , if it had ben possible , to haue drawn him ouer the strait into the citie . Alexius knowing himselfe not able by land to encounter with so strong an enemie ( for now some which on foot could not goe ouer to Andronicus , were secretly in heart alreadie with him , othersome thought themselues sufficiently to shew their fidelitie vnto the emperor , if sitting still at home , they should take part with neither : for so haue subtill heads & aspiring minds for the furtherance of their desires taught the cōmon people both to say & thinke ) thought it best by sea to auert the present danger : And therefore commanded all the emperours gallies ( being before rigged vp and readie ) to be strongly manned and put to sea , for the keeping of PROPONTIS and the strait of BOSPHORUS , that Andronicus should not that way passe . Now had hee determined to haue made especiall choice of some assured friend of his owne for to bee generall of this fleet , as he had done of the captaines and masters , being all his owne kinsmen or domesticall seruants : but as he was about to haue so done , Contostephanus ( surnamed the Great captaine ) opposed himselfe against it , challenging that place as due vnto himselfe , before all others : So that ouercome by his authoritie ( which it was no time for Alexius now to dispute ) he was glad to commit the charge and trust of the whole fleet vnto him , as generall . Thus hauing ( as he thought ) made the sea sure , he sent ouer vnto Andronicus , as from the emperour ( for all was done in his name ) one George Xiphilinus , with letters and other instructions , wherof the effect was , To command him forthwith in peace to returne vnto the place from whence he came , and not farther to trouble the state : promising him in so doing , the emperours fauour , with many great honors and preferments to bee afterward bestowed vpon him ; which otherwise might turne to his vtter destruction . Which letters Xiphilinus hauing deliuered , and done his message , is reported to haue secretly aduised Andronicus to proceed in his purpose , and not in any case to yeeld to that which was of him required : wherewith Andronicus encouraged , proudly rejected the graces offered , and willed the messenger to tell them that sent him , That if they would haue him to returne vnto the place from whence he came , they should first displace the proud president Alexius , and call him vnto an account for the villanies he had done ; Then the emperours mother they should depriue of her honours , and shut her vp as a Nun into some cloyster , there to learne to amend her life ; And last of all , that the emperour according to his fathers will , should take vpon himselfe the gouernment , and not be ouertopt by others , by whose too much authoritie , his majestie & honour was ( as he said ) too much impaired . But within a few daies after , Contostephanus , the great captaine and generall , carried ouer all the gallies to Andronicus , leauing nothing but their names for the president in his rolls to looke vpon : whose reuolt aboue all other things encouraged Andronicus , and cast Alexius euen into the bottome of despaire . For now Andronicus his friends flocked together in the citie , not secretly as before , but openly in all places : and such as wished a change in the state , impudently scoffing at Alexius , passed ouer the strait to CHALCEDON in great numbers to Andronicus , where hauing filled their eyes with the beholding of his goodly person , his cheerefull countenance , and reuerend age , and their ●ares with his sweet words and great promises , returned home merrie and joyfull as if they had been in some terrestriall paradice , filling the citie with his praises . After that Andronicus his two sonnes , Iohn and Manuell , with diuers others , whom the president had cast in prison , were set at libertie , and other of his chiefe fauourits laid fast in their roomes . As for Alexius ; the president himselfe , with all his friends and faction in the court , they were taken and committed to the keeping of the guard : a right strange alteration . But about midnight Alexius himselfe was secretly conueyed out of the court vnto the Patriarchs house , & there kept with a stronger guard than before . A wonderfull change and worth the marking , a man so honourably borne , but yesterday in greatest honour attended vpon with many thousands , all at his command , hauing the power to spill or saue : to day in bonds , in disgrace , in miserie and despaire , and not so much as a page to wait vpon him . Which he taking very grieuously , yet complained of nothing more , than that they which had the keeping of him , would not suffer him to sleepe nor take any rest . Of whose miserie , the Patriarch taking pitie ( although he had of him very euill deserued ) yet cheered him vp with comfortable words , persuading him with patience to endure his hard fortune , and not with such speeches as fitted not his present state , to prouoke his keepers to vse him euill . Within a few dayes after early in a morning , he was brought out of the Patriarchs house , and set vpon a very little bad jade , and so with a ragged clout vpon the top of a reed in manner of an ensigne , carried before him in derision , was brought to the sea side ; and there cast into a little boat , was so brought to Andronicus , by whose commandement , with the generall consent of the nobilitie , he for his euill gouernment shortly after had his eyes put out . This was the miserable end of the immoderat power , or rather of the insolent soueraigntie of Alexius : who , had hee with more moderation and vigilancie governed , might both haue kept Andronicus out of the citie , and himselfe from so great miserie ; hauing at his command all the emperours treasure , his gallies , with most part of the strength of the empire . Now came the noble men ouer apace to Andronicus : the last that came , was the reuerend Patriarch Theodosius , with the chiefe of the cleargie : of whose approch , Andronicus hearing , went out of his tent to meet him , and falling downe ( as great as he was ) flat at his horses feet , and in a while after arising againe , kissed the Patriarkes foot , calling him , The emperours sauiour , The louer of vertue , The defender of the truth ; and comparing him with the famous father Iohn Chrisostome , omitted not any honourable title he could possibly deuise to giue him . But the deuout Patriarch , that had neuer seene Andronicus before , hauing now well viewed him , and marked his sterne countenance , his subtill nature , his craftie and dissembling manners , his exceeding stature , being almost tenne foot high , his stately gate , his proud looke , his continuall seueritie , and melancholie silence : as it were pitying them that to their owne destruction had called such a man in , said : Hitherto I haue heard , but now I haue also seene , and plainely knowne : and fetching a deepe sigh , adjoyned thereunto that saying of the Prophet Dauid : As wee haue heard , so haue we also seene . In which words , he couertly quipped the dissembled meeting and submission of Andronicus : and withall called to remembrance the words of the emperour Emanuell , wherewith he had many times so painted foorth Andronicus vnto the Patriarch , as if hee would most liuely haue represented him vnto his view . All things in the citie and in the pallace set in order according to Andronicus his mind , by his two sonnes , and leaue giuen vnto the emperours friends to come ouer vnto him , and to bee acquainted with him ; at length Andronicus himselfe departing from DAMALUM , in a gallie crossed the strait , oftentimes by the way merrily singing that saying of the heauenly Psalmist : Returne my soule into thy rest , because the Lord hath done well vnto thee , hauing deliuered my life from death , mine eyes from teares , and my feet from falling . The emperour with his mother Xene , then lay not in the pallace at CONSTANTINOPLE , but at another princely house of his in the countrey neere unto PHILOPATIUM , as Andronicus had appointed : whether Andronicus first went , and comming vnto his presence , most humbly prostrate before him , with sobbing and teares , as his deceitfull manner was , kissed his feet . As for the empresse his mother , he lightly saluted her , and as it were but for fashion sake , not dissembling in his countenance the old grudge he bare against her . And so without longer stay went vnto his tent prouided for him not farre off , round about which , all the great noble men had pitched their tents also , flocking vnto him as chickens seeking for refuge vnder the hens wings . Hauing there staied with the emperour a good while , he was desirous to goe vnto the imperiall citie , and to see the late Emperour Emanuell his cousins graue . Where entring into the monasterie of our Ladie , where he was buried , and comming to his tombe , hee wept bitterly , and roared as it were mainely out . So that diuers of the standers by , ignorant of his dissembling nature , by way of admiration said : O what a wonderfull thing is this ! O how he loued the Emperour , his cousin , although his fierce and cruell persecutor ! And when one of his kinsmen would haue pulled him from the tombe , saying that he had sorrowed for him ynough ; he would not be remoued , but requested them to suffer him yet a little to tarrie by the tombe , for that he had something in secret to say vnto the dead . And so with his hands cast vp and close together , as if he had prayed , and his eyes fast fixed vpon the tombe , he mooued his lips , and secretly said something , but what , no man could tell . Some said it was some charme or incantation . But others more pleasantly conceited , said ( and as it afterward appeared more truly ) that Andronicus did then triumph ouer the dead emperout Emanuell , and reuell with his ghost , with these or like words : I haue thee now fast , my cruell persecutor , by whome I haue been driuen vnto many great extremities : and hauing wandred almost all the world ouer , haue thereunto beene made by thee a common by-word . But now this tombe rising vp with seuen tops , and prison , out of which thou canst not start , holdeth thee oppressed with a dead sleepe , out of which thou shalt not be awaked , but by the sounding of the last trumpe . And now will I be reuenged of thy posteritie , and satisfie my selfe as a lyon with a fat prey ; and take sharpe reuenge of all the wrongs thou hast done mee , when I haue once possessed my selfe of this royall citie . After that , visiting all the emperours stately houses , but staying in no place long , hee disposed of all matters of state , according to his owne pleasure . Vnto the young emperour hee allowed hunting , and other his vaine delights , with keepers joyned vnto him , to watch not onely his going in and out , but also that no man should talke with him of any matter of importance . For all the gouernment of the state he tooke vnto himselfe : not for that he wished so well thereunto , aboue others , but so to driue from the court all them of the contrary faction to himself , that were able to doe any thing , and had before borne some sway . The souldiors , whose helpe he had vsed in aspiring to the gouernment , he rewarded with great bountie ; all great offices & preferments he bestowed either vpon his owne children , or other his great fauourits ; diuers of the nobilitie , of whom he liked not , were by him in short time driuē into exile : some were by him depriued of their sight , & some others cast in prison , not knowing any cause why , more than that they were by him secretly cōdemned for that they were of the nobilitie , or had done some good seruice for the state , or excelled for their personage , or some other thing that grieued Andronicus , or els for the sparke of some old displeasure which yet lay hidden as fire raked vp in the ashes . So that the state of that time began to grow most miserable : & the trecherie , euen of men neerest in blood , se●king the destructiō one of another , for to serue their own turns , or to gratifie Andronicus , most horrible : not only one brother betrayed another , but euen the father his son , & the son his father , if Andronicus would haue it so . Some accused their neerest kinsmen , that they had derided Andronicus his proceedings ; or that without regard of him , they more fauored Alexius the yong emperor , then , a great offence . Yea ( such was the mischiefe of the time ) that many in accusing others , were themselues accused ; & charging others of treason against Andronicus , were thēselues charged by them whom they accused , & so clapt vp both together in one prison . Neither were they of the nobilitie only , which were enemies to Andronicus , thus hardly dealt withall ; but euen some of his great fauorits and followers also : For some whom but yesterday he had vsed most kindly , and enrolled amongst his best friends , vpon them to day he frowned and tyranized most cruelly : so that you might haue seene the same man the same day ( as it is reported of Xerxes his admirall ) to be crowned and beheaded , to be graced and disgraced . Insomuch , that the wiser sort deemed Andronicus his praisings , to be the beginning of a mans disgrace ; his bountie , his vndoing ; and his kindnesse , his death . The first that tasted of his tyrannie , was Mary , the daughter of Emanuell the emperour , who for the hatred she bare vnto Alexius the late president , and the empresse her mother in law , had ( as is aforesaid ) aboue all other , wished for his comming : but was now by one Pterigionites ( sometime an Eunuch of her fathers , corrupted by Andronicus , hauing in his aspiring mind purposed the vtter destruction of all Emanuels posteritie ) cunningly poysoned ; as was her husband Caesar , who liued not long after her , poysoned also ( as was supposed ) with the same cup that his wife was . Now amongst others of the late emperors house , none had euer stood more in his light , than had the faire empresse Xene , the young emperours mother , whom now he ceased not most bitterly ( though wrongfully ) to accuse , as an vtter enemie both vnto the emperour and the state ; making as if he would leaue all , and againe depart , if she were not remooued from the emperour her sonne : and by his cunning so incensed the giddy headed vulgar people against her , that they came flocking vnto Theodosius the good Patriarch , readie to teare him out of his clothes , if he consented not vnto the remoouing of the empresse , as Andronicus had desired . So a counsell being called of such his fauorits and others , as were not like indifferently to heare her cause , but assuredly to condemne her ; the guiltlesse empresse after many things falsely laid to her charge , was accused of treason : as that she should by her letters haue solicited Bela , king of HUNGARIE , her brother in law , to inuade BRANIZOBA & BELLIGRADE , two strong places belonging to the empire . Whereupon she was condemned , and shamefully cast into a most filthie prison neere vnto the monasterie of S. DIOMEDE . Amongst other noblemen called vnto this wicked counsell , were Leo Monasteriotes , Demetrius , Tornicius , and Constantinus Petrenus : who not yet altogether deuoted to Andronicus , being asked their opinions concerning the empresse , said , They would be glad first to know , Whether that counsell against his mother , were called by the emperors consent or not ? With which speech , Andronicus pearsed to the heart as with a sword , in great rage start vp and said , These are they which encouraged the wicked president to all his villanies , lay hands vpon them . Whereupon they of his guard in threatning manner shooke their weapons and swords at them , as if they would euen presently haue slaine them : And the tumultuous common people , catching them by their cloaks as they came out , pulling them some one way , some another , were so fierce vpon them , as that they had much adoe to escape out of their hands with life . Now lay the faire empresse ( but the other day one of the greatest princes of the East , and honoured of all her subjects ) in great miserie and dispaire , scorned euen of her base keepers , euerie houre expecting the deadly blow of the hangman . Yet was not the crueltie of Andronicus against her , so any thing assuaged , but greeuing that she yet breathed , shortly after assembled againe the former counsell , the ministers of his wrath , demaunding of them , What punishment was by law appointed for such as betraied any towne or prouince of the empire ? wherunto answere being giuen in writing , That it was by the law , death : he could no longer hold , but that he must in great choller breake out against the poore empresse , as if it had ben she that had done it : And therupon the wicked counsellers crying out with one voice , that she was to be taken out of the way , as they had before agreed : by & by without longer stay , a damned writing was subscribed by the yoong emperor her son , as if it had been with the blood of his own mother , whereby she was ( I abhor to write it ) most vnworthily condemned to die . The men appointed to see this most horrible and cruell execution done , were Manuel , Andronicus his eldest son , & Georgius Augustus , his neere kinsman ; who both dismaied at the very mentioning of the matter , not regarding the emperors cōmand , said plainly , That they neuer before consented vnto the death of the empresse , but had cleane hands of so hainous an offence , and therefore would now much lesse see her innocent bodie dismembred in their sight . At which vnexpected answere Andronicus much troubled , with his fingers oftentimes pluckt himselfe by the hoarie beard , and with burning eies casting somtime vp his head , & somtime downe , sighed at his owne most miserable tyrannicall estate , fretting inwardly that they which were neerest vnto him , whom he thought he might euen with a becke haue commanded to haue done any mischiefe , abhorring his crueltie should refuse to doe the thing he so much desired to haue done : yet repressing his anger for a while , within a few daies after he againe commanded her to be strangled ; which was accordingly done by Constantinus Trypsychus , and Pterigionites the vngracious eunuch ; by whose helpe he had before poysoned Mary the emperours daughter , with Caesar her husband , as is before declared . Thus perished this great empresse , cruelly strangled in prison , by these two wicked men , the mercilesse executioners of Andronicus his wrath . Her dead bodie lately adorned with all the graces of nature , euen vnto the admiration of the beholders , was without more adoe secretly raked vp in the sand fast by the sea side : a poore sepulchre for so great a person . What might not Andronicus now do to others , that durst thus cruelly to deale with the yoong emperours owne mother , and neerest friends ? yet was all couered vnder the pretence of the common good , and safetie of the state and empire . And the more to shadow Andronicus his secret purposes , as not proceeding of any priuat or hidden malice , or aspiring humour , from which he of all men would seeme most free ; and the more to manifest his deuotion and loyaltie vnto the yoong emperour his cousin , he was the onely persuader vnto the rest of the nobilitie , to haue him solemnly crowned ( which as yet by reason of his tender age he was not ; ) & at the time of his coronation , with his owne shoulders supported him vp , as he was ( after the manner of that solemnitie ) carried vnto the great church , and so backe againe ; the Crocodils teares still plenteously running downe his aged face , as if it had beene for exceeding joy : which many of the meaner sort beholding , and deeming thereof the best , highly commended his kindnesse , accounting the yoong emperour thrice happie , in so graue a gouernour , and faithfull a counsellour ; who in loue and kind affection towards him , seemed not inferiour vnto his naturall father : so cunningly had he vnder the vaile of pietie , shadowed his most execrable treacherie ; as that in the very plotting thereof , he was accounted most louing and kind . But hidden treason , be it neuer so well dissembled , must at length shew it selfe . So Andronicus hauing got into his power both the emperour and the empire , and the chiefe friends of the late emperour Emanuel being taken out of the way or else driuen into exile , thought it now high time for himselfe to aspire vnto that high soueraigntie after which he had so many yeares longed . Wherfore calling together a Councell of his flatterers & fauourits , whom he had for such purpose promoted vnto the highest places of state ( all or most part of the graue councellers and friends of the late emperour Emanuel being now displaced , or otherwise taken out of the way ) he as a man onely carefull of the common good , declared vnto them the dangerous state of the empire , by reason of a rebellion raised in BYTHINIA at NICE , by Isaack Angelus , & Theodorus Catacuzenus ; and another at PRUSA , by Theodorus Angelus ; requiring their graue aduice for the suppressing therof : who not ignorant of their lords purpose ( as thereof before sufficiently instructed ) answered with one consent , That of such great mischiefes there would be no end , except he were joyned in fellowship of the empire together with Alexius , by his grauitie and deepe wisdome to supply what wanted for the good gouernment of the state in the yong emperor his cousin . At which speech , the by-standers ( being in number many , and for the most part the followers of Andronicus his flatterers ) gaue a great shout , & as if it had beene alreadie graunted , with one applause cried out , Long liue Alexius and Andronicus the Greeke emperours ; and that with such a vehemencie , as if they would therewith haue rent the verie heauens . The bruit thereof flying abroad into the citie , foorthwith you might haue seene euerie street and corner of the citie full of the vulgar people , with some also of better sort , swarming together like bees , and sounding the praises of Andronicus ( who now was come out of his house into the court , with a world of people following him ) and crying out , Long liue the Emperours Alexius and Andronicus : with which loud acclamation mixt with the heauie sighings of many good men ( for all were not mad of that frenzie ) the yoong emperour awaked , and seeing the courtfull of people , and Andronicus by them saluted his fellow in the empire : knowing now no other remedie , thought it best to yeeld vnto the time , and so with the rest flattering the old tyrant , welcomed him full sore against his will , by the name of his Fellow and companion in the empire : which he now in dissembling manner seeming vnwilling to take vpon him , and refusing the place offred ; was by the rout of his flattering fauourits enforced to his owne great contentment , to yeeld to their request : some of them with both their hands carrying him vp , vntill they had as it were against his will placed him in the imperiall seat , prepared for him fast by the yoong emperour : others in the meane time , no lesse busied in pulling off his priuat attire , and putting vpon him the imperiall roabs . The next day , when this participation of the empire should be published , and they both proclaimed emperours , the name of Audronicus was set before the name of Alexius : whereof his fauourits ( though some others interpreted it otherwise ) gaue this reason , That it sitted not with the majestie of the empire , that the name of a boy should be set before the name of so reuerend , graue , wise , and excellent a man as was Andronicus his companion in the empire . Shortly after , Andronicus being brought into the great temple to be crowned , then first began to shew vnto the people a cheerfull countenance , and setting aside his sterne looke , after his long deuotion done , filled the vaine peoples heads with many large promises of a more happie forme of gouernment than before . All which prooued nothing but meere dissimulation and deepe deceit , that cheerfulnesse of countenance and speech seruing but for a while to couer his inward and couert most inhumane crueltie . And the more to deceiue the world , the ceremonies of his coronation past , at such time as he should for the consummation and confirmation of all , receiue the sacred and dreadfull mysterie , the pledge of our redemption , not without due reuerence to be named , much lesse with impure hands touched : after he had receiued the bread and taken the cup in his hand , he with a most deuout countenance framed of purpose to deceiue , & his eies cast vp to heauen , as if his soule had there alreadie beene ( the fairest maske of hypocrisie ) swore by those dreadfull mysteries , and most deeply protested in the hearing of the people standing by , that he had taken vpon him the fellowship of the empire , for no other end or purpose but to assist Alexius his cousin in the gouernment , and to strengthen his power : whereas his secret meaning was nothing lesse , as shortly after appeared . For after a few daies spent in faigned deuotions for the prosperous beginning of his empire , he foorthwith turned his mind vnto other his more secret but most wicked and execrable designes . And hauing aboue all things purposed the death of the yoong emperour , he called together them of the counsell , his owne creatures and corrupt ministers of his wickednesse , who had now oftentimes in their mouths that saying of the Poet : Est mala res multos dominarier ▪ vnicus esto , Rex dominusque — An euill thing it is to be ruled by many , One king and one lord , if there be any . and that the old age of an Eagle was better than the youth of a Larke . So by the generall consent of that wicked assembly , vnworthie the name of a graue counsell , a decree was made , That Alexius should as a man vnfit for the gouernment of the state , be depriued of all imperiall dignitie , and commanded to liue a priuat life . Which disloyall decree of the conspirators was yet scarcely published , but that another more cruell , came out of the same forge , That he should forthwith be put to death , as one vnwoorthie longer to liue . For the execution of which so horrible a sentence , Stephanus Hagiochristophorites ( one of the chiefe ministers of Andronicus his villanies , and by him promoted euen vnto the highest degrees of the honours of the court ) with Constantinus Trypsicus , and one Theodorus Badibrenus , captaine of the tormenters , were sent out who entring his chamber by night , without compassion of his tender age , or regard of his honour , or innocencie , cruelly strangled him with a bow string : which detestable murder so performed , Andronicus shortly after comming in , spurned the dead bodie with his foot , railing at his father , the late emperor Emanuell , as a forsworne and injurious man , & at his mother , as a common whore . The head was forthwith strucke off from this miserable carkasse ( the mirrour of honours vnstabilitie ) and left for the monstrous tyrant to feed his eyes vpon : the bodie wrapped vp in lead , was in a boat carried to sea , by Io. Camaterius , and Theodosius Chumenus , two of Andronicus his noble fauourits ; who with great joy and glee , returned with the same boat to the court , as if they had done some notable exploit . But long continueth not the joy of the mischieuous , vengeance still following them at the heeles , as it did these two ; who not long after , with the rest that conspired the innocent emperours death , all or most part of them came to shamefull or miserable end . Thus perished Alexius the emperor , not yet full fifteen yeeres old : in the third yeare of his raigne , which time he liued more like a seruant , than an emperour , first vnder the command of his mother , and afterwards of the tyrant which brought him to his end . Who joyeth now but old Andronicus , made young againe as should seeme by his new gained honours : for immediatly after the murder committed , he married Anne the French kings daughter , ( as some report ) before betrothed to yong Alexius ; a tender and most beautifull ladie , not yet full eleuen yeeres old , an vnfit match for threescore and tenne . And in some sort as it were to purge himselfe and his partakers of the shamefull murder by them committed , and to stop the mouths of the people , he by much flatterie and large promises , procured of the bishops a generall absolution for them all , from the oath of obedience which they had before giuen vnto the emperour Emanuell and Alexius his sonne : which obtained , he for a while had the same bishops in great honour , and shortly after in greater contempt , as men forgetfull of their duties and calling . After that , he gaue himselfe wholly vnto the establishing of his estate , neuer reckoning himselfe thereof assured so long as he saw any of the nobilitie , or famous captaines , that fauoured Emanuell the late emperour or Alexius his sonne , aliue : of whom some he secretly poysoned , as Marie the emperour Emanuels daughter , with her husband Caesar ; some , for light occasions he depriued of their sight , as he did Emanuell and Alexius , the sonnes of the great and noble captaine Iohn Comnenus ; Andronicus Lapardas , whose good seruice he had oftentimes vsed ; Theodorus Angelus ; Alexius Comnenus , the emperour Emanuell his base sonne : Some he hanged , as Leo Synesius , Manuell Lachan●s , with diuers others : Some he burnt , as Mamalus , one of the emperour Alexius his principall secretaries ; all men of great honour and place . For colour whereof , he pretended himselfe to be sorrie for them , deepely protesting , that they died by the seueritie of the law , not by his will , and by the just doome of the Iudges , whereunto he was himselfe ( as he said ) to giue place ; and that with teares plentifully running downe his aged cheekes , as if he had ben the most sorrowfull man aliue . O deepe dissimulation , and Crocodiles teares , by nature ordained to expresse the heauinesse of the heart , flowing from the eies as shoures of raine out of the clouds : in good men the most certaine signes of greatest griefe , and surest testimonies of inward torment ; but in Andronicus you are not so , you are far of another nature , you proceed of joy , you promise not vnto the distressed pitie or compassion , but death & destruction ! How many mens eies haue you put out ? how many haue you drowned ? how many haue you deuoured ? Most of the nobilitie that fauoured the late emperour Emanuel & Alexius his son , thus taken out of the way by Andronicus , strook such a feare into the rest , that for safegard of their liues , they betook themselues to flight , some one way some another , neuer thinking themselues in safetie so long as they were within the greedie tyrants reach ; wherof shortly after ensued no small troubles , to the shaking of the state of the whole empire . Isaack Comnenus , the emperour Emanuels nigh kinsman , tooke his refuge into CIPRVS , & kept that island to himselfe . Alexius Comnenus , Emanuels brothers son , fled into SCICILIA , & there stirred vp William king of that island against Andronicus : who with a great army landing at DYRRACHIVM , tooke the city , & so from thēce without resistance passing through the heart of MACEDONIA , spoyling the countrey before him as he went , met his fleet at THESALONICA ; which famous city he also tooke by force , & most miserably spoiled it with all the countrey therabout , in such sort , as that he brought a great feare euen vpon the imperiall citie it selfe : vnto which so great euils Andronicus ( entangled with domesticall troubles , & not knowing whom to trust ) was not able to giue remedie , although for shew he had ( to no purpose ) sent out certaine of his most trusty ministers with such forces as he could spare . For the majestie of his authoritie growing still lesse & lesse , & the number of his enemies both at home and abroad daily encreasing , & the fauor of the vnconstant people ( who now began to speake hardly of him ) declining : he vncertain which way to turne himselfe , rested wholy vpon tyrannie , proscribing in his feare , not only the friends of such as were fled , & whom he distrusted , but somtimes whole families together , yea & that for light occsions , somtime those who were the best of his fauourits , whose seruice he had many times vsed in the execution of his crueltie . So that now no day passed , wherin he did not put to death , imprison , or torture , one great man or other . Wherby it came to passe , that the imperiall citie was filled with sorrow & heauinesse , euery man hanging the head , and with silence couering his inward griefe , not without danger to haue been then vttered . Amongst many others appointed to this slaughter , was one Isaack Angelus , a man of great nobilitie , whom Hagiochristophorites ( the chiefe minister of Andronicus his tyrannie , and for the same by him highly promoted ) suspecting , as one that bare no good will to the emperour , ( cause enough of death ) came to his house to apprehend him ; & finding him at home , after some few hot words , commanded him to follow him . Whereat the noble man making some stay , and abhorring the verie sight of the wretch , as vnto him ominous and fatall : Hagiochristophorites himselfe began to lay hands on him , reuiling his followers , that they had not foorthwith drawn him out of his house by the haire of his head , vnto the prison by him appointed . For they touched with the honour of the man , and mooued with compassion , forced him not , but stood still as beholders . Isaack seeing himselfe thus beset , and no way now left for him to escape , resoluing rather there presently to die than shortly after to be murdred in prison , drew his sword as the rest were about to haue laid hands vpon him , and at the first blow cleft the wicked head of Hagiochristophorites downe to his shoulders : and so leauing him wallowing in his owne blood , and like a desperat man laying about him amongst the rest , made himselfe way through the middest of them . And so embrued with blood , with his bloodie sword yet in his hand , running through the middest of the citie , told the people what he had done ; and crying vnto them for helpe in defence of his innocencie , fled into the great temple , there to take the refuge of the sanctuarie : where he had not long sit , in the place where the guiltie flying thither for refuge , vsed to sit , & confessing their offence , craue pardon of such as go in and out ; but that the temple was filled with the multitude of people flocking thither out of all parts of the citie , some to see the nobleman , some to behold what should become of him : for all men thought that he would before the going downe of the sunne ( notwithstanding the reuerence of the place ) be drawne thence by Andronicus , & put to some shamefull death . Thither came also Iohn Ducas , Isaacks vncle , and his sonne Isaack to increase the tumult ; not for that they were any thing guiltie of the death of Hagiochristophorites , but for that they had before become sureties vnto the suspitious tyrant , for their kinsman Isaack , & he likewise for them ; by whose trespas they well knew themselues now brought into no lesse danger than if they had been abettors therunto . And beside them also , many other there were , which standing in doubt of their owne estate , & fearing the like might happen to themselues , prickt forward with hard speeches the common people flocking thither , instantly requesting them to stay there , and to stand by them now at their need , being so injuriously wronged , whose pitifull complaints moued right many to take part with them . At which time also , no man yet comming from the emperor ( being as then out of the citie ) to represse the sedition , nor any of the nobilitie opposing themselues , no friend of Andronicus appearing , none of his bloodie ministers or officers shewing themselues , nor any that did so much as speake a good word in his behalfe , or in dislike of the tumult , the boldnesse of the seditious people increased , euerie man in so great libertie , saying what he list , and after their rude manner one encouraging another . So spent Isaack that long night , not thinking ( God wot ) of an empire , but still expecting the deadly stroake of Andronicus . Yet had he with great entreating , so preuailed , that diuers of the assembly shutting the church dores , and bringing lights into the church , staied there with him all night , and by their example caused some others to stay also . The next morning by the breake of the day were all the citizens flockt againe vnto the temple , cursing the tyrant to the deuill , as the common enemie of mankind , wishing vnto him a shamefull death , and the honour of the empire vnto Isaack . At that time by fortune , or rather God so appointing it , Andronicus was out of the citie at his pallace of MELVDINVM , on the East side of PROPONTIS , where he was by nine a clocke at night certified of the death of Hagiochristophorites , and of the tumult of the people : yet that night stirred he not , either did any thing more , but by short letters aduised the people to pacifie themselues , and not by foolish rebellion to cast themselues into farther danger . In the morning , Andronicus his fauourits began to shew themselues , and to do what they might to haue appeased the tumultuous multitude ; yea and presently after came Andronicus himselfe , and landed with his imperiall gally at the great pallace in the citie . But with the inraged people , naught preuailed either the persuasions of the one , or report of the presence of the other : for they all as vpon a signall giuen , and as men inspired with one spirit , or stirred vp with the same furie , flocked together into the temple of S. SOPHIA , one encouraging another , and scoffing at such as stood by as idle lookers on , without weapons in their hands , reuiling them , and calling them rotten lyms that had no feeling of the common harme . After that they broke open the prisons , and set at libertie the prisoners , as fittest instruments for the increasing of the tumult , who were not all notable offenders of the dregs of the people , but many of them borne of good houses , and for some light fault , or inconsiderat word ( whereof euery man was in those times bound to giue an account ) or for some friends offence against Andronicus , there laid fast : these of all others most animated the people , in such sort , as that they which before for feare of the danger , did but softly murmure vnto themselues against Andronicus , did now openly joyne themselues with the rest of the base seditious . Then might you haue seene some with their swords and targuets , some also in their armour , but the greatest part armed but with clubs and staues and other such like rude weapons , armes of furie , hastely taken vp in their shops as by chance they came first to hand , running forth in euery place . By this assembly of the most furious and promiscuous people , was Isaack hoysed vp , and with a generall applause saluted emperour . At which time one of the sextons of the church , with a ladder , tooke downe Constantine the Great his crowne of gold ( which for a monument hung ouer the holy altar ) and set it vpon Isaack his head : Which he at the first seemed vnwilling to weare , not for that he was not desirous ynough of the empire , but for that he feared the extream danger of the matter , and thought those things that were then done , to be but as it were a sicke mans dreame , like ynough straight way to vanish ; beside that , he feared in so doing , the more to exasperat Andronicus : which his vncle Iohn Ducas ( of whom we haue before spoken , standing by him ) perceiuing , plucking off his owne cap , and shewing his old bald head , requested the people , that if his nephew did refuse it , they would set it vpon his . Whereunto the people with a great outcrie answered , that they would no more yeeld their obedience vnto an old bald man , as hauing receiued many harmes from the hoarie haires of Andronicus ; and therefore for his sake , hated euery old man , more fit for Charons boat and his coffin , than for the empire , and especially if he had a forked beard or bald head , as had Andronicus and this Ducas . Thus was Isaack by the tumultuous multitude inuested in the empire . And so royally mounted vpon one of the emperours horses , richly furnished with a saddle and trappings of gold , which they had by chance gotten , was by them brought from the temple vnto the court ; Basilius Camaterus the Patriarch waiting vpon him , whom the headstrong people had enforced against his will , to confirme with his authoritie what was by them done for the establishing of Isaack in the empire . Andronicus at his comming to the great pallace , perceiuing first by the confused crie of the tumultuous multitude , and afterward by that which he saw with his eyes , how the world went ; calling vpon his old friends and flattering fauourits , thought first by their helpe to haue repressed the furie of the rebellious : who as friends of his better fortune , and not of himselfe , were now for the most part shrunke from him ; and those which were left , so faintly comming on , as if in his quarrell they had had no mind to spend their liues : with which heartlesse companie , Andronicus fearing to oppose himselfe against the furie of the multitude , with his bow and arrowes in his hand , got him vp into the highest tower of the pallace ( called CENTENARIA ) and from thence bestowed certaine shot among the people . But seeing that to bee to no purpose , and better persuaded to doe more with them with faire words , than such vaine force ; he from the top of the tower cried aloud vnto them , That if they would hold themselues contented , and depart , he would by their consent resigne the empire vnto his sonne Manuell : whereat the people more inraged , spared not to poure foorth most reprochfull words in contempt both of himselfe and his sonne . And so furiously brake into the court , by one of the gates called CAREA : which Andronicus beholding , and now out of all hope , casting from him all his habillements of honour , and disguising himselfe , fled againe vnto his gallie , accompanied onely with Anna his wife , and Maraptica his minion , and so returned to MELVDIVM , his pallace from whence hee came . Isaack but yesterday in the bottome of despaire , and shaddowed as it were with the hand of death , by the strange change of fortune to day mounted vnto the highest type of worldly honour , entring the pallace , was there againe with the greatest applause of the people that might bee , saluted emperour . From whence hee foorthwith sent out certaine companies of his most assured friends and followers , to apprehend Andronicus : who now as a man at once forsaken both of his friends , and of his better fortune , secretly fled with his wife and his paragon before remembred , to CHELE , attended vpon onely with a few of his trustie seruants which had of long time serued him before hee was emperour . There taking ship , with purpose to haue fled vnto the Tauroscythes ( as not thinking himselfe safe in any prouince of the empire ) hee was twice or thrice by foule weather put backe againe , the wrought sea abhorring ( as it seemed ) to carrie him that had so polluted it with the dead bodies of the innocent by him slaine ; and still threatening ( as it were ) to deuour him . Thus strangely stayed by foule weather , or more truly to say , by the reuenging hand of the highest : hee was found by such as were sent out to seeke after him ; and being by them apprehended , was with two great yron chaines fast locked about his proud necke , and heauie giues vpon his legs , cast into the castle of ANEMA : and in that miserable habit shortly after presented to the emperour Isaack , yet busied in appeasing and reforming of the disordered citie : where by the way as hee went , he was by the people most shamefully reuiled , and injuriously vsed ; some plucking him by the beard , some by the haire of his head , some other in the meane time playing with his nose , and bobbing him in the face , with a thousand other despights done vnto him ; especially by such women , as whose husbands he had before murthered or depriued of their sight . Afterward being committed to the hatefull furie of the people , he had his right hand cut off ; and was againe committed to the same castle , without meat , drinke , or other comfort : where after he had laine a few dayes , hauing one of his eyes put out , hee was set vpon a foule leane cammell , with his face toward the taile thereof , and so as it were in triumph led through the market place , his bald head all bare , as if it had beene a dead mans scull taken out of a charnell house , in a short old coat ; so miserable a spectacle , as might haue expressed a fountaine of teares out of the eyes of a right hard hearted man. But the bedlem and most insolent cittizens , especially they of the baser sort , as cookes , coblers , curriours , and such like , flocking about him like bees ( without regard that he had but the other day worne vpon his head the imperiall crowne , then honoured by them as a god , and extolled vnto the heauens ; that they had not long before solemnely sworne vnto him obedience and loyaltie ) ran now as men out of their wits , omitting no kind of villanie they could deuise to doe vnto him : Some thrust nailes into his head , some cast durt in his face , some the dung both of men and beasts , some prickt him in the sides with spits , some cast stones at him as at a mad dog , and othersome opprobrious and despightfull words , no lesse grieuous vnto him than the rest . Amongst others , an impudent drab comming out of the kitchin , cast a pot full of scalding water in his face . And in briefe , their outrage so exceeded , as if they had striuen among themselues who should do him the greatest villanie . Hauing thus shamefully as in a ridiculous triumph , brought him into the theatre , they there betwixt two pillars hanged him vp by the heeles , where hauing suffred all these despightfull indignities , with many moe , not without offence to be named , he with an inuincible courage yet still held his patience , not giuing one euill word : but sometimes saying , Lord haue mercie vpon me : and otherwhiles , Why doe you breake a brused reed ? yet the furious people nothing mooued with the calamitie of so great a man , of all others now the most miserable , stripped him of his bad clothes as he hung , and cut off his priuities . One among the rest , to make an end of him , thrust his sword in at his throat vp to the twist as he hung : other two with their long swords , prooued their strength , who could strike farthest into his buttockes . Thus miserably perished this famous emperour , after he had raigned two yeeres . That which was left of his bodie ( for many had carried away some peeces thereof ) being taken down from the place where he hung , was cast into a base vault in the theatre , where it for a space lay , as the lothsome carkasse of some wild beast , and the miserable spectacle of mans fragillitie : for Isaack the emperour would not suffer it to be buried . Howbeit afterwards , the furie of the people ouerpassed , it was by some more charitable men remooued thence , and laid in a low vault neere vnto the monasterie of the Ephori : which as Nicetas Choniates ( author of this historie , speaking of the time wherin he liued ) sayth , is yet there vndissolued to be seene . He was a man most honourably descended , of stature tall , and well proportioned : in his countenance sat a certaine reuerend majestie , adorned with such notable vertues , as might haue made him worthely to haue been compared vnto the greatest emperors of his stock and familie , had he not obscured the same with too much ambition and crueltie , whereof the one caused him to lead the greatest part of his life in prison or exile , the other brought him vnto such a most shamefull end . Isaack Angelus his successour , by the fauour of the people thus exalted vnto the empire , at the first gouerned the same with great lenitie and moderation , as if he had altogether abhorred from the effusion of his subjects blood . But afterwards not a little troubled , both with forraine enemies , and domesticall rebellion , besieged in the imperiall citie , by such of the nobilitie as thought themselues no lesse worthie of the empire than himselfe : for repressing of which insolencies , and the assuring of his state , he became so seuere in chastising the offenders , and such others as he had in distrust , that he was counted of most men not inferiour in crueltie to Andronicus his predecessor ; few daies passing without the condemnation or execution of one great man or other , besides them of the meaner sort , of whom he seemed to make no great reckoning : whereby he in few yeeres lost the loue and fauour of his subjects , who before had him in great honour , and became vnto them no lesse odious than was before Andronicus . Vpon which generall dislike of the people , his ingratefull younger brother Alexius ( by him before for a great summe of money redeemed from the Turks ) tooke occasion to rise vp against him , and by the fauour of the souldiors , depriued him together both of the empire and his sight : and hauing put out his eyes , thrust him into a Monasterie , there to liue as it were out of the world , as a man condemned to perpetuall darknesse , after he had raigned nine yeeres and eight moneths , being not yet full fortie yeares old : Whether it were the reuenging hand of God for the hard measure vsed to Andronicus , or not , I leaue it to the wiser to consider ; who in his deepe prouidence , wherewith hee best gouerneth all things , would haue a moderation vsed in punishment of our most capitall enemies , as hauing alwaies before our eyes the slipperie state of power and authoritie : & that as all worldly things are subject to change , so by the just judgement of God it oftētimes falleth out , that what hurt we do vnto others , the same we may receiue againe from others . In these so great and strange mutations of the Constantinopolitane empire , ( which I haue somwhat more at large prosecuted , not so much for the noueltie of the matter , although it were right strange , as for that out of the losses and ruine thereof , the greatnesse of the Turkes for the most part grew ) Clizasthlan Sultan of ICONIVM , after the death of the emperour Emanuell , found meanes to take from the empire diuers strong townes and castles in the lesser ASIA , together with a great part of the countrey of PHRIGIA : Alexius Andronicus , and Isaack the succeeding emperours , troubled with dangers neerer home , hauing nothing to oppose against him , but faire intreatie , and rich present ; so redeeming for a while an vnsure peace , with no lesse charge , in short time to be renewed againe . This great victorious Sultan ( for so he may of right be called ) holding in his subjection a great part of the lesser ASIA , now a man of great yeeres , dying , left behind him foure sonnes , Masut , Coppatine , Reueratine , and Caichosroes , all men growne . Amongst whom he deuided his kingdome . Vnto Masut he bequeathed AMASIA , ANCYRA , DORYLEVM , with diuers other pleasant cities of PONTVS : vnto Copp●●ne he assigned MELYTENE , CESAREA , and the colonie now called TAXARA : vnto Reucratine he allotted AMINSVM , DOCEA , with some other cities vpon the sea coast : but vnto Caichosroes , he left ICONIVM his regall seat , and with it LYCAONIA , PAMPHILIA , and all the countries thereabouts as far as COTTIANYVM . Of these foure , Coppatine long liued not after his father , for whose inheritance Reucratine prince of DOCEA , and Masut prince of ANCYRA ( his two brethren ) fell at variance , and so at last into open war. But Masut finding himselfe too weake for his warlike brother Reucratine , yeelded vnto him the territories , which he saw he must needs forgo ; and glad now to keepe his owne , so made peace with him . Reucratine being a man of an ambitious and haughtie spirit , with his forces thus doubled , denounced war vnto his brother Caichosroes ; who doubting his owne strength , fled vnto the emperour Alexius Angelus for aid , as had his father done before him vnto the emperour Manuel , although not with like good fortune . For the emperour but of late hauing obtained the empire by the deposing of his brother , and altogether giuen to pleasure , reputing also those domesticall warres of the Turkes , some part of his owne safetie ; sent him home without comfort , as one strong enough of himselfe to defend his owne quarrell against his brother . Howbeit he was scarcely come to ICONIUM , but that he was by Rucratine expulsed thence ▪ and driuen to flie into ARMENIA , where he was by Lebune king of that country , a Turke also , honourably receiued and courteously vsed , but yet denied of the aid he requested : the king pretending that he was alreadie in league with Reucratine , and therefore could not ; or as some thought , fearing the dangerousnesse of the matter , would not intermeddle therein . Wherewith the poore Sultan vtterly discouraged , returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE , and there in poore estate , as a man forlorne , passed out the rest of his daies . Now hauing thus passed through the Turkish affaires in the lesser ASIA , together with the troubled estate of the Constantinopolitan empire , no small cause of the Turks greatnesse ; the course of time calleth vs backe againe before wee passe any further , to remember their proceedings also at the same time , and shortly after , in SIRIA , IVDEA , AEGYPT , and those more Southerly countries , where these restlesse people ceased not by all meanes to enlarge their empire , vntill they had brought all those great kingdomes vnder their obeisance . After the death of Baldwin king of HIERUSALEM , of whom we haue before spoken , Almericus his yoonger brother earle of IOPPA and ASCALON , being then about seuen and twentie yeeres old , was by the better good liking of the cleargie and people , than of the nobilitie , elected king : not for that there wanted in him any good parts woorthie of a kingdome , but for that some of them enuied vnto him so great an honour . Neuerthelesse he was ( as we said ) by the generall consent of the people elected , proclaimed , and by Almericus the Patriarch with all solemnitie crowned the seuenteenth day of Februarie , in the yeare of Grace 1163. To begin whose troubled raigne , the Aegyptians first of all denied to pay vnto him their woonted tribute . In reuenge whereof , he in person himselfe with a puissant armie entred into AEGYPT ; and meeting with Dargan the Sultan , ouerthrew him in plaine battell , and put him to flight : who to stay the further pursuit and passage of the Christians , cut the bankes of the riuer NILUS , and so drowned the countrey , that the king was glad to content himselfe with the victorie he had alreadie gotten , and so to returne to HIERUSALEM . The next yeere , Almericus was againe drawn downe with his power into AEGYPT , by Dargan the Sultan , to aid him against Saracon : whom Noradin the Turke , king of DAMASCO , had sent as generall with an armie , to restore Sanar the Sultan before expulsed , and to depose Dargan . In which expedition Dargan being slaine , and Saracon hauing woon certaine townes , kept them to himselfe : Sanar doubtfull of his good meaning , joyned his forces with Almericus , and by his helpe expulsed Saracon out of AEGYPT . But whilest Almericus was thus busied in AEGYPT , Noradin the Turke making an inroad into the frontiers of the Christians neere vnto TRIPOLIS , was by Gilbert Lacy , master of the Templars in those quarters , and the other Christians , when he least feared , so suddenly set vpon , that he had much adoe by flight to saue himselfe , halfe naked for hast , most of his followers being at the same time slaine . In reuenge of which disgrace , he not long after with a greater power came and besieged ARETHUSA : For reliefe whereof , Bohemund prince of ANTIOCH , Raymund the yoonger , earle of TRIPOLIS , Calaman gouernour of CILICIA , and Toros prince of ARMENIA came with their power . Of whose comming the Turke hearing , raised his siege and departed . After whom these Christian princes eagerly following , were by the Turks shut vp in certaine deepe and rotten fennes ( wh●●einto they had vnaduisedly too far entred ) and there with a great slaughter ouerthrown . In which conflict , all the chiefe commanders of the armie were taken , except the prince of ARMENIA , who forecasting the danger , had retired , after he had in vaine dissuaded the rest from the further pursuit of the flying enemie . The prince of ANTIOCH there taken , was about a yeare after for a great summe of money redeemed ; but the countie of TRIPOLIS was after eight yeares strait captiuitie hardly deliuered . Noradin after this victorie returning againe to the siege of ARETHUSA , in few daies woon the towne : and encouraged with so good successe , and the absence of the king , laid siege to the citie of PANEADE , which was also deliuered vnto him , vpon condition that the citizens might at their pleasure in safetie depart . At the same time Saracon generall of Noradin his forces , tooke from the Christians two castels ; the one in the countrey of SIDON , the other beyond IORDAN vpon the borders of ARABIA , both in the custodie of the Templars : twelue of whom the king at his returne hanged vp for treason . Shortly after Saracon , king Noradin his great man of war , with all the power of the Turkes , came downe againe into AEGYPT , with purpose to haue fully subdued all that notable kingdome vnto his lord and master . Of whose power , Sanar the Sultan standing in dread , praied aid of Almericus , promising vnto him beside his yearely tribute , the summe of fortie thousand ducats for his paines . The matter fully agreed vpon , and all things now in readinesse ; Almericus set forward with his armie , and encountring with Saracon and his Turks at the riuer NILVS , ouerthrew him in a great battell : yet not without some losse , for the Turks in their flight lighting vpon the kings carriages with the whole baggage of the armie , and ouerrunning them that had the charge thereof , caried away with them a most rich prey : whereby it came to passe , that as the Christians had the victorie , so the Turkes enjoyed the spoile . Saracon after this ouerthrow hauing againe gathered together his dispersed souldiers , tooke his way to ALEXANDRIA , where he was by the citizens receiued : after whom the king following , gaue no attempt vnto the citie , for that he knew to be but vaine , but encamped close by the side of the riuer NILVS , from whence the citie was chiefly to be victualed . Whose purpose Saracon perceiuing , and betime foreseeing the distresse of his whole armie for want of victuals , if he should there long stay : leauing there his sonne Saladin ( or as some call him his nephew ) with a thousand horsemen for the keeping of the citie , secretly by night departed thence himselfe with the rest of his armie : and passing through the deserts , did great harme in the vpper parts of AEGYPT . Of whose departure Almericus vnderstanding , was about to haue followed him , but that he was otherwise persuaded by the Aegyptian captaines to continue his former purpose for the gaining of the citie . Wherefore now after the departure of Saracon , he began to approch the wals , and with diuers engines of war to disturbe the defendants : wherwith the citizens ( better acquainted with the trade of marchandize , than the feats of war ) discouraged , began now to consult among themselues for the turning out of those troublesome guests whom they had so lately receiued : which Saladin perceiuing , certified Saracon his vncle thereof , requesting his speedie reliefe in that his so dangerous estate , and with much intreatie persuaded the citizens for a while to hold it out , vntill he might from him receiue answere : of all which the Christians and Aegyptians without , hauing intelligence , laid so much the harder vnto the citie . Gladly would Saracon haue done what hee was by his nephew requested : but perceiuing it to be a matter of no lesse danger than difficultie , he by the means of Hugh countie of CESAREA , & one Arnolphus another noble Christian , both then prisoners with him , concluded a peace with the king : whereupon the citie was foorthwith yeelded vp , and Saladin with his Turkes suffred in safetie to depart . At which time also all prisoners were on both sides freely and without ransom set at libertie . Thus Saracon for this time disappointed of his purpose for the conquest of AEGYPT , returned backe againe to DAMASCO : and Almericus with great glorie to ASCALON , where he arriued with his armie the 21 of September in the yeare 1167. In this late expedition , king Almericus on the one side enflamed with the wealth of AEGYPT , and on the other , encouraged with the weaknesse of that effeminat people , resting for the most part vpon forreigne strength ; had purposed himselfe to inuade the kingdome , & so if possibly he might to joyne it to his owne . For colour whereof , it was pretended that the Sultan contrarie to his faith before giuen , had secretly sought to joyne in league and amitie with Noradin the Turke , king of DAMASCO . The chiefe stirrer vp of the king vnto this war , was one Gerbert master of the Templars ; who in respect of the aid by them of his order to be giuen , had obtained of the king , after the victorie gained , to haue the citie of PELVSIVM with all the rich countrey about the same , giuen vnto him and his brethren the knights of the order for euer : Vpon which hope , he contrarie to the mind of many of the knights , for the furtherance of that war , gaged his whole wealth and credit , with all the treasure of his house . So all things now in readinesse , for so great an enterprise , Almericus with his armie set forward in October , and hauing in ten daies passed the sandie desert , came to PELVSIVM ; which citie he after three daies siege tooke by force , and put to sword all them that were therein , without respect of age , sex , or condition : which citie he according to his promise before made , gaue vnto the Templars . After that , he began also to besiege CAIRE , at which time his fleet sacked the citie of TAPIVM . In the meane time , Sanar the Aegyptian Sultan , considering the danger he was in , to satisfie Almericus his greedie desire , offred to pay him twentie hundred thousand duckats to withdraw his forces : and foorthwith sent him one hundred thousand , for the ransom of his sonne and his nephew taken prisoners at PELVSIVM : and for the rest to be paid within few daies after , he gaue two of his nephews hostages . Neuerthelesse the payment he deferred from day to day , of purpose in the meane time to raise the whole power of AEPGYT , as also to receiue aid from the Turks by Saracon , which he dayly expected : of whose speedie comming Almericus vnderstanding , left part of his armie at PELVSIVM , & with the rest went to haue met him : but missing him by the way , Saracon with his Turks came in safetie to CAIRE vnto the Sultan as he had desired . Wherefore Almericus dismaid with the multitude of two so great armies now joyned together , retired backe againe to PELVSIVM , and there taking with him the garrison before left , returned home to HIERUSALEM : hauing in that expedition ( begun with the breach of faith ) laid the foundation of the ruine of his kingdome , as in few yeeres after it by proofe appeared , by the euill neighbourhood of the Turks , by that meanes brought downe into AEGYPT . Saracon the Turke after the departure of Almericus , easily perceiuing a most fit time and opportunitie to be offred for him now to obtaine that , which he had in vaine before both sought and fought for ; encamped with his armie neere vnto CAIRE , and notably counterfeited himselfe of all others the most deuoted friend of the Sultans : so that betwixt them two passed all the kind tokens of loue and friendship , that could possibly be deuised : the Sultan oftentimes feasting the Turke ; and in kindnesse likewise being feasted of him : But at length going as his manner was vnto the campe to visit him , he was by the Turks slaine . So Saracon hauing brought to passe what he desired , and entring the citie with his armie , was by the great Caliph ( from whom the Aegyptian Sultans , as from their superiours , the true successours of their great prophet Mahomet tooke their authoritie ) appointed Sultan , the first of the Turks that euer enjoyed the same : which royall dignitie he had not possessed fully a yeere , but that he was taken away by death . In whose steed Saladine his brothers sonne , by and by stept vp : who altogether a martiall man , not regarding the reuerend majestie of the Caliph ( as had his vncle Saracon , & all the Aegyptian Sultans before him ) with his horsemans mase strucke out his braines ; and not so contented , vtterly rooted out all his posteritie , the better to assure himselfe and his successours the Turks in the possession of his new gotten kingdome : and after that diuided the great treasures of the Aegyptians among his Turkes , to encourage them the more to follow him in his warres against the Christians . This glorious kingdome so much spoken of in holy Scripture , and renowmed of the learned historiographers of all ages , after the ruine of the Romane empire , was somtime part of the Constantinopolitane empire , and a notable member of the Christian common weale ; vntill that about the yeere of our Lord 704 , the Aegyptians wearie of the pride & couetousnes of the Graecians , reuolted from them vnto the Sarasins , whose superstition they also receiued : and so vnder the gouernment of the Sarasin Caliphs , the successors of the false prophet Mahomet liued about 464 yeares , vntill that now being inuaded by Almericus , they praid aid of Noradin the Turke , Sultan of DAMASCO : who vnto their reliefe sending Saracon with an armie , repulsed indeed the Christians , but oppressing their libertie , tooke vnto himselfe the kingdome , which he left vnto his nephew Saladine , in whose posteritie it remained vntill it was from them againe taken by the Circassian slaues the Mamalukes : vnder whose seruile gouernment it was holden of long time , vntill that by the great emperor of the Turkes Selymus the first , it was againe conquered , and the Mamalukes vtterly destroied : In the gouernment of whose posteritie , the mightie emperors of the Turks , it hath euer since remained as part of their empire , vntill this day , as in the processe of this historie God willing shall appeare . Saladin thus possessed of the great kingdome of AEGYPT , and all things set in such order as he thought best for the newnesse of his state , with a great armie entred into the land of PALESTINE , in the yeare 1170 , and there besieged DARON ; which towne he woon , and ouerthrew such as were sent by king Almericus to haue relieued the same : with which small victorie contenting himselfe , as with the good beginning of his rising fortune , he returned backe againe into his kingdome . Yet was his armie so great and populous , as that the like armie of the Turkes had neuer before beene seene in the Holy land . Wherefore Almericus considering in what great danger he stood , his kingdome now being on both sides beset by the Turks , sent out his embassadours vnto the Christian princes of the West , to craue their aid for the defence of that kingdome which their fathers had woon . And for the same purpose went himselfe in person vnto the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , of whom he was royally entertained , and afterwards sent backe loaded with the promises of great matters , as were also his embassadours from the princes of the West . All which for all that sorted vnto nothing , but vanished into smoake . The yeare following , viz. 1171 , Saladin besieged PETREA , the metropoliticall citie of ARABIA : but hearing that Almericus with a great power was comming to the reliefe thereof , hee raised his siege and retired . As he did also the next yeare after , hauing in vaine attempted the strong castle of MONT-ROYALL , on the further side of IORDAN . In like manner also the third yeare he came againe into the Holy land , and spoiled the countrey beyond IORDAN : but hearing of the kings comming against him , he foorthwith returned againe into AEGYPT . All these light expeditions , this politike prince made not so much for hope of victorie , or to prooue his enemies strength , as to traine his souldiers , especially the effeminat Aegyptians , and to make them sitter to serue him in his greater designes . Shortly after died Noradin Sultan of DAMASCO , and in his time a most notable champion of the Turks , after he had raigned nine and twentie yeares . Vpon whose death Almericus foorthwith besieged the citie of PANEADE , in hope to haue againe recouered the same : but he was by the widow of the late dead Sultan , for a great summe of money and the deliuerie of certaine noble prisoners , intreated to raise his siege and depart . So hauing sent away his armie , and trauelling with his ordinarie retinue to TIBERIAS , where hee had the summer before beene sicke of the flix , feeling himselfe not well , he returned on horsebacke by NAZARETH and NEAPOLIS to HIERUSALEM , where his old disease increasing vpon him , he was also taken with a feuer : wherewith after he had beene some few daies grieuously tormented , hee requested his physitians with some gentle potion to loose his belly , which was now somewhat staied : which they refusing to do , he commaunded the potion to be giuen him vpon his owne perill , hap thereon what hap should : which being giuen him , and his belly againe loosed , he seemed therewith to haue been at the first well eased ; but his woonted feauer with great vehemencie returning , before his weake & spent bodie could be with conuenient meats refreshed , he suddenly died the tenth of Iuly , in the yeare 1173 , when he had raigned about ten yeares . His dead bodie was with the great lamentation of all his subjects , solemnly buried by his brothers . Hee was a most wise prince , and withall right valiant , amongst many most fit for the gouernment and defence of that troublesome kingdome so hardly beset with the infidels , if it had pleased God to haue giuen him longer life . Foure daies after the death of Almericus , was Baldwin his sonne , then a youth about thirteene yeares old , by the generall consent of the nobilitie chosen king , and by Almericus the Patriarch in the temple with great solemnitie crowned in the yeare 1173 : vnto whom , as not yet by reason of his tender age , fit himselfe to mannage the waightie affaires of the kingdome , Raymund countie of TRIPOLIS was by the whole consent of the nobilitie appointed tutor to supply what was wanting in the yoong king . Noradin , Sultan of DAMASCO ( dead as is aforesaid ) left behind him Melechsala his sonne , yet but a youth , to succeed him in his kingdome . Whose gouernment the nobilitie disdaining , sent secretly for Saladin Sultan of Aegypt , vnto whom at his comming they betrayed the citie of DAMASCO , the regall seat of the Turkes in SYRIA . Whereof Saladin possessed , and entring into CELESIRIA without resistance , tooke HELIOPOLIS , EMISSA , with the great citie of CESAREA ; and in fine , all the whole kingdome of DAMASCO , the citie of AR●THUSA onely excepted . But thus to suffer Melechsala the young prince to be wronged , and the kingdome of DAMASCO to be joyned vnto the kingdome of Aegypt , was of the wiser sort thought not to stand with the safetie of the kingdome of HIERUSALEM , lying in the middle betwixt them both . Wherefore the countie of TRIPOLIS , gouernour of that kingdome , made out certaine forces to haue hindred his proceeding . At which time also , Cotobed prince of PARTHIA and Melechsalas vncle , sent certaine troupes of Parthian horsemen to haue aided his distressed nephew , who were by Saladin ouerthrowne and almost all slaine , neere vnto ALEPPO where Melechsala lay . As for the countie of TRIPOLIS and the other Christian princes , with whom Saladin in the newnesse of his kingdome had no desire to fall out ; he appeased them with faire intreatie , and rewards : vnto the countie hee sent freely the hostages , which yet lay for his ransome at EMISSA : vnto the other princes he sent rich presents : and therewith so contented them all , that they returned without any thing doing against him . After which time , three or foure yeare● passed in great quietnesse , to the great strengthening of him in those his new gotten kingdomes . At length vpon the comming ouer of Philip earle of FLANDERS , the Christian princes in SYRIA encouraged , consulted of an expedition to be made into AEGIPT , whereof Saladin hauing intelligence , drew downe into that countrey the greatest part of his strength . But Philip disliking of that expedition , and the rather for that he saw no great cheerefulnesse in the countie of TRIPOLIS and the rest , thereunto ; they with one consent changed their purpose for AEGIPT , and turning their forces quite contrarie way , miserably and without resistance wasted the countrey about EMISSA and CESARIA . Whilest the Christians were thus busied in CALOSIRIA , Saladin on the other side tooke occasion out of AEGIPT to inuade the kingdome of HIERUSALEM : of whose comming king Baldwin hauing intelligence , with such small forces as he had left , hasted himselfe to ASCALON . In the meane time Saladin with a great armie was entred into the holy land , where burning the countrey before him , and raging in the blood of the poore Christians , hee came and encamped not farre from ASCALON : and strucke such a feare vpon the whole countrey , that they which dwelt in HIERUSALEM , were about to haue forsaken the citie : As for the king himselfe , he lay close within the citie of ASCALON , not daring to aduenture vpon so strong an enemie . Wherwith Saladin encouraged , and out of feare of his enemies , dispersed his armie , some one way some another , to forrage the countrey . Which the king perceiuing , secretly with all his power issued out of the citie , if happily so he might ouertake the Sultan vnawares . Neither was he deceiued in his expectation : for comming suddainly vpon him , and secretly charging him , he had with him for a good space an hard and doubtfull battell , vntill that the victorie by the power of God , at length enclining to the Christians , Saladin with his Turkes fled , ouerthrown with a great slaughter , most part of his great armie being either there slaine , or lost afterward with hunger and cold . This victorie fell vnto the Christians the 25 day of Nouember in the yeare 1177 , not without the mightie hand of God , the Turke hauing in his armie about six and twentie thousand horsemen , and the king not past foure hundred horse with some few footmen . After which victorie , Baldwin in great triumph returned to HIERUSALEM , and there shortly after with great care and diligence repaired the decayed wals of the citie . Saladin in reuenge of this ouerthrow , made diuerse incursions into the frontiers of the Christians , and did great harme , especially in the countrey about SIDON . For the repressing whereof , the king put himselfe in armes , and going against him , ouerthrew part of his armie , as they were carrying away a great bootie . Of which ouerthrow Saladin vnderstanding , came in such hast with the rest of his armie , as if it had been a suddaine tempest vpon the Christians , then in great securitie deuiding the spoile ; of whom they slew a great number , and put the rest to flight : In which so suddaine a confusion , Otto , grand master of the Templars , and Hugh the eale of TRIPOLIS his sonne in law , were both taken prisoners . The earle himselfe with a few fled to TYRE : the king also at the same time was glad to shift for himselfe , and by flight to saue himselfe as he might . After which victorie , Saladin besieged a strong castle which the king but the yeare before had built vpon the banke of the riuer of IORDAN , and giuen it to the Templars , with the countrey round about ; which castle Saladin tooke by force , and put to sword all that were therein , except some few whom he carried away prisoners . By this victorie Saladin became dreadfull vnto the Christians in SYRIA , which caused them , especially such as had any charge , with more vigilancie to looke about them . Yet shortly after , a peace was for a time concluded betwixt the Sultan and the king ; whereby their troubled estates breathed themselues , almost the space of two yeares . But this so welcome a calme was by domesticall troubles againe by the kings friends suddenly troubled . For the countie of TRIPOLIS , to whom the gouernment of the kingdome was committed , comming towards HIERUSALEM , being by the suggestion of his enemies brought into suspition with the king , as if he had affected the kingdome , was to his great disgrace by the way commanded to stay . The cheefe authors of which discontentment , were the kings mother , a woman of a turbulent nature , and her brother the kings steward ; who in the absence of the earle had wrought the kings sicke mind according to their owne appetites . But the rest of the nobilitie wisely foreseeing vnto what great danger that discord might tend ; in despight of them , with much labour , caused him to be sent for againe , and so reconciled vnto the king : By which meanes , that dangerous fire of dissention was for that time appeased , which afterwards brake out againe , to the vtter ruine of that kingdome . Saladin now wearie of the league he had before made with king Baldwin , as no longer standing with his hautie designes , renounced the same , and raising a great power in AEGIPT , set forward toward DAMASCO . Of whose comming king Baldwin hauing knowledge , with the whole power of his kingdome went to haue met him , not farre from the dead Sea , and there encamped at an old towne called PETRA . But Saladin turning out of the way , into the kings territorie , came and encamped before MOUNT-ROIALL , a castle which Baldwin had giuen vnto the Templars , about three daies march from the place where the king lay . There Saladin with the spoile of the countrey refreshing his armie , now wearie of long trauell , set forward againe , and so without resistance arriued with his armie at DAMASO . At the same time the Turks captaines about DAMASCO , BOSTRUM , and EMISSA , perceiuing the frontiers of the Christians thereabout , to be kept but with small strength , passed ouer IORDAN , and spoiling a great part of GALILEY , besieged the castle of BURY , at the foot of mount TABOR , not farre from the citie of NAIM ; which castle they in few dayes tooke , and hauing there made a great slaughter , carried away with them about fiue hundred prisoners . Saladin being come to DAMASCO , called together all the garrisons of that kingdome , and joyning them vnto the forces he brought out of AEGYPT , entred into the Holy land : at which time the countie of TRIPOLIS , gouernour of the kingdome , lay sicke of a burning feauer . Neuerthelesse the king encouraged by the knights of the order , went out with his armie against him ; and encountring with him neere vnto a village called FROBOLET , ouerthrew him in a great battell , wherein , and afterward in the flight , most part of the Sultans armie perished . Saladin himselfe being glad by speedie flight to escape the danger , and so by long marches to get him againe to DAMASCO . In reuenge of this ouerthrow , Saladin hauing repaired his armie , and sent for his fleet out of AEGIPT , came and besieged BERYTVS both by sea and land : at which time also his brother , whom he had left gouernour in AEGIPT , besieged DARVM , a strong towne in the vttermost bounds of the kingdome of HIERUSALEM towards AEGIPT . Both whose forces Baldwin being not able at once to represse , by the counsell of his nobilitie thought it best first to relieue BERYTVS , as the place of greater importance . And for that purpose set forward with his armie by land , hauing also rigged vp three and thirtie gallies at TYRE , for the releefe thereof by sea . Of which preparation Saladin vnderstanding , as also of the kings comming ( by letters intercepted by his scouts , directed to the besieged , for the holding out of the siege , with promise of speedie reliefe ) he present●y rise with his armie , and departed : whereof the king being aduertised , retired to SEPHOR . Not long after , Saladin according to his ambitious nature , desirous aboue measure to extend the bounds of his kingdome , and seeing the successe of his attempts against the king of HIERUSALEM not answerable to his desire , conuerted his forces vnto the countries more eastward : and passing the riuer EUPHRATES , and entring into MESOPOTAMIA , partly by force , partly by corruption , got into his hand the cities of EDESSA , CARRAS , and diuers others . In which time the king of HIERUSALEM tooke occasion first to spoile the country about DAMASCO , and after that , diuers other places of the Sultans kingdome , making hauock of whatsoeuer came in his way , and so laded with the spoile of the Turkes , retired to HIERUSALEM . Saladin with victorie returning out of MESOPOTAMIA , in reuenge of the injuries done vnto him in his absence , marched directly to ALEPPO , the strongest citie of the Christians in that part of SYRIA , which aboue all other he longed after : where hee had not long lien , but that it was by the treason of the gouernour deliuered into his hands , with all the countrie thereabouts : wherwith the Christian princes were so discouraged , that they euen then began to feare greater matters to ensue . The prince of ANTIOCH sould TARSVS , the metropoliticall citie of CILICIA , to Rupinus prince of ARMENIA ; for that he saw it was not without great charge and danger to be by him defended , being so farre from him , and Saladin as it were now stept in betwixt him and it . At the same time king Baldwin , at NAZARETH fell sicke of a feauer ; the leprosie also his old disease growing dayly more and more vpon him : in so much that dispairing of his life , he called vnto him Guy Lusignan countie of IOPPA and ASCALON , vnto whom he had before espoused Sybill his eldest sister , and in the presence of his mother , the Patriarch , and all the chiefe commaunders of the souldiers of the sacred war , appointed him gouernour of the kingdome , reseruing vnto himselfe only the title of a king , with the citie of HIERUSALEM , and a yearely pension of ten thousand duckats : All which was done to the great disgrace and discontentment of the countie of TRIPOLIS the old gouernour . It was not long , but that Saladin hauing breathed himselfe a little , after so great labours , came againe into the Holy land , where he tooke many castles and did infinit harme ; in so much that the countrey people were glad for feare to forsake their houses and to flie into cities . The Christian armie in the meane time lying fast by at SEPHOR , not once moouing , although many a faire occasion were offred : For the chiefe commaunders affectionated vnto the countie of TRIPOLIS , and enuying at the preferment of Guy the new gouernour , were vnwilling to fight , but finding one excuse or other , suffered the enemie at his pleasure to spoile the countrey , and so in safetie to depart , which he had neuer before done in those quarters . Within lesse than a moneth after , Saladin with a great armie well appointed with all the habilliments of war , needfull for the besieging of a citie or strong castle , came againe into the land of PALESTINE ; and passing through the countrey beyond IORDAN , sat downe at last before PETRA , in hope by the taking thereof , to haue made his passage betweene AEGYPT and DAMASCO more safe . Of which his purpose king Baldwin hauing knowledge , and taught by the euill successe of late , to what small purpose it was to commit the managing of his wars vnto a generall so euill beloued , and lesse regarded , as was Guy his brother in law ; sent against him with his armie Raymund the countie of TRIPOLIS , the old gouernour , whom he had againe restored vnto the gouernment , and displaced Guy . Of whose comming Saladin hearing , raised his siege after he had lien there a moneth , and so departed . A little before this expedition , the king still growing sicker and sicker , his foule disease still increasing , by the common consent of the nobilitie appointed Baldwin his nephew by his sister Sybylla , a child but of fiue yeares old , to succeed him in the kingdome ; and the countie of TRIPOLIS to haue the gouernment of the state during the time of his minoritie . This Sybilla the kings sister , was first married to William the yoonger , marquesse of MOUNT-FERRAT , who dying within three months after , left her with child with this his posthumus sonne Baldwin , now by his vncle deputed vnto the hope of the kingdome . After whose death she was married to Guy Lusignan , countie of IOPPA and ASCALON , the late gouernour : who taking in euill part this the kings designement , especially for the gouernment of the kingdome by the countie of TRI●OLIS ; departed from the court as a man discontented vnto his citie of ASCALON : whereof the Patriarch and the princes of the sacred war , fearing ( and that not without cause ) great danger to ensue , came to the king , then holding a parlament at the citie of ACON , most humbly requesting him for auoiding of further danger and the safetie of his kingdome , to receiue againe into his fauour the countie Guy his brother in law , and to make an attonement betwixt him and the countie of TRIPOLIS . But this their request sorted to no purpose , so that the parlament was dissolued without any thing for the good of the commonweale in that point concluded . After that time the kingdome of HIERUSALEM began still more and more to decline . In the old king Baldwin ( sicke both in bodie and mind ) was almost no hope : in the yoong king ( yet vnfit for so great a burthen ) much lesse : and the dissention betwixt the two counties Guy and Raymund with their fauorits , was like enough to bring great harme vnto the state . Besides that , the countie of TRIPOLIS fearing the power of Guy his enemy , was thought to haue secret intelligence with Saladin the Turke , in so much that the king was almost in purpose to haue proclaimed him traitour . Wherefore the king now rested onely vpon the counsell of William archbishop of TYRE , and the masters of the knights of the sacred war : by whose aduise he sent Heraclius Patriarch of HIERUSALEM , Roger Molins master of the kinghts of S. Iohns , and Arnold master of the Templars , embassadours vnto Lucius the third , then Pope , vnto Fredericke the emperour , Philip the French king , and Henrie the second king of ENGLAND ; to declare vnto them the dangerous state of that Christian kingdome , and to craue their aid against the Infidels . These embassadours comming to the Counsell then holden at VERONA , with great grauitie and diligence in the presence of the Pope and of the emperour , declared the hard estate of the Christians of the East , with their humble request vnto them for aid : in such sort that they mooued them , with all the princes there present , to compassion . From thence they were by the Pope directed vnto Philip the French king , with whom hauing dispatched their affaires , they from him passed ouer into ENGLAND , & afterward into GERMANIE : and had at length broght their negotiation to so good passe , that in euerie place great preparation was made for a great expedition to be vndertaken against the Turks , for the reliefe of the Christians in the East : with which good newes , the embassadours returning to HIERUSALEM , filled the sicke king with the hope of great matters . But greater quarrels shortly after arising betwixt the Pope and the emperour ; and sharpe war likewise betwixt the French king and the king of ENGLAND , and the other Christian princes also being at no better quiet , the notable expedition that had with the expectation thereof so filled the world , was againe laid aside and quite dashed . Whereof king Baldwin vnderstanding both by messengers and letters from his friends , oppressed with griefe and heauinesse , more than with the force of his disease ( a man for his prowesse and painefulnesse not inferiour to any his predecessours ) died without issue the 16 day of May , in the yeare 1185 , being but fiue and twentie yeares old , whereof he had raigned twelue . His bodie was afterward with the generall mourning of his subjects , solemnly buried in the temple neere vnto the mount CALVARIE , together with his predecessours the kings of HIERUSALEM . King Baldwin thus buried , Baldwin the fift of that name ; yet but a boy , was crowned king . But then began the sparks , which had of long lien raked vp & hidden in the ashes , to break out into a great fire : For Raymund countie of TRIPOLIS , contended the whole gouernment of the kingdome , & tuition of the king , to be due vnto him , by the appointment of the late king & consent of the nobilitie ; and did so much , that he had almost obtained it to haue beene confirmed vnto him in open parlament . But Sybilla , a woman of a most haughty spirit ( sister vnto the late king , & mother vnto the yoong king yet liuing ) prickt forward her husband Guy , in no case to giue place vnto his competitour Raymund : and so animated him , that by the helpe of his owne fauourits , and the countenance of Boniface marquesse of MOVNT-FERRAT , who euen then was come with a great power into SIRIA , he extorted from the nobilitie whatsoeuer hee desired . But seuen moneths were scarce well passed , but that this yoong king Baldwin was dead and buried ; poysoned ( as was reported ) by his mother , for the desire shee had of the kingdome herselfe : whose death she with all secrecie concealed , vntill she had obtained of the Patriarch and other princes of the kingdome , That Guy her husband might be proclaimed king : So by her meanes it was so wrought , that vpon one and the selfe same day , the yoong king Baldwin was buried by his vncle , and Guy the countie crowned . This yoong king Baldwin by reason of his tender yeares and short raigne , is of some not reckoned amongst the kings of HIERUSALEM : howbeit , seeing he was by his vncle and the princes of that time , thought woorthy of the kingdome , let him also haue his place amongst the rest , as the eight king of HIERUSALEM . When Guy was thus possessed of the kingdome , the countie of TRIPOLIS seeing himselfe out of all hope of the gouernment , and highly therewith discontented , did what he might by all meanes to crosse the doings of the king : whose sicke and aspiring mind Saladin prickt dayly more and more forward , promising him his helping hand whensoeuer hee should need ; which courtesie the countie desirously imbraced . For now the fatall period of the kingdome of HIERUSALEM drew fast on , and all things tended to destruction , discord raigning in euerie place : which Saladin well perceiuing ( after that he had compacted with the countie ) by messengers sent of purpose , inuited the Turks , Sarasins , & Aegyptians , as men agreeing in one and the same religion , generally to take vp armes in so fit an oportunitie of the discord of the Christians , assuring them of great prey and spoile , besides the honour of the conquest . The citie of PTOLEMAIS was the place by him appointed , where all this power should meet : whether such a multitude of the barbarous Mahometanes ( partly for the hatred of the Christian religion , partly for the hope of the rich spoile which Saladin had promised them ) came flocking out of all places , that in short time there was met together about fiftie thousand horsemen , besides an infinit number of foot . And vnto such as could not safely passe by the borders of HIERUSALEM , to them the false countie gaue safe conduct , by the countries of TIBERIAS , NAZARETH , and GALILEY . All the power of the infidels thus assembled , Saladin laid siege vnto the citie of PTOLEMAIS : which the Templars and the knights Hospitalers had notably fortefied and strongly manned , ( as before vnto them giuen by the kings of HIERUSALEM to defend against the infidels ) and therein now were both the masters of both those honourable orders , with the whole flower of the knights of their profession . Vnto this citie , Saladin gaue a most terrible assault vpon May day in the morning , in the yeare 1187 ; which was by the Christians notably defended , and the enemie with great slaughter still beaten downe . In the heat of this assault , the two great masters sallying out , with certaine troupes of their most readie horsemen , assailed the enemies campe , and bearing down all before them , raised there a great tumult : and by and by turning vpon the backs of them , that were assaulting the citie , made there an exceeding great slaughter . Insomuch , that Saladin dismaied , first with the confusion in his campe , and now with the suddain danger behind him , was glad to giue ouer the assault , and to turne his whole forces vpon them : where was fought a most bloodie and terrible battell . Amongst others that there fought , the countie of TRIPOLIS , now an enemie vnto God and his country , disguised in the habit of a Turke , notably helped the infidels , and meeting with the great master of the knights Hospitalers , vnhorsed him , who surcharged with the waight of his armour , and oppressed with the multitude of his enemies , there died . Neuerthelesse , such was the valour of these woorthie men , and new succour still comming out of the citie , that Saladin hauing in that battell , and at the assault , lost fifteene thousand of his Turks , was glad with the rest to betake himselfe to flight . Neither was this so notable a victorie gained by the Christians without blood , most part of the worthie knights Hospitalers being together with their grand master there slaine . Saladin by this ouerthrow perceiuing , that by open force he should not be able to doe much against the Christians , thought it good vnto his forces to joyne also pollicie . Wherein the false countie of TRIPOLIS was the man he thought best to make choice of , as his fittest instrument to worke by . Him hee compacted withall to seeke for grace at the king of HIERUSALEM his hands , as of his dread soueraigne , and after so long discord , to sue to be reconciled vnto him , as now wearie of the Turkes amitie , with whom he should make shew to be vtterly fallen out . At which time also ( to giue the matter the better grace ) Saladin of purpose with a great armie came and besieged TIBERIAS , a citie of the counties jurisdiction : for the reliefe whereof , the traiterous countie craued aid of the king and the other princes of the sacred warre . Who with an armie , though not great , yet very well appointed , came according to his desire , & encamped neere vnto the fountaine of SOPHOR : where they had not long stayed , but that they met with the huge armie of the Turkes , being in number one hundred and twentie thousand horse , and one hundred and sixtie thousand foot : with whome they joyned a most sharpe and terrible battell : which by reason of the extremitie of the heat of the weather ( it then beeing the twelfth of Iuly ) and the approch of the night , was againe giuen ouer ; both armies ( as if it had been by consent ) retiring . The next day the battell was againe begun , wherein the Turkes by the treason and shamefull flight of the false countie of TRIPOLIS , gained the victorie . In this battell Guy the king himselfe , with Gerard master of the Templars , Boniface marquesse of MONT-FERRAT , and diuers others , men of great marke , were taken prisoners . And to say the truth , in this battell was broken the whole strength of the Christians in the East . The Christian commonweale by the treason of the false countie thus betrayed vnto the Infidels , Saladin without any great resistance had the cities of PTOLEMAIS , BI●LIS , and BERITHVS deliuered vnto him : in all which places , he vsed his victorie with great moderation , not enforsing any Christian ( more than the Latines ) to depart thence , but suffering them there still to remaine , as before , yeelding vnto him their obedience , with such tribute as he had imposed vpon them . With like good fortune , he within the space of one moneth tooke all the port townes betwixt SIDON and ASCALON , alongst the sea coast , excepting only the auncient citie of TYRE ; vnto the citie of ASCALON also he laid siege by the space of nine daies : but loath to stay the course of his victorie , by the valour of the defendants resolued there to spend their liues , hee departed thence , and marched directly vnto HIERUSALEM , the chiefe citie of that kingdome . And approching the same , gaue summons thereunto , persuading the citizens yet whiles they had time to yeeld themselues , together with the citie , vnto his mercie . Which they refusing to doe , he inclosed the same with his armie , and by the space of foureteene dayes laid hard siege vnto it , leauing nothing vndone or vnattempted that might helpe for the gaining thereof . At which time the citizens considering the danger they were in , and that the strength of the kingdome with the flower of their chiualrie were in the late battell lost , and that they were not now to expect any forraine aid , agreed vpon certaine conditions to yeeld vp the citie : which were , That such Christians as would , might remaine still , with their libertie and goods ; and that such as would not , might in safetie depart , with so much of their goods as they could carie vpon their backs . These conditions being by Saladin granted , the holy citie was vnto him deliuered the second of October in the yeare 1187 ; after it had been by the Christians holden frō the time that it was by Godfrey of BUILLON & other Christians woon , about 89 yeares . Saladin entring into the citie , prophaned first the temple of the Lord , conuerting it vnto the vse of his Mahometane superstition , the other churches he vsed as stables for his horses ; onely the temple of the sepulchre , was by the Christians for a great summe of money redeemed and so kept vndefiled . The Latine Christians he thrust out of the citie , yet with leaue to carrie with them such things as they were able themselues to beare : who trauailing with heauie burdens , but much more heauie hearts , some to TRIPOLIS , some to TIRE , some to ANTIOCH ( for onely these three cities were now left vnto the Christians in SYRIA ) were by the false countie of TRIPOLIS by the way lightened of their burthens , to the increasing of the heauinesse of their hearts , most of them being by him and his followers spoiled of that little they had by the mercie of their enemies saued in the ruine of their state . Vnto the other Christians that were naturall Syrians , Greekes , Armenians , Georgians , and such like , Saladin appointed certaine places of the citie for them to dwell in , where some of their posteritie were long time after to be found . All the monumenss of the Christians were by the barbarous Mahometanes and Turkes defaced , onely the sepulchre of our blessed Sauiour Christ , with the monument of Godfrey of BUILLON , and his brother Baldwin , for the reuerence of the men were by them spared . In these so great troubles , aboue twentie thousand of the Christians perished : amongst the rest , the countie of TRIPOLIS was shortly after found dead in his bed , and ( as some say ) circumcised , a manifest token of his reuolt , not from the king onely , but from the Christian faith also . HIERUSALEM thus woon , Saladin returned againe to the siege of ASCALON , which after he had by the space of tenne dayes most straitly besieged , was vnto him by composition deliuered ▪ wherein amongst other things agreed vpon for the safe departure of the citizens , was comprised also , that he should freely set at libertie Guy the king , and Gerard master of the Templars , both before taken prisoners , as is before declared ; which he afterward performed . Thus the victorious Turke still vrging his good fortune , departing thence , attempted to haue taken TRIPOLIS ; but hauing made some proofe of his owne forces , and the valour of the defendants , he was glad to giue ouer the siege , and to depart as he came . Marching thence with his armie , because he would leaue no place vnattempted , he laid siege vnto the citie of TIRE , where Conrade marquesse of MONT FERRAT was a little before arriued with Isaack Angelus the Greeke emperours fleet , and a supplie of certaine companies of good souldiors . Vnto which place were come great numbers of the poor distressed Christians fled from HIERUSALEM , and other places , so that the citie was full of men . This citie Saladin most furiously assaulted , but was by the Christians notably repulsed , not without the great los●e of his best souldiors . At which time also the admirall of SICILIA discomfited his fleet at sea , and landing his forces , came vnlooked for vpon the backe of him : so that hauing his hands full before by them of the towne , and charged behind by these newcome enemies , he was glad to retire in such hast , as that he left his tents with all that therein was , vnto the spoile of the Christians . Within a few daies after , Saladin hauing againe repaired his armie , inuaded the countrey about ANTIOCH : with fire and sword destroying whatsoeuer was subject to his furie , euen to the gates of the citie ; but knowing that so strong a citie was not without great charge and long siege to be woon , he thought it good to make proofe if it might by pollicie or corruption bee gained . Wherein he so cunningly dealt with the Patriarch , that he had by his meanes , the castle ( otherwise almost impregnable ) for gold betrayed vnto him . By meanes whereof , hee in short time became lord and master of that famous citie , ( about ninetie yeares before hardly gained by the whole power of the Christians , after eleuen moneths siege ) and with it fiue and twentie cities moe that depended of the fortune thereof , with all the prouinces belonging thereunto , alwayes deemed to haue been the third part of the kingdome of HIERUSALEM . The losse of this so great a citie , together with the ruine of the whole kingdome , had in short space filled euery corner of Christendome with the heauie report thereof : Wherwith the Christian princes of the West ( namely Frederick the Germane emperour , with Frederick his sonne duke of SUEVIA , Philip the French king , Henry the second , king of ENGLAND , Otto duke of BVRGVNDIE , Leopold duke of AUSTRIA , with many other great princes and prelats of GERMANIE , ITALIE , and other places ) not a little mooued , as also with the pittifull complaints of the embassadours at the same time sent from the distressed Christians ; and the effectuall persuasions of Clement the third then Pope : promised , and all , or most part , indeed made great preparations ; which they afterwards , though not all at once ( as letted by other occasions ) but at diuers times imployed for the most part , with the danger of their owne persons against the Turks , for the reliefe of the poore oppressed Christians , and recouerie of the holy land : but with what successe , shall hereafter God willing be declared . Of which so great preparations made against him , Saladin not ignorant , set at libertie Guy the king of HIERUSALEM , whom contrarie to his promise made at ASCALON , hee had now detained a yeare in prison ; yet before his enlargement exacting of him an oath , Neuer by force of armes afterwards to seeke to recouer his kingdome , or to reuenge the wrongs hee had sustained : hoping thereby to stay the comming of the other princes in his quarell . Which oath for all that , the Pope dispensed withall , as extorted by constraint from him , at such time as Saladin had longer detained him in prison than of right he should . Guy now at libertie , and yet in mind a king , came to TYRE , but could not be there receiued , the citizens hauing before sworn their obedience vnto Conrade , marquesse of MONT-FERRAT , by whom they had been notably defended against the furie of Saladin . Wherefore departing thence with such power as he had , and the dispersed Christians daily repairing vnto him out of all parts of SIRIA , he came and besieged PTOLEMAIS : Where he had not long lien , but that first came vnto him the Venetian fleet , with them also of PISA , and after them the Flemmings with a fleet of fiftie saile , who all joyned their forces together for the winning of the citie . But whilest the Christians thus lay at the siege of PTOLEMAIS , came Saladin with a great armie to the reliefe of the besieged : where betwixt him and the Christians was fought a great battaile , wherein the Christians at the first had the better ; but afterward fainting , and readie to flie , had there vndoubtedly receiued a notable ouerthrow , had not Geffrey Lysignan , the kings brother , ( left for the guarding of the campe ) in good time come in with new supplies : and not only staied their flight , but also repressed the farther pursute of the fierce enemie , now almost in possession of the desired victorie . Neuerthelesse , there were two thousand Christians there slaine , and amongst them Gerard , master of the Templars . Saladin by that which was now done , perceiuing how hard a matter it would be for him by land to relieue his citie , sent for the fleet which he had strongly rigged vp at ALEXANDRIA , and so by force put new supplies both of men and victuals into the besieged citie . Wherewith the Turks encouraged , made often sallies vpon the Christians ; and in despight of the Christian religion , whipped the image of Christ crucified , which they had for that purpose , in the sight of the Christians set vp vpon the top of the wall . With the same fleet also he so scoured the seas , that no victuals or new supplies of men could that way without great danger be brought vnto the campe ; whereby such scarcitie and want of all things began shortly after to arise among the Christians , that some of them not able longer to indure the famine , fled vnto the Turks campe , then lying not farre off , crying out for bread . Of which distresse in the campe of the Christians , Saladin knowing right well , both by such fugitiues as daily came ouer vnto him , and by his owne espials , yet made shew as if hee vnderstood nothing thereof : but suddainly rising with his armie ( as doubtfull of his owne strength ) departed , leauing his campe full of all manner of victuals . Whereof the Christians vnderstanding , and supposing him to haue for feare been gone indeed , in great numbers hasted vnto the forsaken campe , as vnto a most desired prey : where , whilest they were gorging themselues , Saladin suddainly returning , and getting betwixt them and home , made of them a great slaughter . Neuerthelesse , the Christians hauing now lien before the citie six months , continued the siege all the Winter , ouercomming with patience the hardest difficulties , in hope of aid from the other Christian princes , whose comming they expected with the first of the next Spring : during which time , many an hot skirmish passed betwixt them and the Turkes both by sea and land . Whilest the Christians thus lay at the siege of PTOLEMAIS , Frederick the emperour with diuers of the great Germane princes , and others , before resolued vpon an expedition for the recouerie of the Holy land , and the reliefe of the distressed Christians in SYRIA : hauing now raised a great armie , furnished with all things necessarie for so long a journey , set forward from RATISBONE , and so comming to VIENNA , and passing through HVNGARIA , BVLGARIA , and THRACIA , arriued at length at CONSTANTINOPLE , where he was by Isaack Angelus the emperour that then raigned , honourably entertained : but indeed more for feare and fashion sake than for any loue or good will : for that he after the suspicious manner of the Greekes , hauing in distrust so great a power of the Latine emperors , wished rather for his absence , than his presence . And therefore ceased not in what he might to hasten his passage ouer into ASIA , pretending for the colour thereof , The necessitie the Christians had of his present aid . So the emperour with his armie passing ouer the strait , and without resistance marching through the greatest part of the lesser ASIA , entred into LYCAONIA , where meeting with a great power of the Turks , that were come from the Sultan of ICONIVM to stay his farther passage , hee ouerthrew them in a great battell ; and so marching directly on to ICONIVM , tooke it by force , and gaue the spoile thereof vnto his souldiors , in reuenge of the injuries before done vnto his vncle the emperour Conrade , by the Sultan of that citie . Departing thence , and marching through CILICIA , he in another battell ouerthrew the Turkes , that hauing taken the straits of the mountaines had thought to haue staied his farther passage into SYRIA . After that he tooke the citie PHILOMELA , which the Sultan had strongly fortefied , which he rased to the ground , and put to sword all the people therein , for that they contrarie to the law of nations , had slaine such messengers as he had sent vnto them for the summoning of the citie . In like manner he entred into the lesser ARMENIA , where he took the citie MELITENE , and subdued all the countrey thereabouts : vnto the reliefe whereof , the Turkes comming with a most huge armie , were by him with an exceeding great slaughter ouerthrowne and put to flight . After that , entring into COMAGENA , and meeting with Saphadin , Saladin his sonne , with a great armie of the Turks , he ouerthrew him in the plaine field , and discomfited his whole armie . But whilest he too eagerly pursueth the enemie he had then in chace , his horse ●oundring vnder him , as he passed the riuer SALEPH , he was so ouerthrowne , and his foot hanging fast in his stirrop , drawne through the deepe riuer , and almost drowned ; and at the farther side of the riuer was so plunged by his horse , at his landing , that he was taken vp for dead . Yet breathing a little , and casting his eyes vp to heauen , with much adoe he vttered these few words , Lord receiue my soule : and so in the hands of them that tooke him vp , gaue vp the ghost , vnto the great greefe and hindrance of the Christian commonweale : for Saladin hearing of his approch , was so afraid of him , as that he began to doubt , not how to keepe that he had before woon in SYRIA , but how to defend himselfe in AEGIPT . Thus miserably perished this worthie emperour , the tenth of Iune , in the yeare of grace 1190 , being then of the age of seuentie yeares , whereof he had with much trouble raigned eight and thirtie . His dead bodie was caried along with the armie , and afterward with all funerall pompe buried in the cathedrall church at TYRE . Fredericke the emperour thus dead , Fredericke his sonne duke of SUEVIA , was by the generall consent of the princes in the armie chosen generall in his steed : vpon whom with the rest of the armie , yet mourning for the death of the emperour , the Turkes gaue a sudden and fierce charge , in hope so to haue ouerthrown them : But finding greater resistance than they had before supposed , and hauing lost some of their men , they with like speed that they came , retired againe . Now began famine ( one of the ordinarie attendants of great armies ) to increase in the campe : for why , the Turkes for that purpose had before destroied , or carried away all that was in the countrie , leauing nothing for the Christians more than the bare ground . Wherefore Fredericke turning a little out of the way , came to ANTIOCH , which was easily deliuered vnto him , and his hungrie souldiers well refreshed by the citizens , being as yet for the most part Christians . But he had not there staied past fifteene daies for the refreshing of his armie , but that the plague ( the handmaid of famine and another scourge of the greatest multitudes ) began to rage among his souldiers , in such sort , that he was glad with his armie to forsake the citie and to get him abroad againe into the open field : where foorthwith newes was brought vnto him , that Dodequin generall of such forces as Saladin had sent for out of AEGYPT ( which were not small ) was by great journeis comming towards him : against whom he in good order set forward , with his fathers corse still carried in the middest of his armie . These two armies meeting together , and both willing to fight , joyned a great and doubtfull battell , fortune enclining now to the one side , and by and by to the other ; the Christians exceeding their enemies in valour , and they them againe in number . At length the Christians in the vauntguard began to retire , and they that seconded them were also hardly charged : when Fredericke mindfull of his fathers valour , with a troupe of valiant horsemen brake into the enemies battell , with such force , that the Turkes were glad to giue ground : after whom Leopold duke of AVSTRIA comming presently on with his footmen , brought such a feare vpon the whole armie of the Turkes , that they betooke themselues to speedie flight . In this battell were foure thousand of the enemies slaine , with small losse of the Christians ; and about one thousand mo taken prisoners , with fifteene of their ensignes . After which victorie , Fredericke marching further in CaeLO-SYRIA , pacified LAODICEA then in mutinie , and like to haue been deliuered vnto the Turks . He also with a little labour tooke BERYTHVS with diuers other cities of SIRIA , which before belonging vnto the kings of HIERUSALEM , were now reuolted vnto the Turks . So afterward comming to TYRE , he there solemnly buried his father ( dead , as is before said : ) & from thence certified Guy the king ( still lying with the other Christian princes at the siege of PTOLEMAIS ) of his comming : who forthwith sent the Marques of MONT-FERRAT , with part of the fleet to transport him with his people that were left , by sea : for that by land he could not so safely haue come , being now but weake , for meeting with Saladin ; who with a great armie lay still houering about his besieged citie , intentiue to all opportunitie . So was duke Frederick with his souldiers yet left , safely by sea conducted from TYRE to the campe at PTOLEMAIS , and there joyfully receiued by the king and the other princes , with the generall applause of the whole campe . In the meane time the Turks sayling out of the citie of PTOLEMAIS , had done great harme among the Christians , by whom they were not without some losse againe repulsed . But after the comming of duke Frederick and his Germains , it was thought good by the generall consent of all the great commanders in the armie , that the citie should be assaulted round : and to that purpose was euery mans regiment appointed what place to assaile . The king himself with the Templars and the Italians from PISA , vndertooke that part of the citie which was toward the sea : vnto duke Frederick and his Germains was allotted all betwixt the bridge ouer the riuer BELE , and the bishops palace : the Venetians , Genowaies , and knights Hospitalers , were appointed vnto the rest of the wall as farre as the court of Raymund : the Friselanders , Flemings , and Hollanders , tooke vp all the rest of the wall vnto the sea side . Thus was the citie at once in euerie side assailed by the Christians , with such furie , as if they had thereon purposed to gage their whole forces ; seeking by a thousand wounds , and a thousand kinds of death to haue by their scaling ladders , gained the top of the wals ; the Turks with no lesse courage still beating them down againe . But in the heat of this so dreadfull and desperat an assault , Saladin still houering aloofe , came now vpon the sudden & assailed the camp of the Christians , filling the same with feare and tumult : whose charge they that were left for the defence of the same , at the first notably receiued , but finding themselues too weake , began to giue ground ; by which means the Turks tooke certaine tents with some ensignes , and fired some other of the pauilions of the Christians , hauing slaine somewhat mo than an hundred of the defendants . The Christians in the meane time little preuailing in the assault , & troubled with the danger of their campe , retired to the reliefe thereof . But the Turke perceiuing himselfe too weake for the whole power of the Christians , retired also ; yet not with such hast , but that he had there almost lost himselfe . This notable assault was giuen the fourteenth of October : after which many light skirmishes passed betwixt the Christians and the Turks , but more for bootie than for any other great purpose . In the meane time , diuers great princes of the West that had vowed themselues vnto this sacred warre came thither , whose number rather increased the want of victuals than furthered the seruice . At which time also the discord betwixt Guy the king ( whose wife and children were now dead ) and Conrade marquesse of MONT-FERRAT ( who had married Isabell the late queenes sister , by whom he pretended a claime vnto the title of the imaginarie kingdome ) did much harme vnto the proceedings of the Christians : So pleasing a thing these haughtie stiles be vnto the loftie minds of the ambitious . Shortly after the Christians yet lying at the siege , the contagion and famine still encreasing , it fortuned that duke Frederick fell sicke of the plague , whereof he died : and with the great mourning of the whole armie , was afterward solemnly buried fast by his father in the cathedrall church at TYRE . After whose death the Christians attempted no great matter against the citie , although they were oftentimes by the Turkes prouoked , but lay still strongly entrenched , expecting some greater aid from the princes of the West . Now all the hope of the Christian affaires in SIRIA , and in the land of PALESTINE , rested vpon the comming of the two mightie princes , Philip the second of that name king of FRANCE , and Richard the first king of ENGLAND : who hauing agreed betwixt themselues , with their combined forces to relieue the distressed Christians of the East ; and againe ( if it were possible ) to repaire the broken state of the kingdome of HIERUSALEM , were now met together at MARSEILLES in PROVENCE . From whence the French king first departing with his fleet for CICILIA , and with a prosperous gale for certaine daies holding on his course , & now come nigh vnto the island ; was by force of a furious tempest suddenly arising , so tossed and tumbled in the deepe , that many of his ships there perished , eaten vp of the sea ; others by force of weather driuen vpon the sands and rocks , were there broken all to pieces ; and the rest some with their masts broken , some with their tacklings and sailes rent , and all in generall sore weatherbeaten , with much adoe arriued at MESSANA the desired port : at which place king Richard afterwards ( but with better fortune ) arriued with his fleet also . Both the kings now met together , resolued there to winter : the French king enforced by necessitie so to doe , for the repairing of the late losses he had receiued , as well in his people and prouision , as in his shipping ; all which was to be relieued by new supplies out of FRANCE : and the king of ENGLAND staying to take order for the dowrie of his sister Ioan ( widdow of William the late king of CICILIA ) with Tancred the base sonne of Roger , that had now aspired vnto the kingdome of that island . About which matter great stirs arise betwixt king Richard the queenes brother , and Tancred the new king , in so much that it was like to haue broken out into open warre , had it not to the good contentment of king Richard beene otherwise taken vp , and so the controuersie ended . But whilst these two great kings thus wintred in this fruitfull island , and oftentimes as good friends met together , sometime for their disport , and sometime to confer of their so waightie affaires ; the way ( as was thought ) to haue appeased all former displeasure , and to haue encreased loue : it fell out cleane contrarie , jealousie and distrust , not onely reuiuing the old , but also still raising new quarrels betwixt them , to the great hinderance of the common good by them intended : which may serue for a warning to all great princes , willing to continue in amitie & to hold a good opinion one of another , Neuer to see one the other ; or comming so to an interuiew , not to conuerse or stay long together : which as it is not often done without the danger of their persons , so can it not possibly be long continued , but that it will engender in themselues as well as in their followers , jealousie , enuie , hatred , and mistrust ( as we haue before said ) and hereafter in the course of this historie may appeare . There was an old quarrell betwixt these two great kings , Richard and Philip , about Adela the French kings sister ; whom Richard hauing before ( his father yet liuing ) affianced , had now rejected , as her whom his aged father Henrie the second had too familiarly vsed : and in steed of her , to the great disgrace of the French , espoused the ladie Berengaria , daughter to the king of NAVAR : which indignitie with diuers others , then arising betwixt the French and the English , as then with great heart burning smouldred vp in respect of the common cause then in hand , afterwards brake out againe , to the shamefull ouerthrow of this most honourable expedition , and lamentable disturbance of both realmes . Winter past , and the Spring now come , the French king not altogether the best pleased : first loosed from MESSANA , and with his fleet in safetie arriued at PTOLEMAIS , where he was by the Christians , now the third yeere lying at the siege , so joyfully receiued , as if he had beene to them sent with succours from heauen . After whom , shortly after followed also king Richard ; of whose fleet ( by force of weather sore beaten & dispersed ) two ships by the rage of the tempest driuen a ground vpon the coast of CYPRUS , were by the island people spoiled , and the men that in them had hardly escaped the danger of the sea , with most barbarous inhumanitie , some slaine and some taken prisoners : the rest of the fleet arriuing there also , were with like inciuilitie forbidden to land ; the Cipriots readie at hand in all places to keepe them off . With which so great an indignitie the king justly mooued , and by force landing his people , with incredible celeritie and successe ouerran the whole island , neuer ceasing vntill he had made a full conquest thereof , and taken Isaack Comnenus , commonly called the king of that island , and of some ( for what reason I know not ) emperour of the Griffons , prisoner : yet was he indeed neither king nor emperour , but being a man of great nobilitie and power , and of the honourable stocke of the Comneni , had in the troublesome raigne of Andronicus Comnenus the emperour , his cousin , laid hold vpon that fruitfull island , and there tyrannized as a reputed king ; vntill that now he was by king Richard taken prisoner , and for his vnfaithfull dealing sent fast bound in chaines of siluer into SIRIA . The king thus possessed of the whole island , there at LIMOZIN married the ladie Berengaria the king of NAVARS daughter , brought thither by Ioan late queene of CICILIA , the kings sister . And so disposing as he thought best of all things for the safe keeping of the island , set forward againe with his fleet towards SIRIA . Where by the way he light vpon a great ship of the Sultans , laded with victuals & other warlike prouisions for the reliefe of the besieged ; all which became a prey vnto him . So holding on his course , hee at length arriued at PTOLEMAIS , where he was by the French king , and the rest of the Christians there lying , most honorably receiued . Now had the citie of PTOLEMAIS beene three yeares besieged by the Christians , and notably defended by the Turks : during which time many an hot assault and bloodie skirmish had passed betwixt them . And now the eies of all men were fixed vpon the two kings of ENGLAND and FRANCE , vnto whom all the rest offred their obedience and seruice . The Christian campe was great , composed especially of Englishmen , Frenchmen , Italians , and Almaines ; not them that were left of the emperour Frederick his armie ( for they were for the most part dead , or else returned home againe into their countries ) but of such as ( mooued with the zeale they bare vnto this religious war ) came dayly in great numbers thither : as did also many others of diuers nations , desirous in some measure to be partakers of so honourable a war. These religious and venterous Christians thus lying at the siege , had with much painefull labour vndermined one of the greatest towres of the citie , called the Accursed Towre , with some part of the wall also , by meanes whereof they were in hope to find a way into the citie . Wherefore all things being now in a readinesse for the fiering of the mine , it was thought good by generall consent , that an assault should also at the same time be giuen vnto the citie . And thereupon euery regiment was by lot appointed which part of the wall to assaile , which they all with great courage vndertooke . In the heat of which assault , the aforesaid vndermined towre with some part of the wall ( the timber whereon it staied , now burnt ) fell down with a great fall , laying open a fair breach for the Christians to enter . Wherwith the Turks dismaied , forthwith craued to come to parle : which graunted , they for safegard of their liues yeelded foorthwith to giue vp the citie , and to restore vnto the Christians the Holy Crosse , with two thousand captiues , and two hundred horsemen , such as they should require of all them that were in the power of Saladin ; besides 200000 Constantinopolitane duckats , to bee by him giuen vnto the two kings , for the cost by them bestowed in the siege . For payment whereof , the Turkes in the citie were to remaine as hostages vnder the safe keeping of the Christians , so that if all the couenants aforesaid were not within fortie daies performed by Saladin , they should all for their liues be at the kings mercie . So was this strong citie , after it had been almost three yeares besieged , deliuered vp vnto the Christians the 12 of Iulie , in the yeare 1191. The first that entred were the Germanes of AUSTRIA , who as if they had been the only men by whose valour the citie had been woon , at their first entrie presumptuously aduaunced their ensignes vpon the top of the wals , to the great offence of all the rest of the Christian princes , but especially of king Richard , who not vnwoorthely for his princely courage commonly called Richard Cueur de Lyon , not brooking so proud an indignitie , caused the ensignes of Leopold their duke , to be puld downe , and foiled vnderfoot ; which shortly after gaue him occasion of repentance , as shall be hereafter seene . The two kings possessed of the citie , deuided the same , with all the people and spoile thereof betwixt them , without regard of the rest of the other noble Christians , that had sustained the whole trauaile of that long siege : for which cause most part of them , seeing themselues so deluded , withdrew themselues from them , & with one consent sent them word , That they would forsake them , except they were made partakers of the gaines , as they had beene of the paines . Which the two kings to content them , promised they should . Howbeit , they delayed so long their promises , that many worthie men , constrained by pouertie , departed discontented from them into their countries . But long it was not , that this one citie , so lately gained , could containe these two great kings ; whom two large kingdomes could not retaine in peace . For albeit that they were in bodie together present , and in one , and that a most honourable action , combined ; yet were they in hearts ●arre asunder , and their secret designes much different : enuie and distrust still reuiuing vnkindnes past , and ministring new matter of greater discontentments . King Richard , according to his noble nature , was of nothing more desirous , than to haue the warre continued , vntill they had made a full conquest of SYRIA & the land of PALESTINE ; and for that cause requested the French king to bind himselfe together with him by solemne oath , there to stay yet three yeares , for the regaining of those countries . But he in mind long before estranged from king Richard , and in his deepe conceit plotting matters neerer home better fitting his purpose , would by no meanes bee persuaded so to do ; but still found one occasion or other for to colour his departure . And shortly after ( as the French Chronicles report ) falling extreamely sicke , he requested king Richard and the other Christian princes to come vnto him : vnto whom being come , he in few words declared his purpose of returne , as followeth : I cannot ( my lords ) longer endure the inclemencie and intemperature of the aire in this extreame hot season . If my death might profit the Christian Religion , or any one of you , or the Christian commonweale ; there should be no distemperature whatsoeuer , that could seperate me from you , or withdraw me from hence . But more may the lise of one absent , serue and profit you , than the death of him present . I must of necessitie depart , yet at my departure I will leaue you fiue hundred men at armes , and tenne thousand footmen , the flower and choice of all the forces of Fraunce , vnder the conduct of my cousin Odo , duke of BVRGVNDIE , vnto whom I will giue pay and intertainement , with a continuall supplie of all things for them necessarie . This excuse of the French kings , king Richard could not take in good part : but said , That it was apparant to all men , that he abandoned the warres in SYRIA , to returne into FRAVNCE , for no other end or purpose , but the more easily to inuade the prouinces of GVIEN and NORMANDIE , now disfurnished of their garrisons , and so subject to his mallice . Which point hee so vrged , that the French king could haue no leaue with his honour to depart , vntill such time as he had by solemne oath bound himselfe vnto king Richard , not to attempt any thing either by force or fraud against him , or any thing of his , vntill fiftie dayes were expired after king Richard his return home . Which how well it was by the French king obserued , I leaue it to the report of the hystories of that time . And so the French king , not to be intreated longer to stay , leauing behind him the aforesaid number of men he had promised , embarking the rest of his armie , and accompanied with three tall ships of the Genowaies his friends , and Ruffin Volta their admirall , departed from PTOLEMAIS to TYRE , the first of August ; and two daies after , loosing thence alongst the coast of ASIA , and cutting through the Mediteranean , arriued at length in the mouth of the riuer of TYBER , and from thence went to ROME : where after he had visited Pope Celestine , and the famous places of that most renowned citie , he returned againe to his fleet , and so by sea arriued in safetie in FRAUNCE ; hauing in that great expedition , so honourably by him intertained , performed nothing answerable to that the world looked for . After the French king , followed Leopold duke of AUSTRIA , with his Germans : and not long after him , the Venetians also , with them of PISA and GENUA . Of whose departure Saladin vnderstanding , and that the Christian forces were thereby much empaired , refused either to pay the money , or to restore the prisoners , as was promised at the giuing vp of PTOLEMAIS : threatning moreouer to chop off the heads of all such Christian captiues as he had in his power , if the king should shew any extremitie vnto the pledges of the citie . Neuerthelesse , shortly after he sent his embassadours with great presents vnto the king , requesting a longer time for the sparing of his pledges ; which his request , together with his gifts , the king refused to graunt or accept . Whereupon Saladin foorthwith caused such Christian captiues as were in his power , to bee beheaded : which albeit king Richard vnderstood , yet would hee not preuent the time before agreed vpon for the execution of his prisoners , being the 20 day of August : vpon which day hee caused the Turks prisoners , to the number of 2500 ( or as the French and Germans write , to the number of 7000 ) in the sight of Saladines armie to be executed . The losse of the strong towne of PTOLEMAIS , much empaired the reputation of Saladin , euen among his owne people ; as it commonly falleth out , that the euill successe of a great commander in his affaires , altereth the good will , affection , and opinion , especially of the vulgar sort , which judge of all things by the euent . And albeit that his losses were great , and such as much daunted him : yet he thought it best , as the case then stood , to make them greater , and with his owne hands ( as it were ) to ruinate and ouerthrow such townes and cities as he saw hee could not keepe , rather than to suffer them whole and vndefaced to fall into the enemies hand . So carried headlong with despaire , he caused all the townes he had alongst the sea coast in SYRIA and PALESTINE , to be sacked and ruinated , and their wals ouethrowne ; especially such as were of most importance , and like to stand the Christians in stead , namely PORPHIRIA , CESAREA , IOPPA , ASCALON , GAZA , and ELAM , with diuers other castles and citadels in the countries thereabouts ; most part whereof were againe by king Richard and the Templars fortified and repeopled , although Saladin in the meane time did what he might to haue letted the same . Nothing more hindred the good proceeding of the Christian princes , in this , and other their most honourable expeditions against the Infidels , than the discord among themselues ; one still enuying at anothers honour , and euery one jealous of his owne . Great strife and heart burning there had beene betweene the two kings of FRAVNCE and ENGLAND , during the time they were together in this sacred expedition , to the great hinderance of the same : No lesse contention had there ben betwixt Guy the late king of HIERUSALEM , and Conrade marques of MONT-FERRAT , about the title of that lost kingdome : whereby the whole power of the Christians in SIRIA was deuided into two factions . Richard king of ENGLAND , Baldwin earle of FLAUNDERS , Henrie earle of CHAMPAINE , the knights Hospitalers of Saint Iohn , the Venetians and Pisans , taking part with Guy : And Philip the french king , Odo duke of BURGUNDIE , Rodolph earle of CLAREMONT , the Templers , the Genowayes , the Lantgraue of THURIN , Leopold duke of AVSTRIA , and Robert countie of NASSAU , taking part with Conrade the marques . But Conrade shortly after the taking of PTOLOMAIS being slaine , by two of the desperate Assassins , or ( as some others say ) by two desperate ruffians ( suborned thereunto by the prince of TORONE , in reuenge of the dispite done vnto him by the said marques , by taking from him Isabell his espoused wife ) as he was walking in his citie of TYRE and doubting no such treason : king Richard seeing now a fit occasion offered for the vtter extinguishing of that claime , and how to intitle himselfe vnto that kingdome ; persuaded the aforesaid Isabell ( the widdow of the late Marques , and in whose right hee had laied claime vnto the kingdome ) to relinquish that so troublesome a title , and to take to her husband Henry earle of CHAMPAINE , his nephew , vnto whom he gaue the citie of TYRE : Guy the king exclaiming to the contrarie , as of a wrong done vnto himselfe . Shortly after he began also to temper with Guy , persuading him to resigne vnto him that little right and interest hee had in the kingdome of HIERUSALEM , and in lieu thereof to receiue at his hands the kingdome of CIPRUS . Which his offer the poore king was glad to accept . By which exchange Guy became king of CIPRUS : and Richard , king of HIERUSALEM ; which honorable title he afterwards , as some report , vsed in his stile , as did some others his successors the kings of ENGLAND after him . So Guy with all his wealth passing ouer into CIPRUS , took possession of the kingdome , where he long liued not . Neuerthelesse , that pleasant kingdome continued in his familie of the Lusignans , by the space of about 283 yeares afterwards : vntill that at length that familie failing in the posthumus sonne of Iames the bastard , last king of that Island , it fell into the hands of the Venetians : by whom it was holden as a part of their seignorie almost an hundred yeares , vntill that it was in our fresh remembrance again from them taken by Selymus the second , great emperour of the Turks , in the yeare 1571 , as in the processe of this historie shall in due place ( God willing ) be declared . Now was king Richard , for the increase of his honour , more desirous than before of the citie of HIERUSALEM , as the most precious and honourable prize of all that religious warre . And thereupon with all the power of the Christians then at his command , set forward from PTOLEMAIS , and was come on his way as farre as ARSUA , a towne situate betwixt CESAREA and IOPPE . In the vauward was king Richard himselfe , with the Englishmen : after whom followed Odo , duke of BVRGVNDIE , with his French : and in the rereward Iaques de Auenes , with the Flemmings , Brabanders , and Wallons , who after the death of their countie Philip at the siege of PTOLEMAIS , had put themselues all vnder his regiment . Saladin with a great armie still at hand , and as it were attending vpon them , first with certaine ambuscadoes charged the rereward , and so afterward came on with his whole power : vpon whom Iaques turning himselfe , with his Flemmings , receiued the charge with great assurance , and so long themselues endured the same , vntill the French came in to their succours , and after them the English also . There was fought a notable battell , and great valour shewed both on the one side and the other , but especially by them of the Turkes part ; who knew well the purpose of the Christians for the besieging of HIERUSALEM , and that thereon depended their onely hope , and that hee that could hold the same , might almost assure himselfe to carrie away the glorie of that warre . The French and English in that battell honorably stroue who might shew the greatest valour : neither would the Low countrey men vnder Iaques their generall , seeme to bee any thing behind them . This sharpe conflict began about noone , and continued vntill the going downe of the Sunne . King Richard ( as some write ) was there wounded with an arrow ; and Iaques valiantly there fighting , was slaine , hauing sold his life deere , to the great admiration of the infidels , and dying left the victorie vnto the Christians . It is reported , that in this battell were slaine moe Turks and Sarasins than in any one battell within the memorie of man before : of the Christians were not lost any great number , either any man of name , more than the aforesaid Iaques , the valiant generall of the Flemmings , The next day the Christians remooued to BETHLEM , a towne about the mid way betwixt IOPPE and HIERUSALEM . But Winter now comming fast on , and want of victuals like ynough to increase , the king changing his mind for the siege , returned with the greatest part of the armie to ASCALON , which he that Winter new fortefied , the wals thereof being before by Saladin in his despaire demolished : the duke of BVRGVNDIE , with his Frenchmen , all that while quietly wintering at TYRE . In the meane time , the power of the Christians was that Winter greatly deminished , some one way departing from the campe , and some another : The Italians for the most part , with them of PISA ( who in these three yeares warres had striuen with the Venetians for the honour of their seruice ) were now returned home , as were the Venetians themselues also . Neuerthelesse , Winter now past , and the Spring time come , king Richard took the field againe , and came to BETHLEM : where by the way hee met with an exceeding great number of cammels , charged with great store of victuals and munition , sent by Saladin out of AEGYPT to HIERUSALEM , all which he tooke . But purposing to haue gone on to the siege of HIERUSALEM , he was by the backwardnesse of the French glad to change his purpose , and to returne to PTOLEMAIS : for the Frenchmen , persuaded by the duke their generall ( who well knew the French kings mind ) That if any thing woorth remembrance were done , it was to bee done by them , and that the glorie thereof should wholly redound vnto the king of ENGLAND , as there in person present , and to his Englishmen ; shewed themselues so vnwilling to the siege , as that therin was nothing done , to the great griefe of that worthy prince . At which time also news was brought vnto king Richard , How that Philip the French king ( forgetfull of his solemne promise made before his departure out of SYRIA ) had now inuaded the country of NORMANDIE , and excited earle Iohn ( the kings brother , a man of an hautie & aspiring nature ) to take vpon him the kingdome of ENGLAND in his absence : as had before in like case William the yonger brother serued duke Robert his elder brother , then absent at his father the Conquerours death , in the first sacred expedition vnder Godfrey of BUILLON . Wherfore king Richard , beside the present difficulties , fearing least while he was so far off in wars for defence of the Christian commonweale , he might lose his kingdome at home ; thought it best to grow to some good end with Saladin , and so to make his returne . But the politicke and warie Sultan , not ignorant of the discord of the Christians ▪ and that their forces daily decaied in SYRIA ; either of the troubled estate of the kings affairs at home in his kingdome , or of his desire to returne ; would not hearken to any other conditions of peace , but such as might both for the present , weaken the forces of the Christians in SIRIA , and discourage others that had a mind to come thither afterward , whē they should see that for naught they should trauell to conquer that , which in the end they must of necessitie restore againe . The conditions he offered , were , That the Christians should foorthwith restore whatsoeuer they had woon in those three years wars , PTOLEMAIS only excepted ; and that from thence forth for the space of fiue yeares the ▪ Turks should not in any thing molest the Christians , but to suffer them in peace to liue by them : which hard conditions ( for that no better could be had ) the king was glad to accept , and so concluded a peace . Wherby the labor and trauell of the two great kings , and so many nations with them , were all become frustrat and vaine ; hauing now to no purpose lost their men , their money , their time , their hope , their blood , their long trauell , to gaine that they must now in one houre forgo ; nothing more left vnto the poore Christians in SIRIA , than the cities of ANTIOCH , TYRE , and PTOLEMAIS . This done , king Richard leauing the affaires of ASIA vnto the charge of Henrie countie of CHAMPAGNE his nephew , shipping the greatest part of his people , with his wife Berengaria , first for SICILIA and from thence for ENGLAND , where they in safetie at length arriued , followed shortly after with some few himselfe , where by the way by extremitie of weather , he was in the Adriatique driuen to land vpon the coast of HISTRIA : where trauelling with a small retinue homewards in the habit of a Templar , he was discouered and taken prisoner by Leopold duke of AVSTRIA , whom he had before disgraced at the winning of PTOLEMAIS ( as is before declared : ) who now glad to haue him in his power , made prize of him , and sold him to Henrie the emperor , for fortie thousand pounds , by whom he was kept prisoner by the space of a yeare and three months , and then ransomed for the summe of an hundred and fiftie thousand pounds . About this time died the great Sultan Saladin , the greatest terrour of the Christians : who mindfull of mans fragilitie and the vanitie of worldly honours , commanded at the time of his death no solemnitie to be vsed at his buriall , but onely his shirt in manner of an ensigne , made fast vnto the point of a launce to be carried before his dead bodie as an ensigne , a plaine priest going before , and crying aloud vnto the people in this sort : Saladin Conquerour of the East , of all the greatnesse and riches hee had in his life , carrieth not with him after his death any thing more than his shirt . A fight woorthie so great a king , as wanted nothing to his eternall commendation , more than the true knowledge of his saluation in Christ Iesu. He raigned about sixteene yeares with great honour , and dying , left nine sonnes , which were all murthered by Saphradin their vncle , excepting one called also Saphradin Sultan of ALEPPO , who by the fauour and support of his fathers good friends , saued himselfe from the treacherous practises of his vncle . Of this Saphradin the vncle , discended Meledin Sultan of AEGYPT , and Coradin Sultan of DAMASCO and HIERUSALEM : Saladin his great kingdome being by them now againe rent in pieces . The death of Saladin in short time bruited abroad , with the discord amongst the Turks and Sarasins , about his dominions ; put Celestinus ( then Pope ) in good hope , that the citie of HIERUSALEM might in that change and hurle , be easily againe recouered , and that kingdome established . But when hee had in vaine dealt to that purpose with the kings of FRANCE and ENGLAND ( then altogether busied in their wars the one against the other ) he persuaded Henrie the sixt , then emperor , to take the matter in hand : who ( for that he well could not , or else would not himselfe in person vndertake that long expedition ) sent Henrie duke of SAXONIE his lieutenant with a great armie into ASIA ▪ vnto whom were joyned two Legats , Conradus Archbishop of MOGUNSIA another of the electours , and Conradus the bishop of HER●IPOLIS . At which time also many other great princes tooke vpon them that holy war , namely , Herman Lantgraue of THURIN , Henrie Palatine of RHENE , Henrie duke of BRABANT , Conrad marques of MORAVIA , Frederick duke of AUSTRIA , and Albertus Hapspurgensis , with some others : vnto whom also joyned themselues the bishops of BREME , HALBERSTAT , and RATISBON , with diuers other great prelates . Who hauing passed through HUNGARIE and THRACIA , and by the Greeke emperour Alexius Angelus relieued with all things necessarie , were by the Graecian ships transported vnto ANTIOCH , and so by land came to TYRE , and from thence to PTOLEMAIS , with purpose to haue gone to relieue the Germains besieged in IOPPE ; who before their comming were all by treason slaine and the citie rased , wherefore being come to the ruins thereof , they departed thence to SIDON , which they found also abandoned by the Turks . After that they tooke BERITHUS , which citie they fortified , and so went to besiege TORONE ; which citie when they had brought vnto the extremitie as that it must needs ( as it was thought ) either yeeld or bee taken , the Turkes came on so fast to the reliefe therof , that the Christians were glad to raise their siege and to be gone : which they in garrison at BERITHUS perceiuing , & seeing the enemie to approch them , they abandoned the citie , and joyning themselues vnto the rest of the armie marched all together to IOPPE , a little before ruinated , which they now againe fortified . But the enemie comming to BERITHUS , and finding it forsaken rased it downe to the ground , and so in few moneths space was BERITHUS both repaired and rased in the yeere 1197. But whilest the Christians were repairing the citie of IOPPE , the Turks proud of that they had done at BERITHUS , came now to disturbe also the fortifying of that place . Of whose comming the Christians vnderstanding , remooued by night about fiue miles from the citie , of purpose to draw the Turks vnto a conuenient place for battell . The Turks thinking them to haue beene fled for feare , sent part of their armie to assaile the citie : and with the other followed after them disorderedly , as if it had beene after men they had had in chace . Vpon whom the Christians turning , had with them at the first a sharpe encounter , but afterwards put them to flight : in which conflict certaine thousands of the Turks fell ; of whom the Christians taking the spoile , and hauing put the rest to flight , returned againe vnto the fortifying of the citie . But the joy of this victorie was by the sudden death of two of the greatest princes in the armie , greatly diminished : for the duke of SAXONIE hauing in the battell taken great paines in performing the parts both of a woorthie generall and valiant souldier , had ouer heated himselfe , and thereupon without regard of his health taking cold , died of a feauer the fourth day after . The duke of AUSTRIA mortally wounded in the battell , died also the night following . About this time , or not long after , died Celestinus the pope , author of this expedition ; and Henrie also the Germaine emperour : after whose death great troubles began to arise in GERMANIE about the chusing of a new emperour . Whereof the bishop of MOGUNSIA , then chiefe commander of the armie of the Christians in SIRIA , one of the electors , and the other Germaine princes with him hauing intelligence , could not by any persuasion or praiers of the poore Christians ( in whose quarrell they were come ) bee persuaded longer to stay , but that needs home they would , & indeed home they went the same way that they came . After whose departure the Turks tooke IOPPE , hauing one of the ports betraied vnto them by one of the citie , at such time as the Germains there in garrison , after the manner of their countrey , vpon S. Martins day were carelesly making merrie together in their pots : vpon whom , so surcharged with wine , the Turks entring by the port giuen vnto them , put them all with the rest of the Christians to the sword , and so afterward rased the citie downe to the ground . Of which victorie they became so proud , that they had thought without stop to haue driuen the Christians quite out of SIRIA : but by the comming of Simon countie of MONT-FORT ( a most valiant and expert captaine sent thither by Philip the French king with a regiment of tall soldiers , at the instance of Innocentius Tertius that succeeded Celestinus in the papacie ) and by ciuill discord then raigning among the Turks themselues for soueraigntie , their furie was repressed , and a peace betwixt them and the Christians concluded for the space of ten yeares ▪ during which time the Turks promised not to molest the Christians in TYRE or PTOLEMAIS : which hapned in the yeare 1199 ( or as some others say 1198. ) After which peace so concluded , the woorthie countie returned again with his souldiers into FRANCE : with whom we also will repaire into the lesser ASIA ( whither the course both of the time and of the historie now calleth vs ) to see the other greater affaires of the Turks in those Eastern countries ; leauing for a season these poore remainders of so many Christians in TYRE and PTOLEMAIS , now for a while in peace , but to be ere long deuoured of the infidels their enemies , as in the processe of this Historie shall in due time and place appeare . The ruine of the Turks first Empire in Persia : with the successe of their second kingdome in the lesser Asia vnder the Aladin Kings . AS no kingdome or Empire vpon earth ( were it neuer so flourishing or great ) was euer yet so assured , but that in the reuolution of time , after the manner of other worldly things , it hath as a sicke bodie been subject vnto many strange innouations and changes , and at length come to nothing : so fared it now with the Turkish empire , which first planted by Tangrolipix in PERSIA and the other far Easterne countries , increased by Axan his sonne , and so by the Turkish Sultans their successors ( although their names and doings , as too farre off , be not vnto vs all knowne ) for the space of one hundred and seuentie yeareas continued , must now ( I say ) giue place vnto a greater power , and settle it selfe elsewhere , the ineuitable destinie thereof so requiring . It fortuned that about this time ( when in the space of a few yeares such mutations as had not before of long beene seene , chanced in diuers great monarchies and states ) that the Tartars or rather Tattars , inhabiting the large , cold , and bare countries in the North side of ASIA ( of all others a most barbarous , fierce , and needie nation ) stirred vp by their owne wants , and the persuasion of one Zingis ( or as some call him , Cangis ) holden amongst them for a great prophet , and now by them made their leader , and honoured with the name of Vlu-Chan , that is to say , the Mightie king ( commonly called the great Cham ) flocking together in number like the sand of the sea ; and conquering first their poore neighbours of condition and qualitie like themselues , and easie enough to bee entreated with them to seeke their better fortune , like swarms of grashoppers sent out to deuour the world : passed the high mountaine CAUCASUS , part of the mountaine TAURUS of all the mountaines in the world the greatest , which beginning neere vnto the ARCHIPELAGO , and ending vpon the orientall OCEAN , and running through many great and famous kingdomes diuideth ASIA into two parts : ouer which great mountaine , one of the most assured bounders of nature , that had so many worlds of yeares shut vp this rough and sauage people , they now passing without number , and comming downe ( as it were ) into an other world , full of such natures pleasant delights as neuer were to them before seene , bare downe all before them as they went , nothing being now able to stand in their way . Old Zingis their fortunate leader dead in this so great an expedition , Hoccata his sonne , eldest of his twelue brethren , a man of great wisedome and courage , tooke vpon him his fathers place : who sending part of his great armie for the subduing of the countries Westward , turned himselfe with a world of people towards the East : where hauing subdued the Bactrians and Sogdians , with diuers others he entred into INDIA , and subduing that rich countrey on both sides the riuer INDUS , euen to the East OCEAN , there in the countrey of CATHAI built the famous citie of CAMBALU , in circuit eight and twentie miles about ; for pleasure and plentie of all things necessarie for the life of man , of all the cities of ASIA the chiefe : where the great Cham of TARTARIE still resiant as in his emperiall citie , commaundeth ouer one of the greatest and strongest empires of the world . In whose kingdome also , in the prouince of MANGY more towards the East , hee hath another most famous citie called QUINSAY , of all the cities in the world the greatest , in circuit an hundred miles about , as M. Paulus Venetus writeth , who himselfe dwelt therein about the yeare 1260. It is situate in a lake of fresh water , and hath in it twelue thousand bridges : of which , some are of such an heigth that tall ships with their sailes vp may easily passe vnder them . In this populous citie the great Cham hath for the keeping thereof , alwaies thirtie thousand men in garrison . The Tartar kingdome thus planted in CAMBALU , Hoccata contenting himselfe with the rich pleasures of INDIA , afterward mannaged his wars by his lieutenants , being for the most part his brethren , or other his nigh kinsmen ; of whom hee sent out with his armies some Northward , some Westward , and some toward the South : by whom he subdued the Arachosians , Margians , and diuers other great nations , & entring into PERSIA , subdued the countrey , with all PARTHIA , ASSYRIA , MESOPOTAMIA , & MEDIA . At this time in the citie BALCH or BELCH , in the countrey of CHORASAN in the farthest part of PERSIA , raigned ouer the Turks one Cursumes , of the Greekes called Corsantes ; who finding himselfe far too weake to stand before the Tartarians , fled with all his people , leauing vnto them both the citie and the countrey , which he and the Turks his predecessours had euer since the time of Tangrolipix possessed : which citie the Tartars rased and tooke the countrey to themselues . In this generall flight of the Turks , when as euery man was glad to make what shift he might for himselfe , Cursumes their Sultan died , the last of the kings of the Selzuccian family that raigned ouer the Turks in PERSIA : whose sonne Vgnan Chan taking vpon him the leading of such mulitudes of Turks as followed his father , ceized vpon the great citie of BABYLON , now called BAGADAT , neere vnto the ruines of the old BABYLON : where hauing put to the sword all the inhabitants thereof , he there , and in the countrey thereabout seated himselfe with the Turks his followers : but long he had not there rested , but that the Tartars hearing thereof , pursued him , tooke him prisoner , & expulsed thēce all his people . There was at the same time also another kingdom of the Turks at NACHAN a citie in PERSIA , giuing name vnto the countrey wherein it stood , not farre from CHORASAN : wherein then raigned one Solyman of the Oguzian family , as had diuers other of his progenitors before him , who terrified with this dreadfull storme so suddenly risen out of the North , and warned by the sudden fall of the Selzuccian Sultan & his kingdome , of farre greater fame and power than himselfe or his , fled also with such his subjects as would follow him into the lesser ASIA . But of him and his proceedings more shall bee said hereafter in the rising of the victorious Othoman family , as lineally from him discended . After this the Tartars together with their good fortune still extending the bounds of their empire , conquered ARMENIA the greater , with the countries of CHOLCHIS and IBERIA : so that now their empire was become of all others the greatest and most flourishing . This great conquerour ( the Tartar ) had in his proud conceit purposed to haue subdued all ASIA , and to haue made the sea the onely bounder of his empire : but ouercome with the delicacies of INDIA , hauing diuided amongst his people those great prouinces and fruitfull countries , with the rich cities and pleasant fields , he so rested , embracing the maners and superstition of the people he had ouercome . Long it were and farre from our purpose to recount all the famous victories and conquest of this bare Northren people ; sufficeth it to the historie we haue in hand , that the Turks were by them then driuen out of PERSIA , with the countries thereabouts , and their Togran kingdome ( as they call it ) first founded by Tangrolipix , there extinguished , about the yeare of our Lord 1202. The Turkes thus driuen out of PERSIA and their kingdome ouerthrown , retired themselues into the lesser ASIA , possessed by the Turkes their countreymen , long before brought thither by Cutlu-Muses and his sonnes ( as is before declared ) and by them euer since in some part , though with diuers fortune , holden . Where these Turkes now arriuing out of PERSIA vnder the leading of Aladin , the sonne of Kei Husreu , discended also of the Selzuccian family in PERSIA , and taking the opportunitie offred them by the mortall discord of the Latines with the Greekes , and the Greeks among themselues , ceized vpon CILICIA with the countries thereabouts , and there first at SEBASTIA , and afterward at ICONIUM , erected their new kingdome ; which of this Aladin is by the Turks called the kingdome of the Aladin kings , although their names were not all so . Now about this time , and within the course of some few yeares after , such great and strange mutations happened in the Constantinopolitane empire , as had not therein at any time before beene seene : whereby the whole estate of that great empire which sometime commanded ouer a great part of the world , was almost vtterly subuerted , and a fit opportunitie giuen vnto the Turks and infidels for the sure setling of themselues , and establishing of their kingdomes both in SYRIA and the lesser ASIA : which briefly to run thorow shall not be from our purpose ; their affaires prospering by these troubles , and their proud and stately empire that now braueth all the rest of the world , being raised out of the ruines of that Christian empire ▪ and at this present triumphing euen in the same imperiall citie wherein these so great innouations hapned through the working of ambitious heads , to the lamentable ruine and destruction of a great part of the Christian commonweale . Alexius the vsurper , but now emperour , not contented ( as is before declared ) traiterously to haue depriued Isaack his elder brother of his empire and sight together : sought also after the life of the young prince Alexius , his brothers sonne , and heire apparent of the empire : who seeing the villanie committed in the person of his father , saued himselfe by flight from the furie of his vncle , and so accompanied with certaine great lords of the Greekes , his fathers friends , fled to craue aid of the Christian princes of the West , whom the Grecians commonly call the Latins . And first he tooke his way to Philip the Germane emperour , who had married Irene his sister , the emperour Isaack his daughter , by whom he was most honourably receiued and entertained . This great ladie , not a little mooued with the miserie of her father , and the flight of her brother , ceased not most instantly to solicite the emperour her husband , not to leaue vnreuenged so great a villanie , by the example thereof , dangerous vnto himselfe and others of like majestie and state . She declared vnto him , what an execrable indignitie it was , to see her father the emperor vnworthely imprisoned , depriued of his empire , and sight , and of the societie of men by his brother , that had by him receiued and recouered his life , his light , and his libertie : and to see the heire apparent of the empire banished by the wickednesse of his vncle , to wander vp and downe here and there like a beggar : a great part of which disgrace , as shee said , redounded vnto her selfe , the daughter of Isaack , and sister to the young wandering prince , and to himselfe also the sonne in law vnto the vnfortunat emperour her father . Moreouer she said , that the murderer Alexius durst neuer haue been so hardie as to commit so great and detestable a villanie , if he had not lightly regarded and contemned the majestie of the said Philip ; whom if he had had in any reuerence or honour , or at all feared , he durst not haue attempted so villanous an act . This Greeke ladie , mooued with just griefe , with these and such like complaints so preuailed with her husband , that he promised her to be in some part thereof reuenged , which he could not for the present performe , letted by the wars he then had with Otho his competitour of the empire . At the same time it fortuned , that great preparations were in making in FRAUNCE and ITALIE , and diuers other places of Christendome , for an expedition to be made against the Turks into the Holy land . The chiefe men wherin , were Theobald countie of CHAMPAGNE ( a man of great fame , and generall of the Christian armie ) Boniface marquesse of MONT-FERRAT , Baldwin earle of FLANDERS and HENAULT , and Henrie his brother earle of S. Paul , Henrie duke of LOVAINE , Gualter earle of BREAME , with diuers other noble gentlemen , which to name were tedious ; vnto whom resorted also many valiant and deuout Christians out of diuers parts of Christendome , ready to haue spent their liues in that so religious a war : so that now the number of them was great , and the armie right populous . But being thus assembled together , they thought it not best to take their way to CONSTANTINOPLE , through HUNGARIE and THRACE , and so to passe ouer into BITHINIA ; for that the Greeks had still in all former times shewed great vncourtesie vnto the Latins , in passing with their armies that way : and therfore they thought it much better now , by the way of ITALIE to take their journey by sea into the Holy land ; and for their transportation , especially to vse the helpe of the Venetians , whom they found much the easier to be intreated , for that by the means of so great an armie , they were in hope to scoure the Adriaticke ( then much infested by the Dalmatians ) as also to recouer IADERA , with some other cities vpon the coast of S●LAVONIA , before reuolted from their state to the Hungarians , as indeed they afterward did . But by the way as this armie was marching out of FRANCE , and come into PIEMONT , the noble countie of CHAMPAGNE , generall thereof , there fell sick and died , to the exceeding griefe & sorrow of the whole armie : in whose stead , the marquesse of MONT-FERRAT , a man of great nobilitie , and well acquainted with the wars of the East , was chosen generall . This great armie , transported by the Venetians into SCIAVONIA , took IADERA , with diuers other port townes along the sea coast , and hauing there done what the Venetians most desired , was about again to haue ben embarked for SYRIA , and so into the holy land . But the yong prince Alexius in the meane time had by himselfe and the noble Grecians ( fled with him for feare of the tyrant ) so wrought the matter with the Latine princes of the West , especially with Innocentius tertius the Pope , with Philip the emperour his brother in law , and Philip the French king , that they pittying his estate , & induced also with some other considerations more proper vnto themselues , took him as it were into their protection , commending by letters & messengers for that purpose sent vnto the armie ( which they might cōmand ) the defence both of himselfe and his cause : who with the commendation of three so great princes , comming to the armie yet lying at IADERA ( expecting but a faire wind for to haue passed into SYRIA ) was there of them all most honorably receiued , as the sonne of an emperour , and as became one vnto them so highly commended . And he himselfe also , as one that knew his good , was not in any thing wanting vnto himselfe , but recommended himselfe to their protection , as a poore exiled prince in distresse , yet of a good and liuely spirit , gracious in speech , beautifull to behold , and very yong ; and withall , fully instructed by the noble Grecians that were with him , in all things that might serue to further his purpose . And forasmuch as this great armie was composed of diuers nations , especially of the French , Italians , and Venetians , not all to be by one meane moued , he fitted euery one of them with such motiues as hee thought might most preuaile with them : Vnto the French he promised to pay the great summes of mony they had borrowed of the Venetians , for the furnishing of themselues in this war : Vnto the Venetians he promised to recompence thē for all the injuries they had sustained by the late Constantinopolitan emperors , especially by the emperor Emanuell ( who for that they had refused to aid him in his wars against William king of SICILIE , did in one day confiscat all the goods of the Venetian marchants within his empire , of a wonderfull value : & afterwards contrarie to the law of nations , shamefully intreated their embassadors sent vnto him , amongst whom was Henry Dandulus , now by fortune generall for the Venetians in the armie : who moued as well with the wrong in particular done vnto himselfe , as with the common , desired to be reuenged both of the one and of the other ; which although he could not haue of Emanuell himselfe , being long before dead , yet was he still desirous to haue it of some one of the Greeke emperours , whosoeuer he were : ) Vnto the Pope and the Italians , both he and the noblemen with him , had before promised , That the Greeke Church should for euer acknowledge the supremacie of the church of ROME , and from thencefoorth submit it selfe therunto , as vnto the soueraigne judge of all the churches of Christendome : which caused the Pope Innocentius by letters , by legates , by embassadours , and by all other meanes possible ; to further the cause of the yong prince Alexius , so combined with his owne : alleadging the diuersitie of opinions in matters of religion , betwixt the Greekes and the Latines , to haue been the chiefe cause that the Mahometanes had not been long agoe by their vnited forces subdued , or vtterly rooted out . In briefe , the young prince spared not to promise most bountifull rewards in generall to all that should take his part against his vncle the vsurping emperour . By this meanes , the deuout warre , taken in hand for the reliefe of the poore Christians in SYRIA , was laid aside , and the same forces that should haue beene therein employed , now conuerted against the Greeke empire , to the great weakening of that side of the Christian common-weale , and aduantage of the common enemie ; who might then easily haue beene oppressed , had he with the vnited forces of the Christians been on this side charged home , as he was on the farther by the Tartars . The Grecian warre thus resolued vpon , it seemed best vnto the great commanders of the armie , to march directly to CONSTANTINOPLE , as to the head of the Grecian state , and place where the tyrant whom they sought after , was resiant . In the mean time it was by them giuen out through all the Greeke cities which the emperour had strongly manned and fortefied for the staying of their passage , that their purpose was not to make warre against the Grecians their friends , but onely to restore their lawfull emperour vnto his former state and honour : And that forasmuch as euery citie and towne in ancient GREECE had appointed rewards , and almost diuine honors vnto such as had deliuered them from tyrants , they should now more fauourably receiue and intreat them that came to restore vnto euery citie , and to euery man in generall , their former libertie and honour . And so vpon the resolution for CONSTANTINOPLE , embarking their armie , and passing through the Ionian sea into the Aegeum , and so without let through the straights of Helespontus into Propontis , and entring the straits of Bosphorus Thracius , which deuide EUROPE from ASIA , they came to an anker euen in the face of the citie . In this fleet were two hundred and fortie saile of tall ships , sixtie gallies , seuentie ships for burden , and one hundred and twentie saile of victualers : which all together made a most braue shew , couering that strait in such sort , as that it seemed rather a wood than a part of the sea . Thus for a space they lay facing the citie , attending if happily vpon the comming and sight of so great a fleet , and the report of so puissant an armie as the yong prince Alexius had brought with him , any tumult or sedition might arise in the citie . But the warie tyrant had so well prouided therefore beforehand , that the citizens although they in heart fauoured the young prince , and wished him well , yet durst they not once moue or stirre in his quarrell . Whilest the fleet thus lay , embassadours came from the isle of CRETE , in two great gallies , with three banks of oares , yeelding vnto the yong prince that goodly island , with all the townes and cities therein : which he foorthwith gaue vnto the marquesse of MONT-FERRAT , generall of the armie , thereby to encourage the other great commanders of the armie to do the vttermost of their deuoire , in hope of recompence and rewards answerable to their deserts and valour . Before the arriuall of this fleet , Alexius the emperour had with a great chaine made fast the entrance of the hauen betwixt CONSTANTINOPLE and PERA , and appointed twentie great gallies well manned for the keeping thereof : but a great gale of wind arising , the generall sent out the greatest and strongest ship in the fleet ( of her greatnesse and swiftnesse called the Eagle ) which with all her sailes vp , carried with a full gale of wind , by maine force brake the chain , and made a way for the rest of the fleet to enter ; which the Greekes in the gallies seeing , for feare fled , leauing the gallies for a spoile vnto the Venetians , by whom they were all taken , but not a man found in them . The hauen thus gained , Theodorus Lascaris the emperours sonne in law , was presently readie vpon the shore with a select companie of the brauest gallants of the citie and of the court , to haue hindered the Latines from landing ; who running their ships a ground , landed with such cheerefulnesse and courage , and with such hast , that in one moment you might haue seene them leape out of their ships , take land , enter into the battell , and lay about them like mad men . This hote skirmish endured a great while , for that they were onely footmen that sustained this brunt , for the horses could not so soone be landed , and the Greekes were brauely mounted . All this great fight the Constantinopolitanes beheld , with doubtfull hearts expecting what should bee the euent thereof . There were in the citie sixtie thousand of the flower of Greece , which brauely sallying out , made the battell much more doubtfull ; yet such was the valour and resolution of the Latines , that in fine the Greekes discomfited , were glad to retire themselues againe into the citie , but with what losse , was not certainely knowne : easie it were to guesse , that it was right great , for that the old tyrant Alexius discouraged therewith , and doubtfull of his owne state , with Theodorus Lascaris his sonne in law , and some few others of his trustie friends ( hard to be found in so dangerous a case ) the next night following secretly fled out of the citie , carrying away with him a wonderfull masse of treasure ( which hee against all such euents had caused to bee secretly hidden by his daughter Irene , in a monasterie of Nuns within the citie , whereof she was the abbesse ) and so saued himselfe . The flight of the tyrant once bruted , the next morning the Constantinopolitanes taking the old emperour Isaack out of prison , saluted him againe for their emperour , rejoycing greatly for his deliuerance , and the safegard of his life : and after that opened the gates of the citie vnto the Latines , calling and saluting them by the names of the reuengers and sauiours of the libertie of the Greekes , as also of the life and majestie of their emperour ; they requested them that they might see and salute Alexius their young prince , whom they had so long desired : and so was the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , by the submission of the citizens , for that time saued from saccage and spoile . The old emperour thus deliuered , and together with his sonne Alexius again placed in the imperiall seat , gaue the most heartie thanks that possibly he could vnto the Latine princes , for that by their bountie , charitie , and valour , the Greeke empire had beene deliuered out of a long and miserable seruitude : and for his owne particular , that he had receiued of them so great good , that albeit his sight could not be restored to him againe , neuerthelesse , hee acknowledged his life , his libertie , his empire , his countrey , his sonne , to haue been vnto him by them restored , and he likewise to them : for which their so great deserts he could not ( as hee said ) render them condigne thankes , or deuise rewards or honours answerable to their demerits and valour : and that therefore he did ratefie and confirme whatsoeuer his sonne had before promised vnto them for his deliuerance : and not onely that , but farther promised , That if they were not therewith contented , hee would of his owne bountie giue them better contentment , not meaning they should goe discontented , that had saued his life , and otherwise so highly pleasured him . Hereupon this good old emperour began to consult with his friends about the meanes whereby he might satisfie and content the Latines in such things as the young prince his sonne had vnto them promised . And to the intent that the citizens of CONSTANTINOPLE might the more willingly doe that he was to command them , and the more cheerefully pay such impositions as hee was to lay vpon them , hee intreated all the Latines to retire themselues out of the citie into their campe or about their ships , which they accordingly did . But the imposition being set downe , and what euery man was to pay , seemed vnto the Greeks ( as men of long accustomed to receiue tribute of others , and not to pay tribute to others ) a matter most heauie and intollerable . In this verie instant that this exaction was required , died the old emperour Isaack , who hauing of long beene kept in a darke and stinking prison in continuall feare of death , and now deliuered and restored to his empire , could not endure so sudden and vnexpected a change , both of the aire and of his manner of liuing , but so suddenly died . At this exaction imposed for the contentment of the Latines , the light Constantinopolitans grieuously murmured and exclaimed , saying , That it was a villanous thing to see the Greeke empire engaged and bound ( by a yoong boy ) vnto a couetous and proud nation , and so to bee spoiled and bared of coyne : That the great and rich island of CRETE lying in the midst of the sea , was by him giuen as a gift vnto the Latines : That the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE and the Greeke church , had by him beene enforced and constrained to yeeld vnto the See of ROME , to receiue the opinions of the Latine church , to submit it selfe vnto the obeisance of old ROME , from whence it had once happily departed euer since the time that the empire was by Constantine the Great translated thence to them . Thus euerie one said for himselfe in particular : thus all men said in generall . And therof the noble men in their assemblies , and the vulgar people in their meetings , grieuously complained : whereupon a great sedition and tumult was raised in the citie . Some presently tooke vp armes , and the common people all enraged ran furiously disordered vnto the palace , with a purpose to haue committed some great outrage vpon the person of the yong emperour Alexius : who in that so sudden an insurrection , as might well haue troubled a right constant man , without longer stay resolued vpon a most wholesome and necessarie point for the appeasing of the peoples furie ; vnto whom ( assembled in a woonderfull multitude ) he shewed himselfe from aboue in his pallace , promising them to remaine in their power , and not from thencefoorth to do any thing without their aduice and liking , but wholy to depend vpon them : with which good words the people held themselues well content , and so was the tumult for that time appeased . But foorthwith the yoong emperour considering the injurie done vnto him , began to burne with the desire of reuenge and to change his purpose . Hee could not together satisfie the citizens and the Latines : for if he would keepe his promise with the Latines , he must of necessitie offend his owne people ; neither was there any meanes to bee found to satisfie both the one and the other . But thinking himselfe more bound to keepe his promise with the Latines , whose forces he knew not how to withstand , he sent secretly to request the marques of MONT-FERRAT , generall of the armie , to send him about midnight certaine companies of souldiers into the citie , assuring him to receiue them in by a gate neere vnto the pallace , which should be opened vnto them by certaine of his trustie seruants there left for that purpose . Of this plot Alexius Ducas ( of his bittle browes surnamed Murzufle , whom of a base fellow the emperour Isaack had promoted vnto the greatest honours of the court ) was not ignorant , who being a man of an aspiring mind , and in these troublesome times hauing long thirsted after the empire , tooke now this occasion to worke vpon . The night following , he by his agents , men instructed for the purpose , raised a tumult in the citie , not inferiour vnto that which had happened the day before : and at the same instant , as if he had had nothing to do in the matter , came suddenly vnto the yoong emperour in the dead time of the night ( which he might at all times do , by reason of the great confidence the emperour had in him ) and with a sad countenance told him , That the people were vp againe in an vprore , and especially they of his guard , and that they were comming towards him to do him some violence for the loue he bare vnto the Latines . With which vnexpected newes the yoong emperour terrified , demaunded of him as of his most faithfull counsellor , what were best in that case for him to doe ? Who presently embracing him in his night gowne , lead him out by a secret dore into a tent hee had of his owne in the court , as if hee would there haue kept him safe : but far was that from his traiterous thoughts ; who departing from him , as if he had gone to appease the tumult , had before taken order , That he should presently after his departure , be cast in bonds , and so be clapt vp into a close stinking prison . Which done , the false traitor openly shewing himselfe , made an oration vnto the people , wherein he shewed himselfe to haue great compassion of the Greeke empire , & of the Greeks his countrymen themselues , especially in that they were gouerned by a youth vnfit for the gouernment , who suffered himselfe to be misse-led according to the pleasure of the Latines . And that it was high time for the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , the seat of the Greeke empire , to looke about it , and to haue an eie vnto it selfe , sith it was betraied & sold by them which ought to preserue and keepe the same : that they had now need of a man that loued his countrey and countreymen , before that which yet remained of the Graecian name were vtterly extinguished by the Latines . This his speech , fitted of purpose vnto the humour of the seditious , was receiued with the great outcrie and applause of the windie headed people . Some cried out that hee , and none but he , was to be made chiefe of the common weale that was by them to be established : othersome cried as loud to haue him made generall of the armies and forces of the state : but the greatest crie was to haue him chosen and created emperour ; whereunto the rest giuing place , hee was by the generall consent of the tumultuous people , without longer stay , chosen and proclaimed emperour . Alexius the traitour , by no lawfull election or rightfull succession , but onely by the furie of the tumultuous people , thus created emperour ; was of nothing more carefull than how to breake the forces of the Latines , of whom onely he now stood in dread . And therefore to begin withall , he first attempted by certaine gallies filled with pitch , flax , brimstone , and such like matter apt to take fire , to haue burnt the Venetian fleet : which gallies so set on fire & carried with a faire gale of wind amongst the fleet , had beene like enough to haue done great harme , had it not by the warinesse of the Venetians bene preuented : who being good sea men , & not vnacquainted with such deuises , easily and without danger auoided the same , by keeping themselues aloofe one from another in the sea ▪ This finenesse sorting to no purpose , he to colour the matter sent certaine messengers to the generall , and other commaunders of the armie , to giue them to vnderstand that that which was done for the firing of the fleet , had beene done without his priuitie , by the malice of the tumultuous people ; and that for his part he would be glad of their fauour and friendship , assuring them likewise of his , and promising them to aid them both with men and money , and whatsoeuer else they should haue need of in their wars against the infidels . Whereunto an answer was giuen by Dandulus the Venetian generall , That he would beleeue it , when Alexis the sonne of the emperour Isaack , whom the Latines had placed in the empire , should assure them thereof , and intreat for the people , vpon whom the fault of that outrage was laid : which answere the more mooued the traiterous tyrant , to rid himselfe cleane of the feare of the yoong prince , by taking him out of the way ; to the intent to hinder the people of the hope and great desire they had to grow to some peace with the Latines , by taking him out of prison , and receiuing him againe for their emperour : For the people ( by nature mutable , and not desirous of the good of themselues , but according to the occurrents present , without any great regard of that they haue alreadie done , or ought to haue done ) began now to repent themselues of that they had done against the yoong emperor Alexis in the fauour of the tyrant , and commonly said , That they must find some meanes , whatsoeuer it were , to remedie their fault together with their troubles . Wherfore Murzufle fearing this sudden mutation of the people , with his owne hands most villanously strangled the yoong prince Alexis in prison , hauing as yet not raigned much aboue six months , and immediately after caused it to be bruited abroad , That the said yoong prince dispairing of his estate , had as a man desperat hanged himselfe . The tyrant in vaine hauing thus attempted the burning of the fleet , and still fearing the reuenging sword of the Latines , resolued now by plaine force to meet them in the field , and there to dare them battell . So hauing made readie and armed the whole strength of the imperiall citie , he with cheerfull speech encouraged his souldiers , requesting them valiantly to maintaine and defend their countrey of Greece , the monuments of their fathers , the glorie of their ancestors , their honour present , and the future hope of their posteritie : that hauing before their eies the wals of their citie , within which they were borne , nourished , and brought vp in hope of great matters , they would haue pitie and compassion of their temples , their wiues , their children , and in no case to suffer them to fall againe into so miserable and wretched a seruitude , but rather to die a thousand deaths . And the more to grace this his enterprise taken in hand for the defence of his countrey ( as he would haue the world to beleeue it ) with the colour of a superstitious de●otion also , hee caused the priests in their ecclesiastike attire and ornaments , to march foorth in the armie , with an ensigne , hauing in it displaied the picture of the Virgin Marie . So couragiously marching forward , hee first charged that quarter of the campe where Baldwin the countie of FLANDERS lay , where at the first was fought a right fierce and doubtfull battell . But afterward the alarum running throughout all the campe of the Latines , and new supplies comming in on euery side , the Greekes were put to the worse , and enforced againe to retire into the citie , hauing lost a great number of men , together with their superstitious ensigne . It was a woonderfull thing to see , with what rare agreement the Latines , being of diuers nations , continued this expedition vndertaken against the Greekes . Seuentie two daies was the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE straightly besieged by the Latines both by sea and land , without giuing any time of rest or repose day or night vnto the besieged , fresh men comming still on to the assault , as the other fell off , and in such sort troubled the Greekes in the citie , that they knew not well what to doe or which way to turne themselues . The Venetians , vnto whom was committed the charge to assault that side of the citie which was toward the hauen , vpon two great gallies made fast together , built a strong tower of wood , higher than the wals and rampiers of the town , out of which they both with shot and fire-workes much troubled the defendants , wherewith they in the time of the assault approching the wall , by their fine deuises fired that side of the citie : by the rage whereof , a great number of houses were burnt , with many other stately buildings and antient monuments of that famous citie : and had at that present gained a great tower neere vnto the port , destitute of defendors , had not the tyrant himselfe in good time come with new supplies to the rescue thereof . In like manner , the French , with the rest , assailed the other side of the citie by land , where they were to fight not against the defendants onely , but against deepe ditches , high and strong wals , and bulwarkes also : neuerthelesse , such was the valour and furie of the Latines , with the desire of victorie , as that they were not with any difficulties to be dismaied ; but pressing still on , by a thousand dangers , at length after a most sharpe assault they gained one of the greatest bastillions on that side of the citie , called the Angels tower , and so by plaine force opened a way both for themselues and the rest into the citie . Whereof Alexius vnderstanding , and strucke with present despaire both of his state and life , the night now comming on , fled with Euphrosina the emperour Alexius his wife , and Eudocia her daughter , whome hee had married when he had raigned about a moneth and 16 daies . The tyrant , author of all this mischiefe and of the calamities ensuing , thus fled , and the Latines furiously entring ; the priests and religious men in their surplices , and other ecclesiastique ornaments , with their crosses and banners ( as in solemne procession ) met the Latines , and falling downe at the souldiors feet , with flouds of teares abundantly running downe their heauie countenances , besought them , but especially the captaines and commanders , to remember the condition of worldly things , and contenting themselues with the victorie , the glorie , the honour , the empire , the immortalitie of their name , to abstaine from slaughter , from burning , from spoiling and ransacking of so beautifull a citie : And that seeing they were themselues men , they would also haue pitie of men : and being themselues captaines and souldiours , they should also haue compassion vpon captaines and souldiours ; who although they were not so valiant and fortunate as they were , yet neuerthelesse were both captaines and souldiors : And that they would keepe and preserue their citie , whereof ( if they ruinated it not ) they might haue much more pleasure and commoditie , than if they should destroy the same , which as it had been the principall seat of the Greeke empire , so might it now bee of the Latines : That seeing they had thereof had a carefull regard , as then belonging to another man , they ought now vpon better reason to haue more care thereof , being their owne : That the authors of all these troubles and mischiefes , Alexius the elder , and Murzufle , had alreadie receiued a reward answerable to their follies , in that they were driuen into exile : That they would haue pitie and compassion of an innocent and vnfortunat multitude of poore people , oppressed and grieuously tormented with the often tyrannies of their murderous lords and gouernours : That in so doing , God the Lord of hoasts , the giuer and guider of battels , the God of mercie , would therefore reward them : To conclude , they humbly besought them to pardon their citizens , to put on the hearts of gracious and mercifull lords and fathers , not of enemies and rough masters , of forgiuers , not of reuengers : and to vnderstand by their teares , their miserable estate and woes passed . With this so humble a submission and complaint of the religious , some of the better sort were happely mooued : but with the common soldiors , breathing nothing but victorie , with their weapons in their hands , and the spoile of an empire in their power , what auailed prayers or teares ? euery man fell to the spoile , and in so great choice and libertie of all things , fitted his owne disordered appetite , without respect of the wrong or injurie done to others : onely from the effusion of innocent bloud they abstained ; they whose liues they sought after , being alreadie fled , together with the tyrant . Other injuries and outrages ( so great , as that greater could none be ) were in euery place so rife , that euery street , euery lane , euery corner of the citie was filled with mourning and heauinesse . There might a man haue seene noblemen earst of great honor , and reuerend for their hoarie haires , with other citizens of great wealth , thrust out of all they had , walking vp and downe the citie weeping and wringing their hands , as men forlorne , not knowing where to shroud their heads . Neither staied the greedie rage of the insolent souldiors within the wals of mens priuat houses , but brake out into the stately pallaces , temples , and churches of the Greekes also , where all was good prize , and nothing dedicated to the seruice of God , left vnpolluted and defaced , no place vnsought , no corner vnrifled : right lamentable and almost incredible it were to report all the miseries of that time . Some of the Greeke Historiographers , men of great marke and place , and themselues eye witnesses and partakers of those euils , haue by their writings complained to all posteritie , of the insolencie of the Latines at the winning of the citie , to their eternall dishonour : but that disordered souldiours in all ages in the libertie of their insolent victorie , haue done such outrages , as honest minds abhorre to thinke vpon . Thus Constantinople , the most famous citie of the East , the seat and glorie of the Greeke empire , by the miserable ambition and dissention of the Greekes for soueraigntie fell into the hands of the Latines the twelfth of Aprill , in the yeare 1204 , or after the account of others , 1200. CONSTANTINOPLE thus taken , and the tyrants put to flight , the princes and great commanders of the armie held a counsell , to consider what were best to be done concerning the citie and the new gained empire : for after so great a victorie , they thought it not good to rase so auncient and important a citie , seated as it were a watch tower vpon the theatre of the world , ouerlooking both ASIA and EUROPE from the one to the other , as an eye of the vniuersall ; and so commodiously planted , as was no other citie of the world , for the keeping vnder of the enemies of the Christian Religion : but that it were much better to place there a Latine gouernour , to establish there the Latine lawes and customes , and to vnite the Greeke church as a member vnto the church of ROME . In which consultation , some were of opinion , not to haue any moe emperours in Christendome but one , and therefore to make choice of Philip the Germane emperour , author of this warre , whose wife Irene was the onely daughter and heire of the late emperour Isaack Angelus , vnto whom by all right the inheritance of her fathers empire belonged . But the greater part , considering that the troubled affaires of GREECE , in so great a change and newnesse of the empire , had need of the personall presence of a prince , thought it better to make choice of one among themselues , who there still resiant in that place , might at all times giue aid vnto the Latines in their sacred warres , taken in hand against the infidels : which opinion as the better , was approoued of them all . The cheefe men in this election of the new emperour , were Baldwin countie of FLAUNDERS and HAINAULT , Henry his brother , Lewis countie of BLOYS , Symon de Montfort , Iohn de Dammartin , Gualter de Brienne , Hugh countie of S. Paul , Iohn countie of BRENNE , Boniface marques of MONT-FERRAT , Stephen countie of PERCH , and fiue gentlemen of VENICE : vnto whom also were joyned two Bishops of SYRIA , the one of BETHLEM , the other of PTOLEMAIS , who had oftentimes come to the campe of the Latines to stirre them vp for the taking in hand of the sacred warre in SYRIA ; with two bishops of FRANCE also , namely of SOISSON and TROY in CHAMPAGNE , & the abbot of LEMELY . These great lords and prelats assembled into the church of the holy Apostles , after they had there with great deuotion craued of God to enspire them with his spirit , for the choice of a good and just prince fit for so great a charge ; with one consent made choice of Baldwin countie of FLAUNDERS and HAINAULT for emperour of GREECE : a braue and valiant prince about two and thirtie yeeres old , who was afterward the sixteenth day of May in the yeare 1204 ( or after the computation of others in the yeere 1205 ) in the great temple of S. Sophia solemnely crowned by Thomas Maur●cenus a Venetian , first Patriarch of the Latines in CONSTANTINOPLE . From which time the Greeke church in CONSTANTINOPLE began to receiue the rites and ceremonies of the Latines , and to acknowledge the supremacie of the church of ROME . It was not long after that CONSTANTINOPLE was thus taken by the Latines , but that they diuiding their forces without any resistance , tooke in the most part of the great countries and prouinces on EUROPE side , belonging to the Greeke empire in the time of Isaack Angelus the late emperour : the fortune of the whole empire , as it were following the fortune of the imperiall citie . Which large countries so gained from the Greeks , the Latines diuided amongst themselues , as good prize taken from their enemies : Vnto Baldwin the emperour and his successors in the empire , was assigned the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , and the countrey of THRACIA , with a limited soueraigntie ouer all the rest of the prouinces by the Latines alreadie or afterwards to be gained : Vnto the Venetians in this diuision of the empire , was allotted for their share all the rich islands of the AEGEUM , and IONIAN , with the famous island of CANDIE also ; which although it were before by the yoong emperour Alexis in the beginning of these warres , giuen vnto the marques of MONT-FERRAT , yet in this diuision of the empire , it was taken from him ( not without his good liking ) and giuen to the Venetians , as for them more fit : In steed and lieu whereof , the marques had the citie of THESSALONICA with all the kingdome of THESSALIE , and a great part of PELOPONESUS assigned vnto him , with the royall title of a king . Of the aforesaid islands ( in number many and exceeding rich ) the Venetians in the name of the state fortified some few of the greatest with conuenient garrisons , the rest they left to be possessed and defended by the better sort of the citizens at their priuat cost and charges ; who according to their abilitie , tooke into their possession , some one island , some another , and some two or three , one , as they were able to set out their gallies one , two , or mo , for the keeping of the same : ouer all which , the seigniorie neuerthelesse had a generall care , still keeping a fleet with one of their admirals at sea ; by whom they not onely repressed the Genua pirats then busie in those seas , but also tooke in certain strong townes in the maine vpon the cost of PELOPONESUS , namely MODON and CORONE ; all which they of long time after held as a part of their seigniorie . Some other particular places , yet parts also of the empire , were giuen vnto particular men ; as the dukedome of ATHENS vnto one Geffrey of TROY in CHAMPAIGNE a Frenchman , a valiant captaine , whom they also made prince of ACHAIA : Another dukedome was also giuen to the countie of BLOYS ; as were diuers other countries and townes also vnto other more priuat men : who neuerthelesse were bound to hold the same of the emperour , as of their lord , and to pay him yearely a fourth part of the reuenue arising thereof towards the maintenance of his state . Yea the Greekes themselues in this shipwracke of their state and empire , although they disdained nothing more than the strange gouernment of the Latines , yet could they not be persuaded to joyne together in so common a calamitie , but after their woonted maner sought euerie man how to share out something for himselfe , without regard of the common good : one seized vpon one strong towne or citie , and so likewise another ; which for all that they held not long , driuen thence for the most part by a greater power , either of the Latines , or of their owne countreymen . The man whom the discontented Greeks most looked after , was Theodorus Lascaris , the emperour Alexius Angelus his sonne in law : who at the taking of the citie fled to ADRIANOPLE , and afterward into BYTHINIA , where he was of the people , not of that countrey onely , but of others also farther off , joyfully receiued and honoured as their emperour . So taking into his hands the countries of BYTHINIA , PHRIGIA , MISIA , IONIA , and LYDIA , euen from the windings of the famous riuer MaeANDER Southward , vnto the EUXINE sea Northward ; he with the generall good liking of the people , tooke vpon him the state of an emperour , and so in the renowmed citie of NICE made the seat of his empire . At the same time also Dauid , and Alexius Comneni , the nephews of the tyrant Andronicus ( sometime emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE ) by his sonne Manuel , possessing the more Eastern countries of PONTVS , GALATIA , and CAPADOCIA , erected vnto themselues another empire in TRAPEZOND , where their posteritie of the honourable house of the Comneni raigned in great glorie many yeares after ▪ vntill their empire , together with the empire of CONSTANTINOPLE , was by the great emperour of the Turks , Mahomet the second , subuerted and brought to naught , as shall bee afterward in due time and place declared . Thus the Greeke empire exposed ( as it were ) to the generall spoile , was no longer one , but many empires : Baldwin raigning in CONSTANTINOPLE , the marques of MONT-FERRAT in THESSALIE , Theodorus Lascaris at NICE , Alexius Comn●nus in TRAPEZOND , & the Venetians in the islands ; all in royall dignitie . Besides whom were many other ●eller princes , which had here and there according to their abilitie seized vpon some one or other part of the empire , and there erected their Topar●hies , raigning therein as pettie kings : as did Aldebrandinus in ATTALIA , Michael Angelus in EPIRVS , with diuers others too long to rehearse . Baldwin ( as is aforesaid ) created emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , by the helpe of the Venetian Admirall Dandulus , and other great commanders of the armie , in short time brought vnder his obeisance all the cities of THRACIA , excepting the citie of ADRIANOPLE , whereunto the better sort of the discontented Greekes , together with Theodorus Lascaris ( disdaining the gouernment of the Latines ) were fled , as vnto a most safe sanctuarie ; which Baldwin knowing , and withall desiring whilest yet he had his friends about him , to set his new empire in some good stay , without farther delay came and laid hard siege to the same . Now the Greeks generally euill entreated by the Latines , & grieued to be gouerned by them , were some of them fled into other their neighbours princes countries , but especially into BVLGARIA , otherwise called MISIA , a large kingdome , lying betwixt the great mountaine AEMVS and DANVEIVS : by whose persuasion , Iohn king of that countrey , aided by the Scythians ( a fierce Northren people , but lately come into those quarters ) and by the fugitiue Greekes themselues , tooke vpon him to relieue the besieged citie : and so with a great armie approching the same , sent before certaine troupes of the Scythian archers on horsebacke , to fetch in such booties of horses or cattle as they should find neere vnto the emperours campe : and withall commaunded them that being charged by the imperials , they should foorthwith retire , so to draw them out of their trenches , into the place where the king with the greatest part of his armie lay couertly to entrap them . Which the Scythians ( well acquainted with such seruice ) so well performed vnder the leading of one Cozas their generall , that hauing once or twice drawn their enemies vnto some light skirmishes , and so retyring , and ere long againe with a greater number returning , they at length cunningly drew the emperour with all his armie , in hope to doe some great matter vpon them , euen as they wished into the place whereas the king with his armie lay in wait among the woods and mountaines for them ; where they wearied and out of breath in the former pursuit , and now on euery side beset with fresh enemies , were ouerthrowne with a great slaughter . In which conflict , to increase the losse , Baldwin the emperour himselfe was taken and sent prisoner in bonds to TERNOVA : where afterwards by the commandement of the Barbarous king he was most cruelly put to death , hauing his hands and feet cut off , and so dismembred was cast out into a deepe valley , where he yet lay miserably breathing three daies after , and so died ; leauing his bodie as fortunes scorne for a prey vnto the wild beasts and birds of the aire , no man vouchsafing to burie it . Thus perished this woorthie prince , for his vertues commended euen of the Greeks themselues , being about the age of three and thirtie yeeres , and not hauing raigned yet a full yeare , in the yeare of our Lord 1206. The victorie thus gained , & the citie relieued , the barbarous king with his sauage souldiors hauing tasted the wealth of the Latins , ouerthrowne in the late battell , and the pleasures of THRACIA , now subject to their lust ; greedily pursued their good fortune , without respect of all humanitie : the open countrey they ouerran , spoiling whatsoeuer came to hand , the rich and famous cities they rifled , and afterward rased them downe to the ground , namely SERRae , PHILIPPOPOLIS , APRI , RHEDESTUM , PERINTHUS , DAONIUM , ARCADIOPOLIS , MESENA , ZURULUS , and ATHYRA : the citizens and countrey people fled into the cities for refuge , they put all to the sword , without respect of age , sex , or condition , except some few whom they carried away with them prisoners , so that of all the prouinces of that rent and ruinated empire , the countrey of THRACE , was most miserable ; as first spoiled by the Latines , and now laid desolat by the Bulgarians and Scythians . Onely some few of the strongest cities , as DIDYMOTICHUM and ADRIANOPLE , valiantly defended by the Greekes and Latines , escaped this furie of the Barbarians , all the rest that fell into their hands being laid wast and desolat . In this so troubled a State of the new erected Empire of the Latines in CONSTANTINOPLE , the Latines made choise of Henrie the late Emperour Baldwins brother , as of all others the fittest to succeed him in the empire ; who aided by the marquesse , now king of THESSALIE , and the other Latine princes , notably repulsed the Barbarians , and left them not vntill that at length he had recouered from them all such townes and cities as they had before taken , and driuen them quite out of the countrey , and so well established himselfe in his new empire . But to leaue this dismembred empire , now in the hands of many , and to come neerer vnto our purpose : Alexius Angelus the vsurper , driuen out of the imperiall citie by the Latins , to saue himselfe , fled into THESSALIE , and from thence vnto Leo Scurus ( then a man of great fame among the Greekes ) who tyrannising at NAUPLUS , as had his father before him , was in these troublesome times growne greater by surprising of the two famous cities of ARGOS and CORINTH : by whose meanes he cunningly entrapped Alexius Ducas , surnamed Murzufle the traitor , and for a secret grudge not commonly knowne , put out his eyes : himselfe an exiled man being a most heauie enemie vnto the other also exiled ; and himselfe thrust out of the empire , a deadly foe vnto the other , oppressed with the like calamitie . Shortly after which losse of his sight , he was by chaunce taken by the Latines , and so brought backe to CONSTANTINOPLE , where he was for murdering the young emperour Alexius , worthily condemned vnto a strange and horrible kind of death : for , cast off from an high tower , and tumbling heeles ouer head downeward , he was with the waight of himselfe , and violence of the fall , crushed all to pieces , and so miserably died : a death too good for such a traitour . Not long after it fortuned also , that Alexius himselfe wandering vp and downe in THRACIA , was by the marquesse of MONT-FERRAT going against SCVRVS , taken and stript of his great treasure , and whatsoeuer else hee had ; and so sent away naked , long time after in beggers estate wandered about in ACHAIA and PELOPONESVS , now farre vnlike that Alexius which sometime proudly raigned in CONSTANTINOPLE : but such is the assurance of euill gotten honour . He hearing that Theodorus Lascaris , his sonne in law , raigned in ASIA , and there held the state of an emperour , rejoyced not thereat as a kind father in law , but inwardly greeued thereat as an enemie , sorrie that any other but himselfe should be honoured with the title of the Greeke emperour : in which malicious humour he sayling out of GREECE into ASIA ouer the Aegeum , came secretly vnto the Turkes Sultan Iathatines his old acquaintance , then lying at ATTALIA , ( which famous citie he had not long before taken from the Christians ) vnto whom he declared his heauie estate , and how his empire had been rent from him , as well by the Greekes as the Latines ; requesting , that by his meanes he might be restored againe into some part thereof , especially that in the lesser ASIA , which was by Theodorus Lascaris , together with the honour of the Greeke emperour , vnjustly ( as he said ) detained from him . This Iathatines , now Sultan of ICONIVM , was the younger sonne of Sultan Aladin ; who not long suruiuing his father Cai-Chosroe , left his kingdome vnto his two sonnes , Azadin and Iassadin , of the Greekes called Azatines and Iathatines : where long it was not , but that these two brethren falling out for the soueraignetie ( which admitteth no equalitie ) Iathatines was by Azatines his elder brother driuen into exile , and for the safegard of his life glad to flie vnto this Alexius , then raigning at CONSTANTINOPLE , by whom he was honourably entertained , and as some write , conuerted and baptised . But Azatines the Sultan shortly after dying , this Iathatines returning home againe , and renouncing the Christian religion , was by the Turks receiued for their Sultan : of whom the emperour Alexius in like extremitie now craueth aid . The Sultan not forgetfull of his owne troubles before passed , or of the kindnesse hee had receiued , and mooued with the pittifull complaint of his old friend , together with his large offers , beside that he was in hope to share out some good part of whatsoeuer he got for himselfe ; tooke him into his protection , and foorthwith sent embassadours to Lascaris , threatening vnto him all extremities , except he did foorthwith giue place vnto Alexius his father in law , vnto whom as vnto the Greeke emperour , those countries which were by him possessed , of right ( as he said ) appertained . With which vnexpected message , Theodorus was not a little troubled , as fearing both the Sultans power , and the inclination of the people to their old emperour . Neuerthelesse , hauing propounded the matter in counsell , and finding the minds of his subiects well affected towards him , and a readinesse in them in his quarrell to aduenture their liues ; he encouraged therewith , accompanied onely with two thousand choise horsemen , together with the Sultans embassadour , without farther stay set forward to PHILADELPHIA : the Sultan at the same time with Alexius ( whom he carried with him as a bait to deceiue the people withall ) and twentie thousand Turkes , besieging the citie of ANTIOCH , situate vpon the winding banks of the riuer MEANDER . Which the emperour Theodorus well vnderstanding , and that the Sultan by gaining that strong citie ( standing vpon the passage of the great riuer , the bounder of his empire ) should open a faire way for himselfe into the heart of ROMANIA ASIATICA , to the great hazard of his whole empire , resolued with those few he had , to doe what hee might to relieue his citie . And so setting forward vpon the spurre , carrying nothing with him more than a little victuall : and now come neere vnto the citie , sent before the Sultans embassador , following him at the heeles . Who comming vnto the Sultan , and telling him of the emperours approch with so small a power , could hardly persuade him that it was so , although hee bound it with many oathes : yet at length persuaded of the truth of the matter , and that indeed it was so , hee in all hast put his armie in the best order he could vpon such a suddain , but not to his best aduauntage , being hindred so to do , by the straitnesse of the place wherein he lay . Of the two thousand select horsemen in the emperours armie , were eight hundred Italians , all most resolute men , who giuing the first charge , brake through the midst of the Sultans armie , disordering his whole battell as they went ; after whom followed also the Greeks , though not with like courage : but those Italian horsemen now deuided from the rest , & in number but few , in comming back again , were by the disordered Turks , some on horseback , some on foot , so beset on euery side , as that there was no way left for them to passe , but there valiantly fighting were altogether slaine , hauing both before and at the time of their death , made such a slaughter of the Turks , as is hardly to be beleeued to haue been possible for so few men to haue made . The Greekes also hardly laied to by the Turkes , and discouraged by the slaughter of the Latines , were euen vpon the point to haue fled : when as the Sultan , now almost in possession of a certaine victorie , descrying the Greeke emperour , and trusting to his owne great strength , singled him out , being as readie as himselfe to meet him ; when as at the first incounter , the Sultan with his horsemans mase gaue him such a bl●w vpon the head , as might haue killed a bull , so that the emperour therewith astonied , fell downe from his horse : who yet euen in the fall comming something againe vnto himselfe , and although dismounted , yet quickly recouering his feet , with his faulchion hoxed the hinder legs of the mare whereon the Sultan rid , being a most beautifull beast and of a woonderfull height ; which now suddainely faultring vnder him , and so the Sultan tumbling downe as from an high tower , before he could recouer himselfe , had his head cut off by the emperour : which by and by put vpon a launce , and so holden vp , with the sight thereof so dismaied the Turks , that strucken with a suddaine feare , they presently fled , leauing the victorie vnto the emperour , before more than halfe ouercome : who for all that considering his small number , durst no farther pursue them , but entering the citie , gaue thankes to God for so great a victorie . Vnto whom the Turks shortly after sent their embassadours , and so vpon such reasonable conditions as it pleased him to set downe , concluded with him a peace . Alexius himselfe , author of these troubles , taken in this battell and carried to NICE , was by the emperour his son in law , notwithstanding his euill deserts , well intreated and vsed . Whilest the Latins thus spend those forces in subuerting of the Greeke empire , which should haue been imployed for the releefe of the Christians in SYRIA ; and that the Greeke emperour Liscaris was thus troubled with the Turks ; the affaires of the Christians in SYRIA and the Holy land , grew still worse and worse . Whereof the knights Hospitalers and Templars ( the cheefe champions of the Christian religion in those countries ) greatly blamed Americus the king of CYPRUS , for that he being so neere at hand , and hauing married Isabella , the heire of that kingdome , and so in her right taken vpon him the title of the king of HIERUSALEM , gaue himselfe wholly to pleasure , doing nothing for the defence or reliefe of the poore distressed Christians , or repressing of the Turkes : who although they were yet in league with the Christians there , and at some discord also among themselues , yet spared not , as occasion serued , still more and more to encroach vpon them , and by building of new castles & fortresses , to cut them short . Of all which things , the aforesaid knights by their embassadours certefied Innocentius the Pope , requesting his fatherly care for the remedie therof ; certefying him withall , That there was yet liuing one Mary , the daughter of the marquesse of MONT-FERRAT , a ladie of rare beautie , whom they as her tutors , had brought vp in hope of the kingdome ; and now were readie to bestow her vpon some such man as he should thinke worthie of her , together with the right she had vnto the kingdome . Hereupon Innocentius discharging Almericus of the title of the kingdome of HIERUSALEM , gaue it to Iohn countie de Brenne of DAULPHINIE in FRANCE , a man of great fame and valour , then in armes with the other Latin princes against the Greeks . Who now returning home , commended his earledome to his brother , and with such power as he was able to make , setting forward , came first to VENICE , where he was royally entertained : and from thence sayling to CONSTANTINOPLE , was with like honour receiued by the emperour Henry , and so at length the fift of September arriued at PTOLEMAIS in SYRIA , where he was with the great rejoycing and applause of the people receiued as their king . And the last of the same moneth marrying the aforesaid ladie Marie at TYRE , was there together with her with great solemnitie crowned king in the yeare 1209 : which Almericus the old king of CYPRUS hearing , shortly after died for griefe . Neither wanted this noble gentleman , thus honoured with the title of a kingdome , some that enuied at his promotion , and therfore commonly called him in dirision , a king , but still with this addition , Sans Ville , that is to say , without a towne . Now was the ten yeares peace before taken betwixt the Turkes and the Christians in SYRIA , at the comming ouer of Simon marquesse of MONT-FERRAT ( as is before declared ) almost expired : which had not so much giuen to those poore remnants of the Christians some time of rest and breathing , as had the discord of the Turkes among themselues ; which hauing by the space of nine yeares continued betwixt Noradin and Saphadin for the soueraignetie , was now by the death of Saphadin ended . Noradin contenting himselfe with the gouernment of ALEPPO : and Corradin and Meledin , the two sonnes of Saphadin , deuiding their fathers kingdome betwixt them , the one taking vnto himselfe DAMASCO and SYRIA , and the other the great kingdome of AEGIPT , but all enemies vnto the Christians . About this time also , or not long after , Innocentius tertius , yet Pope , summoned a generall counsell to LATERAN , whereunto besides a multitude of great bishops and other reuerend prelates , repaired also the honourable embassadours of most of the princes of Christendome : vnto whom so assembled , among other things was propounded the dangerous estate of the Christians in SYRIA , and how the same was by the helpe of the Christian princes of the West to bee relieued . Whereunto all the fathers and princes there assembled , easily gaue their consent : and thereupon were some appointed in euery countrey and prouince to publish this decree of the Counsell , for the reliefe of the oppressed Christians , and to stirre vp the deuout people for the vndertaking of so religious a warre . The chiefe furtherers of this sacred expedition ( to be thus taken in hand against the infidels ) were the bishops of GERMANIE , especially the three great bishops of METS , CULLEN , and TRIVERS , whose example mooued also many others , all which to rehearse were tedious . Out of FRANCE also were sent Henry the countie of NIVERS , and one Gualter , the kings great chamberlaine , with a great number of the gallant youths of FRANCE , and so out of diuers other places also : So that at length such a number of men were met together at diuers ports of the Adriaticke , as made vp a fleet of two hundred saile : which with a prosperous wind carried ouer into SYRIA , arriued in safetie at PTOLEMAIS , the chiefe citie of the Christians , now that HIERUSALEM was lost . After whom followed also Andrew , king of HUNGARIE , long before bound both by his fathers commandement and his owne promise , for the vndertaking of that sacred expedition : with whom came also Lewis duke of BAVARIA , and Leopold duke of AUSTRIA , with their forces all well appointed : vnto whom also , Iohn king of HIERUSALEM joined himselfe with his power . Great hope and expectation there was of some great matter to haue ben done , now that so great forces of the Christians were thus met together . Who setting forward from PTOLEMAIS , & the first day marching into GALILEE , by the way met with certaine companies of the Turks , whom they easily ouerthrew & put to flight . The next day they came to the riuer of IORDAN , where they also distressed certaine of the Turks garisons . There the king of HUNGARIE bathing himselfe in the riuer , forthwith ( as one discharged of his vow & promise ) returned with all his power vnto PTOLEMAIS , & so from thence back again into his coūtry , all the rest of the army of the Christians crying out vnto him to the cōtrary : who after the kings departure still marching on , came to the mount THABOR . But shortly after , winter now comming on , and many of their cattell dying for cold and want of meat , they returned some to PTOLEMAIS , some to TYRE , and there wintred . King Iohn and the duke of AUSTRIA in the meane time tooke a castle betwixt CESAREA and CAIPHA , called The castle of Pilgrims , from whence they much troubled the Barbarians thereabouts , all that winter . Vpon the appearance of the Spring , and the armie againe met together , it was thought best by all the great commaunders ( that for so much as the kingdome of AEGYPT was the chiefe maintenance of the Mahometan superstition against the Christians in those parts ; and that so long as it stood vpright , they should not be able to do any great matter in SYRIA ) to attempt the conquest thereof , as an exploit best beseeming their valour , and so great preparations : for that that kingdome being once subdued , the citie of HIERUSALEM with all the land of PALESTINE , would of themselues without more adoe yeeld vnto them . And for as much as the famous citie of DAMIATA , called in antient time PELVSIVM , not much inferiour to ALEXANDRIA , was the first and most commodious port for their purpose , as neerest vnto SYRIA ; and that by the taking therof , they should haue a faire entrance into the great riuer NILVS , with the command of a most rich and pleasant countrey about it : they resolued there to begin the warre : and thereupon embarking themselues with all things necessarie for so great an enterprise at PTOLEMAIS , and carried with a faire wind , they in short time arriued at the desired port . Now that rich and antient citie , the key of that side of the kingdome , stood about a mile from the sea , & somewhat distant also from the great riuer , enuironed with a nauigable ditch or cut , drawn out of the Nile , in manner of an island as a man commeth from SYRIA by land ; and compassed about with three strong stone wals , the worke of the good emperour Aelius Pertinax , and of him as some affirme called also AELIOPOLIS . At the mouth of this cut , as you should enter vnto the citie , stood a strong watch-towre for the defence thereof , and round about it a number of faire houses in manner of a prettie towne entrenched . Beside that , for the more safetie thereof , the same cut was barred with a great strong yron chaine , in such sort as that it was not possible for any ship , without breaking of the same , to enter . The Christians with their fleet entring the mouth of the riuer , and comming to this cut , by great strength brake the chaine ▪ but thinking so to haue made their passage vnto the citie , they found a greater stay at the watch-tower , which strongly built of square stone , and well stored with warlike engines of all sorts , and a good garrison of valiant souldiers , staied their further passage , ouerwhelming them as they approched , with shot , fire , stones , timber , and such like , before prouided for that purpose . The Christians ( after the manner of the fight of that time ) had vpon certaine flat vessels built certaine high towers of wood for the assailing of the watch-tower : in the approching whereof , they were not only troubled with the enemie , but with the tumult and stur of their owne people also ; some crying that they should yet draw neerer vnto the tower ; othersome crying out as fast , to haue the bridges cast out , thereby to enter : and the enemie likewise with much clamour encouraging one another for the repulsing of the Christians . So the souldiers hindred the mariners to do their businesse , and the mariners the souldiers . In the midst of this hurly burly and tumult , one of the woodden towers surmounting the rest in heigth , ouercharged with the presse of men , fell , and in falling made such a noise , as if heauen it selfe had fallen , where in a moment ( as it were ) was presently to be seene a most heauie spectacle : many ouerwhelmed with the falling of the tower lay there crushed to death ; some grieuously hurt , and yet not dead , lay oppressed with the timber , crying out for helpe ; others bruised or hurt , but not ouerwhelmed , for feare of further harme , leapt some into the NILE , some aboord the other ships neere by , some crying out of his arme , some of his leg , some of his head or other part of his bodie , to the great discomfiture of the rest , in so much that the assault was for that time giuen ouer . King Iohn ( as well for his valour as for the title of the king of HIERUSALEM , chosen generall of the armie ) after he had appeased this tumult , and giuen the charge of them that were maimed or hurt , vnto skilfull surgeons , & buried the bodies of such as were found drowned or ouerwhelmed ; with cheerfull speech encouraged the rest of his souldiers , persuading them not to bee discouraged with the accident of the fall of a tower , which was neither to be imputed to their cowardise , or the valour of the enemy , but onely to the chance of war. In the meane time Meledin the Aegyptian Sultan , had with a great armie encamped himselfe within the sight of DAMIATA , thereby to encourage the besieged , and to fill them with hope of reliefe : sending them oftentimes by the riuer , newes , messages , victuals , souldiers , armour , and whatsoeuer else they wanted . The chiefe cause of his staying there , was to take occasion for the surprising of the Christians , if any should be offered , either by chance or their owne negligence . Euery day some skirmish or other passed betwixt our men and the Barbarians , our men still carrying away the victorie : yet could these Barbarians neither be drawn foorth vnto battell , neither could our men keepe them from victuals ; for as much as they had the riuer of NILE at commaund , whereby victuals were out of the vpper part of AEGYPT in great abundance conueighed into the Sultans campe : Whereas on the contrarie part , the same riuer diuiding it selfe into many armes , in some places here and there ouerflowing , in another cut into many ditches and channels , and in some other pent vp by wals and causies , gaue vnto our men a thousand displeasures . And therefore seeing that the Sultan would neither giue nor accept of battell , they resolued againe to lay siege to the towre . Wherefore hauing with great cunning vpon two ships made fast together , framed a towre of most strong timber , equall in heigth vnto the watch-tower , they brought the same neere vnto the Turks tower , and the suburbs adjoyning thereunto , after which followed also all the rest of the fleet well appointed for the assault . At which time all the rest of the armie at land , stood in battell ready ranged , as well to discourage them of the towne , as that the Sultan should not bee able to helpe them without the hazarding of battell . There began a fierce and cruell assault ; they of the suburbs right valiantly defending themselues against their enemies . Within these suburbs , the tower , and the trenches , dwelt not only Aegyptians ( the naturall inhabitants of the countrey ) but also Arabians , Persians , Syrians , Indians , Moores , and Aethyopians , who were there resiant , for that , that citie was a publike mart whereunto all kind of marchandize were brought from farre out of the remotest parts of the world , and so from thence in like manner transported also : which encouraged them the more to fight for the defence of their liues and goods , the two things which men hold most deare : and in like sort animated our men vnto the assault , as well in the quarrell of the Christian religion , as to inrich themselues with the spoile of those rich nations . The Christians with their ships drew as neere as possibly they could vnto the land , to the intent that vpon the banke of the riuer , they might come to fight hand to hand , and man to man , and so come close vnto their enemies . But the Barbarians on the other side , sought by shot and all other meanes they could to keepe them farther off , and so from landing . That which most feared the Aegyptians , was that as one of our ships by chance ran a ground vpon that side of the riuer where the enemie lay , and being boorded by the enemie , thronging in as fast as he could , and there making a cruell slaughter : one of the Christian souldiers going downe vnder the hatches , made there a great hole , whereby the water abundantly comming in , sunke the ship before the enemie was aware , and so drowned a great number of the Aegyptians , together with the Christians . At which time also the high towre built vpon the two ships , joyning now close vnto the watch-tower , and mating the same , dismaied the defendants with the strangenesse thereof , as with a miracle , in such sort , that they strucken with a great feare , as now being to fight with a strange , hardie , and cruell kind of men , without any great resistance forsooke the towre and fled . The watch-towre thus taken , and they that should haue defended the same , some slaine , and some fled : they in the suburbs discouraged , and flying away were many of them wounded from aboue out of the watch-towre , but now gained by the Christians . At which time also the other ships landed the souldiers , who entring the suburbs , put all they found there to the sword , euen vnto the last man. There was found great abundance of victuals , but farre greater store of riches , in so much that it seemed to haue beene the spoile of ARABIA , PERSIA , and the rich INDIES . Now yet remained the strong towne of DAMIATA , which was foorthwith assaulted by the Christians , more to prooue if in that heat and suddaine feare it would be yeelded , than for any hope they had by force to win it . But hauing done what they could both by scaling and by other engines , they gained nothing but hard blowes and wounds , and so retired . Neuerthelesse , they lodged themselues in the suburbs , and laied a great part of the armie betwixt the Sultan and the besieged citie , to the intent that no supplie or victuals should bee brought vnto it ; yet both the enemie oftentimes attempted to haue entred the citie , and the besieged to haue sallied out , but both the one and the other were letted to doe what they would haue done , and that not without the great losse of their men : for why , the towne was now on euery side so inclosed by the Christians , as that no man could enter in or out thereof . Whilest the Christians thus lay at the siege , it fortuned that the riuer of NILE swelling with a great Easterne wind , rise aboue the bankes , and so ouerflowed the places wherein the Christians lay , that they could keepe nothing drie , and that most part of their victuals were therwith spoiled . With which vnseasonable rising of the riuer the Christians not a little troubled , by commandement of Pelagius the Popes legate , gaue themselues to fasting and prayer , by the space of three daies : But the wind falling the fourth day , and the riuer againe decreasing , they gaue themselues more earnestly to prayer than before , thanking the Almightie , that as he had put them in a great feare , so he had in mercie againe comforted them . Now with long lying began victuals to grow scant in the Sultans campe , so that he was glad to send away halfe of his armie vp againe into the countrey of CAIRE . At which time also it chanced ( as if it had beene in an extreme and common danger of the Mahometan superstition ) that embassadors sent from Corradin Sultan of DAMASCO and HIERUSALEM , vnto the princes of the Christian armie , came to sue for peace , both for himselfe and his brother the Aegyptian Sultan ; promising in regard thereof againe to restore vnto them the Holy crosse , and whatsoeuer else himselfe , his father , or Sultan Saladin had before taken from them : of which their offer , most part of the armie liked well , saying , That they had therefore taken vp armes for the recouerie of that which had been before gotten , and gained by the valour of the worthie Christian captaines , and had of late beene taken from them ; and to blot out the ignominie of the losse thereof to the end it should not bee said , that they could not leaue whole and entire vnto their children , what their fathers had got , when they had the keeping thereof ; neither hauing lost it , bee able againe to recouer it : that all these things being restored , there rested not any further occasion of warre , or let to stay them as most victorious conquerours to returne home . Neuerthelesse Pelagius , Pope Honorius his Legat ( for Innocentius in the preparation of the wars was before dead at PERUSIUM ) with king Iohn , the masters of the kinghts Hospitalars and Templars , the duke of AUSTRIA , and the Germains , were of opinion to the contrarie : alleaging , That this sacred warre was vndertaken generally against the infidels , and for religions sake against the Mahometan superstition , whereof the kingdome of AEGYPT was the chiefe seat and stay ; and that therefore they ought especially to impugn that . Which persuasion , together with the authoritie of the persuaders , so preuailed , that the Sultans large offers were rejected , and so the embassadours dispatched without any thing obtained of that they came for . Whereupon Corradin fearing that the Christians would at length come to HIERUSALEM , as the place they most desired ; and doubting how he should be able to defend the same , foorthwith rased the wals thereof , and the more to deface it , ouerthrew and pluckt downe most of the goodly houses , and other stately buildings therein , sparing yet the Tower of Dauid and the Holy Sepulchre ; which he is said to haue done at the humble request and intercession of the Christians of diuers countries , which yet dwelt there mixt with the Turks and Sarasins . Whilest the Christians thus lay at the siege of DAMIATA , the plague began to arise in the campe , whereof so many died , that it began to repent the great commaunders of the armie that they had so much harkened to the persuasion of the Legate ( a man making no profession of armes ) rather than to the sound aduise of others , who by long experience taught the sudden alteration of matters of war , would willingly haue accepted of the Sultans large offers : So began Pelagius the Legate to be generally euill spoken off . There were now alreadie six moneths past since the beginning of the siege , and the Sultan lying in sight had not with him so great an armie as before , but onely the flower and choice of his people , hauing ( as we haue before said ) for want of victuals sent away the rest vp againe into the country . Now it fortuned that the Christians , as men wearie of the long siege , stood not so carefully vpon their guard , with watch & ward , as before , but gaue themselues more to ease : which the Sultan perceiuing , drew neerer vnto the towne , in hope vnder the couert of the silent night , to send new supplies vnto the besieged ; which companies by him appointed for that seruice , couragiously set forward , in hope to haue deceiued the Christian sentinels , and so indeed came neere vnto the towne vnseene or discouered . And now the foremost of those companies were alreadie entred the towne ; when the Christians perceiuing them , and raising an alarme , put themselues in armes , and so furiously assailed the hindermost of them , and in such sort , that they which were before within , and those that were but now entred , fearing least the enemie in that hurly burly should pell mell enter in with the r●st , shut them out of the gates , exposed to the butcherie , where they were all presently cut in peeces . The Christians encouraged with this victorie , the next day leauing a great part of the armie before the town to continue the siege , presented themselues before the Sultans campe to giue him battell : who for all that well considering that the losse of a battell might endanger the whole state of his kingdome , would by no meanes be drawne out of his trenches , but lay still ; wherewith the Christians , especially the Frenchmen ( in their first charge naturally furious ) greatly incouraged , attempted to haue forcibly entred their rampiers , but not with successe answerable to their courage . For the Aegyptians perceiuing the small number of their enemies , notably repulsed them , and in fine enforced them to retire , hauing lost Gualter one of their chiefe commanders , with diuers others : yea king Iohn in assailing the camp , lost many of his men , & grieuously burnt in his face , hardly escaped himselfe with life . After which discomfiture they resolued not to thinke of any thing els but of the siege , & aboue all things to prouide that no succours should be broght vnto the towne . They in the citie more straitly beset & besieged than before , & now broght vnto extreame necessitie & famine , & out of all hope of reliefe , assembled themselues to consult of their affaires , and what were best for them to doe in so dangerous a state : Some one or other of them by night or otherwise secretly flying into the campe . And that more was , the citie had vndoubtedly beene yeelded by the greater part , had not the chiefe commanders within mured vp the gates , and commaunded that none of the inhabitants vpon paine of death should come vpon the wals , or rampiars , to the intent they should not get out or cast themselues from aboue ouer the wals into the ditches . The chiefe commaunders and captaines went here and there vp and downe the citie , to search and view all things , especially the shops and storehouses , where finding small store of Wheat , they deuided it in small portions among themselues : the common people inforced with want , eat whatsoeuer came to hand , were it lawfull or vnlawfull , or forbidden by their superstition , wholsome or vnwholesome , good or bad , salt or fresh , rosted or raw ; and so prolonged their liues with such things as they could find . Now the besieged , not able to endure these extremities of the Famine ( being the passion that most grieuously and often troubleth mankind ) they were also attached with the wrath of God : for the Plague ( the furie whereof had before attainted the campe of the Christians , and afterward quite ceased ) was now got into the citie , where it made a great slaughter : which mortalitie day by day in such sort increased , that men were not onely now no more to be found , to visit , comfort , succour , serue , and helpe the sicke ; but were wanting also to burie them , to draw them out of their beds and houses , and to seperate the liuing from the dead : the streets and houses full of dead bodies , gaue foorth a most horrible stinke , with a most grieuous and infectious aire : there was not any place cleare from the plague , or any man that could boast that he had not beene attainted therewith , or the feare thereof ; and remedie was there none . The rage and furie of these two deuourers , the Famine , and Plague , deuoured them without number , chusing rather so to die , than to submit themselues vnto their enemies ; or to humble themselues so low , as to craue their fauour . That they within were thus pinched with famine , the Christians knew : but that the plague so raged among them , they knew not . Now the Christians had of purpose cast vp certaine trenches and baricadoes , for the keeping in of such as the famine should enforce to come out of the towne ; thinking that the besieged , to ease their wants , would thrust the baser sort of the people and vnprofitable mouths out of the citie , vnto whom the Christians meant not to giue any passage : for they hauing long before so straitly enuironed the citie , as that no reliefe could be brought vnto it , lay now still expecting when the besieged , enforced by necessitie , should yeeld themselues ; and so without losse of any man , to become masters of so strong and rich a towne . It was now more than a yeare that the Christians had thus lien at the siege of DAMIATA , when as certaine of the souldiours vpon a brauerie aduentured with a few scaling ladders to mount the wall : in which doing , finding no resistance , and withall hearing so great silence , as if there had beene no bodie within the citie ; they stood still a great while hearkening , but seeing that dumbe silence still to continue , they returned vnto the campe , giuing the captaines to vnderstand how the matter stood ; who at the first thought it to bee some pollicie and finenesse of the deceitfull enemie : yet afterward they thought it good to aduenture certaine men , to prooue their fortune , and to cause certaine companies well appointed to scale one of the bulwarkes of the citie , in such sort , as if they should haue gone against a puissant enemie , that had had the power to resist them . And hereupon were scaling ladders brought foorth , and all things made readie , as for a great assault . So the Christians couragiously mounting the ladders , without resistance tooke the bulwarke . But as they were entring farther into the towne , a small companie of the Turkes and Barbarians ( all the souldiors that the furie of the plague had left , and they also with the famine and infection of the aire very weake and feeble ) met them , and began to make some small resistance , but to no purpose , being forthwith all cut in pieces . Which done , the matter wherewith the gates of the citie were mu●ed , was presently remooued , the gates set open , and the Christians with ensignes displaied let in . But euen at the very entering in at the gates , they were attainted with a most greeuous and horrible stinke , they saw a faire citie dispeopled , and that which was most fearefull to behold , the streets couered with bodies of the dead , and such a dreadfull desolation , as might mooue euen the enemie himselfe to compassion . The Christians were entred , as men appointed to haue done a great execution , and to haue made the channels run with blood , as men justly prouoked with the long siege and the paines they had endured ; they had their swords and weapons in their hands , but found none against whom to vse them : for a man could not enter into any house , or goe into any street , but hee must passe ouer the dead , or others which being not yet altogether dead , were miserably drawing toward their end . Of seuentie thousand persons in the citie , were not found aboue three thousand aliue , and those for the most part yet young children : for all the rest were dead , taken away either with the sword , famine , or the plague ; the greatest part whereof lay yet stinking aboue the ground vnburied . These three thousand that were left , were so maigre and poore , that pitie it was to behold them : vnto whom their liues were graunted , vpon condition that they should make cleane the citie , and burie the dead , which they were three moneths in doing . Thus was DAMIATA taken by the Christians the fift day of Nouember , in the yeare 1221 , after it had ben more than a yeare by them besieged . The spoile there taken was great , for besides the rich marchandise brought thither from farre , was found great store of gold , siluer , and precious stones . The Christians thus enriched ( and the citie made clean ) staied there more than a yeare after , as in a Colonie wherein they had been willing to dwell , forgetfull of their owne countrey . In the beginning of these warres , the princes of the armie had with one consent agreed , That whatsoeuer citie or territorie should by them be taken from the Turkes or Infidels , should be giuen vnto the king of HIERUSALEM , whom after the departure of the king of HUNGARIE they had made generall of the whole armie . But now that the citie was taken , Pelagius the legat , pretending , That by the vertue of his legation , it belonged vnto him to dispose of all things taken in that sacred warre , ( as a man not vnmindfull of his master ) adjudged the citie from thenceforth to belong vnto the See of ROME : With which indignitie & wrong , the king inwardly discontented ( and yet for the authoritie of the Legate , dissembling the matter ) withdrew himselfe , and so retired to PTOLEMAIS . The yeare following , Pelagius wearie to see the armes of the Christians to corrupt with rust , and nothing doing : considering the desire and hope he had vtterly to haue ruinated the infidels , together with their superstition , commaunded , That euery man should againe take vp armes for the prosecuting of this warre against the Sultan , and the besieging of CAIRE . But for all that , when he had commanded what he would , or could , the soldiors little regarding his command , with one voice cried out , That they would not be commanded by any , but by the king of HIERUSALEM onely . So that the Legate , enforced by the souldiors , was glad to send vnto the king , to request him to returne againe vnto DAMIATA , and to take vpon him the charge for the managing of that warre , taken in hand for the defence of the Christian religion : who for all that excused himselfe from so doing , one while by his owne particular affaires , another while by his owne indisposition : yet in fine , pressed and ouercome with the praiers and requests of the other Latine princes , he returned to DAMIATA , at the selfe same time that the duke of BAVARIA arriued there with a goodly companie of braue men , brought thither out of his owne countrey , after he had been now from thence ten moneths absent . The Legate desirous of the prosecution of this warre , requested and vrged the king , with the rest of the princes and great commanders , without delay to take the field , telling them , That the enterprise of the Holy warre was growne old , and cold , by those long delaies and protracting of the time : and that they which kept wars so far from home , ought to make hast to force the enemie , to take all occasions to lose no time but euer to be doing , and to prooue all things for the annoying of the enemie : and that that was the way , whereby the woorthies of antient times , both kings and emperours , had gained vnto themselues empires , glorie , greatnesse , and wealth : That it was for them that were inuaded and assailed , vpon whose liues depended the safetie of their countrey , their wiues , their children , and goods , to delay and prolong the time as they might , to delude the enemie , to frustat his designs , to defeat his attempts , and with delaies to dally him off , vntill that hauing thereby weakned his forces , he should together with his courage loose also his hope : CAIRE ( he said ) to be indeed a great citie , but yet that the greatest cities that euer were , had by warres become great desarts , forced by the power of their puissant and speedie enemies : And that great empires , as were those of the Sultans , ought not to be inuaded or assailed by any forraine force , if they were not at the first onset ouerthrown , or at leastwise so weakned , as that they could not afterwards lift vp their heads or recouer themselues ; for otherwise , that they which had prepared a distruction for others , should fall into the same themselues : That it behooued either not to haue attempted or assailed AEGYPT at all ; or else now after it had beene once assailed , not so to giue it ouer before it were conquered . The king of HIERUSALEM , whether it were that he were pricked with the griefe , That being called the king of the Holyland , he could not haue the citie of DAMIATA ( vnder his leading and conduct woon by the Christians come to the sacred war ) giuen vnto him by the Legate ; or that he had before prooued that the higher countrey of AEGY●T was not without great and manifest danger to be attempted ; said , That that he would not in any case go : alleaging that honorable and sacred war to haue ben taken in hand , onely for the recouerie of the Holy land , and not for the winning of MEMPHIS , BABYLON , or THEBES in AEGYPT ; which after they were taken , would not for any long time continue in their fidelitie or alleageance , and could not possibly be kept by force : Whereas SYRIA , by Godfrey of BUILLON and the other great princes his associats , entred into , conquered and possessed ; and since his time , by diuers other Christian kings and princes holden , was in right their owne : And that therefore he greatly commended the forwardnesse , the dilligence , the courage , the desire , and whatsoeuer thing else Pelagius commended : but that hee ought to employ the same in SYRIA , and not there where no need was , or from whence no profit was to be drawne or expected . Neuerthelesse the Legat wedded to his owne opinion , by the power of his authoritie , commanded the king of HIERUSALEM , the duke of BAVARIA , with the rest of the great commanders and captaines , to take vp their armes and to get them into the field vpon the expedition by him appointed against the Sultan ; threatning the paine of the high sentence of excommunication against him or them , that should ●hew themselues backward or vnwilling to doe what he had commaunded . So as it were enforced by the Legat , they began with euill will and woorse speed to set forward in August , in the verie hottest time of the yeare . At which time the Sultan beholding the great armie of the Christians , in number about seuentie thousand , retired as a man afraid into such places as he thought best , farther off : which the Legat seeing ( as one not acquainted with the feats of war ) rejoyced greatly , as if the victorie had beene alreadie more than halfe gained ; commending vnto the heauens them that he saw couragiously marching forward , saying , That fortune alwaies fauoured the valiant , and that vnto cowards all things fell still out to the woorst . By the way the Christians ceized vpon a bridge , which the enemie had made ouer the NILE , and cut in peeces such companies as were left for the keeping thereof . So marching on , they drew neere vnto CAIRE , and there in the sight of that great and 〈◊〉 citie , encamped : where running vp and downe , the more to terrifie them of the citie , prouoked them to battell , vpbraiding vnto them their lazines , their cowardise , and sloth , brauing them ( 〈◊〉 they were men ) to come out : Yet for all that , they would not so do , but keeping themselues 〈◊〉 and couert within the citie , let them alone to brag and boast at their owne pleasure . This 〈◊〉 co●●●nued long , of purpose protracted still from day to day by them of the citie : and the gr●at opinion the Christians had of their owne valour , with the small regard they had of their enemies , made them so proud and carelesse , that they remembred no more to take good care of the warre , of their dutie , their watch , or their sentinels : their confidence was in their owne valour and good fortune , not considering or remembring that they were come into AEGYPT , and that they had put themselues within the trenches , sallies , channels , and cuts , of a deceitfull riuer , which not only brought victuals vnto their enemies , but also fortified them ; who by how much they were the les●e valiant and lesse vnderstood of the art of war , the more they vsed of craft and subtiltie for the preseruing of themselues . So the craftie enemies drew the Christians out at length , abusing them with many delaies and deceits ; making semblance of great feare , to make themselues the lesse to be feared ; and more contemptible in their doings , to the end that they knowing the passages and straights of the countrey , and reseruing themselues vnto the occasions and aduantages both of the time , and of their enemies , might circumuent them and entrap them at such time as they least feared any such matter . The Christians , at all aduenture had encamped themselues in a low ground , within the banks and causies of that fennie countrey , vnder the couert thereof , thinking themselues safe as in their tenches , against all sudden sallies or attempts of their enemies . But these places wherein they lay , were soft and du●tie , for so much as the countrey people vsed at their pleasure to water them by channels & sluces out of the riuer of NILE : which now pluckt vp and opened , the riuer began to rise and ouerflow all . Then too late they perceiued themselues taken as in a grin , without power to defend themselues , or to make any resistance , or by any other meanes to shew their valour . So the riuer still arising and ouerflowing ▪ gaue vnto the Turks and Aegyptians good hope of their wars , and of a victorie more desired than hoped for ouer a warlike and victorious people . All the ground where the Christians lay encamped , was couered with water , so high that the victuals were corrupted , and no place left for a man to stand or lie drie in . Now at the same time the Aegyptians had taken the high places , with the passages vpon the wals and banks in that drowned countrey , to the intent that the Christians should not be able to retire or to saue themselues out of the bogs and marishes couered ouer with water . So was their rash valour and presumptuous confidence in themselues , exposed vnto the enemies shot and furie ; and when they would by force haue defended themselues , their hardinesse was ouercome by the craftie subtiltie of the weak enemie . Then began euery man to crie out against Pelagius the Legat , accusing , condemning , and railing at him : the king himselfe they blamed not , for that he had done his dutie , in dissuading of this expedition , and was contrarie to his good liking himselfe drawn into this warre , the charge whereof he had not without great intreatie taken vpon him : neither might he with his credit well complaine of this misfortune , least in so doing , he might seeme to haue had no comfort in himselfe . But as for the Legate , what counsell could he then giue , what counsell could hee then take for himselfe ? They of VENICE , PISA , and GENUA , left at DAMIATA , were indeed strong at sea , but how could they come to relieue him at CAIRE ? And how , or by what forces could the Christians breake out of the banks and sluces of the cuts and channels ; which winding in and out with a thousand inextricable turnings , inclosed them , beset also on euery side with the victorious enemie . After they had been thus coupt vp , and enuironed with the waters three daies , you might haue seene the poore soldiers in euery place fall downe dead for want of food and sleepe , and so perrish in the water ; the like miserable kind of death , the rest were also in short time after to expect : other helpe was there none but to yeeld vnto necessitie , and to accept of such conditions as it should please the proud enemie to propound . Now the Sultan desired not so much their liues , as the libertie of his countrey : and therefore required to haue the citie of DAMIATA againe restored vnto him , and all things else in such sort as was before the besieging thereof : and so the Christians without more adoe to depart his countrey . Hard conditions , if a man respect the hope whereupon the Christians had vndertaken this war , and were so come into AEGYPT , with the toyle by them there endured : but vnto him that will but enter into the consideration of mens affaires , and especially in martiall matters , it will seeme but an accident to be yeelded vnto , the like whereof hath oftentimes hapned vnto the greatest men of the world . These conditions ( such as they were ) were by the distressed Christians accepted of . But when they were brought to DAMIATA , and there propounded vnto the Christians there left , a great contention began to arise among them : Some said that they would not accept of them , or surrender the towne , which being kept would be a stay for all the affaires of the Christians in the East , and a most commodious place for them to haue recourse vnto ; but being restored and lost , carried away with it all the hope of the Christians , and that therefore it were better to indure all extremities than to receiue such dishonourable and hurtfull a peace . Others of the contrarie opinion said , That they ought not to forsake them that were in danger before CAIRE , nor to expose them vnto the butcherie , but to haue a Christian compassion of so many thousands of soules as there lay distressed , seeing they might bee saued by the surrendrie of that one towne : Townes ( they said ) consisted of the number of men , and not men of the enclosures of wals and ditches . They that were of this opinion , for the deliuering vp of the towne , seeing the other obstinatly set downe to the contrarie , withdrawing themselues from the counsell , presently tooke vp armes , and by force entred the houses of them that were of contrarie opinion , and tooke from them their weapons , by that means and perforce to constrain them to yeeld to their desire . As soone as they that lay before CAIRE ( almost drowned in the waters ) vnderstood of this dissention at DAMIATA about the deliuerie of the towne , they sent them word , That if they would not yeeld the towne vnto the Sultan , they would foorthwith send to PTOLEMAIS , which would not faile to do what should be commanded , to haue it in steed of DAMIATA surrendred vnto the Aegyptians . So was DAMIATA againe yeeded vnto the infidels , and so great labours of the Christians taken at the siege and winning thereof , all lost . That which made the indignitie thereof more tollerable , was that Meledin the Sultan , hauing without bloodshed gained so great a victorie , did neither by word or deed any thing in despite or reproch of the Christians , but vsed thē with all courtesie , relieuing them also with victuals & such other things as they wanted , & by faithfull guides conducting them in safetie out of the country . In like manner also , Corradin his brother , Sultan of DAMASCO , made truce with the Latins for eight yeares . Whereupon the king of HIERUSALEM went ouer into ITALIE , and there by the persuasion of Honorius the Pope , his wife being now dead , gaue his daughter Yoland ( now crowned queene of HIERUSALEM in the right of her mother ) in marriage to Fredericke king of SICILIA and emperour of the Latines , the rather thereby to stirre him vp for the taking in hand of the sacred warre . Euer since which time , hee and the kings of SICILIA his successours haue beene called kings of HIERUSALEM , albeit that they haue euill prosecuted that their pretended right and title , as still busied in more prophane wars against other Christian princes . King Iohn afterwards departing from ROME for FRANCE , was by the way honourably entertained at PISA : but arriuing at the French court , he found Philip the French king desperatly sicke , who by his last will and testament gaue vnto the knights Hospitalers and Templars , sixtie thousand crownes for the maintenance of their warres against the infidels ; which money was to their vse , afterward paied vnto king Iohn . Who shortly after to discharge himselfe of a vow he had made , to visit the pilgrimage at COMPOSTELLA , going into SPAINE , by the way married Berengaria , the king of CASTILE his daughter : and there staying a great while , returned againe into FRANCE , where he lay long expecting the setting forward of the emperour Frederick his sonne in law , for the recouerie of his wiues right vnto the kingdome of HIERUSALEM ; which although he solemnely vowed at such time as he with all princely magnificence married the said ladie at ROME , yet otherwise letted with troubles neerer home , performed not the same , vntill almost seuen yeares after : all which time the Christians in SYRIA enjoying the fruit of the late concluded peace for eight yeeres , liued in great rest and quietnesse ; where , so leauing them ; vntill the arising of new troubles , let vs in the meane time againe returne vnto the troubled affaires of the Turkes , Greekes , and Latines , at CONSTANTINOPLE , and in the lesser ASIA . Henry the second emperour of the Latins at CONSTANTINOPLE , after he had ( as is aforesaid ) with much adoe repressed the furie of the Bulgarians and Scythes , his barbarous enemies , and so giuen peace vnto the miserable countrey of THRACIA , died , hauing raigned a most troublesome raigne , about the space of eleuen yeares . After whom succeeded Peter , countie of AUSSERRE , his sonne in law , third emperour of the Latines in CONSTANTINOPLE : who in the beginning of his empire willing to gratifie the Venetians , and to reuenge himselfe of Theodorus Angelus , a great prince of EPIRUS , competitor of his empire , besieged him in DIRRACHIVM ; which strong citie , the said Theodorus had but a little before surprised , belonging to the Venetian seignorie . At which siege Peter the emperour lying , was so cunningly by the wilie Greeke vsed , that a peace was vpon most honourable conditions betwixt them concluded , and a familiar kind of friendship joyned . Insomuch , that the emperour at his request , not well aduised , came vnto him as his guest : who now of his enemie become his hoste , entertained him with all the formalities that faigned friendship could deuise . But hauing him now in his power , and fearing no harme , regarding neither the lawes of fidelitie or hospitalitie , he most traiterously slew him , as he was yet in the middest of his banquet . Of whose end , some others yet otherwise report , as that he should by the same Theodorus haue been intercepted about the pleasant woods of TEMPE in THESSALIA , as he was trauelling from ROME to CONSTANTINOPLE , and so afterwards to haue been by him cruelly put to death . Of whose misfortune , Tepulus gouernour of CONSTANTINOPLE vnderstanding , for the more safetie of the state in that vacancie of the Greeke empire , made peace with Theodorus for fiue yeares , and the Turks for two . Shortly after came Robert ( the sonne of the aforesaid vnfortunate emperour Peter ) with his mother to CONSTANTINOPLE , and there in his fathers stead was solemnely saluted emperour ; but not with much better lucke than was his father before him : for shortly after his comming he tooke to wife a faire young ladie , the daughter of a great rich and noble matrone of the citie , but before be●rothed vnto a gallant gentleman , a Burgundion borne : with whom the old ladie broke her promise , and more carefull of her daughters preferment , than fidelitie , gaue her in marriage vnto the new emperour . The joy of which so great an honour was in short time conuerted not into a deadly heauinesse , but euen into death it selfe : For the young Burgundion , more enraged with the wrong done him , than discouraged with the greatnesse and power of the emperour , consorted himselfe with a companie of lustie tall souldiors , acquainted with his purpose , and awaiting his time when the emperour was absent , by night entred the court with his desperat followers , and first meeting with the beautifull young empresse , cut off her nose and her eares , and afterward threw her old mother into the sea : and so fled out of the citie into the woods and mountaines , with those desperat cut-throates , the ministers of his barbarous crueltie . The emperour pierced to the heart with this so great a disgrace , shortly after went to ROME , to what purpose was not certainely knowne ; but in returning backe againe through ACHAIA , he there died , leauing behind him his yoong sonne Baldwin , yet but a child , begotten by his first wife , to succeed him in the empire : who by the name of Baldwin the second was crowned the fift and last emperour of the Latines in CONSTANTINOPLE . And for because he was as yet but yoong and vnfit for the gouernment , he was by the consent of the nobilitie affianced , and afterward married vnto Martha the yoonger daughter of Iohn Brenne king of HIERUSALEM , a woorthie old captaine ( but as then gouernour of RAVENNA ; which citie , he being certaine yeares before sent for out of FRANCE for that purpose , by Honorius the Pope , he notably defended against the emperour Frederick his sonne in law , but that affinitie was before broken off by the death of the said emperours wife ) who now sent for out of ITALIE vnto CONSTANTINOPLE , had committed to his charge and protection both the person and empire of the young emperour Baldwin , now his sonne in law . Which great and heauie charge he for certaine yeares after worthely and faithfully discharged , vntill such time as that Baldwin was himselfe grown able to take vpon him the gouernment . Now although the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , with the countries of THRACIA , THESSALIA , MACEDONIA , ACHAIA , PELOPONESUS , and the rest of the prouinces of GREECE , were all or for the most part vnder the gouernment of Baldwin the emperour , the Venetians , or other the inferiour Latine princes : yet were the oppressed Greekes , the naturall inhabitants thereof , in heart not theirs , as abhorring nothing more than that their forraine gouernment ; but wholly deuoted to their owne naturall princes , Theodorus Lascaris , & Alexius Comnenus , the one raigning at NICE in BITHYNIA , and the other at TRAPEZOND in PONTUS , both called by the Greekes , emperours , and so of them generally reputed . Lascaris of the two the better beloued , and by far of greatest power , had during the time of his raigne fought many an hard battell ( as is in part before declared ) and strongly fortified his cheefe citties against the inuasion of his enemies , as well the Turkes as the Latines : and so hauing as it were erected a new empire in ASIA , and there raigned eighteene yeares , died , leauing behind him one Iohn Ducas Batazes , that had married the faire ladie Irene his daughter and heire , to succeed him in the Greeke empire in ASIA . This Iohn was a man of a great wit and spirit , and of more grauitie , for his yeares , than was Theodorus his father in law ; neuer vndertaking any thing before he had thereof well considered ; and once resolued , not omitting or neglecting any thing for the performance therof . So that it was not vnfitly said of the Greeks , The planting of this new empire to haue required the celeritie of Lascaris , but the stay thereof to haue been the grauitie of Ducas . He in the beginning of his raigne , in very short time hauing set all things in good order , greatly augmented his legions , and shooting at a fairer marke than the empire he yet held , euen the imperiall citie it selfe , and the recouerie of all THRACIA and GRECIA out of the hands of the Latines , which could not be done without a fleet at sea , built a great number of gallies in the ports of the lesser ASIA . And so hauing rigged vp and manned a strong fleet , and scouring the seas , in one Summer tooke in most of the Islands of the AEGEUM , namely , LESBOS , CHIOS , SAMOS , ICARIA , COOS , with the famous Island of the RHODES , and many others also . And not so contented to haue encreased his empire , the next spring crossing the HELLESPONT and landing his forces , first inuaded CHERSONESUS ; and afterward to terrifie the Latines , forraged the countrey far and neere , euen to the gates of CONSTANTINOPLE , no man daring to oppose himselfe against him . At which time also he took many cities & strong towns alongst the sea coast , as CALLIOPOLIS , SESTUS , & CARDIA , with diuers others therabout , some by force , some by composition , the Greeks almost in euery place yeelding themselues , where they were not so oppressed by the Latines as that they could not helpe him . Now by these proceedings of the Greek emperor in EUROPE , was plainly to be seen again the ruin of the Latin empire in the East , all things prospering in his hand according to his hearts desire , Assan the Bulgarian king , no small terror both vnto the Latins & the Greeks , moued with the fame hereof , by his embassadors sent of purpose vnto Iohn the Greek emperor , offred his daughter Helena in mariage vnto yong Theodore his son : of which offer the emperor gladly accepted . For being busied in his greater affaires , he was loth to haue so great a king as was Assan , his enemie , able at his pleasure to cal in the Scythes ; who with their multitude , as a great flood breaking ouer the bankes , had oftentimes caried away whole countries before them . Wherefore the match agreed vpon , the two great princes by appointment met together about CHERSONESUS , where Helena , king Assans daughter , being then about ten yeares old , was with great joy and triumph solemnly married vnto yong Theodor the emperours sonne , much of the same age . Not long after embassadours were also sent vnto the emperour from the Sultan of ICONIUM , to confirme and prolong the league betwixt them ; for the Tartars not contented to haue driuen the Turkes out of PERSIA and the farre Easterne countries , began now also to cut them short in their prouinces in the lesser ASIA : wherefore the Sultan of ICONIUM , fearing least whiles he had his hands full of those his most dreadfull enemies , of themselues too strong for him , he should behind be set vpon by the Greeke emperour , and so thrust out of all , sent these embassadours vnto him for peace ; which he for many causes easily graunted . First , for that he foresaw what an hard matter it would be for him to maintaine warre at once both in ASIA against the Turks , and in EUROPE against the Latines : then by this warlike nation , as by a most sure bulwarke , to keepe his owne countries safe from the inuasion of the barbarous Tartars , vnto whose furie he should himselfe lie open , if the Turks were once taken out of their way . Both sufficient reasons for the emperour to yeeld vnto the Sultan , which he did : so was the peace concluded , and the embassadors dispatched . This peace exceedingly comforted and afterward inriched the emperours countries : for now the people generally deliuered of the feare and miserie of continuall warre , began on all hands to fall to their fruitfull labours of peace . Yea the emperour himselfe to the stirring vp of others to the like good husbandrie , caused so much land to be plowed vp for corne , & so many vineyards to be planted , as might plentifully suffice his owne house , and such poore as he daily relieued ; with a great ouerplus , which he caused to be carefully laid vp in store . He kept also great heards of cattell , flockes of sheepe , and foules of all sorts without number . The like he caused his kinsmen & other of the nobilitie to doe , to the intent that euery great man hauing sufficient for his own spending at home , should not take any thing from the poore countreyman , that so euery man contenting himselfe with his owne , might liue in peace without the grieuance of others . By which means in a few yeares euery barne and garnarie was full of corne , euery sellarfull of wines , euery stable full of cattell , euery storehouse full of victuals : the fields were couered with corne and cattell , and in euery mans yeard were to be seene all kinds of tame foules , without number . At which time also there fortuned a great famine among the Turkes : insomuch , as that they were inforced to fetch their greatest reliefe from out of the Christian countries . Then might you haue seene euery way full of Turks , men , women and children , trauelling to and fro into the emperours prouinces for victuals : their gold , their siluer , their other rich commodities , they gaue vnto the Christians for food ; a little corne was woorth a good commoditie , euery bird , sheepe , and kid , was sold at a great rate : by which meanes the countrey mens houses were full of the Turkes wealth , and the emperours cofers stored with their treasure . The greatnesse of the profit arising of this plentie of the Christians , and penurie of the Turks , may hereby easily be gathered , for that of egges daily sold , so much money was in short time gathered , as made the empresse an imperiall crowne of gold , richly set with most orient pearle and pretious stones of great price ; which the emperour called Ouata , for that it was bought with egge money . Thus flourished the Greeke empire in the lesser ASIA , vnder the good emperour Iohn Ducas . The Turks at the same time declining as fast , daily pilled in one corner or another by the Tartars , and consumed with famine at home . Fredericke the Germane emperour , had of long time vowed to take vpon him an expedition into the Holy land : for performance whereof , he was hardly called vpon , first by Honorius quartus the Pope ; and afterward for his long delay , excommunicated by Gregorie the ninth : not so much for the zeale they had vnto the sacred warre , as to busie the emperour a farre off in warres abroad , whilest they in the meane time , to increase their owne power , drew from him some one part or other of his empire : which he not without cause fearing , from day to day , and yeare to yeare , delayed the performance of his vow , so much vrged by the Pope ; by his presence and power , still disappointing all the slie designs of the Popes , conceiued or put in practise against him . But now at length mooued , or more truly to say , enforced with the thundering and lightning of Pope Gregorie , he resolued to set forward in the yeare 1227. About which time Iolenta or Yoland his wife , the king of HIERUSALEM his daughter , died in childbed , being before deliuered of a faire sonne . Now were met together at BRVNDUSIVM an exceeding great number of couragious and deuout souldiors out of all parts of Christendome , especially out of GERMANIE , vnder the leading of Lodowicke Lantgraue of THURIN●E , & Sigefride bishop of ANGUSTA ; all stirred vp with the same of so notable an expedition . But whilest they there staied somewhat long , the plague arise among the Germanes , whereof in short time after , both the Lantgraue and the bishop died , with many of the other best souldiors . The emperour himselfe was vpon his way as farre as MALEA , vpon the farther side of PELOPONESUS , where falling desperatly sick of a burning feauer , and put backe with contrarie winds , he returned againe to BRUNDUSIUM , and there staied a great while after . Then began the Pope againe to fret and fume , and to cast out his excommunications against the emperour , as if it had beene thunder and lightening , accusing him of perjurie , infidelitie , and many other grieuous crimes ; of all which the emperour was readie to haue cleared himselfe in an open assemblie of the princes of GERMANIE , to haue beene holden at RAVENNA , had it not beene by the Pope and the troubles of LOMBARDIE disturbed . Neuerthelesse , he by open protestations and writings fully answered all the Popes vnjust accusations wherewith he had been so hardly charged : And yet desirous to performe the expedition by him taken in hand , hauing set all things in good order ▪ and put himselfe againe in readinesse , he set forward from BRUNDUSIUM in August in the yeare 1228 , leauing the charge of his territories in ITALIE , vnto the care of Reynolde duke of SPOLETO . The Pope displeased , for that the emperour at his departure had neither reconciled himselfe , nor taken his leaue of him ; and deeming therein his excommunications and fulminations to be contemned & set at naught ▪ fell into such a rage and choller , that he forbad all the Christian forces that were in SYRIA to follow him , or to yeeld to him their obedience ; and writ letters also vnto the Sultan , not to come to any agreement with the emperour , or to yeeld vnto him any part of the Holy land : which very letters the Sultan afterwards sent vnto the emperour . Neither yet so contented immediatly after his departure ran vpon his kingdome of NAPLES , and so filled all ITALIE with troubles . Neuerthelesse the emperor happely arriuing at PTOLEMAIS , was there honourably receiued of the Christian forces , notwithstanding the Popes threats and cursings . Of whose arriuall , Sultan Meledin hauing intelligence , and loath to draw so mightie an enemie as was the emperour , vpon him , by his embassadours offered him most honourable conditions of peace : Which before he would accept of , he by conuenient messengers sent vnto the Pope , to haue his consent & approbation . But such was his rage , as that he would not suffer the messengers to come into his presence , or vouchsafe to read the emperours letters , being brought vnto him ; but like a mad man presently rent them in peeces . All which indignities the emperour neuerthelesse tooke in good part , and concluded a peace with the Turks for ten years , vpon these conditions : first , That he should be annointed and accounted king of HIERUSALEM : then , That the holy citie , with all the land of PALESTINE , should be deliuered vnto him : thirdly , That he might at his pleasure fortefie the cities of NAZARETH and IOPPE : fourthly , That all such places as were sometime in the power of Baldwin the fourth king of HIERUSALEM , and taken from him by Sultan Saladin , should be restored ▪ and last of all , That all prisoners on both sides should be set at libertie without ransome . So the peace concluded , the emperour with his armie came to the desolate citie of HIERUSALEM , and there vpon Easter day was with great solemnitie crowned king therof in the yeare 1229. And so hauing repaired the wals of the citie , with certaine churches , fortified NAZARETH and IOPPE , and furnished them with strong garrisons , and appointed Raynold duke of BAVARIA his leiutenāt in SYRIA , he with two gallies only returned into ITALIE : Euer since which time the kings of SICILIA haue beene also called kings of HIERUSALEM , and haue oftentimes borne the armes of both kingdomes . The next yeare Pope Gregorie in despite of the emperour Frederick , more than for any zeale vnto the Christian religion , did by the Dominicans & Fransciscans ( two orders of friers but then lately erected ) as by his trumpeters , stir vp a woonderfull number of zealous and deuout Christians , almost in euery part of Christendome , to take vpon them the crosse ( as they termed it ) the cognisance of such , as had by vow bound themselues to take vp armes against the Turks & Sarasins , for the recouerie or defence of the Holy land . These deuout men met together in great number , vnder the leading of Theobald king of NAVAR , Americus countie of MONTFORT , Henrie countie of CHAMPAIGNE , and others too long to rehearse ( of purpose stirred vp to trouble the ten yeares peace before concluded betwixt the emperour and the Turks in SYRIA ) set forward , and after long trauell passing the strait of BOSPHORUS , not far from CONSTANTINOPLE into BYTHINIA , came to the riuer of SANGARIUS , and there staied a while to refresh themselues . Afterwards passing through GALATIA , and so from countrey to countrey through the lesser . ASIA , they came at length vnto the straits of the mountaine AMANUS ( a a part of the mountaine TAURUS ) which they found before taken by the Turks , and the Sultan of ICONIUM himselfe not far off encamped with a strong armie . Neuerthelesse the valiant countie MONTFORT , which had the leading of the vantguard , couragiously marching forward , by plaine force opened the passage of the mountaine , hauing slaine or put to flight the Turks appointed for the keeping thereof : the king of NAVAR in the meane time ( though in vaine ) assailing the Sultan in his campe ; who fearing the great power of the Christians , kept himselfe within his own strength and would not stir . Wherfore the king seeing it to no purpose there longer to stay , diuiding his armie into three parts , left the Sultan , and followed after the Countie , placing his baggage in the midst , & the best of his souldiers in the rereward . But whilest they thus march vp the great mountaine , the Turks better acquainted with those passages , were still at hand , assailing them sometime behind , sometime on the one side , sometime on the other , as they saw occasion : and at length taking them at an aduantage in a great plaine , set vpon them ( now before almost spent with hunger and trauell ) and there slew of them an exceeding great number ▪ But by the comming on of the night , the battell was broken off , and the Christians repairing vnto their ensignes , passed the straits , and so at length arriued at ANTIOCH , hauing lost by the way the greatest part of the armie , with all their wealth , their victuals , & most part of their horses : the remnant yet left , hauing a little refreshed themselues , were by sea transported to PTOLEMAIS ; from whence they were afterward by the Templars conducted to GAZA , where they lay , & of the spoile of the countrey greatly enriched themselues . As for any other great matters they were not able of themselues to take in hand ; and help of such forces as the emperor had before left at HIERUSALEM , and other places , they could haue none ; hauing expresse charge from the emperour himselfe , not to do any thing against the enemie , tending to the breach of the ten yeares league : which the Turks well perceiuing , and that they had to do but with these new come guests , and some few others their partakers ; hauing gathered together their forces , lay in ambush for them in euery corner to cut them off ▪ Neither was it long , but that these of GAZA going far into the countrey , and returning laded with spoile , were set vpon by the Turks ; whom they ( casting away the spoile they had before taken ) notably repulsed and put to flight , the day now drawing to an end . But early the next morning appeared a far greater number of Turks than before ; which now comming on , charged the Christians , who all that night had stood watching in their armour , and so joyned with them a most cruell battell : wherein the Christians shewed so much valour as was possible for men to do ; but wearied with long fight , and oppressed with the multitude of their enemies , they were ouercome and slaine almost euery mothers sonne . Among the rest , the two counties Americus and Henrie , fell : the king of NAVAR himselfe hardly escaped by the exceeding swiftnesse of his horse , & by vncertaine waies wandring vp and downe the countrey , not knowing well which way to take , after two daies came by good fortune to IOPPE : some few others escaped by flight to PTOLEMAIS , the heauie messengers of the misfortune of their fellowes . The king afterwards visiting the Holy places at HIERUSALEM , returned home into his countrey , with some few of his followers , hauing performed nothing of that the world expected . About foure yeares after , Raynold duke of BAVARIA , whom Frederick the emperour had left his lieutenant in HIERUSALEM , died : hauing by the space of fiue yeares peaceably gouerned that bruised kingdome . After whose death , the Templars ( who , he yet liuing , would oftentimes haue broken the league , but that they were by his authoritie and wisedome restrained ) now tooke occasion to stir vp the people to take vp armes against the Turks , without respect vnto the league yet in force , or of the dangers like thereof to ensue . Whereof the Aegyptian Sultan hearing , raised a great armie , sending also for the Chorasines , a warlike nation then lying neere vnto BA●YLON , to come vnto his aid . Thus become verie strong , he first laid siege to GAZA , but a little before repaired and fortified by the king of NAVAR and the Templars , which he at length tooke by force , and put to sword all that were therein , as well the citizens as the garrison souldiers ▪ In like manner he dealt also with them of ASCALON , and other places as he went. To represse this his furie , the Templars and Hospitalers had assembled the whole strength of that weake kingdome , and neere vnto TYBERIAS came to haue giuen him battell . Who vpon their approch hastely retired , as if he had for feare shunned battell . But whiles the Christians as victors the night following lay negligently encamped along the riuer side , he returning backe again with his armie , came vpon them before they were well aware , halfe sleeping halfe waking , but altogether vnarmed , with a most horrible outcrie . The Christians now altogether awaked , and not a little troubled with the suddennesse of the matter , hastily and disorderly ( as must needs in so great a confusion ) tooke vp their weapons , such as came first to hand , and so couragiously opposed themselues against their enemies . There was fought a most terrible and doubtfull battell , and that also for a long space ; the Christians still encouraging one another to do their last deuoir . But the Turks still keeping their order , against the disordered Christians , and far mo also than they in number ▪ preuailed , and there ouerthrew them with a great slaughter , but not without the losse of many thousands also of their owne men , which there lay dead vpon the ground . Most part of the best commaunders both of the Templars and Hospitalers were there slaine , such as escaped fled to TYRE . The Sultan encouraged with so great a victorie , marched foorthwith to HIERUSALEM , which he tooke without resistance ; and there put to sword all that he found therein , men , women and children , without respect of sex or age : and afterwards hauing rifled the same , rased it downe to the ground , burning the buildings , and ouerthrowing the wals , not long before repai●red by the emperour Frederick , and much beautified by his lieutenant Raynold . And carried with an infernall furie , defaced , and most shamefully polluted the sepulchre of our blessed Sauiour , neuer before then violated or defiled , but of all nations vntouched & reuerenced ; which for all that , may seeme to haue been done , not so much for the hatred vnto the Christian religion , as for that it was the place of all others most desired of the Christians ; and for the gaining whereof they had vndertaken so many hard aduentures , and so much troubled the Sarasins and Turks Thus by the vnfaithfull breaking of the league , the most antient and famous citie of HIERUSALEM , sometime the terrestriall seat of the most Highest , and glorie of the world , fell againe into the power of the Turks and infidels , in the yeare 1234 , in whose hands it hath euer since remained euen vntill this day : now a poore ruinous citie , gouerned by one of the Turks Sanzacks , and for nothing now more famous than for the sepulcher of our blessed Sauiour ; againe repaired and much visited by the deuout Christians , and not vnreuerenced by the Turkes themselues . The losse of this so famous a citie , together with the dangerous state of the Christians in SYRIA , much grieued the other Christian princes of the West ; especially Frederick the emperor , by whom it had beene but a few yeares before gained . Howbeit he could not now remedie the matter according to his desire , being himselfe grieuously entangled with the endlesse troubles which Pope Gregorie had ( as it were by tradition ) left vnto the other Popes his successors , for the troubling of his state , vntill at length they had depriued him of his empire , and not long after of his life also . Among other the great princes , care●ull for the poor Christians in SYRIA , was Lewis the French king the ninth of that name , a prince of great power , but of all others of that time most famous for his zeale vnto the Christian religion , and for his deuout manner of life : who abounding in wealth and all things else of a great prince to be desired ; and withall oftentimes considering the notable expeditions many Christian princes had ( to their immortall glorie ) made , some into SYRIA , some into AEGYPT against the enemies of Christ , and for the reliefe of the oppressed Christians ; was many times about to haue taken vpon himselfe the like . But in these his deuout motions , before he could resolue vpon so great an enterprise , he fell dangerously sicke , in so much that for certaine daies he lay speechlesse deuoid of sense and motion , without any signe of life , but that hee did a little faintly breath : when comming a little vnto himselfe ( whether mooued with deuotion , or troubled with his former conceits then running in his weake braine , is vncertaine ) the first thing he asked for , was the crosse ( the cognisance of such as vowed themselues vnto the sacred warre ) which he solemnely receiued at the hands of the bishop of PARIS . At which time also his three brethren , Alphonsus countie of POITIERS , Charles countie of ANIOU , and Robert countie of ARTHOIS , with Hugh duke of BURGUNDIE , William earle of FLANDERS , Hugh countie of S. Paul , and afterwards most of the nobilitie of FRANCE , to accompanie the king , tooke vpon them the same charge . Neuerthelesse , it was not by and by taken in hand , but some few yeares let passe in the consultation and preparation for so great an enterprise : many in the meane time discharging their vow , by dying before at home in peace in their owne countries . At length the deuout king still resolute in his former determination , hauing taken order with Blanch his mother for his affaires at home , and put all things in readinesse for his journey , came to LYONS to take his leaue of Pope Innocentius the fourth ( who for feare of the emperour Frederick then lay there for his more safetie ) and from thence to MARCEILLES , where embarking himselfe with his armie the fiue and twentith day of August in the yeare 1248 , he the twentieth day of September following arriued in safetie in the island of CYPRUS , and was there royally entertained by Guy Lusignan then king of that countrey . Now was the French king desirous to haue gone directly for AEGYPT , without longer stay in CYPRUS , had he not beene otherwise persuaded , both for that his whole fleet was not yet come , and the time of the yeare began to grow vnseasonable , and the weather tempestuous . But whilest he there staied , passing the winter , the plague ( one of the readie attendants of great armies ) began to arise in the campe , which dayly encreasing , had in short time taken away a great number of men , and those not of the meanest sort . Amongst whom were Robert bishop of BEAUVAIS , Iohn countie MONT-FORT , the counties of VENDOSME and DREUX , Archambaut lord of BURBON , with diuers other knights and gentlemen , to the number of 240 : so that by force of the infectious contagion , the king was constrained to diuide his armie into diuers places of the island , attending vntill the infection should cease . In the meane time the Templars hauing in suspect both the French and the Turks : the Turks , for feare they should ouerrun all ; and the French , least hauing gotten the victorie , they should take all into their own hands , and so diminish their power and authoritie , wherewith they tyrannized ouer the other poore Christians ; sent ambassadours seceretly vnto Meledin Sultan of AEGIPT , to persuade him betimes to come to some good agreement for peace , so to auert the power of the French king from doing him further harme , or proceeding further in that war. Of which motion the Sultan well liking , sent one of his noble men to intreat with the master of the Templars concerning a peace , so that it might be by cōsent of the Frēch ▪ The Templars glad of so honorable a message , writ vnto the French king out of SYRIA , how the matter stood ; persuading him to accept of the peace offred , setting out in great words the Sultans great preparations and power . And so indeed had abused the king , had not the king of CYPRUS acquainted with his doings , persuaded him that it was but a finenesse of the Great master , and that he had first sent vnto the Sultan , and procured that noble man to be sent : which the king vpon farther consideration perceiuing to be true , ●ed the Turks embassadour with hope of peace , but writ vnto the master of the Templars vpon the price of his head from thencefoorth not to receiue any embassage from the enemie , or to haue any further intelligence with him . Winter now past , and the plague well ceased , diuers noble gentlemen and great commaunders which following the king , and setting foorth somewhat late , or for feare of the plague had staied by the way , and wintred some in one place , some in another , began to repaire vnto CYPRUS : as Robert duke of BURGUNDIE , who hauing wintred in ACHAIA , came now in the beginning of the Spring vnto the king , with a number of good horsemen ; and with him William prince of ACHAIA , with a great fleet out of PELOPONESUS , which countrey , with most part of GRECIA , was then vnder the commaund of the Latines ; amongst others came also William , surnamed Long-espie , earle of SARISEURIE , with a band of lustie tall souldiors . So the armie being met together , and all things againe in a readinesse , king Lewes departing from CYPRUS , and tossed at sea with cōtrary winds , about fiue daies after fell with the coast of AEGIPT , & there with all his fleet came before the strong towne of DAMIATA , being ( as we haue said ) the key of that kingdome . The Sultan long before vnderstanding of the French kings purpose for the inuasion of his countrey , had strongly fortified his frontier townes , and put into them strong garrisons , beside the great power he kept with himselfe in readinesse at all assaies , as occasion should require . Vpon the approch of the Christians , the gouernour of DAMIATA was ready vpon the shore , with a number of braue souldiers to keepe them from landing ; who neuerthelesse resolutely before set downe for the performing of that they came for , manning foorth their long boats with their archers and crossebowes to beat the enemie from the shore , ran a ground with their other small boats made of purpose for the landing of men ; and so without longer stay came to handie blowes , where for a while was fought a most sharpe and cruell battell , the Christians striuing to land , and the Turkes to keepe them off , many falling on both sides . But what should an handfull doe against so many ? The Turkes oppressed with the multitude still landing more and more , and hauing done what was possible for them to doe , fled into the towne , leauing behind them their gouernour , with fiue hundred of their best souldiors dead vpon the shore . This citie of DAMIATA was exceeding rich and populous , and had in the former warres not been taken but by more than a yeares siege , ( as is before declared ) and that not so much by the valour of the Christians as by the extremitie of the plague and famine : since which time it had been strongly fortefied by the Turks , with deepe ditches , high wals , and strong bulwarkes ; and was at that time well stored with victuals also , and all things else for the enduring of a long siege . Neuerthelesse , the souldiors that were left , and the citizens ( discouraged with the losse of their gouernour , and remembrance of the miseries before endured in the former siege , and seeing the Christians now readie againe to besiege the same ) the night following , a little before the breake of day , set fire euery man vpon his owne house , and so by a bridge which they had made of boats , fled ouer the great riuer , breaking the bridge when they were ouer , for feare their enemies should thereby haue followed after them . The Christians perceiuing their flight , without resistance entred the citie , and being strangers , did what they could to quench the fire and to saue that which the inhabitants themselues would faine haue with fire destroyed ; and so afterwards found great abundance of riches , with plentifull store of all manner of victuals , wherewith the souldiors both enriched and refreshed themselues . This so happie & vnexpected a victorie happened vnto the Christians about the beginning of October , in the yeare 1249. Sultan Meledin himselfe , discouraged with the losse of so strong a citie , offered vnto the French king for the redeeming thereof , and to haue peace at his hands , more territorie in SIRIA and the land of PALESTINE , than the Christians had of long time before : which large offer was by the French , especially by the earle of ARTHOI● the kings brother , proudly rejected , and ALEXANDRIA the most famous port and metropoliticall citie of AEGIPT , further demaunded , to the great discontentment of the Turkes and Sarasins . In these troubles died Meledin the old Sultan , a man not much beloued of his people : in whose stead Melechsala ( or Melexala , as some call him ) a valiant and couragious prince , well beloued of his subjects , and but euen then returned out of SIRIA and ARABIA , where he had been to craue aid of the other Mahometane princes , was chosen Sultan . Which princes , especially the Sultan of DAMASCO , although they had not of long been at any good accord among themselues , or with the Aegyptian ; yet in this common danger of their superstition , which by the losse of AEGIPT was like to be greatly weakned , they joyned hands together , and so sent him great aid . The new Sultan thus strengthened , drew neerer vnto the Christians , which then lay encamped not farre from DAMIATA , and had with them a hot skirmish , wherein hee was put to the worse , and so with some losse glad to retire . But the Christians the next day , in hope of like successe sallying out againe , were ouerthrowne , with ten times more losse than was he the day before , and so faine to flie vnto the campe . By which victorie the Sultan encouraged , began now to conceiue better hope of the successe of his wars ; and by stopping the passages both by water and land , to prouide , that no victuals could without great perill bee brought either vnto the citie or the campe , insomuch that at length victuals began to grow scarce in both : whereof the Sultan was not ignorant , as being thereof throughly informed by such fugitiues , as for want , or other causes , oftentimes fled out of the French campe into his . Winter thus passing , and wants still increasing , it fortuned that the gouernour of the great citie of CAIRE ( vpon the fortune whereof depended the state of the whole kingdome ) a man not euill affected vnto the Christian religion , and in his heart highly offended with the Sultan , for the death of his brother by him wrongfully executed : by secret messengers persuaded the French king to come on with his armie to the citie , the regall seat of the Sultan , promising him to deliuer it into his power , with full instructions what he had in all points to do for the gaining thereof . Whereupon the king who had before of himselfe purposed the same exploit , but now filled with a greater hope , assembled together the greatest forces he was able to make . At which time also he sent for the earle of SALISBURIE , with the rest of the English men , who for many proud indignities offered them by the French ( especially by the earle of ARTOIS the kings brother ) whereof they could haue no redresse , were gone to PTOLEMAIS , without purpose to haue any more serued in those warres : But now being sent for by the king , with promise of better vsage and honourable recompence for the wrongs past , returned againe into AEGIPT , there to doe their last endeuour . With whose comming the king strengthened , but more by the new supplies brought vnto him by his brother Alphonsus out of FRANCE , leauing the duke of BURGUNDIE with a conuenient garison , with the queene his wife , Odo the Popes Legat , and diuers other great ladies in DAMIATA , he himselfe set forward with his armie towards CAIRE . Of whose comming the Sultan hearing , and loath vpon the fortune of one battell to aduenture his whole estate , offered by his embassadours to restore vnto him all the land of PALESTINE , with a great summe of money for the defraying of the charges of those wars , and all the prisoners he had taken , so that he would redeliuer vnto him the citie of DAMIATA , and joine with him in league and amitie . Which faire offer for all that , the French king , by the persuasion of the Legat and others , re●used . So the king marching still on , was to passe an arme of the great riuer NILUS ( the Sultan on the other side still readie with his armie to stay his passage ) which he had thought to haue made by a bridge of boats , prepared for the same purpose : but better conducted by a fugitiue Sarasin vnto a foord , before to him vnknowne , sent his brother Robert , earle of ARTOIS , with the third part of the armie before him , accompanied with the master of the Templars and the earle of SALISBURIE , with their followers . Who passing the riuer at the aforesaid soord , suddainly assailed the Turks in their tents ( the Sultan being then absent in solemnising one of their prophane feasts ) & put them to flight . With which victorie the French earle aboue measure encouraged , would needs on forwards , as if he would himselfe alone haue carried away the glorie of the whole conquest . Whome for all that certaine of the auncient Templars , better acquainted with the manners of that deceitfull nation than he , and better considering also of their owne abilitie and strength , persuaded him to content himselfe with the honour he had alreadie got , and not to proceed any further in prosecuting of the enemie , vntill the comming of the rest of the armie , especially in that desperat estate of the enemie , wherein he was to win or lose all . Vnto whom the proud earle in great despight replied , That he would prosecute his victorie , and follow his good fortune ; calling them dastards and cowards , opprobriously objecting vnto them the common fame , whereby it was commonly reported , That the Holy land might long since haue beene againe vnited vnto the bodie of the Christian commonweale , but for the foule collusion of the false Templars and Hospitalers with the Turks and Infidels . With which reprochfull speech , the master of the Templars not without cause mooued , answered for himselfe and his fellowes , That he should , when he would , and where he durst , display his ensignes , and he should find them as readie to follow as hee was to goe before them . The earle of SALISBURIE also willing to stint this strife , persuaded earle Robert not to bee so wedded to his owne opinion , but to listen vnto the graue and wholesome counsell of the Templars , being men of great experience : and so turning vnto the master of the Templars , began likewise with gentle words to pacific him also . But whilest hee was yet speaking , the earle interrupting him with many opprobrious words , called him dastard and coward , and wished that the armie were rid of him , and the fearefull cowards his countreymen . Whereunto the earle of SALISBURIE answered : Well Generall , on in Gods name , and wheresoeuer you dare set your foot , mine shall be as farre as yours ; and I beleeue wee goe this day , where you shall not dare to come nigh my horses taile : as afterward indeed it proued . Howbeit , the earle so said , for that earle Robert and the Frenchmen had many times in reproch and disdaine , after their manner , called him and his followers English tailes . The proud earle constant in his former purpose , and not to be otherwise persuaded , set forward : and first assaulted a little towne or castle , not farre off , called MANSOR , whereunto hee inconsideratly approching , was notably repulsed ; and hauing lost a number of his men , was as a man discouraged , about to haue retired . When suddainly the Sultan , neerer at hand than the earle had thought , stirred vp with the noise of the alarum , came on with his whole power ; and finding the armie of the Christians now deuided ( as he had long wished ) with the multitude of his people enclosed them round , and had with them a great and mortall fight : wherein though the Christians right woorthely behaued themselues , for the small number they were , yet oppressed with the multitude , and on euery side beset , they were slaine downe right . Then , but all too late , it repented the earle of his foolish rashnesse , and that he had not hearkened vnto better counsell ; and seeing the earle of SALISBURIE valiantly fighting , cried out vnto him to flie , seeing God ( as he said ) fought against them . Whereunto the noble earle answered no more , but God forbid that my fathers sonne should run away from the face of a Sarasin . The French earle thinking by the swiftnesse of his horse to haue saued his life , flying out of the battell , and taking the riuer of THA●NES , ouerladed with his armour , was there drowned ▪ The earle of SALISBURIE couragiously enduring the enemies charge , with his owne hand manfully slew many a Turk and Sarasin that day , vntill that at length hauing his horse slain vnder him , and himselfe so wounded in the legs as that he was not able longer to stand , yet vpon his knees laying about him like a desperat man , and selling his life as deere as he could , was there slaine , but not vanquished . With him perished the whole armie , so enclosed by the Sultan , that scarce any one escaped aliue , more than two Templars , one Hospitaler , and one common souldiour , the messengers of this heauie newes . About the same time also sicknesse daily increasing in the French campe , the king purposing to march forward to CAIRE , sent a great number of sicke and weake people downe the riuer of NILUS to DAMIATA : of whose going the Sultan vnderstanding , caused a great number of small boats to be caried in carts by land vnto the riuers side , which well manned , and meeting them by the way , set vpon them , and burnt or drowned them euery mothers sonne , sauing one only Englishman , called Alexander Giffard , who wounded in fiue places of his bodie , escaped yet into the French campe , reporting there what had happened vnto the rest . Now had the Sultan also got intelligence of the compact betwixt the gouernour of CAIRE and the king , for the betraying of the citie : and thereupon had caused him to be suddainely apprehended and put in safe keeping , vntill hee were at better leisure to vnderstand farther of the matter : which no lesse troubled the French king , than did the former misfortune ; all his hope for the yeelding vp of the citie , being thereby cut off . Thus his hopes , together with his strength , daily decreasing , he would haue gladly accepted of the cōditions which he before refused , which the Sultan now growne very strong , would by no meanes heare of ; but in stead thereof , by way of derision , sent to know of him , What was become of all his mattocks , forkes , rakes , sythes , plowes , and harrowes , which he had brought ouer with him ? and why he set them not to work , but suffered them like an euill husband to rot and rust beside him ? All which , with much more , the good king was glad to put vp . For now his forces greatly deminished , as well by sicknesse , as by the former losses , finding himselfe farre too weake , he would faine haue retired backe againe to DAMIATA : which the Sultan foreseeing , got so betwixt him and home , that now there was no remedie , but either to fight it out , or yeeld . The king himselfe had been often before intreated by his nobilitie , whilest the riuer was yet vnpossessed by the enemie , to haue conueyed himselfe by water to DAMIATA , for that in the safetie of his person consisted ( as they said ) the safetie of his kingdome , whatsoeuer became of them : whereunto hee could neuer bee persuaded , saying , That he would neuer forsake his people , because he would not be forsaken of them , but was resolued to endure with them whatsoeuer it should please God to lay vpon him . So passing the riuer by the same foord whereby his brother had not long before vnfortunatly passed , and comming to the place where the battell was fought , hee might see the dead bodies of the Christians pitifully mangled , with their heads and hands cut off : For the Sultan the more to encourage his soldiors , had before the battell proclaimed , That whosoeuer should bring him the head or hand of a Christian , should haue a great reward for his labour ; in hope whereof , they had so dismembred them . But long he had not there stayed , but that the Sultan began suddainely to appeare , with a most huge great armie , as if he would euen with the sight thereof haue discouraged the Christians : against whom for all that , the Frenchmen in good order opposed themselues , & for the space of three houres made great resistance : but what could one doe against ten , and he also fainting for sicknesse and food ? the hard plight wherein the greatest part of the French armie then was . In conclusion , oppressed with the multitude of their enemies , and no way left to flie , they were all ouerthrowne and slaine , except some few , saued in hope of great ransome . The king himselfe , with his two brethren Alphonsus and Charles , and some few others , were taken prisoners , & brought vnto the Sultan : who demaunding of him , What had mooued him so to make war against him ? was answered by the king , That it was for religion , & the defence of the name of his God. In this vnfortunat battell , fought the fift of Aprill , in the yeare 1250 , besides the common souldiors , were slaine most of the nobilitie of FRANCE , and all their rents taken . The Sultan presently vpon this ouerthrow , sent of his owne souldiors the like number that the French were of , with French ensignes , and disguised in the attire of the slaine Frenchmen , to DAMIATA , where the duke of BURGUNDIE , the French queene , and the Popes Legat lay ; in hope to haue been so let in for Frenchmen : but they were not so well masked , but that they were by them of the citie discouered for enemies , and so kept out and deceiued of their purpose . The Christians thus ouerthrowne , and the French king taken prisoner , Melech-sala the Sultan taking compassion vpon him , and yet minding of his life to make his owne gaine ; cheering him vp with comfortable speeches , began to talke with him of his deliuerance , and of a good attonement to be made betwixt them . The conditions whereof propounded by the Sultan were , That the king should foorthwith deliuer againe vnto him the citie of DAMIATA , and moreouer pay vnto him for the ransome of himselfe and his , and for the charges of the war , eight thousand pound of gold ; That all prisoners should on both sides be frankly set at libertie , and so a peace to be taken for ten yeares . For the more assurance whereof , the Sultan offered to sweare , That if he failed in the performance therof , to renounce his Mahomet : requiring likewise of the king to sweare , If he failed in any thing that he had promised , to denie his Christ to be God : Which prophane oath the king detesting , and wishing rather to die than to giue the same ; the Sultan woondring at his constancie , tooke his word without any oath at all , and so published the league . But whilest they were comming together to DAMIATA , Melech-sala now in the pride of this victorie , fea●ing nothing lesse than the sudden change of fortune , or the mischiefe hanging ouer his head , was in the presence of a number of his noble men suddenly slaine by two desperat Mamalukes ; and one Turqueminus a sturdie slaue of their owne order and vocation ( by whose procurement it was supposed to haue beene done ) by the consent of the whole armie created Sultan in his stead : who reuoking the league before concluded by Melech-sala , made another in his owne name with the king , much vpon the same conditions that the other was ; which after he had receiued DAMIATA , he caused to be openly proclaimed . Neuerthelesse after that king Lewis had paied his ransome , and was with the remnant of his armie by the Genowaies transported from DAMIATA to PTOLEMAIS , the false miscreant performed not the halfe of that he had promised , of twelue thousand Christian captiues that should haue been set free , scarce enlarging foure thousand ; and killing all the sicke souldiers whom by his promise he ought to haue reliued ; neither suffring any Christian to carrie any of his goods with him out of AEGYPT , which by the league he ought to haue done also . The French king comming to PTOLEMAIS , and purposing to haue returned home , was intreated by the master of the Templars and Hospitalars , and other the nobilitie of the Christians , to stay , which he did almost by the space of foure yeares : in which time he repaired the cities of CESAREA and IOPPE , and fortified many strong places for the defence of the Christians against the infidels : And so commending the protection thereof vnto the knights of the sacred war , and sending his brethren away before him , followed after himselfe , greatly lamented for by all the Christians in SIRIA , and so arriued in FRANCE the sixt yeare from the time of his departing thence . This was the end of this long and vnfortunat expedition of Lewis the French king , wherein as some write , were eightie thousand Christians lost : howbeit the French Chronicles extenuating their losse , report , of two and thirtie thousand French , six thousand to haue returned againe into FRANCE . The citie of DAMIATA in the space of a few yeares twice woon , and twice lost by the Christians , was shortly after the deliuering vp thereof , by the Sultan rased downe to the ground , because it should no more serue the Christians for an entrance into his kingdome . The late Aegyptian Sultans thus oftentimes inuaded by the Christian princes , and reposing no great assurance in the prowesse of the effeminat Aegyptians , a people fitter for marchandize and other base occupations than for chiualrie and war , had for the strengthening of their kingdome , bought an infinit number of slaues , especially of the poore and hardie Circassians , called in antient time Getae and Zinchi , neere vnto COLCHIS and the EUXINE sea , brought vnto ALEXANDRIA and other ports of AEGYPT out of those bare cold countries , by marchants , and from thence transported to CAIRE and other cities of AEGYPT : of which poore slaues , the late Aegyptian Sultans taking their choice , and culling out from the rest such as were like to be of greatest spirit and abilitie of bodie , deliuered them vnto most skilfull and expert teachers ; by whom they were carefully taught to run , to leape , to vaut , to shoot , to ride , with all other feats of actiuitie , and withall cunningly to handle all manner of weapons , as well on horsebacke as on foot : and so instructed , and become cunning , were taken out of their schooles into pay , and enrolled together as the Sultans choice horsmen , were commonly called by the name of Mamalukes . In whose good seruice the late Sultans finding great vse , spared for no cost , both for their maintenance and encreasing of their number ; dayly erecting new nurseries stored with yoong frie , which growing vp and readie , was still joyned to the other . It is woonderfull to tell vnto what a strength and glorie this order of the Mamalukes was in short time grown , by the care of the Aegyptian kings : By them they mannaged their greatest affaires , especially in time of wars ; and by their valour , not onely defended their countrey , but gained many a faire victorie against their enemies , as they did now against the French. But as too much power in such mens hands , seldome or neuer wanteth danger , so fell it out now betwixt the late Sultan Melech-sala , and those masterfull Mamaluke slaues : who proud of their preferment , and forgetfull of their dutie , and seeing the greatest strength of the kingdome in their hands , traiterously slew Melech-sala their chiefe founder , setting vp in his place ( as aforesaid ) one Turquiminus , a base slaue , one of their owne order and seruile vocation , but indeed otherwise a man of a great spirit and valour . This Melech-sala murthered by the Mamalukes , was the last of the free borne kings of AEGYPT ; in whom the Turks kingdome in AEGYPT , erected by Sarracon and the great Sultan Saladin ( as is before said ) and in his stocke and family euer since continued , tooke end , as did also all the power of the Turks in that great and rich kingdome . For the proud Mamalukes hauing now got the soueraigntie into their hands , and exalted a Sultan out of themselues , imperiously commanded as great lords ouer the rest of the people , not suffring them to haue the vse either of horse or armour , or to beare any sway in the common weale : but keeping them vnder with most heauie impositions , and still preferring their owne slaues ( wherewith the countrey of AEGYRT now swarmed ) made the naturall countrey people , of all others most miserable , not daring to meddle with any thing more than merchandize , their husbandrie , or other their base mechanicall occupations : whereof the greatest profit still came vnto the Mamalukes , who as lords of all , with great insolencie , at their pleasure tooke it from them as their owne . As for the great Sultan , they still chose him from among themselues , not suffering any the Sultans children to succeed their fathers in the kingdome ; for feare least they in processe of time , proud of their ancestors and parentage , should recken of them as of his slaues ( as indeed they were ) and so at length bring in another more free kind of gouernment . Against which they prouided also , not onely by this restraint of their Sultans children , but of their owne also : taking order and exstablishing it as an immutable law , That though the sonnes of the Mamalukes might enjoy their fathers lands & wealth after their death , yet that it should not be lawfull for them in any case to take vpon them the name or honour of a Mamaluke : so embarring them from all gouernment in the common wealth , to the intent it might still rest with the Mamalukes . Neither was it lawfull for any borne of Mahometan parents ( which could not be slaues ) or of the race of the Iewes , to be admitted into that Order ; but onely such as being borne Christians and become slaues , had from the time of their captiuitie beene enstructed in the Mahometan superstition ; or else being men grown , and comming thither , had abjured the Christian religion ( as many reprobates did in hope of preferment . ) Right strange it is to consider , vnto what honour and glorie this slauish empire in short time grew : many of those poore slaues by rare fortune or secret diuine power , exalted out of the dust vnto the highest dedegree of honour , proouing most excellent and renowmed princes , of such strength and power , as was dreadfull euen vnto the greatest princes of the world . In which great glorie , this seruile empire ( to the worlds woonder ) flourished from this time amongst the greatest by the space of 267 yeates ; vntill that hauing run the appointed race , it was with a great destruction , by Selymus the victorious emperour of the Turks , ouerthrown in the yeare 1517 , and the kingdome of AEGYPT with all SYRIA and the land of PALESTINE , brought into the forme of Prouinces , vnited vnto the Turks empire , as they are at this day , and as in the course of this historie shall in due time and place ( God willing ) at large appeare . But leauing the kingdome of the Turks thus ouerthrown in AEGYPT , and the Mamalukes there triumphing ; the French king returned into FRANCE ▪ and the Christians in peace in SIRIA : let vs againe returne into the lesser ASIA , and vnto the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , whether the affaires both of the Turkes and of the Christians now call vs. All this while the Greeke empire ( for so the Greeks will haue it called ) flourished both in peace and plentie in the lesser ASIA , vnder their emperour Iohn Batazes : the power of the Latines in the meane time declining as fast at CONSTANTINOPLE , vnder the rule of the Latin emperour Baldwin the second . As for the Turks whom we left grieuously troubled both with famine and the often incursions of the Tartars , they had all this while , and yet also , enough and more than enough to do to withstand the same enemie . At length it fortuned that Iohn Ducas the Greeke emperor died , being at the time of his death about threescore yeares old , wherof he had happily raigned three & thirtie : by whose good & discreet gouernment , the Greeke empire before broght low and almost to naught by the Latines , began againe to gather strength and to flourish both in ASIA and some little part of EUROPE also . Of him are reported many notable matters , which as impertinent to our purpose I could willingly passe ouer , were I not by the woorthie remembrance of one of them staied a while by the way . This noble and famous emperour hauing long lamented the death of the faire empresse Irene his first wife , at last married another yoong ladie , the sister of Manfred king of SCICILIE , called Anne , with whom amongst other honourable and beautifull dames , sent by the king her brother for the accompanying of her to CONSTANTINOPLE , was one Marcesina , a rare paragon , of such a feature as if nature had in her meant to bestow her greatest skill . From whose mouth alwaies flowed a fountaine of most sugred words , and out of her eies issued ( as it were ) nets to entangle the amorous in : vpon this so faire an object , the emperour not fearing further harme , tooke pleasure oftentimes to feed his eies , vntill that at length caught with her lookes , he had lost his libertie , and was of a great emperor become her thrall , in such sort , as that in comparison of her he seemed little or nothing to regard the yoong empresse his wife ; but so far doated vpon her , that he suffered her to be attired and honoured with the same attire and honour that the empresse was her selfe ; whom she now so farre exceeded both in grace and fauour with the emperour , and honour of the people , as that shee almost alone enjoyed the same , without regard of her vnto whom it was of more right due . Whilest she thus alone triumpheth , at length it fortuned that shee in all her glorie , attended vpon with most of the gallants of the court , and some of the emperours guard , would needs goe ( whether for deuotion or for her recreation , I know not ) to visite the monasterie and faire church , which Blemmydes ( a noble man of great renowne , both for his integritie of life , and learning ) had of his owne cost and charges but lately built in the countrey ; where he together with his monkes , as men wearie of the world , liued a deuout and solitarie contemplatiue life , after the manner of that time , with the great good opinion of the people in generall . This Blemmydes was afterward for his vpright life and profound learning , chosen Patriarch of CONSTANTINOPLE : which great honour , next vnto the emperour himselfe , he refused , contenting himselfe with his cell . Marcesina comming thither in great pompe , and thinking to haue entred the church , had the dores shut against her by the monkes , before commaunded so to doe by Blemmydes their founder : and so was to her great disgrace kept out . For that deuout man deemed it a great impietie , to suffer that so wicked and shamelesse a woman , against whom he had most sharply both spoken and written , with her prophane and wicked feet to tread vpon the sacred pauement of his church . She enraged with this indignitie , hardly by so proud a woman to be with patience disgested , and prickt forward by her flattering ●ollowers also ; returning to the court , grieuously complained thereof vnto the emperour , stirring him vp by all meanes she could to reuenge the same , persuading him to haue been therein himselfe disgraced . Whereunto were joyned also the hard speeches of her pickthanke fauourits , who to currie Fauell , spared not to put oyle as it were ynto the fire , for the stirring vp of the emperour vnto reuenge . Who with so great a complaint nothing mooued vnto wrath , but strucke as it were to the heart with a remorse of conscience , and oppressed with heauinesse , with teares running downe his cheekes , and fetching a deepe sigh , said : Why prouoke you me to punish so deuout and just a man ? whereas if I would my selfe haue liued without reproch and infamie , I should haue kept my imperiall majestie vnpolluted or stained . But now sith I my selfe haue beene the cause both of mine owne disgrace , and of the empires : I may thanke mine owne deserts , if of such euill seed as I haue sowne , I now reape also an euill haruest . After the death of this good emperour , Theodorus his sonne , borne the first yeare of his fathers raigne , being then about three and thirtie yeares old , was by the generall consent of the people saluted emperour in his stead : who in the beginning of his empire renewed the league which his father had made with Iathatines the Turkish Sultan . And so hauing prouided for the securitie of his affaires in ASIA ; he with a puissant armie passed ouer the strait of HELLESPONTUS into EUROPE , to appease the troubles there raised in MACEDONIA and THRACIA , by the king of BULGARIA his brother in law , and Michaell Angelus Despot of THESSALIA ; who vpon the death of the old emperour began to spoile those countries , not without hope at length to haue joyned them vnto their owne : by whose comming they were for all that disappointed of their purpose , and glad to sue to him for peace . But whilest he was there busied , he was aduertised by letters from NICE , That Michaell Paleologus , whom he had left there gouernour in his absence , was secretly fled vnto the Turks : with which newes he was not a little troubled . The cause of whose flight , as Paleologus himselfe gaue it out , was , for that he perceiued himselfe diuers waies by many his enemies brought into disgrace , and the emperours eares so filled with their odious complaints , so cunningly framed against him , as that they were not easily or in short time to bee refelled : and therefore fearing in the emperours heauie displeasure to be suddainely taken away , to haue willingly gone into exile , if so happely he might saue his life from the mallice of them that sought after it . At his comming to ICONIUM , he found Iathatines the Sultan making great preparation against the Tartars ; who hauing driuen the Turks out of PERSIA and the other farre Easterne countries ( as is before declared ) and running still on , did with their continuall incursions spoile a great part of their territories in the lesser ASIA also ; and now lay at AXARA , a towne not far off from ICONIUM : against whom the Sultan now making the greatest preparation hee could , gladly welcommed Paleologus , whom he knew to be a right valiant and worthie captaine , commending to his charge the leading of certaine bands of Greekes ; whom he had retained to serue him in those warres , as he had others also of the Latines , vnder the conduct of Boniface Moline , a nobleman of VENICE : and so hauing put all things in readinesse , and strengthened with these forraine supplies of the Greekes and Latines , set forward against his enemies the Tartars : who at the first sight of the strange ensignes and souldiors , were much dismayed , fearing some greater force had been come to the aid of the Turkes . Neuerthelesse , joyning with them in battell , had with them at the first a most terrible and bloodie conflict , wherein that part of the armie that stood against Paleologus , and his Greekes , was put to the worse ; to the great discomfiture of the Tartars , being euen vpon the point to haue fled , had not one of the greatest commaunders in the Turks armie , and a nigh kinsman of the Sultans , for an old grudge that he bare vnto the Sultan , with all his regiment in the heat of the battell reuolted vnto the Tartars : whereby the fortune of the battell was in a moment as it were quite altered , they which but now were about to haue fled , fighting like lyons ; and they that were victors , now glad to turne their backes and flie : in which flight a great number of the Turkes fell , the fierce Tartars most eagerly pursuing them . Paleologus with the generall of the Turks hardly chased by the Tartars , and glad euery houre to make a stand , and to fight for their liues , with much adoe after many daies flight recouered a castle of the Generals , neere vnto CASTAMONA , and so saued themselues . The Tartars after this so great a victorie ( wherein they had broken the whole strength of the Turkes , and brought in hazard the whole state of their kingdome ) without resistance forraged all the countries and prouinces subject vnto the Turkish Sultan , making spoile of whatsoeuer they light vpon : insomuch , that the Sultan discouraged , and hauing now no strength left to oppose against them , fled vnto the Greeke emperour Theodorus for aid ; who most honourably entertained him with all his traine , and comforted him with such small aid as he thought good then to spare him : Which for his more safetie he sent home with him , vnder the leading of Isaacius Ducas , surnamed Murtzufle , a man in great credit with him . In recompence of which kindnesse , the Sultan gaue vnto the emperour the citie of LAODICEA , whereinto he presently put a strong garrison : neuerthelesse , it was not long before it fell againe into the hands of the Turkes , being a place not to be holden by the Greekes . Yet for all this , the Sultan finding himselfe still too weake to withstand the continuall inuasions of the Tartars , and wearie of the harmes he dayly sustained ; by the aduise of his cheefe counsellors made a league with them , yeelding to pay them a certain yearely tribute , therby to redeeme his peace . From which time the Tartars accounted of the Turks , as of their tributaries and vassales . Not long after this , Michaell Paleologus was by the emperours kind and gracious letters called home ; with his faithfull promise also before giuen for his securitie : who before his return bound himselfe also by solemne oath , to be vnto the emperour and his sonne alwayes loyall , and from thencefoorth neuer to seeke after the empire , or giue cause of new suspect for such matters as he had been before charged with : but for euer to yeeld vnto the emperour , his sonne , or other his successors in the empire , his dutifull obedience and fidelitie . Vpon which conditions he was again made Great Constable , and so receiued into the emperours fauour , and liued the rest of his raigne in great honour and credit with him . Now Theodorus the emperour hauing raigned three yeares , fell sicke and died , leauing behind him his sonne Iohn , then but a child of six yeares old , to succeed him in the empire : whom hee vpon his death bed , together with the empire , commended to Arsenius the Patriarch , and one George Muzalo his faithfull counsellor , as to his trustie tutors , to see him safely brought vp , & the empire well and peaceably gouerned . This Muzalo was a man of meane parentage , but for his familiar acquaintance and ciuile behauior , of a child brought vp in the court with the emperour as his play fellow : with whom he growing vp , so framed himselfe vnto his manners and disposition , that he alone was vnto him in stead of all , still at hand , readie to say or doe whatsoeuer might be vnto the emperour gracious or pleasing . And the elder they grew , so increased this their mutuall affection and loue also : in such sort , that with him now emperour , he was of all others in greatest fauour and authoritie ; a warie obseruer of his delights , a readie minister of his affaires , and faithfull partaker of his secrets : for which he was in short time promoted vnto the greatest honors of the court , and honourably married vnto one of the emperours nigh kinswomen ; and now at his death , by his last will , with the reuerend Patriarch appointed tutor to the yong emperor and his two yong sisters . And for the more assurance thereof , a solemne oath of obedience vnto the yong prince as emperour , and vnto them as his tutors , was exacted of all sort of men both high & low , of what vocation soeuer ; and that not once , but first a little before the emperours death , and againe after he was now dead for many of the nobilitie honourably descended , seeing the suddain change of Muzalo his fortune , among themselues murmured thereat , as greeued with his preferment , seeing there were many among them , vnto whom both the tuition of the yong emperour and administration of the empire , of better right appertained ; insomuch as they were both neerer of kin vnto the emperor , and fitter ( as they thought ) for so great a charge than was Muzalo ; whom ( as they said ) they had many causes both to contemne and hate : For beside that hee was not honourably borne , and had serued the late emperour Theodore , as the minister of his wrath against some of the nobilitie , causes sufficient of the peoples hatred ; if hee should now also in so great authoritie affect the empire , it was by his malicious enemies vainly doubted , that he would not spare to commit any manner of villanie , for the effecting of his inordinat desire . Of all which Muzalo was not ignorant , a man at all other times of a most quicke apprehension for such matters , but as then especially , his wits being awaked with these so great motiues & dangers . Wherfore speedely calling together all the nobilitie into the court , he welcommed them one by one , and courteously discoursing with them , offered to discharge himselfe both of the administration of the empire , and tuition of the yong emperour , and willingly to yeeld the same vnto any one of them , whom the rest should thinke fittest for so great a charge : which though they all with one consent as it were refused , saying , That he was of all others to be preferred , vnto whom the emperour , lord both of the empire and the child , had committed the same : yet Muzalo earnestly requested them to the contrarie , and stiffely withstood their desire , wishing indeed rather to haue led a quiet priuat life in securitie , than to haue been so ouercharged ; not so much for doubt of the enuie then arising , as for feare of some great danger thereof to ensue . But would he , would he not , remedie there was none , but that as the late emperour had appointed , so he must take the charge vpon him . And now was euery one , as well of the nobilitie , as of the inferiour sort , againe with greater solemnitie than before the third time sworne , to the vttermost of their power to defend the yong emperour in his empire , and Muzalo in the tuition of him and administration of the affaires of the state , and faithfully to yeeld vnto them both all due honour and obedience : which if they should faile religiously to performe , they wished vnto themselues euery man , & to all theirs , a shamefull end and destruction . Yet notwithstanding all this solemne swearing , mixt most times with much forswearing , there were not fully nine daies past , but that certaine of the chiefe nobilitie forgetfull or else carelesse of their oath , and full of enuie , seldome satisfied but with blood , conspired the vnworthie death of Muzalo the protectour both of the emperour and the empire . The ninth day appointed for the funerall of the emperour , was now come , at which time were met together at SOSANDRA ( an abbey by himselfe built in the honour of the virgine Marie at MAGNESIA ) many great ladies and graue matrons , to mourne as the manner was ; all the great princes of the nobilitie , and among them the conspirators also : thither repaired also a number of souldiors , prepared for the slaughter , with an infinit multitude of the common people , as at such solemnities is vsuall . But what needs many words , whilest the hymns were yet in singing , and the obsequies in performing , the soldiors as they were before instructed , suddainly breaking into the church , with their drawne swords in their hands , slew Muzalo ( then fled vnto the altar for refuge ) with his two brethren Andronicus and Theodorus , both men of great account , and diuers others appointed to the massacre . So the matrones & the rest of the multitude breaking off their mourning , and for feare thronging out one in anothers necke , fled as fast as they could , some one way , some another , as they thought for their most safetie : but the priests and monkes thinking to haue done the like , were by the imperious souldiors , whether they would or not , againe inforced into the church ; where tumbling one ouer another , as thronging in with great force & violence , and scarce able to stand , by reason of the slipperinesse of the blood there shed vpon the pauement , they in great feare made an end of those bloodie obsequies . This outrage appeased , Arsenius the Patriarch , and only tutor of the yong emperour now left , was therewith yet much troubled , as with a thing dangerous both to the person of the yoong prince , and quietnesse of the state ; but what good course to take therein , he could not tell : for as he was a man for his learning and integritie of life , not inferiour to the best , so in matters of state he was as far to seeke ; as it commonly happeneth the contemplatiue man , buried in his meditations , to be vnfit for temporall gouernment ; whereas he that should performe both , must vnto his rare vertues and great learning joine a ciuile conuersation , with great experience in worldly affaires , not to be learned but by great and long practise . This reuerend father ( of no great reach , yet wishing all well ) calling together the nobilitie , consulted with them what were best to be done for the gouernment both of the yong emperour and the empire , now that Muzalo was dead ; not considering in the mean time who they were with whom he consulted , or that counsell grounded vpon no wise foresight or approoued experience , was more dangerous vnto him whom he would haue prouided for , than all the enemies murthering swords , as shortly after appeared . Amongst others of the nobilitie called to counsell , was Michaell Paleologus ( of whom we haue before spoken ) much superiour to the rest , as descended of the imperiall house of the Comneni , a man of a cheerefull countenance , gracious , and courteous , and withall exceeding bountifull and liberall , whereby he easily woon the hearts of all men in generall , but especially of the colonels , captaines , and other martiall men , commaunders in the armie ; of whose aspiring to the empire , many presages and common rumors ( not alwaies vaine ) had in former time passed also to the mouing of many : yea the Patriarch himselfe not considering his hautie and aspiring nature , made no lesse account of him than did the rest , but vpon an especiall fauour , committed to his only trust the keyes of the common treasure , at such time as money was to bee deliuered out for payment of the armies or other like great occasions of the state ; the most effectuall meanes for the furtherance of his secret practises , & the readiest way for the effecting of that he had so long before plotted : for hauing in his fingring such a masse of treasure , as he might well haue wished but neuer reasonably hoped for , he poured it out as it were by bushels amongst the nobilitie and martiall men , & such others as he thought were able to do most with the people , amongst whom were many of the cleargie also : of which his fauourits were made many meetings , and by them was the Patriarch continually sollicited , but yet in generall tearmes , without delay ( according to the necessitie of the time ) to take order for the good gouernment of the state , which now as a great ship in the middest of the sea without a master , was ( as they said ) in danger to perish ; and being once lost , was not to be againe recouered . At which time also , the name of Paleologus was in euery mans mouth , as the only man for his wisedome and experience , fit to take vpon him the charge and gouernment of the empire , vntill the yong emperour were come to age . Vnto which cōmon good liking , the Patriarch also ( seeing no more , or peraduenture not so much as the rest ) gaue his consent . And so without longer stay , to the great contentment both of the nobilitie and people in generall , made him gouernour of the empire , and tutor to the yong emperour , wanting now nothing of an emperor himselfe , more than the title and imperiall ornaments . This was the first step whereby this aspiring man ( twice before in disgrace with the two late emperours , Iohn Duc●s , and his sonne Theodorus ) mounted at last vnto the empire . It was not many dayes after , but that his fauourits held another counsell , wherein it was alledged , That it was not seemely for him that was tutor vnto the emperour , gouernour of the state and empire , and to giue audience vnto the embassadours of forraine nations , to want the honour next vnto the emperour , as well for the magnificence of the state , as for the credit of his place : whereupon hee was both by the Patriarch and the yoong emperour honoured with the title of the Despot , another step vnto the empire . But what contentment find the ambitious euen in the greatest honours , so long as there is one aboue them ? Little sure , or none at all , more than that it serueth them to step at next , vp to the highest : as did this new made Despot , who shortly after was by certaine of the nobilitie , his great fauourits , neere vnto MAGNESIA , with the great applause of the people hoysed vp and saluted emperour . Whereof Arsenius the Patriarch hearing , was therewith much troubled , as fearing what would become of the yong child , the right heire of the empire . And first he was about to haue excommunicated , as well him that was made emperour , as them that had so made him : but afterward changing his purpose , for feare of greater troubles , he thought it better by solemne oath to bind both him and the rest , That they should not seeke after the life of the child , or by any force or colour goe about to depriue him of the empire ; which was so done . Yet it was not full a moneth after , but that euen hee that had so great a care of the yoong child and so prouided for his safetie ( persuaded by them of the nobilitie and the cleargie ) with his owne hands , and all the accustomed ceremonies , set the imperiall crowne vpon this vsurpers head ; yet not as vpon him that should still enjoy the empire , but as vpon a man according to the present necessitie of the time and state thought fittest for so great a charge , vntill the yoong child came to age ; vnto whom then he was to giue place , and to resigne to him the empire . All which being by more solemne oath than before confirmed , good newes ( as the certaine signes of his fortunat gouernment ) were brought vnto him of a great victorie obtained by his captaines , against Michaell Angelus Despot of AETOLIA and EPIRUS : Who hauing married the late emperours daughter , and hearing of his death , with the great troubles in ASIA ; aided by the king of SICILIA and the prince of PELOPONESUS and ACHAIA , his sonnes in law , had thought in that hurle and perturbation of the state to haue taken vnto himselfe the greatest part of the emperours territories in MACEDONIA and THRACIA : and for the same purpose was with a great armie entred into them , burning and spoiling the countrey before him ; whereof Michaell Paleologus ( then but newly made Despot ) hauing intelligence , sent his brother Iohn , and some other his best captaines , with a great armie against him ; by whom he with his complices were put to the worse , and not without great losse enforced to retire : the joyfull newes whereof he receiued , euen as he was crowned . Which was shortly after confirmed by the comming of the great commaunders themselues , bringing with them the prince of PELOPONESUS and ACHAIA , by them taken prisoner . Who for his ransome was afterward glad to giue vnto the emperour Paleologus , MONEMBASIA , MAINE , and SPARTA , three of the best cities of PELOPONESUS : whereinto he put strong garrisons , vnder the commaund of Constantinus his brother by the mothers side , a right valiant captaine . By whose good seruice , and the commodious situation of the places , he gained diuers other townes and cities , and at length the greatest part of PELOPONESUS , out of the hands of the Latines : for the vtter rooting out of whom , hee shortly after with a great armie passed ouer into THRACIA , with purpose ( as was thought ) to haue besieged CONSTANTINOPLE : but finding it to be a matter of more difficultie than was before supposed , he left that , and laied siege to the castle of PERA , oueragainst it on the other side of the hauen , in hope by winning of that castle to haue become master also of the towne : where he was notably repulsed , and enforced with losse to retire . So rising with his armie , hee fortefied diuers castles and strong holds in the countrey about CONSTANTINOPLE , and put into them strong garrisons , charging them , with continuall incursions to trouble the Constantinopolitanes , and to cut them so short , if it were possible , as that they should not dare to looke out at the gates of the citie . Which they so well performed , that in short time the Latines in the citie were driuen to such extremitie , that for want of wood they were faine to burne many of the fairest houses in the cittie in stead of fewell ; which done , hee returned againe to NICE , the cheefe seat of the Greeke emperours , euer since that CONSTANTINOPLE was taken by the Latines . Now raigned in CONSTANTINOPLE the Latine emperour Baldwin the second ( as is before declared ) a man of small courage , and lesse power , and therefore not much regarded either of the Greekes or Latines : who for the maintenance of his state was glad to sell away the publick ornaments of the citie , and to pawne his sonne vnto the Bruges marchants for money ; by whom hee was le●t at VENICE to be brought vp : which gaue occasion for some writers to report , That he was pawned vnto the Venetians . About this time Mango , the great Chan of TARTARIE , stirred vp by Aitonus the Armenian king , by whose persuasion he had also receiued the Christian religion , sent his brother Haalon with an exceeding great armie against the Turkes and Sarrasins in SYRIA and the land of PALESTINE . This Haalon conuerted also vnto the Christian faith by his wife , setting forward with a world of people following him , in the space of six moneths ouerran all PERSIA , with the countries adjoyning , excepting one strong place in the mountains ( which some say was SAMARCHAND , afterward the royall seat of the great terrour of the world , the mightie ( Tamerlaine ) which besieged by ten thousand horsemen , by him there left for that purpose , and so continued by the space of seuen and twentie yeares after , was then at length ( as Aiton himselfe writeth ) yeelded by the defendants , onely for want of clothes to couer their nakednesse . Haalon in whose armie those ten thousand ( left behind ) were not missed ; marching on , and as a violent tempest bearing all downe before him , entered at length into ASSYRIA , and there laied siege vnto the great citie of BABYLON , then the seat of the great Caliph ; whom all the Mahometane princes honoured aboue all others , as the true successour of their great prophet Mahomet , and receiued from his mouth the interpretation of their law , as most diuine oracles . Which great citie Haalon woon , and putting to sword all he found therein , men , women , and children , with the spoile therof and the rich treasures of the Caliph , enriched his souldiours . The Caliph himselfe ( reserued for that purpose ) he commaunded to be set in the middest of the infinite treasure which hee and his predecessours had most couetously heaped vp together , and that he should of that gold siluer and precious stones take what it pleased him to eat , saying ( by way of derision ) That so gainefull a guest should by good reason be fed with nothing but things of greatest price , whereof he willed him to make no spare : In which order the couetous wretch kept for certaine daies , miserably died for hunger , in the middest of those things whereof he thought hee should neuer haue had ynough ; which though they were in valour great , and with great care laied together , yet serued they him not now to suffice nature , best contented with a little . BABYLON thus sacked , and almost rased , the Tartar marching on through MESOPOTAMIA , by the way took the citie of RHOAIS , where Aiton the Armenian king and author of this the Tartars expedition , came vnto him with twelue thousand horsemen , and fortie thousand foot , as reporteth Aiton the Armenian kings nephew , then there present . So entering into SYRIA , in a few daies tooke ALEPPO , which hee sacked and rased in the yeare of our Lord 1260 , with diuerse other strong townes sometime belonging vnto the kingdome of ANTIOCH . Then was one Malacnesar Sultan of DAMASCO , commaunding ouer all SYRIA and the land of PALESTINE : who terrified with the losse of his cities , and the feare of farther danger , with his wife and children came and humbled himselfe before the Tartar prince , in hope so to haue saued vnto himselfe some good part of his kingdome . Wherein he was much deceiued , being ( as some say ) carried away a farre off into exile , because hee should not hinder the Tartars proceedings : or as others report ( and happely with more probabilitie ) being by him detained as his prisoner , and afterwards to the terror of his sonne , cut in peeces in his sight vnder the wals of DAMASCO , after that it had in vaine beene twice assaulted by the Tartars : which strong citie for all that he afterwards tooke by strong hand , and sacked it , and by the persuasion of his wife ouerthrew all the Mahometane temples , as he had before in euery place where he came . But purposing to haue gone on forward to HIERUSALEM , and to haue conquered the whole land of PALESTINE , newes was brought him of the death of his brother Mango , the great Chan : whereupon he staied his journey and returned backe againe , in hope of that great empire , hauing in this expedition spent almost six yeares . Thus by the Tartars was the kingdome of the Turks at DAMASCO ouerthrowne . At which time , the broken affaires of the Christians in SYRIA and the land of PALESTINE , might easily haue beene repaired , and those two goodly kingdomes againe restored to the Christian commonweale , had the Christian princes of the West then in time put to their helping hands on the one side , as did the Tartars on the other : But they then at fatall discord among themselues , and busied with their warres at home , let slip that so faire an opportunitie , the like whereof they seldome or neuer had since . Haalon the Tartar prince , in token of his good will toward the Christians and their affaires , at his departure from DAMASCO left his sonne Abaga there with twentie thousand horsemen to aid them in their warres , if they should come ( as was expected ) for the recouerie of the Holy land : who hauing there stayed some while , and hearing of his fathers troubles at home , followed himselfe after him , but yet left behind him Guirboca , a valiant captaine , with ten thousand of his horsemen , to like purpose that his father had him : who by the insolencie of certaine Christian souldiors in garrison about SIDON , was of a friend together with his Tartars made a foe . These garrison souldiors hauing by chance fet in some bootie out of the Tartars territorie , not onely refused to restore the same againe , but also foulely intreated such as the Tartar had sent for the demaunding thereof . Whereupon further quarrels arising , it fortuned a nephew of Guirbocas , a valiant yoong gentleman , to be slaine : in reuenge whereof hee besieged SIDON , and hauing taken it , sacked it , and burnt it downe to the ground . After which time , he and his Tartars became vtter enemies vnto the Christians , doing them all the harme they could deuise . This discord betwixt the Tartars and the Christians , gaue occasion vnto Melech the Aegyptian Sultan , now jealous of the Tartars neerenesse , with a great armie of his Mamalukes & others to enter into SYRIA , and to spoile the countrey about DAMASCO ; against whom Guirboca with his Tartars , although both in strength and number far inferiour , went out . But joyning battell with him at too much oddes , and the victorie inclining vnto that side where most strength was , he there valiantly fighting was slaine , with most part of his Tartars : such as escaped fled into ARMENIA vnto the friendly king . By this victorie all SYRIA , with the land of PALESTINE , excepting some few places yet holden by the Christians , fell again into the hands of the Aegyptian Sultans ; as did some of them shortly after also : for Bandocader succeeding Melech in the Mamaluke kingdome , comming into SYRIA with a great armie , took ANTIOCH from the Christians , & with it most of the other places before by them defended . The citie he burnt , & rased the castle down to the ground , and afterward entring into ARMENIA , did there great harme also . Whilest the Turks kingdome thus goeth to wracke in SYRIA , ruinated by the Tartars , but possessed by the Mamalukes ; their affairs in the lesser ASIA , now the whole hope of that nation , went not at that time much better : for Iathatines the Turkes Sultan , there also inuaded by the Tartars , and hauing lost ICONIUM his regall citie , fled with his brother Melech to the Greeke emperour Michaell Paleologus , in hope to be of him relieued , for the kindnesse hee had not long before shewed him in like case , when as he fled from the late emperour Theodore ; whereof now putting him in remembrance , he requested him either with some conuenient force to aid him , or els to assigne vnto him some corner in his large empire where hee might in safetie rest with his wife and children , and other followers , whom with much wealth hee had brought with him in great number . The emperor on euery side himselfe incombred with warres , thought it not good in so great newnesse of his empire , to deminish his owne forces : and to assigne vnto him any place to inhabit , seemed no lesse dangerous ; for that he hauing been a great prince , and commanding ouer many great countries , and brought vp in all princely royaltie , was not like to content himselfe with a little : beside that , his nobilitie , then dispersed by the Tartars , were like ynough in great numbers to resort vnto him , as vnto their head , so soone as they should once heare that he were seated in any place : and yet vnkindly to cast him off that had so honourably vsed him in like extremitie , the emperour was loath . And therefore feeding him vp with faire words , and foording him on from time to time with delaies , he held him a great while as a man in suspence , betwixt hope and despaire . At length in the absence of the emperour ( though happily not without his priuitie ) he was commaunded with all his traine , in number about twelue hundred , to get him to AENUS , a citie of THRACIA , standing vpon the sea coast : where he much discontented , liued like an honourable prisoner at large , but with the watchfull eyes of so many vpon him , as that he could by no meanes ( as he desired ) escape . In which case we will for a while leaue him , to feed vpon his owne melancholy thoughts . Now had Michaell Paleologus the emperour raigned at NICE two yeares , when new troubles began againe to arise in the West part of his empire on EUROPE side , by the trecherie of Michaell Angelus , Despot of EPIRUS . For the speedie repressing whereof , he sent one Alexius Strategopulus , a worthie captaine and a man of great nobilitie ( whom for his good seruice against the said Despot , he had in the beginning of his raigne made Caesar ) with little aboue 800 Bythinian souldiors , and commission for the taking vp of so many mo as he should for that seruice need , in MACEDONIA and THRACIA : commaunding him when he had passed the strait , with those souldiers to take his way through the suburbs of CONSTANTINOPLE , to terrifie the Latines , whom he was loth to suffer too long to liue in rest and quiet or to stir too far out of the gates , but to keepe them as prisoners coupt vp within the wals of the citie . This warlike captaine with this handfull of men , passing ouer PROPONTIS encamped at REGIUM , not far from CONSTANTINOPLE ; where by chance lighting vpon certaine poore labouring men Greekes borne in the citie , and there dwelling , he diligently inquired of them the state thereof , and of what strength the Latines were , with many other things , such as he was desirous to know : who not onely told him that the strength of the Latines was but small , but also that the greatest part thereof was gone to the siege of DAPHNVSIA , a towne not farre off vpon the side of the EVXINE sea : and withall ( as Greekes euill affected to the gouernment of the Latines , and desirous of the libertie of their countrey ) offered of themselues to shew him a meanes how to giue him entrance into the citie . These poore men dwelt within the citie , close by one of the gates , neere whereunto by an old ruinous mine almost swarued vp , was a secret vnsuspected way into the citie , not knowne to any but to themselues : By this blind hole they promised him by night to receiue in fiftie of his best souldiers ; which suddenly setting vpon the watch fast by , and dispatching them out of the way , might presently breake open the gate and so let in the rest of the armie : whereunto they promised themselues with their friends to put to their helping hands , assuring him of the good successe thereof . This plot for the betraying of the citie thus laied and agreed vpon , Alexius the Caesar well rewarding the men , and filling them with greater promises , sent them away : who as if they had beene about their countrey worke , were after their woonted manner receiued into the citie , without suspition at all . And within a few daies after according to their promise , at an appointed houre receiued in by night the aforesaid fiftie souldiours ; who aided by them , presently slew the watch , and brake open the gate : wherby Alexius entring a little before day , in conuenient place put his men in order of battell ; and afterward to the greater terrour of the Latines , caused the citie to be set on fire in foure places , which increased with the wind , burnt in most terrible manner , and was in short time come almost to the emperours pallace . Who scarce well awaked , and seeing the citie all on a fire about his eares , and the enemie comming on ; was about at the first with those few Latines that hee had ( for Greekes he had none ) to haue made head against them . But better aduised , and perceiuing it to be now to no purpose , he ( the last of the Latine Emperours that euer raigned in CONSTANTINOPLE ) with Iustinian the Latine Patriarch , and some other of his friends , fled by sea into EVBOCA , and so from thence afterwards vnto VENICE , and afterwards to Lewis the French king , in hope to haue beene by him and the Venetians relieued . After whom fled also all the rest of the Latines . Thus the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE by great fortune fell againe into the hands of the Greeks , in the yeare 1261 , after it had beene in possession of the Latines , about 58 yeares . The joyfull newes of the recouerie of the imperiall citie , was in short time carried vnto Michael Paleologus the Greeke emperour at NICE ; who at the first beleeued it not , as thinking it scarce possible so strong a citie to haue beene by so weake a power surprised , where as hee himselfe not long before was not able with a right puissant armie , and much other warlike prouision , to win the little castle of GALATA ouer against it . But afterwards assured of the truth thereof , with his hands and eies cast vp towards heauen , gaue most heartie thankes to God therefore ; causing hymnes and psalmes of thanksgiuing to bee solemnly sung in euerie church , with all the other signes of joy and triumph that could be deuised . So setting all other things apart , he wholy busied himselfe in making preparation for his going to CONSTANTINOPLE , now once againe the seat of the Greeke empire : wherein , and in trauelling hauing spent many daies ; he at length with the empresse his wife and Andronicus his sonne , then but two yeares old , as if it had been in solemne procession on foot entred into the citie , by the gate called the Golden Gate ; and so after praiers and thankes giuen , went to the pallace prepared for him neere vnto the tiltyard : for the other imperiall pallaces of greater beautie ( sometime the stately dwellings of the greatest emperours of the Greekes ) had now of long during the raigne of the Latines , lien ruinous , or altogether defaced . And shortly after , because vertue and true desert should not want their due honour , he caused Alexius Caesar ( by whose meanes the citie was recouered ) in solemne triumph in his roabs of honour , with a crowne vpon his head , not much inferiour vnto the imperiall crowne , with great pompe to bee carried through all the citie : and farther commaunded , That his name for one yeare next following , in all solemne hymnes and praiers of thanksgiuing , should be joyned with the name of the emperour himselfe : And yet not thinking to haue done him honour enough , caused his liuely image afterward to be most curiouslly made , and as a trophie to be set vpon a faire marble piller , before the great church of the holy Apostles , in perpetuall remembrance of him , and that he had done for the deliuerie of his countrey ; which shortly after ouerthrowne by an earthquake , was by his sonne againe restored . Now was this great and famous citie , sometime the beautie of the word , by these strange and fatall mutations , woonderfully defaced and brought to great desolation : in euerie place was to be seene great heapes , or rather ( to say the truth ) great hils of rubbidge , the eternall witnesses of the ruine thereof ; the houses stood some quite fallen downe , some readie to follow after , and some other great and stately buildings now the small reliques of great fires : for the great beautie thereof was before , at such time as the Latines tooke it , most defaced by fire ; who all the time that they had it , ceassed not night and day to destroy some part or other of it , as if they had knowne they should not long keepe it ; neither did this last fire raised by the Greekes themselues to terrifie the Latines , a little deforme it : for which cause the emperours chiefe care now was to cleanse the citie , and in best sort he could to reforme so great a confusion of things not to be all at once amended ; first beginning with the churches , which ruinous or readie to fall , he repaired ; and next to that filled the emptie houses with new inhabitants . And albeit that the chiefe of the Latines were together with the emperour fled and gone , yet was the most part of the artificers and tradesmen of the citie , Venetians , and of them of PISA , mingled together ; vnto whom also to joyne the Genowaies , and so to fill the citie with Latines , he thought it not altogether safe , although that by them he reaped great profit : wherefore he assigned vnto them the citie of GALATA now called PERA , on the other side of the hauen , for them to inhabit , graunting them great priuiledges , and euerie of those companies to be gouerned by a Consull or Potestate of their owne . As for the imperiall citie it selfe , he stored it ( so neere as he could ) with naturall Greeks borne . Now although all things went as Paleologus the emperour could himselfe haue wished ; yet could he not rest so contented , for feare least those which now did eat their owne hearts and with great griefe smouldred their anger , should at length as the rightfull heires of the empire by him vsurped , breake out into open force , and so breed him great troubles , yea and perhaps worke his confusion . For such is the tormenting state of vsurping tyrants , neuer to thinke themselues safe so long as any one liueth , whom they may suspect . Wherefore at once to rid himselfe of this feare , he thought it best so to dispose of the children of the late emperour Theodorus Lascaris , as that he should not need of them to stand in doubt : to take them out of the way , besides that it was a thing odious , he saw it like to be vnto him also dangerous ; Marie and Theodora ( two of the eldest daughters ) being before by their father married vnto two great princes ( one , the Despot of EPIRVS , & the other prince of BVLGARIA ) with whom he had much before to do , and of them yet stood in some doubt ; but these were safe enough out of his reach . Other two yoonger sisters there were in his custodie , Theodora & Irene , with their brother Iohn , the onely heire of the empire : Theodora he married vnto one Belicurt , a gentleman of PELOPONESVS ; and Irene to one Vigintimilio of GENVA ; both Latines , men of no great birth or power , such as he needed not to stand in doubt of . These two ladies , the daughters of so great an emperour as was Theodorus , thus basely bestowed ; remained onely their brother Iohn , the onely heire of the empire , then but ten yeares old , whom Paleologus long before euen in the beginning of his raigne , had sent vnto MAGNESIA , there to bee safely kept farre off from the court , for feare least in his right and quarrell some discontented persons desirous of innouation , should begin some new stirs dangerous to his estate . Which indignitie done vnto the yoong prince , Arsenius the Patriarch ( put in trust by his father for the bringing of him vp ) tooke in so euill part , that he forsooke the court with all his ecclesiasticall dignities , and as a man wearie of the world , retired himselfe vnto a little monasterie of Pascasins in the countrey , there to spend the rest of his daies . From whence for all that hee was after the taking of CONSTANTINOPLE from the Latines , almost against his will drawne thither by Paleologus the emperour , and made Patriarch thereof , there together with so great an honour to find his greater discontent . For Paleologus the vsurper , altogether vnmindfull of his faith so solemnly before giuen , for the safetie of the yoong prince , and the restoring vnto him of his empire ; and now fully resolued to establish vnto him and his posteritie the soueraigntie of so great an empire , howsoeuer it was got , caused the yoong princes eies to be most cruelly put out : the vsuall practise of the tyrants of the East , vpon such as they are loath or feare to kill , and yet would make them vnfit for gouernment . Of which barbarous crueltie , his sister Theodora ( married to Constantinus prince of BVLGARIA ) hearing , ceassed not with teares and praiers and all other womanly persuasions , to stir vp her husband in reuenge thereof : whereunto also Iathatines the Turkes Sultan , gaue no small furtherance ; who wearie of exile ▪ and to bee so into a corner confined , as into a prison from whence hee might not start , by secret messengers entreated the Bulgarian prince to make war vpon the vsurping emperour : promising him a great summe of money , if by his helpe hee might recouer his former libertie . Wherewith hee the rather mooued , with a great power of his owne and aboue twentie thousand Tartars which then lay by the riuer ISTER , suddenly brake into the emperours territories , and in shorter time than was to haue beene thought , ouerrun all the countrey of THRACIA euen vnto the sea side , leauing neither man nor beast in all the countrey as he went : in good hope also to haue by the way surprized the emperour himselfe , euen then returning from his wars against the Despot in THESSALIE : who hearing of his speedie comming , being got vnto the sea side , and ( hauing no way left to haue escaped by land ) shipped himselfe into a galley of the Latines , which with another her consert bound for CONSTANTINOPLE , by good hap put in there for to water , and so in two daies arriued in safetie at the imperiall citie . Thus disappointed of the emperour , all his care was for the deliuerie of the Turks Sultan . Wherefore marching in hast to AENVM , he so terrified the citizens with his comming , that they without farther delay deliuered him into his hands , so to redeeme their owne peace . In his returne you might haue seene the souldiours , especially the Tartars , driuing before them infinit numbers both of men and cattell , in such sort , as that in the open countrey of THRACIA for a space , was hardly to be seene either countreyman or beast , it was so cleane swept both of inhabitants and likewise of cattell . Iathatines the Sultan by the Tartars carried ouer ISTER , and so by them set at libertie , shortly after died . In whose kingdome succeeded not his sonne Melicke ( as some write ) but two others ( as the Turkes themselues report ) the one called Mesoot , the sonne of Kei-Cubades , and the other Kei-Cubades , the sonne of Feramcine , borne also of the Selzuccian family , as were all the other Turkes Sultans , but how neere of blood vnto the late Sultan Iathatines they say not . Betwixt which two , as his vassales , Gazan the great Tartar Chan ( by whom they were so preferred ) for the payment of a yearely tribute , diuided the Turkes kingdome : aportioning vnto Mesoot the cities of AMIDA in antient time called AMISVS , and AMINSVS in GALATIA , MELATIA otherwise called MELETINE in the lesser ARMENIA , SIVASTE , in antient time SEBASTIA , and HARBERIE , before SATABREA , both in CAPPADOCIA , with all the countrey about them . And vnto Kei-Cubades , ICONIUM , the auncient seat of the Turkish Sultans , with all RUMILIA ASIATICA , or the countries of the lesser ASIA alongst the sea coast ; which these two princes held as the Tartars tributaries , as had the late Sultan Iathatines before them , vntill such time as he was by the same Tartars againe expulsed . So that the Turks kingdome , which had of long time flourished in the Selzuccian familie in PERSIA , in SYRIA , PALESTINE , and AEGYPT , there quite ouerthrowne by the Mamalukes and Tartars ( as is before declared ) & now brought vnderfoot in the lesser ASIA also , where only rested all the hope of that nation , was now at a low ebbe , deuided betwixt two weake princes , raigning but at the deuotion of the Tartar. In which confusion of the Turkish empire , so rent , not onely diuers men of greater power and authoritie amongst them , shared vnto themselues , some one corner of the declining kingdome , and some another : but many of the obscure and basest people also , bearing with them nothing but their bowes and arrowes , tooke the strait passages of the mountaines , and from thence with their dayly incursions did much harme in the countries of the Christians joyning vpon them : which was no great matter for them to doe , the garrisons which were woont to defend the same , being for want of pay quite disbanded , and the castles vpon the frontiers by them abandoned ; which at the first , as a thing of small importance neglected , was at length vnto the Greekes a great cause of the ruine and decay of the greatest part of their state in ASIA . These mischeefes vnregarded , grew dayly more and more , the Turkes still gaining vpon the Greekes what they lost vnto the Tartars . Whose inuasions ( the glorie of their kingdome onely excepted ) was not so hurtfull vnto them , as the cause of their much greater felicitie afterwards . At length it fortuned , that a great power of these aduenturous Turkes meeting together in PAPHLAGONIA , were about to haue inuaded the territories of the Christians : against whom Michaell Paleologus the emperour sent out a strong and puissant armie to stay their further comming on , lest breaking in that way they should without resistance at their pleasure forrage the countrey before them . Which armie conducted by vnskilfull captaines , encountering with the Turkes , was by them in a great battell ouerthrowne and vtterly defeated , few or none of all that great multitude escaping : for whilest the Greeks vnaduisedly pursued the Turks , retiring of purpose before them , they were by them drawne into the danger of a greater power lying in ambush for them , and so entrapped , were slaine with an exceeding great slaughter . After which so great a victorie ( the beginning of the miserie of the Christians in the lesser ASIA ) the Turkes without let or stay ouerranne all the countrey , vnto the riuer SANGARIVS : vpon the banks whereof the Greeke emperour was glad to fortifie diuers townes and forts to keepe them out of BITHINIA . Neuerthelesse , they in short time after subdued all the countries from PONTVS and GALATIA , vnto the LYCIAN and CARIAN sea , and the riuer EVRIMEDON , which they diuided amongst them into diuers Toparchies : little or nothing acknowledging the soueraigntie either of Mesoot , or Kei-Cubades . Whilest the Turkes in the lesser ASIA thus win from the Christians on the one side , and loose to the Tartars on the other ; many an hard conflict in the meane time passed betwixt the Aegyptian Sultans with their Mamalukes , and the Tartars , for the soueraigntie of SYRIA . The poore remainder of the Christians all that while there , in doubt both of the one and of the other : From whom and from the Armenians ( then also much infested by the Mamalukes ) diuers embassadors were sent vnto the Pope & the Christian princes of the West , to craue their aid and helpe in that their hard estate : whose praiers little preuailing with the rest , yet so mooued Lewis the French king , and Henry the third , then raigning in ENGLAND , that they both promised them aid . Whereupon Lewis a man of great deuotion , and alwaies forward in that seruice against the infidels , tooke vpon him the crosse , the cognisance of the sacred war ; causing his three sonnes , Philip that succeeded him in the kingdome , surnamed the Faire , Peter countie of ALANCON , and Iohn countie of NEVERS ( surnamed Tristan , for that his mother was in her greatest heauinesse for the taking of her husband , deliuered of him in AEGYPT ) and most of the nobilitie of FRANCE to do the like : vnto whom also Theobald king of NAVAR his sonne in law , Alphonsus his brother , and Guydo earle of FLANDERS , joyned themselues . And so hauing put all things in readinesse , tooke his way to MARSEILLES , and from thence embarking himselfe with his armie in the Genowaies ships , hired for that purpose , set forward the first of March in the yeare 1270. But being at sea , he was by force of weather constrained to land in SARDINIA , and there to stay a while : departing thence , he at length arriued at CARTHAGE , the place by him desired , where in the entrance of the hauen he surprised certain of the enemies ships ; but landing his men , and assaulting the town , he was there notably repulsed . This is not that antient great and famous citie which sometime mightily stroue with the proud mistresse of the world for soueraigntie , but another built long after in the ruines , or at least not far from the ruines of the same . In the besieging whereof , the Frenchmen ●ound such resistance , as well put them in remembrance of the antient glorie of the Carthaginians . One day it fortuned as the king thus lay at the siege , that the defendants made a great and fierce sally out vpon the Frenchmen , who before commaunded so to do , by little and little retired , to draw their enemies farther on : betwixt whom and the citie , the Constable with a great power comming in and charging them behind , and they which before retired now standing close vnto them , they were on both sides hardly beset ; who for all that , as became valiant men , worthily defended themselues , and made there a great fight , though not without extreame perill : which they in the citie beholding , gaue out a most hideous and piteous crie , a certaine signe of their hard estate within ; astonying with the suddennesse thereof , both their friends & their enemies . But whilest they of the towne betwixt hope and dispaire stood thus beholding the fight at land , the Frenchmen by sea approching a bulwarke on that side of the town● , tooke it without resistance : which so dismaid them without , that they began foorthwith to flie , of whom the greatest part casting away their weapons , were by the kings commandement taken to mercie ; and they likewise of the towne vpon promise of their liues , yeelded the same vnto the king . CARTHAGE thus woon , the king layd siege vnto TVNES , the chiefe cittie of that kingdome , being not farre off : where by the way he was encountred by the king of the countrey , who hauing there lost ten thousand of his Moores , betooke himselfe to flight with the rest . Who thus ouerthrowne , resolued no more to tempt fortune , but to keepe himselfe safe within the wals of his citie , if happily so he might ( as it oftentimes falleth out ) more weaken his enemies by lying still and protracting the time , than by open force and valour . Which their purpose king Lewis perceiuing , resolued not to stirre from thence vntill that he were become master of the citie ; which as it seemed could not hold out for want of victuals , considering the multitude of people that were got into it . Neuerthelesse thus besieged both by sea and land , and so straightly hemmed in on euerie side , as that no reliefe could possibly bee brought vnto it ; yet held it out by the space of six moneths . After which time wants dayly more and more increasing among the besieged , embassadours were sent out to the king , to entreat with him of peace : But whilest these embassadours go too and fro , and reason vpon the capitulations of the desired peace , behold a great and furious plague arose in the French campe , which began to cut them downe by heapes : there died Iohn Tristan countie of NEVERS , the kings yoongest sonne , borne in the first expedition that the said king his father made into the Holy land , euen at such time as hee was taken prisoner ; which Tristan died the fiue and twentith day of August in the yeare of our Lord 1270. The good king hauing yet scarcely performed the obsequies of his sonne , fell sicke of the bloodie flix , wherof he there shortly after died also . About which time arriued there Charles king of SICILIE , the French kings brother , with a great number of fresh souldiours : whose comming lightned somewhat the Frenchmens hearts ( heauie for the death of their king ) and daunted the Moores , before brag of the same . Shortly after whom arriued there also prince Edward , king Henrie the third his eldest sonne , who trauelling through FRANCE , and taking shipping at AQVESMORT , not far from MARSEILLES , was now in ten daies with a braue companie of Englishmen come to TVNES ; and there of the other Christian princes , namely of Philip the French king ( his father Lewis being now dead ) of Charles king of SICILIE , and of the two kings of NAVAR and ARAGON , joyfully receiued . But these princes had a little before his arriuall concluded a peace with the Moores king , and the infidels , vpon condition that he should pay a yearely tribute of fortie thousand crownes vnto the king of SICILIA ; and to suffer the Christian religion to be freely preached in his dominions , by such deuout persons as should be there left for that purpose ; and that vnto such persons as should by their preaching bee conuerted vnto the faith in Christ Iesus , it should be lawfull for them to be baptized , and to professe the Christian religion . Of which peace , prince Edward vnderstanding , did what hee might to haue dissuaded them from the same , saying , That the war was by them all taken in hand against the infidels , as enemies vnto the crosse of Christ , with whom they were not to haue peace : and for the recouerie of the Holy citie . But say what he would , and what he could , the peace ( to his great discontentment ) was now concluded , which they might not ( as they said ) againe breake : and thereuppon with the first faire wind hoissed saile , and returned towards SICILIA , with purpose the next Spring to haue gone into SYRIA ; which their determination was shortly after by the hand of God disappointed . For being come vpon the cost of the island not far from DREPANVM , most of the great princes and other nobilitie , in their long boats went on land , the rest of the fleet lying at anker about a league off ; for that being for the most part ships of great burthen , they were not able to put into the harbour : But as they so lay , by force of a sudden and violent tempest then arising some were eaten vp with the wrought sea ; some falling foule one of another , there perished together ; others driuen vpon the maine , were there beaten in peeces : so that of that great fleet before the storme ceassed , perished about an hundred and twentie saile , with all the people , a● well marriners as souldiours left in them , and great store both of armour and munition : In 〈◊〉 sort that most of the common souldiours and marriners which had escaped the plague 〈◊〉 TVNES , there vpon the coast of SICILIA perished by shipwracke . Onely prince Edwards fleet , being in number but thirteene ships , escaped free without losse either of ship or man. Neither were they that were got to land at DREPANVM in much better case , the plague still following them ; whereof died Theobald king of NAVAR , and Isabell his wife , king Lewis his daughter , Elizabeth the French queene , with a woonderfull number of noble gentlemen , and other common souldiours ; in such sort that Philip the French king discouraged with the greatnesse of the mortalitie , and the miserable losse at sea , resolued there to make an end of the intended warre , and so returned into FRANCE , as did the rest that were left , euery man into his owne countrey . Onely prince Edward hauing passed that Winter in SICILIA , with the first of the next Spring set forward againe on his voyage , and in fifteene dayes after arriued with his fleet at PTOLEMAIS : where after he had by the space of a moneth rested himselfe and his souldiors after their long trauell , and fully inquired of the state of the country , hee with six or seuen thousand souldiors marching from PTOLEMAIS about twentie miles into the land , tooke NAZARETH , and put to sword all them he found therein , and so againe returned . After whom the enemies following , in hope to haue taken him at some aduantage , he vnderstanding thereof , turned backe vpon them , and killing a great number of them , put the rest to ●light . And after that about Midsummer , vnderstanding that the Sarasins were againe making head at a place called CAKHOW , about fortie miles off , he set forwards towards them ; and comming vpon them early in the morning , before they were aware , slew aboue a thousand of them , and dispersed the rest . Aided also by the nobilitie of CYPRUS , he with like successe as before , made a third expedition against the Infidels : insomuch , that his fame began to grow great amongst them , and they to stand of him in no little dread . But whilest he thus preuailed , he was by foule trecherie almost taken out of the way . The Admirall of IOPPA faigning himselfe desirous to become a Christian , and willing to further the princes proceedings , had by a secret messenger and letters sundrie times intelligence with him , as well concerning his owne good intertainement , as the effecting of that which he had promised . This messenger by the Admirall thus imployed , was ( though to the prince vnknowne ) one of the Assasines , a companie of most desperat and dangerous men among the Mahometanes , who strongly deluded with the blind zeale of their superstition , and accounting it meritorious , by any meanes to kill any great enemie of their religion ; for the performance thereof , as men prodigall of their liues , desperately aduenture themselues vnto all kind of dangers . So now this messenger , before resolued to die , comming the fift time vnto the prince , and being searched for hauing any weapon about him , as the manner was , had accesse vnto him , then lying in his chamber vpon his bed , in his jerkin , bare headed , because of the heat of the weather : where after due reuerence done , hee pulled out certaine letters from his lord vnto the prince , which he read with great delight , as penned of purpose for to please . But as hee was farther questioning with him of many matters , and all the companie voided , the desperat messenger making as though he would haue pulled out some other secret letters , suddainly pluckt out an enuenomed knife , which he had secretly hidden about him , thinking to haue strucke him into the bellie as he lay : For the auoiding of which stroke , the prince lifting vp his arme , was therein greeuously wounded . But as the villaine was about to haue doubled the stroke , the prince with his foot gaue him such a blow , that he felled him to the ground , and with that starting vp , caught him by the hand , where in strugling with him for the knife , in wresting it out of his hand , hee hurt himselfe therewith in the forehead : but getting it from him , presently thrust it into the murtherers bellie , and so slew him . The princes seruants being not farre off , and hearing the busteling , came running in ; where finding the messenger dead on the floore , one of them with a stoole beat out his braines : whereat the prince tooke some displeasure , for so striking a dead man. This danger of the princes , much troubled and grieued all the Christians in SYRIA , and the more , for that the wound in his arme , after it had beene certaine dayes well dressed by the skilfull surgeons and physicians , began to mortefie and grow blacke , insomuch , that they and others about him began to mutter among themselues , and to looke heauily vpon the matter , as not without danger . Which he perceiuing , said vnto them : Why whisper you thus among your selues ? what see you in me ? can I not be healed ; tell me the truth , and feare not ? whereunto one of them answered : And like your highnesse , we doubt not of your healing , but that it will be painefull for you to suffer . If suffering ( said he ) may againe restore my health , I commit my selfe vnto you , worke on me your skill , and spare not . So the next day they cut out all the dead and poysoned flesh ou● of his arme , and in fifteene dayes after perfectly cured his wound , to the great rejoycing of all his people . The great Sultan to cleere himselfe of this so dishonourable a trecherie , sent three of his noblemen vnto the prince , calling to witnesse his false prophet , that the same was done neyther by him no● his consent . Which embassadours the prince honourably vsed , but suffered them not to come nigh him . So hauing taried eighteene moneths at PTOLEMAIS , and no aid comming from the other Christian princes as was expected , he tooke shipping ; and returning homeward , landed first in SICILIA , and from thence crossing ouer into APULIA and so trauelling to ROME , was there honourably entertained by Gregorie the tenth , then Pope ; and from thence by the way of FRANCE arriued in ENGLAND , where he was shortly after crowned king in the yeare 1272 , his father the old king , Henrie the third , being a little before his returne dead . The yeare following , Gregorie the tenth , not ignorant of the hard estate of the Christians in SYRIA ( as hauing there ben of late himselfe with prince Edward , at which time he was in his absence elected pope ) and now desirous to procure them some reliefe , ratified the election of Rodolphus of HAPSPURGE vnto the empire , vpon condition , That he should promise to take vpon himselfe the crosse , and to giue them reliefe : for the performance whereof , he offered vnto the emperour two hundred thousand crownes , with the tenths both of the cleargie and temporaltie for sixe yeares : and many goodly blessings were in his name also , by the preachers of that time , promised vnto all such as should with him take vpon them that sacred warre . Whereupon the emperour with all his familie tooke vpon them the crosse , the signe of the sacred expedition intended ; as did also the duke of LORRAINE shortly after , with some others : Neuerthelesse , the emperour otherwaies busied in warres against the Bohemians and Bauarians , and delaying still the time , as not greatly willing to take vpon him so long and dangerous a journey , and the Pope still threatening his high sentence of excommunication , the time passed , the Pope died , and nothing was as yet done . Vntill that at length the emperour hauing happily finished his warres in BOHEMIA , and finding himselfe at some good leisure in some part to discharge his vow , and to satisfie the expectation the world had of long conceiued of him , sent Henrie prince of MEGAPOLIS , or as the Germanes call it , MECKELBURG , with a strong power into SYRIA , to performe what himselfe had promised . Who comming to PTOLEMAIS made many notable incursions into the countrey about DAMASCO , with fire and sword destroying all before him as he went , and carrying thence many great and rich bootics ; vntill that at length he was by the Mamalukes circumuented and taken prisoner , and so carried vnto the Sultan at CAIRE , where he remained in strait prison sixe and twentie yeares after ; vntill that by chance one of the Mamalukes ( a renegate Germane ) being chosen Sultan , caused him to be brought before him , and at his comming demaunded of him , If it would not doe him good to celebrate the remembrance of the natiuitie of his Christ with his friends in GERMANIE ? ( for now that time of the yeare was at hand ) And I know ( said the Sultan ) that thou art so addicted vnto thy superstition , that thou respectest the same more than thy libertie . Truth ( said Henrie ) mightie prince : for libertie would auaile me nothing , if Christ by his most milde incarnation had not taken away our captiuitie : and therefore how much all men owe vnto the reuerend remembrance thereof , I would to God thou , O king , diddest also vnderstand , which as I most heartely wish , so I would I could thereof persuade thee . God forbid ( said the Sultan ) for I remember , that at such time as I was cheefe enginer vnto thy father at KNESE-FENICKE in LIVONIA , and there did him good seruice , I was altogether of the Christian persuasion ; but now hauing left that common error , haue therewith also changed my priuat fortune . But as for thy religion , I haue nothing to say , my talke is only concerning thy libertie : Wouldest thou therefore gladly be free , and so returne home to thy friends ? That nature craueth ( said Henrie ) although my fortune gainesaieth , which yet dependeth of your pleasure : I desire indeed to returne home , which if you shall denie me , I must as I haue done , take it in good part ; assuring my selfe , that my wife Anastasia , with my beloued sonnes Henrie , Leo , and Iohn , haue long since celebrated my funerals , and ended their mourning . Thou art deceiued ( said the Sultan ) for I am sure that they know that thou yet liuest , and pray most heartely for thy returne : Truly I owe much vnto the remembrance of thy father , and therefore this day giue thee thy libertie . And hauing so said , furnished him with all things necessarie , and gaue him leaue to depart with one Martin his seruant , who taken with him , had borne him companie all the long time of his captiuitie . So taking his leaue of the Sultan , he came to PTOLEMAIS : but shipping himselfe for CYPRUS , he was by the way by certaine pyrats taken at sea , and as a fugitiue captiue brought backe againe vnto the Sultan : Who pittying his hard fortune , set him againe at libertie , and by a ship set out for that purpose , transported him into CYPRUS : where he was by the queene of that Island his aunt ( as some say ) honorably entertained , and so furnished of all things fit for his estate . Departing thence , he came to MARSIELLES , where after he had some few daies refreshed himselfe , he from thence trauelled by land home into his owne country : where at the first he was not knowne of his own children and friends , as being growne old in prison , and by them long before accounted among the dead ; but now at last found againe , and by them knowne , he was of his children joyfully receiued as their father , and of his subjects as their prince . Howbeit he shortly after died , and was honourably buried in the monasterie of DOBRAN . Thus in the whole course of this historie it appeareth by that which is alreadie written , what notable expeditions euen the greatest Christian princes of the West , to their immortall glorie from time to time vndertooke against the enemies of Christ and his most sacred word , and for the reliefe of the poore distressed Christians in SYRIA and in the land of PALESTINE : wherof as diuers of them had right glorious successe , vnto the great profit of the Christian common weale ; so some of them answered not with like euent , as vndertaken with too small strength , or otherwise ouerthrowne by the discord or mallice of the Christians themselues , rather than by the enemies force . Which neuerthelesse how vnfortunatly soeuer they fell out in the hands of such woorthie men as vndertooke them , yet haue they this glorie , commendation , and comfort , That they were taken in hand for the honor of the sonne of God , Christ Iesus , and the defence of his veritie , against the false Prophet Mahomet , and his most blasphemous doctrine ; so honourable and just a quarrell , as might well beseeme the greatnesse of the greatest prince , yea of all the princes of Christendome . Yet could not the woorthinesse thereof , euen in those more zealous times , or the dangerous estate of that part of the Christian common-weale , euen then like to perish , ( as some others bee now ) or the lamentable complaints of the poore oppressed Christians , crying out vnto their Christian brethren for aid , any whit moue the Christian princes of that time , with their combined forces to reach vnto them their helping hands , or to yeeld vnto them any succour or reliefe : for they little feeling those harmes so farre off , and more regarding their owne hereditarie quarrels , employed those forces one against another , vnto the effusion of so much Christian blood , as might haue sufficed not for reliefe of the distressed Christians in SYRIA onely , but to haue regained whatsoeuer had beene before from them taken by the Turks or Sarasins . The Germane princes were still at a jarre about the choice of their emperours : the French agreed not with the English , or them of the Low countries : neither the English with the Scots : the Arragonians were at oddes with the French : and in Italie were almost as many deadly factions as prouinces . Of which discord of the Christians ( the greatest occasion of their ruine and decay ) Melechsares the Aegyptian Sultan vnderstanding by his espials , raised a great armie of the Mamalukes , and others , with a full purpose to haue vtterly rooted out all the remainders of the Christians in SYRIA and the land of PALESTINE , and so to haue entirely joyned those two great countries vnto his owne kingdome . But what he had so mischieuously deuised , he liued not to bring to passe , being in the middest of those his great designes taken away by suddaine death . After whom Alphix ( or , as some call him , Elpis ) succeeding him in the kingdome , and with a puissant armie entring into SYRIA laid siege to TRIPOLIS , which he at length tooke by vndermining of it , and put to sword all the Christians therein , except such as by speedie flight had in time got themselues out of the danger , and rased the cittie downe to the ground : Which calamitie betided vnto the Christians the ninth of Aprill , in the yeare 1289. Presently after he had the strong castle of NELESINE yeelded vnto him , whereinto hee put a strong garrison , to hinder the Christians from building againe the late destroyed citie . In like manner also hee tooke the citties of SIDON and BERYTHUS , which hee sacked , and laied them flat with the ground . And after that hee remooued to TYRE , which after three moneths straight siege , was by the cittizens ( now out of all hope of releefe ) yeelded vnto him , vpon condition , That they might with bag and baggage in safetie depart . With like good fortune hee in short time , and as it were without resistance , tooke all the rest of the strong townes and castles which the Christians yet held in SYRIA and the land of PALESTINE , excepting onely the cittie of PTOLEMAIS ; whereunto all the poore Christians fled , as vnto a Sanctuarie , to bee there defended by the honourable knights Templars and Hospitalers . Nothing now left vnto them more than that strong cittie , the Sultan of his owne accord made a peace with them for the space of fiue yeares , fearing ( as was supposed ) to haue drawne vpon him all the Christian princes of the West , if he should at once haue then vtterly rooted out all the Christians in those countries together . The Christian affaires thus brought to the last cast in SYRIA , and yet faintly as it were breathing , by the benefit of the late obtained peace : Peter Beluise ; master of the Templars , with the Grand Master of the knights Hospitalers , suddenly passed ouer ( as embassadours from the rest ) into EUROPE , vnto Nicholaus Quartus then Pope , crauing his fatherly aid : who mooued with so great miseries of the poore afflicted Christians , sollicited the other Christian princes to haue sent them reliefe ; especially Rodolph the Germaine emperour , who then busied with the affaires of the empire , and his troubles neerer home ( as were the other Christian princes also ) gaue good words , but no helpe at all . Yet some of them vnder the colour thereof , got from their subjects great summes of money , which they employed to their other worse vses : onely the Pope sent fifteene hundred men at armes , whom with deuout persuasion , and much earnest preaching , hee had induced to take vpon them that sacred expedition , and entertained them of his owne charge : vnto whom also many others out of diuers countries , vpon a religious zeale , joyned themselues , as voluntarie men ; who meeting together at BRUNDUSIUM , and there embarked , with the two grand masters of the Templars and Hospitalers , in safetie at length arriued at PTOLEMAIS . There was then in the citie a great number of people of all sorts ; of able men there was about fiftie thousand , and about fortie thousand of the weaker sort : amongst whom , diuers murders , fellonies , rapes , and such other shamefull outrages ( all hasting the dreadfull judgements of God ) were daily committed , and let passe vnregarded , more than of them that were so injured . For all the cheefe commaunders were then at variance among themselues , euery one of them laying claime ( not woorth a rush ) vnto the vaine title of the kingdome of HIERUSALEM . Henry king of CYPRUS comming thither with a great fleet , charged the Templars to deliuer vnto him the crowne of that kingdome , which they had ( as he said ) ▪ wrongfully taken from Almericus and Guy , his auncestors . And Charles king of SICILIA , by his embassadours laid claime vnto the title of that kingdome , as due vnto the kings of that Island : and vnderstanding it to be giuen vnto Henry , king of CYPRUS , caused all the reuenewes of the Templars within his dominion to be brought into his treasuries , and their lands and houses to bee spoyled . Hugh also prince of ANTIOCH , laboured with tooth and naile to defend the ouerworne right that his father and grandfather had vnto that lost kingdome . And the countie of TRIPOLIS laied in for himselfe , that hee was descended from Raymund of THOLOUS ; and that beside himselfe remained no prince of the auntient nobilitie , which had woon that kingdome out of the hands of the Sarasins , and that therefore that regall dignitie did not of better right appertaine vnto any other than vnto himselfe . Neither did these foure princes more striue for the title of the lost kingdome , than for the present gouernment of the citie , straight way about to perish . The Popes Legate pretended thereunto a right also : for that king Iohn Brenne had before subjected it vnto the See of ROME . As for the claime vnto the citie of PTOLEMAIS , the Patriarch of HIERUSALEM challenged vnto himselfe the preheminence : for that the metropoliticall citie of TYRE , vnder which the citie of PTOLEMAIS was the third episcopall seat , was vnder his jurisdiction , euen by the decree of the West church . The Templars also , and the knights Hospitalers , whose power in the citie was at that time farre the greatest , pretended the gouernment thereof of best right to belong vnto them , as the just reward of their blood alreadie , and afterward to be spent in the defence thereof : promising great matters if it might be wholly referred vnto them . Neither spared the French king or the king of ENGLAND by their messengers to claime the soueraignetie of the cittie , by their predecessours sometimes woon . And they of PISA hauing still a Consull therein , and by often marriages with the naturall inhabitants growne into great affinitie with them , did what they might to get the gouernment into their hands . The Venetians also by their authoritie and great wealth laboured to gaine the good will of the people , sparing therein no cost . And they of GENUA no lesse cunning than the rest , supplanted the strongest factions , by giuing aid both apertly and couertly vnto the weaker ; that so hauing weakened the faction they most doubted and hated , they might by the joint fauour of the weaker aspire vnto the gouernment of the stronger , and so consequently of the citie it selfe . The Florentines also by their continuall traffique thither , were not out of hope by one finenesse or other amongst so many competitours , to find a meane to step vp aboue the rest . But the greatest part of the people for all that were most enclined vnto the Armenians and Tartars , as both for their neerenesse and power most like of all other to stand them in stead . All these aymed at one marke , which was the gouernment and commaund of the cittie : and most of them had in the same their owne proper lawes and courts , to deside their causes and controuersies in . Whereby it came to passe , that euery man might without checke or controulement almost doe what he list , the offenders from one court to another remoouing their sutes , as best serued their turnes . Thus were murders ( as is beforesaid ) dayly committed in the streets , men abused , houses robbed , shops broken vp , and many other outrages done , to the hastening of the wrath of God , and greefe of all good men . Diuision and dissention ( the ruine of all commonweales ) thus raigning in the cittie ( the souldiours of late sent thither , or in zeale come of themselues , for the defence thereof ) gaue occasion for the speedie destruction of the same : Such is the power of the Almightie , in his wrath and judgements for sinne , euen by those things wherein wee most trust and joy to worke our vtter ruine and destruction . These souldiors , for want of such pay as was promised them , were enforced to seeke abroad , and therefore contrarie to the league before made with the Aegyptian Sultan , oftentimes went out in great parties into the frontiers of his territories , taking the spoile of such things as they light vpon . Whereof the Sultan vnderstanding , demaunded by his embassadours , That restitution might be made , and the offendors deliuered vnto him to bee punished , according vnto the league . But in that so sicke a state of a dying commonweale , neither was restitution made , as reason would , or yet the embassadors courteously heard . With which insolencie the Sultan prouoked , sent Emilech Araphus , a notable captaine ( and as some say , his sonne ) with an hundred and fiftie thousand men , to besiege the citie : who comming thither , and hauing made his approches , had by a mine in short time ouerthrowne a peece of the wall ; but in seeking to haue entered by the breach , he found such strong resistance , that hee was glad with losse to retire . Whilest Araphus thus lay at the siege of PTOLEMAIS , Alphir the Sultan died at DAMASCO , in whose stead the Mamalukes made choice of this Araphus for their Sultan , who more desirous of nothing than of the glorie of the vtter rooting vp of the Christians in SYRIA , was so farre from raising of his siege ( either for the death of the Sultan , or the newes of his kingdome ) that hee more straitly beset the citie than he had in the three moneths space that he had there lien before . Now had they in the citie chosen Peter the master of the Templars , their gouernour , a man of great experience and valour : vnto whom and the rest of the nobilitie , the Sultan offered great rewards , and vnto the souldiors their pay , with free libertie to depart , so that they would without more adoe yeeld vnto him the citie , which they could not long hold : Which his offer the master rejected , and flattly told him , That hee had not learned of his auncestours , to sell for money vnto the Infidels a citie bought with so much Christian blood ; either did so much regard his vaine threats , as therefore to forget his seruice due vnto his Sauiour Christ and the Christian commonweale . With which answere the tyrant enraged , the next day with all his forces assaulted the citie , and that in such desperat and furious manner , as if hee would euen then haue carried it ; hauing before filled the ditches , and promised the spoile vnto his souldiors , the more to encourage them . Yet hauing done what he could , and lost a number of his men , slaine both in the assault , and in a sallie which the Christians made out at the same time , he was inforced to retire backe againe into his trenches . In this so terrible an assault , not repulsed without some losse also of the Christians , the Grand master and gouernour of the citie was wounded with a poysoned dart , whereof hee in three dayes after died : with whom the courage of the defendants fainted also , no man being left like vnto him to vndertake so great a charge , although many there were , that ouerweening of themselues , desired the same . In the beginning of this siege , the Christians had sent away all their aged and weake people , vnfit for seruice , into CYPRUS , where they in safetie arriued . But now many of the better sort , both captaines and others , discouraged , one after another conuaighed themselues away out of the citie : of whom a great number in passing thence to CYPRUS , were vpon the coast of the Island , together with the Patriarch drowned . In the citie remained only twelue thousand , which were thought sufficient for the defence thereof : who afterwards ( as some report ) fled also by sea after their fellowes , and so left the citie emptie vnto the barbarous enemie : some others reporting of them more honourably , as that they should right valiantly defend the citie against the assault of their enemies , vntill such time as that most of them beeing slaine or wounded , and the rest by force driuen from the wals into the market place , and there for a while notably defending themselues in flying thence vnto the ships , were by the way all cut in sunder , or else drowned . But howsoeuer it was , the Sultan entering the citie ( by the Christians abandoned , or by force taken ) gaue the spoile thereof vnto his souldiors ; who after they had rifled euerie corner thereof , by his commaundement set it on fire and burnt it downe to the ground : and digging vp the very foundations of the wals , churches , and other publicke and priuat buildings , which the fire had not burnt , left there no signe of any citie at all ; but purging the place euen of the very heapes of the stones and rubbidge left of the rased citie , made it a fit place for husbandmen to plough and sowe corne in ; which he did both there at SYDON , BERITUS , and other townes alongst the sea coast , because they should neuer more serue for a refuge vnto the Christians , or giue them footing againe into those countries . Thus together with PTOLEMAIS was the name of the Christians vtterly rooted out of SYRIA and the land of PALESTINE , in the yeare 1291 , about 192 yeares after the winning of HIERUSAREM by Godfrey of BUILLON and the other Christian princes his confederats . This losse , as tending to the great disgrace of the Christians in generall , mooued not a little euen the greatest of the Christian princes ; wronged all or most part of them in the persons of the Templars or knights Hospitalers , their subjects , so shamefully now quite cast out of SYRIA and the land of promise : howbeit , troubled with their owne turbulent affaires at home , or with their neighbour princes not farre off , none of them once stirred for the redresse or reuenge thereof . Onely Cassanes the great Tartar prince , hauing of late subdued the Persians ; and married the daughter of the Armenian king ( a ladie of great perfection , and of a Mahometane become a Christian ) at the request of his wife and his father in law tooke the matter in hand . And for that purpose hauing raised a most puissant armie of two hundred thousand fighting men , and aided by the Armenians and Georgians , passing ouer the mountaine AMANUS into SYRIA , not farre from the citie HAMA met with Melcenaser , the Aegyptian Sultans lieutenant , with a mightie armie , whom hee ouerthrew in a great and mortall battell , wherein fortie thousand of the Aegyptians are reported to haue beene slaine , and so draue him quite out of SYRIA : sending Molais , one of his captaines , with part of his armie to pursue him , who neuer left him vntill hee had chased him ouer the desart sands into AEGYPT . The victorious Tartar after this battell tooke the citie of HAMA , where lighting vpon the great treasures of the Sultan , hee bountifully deuided it , together with the spoile , amongst his souldiours ; reseruing nothing thereof vnto himselfe , more than a sword and a casket full of secret letters . The Aegyptian thus put to flight , he without resistance tooke in most of the cities of SYRIA , with the citie of HIERUSALEM also ; which in many places by the Turkes and Aegyptians defaced , he againe repaired : and together with the temple of our Sauior gaue it to the Armenians , Georgians , and other Christians , repairing thither out of CYPRUS , CRETE , and other places , to inhabite . And hauing himselfe honoured the holy places with great gifts , returned with his armie to DAMASCO , which was foorthwith deliuered vnto him . But lying there , with purpose in Autumne following to haue gone into AEGYPT and to haue vtterly destroyed that kingdome , hee was certefied of new troubles arising in PERSIA , and some other parts of his empire : for repressing whereof , hee with the greatest part of his armie returned himselfe into PERSIA , leauing one Capcapus gouernour of DAMASCO ; who after the ouerthrow of the Sultans armie had reuolted vnto him ; and Molais ( of whom wee haue before spoken ) gouernour of HIERUSALEM : commaunding them at his departure to reedifie the citie of TYRE , and to send embassadours vnto the Christian princes of the West , to joine in league with them , for the more sure holding of those new gained countries . And so TYRE was indeed repaired as he had commaunded , and deliuered to the Christians , with a conuenient garrison for the keeping thereof : but the embassadours comming to the proud bishop Boniface the eight , then Pope , whom of all others it beseemed to haue furthered their businesse , they could of him obtaine nothing , but returned as they came . For he at the same time fallen out with Philip the French king , thundering out his excommunications , discharging his subjects of their loyaltie , and so much as in him was , depriuing him of his kingdome , had giuen the same vnto Albertus duke of AUSTRIA , whom he had declared emperour : whereof arise great troubles . Besides that , he being of the Guelphes faction , was not in any thing more carefull , than of the vtter extinguishing of the contrarie faction of the Gibellines , especially of the most honourable family of the Columnij , of whom some hee had slaine , some he had depriued of their honours , some he had imprisoned , and driuen othersome into exile ; so that thus wickedly busied for the maintenance of his owne proud estate , he had no leisure to further the good of the Christian common weale : which his intollerable pride , and forgetfulnesse of dutie , long escaped not the reuenging hand of God ; being when he thought least suddenly taken prisoner at his fathers house in the citie of ANAGNIA ( where he was borne ) by Sara Columnius his mortall enemie ; whom but lately before redeemed out of a pirates gally , the French king had sent for that purpose , with one Longaret , or as some call him Nogaret , a French knight : By whom the proud prelate brought to ROME , in the castle S. ANGELO within fiue and thirtie daies after most miserably died , in his madnesse ( as some report ) renting himselfe with his teeth and deuouring his owne fingers . This worthie Tartar prince Cassanes , by whom the Christian common weale might haue againe risen in SYRIA and the land of PALESTINE , had not the pride of the great bishop , and the dissention of the Christian princes hindered the same ; was as Aitonus writeth ( who was present in this warre , following his vncle the Armenian king ) a man of a verie short stature , and exceeding hard fauour ; but with valour , bountie , and other vertues of the mind plentifully recompensing what wanted in the feature of his bodie . After whose departure into PERSIA , Capcapus gouernour of DAMASCO , considering that the power of the Tartars there left was not great , and that no aid was to be expected from the other Christian princes of the West , to recompense his former treason of reuolting from the Sultan , with a new reuolt from the Tartar ; rise vp into open rebellion , drawing after him not onely the citie of DAMASCO , but the greatest part of SYRIA also : whereof Molais gouernour of HIERUSALEM vnderstanding , was about to haue gone against him with his Tartars ; but aduertised by his espials , that Capcapus in this his conspiracie had compacted with the Aegyptian Sultan also , perceiuing himselfe too weake to withstand so great a power , he retired with his Tartars into MESOPOTAMIA , there expecting new supplies both from Cassanes and the king of ARMENIA . Of whose departure out of SYRIA , the Aegyptian Sultan vnderstanding , came directly with his armie to HIERUSALEM , which he tooke , being forsaken of the inhabitants ; and profaned the temple , sparing onely the sepulchre of our Sauiour at the humble sute of the religious , making there a greater shew of deuotion than of crueltie . After that he woon all the other lesser townes , which the Tartars had either kept for themselues , or giuen to the other Christians , and vtterly rased all the castles and forts of the Hospitalers and Templars : which valiant men without other helpe , for the space of almost a yeare held out against the Tyrant , in which time most of them were honourably slaine : the rest that were left aliue , being taken by the enemie , had neuerthelesse leaue giuen them with bag and baggage in safetie to depart , hauing before by solemne oath for euer abjured the countrey of SYRIA : and so these woorthie men , the great ornaments of the Christian common weale , the Hospitalers and Templars , which to the vttermost of their power had by the space of 300 yeares right woorthily defended both the Christians & the Christian religion against the infidels in SYRIA & the Holy land , were now for euer driuen out thence , about the yeare of our Lord 1300 , to the great dishonour of all Christendom . Wherefore with them now taking our leaue of SYRIA and the Holy land , leauing the same in the possession of the Aegyptian Sultan and the Mamalukes , although it were shortly after like enough to haue beene againe recouered from them by the Tartars , had not the death of the great Tartar prince Cassanes , and their domesticall troubles letted : we will againe returne vnto the troubled affaires of the Turks in the lesser ASIA , whither the course of time had somwhat before called vs , with the occurrents thereof , more proper vnto our purpose and the argument we haue in hand , but that all cannot be at once told : And for the better vnderstanding of the desirous Reader , I thought it not good abruptly to breake off the course of the aforesaid historie drawing so neere vnto an end , but to make him partaker of the heauinesse thereof . Now had the Turkes no kingdome left in the lesser ASIA , and that also at the pleasure of Gazan the great Tartar Chan diuided betwixt Mesoot and Cei-Cubades , as his vassals , bound vnto him by a yearely tribut ( as is aforesaid : ) who both kept in awe by the greatnesse of the Tartar , did nothing woorth the remembrance , but as they liued so also died , almost buried in obscuritie . Of these two , Mesoot died without issue ; but Cei-Cubades departing , left behind him his sonne Aladin , who by the name of Aladin the second succeeding in the kingdome , vnited againe the same before diuided , yet paying still tribut vnto the Tartar his soueraigne , as had his father with the other late Sultans of the Turks before him . Much it was not that this Aladin did , albeit that the power of the Tartars in his time began to decline , & not to lie so heauie vpon the Turks as before . He was a man of a quiet spirit , & therefore much delighted in peace : a great freind vnto Othoman the first founder of the glorious and mightie Othoman empire , as in his life shall appeare . But this Aladin , the last of the Turkes Sultans of the Selzuccian family , dying without issue ; one Sahib his Vesir-Azemes or chiefe counseller , and then a man of greatest authoritie ; aspired vnto the kingdome , which he had for most part himselfe swaied all the raigne of the late Sultan his master : which vsurped soueraigntie , no way vnto him due , he could neither himselfe long hold , or deliuer to his posteritie : for that many others of the nobilitie , men of great power , and borne of greater families than he , enuying at his honour and disdaining to be gouerned by him , or any other no greater than themselues ; laid hold some vpon one countrey or prouince , some vpon another , where they were able to do most , erecting vnto themselues greater or lesser Satrapies , according to the measure of their owne strength and power , without respect of any superioritie one should haue ouer another ; but euerie one of them absolutely commaunding ouer so much as he was able by strong hand to hold . So that as it had oftentimes before chanced , That great Monarchies destitute of their lawfull heires , had in part , or all , become rich preis vnto such as could first lay strong hand vpon them : euen so fell it now out in the great kingdom of the Turks ; euery one of their great princes , measuring the greatnesse of his territorie not by the measure of his right , but by the strength of his owne power . Wherein they shared so well for themselues , that Sahib at first in possession of all , was in short time thrust quite out of all : and so the great kingdome of the Turkes in the lesser ASIA , brought vnto a meere Anarchie ; no king now left among them , the whole kingdome being now diuided into diuers Satrapies , or other lesser Toparchies . The greatest of these princes that thus shared the Turkes kingdome amongst them , was one Caraman Alusirius ; who as strongest , tooke vnto himselfe the citie of ICONIUM , the regall seat of the Turkish Sultans , with all the great countrey of CILICIA , and some part of the frontiers of the countries of LYCAONIA , PAMPHILIA , CARIA , and the greater PHRIGIA , as far as PHILADELPHIA , and the citie of ANTIOCH vpon the riuer MEANDER : All which large territorie , was of him afterward called CARAMANIA , and by the same name is commonly at this day knowne , and by our late Geographers described . Of this Caraman also dissended the Caramanian kings , who of long time after vnfortunatly stroue with the Othoman Sultans for the soueraigntie of their empiers ; vntill that at length they with their kingdome , and all the rest of these Turkish Satrapies , were in the fatall greatnesse of the Othoman empire , swallowed vp and deuoured , as in the processe of this historie shall ( if God so will ) in due time and place be declared . Next neighbour vnto him was Saruchan , of the Greekes called Sarchan , of whom the countrey of IONIA-MARITIMA was and yet is called SARU-CHAN-ILI , and SARUCHANIA , that is to say , Saruchans countrey . The greatest part of LYDIA , with some part of the greater MISIA , TROAS , and PHRIGIA , fell to Calamus and his sonne Carasius , of whom it is called CARASIA , or CARASI-ILI ( or as we might say ) Carasius his countrey . The greatest part of the antient MISIA , with some part of LYDIA , was possessed by Aidin , and was of him called AIDINIA or AIDIN-ILI , as his countrey . Some part of the great countrey of PONTUS , with the cities of HERACLEA-PONTICA , CASTAMONA , SYNOPE , and others neere vnto the EUXINE , and the countrey of PAPHLAGONIA , fell into the hands of the sonnes of Omer , or as the Greekes call him Amur : of whom that countrey tooke not name , as did the others , of such princes as possessed them , but is commonly called BOLLI , of a citie in that countrey by the Turkes so named . As was also MENDESIA , or as some call it MENTESIA , a countrey in the lesser ASIA , so by the Turks called of MENDOS or MYNDUS , a citie in CARIA . There were beside these , diuers other places and Toparchies in the lesser ASIA , which in the renting of this great kingdome , from the Turks receiued names , before vnto the world vnknowne ; all which to prosecute were tedious : Sufficeth it vs , for the manifesting of the Turkes Anarchie , and the ruine of their kingdome in the lesser ASIA , as in part also for the more euidence of the heauie historie following , to haue remembred these as the chiefest ; especially such as tooke their names of such great princes or captaines as in that so great a confusion of the Turks kingdome , by strong hand first ceazed vpon them , and so left them to their posteritie , of whom much is to be said hereafter . These princes one and all that thus shared the late Aladinian kingdome , were dissended of the better sort of the Turkes which with the Selzuccian and Aladinian Sultans driuen out of PERSIA by the Tartars , had vnder them seated themselues in the lesser ASIA , as is before at large declared . Now amongst these great men that thus diuided the Turks kingdom , most of them that write of the Turks affaires , both Greeks and Latins , reckon vp Othoman ( the raiser of his house and familie ) for one ; who indeed in the latter time of the late Sultan Aladin began to flourish , and was of him for his valour extraordinarily fauoured ( as in his historie shall appeare , ) but of his kingdome held no more than one poore lordship , called SUGUTA in BYTHINIA not far from the mountaine OLIMPUS ( long before giuen vnto his father Erthogrull , for his good seruice ) with such other small holds therabout as he had himselfe gained from the weake Christians his neighbours . For although he were a Turke borne , yet was he not of the Selzuccian family , as were the rest , but of another house and tribe , and therefore not of them fauoured or thought to haue so good right vnto any of the late Sultans prouinces or territories , as had they who being of his house and holpen with the prescription of time , enuied at the sudden rising of this Oguzian Turke , being vnto them as it were a meere stranger : whose fortune for all that ( I know not by what secret foreknowledge ) they seemed to feare , as in time to grow dangerous vnto them and their posteritie ; wherein they were no whit deceiued . But of him and his proceedings much more is to be said hereafter : leaue we him now therefore with the rest vnto their fortunes in this the Turks Anarchie , and so conclude this part of our Generall Historie : Glad when I looke backe to haue waded thus far , yet fearing to be drowned before I get ouer ; such a sea of matter and world of troubles yet remaining , not without much labour and toile , and that in long time to be passed through . FINIS . THE LIVES OF THE OTHOMAN KINGS AND EMPERORS . FAITHFVLLY GATHERED OVT of the best Histories , both antient and moderne , and digested into one continual Historie . By RICHARD KNOLLES . Eccles. 10.4 . The gouernment of the earth is in the hand of the Lord , [ and all iniquitie of the nations is to bee abhorred : ] and when time is he wil set vp a profitable ruler ouer it . LONDON , Printed by Adam Islip . 1603. Multiplici lassatae Asiae res clade premuntur . Hinc Sarracenus Tartarus inde ruit . Mutua Christicolae gladios in vulnera stringunt : Graecia funesta seditione perit . Impiger interea noua concipit Ottomannus Concilia , & valida surgit in arma manu . Et vastatricis regno fundamina turbae Ponit : & in multo sanguine sceptra lauat . With endlesse wars the Asian state farre spent and ouerworne : By Sarasins and Tartars force , is all in peeces torne . The Christians draw their bloodie swords , wherewith themselues to wound : And GREECE with ciuile discord seekes it selfe for to confound . Meane while the warlike Othoman , new counsels doth deuise , And with a crue of martiall men doth vp in armes arise : And laies the fatall plot whereon the wastfull Turks should raigne , And bathes his scepter in much blood of people by him slaine . THE RISING OF THE GREAT AND MIGHTIE EMPIRE OF THE TVRKES VNDER OTHOMAN FIRST FOVNDER THEREOF , VVITH HIS LIFE AND DOINGS . WHAT small assurance there is in mens affaires , and how subject vnto change euen those things are wherein we for the most part repose our greatest felicitie and blisse , ( beside that the whole course of mans fraile life , by many notable examples well declareth ) nothing doth more plainely manifest the same , than the heauie euents and wofull destructions of the greatest kingdomes and empires : which founded vpon great fortunes , encreased with perpetuall successe , exalted by exceeding power , established with most puissant armies , wholesome lawes , and deepe counsels ; haue yet growne old , and in time come to naught : So that euen as men , all things else belonging vnto man , are subject vnto the ineuitable course of destinie , or more truely to say , vnto the fatall doome of the most highest , prefining vnto euerie thing that in time begun , a time also wherein to take end , being himselfe without time the great commander thereof , and of all things else done therein . The fame of the first Assyrian Monarchie , is verie antient , and was no doubt both great and long , yet hath it neuerthelesse found an end ; and the more to put vs in remembrance of our infirmitie , was neuer with so much glorie and valour by Ninus erected , as it was with shame and cowardise by Sardanapalus subuerted . With like necessitie fell the great empire of the Medes and Persians , the time thereof being come . And after them , the Macedonians also . Neither hath the great Romane empire , or the proud citie of ROME it selfe ( sometime the mistresse of the world ) herein found any exemption , but runne the same course with the rest : which growne great with continuall triumphs , and so strong as that it was not with forreine power to be shaken ; conuerted the forces of it selfe vpon it selfe , to the ouerthrow of the antient libertie thereof , together with the vtter subuersion of the state . After which time that mightie monarchie ( of all that euer yet were , the greatest ) vnder the Romane emperours felt many an hard and perillous storme , and by little and little still declining ( though sometime like a sicke aged bodie , by the valour or vertue of some one or other her woorthie emperours a little relieued , and by and by againe cast downe by the folly or negligence of some others succeeding ) it became at length a prey vnto a foolish rude and barbarous nation , which it had before oftentimes ouercome ; and ouer which many the Romane captaines had triumphed , and thereof taken their glorious surnames : which now again without compassion , burning and sacking it , caused it to stoope , and to yeeld vnto the seruile yoake which it had in former time proudly imposed vpon the necks of others : wherein if any thing be to be blamed , it is not the fortune or folly of this or that man , then sitting at the helme ( although that may also much helpe the matter as a meane ) but the instabilitie of worldly things neuer permanent , but alwaies changeable , and the sooner for their height ; and that so forcibly as that no man knoweth how to remedie the same , either if he did were he able to performe it ; the greatest meanes that men could possibly deuise for the stay thereof , being oftentimes by a greater power from aboue , conuerted vnto the more speedie effecting of that , against the which they were by mans wisedome prouided . The like might be said of the Athenians , the Lacedaemonians , the Thebanes , and of whom not ? What maruell then , if the antient kingdomes of the Turks likewise in PERSIA , and the lesser ASIA , in SYRIA , PALESTINA , and AEGYPT , hauing run their appointed times , mightily impugned by the Christians , oppressed on the one side by the Tartars , and on the other by the Mamalukes , and at length by themselues rent in sunder ( their destinie so requiring ) lost at last their woonted majestie , and so fell into a meere Anarchie , as is in the former part of this Historie at large declared ? Yet in this farre more than any other people fortunate , That after the ruine of their former kingdomes , straight way out of themselues arise another , namely this Othoman monarchie , the cheife object of this Historie : which at the first scarce of the world perceiued , or of themselues regarded in short tim● so prospered , as that the power and glorie thereof obscured not their former kingdomes onely ( nothing , in comparison of this ) but euen the greatest monarchies of the world ; ouer a great part of which , it now so proudly triumpheth , as if it should neuer haue end : at the beautie whereof the world woondereth , and at the power thereof quaketh : within the greatnesse whereof are contained no small portions of ASIA , EVROPE , and AFRICKE , but euen the most famous and fruitfull kingdomes thereof : no part of the world left vntouched but AMERICA only ; not more fortunate with her rich mines , than in that she is so farre from so great and dangerous an enemie . The foundation of this so great a kingdome ( and now so mightie an empire , as holdeth the world in awe ) was first laid by the valiant Othoman , or as the Turkes call him Osman ; not descended of the Selzuccian familie ; as were all the former Turks Sultans ) but of the Oguzian tribe and kindred : in whose line this glorious empire hath eu●r since , by the space of three hundred yeares and three , to the astonishment of the world , woonderfully flourished ; and so yet doth at this day vnder the gouernment of Mahomet the third , which now raigneth thirteenth in dissent from him , knowing none in this world greater than himselfe . But for as much as both his greatnesse , and the greatnesse of the rest of the Othoman kings and emperours his progenitors , tooke their beginning from this woorthy and war-like Othoman , with whose life and doings we purpose to begin this part of our Historie , it shall not be amisse both for the continuation of that we haue in hand , with that we haue already written , and for the more manifesting of that which hereafter followeth , a little farther to fet his race and discent also : Not meaning with a long and faigned pedegree to fet him out of Noah his arke , ( which continuall succession of princes , no nation of the world , be it neuer so antient , the Iewes onely excepted , and they also by writings and histories as much as was possible eternized , could truely and justly chalenge ) but onely so far as shall be pertinent vnto our purpose , and by the authoritie of good histories to be auerred . At such time as the Turks kingdome founded by Tangrolipix in PERSIA , flourished in the Selzuccian princes his successours , there was also another kingdom of theirs at the citie of MACHAN , as is before declared , but nothing comparable to the other either in glorie and power . In this citie , and ouer this small kingdome , raigned one Solyman , by his subjects honoured also with the name of a Sultan or king ; at the same time that the Tartars vnder the leading of old Zingis their great captaine , leauing their owne countrey , and bearing downe the world before them , hauing conquered the farthest parts of the East , and there seated their kingdome , turned their forces into PERSIA , and there ouerthrew the Turks kingdome at BALCH in CORASAN , and draue the Turkes with Cursumes their last king , out of the countrey : after that they had there from the time of Tangrolipix raigned about an hundred and seuentie two yeares . This Solyman of whom we speake , then raigning at MACHAN , was not of the Selzuccian family ( as were all the other Turkes Sultans , the successours of Tangrolipix ) but of the Oguzian tribe , a family famous also amongst the Turks : Who seeing the Selzuccian Sultan Cursumes ( or as some call him Cussumes ) his countreyman , beaten out of his kingdome by the Tartar , and his countrey ouerrun , and the great Caliph of BABYLON also ouerthrown ; thought it not good longer to stay in that countrey which he could not hold , but by speedy flight betimes to prouide for the safetie of himselfe and of such his subjects as would follow him . And hearing that Aladin the sonne of Kei-H●sreu , or as the Greeks call him Cai-Cosroe ( a great man of the Sel●●●cian familie , and neere of kin vnto the late Sultan Cursumes ) who for feare of the Tartars , but lately come into ROMANIA-ASIATICA , had there by force of armes most honourably seared himselfe and the Turks his followers , amongst the Christians ▪ in hope of like good fortune , and for the zeale towards his superstition ( accounting all well gotten that was gained from the Christians ) tooke his way after him , with such of his kinsmen and subjects as would accompanie him in his new aduentures . And comming to ARTEZERVM , a citie in the borders of ARMENIA and CAPPADOCIA , thereabout in the countrey according to the season of the year● , seated himselfe with his followers , being in number many ; who with their wiues and children after the manner of the Tartar Nomades their ancestours , in poore tents and carts couered with a course kind of cloth , had followed him ; being indeed nothing else but a verie rude and rough kind of sturdie heardsmen , not wedded to any place , but still remoouing with their tents and carts vp and downe , as best serued for their purpose and the feeding of their cattell , as do● the Turcoman nation , the true discent of the Turks , in many parts of ASIA at this day : and were thereof not onely called Nomades , that is to say heardsmen , ( by which name the proud Ianizaries will oftentimes in contempt call euen the greatest of the naturall Turkes ) but Hamaxophoretie , and Hamaxobij , that is to say , people carried or liuing in carts ▪ Solyman hauing sta●ed a while about ERZERVM , remoouing thence came to AMASIA ; and there spoiling the countrey then inhabited by the Christians , did them much harme , oftentimes encountring them in the plaine field , and sometimes ceazing vpon their townes and cities , vntill he had subdued vnto himselfe a right large territorie : yet at length hauing in so many battels by him fought , and cities by him besieged , lost a great number of his people , and so wearied the rest as that they were not willing farther to follow him ; and fearing also with such small power as he had left , to be able to defend and keepe the countrey by him alreadie gotten , in the midst of so many enemies ; thought it best to depart thence , and to seeke his better fortune elsewhere . At the same time it was rifely reported , that the affaires of PERSIA after so long trouble ( for all this was not a while in doing ) began to grow againe to some good quiet ▪ the furie of the Tartars being now well abated , and that storme ouerblowne : wherefore Solyman resolued now to returne home againe , and to visit his natiue countrey , of him and his people aboue all others desired . So passing through SYRIA ( for that was now his way ) neere vnto ALLEPO , he ceazed vpon a castle called ZIABER-CALA , and there staied a space for the refreshing of his people . Afterward setting forward againe , he came at length to the great and famous riuer EVPHRATES , ouer which he must needs passe : But finding there neither bridge nor foord , or other meanes to get ouer , he stood still as a man dismaid , not knowing what to do . Stay there he would not , & go further he could no● : his desire bid him goe , but the great riuer said , not so . In this perplexitie Solyman himselfe with his horse oftentimes taking the riuer , in hope to haue found some passage ; but finding none , aduenturing too far , was with the force of the streame carried away ▪ and so together with his horse drowned . His bodie after long seeking , being at length found , was with the great lamentation of his people buried neere vnto the castle ZIABER , not long before by him taken : whereof they say the place is at this day in their tongue called Mesari-Zuruc , that is to say , the Turkes Graue . Some of these Oguzian Turks , after the death of their Sultan , wearie of their long trauell , seated themselues in the countrey therabouts , vnto whom the Turks that now hold that castle do refer their beginning . The rest of that great tribe and familie diuersly diuided , went vnto diuers places as their fortunes led them ; some of them into the wast ground and desarts of ARABIA and SYRIA , and are at this day called the Damascene Turconians : othersome returned backe againe into ROMANIA , the same way that they came , of whom are descended the Turconians of ICONIVM and ANATOLIA : who yet with their wiues and children , as heardsmen , in great companies wander vp and downe the countrey , after the manner of their ancestors . Solyman thus lost , left foure sonnes , Sencur-Teken , Iundogdis , Ertogrul , of some called Orthobules ( the father of this Othoman founder of the Turks empire that now is ) and Dunder . With these foure brethren , most part of these Oguzian Turks that were left , returning into ROMANIA ( as is aforesaid ) after they had there rested themselues a while , marching vp a long the riuer EVPHRATES came to a place called PASIN-OVASI , about ten miles aboue ARTERVM , where Ertogrul and his brother Dunder , with foure hundred families , not willing to go any farther staied with their tents and carts , their best dwellings . Sencur and Iundogdis ▪ their other two brethren , in the meane time passing the riuer , returned with the rest into PERSIA : whom we there leaue vnto their vnknowne fortunes . In this place Ertogrul with his brother and his three sonnes stayed a while , and had diuers conflicts with the countrey people thereabout , vntill that at length he thought it best to returne againe into ROMANIA . So setting forward , he came to ANCYRA , and from thence vnto the blacke Mountaines , and so to a plaine , called of the Turks Sultan-Vngi about 75 miles Eastward from the citie of NICE in BYTHINIA , where he had many skirmishes with the Christians . Now a good while before this , Aladin the elder ( of whom we haue before spoken in the former part of this historie ) fled out of PERSIA , had subdued diuers great prouinces and countries in ROMANIA ASIATICA or the lesser ASIA ( for so it is more truly called ) so that he was of all the people thereabouts accounted for a great prince , and of the Turks themselues honoured with the name of their Vlu Padischach , that is to say , their great king or emperour . Hauing placed his regall seat first at SEBASTIA , and afterward at ICONIUM ; which two cities before ruinous , he repaired , and therein raigned , as did some few of his posteritie after him , as is before declared . Neither was Ertogrul ignorant of the honour , glorie , and power of this great Sultan : But hauing three sonnes , namely , Iundus , Sarugatin , and Othoman , sent Sarugatin his second son ( a bold well spoken man ) vnto him to request him in that his so large a kingdome , and as yet not well peopled by the Turks , to graunt vnto them his poore exiled countreymen of long time oppressed with diuerse fortunes , some small corner for them with their families and cattell to rest in . Which his request , the Sultan not forgetfull of his owne distresse sometime in like case , graciously heard , & with great courtesie vsed the messenger . Now for the furtherance of his sute , it fortuned , that this Sultan before driuen out of PERSIA by the Tartars , and by them also much troubled in these his new gotten countries in the lesser ASIA , had with them diuers hot skirmishes , and sharpe conflicts ; in one of which it fortuned the Sultan himselfe , with all the power he then had , to be hardly beset by his enemies , and in danger to haue lost the day : when as Ertogrul but newly come into the countrey , and willing to doe the Sultan seruice , and awaiting all opportunities for the commending of himselfe and his followers ; vpon the suddaine vnlooked for , with foure hundred men came vpon the backs of the Tartars , then almost in possession of a great victorie , and so forcibly charged them , that vnable to indure the charge and to maintaine the fight against the Sultan ( whose men encouraged by this vnexpected aid , as by succour sent from heauen , began now to fight with greater courage ) being both before and behind hardly beset , they as men in despaire of the victorie they had before assured themselues of , turned their backes and fled . After which good seruice , the Sultan honourably welcommed this new come Turke , giuing him his hand to kisse , as the manner of the nation is ; and highly commending his valou● , commaunded a rich cloke to be cast vpon him ( amongst those Easterne nations a great honour ) and all his souldiors to be bountifully rewarded : and presently after gaue vnto Ertogrul and his Turks a countrey village called SUGUTA , betwixt the castle of BILEZUGA and the mountaine TMOLUS in the greater PHRIGIA : in which village they might liue in , in Winter ; and vpon the a●oresaid mountaine , and the mountaine ORMENIUS , betwixt the riuers SANGARIUS and LICUS , feed their cattell in Summer . And yet not so contented thus to haue honoured him , in whom he saw such approoued valour , committed to his protection that side of the countrey wherein he dwelt , being in the very frontiers of his kingdome : which his charge he so well looked vnto , that all the countrey thereabout , before much infested with the often incursions of the enemie , was by his vigilant care and prowesse well secured . Thus is Ertogrul the Oguzian Turke , with his homely heardsmen , become a pettie lord of a countrey village , and in good fauour with the Sultan : whose followers , as sturdie heardsmen with their families , liued in Winter with him in SUGUTA ; but in Summer in tents with their cattell vpon the mountaines . Hauing thus liued certaine yeares , and brought great peace vnto his neighbours , as well the Christians as the Turks , before much troubled with the inuasions of the Tartars : it fortuned , that the Christians of CARA-CHISAR , a castle thereby ( called by the antient Greekes Melanopyrgon , and of later time Maurocastron , that is to say , the blacke tower or castle ) wearie of their owne ease , and of the peace they had by his meanes enjoyed , fell out with him , and euill intreated both him and his people . Which their ingratitude he taking in euill part , thereof , and of the wrongs by them done vnto the Turks , so grieuously complained vnto the Sultan ; that he therewith mooued , raised a great armie ▪ and so himselfe in person came and besieged the castle . But lying there at the siege , newes was brought him , That the Tartars with a great armie , vnder the leading of one Baintzar , were entred into CARIA , and there spoiling the countrey , had taken HERACLEA . For the repressing of whom , the Sultan was glad to rise with his armie ; yet leauing a sufficient strength behind him for the continuing of the siege , vnder the charge of Ertogrul Beg ▪ for so the Turks now called him . The Sultan afterwards encountering with the Tartars at BAGA , ouerthrew them in a great battell : whilest Ertogrul in the meane space hardly besieged CARA-CHISAR , wherein fortune so much fauoured him , that at length he tooke the castle , the spoile whereof he gaue vnto the souldiours , reseruing onely the fift part thereof , as due vnto the Sultan , which he sent him for a present , together with the captaine of the castle ▪ whom he had taken aliue : which captaine the Sultan afterward inlarged , and restored again to him his castle , for the payment of a yearely tribute , which he truly paied during the life of the Sultan ; but he dying about two yeares after , he refused any more to pay it , and so reuolted from the Turks . Sultan Aladin , founder of the Aladinian kingdome ( for so the Turks call it ) being dead at ICONIUM , after him succeeded Azatines his eldest sonne ; and after him Iathatines his yoonger brother ; who slaine by Theodorus Lascaris the Greeke emperour ( as is before declared ) after him succeeded in that kingdome another Iathatines , the sonne of Azatines , who was by the Tartars expulsed , and his kingdome subdued ( as in the former part of this historie it appeareth . ) After which time the Selzuccian familie there also by the Tartars in the lesser ASIA depressed , retained scarce the name and shaddow of their former majestie and glorie . In which troublesome times , and confusion of the state , Ertogrul well beaten and wearied in the world , kept himselfe close in his house at SUGUTA , as well contented therewith as with a kingdome ; seeking by all meanes to keepe peace on euery side with his neighbours , as well Christians as others . In which quiet kind of life hee sweetly passed ouer the troublesome times of Mesoot the sonne of Kei-Cubades , and of Kei-Cubades the sonne of Feramuzin , both Sultans , but the great Tartars tributaries , and raigning but at their pleasure , vntill the time of the second Aladin , the sole & last heire of the Iconian kingdome , before by the Tartars deuided , which was no few years . All which time Ertogrul liued quietly at SUGUTA , as one amongst many other of the Iconian Sultans subjects , wisely considering the fall of the Selzuccian Sultans , both in PERSIA and at ICONIUM ; as also the ruine of his own house and familie , both from royall state brought almost vnto nothing : and therefore with patience taking the world as it came , and making a vertue of necessitie , contenting himselfe with a little , bare himselfe kindly towards all men . In which contented kind of life , he grew to great yeares , with his three sonnes , greatly beloued and honoured of their neighbors , as well Christians as Turks ; and no lesse fauoured by the second Aladin , then Sultan , than he had been of all the Sultans before him : whom the yoong men his sonnes , after the manner of their nation ( forbidding them with emptie hands to salute their princes ) oftentimes visited with one present or other . In all which his sonnes were many good parts to be seene , yet so , as that in Othoman was easily to bee perceiued a greater courage and spirit than in the other two his brethren : which was the cause that he was the more of all them of his tribe regarded , but especially of the youthfull and warlike sort , which commonly resorted vnto him when he went to hawke or hunt , or to other delights of the field ( the counterfeits of warre ) and was of them commonly called Osman Gazi , that is to say , Osman the warlike . In this frontier countrey neere vnto SUGUTA , the dwelling place of old Ertogrul , had Sultan Aladin diuers lieutenants and captaines , gouernors of his castles and strong holds vpon those frontiers , with whom Othoman was well acquainted , and vnto whom he for friendship sake oftentimes resorted : but especially vnto the captaine of IN-VNOI , for that he knew himselfe to be of him well beloued , and therefore vnto him very welcome . So it fortuned vpon a time , that as Othoman being yet but yoong , was going to make merry with the gouernor of ESKI-CHISAR ( a castle about foure and twentie miles off , called of the Greekes Palaeo●astron ) by the way as he went , at a place called ITBURNE ( a towne in PHRIGIA ) chaunced there to see , and afterwards to fall in liking of a faire maiden called Malhatun : vnto whom his affection daily increasing , he without his fathers knowledge sent a secret friend of his to intreat with her of marriage . Who after long discourse to her made concerning Othomans affection and request , gaue him answere , That betwixt Othoman and her was great inequalitie , a thing especially to be regarded & eschued of such as wished to liue an happie life in wedlocke bands ; she was ( as she said ) but meanly borne , and therefore was not to expect so great a match : whereas he could not want choice of other maidens of more worth , and in all respects more answerable vnto himselfe . But amongst other causes why she gaue him this answere , one was , for that some that wished her well , had put in●o her head , that Othoman men● not indeed to marry her , but vnder that colour to obtaine of her some few dayes pleasure , and so hauing dishonoured her , afterward againe to cast her off : which was indeed far from his thought ; for he the more enflamed with her modest deniall , the more desired her for his wife . In the meane time , Othoman going againe vnto the gouernor of ESKI-CHISAR , and courteously by him entertained , chanced ( as it oftentimes doth amongst familiar friends in their merriments ) to fall in speech of his loue , with greater affection than discretion , commending her beautie , her feature , and gracious perfections ; not dissembling also , to her greater praise , the repulse by him receiued at her hands . Which the gouernor hearing , seemed greatly to like of his choice , saying , That she was by the diuine prouidence ( for so the Turks religiously vse to speake ) appointed only for him to haue . But in the meane time secretly inflamed with the immoderat commendations of Othoman , without respect of friendship , he began to grow amorous of her himselfe , whom he had neuer seene ; so light is that foolish affection : and that so far , as that being otherwise a man of good discretion , he was not able to conceale or couer these new conceiued flames , but that Othoman by certaine conjectures and tokens perceiued the same . And yet dissembling the matter , as if he had suspected nothing , being risen from the banquet , calling vnto him one of his trustie seruants , secretly sent him away vnto certaine of the maidens friends , willing them in his name , as they tendred her honour , without delay to send her away vnto some safe place farther off , for feare she were not ere long taken from them by a great man , more amorous of her person than respectuous of her honour . And by and by after , taking his leaue of his vnfaithfull friend and bidding him farwell , tooke his way vnto the captaine of IN-VNGI , whom he knew to be his deare friend . But whilest he there stayed certaine dayes , passing the time in hawking , hunting , and other youthfull disports , with the captaine his friend ; the gouernour of ESKI-CHISAR , who commaunded all the countrey thereabout ( called Sultan-Vng● ) sent one of his ●rustie seruants to I●URNE , to see faire Malhatun , and how all things there went : Who comming thither , and vnderstanding of her secret departure , and that by the aduertisement from Othoman she was conueyed to certaine of her friends a farre off ; at his returne from point to point certefied his master thereof . Who exceedingly grieued with the report , and fre●ting aboue measure to see himselfe so deluded by Othoman , presently sent vnto the captaine of IN-VNGI ( being within his jurisdiction ) to commaund him without delay to deliuer Othoman vnto him . But he louing of him well , as a faithfull man vnto his friend , could with no threats or intreatie be persuaded so to doe . Wherefore the gouernour in a great rage presently raising the greatest power he was able to make , came to the castle of IN-VNGI , requiring to haue Othoman foorthwith deliuered vnto him . Where among the souldiors there in garrison with the captain , began to arise diuers opinions ; some wishing , for the auerting of the present danger for which they were now vnprouided , to haue him deliuered ; and othersome abhorring so trecherous a fact , willing rather to indure all extremities . In the end after much consultation , honestie preuailed : & it was generally resolued , That he should be defended , who could not without their great infamie be deliuered . But Othoman terrified with that diuersitie of opinions , which had euen at the first shewed it selfe ; and thinking it not for his safetie , to commit himselfe vnto the trust of such wauering men , entred into a deepe conceit of a matter of great aduenture , which was , by a suddaine sallie to make himselfe way through the middest of his enemies . Wherewith hauing made his brother Iundus and those few his followers there present acquainted , and thereupon resolued ; he fiercely sallied out , and by plaine force brake through the thickest of them , & so tooke his way towards SUGUTA , still notably repulsing them that were sent to pursue him . But being come into the frontiers of his fathers territorie , and the report of his danger knowne , and that being but weakely accompanied he was by a great number of his enemies pursued ; presently all the lustie youths and such as loued him well , tooke horse to come vnto his rescue : who meeting with the gouernours souldiors , that had Othoman in chace , in a sharpe conflict slew diuers of them , and put the rest to flight . Of whom some were also taken prisoners , and amongst the rest one Michaell Cosse a Christian , captaine of a little castle in that countrey called HIRMEN-CAIA , or the rocke of Ormeni : of whom Othoman taking compassion , freely pardoned him that offence . With which vnexpected courtesie he was so mooued , that euer after he tooke part with him , and did him great seruice in his wars : whose posteritie hath euer since euen vntill this our age continued , next vnto the Othoman familie , most honourable and famous amongst the Turks , by the name of the Michael Oglies , that is to say , The sonnes or posteritie of Michaell . Ertogrul now spent with age , shortly after died , in the yeare of our Lord 1289 , hauing liued 93 yeares , and thereof gouerned the Oguzian familie after the death of his father Solyman , 52. His death was of all his tribe and kinred greatly lamented , and his bodie after the Turkish manner honourably buried at SU●UTA , where he had of long time liued ▪ After whose death , these plaine Oguzian Turks , in a generall assemblie consulting whom they might chuse for their lord and gouernour in stead of old Ertogrul ; casting their eyes especially vpon two , stood in doubt of which of them to make choice . For although most men were of opinion , That Othoman for the rare gifts and vertues as well of bodie as of mind , was to be preferred before the rest of his brethren , the sonnes of Ertogrul : yet were there some , and they also men of great grauitie and experience , who had in suspect the yoong mans age , as of it selfe slipperie , and for most part prone to vice , especially in the libertie of great power : and therefore thought it better to make choice of Dunder ( Ertogruls brother , and Othomans vncle ) a man of far greater grauitie , judgement , and experience . But Dunder himselfe , being indeed a wise man and far from all ambition , persuaded them in that choice not to haue any regard at all vnto his honour or preferment ; but to consider what were best for their state and welfare in generall . For he prouidently foresaw in what danger the Oguzian state stood , exposed on the one side to the mortall hatred and trecheries of the Greekes , grieued to see themselues spoiled by the Turks , and naturally hating them for the Mahometane religion : and on the other side not surely backt with the Sultans of ICONIUM , brought in thraldome to the Tartars , and daily growne weaker and weaker : Vnto which inconueniences and dangers ( he said ) an old weake and ouerworne bodie ( as was his ) could giue no helpe or remedie at all ; but required the helpe of a wise , politicke , vigillant , stirring , and valiant man , such as they all well knew was Othoman his brothers son . Thus before he came vnto the election , he in priuat declared his mind vnto the cheefe of the Oguzian familie : and afterward at their request comming vnto the generall assemblie , all mens minds and eyes now fixed vpon Othoman , he first of all ( by his example to encourage the rest ) for the good of the Oguzian tribe , his antient house and familie , saluted him their great lord and gouernour , promising vnto him all loyaltie , with the vttermost of his seruice : whereunto by and by ensued the great applause of the rest of the people , as vnto a gouernour sent vnto them by God : Vnto whom they joyfully wished all happie successe , with long life , & a most prosperous gouernment . Thus with all mens good liking was Othoman made the great gouernour of the Oguzian Turks , and so become amongst them a great commander , and honoured with the name of Osman-Beg , or , The lord Osman . Yet was this his honour included in a small circuit , plaine and homely , without any great pompe or shew , as commaunding amongst rough and rude heardsmen and shepheards , not acquainted with the courtesie of other more ciuile nations : for as yet they were the same homely Scythian Nomades that they were before , and could not as yet be persuaded to forsake their woonted rude and vnciuile manners , by long tradition receiued from their auncestors , and so best agreeing with their nature and calling . Amongst which rude heardsmen , this new gouernour ( himselfe not too far exceeding the rest in ciuilitie ) commaunded much like vnto another Romulus ; of whom also the Turks report many such things as do the Romanes of their founder , which for breuitie I thought good to passe ouer . Now it fortuned that Othoman euen in the beginning of his gouernment , fell first at ods with on Hagionicholaus , or S. Nicolas ( captaine of EINEGIOL , a castle there by ) for that he had oftentimes of purpose troubled and molested these Oguzian heardsmen , in passing too and fro with their cattell by his castle . For which cause Othoman was enforced to request the captaine of BILEZVGA ( another castle thereby , also his neighbour and friend ) that his people in passing that way to the mountaines , might with their goods and cattell as occasion should require , take the refuge of his castle ; which the courteous captaine ( well acquainted with old Ertogrul , Othomans father ) easily granted , yet with this prouiso , That none should with such goods or cattell haue accesse into his castle , but the Turks women only : which his courtesie Othoman refused not . So was the castle of BILEZVGA from that time forward a refuge vnto the Turks women , who passing that way and there shrowded with their goods & cattell , vsually presented the captain with some one homely countrey present or other , which afterwards was the losse of the castle . Yet was not Othoman vnmindfull of the wrong done vnto his people , by his euill neighbour the captaine of EINEGIOL : but purposing to be therof reuenged , made choice of seuentie of his best and most able men , whom he appointed secretly to passe the mountaine ORMENIVS , and so if it were possible , to surprise or set on fire his enemies castle . Of which his designment , the warie captaine hauing intelligence by one of his espials , in place conuenient vpon the mountaine laied a strong ambush for the cutting off of such as were by Othoman sent to haue surprised his castle : whereof Othoman ( no lesse warie than he ) before warned by his scouts , and augmenting the number of his men , marched directly vnto the place where the enemie lay . Where betwixt them ( for so small a number ) was fought a right cruell and bloodie battell , and many slaine on both sides ; amongst whom Hozza , Othomans nephew was one . The victorie neuerthelesse fell vnto Othoman : after which time his people in much more safetie fed their cattell in the summer time on the mountaines as their manner was , and so in quiet passed to and fro . Shortly after , Othoman by night surprised the little castle of CHALCE , not far from EINEGIOL : and there without mercie put to the sword all the Christians he found therein , and so afterwards burnt the castle ; which outrage was the beginning and occasion of great troubles therof ensuing . For the Christians of the countries adjoyning , much grieued therewith , and assembling themselues together , complained vnto the captaine of CARA-CHIZAR , the greatest commmander thereabout , That these Turks , which not many yeares before were of meere pittie receiued as poore heardsmen into that countrey , began now in warlike manner to lay violent hands vpon the antient lands and possessions of the Christians ; which insolencie ( as they said ) i● it were longer winked at and suffered by him , and other such men of account and authoritie as wer● to reforme the same , they would no doubt in short time driue both them , and all the rest of the Christians out of their natiue countries : wherefore it were now high time and mo●e than necessarie for him , and all the rest to awake ( as it were ) out of the dead sleepe wherein they had long time drousily slept ; and joyning their forces together , to expulse those vnthankfull enchroching & mercilesse strangers out of their countries : The mischiefe they said being now spred far , therefore needed speedie remedie ; and that repentance would come too late when it was past cure . The captaine mooued with the indignitie of the late fact , and just complaint of the poore countrey people , sent with all speed a strong company of souldiours , vnder the leading of Calanus his brother , with comm●undement that they should march vnto the castle of EINEGIOL , and there to joyne with the rest of the Christian forces . Othoman vnderstanding of this preparation made against him , gathering his souldiers together , marched to a place called OPSICIUM , neere vnto mount TMOLVS in PHRIGIA , where betweene him and the Christians was fought a sharpe battell , wherein he lost his brother Sarugatin ( whom the Turks account for a saint or martyr at this day ) with many other of his souldiours . In this battell was also Calanus slaine , whose belly Othoman caused to be ripped , and his intrals to be pulled out , naming the place where he was buried Mesari-Repec , that is to say , the Dog-Graue , by which name the place is at this day knowne . The bodie of his brother Sarugatin he carried to SVGVTA , and there honourably buried it neere to the bodie of his father Erth●gr●l . Aladin Sultan of ICONIVM vnderstanding of this conflict , was verie sorie for the losse hapned vnto Othoman , being a Mahometane of his owne religion : wherefore in token of his good will and sauour , he gaue vnto him the citie of PALEAPOLIS with all the territorie thereunto belonging , giuing vnto him also leaue to besiege , take , or spoile , the signiorie and castle of CARA-CHISAR : for accomplishment whereof , he sent vnto him both souldiers and munition . Othoman encouraged with this great bountie of the Sultans , straightly besieged the castle of CARACHISAR ; which at last he wan , and slew all the Christians therein : the captaine he tooke aliue , whom he cruelly executed : the spoile of the castle he gaue vnto his souldiers , reseruing only the fift part thereof , which he sent for a present to the Sultan . All this happened in the yeare of our Lord 1290. This castle of CARA-CHISAR , with the rest , as EINEGIOL , BILEZVGA , CHALCE , and others before and hereafter in the life of Othoman to be mentioned , were all situate in the borders of the greater PHRIGIA , or else neere thereunto in the confines of BYTHINIA and MYSIA : In which pleasant countries ( but lately part of the Constantinopolitane empire ) the Christians the antient inhabitants thereof yet dwelt , intermingled with the Turks , at the rising of the Othoman empire ; with whom they liued at continuall jars , vntill that at length they were by them altogether oppressed and extinguished . Othoman encouraged with this good successe , and supported by the great Sultan of ICONIVM , began now after his ambitious nature to conceit greater matters , for the further increase of his honor and territorie : yet not trusting altogether to his owne deuise , he entred into consultation with his brother Iundus , which way was best to take to distresse and bring in subjection his neighbours the Christians . In which case , Iundus a man of greater courage than discretion , aduised him with all celeritie to vrge his good fortune , and presently to inuade the Christians alreadie discouraged with the losse of CARA-CHISAR . But this counsell altogether pleased not Othoman for ( said he ) the castles & fortes by vs gained , must be kept with strong garrisons , otherwise they will againe be recouered by the enemie ; which garrisons cannot be maintained and kept , if we spoile or dispeople the countries adjoyning vpon vs , for in so doing we shal ( as it were ) with our owne hands cut our owne throats : wherefore I thinke it better , that we enter into a league of amitie and friendship with the Christians round about vs , which league we will keepe with some , or breake with others , as shall serue best for our purpose . And according to this resolution , he made peace indeed with all the Christians , but especially with Michael Coss● , captaine of HIRMEN-CAIA castle , of whom we haue before spoken , who afterward serued him to great vse in the mannaging of his wars , and became also a renegate of the Mahometane religion . All this Othoman did the rather , because he was thē at great variance with one Germean-Ogli ( a great man among the Turks , but one of the Selzuccian familie ) who enuying at the rising of Othoman , sought by all means possible to hinder his greatnesse , as did also the others , his quietnes : which discord the Christians liked well , as a meane for them to liue in more rest by . In the meane time , Othoman deuised with all carefulnesse to beautifie and strengthen his new commonweale : and for the greater concourse of people , built a faire temple in CARA-CHISAR for the exercise of the Mahometane religion ; appointed markets to be kept in all peaceable maner in his great townes , graunting great priuiledges vnto such as resorted thither , as well Christians as Turks ; vsing therein such justice , that all sorts of people without feare in hope of gaine resorting thither , furnished his countrey and townes with all things necessarie : yet this care of ciuile pollicie and gouermnent , could not so withdraw him , but that according to his aspiring mind , he had alwaies a greater desire and care to enlarge his possessions and territorie . Wherefore intending to make a road into BITHINIA , he requested Michael Cossi , the Christian captaine before mentioned , to deliuer his opinion what was best to be done ? who so politickely directed him in that exploit , that he returned victorious , enriched with great spoile and more honor . This road so terrified most of the Christians thereabouts , that they were loth to giue Othoman any cause of offence , for feare least they should by him be spoiled . It fortuned about this time , that the captaines of BILEZVGA & CVPRI-CHISAR falling at ods ; he of CVPRI-CHISAR first taking vp armes , fiercely inuaded the captaine of BILEZVGA : who thereupon sent vnto Othoman , to pray his ayd , which hee easelie graunted , and so without further delay presently came vnto him with certeine companies of lustie tall souldiors . By whose comming , the captaine of BILEZVGA not a little encouraged and strengthened , set vpon his enemie : where betwixt them was made a sharpe conflict , and diuers on both sides slaine : but the victorie by the helpe of Othoman the Turke , at length enclining vnto the BILEZVGIAN , the other vanquished captaine in all hast fled vnto his owne castle . After whome Othoman following , laid seige vnto the castle , which at length he tooke together with the captaine , whom he caused to bee presently slaine . It is strange to tell , how prowd the lord of BILEZVGA was , to haue so reuenged himselfe of his enemie , and to haue gayned the victorie ; although it were indeed gotten , not so much by his valour as by the prowesse of the Turke : for whom and his followers , in token of his thankfulnesse , he caused a great feast to be prouided in the countrie thereby , where he honorably entertained them ; & in the end of the feast , caused garments of great price ( according to the manner of the Easterne nations ) to be giuen vnto Othoman , in token of his fauour ; and his souldiors to be also bountifully rewarded : but this was done with such a presumptious state and grace as if he had been some great prince , offering vnto the common souldiors of the Turks , in passing by them , his hand to kisse , as a great fauour . With which exceeding insolencie , Othoman was so much offended , that he had much adoe to hold his hands from him : yet repressing his anger , he in secret imparted his discontentment vnto his cosin Dunder , his vncle Dunders sonne ; greiuously complayning of the intollerable pride of the Christian captaine , and of the disgrace by him done vnto the Turks , in offring them his hand to kisse ; requiring his opinion how he were for the same to be corrected : who but a little before , being by the said captaine made his lieutenant , franckly told his kinsman , That as then nothing was to be attempted against him ; first , for that on the one side they had Germean-ogli ( a great man amongst the Selzuccian Turks ) their enemie , and round about them besides they were inuironed with the Christians , whom he should haue all in his neck atonce if he should offer the BILEZVGIAN captaine any wrong . By which answere , Othoman perceiuing his cosins great affection towards the Christian captaine , and doubting to haue the mischiefe he had imagined against him , by him reuealed , or at leastwise hindered ; without more adoe suddenly taking vp his bow in his hand , with an arrow shot him quite thorow , and so slew him . Not long after Michael Cossi the capaine of HIRMEN-CAIA , Othomans great friend , hauing concluded a mariage betweene a gentleman of that countrey and his daughter , inuited all the Christian captaines of the castles thereabouts , requesting them to come to the mariage ; and the rather that so they might grow into acquaintance with Othoman , whose power began now to grow dreadfull vnto them : hoping that such meanes might be found at that merrie meeting , that all being made friends , euery man might in more securitie possesse his owne without feare of being spoiled by him . Vnto this mariage came all these bidden guests , bringing with them such presents as they thought good to bestow vpon the new maried folks , according to the manner of the countrey : but Othomans gifts farre exceeded all the rest , who besides many other rich things , gaue vnto them whole flocks and droues of sheepe and cattell : which thing drew all the Christian captaines into no little admiration of his bountie ; insomuch that they began to say amongst themselues , that Othomans wealth and good fortune did portend some greater matter , to their vtter ruine and fall : which to preuent , they thought it best by secret meanes to compasse his death . The execution of which deuise they referred to the capaine of BILEZVGA , as vnto one with him best acquainted . This captaine was of great wealth , credit , and authoritie amongst the Christian rulers thereabouts , but verie full of craft and dissimulation : which his euill disposition Othoman of long time well perceiued ; yet hauing occasion to vse him , in subtill manner gaue him ( in outward shew ) all the honour he could , magnifying him in words , and debasing himselfe as plaine and poore in comparison of him . But to giue a beginning to this trecherous deuise , the captaine meeting with Othoman , in friendly manner told him , how that he intended shortly to marie the daughter of the captaine of IAR-CHISER , earnestly requesting him to honour that his mariage with his presence , of the time whereof , he said he would giue him farther knowledge afterwards : and all was but a colour , to bring Othoman within his danger , not fearing any such treason . Othoman vnderstanding that the time of the mariage drew nigh , sent thither a present of certaine fat oxen and sheepe , in the name of his brother Iundus , for the captaines prouision against the mariage ; certifying him , That Othoman himselfe , with his simple retinue , would be present at the mariage , and then present him , not with such presents as were agreeable with his honour , yet such as his poore abilitie could affoord . This message with the presents , were woonderfull welcome to the captaine , hoping assuredly that his deuised treacherie would take such effect as he wished . And therefore calling vnto him Michael Cossi , in whom he had reposed an especiall trust , declared vnto him his whole deuise ( wherof he was not before altogether ignorant , ) requesting him to take the paines to go vnto Othoman to bring him to the marriage , the time being now certainly appointed and at hand ; which hee knew Cossi might easily do , being of his familiar acquaintance . And in token of great friendship , he sent vnto Othoman by the same messenger , a present of gilt plate . Cossi tooke vpon him this message : which when he had deliuered vnto Othoman , he found him verie willing to go , as a man not doubting any harme . But Cossi inwardly grieuing to see so braue a man , and his kind friend , by such treacherous manner to be brought to his end ; mooued with compassion , discouered vnto him the whole conspiracie of the captaine against him , and of the plot laied for his destruction , willing him to take heed vnto himselfe : for which ouverture , Othoman gaue Cossi great thanks , as to his friend , for sauing his life ; and withall richly rewarded him , promising him greater matters if he would continue that his faithfull friendship . Now concerning the captaine of BELIZVGA ( saith he ) at your returne recommend me vnto him , and tell him , That I thinke my selfe much bound vnto him for many courtesies , but especially for that he hath heretofore diuers times in most friendly manner protected my goods and cattell , within the safegard of his castle : which his friendship I most humbly request him to continue for one yeare more , enforced thereunto by reason of the dangerous wars betwixt me and the prince Germean-Ogli as he well knoweth : wherefore if it might so stand with his good pleasure , I would presently send vnto his castle such things as I make most reckning of , requesting him once more to be the faithfull keeper therof , as he hath beene before : and tell him further , that my mother in law , with her daughter my wife , desire nothing more than to find opportunitie to be acquainted with the honourable ladie his mother ; for which cause ( if it please him ) I will bring them both with me to the marriage . This Othomans request , when the captain of BILEZVGA vnderstood by Michael Cossi ; he sent the same Cossi backe againe to hasten his comming , willing him to bring with him what gesse he pleased ; appointing certaine time and place when and where the marriage should be solemnised . And because the castle of BILEZVGA was thought to be too little conueniently to receiue the multitude of people which were expected at the mariage , there was another open place of greater receipt appointed in the countrey for that purpose , about three miles distant from the castle . The mariage day drew nigh , whereunto Othoman must repaire for his promise sake : and therefore prepared with all diligence to set forward , and to put in execution what he had deuised for the safetie of himselfe , and destruction of his enemie . Othoman had of long accustomed in dangerous times , to send by carriage the best of his things , made vp in packes , to be kept in safetie in the castle of BILEZVGA : vnder the colour whereof , he now made great packs in forme as he was woont ; but in stead of his rich houshold stuffe , and such other things of price , he thrust in armed men , couering those packs with homely couerings , sending them by carriages to the castle of BILEZVGA , giuing charge that they should not come thither before twilight . After that , he appareled certaine of his best souldiours in womens apparell , as if it had beene his wife and mother in law , with their women : so casting his journey , that he with these diguised souldiours , and the other sent in packs , might at one instant meet at the castle aforesaid . The captaine being now in the countrey , and vnderstanding that Othoman was comming in the euening with a great t●ame of gentlewomen ; thought the cause of his late comming to be , for that the Turkish women vse to shun the sight of Christian men by all meanes they can . Othoman being now come to the place in the countrey where the mariage was next day to be solemnized , hauing done his humble reu●rence to the captaine , requested him to do him the honour , That his gentlewomen which were nigh at hand , might by his appointment bee sent to his castle , there to haue some conuenient lodging where they might alight and bestow themselues a part from others , according to the homely fashion of their nation ; least peraduenture the presence of so honourable a companie of noble men and gallants , might put them out of countenance : which the captaine graunted , and hauing saluted them a far off after the Turkish manner , commaunded them to be conueyed to his castle , making reckoning of them all as of a rich prey . At the same time that these disguised souldiours arriued at the castle , came thither also the other souldiours couered in packes in the cariages : which so soone as they were within the castle , suddenly leapt out of the packs , and drawing their short swords , with the helpe of their disguised fellowes slew the warders of the castle , and without more adoe possessed the same : the greatest part of the captaines people being before gon out of the castle to the place of the mariage . Othoman hauing taried so long with the captaine , as hee supposed the castle by that time by his men surprised ; so soone as the captaine had taken his chamber , suddenly tooke horse , with all his followers , accompanied also with Cossi , taking his way directly to the castle of BILEZVGA : of whose sudden departure , the captaine vnderstanding , presently tooke horse and pursued him with all his traine , which were for the most part drunke ; and ouertaking him before he came to the castle , set vpon him : in which conflict , he was by Othoman slaine , and the rest put to flight . The same night Othoman vsing great celeritie , earely in the morning surprised the castle of IARCHISAR also , where he tooke prisoners the captaine thereof , with his faire daughter Lulufer , ( which should haue beene maried to the captaine of BILEZVGA the next day ) with all her friends , as they were readie to haue gone to the mariage : which faire ladie he shortly after married vnto his eldest sonne Orchanes ; who had by her Amurath , third king of the Turkes , and Solyman Bassa . Othoman omitting no opportunitie , presently sent one of his captaines called Durgut-Apes , a man of great esteeme and valour , to besiege the castle of EINEGIOL : wherein he vsed such celeritie , that preuenting the same of that was done at BILEZVGA , he suddenly inuironed the castle , in such sort that none could passe in or out ; vntill such time , as that Othoman hauing broght his prisoners and prey to the castle of BELIZVGA , and there hauing set all things in good order , came with the rest of his men of war to EINEGIOL ; which he presently by force tooke , promising the spoile thereof vnto his souldiours . The captaine called Hagio-Nicholaus his antient enemie , he caused to be cut in small peeces , and all the men to be slaine : which crueltie he vsed , because they a little before had vsed the like tyrannie against his Turks . When Othoman had thus got into his subjection a great part of the strong castles and forces of the greater PHRIGIA , with the territorie to them belonging , he began with all carefulnesse to make good lawes , and to execute justice to all his subjects , as well Christians as Turkes : with great indifferencie studying by all meanes to keepe his countrey in peace and quietnesse , and to protect his subjects from the spoile of others , as well Christians as Turkes : whereby it came to passe , that the old inhabitants which for the most part had forsaken the country , by reason of the great troubles therein , repaired now againe to their antient dwellings ; and not onely they but many other strangers also , supplying the places of them whom the late warres had consumed : So that by his good gouernment , that wasted countrey in short time grew to be againe ver●● populous . The ciuile gouernment of his countrey well established , hee besieged the citie of ISNICA , in antient time called NICE , a citie of BITHINIA , famous for the generall Counsell there holden against Artus in the time of Constantine the Great . This citie hee brought into great distresse , by placing his men of war in forts new built vpon euerie passage and way leading vnto the same , so that nothing could be brought out of the countrey for the reliefe of the poore citizens . They in this extremitie , by a secret messenger certified the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE ( vnder whose obedience they were ) in what distresse the citie stood ; and that except he sent them present reliefe , they must of necessitie either perish with famine , or yeeld themselues into the hands of their enemies the Turks . The emperour mooued with the pittifull complain● of this messenger , with all expedition embarked certaine companies of souldiours from CONSTANTINOPLE to relieue his besieged citie . But Othoman vnderstanding by his espials where these souldiours were appointed to land , in secret manner withdrawing most of his forces from the siege , lay in ambush neere vnto the same place where the emperours souldiours ( casting no perill ) landed : who before they could put themselues in order of battell , were by Othoman and his Turks , in such sort charged , that most part of them were there slaine , and the rest driuen into the sea , where they miserably perished . Othoman hauing thus politikely ouerthrowne the Constantinopolitan souldiours , returning to his siege , continued the same in straighter manner than before . The besieged citizens driuen into great p●nurie , and now despairing of all helpe , yeelded themselues with the great and rich citie of NICE into the hands of Othoman , with the spoile whereof he greatly enriched his men of war. Aladin the great Sultan of ICONIVM , glad to heare of this good successe of Othoman against the Christians , in token of his fauour and loue , sent vnto him a faire ensigne , with certaine drums , and trumpets , a sword , and princely robe , with large charters , That whatsoeuer he tooke from the Christians should be all his owne ; and also that publike praiers should be said in all the Turks temples , in the name of Othoman , for his health and prosperous estate : which two things properly belonged to the dignitie of the Sultan . These extraordinarie fauours gaue occasion for many to thinke , That Sultan Aladin ( hauing no children ) intended to make Othoman his adoptiue sonne and successor in his kingdome . The presents and charters sent him , Othoman humbly accepted , sending vnto Aladin the fift part of the spoile of NICE , taken from the Christians ; but the princely honors due vnto the Sultan onely , he vsed not during the life of Aladin : intending not long after to haue gone himselfe in person to visit the Sultan , and so to haue grown into his further fauour . But hauing prepared all things for so honourable a journey , at what time as he was about to set forward , he was certainely informed of the death of Aladin ▪ and that Sahib ( one of his great counsellors ) had taken vpon him the dignitie of the Sultan ( as is before declared : ) which newes much discontented the aspiring mind of this Oguzian Turke , in good hope to haue succeeded him in the kingdome , or at least wise to haue shared the greatest part thereof vnto himselfe , whereof he was now altogether disappointed . Yet immediatly after the death of Aladin , he thought it now fit time to take vpon him the princely honours before graunted vnto him by the Sultan in his life time , which he for modestie sake had forborne , Aladin yet liuing : wherefore he made one Dursu surnamed Fakiche ( that is to say , a man learned in the Turkish law ) bishop and judge of CARA-CHISAR , commaunding the publicke prayers which were wont to be made for the health and prosperous raigne of the great Sultan , to be now made in his owne name ; which was first openly done by the said bishop in the pulpit of CARA-CHISAR . At the same time he began also to coine money in his owne name , and to take vpon him all other honours belonging vnto a Sultan or king : which was about ten yeares after the death of his father Ertogr●l , and in the yeare of our Lord 1300 , vnto which time the beginning of the great empire of the Turkes is vnder the fortune of this Othoman , to be of right referred , as then by him thus begun . When Othoman had thus taken vpon him the majestie of a king , he made his sonne Orchanes prince and gouernour of CARA-CHISAR ; promoting his principall followers , to be gouernours of other strong castles and forts , diuers of which places retaine the name of those captains at this day . He himselfe made choice of the cittie NEAPOLIS , about twentie miles from NICE , to seat his regall pallace in , where also diuers of his nobilitie built them houses , and changed the name of the citie , calling it DESPOTOPOLIS , as who should say , The citie of the lord or prince . For all this , Othoman ceased not to deuise by all meanes hee could , to augment his kingdome : and for that cause being accompanied with his sonne Orchanes , made many rodes into the countries adjoyning vpon him , surprizing such places as might best serue his purpose , for the enlargement of his kingdome , all which in particular to rehearse were tedious . The Christian princes , rulers of the countries bordering vpon this new kingdome , fearing lest the greatnesse of Othoman might in short time be their vtter confusion , agreed to joyne all their forces together , and so to commit to the fortune of one great battell their owne estates with his . According to which resolution , the Christian confederat princes , which were for the most part of MYSIA and BYTHINIA , leuying the greatest forces they were able to make , with fire and sword inuaded Othomans kingdome . Who hauing knowledge beforehand of this great preparation made against him , had in a readinesse all his captaines and men of war : and hearing that his enemies had entred his dominion , in warlike manner marched directly towards them ; and meeting with them in the confines of PHRIGIA and BYTHINIA , fought with them a great and mortall battaile , wherein many were slaine on both sides , as well Turks as Christians : and after a long fight , obtained of them a right bloodie victorie . In this battaile Casteleanus , one of the greatest Christian captaines was slaine : another called Tekensis of the country which he gouerned in PHRIGIA , chased by Othoman vnto the castle of VLUBAD , not far distant from the place where the battaile was fought , was for feare deliuered vnto him by the captaine of the same castle , and was afterward by Othomans commaundement most cruelly cut in pieces , within the view of his cheefe castle : which Othoman afterward subdued , with all the countrey thereabouts . The other Christian princes and captaines saued themselues by flying into stronger holds farther off . The prince of BYTHINIA , the cheefe author of this war , fled into the strong cittie of PRUSA , which the Turks now call BURUSA , whether Othoman not long after led his armie , in good hope to haue woon the same : but finding it not possible to be taken by force , began presently at one time to build two great and strong castles vpon the cheefe passages leading to the citie , which castles he with great industrie finished in one yeare : and in the one placed as captaine Actemeur his nephew , in the other one Balabanzuck , both men of great courage , and skilfull in feats of war : & in this sort hauing blocked vp the citie of PRUSA , so that little or nothing could without great danger be brought into it , he subdued the most part of BYTHINIA ; and so returned home , leauing the two castles well manned with strong garrisons , vnder the charge of the captaines beforenamed . Othoman returning home to NEAPOLIS , honorably rewarded his souldiors , according to their deserts , establishing such a quiet and pleasing gouernment in his kingdome , that people in great number resorted from far into his dominions , there to seat themselues : whereby his kingdome became in few yeares exceeding populous , and he for his politicke gouernment most famous . And so liuing in great quietnesse certaine yeares , being now become aged and much troubled with the gout ; his old souldiors accustomed to liue by the wars , abhorring peace , came vnto him , requesting him as it were with one voice , to take some honourable war in hand for the inlarging of his kingdome , with great chearfulnesse offring to spend their liues in his seruice rather than to grow old in idlenesse : which forwardnesse of his men of war greatly pleased him , and so giuing them thanks , for that time dismissed them , promising that he would not be long vnmindfull of their request . But yet thinking it good to make all things safe at home before hee tooke any great wars in hand abroad , thought it expedient to call vnto him Michael Cossi , the onely Christian captaine whom for his great deserts he had at all times suffered to liue in quiet with his possessions , as it were in the heart of his kingdome ; and by faire means ( if it might be ) to persuade him to forsake the Christian religion and to become a follower of Mahomets , so to take away all occasion of mistrust : which if he should refuse to doe , then forgetting all former friendship , ●o make war vpon him as his vtter enemie . Whereupon Cossi was sent for , being persuaded by the messenger , that Othoman had sent for him because he had occasion to vse his woonted faithfull counsell and seruice in a great exploit which he had intended , as he had oftentimes before . Cos●i thinking of nothing lesse than of that which ensued , came accompanied with such souldiours as he thought to vse in that seruice : But comming vnto Othoman , and vnderstanding the very cause why he was sent for , and seeing danger imminent on euery side , kissing Othomans hand , after the manner of the Turks , requested him in courteous manner to enter him in the principles of the Mahometane religion , which he promised euer after to imbrace : And so saying certaine words after Othoman , he turned Turke , to the great displeasure of God , and the contentment of Ot●●man and his nobilitie . For which his reuolting , Othoman presently gaue him an ensigne and a rich robe , tokens whereby the Mahometane Sultans assure their vassales of their fauour and the vndoubted possession of such land and liuing as they then hold . Oftentimes after this , Othoman for the contenting of his souldiors inuaded the countries bordering vpon him , tooke many strong castles and forts , subdued the most part of PHRIGIA , M●SIA , and BYTHINIA , and other great regions , vnto the Euxine sea : and being now very aged , and diseased as is aforesaid with the gout , and thereby vnable to goe into the field in person himselfe , oftentimes sent his sonne Orchanes against his enemies ; who to the imitation of his father atchieued many great enterprises , Othoman his father yet liuing . Now happily might the considerat reader ( and not without just cause ) meruaile , what dead sleepe had ouerwhelmed the Greeke emperours of those times ; first Michaell Paleologus , and afterward his sonne Andronicus , both men of great valour , and still resiant at CONSTANTINOP●E , thus to suffer the Turkes ( not Othoman , for he as yet bare no sway , but others the sharers of Sultan Aladins kingdome ) to take their cities , spoile their countries , kill their subjects , and dayly to incroach vpon them in the lesser ASIA , and especially in BYTHINIA , so neere vnto them , and as it were euen vnder their noses : But let him , with me , here as in a most conuenient place but breath a little , and consider the troubled estate of that declining empire , now hasting to an end ; and he shall plainely see the causes of the decay thereof , and how like an old diseased bodie quite ouerthrowne and sicke to death , it became at length a prey vnto the aspiring Turks . Michaell Paleologus hauing by great trecherie obtained the Greeke empire , and by rare fortune recouered also the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE from Baldwin the emperour ( as is in the former part of this Historie declared , ) fearing the power of the princes of the West , but especially of Charles king of SICILIA , then a prince of great fame and power , whom he knew Baldwin ( the late emperour ) ceased not to sollicite for the restitution of him againe into his empire , and to haue also joyned with him a neere bond of affinitie , by marrying his daughter vnto Charles his sonne : to auert this danger , and to intangle Charles with troubles neere home , he by his embassadours offered vnto Gregorie the tenth , then bishop of ROME , to vnite and conforme the Greeke church vnto the Latine , and to acknowledge the bishops supremacie , in such sort , as that it should be lawfull for any man to appeale vnto the court of ROME , as vnto the higher and more excellent court : of which his offer the Pope gladly accepted , promising to performe what he had before requested , for the keeping of Charles otherwise busied . But when it came to the point , that this reformation and alteration of religion in the Greeke church should be made , Ioseph the Patriarch , to begin withall , gaue vp his place , and shortly after forsaking the citie , retired himselfe into a monasterie neer vnto the strait of Bosphorus , where he at quiet deuoutly spent the remainder of his life . The rest of the cleargie also discontented with this innouation , in their sermons openly inuaighed against it , persuading the people not to receiue it , crying out , That now was come the time of their triall , the time of their martirdome , and the time wherein they were to receiue the glorious crowne of their painefull suffrings : insomuch , that great tumults were therupon raised , and all the citie and the countrey in an vprore : for it was not the cleargie onely , and the vulgar people by them mooued , which disliked and abhorred these the emperours proceedings , and made these stirs , but many of the better sort , yea of the cheefe magistrates themselues also . So that Michaell Paleologus the emperour leauing all other forraine businesse , was inforced to conuert all his power and studie vnto the appeasing of these domesticall troubles , as deeming them of greater danger than his wars abroad . And first to persuade his discontented subjects , he told them , That this alteration was made , not for any good liking he had therunto , but in respect of the dangerousnesse of the time : and that it was a point of wisedome , to foresee dangers hanging ouer our heads , and not to delay , if any thing were to be altered , for the auetting thereof : for if the enemies as he said should come , the citie yet in many places rent , or but lately repaired , and as it were but newly raised from death to life ; the present mischiefes would be far greater than those forepassed , and that then their enemies would become lords , not of their religion and ceremonies onely , but of all at once , their wiues , their children , and whatsoeuer else they had : where their liberty changed into bondage , they should be constrained to conforme themselues not with their bodily seruice onely , but euen with their minds also , vnto the wils of the Latines their enemies . And that so it would come to passe , that no man should bee able to keepe the old customes and manners of his ancestors , but should see euen their most sacred rites and ceremonies changed and quite ouerthrowne : Which he carefully foreseeing , had not ( as he said ) refused to yeeld vnto necessitie , and as wisdome would , neglected a little harme in respect of a greater benefit ; and in the lesse , to haue yeelded vnto his enemies , to enjoy the benefit of the greater . With which the emperours persuasion , some were mooued , and so held themselues contented : and some others not ; against whom he was enforced to vse other more seuere remedies , as against his rebellious subjects : of whom , some he imprisoned , some he banished , some he tortured , some he dismembred , some he depriued of their sight , or confiscated their goods , vsing ( in breefe ) all the meanes whereby the minds of the resolute or the weake were to be mooued . All which things , they whose zeale was grounded vpon knowledge ( in number the fewest ) with patience endured : but the greater part void of judgement , and the refuce of the people in simple attire , ran roguing abroad , some into PELOPONESUS , some into THESSALIA , some into ACHAIA , and some as far as COLCHOS , as men persecuted for their conscience , not regarding greatly whether , so it were out of the emperours jurisdiction , and something fitting their owne humors ; neither conforming themselues vnto the religion then commonly by the emperour established , neither yet agreeing among themselues , but taking vnto them diuers names , some as the disciples of Arsenius , some of Ioseph , and some of others ; some of them , themselues deceiued , and deceiuing others also . Thus for the auoiding of forraine danger out of the West , was the empire at home no little indangered , and the state thereof shaken . Wherewith the emperour was so encombred , as that he had no leisure to prouide for the tempest arising by the Turks out of the East , but was inforced wholly to imploy himselfe and all his indeuours vnto the keeping of his people & subjects in their due obedience at home . All whose deepe deuises , first in aspiring vnto the empire , ( no way vnto him due ) and great trauels afterwards for the assuring of the same vnto himselfe and his posteritie , against all right , euen with the alteration of the religion of his fathers , yeelded him in the winding vp of all , not so much as the credit of an honourable sepulture . But dying in these troubles not far from LISIMACHIA , as he was making preparation against the prince of THESSALIE , was there by his sonne Andronicus his commaundement ( for whose aduancement he had strained both his faith and honour ) obscurely buried in the field , a good way from his campe ; as vnworthie of a better sepulture , for reuolting from the antient religion of his ancestors , although his obsequies were for fashion sake afterwards with some solemnitie celebrated . This was the end of the great emperour Michaell Paleologus , in whose time the Turks , the successors of Aladin , greatly incroched vpon him in the lesser ASIA , as is in part before declared : a man greatly adorned with the good gifts both of the bodie and the mind , had he not for the aduancement of himselfe and his posteritie , stained the same with foule trecherie and apostasie : for which ( as some say ) he euer after liued in conscience troubled , and dying , was euen by his owne sonne not thought worthie of an honourable funerall . A notable example vnto all such as with greedinesse seeke after vaine glorie , and foolishly expose themselues vnto such aduentures ; as oftentimes ouerwhelme their deepest deuises , hauing in themselues no certainetie : preferring their inordinat desires ( either for themselues or their posteritie ) before that which is good and vertuous : Twice wretched in so doing : first in their folly , and then in their indeuours . Who beside that they find God himselfe against their designes and purposes , they by and by also euidently meet with other things than what they had forecasted , contrarie vnto them ; and so themselues oftentimes , contrarie to their expectation , cast headlong into extreame miserie : for loe , euen he of whom we now speake , otherwise a man of great wisdome , and happie in his doings , ouercome with his affection towards his children , in desiring to leaue vnto them the empire , when as he ought to haue cast all the care both of himselfe and of them , especially vpon the prouidence of God ; he like a blind man following his own deepe conceits , not grounded vpon the fear of God but mans wisdome only , cast himselfe before he was aware into miserable troubles , and became odious euen vnto his subiects , & them also for whom he had so forgot himselfe . For wheras God had euen from his childhood alotted vnto him the empire ( as was by many euident signes & tokens to haue bin gathered ) if he could haue moderated his vntimely desires , kept his tongue from periurie , and his hands from blood , and not turned out of the way after strange doctrine ; he had by many degrees excelled euen the best emperours his predecessors : whereas now he lieth obscurely buried , shrouded in the sheet of defame , the report of his foule & faithlesse dealings far exceeding all his other worthy vertues . Andronicus Paleologus succeeding his father in the empire , and thinking by restoring again the gouernment of the church , together with the rites and customes of the Greeks , to haue appeased all such troubles as were before by his father raised , by bringing in those of the Latines , found himselfe therein much deceiued , and his troubles no lesse than his fathers : they which had before receiued the Latine customes , and well liking of them , with great obstinacie defending the same : and the other of the contrarie faction now countenanced by the emperor , without modestie or measure insulting vpon them : whereof arose exceeding great stirs and troubles , especially in the beginning of his raigne : to the great benefit of the encroaching Turks , who in the meane time ceased not by all meanes to increase their territories in ASIA ; and not onely there , but in the islands of the Mediterranean sea also . For Andronicus , by the death of Charles king of SICILIE ; deliuered of the greatest feare , for which both he and his father before him had to their great cost and charge both built and maintained a strong fleet of gallies ; now persuaded by some , whose actions and speeches were after the manner of the court , all framed vnto the princes appetite , ( as the readiest way to th●iue , without respect of the cōmon good ) to spare that needlesse charge ( as they tearmed it ) which yearely cost him more than any other thing else : had discharged all his mariners and sea men , and commanded all the gallies to be laied vp , some in one creeke , some in another ; where neglected & not looked vnto , they in time for most part rotted and perished . As for the mariners they went some one way ; some another , as their fortunes lead them , to seeke for their liuings in forreine countries , euen with the emperours enemies ; and some gaue themselues to husbandrie , thinking it better by doing something to liue , than by sitting still to perish : which good husbandrie at the first seemed to be verie profitable vnto the emperour , but especially vnto such as being neere vnto him , and couetously giuen , made small reckoning of all other the most necessarie defences of the empire , in comparison of hoording vp of money , vntill that it was afterwards too late by experience found hereof to haue sprung many great mischiefes , vnto the great weakning of the Greeke empire . For besides that the Turkes without lette , did great harme on the sea ; the pirates now out of feare of the emperours gallies , at their pleasure tooke the spoile of the rich Islands in the Mediteranian , and robbed the townes all along the sea coast , to the vnspeakable griefe of the poore countrie people . And yet not so contented , came with their gallies sometime two , sometime three , and sometime moe , as it were in contempt , euen close vnto the imperiall citie . Yea the Venetians were so bold as vpon a right small displeasure to rifle and afterward to set fire vpon the suburbes thereof , which they would hardly haue aduentured , had the emperours fleet bene preserued and maintained in the woonted strength . At the same time also , Andronicus the emperour ( to the great hinderance of the affaires of the empire , and aduantage of the forreine enemie ) was not a little troubled with a jealous suspition of his brother Constantine ( commonly called Porphyrogenitus ) as if he had sought to haue aspired vnto the empire ; seeking by all meanes to win vnto himselfe the loue and fauour of all men , but especially of the nobilitie both at home and abroad , and so by that meanes to mount vnto the height of his desires : All which ( as most men thought ) were but meere slanders , maliciously deuised by such as enuying at his honour , and taking occasion by the emperours suspition , ceased not to increase the same , vntill they had wrought his vnwoorthie destruction . The first ground of this false suspition in the emperours head , was for that this Constantine was euen from his childhood , for many causes , better beloued of the old emperour his father than Andronicus , as better furnished with those gifts of nature which beautifie a prince , and of a more courteous behauior than was his brother : insomuch , that had he not been the yoonger brother , his father could willingly haue left him his successour in the empire . This was one and the cheefest cause of the emperours grudge , and the ground of his suspition . Yet was there another also , and that not much lesse than this : for that his father in his life time had of long thought to haue seperated from the empire a great part of THESSALIA and MACEDONIA , and to haue made him absolute prince thereof ; and had happely so done , had hee not beene by death preuented : which thing also much grieued Andronicus , and the more incensed him against his brother . Which his secret hatred he for all that according to his wisdome , cunningly dissembled , not only during the time that his father liued , but three yeares after his death also , making shew of the greatest loue and kindnesse towards him , that was possible . Constantine in the meane time , of such great reuenues as were by his father assigned vnto him , reaping great profit , most bountifully bestowed the same vpon his followers and fauorits , and others that made sute vnto him , as well the meaner sort as the greater , and with his sweet behauior woon vnto him the hearts of all men : for affabilitie & courtesie in high degree easily allureth mens minds , as doe faire flowers in the spring the passengers eyes . This was that precept of the wise Indians , That the higher a prince was in dignitie , and the more courteous he shewed himselfe vnto his inferiours , the better he should be of them beloued . He therefore that should for the two first causes blame Constantine , should doe him wrong ; as both proceeding not of himselfe , but of his fathers too much loue : but in the third hee was not altogether blamelesse ; for if for want of experience hee prodigally gaue such gifts , as for the most part might haue bes●emed the emperour himselfe , he ignorantly erred , yet did he no little offend : but if he knew , that for his too profuse bountie he could not be vnsuspected of his brother , and yet without regard held on that course , hee was greatly to bee blamed therein . For if nothing els might haue mooued him , yet he should haue considered , to what end the like doings of others in former times had sorted , and how many it had brought to vntimely end . So although perhaps that Constantine meant no harme vnto his brother , or any way to supplant him , yet did these things not a little increase and agrauate the former suspitio●s , and open the eares of the emperour his brother vnto such calumniation as commonly attendeth vpon immoderat bountie . But to returne vnto our purpose . This honourable Constantine then liued in LYDIA , but lately maried , and in good hope long to liue , being not past thirtie years old : but pleasantly spending the time with his wife at NYMPHEA in LYDIA , at such time as he was thus secretly accused vnto his brother , the emperour thought it good , as vpon other occasions of businesse , to passe ouer into ASIA himselfe ; but indeed with a secret resolution , vpon the suddaine to oppresse his brother vnawares , as by proofe it fell out . For at his comming ouer , Constantine fearing nothing lesse , was forthwith apprehended , with all his greatest fauorits , of whom one Michaell Strategopulus ( sometime a man in great authoritie with the emperour his father , and of all other for wealth , honour , and noble acts most famous ) was cheefe : who together with Constantine were fast clapt in prison , where we will leaue them euery houre looking to die , their lands and goods being before confiscated . But these woorthie men , especially Constantine and Strategopulus , thus laid fast ; who many times in great battailes discomfited the Turks , and notably defended the frontiers of the empire alongst the East side of the riuer MEANDER ; they now finding none to withstand them , forraged not only all the rich countrey beyond the riuer , but with an infinit multitude passing the same , did there great harme also : so that there was no remedie , but that the emperour must of necessitie make choice of some other woorthie captaine for the defence of those his cities and countries , by the incursion of the Turks then in danger in that part of ASIA . There was then in the emperours court one Alexius Philanthropenus , a right valiant and renowned captaine , and then in the flower of his youth ; of him the emperour thought good to make choice for the defence of those frontiers of his empire in ASIA ( against the Turks ) which were before the charge of his brother Constantine and Strategopulus ; joyning vnto him one Libadarius , an old famous captaine , and a man of great experience also : appointing vnto him the gouernment of the cities of IONIA ; and vnto the other , the frontiers along the winding bankes of MEANDER . Where Alexius hauing now gotten a charge woorthie his valour , and in many great conflicts with the Turks still carying away the victorie , became in short time of great fame : besides that , he was exceeding bountifull and courteous vnto all men ; a costly , but a readie way vnto dangerous credit and renowne . Thus at the first all things prospered in his hand according to his hearts desire : yea the Turks themselues , bordering vpon him , hardly beset on the one side by the Tartars , and on the other by himselfe ; and yet not so much feared with their enemies behind them , as mooued with his courtesie , came ouer vnto him with their wiues and children , and serued themselues ( many of them ) in his campe : but as they say , That in Iupiters court no man might drinke of the tun of blisse , but that he must tast also of the tun of woe : so fell it out with this great captaine ; who hauing but tasted of the better tun , had the worse all poured full vpon his head . For Libadarius seeing all so prosper with him , and somewhat enuying thereat , began to feare and suspect , least he proud of his good fortune , and now growne very strong , casting off his allegeance should aspire vnto the empire , and so first begin with him , as the neerest vnto him : which thing many of the nobilitie secretly surmised also , but how truly many doubt . But this enuious plot was not yet ripe , but lay as fire raked vp in the ashes . Now there was with Alexius Philanthropenus , certaine companies of Cretensians , whom for their good seruice and fidelitie he both honoured and trusted aboue others , vsing them all for the guard of his owne person . These men proud of their credit , hearing of the surmised aspiring of their Generall , and in hope by his aduancement to raise their owne fortunes also , ceased not continually to suggest vnto him high conceits of himselfe , and to persuade him with all speed to take the matter vpon him ; the verie conceit whereof ( as they said ) would bee vnto him no lesse danger , than if hee should enter into the action it selfe , as he might well see by the wofull examples of the noble Constantine and Strategopulus , both in extreame perill , but for the jealous conceit surmised against them . Which quicke suggestions wrought in his great mind diuers , and those most contrary motions ; so that he scarce knew himselfe what he would or would not . For they which are vnto themselues in conscience guiltie of any greeuous crime , if any mischeefe hang ouer their heads therefore , it happeneth vnto them , as foreknowing and expecting the same euen from the time that they offended : vnto whom , if nothing els , yet that same very foreknowledge easeth not a little the greefe and miserie : whereas contrariwise , they which are with suddaine mischeefes and vnlooked for , ouerwhelmed , not knowing any just cause why , must needs stand as men dismaied , and almost beside themselues . But at length after diuers great conflicts with himselfe , the euill persuaders of rebellion , preuailed with him . Yet did hee at the first forbid any mention to bee made of him in the armie as emperour , which caused the Cretensians , the cheefe authors of his rebellion , almost to force him forthwith to take vpon him the imperiall ornaments , thereby to confirme the minds of his followers and fauourits : for that such resolutions were ( as they said ) to be forthwith put into execution ; neyther that any thing required so joint celeritie and dexteritie both of the mind and the hand ; and for that longer delay would but fill his souldiors heads with doubts , and discourage them with the feare of the vncertainetie of the euent : all which for all that moued him not so to doe ; but whether for feare of the greatnesse of the danger , or for that he secretly thought how first to circumuent Libadarius , of whom he stood most in doubt , is vncertaine . The report of all which his doings and designes were in short time caried first vnto Libadarius , as the neerest , and so in post vnto the emperour : who were therewith not a little both disquieted . And had Alexius ( as some persuaded him ) at the first set vpon Libadarius , then vnprouided , no doubt but hee had done much : but God by whom all princes raigne , and whose power confoundeth the deuises of the prowd , turned him from Libadarius , by whom he was to be oppressed , to follow after Theodorus the emperours brother , of whom hee was to haue feared no harme . This Theodorus , the first man that Alexius shot at , warned by his brother Constantine his harmes , then liued a pleasant priuat life in LYDIA , far from the ambition of the court , and therefore so much the more beloued of the emperour : but Alexius fearing least in that hurle many should resort vnto him , as vnto the emperours brother , and so hinder his proceedings ; thought best first to make him sure , and afterward to oppresse Libadarius , not aware , that in stead of the bodie he followed but after the shaddow . But Libadarius , as a man of great experience , taking the benefit of this his ouersight , and knowing money to be the sinewes of warre , gathered together all the coine hee possibly could , both of his owne and his friends , sending also for the emperours treasures to PHILADELPHIA ; and with all speed raised the greatest power he possibly could out of IONIA , which he furnished with all things necessarie , promising vnto his souldiors great matters , and filling them with greater hopes , and that within ten daies he would with a great armie meet the rebell in the heart of LYDIA , and there dare him battell . But withall considering , that the Cretensians , men but of a mercenarie faith , had alwaies the guard of Alexius his person , he thought good to make proofe if they might with gold be woon to betray him : and so well wrought the matter by great summes of money presently giuen , and promises of greater preferments with the emperour , that they ( somwhat before discontented with Alexius his slackenesse , and now doubting also his successe ) yeelded vnto his desire , promising in the beginning of the battell to deliuer him into his hands ; which they shortly after in the very joyning of the battell , accordingly performed , deliuering him fast bound vnto Libadarius his enemie . Who not a little proud thereof , vsed him with great insolencie , and within three daies after put out his eyes , for feare the emperour according to his courteous nature should haue giuen him his pardon ; and so kept him in prison vntill the emperours pleasure were farther knowne . Thus through false suspect and ambition were the greatest champions of the Greeke empire brought to confusion . Now after this rebellion of Philanthropenus , Andronicus became so jealous of his owne people , as that he wist not whom to trust , reposing greater cōfidence in strangers than in his own subjects , to the great hurt of his estate . At the same time it fortuned that the Massagets ( commonly called Alani ) which then dwelt beyond ISTER , being Christians , but oppressed by the Europian Tartars , wearie of their slauery , sent secretly vnto the Greeke emperor Andronicus ; offering that if he would assigne vnto them a conuenient place for them to dwell in , they would come ouer vnto him with ten thousand of their families , and faithfully serue him in his warres against the Turkes ( who then grieuously wasted his countries in ASIA , destitute of good captaines and commaunders ) which their offer he gladly accepted , as standing then in need of aid and not greatly trusting his owne people . But when these Massagets in number aboue ten thousand , comming ouer with their wiues and children , were to be furnished with all things , and especially the men with horses , armour , and pay , all which the emperour could not of himselfe do ; the subjects were therewith hardly charged , and commission sent out into euerie countrey and prouince for the taking vp of horses and armour : euerie citie , euerie countrey towne and village , euerie gentlemans house and poore mans cottage was searched and ransacked , and all things taken from them that was there found fit for seruice , to their great discontentment : euery man murmuring and grudging to haue his armes taken from him , and giuen to strangers . But when they were also to be contributors vnto their pay , they then openly cursed and banned them , euen vnto their faces . Yet at length ( though with much adoe ) these strangers well furnished with all things necessarie , were with some other forces also shipped ouer into ASIA , vnder the leading of Michael Paleologus the emperours eldest sonne , and then his companion in the empire . Who marching alongst the countrey , came and encamped about MAGNESIA : where the Turks at the first , after their woonted manner , retired themselues into the high mountaines and thick woods , that from thence they might more safely learne what strength their new come enemies were of , and what discipline of war they kept : for they knew that vpon the comming of great armies , many false reports did run , and that things were made far greater than indeed they were ; as did of these also , as of a people inuincible : and therefore they thought it best so to protract the time , vntill they might see in what sort best to deale with them . But so houering ouer their heads , and perciuing them oftentimes without order to roame abroad into the countrey seeking after prey , ( for why , they after the manner of mercenarie men spoiled their friends no lesse than if they had beene their enemies ) they came downe in good order from the mountaines , from whence at the first they aduentured but a little : but afterward they came on further and with greater confidence , in such sort , as that it seemed they would ●are long assault the yoong emperour in his campe . Wherewith he with the rest discouraged , without any stroke giuen , retired ; the Turks still folowing him at the heeles . For neither he , neither the rest , any thing considered the small number of their enemies : but as drunken men whose heads filled with grosse vapours , are deceiued in the greatnesse of the object that they see , and oftentimes thinke one thing to be two ; so were they also in like manner with their owne feare blinded . Beside that , most commonly it falleth out , that the armie which insolencie and iniurie forerunneth , is appointed to destruction , and by the fearfulnesse of it selfe ouerthrowne before the enemie set vpon it , they themselues becomming enemies vnto themselues ; and God his iust vengeance appointing vnto them such an end as their deeds haue deserued : neither was it like that they should do any great good , that at their first setting foorth , in steed of prouision carried out with them the bitter curses and execrations of their friends . Michael the emperour seeing the Massagets flie , and not daring with those few he had left , to oppose himselfe against his enemies , retired himselfe into the strong castle of MAGNESIA , there to expect what would become of these mischiefes . But the Massagets spoiling the countries of the poore Christians as they went , marched directly vnto the strait of HELESPONTVS , and there againe passed ouer into EVROPE , as if they had beene therefore onely sent for ouer the riuer ISTER , to shew the Turkes the sooner the way vnto the sea in ASIA . For it was not many daies after , but that Michael the emperour being returned to CONSTANTINOPLE , the Turks comming downe with a great power , subdued all the countries , euen vnto the coast of LESBOS , to the great weakning of the Greeke empire . It was not long after , these great sturs made by the Massagets , but that one Ronzerius ( some time a notable pirate , but as then a most famous captaine ) hearing of the great intertainment that the Greeke emperor gaue vnto strangers ; by messengers sent for that purpose , offered vnto him his seruice in his wars against the Turks , as had before the Massagets . This Ronzerius of whom we speake , had out of CATALONIA a prouince of SPAINE , and out of that part of FRANCE which is called NARBONENSIS , and some other places also , gathered together a great number of base needie naked men , yet lustie able bodies and fit for seruice either by sea or land ; with whom he manned foure tall gallies , and so as a notable pirate long time robbed , not onely the marchants trading too and fro in the Mediteranean , but landing his men oftentimes in the rich islands , carried away thence much rich spoile also ; vntill at length by the mischiefe he did being become famous , and great wars then arising betwixt Charles king of NAPLES and Theodorus king of SICILIA , he was by Theodorus sent for and requested of aid : which hee ( liuing of the spoile ) easily graunted , and so came vnto him with a thousand horse , and as many foot , all old expert souldiours , whose good seruice stood the king in those wars in great steed . But as the end of war is peace , so at length vpon the euill successe of Charles , a peace being concluded betwixt the two kings , and confirmed by a mariage betwixt their children , Ronzerius liuing altogether by his fortunes was to seeke for new intertainment , both for himselfe and his men , as hauing neither house nor certaine dwelling place to repaire vnto ; but being as needie men met together , some out of one place , some out of another , in hope of bootie as their fortune led them . In which case Ronzerius their generall thought it best to offer his seruice vnto the Greeke emperour in his warres against the Turkes , whereof hee gladly accepted , and so sent for him : vnto whom hee shortly after came with two thousand good souldiours , called ( after the proud Spanish manner ) by the name of CATALONIANS , for that they were for the most part Spaniards of the countrey of CATALONIA . Of whose comming the emperour rejoycing more than hee had cause ( as afterward by proofe it fell out ) in token of his greater fauour , honoured him with the name of the Great Captaine ; and afterwards gaue him his neece Marie in mariage . But within a while after , when as one Tensa , another Catalonian captaine sent for by Ronzerius , was come thither also with more aid ; the emperour to gratifie them both , gaue vnto Ronzerius the name of Caesar , and vnto the other the name of the Great Captaine . But when these new come captaines with their followers , were to be transported into ASIA , it is not to be spoken what harme they did by the way vnto the countrey people , and in the villages alongst the sea coast ; abusing the men and women as their slaues , and spending their substance at their pleasure , for which they had many a bitter curse : and this was their first yeares entertainment . The next Spring they set forward to relieue the great citie of PHILADELPHIA , being as then long besieged by the Turks , and hardly bestead without with the enemie ; and within , with extreame penurie and famine : which good seruice , they most valiantly performed and raised the siege : For the Turks beholding the good order of these Latine souldiours , their bright armour , and couragious comming on , rise presently and departed , not onely from the citie , but quite out of the emperours territorie . Besides that , in this armie were joyned vnto these Catalonians great numbers of the best souldiours of the Greeks , and all the power of the Massagets : so that had not the emperour expresly before commaunded , not to pursue them too far , it was by many thought all those cities and countries might then againe haue beene in short time recouered from the Turks , which they had before taken from him . But in kingdomes appointed vnto ruine , faire occasions helpe not for the stay thereof : yea the greatest helpes prouided by the worldly wise , by a secret commaunding power aboue , being oftentimes conuerted to the destruction of that they were prouided for the safegard of ; as it now fell out with the emperour and these Spanish souldiours : for this seruice done , the Greekes returned home , as did the Massagets also . But these Catalonians with Ronzerius their generall , roaming vp and downe the emperours territories in ASIA , did there great harme , turning their forces ( as enemies ) vpon them whom they were sent for to relieue : alleadging that they had not their pay according to the emperours promise , and that therefore they must liue vpon them that had sent for them and deceiued them . So were the poore people in euerie place spoiled , their wiues and daughters rauished , their priests and aged fathers tortured to confesse such secret store as they had : all was subject vnto these dissolute souldiours rage and lust ; yea many of them that had nothing to redeeme themselues , vpon the greedie souldiours imagination , hauing their hands or feet , or some other part of their bodies cut off , lay by the high waies side begging an halfe penie or a peece of bread , hauing nothing left to comfort themselues with , more than their miserable voice and fountaines of teares : with which their wrongs and miseries , woorse than those they had sustained by the Turks , the emperour much grieued ; and well the more , for that they were done by him whom he had entertained to relieue them : but what remedie , his coffers were so bare as that he was not able to do any thing for the redresse thereof . Ronzerius hauing thus spoiled the emperours countrey in ASIA , and left nothing that pleased either him or his , with all his power passed ouer into EUROPE : and leauing all the rest of his armie at CALIPOLIS , with two hundred of his men went vnto the yoong emperour Michael ( then lying with a small power at ORESTIAS in THRACIA ) to demaund of him his pay , or if need were to extort it from him with threats : with whose insolencie at his comming , the emperour more offended than before , his souldiours there present perceiuing the same , with their drawn swords compassing him in , fast by the court , slew him , with certaine of his followers ; the rest in all hast fled to CALIPOLIS to certifie their fellowes what had happened . Thus by the death of Ronzerius , the yong emperor had thought to haue discouraged the Catalonians and abated their pride , as like ynough it was to haue done : yet in proofe it fell not out so , but was the cause of far greater euils . So when God prospereth not mens actions , the best falleth out vnto the worst , and their wisest deuices turne vnto meere follies : for the Catalonians at CALLIPOLIS hearing of the death of Ronserius their Generall , first slew all the citizens in the citie , and notably fortifying the same , tooke that as their refuge . Then deuiding their souldiors into two parts , with the one part of them manned out eight gallies , which vnder the leading of the Great captaine Tenza , robbed and spoiled all the marchants ships , passing the straits of HELLESPONTUS , to or from CONSTANTINOPLE : the other part left in the citie , in the meane time forraging the countrey all about them . But Tenza shortly after encountering with a fleet of the Genowaies , well prouided for him , was by them ouerthrowne , and most of his gallies sunke , and himselfe taken ; but yet afterwards redeemed by his fellowes , and so againe inlarged . Now the Catalonians at CALLIPOLIS somewhat discouraged with the losse of their fleet and so many of their men , for certaine daies kept themselues quiet within their wals , as not well knowing what course to take ; for they feared both the Massagets and Thracians ▪ them , for that they had vpon light causes abused them , and slaine diuers of them in the late Asian warre ; and these , for that they had but euen the other day burnt their houses and spoiled their labours in the countrey thereby : for which and other their outrages , they vtterly despaired of the emperours fauour whom they had so highly offended . But that which most of all terrified them , was , for that they looked euery day when Michael the yoong emperour , who as then lay not farre off , should with a great power come to assault them : for feare of whom they cast a deepe ditch about the citie , with a strong counterscarfe ; so preparing themselues , as if they should haue beene euen presently besieged . But the time so passing , and the emperour delaying his comming , they began to thinke of other matters : For being brought to that strait , that they could not well tell which way to turne them , but that they were on euery side beset with danger ; they vpon a malicious resolution , and vnto the Greekes most fatall , by messengers sent of purpose , craued aid of the Turkes that dwelt on the other side of the strait oueragainst them , in ASIA : who presently sent them fiue hundred good souldiors , after whom followed also many other fugitiues and loose companions , in hope of spoile : with whom the Catalonians for the present strengthened , and being themselues three thousand strong , issued out of the citie , and forraged the countrey thereabouts , bringing in with them great heards and flockes of sheepe and other cattell , together with their keepers : wherwith both the emperours and their subjects incensed , prepared themselues for reuenge . This was the first calling in of the Turks into EUROPE ( that I read of ) and the beginning of those endlesse miseries wherewith the Christian commonweale hath beene euer since most greeuously afflicted , and a great part thereof ouerwhelmed ; few or none greeuing thereat , but such as themselues feele the heauinesse thereof , whom God in his mercie comfort . The Catalonians and Turks now lying about CYPSELLA and APRI in THRACE , Michael the emperour with his Macedonian and Thracian souldiors , the Massagets and the Turcopuli , encamped at APRI . These Turcopuli were Turks , also in number about a thousand , who ( as is in the former part of this historie declared ) beeing fled with their Sultan Iathatines vnto the Greeke emperour , and left behind him at such time as he was by the Europian Tartars deliuered , had forsaken their Mahometane superstition , and so being become Christians , were enrolled amongst the Greeke souldiors . Shortly after the emperour ( aduertised by his scouts of the approch of his enemies ) commaunded euery man to be in a readinesse , and his captaines to put his armie in order of battell : who seeing the enemies battell deuided into three parts , put theirs also in like order , placing the Turcopuli & Massagets in the left wing , the Macedonian and Thracian choice horsemen in the right wing , and the rest with the footmen in the maine battell . At which time the emperor himselfe riding from place to place , with comfortable speeches encouraged his men to fight valiantly against their enemies . The Sunne rising , the enemies battell began to come on , in number much inferior vnto the emperours , yet in like order ; the Turks being placed in both wings , and the Catalonians well armed in the middest . But the signall of battell being giuen on both sides , the Massagets , whether it were by agreement so before made with the enemie , or vpon a suddaine conceiued treason , presently withdrew themselues aloofe off , and so stood as idle beholders , giuing aid neither to the one nor to the other , as did also the Turcopuli their companions ; which greatly dismaied the Grecians , and encouraged their enemies : for the Greekes dismaied with that suddaine defection of their fellowes , were euen in the joyning of the battell discouraged . Which the emperor perceiuing , with great instancie intreated the captains and commaunders of his armie , calling them oftentimes by name , not to be so suddainly discouraged : but they in so great a danger little regarding his words , and still shrinking from him ; when as the greatest part of his footmen were troden vnderfoot , and slaine , turning himselfe vnto them that were left , which were but few , he said : Now woorthie men is the time wherein death is better than life , and life more bitter than death . And hauing so said , valiantly charged the enemie : in which charge his horse was slaine vnder him , and he in danger to haue beene taken , had not one of his faithfull followers remounted him vpon his owne horse , and so saued his life with the losse of his owne . The emperour flying to DYDIMOTICHUM , where Andronicus his father then lay , was of him joyfully receiued , but sharpely reprooued for aduenturing his person so far . The enemies pursuing the chase , slew some , tooke others , vntill that by the comming on of the night , and wearie with the long fight , they retired : and the next day deuiding the spoile , afterwards at their pleasures forraged the countrey . The renegate Turks , called Turcopuli , within a few daies after reuolting vnto the Catalonians , were of them joyfully entertained , and enrolled into the regiment of Chalel , the Turks Generall . Shortly after this victorie , the Catalonians began to mutinie among themselues , the Great captaine Tenza , and Pharenza his companion , disdaining to bee commaunded by Recafort their Generall : in which tumult , the matter comming to blowes , Tenza was slaine , and Pharenza fo● safegard of his life glad to flie vnto the emperour Andronicus ; of whom he was , contrarie to his expectation , right honourably entertained . About this time also , the Massagets hauing done the Greekes more harme , than the Turks against whom they were entertained , and enriched themselues with the spoile of their friends both in ASIA and EUROPE , were about with their wiues and children , and wealth , to returne againe vnto their old dwellings beyond ISTER . Which the Turcopuli , with the Catalonians vnderstanding ; and bearing vnto them a secret grudge , for that they ( as the weaker ) had by them oftentimes been wronged in the deuision of the spoile of the Greekes , lay now secretly in wait for them as they should passe the straits of the great mountaine HEMUS , which bounded the Greeke empire from the Bulgarians : where setting vpon them , fearing no such danger , they slew them almost all ; & with the spoile of them , recompenced themselues for all the wrongs they had from them before receiued . The Catalonians prowd of their victorie at APRI , and well strengthened by the reuolt of the Turcopuli , with continuall rodes spoiled not onely all alongst the sea coast of THRACIA , but all the inland countrey also , as far as MARONEA , RHODOPE , and BIZIA , laying all wa●t before them . And hauing forraged most part of THRACIA , brake into MACEDONIA , and there wintred about CASSANDRIA , sometime a famous citie , but as then all desolate and ruinous . But the Spring being come , they remooued thence , with purpose to haue spoiled the cities of MACEDONIA , and especially the rich citie of THESSALONICA , where the empresse Irene then lay : wherein they were by the emperours good foresight and care preuented , who doubting such a matter , had fortified his cities in that countrey , and furnished them with strong garrisons and all other things needfull for their defence : which they quickly perceiuing , and finding the countrey all desolate and forsaken by the inhabitants , were about to haue againe returned into THRACIA . But as they were thereupon resoluing , they were informed by one that was with them captiue , how that the emperour by a mightie strong wall built at a place called CHRISTOPOLIS , from the sea side euen vnto the top of the mountaines , had so shut vp the passage , as that it was not possible for them that way to enter . With which vnexpected newes they were at the first exceedingly troubled , as foreseeing , That if they should there long stay in that spoiled countrey , they should in short time be driuen vnto exceeding wants ( for they were now in number aboue eight thousand fighting men ) and afraid also by a generall conspiracie of the people about them , to be oppressed . Thus beset , and not well knowing what to do , or which way to turn themselues , they desperatly resolued , no longer there to stay , but forthwith to set forward , and to breake into THESSALIE , with the plentifulnesse thereof to relieue their wants , or into some other countrey farther off towards PELOPONESUS , and there to seat themselues , and to end their long trauailes : or at leastwise , if they could not so doe , to enter into league with some that dwelt vpon the sea coast , and so returne againe into their owne countrey . Wherefore leauing THESSALONICA , and deliuering the emperour of a great feare , they in three daies came to the Thessalian mountaines , OLYMPUS , OSSA , and PELIUS , where thy at the foot of them found such plentie of all things necessarie for their releefe , that they there wintred . But Winter past , and the Spring being come , they passed ouer those high mountaines and the pleasant vallies called TEMPE , and so at last came downe into the fruitfull plaines of THESSALIE ; where they spent that yeare at their pleasure , without resistance , deuouring the labours of the poore country people , and making hauocke of whatsoeuer thing came in their way : for as then the state of that countrey was but weake , the prince thereof being but yoong , and withall very sicke and like to die , and the succession so ending in him , as that it was feared , who after his death should lay hand thereon ; and euery man therefore more carefull of his owne priuat than of the common good . Yet to auert these forrain enemies , who like a consuming fire deuoured the country before them , the nobilitie thought it good , with great gifts to ouercome their captains and commaunders , and then to offer them guides to conduct them into ACHAIA and BEOTIA , countries more pleasant and fruitfull than was theirs , and more commodious for them to dwell in : promising also to giue them aid for the seating of them there , if they should so need . Of which their offers the Catalonians accepted , as thinking it better with their hands full of gold so easily gotten , to goe seeke their better fortunes , with their power yet whole and strong , and helpe also if need were , than to hazard all vpon the successe of a doubtfull victorie , and so foolishly to preferre an vncertaine hope before a most certaine benefit . So making peace with the Thessalians , and the Spring being come , receiuing of them their promised rewards , & guides to conduct them ; passing ouer the mountaines beyond THESSALIE , and the straits of THERMOPILE , they encamped neere vnto LOCRIS and the riuer CEPHISUS : which rising out of the mountaine PERNASSUS , and running toward the East , hath on the North side of them LOCRIS and OPUS ; and on the South the inland country of ACHAIA and BEOTIA : and being a great riuer vntill it come to LEBADIA and HALIARTES , is there deuided into two riuers , the one called AESOPUS , and the other ISMENUS ; whereof the former runneth through the countrey of ATTICA , vntill it come into the sea , and the other neere vnto AULIS ( where the noble Grecians , as they say , being about to goe vnto TROY , met and there staied ) falleth into the Euboean sea . But the duke of THEBES and ATHENS and of all that countrey , hearing of their comming , and ( as hee thought ) well prouided also for them ( as hauing all the Winter and Spring time before put his forces in readinesse ) with great pride and contempt denied them passage through his countrey , at such time as they asked the same ; making no more reckning of them , than as of a sort of loose wandering rogues that could find no place to rest or thriue in : wherewith they enraged , resolued among themselues , either there to seat themselues in his countrey , or to die therefore . And so passing the riuer into BEOTIA , not far from the same encamped themselues , being in number about ●500 horse , and 4000 foot . But so lying and expecting the comming of their enemies , they caused all the plaine ground about where they lay and meant to fight , to be plowed vp , which they with certaine small cuts out of the riuer so watered , as that it differed but a little from a deepe marish or bog . Hether about the middle of the Spring commeth the prince of the countrey , with a gallant armie raised out of ATHENS , THEBES , PLATEA , LOCRIS , PHOCIS , and MEGARA , in number about 6400 horse and 4000 foot , an armie too strong hee thought for so contemptible an enemie . But the weakest enemie not feared , doth oftentimes the greatest harme , as here by proofe was to be seene : for the prince comming vnto the aforesaid plaine , now grown green with grasse , and casting no perill , encouraging his men , came brauely on with all his horsemen to haue charged his enemies : who stood fast vpon the firme ground , a little without their trenches , as readie to encounter him . But before he was come to the middle of the plaine , his horses sinking deepe into the rotten and new ploughed ground , and there intangled as in a marish , lay for the most part tumbling in the mire , together with their riders ; or els plunging in the deepe , and hauing cast them , ran vp and downe the plaine , as fortune led them ; othersome sticking fast , stood with their riders vpon their backes , as if they had been very images , not able for to mooue . Which the Catalonians beholding , and therewith encouraged , ouerwhelmed them with all manner of shot , and slew them at their pleasure , vntill they had almost made an end of them : and with their horsemen so speedely pursued the rest in chace , euen vnto the cities of THEBES and ATHENS , that they without more adoe euen at that instant surprised them both , with all that was in them . So the Catalonians hauing as it were at a cast at dice woon a most goodly countrey , garnished with faire townes and cities , which they neuer built ; and stored with all manner of wealth , which they neuer sweat for ; there ended their long trauailes , and seated themselues : Not ceasing ( as saith Nicephorus Gregorias , the reporter of this historie , speaking of the time wherin these things were done , and wherein hee himselfe liued in CONSTANTINOPLE ) vnto this present day , by little and little to extend the bounds of their territorie . Where leauing them with whom we happely haue too long straied from our purpose , let vs againe returne vnto the Turks and Turcopuli their companions . In the armie of the Catalonians , at such time as they were about to haue besieged THESSALONICA , were three thousand Turkes , of whom eleuen hundred were of them ( as wee said ) which remained with Melech at AENVM , after the flight of Iathatines there Sultan vnto the Tartars , and renouncing their superstition , became Christians ; and so being baptized , and hauing wiues and children , were enrolled among the emperours souldiours ; but at the battell of APRI reuolted vnto the Catalonians , and were commonly known by the name of Turcopuli : the other being the greater part , were such Turks as with Chalel their captaine came out of ASIA , being sent for by the Catalonians . Now all these Turks , as well the one as the other , at such time as the Catalonians were about to inuade THESSALIA , and to seeke their new fortunes in the countries more Westward , and so farther off from ASIA : partly distrusting the societie of them , as dangerous vnto them ; and loth also further to follow their vncertaine fortunes into countries further off , among people to them vnknowne ; began to arise in mutinie , and to refuse to go . Whereupon their captaines Melech and Chalel requested of the Generall of the Catalonians to giue them leaue with quietnesse to return : which their request he easily graunted ( as now not greatly needing their helpe , after that he was departing out of the emperours dominion ) and so they gladly departed ; proportionally diuiding all the captiues and spoiles they had taken in that long war , according to the number of both parts . These Turks after their departure from the Catalonians , diuided themselues into two parts , the Turcopuli or renegat Turks following Melech , and the rest Chalel their generall . But Melech being before become a Christian , as were his followers also ; and after that hauing receiued most honorable entertainment at the emperours hands , and yet againe most shamefully breaking his faith before giuen , and violating his religion , had reuolted vnto his enemies ; dispairing of the emperours further friendship , which he had so euill deserued , made choice rather to goe vnto Crales prince of SERVIA , by whom he was sent for , than to come againe into the sight of Andronicus the Greeke emperour . And so going vnto him with a thousand horse , and fiue hundred soot , was there of him well entertained himselfe : but his souldiours all commanded to deliuer vnto the prince both their horses and armour , and to fall to other trades and not to beare armes but at such time , and so many of them as should seeme good vnto the prince , that had receiued them into his countrey . But Chalel with the Turks his followers , in number about 1300 horse and eight hundred foot , staying at MACEDONIA , offered vnto the Greeke emperour quietly to depart his countrey ; so that he would giue him passage by the straits of CHRISTOPULIS by him fortified ; and in safetie transport him and his souldiours with all their substance , ouer the strait of HELESPONTVS into ASIA : vnto which his request , the emperour considering the great harme done in his prouinces , and desirous also to be discharged of so great a burthen , easily graunted ; and so sent Sennacherib , one of his most valiant captaines , to conduct them out of MACEDONIA into THRACIA , vnto the straits of HELLESPONTVS . Where the Greeke captaines and souldiors seeing the great multitude of horses , and abundance of money and other spoiles , which they hauing taken from the Greeks were now about to carie away with them into ASIA ; they thought it a great indignitie to suffer them so to do : and allured also with the hope of so rich a prey , as had beene of long in gathering , they entred into a deuise far different from that which was vnto the Turks before promised ; neither prouiding them of shipping , neither carefull of their safetie ; but purposing vpon the sudden by night to destroy them . Whereof the Turks hauing got vnderstanding , suddenly rising , surprised a castle in the countrey thereby , which they notably fortified for the defence of themselues , to the great astonishment of them that had purposed their destruction ; who not now able to force them , were glad to get them farther off , and to certifie the emperour what had happened : who ( after I wot not what receiued custome of the Greeke emperours his predecessors ) slowly dispatching things requiring greatest hast , carelesly delayed the time , to the great trouble of his state and aduantage of his enemies . For they wisely considering the danger and distresse they were in , by speedie messengers sent ouer the strait , craued aid of the Turks their countreymen in ASIA , which they presently sent them : wherewith they not a little both encouraged and strengthened , with their often and sudden incursions grieuously wasted the countrey round about them , to the great discontentment of the Greeke captaines , not able without greater helpe to remedie the same . Who thereof certified the yoong emperour Michael Paleologus , requesting him with all the power he could make , to come and besiege the castle , and to suppresse these so dangerous enemies . For the performance whereof , not onely the captaines with their souldiours , but the countrey people in generall with their spades and mattocks came flocking vnto the emperour ; not as if they would haue besieged the castle , but haue digged it downe and ouerthrown it together with the Turks their enemies . Now the emperour with his captaines and souldiours , and a multitude of these countrey people , being come thither ; who all gladly followed him , most part of them foolishly thinking of nothing , but of the spoile of their enemies ; not considering with what danger the same was to be gained : so that the more the enemies prouided for the necessarie defence of themselues , as in number but few , and shut vp in their enemies countrey ; the more carelesly and negligently , and without all order , the Greeks proceeded in their siege , for that they were in number far more , and better prouided of all things than their enemies : not reputing with themselues , Nothing in this world to be firme and sure ; and all worldly things ( as saith the diuine Philosopher ) to bee but the mockerie of God , and to be hastily turned vpside downe , and with most vncertaine course this and that way to wander . But their enemies , who before feared euen the verie fame of their comming , accounting themselues rather among the dead than the liuing , seeing their confused and disordered rashnesse ; therewith much more then before encouraged , bestowed all their wealth , their women , and other things vnnecessarie for battel , in good safetie within their trenches : but themselues , with eight hundred chosen horsemen onely , and they verie well armed , sallied out , euen vnto the place where the imperiall ensigne stood ; being neither of any great safetie , neither guarded with any such strength or carefulnesse as beseemed : with which sudden and desperat eruption of the enemies , the Graecians terrified , especially that rusticall and vplandish companie , began to flie ; after whom by little and little others followed , vntill at length all the rest without farther resistance , fled also : which the emperour seeing , did what he might to haue staied their flight : but in so generall a confusion and feare , when euerie man was to shift for one , who regarded him ? Wherefore wearied and seeing no other remedie , hee was glad to take the same course and to flie with the rest . Yet many of the more expert captaines , ashamed of so foule a flight , made diuers stands : and so staied the barbarours enemie from further pursuit of the emperour and the other flying Greeks . In which doing , many of them inclosed by the Turks , were of them taken prisoners : vnto whom all the emperours treasure became a prey also , and whatsoeuer honourable ensignes of the empire else that were found in the emperours tent ; yea the imperiall crowne it selfe , richly set with pearle and precious stones , was there taken also , which ( they say ) Chalel putting vpon his head , pleasantly scoffed at the Greeke emperour that but late before wore it . After this victorie , the Turks with great pride spoiled almost all THRACIA , in such sort as that the people for two yeares together durst scarcely goe out of their strong walled townes to plough and sow their land ; which exceedingly grieued both the emperours , the father and the sonne : for in their owne power they had no great confidence , God hauing ( as it were ) taken from their people both their hearts & courage ; so that all their hope was to entertain forrein aid ( the miserable shift of the great distressed ones ) wherein also they found many difficulties and lets , whilest they considered the greatnesse of the charge , their coffers being then ( if euer ) emptie , by reason their territories were so long and grieuously by their enemies wasted : yet need admitting no law , Andronicus the old emperour was glad to send to Crales prince of SERVIA his sonne in law , to pray his aid . But in the meane time he making no hast ( as men in relieuing others commonly do ) and the miserie more and more increasing , it pleased God to stur vp the heart of one Philes Paleologus the emperours neere kinsman , to vndertake the protection and deliuerance of his prince and countrey ; and was afterward for his great valour by the emperor woorthily made lord great Martiall of the empire . This Philes of whom we now speake , had all his life time beene brought vp in the court , and was for his vpright dealing and integritie of life beloued of all men , but especially of the old emperour his kinsman , whom he with like affection honoured ; but was a man altogether vnskilfull of the wars , as being by nature of a weake constitution of bodie , and so verie sickly ; and withall more giuen to deuotion and the seruice of God than the affaires of the world , oftentimes spending most part of the day at his prayers in the church . He now grieued to see the perplexed emperour , and the miserie of his countrey , requested of him that he might with some small power , and some few captaines of his owne choice , go out against these proud Turks : hoping ( as he said ) by the grace of God to reuenge the wrong by them done , and to returne vnto him againe with victorie . Vnto which his request , the emperour easily yeelded , saying , That God was just , which delighted not in any mans legs , either in the greatnesse of any mans strength , but in a contrite heart and humble mind ; not so giuing his helpe vnto Michaell the emperour , his sonne , for the offences of his parents : as happely hee might vnto this so vpright and deuout a man , regarding more his integritie of life , than his skill in armes : For turning me about , I haue seen in this world ( said he ) I haue seene , the swift not to gain the prize ; neither the valiant the victorie ; wise men to want bread ; and men of vnderstanding , wealth ; the simple to gaine fauour ; and the subtill to fall into disgrace : such alteration worldly things in time find . So the emperour ( as is aforesaid ) yeelding to his request , furnished him with money , horses , and armour , and such a conuenient power as he himselfe desired . Which he hauing receiued , first of all encouraged his captaines and souldiors with all manner of courtesie and kindnesse , giuing vnto them money , horses , armour , jewels , yea sometime he gaue vnto one his purse , vnto another his cloake , his rapier , or some other such thing as he had about him , to encourage them in their forwardnesse : after that he persuaded them to an honest temperate course of life , and valiantly to play the men , promising according to their deserts to reward euerie one of them , the war once happely ended : and before his setting forth , vnderstanding by his espials , that Chalel with a thousand foot and two hundred horse was forraging the countrey about BYZIA , he hasted his departure , that so he might by the way encounter them , laded with the spoile of the countrey : and so setting forward , came the third day vnto a little riuer , which the inhabitants call XEROGIPSUM , and there in a great plaine neere vnto the same , encamped . Where after he had set all things in order fit for battell , he with cheerefull speeches , as a great commaunder , encouraged his captaines and souldiors ; leauing nothing vnsaid or vndone , that might serue for the animating of them to fight . But hee had not so lien two daies , but that his scouts about midnight comming in , brought him tidings , That the enemie laden with spoile , was euen fast by at hand : who by the rising of the Sunne were come within sight , and had themselues a far off also discouered the Christian armie , all glistering in bright armour . Wherfore staying a while to prepare themselues for battell : and first of all , compassing themselues round with their waggons and other cariages , they bestowed in them all their captiues fast bound together , with the bootie they had taken : and afterwards as their manner was , casting dust vpon their heads , and their hands vp towards heauen , they came on . And now the Christian armie came on forward also , Philes still encouraging both the horsemen and footmen , and right well conducting them , as the time and place required . So it fortuned , that he that had the leading of the right wing of the armie , gaue the first charge vpon a squadron of the enemies , and at the first onset vnhorsed one of the enemies , and by and by after him , another . But hauing his horse sore wounded vnder him , he hastely retired out of the battell , which somewhat troubled the Christians , and encouraged the Turks , who now with a barbarous outcrie began most fiercely to presse vpon the retiring Christians . Philes in the meane time with many cheerefull words and comfortable persuasions still encouraging them to play the men ; and with his eyes oftentimes cast vp to heauen , with teares running downe his face , most heartely besought God , the giuer of all victorie , no longer to suffer those his enemies , and the ministers of his wrath , to triumph ouer his people : as did also the poore captiues that lay bound , doubtfully betwixt feare and hope , expecting the euent of the battell . The Christian footmen at the same time encountering hand to hand with the Barbarians , assailed them , and were assailed ; slew of them , and were themselues of them slaine ; so that there was a cruell fight made on both sides . But Philes with the multitude of his men hauing almost compassed in the Barbarian horsemen , with a companie of his most valiant souldiors broke in vpon the side of the enemies battell , and so made way through the middest of it : and so troubled the Turkes , as that they well knew not how to stay or what to doe . So being on euery side circumuented and hardly charged , most of them there fell , excepting some few horsemen , whom the Greeke horsemen pursued vnto the entrance of CHERSONESUS , with purpose there to shut them vp . Philes comming thither also , there vpon those straits encamped : at which time the emperour presently sent out fiue gallies to keepe the straits of HELLESPONTUS , so that no ayd might be brought vnto these Turkes out of ASIA . Whilest things thus went , two thousand choice horsemen came to the aid of Philes out of SERVIA , and the potestate of PERA came by sea also with eight gallies moe into HELLESPONTUS to the aid of the other Christians : wherfore when the Grecians and the Seruians had thus on the one side shut them vp by land , and they that were in the gallies on the other by sea ; Philes with all his power came and encamped about the towne and the trenches wherein the Turkes lay , planting his batterie against the castle , wherewith he greatly shooke the same , and made great slaughter of the Turks , and of their horses , and that not onely by day , but by night also . But the Turkes seeing death now present before their eyes , and no way left for them to escape : for that they were so on euery side both by sea and land enclosed , thought good thus to aduenture their liues , resoluing by night to set vpon the Grecians rather than vpon the Seruians , whom they had hetherto accustomed to ouercome , and whom they had with often slaughters terrefied ; that so the rest by them also happely discouraged , they might so delay the assault : but in attempting the same , they perceiued themselues much deceiued , finding them euen at their first sallying out , ready in armes to receiue them : wherfore hauing in vaine giuen the attempt ( as against a strong fortresse ) they were shamefully enforced to retire . Yet were they not therewith so discouraged , but that the straight siege still continuing , they gaue the like attempt vpon the Seruians ; but being also by them in like manner with losse repulsed , they began now vtterly to despaire . Wherefore the next day , about midnight casting away their armes , they with their bosomes and pockets full of coine ran downe vnto the sea side , towards the gallies , with purpose to yeeld themselues vnto the Genowaies that were therein ; as fearing of them lesse harme , as of men whom they had neuer hurt . But the night being darke and mistie , and the Moone giuing no light , many of them vnawares came vnto the Greeke gallies , and there , flying the smoke fell into the fire : for being lightened of their money , they were by them forthwith without any pitie slaine also . But the Genowaies slew not all their prisoners , but onely such as had brought with them the greatest store of coine ; least afterwards bewraying the same , it should haue beene sought after by the Greekes : the rest they cast into bonds , of whom , some they sent vnto the emperour , othersome they kept to themselues as their owne prisoners . Thus by the valour and good conduct of this worthie deuout captaine , the Turks were for that time againe chased out of EUROPE , and the countrey of THRACIA deliuered of a great feare . Now by that we haue alreadie written , is easily to be seene , the chiefe causes of the decay and ruine of the Greeke empire , to haue been , First , the innouation and change of their antient Religion and ceremonies by Michael Paleologus , whereof ensued a world of woes ; then by Couetousnesse , coloured with the name of good husbandrie , the vtter destruction of the chiefe strength of the empire ; next vnto that , by Enuie , the ruine of the great ; False suspect , the looser of friends ; Ambition , honours ouerthrow ; Distrust , the great minds torment ; and Forreine aid , the empires vnfaithfull porter , opening the gate euen vnto the enemie himselfe : wherunto foule Discord joyned ( as shall be foorthwith declared ) what wanted that the barbarous enemie could desire , for the helping of them in the supplanting of so great an empire ? But againe to our purpose : Michael , companion with his father Andronicus in the empire , had by his wife Marie two sonnes , Andronicus who was afterward emperour , and Manuel surnamed the Despot ; and two daughters , Anne maried vnto Thomas prince of EPIRVS , and Theodora married to the prince of BVLGARIA : of all these , the old emperour Andronicus their grandfather , so entirely loued Andronicus his nephew , as that in comparison of him he little seemed to regard either his owne children , or the rest of his nephews , wishing them all rather to perish than him : which many supposed him to do , as purposing by him the better to establish the succession of the empire in his house ; as also for his excellencie of wit , and comelinesse of person ; the likenesse of name also happily furthering his kind affection . For which reasons , he caused him to be alwaies honourably brought vp in his court , as not willing to spare him out of his sight either day or night . But when he was out of his childhood , and growne to be a lustie youth ( at which time mens hot desires are commonly most vehement ) he began to contemne all chastisement and gouernment ; especially in so high a calling , and in the prime of his youth . Besides that , his companions became vnto him the ministers and persuaders of all those vaine delights which vnstaied youth most desireth : and at the first began to lead him foorth to walke the streets , to hauke , to hunt , and to haunt plaies , and afterwards to night walks also , not well beseeming his state : which riotous course of life , when as it required great expence , and his aged grandfather gaue him but a certaine spare allowance for his conuenient maintenance ; he acquainted himselfe with the rich marchants of GENOVVAY , which dwelt at PERA . Hereof rose hard taking vp of money , great debt , fine deuises how to come by coyne , with secret consultations and purposes of flight . For when hee saw his grandfather old Andronicus long to liue , and his father Michael like to succeede him , he had no hope of aspiring to the empire ; whereupon his ambitious thoughts , and impotent desires , long time tormenting his haughtie heart , suggested vnto him such purposes . For when as hee would not obey his grandfather as his tutor , nor follow other mens counsels , as a child , hee sought after the emperiall libertie , and abundance of wealth ; that he might haue that was sufficient for himselfe , and wherewith to reward others , as the followers of an emperour . Which seeing he could not doe , his grandfather yet liuing , and his father raigning ; he sought after the soueraigntie of other principalities and countries : one while after ARMENIA , as belonging vnto him in the right of his mother , the king of ARMENIA his daughter ; another while after PELOPONESVS , and sometime hee dreamed of LESBOS and LEMNVS , and other the fruitfull Islands of the Aegean sea : which when it was secretly told sometime to his father , and sometime to his grandfather , he was now crossed and reprooued of the one , and afterwards of the other . And to passe ouer many other his youthfull prancks , hee vsed in his night walks secretly to repaire vnto a certaine gentlewomans house , more honourably borne , than honestly quallified : which woman , a certaine gallant and another Adonis , no lesse affected than himselfe ; wherewith he highly offended , as with his riuall , appointed certaine ruffians and fencers to watch her house . But vpon a certaine time about midnight , Manuel the Despot ( his yoonger brother ) seeking after him , chanced to passe that way where these watchmen lay : who seeing him hasten by , and not knowing him in the darke , and supposing him to haue been the man they looked for , the gentlewomans best beloued , set vpon him , and so wounded him that he fell downe for dead from his horse : but being by and by after known by others comming in , he was taken vp , and so halfe dead carried vnto the court . Which outrage in the morning being knowne vnto the emperour , cast him into a great heauinesse , as beholding not the time present onely , but wisely considering what was like to ensue in the time to come also . But Manuel the Despot being dead of the wounds there receiued , and the report therof brought vnto Michael the yoong emperour his father , then lying at THESSALONICA , strooke him to the heart with so great a griefe , that falling sicke with the conceit thereof , hee shortly after died . Andronicus the vnstaied youth neuerthelesse holding on his woonted course , with a secret purpose to haue fled , became thereby still more and more suspitious vnto his aged grandfather , not a little carefull vnto what end those his violent passions would at length tend . And therefore appointed one Syrgiannes ( a man of great credit and authorie in the court , in whom as in a reconciled enemie he had most vnaduisedly reposed too much trust ) to insinuat himselfe into the youthfull princes acquaintance and fauour ; that so sounding him , and his secret designes , he should not possibly be able without his knowledge to step aside ; which of all things the old emperour feared most , as the beginning of greater troubles .. This Syrgiannes being a man of great place , and of a subtill wit , was sometime himselfe suspected of aspiring ; and therefore as vpon the misprision of treason , was by the old emperor imprisoned : but afterwards by him again inlarged and receiued into fauour , was now put in trust warily to obserue the doings of the yoong prince . But he not vnmindfull of the wrong before done vnto him , and in hope by troubling the state , either to aspire vnto the empire himselfe , or at leastwise to some good part thereof ; thought now a fit occasion to be ministred vnto him for him to worke vpon , both for the one and the other , by setting the old emperour , and his ambitious nephew together by the eares : which opportunitie he not minding to let slip , taking the yoong prince one day aside , discouered vnto him all his grandfathers deuise in briefe , as followeth : Your grandfather noble prince ( said he ) hath set me as a watch ouer your actions , or more truely to say , as a blood-hound , to seeke after not your doings onely , but if it were possible euen after your most secret thoughts also : and so whilest he maliciously prepareth for you snares and fetters , you not aware thereof , foolishly follow your shallow and childish conceits . For what shall it auaile you secretly to flie away ? whereas ( if the best chance ) yet must you ( as the common saying is ) put your feet vnder another mans table , and liue of his charge ; if it fall not out worse , that you be slaine or made away by them you flie vnto for reliefe , or else fall into the snares by your grandfather laid for you . But if so be that casting behind you these your fond deuises you will hearken vnto my counsell , I will shew you a readie way how you shall in short time and without any danger , aspire vnto the imperiall seat and dignitie ; the onely way whereunto is this , if you leauing the citie of CONSTANTTNOPLE shall flie out into the cities and prouinces of THRACIA . For seeing men are most commonly by nature desirous of change , and the miserable Thracians are with often exactions grieuously vexed ; if you shall but once proclaime a redresse of their grieuances , with immunitie for euer , they will all with one accord follow you whether soeuer you will , your grandfathers long and heauie yoke being cast off , as if it were Sisiphus his heauie stone , which they had long rolled and neuer the neere . If you like of this aduise , I will be vnto you both the authour and the leader of this exploit , and will easily bring to good effect the whole matter : so that you againe on the other side promise vnto me vpon your faith , to reward this my trauell according to my desert therein . But what rewards shall these be ? Honourable preferments , large possessions , great reuenues , the first place in your fauour , and that no great matter be done or concluded without my consent and knowledge . For you see how willingly I make my selfe partaker of your calamitie , and companion of your dangers , no necessitie enforcing me thereunto ; forgetting euen my verie faith , in comparison of the loue and zeale I beare towards you , wherein if any mishap shall by the mutabilitie of fortune betide me , I haue set downe my selfe with patience to indure it . All which considered , you need not to grudge to yeeld vnto my requests , if you tender your owne safetie . And for as much as the shortnesse of the time will suffer no long consultations , and that delay bringeth extreame danger ; let vs without longer stay impart the matter vnto such others , as for the hatred of the emperour are like to keepe our counsell , and may yet much further our designes . The yoong prince mooued with this speech , as if it had beene with a charme , easily graunted to his desire , confirming the same by his oath conceiued in writing : at which time were present such as were especially to be acquainted with the plot of the conspiracie , namely Iohn Catacuzene , and Theodorus Synadenus ( both men of great honour , and the old emperours antient supposed friends , and of him beloued , much of like age vnto himselfe ) and Alexius Apocaucus the third ( not of like honour with the other , yet a man of great place , and of a most subtile and deepe wit : ) who all vnderstanding the matter , shewed themselues not as ministers , but as ringleaders and captaines of the intended rebellion . This conspiracie with most solemne oaths and promises on euerie part confirmed , they began right cunningly to attempt the matter : and to begin withall , Syrgiannes and Catacuzenus , by corrupting diuers of the great and most gratious courtiers , procured to themselues the gouernment of such cities and prouinces in THRACIA , as they thought fittest for them to begin their rebellion in . Syrgiannes hauing the gouernment of the sea coast , and the inland countrey euen from the sea side vnto the top of mount RHODOPE ; and Catacuzenus the gouernment of the countrey about ORESTIAS . In all which places they mustred souldiors , prouided armour , entertaining also strangers , and other vagrant and masterlesse men , as for some great war : besides that , in the cities for the gouenment thereof , they placed their most trustie friends , remoouing such others as they had in suspect . All which they coloured by rumours falsly raised , one while of the comming of the Europian Tartars from DANVBIVS ; and another while by the comming of the Turks out of ASIA : against whose inuasions these preparations were giuen out to be made , for auoiding of suspition ; and the traitours for their prouident care highly commended euen by the emperour himselfe , against whom they were intended . All which things Syrgiannes notably dissembled , oftentimes withall certifying the yong prince what he had done , and what was likewise of him to be performed . But the old emperour , seeing his youthfull nephew not to hearken to his graue aduise , but still to proceed in his dissolute kind of life ; was about solemnly to haue reproued him before the Patriarch and some others of the chiefe nobilitie : if happily such open reproofe might haue wrought in him some change of manners ; if not , then to haue committed him to prison : and like enough he was to haue so done , had he not bene otherwise persuaded by Theodorus Metochita ( who of all others was able to do most with him ) by reason of the libertie of the time ; for then it was vpon the point of Shrouetide , when as the people distempered with excesse of meate and drinke , were of all other times most fit , vpon any light occasion , to be drawne into a tumult or vprore : for feare whereof , he was contented for that time to let him alone . But Shrouetide past , and a good part of Lent also , the old emperour seeing no amendment in his nephew , calling vnto him Gerasimus the patriarch , & the rest of the reuerend bishops thē present in the citie , sent for his nephew , openly before them all to chide him , and to schoole him for his disordered life , but especially for his purposed flight ; that ashamed of such open reproofe before such reuerend fathers , he might either amend his life , or at leastwise of all men be thought justly punished for the same , if he should still proceed therin . So the young prince being sent for , came accompanied with a number of his fauourits and followers , most of them being secretly armed , and he himselfe not altogether vnprouided : for it was agreed amongst them , that if the emperour should vse gentle and fatherly admonition towards him , that then they should keepe themselues quiet , without any shew of insolencie or discontentment ; but if he should in anger reproue him , or threaten to punish him , then vpon a signe giuen , forcibly with their swords drawne , to breake in vpon him and to kill him in the imperiall seat , and without more ado to place young Andronicus his nephew in his steed . But comming in , and ( as his manner was ) taking his place next vnto his aged grandfather , his desperat followers attending without , he was indeed of him grieuously blamed and reproued for his former follies and euill course of life ; yet with such moderation and grauitie , as that all seemed ( as it did ) to come of a most fatherly care and regard : so that at that time no such outrage was committed , as was by diuers his followers wished , but the assemblie quietly dismissed , and a solemne oath taken on both sides : of the grandfather , That he should not appoint any other to succeed him in the empire but his nephew ; and of the yong prince , That he should neuer go about or attempt any thing , to the shortening or hurt of his grandfathers life or empire . But the conspirators thronging about him at his comming out , fretted & fumed at him , as if he had broken his faith and oath before giuen them , saying , What greater wrong couldest thou do to vs , than being by vs made strong and become dreadfull vnto thine enemies , to dispose of thine affaires at thy pleasure to thine owne safetie , and to leaue vs thy most faithfull friends and seruants in the diuels mouth to be deuoured ? For now they both doubted , and feared , least their conspiracie was discouered . With which speeches he both discouraged , and ashamed , sent for Theodorus Metochita his grandfathers chiefe counseller , requesting him to deale with his grandfather , for the pardoning of all his followers , as he had done for himselfe : of which motion he disliking , told him , That he was to giue God thanks that he had himself escaped so great a danger , and to him also , as a meane for the safegard of his life ; although he entreated not for such traiterous persons ; with whom , if he were well aduised , he would haue nothing to do , either think that they would euer be faithfull vnto him , that respecting neither God nor man , had so foul-broken their faith before giuen vnto the emperour his grandfather . With which vnexpected answer of so great and graue a counsellor , the prince not a little troubled and withall discontented , stood a while as in a muse all silent , reasoning as it were with his owne passions : but afterwards commanding him without further reply to depart , and the old companions of his follies resorting vnto him , he by their persuasion entertained againe his former disloiall thoughts and designements : which his grandfather vehemently suspecting , and therewith not a little grieued , would , as if it had beene by inspiration , oftentimes in his heauinesse say vnto them that were about him , In our time is lost the maiestie of our empire , and the deuotion of the Church . Yet to preuent the worst , he thought it good betime to lay hands vpon his suspected nephew , and so to detaine him in safe keeping : acquainting none therewith but Gerasimus the Patriarch and his ghostly father , who straightway acquainted the prince therewith , and was the cause that he hastened his flight , flying himselfe before . For he now certainly vnderstanding the danger he was in , the night before he should haue beene apprehended , with all the rest of the conspirators his complices , in the dead time of the night fled out of the citie , by the gate called GYROLIMNIA ▪ which gate ( all the rest being shut ) was still at his command , for that he commonly vsed thereby at his pleasure very early to go out on hunting , as he now pretended to do ; but the next day after came to Syrgiannes and Catacuzenus camp , who then both lay with a great power at HADRIANOPLE , expecting his comming . The old emperour , before the rising of the sunne , aduertised of the flight of his nephew , the same day commanded him to be proclaimed traitor , & proscribed , with all his conspirators , & whosoeuer els should take his part . And for the more suretie , euery man in the citie was sworne to be loyall and faithfull vnto the old emperour , and enemies vnto his nephew and his adherents . But he on the other side , proclaiming libertie and immunitie abroad in all the cities and villages in THRACIA , so woon the hearts of the countrey people in generall , that they resorted vnto him from all places in great numbers , ready armed to doe whatsoeuer he should command them . And to begin withall , they first laid hands vpon the collectors of the emperours monie , then abroad in the countrey , whom they fouly intreated , taking from them their money . After that , and yet seuen daies not expired , almost an incredible number of horsmen , footmen , archers , and others , departed from HADRIANOPLE towards CONSTANTINOPLE , vnder the leading of Syrgiannes , in good hope at their first comming to take the citie , being at discord in it selfe ; and most part of the meaner sort , in hope of gaine , fauouring their rebellious proceedings , such as the seditious find in such rebellious tumults . So hauing marched foure daies , they came and encamped at SELYBRIA : but as they were about to haue gone on farther , the old emperour doubting least the citizens , seeing so great an armie before the citie , should therein raise some tumult or stirre , to the endangering thereof ; thought good before to send embassadours vnto his nephew , to proue if happily these so dangerous troubles , might by their meanes in some good sort be appeased . The chiefe of these embassadours was one Theoleptus bishop of PHILADELPHIA , a man no lesse famous for his vertue than his wisdome , and yet for both of all men honored ; and with them also was sent Syrgiannes his mother , as of all others most fit to appease her sonne , & to persuade him not to approch the citie , for that thereof might ensue much bloudshed , and the destruction of the citie , or at leastwise the vtter vndoing of manie ; whereof if he should be the authour , how could he euer after liue in conscience quiet , but that the torment thereof would follow him euen into his graue ; and therefore to request him to retire a little , and so to come to talke , and to demaund what he pleased . Syrgiannes moued as well with the presence of the reuered bishop , as with the prayers of his mother , retired to the young prince , which then lay about ORESTIAS ; whither the emperous embassadours came also : with whom ( after long debating ) it was agreed , That the young prince should in all royall manner , hold all THRACIA , from CHRISTOPOLIS vnto RHEGIVM and the suburbs of CONSTANTINOPLE : and withall , That such lands as the young prince had already giuen vnto his followers in MACEDONIA should still remaine vnto them ( which were such as yearely yeelded vnto them a right great reuenue : ) And that the old emperour should hold vnto himselfe the imperiall citie , with all the cities and prouinces of MACEDONIA beyond CHRISTOPOLIS : and that he alone should haue the honour to heare the embassadours sent from forraine princes , and to giue them their dispatch ; for that the young prince tooke no pleasure in those waightie affaires ; as by nature more delighted in hauking , hunting , and his other youthfull pleasures . Vpon which conditions a peace was concluded , better liked of the yoong prince , than of the old emperour ; who although he was desirous otherwise to haue redressed so great wrongs , yet wanting power , was glad to yeeld to whatsoeuer his nephew would request . Thus was the Greeke empire in EUROPE ( as then all or the most part inclosed within the bounds of MACEDONIA and THRACIA ) now deuided betwixt the grandfather and his nephew : ASIA in the meane time ( wherin the Greek emperors their predecessors sometime held great kingdomes ) being left for a prey to the greedie Turks . Othoman on the one side euen in the heat of these troubles laying the foundation of his empire in PHRIGIA and BYTHINIA : and the other the Turks princes , the successors of Sultan Aladin , encroching as fast vpon the emperors territories and countries on this side the riuer MEANDER . And not so contented , at the same time also built great store of gallies , wherewith they robbed the Christian marchants trading to CONSTANTINOPLE , and spoiled the coasts of MACEDONIA and THRACIA , and the Islands of the AEG●●● and amongst others tooke the famous Island of the RHODES : which they held not long , before they were againe driuen out of the same by the knights Hospitalers , vnder the conduct of William Willaret , aided by the Genowaies , and the king of SICILIA , which they from that time held ( to the great honour and benefit of the Christian commonweale ) by the space of 214 years , knowne by the name of The knights of the RHODES : vntill that in the memorie of our fathers it was ( I say no more , but grieue therefore ) shamefully lost vnto the Turke , for want of reliefe , neuer place being more honourably defended , as in the processe of this historie shall appeare ▪ euer since which time , those honourable men ( the flower of chiualrie ) haue seated themselues in the Isle of MALTA ; which they to their immortall glorie , and the comfort of all good Christians , haue most notably defended against the mightie Sultan Solyman , and all the furie of the Turks , 〈◊〉 shall be also in due place declared . But to returne againe vnto the troubled estate of the Greeke empire . Syrgiannes the great captaine , and author of all the aforesaid stirs betwixt the old emperour and his nephew , had euen from the beginning thought , as a companion to the yoong prince , to haue ruled all with him at his pleasure , and that nothing either great or little should haue been done without him : but seeing it now to fall out far otherwise than he had before expected ▪ and the prince to be wholly ruled by Catacuzenus , and himselfe of all others least regarded , and not so much as called to any counsell ; inwardly tormented with greefe and enuie , he began secretly with himselfe to deuise how he might be reuenged of the vngratefull prince , which vnmindfull of his former promises , had so vnthankfully cast him off . Wherefore he resolued againe to reuolt vnto the old emperour , not doubting but so in short time to ouerthrow all the counsels and deuices of the yoong prince , together with his state also , by himselfe before raised . For hee as a worldly wise man , excluding God from his counsels , had such an opinion of himselfe , that which way soeuer he went , thither must all things follow also . Wherfore by one of his most trustie friends , he secretly made the old emperour acquainted with his purposed reuolt , and how all things stood : for the greater credit thereof , alleadging , That he could not abide the sight of him that sought to corrupt his wife , meaning the yoong prince . This newes from Syrgiannes was vnto the old emperour most welcome : for it grieued him , as an old man of a great spirit , to see himselfe so contemned and deluded by his nephew , his empire rent , and his old seruitours , of all sorts , by him spoiled of their lands and possessions in MACEDONIA and THRACIA . So a solemne oath in secret passed from the one to the other , Syrgiannes without longer stay secretly fled to CONSTANTINOPLE which there bruited abroad , rejoyced many , now well hoping the whole gouernment would againe come vnto the old emperour , and that so they should againe recouer their possessions wrongfully taken from them by his nephew . But God not seeing it so good , all this hope was but vaine , as ere long it appeared : For the yong prince , who of long knew how much he was beloued of the Constantinopolitans , and by them secretly sent for taking occasion vpon the flight of Syrgiannes , with all the power he could make , marched towards the citie : & being come within sight therof , encamped , laying ambushes vpon euery way & passage thereabout ▪ for to haue intercepted Syrgiannes ; who was then at PERINTHUS , and the third night after , with three hundred select souldiors , deceiuing them that lay in wait for him , as if they had beene all asleepe , before the rising of the Sunne came to CONSTANTINOPLE : and if the old emperour would haue giuen him leaue , had suddainly charged them that lay in wait for him , before they were aware of his comming . But as soone as it was day , the prince hearing of the ●scape of Syrgiannes , and no such tumult in the citie as he had expected , presently without more adoe retired with his armie the same way he came , backe againe into THRACIA . By and by after , Constantine the Despot was by the old emperour his brother ●●nt by sea to THESSALONICA , to take vpon him the gouernment of MACEDONIA , and by the way to apprehend Xene the empresse , the yong princes mother ; & after with all the power he could make to inuade the yong prince in THRACIA● that so setting vpon him on the one side but of MACEDONIA , and Syrgiannes with the Turks ( for the emperour in this ciuile discord was glad to vse their helpe also ) and the Bythinian souldiours on the other , they might so shut him vp betwixt them and take him . According to which resolution , the Despot comming to THESSALONICA there tooke th● empresse , whom with all her familie he thrust into a gallie , and so sent her to CONSTANTINOPLE , where she was in the palace kept close , as too much fauouring the proceedings of the prince . And afterward raising all the power he could in MACEDONIA , inuaded the prince in THRACIA , breaking by force through the wall of CHRISTOPOLIS . The yoong prince seeing himselfe by this meanes , now like to be driuen to a great strait , sent Synadenus with his Thracian armie , to defend the frontiers of his empire towards CONSTANTINOPLE , against Syrgiannes with his Turkes and Bythinians : in hope himselfe by many subtle deuises and flights , to be able to encounter his vncle the Despot . And first he caused diuers edicts and proscriptions to be written in hast , wherein great rewards and preferments were with great solemnitie of words promised to whomsoeuer could bring vnto him the Despot either quicke or dead : which were of purpose giuen vnto the country people passing too and fro , to be dispersed abroad in the high waies , and about in the country neere vnto the Despots campe . And after that , he caused the death of the emperour his grandfather to be euerie where proclaimed , and how that he was by the Constantinopolitans in a tumult slaine : which the deui●●●s thereof , in euery place reported . Yea some there were , that swore they were themselues present at his wofull death , and saw it with their eies : othersome , more certainely to persuade the matter , shewed long white goats haires , or such like gath●●ed out of white wooll , as if they had beene by the furious people pluckt from the old emperours head or beard , at such time as hee was slaine . Which things being commonly reported in euery towne and village , but especially in the Despots campe , wonderfully fill●d mens heads with diuers strange and doubtfull ●houghts then diuers also of the dispersed edicts being found , and brought vnto the Despot , strucke him ( and not without cause ) into a great feare ; insomuch , that by the persuasion of his best friends , he without longer stay retired in hast to THESSALONICA . Whither shortly after came a gallie from CONSTANTINOPLE , with secret letters from the emperour to the Despot , for the apprehension of fiue and twentie of the cheefe cittizens , vehemently suspected for the stirring vp of th● people to rebellion , and so to haue deliuered the citie vnto the prince : all whom the Despot should haue sent bound in that gallie to CONSTANTINOPLE : but they in good time perceiuing the danger they were in , secretly stirring vp the people ▪ and by and by after ringing out the bels ( the signall appointed for the beginning of the rebellion ) had in a very short time raised a woonderfull tumult in the citie ; insomuch , that all the citizens wer● vp in armes , who running headling vnto the house of the Despot , found not him ( for he forewarned of their comming , was fled into the castle ) but slew all they met of his , or els robbing them , cast them in prison . As for the Despots house , they tooke what they found therein , and afterwards pulled it downe to the ground . Then comming to the castle , they fired the gates : which the Despot seeing , and not able to d●f●nd the place , tooke horse and fled vnto a monasterie not far off , where being taken by them that pursued him , he full sore against his will , for th● safegard of his life , tooke vpon him the habit of a monke : neuerthelesse , he was frō thence caried prisoner to the yong prince his nephew , who shewed himselfe much more courteous vnto him , than all the rest of his nobilitie & waiters : for they , as if they would haue eaten him vp , were euen foorthwith readie to haue torne him in peeces , h●d no●●he prince embracing him in his armes ; saued his life . Yet the next day after , by the persuasion of his counsell he sent him to DIDIMOTICHVM , where hee was cast into a most loathsome prison , being verie deepe and straight , in manner of a well , no bodie to attend vpon him but one boy ▪ where he lay in miserable darkenesse and stinke ; they which drew vp his ordure from him and the boy , whether by chance or of purpose , pouring it oftentimes vpon his head . Where after he had lien a great while in most extreame miserie , wishing to die and could not ; he was at length by the princes commandement ( entreated thereunto by certaine religious men ) remooued into a more easie prison , where we will for euer leaue him . Things falling out crosse with the old emperor , and although they were neuer so well deuised , still sorting out vnto the worst , he became verie pensiue and doubtfull what to do . So it fortuned , that one day in his melancholy mood hauing a Psalter in his hand , to resolue his doubtfull mind , he opened the same ( as if it were ) of that heauenly Oracle to aske counsell : where in the first verse that he light vpō was , Dum coelestis dissociat reges , niue conspergentur in Selmon : When the Almightie scattered kings ( for their sakes ) then were they as white as snow in Selmon . Which he applying to himselfe , as if all those troubles , and whatsoeuer else had happened in them , proceeded from the will of God , although for causes to him vnknowne : hee by and by sought to reconcile himselfe vnto his nephew ; contrarie to the mind of Syrgiannes , desiring nothing but trouble . For ( as we haue before said ) the yoong prince although he was desirous of the power and libertie of an emperor , yet he left the ornaments and care thereof vnto his grandfather : & had he not oftentimes and earnestly been egged forward by his companions to affect the whole empire , happily could and would haue contented himselfe with the former pacification : for being now sent for , he came first to RHEGIVM , and there visited his mother ( now set at libertie , and sent thither for the furtherance of the desired pacification ) where he with her and by her counsell did whatsoeuer was there done . So within a few daies the matter was brought into so good tearms , that an attonement was made , and he himselfe went and met the emperour his grandfather before the gates of the citie : the old emperour sitting then vpon his horse , and the prince lighting from his , a good furlong before he came at him : and although his grandfather was verie vnwilling and forbad him so to doe , yet he came to him on foot , and kissed his hand and foot as he sat on horesebacke ; and afterward taking horse , embraced him , and there kissed one another , to the great contentment of the beholders : and so hauing talked some few words , departed , the old man into the citie , and the yoong man into his campe , which then lay neere vnto PEGA : where staying certaine daies , he came diuers times into CONSTANTINOPLE , and so went out againe ; for as then his mother , partly for her health , partly for the loue of her sonne , lay at PEGA . But Syrgiannes nothing glad of the agreement made betwixt the emperour and his nephew , walked vp and downe sicke in mind , with a heauie countenance , especially for that in time of peace his busie head stood the commonweale in no stead . Wherefore in all meetings & assemblies , he willingly conuersed with them which most disliked of the present state , and spake hardly as well of the emperour as of his nephew , wronged as he thought by them both ; whereas in the time of their greatest distresse hee had ( as hee said ) stood them in good stead . But seeing one Asanes Andronicus walking melancholie vp and downe , as a man with heauinesse oppressed ; who hauing done good seruice for the yoong prince , and not of him regarded , had fled vnto the old emperour , and there found no such thing as he expected for the ease of his greefe , although he were a man honourably borne , and otherwaies indued with many good parts : with him Syrgiannes acquainted himselfe , as grieued with the like greefe that he himselfe was : with whom as with his friend , without any dissimulation he plainly discoursed of all such things as his greefe desired . But Asanes handling him with great wisedome , did himselfe with like words speake hardly both of the emperour and his nephew ; but yet curiously noted whatsoeuer Syrgiannes said , for he had before hated him for his ambition , and as then tooke it in displeasure , that he was enemie vnto Catacuzenus , his sonne in law , who was all in all with the yoong prince , and did oftentimes comfort him . But the song being throughly set , Asanes came secretly vnto the old emperour , and told him the whole matter ; and in fine , that except hee betime laid hold vpon Syrgiannes , affecting the empire , he should in short time be by him brought to his end . Whereupon Syrgiannes was forthwith clapped fast in prison : whose house , with all his wealth , the common people tooke the spoile of ; and not contented to haue rased it downe to the ground , conuerted the site thereof , together with the pleasant vineyards adjoyning vnto the same , into a place to feed goats and sheepe in : a worthie reward for his manifold trecheries . The yoong prince shortly after going to CONSTANTINOPLE , was there crowned emperor , as fellow in the empire with his grandfather : vnto which solemnitie in the great temple of Sophia , both the emperors riding , it fortuned the old emperour by the stumbling of his horse to be ouerthrowne , and foulely beraied in the myre , the streets being then very foule by reason of the great raine but a little before fallen : which many tooke as ominous , and portending the euill fortune which shortly after befell him . During the time of this peace , it fortuned that as the yoong prince was a hunting in CHERSONESUS , seuentie Turkes , aduenturers , were by force of weather driuen on shore : who before they would yeeld themselues prisoners , made a great fight with the emperours men , and slew diuers of them ; in which conflict the yong emperour himselfe was wounded in the foot , wherewith he was a great while after exceedingly tormented . Andronicus the late prince , and now fellow in the empire with his aged grandfather , held not himselfe long so contented , but after the manner of ambitious men ( and continually prickt forward by his aspiring fauorits ) longed to haue the whole gouernment vnto himselfe , which hardly brooketh any partener : and therefore wearie to see his grandfather liue so long , resolued no longer to expect his naturall death , ( although it could not by course of nature be farre off ) but by one deuice or other to thrust him from the gouernment ; or if that might not bee wrought , at once to dispatch him both of life and state together . And the surer to lay the plot whereon so foule and horrible a treason was to be built , he by the counsell of his mother & others , by whom he was most directed , sent for Michael the prince of BULGARIA , his brother in law ( though before to him vnknowne , as was his wife his sister also ) to make with him a firme league , to the intent by him to prouide , That if the prince of SERVIA ( who had but lately married the old emperours nigh kinswoman , and so to him much deuoted ) should take part with him , he should by the Bulgarian his neighbour bee intangled . Who so sent for , with his wife , the old emperours daughter , came to DIDYMOTICHUM , where they were many dayes most honourably entertained both by the yoong emperour and his mother : for why , this meeting plotted vpon great treason , was finely coloured , with the desire the yong emperour had to see his sister and her husband , as before vnto him vnknowne ; and the empresse , her daughter , whom she had not seene in three and twentie yeares before . But the secret conclusion betwixt them was , That the Bulgarian prince should to the vttermost of his power aid the yong emperour against his grandfather , and he likewise him against the Seruian , as he should haue need : and further , That if his grandfather , being deposed , he should recouer the whole empire , then to giue him a great sum of mony , with certaine speciall cities and prouinces confining vpon him , as in dowrie vnto his kind brother in law , and companion in his labours . So Michael the Bulgarian prince honourably entertained by the yoong emperour and the old empresse his mother in law , loaded with rewards , and promises of greater returned home into his countrey . This matter thus dispatched , the yoong emperour therewith incouraged , and knowing also the Constantinopolitans , besides the other cities of THRACIA , exceedingly to fauour him and his proceedings ; by whom also he was secretly inuited to hasten his comming thither ( as wearie of the long life and lazinesse , as he tearmed it , of his grandfather ) thought it best cunningly to go about the matter ; that so his grandfather being with as little stur as might be deposed , he himselfe might alone enjoy the empire . But needing money for the effecting of so great matters , he by force tooke all the money from the collectours , whom the old emperour had sent into THRACIA for the taking vp of money there ; telling them , that he was an emperour also , and in need of money , and that the common charge was likewise by the common purse to be discharged . After that he tooke his way towards CONSTANTINOPLE , pretending that vpon speciall causes hee had occasion to send embassadours vnto the Sultan of AEGYPT : for the transporting of whom he was there to take order for the setting forth of a great ship , and other things necessarie for the journey . Neither went he slenderly appointed , but with a great power ; and the cities of THRACIA before well assured vnto him , such as he suspected being thrust out of office , and others more assured vnto him placed in their steads . But whilst he thus besturreth himselfe , one of those that were most inwward with him , detesting so foule a treason , secretly fled from him vnto his grandfather , from point to point discouering vnto him all the intended treacheries ; and withall , how that his nephew had determined to depose him from his empire , or otherwise to bereaue him of his life if he should stand vpon his guard : but if in the attempt hee should find easie successe , then to spare his life ; and depriuing him of the imperiall dignitie , to thrust him as a monke into a monasterie : and therefore aduised him to beware how he suffered him after his woonted manner to come into the citie , for feare of a generall reuolt , but rather by force to keepe him out . Which the emperor hearing , and comparing with other things which he had heard of others , yet sounding in his eares , deeming it to be true , stood vp , and in the anguish of his soule thus complained vnto God : Reuenge my quarrell , ô God , vpon them that do me wrong , & let them be ashamed that rise vp against me : and preserue thou vnto me the imperiall power , which by thee giuen vnto me , he commeth to take from me whom I my selfe begot and aduanced . After , he began to consider what course to take for the assurance of himselfe and his state in so great a danger . And first he sent vnto his nephew ( come halfe way ) to forbid him from entring the citie , and to tell him , That it was a great folly for him , being so manifest a traitour , both vnto his grandfather and the state , to thinke his traiterous purposes to bee vnknowne vnto the world : and beside , in way of reproofe to rehearse vnto him , how many occasions he had giuen for the breaking of the league with his grandfather : first , in taking away the money from the collectors , whereof the state neuer stood in more need , by reason of the diuision of the empire , which required double charge ; then , in that hee had in the citie euerie where displaced such gouernours and magistrats as his grandfather had sent thither , and placed others at his pleasure ; with many other like facts , declaring his treacherous aspiring mind , for which he was not without cause by his grandfather forbidden to enter the citie . After that , the old emperour by secret letters craued aid of Crales prince of SERVIA , and Demetrius the Despot his sonne , who was then gouernour of THSSALONICA and the countries adjoyning ; commaunding him , with Andronicu● and Michael his nephews ( gouernours of MACEDONIA ) with all the forces they were able to raise , and such aid as should be sent vnto them out of SERVIA , with all speed to joyne together and to go against the yoong emperour . But these letters thus written vnto the prince of SERVIA , the Despot , and others , ( as is before said ) were for the most part intercepted , by such as the yoong emperour had for that purpose placed vpon the straits of CHRISTOPOLIS , and the other passages ; especially such as were written in paper , yet some others in fine white linnen cloth , and secretly sowed in the garments of such as carried them , escaped for all their strait search , and so were deliuered . And in truth nothing was done , or about to be done in CONSTANTINOPLE , but that the yoong emperour was by one or other aduertised thereof : whereas the old emperour on the other side , vnderstood nothing what his nephew did abroad , or intended . For all men of their owne accord enclined vnto him , some openly both bodie and soule ( as they say ) and such as could not be with him in person , yet in mind and good will were euen present with him ; and that not onely the common sort of the citizens of CONSTANTINOPLE , but the chiefe Senatours , the great courtiers , yea and many other of the emperours neerest kinsmen also : who curiously obseruing whatsoeuer was done in the citie , foorthwith certified him therof . Amongst whom was also Theodorus the marques , one of the old emperors owne sons : who many years before by the empresse his mother sent into ITALY , and there honorably married , was by his prodigall course of life there , growne far in debt ; so that leauing his wife and children behind him , he was glad after the decease of his mother , to flie vnto his father at CONSTANTINOPLE , and there now liued ; who beside that he most honourably maintained him in the court , and bestowed many great things vpon him , paid also all his debts , which were verie great . All which fatherly kindnesse he forgetting , went about most Iudas like to haue betraied his aged father . For he also dreaming after the empire , and for many causes ( but especially for that hee was in mind , religion , manners , and habit , become a Latine ) by him rejected , thought he could not do him a greater dispite than by reuolting vnto the young emperour : so that the neerer he was in blood , the more he was his fathers vnnaturall enemie . Shortly after , Demetrius the Despot hauing receiued the emperours letters at THESSALONICA , called vnto him Andronicus and Michael his nephews , the gouernours of MACEDONIA ; with whom joyning all his forces , and dayly expecting more aid out of SERVIA , he first spoiled the yoong emperors friends and fauourits in MACEDONIA , giuing the spoile of them in all the cities and townes of MACEDONIA vnto their souldiours , who made hauocke of whatsoeuer they light vpon : and whosoeuer seemed any way to withstand them or dislike of their proceedings , their goods and lands they confiscated , and draue the men themselues into exile . Neither was the yoong emperour Andronicus in the meane time idle , but secretly sent out his edicts into all parts of the empire , yea into the verie cities of CONSTANTINOPLE and THESSALONICA , and ouer all MACEDONIA : whereby he proclaimed vnto the people in generall , a releasement of them from all tributs , impositions , and payments ; and frankly promised vnto the souldiours and men of war , the augmenting of their pensions and pay : which were no sooner bruited , but that most men were therewith mooued , both in word and deed to fauour his proceedings , doing what they could to further the same , and by secret letters inuiting him to hasten his comming into the citie : who thereupon comming to RHEGIVM , by his embassadours sent from thence , requested the old emperour , Either to giue him leaue according to the league betwixt them , to come into the citie , or else to send him certaine of the chiefe of the nobilitie and cleargie , with some of the better and more vnderstanding sort of the Burgers and citizens also , vnto whom he might frankly speake his mind : for them faithfully to deliuer the same againe vnto the emperor his grandfather , and the people . Which requests the old emperour perceiuing to be full of deceit and trecherie , for a good space answered thereunto nothing at all , but stood all silent , as doubting which to graunt : for , to suffer his nephew to come into the citie , he saw was dangerous , the cittizens ( as he well knew ) being for the most part enclined to reuolt vnto him so soon as they should once see him within the gates ; and to send any forth vnto him , as he desired , might be ( as he feared ) an occasion of some tumult to be after raised in the citie : for he knew that his nephewes drift therein was , openly by faire words , and secretly with great gifts and large promises , first to gaine them , and by them the rest of the citizens . Both which things being dangerous , he made choice of the easier , and sent forth vnto him two of the most noble Senators , two of the most reuerend bishops , two other graue prelates , and foure of the cheefe burgesses of the citie : vnto whom , at their comming vnto him , hee in the open hearing of all men deliuered this premeditated and craftie speech : It is not vnknowne vnto the world , you my subjects to haue alwaies been vnto me more deare than I haue been vnto my selfe : and how that I haue not vpon any ambitious conceit , or desire of the sole gouernment , against my grandfathers good will , gone out . For you see how that I neither spare mine owne life , or attend my pleasure , for the care I haue of you : I come not vnto you compassed about with a guard of armed men , as is the manner not of kings only , for the enuie of their high place ; but of others also of farre meaner calling , whom disaster fortune , banished from their parents and kinred , hath enforced to wander here and there , with death alwayes before their eyes . Let any man tell me how I came by these wounds which I yet beare in my bodie , but in fight with the enemies of my countrey which passe ouer out of ASIA into THRACIA ; or els dwelling neere vnto ISTER , doe with their incursions from thence miserably wast that side of THRACIA which is next vnto them ? For I ( to tell you the very truth ) seeing the old emperour by reason of his great yeares to become slothfull and blockish , and not possibly to be awaked out of his drowsie sleepe , neither any whit to greeue , when as the poore Christians his subjects were both by day and night , some as sacrifices slaine by the barbarous enemies , some carried away into most miserable captiuitie , and the rest poore and naked to be driuen out of their houses and cities ; not to speake in the meane time of the greater mischeefes in ASIA , and how many cities haue beene there lost through the old emperours slouth and negligence : when I saw these things ( I say ) strucken with a piercing greefe , which my heart could not indure , I went out for two causes , Either by some kind of honourable death to end my greefe together with my life , or els to the vttermost of my power to stand my countrey in some stead . For by no meanes it can come to passe , but that a man , and he that hath of long time raigned , must at length become loathsome vnto his subjects , and incurre their deadly hatred . For why , God hath made nothing in this life immutable and firme : whereby it commeth to passe , as we see , that all worldly things joy and delight in change . But if a man will as it were force fortune to his desire , and striue to bind things vnto a certaine firme and constant course , he shall but lose his labour , and in vaine striue against nature ▪ But whatsoeuer is contrary vnto nature , or exceedeth the just bounds thereof , hath in it neither comfort nor delight . This was it that caused the wise men to say , and to leaue vnto vs as rules : Not to dwell too long vpon any thing ; and a measure to be the fairest vertue . For you see how that my grandfather being grown to great years , and hauing raigned so long ( I may almost say ) as neuer did any but he , is become hatefull vnto all his people ; and yet regardeth not either how to discharge himselfe of so great a burthen , or how to releeue the declining state of the empire , or so much as greeueth to see the successours of the empire to die before him : for my father is dead without any fruit of the empire , except the bare title only ; and others also neerest to him of blood , and farre yoonger than he , are dead likewise : and happely I my selfe may die also before I shall receiue any profit thereof , For what can more easily happen , especially vnto a man that shunneth no danger , and regardeth not his life ? But some perhaps will suspect me of ambition , for departing from the emperour my grandfather , and for refusing to bee ruled by him . Which thing I neither flatly denie , nor altogether confesse : for might I see the empire encrease , and the bounds thereof enlarged , I could willingly content my selfe , and at my case take my rest ; cheering my selfe vp with such hope as doe they that beare with their cookes , making them to stay long for their dinner , in hope thereby to fare the better . But seeing the state of the empire daily to decline from euill to worse , and the miserable people carried away captiues , or slaine by their enemies euen at the gates and vnder the wals of the imperiall cittie : what deeme you mee then to thinke ? For most men ease their present greefe , with the hope of future good , although the same be but vaine : but vnto mee is not left euen such vaine hope vnto my false comfort . And can you meruaile at the impotent affection of the Great Alexander of MACEDON , greeued and displeased to see his father to heape victorie vpon victorie , and to cut off all the hope of his sonnes glorie , by leauing him so few occasions of war ; and not thinke me ( to whom you see the quite contrarie is chanced , and from whom not only the hope of the empire is cut off , for the wasting thereof , but euen the course of a quiet life ) to fret and greeue thereat ? Mooued herewith , and not able longer to endure it , at length I rise vp , and requested of the emperour my grandfather , but a thousand men at armes , promising him by the power of God with them to preserue the cities in BYTHINIA , and to driue his enemies farther off , before that hauing them , they should passe ouer the strait and besiege the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE : which so small a request he not onely denied me , but hath euer since taken me for his mortall enemie . But this and many other things els let passe : I haue now another request vnto him by you , which is , That he would giue me eight thousand duckats to content my souldiors withall , who now of long haue from place to place romed vp and downe with mee , following mine vncertaine fortune : which graunted , I will no more bee vnto my grandfather troublesome , but dismissing my forces , hold my selfe right well contented . Hauing thus said , he rise out of his seat , and taking them apart one after another , courteously discoursed with them , & so filling them with great hopes , sent them away : who departing from him & comming into the citie , became as it were the open proclaimers of his praises , enflaming the people with a greater desire of him than before . Which the old emperour hearing , and perceiuing almost all his friends in the citie to be in heart reuolted from him ; and withall fearing to be of them in some suddaine concourse slaine , was therewith exceedingly vexed . Yet he thought it best before any such thing should happen , to prooue their minds , and to heare the counsell of the Patriarch , and Asanes , and the other bishops also : vnto whom being by one of the Senators called together , he declared his mind as followeth : Were I assured , that hauing deposed my selfe of the imperiall dignitie , I should my self liue in safetie , and see my people well gouerned ; I would I should neuer be of the company of the faithfull , if I did not by much prefer a pleasant quiet contented life before an empire . For if a man would seek for the pleasure of the mind , what can be more pleasant , than to be disburdened of all cares , and free from such dangers as attend high estates ? But if for my sinne and the sins of my people , as also for the sinne of mine ancestors , the vengeance of God in manner of a violent tempest raging against vs , subuerteth our empire : and I yet but a youth , by the helpe of God reformed and quieted the state of the empire , greeuously troubled with discord in the Church , and the often inuasion of the enemie ; and taught by long experience , know not now in so great a hurle and tempest which way to turne my selfe : how can I with safetie commit vnto my nephew so great a charge , who as yet is both an vnstayed youth , and so carelesse of his owne good as that he knoweth not how well to gouerne his owne priuat affaires ? For giuing ouer his power vnto yoong vnskilfull men , and hauing flung away his imperiall possessions amongst them , hee himselfe liueth in penurie and want ; neither regardeth any thing more than his dogs and kites , of whom hee keepeth few lesse than a thousand curres , and as many hawkes , and not much fewer men to looke vnto them . Wherefore vnto such a man , how may I safely commit either my life , o● the administration of mine empire , by God committed vnto me ? But I will neuer witting and willingly cast away either my subjects or my selfe . For my nephew I haue loued , not onely more than my wife and children , but ( to say the truth ) more than my selfe also ; as you all know how tenderly I haue brought him vp , how carefully I haue instructed and aduised him , as purposing to haue left him the heire and successour both of my wisedome and mine empire , that so hee might the better please both God and man. But he , contemning my good counsell , hath spent whole nights in banquetting , and riot , and brothelhouses ; wherein hee hath also slaine his owne brother : and to bee bree●e , he hath risen and lifted vp his hand against me his grandfather , and a grandfather that had of him so well deserued , attempting such a villanie as the Sunne neuer saw . Wherfore you ought also to hate and detest his wickednesse , and to rise vp to restraine his impudent disloyaltie , and by your ecclesiasticall censure to denounce him vnworthie of the empire and the communion of the faithfull , is one seperated from God , that so ashamed and corrected , he may louingly thither returne from whence he is shamefully departed , and againe be made heire both of mine empire and staiednesse : For there is no man aliue whom I had rather haue promoted vnto the empire , so that he would heare my precepts , and obey my counsell . As for the conclusion he vsed in his former speech , it was altogether fained , craftie , and malicious : for you haue heard how many reproches he hath giuen me in all that speech , wherewith his conclusion agreeth not : but the more to stir vp the hearers thereof against me , did of purpose so conclude his speech . Vpon this , most of the foresaid graue and learned bishops agreed that the young emperour should no more be named in the praiers of the Church , vntill he had better conformed himselfe : Howbeit the patriarch and some others secretly fauouring both him and his proceedings , liked not thereof , and therefore saying nothing thereunto , returned home vnto their owne houses . But meeting once or twise afterwards in the patriarch his house , they there conspired together against the old emperour ; with whom also diuers of the nobilitie consented : and thereupon an oath was conceiued in writing , whereby they bound themselues , to continue constant in that their wicked resolution . Whereupon , about three dayes after , the patriarch causing the bels to be rung ; and a great number of the vulgar people flocking together , pronounced the sentence of excommunication against all such as should in their publike praiers omit the name of the young emperour , or refuse to doe him all honour due vnto an emperour . Which thing not a little grieued the old emperour , as appeared by his speech , in saying , If the doctor of peace be so mad against vs , in hope of reward promised by my nephew , that casting off all shame and grauitie , he doubteth not to be the authour of sedition ; who shall represse the rash attempts of the vulgar people against vs , if we respect but mans helpe ? For the Patriarch so much as in him lieth is , I see , the murtherer of vs. So the bishops of the contrarie faction , moued with the notable impudencie of the patriarch , excommunicated him likewise , as he had done them , with his mad followers , as the authours of sedition and faction , and incited with bribes to the troubling of the state : for which cause also he was by the Emperours commandement committed vnto safe keeping in the monasterie called MANGANIUM . But about two daies after , the young Emperour came to the wals of CONSTANTINOPLE , to know how his grandfather had accepted the messengers sent vnto him ; earnestlie requesting that it might be lawfull for him alone to enter into the citie , to do his dutie to his grandfather . But neither he , neither his words were at all regarded , but was by such as stood vpon the wals himselfe with stones driuen away ; who could not abide to heare him speake , but shamefully railed at him , saying all his talke to bee nothing els but deceit and fraud : and so for that time he retired a little from the wals . But night being come , certaine busie heads amongst the common people ( & they not few ) secretly meeting together , gaue him knowledge , That about midnight when as all the cittizens were asleepe , and the watchmen in securitie , he should come vnto the wals , where they would be readie with ropes to draw him vp vnto the top of the bulwarkes , which done , the matter ( as they said ) were as good as dispatched : for that they were persuaded , that the citizens so soone as they should once see him in the middest of the citie amongst them , would foorthwith all reuolt vnto him . So he according vnto this appointment , about midnight approching the wals , found there no such matter as he had well hoped , for the receiuing of him into the citie ; but contrariwise , the watchmen carefully watching all alongst the wall , and calling one vnto another . Wherefore finding there no hope , he with Catacuzenus and Synadenus , his cheefe counsellors , leauing the South side of the citie , in a little boat rowed softly all along the wall that is towards the sea , if happely they might there find their friends , and so be receiued in : but there the watchmen also descrying them from the wals , and calling vnto them , but receiuing no answere , began to cast stones at them , and to make a noise : so that deceiued of their purpose , and out of hope , they were glad to get them farther off , and to depart as they came . But the euill successe of this exploit was shortly after with his better fortune recompenced : for by and by after , secret letters were sent vnto him from THESSALONICA , requesting him with al speed to come thither , assuring him in the name of the bishop with diuers of the nobilitie , and the good liking of the people in generall , at his comming to open the gates of the citie vnto him : whereupon he leauing a great part of his armie with Synadenus , to keepe short the Constantinopolitanes , he himselfe with the rest of his power set forward towards THESSALONICA , where he in the habit of a plaine countrey man entred the citie vnsuspected : but being got with in the gate , and there casting off that simple attire wherewith he had couered his rich and royal garments , and presently knowne to be the yong emperour , the people came flocking about him , and with many joyfull acclamations receiued him as their dread lord and soueraigne : yet some few , more fauouring the old emperor , fled into the castle , and there stood vpon their guard ; which after they had for a space notably defended , was at length taken from them . THESSALONICA thus yeelded , Demetrius , Andronicus , and Asan Michael , the old emperor cheefe captaines , then lying with his armie not farre off , and not well trusting one another , fled ; most of whose souldiors presently went ouer vnto the young emperour : who departing from THESSALONICA , came to SERRE ; which by composition was deliuered vnto him also , but not the castle : for that was by Basilicus Nicephorus ( the captaine thereof ) still holden for the 〈◊〉 emperour . This Basilicus was a man honourably descended , but of no great capacitie or wit , as the finer sort supposed , and therefore not of them much regarded or thought fit for the taking in hand of any great matter : whom yet the old emperour for his plaine sinceritie , more than for any thing els , had made captaine of that castle and gouernour of the country thereabouts , which he yet still held , and in these most troublesome times shewed himselfe wiser than them all that had so thought of him : of whom some died in despaire , some fled , some were taken prisoners , and so suffered a thousand euils , the rest with the losse of their honour traiterously reuolting from the old emperour to the yong : whereas he alone , looking but euen forward vpon his allegeance , with his trust in God , so long as the old emperour liued opposed himselfe against these troubles , and stood fast for him , and was not to be moued with any faire promises or cruell threats of the yong aspiring emperour , whereof he lacked none . But hauing strongly fortefied the castle committed to his charge , there kept himselfe , vntill that hearing of the death of the old emperour , he then reconciling himselfe vnto the yong , as vnto his right soueraigne , deliuered vp vnto him the castle : who in reward of his fidelitie , gaue it him againe to hold for him , in as ample manner as he had before held it from his grandfather : for wise men honour vertue euen in their enemies , as did king Philip in Demosthenes , when as he said , If any Athenian liuing in Athens , doth say that he preferreth me before his countrey , him verely would I buy with much money , but not thinke him worthie my friendship . But if any for his countries sake shall hate me , him will I impugne as a castle , a strong wall , or a bulwarke ; and yet admire his vertue , and reckon the citie happie in hauing such a man. And so in few words to conclude a long discourse , the yong emperour in short time hauing romed through all MACEDONIA , and without resistance taken all the strong townes and cities therein , he there tooke also Demetrius the Despots wife and children , with all his treasure , as also the wiues of Andronicus and Asanes , and of all the Senators that followed them : after whom the great commaunders their husbands were also for the most part taken and cast in prison , some at THESSALONICA , some at DIDIMOTICHUM , some of the rest afterwards most miserably perishing in exile . Wherewith the old emperour discouraged , was about to haue sent his embassadours vnto his nephew for peace , whilest he was yet thus busied in MACEDONIA : and had indeed so done , had not another hope arising in the meane time , quite altered that his better purpose . It fortuned at the same time , whilest the old emperour was thus thinking of peace , That Michael the Bulgarian prince , in hope of great profite thereof to arise , secretly offered his aid vnto him against the young emperour his nephew : of which his offer , the old emperour gladly accepted , and embassadours were sent too and fro about the full conclusion of the matter , no man being acquainted therewith more than two or three of the emperour his most secret friends and trustie counsellors . Yet in the meane time , disdayning to be so coupt vp as he was by Synadenus , one of his nephews captaines , euen in the imperiall citie ; sent out one Constantinus Assan , with the greatest part of his strength against him : who encountring him at the riuer MAVRVS , was there by him in plaine battell ouerthrown and taken prisoner , the rest of his discomfited armie flying headlong backe againe to CONSTANTINOPLE . All things thus prosperously proceeding with the yoong emperour , and the countries of MACEDONIA and THRACIA now almost all at his commaund , he returned in hast with all his power to CONSTANTINOPLE to preuent the comming of the Bulgarians thither : as fearing least that they finding the citie weakly manned , should trecherously kill the old emperour with such as were about him , and so ceize vpon the citie themselues : or at leastwise giue him such aid as might keepe him out , and so cut off all his hope for obtayning of the same . At which time also there was great want of victuall in the citie , he with his armie hauing shut it vp on the one side by land , and the Venetians with their gallies on the other side by sea : who then at ods with the Genowaics dwelling at PERA , kept all that strait sea betwixt EVROPE and ASIA : in such sort , as that neither victuals nor marchandise could be brought that way , either to CONSTANTINOPLE or PERA . The yoong emperour comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , attempted at his first comming to haue entred the citie , in hope without any great resistance to haue beene receiued ; but repulsed by the defendants , was glad to get him further off . About this time came also vnto the citie three thousand horsemen , the promised aid of the Bulgarian prince vnto the old emperour : who although he wanted men , and was right glad of their comming , yet remembring the harmes he had before receiued by forrein aid , and not now daring to trust them too far , suffered not them to come into the citie , more than their Generall and some few others of their commanders with him . Now the yoong emperour vpon the comming of this aid , least some great harme might betide either the old emperour , or himselfe , to the vtter subuersion of their state : secretly sent vnto his grandfather , requesting him to be well aduised how he trusted those forrein people too far ; offering himselfe to do whatsoeuer he should commaund , rather than so great a harme should happen vnto either of them , as was from them to be feared . But the trust the old emperour had conceiued of this Bulgarian aid , had so confirmed his mind , as that hee little listened vnto his nephews request : besides that , how could hee well trust him that had so oftentimes deceiued him ? Wherewith the young emperour much grieued , and now againe almost dispairing of his farther successe , dislodged and drew neere vnto the place where these Bulgarian horsemen lay encamped : from whence hee sent certaine embassadours with great gifts and presents vnto the Generall , and the rest of the chiefe commaunders , promising them farre greater , if they would without further troubling themselues returne home againe : whereunto they willingly graunted , and so were of him honourably feasted , and the ne●● day after conducted vpon their way homewards . It fortuned , that the young emperour returning backe againe from the Bulgarians , and encamped in the same place where he before lay ; two of the watchmen of the citie , the one called Camaris , and the other Castellanus , both smiths , fled secretly vnto him : who admitted to his presence and all others commaunded to depart , excepting Catacuzenus , offered to betray the citie vnto him , so that he would vnder his hand writing , assure them of such a summe of money , and such possessions as they required : which he easily graunting , and the houre and manner of performing of the same , being by them declared , and agreed vpon ; they by and by without longer stay , for feare of suspition , returned againe into the citie . But the emperour staying foure daies in the same place , caused certaine ladders to be made of great ropes , such as they vse in great ships : But the appointed night being come , the two traitours hauing before prouided great store of good wine , liberally gaue the same by way of curtesie vnto the watchmen their companions neere vnto them ; who drunke so plentifully thereof , that not able any longer to hold vp their heads , they fell into so sound a sleepe , as that but for breathing , they differed not much from dead men . About midnight came certaine souldiours of the young emperours , with the aforesaid ladders ; which the traitours by and by drawing vnto them by a rope cast downe , and making them fast vnto the top of the wall , receiued by the same eighteene armed men : who being got into the citie , without more adoe brake open the Romane gate , whereby the young emperour with his armie presently entred , no man letting him . But it is woorth the marking , how things appointed to befall vs , are by no meanes to be auoided , although we bee thereof before neuer so plainly forewarned : For the same night the citie was surprized , immediatly after the setting of the Sunne , the gates being shut , a certaine countrey man came running in all hast from out of a village there by , and knocking hard at the gate called Girolimna , required to speake with some of the souldiours ; who being come , he told them how that a little before hee had seene a great number of the young emperours men marching toward the citie , by the way that leadeth vnto the Romane gate : which being told vnto the old emperour , did not a little trouble him . And therefore thought it good to send out certaine scouts , to see if all were cleere along the wals toward the land , from sea to sea : which his purpose Metochita his great counsellor letted , saying , it not to beseem a couragious mind to be vpon so light an occasion so much moued ; for that either the rumour was false , or the indeuour of so few vaine , the wals and gates of the citie being so filled with armed men : which happily he said not so much vpon ignorance of martiall affaires , as blinded by a certaine commaunding power , that the supernall decree giuen by God himselfe against the old emperour , might at length take place . And againe , the third part of that night yet scant past , diuers other countreymen came running vnto the said gate Gyrolimna , and told the watchmen vpon the wals , that a great number of men were met together at the Romane gate : wherof the emperor hearing was therewith much more troubled than before ; In so much that sharply rebuking Metochita , he said vnto him , Thou seemest to be strāgely metamorphosed into a man of yron , which art become so secure , as not to haue any feeling of the danger wherewith we are enclosed : Seest thou not that the matter requireth not that we should thus sit still and take our rest , for the noise of my nephew soundeth in mine eares as the sound of a great drum , and disquieteth my mind ? I feele a sea of calamitie broken out against me , which ouerwhelmeth and drowneth my heart and courage . Neuerthelesse he , firme in his former opinion , made no reckoning of those reports : and therefore rose to go to bed , to shew indeed that he accounted nothing of them , but as false alarms . But the emperour left alone and no bodie with him vnto whom he might breake his griefe , laied him downe vpon a pallet , not putting off his clothes ; but as if he had together with them put on extreame desperation , lay tumbling too and fro as a man in mind troubled with many and diuers heauie thoughts . In the meane time he heard a great noise at the court gate , and the report of the entring of the young emperour his nephew , with a great clattering of armour ; for there were aboue eight hundred souldiours entred with him , and withall they of the citie on euerie side saluted him with most joyfull acclamations . But the old emperour hearing the great tumult and outcrie , rose from his pallet , exceedingly troubled ; and destitute of all the helpe of his captaines and souldiours ( for why his palace was altogether desolate , except of such as were his ordinarie waiters ) betooke himselfe vnto his praiers , Beseeching God not to forsake him in so great a danger , but in his mercie to defend him from the furie of those wicked men . Who presently heard him , and sent him present reliefe . For whilest he was thus praying in the palace , the young emperour without , calling together all his captaines and lieutenants , straightly charged them vpon paine of death , neither by word nor deed to violate the majestie of the old emperour his grandfather , nor any other about him : for this victorie ( said he ) God hath giuen vs , & not we our selues ; his will ordereth all things , wherunto all things obey , the stars , the aire , the sea , the earth , men , flouds , tempests , plagues , earthquaks , shoures , dearth , and such like , sometimes to our blisse , and sometime to our correction and destructien : wherefore vsing vs as the instruments of his chastisement , he hath giuen vnto vs this present victorie ▪ which peraduenture to morrow he will giue to others to vse against vs , and then as wee haue beene vnto them wee haue ouercome , such will they also shew themselues vnto vs againe : wherefore , if neither nighnesse of blood , neither that we be all of one countrey may mooue vs , yet in respect of ourselues let vs vse mercie , that we feele not the hand of God vpon vs in like case . In the meane time a courtier opened a wicket vnto the young emperour , with this message from his grandfather : For as much as God this day ( my sonne ) hath giuen vnto thee the imperiall scepter , taken from me , I request of thee this one good turne ; For many which I haue euen from thy birth bestowed vpon thee ( for in this my hard estate I let passe , that I next vnto God haue been the authour of thy natiuitie and encrease ) giue me my life , spare thy fathers head , and with violent weapon spill not that blood from which thou thy selfe hast taken the fountaine of life . Man truly beholdeth heauen and earth , and heauen and earth behold mens actions : wherefore make not the heauens and the earth beholders of so wicked an outrage as neuer man euer committed . If brothers blood long agoe cried out vnto the Lord against Cain , how much louder shall the fathers blood crie vnto the Lord , and declare so great a wickednesse vnto the earth , the sunne , and stars , and make it abhorred of all the princes of the world ? Regard my miserable old age , which of it selfe promiseth vnto me shortly death , but vnto thee a rest after long cares . Reuerence the hands which haue oftentimes most louingly embraced thee , yet crying in thy swathing clouts : Reuerence those lips which haue oftentimes most louingly kissed thee , and called thee my other soule : Haue pitie vpon a brused reed , cast downe by fortune , and doe not thou againe tread vpon it . And seeing thou art thy selfe a man , be not too proud of thy present fortune , but consider the vncertaintie and varietie of worldly things , taking by me example : see in me the end of long life , and maruell , how one night hauing receiued me an emperour of many yeares ; leaueth me now subject vnto another mans power for euer . The young emperour Andronicus mooued with this speech , and taking great care of his grandfathers safetie ; scarce abstaining from teares , entred the pallace , and comming to his grandfather , humbly saluted him , embraced him , and with cheerfull words comforted him . Straight way after , he went vnto the monasterie MANGANIVM , where ( as is aforesaid ) the Patriarch Esaeius was by the old emperors commandement , kept in safe keeping , whom the yong emperor now tooke from thence , and carrying him away in one of the emperors richest chariots , restored him againe vnto his Patriarchall dignitie ; wherein he afterwards spared not to reuenge himselfe to the full , and most cruelly to persecute the old emperours friends . That day from morning vnto night , a man might haue seene all the riches and wealth of such noble men as had taken part with the old emperour , carryed away , and their goodly houses ouerthrowne and made the scorne of the base common people : but especially the house and wealth of Theodorus Metochita , a man but the day before in greatest fauour with his prince , and of all others next vnto the emperour himselfe , of greatest authoritie and credit , whose whole wealth ( not that only which was found in his house , but that also which he had laid vp in trust with his friends , discouered by notes found in his studie ) became most part a prey vnto the common people , and the rest confiscated vnto the prince . Thus he which earst of all others next vnto the emperour , was accounted most fortunate , was now vpon the sudden , with his wife and children , brought vnto extreame beggerie ; and after many yeares felicitie , in one day cast into the bottom of dispaire and miserie , where a man might haue heard many complayning , say , All that wealth and treasure to haue beene the bloud and teares of the poore oppressed subjects , brought vnto him by them whom hee had made rulers and gouernours of the prouinces and cities of the empire ; to the intent that when they had delt cruelly with the people , as with their slaues , he might stop them for comming to complaine of their griefes vnto the emperour : and that the eie of the Reuenger had not alwaies slept , but was now at length awaked , & had of him yet scarcely takē sufficient punishment : which euery where to heare , increased not a little his griefe . As for himselfe , he was cōfined vnto DIDYMOTICHVM , as the place of his exile and banishment ; where after he had a certaine time poorly liued , he was sent for backe againe to CONSTANTINOPLE : where hauing nothing le●t to relieue himselfe ( for his house at the comming of the young emperour , was in the furie of the people pluckt downe to the ground , and the verie pauement thereof digged vp ) he went vnto the monasterie of CHORA thereby , which long before built by the emperour Iustinian and become ruinous , he in the time of his prosperitie had with great charge repaired , & therin now ( hauing made shipwracke of all that he had ) quietly shrouded himselfe , to the great comfort both of his bodie and afflicted mind , where he not long after died . But to returne againe vnto the old emperour , as yet in doubt what should become of himselfe : it fortuned that the same day that the citie was taken , the young emperour at night returning to the pallace , by the way met with Niphon sometime Patriarch , who asked him how they meant to deale with his grandfather . Whereunto the yong emperor answering , That he would deale with him honourably and emperour like ; he was by him therefore blamed and reprooued . For this Niphon being of a craftie subtile wit and malicious nature , besides that he secretly hated all them vpon whom fortune greatly either fauned or frowned , bare an especiall grudge against the old emperour : first , for that at such time as he was right woorthly for his shamefull couetousnesse and extortion , by the rest of the bishops and cleargie thrust out of his Patriarchship , he was not by him as he looked for defended : and secondly , for that dreaming againe after the Patriarchall dignitie , he thought it one good step thereunto to haue him ( as his greatest enemie ) taken out of the way . Wherefore he said now vnto the young emperour ▪ If thou desire to raigne without feare , giue not thine honour vnto another ; but taking all the ornaments of the empire from the old man , cast haire cloath vpon him , and so clap him fast in prison , or thrust him out into exile . This mischieuous counsell , this wicked man gaue against the poore old distressed emperour ; not remembring how vnwoorthily he had by him beene before preferred vnto the highest degrees both of honour and wealth , if he could there haue kept himselfe : vnto which vngratious counsell , diuers others of the nobilitie also consenting , so wrought the matter amongst them , that although they could not quite draw the young emperors mind from his grandfather , yet they much changed the same : so that he could no longer endure to take him for his companion in the empire . Whereupon after many meetings & consultations had , it was decreed , That the old man should still retaine the name and ornaments of an emperour , as before , but not to meddle in any matters , nor to come abroad , but to sit still quietly in his chamber , with the yearly allowance of ten thousand duckats , for the maintenance of himselfe and such as attended vpon him ; to be raised of the fishing before the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE : a poore pension for the maintenance of so great an emperour ▪ Of which so shamefull a decree , Esaeias the Patriarch was also a furtherer : who seeing an emperour that had raigned so long , cast downe , and shut vp as it were in prison , was so far from grieuing thereat , that foolishly rejoycing , he in token thereof absurdly wrested this text of Scripture , saying in his merriment , Laetabitur iustus , cum viderit vltionem , The just shall rejoyce , when he seeth the reuenge : calling himselfe just , and the emperours casting downe , reuenge . But the old emperour thus shut vp in his chamber ( differing nothing but in name , from a prison ) not long after , the state of his bodie ouerthrowne with greefe and corrupt humors distilling out of his head , first lost one of his eyes , and shortly after the other also : and so oppressed with eternall darkenesse , mingled ( as saith the Scripture ) his drinke with teares , and eat the bread of sorrow , being oftentimes ( to his great greefe ) most bitterly mocked and derided , not of them onely which were by his enemies set to guard him , but of his owne seruants also . Not long after , the yong emperour falling sicke , in such sort as that it was thought he would not recouer , Catacuzenus and the rest of his greatest fauorits and followers carefull of their own estate , and yet doubtfull of the old blind emperour , deuised many things against him , but all tending to one purpose for the shortening of his daies . But in the end all other deuises set apart , they put him to the choice , either to put on the habit of a religious , and so for euer to bid the world farwell , or els to take what should otherwise ensue ; the best wherof was either death , exile , or perpetuall imprisonment in the lothsome castle of forgetfulnesse : For the putting whereof in execution , Synadenus ( of all others to him most hatefull ) was appointed . At which hard choice , the old emperor as with a world of woes sodainly oppressed , lay a great while vpon his bed as a man speechlesse : for what could he do els , except he had an heart of steele or adamant ? being then compassed about with many barbarous and mercilesse soldiors , and his domesticall seruants kept from him , and no man left , that would vouchsafe to direct him ( being blind ) whither to go or where to stand . But to make the matter short , would he , would he not , they made choice for him thēselues , polling and shauing him , and casting a monkes habit vpon him , changed his name , after the manner of the religious , and called him by the name of Anthonie the monke . Glad was Esaeias the false Patriarch of this the hard estate of the old emperour : for that now that he was professed a religious , there was left no hope for him to recouer againe the empire , either cause for himselfe to feare . Yet he thought it good to be aduised , in what sort remembrance should be made of him in the church prayers , if any were at all from thenceforth to be made . Whereof to be by the old emperour himselfe resolued , he ( seeming to be very sorie for that which was done , but purposing indeed therein to deride him ) sent vnto him two bishops , to know what his pleasure was to haue done therein . Vnto which their demaund , he oppressed with heauinesse , and fetching a great sigh euen from the bottome of his heart answered : As in poore Lazarus appeared a double miracle , That being dead , he rise ; and being bound , walked : euen so was it to be done in me ; though in quite contrarie manner : for loe , being aliue , I am dead , as ouerwhelmed with the waues of calamitie and woe ; and being loose , am bound , not my hands and feet onely , but my tongue also ; wherewith vnable to doe any thing els , I might yet at least bewaile my woes and wrongs vnto the aire , and such as by chance should heare me , and vnto this most wofull darkenesse wherein I must for euer sit . But shame hath closed my mouth , my brethren abhorre me , and my mothers sonnes account me for a stranger vnto them , and the very light of mine eyes is not with me , my friends and neighbours stood vp against me , and all that saw me laughed me to scorne : my feet had almost slipped , and my footsteps were almost ouerthrowne : for I fretted against the wicked , when I saw the peace of the vngodly . The emperours long agoe gaue great priuiledges vnto the Church , euen those which it at this day enjoyeth : and the Church gaue to them againe power , to chuse whom they would to be Patriarchs . Now concerning him that sent you , I not onely nominated him vnto the Patriarchship , but I my selfe made choice of him , and preferred him before many other right worthie and most famous men , being himselfe a man growne old in a poore priuat life , neuer before preferred , or for any other thing famous : I will not say how often I haue holpen him and done him good . But now when hee should againe haue relieued me in my calamitie , he joyneth hands with mine enemies against me , more cruell vpon me than any other bloodie handed executioner ; not ashamed to aske me how I would bee remembred in the church : faigning himselfe to be ignorant and sorrie for mine estate , much like vnto the Aegyptian crocodile of NILE , which hauing killed some liuing beast , lieth vpon the dead bodie and washeth the head thereof with her warme teares , which she afterwards deuoureth together with the bodie . But what to answere him vnto this his catching question , I know not : for if I shall say , As an emperor ; I shall forthwith be slaine by them which for that purpose haue me in hold : but if I say , As Anthonie the monke ; it shall be taken as the franke confession of mine estate , by them which haue craftely contriued mine ouerthrow ; as if I had not by compulsion , but euen of mine owne free will put on this monasticall habit , which God knoweth was neuer in my thought . Hauing thus said , he sent them away without any other answere vnto their demaund : but sitting downe vpon his bed side , said , My soule returne again into thy rest , for the Lord hath dealt well with thee : neither spoke any one word more in declaration of his greefe , his tongue there staied by his singular wisedome , or els with the greatnesse of his greefe ; and so against his will , in silence passing ouer his sorow , his mind with the greatnesse of his woes ouercome , and as it were astonished , before the humors gathered into the braine could be dissolued into teares : For as the Sunne sending forth his moderat beames , draweth vnto it many exhalations and vapours , but casting the same foorth more plentifully , doth with his immoderat heat consume the same before they can be drawne vp ; so the moderat affections of the mind may haue their greefes by words and teares expressed ; but such as exceed all measure , and with their vehemencie as it were ouerthrow the mind , commonly make men to stand still mute & silent , or if they speak at all , to speak idly , and nothing to the purpose , as men beside themselues , or in an extasie . But for the resolution of the question by the bishops demaunded , the deuout Patriarch decreed , That in the Church prayers he should be remembred before the emperor his nephew , by the name of , The most religious and zealous monke Anthonie : which was done ( God wot ) for no good zeale to the poore blind man , but the better to colour the matter with the common people , as if hee wearie of the world , had voluntarily taken vpon him that silly profession . Neuerthelesse , within foure daies after , Synadenus vnderstanding them in euery place to whisper among themselues , and secretly to mutter against the hard dealing with the old emperour , who had long raigned ouer them , and so by right was againe to doe , if his nephew should chance to die ; and that the ecclesiasticall lawes enforced no man against his will to enter into religious orders : he therewith enraged , sent vnto him certaine of his owne confederacie , to exact of him an oath in writing , That he should neuer more after that time seeke after the empire , or yet accept of the same if it were offred him , neither to substitute any other : which if he should refuse to do , to put him in feare of his life . And the more to terrifie him , set a guard of insolent barbarous souldiors ouer him ; for feare of whom , he yeelded to doe whatsoeuer they required : and so his oath being solemnely conceiued into writing ( another man leading his hand , because he was blind ) he signed the same with a red crosse aboue , and a blacke crosse beneath , after the manner of the religious . Hauing thus liued in darkenesse , disgraced , shut vp in his chamber as a man forsaken of the world , with an vnsure guard euer to attend him , by the space of two yeares , it fortuned that the twelft of Februarie towards night , ( a day in the Greeke Church dedicated to the vigil of S. Anthonie , whose name they had giuen him ) certaine of his friends that were suffered to haue accesse vnto him , going as their manner was , once in three or foure daies to visit him ( amongst whom was his daughter , sometime the prince of SERVIA his wife , but as then a widdow , and Nicephorus Gregoras , author of this Historie ) he entred with them , as with his friends , into a familiar discourse of many matters , wherin he so deceiued the time , that it was past midnight before they perceiued how the time passed . But the cockes crowing , he brake off the talke , and bidding them farewell , gaue them leaue to depart , pleasantly saying , That to morrow they would make an end of their discourse ; who all thereupon tooke their leaue and departed , no signe of any sicknesse as then appearing vpon him . And after they were gone , called for meat and did eat : the meat he eat , was certaine shell-fish , for it was with them a fasting day , and he had not eaten any thing : after which , when as hee should haue drunke a cup of wine , for the comforting of his old stomack and disgesting of that so hard meat , he drunke cold water , as his manner was , when he felt any inward heat , to drinke the same immoderatly : which hurtfull manner of diet he then vsing also , began by and by to feele a great paine in his stomacke , and so presently after became very sicke , falling withall into a great loosenesse of bodie , so that in the space of one quarter of an houre he was glad oftentimes to arise , and to go vnto an homely house of office in an inner chamber thereby , to discharge natures burden ; where after many euacuations , sitting downe vpon an homely bed fast by , and not able to recouer his owne bed , hauing as then none to helpe him ; there before it was day , died , after he had raigned 43 yeares . His death was by many strange signes and accidents as it were foretold : first , a great eclipse of the Sunne appeared , just so many daies before his death as hee had liued yeares : and after that , another eclipse of the Moone ; and with it an earthquake , the day before he died at night , being S. Anthonie his euen , whose name his enemies had thrust vpon him : at which time also , the sea with a great tempest rising aboue the wonted bounds , made diuers breaches in the wals of the citie towards the sea , as if it had been some violent enemie , and ouerflowed also diuers houses in the citie . Manie crosses and pinacles were then also from the tops of churches and other high buildings ouerthrowne ; and with them a great pillar , sometime one of the ornaments of the citie , standing before the church , commonly called The Church of the fortie martyrs : which being verie high , and below burnt and worne away with time , had put manie in feare as they passed by it , least it should haue fallen vpon them ; insomuch that the Emperour vpon a time passing that way , was requested by some of the nobilitie there present , to ride farther off from it , for feare of falling vpon him : who smiling at their vaine feare , by chance answered , O would to God I might liue so long as this piller will stand : which now falling out according to his speech , gaue many of them that had heard him so say , occasion to maruell . His dead bodie was honorablie buried in the monasterie of LIBE , which his mother Theodora the empresse had not long before new built , and his obsequies there ( after the maner of that time ) yeerely solemnlie kept by the space of nine daies . Thus at length hauing passed through the troubled state of the Greeke empire , during the long raigne of the old emperour Andronicus , the considerat Reader may easily see the causes of the declining , and ruine also of this famous empire ; and how that the Greeke emperours , troubled with their tempestuous affaires neerer home in EUROPE , yea in the verie imperiall citie it selfe , and in their owne pallaces , were not at leasure to looke ouer the strait into ASIA , but glad to leaue their territories there vnto the weake defence of themselues . At which time , and euen in the middest of the aforesaid troubles , Othoman , on the one side , with great industrie laid the foundation of his empire in PHRIGIA and BYTHINIA , now the greatest terrour of the world : and then did those things which we now haue of him written . The other princes of the Turkes also , the successours of Sultan Aladin , at the same time on the other side , alongst the riuer MEANDER encroching on as fast : vntill that at last amongst them they had thrust the Greeke emperours quite out of ASIA , and in fine became themselues , together with the Greeke empire , a prey vnto the Othoman kings , as in the processe of this historie shall more at large appeare . But againe to returne vnto Othoman himselfe , who all this while ( that old Andronicus the Greeke emperour was thus troubled ) had with his sonne Orchanes sought by all meanes on euerie side to inlarge his kingdome : the garrisons by him left in the two late built castles neere vnto the great citie of PRUSA , vnder the charge of the two valiant captains Actemur & Balebanzuck ( as is before declared ) hauing now continued there certaine yeares , had by shutting vp the passages , and spoiling of the countrie , brought the citie into such distresse and penurie , that many of the cittizens and other the poore Christians fled into the citie , there died of famine . The rest now out of all hope to be relieued by the Greeke emperour , not then able to relieue himselfe , came to composition with Orchanes ( for Othoman was then sicke of his old disease the gout ) couenanting with him , that they might in safetie with life and libertie depart , and so much of their goods as they themselues could carie : and so yeelded to him the citie . Which conditions ( as most write ) were on the Turks behalfe well and faithfullie performed : yet some there be that report them to haue bene in most part by Orchanes broken . Thus was PRUSA , one of the greatest cities of that part of ASIA , yeelded vnto the Turks , in the yeere of our Lord 1327 : and was afterwards by Orchanes made the royall seat of the Othoman kings . About this time , or verie shortly after , Othoman in the eight and twentith yeare of his raigne died , at the age of 69 , in the yeare of our Lord 1328 , and lieth buried at PRUSA , where his tombe is yet at this day to be seene , in a certaine chappell of an old monasterie in the castle , standing in the middest of the citie ; couered with a mantle of greene chamlet , & a little Tulipant or Turkish hat ( such as he vsed to weare ) lying ouer his head , far differing from those which the Turks now weare , especiallie the better sort of them , so great that they can therwith scarsly come in at a doore . There is also another monument of him to be seene at SUGUTA , fast by the sepulchre of his father Ertogrull , there made by his sonnes in remembrance of him ; whereof some haue reported him to haue bene there buried . Howbeit the Turks themselues generally suppose the true monument wherein he is interred to be at PRUSA , as is aforesaid . He was wise , politicke , valiant , and fortunate , but full of dissimulation , and ambitious aboue measure ; not rash in his attempts , and yet very resolute ; what hee tooke in hand , hee commonly brought to good effect : to all men he was bountifull and liberall , but especially to his men of warre , and the poore , whom he would many times feed and cloath with his owne hands . Of a poore lordship he left a great kingdome , hauing subdued a great part of the lesser ASIA : and is worthily accounted the first founder of the Turks great kingdome and empire . Of him , the Turkish kings and emperours euer since , haue bene called the Othoman kings and emperours , as lineally of him descended : and the Turks themselues Osmanidae , as the people or subiects of Othoman , or Osman , for so he is of the Turks commonlie called . NOte , that in the reckoning vp of certaine of the great Christian Princes and Prelates of the same time , at the end of euery the Turkish Kings and Emperors liues , the first and greatest number following their names , sheweth the yeare of our Lord , wherein such an Emperour . King , or Bishop began to raigne , or sit : and the number following , how long he raigned or sat . As for example : Andronicus the elder began to raigne in the East in the yeare of grace 1282 , and raigned 4● yeares : and so of the rest . Wherein we seeke not the exact computation vnto a moneth or day ( as not much materiall to our Historie , or any part of our purpose ) but onely the reasonable view of the great princes of the forepassed times , as they liued in ages together . Christian princes of the same time with Othoman . Emperours Of the East Andronicus Palaeologus the elder . 1282.43 . Andronicus Palaeologus the younger . 1325.29 . Of the West Albertus of Austria . 1298.10 . Henrie of Lucelburg . 1308.6 . Lewes the fourth , of Bauaria . 1314.32 . Kings Of England Edward the first . 1272.34 . Edward the second . 1307.20 . Edward the third . 1327.50 . Of Fraunce Philip the faire . 1286.28 . Lewes . 1314.2 . Philip the long . 1316.5 . Charles the faire . 1321.7 . Of Scotland Iohn Baliol. 1292. Robert Bruce . 1306.24 . Bishops of Rome Boniface the VIII . 1295.8 . Benedict the XI . 1304.2 . Clement the V. 1306.11 . Iohn the XXII . 1317.18 . ORCHANES . ORCHANES OTHOMANNI FI SECVNDVS TVRCARVM REX FLORVIT ANNO 1328 Suscipit Orchanes , defuncti septra , parentis : Major vt ingento , sic magis arte valens . Bi thynos , Phrygiamque domat , Prusamque : superbam Et populos latè , Marte fauente premit . Sic laetus tantis Asiam turbasse ruinis : Transit in Europam , Callipolimque capit . Rident interea Graeci sua damna : sed ecce : Dum sua contemnunt , in sua fata ruunt . RICH. KNOLLEVS . His father dead , Orchanes takes his scepter vp in hand : As one of deeper wit and reach , his foes for to withstand . The Phrigians , and Bithynians , he by force of armes brought low : Proud PRVSA , with faire NICOMEDE , and many cities moe . And glad in ASIA to haue made such hauocke and such spoile : His forces into EVROPE sends , the Graecians there to foile . Who meane while laughing at their losse , did make thereof a game : Not thinking what a world of woe was to ensue the same . THE LIFE OF ORCHANES , OR VRCHAN , SECOND KING OF THE TVRKES . AFTER the death of Othoman , his two sonnes Orchanes ( whom the Turks call Vrchan ) and Aladin his brother , hauing with great solemnitie enterred their father at PRVSA , immediatly summoned a Parlament , whereunto both the brethren came accompanied with the chiefe of their nobilitie . This parlament was called especially , for the establishing of the succession in this new kingdome , and for the diuision of Othomans treasure and goods , betwixt them two , his sonnes . But vpon view taken , there was no money , plate , or jewels found in the kings coffers , for that he had in his life time most bountifully bestowed it vpon his men of warre : so that all the wealth hee left vnto them his sonnes , was , the honourable remembrance of his life for them to immitate , large dominions for their possessions , store of readie horses , and armour fit for seruice , with great heards of beasts and cattell for household prouision . Whereupon Orchanes demaunded of his brother Aladin , what order hee thought was best to be taken with those things by their father so left . To whom Aladin answered , That it was most requisite first to establish a king in their fathers kingdome ; which like a good sheepherd might gouerne and defend his subjects , rule and maintaine his men of war , prouiding all things meet for defence of his kingdome : And that vnto him of right belonged all these other things by their father left , as the patrimonie of his successour , for the common good and maintenance of his estate . As for mine owne part ( said Aladin ) I claime no interest therein , you being my elder brother , and so vnto me in steed of a father ▪ by whom also you haue been these two yeares , as it were alreadie put in possession of the kingdom , all things being committed to your gouernment , during the time of his late sickenesse . This modestie of Aladin was greatly commended of all the antient counsellors ; by meanes wherof , the kingdome in all peaceable maner discended to Orchanes . In regard of which courtesie , Orchanes would gladly haue made Aladin his brother President of his counsell : which honour he would in no wise accept , but requested rather that hee would giue him the lordship of FODORE in Tekences countrey ; which Orchanes frankly graunted . In which lordship of FODORE , Aladin most part liued a priuat and quiet life , and afterwards built two Mahometan churches , and an abbey at PRVSA , there yet at this day to be seene . Some Latine Historiographers otherwise report this beginning of Orchanes his raigne ; as that Othoman should haue three sonnes , and that Orchanes the youngest obtained the kingdome by murthering of his other brethren . A practise of late much vsed amongst the Turkish princes , but not before the time of Bajazet the first of that name , who first of the Turkish monarchs embrued his hands with his brothers bloud : where before , they vsed all brotherly ●oue one to another , as the most probable histories collected out of the Turkes owne Chronicles affirme . The Christian princes and captaines , presently vpon the death of Othoman recouered the citie of NICE with diuers other castles and forts , out of the hands of the Turks : as it commonly chanceth , that dominions lately woon with great perill , are soone againe lost , the Conquerour dying before there be a firme gouernment established . Amongst other forts by the Christians repossessed , the castle of TZUPRICHISER , situate vpon the passages of the riuer SANGARIUS , most grieued the Turks , for thereby their passage into that part of BYTHINIA was much impeached . Wherfore Orchanes desirous to recouer this castle , disguised himselfe with a few other of his best souldiors , in the apparrell of Christian marchants , and came to the castle , crauing leaue to passe as marchants : the warders of the castle verely supposing them by their attire to bee marchants , opened the gates , and let them into the castle : who presently drew their swords , slew the warders , and so by force possessed the castle , to the great benefit of the Turkes , and the hurt of the poore Christians yet left in the countrey of BYTHINIA . For they now hauing opened a way ouer the riuer SANGARIUS , and as it were broken downe the strongest defence of that side of the Greeke empire , at their pleasure forraged the countrey in such sort , as that the great citie of NICE ( for want of victuals to relieue so great a multitude as for feare of the Turks was fled out of the countrey into it ) was brought to great extremitie and want . For the releefe whereof , and for the repulsing againe of the Turks , Andronicus the yong emperour , who then all commaunded , with such an armie as he was then able to raise , passed himselfe in person ouer the strait of CONSTANTINOPLE into ASIA : the greatest strength of his armie consisting in two thousand choice horsemen ; the rest as well horse as foot , being for the most part artificers taken vp in the citie , men altogether vnacquainted with armes ( who in token of their cowardise , and that they were more mindfull of flight than of fight , carried ouer with them almost as many long boats , and such other small vessels , as they were men , to be readie to receiue them at such time as they should flie ) or els abject rascals , taken vp here and there , men of whom no great thing was to be expected , and of all others most vnfit for so great a prince ( as was the emperour ) to commit the defence of his person and honour vnto . But Orchanes hearing of his comming , sent certain of his most expert captaines , to forelay the straight passages of the countrey whereby the emperor was to passe ; following also himselfe after with his armie , of purpose to encounter the emperour . Who in three daies march after his landing in ASIA , being come to PHILOCRENE , a little towne in BYTHINIA , and vnderstanding , that Orchanes hauing before taken the straits , lay not far off encamped with his armie ; he there at PHILOCRENE pitched his tents , and staied that night also . But the next morning , the Sunne as yet scarcely risen , he seeing diuers companies of the Turks comming downe from the mountaines fast by , put his armie into order of battell , and so set forward to meet them . Where to begin the fight , the Turks archers freely bestowed their piercing shot amongst the Christians , still keeping themselues aloofe off , so to doe the more harme . Which the emperor mistaking , and supposing that their keeping off to haue proceeded of feare , encouraged therewith , commaunded certaine loose companies disorderly to march forward , & to skirmish with them : which his more expert captains not liking , would haue otherwise persuaded him , as to haue kept his strength together against the danger of the battell . Neuerthelesse , such was his youthfull heat , as that he could by no meanes be otherwise intreated , but that forward needs they must . But all the forenoone spent in this light and tumultuarie kind of skirmishing , and the Sunne at the highest now shining very hot , Orchanes from the top of the mountaines perceiuing the Christians well wearied with the heat of the day and long skirmishing , came downe from the hils with a world of men following him ; who with a most hideous crie charged the Christians on euery side , some a farre off with their arrowes , and some hand to hand with their swords and other weapons : whose assault the Christians at the first most valiantly receiued , and a great while right worthely defended themselues , hauing wounded and slaine a number of their enemies . Which hard fight was on both sides courageously maintained , vntill the approching of the night , with great slaughter on both sides : at which time , the Christians wearie of the long fight , and oppressed with the multitude of their enemies , disorderly retiring toward their trenches , and hardly pursued by the Turkes , receiued there a great losse , as well of their horsemen , as of their foot : but by the comming on of the night , the battell was at length ended with vncertaine victorie . Amongst others there hurt , the emperour himselfe was wounded in the foot with an arrow . That night happened a wofull mishap , and a manifest token of God his wrath : for Orchanes hauing to his cost made proofe of the strength and valour of the Christians , and doubting they would the next day come on farther into the countrey , left three hundreth horsemen , as scouts , to attend the enemies remoouing : and himselfe with his armie retired beforehand to take the aduantage of such places as the Christians were to passe by . But the emperour in the euening leauing his campe ; and going to PHILOCRENE , a little towne fast by , the better to haue his wound dressed ; the rest of the armie vnderstanding of his departure , and supposing him to haue fled for feare ( as if Orchanes with a great armie would that night haue slaine them all ) fled themselues also out of the campe , euery mothers sonne ; some to their long boats and other little vessels they had for that purpose brought ouer the strait ; some hasting towards the towne gates , were by the multitude of others running headlong after them , ouerborne , and troden to death ; othersome hanging one at anothers taile , like a chaine , got some part of them vp to the top of the rampiers of the towne ; othersome drawne backe by them that hung vpon them , falling downe together by heapes , and trod vpon by others , there perished ; some ( as is reported ) died there for very feare , no man either chasing or hurting them ; so weake is mans courage when God withdraweth from him his strength . But in the morning the Sunne arising , the three hundreth Turks , left for scouts , perceiuing the flight of the Christians , entred the forsaken campe , where they found horses , armour , and emptie tents , yea the emperours owne furniture and his horses readie sadled : of all which , two hundred of these Turks tooke the spoile at their pleasure ; and the other hundred pursuing the dispersed Christians ; like heartlesse men , wandring here and there , slew a great number of them . The emperour himselfe seeing his armie ( thus as it were by the hand of God ) ouerthrowne and dispersed , tooke shipping also , and so returned to CONSTANTINOPLE . After whose departure , the Turks seizing vpon many sea townes alongst the coast of BYTHINIA , and there seating themselues , laid heauie tributes vpon the other countrey townes and villages ; for the benefit whereof , they spared to destroy them , together with the inhabitants , which they might at their pleasure full easily haue done . Now lay the great citie of NICE in the suds , the enemie commaunding all the country about it , liuing as sicke men doe by hope , and holding out onely vpon hope of a thousand horsemen which the emperour ( notwithstanding his late discomfiture ) had promised foorthwith to send , there to lie in garrison for the repressing of the Turks . Of which aid so promised , Orchanes vnderstanding , furnished eight hundred of his owne horsemen , after the manner of the Christians : and fetching a great compasse about , came at length into the high way that leadeth from CONSTANTINOPLE to NICE , and so trouped directly towards the citie , as if they had come from CONSTANTINOPLE . At the same time he sent three hundred of his other horsemen , in the habit of Turks , to forrage and spoile the countrey , as much as they could within the view of the citie ( now for want of victuals brought into great extremitie ) which whilest they were a doing , the other eight hundred horsemen in the attire of Christians , following vpon them , as if it had been by chance , charged them , and in the sight of the cittizens put them to flight : which done , these counterfeit horsemen returned directly againe towards NICE . The cittizens which with great pleasure had in the meane time from the wals seene the most part of the skirmish ; and how they had put the Turks to flight , supposing them to be the Constantinopolitan horsemen whom they daily expected , with great joy opened the gates of the citie to receiue them as their friends : But they being entred the gates , presently set vpon the Christians , fearing no such matter : and being seconded with the other three hundred , which in dissembling manner had fled before , and were now speedily returned , bringing also with them other companies of Turks , before laid in secret ambush not far off , they woon the great and famous citie of NICE , which they haue euer since vntill this day possessed : the spoile wherof was giuen vnto the souldiors for a prey , and the citizens all led away into miserable captiuitie and thraldome ▪ Whilest Orchanes was thus busied , his other captaines did with great courage and successe enlarge his dominions on all sides , daily encroching vpon their weake neighbours the Christians . Cunger-Alpes , one of his warlike captaines , subdued the country of MVDURN , or MODRIN , in PHRIGIA ; and BOLLI in PAPHIAGONIA : appointing one Abdurachman , a man of great valour to gouerne the country . And at the same time another of his old captains called Accecozza , brought CANDARA in PAPHIAGONIA , and ERMENIE , a country neere vnto the mountain HORMINIUS , into the Turkish subjection ▪ placing garrisons in all the castles & forts which he had woon , of whom some part of those countries was after his name called Cozza Ilini , that is to say , The old mans country . So that Orchanes his kingdome grew daily greater & greater , as well by the industrie of his chieftains , as of himselfe . About this time , it fortuned the captains son of SCAMANDRIA ( a town not far from the ruines of the antient citie of TROY , and about a daies journey from the renoumed castle of ABYDUS ) to depart out of this world : vnto whose funerals being kept in the countrey , whilest his wo●●● father the captaine with his friends out of SCAMANDRIA resorted , the old craftie . Turke Accecozza lying alwaies in wait , as a fox for his prey , suddenly set vpon those heauie Christians , whereof he slue the most part , and tooke the rest prisoners . Amongst whom he also tooke the captaine of SCAMANDRIA , with his castle and countrey : whom he afterwards led prisoner vnto the castle of ABYDVS , which is one of the most famous castles situate vpon the sea coast of ASIA , ouer against SESTVS in EVROPE , where the sea of HELLESPONTVS by the narrow strait falleth into the sea AEGEVM : two castles much renoumed , by reason of their nigh situation , and yet placed in diuers parts of the world ; eternized also by the euer liuing wits o● Poets , for the aduenturous passage of Leander ouer that fret of the sea , to his loue Hero : which castles are now called DARDANELLY . Accecozza hauing brought the captiue captaine of SCAMANDRIA ( lately a man of great account in that country ) so neer as he could vnto the castle of ABYDVS , offred to set him at libertie if they would surrender their castle , otherwise they should see him cruelly slaine before their faces . These Turkish threats nothing moued them of ABYDUS , more than to say , That they might if they would cut off his head , seeth him , and eat him , but the castle they intended not to deliuer . The same captain was afterward by the cōmandement of Orchanes profered to the emperor of CONSTANTINOPLE , to be redeemed , which he refused . Yet at the last he was ransomed by the gouernour of NICOMEDIA , and againe set at libertie . Accecozza of long time held the castle of SCAMANDRIA : yet so continually molested with the garrison of ABYDVS , and men of war sent from CONSTANTINOPLE , that he with his followers were glad for the most part to liue on horsbacke , to be alwaies in more readinesse against the attempt of their enemies . The captaine of the castle of ABYDVS had at that time a faire young gentlewoman to his daughter , who ( as she said ) chanced to dreame ( what she had happily waking , for the most part wished ) That being fallen into a deepe mirie ditch , out of which she could by no meanes helpe her selfe , a lustie young gallant comming by , did not onely helpe her out , but also in friendly manner , made her cleane , and afterwards apparelled her in rich and costly attire . The danger of this dreame much troubled the tender gentlewoman , but the image of the yong gentleman was so well phantizied in her braine , that waking , she thought she still saw him , and sleeping longed sore for what she saw not . Thus whilst this yong gentlewoman with great deuotion entertained this imaginarie man ; the old gray headed Turk Accecozza came , and with a strong companie besieged her fathers castle of ABYDVS . During which siege , this gentlewoman oftentimes went vp into the high turret of the castle , from whence shee might at pleasure see the marshall deeds on both sides , and take full view of all the enemies campe . But see the chance , as Abdurachman with great courage and no lesse brauerie , approched neere to the siege of the castle , she thought ( vpon the first sight of him ) that he was the verie man whom she had before dreamed of , and whose Idea was in her heart so deepely imprinted : wherefore she fully resolued to performe what she had without witnesse with her selfe determined . And waiting another time , when Abdurachman approched the castle , she cast downe to his feet a letter written in Greeke , and made fast vnto a stone : which letter he taking vp , deliuered the same to the Generall Accecozza . Wherein after she had discouered her passionat affection , she promised to deliuer the castle into Abdurachmans power , if the Turkes would raise their siege , and Abdurachman himselfe with some few would secretly returne to the castle in the dead time of the night , and then follow her direction . Accecozza like an old fox , which is seldome taken in the trap , gaue small credit to these louing lines , for feare of treason : yet for so much as you are the man ( said he to Abdurachman ) whom she vpon speciall liking hath made choice of for the purpose , will you aduenture your person ? And he , armed with a manly courage , a surer defence than any armour of proofe , incited also with hope of honour , riches , and beautie , all woorthie prises for marshall minds ; said he would vndertake the atchieument of that exploit , if it were his pleasure so . Whereupon Accecozza , because nothing should be suspected by his sudden departure , gaue a sharpe assault to the castle , as if hee would haue taken it by fine force , yet in the end retired , and presently brake vp his siege , as dispairing of the winning thereof . The defendants of the castle thinking themselues deliuered from a great danger , greatly rejoyced : and as in like case it oftentimes falleth out , in their great jolitie surcharged themselues that night with excesse both of meat and drinke . But Abdurachman at the time in the letter appointed , put himselfe vpon the way , with certain select souldiors , and about midnight came to the appointed place of the castle , where the yong gentlewoman was attending his cōming : & he by her means was conueyed into the castle , and so by her directed to the porters lodge : where he slew the porter , being fast asleepe , and opening the gates , let in his followers : which went directly to the captaines lodging , and there tooke him prisoner , being before their comming ouertaken with wine , and fast asleepe . Thus was the castle of ABYDUS surprised by the Turks , from whence they had a faire prospect out of ASIA into EUROPE . The captaine with his faire daughter and the greatest part of the rich spoile of the castle was deliuered to Abdurachman , to bee presented to Orchanes at his court , then lying at NEAPOLIS . Who wonderfull glad of so good news , gaue the faire gentlewoman with the greatest part of the prey in reward to Abdurachman . The posteritie of this man ( as they say ) yet remaine among the Turks . Amongst others of the warlike captains , there was also one Cararachman , whose name was so dreadfull to thē of CONSTANTINOPLE , that when their children cried , they would terrifie them to make them hold their peace , by saying Cararachman comes . Not long after the two valiant aforenamed woorthie captaines Cunger-Alpes and Accecozza died : after whose death , Orchanes made his sonnes , Solyman and Amurath , lords and gouernours of those countries and prouinces . And intending ( by the persuasion of Abdurachman ) to besiege NICOMEDIA , he leuied a great armie , wherewith hee tooke diuers small castles and forts as he marched towards the citie . NICOMEDIA was at that time gouerned by an honourable ladie , kinswoman vnto Andronicus the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE : but she seeing her citie besieged by the Turks , and doubting her owne forces not to be able to hold out the siege , by a trustie messenger offred to yeeld the citie vnto Orchanes , vpon condition , That she with so many of the citizens as would , might in safetie depart with their liues , libertie , and goods : which being graunted , she with so many as would follow her , departed out of the cittie by night , taking shipping for CONSTANTINOPLE . Orchanes hauing taken NICOMEDIA , made his sonne Solyman gouernour of the same . The churches of the Christians he conuerted into Turkish Meschitas or temples . The greatest church ( being of wonderfull beautie ) he conuerted into a colledge or schoole , for the learned professours and students of Mahomets law , which is yet called in NICOMEDIA , Orchanes his schoole or colledge . And because the countrey neere vnto NICOMEDIA , lying open vpon the sea , was euer in danger to be spoiled by the gallies of CONSTANTINOPLE ; he placed in those countries diuers of his most experienced soldiors to defend the same , appointing to euery of them possessions and pensions , according to their degrees and merits . After this , Orchanes by the counsell of his brother Aladin , commaunded all his men of war to weare white caps , thereby to be knowne from others , which commonly wore red . Such manner of caps the Ianizaries vse at this day . The Turks also in Orchanes raign , & long time after , vsed not to cut or shaue their beards , but did weare them long : so that if the king would disgrace any man , he would in his displeasure commaund his beard to be cut or shauen . The manner of cutting and shauing their beards , which they now vse , they learned of the Italians : of whom they haue also borrowed many other fashions , not onely differing , but quite cōtrarie to their antient maners & customes . Orchanes about this time remoued his court to NICE , where he lay long time after . There he built a sumptuous church , appointing a preacher to preach vnto the people euery friday : he erected in NICE also two faire abbeyes , in the one of which , he with owne hands serued the strangers and poore the first dinner . He was the first that builded abbeyes or monasteries among the Turks , whose example most of his successours haue imitated , and is amongst them vsed vnto this day . The gouernment of NICOMEDIA , Orchanes committed to his eldest sonne Solyman ( as is beforesaid ) a prince of great towardlinesse , giuing him in great charge , to haue a vigilant eie vnto the townes of TARAXA , GOVINUCA , and MUDVRNE , which were nigh vnto NICOMEDIA , yet in possession of the Christians : all which townes , with the countries adjoyning , Solyman in short time got without force , by composition . This Solyman was of a princely disposition , so tempering justice with clemencie in his gouernment , that many Christians ( allured with his vertues ) became of his religion , and gladly put themselues vnder his subjection : the politicke laws of the countrey he neither abrogated nor changed , but maintained as they had ben of antient time accustomed , whereby he greatly woon the hearts of the people . Amurath his yonger sonne , Orchanes made lord and gouernour of PRUSA , after he had remooued his court to NICE . And the castle of CHARA-CHIZAR , with the seignorie thereto belonging , he gaue to his cosin Artemu●e , the sonne of his vncle Iundus . There was at this time in Orchanes court , a noble yong gentleman , called Turson-beg , the son of Charasis , king of CHARASIA ; by whose persuasion Orchanes in person himselfe with a strong armie , made an expedition into that countrey : for that his fathers subjects after the death of the king his father , denied their obedience to his elder brother , wishing rather to haue Turson for their soueraigne . In whose behalfe Orchanes taking that journey , surprised by the way many castles and townes to his owne vse . Orchanes was no sooner entred the countrey of CHARASIA , but Tursons elder brother fled to PERGAMUM , whither the Turks shortly pursued him : Where Turson desirous to speake with his brother , vnwarily approching the citie , was wounded with an arrow shot from the wals , and there slaine . With whose death Orchanes was so greatly offended , that he threatened to destroy the whole countrey with fire and sword , if they did not by a day prefixed 〈◊〉 submit themselues to his mercie . The people terrefied with this proclamation of so 〈…〉 alreadie in armes , yeelded themselues vnto his subjection . The kings sonne also 〈…〉 into PERGAMUM , vpon reasonable conditions yeelded himselfe vnto Orchanes , who 〈◊〉 him to PRUSA , where after he had there liued two yeares , died of the plague : after whose death , Orchanes made his son Solyman prince of CARASINA . Neither is this taking in of the countrey of CARASINA to be accounted a small conquest ; one of the greatest houses of the Turks the successors of the Iconian Sultan Aladin , now thereby taking end , and their dominions , which were not small ( as containing almost all LYDIA , with some good parts of MISIA , TROAS , and the lesser PHRIGIA ) now vnited vnto the Othoman kingdome . Orchanes vpon his returne , for the good successe of this journey , built a church and monasterie at PRUSA , placing therein religious men , with all diligence sought for out of all his kingdome : of which religious , the Turks write many fables , better worth the smiling at than the serious reporting . Hitherto the kingdome of Othoman and Orchanes his sonne , was contained within the bounds of the lesser ASIA , which the Turks call ANATOLIA . Now it resteth to be shewed , vpon what occasion Orchanes , or rather his sonne Solyman Bass● , as it were fatally , with a small power first passed ouer HELLESPONTUS into EUROPE ; where they and their successors haue by little and little so enlarged their dominions , that they haue now long ago quite ouerthrowne the Grecian empire , with many other great kingdoms , & are at this present a terrour to all Christian princes bordering vpon them : to the perpetuall infamie of the Greeks , who for want of courage , and busied with ciuile discord , neuer sought in time to impeach their greatnesse . Orchanes hauing now so augmented his kingdome , that he might from many parts therof out of ASIA , take view of the pleasant borders of EUROPE , from whence he was excluded only by the narrow sea of HELLESPONTUS ; and continually incited with the vnsatiable and restlesse desire of soueraignetie , began to deuise how he might possibly passe that strait sea , and set foot into EUROPE , another part of the world . Which his conceit one day he imparted to his sonne Solyman : who presently answered his father , That if it would please him to giue him leaue , he would not doubt to passe the strait of HELLESPONTUS , and in time to plant the Mahometane religion in those countries of EUROPE , possessed by the Christians . Which answer of Solyman , much pleased his father , who gaue him leaue to depart into his countrey , and in that matter to proceed further , as he thought best , and as occasion should best serue . Solyman taking leaue of his father , tooke his journey into CARASINA , where riding vp and downe the country , as it had bin for his pleasure only , he made his way to the place where it is thought the famous citie of TROY sometime stood ; where yet ( as the Turks and some others say ) are to be seene the woonderfull ruines of that vnfortunate citie by the sea side : In this place Solyman stood still a great while as it were in a studie , forecasting ( as it seemed ) some great matter , without speking one word to any of his followers . When one of his chiefetains called Ezes-beg , to put him out of his deep thoughts boldly said vnto him : My lord and great soueraigne , what strange thing is this , that you are so deepely drowned in these your melancholy thoughts , vndoubtedly it is some great matter that you are studying vpon ? Truth it is , said Solyman , for I was thinking how it were possible to passe ouer this sea of HELLESPONTUS into the borders of EUROPE , and to take view of that countrey , and so to returne vndiscouered . If this bee the matter , said Ezes-beg ( joyning vnto him one Fazil-Beg , a man of no lesse valour than himselfe ) wee two will by the power of God performe ●nto you this enterprise . Then was Solyman desirous to know of them , about what place they would passe ouer : which they well knowing the sea coast , shewed him not far off . Wherfore Solyman giuing them leaue , they departed : and shortly after making a little boat , or rather as some suppose a raffe , passed ouer HELLESPONTUS by night , and arriued in EUROPE side , neere vnto ● castle of the Turkes , called ZEMENIC or ZEMBENIC , but of the Greekes Coiridocastron ; that is to say , The hogs castle , not farre from SESTUS : where going ashore , they tooke prisoner a Greeke in a vineyard neere vnto the castle , whom they finding to bee a good sensible fellow , without delay put him into their boat or raffe , and returning backe againe , presented him to Solyman . This Christian captiue Solyman entertained courteously , giuing him great gifts and rich apparrell , to discouer vnto him the estate of his countrey : and in fine , learned of him a meanes ●o take the castle of ZEMBENIC , before the Christians should thereof be aware . For atchieuement whereof , certaine boats were speedily made readie by Solyman commaundement , and he with eightie chosen souldiors easily passed ouer in them by night , with their Christian guide the Greeke : for in that place , the strait betwixt ASIA and EUROPE is not past an Italian mile ouer . This guide brought Solyman directly to the aforesaid castle , where was a great dunghill , so high , that from the top thereof Solyman with his souldiors easily got into the castle , which they woon without any great resistance ; for it was then haruest time , and most part of the people were in the vineyards , or treading out of their corne all night , as the vse of those countries is ▪ Solyman thus possessed of the castle of ZEMBENIC , vsed no extremitie against the inhabitants thereof , seeking rather by courtesie to gaine their good wils , than by extremitie to force them to his : yet such gentlemen as he tooke , with some others also of the better sort , hee sent by shipping into ASIA ; and by the same ships returned souldiors as fast as he could into EUROPE : so that he had in one day two hundred souldiors more brought ouer vnto him . And manning such small vessels as hee had left about the castle , sent Ezes-beg alongst the coast on EUROPE side , to burne such shipping or vessels as he could find , least the Christians should by them hinder his passage vpon the strait of HELLESPONTUS . So in a few daies Solyman had transported into EUROPE two thousand good souldiors of the Turks , whom he so gouerned , that they did not in any violent sort injurie the vulgar Christians , by reason whereof the common people began to like reasonable well of the Turks , and to conuerse with them without feare . This was the first comming ouer of the Turks into EUROPE , with purpose there to conquer and inhabit , vnder the fortune of the Othoman kings . For albeit that some of that nation had at sundrie times before come ouer , as men seeking after spoile , or otherwise sent for , yea sometimes by the Greeke emperours themselues ; yet neuer stayed they long , but hauing done that they came for , or els lost themselues , returned back againe into ASIA : vntill that now conducted by Solyman , and possessed of the little castle of ZEMBENIC ( as is aforesaid ) they there tooke so fast footing , as that they and their posteritie after them , were neuer thence to be since that time remoued : but still more and more encroching vpon the Christians , haue vnto their Asian kingdome joyned a great part of EUROPE also , to the terrour of the rest that yet remaineth , as in the processe of this Historie shall ( if God will ) at large appeare . About two miles from ZEMBENIC in CHERSONESVS was another castle called MAITO , or more truely MADITVS , which Solyman also tooke : so that now he had gotten two castles in EVROPE , both which he stongly manned . After which time , the Turkes in great numbers came out of ASIA into EVROPE ouer that narrow strait of HELLESPONTVS , to dwell in CHERSONESVS : and Solyman in stead of them , to make roome for his Turkes , sent Christians out of EVROPE to be placed amongst the Turkes in ASIA . The report of this comming ouer of the Turkes into CHERSONESVS , and of the taking of the castle of ZEMBENIC carried in post to CONSTANTINOPLE , was sufficient to haue stirred vp any prouident or carefull men , presently to haue taken vp armes for the recouerie of the lost castle , and the driuing out againe of the barbarous enemies out of EVROPE , before they had gathered any greater strength , or setled themselues in those places : but such was the carelesse negligence and great securitie of the proud Greekes , that in stead thereof they to extenuate the greatnesse of the losse , commonly sayd , That there was but an hogstie lost ; alluding vnto the name of the castle : and vainely ( as sayth a graue Father of their owne ) jeasting at that was not to be jeasted at , and laughing at that was not to bee laughed , but lamented for ; as in few yeares it prooued , their foolish laughter being not without good cause conuerted into most bitter teares . Solyman his strength so still increasing by the dayly comming ouer of the Turkes , hee proceeded farther to spoyle the countrey of CHERSONESVS , almost as farre as CALLIPOLIS , distant from the castle ZEMBENIC about two and twentie miles : after which pleasant citie the proud Turke began now to long . Which the gouernour thereof perceiuing by the Turkes continuall encroaching vpon him , raysed what power he was able to make , and so went out against them ; all the rest of the Greekes in the meane time lying still as if they had beene a sleepe , or that the matter had not concerned them : but meeting the Turkes , he was by them ( after a great conflict ) ouerthrowne , and for sauegard of his life glad to flie into his citie : after whom the Turkes following , spoyled the countrey round about , and in their returne by plaine force tooke the citie , together with the castle also : which hapned in the yeere of our Lord 1358 Where the madnesse of the Greeks was againe more than before to bee wondred at ; for the newes of the losse of CALIPOLIS being brought to CONSTANTINOPLE , the people there made small account thereof , although it was indeed a right great losse , and much concerned the state : but to extenuate the matter , when they had any talke thereof , in jeasting wise commonly said , That the Turks had but taken from them a pottell of wine : but by taking of such hogstyes and pottels of wine ( as they termed it ) the Turks in a few yeares after had gone so farre in THRACIA , that Amurath ( this same Solyman his Nephew which now tooke from the Greekes the citie of CALLIPOLIS ) euen in the heart ( as it were ) of the Greeke empire , placed his royal seat at HADRIANOPLE : and immediately after him Baiazet his sonne ( hauing subdued all the countrey , euen to the walles of CONSTANTINOPLE ) for certaine yeares layd hard siege vnto the imperiall citie it selfe ; and had no doubt then carried it , had not the great expedition of the mightie Tartar prince Tamerlaine ( vnto Baiazet fatall ) in the meane time hapned : whereby ( God so appointing it ) the prosperous succeedings of the Turkes were for a space well stayed , that they should not before the time by him prefined , deuour the reliques of the Greeke empire . And it were to be wished that the Christians of our time also ( by their example warned ) would at length awake out of their dead sleepe : who of late haue lost vnto the same enemie , not the castle of ZEMBENIC , or the citie of CALLIPOLIS , but whole kingdomes , as HVNGARIE , and CYPRVS and are still faire in the way ; I say no more for greefe , and foreboding of euill fortune ▪ But againe to our purpose , Solyman hauing made this prosperous entrance into EVROPE , and there got strong footing , by speedie messengers certified his father what he had done , and that it was expedient for him with all speed to send vnto him a great supplie of men of warre , as well for the sure defence and keeping of the castles and forts by him alreadie gotten , as for the further inuasion of the countrey . This message was woonderfull welcome vnto Orchanes , and whereas many families of the Sarazins , at that present were come into the countrey of CARASINA to possesse the dwellings and places of them , which in hope to better their estate were before gone ouer into EVROPE ; all these Sarazins hee commaunded to passe ouer into EVROPE likewise : which they did accordingly , seating themselus for a time in the countrey neere to CALLIPOLIS . In the meane time , Solyman omitted no oportunitie to enter further into the countrie , winning small forts and holds , and still peopling the same with his Turkes : And on the other side , they of CARASINA passed ouer into EUROPE , placing thēselues as it were in a new world . For which cause , and for the great desire they had to extend the Turkish dominion and religion , they refused no paines of warre : so that all things at that time prospered with the Turkes , and went backward with the Christians . In the time of these warres , not farre from CALLIPOLIS , was a little castle called CONGERE , the captaine whereof was by a Greeke name called Calo Ioannes , a valiant and painefull man : this captaine continually molested and troubled the Turks which lay on that side of CALLIPOLIS , vnder the leading of Ezes-beg , many of whom he slew and tooke prisoners , as hee could find them at any aduantage . Solyman much angred herewith , by craftie and secret espials learned a certaine time when he was gone out of his castle to doe some exploit vpon the Turks : whereupon he presently so beset the castle with souldiors , that hee could by no meanes returne thither , but hee must first fall into their hands ; and for more assurance placed others also in by-waies , least he should by any way escape . The captaine ignorant of all this , prosecuted his enterprise , and hauing taken a Turke prisoner , thinking to returne to his castle , was hastely pursued by Fazill-Beg : for which cause , making the more hast , he suddainly fell into the danger of the Turks laid in ambush : where his men were all slaine , and he himselfe taken and brought before his own castle , and had there his head presently strucke off : whereupon the castle was forthwith by them that were therein ( hauing now lost their captaine ) surrendred , and Chazi Ili Beg , a valiant captaine of the Turks , placed in the same : who from thence neuer ceased to trouble the countrey euen to the wals of DIDYMOTICHUM , as did Solyman also out of CALLIPOLIS . Thus in the space of one yeare the Turks got strong footing in EUROPE , possessing diuers castles and townes , with the countrey about them , which Solyman gaue in reward vnto his captaines and souldiors , as appeareth by the 〈◊〉 and tombes of Ezes-beg and Fazill-beg , the two which first came ouer into EUROPE , which 〈◊〉 there yet well knowne . About this time it fortuned , that as this ma●●all prince Solyman was for his disport hawking in the fields of BOLAYRE , on EUROPE side , galloping in to his faulcon , was with his horse ouerthrowne in a ditch , of which fall he being sore brused , shortly after died . The newes of his death being brought to Orchanes his father 〈◊〉 him ( then being sicke ) just occasion of great sorrow : so that within two moneths after he died also , being fourescore yeares old , when hee had thereof raigned 31 yeares ; and died about the yeare of our Lord 1359. Some histories report otherwise , both of his death , and of the time wherein he liued : as that he should beslaine in a battell against the Tartars , or as others write , with an arrow at the siege of PRUSA , in the yeare of our Lord 1349. But Ioannes L●unclaui●● in his historie collected out of the Turks owne chronicles whom we follow as most probable reporteth it as before . This Orchanes was wise , courteous , and bountifull , more ingenious than his father in deuising warlike engins . He built diuers princely Churches , Abbeies , Colledges , and Cels , and was in his superstitious religion very zealous : insomuch , that he appointed pensions to all such as could in the church say the booke of Mahomets law by heart ▪ and appointed competent maintenance for all Iudges of his courts , because they should not take any thing in reward of his subjcts , for the peruerting of justice . He greatly inlarged his kingdome in ASIA , and not content to bee inclosed with the seas of EVXINUM and HELLESPONTUS , set fast footing in EVROPE ; which some attribute to his sonne Amurath . He was vnto the Christians alwaies a most mortall enemie , and so 〈◊〉 . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Orchanes . Emperours Of the East Andronicus Palaeologus the younger . 1325. 29. Iohn Palaeologus . 1354. 30. Of the West Lewes of Bauaria . 1314. 32. Charles the fourth , sonne to Iohn , king of Bohemia . 1346. 10. Kings Of England Edward the third . 1327. 50. Of Fraunce Philip Valois . 1328. 22. Iohn Valois . 1350. 14. Of Scotland Robert Bruce . 1306. 24. Dauid Bruce . 1341. Bishops of Rome Iohn the XXII . 1317. 18. Benedict the XII . 1335. 7. Clement the VI. 1342. 12. Innocent the VI. 1354. 10. AMVRATH . AMVRANTHES PRIMVS TERTIVS TVRCARVM REX FLORVIT AN o 1350 Scau●s Amurathes , animo dum maxima versat : Discordes Graecos , sternere Marte parat . Totus & intentus fines extendere regni : Europam penetrans , obuia quaeque rapit . Attoniti trepidant , nimia formidine Thraces : In medio quorum , sceptra superba locat . Hinc Moesos premit ille feros * miserumque Dynasten : Cossoui in campis , obruit , atque necat . Sed non longa fuit sceleris tam dira voluptas A seruo caesus , concidit ense ferox . RICH. KNOLLEVS . Whilest Amurath in his deepe thoughts , of greatnesse plots the ground : The wrangling Greekes by force of arms he seekes how to confound . And wholy bent for to extend his kingdome , with his power , Piersing the confines of EVROPE , doth what he meets deuour . As men dismaid , the Thracians quake , to see their foule disgrace : Amiddest whom , the tyrant stout his scepter proud doth place . The fierce Bulgarians he did meet , and in the field subdue : And in COSSOVAS fatall plains , the wofull Despot slue . But long is not the wickeds joy , which they in mischiefe take ; Stabd by a Slaue , the wretch his end in that same place did make . R. K. THE LIFE OF AMVRATH , THE FIRST OF THAT NAME , THIRD KING OF THE TVRKES , AND THE GREAT AVGMENTOR OF THEIR KINGDOME . AMurath the yonger sonne of Orchanes succeeded his father in the Turkish kingdome , his elder brother Solyman being dead a little before his father . This Amurath with greater zeale than any one of the Turkish kings , aduanced the Mahometane religion , and had therein wonderfull successe . In the beginning of his raigne , he gathered a great armie out of all parts of his kingdome , to PRUSA ; purposing to passe ouer HELLESPONTUS , to inuade the Christians in THRACIA . But vnderstanding , that the other Mahometane princes in ASIA , had combined themselues against him , hee was thereby enforced to ●eaue his former determination for EUROPE , and to turne his forces vpon them . In which wars ●e mightily preuailed against them , and returned with victorie to PRUSA . But hauing so subdu●d those confederat princes , he the next yeare after prosecuted his warres before intended against ●he Christians in EUROPE . For which purpose hauing leuied a strong armie in ASIA , he passed ouer to CALLIPOLIS , accompanied with his tutor , whom the Turks call Lala Schahin : whose graue aduice and counsaile he most followed in all his waightie affaires , being at that time one of his cheefe counsellors . From CALLIPOLIS he marched to the castle of BENUTUM , which was by composition yeelded vnto him . From thence he went to TZVRVLUS , where the Christians gaue him a sharpe encounter : but in the end he wan the towne , and caried away the victorie . And so proceeding farther , tooke diuers other small castles and townes in that part of THRACIA , which of the antient Romane Colonies was then called ROMANIA , and now of the Turks RUMILIA , namely MESINE , BURGOS , and others ; whereof some he vtterly rased , and into the ●est put strong garrisons . At this time also , Chasi-ilbeg , and Eurenoses , two of his most valiant captaines , tooke certaine forts standing vpon the riuer MERITZA , in auncient time called HE●●US . Whereby they much troubled the inhabitants of the countrey thereabouts . Wherwith the captaine of DIDYMOTICHUM offended , gathered his souldiors together , intending to haue intercepted the great captaine Chasi-ilbeg : in which attempt he lost most of his followers , and was himselfe there taken prisoner . For whose ransome and certain other conditions , the citizens of DIDYMOTICHUM yeelded the citie vnto the Turks . Shortly after Amurath sent his tutor Lala Schahin to besiege HADRIANOPLE , now called ANDRINOPLE , but in antient time ORESTIAS : of whose comming the Christians hearing , encountred him vpon the way , and fought with him a great battaile , wherin many were on both sides lost : but in the end , the Christians being put to the worst , retired againe to the citie . Of this victorie Schahin sent newes vnto Amurath , with certaine of the heads of the slaine Christians : who thereupon sending Chasis and Eurenosis before , he himselfe with a great armie followed after to the siege of HADRIANOPLE : of whose comming , the gouernour of HADRIANOPLE vnderstanding , fled secretly out of the cittie by night to AENUS . The citizens seeing themselues so ●orsaken of their gouernour , yeelded their citie vnto Amurath , in the yeare of our Lord 1362. The taking of these strong cities in THRACIA , especially of DIDYMOTICHUM and HADRI●NOPLE is ( by some of the Turks owne Histories ) otherwise reported : which , because it is neither improbable nor disagreeing from the subtile dealings of the Turkes , and of themselues also receiued , I haue thought good to set downe as their owne Historiographers report the same . The Turkish king Amurath had ( as they say , and as truth was ) in the beginning of his raigne concluded a peace with the Christians of THRACIA : during which peace , the Gouernour of DIDYMOTICHUM intending to fortifie his citie with new and stronger fortifications against the assaults of the Turkes , entertayned all the masons , carpenters , and other workemen hee could by any meanes get : which Amurath vnderstanding , secretly caused two hundreth good and lustie workemen and labourers to come out of ASIA , to offer their seruice vnto the gouernour ; who gladly entertained them , vsing their helpe in that his great and hastie worke . Which thing some of the wiser sort of the citizens disliking , wished the Gouernour to beware of those Asian workemen , as by them suspected . But he presuming vppon the peace made with Amurath , and considering they were but base workemen , and no souldiers , had the lesse care of them : neuerthelesse ( vsing their work all day ) he commanded them to lodge without the wals of the citie euery night . Amurath vnderstanding that these workemen were thus by the Gouernour entertained , sent for the valiant captaine Chasis-Ilbeg , and requested him with thirtie other good souldiours disguised as poore laborers to go to DIDYMOTICHUM to seeke for worke , and in doing thereof to espie if any oportunitie might be found for the surprising of the citie . Chasis with these thirtie according to Amurath his direction , comming as poore men lacking worke , found entertainement at DIDYMOTICHVM , where they caried stones , morter , and such like things , euer shewing themselues verie diligent in their worke : Chasis with vigilant eye still awayting what might best serue his turne for the surprising of the citie . When night was come , the Turkish workemen and labourers after their accustomed manner , and as they were by the gouernour appointed , went out of the citie into the suburbs to their lodgings : from whence Chasis secretly departing in the night , came to Amurath and shewed him how one of the gates of the citie might vpon the sudden be taken , if it would please him to place a sufficient number of Turks in ambush neere vnto the citie , to joyne with him and the other Turkish labourers when occasion should serue . Which being resolued vpon , Amurath sent him backe againe to put this his deuise in execution : so Chasis returning to DIDYMOTICHVM brake the matter to so many of the Asian workemen as hee thought conuenient , fully instructing them what was to be done . The next day ( according to his appointment ) the Christians being then at dinner , these Turkish workmen and labourers fell at wordes among themselues , and from wordes to fayned blowes : in which counterfait brawle & tumult , they suddenly ran to one of the gates of the citie fast by ( as was before appointed ) and there laying hands vppon the warders weapons , as if it had beene to defend themselues against their fellowes , suddenly set vpon those warders , being in number but few , and then at dinner also , and so presently slew them : which done , they opened the gate of the citie , and let in the other Turkes which lay in wait not farre off : who with great celeritie entring the citie , presently took the same , and there put the cheefest of the citizens to the sword , sparing the rest of the meaner sort . The citie of RHODESTUM ( of the old writers called RHoeDESTUM ) was by Amurath his commaundement , in this time of peace , by sudden assault giuen in the night by the lord Eurenoses , taken also . With this foule dealing and breach of league , yet in force , the Christians hardly charged Amurath ; who turned it ouer to the vnrulinesse of his captaines and men of warre , whom he threatned with great seueritie to punish : and to giue the better colour that it was done without his priuitie , he had fained himselfe sicke all the while these things were in doing . But being requested to restore these cities so wrongfully taken frō the Christians , he vtterly refused so to do , saying , That it was against the law of his great prophet Mahomet , to deliuer againe vnto the Christians , any towne or citie wherin the Mahometan religion had ben once openly taught . Wherevpon wa●s began againe to arise on fresh betwixt the Christians and him , wherein somtime the one preuayled , and sometime the other : in such sort as that those warres at length became vnto them both verie tedious . Wherefore Amurath made peace againe with the Christians of HADRIANOPLE , SELYBRIA , and CONSTANTINOPLE : yet desiring nothing more in heart , than to take the citie of HADRIANOPLE : which the better to bring to passe , he caused Chasis-Ilbeg ▪ as a discontented captaine to flye to HADRIANOPLE , pretending himselfe to haue been hardly vsed by the tyrant his master : where hauing in his companie other such dissembling fugitiues as was himselfe , he oftentimes issued out of the citie and valiantly skirmished with the Turks ; which so ●reatly pleased the gouernour of HADRIANOPLE , that he thereby grew into his great fauour . Many other Turkes also vnder pretence of like discontentment , resorted vnto Chasis : wherewith finding himselfe well strengthened , he writ letters secretly vnto Amurath , That he would deliuer one of the gates of HADRIANOPLE vnto him at a certaine appointed time , if he would ●gainst the same time be readie to send him present succors . All things being agreed vpon , Chasis at the appointed time came in the dawning of the day to one of the gates of the citie , accompa●ied but with ten of his followers , as if he would haue gone forth to hunt , as he had before accu●tomed . But so soone as the gates were opened , he with the other ten well appointed for the purpose , furiously set vpon the warders , whom they slew ; and being aided by the rest of the fugitiue Turks ( which with all speed by appointment before made , resorted vnto them ) they possessed the gate ; vntill a great power of the Turks , whom Amurath the night before had placed in am●ush neere vnto the citie , hauing knowledge what was done , and hearing the alarme , speedily ●ame on , and by that gate entred the cittie : where was fought a cruell fight all that day , euen from morning vntill night . But in the end the Turks preuailing , tooke the citie , which they haue euer since possessed vnto this day . These great cities of THRACIA thus takē , or otherwise as aforesaid ( for that I leaue for the Reader to thinke of as he pleaseth ) Amurath appointed the seat of his royall Court at HADRIA●OPLE , as a place of all others most fit for the further inuasion of the Christians , and enlarging of his kingdom in EVROPE : from whence such a world of mischiefs & woe hath since that time ouerflowed a great part of Christendome & drowned so many goodly kingdoms in EUROPE , as that both they , and most part of the rest that yet remaine ( dayly in dread of like destruction ) might iustly accurse and detest the wofull carelesnesse and degenerate cowardise of the Greekes , were not they themselues together with the glorie of their church and empire , swallowed vp in the same gulfe of calamitie and woe , and so become of all others most miserable : but what auaile vaine complaints , but to encrease old griefes ? wherefore againe to that we haue in hand . The prowd Sultan Amurath ( hauing to his great content thus seated himselfe at HADRIANOPLE , in the middest of THRACIA ) presently sent out his tutor Lala Schahin with a great power to inuade the countrey about PHILIPPOPOLIS with the countrey of ZAGORA , which lyeth ●owards the great mountain HoeMUS , where the best Turkish Scimitars were made ; giuing like charge vnto Eurenoses , for the subduing of the territorie of IPSALA : who both notably performed what hee had commaunded , and in short time brought all those countreys vnder his subjection , wherein hee shortly after placed diuers sanzacks or gouernours , for the better assurance thereof being so lately gayned . About this time ( by the suggestion of Cara Rustemes a doctor of the Mahometan law ) Zinderlu Chelil , then Cadilesher or chiefe Iustice amongst the Turks , but afterwards better knowne by the name of Cairadin Bassa ; by the commaundement of Amurath , tooke order that euerie fifth captiue of the Christians , being aboue fifteen yeeres old , should bee taken vp for the king , as by law due vnto him : and if the number were vnder fiue , then to pay vnto the king for euerie head 25 aspers , by way of tribute : appointing officers for collecting both of such captiues and tribute mony , of whom the aforesaid Cara Rustemes himselfe was chiefe , as first deuiser of the matter . By which meanes great numbers of Christian youths were brought to the court as the kings captiues , which by the counsel of the same Zinderlu Chelil , were distributed amongst the Turkish husbandmen in ASIA , there to learne the Turkish language , religion , and manners : where after they had been brought vp in all painefull labour and trauaile by the space of two or three yeeres , they were called vnto the court , and choice made of the better sort of them to attend vpon the person of the prince , or to serue him in his warres : where they dayly practising all feats of actiuitie , are called by the name of Ianizars ( that is to say , new souldiers . ) This was the first beginning of the Ianizars vnder this Sultan Amurath the first , but had great encrease vnder Amurath the second , in so much that Iouius with some other Historiographers , attribute the beginning of this order vnto him : which neuerthelesse ( as appeareth by the Turks owne histories ) had the beginning as is aforesaid : and hath euer since been continued by the Turkish kings and emperors , by the same and some other greater meanes ; so that in processe of time they be grown to that greatnes as that they are oftentimes right dreadfull vnto the great Turke himselfe : after whose death , they haue sometimes preferred to the empire such of the emperours sonnes as they best liked , without respect of prerogatiue of age , contrarie to the will of the great Sultan himselfe : and are at this day the greatest strength of the Turkish empire , and not vnlike in time to be the greatest cause of the ruine thereof : the finger of the highest oftentimes ( as wee haue before said ) turning euen those helps which were by mans wisedome prouided for the establishing of kingdoms , vnto their more speedie destruction ; and especially these continuall garisons of martiall men , no lesse to be feared than trusted , as in the course of this historie may appeare . When Amurath had thus a great while continued at HADRIANOPLE , determining now to returne vnto ASIA , he made Schahin his tutor Beg-Lerbeg or viceroy of ROMANIA ; and Eurenoses lord gouernour of the marches ; Zinderlu Chelil hee made Vezir Azemes or lord president of his counsell , and changing his name called him Cairadin Bassa , that is to say , The Bassa that had well deserued , his name witnessing his good desert . After this hee returned into ASIA , where he spent that winter at PRVSA . These two great men Cairadin Bassa & Cara Rustemes before named , sometimes two doctors of the Mahometan law , were ( as the Turkish histories report ) the first that corrupted the Turkish court with couetousnesse and briberie , and are therefore of them euen yet much blamed . Whilst Amurath thus wintered in ASIA , news was brought vnto him , That the Christians of SERVIA and BULGARIA had gathered a great armie for the besieging of HADRIANOPLE : which caused him to prepare great forces in ASIA , to aid his captaines in EUROPE . But in returning out of ASIA , hee by the way tooke the towne of BOGA ; where hee put to sword all the Christians that were therein able to beare armes , leading the rest into captiuitie , and with the spoile rewarded his souldiours . This strong towne was not long after againe recouered by the Christians , who requited the Turkes with like measure , and doubting the keeping thereof , rased it downe to the ground : yet was it afterwards reedified by the Turks , as it is at this present to be seene : which was done in the yeare of our Lord 1365. In the meane time , the Christian armie of SERVIA and BULGARIA , in number betwixt fortie and fiftie thousand , marching towards HADRIANOPLE , and now come very neere the same , fell in mutinie among themselues . Whereof the Turks by their espials hauing intelligence , suddainely in the night set vpon them : who blinded with inward hatred , and no lesse fearing one another , than their enemies , neglected to joyne their forces against them , but were readie to turn their weapons one vpon another ; and so by their owne discord , more than by the enemies force , were made a prey vnto the Turks , by whō they were put to flight , & slain , with so great a slaughter , that the place wherin they fell , not far frō GERMIA , is thereof at this day called Zirf Zindugi , that is to say , the place wherein the Seruians were ouerthrowne . The news of this so notable a victorie , with the fift part of the spoile , & a great number of the heads of the slaine Christians , were ( after the barbarous manner of the Turks ) sent to Amurath into ASIA , being now readie with a great power to haue come ouer CALLIPOLIS : who joyfull therof , & glad to see such a present , the assured witnesse of the victorie , returned againe to PRUSA . This was done in the yeare 1366. In which yeare also Amurath with wonderfull triumph circumcised his two sonnes , Baiazet , and Iacup . At which time he also built a temple , with a monasterie , and a colledge , at BILEZUGA : and another faire church at NEAPOLIS : at PRUSA he also built a stately pallace in the castle , with a great church at the gates thereof : in which citie he also founded an abbey and a colledge . Germean Ogli , a great Mahometane prince in ASIA ( whose territorie for the most part lay in the greater PHRYGIA , and the countries thereabout , bordering vpon the Othoman kingdome ) hauing alwaies enuied at the rising of the Othoman kings ( as did all the rest of the Mahometane princes of the Selzuccian familie ) and fearing that their greatnesse might after his death grow dangerous vnto his sonne Iacup , being now himselfe very aged ; thought good for the more safetie of his s●ate , to joyne in alliance with Amurath . And for that purpose sent Isaach ( a learned doctor of the Mahometane law ) embassador vnto him , with many rich presents , and to offer his daughter , the ladie Hatun , in marriage vnto his sonne Baiazet : promising with her in dowrie diuers great cities and townes , with their territories in PHRYGIA and BITHYNIA , adjoyning vpon the Othoman kingdome ; namely CUTAIE , SIMAU , EGREGIOS , TAUSANLE , and others . Neither was this a small dowrie , but well beseeming so great a prince : the citie of CUTAIE being at this day the place whereat the Turkish emperours great lieutenant or viceroy in ASIA , is alwaies resiant , as in the heart of his kingdome in the lesser ASIA . Of which match so offered , Amurath liking well , contracted his sonne Baiazet vnto the said ladie : and for solemnization of the mariage , prepared all things with great magnificence , sending his embassadours to most of the Mahometane kings and princes , both farre and neere , to inuite them thereunto : commaunding also most of the nobilitie of his kingdome , to honour the same with their presence . The time of this marriage drawing neere , embassadours came to Amurath his court , from all the princes before inuited : amongst whom the embassadour from the Aegyptian Sultan had the highest place . These embassadors brought with them many great and rich gifts , such as well beseemed the great princes their masters , which they with all reuerence presented vnto Amurath . At length amongst the rest of his owne nobilitie came the lord Eurenoses , whom he had before left gouernour of the frontiers of his kingdome in EUROPE : who besides many other rich gifts , not easily to be valued , presented vnto Amurath an hundred goodly boyes , with as many beautifull yong maidens , all Christian captiues , sutably attired in garments richly embrodered with gold and siluer , euerie one of them carrying a cup of gold in the one hand , and a cup of siluer in the other ; the cups of gold hauing in them diuers precious stones of great value , and the cups of siluer being filled with gold . The richnesse of this present was so great , that all the embassadours of the forraine princes much wondered thereat . All which rich gift , Amurath most bountifully bestowed vpon the strange embassadours : and the presents which were sent vnto him from other princes , he liberally gaue to Eurenoses . The learned and religious which came to that mariage , hee so bountifully rewarded also , that none came to the same poore , but he went away rich . He had before sent diuers of his nobilitie , with an hundred ladies and gentlemen , and a guard of three thousand horsemen , to attend the comming of the bride . On the other side , the old prince Germean-Ogli meeting this honourable companie vpon the way , saluted euery man of account , according to his degree : and bringing them to one of his cities , in most royall manner feasted them , bestowing vpon them many rich and princely gifts : all which things with great solemnitie performed , he deliuered his daughter the bride to two of the most antient ladies ▪ whereof the one had beene Baiazet his nurse ; and so taking leaue of his daughter , sent her away , accompanied with his wife Ienses , and other of his courtiers : who conueying her to PRUSA , she was there in most roiall manner married to Baiazet . The cities and townes promised in dowrie , were accordingly deliuered into the possession of Amurath , who shortly after tooke possession of the same , and furnished them with his owne garrisons . At this marriage Chusen Beg , prince of AMISUM in GALATIA , by his embassadour sold his territorie of AMISUM vnto Amurath , with many faire citties and townes : doubting as it was thought , how to be able to keep them , now that Amurath was come so neere him , whom he saw not to let slip any occasion offered vnto him for the enlarging of his kingdome . When Amurath had in this sort spent great time in ASIA , hee gathered a strong armie to returne into EUROPE : but before his departure , he committed the gouernment of his kingdome in ASIA ( which the Turks call ANATOLIA ) vnto his sonne Baiazet , joyning with him Temurtases , a valiant man of great experience : and hauing set all things in order in ASIA , passed ouer HELLESPONTUS to CALLIPOLIS , from whence hee marched towards HADRIANOPLE ; and because hee would take some thing in his way , he besieged MAGALGARA , which hee in short time woon : where Lala Schahin and Eurenoses with all their forces came to him : which two captaines he sent to besiege the citie PHERoe , which was by them after a few dayes siege taken . Bu●●e himselfe to bee reuenged vpon Lazarus the Despot , led his armie into SERVIA : where after hee had without resistance forraged the countrey foureteene daies , vnderstanding by his captaines , that the strong citie of NISSA , being the metropoliticall citie of SERVIA , was as it were the key of that kingdome , he presently marched thither , and laid siege to the same , and by the aduice of Iaxis Beg , the sonne of Temurtases , in short time woon it . Which thing so daunted Lazarus , Despot or lord of SERVIA , that he despairing in his owne forces , hauing so soone lost one of his strongest citties , foorthwith sent embassadours to Amurath , to entreat a peace : offering to pay him a yearely tribute of fiftie thousand pounds , and to aid him with a thousand men in his wars , whensoeuer he should require : vpon which conditions Amurath graunted him peace , and so departed out of SERVIA . In this expedition he also with much ado woon the great citie of APPOLONIA , neere vnto the mount ATHOS , and gaue leaue vnto most of the Christians with their wiues and children to depart , and such part of their goods as was not in the taking thereof spoiled by the souldiors . This done , he returned backe to HADRIANOPLE , leauing Eurenoses vpon the marches , who shortly after tooke BERRHEA , with diuers other townes . At which time also , Lala Schahin woon ZICHNE and SERES , in the confines of MACEDONIA , with many other strong townes vpon the frontiers of THESSALIA and THRACE . In the citie SERES Eurenoses made his abode as in a cheefe frontier towne : and because the Christians for feare of the Turks were all fled out of the country about SERES , great numbers of people were sent for out of ASIA , to inhabit that countrey by the Christians forsaken in the confines of MACEDONIA . Amurath had not long continued at HADRIANOPLE , but that he was aduertised out of ASIA , that Aladin his sonne in law , king of CARAMANIA , did with fire and sword inuade his dominions in ASIA : with which newes he was exceedingly troubled . And for that cause sending for his counsailors and nobilitie to the court , told them , how that Aladin forgetting all the bonds of religion , faith , peace , and aliance , with all hostilitie inuaded his prouinces in ASIA , whilest he with the great danger of his person , and greater terror of his enemies , sought with honour the encrease of the Mahometane sincere religion ( as he tearmed it ) in EUROPE : from which godly warres ( said hee ) I am against my will enforced to turne my sword , in just defence of my selfe , against men joyned with vs both in religion & alliance . And hauing thus declared his mind , he appointed Chairadin Bassa his lieutenant generall in EVROPE , and also made his sonne Alis Bassa , one of his counsaile , although he were by some thought too yong for so great a place . And so hauing set all things in order according to his mind in EUROPE , tooke passage from CALLIPOLIS into ASIA , and so to his court at PRUSA , where he spent that winter . In which time embassadors came vnto him frō the Sultan of AEGYPT , for the renewing of their former amitie and friendship , which Amurath tooke very thankefully , and sent them backe againe loden with kind letters and princely rewards . When the Spring was come in the year 1387 , he leuied a mightie armie to make war vpon the Caramanian king , his sonne in law . Whereof Aladin certainely informed , prepared no lesse power to meet him , associating vnto him all the other lesse Mahometane princes of ASIA , which were not vnder Amurath his obeisance , to whom the Othoman kings were now growne terrible ; which princes brought with them great supplies to joyne with Aladin . Aladin thus aided by his friends , thinking himselfe now strong ynough for Amurath his father in law , sent an embassadour vnto him , certifying him , That he was nothing in power inferiour to him , and therefore did nothing feare him : yet if it pleased him to haue peace , that hee could for his part be content to hearken vnto the same vpon reasonable conditions : but if hee had rather haue warre , he should find him readie to dare him battaile in the field , whensoeuer hee should come . For answere of which embassage , Amurath willed the embassadour to tell the perjured king his master , That he had of late contrarie to his faith before giuen , in most cruell manner inuaded his dominions , whilest he was busied in most godly warres ( as hee tearmed it ) against the misbeleeuing Christians : from prosecuting whereof , hee was by his violence ( as hee said ) withdrawne , contrarie to the law of their great prophet : for which outrages and wrongs , hee would shortly come and take of him sharpe reuenge ; and that therefore hee was to expect nothing at his hands but warre , for which he willed him so to prouide , as that at his comming he might not find him wanting to himselfe . Aladin by his embassadour hauing receiued this answere from Amurath , assembled all the confederate princes , his allies , with great persuasions and greater promises encouraging them to this warre : and they againe kissing the ground at his feet , as the manner of that nation is before great princes , promised with solemne oaths neuer to forsake him , but to to doe all things which princes desirous of honour and fame , ought by their oath to do for their soueraigne , to whom they ought homage and dutie . In this great preparation for wars in ASIA , Chairadin Bassa , generall gouernor in EUROPE died : which Amurath vnderstanding , appointed Alis Bassa his sonne to goe into EUROPE , there to be gouernour in his fathers stead . But he was staied in his journey by vrgent occasions , which Amurath vnderstanding , sent for him backe againe in post . Aladin forecasting the great dangers like to ensue of this warre , sent another embassadour to Amurath , with reasonable conditions of peace : to whom Amurath answered , That if Aladin had made that offer one moneth before , hee would perhaps haue accepted thereof : but for so much as he had done him great wrong , and that hee had now to his infinite charge drawne him into the field so farre from home , hee would not make any other end , than such as the chance of warre should appoint : And whereas he in disgrace had called me a heardsman or shepheard ( said he ) if he be not such a one himselfe , as he saith me to be , let him meet me in the field , and there trie his valour . Hereunto the embassadour replied , saying , That the king his master made this offer of peace not for any feare , but to saue the effusion of innocent blood ; which consideration set apart , he should find him not inferiour to himselfe , either in number of most expert souldiours , or other warlike prouision : and that therefore , if he rejected this offer of peace , hee needed not to doubt but to meet with men of courage , which would beare themselues so valiantly in the field against his Turks , as that he should haue no great cause to rejoice of his comming thether . Which words of the embassador so netled Amurath , that in great rage he commaunded him to depart , and to will his maister , if hee were a man of such courage and valour as he said , to shew himselfe in the field with all his forces , there to make an end of all quarrels ; where hee doubted not but in short time to chastice him according to his due deserts . So after the embassadour was departed , marching forward three daies , Alis Beg came vnto him , of whose comming he not a little rejoyced : for why , he loued him deerelie , and although he was yet of yeares but yoong , relied much vpon his counsaile . The Embassadour returning , recounted vnto Aladin all that Amurath had said , not omitting his hard speeches and proud threats , and how that hee hoped shortly to take from him ICONIVM and LARENDA ( the principall cities of CARAMANIA ) with many things more , leauing nothing vntold . Which Aladin hearing , said vnto the confederate princes that were with him , Verilie Amurath threatneth to take from vs our cities of ICONIUM and LARENDA ▪ but let him take heed that we take not from him his faire citie of PRVSA . Then demaunding of the embassadour , of what strength Amurath might be ? It was answered by him , that he deemed him to bee about seuentie thousand strong . Whereat Aladin not a little rejoycing said : Assuredly when he shall see our armie , he will not dare to giue vs battaile ; or if he do , he shall fight vpon great disaduantage , his men being both fewer in number than we , and sore wearied with long and painefull trauaile . In the meane time Amurath held on his way towards CARAMANIA , daily encouraging his souldiours with persuasions and gifts bountifully bestowed vpon them , filling their heads with promises of greater , the warres once happily ended . At length he came to the great plaines in CARAMANIA called the French plains , because in former time the Christians ( whom the Turks for most part call Frankes ) in those places encamped their great armies , as they went to the winning of IERVSALEM ( as in the former part of this historie is declared : ) into these plaines also came Aladin with his armie , and was now encamped within one daies march of Amurath , and so rested that night . The next morning Amurath put his armie in order of battaile , appointing the leading of the right wing , to his youngest sonne Iacup , with whom he joyned Cutluzes Beg , Eine Beg Subbassa , Egridum Subbassa , Seraze , and Custendil , two Christian princes ; all captaines of great experience : the left wing was led by Baiazet his eldest sonne , with Ferize and Hozze , both valiant captaines : in which wings were also placed the Christian souldiors sent by Lazarus out of SERVIA , according to the late conuention of peace : in the maine battell he stood himselfe : the vauntgard was conducted by Temurtases : and the reareward by the Sabbassa of OXYLLITHUS ( called also Temurtases ) and Achmetes . Aladin on the other side , with no lesse care and diligence set his men likewise in order of battaile , placing himselfe in the maine battaile as did Amurath ; and the princes his Allies , with his other expert captaines , some in the right wing and some in the left , as he thought most conuenient : in such sort , as that in all mens iudgement he was in force nothing inferiour to his father in law . These great enemies thus ranged , with ensignes displaid came on couragiously , one directly vpon the other : where approaching together , the confused noise of trumpets , drummes , fifes , with other instruments of warre , the neighing of horses , and clattering of armour , was so great ; that whilst warlike minds thereat rejoyced ▪ cowards thought heauen fell . But the signe of battaile on both sides giuen , Samagazes , one of the confederate princes , with exceeding courage first charged Temurtases in the vauntguard , and broke his rankes : at which time Teberruses , a Tartar prince , and Varsacides , another of the confederats , deliuered their arrowes also vpon the vauntguard , as if it had been a shower of haile . Which Baiazet seeing , and how hardly Temurtases was charged , hauing before obtained leaue of his father , brake in vpon the enemie with such violence , as if it had been the lightening : whereof he was euer after surnamed Gilderun , which is to say , the Lightening ▪ Ferizes and Hozza , with the other valiant captaines in that wing ; following Baiazet , with inuincible courage entred the battaile ; where for a great space was made a most dreadfull and doubtfull fight . A man would haue thought two wrought seas had met together , swaying one against the other , doubtfull which way the current would at length fall . In this conflict many thousands were on both sides slain , so that the field lay couered with the dead bodies of worthie men and valiant souldiors : yet at length these confederate princes , finding themselues ouermatched by Baiazet and his souldiors , reseruing themselues to their better fortunes , turned their backes and fled ; when Aladin seeing a great part of his armie thus ouerthrowne , and himselfe now readie to be charged with Amurath his whole power , despairing of victorie , sped himselfe in all hast to ICONIUM , his strong citie . The spoile which Amurath got in this battell was great , most part whereof he gaue in reward to Temortases and his souldiors , which had endured the greatest furie of that battaile . Amurath after this victorie with all speed marched to ICONIUM , and there besieged Aladin the Caramanian king , in his strongest cittie , giuing out proclamation in the mean time , That none of his souldiours vpon paine of death should vse any violence to any of the countrey people , or take any thing from them : to the intent it might appeare vnto the world , that he made that warre against that Mahometan king , rather to propulse injurie and wrong , than for desire of soueraigntie or spoile . Which his so straight a proclamation , the Christians sent by Lazarus , amongst others ▪ transgressed ; and therefore by his commandement suffred ( many of them ) exemplarie punishment ; which was the cause of the Se●●ian wa● which not long after ensued ▪ fatall both vnto Amurath and Lazarus the Despot , as hereafter shall appeare . Aladin now on euerie side besieged in ICONIUM , and without all hope of escape , sent vnto the queene his wife , Amuraths daughter , bewailing vnto her his desperat estate , and requesting her by all the loue that so honourable a minded ladie might beare to her miserable husband , to aduenture her selfe to goe to her angrie father , and to craue pardon for his great trespasse and offence . The queene forthwith attiring her selfe , as was fittest for her husbands present estate , came vnto her father : where falling downe at his feet vpon her knees , with wordes wisely placed , and teares distilling downe her faire cheeks from her fairer eies , as if it had been from two fountaines ; in most sorrowfull manner , craued her husbands pardon , imputing vnto the heat of youth whatsoeuer he had done : and would not be comforted or taken vp , vntill she had obtained grace . Amurath most entirely loued this his daughter ; and therefore for her sake not onely graunted vnto her , her husbands life ( which in short time was like to haue been in his power to haue spilt ) but also his kingdome , which he as a victorious conquerour might by law of armes haue of right detained . She now assured of her fathers promise , sent vnto her husband Aladin , willing him the next day without feare to come out of the citie , and in humble sort to acknowledge his fault before her father . Who the next morning accordingly came out , and prostrating himselfe before Amurath , acknowledged his vndutifulnes : of whom ( for his wiues sake ) he obtained pardon , and restitution to his kingdome , with many other great gifts , contrarie to his euil desert . The Latine histories mistaking the man , report that this Caramanian warre , to haue been fought against the king of CARAMANIA , Amurath his owne grandfather by the mothers side ; and that he was by Amurath then spoiled of a great part of his kingdom : but it agreeth not with the Turkish histories , which make Amurath to be the sonne of Orchanes and Lulufer , the daughter of the gouernour of the castle of IARCHISER , as is before declared in the life of Othoman ; which Lulu●er lieth buried by her husband Orchanes , in PRUSA . This great victorie gotten by Amurath against the Caramanian king , and the other confederat princes , was the true beginning of the greatnesse of the Othoman kingdome in ASIA : wherewith the other Mahometan princes of the Selzuccian family were so discouraged , that they were glad to submit themselues thus first vnto Amurath , and after that vnto his sonne Baiazet : vntill that Tamerlan the great Tartarian prince , some few yeares after , taking Baiazet prisoner in a great battaile at mount STELLA , abated the Othomon pride , and restored the other oppressed Mahometan princes to their old possessions and kingdomes . Amurath returning homewards , by the way tooke the citie of DESPOTOPOLIS , and comming to CUTAIE brake vp his armie , and so in triumph returned to his court at PRUSA . Lazarus , Despot of SERVIA ( in old time called MYSIA ) had sent a thousand armed men to Amurath in this the late Caramanian warre , according to the conuention of the peace not long before made betwixt them : some of which souldiours , were with great seueritie ( to the terrour of others ) executed in CARAMANIA , for transgressing Amurath his commandement . This great warre being ended , and the armie broken vp at CUTAI● , they with others were licensed to depart into their own countrey . Whose Generall ( whom they call the Vayuod ) returning home , reported vnto Lazarus the Despot , the successe of that war , and withall in what cruell and ti●annicall manner the men he had sent were in that seruice vsed by the commandement of Amurath . With whom ( said this Generall ) you without cause haue made a most dishonourable peace : first by giuing your faith to such a miscreant , and then in sending your loyall subiects in recompence of their good seruice , to be so butchered at his pleasure ; beside the shamefull tribute which you yearely pay vnto him . Whereas if it would please you in the depth of your wisedome , but to know your owne strength , you should find your selfe in warlike force and power , nothing inferiour to the tirant : for wee your seruants being in number but a handfull , were in these his late wars a terrour vnto his enemies , and by our valour and not his owne , hee got the victorie ouer them . What cause is there then , that you should subject your selfe vnto your inferiour ? I know he cannot of himselfe bring into the field aboue fiftie thousand fighting men : but admit he were able to bring a hundreth thousand , are not you ( if you so please ) able to leuie a farre greater power ? and for all other warlike prouision , you are ten fold better prouided than hee . Besides that , the mightie Christian princes will send you such aid against this hatefull and common enemie , that being vnited with yours , his Barbarian forces will be nothing in comparison of those which you shall then be able to bring into the field against him : which no doubt the Christian princes will the rather doe , as men desirous to quench this deuouring fire , in another mans house rather than in their owne . These words of the Vayuod so much mooued Lazarus , that he determined in him selfe , to breake that seruile league which he before had made with Amurath . And for that cause sent his embassadour with secret instructions to the king of BOSNA ( in time past called ILLYRIA ) his neighbour : whereof the cheefe point was , to craue his aid against the Turke their common enemie . By whom the king of BOSNA returned answere , That it had been much better such consideration had been thought vpon , before the foule contract ( full of disgrace both to himselfe , and all other Christian princes ) was vpon a vaine feare , by him rashly made with the Turkish tirant : Yet for so much as things done , could not bee vndone , letting that passe which was remedilesse , he promised to joyne with him his whole forces , against so dangerous an enemie . And therevppon appointing a place for an enteruiew , met accordingly , and there fully concluded all the articles of their confederation . There was in the confines of BOSNA a castle called ALEXANDRIA , the captaine whereof being a Christian , was yet tributarie vnto the Turke ; wishing vnto him such good , as men oppressed vse to doe to them by whom they are so wronged . This captaine vnder the colour of friendship went to Amurath , and in great secrecie opened vnto him the whole state of the kingdome of BOSNA ; and withall , that the king thereof intended some great matter against him : for preuenting whereof , he offered his owne seruice , and shewed some probable means , how that kingdome might be brought into his subjection , if hee would but send some worthie Generall with a conuenient power for the vndertaking thereof . This wonderfully pleased the ambitious old tyrant , who therefore commaunded a rich garment to be cast vpon the captaine ( which amongst the Turks is taken for a sure token of the kings great fauour ) and foorthwith appointed his tutor Lala Schahin , according to this captains direction , to inuade the kingdome of BOSNA . Who joyning himselfe with this deceitfull captaine of ALEXANDRIA , with an armie of twentie thousand men entred into BOSNA ; where ouerrunning a side of the countrey , he without resistance tooke great booties : and seeing no apparent cause of feare , to doe the more harme , by the aduice of the same captaine , deuided his armie , which he sent into diuers parts of the country , the more to burne and spoile the same . Of all whose proceedings , the king of BOSNA by secret messengers from the captaine aduertised , had in conuenient places laied strong ambushes for the intercepting of his enemies . So that as Schahin was returning homeward with a rich bootie , hauing then with him but a thousand men , suddenly appeared in his way thirtie thousand Christians well armed : which Schahin seeing , thinking it follie to oppose so few against so many , would haue presently fled ; but the rest of the gallants that were with him , presuming of their good fortune , and loth to loose their rich prey , would needs first skirmish with the Christians : in which desperate conflict they were almost all slaine , and the spoile they had taken , all recouered by the Christians . As for Schahin , he was glad by shamefull flight to saue himselfe . The like mishap befell the other Turks in the other parts of BOSNA , who for the most part were likewise intercepted and slaine : so that of twentie thousand scarce fiue thousand returned home . Whilest these things were doing in EUROPE , Amurath with great triumph at NEAPOLIS married the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE his daughter : whose two sisters were also giuen in marriage to his two sonnes : at which time he with great solemnitie circumcised three of Baiazet his sonnes . At this time also returned Iazigi Ogli , whom he had before sent embassadour to the Sultan of AEGIPT , in requitall of the honourable embassage before to him sent from the said Sultan . Now Amurath vnderstanding of the losse of his men in BOSNA , with the reuolt of Lazarus Despot of SERVIA , was therewith much disquieted . Wherefore he commanded Al●●●Bassa his cheefe counsellour , with all speed to send foorth commissions into all parts of his kingdome , for the leuying of a royall armie : which was done in such post hast , that it was thought he would haue taken the field before the beginning of the Spring . At which time also the other Mahometane kings and princes of ASIA , Caraman Ogli , Teke Ogli , and the rest , bound vnto him by homage , with diuers others of smaller power , were sent for , to aid him in this war : who partly for feare , and partly mooued with the zeale of their Mahometane superstition , brought their forces with great deuotion . Vnto this war against the Christians , came also great numbers of the Mahometanes from far countries , as voluntarie souldiors . Baiazet his sonne also , then gouernor of CUTAIE , with a great part of GALATIA , gathering all his forces , came to aid his father in this religious war ( as it was by thē tearmed . ) The Christian tributarie princes were not then forgotten : of whom two came , namely , Custendyll and Seratzill : other two forsaking Amurath ▪ came not , which was Sasmenos prince of BULGARIA , and the prince of VARNA and DOERITZA : with whom Amurath was highly offended . In the time of this so great a preparation , old Lala Schahin , Amurath his tutor and faithfull seruitor , died , being a man of great yeares : and Temurtases was appointed gouernour in his place . The reuolting of the two Christian princes , Sasmenos and the prince of VARNA , much grieued Amurath : wherefore hee commaunded Alis Bassa , with an armie of thirtie thousand , to inuade and spoile Sasmenos his countrey , now called BULGARIA , and in antient time the lower MYSIA . Alis Bassa according to that was giuen him in charge , calling vnto him Iaxis Beg , the sonne of Temurtases , Vlu Beg , Suratze Bassa , with other captaines and commaunders of the Turks prouinces in EUROPE , assembled an armie of thirtie thousand , for the inuasion of BULGARIA . With this armie the Bassa tooke many strong townes and castles in BULGARIA , as PIRAVADE , VENVZINA , MADRA , SVNI , with others . In the meane time , whilest Alis Bassa had thus begun the wars against the Christians in BVLGARIA , Amurath hauing gathered a great armie in ASIA , determined in the beginning of the Spring , to passe ouer with the same into EUROPE : commending the gouernment of his countries in ASIA to Temurtases Bassa , Ferices Beg , Temurtaces Subbassa , Cutlu Beg , and Haza Beg : and so all things set in order in ASIA , he drew down his Asian forces towards HELLESPONTVS , where he was a while staied with cōtrary winds , but was afterwards transported to CALLIPOLIS by Ienitze Beg , Sanzacke there . This was the third time that Amurath brought his armie out of ASIA into EUROPE . But whilest he staied at CALLIPOLIS , Baiazet his sonne with a great power came unto him thither : Alis Bassa also vnderstanding of Amurath his arriuall in EUROPE , retired out of BVLGARIA and came to him at CALCIDE , recounting vnto him the whole successe of his expedition into BVLGARIA . Sasmenos prince of BVLGARIA , seeing his countrey spoiled , his strong cities and castles taken by the Turks , and withall hearing of their great preparations for warre ; by the aduice of his nobilitie , thought it best betimes againe to submit himselfe vnto Amurath : wherefore tying a winding sheet about his necke , in token that he had deserued death ( after the manner of the Barbarians ) he came to Amurath at CALCIDE , where falling flat vpon the ground , at the horses feet whereon Amurath sat , he in most humble wise craued pardon : offering by a certaine day to deliuer SILISTRIA the chiefe citie of his dominion into Amurath his possession , as a pledge of his fidelitie : who thereupon graunted him pardon , and to assure him of his fauour , commaunded a rich garment to be cast vpon him , after the manner of the Turks , sending Alis Bassa at the time appointed to take possession of SILISTRIA . But Sasmenos repenting himselfe of that hee had so largely promised , would not deliuer his citie , but in strongest manner he could presently fortified the same . Wherewith Amurath more offended than before , commaunded the Bassa with fire and sword againe to spoile and wast his countrey : who according to his commaundement entred againe into BULGARIA , and strucke such a terrour of his comming into the hearts of the people , that many strong places were voluntarily yeelded into his power , namely , DIRITZE , COSSOVA , with the citie TERNOVA , the seat of the princes court ; TZERNEVI , NOVAKESTRI , ZISTOVA , with diuers others : and proceeding farther , he laid siege to NICOPOLIS , the strongest citie of BULGARIA , vpon the side of the great riuer DANVBIUS , whither Sasmenos was for feare himselfe fled . Who finding himselfe vnable to hold out the siege , once again ( with shame ynough ) tying a winding sheet about his necke , as he had done before , and taking his sonne with him , went out of the citie , and in most abject manner falling downe at the Bassa his feet , craued pardon : which the Bassa , mooued with compassion to see the miserie of so great a man , and hauing alreadie taken from him the greatest part of his dominion , and now out of feare of further resistance , easily graunted . And hauing thus ended the Bulgarian war , returned to Amurath , of whom he was right joyfully receiued . Amurath had now made great preparation for the inuading of SERVIA , for which purpose he had drawne ouer into EUROPE the greatest forces he possibly could out of ASIA : sending also for his youngest sonne Iacup , gouernour of CARASIA , who vnderstanding his fathers pleasure , repaired vnto him with all the power hee could make . This armie by Amurath thus assembled , was the greatest that euer was before that brought by the Turks into EVROPE . Lazarus not ignorant of this great preparation made by Amurath , had drawn into the societie of this war , the king of BOSNA ( as is aforesaid ) with Vulcus prince of MACEDONIA , his sonne in law ; who both brought vnto him great aid : hee had also by his embassadors procured great supplies from other Christian kings and princes , out of VALACHIA , HVNGARIA , CROATIA , SCLAVONIA , ALBANIA , BVLGARIA , and ITALIE , besides great numbers of other voluntarie deuout Christians , which all assembled and met together , did in number far exceed the great armie of the Turks . With this armie Lazarus the Despot encamped vpon the side of the riuer Moroua the greater , not far from whence stood the strong castle of SARKIVE , which Alis Bassa had of late taken from Sasmenos the Bulgarian prince , standing as it were betwixt BVLGARIA and SERVIA : this castle being now possessed of the Turks , was thought by Lazarus dangerous to his countrie ; who therefore sent one Demetrius , a right valiant captaine , with certain companies of select men to take in the same . The name of this captaine Demetrius , was a generall terrour vnto the Turks , for the harme he had done them : so that they in the castle hearing that he was come , without further resistance yeelded the same vnto him . Whereof Amurath vnderstanding , sent Eine and Sarutze Bassa to recouer the same : but Lazarus doubting that the castle would hardly be kept in that dangerous war , sent Vulcus his sonne in law with twentie thousand men , to bring away all that was therein , and in the citie neere vnto it , least it should become a prey vnto the greedie Turks ; which he accordingly did , and at the same time rased both the castle and the citie , before the comming of Iaxis Beg , sent from Amurath to haue done the same exploit ; which hee comming thither , found alreadie done to his hand by Vulcus . As Amurath was marching towards SERVIA , Seratze and Custendyl , two Christian princes his tributaries , met him with their forces , whome hee caused to march before him as his guides : and passing through Custendyl his countrey , was there refreshed with plentie of all things necessarie : vntil at length passing the riuer of Moroua the lesse , he drew so neere to the plains of COSSOVA ( where the Christian armie lay ) that he with his sonne Baiazet from a little hill tooke full view of the Christian campe ; which was so great , that it couered all those large plains from side to side , and so daunted Amurath , as that returning to his armie he presently entered into a great consultation with his greatest captains and commaunders , What course to take against such a puissant enemie . These great armies being now come so nigh together , as that they might the one well descrie the other , Amurath had purposed the same day to haue giuen the Christians battaile : but being dis●uaded by Eurenoses , both for that it was extreame hot , and his soldiours wearied with trauell , he rested that night . The next morning as soone as it was day , he put his armie in order of battaile , placing his sonne Baiazet with Eurenoses and Eine Beg Subbassa , in the right wing ; his youngest sonne Iacup , with Sarutze Bassa in the left wing ; the maine battell he led himselfe . Lazarus in the meane time had also set his armie in good order : giuing the charge of the right wing to Vulcus his sonne in law ; the left wing was led by the king of BOSNA , and his sonne ; in the maine battell stood Lazarus himselfe ; the Italians , Valachians , Hungarians , Bohemians , and Bulgarians , he placed in both wings . It is thought , greater armies than these two had sildome before met in EUROPE , Lazarus as the Turkish histories report ( but how truly I know not ) hauing in his armie fiue hundred thousand men ; and Amurath scarce halfe so many . To begin the battaile , Amurath had drawne a thousand of his best archers , vnder the leading of Malcozzeus , out of the right wing of his armie ; and the like number of archers out of the left , vnder the conduct of one Mustapha : which so placed on both sides of the armie , as he thought best , Eurenoses a man of great experience , told Amurath , That the Christians were for the most part well and strongly armed , and shouldering close together in their charge , would be like a rock of yron , vnable to be pierced : but if in joyning the battaile , hee would a little retire , the Christians following vpon good hope , would so loose their close standing ( the cheefe part of their strength ) and leaue an entrance for his men . Vpon which resolution , Amurath commaunded the archers to giue the first charge : which they courageously performed . At which time , the Turks armie gaue ground a little : which the Christians perceiuing , with great force assailed the left wing of their armie , and after a hard and cruell fight put the same to flight : which Baiazet seeing , with such furie renewed the battaile , that the Turks which before as men discouraged fled in the left wing , began now to turne againe vpon their enemies ; and the Christians hauing as they thought alreadie got the victorie , were to begin a new battell . In which bloodie fight many thousands fell on both sides : the brightnesse of the armour and weapons , was as it had been the lightning : the multitude of launces and other horsemens staues shadowed the light of the sunne : arrowes and darts fell so fast , that a man would haue thought they had powred downe from heauen , the noise of the instruments of warre , with the neighing of horses , and outcries of men was so terrible and great , that the wild beasts in the mountaines stood astonied therewith : and the Turkish histories , to expresse the terrour of the day ( vainly say ) that the Angels in heauen amased with that hidious noise , for that time forgot the heauenly hymnes wherewith they alwaies glorifie God. About noone time of the day , the fortune of the Turks preuailing , the Christians began to giue ground , and at length betooke themselues to plaine flight ; whom the Turks with all their force pursued and slew them downe right , without number or mercie . In which battell Lazarus the Despot himselfe was also slaine . Howbeit some histories report otherwise , as that he with his son were taken prisoner , and by and by afterwards ( in reuenge of Amurath his death ) cruelly slaine : othersome also reporting that he died in prison . Amurath after this great victorie , with some few of his cheefe captaines taking view of the dead bodies , which without number lay on heapes in the field like mountaines ; a Christian souldiour , sore wounded and all bloodie , seeing him , in staggering manner arose ( as if it had been from death ) out of a heape of slaine men , and making towards him , for want of strength fell downe diuers times by the way as he came , as if he had been a drunken man : at length drawing nigh vnto him , when they which guarded the kings person would haue stayed him , hee was by Amurath himselfe commaunded to come neerer : supposing , that he would haue craued his life of him . Thus this halfe dead Christian pressing neere vnto him , as if he would for honour sake haue kissed his feet , suddenly stabbed him in the bottome of his bellie with a short dagger , which he had vnder his soldiors coat : of which wound that great king and conquerour presently died . The name of this man ( for his courage worthie of eternall memorie ) was Miles Cobelitz : who before sore wounded , was shortly after in the presence of Baiazet cut into small peeces . The Turks in their Annales somewhat otherwise report of the death of Amurath : as that this Cobelitz , one of the Despot his seruants , in time of the battaile , comming to Amurath as a fugitiue , offering him his seruice , and admitted to his presence , in humbling himselfe to haue kissed his feet ( as the barbarous manner of the Turks is ) stabbed him into the bellie and so slew him : being himselfe therefore shortly after ( as is aforesaid ) in the presence of Baiazet most cruelly hewen into small peeces . Whereupon euer since that time , the manner of the Turks hath been , and yet is , that when any embassadour or stranger is to come to kisse the Sultan his hand , or otherwise to approach his person , hee is as it were for honours sake , lead by the armes vnto his presence , betwixt two of the great courtiers : but indeed by so entangling him , to be sure that he shall not offer him the like violence , that did this Cobelitz vnto Amurath . The dead bodie of Amurath was presently with all secrecie conueied into his tent by the Bas●aes and captaines present at his death : whether Baiazet was also brought with an ensigne before him , as the successour in his fathers kingdome . His younger brother Iacup surnamed Zelebi ( or the noble ) yet ignorant of that had hapned , was by the great Bassaes sent for , as from his father : who casting no perill , but comming into his fathers tent , was there presently by them strangled , by the commaundement of Baiazet , as most histories report : howbeit the Turkes annales charge him not therwith . This was the beginning of the most vnnaturall and inhumane custome , euer since holden for a most wholesome and good policie amongst the Turkish kings and emperours , in the beginning of their raigne most cruelly to massacre their brethren and neerest kinsmen , so at once to rid themselues of all feare of their competitors . This Amurath was in his superstition more zealous than any other of the Turkish kings ; a man of great courage , and in all his attempts fortunat : he made greater slaughter of his enemies , than both his father and grandfather : his kingdome in ASIA hee greatly enlarged by the sword , mariage , and purchase : and vsing the discord and cowardise of the Grecian princes , to his profit , subdued a great part of THRACIA , called ROMANIA , with the territories thereto adjoyning , leauing vnto the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , little or nothing more in THRACIA than the imperiall citie it selfe , with the bare name of an emperour , almost without an empire : he wan a great part of BULGARIA , and entred into SERUIA , BOSNA , and MACEDONIA : he was liberall , and withall seuere : of his subjects both beloued & feared : a man of verie few words , and one that could dissemble deeply . He was slaine when hee was threescore eight yeares old ; and had thereof raigned thirtie one , in the yeare of our Lord 1390. His dead bodie was by Baiazet conuaied into ASIA , and there royally buried at PRUSA , in a faire chappell at the West end of the citie , neere vnto the Bathes there : where , vpon his tombe lieth his souldiours cloake , with a little Turkish tulipant , much differing from those great turbants which the Turkes now weare . Neere vnto the same tombe are placed three launces , with three horse tailes fastened at the vpper end of them , which he vsed as guidons in his wars : a thing in antient time not strange . There standeth a castle with a tombe , made in remembrance of him , in the plaines of COSSOUA , where he was slaine and his entrailes buried : which giueth occasion for some to report that hee was there also himselfe enterred . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Amurath the first . Emperours Of the East Iohn Palaeologus . 1354. 30. Andronicus Palaeologus . 1384. 3. Emanuell Palaeologus . 1387. 30. Of the West Charles the fourth . 1346. 32. Wenceslaus , son to Charles king of Bohemia . 1378. 22. Kings Of England Edward the third . 1327. 50. Richard the second . 1377. 23. Of Fraunce Iohn Valois . 1350. 14. Charles the fifth . 1364. 16. Charles the sixt , surnamed , The welbeloued . 1381. 42. Of Scotland Dauid Bruce . 1341. 29. Robert Stuart . 1370. Bishops of Rome Innocent the VI. 1354. 10. Vrban the V. 1364. 8. Gregorie the II. 1372. 7. Vrban the VI. 1378. 11. BAIAZET . BAIAZETTHES PRIMVS QVARTVA TVRCORVM REX ANNO 1390 Fulminis in morem celeri rapit agmina motu Baizethes , fidei pacis & impatiens . Regni Hadrianopolim sedes sibi legit vt esset . Posset vt Europae iungere regna suis. Constantinopolim gemina obsidione fatigat : Iam Graetas vana spe sibi spondet opes , Cum Tamburlano praebet sua terga , catenis Vinctus , & in cauea probra pudenda subit . Prowd Baiazet most false of faith , and loathing blessed peace : His warlike troupes like lightening , to shake he doth not cease . Of HADRIANOPLE he makes choice , for his imperiall seat , That EVROPS kingdomes he might joyne vnto his empire great . CONSTANTINOPLE he distrest , twice with straight siege and long : And vainly thought to haue possest the Graecians wealth by wrong . But ouercome by Tamberlane , fast bound in fetters sure , Trod vnder foot , and cloas'd in cage , great shame did there indure . THE LIFE OF BAIAZET , THE FIRST OF THAT NAME , THE FOVRTH AND MOST VNFORTVNAT KING OF THE TVRKES . BAiazet , or as the Turks call him , Baiasit , of his violent and fierce nature surnamed Gilderun , or lightening ; succeeded his father Amurath in the Turkish kingdome , his younger brother Iacup being strangled immediatly after his fathers death , as is before declared . He in the first yeare of his raign inuaded SERVIA , and there besieged CRATOVA , a citie of the Despots : whereunto the siluer mines of SERVIA ( not the least cause of that warre ) belonged . Which citie was yeelded vnto him , vpon condition , That the Christian inhabitants might with life and libertie depart . Who were no sooner gone out of the cittie , but that by his commaundement they were all most cruelly slaine by his men of warre , for that purpose sent out after them . At this time hee also woon VSCUPIA , with diuers other castles in the countrey neere vnto CRATOVA . Sigismund at the same time king of HUNGARIE ( a yong prince of great hope , and brother to Wenceslaus , then emperour of the West ) aduertised from the Seruians his allies and confederats , of these proud proceedings of Baiazet : by his embassadours sent of purpose , requested him , That as he was a just prince , and wished to liue in quiet with his owne , to desist from doing of such open wrong , and from inuading of such countries of his friends and confederats , as he had no right in . Which embassadours so sent , Baiazet detained without answere , vntill such time as he had ouerrun a great part of the Despot his country , and therein done what he thought good . Then calling the said embassadours vnto him into one of the strong townes , which hee had in euerie corner filled with his owne souldiours , told them that they might there see , that his right both vnto that towne and the rest by him taken , was good inough , for as much as the verie wals acknowledged the same : and so giuing them leaue to depart , willed them so to tell their master . Which his proud answere , by the same embassadors reported vnto the yong king , no lesse troubled him , than if open warre had by them been denounced vnto him , seeing the tyrant ( as should seeme ) pretending right vnto whatsoeuer hee could by force get : neuerthelesse , being himselfe not yet well setled in his kingdome , and in doubt of the contrarie faction ( that altogether liked not of his election into HUNGARIE for their king ) he was glad at that time to put it vp , and so to hold himselfe content . The next yeare , Baiazet by Ferises Beg , tooke the citie of VIDINA , with many other strong townes and castles in SERVIA , and afterwards returned to HADRIANOPLE . But whilest that hee thus raged in EUROPE , the Caramanian king inuaded and spoiled the frontiers of his countries in ASIA : which although he was not then at leisure , hee forgot not afterwards to reuenge to the full . At the same time Eurenoses , lord gouernour of the marches of his kingdome in EUROPE towards GRECIA , departing from SERES ( where he then lay ) tooke the citie of SITROS in THESSALIA . And Ferises Beg , not content to haue taken VIDINA ( as is aforesaid ) passed ouer the great riuer of DANVBIUS , and greeuously spoiled VALACHIA : from whence he returned loaden with a great prey . This was the first time ( that I read of ) that the Turks euer passed ouer the riuer DANVBIUS . At this time also Iegides Bassa entred the kingdome of BOSNA , from whence he carried a great number of captiues to HADRIANOPLE , where Baiazet spent that Winter . In the beginning of the next Spring Baiazet passed ouer HELLESPONTVS to PRUSA , where he built a faire Mahometane temple , with a colledge , and an almes-house : which works finished , he returned againe into EUROPE , and built a monasterie at HADRIANOPLE : and so returned again into ASIA , leauing Temurtases , Begler-Beg ( or his vice-roy ) in HADRIANOPLE . After he was come into ASIA , he laied siege to the strong citie of PHILADELPHIA in LYDIA , which was at that time the onely cittie in the lesser ASIA , yet holden by the Christians in the middest of the Mahometane princes : for now was the Greeke emperour by the Othoman kings and the other Turkes quite driuen out of the lesser ASIA . In the beginning of this siege , Baiazet gaue straight commaundement to his souldiors , That they should not spoile or hurt any thing in the countrey belonging to the citizens : hoping by such faigned courtesie to make them the more willing to yeeld themselues vnto his obedience . But disappointed of his expectation , and finding them resolued to hold it out vnto the last , he forthwith gaue out contrarie commaundement not to spare any thing they could wast or destroy : which was accordingly by his greedie souldiours performed . After long siege , the citizens seeing the countrey about them vtterly wasted , & themselues vnable longer to indure , and out of all hope of releefe , yeelded their citie vnto the pleasure of Baiazet . It is written by some , that this famous citie was not besieged without the consent of the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE : and that the Greekes themselues , mooued with enuie to see that citie so long hold out , did helpe the Turks in the winning thereof . In time of this siege Aiden Ogli prince of CARIA , a Mahometane , came to Baiazet , and yeelded himselfe into his power as his vassale : vnto whom Baiazet restored certain places which he had in this expedition a little before taken from him : yet vpon such condition , as that hee should not from that time coine any money in his owne name , either be remembred in publicke prayers as a prince in their Mahometane temples , as he had before been : but that all such things should be done in the name of Baiazet , as his dread lord and soueraigne . With which disgrace the poore prince was glad to content himselfe , and to liue as his vassale . From PHILADELPHIA he led his armie into the countrey of SARUCHANIA , in antient time called IONIA MARITIMA , which he subdued vnto himselfe vpon like conditions . After that he passed farther , to MENTESIA , or MENTZ , sometime called MYNDOS in CARIA ; the prince whereof for feare fled to Cutrum Baiazet , prince of CASTAMONA and part of PONTVS , leauing his countrey to the pleasure of the tyrant . And for as much as the young king of CARAMANIA had inuaded his countries whilest he was busied in EUROPE , Baiazet in reuenge thereof entred with his armie into CARAMANIA , and tooke CESARIA , with diuers other places there : so that the yong king discouraged with the losse of his towns , and fearing Baiazet his greatnesse , was glad to hold himselfe content with his losse , and to make peace with him as it pleased him to graunt it . As Baiazet was making this expedition into CARAMANIA , another yong Mahometane prince , the sonne of prince Germian , came vnto him with one of his cheefe counsellors , and were both by him sent prisoners ouer the strait to the castle of IPSALA , where they lay in durance many yeares after . Thus Baiazet hauing oppressed and wronged most of the Mahometane princes , the successours of Sultan Aladin in the lesser ASIA , at last returned againe himselfe in triumph to PRUSA . The prince of MENTESIA , who for feare of Baiazet was fled out of his countrey , as is aforesaid , had now incited Cutrun Baiazet , prince of CASTAMONA , with a great power to inuade that side of Baiazet his kingdome which bordered vpon him . Which Baiazet vnderstanding , gathered a great armie to goe against this Mahometane prince . At which very time the Vayuod of VALACHIA , hearing of Baiazet his troubles in ASIA , with a strong armie passed ouer DANVEIUS into those parts of SERVIA and BULGARIA that were by the Turks as then possessed ; where he spoiled the countrey , and slew great numbers of the Turkes , making Mahometane saints and martyrs by heapes : for so the Turks account all them whom the Christians kill in their warre : which done , hee retired backe againe into VALACHIA , carrying with him also many of the Turks prisoners . Baiazet thus at once inuaded both in ASIA and EUROPE , deferred his warres purposed against the prince of PONTUS , vntill a more conuenient time , conuerting his forces against the Valachians . Wherfore passing ouer the strait to HADRIANOPLE , he sent his armie from thence to NICOPOLIS , and there passing the riuer of Danubius , entered into VALACHIA , burning and spoiling the countrey before him as he went. Where the Vayuod to represse his furie , met him in the field , and gaue him battaile , but was therein ouerthrowne and many of his people slaine ; so that at last he was glad to sue for peace , which he obtained , by submitting himselfe to Baiazet , and yeelding to pay him a yearely tribute . Whilst Baiazet was thus busied in VALACHIA , newes was brought vnto him that the Christians of the West with a fleet of gallies did great harm alongst the coasts of his dominions in ASIA . In reuenge whereof he entred with his armie into THESALIE , destroying all the countrey vnto THESSALONICA : in which expedition he took the citie of NEAPOLIS in GREECE , and IOANNINA in Aetolia , and after that returned into ASIA where he spent that Winter . In the beginning of the next Spring , hee with a great power passed the strait of CALLIPOLIS to HADRIANOPLE , intending to haue inuaded HUNGARIE . But as he was vpon the waie , it chanced that a Constantinopolitan spie was by the Turkes intercepted , with letters from the Greeke emperour to the king of HUNGARIE , giuing him warning both of the Turks preparation and comming . By which spie Baiazet also vnderstood of another messenger before sent into HUNGARIE , for like purpose . Whereupon Temurtases ( then his great lieutenant in EUROPE ) persuaded him to desist from his intended warres in HUNGARIE , and to besiege the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , as a thing of more honour and lesse danger ; the cittie being alreadie ( as he said , and as in truth it was ) surrounded with the Turkish prouinces : bringing in PHILADELPHIA ( but a few years before woon ) for example of the like exploit . Of whose counsaile Baiazet liking well , returned with his armie , and shortly after came and sat downe therewith before CONSANTINOPLE : laying hard siege thereunto , first by land and after by sea , with his gallies sent from CALLIPOLIS . Which hard siege continued ( as most histories report ) the space of eight yeares : in which long time , hee draue the emperour Emanuell Palaelogus to that straight , that he was glad to leaue his citie , and himselfe in person to craue aid of Wenceslaus the Germane emperour , and Charles the sixt the French king , and other Christian princes also . At which time the cittizens were at length brought to such extremitie , that they were euen at the point to haue yeelded vp the cittie : and happily had so done , had not Sigismund king of HUNGARIE ( assisted with a great armie of the French and other voluntarie Christians , almost out of euery part of Christendome , to the number of an hundreth and thirtie thousand , vnder the l●ading of Iohn , countie of NIVERS , & after duke of BVRGUNDIE ) for the releefe of the besieged emperour , passed ouer Danubius into the Turkish dominions ; and there hauing recouered VIDINA , with certaine other strong holds in BULGARIA , laied siege to NICOPOLIS : out of which citie the Turks oftentimes sallied , and gaue him many an hot skirmish . It is reported that the young king Sigismund beholding the greatnesse of his armie , in his great jolitie hearing of the comming of the Turke , should proudly say : What need wee to feare the Turke , who need not at all to feare the falling of the heauens ; which if they should fall , yet were we able with our speares and halberts to hold them vp for falling vpon vs. But Baiazet vnderstanding what spoile the Hungarian king had made in his late gained countries , and of the siege of NICOPOLIS ; commaunded the ladders and other great prouision now in readinesse for the skaling and assaulting of the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE to be burn● , because they should not come into the hands of the Christians : and so raising his siege , marched with a right puissant armie to NICOPOLIS , sending Eurenoses before of purpose to intercept some of the Christians , thereby to learne the state of their campe and armie . But they hearing of his comming , so well looked to themselues , that he with shame returned to his master as he came , without any one prisoner taken . Which thing much troubled Baiazet , as fearing he should haue to doe with a warie enemie . Sigismund vnderstanding of the approch of Baiazet , leauing a sufficient power for the continuing of the siege , rose himselfe , and with the rest of his armie went to meet his proud enemie . Of whose comming and approch Baiazet vnderstanding , diuided his armie into two parts : & being now come within the sight of the Christian armie , made shew but of the one halfe , keeping himselfe close in secret ambush not farre off with the other . The Christians deeming themselues ( as they were ) farre moe in number than the Turks which they saw , deuided their armie also into two parts , purposing betwixt them to haue inclosed the Turks . Of all the Christians that were there present , the French desired to haue the honour of the first charge to be giuen vpon the Turks , and in their heat vpon good hope set forward ( the Hungarians with a great part of the armie , not yet set in order ) and so began the battaile : where betwixt them and the Turks was fought a right cruell fight , and in a little time many thousands slaine . But this fight had not long endured , when Baiazet with the other halfe of his armie suddenly arising , came on with such violence , as wel became his surname of Gilderun or lightning ; and so hardly charged the French , that they amazed at the suddenesse of the danger , and oppressed with the furie and multitude of the vnexpected enemie , stood at the first as men dismaid : but seeing no remedie , encouraging one another , valiantly fought it out vntill they were almost all either slaine or taken prisoners ; still in hope to haue been releeued by the Hungarians and the rest . In this hard conflict diuers of the French horsemen hauing forsaken their horses , fought on foot as their manner was : which horses running backe without their riders , vpon the Hungarians , caused them to doubt that the French were quite ouerthrown ; wherewith dismaied , they without further comming on all turned their backes and fled , in so great hast as that it booted not the king or any other great commander to goe about to sta●e their flight . The French thus by their too much hast ouerthrowne , the Turks pursuing the Hungarians and the rest of the Christians , made of them a great slaughter : of whom also many were drowned in the great riuer DANUBIUS . At which time also the Turkes tooke so many prisoners , that it was thought euerie seuerall Turke had his prisoner . King Sigismund himselfe , who but a little before had despised euen the falling of the heauens , had then also vndoubtedly fallen into the enemies hands , had hee not in a little boat by good hap got ouer DANVBIUS : not vnlike another Xerxes , who hauing couered the seas with his ships , and with a world of men passed ouer into GRECIA , was afterwards by the strange change of fortune , himselfe alone in a small fisher boat glad to get backe againe into ASIA . Sigismund being thus got ouer Danubius , and fearing the violence of the Hungarians for the losse of the battaile , fled by sea into THRACIA vnto CONSTANTINOPLE ; from whence he ●ailed vnto the Island of the RHODES , and from thence sailing through the Aegean and Ionian sea , landed at length in DALMATIA : and so hauing wandered from place to place , tossed with many fortunes , after eighteene moneths long and painefull trauaile , returned againe into HUNGARIE . Where hee found the state of his kingdome in his absence much troubled , the contrarie faction in the meane time hauing made choice of Lad●slaus king of NAPLES for their king ; who was euen thē with a great armie going to haue taken possession of the kingdome , had not Sigismund in good time by the helpe of certaine of the cheefe of the Hungarian nobilitie preuented him . In this battaile , called the battaile of NICOPOLIS , were of the Christians twentie thousand slaine , and of the Turkes threescore thousand . The countie of NIVIERS , the French kings neere kinsman , was there taken prisoner , with three hundred great commaunders more : where after he had indured great contumelie and reproch in the presence of Baiazet , hee was commaunded to make choice of fiue other of the captiues , such as he liked best , all the rest being presently cut in peeces before his face , and he with the other fiue left aliue , sent prisoners to PRUSA : from whence they were afterwards ransomed for two hundred thousand duckats . This bloodie battaile of NICOPOLIS was fought in the yeere of our lord 1396. Baiazet after this great victorie , hauing worthily releeued his besieged citie , returned againe to the siege of CONSTANTINOPLE , laying more hardly vnto it than before , building forts and bulwarks against it on the one side towards the land : and passing ouer the strait of BOSPHORUS , built a strong castle vpon that strait ouer against CONSTANTINOPLE , to impeach so much as was possible all passage therunto by sea . This straight siege ( as most write ) continued also two years , which I suppose by the circumstance of the historie to haue been part of the aforesaid eight yeares . Emanuell the besieged emperor wearied with these long wars , sent an embassador to Baiazet to entreat with him a peace : which Baiazet was the more willing to hearkē vnto , for that he heard news that Tamerlane the great Tartarian prince intended shortly to war vpon him . Yet could this peace not be obtained , but vpon condition that the emperour should graunt free libertie for the Turks to dwell together in one street of CONSTANTINOPLE , with free exercise of their owne religion , and laws , vnder a judge of their owne nation ; and further , to pay vnto the Turkish king a yearely tribute of ten thousand duckats . Which dishonourable conditions the distressed emperour was glad to accept of . So was this long siege broken vp , and presently a great sort of Turks with their families were sent out of BITHYNIA to dwell in CONSTANTINOPLE , and a church there built for them : which not long after was by the emperour pulled downe to the ground , and the Turks again driuen out of the citie , at such time as Baiazet was by the mightie Tamerlane ouerthrowne and taken prisoner . Baiazet in the beginning of his raigne , presently after the death of Lazarus the Despot slaine in the battaile of COSSOUA , wan part of SERUIA ( as is aforesaid ) the other part being still holden by Lazarus his sonne , called Stephen the Despot ; who about this time sent an honourable embassadour to Baiazet with louing letters , and royall presents : by which embassadour also the old princesse , Lazarus his widdow , offred her faire daughter Despina ( Stephen his sister ) a ladie of incomparable beautie , in mariage to him , if it should please him to vouchsafe his handmaid ( as shee termed her ) so high a place . This ladie was long before promised vnto him , whilst his father Amurath yet liued . Of this embassadour Baiazet was verie glad , but especially for the faire ladies sake : which being knowne vnto the princesse her mother , and the Despot her brother , she was forthwith honourably sent to Baiazet , and so to him with great solemnitie and triumph shortly after maried . Of all his wiues , he held her deerest , and for her sake restored vnto her brother Stephen the citie and castle of SEMENDRE ( otherwise called S. ANDREVV ) and COLUMBARIUM in SERUIA : she allured him to drinke wine , forbidden the Turks by their law ; and caused him to delight in sumptuous banquets , which his predecessours Othoman , Orchanes , and Amurath neuer vsed . As the Turkish kingdome grew in greatnesse , so corruption the canker of great states and common weales increased likewise : but especially in the men of law and judges of his courts . Wherewith Baiazet greeuouslie offended , commaunded diuers of the same judges to be apprehended , determining ( to the terrour of others ) to haue executed them ; whose dangerous estate was much pitied , and also fauoured of Alis Bassa , and other the king his great counsellours : yet for so much as Baiazet was of a furious nature , and in his anger dangerous to bee spoken vnto , none of them durst aduenture to intreat him in their behalfe ; no not Alis Bassa , Charadyn Bassa his sonne , sometime judge of PRUSA , although he was a man in such speciall fauour with him that he was therfore of the cōmon people not only reuerenced , but as the king himselfe honored . There was at that time in the court an Aethiopion jeaster , who vnder some couert pleasant jeast , would many times bolt out that to the king in his greatest heat , which his grauest counsellours durst not once speake to him of in secret : this jeaster , Alis Bassa requested to deuise some means to intreat with the angrie king in the behalfe of these Iudges , promising to giue him what he would reasonably desire , if he could appease the kings displeasure . The Aethiopian without feare vndertooke the matter : and presently putting vppon his head a rich hat all wrought ouer with gold after the manner of the Turks embassadours , and fitting himselfe with other appparell better beseeming an embassadour than a jeaster ; thus attired presented himselfe before the king with a great counterfait grauitie . Whereat Baiazet maruailing , asked him the cause why he was so gaie . I haue a request vnto your maiestie , ( said he ) and wish to find fauour in your sight . Baiazet more desirous than before to know the matter , asked what his request was . If it stand with your pleasure ( said the jeaster ) I would faine goe as your embassadour to the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , in hope wherof , I haue put my selfe in this readinesse . To what purpose wouldest thou goe , said Baiazet ? To craue of the emperor ( said he ) some fortie or fiftie of his old graue monkes and friers , to bring with me hether to the court . And what should they doe here , said Baiazet ? I would haue them placed ( said the jeaster ) in the roomes of the old doting judges , whom you intend ( as I heare ) to put to death . Why ( said Baiazet ) I can place others of my own people in their roomes . True ( said the Aethiopian ) for grauitie of looke and countenance , and so would the old monkes and friers serue as well ; but not so learned in your lawes and customes of your kingdome , as are those in your displeasure . If they be learned ( said Baiazet ) why doe they then contrarie to their learning peruert justice and take bribes ? There is a good reason for that too , said the jeaster . What reason said the king ? That can hee that there standeth by tell better than I ( said the jeaster ) pointing to Alis Bassa : who forthwith commanded by Baiazet to giue the reason , with great reuerence before done , shewed that those judges so in displeasure , were not conueniently prouided for , and were therefore enforced many times for their necessarie maintenance to take rewards , to the staying of the due course of justice . Which Baiazet vnderstanding to be true , commaunded Alis Bassa to appoint them conuenient stipends for their maintenance , and forthwith graunted their pardon . Wherevpon the Bassa set downe order , That of euerie matter in suit exceeding one thousand aspers , the judge should haue twentie aspers fee for judgement ; and for euerie writing and instrument out of the court , twelue aspers : which fees they yet take in those courts at this day . Not long after , Baiazet in his furie sent for certaine of his captaines and commaunders of his men of warre , with whom he was for some small occasion greeuously offended , intending in his rage to haue put them all to death ; which was with him no great matter . These captaines being brought before him , the councellors seeing him all in choler , sat looking vpon the ground , hanging downe their heads ( as the manner of the Turks is ) not daring to looke him in the face , nor to speake a good word for them . When suddenly the aforesaid Aethiopian jeaster stept foorth , earnestly requesting the king , not to shew them any fauour , but to execute them presently as villaines and traitours ; rayling vpon them , as if he had knowne some great fault by them . Baiazet ( thinking he could haue accused them of some great crime , because of his earnestnes ) asked what reason hee had so to exclaime against them . Reason ( quoth the jeaster ) because the knaues bee good for nothing , and they say that Tamerlan is with a great armie comming against vs : if you will but take vp an ensigne in your hand , and I goe before you with a drum , I will strike vp such a terrible march , and you make such a dreadfull shew , that wee shall neede none of these bad fellowes or their souldiours in the field to get the victorie ouer our enemies . This conceit of the jeaster strucke such a melancholie imagination into Baiazet his head , that hee stood musing a great while as it were in a deepe studie : at last hauing well considered the drift of the jeasters speech , and his furie now somewhat assuaged , graunted them pardon which they looked not for . This Aethiopian jeaster , Baiazet vpon a time sent vnto the old queene his mother to bring her news of the good successe of his wars against the Christians , for that she had so desired : who comming vnto her , and by her commaunded to sit downe , she began to demaund of him , how the king her sonne did , and of the successe of his wars . Wherevnto he answered , that he did verie well , and had won from the Christians a great countrey , and greatly enriched his souldiours . But after a little more talke , the queene mother desirous to heare againe the good newes ( or else after the manner of some which thinke nothing sufficiently told except it bee told an hundreth times ) asked him againe how the king her sonne did , and how he sped in his wars . Wherevnto he answered euerie word as before : but asking him the third time the verie same question , how her sonne did ? Doest thou aske me so often ( said the Aethiopian ) how hee doth ? Bre Cachpe ( O whoore , said he ) thou hast brought forth a sonne like a diuell , who roaming vp and downe doth nothing but burne and destroie the world where he commeth . Whereat the queene crying out ; vp start the Aethiopian , and betaking himselfe to his heeles was neuer more afterwards seene . In the wars which Baiazet had against Sigismund , the Vayuod of VALACHIA had giuen aid vnto the Hungarian king ; wherewith Baiazet being offended , determined now at length to be reuenged : and therefore intending to make warre vpon the Valachian prince , left Temurtases his great lieutenant at ANCYRA in ASIA , & so passed ouer HELLESPONTUS himselfe against the Valachian . Vpon whose departure , Aladin his sisters sonne , the yong king of CARAMANIA , with a great power came suddenly in the night to ANCYRA , and tooke Temurtases prisoner : who then feared nothing lesse , than in time of peace to haue been so surprised , and caried away in bonds into CARAMANIA . But when he vnderstood that Baiazet had ended his wars in VALACHIA , and was with victorie returned to PRUSA , he fearing his heauie indignation for so great an outrage , presently released Temurtases out of prison , apparelled him richly after the maner of that nation , craued pardon for the wrong he had done him , and set him at libertie to goe whither he would , and withall sent one of his noblemen with great gifts and presents to Baiazet to make his excuse in best maner he could : vnto which embassador Baiazet ( yet in choler ) would not giue audience , or suffer him to come in his sight : but at the same time leuied a great armie to inuade CARAMANIA . Which Aladin vnderstanding , and now out of all hope to appease this mightie enemie , leuied all the forces he could in his owne kingdome , and withall entertained all the mercenarie soldiors he could get , intending to trie his fortune in the filed , as a man of valour , rather than to be thrust out of his kingdome like a coward : & so in readinesse , hearing of the cōming of Baiazet , met him vpō the way , & at a place called ACZAC gaue him battell : but being too weak , he was ouercome & put to flight ; in which flight his horse stumbling , & he so falling to the groūd , was there before he could recouer himself , takē by his enemies which had him in chase , & so brought boūd to Baiazet : his two sons , Muhamet Beg & Alis Beg , being takē in that battell also , were sent prisoners to PRUSA . Aladin himselfe was by Baiazet his cōmandement deliuered to his enemy Temurtases : who in reuēge of the wrong he had before done him , presently caused him to be hanged : which when Baiazet vnderstood , hee seemed very sorrie that he had so put him to death , for that he was his owne sisters sonne . Baiazet following the course of his victorie , woon ICONIVM , LARENDA , NIGDE , with all the rest of Aladin his kingdome . About this time also , AMASIA the great metropoliticall citie of CAPADOCIA was by the prince thereof deliuered vnto Baiazet , being too weake himselfe to defend the same against the force of Casi-Burchanidin , prince of the great and strong citie of SEBASTIA , his enemie ; now growne to be a man of great power in that part of ASIA , and had solicited the Sultan of AEGYPT to aid him against Baiazet . Whereupon Baiazet returning from the conquest of CARAMANIA , led his armie towards SEBASTIA , where the cittizens had a little before depriued Casi-Burchanidin of his gouernment ; for his crueltie , and placed his sonne in his stead : but in short time no lesse wearie of the sonne than before of the father , they with like inconstancie sent word to Baiazet , that if he would come that way , they would yeeld vnto him the citie : vpon whose approch , Casis ( his son ) for feare fled out of the citie to prince Nasradin , his brother in law . After whose departure , the cittizens according to their promise deliuered the citie vnto Baiazet at his comming , wherein hee left Solyman his eldest sonne gouernour . And so hauing in this notable expedition conquered the kingdome of CARAMANIA , and taken the great citties of AMASIA and SEBASTIA , with most part of CAPPADOCIA , and all that part of ASIA which the Turks call RUMILIA ASIATICA , he returned to PRUSA , and there wintered . The next Spring Baiazet ( hearing that his old enemie Cutrun Baiazet prince of CASTAMONA and PONTUS , was dead ) came to CASTAMONA with a great armie : of whose comming , Isfendiar ( Cutrun Baiazet his sonne , and then prince of that country ) hearing , fled out of the citie to SYNOPE , a little citie vpon the coast of the Euxine : from whence he sent an embassador vnto Baiazet , humbly requesting him , to suffer him to haue that little citie , as his seruant to liue in , ( which he was sure he would otherwise bestow vpon some other of his seruants ) & not to seeke the innocent blood of the sonne for the fathers offence . Which his request , Baiazet moued with pitie , graunted : yet neuerthelesse tooke from him CASTAMONA , with the greatest part of his dominion in PONTUS , which he gaue to his sonne Solyman . At the same time he violently oppressed the prince Germean , and tooke from him the cities of DESPOTOPOLIS and HIERAPOLIS , with all the rest of his dominion . The prince of MENTESIA long before driuen out of his countrey by Baiazet ( as is before declared ) and hauing all this while made his abode at CASTAMONA , doubting now of his own safetie after the death of his good friend Cutrun Baiazet , in the habit of an hermit fled to the great Tartarian prince Tamerlane . Baiazet returning to PRUSA , there built a magnificent Mahometane temple ; during which worke , hee with great superstition forbore drinking of wine , reposing himselfe with the companie of graue and learned men , and the administration of justice : whereby hee greatly woon the hearts of his subjects , and had now so enlarged his kingdome , that all kings and princes bordering vpon him stood in great feare of him . It fortuned about this time , that Achmetes king of BAGDAT ( or new BABILON ) & EIRACVM , with Iosephus Niger king of CHOLCHIS , enforced with the violent incursions of Tamerlane and his Tartars , for safegard of their liues were glad to flie into SYRIA : where they being discouered , were both cast in prison by the commaundement of the Aegyptian Sultan , who then commaunded ouer SYRIA : from whence they afterwards hardly escaping , fled to Baiazet his court . Where after Achmetes had stayed two moneths , he by the aid of Baiazet recouered the possession of EIRACVM , part of his own inheritance . Iosephus the other Mahometane king , hauing tarried in Baiazet his court eight moneths , at length procured him to inuade the dominions of the Aegyptian Sultan , in which expedition hee mightily preuailed : and hauing slaine the Aegyptian Sultans generall , and discomfited his forces , took the citie of MALATIE or MELETINE in ARMENIA , with DIORIGE , DERENDE , and BEXENE , taken from the Turcomans , and spoiled all the countrey thereabouts . From thence marching with his armie towards ERZNITZANE , the prince thereof , called Tachretin , met him vpon the way , yeelding his citie and country into his power ; which Baiazet presently gaue to Iosephus Niger : who after he had six daies enjoyed this new gouernment , finding the people vnwilling to be gouerned by him a stranger , surrendred the same again into the hands of him that gaue it . Wherupon the citizens of ERZNITZANE humbly requested of Baiazet , That they might be again gouerned by their old prince Tachretin , now his vassale . Which thing he at their earnest request graunted : but taking his wife and children as a pledge of his loyaltie , sent thē away to PRUSA , where they were all not long after made away . When Baiazet had now many yeares thus mightily preuailed against the Christian princes in ROMANIA , BULGARIA , BOZNA , THESALIA , VALACHIA , and other places of EUROPE , as is before declared ; and inflamed with insatiable ambition , had in worse manner oppressed the Mahometan kings and princes of ASIA , of whom some were by him slaine , some driuen out of their dominions into exile , some imprisoned , and othersome brought into such subjection that they liued as it were but at his deuotion ; and was now growne to that greatnesse , that in the pride of his heart he stood in feare of no man ; but was ( as he thought ) a terrour vnto the world , hauing vnder his obeisance great and large dominions in EUROPE , but farre greater in ASIA : It fortuned diuers of these miserable oppressed and discontented Mahometan princes , by great fortune as if it had been by appointment , to meet together at the court of the great Tartarian prince Tamerlane , whether they were fled for releefe and succour . The prince German Ogli , after long imprisonment in the castle of IPSA●A in EUROPE , brake prison , and with Hissar-beg his great councellour and prison-fellow , consorted themselues with a companie of loytering companions , roaming from place to place , delighting the countrey people with their apish toies : in which companie hee passed HELLESPONTUS , as a beareward , and at length with much adoe came to Tamerlane his court : whether the prince of MENTESIA was come before , in the habit of an Hermit ( as is aforesaid ) with his head and beard shauen : Aidin Ogli passing through the countrey as a pedler , with a packe at his backe ▪ came thether also : The prince Tachretin as a seruingman , came attending vpon the prince Isfendiar : who came also ( but in some better sort than the rest ) as an embassadour from some other prince . All these poore princes , with diuers others in like miserie , in short time arriued at SAMARCAND ( great Tamerlane his court ; ) euerie one perticularly complaining of his owne priuat greefe , and all together earnestly requesting that mightie prince , to take vpon him their defence , and to reuenge the wrong done vnto them by the Turkish tirant Baiazet . Whose pitifull complaints much mooued the noble Tartarian : but especially the long and wrongfull imprisonment of Germian Ogli : and the pitifull complaint and moane of Tachretin , who had of late lost his wife and children , by the crueltie of Baiazet . Yet in this matter of so great and important consequence , Tamerlane made no great shew of his forwardnesse ( although he was by nature in nothing more delighted , than in the releeuing of the distressed , and chastising of the proud ) but coldly answered those princes , That he could not tell , whether all were so as they had reported of Baiazet , or not , but that he well knew him to be a verie zealous king in setting forth of the Mahometane religion ; and that hee had therefore made great warres vpon the Christians , in which godly cause ( he said ) perhaps they had refused to assist him , or else had giuen him some other greater occasion of offence , to him vnknowne : For I can hardly beleeue ( said he ) that so great and religious a prince as he , would without just and sufficient cause , offer such violence as you complaine of , especially vnto you his neighbour princes , and of the same religion with himselfe : neuerthelesse , whatsoeuer I intend concerning your request ( said Tamerlane ) I will send first an embassadour vnto him , to vnderstand more of him and his proceedings before I resolue vpon any thing : with which answere hee willed them vntill then to hold themselues contented . But as Tamerlane was about to haue dispatched his embassadour to Baiazet , he was aduertised that Achmetes late king of new BABILON , and Iosephus king of COLCHIS , both by him driuen out of their kingdomes , hauing broken out of prison from the Sultan of EGIPT , were now come to Baiazet his court , to craue his aid and assistance : wherefore he deferred to send his embassador , suspecting that Baiazet , incited by these two exiled kings , would first in their quarrell begin to make warre vpon him . But not long after vnderstanding , that they were both againe departed from his court ( as is before declared ) hee then dispatched his embassadour to Baiazet , with many rich gifts and presents , courteously requesting him , the rather for his sake , to deale kindly with these poore Mahometane princes , his friends ; as also with the Greeke emperour Emanuel his allie , for whom he was now become an intercessour vnto him . Some report also , that he besides this , requested to haue the two aforesaid Mahometan kings of BAGDAT and COLCHIS deliuered vnto him ; and withall seemed not a little to dislike of Baiazet his proceeding against the Turcomans his friends . But Baiazet being a prince of a great and haughtie spirit , and vnaccustomed to heare of any thing which fitted not his humor , highly offended with this embassage , in great scorne reiected the presents by Tamerlane sent vnto him , and especially certaine garments which Tamerlane after the manner of those Easterne nations , had in kindnesse amongst other things sent him : willing the embassadour to bid his maister meddle with his owne matters , and to prescribe laws vnto his owne subjects , and not vnto him , with whom he had nought to doe ; and to send his ragges for presents vnto his inferiours , and not vnto princes of greater power and state than himselfe . Adding therevnto many other words full of despight and disdaine , affoording him no better stile than the plaine name of Tamerlane : calling him the husband of an whore , if he met him not in the field ▪ and wishing vnto himselfe againe , to take vnto him his thrice diuorced wife , after she had been polluted by another man ( as the greatest dishonour that might be ) if he failed to meet him wheresoeuer he durst to dare him battaile . Which proud answere of the Turkes , by the embassadour reported vnto Tamerlane , and agrauated by Axalla ( a Christian of the race of the Genowaies , borne at CAPHA , and then one of the greatest counsellors about him ; and the Greeke emperors great friend ) was so euill taken by him , that all other things set apart , hee resolued to goe against the Turke , and to take in hand that war , as of all other the fittest for the encrease of his honour and glorie . Besides that , he thought it not in reason fit for the greatnesse of the Tartarian empire , to suffer such an vnquiet neighbor to grow great ; as still encroching vpon other the weake princes confining vnto him , and adding conquests vnto conquests ; and yet neuer the more contented , might in the end proue dangerous vnto his owne estate and soueraigntie : a common care to such as be themselues great , and mounted vp vnto the highest degrees of worldly honor , to haue in jealousie and distrust the suddaine rising of others neere or farther off , as perillous or disgracefull to themselues , or their estate : whose growing greatnesse they therefore seeke by all means to hinder ; as did now the mightie Tamerlane the proceedings and encreasing of the great Othoman king , Baiazet : & the rather being continually prickt forward so to do , by the solicitation of the Greeke emperor Emanuel , the other oppressed Mahometane princes , and by the great captaine Axalla , ( as is aforesaid ) a Christian : of whom for all that Tamerlane himselfe , a Mahometane , for the great fidelitie , valour , and vertue he found in him , made no small reckoning , but was contented euen in his greatest and most waightie affaires to be by him aduised ; disliking of no man for his religion whatsoeuer , so as he did worship but one only God , creator of heauen & earth , and of all that therein is . Being himselfe of opinion , That God in essence one , & in himselfe immutable , without change or diuersitie : yet for the manifesting of his omnipotencie & power , as he had created in the world sundry kinds of people , much differing both in nature , manners , and condition , and yet all framed to the image of himselfe : so was he also contented to be of them diuersly serued , according to the diuersitie of their natures and manners ; so that they worshipped none other strange gods , but him alone , the maker and creator of all things . Which was the cause that he permitted the vse of all religions within the countries subject to his obedience , were they not meere Atheists , idolaters , or worshippers of strange and vaine gods . Neither was proud Baiazet as one ignorant of the power or purpose of Tamerlane , in the mean time idle , but still prosecuted his good fortune for the enlarging of his empire , & increasing of his strength : wisely deeming ( as the truth was ) whatsoeuer messages were sent vnto him from Tamerlane , to be no other than meere threatenings and forewarnings of his more dangerous purposes and designes against him and his state : which he was so far from fearing , as that to prouoke him the more , he spared no intemperat speech , which might moue him to wrath ; wishing ( as should seeme ) for nothing more than to meet him in the field , there to trie the fortune of a battell with him . So weake is our foresight of our fortunes to come , and the reach of our vnderstanding for the apprehension or declining of the fatall doome euen presently hanging ouer our heads ; as that we oftentimes through ignorance most desirously wish for those things which are vnto vs the cheefe occasions of our vtter ruin and destruction . But here before we enter into farther discourse of the mortall warre betwixt these two so puissant princes , it shall not bee much from our purpose to step a little out of the way , to see what this mightie Tamerlane ( of whom so many princes craued aid ) was : who liuing , held the East in such awe , as that he was commonly called , The wrath of God , and Terrour of the World ▪ which he then filled with the glorie of his name . Most Historiographers report him to haue ben poorly borne , of base and obscure parents : and so himselfe also in his youth to haue liued as a poore shepheard or heardsman in the mountaines ; where consorting himselfe with other sturdie companions of like qualitie and disposition , such as there liued by robbing of marchants and other passengers , hee became a masterfull theefe amongst them : vnto whom other such leaud mates daily still more and more resorting , hee in short time grew ( as they say ) to that greatnesse , that he is reported to haue beene of such power , as neuer man but hee euer yet came vnto ▪ A matter almost incredible . For albeit , that the Romane empire , yea and this great empire of the Turks also , with some others , had their beginnings not much better or greater , the one vnder Romulus , and the other vnder Othoman : yet grew they not as vpon the suddaine , in their times , to any great lustre ( neither was it possible for them of so small beginnings so to doe ) but by many degrees , and that in long time ; euery of the succeeding princes , according to their fortunes , adding something to their state , before it could be made great : whereas he ( by their report ) contrarie to the course of things both naturall and ciuile ( which from their small beginnings grow to no notable perfection or greatnesse , but by degrees , and that in the long reuolution of time ) taking his beginning of nothing , grew vpon the suddaine to be a burthen & terror vnto the world . Wherin our late Historiographers seeme too much to haue followed the report of the Turks , who by him brought low , and their kingdome almost in one battell subuerted , report nothing simply of him ; but in what they may , detracting from his worthie praises , wrongfully charge him with many vntruths , not concerning his parentage onely , but euen in the course of his whole life also : making him ( as they would haue the world to beleeue ) first to haue beene a very abject amongst men ; and then for his inhumane crueltie a very monster in nature , or ( as it was long before , but more truly said of another great one much like himselfe ) a lumpe of earth tempered with blood . Which incredible reports concerning so great a monarch , I list not to follow , as too full of dishonour : especially whereas others of no lesse credit than they , with farre more modestie and greater probabilitie report of him the greatest honour that may be . Hee was ( as they and the others also say ) borne at SAMERCAND , the cheefe citie of the Zagataian Tartars , pleasantly situated vpon the riuer IAXARTES : his father was called Zain-Cham , or as some others will , Og , prince of the Zagataian Tartars , and of the countrey of SACHETAY ( sometime part of the famous kingdome of PARTHIA ) third in descent from Zingis , the great and fortunate leader of the Tartars , before in the former part of this historie remēbred . Which Og , as a prince of a peaceable nature ( accounting it no lesse honour quietly to keepe the countries left him by his father , than with much trouble and no lesse danger to seeke how to enlarge the same ) long liued in most happie rest with his subjects , no lesse happie than himselfe : not so much seeking after the hoording vp of gold and siluer ( things of that nation not regarded ) as contenting himselfe with the encrease and profit of his flocks of sheepe , and heards of cattell ; then , and yet also , the principall reuenues of the Tartar kings and princes : which happily gaue occasion vnto some , ignorant of the manner and custome of those Northerne nations and countries , to account them all for shepheards and heardsmen ; and so also to haue reported of this mightie prince , as of a shepheards sonne , or heardsman himselfe : vainely measuring his nobilitie by the homely manner of his people and subjects , and not by the honor of his house , & heroicall vertues , such as were hardly to be found greater in any prince of that or other former ages . His peaceable father now well stricken in yeares , and wearie of the world , deliuered vp vnto him ( not yet past fifteene yeares old ) the gouernment of his kingdome , joining vnto him two of his most faithfull counsellours , Odmar and Aly , to assist him in the gouernment of his state ( retiring himselfe vnto a solitarie life , the more at quiet to serue God , and so to end his daies in peace : ) which two his trustie seruants and graue counsellors he dearely loued whilest they liued , and much honoured the remembrance of them , being dead . The first proofe of his fortune and valour , was against the Moscouit , for spoiling of a citie which had put it selfe vnder his protection ; and for entering of his countrey ; and for proclaiming of warre against him : whom he in a great battaile ouerthrew , hauing slaine fiue and twentie thousand of the Moscouits footmen , and betweene fifteene and sixteen thousand horsemen , with the losse of scarce eight thousand horsemen and foure thousand footmen of his own . After which battell he beholding so many thousands of men there dead vpon the ground , was so farre from rejoicing thereat , that turning himselfe vnto one of his familiars , he lamented the condition of such as commaunded ouer great armies , commending his fathers quiet course of life , accounting him happie in seeking for rest , and the other most vnhappie , which by the destruction of their owne kind , sought to procure their owne glorie ; protesting himselfe euen from his heart to be grieued to see such sorrowfull tokens of his victorie . With this ouerthrow the Moscouit discouraged , sent embassadours to him for peace , which vpon such honourable conditions as pleased him to set downe , was by him graunted ; and so the peace concluded . Now the Great Cham of TARTARIA ( his fathers brother ) being growne old , and out of hope of any mo children , moued with the fame of his nephew , after this victorie sent vnto him diuers presents , and withall offering him his onely daughter in marriage , and with her to proclaime him heire apparant vnto his empire ; as in right hee was , being his brothers sonne , and the daughters not at all succeeding in those empires . Which so great an offer Tamerlane gladly accepted , and so the mariage was afterwards with great triumph at the old emperors court solemnized ; and he proclaimed heire apparant vnto that great empire . Thus was Tamerlane indeed made great , being euer after this marriage by the old emperour his vncle , and now his father in law , so long as hee liued , notably supported , and after his death succeeding him also in that so mightie an empire . Yet in the meane time wanted not this worthie prince the enuious competitours of these his so great honours : insomuch , that whilest by the aduise and persuasion of the old emperour , he was taking in hand to make warre against the great king of CHINA ( who had as then gone far beyond his bounds ) and so was now well onwards on his way , he was by the conspiracie of Calix ( a man of greatest power and authoritie in the Great Cham his court ) almost thrust out of his new empire : Calix with a right puissant armie hauing alreadie ceized vpon the great citie of CAMBALU , and the citizens also generally fauouring those his traiterous proceedings , as disdaining to bee gouerned by the Zagataian Tartar. For redresse whereof , Tamerlane was enforced with the greatest part of his armie to returne , and meeting with the rebell ( who then had in his armie fourescore thousand horse , and an hundred thousand foot ) in a great and mortall battell ( wherein of the one side and of the other were more than fiftie thousand men slaine ) ouerthrew him ( though not without the great danger of his own person , as being there himselfe beaten down to the ground ) tooke him prisoner , and afterwards beheaded him . Which so dangerous a rebellion , with the death of the traitour , and the cheefe of the conspiratours repressed , and his state in the newnesse thereof by this victorie well confirmed , he proceeded in his intended war against the great king of CHINA ; brake downe the strong wall , which the Chinoies had made foure hundred leagues long betwixt the mountaines , for the repressing of the incursions of the Tartars , entered their countrey ; and meeting with the king , leading after him three hundred and fiftie thousand men ( whereof there were an hundred and fiftie thousand horsemen , and the rest on foot ) in a great and dreadfull battaile , with the slaughter of 60000 of his men , ouercame him , and tooke him prisoner : whom for all that he ( in the course of so great a victorie wisely moderating his fortune ) shortly after set againe at libertie ; yet so , as that hauing before taken from him the one halfe of his kingdome , and therein left Odmar his trustie lieutenant , with a sufficient power for the restraining of the proud king , if he should againe begin to raise any new stirres ; and withall , imposed such other conditions as pleased himselfe , with the yearely tribute of three hundred thousand crownes , he well prouided for the assuring of those his new conquests : and so in triumph returned with victorie vnto the old emperour his father in law at CAMBALU , not a little glad to see both him and his daughter , who had in all those warres still accompanied him . But leauing him , now thus by birth great , by his fortune greater , but by his vertue greatest of all ( as able now to draw after him almost the whole power of the East ) let vs againe return thither from whence we haue for the better knowledge of him , thus with him digressed . The warre against the Turkish Sultan Baiazet ( as is aforesaid ) by Tamerlane resolued vpon , he sent Axalla the great captaine to his countrey of SACHETAY ( called of some ZAGATAI ) to giue beginning to the assembling of his forces from all parts ; to the end , that with the first of the Spring hee might set forward for the releefe of so many distressed princes , and the abating of the pride of so great and mightie a tyrant as was Baiazet . Now had Tamerlane procured from the great Tartarian emperour , his vncle and father in law , an hundred thousand footmen , and fourescore thousand horsemen ; hoping to haue as many moe from SACHETAY his owne countrey , besides the lords that for honours sake would accompanie him in that his so honourable an expedition , from whome hee made account also of fiftie thousand men more which they would bring vnto him , and diuers other great supplies which hee expected from other places also : wherewith he doubted not well to performe what he had so honourably determined to take in hand , for the abating of the Othoman pride : for which and other such like , he was ( as hee would often times say ) by God himselfe appointed . So taking his leaue of the old emperour his father in law , and of the princesse his wife ( then left behind him for the comfort of her aged father , he departed from CAMBALU towards SAMARCAND , the place of his birth and seat of his empire ; leauing behind him the forces brought from the great emperour his vncle , t● come after him to OZARA , where hee had appointed the generall meeting of his armie . At which time amongst other princes that thither brought or sent their supplies , the great Muscouite beeing requested so to doe , promised to send him fifteene thousand horse , with a certaine summe of money , and leaue for his armie to passe through so much of his territories as should be necessarie : all which hee afterwards performed vnto Tamerlane , being glad that hee did set vpon others , rather than on himselfe ; and that so great a preparation , should fall vpon them , whose greatnesse was as dreadfull and dangerous vnto him as to any other . All the earth almost at that time being astonished at the sudden greatnesse of this Othoman king , and the happie successe he had in all his warres ; not the least cause that mooued Tamerlane to oppose himselfe against him , deeming it much better to goe and set vpon him in his new conquests , than to stay vntill he therein setled , were come neerer vnto him , and so should debate the quarrell within his owne empire , to his dammage . A good and sound resolution : first in that it tended to the destruction of the enemies countrey ; and then , that if any thing should fall out otherwise with him than well , his countrey should not thereby receiue any such astonishment as if the danger were neerer or within the bowels of the same . Now in the mean time that Tamerlane lay at SAMARCAND , Axalla the great captaine and Tamerlane his lieutenant generall , had assembled all the armie at OZARA . Whereof Tamerlane vnderstanding , sent for him to SAMARCAND to conferre with him about the setting forward of his armie . For although he were still accompanied with great renowned princes , yet were they no body in comparison of Axalla , whose sound counsel had won him such credit with his lord & master , as by his aduice he did all things , and without him nothing : which his so great authoritie and fauour with his prince , wanted not the enuie of the court ; but that his great vertues , and rare found courtesie ( in so great fortune ) together with so many worthie seruices as he had done , supported him against the malice of the same . He by the commaundement of Tamerlane , leauing the charge of the armie at OZARA , with the prince of THANAIS , another of Tamerlane his great captaines , came himselfe to SAMARCAND , and there at large discoursed with him , about the estate and order of his armie . And shortly after , departing with Axalla and the rest from SAMARCAND , for to goe to OZAZA the place where all his armie met : being come thether , entred into a great consultation with his most expert captaines , about the taking of his journey , and conducting of his armie ; as whether it were better to lead the same by the coasts of the Muscouite directly towards CAPHA , or else on the other side of the Caspian sea by the skirts of PERSIA . Where after long discourse and sundry opinions with their reasons deliuered , it was in the end resolued ( although the way were the longer ) to passe by the Muscouit , so to come vnto the Georgians , and to TREBIZONDA , and from thence to enter into the Othoman king his countrey . And so setting forward from OZARA , hee came at length to MARANIS , where he staid three daies looking for the forces which prince Odmar should send him from CHINA , not long before by him conquered : whereof he there receiued news , and there caused his armie to be paid , and a generall muster thereof to be taken . He had there also newes of the aid the Muscouite did send him : and caused an infinite quantitie of victuals , and most part of his furniture to be conuaied by the Caspian sea ; being a great commoditie and ease vnto his armie , which marching by land , was of necessitie to passe some twentie leagues through places destitute both of victuals and water . Tamerlane all the way coasting alongst the sea shoare , passed the time in hunting , his armie not comming neere him by ten leagues ; which was so great , that it extended it selfe full twentie leagues . Comming to the riuer of EDEL , he staied at ZARAZICH whilest his armie passed the riuer at MECHET , and two other bridges which he had caused to be made for that purpose . Now the Circassians , and Georgians , hearing of the approach of Tamerlane with his huge armie , by their embassadours offred him all the helpe and assistance they could , in his journey as he passed that way . These Georgians were ( and yet are ) Christians , a great and warlike people , of long time tributaries vnto the Greeke emperours : and afterwards sometimes tributaries , and sometimes confederats vnto the Persians : but alwaies enemies vnto the Turks , by whom ( of late and in our remembrance ) but especially by Amurath the third , they together with some part of the Persian kingdome , haue been greeuously oppressed , as in the processe of this historie may appeare . Of these warlike people glad of Tamerlane his comming , for the repressing of the Turke , Axalla drew great numbers vnto the seruice of his prince : who not a little esteemed of them , being all tall men , verie beautifull , of great strength and courage , and withall most expert souldiours ; as hauing oftentimes resisted the power of the Othoman kings , by reason of the aduantage their countrey affordeth them , being verie rough and hard to come into . By these kind people , Tamerlane was in euerie place honourably entertained , and his great armie with all necessaries plentifully releeued . In passing through which countrey and the rest as he marched , he tooke such order with his souldiours , that none of the people whereby he passed , were any thing by them injured ; insomuch that if a souldiour had taken but an apple , or other thing of like valour from any man , he died therefore , so seuere were his commaunds . It is reported that one of his souldiors , hauing taken a little milke from a countrey woman , and she thereof complaining , he caused the said souldior to be presently killed , and his stomacke to be ript ; where the milke that he had of late drunke being found , he contented the woman & so sent her away , who had otherwise vndoubtedly died for her false accusation had it not so appeared . Which his so great seueritie , and in other like cases , was of many accounted for extreame crueltie : yet was it indeed the wholsome preseruation of his armie , being so great , as that it was thought almost impossible to haue found sufficient victuals for the releefe thereof ; whereof for all that , there was no want , either of any thing else necessarie for the vse of man , his campe being still as a most populous and well gouerned citie , stored with all manner of things : wherevnto both artificers and marchants , from farre countreys resorted with their commodities and marchandise , as vnto some famous mart ; and the countrey people , without feare from euerie place brought in their countrey commodities , for which they receiued present money , and so in safetie againe departed . So marching on , he at length came to BACHICHICH , where hee staid to refresh his armie eight daies , and there againe tooke a generall muster thereof , wherein were found ( as most write ) foure hundreth thousand horse , and sixe hundreth thousand foot ; or as some others that were there present affirme , three hundreth thousand horsemen , and fiue hundreth thousand foot , of all nations . Vnto whom he there gaue a generall paie , and as his manner was , made vnto them an oration , informing them of such orders as he would haue kept , to the end they might the better obserue the same : with much other militarie discipline , whereof hee was verie curious with his captains . At which time also , it was lawfull for euerie common souldiour to behold him with more boldnes than on other daies , forasmuch as he did for that time , and such like , lay aside his emperiall majestie , and shew himselfe more familiar vnto them . Now could he hardly be persuaded , that Baiazet hauing subdued the most part of GRECIA , distressed the Greeke emperour , and so great meanes to recouer whatsoeuer hee should loose in ASIA , would bee so aduenturous as to come ouer the straits out of EUROPE , to trie the fortune of a battaile with him ; but rather warily protract the time , to wearie him at length with wants , that in a strange countrey drew such a world of people after him : wherein hee found himselfe much deceiued , for hauing passed the Georgian countrey , and being come to BUYSABUICH , Axalla ( whom he had not seen in eight daies before , because he led the head of the armie ) came vnto him with such news as he knew would be right welcome vnto him : which was , that Baiazet had raised his siege of CONSTANTINOPLE ( as indeed he had ) for to come and defend his new conquests in ASIA ; and that hee was certainly resolued , to come to a day of battaile , not so much trusting vnto the multitude of his armie as to the valour and experience of his soldiors , being all men of long well trained vp in the wars . At which vnexpected newes Tamerlane greatly rejoiced : yet without insolencie or vaunting , but rather with the countenance of such an one as judged the euents of battailes to be ( as they are ) alwaies doubtfull : saying sometimes , That a small 〈…〉 conducted , did oftentimes carie away the victorie , from the confused multitude . Three daies he staid at BUYSABUICH , and caused his souldiours continually to march forward , which at GARGA and CHIUSERIG passed ouer the riuer EUPHRATES : which he did the rather to maintain his armie vpon the spoile of the enemie , in attending his comming , than vpon himselfe , or his allies . All the cities that yeelded vnto him by the way as he marched , he fauourably receiued ; the other that refused to submit themselues to his obedience , he vsed with all extremitie : especially the great and strong citie of SEBASTIA , where certain of the forerunners of his armie were by the Turks there in garrison cut off , and slaine , and the gates of the citie as it were in contempt of him , set wide open . Wherewith Tamerlane offended , sent out certaine of his Tartarian horsemen , commaunding them vpon paine of his displeasure so to beare themselues against their enemies , as that he might at his comming either find the cittie taken , or the gates thereof shut against him : for he had his men at so great commaund , that no danger was vnto them more dreadfull than his displeasure , neither did he punish any thing so seuerely , as cowardise : insomuch , that if in his disport of hunting the wild beast , any did for feare giue way to the Lyon or Beare , and slew him not , was sure to die therefore himselfe : and to turne his backe vpon the enemie , was no lesse danger than to run vpon his owne death . Now the Turks in garrison at SEBASTIA , seeing these Tartarian horsemen marching towards the citie , making little account of them , for that they were not in number many , issued out for to meet them ; where they were so furiously charged by these few horsemen , that they were glad to retire , and for hast to shut part of their owne men out of the cittie , least the enemie following them at their heeles , should haue entered the gates together with them . Which Turkes so shut out , were by the Tartarians slaine at the gates of the cittie . Shortly after came Tamerlane with all his armie , and sat downe before the citie , where he lay still seuen dayes , not making shew of any violence at all , the defendants because the cittie was of great strength , all that while thinking that he had intended by long siege to distresse the same , and the more because of his long lying still . But about the eight day , the wals and towers of the cittie in many places vndermined , were suddainely ouerthrowne , leauing large breaches for the enemie to enter . Wherewith the Turkes in the cittie dismayed , foorthwith yeelded the cittie to Tamerlane , in hope so to haue saued their liues : but hee ( as the Turkes report ) being entered the cittie , commaunded a great number of deepe pits to be digged , and all the people of the cittie , without respect of age , sex , or condition , to be throwne into the same , and there buried quicke . Which done , the citie was by his commaundement vtterly rased also . After that , calling vnto him Malcozzius , the gouernour of the cittie , whom he had for that purpose onely spared , he commaunded him to goe and tell his master what was happened to his strong cittie of SEBASTIA , and what hee had there himselfe seene . Of which tragicall action , Malcozzius hauing made true relation vnto Baiazet , was by him demanded , whether of the two armies he thought bigger or stronger : for now Baiazet had assembled a mightie armie of three hundred thousand men , or as some report of three hundred thousand horsemen , and two hundred thousand foot . Whereunto Malcozzius hauing before craued pardon , answered , That it could not bee , but that Tamerlane might in reason haue the greater number , for that hee was a commaunder of farre greater countries . Wherewith proud Baiazet offended , in great choller replied : Out of doubt , the sight of the Tartarian hath made this coward so afraid , that he thinketh euery enemie to be two . Most of the Latine histories report , that when Tamerlane had taken SEBASTIA , he put all the men to the sword , and bringing the women and chidren into the fields without the citie there ouer-ran them with his horsemen , excepting some few which were reserued for prisoners . As also that Baiazet there lost his eldest sonne Erthogrul ( of some called Orthobules ) whose death with the losse of the citie , so much greeued him ( as is reported ) that marching with his great armie against Tamerlane , and by the way hearing a countrey shepheard merrily reposing himselfe with his homely pipe , as he sat vpon the side of a mountaine feeding his poore flocke ; standing still a great while listening vnto him , to the great admiration of many ▪ at last fetching a deepe sigh , brake foorth into these words : O happie sheepeheard , which haddest neither Orthobules nor SEBASTIA to loose : bewraying therein his owne discontentment , and yet withall shewing , That worldly blisse consisteth not so much in possessing of much , subject vnto danger , as in joying in a little contentment , deuoid of feare . Howbeit the Turkes themselues reporting the taking of SEBASTIA , speake not 〈…〉 at all , but giue him lost six yeares before in the warres against Casi Burchani●●n ▪ and ●eth buried by his father at PRUSA . In this cittie of SEBASTIA was lost twelue thousand Turkes , men , women , and children , as their histories report . The rest of the cities all the way as Tamerlane marched , warned by the destruction of SEBASTIA , yeelded themselues for feare of like danger : the cittizens whereof he courteously vsed , especially the Christians , whom he set at libertie , in respect of Emanuel the Greeke emperour , whom hee seemed wholly therein to gratifie . But he had not gone farre into the Turkes dominion , but that hee was certainely aduertised , how that Baiazet , with a great armie was comming against him , and now within thirtie leagues of him : which caused him after that time , to march with his armie more closely . Axalla leading the vantgard sent forth Ghianson prince of CIARCAN , with foure thousand Parthian horsemen , to get knowledge of the Turkes armie , and where Baiazet lay , as also what countrey that was beyond SENNAS ; and if he could learne any thing thereof , to make relation of it vnto him . This prince of CIARCAN was Tamerlane his kinsman , a man of great reputation , and next vnto Axalla , whose absence he had the cōmanding of the avantgard , his charge ; who also sent before him another Parthian captain with 500 horsemen . So he had not ridden ten leagues , but that he heard news of Baiazet his comming , & hauing surprised SENNAS , vnderstood there the certaine estate of the Turks armie , which was then at TATAIA , & so marching forward . Wherof Tamerlane certified , cōmanded him not to retire frō that place , vntill he did see the arriuall of the enemie , and thereof to giue him aduertisement euery hower ; being himselfe resolued to passe on no farther , as come to a faire large plaine , and a countrey of aduantage for the order of his battaile : for he knew that his armie was farre greater than Baiazets , and therefore made choice of those great plaines . Yet for that his armie consisted of diuers nations , and withall considering that hee was not to fight against the Chinois , a soft effeminate people ( as of late ) but against the Turks , a most warlike nation , and well acquainted with all manner of fights and martiall stratagemes , hee thought it good to be well aduised how he proceeded against them . Wherefore hee presently sent for Axalla , with him to view the said place , and to haue his opinion , Whether it would be for his aduantage or not , there to stay ? who not misliking of the choice of the place , yet aduised him also to keepe SENNAS so long as he possibly could : and so sent word vnto them that were therein , vpon the approch of the enemie to set fire vpon the same , and so to withdraw themselues from thence , to the end , that the enemie should not haue any desire to encampe there , but come still forward neere vnto those plains where Tamerlane desired to fight , especially for that he was stronger in horse than Baiazet . Thus the Turks still marching on , thought to haue surprised some of their enemies in SENNAS , who as soone as they drew neere , retired all , excepting some hundred , left of purpose to fire the towne : who hauing performed the same , retired of purpose in great disorder . Now the prince of CIARCAN had diuided his forces into two parts , and giuen commaundement to the first , that as soone as they perceiued the enemies to pursue the hundred horse , that so disorderly of purpose fled , they should receiue them , and so retire all altogether . He in the meane time with the rest of his power stood close in a valley , neere vnto a wood side , vnseene at all . Where hauing suffered two thousand of the enemies horse ( the avauntcourriers of the Turks armie ) to passe by him , he following them in the taile , charged them home ; the other which before retired , now turning vpon them also : so that the Turks seeing themselues thus beset , and hardly laied vnto both before and behind , as men discouraged fled : in which flight most of them were slaine , and the rest taken prisoners . This was the first encounter betwixt the Turks and the Parthians : all the prisoners there taken , were by the prince as a present sent to Tamerlane , and amongst the rest the Bassa of NATOLIA , who led these troopes : of whom Tamerlane earnestly demaunded , what caused Baiazet so little to esteeme of him , as to shew so great contempt of his armie , which he should find strong ynough to abate his pride . Whereunto the Bassa answered , That his lord was the Sunne vpon earth , which could not endure any equall : and that he rather was astonied to see , how he from so farre , had enterprised so dangerous a journey , to hinder the fortune of his lord , in whose fauor the heauens ( as he said ) did bend themselues , to further his greatnesse , and vnto whom all the world subjected it selfe ; and that he committed great follie in going about to resist the same . Vnto which so proud a speech Tamerlane replied , That hee was sent from heauen to punish his rashnesse , and to teach him , that the proud are hated of God , whose promise is to plucke downe the mightie , and raise vp the lowly . As for thy selfe ( said he ) thou hast alreadie felt ( although I pitie thy mishap ) what the valour of my Parthian horse is against thy Turkish : and thy master I haue alreadie caused to raise his siege of CONSTANTINOPLE , and to looke to his owne things here in ASIA . Furthermore , Tamerlane changing his speech , demaunded of him , If his master did come resolued to bid him battaile ? Assure your selfe ( said he ) there is nothing he more desireth : and would to God I might acknowledge your greatnesse , in giuing me leaue to assist my lord at that battaile . Good leaue haue thou , said Tamerlane , goe thy waies , and tell thy lord , that thou hast seene me , and that he shall in the battaile find mee on horsebacke , where he shall see a greene ensigne displaied . The Bassa thanking him , swore that next vnto his lord , he vowed vnto him his seruice . And so returning , declared vnto Baiazet , how that he had seene Tamerlane : and truly reported vnto him all that he had willed him to say ; not forgetting ouer all to publish his courtesie and bountie : who besides that he had frankely set him at libertie , had also giuen him a very faire horse well furnished , although he well knew hee was to serue against himselfe . Whereunto Baiazet answered no more , but that hee would shortly make triall of him , and that he well hoped , before the match were ended , to make him acknowledge his owne follie . The next day the two armies drew neere together , and encamped within a league the one of the other : where all the night long you might haue heard such noise of horses , as that it seemed the heauens were full of voices , the aire did so resound , & euery man thought the night long , to come to the triall of his valour , and the gaining of his desires . The Scythians ( a people no lesse greedie than needie ) talked of nothing but the spoile , the prowd Parthians of their honour , and the poore Christians of their deliuerance , all to be gained by the next dayes victorie : euery man during the night time speaking according to his owne humor . All which Tamerlane walking this night vp and down in his campe , heard , and much rejoyced to see the hope that his soldiors had alreadie in generall conceiued of the victorie . Who after the second watch returned vnto his pauillion , and there casting himselfe vpon a carpet , had thought to haue slept a while . But his cares not suffering him so to doe , he then ( as his manner was ) called for a booke , wherein was contained the liues of his fathers and auncestors , and of other valiant worthies , the which he vsed ordinarily to read , as he then did : not as therewith vainely to deceiue the time , but to make vse thereof , by the imitation of that which was by them worthily done , and declining of such dangers , as they by their rashnesse or ouersight fell into . And afterwards hauing a little slumbered , he commaunded Axalla to be sent for , who forthwith came vnto him with diuers other great lords and captaines , the cheefe commaunders of his armie : with whom after he had a while consulted of the order of the battaile , he mounted on horsebacke himselfe , and sent euery one of them vnto their owne charges , to put the same in readinesse . At the which very instant he receiued newes , that the enemie marched forward , and came to take his ground for the battaile : whose order of march Tamerlane was desirous to see , that so accordingly he might marshall his owne . And hauing caused three thousand horsemen to aduaunce forward , with charge to begin the skirmish , himselfe followed after to lodge euery part of his forces in such places , as he had foreseene to be fittest for his aduantage . Now seeing the Ianizaries march in a square battell in the middest , and vpon the two fronts , two great squadrons of horsemen , which seemed to bee thirtie thousand horse ; and another which aduanced and couered the battailion of the Ianizaries : he thought this their order to be very good , and hard to be broken ; and thereupon turning himselfe vnto Axalla , who was neere vnto him , said : I had thought this day to haue fought on foot , but I see that it behoueth me now to sight on horsebacke , to giue courage vnto my souldiors to open the great battalion of our enemies . And my will is , that my men come forward vnto me as soone as they may , for I will aduance forward with an hundred thousand footmen , fiftie thousand vpon each of my two wings , and in the middest of them fortie thousand of my best horsemen . My pleasure is , that after they haue tried the force of these men , that they come vnto my avauntguard , of whom I will dispose , and fiftie thousand horse more , in three bodies , whom thou shalt commaund : which I will assist with fourescore thousand horse , wherein shall be mine owne person ; hauing an hundred thousand footmen behind me , who shall march in two squadrons : & for my arereward I appoint 40000 horse , & 50000 footmen , who shall not march but to my aid . And I will make choice of 10000 of my best horse , whom I will send into euery place where I shall thinke needfull within mine armie , for to impart my commaunds . Ouer the first fortie thousand horse the prince Ciarcan commaunded : ouer the formost footmen was the lord Synopes a Genouois , kinsman to Axalla , and his lieutenant ouer the footmen , a captaine of great estimation : the prince Axalla his owne charge consisted of fiue squadrons of horsemen . Baiazet his armie being also both faire , and great , came brauely still on forward towards their enemies , who stirred not one whit from the place they had taken for the battaile : except certaine light horsemen Scythians , Parthians , and Muscouits , who sent out as loose men , hotly skirmished betwixt the two armies . Now was Tamerlane by an espie aduertised , that Baiazet , hauing before giuen order for the disposing of his armie , was on foot in the middest of thirtie thousand Ianizaries , his principall men of warre and greatest strength , wherein he meant that day to fight , and in whom he had reposed his greatest hope . His battaile of horse was verie faire , amounting to the number of an hundreth and fortie thousand horse , all old souldiours . The Sultan of EGYPT hauing also sent vnto his aid thirtie thousand Mamalukes , all verie good horsemen , with thirtie thousand foot . So that his armie marching all in one front , in forme of an halfe Moone ( but not so well knit together as was Tamerlanes , whose squadrons directly followed one another ) seemed almost as great as his . And so with infinite numbers of most horrible outcries , still aduanced forward : Tamerlane his souldiours all the while standing fast , with great silence . There was not possible to be seen a more furious charge , than was by the Turks giuen vpon the prince of CIARCAN , who had commandement not to fight before the enemie came vnto him : neither could haue been chosen a fairer plaine , and where the skilfull choice of the place , was of lesse aduantage for the one or the other ; but that Tamerlane had the riuer on the left hand of his armie , seruing him to some small aduantage . Now this yong prince of CIARCAN with his fortie thousand horse , was in this first encounter almost wholie ouerthrowne : yet hauing fought right valiantly , and entred euen into the middest of the Ianizaries ( where the person of Baiazet was ) putting them in disorder , was himselfe there slaine . About which time , Axalla set vpon them with the avauntgard , but not with like danger : for hauing ouerthrowne one of the enemies wings , and cut it all to peeces , and his footmen comming to joyne with him as they had been commaunded , he faced the battalion of the Ianizaries , who right valiantly behaued themselues for the safetie of their prince . This hard fight continued one hower , and yet you could not haue seene any scattered , but the one still resolutely fighting against the other . You might there haue seene the horsemen like mountaines rush together , and infinite numbers of men die , crie , lament , and threaten all at one instant . Tamerlane had patience all this while , to see the euent of this so mortall a fight : but perceiuing his men at length to giue ground , he sent ten thousand of his horse to joyne againe with the ten thousand appointed for the areareward , and commaunded them to assist him at such time as he should haue need of them : and at the verie same time , charged himselfe , and made them giue him roome ; causing the footmen to charge also , ouer whom the prince of THANAIS commaunded , who gaue a furious onset vpon the battalion of the Ianizaries , wherein was yet the person of Baiazet , who had sustained a great burthen . Now Baiazet had in his armie , a great number of mercinarie Tartarians , called Destenses , with many thousands of other soldiors taken vp in the countries of the poor exiled Mahometan princes ; in whose just quarell , and the Greeke emperours , Tamerlane had chiefely vndertaken that war : these Tartarians and other souldiours , seeing some their friends , and othersome their naturall and louing princes in the armie of Tamerlane ; stroken with the terrour of disloyaltie , and abhorring the crueltie of the proud tirant , in the heat of the battaile reuolted from Baiazet to their owne princes : which their reuolt , much weakened Baiazet his forces . Who neuerthelesse with his owne men of warre , especially the Ianizaries , and the helpe of the Christian souldiours brought to his aid from SERUIA , and other places of EUROPE , with great courage maintained the fight ; but the multitude , and not true valor , preuailed : for , as much as might be done by valiant and couragious men , was by the Ianizaries and the rest perfourmed , both for the preseruation of the person of their prince , and the gaining of the victorie . But in the end , the horsemen with whom Tamerlane himselfe was giuing a fresh charge , and his avauntgard wholy knit againe vnto him , reenforcing the charge , he with much adoe obtained the victorie . Baiazet himselfe wounded , and now mounted on horsebacke thinking to haue scaped by flight , fell into the hands of Axalla . Vnto whom he yeelded himselfe ( thinking it had been Tamerlane ) who for a space knew him not , but tooke him for some other great commaunder of the Turks . Musa ( surnamed Zelebi or , The noble ) one of Baiazet his sonnes , with diuers other of Baiazet his great captaines , were there taken also : and amongst the rest , George the Despot of SERUIA , who notwithstanding this misfortune had that day gained vnto himselfe the reputation of a great and worthie captaine ; insomuch that Tamerlane euen in the heat of the battaile , maruailing to see him , and the Scruians with the other Christians which he had brought to the aid of Baiazet , so valiantly to fight , said vnto some of the captaines that were neere vnto him , See how couragiously yonder religious fight : supposing them by their strange attire , to haue been some of the Turks superstitious votaries . But being now taken , and afterwards brought to Tamerlane , hee was by him courteously welcomed : but yet withall reprooued , for that he had fought for Baiazet against him , who was come in fauour of the Christian emperour , and the other poore oppressed princes , such as the Despot himselfe was . Who therevnto boldly answered , That indeed it was not according to his dutie , but according to the prosperitie of Baiazet , vnto whom it seemed that all the world did bend : and that his owne safetie had caused him , though against his will , to take part with him . Wherevpon Tamerlane held him excused : and so without more adoe gaue him leaue at his owne pleasure to depart . Baiazet also himselfe , being afterwardes brought vnto Tamerlane as a prisoner , and by him courteously entertained , neuer shewed any token of submission at all , but according to his proud nature , without respect of his present state , presumptuously answered him vnto whatsoeuer he demaunded . Wherewith Tamerlane mooued , told him , that it was now in his power to make him to loose his life . Wherevnto he answered no more , but , Doe it : for that , that losse should bee his greatest happinesse . Tamerlane afterwards demaunding of him , what made him so proud as to enterprise to bring into his subjection so noble a prince as was the Greeke emperour ? he answered , Euen the same thing that hath mooued thee to inuade me , namely the desire of glory and soueraigntie . But wherfore then ( said Tamerlane ) doest thou vse so great cruelty towards them thou hast ouercome , without respect of age or sex ? That did I ( said he ) to giue the greater terrour vnto mine enemies . And what wouldest thou haue done with me ( said Tamerlane ) if it had been my fortune to haue fallen into thy hands , as thou art now in mine ? I would ( said Baiazet ) haue enclosed thee in a cage of iron , and so in triumph haue caried thee vp and downe my kingdome . Euen so ( said Tamerlane ) shalt thou bee serued . And so causing him to bee taken out of his presence , turning vnto his followers said : Behold a proud and cruell man , he deserueth to be chastised accordingly , and to bee made an example vnto all the proud and cruell of the world , of the just wrath of God against them . I acknowledge that God hath this day deliuered into my hands , a great enemie , to whom we must therefore giue thanks : which he performed the same day . For the battaile was won at foure of the clocke , and there was yet fiue houres of day light . The next day Tamerlane commaunded the dead to be buried , where amongst the rest , they found the bodie of the prince of CIARCAN dead , in the middest of the Ianizaries , where he lay enclosed with their dead bodies , in token he died not vnreuenged : whose vntimely death Tamerlane for all that greatly lamented ; for he was his kinsman , and like inough one day to haue done him great seruice . Whose dead bodie Tamerlane caused to be embalmed , and with two thousand horse , ( and diuers of the Turks prisoners , chained and tied together ) to be conuaied to SAMERCAND , vntill his comming thether . All the other dead bodies were with all honor that might be , buried at SENNAS . This great bloodie battaile fought in the yeare of our lord 1397 not farre from the mount STELLA ( where sometime the great king Mithrydates , was by Pompey the Great , in a great battaile ouerthrown ) was fought from seuen a clocke in the morning , vntill foure in the after noone : victorie all that while as it were with doubtfull wings , houering ouer both armies , as vncertaine where to light ; vntill at length the fortune of Tamerlane preuailed . Whose wisdome ( next vnto God ) gaue that daies victorie vnto his souldiours : for that the politique tiring of the strong forces of Baiazet , was the safegard of his owne ; whereas if hee had gone vnto the battaile in one front , assuredly the multitude finding such strong resistance , had put it selfe into confusion : wheras this successiue manner of aiding of his men , made them all vnto him profitable . The number of them that were in this battaile slaine is of diuers , diuersly reported : the Turks themselues reporting that Baiazet there lost the noble Mustapha his sonne , with two hundreth thousand of his men , and Tamerlane not many fewer : and some other speaking of a farre lesse number , as that there should be slaine of the Turkes about threescore thousand , and of Tamerlane his armie not past twentie thousand . But leauing the certaintie of the number vnto the credit of the reporters , like inough it is that the slaughter was exceeding great in so long a fight , betwixt two such armies , as neuer before ( as I suppose ) met in field together . By this one daies euent , is plainly to be seen the vncertaintie of worldly things , and what small assurance euen the greatest haue in them . Behold Baiazet the terrour of the world , and as hee thought , superiour to fortune , in an instant with his state in one battaile ouerthrowne into the bottome of miserie and dispaire : and that at such time as he thought least , euen in the middest of his greatest strength . It was three daies ( as they report ) before he could be pacified , but as a desperate man , still seeking after death , and calling for it : neither did Tamerlane after he had once spoken with him , at all afterwards courteously vse him , but as of a proud man caused small account to be made of him . And to manifest that he knew how to punish the haughtie , made him to bee shackled in fetters and chaines of gold , and so to bee shut vp in an iron cage made like a grate , in such sort , as that he might on euerie side be seen ; and so caried him vp and downe as hee passed through ASIA , to be of his owne people scorned and derided . And to his farther disgrace , vpon festiuall daies vsed him for a footstoole to tread vpon , when he mounted to horse : and at other times scornefully fed him like a dogge with crums fallen from his table . A ra●e example of the vncertaintie of worldly honour , that he vnto whose ambitious mind , ASIA , and EUROPE , two great parts of the world were to little , should be now caried vp and downe cooped vp in a little iron cage , like some perillous wild beast . All which Tamerlane did , not so much for the hatred to the man , as to manifest the just judgement of God against the arrogant follie of the proud . It is reported that Tamerlane being requested by one of his noble men that might be bold to speake vnto him , to remit some part of his seueritie against the person of so great a prince ▪ answered ▪ That he did not vse that rigour against him as a king , but rather did punish him as a proud ambitious tirant ▪ polluted with the blood of his owne brother . Now this so great an ouerthrow , brought such a feare vpon all the countreys possessed by Baiazet in ASIA , that Axalla sent before by Tamerlane with fortie thousand horse , and ●n hundreth thousand foot , without cariages , to prosecute the victorie , came without resistance to PR●SA ; whether all the remainder of Baiazet his armie was retired , with the Bassa Mustapha ▪ the countrey as he went , still yeelding vnto him . Yea the great Bassa , with the rest , hearing of his comming , and thinking themselues not now in any safetie in ASIA , fled ouer the strait of HELLESPONTUS to CALLIPOLIS , & so to HADRIANOPLE ▪ carying with them out of the battaile Solyman , Baiazet his eldest sonne , whom they set vp in his fathers place ; Mahomet his younger brother presently vpon the ouerthrow being fled to AMASIA : of whom , and the rest of Baiazet his children , more shall be said hereafter . Axalla comming to PRUSA , had the citie without resistance yeelded vnto him , which he rifled : and there with other of Baiazet his wiues & concubines , tooke prisoner the faire Despina , Baiazet his best beloued wife , to the doubling of his greefe . Emanuell the Greeke emperour now hearing of Tamerlane his comming to PRUSA , sent his embassadours ( the most honourable of his court ) thether before to Axalla : by whom they were there stayed , vntill the comming of Tamerlane ; who receiued them with all the honour that might be , shewing vnto them all his magnificence , and the order of his campe , to their great admiration . For it resembled a most populous and well gouerned citie , for the order that was therein , which brought vnto it plentie of all kind of victuals , and other marchandise , aswell for pleasure as for vse . By these embassadours , the Greeke emperour submitted all his empire together with his person , vnto Tamerlane the great conquerour , as his most faithfull subject and vassaile : which he was bound ( as he said ) to doe , for that hee was by him deliuered from the most cruell tirant in the world : as also for that the long journey he had passed , and the discommodities he had endured , with the losse of his people , and the danger of his person , could not bee recompenced , but by the offer of his owne life , and his subjects ; which hee did for euer dedicate to his seruice , with all the fidelitie and loyaltie that so great a benefit might deserue : besides that his so many vertues , and rare accomplishments , which made him famous throughout the world , did bind him so to doe . And that therefore he would attend him in his cheefe citie , to deliuer it into his hands as his owne , with all the empire of GREECE . Now the Greeke embassadours looked for no lesse than to fall into bondage to Tamerlane , thinking that which they offred to be so great and delicate a morsell , as that it would not be refused , especially of such a conquering prince as was Tamerlane ; and that the acceptance thereof in kindnesse , and friendship , was the best bargaine they could make therein . But they receiued answere from this worthie prince , farre beyond their expectatation . For he with a mild countenance beholding them , answered them , That he was not come from so farre a countrey , or vndertaken so much paines for the enlargement of his dominions alreadie large inough , ( too base a thing for him to put himselfe into so great danger and trauaile for ) but rather to winne honour , and thereby to make his name famous vnto all posteritie for euer : And that therefore it should well appeare vnto the world , that hee was come to aid him , being requested as his friend and allie : And that his vpright meaning therein , was the greatest cause , That God from aboue had beheld his power , and thereby brused the head of the greatest and fiercest enemie of mankind that was vnder heauen : And now to get him an immortall name , would make free so great and flourishing a citie as was CONSTANTINOPLE , gouerned by so noble and ancient an house as the emperours : That vnto his courage , hee had alwaies faith joyned , such as should neuer suffer him to make so great a breach in his reputation , as that it should be reported of him , That in the colour of a friend , he came to inuade the dominions of his allies : That he desired no more , but that the seruice he had done for the Greeke emperour , might for euer be ingrauen in the memorie of his posteritie , to the end they might for euer wish well vnto him and his successours , by remembring the good he had done them ; That long might the noble emperor liue , happily to gouern his estate . And that before his returne he would so well consider for the establishing of the same , as that he should not lightly fall againe into the like jeopardie , alwaies assuring himselfe of his good will and fauour towards him . Easie it is to judge , what joy these Greeke embassadours receiued , to heare this so kind an answere from the mouth of Tamerlane himselfe : who rather than he would seeme to breake his faith , refused an empire offered vnto him , with one of the most stately and magnificent cities of the world . Few princes ( I suppose ) would performe such a part : but so there be likewise but few Tamerlanes in the world . These embassadours by the commaundement of Tamerlane , were by Axalla royally feasted , and all the honour done them that might be . One of them being sent backe to carrie these vnexpected newes vnto the Greeke emperour , filled both him and all the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE with exceeding joy and gladnesse , which both he and his subjects in generall spared not with bonfires and all other signes of joy and pleasure to manifest . And the more to shew his thankefulnesse , shortly after by the aduice of his graue counsailours , passed ouer the strait into ASIA to see Tamerlane at PRUSA , and in person himselfe to giue him thankes : who hearing of his comming , and very glad thereof , presently vpon the first dayes journey sent the prince Axalla to meet him , and to certefie him of the joy that he conceiued , to haue the good hap for to see him , as also to conduct him to PRUSA : where those two great princes , with the greatest magnificence that might be , met , and so spent one whole day together . The Greeke emperour the next day taking his leaue , was by Tamerlane with much honour conducted out of the cittie . Now had Tamerlane himselfe conceiued a secret desire to see this so famous a citie as was CONSTANTINOPLE , from which he was not now farre , yet would he not goe thither as a conquerour , but as a priuat person : which by the meanes of Axalla was accomplished , and he thereinto by the Greeke emperour priuatly receiued , and with all familiaritie possible , entertained : the emperour shewing vnto him all the rare and excellent things that were therein to be seene : and the other Greeke princes deuising all the meanes they could to do him pleasure , and them which did accompanie him ; who were in a manner all apparrelled after the Greeke fashion . At which time the Greeke emperour himselfe was curious to shew vnto him all the faire gardens alongst the sea coast , a league or two from CONSTANTINOPLE , and so priuatly conducting him , spent fiue or six daies , with all the mirth that might be possible : Tamerlane by the way oftentimes saying , That he had neuer seene a fairer citie : and that it was indeed the citie ( considering the faire and rich situation thereof ) of right , worthie to commaund all the world . He wondered at the costly buildings of the temples , the faire ingrauen pillars , the high pyramides , and the making of the faire gardens , and oftentimes afterwards said , That he nothing repented him of his so long and dangerous a voyage , if it had been onely but to haue preserued from fire and sword so noble a citie as that was . In the Greeke emperour he commended greatly his mild nature and courtesie : who knowing him aboue all things to take pleasure in faire seruiceable horses , gaue vnto him thirtie of the fairest , strongest , and readiest , that were possible to be gotten , all most richly furnished ; and sent likewise faire presents vnto all the princes and great commaunders of the armie , and bountifully caused to bee deliuered vnto them all things which he thought to be necessarie for the armie . So after many great kindnesses in short time passed , and a strait bond of friendship made , and by solemne oath confirmed betwixt the two great princes , Tamerlane with great contentment tooke his leaue of the emperour , and returned againe to his armie at PRUSA . Wherewith he now at his pleasure without resistance wasted and spoiled all Baiazet his dominion in ASIA , no man daring to make head against him . The yeare being now well spent , and Winter drawing on , Tamerlane dispersed his armie into diuers of the prouinces of the lesser ASIA , expecting still when some of Baiazet his sonnes or other friends should make sute or meanes vnto him for his deliuerance , but none came : some fearing Tamerlane his heauie indignation , and others no lesse dreading the fierce nature of Baiazet himselfe , who if hee had beene deliuered , was like ynough ( as was thought ) to haue taken sharpe reuenge vpon all them which forsooke him in the late battaile , and therefore neuer made intercession for him . Whereupon Tamerlane one day passing by him , said vnto him : I maruell that none of thy sonnes or friends either come to see thee or to entreat for thee , it must needs be that thou hast euill deserued of them , as thou hast of others : yet how thinkest thou , If I should set thee at libertie , would they againe receiue thee as their lord and soueraigne , or not ? To whom Baiazet boldly answered : Were I at libertie , thou shouldest well see , how that I want neither courage nor meanes to reuenge all my wrongs , and to make those disobedient & forgetfull , to know their duties better . Which his proud answere made Tamerlane to keepe a straighter hand ouer him . In this great and bloodie warre , wherein the Othoman empire had almost taken end , the Sultan of AEGYPT had ( as is aforesaid ) giuen aid vnto Baiazet : which Tamerlane tooke in so euill part , as that he resolued to be thereof reuenged . For as he was vnto his friends of all others most kind and courteous , so was he to his enemies no lesse terrible and dreadfull . Yet thinking it good before his departure out of the lesser ASIA , to take some good order with these his new conquests : and finding nothing more honourable to resolue vpon , he restored vnto the poore Mahometane princes ( Tachretin , Isfendiar , Germian , and the rest before fled vnto him for refuge ) all their auncient inheritance , with something more ; as he did also diuers cities and countries of NATOLIA vnto the Greeke emperour , for the yearely tribute of foure hundred thousand duckats of gold , and eight hundred thousand franks of siluer , which the emperour promised to pay vnto him yearely . And so hauing enriched his armie with the spoiles of the Othoman empire in ASIA , he turned his forces against the Aegyptian Sultan , and so passing through CARAMANIA , entred into SYRIA , then part of the Sultans kingdome : where neere vnto ALLEPPO ( being before yeelded vnto him ) was fought betwixt them a great and mortall battaile , the Sultan hauing in his armie an hundred thousand foot , and seuentie foure thousand horse : whereof there were thirtie thousand Mamelukes , accounted the best horsemen of the world . In which battaile , Axalla the great captaine , with the avauntguard of Tamerlane his armie , was hardly distressed , and Axalla himselfe taken : but foorthwith againe rescued by Tamerlane : who had hee not by his comming on with new forces , speedily restored the battaile , cunningly protracted by Axalla , that day was like ynough to haue made an end of his good fortune . But the victorie after a long and cruell fight ( wherein were fourescore thousand men on both sides slaine ) enclining to Tamerlane , the Sultan fled , Tamerlane pursuing him by the space of three leagues . After which victorie , Tamerlane deuiding his armie , sent Axalla with fortie thousand horse and fiftie thousand foot , to pursue the Sultan alongst the coast of ARABIA : who oftentimes shewed himselfe , with some foure thousand horse to haue hindred Axalla , who hauing the smallest forces , followed him the nearest . Tamerlane himselfe in the meane time with threescore thousand horse , & an hundred thousand foot , marching alongst the sea coast , had all the cities as he went yeelded vnto him , as MAGATA , AMAN , otherwise called APAMEA , TORTOSA , BARRUTO , & NEPHTHALIN : only the strong citie of DAMASCO refused to receiue him , whereinto the Sultan had put the prince Zamadzen , with a strong garrison , who did what hee might to haue defended the same . But all in vaine , for Tamerlane hauing by batterie ouerthrowne a great part of the wall , by assault woon the cittie , only the castle yet remaining , as being of a wonderfull strength , and almost impregnable : whereinto such a multitude had at the taking of the citie retired themselues , as was not possible therein long to liue : who in short time pinched with hunger , and many of them dead , the rest vpon safeguard of their liues offered to yeeld : whom for all that Tamerlane would not receiue to mercie , to make them feele what it was to hold out against him : so that most of them dying of famine , the rest yeelded without condition , and were for their obstinacie almost all slaine . Which his seueritie towards them of DAMASCO , caused , that thirtie leagues off they brought the keyes of their cities vnto him , in token of their submission ; whom he no way molested , more than in contributing vnto the charge of his armie . From DAMASCO he turned directly towards IERUSALEM , at which time they of the citie had driuen out the Sultans garrison , as had almost all they of IUDEA , submitting themselues vnto Tamerlane . At CHORAZNI the Sultan had left six thousand men in garrison for the defence of the place , who at the first seemed to stand vpon their guard : but afterward dismaied to see so great an armie before it , and that Tamerlane hauing approched the wals , was set downe to haue it , they submitted themselues and found mercie . In which citie Tamerlane left certaine of his men in garrison , for the better repressing of the Mamalukes , who with often incursions troubled his armie . So marching on , he himselfe with certaine horsemen for his guard , rode to IERUSALEM to visit the sepulchre so much reuerenced of all nations , and there to make his oblations : where hee was of the inhabitants joyfully receiued , and hauing sought out all the antiquities of that auncient citie , would be conducted vnto all the places thereabouts , where Iesus Christ had preached , euen as the pilgrimes doe : and comming to the sepulchre , gaue thereunto , and the deuout there , many rich and precious gifts , to the great contentment of all men ( to see him honour those holy places ) but of the Iews only , who greatly blamed him for so doing : of whom of all others Tamerlane made no reckoning , but called them the accursed of God. There had he newes that the Sultan had gathered all his forces , and being come into AEGYPT , was there fortifying of his citties , especially the great cities of ALEXANDRIA and CAIER . Tamerlane his armie in the meane time by his commaundement came towards AEGYPT to DAMIATA : which strong citie hee thought not good to leaue behind him , although he was by some persuaded so to do , for that it was thought impregnable , as well in respect of the castle , as of the strong garrison that the Sultan had put thereinto . But he whose fortune nothing could hinder , would needs goe thither ; and so hauing commaunded Axalla to set vpon it , followed himselfe after with the rest of his armie . Now Axalla hauing summoned the citie , and declared vnto the inhabitants ( who were most of them Christians ) the mildnesse and courtesie of Tamerlane , as also who himselfe was , and what religion he held : causing many of the Greeke captaines to speake vnto them , and to tell them of the miserie they endured vnder the Moores and Mamalukes : so farre preuailed with them , that they all determined to aduenture their liues , to put the Mamalukes out of the cittie , with all them that fauoured the Sultan ▪ And so in the night taking vp armes , made themselues masters of one quarter of the cittie , and deliuered one of the gates to Axalla : whereby he entering , put all the Mamalukes to the sword , or tooke them prisoners , and so gained the citie . Whereof Tamerlane hearing , being as yet vpon his march , was in good hope of so prosperous a beginning , to find an happie end also of his designes in EGYPT . For besides the good fortune thereof , hee knew that this hauen of DAMIATA , might serue him with victuals out of all the parts of GREECE , as the emperour Emanuel had promised him , and wherein hee nothing failed him . Into which port Tamerlane hauing made his entrie , left there in garrison two thousand of the emperour Emanuell his souldiours , with a gouernour , of whom he tooke an oath for their obedience . So hauing stayed a space at DAMIATA , he caused his vauntgard to march towards ALEXANDRIA : and hauing passed ouer the riuer , euen in an instant turned directly vnto CAIER : to the great astonishment of the Sultan , who made prouision for the defence of ALEXANDRIA , as the neerest vnto danger . But vnderstanding of these newes , vsed such diligence , that he entred into the citie with fortie thousand horse , and threescore thousand foot , euen as Tamerlane his armie aproached , purposing in person himselfe to defend it . By whose comming , the great citie readie before to haue reuolted , was againe in his obedience confirmed , to the great hinderance of Tamerlane his affaires : for to remaine long before it , was impossible , for want of victuals for so great an armie in the enemies countrey . Yet notwithstanding all this , did not Tamerlane forbeare to draw neere vnto it , and with all his armie to encampe neere vnto the same , hauing caused a great trench to bee made for to couer his horsemen , and thereby to lodge his armie more safely : during which time he caused diuers onsets to be giuen , as well to trie what confidence the enemie had in himselfe , as to see how the people of the cittie , especially the slaues ( which in that populous cittie are infinite ) were affected towards him : who certainely enformed him of the state of the cittie , and the armie ; as glad to see the same by him shut vp , and the proud Mamalukes still put to the worst . But thus lying still at the siege , one day he thought it good to shew his armie before the citie , for to trie whether the enemie had a desire to come to a daie of battaile or not : as also to view what forces he had , and so indeed to seeke occasion to fight : In hope also , that if the Sultan did come foorth with all his armie into the field , some reuolt might happen within the cittie , as well by the slaues ( vnto whom libertie was by him promised ) as by the cittizens themselues ( discontented with the insolencie of the Mamalukes entered of late into the cittie with the Sultan ) vnto whom he had made it knowne by certaine slaues ( for that purpose fled as fugitiues out of his armie into the cittie ) how that hee was not come to hurt them , but onely for the destruction of the Mamalukes , both his and their enemies . But betimes standing so in battaile array , no man came foorth , neither was there any tumult or sturre raised in the cittie , as hee had expected . For the Sultan in so great a cittie well prouided of all things , was resolued to wearie him out with lying still , and not to put all to the hazard of a battaile . Which Tamerlane perceiuing , and set downe not to depart thence , but victorious , resolued likewise to force him euen in his greatest strength , in the heart of his greatest citie ; although it were not to be done , but with great aduenture : such confidence he had in the strength and multitude of his armie . Now his purpose was , first to take one of the cities ( for CAIRE is diuided into three ) & therin encamping himself , by litle & litle to aduance forward as he might , stil fighting with the enemy . Vpon which resolution , he commaunded an assault to be giuen , and hauing brought his footmen vnto the place where he would haue them to giue the onset ( for the citie was not walled , but onely fortified with ditches and trenches ) he commaunded the prince of THANAIS with fiftie thousand footmen , to begin the assault , euen in the face of the enemie : which hee most valiantly perfourmed , and there began a most terrible and cruell fight . Axalla in the meane time , deeming ( as the truth was ) that the Sultan had drawn his greatest forces vnto the place where the prince of THANAIS sought to enter , as vnto a place of greatest danger ; fet a compasse about , and vpon another quarter of the citie , with small resistance passed the trenches ; where he presently left thirtie thousand men to fill vp the ditches , and to make way for the horsemen to enter : aduancing forward himselfe , against twentie thousand sent by the Sultan to haue stopped his further passage : the prince of THANAIS being at the same time almost beaten backe by the Mamelukes . But the way being made plaine , by them that were for that purpose left by Axalla , and ten thousand horse entred , which charged vpon the backs of the Mamelukes , where the Sultan himselfe was ; and they seconded by ten thousand moe sent in by Tamerlane , following himselfe after , with all his power : the Sultan retired vnto a second strength , which he had made in the next citie . The fight endured full the space of seauen houres , wherein were slaine of the Sultan his men aboue sixteene thousand : and of Tamerlanes betwixt seauen and eight thousand . Who contented to haue dislodged the enemie , and gained a third part of the citie , caused a retrait to be sounded , in hope the next daie to winne all the rest , as indeed he did . For the prince of THANAIS the next daie forcing the enemies trenches in one place , and Axalla in another , the Sultan after a great fight finding himselfe hardly pressed by the obstinate enemie , and too weake long to hold out , retired , and so forthwith abandoned the citie , and encamped himselfe along the side of the riuer NILUS , with purpose to passe the same , and to flye to ALEXANDRIA his second strength and refuge . Which Tamerlane suspecting , followed after him with his horsemen ( who onely were in order ) and some few foot , hardly drawne from the citie , which their fellowes were in spoiling ; so as hee was glad to promise them especially , to regard and reward their good seruice . Against whom the Sultan vpon a narrow cawsey , had opposed twelue or fifteen thousand men , whom he called his slaues ( to fauour his passage ) but were indeed his best souldiours , and stood fast , the place seruing greatly for their aduantage : who for all that at length forced by their enemies , still increasing vpon them , ( though not without great losse ) cast themselues into the great riuer , and made a most honourable retrait : euerie man hauing his weapon in the one hand , and swimming with the other to the farther banke . The Sultan flying with some eighteene thousand horse ( for the rest were sundrie waies fled or else drowned ) is reported in his flight , to haue comforted his men , by telling of them , That they were not men that had vanquished them , but gods there appeared in them so great wisedome , force , and valour : diuers of the Mamelukes taken in the late fight , being brought before Tamerlane , and by him courteously vsed , were of him demaunded , if they could be content to serue him , now that their maister was fled and gone ? which they all vtterly refused . Whom notwithstanding , for their fidelitie , Tamerlane set at libertie to goe againe vnto the Sultan : as no lesse desirous to be admired of his enemies for his bountie and courtesie , than feared for his force and valour . The wonderfull wealth of this so great and famous a citie became a preie vnto his souldiours : who for the space of foure and twentie houres had the spoile therof , being then by open proclamation commaunded euerie man to repaire to his quarter . The citizens he set all at libertie , not suffering any of them to be taken prisoners . And so leauing ten thousand good souldiours with a great number of others ( whereof he caried a great multitude in his armie , planting euerie where as he passed as it were new colonies ) and carying away with him such of the inhabitants as he thought might hurt him , and taking order for all things necessarie for the keeping of such a citie , he caused his armie to passe ouer the riuer for to follow the Sultan vnto ALEXANDRIA , to the end not to leaue his victorie vnperfect : Axalla hasting before with the avauntgard , for to hinder the Sultan for joyning his forces againe together ; and the rest of his armie conducted by the prince of THANAIS . He himselfe with an infinite number of boats , and souldiors to attend vpon him , going by water ; taking great pleasure to behold the faire riuer , and his swift course sometimes , and in an instant to become so calme as if it scarce mooued . The cittizens of ALEXANDRIA hearing of his comming , and fearing what might betide them , besought the Sultan to haue compassion of their estate , and to withdraw himselfe into LIBIA , whether Tamerlane for the barrennesse of the countrey could not with any great power follow him ; resolued for their parts to giue place vnto fortune , and to doe as the time required , and no more to resist so great a force , whereof they had alreadie made sufficient triall : promising yet to remaine in heart still his , and vpon the first occasion offered , to make the same to him appeare ▪ Whereupon the Sultan seeing all things desperate , determined for a time to retire , in hope , that time would bring some change : as also that Tamerlane his populous armie would not long remaine there . And so departing out of ALEXANDRIA with teares standing in his eyes , oftentimes said , That God was angrie with him and his people , and that hee must of necessitie suffer the fatall ouerthrow of his estate , himselfe hauing done as much as in him lay , according to his charge , and the expectation the world had of him : and yet that he hoped at length to returne againe , and deliuer his people from the bondage , whereunto they must now needs submit themselues . Tamerlane comming to ALEXANDRIA ( before yeelded to Axalla ) there staied a great while , sending Axalla to pursue the Sultan , exceedingly grieued that he could not get him into his hands : and therefore still fearing some innouation to be by him raised , which caused him to deale the more hardly with them whom he suspected to fauour him . Now the bruit of these victories hauing with Axalla passed beyond ALEXANDRIA into LYBIA , had brought such a feare , not onely vpon the people adjoyning vnto these conquests , but also vpon all AFFRICA ( they supposing that Tamerlane did follow , ) that two and twentie of the Moore kings sent their embassadours vnto him , to offer vnto him their obedience : the Sultan as a man forsaken of fortune , still flying before him . Of the nearest of which kings , Tamerlane tooke hostages : as for the other farther off , he contented himselfe with their faith giuen , and with the other outward signes of their good wils . Now after this long trauaile and paines taken , was Tamerlane more desirous than hee had before vsed , to see the pleasures of his owne natiue countrey : the rather thereunto moued by the request of his wife , then longing for his returne ; and the newes hee heard of the sicknesse of the old Tartarian emperour his father in law ; besides that , age it selfe began to bring vnto him a desire of rest : with whom also , the desires of his souldiors well agreed , as men now wearie ●o haue run so many and diuers fortunes . The onely stay was , that hee expected the comming of Calibes , an old and faithfull seruant of his , whom he for his good desert had of his owne accord appointed gouernour of all his new conquests in AEGYPT and SYRIA : A great honour no doubt , but not too great for him that had so well deserued . So mindfull was he of the good deserts of his faithfull seruants , as that he needed not by others to be of them put in remembrance , were they neuer so farre off , as was now Calibes , who at this time was with the third part of his armie making way for him along the great riuer EUPHRATES , for the conquest of MESOPOTAMIA and PERSIA : whose comming was now with great deuotion looked for of the whole armie , desirous to returne . Which their expectation he long delayed not , but being sent for , came to ALEXANDRIA , whither the whole armie was now by the commaundement of Tamerlane againe assembled . Vpon whose comming , Tamerlane departed from ALEXANDRIA , hauing there left the prince Zamalzan ( a man of great reputation ) with six thousand horsemen and ten thousand foot , as gouernour of that place , and lieutenant generall vnder Calibes : whom Tamerlane ( as I haue said ) had now appointed to commaund ouer all AEGYPT and SYRIA , together with the countries newly conquered in LYBIA and BARBARIE : and now conducting him vnto the great citie of CAIRE , and there taking the best order he could for the preseruation of his new conquest , left him with fortie thousand horse and fiftie thousand foot . And so hauing sufficiently instructed him , how he would haue those kingdomes gouerned , dismissed him , not like a master , but as a companion , seeming very sor●ie to leaue him destitute of his presence . So setting forward with his armie , conducted by the prince of THANAIS , Tamerlane himselfe , with a few to guard him , by the way turned aside vnto IERUSAL●M : where he remained eleuen dayes , daily visiting the Sepulchre of Christ Iesus ( whom hee called the God of the Christians ) and the ruines of Salomon his temple : much wondering thereat , and at IERUSALEM , the seat of Dauids kingdome , and of that great Salomon ; but grieued that he could not see them fully in their former beautie . He only despised the Iews , which had committed so cruell a murder against him that came to saue them . And to shew his deuotion towards the holy citie , commaunded it to be free from all subsidies and garrisons of men of warre : and gaue great gifts vnto the monasteries , and honoured them so long as he remained there . Departing from IERUSALEM , he came to DAMASCO : which great citie , as well for that it was infected with the opinion of Iezides ( accounted an arch hereticke among the Mahometanes ) as also euill affected to his proceedings , he caused to be rased , and the bones of Iezides the false prophet to be digged vp and burnt , and his graue before much honoured , in despight to bee filled with dung . So marching on , and blasting the world before him as he went ( for long it were , and from our purpose to recount all his victories ) he passed ouer the riuer EUPHRATES , and hauing conquered MESOPOTAMIA , with the great cittie of BABILON , and all the kingdome of PERSIA , loaded with the spoile of the world , and eternized for euer , he returned at length to SAMERCAND , the famous place of his birth , and glorious seat of his empire . Now had Baiazet ( but a little before one of the greatest princes on earth , and now the scorne of fortune , and a byword to the world ) with great impatiencie laine two yeares in most miserable thraldome , for most part shut vp in an yron cage , as some dangerous wild beast : and hauing no better meanes to end his loathed life , did violently beat out his braines against the barres of the yron grate wherein he was inclosed , and so died about the yeare of our Lord 1399. Yet of his death are diuers other reports : some saying , That hee died of an ague , proceeding of sorrow and greefe : others , that he poysoned himselfe : and the Turks affirming , that he was set at libertie by Tamerlane , being by him beforehand poysoned , whereof hee died three dayes after hee was enlarged ( a report not like to be true : ) but howsoeuer it was , his end appeareth to haue ben right miserable . His dead bodie at the request of his sonne Mahomet , was by Tamerlane sent to ASPRAPOLIS , from whence it was afterwards conueyed to PRUSA , and there lieth buried in a chappell neere vnto the great Mahometane temple without the citie Eastward : where also lieth his beloued wife Despina , with his eldest sonne Erthogrul . And fast by in a little chappell lieth buried his brother Iacup , whom he in the beginning of his raigne murthered . These two great and mightie princes , Tamerlane and Baiazet ( both of them whilest they liued , a bur●hen vnto the world ) as they tooke their beginning from the Scythes or Tartars , so were they of like honourable progenitors descended : Baiazet being the fourth in discent from the warlike Othoman , the raiser of his familie ; and Tamerlane in like degree from the great Zingis , the first and most fortunat leader of the Tartars ( his countreymen ) vnto the pleasures of the East : both princes of great power and like spirit , wise , hardie , painefull , resolute , and most skilfull in martiall affaires ; but ambitious aboue measure , the ground of all the former troubles by them raised , to the astonishment of the world . Howbeit , the great vertues and other the honourable qualities of Baiazet , were in him by his chollericke and waiward nature much obscured : which made him to exceed both in crueltie and pride : being also much more handfast than were his honourable predecessors . For which causes he was much feared and lesse beloued of his souldiors and men of warre in generall , and of them at his most need forsaken . He vsed commonly to say , That his treasures were his childrens meat , and not his souldiors pay : which by way of reproch was by a common souldior cast in his teeth , when hee raged to see himselfe by them forsaken in the great battell against Tamerlane , telling him as he fled , That he ran not away , but went to seek his pay , wherewith to prouide his children bread . Whereas all the aforesaid vertues in Tamerlane were graced with diuers others of like nature , no man being vnto his friends more courteous or kind , either vnto his enemies more dreadfull or terrible . The good seruice of his seruants hee neuer forgot , either left the same long vnrewarded : being thereof so mindfull , as that he needed not by them or others in their behalfe , to be put in remembrance thereof , hauing alwaies by him a catalogue both of their names and good deserts , which he daily perused . Oftentimes saying that day to be lost , wherein he had not giuen them something : and yet neuer bestowing his preferments vpon such as ambitiously sought the same ( as deeming them in so doing , vnwoorthie thereof ) but vpon such , as whose modestie or desert he thought worthie those his great fauours ; so tempering the seueritie of his commaunds with the greatnesse of his bountie , as that it is hard to say , whether he was of his nobilitie and men of war , for the one more feared , or for the other beloued ; both , the great staies of princes states : feare keeping the obstinat in their obedience , and loue , the dutifull in their deuotion . But with Baiazet it was not so , who deeming all done for him , but dutie , and by nature chollericke and proud ( after the manner of tyrants ) desired aboue all to be of his subjects feared , not much regarding how little hee was of them beloued : not the least cause of his great fall and miserie , and that therein he was of his owne so smally regarded : wherin for all that he is to be accounted more fortunat than the other great conquerour his enemie , hauing euer since in the lineall descent of himselfe , had one of the greatest Monarchs of the world to succeed still in his kingdome and empire : as hee hath euen at this day , the great Sultan Mahomet , the third of that name , who now in great majestie raigneth in CONSTANTINOPLE : Whereas the glorie of Tamerlane his empire , euen in his owne time growne to the height therof , and labouring with the greatnesse of it selfe , and by him deuided amongst his sonnes , shortly after his death decayed , rent in sunder by ambition and ciuile discord ; and not long after , together with his posteritie , rooted out by Vsun-Cassanes the Persian king , to the worlds woonder tooke end : nothing of the huge greatnesse thereof now or since then remaining , more than the fame thereof : as doth also the miserie of the other so brought low . But leauing this mirrour of mishap ( Baiazet ) vnto his rest , and Tamerlane for a while to triumph in SAMERCAND ; let vs now proceed in the course of our Historie , yet not forgetting by the way to remember such Christian princes as then liued together with these two great Monarchs . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Baiazet the first . Emperours Of the East Emanuell Palaeologus . 1387. 30. Of the West Wenceslaus , son to Charles king of Bohemia . 1378. 22. Rupertus duke of Bauaria . 1400. 10. Kings Of England Richard the second . 1377. 23. Henrie the fourth . 1399. 12. Of Fraunce Charles the sixt , surnamed , The welbeloued . 1381. 42. Of Scotland Iohn Stuart , otherwise called Robert the third . 1390. 16. Bishops of Rome Vrban the VI. 1380. 11. Boniface the IX . 1390. 14. MAHOMET . I. MAHOMETHES PRIMVS QVINTVS TVRCARVM REX FLORVIT ANNO 1405 Vindicibus Mahomet patrium sibi vendicat armis Imperium , & fractas feruidus auget opes . Quod patri abstulerat violentia Tamberlani , Imperio reddit Marte fauente suo . Ille sagittiferosque Dacas , validosque Triballos Contudit , & populos Ister amoene tuos . Turcica sic rursus sublata potentia , stragem Attulit imperio Romule magne tuo . By force of armes stout Mahomet his fathers kingdome gaines , And doth the broken state thereof repaire with restlesse paines . What so the force of Tamerlane had from his father tane , He by his fortune and his force restor'd the same againe . The Dacians he vanquished , and Seruians in field , And forc'd the people neere to thee faire ISTER , for to yeeld . So once againe the Turkish state ( by him rais'd vp on hie ) Hath to thine empire , Romulus , brought great calamitie . THE LIFE OF MAHOMET , THE FIRST OF THAT NAME , FIFTH KING OF THE TVRKS , AND RESTORER OF THEIR SORE SHAKEN KINGDOME . HOw wonderfully the Turkish kingdome was by the violence of Tamerlane shaken , and the majestie thereof defaced , it well appeareth , in that the Histories of that time , as well those of the Greekes , as of the Turks , in nothing more differ , than in the successors of Baiazet , their late vnfortunat king . Some writing , that hee had two sons , Orchanes , ( otherwise called Calepinus ) and Mahomet : and that Calepinus in the second yeare of his raigne was slaine , and his kingdome possessed by Mahomet his brother . Others reporting , That Baiazet had two sons , namely , Calepinus and Mustapha : and that Calepinus succeeding his father in the Turkish kingdome , when hee had raigned six yeares , died , leauing behind him two sonnes , Orchanes and Mahomet : and that Orchanes being young , was slaine by his vncle : whom Mahomet in reuenge of his brothers death , afterwards slew , & possessed the kingdome himselfe . Others reckon vp seuen sonnes of Baiazet : Iosua , Musulmanes , Moses , Calepinus , Iosua the yonger , Mustapha , and Halis ; with an vncertaine succession amongst them also . This diuersitie of opinions , full of no lesse vncertainetie ; as I meane not to follow in report of this historie , so will I not spend any time in refuting the same ( although much might be said in the matter ) but leaue these reports , together with the historie following , to such credit , as they shall hap to find with the considerat readers . The Greeke Historiographers ( best like to know the Turkish succession , as well by reason of their neerenesse , as in that they were by them as their bad neighbours , so much troubled ) make no mention at all either of Calepinus or of Orchanes : In like manner , Historiae Musulmanae Turcorum , diligently gathered out of the Turks owne histories by Io. Leunclauius ( a learned physician ; and himselfe a great trauailer amongst them , and therefore deseruing the more credit ) do not so much as name the succession of Calepinus or Orchanes , after the captiuitie of Baiazet , but rejecteth them both as counterfeits . But in mine opinion ( without prejudice to any , that vpon better reason may deeme otherwise ) the great confusion of the Turkish kingdome , in short time wrought by the mightie Tamerlane and his Tartarians , with the ciuile discord and warre afterwards arising among the sonnes of Baiazet , striuing ( all as it were at once ) for the restlesse roome of soueraignetie , which suffereth no parteners ; and euery one of them , according to his hap or power , laying hand vpon some one part or other thereof , and bea●ing himselfe therein for a time as a king , in countries so far distant ; neuer leauing , vntill they had like the earth-borne brethren , wrought one anothers destruction ; might giue just occasion of such diuersitie of reports as is before spoken of , concerning the succession of that time , in that troubled and rent kingdome : some reckoning one , some another : and some , such as neuer were , to haue succeeded in the gouernment , and so vntruly augmenting the number of the Turkish kings . Wherefore leauing Calepinus & Orchanes vnto them that first found them , with that little , which without any good ground and lesse probabilitie is written of their supposed raigne ; I ( following the authoritie of the Turkish historie ) reckon this Mahomet , one of the youngest sonnes of Baiazet ( of whom we are now to intreat ) fifth king of the Turkes : who after great and dangerous wars , as well against his own brethren , as his forraine enemies , was at length solely inuested in the Turkish kingdome , about ten yeares after the captiuitie of his father Baiazet , as shall hereafter be declared . Baiazet after the manner of the Turkish kings , hauing laied vp the hope of his posteritie in the common treasure house of nature , rather than in the bodie of one lawfull wife , had by diuers wiues and concubines seuen sonnes , Erthogrul , otherwise called Orthobules , Emer-Soliman , Mustapha-Zelebi ( that is to say , the noble ) Isa-Zelebi , Musa-Zelebi , Sultan Mahomet , and Casan-Zelebi . Of whom , Erthogrul the eldest was lost in the wars against Casi Burchaniden , as is beforesaid in the life of Baiazet . Mustapha was slaine in the great battaile against Tamerlane , and there buried in the bed of fame . Casan the yongest was a child in Baiazet his court , when his father was taken , and afterwards with his sister Fatime deliuered as hostages , by their brother Solyman , vnto Emanuel the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , where they both happely became Christians , and so shortly after died . Solyman was by Alis Bassa president of Baiazet his counsell , and other great captaines , conueyed out of the battaile against Tamerlane , into EVROPE : and so by them at HADRIANOPLE saluted Sultan . Mahomet fled out of the same battaile to AMASIA in CAPADOCIA , where he was in his fathers time gouernour . Isa hearing of his fathers captiuitie , after the departure of Tamerlane with his Tartars , seized vpon PRUSA , a citie of BITHYNIA , the antient seat of the Turkish kings , with the countrey adjoyning , and there raigned as king . Musa-Zelebi was taken prisoner with Baiazet his father , and afterwards set at libertie by Tamerlane . But of their fortunes more shall be said in this historie following . Mahomet was but fifteene yeares old , when his father Baiazet in the vnfortunate battaile at mount STELLA was taken prisoner , and was at the same time by his appointment gouernour of AMASIA , with a great part of CAPADOCIA adjoyning : which places became so troublesome after the great victorie of Tamerlane , that the Turks in that countrey were glad day and night for the safegard of themselues , their wiues , and children , to keepe continuall watch and ward : insomuch , that many of them , wearied with those troubles , and despairing of better times , went into voluntarie exile , because they would not see so great miseries : which thing much greeued young Mahomet . Wherefore calling vnto him his most faithfull counsellors , to consult what course to take in the middest of so many dangers , it was by generall consent thought best ( for so much as they could not without apparent danger continue neere vnto Tamerlane his forces ) to get themselues farther off into places of more strength : and from thence to expect the departure of their enemies , and in the meane time to content themselues with such aduauntages as occasion and chance of war might minister ; cutting them short by policie , whom they were not able to meet in the plaine field : and so by little and little to weaken or wearie their mightie stragling enemies : For albeit that Tamerlane himselfe was not neere him , as then lying in CARIA ; yet did the captaines of his great and victorious armie , at their pleasure spoile and forrage the countries farre and neere all ouer the lesser ASIA . Vpon this resolution , hee with all his forces departed from AMASIA , to DERBY in PAPHLAGONIA : where by the way he encountered with Cara Iabia , a nigh kinsman to the prince Isfendiar of CASTAMONA , his enemie ; whom he put to flight , with great slaughter of his men . This was the beginning of Mahomet his good fortune . From thence he went to KEREDEN , and there staying certaine daies , sent a spie into Tamerlane his campe , to see how all things went there : and afterwards entered againe into counsell with his captains concerning his farther proceedings . In which consultation , some were of opinion , That it was best for him to withdraw himselfe into the mountaines of the lesser ASIA , as a place of good safetie , vntill the departure of Tamerlan , which was shortly hoped for : for that it was not to be thought that Tamerlane would with his huge armie pursue him in that mountaine countrey , flying from hill to hill , and as it were from strength to strength . Others better aduised , thought those mountaines to be no places to trust vnto , and therefore that it were more honourable and as free from danger , for him to returne againe to AMASIA , and there to liue amongst his subjects , protecting them in such sort as he might , and not to leaue them for a prey to euery stragling company of the rude Tartarians . Which counsell he followed , as most reasonable : & being ready to set forward , the spie before by him sent into Tamerlanes campe , returned , certifying him , That he had seen his father Baiazet in good health in the Tartars campe , but could not by any means speake with him by reason of the straight guard set ouer him : and that all that part of ASIA was by Tamerlane possessed , who then with his armie wintred in CARIA and LYSIA : wherupon Mahomet returned backe againe to AMASIA : where he had not long staied , but that newes was brought vnto him , That one of the Tartarian princes called Cara Duletschach ( that is to say , the fortunat blacke king ) was with an armie of twentie thousand comming to spoile his country , being giuen him by Tamerlane . With which newes he was exceedingly troubled . Wherefore with all speed calling together his forces , for the safegard of his countrey , he sent before a spie to discouer the enemies doings . This diligent spie returning in all hast , told Mahomet , That Cara Dulet lay at the towne of AEGIOLVS in GALATIA , in great securitie , ●auing about him but a small power ; for that he fearing no danger , had at that time dispersed his armie , to seeke after pillage abroad in the countrey Mahomet taking hold of this oportunitie , marched thither with great celeritie , and suddenly setting vpon Cara Dulet , ouercame him . In which conflict Cara Dulet himselfe was shot through the head with an arrow and slaine , and his armie vtterly discomfited . Mahomet returning backe to AMASIA with victorie , refreshed and rewarded his souldiors , yet no lesse carefull for the safetie of his kingdome than before . Shortly after , he was aduertised that Cubad Ogli with a great armie laied hard siege to the citie of CaeSARIA in CAPADOCIA , and was like in short time to take it , if it were not speedily releeued . By taking of which citie , that Tartar prince was like to make a great entrance , to the hazarding of the whole countrey . Wherefore Mahomet hauing his armie alwaies in readinesse , marched day and night with such speed to CaeSARIA , as that he was vpon Cubad Ogli before he was aware of his comming , and there slew most of his souldiours , and put him with the rest to flight . After that , hee entred into Cubad Ogli his countrey in PONTVS , and greeuously spoiled and destroied the same : at which time , he also by force wan the strong castle PELTae in the confines of PHRIGIA . Imediatly after that , Inall Ogli another of Tamerlanes captaines ( which at their pleasure without let , forraged all the countreys of the lesser ASIA , during the time that Tamerlane made his abode within the Turks dominions ) vpon the suddaine entred into CAPADOCIA with an armie of twentie thousand fighting men , killing the inhabitants , and spoiling the countrey before him : so that the people for feare left their dwellings , and fled into the woods and mountaines to hide themselues from his furie . Whereof Mahomet hearing , was therewith exceedingly greeued , and wrote vnto him as followeth : Sultan Mahomet vnto the Prince Inall Ogli . Wheras without any just or lawfull cause , or any war proclaimed , you haue inuaded our kingdome , and cease not cruelly to kill our subjects , by God committed to our protection ; and to spoile their wealth and labours , to the great disturbance of the Mahometan common weale ; and make no end of your malice and crueltie : you doe therein quite digresse from the manners and lawes of the true Mahometans or right beleeuers . For if thou wouldest not onely bee accounted , but indeed bee a true Musul-man , thou shouldest forthwith depart out of my kingdome with thine armie ; thou shouldest not thus shed the innocent blood , or without cause thus wrong my people : but forasmuch as thou knowest not what beseemeth thee , neither wilt listen vnto good counsaile , but wilfully proceed in thy wicked purpose , falsely persuading thy selfe , this my kingdome to bee destitute of a lawfull inheritour ; and therefore doest so great wrong and injurie vnto the defendours of the true Mahometan religion : I would thou shouldest know , that I with my so often victorious armie , will shortly by the power of God come against thee , and in plaine field according to thy deserts chastice thee . Therfore whilest thou yet mayest , reclaim thy selfe , and proceed not too farre in thine obstinacie : too late repentance did neuer man yet good . Thus much we thought good to aduertise thee , that thou shouldest not bee ignorant of our purpose , but mightest so better consider and dispose both of thy selfe and thine affaires . In the yeare after the departure of the great Prophet Mahomet 806. Vnto which letters Inall Ogli returned this answere in writing . Prince Inall Ogli to Mahomet . Why doest thou Mahomet with such letters prouoke me ? why doest thou so vnciuilly taunt me ? being thy selfe but a boy , and in truth a verie child . It beseemeth thee not to haue entred into these countreys , or to lay hands thereon , wrongfully gracing thy selfe with the title of a Sultan . Neither is there any cause , why thou shouldest complaine that I should lie in waight or seek after thy life , thy kingdome , or any thing that thine is . I challenge vnto my selfe this kingdome , but none of thine : out of which it is reason for thee , as a wrongfull intruder of thy selfe , to depart ; whom otherwise I will forthwith thrust out , and joyne the same vnto the rest of my territories . Wherefore except thou without delay get thee packing , and cease to oppose thy selfe against my designes . I denounce vnto thee all the calamities of warre : and wish thee with speede to prepare thy selfe to battaile , for that I meane shortly to meet with thee . This yeare of our great Prophet , 806. Shortly after , Mahomet according to his promise meeting with this Tartar prince , by plaine force ouerthrew him , and had of him a notable victorie . The like good hap he had also not long after , against Coster Ogli , and Kiupeck Ogli , two other Tartarian captaines , at the castle of CHARACHIZAR and the plaine of ARTVCK-OVA . And hearing that one Mesites , a Turk , had fortified himselfe in the ruines of SEBASTIA , and from thence spoiled the countrey round about , he sent Baiazet one of his Bassaes against him ; who in short time tooke him and brought him bound vnto him : by whom he was adjudged to die . But seeing in the man an inuincible courage , and contempt of death , at such time as he should haue been executed ; mooued therewith , he gaue him his pardon : for which he euer after continued vnto him faithfull , and did him great seruice . Mahomet hauing many times thus vanquished the stragling Tartarian princes , which had sought the spoile of his countrey , became thereby famous amongst the great commaunders of Tamerlane his armie : in so much that the bruit of his name came at length to Tamerlanes eare , yet lying in the lesser ASIA : who as he thought it not worth his greatnesse and labour , himselfe in person to goe against so weake an enemie ; so he thought it not good or conuenient quite to neglect him , but by some other meanes ( if he could ) to ouertake him . For which purpose he began to speake many times verie honourably of him , highly commending his great valour and forwardnesse in so tender yeares . And calling for Baiazet , told him what great commendation he had heard of his sonne Mahomet , and that he was therefore verie desirous to see him : where if he found that true which was reported of his great vertues , he would bestow one of his daughters vpon him in mariage , with many other great preferments : and therefore willed Baiazet to write vnto him , Not to doubt to come vnto him , to the great good both of himselfe , and his father . Which thing Baiazet at the first doubting the worst , requested Tamerlane not to beleeue of his sonne , being yet verie young and not worthie of so great a fauour . Neuerthelesse partly persuaded by Tamerlane his protestations , and importuned by him that might now command him : hee with an euill will wrote to his sonne Mahomet to such effect as Tamerlane required . With which letters , and others of like purport from himselfe , with many rich presents , Tamerlane sent Hozza Mahomet , ( one of his secret councellours ) embassadour to Mahomet , of whom he was right honourably receiued , and likewise entertained . But hauing read the aforesaid letters , and thereby vnderstood the cause of his comming ; hee entred into counsaile with the great Bassaes about him , whether he were best to goe to Tamerlane or not . Where his councellours were all cleere of one opinion , That it was not good for him to aduenture his person to the danger of such a journey , or the mercie of so mightie an enemie , of whose faith he had no assurance . And if so be ( said they ) he therwith offended , will by force seek to haue you , we at his comming will take the refuge of the woods and mountaines , and there shroud ourselues vntill he be departed againe : for that he with his huge armie cannot here long stay in this bare countrey , for want of necessaries . Neuerthelesse Mahomet hoping his journey might be both for the good of his father , and his owne aduancement ; contrarie to the mind of all his councellours , resolued to goe : and so hauing prepared all things needfull for the honour and safetie of his journey , set forforward . But as he was vpon the way in the marches of PONTVS , Cara Iahia whom he had before ouerthrowne , vnderstanding of his comming that way , thinking now to bee reuenged ; and hauing got vnto him some of the prince Isfendiars forces , set vpon him by the way : but with as euill successe as before , most of his men being there by Mahomet slaine , and himselfe glad shamefully to flie . So trauailing on further , hee vnderstood that Alis Beg , a great lord in those countreys , went about to intercept him also : which caused him in such hast to goe on , that hee was vpon Alis , before he was aware of his comming , or well prouided for him : so that for feare he was glad to betake himselfe to flight . Mahomet considering the danger he had escaped in that journey , and that the neerer he came to Tamerlane , the more like hee was to fall into greater , although happily without Tamerlane his knowledge : by the aduice of his graue and faithfull councellours , resolued to go no further . Wherefore calling vnto him Tamerlanes embassadour hee thus spake vnto him : You see the dangers and injuries I endure in this my journey , and my mind forbodeth greater to ensue : for which causes I may not goe any further , but here returne . Commend me therefore I pray you vnto the most mightie Tamerlane , with my father ▪ and tell them what dangers haue happened vnto me vpon the way . Which considered , I hope they will haue me excused . For which purpose I will also send in your companie an embassadour of mine owne . Mahomet at that time had with him a graue , wise , and learned man , called Sophis Baiazet , sometime his schoolemaister : whom he sent embassadour to Tamerlane and his father , to haue him vnto them both excused : and so departed , he homewards , leauing the way he came ( for feare of further danger ; ) and they towards Tamerlane , who honourably receiued Mahomets embassadours and letters . But taking pleasure in the man sent vnto him , gaue him honourable entertainment , but would neuer after suffer him to returne againe vnto his maister . It was not long after , but that old Baiazet died of impatiencie ( as is aforesaid : ) whose dead bodie Tamerlane left at APROPOLIS with the prince Germean , to be deliuered vnto his sonne Mahomet ; with Musa his elder brother ( who all this while had ben kept prisoner with Tamerlane ) if Mahomet should require them . And so the mightie prince Tamerlane , after he had long time wasted PHRIGIA , CARIA , LYDIA , with the most part of the lesser ASIA ; and conquered all SIRIA , IUDEA , AEGYPT , and PERSIA , with many other great countreys and prouinces ; returned at last into his owne kingdome , vnto the great citie of SAMARCAND , which hee woonderfully enlarged , and beautified with the spoiles of a great part of the world , before by him wasted : where he afterwards in great peace and glorie raigned , no lesse honoured than feared of all the princes of the East . To the terrour of whom , and for the assuring of his estate , he kept alwaies a standing armie of fortie thousand horse , and threescore thousand foot readie at all assaies : beside other his great garrisons which he kept in SIRIA , AEGYPT , CHINA , and CAMEALV ; as also against the Muscouit , and Turks ; being commonly in euerie place threescore thousand strong , though not still in field , but as occasion required . Vntill that at length hearing of the rising againe of the Turkish kingdome , vnder the Othoman princes , the sonnes of Baiazet ; with whom the oppressed Mamalukes of AEGYPT , and the Greeke emperour ( as doubtfull of his estate ) had now also for feare of him combined themselues : he by the persuasion of Axalla ( then Generall of his imperiall armie ) made great preparation for a second expedition to be made for the vtter rooting out of the Othoman familie , and the conquest of the Greeke empire . But hauing now all things in readinesse , and also giuen a good beginning vnto these his intended conquests , ( one of the Turks great Bassaes being by Axalla his lieutenant in a great battaile ouerthrowne , and thirtie thousand of the Turks slaine ) hee in the middest of these his great hopes , as also of his greatest power , died of an Ague the 27 daie of Ianuarie , in the yeare of our lord 1402. A little before whose death , appeared a great and terrible blasing starre , porte●●●ng as it were vnto the world the death of so great a prince . Hee was a man of the middle stature , somewhat narrow in the shoulders , otherwise well limmed , and of a great strength . In his eies sat such a rare majestie , as a man could hardly endure to behold them without closing of his owne : and many in talking with him , and often beholding of him became dumbe ; which caused him oftentimes with a comely modestie to abstain from looking too earnestly vpon such as spake vnto him , or discoursed with him . All the rest of his visage was amiable and well proportioned : he had but little haire on his chinne ; and ware the haire of his head long and curled , contrarie to the manner of the Tartars , who shaue their heads , hauing the same alwaies couered : whereas he contrariewise was for the most part bareheaded , commanding his sonne also to be so by his tutors brought vp : his haire was of a dark colour , somewhat drawing toward a violet right beautifull to behold : which his mother comming of the race of Sampson ( as he gaue it out ) willed him to nourish , in token of his discent : the cause that made him to be the more respected of his men of war ; most part of them beleeuing that in those haires was some rare vertue , or rather some fatall destinie : an old practise of many great commaunders of former ages , to fill the heads of their souldiours with some strange opinion conceiued of them , to bee the more of them honoured ; as if in them had ben some one thing or other more than in other men . His liuely counterfeit , as I find it expressed by them that write the best of him , you may here behold , with the testimonie of his greatnesse following : TAMERLANE . Ille nouus Xerxes , orientis victor , & ingens Quacunque permearet , horror gentium : Compleuit totos Scythico qui milite campos , Hoc se ferebat ore trux Tamerlanes . Cuius in aduentum tutae altis moenibus vrbes Ipsumque terrae contremiscebat solum ; Ipsi adeo montes , ipsae per deuia valles , Vim Barbarorum non ferebant agminum . Quare ab caucaseis Asiam conuallibus omnem , Ad vsque Nili flumina armis subdidit ; Eufratem , & Tigrim , & rapidum tranauit Orontem , Vi , vastitate , caede , cuncta proterens . Vtque olim foeda cum tempestate coorta Erumpit atra nube fulmen igneum : Obuia quaeque cadens perrumpit , & alta sonanti Templa atque solidas strage turres disijcit . Subsidit vasto Tellus labefacta fragori , Humilisque mentes sternit humanas pauor : Haud secus ille viam ferro molitus , & igni , Euertit arces , opida aequauit solo . Regem Asiae horribili captum impete Baiazetem Caueaque clausum ferrea circuntulit . Haec agitantem illum , & spirantem immania iussa Quae cunctus vndique orbis expauesceret ; Exiguo caecae domitum molimine febris Fatalis vno soluit hora triduo . Deque tot insanis opibus , de tot modo regnis , Reliqua vna paruo gleba texit puluere . In English thus , Of Tamerlane a Xerxes new , which did the East subdew , And in all places where he came , the nations ouerthrew ; That fild the fields with Scythian troupes , brought from those climates cold , This was the feature and the shape which thou doest here behold . At whose approch , the strongest townes could small resistance make , The earth it selfe vnder his feet seeming for feare to quake . The mountaines high , mating the skie , and vncouth valleyes low , Vnable were the force to beare , where he did come or goe . All ASIA from mount CAVCASVS , vnto the bankes of NILE , With valiant hand he vanquished and made his force to feele . EVPHRATES , TIGRIS , and the swift ORONTES gaue him way , With force , wast , and destruction great , on what he list to prey . And as in tempests great oft times , when all things goe to wracke , The fierie lightning flashing forth , out of the clouds so blacke , Doth breake downe what it lights vpon , and with a dreadfull fall Ouerthrowes the temples , with their towers , and stately buildings all , So that the earth dismayd therewith , doth lower downe descend , And fearefull wights wrapt vp in woe , are brought to their wits end : In like sort he with fire and sword seeking all to confound , The strongest castles , towers , and townes , laid equall with the ground . And like an whirlewind taking vp great Baiazet away , Coupt vp in cage , so carried him , for his disport and play . But whilest he rageth thus about , and plotteth in his head Such hard commaunds and heauie doomes , as all the world should dread : A little feauer in three sits , oppressed him with woe , And cloasing vp his vitall spirits , did lay his head full low . So that for all the world of wealth and kingdomes he possest , The small remainder of himselfe in simple graue doth rest . His great empire by himselfe deuided betwixt his sonnes , was by their discord , and the ambition of some of their disloyall subjects , in short time after brought to great confusion , and his posteritie vtterly rooted out by Vsun-Cassanes , the Armenian prince , as in the processe of this historie may appeare . But to returne againe vnto our purpose , Mahomet deliuered of his greatest feare , by the departure of Tamerlane out of those countries , determined to goe to PRVSA in BYTHINIA , where his brother Isa as then raigned : But vnderstanding that Isa had before taken the straits whereby he should passe the mount HORMINIVS , he tooke another way about , & came to PALaeO-CASTRON , where the valiant captaine Eine-beg Sub-bassa then remained : who with all honor and gladnesse receiued him , and there for certain daies refreshed both him and his armie . Afterwards greater forces still repairing vnto him , he marched thence to VLA●AD , called in an●ient time LOPADIVM . Of whose comming Isa before vnderstanding , and hauing assembled his armie , marched thither also , and encamped on the other side of the town towards PRVSA , readie to giue him battaile . But Mahomet seeing his brother so forward , consulted with his captaines what were best to bee done : where Eine Sub-bassa a man of great experience , and of late one of Baiazet his great councellours and captaines , told him , That it was not for their honours being brethren , to pollute their hands one in the others blood ; but to assaie if the quarrell might by some other good meanes be composed , and they made friends . For which purpose Mahomet presently sent letters vnto his brother Isa , concerning the partition of their fathers kingdome in ASIA betwixt them : offering vnto him the prouinces of AIDINIA , SARVCHANIA , GERMEANIA , C●ARASIA , CHARAMANIA , with other countreys to them belonging : so that he might haue PRVSA with all the other prouinces about the same . Which letters , when Isa had read , and saw that Mahomet offered him but titles for kingdomes , and such countreys as were rather sometimes tributaries vnto their father Baiazet , than any part of his kingdome , and now of late by Tamerlane againe restored vnto their ancient libertie and gouernours ; sharing out the best , and strongest part thereof vnto himselfe , he brake forth into choler and said : What ? doth not my fathers kingdome of right belong vnto me being the elder brother ? Mahomet is yet but a youth , and scarce crept out of the shell : by what right then can hee claime my fathers kingdome as his inheritance ? If he can by the sword win it , let him take it , and so hold it . Mahomet hauing receiued this answere , prepared himselfe to the field , where his brother as readie as himselfe , stood expecting his comming : and hauing set his armie in order of battaile , gaue the first charge : which was the beginning of a most cruell and bloodie fight , wherein as it commonly falleth out in doubtfull battailes , many were on both sides slaine . At last the fortune of Mahomet preuailing , Isa his armie began to retire : which he seeing , left nothing vndone for the encouraging of his fainting souldiours , which belonged to a politicke Generall , or valiant souldiour to doe ; but pressing into the thickest of his enemies , there with his own hand slew the antient and valiant captaine Eine Subbassa , who had many times beene Generall of the footmen in old Baiazet his warres . But what preuaileth courage against euill fortune ? Isa must either flie or die . And therefore hauing done what he could in so desperate a case , being himselfe on euerie side forsaken , in the end was glad himselfe to flie to the sea side : where finding a shippe readie bound for CONSTANTINOPLE , he passed ouer thether in saftie , and there yeelded himselfe vnto the protection of the Greeke emperour Emanuel . In this chase Mahomet his souldiors tooke the valiant captaine Temurtases prisoner , another of Baiazet his great commanders , and brought him to Mahomet : who in reuenge of the death of Eine , commaunded his head presently to be smitten off , and his bodie to be hanged vpon a tree by the hie way side . Of this victorie , Mahomet certified his brother Solyman at HADRIANOPLE , and in token thereof sent him Temurtases his head . This battaile was much spoken of , both for that it was fought betwixt two brethren ; and also for the death of the two famous old captains Eine and Temurtases , who both together as louing friends , had fortunatly fought many great battels vnder Baiazet his ensignes ; and now as it were by destinie , and against their wils , without any priuat grudge , were both drawne into contrarie factions and slaine : both whilst they liued wishing a good peace betwixt the ambitious brethren . But as the Turks vse to say , What is by God written in a mans forehead before his birth , cannot in his life be auoided . After this victorie , Mahomet thinking himselfe now in sure possession of all his fathers dominions in ASIA , led his armie to PRVSA , where he was of the citizens joyfully receiued as their Sultan : and for his great bountie , of all men highly commended and honoured . From thence he went to NICE , and so to NEAPOLIS and there in both places was likewise receiued . Thether resorted vnto him all the garrisons of CARASINA , SARVCHANIA , and AIDINIA , with other the inhabitants of those countries , with all loyaltie submitting themselues vnto him , with such honour and reuerence as belonged to their king . All things thus sorting according to his desire in ASIA , he sent to the prince Germean for the bodie of his father Baiazet , and for his brother Musa , which were there left by Tamerlane , as is before declared . This dead bodie was by the same prince at the request of Mahomet , with great solemnitie sent to PRVSA , and there sumptuously buried , with all the Turkish obsequies and ceremonies : the Turkish Alcoran or booke of their law , being read seauen daies vpon his tombe . All which time great cheere was kept for all commers , and much giuen to the poore ( vpon the Turkish deuotion ) for Baiazet his soule : but aboue all others , exceeding bountie was extended to the posteritie of their prophet Mahomet ; which are knowne from others amongst the Mahometans , by the colour of their apparell , which is all greene , and not lawfull to be worne of any but of them : so that they were by the bountie of Mahomet at that time greatly enriched . He also endowed the Abbey which his father had there lately built , with great lands and possessions for the maintenance thereof . All which things done , and the solemnitie past , he went in progresse to all parts of his kingdome , and was in euerie place joyfully receiued , and so afterward returned to AMASIA : and there in great pleasure spent that summer . Where we will for a while leaue him to see what Solyman his eldest brother in the meane time doth at HADRIANOPLE : whose liuely countenance is by the skilfull workemans hand thus expressed . Non malus es nisi te eneruet male suada voluptas Quaeque minus bello conuenit ingluuies . Hospitio Mirxi fruitur iam Musa Valachi : Ille tuum vigilat pronus in exitium . IAC . BOISARDVS . Euill art thou not , except leaud lust doe hasten on thy fall : Or riot , which beseemeth not a martiall man at all . Thy brother Musa entertaind by Marke to thine annoy , Doth take no rest , but waiteth still how he may thee destroy . Soliman the eldest sonne of Baiazet ( who kept his court at HADRIANOPLE , there peaceably raigning all this while ouer the countries which his father Baiazet sometime possessed in EVROPE ) hearing what his brother Mahomet had done , and how violently against all right hee had driuen Isa out of PRUSA , and made him glad to flie to CONSTANTINOPLE : was with this his outrageous dealing much offended , and thereupon calling vnto him his Bassaes & faithfull counsellors , declared vnto them the vnnaturall proceedings of Mahomet against his brother Isa. Wherin ( said he ) he doth me also great wrong in taking vpon him the soueraignetie ouer those great dominions and countries in ASIA , which of right belong to me his eldest brother , and not to him the yongest of six . In reuenge of which injurie and wrong , I intend in mine owne right , to passe ouer into ASIA with a strong armie , and by force of armes to recouer mine inheritance there , if I may not otherwise come by it . Vnto which speech one of his graue counsellors replied : That in his opinion it was not the best course for himselfe to goe in person into those wars . For although ( said he ) your brother Mahomet be but young , and therfore by your greatnesse lesse accounted of , yet is his fortune great , and his experience aboue his yeares . None haue yet had to doe with him , but they haue had ynough of him : yea , it is worth the noting , how politickly he hath borne himselfe for his owne safetie , and the safegard of the countries which he gouerned all the while that the great and mightie Tamerlane with his innumerable forces couered the face of the countries fast by him : most part whereof , Mahomet hath now since his departure , againe recouered . Wherefore it were best for you to send for your angrie brother Isa , to CONSTANTINOPLE , and to make him generall of the armie you intend to send into ASIA against Mahomet . In which warres , it is not vnlike , but that one of your brethren will be lost , whereby you shall haue one competitor of your kingdome the lesse . So shall you afterwards with lesse trouble subdue him that is left , or at leastwise please him with some part of that which they haue so mightely striuen for . This counsell was of Soliman and all the rest well liked of , and approued . So was Isa presently sent for vnto CONSTANTINOPLE , and a great armie leuied . Who being come to HADRIANOPLE , was by Soliman courteously welcommed , and made generall of his armie : and therewith shipped ouer the strait of HELLESPONTVS into ASIA . Where at his first comming , hee possessed the whole countrey of CARASIA or LYDIA : and passing further , in all places where he came , was receiued of the people with great reuerence , they all promising him their obedience , if it were his fortune to preuaile against his younger brother Mahomet : wherewith he held himselfe well contented . So comming to the cittie of BEG-BAZER , otherwise called DESPO●●POLIS , he there wintered with his armie . In which time , hee with many kind and louing letters still directed to Mahomet as his younger brother , seemed to be glad that he was so well obeyed and liked of by his subjects : and that presuming of his loue and fauour , he was as his louing brother , and not as an enemie come into ASIA , to entreat with him of such matters as much concerned the good of them both . Whereunto Mahomet with like dissimulation answered , That hee was right glad of his comming , for which he needed not ( as he said ) to make any excuse , for that he was entred into a kingdome , in part his owne , and the rest open before him : in token wherof , he commaunded a rich garment to be cast vpon the messenger as a fauor , sending also diuers rich presents vnto his brother , with great prouision of victuals , and other necessaries for his souldiors . But Winter past , and the Spring come , Isa marched with his armie to PRUSA , and ●here shewed vnto the cittizens the louing letters he had at sundry times before receiued from Mahomet : and telling them that hee was in good hope that they should in short time right well agree ; requested to haue the castle deliuered vnto him , sometime their soueraigne : whereinto the better sort of the cittizens had retired themselues , and made fast the gates against him : but when he saw that he could by no faire words or pollicie gaine the possession of the castle , enraged with that repulse , he set fire vpon that goodly citie , and burnt it downe to the ground . Mahomet not ignorant how his brother Isa romed vp and downe his kingdome , vsing all kindnesse to such as yeelded vnto him ; and exercising no lesse crueltie vpon such as refused his obedience : and how that hee had rased the royall cittie of PRVSA : hauing gathered a strong armie , marched in ten daies from AMASIA to PRVSA , and by the way meeting with his brother Isa , in a great battaile ouerthrew him with all his forces . Isa himselfe , accompanied with no more but ten persons , fled vnto CASTAMONA , prince Isfendiar his cittie : who hearing of his arriuall there , entertained him with all the honour he could , in recompence of the great friendship he had before found at his hands , at what time he was an humble suter in his father Baiazet his court . Mahomet comming to PRUSA , greeued exceedingly to see that faire citie so destroied : yet to comfort the poore citizens , he gaue exceeding summes of money to bee bestowed amongst them , and tooke order for the new building of the citie , and there continued certaine daies himselfe to see the worke begun . Isa in the meane time , hauing incited the prince Isfendiar in his quarrell to inuade his brother Mahomet , and going thether himselfe in person , was by him now the third time ouerthrowne and put to flight . Neuerthelesse he with some small forces , twice afterwards entred into Mahomets dominion , but finding few or none willing to follow his euill fortune , was glad at last to flie to the prince of SMIRNA , by whom he was both honourably entertained and comforted . This prince of SMIRNA mooued with Isa his pitifull complaints , in so manifest a wrong , did not onely promise him what helpe he could of himselfe , but also by his embassadours solicited the princes of AIDINIA , SARUCHANIA , and MENTESIA , to giue him aid in so just a quarrell , for the releefe of Isa against his vsurping brother : These princes pitying the case of the distressed prince , and moued with the request of the prince of SMIRNA , and fearing also the ambitious spirit of Mahomet ; amongst them sent such aid , that being all assembled together , Isa had now twentie thousand men in armes . Mahomet vnderstanding of this great preparation made against him , and hauing raised a strong armie , thought it not best to expect his brothers comming into his countrey ( where perhaps many might joyne themselues vnto him , being so strong in field ) but entred the prince of SMIRNA his country , with such speed , that he was vpon him and the rest of his enemies before he was looked for ; where after a great & bloodie fight , he obtained of them a notable victorie . Isa hauing lost the battaile , and therewith his hope also , fled into CARAMANIA , and there in such obscuritie ended his daies , that no man can tell where nor how he died . This was the end of this noble prince , alwaies of greater courage than fortune . The prince of SMIRNA the chiefe authour of this warre , humbling himselfe to Mahomet , obtained his fauour . The other confederate princes which gaue aid to Isa , were shortly after by Mahomet for most part spoiled of their dominions . Which done he returned with victorie to the building of PRUSA , hoping now to liue at more quiet . But whilst Mahomet after this victorie , dreading no danger , was in the middest of his pleasures at PRUSA , he was certainly aduertised , That his eldest brother Solyman had raised a great armie in EUROPE , to inuade him in ASIA . Vpon which aduertisement , hee furnished the castle of PRUSA with a strong garrison , and all things needfull for the induring of a long siege , and placed Iacup-Beg ( the sonne of Firoses ) captaine therein ; and afterwards departed himselfe , because that citie lately before burnt by Isa , was not as yet to be defended , much lesse to be accounted of as a place to retire vnto , if need should so require . From PRUSA he came to ANCYRA , & from thence directed commissions for the taking vp of souldiors in all parts of his kingdome . At which time hee writ letters also to Doioran a Tartar prince ( whom hee had many times greatly pleasured ) for aid : who presently came vnto him with certaine troupes of braue horse , promising him his faithfull seruice . Not long after , hearing that his brother Solyman was with a puissant armie now come ouer HELLESPONTUS , he consulted with his best leaders , what course first to take ; being himselfe of opinion , without delay to meet his brother in the field , deeming it great shame not to offer him present battaile . But he was by his more expert captaines aduised , to consider that he was to fight against his eldest brother , of whose good or bad fortune hee had as yet no experience : and that many secretly fauoured his quarrell , and claime , as the eldest sonne and right heire of his father Baiazet : and that therefore it were better for him to retire farther off into the strength of his kingdome , and so temporizing , to await all good oportunities which might chaunce , as it doth in nothing more than in martiall affaires ; rather than to commit all to the hazard of one battell , wherein if fortune failed him , all were then vtterly lost . Vpon which resolution he retired from ANCYRA towards AMASIA . At which time Doioran the false Tartarian , marching out at the other side of the citie , fell to robbing and spoiling of Mahomets subjects as an enemie , burning the countrey villages as they went : which thing when Mahomet vnderstood , he with his horsemen pursued him ; and ouertaking him before he was looked for , slue most part of his men , and recouered all the spoile which hee had before taken ; all which Mahomet gaue to his souldiours . Doioran himselfe hardly escaping by flight . And so Mahomet hauing reuenged himselfe vpon his dissembling friend , held on his way towards AMASIA . Solyman being come into ASIA , led his armie towards PRUSA : where the citizens vnderstanding of his comming , went out of the citie to meet him , and hauing done vnto him such honour and reuerence as belonged to their Sultan , brought him peaceably into the citie . But Iacup-Beg stood vpon his guard , and would by no meanes deliuer vnto him the castle which was before by Mahomet committed to his charge : for which cause Solyman laid hard siege vnto it , and gaue therevnto diuers sharpe assaults , whereby the defendants were greatly weakned , many of them being slaine , and the rest for the most part wounded . Whereupon Iacup by letters sent by one Eine Hozze , certified Mahomet how things stood , and that the castle could not long bee holden against the furious assaults of Solyman , except it were with speed releeued : vpon which newes , he in all hast made towards PRUSA , returning the same messenger before him with letters to the captaine of the castle , if happily he could find meanes to deliuer the same : Wherein he highly commended him for his faithfull seruice , and promised him speedie releefe . This messenger with his letters , chaunced by Solyman his souldiours to bee intercepted , and brought to Alis Bassa , Solyman his chiefe councellour ( a man of a sharpe conceit ) who of nothing could make something , but hauing any thing to worke vpon , could doe wonders : He hauing straightly examined the messenger , and perused the letters , suppressed the same , and presently writ others in the name of Mahomet , commending the captaine for that hee had alreadie done in his seruice ; but yet for as much as he could not possibly in time releeue him , he willed him therefore to deliuer vp the castle , and to prouide for the safetie of himselfe and his garrison , by such conditions as he could best obtaine . These counterfeit letters Alis Bassa found meanes to bee as cunningly deliuered vnto the captaine , as they were craftely endited : who hauing read the same , and now out of all hope of releefe , expecting also euery houre to be assaulted by the furious enemie ; vpon reasonable conditions yeelded the castle to Solyman . The newes whereof being brought vnto Mahomet , now come within one dayes march of PRUSA , exceedingly grieued him : but seeing no remedie , he returned backe againe to AMASIA ; whither Solyman ( now possessed of the cittie and castle of PRUSA , and hauing thereby got a great name in ASIA ) shortly after came with his armie , and hardly besieged his brother in AMASIA : but seeing no hope to win the cittie , he retired backe againe to PRUSA , and there after his wonted manner spent his time in riot and excesse , whereunto he was ex●eedingly giuen . Iacup Beg for yeelding of the castle , was afterward by Mahomet straightly imprisoned , and in danger to haue beene put to death , had not the great Bassaes become earnest intercessours for him . Mahomet lying at AMASIA , was by his secret espials aduertised , That his brother Solyman hauing dispersed his armie , lay in great securitie at PRUSA , guarded but with a small power , passing his time in all voluptuous pleasure , his common exercise . Wherupon he in all hast marched with his armie thitherwards , to haue surprised him , before hee should bee able to call together his dispersed forces . But when he was come to the riuer SANGARIUS , hee was discouered by Solyman Subbassa , a great captaine , whom Sultan Solyman had sent , for the taking vp of men in that side of the countrey . Who returning in all hast , gaue Solyman knowledge of his brothers comming : with which suddaine newes he was so dismayed , being now of small strength , that for the auoiding of the imminent danger , he would presently haue fled into EUROPE , had not Alis Bassa otherwise persuaded him : telling him , That if he should so cowardly flie away , it would not onely blemish and defame his honour , but discourage his friends also in ASIA , and encourage his enemies to pursue him perhaps vnto the gates of HADRIANOPLE : and that therefore it were better , with such forces as hee had , to take the straits about NEAPOLIS , and so to stay his brothers further passage into that countrey , vntill such time as hee might assemble the rest of his armie . According to which good counsell , he first tooke the beforenamed straits and passages , whereby Mahomet was of necessitie to passe , and there strongly fortified himselfe . Mahomet comming thither , with great force entered those straits , but was still valiantly by Solyman repulsed . The like attempt hee many times valiantly gaue , for that he knew himselfe to be at that time too strong for his brother : but Solyman hauing the aduauntage of the place , with little danger or losse frustrated those his brothers braue attempts , although hee were then a great deale the weaker . Alis Bassa , whose wilie head , fraught with long experience , could ( with nothing ) effect great matters , in the meane time was not idle , but ( making Solyman before acquainted with his doings ) sent a secret messenger ( one of his owne trustie seruants ) to Mahomet with letters , certifying him , That most of his nobilitie and great captaines had secretly conspired to betray him into the hands of his elder brother Solyman , as the vndoubted heire of his father Baiazet ; and so with the price of his head , to make their owne peace and attonement with him : and that for the performance thereof , they had bound themselues first vnto Solyman , and afterwards one to another , by solemne oath . Which treason hee discouered vnto him , with great protestation of his loue and good will , as hee that had of long time eaten bread and salt ( as the Turkes vse to say ) in his fathers court ; and therefore could not but wish well vnto him , being one of his lord and maisters sonnes . These letters something troubled Mahomet , breeding in his head many a jealous conceit : for all that , he ceased not for six or seauen daies space , to giue many a hot skirmish for the gaining of those straight passages , but all in vaine . In which time , it chaunced one of his seruants neere about his person , to flie vnto the enemie ; which caused him the more to suspect all that to be true , whereof Alis Bassa had forewarned him . Which considered , and that by lying there he preuailed nothing , but lost and wearied his men ( for it was all that while exceding foule weather ) and withall doubting to be betraied , returned as he came , to AMASIA . And Solyman glad also of his departure retired to PRUSA , giuing order into all parts of his kingdome , for the assembling of a great armie : but vnderstanding that the king of CARAMANIA had made a league with his brother Mahomet , and that they were agreed to joyne their forces against him for the driuing of him out of ASIA , he forthwith drew all his forces to ANCYRA , as a place of more safetie . Whilest Solyman thus lay at ANCYRA , it fortuned that Musa ( which had all this while remained with his brother Mahomet , since he was set at libertie by Tamerlane ) though not altogether well pleased with his owne estate , one daie by way of talke , thus spake vnto his brother : You see ( said he ) how our elder brother Solyman ceaseth not to vex and molest vs daily , and is not vnlike in the end to preuaile against vs , to our vtter destruction : Now if it might please you to giue me leaue , I would goe to Isfendiar prince of CASTAMONA and PONTUS , our brothers enemie , and of him procure shipping to passe ouer the Euxine sea into EUROPE : where I doubt not to find oportunitie to make some great innouation in that kingdome , now in my brothers absence : by reason whereof , Solyman shall of necessitie be driuen to leaue ASIA , to be again by you solie possessed : or else be brought in danger , there to lose his kingdome in EUROPE . Which if it shall be my good hap to gaine out of his hands by your supportation , I promise you faithfully to hold the same of you , as of my lord and soueraigne . This greatly pleased Mahomet , and therevpon not long after they concluded betwixt themselues , one to stand fast vnto another , and the one to help the other in what they could , during life ; confirming the same with great solemnitie of their Turkish faith giuen , and taken . Wherevpon Mahomet furnished his brother Musa with great summes of money and other needfull things , for the taking in hand of so great an enterprise . Musa thus furnished , taking his leaue of his brother , set forwards towards the prince Isfendiar : who hearing of his comming met him on the way , and entertained him as a great prince . But after that Musa had made him acquainted with his purpose for passing into EUROPE , and had obtained graunt of his helpe therein , he tooke his leaue of him for a time , and went to visit the king of CARAMANIA ; who also most honourably entertained him , and the rather in despight of Solyman . But whilest Musa was thus passing the time in CARAMANIA , it fortuned that Marke ( of some called Mirxes ) prince of VALACHIA , hauing his countrey much spoiled by Solyman his garrisons ; and hearing that Musa one of Baiazet his sonnes , was with the prince Isfendiar ; he writ vnto him , promising to bestow his daughter and heire in mariage vpon Musa , if he would come ouer into EUROPE , and reuenge the wrong done vnto him by Solyman : wherof Musa aduertised by the prince Isfendiar , gladly returned out of CARAMANIA , and was by him transported ouer the EUXINE or blacke sea , into EUROPE : where the prince of VALACHIA glad of his comming , receiued him with great honour , and according to his promise gaue him his daughter in mariage . The fame of Musa his comming into EUROPE , and of his mariage , was in short time bruted through all Solyman his kingdome in EUROPE , and wrought such effect in the minds of the mutable vulgar people ( alwaies desirous of noueltie ) that they all as it were with one consent , submitted themselues vnto him , as vnto their lord and soueraigne . In so much that comming to the royall citie of HADRIANOPLE , in the absence of his brother Solyman , hee was there receiued as their king . Solyman now lying at ANCYRA in ASIA , vnderstanding of these proceedinges of Musa in EUROPE , and that he was possessed of a great part of his kingdome there , was therewith exceedingly troubled . Wherfore leauing his deputie in ANCYRA , he with all his army came to the strait of BOSPHORUS , and there of Emanuel the Greeke emperour obtained passage , promising for the same to restore vnto him certaine places before taken from him in ASIA : for Musa had so prouided , that he could haue no helpe of the Turkish shipping , which was by his commaundement all before brought ouer vnto EUROPE side . Musa hearing of Solyman his ariuall in EUROPE , made towards him with a great power : but after that both their armies were come the one within view of the other , and now readie to joyne battaile , many of Musa his captaines forsooke , him and fled to Solyman the elder brother and their vndoubted king : which Musa beholding , was glad to flie , and to take the safegard of the woods and mountaines for his refuge . After which victorie , Solyman returning to HADRIANOPLE , tooke againe possession of his kingdome , and there without measure gaue himselfe to riot and excesse , according to his woonted manner . After the departure of Solyman out of ASIA , Iacup-Beg ( but lately before againe receiued into Mahomet his fauour , and now left as Solyman his deputie ) deliuered ANCYRA with the castle of PRUSA , and all the rest that Solyman had gained in ASIA , to Mahomet ; who shortly after led his armie through the countries of CARASIA , AYDINIA , SARUCANIA , TEKENSIS , and GERMEANIA , reducing them once again vnto his obeisance : and afterwards returned to PRUSA , where he now the second time tooke possession of his fathers kingdome in ASIA . Musa still aided by the Valachian prince his father in law , gaue many great attempts against his brother Solyman : but was still put to the worse . At length hauing gathered some good strength , and diligently attending the least smile of better fortune , drew neere vnto the place where Solyman lay , who at that time was ( as his manner was ) banqueting with great pleasure in his campe , and full of wine . In so much that when newes was brought vnto him , That his brother Musa was at hand with a great power ; he in his drunkennesse caused the messenger that brought the newes to be beaten : and when he with greater earnestnesse than was to his liking , affirmed that his report to be true , he commaunded him to be slaine for troubling his mirth . But not long after , Musa was come so neere , that the vauntcourrours of his armie did skirmish with some of Solyman his souldiours : when as Chasis Eurenoses one of his fathers old captaines , pressing in , told him that Musa was at hand , and had skirmished with part of his armie . Whereof Solyman ( now farre in wine ) had no regard , but said : Good tutor doe not trouble me no more , my brother Musa dare not come so nigh me , if I doe but hold vp my cappe , he is gone . With which answere the old captain going out discontented , sent in Chasan , Aga of the Ianizaries : who boldly comming vnto him , told him plainly of the imenent danger , and sharply reprooued him for his intemperance and securitie . With whose free speech , Solyman mooued , in great rage commanded his beard to be cut off ( then no smal disgrace amongst the Turks . ) Chasan presently comming forth thus disgraced , said to them that stood waiting without : This is the honour wherewith Sultan Solyman in his excesse , rewardeth his most faithfull seruants . Wherefore bee it knowne to you all , I will from henceforth ( and not without cause ) serue Musa , a prince of greater temperance and discretion : who so will follow me , come and welcome , So mounting to horse , and accompanied with a number of his Ianizaries , of whom hee was greatly beloued , went ouer to Musa : as did many other great captaines also with their companies , mooued by his example so to doe . But when Solyman vnderstood that Chasan with most part of the Ianizaries , and many other worthy captaines with the greatest strength of his armie , were reuolted to Musa , then fast by , and readie to set vpon him ; it then repented him too late of his dissolute folly : and finding no other remedy now to escape , hid himselfe vntill it was darke night ; then taking horse , accompanied onely with Caratze Beg and Cara Muchill , two of his noblemen , and one countrey Turke ( whom they had retained for their guide ) thought to haue fled to CONSTANTINOPLE . This malicious clowne , hauing of purpose led them by vnknowne waies all that night too and fro , as it were in a maze , oftentimes misnaming vnto them the places they passed by , as if they had been in the right way ; brought them in the morning to a village not farre from the place from whence they departed the euening before : and there riding a little before them , of purpose , gaue warning to a sturdie peasant or two of his acquaintance , That Solyman was comming after : willing them to make stay of him . These rude countrey churles , with some others of like breed , running out with bats and staues , and such other homely tooles as first came to hand , slew Caratze , and Cara Muchill , which would not yeeld vnto them but stood vpon their guard , and tooke Solyman aliue : where , as it commonly falleth out in the vulgar peoples furie , some cried out to kill him , and so to end the warres ; some likewise to burne him ; and some to hang him ; and some few to saue him : euerie one as his rude affection lead him . In the heat of this countrey vprore came Musa , who glad to see his brother Solyman so hardly beset , caused him presently to be there strangled , when hee had raigned in HADRIANOPLE six yeares and ten moneths . This was the miserable end of Solyman , the eldest sonne that Baiazet left aliue . A man much giuen to excesse , otherwise endued with many great vertues , being both of great valour and exceeding bountifull . In his time liued the learned doctor Achmetes which wrote the historie of Alexander the Great , in Turkish verse , and published it in the name of Solyman himselfe : for which he was by him bounteouslie rewarded . The dead bodie of Solyman himselfe , was by the commaundement of Musa conuaied to PRUSA , and there lieth buried fast by the bodie of his grandfather Amurath . So now of these Cadmeian brethren , remained none but Mahomet and Musa , the one raigning in ASIA , and the other in EUROPE , diuers parts of world , and well bounded with the surest bounds of nature : yet not sufficient to content or containe their ambitious minds , vntill that the younger had most vnnaturally deuoured the elder : whose liuely counterfait , as it is by the skilfull workeman expressed , you may here behold . Quid properas insane tuum pessundare fratrem ? Nam sceleris tanti , Praemia digna feres . Quicquid enim fratri malefeceris , hoc tibi frater . Mox referet , nimis haec in tua fata ruis . RICH. KNOLLEVS . What hastest thou mad foole , thy brother to confound ? The guerdon of such villanie , shall to thy selfe redound . For looke what mischiefe thou hast wrought shall turne to thee againe : Why dost thou therefore foolish man so hasten on thy paine ? Musa presently after the death of his brother Solyman , tooke vpon him the Turkish kingdome in EUROPE : who in the beginning of his raigne displaced most of them which had born great offices before in the time of his brother Solyman , and had now of late reuolted to him ▪ fearing to be by them betrayed or forsaken , as his brother was ▪ and in their roomes placed other his owne creatures . And not so content , proceeded farther , vpon small causes most vnkindly to imprison and put to death many of them that had of him well deserued . Which cruell dealing so alienated the minds of his nobilitie , that many of them kept themselues out of the way ; doubtfully expecting the euent of such his tyrannicall gouernment : Chasis Eurenoses , that old and renowned captaine , to escape his hands , was glad to feigne himselfe blind , so to absent himselfe from court . At this time hee also by his embassadours demaunded of diuers Christian princes his neighbours , such tribute as they had in times past either paied or promised to pay vnto his father Baiazet : and in that quarrell inuaded diuers of them , namely , the princes of SERVIA and BULGARIA . Amongst others he sent Ibrahim Bassa , a learned man of great experience , and sometimes one of his fathers graue counsellours , vnto Emanuell Paleologus , the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , to demaund the like tribute of him . Who so soone as he was come to CONSTANTINOPLE , from thence by letters aduertised Mahomet of the vndiscreet gouernment of his brother Musa in his new gotten kingdome ; and what vntimely stirres he began to make , before he was therein well setled , loosing the loue both of his subjects and neighbour princes : with much other matter concerning his misgouernment . Which things when Mahomet vnderstood , he sent a messenger with letters backe againe to CONSTANTINOPLE , requesting the Bassa to come ouer vnto him into ASIA , and in token of his great fauour sent him diuers rich garments , with many great and princely promises : wherewith the Bassa mooued , and detesting the cruell gouernment of Musa , went ouer vnto him to PRUSA , and there was of him honourably entertained , and sworne one of his priuie counsell : in which place of honour he long time afterwards serued him faithfully , and after him his sonne Amurath also . Mahomet thinking , vpon the aduantage of his brothers euill gouernment , to find meanes to thrust him out of his kingdome , and so to draw the whole gouernment of the Turkish empire vnto himselfe , as well in EUROPE as in ASIA ; assembled an armie of fifteene thousand choice souldiors to inuade his brother in EUROPE , before hee were there well established in his kingdome . And so shocking downe towards the straits of BOSPHORUS , by his embassador concluded a league with Emanuel the Greeke emperour , That one of them should neuer wrong or damnifie the other : and that if Mahomet should hap to obtaine the Turkish kingdome in EUROPE , he should alwaies honour and reuerence the emperour as his especiall good friend ; but if it should chance him to be distressed or ouerthrowne by his brother Musa , that then the emperour should presently transport him and his armie backe again into ASIA . This league was with great solemnitie of words on both parts confirmed . And shortly after Mahomet with all his armie was by the emperours shipping at the strait of BOSPHORUS neere vnto CONSTANTINOPLE , transported ouer into EUROPE : for Musa possessed of GALLIPOLIS , had stopped all the other passages . Musa hauing before knowledge of his brothers comming , was foorthwith in readinesse to meet him with a strong armie . So that Mahomet had not marched farre from the sea side , but that the vauntcourriers of his armie met with his brothers , at a place called INTZUGE , and there began a light skirmish : wherin Musa his forerunners were by Mahomets put to flight , and chased vnto Musa his campe . Whereof such a suddaine feare arose in the armie , that they were almost readie to flie , thinking Mahomet had beene vpon them with all his power : but vnderstanding the truth of the matter , both armies rested that night , which as then drew fast on . The next day these two brethren , armed with equall hope , brought their armies into the field , & gaue the signall of battaile , whereupon began a mortall and bloodie fight : in the furie whereof , Michaell Ogli , Bassa of ROMANIA , and certaine other of Musa his great captaines , vpon secret discontentment reuolted to Mahomet : wherewith many of Musa his souldiors discouraged , fled . Which Mahomet his souldiors seeing , pursued the chace with such earnestnesse and furie , that few were left with himselfe : yet with such as were left , in hope of good hap , he set vpon his brother : who although hee was halfe discomfited with the flight of the greater part of his armie , whom the enemies had yet in chace , yet stood he fast himselfe with seuen thousand Ianizaries , his best souldiors ; so taking the vnexpected good hap , presented vnto him by his brothers forwardnesse , valiantly receiued his charge . But Mahomet finding there a greater strength than hee had before supposed , and himselfe too weake to withstand the furie of the Ianizaries , because most of his men also were following the chace , was now for safegard of his life glad to flie himselfe to CONSTANTINOPLE : whether hee came accompanied scarcely with two hundred men : and was from thence ; according to the agreement before made betwixt him and the emperour , speedily shipped ouer into ASIA . Musa hauing thus put his brother to flight , with great slaughter of his men , presently tooke his tents with all that was therein , and there encamped himselfe . They of Mahomets armie , which followed the chace of such as had fled in the beginning of the battaile , not knowing what had happened to Mahomet , returning to the campe , doubting no perill , and finding it at their returne possessed by their enemies , stood as men amased and vtterly discouraged : at which time Musa would not suffer his souldiours to put them to the sword , as they would faine haue done , but commaunded them to bee despoiled of their armes and such other things as they had , and so with life suffered them to depart . After this ouerthrow , whilest Mahomet lay still at PRUSA , the prince of SMYRNA forcibly entred into AIDINIA , purposing to passe through into SARUCANIA : which thing Mahomet hearing , gathered a great armie , and entering into the princes countrey , made such spoile as hee went , and so distressed the prince himselfe , that he was glad to submit himselfe vnto him , and from thenceforth to hold his dominion of him , as of his lord and soueraigne , and so returned vnto AMASIA . Mahomet could not well disgest the losse he had so lately receiued in EUROPE , and therefore leuied an armie of choice souldiors out of all parts of his kingdome , once againe to trie his fortune against his elder brother Musa . For the better successe wherein , he by his letters craued aid of the prince Duldager Ogli , written to this effect : Sultan Mahomet vnto the prince Dulgader Ogli , his father in law . My purpose is to lead mine armie into ROMANIA in EUROPE , and there againe to trie my quarrell with my brother Musa . My hope is , that you will not with your aid be wanting vnto me your sonne in law , in my so great affaires , neither for want of good will to hinder this my purpose . Fare you well , in the yeare of our great Prophet Mahomet 814. From AMASIA . Whereunto the prince returned this kind answere : Prince Dulgader Ogli vnto the great Sultan Mahomet . I doubt not most mightie Monarch , but that whither so euer your desires shall draw you for the vnderta●ing of any great exploit , he that ruleth aboue in heauen , will be alwaies your aid , prosper your attempts , minister vnto you fit occasions , and bring all your actions vnto most happie end , with most assured victorie . Wherefore seeing ( God so disposing our affaires ) I cannot my selfe in person come vnto you with my power , and giue you my trustie helpe in this your intended warre : yet will I in no case faile with all speed to send my sonne your seruant , to aid you with our forces , in this warre . Fare you well this same yeare of our Prophet 814. And so shortly after , the prince sent vnto him his sonne , according to his promise , with a companie of braue souldiors , excellently furnished : for the welcomming of whom , Mahomet his brother in law made a great and royall feast : and there in his mirth gaue vnto the young prince the rich apparrell hee wore himselfe , with the horse hee rode vpon , and all the rich plate of gold and siluer wherein they were serued at that feast , a matter of great value . And to euery one of his noblemen he gaue a rich garment , made for that purpose , with some other gift , as a fauour : and afterwards gaue them all to vnderstand , That he intended forthwith to passe ouer into EUROPE , and there to recouer all his fathers kingdome , or els there to end his daies : As for the spoile and prey ( said hee ) shall bee theirs that can win it : one horse , one sword , one horsemans mace shall content my selfe . So hauing furnished his armie with all things needfull for so great an enterprise , hee set forward , and came to the strait of BOSPHORUS ; and from thence gaue knowledge of his comming to the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE : who glad thereof ( for the displeasure he bare to Musa ) transported him and all his armie ouer that strait into EUROPE ▪ and there in one of his countrey pallaces royally feasted him . At which time Mahomet requested the emperour to joine with him in that warre against their common enemie : but hee excused himselfe by reason of his great age ; yet neuerthelesse , assisted him with certaine companies of valiant Christians , whose seruice afterward stood the Turke in great stead . So Mahomet taking his leaue of the emperour , marched with his armie to the riuer WYZEN in THRACIA , where by the way he receiued letters from the antient captaine Chasis Eurenoses , aduising him to be very circumspect in his marching , and not to make too much hast to joine battaile with his brother : counselling him also ( if he could by any means ) to allure Iegides Bassa , Barac Beg , and Sinan Beg , to forsake his brother , and to follow his ensignes ; for that in those men consisted Musa his greatest strength : and promised in good time to come vnto him himselfe also , if he were not too hastie . This messenger that brought this newes , Mahomet bountifully rewarded , and so sent him away . Shortly after , as he was marching towards HADRIANOPLE , part of the enemies armie , began to shew it selfe vnder the leading of Cara Calile , and was presently charged by Michaell Ogli , and put to flight . So holding on his way to HADRIANOPLE , hee laied siege to the cittie : where the cittizens sent out vnto him certaine of their grauest and most substantiall burgesses , to certefie him , That by reason of the garrison there left by Musa , they could not as then deliuer the cittie vnto him ; but if it should please him to goe and trie his fortune in the field against his brother , who should be the commaunder thereof , he should find them readie to follow his good fortune , and to yeeld themselues , the cittie , and all therein , to his pleasure , if it were his good hap to carrie away the victorie . With which answere Mahomet contenting himselfe , raised his siege , and tooke the way towards ZAGORA . In that place Musa is reported to haue come secretly disguised into Mahomet his campe , and to haue taken full view thereof , but perceiuing himselfe too weake to encounter his brother , withdrew his armie into the safegard of the great woods and strong places : and so from thence retired with his armie towards PHILIPPOPOLIS , and so marched along the riuer MERITZE , called in antient time HEBKUS : Where Iegides Bassa , with Hamza Beg , and Ismir Ogli ( three of Musa his great captaines ) set vpon the rereward of Mahomets armie , and were by Michael Ogli repulsed . Mahomet holding on his way , came to SOPHIA : where as he went , Musa diuers times from the mountaines made shew of his armie , but durst not come downe into the plaine to giue him battaile . Mahomet hauing refreshed his armie at SOPHIA , marched to SARKIVE , where he receiued letters from Iegides Bassa , Barac Beg , and Sinan Beg , all secretly persuaded by old Eurenoses to reuolt vnto him : the tenor whereof in breefe was this . Iegides Bassa , Barac Beg , and Sinan Beg , vnto the great Sultan Mahomet . We are three young men ( most mightie Monarch ) and haue with vs three thousand choice soldiors , men of incomparable valor , such as the world hath scarce the like : draw your forces neare vnto vs with as much speed as you can , and you shall find vs readie to come ouer vnto you . Fare you well . Whereupon he marched all the next night after , vntill he came to the riuer MORAVA , and there encamped : where the three aforenamed captains , according to their promise joined themselues vnto him with all their souldiors . Thither came also old Eurenoses , of all others the most famous captaine amongst the Turks , and now no longer blind , bringing with him a great companie of most expert souldiours . Marke the Despot of SERVIA ( for the displeasure he bare vnto Musa ) sent him aid thether also . By which supplies , Mahomets armie was greatly encreased : who after he had courteously welcomed all these new come captains , he began againe to march farther vntill he came to COSSOVA , the vnfortunate plaine ; where Hamza Beg the prince of SMYRNA his sonne , hauing forsaken Musa , came vnto him with fiue hundreth horse , certifying him that all the nobilitie had forsaken his father : so , as he marched from place to place , his forces still encreased by the reuolt of his brothers . Musa seeing his souldiours thus daily fall from him , insomuch that he had almost none now left , but the souldious of the court ( which were indeed his best men of warre , and alwaies vnto him faithfull , because he had been euer vnto them exceeding bountifull ) thought it best to attempt something , before he were left himselfe alone . Wherfore hauing yet with him seuen thousand of those expert souldiors , he drew neerer vnto his brother , seeking to haue taken him at some aduantage . But Mahomet hauing knowledge of his purpose , and contented to be aduised by his old expert captaines , had euer a vigilant eye vnto him . Yet at last , whether it were vpon good hope , or els prickt forward with despaire , Musa vpon the suddaine , valiantly set vpon his brothers armie : but his souldiors oppressed with multitude , rather than ouercome with true valour , after a hard and bloodie fight were put to the worst : which he seeing , desperatly brake into the middest of his enemies , seeking there for death amongst the thickest of them . But being knowne by Baiazet Bassa , Mahomet his lieutenant generall , desirous to take him aliue , he was beset on euery side : where seeing himselfe in more danger to be taken than slaine , hee with great courage brake from amongst the middest of them , and fled . In which flight his horse falling into a deepe muddie ditch ( or as some others say , hoxed by Sarutzes his owne seruant , and himselfe wounded ) ouerthrew him , and there before he could againe recouer himselfe was taken by Baiazet Bassa ( the great lieutenant ) Michael Ogli , and Barac Beg , which had hardly pursued him out of the battaile : and so was with his handes bound , by them brought through the middest of the armie . Which pitifull sight , greeued not a little the hearts of many ; to see him but euen now so great a king , and one of the sonnes of great Baiazet , by the strange change of fortune , bound like a captiue slaue led forth to execution : yet were most part glad thereof , hoping this long ciuile wars would now in him take end . Shortly after came vnto him a noble man called Balta Ogly , sent ( as was thought ) from Mahomet himselfe ▪ who after he had in few words bitterly reprooued him , for the crueltie by him before shewed vnto his brother Solyman in like case , caused him presently to be strangled with a bow string . His dead body was by and by after , presented to his brother Mahomet : who seeing it , shed a few Crocadils teares ouer it . He raigned three yeares and seauen moneths , and was afterwards conuaied to PRUSA , and there lieth buried by the bodie of his brother Solyman , in the same chappell with his grandfather Amurath . Mahomet after the death of Musa , now free from all competetours , tooke vpon him the sole gouernment of the Turkish kingdome , as well in EUROPE as in ASIA . And here the Turkish histories begin the raigne of this Mahomet fifth king of the Turks : accounting the troublesome time from the captiuitie of Baiazet , vnto the death of Musa , as a time of vacancie or Anarchi , wherein the Turkish kingdome was not at any time wholie possessed by any one of Baiazet his sonnes . Isa possessing one part , whereof hee was by Mahomet dispossessed : who afterwardes vsurped all that part of the Turkish kingdome in ASIA , being the right of his eldest brother Solyman : Who at that time raigning in EUROPE , was deposed and strangled by his brother Musa : who was in like manner serued by his youngest brother Mahomet , the onely sonne of Baiazet then left , as is before at large declared . Which diuers mutations , and interrupted successions , was the cause that the Historiographers doe so greatly discent vpon the successour of Baiazet : some reckoning one , some another ; and some more , some fewer ; and some , such as neuer were . But forasmuch as Mahomet held all or most part of the Turkish kingdome in ASIA , during this troublesome time ; and in the end possessed the other part thereof in EUROPE also ; I reckon him for the fifth king of the Turks , and successour to his father Baiazet : including also in this Historie of his life , all that intestine and serpentine-like tragedie , wherin he himselfe was the principall actor . Whilest Mahomet was ( as is aforesaid ) thus busied in his wars in EUROPE , against his brother Musa : the king of CARAMANIA taking the aduantage of his troubles there , with a great armie inuaded his kingdome joyning vpon him in ASIA , burning and spoiling all before him as he went : Eiuases Bassa , Mahomet his lieutenant , then lying at PRUSA , not able to withstand him ; and fearing his comming thether , because it was the seat of the Othoman kings in ASIA , caused the citizens to bring the greatest part of their wealth into the castle : whereinto he also receiued so many of the citizens as he conueniently could , willing the rest to shift for themselues as they might , in such case of extremitie . Shortly after , the king of CARAMANIA ( according to his expectation ) came to PRUSA , and without resistance tooke the citie , not as yet fully fortified ; which he without delaie caused the second time to be burnt downe to the ground : and afterwards laid siege to the castle , giuing many great assaults thereto by the space of thirtie daies ; but was alwaies valiantly repulsed by Eiuases the Bassa , who ceased not continually to encourage his souldiours , still putting them in comfort , That Mahomet hauing now ouercome his enemies in EUROPE , would in few daies vndoubtedly come to their releefe . It chaunced at the same time , that the dead bodie of Musa , sent to PRUSA to be buried , was honourably conuaied vpon the way , with much people following it . The Caramanian king hearing of the comming of such a multitude , and fearing it to haue been Mahomet with his power , raised his siege and with speed departed : whereat the Turks long time after jeasted , saying , If the Caramanian king runne away for feare of the dead bodie of the Othoman king ; what would he doe if hee had come against him aliue ? but the truth was , he feared Mahomet and his power . Orchanes the sonne of Solyman ( yet a boy ) hauing liued at CONSTANTINOPLE euer since the death of his father , about this time departed thence , because of the league but lately made between the emperour and his vncle Mahomet , purposing to haue gone into VALACHIA : but by the way as hee was trauelling , the Turkish voluntarie souldiours vnderstanding that hee was the sonne of their late king Solyman , resorted vnto him in great numbers , offering in his quarrell to spend their liues . Of which insurrection Mahomet hearing , marched thether in all hast , with a great power to suppresse the same : of whose coming the souldiors with Orchanes vnderstanding , dispierced themselues and fled . As for Orchanes himselfe , he was by his vnfaithfull tutor Zaganos betraied vnto his vncle Mahomet : who presently caused his eies to be put out , and so sent him to PRUSA : allowing him great reuenewes to liue vpon , and euer after vsed him with great honour . The sister of this Orchanes he gaue in marriage to one of his noblemen , with a great dowrie . This is that Orchanes , whom some historiographers reckon vp among the Turkish kings , as one of the successours of Baiazet ; and that hee was betrayed to his vncle Moses : erring as I suppose , both in the succession and the name , mistaking Moses for Mahomet . Now Mahomet calling to remembrance the injurie which the Caramanian king had done to him in his absence , returning to PRUSA , assembled a great armie to reuenge himselfe of that wrong . At which time , he sent to the prince Isfendiar for aid , who sent him his sonne Cassumes . He commanded also the prince Germian Ogli , to make prouision for the victualing of his campe , as he should passe by his countrey : which was accordingly done . And so prouided of all things necessarie , he with his armie entred into the Caramanian countrey : Where he tooke the cities ASPROPOLIS , DESPOTOPOLIS , HIEROPOLIS , and besieged ICONIUM : but by reason of the imoderate raine which at that time fell , he was glad to make peace with the Caramanian king , called also Mahomet . And so raising his siege , departed towards PONTUS , where hee had not long staied , but that newes was brought vnto him , That the Caramanian king renouncing his league , was againe vp in armes . Wherefore returning into CARAMANIA , and so to ICONIUM , he there ouerthrew the king in battaile , and tooke both him and his son Mustapha prisoners : who redeemed themselues by deliuering diuers of their strong cities and castles into his hands : and afterward concluded a peace , they receiuing from him an ensigne ( as the Turkish maner is ) in token they were now become his vassales . The Caramanian warre thus happily ended , he went ouer into EUROPE , and passing ouer DANUBIUS , foraged the countrey of VALACHIA TRANSALPINA , making there great spoile : for redresse whereof , the Valachian prince by his embassadours sent him such tribute as hee demaunded , and his son also to serue him in his court . About which time happened a great earthquake in PRUSA , and other places of ASIA , wherby many houses & towers were ouerthrown ; after which ensued great troubles in most parts of ASIA : howbeit Mahomet going thether , by his presence kept all his dominions in peace and quietnesse . Isfendiar prince of CASTAMONA and part of PONTUS , reseruing vnto himselfe CASTAMONA , with a little part more of his dominion , gaue the rest vnto Mahomet , vpon condition that he should restore no part thereof againe vnto his sonne Cassumes : who hauing long time serued in Mahomet his court and warres , could not be persuaded to returne againe vnto his father ; and therefore was by him thus disinherited . Which great gift , Mahomet thankefully accepted , and in lieu thereof assigned vnto Cassumes other great and large possessions within his owne kingdome . Mahomet after the death of his brother Musa , had sent Scheiches Bedredin ( his brothers Cadelescher ) to NICE in ASIA , as vnto a place of exile , allowing him neuerthelesse a great pension wheron to liue . This Bedredin had in his house one Burgluzes , Mustapha his steward : these two laid their heads together , how to raise some tumult or rebellion to trouble the peaceable gouernment of Mahomet . For which purpose , Burgluzes ( according to the plot by them laid ) tooke his way into AYDINIA ( sometime called CARIA ) & there pretending a great zeale of reformed religion , with a wonderfull grauitie began to broach diuers new and strange opinions , farre differing from the Turkish antient superstition , yet very plausible and well fitting the humour of the vulgar people . By which meanes he was in short time reputed for a famous learned deuout man , and had many followers , drawing after him much people , fit to begin some great innouation . Bedredin glad of his mans successe , fled from NICE into the prince Isfendiar his countrey , from whence he tooke shipping ouer the Euxine into VALACHIA , and there withdrawing himselfe into a great forrest , as if hee had beene some deuout and religious man , allured vnto him a great number of outlawes and theeues which there liued . Whom when he had sufficiently instructed and framed to his purpose , he sent them in the habit of religious men into the countrey of ZAGORA , and other places in the frontiers of Mahomet his dominions , neere vnto him , as his disciples : who with great boldnesse and confidencie , published Bedredin his doctrine and authoritie ▪ and how that he was by God appointed to be the king of justice , and commaunder of all the world : whose doctrine and manner of gouernment was ( as they said ) alreadie receiued ( as they gaue it out ) in ASIA , being set forth but by one of his schollers , Burgluzes ; whose fame was now dispersed throughout all the Turks dominion : and that therefore , if any were desirous of preferment , they should repaire to Bedredin , who would in short time shew himselfe vnto the world , and promote his followers according to their deserts . Many of the country people deluded with this phantasie and practise of these seditious seed-men , resorted to Bedredin in hope of preferment , and with them some of good calling also . At last , out of the forrest commeth this great prophet , with banner displaied , attended vpon with a great multitude of the seditious vulgar people , which daily resorted vnto him more and more . Mahomet for the repressing of these dangerous tumults , sent his sonne Amurath , and Baiazet the great Bassa , with two thousand men to apprehend Burgluzes in AYDINIA : but when they came thither , they found him guarded with three thousand men well appointed , readie to aduenture their liues in defence of their foolish prophet . Neuerthelesse , Amurath and Baiazet not dismayed with the multitude of those vplandish people , set vpon them : where was fought a right bloodie battaile , for the number , and many slaine on both sides : yet at last the rebels fled ; in which flight Burgluzes himselfe was slaine , and hewen all to peeces . After which victorie Baiazet from thence hasted to MAGNESIA , and there executed Torlac Kemal , another seditious Turkish monke , which with two thousand , by him seduced , did much harme in the countrey thereabout . At the same time also Mahomet sent another power against Bedredin : but most of his followers seeing in him no such matter , as was by his disciples and himselfe promised , and as they hoped for , were alreadie fallen from him ; so that of that great multitude which before followed him , few or none were left with him , whereby he was easily apprehended by them that Mahomet had sent against him : and so being brought to Mahomet to SERRAS , was there in the market place before a tauerne dore , faire hanged , without any farther harme . Mahomet in the short time of his raigne finished the great Mahometane temple at HADRIANOPLE , before begun by his brethren Solyman and Musa . Where he also built a princely pallace , the seat of the Turkish kings in EUROPE , vntill the taking of CONSTANTINOPLE . Hee also built another temple , with a most sumptuous abbey , and a publicke schoole thereto adjoyning , endowing the same with great reuenewes , such as had by him and those his brethren of late been taken from the Christians . He gaue also great summes of money , yearely to be paid at MEDINA and MECHA , for the releefe of poore pilgrims trauelling from far to the sepulchre of their great prophet Mahomet , at MEDINA , or his temple at MECHA . Shortly after Mahomet fell sicke at HADRIANOPLE , and perceiuing himselfe in danger of death , by his last will appointed his eldest sonne Amurath to succeed him in his kingdome ; and sent Eluan-beg ( a man in great fauour with him ) in post to AMASIA , to will him with all speed to repaire to the court at HADRIANOPLE . But feeling death to approch , and that hee could not possibly liue vntill the comming of his sonne , he straightly charged his Bassaes with all secrecie to conceale his death , vntill his comming , for feare least any trouble should arise vpon the bruit thereof , before his comming thither . And so hauing set all things in order , he departed out of this world vnto his prophet Mahomet , about the yeare of our Sauiour Christ 1422 , when hee had raigned seuenteene yeares : accounting in his raigne that troublesome ten yeares next after the captiuitie of Baiazet , in which time the Turkes kingdome was by his ambitious sonnes rent in sunder ( as is aforesaid ) vntill it was at length againe by this Mahomet restored vnto the former integritie , about 7 yeares before his death , which the Turks account for the whole time of his raign : and the other troublesome 10 yeares as a vacancie or Anarchie of their kingdome , as is aforesaid . Mahomet being dead , the three great Bassaes , Eiuases , Baiazet , and Ibrahim ( to rid themselues of the feare they had of the Ianizaries , and other souldiors of the court ) called a Diuano or counsell for the warres , as if the king had been aliue : wherein it was pretended , That Mahomet had determined to make warre vpon the prince of SMYRNA : and that for that seruice it was his pleasure , That the Ianizaries should forthwith passe ouer into ASIA , to the castle of BAGA . Wherupon presse money was presently giuen them , and they sent ouer with letters directed to the viceroy of ANATOLIA , for the assembling of an armie for BAGA . In the meane time , the great Bassaes of the court sat daily in counsell , placing and displacing , promoting and disgracing whome they thought good , as if the king had so commaunded : The kings physicians also , to countenance the matter , were commanded continually to go too and fro with their potions and receits , after their wonted manner , as if they had had the king still in cure : And letters were sent in post to Eluan Beg , for speedie dispatch of the businesse for which he was sent into ASIA . Yet for all this cunning dissimulation , the pentioners , and other souldiours of the court , wont to be neere vnto the kings person , and some of them alwaies of the priuie chamber , began to suspect the matter : and comming to the Bassaes , said they maruailed that the king in so long time did neuer shew himselfe as he had alwaies before done . Whereunto the Bassaes answered , That he had been dangerously sicke , and was as yet but a little recouered , and that therefore the physicians would not suffer him to looke abroad , or take the aire , for feare of casting him downe againe . Then will wee our selues said the pentioners goe in and see his majestie , and with that were readie to force in vpon the Bassaes. Eiuases seeing their importunitie , desired them to hold themselues contented , and not as then to trouble the king , for that hee had that day , as hee said , taken physicke ; but to morrow ( said he ) we will request his majestie , if he so please to shew himselfe , that you may see him : wherewith they for that time held themselues content . Now amongst the kings physicians there was one Geordiron , a Persian , a man of a quicke spirit and subtill deuise , which found means to deceiue the pentioners : he deuised , that the dead bodie of the king being apparrelled in royall large robes , should be brought betwixt two , as if he had been led into an high open gallerie ; and being there set , to haue a boy so neatly placed behind him vnder his large robes , as that he vnperceiued , might moue the kings hand vp to his head , as if he should stroke his face or beard , as his manner was . The next day the dead king being accordingly brought foorth by the Bassaes in his rich robes , and wrapped with clothes about his head , as if it had been for feare of the aire , or of taking cold , and so placed in an high open gallerie , as was before deuised : suddainely the physician came running in ●uming and raging , as if he had been halfe mad , readie to teare his clothes for anger ; and in great choller casting his cap against the ground , asked the Bassaes , if they meant to kill the king , by bringing him into the open aire ? We ( said he ) haue with great pains , in long time , a little recouered him , and will you thus foolishly cast him downe againe ? Pardon vs good doctor ( said Eiuases ) for these gentlemen ( pointing to the pentioners ) were so importunat to see his majestie , that to satisfie their desires , he was content to be led forth of his chamber : wherof we hope shall ensue no harme . The pentioners seeing the king many times moouing his hand to his face , and as it were stroking his beard , held themselues well contented , supposing him to haue beene aliue , although but weake , and therefore not willing to speake vnto them . The physicians taking him vp amongst them , carried him into his lodging againe , which was but fast by , making as if they had carried an extreame sicke man. Thus was his death cunningly concealed one and fortie daies , vntill the comming of Amurath his sonne . This Mahomet was both wise and valiant , and withall exceeding bountifull , but ambitious aboue measure : and may of right be accounted the restorer of the Turkes kingdome ; for he recouered againe all those countries in ASIA which Tamerlane had taken away and giuen vnto other Mahometane princes , after the ouerthrow of Baiazet . And when as the kingdome of the Turkes was rent in peeces and almost brought to naught by ciuile wars , and the ambition of himselfe and his brethren ; he at length got possession of the whole , and so left it to his sonne Amurath an entire kingdome , in the former greatnesse , althogh not much by him augmented . His bodie lieth buried in a faire tombe made of artificiall stone , very beautifull to behold , in a chappell at the East side of PRUSA , where we leaue him at his rest . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Mahomet the first . Emperours Of the East Emanuell Palaeologus . 1387. 30. Of the West Rupertus duke of Bauaria . 1400. 10. Sigismund king of Hungarie . 1411. 28. Kings Of England Henrie the fourth . 1399. 13. Henrie the fift . 1413. 9. Of Fraunce Charles the sixt , surnamed , The welbeloued . 1381. 42. Of Scotland Iohn Stuart , otherwise called Robert. 1390. 16. Iames the first . 1424. 13. Bishops of Rome Boniface the IX . 1391. 14. Innocent the VII . 1405. 2. Gregorie the XII . 1407. 2. Alexander the V. 1410. 1. Iohn the XXIII . 1411. 5. Martin the V. 1417. 13. AMVRATH . II. AMVRANTHES SECVNDUS SEXTVS TVRCARVM REX FLORVIT ANNO 1422 Europam luctu & funestis cladibus implens Saeuus Amurathes totus in arma ruit . Maior at Huniades virtute & fortibus ausis , Cogit eum trepida vertere terga fuga . Consilia Eugenij bellum furialia suadent , Sacrorum antistes Martia ad arma ruit : ( Arma viri tractent , curet sua templa sacerdos ) Europae exitium res tulit ista graue . Fierce Amurath doth EUROPE fill with blood and wofull cries : And wholie giuen to martiall deeds , doth whole in armes arise . But yet Huniades ( than he , of greater strength and might ) Enforced him right fearefully to turne his backe in flight . Eugenius his infernall spels , stirs vp a fatall jarre : Who hauing charge of sacred rites , runs headlong into warre . ( Leaue martiall deeds to martiall men , and let the priest goe praie ) Such diuelish councell , worse receiu'd , wrought EUROPS great decaie . THE LIFE OF AMVRATH , THE SECOND OF THAT NAME , SIXT KING OF THE TVRKES , AND THE GREAT ESTABLISHER OF THEIR KINGDOME . AFter that the death of Mahomet had been politiquely concealed one and fortie daies by the three great Bassaes , Baiazet , Eiuases , and Ibrahim : Amurath or Murat ( as the Turkes call him ) his eldest sonne ; at that time comming to PRUSA , was by them placed in his fathers seat , and the death of Mahomet at the same time published : wherevpon great troubles began on euerie side to arise . The princes of SMYRNA and MENTESIA rose vp in armes : and at THESSALONICA an obscure fellow , crept as it were out of a chimneys corner , tooke vpon him the name and person of Mustapha , the sonne of Baiazet , which was slaine many yeares before , in the great battaile against Tamerlane at mount STELLA , as is before declared in the life of the vnfortunate Sultan Baiazet . This counterfait Mustapha animated by the Grecian princes , and going from THESSALONICA to VARDARIUM , set so good a countenance vpon the matter , with such a grace and majestie , that not onely the countrey people ( apt to beleeue any thing ) but men of greater place and calling also , as Tzunites Beg , the prince of SMYRNA his sonne , with the sonnes of old Eurenoses Bassa , persuaded that he was the verie son of the great Baiazet , repaired vnto him , as vnto their naturall prince and soueraigne . From VARDARIUM he went to SERRae , and from thence to HADRIANOPLE , ( Amurath being as then at PRUSA ) where he was receiued as if it had been that noble prince Mustapha , whom hee feigned himselfe to be : so that in short time he was honoured as a king in all parts of the Turkish kingdome in EUROPE . Amurath to represse this so great and dangerous a rebellion , sent Baiazet Bassa , a man of great authoritie in his court , with a strong armie into EUROPE . This great Bassa passing ouer HELLESPONTUS , found all the countrey reuolted vnto their new found king Mustapha : but marching on towards HADRIANOPLE , with purpose to haue giuen him battaile , he was first forsaken of the Europeian souldiours , which he brought out of ASIA , and afterwards of all the rest also : and so being left post alone , with his brother Hamze Beg , was for safegard of his life glad to yeeld himselfe to Mustapha ; of whom he was gratiously entertained , and vpon promise of his loialtie , sworne one of his priuie counsaile . Mustapha thus now possessed of the Turkish kingdome in EUROPE , and entertaining great thoughts , the better to maintaine his credit , leauied a great armie to make war vpon Amurath in ASIA . And as he was vpon his way , at a place which the Turks call SASLIDERE , or the place of Willows , his other counsailors repining at the great honor he gaue to Baiazet Bassa , aduised him to beware that he trusted him not too farre , of whose small faith he had sufficient triall alreadie , and was like ynough when occasion should serue , to reuolt from him to Amurath , and to draw after him some great part of his armie , to the great perill both of himselfe and all them his faithfull seruants and followers . Vpon which jealous conceit , this great Bassa Baiazet was there forthwith as a traitour apprehended , and without further triall executed : at which time his brother Hamze was with much adoe spared . This done , Mustapha proceeded on his journey , and passed ouer with his armie at CALLIPOLIS into ASIA . Amurath vnderstanding of the proceedings of Mustapha in EUROPE , and of his preparation made for his inuasion of ASIA , created three new Bassaes , Omer , Vruge , and Alis , all three the sonnes of Temurtases ; these he joyned with his old Bassaes , Ibrahim and Eiuases . All these fiue he vsed as councellours for the wars , by whose aduice he sent for Mahomet Beg , surnamed Michaell Ogli , who in the time that Musa raigned , was viceroy in EUROPE , and therefore a man well knowne to most principall men in Mustapha his armie , but had been kept prisoner in the castle of AMASIA , from the time that Musa was deposed and put to death by his brother Mahomet , vntill now that hee was after eight yeares imprisonment , for this speciall purpose inlarged and receiued into fauour . About the same time that Mustapha set footing in ASIA , Amurath hauing gathered his armie , set forward from PRUSA to meet him ; yet with such distrust in his forces , which were thought to be much inferiour to the Europian souldiours which followed Mustapha , that hee was glad vpon a superstitious opinion or zeale , to prostrate himselfe at the feet of an Emir ( one of the false prophet Mahomets posteritie ) to receiue at his hipocritall hands a gracelesse blessing for his better speed : by whom he was made to beleeue , that after two repulses , he had with much adoe , at the th●rd time , obtained graunt of the great prophet Mahomet , that he should preuaile in that war : and therupon had his sword girt vnto him with the Emir his holy hands , with many other vaine and superstitious ceremonies . Yet for all these charmes , hee marched on with his armie in feare enough , vntill he came to the riuer of VLIBAD , ( otherwise called RINDACUS : ) where hauing intelligence of the approch of Mustapha , he for feare caused the bridge ouer the riuer there to be broken downe , and encamped himselfe on that side the riuer . Not long after came Mustapha , and finding the bridge broken , encamped at the foot therof on the other side : so that nothing parted the two armies but the breadth of the riuer onely . Whilest they lay thus neere encamped together , that the souldiours might on both sides take the full view one of another , and also talke together : Mahomet-beg surnamed Michael Ogli , but lately deliuered out of his long imprisonment ( as is aforesaid ) came to the riuer side , and with a loud voice called by name vpon the great captaines , and old souldiours that were in Mustapha his armie ; asking by name for many of his old friends and acquaintance : many of them being there present , rejoycing to see that honourable man ( whom they supposed to haue been dead in prison many yeares before ) came gladly to the side of the riuer to heare what he could say . Then with a loud voice he began to persuade them , that the man whom they followed was not the honourable Mustapha , but some base high minded fellow , set vp by the Grecians , abusing the obscuritie of his birth , as the vaile vnder the couert whereof , hee went craftily about to intrude himselfe into the honourable discent of Baiazet ; and so masking in the counterfait titles of stolen honor , had misseled them from their dutie to their naturall king and soueraigne , to follow him a meere deceiuer . And further assured them , that Mustapha , Baiazet his sonne , was dead and buried in the bed of fame , two and twentie yeares before ; honourably ending his daies in de●ence of his countrey , in the great battaile of mount STELLA , against Tamerlane : Wherefore they should doe well , to forsake that supposed Mustapha , and againe to yeeld their dutifull obedience vnto their vndoubted soueraigne Amurath . These words deliuered vnto them by Mahomet , whom they generally both reuerenced , and trusted ; wrought such effect in their minds , that some presently aduentured to swimme ouer the riuer , and joyned themselues vnto him : and many others that staied still , began now to doubt , least they had worshipped a wrong saint . At the same time also , Eiuases Bassa , to terrifie Mustapha , sent vnto him letters as in great secret , aduertising him , That Amurath had the next night purposed with his armie to passe ouer the riuer aboue the broken bridge ; at which time the chiefe captaines of his armie being ( as hee said ) corrupted , had promised to deliuer Mustapha into his hands , and with his head to pay the ransome of them all . This he coloured with such faire glosses ; that Mustapha partly beleeued the same . So when the dead time of the night was come , Eiuases with certain troupes of horsemen , passed ouer the riuer , at the verie same place hee had in his letters named ; and that with such a noise and tumult , as Amurath with his whole armie had been comming . Mustapha seeing things begin thus to worke , according as Eiuases Bassa had before written : and with this , doubting also to be presently betraied , and carying about him a guiltie conscience , the mother of feare and distrust , tooke horse ( slenderly accompanied , but with ten persons of his whole armie ) and fled in hast , no man pursuing them , vntill he came to the riuer of BOGA , and there with a great summe of money obtained passage , by corrupting the captaine that dwelt in the castle vpon the passage of the riuer : and the third day after passing ouer the strait of HELLESPONTUS , landed at CALLIPOLIS . The flight of Mustapha once knowne in his armie , they all yeelded themselues to Eiuases Bassa : who taking possession of Mustapha his tent , caused the broken bridge to be repaired ; whereby Amurath passing with his armie , joyned himselfe with Eiuases . The other Bassa ( Ibrahim ) counsailed Amurath to put to sword all those rebels that had followed Mustapha : but by the mediation of Eiuases , to whome they had yeelded themselues , they were generally pardoned . Amurath departing from VLIBAD or LOPADIUM , came to BOGA , and there hanged vp the captaine that had giuen Mustapha passage . From thence he held on his way to LAMPSACUM , intending to pursue Mustapha into EUROPE : but being come to the sea side , hee could find no passage , for that Mustapha had caused all the shipping on that side , to bee brought ouer into EUROE . Yet at last Amurath by good fortune chaunced vpon a great Genoway ship , which hee hired for foure thousand duckats to transport his armie , and so with much adoe , at length landed in EUROPE . Mustapha seeing that Amurath was now come ouer , fled to HADRIANOPLE , where he found such cold welcome , that fearing to bee betraied hee was glad to speed himselfe thence , thinking all the world to little to hide himselfe in : and so came to an obscure place in the countrey of the Turks called KISUL-AGATZ-GENITZE : where , the souldiours sent to pursue him , ouertook him , and brought him bound to Amurath then being at HADRIANOPLE : by whose commaundement he was shamefully hanged , from the battlements of one of the highest towers of the citie , and there left to the worlds wonder . This Mustapha , is of some writers reported to haue been indeed the sonne of the great Sultan Baiazet , and that he was kept in prison all that long time , and thus at length set vp by the Greeks to trouble the state of the Turkish kingdome : but the Turkish histories report as before , calling him Dusme or counterfait Mustapha . And it is verie likely , that if he had been one of the sonnes of Baiazet , he would haue found some meanes to haue made some great stirre long before that , as all the rest of the vnquiet brood of Baiazet did , which neuer rested vntil they had like the earth borne brethren one destroied the other : besides that , their bloodie natures considered , it is verie like that Mahomet his younger brother , who raigned in HADRIANOPLE almost eight yeares , and was in league all that time with the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , would for his more safetie haue got him into his owne power , if hee had been in prison with the emperour ; or else haue dispatched him , if he had been in prison with himselfe . All which I am the rather persuaded to thinke , for that Orchanes ( a child , the son of Solyman ) could find no safe place of abode at CONSTANTINOPLE in the raigne of Mahomet ; but flying , was apprehended and his eies put out , as is before declared in the life of Mahomet : much lesse is it like that Mustapha , being a warlike prince , and his elder brother , could haue been so long preserued and kept in prison from his furie . It fortuned in these late broiles ( as oftentimes it doth with others in like case ) diuers of the rebels Asapi , or common souldiors ( whom he for his greater countenance had apparrelled and armed like the Ianizaries ) to fall into the hands of the true Ianizaries , Amurath his faithfull guard ; whose liues indeed they spared , but vsing them with all the despight and indignities possible . Amongst the rest , one of the Ianizaries being an hungred , brought two of these Asapi his prisoners vnto a cookes shop , offering to sell them vnto him for a little victuall : which the cooke refused to giue him , as hauing no vse for such vnnecessarie seruants . Wherewith the proud Ianizarie enraged , swore many a great oath , presently to cut off their heads , & to giue them him for nought , if he would not for a thing of nought redeeme them . And like ynough he was to haue so done , had not the cooke , moued with pitie , offered him for them both a sheepes head : which the Ianizarie tooke for them , swearing , That the cooke had giuen for thē more than indeed they were worth . Which disgrace , so long since done vnto these Asapi , is yet oftentimes by way of reproch in great contempt , by the masterfull and insolent Ianizaries , objected vnto the whole bodie of the Asapi ( the greatest part of the Turks huge armies ) of whom for all that the proud Ianizaries make small reckoning , accounting them scarcely for men , & in their rage oftentimes telling them , That two of them are not worth a sodden sheepes head . Amurath hauing at length with much adoe thus pacified the dangerous rebellion raised by the counterfeit Mustapha , both in EUROPE and ASIA ; was yet not a little grieued , to thinke how the same had to the great hazard of his estate , beene first plotted by the Greekes , and afterwards countenanced by the Greeke emperour , of whom he thought now to be reuenged . And therefore sending before him Michael Ogli , his lieutenant generall in EUROPE , with his Europeian souldiors to inuade the countrey about CONSTANTINOPLE , followed himselfe after with the Ianizaries and his Asian forces : and encamping before the cittie , filled all that necke of land which lieth before it , from sea to sea . And so encamped , began right furiously to batter the wals , in hope so to haue made a breach , and by the same to haue entered the cittie : but finding the wals of greater strength than hee had before supposed , and the defendants still repairing whatsoeuer the furie of his artillerie had beaten downe or shaken , hee ceased his batterie , and comming on with all his forces , desperately attempted by assault to haue gained the citie : wherein his 〈◊〉 was not answerable to his desire . For approching the cittie , with arrowes , as showers falling 〈◊〉 the defendants , and scaling ladders in the mean time clapt vp to the wals , and the Ianizaries with others of his best souldiors courageously mounting the same ; they were by the defendants notably repulsed and beaten downe , loosing some their hands , some their armes , some their heads , but most their liues , no shot falling in vaine from the wals . Which Amurath beholding , and grieued to see ( though vnwilling ) commaunded a retreat to be sounded , and the assault ●●uen ouer : and shortly after seeing no hope to preuaile , in great rage raised his siege and departed . Vnto whom for all that the Greeke emperour not long after sent his embassadours , to entreat with him for peace ; whereof he would by no meanes heare , but proudly threatened to be ere long of all his wrongs reuenged , Which caused the Greeke emperour to deuise what he might for the troubling of his estate , so to keepe him otherwise busied : as he did shortly after with the Caramanian king , by countenancing another Mustapha ( surnamed Cutzug or the little ) Amurath his younger brother , against him , to the raising of new stirres , and Amurath his no small trouble . Mahomet the late king had fiue sonnes and seuen daughters , whereof Amurath was the eldest , and succeeded in his fathers kingdome ; Mustapha the second , surnamed the little ; Achmetes the third , who died before his father : the other two , Iosephus & Machmutes , both died of the plague , being but children , after the death of their father . Three of their sisters were married to the three sonnes of the king of CARAMANIA , Ibrahim , Aladin , and Isa : other two were bestowed vpon the sonnes of the prince Isfendiar , Ibrahim , and Casimes : the sixt was giuen in mariage to Cozza-Beg , viceroy in ANATOLIA ; and the seuenth to the sonne of Ibrahim Bassa , who died at M●CHA , whither she went vpon superstitious deuotion on pilgrimage . At such time as Amurath was busied in his warres in EUROPE against Mustapha , the supposed sonne of Baiazet : the younger sonne of Mahomet ( called also Mustapha ) being but thirteene years old , and Amurath his brother indeed , was set vp to raise new troubles , by the king of CARAMANIA , and other princes , as well Mahometans , as the Christian princes of GRECIA ; who thought it good pollicie , by that meanes to impeach the greatnesse of Amurath . This young prince Mustapha , strengthened with the forces of his friends , entered into his brothers dominions in ASIA , and besieged NICE , which was at length yeelded vnto him . Amurath aduertised of this new rebellion , by great gifts and large promises corrupted Ilias Beg , the young princes tutor , to betray the prince into his hands . Whereupon Amurath with great celeritie set forward with his armie from HADRIANOPLE , and in nine daies came to NICE , where he entered the cittie with small resistance , as was to him before promised , where Mustapha was by his false tutor to him presented : who because he would not spill one drop of the sacred Othoman blood ( as the Turks call it ) commaunded the executioner presently to strangle him with a bow string ; which was done accordingly , and his bodie afterwards buried by his father at PRUSA . Amurath hauing suppressed these two rebellions , and now out of all feare of any competitor , thought his fiue counsellers too many by three , and therefore remoued the three Bassaes , Om●re , Vrutzi , and Alis ( the sonnes of Temurtases ) into honorable places ; retaining of his counsell , onely the two old Bassaes , Ibrahim and Eiuases . But shortly after , Eiuases was secretly accused to Amurath , That he sought by his fauorits , the souldiors of the court , to aspire vnto the kingdome himselfe , and to depose the king ; and that intending some such matter , hee did vsually weare a priuie coat . This suspicious report troubled the jealous tyrant : wherefore on a time as he rid accompanied with Eiuases , he cast his arme about him , as if it had beene in kindnesse : but finding him secretly armed , would needs know the cause thereof : whereunto Eiuases answered , That it was for feare of some enemies hee had in the court : but this excuse could by no meanes serue his turne : wherefore he was forthwith apprehended by the commaundement of Amurath , and both his eyes burnt out with a hot steele glasse . Whilest Amurath was thus busied in subduing rebellions at home , Muhamethes the Caramanian king besieged ATTALIA , a great cittie in PAMPHILIA , by the space of six moneths , which was valiantly defended by Hamza-beg , Amurath his lieutenant there : at which siege the vnfortunat king himselfe , as he was taking view of the citie , was slaine with a great shot out of the citie : whereupon Ibrahim , which succeeded him in the kingdome , brake vp the siege , & returned home to burie his father . At this time also , Dracula prince of VALACAIA , passing ouer DANUBIUS , did the Turks much harme about SILISTRA , but was afterwards enforced to submit himselfe to Amurath , and become his tributarie . About this time also Tzunites , the prince of SMYRNA , which had before aided the rebell Mustapha , did by all meanes he could vex and molest Iaxis-beg , ( Amurath his lieutenant in AIDINIA ) & hauing by chance taken his brother prisoner , put him to death . This prince of SMYRNA was descended of the antient princes of AIDINIA , and therefore pretended an interest in that siegnorie : which his claime the people of the countrey secretly fauoured , so farre as they durst for feare of the Turks . Amurath hearing of the harmes that this prince of SMYRNA did , commaunded Hamze-beg , viceroy of ANATOLIA , with all his power to make warre vpon him . The viceroy without delay assembled a great armie , and inuaded the princes country : and the prince being well prouided for his comming , meeting him vpon the way , gaue him battaile : wherein Hasan the princes sonne , leading a great part of his fathers armie , had put one part of the Turkes armie to flight : and pursuing them with too much furie , left his father at the same time so hardly beset by the viceroy , that he was glad to flie to his castle of HIPSILY fast by . Hasan returning from the chace of the enemie , not knowing what had happened to his father , was by the Turkes in his returne ouercome and taken prisoner . After which victorie the viceroy presently laid siege to the castle wherein the prince was . This siege continued a great while : at length , the prince brought to extremitie , was content to yeeld himselfe vnto the viceroy , vpon condition he should vse no violence against the person of himselfe or his sonne , but to send them prisoners vnto Amurath : which thing the viceroy by solemne oath promised , whereupon the prince came out of the castle , and yeelded himselfe prisoner to the viceroy . Iaxis-beg , whose brother the prince had before put to death , attended the going of Hamze the viceroy to his tent , where finding Hasan the princes sonne sitting vpon the ground , as the manner of the Turkes is , tooke him by the choller with great furie , and drawing him along to the feet of the prince his father , there most cruelly strucke off his head : and in the same rage laying his bloodie hands vpon the aged prince , strucke off his head also ; to the great dishonour of the viceroy , who had before giuen his faith for their safetie . The heads of the prince and his sonne were set vpon two launces , within the sight of the castle ; which the defendants seeing , and now despairing of all rescue , yeelded themselues , with the castle . This infortunat Tzunites was the last prince of SMYRNA , after whose death all his territorie was vnited to the Othoman kingdome . After all these troubles , Amurath with great triumph married the daughter of the prince Isfendiar . Amurath hauing laied vp in the depth of his thoughts the remembrance of that the Grecian princes had done , in giuing aid to the rebels aforesaid , thought it now high time to take reuenge of that wrong : and for that purpose gathered a great armie , wherewith he ranged at his pleasure through MACEDONIA , vntill he came to THESSALONICA , surprising by the way diuers cities and castles , at that time belonging to the Constantinopolitane empire . This famous cittie of THESSALONICA , now called SALONICHI , for beautie and wealth sometime not inferiour to any of the greatest and most renowned cities of GRECIA , is situate vpon the borders of MACEDONIA , close vnto a bay of the ARCHIPELAGO or the sea AEGBUM : which bay was in auntient time called THERMAICUS-SINUS , and now the bay of SALONICHI . To the Christian congregation there dwelling , S. Paul wrote two Epistles , in the latter whereof , hee forewarneth them of a great defection to come before the latter day . Before this Christian cittie , then in the protection of the Venetians , Amurath encamped his great armie of misbeleeuing Turkes ; and laied hard siege to it , with most terrible batterie : at which time hee by secret meanes corrupted certaine of the wicked cittizens , to haue betrayed the cittie by a secret mine , and to haue let him in : which treason was by the Venetian gouernors perceiued , and the plotters therof for safegard of their liues glad to leape ouer the wals , and to flie into the Turks campe . Amurath hauing greatly battered the wals of the cittie , the more to encourage his souldiors , promised to giue them all the spoile thereof , if they could by force winne it . The greedie desire of this rich prey , wherein euerie common souldior promised vnto himselfe whatsoeuer his foolish fancie or vnbrideled affection could desire , so inflamed the minds of these barbarous souldiors , and especially of the Ianizaries , that giuing a most terrible assault to the citie , they by force entred the same , and wan it . The Venetian souldiors fled to their gallies , lying at anchor in the hauen , and so got to sea : but the infinite miseries which the poore Christian citizens indured in the furie of that barbarous nation , no tongue is able to expresse , or pen discribe : Death was lesse paine than the ignominious outrages and vnspeakeable villanies which many good Christians there suffered , heartily wishing to die , and could not ; and yet the furious enemies sword deuoured all the people without respect of age or sex , except such as for stength of bodie , or comelinesse of person , were reserued for painefull labour or beastly lust ; which poore soules were afterwards dispersed into most miserable seruitude and slauerie , through all parts of the Turkish kingdome . The infinite riches of that famous cittie , became a spoile vnto the barbarous souldiours ; the goodly houses were left desolate , void of inhabitants . Thus the beautifull cittie of THESSALONICA , sometime one of the most glorious ornaments of GRaeCIA , the late pleasant dwelling place of many rich Christians , was by the tyrant giuen for an habitation to such base Turkes , as at their pleasure repaired thether to seat themselues , and so is by them at this day possessed . This calamitie happened to THESALONICA in the yeare of our Lord 1432. THESALONICA being thus taken , Amurath returned to HADRIANOPLE himselfe , and at the same time sent Caratze with the greatest part of his armie into AETOLIA . Charles prince of that countrey , dying a little before the comming of Amurath to THESALONICA , and hauing no lawfull issue , had diuided the countrey of ACHARNANIA amongst his three base sons , Memnon , Turnus , and Hercules , leauing all the rest of his dominion to his brothers sonne , called also Charles . But shortly after , such discord fell among these brethren , that Amurath sending his Turks to aid one of them against the other , as he was by them requested , in fine brought all that countrey of AETOLIA into subjection to himselfe , leauing nothing for the foolish brethren to striue for , more than the bare titles of imaginatiue honour . The other Graecian princes of ATHENS , PHOCIS , BOETIA , and all the rest of GRaeCIA , vnto the strait of CORINTH , terrified by their neighbours harmes , were glad to submit themselues to the barbarian yoke , and to become tributaries vnto the Turkish tirant ; vnder which slauerie they of long time most miserably liued , if intollerable slauerie joyned with infidelitie may be accounted a life . Thus the Grecians lost their libertie , ( which their auncestors had many times before , to their immortall praise , worthily defended against the greatest monarchs of the world ) and are now so degenerate , by the meanes of the Turkish oppression , that in all GRaeCIA is hardly to be found any small remembrance of the ancient glory thereof : insomuch that wheras they were wont to account all other nations barbarous in comparison of themselues , they are now become no lesse barbarous than those rude nations whom they before scorned . Which miserie with a thousand more , they may justly impute to their owne ambition and discord . At this time amongst the distressed princes of MACEDONIA , and GRaeCIA , one Iohn Castrio● raigned in EPIRUS : who seeing how mightily the Turke preuailed against the princes his neighbours , and considering that hee was not able by any meanes to withstand so puissant an enemie ; to obtaine peace , he was glad to deliuer into Amurath his possession , his foure sonnes , Stanisius , Reposius , Constantine , and George , for hostages : whom Amurath faithfully promised , well and honourably to intreat . But assoone as he had got them within his reach , he falsified his faith , and caused them to be circumcised after the Turkish manner , and to bee instructed in the Turkish superstition , to the great griefe of their Christian parents : and afterwards , when he vnderstood of the death of Iohn Castriot their father , hee poisoned all the three elder brethren : And by Sebalie ( one of his great captaines ) ceized vpon CROIA , his cheefe citie , and all the rest of his territories , as if they had by good right deuolued vnto him . But George the youngest , whom the Turks named Scander-beg or lord Alexander , for his excellent feature , and pregnant wit , he alwaies entirely loued , and as some thought , more passionatly than he should haue loued a boy . Him he caused to be diligently instructed in all kind of actiuitie , and feats of warre , wherin he excelled al other his equals in Amurath his court ; and rising by many degrees of honor , came at last ( being yet but verie yong ) to be a great Sanzack or gouernor of a prouince , and was many times appointed by Amurath to be generall of his armies ; in which seruice hee so behaued himselfe , that he got the loue of all that knew him , and increased his credit with Amurath : vntill at last he found oportunitie by great policie and courage , to deliuer both himselfe and his natiue countrie , from the horrible slauerie of the Turkish tyrannie , as shall be afterwards declared . Shortly after that Amurath had thus daunted the princes of GRECIA , he turned his forces into SERVIA : but the prince of SERVIA vnable to withstand so mightie an enemie , to procure his fauour , sent embassadours , offering to pay him a yearely tribute , and to doe further what he should reasonably demaund . Amurath beside the yearely tribute , required to haue Marie ( this princes faire daughter ) in mariage ; and that he should not suffer the Hungarians to passe through his countrey to inuade him ; and further , not at any time to denie passage vnto the Turkish armie , when he should send forth the same for the inuasion of the kingdome of BOSNA . All which vnreasonable conditions the prince was glad to agree vnto , and sent his faire daughter by Saratze , who was afterwards maried to Amurath . About this time , Iosephus and Machmutes , Amurath his brethren , and Orchanes the sonne of Solyman , who had his eies put out by his vncle Mahomet , with many other men of great account among the Turks , died of the plague at PRUSA . Whilest Amurath was thus busied in his wars in EUROPE , the king of CARAMANIA his brother in law , inuaded his dominions in ASIA : for so it was agreed betweene the Christian princes of EUROPE , and the Mahometan princes of ASIA , to whom the greatnesse of the Othoman kingdome was now become dreadfull , That whensoeuer hee inuaded the Christians in EUROPE , the Mahometan princes should inuade his countries in ASIA ; and that whensoeuer hee should turne his forces into ASIA , the Christian princes should spoile his countries in EUROPE . Against this Caramanian king , Amurath transported his armie into ASIA : and as he went , seazed vpon the countries of SARUCHANIA , MENTESIA , and other prouinces , which were before but tributaries vnto him , driuing out the poore princes before him : and so entred into CARAMANIA , and inforced the king so farre , that he was glad to agree to such conditions of peace as it pleased him to propound vnto him , and to send his sonne to wait at his court . And at the same time picking a quarrell with Isfendiar prince of CASTAMONA , caused him to become his tributarie , and to send his sonne to his court also . By which meanes the name of Amurath became terrible to all the Mahometan princes . When Amurath had thus quieted all his troubles in ASIA , he returned to HADRIANOPLE : and vnderstanding that the Hungarians passing ouer DANUBIUS , had in his absence made diuers incursions into his dominions , hee was therewith greatly offended , and in reuenge thereof first sent Alis Bassa the sonne of Eurenosis , with an armie to inuade HUNGARIA ; which he performed accordingly by the space of a moneth , and returned from thence with rich bootie . Not long after , he himselfe in person made another road into HUNGARIE , commanding the prince of SERVIA his father in law , to giue his armie free passage through his countrey , and charging Dracula prince of VALACHIA to aid him with his forces in that expedition : which his commandement both the Christian princes ( more for feare , than of good will ) diligently performed . So Amurath hauing inriched his souldiors with the spoile taken in HUNGARIE , returned home and wintered at his court at HADRIANOPLE . The secret confederation betweene the Hungarians and the Mahometan king of CARAMANIA , was not vnsuspected of Amurath ; which he was the rather induced to beleeue , for that whēsoeuer he inuaded the one he was presently set vpon by the other , either in EUROPE or in ASIA : of which plot he doubted not but that George prince of SERVIA ( his father in law ) was chiefe authour , although in shew he was therein the least actor . Wherfore Amurath intending to spill the play , sent for the prince his father in law to come to the court at HADRIANOPLE : but he doubting some Turkish tragedie , pretended great occasions that he could not come ; and fearing that which afterwards fell out , fortified and manned all his strong cities and castles by all meanes he could possibly , especially his chiefe citie SEMENDRE ( otherwise called S●ENDEROVIA ) and left ther●in his sonne Gregorie ( or as some call him , George ) as gouernour ; for his other sonne Stephan was long before in Amurath his court , with the queene his sister . The prince of SERVIA himselfe went into HUNGARIE to procure from thence some aid , hauing there also himselfe certaine territories , which he had in exchange of Sigismundus ( late emperour and king of HUNGARIE ) for the citie of BELGRADE . It was not long after , but Amurath forgetting both the affinitie and league hee had with the prince his father in law , entered with a great armie into SERVIA , destroying all before him , and hardly besieged SEMENDRE : where , after long siege , the young gouernour ( the princes sonne ) doubting to fall into his enemies hands by suddaine assault , yeelded himselfe , with the citie . Which thing so discouraged the rest of the Seruians , that in short time SOPHIA , NOVOMONT , with all the rest of the cities of SERVIA were yeelded into the power of Amurath . After which conquest he returned to HADRIANOPLE , and hearing that the prince of SERVIA with the Hungarians , were making head against him ; and that the two yong Seruian princes , Gregorie and Stephen his wiues brethren , had intelligence with their father , he commaunded them both to be cast in prison at DIDYMOTICHVM , and their eyes cruelly to be burnt out with a brasen bason made red hot , a cōmon vnmercifull practise among the Turks : About this time Albertus duke of AVSTRIA hauing before maried Elizabeth the only daughter of Sigismund the emperor , and succeeding his father in law both in the empire and kingdome of HVNGARIE ( vnto which type of highest honour nothing more furthered him than the remembrance of Sigismund ; ) in the second yeare of his raigne , before hee was well setled in those new a●chieued honours , died of the flix , as he was making great preparation against Amurath the Turkish king : who hauing lately driuen George prince of SERVIA and RASCIA out of his dominions , had now extended the Turkish kingdome euen vnto the borders of HVNGARIE . This Albertus dying , left his wife great with child . The Hungarians , in whose minds the remembrance of Sigismund was yet fresh , could haue beene contented to haue liued vnder the gouernment of the queene his daughter , the widdow of Albertus ( then great with child ; ) but that the Turkish king was now growne so great , and come so nigh , that it was thought more than needfull by Iohn Huniades , and other of the Hungarian nobilitie , for the defence of that kingdome , not wholly to rest vpon the deuotion of the people toward the queene , and the expectation of her issue , wherby they should be nothing strengthened : but to make choice of some great prince , by whose power they might the better defend themselues and the kingdome against their dangerous enemies . Whereupon with consent of the queene it was resolued vpon , to make choice of Vladislaus , the yong king of POLONIA , then a prince of great power , but of farre greater fame and expectation : and by embassadors to offer vnto him the mariage of the queene , & with her the kingdome also . This embassage being sent vnto Vladislaus , the matter was too and fro debated in the Polonian court , Whether it were to be accepted of or not ? Some began to speake of the inequalitie of the match , considering that the king was but in the prime of his youth , and the queene well stept into yeares ; vrging farther , that nothing was offered in that match but wars ; and that the Hungarians therein sought for nothing more , than by the Polonian forces to defend themselues against the Turks . Others of contrarie opinion , said , That the vniting of those two mightie kingdoms would be to the great good of them both , and to the great honour of the king , whose very name would thereby become terrible vnto the Turkes : and that it were greater pollicie , by the forces of both the kingdomes , to keepe the Turkish king from entring into HVNGARIE , than to leaue that kingdome to him for a prey , and afterward be inforced to fight with the same enemie in the heart of POLONIA : and as for inequalitie of yeares betwixt the king and the queene , it was not so great a matter , that in regard thereof so honourable and commodious alliance should be rejected ; for as much as princes doe more regard the vertues of their choice , with the increase of their honour , and wealth of their kingdomes , than the Summer fruit of youth and beautie , which of it selfe in short time doth rot and perish , although it be neuer so carefully kept and preserued : and that for as much as there can be but one king in a kingdome , such choice was to be preferred of kings as had not therein the greatest hope of many children . After long deliberation , Vladislaus gaue answer vnto the embassadors , That he would accept of the offers by thē made ▪ wherupon some of them returned to make relation thereof vnto the queene , and some of them staied behind to hasten the king forward . But whilest these things was a doing , the queen in the mean time was deliuered of a faire son , whom she caused to be baptized and named Ladislaus . After the birth of this child , the queene mooued with a motherly affection , began to repent her selfe , that she had giuen her consent for the calling in of the Polonian king , to the prejudice of her sonne ▪ And being animated by some of the Hungarian nobilitie ( who presuming of the good grace they were in with the queene , hoped to grow great themselues , if they might first draw the gouernment of that kingdome to the queene and her young sonne ) determined now by all possible means to ex●l●de the Polonian king : but the greater part of the nobilitie better considering what was most expedient for the present estate , and that they could neither with honor nor safetie flie from that which was before ( for the common good ) by the embassadours concluded ; continued firme in their former resolution , for the bringing in of Vladislaus : so that by this meanes , some taking part with the queene and her young sonne , and others standing fast for Vladislaus , the kingdome of HUNGARIE was deuided into two factions , and as it were rent in peeces , and so grew to ciuile wars . The queene with such as fauoured her claime , the more to gaine the minds of the common people ( which are many times no lesse carried away with shewes than matter ) caused her sonne Ladislaus being then but three moneths old , to be solemnely crowned king at ALBA-REGALIS , the vsuall place for the coronation of the Hungarian kings . But after that the Polonian king had entred into HUNGARIE with a goodly armie , and joined his forces with his friends , most part of them which before followed the queene and her sonne , reuolted vnto Vladislaus . So that when she had done what she could , she was glad at last to commit the tuition of her sonne , together with the crowne of HUNGARIE , vnto Fredericke the third , then emperour : neuer ceasing for all that , to the vttermost of her power , to trouble the gouernment of Vladislaus , continually stirring vp great wars against him both at home and abroad , vntill that at the last by her death her quarrell tooke end , together with her life . In the middest of these ciuile warres , Amurath thought a faire oportunitie presented vnto him , to make an entrance vnto the conquest of HUNGARIE , which kingdome he had in his ambitious mind alreadie deuoured . And therefore gathering a great armie , he marched along the riuer DANVBIUS , vntill he came to the strong cittie of BELGRADE , called in antient time . TAVRUNVM , and of some ALBA GRaeCA , but now commonly GREICS WEISENBURG . This citie is enuironed on the East side with the famous riuer DANVBIUS , and on the South with the great riuer of SAVS or SAWE , which there falleth into DANVBIUS ; and on the other two sides is defended with strong wals , with deepe and large ditches ; and was then accounted the gate or entrance into HUNGARIE . Vnto this cittie Amurath at his first comming gaue two terrible assaults , & was in good hope so to haue woon the same , but yet was both times valiantly repulsed , with great slaughter of his men . Wherfore finding it to be a matter of more difficultie than was by him at the first supposed , he began to raise mounts against the citie , and high towers of wood to annoy the defendants , and furiously battered the wals . At this time also he caused great numbers of gallies and small pinnaces to be brought into both the riuers of DANVBIUS and SAWE to assault the cittie on those parts where was least feared , and by that meanes also to keepe them of the cittie from all succours to be sent that way out of HUNGARIE . Yet for all he could doe or deuise , the citie was still valiantly defended by the Christian soldiors , which vnder the leading and conduct of Ioannes Vranus , a Florentine , gouernor thereof , with often sallies and continuall shot slew great numbers of the Turks . At the time of this siege , Vladislaus , king of POLONIA , and lately elect king of HUNGARIE , was sore troubled by the queene and her faction in HUNGARIE : which thing the Turkish king knew right well , and thereupon continued his siege , although famine began greatly to encrease in his campe ; hoping in nothing more , than that the defendants despairing of helpe from the king , would in short time yeeld vp the cittie . Vlad●slaus being so entangled with ciuile wars , as is aforesaid , that he could not possibly prepare such force as might relieue the besieged citie : yet for as much as the Turkish king had not long before by his embassador required to joine with him in league & amitie , he thought good now to assay if he could raise the siege , by sending vnto him the like embassage . Whereupon he sent Dobrogosius , Ostrorogeus , and Lucas Gorsensis , three of the Polonian nobilitie , embassadors vnto Amurath : declaring vnto him , That for so much as he had first offered by his embassadours , to joine with him in league before he came out of POLONIA , the remembrance thereof had taken such deepe impression in his mind , that hee would not take vp armes against him , although it were in his owne just defence , before hee had offered vnto him reasonable conditions of peace : wherefore if hee would desist from inuading of HUNGARIE , whereof Vladislaus was now by God his permission , and consent of the people , chosen king , and so raise his siege , that then they should afterwards easily agree vpon the desired peace : in concluding whereof , he should not find Vladislaus inferiour to himselfe in any manner of princely courtesie : but if he had rather to proceed in armes , & to make proofe of his strength , he would then doe the best that he could , to make him know , that he was of sufficient power , in so just a quarrell , to withstand his greatest forces , and to reuenge the wrongs to him done . When Amurath had receiued this embassage , he appointed the embassadors to withdraw themselues for a while to SYNDEROVIA ( a cittie of SERVIA , not farre off ) vntill he might better consider of their demaunds : pretending , that he did it for their safetie ; but as appeared afterward , secretly resoluing with himselfe , presently to do his vttermost deuoire for the gaining of the cittie , and vpon the successe thereof to shape them answere accordingly . Wherfore so soone as the embassadours were departed to SINDEROVIA , hee first by his messengers aslaied the minds of the cittizens and souldiors with magnificall promises of large liberties , and infinit rewards and preferments , if they would yeeld vp the cittie : and many arrowes with letters made fast vnto them , full of like promises , were at the same time shot into the cittie . But when he saw no hope to preuaile by that meanes , hee called together the captaines and commaunders of his armie , and there in the presence of them all spake vnto them as followeth : Although I know it is in mine owne power , to graunt , or not to graunt , the peace whereof our enemies haue made a motion : yet it is my pleasure ( worthie soldiors ) to know your minds also . For so much as we haue that warre in hand , wherein with worldly felicitie , ( whereof amongst you I hold the cheefe place ) is also indangered our religion , and puritie of life ; the defence and care whereof equally belongeth vnto vs all : for although we differ much one from another in the manner of our vocation and liuing here , yet after death we all hope for one and the selfesame felicitie . And therefore I would haue you to vnderstand , all that I shall say , as proceeding not of any regard of mine owne priuate , but vpon the consideration of the common good of you all . For as concerning mine owne estate , I possesse so large countries in ASIA , such great dominions in EUROPE , that either part thereof ( in good time bee it said ) might seeme a sufficient kingdome : so that perhaps it might better stand with my estate , to take more care for keeping of that I haue , than to trauell for the gaining of more : but you are to consider with your selues , whether you haue euery man sufficient to suffice himselfe or not , and how long you thinke your selues assured of the same ; and moreouer , that together with these worldly things we shall be driuen at length to forsake our profession and religion , if we shall now lay downe armes . For our enemies require , that we should first cease from warre , and then afterwards they thinke it meet to talke of peace . I will not speake of the indignitie , that men besieged , and in euill plight , should propound conditions of peace to them that besiege them , and are well furnished of all things ; that feeble and cowardly men should promise peace vnto courageous and expert souldiors : I omit what labour and paines we haue taken in laying our siege , in raising of mounts , in making of shipping ; all which our enemies commaund vs to forsake , as if they had vs alreadie bound or couped vp in hold , as we haue them . All BULGARIA , and the greater part of RASCIA is now by vs conquered , and most part of SERVIA is at our commaund : all which places are either by vs to be kept , or els all the rest of that we possesse in EUROPE , is with them to be quite lost and forsaken . Whosoeuer shall haue in their power this citie which we besiege ( and that our enemies know right well ) shall haue not onely as it were a fortresse and bulwarke of defence for his owne , but also a castle and entrance for the subduing of others . The kingdome of HUNGARIE is now deuided in it selfe , and full of domesticall sedition : neither is it so much strengthened by the vniting of the kingdome of POLONIA , as it is by ciuile dissention weakened : and in this motion of peace nothing is sought for , but to gaine time for the pacifying of their priuate quarrels , that they may afterwards with their doubled forces set vpon vs. For if we shall breake vp our siege before we haue woon the cittie , they will easily find delaies so long to protract the conclusion of peace , vntill that either Vladislaus his good fortune , or els the Hungarians being of themselues better aduised , shall make an end of their ciuile wars . What manner and conditions of peace will they then require of vs , when they are at vnitie amongst themselues , and in armes against vs ; seeing that now being in danger with mutuall discord , and almost by vs vanquished , doe thinke it reasonable ( as if they had woon the field ) that we should first raise our siege , and then entreat of peace ? Their proud demaunds for the restitution of BULGARIA and RASCIA , with other countries and citties woon by our trauell and danger ; alreadie sound in mine eares : Which if wee shall refuse to graunt , not onely the Hungarian being then at vnitie among themselues , but also the Polonians , joined vnto them , will bring those wars home to our dores which we now at great aduantage make vpon them , troubled with discord and ciuile broiles . And if for desire of peace we could be content to yeeld vnto such shamefull and miserable conditions , and restore vnto them all they should or in reason could desire ; do you thinke the prince of SERVIA would rest contented with his owne ? whose haughtie mind ( I am sure ) being inflate with the combining of two such mightie kingdomes , thinketh not onely of the recouerie of that hee hath lost , but euen now gapeth at all that is ours in EUROPE . He will not thinke himselfe satisfied , before he ( hauing brought the Hungarian and Polonian forces against vs ) shall see the same hauocke and spoile made in our kingdome with fire and sword , which he hath before seene made by vs in his owne . Where if his fortune should answere his designes ( which God forbid , but yet it may chance ) beside all the miserable and intollerable outrages , which are to be feared of an angrie conquerour , it is accounted with them for a godly and religious worke , to vse all cruell and vnspeakeable villanies against our nation , except wee will forsake the faith and religion deliuered vnto vs by our ancestors , and follow their new and incredible ceremonies . Neither doe they thinke they can more easily and effectually procure the fauor of God with any other kind of sacrifice or seruice , than by ouerthrowing and prophaning our temples , by scoffing at our most sacred and secret rites and ceremonies , by scorning our religion , and priests : and that you may know all the furie wherewith they rage against vs and our religion , they account all them for holy saints which die in fight against vs. There is no cause ( valiant souldiors ) that vpon the vaine hope of peace , we should expect whilest the enemie doth gather and vnite his forces and armes against vs , especially such an enemie as propoundeth not spoile and worldly honours , but immortalitie it selfe , as a reward of his victorie . We haue alreadie taken much more labour than we haue to take , we haue filled the ditches with restlesse labour , we haue cast vp bulwarkes equall with the wals , and part of the wals we haue beaten euen with the ground , so that you see the towne halfe opened : and that towne , by gaining wherof , all that ours is , may be made safe and quiet ; and that which our enemie possesseth , subiect to our spoile and prey . If you will but a little inforce your selues as men mindfull of our good fortune and forwardnesse , you shall find our temples , our sacrifices , our religion , all worldly and heauenly felicitie to bee then assured vnto vs , when as you shall to morrow ouerthrow the very foundation of the enemies wall . Then ( couragious souldiors ) we may crie victorie , not for the present , but for euer . If this warre should bring vnto vs nothing els but an assured securitie of our estate , it were sufficient reward : for which we ought cheerefully to aduenture our selues to all dangers , and to challenge in combat euen death it selfe . But as this victorie doth defend all our things as with a deep trench or sure wall , so doth it lay open and expose all our enemies dominions vnto danger & spoile . Hitherto we haue striuen with nature her selfe in the rough and abrupt mountains of BVLGARIA & RASCIA , where we were to striue with hunger , thirst , labor , & desperation : all them we haue ouercome , allured with no other reward , but that at length we might attaine vnto the wealth of fruitfull HVNGARIE , from whence we must fetch the guerdon of our victorie , and the ground of our glorie . We are come to the gates , which being laid open , we are not to passe ouer inaccessible rocks , or vncouth desarts , but we shal go through most pleasant places , dec●ed both by nature her selfe , and the industrie of man ; where the temperatnesse of the aire , and liuely springs , with the fruitfulnesse of the soile , doth euery where yeeld plentie of all manner of food both for man and beast , not only to serue for natures necessitie , but euen to glut our wanton desires . What thing soeuer curious indeuor hardly bringeth forth in other places , that the fertilitie of this soile yeeldeth plentifully of it selfe : so that it is to be thought , that nature adorned HUNGARIE with a certain extraordinary care , when as she would set forth a pattern of good husbandrie , for other countries to imitate . Neither hath she in any place ben more bountifull in bestowing her rich gifts : for gold , which other men most painfully dig vp , & that in few places , the Hungarians gather at their ease , as if it were a growing plant . It is in your power ( worthie soldiors ) whether you will to morrow open a way to all these good things for your selues for euer , or els leaue the way open for your enemies vnto all that you hold . I would that you would remember when you goe vnto the breach , that all the store of happie fortune is laid open vnto you for a prey , without any other defence , without any other garrison , without any other keeper ; and that behind you are your wiues , children , your houses , your temples , and religion , together with the rewards of all your former victories : ouer whom ( except you win this citie ) the furie and insolencie of the victorious enemie , will most cruelly and shamefully insult . I , according as I shall see you fight at the breach to morrow , shall easily perceiue how you are set downe to commaund as conquerors , or els as slaues to be commaunded ; and also what to answere to the most insolent demaunds of the proud embassadours . In the meane time make much of our selues , and together with your armour haue all things in readinesse , that to morrow with the dawning of the day we may assault the breach ▪ The Turkish captaines for that time joyfully departed , as if they had been alreadie assured of the victorie , and of all those good things which Amurath had so liuely set before their eies . The next morning very early , Amurath commanded the assault to be giuen vnto a great breach which he had made in the wall with continuall batterie : the souldiours with great courage assailed the breach , especially the Ianizaries , who vnder the leading of Haly-Bassa valiantly woon the same , and were entring the citie with assured hope of victorie . The Christians seeing all in danger to be lost , running to the breach from all parts of the citie , so forceably charged the proud Ianizaries on euerie side , that they were glad to retire with more hast than they before entred ▪ in which retrait , many of them were slaine , and the rest flying out at the breach , were either slaine or burnt to death in the towne ditch with wild fire ; whereof the defendants had cast great store vpon the Turks at the breach , which hauing taken hold vpon the faggots , hurdles , and other light matter , wherewith the Turks had vpon the sudden made their way ouer the towne ditch , did so terribly burne , that the Ianizaries which had entred the breach , being againe repulsed , were in that fierie lake consumed , or else with smoke strangled . In this assault Amurath is reported to haue lost eight thousand of his best men , beside seauen thousand others ouerwhelmed or strangled in the mines , by the countermines of the Christians . The other part of the Turks which at the same time assaul●ed the citie by water , out of their gallies and small ships , had as euill or rather worse successe : many of them were sunke with great shot , and some burnt by the fire cast from the wals , and so fired one another ; and diuers of them in that sudden feare , for avoiding of that present danger , ran a ground vpon the shelfs in the riuer , and so split . Amurath wonderfully discoraged with the slaughter of his men , and shamefully beaten from the assault , returned to his camp with his Turks , much like men which had lately escaped from some great shipwracke . And thus partly by famine , and partly by the defendants force , hauing lost the greatest part of his armie , he determined now after seauen moneths siege to returne home . Yet because hee would not encourage his enemies , by shewing his feare , he sent for the embassadours into the campe , and with sterne countenance answered them in this sort . We will ( said he ) then talke of peace , when Vladislaus shall deliuer vnto vs all that part of RASCIA which he yet holdeth , and also this citie of BELGRADE , as a pledge of the league . And for this time I will raise my siege , to giue Vladislaus time to aduise himselfe : yet I would wish him , rather to accept of my friendship vpon these conditions , than by denying that little which is demaunded , to h●zard the state of both his kingdomes . I aske but that which is mine owne by law of armes , before Vladislaus was called into HUNGARIE : and the Hungarians cannot transfer vnto him that right which they had not themselues . Wherefore if hee will proceed rather to striue for that which is other mens , than quietly to possesse his owne , I will in good time repaire hether againe , with my God the beholder and reuenger of wrong . With this answere he dismissed the embassadours , and forthwith rise with his armie , sore rerepenting his comming thether : yet because he would take something in his way , he left his nephew Isa-beg with certaine troupes of horsemen at SCOPIA in SERVIA , who so troubled the king of BOSNA , that he was glad to require peace of Amurath , and to promise vnto him a yearely tribute of fiue and twentie thousand duckats . Vladislaus newly elected king of HUNGARIE , seeing that part of his kingdome which is called TRANSILVANIA , or PANNODACIA , to bee much subject to the incursion of the Turks , ( who hauing got into their possession all the countrey of MOLDAVIA , and growne insolent by continuall victories ceased not to inuade and spoile the countrey of TRANSILVANIA ) for remedie of that daily mischiefe , created Iohn Huniades Vayuod , or his vice-gerent in TRANSILVANIA . This Huniades as some write , was Earle of BISTRICE , borne in VALACHIA : others say that he was borne but of meane parents , and called Huniades of the village wherein he was borne , and grew to be great by his vertue and prowesse . Whatsoeuer his parents were , he himselfe was a most polliticke , valiant , fortunate , and famous captaine , his victories so great , as the like was neuer before by any Christian prince obtained against the Turks : so that his name became vnto them so dreadfull , that they vsed the same to feare their crying children withall . This worthie captaine according to the trust reposed in him , began to keepe the Turks short , by cutting them off , whensoeuer they presumed to enter into his countrey ; and also by shutting vp the passages wherby they were wont to forrage the countrie of TRANSILVANIA ; & when he had put his owne charge in good safetie , hee entred into MOLDAVIA , and neuer rested till hee had won it quite out of the Turks hands . And not contented with this , passed many times ouer DANUBIVS into the Turks dominions , making hauocke of the Turks , and carying away with him great bootie , with many captiues . Now were two great and worthie captaines met together , in places nigh one to another , Huniades in TRANSILVANIA , and the next part of HUNGARIE ; and Isa in RASCIA , and the vpper part of SERVIA : the one lying at TEMESVVAR , and the other at SINDEROVIA ; both men of great spirit , and desirous of honour . Of these two , Isa in great fauour with Amurath , and by him highly preferred , to increase his credit with the Sultan his vncle , & to inlarge the bounds of the Turkish kingdome committed to his charge , continually forraged the countrey about BELGRADE , to the intent that hauing wearied the inhabitants with the harms he daily did them , and brought the citie into great wants , he might so at length gaine the same , for the most part abandoned of the citizens , which Amurath could not by force obtaine , and so to open a way into HUNGARIE . Thus was the countrey by him spoiled , the villages rifled and burnt , and great numbers both of men and cattell daily caried away : yea sometimes not contented to haue spoiled the open countrey , he assailed the verie suburbs of the citie , and was thence hardly repulsed : and finding Huniades the onely man that hindred his further proceedings , to require him , and prouoke him the more , he brake sometimes into his countrey , laying in euerie corner as he went strong ambushes , so to haue circumuented that warie captaine , if it had been possible . But he , greeued to see the countrey thus spoiled , and purposing to be therof reuenged , secretly raised a strong power , both of horse and foot , and with his companion Nicholas Vilach a right valiant captaine , passing ouer DANUBIVS , came and encamped betwixt BELGRADE and SINDEROVIA , being about twentie miles distant . Of whose comming Isa-beg vnderstanding , forthwith set forward with a great armie against him , least he should by longer delaie , seeme to stand in doubt of his enemie , whom he had by many injuries so often prouoked . So marching on with his armie ranged in order of battaile , hee found Huniades as readie for battaile as himselfe , who in both wings had placed his light horsemen , and behind them his men at armes , with certaine companies of crosbowes on horsebacke : in the middest stood his armed men with his archers , and other souldiours more lightly armed , readie at all assaies , all strongly guarded with men at armes : after whom in the reareward followed also a strong squadron of valiant footmen . The signall of battaile being giuen , there began a great and cruell fight , as amongst men desirous either to ouercome , or there honourably to end their daies . At the first encounter , the wings of Huniades his bataile were by the Turks enforced to retire : but comming to the men at armes , their furie was there staied , and a cruell battaile fought , wherein many fell on both sides , but of the Turks moe , who trusting to their agilitie and nimblenesse of bodie , were not able long to endure the shocke and strength of the men at armes , but were there by heapes ouerthrowne , and most miserably slaine . Which Isa-beg beholding , and perceiuing the Hungarians couragiously to fight , as men almost in possession of an assured victorie ; to saue himselfe turned his backe and fled to SINDEROVIA . The rest beholding the flight of their generall , betooke themselues to flight also : after whō the Hungarians fiercely followed , especially Huniades himselfe , who by his example to animate the rest , left not the chase vntill he was come almost to the suburbs of SINDEROVIA : few of the Turks escaped , the rest being either taken or slaine . Huniades after so great a victorie , with a rich prey and a multitude of prisoners returned to BELGRADE : hauing now sufficiently reuenged himselfe of the wrongs he had before receiued : after which time , Isa the Turke was more quiet , as hauing sufficient proofe of his valour . The fame of this victorie increased not a little the ●ame of Huniades , the report whereof comming to BUDA , filled the citie with joy and gladnes ▪ but most of all king Vladislaus , who therevpon caused publique praiers , with thanksgiuing to be made in euerie Church : and by his letters gratulatorie , with many rich presents , encouraged Huniades to the prosecution of the religious warre , wherein was propounded vnto him not onely the increase of his wealth ( a base regard in the honourable ) but the immortalitie of his name , and hope of eternall blisse . Not long after this victorie , Huniades obtained a farre greater in TRANSILVANIA . For Amurath much greeued with the losse he had first by himselfe , and after by his lieutenant Isa , receiued at BELGRADE , and in the countrey thereabout ; least he should seeme to yeeld vnto the Hungarian , repaired his broken forces with new supplies , with purpose againe to renew his warres in VALACHIA . And so hauing put all things in a readinesse , sent one of his Bassaes called M●sites ( his Viceroy in ASIA , a man of great wisedome , experience , and valour ) with a puissant armie vpon the suddaine by the way of VALACHIA TRANSALPINA , to inuade TRANSILVANIA . This worthie captaine according to his charge , departing out of SERVIA , and passing ouer DANVEIVS , suddenly entred into Huniades his countrey , burning and spoyling whatsoeuer came in his waie , and killing all that he light vpon , man , woman , and child , without respect of age , sex , or condition ; filling all the countrey as he went , with tumult and terror . Wherof Huniades ( but lately come into the countrey ) vnderstanding , and hauing as then , no sufficient forces to oppose against the furie of so puissant an enemie , either meanes to raise any , in so great a confusion and feare ; was wonderfully grieued thereat , and perplexed in mind , as not well knowing which way to turne himselfe . At length hee tooke his flight into ALBA IVLA , vnto his old friend George Lepe , Bishop of that citie , a man of great vertue and grauitie : but whilest hee there staieth with his friend , about the raising of a tumultuarie armie , the enemie was now come neere vnto him ; who hauing ouer-runne the greatest part of the countrey , had scraped together such a bootie , and taken such a multitude of prisoners , that surcharged as it were with the spoile , he was glad to march softlier : yet still burning the countrey before him . Which Huniades and the good bishop beholding out of the citie , so much greeued thereat , that albeit that they both well knew themselues , with an handfull of men in hast taken vp hand ouer head , too weake to encounter with their enemies : yet thought it better with such power as they had , to goe out , and so in defence of their countrey honourably to die , than longer to behold the most miserable destruction of the same . But whilest they vpō this resolution ( caried forth with too hot a desire of reuenge ) march vnaduisedly on headlong , without any scouts or espials sent out before them , they fell before they were aware into such ambushes , both of horse and foot , as the craftie enemie had in the secret woods and vallies wherby they were to passe , laid of purpose to intercept them ; which now with great force and horrible outcries breaking out vpon them on euerie side , dismaied them with a great feare . Huniades and the bishop , seeing themselues so entrapped and beset with the multitude of their enemies , as that they must needs perish if they should longer staie , fled incontinently backe againe ; after whom followed all the rest of their armie , and at their heeles the egre Turks , who spared none of the flying Christians they could ouertake , but put them all to the sword : neuerthelesse , most part of them escaped backe againe to ALBA IVLA . The Bishop thinking to haue saued himselfe by the swiftnesse of his horse , comming to a riuer , in taking the same was ouerthrowne , and there by the enemie slaine . With whose death the Bassa encouraged , as also with the present victorie , began now more at libertie to range abroad , and at his pleasure with fire and sword to wast that part of the country which yet remained vnspoiled : leauing in the meane time ( as a man out of feare ) the rich prey hee had taken , together with his baggage and cariages , to be carried all together , as a notable testimonie of his victorie vnto his great lord and maister . Huniades in the meane time , with wonderfull celeritie running about the borders of his country , and out of euerie towne and village taking such souldiors as he could , persuaded also the Sicilians ( or people commonly called Siculi ) in defence of their wiues and children to take vp armes : who all , in respect of the present necessitie , cheerefully did whatsoeuer he commaunded . With this tumultuarie armie , he followed the Bassa ( who thē in great pride was returning , laded with the spoile of the whole countrey ) with purpose to set vpon him , as time or place should giue him occasion . In the meane time Mesitis being told , that Huniades with a great power was comming after him , and now euen at hand : is reported to haue made no great reckoning thereof , but to haue proudly answeared vnto him that brought the newes , Let him come , and with the spoile of himselfe enrich our victorie . There was present when he thus said , one Iohn , one of Huniades his espials , who discouered vnto him many of the Turkes designes , concerning the joyning of battaile with him ; but especially , that the Bassa had commanded through his armie , That aboue all things they should in the beginning of the battell assaile the person of Huniades himselfe , for that he being once slaine , the rest would easily be put to flight , as all depending on his direction : and that for the performance thereof , he had appointed certaine companies of his best souldiours , giuing them certaine tokens whereby they might know both him and his horse . There was then in the armie , one Simon Kemene a right valiant and couragious gentleman , not much vnlike vnto Huniades , with whom he chaunged both his horse and armour , appointing vnto him a strong troupe of his choise horsemen to attend vpon him : neither was this counterfait Huniades vnwilling to expose himselfe vnto the danger , accounting it honour inough , if by his death he might saue the life of his friend , and preserue so worthie a defendour of the common weale . Huniades following fast after the Bassa marching before him , sought by light skirmishes sometimes on the one side , sometimes on the other , and sometimes in the reareward , to stay him ▪ and at some aduantage , if any such were giuen , to fight with him , before he should get out of the countrey . At length finding such an oportunitie as he thought good to lay hold vpon , he with all his forces , as if it had ben a violent tempest , came vpon the Turks so sodainly , as that they had not time to put themselues into order of battell , but were glad confusedly to fight as they might , and without order : in which disordered fight many fell on both sides , but farre more of the Turkes . But whilest both armies with like obstinacie encounter together , certaine troupes of the most valiant Turks descrying Simon the counterfeit Huniades , and by the signes before deliuered vnto them , both of his horse and armour , supposing him to haue been Huniades indeed ; with all their power made towards him , to haue slaine him , according as they had in charge : where meeting with right valiant men , of no lesse courage than thēselues , there was fought a most terrible & bloodie battell , in such sort , as if in that very place should haue ben tried the whole fortune of the day . But the Turks still bending their forces more & more thither , for the killing of him , of whō they stood in more dread than of all the rest : at length by plain force made a way vnto him , & hauing slain them that were about him , though not without their own great losse , furiously assailing him , slew him , vainly supposing it to haue ben the very generall himselfe : who had he there perished ( as like inough it was he should , had hee not beene before warned of the Bassaes purpose ) no doubt , but that the whole country had bin with him , or shortly after , quite lost . But Huniades in the mean time riding too and fro in the armie , encouraged his soldiors not to forsake the victorie they were now as it were in possession of , nor leaue vnreuenged so many slaughters and harmes so lately committed by their enemies , but to remēber as they were fighting , that they caried in their hands their wiues and children , and were in that one battell to reuenge the wrong by them done both to God and man. Sometime he with new supplies encouraged such as were ouercharged and euen now ready to flie ; othersome he with cheerfull words staied , that had already turned their backs ; performing in euery place all the parts both of a worthie commander and valiant souldior , as the necessitie of the time and place required . In the heat of this battell , fortune yet fauoring neither part , but both fighting with all their power , the Transiluanian prisoners that in great number were kept in the campe , wishing rather there to die than to be caried away in captiuitie , and thinking it now or neuer , time for them to attempt their deliuerance ; with one consent brake in sunder their bonds , & with such weapons as first came to hand , set vpon their keepers , of whom they slew a great number : and so desperatly issuing out into the battell , encouraged their countrimen , and discouraged their enemies . Yet was the battell hardly fought , though not altogether with like courage , or for like cause : for why , the Transiluanians fought for their country , their wiues , their children , their liues , their libertie , their religion and altars : but the Turks for the rich prey they had before taken , and that they were by victorie in hope of . But at length the Turks by the breaking out of the prisoners ( who laid about them like desperat men ) out of hope of the victorie , began by little and little to retire : and the other on the contrary part , by this vnexpected aid encouraged , and quickly finding the enemies fainting , fought more fiercely than before . Mesites seeing his armie thus in euery part wauering , was therewith exceedingly troubled : but presently after , beholding some of his men retiring , as if they had fled , and othersome flying outright , and no means to stay them , for safegard of his life turned his horse and fled also : after whom the Hungarians followed with most terrible execution , as men desirous of the bloud of thē that had done them so great harme . In this chase Mesites himselfe with his son , were both slain : the report of whose death , in the pursuit , added swiftnesse vnto the Hungarians to the increasing of the slaughter of the Turks , whō for the desire of reuenge , they ceased not for certain daies to pursue , vnto the top of the alps . In this battell were slain of the Turks 20000 , & of the Hungarians about 3000. Huniades with this victorie recouered all the prey the Turks had taken of the spoile of the country , together with their tents & baggage : vnto whom at his returne into the campe , a wonderfull number of the poore captiues came , and falling at his feet and kissing them gaue God thanks for their deliuerance by him : some called him the father , some the defender of his country ; the souldiors , their inuincible generall ; the captiues , their deliuerer ; the women , their protector ; the yong men & children , their most louing father . In all which joyfull acclamations , no honourable additions was heard , which in the judgement of all men , worthely agreed not with his deserts . He againe with teares standing in his eies , courteously embraced them , rejoycing at the publicke good : and himselfe giuing most heartie thanks vnto God , commaunded the like to be done in all churches of that prouince . Sometime he commended the souldiours valour , and in generall , the peoples loyaltie . The nobilitie and woorthie captaines he extolled by name , according as their deserts had beene in that notable battaile , not detracting any thing from any mans worthie praises : part of the spoile of the Turks he appointed vnto deuout vses , and the other part he deuided amongst the souldiors ▪ and willing as it were with the first fruits thereof to gratifie king Vladislaus , and the Despot of SERVIA , then present with him , he sent a great waggon , which ten horses could scarce draw , laded with the Turkes ensignes and the cheefe of their heads , where the heads of the Bassa and his sonne stood formost , and aboue them was placed an old Turke , sometime well knowne vnto the Despot : who in this order presented vnto them , is said to haue thus deliuered his message , as followeth : Huniades your majesties most humble seruant , and the most honourable Despots sonne , sendeth vnto you this part of the spoile gained by this late victorie , least he should seeme to defraud you of the honor of the battaile , happily fought vnder your good fortune . These heads of the Asian nobilitie bee sendeth you for a present , that you should not want the assured testimonie of so notable a victorie : these are two princes heads , the one of Mesites Bassa the generall , and the other of his sonne . The rest are the heads of the other great commaunders and Sanzacks . All these witnesse the greatnesse of the late slaughter , and exhort you to greater atchieuements . What your royall majestie for the naturall instinct of pietie and religion ingrafted in you , may hope for ; and what an occasion of immortalitie and glorie is offered vnto you , Huniades wisheth you hereby to consider : and humbly requesteth , that generall supplications may be commaunded , and a great armie prouided , for as much as all men suppose , that the Turke will gage his whole forces , and leaue nothing vnattempted , in reuenge of so great a slaughter of his people . Hauing ended his speech , he shewed vnto them the grisely mortified heads : which the nobilitie and others there present , earnestly beheld and wondered at , especially the king and the Despot , who by letters farther vnderstanding the whole proceeding of the warre , and fortune of the battaile , highly commended the discreet valour of Huniades , together with the glorious victorie , worthie ( as they said ) of a Romane triumph : for which , Vladislaus commaunded publicke supplications to be made in all churches through HVNGARIE , and by honourable messengers sent of purpose to Huniades , gaue him great thanks , according to his deserts , with many rich presents also , commending his faithfull and worthie seruice : and requesting him with like courage and care to prosecute the warre so happily begun , promising him , That hee should want neither men nor money , or any thing els needfull thereunto . Vpon this victorie , the countries of MOLDAVIA and VALACHIA , before tributaries vnto the Turks , now reuolted againe vnto the Hungarians , to the great greefe of Amurath : & the fame of Huniades was in short time dispersed through all EVROPE , and a generall hope conceiued of him , as of one most like to be one of the greatest champions of the Christian commonweale , as in his time vndoubtedly he was . The report of this late ouerthrow , with the death of the Bassa Mesites , and the losse of his armie , being brought to HADRIANOPLE , much troubled the Turkish tyrant : but most of all the reuolt of the two countries of MOLDAVIA & VALACHIA . So that full of wrathfull indignation and desire of reuenge , he commaunded a great armie to bee raised against the next Spring , with intent to haue gone therwith himselfe : but afterward vpon better aduice changing his purpose , he committed the leading therof vnto one Schech Abedin Bassa ( corruptly called Sciabedin Bassa ) an eunuch , and yet neuerthelesse a right valiant and expert captaine , and his viceroy in EVROPE ▪ with charge first to enter into VALACHIA , and there hauing done what harme hee could with fire and sword , to doe the like in MOLDAVIA : and after that with all his power to breake into TRANSILVANIA , there to reuenge vnto the full , the losses before receiued , and with the slaughter of the Hungarians to sacrifice vnto the ghosts of their dead friends & companions . The Bassa according to his charge , departing out of MACEDONIA , and marching through MYSIA , and so passing ouer Danubius , with an armie of fourescore thousand fighting men , whereof foure thousand were of the best Ianizaries , entred into VALACHIA , filling the country with feare and tumult ; the Valachians now altogether in despaire to bee able to defend themselues against the furie of the Turks , and sore repenting them of their reuolt from them vnto the Hungarians . Whom for all that , Huniades comforted with cheerefull words , willing them betime to retire themselues vnto the safest places of their countrey , and not to expose themselues with their too weake forces against the furie of the Barbarians , promising in good time to come himselfe to their releefe ; not doubting by the power of Iesus Christ , to dare them battell in the plaine field , & to haue of them a glorious victorie , although they were in number farre moe than they were reported to be . The Bassa diuiding his armie into two parts , forraged the countrey farre and neere , burning the countrey townes and villages before them , spoyling whatsoeuer came in their way , and killing whosoeuer they light vpon , men , women , or children , without respect of age , sex , or condition . But the Valachians for the most part , had retired themselues , some into the mountains , some into the strong townes , and some into places further off ; so that few fell into the enemies hands , but such as were not able to flie , or not regarding the danger had negligently staied the enemies comming , and so perished . VALACHIA thus spoiled , the Turks passing ouer the mountaines , descended into TRANSILVANIA , as Amurath had commanded , with purpose there to haue done the like or greater harme , if possible it had been to haue so done : but there was Huniades with 15000 chosen soldiors readie to incounter thē . A small power indeed , in comparison of the multitude the Bassa led : but all men of great experience and resolution , in valour counteruailing the great number of their enemies , men resolued rather to die than to flie . Of whose approch the Bassa ( vnto whom the name and fortune of the man was dreadfull ) by his espials vnderstanding , stayed his intended furie , and as one well aware with whom hee had to doe , without farther proceeding , encamped himselfe with his armie , to see what power and courage the enemie had . But certainely informed by his scouts , for that purpose sent out , That he was not in number a quarter so many as the Turkes , but lay strongly encamped with his waggons and carriages , as in a sure fort , in such order , as that he could not without great danger bee assailed , and yet might at his pleasure come foorth , and so if need were retire againe , as into a strong hold : he wondered at his courage and skilfull maner of encamping ; yet presuming of his own multitude and strength , he doubted not to march forward , and to offer him battell . Being come within halfe a mile the one of the other , although they were on neither side vnwilling to fight , yet hoping both for a great victorie , they thought it not best to attempt any thing rashly , but betooke themselues both vnto the highest of their wits , as willing in so great a conflict as well to shew the vttermost of their pollicie and skill , as of their courage and valour . The Turke thought it best not to joine battaile with his enemies in one front , for feare of confounding so great a multitude , but to deuide his armie into certaine battailions , and so to fight by degrees and in good order , whereby to make all his men profitable : or if he could not do so , then with his multitude to enclose the Christians round , and so to ouerwhelme them . On the other side , Huniades charged his souldiours , aboue all things to keepe their order , and in no case to suffer themselues to bee deuided by their enemies . The next day , being come vnto a place which they call VASCAPE , both the armies by the breake of day began to dislodge , at which time the Bassa spent a good space in the martialling of his great armie , as did also Huniades , seeking by prouident foresight and pollicie to match the multitude of his enemies . And so hauing set all things in order , calling vnto him the cheefe captaines and commaunders of his armie , with cheerefull countenance encouraged them as followeth : No courage ( beleeue me ) worthie companions , and fellows in arms , could haue induced me to encounter so great a multitude , did not necessitie it selfe enforce me , your approued valour persuade me , & the assured hope I haue in Christ Iesu aboue all things confirme me : hauing made choice of vs to fight this his sacred battaile , and by our right hands to reuenge the dishonour of his holy name . In which his especiall choice we are to consider how much hee hath beloued vs : and for the same to praise his infinite goodnesse and mercie . Three such commodities hath God thereby euen this day propounded vnto vs , if we will be the same men we haue been in times past , as that the least thereof were sufficient to encourage men of worth , for the same to lay downe their liues , held they them neuer so deare : First , you are to sight for the health and welfare of your children , wiues , and countrey , joyned with your whole estate : then , for eternall glorie and renowne in this world : and last of all , for immortalitie and a crowne that shall neuer be taken from you , in the world to come . How many miseries and calamities we haue in former times , and of late , receiued from the Turks , would to God you had rather heard thereof by report , than seene the same with your eies , and endured them in your selues . You had long since been bereft of your welbeloued wiues and children , whom most miserable seruitude had ouerwhelmed ; you had had neither house nor church , wherein to dwell or to serue God , had not the diuine power of God , and your rare prowesse been at hand for present rescue : your countrey , your goods , your honour , your libertie , you could not haue kept , had not your valor , confirmed by an assured confidence in the highest , preserued all these things vnto your selues : The horrible furie of the Turke had now brought all these things into the power of it selfe , had they not been by your armes defended : and he by so many bloodie ouerthrows repressed . He could not before be staied : the Grecians , the Macedonians ( both sometimes the greatest commaunders ) the bold Thracians , the strong Bulgarians , the valiant Epirots , and Dalmatians , could not abide their force : The Athenians , the Thebans , the Lacedemonians , authors and maisters of the antient discipline of warre , willingly gaue place vnto these . Vnto vs , is this praise and great glorie of this victorie by God assigned , who often times with a small power , yea and that sometime against all hope , haue with a notable slaughter ouerthrown them , vanquished them , & put them to flight . Neither is there any men in the world whom they more feare and stand in dread of , than you , whom though in number but few , they haue by their daily slaughter and losses , learned no lesse to feare , than if you were many . And now to trie the vttermost of their power , they are come with their innumerable legions : but are not for that of you any thing the more to be feared than before , seeing that we all beare armes vnder the conduct of the most mightie God ; and are by daily victorie , long experience and approoued valour taught , what we are to dare : besides that , the greatest part of their armie is of common souldiours , slaues , or rude countrey pesants , or men by force by them compelled ; more than the Ianizaries , are no good souldiours among them , the rest as men enforced , serue them for feare , and against their wils , and they by their cowardize brought into that bondage and slauerie . What Greeks , Macedonians , or Sclauonians soeuer are sent to their aid , forasmuch as they are not yet reuolted from the Christian faith , deeme them not to stand for them , but for vs ; they long for vs the reuengers of their wrongs , and for you as victorious conquerours : in this warre they haue giuen vnto the Turkes their names , but vnto vs their hearts , and power , and pray heartily for our victorie : wherefore you ought so much the more valiantly and couragiously to fight , by how much greater you see the victorie , the honour , the prey before your eies . We are not to fight for other mens houses , and altars , but for our owne ; so our present necessitie requireth , in such sort , that if wee our selues deliuer not our selues , and beare our selues vpon our woonted hope and valour , wee shall this day bee enforced to endure the greatest miserie that men may possiblie : First , the losse of our goods and substance , the captiuitie of our children , the deflouring of our daughters , the rauishing of our wiues , the slaughter of our parents , the burning of our houses , and churches ; and that which worse is than all this , the scorne of our Sauiour Christ Iesus , and his saints , whose images you shall see in despight broken , or dragged in the durt , or moulten and conuerted into other prohane vses ; all religion trodden downe , and God himselfe ( if it were possible ) with violence and dispaire driuen out of our hearts , if we stand not manfully vnto it as becommeth worthie champions . God is able with his little finger , if he so will , forthwith to destroy all the Turks in the world ; but seeing he hath committed vnto our right hands the defence of his name , he first maketh proofe of our courage and valour , that finding the same faithfull , and readie , hee may strengthen and defend it with his owne right hand . He neuer yet forsooke any faithfull or deuout man , neither will our Sauior Christ be wanting vnto you , if you be not wanting vnto your selues : in the power of his name , which is aboue all names , he shal tread down his rebellious enemies , and exalt the righteous that put their trust in him . Moreouer , the causes that we and they combat for , are diuers , and our hopes much stronger : They fight for their Prophet , a most prophane man , author of all impietie , for spoile and prey , for the destruction of nations and countreys , for other mens kingdomes , for the enlarging of their dominions and territories , for worldly praise and glorie : But wee contrariwise beare armes for the sauiour of the world , for our faith and religion , for the Christian commonwealth , for our natiue countrey , for our wiues and children , for our fortune and state ; than which nothing can bee more excellent , more commendable , or honourable . What reward is laid vp for them in heauen which haue worthily protected or deliuered their countrey , or laid downe their liues in defence of their faith and religion ? Neither , hauing often prooued , are we ignorant , that God will neuer forsake them that honour , feare , and serue him . Whereby ( fellow souldiors ) you may plainely perceiue , how farre your hopes are beyond theirs . Beleeue our Sauiour , promising vnto you an eternall reward : and shew your fidelitie and valour vnto God and your countrey together . Wherefore , seeing without the power of God wee can do● nothing , before the signall of battaile be giuen , I beseech you collonels , captaines , and lieutenants , by your effectuall and Christian exhortations in your regiments and companies , to encourage your souldiors , valiantly to fight the Lords battaile , and for the present , euerie man by taking a little earth in his mouth , to prepare himselfe according to the necessitie of the time , as it were to the receiuing of the lords supper : so hauing clensed your soules , embrace you one another , plight your mutuall faith with your right hand and a kisse ; and make a perpetuall couenant among your selues , none of you to forsake one another in this holy battaile , but for your religion and countrey valiantly to fight it out , euen vnto the last man. And a little refreshing your selues with a short repast as you stand , vpon the signall giuen , thrice calling aloud vpon the mightie name of Christ Iesu , fight with the like valour and courage so neere as you can , that he in the agonie of death fought for your redemption and libertie : which that you will willingly do , I request and charge you this for our sauiours sake , for the loue of our countrey , and for the faith you owe both to God and man. I also pray and beseech you , so to fight , as men resolued either to gaine a most glorious victorie , ( whereof I doubt not ) or else if it should otherwise chaunce , this day to purchase vnto your selues a blessed life in the kingdome of heauen : not to sup in Hell with the Turks , but with the blessed wights in heauen : For Christ Iesus our Sauiour will be alwaies present with vs , who ( beleeue me , and so hope ) will this day not onely deliuer vs out of the hands of the Turks , but to our immortall glorie lode vs with the rich spoyles of our enemies , and so in safetie bring all home againe with much ioy and triumph . The Bassa on the other side likewise encouraged his souldiors , putting them in remembrance of their former victories , exhorting them not to degenerate from their worthie ancestours and themselues , by whose great valour the glorie and empire of the Turkes had been so mightily encreased ▪ and vnto whom their great prophet Mahomet , the interpretor of the gods , had foretold the empire of the whole world to be by all the gods allotted ; and had by diuine inspiration prophecied , that antient and stately nation in time to become the terror of the world , the scourge of the wicked , and commander of all nations . He farther declared vnto thē what an increase of kingdomes they had got in that short time , since which they first passed ouer into EVROPE : and filled them with the hope of a great spoile ; promising vnto them that should in the battaile valiantly behaue themselues , not onely the spoile and prey , but whole villages , towns , and cities , and other great preferments , according as they should deserue . As for the victorie , considering the weake power of their enemies , and the great number of themselues , hee assured them thereof , if they would but a while valiantly fight it out like men . In conclusion , he told them , that hauing ouercome Huniades , whom onely , as hee confessed , he had found to bee the most valiant and skilfull captaine of the Christians , nothing should afterward be able to stand in their way , or to hinder their farther conquests : and that if this day they should vtterly ouerthrow him , they should gain the most honourable victorie that was euer yet got in EVROPE . Wherefore hee willed them aboue all things , in the battell to seeke after him ; promising vnto him that should kill him , a great reward , with most honourable preferments . Hauing thus sufficiently , as he thought , encouraged his Turks , he set forward with his armie in order of battaile . His horsemen and footmen he deuided into two great wings , betwixt which marched the Ianizaries in a square battaile , all men of approoued valour : after whom followed the rereward : vnto the wings he had also joyned certaine loose companies of light horsemen to begin the battaile , and to flie about the enemies , and so as occasion should serue , either to charge or retire . Huniades likewise had placed in both wings two square battailions of men at armes , and with them certaine horsemen with crosse-bowes : before these wings he had also placed certaine troupes of light horsemen , to encounter the enemies : in the middest stood two square battailes of men at arms : and betwixt them a strong squadron of armed men , guarded behind with a conuenient number of pikemen and archers : both the wings he had compassed about with a multitude of carts and waggons , and they also well manned . So marching forward , and both armies being come within a quarter of a mile together , the signall of battaile was on both sides giuen , and the battaile begun . Huniades seeing the multitude of his enemies , cast his first battaile into the forme of a wedge , the more easily to deuide them : and they on the other side in forme of a paire of sheeres , were readie to receiue him : where on both sides they encountered together with such furie and outcrie , as neuer was thing more terrible to be heard or seene . The Turks trusting vnto the multitude of their nimble light horsemen , first with their light staues , and afterward with their crooked Scimators fiercely assailed the Christians light horsemen , in which first encounter many fell on both sides . But the wedge battaile of the Christians could not of the Turks be broken , as consisting all of valiant expert souldiors , and they also strongly armed ; who , doe the Turks what they could , with a great slaughter cut their armie in sunder , but not without a great fight , and some los●e also vnto themselues . In the wings also the light horsemen for a while fought courageously and with like hope : But the Turks with that kind of fight better acquainted than the Christians , & better appointed for that purpose , and exceeding in number also , put the Christian light horsemen to the worst , and enforced them to retire to the men at armes . Here began the fortune of the Turks to stay , where both parts desperatly assailing the one the other , was made a most terrible fight , wherein most part of the Turks light horsemen were slaine : for why , they were not able to abide the force of the men at armes , although in comparison of them , but few ; but were with their launces & arming swords ouerthrowne and slaine , no otherwise than if they had beene naked men : so that in both wings the Turks began now to faint . But the battaile in both the wings yet wauering and the victorie doubtfull , in the maine battaile was fought a most cruell fight : the Ianizaries with a strong power of men at armes , and certaine troupes of light horsemen , compassed about the men at armes that stood ( as we said ) in the maine battell of the Christians , where the old Ianizaries with their crooked S●imitaries , with great courage cut in sunder the legs of the horses of the men at armes ; of whom many fell downe , and lying along vpon the ground , were made shorter by the head : as likewise on the other side , the Ianizaries whilest they seeke the destruction of the men at armes , were themselues ouerborne and troden vnder foot . Whereupon such a slaughter was made , that the bloud ran like riuers , whilest they desperatly fight with furious rage both on the one side and the other . In this cruell fight most part of the Ianizaries were slaine , and many of the Christian men at armes also . The Bassa now perceiuing the Hungarians to haue the better , both in the wings and in the maine battaile , and yet in hope that with long fight they would faint ( although hee saw great slaughter of his men in euery place ) came on with the rereward , and a number of other fresh souldiors which he had left for the guarding of his baggage , all yet sound men , in good hope so to ouerwhelme the wearied Hungarians . It was now foure houres that this cruell fight had endured , when as the Bassa began it afresh : neither was this by him done without reason ; for why , he was afraid least if his men should turne their backes and flie , the whole armie should follow after : and therefore to make vse of all the men he had , he brought on his rereward , in hope that his enemies , now spent with long fight , would not longer endure a fresh charge . And the more to encourage his men , he commaunded them to compasse in the Hungarians round , and to dispatch their wearied enemies , vainely boasting , That it would bee the last battaile that euer the Hungarians would fight . On the other side , Huniades perceiuing the enemies purpose , suffered his men to bee in part enuironed , and by and by caused the waggoners with the armed carts and waggons to thrust in behind them , and so to compasse them in , deuided in part from the rest , and afterward with fresh supplies renewed the battaile with the enemie . The fight was great , and in euery place right terrible : and albeit that the slaughter of the Turks was in many places great , yet by reason of their multitude they felt it not much , but fought yet still most desperately : vntill that they in the right wing seeing themselues compassed in behind with the waggons , & so from them charged with shot , darts , and other such missiue weapons ; standing in doubt which way to turne themselues , and beset with danger on euery side , began to faint , and fearing the danger behind them , shruncke from the fight . On the other side , the Hungarians , now in good hope of victorie , with great and cheerefull outcries , as men inspired with fresh spirits , more furiously assailed their fainting enemies afront , than before ; encouraging them also that assailed thē behind in the waggons , to approch them neerer : with which double danger the Turks hardly beset , fought disorderly , and doubting to be all inclosed round , first retired , and presently after betook themselues to plaine flight . But they which were alreadie shut in betwixt the waggons and them that fought before thē , perished euery mothers son . They which fought in the left wing also , discouraged with the flight of their fellowes , fled likewise : after whom the Hungarians fiercely followed . The Bassa himselfe seeing both the wings of his battell put to flight , & his own battell sore broken also , strucken with dispaire fled , with certain companies of the Ianizaries , which he had still kept about him against al euents , for the safegard of his person : after whō followed also so many other of the Turks as could ; the rest dispersedly flying through the woods , forrests , & mountains , either there perished with hunger , or falling into the hands of the Valachians , were by them slain . Of so great an armie as the Bassa brought into TRANSILVANIA , scarce the one halfe returned againe ouer Danubius . It is reported by some that were in that battell , that if Huniades hauing them in chace , had pursued them vnto Danubius , scarcely one man of them had escaped ouer the riuer . But he contented with so great a victorie , & to haue driuen his enemies out of the field , pursued them not far : but entring into their campe , with the spoile therof greatly enriched both himselfe and his soldiors . Beside the great multitude of the Turks here slaine , 5000 more were taken prisoners , & 100 of their ensignes . Long it were to rehearse and reckon vp the rich spoile there taken , the guilt armour , and goodly furniture , both of men and horses , beside the rich pauillions and tents there standing . In breefe , the wealth there found , was so great , as that there was no man in Huniades armie , which was not thereby for euer enriched . Huniades for this so great a victorie , and for his countrey , deliuered from so great a feare , caused generall prayers with thankes giuing , for the space of three daies , to be made in all churches of those three prouinces , vnto whom that danger was threatened ; and at VASCAPE , where the battaile was fought , hanged vp certaine of the Turks ensignes , as trophees of the victorie there gotten . This was the famous battaile of VASCAPE , wherein Huniades got the greatest victorie that euer any Christian prince before that time obtained against the Turkish kings . The fields thereabouts lay couered with the dead bodies of the slaine Turkes , whose carrion carkasses so infected the aire , that many of the better sort of the inhabitants of the countrey were glad for a season to leaue their dwellings , and to get them further off , for feare of infection . Afterwards he in great triumph came to BVDA , and there presented vnto king Vladislaus the enemies ensignes , with such a part of the spoile , as might both well declare the greatnesse of the victorie , and beseeme the greatnesse of so great a prince , which the king thankefully receiued , highly commending his great valour , the fame whereof had in short time filled euery corner of EVROPE . Amurath a little before this great ouerthrow of his armie in TRANSILVANIA , assuring himselfe of the victorie , had sent a proud embassage vnto king Vladislaus into HVNGARIE , offering him peace , vpon condition , That he should deliuer vnto him the strong citie of BELGRADE or els yeeld to pay him a yearely tribute : vnto which , vpon the first report of the victorie , answere was giuen by the king , answerable to the proud demaund , That according to the issue of matters in TRANSILVANIA , hee would shortly in person himselfe come and giue him farther answere . With which short answere the proud embassadors were dismissed and gone , a little before the comming of Huniades to BVDA . How much this late ouerthrow greeued the great king Amurath , Vladislaus was not ignorant ; either of his power and desire of reuenge , as sufficiently warned thereof by the worthie Huniades : for the withstanding whereof , he thought it good not to be vnprouided . Wherefore calling together the states of his kingdome , and with them Iulian the Cardinall of S. Angel , the Popes Legat ; at such time as they were all assembled , he propounded vnto them the greatnesse of the danger threatened by the angrie Turke , leauing it vnto their graue consideration , to determine how the same were by strong hand and plaine force , or otherwise to be auerted . In which most honourable assemblie , Iulian the Cardinall , of purpose sent thither by Pope Vrbane to stirre vp the Hungarians against the Turks , being requested by the king to deliuer his opinion first , spake vnto them as followeth : Since the time that the Turkish pestilence began to rage in EVROPE , no n●wes was euer more welcome vnto the great Bishop , vnto the Apostolicall Senate , and other princes of ITALIE ( most mightie king , and you other most worthie princes ) than when it was told them , That Vladislaus , king of POLONIA , was by you also chosen king of HVNGARIE . For a fitter gouernour of the Hungarian state , and leader of their power , could not the Hungarians any where haue found : as he in whom iustice , religion , wisedome , valour , and martiall skill , doth so abound , that he seemeth rather for the good of this kingdome by God sent from heauen , than here in earth chosen by men . By this happie & fortunat choice , the minds also of all the Italians , which before lay heauie and discouraged , were lightened and reuiued : and therefore , that this choice might be vnto the Christian commonweale both glorious and fortunate , they made their solemne vowes and prayers . At such time as the most holy Senat vnderstood of the ciuile discord of this kingdome , and the danger of the Turks fast by , it sent me hither to deale with you for the appeasing of those troubles and repressing of that mischeefe ( as you haue oftentimes heard me say . ) The kingdome is by your force and valour , by my mediation , and the death of the queene , well pacified : but yet the other remaineth full of honour , full of profit , full of safetie , glorie , and immortalitie , best ●itting : Vladislaus conduct and fortune , and the valour of the Hungarians . The Turkish tyrannie and their proud commaund ( worthie princes ) is to be repressed : yea their seruile yoke , hanging euen now ouer our neckes , is to be shaken off , and to be driuen away . What you are to dare to doe , the valour and fortune of Huniades foretelleth you : the fortune said I of Huniades , nay the fortune of the Christian commonweale , and present mercie of our blessed Sauiour , which suffereth his people to be vp and downe tossed , but not quite drowned . If so great an armie of the enemies was vanquished and put to flight by the power of one of thy captaines , and that but small : what is to bee hoped of thee ( most mightie king ) if thou shalt lead foorth thine armies thy selfe in person , vnder thine owne conduct ▪ and the protection of Christ Iesu. The eyes of all Christian princes are cast vpon thee , vpon the Hungarian and Polonian forces ; vpon thee haue they reposed all their hopes , they all expect that thou shouldest bee the reuenger of the Barbarian crueltie , the defendor of the faith , and protector of EVROPE ▪ and that is it for which the Pope doth with his letters dayly solicite and importune you . And albeit , that the common cause and quarrell of the Christian religion require it , yet doth the necessitie of HVNGARIE and POLONIA no lesse enforce it : of which , the one is most miserably and daily vexed with the Turkes forces and furie out of SERVIA and DALMATIA ; and the other out of MOLDAVIA and VALACHIA . Now if any there he , whom neither the zeale of religion , the necessitie of the cause , the hope of immortall fame and glorie , can moue , let their owne safetie , the present seruitude of their wiues and children , the safegard of their wealth and substance , the lawfull reuenge of the wrongs done them , sti● them vp to take in hand this sacred expedition . So fit an oportunitie is now giuen vnto you , that at one and the selfesame time you may set your bodies in perpetuall safetie and happinesse , your soules in quietnesse and rest , and vnto both giue eternall glorie and happinesse . You lacke not ( worthie captaines ) money , the sinewes of the warre , which shall be brought vnto you from all parts of the Christian common-wealth , not lustie and courageous souldiours , not policie , not fortune , not the propitious heauenly powers , which haue made choice of you for the defence of the true faith and religion : you want nothing ( woorthie princes ) but will. It is an expedition necessarie , religious , profitable , and honourable : wherein are propounded most ample rewards both in this life , and in the life to come . Wherefore ( most mightie prince , and you right worthie princes all ) I pray and beseech you by the faith of Christ Iesu , by the loue of your children , by the health of your kingdome , and deliuerance from your present destruction , with valiant courage , and one consent to take this sacred war in hand , and so thereby to enroll your names in the eternall booke of fame . And sith that you are to goe , not so much to a worldly as a spirituall war , against the enemies of Christ and his truth , take vp your armes with such zeale , courage , and cheerefulnesse , as the expectation and hope of men , as your valour , the present danger , and the mercies of God towards you ▪ seeme of right to require . The Legat hauing made an end , forthwith ensued the miserable supplication and teares of the Despot , persuading them , of the necessitie of that expedition to be taken in hand , declaring vnto them the crueltie of the Turks , their torments and strange tortures , his sonnes depriued of their sight , and spoiled of their genitoires , many halfe mangled , and moe cut in sunder with sawes ; some ●laine quick , and other buried aliue , with many other strange kinds of death , such as would abhorre any Christian eares to heare . And warning the Hungarians , by his example to beware how much they had need to looke to themselues , told them , That they were but by the riuer SAVUS , deuided from the Turks ; which in Summer was oftentimes to be waded ouer , and in Winter hard frozen , and so to bee passed : that the countrey beyond DANVBIVS lay all open vpon them ; and that he , sometime the rich king of SERVIA , was now driuen into exile by the power of the Turke , depriued of his kingdome , of his children , shamefully disgraced , spoiled of his wealth and fortune , glad to flie from place to place , and yet not able to find any safe place to rest in . First he fled ( as he said ) to RAGVSIVM , where by and by he was sought after , and endangered by the Turks : then into HVNGARIE , which was also forthwith by them on euery side infested ; and whereof the Barbarian king now asked tribute , to haue some colour for the inuasion thereof : which dreadfull enemie was not farre off from it , but still houered euen ouer it : as well witnessed VALACHIA and TRANSILVANIA , two of the greatest and richest prouinces of the Hungarian kingdome ; which had not the valour of Huniades , the fortune of the commonweale , and aboue all , the mercie of God , deliuered out of the hands of this filthie nation , the state of HVNGARIE had now ben vtterly forlorne . The euents of war ( he said ) were diuers , fortune vncertaine , and that God would not euery day bee tempted . Wherefore with many teares abundantly running down his aged face , he besought king Vladislaus & the rest , not to let slip this faire occasion , neither by cowardise or negligence to break off the course of their good fortune and victorie : but to make choice rather to become reuengers of other mens harmes than of their own , and to satisfie the good opinion the world had conceiued of them . He was ( as he said ) a sufficient example to all men . Besides that he offred a great sum of mony himselfe towards the defraying of the charges of the war , assuring thē also of great supplies both of men & mony from diuers other Christian princes . Which opinion of the Legat & Despots , being generally liked & approued , a decree was made by the whole court of parlament there assembled , That the king should himselfe in person with all speed possible entertain that honorable war. So that though it were now vpon the approach of winter , yet were men taken vp in euerie place , and embassadours sent vnto the Emperour , and the other neighbour princes , to pray of them aid against the common enemie . Who for the most part excused themselues by their owne particuler affaires , but sent no aid at all . Neuerthelesse many deuout Christians both out of FRANCE and GERMANIE , for the zeale they bare vnto Christ and the Christian religion , forsaking wife and children , and whatsoeuer they had else , came and worthily serued vpon their owne charge . The Spring being come , and supplications made in all places for the prosperous successe of that religious warre , king Vladislaus the first of May set forward from BUDA , where passing the riuer DANUBIVS and marching faire and softly , and coming to the riuer TIBISCVS , hee there staied three daies for the comming of his armie . Departing thence , and marching on alongst the side of DANUBIVS , vntill he came within the sight of BVLGARIA , hee there at a place called COBIS , oueragainst SYNDEROVIA , passed ouer DANVBIVS with his armie , which was now growne verie great : and so marched directly to SOPHIA scituate about sixe daies march from DANVBIVS , in the frontiers of BVLGARIA , so called of a most sumptuous and magnificent temple there built by Iustinian the great emperour . Which citie being then old and ruinous , and but badly fortified , was easily taken ; and afterward for that it was not well to be holden , was by the kings commandement burnt , as were all the other countrey townes and villages thereabouts , to the terrour of the rest . Marching thence hee came vnto the riuer MORAVA and there encamped : where the plaine countrey , easily riseth and falleth in manner of the sea when it is mooued with a little wind . Here fiue hundreth light horsemen , being sent ouer the riuer , not so much to seeke after preie , as to view the countrey which way the armie might most safely and easily passe , hapned vpon the Turks scouts , of whom they tooke foure : and vnderstanding by them , that two thousand of the Turks were comming at hand , knowing themselues to weake to encounter them , they retired backe againe with all speed they could vnto the riuer : where many of them , for feare , leapt headlong from the high and broken bankes , and so perished in the deepe ; the rest terrified with the misfortune of their fellows , stood still doubtfully expecting what should become of themselues . Beyond the riuer was another hill , vpon the top whereof the king with a great number of horsemen were hunting : whom the Turks a far off discrying , and doubting to fall into some ambush , of purpose laid for them betwixt them and the riuer , without cōming on further , retired . Which they that before fearefully staied on the farre side of the riuer perceiuing , and now encouraged by the comming of the king downe to the riuer , followed a while after , so to increase their feare ; and so hauing well feared one another , retired on both sides worse afraid than hurt . The next daie the king passed ouer the riuer , sending out his scouts to see if all were cleare before him : by whom he was aduertised that the Turks were at hand , hauing placed certaine ambushes fast by , expecting but a fit time to set vpon him . Wherevpon entring into counsaile with his best and most expert captaines , what were best to be done ; it was resolued vpon , that Huniades the next night with ten thousand choice horsemen , should vpon the suddaine set vpon the enemie , then fearing nothing lesse . Who conducted by the espials , was in the first watch of the night brought verie neere vnto them . The moone by chance as fauoring his great attempt , did then shine out , so that he might well discern how the enemie lay encamped , and which way for to charge them to his most aduantage ; which was by the same way they were most like no flye , if they should be put to the worst : vnto which place he led his men , and there with a most hideous outcrie ▪ entred the campe , as then for the most part buried in sleepe and securitie : when as the Turkes awaked with the suddaine noise as it were out of a dead sleepe , and dismaied with the horrour of the crie , began to betake them some to their weapons , some to their heeles . Of whom such as fled , lighting vpon the enemies troupes standing in their way , ran as fast backe againe : the other scarce yet well awake , and ouercome with feare , and now scarcely themselues , had much adoe to make themselues readie to fight . Huniades in the meane time riding vp and downe amongst his men , cheered them vp , still crying out and calling vpon them , couragiously to assaile their sleepie naked and fearefull enemies , and not to let slip so faire an occasion and so notable a victorie now alreadie in their hands . At the first encounter the Turks rather made a stirre than fought ; but after that they heard that Huniades was there , as men dismaied with his name , they turned their backs and fled , finding which way soeuer they tooke , their fellowes halfe dead or wounded : ye● such a confusion was raised amongst them , with the greatnesse of the sudden feare , that thustin● together , with an inconsiderate desire of flight , they trod one another vnder foot , and thru●● themselues vpon one anothers weapons : the greatest part of them driuen headlong into the thickets , and other straits , and not able in time to get out thence , were there by the victorious enemie fiercely pursuing of them , slaine . All that night the fearefull Turks were with great slaugh●●● held in chace : but as soone as it was day , the rest that remained of them ran also the same for●●e with their fellowes . A farre greater slaughter was there made , than a man would thinke that so few men could haue made , when as but with ten thousand horse , thirtie thousand Turks were in one night slaine , and foure thousand taken , with a number of their ensignes . Of Huniades his men were not many lost , for the greatnesse of the slaughter , most report not aboue fiue hundreth ; for few of them found any enemie to resist them . There was taken all the spoile of a most rich camp , the enemie hauing caried with them nothing out of it . Huniades hauing in so short time gained so notable a victorie , and enriched his armie , returned to the king in great triumph : neither w●● that day more joyfull vnto these victorious souldiors , than vnto the rest of the armie , who most joyfully expected their returne . The king and the Despot , hearing of the approach of Huniades from the slaughter of the Turks , with the great applause and joyfull acclamation of the other legions went to meet him three miles : and at such time as at their first meeting Huniades was about to haue lighted to haue done him honour , he would in no case suffer him so to doe , but taking him by the right hand , joyed with him for the victorie , thanking God in the hearing of the whole armie , that hee of his mercie had giuen him such a captaine , as without enuie in all mens judgements was worthie to rule the Romane empire . In briefe , he shewed how much his countrey , his kingdome , yea the Christian commonweale was bound and indebted vnto him , gaue him his due praises , exhorting all others to imitate his glorie : the like honour did also all the rest of the nobilitie vnto him . As for the common souldiors , they could not be satisfied with beholding of him , but embracing one another , as if they would haue died one in anothers armes , welcomed their victorious friends . So with joy joyning their forces together , and sending the rich spoile of the enemie , with the prisoners chained together in long rancks , before them ; the king and Huniades , in great triumph returned into the campe , where they caused generall prayers with thankesgiuing vnto almightie God , for so great a victorie , to bee made thoughout the armie . The Legat Iulian , generall of the voluntarie Christians , which for deuotion serued of their owne charge , after so great a victorie most earnestly persuaded the king and the rest of the great commaunders of the armie to prosecute their good fortune , and in God his so great fauor not to loiter , but daily to march forward , and to take in the rest of BVLGARIA . Now had Huniades by his espials learned , that from SOPHIA it was but three dayes journey to PHILIPPOPOLIS , a great citie of THRACIA ; and the like distance from thence to HADRIANOPLE , the cheefe seat of the Turkish tyrant ; and as much more to CONSTANTINOPLE . The onely difficultie was , how to passe the great and rough mountaine HEMVS , which running a maruellous way in length , euen vnto the Euxine sea , and mating almost the skie , deuideth the countries of BVLGARIA and SERVIA , from MACEDONIA and THRACE : and for the great height and roughnesse thereof , is not to be passed ouer but in two places ; the one made by the great emperor Traian and the Romanes , where as yet is to be seene a mightie strong gate built of great square stone , whereby the passage that way was opened or shut at the pleasure of them that had the keeping thereof : the other neere vnto a little riuer , which the Bulgarians now call SALTIZA . By either of these waies if he should find them open , Huniades , vnto whom the king had committed both the leading and the conduct of the armie , purposed to enter . Wherefore marching forward , they tooke all such townes of BVLGARIA as stood in their way ; some by force , some by composition : wherin was no small helpe , the conformitie of the Christian religion , the horrible crueltie of the Turks , and great affinitie of language , the most effectuall meanes to win the loue of strangers : For the Polonians and the Bulgarians , both descended of the Sclauonians , and vsing the same language , the Polonian horsemen came to no towne , but it presently yeelded . But being come vnto the mountaine HEMVS , to haue entered into THRACIA , the Winter weather being now very cold , they learned by their espials , that the aforesaid passages were both fast shu● vp with great stones , timber , and such other like matter , so strongly , as that they were very hardly to be forced . Wherefore Huniades leauing the straighter way made by the hand of man ( which beside the former fortification at the great gate , the Turkes had in many places , with abundance of water poured downe the steepe hill in the night , and hard frozen with the coldnesse of the weather , made so slipperie , as that it was not possible either for man or beast there to stand , or to get vp that way ) vpon Christmas euen came to the other , by which the riuer Saltiza runneth , the which he found likewise shut . Here they met with many inconueniences : first , the difficultie of the passage , which old Amurath had not without great reason shut vp , and there placed strong garrisons , so at ease and without danger of battaile ( so often by his Bassaes vnfortunatly proued ) to defend his kingdome in MACEDONIA and THRACIA from the inuasion of the Hungarians , whom now of all nations he most dreaded . Beside that , in the armie was such want of all things , as that the souldiors were readie to forsake their ensignes , and to rise vp in a generall mutinie : for the countrey neere vnto the mountaine HEMVS , rising high with broken rockes and inaccessible places , was altogether barren , and victuals failing in the campe , they were glad to liue with a little wheat and flesh boiled together , and that so sparingly , as that the soldiors began now generally to grow weake and faint . Besides that , the Winter was exceeding cold , and the frost so great , that many times they could not goe out of their tents to seeke for forrage or water . So that the armie enforced with hunger and cold , and the difficultie of the passage , began to retire , & had now vndoubtedly beene dissolued , had it not been for the often and earnest persuasions of Huniades : for he daily told them , that the greatest difficulties were alreadie past , that that which remained , was with their wonted valour and courage to be endured , whereunto nothing was high or difficult : that they should forthwith come into the borders of THRACIA , where they should find plentie of all things : that they were now come so farre , that if they would go backe againe , they should in those wast countries , through which they were to passe , find greater difficulties and dangers than in going forward : that these straights once opened , remained no more trauell , but cheerefully to fall to the spoile of a most rich and pleasant country . They were not ( as he said ) to stay in the middest of their fortunes , for that it was not alwaies permanent : and for that the contempt of God his fauours , caused them to be oftentimes taken from vs : all that was yet done ( hee said ) was nothing , if they proceeded not farther : for that whatsoeuer they had alreadie woon , was easily by the enemie to be recouered ; except that those which yet remained ( for that most part of them , as he said , were slaine with their houses burnt ouer their heads ) were driuen out of THRACIA and MACEDONIA , and so quite out of EVROPE . So whilest the souldiours heard Huniades speake , euery man was well encouraged : but when they remembred the miseries wherewith they were enuironed , they cursed all the rash attempts of ambitious princes . In the meane time newes was brought by the scouts , that the Turkes were comming after them : but then began they to rejoice , as deeming it much more honor , manfully to die in battell , than to starue with hunger and cold . Against these Turks was Huniades sent , with certain troupes of horsemen : who encountering with them , easily inforced them with losse to retire . Eight times he encountred them ( as the soldiors there present reported ) and as often put them to flight . In retiring backe from the impregnable mountaine , the king with the greatest part of the armie went before ; after whom followed Huniades & the Despot , a good daies march : when the Turks that kept the passage vpon the mountain , vnderstanding of their return , followed them downe the hill , in good hope to be of them well reuenged , before they should get out of BVLGARIA . Carambey the Bassa of ROMANIA , and brother to Caly-Bassa ( a man of all others in greatest fauor with Amurath , and his brother in law , as hauing married his sister ) was generall of this armie , and by him appointed for the keeping of these straits ; with expresse charge , vpon no occasion whatsoeuer , although it made shew of neuer so assured a victorie , to fight with the enemie : for he thought it victorie ynough , without any losse to haue kept his enemies out of THRACIA . Which the old kings cōmand , Carambey for all that neglected , in good hope by a notable victory easily to answer the contempt of that he was commanded . The Christian armie descending down the broken mountains was come to a great mountaine , which the Bulgarians call CVNO●IZA , and part of the mountain HEMVS : at whose heeles followed Carambey , with his Turks , still houering ouer their heads , to take them at some aduantage : whom the Christians beholding , could not by their captaines be staied , but that they would many times by companies flie forth vpon them , and desperatly fight with them in places of great disaduauntage , saying , That they had rather die in fight like men , than to starue with hunger and cold . Here Carambey , being himselfe a man of great courage , and desirous of honour , and by the rashnesse of his enemies allured to fight ; and withall , beside the aduantage of the ground , perceiuing himselfe to exceed his enemies both in strength and number of men , could not be staied but would needs giue battaile , with such a desire , as if he had been alreadie assured of the victorie . Huniades and the Despot had before perceiued that the Turks , prouoked with the brauing of their men , would assuredly fall vpon them , and were therefore much troubled with the absence of the king , who ( as is beforesaid ) was gone a dayes ma●ch before they saw they could neither shun battaile , neither if they could haue so done , would their desperat souldiors be staied , for the desire they had to fight . Yet seeing Carambey comming down vpon them , they put themselues ( though vnwillingly ) in best order they could to receiue him ; persuading their soldiors not rashly in furie to run vpon their enemies , as desperat men prodigall of their liues , but to keepe their rankes , and orderly to fight , and so like valiant men to carie away the victorie , or to leaue vnto their enemies a bloodie remembrance thereof . Now had Carambey sent his horsemen downe the hill , and the battaile was begun , where both the armies met together with great furie , and a cruell fight was made both at the foot of the hill and amongst the hils and vallies also : in which hard encounter many were slaine , as well on the one side as the other . The Polonian men at armes ( whom the king but a little before had left with Huniades against all euents ) with the Hungarian light horsemen ( of whom the Despot had the leading ) fought so that day , as if they had sought for nothing more but how honourably to die . And the Turkes for a space stood hard to it , so that many were there slaine : yet at length finding themselues hardly laied to , as by desperat men , resolued to sell their liues deere , they began to faint and to giue ground : when as Carambey comming in behind them with new supplies , rated the cowardly , stayed them that were flying , and sometime with rough speeches , sometime with faire persuasion , encouraged the wauering , and restored the battaile , before almost quite lost . Neither did Huniades and the Despot lesse bestirre them , but as soone as they perceiued the enemie a little to faint , by and by cried out Victorie ; with cheerefull speech encouraging their men , still calling vpon them , To keepe their rankes strong , and to vrge their present good fortune , assuring themselues , that they fought against those infidels , vnder the fauour and protection of the Almightie . And forthwith sent certaine companies of footmen , who climbing vp the hill , amongst the bushes with their halfe pikes and bore-speares paunched the Turks horses as they passed by them . These loose companies did the Turkes horsemen much harme , and here began their battaile to decline ; they which were comming downe , for feare of the danger retiring backe againe vnto them that were left aboue , for the keeping of the straits . And the bolder sort of them , which were come downe into the valleyes , compassed about with the men at armes , hardly recouered the rising of the hill . Carambey in the meane while crying out behind them , one while called backe them that fled , another while releeued them that fainted , and to the vttermost of his power restoring the battaile , performed all the parts both of a valiant souldiour and worthie captaine , couragiously fighting himselfe in the thickest of his enemies , and by his owne valour staied for a time the lost battaile . At length performing his last endeuour , deceiued by the snow , he fell into a bogg , where sticking fast with his horse , and not able to helpe himselfe , hee was taken prisoner by a common souldior . The rest that escaped out of this bloodie battaile , retired themselues vnto them that were left aboue vpon the mountaine for the defence of the passage . After whom the Christians followed , through the vntract and rough places , vntill that hindered of their farther pursuit by the approch of the night , and the abruptnesse of the way , they were glad to sound a retrait , and so retired vnto the campe . Many other great men were taken beside Carambey , but many moe slaine in the battaile , and most of all in the flight ; few escaped , but such as fled backe againe vp into the mountaines . In the retrait Huniades seeing so gallant a man as was Carambey ( though to him altogether vnknowne ) vnworthily bound , and led prisoner by a common souldiour , asked the souldiour , if he would sell his prisoner ? who said , he would ; and asked for him ten duckats ( a poore price for so great a man : ) vnto whom Huniades commaunded to be giuen foure hundred , and so sent him to his tent , comforting of him vp with cheerefull words , and willing that he should be well vsed . The Despot the same night comming to Huniades his tent , to conferre with him about the remainder of the war , and seeing so braue a man standing among the rest by the fire side , began to talke with him in the Turkish language , whereof hee had some knowledge , by reason of the neerenesse of the nation , and such matters as he had sometimes to do with them ; and hauing some gesse by his talke what he was , and pittying his estate , asked Huniades , how he would ransome him ? who said , that hee cost him foure hundred duckats , but that he valued him at fortie thousand , which the Despot offered to pay him . Thus by the strange change of fortune was Carambey , of late so great a commaunder , and so neere alied vnto the great Turke , valued and prized twice in one day by his enemies , as a mirrour of the vncertaintie of worldly blisse and felicitie . The Polonians report somewhat otherwise of this battaile , as that Vladislaus should himselfe therin be present , and the cheefe that therein commaunded : howbeit the Hungarian writers , whose credit herein we follow , report it as before , not to haue beene fought vnder the good fortune of the king then absent , but vnder the leading of Huniades and the Despot . Out of this battaile ( or as some others report , a little before out of the battaile of MORAVA ) fled the great captaine George Castriot , otherwise of the Turks called Scanderbeg , now seeking to deliuer both himselfe , and his natiue countrey of EPIRUS out of the thraldome of the Turks , as presently after he did : whose vnwonted flight , not a little terrified the rest of the Turks armie , and much furthered the Christians victorie , whose proceedings he alwaies secretly fauored : hauing ( as it was thought ) secret intelligence with the great captain Huniades , who not without instructions from him ( as some say ) gaue that great ouerthrow vnto the Turkes at MORAVA . But of him and his worthie acts done for the deliuerance and defence of his countrey , more shall be said hereafter . Shortly after this great ouerthrow and discomfiture of the Turks , the two great captaines Huniades , and the Despot , together with the king , consulted for the remoouing of the Turks garisons left aboue for the keeping of the stait passages of the mountaine , and the prosecution of the war. Which Vladislaus ( considering the difficultie of the matter , and his souldiors necessitie ) thought it not good further to prosecute , but forthwith to returne . But Huniades and the Despot , the one thirsting after honour , and the other in no lesse hope , by the good successe of this war , to recouer again his lost kingdome , sayd , That the Turkes were in any case to be remooued , the passage opened , and the sparks that yet remained , for feare of raising a greater fire , extinguished : opposing against the difficultie by the king alleaged , the inuincible courage of his souldiours , whereunto they said nothing was impossible or difficult . Vnto which opinion the king also ( least he should seeme to distrust the valour of his captaines or souldiours ) easily yeelded , and so commaunded on God his name to set forward . The first that mounted the hill was the king his battaile , which by the roughnesse and abruptnesse of the mountaine hindered , oftentimes staied . But Huniades still caried with an earnest desire to prosecute the victorie , and leauing nothing vnattempted , in searching about found a crooked turning way , whereby he with his men more easily and readily got vp to the top of the mountaine euen with their enemies , vndescried or molested , by reason of the broken couert of the place : from whence they were in good hope easily to haue come vnto their enemies . But being come vp to the place they desired , they found such a deepe and wide gaping of the rocke , betwixt them and the enemie , as was neither to bee passed , or filled vp : yet being come verie neere , they attempted by crosbow shot , and great stones cast out of slings , and other such engines to haue remooued the Turks from their places : who were therewith and with their vnexpected approach , at the first so greatly both annoyed and discomfited , that they were almost at the point to haue forsaken the passage , had not Alis Beg ( but the night before chosen for their Generall in stead of Carambey ) encouraged them and taught them , how by shrowding themselues vnder the broken rocks , and parapets with tumultarie labour cast vp , to saue themselues from the shot of their enemies . In the meane time also , Huniades by another more high and steepe way , whereby the enemie was also to be approached , had sent vp other companies of souldiours : who fighting at too much disaduantage , were by the Turks easily rejected . So at length seeing the vain attempt giuen by himselfe vpon the top of the hill : and the desperate danger of the other in climing the inaccessible mountaine , where one might keepe downe an hundreth , dispairing to inforce the enemie , hee by the kings commaund , caused a retrait to bee sounded , and so againe retired downe the mountaine , to the great rejoycing of the Turks . The next daie the winter cold raging , and wants in the armie still more and more increasing , the king with the rest of the great commaunders entred into consultation , for the hasting of their returne out of that rough and barraine countrey , into places of greater plentie , before the armie were brought to any greater extremitie . Wherevnto Huniades ( giuing place vnto necessitie , which alwaies suffereth not to bee regarded that is seemely ) now easily yeelded : onely the Despot spake against it , blaming them , that hauing taken the Generall , and put their enemies to flight , and victorie now as it were in their hands , they would not prosecute the small remainder of the warre , but cowardly turne their backs vnto their vanquished enemies : promising that hee himselfe would find money inough for the prouiding of all things needfull for the releefe of the armie . So said the Popes Legat also . But forasmuch as the wants in the armie were great , and the souldiours presently pinched with hunger and cold , they could with no hope of any profit , were it neuer so great , be persuaded to staie ; openly crying out , that it was not their captains and lieutenants , which wanted nothing , but them the poore souldiours that starued for hunger : as for the Despot , that he in hope of recouering of his kingdome , persuaded things impossible , and no way to be performed , neither to be any thing mooued with the death of their men or cattell : Need ( they said ) could not be vanquished : but that when Winter was past , they would willingly returne againe vnto the sacred warre : In the meane time Winter raging , and hunger commaunding , let vs giue ouer ( said they ) and depart into more fruitfull places , there to refresh our bodies , spent with labour , cold , and hunger . For which reasons , the king sending before his baggage , retired againe by the same way he came . Which the Turkes from aboue beholding , and strengthened with new supplies , followed after them , as after men that had fled : oftentimes assailing them in the rereward , and setting vpon them sometimes on the one side , sometimes on the other , with often skirmishes both did and receiued much harme . Whose manner of fight was , to retire when they were themselues charged , and presently by great troupes to charge again their enemies , their backes once turned to them ; and so troubled the armie , that it was constrained oftentimes to stay ; besides that , loaded with the rich spoile of the enemie , and much baggage , it could not of it selfe make any great hast . Now was it by the way come into a great thicke wood , full of deepe boggs and water-courses , hard to be passed through : where the rest of the armie going before , in the rereward , at the entrance of the wood , were left certaine strong companies of men at armes , as a wall against the pursuing enemies ; whom the Turks with their readie light horsemen fiercely charged : where betwixt them , in the wood , was fought a great fight , and a great tumult raised : vnto the noise whereof , they which marched before hastily returning , in skirmishing , many of them fell into those deepe boggs and queachie places , out of which they could hardly rid themselues againe . Besides that , there were many crooked and troublesome turnings and windings , with suddaine discents , so steepe , as that in going downe the same , their horses came tumbling heeles ouer head , and there lay ouerthrowne , together with their riders : in such sort , as that to auoid these difficulties , they were oftentimes enforced to fight on foot . In which troublesome skirmish , about fourescore of the men at armes were lost ; but of the Turkes , beside them which were slaine , were taken an hundred and seuentie , all whom Huniades caused to be presently slain . In this wood the Christians were more troubled with the difficulties of the place , than the enemies assaults . Wherefore wants daily more and more encreasing in the armie , which by reason of the multitude of their carriages , abundance of their baggage , and often assaults of the Turkes , was able to make no way : the king for feare his armie should in so long & slow a march through those troublesome and barren countries , be consumed with hunger and other wants , caused all the carriages and baggage to be brought into the middest of the armie , and of it , all such things as serued rather for burthen than vse , to be there burnt : and the armes as well of such souldiors as he had lost , as of the enemie , to bee buried in the ground , and all the weake beasts that serued for burthen , to be killed . So the armie well discharged of such vnprofitable burthens , marched much more speedily , neither was so much subject vnto the assaults of the Turks , as before . And so at length by long journies , Vladislaus with his armie arriued at BELGRADE , where hee was of his subjects honourably receiued . And hauing there staied certaine daies , and well refreshed his armie , departing thence , and passing the riuer SAVUS , came to the royall citie of BVDA : where he was of all his subjects joyfully receiued also . The Legat and Huniades going on his right hand , and the Despot on the left : after whome followed other colonels , captaines , and lieutenants , with their companies ; who at the first meeting with the cittizens , more than a mile out of the cittie , in token of their mutuall joy , gaue together such joyfull acclamations and outcries , as that the heauens seemed to resound , and the earth to shake with the noise thereof . Before the king , at his comming vnto the cittie , went a long companie of the notable Turkes captiues ; and next before him , Carambey , bound in chaines , vpon whom all mens eyes were fixed . With them were also carried the enemies ensignes , and such spoyles as had beene saued . Behind the king came Huniades in a triumphant robe , in the middest betwixt the Legate on the right hand , and the Despot on the left , as he that next vnto the king had best deserued the honor of the triumph . Next vnto them followed the deuout Christians , that for the zeale of religion had most honourably of their owne charges voluntarie serued in those wars : and on both sides of them the ciuile magistrates and best of the citizens : behind them came the rest of the legions , and about them both vpon the right hand and the left , the promiscuous common people , doubling and redoubling the praises of the king , and Huniades . Before all these went the prelates and priests in solemne procession , singing hymnes and psalmes of thanksgiuing vnto almightie God : Vladislaus comming vnto the gate of the citie , acknowledging God to haue been the authour of so great a victorie , alighting from his horse , on foot went first vnto the Cathedrall church of our ladie ; and there giuing most hartie thanks vnto almightie God , hanged vp the enemies ensignes , and part of the spoile , in perpetuall remembrance of so notable a victorie : which hee afterward caused to bee most liuely depainted in a faire table of most curious worke , and there in the same church to bee hanged vp : as were also the armes of all the noble Christians that serued in that most famous expedition , which there long time after remained . Which solemnities ended , he went to his pallace in the castle , and there hauing giuen vnto euerie man , but especially vnto Huniades , his due commendation , gaue them leaue to depart . Thus the Hungarians , with whom also the Polonians in most part agree , report of this notable expedition of their king Vladislaus : howbeit the Turks ( notable dissemblers of their own losses ) confessing the great ouerthrow , call the Bassa so ouerthrowne not by the name of Carambey , but of Cassanes ; and the noble prisoner that was taken , by the name of Mechmet Beg , Sanzacke of ANCYRA Amurath his son in law , and brother to Cali-Bassa Amurath his great councellour , of some called Carambey after the name of his father . Out of this late slaughter of the Turkes , wherein Carambey was taken , escaped that valiant prince and famous warriour George Castriot ( of the Turks called Scanderbeg ) as is before declared : whose noble mind had long time desired to breake out of the golden fetters of the Turkish thraldome , and to be reuenged of the intollerable injuries by Amurath done to his countrey , his parents , his brethren , and himselfe . Although hee had alwaies most warily dissembled the same , for feare of the old tirant : being often times solicited and animated therevnto by secret letters and messengers from his friends in EPIRVS , knowing right well that the least ouerture thereof , had been vnto him present death . But finding no fit meanes for the accomplishing thereof , wisely dissembled the same , with all the shewes of loue and loyaltie vnto Amurath that might be : vntill that now in this great ouerthrow of the Turks armie , vnder the leading of Carambey , and in so great a confusion , he tooke occasion to put in practise what he had long before in his deepe conceit plotted , for the deliuerie both of himselfe and his countrey from the Turkish bondage and slauerie . At which time Scanderbeg ( for so from henceforth we will call him ) hauing a little before imparted the matter vnto some of his trustie friends and countrey men , no lesse desirous of libertie than himselfe , but especially vnto his nephew Amesa , the sonne of his brother Reposius , a young man of great courage ( in that great confusion of the Turkish armie , when euerie man was glad to shift for himselfe ) had euer in his flight a vigilant eie vpon the Bassaes principall secretarie ▪ whom accompanied with a few Turks , he with his nephew Amesa , and other of his faithfull friends closely followed , as he fled from the slaughter : but when he had got the secretarie with his few followers in place most conuenient for his purpose , he set vpon the Turks and slew them euerie one : and carying the secretarie away with him fast bound , when hee had brought him whether he thought good , with great threats compelled him ( sore against his will ) to write counterfait letters , as from the Bassa his maister , vnto the gouernour of CROIA , commanding him in Amuraths name , Forthwith to deliuer vnto Scanderbeg , the new chosē Gouernor , the charge of the citie with the garrison there : cunningly enterlacing many other things in the same letters , wherby the matter might seeme more probable . Which letters so extorted , he presently slew the Secretary , & as many more of the Turks as came in his way , of purpose that his doings might be the longer kept from knowledg of Amurath , who not hearing what was become of him , might reasonably conjecture that he was slaine by the Hungarians amongst the rest of the Turks . Whilest the fame of this great ouerthrow is going to HADRIANOPLE , and there filleth the Turks court with sorrow and heauinesse , in the meane time Scanderbeg hauing with him three thousand Epirot souldiours which followed him out of the battaile , as men desirous rather to fight for the libertie of themselues and of their countrey , than in the quarrell of the Turk● , was with incredible celeritie come into the vpper country of DI●RA , in the borders of EPIRUS , about seauenty miles from CROIA : into which countrey he was most joyfully receiued , where he staied but one daie , and chose a few of those three hundreth which he brought with him , to wait vpon him when he went to CROIA , as if they had been his domesticall seruants : the rest , with other three hundreth lustie souldiours , which were then come vnto him out of DIBRA , he appointed to be led by secret by-waies through the woods and mountaines by perfect guides , vntill they came so nigh CROIA as was possible for them to come , vnperceiued ; and there to s●aie vntill he might find oportunitie to conuaie them into the citie to oppresse the Turkish garrison ▪ So hee with a small companie of his followers , as if they had been his priuat retinew , tooke the way towards CROIA . But when he began to draw neere to the citie , he sent Amesa before with two seruitours attending vpon him , as if he had been his Secretarie , to certifie the Gouernour of his comming . This young gentleman , as he was of a most sharpe wit , and well spoken , so had be framed his countenance and attire , that he seemed to be a naturall Turke : who assoone as he was come into the citie , he went vnto the gouernor , whom after he had saluted according to the Turkish manner , hee deliuered his message as from Scanderbeg his maister , with so good grace and words so well placed , that all he said was verily beleeued for truth . But when Scanderbeg himself came , and had deliuered the great commaunders letters , the Gouernour made no further question of the matter , but presently deliuered vnto him the gouernment of the citie , and the next day departed out of CROIA with all his houshould towards HADRIANOPLE . Scanderbeg hauing by this pollicie got the gouernment of the cheefe citie of EPIRVS , the night following found meanes in the dead time of the night , to receiue into the citie the souldiors of DIBRA , who were by this time come according as he had before appointed : most part of them hee placed in most conuenient places of the citie , and for the speedie suppression of the Turkish garrison , hee with the rest first set vpon the Turkes which kept the watch vpon the wall and slue them ; and afterwards breaking into their priuate houses , slew many of them in their beds : the Christian citizens also taking vp armes at the same time , helped to increase the slaughter of the Turks , so that in the space of a few houres , there was none of the Turkish garrison left aliue , except some few which were content to forsake their Mahometan superstition , and to become Christians . Many of the Turks might so haue saued their liues , and would not , choosing rather to die , and ( as it is reported ) also to kill themselues , than to forsake their damnable superstition : so small is the regard of life vnto resolute mindes , in what quarrell soeuer . The citie of CROIA being thus happily by Scanderbeg recouered , wherein appeared both the greatest difficultie , and hope of his good or bad successe in so great an attempt ; he presently sent Amesa backe again into DIBRA , and other speedie messengers likewise into all the parts of EPIRVS , to dispierce the newes , and to stirre vp the people to take vp armes for the recouerie of their lost libertie : but flying Fame , the speedie post , had preuented the messengers by him sent , and alreadie filled euerie corner of EPIRVS with report of Scanderbeg his comming , and of all that was done at CROIA . And the oppressed Epirots which had long wished to see that happie daie , were now vp in armes in euerie place , wanting nothing but leaders ; whose comming although they greatly desired , yet they stayed not therevpon , but running together by heapes ( as the m●ner of the common people is in all great tumults ) they set vpon the Turkes garrisons which lay abroad in the countrey , and slew most part of them ▪ whereby it came to passe , that no Turke could stirre in the countrey , but that he was snatched vp and slaine , so that in few daies there was not a Turke to be found in EPIRVS , but such as lay in garrisons in strong townes . In this 〈◊〉 of the people , the Gouernour of CROIA , with all his re●●nue , was by the countrie people by the way as he went set vpon and slaine , and all his goods taken as a prey . When Scanderbeg had thus recouered CROIA , and scoured the countrey ; yet to remooue the garrisons which Amurath had put in euerie strong citie , was thought to be a matter of great importance , and more difficultie . For which purpose he commaunded those whom he had appointed for captaines , speedily to repaire vnto CROIA with all the power they could make . 〈◊〉 which time also , diuers noble men his nigh kinsmen , resorted vnto him with their followers ▪ so that within a few daies , he had together at CROIA twelue thousand souldiours well appointed ▪ With this armie he marched from CROIA to PETRELLA , a strong citie 25 miles distant from CROIA , and encamped before it . This citie is strongly scituate vpon the top of a steepe roc●e mountaine , as all the rest of the cities of EPIRUS be , and was by the Turks well furnished with men , munition , and others things needfull : yet Scanderbeg was in good hope , that the Turkish garison there , terrified with the fortune of the garrison of CROIA , and the slaughter of the Turks in the countrey round about , would be glad to hearken vnto reasonable conditions . Which to make proofe of , as soone as he was encamped , he sent one of those souldiours which had followed him out of HUNGARIE ( a faithfull and wise fellow ) vnto PETRELLA , to offer vnto the souldiors , That if they would yeeld vp the citie , it should be at their choice , either to continue in seruice with Scanderbeg , with whom they should find most bountifull entertainement ; or else to depart in safetie with bagge and baggage at their pleasure , with an honourable reward to bee diuided amongst them . The subtile messenger comming thether , and framing his tale according to the present occasion , and necessitie of the time ; first declared vnto them , how that Amurath of late vanquished by the Hungarians in a great battaile , and looking euerie day to bee set vpon by diuers other Christian princes , was so busied that he had no leasure to looke into EPIRVS , or to send them any releefe : after that , he in the name of Scanderbeg , offered them the conditions before rehearsed , setting the same forth with many great words ; willing them oftentimes by the way to consider the dreadfull miserie that but the other day befell to the garrison at CROIA , and other their fellowes abroad in the countrey , whose dead bodies as then lay in euerie corner of EPIRVS for a prey to the hungrie dogs and greedie wolues : which thing was easily beleeued of them of the garrison , for that diuers of the Turks lately fled out of the countrey into the citie , had themselues seene the same to be true . The Gouernour hauing a little considered of the matter , was content to giue vp the citie , vpon condition that he with the souldiours might in safetie depart with such things as they had : not couenanting vpon any further reward , because it should not be said that he had sould the citie . Which when Scanderbeg had faithfully promised to performe , the Turkish Gouernour comming forth with all his garrison , yeelded vp the citie : and Scanderbeg mindfull of his promise , gaue vnto them both meat and money , and sent them with a sufficient conuoy of horsemen in safetie out of EPIRVS . When Scanderbeg had thus gained PETRELLA , he placed therein a conuenient garrison , and set all things in order as he thought good : but suffered none to enter into the citie , more than the appointed garrison , although it was then verie cold and frostie weather . This done , he presently raised his campe , and following his good fortune , marched towards PETRA-ALBA in such hast , as if the citie had been running away from him ; well knowing , that though Time be euer more pretious , yet neuer more than in martiall affaires , wherein the least moment is often times of such power as to effect or frustrate mens greatest designes . PETRA-ALBA is a citie in the country of AEMATHIA distant from PETRELLA thirtie miles , strongly scituat vpon the top of a mountain , neere vnto the riuer AEMATHVS . Scanderbeg had scarcely well encamped himselfe before this citie , but that the Gouernour thereof , terrified with the fortune of CROIA , and PETRELLA , offered to deliuer vp the citie , vpon the same conditions that were graunted at PETRELLA : which being agreed vpon , the citie was forthwith deliuered , and the conditions by Scanderbeg faithfully performed . PETRA-ALBA being thus taken , & all things set in order ▪ Scanderbeg caried with the course of his victorie , without delay came to STELLVSA , which is also a strong citie of AEMATHIA , fiftie miles distant from CROIA , pleasantly ( as it were of purpose ) built vpon the top of an high hill , standing in the middest of a pleasant and fruitfull vallie , with great plaines round about it . There Scanderbeg encamped a little before the going downe of the sunne , and rested that night . In the morning he sent a messenger to the cittie , with like conditions as were accepted at PETRELLA and PETRA-ALBA : which most part of the garrison souldiours of the Turks would gladly haue accepted , but that Desdrot the Gouernour of the citie , with some few others , earnestly withstood the rest ; wherevpon a great contention arose amongst the garrison souldiours . But the greater part desirous to yeeld vp the citie , when they could by no meanes persuade the Gouernour and those few which tooke his part , to yeeld to their desires ; they violently set vpon him , and deliuered him with the rest to Scanderbeg , fast bound , and so yeelded vp the citie . For which fact , fearing to returne to Amurath , some of them remained with Scanderbeg , and afterwardes became Christians : the rest were either honestly prouided for , or else well rewarded and suffered to depart whether they would . All the other weaker places of EPIRVS wherein any of the Turkish garrisons lay , hearing that the strongest cities were alreadie deliuered vnto Scanderbeg , in short time yeelded themselues vpon like conditions : onely S●ETIGRADE ( otherwise called the holy citie ) remained in the possession of the Turks : which citie is placed in the vpper country of DIBRA , in the frontiers of EPIRVS , vpon the top of an high & steep hill , as if it were an Eagles neast . Vnto this citie came Scanderbeg with all his armie : and hauing placed his tents , hee began first to assay if he could gaine it by composition , as he had done the rest : and the rather to moue them by the examples of others , he caused his embassadours to declare vnto them all that had happened at CROIA , PETRELLA , PETRA-ALBA , and STELLVSA , especially how he had vsed the garrison of STELLVSA which yeelded vnto him , with all bountie and courtesie ; and how that on the contrarie part he had the gouernour in bands with all his wilfull partakers , whome they should presently see executed before their faces , if they forthwith deliuered not the citie . This message troubled the minds of all the garrison , but especially of the gouernour , seeing before his ei●s in the wofull example of another man , what might by and by happen vnto himselfe . Wherfore fearing to deliuer his owne opinion and to giue answere vnto the embassadour , for offending the inconstant multitude and vnknowne minds of the people , he first entertained the embassadours honourably , and afterwards turning himselfe vnto the citizens and souldiours , said vnto them : Worthie men and most faithfull souldiors , what is your pleasure , or what shall we answere to these 〈◊〉 enemies demaunds ? Then one of the souldiors that stood by ( a rough bold spirited fellow ) vnwilling for his owne part to giue vp the citie , and deeming the gouernour to be of the same mind , in that he had tearmed them worthie and faithfull , and Scanderbeg by the name of an enemie , drawing out his sword , and with his right hand shaking it on high , answered : Most valiant Gouernour , this same and the like , shall make answere for vs. Nothing was to lesse purpose , than with premeditated words to seeke to terrifie valiant minds , first with the diuerse fortune of CROIA , and then of STELLVSA ; for as the faces and countenances of men are diuers , so also are their minds and dispositions . Euery man wisely directeth his owne actions , according to his owne proper humour , and by the same plaies the foole or bedlam . We prescribe no laws to them of PETRELLA , nor to them of STELLVSA , neither let them prescribe any vnto vs. Let neuer so base examples of cowardly slaues euer enter into the thoughts of courageous men : braue minds disdaine to imitate other men in their honest actions , much lesse in their cowardise . And why ? for euery man liueth after his owne fashion . Wherefore let Scanderbeg proceed , let him kill the gouernour of STELLVSA before our faces , let him sacrifice our fellow souldiors , doe you therefore thinke that we shall die in their bodies ? shall our liuing spirits be there extinguished ? shall our blood there be spilt ? But ô happie bodies , ● ghosts of me euer to be reuerenced , which in worthie defence of your libertie and faith haue indifferently contemned gold , siluer , death , and torture , and whatsoeuer els miserable worldlings hold deere 〈◊〉 dismall ! Wherefore carrie thou backe againe vnto thy master this answere from a common souldior , ●f he seeke to impose these conditions vpon vs , let him once more bare that arme of his , which men of co●rage feare not so much as he thinketh . He may peraduenture inforce vs to these conditions of his , if God forsake vs : but assuredly , persuade vs vnto them , shall he neuer . And yet for all that , your master Scanderbeg is not the man we haue long since heard him reported to be , of an honourable mind , easie to forgiue , and such a one as will indifferently judge betwixt the enemie and himselfe : for why then do●th he hold in bonds the gouernour of STELLVSA , for that he freely , justly , and honorably stood in defenc● of his king , his faith , and libertie ? Why doth he threaten him with death , whereas he hath not deserue● the same , although he hath resolutely offered himselfe thereunto , for defence of his libertie ? All they which were present , listened with great attention to the soldiors speech , neither was he interrupted by any , vntill he had said what he would . Thē the soldiors thronging about him , and beating their swords & targets together , withall gaue a great shout , in token that they all approued his speech for answer . So the gouernor , encouraged with the cheerefulnes of his soldiors , returned the embassador without other answer than that of the common soldiors , and presently appointed euery man to his charge , and with great carefulnesse ordred all things for the better defence of the citie . But whē Scanderbeg had heard the answere that was sent him from the citie , deliuered by the mouth of a cōmon soldior , he smiled thereat & said : He is vndoubtedly a valiant soldior : if his deeds be answerable to his speeches : but if my force faile me not , I will also make him happy amongst the happy ghosts of thē of STELLVSA : and by & by commanded the gouernor of STELLVSA , with the other captiues to be brought before him , & there caused some of thē which were content voluntarily to forsake their Mahometane superstition , to be presently baptized , to the great greefe of the other Turks . Desdrot the Gouernour , with the rest , to the terrour of the defendants , were in their sight put to death : whereupon the garrison souldiors with great indignation gaue a great shout from the wall , and bitterly rayled vpon the Christians . Scanderbeg considering the strength of the citie , with the time of the yeare , vnfit for souldiors to keepe the field , for Winter was now growne on ; left Moses Golemus , a most valiant captaine , with a garrison of three thousand souldiors , to keepe in the Turkes garrison at SFETIGRADE , and to defend the borders of EPIRVS , vntill he might at more conuenient time himselfe returne againe to the siege : and so with the rest of his armie repaired to CROIA , when hee had in the space of little more than one moneth , to his immortall praise , recouered his kingdome , and driuen the Turks out of euery corner of EPIRVS , excepting onely SFETIGRADE : which citie also not long after was by composition deliuered vnto him . During all this time , from his first comming into EPIRVS , he neuer slept aboue two houres in a night , but with restlesse labour prosecuted his affaires . He euer fought against the Turkes with his arme bare , and that with such fiercenesse , that the blood did oftentimes burst out of his lips . It is written , that he with his owne hand slew three thousand Turkes in the time of his warres against them . But of his great and worthie victories obtained against the two mightie Turkish kings , Amurath , and Mahomet his sonne , more shall be said hereafter in due time and place . After that Scanderbeg had thus by great force and pollicie wrung his inheritance out of Amuraths hands , and sco●red the Turks out of euery corner of EPIRVS ; he proceeded further , and ouerran part of MACEDONIA , making sundrie incursions into the heart of that countrey , being then in the Turks possession , whereby he so enriched his souldiours , that they desired of him no better pay . Which was so vsuall a thing with this restlesse prince , as that it began to grow into a prouerbe in most princes courts , That the spoile of Amurath his dominions , was Scanderbegs reuenewes . Complaint hereof came daily to Amuraths court , which the craftie aged sire ( being then troubled with the Hungarian warres ) seemed at the first to make no great account of , but as of that hee could easily and at his pleasure remedie ; although hee was therewith inwardly greeued at the heart . But when the certaine report of one mischeefe as it were in the necke of another , continually sounded in his eares , and that he saw no end to be expected of these miseries ; he sent Alis Bassa , one of his greatest men of warre , with an armie of fortie thousand select souldiors , at once to subdue the countrey of EPIRVS , and to bring it againe vnder his obeisance . The setting forth of this great armie , vnder the conduct of so famous a captain , replenished the minds of the Turks with such an assured hope of victorie , that a man would haue thought Scanderbeg had been alreadie taken , and now brought to execution : yea the common souldiors before their setting forth , were oftentimes at vaine contention for the diuision of the spoile they were neuer like to haue : So readie are men to promise wonders to themselues , whilest they conferre but with their owne desires . And on the other side , Fame , the forerunner of great attempts , had filled all the small countrey of EPIRVS , with great terrour and feare of Alis Bassaes comming . The countreymen with their families fled into the strong citties , and the cittizens within their wals fell to fortifying the same , and kept continuall watch and ward , as if the enemie had then●lien euen fast by them : ●he aged men and women commended themselues and all theirs first vnto God by prayers , and then to the courage of the lustie souldiors with teares , as in case of extreame perill and danger . Onely Scanderbeg was nothing mooued either with the terrible report of the Bassaes comming , or the vaine feare of his subjects ; but alwayes kept the same cheerefulnesse both of countenance and speech , as he was wont , being well acquainted with the tumult of the Turkish wars , and hauing ( as was supposed ) certaine intelligence before from his secret friends in the Turkes court , of all Amuraths designes . So that hauing set all things in order for the safetie of his countrey , he began to leuie an armie at CROIA : at which time most part of his subjects of EPIRVS , which were able to beare armes , repaired vnto him : the confederate Christian princes also , his neighbours , and for most part his kinsmen , sent vnto him great supplies : beside other deuou● and warlike minded Christians , which voluntarily resorted vnto him from farre in great numbers . Out of which multitude of people he chose only eight thousand horsemen and seuen thousand foot , when as he might haue raised a far greater armie : and placing some few in garrisons in the frontier cities where he thought most conuenient , all the rest he sent home againe to their dwellings . At which his confidencie , his friends , yea and his enemies also much maruelled , that when hee might haue had so many , he would take the field with so few . With which small armie of f●teene thousand , he marched from CROIA , fourescore miles to DYBRA : where hearing by his espials , of the approch of his enemies , after he had with cheerefull speech encouraged his soul●●ors , he encamped with his armie in the lower countrey of DYBRA , neere vnto a wood side , righ● in the way where the Bassa must needs passe . In which wood , he placed Gnee Musachee , and Amesa in ambush with three thousand men : commanding them to stand close , vntill they saw 〈◊〉 had throughly joyned battaile with the Bassa , and then with all their force to breake forth vpon his rereward . The Bassa marching forward , came and encamped neere vnto Scanderbeg ; a little before the going downe of the Sunne , and there rested that night , making great shew of mir●● and joy , with great fires in euerie corner of the campe , as the Turkish manner of encamping is . Wheras in Scanderbegs campe , all things were silent , and no shew of any fire at all ; for so Scanderbeg had commanded : which made the Turks the more carelesse , deeming thereby the Christians as good as alreadie discouraged . The next morning Scanderbeg ranged his armie in order of battaile , placing Tanusius in the left wing , with fifteen hundreth horsemen , and as many foot ; and Moses in the right with like number : and leading the maine battell himselfe : The reareward was committed to Vranacontes , a man renowned in those daies , both for hi●●rauitie in counsell , and for his valour in armes , fit to command or be commanded ; but afterwards , amongst the rest most famous , for the worthie defending of CROIA against Amurath , being then there himselfe in person . Alis Bassa contemning the small number of Scanderbeg his armi● seeing nothing therin to be feared more than the good order thereof , gaue the first charge ●ith a small troupe of horsemen : who at the first encounter retired , as if they had fled , of purpose that the Christians hastily pursuing their vntimely hope , might disorder their battaile , and so giue occasion to their owne ouerthrow . But by the commaundement of Scanderbeg ( who easily perceiued the Bassaes meaning ) their dangerous forwardnesse was warily waied , and all with safetie kept in good order . So both armies comming on , the wings beganne the battaile a fresh , and Scanderbeg with great courage bringing on his maine battell in the face of the Bassa , valiantly charged him . But by that time that the battailes were throughly joyned , Musachee and Amesa suddenly issued out of the wood , and fiercely set vpon the rereward of the Turkes armie , where they made great slaughter , and forced many of the Turkes for feare to flie . Thus was the Bassaes great armie driuen to fight both before and behind , being hardly beset and laied vnto with a small number . The Bassa had placed his best souldiours neerest vnto himselfe in the maine battaile , as his most assured strength and last refuge : these valiant men stood fast , and renewed the battaile , before almost lost . And here Scanderbegs fortune was euen at a stand : vntill that the well aduised and valiant captaine Vranacontes hauing receiued the wearied souldiors into the rereward , and setting all things there in safetie , accompanied with certaine troupes of fresh souldiors which he brought out of the rereward , brake through the Bassaes armie with such slaughter of the Turks , that hee made way for Scanderbeg and all the rest of his armie . The Turks discomfited with the inuincible courage of these old souldiours , and the slaughter of their fellowes , which lay by heapes wallowing in their owne blood , betooke themselues to flight ; whom the Christians fiercely pursued , and slew of them two and twentie thousand : at which time were also two thousand others taken prisoners with foure and twentie of the Turks ensignes : whereas of the Christians were slaine not past 〈◊〉 hundreth and twentie . The enemies tents with all their cariages , were at the same time taken also ▪ After this great victorie , when Scanderbeg had made all his seauen thousand footmen , horsemen , by giuing vnto them the horses of the slaine Turks , he brake into the enemies countrey , and entred farre into MACEDONIA , where he filled the desires of his souldiours with the wealth and spoile thereof , sparing nothing that fire and sword could deuoure : and so with victorie returned to CROIA , where he was of his subjects joyfully receiued . Alis Bassa with the remainder of his discomfited armie , returned to HADRIANOPLE , and there by Amurath was hardly charged of cowardise , and want of discretion , for that he had lost so puissant an armie to so weake an enemie . Wherof when he had cleared himselfe by the modest rehearsall of his former victories , and the testimonie of all the other captaines present with him in that battaile , he was pardoned , and so againe receiued into fauour , and that great ouerthrow imputed to the chance of warre . Amurath hauing reciued two so great ouerthrowes , first from Huniades and the Hungarians , and now from Scanderbeg ; and seeing himselfe elsewhere beset with so many mischiefes , as that he could not tell which way to turne himselfe ; tormented with dispaire , and desire of reuenge , whereof hee saw small possibilitie , fell into such a melancholie passion , that ouercome with the darke conceits thereof , he was about to haue become the bloodie executioner of himselfe , had not Cali Bassa by his graue aduice comforted vp his dying spirits : by whose persuasion , contrarie to his haughtie nature , he yeelded by his embassadors sent for the same purpose , to desire peace of Vladislaus king of HVNGARIE , vsing the exiled Despot of SERVIA ( his father in 〈◊〉 , then present with the king ) as a meane therein . Who at the first gaue small credite vnto the embassadours , or vnto such things as they told him , vntill that at length better persuaded of the true meaning of the Turke , he so wrought the matter both with the king and the rest of the nobilitie , and especially with Huniades , that there was an honourable peace concluded . The capitulations wherof were , first , That Amurath withdrawing all his forces and garrisons , should clearly depart out of SERVIA , and restore the same vnto the possession of George the Despot , the right lord and owner thereof ; deliuering also freely vnto him his two sonnes , Stephen and George , who bereft of their sight , he had long time kept in straight prison . Also , that from thenceforth he should make no claime vnto the kingdome of MOLDAVIA , nor to that part of BVLGARIA which he had in the last wars lost . And finally , that he should not inuade or molest the Hungarians , or any part of their kingd●me , during the whole time of that peace : and to pay 40000 duckats for the ransome of Carambey . Vnto which hard conditions , when the Turkish tyrant full sore against his will had condiscended , a peace for ten yeares was forthwith on both parts concluded , and the same by solemne oat● confirmed : king Vladislaus taking his oath vpon the holy Euangelists , and Amurath ( by his embassadors ) vpon their Turkish Alcoran . This was the most honorable peace that eu●r Christian prince had before that time made with any of the Turkish kings , and most profitable also , had it been with like sinceritie kept , as it was with solemnitie confirmed . Amurath with this peace deliuered of his greatest feare , conuerted all his forces against the Caramanian king , in reuenge of the injuries by him done , whilst he was occupied in the Hungarian warres . This king of CARAMANIA knowing himselfe vnable to withstand so great an enemie , durst neither meet him in the field , nor trust himselfe to the strength of any his cities or strong castles , but fled into the mountaines , there fortifying himselfe more surely 〈◊〉 in any other his strong holds . Amurath entring into CARAMANIA , made great spoile in the country as he went , and tooke great booties . At last comming to ICONIVM , he laid hard siege to the same . The poor king seeing his kingdome spoiled , and his cheefe citie in danger to be lost , sent embassadours , and with them his wife also , which was Amuraths sister , to intreat for peace ; offering to pay vnto him yearely the double tribute which hee before paied , and for the performance thereof to giue his sonne in hostage . Vpon which conditions Amurath graunted him peace , and so returned . In this warre , Aladin , Amuraths eldest sonne , died , to the great greefe of his aged father , being slain with a fall from his horse , as he was hawking . Old Amurath throughly wearied with continuall warres , and other troubles incident vnto restlesse roomes , resolued now to retire himselfe to a more priuat and qui●● kind of life : and therfore sent for his sonne Mahomet , being then but fifteene yeares old , to whom hee voluntarily resigned his kingdome , appointing Caly Bassa his tutor , with one Chosroe , a learned doctor of their 〈◊〉 , to be his trustie counsellors and cheefe directers . And so taking with him Hamze-Beg , one 〈…〉 noblemen in whom he tooke greatest pleasure , departed to MAGNESIA , and there as a man wearie of the world , gaue himselfe to a solitarie and monasticall kind of life , in the companie of certaine religious Turkish monks , as they accounted of them . Many great kings and princes , as well Mahometanes as Christians , glad before of the Hungarian victorie , were now no lesse sorrie to heare of the late concluded peace betwixt king Vladislaus and the old Sultan Amurath : as being of opinion , That the prosecution of that warre so happily begun , would haue beene the vtter ruine and destruction of the Turkish kingdome . Wherefore they sought by all possible meanes to induce the young king Vladislaus to breake the league he had so lately and so solemnely made with the Turke : especially Iohn Palaeologius the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , did by letters importune the king to remember the confederation he had made with the other Christian princes , for the maintenance of the wars against the common enemie of Christianitie : which princes were now prest and readie ( as he said ) to assist him with their promised aid : adding moreouer , That whereas Amurath had diuerse times sought to joyne with him in amitie and friendship , hee had vtterly rejected that offer of peace , preferring the vniuersall profit ( like to ensue to all Christendome by that religious warre ) befo●● 〈◊〉 owne proper securitie and profit , being for his part in readinesse to joyne his forces with the kings , if he would presently enter into armes : which he could neuer doe in better time than now , whilest Amurath , terrified with his late ouerthrow , and still beset with doubtfull wa● , had drawne his greatest forces out of EVROPE into ASIA , in such disordered hast , as that 〈◊〉 should seeme he rather fled for feare of his enemies in EVROPE , than marched to encounter hi● enemies in ASIA , and now being wearie of all , had betaken himselfe vnto a priuat kind of 〈◊〉 To conclude , he requested the king not to leaue him and the other Christian princes of small p●●wer , as a prey vnto the Turke , who would assuredly with all hostilitie inuade them , so soone 〈◊〉 he thought himselfe safe from the danger of the Hungarians . At the same time also , and vpon the departure of the Turkes embassadours , for the performance of such things as they had promised ; letters came from Francis the Cardinall of FLORENCE , Generall of the Christian fleet , declaring how that Amurath hauing left almost none in EVROPE , was with all the power hee could make , gone ouer into ASIA against the Caramanian king , leauing a most faire occasion for the Christians easily to recouer whatsoeuer they had before lost in EVROPE : and that hee was in good time come with his fleet vnto the straits of HELLESPONTVS , according vnto promise , and there lay readie to embarre the Turks passage backe againe out of ASIA . Both these letters being read in the Counsell , so much mooued the king , with all the re●● of the nobilitie of HVNGARIE there present , as that they were neuer more sorrie or ashamed for any thing they had done in their liues , than for the league so lately with Amurath concluded : for why , they saw that all the plot they had laied , for their immortall glorie , was now by this ●astie peace that they had made with the Turke , without the good liking or knowledge of their confederats , brought to nought ; and that they had thereby most shamefully deceiued the generall expectation tha● the Christian commonweale had conceiued of them ; and that they , of long time called the protectors of the Christian faith , the defendours of true religion , the reuengers of Christ his name , and deliuerers of the faithfull nations ; should now be accounted the breakers of the Christian league , men forgetfull of their confederation both with the Latines and the Greeks , contemne●s of immortalitie , and louers of their owne profit onely . In this doubtfulnesse of minds whilst they stood yet thus 〈◊〉 , Iulian the Cardinall and L●gat , alwaies an enemie vnto the peace , and by reason of his place a man in greatest authoritie next vnto the king , tooke occasion to dissuade the same as follo●eth . If any of you right worthie ( said hee ) shall happily maruell , that I should speake of breaking the league , and violating our faith , let him first vnderstand , That I at this present am to persuade you to nothing els , but the faithfull obseruing both of the one and the other : led with like repentance with you , repentance I say , and not sorrow , when as I , as from a watch-tower foreseeing all these things which were decreed against my will , to sort also contrarie to your expectation , am now for the dutie of my legation , and the Zeale vnto the Christian religion , enforced with you to doubt : and so much the rather , for that at this present 〈◊〉 question is of the losse and hazard of all our honours and credit in common : which except we by common consent , and wonted valour , endeuour to amend ; ô how much it is to be feared , least for shame neither may you goe out of HVNGARIE , or I returne to ROME , where all things are with most deepe judgement censured . Consider I pray you into what miseries this hastie resolu●●●● hath cast vs. We haue entred into league with the Turke , an infidell , to violate our faith with the 〈◊〉 , and to breake the holy league before made with the great bishop , and the other Christian prin●●s our confederats . And that for what , for what profit I say ? Forsooth , that so we might againe reco●●● SERVIA , long before destroied . Verily a small and wofull profit , which may againe in short time be 〈◊〉 off , and depriueth vs of others farre greater , and of much longer continuance . For what can bee more fond or inconsiderat , than in our consultations to haue regard to our priuat profit only , and not the publicke , without respect of religion , honestie , or conscience ? It is not demaunded of you at this present ( right honorable ) what you owe vnto the periured Turke : but you are by me Iulian , the great bishops and the confederat Christian princes Legat , and Agent , before the tribunall seat of your owne consciences , accused of breach of faith , breach of league , and breach of promise ; and thereof euen by your owne judgement , rather than by the iudgement of God , or other man , I will condemne you . Answere me you noble Worthies : After you had happily six moneths made warres against the Turkes in BVLGARIA and the borders of THRACIA , and after that , triumphantly returning into HVNGARIE , receiued you not honourable embassages from almost all ITALIE , and from the gre●● emperour , with common rejoycing for your so glorious a victorie , and exhortations ▪ to conti●●● the war ? We receiued them . Did not you in my presence , and I the author therof , willingly make a most holie league with the Italians and Greeks , That the one should with their aid and power meet you out of THRACIA ; and the other with a great fleet should come into the HELLESPONTVS ? We made it . If you made it , why breaking this , made you another with the Turks ? or by what right can you keep the same , being made ? Wherefore , if the last yeare you made a league with the great Bishop ( God his vicar 〈◊〉 on earth ) if you be men , if you be in your wits , if you be Christians , this second league is to be broken , least you should violate the first , and that a most Christian league : which except you doe , I feare least that as Iudas betraied Christ , so you may seeme to betraie his vicar ; or that God , whom hetherto you haue alwaies found present , propitious , and fauourable , you shall hereafter find him angrie , and an enemie to your proceedings . And now I pray you tell me , what will you answere vnto the Constantinopolitan emperour ; who according to your appointment , hath now with the first taken the field , and in so great an oportunitie expecteth but your comming ? what will you answere the great Bishop ? what the Venetians and Genowaies , who haue their great fleet readie as was appointed ? what the Burgundians , who for their zeale vnto the Christian faith & religion , haue long since passed the Ocean , and so by many dangers of the sea now flote in the HELLESPONT ? Deuise ( I praie you ) if you can , some excuse and colour , that we may not seeme altogether vnlike our selues : if out of your hidden skill you can coine any thing , shew it . You promised with the first of the Spring , that you would be in the field : and now your souldiors both the Spring and Summer , play , so great and so wholsome occasion passing away , through your wofull slouth and negligence . O the great blindnesse of mens minds ! O grosse cowardise ! O detestable league , made to the destruction of the common weale ! Some man happily will blame mee , and aske , why I suffered it with the rest ? I was present I confesse : but as much as in mee was , I intreated it might not be . I disliked it : and as many of you here present can testifie , I vtterly condemned it . I was ouercome by the wisedome and authoritie of Huniades , and the compassion of the Despot , least vnhappie man , he should by my intercession seeme longer to want his kingdome and children : and least any man should call me a contemner or impugner of your good , I fall of sorrow , and vnwillingly , gaue way ; not ignorant the health of the Christian common weale to be therin weakened , the hope of your immortall glorie extinguished , and vs all ( by your leaue may I say it ) accounted breakers both of diuine and humane leagues , forsworne men , and traitors vnto all good Christians . Wherefore except before the report of our perfidiousnesse be further bruted , we deliuer our selues from this infamie , nothing can be greater or more miserable than our shame or villanie : if we will so do , we may not so easily , as justly and religiously do it . Hauing made restitution againe of SERVIA and the captiues , what remaineth els for you to do noble worthies , but to repaire your armie , to prepare what so is needfull for war , & to keep your first league with the Christian princes ? and to say , That king Vladislaus , after his league made with the Greeke and Latin princes , could not without the consent of those his confederats and allies , vnder whose good fortune that common war was vndertaken , conclude any thing , especially with the enemies of the Christian religion ? And that therfore , if any thing were agreed vpon betwixt him and the Turk , it was frustrate , & the first league to be stood vpon . Who is so partiall an esteemer of mens actions , that would not easily judge , That in case Faith were giuen to both , it were rather to be kept with a Christian , than with a Turk ; with a beleeuer , than with an infidell ? Against a perfidious enemy it is lawfull ( as they say ) 〈◊〉 man to vse all cunning , force , and deceit , deluding craft with craft , and fraud with fraud . By craft 〈◊〉 Turke first passed ouer into EVROPE , by little and little he crept into that kingdome , he neuer kept 〈◊〉 with any , he grew to this height rather by cunning than by strength : and are you become so blind , as to thinke it better to keepe your promise with the Turke , deuoid of all faith and humanitie , rather than with the faithfull Christians , and especially the most holy Bishop ? All great things are done by deuice and policie : the Romanes our ancestors vprightly and religiously alwaies kept their leagues with their confederats , but deluded the deceitfull with their cunning . Caesar was of opinion , That for soueraigntie the law was sometimes to be broken . And Philip , the father and master of him that conquered ASIA , oftentimes vsed cunning and deceit for the desire of rule : yet were not these men called traitors . It is sometime lawfull for the commonweale sake , neither to stand to our leagues , neither to keepe our faith with them that be themselues faithlesse . Lawfull it is to breake vnlawfull oaths , and especially such as are thought to be against right , reason , and equitie . Was it lawfull for Diomedes , vowing for to sacrifice vnto the gods whomsoeuer he first met at his returne into his countrey , to kill his sonne by that his vow and oath ? verely it was a great impietie . Wherefore a just and lawfull oath is in the judgement of all men to be religiously kept , but such an oath as tendeth not onely vnto priuat but publicke destruction , that ought to be vaine and frustrate . Wherefore before our faithlesse dealing be farther spread abroad , I beseech you worthie men , and thee especially most glorious king , not in any point to violate your faith , for the good of the Christian commonweale giuen vnto the most holy father and the other Christian princes . The league you haue made with the Greekes and the Latines , faithfully and religiously keepe ; the expedition by common consent taken in hand by the example of your confederates , prosecute ; the foundation of immortall glorie by you laid , build vpon . Deliuer the Christian prouinces oppressed with the Turkish seruitude , satisfie the hope conceiued of you , and deceiue not the expecta●● the world hath now conceiued of you , than which , nothing can be more dishonourable : make no conscience of the league you haue made with the Infidell , but thinke it a great impietie and wickednesse to violate the holy league made with the great bishop , and the other Christian princes : thinking , that if you should doe otherwise , God ( which he of his mercie forbid ) would become of that your falsified faith a most seuere and sharpe reuenger : and that you can do nothing more acceptable vnto our Sauior Christ , or more glorious to your selues , than to deliuer the oppressed Christian countries from the cruell slauerie and bondage of the Turke . Suffer not this so fit an occasion to slip away ▪ than which , a fitter can neuer be giuen . EVROPE is vnfurnished of the Turks , busied in the Caramanian war ; their returne is embarred by the Christians fleet , now in the sea of HELLESPONTVS ; you need but to goe see , and as it were to take a view of THRACIA , MACEDONIA , GRECIA , and EPIRVS , there is no enemie there left to oppose himselfe against you . Wherefore for God his cause , I request you aboue all things to continue the Christian league , and with your happie and victorious forces , to march forward into MACEDONIA and THRACIA , as is before by you with the other Christian princes your confederates , agreed . In conclusion , hauing much spoken of the authoritie and power of the great bishop , he in his name disanulled the league whatsoeuer , by the king made with the Turke ; and absolued him , with the rest whom it might concerne , from the oath they had giuen , and the promises they had made . Which so well contented both the king and the rest , that there was now no more question of the oath , or of the lawfulnesse of the warre , but a decree made for the continuation of the league with the other Christian princes their confederats ( and for the prosecution of the warres against the Turks ) as was with them before agreed : whom they could now say , they were not to forsake , and to leaue them as a prey vnto the Turke their greedie enemie ; now for nothing more in danger , than for that , at their request they had taken vp armes in their quarrell . Vnto which vnfortunat decree , both the Despot and Huniades , the cheefe authors of the late peace betwixt the king and Amurath , easily consented : the Despot , induced with the great hope he had conceiued of the good successe of the war ; and Huniades , with the desire of the kingdome of BVLGARIA promised vnto him by Vladislaus , and by faire charter also ( as some said ) assured vnto him . Of this the kings resolution for the breach of the peace with the Turke , notice was with all speed giuen vnto the Constantinopolitane emperour , and Francis the Florentine Cardinall , then lying with a fleet of seuentie gallies at the straits of HELLESPONTVS ; for feare least they hearing of the former concluded peace , should alter also or els quite desist from their former purposes . In the meane time whilest these things were yet in plotting , the Turke ignorant hereof according to his promise had withdrawne all his garrisons out of SERVIA , and other places befo●● agreed vpon in the late concluded peace , restoring the same vnto the Despot , and others the la●●full owners , although it was not done at the very prefixed day , at which it should haue been done ▪ In which time also he set at libertie great numbers of captiues , & amongst the rest , the two blind sonnes of the prince of SERVIA ; faithfully performing whatsoeuer he had before vpon his religion promised in the league with the Christians before concluded , so desirous hee was of peace with the Hungarians . Howbeit , Vladislaus by the counsell of Huniades , detained to his own vse certaine of the strong holds in SERVIA : for which cause , George the Despot euer afterwards bore a secret grudge against Huniades . Now as king Vladislaus ( hauing by the persuasion of Iulian the Cardinall , renounced the league betwixt him and Amurath ) was preparing his forces , the same of the Epirot prince Scanderbeg was also ( by the recouerie of his fathers kingdome of EPIRVS out of the Turkes hands , and by the late ouerthrow of Alis Bassa ) growne great , euery man speaking of him honour and praise . Wherewith Vladislaus moued , and reasonably persuaded what a furtherance it would be vnto his haughtie designes ( aiming at no lesse than the vtter ouerthrow of the Turks kingdome in EVROPE ) if he might vnto his owne great preparations joine also the strength of that so fortunate a prince , by the consent of his nobilitie , with all speed dispatched away his embassadours with letters vnto him , certifying him of his honorable purpose , for the rooting out of the Turks , and in that common cause praying his aid against such a dangerous and dreadfull enemie : the purport whereof here followeth . Vladislaus king of Hungarie and Polonia , vnto the noble Scanderbeg , prince of EPIRVS , greeting . It may be that some good hap hath deferred this our late congratulation vntill this present , to the intent we might at this time , together with you , rejoyce in the double successe of your prosperitie : first , for the happie recouerie of your estate ; and then , for that the same hath by your wisedome and valour beene of late so notably defended . Wherefore in this we rejoyce , not onely in your behalfe , but in the behalfe of all good Christians , that it hath pleased God of his goodnesse , by your valour to haue giuen so great an encrease and comfort vnto the Christian commonweale : for as much as amongst other our great euils , the losse of the Albanian people hath not beene to be accounted the least , at such time as Iohn Castriot , a worthie prince , your father , oppressed by Amurath and by the vngratefull destinies taken out of this world , had neither the meanes to leaue vnto you his kingdome and scepter ( as vnto his sonne , then liuing in his enemies power ) either was able yet otherwise to prouide for his affaires . And would to God this your father , most happie in such a sonne , might haue till now liued : whose felicitie had in that surmounted all others , if he might but haue seene you before his death . For as you seeme vnto me aboue all other princes in the world ( without offence bee it said ) most accomplished with all the good graces and perfections both of bodie and mind , so are you endowed also with a certaine diuine and wonderfull fortune : vnder the good conduct whereof , not onely the whole kingdome of EPIRVS may thinke it selfe in securitie ; but all the rest of the other nations also , lately by the detestable fraud and violence of the Othoman kings dismembred from the realme of MACEDON , may also recouer the former beautie of their antient lawes and liberties . For ( to say nothing of those things which euen from your childhood hauing continually made you enuied , haue heretofore purchased vnto you an immortall fame and glorie euen amongst the Barbarians themselues ) what can be more glorious than this victorie , which ( as wee haue heard and beleeue ) you to your singular admiration , haue obtained by the ouerthrow and vtter discomfiture of Alis Bassa , with his so great and mightie apower ? But now ô Scanderbeg ( God so appointing it , who in his deepe and secret wisedome hath reserued you vnto these so dangerous times , for the publicke good and comfort of the Christian commonweale ) there offers it selfe vnto you an object of farre greater glory , with a most faire and fit occasion for you to reuenge your selfe of all the wrongs and injuries both new and old , by Amurath the Turkish Sultan done , not in priuate to the person of your selfe onely , but vnto the whole state and kingdome of EPIRVS also ; and not the domesticall and ciuile miseries of your own countrey onely , but the publicke calamities also , and those opprobrious disgraces done against the Christian faith and religion in generall , now oppressed ( I will not say extinguished : ) and that is , if you with your victorious forces will succour vs in this extremitie of our affaires , not yet altogether desperate . Hereunto doe all the princes of HVNGARIE and POLONIA , and all other men of courage inuite ●ou , Iulian the Cardinall of S. Angell entreateth you , with all those deuout and courageous Christians , which long since here with vs , and readie in armes , wish for nothing more than the presence of your victorious ensignes . Which so faire an occasion ( by God himselfe now offered ) if you refuse not , will in all mens judgement bee a sure meane to vanquish and ouerthrow our common enemie the Turke , and to driue him quite out of EVROPE , wrongfully by him of so long time possessed . I neede not therefore ( as I suppose ) to vse any kind of persuasion vnto you in this cause and quarrell , the defence whereof doth purchase vnto vs health , light , and libertie : but being neglected , I feare and abhorre to forbode what may ensue thereof . Wee Christians haue beene too too slacke and backeward in helping one another : the flame hath now well neere consumed vs all , whilest no man thought it would haue come neere himselfe . What doe we see of the Greeke empire ? what of the Bulgurians , and Seruians ? yea mine owne losses and manifold calamities , alreadie , and yet also to bee endured , who is able to recount ? The braue and most valiant princes , the surest bulwarkes and defences of the kingdome of HVNGARIE , from time to time lost ; and the puissant armies with one and the same fatall chaunce of warre consumed and brought to nothing , who is able to reckon vp ? Insomuch that there is no house , wise , or matrone , in all HVNGARIE , which is not in some measure partaker of this heauinesse . All this doe the Christian princes heare of , and yet the miserable estate and condition of their allies can nothing mooue any one of them : but suffer vs thus as a sacrifice for the rest , to be on all parts exposed to the rage and furie of the common and mercilesse enemie . Onely Eugenius the most holy bishop of ROME , and Philip duke of BVRGVNDIE , haue not refused to beare a part of the burthen of this our afflicted fortune : The one hath sent hither his Leg●● Iulian the Cardinall , with notable and puissant succours ; and the other with his fleet at sea , and com● as farre as HELLESPONTVS , so much as in him lieth doth notably hinder the Turkes passage into EVROPE . And one other hope there is not now farre from vs , and that is , your helpe , whereof we are so desirous : which we require of you , mooued thereunto , partly by your valour so well knowne , and partly in regard of the imminent perill and common danger of vs all . And albeit we are not ignorant , how euill you may be at leisure to take such an expedition in hand , for the late troubled estate of your affairs , and your new recouered kingdome , as yet scarcely well established : yet notwithstanding , let it not withhold you or keepe you backe ; assuring you , that as this expedition cannot be but vnto you most honourable , euen so this your present desert shall not be bestowed vpon vngratefull or thankelesse men : but that which you shall now first begin and vndertake for our preseruation & dignitie , we will from henceforth and euer continue for your glorie and for the increase of your greatnesse . Fare you well from our regall citie of BVDA , the fourth of Iuly 1444. Of this the kings motion , Scanderbeg liking well , and thinking it farre better now in so fit a time , with his owne forces joined vnto the Hungarians his friends , throughly to busie Amurath , than in short time after , himselfe alone to sustaine his whole power : by the generall consent of the Albanian princes his confederats and allies , yeelded vnto his request ; in liberall tearmes promising him by his letters , in good time to be present with him with thirtie thousand good souldiors . The copie of which letters I thought it not amisse here to set downe also . Scanderbeg prince of the Epirots , vnto Vladislaus king of HVNGARIE and POLONIA , greeting . Your letters most inuincible king , I haue with like joy and contentment receiued : which I in the generall assembly of my cheefetaines hauing caused publickly to be read , there was not any one of them which was not of opinion , but that so just an occasion of war by you offered , was forthwith to be joyfully on our behalfe also embraced . And so euery man doth both publickly and priuatly affirme , That nothing could haue happened vnto them more acceptable from God , than that they might by some notable seruice testifie their gratefull minds , and bind vnto them so excellent a prince : as also to giue so fit succors vnto the Christian commonweale . In which forwardnesse of my people , I my selfe tooke great contentment and pleasure , both in regard of your selfe , and in the behalfe of the publicke and common cause : seeing my men of warre , and all other my subjects , of what state or degree soeuer ( without any persuasion vsed on my part ) to be so cheerefully and couragiously minded in defence of the faith , and of the Christian religion ; and so well affectioned towards your most royall majestie . And to say the truth , who is he ( if he be not hatefull vnto God and man ) albeit there were no question of religion , or of the common danger , that would refuse so just and lawfull a warre ? for such a king , as vnto whom alone we 〈◊〉 and ought to attribute , That we Christians doe not onely raigne , but euen liue , breath , and enjoy the libertie of our speech . Who would not willingly take vp arms , and aduenture himselfe into most manifest and certaine danger for the people of HVNGARIE ; by whom in all ages the Christian commonweal● hath with their so many trauels and so much of their blood , beene so mightily supported and defended ? who euen from the very cradle haue beene continuall enemies vnto our enemies , and haue as it were euen vowed themselues for the honour of the Christian religion and name . Would God ( most mightie and redoubted Vladislaus ) it had beene in my power to haue brought vnto you such forces to this honourable warre , as were answerable vnto my courage and desire : then happily EVROPE should not longer lie in this ignominious estate , oppressed by Amurath ; neither should the fields of VARNA or BASILIA so often smoke with the blood of the Hungarians , nor euery corner of MACEDONIA with the blood of the Epirots : both nations being as it were become the expiatorie sacrifices of others sinnes and offences , we all now by turnes perish , whilest euery man thinketh himselfe borne but for himselfe alone . But why do I vnto my selfe poure forth these vaine complaints . Truly , it neither repenteth me of my forces , neither as I suppose ( if it shall please God , that our forces may once meet and joyne together in so happie a warre ) shall the Christian commonweale haue any cause to sorrow or be agreeued with the issue and euent of our fortune . For vnto those fifteen thousand good souldiors which lately discōfited Alis Bassa on the borders of MACEDONIA , my purpose is to joine as many moe vnto them : with all which strength as soone as conueniently I may , I will begin to set forward , ready to follow your ensignes to all euents whatsoeuer . And so fare you well , from CROIA the third of August 1444. These letters being dispatched away vnto the king , Scanderbeg forthwith began to leauie his forces . And first of all he caused with new supplies to be made strong , all those companies wherwith he had ouerthrowne Alis Bassa ; not suffering any one of them to absent himselfe from this expedition . Vnto whom being in number fifteen thousand , all men of approoued valour , hee joyned other fifteen thousand moe , no lesse valiant than they : such a power as hee neuer either before or after raised for the recouerie , or defence of his kingdome . And so furnished with all things necessarie for so honourable a war , cheerefully set forward , accompanied with the vowes and hope of all his most faithful and louing subjects . But being come to the borders of SERVIA , he found the strait and difficult passages of that rough countrey shut vp by George the Despot , ( lord thereof , a man adorned with all the graces of nature , but otherwise a verie wicked damned Atheist , and a Christian but in name only ) who but lately before restored vnto his kingdome by the helpe of king Vladislaus , hauing changed his mind , did now mightily cleaue vnto the Turke his sonne in law ( by whom he had before been himselfe exiled ) and in fauour of his quarell , and despight of the Hungarians , but especially of Huniades , had stopped vp the waies and passages whereby Scanderbeg was with his armie to passe : who by his embassadour sent of purpose vnto the Despot , complained to him of that wrong , putting him in mind of the perjurious dealing of Amurath with him , notwithstanding he had maried his daughter ; and of the great pleasures the Hungarians had done him ; of both which he had good proofe : requesting him if it were but in regard of the common cause of Christianitie to giue vnto him ( as vnto his friend by whom hee was neuer in any thing wronged ) passage ; and not to staine himselfe with the perpetuall note of infamie , That he being a Christian prince , and of late so mightily oppressed by the Turk , should now to the great hinderence of the Christian cōmon weale take part with him , against his friends and deliuerers . But what auaileth praiers or requests , bee they neuer so reasonable , with a man set downe to mischiefe ? Scanderbeg out of hope by any other meanes to open his way , but by plaine force , resolued so to doe : although it much grieued him to spend those forces vpon a Christian prince , which he had prepared against the capitall enemie both of himselfe and all good Christians , old Amurath the Turkish Sultan . But whilest he thus discontented , spendeth his time with his armie vpon the borders of SERVIA , beset with many difficulties : Vladislaus prickt forward by the continuall solicitation of Iulian the Cardinall , or else drawne on by his owne ineuitable destinie , hauing assembled a great armie of valiant and couragious souldiours out of HVNGARIE and POLONIA ( yet in number farre inferiour to that he had the yeare before , for that most of the voluntarie souldiours were returned home ) set forward from SEGEDINVM , and in the beginning of Nouember ( a time vnfit for wars ) passed ouer DANVBIVS , and entring into BVLGARIA came to NICOPOLIS , the Metrapoliticall citie of that kingdome ( but then in possession of the Turks ; ) where he burnt the suburbs therof , and in that fruitfull countrey therabouts refreshed his people three or foure daies , where he also mustred his armie and tooke a view thereof : at what time Dracula Vaiuod of VALACHIA , a man of great experience in martiall affaires , being then present , and considering the small number of the kings armie , began to persuade him to retire , saying , Hee had sufficiently learned by his owne harmes , to deeme aright of the power of the Turkish Sultan ; who ( as hee said ) was wont many times to carie more men with him into the fields in his disport of hauking and hunting , than was there in the kings campe : wherefore he should doe well , not to expose those his small forces vnto so manifest perill , in such vnseasonable time of the yeare , but to reserue them vnto a more fit oportunitie , when hee might with greater power encounter his puissant enemie . This his counsaile most men of greatest experience , and not caried away with other priuat respects , thought wholesome : but the Cardinall , authour of this fatall warre , extolling with great words the last yeares victorie obtained against the Turke , with glorious promises of great aid , as well by sea from the Pope , and the Venetians , as by land from the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE and other Christian princes ; augmenting also the great troubles in ASIA , and promising an easie and happie successe vnto these wars in EVROPE ; persuaded the king that Dacula his speech proceeded either of ignorance , vpon a superficiall judgement which her made of the kings power there present , without regard of further strength from his friends ; or else of the priuat respect of his owne securitie , in regard of a commodious league made a little before betwixt him and the Turke . So that the poore prince seeing his counsell mightily impugned by the Cardinall , and not so well taken , as it was meant by him ; stood in doubt whether to leaue him to his owne fortune , and himselfe to his quiet peace , or casting off the Turkish league , to joyne with the king in this chance of warre : but at length resolued as a martiall minded man , preferring the vncertaine glorie of the field before his owne assured rest , said vnto the king : Seeing that either your princely fortune , which hath euer hetherto fauoured your high attempts ▪ else the hope of friends helpe , which I pray God faile you not at your need ; or the secret designement of your destinie , vnable to be auoided , doth draw your majestie into a different opinion from me : that your resolution which I cannot by reasonable persuasion alter , I will as the suddenesse of time , and my small abilitie will permit , most gladly further . And therewith presented vnto the king , his sonne , with foure thousand horsemen well appointed , to serue him in these wars ; wishing vnto him such good successe as he himselfe desired . Afterward when he was about to take his leaue of the king , he preferred vnto him two lustie yong men , perfect guides for that countrey , with two horses of incredible swiftnesse , and with teares standing in his eies said vnto him : Take this small gift in good part , as a poore refuge to flie vnto , if your fortune happe to faile you , which I tremble to thinke vpon : I pray God they be giuen in vaine , and so they shall if my prayers may preuaile . Yet if necessitie shall inforce you to vse them , you shall find them seruiceable at your need . And so taking his last farewell of the king , returned into VALACHIA . Vladislaus marching on from NICOPOLIS toward THRACIA , tooke many townes and forts by the way , which the Turks for feare yeelded vnto him : at last he came to SVMIVM and PEZECHIVM , where the Turkish garrisons trusting as much to the strength of the places , as to their owne valour , stood vpon their guard : but the king laid siege to both the said places , and tooke them by assault ; where he put to sword fiue thousand of the Turks . The Turks Bassaes terrified with these vnexpected troubles , aduertised Amurath thereof , requesting him to leaue his obscure life , and to leauie the greatest power he could in ASIA , for the defence of the Turkish kingdome in EVROPE , which otherwise was in short time like to be lost blaming also his discretion , for committing the gouernment of so great a kingdome , to so yong a prince as was Mahomet his sonne , vnto whom many of the great captaines did halfe scorne to yeeld their due obedience . Amurath herewith awaked , as it had been out of a dead sleepe , left his cloister , and with great speed gathered a stong armie in ASIA , & came to the straits of HE●LESPONTVS ; where he found the passage stopped by the Venetian and Popes gallies , and was therfore at his wits end . But marching along the sea side vnto the straits of BOSPHORVS , he there found means to conuay ouer his whole armie : vsing therin ( as some write ) the helpe of the Genoway marchant ships , paying vnto the Genowayes for the passage of euery Turke a duckat , which amounted to the summe of 100 thousand duckets : or as some others affirm , corrupting with grea● bribes them that were left for the defence of this passage . And being now got ouer , joyned his Asian armie with such other forces as his Bassaes had in readinesse in EVROPE : and so marching on seuen daies , encamped within four miles of VARNA , a citie pleasantly standing vpon the Eu●ine sea side in BVLGARIA , where the Christian armie lay : for Vladislaus hearing of Amurath his comming with so great an armie , had retired thether , hauing but a little before taken the same citie of VARNA from the Turks , with CALACRIVM , GALATA , MACROPOLIS , and others vpon the sea coast . Vpon the first report that Amurath was with such a mightie armie come ouer the strait of BOSPHORVS , Vladislaus who before was in good hope that he could not possibly haue found any passage , entred into counsaile with the commaunders of his armie , what course was now best to take : where many which before had been most forward in that action ( presuming that Amurath could by no means haue transported his armie ) were now so discoraged with the same of his comming , that they aduised the king in time to retire home , and not to oppose so small an armie against such a world of people as was reported to follow the Turke . But other captaines of greater courage , and especially Huniades , said , It was not for the kings honour , first to inuade his enemies dominions , and presently to turne his backe vpon the first report of their comming ; wishing him rather to remember the good fortune of his former wars , and that he was to fight against the same enemie whom he had victoriously ouerthrowne the yeare before : as for the multitude of his enemies , he had learned by experience ( as he sayd ) not to bee mooued therewith , for that it was the manner of the Turkish kings , more to terrifie their enemies with the shew of a huge armie , than with the valour of their souldiours , which were nothing to bee accounted of , but as effeminat , in comparison of the Hungarians . Whereupon the king resolued to trie the fortune of the field . Vladislaus vnderstanding by his espials , that Amurath the night before encamped within foure miles , was now putting his armie in order of battell ; committed the ordering of all his forces vnto the valiant captaine Huniades : who with great care and industrie disposed the same , garding the one side of the battaile with a fenne or marrish , and the other side with cariages , and the rereward of his armie with a steepe hill . Therein politiquely prouiding , that the Christian armie , being farre lesse than the Turks in number , could not bee compassed about with the multitude of their enemies , neither any way charged but afront . The Turks armie approaching , began to skirmish with the Christians , which manner of fight was long time with great courage maintained , and that with diuers fortune , sometime one partie preuailing , and sometime the other ; but with such slaughter on both sides , that the ground was couered and stained with the dead bodies and blood of the slaine . At length the battaile beeing more closely joyned , the victorie began to incline to the Christians , for Huniades had most valiantly with his Transiluanian and Valachian horsemen , put to flight both the wings of the Turkish armie , and made great slaughter wheresoeuer he came . Insomuch , that Amurath dismaied with the flight of his souldiours , was about to haue fled himselfe out of the maine battaile , had hee not been staied by a common souldiour , who laying hands vpon the raines of his bridle staied him by force , and sharpely reprooued him of cowardise . The captaines , and prelats about the king ( whom it had better beseemed to haue been at deuout prayers in their oratories , than in armes at that bloodie battaile ) encouraged by the prosperous successe of Huniades , and desirous to be partakers of that victorie , foolishly left their safe stations , where they were appointed by him to stand fast , and disorderedly pursued the chase , leauing that side of the battell where they stood , open vnto the Turks : But they were not gone farre , before they were hardly encountred by a great part of the Turks armie , for such purpose placed in a vallie fast by . In which fight Lesco one of the most valiant captains of the Hungarians was slaine ; and the Bishop of V●RADIVM a better church man than souldior , and the first man that disordered the battaile , seeking to saue himselfe by flight through the fenne , was there filthily strangled in the deepe mud , after he had with his horse therein struggled a great while . The Bishop of AGRIA , a man of greatest authoritie with the king , was at the same time also lost , with many other church men more . The Cardinall , with some other of the expert captaines retiring toward their former standings , were hardly assailed by the Turks , who by the comming in of the king and Huniades , were with great slaughter forced to retire , and euen readie to flie . Amurath seeing the great slaughter of his men , and all brought into extreame danger , beholding the picture of the Crucifix in the displaied ensignes of the voluntarie Christians , pluckt the writing out of his bosome , wherin the late league was comprised , and holding it vp in his hand with his eies cast vp to heauen , said : Behold thou crucified Christ , this is the league thy Christians in thy name made with mee : which they haue without cause violated . Now if thou bee a God , as they say thou art , and as we dreame , reuenge the wrong now done vnto thy name , and me , and shew thy power vpon thy perjurious people , who in their deeds denie thee their God. The king with Huniades furiouslie pursued the chased Turks , with bloodie execution a great space : when as the king in his heat hardly persuaded by Huniades to returne againe vnto his campe , at his comming thether found the Cardinall Iulian , with Franke , one of his cheefe captaines , and others , ouercharged with the Turkes , which had againe made head against that part of the Christian armie : and there yet fought couragiouslie , by reason of their multitude , being also backt by the Ianizaries , which all this while had stood fast with their old king , as his last and most assured refuge , but were now come in . There began a most cruell and fierce fight : in the successe whereof , the Turks well saw the whole estate of their kingdome in EVROPE to consist , many were there slaine on both sides : the Turks feeling their losse lesse than indeed it was , by reason of their multitude ; and the Christians , by reason of their courage . A great while the victorie stood doubtfull , insomuch , that at length the Turkes began to shrinke backe , in that part of the battaile where the king and Huniades fought . But in the left side , they preuailed so vpon the Christians , that they were euen readie to haue fled . Which when Huniades ( hauing a vigilant eie vnto euerie part of the armie ) perceiued , hee with speed made thether , and there againe with his presence restored the battaile almost before lost . Which done , hee returned againe towards the king , who in the mean time had most valiantly repulsed a great number of the Turks , and was now come vnto the Ianizaries , Amurath his last hope . There was to be seene a thousand manners of death , whilest both the armies fought more like wild beasts in their rage and furie , than warie and politique souldiours . In this confused medly , the yong king Vladislaus with greater courage than care of himselfe , brake into the battaile of the Ianizaries : at which time , Amurath himselfe was by a valiant Frenchman a knight of the Roads , first wounded with a pike , and after assailed with his sword , and had there ended his daies , but that hee was speedily rescued by his guard , by whom this worthie knight after great proofe of his valour was there slaine in the middest of his enemies . Vladislaus being got in also amongst them , valiantly performed all the partes of a worthie souldiour , vntill such time as his horse being slaine vnder him , hee was forthwith oppressed by the multitude of his enemies and slaine : his head being strucke off by Ferizes , one of the old Ianizaries , was by him presented vnto Amurath ; who commaunded it presently to be put vpon the point of a launce , and proclamation to be made , that it was the head of the Christian king : which was afterwards so caried through the principall cities of MACEDONIA , and GRECIA , as a trophey of the Turks victorie . Huniades after hee had in vaine giuen diuers braue attempts , to haue rescued the kings bodie , retired with a few Valachian horsemen , and seeing no hope of better hap ( for all the Christians being discouraged with the death of the king , had now taken themselues to flight ) gaue place to necessitie and reseruing himselfe to his future fortune , fled ouer the mountaines into the thicke woods , from whence with much difficultie he got ouer DANVBIVS into VALACHIA , and was there ( as some 〈◊〉 ) by Dracula prince of that countrey taken prisoner : In reuenge whereof , after hee was enlarged by the Hungarians , hee so aided Danus against Dracula , that in fine , Dracula and his sonne were both slaine , and Danus placed in his roome . Iulian the Cardinall flying out of the battaile , was found by that worthie man Gregorie Sanose , lying in the desert forrest by the way , side mortally wounded , and halfe stripped : by whom hee was in few wordes sharpely reprooued , as the wicked authour of that perfidious warre : and there left giuing vp the ghost . Many of the Christians which fled out of that battell fell into the enemies hands , and so were slaine : but greater was the number of them , which were drowned in the fennes , or that by hunger and cold perished in the woods , or else after long and miserable trauaile , finding no passage ouer DANVBIVS fell at length into the Turkish slauerie . This great and mortall battaile as it was with diuers fortune fought , so was also the present report thereof most vncertaine : for the Turks that were at the first put to flight , reported in the townes thereby as they fled , that the battell was lost : and they which had all the daie endured the fight , not altogether assured of the victorie , and not knowing whether the Hungarians had retired themselues , whilest they suspected some deceit in the kinges campe , by reason of the great silence therein , staied two daies before they durst aduenture to take the spoile thereof . The number of them that were slaine in this battaile , as well on the one side as the other , was great ; as the mounts , and little hils , raised of the bones and bodies of them that were there buried , doe yet at this daie declare . Howbeit the certaine number was not knowne , some reporting moe , some fewer . Yet in this most agree , that of the Christian armie being not great , scarce the third part escaped : and that the Turkes bought this victorie , with a farre greater losse , although it was of them lesse felt , by reason of their multitude , made lesse by that slaughter ; as they that report least thereof affirme , by thirtie thousand . Which may well seeme rather to be so , for that Amurath after this victorie , neither farther prosecuted the same , nor shewed any tokens of joy at all , but became verie melancholie and sad , and being of them about him , demanded why after so great a victorie , he was no merrier : answered , That he wished not at so great a price , to gain many such victories . Yet in memoriall thereof hee erected a great pillar , in the same place where the king was slaine , with an inscription of all that was then done : which as they say is yet there to be seene at this day . This bloodie battaile , was fought neere vnto VARNA ( in ancient time called DIONISIOPOLIS ( a place fatall vnto many great warriors , and therfore of them euen yet abhorred ) the tenth day of Nouember , in the yeare of our Lord Christ 1444. Some maliciously impute the losse of the battaile of VARNA , and the death of the king , to Huniades , who ( as they said ) fled out of this battaile with ten thousand horsemen : but this report agreeth not with the noble disposition of that courageous and valiant captaine , but seemeth rather to haue been deuised , to excuse the foule dealing of the cleargie ; who as most histories beare witnesse , were the cheefe authors both of the warre , and of the lamentable calamitie en●uing thereof . From the battaile of VARNA Amurath returned to HADRIANOPLE , hauing lost the greatest part of his best souldiors , and there with great solemnitie buried the bodie of Carazia , viceroy of EVROPE , slaine in that battaile : and then calling together all his nobilitie , againe resigned vp his kingdome vnto his sonne Mahomet , retiring himselfe vnto MAGNESIA , where he liued a solitarie and priuat life , hauing before vowed so to do , in the great feare he was in , in the late battaile against Vladislaus : but after hee had a short time performed these his vowes in that obscure and melancholie life , he wearie thereof , as some suppose , as not a little reuiued with the late victorie , or els solicited by Caly Bassa and other great counsellours , returned againe to HADRIANOPLE , resuming vnto himselfe the gouernment of the kingdome , to the great discontentment of his ambitious sonne Mahomet . Scanderbeg yet sticking in the borders of SERVIA , and hearing what had happened vnto king Vladislaus with the Hungarians , was therewith exceedingly greeued : and hauing now lost the hope whereupon he had vndertaken that so great an expedition , resolued to returne home again into EPIRVS . Neuerthelesse , to be in some part reuenged of the wicked Despot , he with his armie forcibly brake into his country , and there did exceeding great harme . In his returning homewards , great numbers of Hungarians and Polonians , lately escaped from the slaughter at VARNA , repaired vnto him , whom he ( according to the extremitie of their fortune ) courteously releeued : and furnishing them with such things as they wanted , prouided them shipping to RAGVSA , from whence they might in safetie returne into their owne countries . Thus by the disloyaltie and trecherie of the faithlesse Despot of SERVIA , was Scanderbeg stayed from being present at the bloodie battaile of VARNA , to the vnspeakeable losse of the Christian commonweale : for it could not be , but that so many thousands of most resolute and expert souldiors , vnder the leading of so worthie a cheefetaine , must needs haue done much for the gaining of the victorie . And what more glorious sight could a man haue wished for , than to haue seene so puissant an armie in the field against the sworne enemie of Christendome , directed by two such valiant and renowned cheefetaines , as neuer either before or since their time was seene the like in one battell against the enemies of Christ and the Christian religion ? They were both men of inuincible courage , of exceeding strength , and agilitie of bodie , wise , prudent , and subtile ; both of long time exercised in the Turkes warres , the greatest terrour of that nation , and most worthie champions of the Christian religion , being therein both very zealous . Of the two , Huniades was at that time accounted the better commaunder , and the more polliticke , as a man of greater experience in martiall affaires , by reason of his greater yeares : which was well counteruailed by Scanderbeg his perpetuall good fortune , still as it were attending vpon him , & by his experience afterwards gotten , as in the course of his historie well appeareth . Amurath aduertised of these proceedings of Scanderbeg ▪ as also of the great harmes by him done in MACEDONIA , and that the frontiers of his dominions bordering vpon EPIRVS , were by his furie vtterly wasted and spoiled , and his people there for most part slaine , and that the rest had for feare forsaken their dwellings and left the countrey desolate and vnpeopled ; was therewith exceedingly mooued . Yet for so much as he still stood in dread of the Hungarians , and was now himselfe clogged with yeares , and therefore more desirous of rest ▪ considering also the young yeares of his eldest sonne Mahomet , as yet vnsit for the gouernement of so great and troublesome a kingdome ; with the perpetuall good fortune of Scanderbeg , and mallice of Huniades : he thought it not best to conuert all his forces vpon him , but to proue if he could cunningly draw him into some dishonourable peace for a time , that so he might afterwards at leisure bee the better reuenged of him . For which cause he writ vnto him letters , mixt with grieuous threats and some faigned courtesies , as followeth : Amurath Ottoman , king of the Turkes , and emperour of the East , to the most ingratefull Scanderbeg , wisheth neither health nor welfare . I neuer wanted honourable preferments to bestow vpon thee all the while thou diddest liue in my court , of all others most vnkind Scanderbeg ; but now I want words wherewith to speake vnto thee , thou hast so highly offended my mind , and touched mine honour , that I know not in discretion what words to vse vnto thee , but of late one of my domesticall seruants . For neither will hard speech moli●e the naturall fiercenesse of thy proud disposition , neither art thou worthie of better , which hast farre exceeded all hostilitie . And because thou wouldest omit no occasion to prouoke me , hast of late proceeded to that point of follie , that thou hast had thine owne affaires , and the welfare of thine owne subjects , in small regard , by confederating thy selfe in armes with the Hungarians , against me . It greeueth mee to rehearse other thy vnkindnesse , and as it were to touch those sores , if my mind would euer suffer me to forget the same , or that thy so manifold & horrible treasons , and strange examples of a most vnthankfull mind , were to be couered with silence . Yet I thought good to aduertise thee ( although perhaps too late ) least that thy vnstaied heat doe vntimely ouerthrow thee , with thy vnluckie kingdome : and then thou wouldest make humble confession of thy long transgression , when thou hast lost thy selfe , and le●t no hope of refuge in thy desperat estate . We haue hitherto sufficiently suffered thy manifold iniuries : thou hast sufficiently prouoked the majestie of the Othoman empire , with wrong and contumelious despight , and I with patience haue borne all these thy contempts . Thinkest thou that my armie by thee betrayed vnto the Hungarians , shall be vnreuenged ? Thinkest thou that so many cities and townes 〈◊〉 EPIRVS , by thee rent from the bodie of my empire , with my garrisons there slaine , shall be forgotten ? Or thinkest thou with thy late committed outrages to escape my reuenging hands ? Remember the destruction of mine armie vnder Alis Bassa ; the wasting and burning of my dominions ; and lately , the Hungarian warres , by thee so far as in thee was , countenanced ; with the territories of George , the Despot of SERVIA , my father in law , by thee spoiled . At length amend thou gracelesse man , and expect not farther , whether my indignation will breake out . Let not these trifling allurements of thy good fortune , so puffe vp thy foolish desires , and sharpen thy conceits , that thy miserable fortune afterwards may moue euen thy greatest enemie , or my selfe , to compassion . I would thou shouldest at length remember my courtesies ( if any sparke of humanitie remaine in thy sauage nature ) and make me not longer sorrie , that I haue so euill bestowed the same . And although it is not the part of an honourable mind , to rehearse those things which we haue in bountie bestowed vpon any man ; yet is it the token of a most vnthankfull nature , so easily to forget all kindnesse past , as to need to be put in remembrance therof . Wherfore Scanderbeg , I cannot but bewaile thy hap , and lament thine estate : For , to let passe the health of thy soule ( which thou a very reprobat , esteemest as nothing ) not to speake of the lawes of Mahomet , by thee despised , and the holy prophet by thee contemned , for the zeale thou hast vnto the Christian superstition : what hast thou ( which now holdest thy poore and base kingdome in such price ) euer wanted at my hands of all those things which most delight the desires of men ? Diddest thou euer want armo●● , horses , a great traine of followers and seruants , money , or other superfluities , the allurements of all ages ? Or diddest thou want matter to exercise thy valour , for encrease of thine honour ? Wast thou euer denied preferments , dignities , and honours of all sorts fit for thine age , both at home and abroad ? Was any man in my court deerer vnto me , than thy selfe ? What growing wit , not of strangers onely , but of them that were neerest vnto my selfe , was better welcome vnto me than thine ? With what carefull instruction did I cause thee to be brought vp ? When thou wast deliuered vnto me almost a child , I daily cherished and encreased thy hoped towardlinesse , with learning and nurture : I haue at all times honoured thee with rich rewards , magnificall praises , and honours of the field ( which of all worldly things is most glorious ) so that in all feats of armes no souldior was to me better knowne , or captaine of me more honoured . For all these great benefits , Scanderbeg , thou now shewest thy selfe such an one , that I may be thought not to haue brought vp such a man as I hoped for , but a very serpent in mine owne bosome . But the loue of thy countrey did moue thee : which if thou hadst asked of me , would I haue denied the same vnto thee ? Which ( if thou doest well remember ) I so oftentimes voluntarily profered vnto thee ? But thou haddest rather to gaine the same by trecherie , than to receiue it at my hands of courtesie . So , thine be it therefore on God his name , and that with my very good will. And verely , according to my acc●stomed clemencie towards all them whom I haue once well knowne , and beene familiarly acquainted with , I now pardon thee all thou hast offended me ; not for any thy present deserts , which are none , but because in this publique enmitie , it pleaseth mee to remember my former kindnesse in priuat towards thee , and thy faithfulnesse sometimes in my affaires ; especially for that the time was much longer wherein thou seruedst me , than the time wherein thou hast offended me . CROIA and thy fathers kingdome ( although thou hast gained the same by fowle treacherie ) I giue vnto thee , vpon condition thou willingly restore vnto me the other townes of EPIRVS , which by no right belong vnto thee , but are mine by law of armes , by my selfe honourably wonne . Whatsoeuer thou hast taken from my father in law , the prince of SERVIA , thou shalt forthwith restore , and make him an honourable recompence for the other harmes thou hast done vnto him ; and for euer hereafter , thou shalt as well forbeare to offer violence to any our friends , as to aid any our enemies . So shalt thou for euer auoid the displeasure of the Turks , and stand in my good grace and fauour , as thou hast done before : except thou haddest rather ( being taught by thine owne harmes ) then in vaine crie for mercie , when thy furious outrage shall haue me in person , an implacable reuenger . Thou knowest thy forces , thou knowest the strength of mine armes ; thou hast before thine eies the fresh example of the Hungarian fortune , so that thou needest no further admonitions . Yet I would thou shouldest write at large what thou intendest to do . Thou maiest also conferre with Ayradin our seruant , our trustie and faithfull messenger , of whom thou shalt vnderstand more than are in these letters comprised . Farewell if thou be wise . From HADRIANOPLE . To these letters Scanderbeg gaue small credit , and lesse to the messenger , but least of all to the old Fox himselfe , whom he well knew to haue written nothing simply of good meaning , but onely to gaine a cessation from warres , vntill he might at better leasure set vpon him with all his forces : wherefore calling Ayradin the messenger vnto him , whom he rather held for a craftie spie , than an honourable embassador , after hee had many times both publiquely and priuatly discoursed with him , so farre forth as was possible to sound the depth of his comming , and had also further entertained him with all honourable courtesies , hee shewed him all his campe , with the strength thereof ; which hee did , because he would not haue the craftie messenger to thinke , that he was any thing afraid of his maisters greatnesse . And at last greatly complaining of Amurath his cruell and perfidious dealing against his father , his brethren , and himselfe , he sent him away with such answere in writing as followeth . The souldiour of Christ Iesu , George Castriot surnamed Scanderbeg , prince of EPIRVS , to Amurath Ottoman king of the Turkes sendeth greeeing . Thou hast in times past ( as thou writest ) exceeded mee in many kinds of courtesies , and at this present I will exceed thee in modest and temperat speech : For I thinke there is no greater token of a base mind , than to be able to forbeare to giue railing and opprobrious words , euen vnto our most mortall enemies . Wherefore we haue with patience receiued and seene , both thy letters and messenger : and to confesse a truth , they haue ministred vnto me greater occasion of smile , than choller : whilest at the first thou shamest not to accuse me of much ingratitude , & treson : and presently following a milder passion , seemest carefull of my soules health , being ignorant of thine own miserable estat● , as a studious defender of a most damnable errour . And at last , keeping neither law of armes , nor orderly course answering to our affaires , doest most insolently and vnaduisedly , as a valiant conqueror to his vanquished enemie , propound many conditions of peace , of such qualitie and condition , that mine eares scorne to heare the same . Truely Amurath , although thy immoderat railing might mooue a man of greatest patience to intemperat speech : yet I impute the same partly to thy great age , and partly to the wa●wardnesse of thy nature ; and the rest , to thy conceiued griefe , which I know thou canst hardly moderat : and the more , for that I haue not set downe my selfe to contend with thee in foule and vnseemly language ; but with armes and the just furie of warre . Yet I pray thee , wherfore doest thou so exclaime vpon me before God and man● as though thou hadst first suffered wrong and injurie from me , and that thou hadst not in truth first don the same . Doest thou call my necessary departing , a perfidious treacherie ? my natiue countrey by my policie and valour recouered , doest thou object to me as a villanie ? object the same still and spare not ; charge mee with such crimes for euer , I care not . The long catalogue of thy kindnesse towards me , which thou rehersest , I could willingly rmēber , if it drew not with it the wofull remembrance of my greater miseries . Which if they were to be compared together , the greatnesse of thy good deserts would be ouerwhelmed with the multitude of thy greater tyrannies ; which I had rather thou shouldest count with thy selfe , than blush whilest I repeat them . Euery man that knoweth them , may meruell how I had power to endure them , or that thou wast not wearie at last of thy crueltie and secret hatred . Thou tookest away my fathers kingdome by force ; thou diddest murther my brethren ; and my selfe thou diddest most wickedly vow to death , when I little feared any such crueltie . And doth it now seeme strange to thee , ô Amurath , that an inuincible mind , desirous of libertie , should seeke to break out of the bonds of so great slauerie ? How long at length diddest thou thinke I would endure thy proud and insolent bondage ? which for all that I many yeares endured , and refused not thy commaund . I exposed my selfe to publicke and priuat dangers , both voluntarily and by thy designement : speeches were giuen out daily by thy selfe , and the admonition of my friends concerning thy deepe trecherie , was rife in mine eares : yet for all that , of long time I simply beleeued both thy words and deeds to haue beene deuoid of all fraud , vntill thy cankered mallice began too too apparently to shew it selfe , then began I also to glose with thee , wholly metamorphosed into thine owne conceits , vntill I found occasion to recouer my libertie . Wherefore there is no cause thou shouldest now greeue , if thou be well beaten with thine own rod. But these are but trifles , Amurath , in comparison of those things which I haue laied vp in hope and resolution of mind . Therefore hereafter surcease thine angrie threats , and tell not vs of the Hungarian fortune . Euery man hath his owne resolution , and euery man a particular gouernour of his actions : and so will we with patience endure such fortune as it shall please God to appoint vs In the meane time , for direction of our affaires , we will not request counsell of our enemies , nor peace of thee , but victorie by the helpe of God. Farewell from our campe . When Amurath had read these letters , and further conferred with Arradin , hee was filled with wrath and indignation , wondering at the great resolution of so small a prince , presently casting in his mind ( as was thought ) the difficultie of that warre . Yet because he would giue no token of feare , oftentimes stroking his white beard , as his manner was when he was throughly angrie , with a dissembled cheerefulnesse of countenance said : Thou desirest ( wicked man ) thou desirest the title of some honourable death : we will giue it thee ( beleeue vs ) wee will giue it thee . Wee our selues will bee present at the buriall of our foster child , and in person ( though vnbidden ) honour the funerall pompe of the great king of EPIRVS ; that thou shalt neuer complaine among the damned ghosts , that thou diddest die a base or obscure kind of death . And for because at that time , by reason of many great occurrents , hee could not conuert his whole power into EPIRVS , he sent Ferises , one of his best captaines , with nine thousand choice horsemen , to keepe Scanderbeg in doing , and to spoile his countrey so much as he could . Which was with such speed done , that it was thought Ferises would haue beene in the heart of EPIRVS , before Scanderbeg could haue had knowledge of his comming . But for all his hast , he could not so preuent the flying fame , but that Scanderbeg hearing thereof , and hauing his men alwayes in readinesse , placed fifteene hundred good footmen in ambush vpon the rough mountaines , leading into the valley of MOVEA , whereby the Turks must needs passe into EPIRVS ; placing also two thousand horsemen , as he thought most fit & conuenient for his purpose . Ferises descending from the high mountaines full of woods and bushes , by the broken and stonie waies leading into the valley , was in that troublesome and intricate passage fiercely set vpon by Scanderbegs readie footmen , suddainely arising out of ambush , where the Turks hauing no vse of their horses , but rather by them encombered , were slaine as Deere enclosed in a toyle . In this conflict seuen hundred and sixtie Turks were taken prisoners , and a greater number slaine , and Ferises himselfe , with the rest , enforced to flie , crying still out as hee fled , Better some saued , than all lost . Scanderbeg hauing thus ouerthrowne Ferises , pursued him into MACEDONIA , and with the spoile there taken , rewarded his souldiours , as he had also many times before done . Amurath greeued with the ouerthrow of Ferises , presently sent Mustapha a politicke and hardie captaine , with a new supplie of six thousand souldiours to take the charge from Ferises ; commaunding him in no case , nor vpon any occasion , to enter farre into EPIRVS : but onely to burne and spoile the frontiers thereof , saying , That he would account it for good seruice , if he might but vnderstand , that the trees and fruits of that countrey , had felt the force of his anger . Mustapha hauing receiued his charge , when he began to draw neere the borders of EPIRVS , continually sent out scouts before his armie , to see if the passages were cleere , and so warily entred the vallie of MOCRE , A where Ferises not long before was ouerthrowne . In this fruitfull vallie , being the frontiers of Scanderbegs dominion , Mustapha entrenched his armie , vpon the rising of a hill , and placed espials vpon the tops of the high mountaines round about , by them to discouer the comming of the enemie , and to haue notice thereof by signes into the campe : then reseruing foure thousand horsemen with himselfe , to keepe his campe , hee sent forth the rest of his armie , about nine thousand horsemen , to forrage and spoile the countrey ; giuing charge before , that euerie man vpon paine of death should presently retire to the campe , vpon signe giuen from thence , as to a place of safetie and refuge . The Turkish armie ranging ouer that rich and pleasant vallie , burnt the villages , cut downe trees , spoiled the vineyards , and made hauocke of all things that fire and sword could destroy ; in that point executing Amuraths commaund to the full . At length Scanderbeg drawing neere to this vallie , with foure thousand horsemen and a thousand foot , was aduertised of all the enemies doings , by an Epirot souldiour , who greeuously wounded had hardly escaped from the Turks : of him he vnderstood , what number of Turkes were burning and destroying the countrey , of the campe also kept by Mustapha , and how espials were placed vpon the mountaines . Scanderbeg hauing well considered Mustapha his warie proceedings , and seeing no pollicie to bee vsed against so carefull an enemie , resolued to vanquish him by plaine force , by assaulting him suddainely in his trenches , before his dispierced souldiors could repaire to the campe : and hauing to this purpose , with effectuall persuasions encouraged the minds of his valiant soldiors , readie of themselues to follow him through all dangers ; whē he had set all things in order for assaulting the enemies camp , speedily entred the vallie , and was presently discouered by the enemies espials , from the tops of the high hils , and a signe giuen to the campe , from whence also the appointed signe was giuen for the dispierced soldiors to retire : but most of them being straied from the campe ; and busied in taking the spoile of the country , heard not or saw not the sign giuen : Those which were within the hearing therof retired to the campe , and at their heeles followed Scanderbegs souldiours , terrifying them with calling vpon the name of Scanderbeg . Many of the Turks were by the Christians slaine in the entrance of the campe , with their booties in their hands , and presently the Turks trenches were now by Scanderbegs soldiors couragiously assaulted , and the Turks beaten from the top of them . They hauing wonne the trenches , preuailed still vpon the Turks , filling all their camp with feare and slaughter . There was no vse of shot in that medlie , by reason of the straightnesse of the place , for they were now come to pell mell . Mustapha seeing his souldiours put to the worst , and that the campe was not long to be defended , tooke horse and fled by the port which was furthest from the enemie . The rest of the souldiors fled also , making such poore shift for themselues as they could . In this battaile 5000 Turks were slaine , and but 300 taken ; for the Christians enraged with the spoile of the country , reuenged themselues with the slaughter of the Turks . Scanderbeg lost in this conflict but 20 horsemen , and 50 footmen . The rest of the Turkes armie disperced in the countrey , hearing the tumult in the campe , misdoubting the fortune of their fellowes , fled also : yet many of them were in that fight pursued and slaine . After this ouerthrow , Mustapha returning to Amurath , the better to excuse the misfortune of himselfe , and the other captaines before sent , greatly commended the inuincible courage of Scanderbeg , and his wonderfull skill in feats of armes ; persuading Amurath either to send a greater power against him , or else none at all , saying , That to send such small armies , was but to minister matter to the increase of his glorie , and the infamie of the Turks ; and to vse pollicie against him the maister of pollicie , was but meere follie . It greeued Amurath to heare the praises of his enemie , although hee knew the same to be true , by the continuall fortune he had alwaies against his great captaines Alis-bassa , Ferises , and Mustapha : wherefore he determined for a time not to prouoke him further , but to suffer him to liue in peace : yet commaunded Mustapha to renew his armie for defence of the borders of his kingdome towardes EPIRVS , against the innouation of Scanderbeg ; but straightly commaunding him in no case to inuade any part of EPIRVS , neither vpon any occasion offered , or conceiued hope of victorie , to joyne battaile with Scanderbeg , for feare of such euill successe as before . At this time also the Grecians of PELOPONESVS now called MOREA , hauing before fortified the strait of CORINTH from sea to sea , with a perpetuall wall , which they called HEXAMYLVM , and deep trenches about six miles in length , had also built fiue strong castles in the same wall , of purpose to take away all passage by land into that rich countrey , and begun now not only to denie the yearely tribute they were wont to pay vnto the Turkish king , but also to inuade such princes of ACHAIA their neighbours , as were content to remaine still the Turks tributaries ▪ amongst whom Nereus prince of ATHENS , and Turacan Gouernour of THESSALIA for Amurath , ceased not by continuall complaints to incense him against them of PELOPONESVS . Who hauing his armie in readinesse , although it was now winter , and he himselfe verie aged , set forward from HADRIANOPLE , and marching through THESSALIA , came into ACHAIA , where most of the Grecians were before fled for feare into PELOPONESVS . So passing on with his armie , he came to the strait commonly called ISYMVS , where the famous citie of CORINTH sometime stood ; and there encamped his armie neere vnto the strong wall , and castles , lately before built , hoping that the Grecians of PELOPONESVS , terrified with the multitude of his armie , would without resistance submit themselues : but when he perceiued them to stand vpon their guard , and to trust to their stength , he laid battrie to the wall foure daies , and hauing made it saultable , brake throgh the same with his armie . The Grecians hauing lost the wall ( their cheefe strength ) fled , some to one strong hold , and some to another , as their fortune led them ; the Turks at their pleasure spoiling and destroying that rich & pleasant country , sometime the nurse of worthie wits , and famous captaines : where they found wonderfull riches , and tooke prisoners without number ; insomuch that they were sold among the Turks at most vile price . There Amurath for his pleasure , cruelly sacrificed six hundreth Christian captiues , to the hellish ghost of his dead father Mahomet : & afterwards imposing a yearely tribute vpon the Peloponesians , and others Grecian princes now yeelding againe vnto him , as an induction to their further slauerie vnder the Turkish rirannie , he returned , taking in his way the two famous cities of PATRAS and SICYONE . Thus the rich countrey of PELOPONESVS , and all the rest of GRECIA , sometime fountaine of all learning and ciuilitie , became tributarie to the barbarous and cruell Turkes , in the yeare of our Lord 1445. Old Amurath now clogged with yeares , and wearied with long wars , was content to take his rest at HADRIANOPLE : during which time , Baiazet the sonne of Mahomet was borne in the yeare 1446 , who afterwards of long time with great glorie gouerned the Turkish empire at CONSTANTINOPLE , as in his place shall appeare . The Hungarians after the calamitie of VARNA , wherein they had together with Vladislaus their king , lost most part of their nobilitie also ; in a generall assembly of their states , made choice of Ladislaus , the posthumous sonne of Albertus ( and then in keeping of Fredericke the emperour ) for their king . But for as much as he being then but a child of fiue yeares old , and chosen king , more for the remembrance of the emperour Sigismund his grandfather , and Albertus his father , and for the good hope conceiued of him , than for any other thing presently to bee expected from him ; it was thought more than necessarie , to make choice of some notable and woorthie man , vnto whom they might ( during the time of the kings minoritie ) commit the gouernement and protection of that so great and turbulent a kingdome . Many there were in that honorable assemblie well thought of , both of themselues and others : but such was the glorie and valour of Huniades , and so great the remembrance of his worthie deserts both of the kingdome of HVNGARIE , and of the Christian commonweale in generall , as without his seeking , procured vnto him the generall fauour and suffrages of all ; yea so farre , that euen they which most enuied at his honour , as ouershaddowing their own , were glad to hold their peace , for that without him it was commonly thought the state of that shaken kingdome could not long stand : So by the generall consent of all the states there assembled , hee was with the great applause of the people chosen and proclaimed gouernour , as of all others most fit for so great and heauie a charge : wherein he quietly spent some few yeares in deciding of ciuile controuersies , in composing the quarrels of the nobilitie ; not forgetting in the mean time the indifferent administration of justice to all men , ending many controuersies farre from the place of judgement , and that without all suspition of corruption , vsing therein such expedition and neuer-wearied patience , in hearing euery mans cause , that sitting , going , standing , riding , hee dispatched many great and waightie matters : alwayes shewing himselfe affable and courteous , as well vnto them of the poorer sort , as others of greater calling , that had any sutes vnto him . So that it was of him truly said , That no man was than he vnto his friends more friendly , or vnto his enemies more crosse and contrarie . In time of peace he was alwayes prouiding for warre , heaping vp great treasure ; and such other things , as without which , the warres could not be maintained . But aboue all things , he was carefull of the good agreement of the nobilitie , taking great paines in reconciling their displeasures conceiued one against another , and that with such dexteritie , as that he was both of them and others generally both beloued and feared . In the meane time , whilest he was thus busied in disposing of the ciuile affaires of the commonweale and the administration of justice , hee was aduertised by his esp●als , how that the old Sultan Amurath was raising great forces both in ASIA and EVROPE , and that as the common fame went , for the inuasion of HVNGARIE . For the withstanding whereof , Huniades not vnprouided , as neuer vnmindfull of so dangerous an enemie , or of any thing more desirous , than in some sort to be reuenged of the great losse receiued at VARNA ; in the fourth yeare of his gouernment and in the yeare of our Lord 1448 accompanied with most part of the nobilitie of HVNGARIE , and the Vaiuod of VALACHIA his friend and confederate , set forward against the Turke , with an armie of two and twentie thousand choise souldiours . So hauing passed the riuer TIBISCVS , or TEISE , and trauailing through VALACHIA , a little beneath where the riuer MOROVA running through SERVIA , falleth into DANVBIVS , he with most part of his armie passed that great riuer ; the rest in the meane time taking passage ouer at a towne called SEVERIN . Huniades with his armie being thus got ouer into SERVIA , by his embassadours requested the Despot , as he had oftentimes before , to put himselfe into that most Christian warre ; and remembring the great benefits he had receiued from the Hungarians , not to shew himselfe therfore vngratefull , than which , nothing could be more dishonourable : and to encourage him the more , certified him both of his owne strength , and of the aid brought vnto him by the Vaiuod ; and that for the good successe of the warre , there wanted nothing but his presence and direction , with such troupes of light horsemen as he knew he had euer in a readinesse . Wherewith he requested him with all speed to follow him . But he being a man of no religion , and better affected vnto the Turke than to Huniades , the more cleanly to withdraw himselfe from this warre , pretended many excuses : first , the league he had with Amurath his sonne in lawe , which he said he might not breake , for feare that if things chanced not well , he might so fall againe headlong into his old miserie ; then , the vnseasonablenesse of the time , Autumne being now past , which difficulties in those cold countries they had to their cost too much felt in the late war : These with many other such like he alleadged , in excuse that he came not : but the truth was , the malice of the man , grieued to see Huniades preferred before him in the gouernment of the kingdome , and disdaining to serue vnder his ensignes , being himselfe Despot , and king of SERVIA , descended of the royall race , the cause of his backwardnesse : so that blinded with enuie , he could not there rightly judge of himselfe , or what was fit for him in this case to haue done . But Huniades angrie with his vnkind answere , threatned him with his owne hands to be reuenged vpon him , and to giue away his kingdome to one more worthy thereof than he , if he should with victorie returne . So passing through SERVIA , as through the enemies countrey , he came into BVLGARIA . After whose departure , the false Despot by speedy messengers aduertised Amurath both of the comming of the Hungarians , and of their strength ; yea he certified him of euerie daies march , and how that Huniades was but with a small companie of his owne , and some weake supplies of the Vaiuods come ouer DANVBIVS : whom if he should not presently meet , but suffer him to come on further , and so with his armie to get betwixt him and home , hee might so shut him in , as that he should hardly be able to scape his hands . All which he did , partly for enuie , partly to gratifie the Turke , and the better to keepe friendship with him . So Amurath not contemning the Despots counsell , suffered Huniades without resistance to enter a great way into his countrey , and comming two or three daies march behind him , so stopped the passage as that he could not possibly retire , but that he must needs fight . And now they were both come vnto a great plaine in BVLGARIA , which the Hungarians call RIGOMEZV , and the Rascians the plaine of COSSOVA , through the middest whereof the riuer SCHICHNIZA rising out of the mountaines of ILLIRIA running , at length falleth into MOROVA , and so into DANVBIVS : this plaine is about 20 miles in length , and in bredth fiue , enuironed on each side with pleasant mountaines , in manner of a theatre , the riuer and low vallies at the foot of the mountaines being garnished with many countrey villages and townes . Into this fatall plaine when as the Hungarians first , and after them the Turks , were as into a place of combate descended ; an old woman dwelling in one of the villages vpon the riuer side fast by , where both armies of late passed , with a loud voice cried out , Oh how much I now feare , the hard fortune of the Hungarians . When as their passage ouer by the foord troubled the riuer but one daie , and the Turks three . By the small number of their armie , diuining their ensuing ouerthrow . In the middest almost of this plaine ariseth a small hill , by the foote whereof the riuer SCHICHNIZA runneth ; not farre beyond which , toward the head of the plaine , was a certaine tower built like a piramides , in memoriall of Amurath the first of that name , and third king of the Turks there slaine : which tower , Amurath fearing least Huniades marching before him , should take , and so become vnto him ominous ( for in such matters the Turkes are verie superstitious ) hee made the more hast , of purpose to joyne battaile with him before he should come to the foresaid tower . Huniades being come vnto the hill , easily arising in the middest of the plaine , there encamped , expecting the comming of Scanderbeg ; who was said ( according to appointment made betwixt him and Huniades ) to be euerie houre comming . Wherefore Amurath fearing least the tower fast by should be taken , and the enemies power strengthened by the comming of the Albanois , prouoked Huniades to battaile ; who still refused the same , in hope of his friends comming which made the Turke more fierce vpon him , seeking by all meanes he could to draw him to battaile , but especially by cutting him off from water and forrage : for why hee much presumed vpon his multitude , hauing in his armie about fourescore thousand fighting men . At length Huniades for want of water and other necessaries , enforced to fight , vpon S. Lukes day being then Thursday , commaunded his souldiours to make themselues readie : and diuiding his armie into two and thirtie battailions , in such order as he ment to giue battaile , the more to encourage them spake vnto them as followeth : At length ( valiant souldiours and fellowes in armes ) the day is come , wherein you may reuenge that dishonour , or disgrace , you receiued in the battaile of VARNA ; and recouer your former credit of constancie , and praise , if you will play the men : the enemie opposeth against you , but these reliques of his armies , by you so often broken and discomfited ; who although they be in number moe than you , yet are they in hope , quarrell , and strength , far inferior . For what can they hope for , which fight not for their owne , but for another mans kingdome ? and in conquering , procure vnto themselues nothing but bondage in this life , and torment in the life to come , and in both perpetuall and endlesse miserie ? Whereas you on the other side , howsoeuer the matter fall out , fighting for your owne kingdome , your children , your countrey , your houses and altars , may assuredly hope for in both , eternall and vndoubted blisse . You haue also far greater cause to fight , as they which if they do not valiantly ouercome their enemies , are in danger with themselues to loose also all that theirs is . The strength of both are sufficiently tried . Once we vnfortunatly joyned battaile at VARNA , where if wee might make exchange of our fortunes there found , happily the Turke would make choise of our flight , rather than of the great slaughter of his owne men : who being not able to ouertake vs , was there notably beaten , with the losse of a great part of his armie : whose great losse there receiued , may counteruaile our dishonour , although the losse , he suffred perforce , but we our flight by choise . But of that our ouerthrow , the angrie powers from aboue ( willing to reuenge our breach of faith ) were as I verily beleeue , the cause , rather than our cowardise : for euen there , all the authors of that perfidious dealing , euen there I say , euerie one receiued the just guerdon of their treacherie . Whereas we against our wils , drawne into that wofull warre , by the mercie of God yet liue with you , preserued for the defence of the Christian commonweale , and especially of HVNGARIE , that it should not be ouerrunne with the Turkish power and rage . The number of your enemies is not of you to be feared , when as you with few , haue oftentimes learned to fight with their multitudes , and caried away from them the victorie . Hetherto we haue rather fought by the power of God than man , and in the name of Christ Iesu our Sauior , haue easily ouerthrowne their prophane battailes . Which way soeuer wee haue turned our selues , in his most mightie name , we haue with our victorious armes opened our way , for that wee fought vnder the leading and conduct of the highest , whose helpe we haue alwaies felt at hand : neither shall we thereof this daie faile , if we be mindfull of his forepassed loue towards vs , and of our wonted valour . God is alwaies present with them that in his just quarrell fight couragiously . Hereunto is joyned the safe manner of our fight , by reason of our men at armes , and barbed horses , who like a strong castle cannot easily be ouerthrowne . Our battalions are such as may easily be commaunded , and yet strong inough against our enemies : whereas their great multitude breedeth but confusion . We haue many notable and forcible engines of warre , which they haue not . Besides that , euerie houre we looke for the worthie Scanderbeg his comming . The danger is not so great , as that we should feare it ; or so little , as that we should contemne it . Backe againe without victorie we may not goe , for that our armie is hardly by the straits of these mountaines to beeled : and if the way were neuer so easie , yet without doing that we came for , and glorie with victorie , we may not retire . Vnto the valiant , all difficulties are propounded . Wherefore sith this your last labour is at hand , wherein the whole strength of the Turkes may be for euer cut off , I pray and beseech you ( fellow souldiors ) by that God vnder whose power and protection wee serue , and by the loue you beare vnto your countrey , your wiues , your children , and wealth , vpon the signall of battaile giuen , so to shew your valo●r , as men resolued to be fully reuenged of the injuries by that filthie and wicked nation done both to God and man : and especially of the losse receiued at VARNA . We lost there a deuout king , who for our safetie , and for the breach of his faith , sacrificed himselfe ; by which royall sacrifice , that diuine anger is appeased : vnto whose ghost , I beseech you , in this battaile to make an honourable sacrifice . Not forgetting withall , to reuenge the death of other worthie men in that battaile slaine . This feare of the Turks , is at once and euen this day to be cut off ; and so , as that it should neuer grow againe : and the kingdome of HVNGARIE , so to be deliuered from the danger of most cruell slauerie , as that it may by this daies worke gaine perpetuall rest , and glorie , vnto the enioying of the pleasures both of this life , and of the life to come . Wherefore ( worthie souldiours ) we must fight with all our force , for that our honour so requireth , our profit so persuadeth , and necessitie enforceth . As for our selues , howsoeuer the matter fall out , all shall be with vs well : If victorie , perpetuall blisse and happinesse shall thereby be procured vnto our countrey , and immortall fame vnto our selues ; but if we shall be ouercome , here we shall be most honourably buried in the bed of fame , to liue in heauen with God and his saints for euer . Wherefore I beseech you so to fight , as men resolutely set downe to ouercome , or if it shall otherwise fall out , as men resolued honourably to die . With this the Generals speech , all the minds of the hearers were greatly enflamed , and they all by his words , and their owne hot desires , sufficiently encouraged . Neither did old Amurath on the other side with lesse care or diligence marshall his armie and encourage his Turks , sparing neither cheerefull speech , glorious promises , or seuere commaund : Whose armie being brought into the plaine , and ranged in order of battaile , filled the same from the one side to the other , euen vnto the verie mountaines , to the great astonishment of the Christians : and so about nine a clock in the morning set forward . Huniades had from the hill where he lay , sent downe both the wings of his armie , and had afront on both sides before them , stretched out certain long troupes of light horsemen , to begin the skirmish : In the middest betwixt both he had placed Zechel , his sisters sonne , with a strong square battaile of men at armes : and such as he had kept aloft vpon the hill for rescues , he had compassed about with his waggons , as with trenches . The signall of the battaile being giuen , the fierce and couragious souldiors on both sides , with cheerefull mindes , began at first to skirmish a farre off : but afterwards fortune as it were fawning vpon both sides , and their courage thereupon increasing , they began with greater force to fight foot to foot , and hand to hand . Which hot fight , continued about three houres : at length the Turkes battaile was put to the worst , by Benedict Losoncius , who had the leading of the right wing ; and so likewise in the left also by Stephen Bamffi , who with great slaughter had notably foyled the great Bassa of EVROPE , still pressing hard & desperatly vpon him . Which discomfiture of his men in both wings Amurath beholding , presently sent in strong supplies , & in both places renewed the battaile : whereby the Hungarian and Valachian light horsemen before wearied , were enforced to retire vnto the men at armes ; who ferred together , and standing as a strong wall , easily repulsed the greatest assaults of the Turks : In which manner of fight many were on both sides slain , but farre mote of the Turks , by reason they were neither so well horsed nor armed as were the Christians . Huniades in the meane time with the artillerie from the hill , did the Turks great harme : which Amurath perceiuing , drew as close vnto the hill as he could , by that meanes sauing his people ( so much as was possible ) out of the danger of the artillerie , mounted on high aboue them in such sort , as that it could little or nothing now hurt them . Which Huniades from the hill beholding , came downe to the releefe of his men , sending new supplies to both wings ; sometime encouraging them with cheerefull speech , and sometime with his owne most valiant hand : vnto the wearie he sent releefe , the fearefull he encouraged , them that were flying he staied , and where hee saw the enemies fastest comming on , there was hee himselfe present to meet them , omitting nothing that was of a good Generall or worthie souldiour to be done . The valiant he commended , the coward he reprooued , and as a carefull Generall , was himselfe in euery place present . Whereby the battaile became so fierce and terrible , that in euerie place a man might haue seen all fowly foiled with blood , and the quarrey of the dead . Amurath in like maner still sent in new supplies , nothing discouraged with the great losse of his men , presuming vpon his multitude , as fully resolued orderly to fight , and to make vse of all his forces ; in hope at length by continuall sending in of fresh supplies , to wearie his enemies , whom he saw hee could not by force ouercome . Wherein he was not deceiued , for one battailion of the Hungarians was often times enforced to wearie foure or fiue of the Turks before they could be releeued , they came on so fast . That day they dined and supped in the battaile , refreshing themselues with such short repast as they could eat standing , going , or riding . The Turkes armie was that day in euerie place put to the worst , & often times with great slaughter enforced by the Hungarians to retire almost vnto their trenches : yet was the battaile still againe renewed , and so fought on both sides , as well appeared they were resolued either to ouercome , or there to die . This cruell fight maintained all the day , was by the comming on of the night ended , both the armies retiring into their owne trenches : but with purpose the next daie to renew the battaile , and not to giue ouer or turne their backes , vntill the victorie were by dint of sword determined . So with little rest , was that night spent , both armies keeping most diligent watch , all carefully expecting the next day , as by battell therein to trie whether they should liue or die . It was yet scarce faire daie , when both the armies in good order readie ranged began againe the battaile : which at the first , was not by the Hungarians fought with such force and courage as before , for there was none of them which had not the day before spent their whole strength ; whereas there was yet almost fortie thousand of the Turks , which either had not fought at all , or but lightly skirmished . Yet Huniades exhorted his souldiors , not by faint harted cowardise to breake off the course of the victorie by them the daie before so well begun , but couragiously to prosecute the same ; beseeching them not to be now wanting vnto themselues and their country , but to remember how well they had fought the day before , how many thousands of their enemies they had slaine , and not now at last to giue ouer , and so shamefully to frustrate all the paines and dangers by them before endured : for that they ( as he said ) were to be thought worthie of honour , not which began , but which well ended honourable actions . He wished them to set before their eies the calamities like to ensue , if they should as cowards be ouercome : first , the diuers kinds of death and torture ; then , the slauerie of their wiues and children ; the rauishment of their virgins and matrons ; and last of all , the vtter destruction of their kingdom , with the horrible confusion of all things , as well sacred as prophane : all which were by that one daies labour ( as he said ) to be auoided . And therefore he besought them for the loue both of God and man , with their wonted valour , that day to set at libertie for euer , themselues , their countrey , their wiues and children , and what soeuer else they held deere . In like manner also did Amurath encourage his souldiours , with great promises , and threats , persuading them rather to endure any thing , than by that daies ouerthrow to bee driuen out of EVROPE . He carefully viewed his armie , ordered his battailes , and with many graue reasons persuaded them to play the men . But after that some light skirmishes being past , both the armies were fully joyned , the battel was fought with no lesse force and furie than the day before . Of the Christians many then wounded , came now again into the battaile , there either by speedy death or speedie victorie to cure their wounds before receiued ; and there did right good seruice . Great was the slaughter in euerie place , neither could the force of the Hungarians be withstood ; whose furious impression , whē the Turks could not by plain force endure , they began with their fresh horsemen , cunningly to delude their desperat fiercenesse : at such time as the Hungarians began most hardly to charge them , they by & by turned their backs , suffering them a while to follow after thē , far scattered & dispersed : who allured as it were with the hope of a present victory , eagrely pursued them , & in the pursuit slew diuers of them . And they again vpon a signall giuē , closing together , & turning back vpon the dispierced troups , well reuenged the death of their fellows : & with their often charges , & retraits , wonderfully wearied the Hungarians ; notably deluding their furious attempts with that vncertain kind of fight , all the day long . Many of the Hungarians were there slain , and the Turks had that day the better , and so both armies being wearied , night and wearines ended the fight : both retiring into their trenches , there keeping most carefull watch . The next morning by the dawning of the day , the battaile was again begun . Huniades his brother , Generall of the Valachians , with his light horsemen setting first forward ; after whom in seemly order followed the rest of the nobilitie , with their companies . Where for certaine howers , the battaile was hardly fought with like hope on both sides , and a great slaughter made , but especially of the Hungarians ; who wearied with the long fight , & most part of them wounded , were now all to endure this third daies labour . Zechel ( Huniades his sisters sonne ) valiantly fighting in the front of the battaile , was the first of the leaders there slaine in the thickest of the Turks . Emericus Marzalus and Stephen Bamffi , both great commaunders , enclosed by the Turks , there died also . Amurath seeing the formost ensignes of the Christians which stood in Zechel his regiment , taken , and his soldiors ( discomfited with the death of their colonell ) turning their backs ; presently commaunded all the companies , which were manie ( yet left in the trenches , for fresh supplies ) to issue foorth , and at once to ouerwhelme the Christians , being ( as hee said ) but few and ouerweried with three daies continuall fight . Vpon which the kings commaund , they fiercely breaking out , presently ouerthrew both the wings of the Christians , before wauering ; and in a great battaile ( wherein most of the chiefe commaunders were slaine , and their ensigns taken ) discomfited the rest , and with a great slaughter put them to flight . Huniades seeing his brother now slaine , the ensignes taken , and the battaile quite lost ; betooke himselfe to flight also , leauing behind him his tents and baggage , all which shortly after became a prey vnto the Turkes : who from noone vntill night furiously followed the chase , with most cruell execution ; but at length staied by the comming on of the darkenesse , they returned againe vnto their trenches . The rest of the Turkes armie that followed not the chase , compassing in the Hungarian campe , were there by the wounded souldiors , the wagoners , and other drudges of the armie , kept out so long as they had any shot left ; but yet were in the end euerie mothers sonne slaine , though not altogither vnreuenged , two or three of the Turkes in many places lying dead by the bodie of one Hungarian . Amurath to couer the greatnesse of the losse he there receiued , commanded the bodies of his captaines there slaine , to be forthwith buried ; and the bodies of his common souldiours , to be for the most part cast into the riuer SCHICHNIZA : For which cause the inhabitants of the countrey there by , of long time after abstained from eating of any fish taken in that riuer . The plaine by this great battaile made once againe famous , lay neuerthelesse many yeares alter couered with dead mens bones , as if it had been with stones : neither could be ploughed by the countrey people , but that long time after armour and weapons were there still in many places turned vp and found . Thus albeit that this bloudy victorie fell vnto the Turkes , yet was their losse farre greater than the Hungarians ; hauing lost ( as was reported by them that say least ) foure and thirtie thousand of themselues , for eight thousand of their enemies . Howbeit they themselues report the losse to haue beene on both sides far greater ; as that of the Christians were slaine seuenteene thousand , and of themselues fortie thousand : which in so long and mortall a fight , is not vnlike to haue been true . In this vnfortunate battaile fell most part of the Hungarian nobilitie : all , men worthy eternall fame and memorie , whose names we for breuitie wil passe ouer . Many in the chase taken , and the next day brought to Amurath , were by the commandement of the angrie tyrant slaine . Such as escaped out of the slaughter by the way of ILLYRIA , returned in safetie : but such as sought to saue themselues by returning back againe through SERVIA the Despots countrey , found the same so troublesome as that few of them escaped , but that they were by the way either slaine , or quite stripped of all they had . Neither was the fortune of the noble Huniades much better than the fortune of the rest , who hauing on horsebacke all alone by vncouth and vntract waies , trauailed three daies without meat or drinke , and the fourth day tired his horse and cast him off ; being on foot and disarmed , fell into the hands of two notable theeues , who in dispoiling him of his apparell , finding a faire crucifix of gold about his necke , fell at strife betwixt themselues for the same : whereby he tooke occasion to lay hand vpon one of their swords , and with the same presently thrust him through ; and then suddenly assailing the other , put him to flight also . So deliuered of this danger , trauailing on , and almost spent with thirst and hunger , the next day he light vpon a sheepheard , a sturd●e rough knaue , who hearing of the ouerthrow of the Hungarians , was ( in hope of prey ) roaming abroad in that desolat countrey : Who at their first meeting , strucken with the majestie of the man , stood at gaze vpon him ; as did also Huniades , fearing in his so great weaknesse to haue to doe with him . Thus a while hauing the one well regarded the other , they began to enter talke , the sheepheard bluntly asking him of his fortune ; and he for Gods sake crauing of him some thing to eat . When as the sheepheard hearing of his hard happe , mooued with his estate , and hope of promised reward , brought him vnto a poore cottage not farre off , causing to be set before him bread and water , with a few oynions . Who in the pleasant remembrance of that passed miserie , would oftentimes after in his greatest banquets say , That he neuer in his life fared better , or more daintily , than when he supped with this sheepheard . So well can hunger season homely cates . Thus refreshed , he was by the sheepheard conducted to SYNDIROVIA : whereof the Despot hauing intelligence ( whose countrey was all layd for the staying of him ) caused him by the captaine of the castle to be apprehended , and imprisoned . But after certaine daies spent in talke about his deliuerance , it was at length agreed , that all such strong townes in RASCIA and SERVIA , as had by the Hungarians been detained from the Despot , at such time as his kingdome was by king Vladislaus restored vnto him , should now be againe to him deliuered ; and that Matthias , Huniades his youngest sonne , should for the confirmation of farther friendship , marrie the Despots daughter : with some other such conditions as it pleased the vngratefull prince for his owne behoofe to set downe . For performance whereof , he required to haue Ladislaus , Huniades his eldest son , in hostage . All which Huniades was glad forthwith to yeeld vnto , for feare the false Despot should haue deliuered him into the hands of Amurath , his mortall enemie . So the hostage being giuen , Huniades was againe set at libertie . Who vpon Christmas day comming to SEGEDINVM , was there by all the nobilitie of HVNGARIE , and great concourse of the people , honorably receiued . This ingratitude of the Despots no lesse greeued this worthie man , than the dishonour receiued from the Turke . Wherefore vpon the suddaine raising a great armie , he inuaded the territorie , long before giuen to the Despot by the emperor Sigismund in HVNGARIE , in exchange of the strong town of BELGRADE , destroying the countrey before him , and burning the villages , neuer resting , vntill he had got into his power whatsoeuer the Despot had in HVNGARIE : & yet not so contented , presently entred into RASCIA , where the Despots embassadors met him , bringing with them Ladislaus the hostage , honorably rewarded , & humbly crauing peace at his hands : which he at the request of the nobilitie , easily granted , with forgiuenesse of all former wrongs or injuries . And so hauing with him concluded a peace , returned backe again into HVNGARIE . But Fortune neuer suffereth long the valiant man to rest , but still keepeth him busied , least he should at too much ease attaine vnto honours glorie . The yeare following , Amurath certainely enformed , That George the Despot hauing of late Huniades in his power , had againe set him at libertie : was therwith exceeding wroth , blaming him of great ingratitude , That for a kingdome which he had at his hands receiued , he had not deliuered vnto him his enemie , in full recompence thereof : whom of all others he most feared , & therefore likewise wished to haue had him perish . In reuenge of which injurie ( as he tooke it ) the melancholie tyrant , sent Fritze-beg and Iose-beg , two of his most expert captaines , with a strong power to inuade RASCIA , the Despots countrey : who accordingly entring thereinto , strongly fortified CHRYSONICVM , a towne before ruinated , vpon the side of the riuer MORAVA , and from thence with fire and sword destroyed the countrey both farre and neere . The Despot dismayed with this suddaine and vnexpected inuasion , wist not well which way to turne himselfe : the angrie Turke , he well knew , was not to bee appeased without yeelding vnto some great inconuenience ; and to pray aid of Huniades , without which he was not able to withstand the Turkes , hee thought but vaine , for the wrong he had before done him . So that what to do he he wist not : yet had he rather to endure any thing , than againe to suffer the heauie bondage of the Turke . In this extremitie he thought best to make proofe of Huniades , of whom hee humbly and not without great shame craued aid . Which the courteous gouernour , according to his honourable nature , forgetting all former injuries , easily graunted : and the rather , for that hee desired nothing more , than to be of the Turks in some part reuenged of the ouerthrow from them of late receiued in the plaines of COSSOVA : as also for that he wisely foresaw , That the Despots countrey being lost , hee should haue the Turkes still brauing him euen as it were in the gates of HVNGARIE . Wherefore hauing with great speed raised a conuenient power , he forthwith in person himselfe set forward , and at SYNDEROVIA passing ouer the riuer DANVEIVS into RASCIA , there joyned his power with the Despots , which hee found there readie . And so marching forward with such expedition , that hee preuented the fame of his comming ; and the weather also at the same time as it were fauouring his purpose , and couering the countrey with a thicke mist , hee was the fourth day vpon the Turkes before they were aware of him . Who wonderfully dismayed with the suddaine comming of the Christians , and vpon the breaking vp of the mist , discouering also Huniades his ensignes ( alwaies vnto them dreadfull ) thought now no more of resistance , or of the ordering of their battaile , but as men discouraged , betooke themselues to speedie flight . After whom followed the Hungarian and Seruian light horsemen , with most bloodie execution hauing them in chace all that day ; Huniades with his men at armes following still after in good order , for feare the Turkes should againe make head vpon the light horsemen that had them in chace . And had not the comming on of the night ended the slaughter , few of the Turkes had there escaped : but by the approch thereof many of them got into the woods , and so saued themselues . Fritze-beg the Generall , with most part of the Turkes best commaunders , were in that flight taken . Huniades after this victorie entering into BVLGARIA , came to BVDINA , the metropoliticall citie of that countrey , which ( as the cause oftentimes of great wars ) he burnt down to the ground . And so hauing well reuenged himselfe , and cleared the countrey of the Turks , he returned backe againe into SERVIA , and there gaue vnto the Despot for a present all the prisoners he had taken : and contenting himselfe with the honour of the victorie , returned with triumph to BVDA , there to find no lesse trouble with the Bohemians , and some of the discontented nobilitie of HVNGARIE , than hee had with the Turkes , to the great hurt of the Christian commonweale . All this while that Amurath was thus troubled with Huniades and the Hungarians , Mustapha lying still vpon the borders of MACEDONIA , as Amurath had commaunded ; it chaunced that a great quarrell grew betwixt the Venetians and Scanderbeg , about the inheritance of Lech Zacharie ( a noble man of EPIRVS ) then shamefully murthered by his vnnaturall kinsman Lech Duchagne ; part of whose inheritance lying in the frontiers of EPIRVS , the Venetians claimed , as belonging to their seignorie : and hauing got possession of the citie of DAYNA , part thereof , by force held the same against Scanderbeg : vpon which quarrell great warres arose betwixt the Venetians and him , who had before beene very great friends : insomuch , that in the end they joined in battaile at the riuer of DRINE , where the Venetians were by him in a great battaile ouerthrowne . Of which troubles Mustapha daily vnderstood , and how that Scanderbeg so busied , had left but a small garrison vpon the borders of EPIRVS . Wherefore being desirous to redeeme his former disgrace with some better hap ; hee would faine haue taken the oportunitie now presented , but that his great masters command lay so heauie vpon him , as that he durst not without his leaue attempt the same ; knowing that the danger of his euill fortune , if it should so fall out , would farre exceed the vncertaine glorie of his better successe . Yet ceased hee not from time to time to giue Amurath intelligence of these troubles and warres in EPIRVS , earnestly requesting him not to let slip so faire an oportunitie , but to giue him leaue to enter into the countrey : in manner , assuring him beforehand of the victorie . yet the suspitious old king was long in resoluing what to doe , still fearing the fortune of his enemie . At length discharged of the feare of the Hungarians , and commending Mustapha his forwardnesse , hee sent vnto him a messenger with letters of this purport , answerable to his desire . The warres thou so greatly desirest , behold Mustapha we graunt vnto thee : the glorie thereof ( if those things be true which we heare of the Venetian war ) thine owne valour , and worthie right hand shall giue thee : yet thou must warily deale with that enemie , and not rashly take vp armes , which thou maiest be enforced shamefully to cast away , when thou thinkest least . Peraduenture the counterfeit shew of warre , and faigned falling out among the Christians , do too much allure thee ; for the common saying is , There is no quarrell sooner ended , than betwixt the father and the sonne : wee in person absent , can neither aduise thee as present , nor commend a foolish forwardnesse in armes . Thou must before thou put on armes , dispose of all things , and consider of euery particular , which is to be put in execution when thou art in the field . Thou hast a great armie of fresh and lustie souldiors , thine enemies are with continuall warres wearied and spent : in that remaineth , doe as thou thinkest good , for I forbid thee the doing of nothing , which thou thinkest may be for the aduancement of our honour . Mustapha hauing thus obtained leaue , and well appointed , with all his forces entered into EPIRVS , hoping in one battaile to end that warre : which he ( presuming vpon the strength of his armie ) many times offered in the plaine field . Newes hereof was brought to Scanderbeg ( then lying at the siege of DAYNA against the Venetians ) from his garrisons lying vpon the frontiers of EPIRVS , to whom he addressed a speedie messenger : commaunding them in no wise to encounter with the enemie , but to keepe themselues within the sauegard of their strong holds , and to protract the time vntill his coming . Afterwards selecting out of his armie fiue hundreth horsemen , & fifteen hundreth chosen footmen , all old beaten soldiors , he with that small number marched to the place where he knew lay his garrisons intrenched , in the vpper countrey of DIBRA : leauing Amesa his nephew at the siege of DAYNA . Mustapha hauing many times in vaine sought to draw the garrison souldiours out of their trenches by offering them many faire oportunities of aduantage , and now out of hope that way to circumuent them , began to spoile and burne the countrey round about . But when he vnderstood by his scouts of Scanderbeg his comming , hee speedily called together his armie , and encamped within two miles of Scanderbegs campe , at a place called ORONOCHE , in the vpper countrey of DIBRA . Scanderbeg had there in his campe of his garrison souldiours and those he brought with him , foure thousand horsemen , and two thousand foot , all old expert souldiours : where , after he had made his trenches strong , hee left therein three hundreth of them , and brought the rest into the field in order of battaile . Mustapha on the other side likewise brought on in good order his armie also . But whilest both armies thus stood ranged one within the view of the other , expecting nothing but the signall of battaile , suddenly a man at armes , in gallant and rich furniture , issued out of the Turks armie into the middest of the p●aine betwixt both armies , and from thence with a loud voice challenged to fight hand to hand with any one of the Christian armie . This Turke was called Caragusa . At the first Scanderbegs soldiors vpon this challenge stood stil , one looking vpon another ; for as they were all ashamed to refuse so braue an offer , so the danger so suddainly offered , staied euerie mans forwardnesse for a while : Vntill that one Paul Manessi , accounted the best man at armes in Scanderbeg his armie ( vpon whom euerie mans eie was now cast , as if he had been the man by name called out by the proud challenger ) not able longer to endure the Turkes pride , with great courage and cheerefull countenance came to Scanderbeg , requesting him that he might be the man to accept that challenge . Who greatly commended him , and willed him on God his name to set forward , first to win honour to himselfe , and then to giue example of his valour for all the rest of the armie to follow . Paul staying a while , vntill he had for that purpose most brauely armed himselfe , mounted presently to horse , and riding forth into the plaine , called aloud vnto the Turk , that he should make himselfe readie to fight . Whom Caragusa required to stay a while that hee might speake vnto him a few words , indifferently concerning them both . The victorie ( said he ) our force and fortune shall determine : but the conditions of the victorie , we are now to appoint our selues . If the Destinies haue assigned vnto thee the honour of this daie , I re●use not , but that thou maiest by law of armes , when I am ouercome , cary away with thee my rich spoiles , and at thy pleasure dispose of my dead bodie . But if thou shalt fall vnder my hand , I require that I may haue the same right , and power ouer thy captiue bodie : and that the Generals will graunt that no man shall mooue out of either armie , to better the fortune of either of vs in the time of the combat , or after . Whereunto Manessi answered , That hee agreed to those conditions of the combat , which hee vpon a needlesse feare ●ad so required to be kept : saying , That where the fierce soule had yeilded , there of good right all the rest ought to be the conquerours ; and that therefore he should fight without feare of any more enemies than himselfe : whom so soone as he had depriued of life , he should haue free power to doe with his dead bodie what he would . Which if thou wouldest giue ( said he ) vnto the teares of my fellow souldiours , yet would not worthie Scanderbeg suffer the carkasse of a vanquished coward to be brought backe againe into his campe . Caragusa maruailed to heare his so braue a resolution , and as it was thought , repented him of his challenge . But after that both the Generals had vpon their honours confirmed the lawes of the combat before rehearsed , both the Champions were left alone in the middest of the plaine betweene both armies , with all mens eies fixed vpon them . Now both the armies betwixt feare and hope , stood in great expectation of the euent of the combat , presaging their own fortunes in the fortune of their Champions . In which time they both hauing withdrawn themselues one frō the other a conuenient distance , for the making of their course , and after with great violence running together : Caragusa was by Manessi , at the first encounter stroke through the head and slaine . Manessi alighting , disarmed the dead bodie , and stroke off his head : and so loaded with the armour and head of the proud challenger , returned with victorie to the armie , where he was joyfully receiued and brought to Scanderbeg , of whom he was there presently honourably both commended and rewarded . Scanderbeg seeing his men by this good fortune of Manessi greatly encouraged , and the Turkes as men dismaied with the death of their Champion hanging their heads , like an inuincible captaine himselfe set first forward toward the enemie , as it were in contempt of their multitude : and had charged them as they stood , before they had set one foot forward , had not Mustapha to encourage his souldiours , with certaine disordered troupes opposed himselfe against him , which the whole armie seeing , faintly followed : but as they set forward with small courage , so were they at the first encounter easily driuen to retire . Which when Mustapha saw , he called earnestly vpon them to follow him , and the more to encourage them by his owne example , put spurres to his horse , and fiercely charged the front of Scanderbegs armie , as one resolued either to gaine the victorie , or there to die ; after whom followed most of the principall captains of his armie , which would not for shame forsake their generall : thus by his valour the battaile was for a while renued . But Moses preuailing with great slaughter , in one part of the armie , the Turks began to flie : in which flight Mustapha the Generall , with twelue others of the cheefe men in that armie , were taken prisoners , but of the common souldiours few were saued . There was slaine of the Turkes armie ten thousand , and fifteen ensignes taken , whereas of the Christians were lost but three hundreth . The Turks tents and campe , with all the wealth thereof , became a prey to Scanderbegs souldiours . Wherewith although he had satisfied the desires of them all , yet to keepe his old custome , he entred into the confines of MACEDONIA , and there burnt and spoiled all that hee could . And afterwards leauing a garrison of two thousand horsemen , and a thousand foot , for defence of his frontiers , returned againe with the rest of his armie to the siege of DAYNA . Not long after , the Venetians made peace with Scanderbeg : and Amurath desirous to redeeme his captaines , about the same time sent great presents vnto Scanderbeg , with fiue and twentie thousand duckats , for the ransome of Mustapha , & the other chieftaines : whom Scanderbeg so honourably vsed , as if there had neuer been any hostilitie betwixt him and them : and so with a safe conuoy , sent them out of his countrey . The raunsome of Mastapha and the other Turks he deuided amongst his souldiours . When Scanderbeg had thus made peace with the Venetians , hee forthwith led his armie againe into MACEDONIA , with the spoile of that countrey to make his souldiours better pay , as his vsuall manner was . And to doe the greater harme , he diuided his armie into three parts , wherewith he ouerrunning the countrey , wasted and destroied all before him , putting to the sword all the Turks that came in his waie . As for the Christians that there liued amongst them , he spared , but left them nothing more than their liues : the buildings of the countrey he vtterly consumed with fire , so that in all that part of MACEDONIA which bordereth vpon EPIRVS , nothing was to be seen more than the bare ground , and the showes of the spoile by him there made . Which vnmercifull hauocke of all things he made , to the end that the Turks should find no releefe in those quarters , whensoeuer they should come either to lie in garrison in that countrey , or to inuade EPIRVS . The spoile hee made was so great , that it was thought hee left not in all that countrey , so much as might releeue the Turkes armie for one daie . Of all these great harmes by Scanderbeg done in MACEDONIA , Amurath was with all speed aduertised , and therewith exceedingly vexed : howbeit he resolued with his great counsellors , no more to send any of his Bassaes or captaines , but to goe himselfe in person , with such a royall armie , as should be sufficient not to conquer EPIRVS , but if need were , to fill euery corner thereof . Wherefore hee commaunded commissions to bee speedily directed into all parts of his kingdomes and prouinces , for the leuying of a great armie for HADRIANOPLE : yet whither he intended to imploy the same , was not knowne to any in the Turks court , more than to the Bassaes of the counsaile . Which caused all the bordering Christian princes to make the best preparation they could for their owne assurance , euery one fearing least that growing tempest should breake out against himselfe . But Scanderbeg of long acquainted with the Turkish policie , easily perceiued all that great preparation to be made against him : which he was the rather induced to thinke , by reason of the vnaccustomed quietnesse of Amurath , who all that while had neither sent any armie to reuenge the ouerthrow of Mustapha , nor so much as a garrison for defence of the borders of his kingdome , but had let all things negligently passe , as if he had beene in a dead sleepe . Besides that , it was also thought , that he had secret intelligence from some of his old friends and acquaintance in Amurath his court , who probably suspected the matter . Wherefore Scanderbeg setting all other things apart , gaue himselfe wholly to the preparing of things necessarie for the defence of his small kingdome against so mightie an enemie . First hee by letters and messengers aduertised all the Christian princes his neighbours and friends , of the greatnesse of the danger of that warre ; wherein Amurath ( as he said ) sought not onely his destruction , but the vtter ruin of them all : exhorting them therefore to consider , how farre the danger of so great an armie might extend , and therefore to stand fast vpon their guard . Then hee sent Moses and other his expert captaines into all parts of EPIRVS , to take vp souldiors , and all the prouision of corne and victuals that was possible to be had . Wherein he himselfe also busily trauailed day and night , not resting vntill he had left nothing in the countrey whereupon the enemie might shew his crueltie . Most part of the common people with their substance , were receiued into the strong cities , the rest tooke the refuge of the Venetian and other Christian princes townes and countries farther off , vntill this furie was ouerpast : all such as were able to beare armes , were commaunded to repaire to CROIA ; where when they were all assembled , there were ynow to haue made a right puissant armie . But out of all this multitude Scanderbeg made choice onely of ten thousand old expert souldiors , whom he purposed to lead himselfe to encounter with the Turkes great armie , as he should see occasion : and placed a thousand three hundred in garrison in CROIA . The cittizens also themselues were throughly furnished with all manner of weapons and other prouision meet for the defence of their cittie . Then proclamation was made , That all the aged men vnfit for warres , with the women and children , should depart the citie ; and none to bee therein left but the garrison souldiors , and such citizens as were willing to tarie , and able to beare arms . This cittie of CROIA was the cheefe citie of EPIRVS , and of the fortune thereof seemed to depend the state of all the other strong townes and citties , and so consequently of the whole kingdome : for which cause , Scanderbeg had the greater care for the defence thereof . It was a miserable sight to see the lamentable departure of this weake companie out of CROIA : all was full of weeping and wailing ; no house , no street , no part of the cittie was without mourning : but especially in the churches was to be seene the very face of common sorrow and heauinesse ; where all sorts of people in great numbers flocking together , poured forth their deuout praiers , with fountaines of teares , wringing their hands ; yea , and some in the impatiencie of their greefe forgetting themselues , seemed to expostulate their greefe with God. But when their sorrow was with teares assuaged , and their hearts somewhat eased , the aged mothers kissing their sonnes , gaue them many a fearefull commandement : sometime rehersing how louingly and tenderly they had brought them vp , and othersome times shewing vnto them their feeble limmes and hoary haires , willing them to bee mindfull of them : The wiues presented their children vnto their husbands , bewayling to leaue them as childlesse wydowers , and their houses desolat : The old men mute with sorrow , & carefull of their children , durst neither encourage them , for feare of making them too forward ; neither dissuade them from aduenturing themselues , least they should seeme to loue them more than their natiue countrie . In the middest of these passions commandement came from Scanderbeg , that they must now depart , that the souldiors might take their places & charge . Then began their sorrowes afresh , with pittious scriching & teares . A man would haue thought the cittie had euen then been presently taken by the Turks . They could hardly be drawne from the embracing of their friends , all now desiring to remaine still with them in the citie , partakers of their common dangers . But when they saw the officers begin to be earnest vpon them , and to hasten their departure , then with heauie hearts they tooke as it were their last farewell , and departed out of the citie , setting their feet many times they wist not where , for desire they had to looke backe againe vpon the citie . This great multitude was conueyed also into the Venetian cities , and other places free from danger : whither all the countrey people , which were not before receiued into the strong cities , resorted also , with all their substance and cattell ; leauing nothing in all the countrey of EPIRVS , but the bare ground for the Turks to prey vpon . After this multitude was departed , and all well quieted , and none left in the citie but men fit for seruice , Scanderbeg throughly stored it with all things needfull for the defence thereof , and for the enduring of a long siege : besides that , he gaue to euery souldior conuenient armour , with some small reward . Then he placed Vranacontes ( a valiant and famous captaine , honourably descended ) gouernour of the cittie . And so hauing set all things in order for the safegard thereof , after hee had in few words exhorted them courageously to endure the siege , and not to listen to Amurath his flattering and deceitfull charmes , he departed out of the cittie vnto his armie , then lying within view , and began presently to march towards DYBRA . But he was not farre gone , before he met with Moses with a gallant troupe of horsemen comming from SFETIGRADE , a strong citie of DYBRA , situate in the confines of EPIRVS , bordering vpon MACEDONIA : which citie was Scanderbeg his second care , for that it was like to be the first that should endure the angrie tyrants furie , standing first in his way , as it were the fortresse of that countrey . Moses had there set all things in like order , as had Scanderbeg in CROIA ; and had there placed one Peter Perlat ( a graue and polliticke man ) Gouernour , with a strong garrison of souldiors chosen out of all the countrey of DYBRA , which were alwaies accounted the best men of warre in all EPIRVS , and was for so doing greatly commended of Scanderbeg . Who deliuering vnto him all the forces hee had prepared for the defence of the other castles and citties of EPIRVS , sent him with diuers other of his nobilitie and captaines , to take order for the safetie of those places , appointing vnto euery man his charge . As for himselfe , he with a small troupe of horsemen went to SFETIGRADE , carefull of that citie aboue measure , as it were before deuining the ensuing danger . Being come thither , and all the souldiors assembled by his commaundement into the market place , hee there in open audience spake vnto them as followeth : Almightie God could not this day offer vnto you ( worthie souldiours of SFETIGRADE ) better matter : neither could a fairer occasion be presented vnto braue minds and souldiors desirous of honor , than that which now hath caused you to take vp most just armes . Wherein you may for euer by worthie example make knowne your constant faith and worthie valour , both towards me in priuat , and the people of EPIRVS in generall . Hitherto we haue horne armes for the honour of our kingdome , but now we must fight for our liues , our libertie , and the wals of our countrey . You must now force your selues , that you doe not by reproch and cowardise staine the worthie praises you haue alreadie deserued , by the great victories by you obtained vnder my conduct . The greatest part of the fortune of this war dependeth vpon you : For the first passage of Amurath into EPIRVS ( that I my selfe may be vnto you the first messenger of that danger ) will be this way : the first furie of the Turkes will assaile you , that hauing here as it were broken downe the strongest fortresse of EPIRVS , hee may afterwards breake through the countrey , more subject to danger . The first fruits of this war is yours , you ( if you beare the hearts of courageous men , mindfull of your libertie ) may beat downe the proud strength of the haughtie enemie , and discourage his high conceits . The Othoman king shall haue the beginning both of his hope and feare , of you : if he shall find you so minded , as I now see you gallantly mooued , and with joy heare your violent indignation ; he will in euery place feare a great force of danger , and thereby learne to abstaine from the other cities of EPIRVS : neither will he lie here long at a vaine siege , except the wa●ward old man , will foolishly hereupon gage all his forces : for such is the situation and strength of this citie , that it may easily set at nought an angrie enemie . Wherefore resolue with your selues worthie souldiors and cittizens , only by constancie and faithfulnesse , without bloodshed , to gain vnto your selues an honourable victorie . Of your valour ( which I willingly speake of ) dependeth for the most part the faithfulnesse of all the rest , they will looke vpon you whom they may praise or accuse , and whose example they may follow in the fortune of these warres . But to what purpose should men of woorth in their actions pretend the necessitie of faith , or chaunce of fortune ? whereas , by reason things are both best begun and accomplished . It seldome chaunceth , that fortune faileth the sound aduice , or is not obedient vnto vertue : and you haue all things which most politicke care could prouide for your safetie . You want not armour , you want not plentifull prouision of victuals , you want not valiant men : the superfluous multitude of vnnecessarie people , the pitifull lamentation of women , and troublesome crying of children shall not withdraw you from your publike charge , from your seruice and defence of your countrey ; I haue left you alone to your selues , for defence of your citie , your religion , and dwellings , that you might be encouraged onely with the prouocations of honour and libertie , with the emulation of aduenture and danger , and the very sight one of another ; and I my selfe will not be far off with my courageous souldiors , a silent beholder and encourager of your vertue : where although I may not auert from you all the force of the cruell enemie by rash aduenture , nor trie the whole fortune of this war in plaine field ; yet will I turne a great part of your dangers vpon my selfe , and trouble the enemies designes , with many a hot skirmish . For as much as there is no better manner of fight , nor safer kind of warre , for vs amongst such a multitude of men , and so many thousands of souldiors , than neuer to offer battaile vnto the enemie in plaine field , neither to aduenture all vpon the fortune of one conflict , although a man did see apparent signes of victorie . He will of purpose at the first giue vs the oportunitie of good hap : hee will feed our hardinesse with the blood of his base souldiors , the easilier to intrap and oppresse our rashnesse , allured with the sweet bait of good fortune : but the craftie deuises of the Othoman king , are by great policie and consideration to be frustrated . This mightie enemie is by little and little to bee cut off , as time and place shall giue occasion . For truly that victorie should bee vnto me lamentable , which I should buy with the blood of my souldiors : and beleeue me , it would be vnto me a more sorrowfull than pleasant sight , to see eight or ten thousand of my enemies slaine , with the losse of a few of you . I will praise and honour my subiects of EPIRVS for valiant conquerours , if they shall not suffer themselues to be conquered of the Turkish king . The rest I had rather you courageous souldiors of DIERA should consider with your selues , than that I should seeme to distrust of your assured faith , by giuing you a carefull and tedious admonition . When Scanderbeg had with cheerefull persuasion thus encouraged the minds of them of SFETIGRADE , he departed thence , and visited diuers other cities of EPIRVS , where finding all things politickely ordered by Moses and the other captaines , whom he had put in trust , he returned to his armie , then lying neere vnto CROIA . Whilest Scanderbeg was with great carefulnesse yet thus prouiding for the safegard of his kingdome , in the meane time Amurath his armie was assembled at HADRIANOPLE , to the number of a hundred and fiftie thousand men , whereof many were pioners , and men appointed for other base seruices necessarie at the siege of townes . Of this great armie Amurath sent fortie thousand light horsemen before him to SFETIGRADE , who according to his commaund came and encamped before the citie : the newes of their comming , with a great deale more than truth , was forthwith brought to Scanderbeg , then lying with his small armie neere CROIA : whereupon he with foure thousand horsemen , and a thousand foot , took the way toward SFETIGRADE , and strongly encamped his armie within seuen miles of the citie . Where hauing set all things in good order , he , accompanied with Moses and Tanusius , went by certaine blind waies through the mountaines and woods , vntill he came so neere vnto the citie , that from the place where hee stood , vpon the top of a hill , he might easily discouer in what sort the enemie lay encamped : and so returning backe againe to his campe , rise with his armie in the night following , and drawing as neere vnto the Turks armie as he could , vndiscouered , placed all his armie in the couert of the woods and secret valleyes , vnperceiued of his enemies . After that hee sent forth Moses and Musachi his nephew , with thirtie of his best horsemen , apparelled as if they had been but common souldiors , but passing well mounted , driuing before them certaine horses laden with corne , by a by-way , as if they had purposed to haue secretly got into the cittie . The day then breaking , they were discouered by the Turks scouts , and set vpon : where at the first Moses and the rest began of purpose to flie , but when he saw that they were pursued but with like number to themselues , hee returned backe vpon the Turks , and slew fiue of them , and chased the rest vnto the campe . The Generall seeing what had happened , sent foorth foure thousand horsemen to pursue these supposed victualers : whom they quickly recouered the sight of , for that Moses of purpose had made small hast to flie : but when the Turks began to draw nigh , Moses left the horses laden with corn , and fled ; yet so that he still drew on the Turks with hope to ouertake him , vntill he had brought them where Scanderbeg with his armie lay in wait : by whom they were suddainly assailed on euerie side , and with great slaughter put to flight . In this conflict , two thousand of the Turkes were slaine , and a thousand of their horses taken : of the Christians were lost but two and twentie . This was the first welcome of the Turks armie to SFETIGRADE . About eight daies after came Amurath with all his armie , in the beginning of May in the yeare of our lord 1449 , and hauing made the greatest shew he could with his huge armie to terrifie the defendants : he encamped the baser sort of his footmen at the foot of the hill , whereon the citie stood , and lay himselfe with his Ianizaries , and other his most valiant souldiors , about three quarters of a mile further off : where after he had line still one daie , & well considered the strength of the place , towards euening he sent a messenger to the citie , who requested to speake with the Gouernour Perlat . Whereof hee hearing , came to the wall : of whom the messenger requested , That he would commaund the souldiours standing by , to goe further off , for as much as he had some thing in secret to say vnto him from his master . Vnto whom Perlat merrily answered : It is like indeed to bee some great secret , that you would haue kept not onely from the hearing of my soldiors , but from the verie light of the dale , and therefore haue chosen the night : but I haue not learned of mine elders , to heare any message from mine enemie by night , neither at any time else out of the hearing of the garison , to whom Scanderbeg hath committed the defence of this citie , and I the sauegard of my person : you must therefore at this time pardon me , and to morrow if your maister so please , I will heare you at large . And therewith commanded him to depart from the wals . So he returned for that time without audience as he came . It grieued Amurath not a little to see his messenger so lightly regarded : yet forasmuch as hee had more hope to gain the citie by large offers , or some reasonable composition , than by all his great force ▪ he dissembled his wrath : and the next daie sent the same messenger again , with one of his Bassaes ▪ a graue and well spoken man , himselfe borne in EPIRVS . This Bassa with three souldiours , and two seruitours , was by the gouernours commaundement by one of the ports receiued into the citie , and brought into S. Maries church . Where after he had with great eloquence sought to insinuate himselfe into the minds of the Gouernour , and the hearers , and afterwards augmented the terrour of Amuraths power beyond all measure , laying before them the great victories by him obtained against the Hungarians , and the other Christian princes : in fine he exhorted them to yeild the citie vnto him , in whose name he promised first that the citizens should in all respects vnder his gouernement liue as they had before done vnder Sanderbegs ; then , that the Gouernor should receiue at Amurath his hands most honourable preferments , with many rich and princely gifts ; and that it should be lawfull for the garrison souldiours to depart in safetie whether they would , and to haue three hundreth thousand Aspers diuided amongst them in reward . But when the Bassa had ended his speech , the Gouernour in this sort replied : If you had not deliuered this speech vnto resolute men , deuoted vnto the defence of their libertie , it might perhaps haue wrought some effect ; and we ( said he ) might peraduenture listen vnto your offers , if we were either afraid of the Othoman king , and the vaine threats of our enemies ; or else were wearie of the gouernement of the noble Scanderbeg . But forasmuch as no euill desert of his , nor good desert of your masters , hath yet passed , for which we should preferre a stranger before our naturall soueraigne , an enemie before a friend , a Turke before a Christian ; let your maister proceed first in his action begun , let him prooue his fortune , let him by force terrifie vs , beat downe our wals , make hauocke of our men , and by strong hand driue vs to humble our selues at his feet , and to sue for peace : But it were a great dishonour , yea a thing almost to be laughed at , if we should cowardly accept of these conditions by him offered , before any assault giuen , before one drop of bloud spilt , before any souldior did so much as once grone for any wound receiued , before one stone were shaken in the wall , or any small breach made . But your maister shall doe better to raise his siege , and get him backe againe to HADRIANOPLE , there to spend the small remainder of his old yeares in quiet , and not to prouoke vs his fatall enemies , whose courage in defence of our liberties , and fidelitie towards our prince , hee hath so often times prooued to his great dishonour , and losse of his armies . The faith I haue once giuen to my Soueraigne , for the defence of this citie , I will neuer forget , vntill the effusion of the last drop of my bloud . It shall be vnto me reward and honour inough , if I either liuing defend this citie , or with losse of my life shall leaue my guiltlesse soule at libertie , and my carkasse amongst the dead bodies of worthie souldiours , when I shall find a way into a farre better place . The Generall hauing giuen this resolute answere vnto the Bassa , bountifully feasted him that day at dinner , and afterwards led him through the middest of the citie : where he saw great store of victuals , by the Gouernour commaunded of purpose to be set in shew , to put Amurath out of hope of winning the citie by long siege . And so sent the Bassa out by the same port whereby he came in , much discontented with the answere he was to returne to his maister . When Amurath vnderstood by the Bassa , of the Gouernours resolution , he was therewith exceeding wroth , and thereupon with his great ordinance battered the citie three dayes without intermission . And hauing by the furie of his artillerie made a small breach , he foorthwith gaue thereunto a most terrible assault , labouring first to win the same by the force and multitude of his common souldiors , which the Turks call Asapi , whom hee forced by great numbers to that seruice . Of these souldiors , the Turke in his warres maketh no great reckoning , but to blunt the swords of his enemies , or to abate their first furie , thereby to giue the easier victorie to his Ianizaries and other his better souldiors : which the Othoman kings hold for good policie . Whilest these forlorne souldiors , without respect of danger pressing forward , are slaine by heapes at the breach , the Ianizaries at the same time in another place attempted to haue scaled the wals of the citie : but whilest they with much labour and difficultie first crawle vp the steepe rocke whereon the cittie was built , and afterward desperatly mount vp their scaling ladders , they were by the defendants with huge stones and weightie peeces of timber cast vpon them , beaten down , wherwith they were driuen headlong to the bottome of the rocke , and so miserably slaine . Many of them together with their skaling ladders , were by the Christians thrust from the wall , and tumbling downe the rocke , violently carried with them others , comming vp behind them . Some few got to the top of the ladders , and taking hold of the battlements of the wals , lost some their fingers , some their hands , but most their liues , being beaten downe as the other were . Many of them which stood farther off , were then wounded also , and with shot from the wals slaine . With this miserable slaughter , and no hope to preuaile , the Turks discouraged , began to withdraw themselues from the assault : but the Bassaes and captaines standing behind them , forced them againe forward , exhorting some , threatening others , and beating the rest forward with their trunchions . By which meanes the assault was againe renewed , but not with such courage as before , though with no lesse slaughter : which the defendants seeing , gaue from the wals great tokens of joy and triumph . Amurath perceiuing his discouraged souldiours readie of themselues to forsake the assault , presently sent Feri-Bassa ( one of his most valiant captaines ) with a new supplie of three thousand chosen souldiours to renew the fight . The Christians well aware of their comming , ceased not with continuall shot to beat them from the wals : but such was the forwardnesse of that fierce captaine , that without regard of danger he brought his men to the wals , where the defendants from aboue ouerwhelmed them with stones , timber , wild fire , and such other things as are vsually prepared for the defence of townes besieged . For all that , Feri-Bassa gaue so great an assault , that he slew diuers of the defendants vpon the wals , and had there forcibly entered , had not the Gouernour perceiuing the danger , with a companie of fresh souldiors come with speed to the defence of that place ; whereby the enemie was presently repulsed , and driuen againe from the wals . Amurath seeing the great slaughter of his men , and no hope of successe , caused a retreat to be sounded , and so leauing the assault , retired againe into his campe . The great losse and dishonour at this assault receiued , much troubled his wayward mind : who for all that yet ceased not to giue the like vaine attempts . At length the captaine of the Ianizaries perceiuing that part of the citie which was farthest from the campe , to be commonly but slenderly manned , by reason that it seemed a place impregnable , both for the height and steepenesse of the rocke ; told Amurath , That he would assay ( if it so pleased him ) secretly in the night to attempt by that place to enter the cittie : where as they thought nothing was more to bee feared , than the height thereof , which they supported with the wings of desire , doubted not to mount vnto . This his deuice exceedingly pleased the king , and was the next night with great silence put in execution . But such was the carefulnesse of the Gouernour ouer euery part of his charge , that nothing could be done against the same , but that it was by him forthwith discouered . The Gouernour aduertised by the watch , of the Turks attempt ; with great silence presently repaired to the place with a great companie of the garrison souldiors , and standing close , from the top of the wall beheld the Turks , as it had beene a swarme of Emmets climing vp the high rockes , and one helping vp another by such desperate way , as was in reason to haue been thought no man would haue attempted . But when they were come to the top of the rocke , & now euen readie to enter , they were from aboue suddenly ouerwhelmed , as it had been with a shower of shot , and so violently forced downe that high rocke , that most part of them which had got vp to any height , were miserably crushed to death either with the weight of themselues , or of others falling vpon them , and many of the rest slaine with shot from the top of the rocke : whereof Amurath presently vnderstanding , was therwith exceedingly greeued . During the time of this siege , Scanderbeg neuer lay long still in one place , but remooued continually from place to place , as best serued his purpose , breaking sometimes into one quarter of the Turks campe , and sometime into another , and straightway so suddenly gone againe and as it were vanished out of sight , that Amurath many times wondered what was become of him . At this time , being the latter end of Iune , he was come with his armie within eight miles of Amuraths campe : and from thence sent Moses his greatest captaine , in the attire of a common souldior , with two other , to take view how the enemie lay encamped . By which trustie espials he was enformed , That the Turkes lay in great securitie , as men without feare , keeping but negligent watch . Of which oportunitie , Scanderbeg rejoycing , the night following suddenly assaulted one quarter of the Turks campe . Whose comming , although it was a little before by the Turkes scouts discouered ; yet his furious assault was so suddaine and so forceable , that he slew two thousand of the Turks , and filled euery corner of that great campe with feare and tumult , before they could well arme themselues or make resistance . After which slaughter he safely retired , carrying away with him two hundred and thirtie horse , with seuen of the Turkes ensignes , hauing in this skirmish lost of his men but two and fortie : whose dead bodies the Turkes the next morning in reuenge of their slaine friends hewed into small peeces . Vpon these great disgraces one following in the necke of another , Amurath hauing no other object but the citie to shew his furie vpon , gaue three fierce assaults vnto the same , one after another , and was alwaies with losse both of his men and honour repulsed . But the more he lost , the more he burnt with desire of reuenge , persuading his souldiors , That as the strongest citties and fortresses were built by mens hands , so were they to bee ouerthrowne and laied euen with the ground by resolute and valiant men : encouraging them to a fresh assault , with greater promises of reward than euer hee had done before in all his warres , from the first beginning of his raigne . And because he would with more safetie giue this his last and greatest assault , he appointed Feri-Bassa , with twelue thousand horsemen and six thousand foot to attend vpon Scanderbeg , if hee should hap to come ( as he thought he would ) to trouble the assault , by assailing of his camp . Feri-Bassa glad of this charge , well hoping now to redeeme his former ouerthrow with some great victorie , and leading forth his armie a little from the campe , as he was commaunded , so lay ; wishing for nothing more than the comming of Scanderbeg , vainely boasting , That he would seeke him in the field , and there trie his force and fortune with him hand to hand : which he did shortly after to his cost . When Amurath had thus set in order all things requisit , as well for the siege , as for the safegard of his campe : the next morning he compassed the citie round about with his armie , and couered the ground with his men of war , purposing at that time to gage his whole forces vpon the taking thereof . The wals he had before in some places battered , so much as was possible ; and yet but so , as that they were not without skaling ladders to be assaulted : partly for the naturall strength of the place , and partly for that the defendants had with great diligence continually repaired and filled vp with earth what the furie of the cannon had throwne downe . This assault Amurath began first with his archers and small shot , which deliuered their arrowes and bullets vpon the top of the wall , and into the citie , as if it had beene a shower of haile , thereby to trouble the stationarie souldiours . In this heat , ladders were clapped to the wals in euery place where any could be possibly reared , and the Turkes began desperatly to skale the wals : but the Christians nothing dismaied thereat , with great courage resisted them , and with shot from their safe standings wounded and slew many of them : yet others still pressed vp in the places of them that were slaine , so that the assault became most terrible in many places at once , but especially neere vnto the great gate of the citie ; where the Turks had vpon the suddaine with ladders , timber , and planks clapped together , raised close vnto that tower , as it had beene a woodden tower , equall in height to the wall ; from whence the Turks greatly distressed the Christians in that place , fighting with them as if it had been vpon euen ground , still sending vp fresh souldiors in stead of them that were slaine : and thereby preuailed so far , that they had set vp certaine of Amurath his ensignes vpon the wall , to the great comfort of the Turkes , and astonishment of the besieged Christians . The Gouernour seeing the imminent danger , hasted to the place with a companie of fresh and valiant souldiors , by whose force the Turks were quickly repulsed from the wall , their ensignes taken and sent into the market place : the tower of wood with many ladders and much timber by the Turks brought to that place , was quickly consumed with wild fire cast vpon the same from the wals . Perlat hauing deliuered the citie of this feare , presently placed fresh soldiors in stead of them which were slaine or hurt , and so worthely defended the citie . Whilest Amurath was giuing this great assault to Sfetigrad , Scanderbeg to withdraw him from the same , came with nine thousand souldiours to assaile the Turkes campe , as Amurath had before suspected , and was now come verie neere the same . Feri-Bassa glad of his comming , opposed his armie against him : which Scanderbeg seeing , retired a little , of purpose to draw the Bassa farther from the campe , and then forthwith began to joyne battaile with him . The Bassa considering the small number of his enemies , and his own greater power , withdrew foure thousand horsemen out of his armie to fetch a compasse about , and to set vpon the rearward of Scanderbegs armie : hoping so to inclose him , that he should neuer escape thence , but there either to be slaine or taken aliue , and his armie vtterly defeated . But the expert captaine perceiuing his purpose , to meet therewith , left Moses to lead the maine battaile , and he himselfe with two thousand horsemen , so valiantly charged those foure thousand of his enemies before they were well departed from the rest of the Bassaes armie , that they had now more cause to looke to their own safetie , than how to circumuent others . In this conflict Feri-Bassa hand to hand , as he had oft times before desired , encountring with Scanderbeg , was by him there slaine . All this while that Scanderbeg was in fight with Feri-Bassa in the right wing of the armie , and Musachie in the left , Moses stood fast , receiuing the assault of the enemie without mouing anie thing forward , expecting the successe of the wings . But Scanderbeg hauing discomfited the right wing , and slaine the Generall , comming now in , he set forward with such force and courage , that the Turkes not able longer to abide his force , turned their backs and fled : of whom manie were slaine in this chase , though Scanderbeg doubting the great power of his enemie so nigh at hand , durst not follow them farre ; but sounding a retrait , put his armie againe in good order , for feare of some sodaine attempt from the campe , and after appointed some of the meanest of his souldiors to take the spoile of the slaine Turkes . When Amurath had vnderstood what had happened to Feri-Bassa , he was so ouercome with anger and melancholy , that for a while he could not speake one word : but after the heat was a little past , he commaunded certaine small peeces of ordinance , which he had before vsed against the citie , to be remoued into the campe , and there placed vpon that side which was most in danger to the enemie . He also presently sent thither foure thousand souldiours to joyne with the remainder of Feri-Bassaes armie , for defence of the campe , with straight charge that they should not issue out of the trenches . Neuerthelesse he himselfe continued the assault of the citie all that day : but when night drew on , and no hope appeared for him to preuaile , he caused a retrait to be sounded , and leauing the assault , he returned againe into his campe . At this assault Amurath lost seuen thousand men , beside manie that died afterwards of their wounds ; but of the garrison souldiours were slaine but seuentie , and nintie mo hurt . The terror of the turkish armie , began now to grow into contempt throughout EPIRVS ; and Scanderbeg was in good hope , that Amurath after so manie ouerthrowes and shamefull repulses , would at length raise his siege and be gone : yet he sent spies continually to discouer what was done in the Turkes campe , and he himselfe with two thousand souldiours would oftentimes shew himselfe vpon the sides of the mountaines neere vnto Amurath his campe , of purpose to draw the Turkes out , that hee might take them at some aduantage . But the old king had giuen commandement vpon paine of death , that no man should go out of the trenches without leaue , or once to speake of giuing battaile or assault : so that hee lay certaine daies in his campe , not like a king besieging of a citie , but more like a man besieged himselfe : the which his still lying , Scanderbeg had the more in distrust , fearing greatly that he was hatching some mischiefe , which so soone as it was ripe would violently breake out . Amurath considering with what euill successe he had manie times assaulted the citie , and holding it for a great dishonour to raise his siege and depart , hauing done nothing worth the remembrance ; thought good once againe to prooue , if it were possible to ouercome the minds of the garrison soldiors with gifts , whom he was not able to subdue by force . For which purpose he sent an embassadour vnto the citie , offering vnto the besieged and garrison souldiors easie conditions of peace , with such large gifts and rewards as had not been heard offered to any garrison in former time . All which his magnificall promises were lightly rejected by the common consent of all the whole garrison , preferring their faithfull loyaltie before all his golden mountaines . For all that , Amurath was in good hope , that amongst so manie , some would be found into whose minds his large offers might make some impression : wherein he was not deceiued . For one base minded fellow amongst the rest , corrupted with the Turkes great promises , preferring his owne priuat wealth , before the welfare of his countrey , waiting his time , had secret conference with the Turks espials , and promised vpon assurance of such reward as was before by Amurath proffered , to find meanes that in few daies the citie should bee yeelded into his power . This corrupted traitour , had laid many mischieuous plots for the effecting of this horrible treason : but the first deuice he put in practise , which of all others a man would haue thought to haue been of least moment , serued his wicked purpose in stead of all the rest . All the garrison souldidiours of SFETIGRADE were of the vpper countrey of DIBRA , put into that citie ; by Moses ▪ for their approoued valour aboue all the other souldiours of EPIRVS . But as they were men of great courage , so were they exceeding superstitious both in their religion and manner of liuing , putting nice difference betwixt one kind of lawfull meat and other : accounting some cleane , some vncleane ; abhorring from that , which they fondly deemed vncleane , with more than a Iewish superstition , chusing rather to die than to eat or drinke thereof : such is the strong delusion of blind errour , where it hath throughly possessed the minds of men . The cittie of SFETIGRADE ( as is aforesaid ) is situat vpon the top of a great high rocke ▪ as most of the cities of EPIRVS now be , and was then watered but with one great well in the middest of the cittie , which sunke deepe into the rocke , plentifully serued both the publicke and priuat vse of the inhabitants . Into this common well the malicious traitour in the night time cast the foule stinking carion carkas of a dead dog , knowing , that the conceited garrison souldiors of DYBRA would rather indure the paines of death , and starue , or els yeeld vp the citie vpon any condition , than to drinke of that polluted water . In the morning when the stinking carrion was espied , and drawne out of the well , the report thereof was quickly bruted in euery corner of the citie , and that the well was poysoned : so that all the people were in manner in an vprore about the finding out of the traitor . The citizens were exceeding sorrie for that had happened , but the garrison soldiors detested that loathsome and vncleane water ( as they accounted it ) more than the Turkish seruitude , protesting , that they would rather perish with thirst , than drinke thereof . Whereupon some of them desired to set fire vpon the citie , and whilest they had yet strength , to breake through the enemies campe or there manfully to die . And they which thought best of the matter , requested , That the cittie might be yeelded vp : for now , they discouraged with a superstitious vanitie , could be content to hearken to the former conditions of peace , yea they were readie ynough of themselues to sue vnto Amurath for peace , though it had beene vpon harder tearmes . The Gouernour troubled with that had happened , and astonied to see so great an alteration in the minds of his souldiours vpon so small occasion , could not tell whether hee might thinke it to proceed of a superstitious conceit , or of some secret compact made with Amurath . But the better to pacifie the matter , hee came into the market place , and there in the hearing of all the garrison , with many effectuall reasons , exhorted them to continue faithfull vnto their prince and countrey in that honourable seruice ; and in a matter of so great conseqence to make small reckoning to vse that water , which would easily in short time be brought againe to the wonted puritie and cleanenesse : And to persuade them the rather , he went presently to the well himselfe , and in the sight of them all drunke a greater draught of the water , whose example the cittizens following , dranke likewise . But when it was offered to the captaines and souldiors of the garrison , they all refused to tast thereof , as if it had been a most loathsome thing , or rather some deadly poyson , and with great instance cried vnto the Gouernour , to giue vp the citie : for which cause many thought they were corrupted by Amurath his great promises . Howbeit none of that garrison ( except that one traitour ) did euer afterwards reuolt vnto the Turkish king , or yet appeared any thing the richer for any gift receiued , whereby such suspition might be confirmed . When the Gouernour saw that the obstinate minds of the garrison were not to be mooued with any persuasion or reward ( whereof hee spared not to make large promise ) nor by any other meanes which he could deuise : hee called vnto him his cheefe captaines , with the best sort of the citizens , & resolued with them full sore against his will , to yeeld vp the citie to Amurath , vpon such conditions as they themselues there agreed vpon : which were , That it should be lawfull for all the captaines and souldiors to depart in safetie with their armour and all other things ; and that so many of the citizens as would stay , might there still dwell in the citie , in such sort , as they had done before , vnder the gouernment of Scanderbeg ; the rest that listed not to remaine there still , might at their pleasure with bag and baggage depart whether they would . Glad was Amurath when this offer was made vnto him , and graunted them all that was desired , sauing that hee would not consent that the citizens should continue in the citie , yet was he content that they should liue vnder him as they had before done , quietly enjoying all their possessions , but to build their houses without the wals of the citie : which condition some accepted , and some forsaking all , went to Scanderbeg . When all was throughly agreed vpon , the keyes of the gates were deliuered to Amurath , and the Gouernor with the captaines and all the garrison souldiors suffered quietly to passe through the Turkish campe , as the king had promised . Howbeit , Mahomet the sonne of Amurath , a prince of a cruell disposition , earnestly persuaded his father , to haue broken his faith , and to haue put them all to the sword : saying , it was one of their prophet Mahomets cheefe commaundements , to vse all crueltie for the destruction of the Christians . But the old king would not therein hearken vnto his sonne , saying , That he which was desirous to be great amongst men , must either be indeed faithfull of his word and promise , or at leastwise seeme so to be , thereby to gaine the minds of the people , who naturally abhorre the gouernment of a faithlesse and cruell prince . The traitor which corrupted the water , remained still in the citie , and was by Amurath rewarded with three rich suites of apparell , and fiftie thousand Aspers , and had giuen vnto him besides a yearely pension of two thousand duckats . But short was the joy the traitour had of this euill gotten goods : for after he had a few daies vainely triumphed in the middest of Amurath his fauours , he was suddenly gone , and neuer afterwards seene or heard tell of : being secretly made away ( as was supposed ) by the commandement of Amurath : whose noble heart could not but detest the traitour , although the treason serued well his purpose . Amurath entring into SFETIGRADE , caused the wals to be foorthwith repaired , and placed one thousand two hundred Ianizaries in garrison there . And raising his campe the first of September , departed out of EPIRVS , hauing lost thirtie thousand of his Turks at the siege of SFETIGRADE ; much greeued in mind for all that , that hee could not vanquish the enemie , whom he came of purpose to subdue . In his returne , the viceroy of ASIA marched before him with the Asian souldiors ; in the rereward followed the viceroy of EVROPE with his Europeian souldiors ; in the middest was Amurath himselfe , compassed about with his Ianizaries and other souldiours of the court . Scanderbeg vnderstanding of Amurath his departure , followed speedily with eight thousand horsemen , and three thousand foot , and taking the aduantage of the thicke woods and mountaine straits ( to him well knowne ) wherby that great armie was to passe , oftentimes skirmished with the Turks , charging thē sometime in the vaward , & sometime in the rereward , sometime on the one side , and sometime on the other , and slew many of them : whereby he so troubled Amurath his passage , that he was glad to leaue the viceroy of ROMANIA , with 30000 to attend vpon Scanderbeg , that he himselfe might in the meane time with more safetie march away with the rest of his armie . Scanderbeg perceiuing the stay of the viceroy , ceased to follow Amurath further , fearing to bee enclosed betweene those two great armies . The viceroy seeing that Scanderbeg was retired , after he had staied a few daies , followed his master to HADRIANOPLE , and so Scanderbeg returned to CRO●A . Shortly after the departure of Amurath out of EPIRVS , Scanderbeg left two thousand souldiours vpon the borders for defence of the countrey against the Turks . These soldiors so straightly kept in the Ianizaries left in garrison at SFETIGRADE , that they could not looke out of the citie , but they were intercepted and slaine . And within a few daies after came himselfe with an armie of eighteene thousand , and laied siege to SFETIGRADE the space of a moneth , which was from the middle of September vntill the middle of October . In which time he gaue two great assaults to haue recouered the citie , but was both times repulsed , with the losse of fiue hundred men . Amurath vnderstanding that Scanderbeg lay at the siege of SFETIGRADE , sent with all speed to recall his armie , but lately before dispersed . Whereof Scanderbeg hauing intelligence , considering also the difficultie of the enterprise , with the approch of Winter , raised his siege , and returned to CROIA : where he set all things in the same order he had done before the comming of Amurath to the siege of SFETIGRADE , and put two thousand of his best souldiors there in garrison , vnder the charge of the famous captaine Vranacontes , and stored the citie with sufficient victuall for a yeares siege , wherein he had great helpe from the Venetians and other Christian princes , for that there was then great scarcitie of all things in EPIRVS , by reason of the late warres . The like care he had also of all the rest of his cities , being continually aduertised from his secret friends in the Turks court of the great preparation intended against him by the Turkish king , against the beginning of the next Spring . Amurath vnderstanding that Scanderbeg was departed from SFETIGRAD , changed his former determination for the calling backe again of his armie , & appointed it to meet againe at HADRIANOPLE , in the beginning of March following : whether the Bassaes , and other great commaunders , at the time appointed assembled with their companies , according as Amurath had before commaunded . So that by the latter end of march , hee had there in readinesse an armie of an hundreth and threescore thousand men strong . Of which great multitude , he after the manner of the Turkish warres , sent fortie thousand horsemen , vnder the leading of Sebalyas a polliticke captaine , as his vauntcourriers into EPIRVS , in the beginning of April , in the yeare 1450. The valiant captaine with great speed and no resistance entred into EPIRVS , as was giuen him in charge , and without let came to CROIA : where , after he had aduisedly considered of the scitu●ation thereof , and of the places thereabouts , he strongly encamped himselfe neere thereunto in the pleasant plaine called TYRANNA : and there within his trenches kept his souldiours close , attending nothing more , but that no new supplie of men , munition , or victuals , should be conuaied into the citie , more than was therin before his comming . For he was not able with his horsemen to doe any thing against the citie : and Scanderbeg had left nothing abroad in the countrey subject to his furie . Besides that , he was expresly by Amurath forbidden , to attempt any thing against Scanderbeg himselfe . After Sebalyas had twentie daies thus line encamped before CROIA , neither doing nor taking harme ; Amurath by reason of his great age , hauing marched oftentimes but fiue miles a day , came thether also with his whole armie , wherewith hee filled all the countrey round about : the very sight whereof , had been inough to haue discouraged the small garrison in CROIA , had they not been men both of great experience and resolution . Where after he had spent foure daies in setling of his campe , he sent two messengers to the Gouernour ( as the manner of the Turkes is ) offering him if he would yeeld vp the citie , that it should be lawfull for him with all his souldiors in safetie with bagge and baggage to depart ; and the Gouernour himselfe to receiue in reward two hundreth thousand aspers , with an honorable place amongst the great Bassaes of his court , if it would please him to accept thereof : and further , that the citizens should enjoy all their antient liberties as in former time , without any alteration ; with promise also of greater ▪ These messengers comming to the gates of the citie , could not bee suffered to enter , but standing without , were commaunded there to deliuer their message . Which when the Gouernour had heard , hee scornefully rejected their offers , and returned the messengers shamefully derided by the souldiours which stood vpon the wall . Amurath more offended with this contempt , than the refusall of his offers ; and seeing no other meanes to gaine the citie , conuerted all his deuises vnto the siege thereof . Wherefore he first commaunded ten great peeces of artillerie to be forthwith cast , for he had brought none with him readie made , because of the difficult passage ouer the high mountaines into EPIRVS ; whereby it seemed to bee a matter of infinite trouble to haue brought his great ordinance : and therefore caried with him great store of mettall in masse , whereof at his pleasure to make his great artillerie as he saw cause . In fifteen daies this worke was brought to perfection , and ten peeces of huge greatnesse were readie mounted vpon cariages . Six of them he placed against the East side of the citie , towards the plain of TYRANNA , and the other foure against the gate : in which two places onely , CROIA was subject to batterie , being on all other parts naturally defended with impregnable rocks , vpon the tops whereof were built faire battlements more for beautie than needfull defence . These two places Amurath battred foure daies continually , and with the furie of his artillerie had in both places beaten downe halfe the wall , and sore shaken the rest . Wherewith the Turks were exceedingly encouraged , and with great cheerefulnesse made all thinges readie to assault those breaches , whensoeuer Amurath should commaund , striuing among themselues who should shew himselfe most forward in that dangerous enterprise . And Mahomet the young prince , the more to encourage the souldiors , besides the great rewards by his father proposed , promised of himselfe to giue an hundreth thousand aspers to him that should first set vp an ensigne vpon the wals of the citie . The garrison souldiours on the other side , considering that the whole state and welfare of EPIRVS was reposed in their valour ; and that the eies of most part of Christendome were as it were fixed vpon them , were nothing dismaied with the breaches made , but manfully comforted and encouraged one another to endure all manner of perill and danger that might possibly chance : but especially the worthy Gouernour Vranacontes , who going through the middest of his souldiours , and shaking some of them by the hands , withall said : These , these are the fortresses of our citie , these are the inuincible bulwarks , these are the irremo●able stones and surest sement . What honour ? what praise ? what triumph should we hope for ? if these wals standing whole and strong , we should lie shrouded vnder the defence of them , and not they defended by vs ? So can cowards defend cities , and sheepe feare not the wolues rage , when they are safely shut vp within the wals of their sheepcoats : But that is the praise of the wals , and not of the men . Worthie Castriot ▪ our prince hath commended this his citie to bee defended by vs , and not vs by it : Honour is attended vpon with danger , and fostred vp amongst perils : euerie base mariner may be a master in faire weather : and firme things stand of themselues and need not our vpholding . Wherefore , men of worth shun such things , which being kept or lost , yeild like praise . Things readie to fall need shoaring , and thether hasteth honour ; and there ( worthie souldiours ) appeareth courage and valour . Wherefore let our valiant right hands defend these broken breaches , and in stead of these dead wals , couragiously oppose our lustie and liuely armed bodies against the force of our enemies . If these wals stood still firme , and vnbattred , you should then fight from the top of them like women ; but now that they are something shaken , you shall as men stand vpon somwhat more euen ground , and encounter your enemies hand to hand , the better to satisfie your furious desire . Where I also in the thickest , shall easily view and judge of euerie mans priuat courage , in perticular , and of all your valour in common . And yet if we well consider of the matter , the place it self doth yet notably make for vs ; and our former good hopes are little or nothing by these small breaches diminished : For , this rising of the hill ( not possible to be taken from vs ) although it be not so high as it is in other places , yet doth it not serue vs suficiently at great aduantage to charge our enemies , and hinder their assault ? the steepenesse whereof , as it will be troublesome vnto them , so will it keepe vs most fresh in strength : and make our shot more forcible . Wherfore this had been a thing of vs to haue been wished for , if we desire the slaughter of our enemies at this siege ; or if wee wish for perpetuall honour and glorie by this warre . For this breach of the wals wil encourage these barbarians , & allure their armed men to clime vp in greater multitude than if the wals were whole ; whereof so many shall on euerie side bee easily slaine , as wee shall but ayme at : except you had rather sit still , holding your handes together in your bosomes as cowards : Their dead bodies shall fill vp the breaches againe , if you be men mindfull of your libertie . What is there ( worthy captaines and souldiors ) that letteth our victorie ? or memorable slaughter of our enemies ? by whom onely these two places of the citie can bee assaulted : all the rest is out of daunger , and feares no enemies force . Here onely is the paines to be taken , this onely is left for you to defend , and here shall you all be : the courage , force , and strength of you all shall in this place appeare . How will you so many worthie captaines , and valiant souldiours , in so little roome bestow your selues ? we are too many defendants for so small breaches . Yet let vs play the men , and doe our endeauour : let vs in one conflict weaken the tyrants strength , and burst his proud heart ; he will forsake this citie , and raise his siege vnfortunatly begun , so soone as he shall see his first assault to cost him the liues of so many thousands of his men . When Vranacontes had with this comfortable speech thus encouraged his souldiours , against the assault which he expected the next day ; and had with great care and diligence set all things in order for the same , and repaired the breaches as well as was possible in that case : hee gaue them leaue for that night to take their rest . In the morning Amurath commaunded the assault to bee giuen to both the breaches , which was forthwith by the Turkes cheerefully begun , and euerie man busie to performe the seruice hee was appointed vnto . But by that time that the assault was well begun , a suddaine allarum was raised throughout all the Turks campe : for Scanderbeg with fiue thousand valiant souldiours , had suddainely broken in vpon one side of the Turkes great campe , and at the first encounter had slaine six hundreth of the Turks , and was now spoiling their tents . The rumour whereof , troubled the whole campe , and made the Turks with lesse courage to assault the breaches , for feare of the danger behind them . Amurath although hee had great confidence in them whom he had before left for the sauegard of his tents , yet for more surety sent Seremet one of his greatest captaines , with foure thousand souldiours backe into the campe , for more suretie : saying , That nothing could be too sure , against that wild beast : meaning the furie of Scanderbeg . Mahomet also the yong prince , hasted thether in great choler with his guard , much against his fathers will. But Moses , Scanderbeg his lieutenant , knowing himselfe too weak to withstand the multitude that was swarming thether ( contenting himselfe with that which was alreadie done ) had before Mahomet his comming , speedily retired with all his armie into the safegard of the mountaines , from whence he came : hauing done great harme in the Turks campe , with the losse but of ten men . Scanderbeg in the heat of this skirmish , forgetting himselfe , had so farre engaged himselfe among the Turkes , that hee was by them on euerie side enclosed , and in great danger to haue been slaine or taken : yet valiantly breaking through them , hee escaped the danger and recouered the mountaines , and with much adoe came at length to his campe , to the great joy and comfort of them all , being before in great feare hee had been lost . This was accounted the greatest ouersight of Scanderbeg in all his warres , for so much as the office of a good Generall consisteth not in aduenturing of his person to manifest danger , but in the politike gouernment of his charge . During the time that Scanderbeg thus assailed the Turkes campe , Amurath but faintly assaulted the breaches ; expecting the successe in the campe : but when he vnderstood that Scanderbeg was retired and all quieted , he brought all his forces to the wals , and first with the multitude of his archers and small shot , laboured to driue the defendants from the wals , ouerwhelming them with arrowes falling as thicke as haile . And likewise at the same time other common souldiours of baser account , brought scaling ladders and other things needfull for the scaling of the wals . After whom also followed the Ianizaries and other chosen souldiours , readie to mount the ladders as soone as they should be set to the wals . But whilest they climbe vp the high hils in this order , the garrison souldiours made such slaughter of them with shot from the wals and out of the citie , that they would haue presently retired , had they not been forced forward by their captaines , who spared neither stripes nor wounds when words would not serue . By this tyrannicall meanes , the scaling ladders were with great slaughter of the common souldiours set vp against the wals , and the Turkes climing vp , came to handie blowes with the defendants at the breaches : nothing was to be heard , but the crying of people , the clattering of armor , and the instruments of warre , which was terribly redoubled with the ecchoes from the mountaines round about . The Turkes doing what they might to winne the breaches , were by the Christians worthily repulsed , & with their ladders tumbled headlong downe the mountaine , with such horrible slaughter and discomfiture , especially of the common souldiours , that none of them would set one foot forward againe towards the walles , although they had small hope to saue themselues by retiring backe : for the fierce young prince Mahomet , euen then making shew of his cruell disposition , caused them that returned , to be slaine , by the terror thereof to driue others forward . These common souldiors whom the Turkes make small reckoning of , are for most part miserable Christians , which liue in such coūtries as had somtimes receiued the faith of Christ , but are now vnder the Turkish slauerie ; of which sort of wretched people , the Turkish tyrants draw with them great multitudes in their warres , most commonly vnarmed , because they dare not well trust them in warres against the Christians : these carrie all the baggage of the campe , these serue to fetch wood and water for other souldiours of better account , these serue in steed of pioners to cast trenches and raise bulwarks : and when battaile is to be giuen , if it be in plaine field , these haue then weapons put into their hands , and thrust into the forefront of the battaile to blunt the enemies swords : but if a citie be to be besieged , these serue as fit matter to fill the ditches with their dead bodies , or to make bridges for other souldiours to passe ouer vpon : and if they shrinke to attempt any thing they are commanded , then are they more cruelly vsed by their commanders than by their enemies . When Amurath saw his souldiours so discouraged , he stood in doubt whether it were better for that time to sound a retrait , or to send a new supply : but being inraged with the losse of his men , and desirous to be in some part reuenged , he sent diuers companies of his better souldiours for the incouragement of them which were before discouraged , and so gaue a fresh assault . But with as euill , or worse successe than before : for Vranacontes had withdrawne from the breaches all those souldiours which had indured the former assault , and placed other fresh and lustie men in their steed ; who incouraged with the former victorie , and loth to be accounted inferior to their fellowes , repulsed the Turks with double slaughter : vntill that the aged king , not able longer to behold the endlesse losse of his men , caused a retrait to be sounded ; which all his souldiours were glad to heare , and so returned into his campe , hauing lost in those two assaults eight thousand men , without any notable harme done vnto the defendants worth the remembrance . This shamefull repulse much grieued all the captaines and commaunders of Amuraths army , but especially Mahomet the young prince , whose violent nature vnacquainted with mishap burnt impatiently with reuenge . Wherefore vnderstanding that Scanderbeg lay intrenched vpon the mountaine of TVMENIST not farre from his fathers army , he drew most of the best and readiest souldiours of all the whole campe , into that quarter which was nearest vnto Scanderbeg : of purpose that if he should againe assaile the campe in that place ( as it was most like he would ) he should be encountred with so many braue and valiant men there in readinesse , as that it should be hard for him either to doe any great harme , or for himselfe to escape . Of all which , Scanderbeg by certaine fugitiues had intelligence , as also in what order the campe lay : Whereupon he left Moses with fiue hundreth souldiours in the place where he lay , taking order with him before his departure , that he at a certaine appointed houre in the night following , should assaile the Turkes campe in the quarter next vnto him where Mahomet lay ; and hauing there raised some tumult , speedily to retire againe to his assured strength in the mountaine . Scanderbeg himselfe with the whole strength of his army , in number about eight thousand , in the meane time tooke a compasse about , and by certaine secret by-waies through the woods and mountaines , came vnto the farther side of the Turkes army , to a place called MOVNTECLE . The night following ▪ Moses at the appointed houre with his fiue hundreth souldiours assailed that part of the Turkes campe next vnto him , with such noise & tumult , as if it had been some great army . By occasion whereof , all the Turkes campe was in alarme , and drew in haste to that place where they heard that great tumult , as was before by Mahomet cōmanded . When at the same instant , Scanderbeg with all his army brake into the other side of the Turks campe , where he was least feared or looked for , and from whence the best souldiors were before drawne by Mahomet : and there made such slaughter and hauocke of the rest , not knowing which way to turne themselues , that the losse a little before receiued vnder the wals of CROIA was now forgot , as a small thing in comparison of this . Moses hauing raised a great feare , and done little harme , retired in safetie to his well known strength : and Scanderbeg hauing made great spoile in the campe , fearing to be oppressed with the multitude of his enemies if he should there longer stay , returned in good time , hauing scarce lost one man. Amurath after this great losse and trouble of his campe , withdrew most of his small ordinance which he had before bent against the citie , into his trenches , placing it as commodiously as he might for the defence thereof against the suddaine attempts of Scanderbeg . Yet for as much as he could not in that hoat season of the yeare so closely encampe his great army , but that some part thereof would still be in like danger as before ; he therefore appointed Sebalias with sixteene thousand soldiors to attend vpon Scanderbeg , that he should no more trouble the whole campe . After which order taken , he battered the walles of CROIA afresh , and with his great ordinance ouerthrew whatsoeuer the citizens had repaired , making the breaches greater and more saultable than before , intending once againe by a new assault to prooue his fortune , and the force of his souldiours : which he appointed to be the next day . But when he perceiued no signe of courage or good hope in the heauie countenances of them discouraged , and that they yeelded to him their consents , rather for feare and shame , than for hope of victorie ; he called them cowards discouraged with the least frowne of fortune , and said : Euery weake castle is able to hold out one assault : but if you will draw these wilde beasts out of their d●ns , you must arme your selues like resolute men of inuincible courage , to indure what thing soeuer shall happen . Great captaines with their puissant armies haue growne old vnder the wals of their enemies , vpon light and small displeasures : and will you hauing receiued so many disgraces of these peri●red Epirots , leaue them all vnreuenged ? What great victorie was euer yet by any man gained without bloudshed ? Remember the most glorious victorie of VARNA . It is hard without bloudie hands to put the yoke vpon the fierce enemies necke . All honourable things are brought to passe with aduenture and labour : and the end of this warre dependeth of the taking of CROIA . If it were once woon , all this warre were at an end : which if Scanderbeg lose ( being the strength of his kingdome ) he will not tarrie one day longer in EPIRVS . Wherefore be of good cheere , and couragiously set vpon it : there is not more vncertaintie in any thing , than in matters of warre . Fortune is to be prooued , and oftentimes prouoked of him that will wed her . And yet I will not denie , but that we must go more warily to worke against this enemy , and hazard our selues with better aduisement , and not without reason like wild beasts to runne headlong vpon our owne death . At length we shall weare them out , if we kill but ten of them at an assault : yet are they daily to be assailed , that they may haue no leisure to refresh themselues , or to make vp their breaches . And peraduenture if force may not preuaile , fortune may find some meane that we looke not for , as it fell out at the siege of SFETIGRAD , beyond all your expectation . Treason is ingenious , and mens desires great , where great rewards are propounded . With these and like speeches old Amurath encouraged his captaines and souldiours , and the next day early in the morning began the assault , which the Turkes valiantly attempted : and without regard of danger came to the gates of the citie , assaying , but with vaine and desperate labour to haue broken them open . In this assault wild fire , was cast into many places of the citie , and the great artillerie oftentimes discharged into the breaches : whereby many of the Turkes themselues were slaine with their owne great shot , together with the Christians : for Amurath desperatly set , was content to buy the life of one Christian with the losse of twentie of his Turks . But the Christians still valiantly repulsed their enemies , so that of them that came to the gates , none escaped aliue ; and of them that assaulted the greater breach , they which were most forward , were first slaine , and they which stood farther off , were sore wounded with shot . Yet for all that , Amurath still maintained the assault , by sending in of new supplies , delighting to see them goe forward , but greeued at the heart to see them so slaine : vntill at last , wearie with beholding the slaughter of his men , he caused a retreat to be sounded , and so ended the assault ; persuaded by his Bassaes , not wilfully to cast away his valiant souldiors where there was no hope to preuaile , but to reserue them for his better seruice . Amurath now out of hope to win the citie by assault , thought good to proue what might be done by vndermining of the same : during which worke , he caused small alarums daily to be giuen vnto the citie , to the intent that the defendants busied therewith , should not perceiue the secret worke of the mine . About which time his prouision of corne began to faile in his campe ; for which cause hee sent his purueyors for corne to LISSA , a citie of the Venetians , with whom he was at that time in league , and bought of them great store of corne . But as his officers were conueying it to his campe , Scanderbeg hauing intelligence thereof , slew the conuoy , and carried away with him all that pro●ision , deuiding it amongst his owne souldiors . Howbeit , not long after Amurath receiued great abundance of corne and other prouision out of MACEDONIA : beside that , the Venetian marchants afterward furnished him with plentie of corne , oyle , honey , and other necessaries ; which Scanderbeg might well haue hindered , but that he would not in so doing offend the Venetians , which were also his secret friends , considering that Amurath might haue had all the same prouision out of the further part of MACEDONIA , THRACIA , MYSIA , and such other places , if he had not otherwise had it from the Venetians . Whilest Amurath thus lay expecting the successe of his mine , foure hundred of the garrison souldiors of CROIA sallying out of th● citie , chased diuers of the Turks that were come foorth backe againe vnto the campe : whereof Amurath was glad , hoping , that they encouraged with that good hap , would to their further losse giue the like attempt afterwards . But the staied discretion of the Gouernour deceiued that his expectation : who considering the danger , would not suffer his souldiors any more to sallie out of the citie . Scanderbeg also at this time hauing encreased his armie with a new supplie of two thousand soldiors , deuided the same into three parts , deliuering one part to Moses , another to Tanusie , and reseruing the third to himselfe . With this armie of nine thousand thus deuided , he determined by night at one instant to assaile the Turks great campe in three diuers places : appointing in which quarter euery one should charge . But as Scanderbeg in the night appointed , was comming towards the Turks campe , hee was discouered by their scouts : whereupon a suddaine alarme was raised in the campe , and all mens minds turned that way , and souldiours appointed with all diligence to guard that side of the campe . But whilest the Turkes were all at gaze this way for feare of Scanderbeg , Moses and Tanusie , in the dead of the night , at one time assailed the Turks campe in two diuers quarters , as they were appointed , where they slew a number of the Turks , and made great spoile . At which time Scanderbeg did also what he might : but by reason he was before discouered , did not much harme . Vpon the approch of the day Scanderbeg retired againe to the hils , and by that time it was faire day-light , sate downe vpon the side of a great mountain , about twentie furlongs off , in the open sight of all the Turks campe : which he did of purpose , that Moses and Tanusie , which were by night retired into the mountains , might see which way to hold , to meet with him again . But the Turks thinking that hee stood there to braue their whole campe , and as it were to deface them , to the great encouragement of the defendants : diuers of them earnestly craued leaue of Amurath , That they might goe vp to him , and at leastwise beat him out of sight : which hee graunting , twelue thousand of his best soldiors , whereof seuen thousand were horsemen , and the rest foot , presently set forward to encounter him . Scanderbeg seeing them all the way they came , vpon their approch softly retired a little farther vp into the mountaines , still expecting the comming of Moses and Tanusi● . The Turks vnacquainted with such difficult waies , marched vp the steepe hils after Scanderbeg with much labour and paine , well wearied of themselues : but when they were come a great way into the mountaines , they perceiued by the rising of the dust , that some greater force was comming crosse those mountaines : and not long after they might plainely see the formost of their enemies . Wherefore fearing to be enclosed , they began to retire , in which retreat Scanderbeg hardly pursued them , and hauing the aduantage of the ground , slew many of them , but especially with his archers . Moses also comming in afresh on another side , caused them to flie downe the hill amaine , and beside the slaughter that he made , took diuers prisoners . After which victorie , by Scanderbeg obtained in the sight of Amurath and his whole armie , he retired againe into the mountaines . The late spoile of the Turks campe , with this ouerthrow of the soldiors but now sent against Scanderbeg , much greeued the old tyrant : but the worke of the mine , wherein he had of long laid vp his greatest hope , forting now to no good purpose , being deemed as well an endlesse peece of worke for the naturall hardnesse of the rocke , as also of small importance , for that it was by the defendants discouered , draue him to his wits end . His forces hee had to his great losse sufficiently prooued , and still found them too weake : and policie preuailed not . Nothing now remained , but to prooue , if by great gifts and glorious promises hee could first corrupt the faith of the Gouernour , and afterwards the garrison : wherein he determined to spare no cost . Vpon which resolution , he sent one of his Bassaes ( a man of great authoritie and dexteritie of wit ) vnto Vranacontes , with such rich gifts and presents as might haue mooued a right constant mind : commaunding the Bassa ( if it were possible ) first to fasten the same vpon the Gouernour , as presents sent from Amurath of meere bountie , in the honour of his valiant mind ; and afterwards to deliuer his message , not sparing to promise any thing for the giuing vp of the citie , yea more than should be desired . The Bassa attended on but with two seruants , came with this rich present neere to the gates of the citie , and there staied , vntill the Gouernours pleasure were knowne : by whose commaund he was receiued into the citie , and brought to his presence . Then the Bassa with much reuerence and many magnificall words presented vnto Vranacontes the rich gifts sent from Amurath , and would forthwith haue deliuered them vnto him , as the rewards of his valour . But Vranacontes willed him first to declare his message from Amurath ; vpon the hearing whereof , he would ( as he said ) as hee saw cause , either receiue or refuse them : before which time hee would not be beholden to his enemie , by receiuing from him the least courtesie . With which answere the subtile Bassa nothing dismayed , with great constancie thus began to deliuer his message . Howsoeuer we agree ( said he ) vpon other matters we come for , we brought not these gifts of purpose to deceiue any : for so men vse to deale with their children and seruants , and not with men of courage and valour . And albeit that enemies gifts are euer to be suspected ( as you haue right wisely said , and we our selues well know ) yet wee durst not for shame come vnto so worthie a Gouernour ( as the common saying is ) emptie handed : neither ought you , if you be the man you seeme to be , and whom men report you are , to refuse our courtesie . Take these presents in good part , which shall no way enforce or hinder you to determine or dispose of your affaires otherwise than shall seeme vnto you good : neither shall we once object vnto you these gifts , which wee so franke and freely offer in the great Sultan name , whether you reject or admit our demaunds and message ; wherein there is ( perhaps ) no lesseregard had of your good , than of ours . For there is no greater token of a base mind , than to giue , in hope to receiue againe . We come vnto you franckly ( worthie Gouernour ) I speake it from my heart : we goe not about with filed speech and rich rewards to circumuent thee , whose inuincible mind wee haue so often in vaine prooued with our forces and power . That is it for which Amurath loueth thee . He doth wonderfully admire the vertues of his enemies , and if it were possible , desireth to haue them with himselfe . There verily with so mightie a monarch might thy inuincible mind and pregnant wit find a better way vnto the highest type of fortunes blisse . Not that I condemne Scanderbeg , whom we his enemies doe highly commend , for his countrey so well recouered , and so oftentimes worthely defended , yet cheefely by your helpe : but you are worthie another manner of Soueraigne , and of another manner of calling , and not to spend all the daies of your life and such heroicall vertues in obscuritie and ( without offence be it said ) in contemptible basenesse . Besides that , Scanderbeg his estate is but momentarie , the destinies haue assigned vnto him too too mightie an enemie ; his destruction may well be deferred , but not by any meanes auoided . Amurath hath conceiued against him an implacable displeasure , and prepared his forces accordingly : hee hath sworne to spare no cost , no labour , no danger : and that hee will neuer whilest he liueth depart out of EPIRVS , before he haue imposed a deadly yoke vpon his neck ▪ And behold , the first of this miserie beginneth at this citie , and vpon your selues . We daily heare his pa●ilions sound with these and such like speeches , That hee will neuer depart out of this place before hee haue taken this citie , and satisfied his angrie mind with the torture of your bodies , no , not if he should therefore lose HADRIANOPLE , yea , and that more is , his whole kingdome . And verily he will doe it , which I feare to deuine or thinke vpon . For although I with others beare against you the mind of an enemie , yet am I a man , and mooued with humane compassion : beleeue me ( ye men of CROIA ) beleeue me , my eyes would scarcely endure to behold the horrible spectacle of your miserable fortune . I tell you againe he will doe it , except you change your purpose , and now receiue health , life , libertie , and peace , whilest it is so freely offered . For albeit , that this notable strong place , these impregnable wals , and especially your owne valour , doe yet defend you : how long will it hold out ? Verely , no longer than you haue victuall , no longer than you haue meat to sustaine your bodies . Do you thinke that Amurath will raise his siege in the middle of the heat of this war , and be gon ? No , no , if force may not preuaile , if all his attempts faile , yet shall you see and feele these enemies continually to your hurt : you shall alwaies haue these tents in your eyes and at your gates , vntill long famine , which mastereth all things , tame your courage also . I pray you , what hope haue you left ? from whence ariseth in your resolute minds such d●sperate contempt of danger ? Can Scanderbeg victuall you , being so straightly besieged ? which bideth himselfe ( poore man ) in the woods all day , and fl●eth ouer the tops of the mountains , loaden with trauaile and care , scarce able to releeue his owne miserie . Or will the Venetians releeue you ? which daily bring vnto vs and store vs with too too great plentie of all things necessarie for this war against you . Wherefore repent your too much hardinesse , and gather your wits together . Behold I your enemie aduise you . You haue long ynough continued in your obstinacie . Your countrey and libertie is not so far to be defended , as that you should therefore fight against God. But wherefore doe I call this libertie ? You must giue place vnto your fortune , and learne to obey them that be too strong for you . You shall find assured libertie , rich rewards , perpetuall rest , with Amurath . Prouide for your selues , if you be wise , whilest all things are yet whole for you to determine of ; whilest we your enemies exhort and request you , and had rather haue you our voluntarie companions and friends , than our enforced seruants and slaues . This the Bassa spake with great grauitie and no lesse vehemencie , expecting some great motions to haue risen in the minds of the souldiors . But when he perceiued that his speech had rather filled them with indignation , than with feare : and that it was but a vaine thing to goe about to terrifie them with words , whom all the power of Amurath could not make afraid with weapons , he requested to talke alone with the Gouernour in secret : which was also graunted . For all men had no lesse good opinion of the worthie Gouernours fidelitie , than of his great wisedome and valour . The craftie Bassa hauing him by himselfe , began with great cunning to deliuer his more secret message : when Vranacontes perceiuing by a little what the whole tale meant , interrupted him in the middle of his speech , and without more adoe commaunded him to depart : straightly charging him , That neither hee nor any other should after that time presume to come from his master to the cittie to speake with him about any such dishonourable matter ; for if hee did , he would in detestation thereof cause their hands , their noses , and their eares to be cut off , and so returne them dismembred in stead of answere . And so the Bassa was with his presents againe turned out of the citie , and no man suffered to receiue any thing of him in reward , although the soldiors could haue beene well content to haue eased him and his seruants of that carriage , if the Gouernour would but haue winked thereat . Great was the expectation in the Turks campe , of the Bassaes returne : but when they saw the presents were not receiued , they easily guessed that all went not as they wished . But when Amurath himselfe vnderstood the Gouernors resolute answere , he in great rage commanded all things to be made readie for a fresh assault : which he did rather to satisfie his anger , than vpon any hope he had to preuaile therein . The next day , he caused a furious assault to be giuen to the citie , but with greater losse to himselfe than before ; the Christians still valiantly defending the citie against the Turkish furie . In this assault many of the Turks were slaine at the breach , with their owne great shot : for whilest Amurath sought therewith to driue the Christians from the defence of the breach , he slew a great number more of the forwardest of his owne men than he did of the defendants . But wearied at length to behold the endlesse slaughter of his men , he gaue ouer the assault , and returned into his campe , as if he had been a man halfe franticke or distract of his wits ; and there sat downe in his tent , all that day full of melancholie passions , sometimes violently pulling his hoarie beard and white locks , complaining of his hard and disaster fortune , that hee had liued so long to see those daies of disgrace , wherein all his former glorie and triumphant victories were obscured , by one base towne of EPIRVS . His Bassaes and graue counsellours labouring in the meane time with long discourses to comfort him vp : sometimes recounting vnto him his many and glorious victories ; and other whiles producing antient examples of like euent . But darke and heauie conceits , had so ouerwhelmed the melancholy old tirant , that nothing could content his waiward mind , or reuiue his dying spirits : so that the little remainder of naturall heat which was left in his aged bodie , now oppressed and almost extinguished with melancholie conceits , and his aged bodie dried vp with sorrow , hee became sicke for griefe . Wherevpon by the counsaile of some of his Bassaes , he sent an embassadour to Scanderbeg , offering him peace , if he would yeild to pay vnto him a yearely tribute of ten thousand duckats : thinking by that meanes his honour to be well saued , if before his departure out of EPIRVS , hee could but make Scanderbeg his tributarie . This embassadour was by Scanderbeg honourably entertained in his campe , but the offered peace at the same time vtterly refused . The embassadour returning to Amurath , declared vnto him the euill successe of his embassage , which greatly encreased his melancholie sicknesse . And Scanderbeg to greeue him the more , vnderstanding that he was dangerously sicke , and that the great Bassaes were more carefull of the kings health than of the successe of the warres ; diuers times assailed the Turks campe . Which thing though the Bassaes kept from his knowledge with all carefulnesse : yet he often times suspected the matter , by the often allarums and tumults in the campe , and with the greefe thereof languished . So feeling his sicknesse daily to increase , and that he could not longer liue , lying vpon a pallet in his pauillion , greeuously complained to his Bassaes , That the destinies had so blemished all the former course of his life , with such an obscure death , that hee which had so often repressed the furie of the Hungarians , and almost brought to naught the pride of the Grecians , together with their name , should now be enforced to giue vp the ghost , vnder the wals of an obscure castle ( as hee termed it ) and that in the sight of his contemptible enemie . After that , turning himselfe to his son Mahomet , he earnestly commended him to the faithfulnesse of his Bassaes , and gaue him many graue aduertisements , sometimes in secret betwixt themselues , and sometimes in the hearing of others : want of strength , & abundance of teares running down his aged face ( vpon the sight of his son ) often times interrupting his speech . Yet sick vnto death as he was , and drawing fast vnto his end , he forced himselfe , to warne his sonne of such things as now at his death greeued him most . Let mine example ( quoth he ) be a warning vnto thee my sonne , neuer to contemne thine enemie , be he neuer so weake : of which one thing aboue all others , I haue repented my selfe of long , and shall doe after my death , if any feeling of humane thinges remaine in the dead . And that I was so foolish , and inconsiderat as to foster vp as it were in my bosome this my domesticall and neglected enemie : wherby I haue purchased vnto my selfe this calamitie , and for euer blemished the honor of the Othoman kings : whilest I so basely ending my daies vnder the wals of CROIA , shall become a by-word vnto the world , and all posteritie for euer . This traitour should euen then haue been oppressed , when hee by great treacherie , first recouered his wicked kingdome : in that newnesse of his estate , and before the minds of the people were assured vnto him , then it had been an easie matter , without bloudshed to haue vtterly extinguished the wretch , together with his name . Ali Bassa whose euill fortune was the first beginning of his good : nor the other Generals , who by him slaine or taken prisoners , increased his strength and credit with his subjects , should not haue been sent against him : a thing which I haue oftentimes thought vpon , but could scarce haue beleeued , that euer I should haue thereby receiued such disgrace , together with the ignominious renting of my kingdome ; if I had not been taught the same by mine owne experience , to my great losse and hearts greefe . We entred into EPIRVS , and here encamped an hundred and threescore thousand men strong : now if leisure serue you , take view of them , examine the matter , you shall find a great want of that number . The fields could not contain our regiments and the multitude of our men : but now , how many tents stand emptie ? how many horses want riders ? You shall go to HADRIANOPLE with our forces much impaired . As for me , the destinies haue vowed my spirits to this country of EPIRVS , as vnto me fatall . But wherfore do I impute vnto my selfe these impediments and chances of Fortune ? for then first began this seed of mischiefe in EPIRVS , when the Hungarians with other the Christian princes , rose vp in armes against vs : at which time we fought not with them for soueraigntie , but for the whole state of our kingdome ; as the bloudie battailes of VARNA and COSSOVA still witnesse vnto the world . So whilest I had neither leisure nor sufficient power to take order for all my important affaires at once ; in the meane time this enemy grew as you see . But how , or in what order you are hereafter to wage warre against him , you may not looke for any direction from me , which haue in all these matters so euill directed my selfe : Fortune neuer deceiued my endeuors more , than in this . But happely thou Mahomet my sonne , maiest prooue a more fortunat warriour against him : and for so many honors alreadie giuen vnto me , the destinies haue reserued the triumph of EPIRVS for thee . Wherfore my sonne , thou shalt receiue from me this scepter , and these roial ensigns : but aboue all things , I leaue vnto thee this enemie ; charging thee not to leaue my death vnreuenged . It is all I charge thee with , for so great and stately a patrimonie as thou art to receiue from me : it is the only sacrifice that my old departing ghost desireth of thee . Shortly after he became speechlesse , and striuing with the pangs of death halfe a day , he then breathed out his gastly ghost , to the great joy and contentment of the poore oppressed Christians . He died about the middle of Autumne , in the yeare of our Lord 1450 , when he had liued 85 yeares , as most write : and thereof raigned 28 ( or as some others report 30 ; ) about fiue months after the siege laid before CROIA . Thus lieth great Amurath , erst not inferiour vnto the greatest monarchs of that age , dead almost in despaire : a worthy mirror of honours frailtie ; yeelding vnto the worldly man in the end , neither comfort nor reliefe . Who had fought greater battails ? who had gained greater victories , or obtained more glorious triumphs than had Amurath ? Who by the spoils of so many mightie kings and princes , and by the conquest of so many prowd and warlike nations , againe restored and established the Turkes kingdome , before by Tamerlan and the Tartars in a manner clean defaced . He it was that burst the hart of the prowd Grecians , establishing his empire at HADRIANOPLE , euen in the center of their bowels : from whence haue proceeded so many miseries and calamities into the greatest part of Christendome , as no tongue is able to expresse . He it was that first brake downe the Hexamile or wal of separation on the strait of CORINTH , & conquered the greatest part of PELOPONESVS . He it was that subdued vnto the Turks so many great countries and prouinces in ASIA ; that in plaine field and set battaile ouerthrew many puissant kings and princes , and brought them vnder his subiection : who hauing slaine Vladislaus the king of POLONIA and HVNGARIE , and more than once chased out of the field Huniades that famous & redoubted warriour ; had in his prowd and ambitious heart , promised vnto himselfe the conquest of a great part of Christendome . But O how farre was he now changed from the man he then was ! how farre did these his last speeches differ from the course of his forepassed life ! full of such base passionat complaints and lamentations , as beseemed not a man of his place and spirit ; but some vile wretch ouertaken with dispaire , and yet afraid to die . Where were now those haughtie thoughts , those loftie lookes , those thundring and commaunding speeches ; whereat so many great commaunders , so many troups and legions , so many thousands of armed souldiours were woont to tremble and quake ? Where is that head , before adorned with so manie trophies and triumphs ? where is that victorious hand that swaied so many scepters ? where is the majestie of his power and strength , that commanded ouer so many nations and kingdoms ? O how is the case now altred ! he lieth now dead , a gastly filthy stinking carkas ▪ a clod of clay vnregarded , his hands closed , his eyes shut , and his feet stretched out , which erst prowdly traced the countries by him subdued and conquered . And now of such infinit riches , such vnmeasurable wealth , such hugie treasures , such stately honors and vainglorious praises as he in his life time enjoyed ; his fraile bodie enjoyeth nothing , but left all behind it . O the weake condition of mans nature ! O the vaine glorie of mortall creatures ! O the blind and peruerse thoughts of foolish men ! Why do we so magnifie our selues ? why are we so puffed vp with pride ? why do we so much set our minds vpon riches , authoritie , and other vanities of this life ? whereof neuer man had yet one daies assurance , and at our most need and when we least thinke , quite forsake vs ; leauing euen them that most sought after them , and most abounded in them , shrowded oft times in the sheet of dishonor and shame . That his death is otherwise by some reported , I am not ignorant : the Turkes saying , that he died miraculously forewarned of his death at HADRIANOPLE : and some others , that he died in ASIA , strucken with an Apolexie proceeding of a surfet taken of the immoderat drinking of wine . But Marinus Barlesius , who liued in his time in SCODRA fast by EPIRVS , whose authoritie , in report of the warres betwixt him and Scanderbeg we follow , setteth it downe in such maner as is aforesaid . Presently after his death , Mahomet his sonne , for feare of some innouation to be made at home , raised the siege , and returned to HADRIANOPLE : and afterward with great solemnitie buried his dead bodie at the West side of PRVSA , in the suburbs of the citie , where he now lieth in a chappell without any roofe , his graue nothing differing from the manner of the common Turks : which ( they say ) he so commaunded to be done in his last will ; that the mercie and blessing of God ( as he termed it ) might come vnto him by the shining of the Sunne and Moone , and falling of the raine and dew of heauen vpon his graue . He whilest he liued mightily enlarged the Turkish kingdome , and with greater wisedome and pollicie than his predecessours , established the same : insomuch that some attribute vnto him the first institution of the Ianizaries , and other souldiours of the court ( the greatest strength of the Turkish empire ) before indeed begun in the time of Amurath the first , his great grandfather , ( as is before declared ) but by him greatly augmented , and the pollicie of that state , whereby it hath euer since in his posteritie flourished , euen by himselfe plotted . For the better establishing whereof in his owne hous● and to cut off all occasions of feare ; as also to leaue all such as might haue the heart to arise against him , all naked and bare of forces to resist ; but especially the other ancient and noble families of the Turks , still secretly repining at the great honour of the Othoman kings : he as a man of great wisedome and judgement , to keepe them vnder , in the beginning of his raigne , by manifold fauours began to bind vnto himselfe men of strange and forraine countreys , his seruants ; and by ordering of his most waightie affaires by their authoritie , so by little and little to cast off the seruice of his naturall Turks : they in the meane time little or nothing at all looking into this his practise . And whereas the Othoman kings his predecessours had for the most part , or rather all together raised their Ianizaries and other souldiors of the court , of such children of the Christians as were taken in the warres ; he , seeing by experience how seruiceable those new kind of souldiors were , began forthwith to plot in his head , how to make himselfe an armie all together of such able persons , his owne creatures , and so to bring in a new kind of warfare , wholly depending of himselfe . And to that end , by his officers appointed for that purpose , tooke from the Christians throughout his dominions , euerie fift child : the fairest and aptest of whom , he placed in his owne Seraglio at HADRIANOPLE , and the rest in other like places by him built for such purpose : where they were by sufficient teachers , first instructed in the principles of the Mahometan religion , and then in all manner of actiuitie and feats of armes . Of these , when they were grown to mans state , he made horsemen , gaue them great pensions , and sorting them into diuers orders appointed them also to guard his person ; honouring the better sort of them with the name of Spahi-Oglani , that is to say , His sonnes the knights . And of these he began to make his Bas●aes , his Generals of his armies , and the Gouernours of his prouinces and cities , with all the great offices of the state . The rest and farre the greatest part of these tribute children taken from their Christian parents , and not brought vp in these Seraglioes , hee caused to bee dispierced into euerie citie and countrey of his dominion in ASIA , there for certaine yeares to be brought vp in all hardnesse and painfull labour , neuer tasting of ease or pleasure : out of which hard brood so enured to paines , he made choise of so many of the most lustie and able bodies fittest for seruice , as he thought good ; who kept in continuall exercise , and by skilfull men taught to handle all maner of weapons , but especially the bow , the peece , and the Scimitar , were by him as occasion serued added to the other Ianizaries , and appointed for the guarding of his person : calling them commonly by the names of his sonnes . The remainder of these tribute children , as vnfit for the warres , hee put vnto other base occupations and ministeries . But vnto those martiall men of all sorts so by him ordained , hee appointed a continuall pay , according to their degrees and places : and by great benefits and liberties bestowed vpon them , bound them so fast vnto him , as that he might now account himselfe to haue of them so many sonnes , as hee had souldiours : For they together with the Christian religion , hauing forgot their parents and countrey , and knowing no other lord and master but him , and acknowledging all that they had to come and proceed of his free grace onely , remained euer bound and faithfull vnto him ; and so kept others also , as well the naturall Turks themselues , as the other oppressed Christians within the bounds of obedience and loyaltie . A great pollicie proceeding from a deepe judgement , first to weaken the Christians by taking from them their best children , and of greatest hope ; and then by them depending wholly of himselfe , to keepe in awe and dutifull obedience his naturall subjects also : hauing them alwaies as a scourge readie to chastice the rebellious or disloyall . Now the other Othoman kings and emperours , the successors of Amurath , keeping this custome , and also increasing it one after another , haue therby not onely kept the empire still in their house and familie , where it was first gotten : but also so maintained the majestie of their state , as that they are of their subjects feared , obeyed , and honoured , not as kings , but as gods . For the naturall Turks their subjects loosing courage continually , and daily growing more base and dastardly , by reason they are not suffered to practise the knowledge of armes , and the souldiours in whose power all things are , knowing nothing of their owne , but holding and acknowledging all that they haue to come of their lord , account them as kings and lords of all : ruling much after the manner of the Pharaohs the antient kinges of AEGYPT ; who were absolute lords and masters , both of the publick and priuat wealth of their subjects , whom they kept vnder as slaues and villaines . And hereof cometh it to passe , that the better part of them , whom we call Turks ( but are indeed the children of Christians , and seduced by their false instructors ) desire to be called Musulmans ( that is to say , right beleeuers ) hold it a reproachfull and dishonourble thing to be called Turks , as it were peculiarly and aboue other people : For that they knowing right well , that there is not one naturall Turke among all those that beare authoritie and rule , and are had in greater honour and reputation than the rest ( such as are the men of warre and courtlers ) but he is borne a Christian either of father , or at the least of his grandfather : auouch those onely to be Turks which liue in NATOLIA , al of them either marchants , or of base and mechanicall crafts , or poore labourers with the spade and pickaxe , and such like people vnfit for the warres ; the rest ( as I say ) holding it for a title of honour to be discended of Christian parents . Yea the Grand Sign ●or himselfe , although by the fathers side he bee come of progenitors such as were naturall Turks borne , yet many of them had Christian mothers , which they accounted in the greatest part of their nobilitie and honour . Thus by the wisedome of Amurath was the order of the Ianizaries , and other souldiours of the court greatly aduanced , though not by him begun , and the politicke state of the Turks kingdome ( to say the truth ) quite altered ; the naturall Turks ( more than the Sultan himselfe ) now bearing therein no sway : but onely these new souldiours , all of them discended from Christian parents , and by adoption as it were become the sonnes of the Turkish Sultans , and vnder them commanding all : by whom they haue euer since managed their estate , & by their good seruice wonderfully , euen to the astonishment of the world , encreased and extended their empire . But of them more shall be said hereafter . This great king was whilest hee liued , of his subjects woonderfully beloued , and no lesse of them after his death lamented . He was more faithfull of his word than any of the Turkish kings either before or after him : by nature melancholie and sad , and accounted rather politicke than valiant , yet was indeed both : a great dissembler , and painefull in trauaile , but wayward and testie aboue measure , which many imputed vnto his great age . He had issue sixe sonnes , Achmetes , Aladin , Mahomet , Hasan ( otherwise called Chasan ) Vrchan , and Achmetes the younger , of some called Calepinus : three of whom died before him ; but the two youngest were by their vnnaturall brother Mahomet , who succeeded him in the Turkish kingdome , euen in their infancie , in the beginning of his raigne most cruelly murthered . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Amurath the second . Emperours Of the East Iohn Palaeologus . 1421. 24. Constantinus Palaeologus . 1444. 8. Of the West Sigismund king of Hungarie . 1411. 28. Albert the second king of Hungarie and Bohemia . 1438. 2. Frederick the third , Archduke of Austria . 1440. 54. Kings Of England Henrie the fift . 1413. 9. Henrie the sixt . 1422. 39. Of Fraunce Charles the sixt . 1381. 42. Charles the seuenth . 1423. 38. Of Scotland Iames the first . 1424. 13. Iames the second . 1436. 29. Bishops of Rome Martin the V. 1417. 13. Eugenius the IIII. 1431. 16. Nicholas the V. 1447. 8. MAHOMET . II. MAHOMETHES II COG MAGNVS TVRCARVM IMPERATOR PRIMVS FLORVIT AN o 1450 Qui vici innumeros populos , tot regna , tot vrbes : Solus & immensi qui timor orbis eram : Me rapuit quae cunque rapit mors improba , sed sum Virtute excelsa , ductus ad astra tamen . Maior Alexander non me fuit , Annniball & non , Fuderit Ausonios tot licet ille duces . Vici victores Dannos , domuique feroces Caoniae populos , Sauromatasquè truces . Pannonius sensit , quantum surgebat in armis Vis mea : quae latio cognita nuper erat . Arsacidae sensere manus has , sensit Arahsquè : Et mea sunt Persae cognita tela duci . Mens fuerat , bellare Rhodum , superare superbam Italiam , sed non fata dedere modum . Hei mihi , nam rapuit mors aspera , quaequè sub alto Pectore condideram , vertit & hora breuis . Sic hominum fastus pereunt , sic stemata , sicquè Imperium , atquè aurum , quicquid & orbis habet . In English thus . I that so many nations , townes , and kingdomes , haue brought low ; And haue alone dismaied the world , and fild the earth with woe : Am now by death ( which all deuoures ) brought downe from hie degree , Yet doth the glorie of my name , surmount the starrie skie . The great king Alexanders fame , the world no better fild : Nor worthy Hannibal , whose force so many Romans kild . I vanquisht the victorious Greeks , and tam'd with mightie hand , The warlike people of EPIRE , and fierce TARTARIA land . My force in field HVNGARIA felt , my greatnesse is there knowne : Which of late time through ITALY , to their great ruth is blowne . Th'Assyrians felt my heauie hand , so did th' Arabians wild : The Persian king with all his force , I driue out of the field ▪ I purposed to win the RHODES , and ITALY t' vndoe : If that the fatall destinies , had granted leaue thereto . But wo is me , for grisly death hath brought all this to nought : And in the twinckling of an eye , is perisht all I thought . So perisheth the pride of man , his honour , wealth , and power , His golde , and whatsoeuer else , it fadeth as a flower . THE LIFE OF MAHOMET , SECOND OF THAT NAME , SEVENTH KING AND FIRST EMPEROVR OF THE TVRKS , FOR HIS MANY VICTORIES SVRNAMED THE GREAT . THe report of the death of old Amurath the late king , was in short time blowne through most part of Christendome , to the great joy of many : but especially of the Greekes , and other poore Christians which bordered vpon the tyrants kingdome ; who were now in hope , together with the change of the Turkish king , to make exchange also of their bad estate and fortune : and the rather , for that it was thought , that his eldest sonne Mahomet , after the death of his father , would haue embraced the Christian religion , being in his childhood instructed therein ( as was supposed ) by his mother , the daughter of the prince of SERVIA , a Christian. But vaine was this hope , and the joy thereof but short , as afterward by proofe appeared . For Mahomet being about the age of one and twentie yeares , succeeding his father in the kingdome in the yeare of our Lord 1450 , embraced in shew the Mahometane religion , abhorring the Christian , but indeed making no great reckoning either of the one or of the other ; but as a meere Atheist , deuoid of all religion , and worshipping no other god but good fortune , derided the simplicitie of all such as thought that God had any care or regard of worldly men , or of their actions : which gracelesse resolution so wrought in him , that he thought all things lawfull that agreed with his lust , and making conscience of nothing , kept no league , promise , or oath , longer than stood with his profit or pleasure . Now in the Court men stood diuersly affected towards the present state : the mightie Bassaes and others of great authoritie , vnto whom the old kings gouernment was neuer greeuous , inwardly lamented his death ; doubting least the fierce nature of the yong king should turne to the hurt of some of them in particular , and the shortening of their authoritie in generall , as indeed it shortly after fell out . But the lustie gallants of the Court wearie of the old king , who in hope of preferment had long wished for the gouernment of the yong prince , were glad to see him set vpon his fathers seat . And the vulgar people ( neuer constant but in vnconstancie , and alwaies fawning vpon the present ) exceedingly rejoyced in their young king . The Ianizaries also at the same time ( according to their accustomed manner ) tooke the spoile of the Christians and Iewes that dwelt amongst them , and easily obtained pardon for the same : whereupon he was by the same Ianizaries and the other souldiors of the Court with great triumph saluted king . Which approbation of these men of warre , is vnto the Turkish kings a greater assurance for the possession of their kingdome , than to be borne the eldest sonne of the king , as in the processe of this Historie shall appeare : so great is the power of these masterfull slaues , in promoting to the kingdome which soeuer of the kings sonnes they most fauour , without much regard whether he be the eldest or not . This young tyrant was no sooner possessed of his fathers kingdome , but that hee forgetting the lawes of nature , was presently in person himselfe about to haue murthered with his owne hands his youngest brother , then but eighteene moneths old , begotten on the daughter of Spo●derbeius . Which vnnaturall part , Moses one of his Bassaes , and a man greatly in his fauour , perceiuing , requested him not to imbrue his owne hands in the blood of his brother , but rather to commit the execution thereof to some other : which thing Mahomet commaunded him the author of that counsell foorthwith to doe . So Moses taking the child from the nurse , strangled it , with pouring water downe the throat thereof . The young ladie vnderstanding of the death of her child ( as a woman whom furie had made past feare ) came , and in her rage reuiled the tyrant to his face , shamefully vpbraiding him for his inhumane crueltie . When Mahomet to appease her furie , requested her to be content , for that it stood with the policie of his state : and willed her for her better contentment , to aske whatsoeuer she pleased , and she should forthwith haue it . But she desiring nothing more than in some sort to be reuenged , desired to haue Moses ( the executioner of her sonne ) deliuered vnto her , bound : which when she had obtained , she presently strucke him into the breast with a knife ( crying in vaine vpon his vnthankfull master for helpe : ) and proceeding in her cruell execution , cut an hole in his right side , and by peecemeale cut out his liues , and cast it to the dogs to eat . At the same time also he caused another of his brethren , committed by his father to the keeping of Caly Bassa , and now by him betrayed into his hands , to be likewise murthered . Thus beginning his tyrannous raigne with the bloodie execution of them that were in blood nearest vnto him , and whom of all others he ought to haue defended , he presently after began to frame a new forme of a commonweale , by abrogating and altering the old lawes and customes , and publishing of new , better fitting his owne humour , and more commodious for himselfe : imposing also new taxes and subsidies vpon his subjects , neuer before heard of ; thereby to increase his treasures , and satisfie his auaritious desire : which amongst many other his vices so much raigned in him , as that he was thought ouersparing vnto himselfe , as well in his apparrell as in his diet . And proceeding farther , hee called vnto straight account all the great officers of his kingdome : of whom some he put to death , and confiscated their goods ; others he put to great fines , or quite remooued them from their offices . In like manner hee dealt also with his great Bassaes , admitting many false and surmised accusations against them : whereby to bring them within his danger , where little mercie was to be looked for . By which meanes hee became no lesse terrible vnto his subjects , than he was afterward vnto his enemies ; and so was of them exceedingly feared , but more hated . Amongst other things , hee much misliked in his court the excessiue number of faulconers and huntsmen ; which was growne so great by the immoderat delight which his predecessors tooke in the pleasures of the field , that there were continually maintained of the kings charge , seuen thousand faulconers , and not many fewer huntsmen , saying , That he would not be so much a foole , as to maintaine such a multitude of men to attend vpon so meere a vanitie . And therefore tooke order , that from thenceforth there should bee allowance made for fiue hundred faulconers onely , and one hundred huntsmen : the rest he appointed to serue as souldiors in his warres . At the same time also he entered into league with Constantinus Palaeologus , the emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , and the other princes of GRECIA : as also with the Despot of SERVIA , his grandfather by the mothers side , as some will haue it ; howbeit , some others write , that the Despot his daughter , Amurath his wife , was but his mother in law , whom hee vnder the colour of friendship sent backe againe vnto her father after the death of Amurath , still allowing her a princely dowrie . But if shee were not his mother ( as like ynough it is that shee was not ) much more happie was she , that she neuer groned for so gracelesse a sonne . Whilest Mahomet was thus occupied about his ciuile affaires , Ibrahim king of CARAMANIA , who long before had married Amurath his sister , and yet for all that , had ( as his ancestors had before him ) alwaies enuied the prosperous successe of the Othoman kings , tooke occasion in the first yeare of Mahomet his raigne , with fire and sword to inuade his dominions in ASIA . Which thing when Mahomet vnderstood , he displaced Isa his lieutenant in ASIA , as a man not sufficient to manage so great warres , and appointed Isaack Bassa in his roome , a most valiant man of warre , vpon whom not long before he had vpon speciall fauour bestowed in mariage the fair daughter of Sponderbeius , one of his fathers wiues , of whom we haue before spoken . This great Bassa passing ouer into ASIA , raised a great armie . After whom followed Mahomet in person himselfe with a greater , out of EVROPE : and hauing all his forces together , entered with great hostilitie into CARAMANIA . But the Caramanian king perceiuing himselfe vnable to withstand so puissant an enemie , fled into the strength of the great mountaines , and by his embassadours offered vnto Mahomet such reasonable conditions of peace , as that hee was content to accept thereof . Which after they had by solemne oath on both parts confirmed , Mahomet returned with his armie to PRVSA : but when he was come thither , the Ianizaries presuming that they might be bold with the young king ; putting themselues in order of battaile , came , & with great insolencie demaunded of him a donatiue or largious , as a reward of their good seruice done . With which so great presumption , Mahomet was inwardly chafed : but for so much as they were his best souldiors , and alreadie in armes , he wisely dissembled his anger for the present , hauing a little before had warning thereof by Abedin Bassa , and Turechan-beg , two of his great captaines , who had got some suspition of the matter : wherefore to content them , hee caused tenne great bags of aspers to bee scattered amongst them , and so pacified the matter . But within few daies after , he caused Doganes ( the Aga or cheefe captaine of the Ianizaries ) to be brought before him , and to be shamefully whipt : and so presently discharging him of his office , placed one Mustapha in the same . The like seueritie he vsed against the rest of the vndercaptaines , causing them to be cruelly scourged and beaten like slaues : which in that tyrannicall gouernment is an vsuall punishment , vpon the least displeasure of the king to be inflicted vpon any man , with out respect of degree or calling , if he be not a naturall Turke borne . Presently after he sent Isaack his lieutenant against Elias prince of MENTESIA or CARIA , by whom the poore prince was driuen out of his countrey : euer since which time it hath remained in subjection to the Turkish kings , as part of their kingdome and empire . When Mahomet had thus ended the Caramanian war , and was determined with his armie to returne to HADRIANOPLE , he was aduertised , That the straits of HELLESPONTVS were so strongly possessed by the Christian fleet , that he could not possibly there passe ouer but with most manifest danger : wherefore hee tooke his way through that part of BYTHINIA which lieth aboue CONSTANTINOPLE , and came to the castle which the Turks call Acce-Chisar , and the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or White castle , standing vpon the narrow strait of BOSPHORVSON ASIA side , and there passed ouer into EVROPE at the same place where his father Amurath had not many yeares before in like manner found passage . Where when he was safely got ouer with his armie , he by the aduise of his Bassaes encamped fast by the sea side , and there presently began to build a great strong castle close vnto the straits of BOSPHORVS , neere vnto PROPONTIS on EVROPE side , directly oueragainst the other castle in ASIA . For the speedie accomplishment of which worke , he assembled thither all the workemen he could possibly get out of EVROPE and ASIA ; apportioning vnto his captaines and souldiours of his armie part of the worke also : by whose industrie and labour , that great building was in shorter time brought to perfection , than was by any man at the first expected . This castle which for the greatnesse thereof is of most writers reputed for a citie , was by the Turks named Genichisar , & of the Grecians Neocastron , or New castle , and also Laemocastron , or castle vpon the straits ; and was there by the Turks built , as well for the safetie of their owne passage too and fro , as for to hinder the passage of the Christians through those narrow straits , they now possessing the strong sorts on both sides : and thereby also to distresse the cittie of CONSTANTINOPLE , from whence this castle was not aboue fiue miles distant . When Mahomet in the second yeare of his raign had finished this great castle , with some other small forts about the same , and also repaired the other castle in ASIA oueragainst it , hee placed therein strong garrisons , and furnished the same with artillerie ; in such sort , that no ship could passe through the strait of BOSPHORVS into the great Euxine or blacke sea , but she was in danger to be sunke : whereby the rich trade which the marchants of VENICE , GENVA , and CONSTANTINOPLE , had to CAFFA , and other places lying vpon the Euxine , were almost quite cut off , to the great hinderance of those estates . Now Mahomet by nature ambitious , and withall desirous to doe some such thing as the glorie whereof might farre passe the fame of his predecessors , thought nothing more answerable vnto his high conceits , than to attempt the winning of CONSTANTINOPLE , and the vtter subuersion of the Greeke empire : whereupon his father Amurath , and his great grandfather Baiazet , had before in vaine spent their forces . Besides that , it greeued him to see that goodly cittie , the antient seat of the Christian empire , to be so commodiously situated , as it were in the middest of his kingdome , and not to be at his commaund . Hereunto the small power of the Greeke emperor himselfe , and the other Christian princes at the same time at mortall discord amongst themselues , ministred vnto his greedie desire no small hope of successe , and serued as spurres to pricke him forward vnto so great an enterprise . Wherefore all the Winter he caused great preparation to be made of shipping & other warlike prouision both for sea and land : and gaue out commissions for the leuying of a mightie armie , to be in readinesse against the next Spring . But whither hee would employ the same , no man could certainely tell : some gessing one thing , and some another , as the manner of men is , when such extraordinarie preparation is at hand . Constantinus the eight of that name , then emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , a prince of a mild and soft spirit , fitter for the church than for the field , hearing of the great preparation made by the Turkish king ; and fearing least that tempest then growing , should vpon the suddaine breake forth vpon himselfe , first made such preparation , as his owne small abilitie would extend vnto : and then sent his embassadours vnto other Christian princes , earnestly crauing their aid and assistance in that his dangerous estate . But that labour was lost , and all his sute vaine : for they being at variance one with another , and hauing more care of priuat reuenge than how to repulse the common enemie of Christianitie , could not or would not affoord him any helpe at all . Nicholas the fift of that name , then bishop of ROME , with Alphonsus king of NAPLES , and the state of VENICE , promised to haue sent him thirtie gallies , but none for all that came . There was by chaunce at CONSTANTINOPLE certaine ships and gallies of VENICE , GENVA , CRETE , and CHIOS , of whom the emperour made stay : at which time also it chaunced , that Ioannes Iustinianus , an aduenturer of GENVA , who had beene scouring those seas , came to CONSTANTINOPLE with two tall ships , and foure hundred souldiors : where he was entertained by the emperour . And for as much as he was a man honourably descended , and supposed to be both of great courage and direction , was by the emperor appointed Generall of all his forces next vnto himselfe . He also entertained six thousand Greekes : which , with three thousand Venetians , Genowaies , and others , whom he had made stay of , joined vnto the cittizens , was all the weake strength he had to relie vpon , for the defence of his state and empire . Against the beginning of the Spring , the Turkish king had in readinesse a great and puissant armie of three hundred thousand men , of whom , the greatest part were taken out of BVLGARIA , SERVIA , RASCIA , THESSALIA , MACEDONIA , and GRECIA , which as yet were called the Christian countries , and were themselues either indeed Christians , or els such renegates as had not long before forsaken the Christian faith : vnto these also were joyned diuers other Christians which came out of GERMANIE , BOHEMIA , and HVNGARIE , to serue the Turke in his warres . This hath been none of the least meanes , whereby the Turkish kings haue growne so great , and their kingdome so mightily enlarged , by enforcing and alluring Christians to fight against Christians , to the vtter confusion of themselues . Amongst the great multitude of the European Christians , were mingled his effeminat soldiors of ASIA , and his naturall Turks and Ianizaries , which were in number fewest , and yet commaunded all the rest . With this great armie , well appointed with all warlike prouision , came Mahomet the Turkish king from HADRIANOPLE : and the ninth day of Aprill , in the yeare 1453 , encamped before CONSTANTINOPLE , and with the multitude of his armie filled all the maine land before the citie , from the sea side of BOSPHORVS , vnto the place where the same sea compassing in the citie on two parts , and running farre into the land betwixt CONSTANTINOPLE and PERA , maketh there a goodly hauen betwixt them . This citie of CONSTANTINOPLE ( called in ancient time BIZANTIVM ) is in fourme of a Triangle , situated in EVROPE in the pleasant countrey of THRACIA , vpon a point of the main land shooting out towards ASIA , called of Plinie & Solinus , The promotorie CHRYSOCERAS ; where the sea of PRODONTIS joyneth vnto that strait of sea which diuideth ASIA from EVROPE , called in ancient time BOSPHORVS THRACIVS ; sometime the strait of PONTVS ; and the mouth of PONTVS ; and of the moderne writers , the strait of CONSTANTINOPLE ; and about 200 yeares past , or more , S. George his a●me . This point of the maine , whereon the citie standeth , lyeth about two Italian miles more Northward than doth the antient citie of CALCEDON , on the other side of the strait in ASIA : more than thirtie miles distant from the Euxine or blacke sea , lying from it Northward ; and two hundreth miles from the strait of HELLESPONTVS or CALLIPOLIS , from thence South . Which noble citie ( of all others most fitly sea●ed for the empire of the world , and with great majestie ouerlooking both EVROPE and ASIA ) is by the Cosmographers accounted to stand in the height of 43 degrees , vpon seuen little hils of no great and easie ascent : and was there first built by Pausanias the Lacedemonian king , and called BIZANTIVM , and so many yeares flourished as a populous and rich cittie , vntill the ciuile warres betwixt Seuerus the emperour , and Niger : what time it endured the siege of the Romanes vnder Seuerus , three yeares , with such obstinacie , that it yeelded not vntill it was brought to such extremitie that the citizens did eat one another ; and then yeelding , had the wals ouerthrowne by Seuerus , and the citie it selfe destroyed , and brought to the low estate of a poore countrie village , and so by him giuen to the Perinthyans . In which base estate it continued vntill the time of Constantine the Great , the sonne of Helena ( whom some will needs haue to haue ben an English woman ) by whom it was new built , and beautified with buildings so stately and sumptuous , that vnto the strange beholders it seemed a dwelling place for heauenly wights rather than for earthly men . And to grace it the more , translated his imperiall seat thether , and called it NOVA ROMA , or new ROME ; and all that pleasant part of THRACIA alongst the sea coast of HELLESPONTVS , PROPONTIS , and BOSPHORVS , by the name of ROMANIA , of the faire Romane collonies there by him planted , which name it at this day retaineth , and is of the Turks called RVMILIA and RVMILI ( that is to say ) the Romane countrey . But as for the citie it selfe , the glorious name of the founder so preuailed , that the citie was and yet is of him called CONSTANTINOPLE , or Constantine his citie : and now of the barbarous Turkes commonly , but corruptly , STAMBOL● . It is ( as we said ) built in the forme of a Triangle , whereof the longest side which runneth from Northeast to Southwest , is on the South side washed with the PROPONTIS ; and towards the ending of the point which is about the seauen towers , is somewhat indented ; being commonly reputed to be eight miles long . The other side lyeth East and West fiue miles in length , being washed with the hauen , which is somwhat more thā eight miles long before it meet with the fresh water , and about a quarter of a mile broad : on the farther side whereof standeth the citie of PERA , commonly called GALATA , sometimes a colonie of the Genowaies . This hauen is very deepe , and by that reason as commodious as deepe , bearing ships full fraught close to the shoare , so that they may discharge their burthens with the least trouble that may be , and is of Strabo called CORNV BIZANTII , or the horne of Bizantium . The third side of this citie towards the Continent , lyeth almost North and South fiue miles also in length : those two sides that lie vpon the sea , and the hauen , are enuironed and guirt in with a single wall , built after the antique maner , with many high towers , which strongly defend & flanke the same . Without which wals ( especially towards the hauen ) there lyeth a street between them and the shore . But the other side which is the third , and regardeth the main land ( beside the ditch , which is also fenced ) is defended with three wals : the first wall standing vpon the ditch being but low ; and the second not farre distant from the first , raised somewhat higher ; but the third ouerlooketh and commaundeth both the other ; from whence as from an high fortresse both the other wals and all the ditch without may easily be defended . But the two vtter wals , with the whole space betwixt them , are now by the Turks but slenderly maintained , lying full of earth and other rubbish , euen as they were in the time of the Grecians : some cause why they with lesse heart and courage defended the same against their barbarous enemies . In the East part of the cittie , on that point which in the raigne of the Grecians was called the cape of S. Demetrio , distant from ASIA not much more than halfe a mile , standeth the Seraglio or pallace of the great Turke , containing in it selfe a great part of an hill , enclosed round with a wall , as if it were it selfe a citie , in circuit more than two miles : wherein amongst other stately buildings , neere vnto the sea standeth a verie faire and sumptuous gallerie , built for pleasure , with a priuie gate well fortified and planted with great ordinance , and other munition , whereby the great Turke at certaine times passeth , when he is disposed in his gallie to take his pleasure vpon the sea , or to passe ouer the strait vnto his houses or gardens of delight , on the other side in ASIA . In this great citie are also many other most stately and sumptuous buildings , as well of late erected by the Turkish Sultans , since they became lords thereof , as before by the Greeke emperours : amongst all which , the Temple of S. Sophia standing in the East side of the citie , not farre from the Seraglio ( now reduced vnto the forme of a Mahometan Moschie , and whether the great Turk goeth often times to heare seruice , being indeed but the Sanctuarie or chauncell onely of the great , stately , and wonderfull church built by Iustinian the emperor ) is most beautifull and admirable . That which standeth of it now , is both round & verie high , built after the fashion of the Pantheon in ROME , but much greater , fairer , and not open in the top as is that : the wals thereof being of the finest marble , and the floare all paued with faire marble also . In the middest there is a verie great and large circle , compassed in with high and huge pillars of most excellent marble of diuers sorts ; and these support a mightie vault that beareth vp as many moe pillars aboue , standing after the verie same order , and in a downe right line , almost of the like greatnesse and goodnesse of the marble with the other below : vpon which , aboue the second vault in manner of a loo●ar , resteth the great round roofe which couereth all that space of the church which is compassed with the aforesaid pillars : being all enameled and fillited , with the pictures of Saints , after the antient manner of some great churches in Christendome : but that the Turks , who like not to haue any puctures in their churches , haue put out their eies onely , as loath to spoile such a rare peece of worke , and vtterly to deface it . In like manner the wals of the vpper vault , are wrought , painted , or portraied after the same order , though in some part decayed , by reason of their long continuance and standing . About this church are eighteen or twentie dores of brasse , right faire and costly , well declaring the magnificence and greatnesse thereof in more antient times : when as it had ( as is reported ) more than two hundred dores of like making and greatnesse ; and beside the hugenesse of the frame , and building it selfe , had also diuers faire monasteries and houses of religion joyned vnto it : whereunto belonged six thousand priests , whose houses and lodgings extended almost all ouer the place where now the Turke his pallace standeth , and the other places adjoyning to this great church , which is now their cheefe Moschie , and called by them by the proper name of S. Sophia , because they hold euen as we do , the wisdome of God to be incomprehensible and infinit . The next in magnificence vnto this , is the Moschie of Solyman , wherin he lyeth buried , with his welbeloued wife the faire Roxolana : a worke well beseeming the majestie of so mightie a monarch . There are beside these also many other faire Moschies , Seraglioes for the Turke his wiues and concubines , Bezestanes or Burses for marchants , Obeliskes , Bathes , and other publicke edifices and buildings of great majestie and state , all well worth the beholding : wherein consisteth all the beautie of this so auntient and renowned a citie ; farre vnlike to that it was in the time of the first Greeke emperours , and before it was spoiled by the Latines . For the Turkes priuat houses in this so great and imperiall a citie , so much renowned through the world , are for the most part low and base , after the Turkish fashion , built some of wood , some of stone , and some of vnburnt bricke , layd with clay and dyrt , which quickly decaieth againe : they after their homely manner ( by long custome receiued ) neuer building any thing sumptuously for their owne priuate vse , but contenting themselues with their simple cottages , how meane soeuer , commonly saying them to be good inough for the short time of their pilgrimage : and yet not sparing for any cost vpon the publicke buildings and ornaments of the commonwealth , which they build with great majestie and pompe ; but especially their Moschies , wherein they excell . Neuerthelesse there yet are in CONSTANTINOPLE some other houses also built high and comely inough ; but these bee few , and verie old , all inhabited by the Christians and Iewes , and not by the Turks . But of this inough , and so againe to our purpose . Mahomet with his puissant armie thus encamped before the citie , placing his Asian souldiors on the right hand , toward the BOSPHORVS ; his Europeian souldiors on the left hand , toward the hauen ; lay himselfe with 15000 Ianizaries and other souldiors of the court , in the middle betwixt both , against the heart of the citie . On the farther side of the hauen also by PERA , hee placed Zoganus , one of his cheefe counsellors , with another part of his armie . At which time also Pantologes his Admirall came to the siege , with a fleet of thirtie gallies , and 200 other small ships , and a number of other lesser vessels , which were rowed with three , or fiue oares a peece , full of Turkish archers , fitter for shew than seruice . But for defence of the hauen , and so of the citie on that side , the emperour had caused the hauen to bee strongly chained ouerthwart from the citie to PERA : and within the chaine had orderly placed his small fleet , the greatest strength whereof was seauen great ships of GENVA , with three gallies , and two galliots of VENICE , three of CREET , and a few others of the Iland of CHIOS ; all which were there , rather by chance vpon marchants affaires , than that they were prouided for any such seruice : yet by this meanes the Turks fleet was shut out of the hauen , and so the citie put in good saftie on that side . When Mahomet had thus conueniently encamped his armie , and surrounded the citie both by sea and land : he first cast vp great trenches as neere as hee possibly could vnto the wals of the citie , and raised mounts in diuers places as high as the wals themselues , from whence the Turks with their shot greatly annoied the defendants . After that , hee placed his batterie against one of the gates of the citie called CALEGARIA , and terribly battered the same , especially with one peece of ordinance of a wonderfull greatnesse , which with much difficultie was brought from HADRIANOPLE with an hundreth & fiftie yoke of oxen , & caried a bullet of an hundred pound waight , made ( as his other shot was ) of a kind of hard blacke stone brought from the Euxine sea . For as yet ( as it seemeth ) so soone after the inuention of that fatall engine , the vse of bullets of mettall was vnknowne . There with continuall batterie , he terribly shooke the wals , which although they were verie strong , yet were they not able to withstand the furie of so great a batterie . The Christians also out of the citie discharged their great artillerie vpon the Turkes , but so sparingly , as if they had beene afraid to shake their owne wals , or loath for good husbandrie , to spend shot & powder , which was vnto the canoniers verie sparingly allowed : yet that which was spent , was so well bestowed , that the Turks were therewith greeuously annoyed . The breach also which they had made at the aforesaid gate , was by the defendants with great and dangerous labour againe repaired with faggots and earth , and such like matter best seruing for that purpose , and so made stronger than before . In which most dangerous work , they were altogether directed and greatly encouraged by Iustinianus the Genoway , the emperours lieutenant generall for defence of the citie . Yet for all this deligence of the Christians , Mahomet continued his batterie with no lesse furie than before : but reposing greater hope to find a way into the citie , by the spade and mattocke , than by batterie ; he employed his pyoners , whereof he had great store , to digge a mine : being altogether directed by Christians skilfull in that kind of worke , whom hee had for that purpose entertained . By whose cunning direction , with the industrious labour of the poore pioners , the mine was brought to such perfection , that part of the wall , with one of the strong towers in the same , was quite vndermined , and stood supported , but with such vntrustie staies as the pyoners had left for the bearing vp thereof vntill such time as it should by the tirants appointment be blown vp . This dangerous worke was neither perceiued , neither yet feared by the Constantinopolitans , as a thing not possible to haue beene done : forasmuch as Baiazet and Amurath had both with great labour before in vaine attempted the same , at such time as they hardly besieged the citie . But that which those great kings had with much vaine labour by vnskilfull men made proofe of , Mahomet had now by men of greater deuise , brought to passe ; although it tooke not such effect as he wished : for one Io. Grandis , a Germane captaine , and a man of great experience , suspecting the matter , had caused a countermine to be made , whereby the labour of the Turkes was in good time discouered , and they with fire and sword driuen out of the mine , and the same strongly filled vp againe , and so the citie for that time deliuered of a great feare and danger . Mahomet perceiuing that it auailed him not to continue his batterie against that place which was againe so strongly repaired , remooued the same , and planted it against a tower called BACTATINA , neere vnto the gate called PORTA-ROMANA , or Romane gate . Which tower shaken with continuall batterie , at length fell downe , and filled the ditch before the vtter wall , euen with the ground . But this breach was also speedily and with great courage made vp againe by the defendants , although the Turkes did what they could , with continuall shot , to haue driuen them from the same . At which time they also erected certain high towers of timber , couered with raw hides to defend the same from fire , out of which they with their shot slew many of the Christians vpon the wals , and in making good the aforesaid breach : but Mahomet seeing this valiantnesse of the defendants , openly said , That it was neither the Grecians skill , nor courage , but the Frenchmen that defended the citie : For the Turks commonly call all the Christians of the West by the name of Frankes or Frenchmen . The cheerefulnesse and industrie of the Christians in defending and repairing the aforesaid breach , was so great , that the Turkish king began almost to dispaire of winning the citie ; which hee could no way assault but on one side . When as a wicked Christian in his campe , put him againe in good hope , by shewing vnto him a deuise how to bring a great part of his fleet ouer land into the hauen , and thereby to assault that part of the eitie by water , which the citizens least feared : by which ingenious deuise , and by the great strength of men ; Zoganus Bassa ( to whom that charge was committed ) brought seuentie of the lesser ships and galliots , with all their sailes abroad ( to the great admiration of all that saw them ) vp a great hill , and so by drie land , out of the Bosphorus behind PERA , the space of eight miles , into the hauen of CONSTANTINOPLE , which running in betweene the citie and PERA , runneth into the maine land ( as we sayd ) about eight miles . The Christian that discouered this deuice vnto the king , is supposed to haue learned it of the Venetians , who not long before had done the like at the lake of BENNACVS . Glad 〈◊〉 Mahomet to see so many of his ships and gallies in the hauen , and the Christians with the sight thereof no lesse discouraged . Neuerthelesse , they attempted to haue burnt those vessels as they were in launching , but the Turkes had so commodiously placed certaine peeces of great Ordinance for their defence , that the formost of the gallies of the Christians , approching the Turks fleet , was presently sunke ; wherewith the rest dismayed , returned backe from whence they came . Certaine of the Christians of the lost gallie , whom the Turkes tooke vp swimming in the hauen , were the next day cruelly slaine in the sight of the Christians : in reuenge whereof , certain Turks before taken prisoners into CONSTANTINOPLE , were foorthwith brought to the top of the wals , and there in the sight of the campe with like crueltie put to death . Mahomet thus possessed of the hauen , shortly after caused a wonderfull bridge to bee made quite ouer the hauen , from Zoganus his campe which lay by PERA , vnto the wals of CONSTANTINOPLE : which bridge was built with timber and plankes , borne vp with small boats & emptie caske , after a most strange manner , and was in length more than halfe a mile : by which bridge his armie came ouer the hauen , to assault the citie on that side also . In the meane time , three tall Genoway ships laded with men and munition from the Island of CHIOS , with one of the emperours laded with corne from SICILIA , came with a faire wind for CONSTANTINOPLE . The Turks great fleet then lying not farre off , within the sight of the campe set vpon them , and after a great fight , wherein an exceeding number of the Turkes were slaine with shot , the gallies boorded the ships : but being much lower , were so far from doing any good , as that the Turks could not well looke out , but they were from aboue slaine or wounded . Mahomet from the shore beholding the vnequall fight , and slaughter of his men , cried out aloud , swearing and blaspheming God , and in great rage rid into the sea as farre as he durst ; and comming backe againe , rent his clothes , faring with himselfe like a mad man. The whole armie of the Turkes beholding the same fight at sea , was filled with like indignation also , but could nothing remedie the matter . The great fleet ashamed in the fight of their king to bee ouercome of so few ships , did what they might desperately to enter : but all in vaine , being continually ouerwhelmed with shot and stones from aboue , and valiantly beaten downe by the Christian souldiours . At length wearie of their losse , they were glad with dishonour to fall off againe , and to get them farther off . The report of the losse the Turkes sustained in this fight , is almost incredible : some of the Turks fugitiues reported , almost ten thousand Turks to haue there perished : but certain it is , that such was the losse , as filled the whole armie with indignation & sorrow , many hauing there lost their kinsmen or friends . Three of these ships that had made this fight , arriued in safetie at CONSTANTINOPLE , the other was lost . Mahomet vpon this ouerthrow conceiued such displeasure against Pantogles his admirall , who in that fight had lost one of his eyes , that hee neuerthelesse thrust him out of his office , confiscated his goods , and was hardly by the great Bassaes entreated to spare his life . Whilest Mahomet thus lay at the siege of CONSTANTINOPLE , and had thereunto giuen many great attempts , with more losse vnto himselfe than to the defendants , a rumour was raised in his campe , of great aid that was comming out of Italie by sea , and out of HVNGARIE by land , for the releefe of the besieged . This report ( although indeed it was not true ) with the due consideration of the danger of the siege , filled the Turks campe with feare : so that the souldiors commonly murmured amongst themselues , saying , That to satisfie the ambitious humour of their young king , they were led to fight against impregnable wals and fortresses , yea against the barres of nature it selfe , without all reason . Whereupon Mahomet entered into consultation with the three great Bassaes his counsellors , Whether it were best for him to continue the siege , or not . When Caly Bassa , sometime his tutor , a man of greatest authoritie amongst the Turks , both for his long experience and high place , and withall secretly fauouring the distressed emperour , after hee had with long and graue discourse declared the difficultie or rather impossibilitie of the wished successe in the present warre ; and confirmed the same , by producing the examples of Baiazet his great grandfather , and of Amurath his father , who had both in vaine made proofe of their strength against that citie : at length concluded , that in his opinion it were best for him to raise his siege , and to depart before he had sustained any further losse or disgrace . But Zoganus the second Bassa , in great fauour also with Mahomet , and secretly enuying the greatnesse of Caly Bassa , persuaded the king to proceed in his honouble enterprise : assuring him of the good successe thereof , and with all the reasons he could deuise , impugned that which Caly-Bassa had said ▪ And of the same opinion with Zoganus was also the third Bassa , rather of purpose to crosse Caly-Bassa , and withall to fit the kings humour , than for any great hope he had in the good successe of that hee so much desired . Howbeit the speech he and Zoganus deliuered , so well agreed with the kings affection , that he resolued to continue the siege : and therevpon gaue full authoritie to Zoganus to appoint a day for a great and generall assault to be giuen , resoluing at once to gage all his forces vpon the winning of the city . Which charge Zoganus gladly took vpon him , & with his good liking appointed the 29 day of May for that generall assault , being then the Tuesday next following . In the meane time he sent one Ismael , the sonne of Alexander prince of SINOPE , embassadour vnto the emperour , to offer him peace : but vpon such hard conditions , as were no lesse to be refused than death it selfe . Which thing he did , partly to satisfie the mindes of his Turks ( who are for most part of opinion , that God will not prosper them in their assaults except they first make vnto their enemies some offer of peace , how vnreasonable soeuer it forceth not ) and partly to make proofe what confidence the enemie yet had in himselfe , for the holding out of the siege . But that dishonourable peace so offered , together with the intollerable conditions , was by the emperour honourably refused : who no lesse feared the Turkes faith ( if he should haue accepted thereof ) than he did the hardnesse of the conditions . Three daies before this fatall assault was to be giuen , the Turks ( according to their manner ) kept their solemne fast , eating nothing all the day vntill night ; and then making the greatest cheare and joy they could deuise , and in the winding vp of the same , tooke their leaue one of another , with such kissing and embracing , as if they should neuer haue met againe . At the same time Mahomet to encourage his souldiors , caused proclamation to be made through his campe , That he would freely giue all the spoile of the citie for three daies vnto his souldiors if they could win it : and for confirmation therof , solemnly swore the Turkes great oath , By the immortall God , and by the foure hundred prophets , by Mahomet , by his fathers soule , by his owne children , and by the sword wherewith hee was girt , faithfully to performe whatsoeuer he had to them in his proclamation promised . Whilest these things were in doing , Caly-Bassa disdaining that his counsaile was rejected , and the opinion of his aduersaries followed : by secret letters aduertised the emperour of the day appointed for the generall assault , together with all the preparation made against him : persuading him not to be afraid of them , who were themselues no lesse affraid of him ; but carefully to prouide to haue all things in readinesse for the defence of his citie , and valiantly to withstand the rash and last attempt of his enemies . This wofull emperour had alreadie done what he could to the vttermost of his power for defence of the citie , all the time of the siege : but such was the disloyaltie of the citizens his subjects , that many times they could hardly be drawne from their priuat trades and occupations vnto the wals to withstand the enemie , foolishly affirming , That it was to no purpose for them to fight against the Turks at the breaches ▪ and to starue for food at home in their houses . For which cause , the emperour commaunded a view to bee taken of all the corne in the citie ( which then began to grow verie scarce ; ) but vpon diligent search made , such store was found in many mens , hands , ( which was by them either altogether kept in to sell afterwards at vnreasonable prises ; or else so sp●ringly vttered , as if they had none to spare ) as that it appeared , the death and scarsitie which then beganne to increase , to proceed rather of the couetousnesse of men , than of any true want of graine : this store the emperour caused to bee proportionably diuided vnto euerie familie at reasonable prices , according to their spending ; and so eased the great murmuring and grudging of the common people for bread . The Grecian mercinarie souldiours also , regarding more their owne priuate profit than the publique seruice , refused any longer to goe to the wals than they were sure of their dayly pay : which the poore emperour otherwise vnable to giue them , was glad to conuert the church plate and jewels into money , to content them . For he had many times before with teares , in vaine requested to haue borrowed monie of his couetous subjects , to haue been emploied in defence of the citie ; but they would still sweare , that they had it not , as men growne poore for want of trade● which in few daies after , their enemies found in such abundance , that they wondred at their wealth , and derided their folly , That possessing so much , they would bestow so little , in defence of themselues and their countrey . But this had been their vsuall manner of dealing with their emperours , in that declining state of the empire : as well appeared in the time of the emperor Baldwin , who for lacke of monie was glad first to sell away many of the goodly ornaments of the citie , and afterwards to pawne his own sonne vnto the Venetian marchants , for monie to maintaine his state , as is in the former part of this Historie declared . But to returne againe to the course of our Historie . The emperour certainely aduertised of the enemies purpose , for the generall assault shortly to be giuen , first commended the defence of himselfe and the citie vnto the protection of the almightie , by generall fasting and prayer : and afterwards appointed euerie captaine and commaunder , to some certaine place of the wall for defence thereof : which was done by the direction of Io. Iustinianus his Generall , in whose valor the Constantinopolitans had reposed their greatest hope . But the cittie being on euerie side now beset with the Turkes great armie , and the defendants in number but few , for so great a citie , ( in compasse eight miles ) the wals could not but slenderly in many places be manned , and especially on both sides toward the sea , where indeed least danger was . The greatest strength and best souldiours , were placed for defence of the vtter wall , where the breach was , and the assault expected by land . Iustinianus the Generall himselfe , with three hundred Genowayes well armed , and certaine chosen Greekes , vndertooke the defence of that part of the battered wall , neere vnto the Romane gate , where the fall of the tower BACTATINA had filled the ditch , as is aforesaid : against which place Mahomet himselfe lay encamped , with his Ianizaries and best men of warre . Neere vnto Iustinianus lay the emperor himselfe , for defence of another part of the wall : and so other captaines orderly with their companies , all alongst the vtter wall . And because the defendants should haue no hope to saue their liues , more than their owne valour , the emperour caused all the gates of the inner wall to be fast shut vp . And in this sort they lay all the night , expecting continually when the assault should bee giuen : all which time they might heare great hurly burly and noise in the Turks campe , as they were putting things in readinesse for the assault . A little before day , the Turks approached the walles , and begun the assault , where shot and stones were deliuered vpon them from the wals as thicke as haile ; whereof little fell in vaine , by reason of the multitude of the Turkes , who pressing fast vnto the wals , could not see in the darke how to defend themselues , but were without number wounded or slaine : but these were of the common and worst souldiours , of whom the Turkish king made no more reckoning than to abate the first force of the defendants . Vpon the first appearance of the day , Mahomet gaue the signe appointed for the generall assault , wherupon the citie was in a moment and at one instant on euerie side most furiously assaulted by the Turks : for Mahomet , the more to distresse the defendants , and the better to see the forwardnesse of the souldiours , had before appointed which part of the cittie euerie colonell with his regiment should assaile . Which they valiantly performed , deliuering their arrowes and shot vpon the defendants , so thicke , that the light of the day was therwith darkened : others in the mean time couragiously mounting the scaling ladders , and comming euen to handie stroakes with the defendants vpon the wall ; where the formost were for most part violently borne forward by them which followed after . On the other side , the Christians with no lesse courage withstood the Turkish furie , beating them downe againe with great stones and waightie peeces of timber , and so ouerwhelmed them with shot , darts , and arrowes , and other hurtfull and deadly deuises from aboue ; that the Turkes dismaied with the terrour thereof , were readie to retire . Mahomet seeing the great slaughter and discomfiture of his men , sent in fresh supplies of his Ianiza●ies and best men of warre , whom hee had for that purpose reserued as his last hope and refuge : by whose comming on , his fainting souldiours were againe encouraged , and the terrible assault begun afresh . At which time , the barbarous king ceased not to vse all possible meanes to maintain the assault : by name calling vpon this and that captain , promising vnto some whom he saw forward , golden mountaines ; and vnto others in whom he saw any signe of cowardise , threatning most terrible death : by which meanes the assault became most dreadfull , death there raging in the middest of many thousands . And albeit that the Turkes lay dead by heapes vpon the ground , yet other fresh men pressed on still in their places , ouer their dead bodies , and with diuers euent either slew , or were slaine by their enemies . In this so terrible a conflict , it chanced Iustinianus the Generall to bee wounded in the arme : who losing much blood , cowardly withdrew himselfe from the place of his charge , not lea●ing any to supplie his roome , and so got into the cittie by the gate called ROMANA , which hee had caused to be opened in the inner wall : pretending the cause of his departure to be for the binding vp of his wound , but being indeed a man now altogether discouraged . The souldiors there present , dismayed with the departure of their Generall , and sore charged by the Ianizaries , forsooke their stations , and in hast fled to the same gate whereby Iustinianus was entered : with the sight whereof , the other souldiors dismayed , ran thither by heapes also . But whilest they violently striue , all together to get in at once , they so wedged one another in the entrance of the gate , that few of so great a multitude , got in : in which so great a presse and confusion of minds , eight hundred persons were there by them that followed , troden vnderfoot or thrust to death . The emperor himselfe , for safegard of his life flying with the rest , in that presse as a man not regarded , miserably ended his dayes , together with the Greeke empire . His dead bodie was shortly after found by the Turkes amongst the slaine , and knowne by his rich apparrell ; whose head being cut off , was forthwith presented to the Turkish tyrant : by whose commaundement it was afterward thrust vpon the point of a launce , and in great derision caried about as a trophee of his victorie , first in the campe , and afterwards vp and downe the citie . The Turkes encouraged with the flight of the Christians , presently aduanced their ensignes vpon the top of the vttermost wall , crying victorie ; and by the breach entred as if it had been a great floud , which hauing once found a breach in the banke , ouerfloweth , and beareth downe all before it : so the Turkes when they had woon the vtter wall , entred the citie by the same gate that was opened for Iustinianus , & by a breach which they had before made with their great artillerie ; and without mercie cutting in pieces all that came in their way , without further resistance became lords of that most famous and imperiall citie . Some few there were of the Christians , who preferring death before the Turkish slauerie , with their swords in their hands , sold their liues decre vnto their enemies : amongst whom , the two brethren Paulus and Tro●lus Bochiardi Italilians , with Theophilus Palaeologus a Greeke , and Ioannus Stia●us a Dalmatian , for their great valour and courage , deserue to be had in eternall remembrance : Who after they had like lyons , made slaughter of their enemies , died in the midst of them , embrued with their bloud , rather oppressed by multitude than by true valour ouercome . In this furie of the Barbarians , perished many thousands of men , women , and children , without respect of age , sex , or condition . Many for safegard of their liues , fled into the Temple of SOPHIA ; where they were all without pittie slaine , except some few reserued by the barbarous victors , to purposes more grieuous than death it selfe . The rich and beautifull ornaments and jewels of that most sumptuous and magnificent Church ( the stately building of Iustinianus the emperour ) were in the turning of a hand , pluckt downe and carried away by the Turkes : and the Church it selfe built for God to be honored in , for the present conuerted into a stable for their horses , or a place for the execution of their abhominable and vnspeakable filthinesse : the Image of the crucifix was also by them taken downe , and a Turks cap put vpon the head thereof , and so set vp and shot at with their arrowes ; and afterwards in great derision carried about in their campe , as it had been in procession , with drums playing before it , railing , and spitting at it , and calling it the god of the Christians . Which I note not so much done in contempt of the image , as in the despite of Christ and the Christian religion . But whilest some were thus spoyling of the churches , others were as busie in ransacking of priuat houses , where the miserable Christians were enforced to endure in their persons whatsoeuer pleased the insolent victors : vnto whom all things were now lawfull that stood with their lust , euerie common souldiour hauing power of life and death , at his pleasure to spare or spill . At which time riches were no better than pouertie ; and beautie worse than deformitie . What tongue were able to expresse the miserie of that time ? or the prowd insolencie of those barbarous conquerors ? whereof so many thousands , euerie man with greedinesse fitted his owne vnreasonable desire : all which the poore Christians were enforced to endure . But to speake of the hidden treasure , money , plate , jewels , and other riches there found , passeth credit ; the Turkes themselues wondred thereat , and were therewith so enriched , that it is a prouerb amongst them at this day , if any of them grow suddenly rich , to say , He hath been at the sacking of CONSTANTINOPLE : whereof if some reasonable part had in time been bestowed vpon defence of the cittie , the Turkish king had not so easily taken both it and the cittie . But euerie man was carefull how to encrease his owne priuat wealth , few or none regarding the publike state ; vntill in fine , euerie man with his priuat abundance was wrapped vp togither with his needie neighbour in the selfesame common miserie . Yea the securitie of the Constantinopolitans was such , that being alwaies enuironed with their mortall enemies , yet had they no care of fortifying of so much as the inner wall of the citie ( which for beautie and strength was comparable with the wals of any citie in the world , if it had been kept well repaired ) but suffered the officers which had the charge to see to the fortifying of the citie , to conuert the greatest part of the money into their own purses : as appeared by Manuel Giagerus , a little before a verie poore man ; and likewise by Neophitus , who then hauing that office to see vnto the fortification of the citie , had in short time gathered togither seuentie thousand florens , which became all a worthy prey vnto the greedie Turkes . After that the barbarous common souldiour had thus by the space of three daies without controlment taken his pleasure in the citie ( as Mahomet had before promised ) and throughly ransackt euerie corner thereof : they then returned into the campe , with their rich spoils , driuing the poore Christian captiues before them as if they had ben droues of cattell , or flocks of sheepe : a spectacle no lesse lamentable , than was the sacking of the citie . It would haue grieued any stonie heart to haue seene the noble gentlewomen and great ladies , with their beautifull children , and many other faire personages , who lately flowed in all worldly wealth and pleasure , to bee now become the poore and miserable bondslaues of most base and contemptible rascals ; who were so farre from shewing them any pittie , as that they delighted in nothing more than to heape more and more miserie vpon them , making no more reckoning of them than of dogs . There might the parents see the wofull miserie of their beloued children , and the children of the parents , the husband might see the shamefull abuse of his wife , and the wife of her husband , and generally one friend of another : and yet not able to mourne together ( the least part of heauie comfort ) being in the thraldome of diuers cruell masters , by whom they were kept in sunder , like in few dayes to be dispersed into diuers farre countries , without hope that they should euer find release , or one see another againe . The souldiors being all retired into the campe , Mahomet as a proud conquerour , with great triumph entered into the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , then desolate and void of all Christian inhabitants ; and there after the manner of the Turkish kings , made a sumptuous and royall feast vnto his Bassaes and other great captaines : where after he had surcharged himselfe with excesse of meat and drinke , he caused diuers of the cheefe Christian captiues , both men and women ( of whom many were of the late emperours line and race ) to bee in his presence put to death , as hee with his Turks sat banquetting : deeming his feast much more stately by such effusion of Christian blood . Which manner of exceeding crueltie he daily vsed , vntill such time as he had destroyed all the Grecian nobilitie that was in his power , with the cheefe of the late Constantinopolitan citizens . At which time also diuers of the Venetian Senatours , with Baiulus their Gouernor , and many rich marchants of GENVA and other places of ITALIE were in like manner murthered : so that of seuen and fortie Senatours of VENICE which were there taken ( whereof most part came thither by chaunce , bound for other places , but there vnluckily shut vp ) some few found the fauour , with exceeding great ransomes to redeeme themselues . Amongst these noblemen thus lamentably executed , was one Lucas Leontares , or Notaras , cōmonly called Kyr-Lucas , or lord Lucas , but of late great chancellor of CONSTANTINOPLE , a man of greatest account next vnto the emperour himselfe : whom the Turkish tyrant seemed greatly to blame , that hee being a man in so great credit with the late emperour , persuaded him not in time to haue sought for peace vpon any condition , or els to haue yeelded vp the citie , rather than to haue run that extreame course of wilfull miserie . Hee to excuse the matter , said , That the late emperor his master was encouraged to hold out the siege , by the Venetians and citizens of PERA , from whom he receiued secret aid : as also by some of the greatest men about his own person : for proofe whereof , hee drew out of his bosome the letters which Caly-Bassa had to that purpose written vnto the emperour , and deliuered them to Mahomet , hoping thereby to haue found some fauour . But when he had said what he could , the eldest of his sonnes then liuing ( for he had lost two elder in the time of the siege ) was cruelly executed before his face , and the youngest reserued for the tyrants lust : and after all this miserie had his owne head strucke off with the rest appointed for that daies sacrifice . Out of this generall calamitie escaped Io. Iustinianus the Generall , who with all speed fled at first to PERA , and from thence to CHIOS , where in few daies after he died , of greefe of mind ( as was thought ) rather than of his wound , being happie if he had honourably before ended his dayes vpon the wals of CONSTANTINOPLE . Isodorus also the Cardinall and Legate from the Pope , disguised in simple apparrell , and being of the Turkes vnknowne , redeemed himselfe for a small ransome , as if he had been a man of no account , and so escaped : whom if Mahomet had knowne , he had vndoubtedly beene made shorter by the head . The glorie of this famous citie of CONSTANTINOPLE continued many hundred yeares , commaunding a great part of the world , vntill that by ciuile discord and priuat gaine , it was by little and little so weakened , that the emperors of later times , for the maintenance of their estate , were glad to relie sometime vpon one , and sometime vpon another , yet still holding the title and state of an empire , by the space of 1121 yeares , when as ( God his judgement set apart , wonderfull and shamefull it is to consider , how ) it was by this Turkish king Mahomet so quickely taken , and the Christian empire of the East there vtterly ouerthrowne : which happened in the nine and twentieth day of May , in the yeare of our Lord 1453. Constantinus Palaeologus , the sonne of Helena , and last Christian emperor , being then slaine , when he had raigned about eight years . Since which time it hath continued the imperiall seat of the Turkish emperours , and so remaineth at this day . The potestats and cittizens of PERA , otherwise called GALATA , a cittie standing opposit against CONSTANTINOPLE , on the other side of the hauen , and then vnder the gouernment of the Genowayes , doubting to run the same course of miserie with their neighbors , sent their Orators vnto Mahomet ( the same day that CONSTANTINOPLE was taken ) offering to him the keyes of their gates , and so to become his subjects . Of which their offer Mahomet accepted , and sent Zoganus with his regiment to take possession of the citie . Who comming thither , according to Mahomet his commandement , there established the Turkish gouernment , confiscated the goods of all such as were fled , and vsed the rest of the citizens which stayed , with such insolencie and oppression , as that their miserie was not much lesse than theirs of CONSTANTINOPLE . And because it was doubted , that the Genowayes might by sea giue aid vnto the cittizens , if they should at any time seeke to reuolt , he caused all the wals and fortresses of the citie which were toward the land , to bee cast downe and laied euen with the ground . Thus is the fatall period of the Greeke empire run , and Mahomet in one day become lord of the two famous citties of CONSTANTINOPLE and PERA : the one taken by force , the other by composition . At which time the miserie of PERA was great , but that of CONSTANTINOPLE justly to bee accounted amongst the greatest calamities that euer happened to any Christian citie in the world . Mahomet had of long time borne a secret grudge against Caly-Bassa , sometime his tutor , for that by his meanes Amurath his father , in the dangerous time of the Hungarian warres , had againe resumed vnto himselfe the gouernment of the Turkish kingdome , which hee had before resigned vnto him , then but young . But for as much as hee was the cheefe Bassa , and had for many yeares ruled all things at his pleasure , to the generall good liking of the people , during the raigne of old Amurath , and was thereby growne to bee of such wealth , credit , and authoritie , as no man had at any time obtained greater vnder any of the Othoman kings : Mahomet in the beginning of his raigne , before hee was well established in his kingdome , durst not to take reuenge of that injurie ( as hee deemed it ) but yet still kept it in remembrance , warily dissembling his deepe conceiued hatred , as if he had quite forgot it . Neuerthelesse sometime ( for all his warinesse ) words fell from him , whereby the warie courtiers ( which as curiously weigh their princes words , as the cunning goldsmith dooth his finest gold ) easily perceiued the secret grudge that stucke in his stomacke against the Bassa : and thereby deuined his fall to be at hand . So it happened one day that as Mahomet was walking in the court , he saw a fox of the Bassaes tied in a chaine , which after hee had a while earnestly looked vpon , hee suddainely brake into this speech : Alas poore beast , hast thou no money to giue thy master to set thee at libertie ? out of which words , curious heads gathered much matter concerning the kings disposition towards the Bassa . This ominous surmising of the courtiers ( which oftentimes proueth too true ) was not vnknown vnto the Bassa himselfe , but troubled him much : wherefore to get himselfe out of the way for a season , more than for any deuotion , he tooke vpon him to goe in pilgrimage to visite the temple of the great prophet ( as they tearme him ) at MECHA , which amongst the Turkes is holden for a right religious and meritorious worke : hoping , that the young kings displeasure might in time be mittigated , and his mallice assuaged . But Mahomet perceiuing the distrust of the Bassa , and whereof it proceeded , seemed to take knowledge thereof , and with good words comforted him vp , willing him to be of good cheere , and not to misdoubt any thing ; neither to regard the vaine speech of foolish people , assuring him of his vndoubted fauour : and the more to put him out of all suspition , continually sent him rich gifts , and heaped vpon him new honors , as if of all others he had esteemed him most . Vntill that now at the taking of CONSTANTINOPLE , it was discouered by Lucas Leontares , that he had intelligence with the late emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , and his letters produced . For which cause , or as the common report went , for the old grudge that the tyrant bare against him , as also for his great wealth , he was by Mahomets commandement apprehended and carried in bonds to HADRIANOPLE : where after he had with exquisite torments been enforced to confesse where all his treasures lay , he was most cruelly in his extreame old age executed . After whose death , his friends and seruants ( which were many , for he was a man greatly beloued in court ) in token of their griefe put on mourning apparell : so that in the court appeared a great shew of common sorrow ; wherewith Mahomet being offended , caused proclamation to be made , That all such as did weare such mourning apparell , should the next day appeare before him : at which time there was not one to be seene about the court in that heauie attire , for feare of the tyrants displeasure . After that Mahomet was thus become lord of the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , as is aforesaid ; and had fully resolued there to place his imperiall seat : he first repaired the wals and other buildings spoiled in the late siege , and by proclamations sent forth into all parts of his dominions , gaue great priuiledges and immunities to all such as should come to dwel at CONSTANTINOPLE , with free libertie to exercise what religion or trade they pleased . Whereby in short time that great and desolat citie was againe well peopled , with such as out of diuers countries resorted thither : but especially with the Iewish nation , which driuen out of other places , came thither in great numbers , and were of the Turkes gladly receiued . So when he had there established all things according to his hearts desire , he tooke vpon him the name and title of an Emperour : and is from that time not vnworthely reputed for the first emperour of the Turks . Now amongst many fair virgins taken prisoners by the Turks at the winning of CONSTANTINOPLE , was one Irene a Greek borne , of such incomparable beautie and rare perfection , both of body & mind , as if nature had in her to the admiration of the world , laboured to haue showne her greatest skill ; so prodigally she had bestowed vpon her , all the graces that might beautifie or commend that hir so curious a worke . This paragon was by him that by chance had taken her , presented vnto the great Sultan Mahomet himselfe , as a jewell so fit for no mans wearing as his owne : by the beautie and secret vertues whereof , he found himselfe euen vpon the first view not a little moued . Neuerthelesse , hauing as then his head full of troubles , and aboue all things carefull for the assuring of the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , by him but euen then woon ; he for the present committed her to the charge of his Eunuch , and sent her away , so to be in safetie kept vntill his better leisure . But those his troubles ouerblowne , and his new conquests well assured , he then began forthwith to thinke of the faire Irene : and for his pleasure sending for her , tooke in her perfections such delight and contentment , as that in short time he had changed state with her , she being become the mistresse and commander of him so great a conqueror ; and he in nothing more delighted , than in doing her the greatest honour and seruice he could . All the day he spent with her in discourse , and the night in daliance : all time spent in her companie , seemed vnto him short ; and without her nothing pleased : his fierce nature was now by her well tamed , and his wonted care of armes quite neglected : Mars slept in Venus lap , and now the soldiors might go play . Yea the verie gouernment of his estate and empire seemed to be of him , in comparison of her , little or not at all regarded ; the care thereof being by him carelesly committed to others , that so he might himselfe wholy attend vpon her , in whom more than in himselfe , the people said he delighted . Such is the power of disordered affections , where reason ruleth not the reine . But whilest he thus forgetfull of himselfe , spendeth in pleasure not some few daies or moneths , but euen a whole yeare or two , to the lightning of his credit , and the great discontentment of his subjects in generall : the Ianizaries and other souldiors of the court ( men desirous of imploiment , and grieued to see him so giuen ouer vnto his affections , & to make no end therof ) began at first in secret to murmur thereat , and to speake hardly of him ; and at length ( after their insolent manner ) spared not openly to say , That it were well done to depriue him of his gouernment and state , as vnworthy thereof , and to set vp one of his sonnes in his steed . Which speeches were now growne so rife , and the discontentment of the men of warre so great , that it was not without cause by some of the great Bassaes feared , whereunto this their so great insolencie would grow . But who should tell the tyrant thereof ; whose frowne was in it selfe death ? or who durst take in hand to cure that his sicke mind ? which distraught with the sweet , but poysoned potions of loue , was not like to listen to any good counsell , were it neuer so wisely giuen : but as a man metamorphosed , to turne his furie vpon him which should presume so wholesomely ( but contrarie to his good liking ) to aduise him . Vnhappie man , whose great estate and fierce nature was not without danger to be medled or tempered with , no , not by them who of all others ought in so great a perill to haue beene thereof most carefull ; but were now for feare all become silent and dumbe . Now amongst other great men in the Court , was one Mustapha Bassa , a man for his good seruice ( for that he was of a child brought vp with him ) of Mahomet greatly fauoured , and by him also highly promoted ; and he againe by him as his Soueraigne no lesse honored than feared : who no lesse than the rest , greeued to see so great a change in the great Sultan , of whom they had conceiued no small hope of greater matters than were by him as yet performed ; and mooued also with the danger threatened vnto him by the discontented Ianizaries and men of warre : espying him at conuenient leisure to be spoken vnto , and presuming of the former credit he had with him , aduentured thus to breake with him , and to giue him warning thereof . How dangerous a thing it is for a subiect or vassale , without leaue , presumptuously to enter into the secrets of his dread Lord and Soueraigne , the wofull examples of others ( most mightie Mahomet ) haue so sufficiently warned me , as that were it not for the dutifull loyaltie I ow vnto your greatnesse , far dearer vnto me than mine owne life , I would not at this time aduenture my selfe vnto the hazard of your doubtfull acceptance of my faithfull speech and meaning ; but with others keepe silence , and in secret mourne together with my heauie thoughts : which if I should in so great a danger both of your life and empire now doe , without warning you thereof , I were not to be accounted vnworthie onely those your great fauours and honours , most bountifully on me bestowed ; but as a most vile traitor both vnto your state and person , to be of all men detested and abhorred . The life you haue of late led , euer since the taking of CONSTANTINOPLE , as a man carelesse of his state , and wholly wedded vnto his owne pleasure , hath giuen occasion not vnto the vulgar people onely ( alwayes readie to say the worst ) and soldiors of the Court , the guarders of your person , but euen vnto the greatest commaunders of your armies and empire , to murmure and grudge , I dare not say , to conspire against you . Yet pardon me dread Soueraigne , if I should so say , for that there is no man which with great discontentment maruelleth not much to see so great an alteration in your heroicall disposition and nature : whereby you are become far vnlike that noble Mahomet , which hauing ouerthrowne the Greeke empire , and taken the great citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , promised both vnto himselfe and others , the conquest of ITALIE , and the sacking of ROME , the stately seat of the antient Romane conquerours . You haue giuen your selfe ouer ( as they say ) for a spoile and prey vnto a poore simple woman , your slaue and vassale , who with her beautie and allurements hath so bewitched your vnderstanding and reason , as that you can attend nothing but her seruice , and the satisfying of your most passionate and inordinate desires ; which how much the more you cherish them , so much the more they torment and vexe you . Enter but a little into your selfe ( I pray you ) and compare the life you now lead with the like time heretofore by you spent in treading honors steps , and you shall find a notable difference betwixt the one and the other . Had the noble Othoman , the first raiser of your house and familie , so giuen himselfe ouer vnto pleasure , you had not now inherited the countries of BITHYNIA and GALATIA , with others moe alongst the Euxine , by him conquered . Neither had his sonne Orchanes ( the liuely image of his father , and follower of his vertues ) by leading this kind of life , triumphed ouer LICAONIA , PHRIGIA , and CARIA , or extended the bounds of his empire so farre as vnto the straits of HELLESPONTVS . What should I speake of Amurath his sonne and successour in the empire , who in person himselfe , first of the Othoman kings , passed ouer into EVROPE , placed his imperiall seat at HADRIANOPLE , con●uered THRACIA , BVLGARIA , and RASCIA . Yea Baiazet your great grandfather is in his misfortune to bee more than you commended , as vanquished in field by the mightie Tamerlane with foure hundred thousand horsemen and six hundred thousand foot , and not by a silie woman : comforting his mishap with the honour and greatnesse of him by whom he was so ouercome . Neither may I with silence passe ouer your woorthie grandfather the noble Mahomet , who not contented to haue restored the shaken empire , conquered also a great part of MACEDONIA , euen to the Ionian sea , and carying the terror of his armes ouer into ASIA did great matters against the Caramanians and others . As for your father Amurath ( of worthie memorie ) I cannot but to my great greefe and sorrow speake of him , who by the space of thirtie yeares made both the sea and earth to quake vnder his feet , and with strong hand more than once vanquished the Hungarians , & brought vnder his subiection the countries of PHOCIS , B●OTIA , AETOLIA , with a great part of MOREA ; and to speake of him truly , brake euen the very heart & strength of the Grecians , and other his fierce enemies . Let all these most famous conquests of your noble progenitors , whose worthie praises ( as eternall trophees of their honour ) are dispersed into euery corner of the world , awake you out of this heauie Lythargie wherein you haue too long slept , yea , let the remembrance of the conquest of this imperiall citie by you to your immortall glorie woon , stir you vp to greater things : and let it neuer bee said of you , That you were able with your sword to ouercome your greatest enemies , and not with reason to subdue your inordinate affections : Thinke that your greatest conquest , and suffer not your selfe , so great a conquerour , to be led in triumph by your slaue . What auaileth it you to haue woon CONSTANTINOPLE , and to haue lost your selfe ? Shake off these golden fetters wherein the wilie Greeke hath so fast bound you : which at the first though it seeme vnto you hard and painefull , yet shall time disgest it , and make you to thinke it both good and necessarie for your estate . Weane your selfe from your desires , and giue rest vnto your troubled thoughts : which if you cannot doe at once , striue by little and little to doe it : pleasure groweth greater by the seldome vse thereof , and satictie bringeth loathsomenesse . Moderat your selfe therefore , and againe take vp armes . Your soldiors if they be not employed abroad , will to your farther trouble set themselues to worke at home : Idlenesse maketh them insolent , and want of martiall discipline corrupteth their manners . Hereof proceedeth their intemperat and disloyall speeches , That if you will not lead them forth for the honour and enlarging of the Othoman empire , as did all your most noble progenitors , they will set vp another that shall , euen one of your owne children . And what the common souldior foolishly sayth , their great commaunders malitiously purpose : which what a confusion it would bring vnto the whole state of your empire , together with the danger of your royall person , I abhorre to thinke . Wherefore it is time , it is now high time for you to shew your selfe , and with the maiestie of your presence to represse their tumultuous insolencie , before it breake farther out . Rebellions are by far , more easily preuented , than in their heat appeased . The discontented multitude is a wild beast with many heads ; which once enraged , is not a little to be feared , or without danger to be tamed : yet doe you but shew your selfe master of your owne affections , and you shall easily master them also . But what is fit for you to doe , beseemeth me not for to say : yea pardon me , I beseech you , that I haue thus much ( contrarie perhaps to your good liking ) alreadie said ; prouoked ( by what diuine inspiration I know not ) euen halfe against my will , to discouer vnto you the secret of my heart , and to lay open vnto you those things , which others knowing as well as I , doe yet for feare keepe the same from you . And if I haue gone too farre , or in any thing that I haue said , forg●t my selfe , impute the same ( my dread Soueraigne ) vnto the zeale of my loue and loyaltie towards you , or vnto my fidelitie so often by you tried , or to our antient education ( the ground of your affection towards me ) or to what els shall please you , rather than to my presumption ; from which , how farre I haue alwayes been , I appeale euen to your maiesties owne knowledge . Hauing thus said , he fell downe at his feet , as there to receiue the heauie doome of his so free speech , if it should bee otherwise than well taken of the angrie Sultan : who all this while with great attention and many a sterne looke had hearkened vnto all that the Bassa had said : for well he knew it to be all true ; and that in so saying , he had but discharged the part of a trustie & faithfull seruant , carefull of his masters honour . But yet the beautie of the Greeke was still so fixed in his heart , and the pleasure he tooke in her , so great , as that to thinke of the leauing of her , bred in him many a troubled thought . Hee was at warre with himselfe , as in his often changed countenance well appeared : reason calling vpon him , for his honour ; and his amorous affections , still suggesting vnto him new delights . Thus tossed too and fro ( as a ship with contrarie winds ) and withall considering the danger threatened to his estate if he should longer follow those his pleasures , so much displeasing vnto his men of warre , hee resolued vpon a strange point , whereby at once to cut off all those his troubled passions ; and withall , to strike a terrour euen into the stoutest of them that had before condemned him , as vnable to gouerne his owne so passionate affections . Whereupon with countenance well declaring his inward discontentment , hee said vnto the Bassa , yet prostrate at his feet : Although thou hast vnreuerently spoken , as a slaue presuming to enter into the greatest secrets of thy soueraigne ( not without offence to be of thee once thought vpon ) and therefore deseruest well to die ; yet for that thou wast of a child brought vp togither with me , and hast euer been vnto me faithfull , I for this time pardon thee : and before to morrow the sunne go downe , will make it knowne both to thee , and others of the same opinion with thee , whether I be able to bridle mine affections or not . Take order in the meane time that all the Bassaes , and the chiefe commanders of my men of warre be assembled togither to morrow , there to know my farther pleasure ▪ whereof faile you not . So the Bassa being departed , he after his wonted manner went in vnto the Greeke , and solacing himselfe all that day and the night following with her , made more of her than euer before : and the more to please her , dined with her ; commanding , that after dinner she should be attired with more sumptuous apparell than euer she had before worne : and for the further gracing of her , to be deckt with many most precious jewels of inestimable valour . Whereunto the poore soule gladly obeyed , little thinking that it was her funerall apparell . Now in the meane while , M●stapha ( altogither ignorant of the Sultans mind ) had as he was commanded , caused all the nobilitie , and commanders of the men of warre , to be assembled into the great hall : euerie man much marueiling , what should be the emperors meaning therein , who had not of long so publikely shewed himselfe . But being thus togither assembled , and euerie man according as their minds gaue them , talking diuersly of the matter : behold , the Sultan entred into the pallace leading the faire Greeke by the hand ; who beside her incomparable beautie and other the greatest graces of nature , adorned also with all that curiositie could deuise , seemed not now to the beholders a mortal wight , but some of the stately goddesses , whom the Poets in their extacies describe . Thus comming togither into the midst of the hall , and due reuerence vnto them done by al them there present ; he stood still with the faire lady in his left hand , and so furiously looking round about him , said vnto them : I vnderstand of your great discontentment , and that you all murmur and grudge , for that I , ouercome with mine affection towards this so faire a paragon , cannot withdraw my selfe from her presence : But I would faine know which of you there is so temperat , that if he had in his possession a thing so rare and precious , so louely and so faire , would not be thrice aduised before he would forgo the same ? Say what you thinke : in the word of a Prince I giue you free libertie so to doe . But they all rapt with an incredible admiration to see so faire a thing , the like whereof they had neuer before beheld , said all with one consent , That he had with greater reason so passed the time with her , than any man had to find fault therewith . Wherunto the barbarous prince answered : Well , but now I will make you to vnderstand how far you haue been deceiued in me , and that there is no earthly thing that can so much blind my sences , or bereaue me of reason as not to see and vnderstand what beseemeth my high place and calling : yea I would you should all know , that the honor and conquests of the Othoman kings my noble progenitors , is so fixed in my brest , with such a desire in my selfe to exceed the same , as that nothing but death is able to put it out of my remembrance . And hauing so said , presently with one of his hands catching the faire Greeke by the haire of the head , and drawing his falchion with the other , at one blow strucke off her head , to the great terror of them all . And hauing so done , said vnto them : Now by this iudge whether your emperour is able to bridle his affections or not . And within a while after , meaning to discharge the rest of his choller , caused great preparation to be made for the conquest of PELOPONESVS , and the besieging of BEL●RADE . At the same time that the barbarous Turkes tooke the imperiall cittie of CONSTANTINOPLE ; Thomas and Demetrius Palaeologi , brethren to the late vnfortunat emperour Constantinus , gouerned a great part of PELOPONESVS , one of the most famous prouinces of GRaeCIA : which in forme of a leafe of a Plane tree , is almost in manner of an Iland , enuironed with the seas Ionium and Aegeum , which running farre into the land on either side thereof , separateth the same from the rest of GRaeCIA , by two great bayes ; leauing but a straight necke of land , called of the Greeks ISTMOS , in breadth about fiue miles , which was sometime by the Graecians , and afterward by the Venetians , fortified by a strong wall , and fiue great castles : neare vnto which place stood the great and famous citie of CORINTH . This prouince is in length 175 miles , and almost as much in breadths ; wherin are contained the countries of ACHAIA , MESSENIA , LACEDEMONIA , ARGOLICA , and ARCHADIA ; with many famous cities and goodly hauens , wherein it far exceedeth all the other prouinces of GRaeCIA . These two princes Thomas and Demetrius , dismaied with their brothers disaster fortune , began now so farre to dispaire of their own estate , that vpon the first brute thereof , they were about presently to haue fled by sea into ITALY . And as ●t commonly falleth out , That one euill happeneth not alone ; so at the same time it fornined , that the Albanians rise in armes against the said two princes their soueraigns : and vnder the leading of their rebellious captaine Emanuel Catecuzenus , grieuously troubled both the poore princes . These Albanians were a rough and hardie kind of people , which liuing after the manner of the rude Scythian heardsmen , by feeding of cattell , had of long time planted themselues in PELOPONESVS ; differing from the naturall Greekes , both in the manner of their liuing and language : which diuersitie was no small cause that they oftentimes spurned , as now , against the gouernment of the Graecian princes . In this extremitie , the two distressed princes ( not well knowing which way to turne themselues ) sought for peace at Mahomets hands , offering to become his tributaries . Of which their offer he willingly accepted , as an induction to the full conquest of that countrey ; and sent Turachan gouernour of THESSALIA , one of his greatest men of warre , with an army into PELOPONESVS , to aid those princes against the Albanians : by whose industrie the masterfull rebels were in short time discomfited , and the countrey of PELOPONESVS quieted ; yet so , that it was now become tributarie to the Turkish king . These two princes Demetrius and Thomas , the last of all the Christian princes that raigned in PELOPONESVS , hauing thus lost their libertie , liued for a few yeares as the Turkes vassales ; paying such yearely tribute as they had before promised . During which time , many displeasures arose betwixt the two brothers , being both jealous of their estate , and desirous by all plausible meanes to win the hearts of their subjects one from another : whereby it came so to passe , that whiles they both desired to become popular , they weakned their owne credit , and had not their subjects at such commaund as best stood with the safetie of their estate . Neuerthelesse as soon as they vnderstood that the Christian princes of the West were making great preparation against the Turke ; and that Calixtus the third of that name ( then the bishop of ROME ) had alreadie put a fleet of gallies to sea , which did great spoile vpon the borders of the Turkes dominions ; they vainly persuading themselues that the Turkes would in short time be againe driuen out of GRECIA , refused to pay any more tribute vnto the Turkish king , or to keepe league any longer with him . Vpon which occasion , Mahomet with a puissant army came downe and first besieged CORINTH , and afterwards entring into PELOPONESVS tooke diuers strong townes , and destroied the countrey before him : and forced the two princes for safegard of their liues to flie , the one to MANTINIA , and the other into the strong cittie of EPIDAVRVS , now called RAGVSIVM . The poore princes destitute of such aid as they expected , and altogither vnable to withstand the power of the mightie tyrant , began againe to sue for peace : which he , hauing now spoiled their countrey , granted vpon condition , That all such places as he had already taken , should be still his owne ; and also that the citie of PATRAS with the countrey adjoyning , should be deliuered vnto him ; and that for the rest , the said princes should pay vnto him a yearly tribute : which hard conditions the poore princes , now in danger to loose all , were glad to accept of : wherupon a peace was for that time againe concluded . In his returne he tooke the citie of ATHENS in his way , which he not long before had taken from Francus Acciauoll by composition ( by meanes of Omares the sonne of Turechan , one of his great captains ) promising to giue him the countrey of BEOTIA with the citie of THEBES in lieu thereof . This Francus was nephew to Nerius , sometime prince of ATHENS , and had of long time been brought vp in the Turks court , as one of Mahomet his minions ; and was of him ( as was supposed ) entirely beloued . But when he had receiued the dukedome of THEBES , in exchange for his princely state of ATHENS , he was shortly after , as if it had been in great friendship sent by Mahomet to Zoganus , his lieutenant in PELOPONESVS : by whom he was at first courteously entertained , but afterwards being about to depart , he was ( according as Mahomet had before commanded ) suddenly staied , and when he least feared , cruelly murdred . About three yeares after the peace before concluded betwixt Mahomet and the two brethren , Mahomet vnderstanding that the Christian kings and princes had combined themselues against him , with a purpose to driue him againe out of GRaeCIA : thought it now high time , and much for the assurance of his estate , to roote vp the small reliques of the Grecian empire , which yet remained in PELOPONESVS in the two princes of the imperiall bloud , Thomas and Demetrius : whereunto he saw a faire occasion presented . Forasmuch as those two brethren were at that time at great variance betwixt themselues , neither paied him such tribute as they had before promised : hereupon he with a great and strong army came to CORINTH , where Arsanes a noble man of great authoritie and power in that countrey , whose sister Demetrius had married , came vnto him from the prince his brother in law , attended vpon with many gallant gentlemen , his followers , of purpose to aid him against the other prince Thomas , nothing fearing any harme to haue been by the Turke intended against himselfe or his brother in law Demetrius , whom they both reckoned of as of a friend . But when Mahomet was entered into PELOPONESVS , and come to TEGEA , he caused the same Asanes , with all his cheefe followers , to be laied hold vpon , and cast into bonds : knowing ( as it should seeme ) no man for friend , which might any way hinder his ambitious designes . Demetrius hearing what was happened vnto Asanes , fled to SPARTA , now called MIZITHRA : whether Mahomet in few dayes after came and laied siege to the citie . But the poor prince considering , that he must needs at length fall into his hands , went out of the cittie , and humbly submitted himselfe with all that he had into his power . Which so well pleased the Turkish tyrant , that hee courteously receiued him , comforted him , and promised him in stead of SPARTA to giue him other lands and possessions of like value elsewhere : Neuerthelesse , hee committed him to safe custodie , and carried him about with him as his prisoner , vntill hee had finished those warres . After he had taken SPARTA , he besieged CASTRIA , where he lost diuers of his Ianizaries : for which cause , when he had taken the citie , he put all the souldiours therein to the sword , and cut the captaines ouerthwart in two peeces . From thence he marched to LEONTARIVM , called in antient time MEGALOPOLIS , which he tooke ; with another cittie called CARDICEA , whither they of LEONTARIVM had before conueyed their wiues and children ; as to a place of more safetie . There he cruelly put to death all the inhabitants of those cities , men , women , and children , in number about six thousand , of whom he left not one aliue : and yet not so satisfied , commaunded the very beasts and cattell of those places to bee killed . Many cities of PELOPONESVS terrified with the dreadfull example of their neighbours , forthwith yeelded themselues : and amongst others SALVARIVM , a great and strong citie of ARCHADIA ; where hee caused all the inhabitants , men , women , and children , to the number of ten thousand , to be cast into bonds , looking for nothing but present death : all which he commaunded afterwards to be sent captiues to CONSTANTINOPLE , and with them peopled the suburbes of that citie . After that , he by the counsell of Demetrius , sent one of his captaines called Iosua , with certaine companies of Greeke souldiors , vnto the strong citie of EPIDAVRVS , to commaund them in the name of the prince , to deliuer vnto him the citie , with the prince his wife and daughter , which lay there . But the Gouernour trusting vnto the strength of the citie , refused to deliuer the same : yet suffred the princesse with her daughter to depart out of the citie , being willing to goe to her husband ; whom the captaine hauing receiued , returned , and presented them to Mahomet . By whose commaundement they were presently sent into BEOTIA , there to attend his returne towards CONSTANTINOPLE , and an Eunuch appointed to take charge of the young ladie , who had so warmed Mahomets affection , that he tooke her afterwards to his wife . At the same time hee also subdued the most part of ACHAIA and ELIS , by Zoganus Bassa his lieutenant : whether hee came not long after himselfe , and laied siege to the citie of SALMENICA , which for lacke of water was at length yeelded vnto him : but the castle was by the space of a whole yeare after valiantly defended against the Turks left to besiege it , by Thomas the prince : of whom Mahomet afterwards gaue this commendation , That in the great countrey of PELOPONESVS hee had found many slaues , but neuer a man but him . This valiant prince seeing the miserable ruine of his countrey , and the state thereof vtterly forlorne , after he had most notably endured a yeares siege in the castle of SALMENICA , got to sea , and so arriued in ITALIE : where trauelling to ROME , hee was honourably receiued by Pius Secundus , then bishop there : who during his life , allowed him a large pension for the maintenance of his state . Thus Mahomet hauing thrust both the Grecian princes out of their dominions , and subdued all PELOPONESVS ( excepting such strong townes and castles , as bordering vpon the sea coast were yet holden by the Venetians ) left Zoganus Bassa his lieutenant to gouerne that new conquered prouince , and with great triumph returned himselfe towards CONSTANTINOPLE , carrying away with him Demetrius the prince , with his wife and daughter , and many other noble prisoners . But after he was come to HADRIANOPLE , and placed in his royall seat , he remooued the Eunuch from the faire young ladie , and tooke charge of her himselfe . As for Demetrius her father , hee gaue to him the cittie AENVM , with the custome arising of the salt there made , as a pension for him to liue vpon . Thus this most famous and populous countrey of PELOPONESVS fell into the Turkish thraldome , about the yeare of our Lord 1460 , seuen years after the taking of CONSTANTINOPLE . Which I haue here togither set downe , as it is reported by them who liued in that time , and in the same countries : omitting of purpose other great occurrents of the same time ( which shall also in conuenient place be hereafter declared ) to the intent that the fall of that great Empire , with the common miserie of the delicate Graecians , might appeare vnder one view ; which otherwise being deliuered by peecemeale , as it did concurre with other great accidents according to the course of time , would but breed confusion , and require the Readers greater attention . The Christian princes , especially such as bordered vpon the dominions of the Turkish tyrant , were no lesse terrified than troubled with the subuersion of the Constantinopolitane empire : for they saw by the continuall preparation of the Turk , that his ambitious desires were rather encreased , than in any part satisfied with his so great and late victories . Wherefore they with all carefulnesse fortified their frontier towns , and prouided all things necessarie for defence of themselues , and for the repulsing of so mightie an enemy . Amongst the rest , George the old Despot , or prince of SERVIA ( whose dominions of all others lay most in danger of that tempest ) speedily mustred his men of warre , fortified his strong citties , placed his garrisons , and left nothing vndone , that he thought needfull for the defence of his countrey : for he had many times before to his great losse , endured the furie of the Turkish kings , although he were joyned vnto them in the bonds of neerest allyance . And hauing thus politikely set all things in order at home , in person himselfe tooke his journey into HVNGARIE , from thence to procure aid against such time as he should haue need . But the Hungarians , and especially Huniades ( who at that time bare greatest sway in that kingdome ) hauing before had sufficient triall of the vncertainty and light faith of that aged prince , who had so often fashioned himselfe according to the occurrents of the time , that he was accounted neither right Turke , nor good Christian ; refused to promise him any aid , but left him to his owne fortunes : wherewith he returned discontented , and full of indignation . But shortly after he was come home , he died of an hurt receiued in a skirmish with Michaell Zilugo , gouernor of BELGRADE : whose brother Ladislaus he had but a little before trecherously murdred , as he was trauailing by wagon to BELGRADE with his said brother Michael , who at the same time hardly escaped . This was the end of George Despot of SERVIA , when he had liued nintie yeares : in which time of his long life , he had plentifully tasted of both fortunes . A man assuredly of great courage , but of a maruellous vnquiet nature : by profession a Christian , yet a great friend vnto the Turkes , whom he many times stood in great steed : a deepe dissembler , and double in all his dealings ; whereby he purchased vnto himselfe that credit , that he was not of any his neighbour princes whilest he liued , either beloued or trusted ; and after his death , of his subjects so detested , that the people of that countrey euen at this day in their countrey songs , still tearme him , The faithlesse and gracelesse Despot . Lazarus his youngest son , after his death succeeded in his place ; hauing depriued both his elder brethren ( Stephen and George ) of the gouernment : for Amurath the Turkish king had long time before put out their eies , of purpose to make them vnfit for the gouernment of so great a countrey : yet these blind princes found meanes to flie away from him to Mahomet , carrying with them a great masse of money ; and so incited him against Lazarus their younger brother , that to keepe friendship with the tyrant , he was glad to promise vnto him a great yearely tribute , and so to become his tributarie . But within few moneths after , Lazarus died ; the last Christian prince that raigned in SERVIA : after whose death , great troubles arose in SERVIA for the soueraigntie : The blind brethren still crauing aid of Mahomet , with whom they then liued ; and the desolate widow of Lazarus , putting her selfe with her three sons , Iohn , Peter , and Martin , into the protection of the Hungarians : by which means she with much trouble held her state for a season . Vntill such time as that the Seruians , seeing small assurance in that manner of gouernment , and wearie of the harmes they daily receiued of the Turkes ; yeelded themselues with their countrey , vnto the obedience of the Turkish emperour Mahomet , who foreuer vnited the same vnto his empire as a prouince thereof , and so it remaineth at this day . Now was Mahomet by the continuall course of his victories , growne to that height of mind , that he thought no prince able to abide his forces ; neither any enterprise so great , which he was not of power to bring to passe : wherefore he ceased not on euerie side continually to vex and trouble the princes , whose countries bordered vpon his . But aboue others , his heart was greatest against the Hungarians : for that by them the Turkish kings his auncestors , had been more troubled , and their state more endangered , than by any or all other the Christian princes . Wherfore he resolued now to take them in hand ; which thing he had from the beginning of his raign greatly desired . And because the citie of BELGRADE standing vpon the great riuer of Danubius , was accounted the key of that countrey , he determined there to begin his warres , and by taking thereof to make an entrance into the heart of HVNGARIE . Hereupon he leuied a great armie of an hundred and fiftie thousand of his best souldiours ; in whom he reposed such an assured trust and confidence , that he accounted the citie already as good as taken , and a faire way made into HVNGARIE : so ready are we to promise vnto our selues , the things we earnestly desire . For the better accomplishment of these his designs , he had prouided in readinesse a fleet of 200 ships and gallies , which he sent vp the riuer of Danubius from VIDINA to BELGRADE , to the intent that no reliefe or aid should be brought vnto the citie out of HVNGARIE , by the great riuers of Danubius and Sauus , whereupon the citie of BELGRADE standeth . With this fleet he kept both those riuers so straitly , that nothing could possibly be conuaied into the citie by water : and not so contented , sent part of his said fleet farther vp the riuer of Danubius , and so landing his soldiours in many places , spoiled the countrey all alongst the riuers side . Shortly after he came with all his forces by land , and encamped before the citie : whereunto at his first comming he gaue a most fierce assault , thinking to haue taken them vnprouided : but finding greater resistance than he had before imagined , and that the Hungarians were ready to skirmish with them without the wals , he begun to proceed more warily , and entrenched his army : and to prouide for the safetie therof , by casting vp of deep trenches & strong rampiers , against the sudden sallies of his enemies : and after , planting his batterie , began most furiously to shake the wals with his great artillerie . By the furie whereof , he ouerthrew a part thereof , and laid it flat with the ground : which the defendants with great industrie and labour speedily repaired , by casting vp of new fortifications and rampiers , in such sort , that it was rather stronger than before . In the meane time Huniades ( not to be named without the addition of a most worthy captaine ) being then Generall for the Hungarians , sent a fleet of ships and gallies , wel appointed with all warlike prouision , downe the riuer of Danubius from BVDA : which encountring with the Turkes fleet , tooke twentie saile of them , and so discomfited the rest , that they were glad to run themselues on ground neere vnto the kings campe . All which were by Mahomets commandement presently set on fire , because they should not come into the power of the Hungarians . By this meanes the Christians became masters of both the riuers of Danubius and Sauus ; and so at their pleasure , by water conuaied into the citie all things needfull for the defence thereof . Huniades also himselfe , with fiue thousand valiant souldiours , and Io. Capistranus a Minorite frier ( by whose persuasion fortie thousand voluntarie Christians out of GERMANIE , BOHEMIA , and HVNGARIE were come to that warre ) entred into the citie that way with their souldiours and followers . Mahomet resolutely set down for the winning of the citie , had with continuall batterie made the same at length saultable ; and so determined the next day to giue a generall assault , appointing which part of the wall euerie Colonell with his regiment should assaile . But as they were with great diligence and greater stirre , preparing all things needfull for the next daies seruice : it fortuned , that Carazies Bassa , Mahomet his lieutenant generall in EVROPE , and his best man of warre , was by chance slaine with a great shot out of the towne . With whose death , Mahomet was exceedingly troubled , as with an ominous token of the euill which afterwards ensued vnto him and his whole army . For all that , prosecuting his former determination , the next day early in the morning he commanded the assault to be giuen : and with the dreadful sound of trumpets , drums , cornets , and other instruments of warre , brought on his Ianizaries to the breach ; who as couragious souldiours fiercely assailed the same , and without any great resistance , entred both there and in diuers other places of the citie ; reckoning the same , to be now their owne . For Huniades hauing before stored euerie corner of the citie with his most valiant and expert souldiour● , had taken order that the defendants , vpon the first charge of the Ianizaries , should forsake their stations , and as men discouraged , retire towards the citie : of purpose to draw the fierce enemies faster on , to their farther destruction ; and vpon a signe giuen to set vpon them on fresh , and to repaire vnto their former places of defence . Which was accordingly done : so that as soone as the Ianizaries , with other of the Turkes most forward souldiors , were in great numbers entered , vpon the retiring of the defendants , and the signe before appointed in the citie giuen , the defendants , as men suddenly changed , turning againe , fiercely charged the Turkes which were entred contrarie to their expectation : and the valiant Huniades , at the same time issuing out on euerie side with his most resolute souldiors , so oppressed the Turkes , that few of them that were entred escaped with life , but were there in the cittie either slaine or taken prisoners ; and the rest with exceeding slaughter beaten from the wals . Presently after , Huniades in this confusion of the Turks , strengthned with the souldiors which came with Capistranus the frier , made a sallie out of the towne , and set vpon the Turks appointed for the defence of the great ordinance ; which was with such resolution performed , that the Turks were glad with great slaughter to forsake their charge , and to leaue the ordinance to their enemies . The Turkish tyrant sore troubled and throughly chafed with the losse of his great ordinance , couragiously charged the Hungarians afresh , to haue recouered the same againe : but was so valiantly repulsed by Huniades , and so beaten with the murthering shot out of the citie , that he was glad when he had got him out of the danger thereof into his trenches . Huniades also retiring , turned the ordinance he had lately woon , vpon the Turks campe , and with the same did them no small harme . In this hurle , a great part of the Christian army ( which then lay on the other side of Danubius ) was speedily transported ouer the riuer ; and making no stay in the citie , joyned themselues with Huniades , then lying without the wals of the citie . Who notably strengthned with this new supply , assailed the Turkes trenches , as if he would euen presently haue entered their campe : at which his presumption , the proud tyrant ( neuer before so braued ) disdaining , went out of his trenches , and valiantly encountring him , beat him backe againe to the great ordinance ; from whence he was againe by the Christians driuen to his trenches . Which manner of doubtfull and dreadfull fight , was on both sides notably maintained , vntill the day was almost spent : victorie with indifferent wings , houering now ouer the one side , now ouer the other . In these hote skirmishes and conflicts , Chasanes captaine of the Ianizaries , with many other valiant men were slaine . And Mahomet himselfe performing the part as well of a couragious souldiour as of a worthy chieftaine , was sore wounded vnder his left pappe ; so that he was taken vp for dead and so carried into his pauilion , to the great discomfiture of his whole army . But comming againe vnto himselfe , and considering that he had in that siege lost his whole fleet , his great ordinance , with most part of his best souldiors , and yet in no possibilitie of the towne : secretly in the night arose with his army , and with great silence shamefully departed ; still looking behind him when the Hungarians should haue pursued him into SERVIA , or haue troubled him vpon his way towards CONSTANTINOPLE . At this siege ( beside many of his best captaines and chiefe commanders ) were slaine fortie thousand of his best souldiours . The losse that he there sustained was so great , and so stucke in his mind , that euer after during his life , when he had occasion to speake of that siege , he would shake his head and sigh deeply , and many times wish , That he had neuer seene that citie , whereat both he and his father had receiued so great dishonour . Many were of opinion , that if Huniades had there had his horsmen on that side of Danubius to haue presently pursued the fearfull enemy , that the whole army of the Turkes might haue there been ouerthrown . This notable victorie was obtained against the Turke the sixt of August in the yeare of our Lord 1456. Shortly after , this most valiant and renowmed captaine Huniades , worthy of immortall praise , died of hurt taken in these warres ; or as some others write , of the plague , which was then rife in HVNGARIE : who when he felt himselfe in danger of death , desired to receiue the sacrament before his departure , and would in any case ( sicke as he was ) be carried to the Church to receiue the same ; saying , That it was not fit , that the Lord should come to the house of his seruant ; but the seruant rather to go to the house of his Lord and master . He was the first Christian captaine that shewed the Turkes were to be ouercome ; and obtained more great victories against them than any one of the Christian princes before him . He was vnto that barbarous people a great terror , and with the spoile of them beautified his countrey : and now dying , was by the Hungarians honourably buried at AL●A IVLIA , in S. Stephens church : his death being greatly lamented of all good men of that age . Mahomet the Turkish emperour , no lesse desirous to extend his empire with the glorie of his name , by sea than by land ; shortly after the taking of CONSTANTINOPLE put a great fleet to sea , wherewith he surprised diuers Islands in the AEGEVM , and hardly besieged the cittie of the RHODES . At which time , Calixtus the third , then bishop of ROME , aided by the Genowaies ( for the grudge they bare against the Turkes for the taking of PERA ) put to sea a fleet of sixteene tall ships and gallies well appointed , vnder the conduct of Lodouicus , patriarch of AQVILIA ; who with that fleet scoured the seas , and recouered againe from the Turkes the Island of LEMNOS , with diuers other small Islands thereabout : and encountering with the Turkes fleet neere vnto the Island of the RHODES , at a place called the Burrow of S. Paule , discomfited them , sunke and tooke diuers of their gallies , and forced them to forsake the RHODES . After which victorie at sea , hee for the space of three yeares , with his gallies , at his pleasure spoiled the frontiers of the Turks dominions all alongst the sea coast of the lesser ASIA , and wonderfully terrified the effeminate people of those countries : and so at length returned home , carrying away with him many prisoners and much rich spoile . After that Mahomet was thus shamefully driuen from the siege of BELGRADE , and his fleet at sea discomfited ( as is before declared ) hee began with great diligence to make new preparation against the next Spring to subdue the Isles of the AEGEVM , especially those which lay neare vnto PELOPONESVS . But whilest he was busie in these cogitations , in the meane time embassadours from Vsun-Cassanes the great Persian king , arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE , with diuerse rich presents sent to him from the said king . Where among other things , they presented vnto him a paire of playing tables , wherein the men and dice were of great and rich precious stones of inestimable worth , and the workmanship nothing inferiour to the matter : which the embassadours for ostentation said , That Vsun-Cassanes found in the treasures of the Persian king , whom he had but a little before slaine and bereft of his kingdome , and had there beene left long before by the mightie conquerour Tamerlane . Together with these presents , they deliuered their embassage , the effect whereof was , That those two mightie princes might joyne and liue together in amitie : and that whereas Dauid the emperor of TRAPEZONDE , had promised to pay vnto Mahomet a yearely tribute , enforced thereunto by George his lieutenant in ASIA ; he should not now looke for any such thing : for as much as that empire after the death of the emperour then liuing , should of right belong vnto Vsun-Cassanes , in right of his wife , who was the daughter of Calo-Ioannes , the elder brother of Dauid the emperour , then liuing : And further requiring him , from that time not to trouble or molest the said emperour his friend and neere alliance , so should hee find him his faithfull and kind confederat : otherwise it was ( as they said ) in his choice to draw vpon himselfe the heauie displeasure of a most mightie enemie . Mahomet before enuying at the rising of the Persian king , and now disdaining such peremptorie requests , little differing from proud commaunds ; in great choller dismissed the embassadours with this short answere : That he would ere long be in ASIA himselfe in person , to teach Vsan-Cassanes what to request of a greater than himselfe . This vnkindnesse was the beginning and ground of the mortall wars which afterwards ensued between these two , then the greatest princes of the East , as shall be hereafter more at large declared . The embassadours being departed , and Mahomets fleet of an hundred and fiftie saile readie to put to sea , hee altered his former determination for the Islands of the AEGEVM ( which after the losse of CONSTANTINOPLE had for the most part put themselues vnder the protection of the Venetians ) and commanded his admirall with that fleet to take his course through the straits of Bosphorus into the great Euxine sea ( now called the blacke sea ) and so sailing alongst the coast to come to anker before SINOPE , the cheefe citie of PAPHLAGONIA , and there to expect his comming thither with his armie by land . This great citie of SINOPE standeth pleasantly vpon a point of the maine which runneth a great way into the Euxine , sometime the metropoliticall citie of that prouince : but as then , with CASTAMONA and all the countrey thereabout , was vnder the gouernement of Ismael , a Mahometane prince : vpon whom Mahomet had now bent his forces , for no other cause than that he was in league with Vsun-Cassan , the Persian king . Now with great expedition had Mahomet leuied a strong armie , and passing therwith ouer into ASIA , was come before he was looked for , to SINOPE . Ismael seeing himselfe so suddainely beset both by sea and land in his strongest citie , although he wanted nothing needfull for his defence , hauing in the citie foure hundred peeces of great artillerie , and ten thousand souldiours : yet doubting to be able with that strength to endure the siege , offered to yeeld vp the citie to Mahomet , with all the rest of his dominion , vpon condition , That he should freely giue him in lieu thereof the citie of PHILIPPOPOLIS in THRACIA , with the countrey therevnto adjoyning . Of which his offer Mahomet accepted : and so taking possession of SINOPE , with the strong citie of CASTAMONA , and all the rest of the princes territorie , sent him away with all his things to PHILIPPOPOLIS , as he had promised . This Ismael was the last of the honourable house of the Isfendiars , who had long time raigned at HERACLEA and CASTAMONA in PONTVS . From SINOPE he marched on forward with his armie to TRAPEZOND . This famous citie standeth also vpon the side of the Euxine or Blacke sea in the country of PONTVS , where the emperors of CONSTANTINOPLE had alwayes their deputies , whilest that empire flourished and commaunded the East part of the world , as farre as PARTHIA : but after it began againe to decline ( as all worldly things haue but their time ) one Isaack ( whose father , emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE , the Constantinopolitanes had for his euill gouernment slaine ) flying to TRAPEZOND , tooke vpon him the gouernment of that citie , with the countries of PONTVS and CAPADOCIA , and many other great prouinces , and was at first called the king of TRAPEZOND : but after hee was well established in that gouernment , both he and his successours tooke vpon them the name and title of emperours ; which they maintained equally , if not better , than the late Constantinopolitane emperours , and therefore are of most accounted for emperours . Hee that then raigned , was called Dauid Comnenus : which most honourable familie of the Comneni had long time before raigned in CONSTANTINOPLE ; and out of the same were many other great princes descended , which ruled in diuers places of MACEDONIA , EPIRVS , and GRaeCIA . Mahomet comming to TRAPEZOND , laied hard siege vnto the same by the space of thirtie dayes both by sea and land , & burn● the suburbs thereof , as he had before at SINOPE . The fearefull emperour dismayed with the presence of so mightie an enemie , and the sight of so puissant an armie , offered to yeeld vnto him the citie with his whole empire , vpon condition , That hee should take his daughter to wife , and deliuer vnto him some other prouince , which might yeeld him such yearely profit as might suffice for the honourable maintenance of his state . Mahomet perceiuing the weakenesse of his enemie by his large offers , refused to accept therof , and attempted by force to haue taken the citie : which not sorting to his desire , the matter was againe brought to parle : where after long debating too and fro , it was at last agreed vpon , That the emperour vpon the faith of the Turkish king for his safe returne , should in person meet him without the cittie , if happily so some good attonement might be made betwixt them . Whereupon the emperour following the Turkes faith before solemnly giuen for his safe returne , as was before agreed , went out of the citie to meet him , in hope to haue made some good agreement with him : but as soone as hee was come out , Mahomet according to the damnable & hellish doctrine of his false prophet ( That faith is not to be kept with Christians ) presently caused the emperour to be cast into bonds , and so to be detained as prisoner . Which when it was bruted in the citie , the citizens vtterly discouraged , without farther resistance yeelded themselues with the citie into his power . Mahomet now lord of TRAPEZOND , entring the citie , tooke prisoners the emperors daughter , with all the rest of his children and kindred , and all such of the nobilitie as hee found in the citie : whom he caused forthwith , together with the emperor , to be sent by sea as it were in triumph to CONSTANTINOPLE . Of the rest of the cittizens he chose out so many as hee pleased for his owne seruice , and appointed eight hundred of the Christian children , in whom appeared most towardlinesse , to be brought vp for Ianizaries , many also of the other citizens were sent into captiuitie to CONSTANTINOPLE : the beautifull women and virgines hee deuided amongst his friends and men of warre , certaine chosen paragons of whom , hee sent as presents to his sonnes . After he had thus taken his pleasure in the citie , and left none there but the basest of the people , he put a strong garrison of his Ianizaries into the castle , and a great garrison of common souldiors into the citie , appointing his admirall to gouerne the same . The rest of the emperours strong townes , discouraged with the taking of TRAPEZOND , and the miseries thereof , in short time submitted themselues vnto the Turkish thraldome , wherein they haue euer since most miserably liued . So Mahomet in the space of few moneths hauing reduced that empire into the forme of a prouince , returned in great triumph to CONSTANTINOPLE ; when hee had in this expedition subdued PAPHLAGONIA , PONTVS , and a great part of CAPADOCIA , with some other prouinces neere vnto the Euxine sea . When he was come to CONSTANTINOPLE , he sent the emperour with his children prisoners to HADRIANOPLE . But afterwards vnderstanding that the Persian queene , the wife of Vsun-Cassan , sought meanes to get some one of her vnckles children , whom by the power of her husband she might if it were possible aduance vnto her fathers empire , he sent for Dauid the wofull emperour to CONSTANTINOPLE , and there cruelly caused him , withall his sonnes and kinsmen , to be put to death ; and to the vttermost of his power rooted out all that most honourable familie of the Comneni , excepting George the emperors youngest sonne , who at his first comming to HADRIANOPLE turned Turke : whose sister ( the emperours daughter ) Mahomet afterwards tooke to be one of his concubines . This Christian empire was by the Turkish tyrant Mahomet thus miserably subuerted & brought to nought in the yeare of our Lord 1461. The yeare following , which was the yeare 1462 , Mahomet hauing intelligence , that Wladus Dracula prince of VALACHIA , his tributarie , was resolued to cast from him his obedience , and to joyne himselfe vnto the Hungarians , his mortall enemies ; thought it best to proue if he could by policie circumuent him , before he were altogether fallen from him . For which purpose hee sent Catabolinus his principall secretarie vnto him to bring him to the court , promising him greater fauours and promotions from the emperour , than he had as yet at any time enjoyed . And by the same trustie messenger , he commaunded Chamuzes Bassa , gouernour of BIDINA and the countrey lying ouer against VALACHIA , on the other side of Danubius , to doe his vttermost deuoire for the entrapping of Wladus : promising him great rewards if he could bring the matter to effect . Wherupon Chamuzes deuised with the secretarie , that when he had done his messake to the prince and with all his cunning persuaded him to take that journey vpon him , hee should secretly beforehand giue notice vnto him of the certaine day of his returne backe againe from the prince : at which time it was like , that Wladus would in courtesie of himselfe bring the secretarie well on his way , being a man of so great account in the Court , or at leastwise not refuse so to doe , being thereto requested by the secretarie : at which time the Bassa secretly passing ouer Danubius with certaine troupes of horsemen , and lying close in ambush vpon the way , should suddenly set vpon the prince , and so either take him , or els kill him . The plot thus laied , and euerie circumstance agreed vpon , the secretarie held on his way ; and comming to the prince , forced his wit to persuade him to go to the court : sometime cunningly extolling the great opinion that Mahomet had of his fidelitie and valour ; and otherwhiles feeding him with the hope of greater honours and princely preferments he was to receiue at the emperours hands . But when hee had said what he could , he obtained no more of the warie prince , but good words againe , and that he would in courtesie conduct him on his way vnto the side of Danubius . Wherof the secretarie by speedie messengers gaue Chamuzes intelligence : who secretly passing ouer Danubius with certaine troupes of horsemen , and riding a good way into the country , lay in ambush vpon the way whereby the prince with the secretarie must needs passe . According as was before appointed , the secretarie accompanied with the prince , put himselfe vpon the way , and at the very prefixed time came to the place where Chamuzes lay in ambush with his horsemen : who suddenly arising , and on euerie side assailing the prince , slew diuers of his men before they were well aware of his comming . But Wladus being a man of great courage , and better appointed than the Bassa had supposed ( for he went alwaies attended vpon with a strong guard of valiant and stout men ) so receiued Chamuzes and his Turkes , that hee slew many of them , and at length after a hard conflict tooke him with the rest prisoners : whose hands and feet he caused to be cut off , and their bodies afterwards to be thrust vpon sharpe stakes set fast in the ground , to the terror of all that saw them ▪ and did the Bassa so much honour , as to hang him and the secretarie vpon a gibbet a great deale higher than the other Turkes . And not satisfied with this reuenge , presently gathered his forces , and passing ouer Danubius into the Turks dominions , burnt all the country before him alongst the riuers side , killing man , woman , and child , without mercie : after which great spoile & slaughter made , he returned againe into VALACHIA . The report of these news being brought to Mahomet , set him in such a choller and rage , that he commaunded the great Bassa Mahometes , which first told him thereof , to be cruelly whipt : Which seruile punishment in that tyrannicall gouernment hath vsually beene inflicted euen vpon the greatest Bassaes of the court , vpon the least displeasure of the tyrants , especially if they bee not naturall Turkes borne ; accounting the rest in their anger but as their base and contemptible slaues , as well appeareth by the wofull end of many , euen of the greatest of them . But when he vnderstood by most sure aduertisements , that all was as the Bassa had before reported , or rather worse , it is not to be in words expressed into what a rage he fell : the spoile of his countrey greeued him much , but the shamefull death of the secretarie his embassadour , and of Chamuzes the Bassa , tormented his heart , and filled him with indignation and desire of reuenge . Wherefore with all speed possible he assembled his souldiours and men of warre , out of all parts of his dominions to PHILIPPOPOLIS : and had in short time raised such an army , as the like he had not at any time imploied since the winning of CONSTANTINOPLE . At the same time also , he sent his Admirall with 25 gallies , and 150 saile of other small vessels by the Euxine , to enter the riuer Danubius , and there landing his men , to joyne his forces with the prince of PODOLIA : who for a grudge he bare against Wladus , had promised to aid the Turke against him . When all things were now in readinesse , he marched with his army from PHILIPPOPOLIS , and passing ouer Danubius , entered into VALACHIA ; before which time , the Admirall had landed his men , and with the helpe of the Podolian , had burnt the citie of PRAILABA , the greatest towne of trade in all VALACHIA ; and was besieging CEBIVM , called in antient time LYCOSTOMOS : where after they had lien a while and receiued some losse , they left the siege and departed , the Podolian backe againe into his countrey , and the Admirall to his fleet . Mahomet being got ouer Danubius , burnt the villages , draue away the cattell , and made hauocke of all that came in his way . As for prisoners , he tooke but few ; for the Valachies before his comming , had retired their wiues and children , and all that were vnfit for warres , either into their strong citties , or into the refuge of great and thicke woods ( whereof there is in that countrey plentie ) or else into the high and rough mountaines , where they were in more safetie than in any their strongest holds : and all such as were able to beare armes , followed the prince , who euer kept the woods and mountaines , still following the Turkes army so neere as he possibly could , with safetie ; and many times cut off such as stragled any thing farre abroad from the armie , into the countrey : yet neuer durst shew himselfe in plaine field , being indeed but a handfull , in comparison of the Turkes multitude . Mahomet , to small purpose roaming vp and down the countrey at his pleasure , staied neuer long in one place ; and making no reckoning of such a weake enemy as durst neuer shew himselfe , pitched his tents still in the open plaines , and so lay with his army in great securitie , not entrenched at all . Wladus by his espials vnderstanding of this the manner of Mahomets encamping , came in the dead time of the night , and with all his power furiously assailed that quarter of the Turkes campe where the Asian souldiours lay , and slew many of them in their tents ; the rest terrified with the suddennesse of the alarum , fled out of their tents for refuge vnto the Europeian souldiours : the prince following them at the heeles , and entring into that quarter of the campe also , did there great harme ; and strucke such a generall terrour and feare into all the Turks army , that they were euen vpon the point to haue wholy forsaken their tents and betaken themselues to flight . Yea Mahomet himselfe , dismaied with the terrour of the night and tumult of his campe , and fearing least the Hungarians had joyned their forces with the p●ince ; not knowing which way to turne himselfe , had vndoubtedly fled , had not Mahomet Bassa a man of great experience in martiall affaires , persuaded him otherwise : and by generall proclamation made through the campe , That no man should vpon paine of death , forsake the place wherein he was encamped , slaied the flight ; and with much adoe enforced them to make head against the prince . Wladus perceiuing the Turkes now to begin to stand vpon their guard , and to make resistance : after great slaughter made , returning , tooke the spoile of the tents forsaken by the Asian souldiours , and vpon the approach of the day , againe retired with victorie into the woods . As soone as it was day , Mahomet appointed Haly-Beg with certaine companies of select souldiours , to pursue the Valachies : who ouertaking part of the princes armie , tooke a thousand of them prisoners , and put the rest to flight : all which prisoners were by the tyrants commaund , presently put to the sword . From that time Mahomet euerie night entrenched his army , and caused better watch and warde to bee kept in euerie quarter of his campe , than before . As he marched along the countrey , he came to the place where the Bassa and the secretarie were hanging vpon two high gibbets , and the dismembred Turks empailed vpon stakes about them : with which sight he was grieuously offended . And passing on farther , came to a plaine containing in breadth almost a mile , and in length two miles , set full of gallowes , gibbets , wheels stakes , and other instruments of terrour , death , and torture ; all hanging full of the dead carkases of men , women , and children , thereupon executed , in number ( as was deemed ) about twentie thousand . There was to be seene the father , with his wife , children and whole family , hanging togither vpon one gallowes ; and the bodies of sucking babes , sticking vpon sharpe stakes ; others with all their limbes broken vpon wheeles , with many other strange and horrible kinds of death : so that a man would haue thought , that all the torments the Poets faigne to bee in hell had been there put in execution . All these were such as the notable , but cruell prince , jealous of his estate , had either for just desert , or some probable suspition , put to death ; and with their goods rewarded his souldiours : whose cruell manner was , togither with the offender to execute the whole family , yea sometimes the whole kindred . Mahomet , although he was by nature of a fierce and cruell disposition , wondred to see so strange a spectacle of extreame crueltie : yet said no more but that Wladus knew how to haue his subjects at commaund . After that , Mahomet sent Iosephus , one of his great captaines , to skirmish with the Valachies ; who was by them put to the worse : but by the comming in of Omares the sonne of Turechan , they were againe in a great skirmish ouerthrowne , and two thousand of their heads brought by the Turkes vpon their launces into the kings campe : for which good seruice Omares was by the king preferred to be gouernour of THESSALIA . When Mahomet had thus traced VALACHIA , and hauing done what harme he could , saw it to be to no purpose , with such a multitude of men to hunt after his flying enemy , which still kept the thicke woods or rough mountaines : he returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE , leauing behind him Haly-beg with part of his army , to prosecute that warre ; and with him Dracula the younger brother of Wladus , who was also called Wladus , as a stale to draw the Valachies into rebellion against the prince . This Dracula the younger , was of a little youth brought vp in Mahomets court , and for his comely feature of him most passionatly affected : which inordinat perturbation , so preuailed in the intemperat nature of the lasciuious prince , that he sought first by faire words and great gifts to corrupt the youth ; and not so preuailing , attempted at last to haue forced him : wherewith the noble youth being enraged , drew his rapier , and striking at him to haue slaine him , grieuously wounded him in the thigh : and thereupon fled . Neuerthelesse being drawne backe againe to the court , and pardoned , he was afterwards reconciled to the king , and so became his Ganimede ; and was of him long time wonderfully both beloued and honoured , and now set vp for a stale ( as is before said ) for the Valachies his countreymen to gase vpon . It fortuned ▪ that after the departure of the king , diuers Valachies came to Haly-Beg the Turkish Generall , to raunsome such friends of theirs as had been taken prisoners in those warres , and were yet by him detained : to whom the younger Dracula by way of discourse declaring the great power of the Turkish emperour , and as it were lamenting the manifold and endlesse miseries of his natiue countrey ; cunningly imputed the same vnto the disordered gouernment of his cruell brother , as the ground of all their woes : assuring them of most happy and speedy redresse , if the Valachies , forsaking his fierce brother , would cleaue vnto him as their soueraigne , in speciall fauour with the great emperour . Which speech , he deliuered vnto them with such liuely reasons , and in such effectuall tearmes , that they their present , persuaded by him ; and others by them ; in short time all , as if it had been by a secret consent , forsooke Wladus the elder brother , and chose Dracula the younger brother to be their prince and soueraigne . Who joyning vnto him the Turkes forces , by the consent of Mahomet tooke vpon him the gouernment of that warlike countrey and people ; yet holding the same as the Turkish tyrants vassaile , the readiest way to infidelitie . Wladus seeing himselfe thus forsaken of all his subjects , and his younger brother possessed of his dominion , fled into TRANSYLVANIA , where he was by the appointment of the Hungarian king apprehended and laied fast in strait prison at BELGRADE , for that he had without just cause ( as it was laid to his charge ) most cruelly executed diuers Hungarians in VALACHIA : yet such was his fortune , after ten yeares hard imprisonment , to be againe enlarged , and honourably to die in battaile against his auntient enemies the Turks . Mahomet returning out of VALACHIA to CONSTANTINOPLE , sent the same fleete which hee had vsed in his late warres , into the AEGEVM , to take in such islands as being before vnder the Constantinopolitane empire , had vpon the losse of the citie put themselues vnder the protection of the Venetians ; but especially the isle of MITYLENE , called in auntient time LES●OS : pretending that Nicholaus Catelusius prince therof , did harbour the pyrats of ITALY , and other places ; and also bought of them such prisoners , and other bootie , as they continually tooke from the Turkes at sea , or alongst the sea coast , out of many places of his dominions : pretending also the chastising of the said prince , for that he had by treacherie slaine his eldest brother , and so vnjustly taken vpon him the gouernment . His fleet thus set forward , he himselfe with a small army passed ouer into ASIA , and came by land to POSSIDIVM a citie of IONIA ouer against MITYLENE . From whence he embarked himselfe ouer the narrow straite into the island : where after he had once landed his army , he in short time ouerran the whole island , and miserably spoiled the same , leading away all the inhabitants thereof into captiuitie ; who shortly after were sold at CONSTANTINOPLE like flocks of sheepe , and from thence dispersed into all par●s of his dominions . After he had thus harried the countrey , and left nothing therein vnspoiled ; he besieged the Prince in the citie of MITYLENE , whereof the island now taketh name : and with his great ordinance continually battered the same by the space of 27 daies . In which time many sharpe assaults were also giuen by the Turkes , whereby the defendants were greatly diminished and wasted . The prince perceiuing himselfe not able long to hold out , offered to yeeld vp the citie , with all the strong holds in the isle , vpon condition , that Mahomet should therefore giue vnto him some other prouince , of like valew to the island : which his offer Mahomet accepted , and by solemne oath bound himselfe for performance of that he had promised . Whereupon the prince came out of the citie , and humbled himselfe before him , excusing himselfe for the receiuing of the men of warre ( wherewith he was charged ) as done for no other purpose , but that they should forbeare to spoile his owne countrey , much subject to their furie : vtterly denying that he had at any time bought , or shared , any part of such prizes as had by those pirats by sea or land been taken from the Turkes . With which his excuse , Mahomet seemed to be reasonably well contented , and with good words cheered him vp : neuerthelesse , as soone as the citie , with all the other strong holds in the isle , were by the princes meanes deliuered into his hands , hee no longer made reckoning of his Turkish faith , but cruelly caused many of the chiefe citizens of MITYLENE to be put to death ; and three hundreth pirats , whom he found in the citie , to be cut in two peeces in the middle , so to die with more paine . And when he had placed conuenient garrisons in euerie strong hold in the isle , he returned to CONSTANTINOPLE , carrying away with him the prince , and all the better sort of the inhabitants of MITYLENE , that were left aliue , togither with all the wealth of that most rich and pleasant island ; leauing it almost desolat , none remaining therein more than his owne garrisons , with a few of the poorest and basest people . Mahomet after he was arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE , cast the prince Nicholaus , with Lucius his cosin ( whose helpe he had before vsed in killing of his elder brother ) into close prison : where they seeing themselues euerie houre in danger of their liues , to winne fauour in the tyrants sight , wickedly offered to renounce the Christian religion , and to turne Turke . Which Mahomet vnderstanding , caused them both to be richly apparelled , and with great triumph to be circumcised , and presently set at libertie : yet still bearing in minde his olde grudge , he shortly after , when they least feared any such matter , clapt them both fast againe in prison , and there caused them to be most cruelly put to death . A just reward for the bloodie murtherers , and apostacie , who to gaine a little longer life , were content to forsake God. Shortly after it fortuned , that Stephen king of BOSNA ( in antient time called MaeSIA SVPERIOR ) who supported by the Turkish emperour , had wrongfully obtained that kingdom against his owne brethren , refused now to pay such yearely tribute as hee had before promised : for which cause Mahomet with a strong armie entered into BOSNA , and laied siege vnto the cittie of DOROBIZA : which when he had with much adoe taken , he deuided the people therof into three parts ; one part whereof he gaue as slaues vnto his men of warre ; another part he sent vnto CONSTANTINOPLE ; and the third he left to inhabit the citie . From DOROBIZA he marched to IAZIGA , now called IAICA , the cheefe citie of that kingdome , which after four months siege was deliuered vnto him by composition : In this citie hee tooke the kings brother and sister prisoners , with most of the nobilitie of that kingdome , whom he sent as it were in triumph vnto CONSTANTINOPLE . The other lesser cities of BOSNA following the example of the greater , yeelded themselues also . But Mahomet vnderstanding that the king of BOSNA had retired himselfe into the farthest part of his kingdome , sent Mahometes his cheefe Bassa with his Europeian souldiors to pursue him : wherein the Bassa vsed such diligence , that he had on euery side so inclosed him before he was aware , that hee could by no meanes escape , which was before thought a thing impossible . So the king for safegard of his life was faine to take the citie of CLYSSA for his refuge : where he was so hardly laied to by the Bassa , that seeing no other remedie , hee offered to yeeld himselfe vpon the Bassaes faithfull promise by oath confirmed , that he should be honourably vsed , and not to receiue in his person any harme from the Turkish emperour . Wherupon the Bassaes oath to the same purpose was with great solemnitie taken ; and for the more assurance conceiued in writing , firmed by the Bassa , and so deliuered to the king : which done , the king came out of the citie and yeelded himselfe . The Bassa hauing thus taken the king prisoner , carried him about with him from place to place , and from citie to citie , vntill he had taken possession of all the kingdome of BOSNA ; and so returning vnto his master , presented vnto him the captiue king : who was not a little offended with him , for that hee had vnto him so farre engaged his Turkish faith . But when the poore king thought to haue departed , not greatly fearing further harme , he was suddenly sent for by Mahomet : at which time , he doubting the worst , caried with him in his hand the writing wherein the Bassaes oath for his safetie was comprised : neuerthelesse , the faithlesse tyrant without any regard thereof , or of his faith therein giuen , caused him presently to be most cruelly put to death , or as some write , to be flaine quicke . Thus was the Christian kingdome of BOSNA subuerted by Mahomet in the yeare 1464 : who after he had at his pleasure disposed thereof , and reduced it into the forme of a prouince to be ( as it is at this day ) gouerned by one of his Bassaes ; in great triumph returned to CONSTANTINOPLE , carrying away with him many a wofull Christian captiue , and the whole wealth of that kingdome . Mahomet following the example of his father Amurath , had from the beginning of his raigne by one or other of his great Bassaes or expert captaines still maintained wars against Scanderbeg , the most valiant and fortunat king of EPIRVS : the greatest part whereof , although it did in the course of time concurre with the things before declared , and might by peecemeale haue beene amongst the same in their due time and place inserted ; yet I haue of purpose for diuerse reasons wholly reserued them for this place : First , for that I would not interrupt the course of the historie before rehearsed , with the particular accidents of this warre : And then , for that the greatest heat of this hereditarie warre , deliuered as it were from hand to hand from the father to the son , happened not long after this time ; when as Mahomet hauing conquered the kingdome of BOSNA , had surrounded a great part of Scanderbegs dominion : Wherein I had respect also vnto the Readers ease , who may with greater pleasure and content , and lesse paines also , view the same together , than if it had beene dispersedly scattered and intermedled with the other greater occurrents of the same time . In which discourse I will but breefely touch many things well worthie of a larger treatise . And if forgetting my selfe , I shall in some places happen to stay somthing longer than the Readers hast would require ; yet I hope , that the zeale and loue hee beareth vnto the worthie memorie of most famous Christian princes , together with the shortnesse of the historie , in comparison of that which is thereof written in just volumes by others , shall easily excuse a larger discourse than this . But againe to our purpose . Mahomet in the beginning of his raigne sent embassadours to Scanderbeg , offering him peace , so that he would graunt to pay vnto him such yearely tribute as his father Amurath had in his life time demaunded . Which embassage the craftie tyrant s●nt rather to proue what confidence Scanderbeg had in himselfe , than for any hope he had to haue his demaund graunted . This dishonourable offered peace Scanderbeg scornefully rejected , and so returned the embassadours as they came : and presently vpon their departure entered with his horsemen into that part of the Turks dominion which bordereth vpon EPIRVS : & when he had wasted the countrey , returned home laded with the spoile thereof . In reuenge of which despight , Mahomet shortly after sent Amesa one of his best men of warre , with twelue thousand horsemen into EPIRVS , to requite Scanderbeg with the like spoile of his people and countrey . But Scanderbeg vnderstanding by his espials of the Turks comming , lay close in ambush with six thousand souldiours vpon the great mountaine MODRISSA , ouer which the Turks must of necessitie take their way : and as they were about by night to haue passed ouer that rough and steepe mountaine , and were with much difficultie almost got vp to the top thereof , they were suddenly charged by Scanderbeg his footmen , who hauing the aduantage of the place , made great slaughter of the Turks , & draue them downe the mountaine amaine ; at which time their horses stood them in no stead at all , but were rather vnto them an hinderance in that vneuen and troublesome ground . Now when the Turks were come to the foot of the mountaine , they were in that great feare and disorder againe fiercely assailed on the one side by Scanderbeg , and on the other by his nephew , called also Amesa ; who before the Turkes comming had placed themselues with their horsemen in places of most aduantage : so that the Turkes hardly beset and forced on euery side , were in short time ouerthrowne and put to flight . In this conflict seuen thousand of the Turkes were slaine , and Amesa Generall of the Turks armie with diuers other captains taken , whom Scanderbeg sent prisoners to CROIA . For joy of this victorie at Scanderbeg his returne , great triumph & feasting was made at CROIA : During which time , Scanderbeg caused Amesa the Turke , with the rest of the Turkish captain● , to be enlarged , to be partakers of that joy , whereof they against their wils had giuen the occasion ; and afterwards vsed them with all kind of courtesie during the time of their abode . This Amesa requested of Scanderbeg , That he might send a messenger to CONSTANTINOPLE , to certifie Mahomet how the case stood with him and the rest , whom happily he might thinke to haue beene slaine in the battaile ; and to procure from him their ransome . Which his request Scanderbeg easily graunted , and set downe their ransome at thirteene thousand duckats . The newes of this ouerthrow sore greeued the Turkish tyrant , but afterwards when he saw the remainder of his armie without their generall and leaders , hauing for most part lost their ensignes and armor , and also the messenger that was sent from Amesa , he fell into such a rage , that hee denied to giue any thing at all for his ransome : imputing all that losse to his trecherie , follie , or cowardise . Howbeit he was afterwards persuaded by his Bassaes and other great courtiers , Amesa his friends , to thinke better of the Generall , of whose faithfulnesse and valour he had of long time had great experience , and also to send his ransome : by denying whereof , hee should ( as they said ) discourage his other generals and captaines , who by chaunce of warre might hap to fall into the like danger . By whose persuasion Mahomet sent an embassadour to Scanderbeg , with the ransome demaunded , and other great presents also . Vpon receit whereof , Amesa with the other captaines were set at libertie , and sent with safe conuoy out of EPIRVS . All the money sent for the Turkes ransome , Scanderbeg deuided amongst his captaines and souldiors . This late receiued ouerthrow filled the proud tyrant with desire of reuenge , so that hee determined foorthwith to send another armie into EPIRVS : the leading whereof , diuers of his great and most expert captains ambitiously sought for . For Mahomet had promised great rewards and most honourable preferments to him whose hap it should bee to vanquish Scanderbeg . Amongst the rest , one Debreas ( a man for his forwardnesse and courage , in great fauour with his soueraign ) by great sute obtained to haue that charge : promising with exceeding confidencie vnto Mahomet , to make a beginning of better successe in his warres of EPIRVS , than others thither by him before sent : for the accomplishment whereof hee required to haue no greater power than was sent the yeare before . But after that Amesa was returned to the court , and had with long discourse set forth the vertues and valour of Scanderbeg , with the inuincible courage of his souldiors , Debreas became more temperate in his speech , and was contented to receiue a new supplie ; so that he had vnder his charge foureteene thousand souldiors : with which armie hee marched towards EPIRVS , and was come to a place called POLOGVS , where he lay with his armie encamped in a plaine in great securitie , fearing no danger , for that he was not as yet in the enemies countrey , neither as he supposed , neere the enemie . Of all this preparation , and of the comming of Debreas , Scanderbeg had intelligence : and being resolued not to expect the comming of the Turkes into EPIRVS , made choise of six thousand of his best horsemen ; with whom he marched with as much speed as was possible into the enemies countrey , and came by night vnto the plaine where the Turkes lay , hoping to haue been vpon them before they were aware , and so to haue ouerthrowne them . Wherin he was much deceiued : for by the light of the moone ( which then shined all night ) he was by the Turkes in time descried , yet the suddennesse of his approach with the strangenesse of the attempt , exceedingly dismaied the whole army of the Turkes . But Debreas mindfull of the promise he had made vnto his lord and master , with cheerfull words encouraged his souldiours , and presently sent out certaine troups of light horsemen , to receiue the first charge of the enemy , vntill he might set his whole army in order of battaile . Betwixt these troupes , and others sent out by Scanderbeg , began a sharpe skirmish ; both the armies standing fast , as beholders , carefully expecting the euent thereof . But Scanderbeg doubting , that if his soldiours should in this first encounter be put to the worse , it might tend to the great discouraging of the rest of his army ; seconded his men with other fresh troups vnder the leading of Moses and Amesa : by whose comming in , the Turks were forthwith beaten backe , and chased euen to their maine battaile . In the heat of which chase , Moses forgetting himselfe , had with great danger in following on too fast , been enclosed by the Turkes , had not his furie beene in good time staied by Amesa : for which ouersight , he was afterward blamed by Scanderbeg , that he could not with greater moderation vse his good fortune ; commending such forwardnesse in a priuat souldior , but not in so great a commaunder . When Moses and Amesa had thus put the Turkes to flight , Scanderbeg brought on his whole armie , and fiercely assailed the Turkes , yet troubled with the discomfiture of their fellows . Debreas on the other side , with cheerefull speech , and his owne valour , so encouraged his souldiors , that Scanderbeg was there notably resisted , and his fortune as it were at a stand : vntill that Musachius , with certaine troupes of resolute men , drawne out of the left wing of Scanderbeg his armie , gaue such a fierce charge vpon the side of the Turkes armie , that he brake their rankes , and sore disordered that part of the armie . Which when Debreas perceiued , he withdrew himselfe out of the front of the battaile wherein hee had valiantly stood against Scanderbeg , and came to the place where Musachius had disordered the battaile , and with such courage cheared vp his troubled souldiours , that his onely presence and valour seemed to bee the very life and heart of his whole armie . Whilest Debreas was thus busied against Musachius , Scanderbeg in the meane time with might and maine still charged the front of the enemies armie : who now in the absence of the Generall began to loose their order and to giue ground , making no such resistance as before . At which time , Moses forcibly breaking into the thickest of them , tooke one of their ensignes , which hee threw backe amongst his followers : wherewith they encouraged , so pressed vpon their enemies , without regard of danger , that the Turks being therewith discouraged , and their battaile disordered , were almost readie to turne their backs and to flie . Debreas seeing all in danger to be lost , hasted with all speed vnto the place where he saw most perill , and did what was possible to haue restored the battaile , and encouraged his souldiors : where pressing in amongst the formost , hee was by Scanderbeg himselfe encountered hand to hand , and so by him slaine : with whose fall the whole armie discouraged , without further resistance fled . Moses pursuing them on the one side , & Musachius on the other , with furious hand slew more in that chase than were slaine in the battaile . Of the Turkes were slaine in this battaile 4120 , and some prisoners taken , but of the Christians few or none : so that for the good fortune thereof , Scanderbeg accounted it a victorie giuen . All the spoile taken from the enemie , together with the prisoners , was by Scanderbeg equally deuided amongst the souldiors . Vnto Moses he gaue Debreas his horse and armour : and vnto Musachius a prisoner , which by his port and behauior seemed to be a man of some good account . This Turke agreed with Musachius vpon a ransome of two hundred duckats , and presently vpon agreement made , drew forth the money out of a little bag which he had kept secretly about him , and offered it to Musachius for his ransome : Who receiuing the money , told the Turke , that he must prouide another ransome , for as much as that money was his owne before by law of armes , as taken with his person . The Turke on the other side alledged for himselfe , the agreement alreadie made , with the payment of the full summe agreed vpon . This controuersie was brought before Scanderbeg : who with great pleasure heard them both what they could say : Musachius laying in hard for another ransome , and the Turke for his libertie vrging the agreement . Who when they had both said what they could for themselues , Scanderbeg smiling , told them , that they both contended for that which was in right his and neither of theirs : for the prisoner with the money were both mine ( said he ) at the first taking of him ; since which time I haue giuen to you Musachius the prisoner , which I knew , but not the money which I knew not of : neither doth the concealing thereof make it yours ( said he to the Turke ) who had by law of armes lost your selfe , together with all that you had about you . After he had thus pleasantly discoursed of the matter , and brought them both in doubt , he awarded vnto Musachius the money he agreed for , and to the Turke his desired libertie : who glad thereof , and hauing also receiued his horse and armour of the gift of Scanderbeg , departed , speaking all the honour he could of so noble a conquerour . After this victorie Scanderbeg with great triumph returned againe to CROIA . When Mahomet vnderstood that Debreas was slaine , and his armie ouerthrowne , hee became exceeding melancholie : but after he saw so many of his souldiors returned as had ben sufficient to haue restored a lost battaile , he was so highly displeased with their cowardise , as that he could not endure the sight of them . The death of Debreas greeued none more than the king himselfe : for the captaines generally either enuied at his hardinesse , or else hated his insolencie . Amesa amongst the rest tooke no small pleasure , that his proud successour had taken part of his euill fortune , and so in part eased his former infamie . The great Bassaes and men of warre seeing their soueraigne so desirous of reuenge , offered to spend their liues in that seruice : whose forwardnesse he seemed not to refuse : howbeit he had in his mind alreadie plotted another manner of reuenge . He was not ignorant , what great matters his father Amurath had brought to passe , by sowing discord amongst the princes of GRaeCIA : which fowle practise he purposed now to put in practise himselfe . There was at that time many famous chieftains in EPIRVS , of Scanderbeg both beloued and trusted ; amongst whom , he was in hope to find some one who for desire of wealth or promotion , might be allured to giue some desperat attempt against the life or state of Scanderbeg . Of all others , Moses Golemus of DIBRA ( a man honourably descended ) was most inward with Scanderbeg , and for his prowesse and experience in martiall affaires , of all men accounted the best captaine in all EPIRVS , next vnto Scanderbeg himselfe : him , the craftie tyrant most desired to alienat from Scanderbeg , as one fittest to serue his purpose , and easiest without suspition to be delt withall ; because he commonly lay with a strong garrison in DIBRA , vpon the verie frontiers of EPIRVS . Wherfore he directed his letters vnto the gouernor of SFETIGRADE , commanding him by all meanes he could possibly deuise to withdraw Moses from Scanderbeg ; and not to spare for any gold or golden promises whereby to allure him : promising also vnto the gouernour himselfe great preferments , if hee could winne him . Vpon receit of which letters , the gouernor began forthwith carefully to deuise , how he might best attempt the matter he had in charge : where after many deuises , he at last thought vpon a shrewd-headed fellow , one of the Christians which dwelt in SFETIGRADE ; whom for that he was a Christian , he might without suspect vse as an instrument in so dangerous and important an action . This Christian the gouernour called vnto him , and after he had with great gifts and large promises woon him to vndertake the matter ; he sent him away , fully before armed with plenteous instructions , full of treason and deceit . When this subtill messenger was come vnto Moses , and vnder pretence of great and secret matters of importance , had obtained to speake with him in priuat : he after some discourse had of matters well worth the hearing , began at length vnder the couert of faire glozing words , to vtter his poison : Shewing vnto him ( as a messenger from the gouernor ) the great and good opinion the Turkish emperour had of long time conceiued of his valour and prowesse : for which cause his heroicall nature could not but honour him , although he were his enemy ; and therewith also maruell , that he being a man of that worth , could be contented to be commaunded by Scanderbeg , whose state was by him chiefly vpholden : whereas if he would doe wisely , and changing his affection , follow Mahomet , an emperour of greatest magnificence and power , he should quickly in his court find such honourable entertainment , as were to be preferred before the state of Scanderbeg : or if the soueraigntie of EPIRVS his natiue countrey did better please him , he might easily be thereunto aduanced , by joyning his owne endeuour vnto Mahomets great power . It pleased Moses well to heare his owne praises ( a thing incident vnto hautie minds ) and he liked well that he was so fauoured of the Turkish emperour : but the hope of the kingdome of EPIRVS began to worke in him new conceits , and moued him more than all the rest . Such is the force of ambitious thoughts , that they make a man forget all things , saue themselues : so glorious a thing it is , to stand in the highest place . For all that , Moses neither in word or countenance made any semblant of liking , or disliking the message . Which the wily messenger taking for a secret consent , and hartely glad that he had been so well heard : not desiring as then any further answere , craued leaue to depart ; promising in short time to returne to him againe . After the departure of this messenger , many troubled thoughts began to arise in the mind of Moses : his mirth was changed into melancholy , and the cheerfulnesse of his countenance was abated , his hautie thoughts were his solitarie companions , and the imagined kingdome the idoll he in secret worshipped ; so that in short time , he seemed vnto the wiser sort as a man altogither metamorphosed . Some were so bold , as for to aske the cause of the messengers comming ▪ vnto whom he answered , That he was one , from whom he receiued intelligence of matters concerning the good of the state : which his answere was holden for true ; for who durst once mistrust Moses ? Whilest he was thus tossed vp and downe with his owne thoughts , as a shippe with the billowes of a wrought sea , the same slie messenger , according to his promise came againe ; and for his more credit , in secret brought with him such presents as well might seeme to haue beene sent from the Great Turke ; with his message better framed than before . Of all which that was sent , Moses is reported to haue receiued nothing but the worst , which was , the verie treason it selfe . And so returned the messenger , with answere , That he could not but in good part accept of the Turkish emperours great fauours ; and for the rest of his requests , whatsoeuer he should chance to doe therin , he should not from thenceforth find him any great enemy : commanding the messenger at his departure , no more to repaire vnto him about that matter , for feare of suspition . After that , it chanced that Scanderbeg came into DIBRA , to see how all things stood there , and to consult with Moses for the besieging of SFETIGRADE ; which citie it grieued him to see in the possession of the Turkes . Moses to auert Scanderbeg from that enterprise , wherein hee must of force be driuen to shew himselfe , told him , That he vnderstood of late by a certaine messenger which came to him out of SFETIGRADE , that the citie was so well stored by the Turks , of all things necessarie for the defence thereof , that it were but lost labour to attempt any thing against the same : wherefore hee aduised him rather to besiege BELGRADE ( not that BELGRADE which is situated vpon the riuer of Danubius , but another of the same name ) in the confines of EPIRVS , then holden by the Turkes , but distant from SFETIGRADE about an hundreth and fortie miles ; of the taking whereof , there seemed to be more hope . By this persuasion , Scanderbeg resolued with himselfe to make prouision for the besieging of BELGRADE . And forasmuch as his souldiours of EPIRVS alwaies vsed to the field , were not so fit for the besieging of townes , he thought it good to pray aid out of ITALY , from his old friend Alphonsus king of NAPLES , with whom he had been of long time acquainted , and vnto him much beholden . Wherefore he sent two of his noblemen embassadours vnto him , with certaine rich presents , and familiar letters of this purport . Our souldiours of EPIRVS , know only how to fight with men , and them to vanquish : with wals they know not how to deale . You Italians ( as I vnderstand ) haue skill in that kind of seruice , and take pleasure therein : wherefore now at this present , I haue need of your helpe and cunning . There be certaine townes of our enemies in EPIRVS , yea almost in the heart of our kingdome ; which eye-sore I haue of long desired ( if it pleased God ) to take out of my sight : but being occupied with continuall wars , had no leisure vntill now , happely to attempt any thing against them . This time I haue chosen as most fit , to satisfie my desire , both for the seasonablenesse of the time of the yeare , and for that Mahomet spareth me leisure ; whose furie I haue twise calmed : You vnderstand in few words , what I haue need of : all other things are almost in readinesse , and we only looke for your helpe . Lend me such souldiors as know how to fight a farre off , I meane harquebusiers and canoniers , for of others we haue store plenty . But happy is APVLIA , my Alphonsus , vnder thy gouernment , from whence men fit for all seruices may be drawne as out of a most plentifull treasurie . Whensoeuer we haue requested men fit for seruice , either in peace or warre , you haue beautified both our court and campe . By you the kingdome of EPIRVS hath been supported with ciuile pollicie , and warlike strength : all sort of people , of what condition soeuer : yea euerie corner of EPIRVS soundeth forth thy praise , both at home and abroad . But for mine owne part , I doe so louingly embrace your kindnesse , and so firmly retaine the remembrance of your deserts towards me , that sometime I wish you that fortune ( although in so doing I may seeme vnkinde ) which ( as the common saying is ) proueth , but getteth not friends : to the intent , that you might by some more certaine proofe know , how much I am to you deuoted . When Scanderbeg had sent away his embassadours , he with all diligence began to prouide things necessarie for the siege of BELGRADE : wherein he had purposed also to haue vsed the seruice of Moses . But he now in heart a traitor both to his prince and countrey , and a friend to Mahomet , found many excuses to stay at home in DIBRA : alleadging first , that it was to be thought , that so soone as the Turkish king should heare of the siege of BELGRADE , he would inuade some part of EPIRVS , thereby to withdraw his enemies from the siege : and then , that no part of all EPIRVS lay neerer vnto the Turkes , or more in danger , than DIBRA ; and that therefore he could not doe any better seruice , than to see vnto the safetie of that countrey , long before committed to his charge , and in which also most part of his liuing lay . These his excuses , proceeding indeed from deepe treason , were yet neuerthelesse thought reasonable , and he for his prouident care highly commended ; and authoritie giuen him with new supplies to augment the garrison vnder his commaund , as time and occasion should require . By that time that Scanderbeg had fully made his preparation for the entended siege , the embassadours before sent to Alphonsus , were returned into EPIRVS , and with them such aid as Scanderbeg had before requested , and a great deale more : For Alphonsus fearing the greatnesse of the Turkish emperour , in what he could furthered Scanderbeg his actions , reckoning EPIRVS not aboue 60 miles distant from his dominions , to be the strongest wals of his kingdome in APVLIA ( as not many years after , it by proofe appeared , when as the Turks hauing taken OTRANTO put all ITALY in no small feare . ) With this aid he also wrote louing letters vnto Scanderbeg , thanking him for his presents , and for the good opinion he had of him , willing him to make as bold of all his things , as of his owne . But when he came to make mention of the souldiours he had sent ; Alphonsus , after the manner of his pleasant nature , merrily wrote vnto Scanderbeg , That he had sent him Italian souldiors which could according to his desire , fight well both with men and wals ; but better with women : and that therefore the Epirots were best to take heed , that they whose helpe they required for ●ight a farre off , proued not also good warriours at hand at home in their houses . The great commendation Scanderbeg had giuen of the king , was by him referred vnto the excesse of his loue , and by the king requited with like . Scanderbeg now furnished with all things needfull , set forward , and according to his former determination , came and encamped before BELGRADE , with an army of fourteene thousand good souldiours : and in short time had so distressed the citie , that the Turkes were glad to take truce with him for sixteene daies , which time expired , they promised to deliuer vp the towne , if they were not before relieued . Vpon conclusion of this truce , Scanderbeg encamped himselfe vpon an high hill neere vnto the citie , with three thousand horse , and a thousand foot ; and appointed Musachius and Tanusius , with the rest of the army , to remoue farther off ▪ into a large plaine , where they might encampe themselues in a more wholsome and fresh ayre , in that hoat season of the yeare , during the time of the truce . At which time he appointed also 25 scouts to keepe continuall watch vpon the top of the highest mountaine , to discouer a farre off the comming of the enemie , and to giue warning therof vnto the campe by making a fire vpon the mountaine : by the negligence of which watch , Scanderbeg receiued a great ouerthrow , as hereafter followeth . The newes of the siege of BELGRADE was brought vnto Mahomet , at such time as he was readie to haue passed into ASIA against the emperour of TRAPEZOND : which great enterprise he was loath to giue ouer , for the reliefe of BELGRADE ; and yet to lose that citie vnto Scanderbeg , grieued him much : wherfore he resolued with himselfe so to do the one , as that he would not altogither neglect the other . And so holding on his entended journey into ASIA himselfe , with such fortune as is aforesaid , he sent Sebalias one of his great Bassaes , with fortie thousand horsemen to relieue BELGRADE , promising him great rewards if he could bring him Scanderbeg either aliue or dead . This Bassa was of the Turks accounted for a warie captaine , but not so couragious , alwaies more politike than forward : he hauing receiued his charge , set forward with all speed possible , no lesse carefull of that he was commanded , than was Mahomet himselfe , and by great journies came on so fast , that he still preuented the fame of his comming ; and by his ●orerunners intercepted , or rather ( as some write ) corrupted the watch which Scanderbeg had before placed vpon the mountaines ; so that no signe was giuen vnto the campe of the enemies , as was expected . By meanes whereof , Sebalius with all his power were vpon that part of Scanderbeg his army , which lay in the plaines , before they were well aware of his comming : so that most part of them had not so much leisure as to bridle their horses , or to put on their armor . In which so sudden a feare , Musachius armed himselfe , and put his souldiours in such order as the shortnesse of the time and the enemies approach would permit ; doubting much , whether it were better to fight or to flie : but seeing no lesse danger in flight than in fight , he resolutely receiued the enemies charge , as a man desirous before hand to reuenge his owne death . And at length ( seeing his men slaine about him by heapes , and that courage must needs giue place vnto fortune ) fiercely attempted to haue broken through the middest of his enemies , and so to haue fled vnto the mountaine where Scanderbeg lay : but he was so beset , that no way was possible to be made ; wherefore resoluing there to die , he desperatly fought , to the great admiration of his enemies , vntill that he , with all there with him , were euery man slaine ▪ Tanusius on the other side , after he had giuen diuers braue attempts to haue rescued his cosin Musachius , finding by proofe , that he could doe him no more good therein but to become the wofull companion of his death , exhorted all the rest yet left , for safegard of their liues to flie : in which doing , most of them were slaine , for the Bassaes great army so ●illed all places thereabout , and so eagerly pursued the victorie , that it was almost impossible any way to scape . Scanderbeg lying vpon the mountaine , and seeing the ouerthrow of most part of his armie , was about many times to haue descended from the hill , to haue holpen them in what hee might , or els to haue there died with them : but yet stayed , being thereto earnestly requested by his other most expert captaines ; and persuaded , not desperately to thrust both himselfe and them all into the manifest perill of assured death . Sebalias hauing slain Musachius , and put Tanusius to flight , followed the chase with the greatest part of his armie , so that few were left in the great plaine , except such as stayed to rifle the dead . Scanderbeg taking that oportunitie , came downe from the hill whereon he stood , with his foure thousand souldiors , and in a moment slew all such Turkes as he found in his way : and after following in the taile of the Turkes armie , cut off a great number of them , and brought a generall feare vpon the whole armie : insomuch , that Sebalias perceiuing that he gained not so much in chasing of Tanusius , but that he lost more in the rereward of his armie , by the pursuit of Scanderbeg , left the chase , and turned vpon his fierce enemie : Where after a sharpe skirmish begun , the warie Bassa fearing in the maintaining of that disordered fight to haue the victorie wrung out of his hands by Scanderbeg , caused a retreat to bee sounded , so to call together his dispersed souldiors , and in better order to encounter his dangerous enemie . Scanderbeg in the meane time hauing assembled the remainder of his armie , valiantly again encountred the Turks , who thought in this battaile to haue made an end of the warres in EPIRVS : and with his owne hand slew 〈◊〉 and Barach , two valiant souldiours of the Turkes ; which like stout champions had ●efore sworne vnto Mahomet the death of Scanderbeg , if they should chance to meet with him . In this last skirmish a great number of the Turks were slain : but night drawing on , Sebalias retired with his armie to a mountaine neere vnto the cittie , and Scanderbeg likewise to another almost two miles off : and in the dead time of the night rising with his armie , returned in safetie into EPIRVS , leauing strong garrisons vpon all the strait passages as he went , for feare least the Bassa proud of this victorie , should forthwith breake into EPIRVS . This was the onely and greatest ouerthrow that Scanderbeg had hetherto receiued of the Turkes : wherein hee lost two thousand horsemen and three thousand foot ( most part whereof were of the Italians sent from king Alphonsus ) together with his tents and great artillerie , and about eightie of his men taken prisoners . And of the Turks were also slaine three thousand . The next day Sebalias perceiuing that Scanderbeg was retired , commaunded the bodies of the slaine Turks to be sought out and buried : but of such Christians as they yet found breathing , the Turks cut off their hands and feet , and so left them amongst the dead . The head of Musachius and of many other the slaine Christians , which by their armour or apparrell were thought to be of the better sort , were by the commaundement of Sebalias cut off : which because he could not for the distance of the place , and heat of the weather , without great annoyance carrie with him to CONSTANTINOPLE , as the barbarous manner of the Turks is ; he caused them to bee flaine , and stuffed with chaffe , and so to bee carried as the vaine trophees of his victorie . Afterwards , when hee had repaired the battered wals of BELGRADE , and put a new supplie of seuen hundred fresh souldiours into the cittie , beside the old garrison therein before , and set all things in good order , he returned with great triumph to CONSTANTINOPLE . And the more to set out the glorie of his victorie , at such time as he entered the citie , he first caused the captiue Christians to be led in chaines before him ; after whom were borne the ensignes taken from the Christians , with the aforesaid heads thrust vpon launces , and after them all the spoile : last of all came Sebalias himselfe , with his souldiors , as great conquerours , and was of the people receiued with such applause and joy , as if hee had conquered some great kingdome . No man was now spoken of but Sebalias , his praises were in euery mans mouth , hee was the onely man ( as they said ) that did shew that Scanderbeg was to be ouercome : no preferment was now thought too great for him , or reward sufficient to counteruaile his desert . The poore Christian captiues were afterwards for most part sold : of the rest , some were aliue thrust vpon sharpe stakes , some hanged vpon yron hookes , some otherwise cruelly at the victors pleasure tortured to death . Moses lately before corrupted by the practise of the gouernour of SFETIGRADE , hearing of the great losse Scanderbeg had receiued at BELGRADE , thought it now a most fit time for his reuolt . But for as much as the fact , in the nature of it selfe foule , seemed euen to himselfe the doer thereof , a great deale fouler and more dishonourable , for that he had therein no complices : hee thought it good , if it were possible , to allure some others into the fellowship of his treason , so to diminish the infamie of himselfe , in communicating the same with many , and to appeare with greater credit before the Turkish tyrant , than if hee should as a contemptible fugitiue come all alone . Wherefore vpon the bad newes from BELGRDE , he seemed at the first very pensiue , and much to lament the misfortune of Scanderbeg , and the common miserie of the countrey of EPIRVS , with many words amplifying the same : and then on the contrarie part , setting forth to the vttermost the force and power of the Turkish emperour Mahomet , thereby to strike a greater terrour and distrust into the minds of them with whom hee was conuersant : but vnto such as were more secret and inward with him , hee discouered the great affection and fauour the great emperour Mahomet had of long borne him , with the large offer of his gifts and preferments , assuring them of the like also , if they would conforme themselues vnto his appetite ; seeking hereby so much as he could , to allure them into the participation of his most execrable treason : yet when he had said what he could , he found none but a few of the baser sort of the common souldiours , which were willing to hearken vnto him or to follow him . When Moses saw how much he had laboured , and how little preuailed , fearing to be discouered , hee fled by night to SFETIGRADE , accompanied with a few base fellowes , and easily obtained the gouernours passe , with safe conduct to CONSTANTINOPLE : where he arriued a little before the returne of Sebalias from BELGRADE , and was of Mahomet both joyfully receiued and honourably entertained . When Scanderbeg vnderstood that Moses was thus reuolted , at the first report thereof hee was so troubled with the strangenesse of the fact , that he stood speechlesse as a man astonied : but after he had pawsed a while , and vpon further enquirie had found it to be true , he according to his heroicall disposition , said no more , but that he could easily haue Moses excused , for that hee was carried away with the violence of such fortune as might haue alienated the mind of a right constant man. And when diuers of his friends ( according to the manner of the world ) with hard speeches seemed to agrauate his offence : he could not abide to heare the same , but commanded them to hold their peace , and no more to vse such speeches : wishing that all treason and euill fortune were together with Moses gone out of EPIRVS . Vpon this newes , Scanderbeg accompanied with Amesa his nephew and a troupe of horsemen , presently went into the countrey of DIBRA , and there with all care caused most diligent enquirie to be made , if any could be found partakers of the conspiracie with Moses . But finding none , he much rejoyced in the fidelitie of his subjects : and hauing set all things in good order in that prouince , returned himselfe to CROIA . Moses remaining in the Turks court , ceased not to solicite Mahomet to proceed in his warres against Scanderbeg , promising to doe therein great matters , euen to the spending of his life in that seruice . But the craftie tyrant thinking it not good to trust him too farre before hee had further triall of him , delayed him off vntill the next Spring , pretending that the yeare was too far spent to begin warres . In the meane time he caused all Moses talke , his behauior and actions , to be diligently obserued and noted ; and oftentimes himselfe discoursed with him concerning the managing of that warre : all which he did especially to sound the depth of Moses his thoughts . And finding nothing in him but the most assured and vndoubted signes of a mind deuoted to his seruice , and altogether estranged from Scanderbeg : in the beginning of the Spring he committed to his charge the leading of fifteene thousand horsemen for the inuading of EPIRVS , such men as Moses himselfe should make choice of : for a greater number he required not for the vanquishing of Scanderbeg . These soldiors although they detested ( so few in number ) to enter that fatall countrey of EPIRVS , as men faire warned by other mens harmes , yet heartened on by the opinion they had conceiued of their new Generall , and the hope they had by his meanes to find friends in that countrey to joyne with them , were the willinger to goe . So Moses furnished with a no●●ble armie , and all warlike prouision he could desire for the destruction of his countrey ; and blinded with the imagination of a kingdome , set forward ▪ & marching through THRACIA and M●CEDONIA , forgetting the loyaltie due vnto his soueraigne , and the loue hee ought to haue borne vnto his natiue countrey , came and entered into DIBRA . Scanderbeg by his espials vnderstanding of the comming of Moses , as also what strength hee was of , stood not now vpon any policie against him who had of long been priuie to all his stratagemes , but was readie euen at his first entrance with true valour to encounter him . As both the armies stood raunged in order of battaile , a messenger came from the Turks campe , to know of Scanderbeg , if any one of his armie durst to proue his fortune hand to hand against one of the Turks , before the beginning of the generall battell . By which messenger answere was returned , That the challenge should be accepted . The name of the Turk which made this braue challenge was Ahemaze , a man for his valour and courage of great name amongst the Turkes . Vpon this proud challenge , Zacharias Groppa , a gentleman of no lesse reputation amongst the Christians , hastely stept forth before Scanderbeg ( as if he had beene afraid to haue beene preuented by some other ) and requested , that he might be the man to abate the Turkes pride Scanderbeg embracing him , commended his noble mind , and wishing him good fortune , gaue him leaue to carrie with him into the field the first honour of the Christian armie . As he was arming himselfe , his companions & fellowes in armes standing about him , wished vnto him not more courage or strength than he had , but onely the fortune of Manessi . Vpon his armour hee put on many rich jewels and ornaments , the allurements or rather the rewards of the enemie , if hee could vanquish him . The Turkish champion was no sooner come into the plaine betwixt both armies , & made shew of himselfe in great brauerie as if his match had yet beene scarcely found , but he saw Zacharias come forth brauely mounted , and readie to charge him : to whom Ahemaze calling aloud , said there would bee time ynough for him to hasten to his death , and therefore requested to talke with him before . So when he had learned of him both his name and place , he propounded such like conditions of the combat , as had beene long before derided by Manessi : whereof Zacharias in no better sort accepted . In few words it was agreed vpon betwixt them , That each of them should abide his owne fortune , without any helpe or aid of others ; and that the victor should haue full power ouer the bodie and spoile of the vanquished . Thus agreed , they withdrew themselues one a good distance from another , and with their launces charged , ran together with such force , that with the violence of the encounter they brake their launces one vpon the other , and were both horse and man ouerthrowne . Both vnhorsed , they nimbly recouered themselues , and with their scimitars fiercely assailed the one the other on foot . Fortune it should seeme had determined to beautifie that combat with varietie , standing a great while indifferent to both . After many sturdie strokes giuen , without any hurt done , by reason they were so strongly armed , it fortuned that both their swords were beaten out of their hands : then grapling together with their bare hands , as if they had beene two vnarmed wrestlers , after long strugling till they were both almost out of breath , Zacharias ouerthrew the Turke , and lying vpon him , with his dagger , aboue the gorget thrust him into the throat , and slew him : and so rising vp , with the sword that first came to his hands , cut off the Turks head : at the sight whereof the Christian armie gaue a great shout for joy , to the great discomfiture of the Turks . To be short , Zacharias despoyling the Turk of his armour , and what else he thought good , returned loded with the spoile of his enemie , and presented vnto Scanderbeg the proud Turkes head : for which hee was of him afterwards most honourably rewarded . Into this place yet reeking with the bloud of the late slaine Turke , came Moses , and with a loud voice challenged Scanderbeg hand to hand ; thinking indeed that he would not haue aduentured his person : but when he saw him readie to come forth , hee shamefully forsooke the place , and returned with shame ynough into his armie . Presently after , both the armies vpon signall giuen set forward , and so began to joine battaile : where at the first onset Scanderbeg so valiantly charged the vauward of the Turkes armie , that they were glad to giue ground : which Moses perceiuing , releeued them with new supplies : and riding now here , now there , with his presence and courage restored the battaile , in many places almost lost . Howbeit , the Epirots encouraged with the beginning of their good fortune , still preuailed vpon their enemies , and after great slaughter made , came to the strength of their battaile ; where Moses had placed most of his best souldiours , as his most assured and last refuge : In this place the Turks fought with exceeding courage , and Moses warily obseruing in what part of the battaile Scanderbeg himselfe was , directed his greatest forces against him , of purpose , if possibly he might , to haue slaine him : whereof he missed but a little ; for a courageous souldiour of the Turkes by chance encountering with Scanderbeg , with his horsemans staffe bare him quite backward vpon his horse , in such forcible manner , that the Turks for joy gaue a great shout , thinking verely he had beene slaine : but Scanderbeg recouering himselfe againe , and chafed with such an vnwonted disgrace , furiously assailed the same Turke with his sword , and after a great fight slew him . A great part of the Turkes armie being alreadie ouerthrowne by them that had the leading of the wings of Scanderbeg his armie , diuers of the common souldiours thrust the heads of the slaine Turkes vpon the points of their speares , in token of victorie , to the great astonishment of the Turks : and now joyning themselues with Scanderbeg , more fiercely charged the maine battaile of the Turkes than before . Neuerthelesse , Moses encouraging his souldiours , did what was possible for a man to doe , and euen with his owne valour a great while staied the course of the victorie : vntill he seeing the ground about him couered with the dead bodies of his best soldiours , and that there was no remedie but that he must either flie , or there die ; turned his backe and fled . In which flight , many of the hindermost of the Turks were slaine : as for Moses himselfe , he escaped by waies to him well knowne , onely with foure thousand men , the poore remainder of so great an armie : the rest , to the number of about eleuen thousand , all choise men , were slaine : whereas of the Christians were not past an hundreth lost , and about eightie wounded . Of all the Turkes that were taken , onely one was saued ; who being a man of good account , had yeelded himselfe to Zacharias , and was afterward raunsomed : the rest were all by the common souldiours , without pittie , tortured to death , in reuenge of the crueltie by them shewed at BELGRADE : Scanderbeg himselfe either not knowing thereof , or winking thereat . Moses with the rest of his discomfited armie , lay still a while vpon the borders of EPIRVS , and would faine haue persuaded them , after the departure of Scanderbeg , to haue followed him againe into EPIRVS , to haue surprised the garrison left in DIBRA , in number not aboue two thousand ; promising to bring them vpon the same garrison , before they should be aware of their comming . But the Turks hauing him now in contempt , were about by generall consent to forsake him , and to returne home . And so Moses seeing no remedie , returned with them to CONSTANTINOPLE , with countenance as heauie as if he had beene a condemned man now carried to the place of execution : and the Turkes which had not long before had him in great admiration , expecting that he should haue ended the wars in EPIRVS ; began now to disgrace him as fast , and to speake all the euill of him they could deuise . Yea the prowd tyrant himselfe ( although he could blame nothing in the man , but his fortune ) was so highly offended with him , for the losse of his armie , that he had vndoubtedly put him to most cruell death , had not the great Bassaes , and others neere about him , persuaded him otherwise : saying , That in so doing , he should alienat the mindes of all others from reuolting vnto him , or attempting any great thing for his seruice . So was he by their mediation , pardoned his life ; but withall , so disgraced , that he had little or nothing allowed him afterwards for his necessarie maintenance : all which despitefull contumelies he outwardly seemed patiently to beare ; but was inwardly so tormented with melancholy and griefe , that he could neither eat nor drinke : The remembrance of the foule treason committed against his prince and countrey , was day and night before his eies ; and the disgraces of the Turkes court inwardly tormented him with intollerable griefe : The sight of the tyrant ( who measured all things by the euent ) filled his heart with secret indignation ; and to returne againe vnto his naturall prince , of whom he had so euill deserued , he was ashamed : Sometime the clemencie and princely nature of Scanderbeg , whom he knew of old , slow to reuenge , and easie to be entreated to forgiue , hartened him on to thinke of returne ; and by and by , the consideration of his fowle treason ouerwhelmed him with despaire . Thus with contrarie thoughts plunged too and fro , tormented with the inspeakable griefes of a troubled conscience , not knowing what to doe , purposing now one thing , and by and by another : at last he resolued to forsake the insolent tyrant , and to submit himselfe to the mercie of Scanderbeg ; wishing rather to die in his countrey for his due desert , than to liue with infamie , derided in the Turkes court . Resting himselfe vpon this resolution , one euening hee got secretly out of the gates of CONSTANTINOPLE , and trauelling all that night and the day following before he rested , by long and wearie journies , came at last vnto his natiue countrey of DIBRA . The garrison souldiours beholding their old gouernour all alone , full of heauinesse , as a man eaten vp with cares ; mooued with compassion , and forgetting the euils hee had beene the occasion of , receiued him with many teares and friendly embracings , and brought him to Scanderbeg , who by chance then lay not farre off . Moses comming vnto him with his girdle about his necke , in token that he had deserued death ( as the manner of that countrey was ) found him walking before his tent , and there with heauie cheere falling downe vpon his knees at his feet , submitted himselfe vnto his mercie , and with great humilitie and signes of repentance , craued his most gracious pardon . Which his request Scanderbeg presently granted , and taking him vp by the hand embraced and kissed him , in token he had from his heart forgiuen him : and within a few daies after , caused all such things of his as were before confiscat , to be againe restored vnto him ; with all such offices and promotions as he had before enjoyed : and by open proclamation commanded , That from thenceforth no man should either publikely or priuatly speake of that Moses had trespassed . Mahomet vnderstanding that Moses was returned againe into EPIRVS , and honoured of Scanderbeg as in former time , was much grieued thereat , and fumed exceedingly : First , for that he had at all trusted him ; and then , that he had so let him slip out of his hands : being verily persuaded , that all that Moses had done , was but a finenesse of Scanderbeg to deceiue him . Shortly after that Moses was returned into EPIRVS , Mahomet by like practise allured vnto him Amesa , Scanderbeg his nephew ; promising to make him king of EPIRVS in his vnckles steed . For by that meanes , the craftie tyrant thought it a more easie way to draw the mindes of the people of EPIRVS from Scanderbeg vnto him descended of the princes bloud , than to Moses , or to any other stranger he should set vp . Amesa vpon this hope of a kingdome , fled to CONSTANTINOPLE : and because he would cleere the mind of the tyrant of all suspi●ion and distrust , he carried with him his wife and children , as the most sure pledges of his fidelitie . This Amesa was of stature low , and the feature of his body not so perfect as might sufficiently expresse the hidden vertues of his mind : He was of courage hautie aboue measure , subtill , and of a pregnant wit ; wonderfull painfull , and thereto courteous and bountifull ( the chiefe meanes whereby aspiring minds steale away the hearts of men ) whatsoeuer he got of himselfe , or had by the gift of his vnckle , he deuided it amongst his souldiours or friends : he was verie affable , and could notably both couer and dissemble his affections : for which things , he was aboue all others both beloued and honoured of all the people of EPIRVS , next vnto Scanderbeg himselfe . At his first comming to Mahomet , he filled not his eares with great promises , and vaine praises of himselfe as had Moses ; but only excusing his owne reuolt , laboured to persuade him , That he had for just causes left his vnckle , with a desire now faithfully to serue him . And to that purpose spake vnto him as followeth : If it should please thee ( most noble Mahomet ) to call to remembrance the old iniuries , and auntient displeasures by vs committed against thine imperiall Maiestie : we might seeme now rather to haue come hither to receiue the just guerdon of our euill deserts , than vpon any hope of honor or preferment . For what could haue been done more in disgrace of the Othoman empire , than that you haue seene long since done by vs , in the most dangerous time of the Hungarian war ; rather of a malicious & set purpose , than for that we were just enemies ? When as in the same perfidious course , I my selfe being a helper and partaker therein ( for now no excuse is to be pretended for our doings , more than repentance ) your fathers army was betrayed at MORAVA , and the kingdome of EPIRVS by great treacherie wrested out of your fathers hands ; the only cause of so many calamities , and of so much bloudshed . But vaine is this feare , and our suspition needlesse , with so wise and mercifull a prince ; especially for that my yeares then greene , and youth prone vnto the harme of it selfe , and a mind not resting vpon his owne resolutions , deceiued me . I beleeued mine vnckle ( for the ignorant beleeue many things ) and allured with the desire of soueraigntie ( the proper disease of that age ) and too much credulous , I forsooke you and followed his promises : but discretion growing with yeares , I haue by little and little perceiued both the slie persidious dealing of mine vnckle , as also that my reuolt from you was more hurtfull vnto my selfe than to any other . Scanderbeg recouered , and also enlarged the kingdome of EPIRVS ; but not without my great labour and helpe . I expected long time , that he should haue giuen me , if not my fathers whole inheritance , yet at least some part thereof , as a small reward of my so great trauell and danger . Not long after he married a wife , and hath begot a young heire , a new successour in his kingdome : vnto me for shame of the world , because I should not altogither lead a priuat life , he hath assigned a base corner of EPIRVS ; where he enioyning the rest , I might lead a poore and contemptible life . In this case I had much adoe to bridle my affections , and could neuer disgeast that iniurie : yet the iniquitie of the time , with the insolent disposition of the man , compelled me to smother vp my thoughts , and to make faire weather , least finding some suspition , he should craftely haue entrapped me , as he did of late George Stresie his sisters sonne ; whom wrongfully charged with fained surmises , he hath almost depriued of all his possessions . I would willingly haue fled vnto the feet of your highnesse , I would gladly haue forsaken my ingratefull vnckle with the staines of his infamous kingdome ; but that the remembrance of the old rebellion , and many iniuries sithence done , did make me afraid : vntill that now ( God I thinke so appointing it ) I came most gladly , following your most royall faith and promise . You had scarcely beckned vnto me , you had scarcely inuited me , hauing of long intentiuely waited euerie occasion ; but straight way I came with such speed , as if I would haue flowne : I lingred not , I expected not either Scanderbeg or his euill happe , or your more prosperous successe , as of late did Moses ; least I might thereby justly seeme either for feare or regard of some imminent danger , rather to haue prouided for mine owne safetie than to haue embraced your magnificence . Neither haue I left any thing for you in me to suspect , nor any cause wherefore I should desire to returne againe into EPIRVS : here are present most sure bonds of my loue , and faithfull pledges of my loyaltie . Behold ( worthy Mahomet ) you haue whatsoeuer is deere vnto me , yea whatsoeuer nature could giue , pleasing vnto men in the course of mans life . These I haue brought vnto thee , which should with violence haue been taken from an enemy : such pawnes as might assure thee of the faith of a most doubtfull man. More than this , haue I brought nothing : for in so great speed and secret departure , I could not haue regard of my substance . And if I might haue had time to haue trussed vp my trash at leysure ; yet I know not how , I should haue thought it a kind of basenesse , to haue brought with me any part of the poore reliques of mine old fortune : especially vnto thee , of all other the richest . Onely my fidelitie I lay downe before thee , for any thing greater I haue not : and if thou desire of me any other bond for more assurance , I refuse not whatsoeuer your highnesse shall appoint : for I came not hither to set downe couenants and agreements of my selfe , but to receiue them from you . I dare not promise to vanquish mine vnckle , and to subdue EPIRVS with an army of fifteene thousand men : the misfortune of Haly-Bassa and other your Generals ; yea and the late and rare victorie of Sebalias , with great bloodshed gained , may serue for examples . In me you shall neither want diligence nor faithfull seruice : as for other things concerning the euent of this warre , and for the reuenge of the iniuries by you receiued ; you being a prince of power inuincible , and of a most deepe judgement , are not to be aduised by me your vnskilfull vassaile . This speech of Amesa , seemed vnto Mahomet free from all dissimulation , forasmuch as he knew most part thereof to be true ; and his wife and children brought vnto his presence , confirmed the rest . Wherfore commending his good affection , he appointed him honourable entertainment , referring other matters vnto a farther time . Vpon the approch of the Spring , Mahomet desiring nothing more than to be reuenged vpon Scanderbeg , entred into consultation with his great Bassaes , concerning the inuasion of EPIRVS : vnto which counsell Amesa was by Mahomet admitted , and his wicked deuise for the destruction of his countrey , of all others best liked . After the matter had been long too and fro debated , it was concluded , that Isaack the great Bassa of CONSTANTINOPLE , should with an armie of fiftie thousand be sent against Scanderbeg , and Amesa with him , hauing the charge of fiue thousand horsemen : and the Bassa to proclaime Amesa king of EPIRVS ; thereby to persuade the Epirots , that Mahomet inuaded EPIRVS rather for the displeasure he bare against Scanderbeg , and for the aduancement of Amesa , than for any ambitious desire he had to take vnto himselfe that kingdome . Great was the preparation for this warre , and the expectation thereof greater . Flying fame had in short time filled euerie corner of EPIRVS with the report of these newes ; adding therunto ( as the manner is ) a great deale more than was true . Whereupon Scanderbeg without delay , sent for his great captains and men of warre into DIBRA , where that tempest was first to be expected : and when they were all assembled , he declared vnto them the greatnesse of the danger , and what he thought thereof himselfe as followeth . Amongst all other things which God hath left to vex and greeue the minds of men in so great varietie of worldly affaires , we see ( right worthie souldiors ) these two the greatest , Hope , and Feare . The first a more comfortable thing , and proper to courageous minds ( I may not say ) of light beleefe : the other a thing of more discretion and safetie , which although it vse to deferre the desires of men , yet hath 〈◊〉 power at length excellently to cure and season the same . Hereupon is it easily to be gathered , that the great cheefetaines of former times haue gained more honour and greater victories , by fearing all that was to be feared , than others in shew more hardie , which feared nothing . Hereupon the great Carthaginentian captaine vsed to call Q. Fabius ( whom the Romanes euer thought too slow and too fearefull ) his great enemie : but Terentius Varro he called a greater enemie vnto his owne countrey and the people of ROME , than to himselfe . But wherfore do I wrongfully call that Feare , which might more truly be called Discretion , or wholesome Policie ? Call it as you will , it is not much materiall : but this one thing no man can denie , That thereof hath risen the antient discipline of warre , and the old and severe gouernment of martiall affaires . This aduised carefulnesse cherisheth and nourisheth Hope it selfe , it doth nothing rashly , it hath eyes before , behind , and on both sides , it waigheth in indifferent ballance things past ; present , and to come . You may now perceiue to what end my speech tendeth . I would first conferre with you , and know your opinions , before I determine any thing of the order of this warre ; that either I might yeeld vnto your opinion , or els you ( as you haue alwaies hitherto done ) to mine . You heare ▪ you now heare with your eares what preparation , what warlike prouision is daily made against vs. Lo the great Bassa of CONSTANTINOPLE , all the flower of EVROPE , and whole strength of the Othoman kingdome knocketh at our gates . I want not courage ( neither euer did ) to prooue my fortune against him , not without your honour : but I thinke it better to vse police and warie heed against so great an enemie , than our wonted force and courage . That notable ouerthrow of Hali Bassa ; so many great victories by vs atchieued , our minds by so many good haps confirmed , persuade me to thinke that wee haue both courage and strength to encounter him in plaine battaile : but the vncertaine euents of war ; and fortune neuer sufficiently knowne , maketh wise men to forget what is past , and to feare that is to come . It was neuer proper to any man , it was neuer giuen by inheritance , alwaies to ouercome ; new occurrents require new correspondents : neither may you , for that you conquered yesterday , presume to assure your selfe to deuide the spoile of your enemies to day . Victorie is like a trauellour , and goeth hither and thither , not resting long in a place : and although it be for most part both gotten and kept by courage and discretion ; yet oftentimes , when you haue most carefully and politiquely disposed of all things , the fortune and chance of warre haue therein a great sway . I was wont to require ( I remember it well ) onely valour and courage in my soldiors , contemning all externall accidents and fortunes haps ; if you did promise vnto me courageous minds , I assured you of all good hap and prosperous successe : but that losse we receiued at BELGRADE ( the remembrance whereof my mind feareth , and alwayes abhorreth to thinke vpon ) hath much changed my former cogitations , and made me to deeme farre otherwise of worldly matters , and the vncertainetie of fortune . What if that day had been longer ? or Sebalias of more courage ? might not the state of EPIRVS haue that day been vtterly ouerthrowne ? We were then rather by God preserued , than by any thing that was in our selues : what remained more , but that we should like cowards haue yeeld●d our selues to haue been bound of the conquerours ? The night defended vs , yea euen God himselfe defended vs ; who tooke from them both policie and force , and gaue vs time to breath and escape away . We were then but as a prey ; expecting but the comming of the victor : Howbeit , he tooke nothing from vs , he carried little or nothing away with him , being too much carefull to keepe the honour he had alreadie gained , and peraduenture in feare of them of whom he was not without cause most feared . I speake not this of purpose to terrifie any of you , but rather to admonish you , and to consult with you , how such great preparations may be frustrated and ouerthrowne , and some notable victorie by vs atchieued , without the price of our blood , or the losse of such things as we haue . The number of our enemies is great , and so great , as vntill this day we neuer saw in EPIRVS greater , except at such times as they came to besiege our cities , and to deuour vs all . Now if we shall meet them in the plaine fields in a set battaile , the euent thereof will be doubtfull , many of vs must needs fall , many of vs must die ( I would I might be a false prophet ) before so great an armie will either flie or be ouercome , your victorie shall be mingled with teares ; and the heauinesse of the conquerour not much vnlike the sorrow of the conquered . Was it but a few that we lost at BELGRADE ? Is that losse so to be recou●red ? What flower of Chiualrie , hardly to be in many yeares restored ? How many worthie men were there slaine ? EPIRVS must needs in short time be vnpeopled , if we shall so desperatly only seeke for such glorious victories . Wherefore if we will doe well , we must so fight to day , as that we may fight to morrow also . Neither are our enemies and we in like case : The losse of fortie or fiftie thousand is lesse vnto the Turkish tyrant , than the losse of an hundred of you is to me . We are in all but a few , and therefore carefully to be kept : which if we regard not for our owne sakes , yet let vs doe it for our wiues and childrens , whose welfare and libertie dependeth of our liues : I know the number of you , I know your faces and countenances , and almost euery one of your names , which maketh me also more carefull of your health . And yet I would not refuse to trie the whole fortune of this battaile in plaine field , if we might thereby end all the wars against the Turks for euer ; if I were in hope so to find an end of our labours and trauels hereafter , I would gladly aduenture my life with yours , for the perpetuall quiet and peace of our posteritie : but a new enemie alwayes ariseth , and we must still looke for new wars . When this Isaack is gone , another Isaack will ere long come in his place : we shall be alwaies exercised with new wars , and enclosed with new dangers : It is the destinie of EPIRVS ( as far as I can see ) and wee our selues are borne thereto . Wherefore we must gather our wits together , we must well husband our forces , and so diuide our patrimonie , as that we may alwayes haue somthing to content our creditors , when they shall chance to come vpon vs. Yet shall God ( no doubt ) giue an end also vnto these troubles : for extremities cannot be of long continuance , and you your selues shall at length take rest : yea , the strong and puissant enemie , wearied with so many vaine attempts , will at last haue ynough thereof , and leaue off his perpetuall hatred against vs : then shall it be to you no small pleasure to remember so many labours and dangers past . Thus haue I declared vnto you the commodities and incommodities ensuing the victorie in plaine battell . But what if we be vanquished ? Where haue we any hope of reliefe left ? from whence may we expect helpe ? Will the bloodie enemie , inflate with victorie , expect whilest we again recouer our strength and encounter him againe with new forces ? No , he will pursue vs and chase vs , so long as any of vs are left : and hauing ouercome vs , will poure out the rest of his furie vpon our towns and country , then subiect to his iniurie . But some of you peraduenture will say , that they are by policie to be ouertaken , and not to be met in open field : of which opinion I also am my selfe , yet happily differ from you in the time of doing the same . Then I thinke it best to deceiue them , when they thinke they cannot be deceiued : when as they being as it were in possession of a supposed victorie , like men ouerioyed , shall cast no perill . Now they come euen from the gates of CONSTANTINOPLE , full of distrust , prying into euery corner , as men before warned by others harmes , and so many dreadfull examples of their fellows : Besides that , they haue with them my gracelesse nephew and domesticall foe Amesa , who will teach them to foresee and shun such snares as in times past he with vs was wont to lay for them . Wherfore we must now tower vp vnto the height of some notable and strange policie , whereby both our country may be from danger preserued , and also some great victorie , without our owne bloodshed ( which seldome chanceth ) obtained : which to the maintenance of our antient glorie and renowne , we haue to this day by many most notable victories gained : But time and space , and the sight of the enemie , shall furnish vs with this deuise . Now ( that my discourse may come to the purposed end ) first of all , all things subiect either to the furie or victorie of the enemie , are to be remoued out of the way ; all people , of what age , sex , or condition soeuer , are to be brought out of the countrey into places of safetie ; and then , our towns are to be furnished with strong garrisons and all other necessarie prouision , against all the chaunces of fortune . Besides , who knoweth the secret designes of the tyrant ? or whether he himselfe ( of long time desirous of reuenge , and thirsting after our blood ) will follow the Bassa at the heeles , or no ? Perhaps I may beleeue and feare more than is needfull : but it is good to feare all that may be feared , that we may indeed feare nothing . If all things shall thus be set in order , if there shall be nothing left in the fields or in the villages , that may enrich , feed , or feare our enemies , and which may withdraw our care and thoughts from our enemies , vndoubtedly we shall be victors . And if you will be ruled by me , and follow my direction in these wars , I will assuredly deliuer your enemies into your hands to be slain at your pleasure ; and ( by the leaue of God ) will make the name and valour of the Epirots more terrible vnto the Turke , than euer it hath been in the time of our ancestors . I flatter not my selfe , I deceiue you not ▪ if any thing may be promised in worldly actions , this I assure you of , and this will I take vpon mee . But th●se things are better done than said . In the meane while , to spend no more time in longer talke and discourse ( than which , no greater losse can be to soldiors ) let euery one of vs take a part in this charge , for the good disposing of all things , and how to withstand the enemie . I will not commaund any thing to others , which I will not my selfe doe : I will refuse nothing , or reckon any thing base , which may tend to the common honour or profit of vs all . This speech of Scanderbeg was well liked and joyfully receiued of all the hearers , so that many besought him to manifest vnto them how he purposed to proceed in those wars : whereunto hee with cheerefull countenance answered , That it was ynough for him , if they did but beleeue him , promising himselfe in person to bee in the most dangerous actions as farre as any of them , wherwith they rested contented . And presently dispatching his lieutenants into diuers parts of his kingdome , as he thought most conuenient , prouided , That all things were in short time conueyed out of the countrey into the strong townes and other places of refuge . No corne , no cattell , or other things of any worth was left in the countrey ; but all left desolate , in like manner as was before at the comming of the great king Amurath to the siege of CROIA ▪ By this time Isaack the great Bassa was come into EPIRVS , accompanied with Amesa : and as hee marched , still sent before him his scouts and espials , carefully to view euery corner of the countrey , for feare to bee entrapped as others before him had beene ; directed in his journey for most part by Amesa . Scanderbeg had in readinesse such an armie as he had purposed to vse against his mightie enemie , but lay with six thousand horsemen onely in shew , as if hee had determined with them to haue giuen them battaile , but meaning indeed nothing lesse . For as soone as the Bassa was come in sight , he with those horsemen , according as hee had before appointed , as if hee had beene discouraged with the very sight of the Turkes , turned his backe and fled . And because he would not giue them any occasion to suspect it to be done for some policie or finenesse , and so to make them more carefull , he fled not into the mountaines or woods , as his wonted manner was , but directly toward LYSSA , a towne of the Venetians standing vpon the sea coast , as if hee had quite despaired of the keeping of EPIRVS , and fled thither for refuge . The Bassa seeing him flie , was glad thereof , and sent certaine troupes of horsemen to pursue him , & diligently to marke which way he tooke : but encamped himselfe with his armie in the plaines of DI●RA , neer vnto ORONYCHIVM , where Scanderbeg lay before : & there rested his armie , wearie of long trauell , expecting the returne of his horsemen , sent after Scanderbeg . But vpon their returne , when it was for a certaintie reported by them , That Scanderbeg with an handfull of men was fled out of EPIRVS , and not an enemie to be seene , the Turkes began to rejoyce , and proudly to triumph ; that they had without any losse driuen the enemie out of the countrey ; yet much greeued , that they could no where find any thing to satisfie their greedie desires : for why , all things were so cleane gone , as if the countrey had beene swept against their comming , which might haue beene a sufficient cause for them to haue distrusted some great matter ; but they flattering themselues ; supposed all this to be done for feare of them , vpon extreame desperation : such is the fraile condition of men , to loose strength of bodie , common sence , yea , their reason and vnderstanding , when some great mischeefe is appointed for their ouerthrow or destruction . The Bassa seeing the enemie fled , and now no cause of feare , consulted with his cheefe captaines , what were now best to bee done ? Amesa still persuading him not to remoue , but there to stay a time , and to expect the farther euent of matters . But the greater number , whose opinion preuailed , said it was better to goe farther into the countrey , and to take the spoile thereof , before the countrey people should conuay away all their substance into places of safetie , as they had done there in DIBRA , and leaue them nothing but the bare ground and emptie cottages . By this persuasion , the Bassa earely next morning in good order set forward : commaunding by generall proclamation , That no man vpon paine of death should breake his array or straggle from the armie . Yet before he set forward , he called Amesa vnto him ; whom after he had highly commended , and with great vehemencie inuayed against Scanderbeg , he with the great applause of the whole armie in the name of Mahomet created him king of EPIRVS . That day he marched not farre , by reason of the great heat : for it was then about the middest of Iuly . Yet when he had well wearied himselfe with that daies trauell , finding neither enemie nor any things els worthie to be accounted in any part of a victorie ; he encamped at night , keeping dil●gent watch , and sending forth his scouts euery way , but especially towards LYSSA . The next day , which was the third day after the Bassaes comming into EPIRVS , hee set forward againe , and came at length into AEMATHIA , and there encamped that night . When Scanderbeg ( flying for feare , as the Turks supposed ) was gone a great way out of their sight towards LYSSA , and come euen to the borders of his kingdome , he there staied all the rest of that day . And a little before the going downe of the sunne , he with a few select horsemen departed from the army , and with painfull trauell got vp to the top of the high mountaines , from whence a man might by day well discouer all the plaines of AEMATHIA . There he appointed one Peieus Emanuel , a politicke and valiant gentleman , with certaine horsemen to marke diligently which way the enemy held , and by certaine secret and appointed wastings and signes , to giue knowledge thereof to the army . After such order taken , he returned himselfe , and came againe to the campe after midnight . And presently rising with his army , and fetching a compasse about , came vndiscouered , and secretly encamped himselfe as neere as he could vnto the mountaines where his scouts lay , with eagles eies waiting for the least mouing of the enemy . The Bassa desirous to get as farre as hee could into the countrey , before the heat of the day , began early in the morning to set forward , and came to the plaines of PHARSALIA , through the world spoken of for the great battell in them long time before fought , between the two most famous chieftaines Caesar and Pompeius : and now once more to bee made famous , by the slaughter of the Turks . Here the enemie finding some stragling cattell ▪ and other small things which the country people had in their hastie flight left behind them , fell to seeking after bootie , and as men without feare , spent that day in roaming vp and downe the countrey , in hope to find something : and at night encamped without any great watch , but towards LYSSVM , from whence they ( in great securitie ) looked for the comming of Scanderbeg ; and as it were in disgrace of him , carried Amesa in triumph vp and downe the campe , as if he had been alreadie possessed of the kingdome of EPIRVS . Scanderbeg lying on the other side of the mountaines , perceiued by his espials which way the enemy lay : and with great silence vnder the couert of the mountaines and woods , secretly bent his course the same way , vntill hee came to a mountaine called TVMENIST , at the foot whereof he encamped that night . The next morning the Bassa holding on his way , came and encamped not farre from the same mountaine , and there staied himselfe with halfe his army , and sent Amesa with the other halfe to burne and spoyle the countrey : who about noone returned to the campe with such prey as he had got , with his souldiours well wearied with trauell and the heat of the day . Scanderbeg like a carefull housholder , who being about to entertaine and feast some honourable personages , trusteth not to his wife and seruants , but looketh vnto the bestowing of his prouision himselfe , carefully ordering and disposing and setting foorth all things , especially if his prouision ( for want of abilitie ) be short , to welcome so great guests ▪ and setting all things foorth to the greatest shew , seeketh at least to fill the eies of his guests , although he doubt to satisfie their appetites : so he carefully viewing all the mountaines and thick woods therabouts without resting , set Moses in one place , Tanusius in another , and all the rest in places most conuenient . He appointeth euerie man what to doe , and instructeth them , and considereth of euerie particuler circumstance himselfe : and so diuideth his forces , as might best serue his purpose , and make the most terrible shew vnto the enemy : for which purpose he in euerie companie placed mo trumpets , drums , and other instruments of war , than he had before at any time vsed . When he had so to his most aduantage bestowed so many of his captaines and souldiours as he thought good , and as the nature of the places would giue leaue , he with foure thousand horsemen and the like number of foot , speedily marching vp the rough mountaine of TVMENIST , from thence plainly beheld in what order the Turkes campe lay in the plaines below . The Turks , especially they which were lately returned with Amesa from the spoile of the countrey , lay scattered abroad in the fields , with their horses vnbridled and vnsadled , resting their wearie bodies : some got vnder the shadows of trees were victualing themselues ; some hauing filled their bellies , lay fast on sleep vpon the greene grasse ; the rest were passing the time , some with one kind of sport , some with an other , as souldiours doe in field when they haue little or nothing to doe : for it was then the hotest time both of the yeare and of the day , being about the midst of Iuly , and the noontime of the day ▪ The like negligence was also in that part of the campe where the Bassa himselfe lay : euerie man taking his ease and pleasure , with small regard of horse or armour ; for being out of feare of Scanderbeg , whom they thought to haue been a great way off at LYSSVM , they lay as men without care wrapped vp in securitie , the common destruction of great armies and common wealths . Amesa with the great captaines , were at the same time altogither in the Bassaes pauilion , consulting what course they were best to take , to doe something to the contentment of Mahomet , and their owne commendation : Some said it were best , with fire and sword to destroy all they could in EPIRVS ; and so hauing laied the countrey wast , to returne : Others thought it better to march directly to CROIA , to proue if the citizens could be persuaded to yeeld themselues , and receiue Amesa for their king ; otherwise to threaten them with a continuall siege , and vtter destruction of the countrey , if vpon the vaine expectation of helpe from Scanderbeg they should refuse to submit themselues . As for Scanderbeg himselfe , who then lay houering ouer their heads , he was in all that consultation least feared : who from the top of the mountaine , beholding the securitie and disorder of the Turks camp , and delighted with the sight therof ; encouraged his soldiors , and martialed them in such order as they were to follow him , for the charging and terrifying of the enemy . But first of all he determined to oppresse the Turkes scouts , which lay at the foot of the mountaine for which purpose he himselfe with a few horsmen first secretly discended the mountain , the rest of his army following shortly after , and so suddenly came vpon the scouts that he slew them all , excepting one , who escaping by the swiftnesse of his horse , came running into the campe as one halfe feared out of his wit , crying out that Scanderbeg was comming . The Turks suspecting nothing lesse than the comming of him that way , at the present instant hardly beleeued that he was so 〈◊〉 : whē as he following him at the heels as fast as he could , with his horsmen and his footmen after them , was in a moment as if it had been a sudden tempest broken in amongst the vnarmed Turkes ▪ and there making great slaughter of them , filled all the campe with sudden tumult and feare . Amesa who at the first noise had speedily got him to his charge , with his souldiours some halfe armed , some on foot , hauing no leisure to bridle their horses , was the first that made head against Scanderbeg . The Bassa also did what he might in that sudden feare and shortnesse of time , to arme his men , and to put them in order : but whilest these things were in doing , the souldiours which lay in ambush in the woods , came downe the mountaine with such horrible shouts and noise of instruments of warre , as if heauen and earth should haue presently gone togither ; the hils and vallies with their hollow ecchoes , encreasing the terror of the alarum . Insomuch , that the Turkes dismaied , and fearing that all the force of EPIRVS with the countries adjoyning had come vpon them , began to flie on euerie side , before that Moses and the rest that lay in ambush were come into the plaines . Amesa acquainted with his vnckles stratagems , as much as he could encouraged the Turkes ; crying alowd and telling them , That such vaine tumults and terrours were not to be feared , being but the bare shifts and deuises of their enemies to couer their owne weaknesse : and by his owne valour staied many which before were about to haue fled . In this while , the Bassa hauing put his men in best order he could , was comming to the aid of Amesa , hardly charged by Scanderbeg : but in his setting forward , he was so valiantly encountred on the one side by Moses with his horsemen , and on the other by Tanusius and Ema●uel with their footmen , that he was enforced , not without great losse , againe to retire vnto his trenches . All the hope of the battell depended vpon Amesa , who still with great courage withstood his vnckle ; exhorting his souldiours valiantly as men to endure that first assault , which should afterwards bring them most assured victorie : hartening them on with hope of speedie help from their fellowes , if they would but a while endure the furie of their enemies , whose hearts ( as hee said ) would presently be discouraged , if they preuailed not in that their first and desperat attempt , hauing nothing else to trust vnto . By which persuasion the Turkes were againe encouraged , accounting it a great dishonour to flie , and leaue their chieftaine in the field . But when they saw Scanderbeg still to preuaile vpon them , and that no helpe came as they hoped ( for many were by Scanderbeg his horsemen slaine as they were arming themselues ; many were by the way cut off as they were comming , and the rest put to flight ) they which before fought valiantly with Amesa , turned their backs and fled also . Scanderbeg his horsemen pursuing the chase , made great slaughter of the Turkes , and in the same chase tooke Amesa prisoner . Scanderbeg , hauing ouerthrown that part of the Turkes battell , was comming with a thousand footmen and some horsemen , to haue ayded Moses against the Bassa : but before his comming , Moses to blot out his former infamie , had with inuincible courage put the great Bassa with all his army to flight : and Scanderbeg following the chase , gaue him not leaue to looke behind him , vntill he was got out of EPIRVS . Many were in this chase taken prisoners , and amongst the rest one Mesites a Sanzacke , a man of great account amongst the Turkes . In this battell beside the prisoners , were taken twentie of the Turkes fairest ensignes . As for horses , armour , and other spoiles taken in the field , and in the campe , all which fell vnto the souldiors share , it is almost incredible to be told . The number of the slaine Turkes is of diuers diuersly reported , they which write of the most , reckon vp thirtie thousand ; and they which speake of the least , account twentie thousand . Of the Christians were lost but sixtie . Now if any account it strange , that so great a victorie should be gained with so little losse ; not to speake of that is written in holy writ , let him but read the auncient histories of the Romans , or the chronicles of our owne country , and he shall in them find victories no lesse strange . There was to be seene the sudden and strange alteration of these worldly things , no more indeed ( whatsoeuer we account of them ) to be reckoned of , than of things we haue not . Scanderbeg possesseth the rich pauilion , erst belonging to the great Bassa ; and other of his captaines enioy tents , with much other rich furniture neuer prepared for their vse . Amesa which the same day as a victorious conquerour ouerran a great part of AEMATHIA with his horsemen , and was in triumph carried vp with the generall acclamation of many thousands of valiant souldiors , and honoured as a king , and of them so called ; is now led through the Christian army to his vnkle , with his hands bound behind him as a slaue , speechlesse and confounded , vnable to hold vp his head for shame : whose miserie moued most of the beholders to compassion , and forced teares out of the eies of many . The next day after this great victorie , Scanderbeg caused the bodies of the slaine Turkes to be buried , togither with their horses ; which he did not for any regard of them , but that their loathsome carkases should not infect the countrey ! and after that , returned in great triumph to CROIA . By the way as he went , the countrey people , which were before for feare of the Turks fled into the woods and mountaines in great multitudes , met him ; as did others also out of the citties , whose mouthes were all full of his worthy praises . Before him went the captiue Turkes with their hands bound behind them , excepting such as were enforced to carrie the Turkes ensignes : Next vnto them followed the great Bassaes rich pauilion , in such manner supported by the souldiours , as if it had been in the field : Then came Scanderbeg himselfe with the Turkish Sanzacke , and Amesa following him ; for Amesa had with great and humble sute obtained of his vnckle , that he might not as he well deserued , be carried bound amongst the other captiues : Last of all came Scanderbeg his victorious souldiours in goodly order , euerie man leading a spare horse taken from the enemy , and loaded with spoyle . So when he was come to CROIA , and there of his subjects joyfully receiued , he brake vp his army , and gaue euerie man leaue at his pleasure to depart . The Sanzacke , and Amesa , were committed to safe keeping , vntill farther order was taken for them . Amesa afterwards was for his treason worthely condemned to perpetuall prison , and by an embassador from Scanderbeg sent vnto king Alphonsus to NAPLES , there to be kept in durance ; and with him was also sent an honourable present of part of the spoile taken from the Turkes , in token of the victorie . What became afterward of this Amesa , concerneth not much the course of our historie ; yet to satisfie the desirous , I think it not amisse with him to stray a little out of the way . When Amesa had remained a yeare in prison at NAPLES , Scanderbeg vnderstanding of the death of Alphonsus , by his embassadour requested of Ferdinand his sonne , to haue Amesa restored to him againe . By which meanes he was brought backe againe into EPIRVS , and cast in prison at CROIA ; but not in such straight manner as before : for Scanderbeg according to his accustomed clemencie , began now to forget the injurie to him before done ; and at last ouercome with the continuall supplication and teares of his nephew , pardoned him his life ; and restoring him to his former libertie , receiued him also into his former fauor . But Amesa remembring what pledges of his loyaltie hee had left with Mahomet at CONSTANTINOPLE , and fearing what would become of his wife and children , if he should hastely vse that his libertie , giuing his vnckle most humble thankes , brake vnto him his mind concerning that matter , as followeth : Whereas you of your owne gracious goodnesse onely , without any desert of mine , haue regarded my life and welfare , it behooueth me also to be carefull for the life of others : least whilest I receiue your exceeding bountie with too much desire of mine owne health and honour , I doe at this present , by this same benefit of yours , cast away them , whom I haue long sithence by mine owne trecherie vndone . Mine vnfortunate and guiltlesse wife is with Mahomet , my little and innocent children are with him also : these yet liue , and shall liue , so long as the tyrant shall thinke , that I liue in heart his ; but when he shall once perceiue by this your gracious dealing that I am fallen from him , the cruell creditor will foorthwith cut and rend in peeces the pledges of my faith , and their innocent blood shall pay the guilt of their fathers offence . Wherefore the Othoman tyrant is of me by some deuice to be deceiued , that I may in the meane time preserue those pledges , vntill I may by some fit occasion afterwards redeeme the same . I will by your leaue this night take my flight out of CROIA , as if I had broken prison , and escaped against your will , and so flie vnto Mahomet , making the greatest shew I can of my wonted loue and loyaltie towards him : not omitting to heare , or speake vnto that credulous king such things concerning your estate , as I was wont in my better fortune : that hauing so cleared my selfe of all suspition , which he perhaps hath conceiued by reason of my captiuitie and long stay with you , I may at length , with my wife and children , so escape from him : Wherein you may helpe me much , if you shall openly make shew as if you were greeued with my escape , and seeme to be highly offended with the keepers of the prison for the same . In the meane time , whilest I shall stay in the tyrants court expecting some fit time for my escape , I will stand you in stead of an intelligencer , so that your enemie shall not to my knowledge either attempt or goe about any thing against you , which shall be kept from your hearing or knowledge . Scanderbeg refused not to graunt whatsoeuer he had requested , but said vnto him : Amesa , sithence we haue graunted you life , with all the good things thereunto belonging , we will not prohibit you to vse that our gift to your most good , and to the preseruation of them who for euer may most justly call vpon you , as debtor vnto them , for their welfare and libertie . Go thy waies , proceed , take thy time and occasion as seemeth vnto thee best ; and at length reforme thy selfe , whilest thou yet hast sufficient time and space . We now beleeue you in all things , and well like of this your deuise : Amesa you shall herein deceiue no man but your selfe , if you shall longer follow the faith & court of the barbarous king , whereas like danger is both of bodie and soule both to thee and thine . Whensoeuer thou shalt returne vnto vs , thou canst not doe vs a greater pleasure : and in what regard thou hast heretofore been with vs , in the same thou shalt be with vs againe . The same night Amesa by secret order from Scanderbeg , escaped both out of prison and out of CROIA : and in the morning it was all ouer the citie , that he was gone , and the keepers sharply rebuked for their negligence . He comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , easily persuaded Mahomet , that he was by chance escaped , with all things els that he told him : yet was he not for all that , so well graced of him as before ; not for any distrust he had in the man , but for the euill successe hee had in the former warres . Now whether Amesa neglected his promised returne , or could find no oportunitie to performe the same , is vncertaine : but certaine it is , that shortly after he died at CONSTANTINOPLE , poysoned as was thought by the commaundement of Mahomet , who could no longer endure the sight of him , whom he reckoned the author of the notable ouerthrow receiued in AEMATHIA . This was the wofull end of this noble and valiant man , well worthie of remembrance , had not his haughtie thoughts soared too high with the desire of soueraignetie . When Mahomet vnderstood in what manner Isaack Bassa was ouerthrowne , and his armie discomfited , hee was therewith much greeued , and justly blamed the Bassaes securitie : yet such was his credit with his soueraigne , that the matter was in better sort passed ouer than was supposed it would haue beene . Neuerthelesse , Mahomet in reuenge thereof would willingly haue imployed all his forces vpon Scanderbeg , if his more vrgent affaires would haue so permitted . For at the same time , besides that great warres began to arise betwixt him and the Venetians ( which continued for many yeares after ) hee was certainely enformed , That the Christian princes were making a strong confederation against him . At which time Mahomet disdaining openly to sue for peace at Scanderbegs hands , cunningly practised by such as were sent to redeeme the prisoners , and also by the Sanzacke himselfe , to persuade Scanderbeg to require peace of him ; assuring him , that if he did but aske it , it would for a long time bee easily obtained . Which thing Scanderbeg well acquainted with the Turkish policie , vtterly refused to do . Wherefore Mahomet for defence of his countries bordering vpon EPIRVS , sent two of his most expert captaines , Sinam , and Hamur , with each of them foureteene thousand souldiors into MACEDONIA , expressely charging them not to enter at any time or vpon any occasion , into EPIRVS , or by any meanes to prouoke Scanderbeg : which his commaundement they so well obserued , that the Epirots by the spac● of almost two yeares enjoyed the fruits of peace , although there was no peace at all concluded . So that the remembrance of old injuries wearing out with time , at length by the mediation of the same captaines , a peace for a yeare was agreed vpon betwixt Mahomet and Scanderbeg . In which time he passed ouer into APVLIA , and there notably aided king Ferdinand against the French , the proceeding wherein , as not pertinent to our historie , I of purpose passe ouer . After that the time of the peace before concluded was expired , all things now going well with Mahomet , as he desired , he determined according to his wonted maner to trouble the quiet estate of Scanderbeg : and so sending a new supplie of souldiors vnto Synam-beg , who then lay with a strong garrison vpon the frontiers of EPIRVS , commaunded him with all his power to make warres vpon Scanderbeg . Synam accordingly , with an armie of twentie thousand men entred into EPIRVS , where he was forthwith encountered by Scanderbeg , and his armie vtterly ouerthrown , so that but few escaped by flight with Synam himselfe . Presently after he sent Asam-beg , another of his captaines , into the same seruice , with an armie of thirtie thousand , whom Scanderbeg also in plaine battaile vanquished at OCRIDA : in which battaile Asam himselfe was sore wounded , and finding no way to escape , was glad to yeeld himselfe prisoner to Scanderbeg , by whom hee was courteously vsed , and afterwards set at libertie . Iussum-beg following Asam with eighteene thousand into EPIRVS , was set vpon by Scanderbeg also , and hauing lost part of his armie , was glad by speedie flight to saue himselfe with the rest . After all this , Caraza-beg , an old captain and a man of great experience ( who had beene a great commaunder , and a companion with Scanderbeg in the time of old Amurath ) requested of Mahomet , That he might proue his fortune against his old acquaintance Scanderbeg , assuring him of better successe than before . The long and approued experience of this old leader put Mahomet in such hope of good speed , that he gaue presen● order for the leuying of such an armie as Caraza had requested , and for ten thousand mo than he had at the first required . With this strong armie , in number almost fortie thousand , Caraza set forward , hauing before filled the minds of men with the expectation of some great matter to haue beene by him done . Scanderbeg vnderstanding certainely , that Caraza was comming , stood more in doubt of the man than of his power : and therefore assembled greater forces than hee had vsually done before : and to welcome him , sent two thousand of his best and most expert souldiors secretly into the enemies country ; who lying in ambush amongst the woods & mountaines , whereby Caraza must needs passe , suddenly set vpon foure thousand horsemen , the forerunners of Caraza his armie ; who marching disorderedly , and fearing no such matter , were in a trice ouerthrowne , and most part of them slaine : those few that escaped , fled backe again to the armie , as if they had come in poast to bring tidings of some hastie newes to the Generall . With which so vnfortunat a beginning , Caraza was so discomfited , that if he might for shame , he could haue beene content to haue returned againe and gone no farther : yet for his honours sake holding on his way , he came into EPIRVS ; where whilest hee was ( after the manner of old men ) long in resoluing what course to take , he was vpon the sudden assailed by Scanderbeg , before hee could well put his men in order of battaile . At which time there fell such a vehement shower of raine , that both the armies were glad to retire before any great hurt was done . Three dayes together it rained continually ( for it was about the later end of Autumne ) all which time Scanderbeg ceased not in one place or other to trouble the Turks campe : so that the old Generall , partly distempered with the extremitie of the weather , which for the violence therof he tooke to be ominous ; and more discouraged with the restlesse attempts of Scanderbeg , rise with his armie , and reti●ing back , by the same way he came returned to CONSTANTINOPLE . Where he was well derided of Mahomet , that hauing promised so much , had performed so little : yet afterwards was again by him in some sort commended , for that he had with lesse losse looked vpon Scanderbeg , than other his Generals before sent against him . Mahomet perceiuing that Scanderbeg was not to be subdued but with such forces as hee was not then at leisure to imploy vpon him , thought it not amisse to proue if hee could by faire speeches and glorious shewes of fained friendship get within him , and so bring him to confusion . For which purpose he sent vnto him an embassadour , with rich presents , and letters of this purport . Sultan Mahomet , Lord and Emperour of the East and of the West , and of all parts of the World , vnto Scanderbeg , prince of ALBANIA and EPIRVS , sendeth greeting . I thinke friend Scanderbeg , that no acquaintance can be greater , or friendship more firm , than that which hath growne of long and mutuall conuersing and liuing together : and especially if the same haue taken beginning from childhood and tender yeares , as you know it hath done betwixt vs two ; who haue of long time , euen from our childhood , liued together in great loue and friendship , when as you first lay as hostage in my fathers court . Wherfore beloued Scanderbeg , when as I call to remembrance all those things , with others , wherewith our youthfull yeares were then delighted ; and being mindfull also of all those things which you haue oftentimes done for the aduancement of our empire and kingdome , and for the glorie of the Othoman familie ; I cannot chuse but imbrace thee with a singular zeale and affection . For I take God to witnes , that nothing could chance more welcome or pleasing vnto me in my life , than to haue thee with me , and for a while to enioy thy companie . Neither needest thou to fear any thing to come vnto me , for that my souldiors without my knowledge or commaundement haue of late broken in and spoiled thy kingdom : which thing as reason required , was vnto me exceedingly displeasing : neither did it any whit offend me , that they were by thy forces vanquished and ouercome , and so receiued the iust reward of their euill deserts , and that all things fell out with thee according to the equitie of thy cause , and as thy heart could haue desired . But to let these things passe , the remembrance of our old loue and friendship persuadeth me to come to agreement , & to joine together with thee in a perpetuall league of amitie : to the intent that our auntient acquaintance and familiaritie , which by reason of long absence is almost worne out , may againe take life , encrease , and be confirmed . Of which peace , let these bee the capitulations , if they shall seeme vnto you reasonable : for I know it belongeth vnto him that requireth not the peace , to appoint the conditions of the same . First , we require of you freely and peaceably to suffer our armies to passe through your kingdome , for the besieging of the cities and inuading of the countries subiect to the Venetians our enemies : Then , to deliuer vnto vs your sonne Iohn in hostage , whom we will always vse as one of our own naturall children : And afterwards , that our marchants and men of trade may peaceably come and trauell into all parts of your kingdome with their marchandize , and there freely and safely vse their negotiation : Last of all , that your selfe in parson may at your pleasure safely and without all feare repaire vnto vs , and in like manner returne againe . In which things if you will yeeld vnto vs , I promise in the faith of a king , to graunt vnto you and your kingdome sincere peace , with perpetuall tranquilitie ; and that there shall not be any more deerer vnto me than your selfe ; and will neuer to the vttermost of our power permit your kingdome to be infested or molested by any of our subiects , or others . Whatsoeuer you shall farther receiue from vs by the mouth of our embassadour Mustapha , you may thereto giue full credence . Fare you well from our imperiall pallace at CONSTANTINOPLE the 10 of May 1561. Scanderbeg hauing receiued these letters , and well considered of the same , returned him answere by the same messenger as followeth : The souldior of Christ Iesus , George Castriot , otherwise called Scanderbeg , prince of the Albaneses and Epirots , vnto Mahomet prince of the Turkes , greeting . Your letters ( most magnificent ) are deliuered vnto vs : wherein you write of your exceeding loue and singular affection towards vs , confirmed as you say by old acquaintance : which being growne vp betwixt vs , and by tract of time firmely rooted and as it were into nature conuerted , shall alwaies retaine his force and strength . But for as much as it seemeth vnto you good to awake the same , hauing of long time and many yeares lien as it were asleepe ; and to make a motion that we should enter into a certaine new league and confederation , whereof amongst other conditions of the league by you propounded , this is one , That your forces may freely passe through my kingdome , to inuade the Venetians : Vnto this your request , worthie Mahomet , it standeth neither with equitie nor with mine honour to consent , for so much as the Venetians are my especiall good friends and confederats . As for that you desire to haue my sonne Iohn with you in hostage for the better assurance of the peace betwixt vs , I should peraduenture doe it ( most noble Mahomet ) if fatherly affection would giue me leaue : but sithence I haue no moe but him , and he as yet a tender child , it is not for the good either of him or vs , to haue him now taken from vs , when as he ought of vs to be most tenderly cherished , and carefully instructed . As for that you requested concerning your marchants , that they may freely and safely trafficke into my kingdome at their pleasure , I can be content to yeeld thereunto , and wish heartily , that there might be a free entercourse for our marchants indifferently with their commodities into both our kingdomes . Farther , where as you earnestly persuade me boldly and without feare to come vnto you , that by such enterview and personall presence , our great desire , growne of long absence , might be the better satisfied : in this thing most excellent prince , I cannot but praise your most honourable disposition , and commend your good nature ▪ and would therefore boldly follow your persuasion , if my other vrgent affaires , with the gouernment of my kingdome , would so permit . But what should I doe ? my sonne Iohn is ( as I said before ) but little , and as yet vnfit to gouerne : and my people ( as you know ) loue alwayes to haue something to doe ; being by nature a fierce and restlesse nation , whom I my selfe haue much adoe to rule and gouerne : For all that , I will come vnto you according to your desire , expecting onely a more commodious time . So fare you well , and loue me still . From our campe the 30 of May , 1461. When Mahomet had receiued these letters , and well perused the same , he writ to him againe in manner following : Sultan Mahomet , Emperour of all the parts of the World , vnto Scanderbeg , prince of the Albanenses and Epirots , greeting . Your letters we haue receiued by our embassador Mustapha , wherin you giue vs to vnderstand , that you like of none of the conditions of peace by vs propounded , but onely that concerning our marchants and men of trade , that they might freely and at their pleasure vse their traffique and trades with their marchandise too and fro : and vpon this condition onely you graunt vs peace . This your offer we accept of , and all the rest of your excuses we willingly admit : wherefore I promise vnto thee ( my louing Scanderbeg ) and will performe all that thou doest require , and vpon that resolution rest : and will so long as I liue obserue and keepe a sincere and inuiolable peace with thee for euer , except thou first giue cause of violating the same . And for that purpose haue we with our vsuall and imperiall seale signed these our letters , which we by our embassadour Mustapha haue sent vnto thee , as thereby confirming vnto thee this perpetuall peace . Wherefore you also ( if you be so content ) may subscribe , and with your seale confirme this of ours , that I in like manner may also haue your like consent and agreement . And would farther , that you would commaund knowledge thereof to be made by open proclamation through all your kingdome , as I will in like manner cause to be done through mine . And for the more manifestation of this my loue towards you , I would also that you should vnderstand , That of mine owne meere motion and bountie , I doe freely giue vnto you all those things , which you by force of armes haue taken from my father in ALBANIA and EPIRVS , so that you may possesse and enioy the same , as if they had alwaies been yours and your ancestors : Wherefore I giue , graunt , and confirme vnto thee and thy heires , all the right , title , or interest , which I heretofore had therein : and from henceforth will alwayes account and repute thee as prince of ALBANIA and EPIRVS , and so call thee . And as I haue promised thee in the faith of a king , will neuer hereafter with warres molest thee or thine , except thou thy selfe giue cause thereof . Wherefore after you haue with your seale confirmed these things , you may commend them to our faithfull embassadour Mustapha , to bee by him brought vnto vs : vnto whom I would you should in all things giue full credit . So fare you well , and render vs loue for loue . From our imperiall palace at CONSTANTINOPLE , the 22 of Iune , 1461. Vpon receit of these letters a peace was concluded betwixt Mahomet and Scanderbeg , and the same by publicke proclamations solemnely published through both their kingdomes , to the great rejoycing of many . Which peace was for a season faithfully kept on both sides , vntill that the Turkes lying in garrison vpon the frontiers of EPIRVS , began after their woonted manner againe to fetch preyes and booties out of the countrey . Of which injuries Scanderbeg by letters complained to Mahomet : who answered that he was altogether ignorant thereof , and seemed in shew to be much offended with the insolencie of the doers thereof : and foorthwith caused many things to be againe restored . By which meanes the peace before concluded , was still as before continued . A little before the conclusion of the aforesaid peace , great warres began to arise betwixt the Turks and the Venetians : who all this while being in league with the Turk , peaceably followed their traffique and trades of marchandise , little or nothing at all regarding their neighbours harmes and miseries , vntill that now the flame and fire began to take hold vpon their owne houses , and as it were to awaken them out of a dead sleepe . For Mahomet after he had subuerted the empire of CONSTANTINOPLE , and driuen Thomas and Demetrius the emperours brethren out of PELOPONESVS ( now called MOREA ) rested not so contented , but by his lieutenants and other great captaines began to disturbe the quiet of the Venetians , who then held in their possession METHONE , CORONE , NEAPOLIS , ARGOS , with diuers other strong townes in PELOPONESVS , standing vpon the sea coast . And now it chanced , that about this time , Iosue , Mahomets lieutenant in PELOPONESVS , had by the treason of a Greeke priest , vpon the suddaine surprised the citie of ARGOS : And Omares another of his great captaines , hauing first spoyled the countrey about NAVPACTVM ( now LEPANTO ) entered farther into the territorie of the Venetians about METHONE and CORONE , making hauocke of whatsoeuer came in his way . With which injuries , plainely tending to open warre , the Venetian Senatours being much troubled , sat oftentimes in counsell , deliberating with much care what course to take in a matter of so great importance . Some being of opinion , that it were best to send embassadours to Mahomet , so to make proofe if the matter might by faire means be redressed : others on the contrarie part deeming it to be to no purpose so to doe ; for as much as such great and manifest outrages , nothing differing from plaine hostilitie , could not possibly be done without the tyrants knowledge and expresse commaund . After the Senatours had oftentimes met together , and with many great reasons debated the matter too and fro , and yet for all that concluded nothing ( as in consultations of great matters with a multitude , it most commonly falleth out to be a harder matter , and to require longer time , to bring the multitude to some certaine resolution , than it is afterwards to performe the same in action . ) In this so great a diuersitie of opinions concerning so weightie a cause , at length one Victor Capella , a noble gentleman and graue Senator stept vp in the middest of the Senate , and there franckely deliuered this notable speech vnto the rest concerning the matter propounded , as followeth : I haue before this at other times by long experience often noted ( most noble Senatours ) that in all our greatest consultations of matters most concerning our common state , some are alwayes so addicted or rather wedded vnto their owne conceits , that they can hardly with patience endure to heare the reasonable opinion of others contrarie to their owne ; the cheefe cause of our slow resolutions . Wherefore I haue thought it good , breefely at this time to call vpon you for resolution : for as much as I see we must of necessitie take vp armes , be we neuer so loth or vnwilling : For to my vnderstanding , you doe but betray the state , in delaying the time to make present warre vpon the barbarous enemie . Yet many principall men amongst vs , aduise vs to beware , that wee doe not rashly or vnaduisedly determine of matters of so great consequence ; and thinke it requisit , that we should send embassadours vnto the tyrant , to expostulate with him his vniust dealing in breaking his faith and league ; and withall to request him to obserue the conditions of the peace before agreed vpon , if happily he may rather by persuasion than by armes be mooued to change his purpose : and if by this meanes nothing may be obtained , then at length they thinke it necessarie to resolue to make warre vpon him . They alledge further , That if we shall attempt warre , our citties in the continent bordering vpon the Ionian , in PELOPONESVS , with diuers others of ours in the firme land , will not bee able to hold out very long , but for want of necessaries must needs perish with the first of the trouble ; besides that , if those places shall be wasted and spoiled , great losse ( as they say ) shall ensue thereby vnto most of vs in priuat : the greatest motiue ( perhaps ) wherefore they thinke it most conuenient to deferre the warres , and for that purpose to send our embassadours vnto him ▪ Of which embassage , first by your leaue a few words . At such time as these our embassadours , men of great wisedome and reach , not long since came vnto him , he had them in no regard ; but dalying off the time with fraudulent , deceitfull , and glosing speeches , did indeed such things to the contrarie as we least hoped : wherefore I cannot well deuise ( if we should send them , or such others againe ) what especiall thing of all that we then gaue them in tharge , they should now propound vnto him , hauing alreadie said what is to be said ; except they should say , That whereas we are not of sufficient strength and power to wage warre against him , we would be glad to decide the matter by talke , and by that simple meanes to redresse our iniuries ; and vpon the matter , to shew our selues prest and readie to fall to agreement with him , according as shall stand with his good pleasure and liking . Truly this were good plaine dealing , but it will not serue our turne : ARGOS is alreadie taken from vs , and he maketh open war vpon vs : wherein he doth but prooue our courage , and trie how long we will put vp these iniuries . If we will quietly disgest these , he will then confidently and without feare proceed further : but if we shall as best beseemeth vs , valiantly resist him , he shall be glad of such rest as wee shall giue him ; and when hee knoweth not well which way to turne himselfe , shall be as glad as we to lay downe armes and to seeke for peace : whereas if we shall doe otherwise , I feare we shall repent our selues when it will be too late . It is reported , that as soone as he was come into PELOPONESVS , he went himselfe in person vnto EVBoeA , to view the cittie of CALCIS : and going a second time out of PELOPONESVS , sounded the depth of the passage , and came within the sight of the cittie , of purpose to haue assaulted it , if he had found oportunitie : at which time he himselfe rid ouer that strait of the sea betwixt BoeOTIA and EVBoeA with his horse , and curiously viewed in what place he might most conueniently passe ouer with his armie to besiege the cittie . Verely these are the most manifest signes of war , whereby any man may sufficiently prooue , that he hath long since resolued ( so soone as he is readie ) to make warre vpon vs , whilest we are yet dreaming in the middest of our long consultations . Hee will proceed in the warres he hath begun : and cutting vs short , augment his owne dominions . Then will hee blame his lieutenants and captaines , as authors thereof : but yet still be doing that best serueth his purpose . And whilest no man opposeth himselfe against him , his power dayly encreasing , he will doe the best he can suddainely to swallow vs vp , being vnprouided . For he may easily raise great forces , that by sufferance of others , maketh himselfe of great strength there where hee had before no footing ▪ Shall we then say that we haue no warres with this encroching tyrant ? Some I know feed themselues and others also , with vaine hopes , saying ; That he will neuer turne his forces vpon vs , nor ruinate our estate , although he might at ease doe it : wherefore ( say they ) let vs refraine from warres , and vse our peace and quietnesse , yet omitting nothing in the meane time that shall bee needfull for our safetie . But for as much as it plainely appeareth vnto all men by that which is before said , That he hath alreadie indeed proclaimed warre against vs , inuading our countries , surprising our citties , and killing our people : Whether thinke you it more expedient or profitable for vs , to sit still and suffer our dominions to bee taken from vs , or rather by open warre to make the barbarous king know the greatnesse of our power and strength ? For if we shall enter into open warrre , wee being in armes sufficiently prouided for all euents , and with carefull eye attending all his attempts , shall easily auoid both himselfe and all his deuises : who if hee bee suffered to run still on forward with his prosperous successe , people will dayly more and more fall vnto him , in hope to liue the better , as his friends . For which cause , I thinke it better to preferre an honourable warre before a doubtfull peace . As for delay , it hath hurt may great States , and our selues most of all : whereby wee haue in sort betrayed the empire of GRECIA , with the wofull emperour himselfe , when as this tyrant battered the wals of CONSTANTINOPLE : for our traffique was much holpen by the Grecians , whom we then left to themselues . After that , we despised and reiected the pittifull complaints of the princes of PELOPONESVS , who with teares craued our aid : and now wee see that famous countrey lost , and fallen into his hands , through our sloth and negligence . Of late , when as the king of BOSNA humbly requested our aid , and promised fully to requite our courtesie , and whatsoeuer els we should doe in his behalfe ; we suffered his kingdome to be lost , and himselfe to be cruelly murdered of the Turkes . For all these things by vs thus neglected , we cannot escape the infamous report of all the rest of the nations in EVROPE , but that they will say , That we for the greedie desire of trade and filthie gaine , haue forsaken , and for our parts betrayed whole kingdomes and nations , agreeing with vs both in manner and religion ; and to haue stood still , looking on , vntill they were subdued and brought in thraldome by the Turkes . Wherefore in few words to shut vp the matter , if we shall joyne in league with the Hungarians , and enter into armes , we shall so be able to keepe our owne : whereas if we shall vse delayes , and hunt after peace , we shall in short time see ; that he will suddainely deuour vs , being vnprouided , and wrest from vs all our prouinces and territories which border vpon him . And therefore it is ( in my opinion ) best to send our embassadours into HVNGARIE with a great masse of money to stir vp that warlike nation into the fellowship of this warre . And beside the nauie we now haue in readinesse , to put to sea as many moe ships and gallies as we are able . The great Bishop also is not to be forgotten , but by all meanes to be drawne as a cheefe man into this warre . Besides all this , we must doe what wee can to raise vp rebellion against the Turke in PELOPONESVS : which will be no hard matter to bring to passe . For if the Peloponesians rise in armes with one of their poore princes which reuolted from the Turkish king , and forsaking all that they had , aduentured themselues into all manner of perill and danger : what thinke you they will doe , if they shall see so great forces comming both by sea and land against the Turkish king ? It were good also , that we should send two thousand Italian horsemen into PELOPONESVS , to animate the people : who when they shall see vs thus to proceed , will vndoubtedly presently reuolt from the Turks , and yeeld themselues with their countrey vnto vs , from whence we may most commodiously vex and molest this tyrant : For there is no where better entrance into his kingdome , than by the way of PELOPONESVS . So that joyning in league with the Hungarians , we shall be set him on euery side : they all along the riuer of DANVEIVS , and we out of PELOPONISVS . Let vs not therfore sit still with our hands in our bosomes , suffring our countries to be taken from vs , & our subiects made bondslaues to the Turks : but encouraging them by our example , animate them to take vp armes , and valiantly to resist the cruell and barbarous tyrant . The greater part of the Senat mooued with this graue Senatours speech , decreed without delay to make warres , and to send their embassadours to the Pope , the king of HVNGARIE , and other the Christian princes their neighbours , to pray aid of them in these warres against the Turkes . According to this decree , the Venetians for defence of their territorie sent one Bertholdus Este , a valiant captaine , with an armie into PELOPONESVS : where at his first comming , he in short time recouered the cittie of ARGOS before lost . And departing thence , ma●ched through the country with his armie of fifteene thousand men vnto the strait of CORINTH , called ISTHMVS . At which place Alouisius Lauretanus , Admirall for the Venetians ( by appointment before made ) met him : and there joyning their forces together , with great labour in the space of fifteene dayes fortified all that strait from the Ionian vnto the sea Aegeum , with a continuall rampier and double ditch , in length about fiue miles . In which worke they vsed the helpe of thirtie thousand men : and in doing thereof , were much furthered by the ruines of the old wall before destroyed by Amurath . The Venetian commaunders hauing fortified this strait , encamped before CORINTH , and laied strait siege vnto it : where , at the second assault , Bertholdus the Generall desirous by his owne forwardnesse to encourage his souldiours , was in that assault greeuously wounded with a stone , cast downe vpon him from the wall , of which hurt he shortly after died . Neuerthelesse , the siege was still contiued by Betinus Calcinatius , who succeeded in Bertholdus his place . But whilest the Venetians lay thus at the siege of CORINTH , suddainely newes was brought vnto the campe , that Mahomet was comming with a great armie himselfe in person to raise the siege , and to destroy the new fortifications at ISTHMVS . Whereupon the Venetians left the siege , with purpose to haue defended the late fortified strait . But after that it was certainely knowne , that Mahomet was euen now at hand with an armie of fourescore thousand Turks , Betinus distrusting with his small number to be able to defend the strait against so puissant an armie , left the place so lately before fortified , and with all his armie retired to NEAPOLIS to keepe the sea coast . Shortly after , Mahomet without any resistance at all entered with a world of men by the strait into PELOPONESVS : and when he had with the great slaughter of the countrey people roamed vp and downe about ARGOS , he came to NEAPOLIS , and in most terrible manner assaulted the cittie twice : both which times hee was notably repulsed by the Venetians , and many of his men slaine . Departing thence , he destroyed and wasted the countrey about METHONE ( now MODON ) and CORONE ; and assaulted the cittie of IVNCVM , but with no better successe than he had before NEAPOLIS . Wherefore Winter now drawing on , hee returned with his armie to CONSTANTINOPLE . After his departure , the Venetians spoiled all that part of ARCHADIA which was subject to the Turkes , requiting him with like injuries as he had done them before . Not long after , Lauretanus the Venetian Admirall had the Island of LEMNOS deliuered vnto him by one Cominius , a famous pyrat , who had surprised the same , and taken it from the Turkes : but distrusting how he should be able to keepe the same , deliuered it ouer vnto the Venetians . Shortly after , Vrsatus Iustinianus , a great magnifico amongst the Venetians , was sent to succeed Lauretanus their Admirall : But whilest he was scouring the Aegeum with a fleet of two and thirtie great gallies , Andreas Dandulus , Generall of their forces at land , inconsiderately encountering with the Turkes horsemen betweene MANTINEA and PITHEME , was by them ouerthrowne and slain , and with him diuerse other gentlemen of great account . In which skirmish fifteene hundred of the Venetians were slaine also with their Generall . And as fortune is neuer more constant than in mischeefe , so at the same time Vrsatus , Generall at sea , landing his men in the Island of LESBOS , besieged the citie of MITYLENE , and gaue thereunto two great assaults , wherein he lost fiue thousand men . And vnderstanding that the Turkes fleet was comming to releeue the cittie , raised his siege , and sailed into EVBoeA , and from thence passed ouer into PELOPONESVS : where hee shortly after died for sorrow and greefe of mind . In whose place the Venetians sent another famous captaine called Iacobus Lauretanus . The Venetians well considering the great power of the Turkish emperour , laboured by their embassadours , to draw as many of the Christian princes as they could into the fellowship of this warre ; but especially the great Bishop , by whose meanes they were in good hope to bee greatly strengthened . Pius the second of that name was then the great Bishop , who at first answered the Venetian embassadours ▪ That he must take away the little Turke , before hee had any thing to doe with the great : meaning thereby , Sigismundus Maletesta , prince of ARIMINVM ; whom he deadly hated , for that he tooke part with the French against the Aragonians . Howbeit ( the warres in ITALIE being well appeased ) Pius still sollicited by the Venetians , made great preparation against the Turkes , giuing it out , That hee would in person himselfe goe vnto those warres : and by his authoritie , then much regarded , procured great aid out of GERMANIE , FRAVNCE , SPAINE , and other countries also farther off : at which time also voluntarie men in great numbers resorted out of all parts of Christendome into ITALIE , readie to aduenture their liues in those religious warres . At the same time also the Venetians had with much adoe by the working of Paulus Angelus , Archbishop of DIRRACHIVM , persuaded Scanderbeg to renounce the league which he had before made with the Turke , and to enter into arms againe : which he presently did , and vpon the sudden spoyled the borders of the Turks dominions next vnto him . Wherwith Mahomet was no lesse troubled , than with all the rest of the great preparation of the Christians against him : fearing that ( as it was then reported ) he should be made generall of the Christian armie , which Mahomet feared might tend to the vtter ruine of his kingdome : so dreadfull was the name of Scanderbeg amongst the Turkes . Wherefore thinking it most expedient for his affaires , to reconcile him if it were possible , by his embassadour sent for that purpose , writ vnto him as followeth : Sultan Mahomet , Emperour of the East and of the West , vnto Scanderbeg , prince of the Albanenses and of the Epirots , greeting . I haue alwayes had thy fidelitie and vpright dealing in great admiration , most noble prince Scanderbeg : for which cause , I thought it a thing incredible , that thou being a prince of such an heroicall and princely perfection , should so inconsideratly and without any occasion breake the faith and league which thou not long since solemnely contracted with me . For as I am aduertised , thou hast entred into the confines of our dominions with a great armie , and with fire and sword destroying all that thou couldest , hast caried away with thee a great bootie . Of which thing I know right well , that the Venetians are the onely cause , by whose counsell and persuasion thou hast been set on to doe this deed ; and seduced by their allurements and subtill persuasions , hast made war vpon me , and art become the faithlesse breaker of thine owne league , and of the sacred law of nations . Yet doe I little or nothing blame thee therefore , regarding more the cause of the ignominie , than the despight it selfe , and lay the blame vpon them who haue alwayes been my foes and capitall enemies , rather than vpon thee . But alas , what is this vnto me ( Scanderbeg ) that thou hast done , which possesse so many and so large dominions ? Diddest thou thinke to doe so great hurt vnto our kingdome , by spoiling a little peece of our countrey , and by stealing our cattell , more like a theese and robber than an open enemie ? Which thing I yet account not woorth the name of an iniurie . But if thou thinke it so good , proceed in these thy doings : for I make more account of thy friendship and loue , than of whatsoeuer is to me dearest : because as thou knowest I ha●e alwaies borne vnto thee an especiall fauour , and loued thee most entirely . And therefore as oft as I call to remembrance our tender yeares and old familiaritie whilest we liued together in my fathers court at HADRIANOPLE , I cannot but thinke my selfe bound vnto thee in all courtesie . And therfore my good Scanderbeg , I most heartily request and entreat thee , That we renuing the former conclusions of peace , may of new confirme the same by solemne oath : wherewith if the former peace had beene established , thou wouldest not haue suffered thy selfe to haue been now of the Venetians so circumuented or seduced . It is therefore needfull , that we now againe for euer confirme a league and peace betwixt vs by solemne and sacred oath on both sides : which if thou shalt doe ( as I hope thou wilt ) and in this be aduised by me , thou with thy posteritie shall vndoubtedly alwayes raigne in peace , and in safetie possesse whatsoeuer is yours . Whereas if thou shalt do otherwise ( beleue me ) it will repent thee , and that right quickly . Thou knowest alreadie my force , which whether thou be able to withstand or not , thou were best to bee well aduised . The poore princes thy neighbors , the Venetians thy seducers , cannot deliuer thee from my forces and power . Doest thou not see the Grecians almost all rooted out before thy face ? the emperours of CONSTANTINOPLE and TRAPEZOND by vs depriued of their empires ? the princes of SERVIA and RASCIA destroyed ? the king of BOSNA put to death ? and all the kingdomes of ASIA , with many other kings and princes moe vanquished and ouerthrowne , and made subiect vnto mee ? Wherefore Scanderbeg , I aduise thee in this to follow my counsell , keepe thy promise , and so beleeue me thou shalt not be deceiued . Concerning these matters , we haue giuen further commaundement to our embassador and seruant Mustapha , which commeth vnto thee : vnto whom doubt thou not to giue credence in any thing . Farewell from our imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE the 7 of May 1463. Scanderbeg hauing by the afore said messenger receiued these letters , and well considered of the same , returned answere as followeth : The champion of Christ Iesus , George Castriot , otherwise called Scanderbeg , prince of the Albaneses and Epirots , to the most excellent Mahomet king of the Turks , greeting . You maruell ( most noble Mahomet ) that my souldiors ( as you say ) contrarie to our league and the conditions of our peace , haue entered into your confines , and from thence caried a great bootie . Of which thing ( you say ) the Venetians are the authors , whom you call your mortall enemies : inferring afterward , that you are little therewith offended , for that you are a most mightie prince , and can easily disgest such vnkindnesse , for the great loue you beare vnto me : and the rather , for that I did it deceiued ( as it pleaseth you to say ) by others . All these things you can easily forgiue and forget : so that I will by solemne oath confirme the same conditions of peace that were in our former league betwixt vs agreed vpon . And thereunto you do greatly vrge me , you admonish and counsell me to follow your aduise , as tending to the great profit and securitie of me and my posteritie , least happily whilest I seeke to please the Venetians , I incur your heauie displeasure . Besides this , the more to terrifie me , you reckon vp as it were in a catalogue , the people , nations , kings , and princes , by you ouercome and subdued . But what is that which is so strange ( I pray you ) and which you so much maruell at ( most noble Mahomet ? ) Is it not for that my souldiors did that in the confines of your dominions , whereof they were ( of right ) sorr●e ; and had therof to me complained , that your souldiors had before done the like in their goods and possessions . Wherefore if they also vpon a militarie brauerie ( as is your manner of phrase ) haue made themselues whole , and done one shrewd turne for another , reuenging iniurie receiued , and not inferring any of new : there is no cause that you should either thinke it strange or blame me . I would my selfe haue restrained my souldiors , although they were greeuously iniuried ( I will plainely confesse vnto you a ●roth ) I would haue appeased their angrie minds , enflamed with desire of reuenge ; if you ( a prince of all others most rich and bountifull ) would either haue taken order , that full restitution might haue beene made vnto them of all such things as they had lost , or els would with condig●e punishment haue chastised the insolencie of your souldiors : which you would seeme to couer with the tearme of militarie wantonnesse or brauerie ; an excuse scarce currant amongst children . For although offences are in all places greeuous , yet ought they most of all so to be deemed in martiall affairs . What I pray you , would you haue me to take it for a lasciuiousnes in your men of war ? especially when I had receiued so great losse , when as you might with a word first haue restrained them from doing of it , and at your pleasure corrected them after the deed was done . Wherfore ( most excellent Mahomet ) take you also in good part these our tearms , which you haue accustomed hitherto most gloriously to giue and sell vnto vs , whilest you alwaies couer your reach with some excuse or shew of right . As for that in excusing me vnder colour of old acquaintance and friendship you inuey against the Venetians , verely you do them wrong : for why those good , iust , and vertuous princes are not to be slandered by you , as seducers of me or others . Beside , what need that inuincible state to enter into counsell with me , or ( as it pleaseth you to say ) to allure me to fall at ods with you , or to prosecute you as their enemie ? Who of themselues , yea ( I say ) of themselues alone , when occasion shall require , are able to dare you in plaine battell , and to abate your pride . Further , whereas you aduise me to reiect their friendship , your labour is therein but lost : for what man is so desperat , or hated of his subiects , that would not chuse rather to erre with that most honorable Senat , than to be in the right with you ? especially I , who haue of long time been confederat with them , and am of all others vnto them most deere : which you for all that had no regard of , but ( according to your vntrustie dealing ) breaking in sunder the bonds of peace , spoiled and wasted their territorie in PHLOPONESVS . Neither can your great threats terrifie me , which you after the Turkish manner thunder & poure out against me , except I will be ouerruled by you : for it is the part of an Albanese both to endure when need shall require , and also to do such things as beseeme a man of courage . You cannot make me afraid , being but a small prince , with my honorable friends the Venetians . And what are you ? so great an emperor of the East and of the West , and of all parts of the World , as you vainely tearme your selfe ? Truly you make me smile , and other Christian princes laugh you to scorne , in vsurping falsely to your selfe the stately stile of the emperor of the World. What possesse you in ASIA the greater ? verely nothing . Is all yours in ASIA the lesser ? not so . What haue you in EVROPE ? except THRACIA , MYSIA , part of GRECIA , and PELOPONESVS , with the Isle of MYTILENE . As for AFRICKE , you neuer set your foot therein . Is this to be emperour of all the world ? But suppose , suppose ( I say ) woorthie Mahomet , that all from the farthest part of the Ocean were yours , you ought not therefore so to swell , as to contemne all others . Cease to boast , and learn now ( if you can ) the speciall but true examples of humane fragilitie . Where are now the Assyrians , which sometime swayed the world ? Where be the Medes ? where the Persians ? and to be short , where are the Romanes , the great commaunders of all ? Verely , Tamerlane the Scythian king ( called the terror of the world ) was far greater than you : who in triumph drew before his chariot thy great grandfather Baiazet in chains : who had before gained so many victories , whom neuerthelesse he ouerthrew in the plains of ARMENIA , with three hundred thousand Turks , hauing in his armie ( as is reported ) twelue hundred thousand men , greater than Xerxes or Darius , whose armies couered the seas , and dried vp the riuers before them as they went , yet for all this ( noble Mahomet ) they are all cast out by him that casteth out all nations , the finger of the highest hath brought them all to nought . Wherfore learn to know your selfe to be a man also . Trust not too much to the multitude of your souldiors , and strength of your armies : for oftentimes great and puissant armies haue been ouerthrowne with far lesse , as all histories beare witnesse : whereof it is commonly said , Thou shalt not praise the valor of the Generall , before he be brought to the triumph . And do you not thinke Mahomet , that God will fauour the better cause ? you know , you well know , that all your kingdome is violently gotten , that it is wrongfully and vniustly possessed : for which cause I am not afraid not only to withstand you when you shall come , being so great a prince ; but also val●antly and couragiously to dare you into the field , and by the power of God both to hope for & haue a notable victorie ouer you . We haue souldiors also , which know how to vse their weapons , to march before their enemies , and how to beare themselues in the heat of the battell . Wherefore , to that you s●y vnto me for the new confirming of the former league , you labour now but in vaine to circumuent mee . with such faire gloses , I haue your faith in such distrust , and your friendship in detestation : for as much as you cunningly and subtilly , after the manner of your ancestors , whatsoeuer you do , or whatsoeuer you promise vnto me , it tendeth all to no other end than to thrust me out of my kingdome . Yet thus long I haue by Gods helpe well escaped all your policies , all your crafts and deceits . But I hope there will in short time be an end of all these matters , when all your sleights and deuises shal not ease you , neither your working head or Turkish pride any thing profit you . It is not I alone that so much stomacke you , there commeth after me a great number of Christian princes : Behold , the whole chiualrie and glorie of the Christian commonweale is in armes , and comming against thee with all their force : all the kings and princes of Christendome haue combined themselues together , with the great Bishop , against thy state , and will in short time be present to destroy thee & thy kingdome . Wherfore ( worthie Mahomet ) I haue thought it good in regard of our old friendship ( although the same hath by you been greatly empaired and violated ) to ●orewarne you of all these things , that you might gather your wits together , and in time prouide for the safetie of your selfe and of your kingdome . You see the force and power of so many great princes , from which whether you can escape or no , I know not : yet you may , if you will follow my aduise , you may ● say make both your name and empire of great , greater , of famous most renouned , of fortunate most happie and blessed ; if casting off from you the grosse errours of the Mahometane superstition , you will embrace the ●aith and truth of Christ Iesus , and at length haue regard of your soules health . And you which excell all your predecessours in highnesse of spirit and pregnancie of wit , suffer not your selfe and your subiects as it were by inheritance to be longer blinded in your wilfull errours : but doe that ( as a wise prince ) of your owne accord , which otherwise you will shortly of necessitie be constrained to doe . To say , Had I wist , hath euer been accounted a great disgrace from the mouth of an emperor . At length amend and measure your selfe . Behold , Almightie God doth offer you means , whereby you may quiet the whole slate of your kingdome , and all our kings and princes loue , honour , and reuerence you . Neither let the ambitious desire of soueraignetie or immoderate care of those things you possesse , trouble you from so doing : For whatsoeuer you haue vniustly and vnlawfully vsurped , the Christian princes will grant , confirme , and establish vnto thee , as if they had been your owne by antient inheritance . So shall you be a true monarch indeed , and rule and raigne lawfully , if you shall embrace this faith , and worship God aright : which so soone as you shall feele the sweetnesse of , you will be sorrie that you knew it no sooner , you will greeue at the time you haue lost , and vtterly detest and abhorre all that filthie superstition which the most filthie false Prophet Mahomet hath left amongst you . From our campe the 26 of May 1463. With these letters Scanderbeg dismissed the Turks embassadour . About which time he receiued letters from the great bishop , That he accompanied with the Christian princes , would without delay come ouer into EPIRVS with a strong army of valiant Christians , to joine their forces with his against the common enemie of the Christian religion : exhorting him in all their names to denounce war against the Turkish king . Which thing Scanderbeg most joyfully vndertooke : and without delay with all his power brake into the Turkes dominion , burning and destroying the country before him as he went : from whence he returned laded with the spoile there gotten . When Mahomet had perused Scanderbeg his letters , and certainely vnderstood of the great preparation made against him in ITALIE , as also of the great spoile of late made by Scanderbeg , hee became exceeding melancholie , as a man much troubled in mind , which dayly more and more encreased : for that hee saw not the wonted cheerefulnesse in his men of war , but all full of heauinesse and dispaire , as if they had beene men alreadie vanquished . Neuerthelesse , he speedily took order for the leuying of a great armie ; fortifying his cities and strong holds , leauing nothing vndone that was possible , for the assurance of his state . And to represse the furie of Scanderbeg ▪ sent Seremet Bassa with fourteene thousand souldiours to lie vpon the borders of EPIRVS , with charge onely to attend vpon him . Who mindfull of his charge came into MACEDONIA ▪ vnto the citie OCRIDA , now called ALCURIA , in the verie confines of MACEDONIA towards EPIRVS , and there lay with his armie ; some part thereof lodged in the citie , and the ●est in places more conuenient neere about the same . The comming of the Bassa , as also the manner of his lying , was not vnknowne to Scanderbeg , who desired nothing more than to bee doing with him . Wherfore he secretly in the ●ight marched towards OCRIDA with twelue thousand souldiours , and being come within three miles of the towne , lay close in ambush , and vpon the breaking of the day sent out 500 horsemen towards the enemie , vnder the conduct of Peicus Emanuel , and Petrus Angelus , two valiant and expert captaines , to draw him if they could into the field . But Scanderbeg had before commanded them , that if the enemie did come foorth to fight , they should make but small resistance , but retire backe as if they had fled , and so to traine him on to the place where the armie lay . Which was so well performed by the two skilfull captaines , that the Bassa with all his power was according as they could haue wished , drawne into the field , and brought to the verie place where Scanderbeg lay : Who suddenly rising vp with all his armie , assailed the Turkes on euerie side , and slew them as deere enclosed in a toile . In this battell ten thousand of the Turkes were slaine , the treasurer of the armie with twelue other of great marke were taken prisoners , and brought bound to Scanderbeg , who were presently ransomed for 40 thousand duckats . Scanderbeg hauing obtained the victorie , returned with triumph into EPIRVS , daily expecting the comming of the great armie out of ITALY : but fatall destinie , the mightie controuler of mens highest designes , had not so appointed . For when Pius the great bishop had out of all parts of Christendome assembled a great armie ( wherof the greatest part were voluntarie soldiors ) and all things were now in such readinesse , that he had put himselfe vpon the way , and was come to ANCONA , a citie vpon the sea side ( where Christophorus Maurus duke of VENICE came vnto him , with ten gallies well appointed , to haue accompanied him in those warres : and all men were now in expectation of some great matter to haue beene done ) suddenly he fell sick of a feuer , and died in the yeare 1464. Whereupon the armie was forthwith dispersed , and all that great preparation frustrated , to the exceeding griefe of many Christian princes ; and no lesse joy of the Turks ▪ who now rejoiced to see themselues deliuered of so great a feare . About this same time , Victor Capella chiefe persuader of this warre betwixt the Venetians and the Turkes , was by the Senat sent Generall of their forces at sea , in stead of Lauretanus , whose yeare was then expired . He hauing receiued the charge from Lauretanus , and sayling out of EVBoeA , in short time tooke from the enemie the citie of AVLIS in PELOPONESVS ouer against CHALCIS , and also the cittie of LARSVM in the gulfe of THESSALONICA , with the isle of HIMBER . Afterwards landing his men by night at PYRaeVS , he suddenly surprised the cittie of ATHENS ( now called SET●INae ) sometime the mother of learning , and most noble cittie of GRaeCIA ; and from thence caried away with him into EVBoeA all the people he there found , as his prisoners , togither with the rich spoile of that citie . Whilest he lay in EVBoeA , he was persuaded that the citie of PATRAS in PELOPONESVS would be deliuered vnto him by the Christians that dwelt therein , if hee did but shew himselfe before it . Whereupon he departed from EVBoeA , and comming into the gulfe of PATRAS , landed 4000 footmen vnder the leading of Barbaricus , and 200 horsemen , of whom one Nicholaus Ragius was captaine . Barbaricus marching toward PATRAS , was come within a mile of the cittie ; when manie of the horsemen , and of the vnruly mariners , disorderly scattering abroad , neglected the intended seruice , and sought after pillage all about the countrey . The Turkes garrisons taking this opportunitie , set vpon them with their horsemen , and so easily ouerthrew them , being scattered and out of order . At the first encounter , Barbaricus himselfe was slaine : Ragius captaine of the horsemen was taken , & aliue empailed vpon a sharpe stake . Of all them that were landed , scarce a thousand were left , who saued their liues by flying vnto the gallies . With this ouerthrow Victor the Venetian Admirall was greatly discomfited ; yet hauing conceiued some hope of better successe , in few daies after attempted againe to haue taken PATRAS , but with like hap as before . For hauing lost a thousand of his men about the citie , and the rest glad to take their refuge to the fleet , he was constrained with great dishonour to depart thence . And so full of sorrow and heauinesse returning into EVBoeA oppressed with melancholy , there suddenly died . The Venetians deceiued of the great hope they had conceiued of the generall preparation made against the Turkes , and much troubled with the hard proceeding of their warres against so mightie an enemie ▪ by their embassadours solicited Mathias , not long before chosen king of HVNGARIE , to joyne in league with them , and to take vp armes against the common enemie : offering presently to furnish him with a great summe of money , beside a large yearely pention for the maintenance of those warres : for which he should to his power by land defend all their territorie betwixt the Rhetian Alpes , and the Adriatique , against the inuasion of the Turke . This Mathias surnamed Coruinus , was the yonger sonne of the most famous captaine Io. Haniades ▪ whose elder brother Vladislaus , a gentleman of such courage as might well sh●w whos● sonne he was , being not able to disgest the injuries and disgraces done vnto him and his brother , by Vlricus countie of CILIA , and vnckle vnto Ladislaus the yong king of BOHEMIA and HVNGARIE ; for the despite he alwaies bare vnto their father Huniades , slew the same Vlricus at ALBA REGALIS , euen in the kings court . Which outrage the yong king was glad for the present to winke at , and also to grant him pardon ; as hauing taken away the man , whose immoderat power well stood not with the kings safetie : but in deed fearing the citizens of ALBA & the men of war , who exceedingly fauoured the sonnes of Huniades for their fathers sake . For all that , Ladislaus returning into BOHEMA , caused both the sons of Huniades vpon the sudden to be apprehended ; and most cruelly executed Vladislaus , being then about six and twentie yeares old . Mathias the yonger brother was kept in prison , expecting nothing else but to be partaker of his brothers hard fortune : as vndoubtedly he had , had not Ladislaus the yong king vpon the sudden , as hee was vpon the top of his marriage with Magdalaine the French kings daughter , by vntimely death beene taken away . After whose death , the Hungarians for the loue they bare vnto the remembrance of Huniades , by a militarie election , chose this Mathias his youngest sonne , the● in prison at PRAGE , to be their king . Wherof Pogebrache ( who after the death of Ladislaus , of an old gouernour had made himselfe the young king of BOHEMIA ) hauing speedie intelligence as he was sitting at supper , sent for Mathias his prisoner , and when he was come , commaunded him to sit downe at the vpper end of the table : whereat the young gentleman being then but about eighteene yeares of age , and sore abashed , began to craue pardon . But when the king would needs haue it so , and that he was set ; the king to quiet his troubled thoughts , willed him to be of good cheere , for that he had good newes to tell him . Good newes , said he , if it would please your majestie to grant me libertie . Yea that , said the king , and more to : and then saluting him by the name of the king of HVNGARIE , brake vnto him the whole matter , how that he was by the generall consent of the Hungarians , chosen their king . And so in few daies after , married vnto him his daughter : which done , he furnished him with all things fit for his estate , and royally accompanied him into HVNGARIE , where he was with great joy and triumph receiued of the Hungarians : ouer whom he afterwards gloriously raigned for the space of eight and thirtie yeares . In which time , he notably enlarged the kingdome of HVNGARIE , and became a farre greater terrour vnto the Turkes , than euer was his father Huniades . And therewithall ( which is not to be accounted in the least part of his praises ) was alwaies a great fauourer and furtherer of good letters , and ingenious deuises . But to returne againe to our purpose , Mathias hauing well considered of that the Venetians had requested : answered them , that they had many times before in like case refused to giue aid vnto the Hungarian kings his predecessours : yea and that more was , thought it a thing not reasonable , that anie such thing should be requested at their hands ; forasmuch as they then receiued no harme from the Turke , but were in league and amitie with him : so that the Hungarian kings wanting their helpe , had manie times receiued greater losse from the Turke , than otherwise they should haue done , if they had beene by them aided . Yet for all that , he was content to forget all such vnkindnesse , and to grant them what they had requested : promising the next Spring to inuade the Turkes dominion , and according to their request , to take into his protection all their territorie betwixt the Rhetian Alpes , and the Adriatique : which thing hee most honourably performed . For with the first of the Spring he passed ouer Danubius at BELGRADE with a puissant armie , and rased the forts which the Turkes had built thereabouts ; and so entring into SERVIA , laid all the countrey waste before him : and afterwards laden with spoile , returned home , carrying away with him twentie thousand captiues . Neither so rested , but with great good fortune maintained great warres against Mahomet during all the time of his raigne : and afterwards against Baiazet his sonne also , wherein he most commonly returned with victorie : so that it is of him as truely as briefly written , That no Christian king or chieftaine , did more often or with greater fortune fight against the Turkish nation , or had of them greater victories . Mahomet deliuered of the great feare he had before conceiued of the generall preparation of the Christian princes against him ; determined now to worke his will vpon such as were neerest vnto him , and afterward not to forget them that were farther off . The proceeding of Scanderbeg , with the late ouerthrow of SEREMET with his armie in EPIRVS , stucke in his stomacke : in reuenge whereof , he now sent one Balabanus Badera , a most valiant captaine , with fifteene thousand horsemen , and three thousand foot , to inuade EPIRVS . This Balabanus was an Epirot borne , a chorles sonne of that countrey : and being of a boy taken captiue of the Turkes , as hee was keeping of his fathers cattell , and of long time brought vp in seruitude amongst them , framing himselfe both to their religion and manners ; after long seruice , got the credit of a good common souldiour . But when as at the taking of CONSTANTINOPLE , it was his fortune to bee the first man of the Turkes armie that gained the top of the wals , and entered the cittie ; hee was for that peece of seruice , euer afterwards of Mahomet greatly esteemed : and beside his other great preferments , now sent Generall of his armie into EPIRVS . Who as soone as hee was come to ALCHRIA ( a citie vpon the frontiers of that countrey ) sent manie rich presents to Scanderbeg , making shew as if hee had beene desirous peaceably to lie vpon the borders committed to his charge , without farther purpose to trouble his countrey : yet in deed waiting nothing more than some notable opportunitie , suddenly to doe him the greatest mischiefe he could . But Scanderbeg well seeing into the malice of the man , rejected his faigned friendship and giftes , and in derision sent him a spade , a mattocke , a flaile , with other such instruments belonging vnto husbandrie : willing him to take in hand those tooles , and to follow his fathers trade of life , and to leaue the conducting of armies vnto men of greater skill and better place . Which disgrace Balabanus tooke in exceeding euill part ; purposing in himselfe , if euer it lay in his power , to be thereof reuenged . Wherefore knowing that Scanderbeg with a small power lay not farre off vpon the frontiers of his kingdome , he determined suddenly in the night to set vpon him before he were aware of his comming , and so if it were possible to ouerthrow him : but Scanderbeg hauing knowledge thereof by his scouts , set forward in good order to haue met him . When Balabanus perceiuing that hee was discouered , staied vpon the way , and encamped within two miles of Scanderbeg : who had then in his armie but foure thousand horsemen , and one thousand and fiue hundred foote , but all choise men and most expert souldiours : and then lay in a large pleasant valley called VALCHAL . At the farther end whereof Balabanus lay also encamped , neere vnto a rough and wooddie hill which enclosed that part of the valley . Whilest both armies thus lay within view one of another , Scanderbeg well considering the ground the enemie had taken , and that it was like he would offer him battell , with cheerefull speeches encouraged his souldiours : straitly charging them vpon paine of his displeasure , that if the enemie vpon the fortune of the battell , should chance to flie or to retire , they should not in anie case pursue them farther than the straits of the hill whereby the enemie lay : ghessing too truly , that hee would in so conuenient a place leaue part of his armie in ambush , as a sure refuge to trust vnto whatsoeuer should befall . When he had thus encouraged and instructed his souldiours , he rise with his armie , and in good order retired vnto the rising of an hill , which was a good way behind the place where he before lay ; of purpose to haue the aduantage of the ground , if the enemie should follow to giue him battell . Balabanus seeing him retire , and the small number of his armie , thought verily that he had fled for feare : and therefore to stay him who ment nothing lesse than to flie , set forward in great hast . The Turkes thinking vpon so great aduantage to haue found no great resistance , followed after Scanderbeg as if they had had him in chase : and by that time they were come to the place where hee staied , were by their hast greatly disordered and out of aray . Scanderbeg his old trustie souldiours nothing dismaied with the hastie comming & hideous clamour of the Turks , receiued them with great courage : so that there began a fierce battell , with much slaughter on both sides , which for a great while stood doubtfull . Yet such was the inuincible courage of Scanderbeg his resolute souldiours , that the Turkes ( who as then fought in great disorder ) were at last put to flight : and with much slaughter chased vnto the straits of the mountaine , where Scanderbeg had before commaunded his men to stay . But certaine of his best and principall captaines forgetting what he had said vnto them ; and led on ( whether with the heat and furie of the battell , or rather with ineuitable destinie is hard to say ) vnaduisedly pursued the enemie into those straits , whereof they were by Scanderbeg before warned , and charged that they should not enter : where they were on euerie side beset with their enemies , arising out of ambush : and after they had a long time desperatly fought as wild beasts enclosed with hunters , at last oppressed with multitude , were there togither taken and brought to Balabanus ; by whom they were forthwith sent to Mahomet to CONSTANTINOPLE . Who as soone as hee heard of their taking , is reported with great rejoycing to haue said : Now am I sure that the strength of Scanderbeg is broken . The names of the principall men which were there taken , was Moses Golemus of DIBRA , the greatest captaine of EPIRVS next vnto Scanderbeg himselfe ; Giuriza Vladerius , Scanderbeg his kinsman ; Musachius , Scanderbeg his nephew by his sister Angelina ; Ginius Musachius ; Ioannes Perlatus , who valiantly defended SFETIGRADE against Amurath ; Nicholaus Berisius ; Georgius Chucca ; and Ginius Manessius : whereof euerie one of them was able to haue conducted a great armie , and might worthely haue beene accounted amongst the greatest captaines of that age . The taking of these worthie men brought such a generall sorrow and heauinesse vpon EPIRVS , that the victorie was nothing accounted of , euerie man lamenting the losse of such notable leaders . Scanderbeg carefull of their deliuerance , presently sent an embassadour to Mahomet , requesting that hee might redeeme his prisoners ; either by exchanging of others for them , or else for such raunsome as it should please him to set downe . But hee knowing them to be Scanderbeg his best captaines , would neither exchange them for others , not grant that they should be raunsomed for anie gold : but after hee had vsed them with all the dispight he could deuise , caused them all by little and little , to be flaine quicke : in which miserable torment they liued fifteene daies , and so died . Scanderbeg hearing thereof , was therewith rather encouraged than discouraged : and in reuenge thereof , with fire and sword entered into the Turkes dominion , sparing nothing that hee could either burne , or possibly by anie other meanes destroie . Mahomet glad of the taking of these notable men ( although they were bought with the liues of manie of his people ) commended Balabanus highly , as the onely man that knew how to fight against Scanderbeg : and in reward of his good seruice , sent him diuers rich giftes , with commaundement to repaire againe his armie , and to proceed in his warres so happely begun . Which thing Balabanus with all diligence performed . Yet trusting more vnto his pollicie , than his strength ; lying at ALCHRIA , sent againe diuers rich presents to Scanderbeg , as desirous to liue in peace by him : but seeking indeed to bring him into securitie , and so suddenly ( if it were possible ) to entrap him . Which thing Scanderbeg well perceiuing , rejected his faigned friendship togither with his presents , as sent from a base peisant . Whereupon Balabanus entered into a new deuise , and by secret meanes , with great rewards corrupted Scanderbeg his scouts , whereof some were Balabanus his kinsmen , though it were to Scanderbeg vnknowne . By which practise , he had vpon the sudden in the night oppressed Scanderbeg , lying encamped in ORONYCHEVM , if Scanderbeg himselfe ( who commonly spent most part of the night in carefull watch ) going about the campe , had not in the silence of the night a farre off perceiued the comming of the enemie by the noise of his horses : and thereupon with wonderfull celeritie putting his armie in such order as he best could , was readie to receiue him ; and at last after a great fight , put him to flight : and hauing him in chase , slew most part of his armie , Balabanus himselfe with a small remnant hardly escaping . Now when Mahomet vnderstood that Balabanus was ouerthrowne , and his armie lost , hee was in doubt , whether to send another Generall , or else againe to prooue the fortune of the old . But after hee had well considered , that Balabanus was a right valiant captaine , and one that well knew the countrey of EPIRVS , and withall a mortall enemie to Scanderbeg : he resolued to staie vpon him , and not to send anie other . So committing to his charge fourteene thousand horsemen and three thousand foot , sent him againe to inuade EPIRVS : and the more to encourage him , promised to make him king of that countrey , if he could subdue Scanderbeg . Balabanus with this armie comming to ALCHRIA , and still in vaine plotting how hee might circumuent his warie enemie , after his wonted manner sent diuers presents to Scanderbeg ; which he still scornefully refused . Three moneths he lay still at ALCHRIA , with nothing more troubled than with his owne thoughts : but finding nothing that pleased himselfe , hee determined to aduenture by plaine force to subdue him . And vpon that resolution marched with all his armie into the great plaines neere vnto SFETIGRADE , whither Scanderbeg came with his armie also ▪ which then consisted of eight thousand horsemen and fifteene hundred foot : with which small power hee refused not to joyne battaile with Balabanus , being in number two to one . But after they were come to hand●e blowes , to haue seene Scanderbeg his men fight ▪ a man would haue said them to haue beene rather raging lyons than men , they so furiously assailed their enemies ▪ without regard of perill or danger , as men nothing afraid to die . Scanderbeg with great skill gouerned that battaile , carefully prouiding for euery danger : himselfe valiantly fighting in the head of his battaile , but not without care of the rest , still sending speedie releefe where most need was , and bringing in fresh supplies in stead of them that were wounded or slaine ▪ performed all the parts of a most worthie cheefetaine and valiant souldior : where most perill was , there was hee straight , and at his presence danger fled , as if victorie had attended vpon him . But whilest he thus fought in the middest of his enemies , his horse fortuned to be slaine vnder him , and falling down with him , sore brused one of his armes , whereof he complained long time after . The Turkes seeing him downe , pressed on fiercely to haue slaine him : but hee was quickly rescued by his owne souldiors , and remounted . And forthwith encountering with one Suliman , a great commaunder in the Turkes armie , slew him in fight hand to hand : whereupon such a terrour fell vpon the Turkes , that they began to retire , and after a while to betake themselues to plaine flight ; Scanderbeg pursuing them with such execution , that of that great armie few escaped with Balabanus to carrie newes home . Balabanus now thrice vanquished by Scanderbeg , and in the last battaile hauing lost what hee could loose , except he should haue lost himselfe , returned to Mahomet at CONSTANTINOPLE , of whom he was sharpely rebuked for the great ouerthrowes he had so often receiued . At which time Balabanus at first gaue place to the kings furie : but afterwards when the heat was ouer , hee with a large discourse cunningly excused himselfe , imputing all those his mishaps vnto the appointment of God , and the fortune of warre : and in the end told Mahomet plainely , That it was but in vaine to send such small armies into EPIRVS . But if it would please him at once to send two valiant captains with a puissant and strong armie , who deuiding the same betwixt them , and entering at one time into diuers parts of EPIRVS , might spoile the countrey before them , and enclose Scanderbeg betwixt them , if he should aduenture to giue either of them battaile , being before resolued neither of them to offer him battaile , or yet to accept of the same being by him offered , except the other were also at hand : and so by mutuall consent to vndertake him , but neuer single . By which course hee promised vnto him an easie and assured victorie : for as much as it were impossible for any man so beset , and as it were on euery side coupt vp with his enemies , either to escape or yet to make any great resistance . This persuasion of Balabanus so well fitted the tyrants humor , that he appointed Balabanus himselfe to be the man to put his own deuise in execution : giuing him commission to leuie such an armie as he should thinke sufficient for the performance of that seruice : and withall to associate vnto himselfe for his companion which soeuer of his captaines as he pleased . Balabanus according to his commission , tooke musters of the men of warre , and made choice of fortie thousand good souldiours , and chose one Iacup Arnauth , ( otherwise called Iames the Epirot , because he was also borne in EPIRVS , a valiant captain ) to be his companion : whom he sent with sixteene thousand soldiors by the way of THESSALIA and GRECIA into EPIRVS , commaunding him in no case to joyne battaile with Scanderbeg , vntill he himselfe were also come into the countrey with the other part of the armie . And so setting both forward , Balabanus taking the neerer way through THRACIA and MACEDONIA , came first into EPIRVS with twentie thousand horsemen and foure thousand foot , and encamped in the valey of VALCHALL . Scanderbeg both by his espials and letters from his secret friends in the Turkes court , hauing certaine intelligence of all Balabanus his intent and purpose , had in readinesse against his comming a strong armie of eight thousand horsemen and foure thousand foot , all choise souldiours . And now hearing that he was come into EPIRVS , and encamped in VALCAAL , sent out three espials to discouer in what order he lay : one of which spies was Balabanus his kinsman ( but not so knowne to Scanderbeg ) by whose persuasion the other two when they had taken full view of Balabanus his army , and should haue returned to Scanderbeg to haue giuen intelligence of that they had seene , like false traitors went ouer to Balabanus , and discouered vnto him all that they knew concerning Scanderbeg : hoping therefore to receiue some great reward , as their fellow had before borne them in hand . Scanderbeg maruelling that his espials returned not againe as they were appointed , and doubting that they had been by the enemie intercepted , and vsing many times in matters of such importance to trust himselfe best , presently went out with fiue lustie souldiours , and rid foorth to discouer the manner of the enemies lying . Balabanus like a craftie fox , mistrusting that Scanderbeg deceiued of his first espials would for like purpose send forth others , laied certaine horsemen in secret ambush in diuers places , to intercept them if it were possible . These horsemen lay not so couert , but that they were in good time descried by Scanderbeg and his followers ( who with Argus eies , pried into euerie bush and thicket as they went ) before he was altogether fallen within their danger : and yet but so that he came to handie strokes , where Scanderbeg and his followers oppressed with multitude , were glad to flie as fast as they could into the next wood , the Turkes horsemen following them at the heeles . It fortuned that as they were flying , a great old tree was fallen crosse the way , which Scanderbeg putting spurs to his horse , leapt ouer , with one of his men after him ; the other foure not able to get ouer , turned backe vpon the Turkes , and there fighting were slaine . One of the Turkes which so hardly pursued Scanderbeg being well mounted , forced his horse to leape the tree , and still followed after Scanderbeg : who looking backe and seeing but one , turned vpon him and slew him : the other Turkes hauing slaine foure of Scanderbeg his men which could not get ouer the tree , returned . And Scanderbeg accompanied but with one of his followers , came backe againe to his campe ; and there with all speed put his army in readinesse to go against Balabanus before the comming of his companion , with the other part of his army . Vpon which resolution , after he had with cheerfull persuasions encouraged his souldiours , and filled their minds with hope of victorie , he set forward , and came with great speed into the valley of VALCHAL where Balabanus lay . Scanderbeg had deuided his army into foure squadrons , whereof Tanusius had the leading of one , Zacharias Groppa of another , the third was committed to Peicus Emanuel , and Scanderbeg himselfe conducted the fourth . So setting forward , he sent before certaine companies of harquebusiers , and archers , to prouoke the enemie and to draw him foorth vnto battell . Balabanus also shewed himselfe with his army in seemly order before his tents , but there stood fast and would not stirre , expecting continually the comming of his fellow . Which Scanderbeg perceiuing , and that he sought but to dallie out the time , and as one vnwilling to fight had againe retired his army into the safetie of his trenches ; drew neerer and neerer vnto him , continually skirmishing with such as he sent out , daring him into the field , and brauing him vnto his trenches , in such sort as if hee would haue forced the same , and by strong hand haue ●et him out thence . Whereat the Turkes fretted and chafed exceedingly : insomuch , that they were readie to rise against their Generall , because he would not lead them forth to battell , but suffer them to be so disgraced . Balabanus mindfull of that he had promised vnto Mahomet his great lord and maister , did what he might to haue deferred time : but when he saw that his fellow came not , and that he could no longer delay the matter ; being so continually assailed and braued by Scanderbeg his souldiours , that his Turkes therewith prouoked , were readie oftentimes to haue issued out without his direction , and now no remedie but that he must needs fight ; placed his men in good order , and so went out of his trenches to giue battell , himselfe leading the left wing thereof : where betwixt him and Scanderbeg was made a fierce fight , many falling on both sides . But Scanderbeg strengthned with the old garrison of CROIA , and the most expert souldiors of DIBRA , preuailed vpon the Turkes and forced them to giue ground , yet still keeping their order . The fight was so great in this part of the battell , that in other places they stood almost still as lookers on , expecting the doubtfull fortune of their Generals : Which thing Scanderbeg perceiuing , drew certain troups out of the right wing , where as he saw was least danger , which speedily fetching a compasse about , charged the side of the enemies army ; and againe withdrawing themselues , and with wonderfull celeritie wheeling about , set vpon the backe of them that fought in the left wing so that the Turkes there fiercely charged both before and behind , by the most valiant souldiours of Scanderbeg his army , fell in other places with a great slaughter . Balabanus with exceeding courage gainstood his enemies , so long as there was any hope left : but when he saw the fortune of Scanderbeg to preuaile , and all about him to become desperat , he made shift for himselfe , and fled out of the battell as fast as he could . The rest of the army , being in other places before troubled and disordered , fled also , some one way , some another , euerie man as his fortune led him . Some few that followed Balabanus escaped : the rest were for most part either slaine or taken prisoners . Scanderbeg had scarcely well breathed himselfe after this victorie , and deuided the spoile amongst his souldiours ; but that newes was brought to him in post from the lady Mamiza his sister , then lying at PETRELLA , that Iacuppe Arnauth was by the way of BELGRADE come into EPIRVS with an army of sixteene thousand horsemen , burning and destroying the countrey before him , and then lay encamped in the plaines of TIRANNA the lesse . When Scanderbeg to proue the minds of his soldiors , had cheerfully imparted vnto them such newes , as was like to be the beginning of new labour and perill ; they were therewith nothing dismaied , but readie to follow him with such cheerfulnesse of countenance & mind , as if they should haue gone to some great feast or banquet : reckoning of them , but as of the remnant of a discomfited army . This cheerfulnesse of his souldiours , Scanderbeg tooke as an assured token of his good successe : and hauing all things in readinesse , presently set forward , and in short time came to the place where the enemie lay . Iacuppe hearing of his comming , remoued his campe into a corner of the plaine of TIRANNA , neere vnto a little hill , as a place of more safetie for his armie to lie in . Scanderbeg taking the plaine , encamped his armie in the same place from whence Iacuppe was but a little before departed , where he rested one whole day . The next morning to terrifie his enemies ( who as yet had not heard of the ouerthrow of Balabanus ) he caused diuers of the Turkes heads which were slaine in the late battell ( which he had brought for that purpose ) to be cast before the trenches of the enemie , and withall , diuers of them which were taken prisoners to be showne : Which Iacuppe beholding , in great dispaire said , I see the euill hap of Mahomet . Immediatly after , Scanderbeg sent forth 500 horsemen to skirmish with the Turkes , commaunding them so soone as they were charged by the enemie to retire , if happily they might so be drawne into battell : which fell out accordingly . For Iacuppe now seeing his fellow was not to be looked for , and willing also without farther delay to trie his fortune , came readily into the field , and began a fierce battell : which endured not long , for Scanderbeg perceiuing in what part of the armie Iacuppe was , bent his greatest force that way , and singling him out , with his owne hand slew him . Wherewith the Turkes being discouraged , forthwith betooke themselues to flight , and in flying , were for most part slaine or taken . Those which escaped the present furie of the sword , stragling through the countrey by thicke woods and blind waies , were by the countrey people either slaine or taken prisoners . In these two battels were slaine of the Turkes foure and twentie thousand , and six thousand taken . And of Scanderbeg his men , were lost about a thousand . Scanderbeg and his souldiours were so wearie of the slaughter of the Turkes , that when it was told him the next day , that Balabanus was fled but with one cornet of horsemen , and might easily be surprised , if he were well pursued : he said , O let some of our enemies liue to report their owne slaughter and our victorie . After that Scanderbeg had in this sort vanquished these great captaines , he presently entered into the frontiers of the Turkes dominions , and roaming vp and downe at his pleasure without resistance , made hauocke of all that came in his way . And after returning to CROIA with victorie , brake vp his armie , and gaue his souldiours leaue to depart , euerie man to his owne dwelling . Whilest these things were in doing , Mahomet had with great rewards procured two Turks to vndertake to kill Scanderbeg . These traitors came vnto Scanderbeg as fugitiues , making such shew of the detestation both of Mahomet his tyrannicall gouernment , and vaine superstition , that they were both of Scanderbeg and others reputed to be in deed the men they desired to be accounted : and so after they had learned the principles of the Christian religion , were by their owne desire baptised . But treason against princes whom God hath in his most mightie protection , cannot be long couered ; much lesse without his great sufferance performed . So fortuned it , that these two false dissembling traitors , expecting nothing but opportunitie to performe their diuelish deuise , vpon some occasion fell at variance betwixt themselues , and in their heat , let some such words fall , as being taken vp by some there present , drew them both into suspition : and therupon being straitly examined , it was at last by them confessed , that they were sent by Mahomet of purpose to haue slaine Scanderbeg ▪ for which their treason they were both presently executed , as they had right well deserued . When Mahomet vnderstood that Balabanus was ouercome , Iacup slaine , and both their armies almost quite destroied , he after his impatient manner fell into a great rage , and became as a man almost franticke : and afterwards calling togither his great Bassaes , resolued by their aduise , not to send any mo generals against Scanderbeg , but to go himselfe in person with such an armie as should at once make an end of his warres in EPIRVS for euer . Hereupon commissions were directed through all his kingdome , and an armie raised of two hundred thousand men : whereof Scanderbeg hauing certaine aduertisement , fortifyed all his cities and strong holds , especially the citie of CROIA , vpon the fortune whereof , depended the whole state of his kingdome . Into this cittie he put a strong garrison of his most valiant and faithfull souldiours ; and throughly furnished the same with all things necessarie for the enduring of a long siege : and left one Balthasar Perduci ( a graue and worthy captaine ) gouernour thereof . With like care he prouided for the safetie of his other cities , and tooke order that the countrey people were either receiued into the strong townes , or else conuayed into other places of refuge : and left nothing abroad in the countrey for the Turkes to prey vpon , as he had in like case done long before , at the comming of old Amurath to the siege of CROIA , as is before in his life declared . By that time that Scanderbeg had set all things in order , his old friend Balabanus with eightie thousand horsemen ( the forerunners of Mahomet his armie ) was entred into EPIRVS , and ranging ouer the countrey two daies , came and sat downe before CROIA : Vpon whom the gouernour at his first comming , made many brauesallies . In few daies after came Mahomet with his huge armie , and there encamped also . Who at his first comming summoned the citie , requiring to haue it deliuered vnto him , vpon such vnreasonable conditions as it pleased himselfe ( as the manner of the Turke is : ) whereunto the worthy gouernour returned him no other answere , than by continuall thundring shot into his campe . Whereupon Mahomet caused such ordinance as he had , to be planted for batterie ; and commanded other new to be cast , of such mettall as he had for that purpose brought in masse : all which he did rather to strike a terror into the minds of the defendants , than for any great hope he had of taking the cittie by force ; knowing by his owne experience , that it was a place almost impregnable . Whilest Mahomet was thus busied and little or nothing preuailed , Scanderbeg lying abroad in the woods and mountaines with a small army of most valiant and couragious souldiours , continually cut off the forragers of Mahomets armie , and such as brought in victuall or necessaries for his campe : and manie times in the night , suddenly brake into one quarter or other of the Turks great camp with great slaughter , and with continuall alarums neuer suffered them to rest in quiet . Mahomet seeing his army to decrease daily , and no hope of winning the citie but by famine , which would require a long siege : and fearing also to make that same place again famous by some notable mischance , which might happen vnto himselfe vnder the wals of CROIA , as had before vnto his father Amurath ; determined to returne himselfe to CONSTANTINOPLE , and to leaue Balabanus with a great part of his armie to continue the siege . Vpon which determination he committed the charge and ordering of the whole matter for the continuing of the siege to Balabanus , joyning vnto him eight of his most expert captaines ; yet so , as that they should be all at Balabanus his commaund . And so leauing with him three and twentie thousand of his best souldiors , and with euery one of the other eight captaines seuen thousand moe , departed himselfe with the rest of his armie from CROIA towards CONSTANTINOPLE . But by the way as he went he tooke from Scanderbeg certaine small forts , and with faire promises corrupting the Gouernour of a place called CHIDNA , wherein eight thousand of Scanderbeg his souldiours lay , had the same deliuered into his power , vpon his faith before giuen , That all the souldiours with the rest of the people should in safetie depart thence . But after the tyrant had them in his power , without regard of faith or promise , hee caused them all most cruelly to bee cut in peeces , sparing neither man , woman , nor child , to the great greefe and weakening of Scanderbeg , who had not at any time before receiued so great a losse . And after hee had so raged , hee in great melancholie returned vnto CONSTANTINOPLE . Scanderbeg disdaining to haue his cheefe cittie besieged by Balabanus , sometime one of the basest of his fathers subjects : and yet finding himselfe vnable to releeue the same , for as much as his souldiors were with continuall warres sore wasted , and his warie enemies lay so encamped , as that they were not but by a strong armie to bee remoued , sent vnto the Venetians and other the confederat princes of ALBANIA , ILLYRIA , and DALMATIA , praying of them aid now at his need against that enemie , which preuailing against him , would forthwith set vpon them . All which princes promised forthwith to send their succours . At the same time also hee passed ouer into ITALIE secretly , and disguised in simple attire , came to ROME , to craue aid of Paulus the second of that name , then great Bishop : by whom he was honourably entertained , but obtained nothing of that he came for ; so cold was his holy deuotion : onely at his departure hee gaue vnto Iunetrio , Scanderbeg his treasurer , a poore almes of three thousand duckats . Scanderbeg returning into EPIRVS , found all such aid readie as was promised from the confederat princes , but especially from the Venetians , which was for most part drawne out of their garrisons of SCVTARI , DRIVASTO , ALYSSA , and DIRRHACHIVM : so that hee had in few daies in his armie thirteene thousand foure hundred choice soldiors . With this strength he marched towards CROIA : but vnderstanding by the way , that Ionima was within a daies journey comming with a new supplie to his brother Balabanus , hee drew out certaine troupes of his best horsemen : and coasting ouer the countrey in the night , suddainly came vpon the Turks , and put them to flight ; where amongst others , Ionima himselfe , with his sonne Hedar , were taken prisoners , whom he shewed the next day in bonds to Balabanus . This exploit so happily performed , he with all speed returned to his armie : and so marching to CROIA , by plaine force driue the Turks from the mountain CRVINA , their greatest strength , and nearest to the citie of CROIA . Which thing when Balabanus saw , he with certaine troupes of horsemen rid euen to the gates of the cittie , persuading the defendants to yeeld the citie , making them in the name of his master such offers and promises as he thought might most moue them . But they nothing regarding his words , but rather incensed with his presumption , sallied out vpon him , and enforced him to retire : but he therewith enraged , and halfe mad for anger , came vpon them with a fresh charge , thinking by plaine force to haue driuen them backe into the citie . In which skirmish he was by one Georgius A●exius with a bullet shot quite through the throat ; and feeling himselfe mortally wounded , setting spurres to his horse , ran as fast as he could to his campe , where he presently fell down from his horse and died . The Turkes discouraged with the death of their Generall , and the comming of Scanderbeg , rise the same night , and with great silence retired themselues vnto the plain of TIRANA , about eight miles from CROIA . Scanderbeg the next morning entring the forsaken tents of the Turks , found therein great store of corne and other victuals , which he caused to be forthwith conueyed into the citie , and in great triumph followed after himselfe , to the great joy and comfort of his late besieged subjects : whom he highly commended for their fidelitie , and bountifully rewarded according to their deserts . The same day he sent certaine companies of souldiors to take the strait passages whereby the Turkes must needs passe in their returne out of EPIRVS ; which when the Turkes vnderstood , they sent two messengers vnto Scanderbeg ( who seemed to be men of good account in the armie ) offering in the name of the rest of the captaines and commaunders , to deliuer vnto him their horses and armes , so that they might in safetie depart with their liues . Which their request Scanderbeg propounding vnto his counsellors & captaines , was by them diuersly disgested . In conclusion , they receiued this answere from Scanderbeg himselfe , That as they came into his country without his commandement , so should they not by his leaue depart thence . The Turkes receiuing this short answere by their messengers , and considering that they must needs in that bare countrey in short time perish , either with famine or with the sword ; the very same night departed from TIRANNA , and in the dead time of the night entering the aforesaid straits , by plaine force desperatly brake through and escaped , but not without their great losse : for whose escape the common souldiors murmured greeuously against Scanderbeg , and were not without much ado appeased . In short time after , Scanderbeg recouered all such places as Mahomet had before taken from him , and put to sword the soldiors he had left for the keeping of the same : which done , he brake vp his armie , retaining only two thousand horsemen and a thousand foot for the defence of his frontiers . The Turkish tyrant hearing of the euill successe of his affaires in EPIRVS , as that his Generall was slaine , CROIA releeued , his armie discomfited , and all that he had done , brought to nought ; fretted thereat exceedingly , and was therewith so much greeued , that hee could not for a season eat or drinke or take rest , his discontented thoughts so much troubled him . In the end , to remedie the matter , he resolued the next Spring to goe againe in person himselfe with a most puissant armie into EPIRVS , and so if it were possible , to make a full conquest thereof : of which his purpose Scanderbeg vnderstanding , prouided for his comming , as he had in former time . The Spring being come , Mahomet according to his former resolution , with a mightie armie entred into EPIRVS , and there with exceeding labour and charge first repaired or rather reedified the old ruines of the citie of VALMES , wherein he left a strong garrison , of purpose to trouble that part of the countrey . From thence he marched to DIRRACHIVM ( now called DVRAZZO , but of old time EPIDAMNVM ) a citie vpon the sea coast , then in the possession of the Venetians , famous for many things in the time of the Romane empire , but especially for the flight of the Romane Senate thither , and their entertainement there in the time of the ciuile wars betwixt Caesar and Pompeius . This citie Mahomet thought to haue taken vnprouided , and so vpon the suddaine to haue carried ; it ; but was therein much deceiued , finding it strongly fortified and manned both by the Venetians and Scanderbeg . Where when he had there spent some time , and to his great losse in vaine attempted the cittie , hee rise vpon the suddaine : and retiring into EPIRVS , came and sat downe againe before CROIA , of purpose by his suddaine comming to haue terrified the cittizens : and vainely persuaded , that he had left Scanderbeg in DIRRACHIVM , for that in the assailing thereof he had discouered many of Scanderbeg his men , and thereby supposed him to haue beene there also ; the greatest cause why he so suddenly rise and came to CROIA . At his first comming he offered great rewards and large priuiledges vnto the cittizens , if they would forthwith yeeld vp their citie ; otherwise he threatened vnto them all the calamities of warre , vowing neuer to depart thence before he had it : whereunto he receiued no other answere out of the cittie than was sent him by the mouth of the Cannon , or brought him by many most braue sallies . Scanderbeg in the meane while continually molesting his campe , and euery night falling into one quarter or another thereof . Mahomet taught by experience , to what small purpose it would bee for him to lie there long , rise with his armie , & marched againe to the sea side to a place now called the head of REDON vpon the gulfe of VENICE , not farre from DIRRACHIVM , where Scanderbeg had begun to build a new cittie called CHIVRILL , not yet finished : which Mahomet in despight of the man , rased downe to the ground . After that , hearing that many of the Epirots were retired into the mountaines , hee went to seeke them out , and was with gre●● losse by those mountaine people repulsed : Scanderbeg still following him at the heeles , and awaiting all oportunities , daily cut off part of his armie . So that at last the tyrant despairing of any good to bee done in that expedition , was glad to depart out of EPIRVS , hauing atcheeued nothing worth his comming , and so full of discontentment and melancholie returned to CONSTANTINOPLE . After all these great troubles , Scanderbeg rid ouer most part of EPIRVS , to view the state of his kingdome , and so at last came to LYSSA ( a citie of the Venetians , which he had alwaies specially liked ) there to conferre with the Venetian legate and other the confederate princes , of matters concerning their state in generall , as his manner was : but more particularly how they might take the citie of VALMES , which Mahomet had the last yeare built in the siegnorie of Aryannites Comynat , and much troubled that part of EPIRVS . But whilest he lay there , he fell sicke of a feauer , which daily so encreased vpon him , that he became sicke euen vnto death : and now perceiuing his end to draw nigh , sent for his wife and sonne , with the princes and lords his confederates , and the embassadours of the Venetians , into his bed chamber . Where after he had at large with greater paine notably discoursed of his troublesome life led amongst them , than he had before passed the same , and carefully forewarned them of the dangers like to ensue ; he earnestly exhorted them to continue in vnitie and concord , and valiantly to stand in defence of their religion , countrey , and libertie . And afterwards turning his speech to his wife and his sonne , commended them both with his kingdome to the tuition of the Venetians : who by the articles of the confederation betwixt him and them , were in honour bound to protect his sonne and kingdome , during the time of his minoritie , and afterwards peaceably to place him in the same . In fine , he willed his wife after his death to passe ouer with her sonne into APVLIA , where they might in safetie and quiet liue vpon such possessions as he there held by the gift of king Ferdinand . And so after he had with most feruent prayer commended his soule into the hands of Almightie God , departed in peace the seuenteenth day of Ianuarie , in the yeare of our Lord 1466 , when hee had liued about 63 yeares , and thereof raigned about 24. His death was worthely lamented of all Christian princes , but especially of the Venetians and princes of ALBANIA , who had now lost their most carefull watchman and inuincible champion : the sorrow of his subjects is not to bee expressed , euery man bewayling him , as the onely stay of the commonweale ▪ and as if with him they had lost all their hope . His dead●bodie was with the generall lamentation of all men royally buried in the cathedrall church of S. Nicholas at LYSSA : where it rested in peace , vntill that about nine yeares after , the Turkes comming to the siege of SCODRA , by the way tooke the citie of LYSSA , and there with great deuotion digged vp his bones , reckoning it in some part of their happinesse , if they might but see or touch the same : and such as could get any part thereof , were it neuer so little , caused the same to be set , some in siluer , some in gold , to hang about their neckes , or weare vpon their bodies ; persuading themselues by the wearing thereof to be partakers of such good fortune and hap as had Scanderbeg himselfe whilest he liued : which is not vnaptly by Gabriell Fairnus of CREMONA , thus in verse expressed . SCANDERBEG . In English thus . The bloudie bane of faithlesse Turkes , and terrour of their name , EPIRVS strong defence and guard , lay buried there with fame : Within that tombe wherein long since , Great Castriotus lay , But now those limbs and tombe defac'd , are carried quite away ; The remnants of that worthy wight out of his graue were torne : And being dead could find no rest , but were for jewels worne . For after he farre spent with age , gaue place to fatall doome , And left his fathers kingdome got , and kept with great renowme : Forthwith the cruell Turkes preuaild , and all things there possest . Who worshipping his stately tombe , and place of quiet rest , Dig'd vp his bones , and brake the tombe wherein he did remaine : And glad was he that could thereof , some little part obtaine . As if in them some martiall force , or vertue great had beene : Or fortune rare , such as before in him was liuing seene . So vertue which to others giues , a sepulture and graue , Bereft it him , yet forst his foe in honour it to haue . Most part of the time of these warres betwixt Mahomet and Scanderbeg , the Venetians by sea and the Hungarians by land , kept the Turkes throughly busied . Mathias Coruinus king of HVNGARIE ( according to his promise made vnto the Venetians ) entred into the kingdome of BOSNA , where by force he ouerthrew the strong forts which the Turks had built for the defence of their frontiers , and manfully draue them out before him vntill he came to IAZIGA ( of some called IAITZE ) the chiefe citie of BOSNA , which he at length tooke : and following the course of his victorie , scarcely suffered the Turkes to breath , vntill he had by force wrested all that kingdome out of their hands . Wherewith Mahomet being exceedingly grieued , in great furie came with a strong armie into BOSNA , and laid hard siege to IAZIGA , which was by the Christians right valiantly defended : vntill Mathias with a puissant armie came to the reliefe thereof , who so troubled the Turkes campe with continuall skirmishes on the one side , and they of the towne with desperat sallies on the other ; that at length the prowd Turke was driuen to such extremitie , that he was glad secretly to steale away by night with all his army into SERVIA ; and for hast to leaue behind him both his tents and great ordinance , which ( the Turks histories report ) he caused to be cast into the riuer , because it should not come into the hands of the Christians . Mathias after he had thus valiantly put to flight his enemies and relieued his citie , followed the Turkes into SERVIA , and tooke part of that countrey also , which togither with BOSNA he vnited to the kingdome of HVNGARIE . In these warres , Mahomet had such proofe of the force and power of Mathias and the Hungarians , that for a good while after he had no great stomacke to prouoke them farther : for why , the name of Mathias was now become vnto the Turkes no lesse dreadfull , than was sometime the name of his father the valiant Huniades . The Venetians at the same time also with their gallies scoured the seas , and landing their men sometime in one place , sometime in another , did great harme in manie places of the Turkes dominion neere vnto the sea coast . Amongst other their generals at diuers times sent from that state , one Nicholas Canalis succeeding Lauretanus ( whom we haue before spoken of ) as soone as he had receiued his charge , came with his fleet into the bay of SALONICHI , and landing his men , burnt diuers townes and villages alongst the sea side . Afterwards returning into PELOPONESVS , he fortified the towne of LEGOSTICIVM in the gulfe of PATRAS , which worke the Turkes with their often skirmishes laboured to haue hindred , but in despite of all they could doe it was brought to perfection , and a strong garrison therein left for the defence thereof , which done , he returned againe to EVBoeA . Shortly after , he with the same fleet put to sea againe ; and sayling alongst the coast of MACEDONIA and THRACIA , surprised the citie of AENUS which standeth vpon the mouth of the riuer Meritza , called in auntient time Hebrus , vpon which riuer the famous cities ANDRINOPLE and PHILIPPOPOLIS are also situate . Canalis after he had taken the spoyle of the citie returned to his gallies , carrying away with him two thousand captiues into EVBoeA . At the same time also , the Venetians giuing aid vnto Nicholaus Duchaine against his brother Alexius , then at variance for the principalitie of ZADRIMA , neere vnto the riuer of DRINO in EPIRVS , gaue a great ouerthrow to the Turkes which came in the quarrell of Alexius . Mahomet not a little offended with the harmes done vnto him by the Venetians , and perceiuing that the island of EVBoeA ( now called NIGROPONTE ) was for the commodious situation and strength thereof , the chiefe place from whence they wrought him all these wrongs , and whither they afterwards retired againe , as vnto a most sure place of refuge ; determined with himselfe at once to be euen with them for all , and to imploy his whole forces both by sea and land , for the gaining of that place . This island of EVBoeA is about an hundred miles in length , and lieth ouer against that part of GRECIA which was of old called BaeOTIA , from whence it is separated with a narrow strait of the sea : it aboundeth with corne , wine , oyle , fruit , and wood fit for shipping . The chiefe citie thereof , was in auntient time called CHALCIDE , and of later time NIGROPHONTE , by which name also the whole island was knowne : albeit the Turkes now call it EGRIBOS : a populous , rich , and strong cittie ; so fortified with wals and bulwarks , that ( in most mens iudgement ) it seemed a place impregnable . Vnto this strong citie Mahomet resolued to lay siege , knowing well that vpon the fortune thereof depended the state of the whole island . Wherefore he assembled a mightie army , and made great preparation both by sea and land : and when all things were in readinesse , sent Mahomet ( the great Bassa of the court ) with a fleet of three hundred gallies , and certaine other small vessels well furnished with souldiours , mariners , and all things necessarie , by sea into EVBoeA : and with a great armie marched himselfe by land through ACHAIA , vntill he came ouer against the citie of CHALCIS . The Venetian Admirall hearing of the comming of the Turkes fleet , set forward to haue met them neere vnto the straits of HELLESPONTVS : but after he had by his espials descried the great number of the enemies fleet , finding himselfe too weake , shaped his course to the island of SCIROS . The Bassa comming out of the straits of HELLESPONTVS , couered the sea with his fleet , and holding on his entended course , without let came to EVBoeA : where at his first landing , he tooke STORA and BASILICON , two small townes , which he rased to the ground , and from thence went directly to CHALCIS . As soone as this great fleet was there arriued , Mahomet caused a bridge to be made of his smaller vessels ouer the strait betwixt ACHAIA and EVBoeA , whereby he passed all his armie , and so belaid the citie round both by sea and land . And after he had planted his batterie , began most furiously to shake the wals : wherein he had in short time made faire breaches , and the sooner for that one Thomas of LIBVRNIA ( chiefe canonier of the citie ) before corrupted by the Turkes , by signes agreed vpon , gaue them certaine knowledge in what places the wals were weakest : whereby they so aptly planted their batterie , as if they had taken view on the inside of the wals . Which foule treason was at length perceiued , and the traitor therefore worthely executed . Yet little preuailed the tyrant thereby , for such was the industrie of the defendants , that whatsoeuer he had by the furie of his great ordinance beaten downe by day , that they with restlesse labour repaired againe by night . Thus was the siege continued thirtie daies , in which space many a sharpe assault was giuen by the Turkes , to their great losse ; and the citie still valiantly defended by the Christians . At length the Venetian Admirall ( to the great comfort of the besieged ) came with his fleet within view of the cittie , making semblant as if he would haue giuen the Turkes battell . Whereupon it is reported , that Mahomet was about to haue raised his siege , and haue got himselfe ouer into the maine , for feare the Venetians should with their gallies haue broken the bridge , and so haue shut him vp into that island : Which thing it was thought the admirall might haue done to his great praise , if he would as a couragious chieftaine haue aduentured the matter , as he was earnestly requested by the captaines of euerie priuat gally ; who generally grieued to see him so great a commaunder , to let slip so faire an opportunitie● But he fearing to come any neerer , came to an anchor and moued not , neither gaue any signe of comfort or reliefe to the besieged . Which thing the Turkish king quickly perceiuing ; and therwith encouraged : hauing now in diuers places beaten downe the wals , and made them sau●table ; brought on his men to the breaches , promising them the spoile of the citie , with many other great rewards and hie preferments according to their particuler deserts , whereof he said , he would himselfe be an eye-witnesse . Hereupon the Turkes gaue a most fierce and furious assault ▪ which the defendants with inuincible courage receiued , and made such slaughter of them , that the ditches were filled , and the breaches made vp with the bodies of the dead Turkes . But such was the number of that populous armie ( the greatest strength of the Turkes ) that the liuing little felt the losse of the dead : Mahomet continually sending in new supplies of fresh men , in steed of them that were slaine or wounded : So that one could no sooner fall , but two or three slept vp in his roome , and so successiuely , as if new men had sprong out of the bodies of the dead . Twise they had euen woon the breaches , and were both times with wonderfull slaughter beaten out againe . This deadly and dreadfull assault , was maintained a whole day and a night without intermission . At length the defendants being for the most part slaine or wounded , and the rest wearied with long fight , and vnable to defend the towne now assaulted almost round , retired from the breaches into the market place , and there like resolute men , sold their liues at a decre price vnto the Turkes . Amongst the slaine Christians , were found the dead bodies of manie notable women , who seeing the ruine of the citie , chose rather to die with their friends in defence thereof , than aliue to fall into the hands of their barbarous enemies . Mahomet being now become lord of the citie , and hauing lost fortie thousand of his Turks in that siege , in reuenge thereof caused all the men that were found in the citie aliue , to be put to most cruell death , especially the Italians , vpon whom he shewed his tyrannie with most exquisit and horrible torments . Paulus Ericus gouernour of the citie , with a few others , who with him were fled into the castle , without resistance deliuered the same vnto him , vpon his faithfull promise , that they might in safetie depart : but after that he had got them into his power , the perfidious tyrant without regard , commaunded them all to bee cruelly murthered . The gouernours daughter a maiden of incomparable beautie , was amongst the rest taken prisoner , and for her rare perfection , by them that tooke her presented to Mahomet , as the mirrour of beautie : The barbarous tyrant greedie of so faire a prey , sought first by flattering words and faire persuasion , to induce her to consent to his desire : but when hee could not so preuaile , he fell into an other vaine , and began to shew himselfe in his owne nature , threatning her with death , torture , and force , worse than death it selfe ; if shee would not otherwise yeeld vnto his appetite . Whereunto the constant virgin ( worthie eternall fame ) answered so resolutely , and so contrarie to the tyrants expectation , that hee being therewith enraged , commaunded her to bee presently slaine . The horrible and monstrous crueltie , with the filthie outrages by that beastly and barbarous people committed , at the taking of that cittie , passeth all credit . CHALCIS thus woon , the rest of that fruitfull island without farther resistance yeelded vnto the Turkish slauerie , vnder which it yet groaneth . This calamitie happened to the Venetian state , or rather ( to say truely ) to the generall hurt of the Christian common-weal● , in the yeare of our redemption 1470. Canalis the Venetian Admirall , who all the time of the siege , had in the sight of the cittie lien at anchor as a looker on ; fearing now that the cittie was lost , to bee set vpon by the Turkes fleet , hoised saile , and laded with dishonour returned in hast vnto VENICE , where hee was by the commaundement of the Senat committed to prison , and afterward with all his family exiled to VTINVM . Shortly after , when Mahomet was departed with his armie out of EVBoeA , and his fleet returned to CONSTANTINOPLE : the Venetians with their gallies , attempted to haue vpon the sudden surprised the cittie , a little before lost . But Mahomet had therein left so strong a garrison , that when the Venetians had landed their men , they were againe enforced to retire to their gallies , and to forsake their island . CHALCIS thus lost with all the island of EVBoeA , the Venetians chose Petrus Mocenicus , a valiant and discreet gentleman , Admirall of their fleet , instead of Canalis : and by their embassadours sollicited Sixtus the fourth of that name , then bishop of ROME , and Ferdinand king of NAPLES , with Lewis king of CYPRVS , and the grand master of the RHODES , to joyne their forces together with theirs against the great and common enemie : which thing all the aforesaid Christian princes promised them to doe . And the more to entangle the Turke , they at the same time sent Caterinus Zenus their embassadour with rich presents vnto Alymbeius Vs●n-Cassanes , the great king of PERSIA , to incite him on that side against the Turke : in which negotiation Zenus so well behaued himselfe , that the next yeare following that great king tooke vp armes against Mahomet , and had with him mortall warres , as shall be in conuenient place hereafter declared . Mahomet not ignorant of these proceedings of the Venetians , and that they did what they might to stirre vp as many enemies as they could , and to bring him ( if it were possible ) into hatred with the whole world : and well knowing how much he had offended the minds of the Christian princes with the crueltie he had of late vsed against them of CHALCIS , thought it not best as then further to prouoke them , and so happily to bring all at once about his eares , but for a season to lie still at CONSTANTINOPLE , as if he had beene desirous now to liue in peace , not meaning further harme : hoping therby , that although he concluded no peace with any of them ( which indeed he was not desirous of ) yet that tract of time might mitigate the hainousnesse of the fact , and coole the heat of their displeasure : whereby it came to passe as hee wished , that nothing worth the speaking of was that yeare attempted against him . And because the Persian king was the man of whom he stood most in doubt , hee sought by his embassadours to pacifie him , and to withdraw him from the league of the Christians : requesting him , if it were for nothing els but for the communitie of the Mahometane religion , wherein they well agreed , and were thereby the professed enemies of the Christians , to withdraw his hand , and in their cause to cease to take vp armes : vrging now ( for that it so stood with his purpose ) the zeale of religion , whereas otherwise he regarded ( as was thought ) no religion at all . But Zenus the Venetian embassadour lying continually in the Persian court , so wrought the matter with Vsun-Cassanes , that hee told the Turkes embassadours plainely , That he could not nor would not longer endure the manifest injurie and wrong done vnto him by the Turkish king : and farther , that hee had made a faithfull league with the Christian princes , and therefore would to the vttermost of his power make it knowne vnto the world , that he would effectually performe what thing soeuer he had promised : and so dismissed them , now no lesse discontented than were before the Persian embassadours at such time as they returned from the Turkes court , hauing obtained nothing they then requested concerning the emperour of TRAPEZOND . The yeare following , Mocenicus the Venetian Admirall with his fleet arriued in the Isle of LESBOS , where he did great harme . From thence hee passed the bay of ADRAMITTIVM into the lesser ASIA , and sore spoiled the countrey about PERGAMVS . After that hee landed againe at CNIDVS vpon the coast of CARIA , where he tooke a great bootie : and so hauing done the Turkes exceeding much harme in ASIA all alongst the sea coast opposit to GRaeCIA , he returned laden with spoile towards PELOPONESVS . In his returne , about the promontorie of MALEA , vpon the coast of PELOPONESVS , he met with Richaiensis comming vnto him with seuenteene gallies from king Ferdinand : by whom hee was certified , that the great Bishops fleet was readie to come forth also . After mutuall gratulation , as the manner at sea is , the Admirals joining their fleets in one , landed at METHONE , now called MODON , then a citie of the Venetians in PELOPONESVS : where after they had well refreshed their souldiours , and taken in fresh victuals , they put to sea againe ; and sailing through the Islands , landed in ASIA , where they were at their first landing encountered by the countrey Turkes , whom at last they put to flight , and by the space of foure daies tooke what pillage they could in the countrey : where the souldiours found great store of rich bootie , especially of Turkie carpets , which are there made in great abundance . From thence they sayled to HALICARNASVS , which is a part of CARIA ( where sometime stood the stately tombe which queene Artemesia built for her husband Ma●solus , accounted amongst the wonders of the world ) where they tooke a wonderfull spoile . There came vnto them Nicholas Bishop of MODRVSSA , with twentie gallies sent from the great Bishop : whom the other two Generals welcommed with great joy . At the same time also came thither two gallies from the great master of the RHODES . With this fleet of 85 gallies , they sailed to the Isle of SAMOS oueragainst EPHESVS ( sometime a place of great fame , but then altogether desolate and vnpeopled ) there to consult for their further proceeding in those warres . Loosing from SAMOS , they tooke their course alongst the coast of ASIA , and landed at ATTALIA , the cheefe citie of PAMPHILIA , a place of great trafficke : where they found in the suburbes of the cittie great store of many rich commodities , brought thither out of AEGIPT and SYRIA ; whereof they tooke what pleased them , and burnt the rest , together with the suburbes . Vnto the cittie it selfe they began to lay siege , but perceiuing that it was not without great losse of their men to be taken , they departed thence : and running all alongst the coast of PAMPHILIA , burnt and destroied what came in their way , and so returned backe againe to the RHODES : where they met an embassadour from Vsun-Cassanes the Persian king , to the bishop and the Venetians , for great ordinance ; whereof that so mightie a prince was altogether vnfurnished . Of this embassador they vnderstood , that Vsun-Cassanes was entered into league with the Christian princes , and now busie in making preparation against the Turke . At which time Mahomet requited the Venetians with no lesse harme in EPIRVS and DALMATIA , than they had done to him in ASIA : for now that Scanderbeg was dead , the Turkes mightely preuailed vpon the weake princes of EPIRVS and ALBANIA , with the countries adjoyning . The Christian fleet departing from the RHODES , landed in the countrey of the Myndians , a part of CARIA , and with great spoile returned to the Island of NAXOS , one of the CYCLADES : from whence king Ferdinand his gallies returned home , laded with much rich spoile ; for now the yeare was farre spent . Yet after the departure of the kings gallies , Mocenicus with the Legate returned backe againe into ASIA , and there landing their men , tooke the famous citie of SMYRNA in IONIA , and when they had taken the spoile thereof , set it on fire . At which time also they did great harme about CLAZOMENE , not far from SMYRNA . So Winter drawing now fast on , they returned laded with the rich spoiles of ASIA , the Legate into ITALIE , and Mocenicus to METHONE . The insatiable desire of soueraignetie , whereunto the Turkish king was naturally enclined , had continually armed him , not onely against the Christian princes , but against others also euen of his owne superstition : making no great difference betwixt the one & the other , if so he might extend his dominion . He had long before vnder the pretence of a friendly parley craftely circumuented the king of MYSIA , a countrey in ASIA , and hauing got him within his danger , cruelly put him to death , and by force subduing his kingdome , left not one of the kings blood aliue . After that he inuaded CILICIA , which the Turkes call CARAMANIA , where the two young brethren , Pyramet and Cassambet raigned , and draue them both out of CILICIA : of whom Pyramet the elder , fled for refuge to Vsun-Cassanes ; Cassambet the yonger , assisted by his old friends , sought by force of armes to recouer againe his inheritance wrongfully by the Turkes possessed , and was besieging certaine townes vpon the sea coast , which being taken from the Turke● would easily draw all the rest of the kingdome after them . Mocenicus the Venetian Admirall being now with the first of the Spring come vpon the coast of CILICIA , at the request of Cassambet landed certaine companies of his men vnder the leading of Victor Superantius , and certaine peeces of great artillerie , wherewith he so battered the wals of SICHINVM , that hee enforced the Turkes therein to yeeld vp the citie : which he deliuered to Cassambet . In like manner he tooke the citie of CORYCVS , which he also restored to Cassambet . At last hee laid siege to S●LEVCIA , which standeth vpon the riuer ORONTES , and was built by king Seleucus , one of the successors of Alexander the Great , distant from the sea about fiue miles : the Gouernour of this citie discouraged with the sight of the great artillerie , deliuered the citie to the Venetian captain , who by the appointment of the Admirall restored the same to Cassambet . Who by this meanes brought againe into his kingdome , gaue great thankes vnto the Admirall , promising both for himselfe and for his brother to be alwayes friends vnto the Venetians . Mocenicus departing from CILICIA , landed his men in LYCIA , and harried that countrey all alongst the sea coast . After this Mocenicus sailed into CYPRVS , to appease a great insurrection there raised against the queene , who was by her husband at his death left to the protection of the Venetians : which rebellion when he had well quieted , hearing that Triadanus Grittus , was by the decree of the Senat appointed Admirall , and alreadie come into PELOPONESVS , he with as much speed as he could hasted thither , to giue vp his charge , and so to returne home againe to VENICE . About this time the great Persian king Vsun-Cassanes began to make warre vpon the Turkish emperor Mahomet , for the better vnderstanding whereof , it shall not be from our purpose briefly to shew by what meanes this Vsun-Cassanes , of a small prince aspired to the kingdome of PERSIA , and so in short time grew to that greatnesse , that he was justly accounted amongst the greatest monarchs of the world then liuing ; as appeareth by these warres betwixt him and the great Turkish emperour Mahomet . This Vsun-Cassanes of whom we now speake , was the sonne of that Tachretin , who with other poor princes was driuen into exile by the violence of Baiazet the first , great grandfather to this Mahomet the great emperour of the Turks , and was againe restored by the great Tamerlane , as is before declared in the life of Baiazet . By the death of Tachretin , his sonne Vsun-Cassanes ( of some called also Asymbeius ) obtained that small territorie which his father had in ARMENIA : nothing answering vnto the greatnesse of his conceits . Wherefore not contented with such possessions as was from his father discended vnto him , he began to shoulder for more roome , with such weake princes his neighbours as he thought he might best deale withall ; wringing one prouince from this prince , another from that , and thrusting some others quite out of all that they had : And in short time so enlarged his dominion , that he had got into his hands a great part of ARMENIA , and was reputed both for a mightie and fortunat prince . Insomuch , that Calo Ioannes then emperour of TRAPEZONDE ( whose power altogither answered not to the greatnesse of his stile , being for most part shut vp within the bounds of PONTVS ; and fearing the greatnesse of the Turkish emperour Mahomet , whose name began then to grow dreadfull vnto his neighbour princes ) gaue to him his onely daughter Despina in marriage : by such aliance to strengthen himselfe against the Turkish tyrant , if need should require . At which marriage it was agreed , that Vsun-Cassanes should in the right of his wife enjoy all the kingdome of PONTVS , after the death of Calo Ioannes her father , and of Dauid his brother : and that Despina should so long as she liued haue the free exercise of her Christian religion . By this woman , Vsun-Cassanes had a daughter called Martha , whom I willingly remember , for that she was the mother of Hysmael , afterwarwards the great king of PERSIA , commonly called Hysmael the Sophi : of whom more shall be said hereafter in the life of Selymus . Vsun-Cassanes honoured with this great marriage , and strengthened with this new alliance , ceased not after his wonted manner daily to encroch vpon his neighbour princes : and proceeded so farre , that at length he began to lay hand vpon a part of ARMENIA , which was then part of the dominion of the Persian king . Zenza ( whom some call Tzokies , which was indeed the name of his father ) raigning then in PERSIA , by his embassadours admonished and in sort commaunded Vsun-Cassanes to hold himselfe content with his owne , or at least with that he had alreadie wrongfully taken from others , and not to presume to come within the bounds of his dominion , threatning otherwise to take him as an enemie to his state , and to turne his forces vpon him . With which embassage Vsun-Cassanes being much offended , gaue the embassadors no entertainment , but commanded them with speed to get them out of his kingdome , and to tell their master , That he would shortly himselfe in person come and debate the matter with him face to face . With which proud answere from so meane a prince , the Persian king moued , leuied such an armie for the inuading of him , as was thought to haue beene sufficient to haue subdued a farre greater prince : and so appointed , set forward toward ARMENIA . Vsun-Cassanes much inferiour to this great king in wealth and number of men , but not in hautinesse of mind and valiantnesse of courage , staied not to expect the comming of so puissant an enemie , but full of hope set forward to meet him , & by great journies sought to come vpon him before he could haue any knowledge of his comming : yet had he then in his armie scarcely one man to ten , but all armed with couragious hearts , and conducted by a most fortunat chieftaine which feared nothing . So holding on his way , at length he met with the great armie of the Persians , with whom he presently joyned battell ; and after a long and cruell fight , ouerthrew them in the plaine field , with such a slaughter , as might well haue weakned the forces of a right great kingdome . The great king more enraged than discouraged with this ouerthrow , raised a farre greater armie than before , the verie strength of his kingdome : resoluing now not to send anie more his lieutenants , but to goe in person himselfe against so desperat an enemie . All things being in readinesse , hee set forward , and at length met with the Armenian prince , whom he found as readie to giue battell as he was at the first . So being both desirous to trie their fortune , they joyned battell ; wherein the Persians were againe discomfited and put to flight , and mo of them slaine in that battell , than were brought into the field in the first armie . Zenza the Persian king was there slaine with Vsun-Cassanes his owne hand , and Cariasuphus his sonne taken prisoner : whom the Armenian prince vsed with the greatest honour could be deuised , giuing vnto him the honour and title due vnto the Persian king , taking vnto himselfe the bare name of the protectour of the Persian state . Which he did onely to please the Persians , and to keepe them quiet vntill he had got some more assured possession of that kingdome . But after hee had in the two former battels broken their greatest strength , and then vnder the colour of a peaceable gouernour got into his power the regall ci●●e of TAVRIS , with the rest of the cities and strong places of that great kingdome , and that all men had him now in great reuerence and admiration for his great vertues : hee secretly dispatched out of the way the poore titular king his prisoner ( the last of the posteritie of the mightie Tamerlane ) and tooke vpon himselfe the highest place , which admitteth no partner . Whilest this restlesse prince was thus tumbling in the world , and not yet well setled in his new gotten kingdome , Mahomet the Turkish emperour no lesse ambitious than himselfe , had scornfully rejected the embassadours and presents which Vsun-Cassanes had sent : and hauing shamefully put to death Dauid the emperour of TRAPEZONDE his aliance , had conuerted all the kingdome of PONTVS ( which Vsun-Cassanes of right claimed , as his wiues dowrie ) into the forme of a prouince , and so vnited it vnto the Turkish empire . Which so manifest a wrong , Vsun-Cassanes in the newnesse of his so late atchieued greatnesse , durst not aduenture to redresse : but after that he was surely seated , and had with the course of time ouercome all dangers at home , being daily prickt forward with the remembrance of the former injuries ( still suggested by the importunitie of his wife Despina ) and the solicitation of the Venetians , to whom he had by solemne promise bound himselfe ; he determined now to take the matter in hand , and to trie his forces vpon his proud enemie the Turkish emperour . Hereupon he raised a great armie , and being well appointed of all things necessarie , passing through ARMENIA toward PONTVS , neere vnto the riuer EVPHRATES , was encountred by Mustapha ( Mahomet his eldest sonne , a young prince of great hope ) and Amurath the great Bassa of ROMANIA , whom Mahomet ( fearing such a matter ) had sent before with a strong armie out of EVROPE to joyne with such forces as Mustapha had alreadie raised in ASIA , so to withstand the inuasion of the Persian . These two great commaunders Mustapha and Amurath joyning battell with Vsun-Cassanes , were by him in the plaine field ouerthrowne ; where Amurath the great Bassa himselfe with thirtie thousand Turkes were slaine : Mustapha with the rest of the armie , by shamefull flight sauing themselues . Now when Mahomet vnderstood that Amurath was slaine and his armie discomfited , he was therewith exceedingly troubled . But purposing to be thereof reuenged , gaue order into all parts of his dominions for the leuying of new forces : so that at the time by him appointed , was assembled a great and mightie armie of three hundred and twentie thousand men . Vsun-Cassanes in like manner was in the field with an armie , nothing in number inferiour vnto his enemie . These two Mahometane kings , drawing after them their hugie armies , met togither neere the mountaines of ARMENIA : where , at the first encounter , one of the Turks greatest Bassaes was slaine with fortie thousand Turkes . With which hard beginning the prowd tyrant was so daunted , that he could hardly be persuaded to proue his fortune anie farther , but contenting himselfe with that losse , was about to haue retired : and had vndoubtedly so done , if some of his most expert and valiant captaines which might be bold with him , had not sharpely reproued him , that hauing so populous an armie as scarcely felt that small losse , he should once thinke of returning without victorie . With which their comfortable persuasions , he was againe encouraged to giue battell . Yet for his more safetie , he withdrew his armie into a strait betwixt two mountaines , and with his cariages fortified the front thereof , as with a trench : behind which cariages , he placed his great ordinance , and on either side his archers . The Persians , as men of great valou● , and thereto encouraged with their former victories , came on as men fearing no perill , to haue charged the Turkes euen in their strength ; presenting their whole armie before they were aware , into the mouth of the Turkes artillerie : which suddenly discharged amongst the thickest of them , brake their rankes , and tooke away a number of them . Besides that , the Persian horses terrified with the vnacquainted and thundring report of the great ordinance , were not to be ruled by their riders , but starting backe , ran some one way , some another , as if they had felt neither bit nor rider . Which their confusion Mahomet perceiuing , presently tooke hold of the occasion offered , and with his horsemen fiercely charged them , being now by themselues entangled and out of order . Neuerthelesse the Persians made great resistance , and slew manie of the Turkes : but still fighting confusedly and out of order , they were at the last enforced to flie . In which fight a great number of them were slaine , and their tents also taken . Zeinal , Vsun-Cassanes his eldest sonne , labouring to stay the flight of the Persians , was slaine with a small shot . So the honour of the day remained with the Turkes : yet had they no great cause to brag of their winnings , hauing lost in that battaile fortie thousand souldiours : whereas of the Persians fell not aboue ten thousand . Mahomet contenting himselfe with this deere bought victorie , returned homewards . And Vsun-Cassanes leauing another of his sonnes with his armie for the defence of ARMENIA , returned likewise to TAVRIS . But whilest the Christian princes were in their greatest expectation what might bee the euent of these warres betwixt these two mightie Mahometane kings ; they vpon the suddaine concluded a peace , and confirmed the same with new affinitie , excluding the Christians quite out of the same . This last battell betwixt Mahomet & Vsun-Cassanes , was fought in the yeare of our Lord 1474 , about foure yeares before the death of Vsun-Cassanes , who died the fifth of Ianuarie , in the yeare 1478. In the time of these warres died the noble Mustapha , Mahomet his eldest sonne , at ICONIVM , hauing spent himselfe with reuelling amongst his paragons : or as some write , commanded to die by his father vpon this occasion . This youthfull prince vpon a time comming to the court to see his father ( or as they tearme it , to kisse his hand ) became amorous of the wife of Achmetes Bassa ( a ladie of incomparable beautie ) and daughter to Isaack Bassa , the cheefe men in the Turkish empire , next vnto Mahomet himselfe : but finding no meanes how to compasse her in whom his soule liued , he awaited a time , when as shee ( after the manner of the Turkes ) went to bathe her selfe : and there as he found her all disroabed , shamefully forced her , without regard either of his owne honour or of hers . Of this so foule an outrage , Achmetes her husband , with his clothes and hat all rent for madnesse , came and greeuously complained to Mahomet , crauing vengeance for the same : vnto whom Mahomet againe replied : Art not thou thy selfe my slaue ? and if my sonne Mustapha haue knowne thy wife , is shee not my bondslaue hee hath had to doe withall ? cease therefore thus to complaine , and hold thy selfe therewith content . Neuerthelesse , hee in secret sharpely reproued his sonne for so hainous and dishonourable a fact by him committed , and commaunded him out of his sight : and as hee was of a seuere nature , caused him within a few dayes after to be secretly strangled . Neuerthelesse , the wrong done vnto the Bassa , sunke so deep into his haughtie mind , as that he would neuer admit excuse therefore , but put away his wife , the ground of the implacable hatred betwixt him and the great Bassa Isaack , his father in law : and in fine , the very cause of his vtter destruction , as is afterward declared in the life of Baiazet . Mahomet deliuered of his greatest feare , by the peace he had lately concluded with Vsun-Cassanes the Persian king , was now at good leisure to employ all his forces against the Christians . And bearing a deadly hatred against the princes of EPIRVS and ALBANIA , with a wonderfull desire to extend his empire vnto the Ionian and Adriaticke , that he might from thence but looke toward ITALIE , which he began now to long after : he determined with himselfe first to subdue those countries , as standing in his way , both for the inuasion of ITALIE , and of the territories of the Venetians . And for as much as the strong cittie of SCODRA ( otherwise called SCVTARIE ) then in the possession of the Venetians , for the commodious situation thereof seemed to giue him the best entrance into the countries of ALBANIA , EPIRVS , DALMATIA , and to such cities as the Venetians held alongst the sea coast , he resolued there to begin his wars . This citie was of great strength , as well for the naturall situation thereof , as for the strong fortifications therein made by the hand of man , which thing Mahomet was not ignorant of : but presuming of his owne strength and power , vainely persuaded himselfe , that no place was now able long to hold out gainst him . Wherefore hauing prepared all things fit for the besieging thereof , he sent Solyman Bassa , an Eunuch ( whom hee had made his lieutenant Generall in EVROPE , in the place of Amurath Bassa , before slaine by Vsun-Cassanes ) with eightie thousand souldiours to besiege SCODRA . This great Bassa according to his charge came , and with great pompe encamped round about the citie , the fiue and twentieth of May. Shortly after hauing planted his batterie , hee began most furiously to shake the wals , and ceased not by all meanes hee could deuise to ●rouble the defendants : and when he had by force of the cannon done what hee could , gaue diuers sharpe assaults vnto the cittie , but was still with great losse valiantly repulsed by them of the citie . Long it were to declare , how often and in what terrible manner that warlike Bassa , Mahomet his cheefe captaine , attempted to haue woon the citie : as also to shew how they of SCODRA directed by their worthie Gouernour Antonius Lauretanus , valiantly defended themselues and their cittie : nothing was omitted , that the enemie could doe or deuise for the gaining thereof ; but all his deuises and attempts were so met withall by the defendants , that they serued him to no other purpose but to the destruction of his people . Whilst the Bassa thus lay at the siege of SCODRA , Mocenicus hauing receiued such commaundement from the Senate , came and joyned himselfe to Grittus the new Admirall , who then lay with his fleet in the mouth of BOLIANA , a great riuer running out of the lake whereupon the cittie of SCODRA standeth . These two great commaunders being met together , were both as one man , and with a wonderfull consent did what they might for the furtherance of the common good , a thing not common : first they put strong garrisons , with all things necessarie , into CHOLCHINVM , LYSSA , DIRRHACHIVM , and other citties of their signorie vpon the sea coast . After that they went vp the riuer BOLIANA with certaine gallies , and came within sight of SCODRA , and there by fires in the night , and other tokens of comfort , encouraged the defendants as with an assured promise of releefe : which thing it greeued the Turkes to behold , who therefore went about to haue shut in those same gallies with a great chaine drawne crosse the riuer , where it was narrowest betwixt them and the sea : but in doing thereof , the Venetians out of their gallies slew fiue hundred of the Turkes , and wounded diuers others , and so returned againe to sea . It was afterward attempted by the aforesaid Admirals , if a new supplie might haue beene put into the cittie : but the enemie had so beset the same , that it was not possible to be done . In the meane time , Mathias king of HVNGARIE ( receiuing a great yearely portion of the Venetians for the defence of their countries against the Turke ) hearing that SCODRA was besieged , began to make such spoile in the Turkes dominions bordering vpon him , that Mahomet was glad to call home the great Bassa from the siege of SCODRA , to defend his owne frontiers . So the Bassa after he had lien three months with his great armie at the siege , and lost foureteene thousand of his men , whereof the greatest part died of sickenesse taken by long lying in the rotten moorish ground neere vnto the riuer , by commaundement from his mast●r rise with his armie and departed . The Venetians also , which lay all that while thereabout in their gallies , were toucht with the same contagion : Triadanus Grittus died thereof , and Mocenicus the other Admirall fell thereof dangerously sicke ; but being somewhat recouered , returned home , and was shortly after for his good seruice chosen duke of VENICE , Marcellus the old duke being then dead . With this dishonour taken at SCODRA , Mahomet was so discontented , that he appointed a yearely fee vnto one , to put him in mind dayly of the siege of SCODRA . The same yeare that this great Bassa Solyman had in vaine besieged SCODRA , hee was afterward sent with a great armie into VALACHIA , where he was so entangled in the woods and fens by Stephanus the Vayuod , that hee lost all his armie , and with much adoe escaped himselfe by the wonderfull swiftnesse of a mare whereon he rid . The yeare following , which was the yeare 1476 , Mahomet sent out a great fleet to sea , vnder the conduct of Geduces Achmetes , his cheefe counsellour and man of warre , ( whose very name was dreadfull in all places where hee came ) in hope to haue by treason surprised the Island of CRETE : But that plot was in good time by the Venetians perceiued , the traitors executed , and he of his purpose disappointed . Whereupon he changed his former purpose for CRETE , & sent the same Achmetes with his fleet into the Euxine ( or as the Turkes call it , the Blacke sea ) to besiege the rich citie of CAFFA . This citie was in antient time called THEODOSIA , situate in the countrey of TAVRICA CHERSONESVS , fast by the sea side , and had of long time beene in possession of the Genowaies , and was a place of exceeding great trade , vntill that this great emperor Mahomet hauing taken CONSTANTINOPLE , and falling out with the Venetians , had by his strong castles built vpon the straits of HELLESPONTVS and BOSPHORVS , taken away both the trafficke of marchants into those seas , and all possible meanes for the Genowayes to send succour to that citie : yet it is credibly reported , that one valiant captaine vndertooke to carrie his companie ( in number not aboue an hundred and fiftie men ) by land from GENVA to CAFFA , not much lesse than two thousand miles , and worthely performed what hee had vndertaken . Achmetes comming thither with his fleet , enclosed the citie both by sea and land : which deuided in it selfe by reason of the diuers disposition of the inhabitants , being of diuers nations , some Genowayes , some Greekes , some Armenians , but most Tartars , could not long hold out , but was in short time giuen vp to the Bassa , vpon condition , That the Genoway marchants , who were there both in number many and exceeding rich , might in safetie depart thence with their wealth . Which promise the Bassa performed not : but when he was possessed of the citie , sent such as he thought good to CONSTANTINOPLE , and commaunded the rest vpon paine of death not to depart thence , or to conuay away from thence any part of their substance . In short time after , the whole countrey of TAVRICA CHERSONESVS yeelded vnto the Turkish obeisance . At which time also the Tartar princes , namely the Precopenses and Destenses , terrified with the greatnesse of the Turke , cowardly yeelded themselues as tributaries vnto him ; euer since which time they haue liued a most seruile and troublesome life , subject to euerie commaund of the Othoman emperours : for whom they haue done great seruice manie times in their warres , against the Persians , the Polonians , the Hungarians , Transyluanians , and Germains , as in the processe of this historie well appeareth ; and as the aforesaid nations their neighbours , with others also farther off , haue euen of late to their great losse felt . Although the Venetians had in these late warres lost the great and fertile island of EVBoeA , with the strong citie of CHALCIS , the surest harbour for their gallies : yet held they still diuers strong townes and commodious hauens by the sea coast , both within PELOPONESVS and without , as METHONE , CORONE , TENARVS , NAVPACTVM and others : which standing as it were in the bosome of his empire , Mahomet sore longed after . And therfore to satisfie his ambitious desire , sent Solyman ( the great Bassa of EVROPE ) with a strong fleet into PELOPONESVS : who entring the gulfe of CORINTH , at his first comming laied siege to NAVPACTVM , now called LEPANTO , a citie standing in the gulfe of CORINTH , in the countrey of OZOLae neere vnto LOCRIS , ouer-against PELOPONESVS . Antonius Laurettanus ( for his late good seruice done in defending of SCODRA ) made Admirall for the Venetians , came with speed to NAVPACTVM , and in despight of the enemie , so furnished the citie , both with men and whatsoeuer else was needfull , that the Bassa now out of hope to win the citie , rise vpon the sudden with his armie , and in a great furie departed , after he had lien there foure moneths . In this fret returning towards CONSTANTINOPLE , he put certaine companies of his men to shoare in the island of LEMNOS , in hope to haue vpon the sudden surprised the citie COCCINVM : but as they were about to haue entred , they were contrarie to their expectation manfully resisted , by such Christians as by chance were next the gate . Where the notable courage of Marulla ( a maiden of that citie ) was much commended : who seeing her father slaine in the gate , tooke vp the weapons that lay by him , and like a fierce Amazon notably reuenged his death , desperatly fighting in defence of her countrey with those few which were there at the first ; and so kept the Turkes out vntill the rest of the citizens ( mooued with the alarum ) came to the gate , and forced them ( not without some losse ) to retire againe to their gallies . Not long after , Laurettanus came thither with his fleet : but before his comming , the Bassa was departed thence for CONSTANTINOPLE , hauing in this expedition done nothing that was expected at his hands . M●homet after the death of Scanderbeg , ceased not from time to time by one of his great captaines or other to inuade EPIRVS , and the other parts of ALBANIA ; and so gaining sometime one part , and sometime another , had subdued most part thereof . And about this time , his armie lay at the siege of CROIA : for reliefe whereof , the Venetians ( in whose protection it was ) sent Franciscus Contarenus a noble gentleman their lieutenant , with such forces as were sufficient for the raising of the siege . He finding the Turkes in the plaine of TIRANNA , gaue them battell ; which for a great while stood doubtfull , at length victorie enclining to the Venetians , the Turks began to flie : after whom , the Venetians made no great pursuit , but contented to haue put them to flight , tooke their tents , with such forts as they had raised against the citie . Thus whilest the Venetians thinke themselues in sure possession of the victorie , and out of feare of their enemies , they were through their owne too much securitie , by and by themselues ouerthrowne : For whilest the common souldiours hauing their minds more set vpon the spoile than vpon the pursuit of the enemie ( the battell as yet scarce ended ) scatter themselues ; and the captaines were consulting whither they should lodge that night ( which began then to approach ) in the enemies tents or not : in the middest of their consultation , the Turkes hauing perceiued their disorder , suddenly returned againe vpon them , and without great resistance ouerthrew them , and put them to flight . In which flight , a thousand of them fell ; amongst whom Contarenus the Generall , and diuers others of good place and calling were slaine also . This ouerthrow , the Venetians tooke a great deale better than that which shortly after followed , in the confines of ITALY at the riuer of Sontium . Mahomet hauing conquered a great part of AL●ANIA , and daily encroching vpon the Christians , made diuers incursions into the countries of DALMATIA , HISTRIA , and CARNIOLA , yea and sometime went so farre , that he with his Turkes entred into the prouince of FRIVLI , called in auntient time FORVM IVLII , a part of the Venetian seigniorie ; and so carried away with them manie prisoners with much spoile . For remedie whereof , the Venetians with exceeding charge and wonderfull labour fortified alongst the riuer of Sontium from GORITIA to the fens of AQVILEA , the space of twelue miles , and there built two forts , wherein they continually kept strong garrisons for the defence of the countrey . Whereby the countrey people thinking themselues now in safetie , began to fall into securitie ( the daungerous sicknesse of all common weales ) neglecting by their carefull watch , to foresee a farre off the enemies comming , as they had before vsed . It fortuned at this time , that Asa-beg ( whom some call Marbecke ) one of the Turkes great captaines , vpon the sudden when no such things was feared , came and shewed himselfe in an euening vpon the farther side of the riuer of Sontium , with a thousand horsemen : vpon the sight of whom , an alarum was raised in both forts , and euerie man put himselfe in readinesse , as if they should euen presently haue joyned battell . But it was so nie night , as that nothing could as then be done : yet the Venetian garrisons joyning themselues togither , watcht all that night in armes . There was at that time in both these forts , three thousand horsemen and some few companies of footmen , all vnder the commaund of Hieronimus Nowell Countie of VERONA , a famous captaine of that time : who with the rest of the captaines resolued if hee could , to keepe the Turkes from passing the riuer ; if not , then to giue them battell . Marbecke Generall of the Turkes armie , taking good view of the place , in the night time secretly conuaied a thousand of his best souldiors ouer the riuer , foure miles off , in such a place as the Venetians feared least , deeming it impossible for anie man there to haue passed ouer . These men he appointed to lie close in ambush behind a great hill in sight , not farre from the other side of the riuer , and vpon a signe giuen , presently to discouer themselues and charge the enemie . The next morning verie early he sent certaine troups of his readiest horsemen ouer the riuer , which by offering to skirmish with the Venetians , might so draw them into the field ; and then as men in doubt whether to fight or to flie , to tole them on vnto the place where the ambush lay . The Venetians had diuided themselues into three battalions ; wherof the Generall himselfe had the leading of the first , who seeing these disordered troups comming to skirmish with him , encountred them fiercely , and easily put them to flight , being so determined before , and in that flight earnestly pursued them : especially the Counties sonne , a valiant young gentleman , who with others like himselfe , thought by that daies good seruice to gaine vnto themselues great honour . When the Turkes Generall saw that the Venetians following the chase , were gone a great way from the riuer , he forthwith passed ouer with the rest of his armie , and followed the Venetians at the heeles : which the Turks which before fled now beholding , turned againe vpon their fierce enemies , and valiantly withstood them . At which verie instant , the other Turkes vpon signe giuen arising out of ambush , came downe from the hill LICINIS , with such violence & clamor , that the Venetians therwith discouraged , would haue fled if they could haue told which way : but they were on euerie side so beset , that there was no way left for them to escape : but were there all slaine , except some few which yeelded themselues and so were saued . The other two battalions of the Venetians , discouraged with the slaughter of the first , fled incontinently ; and in flying , were manie of them slaine . In this battell the Countie himselfe with his sonne , and manie other notable gentlemen ; and halfe the horsemen , were lost . The Turks encouraged with this victorie , the next day spoiled all the countrey of FRIVLI , betwixt the riuers of Sontium ( otherwise called Lisonzo ) and Tiliauentum , and cruelly burnt all the countrey before them : so that at once an hundred countrey villages were to be seene on a light fire togither ; which stood so thicke , that it seemed as if one continuall fire had wholy couered all the face of the countrey . The barbarous Turkes laden with the spoile of that rich countrey , and driuing before them great numbers of miserable captiues as if they had beene flocks of sheepe , returned to Sontium . But when they had passed the riuer , and had trauelled homeward one daies journey , and all men thought they had now beene quite gone ; they suddenly returned backe againe , and posting through the countrie they had before spoiled , came to the riuer of Tiliauentum , which they desperatly passed , and did no lesse harme on that side the riuer , than they had before on the other : and so carrying away with thē what they pleased , returned by the same way they came , hauing filled all that part of ITALY with terror and feare . This ouerthrow at Sontium , the Venetians account amongst the greatest losses which they receiued from the Turkes in all these their long warres . The next yeare about Haruest , the Turkes came againe with a farre greater power ; and passing the riuer of Sontium , came before the forts at GRADISCA , where Carolus Fortebrachi●● lay with a strong garrison of the Venetians , offering him skirmish , so to haue drawne him into the field . But the warie captaine considering the great strength of the enemie , and the losse receiued the yeare before , would not be drawne out of his strength , but stood vpon his guard , expecting to take the enemie at some more aduantage : which thing the Turkes fearing , durst not disperse themselues abroad for the spoile of the countrie , leauing so strong a garrison of the enemies behind them . And therfore when they had gone about foure miles into the countrey , they turned their course vp into the mountaines ( which are part of the Alpes ) towards GERMANIE , and there grieuously spoiled the mountaine people : strangely passing through those abrupt and hie mountaines with their horses , where men could hardly either go or stand on foot without somthing to stay vpon . And so when they had done what harme they could , taking a great compasse about , returned home another way . Mahomet remembring the shamefull repulse hee had about foure yeares before receiued at SCODRA , and hauing the name of that citie daily sounding in his eares ; determined now once againe to gage his whole forces vpon the winning thereof , and so to giue peace to his ambitious desires . And because he would not againe be dishonored with that he purposed to take in hand , he gaue out order into all parts of his dominions , both in EVROPE and ASIA , for the assembling of his best souldiours and men of warre . Now when all things were in readinesse , and such an armie assembled as he seldome or neuer had a stronger ; first he sent forth Aly-Beg ( warden of the frontiers of his kingdome alongst the riuer Danubius ) with eightie thousand of the souldiours called Achanzij , towards SCODRA . These Achanzij are horsemen , which for their good seruice according to their deserts , haue certaine lands giuen them by the king to liue vpon during their liues ; for which they are of duetie bound to serue vpon their owne charge as the forerunners of the Turke his armie , whensoeuer he goeth to besiege anie place : These be they which first enter into the enemies countrey , burning and spoiling what they can , vntill they come vnto the place appointed : and haue this priuiledge , That so soone as all the armie is come to the place to be besieged , they may then at their pleasure either depart or stay . The gouernour of SCODRA vnderstanding both by common fame and certaine intelligence , of the Turks designs , with all care and diligence fortified the towne , labouring continually both night and day at the rampiers , as if the enemie had been alreadie present , and plentifully prouided all things necessarie for the enduring of a long siege . The aged and vnnecessarie people , he sent out of the citie into other places of more safetie farther off : in whose stead hee tooke in great numbers of strong and able men which dwelt in the countrey round about ; among whom were manie marriners taken out of the gallies , and other men of like qualitie , which got their liuing vpon the riuer and lake of SCODRA , lustie bodies enured to hardnesse , who in the long siege following did great seruice . Whilest this preparation was making in SCODRA , behold the mountains a farre off Northward from the citie , began to shine with manie great fiers , and all the country was couered with thicke smoake , which euerie houre seemed to draw neerer and neerer : when within short time after , the poore countrey people ( which as yet were not all fled ) with such trash as they could well carrie , came running for life all ouer the countrey to the strong cities vpon the sea side , crying out that the Turks were come . The next day which was the fourteenth of May , Aly-Beg with his eightie thousand Achanzij , came into the suburbs of the citie , and there encamped ; so that none could go in or out of the gates : which was not the least part of his charge . To him by the commandement of Mahomet , had Scander-Beg gouernour of BOSNA , and Malcotius with seauen thousand horsemen , joyned themselues vpon the way . Of this Malcotius it is reported ( as was of Augustus ) that the majestie of his countenance , with the resplendent beames issuing out of his eies ( as if it had been the raies of the Sunne ) were of such piercing brightnesse , that no man was able with immoued and fixed eye long to behold the same . These horsemen ( the forerunners , as I said , of Mahomets great army ) the Christians much troubled with often sallies and shot , out of the town , and slew manie of them with little or no losse vnto themselues . When Aly-Beg had thus lien before the citie ten daies , came Taut Gaiola the great Bassa of CONSTANTINOPLE with fiue and twentie thousand souldiours , and about twelue thousand camels , for most part laden with mettall in mass , for to make great ordinance of , and other necessaries for the campe . The Bassaes great and stately tent of purple colour , was pitched vpon the top of an high hill called the Bassaes hill , because in that place Solyman Bassa had lien in the former siege about foure yeares before : The Bassaes armie lay encamped betwixt the same hill and the towne . This Taut Gaiola was borne in EPIRVS of base parentage , and was from thence by the Turkes carried away young to CONSTANTINOPLE ; where for his sharpenesse of 〈◊〉 and rare actiuitie , he grew into such fauour , first with Mahomet , and afterward with Baiazet his sonne , that he was by them promoted to the greatest places of honour , next vnto themselues : wherein he became so popular , and had so possessed the hearts of the people , that it was suspected of some , he would haue aspired to the Turkish empire himselfe . Presently after the comming of this great Bassa , workmen were set a worke about the casting of the great ordinance , and making readie of other things for the siege . The Christians also were no lesse busie about their fortifications , the gouernour appointing vnto euerie man his charge , and which part of the wall to defend : yet keeping continually in the market place certaine companies ( with the ensignes of S. Marke and S. Stephen ) to serue as fresh supplies , as need or occasion should require . While●t the great ordinance was in casting , the Bassa caused a great bridge of timber to be made ouer the riuer , that so he might at his pleasure passe ouer his men , and commaund both sides of the riuer . The Christians in the meane time with vigilant eye so attending the Turkes , that none of them could stir within shot , but he was forthwith fet off and slaine . The thirteenth of Iune , Mustapha the Beglerbeg or Viceroy of ASIA ( commonly called the great Bassa of NATOLIA ) came also in great pompe to the siege with thirtie thousand souldiors brought out of ASIA ; personable men , but not accounted so good souldiours as they of EVROPE : for it is a common saying among the Turkes , That the men of EVROPE , and the horses of ASIA doe best seruice . This great Bassa was honourably met and welcomed by the other great Bassa of CONSTANTINOPLE , and was quartered vpon an other side of the citie , where his rich pauilion ( all of Greene ) was pitcht in a vineyard about a mile from the towne . Mustapha to proue the courage of his souldiours , propounded a reward to which soeuer of them , as durst aduenture but to go and touch the wals of the citie : vpon which occasion , two of his souldiours passing well mounted , attempted to haue performed that enterprise . But making what hast they could possibly , they were both slaine from the wall , and one of their bodies recouered by certain valiant souldiours which sallied out of the towne , and his head being cut off , was vpon a launce set vpon the wals for the Turkes to behold . The fifteenth of Iune 5600 Ianizaries came into the campe , with foure white ensignes : at whose comming all the souldiors of both the Bassaes camps gaue a wonderfull shout , and welcomed them with great joy . These are the great Turkes guard and best souldiours , in whom the greatest strength of his kingdome consisteth , and are called the sons of the great Sultan : after whose comming , Mahomet himselfe was daily expected . Three daies after came two other great men , attended vpon with a number of followers , who by their countenance , and the great reuerence done vnto them by the rest of the Turkes , seemed to be men of great place and authoritie : these men desired that they might with safetie speake with the gouernour of the citie and the rest of the captaines , to deliuer vnto them such a message , as they had for their good ( as they said ) brought vnto them from Mahomet . Which their request being granted , the elder of them , after he had with manie glorious words set forth the power of his master , and what hee had done to other great cities , with their princes ; and farther shewed into what danger they were like to fall , if they should long stand vpon their defence : he began to persuade them to yeeld vp the citie , assuring them of all kind vsage , with manie rich rewards from the great emperour ; whereas otherwise , they were to expect nothing but extreame miserie and most shamefull death . Whereunto answere was in the name of them all giuen by the mouth of Petrus Pagnanus , a graue and worthy citizen , That they were not afraid of the greatnesse of Mahomet , or of anie thing he had done or could doe : and that he should find it hard to enforce them , but impossible to persuade them to deliuer their citie : and therefore that he might at his pleasure vse his forces against men fully resolued rather to yeeld vnto nature her last due , than to hearken to anie composition : and in conclusion told them , that if they should at anie time after make any such motion , they should not expect any other answere than from the mouth of the Canon . With which short answere these great men departed , not a little discontented . At this same time the strong citie of CROIA ( which the worthy Scanderbeg had liuing so honourably defended , and dying had left it with his kingdome , in the protection and possession of the Venetians ) hauing holden out a years siege , after that all the kingdome of EPIRVS and most part of ALBANIA was lost , for lacke of victuals was yeelded vp vnto the Turke , vpon condition , That the hungerstarued defendants ( who then seemed rather ghosts than men ) might at their pleasure in safetie depart : which agreement the faithlesse Turke brake , and without mercie put them all to the sword . This heauie newes was deliuered to them of SCODRA by certaine Christians in the Turkes campe : wherewith they were much greeued , but nothing at all discouraged . Whilest the Turkes thus lay at the siege , the watermen , of whom a great number liued vpon the great lake of SCODRA ( being in circuit about an hundred mile ) came many times down the riuer by night , and did much harme in the Turks campe : for remedie whereof , they were enforced to build certaine small gallies to keepe them in , who for all that many times stole secretly vpon them , and much troubled them . The two and twentieth of Iune the Turkes mounted two great peeces of Ordinance vpon the top of the hill whereon the Bassa lay : whereof the one carried a bullet , made of an hard kind of round stone , of three hundred pound weight , and the other a bullet of foure hundred , wherewith they began to batter the towne foure daies : after that , they placed a third peece of artillerie at the foot of the same hill , which deliuered a bullet of foure hundred pound weight : and the next day they planted a fourth peece , greater than the rest , about the middle of the same hill , which carried a shot of six hundred and fiftie pound weight . In this while , eight thousand of the Turkes souldiours , called Asapi ( which are knowne from the Ianizaries by their red caps , whereas the Ianizaries weare white ) came into the campe . And shortly after came Mahomet himselfe with all his armie to the riuer of Drimon , whether the two great Bassaes of ASIA and CONSTANTINOPLE went with great pompe and triumph to meet him . The second of Iuly Mahomet with all his armie before the rising of the Sunne came to the campe before SCODRA : where after he had well viewed the situation thereof , he is reported to haue said : O what a faire and stately place hath the Eagle chosen out for her selfe to build her neast , and to hatch her young ones in . Diuers rich pauilions were set vp for Mahomet himselfe , but one farre greater than the rest , distant from them about a flight shoot , which was the place wherein he held his counsell : the other were for his owne priuat vse . Round about these his tents lay the Ianizaries encamped , a good distance off ; yet so close one to another , as if it had been a perpetuall rampire or strong trench , whereinto was but one entrance , continually guarded with a most strong guard . Round about the Ianizaries lay all the rest of the armie encamped : so that all the countrey , as farre as a man could see , was couered and white with tents , much like as when the ground in Winter is couered ouer with a deepe snow : and still moe people resorted to the campe dayly , so that it was d●emed by men of great experience , that Mahomet had then in his armie of all sort of people about three hundred and fiftie thousand men , all gaping to deuour that poore citie : a sight of it selfe sufficient to haue daunted the courage of right valiant men : But what can be terrible vnto them that feare not to die ? Against this terrour of the enemie , the defendants were notably encouraged by the comfortable persuasions and exhortations of one Bartholom●us , a preacher ( sometimes one of the worthie Scanderbeg his soldiors ) who afterwards giuing himselfe to the studie of diuinitie , became a zealous preacher , and in this siege did notably comfort the Christian defendants against the terrour of so great an armie of miscreants . All this while the batterie was still maintained : and the fifth of Iuly the Turks mounted two other great peeces , whereof the one was like vnto the former before mounted , but the other placed vpon the middle of the Bassaes mount , was of an incredible greatnesse , discharging a shot of twelue hundred pound weight , and was called the Princes peece , in whose name it was with much cunning and industrie made : with which huge peece , the Turkes euen from the beginning of the siege had threatened the besieged , willing them to expect the comming of the Princes Peece . The next day they planted vpon the same mount a seuenth peece , which caried a shot of fiue hundred and fiftie pound weight : from which time they battered the citie with the aforesaid seuen great peeces ; and ceased not oftentimes by night out of their great mortar peeces , to cast great bals of wild fire into the citie , so to haue set it on fire : whereby diuers of the citizens were enforced to vncouer their houses couered with shingle , and by men appointed for that purpose , to watch the fall of such fireworkes , and so to quench the same : which they so carefully looked vnto , as that the deuise of the enemie tooke none effect at all . At the same time also the Turkes out of their short mortar peeces cast huge great stones of incredible weight , which falling from high , did most terribly crush in peeces whatsoeuer thing they light vpon , wherewith the defendants were wonderfully troubled . In few daies after , the enemie mounted three other great peeces , whereof one was greater than that was called the Princes , and caried a bullet of thirteene hundred weight from which time they daily battered the citie with ten such peeces , as the like hath seldome times been heard of : and arrowes fell so thicke into the citie , as if it had beene continuall-showers of haile , so that no man could goe or well stirre in the streets without hurt . Yet in the middest of al● these dangers the Christians valiantly defended the citie , and with their deadly shot from the wal● and mounts exceedingly annoied the enemie . The eleuenth of Iuly the Turks mounted another great peece like vnto the former , vpon the Bassaes mount , and the same day battered the wals with 178 shot of this hugie artillerie . Mahomet hauing by the furie of his great ordinance beaten downe a great part of the wall , and that now nothing stood in his way but such simple repaires as the defendants had made of timber and plankes , with earth cast in betwixt , was in good hope in short time to become master of the towne : and therefore sent certaine companies of his Ianizaries and other soldiors ( which he with continuall supplies of fresh men still releeued ) to assault the breaches , so if it were possible to enter the towne , or at leastwise to burne such fortifications of timber as the defendants had made . But that which seemed vnto him at first so easie , hee found in execution full of difficultie and danger : for the Turkes approching the breach , found there resolute men , a surer defence than any wall : whose valiant courage serued in stead of a strong bulwarke . So whilest the Turks desperatly striue in the face of the breach either to enter or to set fire vpon the new fortifications made for most part of timber , and the defendants with no lesse resolution doe what they may to the vttermost to repulse them , many were on both sides slaine , but especially of the assailants . Which Mahomet well perceiuing , and that by that manner of assault he gained nothing but notable losse and spoile of his best men , caused a retreat to be sounded , and his batterie to be againe forthwith renewed : euery day shaking the wall with 160 or 180 most terrible great shot , and one day with 194 , which was the greatest batterie he made in one day during that siege . After this great batterie , the tyrant caused a fresh assault to be giuen , but with little or rather worse successe than before : for though diuers of the defendants , & amongst them some of good place , as Franciscus Patauinus , Franciscus Scorbaro , two Italian captaines , and some other of the better sort of the citizens were there slaine with the great shot , whereof the enemie that day discharged into the breaches 193 : yet were they with greater losse enforced againe to retire , and with shame to giue ouer the assault . Notwithstanding this repulse , Mahomet continuing his batterie with no lesse furie than before , still sought by force of his artillerie to open a way into the citie : and the third day after the former assault gaue a more furious and desperate attempt vnto the citie than before , insomuch that the Turkes were in the breaches come to handie strokes with the Christians , and there made a most cruell and deadly fight ; wherein many fell on both sides , but of the Turkes most , yet were there many of the Christians also slaine , especially with the Turkes great ordinance . It was a right ruthfull sight to haue seene the rampiers at the great gate of the citie beaten downe flat to the ground , and to lie full of the rent bodies of the Christians : at which place the enemie so preuailed , that he was euen now readie to haue entered ; for the Turkes so furiously assailed the defendants , and the murthering shot from the Bassaes mount fell so thicke and so terribly into the breach , beside the infinit number of arrowes , that there was scarce any of the Christians which defended that place but they were either slaine or greeuously wounded . But when all seemed now almost desperat and forlorne , and the greedie enemie euen ready to deuour his prey , a new supplie of lustie souldiors well armed , came courageously to the breach , and as lyons encountering the enemie , draue him downe againe , and so enforced him with great losse to retire . Mahomet greeued with this repulse , in his furie caused 173 great shot to be discharged into the citie , and afterwards sending for his great Bassaes and other his principall men of war , declared vnto them his mind as followeth : I thinke none of you are ignorant ( right worthie souldiours ) that now it is the third moneth since this citie hath by vs beene most straitly besieged , and with all manner of artillerie and engines of 〈◊〉 impugned , assaulted , and on euery side assailed , the wals thereof vtterly subuerted , and the bulwarks laied flat with the ground , and ( as you see ) as good as rased : Besides that , so oft as wee haue set 〈◊〉 vpon their fortresses , so oft we haue prouoked them of SCODRA to fight , and haue also much vexed them with assaults . Last of all , as you know , we haue left nothing vnproued , nothing vnattempted which could be deuised , the easilier to ouercome them , being wearied , worne out , & their strength spent . Wherfore ( in mine opinion ) the matter is not longer to be put off or delayed , but euen to morrow before the enemie can recouer his strength or repaire his breaches , let vs enclose the citie round , and giue them a generall and terrible assault : and therefore euery one of you make your selues readie , and exhort your souldiors in the campe , that they euery one of them to morrow with the dawning of the day come forth armed and well appointed for the winning of the citie . Now will I proue and know them that are worthie of my pay . Thou the Bassa of CONSTANTINOPLE , with thy squadrons and certaine companies of the Ianizaries our faithfull guard , giue charge vnto the breach : in the meane time , let the Bassa of ASIA with his power assault the other parts of the cittie : let euery man make readie and bring with him what so is needfull for this generall assault ▪ my mind giueth me , that to morrow before this time we shall win the citie : for who is there can resist vs ? The towne ( as you see ) is bared both of wall and of all other defence : the bulwarkes and ditches are laied euen , and an easie way for vs to come vnto it : the citizens themselues wearie with so many fights and assaults faint and want strength ; whereas we are still fresh and lustie : they in number few ; we almost innumerable : besides that , we farre passe them in the force of our artillerie , wherewith many of them shall perish in the defending of the breaches . Who then can gainesay , but that they of SCODRA are alreadie our prisoners ? Where , vpon such as remain aliue , I will at my pleasure vse the law of armes and captiuitie . On therfore courageous hearts without further delay . Is not the very name of SCODRA hatefull vnto vs ? for which of you dooth not with great disdaine call to remembrance the death of your parents , or brethren , or friends , or companions , cruelly slaine vnder these wals ? Can you disgest your hatred against them of SCODRA ? and so many slaughters of your friends , by them made ? But to forget elder times , and the harmes receiued from them long since , let vs but looke vpon our late slaughters and wounds as it were yet bleeding : it is not yet full foure yeares since that we made warre with these men of SCODRA , wherein so many thousands of our people fell , that their slaughter is yet almost obiect to our eyes , and their blood crauing reuenge . This very hill whereon we stand , and the stones yet seeme besprinckled and polluted with their blood . Wherefore hast you as men of courage , take vp armes , valiantly mount the hill , assault the town , and reuenge your old iniuries . Glut your selues to the full in the effusion of the Christian blood , whereunto our lawes doe so much exhort vs , and do what you may with force and sword , that not one of them of SCODRA may be left aliue : which you may easily bring to passe , hauing all things thereunto needfull : for there is nothing to withstand you , nothing wanting for the gaining of the victorie . All things are prepared , all things are readie : an easie matter it is for a strong man to ouercome the weake and feeble , that wanteth strength as doe they . This speech of the barbarous tyrant , was receiued with great applause and good liking of the hearers : and now was SCODRA to be with all might and maine assaulted , and not a man there left aliue . Hereupon proclamation was made throughout the campe , That euerie man vpon paine of death should be readie against the appointed time . And the great captains and commanders of the armie departing from Mahomet , went vp to the top of the hill whereon the Bassa lay , and from thence taking view of the citie , and laying their heads togither , consulted how they might best giue the assault . The defendants on the other side alwaies expecting their enemies houering ouer their heads , left nothing vndone that they could possibly deuise , for the defence of themselues and the citie . Now vpon the top of the Bassaes mount was a royall pauilion erected , richly couered with purple , from whence the prowd tyrant might plainly behold all the assault : who with the dawning of the day ( being the two and twentith of Iuly ) entring the same , the Turkes who in the couert of the night had conuaied themselues as neere vnto the walles as they could , ( vpon the signall of battell , giuen by a tire of ordinance discharged from the Bassaes mount ) suddenly ran to the breaches as thicke as bees , in hope by their sudden approach to haue taken the Christians at some aduantage : wherein they were much deceiued . For they alwaies doubting such a matter , and carefully obseruing the least motion of the enemie , were alwaies in readinesse to meet with their attempts : so that the Turkes desperatly striuing to gaine the breaches , and the Christians valiantly defending the same , there was in diuers places begun a most cruell and mortall fight ; but especially neere vnto the great gate , where the furie of the Canon had made the wals most saultable . There the enemie was come to fight hand to hand , and preuailing vpon the defendants , had set vp one of the Turkes ensignes vpon the top of the rampiers : which Mahomet beholding , rejoyced exceedingly , thinking the citie now as good as taken . But the Christians seeing the danger , speedily repaired thither with new supplies , and by plaine force draue the enemie out againe , and beat him from the rampiers . Vpon them also that were comming vp , they cast downe peeces of timber , great stones , wildfire , pots of lime , and such other things as might most annoy them : as for shot , none fell in vaine by reason of the wonderfull multitude of the Turkes , who stood so thicke , that a man could hardly haue cast downe a graine of mustardseed from the wall but it must needs haue light vpon some of them : by which meanes the Turkes were notably repulsed , their ensigne pluckt downe , and they enforced to retire from the wals . Which sudden alteration Mahomet perceiuing , fell into a great rage , and forthwith commaunded his great ordinance , with greater furie than euer , to be discharged into the breach : And with great words commaunded the two chiefe Bassaes which stood by him vpon the mount , to go presently downe and enforce the souldiours which were alreadie retired , to returne againe vnto the assault . These great commanders seeing the tyrant in such a fret , forthwith descended from the hill , and where persuasion would not serue , with their drawne swords enforced the souldiours to returne backe againe to the assault . The Turkes knowing that they were now in the eye of their king , and in the presence of their greatest commanders , striue with might and maine to win the rampiers : for in that place , the wals of the citie were beaten downe to the ground , shaken before this assault with 2539 shot of the cannon or other peeces of no lesse force . The Christians likewise in defence of themselues and their citie , with inuincible courage opposed themselues against the Turks : so that a more desperat fight than there , was hardly euer to be seene ; desperat men with desperat hand assailing one another : And the more to encrease the terrour of the day , the thundring shot , with the clamour of men and noise of the instrumen●● of warre , was so great , as if heauen and earth should haue presently fallen togither ; and arrowes falling into the citie as if it had beene showers of raine , oftentimes darkened the light of the day . In this dreadfull fight , manie of the defendants were slaine ; but of the Turkes , twentie to one . Neere vnto that gate where this terrible assault was giuen , were certaine loupes hewen out of the maine rocke , which flanked the ditch all alongst that side of the citie , out of which the Christians with their murthering shot made lanes amongst their enemies , and slew them without number . For all that , the mightie Bassaes and great captaines , one while by persuasion , another while by threatning , forced them still forward ; and if anie turned backe , presently slew him : so that the Turkes seeing no lesse danger in retiring , than in fighting against the enemie , like desperat men thrust forward by heapes , and were slaine without number . Yet still pressing on so long as life lasted , and others stepping forward in stead of them that were slaine ; they began againe to preuaile vpon the defendants ( who in that place were for most part either slaine or hurt ) and againe recouered the top of the rampiers , and there aduanced the Turkes ensignes . Then began the tyrant to lift vp his head , making sure account that the citie was now his owne . But as the common saying is , He that reckoneth without his hoast , must reckon twise : so chanced it to Mahomet . For the companies , from the beginning of the siege left in the market place readie for all euents , and oftentimes wishing for some occasion wherein to shew themselues ; being now in good time aduertised of the imminent danger , came with speed to the place of the assault before the Turkes had taken good footing ; and there valiantly encountring them , slew a great number of them , and forced the rest from the rampiers ; and plucking downe their ensignes before set vp , in stead of them placed their owne . With which repulse the Turkes were so dismaied , that they quite forsooke the assault , and in despight of their imperious commaunders , not expecting anie signe of retrait , in hast retired to their campe . Mahomet fallen from so great an hope , and grieued aboue measure with this shamefull repulse , returned into his pauilion fretting and fuming as a man halfe mad , where two daies he tormented himselfe with his owne passions , not admitting any man to his presence . The Christians afterwards tooke the spoile of the dead Turkes , and cutting off diuers of their heads , set them vp vpon poles round about the citie , to the terrour of their fellowes . In this assault were twelue thousand of the Turks slaine , and many mo wounded . Of the Christians were lost 400 : and of them that came to the breach escaped none , but he was wounded more or lesse . After that Mahomet had two daies disgested the last repulse , the shame whereof grieued him more than the losse it selfe : he sent for both the great Bassaes of CONSTANTINOPLE & ASIA , and other two of his chiefe councellors , with whom hee resolued to giue another assault , and thereon to gage his whole forces : for they were all of opinion with him , that the defendants were so weakned and wasted with the former assault , that they could not possibly hold out another . Wherupon straight commandement was giuen through the campe , that euerie man without exception , should be readie to go to the assault whensoeuer they were called vpon : and the more to encourage the souldiours , great rewards and preferments were promised to them which in time of the assault should performe any especiall piece of seruice . The first appearance of the new Moone ( which the Turks worship with great deuotion ) was the time that Mahomet had appointed for this generall assault : in the meane space he spared not to poure out his furie against the wals and rampiers of the towne , by the mouth of the cannon . The Christian defendants on the other side , first by heartie prayer commended themselues and their citie to the protection of the most mightie , and afterwards with restlesse labour and no small perill , speedily repaired and new fortified whatsoeuer the furie of the artillerie had ouerthrowne or shaken ; omitting nothing that could be done or deuised for the defence of themselues and the citie . Now as soone as the new Moone began to shew her selfe , the Mahometane priests going about the armie , gaue the souldiours knowledge thereof ( as their manner is ) by singing of a song , in manner of a procession ; wherunto the whole armie answered with a short responde , but with such a terrible noise as was wonderfull to heare : and at the same time bowing themselues to the ground , saluted the Moone with great superstition . All their fond ceremonies performed , they began to drawnie the citie so thicke , and in number so manie , that all the ground for the space of a mile round about SCODRA was thicke couered with men . The Christians expecting euerie houre to be assailed , were readie vpon the wals and rampiers of the citie to repulse the enemie : but especially at the great gate where most danger was feared , for that the Turks with their great ordinance had made that place of all others most saultable . Here Iacobus Moneta a noble captaine , with his brother Moncinus a valiant gentleman , tooke vpon thē to receiue the first assault which is commonly of all others most terrible : for the Turks vse in their assaults to giue three attempts , whereof the first is most furious and dangerous , as performed by their best souldiours ; the other two are of lesse force : but if they faile in all three , they forsake the enterprise as men discouraged . Whilest both the assailants and the defendants stood thus in readinesse , the one as it were facing the other a great part of the night , Mahomet before day went vp to the top of the Bassaes mount , from whence he had before beholden the former assault : at whose comming , there were presently eleuen cannons discharged , and twelue smaller pieces ( the signal appointed for the assault . ) The Turkes vpon this signe giuen , with exceeding tumult and most hideous outcrie ( as their manner is ) began to assaile the citie round , and with such wonderfull agilitie of bodie and courage mounted the rampiers at the great gate , that they had there as it were in a trice set vp one of their ensignes , which was foorthwith pluckt vp by Moneta , and the Turkes with great slaughter driuen downe , where many of them were slaine with stones , timber , fire , and such other things cast downe vpon them ; beside a great number slaine or wounded with shot , arrowes , and darts , whereof none fell to the ground in vaine , by reason that the Turkes stood so thicke , that they violently pressed one another forward , in such sort , that the formost could by no meanes shun any danger , were it neuer so great or terrible . In this sort the assault was with great slaughter of the Turkes continued vntill it was day ; they striuing to win the breach , and the Christians most valiantly defending the same : Moneta himselfe in this fight receiued diuerse wounds , and was twice beaten downe to the ground ; yet still recouering himselfe , encouraged his souldiors , and woorthily repulsed the enemie . Mahomet seeing his souldiors beaten from the breach , caused a tyre of his great Ordinance to be discharged vpon the Christians which stood therein thicke for the defence thereof , by force whereof many of them were rent in peeces , and the rest sore dismayed : which the Turkes quickly perceiuing , and therewith encouraged , came on againe with a fresh charge , forcing themselues to the vttermost to haue entred . But the valiant captaine nothing discouraged either with the losse of them that were slaine , or with the danger of himselfe , couragiously withstood the furious enemie , and maintained the place vntill new supplies came to relieue him , and neuer departed thence , either suffered any man to depart , vntill the assault was ended . Many were slaine on both sides , yet nothing troubled the defendants so much as the great ordinance ; which being discharged from the Bassaes mount into the breach ; at such times as the Turkes were driuen backe , slew many of the Christians , leauing the breach almost cleare : so giuing occasion for the Turkes to haue entred , had not other couragious souldiours stept vp in stead of them that were slaine , who manfully repulsed the enemie . The tyrant from the mou●● seeing the inuincible courage of the defendants , was therewith exceedingly troubled : but fully resolued now or neuer to haue it , commaunded all his forces to be drawne from all other parts of the citie vnto the great gate , there to renew the assault ; straightly charging his captaines , neuer to returne thence vntill they had taken the citie . Hereupon the greatest part of that hug●● armie was forthwith in the sight of himselfe brought vnto the appointed place , and there gaue a sharpe and cruell assault at the breach , with such desperat furie , that in short time they had slaine most of the defendants there present , and aduanced diuers of their ensignes vpon the top of the rampiers . Which Mahomet beholding from the mount , rejoyced exceedingly , making sure account that the citie was now his owne : but by that time he had well conceiued this hope , new supplies of fresh and couragious men ( of purpose reserued for all euents ) came to the place of danger , and with great resolution encountring the wearied Turkes , draue them backe , cleared the breach , and ouerthrew their ensignes . Which so sudden an alteration in the breach , wrought no lesse alteration in the prowd tyrants mind , his hope was turned into despaire , and his rejoycing into choller : insomuch that in his furie , he commaunded all his great artillerie to be at once discharged into the breach ; whereby manie of his forward and couragious souldiours were slaine togither with the defendants . At the same time , the great commaunders and captaines knowing themselues to bee in the eye of their imperious lord and maister , with their drawne swords forced the poore souldiours againe forward to the breach ; and the more to encourage them , aduentured themselues also amongst them : whereby the fight became more fierce and terrible than before . Manie of the Turkes were there slaine ; yet such was the force and multitude of them which still stept vp in their place , and bullets and arrowes flew so thicke , that the defendants oppressed with multitude , and ouerwhelmed with shot , were hardly able longer to maintaine the place , being for most part either slaine or wounded . Whereupon a great one ran vpon the sudden through the citie , that euerie man without exception , should forthwith repaire to the breach . Which was with such cheerfulnesse done , that in lesse time than was to haue been thought , a wonderfull multitude of all sort of people was there met togither , encouraging one another against the present danger ; who all as men resolued to lay downe their liues in defence of their countrey , valiantly encountred the Turkes vpon the top of the rampiers , and so hardly laid vnto them , that notwithstanding their great number , they began now againe to wauer and shrinke backe . Which thing the tyrant perceiuing from the mount , in great rage commanded his canoniers , as fast as they could to discharge the great ordinance into the breach , without anie regard of his owne men , so that togither with them , he might also kill some of the Christians : and withall imperiously commanded his captaines , with all their force and power to maintaine the assault , threatning them with most horrible death , if they returned without victorie . Hereupon the assault was againe renewed , euery man ( in shew at least ) set downe there to doe his last deuoire . But the great ordinance still playing vpon the breach , slew manie of the Turkes as well as of the Christians . Thrise the great shot fell amongst the Turkes themselues , and rent in sunder a great number of them which were formost , to the great discouragement of the rest : whereof the tyrant had small regard , so that togither with them he might also diminish the number of the defendants . Neuerthelesse , such was the desperat furie of the enemie , that the citie was in no small danger to haue been euen presently taken , had not fresh supplies come from other places of the citie which they were appointed vnto ; who with great courage resisted the enemie . Yet the Turkes farre exceeding in number ( and fresh men continually stepping vp in stead of them which lay by heapes vnder their feet , and serued them in stead of steps to get vp to the rampiers ) maintained a long and terrible fight : at which time the great ordinance also sore annoied the defendants , so that with one shot ( whereby the greatnesse of the harmes done at other times may be gathered ) eighteene of the Christian defendants were slaine . As for arrowes , they flew as thicke as haile into the citie ; so that they obscured the light of the day , and lay in most places of the street a span thicke : so that for the space of a moneth after , the inhabitants vsed no other fuell to burne , but Turkish arrowes . It was a ruthfull sight to haue seene the bodies of the valiant Christians rent in sunder with the great shot , and pieces of them cleauing vpon euerie wall thereabout , euerie street was stained with their bloud , the great ordinance continually thundred , churches and houses came ratling downe , yea the heauie countenance of the ayre it selfe seemed to bewaile the miserie of the poore Christians : besides , the noise of trumpets , drums , and other instruments of warre , with the horrible crie of the hellish Turkes , was so great and hideous , that it seemed as if heauen and earth should haue gone togither : nothing was to be heard but the verie terrour of the eare ; nothing to be seene but death , and the verie instruments of death . And now in this extremitie a fearefull crie ran through the citie , That without present helpe all would be lost at the great gate : Wherupon , not onely they which were whole ( which were the fewest in number ) but they also which lay wounded or sicke in their beds , cheering vp themselues , with weapons in their hands ran with speed to the place where the danger was ; chusing rather there to die , than to be slaine in their beds . Thus whilest the Christians of all sorts , and from all parts of the citie ran desperatly to the gate , the Turkes were on euerie side hardly pressed and in great number slaine : yet fresh men still comming vp as if they had sprung out of the earth , the deadly fight was by them still maintained . For the Turkes on the one side , for feare of the tyrant , laboured with might and maine to win the citie ; and the Christians on the other , knowing no hope left for them if they should be ouercome , with no lesse resolution defended the same . In this obstinacie of minds , manie fell on both sides : sometimes the Turkes seemed to haue the better , and were straight way by the Christians put to the worse . Which manner of mortall fight with doubtfull euent , was continued most part of that day : vntill that at length manie being on both parts slaine , and the rest for most part sore wounded and hurt , the furie of the assault began to assuage : for the Turkes now wearie of that long and deadly fight , and fainting with their wounds , had no great stomacke to mount vp the rampiers , where they saw no hope to preuaile , but all things threatning present death . Mahomet beholding the wonderfull slaughter of his men , and that hauing done what was possible for men to doe , they now fought as men discouraged , and in despaire of victorie himselfe , caused a retrait to be sounded , which the Turkes no sooner heard , but that they left the assault , and without order ran to their tents as men halfe feared out of their wits . Of this victorie , the Christians ( as they had good cause ) rejoyced greatly : yet was this joy mingled with much sorrow and heauinesse , for the losse of such worthy men as were slaine in that assault , manie of whose bodies , they were glad to gather vp by pe●cemeale , some here , some there , some cleauing on this wall , and some on that : which they , as the time would giue leaue , honourably buried with the rest of the slaine . At which time also , they with all diligence and expedition repaired their breaches , and put all things in such readinesse , as if they should haue presently receiued a fresh assault . Mahomet wonderfully grieued with the shamefull dishonour and great losse he had receiued at the last assault , repented himselfe that euer he had taken the matter in hand , wishing that hee had neuer heard of the name of SCODRA : and in his choller and frantike rage , most horribly blasphamed against God , most wickedly saying , That it were enough for him to haue care of heauenly things , and not to crosse him in his worldly actions . In which furie he descended from the mount and got him into his tent , where he againe tormented himselfe with his melancholie passions by the space of two daies ; wherein he would neither be spoke withall , or admit any man to his presence . Vpon the third day he called a generall counsell of his commaunders and best souldiours , and there openly before them all said , That he was determined to giue the enemie a fresh assault , for that being weakned with so manie assaults , he could not possibly be able to hold out another : and therefore hoped for an easie victorie . But he had no sooner so said , but that all they that heard him , cried out with one voice to the contrarie : saying , That it was not by anie meanes to be attempted , forasmuch as his best souldiours were alreadie slaine , and the greater part of them that were left , either sore wounded , or brought to that weaknesse that they were not able to doe anie more seruice ; and that therefore it were better for them to kill one another , or else himselfe to kill them one by one , than to expose them to be so shamefully butchered by the Christians . In this diuersitie of opinions , Achmetes Bassa the great champion of the Turkes ( a man reuerend and of great authoritie , for his birth , yeares , and rare experience in martiall affairs , and one by whom Mahomet had done great matters ) standing vp , with pleasing speech calmed his furious mind , and with substantial reasons persuaded him to desist from that his entended purpose , and to take another surer course , as followeth . Your great valour and worthie praises inuincible emperour ( said he ) who is able to expresse ? the greatnesse wherof the mind of man cannot conceiue , and my dull spirit but wonder thereat ; my tongue faltereth to speake of them , neither would this time serue so much as to recount them . It is of all men deemed a thing of great honour ( most dread soueraigne ) when a prince hath receiued a kingdome from his ancestors , to be able in safetie to keepe and defend the same : greater than this is it , honourably to encrease and augment it , so left : but of a small thing , by worthie prowesse to bring it to the highest type of worldly honour , is of all other things the greatest . Which most rare excellencie , all men worthily ascribe vnto your perfection and felicitie : and I of all others can thereof bring the most assured testimonie , who haue oftentimes heard it of mine ancestors ( which following the fortune of the Othoman princes out of ASIA into EVROPE ) that your worthie predecessors at their first comming into EVROPE ( without offence be it said ) possessed but a corner thereof ; to whom you afterward by diuine appointment succeeding , haue adioined so many prouinces , kingdomes , and empires , as were tedious to rehearse them . For who can worthily expresse , how you haue in EVROPE subdued CONSTANTINOPLE , the imperiall citie of the East empire , with all THRACIA , ACHAIA , GRECIA , PELOPONESVS , BEOTIA , THEBES , and the noble citie of ATHENS , the mother and nurse of all good learning . The empire of TRAPEZOND , with the emperour thereof , is by you ouerthrowne : the kingdomes of SERVIA and BOSNA , with the princes of PELOPONESVS , are by you gloriously vanquished . You haue at your commaund twelue kingdomes in ASIA the lesser , PONTVS , BYTHINIA , CAPPADOCIA , PAPHLAGONIA , CILICIA , PAMPHILIA , LYCIA , CARIA , LYDIA , PH●IGIA , NICHOMEDIA , and NICEA , with the famous citie of PRVSA . Besides these , IONIA , DORIS , SMYRNA , COLOPHON , EPHESVS , MILETVM , HALICARNASVS , PERGAMVS , with the countrey of TAVRICA , are vnder your subiection . The great countrey of ARMENIA hath felt your force : the Islands of LESBOS , CHIOS , and EVEoeA , are parts of your empire . What should I speake of infinit people and nations , by you most victoriously vanquished ? This may suffice for all , that you haue gained from the Christians twentie prouinces and two hundred great citties . For it were too long to rehearse the Mahometane kings and princes by you also vanquished : in all your expeditions 〈◊〉 things haue yet giuen place to your fortune . The antient monuments may now cease to extoll the praises of Caesar , Scipio , Pyrrhus , Hanniball , and other cheefetaines of ROME , and forraine nations : for why , they are all inferior to you both for victories and countries subdued . The Othoman familie is vndoubtedly fatall for soueraignetie : all the world shall in short time come vnder your gouernment , and all nations shall serue you . As for this towne of SCODRA , let it not so much greeue you : worldly things ( as you know ) doe oftentimes deceiue our expectation : in them fortune beareth great sway . Yet for this matter , quiet your selfe : for I dare gage my faith vnto your imperiall maiestie , that I will in short time find meanes , that this citie shall stand at your deuotion . Did not I of late bring into your subiection the impregnable citie of CROIA , which you so long desired ? But whereas you would now agai● forthwith attempt to win it by assault , I therein craue your pardon , in that I cannot be of that opinion , but must needs thinke farre otherwise : for to attempt warre , and to be ouerthrowne , is an easie matter for euery man to doe ; but to vanquish the enemie , and to carrie away the triumph , that right few men know . He that consulteth of such great and weightie matters , ought to be free both from furie and desire , both euill counsellours . The Christians of SCODRA are not in my opinion to be againe assaulted : for in so doing you shall but lose your labour . For if you could not subdue them , your armie being then fresh and strong , how shall you now ouercome them with much fewer , and they wounded , weake and feeble ? I haue viewed the whole campe , and searched euery tent ; and found no place , no tent , yea scarcely any cabbin , without groning , sighing , weeping , or wailing ; in euery place was heauinesse , sorrow , mourning , and death it selfe : for in the last assault you lost thirtie thousand and more of your best souldior● ▪ many moe are greeuously wounded and maimed : none , but he carrieth about him some signe that hee was there : few or none there be that dare againe mount the hill to giue a fresh assault , they are all afraid and discouraged . Whom when I demanded , how so great a feare was come vpon them , and what was the cause they had so lost their wonted courage ? they answered me , That it was the looke , euen the very looke of them of SCODRA , whose eyes did seeme vnto them to burne and sparkle with fire : their sterne and terrible countenances ( said they ) haue strucke this terrour into vs. Wherefore I thinke it not good to giue a fresh assault with men so dismayed : but rather to vse policie and delay against such resolute enemies . This citie of SCODRA is the eye and head of all this prouince , which the Venetians haue notably fortified and planted with store of ordinance and of all things els necessarie for defence thereof ; but especially with most valiant souldiors , of purpose chosen out of many their garrisons for defence of this citie : you haue not now to doe with the weake and effeminate people of ASIA , but with the hard and rough people of EPIRVS . And you know ( most mightie emperour ) the strength and courage of this nation : it is now thirtie yeares that you haue made warre against this people , and haue not yet altogether subdued them : and how dangerous and chargeable this warre hath beene vnto you , who knoweth not ? It is now six moneths since we came first before this citie ; we haue intrenched our selues round about it , we haue day and night laid hard siege vnto it , we haue battered it of long with eleuen cannons : I speake not of other smaller peeces or engines of warre , with all kind of shot and fire-worke , and whatsoeuer els we could deuise . We haue many times to our cost assaulted it : what could be done by force , strength , or multitude of valiant men , is alreadie done in the former assaults . Nothing hath been left vnattempted , no policie no direction hath wanted in your leaders , neither courage in your souldiors . What should I recount the innumerable great shot , or speake of our arrowes and darts , deliuered into the citie as showers of haile ? Did all this or any thing els we could doe , any thing terrifie these defendants ? Were they not , nay are they not still readie , with great assurance and courage at all assayes to encounter vs. You take a wrong course by force to constraine them . They haue taken vpon them the defence of this place , and are not thence to be remoued , there shall you be sure still to find them either aliue or dead . And what account they make of their liues , you see ; they will sell them vnto vs deare for their countrey , and preferre an honourable death before a seruile life . Wherefore against men so set downe , policie is to be vsed : and them whom we cannot by force subdue , let vs by delay and time ouercome . If you will win SCODRA , blocke it vp , build strong forts in places conuenient round about it , and furnish them with good souldiors : make a bridge ouer BOLIANA , with a strong castle on either side , to stop the passage : which done , besiege the other weaker cities of the Venetians , which are as it were the lims of SCODRA : and subdue the countrey round about , which will be no hard matter for you to doe , being master of the field : so must SCODRA at length of necessitie yeeld vnto you , as of late did CROIA , enforced thereunto by famine . Thus may you in safetie without slaughter of your people come to the full of your desires . The wholesome counsell of the Bassa so well pleased Mahomet himselfe , and the rest there present , that the assault was laid aside , and present order taken for the speedie execution of that which was by him so well plotted . Whereupon the Bassa of CONSTANTINOPLE with his forces was sent to ZABIACHE , a citie in the borders of DALMATIA , standing vpon the lake of SCVTARIE , not farre from ASCRIVIVM , which in few daies was yeelded vnto him . The Bassa possessed of the citie , thrust out all the inhabitants , and leauing therein a garrison of Turks , returned againe to the campe at SCODRA . At the same time the great Bassa of ASIA was also sent by Mahomet against DRIVASTO , a citie also of the Venetians : which when hee had besieged and sore battered by the space of sixteene dayes , the great tyrant came thither in person himselfe , and the next day after his comming tooke the citie , without any great resistance . Such as hee found vpon the wals , he put to the sword : of the rest he tooke three hundred away with him vnto the campe at SCODRA , and there in the face of the citie caused them all to be cruelly slain , of purpose so to terrifie the defendants . The next day after hee sent the great Bassa of CONSTANTINOPLE to LYSSA , called also ALESSA , a citie of the Venetians , situated vpon the riuer Drinus , about thirtie miles from SCODRA . The Bassa comming thither , found the citie desolate ( for the citizens hearing of his comming , were for feare before fled ) for which cause he set the citie on fire . Here the Turks digged vp the bones of the worthie prince Scanderbeg , for the superstitious opinion they had of the vertue of them : and happie was he that could get any little part thereof to set in gold or other jewell , as a thing of great price , as is before declared . All these things thus done , Mahomet committed the direction of all things concerning the siege of SCODRA , vnto the discretion of Achmetes . By whose persuasion , he leauing a great power for the continuing of the siege , departed thence himselfe with fortie thousand souldiors for CONSTANTINOPLE , cursing and banning by the way all the countrey of EPIRVS , all the inhabitants therein , and euery part thereof , their corne , their cattell , & whatsoeuer els was fruitfull ; but aboue all other things the citie of SCODRA , with all that therein was , for that he had neuer receiued greater dishonour or losse than there . After his departure , which was about the seuenth of September , the two great Bassaes of CONSTANTINOPLE and ASIA , according to order before taken , built a great bridge ouer the riuer Boliana , and on either side a strong castle , to the intent that no releefe should that way bee brought into the citie . Which worke when they had brought to perfection , and furnished both castles with garrisons , ordinance , and all things necessarie , they left Achmetes Bassa with fortie thousand souldiours to continue the siege , and returned themselues the one to CONSTANTINOPLE , and the other into ASIA . The warie and politicke Bassa mindfull of the charge he had taken vpon him , tooke such order , that no releefe could possibly be brought vnto the citie either by land or by water : and so lying still before it a long time , brought it at length into such distresse and want of all things , that the poore Christians were faine to eat all manner of vncleane and loathsome things ; horses were daintie meat , yea they were glad to eat dogs , cats , rats , and the skins of beasts sod : it exceedeth all credit to tell at what exceeding great price a little mouse was sold , or puddings made of dogs gu●s . All these bare shifts and extremities the poore Christians were content to endure euen vnto the last gaspe , rather than to yeeld themselues into the hands of their mercilesse enemies . Whilest SCODRA thus lay in the suds , the Venetians wearie of the long and chargeable warre they had to their great losse now maintained against so mightie an enemie , by the space of sixteene yeares ; and hauing no meanes to releeue their distressed subjects in SCODRA , thought it best to proue , if they could procure a peace from the tyrant . For which purpose they sent Benedictus Triuisanus , a graue Senatour and a man of great experience , to CONSTANTINOPLE : who so well vsed the matter , that after long debating too and fro , at length a peace was concluded ; whereof the cheefe capitulations were , That the Venetians should deliuer vnto Mahomet the citie of SCODRA , the island of LEMNOS , and the strong castle of TENARVS in PELOPONESVS , and pay him yearely eight thousand duckats ; That they might freely after their wonted manner trafficke into the Euxine by the straits of Hellespontus and Bosphorus Thracius , & other parts of his dominions . Concerning the citizens of SCODRA , it was comprised in the same peace , That it should bee at their owne choice either to liue there still vnder the gouernment of the Turkish emperour , or els at their pleasure to depart in safetie with their goods whether they would . Triuisanus hauing in this manner concluded a peace , in his returne homeward the fourth of Aprill , found the Venetian Admirall riding at anker in the mouth of Boliana , from whence they both by letters certified the Gouernour and citizens of SCODRA , in what manner the peace was concluded with the Turke , and what prouision was therein made for them . Vpon receit of which letters , the gouernor calling together the citizens , declared vnto them how the case stood : and there with them entered into consultation vpon this hard question , Whether they would remaine there still in their natiue country vnder the Turkish tyrannie ; or forsaking the same , liue amongst other Christians in perpetuall exile ? But after the matter had beene throughly debated , and many reasons on both parts alledged , at length it was by generall consent concluded , That they should all forsake the citie and the house of bondage , as dangerous both to their soules and bodies , and liue as it should please God amongst other Christians . So the Turks giuing pledges for the safe departure of the Christians in SCODRA , they all at an appointed day with bag and baggage came out of the citie , and were by the Venetians carefully transported into other pa●●s of their territorie in ITALIE , where they liued in peace . The Turks ( who had now besieged the citie a whole yeare ) after the departure of the Christians entered the citie with great joy and triumph , which with many others therabout , hath euer since to the great ruth of all Christendome ▪ remained in the possession of the faithlesse infidels . Thus was the strong citie of SCODRA lost , and the long warres ended betwixt Mahomet and the Venetians , which happened in the yeare 1478. Mahomet now at peace with the Venetians , sent the same Achmetes Bassa ( by whom he had but a litle before taken in SCODRA ) with his fleet of gallies against one Leonard , prince of NERITVS , ZACYNTHVS , and CEPHALENIA , islands neere vnto PELOPONESVS : where the Bassa arriuing , easily tooke the same islands , the poore prince for safegard of his life being glad to flie into ITALIE with his wife & treasure to king Ferdinand , whose nigh kinswoman he had maried . About the same time Alis-Beg , surnamed Michal Ogli , Isa Beg the sonne of Cassanes , and B●l● Beg , surnamed Malcozogli ( men of great account amongst the Turks , and most honourably descended ) entred into TRANSYLVANIA with a great armie of an hundred thousand men , and brought such a generall feare vpon the country , that Stephanus Batore the Vaiuod , was glad with all speed to flie vnto Matthias king of HVNGARIE , to declare vnto him the danger of his countrey , and to craue his aid . Matthias at the same time lay sicke of the gout : neuerthelesse he tooke such order by his captaines , Stephanus Cherepetrus , and Paulus Kinisius countie of TEMESWARE , that the Turks were encountred not farre from ALBA IVLIA , and there in a great and bloudie battell ouerthrowne : wherein Isa one of their great captains was slaine , with 30 thousand Turks mo . Neither was this victorie gained by the Christians without losse , Bator the Vayuod himselfe being sore wounded , and eight thousand men slaine . Mahomet in his ambitious humour , had long time desired to haue in his subjection the island of the RHODES . For why , it grieued him that so small an island should lie so nie his great dominions in ASIA , holden by a few Christians , to the great trouble of his merchants trading in the Mediteranean , beside manie other harmes daily from thence receiued , and to haue no feeling of his greatnesse . But forasmuch as the winning of that place was thought to be a matter of great difficultie , and in former times vnfortunatly attempted by some of the Mahometane princes : he purposed now with good aduise to take this enterprise in hand . Wherefore calling togither his graue counsellors and most expert men of warre , after he had declared vnto them the manifold injuries receiued from them of the RHODES ; he propounded the matter , Whether it were best to attempt the winning of that island or not ? Some forward men persuaded him to reuenge those injuries done by those Christians , and to subdue that island , which for the neernesse vnto CARIA , might of right be accounted as part of his dominion ; and not to forbeare that enterprise for feare of repulse , forasmuch as he was able to bring mo men to assaile it , than were stones in the wall about it . Others better aduised , declared the strength of the island , with the valour of the defendants ; men alwaies brought vp in armes , and as it were chosen out of all parts of Christendome ▪ so that it was ( as they said ) like to proue a matter of more difficultie than was by some supposed ; whereof some of the Mahometane princes had to their no small dishonour , alreadie made sufficient triall : Alleadging farther , that that small island which scarcely appeared in the sea , was not of that worth , as that he should thereon gage his honour , with the liues of so manie good men , and most valiant souldiours as might serue for the conquest of a kingdome . For all that , Mahomet prickt forward with the spurs of ambition , and continuall solicitation of Anthonius Meligalus , a fugitiue knight of the RHODES , resolued to follow the counsell of them which persuaded the warre . This Meligalus was a knight of the order , which when he had prodigally consumed his substance which was great , with two others , Demetrius and Sophonius , men of his owne qualitie and disposition , fled vnto the Turkish emperour ; presenting vnto him a perfect plot of the citie , with all the strength both of it , and the isle wherein it stood , and which way he might with most ease win it . In which seruice they frankly offered to spend their liues : but hoping indeed by such foule treacherie to repaire their broken estate . All things being now in readinesse , Mahomet appointed Mesithes Paleologus , one of his chiefe Bassaes ( the neere kinsman of Constantinus Paleologus the last emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE ) Generall for that expedition ; committing to his charge the whole managing of that so great an action . Mesithes embarking his armie in number eightie thousand , and throughly furnished with all things necessarie for the siege , set forward from CONSTANTINOPLE , and with a pleasant gale of wind , sayled alongst the coast of ASIA the lesse , towards the RHODES : where by the way he called vnto him Demetrius ( one of the fugitiue knights ) to learne of him the best meanes for the safe landing of his a●mie . As for the arch traitor Meligalus , and chiefe author of this warre , he was fallen sick vpon the way ; and in the extremitie of his sicknesse , growing both troublesome and loathsome vnto the Turkes that were with him in the same gallie , was by the marriners throwne ouer-boord aliue : crying out in vaine for helpe , no man vouchsafing to haue anie compassion vpon him ; and so swallowed vp of the sea , receiued amiddest the waues , the just guerdon of his treacherie . At this time Peter Damboyse a Frenchman , an Auergnoies , a man of singular gouernment , was Great Master of the RHODES ; whose valiancie was such , that commonly once in eight daies he had certaine intelligence what great matters passed in the Turkes court : and therewith o● such deepe judgement , that he was seldome or neuer ouertaken , or deceiued with anie false aduertisements . This carefull Graund Master , was not ignorant of all these great preparations , neither of the comming of the Bassa ; and therefore had before strongly fortified the citie , and so stored the same with all things needfull , as might well haue serued for manie yeares siege : but especially with such shot and powder , that it was deemed ( as indeed it was ) an especiall meanes whereby the citie was afterwards preserued . At the same time , manie noble and valiant gentlemen hearing of the Turkes designes , repaired thither out of ITALY , FRANCE , SPAINE , GERMANIE , and other places of Christendome , cheerfully to aduenture their liues , in defence both of the place , and of the Christian religion , against the common enemie of Christianitie . The Great Master taking a generall view of all the forces he had , to oppose against so puissant an enemie , found that he had in the citie sixteene thousand able men : in which number were reckoned manie Iewes and other men of seruile condition ; who in the siege following , did right good seruice . The great Bassa conducted by the false traitour Demetrius , safely landed both his armie and artillerie in the island the two and twentith day of Iune , not farre from the citie . At which time the Great Master considering that the safetie of the citie consisted more in the liuely valour of the defendants , than in the strength of the dead wals , or other warlike prouision ; thought 〈◊〉 requisite , as a part of his duetie , by cheerfull persuasions to encourage them , valiantly to wi●hstand the force of their enemies . And therefore calling them all together , spake vnto them as followeth : At length valiant souldiours and fellowes at armes , we see the Turkes our mortall enemies ( 〈◊〉 we were before aduertised , as well by letters from our friends , as by common fame ) breathing after 〈◊〉 destruction ; in readinesse to destroy our churches , our oratories , our alters , our religion , and whatsoeuer els we account sacred or religious ; seeking the ruine of this noble citie , and the cruell death of vs all ; gaping at once , to deuour our liues , our wealth , our hope , with all our former honour . And 〈◊〉 as I cannot denie but that the chance of warre is doubtfull , and the euent thereof vncertaine : so when I consider your valiant courage and cheerfulnesse of mind , I presently conceiue a most assured hope of victorie . They haue entered into armes against vs , not so much for anie desert of ours , or vpon 〈◊〉 other quarrell ; as for the vnsatiable desire of rule , and the great despite they beare against vs and the Christian religion . But to withstand their furie , and to frustrate their designes , we want neither w●●pons , nor artillerie , nor prouision for many yeares ; we haue a most strong garrison of Frenchmen , Spaniards , Germaines , English , and others , the verie chiualrie of Christendome : and that which 〈◊〉 is , Christ Iesus our Captaine and Generall , by whose power , we shall no doubt easily repulse the 〈◊〉 force of our most wicked and gracelesse enemies . The care wee haue for the defence of the Christi●● faith , wherunto we are by speciall profession bound , will animate and encourage vs against them , which seeke for nothing more than to extend their wicked and grose superstition , to the great dishonour of God , and of his sonne Christ Iesus ▪ Besides that , we are warlike Frenchmen , Italians , Germaines , and other worthy Christians : they are of CARIA , LYDIA , CAPADOCIA , and the other delicat countries of ASIA ; effeminat persons , brought vp to pleasure . I say it not to draw you into anie manifest or ineuitable danger , neither to feed you with vaine hope , or to fill your eares with windie words : b●● this I promise and assure you of , that if this siege shall continue long , hither will come such strong 〈◊〉 out of FRANCE , ITALY , GERMANIE and SPAINE , as will serue not onely to raise the siege , b●● to recouer againe the empires of CONSTANTINOPLE and TRAPEZONDE . Then shall our en●mies see no good end of their counsels ; but all their deuises so confounded , as that they shall hardly be able by speedie flight to saue themselues . But suppose the hardest should happen , which I feare 〈◊〉 : would not anie man account his life most happely and honourably spent , in defence of a good conscience , and the quarrell of Christ Iesus ? Truely my great yeares and course of life now almost spent 〈◊〉 defe●● of the Christian religion ( as I euer desired ) doth call me forth , as one so assured of that good laid 〈◊〉 for me in heauen by Christ Iesus ( whose battell we are to fight ) that I no whit feare anie enemies force or future chance : which for all that , I haue as farre as I could , and to the vttermost of my power so prouided for , as that we will not ( I hope ) be therwith ouerwhelmed . Be you therefore of good che●re and comfort ( as I know you are ) and shew your selues valiant and couragious , which resteth wholy i● your selues : and as for all the rest , time , and our discretion shall right well prouide I doubt not . The valiant men and worthy souldiours , resting vpon the assurance of their aged gouernor , departed euerie man to his charge , full of hope and courage . Now had the Bassa landed his great armie , and sent Demetrius the traiterous knight , Meligalus his companion , with certaine troupes of horsemen and some foot , to view the ground , where he might best encampe with his armie . Demetrius in great pride riding about the citie , was knowne by Anthony Damboyse , the Great Masters brother ; by whose leaue , he sallied out with a troupe of gallant horsemen , and skirmished with them : but the Turkes being mo in number , cast about to haue encloased them ; which Anthony perceiuing , turned vpon them that were comming behind him , and that with such force , that he slew or wounded most part of them . In this hoat skirmish , Demetrius hauing his horse slaine vnder him , and himselfe ouerthrowne , was there troden to death vnder the horses feet : an end too good for so false a traitour . Muratius a French knight , vnaduisedly dispoiling his dead bodie , was by the Turkes slaine , and his head presented vnto the Bassa in stead of Demetrius . The Bassa approaching the citie , at the first comming tooke a great orchard , which the Great Master had strongly entrenched , and therein placed certaine companies of souldiours , with some small pieces of ordinance : which place if it could haue beene kept , might haue fitly serued the defendants to haue at their pleasure sallied out vpon the enemie . But they which were appointed to the keeping thereof , either terrified with the sight of so great an armie , or else doubting to be able to hold it against so great a power , abandoned it by night , and retired into the citie ; leauing the great ordinance behind them for hast . In this place , the Bassa by the counsell of George Frapaine ( a Christian fugitiue of the RHODES , and now master of his ordinance ) began to plant his batterie , & from thence to batter the tower called Nicholea , or S. Nicholas his tower , distant frō the citie three hundreth paces . But against this place , Damboyse had so aptly mounted two great Basiliskes , that he made him glad quickly to forsake the same : yet finding no other place more conuenient for his purpose , shortly after he neere vnto the same place planted againe his batterie , of farre greater force than before . Wherein beside the ordinance of greatest charge , he had three hundred smaller pieces for batterie : wherewith at the first he did small harme , for that this George Frapaine repenting himselfe ( as it was thought ) of his foule treason , bestowed the shot to small purpose ; for which cause the Bassa began to haue him in distrust : which Frapaine perceiuing , fled by night againe vnto the RHODES , and discouered vnto the Great Master all the secrets of the Turkes campe . The Turkes continuing the batterie , had sore shaken the aforesaid tower called S. Nicholas , and beaten downe some part thereof : which the Christians with great industrie , speedily repaired in best sort they could . For all that , the Turks gaue therunto a fierce assault , by the space of six houres , forcing themselues to the vttermost to haue taken it : but perceiuing that it preuailed them nothing , they retired , hauing lost eight hundred of their men , with manie others drowned in the sea , of whom the number was not knowne , and a thousand others sore wounded . Mesithes disappointed of his former purpose , bent his artillerie against the wals of the citie , and with continuall batterie had made a faire breach . But Damboyse foreseeing the danger , had with great labour cast vp such rampiers with a countermure before the breach , that the Bassa durst not in anie case aduenture to enter the breach he had made . For performance of this so necessarie a worke , the captaines themselues refused not to put to their helping hands : by whose example , all the rest of the people which were able to doe anie thing , being moued , willingly employed their labour vntill the worke was fully finished . Whilest these things were in doing , Cali-Bassa the younger ( a great courtier ) was sent from Mahomet , to see with what successe the siege went forward . Vpon whose arriuall , it was giuen out through all the Turks campe , That Mahomet was in person himselfe comming to the siege , with an hundred thousand men , and an hundred and fiftie peeces of great ordinance . These news ( of purpose deuised to the terrour of the defendants ) being blowne out of the campe into the citie , strucke an exceeding great feare into the mindes of some of the defendants , and so discouraged the Spaniards , with their nigh neighbors that came from NAVAR , that they began openly to reason in their conuenticles , That it was not possible for the citie to be defended against such a power ; and therefore after an insolent manner , desired leaue to be gone : to the great discouragement of the rest . The Great Master vnderstanding of their doings , sent for these mutinous Spaniards : and after he had sharpely reprooued them both of disorder and cowardise , promised to ship them away forthwith out of the isle , saying , That he doubted not , right well to defend the citie against the greatest power of the Turke , without the helpe of such base minded cowards . In the meane time he commanded them to surcease from their mutinous talke , threatning otherwise to make them examples to others , what it were so much to forget themselues . But these Spaniards shortly after , better considering of the matter , and what a dishonour it would be both to themselues and their nation , if they should so dishonourably be sent away ; repenting themselues of that they had done , came and craued pardon of the Great Master : and to redeeme their former fault , in all sallies and seruices during that siege , shewed themselues most valiant and forward men : for all that , the Great Master would neuer afterwards trust them in any seruice alone . The Bassa attempting much and preuailing little , thought it would much further his designes , if he could by anie meanes take the Great Master out of the way , by whose carefull pollicie he saw all his deuises still countermaunded : wherefore to bring this his purpose to passe , he practised by the meanes of one Ianus a Dalmatian , to poyson him . This Ianus hauing conceiued this treason from the Bassa , was receiued into the citie of the RHODES , as a Christian fugitiue fled from the Turkes : where hee acquainted himselfe with one Pythius an Epiro● , of great familiaritie with Marius Philelphus ( of late secretarie vnto Damboyse , but as then out of fauour and in disgrace , for that he was partaker with the Spaniards in the late mutinie . ) Ianus by the meanes of Pythius , whom he had now throughly corrupted , sought after Philelphus , who then as hee right well knew , liued discontented , as a fit instrument whereby to worke this treason ; for that he was a man well acquainted with the cookes and butlers , and other seruitours in the Great Masters house , and himselfe ( yet ) there verie conuersant also . Pythius presuming of his old acquaintance and familiaritie with Philelphus , and waiting vpon his melancholie humour , began to persuade him to reuenge the disgrace he liued in , and withall to shew him the meanes how to doe it , by poysoning of the Great Master : which might ( as he said ) fall out to his greater good than he was yet aware of . Philelphus making semblant as if he had not disliked of the motion , was desirous to know of him what farther benefit might thereby arise vnto him , more than reuenge . To whom Pythius forthwith shewed the Bassaes letters to Ianus , whereby hee assured him , that whatsoeuer he should promise vnto anie man for the furtherance of the practice , he would to the full performe the same . Philelphus hauing got full vnderstanding of the treason , presently discouered the same to Damboyse . By whose commandement Ianus and Pythius were straightwaies apprehended , and being examined confessed the treason : for which Ianus lost his head , and Pythius ( as hee had well deserued ) was shamefully hanged . Philelphus for his fidelitie , was pardoned his former errour , and againe receiued into the Great Masters fauour . The Bassa vnderstanding that the treason was discouered , and the traitours executed , was much grieued therewith . Neuerthelesse , he ceased not with continuall batterie to shake the citie , but especially the tower of S. Nicholas , for the assailing whereof he made wonderfull preparation . Amongst other things , he had framed a great bridge , staied with strong ropes and cables , ouer a short fret of the sea , betwixt the place of his batterie and the same tower , whereon six men might march a breast : in which deuise he reposed great hope . But as the Turkes were making fast this bridge , and had ( as they thought ) brought the worke to a good perfection ; Geruaise Rogers an English man of great courage , and verie skilfull in sea matters , found meanes by night to cut and breake in sunder all the ropes and cables wherewith the bridge was staied : which now loose , was by the violence of the sea quickly carried away , and the Turkes disappointed of their purpose . For which good seruice he was by the Great Master honorably rewarded , and of him in publike audience highly commended . Yet was the furious batterie by the Bassa still maintained , and a new bridge framed vpon small boats and lighters , fast moored with cables and anchors ; and diuers peeces of great ordinance placed in fusts and gallies . So that the tower was at one time battered both by sea and land , the defendants assailed with small shot and arrowes innumerable , and the tower at the same instant desperatly scaled . But Damboyse had so placed his great ordinance , that with the force therof the bridge was broken in sunder , foure of their great fusts sunke , with great store both of men and ordinance : the defendants also in the tower , with shot , timber , stones , and other such like things prouided for that purpose , grieuously ouerwhelmed the Turks that were scaling the wals , and beat them downe with great slaughter . This hoat assault was desperatly maintained by the Turkes , from three a clocke in the morning vntill ten : when the Bassa seeing no hope to preuaile , gaue ouer the assault , hauing therein lost aboue 2500 men ; whose dead bodies shortly after driuen on shoare , were spoyled by the Christians . The same night two mercinarie souldiors of CRETE , going about to haue fled vnto the enemie , were apprehended and put to death . And George Frapaine , who in the beginning of the siege fled from the Turks , now againe vehemently suspected of treason , was executed also . Thus neither force nor treason preuailing , the Bassa because he would leaue nothing vnproued that might better his cause , sent certaine messengers vnto the great Master , offering vnto him in the name of the Turkish emperour , great rewards , with many honourable preferments , if he would yeeld vp the citie ; which he could not ( as they would haue persuaded him ) long hold against so mightie an enemie : wishing him now in his declining estate not to refuse such honourable and princely offers , for feare he were afterwards constrained to accept of farre worse , or els through his desperat wilfulnesse plunge himselfe and his people into such extreame perill , as should be impossible for him or them to find any way out of . Whereunto the great Master in breefe answered : That he would not willingly in his sure estate vse the counsell of his enemie : neither in his greatest distresse refuse chearefully to yeeld his life vnto Almightie God , to whom he did owe it ; and that with farre better will than to yeeld vp the citie vpon any conditions , beare they neuer so faire a shew of honour or profit . The messengers perceiuing his constant resolution , rather to die than to yeeld his citie , began ( according to instructions before giuen them by the Bassa ) to temper with him another way , and to persuade him to yeeld vnto the mightie emperour some small yearely tribute or other homage , as an acknowledgement of his greatnesse , and so to liue as his friend in peace . But the great Master knowing by the wofull example of others , that in that small request lay included the beginning of the Turkish thraldome and slauerie : vtterly refused to pay him the least tribute , or to doe him the least homage that could be deuised . With which answere the messengers returned , hauing obtained nothing of that they were sent for . The resolute answer of the great Master reported by the aforesaid messengers vnto the Bassa , troubled him exceedingly : for though he had small hope by force to win the citie , yet hee was alwayes in hope vntill now , at his pleasure to forsake the siege with some such reasonable composition as might stand with his honour . But sith nothing remained now , but by plaine force to constraine his enemies ; hee resolued for the safegard of his honour , in that extremitie to vse that extreame remedie . Wherfore beside the great peeces of batterie he had alreadie planted against the wals , he mounted diuers smaller peeces much higher , thereby the more to annoy the defendants , by beating downe of their churches and high built houses . His ordinance thus placed , he battered the citie day and night for the space of foure dayes together without intermission : during which time , the Christians out of the citie spared not liberally to bestow their shot amongst their enemies also : so that the aire seemed to grow thicke , and the light of the day to be darkned with the smoke of the great ordinance ; and the great shot came so thicke into the citie , that the fearefull women and children were glad to shroud themselues from the danger thereof , in cellars and caues vnder ground . So long continued this great batterie , that at length the strength of the wall gaue place to the furie of the cannon , and a faire breach was laid open for the enemie to enter : which was no sooner made , but that with the first shew thereof the Turks gaue thereunto a desperat assault ; and preuailing by reason of their multitude , had vpon the suddaine recouered the top of the wals , and there set vp some of their ensignes : but the Christians speedily comming in on euery side to the defence of the breach , they were againe quickly repulsed and beaten down into the ditches , out of which most of them neuer rise more . At which time the Turks in another place with their scaling ladders had gained the top of the wals , and there aduanced their ensignes also ▪ and were now fiue hundred of them entred the citie , and come into the street called the Iews street : where they were encountred by the Great Master & his followers , and all slaine that were alreadie entred , and their ensignes that stood vpon the wals throwne downe . The rest yet scaling the wals , and ignorant of the fortune of their fellowes , were likewise beaten from the wals , and with wonderfull slaughter rejected . So that the Bassa not able longer to endure the slaughter of his men , being in both places repulsed , caused a retreat to be sounded , and left the assault ; wherein he had lost of his most forward men about fiue thousand , with small losse of the Christians . In this assault the great Master himselfe receiued fiue wounds , whereof one vnder his right pap was thought to haue been deadly : which yet afterwards was very well cured with the rest . After that the Bassa had by the space of three months to small purpose spent all his forces and deuises vpon the citie , he began to doubt whether it were better for him to raise his siege and depart , or to tarrie and expect some better fortune , which in all his former actions had seemed almost to haue waited vpon him : to forsake the siege , was dishonourable ; and to continue it without hope , presented no lesse danger . Besides that , in the former assaults he had alreadie lost nine thousand of his best souldiours , and all the rest of his armie was filled with heauinesse and despaire , to heare the wofull sighing and groning of their fellowes , of whom fifteene thousand lay dispersed in the campe sore wounded , and readie many of them to giue vp the ghost : and also but euen a little before two great ships sent from Ferdinand king of NAPLES with men and munition , were in despight of all the Turkes gallies safely arriued at the RHODES , to the great joy and encouragement of the besieged , and no lesse discontentment of the Turks . Whilest the Bassa was thus deliberating what course to take , a rumor was raised in the campe , That the Christian princes were comming with great power to relieue the town : with which news the whole armie was exceedingly troubled ; whereupon he raised his siege . Some others say that Mahomet hearing of the euill successe of his armie in the island of the RHODES , with the difficultie of the siege , and now readie to goe in person himselfe against the Sultan of AEGIPT , sent for the Bassa , and that so the siege was raised . Howsoeuer it was , the Bassa before his departure caused all the vines and trees growing in that part of the island to be cut downe and spoiled : and so after he had poured forth his furie vpon the sencelesse creatures , which he could not according to his desire exercise vpon the people , againe embarked his armie , and with shame departed , the 17 day of August . At the same time that the RHODES was thus besieged , Mahomet sent his old and most expert captain Achmetes Bassa , with a great fleet and a strong armie to make an entrance into ITALIE ( for no kingdom was so strong , which the ambitious tyrant in the pride of his heart thought not hee might now commaund ) and hauing long before conquered CONSTANTINOPLE ▪ otherwise called New ROME , was still dreaming I wot not what of the conquest of old ROME also . The mischeeuous Bassa according to his great masters designs , embarked his armie at VALLONA ( otherwise called AVLONA ) a sea towne in the borders of MACEDONIA ; and from thence passing directly ouer that narrow sea , which is in breadth about sixtie miles , landed his men in that rich and fertile part of ITALIE , called in antient time APVLIA ( now PVGLIA ) neer vnto the old and famous citie of HYDRVNTVM , at this day called OTRANTO : where as soone as this warlike Bassa had landed his forces , he forraged all that rich country alongst the sea coast , and tooke such infinit spoile as might well haue satisfied the greedie desire both of himselfe and of his hungrie soldiors : all which rich bootie he caused to be conueyed vnto his gallies . So when he had at his pleasure raunged vp and downe the countrey by the space of foureteene dayes , and saw that none made head against him , he laid siege to OTRANTO , the cheefe citie of that countrey , and as it were the key of that part of ITALIE : and hauing with such ordinance as he tooke out of his gallies made a breach , easily entred the same , and so without any great losse tooke the citie . A thing not greatly to be maruelled at , for as much as it was but weakly manned , and more weakely defended , by men altogether liuing in securitie in the middest of their wealth and pleasure . The Archbishop , with Zurlo the Gouernour , and the cheefe men of the citie , for safegard of their liues fled into the great cathedrall church , as into a sanctuarie ; where they were altogether most miserably slaine . The rest of the citizens , whose hard fortune it was to escape the sword ( as people reserued to more miserie ) were afterward shipped ouer into GRECIA , and there sold for slaues . The landing of the Turkes in APVLIA , with the taking of OTRANTO , brought a generall feare vpon all ITALIE , insomuch that Sixtus Quartus , then the great Bishop of ROME , forgetting all things saue himselfe , was about to haue forsaken the citie for feare . Now after the Turkes had at their pleasure ransackt OTRANTO , Achmetes caused the same to be strongly fortified ( as the sure footing of the Turkes in ITALIE ) and victualled for eighteene moneths , and there leauing eight thousand of his best souldiors in garrison , returned himselfe with the rest to VALLONA , and so by land to CONSTANTINOPLE to know his great Masters further pleasure ▪ but purposing with himselfe , with the first of the next Spring to haue returned with greater forces againe into ITALIE for the prosecuting of his former victorie . Which if he had done , it was greatly to haue been feared , that all that goodly countrey , sometime mistresse of the world , but then and yet also rent in sunder by the discord and ambition of the Christian princes , had in short time become a prey vnto the barbarous Turke for euer . But whilest the great Bassa ( in his life time the great scourge of Christendome ) thus proudly plotteth the ruine and destruction of faire ITALIE , God in whose hands the hearts of kings are , put an hooke in the great tyrants nose , and led him quite another way . For at the same time , the Caramanian king , aided by the Persian and the Sultan of AEGIPT , had in a great battaile ouerthrowne Baiazet ( Mahomets eldest sonne then liuing ) and slaine most part of his armie : in reuenge whereof , Mahomet with great expedition raised a great and puissant armie , and taking Achmetes with him as his cheefe man of war , rejecting the wars of ITALIE vnto a more conuenient time , passed ouer into ASIA : where vpon the way , about a daies journey short of NICOMEDIA , a citie of BYTHINIA , at a place called GEIVISEN , he fell sicke ; and there for the space of three dayes greeuously tormented with an extreame paine in his bellie , which some supposed to be the collicke , died ; but being indeed ( as most men thought ) poysoned : when hee had liued about 52 yeares , and thereof raigned 31 , in the yeare of our Lord 1481. His bodie was afterwards magnificently buried in a chappell neere vnto the great Mahometane temple , which he himselfe first built at CONSTANTINOPLE . The death of this mightie man ( who liuing troubled a great part of the world ) was not much more lamented by those that were neerest vnto him ( who euer liuing in feare of his crueltie , hated him deadly ) than of his enemies , who euer in doubt of his greatnesse , were glad to heare of his end . He was of stature but low , and nothing answerable to the height of his mind , square set , and strong limmed ; not inferiour in strength ( when he was yong ) vnto any in his fathers court , but to Scanderbeg onely ; his complexion was Tartarlike , sallow and melancholie , as were most of his ancestours the Othoman kings ; his looke and countenance sterne , with his eyes piercing , hollow and little sunke as it were in his head , and his nose so high and crooked that it almost touched his vpper lip . To be breefe , his countenance was altogether such , as if nature had with most cunning hand therein depainted and most curiously set forth to view the inward disposition and qualities of his mind : which were on both parts notable . Hee was of a very sharpe and apprehensiue wit , learned as amongst that nation , especially in Astronomie , and could speak the Greek , Latine , Arabicke , Chaldey , and Persian tongues . He delighted much in reading of histories , and the liues of worthie men , especially the liues of Alexander the Great , and of Iulius Caesar , whom he proposed to himselfe as examples to follow . He was of an exceeding courage , and thereto very fortunate : a seuere punisher of injustice , in them especially to whom hee had committed the administration of justice . Men that excelled in any qualitie , he greatly fauoured and honourably entertained : as he did Gentill Bellin , a painter of VENICE , whom he purposely caused to come from thence to CONSTANTINOPLE , to draw the liuely counterfeit of himselfe , for which he most bountifully rewarded him . He so seuerely punished theft , as that in his time all the wayes were safe , and a theefe scarcely to bee heard of . But these good parts were in him obscured with most horrible and notorious vices : for why , he was altogether irreligious , and of all others most per●idious , ambitious aboue measure , and in nothing more delighted than in blood : insomuch , that it is probably gathered , that hee was in his time the death of eight hundred thousand men : craft , couetousnesse , and dissimulation were in him accounted for tollerable faults , in comparison of his greater vices . In his loue was no assurance , and his least displeasure was death : so that hee liued feared of all men , and died lamented of none . He had issue three sonnes , Mustapha ( dead before him as is before declared ) Baiazet , and Gemes , or rather Zemes , of some called Zizimus , competitor of the empire with his elder brother : whom hee exceedingly troubled in the beginning of his raigne , so that he could not well attend any other thing but him ▪ which oportunitie ( by God himselfe no doubt offered for the safegard of ITALIE ) Alphonsus duke of CALABRIA , ( king Ferdinand his eldest son ) taking hold vpon , with all the power he could make in ITALIE , besieged the Turks in OTRANTO : with whom he had many sharpe skirmishes , wherein he lost diuers of his great captaines and commaunders ; as the countie Iulio de Aquaiua , Loys de Capua , and the countie Iulio de Pisa , with others , and was still by the strong garrison of the Turks put to the worse : vntill such time , as being strengthened with aid out of SPAINE and PORTINGALE , but especially with certaine companies of most valiant souldiours sent from Matthias Coruinus out of HVNGARIE ( whose forces the Turks most feared ) he began to cut them short , and straitly besieged the citie both by sea and land : vntill at length the besieged Turkes hearing of the death of their great emperour , and now hardly pressed with the dangers of a strait siege , no longer expecting the returne of Achmetes their Generall ( then readie to haue come to their rescue with fiue and twentie thousand soldiors ) yeelded vp the citie vnto the duke vpon composition before made , That they might with bag and baggage in safetie depart thence : which they did , after they had to the great terror of all ITALIE holden that strong citie by the space of a yeare . And so was that rich countrey rather by the mercie of God ( in taking away the great tyrant ) preserued , than by the strength or policie of the inhabitants ; which was then in great danger to haue for euer giuen place vnto the power of the great tyrant , had he longer liued ; yea and after his death to the power of Baiazet his sonne , had he not by domesticall troubles been enforced to turne himselfe another way , and as it were to neglect in time to releeue his distressed garrison in OTRANTO , as shall hereafter be declared . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Mahomet the Great . Emperours Of the East Constantinus Palaeologus , last Christian emperor of Constantinople . 1444. 8. Of the West Frederick the third , Archduke of Austria . 1440. 54. Kings Of England Henrie the sixt . 1422. 39. Edward the fourth . 1460. 22. Of Fraunce Charles the seuenth . 1423. 38. Lewis the eleuenth . 1461. 22. Of Scotland Iames the second . 1437. 24. Iames the third . 1460. 29. Bishops of Rome Nicholas the V. 1437. 8. Calixtus the III. 1455. 3. Pius the II. 1458. 6. Paulus the II. 1464. 7. Xystus the IIII. 1471. 13. BAIAZET . BAIASETHES II TVRCARVM IMPERATOR SECUNDUS FLORVIT AN o 1481 Arma manu quatiunt fratres hostilia , regnum , Hinc Baiazethes , Zizimus inde petit . Baizethes rerum potitur , Rhodon , inde Quiritum , Zizimus extrema moenia sorte petit . Sustinet & bello , varias & pace , procellas , Baizethes , foelix & miser , inter opes . Iam senio tremulus , fert bella domestica , regno Agnato eiectus , dira venena bibit . Like earthborne brethren , Baiazet and Zizimus in armes , Seeke for the Turkish empire great , the one by th' others harmes . Vntill that Baiazet preuail'd , and Zizimus was faine To flie to RHODES , from thence to ROME , whereas he caught his baine . Great stormes endured Baiazet , in peace and bloudie broiles : A man both happie and accurst , amongst his richest spoiles . But now forworne with trembling age , and ciuile discord new , Thrust from his empire by his sonne , died poisoned by a Iew. THE LIFE OF BAIAZET , SECOND OF THAT NAME , AND SECOND EMPEROVR OF THE TVRKES . VPon the death of Mahomet the late emperour , great troubles began to arise about the succession in the Turkish empire ; some of the Bassaes and great captaines , seeking to place Baiazet the eldest sonne of Mahomet in the empire ; and others with no lesse deuotion labouring to preferre Zemes , or Gemes , otherwise called Zizimus , Baiazet his younger brother . By occasion whereof , there arose two great and mightie factions , which in few daies grew to such heat , that manie great tumults and hoat skirmishes were made in diuers places of the imperiall cittie , betwixt the fauourites of both factions , and great slaughter committed . In these broiles , the prowd Ianizaries for an old grudge slew Mahomethes , one of the foure great Bassaes , a man by whose graue counsell most of the waightie affaires of the Turkish empire had beene managed during the raigne of the late emperour : And proceeding farther in their accustomed insolencie , spoiled all the Christians and Iewes which dwelt amongst them , of all their wealth and substance ; at which time the rich merchants and citizens of CONSTANTINOPLE which were naturall Turkes themselues , escaped not their rauening hands , but became vnto them a prey and spoile also . The other three Bassaes of the court , Isaack , Mesithes , and Achmetes ( lately returned from the winning of HYDRVNTVM in ITA●IE ) although they secretly maligned and enuied one at the greatnesse of an other ; yet to appease these so dangerous troubles , and to assure their owne estates , joyned hands togither , and by their great authoritie and multitude of followers and fauourites , found meanes that Corcutus ( one of the younger sonnes of Baiazet , a young prince of eighteene yeares old ) was as it were by generall consent of the nobilitie and souldiours saluted emperour , and with great triumph and solemnitie placed in the imperiall seat . In whose name , the aforesaid Bassaes at their pleasure disposed of all things , little or nothing regarding either Baiazet or Zemes , then both absent , the one at AMASIA , and the other at ICONIVM in LYCAONIA : for the jealous Turkish kings , neuer suffer their sonnes to liue in court neere vnto them , after they be growne to yeares of discretion ; but send them to gouerne their prouinces farre off : where they are also vnder the commaund of the emperours lieutenants generall in ASIA or EVRORE , and may not depart from their charge without great danger , not so much as to visit their father , without his expresse leaue and commandement . So jealous are those tyrants , yea euen of their owne sonnes . Baiazet and Zemes hearing of the death of their father , and of the troubles in the imperiall citie , hasted thitherward with all speed , where Baiazet being the neerer , first arriued : but finding the empire alreadie possessed by Corcutus his younger sonne , and himselfe excluded ; he in the griefe of his heart , poured forth most grieuous complaints before God and man , calling heauen and earth to witnesse of the great wrong and injurie done vnto him by the prowd Bassaes. And what by teares and humble obtestations , what by great gifts and greater promises , but most of all by the earnest labour & solicitation of Cherseogles the Viceroy of GRaeCIA , and the Aga or captaine of the Ianizaries , both his sons in law , preuailed so much with the great Bassaes and soldiors of the court , that Corcutus being of a mild and courteous disposition , ouercome by their entreatie and the reuerence of his father , resigned vnto him the imperiall gouernment , which he presently tooke vpon him with the generall good liking of the people , and made Corcutus gouernor of LYCIA , CARIA , and IONIA , with the pleasant and rich countries thereabouts ; allowing him a great yearly pension for the better maintenance of his estate , with promise also of the empire after his decease : and so sent him away to his charge , where he most pleasantly liued during the raigne of his father Baiazet ; giuing himselfe wholy to the studie of Philosophie , which made that he was afterwards lesse fauoured of the Ianizaries and other men of warre . Zemes thus preuented by his elder brother , and vnderstanding by his friends how all things stood at CONSTANTINOPLE , and that Baiazet was alreadie possessed of the empire : returning with great speed , raised a puissant armie in the countries which were vnder his commaund ; and marching through the heart of ASIA the lesse , by the way as he went , tooke into his possession such cities and strong places as he thought best : and so entring into BYTHINIA , tooke the great citie of PRVSA , the auntient seat of the Othoman kings . Purposing in himselfe , that as Baiazet had shut him out of EVROPE , so he would also in requitall thereof exclude him out of that part of the Turkish empire which is beyond HELLESPONTVS in ASIA , and to make himselfe lord thereof . Wherein fortune at the first seemed vnto him most fauourable , all the people wheresoeuer he came yeelding vnto him obedience as vnto their prince and soueraigne : so that in short time he seemed both vnto himselfe and to others in strong possession of that part of the empire . Of these his proceedings Baiazet hauing intelligence , and perceiuing the greater part of his empire now in danger to bee lost ; and doubting farther that Zemes his ambitious mind would hardly rest therewith long contented : for remedie of so great a mischeefe , leuied a strong and puissant armie , wherewith he passed ouer into ASIA , and came to NEAPOLIS , a citie of ANATOLIA , neere whereunto Zemes lay with his armie strongly encamped . As Baiazet was vpon the way against his brother , Achmetes the great Bassa ( in the confession of all men the best man of warre , and most expert captaine amongst the Turkes , and of all others most entirely beloued of the Ianizaries ) came , and vnarmed , presented himselfe vpon his knees before Baiazet , his sword hanging at his saddle bow : to the great admiration of many , who could not but wonder to see so worthie a cheefetaine of so great place in time of seruice , without any apparent cause , in such humble manner to appeare before his soueraigne , as if he had had nothing to doe with armes . It chanced many yeares before in the mortall warres betwixt Mahomet the late and great emperor of the Turkes , and Asymbeius Vsun-Cassanes the king of PERSIA , that Baiazet hauing the leading of the right wing of his fathers armie , had not martialled it in so good order as was to Mahomet his liking : for which cause he commaunded this Achmetes to goe and set that part of the battell in better order . Which his soueraignes commaund whiles hee most skilfully performed , Baiazet taking it in euill part , as tending to his owne disgrace , in great choller threatened the Bassa to find a time when he would be reuenged vpon him : But he being a man of great spirit , and one that durst both do and say much , perceiuing his meaning , bid him do what pleased him ; and laying his hand vpon his sword , solemnly vowed , That whensoeuer he came to command as emperour , he would neuer after weare sword in field : the remembrance wherof was the cause that he then came in manner aforesaid , readie to serue if he were thereto commaunded , or otherwise to endure what so his princes pleasure was . Baiazet perceiuing , that the vnkindnesse so long before conceiued , was not yet disgested , in token of grace stretched out to him his scepter , and taking him vp , commaunded him to girt his sword vnto his side , and not to remember that which he had long before both forgiuen and forgotten . And knowing right well that he was a most valiant and expert captaine , made him Generall of his armie , to the great contentment of the Ianizaries and the rest of the armie : who so soone as they saw him , gaue out diuers great shouts for joy , as if victorie had most assuredly attended vpon him . Achmetes taking vpon him the charge , came and encamped so neere as he could to Zemes , and so lay by the space of ten daies : during which time , many sharpe skirmishes were made with diuers fortune ; sometime the one side preuailing , and sometime the other . At length the matter was brought to a generall battell : wherein after a long and cruell fight , and great slaughter on both sides , the fortune of Baiazet , conducted by the policie of Achmetes , preuailed against Zemes. Who seeing his armie ouerthrowne , betooke himselfe to flight , and came to ICONIVM : in which flight , many of Zemes his followers were taken prisoners , whom Baiazet would haue pardoned and enlarged , but that by the persuasion of Achmetes he changed his mind , and to the terrour of others suffered them all to be put to the sword . Zemes doubting after this ouerthrow to fall into his brothers hands , and finding no means to make head againe : when he had stayed three daies at ICONIVM , caused his treasure , plate , jewels , and other things of great valour and light carriage to be trussed vp , and taking with him his mother and his two yong children , a sonne and a daughter , accompaied with a small retinue , fled into SYRIA , then part of the dominion of Caytbeius , commonly called the great Sultan of AEGYPT and SYRIA . It was not long after the departure of Zemes from ICONIVM , but that Baiazet came thither with his armie , to haue surprised him : but vnderstanding of his flight , he took order for the peaceable gouernment of that part of his empire . And so hauing suppressed that dangerous rebellion , and againe reduced that troubled part of his empire to his obeisance , returned with victorie to CONSTANTINOPLE . The distressed prince Zemes trauelling through SYRIA , came at length to HIERVSALEM : where he stayed a good space , deuoutly visiting the monuments of that most auntient and famous citie . From thence he trauelled into AEGYPT ; where at his first entrance into the countrey , he was met by diuers of the greatest nobilitie of that kingdome , sent from the great Sultan , by whom he was honourably conducted to CAIRE , and there presented to Caytbeius , of whom hee was graciously welcommed : vnto whom after due reuerence done , hee declared the cause of his comming as followeth : If it were not to me certainely knowne ( most victorious ) that you are not ignorant either who I am , or from whence descended , or with what iniurie enforced , after long and painefull trauell I am here arriued ; it would much concerne me to vse another manner of beginning of my speech , and with greater protestation of words to seeke your gracious fauour . But for as much as all these things are vnto your most royall Maiestie sufficiently knowne , as I doe well perceiue in this , that your infinit clemencie hath entertained me with farre greater kindnesse , than I in such my aduerse fortune durst wish for , much lesse request : now nothing remaineth for me to say , more than iustly to complaine vnto your inuincible Maiestie of the wrong and iniurie done vnto me by Baiazet , whom I may more iustly tearme my cruell enemie than kind brother . For he not contented to haue taken vnto himselfe my fathers empire by great tumult and slaughter , hath with all hostilitie and force of armes persecuted me his brother , excluded out of the imperiall citie , and then liuing in BYTHINIA , troublesome neither to him nor any of his people , and neuer rested vntill he had chased me out of the bounds of my fathers empire . Neither hath the iealous desire of soueraigntie ( whereof my father whilest he liued , had him alwayes in distrust ) so much mooued him vnto this so cruell a fact , as a certaine vnnaturall crueltie towards all his kindred in generall , and mortall hatred against me his brother in particular : for he which is alreadie possessed of the empire , and doth with all hostilitie persecute a priuat person , subiect and exposed to his iniurie , that man thirsteth not after soueraignetie , but after blood ; neither desireth he to conquer , but to kill . And whereas after my fathers death great troubles arise in CONSTANTINOPLE , and many bloodie skirmishes were fought betwixt the fauourits of both of vs , it cannot with any truth be laid to my charge , as done by my aduise or counsell , I being at the same time so far from thence . Neither am I iustly to be blamed , if that after my fathers departure I put my selfe vpon the way towards CONSTANTINOPLE , especially being sent for thither by many my good friends , men of great marke and qualitie : but his fortune preuailing , I gaue place , and least my comming to the imperiall citie might haue been the occasion of new troubles , I turned aside into BYTHINIA , and so to PRVSA , with purpose there to haue rested in quiet , if my brother would haue giuen me leaue . But so farre was he from that , to suffer me there to rest , as that I was by him most cruelly assailed as an open enemie : and had I not by speedie flight withdrawne my selfe from the imminent danger , and departed quite out of my fathers kingdome , I must haue yeelded my selfe , my blood , and life , as a sacrifice into his cruell hands . Neither is he to me so mortall an enemie , or thirsteth after my life so much for feare , as for very hatred and mallice : for what is there in me to feare ? Verely nothing : CONSTANTINOPLE is his , the fauour of the great cheefetaines and men of warre is his , the treasure and regall riches are all his ; wherefore he hateth his brother , but feareth him not . He will sway all things alone , he will haue all that belongeth to the Othoman familie alone , and he , yea none but he , must liue alone . Xerxes was a mightie king , and yet in that great and large kingdome he not onely preserued his brethren in safetie , but had them also in great honour and estimation . What did Alexander the Great ? Who not onely tooke pleasure in his brother , but had him also as a companion of his most glorious expeditions : and many other famous kings of forraine nations , and of our owne familie , haue ruled both more safely , and better strengthened with the counsell and aid of their most louing brethren , rather than with others . But Baiazet is of a farre other mind , reputing violence and haughtinesse of heart to be his greatest and surest defence : herein his fierce nature delighteth , more than in the lawfull course of nature , iustice , and equitie ; he had rather haue his brother his enemie than his friend , and to driue him into exile than to make him partaker of his counsels . But I beseech thee most puissant Monarch , the faithfull keeper and maintainer of our law and religion , by the sacred reliques of our great prophet Mahomet , which thou hast at HIERVSALEM and MECHA , suffer me not , a kings sonne , to liue i● banishment and exile , poore and miserable , a scorne of his brothers crueltie , farre from home , farre from his countrey and kingdome : but regarding the law of the great Prophet , lift vp the afflicted and oppressed , and by the great authoritie which you haue , bridle domesticall wrong ; or if that will not take place , reuenge it with thy sword , and suffer not our empire , with so great trauell founded , by the crueltie or follie of one wilfull man to be ouerthrown : which should be no more greeuous and lamentable to vs , than dangerous to your most high estate , and all other kings and princes of our religion . For you of your selfe vnderstand right well , what deadly enemies the Christian princes are vnto the Turks : and doe you thinke , that if any great warre ( which I wish not ) should arise of this our discord , that they would long rest in quiet , and as idle beholders stand looking on vntill it were of it selfe appeased ? Or rather , hauing such an opportunitie presented , would not with might and maine suddainely inuade our kingdome , before shaken with ciuile warres , and seeke the vtter ruine and destruction of the same ? Which their desire , if that hatefull people could bring to passe ( which thing Mahomet turne vpon themselues ) my mind abhorreth to thinke how far that mischeefe would run : for the Othoman familie once rooted out , there is none of our religion , your Maiestie onely excepted , which is able to withstand their power : wherefore you must then stand for your selfe , and all the rest , you alone must withstand the force of the Christians , you must maintaine that warre with much losse , and greater charge , and most vncertaine successe . Wherfore inuincible Monarch , I most humbly beseech thee , that pitying our estate , whiles the matter is yet whole , and remedie is yet to be had , to deale with Baiazet by your embassadors , That though he will not receiue me his brother as partener of the empire , yet at least to admit me into some small part of my fathers kingdome : let him raigne and rule , let all things be at his commaund ; let it be lawfull for me poore man , but to liue in rest and quiet somewhere , possessing but so much as may suffice me honestly to lead a priuat life . Which thing if he shall refuse to graunt , although he neither feare the lawes of God or man : yet as I haue at HIERVSALEM , so will I also shortly at MECHA ( if by your leaue I may ) complaine vnto the great prophet of the iniuries done vnto me by my cruell and vnnaturall brother ; and afterwards make proofe of your compassion towards me , all which I hope shall much auaile . But if ( which I would not ) I shall proue all these things in vaine , sith desperation enforceth men to all extremities , I will goe with fire , sword , and slaughter , by secret and open force , by right and wrong ; and hated , will vex my hatefull brother by all manner of mischeefe , by all manner of reuenge . Neither will I make an end of confounding of all , vntill I be either receiued into part of the empire , or els together with my life leaue those desperat and lost things for him alone to enioy . For I deeme it much better , quickly to die , than with disgrace and infamie to protract a lingering loathed life . The great Sultan in courteous manner comforted the distressed prince , willing him to bee of good cheere , and patiently to beare his present hap : for as much as it became a man borne in so high fortune , not to be discouraged with any mischance , or dismaied if things fell out otherwise than he looked for : commending him withall , for that hee saw in him no lesse courage than might well haue becommed his better estate : and willing him to liue still in hope , promised to doe what in him lay , to reconcile him vnto his brother , and to persuade him that he might be receiued into some part of the kingdome . And to that purpose shortly after dispatched away an honourable embassage to Baiazet . Zemes in the meane while , by the same Sultans leaue , vpon a superstitious deuotion trauelled into ARABIA , to visit the temple of Mahomet at MECHA , and his sepulchre at MEDINA . Vpon his returne to CAIRE , the embassadours before sent , returned also , but not hauing obtained any thing they desired : for Baiazet would not giue eare to any agreement , but seemed altogether to contemne and despise his brother . Wherfore Zemes more vpon stomacke and desire of reuenge , than for any hope he had of the empire , determined with himselfe to make open warre vpon him : reposing some good hope in his secret friends , and in the reuolt of some of the great captaines , who discontented with the gouernment of Baiazet , secretly wished for his returne . Whilest hee was thus plotting these waightie matters , a messenger with letters came fitly from the king of CARAMANIA , offering with all the power he could make , to joyne with him , if he would take vp armes against his brother . This poore titular king then liued in ARMENIA , and being able by his friends to make some good force , was in hope by joyning with Zemes to recouer some part of the Caramanian kingdome , from whence his father was not many yeares before driuen by the force of the late Turkish emperour Mahomet the Great , Baiazet his father . It is hard to say , whether of these distressed and exiled princes gaue the greater encouragement to the other , to take this desperat war in hand , being both together farre vnable by all the friends they could make to encounter with the great power of Baiazet . But what is so dangerous or desperat which aspiring minds will not attempt , in hope of a kingdome ? whose brightnesse so dazeleth their eyes , that they can see nothing but it . Hereupon Zemes hauing receiued great gifts of the Aegyptian Sultan , with promise of aid , departed from CAIRE ( the Sultan earnestly persuading him to the contrarie ) & as it was before appointed , met with the Caramannian king vpon the borders of ASIA ▪ the lesser : where they concluded to joyne together such forces as they had , and to inuade Baiazet . Which they accordingly did : for raising all the power they could , they entered into CILICIA , now called CARAMANNIA ; and joyning their armies together , encamped betweene ICONIVM and LARENDA . Neither did Baiazet in time of so great a danger sit still , not so much fearing his brothers power , as the reuolting of his captaines and souldiors ; whom he knew either to loue , or at least not to hate the young prince his brother . Wherfore he raised a great armie , and sent Achmetes the great man of war before with the one part thereof , himselfe following after with a far greater strength : for at that time he had vnder his ensignes two hundred thousand men . As he was marching with this great armie , a rumor was raised in the campe , That some of his cheefe captaines had conspired to betray him into the hands of his brother , and that many of the souldiours secretly fauouring Zemes , would vpon the joyning of the battell forsake him , and take part with his brother . Which report so troubled Baiazet , that he stood in doubt what to doe , or whom to trust : but knowing that nothing winneth the heart of the common souldiour more than the Generals bountie , he forthwith caused a wonderfull masse of money to bee deuided amongst the captaines and souldiors , loding their minds with ample promises of farre greater rewards , for their fidelitie and valour to be shewed in that present seruice . Hauing thus assured vnto himselfe the wauering minds of his souldiours , he began to draw néere to ICONIVM , where his enemies lay encamped : and by glosing letters and flattering messengers made shew openly , as if he had beene very desirous to come to some good agreement with them , but secretly went about to stop all the straits & passages , in such manner as that it should not be possible for them againe to retire backe into SYRIA : for hee doubted nothing more , but least they being but few in number , & so in strength far vnequall vnto him , would not vpon so great disaduantage hazard the fortune of a battell , but retire themselues into SYRIA , and so to his exceeding trouble and infinit charge protract the warre . Zemes perceiuing his brothers subtill drift , and seeing no such reuolt as he had hoped for , and as had before by letters to him beene promised ; and waighing with reason his owne weake forces , retired in good time vnto the straits of the mountaine AMANVS , which deuideth CILICIA from SYRIA . Here , despairing of all good successe in the enterprise he had taken in hand , he persuaded the Caramannian king his confederat to giue place vnto the time , and to reserue himselfe vnto his better fortune : and so breaking vp his armie , with a few of his followers came downe to the sea coast of CILICIA ; where he hired a tall ship to attend in readinesse , that if any suddaine danger should arise , he might goe aboord , and so saue himselfe by sea . In the mean time he sent a messenger vnto Damboys , Great Master of the RHODES , certifying him , That for as much as he had no place of safetie left amongst his owne people , wherein hee might shrowd himselfe from the furie of his brother , still seeking after his life , hee would vpon his safe conduct come vnto him into his island of the RHODES . Which his request the Great Master easily graunted , deeming the flight of so great a prince from the Turke , to be a thing much profitable to the Christian commonweale : and thereupon he presently sent forth certaine gallies to fetch him from the troublesome coast of CICILIA . But before these gallies were come ; Zemes was enforced by the sudden accesse of his enemies , for the auoiding of present danger , to go aboord on that ship which he had prouidently before prepared to be in readinesse for such purpose . And hauing put a little from the shoare , shot backe againe an arrow with letters made fast vnto it , directed vnto his brother Baiazet , containing as followeth : Thou knowest ( most vnkind and cruell brother ) that I flie not vnto the Christians , the mortall enemies of the Othoman family , for hatred of my religion or nation ; but enforced thereunto by thy iniurious dealing , and dangerous practises which thou incessantly attemptest against me , yea euen in my extreame miserie . But this assured hope I carrie with me , that the time will come when as thou the author of so great wrong , or thy children , shall receiue the iust guerdon of this thy present tyrannie against thy brother . It is reported , that when Baiazet had read these letters , he was so troubled in mind , that for certaine daies he gaue himselfe wholy to mourning and heauinesse , and would in no wise be comforted : insomuch , that he was brought into the campe by the Bassaes , as a man halfe distraught of his wits , shunning for a season all mens speech and companie . Zemes sailing to the RHODES , was there honourably receiued of the Great Master , and all the rest of the knights of the order : to whom in their publike assembly three daies after , he openly declared the causes of the discord betwixt his brother and him : alleadging for the colour of his rebellion , That although Baiazet were his elder brother , yet that he was borne whilest his father yet liued in priuat estate , vnder subjection and commaund , long before hee possessed the kingdome , and so no kings sonne : whereas hee himselfe was the first borne of his father , being an emperour , and so not heire of his fathers priuat fortune ( as was Baiazet ) but of his greatest honour and empire ; and yet not of such an hautie mind , but that he could haue beene content to haue giuen place vnto his brother , so that he could haue beene contented likewise to haue granted him some small portion of the empire , wherein he might safely haue liued as a poore prince , and his brother : but that such was his pride , as that he would not vouchsafe to suffer him to liue so much as a poore priuat life in anie corner of so large an empire , and was therefore by his vnnaturall and tyranous dealing , enforced to craue aid of the Christian princes . Of whom ( for so much as he had alwaies heard much honour ) he was in good hope to find succour and reliefe in that his distressed estate : protesting vnto God and the world , that if euer it should be his good fortune by their meanes and helpe to obtaine the empire , he would neuer be vnmindfull of so great a benefit ; but to make with them a perpetuall and inuiolable peace , and so to rest their fast friend for euer . The Great Master on the other side comforting him with cheerfull speeches , promised to keepe him in safetie from the furie of his brother ; and farther , to commend his cause to the other great kings and princes of Christendome . This exiled prince Zemes was about the age of eight and twentie yeares when he came to the RHODES ; of stature tall , somewhat corpulent and well limbd , gray eied , but looking something a squint ; hooke nosed , and in the middle rising , in such manner as the Persians commend in their kings : of colour browne , spare of speech , and by nature cholericke ; a great feeder , so that he seemed rather to deuoure his meat than to eat it ; much delighted in swimming , and to lie abroad in the night ; pensiue and melancholy , which men imputed to his great cares , neuer merrie but in the companie of the graund Master ; a religious obseruer of his superstition , from which he could neuer be drawne during the long time he liued in exile ; learned , as among the Turkes , so that he writ the historie of his fathers life . But leauing him in safe keeping with the Graund Master of the RHODES , let vs againe returne to the course of our historie . Baiazet hauing now the second time chased away his brother , after he had well quieted that part of his troubled kingdome in ASIA , returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE , carefully attending when some new motion should be made by his brother , to his farther disquiet . But after he vnderstood that he was with the Great Master of the RHODES , he sent certaine of the Bassaes ( amongst whom Achmetes the great souldiour is reported to haue beene one ) vnto the Great Master , requesting him to deliuer vp Zemes , offering for him a wonderfull summe of money . Which dishonourable request , when it could by no meanes be obtained , the same embassadors in the name of their master , concluded a peace verie commodious for the Rhodians : wherein amongst other things it was agreed , That the Great Master should keepe Zemes in safe custodie , so that he should no more trouble the Turkish empire : in consideration whereof , and for his honorable vsage , Baiazet should yearly pay vnto the Great Master thirtie thousand duckets the first of August , which was afterward accordingly paied . It fortuned that whilest Achmetes the great Bassa ( emploied in matters abroad ) was absent from the court , Baiazet discoursing with the other Bassaes his graue counsellors , vpon his late expedition into ASIA against his brother , seemed to be highly offended with the vntrustinesse and doubtfull faith of some of his greatest captaines and souldiours : yet vpon whom he might justly lay the blame , he well knew not , although it seemed by his talke he should somewhat distrust the great captaine Achmetes . Hereupon Isaack the most auntient Bassa of the court , and of greatest authoritie next vnto Baiazet himselfe ( whose daughter , a ladie of exceeding beautie , Achmetes had long before married : but doubting that she had yeelded her honour to the wanton lust of Mustapha the eldest sonne of Mahomet the late emperoer , had put her from him , and would by no meanes be reconciled ; for which cause there was a secret hatred euer after betwixt those two great Bassaes ) perceiuing the emperours discontented and suspitious humor , and desiring nothing more than the destruction of Achmetes ; tooke hold vpon this opportunitie , and by all meanes he could deuise , encreased the suspition of the treason , which had alreadie too much possessed the jealous emperour : sometimes craftily imagining , intelligence to haue passed betwixt Zemes and Achmetes ; and forthwith amplifying his power and authoritie , which ( as hee said ) was so great with the Ianizaries and souldiors of the court , that they by reason of his often imploiments , were wholy at his deuotion ; so that he might at his pleasure doe more in Zemes his quarrell , than should stand with the safetie of Baiazet : a matter to be well considered of , and also carefully preuented . For remedie of which dangers , it was thought necessarie that Achmetes at his returne to court , should be taken away and slaine . Achmetes fearing nothing lesse than that which was contriued against him , came after his wonted manner to the court : and was with the other great Bassaes inuited to a solemne supper , which Baiazet had commaunded to be prepared , to solace himselfe after his trauels ( as it was giuen out ) with his chiefe Bassaes. To this royall supper came Achmetes with the rest of the bidden guests , mistrusting nothing , and was there sumptuously feasted by Baiazet : who to make his guests the merrier , drunke wine plentifully himselfe , causing them also to drinke in like manner , so that they were full of wine : a thing vtterly forbidden by their law , yet daily more and more vsed , especially by their great men in their feasts . Supper now ended and the night farre spent , Baiazet in token that they were welcome , and stood in his good grace , caused certaine rich robes of pleasing colours to be brought forth , and to be cast vpon euery of his guests one , giuing beside vnto euery one of them a faire guilt boule full of gold . But vpon Achmetes was cast a gowne of blacke veluet , which amongst the Turks may well be called the mantle of death ; being so sure a token of the emperors heauie indignation , as that it is death for any man once to open his mouth or to intreat for him vpon whom it is by the emperours commandement so cast . Achmetes seeing himselfe now vnder the shadow of death , and knowing it but vaine to intreat for mercie ; as he was a man of great spirit , brake forth and said : Oh cachpogli ( which is as much as to say , thou sonne of a whore ) sith thou entendedst so much crueltie against me , why didst thou not put it in execution before thou hadst enforced me to drinke this impure and forbidden wine ? and so casting his eies vpon the ground sat still . The other Bassaes hauing leaue to depart , giuing thanks to the emperour , and crauing pardon for their excesse , kissed the ground at his feet and so departed : with whom Achmetes offered to haue gone out also , but was forthwith commanded to sit still , for that the emperour had to talke with him in secret . The Bassaes were no sooner departed , but the terrible executioners of Baiazet his wrath stept in , and laid hands vpon Achmetes to haue slaine him : when one of the Eunuchs in greatest fauour with the tyrant , standing by , aduised him not to be too hastie in executing of so great a man , so entirely beloued of his best souldiours and men of warre , but rather to stay his execution for a while , to see how the matter would be disgested ; and in the meane time , by torture to wrest out from him what might be got , to make it in some sort appeare , that he died for his due desert . Hereupon Baiazet deferred his execution to a farther time , and caused him there presently to be stript , and carried away to be tortured . Amongst other gallants of the court which attended the comming out of the great Bassaes whom they followed , was one of Achmetes his sonnes , a gentleman of great hope , who missing his father amongst the rest , began presently to mistrust that all went not well : & speedily running from one of the Bassaes to another , with much adoe learned the hard estate of his father : wherof he was also at the same instant aduertised by a secret friend neere about Baiazet . Hereupon this young gentleman began forthwith piteously to lament his fathers mishap , and to exclaime against the crueltie of Baiazet : calling vpon the Ianizaries for aid , putting them in remembrance of his fathers great and manifold deserts towards them , togither with his imminent danger : and so running vp and downe the citie in the dead time of the night , had in short space raised vp all the Ianizaries in armes . Who vnderstanding of the danger of their antient commander , whom they generally loued and honoured as their father , came running by heapes from all parts of the citie vnto the court gate , there with terrible exclamation doubling and redoubling , their Bre , Bre ( which barbarous word they commonly vse in expressing their greatest discontentment and furie ) and did indeed so furiously beat at the court gate , that Baiazet fearing least they should breake in by violence , caused the outer gate to be set open , and shewing himselfe from aboue out at an yron window , demaunded of them the cause of that tumult and vprore . To whom they insolently answered , That they would by and by teach him as a drunkard , a beast , and a rascall , to vse his great place and calling with more sobrietie and discretion : and amongst many other opprobrious words wherewith they shamefully loaded him , they called him oftentimes by the name of Bengi , Bengi ( that is to say , Bachelor or Scholler ) which amongst those martiall men , contemners of all learning , is accounted a word of no small reproach and disgrace . And after they had in most despitefull manner thus reuiled him , they proudly commaunded him forthwith to deliuer Achmetes vnto them , or else to take that should ensue thereof . Baiazet terrified with this insolencie of the Ianizaries , and fearing some sudden violence to be offered , commaunded Achmetes to be without delay deliuered vnto them : which was done in such hast , that he was brought forth vnto them almost naked , bare legged , and bare headed , bearing in his bodie the manifest markes of his hard vsage . The Ianizaries receiuing him with great rejoycing , supplied his want of apparell with such habiliments , as they for that purpose vpon the sudden tooke from Baiazet his minions : and so taking him vp vpon their shoulders , with great joy carried him out of the court , still crying vnto him , How he did , and how he felt himselfe ? and so guarded him home , readie no doubt to haue slaine Baiazet and rifled the court , if he would haue but said the word . But he yet loyall , laboured with good words to appease that tumult , and to pacifie their furie : excusing that which Baiazet had done against him , to haue beene done only to correct him , for that happely he had forgotten some part of obedience and duetie . Neuerthelesse , hereupon remained no small heart burning betwixt Baiazet and the Ianizaries for a long time after : yet Baiazet for feare of them reconciled himselfe to Achmetes , and in open shew had him in greater honour than before , promoting him euen vnto the highest degrees of honour , howbeit he inwardly hated him to death . And the more , by the continuall instigation of the old Bassa Isaack : by whose persuasion , when it was thought that all had beene forgotten , he was by Baiazets commandement as he sat at supper in the court , thrust through the bodie and slaine . This was the miserable end of Achmetes , the great champion of the Turkes , and one of the greatest enemies of Christendome that euer liued in the Turkish court : for by him , Mahomet subuerted the empire of TRAPEZONDE , tooke the great citie of CAFFA ( called in auntient time THEODOSIA ) with all the countrey of TAVRICA CHERSONESVS , the impregnable citie of CROIA , with all the kingdome of EPIRVS , the strong citie of SCODRA , and a great part of DALMATIA ; and last of all OTRANTO , to the terrour of all ITALY : by him also Baiazet vanquished and put to flight his brother Zemes , as is before declared . In reward of which good seruices , he was by the tyrant ( vpon a meere suspition ) thus cruelly & shamefully murdred . About this time also Caigubus ( Zemes his son , then but a child ) was by the commaundement of Baiazet his vnckle , strangled , in the new tower at CONSTANTINOPLE . Baiazet now grieuously offended with the pride and late insolencie of the Ianizaries , caused secret inquirie to be made , of them which were the authors of those late stirs : and finding them to be the officers of their companies , and especially those which had before slaine Mahomet Bassa the great polititian , immediatly after the death of Mahomet the late emperour ; at which time they had also raised great tumults , and done much harme in the citie : he vnder colour of preferment , sent away those authours of sedition into diuers parts of his empire , appointing vnto them ( as vnto old souldiors and men of good desert ) certaine lands and reuenues for their maintenance and preferment . But as soone as they were departed , he by secret letters commaunded the gouernours and magistrates of those places wherunto they were sent , suddenly to apprehend them , and as traitors to put them to death ; which was accordingly done . The Ianizaries of the court and about CONSTANTINOPLE , hearing what had happened vnto their fellowes , became wonderfully discontented , and began to mutine in diuers places of the citie , vttering speeches against the emperour full of despight and reuenge : which thing when Baiazet vnderstood , and had well considered the late danger he was in , togither with the intollerable pride and insolencie of those his maisterfull slaues ; he secretly purposed in himselfe for curing of so dangerous a disease , to vse a most desperat remedie : which was , suddenly to kill and destroie all the Ianizaries , especially those which were belonging to the court , or about CONSTANTINOPLE . This his purpose he imparted to diuers of his greatest Bassaes , charging them vpon paine of his heauie displeasure not to disclose it : and for the execution therof , had sent for great numbers of those soldiors which are called Acanzij , who are amongst the Turks reputed for the best sort of common soldiors . Most of all the Bassaes to whom he had imparted this his cruell deuise , much disliked thereof , as too full of perill and danger : yet seeing him fully resolued for the performance thereof , would not , or durst not say anie thing to the contrarie . Onely Alis and Ishender Bassa , both discended of the honourable family of Michal Ogli , dissuaded him from attempting any such thing : alleadging first , that the Ianizaries were in number manie , souldiours of great courage and experience , resolute men , and such as would sell their liues deare : then , admitting that he should kill all them about the court and in CONSTANTINOPLE , yet forasmuch as all his strong towns and castles , especially in the frontiers and chiefe places of his dominions , were possessed and holden by strong garrisons of other Ianizaries , fellowes and friends of these ( who would vndoubtedly take vp armes in defence of themselues , and reuenge of their dead friends ) it were a thing verie like to endanger himselfe togither with the whole state of his empire , beside the great dishonour which would grow vnto himselfe thereby for euer . This so dangerous an exploit , wherein the hands of so manie were to be vsed , was not kept so secret , but that the vigilant and wily Ianizaries had got an inckling thereof : and thereupon began daily more and more to suspect the matter , both by the often and secret repaire of the great men to the court , more than they had before seene ; and also by the vnwonted multitude of those Acanzij which were daily brought vnto the imperiall citie by great companies . Wherefore fearing to bee suddenly surprised , they banded themselues togither , and openly stood vpon their guard : and by chance lighting vpon Alis-beg as he came from the court ( who was in deed their best friend ) after their barbarous manner , with manie opprobrious and contumelious words , demaunded of him , if he were not one of them who had conspired their destruction : and without more adoe had presently slaine him , had he not ( as a well spoken man ) with great protestations and oathes persuaded them , that he neuer consented to anie such thing , or that they needed to feare any such thing from him : and so with much adoe rid himselfe out of their hands . Baiazet seeing his purpose discouered , & that he could not without great bloudshed and danger both to his state and person , worke his will vpon the Ianizaries : by the counsell and aduise of them that saw farther into the matter , to colour his former intention , commanded by open proclamation , That the Ianizaries and other his men of warre ( of whom hee had a great power now assembled at CONSTANTINOPLE ) to be in readinesse against a certaine prefixed day , to go with him into MOLDAVIA : as if he had raised that power for that purpose onely . But when the time was come that he should set forward , the Ianizaries put themselues in order of battell by themselues , and would in no wise joyne themselues with the rest of the armie , or receiue the emperour into the middest of their rankes , as they had alwaies before accustomed ; but furiously shaking their weapons at him , told him plainly , that hee had sought their destruction : and bid him therefore if he thought it so good , to set his executioners to worke vpon them , whom hee should find both readie and able to defend themselues . To pacifie their furie , Baiazet was glad to giue them good words , and to vse all the meanes he could ( by his great Bassaes and other captaines which were able to doe anie thing with them ) to persuade them to be quiet ; swearing vnto them by the holy soule of his father ( a solemne oath amongst the Turkes ) that he would not harme or wrong the meanest of them . So with much adoe they were at length appeased , and receiued Baiazet into the middest of them as their wonted manner was . This dangerous tumult so quieted , Baiazet set forward , and passing oue● Danubius entered into MOLDAVIA , where he first laied siege to a strong towne standing vpon the Euxine sea , called of the Turkes KELE , but in antient time ACHILLEIA , which was at length deliuered vnto him by composition . From thence hee went to AC-GIRMEN , otherwise called ASPROCASTRON , which after a moneths siege was also deliuered vp by composition : which two strong places so woon , he returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE . Many great princes desirous of Zemes , laboured by their embassadours to haue obtained him of the Great Master of the RHODES , first Baiazet his brother fearing least hee should at one time or other againe breake forth vpon him , or els set vp by the Christian princes , trouble his estate , offered great summes of mony to haue had him deliuered into his hands : and Charles the French king purposing the conquest of NAPLES ( which he in few yeares after performed ) and after that to haue inuaded GRaeCIA , thought Zemes a most fit instrument for the furtherance of those his high designes , and was therefore wonderfull desirous to haue had him . Matthias also king of HVNGARIE ( a fortunat warriour against the Turke ) persuaded that the hauing of him might be vnto him a great furtherance in the course of his victories , sought by all the meanes he could to haue obtained him . At which time also Innocentius the eight of that name , bishop of ROME , no lesse desirous than the rest , to haue in his keeping so great a pledge of peace and warre ( the bridle of the Turkes furie , together with the large pension ) hee was sure to receiue yearely from Baiazet for the safe custodie of him , so wrought the matter by Lyonell bishop of CONCORDIA his ●●nning legat , that the Great Master fearing on the one side to be constrained by the great power of Baiazet to graunt that he had so often refused , and now so earnestly solicited on the other side by the bishop , caused Zemes to bee deliuered to him at ROME in the yeare 1488 : for which doing hee was by the bishop honoured with the honour and title of a Cardinall . So Zemes to the great profit of the bishop ( who receiued from Baiazet a yearely pension of fortie thousand duckats ) remained in safe custodie at ROME all the time of Innocentius , and also of Alexander the sixt his successour : vntill that the French king , Charles the eight , passing through the heart of ITALIE with a strong armie , against Alphonsus king of NAPLES in the yeare 1495 , and making his way through the citie of ROME , so terrified the great Bishop , who altogether fauoured and furthered the title of Alphonsus , that he was glad to yeeld to such articles and conditions as pleased the king ; and amongst the rest to giue in hostage vnto the king his gracelesse sonne Caesar Borgia Valentinus , and also to deliuer vnto him Zemes his honourable prisoner , as shall be afterwards in place conuenient at large declared . In the beginning of Baiazet his raigne , whilest he was busied against his brother Zemes in ASIA , Iohn Castriot , the sonne of Scanderbeg , aided by the Venetians , after he had fortunately ouerthrowne the Turks in a battell neere vnto CROIA , recouered a great part of EPIRVS out of their possession . At which time also Iohn Chernouich , a Christian prince of ALBANIA , casting off the Turkish yoke imposed vpon him by the late emperour Mahomet , suddainely tooke vp armes , and by the helpe of the Venetians valiantly expulsed his enemies out of that part of ALBANIA : and so troubled Baiazet , that he was glad to suffer him peaceably to enjoy all that hee had by force recouered , and further to content him with a small tribute for the rest . Baiazet highly offended with Abraham ( whom some call Pyramet ) the king of CARAMANIA , for aiding his brother Zemes against him ; in reuenge thereof raised a great armie both in EVROPE and ASIA : & marching alongst ASIA the lesse through the countries of PHRIGIA , MISIA , CARIA , LYDIA , and PAMPHILIA , entered at length into CARAMANIA . But the king of CARAMANIA hearing before of his comming , and knowing himselfe too weake to meet him in field , fortified the strong cities and places of his kingdome , and retired with his armie into the straits of the mountaine TAVRVS , where it parteth CILICIA from SIRIA , wherin he was in more safetie than in any of his strongest holds . Baiazet finding no way to come to him , spent most part of the Summer in spoyling of the open countrey : but perceiuing his enemies could not so be drawne into the field , he laied siege vnto the famous citie of TARSVS , being the cheefe citie of the champaine part of CILICIA ( the natiue place of S. Paule the Apostle ) and in short time so battered the wals of the citie with his great ordinance , that he had made them saultable . The citizens considering the danger they were in , offered to deliuer vp their cittie , their libertie liues and goods reserued . Of which their offer Baiazet accepted , and most honourably performed his promise for their safetie : not permitting any of his souldiours to enter the citie , more than such as must needs for the guard of his person , and safe keeping of the cittie . And for as much as Winter began now to grow fast on , he dispersed his soldiors into the countrey villages round about , not suffering the countrey people to till or sow their land , or to doe any thing els which might turne to their profit or good ; whereby they were enforced to yeeld themselues wholly to his deuotion . The Caramanian king seeing his people dayly fall from him , and fearing to be at length forsaken of his souldiors also ; in this his distresse obtained aid both of men and money of Caytbeius the great Sultan of AEGIPT , and so with all the power hee could make , tooke the field with the first of the Spring , fully resolued to trie the fortune of a battell , although in strength and power he knew himselfe much inferiour to his puissant enemie . Baiazet glad to see his enemie so forward , speedily assembled his armie , and without delay offered him battell : which the Caramanian king refused not . So betwixt them was begun a fierce and terrible fight ; which by the skilfull conduct of the leaders , and exceeding courage of the soldiors , was maintained the whole day , with doubtfull victorie and great slaughter on both sides , new supplies still comming on in stead of them which were slaine . The day declining , the Caramanian king ( whose fatall destinie had now appointed him vnto his last worke ) seeing his wearied souldiours rather ouerlayed with multitude than by force vanquished , to begin to giue ground vnto their enemies ; courageously thrust forward with his guard and other valiant souldiours about him , with such furie , that hee brake into the middest of his enemies battaile : where being knowne , hee was forthwith enuironned by the Turkes , and so hardly charged on euery side , that hauing his horse slaine vnder him , he was enforced to fight on foot ; where after he had with his owne hand slaine diuers of his enemies , hee fell downe dead in the middest of them . His souldiors discouraged with his death , turned their backes and fled , and in flying , were for most part either slaine or taken prisoners . After this victorie , Baiazet speedily ouerran all that large countrey , and without resistance , in short time brought vnder his obeysance all the countrey of CILICIA . There was at that time in that part of CILICIA which is called TRACHEA , and lieth towards the seaside , an antient Mahometane prince , who had vnder his commaund most part of that country , with the famous and populous citie of SCANDELORO , the cheefe place of his resiance . This prince had of long time liued betwixt the Turkish kings and the kings of CARAMANNIA , as neuter , still fearing the greater , but indeed louing neither : and had vntill then chiefely maintained his state by the alliance he and his ancestors continually held with the kings of CYPRVS and the Grand Masters of the RHODES . Against this poore prince , the onely one now left in ASIA the lesse , not subject vnto the Turkish kings , began Baiazet now to turne his forces : purposing before he proceeded any further , to make a full conquest of the lesser ASIA , and so to make all sure behind him . Of which his purpose , the prince hauing knowledge , and wisely waying his owne small power to withstand so puissant an enemie : offered by his embassadours to deliuer vnto Baiazet his chiefe citie of SCANDELORO , with all the rest of his territorie in CILICIA , vpon condition , that Baiazet should giue vnto him other possessions for it in some other pa●t of ASIA the lesser , to the like value . Which his offer Baiazet accepted , and so became lord of all the sea coast , from the straits of BOSPHORVS vnto the confines of SIRIA . After he had thus conquered CILICIA , with a great part of the mountaine TAVRVS , hee descended into ARMENIA the lesse , and in short time brought vnder his subjection so much of that countrey , as also of CAPPADOCIA , as was sometime belonging to the Caramanian kings . When Baiazet had thus slaine the Caramanian king , and subdued that most antient kingdome of the Turkes , which had long and many times mightily contended with the glory and power of the Othoman kings ; he left Mustapha ( one of his great Bassaes ) at ICONIVM , with his Asian armie to keepe in obedience those new woon countries : and as a triumphant conqueror returned himselfe to CONSTANTINOPLE , where he was of his subjects joyfully receiued . After that Baiazet had thus enlarged his empire with the kingdome of CARAMANNIA , and was now become an vnwelcome neighbour vnto the great Sultan of AEGIPT and SYRIA ; he began to swell in disdaine against that mightie prince , for that he had giuen aid against him , first vnto his brother Zemes , and after that to the Caramanian king in these late warres : of which wrong , purposing to be reuenged ; hee shortly after appointed one Caragoses Bassa his lieutenant in ASIA , with Ishender , another of his great captaines , with a strong armie to inuade SIRIA , then part of the great Sultans kingdome . These two great commaunders , well appointed for the purpose , when they were come to the vttermost parts of CILICIA , the new bounds of Baiazets empire , were then to passe by the confines of Aladeules his kingdome , before they could passe the great mountaine TAVRVS to come into SYRIA . This Aladeules commaunded as king ouer the rude and fierce people which dwelt alongst that great and rough mountaine , and was then in league with the Sultan : he hearing of the approch of the Turks armie , with a great number of his mountaine people lay in ambush in the straits , whereby the Turkes must needs passe , of purpose to intercept them . Ishender marching in the vauntguard with a great number of the voluntarie souldiors called Acanzij , as the manner of the Turkes is , and fearing nothing lesse than to be set vpon by the mountaine king , before he was aware was come into the middest of his enemies ; and was by them so fiercely charged on euery side from their places of aduantage , that he there lost most part of his men , and forsaken of the rest , which sought by flight to saue themselues , he with his two sonnes and others were taken prisoners . Michael-beg the eldest of the two being fast bound , was slaine by one of Aladeules his followers , whose brother he had slaine in that skirmish : his head being cut off , was by the commaundement of Aladeules caried to his father Ishender , the more to greeue him : who disdainefully willed the messenger not to shew it vnto him , but to bid his master eat it if he would : with which answere Aladeules was exceedingly mooued : neuerthelesse pitying the old mans miserie , he shortly after set Iaxis Beg the yonger brother at libertie ; but Ishender himselfe he sent prisoner vnto Caitbeius the great Sultan at CAIRE , where he remained in prison fiue yeares after . Caragoses the Bassa discouraged with the losse of so great a man , retired with his armie backe againe into CILICIA , and from thence aduertised Baiazet what had happened , by whom he was commanded to returne to CONSTANTINOPLE , as a man vnfit for so great an enterprise . The next Spring following , Baiazet constant in his former resolution for the inuasion of SYRIA , sent Achmetes another of his Bassaes , with a farre greater armie than had Caragoses , against the Sultan : who was no sooner come vnto the farther part of CILICIA , but he was there at a place called of the Turkes TZVCVR OVA , encountered by the Aegyptians and Arabians , and there in a great battaile ouerthrowne ; wherein he himselfe fighting most valiantly , lost two of his fingers , and being taken prisoner was sent to CAIRE . Baiazet with this ouerthrow rather incensed than discouraged , made great preparation the next yeare against the Sultan both by sea and land , such as he had not before at any time made . And when all things were now in readinesse , sent Alis Bassa ( of some called Calibeus ) and Cherseogles his sonne in law , two notable captaines , with a great and puissant armie by land against the Aegyptian Sultan : at which time he requested of the Venetians , with whom he was then in league , that he might by their good leaue , as occasion required , refresh his fleet ( then readie to put to sea for the inuasion of SIRIA , as he said ) in their Island of CYPRVS . Which his request was by the generall consent of the Senat denied , as a thing tending to the danger of their state : yet wisely doubting least Baiazet taking that deniall in euill part , should seeke to haue that by force which he could not obtaine by request , they presently sent Francisco Priuolo , their Admirall , to sea with thirtie gallies for the defence of that Island . He hearing that one fleet of the Turks gallies , lately come out of HELLESPONTVS , lay houering at the Island of SCIROS , expecting a farre greater from the coast of IONIA ; and carefully considering how secret and suddaine the Turkish designements were , although it was giuen out , that all that great preparation was made against the Sultan : yet to prouide that they should not suddainely surprise the Isle , hee speedily sent sundrie companies of souldiours , especially archers out of CRETA , into CYPRVS , for the better defence thereof : but stayed himselfe with his fleet at the Island of NAXOS , that so at hand he might be the readier to withstand whatsoeuer the Turkes intended . But when he vnderstood that all their fleet was met , and now set forward , he hoised saile , and held his course directly for CYPRVS . In the meane time , the Turkish fleet sayling alongst the coast of LYCIA , PAMPHILIA , and CILICIA , kept on their course , vntill they came vpon the coast of SIRIA : by which time Calibeus and Cherseogles were come with a mightie armie into CILICIA , neere vnto the mountaine TAVRVS . Caitbeius the Aegyptian Sultan hauing before had certaine intelligence of the great preparation that Baiazet had made against him , had before sent Vsbeg , a most valiant and politicke captaine , with a strong armie of his Mamalukes and other his most expert souldiors into SIRIA , to be readie at all times to withstand the Turkes . This worthie cheefetaine vnderstanding of the comming of the Turkes armie , thought it greater policie to carrie the calamities which alwayes wait vpon great armies , into the enemies countrey , than to receiue it into his owne bosome . And therefore although he knew himselfe to be for number farre inferiour vnto his enemies , yet supplying that want with the valour courage and assured confidence he had reposed in the approoued and inuincible force of his Mamalukes , he expected not the comming of the enemie into SYRIA , but passing ouer the mountaine AMANVS , and so descending into CILICIA , met him not farre from TARSVS , in the same place ( as it was thought ) where Alexander the Great had long before in a great battell vanquished Darius . These two puissant armies come from fa●re out of diuers part of the world the one to find the other , were no sooner come togither , but that with like cheerfulnesse they joyned battell ; and that with such violence and furie , that the earth seemed to tremble vnder their feet , and a most present destruction threatned vnto them all : Which terrible and cruell fight was maintained all that day with doubtfull victorie and exceeding slaughter on both sides . The politike Generals with new supplies of fresh souldiours , continually relieuing the most distressed par●s of their battels : and they likewise as men prodigall of their liues , resolutely offering themselues to all dangers . When this most dreadfull fight had in this sort endured the whole day , and manie thousands of valiant men of late aliue , lay now dead vpon the ground , the approching night brake off the battell : and both the armies sore wearied and weakned ( but especially the Turks ) retired to their camps , where they rested that night . But the Aegyptians comming to their campe , found all their carriages with their prouision of victuals and other necessaries quite taken away and gone . Which thing ( as some write ) the bordering people of the countrey ( for most part liuing vpon robberie ) had done in the time of the battell , to please the Turkes : or as some others report , they which had the charge thereof , terrified with the greatnesse of the Turkes army , and doubtfulnesse of the battell , fled away ; and taking their way alongst the sea side , fell into the hands of the Turkes which were put on shore out of the gallies , and so were of them spoiled . How soeuer it was ( for in so great vncertaintie I dare not affirme ) certaine it is , that the Aegyptians were sore troubled with the losse of their prouision ; fearing that if they should now stay longer in the countrey , they should forthwith be driuen to great extremities for want of necessaries . Wherefore , when they had euill rested that night , the next day early in the morning they presented themselues in order of battell before their enemies , brauing them into the field , and daring them to battell . The Turkes disdaining to see anie prouder in field than themselues , after they had in goodly order raunged their battels , set forward with ensignes displaied against their proud enemies . There began a most terrible and bloudie battell , fought with such desperat resolution , as if they had solemnly vowed either to ouercome or die in the place where they stood . A man would haue said , that the former daies furie had beene but a play in comparison of this . Manie valiant souldiours couered with their dead bodies the same ground whereon they liuing stood when they receiued the first encounter of their enemies . Of both those great armies none was seene to giue ground , or once looke back . The Turks Ianizaries , and the Aegyptians Mamalukes , the vndoubted strength of the greatest Mahometane Monarchs ( souldiors for their valour much feared , and through the world renowmed ) there buckled togither , and standing foot to foot , spent the vttermost of their forces one vpon another : as if they would in that battell haue made it knowne vnto the world , which of them were to be accounted the better souldiours . Whilest victorie stood thus doubtfull , and the day was now farre spent , Vsbeg ( the Aegyptian Generall ) with fifteene thousand valiant horsmen ( whom he had reserued for that purpose ) gaue a fresh charge vpon the Turkes squadrons , with such force , that they had much adoe to keepe their order , and began now to giue ground ; which was by and by made good againe , by other fresh men speedily brought on by the Bassaes. Then became the battell more fierce than before , euerie man striuing to the vttermost of his power , to sell his life vnto his enemie as deere as he could . In which manner of fight all the rest of the day was spent , vntill that after the going downe of the sunne , the darknesse of the night comming fast on , they were glad for lacke of light to breake off the battell and to retire themselues into their campes , not knowing as yet who had got the better . The Turkes Bassaes taking view of the armie , and finding that of an hundred thousand fighting men which they brought into the field , there was scarce a third part left , and most of them also maimed or hurt ; and doubting to be set vpon againe the next morning by their resolute enemies , fled away secretly the same night , leauing behind them for hast , their tents well stored with victuals , and all other things needfull . The Aegyptians also hauing lost one halfe of their armie ( which was at the first seuentie thousand ) and wanting their necessarie prouision , were retired also the same night into the mountaine TAVRVS , not knowing anie thing of the flight of the Turkes . And some of the souldiours passing quite ouer the mountaite without stay into SYRIA , raised a report all ouer the countrey as they went , That the Sultans armie was ouerthrowne , and that the Turks had got the victorie : so vncertaine was the true knowledge of the euent of that battell , euen vnto them that were present therein . The Aegyptian lying that night vpon the side of the mountaine , had speedie intelligence from Aladeules of the flight of the Turkes : which being also confirmed by his espials to be true , he presently came downe from the mountaine , and entred into the Turkes campe , where he found plentie of victuals and of all other things needfull for the refreshing of his army . Aladeules the mountaine king , with the people called Varsacide , by whose confines the Turkes must needs in their returne passe , robbed and slew manie of them in their disordered flight ; and had so stopped the passages , that they were in flying ouertaken by the Mamalukes and slaine , with so great a slaughter , that of all that great army of the Turkes few remained aliue to carrie newes home . Calibeius and Cherseogles the Bassaes , were in that flight both taken prisoners , and afterwards presented to Caitbeius the Sultan at CAIRE ; with eighteene ensignes of the Turkes Sanzackes , which are great men amongst them , hauing euerie one of them the regiment and commaund of some one prouince or other , and are in degree next vnto the Bassaes. Neither was the fortune of Baiazet his nauie at sea , better than that of his armie at land : for as it lay at rode vpon the coast of SYRIA at the mouth of the riuer Orontes , which runneth by the famous citie of ANTIOCHIA , his gallies were by tempest and rage of the sea put from their anchors , and in the sight of their enemies swallowed vp of the sea ; or else driuen vpon the main , and there with the surges of the sea beaten in peeces . Baiazet not a little troubled with these losses both by sea and land , at length with much adoe , by his embassadours concluded a peace with the Sultan , vnto whom he restored all such places as he had before taken from him : for which the ●ultan deliuered vnto him , Calibeius , Cherseogles , Achmetes , and Ishender , with all the rest of the ●urkes prisoners , which he had in great number in his keeping . ●hortly after this peace was concluded betwixt these two great and mightie princes , Caitbei●● the Sultan died : who of a Circassian slaue , by manie degrees of honour , and by the fauour of the Mamalukes his fellowes , obtained the rich kingdome of Aegypt , which he right worthely gouerned to his immortall praise by the space of two and twentie yeares ; commaunding at one time the great and rich countrey of AEGYPT , with all AFFRIKE as farre as CIRENE , Westward ; and IVDEA , with a great part of ARABIA , and all SYRIA , vnto the great and famous riuer Euphrates , Eastward . In the latter end of his raigne , he ( ouercome with the importunitie of his wife Dultibe an Arabian borne , a woman of an hautie spirit ) joyned his sonne Mahomethes , a young man of about foure and twentie yeares old , with him in the fellowship of his kingdome ; that so possessed of it , his father yet liuing , hee might the better enjoy it after his death . Contrarie to the custome of the Mamalukes , who of long time had not vsed to haue their king by succession , but by their free election . Who grudging to be thus defrauded of their wonted choise , immediatly after the death of Caitbeius , slew Mahomethes his sonne ; and in a few moneths after , foure mo , who one after another , without their good liking , had aspired vnto the kingdome : neither could they be contented , vntill such time as that they had according to their wonted custome set vp a Sultan of their owne choise . About the same time that the aforesaid peace was concluded betwixt the two great Mahometane princes , Baiazet and Caitbeius , Charles the French king was making great preparation against Alphonsus king of NAPLES , giuing it out , That after he had recouered that kingdome , he would forthwith from thence inuade the Turkes dominions in GRaeCIA . Which great attempt the haughtie king was induced to take in hand , by the persuasion of diuers of his nobilitie , but especially by the solicitation of Lodouicus Sfortia duke of MILLAN : whereby the whole state of ITALIE was in short time after sore shaken , and Sfortia himselfe , author of those troubles , at last carried away by the French , miserably ended his dayes as a prisoner in FRAVNCE . Alphonsus the Neapolitane king doubting the greatnesse of the French king his enemie , entered into a confederation with certaine of the states of ITALIE against the French , but especially with Alexander the sixt then Bishop of ROME : for the beter assurance whereof , he gaue his base daughter in marriage to Godfrey Borgia , the Bishops sonne , and made him prince of CARINVLA : his other sonne Francis he entertained also in great pay to serue him in his wars . And by his embassadour Pandonius Camillus , lately returned out of FRANCE , gaue Baiazet to vnderstand what the French king had purposed against them both , requesting him to aid him with six thousand horsemen and as many foot against their common enemie , promising to giue them honourable entertainement during those warres . And to further the matter , Alexander the great Bishop sent George Bucciarde , a Ligurian , skilfull in the Turkish language , embassadour to Baiazet , to declare vnto him with what great preparation , both by sea and land , the young French king ( desirous of honour and the enlargement of his kingdome ) was about to inuade NAPLES ; and then , with what great power ( after he had dispatched his warres in ITALIE ) he purposed to passe ouer into GRaeCIA ; and that hee had to that end earnestly trauelled with him , to haue Zemes his brother deliuered into his hands , whom he desired to vse as a most fit instrument for the troubling of his state and empire , by reason of his many friends : yet that his Holinesse ( hauing the French in distrust as a proud and ambitious people , as also carefull for the danger of the citie of ROME , and of the state of ITALIE in generall ) had entered into a confederation with Alphonsus king of NAPLES , with their vnited forces to withstand that proud nation , both by sea and land ; wanting nothing more for the accomplishment thereof , than mony : by which onely meanes Baiazet might ( as hee said ) prouide for the safetie of his kingdome in GRECIA , if he would put to his helping hand , to furnish them with mony for the entertainment of souldiors : for as much as the citie of ROME , and the kingdome of NAPLES , were the surest wals of that side of the Othoman empire ; if hee not altogether refusing the charge , would not spare for a little cost to maintaine the warre rather in that forraine countrey , than to receiue it , brought home to his owne dore : concluding , That it were much more commodious and easie with his treasures to represse his enemie in a strange countrey a farre off , than by dint of sword and plaine battell in his owne . A thing by experience well knowne , that they which haue neglected and set at nought remote dangers , for sparing of charge , haue afterwards been enforced with greater danger to receiue the same into their owne bosomes , when as they were become desperat and past remedie . Baiazet , who both by his espials and often letters and embassadours from Alphonsus , knew all this to be true , gaue great thankes to the bishop by his embassador , for that he sitting in so high place , did so friendly and in so good time admonish him , both a stranger , and of a contrarie religion , of things of so great consequence : yet for answere , hee willed him to returne againe to his master with one Dautius his embassadour , who should carrie with him both money and his other secret resolutions concerning those matters . Amongst other things giuen him in charge , was an Epistle written in Greeke , wherein the barbarous king with great cunning persuaded the bishop to poyson Zemes his brother , as a man of a religion altogether contrarie to his : for indeed of him alone for his great vertues Baiazet stood in feare and doubt , least hee should by some chance escape out of prison to the troubling of his state . For the performance of this his request , he promised faithfully to pay vnto the bishop two hundred thousand duckats , and neuer after , so long as he liued , to take vp armes against the Christians . Otherwise than had his father Mahomet and his grandfather Amurath done , who both as deadly enemies vnto the name of the Christians , neuer ceased by continuall warres to worke their woe . But George the bishops embassadour , and Dautius , trauelling towards ITALIE , and hauing now happely passed the Adriaticke , as they were about to haue landed at ANCONA were bourded by Io. Rouereus , brother to Iulianus the Cardinall ( a man of great account in those quarters ) and cleane quit of their treasure and whatsoeuer else they had aboord . Rouereus pretending for the defence of the fact , That the bishop did owe him a great summe of money , due vnto him for his good seruice done in the time of Innocentius his predecessour , for which he now paied himselfe . Neither could the bishop , much troubled with that injurie , euer after recouer any one part thereof , although he threatened vengeance with fire and sword , and also sought for recompence of the Venetians , whom it concerned to saue the Turkes harmelesse in those seas : for why , Rouerius bearing himselfe vpon the French , which were now vpon comming , whose faction he followed , kept the money , and set at nought the bishops thundering curses and vaine threats . Dautius himselfe , Baiazets embassadour , being set on shore , was glad to goe on foot to ANCONA ; and so from thence passing vp the riuer Padus , came to Franciscus Gonzaga , duke of MANTVA , of whom ( for the antient friendship betwixt him and Baiazet ) hee was courteously entertained and furnished both with money and apparell , and so spoiled returned into GRaeCIA , to carrie newes vnto his master how he had sped . When Baiazet vnderstood by Dautius the euill successe he had in his late journey , he forthwith sent Mustapha one of the Bassaes of the court , vnto the great Bishop Alexander , with like instructions as he had before giuen to Dautius : who with better hap arriued in ITALIE , and came to ROME in safetie ; where he forgot no part of that was giuen him in charge by his great master . But amongst manie other things , the life of Zemes was that he most sought for at the Bishops hands . At the same time , which was in the yeare 1495 , the French king Charles the eight of that name , passing through the heart of ITALIE with a strong armie against Alphonsus king of NAPLES : and taking his way without leaue through the citie of ROME , so terrified Alexander the bishop , who ( as we haue before said ) altogither fauoured , and as much as in him lay furthered the cause of Alphonsus ; that he was glad to yeeld to all such articles and conditions as it pleased him then to demaund : not purposing in himselfe at all the performance of anie of those things , which for feare he had with great solemnitie promised , as the ●equell of the matter afterwards declared . Amongst other things , he was enforced to giue vnto the king his gracelesse sonne Caesar Borgia Valentinus ( then one of the cardinals ) in hostage , for the performance of the other of his promises . Which disgrace the craftie old bishop sought to couer , by gracing his sonne with the title of his legate : and with him he was also enforced to deliuer Zemes the Turke , Baiazet his brother his honourable prisoner ; who to the great profit of the bishop and his predecessour , had remained in safe custodie at ROME about the space of seauen yeares . But Zemes within three daies after he was deliuered vnto the French , died at CAIETA , being before his deliuerance poisoned ( as it was thought ) with a powder of wonderfull whitenesse and pleasant tast ; whose power was not presently to kill , but by little and little dispersing the force therof , did in short time bring most assured death : which pleasant poison , Alexander the bishop skilfull in that practise ( corrupted by Baiazet his gold , and enuying so great a good vnto the French ) had caused to be cunningly mingled with the sugar wherewith Zemes vsed to temper the water which he commonly dranke . His dead bodie was not long after sent to Baiazet , by Mustapha his embassador , who to the great contentment of his master , had thus contriued his death with the bishop . Not long after this dead bodie so farre brought , was by the appointment of Baiazet , honourably enterred amongst his auncestors at PRVSA . Caesar Borgia also the bishops sonne , a little before giuen in hostage vnto the French king , deceiuing his keepers at VELITRAS , returned againe to ROME before the French king was come to NAPLES . This wicked impe come of an euill strain , not worth the remembrance but by way of detestation , ( the verie monster of nature , if a man should well consider the course of his whole life ) shortly after his escape , enuying at the honour of Candianus his brother , who then was Generall ouer the bishop his fathers forces , which were at that time great : when he had one night merily supped with his said brother with their mother Vannotia , traiterously caused him to be vnawares murdered in the streets as he was going home , and his dead bodie to be cast into the riuer of Tiber. Then casting off his priestly habit with his Cardinals roabs , he tooke vpon him the leading of his fathers armie in his brothers stead , and gaue himselfe wholy to martiall affaires : a vocation best fitting his fierce and bloudie disposition . And with exceeding prodigalitie , wherwith he exhausted his fathers coffers and the treasures of the church , bound fast vnto him desperat ruffians and souldiours ( especially Spaniards , his fathers countrey men ) such as he knew fittest to serue for the execution of his most horrible deuises . Which manner of his proceedings , although they were such as all good men detested ; yet did the old hypocrit his father winke thereat , fearing as it was thought , to be murdered of the viper himselfe , when it should serue for his purpose . Now when he had thus strengthned himselfe , and that he was become a terrour to all the nobilitie of ROME and the seigniories thereabout , he by the deuise and helpe of his father ( who desired nothing more than to make him great ) first draue the most honourable family of the Columnij out of the citie , and afterwards out of LATIVM : and by most execrable treacherie , poisoned or killed the honourable personages of the great houses of the Vrsini and Caetani ; taking vnto himselfe their lands and possessions . With like crueltie he strangled at one time foure noblemen of the Camertes : and draue Guido Feltrius out of VRBIN . He tooke the citie of PISAVRVM from Io. Sfortia , who with much difficultie escaped his bloudie hands : and draue the Malatestaes out of ARIMINVM . The great ladie Catherine Sfortia he thrust out of FORVM LIVII and FORVM CORNELII , and shamefully led her in triumph through ROME . And neuer satisfied with bloud , which he without measure shed , he tooke the citie of FAVENTIA from Astor Manfredus , a young gentleman of rare perfection : whom after the beastly tyrant had most horribly abused against nature , he caused to be cruelly strangled , and his dead bodie to be cast into Tiber. Hauing thus filled the measure of his iniquitie , and as a fretting canker , hauing either deuoured or driuen into exile most part of the Roman nobilitie ; and purposing by the supportation of his father , to make himselfe lord and soueraigne both of the citie , and of all LATIVM ; in the pride of his thoughts he was by the hand of the most highest attached and cast downe , and that by such meanes as he least feared . For being with his father at a solemn supper in the Vaticane , of purpose prepared for the destruction of certaine rich Cardinals and some other honourable citizens , they were both poisoned by the fatall errour of one of the waiters ; who mistaking of a flagon , gaue the poisoned wine to the accursed bishop and his sonne , which was prepared for the guests : whereof the old bishop in few daies after died . But his sonne who had drunke the same more delaied with water , although he died not of long time after , yet presently fell into such an extreame sickenesse , that he was not able to helpe himselfe , or to commaund his desperat followers , whereof he had great store : but lying sicke , in short time saw himselfe of them forsaken , and two of his enemies , Pius the Third , and Iulius the Second , one after another sitting in his fathers place . Of which two , Pius enjoyed that pontificall dignitie but sixteene daies : and Iulius succeeding him , caused this Caesar Borgia ( who of right had deserued a thousand deaths ) to bee shut vp in the castle called MO●ES ADRIANI , from whence he set him at libertie vpon the deliuerie of certaine strong holds which were yet holden by his garrisons . After he had thus rid himselfe out of Iulius the bishops hands , he fled to OSTIA , and so by sea to NAPLES : where he was by the commaundement of Ferdinand king of SPAINE , apprehended by Consaluus the Great , and transported into SPAINE ; for feare least he being of a most troublesome nature , and much resorted vnto by his old fauourits , should raise some new stirs in ITALIE . He was no sooner arriued in SPAINE , but he was cast into prison in the castle of MEDINA , where after he had lien three yeares he deceiued his keepers , and with a roape which he had gotten , let himselfe downe from an high tower of the castle : and so escaping , fled to the king of NAVARRE , whom he afterwards serued in his wars , and was in an hoat skirmish against the kings enemies ( wherin he had obtained the victorie ) slaine with a small shot . Vnworthy after so manie horrible villanies , to haue ended his daies so honorably . His dead bodie was found stript , and so brought vnto the king vpon a bad beast , as if it had been a dead calfe all naked ; which was by his commandement honourably buried at PAMPILONA . But to returne againe from whence we haue something too long with this troublesome body gone astray . The French king hauing thus lost both his great hostages , Zemes the Turke by death , and the Cardinall Borgia by escape , held on his journey towards NAPLES : and with wonderfull successe preuailed as hee went , all places yeelding vnto him without any great resistance . Alphonsus seeing himselfe destitute of such aid as he had in vaine requested both of the Turkish emperour and of the Venetians , and now almost beset with his mightie enemy , to whom so manie strong places had in shorter time been deliuered than anie man had before imagined ; and withall , considering with himselfe , how that he had lost the hearts of his subjects ( the strongest defence of princes ) for that most of the nobilitie , and especially the Neapolitans , hated him for his too much seueritie in punishing the offenders in the late rebellion , wherein the princes of SARNE and SALERNE were chiefe ; and the common people were no lesse offended with the grieuous and heauie exactions , required of them for the maintenance of these warres , insomuch that their murmuring speeches came oftentimes to his owne hearing ; as oftentimes it falleth out , That the hatred of the subjects against their princes , which hath for feare of long time beene dissembled during their prosperitie , more frankly and fiercely breaketh out in their declining estate : For these causes , Alphonsus fearing to be forsaken of his people , as a man in despaire , with aboundance of tears openly in the sight of all the Neapolitans , resigned his kingdome of NAPLES vnto his sonne Ferdinand , when as he had as yet scarcely raigned one whole yeare after the death of Ferdinand his father : and with foure gallies passed ouer to MAZEREA a citie of CICILIA . His son Ferdinand , a prince of rare perfection and singularly graced with all the vertues of true nobilitie , and thereto deerely beloued of all the people , was to the wonderfull contentment of the Neapolitans with great joy and acclamations saluted king : and so hauing performed all the ceremonies belonging to his coronation , returned presently to his armie . By this time the French king with all his forces was entered farre into the kingdome of NAPLES : and hauing taken by assault certaine cities which trusted too much to their owne strength , strucke such a generall terrour into the minds of the Neapolitanes , that they thought no place now strong ynough to abide his batteries , or power sufficient to encounter his forces . Ferdinand the young king with his armie had taken the straits of the forrest of S. Germane , thereby to impeach the further passage of the French king . But whilest he was there busied , he was suddenly aduertised , that Fabritius Columna with a great power of Frenchmen had by the Appenines broken into CAMPANIA , and so was marching towards him : wherefore doubting to bee shut vp betwixt two strong armies of the enemies , he retired speedily to CAPVA , a strong citie situat vpon the riuer Vulturnus ; purposing there by meanes of that deepe riuer , to stay the French from passing farther . But whilest hee lay there , newes was brought vnto him , That all the cittie of NAPLES was in an vprore , and that the citizens were all vp in armes , as men in doubt which way to turne themselues . Ferdinand not a little troubled with these bad newes , commended the charge of his armie and the defence of the citie of CAPVA to his cheefe captaines , and rid himselfe in post backe againe to NAPLES . It is a strange thing to tell , what a suddaine alteration ensued vpon his arriuall there : for suddenly all the tumult was appeased , euery man laied downe his armes , and welcommed him with a generall gratulation : for he was a man of a great and an inuincible courage , and of so comely a personage as might easily win the hearts of his subjects ; insomuch , that when he earnestly requested them , that they would not traiterously betray him vnto his barbarous & cruell enemies , being their naturall king , or rather their brother borne and brought vp amongst them : they all with one consent answered , That they would spend their liues and goods in his quarrell , so long as he should keepe his armie whole , and defend the citie of CAPVA : But if it should so chance , that the Aragonians should be ouerthrowne , or els for feare abandon that citie , and the French king , as victor , to approch the citie of NAPLES ; he should doe both against reason and equitie , if by exacting fidelitie and allegeance of his subjects , apprehended with so just a feare , he should so expose that noble citie with the fruitfull countrey thereabout , to bee spoiled and destroyed by a mercilesse and cruell enemie . Whilest Ferdinand was thus busied in appeasing and confirming his wauering subjects at NAPLES , the French king had taken diuers cities , and was come before CAPVA . The citizens of CAPVA although they were alwayes well affected to the Aragonian kings : yet seeing the French king as a most violent tempest to beare downe all before him , began now to consult amongst themselues of yeelding vp the cittie ; whereunto they were the more prickt forward , by the suddaine reuolt of the great captaine Triuultius with his followers , as also by the departure of Verginius and Petilianus , two great and famous commaunders , who seeing themselues forsaken of Triuultius , fled with their companies vnto the citie of NOLA . In this discomfiture of king Ferdinand his armie , the Frenchmen had entered into the suburbes of the citie : which thing Gothfredus and Gaspar ( two valiant Germane captaines ) beholding , sallied with their companies out of the citie , of purpose to abate the pride of the French , & to confirme the doubtfull citizens : These worthie captaines when they had with exceeding valour repulsed the French , and thought to haue againe returned into the citie , could not be suffered to enter , but were by the citisens shut out of the gate , in danger to haue had their throats cut by the enemie . In which perplexitie they were glad vpon their knees to entreat the cowardly citisens standing vpon the wals , not in such traiterous manner to betray their friends readie in their defence to bestow their liues : and with much entreating , at length obtained of those heartlesse men , that they might by ten and ten in a companie be receiued in at one gate of the citie , and so put out at another , farthest from the danger of the enemie : in which sort when they had passed through the citie , they tooke the way towards NAPLES : and vpon the way met with the king at AVERSA , vnto whom they declared all that had happened in his absence at CAPVA . Who although he saw his armie dispersed , and all things now desperat , yet went hee on forward , and came to the very gates of CAPVA , and there called vpon diuers of the cheefe men of the citie , requiring to be let in . But when hee saw there was none to giue him answer , and an ensigne of the French king displayed vpon the wall , in token that the citie was become French , hee returned to NAPLES : where he found the gates now shut against him , and all the citisens vp againe in armes , and not willing to receiue any of the souldiors which came from CAPVA , more than the king himselfe : for flying fame preuenting his returne , had filled euerie corner of the citie with report , That all the cheefe captaines of his armie were either gone ouer to the enemie , or els for safegard of their liues fled ; That the whole armie was broken vp , and CAPVA yeelded to the French. Wherfore the Neapolitanes framing their fancies according to the condition of the time , began now also to fawne vpon the good fortune of the French , and to haue king Ferdinand in contempt : which hee well perceiuing , and fetching a compasse farther off from the cittie , came vnto the castle , whereinto he was receiued with his followers by his faithfull captaines therein before left . But prouidently foreseeing that he could not there long stay , but that hee should bee besieged by his enemies both by sea and land , he commended the keeping of that peece vnto Alphonsus D'aualus , a most valiant captaine , and departed himselfe with twentie gallies well appointed vnto AENARIA , an Island not farre from NAPLES , hauing in it a commodious harbour and a strong castle : where fortune , neuer firme but in miserie , seemed againe to deride the poore remainder of his honor : For comming thether , the captaine of the castle , vnworthely named Iustus , forgetting his dutie towards his soueraigne , of whom he had before receiued many extraordinarie fauours , most traiterously now in his so hard distresse shut the gates of the castle against him at his landing , and vnkindly refused to receiue him . With which vnexpected ingratitude , the poore king was wonderfully perplexed and almost abashed : yet with earnest entreatie and ample commemoration of the benefits and preferments which both his father and himselfe had in times past bestowed vpon him , he preuailed so much with this vnthankefull man , that hee was content to receiue him into the castle , so that he would come but himselfe alone : of which his offer , when no more could be got , the king seemed to accept . So the captain hauing opened a port to receiue him in , was in the very entrance thereof suddenly stabd to the heart with a dagger by king Ferdinand and slaine in the middest of his armed souldiours . Which was done with such a countenance and majestie , that the warders with their weapons in their hands , dismayed with his look , forthwith at his commaundement opened the gate , and receiued him in with all his followers . Whereby it appeareth , That in the countenance of princes resteth a certaine diuine majestie , in all fortunes aboue the common course of nature : which is of power to daunt the hearts of most disloyall traitors in the performance of their vnnaturall treasons . The next day after the departure of king Ferdinand from the castle of NAPLES , Charles the French king was receiued into the citie with such pompe , triumph , and acclamation of the Neapolitanes , as if they had euen then by the benefit of that forraine king been restored vnto perfect libertie , and deliuered out of some long and hard bondage . Shortly after , the castle of NAPLES , with all the strong places thereabout , were yeelded vnto the French , and embassadours sent from all the princes and people of that kingdome , yeelding themselues into the power of the French king . Then Ferdinand seeing all lost and gone , departed from AENARIA , where he lay expecting the euent of his hard fortune , and sailed into SICILIA . Thus the house of ARAGON in lesse than fiue moneths lost the kingdome of NAPLES , about 63 yeares after that it was first taken from the French by Alphonsus the elder , this Ferdinand his great grandfather . The report of the great preparation made by the French for this warre , had long before filled the eares of them which dwelt in any part of the Turks dominions in EVROPE : but when they saw the French ensignes displayed vpon the wals of the castles and strong townes alongst the coast of CALABRIA and SALERNE , such a sudden feare fell vpon the Turkes garrisons alongst the coast of EPIRVS and MACEDONIA on the other side of the Adriaticke , ouer against that part of ITALIE , that many of them forsooke their charge : the Christians in those places , as also in GRaeCIA and PELOPONESVS beginning then to lift vp their heads in hope of their deliuerance , and to make the best preparation they could to joyne with the French against the Turks : but especially the rough and wild people inhabiting the high mountaines called ACROCERAVNII in the borders of EPIRVS , who presently tooke vp armes , refusing to be any longer tributaries vnto the Turkish emperour . This prosperous and speedie successe of the French king in the conquest of NAPLES , filled the minds of most of the Christian princes , as also of the Turkish emperour , with a doubtfull expectation , whither his greatnesse would grow : many being of opinion , that he couertly affected the empire of ROME , and to make himselfe the sole monarch of ITALIE . Which conceit no little troubled both the great Bishop Alexander , and Maximilian then emperour . Baiazet also feared much , least he should vpon the suddaine turne his forces into EPIRVS or GRaeCIA , to his no small disquiet . And Ferdinand , the aduised king of SPAINE , was no lesse carefull for the safetie of SICILIA . Lodouicus Sfortia also ( shortly after created duke of MILLAN , the cheefe occasion of the French kings comming into ITALIE , and a great aider of him in those warres ) began now to consider better of the matter , and to stand in doubt of the king , whom hee well perceiued to make small reckoning of his word or promise , so that he might thereby enlarge his dominions . And the Venetians , who in all these warres had stood looking on as neuters ( in hope that when the Aragonians and French had with long warres , which they vainely imagined , well weakened one another , that they might then at their pleasure share out something for themselues ) were now in doubt with the rest of the states of ITALIE to lose some part of their owne territorie : for now there was no prince or state in ITALIE able to oppose themselues against the French , but stood as it were all at his deuotion . Wherefore the aforesaid princes , namely Maximilian the emperour , Ferdinand king of SPAINE , Alexander Bishop of ROME , the state of VENICE , and Lodouicus Sfortia duke of MILLAN , for the more assurance of their estates , by their embassadors speedily sent from one to another , concluded a strong league amongst themselues , whereof the cheefe capitulation was , That if any of these confederates should vpon their owne accord make war vpon any other prince , they should doe it vpon their owne charges : but if any of them should chance to be inuaded by any other , that then euery one of these confederates should of their owne charge send foure thousand horse and ten thousand foot in aid of their confederate so inuaded , vntill the wars were ended : which league was to endure for twentie yeares . The fame of this league was welcome to many other princes , but especially to Baiazet , who now feared nothing more than the forces of the French , and therefore had offered vnto the Venetians , to aid them both by sea and land against the French , if their affaires should so require . This league so much pleased not other princes , but it troubled the French king more , as of purpose made against him , although it was by the confederates pretended to be made onely for their owne safetie . Wherefore he with all expedition placed his best captaines with strong garrisons in all the cities and strong holds of the kingdome of NAPLES , and left Mompenser his viceroy in the citie of NAPLES , and with the rest of his armie returned towards FRAVNCE ; purposing by the way as he went to terrifie the dissembling Bishop , so if it were possible to draw him from the league , and afterwards to deale with Sfortia and the rest as he might . But when he was come neere vnto ROME , the Bishop for feare fled out of the citie to PERVSIVM , intending from thence to haue fled to VENICE , if the French king should haue further pursued him . Charles deceiued of his purpose , in peaceable manner entered the citie , and there stayed three dayes and so departed ; vsing violence against none , but against such as were well knowne to be of the Aragonian faction . From ROME hee marched to PISA , and so with much paine passing the Appenines , was at the riuer of Tarrus , not farre from PARMA , set vpon by Franciscus Gonzaga duke of MANTVA , generall of a great armie which the Venetians and Sfortia had raised vpon the sudden to haue stopped his passage : in which battaile he was in great danger to haue beene taken or slaine , and there lost his tents , with all the rich spoile gotten in the rich kingdome of NAPLES : yet hauing at length with great slaughter valiantly repulsed his enemies , he afterwards returned in safetie home . About the same time that this battell was fought at Tarrus , the young king Ferdinand , lately driuen out of his kingdome by the French king , returned againe out of SICILIA to NAPLES : where he was joyfully receiued of the Neapolitanes , and by the helpe of his friends ( but especially of the great Consaluus , sent in his aid by Ferdinand king of SPAINE ) in lesse than a yeares space recouered the kingdome of NAPLES againe from the French : and then dying without issue , left the same vnto his vncle Federicus : wherein the vncertainetie of worldly honours , the cheefe felicitie of ambitious minds , is well to be noted ; when as in that one kingdome the cheefe gouernment was six times changed in lesse than the space of three yeares . For first Ferdinand the elder dying , left that kingdome vnto his sonne Alphonsus , at such time as the French king was making preparation for these warres : Alphonsus despairing of his owne forces , resigned the kingdome to his sonne Ferdinand , when he had scarcely raigned fully a yeare : Ferdinand in lesse than three moneths was driuen quite out of ITALIE by Charles the French king : Charles possessed of the kingdome , in short time after was againe dispossessed by the same Ferdinand : Ferdinand hauing with much trouble thrust out the French , died within lesse than a yeare : After whom succeeded Federicus his vncle , no lesse vnfortunate than the rest . And Charles the French king himselfe liued not long after , but died suddenly as he came from playing at Tennise , being then but seuen and twentie yeares old , leauing the flourishing kingdome of FRANCE , with the troublesome title pretended to the kingdome of NAPLES , vnto Lewes his successour , who liued with great trouble to conquer the same , and with greater greefe to loose it againe . But to returne againe to the course of our historie , from whence the great occurrents of that time ( not altogether impertinent to our purpose ) haue a little too farre led vs. Baiazet deliuered of two great feares , first by the death of his brother Zemes , and after by the casting out of the French out of NAPLES ; began now to turne his forces vpon the Christians , and by his lieutenant Balt-beg , Sanzacke of SILISTRA , inuaded the countries of PODOLIA and RVSSIA , being part of the Polonian kingdome , where the Turkes did great harme , and carried away many prisoners . But comming againe the second time , and making such like spoile as before , they stayed so long , that the cold of the Winter ( which in those countries is very extreame ) was now come on : and in their returne , as they were about to haue passed through MOLDAVIA , they were by Stephanus , prince of that countrey , denied both passage and victuals , and forced to take the way alongst the sea coast : where many of them stragling from the armie , were by the way cut off and slaine by the Moldauians ; and the rest , what by the extremitie of the cold , what for want of food , and foulenesse of the way , perished : so that of that great armie very few returned home . The Turks histories report , That in this expedition were lost fortie thousand Turkes . He sent also Cadumes one of his Bassaes into ILLIRIA ; who spoiling that countrey , with a part of CROATIA , was encountred by nine thousand Croatians and Hungarians neere vnto the riuer Moraua , vnder the leading of countie Bernard Francopaine : where after a cruell and bloudie fight , the Christians were put to the worse , and aboue seuen thousand of them slaine ; the rest saued themselues by flight through the mountaines and woods . Of the Christians that were lost , manie were drowned in Moraua , chusing rather so to end their daies than to fall into the hands of their cruell enemies . This ouerthrow was imputed to the Generall , who would needs giue the Turkes battell in plaine field , although he was earnestly entreated by countie Io. Torquatus to haue kept the straits of that countrey , whereby he might haue had great aduantage of the enemie . Torquatus himselfe hauing lost all his horsemen in that battell , and his horse killed vnder him , fought valiantly on foot , vntill hee was by the multitude of his enemies oppressed and slaine . The Bassa to giue Baiazet a sure testimonie of the victorie , caused all the noses of the slaine Christians to be cut off and put vpon strings , and so by wagon sent them as a barbarous present to CONSTANTINOPLE . After the death of Charles the French king , Lewes the twelfth of that name hauing obtained that kingdome , writ himselfe also duke of MILLAN , as discended of one of the daughters of Io. Galeatius first duke of MILLAN : in which his supposed right he was fully resolued to make warre vpon Sfortia then duke of MILLAN . And for his better successe in those warres , sought by all meanes he could , to draw some other of the princes and states of ITALIE into the fellowship of that intended warre ; but aboue all others the Venetians , as most commodious for his purpose , with whom he made a firme league ; and for the aid they were to giue him , couenanted that they should haue for their share , the citie of CREMONA , with all the pleasant countrey about AEDVA , then part of Sfortia his dominion : which was afterwards accordingly performed . Sfortia vnderstanding of this compact made a●●inst him , and knowing himselfe farre too weake of himselfe to stand against so puissant enemies ; attempted first to set Maximilian the emperour , with the states of GERMANIE vpon the French king : But that not sorting to his desire , he sought to agree with the king by offering to hold his dukedome of him , by paying him a yearely tribute . After he had thu● in vaine proued all the meanes he could deuise to haue appeased the French king , & prouided for his own safetie ; he by his embassadors sent of purpose , certified Baiazet of the confederation betwixt the French king and the Venetians , and that their purpose was , after they had oppressed him , and some other of the states of ITALIE , then with their vnited forces to inuade his dominions : and that therefore it were good for him in time to looke vnto it , and to giue aide against those which would in short time become his most dangerous enemies . By this meanes the Duke was in good hope , so to busie the Venetians by bringing the Turke vpon them , as that they should stand the French in small stead . At which time also the embassadours of FLORENCE did what they could to pricke forward the Turke to make warres vpon the Venetians ; for the malice they bare against them for protecting them of PISA against the oppression of the Florentines . Baiazet persuaded by the embassadors , and calling to remembrance the injuries before done him by the Venetians ; first in giuing aid to Iohn Castriot the sonne of Scanderbeg , and Iohn Chernouich another prince of EPIRVS ( whereby he lost a great part of that countrey , and was also farther enforced to yeeld to such conditions as altogither stood not with his honour ; ) and againe by denying to giue his fleet leaue to put into their harbours in CYPRVS , in the time of his warres against the Sultan of AEGYIT : all which he was glad then to endure , for feare least that his brother Zemes ( then liuing ) should by their means be set vp against him ; promised now to do what these embassadours had requested : glad in his mind that the discord of the Christian princes had presented vnto him so fit an opportunitie of reuenge . Hereupon he made great preparation both by sea and land against the Venetians , and vpon the sudden caused Scander Bassa ( his lieutenant in ILLYRIA ) with twelue thousand horse to breake into the countrey of FRIVLI , part of the Venetian territorie vpon the frontiers of ITALIE . The Bassa as he had in charge , passing ouer diuers great riuers , at length entred the countrey , burning and destroying all before him as farre as LIQVENTIA , carrying away with him all the poore countrey people prisoners . But when he was come to the bankes of TILIAVENTVM , and vnderstood that hee came too late to pleasure the duke of MILLAN ( for why , the French with the Venetians had before without resistance driuen him quite out of ITALIE and GERMANIE ) he there , with more then barbarous crueltie put foure thousand poore prisoners to the sword : and so hauing filled the country with mourning and with bloud , returned from whence he came , loded with the spoile of that rich countrey . At the same time also , Baiazet put to sea such a fleet as none of his predecessors had before set forth ; and with a great armie in person himselfe marched alongst the sea coast of MOREA , in such sort , as that his armie by land and his fleet at sea ( as neere as they could ) kept euen pace , the one within sight of the other . Neither were the Venetians vnmindfull of themselues , but set forth a strong fleet vnder the charge of Anthony Grimani their Admirall ; in number farre inferiour to the Turkes , but for equipage , strength , skilfull marriners , and all other manner of warlike prouision , much superiour . For which cause the Turkes , although defied and braued by the Venetians , yet durst not at the first joyne with them in battell ; but still crept alongst the coast of MOREA , not daring to put farther off into the sea . In this their course , the Venetians troubled them exceedingly , sometimes making shew as if they would haue constrained them to fight , and otherwhiles giuing them chase , neuer departing far from them ; wisely accounting it right good seruice , if they could but keepe that hugie fleet from landing in ITALIE , or other places of the Venetian territorie . Most men were in good hope , that if those great fleets should haue joyned in battell , the Venetians should haue had a notable victorie ; for that the enemie as afraid , kept so dangerous a course and so neere the maine . The longer they thus sailed , the more was the state of VENICE offended with their Admirall , that he contrarie to all expectation delaied to fight , and still suffered the dangerous enemie to approach neerer and neerer their territories : and there were none which had not rather he should haue set all vpon the hazard of one battell , than to protract by delay a long and doubtfull warre . Whilest all mens minds were thus in expectation of some great exploit to be done vpon the enemie , newes came to the citie , That the Turks fleet had put into the hauen SAPIEN●●A in the island SPHRAGA , to water , and was there embayed by the Venetians . This report was of most men joyfully receiued , as if the victorie had been alreadie assured : and so much the more , for that it was vainly supposed , that it would be gained without anie great losse . But others which better knew the place , deemed of the matter farre otherwise , saying , That the place wherein the enemie lay was such , as that he might safely at his pleasure depart thence . Yet forsomuch as ●he Turkes fleet was more subject vnto danger in putting out of the harbour than in the wide sea , there was no man but was of opinion , That the Venetian Admirall would set vpon them as they should come forth againe . Whilest men were thus diuining too and fro , and the Venetians attended the comming forth of the enemies fleet , it fortuned that Andreas Lauredanus , and Albanus Armerius ( two valiant gentlemen ) but a little before come from CORC●RA of purpose to be present at the battell , were the first that began the fight ; and with their two nimble ships ( after they had changed a few bullets ) bourded a tall ship of the Turkes , being of such beautie and burthen that she seemed rather a castle than a ship , wherof one Baruch of SMYRNA ( a notable pirat ) was captaine : who after a long and cruell fight , perceiuing that he must either yeeld or by force be taken , desperatly set fire on his owne ship , by rage whereof both she and the Venetian ships fast grapled vnto her , were all three togither burnt downe to the water : manie of the men ( to shun the violence of the fire ) leapt ouer boord into the sea , where some of them were taken vp by other ships , and some perished . Some few others of the Venetian fleet couragiously assailed the Turkes at their comming out ; and doing great harme , put the Turkes whole fleet in no small feare . But the most part of the Venetian gallies lay looking on a farre off ; vnto whom the other before in fight with the Turks , after they had done what they could , retired also . But by that they had done , it appeared plainly that the Venetian Admirall that day let ●lip out of his hands a most notable victorie , if he as a resolute man had with his whole fleet charged the enemie . After this fight the Turkes held on their course , still keeping MOREA on the right hand , whom the Venetians still followed : at length the Turkes fleet was come to the entrance of the gulfe of PATRAS , where the Venetians againe faintly setting vpon them , suffered them to recouer the gulfe ; with no lesse dishonour than they had before let them escape at the port SAPIENTIA . For the Venetians , hauing the aduantage of the place , and better appointed for fight at sea , might easily ( as it was supposed ) haue gained the victorie , if the commanders ( but especially the admiral ) had been so forward in the seruice as became men of their place . But manie of thē afraid to fight , lay aloofe ; so that Dauthes the Turks Admirall ( who perceiuing himselfe too weake , had purposed to haue run his gallies on shoare , and so to haue fled to the armie at land if he had felt himselfe ouer charged by the Venetian fleet ) had now contrarie to his expectation recouered the gulfe he desired , though not without losse of some of his gallies . Within this gulfe standeth the auntient citie of NAVPACTVM ( now called LEPANTO ) then subject to the Venetians , whither Baiazet was then come by land with his armie ; and now by the comming of his fleet into the gulfe , laid hard siege vnto the citie both by sea and land . They of the citie seeing themselues on euerie side beset with their enemies , without anie great resistance fell to composition with Baiazet , and so yeelded vnto him the citie , which the Turks hold at this day . Grimanus the Venetian Admirall returning to Venice , was for his euill seruice ( or rather for that he according to his mild nature had not vsed seueritie against such captaines as refused to fight ) cast into prison : and although he was a man mightely friended , yet was he by a publike decree banished into one of the Absyrtides , islands vpon the coast of LIBVRNIA . From the first foundation of the citie of VENICE was neuer man impugned with more spight , or defended by greater friends : but common hatred preuailing , he was neuerthelesse exiled . Thus Baiazet hauing made a road into the Venetian territorie by Scander Bassa , and taken from them the citie of NAVPACTVM with the countrey thereabout ▪ returned with victorie to CONSTANTINOPLE . The next yeare following , which was the yeare 1500 , Baiazet put to sea a greater and stronger fleet than he had the yeare before : and himselfe in person , with a puissant armie of an hundred & fiftie thousand men entred by the strait of CORINTH into PELOPONESIVS , and marching through the countrey came and encamped before the strong citie of METHONE ( now called MODON ) then vnder the gouernment of the Venetians . At which time his great fleet met him there also by sea , as he had before appointed . When he had thus beset the citie both by sea and land , and with long and continuall batterie made three great and faire breaches in the wals , he gaue vnto the same two terrible assaults , and that with such desperat furie that manie of them which went formost vnto the breach , ouerthrowne by the presse of them which followed , were troden to death . Yet neuerthelesse the citie was both times valiantly defended by the citisens and garrison souldiors : so that when he had done what he could , he was glad to retire from the wals , hauing filled the towne ditches with the bodies of his slaine Turkes . The Venetian Admirall Triuisanus lying at the islle of ZACYNTHVS ( but farre too weake to fight with the enemie ) in the beginning of the siege sent Valerius Marcellus and Baptista Polanus , with two gallies full of men and munition in reliefe of the besieged : and now doubting their farther wants ▪ sent Io. Maripetrus , Alex. Cothius of CORCYRA , and Cachuris of HYDRVNTVM , with three other great gallies , with men , munition , and such other things as he thought needfull for the de●ence of the citie . These three resolute captaines comming with a full wind , and packing on all their sailes , brake through the Turks fleet lying in their way , and ran themselues a ground vnder the wals of the towne : for they of the towne had so barred the hauen for feare of the enemie , that they could not that way possibly get in . The citisens and souldiors joyfull of the comming of this fresh supplie , and withall fearing least the gallies should be fet off againe from them by the enemie , came running by heapes from all parts of the citie towards the sea , to receiue this new come aid : which was done with such a confused disorder , that diuers places of the citie towards the land , were left without defendants , as if there had beene no enemie neere . Which the Ianizaries quickly perceiuing , presently entered by those forsaken places with little or no resistance . Then the citizens all too late began to make head : for the Ianizaries alreadie entered , made way for the rest of the armie ; which swarming into the citie , slew without pitie all that came in the way , as well Grecians as Venetians , with all the souldiours but euen then newly landed out of the three gallies . In this slaughter Anthonius Fabrius and Bardella , gouernours of the towne , with Andreas Falco , bishop of METHONE , in his pontificalibus and his mytre on his head , were slaine : none escaped the furie , but such as were for their strength reserued for seruile labour , or for their beautie , to the victors lust : and of these a thousand bound fast together in long ropes were brought to Baiazets pauilion , and there in his sight by his commandement cruelly murdered . The cities of CORONE and PYLVS , now called NAVARRINVM ) sometime the dwelling place of old Nestor , terrified with the taking of METHONE , yeelded themselues by composition to Baiazet . This citie of CRISSEVM , now knowne by the name of Caput S. Galli , was taken also by Cherseogles , Baiazet his sonne in law . All these were cities belonging to the Venetians . NAVPLIVM was also besieged by Haly Bassa , but yet still defended by the Venetians . Baiazet hauing new fortified the citie of METHONE , and stored it with new inhabitants , left in it a strong garrison , and so with victorie returned to CONSTANTINOPLE . At this time Triuisanus the Venetian Admirall died ( of greefe of mind as some supposed ) in whose place the Senat sent Benedictus Pisaurius , a noble and valiant gentleman , who with the Venetian fleet followed the enemie , then departing from the siege of NAVPLIVM , pursuing them euen vnto the straits of Hellespontus , still cutting off such as stragled or tarried behind the rest of the fleet : by which meanes hee tooke aboue twentie of their ships and gallies , and in his returne tooke from the Turkes the Island of AEGINA , and landing in diuers places of the Turkes dominions , left vnto them the wofull remembrance of his being there . Afterwards meeting with Consaluus , surnamed the Great ( sent by Ferdinand king of SPAINE , to aid him against the Turkes ) at ZACYNTHVS , he inuaded CEPHALENIA , which Triuisanus his predecessour had in vaine attempted the yeare before , and laied hard siege to the citie , which was for a space valiantly defended by the Turkes ▪ yet at length by the good conduct of Consaluus it was by force taken , when as Gisdare the Gouernour thereof , with his garrison of Turkes , had before fought it out euen to the last man. The citie being taken , all the whole Island yeelded forthwith to the Venetians . Pisaurius hauing taken CEPHALENIA , repaired the citie , and leauing a strong garrison for defence of the isle , departed to CORCYRA : where hee was aduertised , That the Turkes were rigging forth a great fleet against the next Spring ; wherof some part lay in the bay of AM●RACIA not farre from CORCYRA , some at EANTE , and the rest within the straits of HELLESPONTVS . Wherefore purposing to do some exploit vpon those gallies which lay in the bay of AM●RACIA , to auert the mind of the enemie from perceiuing of that he had secretly with himselfe intended , he sent the greatest part of his fleet vnto the island of NERITOS , who suddenly landing , should put the inhabitants in feare . The captaines sent about this businesse , cheerefully put in execution what the Admirall had commaunded , and by their sudden landing raised such a tumult , that all the countries thereabout were filled with the expectation of that which should ensue thereof . The Bay of AMERACIA is so straitened on either side with the mountaines of EPIRVS , that the entrance thereof is but halfe a mile ouer : but by and by opening it selfe into a great widenesse , and running vp into the land , maketh a most pleasant and safe harbour for ships and gallies to ride in . Pisaurius with a faire wind comming thither with eight gallies well appointed , when the Turkes thought him to haue been at NERITOS , and entring the strait , rowing farther into the bay , burnt one of the Turkes great gallies , to the terrour of all them that dwelt round about the bay , and carried away with him eleuen moe , laded with munition and victuall , through the strait ; the Turkes in vaine fretting thereat , and doing what they could with their great ordinance from shore to haue sunke him in going out of the bay . But hauing done what he came for , he returned with his prey againe to CORCYRA ▪ Not long after he also recouered the castle of PYLOS in MOREA , which as it was suddenly gotten , so was it as suddainely lost . For Camalia , a notable pyrat of the Turkes , who had been abroad seeking after purchase ▪ putting into that harbour by chance ▪ tooke three gallies ▪ there left by the Admirall for defence of the place , and so terrified the faint-hearted captaine , that hee fell to composition with the pyrat ▪ to yeeld him the castle ▪ so that hee and his souldiours might in safetie depart ▪ which the pyrat , graunting , had the castle deliuered vnto him , which he could not with farre greater strength haue possibly woon . So was PYLOS for feare twice in one yeare yeelded vp vnto the Turks ▪ and was both times the death of the cowardly captaines ▪ which gaue it vp ▪ being both beheaded by the commaundement of the Admirall . About the same time Pisaurius attempted to haue burnt other of the Turkes gallies lying in the riuer EAN●E , vpon the coast of MACEDONIA , but not with so good successe as before ▪ For the Turkes , made more carefull by the losse they had but a little before receiued at AM●RACIA , did now more vigilantly looke vnto their gallies . So that when Pisaurius had in certaine small vessels , made of purpose for that seruice , embarked two hundred resolute souldiors to haue gone vp the riuer to haue fi●ed the gallies ▪ they were by the way , after they had entered a good way into the riuer , encountered by the Turks , and enforced to returne . But before they could get out of the riuer , the wind rise so contrar●● with such a stiffe gale full in the mouth of the riuer , that the marriners ouermastered with the violence of the weather , when they had done what they could , and spent all their strength , were driuen ashore , some on the one side of the riuer , and some on the other , and so fell into the hands of their enemies , of whom it boo●ed not to craue mercie . About this time Baiazet tooke also the auntient and famous citie of DIRRACHIVM , now called DVRAZO , from the Venetians ▪ being before ruinous and almost quite abandoned by the inhabitants , as a place of danger , and not to be kept , now that the Turke had got all the country ▪ round about it . The Venetians sore pressed with these warres so long maintained against the Turke , had many times prayed aid of other Christian princes , and were well holpen by the Spaniard in the taking of CEPHALENIA : and now Lewes the French king vpon a good deuotion to that warre , sent the lord Rauesten with seuen tall ships and fifteene gallies well appointed out of PROVINCE and GENVA , to aid the Venetians his friends . This fleet departing from NAPLES , where they had by the way put in , and passing about ITALIE , and so through the Ionian sea , came to MELOS , one of the CYCLADES ; at which Island Pisaurius with his fleet in short time arriued also : from whence they by mutuall consent departed together to inuade the Island of LESEOS . And being there safely arriued , landed their forces , and layed siege vnto the strong citie of MYTILENE , where by the furie of their artillerie they in short time had made a faire breach in the wall . In the time of this batterie whilest the breach was in making , Pisaurius with part of his fleet sailed to TENEDOS , for it was reported , That certaine of the Turkes gallies were then comming for that place out of Hellespontus . Which report , as some write , was of purpose giuen out by the French , thereby to withdraw the Venetian Admirall from the siege , that so in the meane time they being in good hope to take the towne in his absence , might themselues carrie away the honour thereof , together with the rich spoile . Others fauouring the French , blame the Venetian Admirall , as if he had of purpose departed , enuying at the honour of the French : which is hard to be beleeued in so honourable a personage , and in an action so much concerning the good of his commonweale . Howsoeuer it was , the breach being made , in his absence was by the Frenchmen presently assaulted : although that Paulus Valatesius the Venetian vice-Admirall earnestly requested the French Admirall to deferre the assault for a while , and to expect the returne of Pisaurius . Which his counsell the French Admirall gaue him the hearing of , but yet went forward with the assault . The Frenchmen after their manner furiously assailing the breach , were valiantly repulsed by the Turkes : so that in the breach was made a deadly and most terrible fight , many falling on both sides . Yet for all that , the citie was manfully defended by the Turkes , and the Frenchmen enforced to retire . The French Admirall hauing taken this repulse , commaunded all things to be carried aboord , purposing to haue forsaken the siege , and so to haue departed : when in the meane time the Venetian Admirall returned , and with much adoe persuaded the French to stay . Whereupon the batterie was againe begun with greater furie than before , and now the leaders were consulting of a fresh assault to be giuen , when suddenly newes was brought , that the Turks fleet was comming to releeue the citie : and thereupon the assault was for a time deferred , and the batterie continued . But those Turkes which came , being in number but few , were for most part by them in the gallies taken and cast ouer boord ; some few that got to land , saued themselues in the woods and desart places of the Isle . By this time the citie was againe made saultable , and the Venetians with great courage assailed the breach , and had twice gained the top of the rampiers , from whence they were againe both times beaten downe by the Turkes , the French all the while looking on . Many valiant men were there slaine and hurt , and in the end the Venetians were glad with losse to retire , as had the French done before . Whilest this was in doing , a pinnace came to the fleet with newes , that the Great Master of the RHODES was comming with his gallies to the siege : whereupon the Admirals determined to maintaine the siege vntill his comming . But the next day after , the French Admirall changing his purpose shipped his men , and hoising saile departed to CHIOS : and sayling thence towards ITALIE , was ouertaken with a most terrible tempest , wherein the Admirall gallie with two others were lost with eight hundred good souldiours , the Admirall himselfe with aboue fortie others were by chance contrarie to all hope saued , and with much danger with his weather-beaten fleet recouered the 〈◊〉 of TARENTVM . The Venetian Admirall thus forsaken of the French , and seeing the time past wherein hee expected the comming of the Great Master of the RHODES , brake vp the siege , and departed from LES●OS to CHIOS , and from thence to PAROS , where hee found the Master of the RHODES with his gallies ; vnto whom he complained greatly of the inconstancie of the French , imputing it vnto them , that the citie of MYTILENE was not woon : neither were they behind with him , but in euery place where they came , laid the fault as much or morevpon him . From PAROS the Venetian Admirall tooke his course to the Island of MELOS ; where hee found one Rhichius , an arch pyrate of the Turkes , who by force of tempest was driuen on shore , and by the suddaine comming downe of the Island people , taken him ( for that he had exercised exceeding crueltie vpon certaine Christians whom he had taken ) Pisaurius caused to be fast bound to a spit , and with a small fire to be rosted to death . From MELOS he returned to CORCYRA , and there wintered . The next Spring Pisaurius with certaine gallies which Alexander bishop of ROME had sent vnto him vnder the commaund of Iacobus Pisaurius bishop of PAPHIA , sayled to NERITOS , now called S. MAVRA , which is an Island parted from the firme land with a little fret of the sea , long time before that way let in by the Corinthians . Here Pisaurius suddenly landing his men , surprised the Island , and with wonderfull celeritie and industrie cast vp two great trenches in such sort and to so good purpose , that three thousand of the Turkes horsemen comming at a low water ouer that narrow strait which parteth the island from the maine , were with losse repulsed , and forced to retire . Whereupon S. MAVRA the cheefe citie was foorthwith deliuered vnto Pisaurius , with the rest of the island . The Venetians wearie of this long and chargeable warre against so mightie an enemie , sent Lodouicus Manetius their embassadour , to Baiazet , to entreat with him for peace : but Baiazet stood vpon such hard points , that nothing could at that time be concluded : yet Manetius so discreetly vsed the matter , that Baiazet sent with him at his returne to VENICE , his embassadour , to propound vnto the Senat such conditions as it pleased him to graunt them peace vpon . This embassadour had audience in the Senat twice , where hee in the name of his master propounded such prowd and vnreasonable conditions , that they were by the Senat rejected , and so he himselfe dismissed and sent backe againe . The yeare following the Venetians sent an embassadour to Baiazet , who mooued with the pitifull complaints of his owne subjects , for the dayly harmes they receiued from the Venetians alongst the sea coast , as also for want of trade ; and fearing also some troubles like to arise in his kingdome in ASIA ( as indeed there did not long after ) yeelded himselfe now more willing to heare of peace , than before . This embassadour called Zacharias Phriscus , was well heard of Baiazet , and after long sute had brought the matter he came for into some good tearmes : and being honourably rewarded by the Turkish emperour , returned home , carrying with him vnto the Senate farre more reasonable conditions of peace than had at any time before been by Baiazet propounded . Hereupon the Venetians shortly after sent Andreas Gritti ( an honourable Senatour ) a man well knowne to Baiazet both for his famous traffique in former time at CONSTANTINOPLE , and also for that in these late warres he was taken prisoner at the winning of METHONE , and his life spared at the intercession of Cherseogles ( Baiazet his sonne in law ) and afterward raunsomed : he in the name of the state from whence he came , concluded a peace with Baiazet . The capitulations whereof were , first that the Venetians should deliuer-vp the islands of NERITOS and LEVCADIA , reseruing vnto themselues the island of Cephalenia only : Then , that Baiazet should restore all such goods as had beene taken from the Venetian merchants , in these late warres ; and that it should be lawfull for them ( as they were wont ) safely to traficke into the Euxine sea , and to CONSTANTINOPLE ▪ and there to haue their Consull or gouernour as they had had in former time : And last of all , that the Venetian territorie should be certainly knowne , and separated from the Turkes by certaine bounds and limits . These conditions were solemnly agreed vpon , and confirmed both by Baiazet and the state of VENICE and so afirme peace concluded in the yeare 1503 , after the warres had continued betwixt them about the space of fiue yeares . The same yeare Baiazet assembled a great and puissant army of his best and most approued souldiours , as well in ASIA as EVROPE , which met togither at SOPHIA , purposing ( as it was thought ) to haue inuaded HVNGARIE : but worthely doubting the successe of that war against so warlike a nation , he changed his purpose , and leauing Achmetes Bassa with his Asian souldiors at SOPHIA , turned himselfe with the rest of his armie into ALBANIA ( to reduce those rebellious people againe to his obeisance ) and had before sent a fleet of gallies to stop the passages of that countrey alongst the sea coast . But the countrey people vnderstanding of his comming , fled into the high and rough rocks and mountaines , from whence they did the Turkes great harme : who neuerthelesse with incredible labour and aduenture , mounted those difficult places ; and killing an exceeding number of those mountaine and sauage people ; carried all the women and children they could light vpon , away with them prisoners : and with fire and sword made all the countrey desolate . After which spoile done , Baiazet returned with his armie to MANASTIRVM ; and departing thence , vpon the way met with a Deruislar ( which is a phantasticall and beggarly kind of Turkish monks , vsing no other apparell but two sheepskins , the one hanging before and the other behind ) a lustie strong fat fellow , attired after the manner of his order with a great ring in each eare : who drawing neere vnto Baiazet , as if he would of him haue receiued an almes , desperatly assailed him with a short scimitar which he had closely conuaied vnder his hypocriticall habit . But Baiazet by the starting of the horse whereon he rid ( being afraid at the sudden approach of the hobgoblin ) partly auoided the deadly blow by the traitor entended , yet not altogither vnwounded : neither had he so escaped the danger , had not Ishender Bassa with his horsemans mase presently struck downe the desperat villaine as he was about to haue doubled his stroke ; but being now struck downe , he was forthwith rent in pieces by the souldiours . This treacherous and desperat fact so much moued Baiazet , that he proscribed all them of that superstitious order , and banished them out of his empire . After so manie troubles Baiazet gaue himselfe vnto a quiet course of life , spending most part of his time in studie of philosophie , and conference with learned men : vnto which peaceable kind of life , he was of his owne naturall disposition more enclined than to warres ; albeit that the regard of his state , and the earnest desire of his men of warre , drew him oftentimes euen against his will into the field . As for the ciuile gouernment of his kingdome , he referred it wholy vnto his three principall Bassaes , Alis , Achmetes , and Iachia , who at their pleasure disposed of all things . After he had in this quiet and pleasing kind of life to his great contentment passed ouer fiue yeares , of a little neglected sparke suddenly arose such a fire in ASIA , as was hardly after with much bloud of his people and danger of that part of his empire quenched : the reliques whereof yet troubleth those superstitious people at this day . Which thing was brought to passe by the craftie deuise of Chasan Chelife , and Schach Culi his boy ( whom some call Teckel Scachoculis , and others Techellis ) two hypocriticall Persians : who flying into those countries , and with the counterfeit shew of faigned holinesse hauing procured vnto themselues a great name amongst those rude people , with a number of windie headed followers ( filled with the noueltie of their new doctrine ) raised first such a diuersitie of opinions about the true successours of their vntrue prophet ; and afterwards such a rebellion amongst the people , as that the one yet remaineth , and the other was not in a good while after with great bloudshed appeased . But for the better vnderstanding of the ground of these troubles , which hapned at this time in the raigne of Baiazet by occasion of these two fugitiue Persians ; as also of the mortall warres which afterwards ensued betwixt Hysmael ( commonly called the great Sophi of PERSIA ) and Selymus , Baiazet his successor : it shall not be much from our purpose briefly to declare the great mutation which at this time hapned in the Persian kingdome , as well in the state it selfe , as in matters of their superstition . At such time as Asymbeius Vsun-Cassanes raigned in PERSIA , there was one Haider Erdebil ( whom Iouius calleth by the name of Harduelles ) a man honorably discended amongst the Persians ; who contemning worldly honour , riches , pleasure , and whatsoeuer else belonged vnto delicacie of life ( commonly accounted the greatest part of humane felicitie ) as meere vanities and trifles , led such a straight and auster● kind of life , with such continencie and contempt of the world , as that the vulgar people , for most part giuen to pleasure ▪ wondering at that in him which they could not or would not themselues imitate , began to haue the man in singular admiration for the opinion they had conceiued of his vpright life and rare vertues . The fame of this new prophet ( for so he was accounted ) was growne so great in the Persian kingdome , that people without number resorted out of all parts of PERSIA and ARMENIA vnto the great citie of TAVRIS to see the man. And he the more to seduce the multitude ( delighted with nouelties ) began to inuay against the common receiued opinion of the Mahometanes , concerning the true successours of their great prophet ; and to reuiue the opinion of Gi●ni , surnamed So●i : persuading the people ( as if he had been inspired with some diuine inspiration ) That none of the professors of the Mahometane religion should inherit the kingdome of heauen after they were dead , but such as were the followers of Haly , the true successour of the great prophet Mahomet , and his fellow in writing . Whom he taught them onely to honour as priuie to the mind of the great prophet , and so to receiue his writings as of all others most authenticall ; rejecting Ebubekir , Omer , and Osman , with their writings , as most wicked & accursed men ; whom the Turkes had euer , and yet doe with the other Mahometanes , honour and worship as the true successours of their great prophet Mahomet , and his sincere interpretors , togither with the aforesaid Haly , whom the Persians doe onely acknowledge : and therefore in their praiers doe commonly say , Cursed be Ebubekir , Omer , and Osman , and God be fauourable to Haly and well pleased with him . Which their difference about the true successor of their prophet , in whom was no truth , hath been , and yet is , one of the greatest causes of the mortall wars betweene the Turks and Persians : and not the diuers interpretation of their law ( as manie haue written ) which among the Turkes and Persians is all one . Vsun-Cassanes mooued with the fame and vertues of this new prophet , or rather ( as some thought ) desirous to win the hearts of the multitude of them that had receiued this new phantasie ; gaue him in mariage his daughter Martha , begotten of the Christian ladie Despina the daughter of Calo Ioannes emperour of TRAPEZONDE . Which marriage the Christian emperour made with that Mahometane prince , and he also accepted thereof , thereby to strengthen themselues against the Turkish emperour Mahomet the Great ; whose power was then become a terrour vnto all his neighbour princes : but to how small purpose this policie serued them both , is before declared in the life of the same Mahomet . At the conclusion of this marriage , the emperour had specially couenanted with Vsun-Cassanes , that his daughter Despina might haue the free exercise of the Christian religion . Whereby it easily came to passe , that this Martha her daughter , instructed by her mother , became a Christian also : who now married by her father vnto this precise hypocrit Haider Erdebil , in short time bare him a sonne called Hysmael , whom she so much as she could trained vp in the principles of the Christian religion . Whereby it came to passe , that afterwards when hee had by rare fortune obtained the kingdome of PERSIA , he alwaies during his life had the Christians in good regard , and neuer found fault with their religion . Haider thus graced with the marriage of the great kings daughter Martha , only for his rare vertues and puritie of life , as was commonly supposed ; grew now into farre greater credit and estimation of the people than before . So that his doctrine and opinions began to be generally receiued , and the number of his followers so greatly augmented , that Iacup succeeding his father Vsun-Cassanes but lately dead , began to haue the power and credit of Haider his brother in law in suspect ; and to distrust least the Persians ( who secretly fauoured the remainder of the posteritie of their auntient kings ) should assemble togither vnder the colour of this new superstition , and raise some dangerous rebellion before he were well setled in his seat . For he was not ignorant , that Asembeius Vsun-Cassanes ( his father ) had but by force and pollicie vsurped the kingdome , hauing killed Moloonchres the lawfull king : whereof there arose two factions , some fauouring the vsurper , and other some the poore remainder of the discent of their auntient kings of the race of Tamerlane . For which causes Iacup ( as hee was of suspitious and troublesome nature , and aboue measure jealous of his state , nothing regarding the neere alliance or reputed holinesse of his godly brother in law ) caused him , suspecting no such matter , to be secretly murthered : and so hauing strucke off his head , with fire and sword persecuted all the professors of that new doctrine ; so to deliuer himselfe for euer of that his vaine and needlesse feare : Hysmael the sonne of Haider ( who was afterwards called the great Sophi of PERSIA ) being then but a child , as it were by fatall destinie escaped the furie of his cruell vncle Iacup , and fled into HIRCANIA vnto one Pyrchales his fathers friend , who then ruled in a small territorie neere vnto the Caspian sea . Amongst many other of the disciples and followers of Haider ( which in that cruell persecution were glad to flie for safegard of their liues ) the two before named Chasan Shelife , and Schach Culi , afterwards surnamed Cuselbas , in outward shew both of vertue and learning not inferiour vnto their master , flying that dangerous tempest and passing ouer the riuer Euphrates , came into ARMENIA the lesser , and there tooke vp their dwelling at the great mountaine ANTITAVRVS : at the foot whereof the broken rockes haue diuers darke and obscure caues , made partly by art , and partly by nature ; which place is of the inhabitants called Teke-Ili : whereof diuers historiographers , I know not whether deceiued by the name of the place , or else wittingly transferring the name of the place vnto the man that liued therein , haue called this Schach Culi ( who of the two proued of greater fame ) by the name of Techellis , by which name we will also from henceforth call him . A thing heretofore much vsed amongst the religious , and also some of the children of great princes , who oftentimes bare the names of the places where they were borne , or where they most liued . This place is both wholsome and exceeding pleasant , for the varietie of fruits and liuely springs , wherwith the plaines adjoyning are continually watered , and the mountains at all times of the yeare garnished . Here Shelife with his companion Techellis , hauing separated themselues farre from the companie of men , and giuen themselues wholy to a contemplatiue life , for diuers yeares liued most straitly and austerely , contenting themselues with such things as the earth of it selfe affoorded them , without seeking for better . These hipocrits were first seene , and afterwards acquainted with the sheepheards and heardsmen liuing vpon the mountaines : and in processe of time with the rude husbandmen and countrey people , who wondring at their strait and deuout kind of life , relieued them with all things necessarie . Yea Baiazet himselfe hearing of their austere and deuout manner of liuing , sent them yearely six or seauen thousand aspers ▪ as his almes giuen them vpon charitie and deuotion . But afterwards when they began to tell fortunes , and as it were by the way of diuination to prognosticat of things to come , the rurall people held them for more than men , and conceiued of them a firme opinion that they were some diuine prophets . And so were by the countrey people first drawne into the countrey villages , and afterwards as if it had been against their wils , into the cities ; where they had in short time filled all the countrey farre and neere , with the admiration of their fame . But after they began to publish their new phantasied doctrine concerning the true successour of their great prophet Mahomet , they wanted not their new-fangled followers ( as had Haider their master before among the Persians ) who had them in singular reuerence ; persuaded now by them , that they should be condemned for euer , if they did not ( as they were by them taught ) giue the honour of the true succession of their great prophet , onely to Hali , and him onely to reuerence and call vpon next vnto the great prophet himselfe . When they had thus with their often sermons and blind prophecies seduced the people , and in short time woon great credit amongst the vulgar sort , of themselues too much giuen to noueltie and superstition ; they commanded their disciples and followers to weare vpon their Turkish hats a red band or riband , whereby to be knowne from others that were not of their profession . Of which red bands or ribands , they which professed this new superstition , were and yet are ouer all the East part of the world called by the name of Cuselbassas , which is to say Red heads . Hysmaell also liuing in exile , most earnestly embraced that new superstition which Haider his father had before taught in PERSIA , but with farre better fortune and successe . For as soone as he was growne to mans estate , he following his fathers manner of life , and being by nature wonderfull eloquent , comely of person , exceeding wise , and of an inuincible courage , was of the rude vulgar people accounted of more like a god than a man : so that he grew to be of great fame and power amongst those barbarous people with whom he liued . And not the base and vulgar sort only , but diuers noblemen also and others of good reputation , once allured with the noueltie of his doctrine , the more to manifest their good will towards the author of their sect ; after they had forsaken their old superstition , ceased not ( as the manner of men is ) to cōmend him in the highest degree of vertue & honor . And he himselfe as yet but a youth , altogether bending his wit to the setting forth of himselfe , making semblant of more than was indeed in him , obtained , as if it had beene against his will , riches , honour , fame , and authoritie ; of all which things , hee as a notable dissembler seemed to make no account or reckoning : neither were there some wanting which would sweare , that Haider his father ( as he was an excellent Astronomer ) calculating his natiuitie , should say , That he should prooue a great prophet , and the author of true religion , who subduing the greatest part of the East , should become as glorious both in matters of religion and martiall affaires , as was Mahomet the Great prophet himselfe . Which report being bruted abroad amongst the vulgar people , greatly encreased his authoritie , and gaue them occasion to talke of wonders . Not long after Hysmaell was first by the admiration or rather assentation of his friends and followers , and afterwards as if it had ben by a generall consent , surnamed Sophos : which amongst those people signifieth a Wise man , or the interpreter of the gods . These prosperous beginnings , with the troubled state of the Persian kingdome , encouraged him to take in hand great matters : for his vncle Iacup the Persian king was long before dead , being together with his sonne poysoned by his adulterous wife : which thing he presently perceiuing , enforced her to drinke of the same cup ; and because he would be sure that she should not escape , with his owne hand strucke off her head , and immediately after died , with his sonne . After whose death great troubles arose about the succession : and diuers great men one after another aspired to the kingdome , which they enjoyed not long . And amongst the rest Eluan-beg ( whom Iouius calleth Aluantes ) at that time stood in no sure possession of the kingdome , being mightily impugned by his brother Moratchamus . Hysmaell taking hold of this opportunitie , armed diuers of the most able men of his followers , and receiuing some small aid from his poore old friend Pyrchales , entered into ARMENIA , and there partly by the fame that ran of him , and partly by the good will of the people , rather than by any force , recouered his fathers inheritance , whereunto the remembrance of his dead father did not a little further him . He encouraged with this good beginning , dayly grew stronger and stronger , by the continuall repairing vnto him of such as hauing once receiued the doctrine of Haider , were glad of long for ( feare of persecution ) to dissemble the same : but now hauing got an head and cheefetaine to cleaue vnto , began openly to shew themselues againe , and in great number to resort vnto him , in hope of the good successe of their religion , not so happely begun by his father . His power thus dayly encreasing beyond his expectation , he laied siege vnto SVMACHIA , a citie in the confines of MEDIA , which he tooke by force and sacked : and with the spoile thereof both enriched and armed his souldiors , which before were for most part naked men . The taking of this citie wonderfully encreased both his fame and courage , as oftentimes it falleth out , That haughtie minds , courageously attempting high exploits , by the good euent of their first attempts make way vnto the full of their stately desires . So after this , Hysmaell his thoughts were not so low , as to thinke of the taking of this or that litle citie ; but how he might now compasse the great citie of TAVRIS , the very seat of the Persian kings , and afterwards the kingdome it selfe . Whereupon reposing no lesse confidence in his owne good fortune , than the valour of his souldiors , he marched with his armie directly to the citie of TAVRIS , and that with such expedition , that he was come before it before any such thing was feared , much lesse prouided for . Eluan the Persian king was then at TAVRIS , and had but a little before fought a great battaile with his brother Moratchamus for the kingdome : and hauing vanquished him , draue him out of ARMENIA and PERSIA ; and afterwards , as it commonly falleth out in the winding vp of ciuile warres , had caused diuers of the cheefe citisens of TAVRIS , which had taken part with his brother against him , to be seuerely executed , filling the eyes of their friends with the horrible spectacle of their dismembred bodies , and the hearts of most men with sorrow and heauinesse : whereby he had so alienated the minds of the citisens from him , that now vpon the approch of Hysmaell , they were all readie to forsake him : of which their disposition Hysmaell was before-hand enformed , and vpon the good hope thereof had hasted his comming . Eluan the Persian king thus ouertaken on the suddaine , had not time to raise such forces as might suffice either to encounter his enemie , or defend the citie ; wherefore despairing of his owne strength , and justly fearing the reuolt and furie of the discontented citisens , as a man dismayed , suddainely fled out of the citie . After whose departure the gates were presently set open vnto Hysmaell . For the citisens which in those troublesome times ( wherein the two brethren contended for the kingdome ) had suffered great calamitie , chose rather in that present danger to receiue a conqueror of so great fame as was then Hysmaell , than to their vtter destruction to oppose themselues against him in the quarrell of their cruell king : and the rather , for that they saw a generall securitie and open way to preferment proposed vnto all such as should receiue the reformed religion of this new conquerour . Hysmaell entering the citie , slew certaine of the kings guard which were not yet departed , and then vtterly rased the stately tombe wherin his vncle Iacup was after the manner of the Persian kings royally buried . And to mitigate the sorrow hee had so long conceiued of his fathers death , and with reuenge to appease his angrie ghost , he caused the tyrants bornes to be digged vp and scattered abroad , and the memoriall of his name to bee quite rased out of all places of the citie . Although Hysmaell was thus possessed of the regall citie of TAVRIS , and had therby made a way for the obtaining of the whole kingdome ; yet hee knew that so long as Eluan liued , his conquest was not vnto him assured : and therefore to the vttermost of his power he augmented his armie with new supplies taken vp in that populous citie , whom he furnished with armour and weapons taken out of the kings armourie . In the meane time newes was brought vnto him , that the Persian king before fled into the farthest part of his kingdome , was now comming from SCYRAS with a great armie against him ; and that Moratchamus his brother , forgetting in this common danger all former quarrels , had raised a great armie about BABILON in ASSYRIA , in short time to joine with his brother . Hysmaell neuerthelesse nothing terrified with the report of the great preparation of the two brethren against him , to the intent hee might seeme to vndertake this warre by the appointment of God , and vpon a greater assurance than vpon his owne strength , resolued to go against them . And so after he had mustered his armie , and in best manner he could prouided all things necessarie , he set forward from TAVRIS : vsing no other persuasion to encourage his souldiors , but that they should as became resolute men , make hast and follow him whom God had giuen them for a cheefetaine and leader , vnto a most assured victorie . The Persian king was at the same time ten dayes journey from TAVRIS , when Hysmaell with incredible celeritie preuenting the fame of his comming , was come to the mountaine NIPHATES , which parteth ARMENIA from ASSYRIA : which mountaine Eluan purposing shortly to passe ouer with his populous armie , had sent before his scouts to discouer the straight passages , and a multitude of pioners to make the wayes more commodious for his great armie to passe . Which thing Hysmaell vnderstanding , and politickely considering that it should be much for his aduantage , if hee should first himselfe passe ouer those great mountaines , and so vpon the suddaine set vpon his enemies then lying in securitie , and fearing nothing lesse than such a desperat attempt : vpon that resolution aduanced his ensignes vp the mountaines ; and hauing with small resistance discomfited them which kept the passages , came downe the same mountaines like a tempest , and furiously assailed the king , then lying in his campe on the other side at the foot of the mountaine : vpon the approch of whom , such a hurly burly was raised in the kings campe , that what for the confused tumult of the souldiors , and fearefull outcries of the multitude of base people which followed the campe , the king could scarcely giue order vnto his captaines what he would haue done , or yet encourage his souldiors , or put them in order of battaile . So that Hysmaell giuing a fierce onset with his Armenian souldiors , there was suddainely begun a most terrible and bloodie battaile . Neither did that day the fortune of Hysmaell faile him , whose courage and prowesse neuer failed : For assailing the kings battaile of footmen , with three squadrons at once , he had ouercome them and put them to flight before that the horsemen could arme themselues and mount their horses , which were for most part vnsadled and vnbrideled at his comming . The king , who had nothing either feared or foreseene this so suddaine a mischeefe , but had vainely persuaded himselfe , That the very fame of his comming with so huge an armie , would so terrifie his enemies , as that hee should find none either at TAVRIS , or in all ARMENIA , that durst make resistance ; was glad now to run too and fro to encourage his souldiors , to stay his discomfited battailes , yea and to come to handie blowes himselfe . But when neither his captaines nor souldiors could put in execution his suddaine directions which he was enforced to giue in that imminent danger , being at once ouercome with shame and desperation , he resolutely thrust himselfe into the head of his battaile , and there valiantly fighting , was slaine . Whereupon the Persian horsemen , the greatest strength of the kings armie , hauing now no king for whom they should fight , betooke themselues to flight , after whom followed the archers and all the rest of the kings armie . When as Hysmaell had with lesse losse than a man would haue thought so great a victorie could haue beene atchieued , possessed the enemies tents , hee made no great pursute after them , for that he thought it more requisit to refresh his souldiors , throughly wearied and almost spent with long trauell and the late fight : wherefore for certaine dayes he reposed himselfe with his armie in those his enemies forsaken tents . Afterwards , when hee had receiued embassadours from diuers places , yeelding their cities and townes , and that the fauour of the people generally enclined to him , together with the victorie ; he marched with his armie to SCYRAS , where hee was of the citisens , who had before heard of the victorie , joyfully receiued , and his armie relieued with all things he could desire . Hysmaell there entertained with the greatest honours that the fearefull citisens could possibly attribute vnto him , did oftentimes preach vnto them of the truth and excellencie of his fathers doctrine , and withall gaue out straight proclamations , That he would account all them for his enemies , which did not within the space of thirtie dayes renounce their old superstition , and receiue this new found veritie ( as he would haue it . ) Wherefore for as much as on the one side were proposed most certaine rewards , by the happie course of his victories ; and on the other , was threatened exile and torture to such as should obstinatly persist in their opinion ; in short time hee drew all the vulgar people to embrace his new doctrine . And afterwards hauing payed his souldiors with the riches of that great citie , he gallantly furnished both his old and new souldiors that wanted armour , with most excellent armour and furniture : for in that citie , one of the greatest and most famous of the East , were many shops full of all kind of armour , which the armourers with wonderfull cunning vsed to make of yron and steele and the juice of certaine hearbes , of much more notable temper & beautie than are those which are made with vs in EVROPE ; not onely headpeeces , cuirasses , and complete armors , but whole caparisons for horses , curiously made of thin plates of yron and steele . Departing from SCVRAS , he tooke also the great cities of SAPHA , supposed to haue been the citie in antient time called SVSA , and SVLTANIA , which for the wonderfull ruines of the huge buildings , is deemed to haue been the antient and famous citie TIGRANOCERTA . These great matters quickely dispatched , and hauing in euery citie placed gouernours of his owne sect , hee passed ouer the riuer of TIGRIS into MESOPOTAMIA , of purpose to expulse Moratchamus the late kings brother out of BABILON , who was yet in armes , and had entended ( as is before said ) to haue passed into ARMENIA , to haue joyned his forces with the king his brother : but now terrified with his brothers calamitie ( who together with a most puissant armie , and the strength of the Persian kingdome , was in one day fallen from the height of so great a fortune ) thought it not best to trie his fortune in the field against so fortunate an enemie , but forthwith to withdraw himselfe into the remotest places of that large kingdome , and from thence to expect some better fortune . For he well knew that he was not able to withstand his victorious enemy , now leading after him a most puissant armie , who not long before had with a small power vanquished & slain his brother in a great battell . Hysmaell now by the greatnesse of his fame and forces , and as it were by the fauor of God himselfe , become a terror to all the princes of the East , entered into MESOPOTAMIA after the flight of Moratchamus , & receiued all that great prouince into his subjection , euery man as it were striuing who should first by his speedy submission purchase the fauor of the victorious conqueror . To be breefe , Moratchamus alreadie terrified , and reposing no great hope in himselfe , or his own power , neither deeming it for his safetie to shut himselfe vp within the wals of any strong citie , trussed vp his things of greatest price , and with his wiues and children fled into ARABIA . This Moratchamus is he whom some historiographers call Mara Beg , and is in the Turkes histories called Imirsa Beg , who ( as they report ) afterwards marrying the daughter of Baiazet , and recouering part of the Persian kingdome , was suddenly murthered by some of his nobilitie , whom he purposed secretly to haue put to death , if they had not preuented the same by murthering of him first . Hysmaell hauing victoriously subdued a great part of the Persian kingdome , and filled all the East part of the world with the glorie of his name , returned out of ASSYRIA into MEDIA , and tooke in such cities and strong holds as were yet holden by the garrisons of the late Persian king . And afterwards returning into ARMENIA , made wars vpon the Albanians , Iberians , and Scythians , which dwell vpon the borders of the Caspian : For that those nations , in auntient times tributaries vnto the Persian kings , taking the benefit of the long ciuile warres wherewith the kingdome of PERSIA and all the Easterne countries , with the ruine of the kings house , had been of late turmoiled ; had neither paied anie tribute by the space of foure yeares , nor sent anie honourable embassage as they were wont , and as was expected , especially in so great a victorie and alteration of the state . Hysmaell hauing thus obtained the Persian kingdome , in short time became famous through the world , and was justly accounted amongst the greatest monarchs of that age . But nothing made him more to be spoken of , than the innouation he had made in the Mahometane superstition : for by his deuise and commaundement , a new forme of prayer was brought into their Mahometane temples , farre differing from that which had been of long time before vsed . By reason whereof , Ebubekir , Homer , and Osman , the successours of their great prophet Mahomet , before had in great regard and reuerence , began now to be contemned , & their writings nothing regarded : and the honour of Hali exalted , as the true and onely successour of their great prophet . And because he would haue his subjects and the followers of his doctrine knowne from the Turkes and other Mahometanes , he commaunded that they should all weare some red hatband , lace , or riband vpon their heads ; which they religiously obserue in PERSIA vntill this day : whereof they are of the Turkes called Cuselbas or Redheads . And in short time he had so vsed the matter , that he was wonderfully both beloued and reuerenced of his subjects : insomuch that his sayings were accounted for diuine oracles , and his commaundements for lawes . So that when they would confirme anie thing by solemne oath , they would sweare by the head of Hysmaell the king : and when they wished well to anie man , they vsually said , Hysmaell grant thee thy desire . Vpon his coine which he made both of siluer and gold , on the one side was written these words , La illahe illalahu , Muhamedun resul allahe : which is to say , There are no gods but one , and Mahomet is his messenger . And on the other side , Ismaill halife lullahe ; which is to say , Hysmaell the Vicar of God. Whilest Hysmaell was thus wrestling for the Persian kingdome , Chasan Chelife and Techellis ( whom wee haue a little before declared to haue beene brought out of the mountaines and desarts into the countrey villages , and afterwards into the cities ; and to haue filled the countries of ARMENIA and a great part of the Lesser ASIA with the noueltie of their new doctrine and opinions , first phantasied by one Giunet Siech , and afterward reuiued by Haider Erdebill Hysmaell his father ) hauing gathered a great armie of such as had receiued their doctrine , inuaded the Turkes dominion . For after that Techellis ( this cold prophet ) had with wonderfull felicitie in the presence of manie prognosticated of things to come ; and Hysmaell the Sophi ( of late a poore exiled and banished man ) was thought to haue growne vnto the highest type of worldly honours , not by mans helpe , but by vprightnesse of life , and the fortunate passage of an vndoubted religion : such a desire of receiuing that new superstition possessed the mindes of the people in generall , that the cities and townes thereabouts were now full of them which in token of their new profession had taken vpon them the wearing of the red hat , the knowne 〈◊〉 of the Cuselbas . First they met togither at the citie of TASCIA at the foot of the mount●●●ne ANTITAVRVS , or as the Turkish historie reports , at the citie of ATTALIA , to the number of ten thousand vpon a great Faire day ; where they laied hands vpon the chiefe magistrate of the citie and executed him , setting his quarters vpon foure of the highest towers of the citie : and farther persuaded by these new masters of this new superstition , to take vp armes in defence of themselues and of their sincere religion ( as they tearmed it ) in case that anie violence should be offered them by the irreligious Turkes ; they all swore neuer to forsake their captaines for anie distresse , or yet refuse anie labour or aduenture for the honour of their most holy religion ( as they would haue it ) in defence whereof , they had alreadie vowed their soules and bodies . These ringleaders of rebellion , seeing the minds of their franticke followers so well prepared for their purpose , and reposing a great confidence in their valour and resolution ; and withall considering that the money which was bountifully brought in vnto them by the countrey people , partly for deuotion , partly for feare , was not sufficient to maintaine so great a multitude ; gaue leaue by publike proclamation to their vnruly followers , to forage the countrey round about them , and to liue vpon the spoile of them which would not receiue that new found doctrine . Whereupon they deuiding themselues into diuers companies , and raunging vp & down the country , brought into the campe great abundance of cattell and other such things as the countrey yeelded : and forthwith ( their multitude still encreasing ) they entered into LYCAONIA , a populous and fruitfull countrey , where they refreshed themselues manie daies , roaming vp and downe to the great grieuance and terrour of the people : and brought such a feare vpon the whole countrey , that they which dwelt in open dorpes and villages , were glad to flie with their wiues , children , and goods into the strong citie of ICONIVM : for proclamations were in manie places set vp in the names of Chasan Chelife and Techellis , wherein manie both spirituall and temporall blessings were in most ample manner proposed to all such as should forthwith take part with them , and follow that their new doctrine alreadie established in PERSIA : But vnto such as should obstinatly perseuere in their old superstition , after they had once drawne their sword , was threatened vtter destruction without hope of pardon or life . So that all the inhabitants thereabouts , terrified with the terrour of this proclamation , some for feare of death , some vpon vnconstancie ; some for safegard of their goods and possessions ( dearer vnto them then any religion ) some other indebted , infamous , in danger of law : beside manie fugitiue seruants daily resorted to these new masters . Not long after , whilest the Turks were making preparation for the suppressing of this dangerous rebellion , certaine troupes of horsemen sent from Hysmaell came in good time to these new prophets : for Hysmaell in fauour and furtherance of that new superstition , had a little before by fit messengers , exhorted them to proceed couragiously in their so religious an enterprise , and to joyne martiall force vnto the religion they professed : promising further , not to bee wanting vnto them at their need , but to send them skilfull leaders , and from time to time to furnish them with coine for the maintenance of that warre . All this Hysmaell did openly in despight of Baiazet , of small beginnings to sow the seed of greater warre . For he bearing an old grudge against Baiazet , for the former warres betwixt the Turkes and the Persians , as also for their disagreement in matters concerning their superstition ; and prickt forward with the heat of youth , desired nothing more in the greatnesse of his power , and prosperous successe of his affaires , than to haue occasion to make wars with the Turkish king : For which purpose he sent his embassadours vnto the state of VENICE to joyne with them in league and amitie , in such forme ond sort , as they had long time before by Catarinus Zenus , Barbarus and Contarenus their embassadours , concluded with Vsun-Cassanes the great Persian king his grandfather . The chiefe things that he requested of the Venetians was , That they would send him out of ITALIE by the way of SYRIA , men skilfull in the casting of great ordinance , and with their fleet to trouble Baiazet by sea : promising in the meane time himselfe to fill ASIA the lesse with his army by land , and so to giue a faire occasion vnto them , to recouer by sea all such places , as they had before in the late warres lost vnto the Turkes vpon the coast of PELOPONESVS and GRaeCIA . The Venetians hauing with all courtesie entertained the embassadours , gaue them answere , That they would neuer be forgetfull of the antient league and amitie they had made with the Persian king ; the remembrance whereof , was vnto their state a thing most pleasant : and that they were wonderfull glad , that the new king was an enemie vnto the Turke , and had them in suc● 〈◊〉 , as to participat vnto them the causes of that warre : and farther to promise vnto them those t●●ngs , which if his grandfather Vsun-Cassanes or his vnckle Iacup would haue performed , he should not now haue had need to make warres with the Turkish emperour . But such was the alteration of things and times , that as the Persian kings then liuing at home in peace , thought it not good to stir whilest Baiazet was busie in EVROPE ; so now their state standing in far worse condition and fortune , could not performe that which they heartily wished , and most of all desired : for that they thought it not good to breake the league which they had not long before made with Baiazet the Turkish emperour : especially then , when sundrie warlike nations of EVROPE conspiring togither , and diuers mightie kings prouoked with no injurie , but onely enuying at their happie estate , made warres vpon them ; yet were neuerthelesse in good hope , that God would stand in their just defence , and still preserue their state , which no enemies power had for the space of 700 yeares and more , euer beene able to ouercome . Wherefore they should shew vnto their king , that they would as occasion should serue , and as it should stand with the good of their state , doe their vttermost deuoire , to make him vnderstand , that nothing was deerer vnto them than the friendship of so great a king : nor anie thing more honourable than by mutuall counsell and combined forces , to assaile the Turke their common enemie . Shortly after , the embassadours ( hauing obtained nothing more than the hope of a league to be in time concluded , and being honourably rewarded ) returned with their gallies to CYPRVS , and so from thence to SYRIA , where they had secret conference with Petrus Zenus ( the sonne of Catarinus Zenus , a man famous for his embassage vnto Vsun-Cassanes into PERSIA ) gouernour of the Venetian merchants at DAMASCO . Which thing Baiazet hauing intelligence of , and of the passage of the Persian embassadors that way , cōplained grieuously both by his embassadors and letters vnto Campson Gaurus Sultan of Aegypt , that he dealt not as a friend and confederat with him ; in suffering those embassadours so to passe through the middest of SYRIA vnto the Christians their common enemies , to stir them vp to warre . Whereupon , all the Venetian merchants which were at TRIPOLIS , ALEPPO , DAMASCO , BERYTVS , and ALEXANDRIA , and especially Zenus himselfe , were forthwith apprehended by the commandement of the great Sultan , and carried in bonds to CAIER : where they were manie times enforced in chaines to answere vnto such things as were laid to their charge , and after they had by the space of a yeare endured the manifold despights of the prowd Mamalukes , hardly obtained to escape with life and libertie . The two seditious prophets Chasan and Techellis well strengthned with the aid of the Persians , were now come vnto ICONIVM the most famous citie of LYCAONIA ; and wasting all the country before them , drew a great multitude of people to receiue their new doctrine . For the repressing of which outrages , Orchanes and Mahomethes , two of Baiazet his nephews ( who insteed of their fathers Alem Schach and Tzihan Schach , the sonnes of Baiazet before dead , gouerned those countries ) gathered togither their forces , and disdaining to suffer such disgrace by such a rabble of rascall people , in the sight of so famous a citie , came into the field to giue them battell . But they in their youthfull heat making too much hast , and joyning battell in a place of disuantage , were by the rebels ouerthrowne and put to flight . Neither would these ringleaders in that victorie haue forborne to haue assailed ICONIVM , but that they wanted artillerie and engines of war requisit for the besieging of cities . Corcutus also one of the sonnes of Baiazet , hauing at the same time leuied a conuenient army about THYATIRA , SYPILVS , MAGNESIA , and PHOCEA , durst not farther stur or set forward against the rebels , although they lay dispersed about the countrey fast by him . These new prophets with ensignes displaied , marching from countrey to countrey through the heart of the lesser ASIA , entered at length into BYTHINIA , where neere vnto the riuer Sangarius they met with Caragoses Bassa the Viceroy of ASIA , comming against them with a great army well appointed , which he had a little before raised vpon the bruit of the comming of these rebels ; and had also commaunded Acomathes ( whom the Turkes call Achmetes ) the eldest sonne of Baiazet then liuing , gouernour of the great countries of CAPADOCIA and PONTVS , to raise his power , and to follow at the backe of the rebels : who if they should hap to be put to the worse , would neither be able to retire , neither to keepe the field , being so shut vp betwixt two great armies . But Techellis by his speedie comming , frustrated these designes of the Viceroy : for marching with all possible speed , he was vpon Caragoses before he was well aware of his comming , neere vnto the mountaine HORMYNVS ; as he was then taking vp of mo souldiours , and daily expected the comming of others , as if he had beene going against some puissant enemie . The Viceroy seeing the rebels approach , although he had before not purposed to haue encountred them before he had raised farre greater forces : thought it not now to stand with his honour to refuse to giue them battell , although his armie for most part consisted of the rude countrey peasants , taken vp vpon the sudden out of PAPHLAGONIA , GALATIA , PONTVS , and BYTHINIA , raw souldiours , and for most part vnarmed : as commonly they are which in those countries are pressed against their wils out of the townes and villages , and are of the Turkes called Asapi , who of the Ianizaries are scarcely accounted for men . But his greatest confidence he reposed in the approued valour of his auntient horsemen , by whose meanes he doubted not , in safetie to retire out of the battell , and to saue himselfe if anie thing should fall out otherwise than well ; making no great account of the common souldiours more than by them if he could to weaken the force of the rebels : who on the other side ( their greatest force consisting of footmen ) had no hope to saue themselues by flight , but onely by plaine valour and dint of sword . Which Techellis well considering , exhorted his souldiours to remember into what countrey they were come , and that there was no cities of refuge , no new power , no other gods of defence to flie vnto , if they should not that day play the men : Wherefore let vs couragiously ( said he ) set forward against our enemies , and by victorie defend our liues , togither with the truth of our religion , for which we haue vowed both our soules and bodies . He had scarce said thus much , but that his whole army ( in token of cheerfulnesse ) gaue a most terrible shout , & without farther stay , set vpon their enemies . The Viceroy had placed his footmen in the maine battell in the middle , and his horsemen in the wings , thereby to haue compassed in his enemies : but Techellis had set all his footmen in one great square battell , and his Persian horsemen for a refuge . But the Viceroy his freshwater souldiors , could scarcely abide the sight of Techellis his army : for in the front of the battell stood souldiours throughly armed , and all the rest of his armie with red hats vpon their heads , as if they had been embrued with bloud , which wonderfully terrified the Bassaes cowardly and vnskilfull souldiors : so that hauing endured the fight scarcely halfe an houre , they all turned their backs and fled . The Turkish horsemen which had valiantly assailed the rebels army on both sides , although they had slaine manie with their arrowes and launces , and somewhat disordered the battell , for that the footmen were enforced to leaue their places , and to presse still on forwards against them ; yet when Techellis his souldiours ( hauing ouercome the footmen , and diuiding themselues into diuers squadrons ) began with their long pikes to kill their horses , and to lay hardly vnto them , they likewise betooke themselues to flight also . Then the Persian horsemen ( which all this while had stood still as lookers on ) left their standings , and following the chase slew manie of the Turkes in their disordered flight : and following fast on , enclosed the Viceroy as he was staying of his horsemen , and could not for the thicknesse of the dust well discerne his enemies ; so that he had beene there taken , if he had not beene speedily rescued by his guard , and so deliuered from that danger : The rest of the Turkes horsemen saued themselues by flight . In this battell seauen thousand of the Turkes footmen were slaine , and all their ensignes taken , with great store of prouision . After which victorie , Chasan and Techellis resting their armie one day , marched to the citie of CVTAIE , neere vnto the mountaine HORMINIVS : This citie is scituated as it were in the middest of ASIA the lesse , and is the seat of the Turkish emperours Viceroy in ASIA ; as SOPHIA in MoeSIA is for his other Viceroy in EVROPE : For it was reported , that the country people had for feare of the present warre , conuaied thither the greatest part of their wealth ; and the rebels well knew , that the Viceroy himselfe with his chiefe horsemen were fled thither also : Neither doubted they , but that all the armie might be greatly enriched by the wealth of that cittie , if they should without delay employ their whole forces for the gaining thereof ; their enemies now altogither discouraged with their late ouerthrow . Techellis also deeming that enterprise of so much worth as whereon to gage his whole forces , comming before the citie , placed such field pieces as he had before taken in the battell , and his archers in such fit places as might most annoy the defendants ; afterwards hee caused scaling ladders to be set vp , and proclamation made through all his campe , That the whole spoile of the citie should be the souldiours , if they could take it ; with promise of greater rewards to them that should first recouer the top of the walles . Filled with this hope , the rebellious multitude approched the wall , fearing neither enemies force , multitude of shot , or danger of death ; striuing who should first mount the ladders , and some clambering one in the necke of another , so to get vp by the ruines of the wall . The defendants in the meane time from aboue casting downe vpon them great stones , timber , fire , scalding water , lime , sand , and such like without measure : Wherwith although many were ouerthrown and crusht to death or spoiled , yet others presently stept vp in their place ; neither was anie of them seene for feare of so present danger , to shrinke backe or be discouraged . For the Viceroy on the one side , and Techellis on the other , were both eyewitnesses of euery mans valour in that hot seruice : the one prickt forward with doubtfull hope , for feare to be enforced to giue ouer the assault so begun ; and the other , with the due regard of his honour , life , and state , all subject to that danger ; and therefore in person himselfe performed all the parts of a woorthie cheefetaine and couragious souldior . But at length the defendants wearied with the fierce assault of the enemie , and for most part wounded , Techellis continually sending in fresh men , and withdrawing such as were hurt , by plaine force brake into the citie in two places ouer the heapes of the dead bodies : and hauing repulsed the defendants , burst open one of the gates , and thereby brought in his whole armie . Then began a miserable slaughter of the souldiors and poore citisens in euery house and corner of the citie . At which instant , the pallace whether the viceroy had retired himselfe with his familie , was also taken . The viceroy himselfe , with his wiues and children , were there also taken prisoners , and the stately pallace built of marble , in a trice consumed with fire . The rich citie of CVTAIE , the seat of the great commander of the Turkish empire in ASIA , thus taken by Techellis , and his whole armie both beautified and enriched with the spoile therof : he persuaded himselfe , that it was now no hard matter for him to take the citie of PRVSA also , the antient seat of the Turkish kings in BYTHINIA , and so to endanger the whole state of the Turkes empire in ASIA , if he should now without delay carrie the terrour of himselfe thither , before the Turkes could in that countrey make head against him , or the citizens be able in so suddaine a feare to make any sufficient prouision for the defence of themselues and their citie ; and so in the course of his good fortune to vse the courage and cheerefulnesse of his souldiors . Wherefore appointing a day when he would set forward , he commaunded all things necessarie to bee made readie for the taking of that rich citie , being neither strongly walled neither furnished with any good garrison for the defence thereof . But whilest hee was making this preparation , a new armie , lately shipt ouer the Hellespont from CALLIPOLIS into ASIA , enforced him to change his former determination . For Baiazet awaked at the name of Techellis , and the fame of the new superstition now generally receiued in PERSIA , had long before giuen commaundement to his sonnes , nephewes , and the viceroy of ASIA , That they should with all carefulnesse prouide , that that part of his kingdome tooke no harme thereby . But after he saw Techellis of a poore hermit become a great captaine , and backt also with the Persian king , and all his dominions in ASIA now in danger of some great alteration , he sent Alis Bassa ouer with his Europeian armie . This Alis an eunuch , borne in MACEDONIA ( yet for his courage comparable with the greatest captaines ) had for his many and worthie deserts , in the time of the great emperour Mahomet , Baiazet his father , got vnto himselfe both the honour and name of a most famous cheefetaine . He hauing made choice of the principall horsemen of EPIRVS , MACEDONIA , SERVIA , ILLYRIA , and THRACIA , and joyning vnto them seuen thousand Ianizaries ( the most assured hope of the Turkes in all their expeditions ) passed ouer from CALLIPOLIS into PHRYGIA , and vpon the way directed his letters vnto Achomates and Corcutus , Baiazet his sonnes , and to all the other Sanzackes and Gouernours of the Turkes prouinces in ASIA , That they should with as much speed as they could raise their forces , and meet him in GALATIA . But Techellis aduertised of his comming , thought it best for him to depart out of PONTVS , and to retire to some place of more safetie , least by longer staying he should be enclosed by his enemies , repairing thither wards on euery side , or els vpon some great disaduantage be enforced to joyne battaile : for he saw , that if he stayed neuer so little , he should find no safe passage or place of refuge to retire vnto , hauing left such large and spacious countries , so many enemies cities , so many great riuers , so many discontented people behind him ; all which the first fauour of the vulgar sort , and speedie course of his victorie , had a little before laid open vnto him . Wherefore calling together his captaines and most expert men of warre to consult vpon the matter , it was generally thought to bee a point of meere madnesse , or els of extreame necessitie , with so small a power of vnskilfull souldiors , without any sufficient strength of horsemen , to joyne battaile with such an enemie as better knew the country than he , and farre exceeded him both for the number and expertnesse of his souldiors . Wherefore Techellis trussing vp the rich prey he had before gotten , began now with speed to retire back againe with his followers through GALATIA . But the Bassa hauing intelligence almost euery houre by letters and espials both of the retiring of Techellis , and the way hee held , passed ouer the riuer Sangarius ; and coasting the countrey , came and encamped betwixt the cities of CVTAIE and ANCYRA , which way it was supposed the enemie would passe . Where when he had there a while rested his wearied souldiors , and was certainely aduertised , that the rebels had taken another way , he set forward againe , and after fiue dayes march in the plaines of GALATIA , ouertooke the straglers of the enemies , who wearied or wounded , were not able to hold way with the armie : all whom the Bassa commaunded to be cruelly put to the sword . And Techellis to terrifie the great Bassa ; or at leastwise with a most horrible spectacle to stay his pursute , caused Caragoses the viceroy , whom hee had carried along with him in chaines , to be cruelly empaled by the high way side vpon a great sharpe stake set fast in the ground , and so left him sticking for the Turkes to wonder at . But Alis Bassa nothing dismayed with the horrible death of so great a personage , held on his way with more hast than good speed , exhorting his souldiours patiently to endure the painfulnesse of the long march , and to straine themselues to take reuenge of those rebellious theeues and robbers , who destroying the countrey before them , spared not so much as the Turks children and the temples of their religion : and so the day following came into the plaines of ANCYRA . The same day also Achomates came vnto the Bassa with ten thousand souldiors . Alis Bassa perceiuing that he could not possibly with his whole armie ouertake his enemies marching with greater speed before him , and greeued at the heart to see them escape out of his hands , resolued to proue if hee could with his horsemen ouertake them : wherevpon leauing his footmen with Achomates , hee himselfe with eight thousand horse following the enemie vpon the spurre , ouertooke the rereward of their armie at the mountaine OLYGA , a little from the citie of ANCYRA , vnto whom he gaue an hot skirmish . Techellis which a little before had taken a fit place for his campe , vpon the rising of the hill , although he saw his men faint with long trauell and the scorching heat of the Sunne , yet quickly perceiuing that he should haue to doe onely with horsemen , and that in a place of aduantage ; turning his armie , and orderly placing his souldiors , as the ground and the shortnesse of the time would giue leaue , valiantly receiued the impression of the Turkes , and with their long pikes and arrowes at the first repulsed them : so that it seemed , they would neither haue giuen ground vnto the bragging horsemen , neither haue done any thing not beseeming their former victories , had not Alis Bassa sent in a thousand Carbines , who in troupes orderly following one another , deliuered their shot as thicke as haile vpon the enemie : with which storme many of them being slaine , and moe wounded , their rankes began to be somewhat disordered : whereupon the other horsemen breaking in , with great slaughter ouerthrew the vauntguard of Techellis battaile : in which conflict Chasan Chelife himselfe was slaine . Techellis alwayes at hand where most need was , euen in the middest of the slaughter of his men , set in order a new battaile of his most readie and best armed souldiors , the onely remedie in so great a distresse ; and bringing them on into the front of the battaile , opposed them against the horsemen , now ( as they thought ) in possession of the victorie : commaunding them by little and little to retire vnto the mountaine , to the intent that they might seeme to doe that by commandement of the generall , which they were like ynough to haue done of themselues for feare ; hoping that it would so come to passe , That the Turkes finding the disaduantage of the place , would leaue so hardly to assaile them . But the Bassa encouraged with the first successe of the battaile , exhorted his souldiors to vrge the victorie , now almost as good as gotten , and not to giue the enemie space to recouer the strength of the mountaine , but valiantly to charge them , and with a little short paines that day to end all that warre , to the honour of Baiazet their soueraigne , and worthie commendation of themselues in generall . In this sort encouraging them , he with a troupe of his best horsemen ( to animate the rest , and to shew his owne valour ) brake through the enemies battaile : which thing he in the same heat , with more courage than discretion , attempting to performe the second time , was enclosed by his enemies and slaine : vpon whose fall the fortune of the battaile was in a moment changed . For the Turkes , which erst fought courageously , hauing beaten backe and almost ouerthrowne their enemies , now dismayed with the death of their Generall , began to fight but faintly , and by little and little to giue ground , and at last turning about their horses , fled . On the other side , Techellis his souldiours , who but a little before had reposed greater hope in the strength of the place and the mountaine , than in their weapons and valour , now encouraged with new hope , and taking heart in the faint charge of their enemies , began to thrust forward , and with a most terrible noise crying victorie , put to flight the Turkes horsemen , before wearied with long trauell , when as they had by the rashnesse of their Generall lost a notable victorie almost already gained . Techellis although he knew that the enemie could neither refresh his horses , nor yet with any assurance keepe the field , if he should haue pursued him ; yet hauing lost many of his best soldiors , and the rest of his armie sore weakened with trauell , fasting and fighting , determined to refresh his wearied followers vpon the mountaine OLYGA . From whence after a few dayes he marched ouer the riuer Halys vnto the citie of TASCIA , his old dwelling place , and so to the citie of CELENIS , which the riuer Marsya ( much spoken of by the Poets ) runneth thorow , and is now called by the name of MARAS , but as then the regall seat of the mountaine king Aladeules . The Turkes horsemen hauing thus in some small sort rather reuenged the injuries done by the rebels than obtained any victorie , returned to Achomates , who was then comming on with the footmen . Not long after Baiazet vnderstanding of the death of Alis Bassa his Generall , sent Ionuses Bassa , a warlike captaine , and of great experience ( borne in EPIRVS ) in his stead . Who as soon as he had receiued the charge of the armie from Achomates , marching forthwith into CAPPADOCIA , and keeping the way on the right hand towards the mountaine ANTITAVRVS , came in few dayes vnto the citie of TASCIA , the place of Techellis his abode : where burning and destroying the countrey all about , he came and encamped with his armie at the foot of the mountaine . The Bassa had in his armie aboue fortie thousand horse and foot , well appointed with many field peeces , and plentie of victuals which he brought with him , for feare of want in that bare countrey . Techellis terrified with his comming , hauing of late receiued no aid from Hysmaell the Persian king , and wanting also great artillerie ; and besides that , seeing his souldiors greatly both deminished and discouraged with the late battaile at OLYGA ; determined not vpon so great disaduantage to meet his enemie in the plaine field , but to keepe the rough mountaine and thicke woods , hoping that if he could be able any time to keepe those strong places , hee should either receiue some aid from Hysmaell , or by the heat of the Turkes leaders take them at some notable aduantage . In the meane time many notable skirmishes passed betwixt the souldiors on both sides : for the Turkes fetching a compasse oftentimes about the mountaines , and seeking for the best passages , by the easie rising of the hils , came to skirmish with their enemies : and Techellis his souldiors on the other side , sallying many times out of the woods and abrupt places of the mountaines , valiantly assailed the Turkes . After they had a long time in this sort , as if it had beene in disport , rather proued their forces one vpon another than done any great matter , the Turkes prying into euery corner , at length perceiued two wayes whereby their whole armie with ensignes displayed might without any great difficultie bee brought vnto the top of the mountaine , and so into their enemies strength . The Bassa hauing well viewed and considered the places , caused the Ianizaries at one instant to march vp to the mountaine by one of the aforesaid wayes , and the rest of his armie by the other : who with soft pace climing vp the steepe mountaines , with their targuets defended themselues as well as they could against their enemies darts and shot . For Techellis his souldiours hauing before taken the high mountaines and places of aduauntage , cast downe vpon the Turkes great stones and shot without number , as if it had beene out of some strong forts . But the Turkes bending certaine small field peeces against the places which most annoied them , easily draue them from their standings ; the harquebusiers still following their ensignes , shrouded close vnder the targuetiers , and deliuering their deadly shot as showers of raine vpon their enemies . Whose desperat approch Techellis perceiuing , caused a retreat to be sounded , and with all his armie retired farther off into the higher mountaines and rougher woods . The night following , perceiuing that by the euill successe of the former skirmish he had lost a great part of his credit and strength , he with great silence forsooke the woods , and passing quite ouer the mountaines fled into ARMENIA , then part of the Persian kingdome . Neither did the Turkes perceiue their departure vntill it was light day , and that their scouts entring the thicke woods , and finding the enemies baggage with some wounded souldiors not able to flie , brought newes vnto the Bassa of the enemies departure and of his speedie flight into ARMENIA . Which thing when hee by them which were taken , vnderstood to be certainely true , fretting and chafing like a mad man , that hee had not presently vpon the enemies retreat beset the wood round , he sent his horsemen forthwith to pursue them : but all in vaine , for Techellis was by direct and knowne wayes gone into ARMENIA . Some few straglers not able to make so much hast as the rest , were ouertaken by the Turkes horsemen , and brought backe to the Bassa . Techellis thus put to flight , Ionuses caused strait inquisition to be made through all the cities of the lesser ASIA , for all such as had professed the Persian religion : and them whom he found to haue borne armes in the late rebellion , hee caused to be put to death with most exquisit torments , & the rest to be burnt in their foreheads with an hot yron , thereby for euer to be knowne ; whom , together with the kinsfolkes and friends of them that were executed , or fled with Techellis , he caused to be transported into EVROPE , and to be dispersed through MACEDONIA , EPIRVS , and PELOPONESVS : for feare least if Techellis now fled into the Persian kingdome , should from thence returne with new forces , they should also againe repaire vnto him , and raise a new rebellion . This was the beginning , course , and ending of one of the most dangerous rebellions that euer troubled the Turkish empire : wherein all , or at leastwise the greatest part of their dominions in ASIA might haue been easily surprised by the Persian king , if he would thoroughly haue prosecuted the occasion and opportunitie then offered . The remainder of Techellis his followers , flying into PERSIA , by the way lighting vpon a Carauan of merchants laden with silkes and other rich merchandise , tooke the spoile thereof : for which outrage comming to TAVRIS the captaines were all by the commandement of Hysmaell executed , and Techellis himselfe to the terrour of others burnt aliue . The next yeare ( which was the yeare 1509 , the fourteenth day of September ) chanced a great and terrible earthquake in the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , and the countries thereabouts : by the violence whereof , a great part of the wals of that imperiall citie , with manie stately buildings both publike and priuat , were quite ouerthrowne , and thirteene thousand people ouerwhelmed and slaine . The terrour whereof was so great , that the people generally forsooke their houses , and lay abroad in the fields : yea Baiazet himselfe , then verie aged and sore troubled with the gout , for feare thereof remoued from CONSTANTINOPLE to HADRIANOPLE ; but finding himselfe in no more safetie than before , he left the citie and lay abroad in the fields in his tent ▪ This earthquake endured by the space of eighteene daies , or ( as the Turkes histories report ) of a moneth , with verie little intermission ; which was then accounted ominous , as portending the miserable calamities which shortly after happened in the Othoman family . After this earthquake ensued a great plague , wherewith the citie was grieuously visited , and for the most part vnpeopled . But after that the earthquake was ceased , and the mortalitie assuaged ; Baiazet caused the imperiall citie to be with all speed repaired , and to that purpose gaue out commissions into all parts of his dominion for the taking vp of workmen : so that there were at once in worke eightie thousand workmen , who in most beautifull manner , in the space of foure moneths againe repaired the ruines of that great citie . Baiazet had by his manie wiues , eight sonnes and six daughters , which liued to be men and women growne , and the sonnes all gouernours in diuers prouinces of his large empire : whom the Turkish histories reckon vp in this order , Abdullah Zelebi , Alem Schach , Tzihan Schach , Achmet , Machmut , Corcut , Selim , and Muhamet . Yet Antonius Vtrius a Genoway , who long time liued in Baiazet his court , and ( as he of himselfe writeth ) waited in his chamber at the time of his death , reckoning vp the sons of Baiazet , maketh mention but of these six , Sciemscia , Alemscia , Achomates , Mahometes , Selymus , and Corcutus : naming the forenamed by names something differing from the other . Sciemscia the eldest , gouernor of CARAMANIA , for his towardlinesse most deerely beloued of his father , died of a naturall death before him , and was of him and his subjects greatly lamented . Alemscia died in like manner , of whose death as soone as he was aduertised , by mourning letters written in blacke paper with white characters ( as their manner of writing is , in certifying of heauie newes ) he cast from him his scepter with all other tokens of honour , and caused generall mourning to be made for him in the court , and through all the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , by the space of three daies ; during which time all shops were shut vp , all trading forbidden , and no signe of mirth to be seene : and for a certaine space , after the manner of their superstition , caused solemne sacrifices to be made for the health of his soule , and 7000 Aspers to be giuen weekly vnto the poore . His dead bodie was afterward with all princely pompe conuaied to PRVSA , and there with great solemnitie buried . Tzihan gouernor of CARIA , and Mahomet gouernor of CAPHA , vpon their fathers heauie displeasure , were by his commaundement both strangled . Of his other foure sonnes , Achmet , otherwise called Achomates ; Machmut or Mahometes , Corcut or Corcuthus , and Selymus ; the second ( namely Mahometes ) was of greatest hope and expectation , not giuen to sensualitie or voluptuous pleasure as Achomates his eldest brother , neither altogither bookish as was Corcuthus , nor yet of so fierce and cruell a disposition as Selymus : but of such a liuely spirit , sharpe wit , bountifull disposition , and princely carriage of himselfe , that in the judgement of most men , he seemed alreadie worthie of a kingdome . Which immoderat fauour of the people , caused his elder brother Achomates , yea and Baiazet also himselfe to haue him in no small jealousie , as if he had affected the empire ; and was in short time the cause of his vntimely death . Which thing he nothing doubting , hastened ( as fatall things are ) by such meanes as hee least feared might haue procured anie such mortall distrust or danger . Most of Baiazet his children were by diuers women , yet Achomates and this Mahometes were by one and the same mother : for which cause , Mahometes tooke greater pleasure in him than in any his other brethren , although it were not answered with like loue againe . Achomates was lord and gouernour of AMASIA , and this Mahometes of MAGNESIA ; who desirous to see the manner of his brothers life and gouernment , disguised himselfe with two of his familiar and faithfull friends , as if they had been religious men , of that order which the Turkes call Imailer . [ These men are for most part comely personages , borne of good houses , who in cleanly attire made after an homely fashion , doe at their pleasure wander vp and downe from towne to towne , and countrey to countrey , noting the disposition and manners of the people ; whereof as fitteth best their purpose , they make large discourses afterwards to others : they commonly carrie about with them siluer cymbals , whereon they play most cunningly , and thereunto sing pleasant and wanton ditties : for which idle delight , they receiue money of the people , as an almes giuen them of deuotion . These are the common corrupters of youth , and defilers of other mens beds ; men altogither giuen to ease and pleasure , and are of the Turkes called , The religious brethren of Loue : but might of right better be tearmed , Epicurus his hogs , than professours of anie religion at all . ] Mahometes and his two consorts , as men of this profession , trauelled vp and downe the countries of PONTVS and CAPADOCIA , where Achomates commaunded , and so to the citie of AMASIA ; receiuing for their merrie glee by the way as they went , the almes and deuotion of the foolish countrey people . And being at the length come to AMASIA vpon a solemne holiday , they awaited the comming of Achomates to the church : who passing by , staied a while listening attentiuely vnto their pleasant and alluring harmonie ; which was for that purpose most curiously and skilfully before deuised , and by them both with their instruments and voices , performed . When they had ended their musicke , and according to the manner of their idle profession expected his deuotion : Achomates being a man of a spare hand , commaunds fiue aspers to be giuen them in reward [ which is about six pence of our money . ] Mahometes disdaining his brothers base reward , as a signe of his miserable disposition , would in no wise discouer himselfe , as he had before determined ; but taking horse , returned with speed to MAGNESIA : from whence hee writ taunting letters vnto his brother Achomates , scoffing at his good husbandrie ( no praise to a prince ) and in contempt sent him backe againe his fiue aspers : which thing Achomates tooke in so euill part , as that he was neuer afterwards friends with him . The report of this fact was in short time dispersed throughout all parts of the Turkish empire , diuers men diuersly deeming of his purpose therein . Not long after Mahometes had in this sort plaied with his brother Achomates , he attired himselfe with certaine of his trustie followers as if they had beene seafaring men , and with a small bark came to CONSTANTINOPLE , and there landing as aduenturers from sea , tooke diligent view both of the imperiall citie and of the citie of PERA standing opposite against it , curiously noting how all things were by his fathers appointment ordered and gouerned . It happened whilest he was thus staying at CONSTANTINOPLE , that Baiazet had appointed a solemne assembly of all his chiefe Bassaes at the court ; which Mahometes was desirous to haue the sight of , as also of the fashion of his fathers court : but as he with his companions pressed to haue entred in at the court gate , they were by their base apparell taken of the porters to haue been rude mariners , and so by them kept out . Wherefore consulting what to doe in that case , he went and presently bought a most beautifull Christian captiue boy , and the next day comming againe to the court with two of his companions ( as if they had been aduenturers at sea ) requested to be let in , for that they had brought a present for the emperour . So finding means to be admitted vnto the presence of Baiazet , one of his consorts ( as if he had been a sea captaine ) boldly stept forth , and with due reuerence offered the present vnto the emperour ; which he thankfully tooke , and in token thereof gaue him his hand to kisse , and commaunded a rich garment wrought with gold to be giuen vnto him , with two other of lesse valour vnto Mahometes●nd ●nd his fellow , supposed to be the said captaines followers : who all this while stood a farre off , as if it had beene for reuerence of the emperor , but in deed for feare to be discouered . As these counterfeit guests were returning from the court in their garments of fauour , they happened to meet with three courtiers which knew Mahometes ; who dismounting from their horses , had done him honour and due reuerence , as to the sonne of the great emperour , had he not by secret signes forbidden them , as one vnwilling to be knowne . When he had thus seene his father , the court , and the imperiall citie , he went againe aboord , and so with speed returned to MAGNESIA . The report of this his doing , had in short time filled both the citie and the court , and was at last brought to Baiazet his eares : which raised in his suspitious head manie a troublesome thought , greatly fearing , that in these slie practises lay hidden some secret and desperat conspiracie , dangerous to himselfe and his other children . Wherefore after long discourse had with the three great Bassaes then of his secret counsell , concerning the matter ; to rid himselfe of all feare , he resolued in anie case to take him away . And therefore caused them in his name to write vnto Asmehemadi , a gallant courtier , and alwaies neere vnto Mahometes , to poison him with a secret poison , for that purpose inclosed in those letters sent vnto him : with promise of great rewards and preferments for that his seruice , to be afterwards receiued from the emperour : Charging him withall , that if he could not effect the matter , he should so conceale it , as that Mahometes should haue no distrust thereof ; the least suspition whereof , would tend to his vtter destruction . This Asmehemedi for some vnkindnesse bare a secret grudge against Mahometes , which Baiazet knowing of , made choise of him the rather : And he on the other side , partly to performe the old tyrants commaund , and partly to reuenge his owne priuat ; vigilantly awaited all opportunities to bring to effect that he had in charge . At length it fortuned , that Mahometes hauing disported himselfe in his gardens of pleasure , and being thirstie after his exercise , called for drinke : Asmehemedi alwaies at hand , in a gilt boule fetcht him such drinke as he desired , wherinto he had secretly conuaied the deadly poison sent from Baiazet . Mahometes hauing drunke thereof , in short time began to feele himselfe euill at ease , and presently sent for his phisitions : who thinking that he had but something distempered himselfe with drinking too much cold drinke in his heat , perceiued not that hee was poisoned , vntill that within six daies after he died . Of whose death Baiazet aduertised , could not abstaine from mourning , although he himselfe had beene the onely author thereof : and the more to manifest his heauinesse , commaunded all the court to mourne with him , and prayers to be made in their temples after their superstitious manner , and almes to be giuen to the poore for the health of his soule . His dead bodie was afterwards carried to PRVSA , and there honourably buried with his auncestors . Asmehemedi the traitour in reward of his vnfaithfulnesse towards his master , was by the commaundement of Bai●zet cast into prison , and neuer afterwards seene , being there ( as it was thought ) secretly made away . Now had Baiazet but three sonnes left , Achomates , Selymus , and Corcutus . Achomates gouernour of AMASIA , was a man both politike and valiant ; but much giuen to pleasure and delight : him Baiazet and most part of the great men of the court fauoured aboue the rest of his brethren ; except such as were before corrupted by Selymus . Corcutus for his mild and quiet nature was of most men beloued , but not thought so fit for the gouernment of so great an empire ; especially by the Ianizaries and souldiours of the court , for that he was ( as they thought ) altogither drowned in the studie of philosophie , a thing nothing agreeing with their humour . Yet might Baiazet seeme to doe him wrong , if he should not according to his promise againe restore him vnto the possession of the empire , which he had almost thirtie yeares before receiued at his hands ; as is before in the beginning of his life declared . But Selymus being of a more hautie disposition than to brooke the life of a subject vnder the commaund of either of his brethren , and altogither giuen to martiall affaires ; sought by infinit bountie , faigned courtesie , subtile pollicie , and by all other meanes good and bad , to aspire vnto the empire . Him therefore the Ianizaries with all the great souldiours of the court , yea and some of the chiefe Bassaes also ( corrupted with gifts ) wished aboue the rest , for their lord and soueraigne : desiring rather to liue vnder him which was like to set all the world on a hurlie burlie , whereby they might increase their honour and wealth , the certaine rewards of their aduentures , than to lead an idle and vnprofitable life ( as they tearmed it ) vnder a quiet and peaceable prince . Whilest men stood thus diuersly affected towards these princes of so great hope , Baiazet now farre worne with yeares , and so grieuously tormented with the gout that hee was not able to helpe himselfe : for the quietnesse of his subjects and preuenting of such troubles as might arise by the aspiring of his children after his death , determined whilest he yet liued ( for the auoiding of these and other such like mischeefes ) to establish the succession in some one of his sonnes ; who wholly possessed of the kingdome , might easily represse the pride of the other . And although he had set downe with himselfe , that Achomates should be the man , as well in respect of his birthright , as of the especiall affection he bare vnto him ; yet to discouer the disposition of his subjects , and how they stood affected , it was giuen out in generall tearmes , That hee meant before his death to make it knowne to the world , who should succeed him in the empire , without naming any one of his sonnes ; leauing that for euery man to deuine of , according as they were affected : which was not the least cause , that euery one of his sonnes with like ambition began now to make small account of their former preferments , as thinking onely vpon the empire it selfe . First of all Selymus , whom Baiazet had made gouernor of the kingdome of TRAPEZOND , rigging vp all the ships he could in PONTVS , sayled from TRAPEZOND ouer the Euxine ( now called the Blacke sea ) to the citie of CAPHA , called in auntient time THEODOSIA , and from thence by land came to Mahometes king of the Tartars called Praecopenses , a mightie prince , whose daughter he had without the good liking of his father before married : and discouering vnto him his entended purpose , besought him by the sacred bonds of the affinitie betwixt them , not to shrinke from him his louing sonne in law in so fit an oportunitie for his aduancement : and withall shewed vnto him , what great hope of obtaining the empire was proposed vnto him by his most faithfull friends and the souldiors of the court , if hee would but come neerer vnto his father ( then about to transferre the empire to some one of his sonnes ) and either by faire meanes to procure his fauour , or by entering with his armie into THRACIA , to terrifie him from appointing either of his other brethren for his successour . The Tartar king commending his high deuise , as a kind father in law with wonderfull celeritie caused great store of shipping to bee made readie in the Ponticke sea , and MoeOTIS , but especially at the ports of COPA and TANA , vpon the great riuer of Tanais , which boundeth EVROPE from ASIA ; and arming fifteen thousand Tartarian horsemen , deliuered them all to Selymus , promising forthwith to send him greater aid if he should haue occasion to vse the same . These things being quickely dispatched , Selymus passing ouer the riuer Borysthenes , and so through VALACHIA , came at length to Danubius , and with his horsemen passed that famous riuer at the citie of CHELIA : His fleet hee commaunded to meet him at the port of the citie of VARNA , called in antient time DIONYSIOPOLIS , in the confines of BVLGARIA and THRACIA : he himselfe still leuying moe men by the way as he went , pretending in shew quite another thing than that he had indeed intended : which the better to couer , he gaue it out as if he had purposed to haue inuaded HVNGARIE . But Baiazet a good while before aduertised , that Selymus was departed from TRAPEZOND , and come ouer into EVROPE , maruelling that he had left his charge in ASIA ( the rebellion of Techellis and the Persian warre yet scarce quieted ) and that vpon his owne head hee had entertained forraine aid to make warre against the most warlike nation of the Hungarians ; and farther , that with his armie by land , he had seized vpon the places neerest vnto THRACIA , and with a strong nauie kept the Euxine sea , hee began to suspect , as the truth was , That all this preparation was made and entended against himselfe : for the craftie old sire had good proofe of the vnquiet and troublesome nature of his sonne , especially in that without his knowledge hee durst presume to take a wife from amongst the Tartars , and afterwards with no lesse presumption of himselfe raise an armie both by sea and land : Whereby he easily perceiued , that he would neuer hold himselfe contented with a small kingdome , so long as hee was in hope by desperat aduenture to gaine a greater . Yet thinking it better with like dissimulation to appease his violent and fierce nature , than by sharpe reproofe to moue him to farther choller , he sent vnto him embassadours to declare vnto him with what danger the Turkish kings had in former times taken vpon them those Hungarian warres : for example whereof he needed not to goe further than to his grandfather Mahomet the Great , who many times to his exceeding losse had made proofe of the Hungarian forces : wherefore he should doe well to expect some fitter opportunitie , when as he might with better aduise , greater power , and more assured hope of victorie , take those wars in hand . Whereunto Selymus answered , That he had left ASIA , enforced thereunto by the injuries of his brother Achomates , and was therefore come ouer into EVROPE , by dint of sword and the helpe of his friends , to win from the enemies of the Mahometane religion a larger and better prouince for that little barren and peaceable one which his father had giuen him , bordering vpon HIBERIA and CHOLCHOS , bare and needie people , liuing as connies amongst the rockes and mountaines . As for the Hungarians , whom they thought to be a people inuincible , and therefore not to be dealt withall , he was not of that base mind to be daunted with any danger , were it neuer so great : and yet that in his opinion the warre was neither so difficult or dangerous , as was by them pretended ; for as much as the antient prowesse of that warlike nation was now much changed , together with the change of their kings ; and their discipline of war not onely much decayed , but almost quite lost , after that Vladislaus , farre vnlike in policie and prowesse , had succeeded the renowmed Matthias in that kingdome . Neither had he ( as he said ) from his cradle learned to be afraid of death , or of the common chances of warre , as knowing that neither God nor man would bee wanting to him , who with an honourable resolution did aduenture vpon vertuous and worthie attempts : and that therefore hee was fully resolued for his owne honour ( which his father had in some sort blemished by the immoderate aduancement of his brethren ) either to die honourably in the field in battaile against the enemies of the Mahometane religion , or els gloriously to extend the bounds of the Turkish empire : and that he would not ( though one of the yongest in the Othoman familie ) bee accounted inferiour to any of his brethren in vertue and prowesse . Thus was the Hungarian warre neuer by Selymus entended , notably by him pretended ; and with no lesse dissimulation by Baiazet dissuaded . The embassadours , although Selymus in all his speeches shewed no token of peace : yet in his fathers name presented vnto him diuers gifts , therby if it might be to appease his fierce and cruell mind . Vnto his old gouernment they adjoyned SAMANDRIA , which the Hungarians call SCHENDEROVIA , a strong citie of SERVIA vpon the borders of HVNGARIE , with many other strong townes in the same countrey : they gaue him also threescore thousand duckats , beside a thousand garments of cloth and silke : with good store of prouision wherewith to relieue and content the souldiors by him entertained ; least that they drawne farre from home in hope of spoile , should take it in euill part if they should be sent away emptie handed . Selymus in a happie time hauing receiued these gifts , returned the embassadours vnto his father , with more doubtfull answere and vncertaine hope than before : yet changing nothing in himselfe of his former resolution , secret messengers and letters from his friends in the court still whetting him forward ( too much alreadie enflamed with desire of soueraignetie ) persuading him to make hast and to repose his greatest hope in his quicke speed ; for that they vnderstood , that about the time of his setting forward , his brother Achomates was comming with a great power , being sent for out of CAPADOCIA by his father . In the meane time Baiazet , moued the rather with the feare of Selymus , resolued vpon that , whereof he had long before in his mind deeply considered , and now said openly , That he would appoint his successour , who in stead of himselfe , spent with yeares and sickenesse , should bring with him the flower of youth and strength of bodie , fit to gouerne so great an empire . But when these things were propounded vnto the souldiours of the court by the foure great Bassaes ( who in all things both of peace and warres had next place vnto the emperour himselfe ) it was forthwith gainesaied by those martiall men , crying aloud with one voice , That they would know no other emperor but Baiazet , vnder whose conduct and good fortune they had now serued aboue thirtie yeares : and therefore would not suffer him to liue a priuat life in obscuritie , who with so many victories and strong cities taken , had brought the Othoman empire vnto that height of renowme and glorie . They said moreouer , that there was in him yet strength ynough , if he would but with the reuerend honour of his age retaine the majestie of his place , and the glorie he had gotten with his long and happie raigne , and most famous victories : and that of his children , such a one should vndoubtedly in his due time succeed in the empire , as of right ought : only they wished , that the old emperour might in the meane time liue in health with a long and happie raigne : neither needed he ( as they said ) to feare that after his death any controuersie should arise amongst his sonnes about the succession ; for that the Othoman progenie vsed to attaine the imperiall seat , according to the old custome of their auncestours the Othoman kings , by right and order onely , and not by corruption or faction . But if hee would needs vpon his owne priuat good liking , or as it were by new adoption proceed to make choice of such a one , as the people and the men of warre ( his most loyall and faithfull subjects ) could not so well like of , it would be an occasion of much more trouble , and happily the meanes to bring in that confusion of the state , which he thought thereby to eschew . For then , beside the dislike of the people , the other brethren would neuer endure so notable an injurie , or euer be at quiet , vntill they had ( as men wrongfully cast off and disinherited ) by strong hand and endangering of all , recouered their honour lost by the headstrong will of their aged father . The souldiors thus before instructed by the friends and fauourites of Selymus , who with money and large promises had corrupted their captains and cheefe officers , spake these things frankly to haue deterred the old emperour from his purpose . But he thinking that they had ( as he himselfe did ) especially affected Achomates his eldest sonne ; for that they had generally protested , that they would against all injuries defend his honour vnto whom the empire should of right appertaine : said he would make choise of Achomates , if it should stand with their good liking . But the cheefe of the souldiors , who corrupted by Selymus , had together sold both their faith and themselues , cunningly commended Achomates , and seemed wonderfully to like of him ; yet to accept of him for their soueraigne , Baiazet yet liuing , they said was not agreeing with the antient custome of the Othoman kings , neither for the behoofe of the men of war , neither yet good for the state of the empire : for as much as neither his brethren Corcutus and Selymus , neither the souldiors of the court , could with patience endure the least touch of the suspition of infidelitie ; which they must needs doe , if he as a suspitious father should doubt either of the loue or loyaltie of his most dutifull sonnes , or of the faith or constancie of his most faithfull seruants , wherof he had made so many trials . Besides that , it seemed vnto them all vnreasonable , that by the odious prejudice of that fact , the souldiors should be defrauded of the rewards vsually graunted vnto them during the time of the vacancie of the empire , arising of the spoile taken from them which are of religion different from the Turkes . For it is a custome , that immediately vpon the death of the Turkish emperour , all the Iewes and Christians which liue at CONSTANTINOPLE , PERA , HADRIANOPLE , THESSALONICA , and PRVSA , especially marchants , exposed vnto the injuries of the Turkes , are by the Ianizaries and other souldiors of the court spoiled of all their wares and goods , and become vnto them a prey : neither will they giue their oath of allegeance vnto the new emperour , vntill he haue graunted vnto them all that prey , as a bountie , and haue solemnely sworne by his owne head ( the greatest assurance that can by oath be giuen amongst the Turkes ) freely to pardon all the offenders , and for euer to forget all the outrages before committed . When Baiazet saw his men of war thus generally to oppose themselues against the translation of the empire to Achomates , he of purpose to corrupt the minds of them which were alreadie before corrupted , promised to giue them fiue hundred thousand duckats , if they would stand fauourable to Achomates and accept him for their soueraigne : which masse of money his customers and receiuers vndertooke to leuie of the same marchant strangers and Iewes , and to pay it as Baiazet had promised . Yet the ouerthwart frowardnesse of these men of warre ouercame the good fortune of Achomates , although the reward proposed , were great : For why , they had in their martiall minds conceiued farre greater rewards and preferments , if instead of a peaceable and quiet prince , a monstrous tyrant of restlesse nature ( as was Selymus ) might by their helpe and meanes aspire to the empire . Thus Baiazet driuen from his hope , thought it best for the present to dissemble the matter ; and concealing his greefe , with patience to put vp that dishonour vntill a fitter opportunitie were offered for the effecting of that he so much desired . Selymus aduertised from his friends , with what affection and fastnesse the souldiours of the court had in the secret fauour of him openly withstood the earnest desire of Baiazet for the preferment of Achomates , because he would not longer frustrate the expectation of his fauourits by lingering and delay , or seeme to distrust the readie good will of the men of warre towards him , left the borders of HVNGARIE ; and with his armie marching through THRACIA , encamped at length vpon the rising of an hill not farre from HADRIANOPLE , from whence the neighing of his horses might easily be heard , and his tents from the high places of the citie discouered . From thence he sent a messenger vnto his father then lying in the citie , to certifie him , That for as much as he had not of many yeares before seene him , he was now therefore desirous to come vnto his presence to visit him , before hee crossed the seas backe againe by his appointment to TRAPEZOND : and the rather , because it might chance that he should neuer see him againe , being now become both aged & diseased : besides that , it much concerned ( as he would haue had him to beleeue ) the quietnesse of his kingdome in ASIA , and the vnitie of his children , if the controuersies betwixt him & his brother Achomates , which could not safely be committed to messengers , might by themselues be discouered to him their father , as an indifferent hearer and decide● of the same . Wherfore he humbly besought him , to appoint him a time and place to giue him audience in , and not to denie him leaue to come and kisse his hands ; which thing his ancestors neuer refused to graunt vnto their poore friends , much lesse vnto their children . Baiazet who a few dayes before vnderstanding of the comming of Selymus , and throughly seeing into his deuises , had called vnto him certaine of his Sanzackes or cheefe captaines , with their select companies out of the neerest parts of GRaeCIA , and had also set strong watch and ward through the citie : fearing least vnder the colour of parley his souldiors attending about his person , corrupted by Selymus and his friends ( who euen then loded with gifts and promises , were secretly vpon the point of reuolt ) should be quite drawne away from him , and so he himselfe at length bee either by open force oppressed , or secret trecherie circumuented , thought it best to cut him off at once from all hope of conference or accesse vnto his presence . Wherfore seriously blaming him , that he had vpon his owne head brought his armie into another mans prouince , that he in armes required audience , and last of all so insolently abused his fathers lenitie and patience ; hee by the same messenger sent him farther word , That he should not presume to approch any neerer vnto him , or expect any thing appertaining to peace : who guarded with forraine power , had without his fathers leaue entered into armes , and spoyled the countries of his friends : and that therefore he should doe well with all speed to depart out of THRACIA , yea and out of EVROPE also , and disbanding his forces , againe to retire himselfe vnto his owne charge in PONTVS ; in which doing he should find greater fauour and kindnesse with him his father , than euer he had before : but if he would needs proceed in the course by him begun , that then he would no more take him for his sonne , but for his enemie ; and before it were long , sharpely chastise him for his malapert insolencie , little differing from vnnaturall treacherie . The messenger with this answere dismissed , it was not long after but that Baiazet was by his espials aduertised , that Selymus the night following was risen with his armie , and marched directly towards CONSTANTINOPLE : whether he was sent for by his friends , in hope that vpon his approch with his armie , some suddaine tumult and vprore would to his auaile arise in that so great and populous a citie . Whereupon Baiazet fearing least in staying at HADRIANOPLE , hee might loose the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , early in the morning by breake of the day departed from HADRIANOPLE towards CONSTANTINOPLE : vpon whose departure Selymus peaceably entered the citie of HADRIANOPLE , the citisens fearing , that if they should haue made any resistance , their vnseasonable faithfulnesse towards Baiazet might haue turned to their vtter destruction . Selymus after he had a while refreshed his armie with the plentie of that citie , according to his former determination set forward againe , of purpose by long and speedie marches to haue preuented his fathers comming to CONSTANTINOPLE . Baiazet was yet scarcely come to CHIVRLVS , or rather TZVRVLVM , an antient ruinous citie almost vpon the mid way betwixt HADRIANOPLE and CONSTANTINOPLE , when warning was giuen him of them that followed his armie , that the forerunners of Selymus were at hand , cutting off the straglers of his armie , and with hot skirmishing stayed and troubled his rereward . The aged emperour more mooued than terrified with the strangenesse of the matter , because his marching should not seeme as if it were a flight or chase , commaunded his standerd to be set vp , and all his armie to make a stand , of purpose , that if Selymus should so fiercely come on to giue him battaile , he might ●ind him in readinesse . The great captaines and noblemen then present with Baiazet , whether it were for old acquaintance , or vpon some new inclination of their affection , or els vpon hope of new aliance and preferment , wishing well vnto Selymus , and therefore indirectly and cunningly fauouring him , seemed not to like of Baiazet his resolution , to be so farre mooued ( as they said ) with the youthfull heat and lightnesse of his sonne , as to seeke reuenge by battaile , whereas the victorie it selfe could yeeld him nothing but sorrow , but the ouerthrow threatened destruction both to himselfe and all them that were with him : the imminent euent whereof seemed to bee so much the more dangerous and fearefull , by how much hee was at that time inferiour vnto his sonne both in warlike prouision and number of men . Wherefore it were good for him ( they said ) to moderate his anger , and not now in the winding vp of his life to make too much hast by a miserable death in a wofull battaile to staine the whole glorie of his former life . There was ( as they would haue persuaded him ) but one onely course to bee taken full of wholesome policie and safetie , and that was , That he should with such speed as he had begun , march on forward to CONSTANTINOPLE ; that so Selymus excluded out of the citie ( his chiefest hope ) and then not knowing which way to turne himselfe , should either of his owne accord , or for feare of his fathers greater forces thinke of returne : and so with his rascall followers more honestly perish by the hands of them whose countries he had spoiled , and vpon whom he must of necessitie liue in his retire , than by the sword of his father . The author of this counsell was Mustapha , the most auntient Bassa of those which being in greatest authoritie about the emperour are onely of his priuie counsell , and sway all matters of importance concerning either peace or warre : he then vpon an vnthankfull and malitious mind loathing Baiazet , as one that had too long raigned , hated him also for certaine priuat displeasures conceiued of the emulation of the other younger Bassaes by him promoted : and secretly bare great affection to Selymus , both in condition and fauour resembling his grandfather the Great Mahomet , by whom he was brought vp himselfe , and him of all the sonnes of Baiazet he thought most worthy of the empire . This Mustapha was borne in the towne of SERES ( neere vnto AMPHIPOLIS ) the sonne of a Greeke priest , a man of a slie craftie and subtile wit , alwaies subject to corruption : which diseases of mind were in him well to haue been discouered by his froward looke and squint eies , the certaine notes of a nature to bee suspected . Next vnto this Mustapha was Bostanges Bassa , borne of the honourable familie of Ducagina in AETHOLIA , and thereof called Ducaginogli : a man for his couetousnesse , ambition , and treacherie , infamous ; as the foule and miserable end of his life afterwards declared : Vnto this man Selymus had by secret promise betrothed one of his daughters now mariageable , as a reward of his corrupted faith . By which slight , he had also allured Aiax ( Aga or captaine of the Ianizaries , and great master of the houshold ) to promise his aid for the obtaining of the empire ; whereunto he said he was by destinie called : and by his meanes drew other inferiour captaines secretly to fauour his quarrell , vnto whom hee spared not to promise whatsoeuer might please them . Yea the captaines almost generally either corrupted with reward , or for feare following the inclination of the greater commaunders , of themselues leaned that way . Of all the rest , only Cherseogles Bassa ( whom the Turks histories call also Achmet Hertezaec-ogli ) a faithfull , constant , and vpright man , free from all double dealing and deceit , a fast and assured friend vnto Baiazet his father in law , was of opinion , That the immoderat pride and insolencie of Selymus , was euen there by force of arms and strong hand forthwith to be repressed , before he should approch any neerer vnto the imperiall citie , for feare of raising some farther trouble and tumult there than were well to be appeased ; which was the thing that Selymus his friends most of all desired . Neither was it to be thought ( as Cherseogles said ) that the naked Tartarian horsmen , although they were in number moe , would euer be able to abide the first charge of Baiazet his well armed pensioners . As for the Ianizaries , of whose approued faith and valour tried in manie dangers , hee had before had good experience : there was no doubt but that they would now to the vttermost of their power , defend the person and honour of their aged and victorious emperour , who had of long time so well of them deserued ; and also reuenge his quarrell vpon disobedient Selymus , who neither fearing God the just reuenger of such vngratious dealing , neither the infamie of men , had most vnnaturally lift vp his sword against his father , wickedly to depriue him of life of whom he had receiued life . Wherefore he persuaded him in his owne just quarrell , to go forth vnto his souldiours with cheerfull countenance , and putting them in remembrance of the benefits they had from time to time most bountifully receiued at his hands , as also of their alleagance and duetie ; to make them to vnderstand , that reposing his trust in their fidelitie and valour , hee had resolutely set downe with himselfe , in that place before he went any farther , by their faithfull hands to chastise the presumptuous insolencie of his vnnaturall sonne , togither with his rebellious followers . But now that we are fallen into the remembrance of this Cherseogles , it shall not be amisse both for the honour of the man , and the great loue he alwaies bare vnto the Christians , to step a little out of the way , to see the cause why he being a Christian borne , turned Turke . For hee was not ( as almost all the rest of the great men about Baiazet were ) of a child taken from his Christian parents , and so brought vp in the Mahometan religion ; but being now a man grown , turned Turke : yet so , as that he neuer in heart forgot either the Christian religion or loue toward the Christians ; a thing not common among such renegates . He being the sonne of one Chersechius a small prince of ILLYRIA , neere vnto the Blacke mountaine , and going to be maried vnto a ladie whom he most entirely loued , and vnto whom he was alreadie betrothed , honourably descended of the house of the Despot of SERVIA : his intemperat father , with lustfull eye beholding the young ladie of rare feature and incomparable beautie , desired to haue her for himselfe ; and regarding more the satisfying of his owne inordinat desire , than his owne honour or the fatherly loue of his sonne , tooke her in marriage himselfe : all his friends labouring in vaine to dissuade him , and with open mouth crying shame of so foule a fact . Wherefore the young man , moued with the indignitie of so great an injurie , and driuen headlong with despaire , fled first to the Turkes garrisons which lay not farre off , and from thence to CONSTANTINOPLE : where the fortune of the man was to bee wondred at : For being brought before Baiazet , who with cheerefull countenance entertained him for that he was honourably descended , and well liked both of the man and of the cause of his reuolt : smiling vpon him said , Be of good cheere noble youth , for thy great courage is worthy of farre greater fortune than thy fathers house can affoord thee ; now in steed of thy loue wrongfully taken from thee by thy father , the kinswoman of a poore exiled prince , thou shalt haue giuen thee in marriage the daughter of a great emperour , of rare and singular perfection . And not long after , abjuring his religion , and changing his name of Stephen to Achomates and Cherseogles , hee married one of Baiazet his daughters , a princesse of great beautie : and deserued to haue a place amongst the Bassaes of greatest honour in the court . Yet still retaining the remembrance of his former profession with a desire to returne thereto againe : insomuch , that he kept in his secret closet the image of the crucifix , which he shewed to Io. Lascaris as to his trustie friend , as he himselfe reported . This man at such time as the citie of MODON was taken by the Turkes , and a multitude of poore Christian captiues cruelly put to death in the sight of Baiazet , by earnest entreatie saued the Venetian Senatours there taken : and afterward by earnest sute deliuered Andreas Gritti , being prisoner at CONSTANTINOPLE and condemned to die , who not manie yeares after was chosen duke of VENICE . He was the chiefe meanes whereby the Venetians to their great good obtained peace of Baiazet . He also by his great authoritie and of his owne charge , redeemed innumerable Christians from the seruitude of the Turkes , and set them at libertie . Neither is his kindnesse towards the furtherance of good learning to be forgotten : for at such time as the aforesaid Io. Lascaris , the notable and learned Grecian , by the appointment of Leo the Tenth sought for the antient works of famous writers , he procured the Turkish emperours letters patents , that he might freely at his pleasure search all the libraries in GRaeCIA , to the great benefit of good letters . Now Baiazet encouraged by this mans persuasion ( as is aforesaid ) and hearing as hee lay in his pauilion the alarum of the enemie , with the tumult and clamour of his owne souldiours , as if they had been men afraid ; and sundrie messengers also at the same time comming vnto him with newes , That Selymus with his Tartarian horsemen had almost enclosed the reareward of his armie , and alreadie taken some of his baggage : grinding his teeth for verie madnesse and griefe of mind , with teares trickling downe his hoarie cheekes , got him out of his pauilion in his horselitter ( for hee was at the same time so troubled with the gout , that he was not able to sit on horsebacke ) and turning himselfe vnto the pensioners and Ianizaries standing about him , as their manner is , said vnto them : Will you ( foster children , valiant souldiours , and faithfull keepers of my person , who with great good fortune haue serued me in field aboue the space of thirtie yeares ; and for your faithfull and good seruice , haue both in time of peace and warre , of me receiued such rewards , as by your owne confession and thanksgiuing farre exceeded your owne expectation , and the measure of our treasures ) Will you I say suffer the innocent father to be butchered by his gracelesse sonne ? And your olde emperour tormented with age and diseases , to be cruelly murthered by a companie of wild Tartars , little better than arrant roagues and theeues ? Shall I be now forsaken in this my heauie olde age and last act of life ? and shall I be deliuered vnto mine enemies by them , by them I say , who many yeares ago with great faithfulnesse and inuincible courage defended mine honour and right against my brother Zemes ? and haue manie times since , not onely valiantly defended this empire against most warlike nations , but also most victoriously augmented the same ? But I will not so easily beleeue that which to my no small griefe is brought vnto mine eares , concerning the reuolting of mine armie : neither if I did beleeue it , am I so fearefull as to be therewith discouraged , or to seeke to make shift for my selfe . For to what purpose should I thinke of flight ? as though I could in anie other place find more faithfulnesse or surer defence than with you ? And concerning your selues , what should be your hope by this so infamous treacherie ? If anie of you ( for I cannot beleeue that you are all so mad ) without regard of faith , of worldly shame , or the feare of God , haue polluted your minds with the pernitious conceit of so foule a treason ; doe you thinke to gaine greater rewards and preferments by your treacherie and villanie , than by your fidelitie and constancie ? There be manie which carefull of my person , persuade me to reserue this my sicke and feeble bodie vnto my better fortune , and to commit my selfe to flight ; so rather to saue my life with shame and infamie , than to end my daies with honour and glorie : Which is so farre from my thought for the apprehension of anie feare to doe , that I will to the contrarie forthwith giue the fierce enemie battell ; and in this my last danger make proofe of all your fidelitie and valour , and of euerie one of your goodwils in particuler : and so by the conduct of the highest , either defeat the power and breake the strength of this gracelesse man , or else hauing raigned aboue thirtie yeares an emperour , end my daies togither with them which shall vnto the end continue with me in their faithfulnesse and loyaltie , although I should be most shamefully and dishonourably betraied and forsaken of some of mine owne guard : which thing though lying fame would make me beleeue , yet will I not feare it vntill I see the proofe thereof . The common sort of the Ianizaries , vnto whom the great commaunders and captaines corrupted by Selymus , had not for their leuitie and multitude communicated their purpose of transferring the empire to Selymus : began to crie out as if it had been with generall consent , That he should not doubt to joyne battell with his enemies , and so to make proofe of their constant fidelitie and wonted valour . Which was done with such a cheerfulnesse and desire expressed by great shouts , clapping of hands , and clattering of armour , that it seemed they would play the parts of resolute souldiours , and that as guiltlesse men they tooke it grieuously to be once suspected of treason or infidelitie . Others also who secretly and in heart were well affected to Selymus , for fashion sake followed them with like crie : but especially the great commaunders both of the armie and of the emperours court , now changing their affection ( whether it were for shame of the fact , or for feare of discouering themselues out of season , is vncertaine . ) Wherefore according to the manner of such men , which through their mutabilitie and mischieuous disposition , fearing to be conuinced and discouered , add vnto the present a second and new treason or treacherie , to couer the former : so Mustapha and Bostanges ( not daring now to shew themselues for Selymus ) to make a great shew of their faigned loyaltie towards Baiazet , departed themselues out of his pauilion , to encourage the souldiours and to martiall the battell . Baiazet sicke in his chariot , by the aduise of Cherseogles the faithfull Bassa , placed his battell in this order : The Sanzakes ( which are the gouernors of prouinces ) with their horsemen , in number about six thousand , he set in the front of the battell : The Spachi-oglans and Siliphtars , which are the chiefe horsemen of the court ( and as it were the emperours pentioners ) were placed as two wings on each side of the great squadron of the Ianizaries ; in the middest whereof was old Baiazet himselfe . Other foure thousand horsemen ( seruants to the great men of the court ) were left in the rearward , and to guard the baggage . These slaues ( for so indeed they are ) for their apparell and furniture , yea and valour also , are little inferior to their masters , by whom they are so sumptuously maintained both for strength and ostentation . The battell thus ordered , Baiazet commanded the trumpets to sound , and a red ensigne in token of battell to be displaied . On the other side , Selymus placing his Tartarian horsemen in both wings , and his Turks in the middest in manner of an halfe moone , for that he in number of horsemen farre exceeded his father , did almost on euerie side enclose him , and so charge him . The Tartars when they were come within an hundred paces of their enemies , casting themselues ( after the manner of their fight ) into great rings , emptie within in manner of a crowne , and so running round , that they might both backward and forward deliuer their arrowes , cast vpon their enemies whole showers of shot as if it had beene haile , to the great annoiance of the Turkes : when as in the meane time , the other Tartarian archers farther off , shooting their arrowes not right forth , but more vpright towards heauen , which falling directly downe sore gauled the Turkes horses also . But the old souldiors ( taught by the example of their captaines ) serred close togither , and casting their targets ouer their heads , as if it had beene one whole roofe or penthouse , receiued their arrowes with lesse harme , and hasted with as much speed as they could to come to handie blowes . The pentioners also at the same instant brauely charged the middle of Selymus his battaile , where his Turkish horsemen stood : and Atax ( captain of the Ianizaries ) drawing out seuen hundred readie harquebusiers out of the squadron of the Ianizaries , with them assailed the hindmost of one of the wings of the Tartars : and the foure thousand seruants left in the reareward , as desirous as the rest to shew their forwardnesse , with great slaughter repulsed the other wing of the Tartars , which came to haue spoiled the Turkes carriages . This fierce battaile betwixt the father and the sonne ▪ with doubtfull euent endured from noone vntill the going downe of the Sunne : Selymus in many places still restoring his declining battaile , and fighting himselfe , as for an empire . But after that the Tartars , hardly charged by the harquebusiers , were not able to abide the shot , especially their horses being with the vnwonted noise thereof wonderfully terrified , and so carrying backe their riders whether they would or no , began to flie ; the rest of the horsemen could neither by commaundement , threatening , or wounds , be enforced to stay , but turned their backes and fled . The footmen also whom Selymus had attired and armed after the manner of the Ianizaries , being forsaken of their owne horsemen , were now by Baiazet his horsemen compassed about and almost all slaine . Selymus his armie thus ouerthrowne , and himselfe hardly beset , was by certaine troupes of his Turkish horsemen which yet stayed with him , deliuered from the present danger ; and being wounded , was mounted vpon a fresh horse , and so with all the speed he could fled after the Tartars . But doubting to be pursued and ouertaken by his fathers speedie horsemen , he changed his horse , and tooke another of a wonderfull swiftnesse : and so reseruing himselfe to his future fortune , with a few of his followers fled to VARNA , and from thence by sea to CAPHA . The horse whereon Selymus fled , was all cole blacke , called Carabulo ( that is to say , a Blacke cloud ) whom Selymus as a good seruitour euer after exempted from all seruice : and had him in such estimation , that couered with cloth of gold , hee was as a spare horse without a rider led after him in all his great expeditions , first into PERSIA , and afterward into AEGYPT , where he died at CAIRE , and there to the imitation of Bucephalus , Great Alexanders horse , had a monument erected for him : wherein Selymus shewed himselfe more kind than to his owne brethren , whom he cruelly murthered , and hardly affoorded to some of them so honourable a sepulture . In this battaile of fortie thousand which Selymus brought into the field , escaped not aboue eight thousand , but they were either slaine or taken prisoners . Of Baiazet his armie were lost about seuen hundred , and three thousand hurt with Tartarian arrowes : which losse he presently reuenged , with extreame crueltie causing all such as were taken prisoners , to be without mercie put to the sword in his sight ; whose heads were laied together by heapes , and their dead bodies as if they had beene towers . Of this notable battaile betwixt the father and the sonne in the yeare 1511 , CHIVRLVS , called in antient time TZVRVLVM , before an obscure old ruinous citie ( or as Iouius calleth it , a village ) became famous ; but much more afterwards by the fatall destinie of Selymus : who not many yeares after ( strucken with a most loathsome and incurable disease ) ended his dayes in the same place with an vntimely and tormenting death , God ( as is to be thought ) with reuenging hand in the same place taking just punishment for his former disloyaltie towards his aged father , as shall hereafter be in due time and place declared . Three dayes Baiazet lay still in the same place where he had obtained the victorie , vntill such time as all his souldiours were againe returned from the chase of the enemie : after that , hee held on his way to CONSTANTINOPLE , and there bountifully rewarded his souldiours . In the meane time Achomates hearing of all the trouble which had happened betwixt his father and his brother Selymus , with the euent thereof , came with an armie of twentie thousand from AMASIA , through the countries of GALATIA and BITHYNIA , vnto the citie of SCVTARI , called in antient time CHRISOPOLIS ( though some suppose it to haue beene the famous cittie of CHALCEDON ) which citie is situated vpon the strait of Bosphorus directly against the cittie of CONSTANTINOPLE . In this place Achomates encamped his armie , neere vnto the sea side , expecting what course his father should take after so great a victorie . For beside the prerogatiue of his age , and the especiall loue of his father towards him , the generall affection of the vulgar people , with the good opinion he had of himselfe , had alreadie filled his mind with the hope of the empire : wherefore he ceased not night and day to send messengers ouer that narrow strait to CONSTANTINOPLE , & earnestly to solicite Baiazet his father in so fit an occasion to make hast to dispatch what he had so long before determined , concerning the resignation of the empire . He also importuned his friends and familiars in best manner he could to commend him to his father , and in most ample sort to extoll his graue purpose for translation of the empire , and to doe the vttermost of their deuoire , that seeing God and good fortune had justly ouerthrown the rash attempt and force of his brother Selymus , he by their good means might the sooner obtaine the empire , whereof he was the vndoubted heire . Baiazet , who of himselfe and according to his old good liking was altogether desirous of the preferment of Achomates , was by their persuasions easily entreated to hasten the performance of that he had before determined for the transferring of the empire . And making no great secret of the matter , commaunded certaine gallies to bee made readie for the transporting of Achomates from SCVTARI to CONSTANTINOPLE . But the great Bassaes with the souldiours of the court ( the secret fauourits of Selymus ) vnderstanding the matter , began againe openly to resist and impugne his purposed determination , and to alleage the same reasons they had before at HADRIANOPLE alleaged : in fine they said plainely , That they would by no meanes suffer him so farre to disable himselfe as an insufficient man to resigne the empire , who of late had with so valiant and courageous an heart fought for the honour of his crowne and dignitie ; and that therefore so long as hee liued , they would acknowledge no other soue●aigne but Baiazet : yet for all that as they meant not thereby to cut off Achomates his hope , so neither ought he to distrust the good will of the men of warre ; but that he being a man of most approued & known valour , might in due time with their generall good liking enjoy his right , which should then without all question be due vnto him as the eldest sonne of their emperour . They said moreouer , that they had in the late battaile against Selymus sufficiently declared what minds they were of both towards their emperour and Achomates , and what confidence they were to repose in the fidelitie of their souldiors ; who to manifest their faithfulnesse and loyaltie , had not refused to offer themselues vnto the hazard of a most vnequall battaile , yea their liues vnto death it selfe . O foule dissimulation , the couert maske of all mischeefe , vnder which , meere trecherie is here pretended for great loyaltie , the aged emperour too too much flattered , Achomates shamefully deluded , and ( the man that might not as then without some addition of disgrace bee named ) Selymus , euen bloodie Selymus , secretly sought for aboue all men to be preferred ! Baiazet by this offwardnesse and insolencie of the souldiors againe disappointed of his purpose , or els ( as some thought ) delighted with the sweetnesse of soueraigntie : for that after the late victorie he seemed ( as one growne young againe ) neither to feele himselfe old or vnable still to gouern so great an empire ; sent word to Achomates , how the matter stood , and that he should forthwith depart from SCVTARI to his old charge at AMASIA , from whence he would againe call him at such time as he had with new bountie woon the minds of the soldiors , and procured the good liking of other the great men in court , whereby so great a matter and not vsuall , might the better and with more securitie be effected . Achomates thus deceiued of his hope and expectation , greeuously complaining that he was so mocked of his father , and contemned of the souldiors of the court , began to mix his new requests with words of heat and discontentment , and to inueigh against his father , for making him a byword ( as hee tearmed it ) and a laughing stocke vnto the world , after hee had taken the paines to come so farre , and that by his speciall appointment . But if hee proceeded so to doate , and to make so great reckoning of the souldiors of the court , that in respect thereof hee neither regarded his promise , nor that was right and just , he would himselfe by force of arms take vpon him the defence of his owne honour and right , so light esteemed by his father , and reuenge the disgrace offered vnto him by others . Whereunto Baiazet answered by the Cadelescher ( which is a man of greatest place and authoritie amongst the Turkes in matters concerning their superstition , and therefore of them honoured aboue others , as the sacred interpreter of their law ) that hee did neither well nor wisely without just cause to fall into so great rage and choller , as by his speech and force to thinke to extort that good which was onely by loue and loyaltie to be gained : whereas all things should be surely kept for him , and the empire vndoubtedly descend vnto him , if by vntimely hast hee did not marre that hope which hee ought by sufferance and patient expectation to cherish : hee might ( as the Cadelescher told him ) learne by the late example and fortune of his brother Selymus , what might be for his owne good and welfare ; and that it was a thing of far more danger , desperatly to thrust himselfe headlong into such an action as hee could not possibly see the end of , than moderating by reason his hot passions , to expect with patience the oportunitie of time , and fitnesse of occasion , with the alteration of matters , all tending to his good . Achomates enflamed with anger and greefe of the repulse , all the while the Cadelescher was deliuering his fathers message , gaue him many sharpe taunts , and had much adoe to stay himselfe from offering of him violence ; oftentimes threatening him , that in short time both his father should deerely buy the changing of his purpose , and the souldiours of the court their trecherous dealing : and so sending him away with this short answere , hee presently rise with his armie , and passing through BITHYNIA , cruelly spoiled the country in his returne to AMASIA . There dayly more and more enflamed with the greefe and the indignitie of the repulse before receiued , hee determined to inuade the lesser ASIA : that if it should so fall out , that hee must needs by force of armes trie his right against either of his brethren , he might therein vse the wealth of that rich prouince . Whereby if it should chance that he should by the practise of any faile of the whole empire , yet he should at the leastwise be possessed of the one halfe therof , and be the readier for all euents , hauing all those great and rich prouinces in his power . Wherfore calling vnto him his two sonnes , Amurathes and Aladin , yong princes of great hope , after he had greeuously complained of the vnkindnesse of his father Baiazet , and of the injuries done against him by his enemies in the court , he declared vnto them , that there was now no hope left for him to obtaine the empire , except they would forthwith enter into armes with him , and so together with him defend both his and their owne right and honour , against the mallice and injuries of their enemies : which he said , would be an easie matter to doe by surprising the lesser ASIA , if they would courageously aduenture vpon it ; for as much as all PISIDIA , LYCAONIA , PAMPHYLIA , with the sea coast of IONIA , were not as then kept with any armie or nauie : and as for his brother Corcutus , there was no great doubt to bee made of him , who according to his quiet disposition would bee content either to sit still , or els in regard of his just quarrell take part with him ; or if he would needs intermeddle his quiet estate with the troubled , and so enter into arms , might easily be thrust out of whatsoeuer he possessed : as for the gouernours of the rest of the prouinces , he doubted not , but that they would also yeeld either to his commaund or fortune . Wherefore hee willed them to plucke vp their hearts as men of courage , and to goe into the countries thereabouts to take vp men , and whatsoeuer els were needfull for the warres . These gallants , of their owne youthfull disposition readie ynough for such a matter , and now encouraged with their fathers persuasion , did what they were by him commaunded , and had in short time raised a notable armie of voluntarie souldiours , of whom the greatest part were of seruile condition . But Achomates himselfe , besides his old armie which hee had in former time lead against the Persian rebels , leuied new forces also , and called forth into the field all the able men that were to be found in the cities round about : and so running through the prouince , proclaimed himselfe king of ASIA , and such as would not forthwith yeeld vnto him , those he and his two sonnes in diuers places prosecuted with all hostilitie : by which meanes many cities , especially such as were but weakely fortified , partly for feare , partly by constraint were deliuered ouer vnto him . After that , he entered with his armie into LYCAONIA , and the borders of CILICIA , where by embassadours and often letters he requested Mahometes his brothers sonne ( who then gouerned those countries ) to aid him in his just quarell against them , who by craftie and sinister persuasions had to his dishonour and disgrace withdrawne his fathers good will from him , and so farre seduced him , as that hee was determined to appoint another successour in the empire , than him his eldest and first begotten sonne : which their mallice he would ( as he said ) preuent , & by force of armes recouer his right , which his father knowing to be due vnto him , was about to haue put him in possession of whilest he yet liued , had he not by the sinister practise of others beene hindered : for the recouerie whereof , if Mahometes would out of his prouince aid him with men and victuall , and so further his just cause , he promised that he should find a farre better vncle than he had found a father ; and that his present friendship should in time be most amply and bountifully requited . Wherunto Mahometes answered , that he could not do what his vncle had required , except he were so commanded by his grandfather Baiazet , whom alone he acknowledged for his dread soueraign : & that it was not for him to judge , whether he did right or otherwise , That he would not in his life time resigne the empire to his sonne . But this ( he said ) he was not ignorant of , that he was not to yeeld his obedience to anie other , so long as he liued possessed of the empire : to whom both his father Tzihan Shach whilest he liued , and himselfe also had giuen their oath of obedience and loyaltie . Wherefore it were good for him to pacifie himselfe , least in seeking vntimely reuenge of his enemies , he should to the offence of all men wrong his father : and by too much heat and hast ouerthrow both his hope and honour ; which of right should be most great , if he could but in the meane time haue patience , and stay himselfe a while . A●homates , who expected nothing lesse than such an answere , but thought that Mahometes would either for loue or feare haue presently come vnto him ; and now finding his requests to bee with greater grauitie and consideration denied by his nephew , than they were by reason of him demaunded ; entred with his armie into the borders of his prouince , and with fire and sword began to destroy the countrey before him . Which Mahometes with such power as he had thinking to remedie , was by the way encountered by his vnckle not farre from LARENDA , and there ouerthrowne : and taking that citie for refuge , was the●e certaine daies besieged by Achomates ; and at last togither with his brother ( then but a child ) deliuered into his hands , at such time as the citie was by the fearfull citisens by composition yeelded vnto him . Achomates hauing taken the citie with his two nephewes , caused Mahometes his counsellors , with his foster brother , by whose persuasion it was supposed that he had so answered his vnckle and endangered himselfe , to bee all put to death . These proceedings of Achomates filled Baiazet with griefe and indignation , that he should in so great yeares be set vpon by two of his owne sonnes , one after the other . Yet to proue if those troubles might with out more bloudshed be pacified , he sent his embassadours vnto him to reproue him for his disloialtie ; and to command him forthwith to set at libertie his two nephewes , Mahometes and his brother , and so without more stir to get him againe to AMESIA : which if he should refuse to doe , then to denounce vnto him open warre . But he , which by how much the more he had after his repulse ambitiously affected the empire , had resolued with himselfe to deale so much the more cruelly in his proceedings : hauing receiued this message from his father , caused the chiefe embassador ( for that he had in franke speech deliuered his message and denounced vnto him wars ) to be in his owne presence put to death ; and threatned the rest with the like , if before the going downe of the sunne they voided not his campe . This outrage highly offended Baiazet , and alienated the minds of manie before well affected to Achomates : for that without any reuerence of his father and contrarie to the law of nations , he had violated the embassadours sent to him for peace . Vpon the first brute hereof , the souldiours which then waited at the court gate , in the hearing of Baiazet exclaimed , that the insolencie of Achomates was not longer to be suffered , but forthwith by force to be repressed ; that by sufferance and delay he would grow from euill to worse ; and that if Baiazet should prolong the time , and in fatherly sort seeke by faire meanes to reclaime him , hee should afterwards in vaine craue the aide of his best souldiours against his rebellious sonne strengthened by his owne long sufferance . Mustapha also the chiefe Bassa , with Bostanges and others of great place ( who secretly fauoured Selymus , and had cunningly caused these things by fit men to be dispersed amongst the souldiours ) began at the first to mutter , and as it were to wonder at the strangenesse and hainousnesse of the fact ; in such slie sort , as if they had condemned the deed done , but not the doer . But afterward , when they saw that Baiazet was throughly heated , both by his owne angrie disposition and the speech of the souldiors , and vpon the confidence of his former victorie against Selmus , now readie to seeke reuenge ; they began then to heape fresh coles vpon the fire , and bitterly to inuay against Achomates , as a traitour to his aged father and the state ; and withall highly commended the fidelitie and courage of the Ianizaries and souldiours of the court , who for the safetie and honour of their aged emperour , were most prest and readie to expose themselues , their liues , and whatsoeuer else they had , vnto new dangers . So was Achomates by the craft and subtiltie of these great men , by the anger of his father , and the judgement of the souldiours , proclaimed traitour ; and order taken , that the souldiours of the court with the Europeian horsemen , should with all possible speed be sent against him into ASIA . But when choise was to be made ofsome valiant and worthie Generall that might take vpon him so great a charge , which seemed especially to appertaine vnto some one of the great Bassaes : it was strange to see , how they all began to straine courtesie at that preferment , and euerie one to refuse the place and disable himselfe , saying , That it were a great indignitie , that the emperours armie should be led against his sonne by anie of his seruants : and the souldiours ( hauing their lesson before hand ) said plainly , That they durst not , nor would not draw their swords or lift vp their hands against the sonne of the emperour , and heire apparant of the empire , except they were conducted and commaunded by some of the Othoman bloud in person present with them : for so had his brother , long before when he rebelled in CILICIA , and now of late Selymus his rebellious sonne , beene both ouerthrowne and vanquished , euen by the conduct of Baiazet himselfe , and not by anie of his seruants . These things all tended to this purpose , that Selymus might by indirect meanes be reconciled to his father ( whom they secretly fauoured , although for feare of displeasure they durst not so much as name him but by way of disgrace ) and by this verie meanes to make way for his returne to CONSTANTINOPLE , and so consequently , giue him power to seaze vpon the empire . For it was probably supposed , that neither Baiazet himselfe , being verie aged and diseased ; neither Corcutus , altogither buried in his studie , would vndertake the managing of those wars : so that of the Othoman family onely Selymus was left to whom that charge might be committed , all the nephewes of Baiazet by reason of their tender yeares , as yet vnfit for the same . At these speeches of the Bassaes and the souldiors , Baiazet as a man perplexed and in a chafe , flung away into his pallace , excusing himselfe by his great yeares and diseased bodie : but complaining deepely , that Corcutus in following the vaine title of learning , with a quiet contented kind of life , had in the meane time neglected other studies and honourable qualities , better beseeming his princely birth and calling . As hee was thus reasoning with himselfe , and deuising what course to take ; Mustapha the old Bassa , who all the time of his raigne had vsed to disburden him of his cares , hauing by way of talke drawne him into a full discourse concerning the proceeding in the intended warre , set vpon him with this craftie and premeditated speech , framed of purpose for his destruction . Your Maiestie may not ( most dread soueraigne ) although by yeares and strength of bodie you were neuer so well able , you may not I say , either transport your armie , or your selfe passe ouer in person into ASIA ; least whilest you are there , from place to place chasing Achomates , you leaue a far more dangerous enemie behind you in EVROPE ; who may in your absence seaze vpon THRACIA , GRaeCIA , yea and the imperiall citie it selfe , destitute of sufficient defendants . Doe we not heare , that Selymus is raising of new forces aboue VARNA ? to expect a new supply of horsemen from the Tartar king his father in law ? and alreadie as it were houering ouer our heads ? Is he not of greater spirit and courage , than to be daunted or dismaied with the misfortune of one battell ? Or if you shall end ouer your old beaten souldiours into ASIA , and call Corcutus into EVROPE with the forces he leuied the last yeare , who in time of your sicknes may withstand the attempts of Selymus : will he feare these fresh water souldiours of ASIA , or their philosophicall Generall , which feared not the souldiors of your court , the pickt and chosen men of the world , and your selfe a most worthy and victorious emperour ? You are deceiued , and ( if I may be bold so to say ) you throughly see not into the doubtfull euent of things , if you thinke not that you must at one time wage warre against two dangerous enemies , euen i● the remotest parts of your empire , in ASIA and EVROPE : For whilest you shall go about to expulse Achomates out of CAPADOCIA , Selymus neerer at hand , and waiting all opportunitie ; will by and by at your backe , raise a most dangerous warre in the verie heart and chiefe strength of your e●pire . But if you moued with the greatnesse and due consideration of the danger , shall go about to defend THRASIA , and for that purpose retaine with you the most approoued and faithfull souldiours of the court , you shall see all ASIA on a fire before your face : neither will Achomates make an end of wast and warre , vntill such time as he haue drawne the empire of ASIA to himselfe . Wherefore if it be not to be imputed to your fault , but to your fate or fortune , that two begotten of your selfe , should by your selfe and the consent of all men be adiudged traitours vnto your crowne and dignitie ; whereof the one through rashnesse , the other vpon pride and vaine discontentment , hath risen vp in armes against you : why doe you not in so doubtfull and perplext a matter , preferre safe and sound aduise before that which masketh vnder the shew of maiestie and honour ? and whom you cannot both at one time correct and be reuenged vpon , to set vpon them as occasion shall serue when they are togither by the eares betwixt themselues ? This is the onely hope of your safetie , this is the onely way , if you shall resolue ( as the common prouerbe saith ) to driue out one naile with another , and so to ouercome your enemies . Moderate a while your hoat desire of reuenge , and for the present dissemble yo●● greefe ; graunt vnto one of them pardon , and in shew take him into your grace and fauor , imploy him against the other : so shall you without danger , howsoeuer it fall out , persecute the one whom you loue not , with the hasard of the other whom you trust not : and at your pleasure oppresse him , to whom you shall commit your ensignes and armie ; the hands of your faithfull and trustie souldiors being euer at your appointment readie to take reuenge . So shall you with securitie make an end of this warre , exposing vnto the danger him whom you had rather to ouercome ( as your enemie ) by him whom you wish also to perish . Mustapha had scarce made an end of speaking , but the other Bassaes ( as they had before agreed amongst themselues ) began where he left , and with all their cunning laboured to persuade Baiazet to call home his sonne Selymus , and to make him Generall of his armie against his brother : saying , That he had alreadie endured sufficient punishment for his former disloyaltie , and that therefore it was like that he as a well corrected child would from thenceforth containe himselfe within the compasse of his most dutifull obedience : whereas Achomates proud of his birth-right , hauing of late violated his fathers embassadours , and filled all ASIA with rebellion , was not like to bee brought to any reasonable conformitie , vntill hee were by force of armes pluckt downe , and so made to know himselfe , in like manner as was his brother Selymus of late . Baiazet seeing that in resoluing of a matter of so great consequence , Cherseogles Bassa ( his sonne in law , and the onely faithfull counsellour then about him ) sat all silent , hanging the head , as a man not of thesame opinion with the rest , stood a great while in doubt what to resolue vpon : he could not so easily forget the late injuries done against him by Selymus , it was yet fresh in memorie , how that he had out of ASIA inuaded EVROPE , surprised HADRIANOPLE , giuen him battaile , endangered his person with his Tartarian horsemen , and that onely by the goodnesse of God he had obtained the victorie : on the other side , his Majestie contemned , his nephewes imprisoned , his embassadours violated , the citties of ASIA ransacked , and all those goodly countries presently smoking with the fire of rebellion , so filled his old heart with anger and indignation , as that he desired nothing more than to be reuenged . Whilest hee was thus strugling with his owne thoughts , and doubtfull what to doe , the vnfaithfull Bassaes by deepe deceit and treacherie ( Cherseogles most instantly persuading the contrarie ) ouercame him so farre , as with his owne hand to write letters to Selymus , promising him , that forgetting all injuries past , he would vpon the hope of his loyaltie , receiue him into his former grace and fauour , and make him Generall of his armie , if hee would without delay repaire to CONSTANTINOPLE , and so passe ouer into ASIA against his rebellious brother Achomates . Whilest these things are in doing at CONSTANTINOPLE , Corcutus aduertised by letters from his friends of the weake estate of his aged father , and by what persuasions he had beene induced ( after Achomates was proclaimed traitor ) to call vnto him Selymus , and to make him Generall of his armie ; came downe out of MAGNESIA to PHOCIS , and there embarking himselfe in his gallies , sailed to CONSTANTINOPLE : where being arriued , hee went presently to the court , attended vpon with a great number of his friends and fauourites ; and entring into the priuie chamber , humbled himselfe before his father , and kissed his hand : and after much talke had betwixt them of diuers weightie matters , is reported to haue spoken vnto him as followeth . It is now aboue thirtie yeares past ( most reuerend father , and dread Soueraigne ) since that I ( being chosen and proclaimed emperour by the prerogatiue of the souldiors of the court , by generall consent of the citisens of this imperiall citie , and by the graue iudgement of the wise and graue Bassaes of the Court ) haue cheerefully and willingly , and as I may truly say , with mine owne hand deliuered from my selfe vnto your Maiestie the possession of this most glorious kingdome and empire : Which thing what worldly wight would haue done ? but either a mad man , or els a most kind and loning sonne ? Vnto which so rare an example of a religious and louing heart , I was not by any feare or constraint enforced , but onely by regard and contemplation of your owne sacred person , and the due consideration of my dutie . Neither did it in the course of so many yeares , euer repent me of that my singular kindnesse and dutie done , when as I contenting my selfe with such things as you had vnto me assigned , and with the generall commendation of my well doing , as well as with a kingdome , thought this your great estate and highest type of worldly honour , not to be compared with the quiet contentment of my pleasing studies : when as I accounted it a vaine thing , and not beseeming the resolution of a setled and quiet mind , to long after these wordly things , which being had and enioyed to the full , worke no full contentment in the insatiable desire of man : and that surmounting vertue , and the sweet , ô most sweet meditation of heauenly things promised vnto my contemplatiue and rauished mind , things of farre more worth and maiestie than all the kingdomes and monarchies of the world . But whilest I was tracing this path , little regarding worldly honour , or the glorie of an empire , and was for pure deuotion and desire of knowledge trauelling into the furthest part of ARABIA , vnto the altar of our most sacred prophet Mahomet , and so to the Indians , as to men of a more exact knowledge and sincere profession ; you in the middest of my trauell drew mee out of AEGIPT by the long hands of the Aegyptian Sultan , backe againe into PHRYGIA ; commaunding mee , that eschewing the manifold dangers ( which in my long trauell I must needs haue fallen into ) I should from thenceforth haue more regard of my life and health , and to expect the fruit both of my loyaltie towards you , and of your fatherly loue towards me : as if you had beene then of opinion , that the time would come , when for the euill disposition of some , an innocent man , deuoted vnto the studie of wisedome and learning , might be a stay both to your selfe and the whole Othoman familie . Since which time I haue euer both dutifully obeyed your commaund , and with as much care and integritie as I possibly could , discharged my charge : and in the late Persian warre raised and brought into the field mine armie , wherewith I defended the ●rontiers of my prouince from the incursions of the Barbarians . But after that they were vanquished , and by your forces driuen out of the lesser ASIA , and that my vnnaturall and gracelesse brethren , the one of them in EVROPE , as a most desperat recreant , had in plaine battell assailed the person of your most sacred Maiestie ( his reuerend father , farre spent with age , and then greeuously tormented with the gout ) of purpose to haue at once depriued you both of your life and empire : and the other in ASIA seeking by like disloyaltie and most horrible treason there to possesse himselfe of a kingdome , had besieged and taken prisoners his brothers sonnes your nephewes , young princes of great expectation , your faithfull and louing subiects ; and proceeding further , had set all that part of your empire on a broile : I thought my selfe in dutie bound to repaire hether vnto your imperiall Maiestie , for that I saw it came to passe , not without the prouidence of the most mightie , that I might at such time especially request the iust reward of my due desert of you my most reuerend and louing father , the most religious obseruer of equitie and iustice : when as you hauing had too great proofe of the infidelitie of my vnnaturall brethren , might most fitly and most commodiously performe that which you vpon great reason might now graunt vnto me your dutifull and obedient sonne , although my former deserts had merited no such thing . Wherefore most gracious , I humbly pray and beseech you by all your fatherly loue and affection towards me , and my knowne loialtie towards you , to vouchsafe before the comming of Selymus , to haue regard of mine honour , with the state of your empire : for when he shall once in armes breake in , hee will at a trice cut off all hope of pacification , and supported by the men of warre , confound all things at his pleasure : for I heare , that the very guarders of your person , and cheefe commaunders of your armies , altered in disposition towards you , doe but expect the good offer of time , when they may willingly salute for their emperour and soueraigne , him , whom your good fortune of late full sore against their wils , ouerthrew in open field . Wherefore that empire whereof I was sometime possessed , and for the rare desert of mine antient loialtie towards you , is of good right due vnto me , restore to me againe whilest you may , and whilest it is yet in your power , in this suddaine and momentarie occasion now presented . For your Maiestie shall in vaine fauour my most iust and vpright claime , after that you ( hauing once receiued into the imperiall citie a most d●sperat and ambitious man ) haue for euer lost your libertie , together with your selfe . Corcutus with teares standing in his eyes hauing ended his speech , the aged emperour moued with a fatherly affection , and the reasonable persuasion of him , his onely loyall and most kind sonne , comforted him vp with good words , and willed him to bee of good cheere ; and withall discouered vnto him the very ground of his resolution , in calling home of Selymus : telling him farther , That he could be well content to resigne vnto him againe the empire , but that it was not in his power so presently to doe , for feare of the souldiors of the court ; who had ( as he said ) of late withstood him in the like motion , and would againe with tooth and naile gainesay it , if he should but giue the least occasion for them to suspect any such matter : but that by the plot now laied , Selymus should vnder the title of honour be drawne out of EVROPE , together with the souldiors of the court , into ASIA against Achomates , both barres vnto his present desire for transferring of the empire ; in whose absence it should bee in his power freely to dispose thereof at his pleasure : which he promised presently to resigne vnto him , so soone as they were once passed ouer into ASIA . Which thing once done , although it were not altogither to their liking , yet feared he not that either the captaines or souldiours , who had of late so honorably and faithfully defended him against Selymus , should now for his sake dislike of Corcutus , or attempt anie thing not beseeming the glorie of their late desert : but rather hoped , that if his two vnnaturall and rebellious sons Achomates and Selymus ▪ should once joine in battel ( as it was most like they would ) that either the one or both should by the just judgement of God perish for their so great disobedience , murthered by the hands one of an other . Corcutus not much misliking of his fathers purpose , and resting himselfe wholy vpon his fauour , thought it not good farther to argue the matter his father had so well considered of : but taking his leaue returned to his lodging , not without hope of obtaining the empire , and so remained manie daies after at CONSTANTINOPLE : during which time he sought neither by gifts nor golden promises to procure the loue and good liking of the great Bassaes , or souldiors of the court ; for that he as a plaine vpright man , thought it not good by sute and corruption ( the great promotors of the vnworthie ) to seeke for that at their hands , which was of right due vnto him by his fathers fauour and promise . In the meane time Selymus his fast friends , aduertising him of the comming of Corcutus to the court , aduised him to make hast , and with all speed possible to come to CONSTANTINOPLE ; for that it was to bee feared ; least Baiazet being verie aged , and withall easie to be drawne away , might by the persuasion of Corcutus be enduced to alter , yea and perhaps quite breake off the course before well set for his most readie preferment . Vpon which newes , Selymus attentiuely waiting vpon nothing more than to haue accesse vnto his friends in court , and before resolued at his first comming thither , not to spare for anie cost in corrupting the men of warre , and so to possesse himselfe of the empire : made now no stay , but with certaine troupes of horsmen commaunding the rest to follow after , came with wonderfull sceleritie to CONSTANTINOple . Corcutus with the great Bassaes and courtiers ▪ and most part of the souldiours of the court , going to meet him at the gates of the citie : at his entrance receiued him with a kisse ( as is the manner of the Turkes ) and brought him through the middest of the citie , all the people running out by heaps to haue a sight of the man ; of late in euerie mans mouth for his desperat rebellion , but now welcomed with much thundring shot in token of triumph , and the joyfull acclamation of men , women , and children , and people of all sorts . So that it easily appeared , that all the hatred before conceiued against him , for his late outrage against his father , was now quite forgotten ; and that he would in short time before his other brethren aspire vnto the empire . The next day after Selymus came to the court , and hauing accesse to his father , fell prostrat before him and kissed his feet , and with the greatest shew of humilitie possible , craued of him pardon for his disloialtie . O deepe dissembler , and traitor of all others most treacherous ! of late in field with sword drawn to haue slaine his aged father , but now prostrat at his feet ; and within an houre , mounted perforce into his imperiall seat ! The old emperour smiling vpon this Crocodile , in most kind manner tooke him vp , and courteously said vnto him : Thy faults sonne Selymus are so much the lesse , for that they haue found speedie repentance , wherefore I doe the more willingly grant thee pardon : but from henceforth endeuour thy selfe , that God who hath giuen thee a notable spirit and courage , may also be thought to haue endued thee with a good and well disposed mind . There is a martiall matter readie worthy thy hardinesse , wherein thou maiest sufficiently manifest vnto the world thy forwardnesse and courage : there when time serueth let it appeare . Shortly after was called a counsell for the warres , but especially for the chusing of a Generall to go against Achomates : the honor of which place , when manie would haue giuen to Selymus , he began with great dissimulation to refuse , making as though he would not in any case be preferred before his brother Corcutus , to whom he would ( as he said ) willingly giue place ▪ both in respect of his years and learned discretion , who could no doubt with greater authoritie and wisedome manage that warre : as for himselfe , now he had obtained his fathers gratious pardon and fauour , he could well content himselfe with any corner of the empire , were it neuer so little . But Corcutus and his friends , who had reposed all their hope and all their deuises in the departure of Selymus with the souldiours of the court ; as if they had with great modestie contended on both sides , againe persuaded him , yea and instantly requested him not to refuse that honour , by generall consent without anie disgrace to his brother , giuen to him as to a worthy chieftaine of greater experience in martiall affaires . So Selymus with wonderfull cunning deluding Corcutus and his fauorits , whilest he seemeth craftely to refuse the thing he most desireth , is by the generall consent of all parts , chosen Generall of the armie to go against his brother Achomates . Which was no sooner made knowne vnto the soldiors , especially the Ianizaries and other souldiors of the court ; but they before instructed , with lowd acclamations saluted him , not for their Generall onely , but for their soueraigne lord and emperor also : and so without farther delay put themselues in armes to defend and make good that they had done , if anie better disposed should seeme to withstand them or dissent from them . Selymus by the souldiours thus saluted emperour , at first made shew as if he had beene halfe vnwilling to take vpon him the empire ; and so began faintly to refuse it , as moued so to doe by the due reuerence and regard of his father , yet liuing . But after a while he suffered himselfe to be entreated : and then commending himselfe and his cause wholy to the men of war , to bind them vnto him the faster , promised beside the particuler fauors he ought them , to bestow a right great and generall larges amongst them : which he afterwards accordingly performed . After that , he requested the chiefe Bassaes and commaunders of the armie there present , to go forthwith vnto his father , and to take such order ( seeing it was the mind of the whole army it should be so ) that the empire might by his goodwill without farther trouble or tumult , be forthwith transferred vnto him . Mustapha the great Bassa , in whose wily head all this matter was ( to his owne worthy destruction ) first hammered ; whether it were vpon a new finenesse of his owne , or that Selymus ( as it was giuen out ) had threatned to kill him except he would go and shew all the whole processe of the matter to his father : comming as a man dismaied to Baiazet ( who awaked with clamour and tumult of the souldiours was come out of his chamber into the open roomes of his pallace ) in few words deliuered vnto him this most vnwelcome message as followeth : Emperour ( said he ) the men of warre haue in their counsell saluted Selymus both their Generall and Emperour : which their choise they require thee to ratifie ; being readie presently to breake into the court to kill vs both , if thou shalt refuse forthwith to resigne the empire . They all with one consent request that of thee , which they ha●● alreadie put into the hand of another . Wherefore it is a thing of farre more danger to seeke to 〈◊〉 that thou hast alreadie lost , than willingly to yeeld that which is alreadie taken from thee , seeing it is not by anie force or pollicie to be regained . They in arms , in ●urie , and now entred into rebellion , thinke vpon some greater mischiefe . Baiazet troubled with feare and choller , and then too late perceiuing the treacherie of the Bassaes , and how he had been by them betraied ; pausing a while at the strangenesse of the matter , afterwards in fu●ie brake out into these words : False and forsworne , doe you thus betray me ? and with such monstrous villanie requite mine infinit bountie ? Why doe you not also as murtherers take away my life , which could not endure for a while to expect the dissolution of this my weake and aged bodie ? but deposing your iust & lawfull soueraigne , must needs in post hast set vp a most wicked and gracelesse man to raigne ouer you . But much good doe it you with your desired emperour , the contemner of God , and murtherer of his father : to whom ●re it belong , you shall full dearely pay the price of this your perfidious dealing and treacherie against me . And he himselfe beginning his empire of most vnnaturall treason , murther , and bloudshed , shall not ( I hope ) escape the heau●e hand of God , the vndoubted and ●euere reuenger of so great impietie and treason . Mustapha , with Bostanges and Aiax as false as himselfe , returning backe againe to the souldiours speaking not a word of the sorrow and indignation of Baiazet ; told them how that he was well content to resigne the empire , and so had appointed Selymus ( vnto whom both God and the generall consent of the men of warre had alreadie deliuered the empire ) to succeed him in the empire . When this their speech was generally reported , they whom Selymus had before corrupted , began now to hold vp their heads , and looke big on the matter : and others who before stood doubtfull what to doe seeing now no other remedie , in hast joyned themselues vnto the same faction . Whilest all things were thus disorderly carried by the vnruly souldiours , Selymus was by them mounted vpon a couragious horse , and so with all pomp conducted vp and downe most of the faire streetes of the imperiall citie : and with the generall voice and clamour of the people ( how soeuer their minds were for most part otherwise affected ) saluted emperour . And the same day both the great Bassaes and the soldiors in generall , were all solemnely sworne vnto Selymus , as their onely lord and emperour . Corcutus , whether it were for greefe of his hope now lost , or for feare of his life , although Selymus had promised to giue him the citie of MYTILENE , with the Island of LESBOS , secretly embarked himselfe , and so returned to MAGNESIA . Baiazet of late one of the greatest monarchs of the world , but now thus thrust out of his empire by his sonne , detesting both him and the treacherie of his subjects , and ouercome with sorrow and melancholie , determined of himselfe , before hee were thereto enforced by Selymus , to forsake CONSTANTINOPLE , and to retire himselfe to DIMOTICA ( a small cittie wholesomely situated in THRACIA , not farre from HADRIANOPLE ; where in former time he had for his pleasure bestowed great cost , & now as he thought best fitted his present estate . ) Wherfore causing great store of treasure , plate , jewels , and rich furniture to be trussed vp , he with fiue hundred of his houshold seruants , full of heauinesse and sorrow , with teares trickling downe his aged cheekes , departed out of the imperiall citie towards HADRIANOPLE , with purpose from thence to haue gone to DIMOTICA . Selymus brought him about two miles vpon his way , and so returning againe to CONSTANTINOPLE , tooke possession of the pallace . Baiazet being then about seuentie six yeares old , or as some report full fourescore ; and beside his old disease of the gout , sore weakened with heauinesse and greefe of mind , was not able to trauell aboue fiue or six miles a day , but was constrained by the extremitie of his paine and weakenesse , to stay sometimes two or three dayes in a place . Whilest hee was thus trauelling , Selymus no lesse carefull of the keeping of his estate , than he had before beene for the obtaining of the same , began now to doubt , That if hee should depart from CONSTANTINOPLE , and with all his forces passe ouer into ASIA against his brother Achomates , Baiazet in the meane time might in his absence returne to CONSTANTINOPLE , and so againe possesse himselfe both of the citie and the empire . Wherefore to rid himselfe of that feare , he resolued most viper like before his going , to kill his father , and so most vnnaturally to depriue him of life of whom hee had first receiued life : such is the cruell and accursed nature of ambition , that it knoweth neither father , mother , brother , wife , kindred , or friend , no , sometimes not her owne children : the furie whereof was neuer in any one more pregnant , than in this most monstrous and cruell tyrant Selymus . The readiest and most secret way he could deuise for the effecting of this his damnable deuise ( which without great impietie could not bee so much as once by him thought vpon ) was to worke it by poyson : vpon which resolution hee secretly compacted with Hamon a Iew , his fathers cheefe physition , to poyson him ; promising him for his reward a pension of ten duckats a day during his life . And for that men are oftentimes with terrour and feare , as well as with reward , enforced to bee the ministers of mischeefe ; hee to bee the more sure of this Iew ( prone ynough for gaine to doe euill ) threatened him with most cruell death , if hee did not both secretly and speedily worke this feat , commaunding him so soone as he had done it to return vnto him to CONSTANTINOPLE . The deceitfull Iew moued both with the feare of death , and hope of reward ( two great motiues ) comming shortly after to Baiazet , and finding him very weake , seeming to be very carefull of him , told him , That he would prepare for him a potion , which should both restore to him his health , and also strengthen his weake bodie , if it would please him to take it the next morning early lying in his bed . Baiazet nothing mistrusting his old physition whom he had so often & so long trusted , said hee would gladly take it . Early the next morning commeth the Iew with the deadly potion in a cup of gold , Baiazet yet sleeping , which he set downe in the chaire of estate , and so stood waiting vntill the aged prince should of himselfe awake . But Baiazet still sleeping soundly ( as oftentimes it chanceth when men sleepe their last ) and withall somewhat longer than stood with the Iewes purpose , he presuming of his wonted practise , awaked him , and told him , that the time to take the potion was almost past , and asked him if it were his pleasure then to take it . Baiazet doubting no treason , willed him to bring it : whereof when the Iew had taken the sey ( hauing before himselfe taken a preseruatiue against that poyson ) he gaue it to Baiazet to drinke , who cheerefully dranke it vp : the physition commaunding them that waited in his bed-chamber , and attended on his person , to keepe him well couered with warme clothes , and not to giue him any thing to drinke vntill hee had well sweat . This cursed Iew hauing thus poysoned the aged prince , to auoid the danger of the fact , and to carrie the first newes thereof to Selymus , secretly conuayed himselfe away , and fled in hast to CONSTANTINOPLE . But Baiazet attainted with the force of the poyson , began first to feele most greeuous gripings in his stomacke , the strong paine whereof appeared by his miserable complaining and heauie groning ; in the midst of which torments he gaue vp the ghost in the yeare 1512 , when he had raigned thirtie yeares . The Turkes report that he died a naturall death : but Antonius Vtrius , a Genoway , who at that time serued in Baiazet his chamber , and was present at his death , reporteth , That vpon his dead bodie the euident tokens of poyson were to bee seene . His dead bodie , with all his treasures were presently brought backe againe to CONSTANTINOPLE , and deliuered to Selymus , who caused the bodie of his father to be with the greatest solemnitie that might be , buried in a most sumptuous tombe , in a chappell neer vnto the great Mahometane temple , which he had before built for himselfe at CONSTANTINOPLE , which monument there remaineth at this day to bee seene . His seruants were all by Selymus restored to their places which they before held in the Court in the time of their old master , excepting fiue of the pages of his chamber , who lamenting the death of their master aboue the rest , had attired themselues all in mourning apparell : for which cause , they were by the commaundement of Selymus cast in prison ; where two of them were put to death , the other three at the sute of Solyman , Selymus his sonne , and of other two Bassaes , were saued : but being stript of their rich apparrell , and whatsoeuer els they had gotten vnder Baiazet , they were enrolled for common souldiors vnder Sullustares Bassa . Of these three this Antonius Vtrius the Genoway ( before spoken of ) was one , who after ten yeares miserable captiuitie amongst the Turks , at last escaped , at such time as Selymus was by the Persian discomfited : and with much adoe returning againe into ITALIE , writ the historie of all such things as hee himselfe had there seene , with the calamities of Baiazet his house , and a great part of the tyrannous raigne of Selymus . Hamon the false Iew ( as the same author reporteth ) comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , and expecting some great reward for his foule treason , by the commaundement of Selymus had his head presently strucke off : with this exprobation of his trecherie , That oportunitie seruing , hee would not sticke for reward to doe the like against Selymus himselfe . Of this Baiazet , Ianus Vitalis writeth this Elogium : Dum rerum exquiris causas , & dum procul Hunnes Carmannos , Cilices , Sauromatasque domas : Baiazete , domi proles tua te petit armis Et te per fraudes amouet imperio . Adijcit inde nouum sceleri scelus , & tibi miscet , Pocula lethiferis illita graminibus . Intempestiuos crudelis vipera foetus , Per sua sic tandem funera , rupta , parit . Quid tutum est , cui sint ingentia regna tiranno ? Si timeat natos , progeniemque suam ? In English thus . Whilest that thou Baiazethes seekes of things the hidden cause , And faine wouldst bring the Hunne and Russe vnder thy Turkish laws : Thy sonne at home steps vp in armes against thy royall crowne , And by false treason and deceit finds meanes to plucke thee downe . Whereto he addeth mischeefe more , and straight without delay , By poyson strong in glittering boule , doth take thy life away : The cruell viper so brings forth her foule vntimely brood , Which eat and gnaw her bellie out , their first and poysoned food . What things may princes hold for safe , that do great kingdomes sway ? If of their children they must stand in dread and feare alway ? R. K. FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Baiazet the second . Emperors of Germanie Frederick the third , Archduke of Austria . 1440. 54. Maximilian the first . 1494. 25. Kings Of England Edward the fourth . 1460. 22. Edward the fifth . 1483. 0. Richard the third . 1483. 3. Henrie the seuenth . 1485. 24. Henrie the eight . 1509. 38. Of Fraunce Lewis the eleuenth . 1461. 22. Charles the eight . 1483. 14. Lewis the twelfth . 1497. 17 Of Scotland Iames the third . 1460. 29. Iames the fourth . 1489. 25. Bishops of Rome Xystus the IIII. 1471. 13. Innotentius the VIII . 1484. 8. Alexander the VI. 1492. 11. Pius the III. 1503. 26 daies . Iulius the II. 1503. 9. SELYMVS . SELYMVS PRIMVS TVRCARVM IMPERATOR TERTIVS : FLORVIT AN o 1512 En Selymus , scelere ante alios immanior omnes : In patris , & fratrum , dirigit arma necem . In Persas mouet inde ferox : Memphitica regna Destruit : & Syros Aethiopasque domat . Hinc in Christicolas irarum effundere fluctus , Ipsorumque imo vertere regna parat . Cùm diro victus prosternitur vlcere : Christus Scilicet est populi portus & aura sui . Lo Selymus , in crueltie exceeding others farre , His father , and his brethren both , destroies with mortall warre . The Persian fiercely he assailes : and conquers Aegypts land : The Sirian , and the Moo●e likewise , he tam'd with mightie hand . But purposing in his mad mood , the Christians to confound , And the memoriall of their name to roote from off the ground ; A loathsome Canker eat him vp , and brought him to his end : Christ is to his the safest port , when he will them defend . THE LIFE OF SELYMVS , FIRST OF THAT NAME , THE THIRD AND MOST WARLIKE EMPEROVR OF THE TVRKES . THis Selymus , by fauour of the great Bassaes and men of war whom he had before corrupted , hauing depriued his father Baiazet first of the empire , and shortly after of his life also , and now fully possessed of the empire himselfe ; first tooke view of the treasures which the Turkish kings and emperors his auncestors had before of long time heaped vp in great aboundance : out of which hee gaue vnto the souldiours of the court two millions of duckets ; and for a perpetuall remembrance of his thankfulnesse towards them augmented their daily wages , allowing vnto euerie horseman four aspers a day , and to euerie footman two , aboue their wonted allowance . By which exceeding bountie , he greatly assured vnto himselfe the minds of the men of warre . Shortly after he passed ouer with a great armie into ASIA , leauing the gouernment of the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE vnto his onely sonne Solyman : and marching into GALATIA came to the citie of ANCYRA , in hope there to haue oppressed his elder brother Achomates . But he vnderstanding before of his comming , withall wisely considering how vnable he was to withstand his forces , fled before into the mountaines of CAPADOCIA vpon the confines of ARMENIA , taking vp men by the way as he went , and praying aid of all sorts of people , yea euen of such as were but of small abilitie themselues , and vnto him meere strangers ; that so hee might in best manner he could , prouide such strength as might serue him to make head against his brother , and for the recouerie of ASIA . Selymus hauing spent that sommer without doing anie thing worth the speaking of , and considering that he could not well winter in that cold country neere vnto the great mountaine TAVRVS , by reason of the deepe snowes and extreame cold there vsually falling ; and that to go farther was to no purpose , forasmuch as Achomates flying from place to place and mountaine to mountaine was not to be surprised , he retired backe againe into BITHYNIA , and sending his Europeian horsemen downe towards the sea coast , and the Ianizaries to CONSTANTINOPLE ; resolued to winter with the rest of his army at PRVSA . At which time being wholy bent against Achomates his competitor of the empire , he for certaine yeares continued the league which his father Baiazet had before concluded with Vladislaus king of HVNGARIE , Sigismundus king of POLONIA , and the Venetians . And thinking no care ( no not of children ) superfluous which might concerne the establishing of his empire , he called vnto him fiue of his brothers sons , Orchanes the sonne of Alem Schach ; Mahometes the sonne of Tzihan Schach ; Orchanes , Emirsa , and Musa , the sonnes of his brother Mahometes ; all young princes of great hope , of yeares betwixt sixteene and twentie , excepting Musa who was not past seauen yeares old : of all these , Mahometes ( whom his vncle Achomates had a little before taken prisoner at LARENDA , as is before declared , and vpon the death of Baiazet had againe set him at libertie ) being about twentie yeares old , was for rare feature and princely courage accounted the paragon and beautie of the Othoman family : Which great perfection as it woon vnto him the loue and fauour of the men of warre , and also of all the people in generall : so did it hasten his speedie death ; onely Selymus his cruell vnckle enuying him life . After he had got these poore innocents into his hands , he sent for diuers of his great doctors and lawyers , demaunding of them , Whether it were not better that some fiue , eight , or ten persons should be taken away , than that the state of the whole empire should with great effusion of bloud be rent in sunder , and so by ciuile warres be brought in danger of vtter ruine and destrustion ? Who although they well perceiued whereunto that bloudie question tended , yet for feare of displeasure they all answered , That it were better such a small number should perish , than that the whole state of the empire should by ciuile warre and discord be brought to confusion ; in which generall calamitie those few must also of necessitie perish with the rest . Vpon colour of this answere and the necessitie pretended , he commaunded these his nephewes before named , to be led by fiue of his great captaines into the castle of PRVSA , where they were all the night following most cruelly strangled . It is reported , that Mahometes with a penknife slew one of the bloudie executioners sent into his chamber to kill him ; and so wounded the other , as that he fell downe for dead : and that Selymus being in a chamber fast by , and almost an eyewitnesse of that was done , presently sent in others , who first bound the poore prince , and afterward strangled him with the rest : whose dead bodies were buried at PRVSA amongst their auncestours . The crueltie of this fact wonderfully offended the minds of most men , insomuch that many euen of his martiall men filled with secret indignation , for certaine daies absented themselues from his presence , shunning his sight as if hee had beene some fierce or raging lyon . Of all the nephewes of old Baiazet , onely Amurat and Aladin ( the sons of Achomates ) yet remained , whom he purposed to surprise vpon the sudden , and so to rid himselfe of all feare of his brothers children ; hauing then left none of the Othoman familie , but them and his two brethren vpon whom to exercise his further crueltie . These two young princes had a little before recouered the citie of AMASIA , from whence they were the Sommer before expulsed by their vncle Selymus , at such time as Achomates their father was glad to flie into the mountaines of CAPADOCIA . Selymus fully resolued vpon their destruction , sent Vfegi one of his Bassaes with fiue thousand horsmen , who by great journies trauelling to AMASIA , might vpon the sudden come vpon these two young princes , and take them altogither vnprouided and as then fearing no such danger : which was thought no great matter for the Bassa to doe , forasmuch as he might with his light horsmen easily preuent the fame of his comming ; and the citie of AMASIA where they lay , was neither well walled , nor as then furnished with any sufficient garrison for defence therof : beside that , Achomates himselfe was at that time absent , busied in taking vp of souldiours vpon the frontiers of CARAMANNIA . But Mustapha the old Bassa , by whose especiall meanes Selymus had obtained the empire ( as is before declared in the life of Baiazet ) being priuie vnto his wicked purpose , and now in mind altogither alienated from him , detesting his most execrable tyrannie , both for the vnworthy death of Baiazet his father , and the guiltlesse bloud of so many young princes his nephewes by him shed without all pitie ; and hauing compassion of the imminent danger whereinto these two brethren were now like also to fall ; by secret and speedie messengers gaue them warning of the comming of the Bassa , and of all that was entended against them . Who vpon such knowledge giuen , presently aduertised Achomates their father thereof , and laid secret ambush themselues for the intercepting of their enemies . So that within few daies after , the Bassa comming with his horsemen towards AMASIA , fell before he was aware into the middest of his enemies : at which time also Achomates following him at the heeles , so shut him in with his armie on euerie side , that most of his men being slaine , he himselfe with diuers other captaines were taken prisoners and brought to Achomates , and by his commaundement committed to safe custodie . Now it fortuned , that some of Achomates souldiors scoffing at the prisoners whom they had taken , told them how they had been deceiued , and how all the matter had been carried ( so hard a thing it is to haue euen the greatest counsels in court kept secret ) boasting that they wanted not their friends , euen of such as were most inward with Selymus , who secretly fauoured the better cause , and would not long suffer the cruell beast to rage further : All which things Selymus his souldiours reported againe after they were raunsomed and returned home . But Vfegi the Bassa lying still in prison , and getting certaine knowledge of the whole matter , by secret letters gaue Selymus to vnderstand , that Mustapha the great Bassa whom he most of all trusted , had secret intelligence with Achomates , and had beene the only cause of the losse of his armie . Selymus of late enuying at the great honour and authoritie of Mustapha , and wishing him dead ( whose desert he was not able , or at leastwise not willing to requite ) caused him vpon this accusation without farther triall to be secretly strangled in his owne sight , and his dead bodie ( as it werein scorne of his former felicitie ) to be cast out into the street for euerie man to gaze vpon . This was the shamefull end of this traiterous Bassa , who had of long time at his pleasure commaunded all things in the Turkish empire , and was for riches , power , and authoritie , next vnto the emperours themselues : but now lieth as a dead dog in the street , no man daring for feare to cast earth vpon him . A rare spectacle of the vncertaintie of worldly felicitie , and a worthy example of disloialtie . But Achomates hearing what had hapned to Mustapha , in reuenge thereof in like manner executed Vfegi Bassa his prisoner ; and according to his curteous nature set all the rest of the prisoners at libertie . Selymus thirsting after nothing more than the guiltlesse bloud of his brethren and nephewes , vpon whom he had against all right vsurped the kingdome , whereof he neuer thought himselfe sufficiently assured so long as any of them breathed : began with the first of the Spring , to deuise with himselfe how he might first take away his brother Corcutus , who then liued at MAGNESIA , and hauing cast off all hope of the empire , gaue himselfe wholy to the studie of philosophie , which he ( seduced with ambition ) had in euill time a little before forsaken ; but now retiring himselfe thereto againe , as to his greatest contentment , spent his time in quiet contemplation , not attempting any thing against his cruell brother vsurping the empire . Selymus resolued vpon the destruction of this harmelesse prince , suddenly commaunded his captaines to make choise often thousand horsemen to be in readinesse within three daies , giuing it out that hee would make an inroad vpon the sudden into CAPADOCIA . In the number of these horsemen Antonius Maenauinus a Genoway , author of this historie ( as he reporteth of himselfe ) was one . All things being in readinesse against the appointed time , Selymus in person himselfe set forward with his armie from PRVSA , still keeping the way on the right hand ; so that the souldiors who thought they should haue marched directly into CAPADOCIA and so to AMASIA , as it was before commonly reported ; began now to perceiue by the contrarie course they held , that they were to go for LYDIA and IONIA . When a valiant souldiour among the rest , who had sometime serued one of the Bassaes in Corcutus his court , by diuers circumstances gathering the intention of Selymus , secretly conuaied himselfe out of the armie ; and being excellently well mounted , taking the neerest way , came to MAGNESIA and gaue Corcutus warning of the comming of his brother . Corcutus considering the great danger he was in , richly rewarded the messenger ; and leauing his house in such order as it was wont to be , fled with two of his seruants to the sea side , in hope to haue found passage either into CRETE , or else to the RHODES . The next day after Corcutus was departed , early in the morning came Selymus to the castle of MAGNESIA before the rising of the sunne , in hope to haue found Corcutus yet in his bed : but being deceiued of his expectation , he fell into a great rage , and with cruell torments examined all his brothers seruants & eunuchs , What was become of him and where he had hid himselfe ? and with much adoe got it out of them , That he had warning of his comming by a fugitiue soldiour , and was thereupon fled ; but whither they knew not . Wherfore Selymus staied there fifteene daies , during which time he caused diligent search to be made all ouer the countrey , and alongst the sea coast for to haue apprehended him . But when after much search he could heare no tidings of him , he caused all his brothers treasure and rich furniture to be trussed vp , and to be sent by sea to CONSTANTINOPLE . So leauing one of his captaines with a thousand horsemen in garrison at MAGNESIA , he returned againe to PRVSA with as much speed as he came from thence : verily supposing that his brother was for safegard of his life , by sea fled into ITALIE . All this while Bostanges , Selymus his sonne in law , lying with a fleet of gallies vpon the coast of IONIA , had taken from Corcutus all hope of escaping by sea : so that he was faine to hide himselfe in a caue neere vnto the sea side not farre from SMYRNA , liuing in hope that after a few daies the fleet would depart , and so he should find some opportunitie to escape . After he had thus a great while in feare most miserably liued with countrie crabs , and other like wild fruit ( a poore diet for a man of state ) and was with extreame necessitie enforced to send his man for reliefe to a poore sheepheards cottage therby , he was by a country peasant discouered to Cassumes , who with too much diligence sought after his life : and being by him apprehended , was carried towards the tyrant his brother at PRVSA . Right welcome to Selymus was the report of his taking : who as soone as he vnderstood that he was within a daies journey of PRVSA , sent one Kirengen-ogli ( who of his squint looke was called Chior Zeinall ) to strangle him vpon the way , and to bring his dead bodie to PRVSA . This captaine comming to Corcutus in the dead time of the night , and awaking him out of his sleepe , told him his heauie message ; how that he was sent from his brother Selymus to see him executed , which must as he said presently be done . Corcutus exceedingly troubled with these heauie newes , and fetching a deepe sigh , desired the captaine so long to spare his life , vntill hee might write a few short lines vnto his brother Selymus . Which poore request being granted , he called for pen and paper , and readily in Turkish verse ( for he had spent all his time in studie ) reproued his brother of most horrible crueltie ; vpbraiding him , that he had not onely most disloially thrust his father out of his empire , but also most vnnaturally depriued him of life , of whom he had before receiued the same : and not so content , had most tyrannously slaine his brothers children ; and now like an vnmercifull wretch thirsted after the guiltlesse bloud of himselfe , and Achomates his brethren . At last concluding his letters with many a bitter curse , he besought God to take of him just reuenge for so much innocent bloud by him most vnnaturally spilt . And when he had thus much written , he requested the captaine , that it might togither with his dead bodie be deliuered vnto Selymus . So without any farther delay he was according to the tyrants commaund presently strangled . The next day after , when the dead bodie was presented vnto Selymus , he vncouered the face therof to be sure that it was he , and seeing a paper in his hand , tooke it from him : but when he had read it ( for all his cruell nature and stony heart ) he burst out into teares ; protesting , that he was neuer so much grieued or troubled with any mans death as with his : for which cause , he commaunded generall mourning to be made for him in the court , and with princely solemnitie buried his bodie . Three daies after , he caused fifteene of those diligent searchers who first found Corcutus , to haue their heads struck off , and their bodies to be flung into the sea , saying , That if he were by any extremitie driuen to flie and hide his head , they would not stick to serue him in like manner as they had done his brother . Now of all the posteritie of Baiazet remained none aliue to trouble the cruel tyrants thoughts but only Achomates and his two sons : who vpon the approch of the Spring , set forward with his armie from AMASIA , excited by the often letters of his friends , who assured him that Selymus might vpon the sudden be easily oppressed , if hee would with all expedition come to PRVSA ; forasmuch as the Ianizaries and Europeian horsemen , the vndoubted strength of his armie , were at that time absent , and he himselfe as one hated both of God and man , could not in so sudden and vnexpected danger tell what he were best to doe , or which way to turne himselfe : wherefore they willed him without delay to hasten his comming , and not to expect the milder weather of the Spring , least in the meane time Selymus should call togither his dispersed forces : God ( they said ) did oftentimes offer vnto men , both the opportunitie and means to doe great matters , if they had the power to lay hold thereon , and therfore he should do well now by celeritie & courage to seeke to better his euill fortune , which but a little before had bereft him of his fathers kingdome : for if Sommer were once come on , he must either gaine the victory by plain battel , which would be a hard matter , or else get him packing out of CAPADOCIA and all ASIA the lesse . Achomates , who before had promised vnto himselfe better successe , as well for the great strength he had of his owne , as for the new supply of horsemen he had procured from Hysmaell the Persian king ; but especially for the hope he had , that Selymus generally hated for his late crueltie , should in the time of the battell be forsaken of his owne souldiours ; yeelded to the persuasion of his friends , who with many pleasing words set before his eies glorious things , easie to be spoken , but hard to be effected . Wherefore , when he was come into GALATIA with somewhat more than fifteene thousand horsemen , hauing for hast left his footmen by easie marches to come after him : Selymus aduertised of his comming , by speedie messengers sent for his horsemen to PRVSA . In the meane time whiles he is leuying other common souldiours , and respecting the rest of his forces ; fortune , which alwaies fauoured his attempts , did then also auert the danger prepared for him by the vnfaithfulnesse of his followers , and shewed vnto him the open way to victorie . For Achomates secret friends which were in Selymus his campe , continuing firme in their good will towards him , did earnestly by letters persuade him ( being alreadie set forward , and now come as farre as PAPHLAGONIA ) to make hast , and to come before Selymus his forces were come together : for that he had sent for the Ianizaries and Europeian horsemen , and did with all speed and diligence make all the preparation hee could possibly ; which for all that would all come too late , if he should vpon the suddaine come vpon him before hee were prouided . Which letters being by chance intercepted , gaue Selymus certaine knowledge both of his brothers purpose and comming , together with the treason entended against him by his owne seruants : wherefore executing them who had writ those letters , he in their names caused others to the same effect to be written to Achomates , persuading him with all speed possible to come still on , and not to stay for his footmen , for that Selymus might easily bee oppressed with a few troupes of horsemen , if Achomates would with speed but come & shew himselfe vnto his friends and fauourites : who vpon the first signall of battaile would raise a tumult in the armie , and vpon the suddain kill Selymus , vnaduisedly going too and fro in the battaile . Which letters so written , Selymus caused to be signed with the seales of them whom he had before executed , & found meanes to haue them cunningly deliuered to Achomates , as if they had been sent from his friends : who giuing credit to the same , and presuming much vpon his owne strength , doubted not to leaue his footmen , who followed easily after him , vnder the conduct of Amurath his sonne ; and came and encamped with his horsemen neere vnto the mountain HORMINIVS , vpon the bank of the riuer Parthemius . Selymus also departed from PRVSA , and hauing receiued into his armie ten thousand Ianizaries ( but a little before come ouer the strait ) sent before Sinan Bassa , Generall of his Asian horsemen , to know & make proofe of the strength of his enemies . The Bassa not knowing as yet where Achomates lay , neither of what force he was , being deceiued by the darkenesse of the morning , fell into a place of disaduantage , where he was set vpon by Achomates , and hauing lost seuen thousand of his men , was glad with other eight thousand which were le●t , to flie backe vnto Selymus . For all this losse , was not Selymus discomfited , or doubtfull of the victorie , but forthwith marched on forward to the riuer Elata , which runneth directly out of the mountaine HORMINIVS into PONTVS , watering most large fields vpon the right hand , which at this day are called the plaines of the new land . So did Achomates also , who although he knew his brother to be euery way too strong for him : yet being encouraged with the late victorie , and in hope that his friends in Selymus his armie ( whom he vainely supposed to haue beene yet liuing ) would in the very battaile doe some notable matter for him , and that victorie would follow his just quarrell ; resolued neither to retire backe , neither to expect the comming of the rest of his armie . The riuer was betwixt the two campes , and the number of both armies certainely discouered : yet could not Achomates ( to whom the open fields offered a safe retreat vnto the rest of his armie ) possessed with a fatall madnesse , be persuaded ( considering the greatnesse of the danger ) in time to prouide for the safetie of himselfe and his armie , carried headlong ( as it seemed ) by ineuitable destinie to his fatall destruction , which presently after ensued . Selymus a little before the going downe of the Sun , with his armie passed ouer the riuer Elata , and gaue generall commaundement through all his campe , that euery man against the next day should bee readie for battaile : and in a wood not far off placed a thousand horsemen in ambush , vnder the leading of Canoglis his wiues brother , a valiant young gentleman , whom his father had a little before sent from TAVRICA vnto his sonne in law with a chosen companie of Tartarian horsemen : vnto him Selymus gaue in charge , that when the battaile was joyned , he should shew himselfe with his horsemen vpon the backe of his enemies , and there to charge them . As soone as it was day , Selymus in a great open field put his armie in order of battaile , placing his horsemen in two wings , so that all his spearemen were in the right wing , and the archers and carbines in the left : in the maine battaile stood the Ianizaries with the rest of the footmen . On the otherside Achomates , hauing no footmen , deuided his horsemen into two wings also . Whilest both armies stood thus raunged , expecting but the signall of battaile , a messenger came from Achomates to Selymus , offering in his masters name , to trie the equitie of their quarrell in plaine combat hand to hand : which if he should refuse , he then tooke both God & the world to witnesse , that Selymus was the onely cause of all the guiltlesse bloud to be shed in the battaile , and not he : whereunto Selymus answered , that he was not to trie his quarrell at the appointment of Achomates : and though he could be content so to doe , yet would not his soldiors suffer him so to aduenture his person and their owne safetie : and so with that answere returned the messenger backe againe to his master , giuing him for his reward a thousand aspers . Achomates hauing receiued this answere , without further delay charged the right wing of his brothers armie , who valiantly receiued the first charge : but when they were come to the sword , and that the matter was to be tried by handie blowes , they were not able longer to endure the force of the Persian horsemen ; who being well armed both horse and man , had before requested to be placed in the formost rankes , by whose valour the right wing of Selymus his armie was disordered , and not without great losse enforced to retire backe vpon their fellows . Which thing Selymus beholding , did what he might by all meanes to encourage them againe , and presently brought on the left wing with their arrowes and pistols , in stead of them that were fled : and at the same time came on with the Ianizaries also , who with their shot enforced Achomates his horsemen to retire . Achomates himselfe carefully attending euery danger , with greater courage than fortune came in with fresh troupes of horsemen , by whose valour the battell before declining was againe renewed , and the victorie made doubtfull : but in the furie of this battell whilest he was bearing all downe before him , and now in great hope of the victorie , Canoglis with his Tartarian horsemen rising out of ambush , came behind him , and with great outcries caused their enemies then in the greatest heat of their fight to turne vpon them : at which time also the footmen standing close together assailed them afront , and the horsemen whom the Persians had at first put to flight , now moued with shame , were againe returned into the battaile : so that Achomates his small armie was beset , and hardly assailed on euery side . In fine his ensignes being ouerthrowne , and many of his men slaine , the rest were faine to betake themselues to flight . Where Achomates hauing lost the field , and now too late seeking to saue himselfe by flight , fell with his horse into a ditch , which the raine falling the day before , had filled with water and myre : and being there knowne and taken by his enemies , could not obtaine so much fauour at their hands as to bee presently slaine , but was reserued to the farther pleasure of his cruell brother . Selymus vnderstanding of his taking , sent Kirengen ( the same squint-eyed captain which had before strangled Corcutus ) who with a bow string strangled him also . His dead bodie was forthwith brought to Selymus , and was afterwards by his commaundement in royall manner buried with his ancestours in PRVSA . Now Amurat , Achomates his sonne , vnderstanding vpon the way by the Persian horsemen ( who serred together , had againe made themselues way through the Turkes armie ) of the losse of the field and the taking of his father , returned backe againe to AMASIA : and there after good deliberation , resolued with his brother to betake themselues both to flight ; he with the Persian horsemen passing ouer the riuer Euphrates , fled vnto Hysmaell the Persian king : but Aladin the younger brother passing ouer the mountaine AMANVS in CILICIA , fled into SIRIA , and so to Campson Gaurus the great Sultan of AEGYPT . After this victorie , Selymus hauing in short time and with little trouble brought all the lesser ASIA vnder his obeisance , and there at his pleasure disposed of all things , determined to haue returned to CONSTANTINOPLE : but vnderstanding that the plague was hot there , hee changed his purpose , and passing ouer at CALLIPOLIS and so trauelling through GRECIA , came to HADRIANOPLE , where hee spent all the rest of that Summer , and all the Winter following : and afterward when the mortalitie was ceased , returned to CONSTANTINOPLE ; where it was found , that an hundred and threescore thousand had there died of the late plague . Hysmaell the Persian king , whose fame had then filled the world , hearing of the arriuall of Amurat , sent for him , and demaunded of him the cause of his comming . The distressed young prince , who but of late had lost his father , together with the hope of so great an empire , & now glad for safegard of his life to flie into strange countries , oppressed with sorrow , by his heauie countenance and abundance of teares , more than by words , expressed the cause of his comming : yet in short strained speech , declared vnto him , how that his father , his vncle , with the rest of his cousins , all princes of great honour , had of late beene cruelly murdered by the vnmercifull tyrant Selymus : who with like furie sought also after the life of himselfe and his brother , the poore remainders of the Othoman familie , who to saue their liues , were both glad to flie , his brother into AEGYPT , and himselfe to the feet of his imperiall majestie . Hysmaell moued with compassion , and deeming it a thing well beseeming the greatnesse of his fame , to take the poore exiled prince into his protection and to giue him releefe , willed him to be of good comfort , and promised him aid . And the more to assure him thereof , shortly after gaue him one of his owne daughters in marriage . For it was thought , that if Selymus for his tyrannie become odious to the world , should by any means miscarie ( as with tyrants it commonly falleth out ) that then in the Othoman familie , sore shaken with his vnnaturall crueltie , none was to be preferred before this poore prince Amurat : besides that , it was supposed , that if hee should inuade him with an armie out of PERSIA , that vpon the first stirre , all the lesser ASIA , mourning for the vnworthie death of Achomates , would at once reuolt from him , who for his crueltie and shamefull murthers had worthely deserued to bee hated together both of God and man. Wherefore in the beginning of the Spring Hysmaell furnished Amurat his new sonne in law with ten thousand horsemen , willing him to passe ouer the riuer of Euphrates at ARSENGA , and to enter into CAPADOCIA , as well to make proofe how the people of that countrey were affected towards him , as of the strength of the enemie : after whom he sent Vsta-Ogli , the most famous cheefetaine amongst the Persians , with twentie thousand horsemen moe , with charge , That he should still follow Amurat within one dayes journey : and he himselfe with a farre greater power stayed behind in ARMENIA , doubting to want victuall if he should haue led so great an armie through those vast barren and desolate places , whereby hee must of necessitie passe . Amurat marching through the lesser ARMENIA , and entering into the borders of CAPADOCIA , had diuers townes yeelded vnto him by his friends ; some others hee tooke by force , which he either sacked or els quite rased ; and brought such a generall feare vpon the inhabitants of the prouince , that the people submitting themselues vnto him all the way as he went , it was thought he would haue gone directly to AMASIA , had not Chendemus ( an old warlike captain ) whom Selymus had left for his lieutenant at ASIA , with a great armie come to meet him at SEBASTIA , which at this day is called SIVAS . This Chendemus had also long before aduertised Selymus both of the preparation and comming of the Persians , as soone as hee had learned by his ●●pials that they were passed the riuer Euphrates . Vpon which news Selymus came presently ouer into ASIA , and commaunding all his forces to meet together at PRVSA , had with wonderfull celeritie leuied thereabout fortie thousand common souldiors . Which so soone as Amurat vnderstood , as well by such prisoners as he had taken , as by aduertisement from his friends ; although he was very desirous to haue fought with Chendemus , yet doubting that if Selymus should with his wonted celeritie come against him , he should be entangled in the straits of the mountaine ANTITAVRVS , he retired backe againe to Vsta-Ogli . But Selymus who all that yeare had in his haughtie thoughts been plotting some such notable exploit as were worthie his greatnesse , standing in doubt whether he should by sea and land inuade HVNGARIE , the RHODES , or ITALIE , at that time sore shaken with ciuile wars : hauing now so fit an occasion giuen him by the Persian ( to the great joy of all Christendome ) conuerted himselfe wholly vnto the East , and in thirtie dayes march came to ARSENGA . Where joyning his armie with Chendemus , when he vnderstood that his enemies hauing ha●ried the countrey , were againe retired ; prickt forward with the greefe of the injurie , and desire of reuenge , with hope of victorie hee resolued to follow after them foot by foot , and forthwith to enter into ARMENIA the greater , the principall prouince of the Persian kingdome . But the difficulties of this notable expedition , which were in counsell propounded by them which had best knowledge of those countries , were great and many , all which by his owne good hap and inuincible courage , hee himselfe afterwards ouercame : for the souldiours which had in short time alreadie marched by land out of ILLYRIA , EPIRVS , and MACEDONIA , into CAPADOCIA , must of necessitie in this long expedition take vpon them new labours ; they were to endure the sharpe and pinching cold of the huge mountaine TAVRVS , and by and by after the most vehement and scortching heat in the plaines of ARMENIA the lesser , with extreame thirst , hunger , and most desperat want of all things ; and well the more , for that the Persians in their retreat spoyling the countrey as they went , had vtterly destroyed all that might serue for the vse of man , of purpose to leaue nothing vnto their enemies , but want of all things , if they should pursue them : besides that , his most expert captaines stood in no small doubt of the pettie princes of ARMENIA the lesse , and the mountaine king Aladeules , whom they were to leaue behind them at their backes , without any great assurance of their friendship , who they well knew would faile them , if any thing should happen otherwise than well to Selymus , either in battaile , or for want of victuals , or in the difficulties of the passages . For they were to be releeued with victuals from the Armenians : and Aladeules forces then in readinesse , were neither for number nor power to be contemned ; who also with castles commodiously placed and strong garrisons , at his pleasure commaunded all the straits , passages , and entrances , which led out of CAPADOCIA into ARMENIA and the Persian kingdome : for all the mountaine countries were vnder his commaund , and his kingdome stretched from the mountaines called SCUDRISC● neere vnto PONTVS , all alongst the great mountaine TAVRVS vnto AMANVS , which diuideth CILICIA from SYRIA . Amongst the rest , old Chendemus viceroy of NATOLIA , a man of great experience , and of all others in greatest credit fauour and authoritie with Selymus , persuaded him to stay a while in CAPADOCIA , and there to refresh his Europeian souldiours alreadie wearie of their long trauell , and so to expect the comming of his enemies . And to dissuade him from the dangerous expedition into PERSIA , spake vnto him as followeth : It is not to be thought ( most mightie and inuincible emperor ) that the Persians are fled for feare , because they retired before they set eye vpon vs their enemies : it is a finenesse , and they plainly go about to entrap vs , whiles they by flight make a false semblant of feare . Know we not what cunning heads , what able bodies PERSIA breedeth ? will they feare the naked Turkish light horseman or archer , which with their couragious barbed horses and themselues strongly armed , feared not the Scythian shot ? or ( if that be too little ) which by their valour haue vanquished so manie nations , and gained vnto their king so great and large an empire ? Thinke you , that you haue either greater or better forces than had long ago Cassumes your vncle ? or great Mahomet your grandfather ? who diuers times proouing their forces vpon this enemie , were more than once put to the worst , I my selfe th●n seruing in their campes neere vnto TRAPEZONDE and the mountaines of NICOPOLIS . I will not denie , but that the great ordinance which you carrie with you may stand you in great stead , so that sit place may be found to bestow so many field pieces in : but this scorched ground , the frozen and abrupt mountaines , with the vast and solitarie plaines beyond them , terrifie me , whom all the armed forces of our enemies in place of great aduantage could not dismay . You must fight , not only with your valiant enemies , but with the difficulties of nature also . Neither may your maiestie giue any credit to the Armenians , or Aladeules , princes of most doubtfull faith ; although at your first setting forward , they shew a faire face and seeme neuer so friendly : for they will but expect and await some fit occasion to take you at an aduantage , and so to set vpon you when you least feare them . But admit you were assured of victorie , ô with how much warme bloud of your best souldiors shall you buy the same ? with what other souldiors , with what other forces will you defend GRaeCIA , if the Christian kings hearing that you ●or enlarging your empire , or desire of fame being gone into the farthest part of ARMENIA , shall in the meane time inuade you ? Wherefore if it be better and more wisedome with safetie to defend your owne , than with danger to seeke for that is other mens ; if princes of greatest pollicie haue reposed the glorie of their victories , not in the greatnesse of the slaughter of their enemies , but in the safetie and preseruation of their owne souldiours : spare to obiect your selfe and your armie to most manifest danger , and vnaduisedly to commit all at once to the hazard of good fortune : which being a most tickle and vnconstant mistresse , if she shall but once dally with your dangerous attempts , you shall through your rashnesse in farre shorter space tumble downe headlong from the type of so great maiestie , than you haue thereunto a while agoe by your rare vertues worthely aspired . Selymus as he was of a rough and fierce nature , so would he haue all things done according to his owne deuise and direction . And though he were not a little moued with this speech of so graue a counsellor and most expert commander , and saw many of his captaines troubled with the imagination of the future danger : yet in a fume , refuting some little of that which Chendemus had said , he dismissed the counsell ; protesting openly , that he would proceed in his entended purpose , hap what hap should , from friend or so : although that old fellow were ( as he said ) so carefull of his life , that he feared to die an honourable death . Which Selymus had no sooner said , but presently others about him , accustomed to serue his humour , which enuied at the glorie and wealth of old Chendemus , tooke hold vpon those words : and beginning with the greatnesse of his forces , the valour of his souldiours , the store of his artillerie , with his owne inuincible fortune ; made easie matters of all the former difficulties , and with great words labored to extenuat all that the graue Bassa had before said concerning the prowesse and power of the enemie . After that , they began to discredit Chendemus , saying ▪ That he ( being a martiall man , and of knowne resolution in all his most warlike actions ) had not said as before , for want of courage , or any distrust he had of the victorie , but of purpose to hinder that most honourable expedition , and to cut off all hope of victorie , which was ( as they said ) as good as alreadie gotten ; being before loded with Amurat his great promises , and the gold of PERSIA . Wherfore they wished him to beware of the slie old Fox his wiles and treason , and to proceed on in his expedition so much the more boldly : and not to thinke that his souldiours would refuse any danger or labour , so long as they saw courage in himselfe , but would be readie ( as they said ) to vndertake the most desperat difficulties of warre ; and desired nothing more , than to be conducted into those farre countries , where by their martiall prowesse and valiant acts they might make their emperour Selymus equall with the Great Alexander , and themselues comparable to his Macedonians . And to worke the vtter destruction of this most faithfull counsellour without all recure , these false flatterers suborned bold faced accusers , who falsely and shamefully affirmed , that he had receiued great sums of money from Amurat , and did not therefore in time go against the Persian robbers , whereby all the former calamities hapned ( as they said ) to that prouince : for which pretended causes , Selymus commaunded Chendemus without farther hearing , to be slaine . But in deed to terrifie others from like libertie of speech , and withall to teach them to deeme those deuises and counsels as most excellent , which their soueraigne should as it were by diuine inspiration find out himselfe ; and so to accept of them without contradiction . The sudden death of this most faithfull counsellour Chendemus , strucke an exceeding feare into the minds of all men , for that so honourable a personage , of late in so great fauour and credit with his soueraigne , was without hearing executed ; whom they had knowne as a man of great account , both for his prowesse and pollicie , to haue stood fast on Selymus side , first in his warres against his father , and of late against his brother : not doubting but that Selymus by nature cruell , and suspitious euen of trifles , would with like tyrannie not spare men of meaner calling , which spared not his deerest and most auntient friends . Selymus marching from ARSENGA came to the confines of the lesser Armenian kings , and of Aladeules : where by his embassadours he requested the kings of those nations ( who were then in armes ) that they would joyne their forces with his against the Persian , and to go with him into ARMENIA the Great : promising that when the wars were happely ended , he would g●ue vnto them all such territorie as should chance in those warres to be taken from the enemie , as a reward of their aid . But these poore kings , which hated both Hysmaell and Selymus for the manifold injuries they daily receiued in the frontiers of their dominions , lying in the middest betweene them , ( as commonly it falleth out that the weakest goeth to the wals ) craftely expecting the euent of this warre , would not openly shew themselues , but answered that they had taken vp armes for no other purpose , but for the defence of themselues and their kingdomes . Not meaning in that doubtfull warre , to beare themselues as enemies vnto either of those great princes their friends and neighbours , of whose just grieuances they were not able or worthy to determine : yet if he would without hostilitie , in peaceable manner passe through their dominions , they promised to giue free passage vnto him and his armie : and after he were entred into ARMENIA the greater , to relieue him with such prouision of victuall as their bare countries could affoord . Selymus thus deceiued of this his first hope ( for why , he thought those poore kings would at the first either for loue or feare haue beene readie to haue done him all the seruice they could ) dissembled his griefe for the present , as wholy bent against Hysmaell : fearing , that if he should by word or deed offend those neuter princes , he should haue them at his back his most assured & vndoubted enemies . Wherfore passing the mountains called SCODRISCI , he came in eight daies vnto the great mountaines called MOSCHII , which the famous riuer Euphrates with his mightie streame and hugie broken bankes seperateth from the great mountaine ANTITAVRVS , and with perpetuall steepe ridges runneth into IB●RIA and CHOLCHIS , and on the East discouereth ARMENIA the greater . Here Selymus with ensignes displaied marching alongst the banke of the riuer , departed not from the same , for feare to lacke water in that hoat and drie countrey : and so held on his way directly Eastward , leauing the countrey of ARMENIA the lesse vpon his left hand , and the frontiers of the kingdome of Aladeules on the right , vntill he came to the mountaine PERTARDO . This great mountaine , famous by the rising of two great and notable riuers out of it , is for the wonderfull fertilitie of all things , of the barbarous people called LEPRVS , which is to say , fruitfull : for Euphrates and Araxis there running out of two diuerse and contrarie marshes , with many armes , water and enrich that champaine and drie country . Selymus hauing made so great a journey , and yet not able so much as by report to vnderstand what was become of Hysmaell his great and populous armie , which he knew was but a little before departed out of CAPADOCIA ; as a man in doubt , and halfe afraid , stayed and encamped his armie at the head of the riuer Euphrates : and from thence sent out his scouts euery way , if happily they could intercept some which might giue him knowledge of his enemies . But the Armenians , whether it were for feare of the comming of the Turks , or that Hysmaell their king had so commaunded , were all before fled out of that part of the countrey whereby Selymus was to passe with his armie , and hauing forsaken their houses , had carried away with them , or els by fire destroyed whatsoeuer might serue for the vse of man. The Turkish scouts after they had by the space of two dayes scoured vp and downe the countrey , returned backe againe to Selymus , not hauing taken so much as any one man ; shewing vnto him , that all things were destroyed before him , and nothing left but wide fields and a most desolate countrey , without any appearance of man or beast : and that they were of opinion , that either their Armenian guides were deceiued in the way , or els had of purpose brought them into such desert places , whereas wanting pasture for their horses , and food for men , they must needs together perish with hunger . Which their present feare was greatly encreased by the weak kings whom they had left behind them at their backes ; but especially Aladeules , who either for shame or feare had a few dayes at the first holpen the Turkes with victuals , but after they were farther entered into ARMENIA , performed nothing of that hee had before most faithfully promised : seeking therein the fauour of Hysmaell , who hee thought would with the same good fortune vanquish the Turks , that he had not long before the greatest part of the East . Selymus perplexed in mind , began now to suspect treason , to feare famine , to dread the deserts and forsaken places , and with greefe of mind to call to remembrance all that old Chendemus his faithfull counsellour had before most truly told him : for all that , he shewed himselfe vnto his souldiors with cheerfull countenance , as a man nothing dismayed : which his firme constancie seemed to promise vnto their discouraged minds good successe , with speedie victorie . Wherefore calling vnto him his guides , and such as best knew the countrey ; and vnderstanding by them , that on the right hand beyond the mountaine PERIARDO lay the most fruitfull countrey of all ARMENIA , hee rise with his armie , and compassing the hill toward the North , turned downe toward the riuer Araxes , and aboue the citie of COY passed his armie ouer the riuer , his footmen by little bridges , and his horsemen by foords : for Araxes , vntill it haue receiued such riuers as fall into it out of the marishes of the PERIARDO , runneth but with a small streame , and is in some place easie to be passed ouer . Selymus had scarcely well got ouer the riuer , and encamped his armie , when Vsta-Ogli , who hauing joyned his forces with Amurath , lying encamped not farre off ; and fearing least the citie of COY and the vnprouided citisens should by the sudden comming of the enemie bee oppressed , quickly rise with his armie , and set forwards to meet with the Turkes : for that citie of all others in that countrey , for fresh fountaines and riuers most pleasant , wherein the Persian kings for the great plentie of all manner of fruit , and wholesomenesse of the aire , leauing TAVRIS , were wont to spend most part of the Summer , had then in it many rich citizens and sumptuous buildings ; which Vsta-Ogli thought good betimes to rescue , and not with dishonour to loose that rich citie , looking as it were vpon it , and leauing it vnto the enemie , to suffer him there to refresh his hunger-statued souldiors with plentie of all things . Cassinus an Armenian borne , and present in those warres , did by many probabilities ( as Iouius writeth ) shew vnto him , that this citie of COY was in antient time that most famous citie called ARTAXATA , which Domitius Corbulo destroyed . Neither did Hysmaell himselfe ( although he had but a little before sent the greatest part of his forces against the Coraxeni , who were then risen vp against him in rebellion , as he that made no great reckoning of the Turkes , or euer thought that they durst haue come so farre into ARMENIA ) make any delay , but forthwith , as soone as he had heard of the comming of Selymus , came also in person himselfe vnto his armie . By chance Vsta-Ogli ( who contrarie to all mens expectation had vntill then shunned to fight , or come in sight of his enemies , of purpose with lesse danger and losse of men , to ouerthrow them afterwards , being sore weakened and almost spent with long trauell and want of victuals ) lay then encamped neere the citie , when as the Turkes scouts , vpon the comming of Hysmaell , perceiued by the great rising of the dust , and by the neighing of the Persian horses , that some greater power was at hand . Which so soone as it was noised in the Turkish campe , they began to rejoice exceedingly , and to conceiue the first hope both of their safetie and victorie ; glad , that now meeting with their enemies , they should either by victorie turne their labour , toile , famine , and extremities wherewith they had of long time striuen , into ease and plentie of all things , or els by honourable death end all their miseries at once : for many of the horsemen , especially of them that came out of EVROPE , whose horses were starued for want of forrage , and the common footmen spent with long trauell , & greeuously troubled with the flix ( who trauelling in the extreame heat of the Sunne , had for most part liued vpon crabs and other wild fruits , with a bad supping made of meale and vineger , and almost despairing to get the sight of their enemies ) began now to die in euery corner . Hysmaell as soone as he was come within sight of his enemies , reposing great confidence as well in the valour of his souldiors as in his owne rare fortune , the more to terrifie them , thought it good forthwith to giue them battaile : whereupon he sent an herauld vnto Selymus , accompanied with certaine skilfull souldiors , which should in best fort they could take view of the number and force of their enemies , of their artillerie , and in what sort they lay encamped : and to tell him , That for as much as hee had no title vnto ARMENIA , nor that the Turkes had at any time claimed any interest therein , he could not but maruell , why he had against all right entered with his armie into his dominion : but if hee happily vpon a vaine presumption , to the imitation of Alexander of MACEDON , should thinke so much of the world his owne as hee could by the sword and his owne fortune win , hee should then make himselfe readie against the next day to make proofe of his owne fortune and the forces of others , not inferiour to his owne . Whereunto Selymus answered , That the fresh remembrance of the manifold injuries done to the Turkes by the Persians , was such , as might giue him just cause to take vp armes : for as much as long agoe both his grandfather Mahomet the Great , and his vncle Cassumes , and euen of late his father Baiazet , and he himselfe also in his warres against his brother Achomates , had receiued great wrong and dishonour from the Persians . All which things , although they were of themselues important , yet he esteemed not of them as sufficient causes of warre , but only sought after his enemie Amurath , his brothers sonne , who had of late spoiled CAPADOCIA : whom if he would quietly and friendly deliuer vnto him , as the mutuall lawes of amitie and friendship amongst princes for the maintenance and preseruation of their estates and kingdomes required , then hee would withdraw his forces , and peaceably returne into his kingdome : otherwise , hee threatened with fire and sword to destroy , not the frontiers of ARMENIA , but euen the heart of PERSIA . And so dismissing the herauld , both the armies for that day lay still in their trenches , expecting the dreadfull euent of battaile . The next day Selymus by persuasion of his captaines brought his armie into the open field , and in order of battaile set forward against his enemies , which lay about two miles off , thinking that Hysmaell , a prince of so great name , would without delay accept of battaile : yet what strength the Persian king was of , what number of men he had , what manner of horsemen , how armed , and with what weapons , hee could not certainely learne : for beside that the Persians are by nature ingenious and subtill , the souldiors generally so reuerenced and loued Hysmaell their king , that no one was found to haue gone from him to the Turke ; wheras many reuolted from Selymus to him , as it was afterwards learned of the Persian captiues . Selymus , who had at that time fourescore thousand horsemen vnder his ensignes , placed Casan Bassa his lieutenant Generall of EVROPE , with his Europeian horsemen in the right wing ; and Sinan Bassa with his Asian horsemen in the left : and before them both , the Acanzij ( which are voluntarie horsemen , the forerunners of the Turkes armie ) who in hope of spoyle follow the Turkes warres out of all countries : in the middle battaile hee placed the Asapi or common souldiors ; which base and halfe-naked people , as men of little worth or estimation , are commonly thrust into the front of the Turkes battailes , to receiue the first furie of the enemie , and to blunt their swords , more than for any other good seruice : directly behind them he bestowed his great artillerie , guarded with foure thousand horsemen : last of all followed himselfe with his chosen pentioners and Ianizaries compassed about with small field-peeces and his carriages , as with a double trench : for hee had ( as their manner is ) so enuironned himselfe round with his sadled cammels , made fast one to another with long chaines , that they stood him in stead of a strong trench , from whence he might speedily relieue any part of his distressed armie ; and in case of extremitie , being in the middle of his strength , he might as out of a sure fortresse represse the furious assault of his enemies . Hee also commaunded his footmen in the vauward of his battaile , that vpon the approch of the enemies horsemen they should speedily withdraw themselues aside into two parts , leauing space for the great ordinance which was placed behind them to play in the middle betweene them . On the contrarie part , Hysmaell , who by the Turkes fugitiues vnderstood all the deuises of his enemies , calling vnto him the cheefe commaunders of his armie , shewed vnto them , that there was no doubt of the victorie , so that they could shun the furie of the great artillerie : which he assured them would easily be done , if when they saw the Turkish footmen deuide themselues , they would also in like manner withdraw themselues into two parts , and giue place to the furie of the great ordinance : for which purpose hee caused two great ensignes to be displayed , wherunto they should at the time appointed retire , the one for himselfe and those whom he conducted , the other for Vsta-Ogli , and the rest of his armie . Hysmaell ( as Iouius reporteth ) had in his armie about thirtie thousand horsemen , without any footmen , amongst whom were ten thousand men at armes , resolute gentlemen , of great experience , all galiantly mounted vpon courageous barbed horses , and themselues brauely armed both for the shew and the terrour of the enemie ; their weapons were a good launce , a sure scimitar , and a horsemans mace : the rest were armed with strong cuirasses and headpeeces , and were either archers on horsebacke , or else vsed light horsemens staues , made of Ash after the Spanish fashion , wherewith they serued at the halfe staffe . As for gunnes they had none , in which thing onely , and number of men , they were inferiour to the Turkes . But such was the inuincible courage and noble minds of the Persians , that contemning the huge multitude of their enemies ( who were in number about three hundred thousand ) & making no great reckoning of the great artillerie , they doubted not with so few to giue them battaile . Hysmaell hauing giuen the signall of battaile , came on with his armie , exhorting his souldiors then to remember the honour they had long before gotten in many battailes , and courageously to follow him their soueraigne , whom they by their worthie seruice and many victories , had made the greatest monarch of the East , telling them , that they should haue now to do but with naked men , whose weapons were but weake staues and light targuets , and their horses little poore jades , almost dead with hunger , neuer able to abide the first charge of his valiant men at armes . On the other side , Selymus perceiuing the comming of his enemies by the rising of the dust , caused knowledge to be giuen through his armie by his captaines and officers , that the time of battaile which they had so long wished for , was now come ; wherein if they would worthely acquite themselues against those their proud enemies , they should to their immortall fame extend the Turkish empire from the Persian sea vnto the mountaine CAVCASVS : but if they cowardly forgetting their antient prowesse , should faint in the time of the battaile , they were not then to thinke by any meanes to escape by flight backe againe through those great plaines and desolate countries ; where they should by the way either shamefully perish , or else to their perpetuall infamie bee taken prisoners , and as base slaues , during their liues bee enforced to serue the Persian women : for as much as beside the great distance of the place , both the great riuer Euphrates , and the huge mountaine TAVRVS , and the faithlesse king Aladeules , who had shut vp all the passages , did cut off all hope from them , if they should be ouercome , by any meanes possible to escape backe againe into CAPADOCIA . When Hysmaell was come neere with his armie , and the Asapi vpon signe giuen deuiding themselues , made place for the great artillerie to play , as was before appointed ; hee also presently deuiding his horsemen , charged the right wing of the Turkes armie , with such force , that after a most terrible fight betwixt the halfe armed Turkes , and the valiant Persian men at armes , Casan Bassa the great commaunder of the Europeian horsemen , with the formost of that wing , being slaine , and many moe after them , hee enforced all that wing to retire vnto that place where Selymus himselfe with the Ianizaries stood . On the other side , Vsta-Ogli hauing receiued no little harme by the Turkes great ordinance , because he had not so speedily cleered himselfe and his followers of that danger , as had Hysmaell ; charged the Asian horsemen in the left wing , and there in bloudie battell made great slaughter of the enemie , but not with like good hap as did Hysmaell for whiles he most couragiously in the formost rankes assailed his enemies , he was strucke with a small shot and slaine . With whose fall the Turkes were greatly encouraged , insomuch as that they which but now were glad to giue ground , and had lost the third part of that wing , began a fresh to renew the battell , and valiantly to withstand the Persians ; and with their harquebusiers ( wherwith the Persian horsemen were wonderfully terrified ) draue them headlong vpon the Turkes common footmen . The Persians whether it were forced by necessitie for that they had lost so great a commaunder , and not well able to gouerne their horses terrified with the thundring shot , or else for that the open side of the footmen presented vnto them greater place of aduantage , serring themselues togither brake through the middle of the battell of those Turkish footmen , and bearing them downe before them with a mightie slaughter , came to the great ordinance and there slew the canoniers , who discharging their field pieces at all aduentures , in that great medly made a foule slaughter , as well of their owne men as of their enemies . And so without stop ( as victorious conquerours ) made way through the middest of their enemies , vntill they came to the right wing : where Hysmaell was still hardly charging the Europeian horsemen , who hauing before lost Casan their Generall , and being many of them slaine or wounded , were alreadie enforced to retire ; but now charged afresh vpon the side , had much adoe to endure the furie of their enemies , but as men in extreame danger , were glad to crie to Selymus for helpe . In this hard distresse , Selymus in two places opened his carriages , wherewith he stood as it were entrenched , and presently sent out part of his horsemen . And by and by turning himselfe vnto his Ianizaries , said , This daies victorie is reserued ( most worthie souldiours ) vnto your valour and labour : wherfore now valiantly set forward , and as fresh and couragious men , assaile your wearied enemies ; their horses are all on a water with sweat , and the men themselues faint vnder the waight of their armour . But yet for all that Selymus could say , the Ianizaries were not verie forward , but stood still , as men willing in so great a danger to keepe themselues within the safegard of their munition . Wherefore whilest they at their leisure set forward , the Persians in the middest of the heat of this victorie , compassing in the Europeian horsemen , slew them downe right , Selymus looking on and wishing in vaine to helpe them . Fabritius Carrectus great master of the RHODES , who of all these things had certaine intelligence , writ to Leo the Tenth then bishop of ROME , that the Ianizaries refused to be commaunded by Selymus , and were not by any persuasion or entreatie to be enduced to relieue the distressed Europeian horsemen ; but as men distrusting the euent of the battell , chose rather in their strength to expect the successe thereof , than with most manifest danger to expose themselues vnto the violence of the Persian horsemen , which had as a tempest ouerborne the vantguard of the Turkish footmen . The Persians were now readie on euerie side to haue assailed Selymus in his greatest strength : when Sinan Bassa , although the wing he led was sore rent and weakned , yet following the Persians through the middest of the heaps of the slaine footmen , came in , in good time for Selymus , and with certaine fresh troups which had escaped the furie of Vsta-ogli , restored the battell before almost lost : but especially by the inuincible courage of Alis-beg and Mahomet his brother , discended of the honourable familie of the Molcozzy , which for nobilitie amongst the Turkes is accounted next vnto the Othomans ; both of them for courage resembling their warlike father Malcozzius , famous for that wofull expedition he made into FRIVLI against the Venetians in the raigne of Baiazet . Selymus also not yet discouraged but still in hope , commaunded all the great ordinance wherewith he was enuironed , which he had reserued as his last refuge , to be discharged : by the violence whereof , such slaughter was made , as well of his owne men as of his enemies , mingled togither , that what for dust , what for smoake , and thundring of the artillerie , hauing on both sides almost lost the vse of sight and hearing ; and their horses being so terrified with the thundring report of the great ordinance , that they were not now to be ruled , the battell was broken off , the victorie yet doubtfull . The Turkish histories to expresse the terrour of this day , number it amongst their dismall daies , tearming it The onely day of Doome . Hysmaell in this furious battell , hauing receiued a wound vnder his left shoulder with a small shot ; by persuasion of his friends withdrew himselfe to haue his wound searched : which thing vndoubtedly was the safegard both of Selymus and his army . For the Persians by and by following their king , left the victorie now in all mens opinion almost gotten . But after that Hysmaell perceiued the wound was not deepe , for that the strength of his armour had so broken the force of the shot , that it pierced not farre into his bodie , he was about to haue charged the Turks afresh : but vnderstanding of the death of Vsta-ogli , in whom for his singular experience in martiall affaires , he had reposed his greatest confidence ; and his captaines also persuading him not to make so light reckoning of his wound , the griefe whereof he yet felt not , being warme , but to haue regard to his owne health : he in seemly order softly marched away in such sort , that his departure had no resemblance of flight . And passing by the citie of TAVRIS , willed the chiefe of the citisens to open the gates of the citie to Selymus ( if he should come thither ) and to receiue his garrisons , rather than by vaine constancie to fall into vtter destruction : and so marched himselfe into the confines of MEDIA . But the Turkes entangled with many difficulties , hauing no hearts for feare , nor strength for wearinesse to pursue their enemies ; yet comming to the Persian tents , tooke them without resistance : where beside the rich pauilions wrought with needle worke of silke and gold , and much other pretious furniture , many noble ladies and gentlewomen were found , which after the manner of the Persians had followed their husbands in those warres ; whom Selymus caused to be all freely set at libertie vntouched , excepting one of the wiues of Hysmaell whom he detained and gaue her in mariage to one of his Bassaes. Some which were present at this battell , reported that amongst the heaps of them which were slaine , were found the dead bodies of diuers Persian women , which being armed , and following their husbands , died with them in the battell ; whom Selymus caused to be honestly buried . This was that notable battell fought in the CALDERAN fields neere vnto the citie of Cor , betwixt these two great princes , the seauenth day of August in the yeare of our Lord 1514. In which battell Selymus lost aboue thirtie thousand men , amongst whom was Casan Bassa his great lieutenant in EVROPE , seauen Sanzackes , in which were the two Malcozzian brethren , who labouring the one to rescue the other were both togither slaine . Beside his common footmen of whom he made least reckoning , he lost most part of his Illirian , Macedonian , Seruian , Epirot , Thessalian , and Thracian horsemen , the vndoubted flower and strength of his army , which were in that mortall battell almost all slaine , or grieuously wounded . Selymus for all this great losse , by the confession of his enemies hauing gotten the victorie , and receiuing embassadours from COY and the cities thereabout , and the great citie of TAVRIS promising to relieue him with whatsoeuer he needed , and to doe what else he should commaund : marched directly to TAVRIS , desiring both to see and possesse himselfe of that citie , as one of the chiefe pallaces of the Persian kings . This citie is two daies journey distant from COY where the battell was fought , and is probably supposed to be the famous citie called in auntient time ECBATHANA , about an hundred and fiftie miles distant from the Caspian sea . The citisens were readie at the comming of the Turkes , and brought them great store of victuals out of the gates of the citie , where Selymus had lodged his armie in the suburbs , thinking it no safetie to lodge within that great and populous citie ; contenting himselfe to haue the gates thereof deliuered vnto him , which he kept with strong guard . Some report that Selymus durst not trust the Persians , and therefore neuer went into the citie but disguised in the habit of a common souldiour . Yet some others say , that he did with great magnificence banquet in the stately pallace of the Persian king , and there had great discourse with them of TAVRIS concerning his late victorie . But whilest he thus staied at TAVRIS , and with himselfe purposed to spend that winter in ARMENIA ; he called togither his great captaines and commaunders of his armie , to know how they liked thereof : who fearing his displeasure , wholy referred themselues to his owne resolution . Onely Mustapha his chiefe Bassa chanced to say , That it were good that the minds of the Ianizaries and the other souldiours of the court should therein be knowne . Which his speech , Selymus tooke in such euill part , that he presently commanded him out of his sight , and depriued him of his greatest honour : and the more to disgrace him , sent one of his jesters after him , who in great scorne and derision comming behind him , cut off part of his tulipant that hung downe as the fashion was . But the Ianizaries vnderstanding the matter , and much offended with the indignitie offered vnto the great Bassa whom they deerely loued , rise vp altogither in armes , and told Selymus flatly , That they would not in any case winter so far from home in the enemies countrey : and therefore that it were best for him betime to consider of the matter , for that they were resolutely set downe to forsake him if he would needs stay , and not with speed returne . Selymus much troubled with this insolencie of the Ianizaries , and hearing dayly , that Hysmaell with new supplies out of IBERIA , ALBANIA , and PARTHIA , was comming vpon him with greater power than before ; and considering withall , with what difficultie and danger hee had escaped in the late battaile , preserued rather by his good fortune and force of his great artillerie , than the valour and prowesse of his souldiours ; and withall suspecting the multitude and strength of the Taurisians , of whose fidelitie he could make no reckoning ; he changed his former determination , and resolued to returne againe into CAPADOCIA : whereupon hauing contrarie to his promise exacted a great masse of money from them of TAVRIS , hee departed thence , carrying away with him three thousand families , the best artificers in that citie , especially such as were skillfull in making of armour and weapons , and so with speed retired towards the riuer Euphrates , a longer way than that whereby he came : fearing to returne againe by the head of Araxis and the mountaines PERIADES , for meeting the Iberian and Albanian horsemen , who were reported to be then comming against him . Hysmaell vnderstanding of his departure , followed after with as much speed as he could , leauing behind him for hast his carriages and such of his souldiours as were not able to endure so long and speedie a march : yet for all his hast ( for so much as Selymus was gone a great way before him ) he could not ouertake any part of his armie , vntill he was come to the great riuer Euphrates ; where Selymus staying two dayes , and hauing made diuers little boats , was passing ouer his footmen : which because they were not sufficient for the speedie transportation of so great a multitude , many for hast swam ouer the riuer vpon bladders , and some aduentured to get ouer vpon the broken peeces of their carriages , which they had for that purpose burst in sunder . Selymus himselfe got ouer to the farther banke in a little boat , hauing before caused all his horsemen with their horses at once to take the riuer , of purpose to breake the violence of the streame , whereby his footmen and cammels with their burdens got ouer with lesse danger , and some of his field peeces were also with lesse difficultie transported . Yet for all the speed he could make , the Georgian horsemen , the forerunners of Hysmaell his armie , being come within sight before the Turkes were all got ouer , raised such a feare and a stirre all alongst that side of the riuer , that two thousand of the Turkes were in their hastie passage there drowned , diuers field peeces left sticking in the mud , and much of their baggage carried away with the force of the riuer . The Georgians contenting themselues with such things as were left , pursued them no further : for the wheeles of the Turkes carriages entangled together with the violence of the streame , had staied a great part of the Turkish trash , floating in the riuer : and much more was in diuers places driuen vpon the shore , all which the Georgian horsemen easily drew out . Hysmaell in the meane time rejoycing at nothing more , than that hauing chased away his enemies , hee had also recouered much of the great ordinance whereby he had before receiued so great hurt . Selymus by speedie flight thus got out of the hands of the Persians , found his passing much more dangerous at the mountaine ANTITAVRVS , than he had before thought of : For Aladeules the mountaine king hauing now his fortune in contempt , and diligently waiting for his prey , had with his sauage people before taken all the straight passages of that mountaine countrey ; who euery night in theeuish manner assailed the Turks , as they with their weake and wearie companies passed through those rough and broken wayes : and robbing their carriages , presently fled into their haunts and places of refuge in the thicke woods and rockie mountaines . Aladeules himselfe in the meane time , by whose fraud all this was done , euery day excusing himselfe , as if it had beene done against his will , by the rude mountaine people enured to such desperate robberies , whom neuerthelesse he said he would in short time seuerely chastise so soon as he could find the authors thereof . In the meane while , for fashion sake sending a little spare prouision for certaine dayes , did euery night rob and spoile the Turkes by his souldiours , as they could take them in places of aduauntage . Against which mischeefes Selymus could neither by policie , neither his souldiors by industrie prouide any sufficient remedie . Wherfore dissembling the injuries he dayly receiued , purposing to be thereof in time reuenged , together with the foule and trecherous dealing of that faithlesse king ; holding on his way , he with much adoe came at length to TRAPEZOND , and from thence to AMASIA , where he spent that Winter in repairing his sore weakened armie , purposing with the first of the Spring to make warre vpon Aladeules and the mountaine people , who in his returne had done him so great harme and injurie . In this sort Iouius , one of the great historiographers of that time , reporteth the aforesaid wars betwixt Hysmael and Selymus , whose credit in that matter other writers haue since for most part followed . Howbeit , Io. Ant. Maenauinus , a Genoway , who serued in these warres , doth in his booke concerning the Turkish affaires , dedicated to the French king , much otherwise report the same : which to satisfie the desirous reader , I haue thought good here in few words to set down , as it is by himselfe reported . Selymus ( saith he ) with his armie in number about three hundred thousand men , being come to the riuer Euphrates , found the bridge broken downe by his nephew ▪ Amurat , and his enemies encamped in conuenient place on the farther side of the riuer , with their forces greatly encreased by new supplies lately sent from the Persian king : so that there was then in the Persian armie about ninetie thousand men horse and foot , the horsemen for most part furnished with two horses apeece for seruice : and though Selymus did what hee might , to know whether the Persian king were in person himselfe in the campe , or els ( which hee most feared ) was raising of greater forces in PERSIA , yet could he by no meanes learne the truth of that he desired . Wherfore repairing againe the broken bridge , he first sent ouer his two great lieutenants of GRaeCIA and NATOLIA , who passing ouer the riuer , encamped themselues as they thought conuenient . The next morning , about two houres before the rising of the Sunne , Amurat suddenly assailed the great commander of GRaeCIA , Casan Bassa , in his trenches , and by plaine force discomf●ted the Turkes , and by good fortune tooke from them their tents : whereupon such a terrour and feare came vpon the other great commaunder of NATOLIA , that his souldiors thrusting themselues for feare into the riuer , swam ouer with great danger , and againe joyned themselues with the rest of the armie . Selymus troubled with the great losse thus receiued , caused all his great artillerie to be placed all alongst the hithermost banke of the riuer Euphrates ; and because the enemie should not perceiue the same , raunged certaine companies of his souldiors before the ordinance , as if they should presently haue passed the riuer : who vpon signall giuen , should forthwith withdraw themselues and giue place to the great ordinance bent vpon the enemie . But when fire was giuen to these great pieces , many of them being ouercharged , burst in sunder , and slew diuers of the Turkes : many also of their horses and mules being neere vnto the riuers side , and terrified with the thundering shot , leapt into the riuer , and were there drowned together with their riders . The Persians also hauing receiued great losse , retired farther off for feare of the great artillerie . So Selymus without resistance passing ouer the riuer , marched forthwith toward the enemie : whom the Persians as men nothing dismaied , notably encountered . The battell was of long time doubtfull , and much bloud shed on both sides : and if the approch of the night had not broken off that mortall fight , the Persian armie rather ouercharged with the multitude of the enemie , than vanquished by valour , had vndoubtedly receiued a great ouerthrow ; but through the benefit of the night , they without further losse escaped the pursute of the Turkes . Vpon this victorie , Selymus left his carriages and baggage with his footmen ; and taking with him only his horsemen , set forward , with intention to haue vpon the suddaine surprised the regall citie of TAVRIS , before the fame of the late fought battaile could be carried thither ; the Persians in the meane time being no lesse carefull of their affaires . The day before , ten thousand fresh horsemen well appointed , which had not yet beene in the battaile , were comming to Hysmaell : these he craftely laied in the Turkes way , commaunding them vpon the approch of the enemie to flie , as if it had beene for feare . Selymus in the morning hauing descried these horsemen at hand , supposing them to be such of his enemies as being ouertaken with the night were not able to follow the rest of his armie , exhorted his souldiors couragiously to pursue their discouraged enemies . The Persians seeing the Turks , of purpose betooke themselues to flight ; and they suspecting no deceit , followed fast after them , vntill that about mid day being wearie of the pursute , and comming to a little riuer which was in their way , they there stayed to refresh themselues : and after they had taken a short repast , againe pursued the Persians , still leauing behind them such as were not able so fast to follow , prickt forward with hope , that before night they should surprise and ransacke the rich citie of TAVRIS . The Turkish horsemen thus drawne farre from the footmen , the Persian horsemen left in ambush , in the meane time set vpon the Turkes footmen , lying ( as they supposed ) in great securitie , and with a great slaughter ouerthrew them : at which time they also tooke all Selymus his treasure and great artillerie . Which ouerthrow was by speedie posts , about two a clocke in the night made knowne to Selymus ( who now in his mind alreadie conceiued the sacking of TAVRIS ) and withall , that the fierce enemie was following him at the heeles . Selymus wonderfully abashed with this vnexpected newes and the losse of his footmen , forthwith began to retire : which the ten thousand Persians which had before of purpose fled , perceiuing , now turning themselues vpon the retiring Turks , charged them hardly : so Selymus enclosed both before and behind by his enemies , receiued a great ouerthrow . And the Turks thus hardly beset and almost despairing of their liues , and hauing lost their ensignes , brake out side waies betwixt their enemies and fled . Selymus seeing all desperat and forlorne , betooke himselfe to flight also with the rest : and passing the riuer Euphrates , brake downe the bridge which he had but a little before repaired , for feare the Persians should further pursue him ; and with much trouble and no lesse danger comming at length to AMASIA , assembled thither the reliques of his discomfited armie . Such of the Turkes as remained behind , and were not able in flight to keepe way with the rest , were all slaine by the Persians . The Genoway authour thus concludeth his historie , That the Persian king did not more rejoyce at this victorie , than did he himselfe for the ouerthrow of the Turkes ; hoping in that their so great a confusion , to free himselfe of his long and miserable thraldome , and to find a way vnto his natiue country and parents : as afterwards he did , for flying first to TRAPEZONDE and there taking passage into EVROPE , he came to HADRIANOPLE , from whence he trauelled by land on foot to SALONICA , & there chancing vpon certain ships of Christian merchants which had brought corne thither , he was by them transported into the island of CHIOS ; from whence he joyfully returned to GENVA his natiue cōuntrey , after he had amongst the Turks endured ten yeares captiuitie : most part wherof he liued as a page in old Baiazet his priuie chamber , and the rest as a souldiour of the court in the raigne of Selymus ; and therefore well acquainted with the fashion of the Turkes court , and manners of that barbarous nation . Now shall it not ( as I hope ) be much from our purpose , here with Iouius a little to digresse , in comparing these two great princes Hysmaell and Selymus togither ; who in that time had filled the world with the glorie of their fame : that wearied with bloudie broiles , and the wonderfull chances of warre , we may a little repose our selues with matter of a milder vaine , neither vnpleasant nor vnprofitable . These two mightie princes , as they were for royall discent , strength of bodie , courage of mind , riches , and power , equall , and had thereby obtained like fame and renowne : so in conditions and qualities of mind , and martiall discipline , they much differed . First of all ( beside the mutuall hatred of the one nation against the other , deliuered as it were by succession from their grandfathers and fathers ) these two princes , and so likewise their subjects also , were at great ods about an idle question of their vaine superstition , the one preferring and honoring Ebubekir , Homaris , and Ottoman , as the most true and rightfull successours of their great prophet Mahomet : the other with no lesse deuotion honouring Haly , and detesting the three former ; differing otherwise in few or no points of their most fond superstition : yet did they vnder the colour and zeale of their religion ( as they would haue it ) both pretend just causes of warre , although their euill dissembled ambitious desires , plainly declared vnto the world , that they both shot at one and the same marke , viz. By confirming their power and strength to extend the bounds of their great empires . For Hysmaell of purpose affected the fame and glorie of Darius and Xerxes , the auntient Persian kings ; who hauing subdued ASIA , with great boldnesse passed ouer into EVROPE : and Selymus , the greatnesse of Alexander of MACEDON , who subuerted the Persian empire . Which their aspiring thoughts , masking vnder the vaile of zeale towards their religion , seemed not altogither vaine ; fortune with like indifferenceie immoderately fauouring their bold ambitious and endlesse desires . But in Hysmaell appeared such a wonderfull deuotion and grauitie , that his hautie thoughts were with the reuerend majestie therof couered : whereas in Selymus , his inhumane crueltie did blot and obscure all his other princely vertues : for he with reward and punishment retained the majestie of his empire , but with greater fame of seueritie than bountie . Because it was expedient in the exact discipline of that seruile gouernment , whereof the greatest strength of the Othoman empire consisteth , to vse all rigor and seueritie : Otherwise then it stood with the state of Hysmaell , who leuied alwaies his armies of his nobilitie and men free borne , with whom temperat justice , ciuile courtesie , and popular clemencie , are of greatest force , to win their fidelitie , faith , and loyaltie : for that there is no man well born , which feareth not more the blemish of infamie than the heauinesse of punishment : so that it was not to be maruelled , if Hysmaell by such honourable vertues did mightily defend the glorie of his majestie and renowme . Vnto these his rare vertues , was also joyned a comelinesse of face ( the fairest gift of nature ) well beseeming so great a monarch : for he was well coloured , quicke eyed , yellow bearded , and that which amongst the Persians is accounted the signe of auntient nobilitie , hooked nosed ; and was withall exceeding eloquent : By which good gifts , he wonderfully woon vnto himselfe both t●e eyes and hearts of such as beheld him . But in Selymus his sterne countenance , his fierce and pi●●cing eies , his Tartar-like pale colour , his long mustachoes on his vpper lip , like bristles , frild back to his necke , with his beard cut close to his chin , did so expresse his martiall disposition and inexorable nature , that he seemed to the beholders , to haue nothing in him but mischiefe and crueltie . Which diuersitie of countenances was also accompanied with no lesse diuersitie of affections , and so consequently with farre vnlike manner of gouernment . For Hysmaell was of nature courteous and affable , easie to be seene and spoken withall , doing nothing that beseemed hi● regall function , but in the sight of all men : His manner was to dine openly in the companie of his nobilitie , delighting much in hauking and hunting , accompanied with his noble men , and the embassadours of forraine princes : He would oftentimes run , leape , and proue masteries with his chiefe courtiers , being himselfe a most excellent horseman and cunning archer : In his exercises he was so popular , that he would not sticke openly to bare himselfe and swim in his princely bathes : His wiues , the beautifull daughters of his nobilitie or neighbour princes , ladies of gre●● chastitie , he neither loathed nor diuorced ; after the auntient manner of the Persian kings , who alwaies vsed most tenderly to loue and cherish their wiues , doing them all the honour possible in court , as partakers of all their fortune ; and carried them , their children , nurses , and richest furniture into their farthest warres , to their great trouble and charge , by the presence of so deere pledges the more to encourage their minds in time of battell . Whereas Selymus contrariwise did all things in secret , eating his meat alone without any company , attended vpon with his pages and eunuches onely , and satisfying natures want with some one simple dish of meat : Hee seldome went abroad but to the church , vpon the friday the Turkes chiefe Saboth ; and then so beset with his pentioners and other souldiours of the court , that although he vsed to ride alone mounted vpon some couragious horse , yet was it a hard matter by face to know him amongst so many armed men , who with great pride and insolencie kept backe the beholders : He was seldome seene abroad in the citie , chusing rather for his recreation to passe ouer in his gallie into ASIA , and there alongst the sea coast to take the ayre : His wiues he would not suffer to come to court , neither vsed their companie but for procreation sake , and that ( as was thought ) without any great good countenance or familiaritie ; for that he being not greatly giuen to women , but more delighted with vnnaturall pleasure , thought a mans bodie and mind to be not a little weakned with the allurements of women ; wherefore hee seldome resorted to the cloister of choise paragons in the middest of CONSTANTINOPLE , shut in on euerie side with high and blind wals . Those daintie pieces , either taken from their Christian parents , or by chance surprised by pirats , are there most curiously kept by auntient matrons and old eunuches , by whom they are with all diligence instructed in the principles of the Mahometane law , and to read the Arabian tongue , and withall , cunningly and comely to sing , play , daunce , and sow : But Selymus of all others vsed seldomest to see these allurements , as a man not greatly delighted with women , or desirous of many ( and oftentimes vnfortunat ) children ; hauing but one sonne ( Solyman ) by the daughter of Muhamet a Tartar king , who afterwards by the sufferance of God , prooued a great plague to the Christian common weale . Such spare time as he had from his serious and waightie affaires , hee vsed to spend in walking in his gardens with some of his Bassaes or other great courtiers ; and in beholding & noting the noble mens children there sporting themselues , would discourse and consult of many things of great importance . Some houres he would spend in the bathes , and in reading the histories of his auncestors and other forraine princes : imitating therin his grandfather Mahomet the Great , who caused almost all the histories of the famous princes of the world to be translated into the Turkish language , and their liuely counterfeits to be with cunning hand drawn , that by their worthy examples he might be the more enflamed to extend his fame and glorie . He would many times scoffe at the great businesse of his father Baiazet , who ( as he said ) was so drowned in the studie of Auerrois ( determining nothing certainly of the nature of the soule ) and the motions of the heauens , that he desired rather the name of a sharpe disputer amongst the idle professours of Philosophie , than of a renowned cheefetaine amongst his valiant souldiors and men of warre . One of the Persian embassadours finding him pleasantly disposed , demaunded of him why he did not weare his beard long , as his father Baiazet and other great princes of that age had done , thereby to seeme vnto their subjects of greater majestie : to whom he answered , That hee liked not to carrie about with him such an vnnecessarie handfull , whereby his Bassaes might at their pleasure lead him vp and downe the court , as they had done his father : Noting thereby , that Baiazet whilest he yet liued , had beene too much ouerruled by the Bassaes ; which he could by no meanes endure , following no mans aduise but his owne in whatsoeuer he tooke in hand . But to come vnto the Persians themselues , they in their warres had great disaduantage of the Turkes : for as they were strong in horsemen , so were they destitute of expert trained footmen , by whose onely meanes the Turkes haue atchieued their greatest victories , and performed their greatest warres . Beside this , it was a great want in the Persians , that they had not the vse of guns , against whose furie no sufficient resistance can bee made , or force of man opposed : as appeared by the lamentable example of Vsun-Cassanes at ARSENGA , and now of Hysmaell in the Calderan fields ; whose victorious armies of horsemen were in both places put to the worse by the terrour and violence of the Turkes artillerie . For the naked Turkish horseman is not to be compared with the Persian man at armes ; who comes into the field armed with a strong cuiras , a sure headpeece , and a good targuet : whereas the Turkish Europeian horsemen , altogether naked , vse onely a square or crooked buckler , wherewith they doe scarcely couer themselues : and the Asian horsemen , bucklers made of soft reeds , wound round , and couered with some kind of silke . The Persian horsemen also , wearing their pouldrons and gauntlets , and bearing staues of good ash , armed at both ends , fight with them as occasion serueth at the halfe staffe , after the manner of the Numidians , and with doubling and redoubling their often thrusts from on high , doe easily wound or kill the vnarmed Turkes ; with their horses : whereas the Turkish horsemen , after the manner of the Graecians , couching their staues in their rests , doe at the first course most commonly breake the same , being made of light and brittle firre , and so presently come to their scimitars , or horsemens maces , being in all other things farre inferiour to the Persian man at armes . As for the Turkish archers on horsebacke , they are in no respect to be compared with the Persians ; who well mounted and surely armed , and vsing both greater and stronger bowes , shoot more deadly arrowes , and so make small account of the Turks . So that all things well considered , the Persian armie , deuoted to their king as well for the great and firme opinion conceiued of his high courage and diuine spirit , as for that they were to him by faith obliged ; although it was in number farre inferiour , yet had it beene of the Turkes inuincible , if it had not beene ouerwhelmed by the cruell , cowardly , and murthering artillerie and wonderfull multitude of men . The cause why Hysmaell out of so many great and large prouinces then vnder his obeisance ( able in antient times with their multitude to couer the face of the earth , and to drinke the riuers drie ) brought now so small an armie against the Turkish emperour , breaking into the heart of ARMENIA , was for that Hysmaell to win the hearts of the people by bountie , had remitted a great part of his customes and tributes , so as then stood best with his policie , hauing but lately aspired vnto the kingdome , and thrust downe his neere kinsmen , the posteritie of Vsun-Cassan and Iacup , the rightfull inheritours thereof : so that his cofers being emptie , and wanting money , the sinews of warre , he was not able to raise so great an armie as otherwise he might out of those populous kingdomes and countries , yeelding plentifully all things necessarie for the vse of man. Whereas with Selymus it was farre otherwise : whose horsemen , footmen , captaines , canoniers , both at sea and land , officers of peace and warres , receiued their dayly wages and monthly payes in readie money , of his treasurers and paymasters : for defraying of which charge hee neuer wanted coyne , hauing an inestimable masse of money alwayes in store in the seuen towers at CONSTANTINOPLE : and his yearely tributes and reuenewes still exceeding all his charges by a fourth part . The strength of the Persian king consisted in three kind of souldiours : the first were they which were accounted soldiors of the court : the second such as were by custome and dutie bound to serue him in his warres : and the third such as were sent vnto him from the princes his neighbours and confederates . Those which were accounted souldiors of his court , had their certaine stipends , and were altogether maintained of the kings charge ; of whom according to the old custome of the Persian kings , they at certaine times receiue armour , horses , apparrell , tents , and wages , euery one as he is in place and degree . And being attended vpon with a gallant and strong garrison of these , he maintaineth the majestie of his court , especially when hee rideth in prograce . The nobilitie and antient gentlemen of his countrey , who hold lands and possessions discended vnto them from their ancestors , or holden by the gift of the king , are sent for in time of warres , and are of dutie bound to performe such like seruice as the nobilitie and gentlemen of ITALIE , FRAVNCE , and SPAINE doe vnto their soueraigns : these hardly amount to the number of twentie thousand , whereof it is well if the third part come well armed ; the rest content themselues with headpieces and jackes , and vse for their weapons either horsemens staues or bowes , which they can most cunningly handle , discharging their arrowes very neere vnto that they aime at , either forward or backward . They which come vnto him from forraine princes , confederat or tributarie , are commonly sent from the kings and princes of IBERIA , ALBANIA , and the countries bordering vpon MEDIA and ARMENIA ; who being halfe Christians , beare a mortall hatred against the Turkes . Hysmaell the Persian king had then vnder his dominion these great and famous countries , ARMENIA the greater , SVLTHANIA , PERSIA , ASSYRIA , MESOPOTAMIA , MEDIA , and PARTHIA : whereof ARMENIA is the chiefest , famous for the great citie TAVRIS , called in auntient time ECBATHANA : this countrey yeeldeth vnto the Persian king his best footmen ; but his choice horsemen come from out of PERSIA , and especially from SCYRAS , called of old CYRIPOLIS : next vnto them are from ASSYRIA , the cheefe citie whereof is BAGADAT , called in auntient time BABYLON . The Medes and Parthians are of all others accounted the best archers next vnto the Scythians . But now to returne againe from whence wee haue a little too farre stayed . Selymus after his great expedition against Hysmaell , wintering at AMASIA , by his lieutenants and captaines in EVROPE and ASIA , raised such a power , that with the first of the Spring he entred againe into the confines of the Persian kingdome , with a greater armie than before , and that somewhat sooner than the extreame cold of that part of ARMENIA ( subject to the snowie mountaine TAVRVS ) would either well suffer , or that the enemie thought it had been possible for him to haue so done . There was vpon the further side of the riuer Euphrates a strong towne called CIAMASSVM , situate a little aboue that place where the riuer Melas ( much celebrated by the Grecian Poets ) falleth into the riuer Euphrates : which towne for the commodious situation thereof , standing vpon the first entrance of the passage into ARMENIA the great , the Persians had furnished with a strong garrison : this towne Selymus thought good in any case to be master of , by taking whereof , and of some other holds thereabout , he should open a faire way for himselfe into his enemies countrey . Hysmael at the same time was gone with all his power against the Hyrcanians , Bactrians , and other sauage people dwelling neere vnto the Caspian sea , then vp in arms against him : which wished opportunitie Selymus taking , and making a bridge ouer the riuer Euphrates , passed ouer with his armie , came before the towne , and laied hard siege to the same before his enemies were well aware of his comming . The Turkes at their first approch compassing the citie round with their huge multitude of harquebusiers and archers , draue the defendants from the wals ; and still without rest or intermission bringing on fresh men , as Selymus had before taken order , and others at the same time breaking open the gates , and in diuers places scaling the wals , enforced the defendants to forsake their standings , and to retire themselues into the market place ; where although they were before sore spent with labour and wounds , yet did they there with wonderfull courage a great while notably withstand the multitude of their enemies still swarming in , and in defence of their countrey , like resolute men , fought it out vnto the last man. Selymus hauing taken and ransacked CIAMASSVM , with two other small castles which the defendants had for feare before abandoned , although he was with a deadly hatred and ambitious desire prickt forward against Hysmaell , and thirsted after nothing more than the subuersion of the Persian kingdome : yet he thought it not good further to enter into ARMENIA , before he had out of those forrests and mountaines chased the mountaine king Aladeules , who but the yeare before had most trecherously done him and his armie so many injuries in his returne from the Persian expedition . For Aladeules not without cause fearing his owne estate , as soone as he vnderstood that Selymus had againe taken the field , and that he was come to the riuer Euphrates , and so to CIAMASSVM , speedily assembling his forces , had in short time raised a great armie for the defence of himselfe and his kingdome : purposing that if Selymus should goe farther into ARMENIA , then after his wonted manner to looke on as a beholder , and by the euent of the warre to take occasion of prey , and by shutting vp the passages of his countrey , at his pleasure to rob and spoile the Turkes in their returne . Wherefore Selymus leauing a garrison at CIAMASSVM , retired backe againe ouer the riuer Euphrates vnto the mountaine ANTITAVRVS , where it was reported that his enemies lay . This Aladeules ( as is aforesaid ) ruled ouer the rude and sauage mountaine people , inhabiting the great mountaines TAVRVS and ANTITAVRVS : which mountaines as it were linked together one to another , run from the mountaines called SCODRISCI , and the borders of CAPADOCIA , with a perpetuall rising , through many large prouinces and countries vnto the great mountaine AMA●VS , and vttermost bounds of CILICIA . The people of this countrey were by nature fierce and warlike , more famous for nothing , than for the want of all thing ; who as men dwelling in a rough and bare countrey , could little or nothing profit by husbandrie : yet in such places as would beare any pasture , they had their breed of horses and cammels , and did with all diligence vse grasing ; but the greatest part of their liuing consisted in hunting and stealing . These are supposed to haue had their beginning from the Galatians , Capadocians , Armenians , and the old inhabitants of ASIA the lesse , which by long and continuall wars in former ages , and especially by the lamentable irruption of the Scythians , were enforced to forsake their cities and dwellings , and for safegard of their liues to flie into those rough and desolate mountaines . These distressed people searching euery hill and euery da●e , and following the opportunitie of the riuers and fountaines , but especially the mildest temperature of the aire , and fauourable aspect of the Sunne , built in many places poore countrey villages , and afterwards diuers faire townes : where in processe of time they growing to better estate , there rise vp some amongst them , which ouerruling the rest , ambitiously tooke vpon them the name of kings ; desiring to be had in regard , and to bee feared of their neighbours , although they commaunded but ouer rough woods and ragged rockes . Neere vnto the confines of Aladeules kingdome is the citie O●PHA , which many suppose to haue been the famous citie EDESSA , because that as yet there remaineth certaine monuments of Baldwin in Latine letters ; who after his brother Godfrey was possessed of HIERVSALEM , is reported to haue taken EDESSA , and there raigned . Not farre from thence is also the antient citie AMYDA , which at this day is called CARAMIDA , joyning vpon MESOPOTAMIA : which countrey lying betweene the two great riuers Euphrates and Tigris , is now called DIAREECHA . The cheefe citie of Aladeules kingdome was MARAS , so called as may bee thought of the faire riuer Marsias running through it out of the mountaine CaeLENE , taking the name of Marsias , ouercome by Apollo , and made famous by the verses of many learned Poets . But Aladeules , after he saw that Selymus with his armie was entered into the frontiers of his kingdome , and drawing neere vnto him , brought downe all his horsemen , in number about fifteene thousand , from the mountaines into a faire large valley ; commaunding his footmen , whereof hee had great store , to keepe the mountaines on the right hand and the left : where hauing the high rockie mountains and strait passages , much for his aduantage , he determined in that place which he had long before chosen and fortified , to expect the comming of his enemies . Selymus considering the disaduantage of the place , although hee perceiued the victorie could not without great losse of his men be obtained ; and before persuaded that his enemies would neuer haue willingly been drawne to battaile : yet made no doubt to aduenture his fortune , presuming vpon the multitude and strength of his armie . Wherefore he commaunded Sinan Bassa the Eunuch ( whom hee had made generall of the Europeian horsemen in stead of Casan Bassa before slaine ) with a square battaile to charge the enemie afront , for as much as the place would not suffer him to raunge his battaile in length , nor to vse any wings : and he himselfe with his Ianizaries and Asian horsemen followed after in the rereward . Neither were the souldiors of Aladeules vnmindfull of themselues or of their king , who valiantly fought in the head of the battaile : but hauing spent their arrowes , did couragiously receiue the furious assault of the Turkes : and standing close to them , still keeping the aduantage of the ground , did with such force repulse them , that the old beaten souldiors of the Turkes , seemed little or nothing to preuaile either with their multitude or valour : for the Turkes by reason of the straightnesse of the place , could not enclose them on either side , and were beside greeuously wounded by Aladeules footmen , who standing vpon the sides of the hils with their darts and arrowes from aboue , ouerwhelmed the Turkes in the valley . When Selymus saw that Aladeules , contrarie to his expectation made strong resistance , and valiantly withstood his forces ; he drew certaine companies of harquebusiers out of his owne squadrons , and sent them to relieue their fellowes : and at the same instant commaunded the Ianizaries for all the danger to mount the hill . Then the mountaine people terrified with the strangenesse of the shot , and not able to abide the force therof , by and by turned their backes , and by knowne waies fled into their sure haunts in the mountains and woods fast by . Yet the greatest slaughter fell amongst these footmen , who when they saw the horsemen put to flight , and the Ianizaries comming vp the hils against them , did with much difficultie , by steepe and broken waies clamber vp the high mountaines : as oftentimes it falleth out , that both the strength of me●s legs and other their wonted forces faile them most , when surprised and ouercome with sudden feare they desire to run and flie fastest . The Turkes hauing them in chase , had the killing of them vntill the going downe of the Sunne . The horsemen with the king , vpon their swift horses , well acquainted with those rockes and rough waies , with little losse retired themselues into the further and stronger places of the mountaines . Aladeules after this discomfiture , finding himselfe in all things farre inferiour to his enemie , thought it best by protracting the warre , to wearie him out : wherefore as the Turkes pursued him , and burnt the poore countrey cottages standing in their way , he still fled from mountaine to mountaine , neuer offering battell or shewing himselfe , but in places of great aduantage . And therefore Selymus fearing least in that barren rough and vnknowne countrey , he should either want vittaile or by some other meanes be entrapped , if he should still with his whole armie follow after his strong enemies ; vpon the seauenth day left off to pursue them any farther . And encamping himselfe in the most conuenient place of that countrey , sent Sinan Bassa with his light horsemen , who carrying with them certaine daies victuals , should still at the heeles follow the enemie , and with all speed and pollicie possible , hunt after the king himselfe . Selymus in the meane time curiously enquiring of the countrey captiues after the strength of Aladeules ; and what meanes hee had to maintaine the warre : found , that he had taken with him his best men both horse and foot ; and had commaunded the countrey people to forsake the villages , of purpose to leaue all desolat to the enemie : and hauing surely entrenched himselfe vpon a certaine strong rocke ( whither he had before conuaied great store of prouision ) was resolued not to giue battell vnto his enemies , vntill he had drawne them into the impregnable straits of the mountaines , where their hugie multitude should little auaile them , but to increase their owne losse . An other cause there was also ( as they said ) for that he feared to be betraied by Alis Beg his kinsman , Generall of his horsemen ; who first fled in the late battell : whose vnfaithfulnesse and hatred might seeme to proceed of a just ground , for that Aladeules had in former time treacherously murthered his father , vpon a jealous suspition of his aspiring to the kingdome . Selymus vnderstanding all this , caused the captiues to haue their irons struck off , and in steed of their giues lading them with gifts and promises , sent them to Alis Beg with secret letters and rewards , to persuade him in so fit a time to reuenge his fathers death ; which thing if he would performe by some notable exploit vpon Aladeules , he should both purchase vnto himselfe great credit with Selymus , and also the kingdome . These homely messengers according as was giuen them in charge , hauing imparted the matter to Sinan Bassa , within few daies had so wrought , that Alis Beg ( whom the desire of a kingdome togither with Selymus his rewards prickt forward to seeke reuenge ) was easily drawne to joyne hands with Selymus . And when he could no other way hurt Aladeules , who mistrusting all things , warily looked vnto himselfe ; he found the means to go ouer to Sinan Bassa , carrying after him a great part of Aladeules his best horsemen : by whose meanes the rest also which remained being with rewards corrupted , one companie after another came at last all ouer vnto the Bassa . Aladeules circumuented with this vnexpected treacherie , which neuer before thought it possible that his men should all so suddenly haue forsaken him and reuolted vnto the Turkes ; was now glad to repose all his hope in secret flight . But Sinan Bassa and Alis Beg , hardly pursuing him as he fled thorough the mountaines , hiding himselfe in rockes and the thicke woods , at last drew him out of a caue , being betraied by the countrey peasants . Aladeules being brought to Selymus , was within a few daies after put to death , and his head in great derision afterwards carried about through all ASIA the lesse : and afterward by way of barbarous ostentation , sent by Selymus to the Senat of VENICE , as a loathsome testimonie of his victorie . Aladeules thus dead , Selymus reduced all his kingdome into the forme of a prouince , which he deuided into three parts ; and after the manner of the Turkish gouernment , appointed to euerie part a Sanzacke : yet so , that Alis Beg should be chiefe ouer the rest , with such soueraigntie as that he wanted nothing of a king but the name only . And for the better gouernment of all things in that new gained kingdome , he left Sinan Bassa there all the rest of that sommer ; with commaundement , that after he had set all things in good order , he should winter at ICONIVM : and he himselfe with a small traine returned to CONSTANTINOPLE , for he had heard , that whilest he was busied in his wars against Hysmaell and Aladeules in ARMENIA , that the Hungarians had made diuers incursions into SERVIA , and spoiled that countrey . Wherefore for feare of losing SAMANDRIA ( which standing neere to Danubius , for the conuenient situation thereof is reputed the bulwarke of SERVIA and THRACIA ) he sent Ionuses Bassa then gouernour of BOSNA with eight thousand horsemen , who passing the riuer Sauus entred into CROATIA as farre as CETINVM : and at the same time transported an other armie ouer Danubius into HVNGARIE , to the intent that the Hungarians at one instant beset with double danger , should be enforced to feare their owne state ; and withall to shew vnto the world , of what strength and power the Othoman emperours were . Deeming it to concerne much , both for the present , and the time to come , to the daunting of the Christians ; if hee should by his happie attempts make it knowne , that he could at once easily and readily maintaine so many and so puissant armies , and wage so great warres in diuers parts of the world , and so farre distant one from an other . In the end of the yeare , when he had thus with double inuasion repressed the Hungarians , he spent the Winter following at HADRIANOPLE & CONSTANTINOPLE , in making of greater preparation for warre than euer he had before from the beginning of his raigne . For he was aduertised , that the great monaches of the North his neighbours , namely Maximilian the emperour , Vladislaus king of HVNGARIE , and Sigismundus king of POLONIA , with the princes of GERMANIE , had combined themselues togither to make warre vpon him . But after he had learned by his sure intelligencers ( whom he had with great charge sent into all parts of EVROPE , diligently to obserue what was done in the courts of those great princes ) that all the great meetings of the Christian princes proued nothing but glorious words and sumptuous banquets ; he being rid of that vaine feare ( God so appointing ) turned himselfe and all those his wonderfull preparations againe toward the East , to the great quiet of Christendome in generall . Yet least happily in the absence of himselfe and of his armies , the Christian princes might take occasion to inuade his dominions , he strengthened the frontiers of his empire with most strong garrisons : and left his sonne Solyman ( who afterward proued the great scourge of Christendome ) at HADRIANOPLE with a strong power , and Pyrrhus Bassa his tutor ( a man of great wisedome and gouernment ) at CONSTANTINOPLE . This great Bassa was of CILICIA , a natiue Turke borne , which was a thing accounted strange , forasmuch as the great Bassaes were alwaies chosen of the Christian bloud . After that , he sent Cherseogles ( whom of all others he most trusted ) with his armie into BYTHINIA , and made Zafferus an eunuch Admirall of his nauie , which he had but a little before built , and with a wonderfull labor and charge rigged forth . Then staying a few daies at CONSTANTINOPLE to see the young souldiours , but then chosen Ianizaries ; he departed thence and went to his old armie , lying with Sinan Bassa at ICONIVM , purposing to haue againe inuaded the Persian . When he was come thither , he vnderstood that Campson Gaurus Sultan of AEGYPT ( with a great armie leuied in AEGYPT and IVDEA ) was come into SYRIA , giuing it out that he would aid the Persian king his confederat , and with all hostilitie enter into CILICIA , if Selymus should farther proceed to inuade Hysmaell the Sophi his friend and allie . Selymus perplexed with these newes , and fearing that if he should once passe ouer the riuer Euphrates , Campson lying so neere in readinesse , should forthwith breake in at his backe into ASIA by the mountaine AMANVS , and so endanger that part of his dominion ; staied at ICONIVM , and sent his embassadours with great presents to Campson to pacifie him , if it might be . The chiefe men in this embassage were the Cadelescher , a man of great account amongst the Turks , and of them exceedingly reuerenced for the opinion they had of his great Mahometane superstition , who afterwards wrote the Commentaries of this warre ; and Iachis a great captaine . The scope of whose embassage was , to entreat Campson , that he would not hinder or disturbe Selymus from making warre vpon the Persian king ; who had so often and so forceably inuaded his dominions in ASIA , and by bringing in a new forme of superstition , had corrupted and altered the most certaine grounds of the Mahometane religion . And if they found him resolutly set downe and not to be by any conditions remoued , then with all possible diligence to learne his strength and farther designes , so farre as by any means they could , and with all speed to make their returne . But Campson now farre spent with age , and liuing in the height of worldly blisse , although he knew it fitter for him at those yeares to giue himselfe ease and quietnesse , than to thrust himselfe into warres and other princes quarrels ; yet thought this expedition to be for many causes both good and necessarie . First , he deadly hated the man for his inhumane crueltie , and therefore could neuer be persuaded to renew the league with him which he had in former time made with his father Baiazet : Besides that , he desired to abate and represse his audacious insolencie , grown alreadie by his prosperous successe beyond the bounds of reason : for Selymus hauing taken TAVRIS , ouerthrowne the Persians , and slaine Aladeules , began now to seeme terrible to all the princes that bordered vpon him ; and there were many which said he was another Alexander , who whilest other princes sate still as men a sleepe , did in the meane time plot in his victorious mind , the monarchie of the whole world . But aboue all things , the feare of the losing of SYRIA , and consequently the losse of all his kingdome ( the quickest motiue for stirring vp of the suspitious minds of the greatest princes ) most enforced Campson to take in hand this warre : For as much as the goodly kingdomes of AEGYPT , IVDEA , and SYRIA , oppressed with the intollerable gouernment of the proud Mamalukes , and therefore lesse faithfull to the Aegyptian kings , were in danger to reuolt to the Turkes , if the Persians should by any mischance or fortune of warre be of the Turkes vanquished . For which cause Campson in the beginning of this warre , solicited by the Persian embassadours , had made a firme league and confederation with Hysmaell : and also moued with the miserie of the wofull young prince Aladin the sonne of Achomates , was in mind persuaded , that the cruell Turkish tyrant might by his and the Persian kings forces , easily be thrust out of his empire in ASIA and EVROPE . For Aladin , who after the death of Achomates his father fled to Campson the Sultan of AEGYPT ( as is before declared ) had liued three yeares as a forlorne and distressed prince in the Aegyptian court , and by all meanes he could deuise incited the Mamalukes to reuenge the injuries and crueltie of his vncle Selymus . The eldest sonne also of the late king Aladeules , a goodly young prince , hauing at once lost his father , his kingdome , and whatsoeuer he held else , was in good time fled to the Aegyptian king ; and had so filled the minds of all men with the indignation and detestation of Selymus his exceeding crueltie , that the princes of the Mamalukes of their owne accord came to Campson , humbly beseeching him to take vpon him so just a warre : and if by reason of his great yeares hee should thinke himselfe vnable to endure the trauell thereof , it would then please him yet to giue them leaue of themselues to take the matter in hand , for the repressing of the insolencie of that great and wicked tyrant . These Mamalukes farre excelled the Turkes , not onely in strength of bodie , skilfull riding , and goodly armour , but also in courage and wealth . Beside that , they had not forgotten with what small power they had vnder the leading of Caitbeius their great Sultan , ouerthrowne the Turkes great armies in CILICIA , first at ADENA , and afterward at TARSVS , where they tooke prisoners , Mesites Palaologus the great Bassa , and Cherseogles , Baiazet his sonne in law : by which victorie they grew into such a proud and vaine conceit of themselues , as if they had beene the onely souldiours of the world , able of themselues to vanquish and ouercome whomsoeuer they should set vpon . These so valiant souldiours , were for the most part of the poore people called in auntient time Getae , Zinchi , and Bastarnae , borne neere vnto the Euxine sea and the ●ens of Maeotis , especially on that side where the riuer Corax falleth into the Euxine : which countrie is of later time called CIRCASSIA , of the people called CERCITae neere vnto CHOLCHIS . These miserable and wretched people , the Valachians , Podolians , Polonians , Roxolanes and Tartars dwelling by TAVRICA ( puld from their mothers breasts , or by other violent means surprised ) sold vnto merchants ; who culling out the best for strength of bodie , or aptnesse of wit , conuaied them by sea to ALEXANDRIA , from whence they were continually sent to the great Sultan of AEGIPT : and by his appointment were at CAIRE ( after the old manner of that people ) deliuered to masters of fence and such other teachers , who carefully instructed them , being shut vp in their schooles , in all manner of feats of actiuitie : where after they were become able to bend a strong bow , and taught cunningly to shoot , leape , run , vault , ride , and skilfully to vse all manner of weapons , they were then taken into pay , and receiued into the number of the kings horsemen or Mamalukes : and such of them as proued cowardly or vnapt , were made slaues vnto the rest . So that they seeing all honour , credit , and preferment , laied vp in martiall prowesse , did with all diligence and courage employ themselues to militarie affaires : and therein so well profited , that oftentimes they which at the first were but bare and base slaues , of the meanest of the Mamalukes , by many degrees of seruice rise at length to the highest degrees of honour . All these Mamalukes were the children of Christian parents , from the time of their captiuitie instructed in the Mahometane superstition : for no man borne of a Mahometane father , or of a Iew , could be admitted into the number of the Mamaluke horsemen : which was so straightly obserued , that the honour of a Mamaluke horseman neuer descended vnto the sons of the Mamalukes , yet might they by law inherit their fathers lands , possessions , and goods : by which reason the sonnes of the Sultans themselues neuer succeeded their fathers in the kingdome . Hereby also it came to passe , that many Christians of loose life , or condemned for their notorious offences , flying thither , and abjuring the Christian religion , and suffering themselues to be circumcised , being men meet for the warres , grew by degrees to great honour : as did Tangarihardinus the sonne of a Spanish mariner , who by his forwardnesse and industrie grew into such credit and authoritie with Campson the great Sultan , that almost all things were done by his aduice and counsell ; and was diuers times by him employed in most honorable seruice , being sent embassadour both to Baiazet the Turkish emperour , and to the state of VENICE , about matters of great importance . Yet his impietie escaped not the hand of God , for at length by the enuie of the court he was brought into disgrace , thrust out of his place , and cast into prison , where he loaded with cold yron , most miserably died . Neither was it to be maruelled if the Mamalukes were growne to that excesse of wealth , for as much as the Aegyptians and Syrians being miserably by them oppressed , were not suffered to haue the vse either of horse or armour , neither admitted to any matters of counsell ; but being impouerished and brought low with heauie impositions and dayly injuries of the Mamalukes , gaue themselues wholly to the trade of marchandise , husbandrie , and other mechanicall occupations : ouer whom the Mamalukes had power and commaund , as imperious masters ouer their seruants , and would with greater insolencie than is to be beleeued abuse the poore countrey people , beating and spoiling them at their pleasure , and not so contented , rauishing their wiues and daughters without redresse . The Aegyptians ( a people in auntient time much renowned for their valour and prowesse ) were by these masterfull slaues kept in this miserable thraldome and slauerie about the space of three hundred yeares . For after the declination of the Romane empire , that rich countrey falling into the gouernment of the Constantinopolitane emperours , the Aegyptians soone wearie of the proud and auaritious soueraignetie of the Greekes , called in the Sarafins , by whose helpe they expulsed the Greekes , and after chose the Generall of the Sarafins for their king , after whose name the Aegyptian kings were of long time called Caliphes , as they had of antient time beene called by the names of Pharao and Ptolomey . The last of these Caliphes raigned at such time as the Christians vnder the leading of Godfrey and Bohemund , passing as conquerours through ASIA and SYRIA , erected the kingdome of HIERVSALEM . Hee being inuaded by Americus sixt king of HIERVSALEM , and finding himselfe too weake , prayed aid of the Sultan of SYRIA , who sent him Sarraco , a valiant captain , with a strong power to aid him : but Sarraco no lesse vnfaithfull than courageous , trecherously slew the Caliphe , in whose aid he came , and tooke vpon himselfe the kingdome . After Sarraco succeeded Saladine his brothers sonne , who vtterly extinguished the name and authoritie of the Caliphes in AEGYPT , whom Sarraco had yet left as high priests . This Saladine oftentimes vanquished the Christian armies in SYRIA and IVDEA , and at length quite ouerthrew the kingdome of HIERVSALEM , as is in the former part of this historie to be seene . Saladine dying , left the kingdome of AEGIPT to his brother , whose posteritie successiuely raigned of long time there , vntill the time of Melechsala . This Melechsala ( last of the free borne kings , and of the posteritie of Saladine ) had great and mortall warres with the Christians , wherein hauing lost most of his best soldiors , and reposing no great confidence in the Aegyptians , thought good to strengthen himselfe with a new kind of souldiors , meere slaues bought for money . For at that time the Tartars breaking into ARMENIA and CAPADOCIA , and ouerrunning the people called COMANI joyning vpon CAPADOCIA , made generall spoile of that people , as of prisoners taken by law of armes . Of this base people , Melechsala for a little money bought a great multitude , which he transported into AEGIPT , and furnished them with armes : by whose prowesse he not onely defended the frontiers of his kingdome , but also besieged Lewes the French king in his trenches not farre from DAMIATA , called in auntient time HELIOPOLIS , or PELVSIVM , and shortly after in plaine battaile tooke him prisoner , as is long before declared . But in the pride of this victorie , Melechsala was by the conspiracie of these his new souldiours slaine : in whose place they set vp one Turqueminius , a desperat fellow of their owne companie , honouring him with the title of the great Sultan of AEGIPT . Turqueminius of a base slaue now become a great monarch ( after the manner of men ) forgetting his old companions which had so highly promoted him : and hauing them in great disdaine , was by one of them ( called Clotho ) suddainely slaine ; for which fact he was by those base souldiors , his companions , chosen Sultan in his place : who for the short time of his raigne did much for the confirming of that seruile monarchie : yet was he at length slaine also by Bandocader , sometimes one of his fellow seruants , who also succeeded him in the kingdome . After him in long order succeeded many valiant men of the same seruile state & condition , whom for breuitie I wittingly passe ouer . Amongst the rest , Caitbeius ( of whom we haue before spoken in the life of Baiazet ) was for wealth and martiall prowesse most famous ; who according to the manner of his predecessours , did with greater bountie and care maintaine that seruile gouernment , than any of them who had before him raigned in AEGIPT : and was for his notable gouernment and noble acts justly accounted amongst the greatest princes of that age . After whose death great troubles arose in that seruile monarchie about the succession . Whereby the Mamalukes drawne into diuers factions , some seeking to prefer one , and some another , had in foure yeares space with ciuile warres sore weakened their estate , and slaine diuers of their greatest princes which had aspired vnto that kingdome . For appeasing of which mischeefes , tending to the vtter ruine of their kingdome , the great courtiers and cheefe men amongst the Mamalukes with one consent offered the kingdome to Campson Gaurus ( or as the Turkes call him ) Cansaues Gauris , of whom wee now speake , a man of great integritie and courage , and altogether free from ambition . He , terrified with the dreadfull example of so many kings whom hee had seene in short time miserably slaine by the ambitious aspiring of other proud competitors : when he was sore against his will hoist vp vpon the shoulders of the nobilitie and cheefe souldiors , and so carried into the court , as their manner was , began earnestly to refuse the kingdome and to withstand their choice , excusing himselfe as vnfit for so high a place ; and with teares standing in his eyes , besought the other great lords his friends , that they would forbeare to thrust him , well contented with his priuat life , into that glorious place subject to so many dangers : and the rather , for that he neither had money to giue bountifully vnto the souldiors of the court , as other the Aegyptian Sultans had accustomed ; neither held that sufficiencie and authoritie as was requisit for repressing of such violent and seditious tumults as were too rise in that troublesome time and confusion of all things . The nobilitie on the other side persuaded him , That he would not vpon a foolish obstinacie or vaine modestie refuse the offer of his present good fortune , but couragiously to take vpon him the gouernment of the state , now sore shaken with ciuile discord , together with the regall dignitie , which was with the generall good liking of all men so frankely offered vnto him . At last they all by solemne oath promised vnto him , That they would with all their power , policie , and wealth , maintaine and defend the majestie of his state ; and that the men of war should not demaund their wonted largesse , before the same might by his receiuers and treasurers bee raised of his customes and other reuenewes of the crowne . By which persuasions Campson encouraged , suffered himselfe to be saluted Sultan , and so tooke vpon him the gouernment . Afterwards , when he had giuen vnto the men of warre ten millions of duckats , by the name of a largesse , and by his moderat gouernment had caused men generally to haue his prowesse and wisdome in admiration ; he did with such policie and dexteritie reforme the shaken state of that kingdome , before rent in sunder with ciuile warres , taking away by poyson and other secret deuices some few , the cheefe authors of sedition , that for the space of sixteene yeares neither tumult nor noise of warre was at any time heard of in all SYRIA or AEGIPT . Worthie vndoubtedly the name of a most excellent and fortunat prince , if when he had by singular wisedome and policie established the generall peace and prosperitie of his kingdome , he could haue there contented himselfe to haue liued in quiet , and in the winding vp of his life , not rashly haue thrust himselfe into the dangerous quarrels of other princes . The Cadelescher and Iachis ( Selymus his embassadours ) departing from ICONIVM , came in few daies to Campson the great Sultan , who then lay encamped neere vnto the riuer ORONTES , at this day called FAREAR . These embassadours entertained by Campson with greater bountie than courtesie , and shortly after their comming hauing audience in his pauilion , did with most temperat and calme speech deliuer their embassage . To whom Campson answered , That it was the auntient custome of the Aegyptian Sultans ( forasmuch as they held the chiefe place in their religion ) with all care and industrie to keepe the other Mahometane kings and people in peace and concord amongst themselues ; whereof hee for his part had beene alwaies most desirous : and was for no other purpose come with his armie into his prouince of SYRIA , than to persuade Selymus to peace : Who if he would needs wilfully proceed in his intended warres against Hysmaell the Persian king , his friend and confederat , he would then doe what should stand with his honour and place , and not longer suffer all to go to wracke , for the vaine pleasure and furie of one insolent and ambitious man. He said also , That he had of long time before seene into Selymus his insatiable , fierce and troublesome disposition ; who hauing most vnnaturally procured the death of his good father the old emperour Baiazet , and slaine his brethren , princes of great valour ; seauen of his nephewes , princes of no small hope ; with many other of his best friends and faithfull counsellors ; could make no end of his ambitious tyrannie . Wherfore they should tell Selymus , that one and all the conditions of peace should be , if he would from thenceforth desist from inuading of Hysmaell , and restore to Aladeules his sonne , his fathers kingdome , which had of long beene vnder the defence and protection of the Aegyptian Sultans , as of right and reason he ought to doe : he should in so doing beside his fauour and friendship which might greatly stand him in steed , reape greater fame and glorie by an assured and honourable peace , than by doubtfull and dangerous warre . The embassadours , although they knew right well that Selymus would not for any threats giue ouer his enterprise or lay downe armes ; yet to the intent they might the sooner be disparched , and so in time aduertise Selymus of the Sultans sudden comming , seemed wonderfully to like of his motion for peace , and to giue good hope by their reasonable persuasions to induce Selymus to like thereof : Forasmuch as they were of his secret counsell , and men able to doe much with him ; whereby they trusted ( as they would haue had the Sultan to beleeue ) it would easily be brought to passe , that those sparkes might be quenched , which all things standing vpright had not as yet kindled the fire of warre . So they being by Campson rewarded , and hauing leaue to depart , trauelling day and night , returned to Selymus , who was then come to CaeSAREA . Campson also remouing from ORONTES , came into COMAGENA vnto the famous citie of ALEPPO , which citie is probably supposed to haue been built of the ruines of the auntient citie HIERAPOLIS , by Alepius the emperor Iulianus his lieutenant ; who in that prouince did many notable matters , & called that new built citie after his own name . It is situat neere vnto the riuer Singa , which rising out of the mountaine PIERIVS , with many turnings and windings runneth thorough Comagena , and being but a small riuer , falleth at length into the citie Euphrates . This citie Hyalon king of the Tartars tooke and burnt , at such time as the Christian princes of the West made warre with the Aegyptian kings , for the kingdomes of SYRIA and IERVSALEM . Which calamitie notwithstanding , it was againe repeopled , and is at this day a famous citie , for the commodious situation thereof much frequented with merchants from the furthest parts of the world : It is scarce fiue daies journey from TRIPOLIS and BERYTVS the great ports of SYRIA , and is also neere vnto the Turkes and Persians : so that the riches of the East are thither commodiously conuaied out of Turkie , ouer the mountaine AMANVS which parteth CILICIA from SYRIA : and so likewise out of PERSIA and MESOPOTAMIA ouer the riuer Euphrates , where the citie BYRTHA of late time bounded the kingdome of the Aegyptian Sultans , from the Persian . Selymus vnderstanding by his embassadours ( who had diligently noted all things in the Sultans campe ) both of the comming , and of the number of his enemies ; and also enformed of the Sultans proud answere , who had so peremptorily prescribed vnto him such vnreasonable conditions as pleased himselfe : thought good to alter his purpose , and now to conuert his forces an other way than he had before determined . For that to enter farther into ARMENIA , leauing so puissant an enemie as Campson at his backe , seemed a thing too full of danger : and to giue ouer the enterprise he had with so great care and charge vndertaken , at the appointment and pleasure of another man , stood neither with his honour or state . Wherefore in a matter so doubtfull , he resolued vpon a notable and necessarie point , well fitting the greatnesse of his mind . He made shew as if he would haue gone directly against the Persian , as he had before determined ; and that the more certaine report of this his purpose might be carried to Campson , he sent before part of his armie with his carriages to the citie SVASSIA , in old time called SEBASTA ( it standeth in the frontiers of the Persian kingdome , where the great riuer Euphrates pent vp with the rocks of the mountaine TAVRVS , breaketh againe violently forth into MESOPOTAMIA : but turning himselfe vpon the right hand , purposed to passe the mountaine TAVRVS , and breaking suddenly into COMAGENA to come vpon the Sultan before he were well aware of his comming . Wherefore calling vnto him his trustie Ianizaries , with the other souldiours of the court , hee openly with cheerfull countenance declared vnto them what he had resolued to doe , with the reasons of the alteration of his former determination : persuading them , that the victorie would easily be atchieued , if they as couragious souldiours would with all celeritie ( before the Mamalukes could perceiue they were returned ) get vp to the top of the mountaines , and recouer those difficult passages ; not fearing the vaine names and titles of the Mamalukes . For why ( said he ) the strength of those horsemen is long since decaied and gone : the old Mamalukes , who in the time of Caitbeius were of some fame and reputation , are all dead . You shall in battell meet but with a sort of gallant horsebreakers rather than souldiours , which can cunningly mannage their horses in sport , to the pleasure of the beholders , but know not how to encounter the enemie , or to endure to be wounded : who as carpet knights effeminat with long peace , and corrupted with excesse and delicacie of their great cities , neuer saw their foes entrenched , or armed enemies , neither euer heard the sound of a trumpet but at plaies or shewes . Wherefore you are to make but small account of them , being furnished with no store of ordinance or strength of footmen . But as the reuerend interpretours of our sacred lawes and religion , hauing orderly performed all their obseruances , doe diuine vnto vs all happinesse : so you as men full of hope , set forward cheerfully vnto most assured victorie ouer your proud enemies . For God no doubt fauoureth the quarrell of men iustly prouoked , and offereth means of victorie to such as take vp iust and necessarie armes . Yet to ouercome the enemie , and to enioy the victorie in deed , wholy consisteth in the courage and valour of them , which deeme nothing better or more honourable than to spend their liues for the honour of their prince and countrey . Here the Ianizaries shaking their weapons , forthwith cried out with cheerfull voice , That he should lead and conduct them whither soeuer he would : saying , That they were readie as couragious men , to ouercome all the difficulties of those hard passages , and patiently to endure all the labours and dangers incident to that warre . Selymus , by the mountaine people hauing found out the easiest passages , resolued to passe ouer the mountaine with his armie in three places : and so appointing three great companies of the common souldiours and countrey people , for the opening of the straight passages ; he commaunded the rough and vneuen waies to bee made plaine and smooth , for the transporting of his ordinance , and the broken passages to be cast euen , that so his baggage and carriages might the better passe : and the more to encourage his souldiours to take paines , he promised present reward to all such as in transporting of his ordinance , should take any extraordinarie pains . Wherby it came to passe , that the same being of the smaller sort bearing bullet of no great height , was in short time by the cheerfull labour of his souldiours , drawne ouer those great hils and dales : so that in fiue daies all his armie with his baggage and carriages were got ouer the mountaine TAVRVS , and come into the plaines of COMAGENA . For that mountaine where it taketh the name of AMANVS , which is almost in the middle where the riuer Euphrates parteth the mountaine TAVRVS , and the bay ISSICVS , is neither exceeding high , or yet impassable : for as it commeth neerer the sea , it is not so rough as elsewhere , but is in many places inhabited and tilled by the mountaine Cilicians , a fierce kind of people accustomed to labour and toile , who are now called Caramannians , which is to say , the inhabitants of the blacke mountaines ; for that the burnt rocks of the mountaine seeme a farre off to be blacke . Alis-beg which betraied Aladeules , whom Selymus had a little before sent for , as soon as the armie was come downe into the frontiers of the enemies country , with a strong power of his light horsemen , speedily ouerran all that countrey which is at the foot of AMANVS and TAVRVS : therby to vnderstand of the countrey people and such as they could take prisoners , where Campson lay with his armie ; and also by keeping the passages to doe what possibly might be done , that Selymus his comming might not be knowne to the enemie . But Campson , who with no lesse vanitie than pride had fondly flattered himselfe , onely by the authoritie & greatnesse of his name to haue terrified Selymus , and ouerruled him at his pleasure ; could not be persuaded that he was come ouer the mountaine AMANVS , vntill certaine newes was brought him , that he was encamped with a most puissant armie within two daies march of him . With which vnexpected newes being sore troubled , and in the middest of that danger to seeke counsell , as one which began rightly to consider of his owne strength , and the strength of his enemie ; began then to doubt what were best for him to doe , and in great perplexitie sometime hoped well ; and by and by was as a man halfe discouraged and dismaied . And now become exceeding carefull both of his honour and himselfe , he began to doubt , whether it were better for him to giue place to so great a danger , and shunning battell to retire with his armie into places of more safetie ; or els couragiously to abide the comming of his enemies , and to hazard the fortune of a battell , although it were vpon great disaduantage : Forasmuch as he reputed it farre more honourable after the example of his predecessors from whom he had receiued that great kingdome ( both gotten and kept by martiall prowesse ) to die with honour in the field ; than by shamefull and vnwoonted flight , either to blemish their militarie glorie continued aboue the space of 300 yeares , or for loue of a small remainder of life , being now 77 yeares old , to seeme willing to reserue vnto obloquie and shame his last daies , depriued of all honour and reputation . There were amongst his cheefetaines many , which preferred wholesome counsell before that which was in shew more glorious : but aboue all others one Iamburd , surnamed Gazelles , ( sometimes the follower of great Caitbeius ) a valiant man of great honour , for his long experience in martiall affaires , and at that time gouernor of APAMIA . He , as he was of opinion , That to fight with the Turkes armie , consisting for most part of expert soldiors , with so small a power , were a thing of desperat danger ; so was he also , that it were good speedily to retire , and to chuse the citie of DAMASCO , as the fittest place for those warres : for as much as the Turkes armie could make no hast after them , by reason of their footmen and carriages , so that they might at case and with safetie retire ; and there calling together all the Mamalukes which were in garrison in IVDEA and AEGIPT , and entertaining the Arabians their neighbours , to protract the warre vntill Winter , when as they might easily distresse the enemie for want of victuall . And that it was not to be feared , that ALEPPO , if it were furnished but with a reasonable garrison , could by and by be taken of the enemie , who had but small field peeces not fit for batterie . Beside that , in short time aide would come from the Persians out of MESOPOTAMIA ; yea and Hysmaell himselfe hearing of the Turkes expedition into SYRIA , was like ynough to breake into ASIA the le●se : neither would the Christians refuse to furnish them with great artillerie from the Islands of the RHODES and CYPRVS against that common enemie , if they were thereto in time requested . All which things being laied together , hee said the Sultan might afterward vpon euen hand , goe into the field , if he should thinke it so much to concerne his honour , to giue his enemies battaile . But for as much as the greatest warres , which at the first had most violent and most furious motions , by the politicke enemies delay did most commonly in time grow calme , hee should not therefore make too much hast to aduenture the fortune of battaile : for that the errours of warre , which many times chanced through the ouersight or rashnesse of the cheeftains , might well of good men be lamented and detested , but hardly or neuer recouered or amended . Gazelles his graue and considerat speech had much moued both the Sultan and others ▪ yet the cheerefulnesse of the souldiors , and foolish hardinesse of the Mamalukes did so fill Campsons eares , that he could not hearken to so good and wholesome counsell : for as soone as they heard certainely of the comming of the Turkes , they began to leape and daunce , and to rejoice among themselues , that the time was come wherein they might make proofe of their valour , and win to themselues honour . For now ( as they said ) was come that time they had long wished for , wherin they would by notable slaughter of their enemies , aduance the honour and majestie of Campson their Sultan far aboue the fame of Caitbeius . And some euen of the cheefe men about Campson , vpon flatterie and vaine osten●ation , alledging how honourably and with what small labour they had before ouerthrowne the Turkes great armie at TARSVS , persuaded him , that the victorie would easily and without any great danger be gotten . But especially Cayerbeius gouernor of ALEPPO and of the prouince of COMAGENA ( who after his warre ended , was in reward of his foule treason by Selymus vnworthily preferred to the greatest honours of AEGYPT ) extolling with glorious words the faithfulnesse , courage and valour of the Mamalukes , and extenuating the strength and power of the enemie , forced his wits to the vttermost to ouerthrow the wholsome counsell of Gazelles . For this Cayerbeius for all his faire face bare a grudge in heart against Campson , because he had some few yeares before poysoned his brother , whom he had in jealousie , being a man next to himselfe of greatest power , wealth , and authoritie amongst the Mamalukes , and withall of an aspiring mind . Whereupon Cayerbeius afterwards thinking it good to looke to himselfe , and doubting the like practise to be intended against himselfe ; being , as the manner of that kingdome was , summoned to a parliament at CAIRE , faigned himselfe sicke , and would not come : wherwith Campson was not a little offended , yet for a time he thought it best to dissemble the matter and to await some fitter oportunitie for the taking away of that proud man , so forgetfull of his dutie , and bearing himselfe against his soueraigne , as if he had been an absolute king in his owne prouince . This he thought might most couertly be brought to passe , if he should vpon the occasion of the present warre ( as it then fell out ) or els vnder the colour of going in person himselfe to the riuer Euphrates , come to ALEPPO : for it was the manner of the antient Aegyptian Sultans , not to account themselues worthie of the name of a Sultan or great Generall , before they had as Caitbeius had of late done , encamped their armie vpon the side of the riuer Euphrates at the citie BYRTHA ( which standing vpon the banke of the riuer , retaineth at this day both the antient name and fame ) and there with solemne pompe had in the sight of the armie forced their horses into the riuer to drinke : giuing to vnderstand by that ceremonie , the greatnesse of their empire , and that they were readie by force of armes to proue , that all those countries were their which lay alongst the riuer Euphrates , from the mountaine TAVRVS vnto the deserts of ARABIA . But the consideration of this war letted that hee did not at his first comming oppresse him , because he deemed it to stand best with his present affaires : and not yet knowing the purpose of Selymus , to expect the motions of the Turkes and Persians , and to deferre the execution of his wrath against Cayerbeius , vntill the end of the warre : for feare least the other Mamalukes , dismayed with the hainousnesse of the suddaine fact , should either reuolt from him , or els raise some mutinie or rebellion in that populous citie . For Cayerbeius had by his courtesie and bountie many strong companies in the armie fast bound vnto him : and beside that , was of greatest credit and authoritie with them of ALEPPO , hauing in his keeping a strong citadell , built vpon the rising of an hill in the middest of the citie , which he kept with a strong and sure garrison . But whiles Campson doth thus slowly and considerately purpose his destruction , many of the Sultans secret friends , to him more officious than faithfull , secretly aduised Cayerbeius to beware of the Sultan , and by some good meanes in time to prouide for his owne safetie . He vnderstanding of the danger , and thinking all delay deadly , sent secret messengers vnto Selymus , discouering vnto him the cause of his greefe , and promising as occasion should serue to come ouer vnto him , and to deliuer into his power the castle with the hearts of the citisens , and all the strength of his owne horsemen ; thereby to prouide for his owne safetie , to reuenge his brothers death , and to further his victorie against Campson : and for performance of promises on both sides , required secret hostages to be giuen . By the same messengers he also aduertised him , what strength the Sultan was of , persuading him in any case to make hast to giue him battaile before hee had gathered any greater power . Selymus nothing doubted to condiscend to all that the traitor had requested , promising of himselfe farre greater things than euer he had required : assuring himselfe of the victorie , if his enemie should lose so much of his strength by the reuolt of so great a commaunder . Campson enforced by the generall consent of his souldiors , and the violence of his ineuitable destinie , then at hand , rejecting the good and faithfull counsell of Gazelles , at such time as Selymus was reported to be at hand ; resolued according to the counsell of the traitour Cayerbeius , to dare him battell . He lay conueniently encamped vpon the riuer Singa , almost ten miles from the citie , in such sort as that his souldiors might vse the benefit of the riuer , and remoued from the houses and pleasures of the citie , might yet neuerthelesse be easily releeued with the sto●e and plent●e thereof . The Mamalukes were scarce in number twelue thousand , but euery one of them , according as he was of greater place or calling , so had he attending vpon him moe seruants , well furnished with horse and armour . A goodly and inuincible armie , if the battaile might haue been tried by true valour . The Mamalukes wearing their beards long and rough , with graue and sterne countenance , hauing strong and able bodies , vsed such cunning in all their fights and battailes , that after they had giuen the first charge with their launces , they would by and by with wonderfull actiuitie vse their bowes and arrowes , casting their targuets behind them ; and forthwith the horsemans mace or crooked scimitar , as the manner of the battaile or place required . Their horses were strong and courageous , in making and swiftnesse much like vnto the Spanish Iennets ; and that which is of many hardly beleeued , so docible , that at certaine signes or speeches of the rider , they would with their teeth reach him vp from the ground a launce , an arrow , or such like thing ; and as if they had knowne the enemie , run vpon him with open mouth , and lash at him with their heeles , and had by nature and custome learned , not to be afraid of any thing . These couragious horses were commonly furnished with siluer bridles , guilt trapping , rich saddles , their neckes and breasts armed with plates of yron : the horseman himselfe was commonly content with a coat of maile or a breastplate of yron . The cheefe and wealthiest of them vsed headpieces ; the rest a linnen couering of the head , curiously foulded into many wreathes , wherewith they thought themselues safe ynough against any handie strokes : the common souldiours vsed thrumd caps , but so thicke , as that no sword could pierce them . Campson of all his armie made fiue battailes : The first was committed to Cayerbeius , because it was in his owne prouince where the battaile was to be fought . The second was led by Sybeius , who for his wonderfull actiuitie was of them called Baluano , which in their language signifieth a tumbler , or one that sheweth feats of actiuitie ; he was gouernour of DAMASCO , a man of singular faith and valour . These two great commaunders were appointed at once to charge both the wings of the Turkes armie . After them followed Gazelles with the third battaile , to second either the one or the other of the two formost , as need should require . Campson himselfe led the fourth , all glistering in guilt armour , behind the rest almost a mile and a halfe . The last was left for defence of the campe . But Selymus according to his wonted manner so ordered his battaile , that his Asian horsemen were in the right wing , his Europeian horsemen in the left , his Ianizaries and artillerie in the maine battaile : before whom , in the middle betweene the two wings he had placed his most valiant and gallant pentioners , amongst whom , contrarie to his wonted custome , he chose to serue that day . Cayerbeius as soone as he was come neere the enemie ( in token of his braue courage ) gaue a hote charge vpon the Europeian horsemen ; and by and by , as if hee would haue compassed in that wing , wheeled a great way about behind them : where chauncing vpon a great companie of scullions , drudges , and other base people that followed the campe , with an infinit number of cammels and carriages , hee made there a great stirre , with little slaughter , that as a valiant and cunning traitour he might in the selfesame time satisfie the expectation of his valour and of his treason together . In the other wing , the gouernour of DAMASCO to enter vpon the open side of the enemie , forbearing to charge him afront , and turning about his troupes on the left hand , entred ouerthwart their rankes ; where the Mamalukes fought with such furie , that hauing made great slaughter of the Asian horsemen , they brake in amongst them , as if it had beene a raging flood , bearing all downe before them , vntill they came to the ensignes in the middest of that wing : neither could Mustapha the Beglerbeg ( who was by birth an Hungarian , and Selymus his brother in law ) neither the Imbrahor-Bassa ( or master of the house ) although they did what they might to withstand him , after the first were ouerthrowne , stay the rest ▪ but that they would needs turne their backes and flie . So Sybeius as a valiant conquerour hauing cut in two peeces the right wing of the enemies battaile , and thrusting in betwixt the battaile of the footmen and the backes of the pentioners , brought a great terrour and feare vpon the whole maine battaile . The matter was now brought to extreame danger : for Selymus by the breaking in of Sybeius was almost cut off from his footmen , in whom he had reposed his greatest confidence . And now the Ianizaries were hardly charged by Gazelles , who following the fortune of Sybeius , had set vpon the head of the enemies battaile . The Asian horsemen also being put to the worse , and cut in peeces , found no meanes how to restore againe their disordered battaile . In this extremitie Sinan Bassa in good time came in with his horsemen : by his comming , for that he had beene but lightly charged by Cayerbeius the traitour , and had brought with him many fresh troupes of horsemen , the furie of the Mamalukes was repressed , the Turkes againe encouraged , and the victorie shortly after wrung out of the Mamalukes hands ; the great artillerie being by the commaundement of Selymus at the same time discharged amongst them , by the terrible thundring whereof , the Mamalukes horses somewhat troubled , could not so well as before be ruled : neither could the men themselues , although they were of wonderfull courage , much preuaile , being on euerie side oppressed with the multitude of their enemies . Yet in that distresse being nothing dismaied , although they were by Cayerbeius and their good fortune forsaken , they were not to seeke either of courage or direction ; but se●●ing themselues close togither , they brake through the middest of their enemies , with great slaughter of the European horsemen , and hurt of the pentioners ; and so with speed fled towards the campe and citie . After whom followed Sinan Bassa with the readiest and freshest troups of his horsemen : for Selymus , ( who that day in the extreame heat , for his wonderfull paines , courage , and direction , seemed vndoubtedly greater than himselfe ) riding vp and downe , called earnestly vpon his souldiours to vrge the victorie , and with all speed to pursue their flying enemies . Campson had now ( his destinie so leading him ) set forward , of purpose to come to the reliefe of his men sent before ; or if the Turks should be ouercome , to be partaker of the victorie : when vpon the way , he vnderstood by them that fled , that Cayerbeius was reuolted , his armie ouerthrowne , and the terrour so great , as that the flight of his souldiours was not now possibly to be staied : beside that to augment the feare , it was reported , that the multitude of his enemies , and force of their artillerie was so great , that they were not then to bee encountred . With which heauie newes , the proud old man , who in the perpetuall course of his good fortune had neuer tasted of euill hap , was readie for sorrow and griefe of mind to haue sunke downe to the ground . And forthwith , his owne men , and the enemie pursuing them , comming vpon him , who in their headlong course without regard ouerthrew whomsoeuer they met , euerie man making shift for himselfe without respect of others harmes : he being a corpulent man of great yeares , and beside the heauinesse of his armour troubled also with a rupture , ouercome with heat and griefe of mind , fainted in that great presse ; and so falling downe , was without regard troden to death , after he had with great majestie gouerned the kingdomes of AEGYPT , IVDEA , and SYRIA many yeares . The valiant Tetrarchs of DAMASCO and TRIPOLIS , whilest others fled for life , either to the campe or to the citie of ALEPPO , labouring in the hindermost of their flying troups to represse the force of their pursuing enemies , were both fighting honorably , slaine . Selymus erecting a few tents in the same field wherin the battell was fought , & keeping most part of his armie in armes , slept not all that night , but stood fast as a man not yet assured of his victorie or good fortune ; fearing least men of so great valour as were the Mamalukes , should in the couert of the night returne and set vpon him in his campe : for hee knew right well , that they were ouercome and put to flight , rather by the treacherie of Cayerbeius and furie of his great ordinance , than by the valour of his souldiours . But Gazelles and the other Mamalukes , after they certainly vnderstood of the death of Campson , hauing giuen their horses a short bait , departed in hast from ALEPPO to DAMASCO . The next day Selymus remouing with his armie , took the rich tents of his enemies full of all princely store , which he gaue vnto his soldiors for a prey and marching from thence to ALEPPO , had the citie peaceably deliuered vnto him by Cayerbeius , where he fauourably tooke the citisens into his protection ; and the more to win their hearts , granted vnto them greater priuiledges than they had in former time enjoyed . In this battell were slaine not aboue a thousand Mamalukes , but of their seruants and followers a greater number ; mo being slaine in the flight than in the fight , when as their horses fainting for heat , and dying vnder them for thirst , many of them were enforced to betake themselues to their feet , and so were easily slaine of euerie base horseman . For a great number of goodly horses died there , which being foggie fat , and delicatly brought vp in cold stables , could not endure the vehemencie of the heat and that vnacquainted trauell : for that day all things were burnt with the scorching heat of the Sunne . This famous battell was fought the seauenth of August , in the yeare of our Lord 1516 , the verie same day ( which is strange to tell ) whereon but two yeares before , he had obtained the victorie against Hysmaell the great Sophi in the CALDERAN fields . Selymus lost in this battell three thousand horsemen : whereby it may easily be gathered , that he had there receiued a notable ouerthrow of his horsemen ; if Sinan Bassa in the left wing , which by the treason of Cayerbetus escaped with small losse , had also happened vpon his Sybeius , as the other Generall did . The dead bodie of Campson found two daies after without any wound appearing therupon , was by the commaundement of Selymus laied forth in open place for all men to behold ; that such as beleeued him yet to liue , and to be gone to repaire his armie at CAIRE , might be out of all hope of his returne ; and others that were alreadie reuolted , might thereby be the more confirmed , as now out of all feare of him . Not long after , when the dead bodie began to putrifie and grow noisome , and to conuince the fame of his escape , had lien openly to the view of all men by the space of three daies , it was without any funerall pompe or solemnitie simply buried in the most auntient temple of ALEPPO . Of the rising and fall of this great man , Ianus Vitalis hath written this elogium or epitaph . CAMPSON GAVRVS Sultan of Aegypt . Fortuna caeca , & surda , verè diceris , Et mente vana praedita . Ad alta tollis scamna in imo conditos , Vt mox cadant profundius . Morosa tu mortalium appetentium Votum , omne fulmine ocyus Fugas , deinde te nihil petentibus Benignitate prodigis . Campson vt ille Gaurius , nil ambiens , Nil te proterua flagitans , Inuitus imperator orae Aegiptiae Tumultuosa militum Ex fece plebis factus insolentia , Supra volabat nubila , Inter receptus altiora sydera Mox excidens altissimus , Absumptus armis hinc & hinc rebellibus , Grauis senectae pondere Fit ludus atrox impotentis aleae Tuaeque peruicaciae , Amisit & cum vita , opes quas maximo Cum regno habebat maximas . In English thus . Fortune , well cal'd both deafe , and blind , And thereto fond with all , Thou setst the beggar vp aloft , To worke his greater fall . Thou peeuish dame , more sudden than The thunder clap from hie , Rejects the sutes of greedie wights , Which to thee call and crie . And lauishly consumes thy selfe , And whatsoelse thou hast , On such as craue nothing of thee , Nor wish not to be grac't . As Campson Gaurus seeking nought , Ne crauing ought of thee : Against his will by souldiours rage , was raisd from base degree . And soaring vp aboue the clouds , Made king of Aegypt land , Receiu'd amongst the highest starres , Did there in glorie stand . But forthwith falling thence , opprest With rebels , warre , and age : Became the scorne of thine ouerthwart Most fierce and fickle rage . And so with life , togither lost A world of wealth also : Which with his stately kingdome great , He greatest did forgo . Selymus hauing receiued the citie of ALEPPO into his obeisance , sent Ionuses Bassa before him with a great part of his light horsemen , to pursue his flying enemies to DAMASCO , whither he himselfe in few daies after came also with the rest of his armie , when he vnderstood that his enemies were departed thence and fled to CAIRE . They of DAMASCO , thinking it not to stand with their good to stay the course of his victorie , and with their liues to hazard the great wealth of that rich citie ; without delay presently opened vnto him the gates at his comming . By whose example other cities alongst the sea coast moued , especially TRIPOLIS , BERYTVS , SYDON , and PTOLEMAIS , sending their embassadors , and receiuing in the Turks garrisons , yeelded themselues in like manner . Not long after Selymus held a great counsell in his campe , which then lay vnder the wals of DAMASCO : for he would not bring his souldiours into the citie for troubling the quiet and populous state thereof , togither with the great trade of merchandise , which at that time was with wonderfull securitie kept there by merchants of diuers countries , comming from far , euen from the remotest parts of the world . And in the campe such was the militarie discipline of that most seuere commaunder , that the souldiours ( knowing the victorie to giue them no whit the more libertie ) suffered the fruitfull orchards and gardens of the citisens , in the most plentifull time of Autumne , to rest in safetie vntouched , without any keeper . By which seuere and strait gouernment he so politikely prouided against all wants , that his campe was in all parts furnished with plentie of all things necessarie , and that at prises reasonable . There taking vnto him men skilfull in the lawes and customes of the countrey , and calling before him the embassadours of all the cities of the countrey ; he heard and decided the greatest controuersies of the Syrians , appointed gouernours ouer the prouinces and cities , tooke view of the tributes and customes , and abrogated many customes and tributes due vnto the old Sultans , which seemed either vnreasonable or grieuous to the people ; thereby to gaine the fame of a just and bountifull conqueror . When he had thus set all things in order in SYRIA , and sufficiently rested and refreshed his armie , and especially his horses which with long and continuall trauell were growne maigre and leane : he of nothing more desirous than of the conquest of AEGYPT , and the vtter subuersion of the Sultans state and Mamalukes gouernment ; sent before Sinan Bassa into IVDEA with fifteene thousand horsemen , and a strong regiment of harquebusiers selected out of the Ianizaries and other souldiors , to trie the passage of that countrey , and to open the way for him to GAZA : which was thought would be vnto him verie troublesome , by reason of the wilde Arabians roaming vp and downe that countrey . The citie of GAZA standeth neere the sea towards AEGYPT , not farre from the sandie desarts , whereby men with much difficultie and dangerous trauell passe out of SYRIA and so to CAIRE . In the meane time , the Mamalukes who vnder the conduct of Gazelles were come to CAIRE , with all the rest of their order which were thither assembled from all parts of the kingdome , entring into counsell togither ( as it often falleth out in time of danger and distresse ) without all contention or enuie , chose Tomombeius ( of the Turkes called Tuman-bai ) a Circassian borne , to be their king . He was then the great Diadare , and by his office next in honour and power vnto the Sultan ; whose prowesse & pollicie was such , that he only in the opinion of all the Mamalukes was thought able and sufficient to stay and vphold the afflicted and declining state of their kingdome . He by their generall consent and good liking promoted to the state of the great Sultan , thinking ( as truth was ) his owne majestie , and the remainder of the Mamalukes hopes , to bee wholy reposed in armes and the fortune of battell : began with great carefulnesse and singular industrie to prouide armour , weapons , and horses from all places ; hee also caused great store of ordinance to be cast , and mustered great companies of such of his slaues as seemed meet for the warres : beside that , he entertained for pay many of the Moores and Arabians his neighbours . He also for great reward hired men skilfull of the countries , to go through the desarts of the Palmyrens into MESOPOTAMIA , and so to Hysmaell the Persian king with letters : earnestly requesting him to inuade the Turkes dominions in ASIA the lesse , or with all speed to breake into COMAGENA , being by the departure of the enemie left bare and destitute of sufficient garrisons : and farther to aduertise him , That Selymus who then lay in the borders of IVDEA , might easily be enclosed with their two armies , and so be vanquished , or for want of victuals distressed : and the rather , for that there was no fleet of the Turkes vpon that coast ; able from sea to relieue their armie by land , or yet to transport them thence in case they should by chance of warre be distressed , and so thinke to returne . In which doing , he should both relieue the Aegyptian Sultan his friend and confederat , for his sake brought into so great danger ; and also without any great trouble or perill notably reuenge himselfe of so many shamefull injuries as he had before receiued from that his most capitall enemie . Whilest Tomombeius doth these things , Sinan Bassa the forerunner of Selymus , hauing easily repulsed diuers companies of the wild Arabians , who in manner of theeues and robbers lay vpon the passages , had now opened the way and was come to GAZA : where the citisens , although they were in heart faithfull vnto the Mamalukes , yet for that to shut their gates against the Bassa , & to stand vpon their guard without a sufficient garison , seemed a matter both perillous and vnreasonable , forthwith yeelded their citie vpon reasonable composition : and with the plentie thereof relieued the Turkes Bassa , giuing him great ( but dissembled ) thankes , that by his means and the good fortune of Selymus , they were deliuered from the cruell bondage of the Mamalukes : promising for the remembrance of so great a benefit , for euer to remaine his faithfull seruants . Sinan commending their readie good will , required of them all such things as he wanted , or had occasion to vse , which they seemed willingly to deliuer : and so lodged his armie neere vnto the wals of the citie , within the defence of the gardens , purposing in that place to expect the comming of Selymus . In the meane time ( as he was a man of great experience , and most skilfull in martiall affaires ) he sought by all meanes to get knowledge of that desart and vnpeopled countrey , not inhabited for lacke of water ; and especially of the nature of the great sands whereby Selymus was with his armie to passe ; he also woon by rewards the inhabitants of the countrey thereabout , by large offers to procure vnto him the fauour of the cheefetaines and leaders of the Arabians , neere vnto those places , and also to espie what the Mamalukes did at CAIRE , and wherein they reposed their cheefe confidence , and forthwith to giue him knowledge thereof . On the other side , the citisens of GAZA , in heart enemies vnto the Turkes , as dayly feeling the grieuances of the present armie , aduertised Tomombeius of the comming of Sinan Bassa : and that that part of the Turkes armie might easily bee oppressed before the comming of Selymus , if a strong power of Mamalukes were sent thither vnder the conduct of skilfull leaders : promising , that if the Mamalukes would at an appointed time vpon the sudden in the night set vpon the sleepie Turkes , they would at the same instant sallie out of the citie vpon the campe , and there with fire and sword doe what harme they could for the ouerthrow of the enemie . Of this deuise , Tomombeius and the Mamalukes liked well , and so without delay sent Gazelles with six thousand chosen horsemen , and a great number of the Arabians to performe the exploit vpon Sinan : for Gazelles , in that his wholesome counsell had been by Campson & others rejected ( who being straight way desirous of battell , had rashly cast themselues and the whole state into so great calamitie ) and afterwards in the greatest danger of the battell hauing performed all the parts of a politicke and valiant cheefetaine , was growne into such credit , that all men held a great opinion both of his valour and direction . But he was scarcely well set forth , when aduertisement was giuen vnto Sinan by his Syrian intelligencers , That the Mamalukes with the Arabians were comming through the sandie deserts vpon the sudden to oppresse him ; and that they would be with him before two dayes were expired , for as much as they had set forward vpon the spurre without any carriages or baggage to let them . Which ouerture in good time giuen , as it was the safegard of Sinans armie , so was it of greatest importance and moment for the obtaining of the full conquest of AEGIPT afterward . But Sinan Bassa , although he knew nothing of the trecherie of them of Gaza ; yet as a man of a prouident and subtill wit , suspecting that such a thing might happen , because he would not at once haue to do with a double enemie , resolued to go and meet the Mamalukes vpon the way , and to giue them battell . Wherefore with great silence dislodging his armie betwixt ten and twelue a clocke in the night , he set forward and marched out of sight of the citie , about fifteene miles toward AEGIPT . There was neere vnto that place a little low village , wherein trauellours vsed commonly to lodge , for the commodiousnesse of a liuely and plenteous spring which there riseth : there by chance both Sinan Bassa had purposed to stay , and Gazelles in like manner had also determined to rest a few houres to refresh his armie , that he might by night , after he had well refreshed his horses , come vnlooked for vpon his enemies at GAZA ; when newes was brought to both the Generals almost at one instant , by the forerunners of both the armies , That the enemie was at hand . Gazelles not a little troubled with that vnexpected newes , for that he perceiued himselfe disappointed of his purpose ; and vnable to fight with his enemie in plaine battaile , especially his horses being sore wearied with trauell , was enforced vpon the suddaine for the safegard of himselfe and of his followers , to resolue vpon a new resolution : yet nothing discouraged , with cheerefull countenance and liuely speech exhorted his souldiors , to make themselues readie for battaile , and that which they could not by policie bring to passe , they should now by plain force performe . Sinan on the other side hauing somewhat sooner set his men in order of battell than had Gazelles , for as much as hee had before at good leisure taken order what hee would haue done , if it should come to the point of battell : with constant looke and long persuasions full of hope , encouraged his souldiors to fight . But the conclusion of all his speech was , That they should play the men , and not once thinke of flight , for as much as all places about them would be shut vp and become impassable , if they obtained not the victorie : and that aboue all things they should persuade themselues , that no one of them could that day perish , but such as the immortall God had by the ineuitable law of fatall destinie appointed to die : and that with like hazard valiant men found life in the middest of their enemies weapons , that cowards by immutable destinie found death in their safest flight . The Bassa had placed his harquebusiers in the wings of his battell , which were raunged of a great length in thin rankes , thereby to vse their peeces at more libertie , and with more ease to enclose the enemie : in the middle were placed the horsemen , to receiue the first charge of the Mamalukes . Gazelles approching the enemie , sent before the troupes of the Arabian light horsemen to trouble the wings of the enemies battell , and with a square battell of his Mamalukes charged the middle battell of the Turks . The battell was a great while most terrible , and the victorie doubtfull : for although the Turkes in number farre exceeded , yet were they not able to endure the armed and courageous Mamalukes , but were glad to giue ground ; and quite disordered by the breaking in of the Mamalukes , as men discouraged , began to looke about them which way they might flie : when by the commaundement of Sinan , the harquebusiers , who with the first volley of their shot had repulsed the Arabians , wheeling about , enclosed all the enemies battell . By which meanes both men and horse were a farre off slaine , with the multitude of the deadly shot : where true valour helped not them , so on euery side enclosed . For where any troupe of the Mamalukes pressed forward vpon the Turkes , they quickly retired , and in all places of the battell as much as they could shunned to encounter their enemies with their horsemen , labouring onely to gaule them with shot . Gazelles seeing his horses spent with extreame wearinesse , and that he was not to expect any further helpe , his Arabians now beginning to fall from him ; and also considering that many of his most valiant souldiours were either slaine or wounded , and hauing also himselfe receiued a great wound in his necke ; he with the rest of his armie made way through the middest of his enemies , and hauing lost diuers of his ensignes , fled backe againe to CAIRE through the same sandie deserts whereby he came . In this battell was lost the gouernour of ALEXANDRIA , and Orchamus gouernour of CAIRE ( both men of great account amongst the Mamalukes ) and beside them a great number of Arabians , with a thousand or more of the Mamaluke horsemen . Neither got Sinan a joyfull or vnbloudie victorie , hauing lost aboue two thousand of his best horsemen , and amongst them certaine commaunders , men of great marke . The Turkes wearie of this battell , which had endured from noone till night , and many of their horses fainting vnder them , were not able to pursue their enemies , and therefore encamped themselues in the same place where the battell was fought , neere vnto the fountaine . The day following they at leisure gathered the spoile , and cutting off the heads of their enemies , which were easily knowne by their long and rough beards , fastened them vp vpon the Date trees growing thereby , as well in witnesse of their worthie labour , as by that strange and horrible spectacle to feed the eyes of their fierce emperour , who was shortly after to passe that way , and so to manifest vnto him the victorie of that day . In the meane time , they of GAZA vpon the rising of the Sunne , perceiuing the Turks campe left emptie , as men not able longer to dissemble their couert trecherie ; and vainely supposing that Sinan Bassa vpon some knowledge of the comming of the Mamalukes , had for feare retired backe into places of more safetie , suddenly set vpon such as were left in the campe , which were for most part sicke and weake men ( yet in number many ) whom they most cruelly slew : & presently after set vpon two thousand of the Turkes horsemen , sent from Selymus to Sinan , which by chance were come thither the same day , enquiring with great carefulnesse what was become of the Bassa and his armie ; and spoiling them of their carriages , put them to flight . Who after that discom●iture , supposing the Bassa ( whom they had thought to haue found at GAZA , tarrying for the comming of Selymus ) by some mishap or policie of the enemie to haue been lost with all his armie , and therefore fearefully retiring , were vpon the way miserably slaine by the Arabians : neither had any one of them escaped , if they had not met with Iuleb the gouernour of ACHAIA at the citie of RAMA : for he was also sent from Selymus to Sinan Bassa with a strong companie of Graecian horsemen , by whose comming the furie of the Arabians was well repressed . Yet these pilfering people still calling forth to the prey more and more of their leaders which dwelt in the mountaines adjoyning , and being growne to a great armie , ouertooke the Turkes at a village called CARAS●ARA , where they enforced them to fight in a place of great disaduantage . For the Arabians hauing before taken certaine straits , which closed in the passage at the further end of a large valley , shewed themselues at once , before , behind , and on both sides of the Turkes : their weapons were bow and arrowes , and long speares armed at both ends , which they nimbly handled , after the manner of the Moores . These weapons they most skilfully vsed vpon their swift horses , and both in their charge and retreat wounded their enemies deadly . So that the Turkes in number few , and for their horsemens staues inferiour to their enemies , durst not offer to charge them ; but keeping close together , hardly defended themselues , still making way as they might : and had vndoubtedly beene brought into extreame danger to haue beene vtterly lost , had not Iuleb with foure peeces of artillerie which he brought with him for his defence , drawne them which kept the straits from their high places , and so opening the way , with all speed brought thorow his men : which straits once passed , and comming into the open fields , he with more safetie marched forward , skirmishing a farre off with the enemie with his archers and harquebusiers , and discharging his fieldpeeces where he saw the greatest and thickest troups of those wild people . On the other part , the Arabians dispersedly houering about them in troupes , were still in the taile of the armie , and such as were wounded or weake and could not follow the rest , they slew ; and sought by all meanes to hinder their journey , not suffering them ( circumuented with so many dangers ) either to refresh themselues , or to take any rest . This was vnto the Turks a most dismall day , for many of them tormented with thirst , and weakened with wounds and extreame labour , gaue vp the ghost ; and now no helpe remained in this desperate estate , being still beset and hardly laied to with the multitude of those fierce and desperat enemies : when suddainely a great number of other Turks came to them in the mid way vnlooked for , being now in despaire and euen at the last cast . For Selymus hauing left the Imbrahor-Bassa with a strong armie vpon the borders of PERSIA , for the defence of SYRIA and ASIA , and hauing sent for new supplies of souldiors to CONSTANTINOPLE , which should with a great fleet be transported into SYRIA , had now remoued from DAMASCO : and the better to prouide for victuals and forrage , which began now to grow scant in that wasted countrey , euery day sent before great troupes and companies of his armie , as it were at certaine appointed times . So Iuleb deliuered of the present danger by the comming in of these fresh souldiors , met with Selymus the next day , and in order told him all that had happened vnto him and his first troupes at GAZA and RAMA , and all the way after : and also what they supposed by conjectures to haue chanced to Sinan Bassa with his armie , for the manifold wyles of so dangerous enemies . With which newes Selymus became exceeding melancholie : and thereupon thought it not good to goe any further , before he perfectly knew how all stood with Sinan , in whose fortune he had reposed all the hope of his good successe in that so great an enterprise . But whilest hee was in this dumpe , suddenly came the Syrian spies , who declaring vnto him all that Sinan Bassa had done , conuerted that melancholie passion into no lesse joy and gladnesse : for he saw that by that victorie , AEGIPT was laid open vnto him , and his desires as good as halfe accomplished in lesse time than euer he expected . The next day after , he remoued with his armie to RAMA , and by the way as he went ( to the terrour of others ) burnt the dwellings together with the wiues and children of those Arabians , who but a little before had done so much harme to his men in their passage . And from thence sending before his footmen to Sinan Bassa at GAZA , hee himselfe with his horsemen turned out of the way vpon the left hand to HIERVSALEM , to visit that most antient and famous citie , so much renowned both for the antiquitie thereof , and the fame of the religion of the Iewes . That vnpeopled and desolate citie lay then defaced with the hugie ruines of the old sacred and stately buildings ; not inhabited by the Iewes , the antient inhabitants thereof ( who for their inexpiable guilt , as men exiled out of the world , haue neither country or resting place ) but for most part by a few poore Christians , who to the great shame and scorne of the Christian name , paied yearely a wonderfull tribute vnto the Sultan of AEGYPT for the possession of the sacred sepulchre : when as the Christian princes flourishing at that time with glorie , power and wealth , could not by any motiue of immortall glorie or fame , be incited to reuenge so great an injurie ; but deeming it ( as should seeme ) better agreeing with their state , to spend their time in idle vanities or mortall war one against an other , than in the quarrell of the most true and Christian religion . Selymus hauing reuerently worshipped the auntient monuments of the old prophets , and done especiall sacrifice vnto his great prophet Mahomet ; gaue vnto the Christian priests keepers of the place ( as vnto good and deuout men ) money to maintaine them for six moneths : and staying at HIERVSALEM but one night , marched in foure daies to the rest of his army at GAZA . Where by the way , he had continuall skirmishes both day and night with the Arabians : for they according to their wonted manner , were desperatly at hand in euerie place ; and where the straightnesse of the waies enforced the Turkes to extenuat their rankes , there would they be readie to skirmish with them , and suddenly vnlooked for come to handie blowes : and when they came into the vallies , they tumbled downe the mountaines vpon them great stones which they had for that purpose before prouided . At which time the Turkes harquebusiers in whom they had greatest confidence , serued them to little purpose : for the weather was so tempestuous and extreame moist with continuall raine , that the pouder in their flaskes became wet and vnseruiceable , and hardly could they keepe fire in their matches . Yet by the valiantnesse of the Ianizaries the matter was so vsed , that neere vnto the person of the emperour no great harme was done by those naked robbers : for climbing vp the hils with pikes in their hands , they driue them from their standings , and enforced them to abandon the straights and high places . But Sinan Bassa who after his victorie returning to GAZA , had put to death the authors of the late reuolt , confiscated their goods , and exacted of the people in generall a great sum of money , as the just punishment of their false treacherie : hearing now of the comming of Selymus , went to meet him with his victorious souldiours , furnished with the spoiles of their enemies . Whom Selymus most honourably receiued , and gaue generally to the captaines , and particularly to the most valiant of the common souldiours , garments of silke , with a great sum of money in reward of their good seruice . After that , he staied but foure daies at GAZA , for that he thought it not good to giue any long time of breathing vnto his discouraged enemies , now twise ouerthrowne , or to suffer the new Sultan ( not yet well setled in his kingdome ) to grow stronger by new preparations and supplies raised in the most populous and plentifull countrie of AEGYPT . Which to let , although it required great hast in setting forward , and serued as spurs vnto him naturally hasting to glorie and renowme ; yet was his armie to be refreshed after so long and painfull trauell , and great prouision to be made for the carriage of water vpon camels all the way through the drie solitarie and sandie desarts . For betweene GAZA and CAIRE lie vast vnpeopled and barren sands , which moued by the wind , rise vp in billowes in manner of a wrought sea so troublesome , that oftentimes it is not possible to see for dust : and the light sands in many places gauled deepe with the wind , wonderfully troubleth the wearie passengers . But such a sudden calme ensued the great raine which fell but a few daies before , that Selymus vnto his great good fortune wanted nothing that he could wish , for the happie conducting of his armie : for the ayre was become so calme , that there was no blast of wind to raise the sand to trouble their sight ; and withall such plentie of water was found almost in euerie place by reason of the aboundant raine , which being not yet sunke farre into the sand , afforded them water in such plentie if they digged but two foot deepe , that the souldiors commonly thought it needlesse to carrie any bottle of water for feare of thirst . Yet for all that , the wild Arabians failed not in all that passage , on euerie side to houer about the Turkes armie ( as haukes ouer their prey ) and suffered none of them to straggle out of order , or stay behind the armie , but they were straightway snatcht vp and slaine . Against whom Selymus prouided an easie remedie , by placing his field pieces in diuers parts of his armie , which by the direction of the leaders ( as euerie man happened to be neerest vnto the danger ) were forthwith discharged vpon the roaming enemie . And in the rearward of his armie were placed strong companies of harquebusiers , for defence of the weake and feeble souldiours , who could but softly follow the armie , and were therefore most subject to danger . By this meanes Selymus with some small losse receiued from the Arabians , in eight daies march drew neere to CAIRE , Sinan Bassa going before him , who with his Europeian souldiors still kept one daies journey before . There is a village about six miles distant from the citie of CAIRE called MATHAREA , famous for the plentie of most excellent baulme : which liquor of all others most fragrant and soueraigne , distilled out of low trees there planted , whose vttermost ●ind the people cut with yuorie kniues to giue the liquor passage : which baulme , for the notable vertues thereof , being not elsewhere to be had , mens diseases and wanton desires haue made of a wonderfull price . Into that place neere vnto a village called RHODANIA , had Tomombeius conuaied all his new and old prouision of artillerie ; and had drawne deepe ditches ouerthwart all the field , and crosse the high way , which he had closely couered ouer with weake hurdles and earth , as if it had beene firme ground . And he with his Mamalukes ( in number about twelue thousand ) and a great multitude of Arabian horsemen lay in places conuenient , of purpose that when the Turkish battels should approach , they should first feele the force of his great ordinance before they came within the shot of their arrowes , and forthwith vpon great aduantage , with all his forces suddenly to set vpon them disordered and entrapped . All which things were so cunningly and so politikely dispatched and done , that there was none in the Sultans armie which doubted of the good successe of that day : and a great mischiefe had vndoubtedly befallen the Turkes , had not fortune which fauoured Selymus and frowned vpon Tomombeius ( or more truely to say , the fatall period of that kingdome so requiring ) by the false treacherie of a few , frustrated the great endeuors of the Mamalukes . There was in the Sultans armie amongst the soldiors of the court , foure Epirot Mamalukes , who grieued to see Tomombeius contrarie to their desires , preferred vnto the kingdome by others of a contrarie faction : whether it were vpon a malicious disposition , or vpon hope of reward and better entertainment ; or for that in so great a declination of their kingdome , they thought it good to seeke for new friends of more assurance , fled secretly to Sinan Bassa , as to a most famous captaine and one of their owne nation . For this great commaunder Sinan , Selymus his right hand , was borne in a poore countrey village of EPIRVS , in the mountaine countrey of AMERACIA , whom a wonderfull mischance preferred to that height of credit and wealth : for it is reported , that a sow kept in the house wherein he was borne , bit off his genitories , being then but a child , as he lay by chance sleeping in the shadow ; and being made of greater esteeme by that mishap , was by them which tooke vp delicat minions for the Turkish emperour , brought to CONSTANTINOPLE , and presented to the great emperour Mahomet , Selymus his grandfather : where fortune by the fatall direction of his good hap , aduanced him to his appointed honours , whom she had long before dismembred . By these fugitiue Mamalukes , Selymus and Sinan were instructed of all the deuises of the enemie , and especially what stratagems Tomombeius had with great cunning and pollicie deuised : whereinto they must needs fall , if they should go directly on , and not forsake the hie way . Wherfore guided by the same fugitiues , they fetch a great compasse on the left hand , and by an vnused way , before it was day hauing escaped the front of their enemies campe , with all the dangers prepared for them ; they came and shewed themselues at their backs in order of battell , with their great artillerie readie bent , because they were desirous without delay to joyne battell . Tomombeius now too late perceiuing that his plot was discouered by the treason of some of his owne people , although he was therewith aboue measure grieued ; for that all which he had with so great industrie and the labour of so many men brought to passe , was through spightfull fortune made frustrat , and in a moment brought to nought : yet for all that ( as he was a man of an inuincible courage ) presently entred into his wonted and deepe deuises , and calling vn●o him his chiefe commaunders , quickly told them what he would haue done . Now in this short moment of time , he was to doe many things at once ; the signall was to be giuen for the souldiours to mount their horses , and to make themselues readie ; the order of his campe was to bee changed ; his battell to be ordered ; his souldiours to be encouraged ; and all his great ordinance , as the case required , quite contrarie way to be turned : all which things , as they could but hardly and troublesomely by one commaunder be directed , so were they hastily and disorderedly at once done by many . But aboue all other things , the great concourse of people for turning and remouing the great artillerie most troubled the well ordering of the rest : for many of them were hug●e yron pieces of great waight , made fast in stocks of wood , with rings and yron claspes , after the old and rude manner of ship ordinance ; which for their exceeding & ponderous waight , could not be out of their places remoued , but by the strength of many horses , and the great labour of men , with leauers and roules put vnder them : and such as were mounted vpon carriages , when they were drawne through all parts of the campe , with the great clamor of the disordered and hastie people , some drawing , some thrusting forward the same , with their tumultuous stirre and doings , wonderfully troubled the other souldiors as they were mounting to horse and repairing toward their ensignes . But two things maruellously helped these difficulties , the soldiors cheerefulnesse , and constancie ; which was such as passeth credit : For they did not vpon any apprehension of feare faile either in hope or courage , as oftentimes it happeneth in suddaine accidents , wherein euen the old approued souldiors doe many times faile of their wonted valor . And although they were twice ouercome in battell , yet still they were of greater spirit & confidence , as men destitute neither of courage or skill , but onely of fortune . Wherefore Tomombeius hauing with much adoe ordered his battell , and his souldiors with great cheerefulnesse desiring the signall to be giuen , commaunded all the multitude of his Arabians to compasse in the wings of the enemies battell behind , and so to skirmish with them : that so ( if it were possible ) the Turkes horsemen might with the danger of the doubtfull fight with such an vncertaine enemie , be disordered before he set forward to charge them with his troupes : and withall commaunded his great ordinance ( which was now turned vpon the enemie ) to be presently discharged . So did the Turks likewise , discharging at once from a conuenient distance both their greater and smaller ordinance , and speedily recharging them , brought them within an arrow shot ; so that for a good space they lay beating the one the other on both sides with their great artillerie onely : in which manner of fight the Aegyptian canoniers were almost all slaine , and many of their fieldpieces broken by force of the enemies shot . For Selymus had in his camp many excellent and skilfull canoniers , whom he had with great entertainement allured out of ITALIE and GERMANIE : and especially of those refuce Iewes , which by the zeale of king Ferdinand being driuen out of SPAINE , afterwards to the shame of the Christians , dispersed those rare and deadly deuices through the East . The cheefe of these canoniers was one Iacobus è Regio Lepid● , a cunning enginer , who but a little before ouercome by the Turks rewards , abjuting the Christian religion , reuolted vnto the Mahometane superstition . But after that the Mamalukes had brought the matter to battell on both sides , they gaue out a most hideous and dreadfull crie , and with exceeding furie assailed the Turkes in three places : for Selymus still keeping his wonted order , approched his enemies with his battell in forme of an halfe Moone . Mustapha Bassa had the leading of the Asian horsemen in the right wing : and Ionuses Bassa of the Europeians in the left : he himselfe stood in the maine battell with the squadron of his trustie Ianizaries , and great store of artillerie : but Sinan the Eunuch Bassa , generall of the field , led after him a great number of most valiant horsemen , drawne out of euery troupe to be readie against all the vncertaine euents that might happen in the battell ; vnto whom hee joyned fiue hundred harquebusiers , Ianizaries , men of wonderfull courage and actiuitie , selected out of Selymus his owne squadron , to relieue such part of the armie as should chance to be most pressed by the enemie . So almost at one time , whilest Tomombeius stood in the maine battell against Selymus , and the wings of the Mamalukes with equall battell encountred the wings of the Turkes , and the Arabians also valiantly charging them in the rereward as they had in charge , foure sharpe battels were at once made in diuers places . It is reported by some that were present in that battell , that what for the clamour and crie of souldiors , what for the noise of drums and trumpets and such like instruments of warre , what for the thundering of ordinance , clattering of armour , and rising of the dust , all mens minds were so confounded and abashed , that running on headlong as men furious and desperat , when neither their speeches could be heard , their tokens knowne , their ensignes seene , or captaines vnderstood , mistaking one another in that hurly burly , they slew many of their friends in steed of their enemies : for neuer battels met together with greater hatred , neither did euer two great kings with lesse care of their persons and safetie more resolutely or desperatly make shew of their strength and courage . For both of them with like danger both of themselues and of their armies , seeing plainly that they had put both their liues and kingdomes to the hazard of a battell , promised vnto themselues no other hope of safetie , but what they should obtaine by victorie . Gazelles desirous both of honour and of reuenge , to require the Europeian horsemen with like slaughter as he had before receiued from them not far from GAZA , with wonderfull furie assailed Ionuses Bassa , and at the first encounter brake his first rankes , and ouerthrew certain of his guidons : at which time the Arabians pressing couragiously in at their backes , enforced those victorious troupes , which in all battels had hitherto carried away the prise ( the very flower of THRACIA , THESSALIA , EPIRVS , MACEDONIA , and GRaeCIA ) to flie and shew their backes , which neuer enemie had before that time seene . At which time Si●●n Bassa carefully attending euery accident , came speedily in with his most valiant troupes of fresh men vpon the side of the enemie , and restored againe the battell , now declining and foulely disordered . But whiles Sinan , who in this his last worthie labour had interrupted the manifest victorie of Gazelles , was with an inuincible courage valiantly fighting in the head of his battell , he was by the comming in of the courageous captain Bidon with his Mamalukes , ouercharged and slaine . His most valiant followers also labouring to rescue and carrie away his dead bodie , were by Gazelles vnfolding his troupes ( that standing thin , they might at more libertie vse their swords , in which manner of fight the Mamalukes farre excelled the Turks ) for most part slaine , and the rest put to flight : and that chosen companie of fiue hundred of the most valiant Ianizaries , now destitute of their horsemen , when they had most courageously done what was possible for men to doe , being compassed round with the Mamaluke horsemen , were all in a trice cut in peeces and troden vnderfoot . Thus resteth this Eunuch Bassa in the bed of fame , who liuing , had the leading of this most warlike emperour Selymus his greatest armies in his most dangerous warres . Mustapha in the other wing of the Turkes battell comming on courageously with his Asian horsemen , did sore presse the left wing of the Aegyptians ( whereof Heylmis the Diadare , and Gi●pal , two valiant captaines had the leading ) who but a little before had receiued great harme by the great ordinance which was discharged out of the middest of Selymus his battell ouerthwa●● the field : Which Mustapha perceiuing , and desiring to blot out the old infamie hee had before receiued , did fiercely presse vpon them , so disordered , and with his whole troupes ouerthrew their broken rankes ; and glistering in his bright armour , with a loud voice encouraged his Asian souldiors , exhorting them that day with valiant prowesse or honourable death , to recouer their antient honour of late lost in the fields of ALEPPO . At the same time also Tomombeius breaking through the middle battell of the Turkes horsemen , was entred into the squadron of the footmen , with his crooked scimitar giuing many a deadly wound , himselfe being a valiant big made man , and of great strength . The Arabians had also in a ring enclosed the vttermost parts of the Turks armie , and in many places enforced them to turne their battell vpon them , being sore charged with a doubtfull fight both before and behind : when Selymus set forward with his battell of footmen , and his squadron of Ianizaries , his last and most assured refuge in that his hard distresse , whose inuincible force , neither the courageous barbed horses , nor their victorious riders were able to abide : for part of them with their harquebusiers , and the rest with their pikes , had so strongly set the front of their battell , that nothing was able to stand wheresoeuer that firme battell , linked together as if it had been but one whole entire bodie , swayed . Yet was this cruell battell continued with diuers fortune on both sides , from foure of the clocke vntill the going downe of the Sunne ; neither was there any part of their armies , which had not with diuers successe and change of fortune , endured the furie of that battell : for both the victors and the vanquished being enraged with an implacable hatred one against another , fought desperately as men prodigall of their liues : The Mamalukes disdaining to haue the victorie wrong out of their hands by them whom they had in so many places discomfited , and the Turkes taking it in no lesse scorne , that they , whom but of late they had ouercome and vanquished in two great battels , should now the third time make so strong resistance . So that on both sides their fainting hands and bodies both wearied and weakened with wounds , supported only with anger and obstinacie of mind , seemed yet sufficient to haue maintained that bloudie battell vntill the next day , if the darkenesse of the night now comming on , had not made an end of that dayes slaughter . Tomombeius vndoubtedly vanquished , and feating to be vtterly ouerthrowne , first caused a retreat to be sounded , that his Mamalukes which were indeed not able to withstand the Ianizaries , might not seeme to be put to flight , but rather as men commaunded , to retire . Which hee thought to concerne much both for the encouraging of his souldiors ▪ and for the keeping of his owne credit and estimation with his subjects . For now the selfesame fortune which had deceiued his first hopes , seemed vnto him ( as it fareth with men in distresse , yet still hoping for better ) to promise him more prosperous successe , if he were not discouraged : but reseruing such remainders of his forces as were left , he should againe courageously renew the warre . The battell thus broken off by the approch of the night , the Turkes as victors enjoying the tents and great artillerie of their enemies , pursued the Mamalukes vntill midnight , who held on their way to CAIRE , in manner as if they had fled . This great battell was fought vpon a thursday the foure and twentieth day of Ianuarie , in the yeare 1517. The Diadare was taken in the flight mortally wounded , and with him the valiant captaine Bidon , hauing in the battell one of his legs broken in the knee with a faulshion shot , wherewith his horse was also slaine vnder him . Selymus commaunded them both the next day to bee slaine , either for that their wounds were supposed to be incurable , or els for that it was his pleasure , with the death of those two honouble personages to appease the angrie ghost of Sinan Bassa , whose death he wonderfully lamēted . The Turkes although they still preuailed , yet was their armie greatly impaired euen in their prosperous successe and fortunat battels : the fourth part of their armie was consumed with sicknesse and the sword , and that dayes labour had tyred a great number of their horses , beside the long journey they had before endured . For which causes Selymus was enforced to slacke somewhat of his accustomed hast : for as yet he had no experience of the disposition of the Aegyptians which dwelt at CAIRE ; neither could he vnderstand by any certaine report , where Tomombeius staied , or vpon what resolution he rested . Which things not throughly known , he thought it not good to commit himselfe and his armie into that most populous and spacious citie : but staying foure dayes at the village of MATHAREA and RHODANIA , carefully prouided for his wounded souldiors , and caused the bodies of such as were slaine to be buried ; but the dead carkasses of his enemies he left to the birds of the aire and beasts of the field . And afterward remouing his campe thence , that he might more commodiously water , he came into the plaines betweene old CAIRE and BVLACH . In the meane while Tomombeius nothing discouraged with so many mishaps , gathering together the Mamalukes from all places , encamped his armie commodiously betweene the new citie of CAIRE and the riuer Nylus , hee also armed eight thousand Aethyopian slaues ( which kind of men he had not before vsed , for the remembrance of their old rebellion , ) beside that hee opening the old armourie , put armes into the hands of Mamalukes sonnes , and Moores ( his vassales ) into the hands of the Iewes and Arabians also , and courageously prepared for a greater and more mortall warre than before . But for as much as there were many difficulties in the managing thereof , hauing almost lost all his great artillerie , with many of his most valiant horsemen slaine in the former battels ; he in his troubled mind did so cast the doubtfull hopes of his last deuice , which cruell necessitie wrung from him , that for as much as he had by manly force nothing preuailed in open field , he would now altogether vse policie : as hee which of late hauing vnfortunately made proofe of his strength , his forces yet all whole , thought it not good againe to aduenture the fortune of a battell : neither was hee in hope if he should so doe , to be able with his small power and desperat supplies to protract the warre vntill the heat of Summer , as he desired . Wherefore he resolued by night to assaile the Turkes campe , and if possibly he could , to set it on fire . For which his deuice hee seemed to haue two reasons : whereof the one consisted in the speedie execution , that he might desperatly attempt to doe some notable exploit in the night , before the enemie should perceiue the weakenesse of his power , which was not great , and scambled vp vpon the sudden ; as also before hee himselfe should grow into contempt with the naturall Aegyptians ▪ who desiring nothing more than to cast off the seruile yoke of the Mamaluke gouernment , with wauering minds expected but some fit occasion to rebell : the other was , that by the benefit of the night hee might auoid the danger of the great ordinance ; which in sudden accidents , and especially in the darknesse of the night , serueth to little or no purpose ; in which kind of strength he had before to his great losse learned , that his enemies were farre too good for him . But these his reasonable policies , when all things were in readinesse to haue put the same in execution , were in like manner as the first ouerthrowne by the treason of such as secretly reuolted from him to the enemie . For Selymus vnderstanding the whole plot , by certain Mamalukes , ( which hauing the kings euill fortune in contempt , as it commonly falleth out with men in miserie , daily forsooke him ) commaunded his armie to be alwaies in readinesse , and making great fires in diuers places of his campe , kept most carefull and vigilant watch . By which his diligence it came fitly to passe , that the night following Tomombeius approching his campe , was repulsed , with no small losse of his first troups which vnaduisedly were gone on too far : and had no doubt that night thereby receiued his last ouerthrow , but that he wisely misdoubting the vnwonted light of the fires shining in all parts of the campe , in time called backe his hasting troups , which were themselues with more hast than good speed marching into the verie mouth of the Turks great artillerie , bent of purpose vpon them . Tomombeius disappointed of his purpose , by persuasion of his chieftaines retired to CAIRE : for the Mamalukes still put to the worse in plaine field , thought it best to proceed in another manner ; persuading him , with the whole strength of his armie to man all the conuenient places of that great citie , otherwise exposed to the enemies pleasure , and so to keepe the Turkes from entring . For they as men brought to this extremitie , that they must now fight for their dwellings , liues , wiues , and children ; thought it more honourable and better agreeing with their antient glorie , so to doe in their sight , and in the entrance of their houses , than elsewhere farther off . Wherefore the Mamalukes comming home to CAIRE , furnished all their families and fl●● roofes of their houses with all manner of weapons : euerie one of them now humbly requesting the Aegyptians their neighbours , to take vp armes against the Turks their antient and mortall enemies , and not to suffer themselues to be cowardly slaine , their goods spoiled , and their wiues and children carried away into most miserable captiuitie ; forasmuch as the mercilesse and greedie enemie , if he should once get the victorie , would no whit spare them , although they should as neuters stand looking on , and helpe neither partie : for victorie ( as they said ) alwaies full of insolent pride , would know no friend but such as with resolute hand did their vttermost deuoire in time of danger , for the obtaining thereof . There were many of the wealthiest of the Aegyptians , who as they thought the change of the state would be hurtfull to their trades and wealth , so were they readie in all they could to helpe the Mamalukes their old lords : So on the other side there were many of the middle sort of the citisens , and a farre greater multitude of the basest sort of the vulgar people , who hauing little or nothing to lose , liued in hope now to make a gaine of other mens losses ; and withall , remembring what miserie and slauerie they had endured about the space of three hundred years , vnder the proud gouernment of the Mamalukes , kept themselues close in their houses , expecting the last euent of warres ; and secretly rejoycing in their hearts , that the time was come ( God so appointing ) wherein their outragious and cruell masters should be justly and worthely punished for their oppression and hard dealing ; and that which gladded them the more , that the reuenge should be taken by the hazard of other mens liues , with which wished spectacle they well hoped shortly to fill their desirous eies . Tomombeius with much labour and greater care , fortified all the gates and entrances of the citie , appointed vnto euerie street a particular captaine , in euerie publike place encouraged the people , omitting nothing that could possibly be done or deuised ; and that which in so great a calamitie and danger was of all other things the hardest , with cheerfull countenance and vndaunted courage , made shew of greatest hope . The Mamalukes also , beside the necessitie ( which in cases of extremitie is of power to encourage and make desperat the faint hearted coward ) prouoked with emulation , straue amongst themselues who should best performe all the dueties of worthie captaines and souldiours : for euerie one of them according to his conceit and deuise , caused deepe ditches , or great timber logs to be cast ouerthwart the streets ; some in couert trenches set vp sharpe stakes , whereupon the enemie falling vnawares might be gaged ; othersome according to their store , furnished the windowes and fronts of their houses in the greatest and most open streets , with harquebusiers : all which things with many mo were done with such celeritie , that none of the best or most honourable of the Mamalukes refused to handle a spade or a mattocke , or to put his hand to any other base labour ; so that nothing could be sooner deuised , but it was forthwith performed . This great and auntient citie of CAIRE was not compassed with any wals , yet were there diuers gates and entrances which led into it : whereof one broad straight street came directly from the East gate vnto the castle and middle of the citie ; the rest were so narrow and crooked , that by them no great artillerie could possibly be brought , or souldiours enter without great danger . Into this place especially , had Tomombeius conuaied his chiefest strength : for that he knew his enemies must of necessitie come in that way for the largenesse of the streets ; the other parts of the citie he kept with lesse garrisons . But the innermost part where the castle stood , was kept with a verie great and strong garrison of most valiant soldiors : that whither soeuer the clamour of the enemie or danger of the battell should call , they might speedily from thence come with reliefe . For why , that citie of all others the greatest , could not with so small power as Tomombeius then had , be in euerie place and entrance sufficiently defended : for within the circuit of MEMPHIS ( now called CAIRE ) are contained three great cities , which joyned one to an other with stragling bridges , make one citie ; whereof the greatest and most populous , is at this day called New CAIRE . It lieth in length six miles , alongst the riuer Nilus , from which it is equally distant a mile : the breadth thereof , exceedeth not a mile and a quarter . In the middest thereof is a castle standing vpon a little rising ground , somewhat higher than the rest of the citie ; more notable for the greatnesse and beautie thereof , than for the manner of the fortification : for in it were many princely gardens , a faire street with many large galleries , diuers faire tilt-yardes and courts , with stately chambers opening euerie way : the vtter part thereof was garnished round about with towers , fortresses , and beautifull battlements ; from whence all parts of the citie , the riuer Nilus running by , and the high Pyramides were most pleasantly to be seene . Not far from this princely pallace , is a lake made by the hand of man , the water wherein deriued from the riuer Nilus , is on euerie side enclosed with most stately buildings : and is a place of wonderfull pleasure , when as a man standing at a window may take both fish and soule , whereof there is in the lake great store . Another lake there is farre greater and fairer than this , in forme of a triangle , in the vttermost part of this New citie of CAIRE toward BVLACH : it is filled at the rising of Nilus by a great sluce made of stone with yron floudgates ; and being joyned to the great riuer by a broad channell , is able to beare small boats and barges : wherin gentlemen for their disport vsed to solace themselues both by day and night in courting their mistresses . The houses were all gallantly built afront all about the lake , with porches garnished with open galleries , and paued with smooth marble euen to the brim of the lake : there the citisens in their more prosperous times vsed to row vp and down in boats , and with pleasant musicke to delight the listening eares of the hearers . On the East side of this lake stood a most sumptuous and stately pallace , the late worke of queene Dultibe wife of the great Sultan Caitbeius , for manner of the building and inward beautie farre exceeding the other proud buildings of this pleasant place : for the wals glistered with red marble , and pargeting of diuers colours , yea all the house was paued with checker and tesseled worke ; the windowes and gates were made of alablaster , white marble , and much other spotted marble ; the posts and wickets of massie yourie , checkered with glistering blacke ebonie ; so curiously wrought in winding knots , as might easilier stay than satisfie the eies of the wondering beholder : neither was the furniture in it inferiour to the magnificence of the building , but such as might fitly answere both a princes state , and a womans queint desire . All which things shortly after ( Selymus hauing obtained the victorie ) carried to CONSTANTINOPLE ; not sparing the verie wals , but plucking them downe , so to take out the curious stones whole . Beside the goodly buildings about that lake , in euerie place of New CAIRE was to be seene the faire houses of the chiefe Mamalukes ; more commended for their commodiousnesse , than for the manner of their building . The rest of the buildings of the citie was but low ▪ replenished with the common sort of base people . There are yet extant in diuers places of the citie , three churches of the Christians ; whereof one is holden in greater reuerence than the rest , for the fame of a low vault in the ground , where it is reported the virgin Marie flying the furie of Herod , to haue reposed her selfe with her child Christ Iesus the Sauiour of the world : another dedicated to the virgin Barbara : and the third to S. George , which amongst those nations are of great fame . Vnto the citie of New CAIRE , the citie of BVLACH is joyned almost with continuall buildings . It is of an high and stately building , lying close vnto the riuer Nilus , and was in Sommer time frequented by the Mamalukes and other noble men , that they might at their pleasure from their high places behold the inundation of that famous riuer : There land all the ship● which come vp the riuer ; yet the great meeting of the merchants is at New CAIRE . On the other side of the riuer ouer against BVLACH , are many cottages made of hurdles and leaues of date trees , the dwellings of poore fishermen and watermen . A little aboue BVLACH is old CAIRE , which is also joyned vnto the new citie with continuall buildings ; yet distant from it about two miles and an halfe , and standeth also fast by the riuer of Nilus . Oueragainst it in the middest of the riuer is an island , notable for the pleasantnesse of the gardens and banqueting houses therein : In it is an antient temple , famous for the loue of king Pharaos daughter , and the danger of Moses ( a most auntient historie , yet euerie where there still fresh in memorie . ) But most part of the buildings of old CAIRE , are now growne into gardens and rude ruines . It is supposed by many probable conjectures , that there sometime stood the auntient citie of MEMPHIS . Vpon the banke of the riuer , the late Sultan Campson built a sumptuous tower , ouertopping the castle in new CAIRE , to conuay water thither out of Nilus ; which being by many wheeles and ingenious deuises forced into the top thereof , and there receiued into great cesterns , was from thence by pipes of stone and lead , conuaied into all places of the kings great pallace at new CAIRE . About fiue miles distant from old CAIRE on AFRICKE side , stand the Pyramides , monuments of the barbarous Aegyptian kings vanitie ; whose proud names and titles Time hath worne out of those huge and wonderfull buildings , of purpose made for the vaine eternising of their fame and endlesse wealth : so that of them it may now well be said , Miramur perijsse homines ? monumenta fatiscunt : Interitus saxis nominibusque venit . What wonder we that men doe die ? the stately tombes doe weare : The verie stones consume to naught , with titles they did beare . Within them are the sepulchers of the old Aegyptian kings , deuided into chappels , garnished with stone of great price curiously wrought . Yet are those places loathsome of smell , and for darknesse thereof , dreadfull to behold : for as men go downe to come into them by a narrow way , almost swarued vp with rubbidge , their lights ar● oftentimes put out with the dampe of the earth , and swarmes of reremise flying about their eares . Some hauing got to the tops of them report , that the watch tower of ALEXANDRIA , and the mouths of the riuer Nilus where it falleth into the sea , is from thence well to be seene : and that for the great height of them , a man cannot shoot an arrow so high as the middest of the lower tower whereon the spire standeth . Of these outragious buildings , are written many strange and almost incredible things , as that an hundred thousand men should be occupied continually by the space of twentie yeares , in building of one of them : during which time , the charges for roots , garlike and oinions only , amounted to 1600 talents of siluer . These wonderfull Pyramides only excepted , nothing is in the three cities more to be wondered at than the multitude of the people , who in number almost incredible go vp and downe euerie street : but for most part ragged and torne , for that they which held any wealth , durst not make any shew thereof for feare of the Mamalukes . The common people did then generally liue with mutton , hens , and rise , whereof the countrey yeeldeth plentie : neither had they as yet the knowledge of the curious but vnwholsome forced dishes , and prouocations of gluttonie , which other nations had to their great cost and hurt inuented . But againe to our purpose . When Selymus vnderstood assuredly that Tomombeius was retired into CAIRE , and that the Mamalukes hauing thither assembled all their strength , were resolued there to proue the vttermost of their fortune : he with his armie drew neerer vnto the citie , exhorting his souldiours to set downe themselues that day for euer to vanquish and subdue their enemies , whom they had so many times before ouerthrowne ; and now a little to force themselues for the gaining of the rewards due to their former labours and victories : which ( as he said ) would be so many and so great , as they had not the full thereof before in their immoderat desires imagined ▪ Telling them moreouer , that there was but a few good souldiours left with the desolat Sultan , who alreadie wounded and terrified , and not able longer to keepe the field , had made choice to end their daies in the sight and armes of their wiues and children . Beside that , he made them beleeue , that hee was voluntarily sent for by the Aegyptians , deadly enemies vnto the verie name of the Mamalukes , whose vtter destruction they earnestly expected : and had therefore promised him for the rooting vp of that wicked and cruell kind of men , to assaile them as occasion serued out of their houses , and so to further his victorie : yet neuerthelesse he said , That the accomplishment of the whole matter , and to make a full conquest , consisted in the subduing of those weake remainders of the vanquished and scattered armie ; for as much as they were not to be accounted as men quite ouercome , which did yet liue in hope , with weapons in their hands , possessed of the chiefe citie and seat of their empire . Wherefore that they should thinke , that in the fortune of that day rested the good or bad estate and condition of all their liues , honours and fortunes . Assuring them , that it would be a matter but of small labour and trauell to bring it to a wished end , if they would in that new kind of fight ( as they had alwaies valiantly in other battels vnder his conduct ) but resolue with themselues that they would ouercome . This his speech much enflamed the minds of his souldiours , but the hope of so great a prey much more : so that being in good order and readie , they expected but the signe of the assault . When Selymus entring by the gate called Basuela , did at one instant thrust in his horsemen at diuers places of the great citie ; but his Ianizaries he brought in by the greatest and largest street . At the first entrance of the citie ; horsemen encountred with horsemen , and made a bloudie fight ▪ in the narrow streets and lanes : but the footmen placing their e●●uerings & falcons before them , and suddenly discharging them where they saw the thickest troupes of their enemies , cle●red the street directly before them . But when they came to the baricadoes and trenches , and were by force to remoue the timber logs and other like things lying crosse the streets , and so to passe the trenches , the Mamalukes on the other side valiantly withstanding them ; they fought with such force and obstinacie on both parts , that in the memorie of man was neuer a more fierce or cruell battell seene . For both the Mamalukes and the Turkes in that fight showed the vttermost of their strength and power ; not ignorant that in that as in the last , they were to fight not for honour onely , but euen for their liues and empire : when as greatest rewards , or else extreame miserie , were by dallying fortune on both sides propounded both to the vanquished and vanquisher . At these baricadoes the Turkes receiued great losse , as also at the trenches : for they vnaduisedly running on , the hindermost still bearing forward the formost , tumbled by heapes one vpon an other into the couert trenches , and were there miserably empailed vpon the sharpe stakes , for that purpose before set vp by the Mamalukes . The women also and children , with manly courage threw downe stones and tiles , and such other things from the tops of their houses , and out at their windowes vpon the Turks : and they on the other side as they could espie them , fetcht them off from those high places with their harquebusies , or else violently brake into the houses from whence they were assailed , & there fought with diuers successe . But most part of the Aegyptians , diligently obseruing the fortune both of the one and of the other ( accounting them both for enemies ) with diuers affection assailed sometimes the Turks , and sometime the Mamalukes , seeming still notably to helpe that part whom they saw for the time to haue the better . Many cruell and most terrible encounters were at once made in diuers places of the citie : for as they crossed from street to street , sometime the one , and sometime the other hapned vpon new troupes of enemies : and they which as victors pursued their enemies a front , were by others following them at the heeles , slaine downeright ; so that in the victorie no man could assure himselfe of safetie . The lanes and streets ( a most horrible thing to behold ) did so flow with the bloud of them which lay by heapes slaine , that the dust which at the first rise wonderfull thicke , was quite laid as with a plentifull shower of raine : the ayre was darkened with the smoke of shot , and showers of arrowes : and such was the clamour of the people and souldiours , the clattering of armour , and report of the artillerie , that the earth seemed to tremble ▪ and the houses to fall downe . This dreadfull and doubtfull battell endured two whole daies & nights without intermission : yet so , that the Mamalukes in number few , and vnable to endure so long labour and watching , giuing ground by little and little , and forsaking their first munitions , retired themselues farther into the citie . The third day , beset with the greatest dangers that could be , as to lose themselues with all that they had ( which commonly enforceth mens courages in their last attempts ) they renewed the battell with such resolution , that they constrained the Turks to retire a great way , and for hast to leaue behind them certaine of their field pieces . With which repulse it is reported , that Selymus dispairing of victorie , commaunded to set fire vpon the houses ; moued thereunto with just displeasure against the Aegyptians , for that Ionuses Bassa , now his greatest man of warre , had euen then before his face receiued a dangerous wound in his head , by a stone cast out at a window . Now were the houses pittifully burning , and the Aegyptians weeping and wailing cried for mercie . The Turkes themselues fought but faintly , expecting the sound of the retrait : when news was suddenly brought by many at once , that the enemies in the other side of the citie , were by Mustapha Bassa enforced to retire , and afterward had betaken themselues to flight , as to the● last refuge . For Mustapha by the ouerture of the Aegyptians and fugitiue Mamalukes , was directed to a faire broad street , where the Mamalukes had left their horses readie sadled & brideled ▪ that if the worst should chaunce , they might thither retire , and taking horse , speed themselues to such places of refuge as they had before thought vpon . All these horses , reserued by the Mamalukes as their last refuge , Mustapha tooke away , hauing before put to flight the garrison which kept them , which was but weake , consisting for most part of horseboies and muletours ; as 〈◊〉 ynough in such a place of the citie as was least to be suspected or feared . This accident ( as it oftentimes falleth out in great and vnexpected mischances ) did not a little daunt the courage of the Mamalukes : who now seeing themselues hardly beset , and that dreadfull battell by no other hope or helpe maintained , but onely by courage ; being in their owne judgement ouercome , betooke themselues to flight . Most part of them hasting to the riuer of Nilus with Tomombeius ( who in that battell had all in vaine proued the vttermost of his prowesse and policie ) being transported ouer the riuer in boats , fled into the countrey of SEG●ST● : others of them hid themselues in the houses of the Aegyptians , and in the loathsome comers of the citie . A thousand fiue hundred of the better sort of the Mamalukes fled vnto the greatest temple of their vaine prophet : where after they had a great while valiantly defended themselues as out of a strong castle , because they would not yeeld themselues but vpon honourable conditions , at last ouercome with thirst , wearinesse , and wounds , together with the furie of the great artillerie , they yeelded themselues to the pleasure of the conquerour : part of whom the furious souldiors slew in the porch of the same temple , and the rest within a few dayes after were sent downe the riuer to ALEXANDRIA , there to be afterwards murthered . Selymus hauing thus gained the victorie , forthwith sent part of his armie to quench the fire then raging , and caused proclamation to be made through all the citie , That all the Mamalukes which would yeeld themselues within twelue houres , should be taken to mercie ; but vnto such as yeelded not within the appointed time , should remaine no hope of life . Vnto the Aegyptians also that should reueale the hidden Mamalukes , he proposed rewards : but vnto such as should conceale them , he threatened to empaile them vpon stakes , and hauing sold their wiues & children to burne their houses : vpon which proclamation , many of the Mamalukes before crept into corners , came forth and yeelded themselues , and were forthwith cast into yrons . All which were shortly after , contrarie to his promise , most dishonourably murthered in prison , because ( as it was giuen out ) they sought meanes to haue escaped . Many of the Aegyptians which would not breake the bonds of faith and fidelitie with the Mamalukes their old lords , being appeached by their malicious neighbours , most constantly died for their friends , for whose sake they had vowed themselues to death . With this victorie the Turkes growing insolent , ransackt euery place of the citie , drew out the Mamalukes that had hid themselues , and slew them , rifled the houses of the Aegyptians , as well friends as foes , and left nothing shut vp or in secret . And some there were , which at one time in the same house raged with couetousnesse , crueltie , and lust : euery man fitting his owne humour , whereunto he was by nature or custome enclined : for that in time and place of so great libertie , most men , but especially the common souldior , flattereth himselfe to the full , making conscience of nothing , but measuring all thing according to his insolent and disordered appetite . The same day that Selymus tooke CAIRE , Gazelles ( who but a little before by the commandement of Tomombeius was gone to THEBAIS , to assemble the Arabians and to ent●●taine new supplies ) came to CAIRE ; but finding all lost , and seeing no possibilitie either by force or policie to preuaile , and therefore thinking it not good againe to proue the fortune of warre , which had so often with contrarie course frustrated the endeuours both of himselfe and his partakers ; he came to Selymus , vpon his faith before giuen for the safetie of himselfe & his followers ( which were three Arabian captaines , and a number of good horsemen ) and being admitted to his presence , in the middest of his greatest captaines boldly spake vnto him as followeth . If fortune , whom by thy great valour thou hast woon to be thy friend , had not enuied our felicitie , thou shouldest not haue ( most noble Selymus , at this time , after that all things haue giuen place vnto thy valour ) matter whereby thou mightest excell others in worthinesse of mind also . Whilest we were in armes against thee for our liues and kingdome , our wealth and state yet standing whole , we alwaies as men proudly presuming vpon their owne vaine strength , made little account of thee or the name of the Turkes ; yea to say the truth , we hated thee as became enemies : But now that we haue to the vttermost of our power made proofe of thy force , and haue in all battel 's beene put to the worse ; admiring both thy wonderfull and diuine prowesse , and most prosperous victories , not giuen thee without the prouidence of the immortall God , we humbly come ●nto thee by thy goodnesse to better our hard and aduerse fortune : that thou by sparing and pardoning thy vanquished and yeelding enemies ( by which onely vertue men come neerest vnto the gods ) maiest extend thy name and fame aboue the bounds of the rest of thine immortall glorie . We haue faithfully serued Tomombeius , so long as he held the strength and maiestie , yea but the name of a king , or liued in any countenance : but seeing he is ( his destinie so requiring ) driuen out of his countrey , and wandereth the deserts ; with vncertaine report whether he liue or not ; we come vnto thee , rather as men of him forsaken , than such as haue forsaken their prince , readie to shew vnto thee our loyaltie and valour in our better condition and state : if we may by thy goodnesse , changing our hard fortune , liue and serue vnder thy worthie conduct . Selymus , for that he right well knew Gazelles both for his vertue and valour , ( wherewith valiant men win credit euen with their greatest enemies ) and also desiring to joyne in league and friendship with the Arabians ( or rather Alarbes ) whom he knew of all others to be most to be feared , receiued them all courteously : appointing vnto euery one of them an honourable pention , and persuading them to forget their old estate , willed them to looke for farre greater things of his bountie . Not long after , when as the Moores and wild Arabians , with certain Mamalukes that were fled to the citie of ACHASIA , made incursions into the countrey about CAIRE , and oftentimes did cut off the Turkes which went any thing farre from the citie to seeke abroad for forrage , he sent Gazelles with part of his armie to represse them : who hauing quickly woon and sackt ACHASIA , and slaine most part of those aduenturers , to his own great praise , and the wonderfull contentation of Selymus , honourably returned in lesse time than was expected . In the meane time , Tomombeius in the countrey of SEGESTA ( which is on the other side of Nilus towards CYRENAICA ) miserably beset with so many mischeefes , began to make head againe . There were come vnto him a strong companie of Mamalukes from ALEXANDRIA , which he had by letters sent for out of the garrison of that citie , and many others had followed him in his flight from CAIRE . And there were not wanting many great men amongst the Arabians and Moores ( the inhabitants of that countrey ) which promised him their helpe and furtherance . Beside that , many of the Aegyptians , whose houses and families were become a prey and bootie vnto the insolent Turkes , promised him , That if he would by night come to CAIRE , they would raise such a tumult in the citie , as should easily worke the confusion of the Turkes ; for as much as they all hauing endured most horrible indignities and villanies , could no longer abide those most insolent men to rage and raigne ouer them . They sent him word also , that the Turkes huge armie was now brought to a contemptible number , most part of them being slaine in the battell at CAIRE : and the rest being for the greatest part brought to extreame weaknesse with wounds and sicknesse . For which causes , as Tomombeius his forces encreased dayly , so hope also , which neuer failed the poore vanquished and distressed king , began now also to reuiue in his inuincible heart , aboue the condition of his miserable estate . So that fawning fortune , which euen then most cruelly & despightfully went about vtterly to supplant him ( of all other distressed princes most miserable ) seemed but then first to change her frowning countenance , and to promise vnto him more happie and prosperous successe . Whilest Tomombeius was making this preparation , one Albuchomar , an Aegyptian , for authoritie and wealth the greatest man by farre in all the countrey of SEGESTA , whether it were to auert the miserie of the present warre out of his countrey ; or els by the pleasure of his reuolt to gaine the good liking of Selymus , vpon whom all things seemed to fawne , came and certified him both of Tomombeius his strength , & of the new practises of the citisens of CAIRE . Wherupon Selymus caused strong watch and ward to be kept in all places of that great citie : and such citisens as hee suspected to fauour Tomombeius , hee shut vp into the castle ; which being before abandoned by Tomombeius , was then together with the citie in his possession : and placed all alongst the riuer boats furnished with men and artillerie , to keepe and defend the farther banke of Nilus , and to impeach Tomombeius his passage ouer . Yet considering with himselfe , with how great danger he had so many times fought with those desperat enemies , and what a difficultie it would be to intercept Tomombeius ( protracting the warre in those vast and vnknowne countries , and still preparing greater forces , without whom he could nothing assure himselfe of all his former victories ) to proue if he might be woon by clemencie and bountie , he resolued to send embassadours vnto him , to persuade him to lay downe armes , and after so many ouerthrowes , at length to acknowledge the fortune of the victor : and withall to promise him vpon the faith of a prince , That if he would come in and submit himselfe , he should of the courtesie and bountie of the conqueror vpon conditions reasonable repossesse that his late kingdome which he should neuer be able by force to regaine : But if he would needs desperatly proceed to make head againe , forgetting this offered grace , together with his owne disabilitie , he should afterward when the matter was againe tried by battell , by his owne just desert neuer more find at the hands of his angrie enemie any regard of his princely state or dignitie . For Selymus seeing himselfe by the course of his victories drawne into a farre countrey ; and not without cause fearing with so small a power as hee had left , to bee oppressed in that so great and populous a citie , euen with the very multitude , men of doubtfull faith ; thought it better by some honourable composition to assure himselfe of some great part of that he had woon , than by going on to thrust himselfe with his armie into new dangers , with the hazard of all . Besides that , he was certainely aduertised , That the Mamalukes before fled into diuers countries , were in euery place leuying new supplies of horsemen : and that the fleet which was gone into the Arabian gulfe against the Portingales , was dayly expected at the port SVEZZIA , wherin were three thousand Mamalukes , vnder the leading of Amyrases and Ray Salomon , two expert captaines , with great store of good brasse ordinance : by which good helpes Tomombeius stood in fai●e possibilitie to recouer his former losses , and to returne againe to CAIRE , whether he was by his secret friends most earnestly inuited . But aboue all things , the care he had of the Persians most induced him to thinke of peace : for feare , that if the Bassa , whom he had left at the mountaine TAVRVS , should not be able to withstand the forces of the Persian king , he should so be excluded out of ASIA the lesser , and SYRIA also , before his fleet could from CONSTANTINOPLE arriue with new supplies of men and victuall at ALEXANDRIA . Wherefore hee sent certaine of the most reuerend of his Turkish religious , and with them some of the most honourable Aegyptians , embassadours to Tomombeius : who passing ouer Nilus into the countrey SEGESTA , were without further hearing , with more than barbarous crueltie , slaine by certaine Mamalukes which chaunced vpon them : thinking thereby to gratifie Tomombeius , as yet not knowing of any such matter , & to manifest their affection towards him , as also that they were not desirous of any peace with the Turkes . This proud and insolent fact vtterly brake Selymus his patience , and shortly after made an end of that mortall warre , together with the honour of the Mamalukes . For he being a man of an hot and cruell nature , euen when we was nothing at all moued , could by no meanes brooke that his enemies , so often vanquished and put to flight , should so lightly reject his offers vnto them as the case stood , both honourable and profitable : and that worse was , violate his embassadours against the law of nations , most religiously kept euen amongst the most barbarous and sauage people . Wherefore prouoked by so great an injurie , he carefully prouided all things necessarie for his expedition into SEGESTA against Tomombeius . And because it stood not with his honour ( as he tooke it ) nor with the good of the present seruice , to passe the riuer by boats , he gathering together all the small vessels and lighters he could possibly , made thereof a large and strong bridge ouer Nilus . Tomombeius vnderstanding by his espials and from his friends at CAIRE of the preparations of Selymus , and of the bridge he had made ; fearing also the reuolt of the country people , whom he probably suspected to be alienated from him by the reuolt of Albuchomar , a man of so great power and authoritie amongst them ; determined once againe to proue the fortune of battell , which had so often deceiued his expectation . For hee justly measuring his owne strength , and finding himselfe in all things inferiour to his mightie enemie , well saw , that hee was neither able to protract the warres , neither in open field to abide his comming with all his forces ; and to flie further into the desarts , was as he deemed it , nothing els but to make shipwracke of that small remainder that was left of his honour and credit . Wherefore by the aduice of his best captaines ( which was the last endeuour both of himselfe and of the Mamalukes ) he departed betime out of the prouince of SEGESTA with foure thousand Mamalukes , and twice as many Moores and Arabians , and trauelled day and night without intermission to come to the riuer Nilus . By that desperat attempt to deceiue the Turks , suspecting no such thing from their vanquished and weak enemie : as also by celeritie to preuent the fame of his comming ; hoping so by his suddaine and vnexpected approch to ouerthrow that part of the Turkes armie which should first passe the riuer , before they cou●d possibly be relieued from ●he other side . Neither was hee deceiued in the computation of the time , which hee hauing 〈…〉 cast , with the manner of his trauell , fell out so fitly , that he came to the place he desired , 〈◊〉 at such time as the Asian horsemen were come ouer the bridge , as he had before guessed . The harbengers and pages of Selymus his chamber , which were gone something further than the rest , to make choice of the most commodious place for the erecting of the emperours pauilion , by the rising of the dust first perceiued the comming of the enemie . And Mustapha the great Bassa aduertised thereof , suddainly raised an alarum : which so vnexpected a matter brought a great feare both on them which were alreadie passed ouer , and also on them that were on the further side of the riuer . Tomombeius presently assailing his enemies , as yet but putting themselues in order , and repairing to their ensignes , at the first onset slew such as made resistance , and the rest hee discomfited and put to flight . Neither was Mustapha the great commaunder ( although he did what possibly he could , by his owne example to haue encouraged them ) able either by his owne inuincible courage , or other persuasion , after his first rankes were ouerthrowne , to repaire his disordered battell , or stay the flight of his men : for in that so hot and suddaine a skirmish all was ●ull of tumult , slaughter , doubtfulnesse , and feare : and all alongst the banke of the riuer , both aboue and beneath the bridge , were to be seene fearefull companies of the Turkes , ruthfully looking vpon the riuer , and crying vnto their fellowes on the other side for helpe . Many forced by the furious enemie , tooke the riuer , and there perished : others striuing at the end of the bridge to returne that way , and ouerborne by their fellowes 〈◊〉 others continually sent from the further side , or els amased with feare , fell into the riuer , and 〈◊〉 there drowned . The bridge was so broad , that foure horsemen abrest might easily 〈◊〉 ouer at once , and so great numbers of them in short space be conueyed ouer . But when 〈◊〉 ●reat ordinance ( the Turkes cheefe strength ) was also to be transported , fewer troupes of horsemen were sent ouer , than either the greatnesse of the present sent danger or suddennesse of the ●●ance required . Neither did their great artillerie as then stand them in any stead , for that it 〈…〉 either so speedily be conueyed ouer , nor without great hurt be discharged from the hither 〈◊〉 to the further , by reason of their owne men standing betweene them and the enemie . In the meane time Selymus , who in the beginning of the skirmish came downe to the riuers side , filled a great number of boats and other small vessels with his Ianizaries with their harquebusies , and withall hasted his horsemen ouer the bridge to relieue their fellowes distressed on the further side : in which boats the nimble watermen vsed such diligence in landing of some , and presently in fetching ouer of others , that in short time they had transported diuers bands of those most readie and valiant souldiors : whose comming wonderfully comforted the Asian soldiors , euen now at the last cast , and readie to haue giuen ouer . Canoglis also , the Tartar kings sonne and Selymus his brother in law , encouraging his horsemen to take the riuer , with losse of some few of his men recouered the further side , to the great admiration of the beholders : which in tha●●●tion was not so much to be maruelled at , as they which by troupes with their horses had oftentimes swam ouer the great riuers Tanais and Volga , no lesse dangerous than was the riuer Nilus . Tomombeius at the same time , for that he saw speedie victorie to consist in one thing especially , serring his troupes close together , strained himselfe with might and maine to haue gained the head of the bridge , that by plucking away some few of the first boats , he might shut in his enemies alreadie come ouer ; and by cutting the cables wherby the boats were fastened to the ban● , all the bridge with the Turkes vpon it , might be borne away with the force and violence of that great riuer : whereupon rise a most cruell and deadly fight ; for the resolute Mamalukes in the front of their battell fought valiantly : and Mustapha well considering the danger , had drawne vnto that place both his ensignes and his best souldiors : so that there was fought such a fight , as a matter of so great consequence required : The Mamalukes plainely seeing , that if they could obtaine the place , they should shortly after with little adoe , ouerthrow all the former victories of their enemies . And the Turks no lesse ignorant , that except they kept the bridge whole , they were all but lost men that were alreadie come ouer ; and that the rest of the armie togither with their emperour so farre from home , and in the middest of his enemies , must of necessitie shortly after run the same fortune . But Mustapha well relieued by the Ianizaries and the Europ●ian horsemen , which were now come ouer in great number , not onely receiued the enemies charge , but pressing vpon them , gained ground , and by little and little enforced them to retire . This is that Mustapha the Hungarian , and Baiazet his sonne in law , which for his owne glorie and perpetuall fame , built that notable , stately , and sumptuous stone ( bridge of the spoiles of this victorie ) ouer the riuer Stremon , which at this day men passing ouer into THRACIA wonder at , as at a worke beseeming the greatnesse of the Roman empire . Tomombeius , to giue a time of breathing to his Mamalukes , who , their horses for wearinesse now fainting vnder thē , were not able longer to shew their wonted courage ; & desirous by them againe to proue the vttermost fortune of the battell , exhorted the Moores and Arabians a while to charge the enemie , which thing they after the manner of their fight valiantly performed . And shortly after , the Mamalukes hauing a little breathed themselues and their horses , came in afresh and renewed the battell ; with such furie , that Selymus doubting the victorie ( although ●he was by his most faithfull counsellors persuaded to the contrarie ) yet doubted not to aduenture the bridge , and in person himselfe to go and relieue his distressed souldiours : who by his comming in , encouraged , and in the sight of their emperour desiring euerie man for his part by some notable seruice to deserue both credit and preferment , repressed the furie of the enemie ; who in short time after , by the comming on of certaine fresh companies of Ianizaries , were notably repulsed , and so at length put to flight : whom the horsemen which were not in the battell , pursued all the fields ouer . At length also the Tartarians ( who carried away with the force of the streame , were somewhat long before they could recouer the farther banke and come to their enemies ) were now come in also , and with their swift horses following the chase , augmented the slaughter . But Selymus aboue all things desirous of Tomombeius , presently commaunded Mustapha the great Bassa , Gazelles , and Cayerbeius , with certaine fresh troupes of light horsemen , to pursue him at the heeles , and if it were possible not to suffer him to escape : for so long as he liued , hee could not assure himselfe of any thing he had yet gotten . These vigilant captaines not vnmindfull of their charge , following fast after him , ouertooke him the next day at the sluce of a great deepe fen , where he had a little rested himselfe and his followers , being then about to cut off a wodden bridge , so to haue hindered the enemies pursuit . Some of his followers being there slaine , and some taken , he was againe enforced to flie . The third day when he had almost lost all his men , and was come with some few into the territorie of the Secussane prince : these great captaines still eagerly pursuing him , and denouncing vnto the poore countrey people which dwelt in villages thereabout , all extreamities and tortures , if they did not with most diligent watch and ward so keepe the passages of those marishes , as that he should not possibly escape ; he was so beset on euerie side , that for safegard of his life he was glad to hide himselfe all alone in a foule deepe ma●ish : Where shortly after he the poore Sultan was by the diligent search of the countrey peasants found out , hidden amongst the flags and bulrushes , standing in the water vp to the shoulders , who deliuered him miserably bound vnto the Turkes . Shortly after hee with certaine captaines and other of his cheefe friends taken in that flight , was brought to CAIRE Selymus before resolued to put him to death , and the rather for the injurie done to his 〈◊〉 bassadours , would not suffer him to come into his presence , but commaunded him to be tortured , so to haue caused him to haue reuealed the great treasures of Campson his predecessor , which wee thought to haue been by him hidden : in which most horrible and exquisit torments , it is reported , that hee with great constancie and sterne countenance vttered nothing but certaine deepe sighes and grones , ouercomming with patience the tyrannie of the proud conquerour who after that , commaunded him in base and ragged apparrell , with his hands bound behind him as a theefe or murtherer condemned to die , to be set vpon a foule leane cammell , and so to be carried in derision through all the publicke and notable places of the citie ; that the Aegyptians might see him whom they but a little before had adored for their king , by chaunge of fortune cast into extreame miserie , by most shamefull death to end both his life and empire together . When they had thus despightfully led him as it were in triumph ; and brought him to the cheefe ga●e of the citie called BASVELA , they there openly strangled him with a rope : and that he might be the better seene , and become more contemptible to all that passed that way , they hanged him vp by the necke vpon an yron hooke in an arch of the same gate ▪ and so left him to the worlds wonder . Pale●rius propounding him as a mirrour both of the better and worse fortune , for all men to looke vpon , aptly describeth both his happinesse and miserie in these few verses following : TOMOMBEIVS , THE LAST Sultan of Aegypt . Non fuit in toto , rex aequè oriente beatus : Nec magis in toto rex oriente miser . Quam dolor Aegipti , olim Tomombeius , auro Ingenti , atque armis , & ditione potens . Captus ab hoste fero , miserum simul atque beatum , Exemplo potis est , commonuisse suo . Quid rides temere ? quid fles ? vis te cohibere ? Et natum posthac te meminisse hominem ? Mi trabeam induto , gemmis auroque corona Cingebat , fulgens & diadema caput . Mi quondam ornabant pretiosa monilia collum , Nunc , fractam vili respice fune gulam . In English thus . In all the East a king more blest was no where to be found , Nor in the East one more accurst liv'd not vpon the ground , Than Tomombeius , AEGYPTS greefe , sometime for store of gold , Of power great for martiall force , and kingdomes he did hold . But taken by his cruell foe , may good example be Both to the happie and distrest , of mans vncertainetie . Why doest thou fondly laugh ? why doest thou vainely crie ▪ Canst thou from henceforth stay thy selfe ? and thinke th' art borne to die ? My garments were the royall robes , I wore the crowne of gold , With richest stones most richly set , most glorious to behold : My necke adornd with richest gems which I did sometimes weare : But now trust vp in shamefull rope , behold me hanging here . This miserie befell Tomombeius the 13 of Aprill , in the yeare 1517 , vpon the Monday in Easter weeke . There were many which shed teares to behold that so cruell and lamentable a spectacle , who by their wofull countenance and pitifull lamentation seemed to detest that foule and vnworthie death of their late Sultan ; notwithstanding that the Ianizaries reproued them therefore , and threatened them with death , who like giddie brained fooles ( as they tearmed them ) enured to the slauerie of the Mamalukes , joyfully and thankefully accepted not of their deliuerance : for the Aegyptians were as yet vncertaine of their estate , and therefore as men in suspence ( not without cause ) stood in doubt what should become of themselues ; fearing least the Turkes , a warlike nation , and a terrour to all the princes of EVROPE and ASIA , nothing more courteous than the Mamalukes , should with no lesse insolencie rage and tyrannize ouer them , vnder their warlike and cruell emperour . Besides that , the wofull sight of Tomombeius hanging in the gate , as the vnworthie scorne of fortune , wonderfully wounded their hearts : for why , it was yet fresh in their remembrance , that he with the good liking of all men , and generall fauour of the nobilitie , with good fame rise by all the degrees of honour both in field and court , vnto the height of regall dignitie ; and therefore greeued the more to see him by ineuitable destinie cast downe headlong , so shamefully to end his life and empire together . A notable spectacle vndoubtedly amongst the rarest examples of worldly fragilitie both to the happie and vnfortunat the one , not to be too proud , or too much to flatter themselues in their greatest blisse ; and the other , to learne thereby with patience to endure the heauie and vnworthie changes and chances of this wretched and miserable world . And so much the more did Tomombeius so hanging ▪ moue men to compassion , for that the majestie of his tall and strong bodie , and reuerend countenance , with his long and hoarie beard , well agreed with his imperiall dignitie and martiall disposition . The same fortune with Tomombeius ran also diuers of the princes of the Mamalukes , with some others of the common sort also . Tomombeius thus taken out of the way , and all the Mamalukes almost slaine , and no power of the enemie to be heard of in all AEGIPT to renew the warre : Selymus deuiding his forces , sent them forth with his captaines , to take in the countries and prouinces of AEGIPT lying further off . They of ALEXANDRIA after the battell of CAIRE hauing thrust out the garrison , and easily surprised the castle of PHARVS ( which the weake defendants chose rather vpon hope of present reward to deliuer , than with doubtfull euent to defend ) yeelded themselues many dayes before vnto the Turkes . DAMIATA also , called in auntient time PELVSIVM , opened their gates , and submitted themselues to the victors . There was no citie betwixt the riuer of Nilus and the borders of IVDEA and ARABIA , which yeelded not to the obedience of Selymus . The kings also of AFRICKE bordering vpon CYRENAICA , tributaries or confederats of the Aegyptian Sultans , sent their embassadours with presents to Selymus . There remained now none but the wild Arabians ( a people neuer to be tamed ) and especially they of AFRICKE , who hauing lost many of their friends and kinsmen in aiding Tomombeius , would not ( as it was thought ) submit themselues vnto the Turkish obedience . This wandering kind of people , liuing for most part by theft , had filled the countries from Euphrates , where it runneth by the Palmyrens , with all the inner parts of AEGIPT and AFRICKE vnto the Atlanticke sea , with huge multitudes of men : and being deuided into many companies vnder diuers leaders , haue no certaine dwelling places , but liue an hard and frugall kind of life in tents and waggons , after the manner of the Tartars : their greatest wealth is a good seruiceable horse , with a launce , or a bundell of darts : they were alway at discord & variance amongst themselues , by reason whereof , they could neuer agree for the expulsing of the Mamalukes , who otherwise had not been able to haue stood against them , if they should haue joyned their forces together . So that the late Aegyptian Sultans seemed to hold their state and empire amongst so populous a nation , rather by their discord than their owne strength . Wherefore Selymus hauing now by fit men vpon his faith before giuen allured many of their che●fetaines and greatest commaunders to CAIRE , honourably both entertained and rewarded them . By whose example others moued , came also in dayly : and hauing receiued their rewards , gaue the oath of their allegeance to Selymus . Others which could by no faire promises or words be woon , being cunningly intercepted by other captaines , and deliuered to Selymus , endured the paines of their vaine obstinacie and mallice . The other remote nations toward AETHIOPIA , as they had in former time rather acknowledged the friendship than the command of the Aegyptian Sultans , so now induced with the fame of the victorie , easily joyned in like amitie with the Turke . About the same time Selymus sent certaine troupes of horsemen to SVEZZIA , a port of the red sea ( of old called ARSINOE ) about three dayes journey from CAIRE : in which port Campson the great Sultan ( a little before the comming of the Turks ) had with infinit charge and foure yeares trauell built a strong fleet against the Portingals , who by their conquests in INDIA had taken away all the rich trade of the Indian marchandise into the gulfe of ARABIA , to the great hinderance of the Aegyptian kings customes : ouer which fleet ( a little before the beginning of the Turkish warres ) Campson had appointed one Amyrases and Ray Salomon Generals , with a strong power of Mamalukes and great store of ordinance , against the Portingals . These valiant captaines hauing yet done nothing in the seruice they were appointed vnto , as they lay at GIDDA ( the port of the famous citie of MECHA , wherein is the temple of their great prophet Mahomet ) vnderstanding of the death of Campson , & of the comming 〈◊〉 Selymus into AEGIPT , fell at variance betwixt themselues ; one of them being willing to continue his obedience towards the new Sultan , and the other no lesse desirous to follow the good fortune of the victor . Wherupon a mutinie arising among the souldiors , Amyrases , who fauoured Tomombeius , was enforced to flie to MECHA . But shortly after , Ray Salomon requiring to haue him , and threatening all hostilitie except he were forthwith deliuered , he was apprehended by them of MECHA , fearing to haue GIDDA their port spoiled , and so sent backe againe to the fleet . Ray Salomon , that he might be Admirall alone , his associat being taken out of the way , and by some notable fact to insinuate himselfe into the fauour of the conquerour , caused Amyrases in the night to be cast ouer boord : and giuing to the souldiors two moneths pay , and swearing them to the obedience of Selymus , in few dayes sayling came backe againe to ARSINOE , where leauing the fleet , hee came directly himselfe to Selymus at CAIRE , of whom he was gratiously receiued . After that , all the princes which were before tributaries or confederates to the late Sultans of AEGIPT , euen vnto the confines of Dauid the most mightie king of ETHIOPIA ( whom some call Presbiter Iohn ) without delay entred into the like subjection or confederation with the Turkes . AEGIPT , with all the prouinces thereunto belonging , thus brought into subjection , Selymus about the beginning of Iuly sayled downe the riuer of Nilus to ALEXANDRIA ( Cortug-Ogli ; a famous pyrat of HALICARNASVS , sitting at the helme of his gallie ) there to take view of his fleet , but lately come from CONSTANTINOPLE with new supplies both of men and victuals , sent from Pyrrhus Bassa and his sonne Solyman : which after he had well surueyed , and diligently viewed the wals of the citie , and of the castle of PHAROS , hee returned againe to CAIRE . In the meane time , the Mamalukes in durance at ALEXANDRIA , were by his commaundement murthered euery mothers sonne , in the entrance of the prison . At which time also aboue fiue hundred families of the noblest and richest of the Aegyptians were commaunded to remoue from CAIRE to CONSTANTINOPLE , and a great number of women and children , of the race of the Mamalukes , were transported thither also in ships hired for that purpose . Into this fleet beside the kings treasures and riches , he conueyed all the publicke and priuat ornaments of that most rich and famous citie ▪ with such a couetous and greedie desire of spoyle , that the very marble stones , commended either for the excellencie of the workmanship , or beautie of the stone , were violently rent out of the maine wals , to his great reproch and infamie . Lying at CAIRE , he with great pleasure beheld the rising of the riuer Nilus , which had then ouerflowed the countrey next vnto it ; and that with such a desire , that he most curiously enquired of the old countrey men the measure and nature of the riuer : for by the diuersitie of the rising therof ( which they by certaine markes and measures well find out ) they prognosticate sometime abundant plentie , sometime extreame dearth , and sometime reasonable store : when as the violent riuer moderately or furiously breaking out , somewhile so drowneth the greatest part of the countrey , that all the seed season it lieth vnder water , and at another time floweth so sparingly , that in many places it scarce layeth the dust , thereby foreshewing an vndoubted dearth : so tha● the Aegyptians then assure themselues of plentie , when as Nilus keeping a meane , pleasantly riseth neither to the highest or lowest markes of his inundation . The Mamaluke kingdome , together with the name of the Mamalukes , thus ouerthrowne , and the conquest of AEGIPT so happely atchieued : Selymus resolued to make his returne into SYRIA , and the rather , for that it was reported , That Hysmaell the Persian king was comming with his armie into MESOPOTAMIA , & so like ynough to breake into COMAGENA . Wherefore hauing as he thought good , disposed of all things , he left a strong garrison of his best souldiors in CAIRE , and appointed Cayerbeius that notable traitour , his deputie and great commander ouer all that great and new gotten kingdome of AEGIPT , now conuerted into the forme of a prouince , as it remaineth at this day . Which honourable preferment so vnworthely bestowed , exceedingly both greeued and troubled Ionuses the great Bassa , before enflamed with the hope and just desire thereof : For now that Sinan Bassa was dead , he puffed vp with the estimation of his owne worth and valour , and proud of the wound hee had of late receiued in the presence of Selymus at the entring of CAIRE , and to the vttermost of his power suffering no man to grow neere him in credit and estimation ; thought himselfe the onely man now left , to whom of all others , that especiall and honourable charge should in the judgement of Selymus and of the whole armie of right be committed . Neither wanted he the generall good liking of the men of warre , for immedia●●ly after he was recouered of his wound , when he in the most magnificent house of the Diadare at CAIRE ( which he in the victorie had rather of himselfe vsurped , than by the gift of Selymus obtained ) dayly kept princely cheare for all commers ( no small meanes to gaine the loue of the common souldiors ) and gaue frankely to them all , to some horses , to some beautifull slaues , to some money , plate , jewels , rich garments , faire armour , and such like ; he woon vnto himselfe such fauour and credit , that whensoeuer he should ( as the manner was ) goe to the castle vnto the emperour , he was brought thither with a great and goodly traine of his fauourites and followers , as the man in all mens judgement designed to the go●ernment of that great and rich kingdome . All which things highly offended the mind of Selymus , who as he was apt to suspect , and cruell where he feared , so did he also ( in secret ) enuie great vertues , accompanied with too much honour and power . Ionuses seeing C●yerbeius the traitour thus vnworthely promoted , ouercome with greefe and indignation ( who as a man of a proud and haughtie mind , tooke it as done to his owne disgrace ) yet colouring his inward discontentment by counterfeiting himselfe sicke , for certaine dayes came not abroad ; neuerthelesse still more and more tormented both with the injurie ( as hee tooke it ) done to himselfe , and the vnworthie preferment of the traitour , he could not so well containe himselfe , but that in his choler some words fell from him , whereby his discontentment was perceiued . It happened , that Cayerbeius comming of courtesie to visit him , and in the heat of the day familiarly calling for drinke ( which was water and sugar , after the manner of the Aegyptians ) immediately after he had drunke , felt such grieuous and vnwonted gripings and tormentings in his stomacke and bellie , that many supposed him to haue beene poysoned by the Bassa : yet was he by the power and vertue of a more soueraigne and effectuall remedie preserued . Which report , whether it were true or no , was vncertaine : but certaine it is , that it sank● further into the mind of Selymus , than any man would haue thought . He had now also a little before heard , that many of those rich Aegyptian families , which he had before commaunded to be remooued to CONSTANTINOPLE , had for great summes of money obtained of Ionuses ( who had the whole ordering of that matter ) that they might quietly and in safetie remaine still in their owne countrey . Of which his couert dealing , great probabilitie was alledged by such as repined at his honour , and secretly accused him , That those princelike and excessiue charges and expences , which he was not able possibly to maintaine of his ordinarie pension , were roially supported with the embeseled spoyle and reuenewes of that new gotten kingdome . Which malicious suggestions , as they tended to the lightening of his credit , so also another crime ( whether it were of fraudulent dealing or negligence , or other further respect , is vncertaine ) comming in the necke of the other , wrought his vtter disgrace , and finall confusion : For Selymus after the manner of great princes ( who more seuerely to punish the former offences , notably dissembling their present anger , expect but the occasion of some new crime ) with vigilant eye waiting vpon his words and deeds , prosecuted him with a mortall and deadly hatred , with a full purpose to destroy him . A few daies before it was certainly reported that Selymus would againe returne into SYRIA , the souldiors appointed to be left in garrison at CAIRE , alleaging the great distance of the place , and the greater dangers they were to expect , with the labours by them alreadie endured , requested of the bountie of their most fortunate emperor , that they might haue their wages augmented . Which thing Selymus ( neuer spare handed to his men of warre ) easily graunted , commaunding Ionuses the stately Bassa , that the summe they required , might be added to their accustomed wages , and so entered into his accounts for the warres . But he carried headlong with discontentment , made neither the treasurers nor paymasters acquainted with any such matter as Selymus had before commaunded : of purpose , that the garrison souldiors deceiued of their greater wages promised them by the emperour , might euen at the first begin to hate and contemne Cayerbeius , as author of so great an injurie ; that so the state of CAIRE , and of that new gotten kingdome , disquieted by the mutinie of the garrison souldiours , Selymus enforced to change his former purpose , should in stead of that strange gouernor ( hated of the Aegyptians for his late treason , and not beloued of the garrison souldiors , because he was to them a stranger ) of necessitie send some of his owne Bassaes , a Turke , for the better stay and assurance of that wauering and mightie prouince . But all these things ( as commonly wicked purposes haue their foule euents ) fell out in fine farre otherwise than he had in his troubled mind before conceiued . For Selymus being departed out of AEGIPT , and now on his way almost as farre as HIERVSALEM , the garrison soldiors at CAIRE , the pay day being now come , and receiuing no more but their old accustomed wages , moued with that euill dealing ( as contrarie to the emperours promise and their generall expectation ) began with more furie and rage than euer Ionuses had before imagined , openly and insolently to insult and threaten the treasurer and paymasters , and with open mouth to raile vpon Cayerbeius their gouernour . With which so insolent and opprobrious speeches he astonied ( as one not yet acquainted with the fashions of the Turkish garrisons ) together with the paymasters , in best manner they could excused themselues vnto the souldiors , requesting them not to thinke so hardly of them who were altogether innocent in the matter , and with patience to vnderstand the truth of the cause ; wherein if they should on their part find any fraudulent or euill dealing , they craued no fauour , either refused any punishment . Thus Cayerbeius and the paymasters seeking by all meanes to auoid both the suspition and the present danger : and the mutinous souldiors no lesse hasting to find out by whom they were so abused , and to be thereof reuenged , it was at last with much adoe agreed , That trustie messengers should forthwith bee sent to Selymus , who was not yet gone out of IVDEA , to vnderstand of him the truth of the matter . These speedie messengers hauing with wonderfull celeritie dispatched their journey , ouertooke Selymus with his armie a little from LARISSA in IVDEA : and admitted to his presence , orderly declared vnto him both the complaints of the souldiors , and the carefulnesse of Cayerbeius and the paymasters to excuse the matter , together with the danger they were in , with all the other accidents whatsoeuer which had happened sithence the time of his departure from CAIRE . Which complaint so incensed the mind of Selymus with new passions of anger and choller , being alreadie sore alienated with former displeasures , that hee without further delay commaunded Ionuses Bassa to be brought before him to answere the matter ▪ who although he were inwardly strucken with the guilt of his owne conscience , and surprised with a deadly feare , which appeared in his colour as pale as ashes , seeing in the angrie face and countenance of his soueraigne the most certaine tokens of his heauie displeasure : yet as he was a man of a great spirit , answered boldly , That he had forbidden the souldiors wages to be augmented , contrarie to his majesties commaund , not vpon any euill meaning to haue inuerted that money to his owne vse , neither thereby to haue drawne any man of purpose into disgrace , as was by some his malicious enemies suggested ; but vpon great reason , thereby to prouide for his majesties cofers , wonderfully emptied with those late warres : beside that , the constant report of new troubles like to arise out of PERSIA , gaue good occasion for him to spare vnnecessarie charges : Whereas on the other side , as he said , the garrison souldiors were alreadie enriched with the plentifull spoiles of AEGIPT , and in a most goodly citie possessed the sumptuous houses and lands of the Mamalukes , feeding vpon the goods of the Aegyptians , and had alreadie receiued both greater pay and more bountifull rewards from him , than euer any souldiors had from any his predecessours the Othoman kings : in which case , if they were not past all modestie , they might well enough take it in good part , if they were something restrained in their vnreasonable requests . He alleadged moreouer , that great princes which retaine their souldiours in reasonable pay in time of peace and warre , ought sometime for warlike discipline , to require of them a moderation of their desires ; least whilest they all striue with greedinesse for their priuat gaine , there want money afterwards in the common treasurie to maintaine a greater and more necessarie charge , wars still rising vpon wars ; seeing that no commaunder were he neuer so valiant or fortunat , euer did any great matter in wars , if he wanted coine , the most proper instrument and verie sinnes of warre , answering vnto his other most heroicall parts and sufficiencie . But as he was yet thus speaking , Selymus full of wrath and indignation interrupted him , for if he should haue suffered him in longer discourse to haue recounted his former deserts and worthy seruice done , as well in the time of his father Baiazet , as of late euen in his owne presence , he was like enough to haue had of them that were able to doe most with him , intercessors for him : and so without farther delay , caused him euen there in his owne presence to be executed ; saying moreouer , That others which would arrogantly presume to prescribe vnto their soueraignes what they had to doe , should for euer after by the example of that most insolent seruant , be admonished of their duetie and condition . It is reported , that the souldiours in despight of Selymus wonderfully lamented the vnworthie death of this so worthie a man : For he , beside his notable and rare valour , so many times to his great honor in sundrie battels approued , had by the dexteritie of his Graecian wit , comelinesse of personage , militarie eloquence , and gallant maner of liuing , so woon the loue and fauor of all men , that there was few or none in all the armie which did not acknowledge himselfe some way endebted and beholden vnto him ; and did therefore condemne the emperours crueltie . They then began to tell how Mustapha surnamed Caloger , a man of wonderfull credit and authoritie both with Baiazet and himselfe , was in the heat of his furie slaine without hearing : And that in like manner of rage , old Chendemus a man of greatest honour and integritie of life , and of all the chieftaines which came out of the great emperour Mahomet his nurserie , the most skilfull , had been for his graue and wholsome counsell onely without cause murthered : Neither was then Bostanges his sonne in law forgotten : neither Cherseogles ( the one most honorable for the great place he held in court and the marriage of Baiazet his daughter , and the other a man of no lesse marke being his great Admirall , and bearing himselfe high vpon his infinit wealth , but more vpon his wife one of the daughters of Selymus ) both which two noble gentlemen about two years before had their heads stucke off , no man well knowing wherefore , and their dead bodies cast out at the court gate to the terrour of the beholders , as a miserable spectacle of their owne miserie and the emperors crueltie . Yea the remembrance of his old tyrannie ( renewed as it were with this late outrage ) presented afresh vnto all mens eies the reuerend old emperour Baiazet his father , with his two brethren , Acomates and Corcutus , by right both called vnto the empire before himselfe ; with many other young princes of the bloud , of great hope and expectation , who as all men knew , perished through the vnnaturall and execrable crueltie ▪ of this most mercilesse man. So that men generally did both feare him and hate him . For as much as he without all feare of God or regard of worldly shame , accounted no practise wicked or deuise detestable , that might serue for the better establishing of his kingdome ; and had set downe in his mind , ( long before corrupted with ambition and tyrannie ) That it was farre better for the assurance of his estate , to be feared of all than beloued of many : and therefore spared no mans life , of whom he had but the least suspition . Howbeit that the seueritie by him vsed against this so great a man and so gratious with the people , may in some sort be excused , as justly moued thereunto by the presumptuous and malitious dealing of the proud Bassa vnderhand , contrarie to the charge giuen him by his lord , to the perill of those his great but late conquests both in AEGYPT and SYRIA . This great Bassa , whilest he yet liued and flourished in the court , in nothing so much offended the minds of the people ( who generally both loued and honoured him ) as by the crueltie by him shewed vpon the person of the faire ladie Manto his best beloued wife . Who being a Greek borne , and adorned with all the good gifts of nature , wherunto her louely conditions were also answerable , was by Zebalia her first husband ( a man of great honour ) carried with him into the wars , as his greatest treasure and chiefe delight . But he slaine , and she by misfortune falling into the hands of the Turks ( her enemies ) remained so prisoner with them for a time ; vntill that this great Bassa Ionuses shortly after ( seeing her amongst the other captiues there taken , so farre to exceed the rest as doth the Sunne the lesser stars ) surprised with her incomparable beautie , became of her amorous : and in too curious viewing of the captiue ladie , was by her himselfe taken prisoner . Where finding her outward perfections graced with no lesse inward vertues , and her honourable mind answerable vnto her rare feature , tooke her vnto his wife ; honouring her farre aboue all the rest of his wiues and concubines : and she againe in all dutifull loyaltie seeking to please him , for a space liued in all worldly felicitie and blisse , not much inferiour vnto one of the great Sultanesses . But long lasteth not the sommer fruit of wanton loue , blasted most times in the blossome , and rotten before it be well gathered : For in short time , the Bassa more amorous of her person than secured in her vertues , and after the manner of sensuall men still fearing least that which so much pleased himselfe , gaue no lesse contentment to others also ; began to haue herin distrust , although he saw no great cause why , more than his owne conceit , not grounded vpon any her euill demeanor , but vpon the excesse of his owne liking . Which mad humour ( hardly to be euer purged ) of it selfe still more and more in him encreasing , he became so froward and imperious , that nothing she could say or doe could now so please or content him , but that he still thought some one or other , although he wist not who , to be therein partakers with him . So fearfull was the jealous man of his owne conceits . Yet could he not chuse but loue those great perfections , whereat he could not enough wonder ; although he found no contentment therein , tormenting still both himselfe and her whom he so deerely loued with his owne passionat distrust : vntill at length , the faire ladie grieued to see her selfe thus without cause to be suspected , & wearied with the insolent pride of her peeuish husband , togither with his imperious commands ; determined secretly to depart from him , and so to returne againe into her own country . Which her purpose she discouered vnto one of her eunuchs , to whom she had also deliuered certaine letters to be by him conuaied vnto such of her friends , as whose helpe she was to vse in her intended flight : which letters the false eunuch opened , and so for the more manifesting of the matter deliuered them vnto the Bassa his master . Who therewith enraged , and calling her vnto him , forthwith in his furie , with a dagger stabd her to the heart and slew her : so togither with the death of his loue , hauing cured his tormenting jealousie . The liuely counterfeits of these two so notable personages thus vnworthily slaine , the one by the imperious commaund of his soueraigne , and the other by the cruell hand of her husband , thou maiest in the pages following be hold , as they are by Boisardus expressed . IONVSES . Reijce Sultani titulos , Nilotica Memphis Quos confert : erit hic inuidiosus honos . Regna Tomombeo , Campson , cum rege reliquit : Virtutis Selymus dicit id esse tuae . Reject the Sultans titles , which proud Memphis doth thee show : From such great honours oftentimes doth greatest danger grow . That Campson with king Tomombey lost both their state and fame : Vnto thy valour , Selymus doth yet ascribe the same . MANTO . Formam si spectes , nihil est formosius ista : Pectoris & casti gratia rara fuit . Sed dum dissimili vixit malè iuncta marito : Infelix misera morte perempta iacet . RICH. KNOLLEVS . If feature braue thou doest respect , thou canst none fairer see , Nor in whose chast and constant brest could greater graces lie . But whilst mismatcht she liu'd to mourne , enthrald to jealous braine , Vnhappie she , with cruell hand was by her husband slaine . But leauing this great Bassa with faire Manto vnto their rest , his course thus run , to returne againe vnto Selymus ; who now come into SYRIA , was by letters from the Himbracor-Bassa or master of his horse ( whom he had left vpon the frontiers of his kingdome to attend the motions of the Persians ) aduertised , That the Persian preparations which had raised such a hoat rumour of wars in the beginning of Winter , was growne cold in the heat of Sommer : and that he had seene in all the time of his aboad in those quarters , none but certaine stragling companies , making shew as if some greater power had beene comming , which had many times made sudden roads into the countrey , with whom he had sundrie times prosperously encountred : and that it was generally reported by such prisoners as he had taken , and by his owne espials also , that Hysmaell , troubled with the Hyrcanians and Tartars , had conuerted the greatest part of his forces against those nations : so that Winter now drawing fast on , and deepe snowes alreadie fallen vpon the mountaine TAVRVS , he could not though he would that yeare looke after ASIA the lesse , or SYRIA . There were that reported , that the Tartars which dwell betweene the two riuers Tanais and Volga , were by Selymus his procurement , and mony , set aworke to keepe Hysmaell busied , by inuading the Iberians and Albanians , which were vnder his protection : which thing he wrought by the meanes of Mahomet his father in law , the Bosphorane king , who being of the same language and nation , by rewards easily induced the needie captaines of the Tartars his friends and confederats , to take vp armes against their neighbours . Many men maruelled that Hysmaell the Persian king neglected so faire an oportunitie , wherby he might ( as most men thought ) haue thrust Selymus quite out of ASIA and SYRIA , whilest he was thus busied in AEGIPT , yea and easily haue destroyed him , shut vp with all his power , especially at such time as the Aegyptian Sultans Campson and Tomombeius ▪ made so great resistance . But they which could better judge of the matter , saw that Hysmaell was not of so great power and strength abroad , as at home : for his armie for most part consisted of gentlemen , or such as were by custome bound to serue him in his defensiue warres , voluntarie men , and such as serued without pay . These as they were the most valiant horsemen of the East , so did they with singular valour worthely defend the kingdome of PERSIA , and also as occasion required , make warre with their neare neighbours : but if any longer expedition were to be taken in hand , that they could by no means away withall , accounting it a grieuous thing to depart from their wiues , vnto whom they are so addicted that oftentimes they carrie them with them into the wars ; and being a wanton and fine kind of people , are not able without wages to draw after them , according to their accustomed manner , so many carriages and horses as might serue both for their necessarie and wanton vses . With which difficultie the great king Vsun-Cassanes , Hysmaell his grandfather by the mothers side , was much troubled in his warres against Mahomet the Great : but was now much harder for Hysmaell to doe , for that hee hauing obtained his grandfathers kingdome by the meere good will of the people , easing them forthwith of their heauie impositions , alwayes thought the loue of his subjects ( which is easily gotten with bountie and justice ) the surest riches of his kingdome ; and that to commaund onely ouer the bodies and goods of his people , their hearts altogether alienated and lost by most heauie and grieuous exactions , seemed not the part of a gratious and naturall prince , but of an outrageous and momentarie tyrant . Whereas Selymus on the contrarie part , who had by force , mischeefe , and most detestable practises st●pt vp into his fathers seat , had after the maner of the Othoman kings , reposed his greatest and most assured strength in a seruile and mercenarie kind of men , whom he might for pay as his owne creatures , at his pleasure draw farre from home , and as he best liked lead them from place to place , and countrey to countrey , for the enlarging of his empire and eternising of his name : and therefore according to the qualitie of his people , deemed true and readie power to consist onely in money , and the seueritie of his owne commaund ; whereby he had learned with most happie successe , in short time to obscure all the victories of the former Othoman kings , with the greatnesse of his owne . All the Winter following Selymus stayed with his armie in SYRIA , spending the time in visiting the ports and cities of that prouince , and setting of things in order , for the better assurance thereof . But vpon the approch of the Spring , when he certainely vnderstood ▪ that by the procurement of Leo the tenth , then bishop of ROME , the Christian princes were entered into consultation to make warre vpon him , and that supplications with great solemnitie were made for that purpose , and honourable embassadours sent into all prouinces to stirre vp the greatest kings of Christendome against him , he ( leauing Gazelles his lieutenant in SYRIA ) by great journies returned to CONSTANTINOPLE : from thence as at hand to behold the deuises and motions of the Christian princes his enemies . In the meane time , fearing no alteration to arise in the prouinces of SYRIA and AEGIPT , for as much as he well saw , that Cayerbeius and Gazelles , his lieutenants , being at deadly hatred betwixt themselues ( as well for old grudges , as for the late treason of Cayerbeius , the great cause of the ruine of the Mamalukes kingdome ) would neuer agree in one against him , but rather with a certaine emulation striue betwixt themselues with diligence , faithfulnesse , and moderation , who should deserue best in well gouerning the prouinces by him committed to their charge , as indeed they did during the short time of his raigne . Selymus being arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE , and purposing from thenceforth to turne all his forces vpon the Christians , caused wonderfull preparation to bee made for his warres ▪ but especially at sea : whereby it was thought , that hee would either haue attempted the strong Island of the RHODES ( a great moat in his eye ) or els some part of ITALIE . But as hee was hatching this mischeefe , or some other of no lesse importance , and in the meane time delighted himselfe with visiting the cities of GRaeCIA and THRACE , and sollaced himselfe in the pleasant countrey about HADRIANOPLE , he was suddenly attached with the hand of God , and strucken in the reynes of his backe with a canker : which melancholie and deuouring maladie contemning all cure , did by little and little so eat and corrupt his bodie , as that he before so much honoured , became now loathsome and odious both to himselfe and others . As he lay thus languishing , his incurable disease still encreasing , leaning his head in the lap of Pyrrhus the Bassa , whom of all others he most loued , said : O Pyrrhus , I see I must shortly die without remedie . Whereupon the graue Bassa tooke occasion to discourse with him of many matters : and amongst others , that it would please him to giue order for the well bestowing of the great wealth taken from the Persian marchants in diuers places of his empire : persuading him to bestow the same vpon some notable hospitall for releefe of the poore . To whom Selymus replied , Wouldst thou Pyrrhus , that I should bestow other mens goods , wrongfully taken from them , vpon workes of charitie and deuotion , for mine owne vaine glorie and praise ? assuredly I will neuer doe it : nay , rather see they bee againe restored vnto the right owners . Which was forthwith done accordingly : to the great shame of many Christians , who minding nothing lesse than restitution , but making ex rapina holocaustum , do out of a world of euill gotten goods cull out some small fragments , to build some poore hospitall , or mend some blind way : a poore testimonie of their hote charitie . Selymus lying thus sicke to death , and rotting aboue the ground in his tent , as he was vpon the way going to HADRIANOPLE , sent before Pyrrhus and Achmetes , two of his greatest Bassaes , to prouide for the solemnising of the great feast , which the Turkes call Bairam ( and is as it were their Easter ) purposing to come after himselfe at leisure , as his weake bodie would giue him leaue : and kept with him onely Ferhates , the third of his greatest Bassaes and priuie counsellours . But such was the furie of his foule disease , continually attainting him with intollerable paines , that shortly after the departure of the other two Bassaes , he breathed out his cruell ghost , in the moneth of September , in the yeare 1520 : neere vnto the citie CHIVRLI , in the selfe same place where he had sometime most vnnaturally assayled his aged father Baiazet , with purpose to haue slaine him , had not the fortune of the old emperour in a great battell preuailed both against his force and the treason of his own people . Thus intending the mischeefe he could not performe , cut off by a loathsome and vntimely death , hee to the great joy of all Christendome ended his dayes , when hee had liued six and fortie yeares , and thereof raigned eight : which time of his raigne was nothing els but a most horrible and dreadfull time of bloudshed . His dead bodie was afterwards sol●mnly by his sonne Solyman buried in a new temple at CONSTANTINOPLE , which he to the imitation of his father and grandfather had for that purpose before built . Vpon his tombe is engrauen in the Greeke , Turkish , and Sclauonian tongues , this short Epitaph . Hic maximus adsum Selym , qùi orbem domui . Non bella relinquo , sed pergo inquirere . Non vlla me fortuna potuit euertere : Licet ossa iacent , animus bella quaerit . In English thus . Lo here I lie great Selymus ▪ which held the world in feare : The world I leaue , but not the wars , which I seeke though not here . No fortunes force , or victors hand , could take from me the spoiles : And though my bones lie buried here , my ghost seekes bloudie broiles . He vsed commonly to say , That nothing was sweeter than to raigne without feare or suspition of his kindred . A little before his death he commended his sonne Solyman to Pyrrhus Bassa ; straightly charging him , that after his death he should leaue the Persian , and turne his forces altogither vpon the Christians . And the more to incense him to the effusion of bloud , he left him the liuely counterfeit of himselfe hanging at his bed side , with sundrie bloudie precepts breathing forth his cruell and vnmercifull disposition . Tabulae Epigraphe . Soldanus Selymus Othomannus , Rex Regum , Dominus omnium Dominorum , Princeps omnium Principum , filius & Nepos Dei. S. S. S. Ad dextram , versus Graeca lingua ad scripti in hunc sensum . Tutus vt imperij princeps sibi sceptra capessat , Anxia ne dubio corda pauore premat . Ne putet esse nefas cognatum haurire cruorem : Et nece fraterna , constabilire domum . Iura , fides , pietas , regni dum nemo supersit Aemulus , ha●d turbent relligione animum . Haec ratio est , quae sola queat regale tueri Nomen , & expertem te sinit esse metus . Ad Sinistram lingua Sclauonica . Te semel aduersus peccantem , mitis haberi Ne studeas , poena vindice tutus eris . Protinus ense rescindendum , putrescere si quid Incipiet , clemens rex male sceptra gerit . Ad veniam facilis , peccanti porigit ansam Quase sustentans , ad noua damna ruat . Ad Calcem tabulae lingua Turcica . Qui non ipse sua princeps hastilia dextra , Agmen in aduersum marte fauente iacet . Sed refugit saeuis caput obiectare periclis Dum grauia impauido , praelia corde subit : Iste sciat vanis belli sese artibus vti : Et votis nunquam fata fauere suis. Nulla sibi speret , suscepti commoda belli , Hostiles acies quisqui● adire timet . The Inscription of the Table . Sultan Selymus Othoman King of Kings , Lord of all Lords , Prince of all Princes , the sonne and nephew of God. On the right hand of the Table were written Greeke verses to this sence . The prince that safely seekes to raigne , and hold his state in quiet rest , Must neuer suffer troubled care to harbour in his princely brest : Nor thinke it sinne to spill the bloud of his most neere and dearest kin , Not of his brother , so thereby assured safetie he may win . Law , faith , deuotion , and such like , to breake them all he must not spare , Nor conscience make of any thing , to rid him from aspiring care . This is the way and onely meane that may protect a princes state , And set him safe without all feare , whilest none may liue whom he doth hate . On the left hand of the Table was written in the Sclauonian tongue . Of him that seekes to worke thy woe , deserue not to be counted kind : But take him for thy mortall foe , and plague him with reuenging mind . The rotten lym is cut away for feare of doing further harme : The gentle prince doth beare small sway , if no abuse can make him warme . Forbearance makes men more offend , and to presume of further grace , It doth but strength to rebels lend , to thrust their soueraigne out of place . At the lower end of the same ●able was written in Turkish verse . What prince in person dareth not in open field to meet his foe , And there with vnappauled heart , his deadly darts himselfe to throw : But hides his head for feare of harme , and shuns the danger of the field , When martiall minds with courage bold withstand their foes with speare and shield : Let him well know , how that in vaine he beareth armes but for a show , And that the honour of the field will neuer such a coward know . Ne let him hope to gaine the spoyle by any warres he takes in hand , That feareth with courageous mind his enemies forces to withstand . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Selymus the first . Emperors of Germanie Maximilian the first . 1494. 25. Charles the fift . 1509. 39. Kings Of England Henrie the eight . 1509. 38. Of Fraunce Lewis the twelfth . 1497. 17. Francis the first . 1514. 32. Of Scotland Iames the fourth . 1489. 25. Iames the fifth . 1513. 32. Bishops of Rome Iulius the II. 1503. 9. Leo the X. 1513. 8. SOLYMAN . SOLYMANNVS MAGNIFICVS TVRCARVM IMPRATOR QVARTVS FLORVIT ANNO 1520 Imperij Soliman patrij moderatur habenas , Regnaque Christiadum cladibus vsque metit . Antiquam capit ille Rhodon , Naxumque Parumque Tyrrheni infestat Littora curua maris . Pannonios multo populatur milite fines , Et cingit muros clara Vienna tuos . Inclyta Sigethi dum moenia concutit armis , Cogitur , hinc Stygiam nudus adire domum . His fathers empire Solyman doth rule with mightie power , And Christian kingdomes ceaseth not with slaughter to deuour . The antient RHODES , with NAXOS Isle , and PAROS he did take , And on the coasts of ITALIE did wofull hauocke make : Faire HVNGARIE with armies great he often did annoy , And with a world of men had thought VIENNA to destroy . But whilest to SIGETH he laied siege , in hope the same to haue , Cut off by death in his great pride , went naked to his graue . THE LIFE OF SOLYMAN , THE FOVRTH AND MOST MAGNIFICENT EMPEROVR OF THE TVRKES . THe death of Selymus was with all carefulnesse concealed by Ferhates the onely Bassa then present , for feare least the Ianizar●es and souldiours of the court getting knowledge thereof , should after their wonted manner in the time of the vacancie of the empire , spoile the merchants and strangers in places where they lay in garrison , and especially in the imperiall citie : and not so contented after their accustomed insolencie prescribe vnto the greatest Bassaes at their pleasure . For preuenting whereof , Ferhates dispatched a trustie messenger with letters in post to Solyman the onely sonne of Selymus , then lying at MAGNESIA , certifying him of the death of his father ; and that he should deserue well of his peaceable subjects by hastening his comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , whilest all things were yet in good order , in time to represse with his presence the feared disordered proceedings of his men of warre . Solyman hauing to his great content perused the Bassaes letters , as one desirous enough of the empire ; yet considering the cruell disposition of his father ( who vpon a meere jealous conceit of his aspiring mind , and for certaine words by him let fall in dislike of his fathers extreame dealing , had practised most vnnaturally to haue taken him away by poison : which danger he escaped onely by the carefulnesse of his mother , who misdoubting the worst , caused the poisoned rich shirt sent to him from his father to be first worne by one of his chamber , whereof he in short time after died ) and also that the letters were signed onely by Ferhates , and the newes not seconded from any of the other Bassaes : fearing some hidden & secret plot of his father tending to his distruction , durst not aduenture to remoue from his charge , but returned the messenger as one to whom he gaue little or no credit . Ten daies thus spent , and the death of Selymus nothing as yet suspected ; Ferhates vnderstanding by his messenger the warinesse of Solyman , and that he expected more assured aduertisement , sent presently vnto the other great Bassaes Pyrrhus and Mustapha at HADRIANOPLE , that they should without delay repaire vnto the court : vnto whom at their comming he declared the death of the emperour . Which after they had seene to be true , they by an other secret and speedie messenger aduertised Solyman againe thereof , firming those letters with all their hands and seales : whereby Solyman now assured of his fathers death , presently put himselfe vpon the way , and by long and painfull journies in few daies came to SCVTARIVM , called in auntient time CRISOPOLIS , ouer against CONSTANTINOPLE . Where he was met with the Aga or captaine of the Ianizaries , and by him transported in a gallie ouer that straight passage to CONSTANTINOPLE ; where at his landing the Ianizaries by the appointment of their captaine were readie to receiue him , knowing as yet nothing of the death of Selymus , vntill that Solyman being now in the middest of them , the captaine with a loud voice said vnto them , Behold your emperour . Whereupon they all with great acclamation cried out , Long liue the great emperour Solyman : which consent of the men of warre , is vnto the Turkish emperours the greatest assurance of their estate . And so with much triumph he was by them brought into the royall pallace , and placed in his fathers seat in the yeare 1520 : in which yeare also Charles the fift was chosen emperour of GERMANIE . The Ianizaries disappointed by the Bassaes of the spoile of the merchants , especially Christians and Iewes , receiued of the bountie of Solyman a great largious ; and in the beginning of his raigne had their accustomed wages somewhat augmented also , to their wonderfull contentment . Solyman was about twentie eight years old when he began to raigne , and was at the first supposed to haue been of a mild and peaceable disposition : so that the princes to whom the name of Selymus was before dreadfull , were now in hope that a quiet lambe was come in place of a raging lyon . But in short time they found themselues in that their expectation farre deceiued ; and especially the Christian princes bordering vpon him , vnto whom he became a farre more dangerous enemie than was his father before him ; conuerting his forces most part of his long raigne vpon them , which Selymus had almost altogither emploied against the kings of PERSIA and AEGYPT , the greatest princes of the Mahometane superstition . The first that felt his heauie hand was Gazelles Gouernour of SYRIA : who presently vpon the death of Selymus , thinking himselfe now discharged of the oath of obedience which he had giuen to Selymus , but not to his successours ; and earnestly desiring to restore againe the kingdome of the Mamalukes lately ouerthrowne , gathered togither the remainder of the dispersed Mamalukes , which speedily resorted vnto him out of all parts of ASIA and AFRICKE : and alluring with rewards the leaders of the wild Arabians , with great numbers of the countrey people of SYRIA discontented with the Turkish gouernment , entred into open rebellion , and by force of armes draue the Turkes garrisons out of BIRTHA , TRIPOLIS , and diuers other cities of SYRIA , taking them into his owne possession . And the better to effect that he had taken in hand , he sent embassadours to CAIRE , vnto Cayerbeius , who had of Selymus receiued the gouernment of Aegypt , the vnworthie reward of his horrible treason ; persuading him by any meanes to take reuenge of the injurie and wrong before done to the Mamalukes , and by killing of the Turkes garrisons to make himselfe Sultan of Aegypt , and restore againe the kingdome of the Mamalukes , offering him therein the vttermost of his deuoire and seruice . But Cayerbeius , either not trusting Gazelles his old enemie , or ashamed by new treason to augment his former dishonour , or els ( which was most like ) misdoubting his own strength in performance of so great an enterprise : after he had attentiuely heard what the embassadours had to say , caused them presently in his owne sight to be put to death as traitors , and with all speed certified Solyman therof ; who without delay sent Ferhates bassa with a strong armie into SYRIA . Which thing Gazelles hearing , and hauing in his power most of the cities of SYRIA , retired himselfe with all his armie into the strong citie of DAMASCO ; whither at length , Ferhates the great Bassa by long march came also . Gazelles ( resolued to trie the fortune of the field , and so either by speedie victorie or honourable death to end the matter , rather than to suffer himselfe to bee shut vp within the wals of the citie ) vpon the comming of the Bassa valiantly issued forth with all his power , and gaue him battell ; which for the space of six houres was most cruelly fought , and many slaine on both sides . At length Gazelles being oppressed with the multitude of his enemies ( being eight times more in number ) and hardly assailed on euerie side , was enforced to fight in a ring , and there performing all the parts of a worthie Generall and valiant souldiour , honourably died togither with his Mamalukes in the middest of his enemies , leauing vnto them a bloudie victorie . Gazelles thus slaine , the citie of DAMASCO with all the countrey of SYRIA without any more adoe yeelded againe vnto the Turkes obedience , which the Bassa tooke in so good part , that he would not suffer his souldiours to enter into the citie , then richly stored with commodities of all sorts , brought thither by merchants out of diuers parts of the world . SYRIA thus pacified , the Bassa went to CAIRE in AEGYPT , and there commending Cayerbeius for his fidelitie , confirmed him in his gouernment ; and enuying against the crueltie of Selymus ( so to please the Aegyptians ) wished them to hope for all happinesse vnder the peaceable gouernment of the new Sultan Solyman . And so when he had set all things in order in both the prouinces of SYRIA and AEGYPT , returned againe to Solyman . The yeare next following , Solyman by the counsell of Pyrrhus Bassa his old tutor ( a mortall enemie vnto the Christians ) and by the persuasion of the Ianizaries resolued to besiege the strong citie of BELGRADE , otherwise called TAVRVNVM , scituat vpon the borders of HVNGARIE , where the riuer Sa●us falleth into Danubius . Which citie his great grandfather Mahomet ( surnamed named the Great , and before him the warlike Amurath ) had with all their power , long time before to their great losse and dishonour , vainely attempted . Wherein vntill that time were reserued the ensignes , then taken from the Turkes , to their no small griefe , with other trophies of the glorious victories of the worthie captaine Huniades , and the great king Mathius Coruinus his sonne . Wherefore Solyman sending his armie before , was come as farre as SOPHIA a citie in SERVIA ( the place where the Turks great lieutenant in EVROPE is alwaies resiant ) before that the Hungarians were aware of his comming : for they liuing at ease all the time that Vladislaus raigned , and now sleeping in securitie vnder the young king Lodouicus his sonne , a man of no experience ; who contenting himselfe with the title of a king , suffered himselfe to be pilled and polled by his nobilitie and great cleargiemen ( inuerting all the wealth of the land to their owne priuat gaine ) that he was not able to raise any sufficient power to go against his puissant enemie ; especially his nobilitie , in whose hands rested the wealth of his kingdome , promising him much , but performing indeed nothing . Huniades with his hardie souldiours , the scourge and terror of the Turks , was dead long before ; so was also Mathias that fortunat warriour : after whom succeeded others giuen all to pleasure & ease ; to whose example the people fashioning themselues , forgot their wonted valour , and gaue themselues ouer to sensualitie and voluptuous pleasure . So that Solyman without let , presented his armie before the citie of BELGRADE , and with batterie and vndermining in short time became lord thereof ▪ hauing lost few of his people in that siege . How much the losse of that strong citie concerned the Christian common weale , the manifold and lamentable miseries which afterwards ensued by the opening of that gap , not vnto the kingdome of HVNGARIE onely , but to all that side of Christendome , did , and yet doth most manifestly declare . It was woon by the Turkes the nine and twentith day of August in the yeare 1521. After the taking of the strong citie of BELGRADE , Solyman returning to CONSTANTINOPLE , brake vp his armie and there lay still almost all the yeare following . During which time , he caused great preparation to be made at GALIPOLIS and other his ports , for rigging vp of a great fleet : which caused the Italians , Venetians , and them of the RHODES , to looke about them , as men carefull of their estates , fearing that those forces would eare long be imploied against some or all of them . About the same time Philippus Villerius a man of great wisedome and courage , then following the French court , was in his absence by the knights of the RHODES chosen Great master of that honourable companie : who embarking himselfe at MARCEILLES , after a long and dangerous journey ( being not without the knowledge of Solyman hardly laid for at sea by Cortug-ogli a famous pirat of the Turkes , whose two brethren the knights of the RHODES had but a little before surprised at sea and slaine , and then held the third in prison ) arriued in safetie at the RHODES , where he was with great joy and triumph receiued . The great Bassa , by whose graue aduise Solyman was contented in all his waightie affaires to be directed , consulting with the other Bassaes of diuers great exploits which was first to be taken in hand , for the honour of their emperour and enlarging of his empire , were of diuers opinions concerning the besieging of the RHODES . Pyrrhus the Bassa of greatest account , dissuaded the taking in hand of that action , as too full of difficultie and danger : producing for proofe thereof the example of the great emperour Mahomet , Solymans great grandfather ; by whom it was vnfortunatly attempted , and in fine shamefully abandoned . But Mustapha next in place and reputation to Pyrrhus , extolling the power and fortune of Solyman , said , That the greatnesse of their emperor was not to be concluded within the attempts of his predecessors , as well appeared by the late taking of BELGRADE ; from whence first Amurat , and after him Mahomet ; two of the most warlike princes of the Turkes , had with great dishonour beene repulsed : and should no doubt with like good fortune preuaile against the RHODES also , being able ( if need were ) to bring more men before it than were stones in the wals thereof . Which he so confidently affirmed , with extenuating the power of the Rhodians , that he seemed to make no doubt of the good successe of that warre : presumptuously affirming , that vpon the first landing of Solymans great armie , they of the RHODES would without delay yeeld themselues and their citie into his hands . Amongst others of great experience , whose opinions Solyman was desirous to haue , before he would take so great a matter in hand , was the famous pyrat Cortug-Ogli , a man of a mischieuous and cruell nature , but of great experience in sea matters . Who presented to Solyman by Mustapha and Ferhates , two of the greatest Bassaes , going before him , after due reuerence done , and commaunded to deliuer his opinion , spake vnto Solyman as followeth : The greatnesse of your deserts ( most mightie and puissant emperour ) maketh me ( being by you so commaunded ) at this time frankely to speake what I thinke may be for the glorie and honour both of your maiestie and empire . I dayly heare the pitifull lamentation of the miserable people of MITYLENE , EVBoeA , PELOPONESVS , ACHAIA , CARIA , LYCIA , and all alongst the sea coast of SYRIA and AEGIPT , bewayling the spoile of their countries , the ransacking of their cities , the taking away of their cattell and people , with other infinit and incredible calamities , which they dayly suffer of the crossed Rhodian pirats , no man withstanding them : many a time haue these wretched people holden vp their hands to me for helpe , most instantly requesting me to be a meane for them to your imperiall Maiestie , whereby they might be protected from the iniurie , rapine , and slaughter of these cruell rouers . Wherefore in their behalfe I beseech your sacred Maiestie , by the most reuerend name of the holy prophet Mahomet , and by your owne most heroicall disposition , to deliuer your afflicted subiects from these their most cruell enemies , and at length to set them free from the furie , captiuitie , and feare of these pyrates , more greeuous vnto them than death it selfe : and consider with your selfe , that this iniurie and insolencie tendeth not so much to the hurt of your poore subiects and oppressed people in priuat , as to the dishonour and disgrace of your imperiall name and dignitie ; which if any other Christian king or prince should offer , your Maiestie I know would not suffer vnreuenged ▪ and will you then suffer these robbers , cut-throats , base people gathered out of all the corners of Christendome , to wast your countries , spoile your cities , murder your people , and trouble all your seas● for who can passe by sea to TRIPOLIS , DAMASCO , ALEXANDRIA , CAIRE , CHALCIDE , LESBOS , CHIOS , nay vnto this your imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , without most certain and manifest danger of these rouers ? What haue we heard euerie Spring this manie yeares , but that the Rhodians had taken some one or other of your ports , led away your people into miserable captiuitie , and carried away with them the rich spoiles of your countries ? And that which is of all other things most dishonourable , this they doe vnder your nose , and in your sight , in the middest and heart of your empire . Pardon me I beseech you most mightie emperour , if I too plainely speake what I thinke : For whatsoeuer I say , I say it to no other end , but that you should now at length doe that which should manie yeares agoe haue been done . We your most loiall subiects may not , nor ought not , for the encrease of our Mahometane religion , and for the enlarging of your empire and honour , to refuse to aduenture our goods , our bodies , our liues to all hazard and danger without exception . If you likewise be caried with loue of glorie and renowne , or rauished with the desire of neuer dying fame ; in what wars can you more easily gaine the same , or better imploy vs your seruants , than in vanquishing and subduing the RHODES , the reputed bulwarke of Christendome , which onely keepeth vs from their countries ? But some will perhaps say , your auncestors haue in former times vnfortunately attempted that citie : so did they also BELGRADE in HVNGARIE : yet hath your happie fortune to your immortall fame brought the same vnder your subiection , being far more strongly fortified than it was in times past : and doe you then despaire of the RHODES ? Cast off such vaine and needlesse misdoubt , the Turkish empire hath alwaies growne by aduentures and honourable attempts : therefore make hast to besiege it both by sea and land . If your subiects mourning vnder the heauie burthen of the Christian captiuitie , built it with their owne hands for the Christians , cannot they now at libertie , desirous of reuenge , and fitted with oportunitie , with like hands destroy the same ? If it please you to vouchsafe but to looke into the matter ( most dread Soueraigne ) you shall see that there is a diuine occasion by the procurement of our great prophet Mahomet presented vnto your most sacred Maiestie , now that the Christians of the West are at discord and mortall warre amongst themselues . Your Maiestie is not ignorant , that in managing of warres , the oportunitie of time is especially to be followed ; and that when occasion serueth , all remissenesse and delay is to be carefully auoided : the changes of times are most tickle , and if you suffer your good hap now to passe ouer , you shall perhaps in vaine afterwards pursue the same when it is fled and gone . Solyman by nature an ambitious young prince , prickt forward thus also by the persuasions of Cortug-Ogli and others , seeking their further credit and preferment by fitting his ambitious humour : but most of all by the instigation of the Bassa Mustapha , resolued to goe in person himselfe against the RHODES . And first to make some proofe of what spirit and courage Villerius the new chosen Great Master was of , in whose sufficiencie the greatest part of the defence of the citie was supposed to consist : to him by way of a little cold friendship , he sent a messenger with this short letter thus directed . Solyman by the grace of God , King of Kings , Lord of Lords , greatest Emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE and TRAPEZOND , most mightie king of PERSIA , ARABIA , SIRIA , and AEGIPT , lord of ASIA and EVROPE , prince of MECHA and ALEPPO , ruler of HIERVSALEM , and Master of the Vniuersall sea : to the reuerend Father Phillippus Villerius Lilladamus , Great Master of the RHODES , and Legat of ASIA , greeting . I am glad of thy comming and new promotion , which I wish thou maiest long and happely enioy , for that I hope thou wilt in honour and fidelitie exceed all them which haue before thee ruled in the RHODES : from whom as my ancestors haue withdrawne their hand , so I after their example ioine with thee in amitie and friendship . Ioy thou therefore my friend , and in my behalfe reioice of my victorie and triumph also : for this last Summer passing ouer Danubius vith ensignes displaied , I there expected the Hungarian king , who I thought would haue giuen me battell , I tooke from him by strong hand BELGRADE , the strongest citie of his kingdome , with other strong holds thereabouts : and hauing with fire and sword destroied much people , and carried away many moe into captiuitie , as a triumphant conquerour , breaking vp mine armie , am returned to my imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , from whence farewell . The Great Master hauing read these letters , and well considered of the same , perceiued forthwith Solymans meaning , and that peace was offered him in words and shew , but war in deed and meaning . Which because he was readie by force to repulse , he rewarded the Turks messenger , and sent backe with him another of his owne , a priuat person . For the Rhodians did seldome vouchsafe to send any honourable embassadours to the Turkish emperours ( with whom they for most part liued in hostilitie ) either the Turkes to them . By this messenger he answered Solymans letters with other of like vaine , as followeth . Philippus Villerius Lilladamus , Great Master of the Rhodes , to the Turke . I right well vnderstand your letters which your messenger brought vnto me . The friendship you write of , is as pleasing to me as displeasing to Cortug-Ogli your seruant , who went about to haue intercepted me vpon the suddaine , as I came out of FRAVNCE : but failing of his purpose , stealing by night into the Rhodian sea , he attempted to haue robbed certaine merchants ships bound from IOPPE to VENICE : but sending my fleet out of my hauen , I staied his furie , constrained the pirat to flie , and for hast to leaue behind him the prises he had before taken from the marchants of CRETE . Farewell from the RHODES . By this answere Solyman perceiued , that he was well met withall in his owne finenesse , and that he should not so easily carrie the RHODES , as he had before done BELGRADE . Yet being fully in himselfe resolued to trie his fortune therein , hee called vnto him certaine of the cheefe commaunders of his warres , to whom he opened his whole determination in this sort . Although I doubt not worthie cheefetaines , but that you are of the same mind now that you haue been alwaies of , in the inuading of other nations : yet I haue thought it good in matters tending to the common glorie and good of vs all , to vse your generall aduice and counsell . Since the time that my father left this world , we haue made warre with diuers nations and people : The Sirians by nature vnconstant , and prone to rebellion , we haue by force reduced to their former obedience : The Sophi , that mightie king , nephew vnto the great king Vsun-Cassanes by his daughter the sister of king Iacup , in heart and deed our mortall enemie , not contented with the kingdomes of ASSIRIA , MEDIA , ARMENIA the greater , PERSIA , and MESOPOTAMIA , we haue by our forces shut vp within the compasse of his owne dominions : The last yeare running through HVNGARIE , both on this side and beyond Danubius , we tooke BELGRADE the strongest fortresse of that kingdome : and whatsoeuer els we attempted , we subdued . Yet for all that ( to speake plainely of my selfe ) my mind greater in conceit than mine empire , and the bloud of Othoman , findeth no contentment in these victories . For whatsoeuer you haue yet done , although it be great , yet I deeme it all but little , in regard of your worth : my desire carrieth me further . This haue I alwaies aboue all things most earnestly desired , to set vpon the RHODES , and vtterly to root out all the strength and forces , yea the very name of those Rhodian souldiours . And haue not you also no lesse than my selfe desired the same ? How often haue I heard you crying out , The RHODES , The RHODES ? I haue expected the time , that being discharged of other warres I might here employ my whole strength and power . That we so long desired , is now come : there was neuer greater oportunitie of good successe offered , a great part of the wals of the citie of the RHODES now lying euen with the ground ; which cannot in short time be repaired , especially in their want of coine . Beside this , the garrison in the castle is but small , and their aid from FRANCE farre off , which will either come too late when the citie is lost , or that which I rather beleeue , neuer . For neither will the French king ( being at mortall warres with the Germane emperour , and lord of ITALIE ) suffer his storehouses to be disfurnished , or his ports bared of the necessarie defence of his shipping ; neither doe you beleeue that the Spaniards ( distressed at home with famine , warre , and ciuile discention ) will easily come hither out of SICILIA and CAMPANIA with supplies of men and victuall . But you may perhaps thinke , that great danger is to be feared from the Venetian fleet , and the Isle of CRETE , which I assure you is not so : for I know ( although I will not now manifest the same ) how I haue preuented that mischeefe . Wherefore courageous souldiors ( borne to the subduing of all Christendome , much more of the RHODES ) with cheerefull hearts follow me your Soueraigne against these your most perfidious and cruell enemies . How long I pray you will 〈◊〉 suffer that staine and disgrace to sticke vpon the Othoman familie , and generally vpon all the name of the Turkes , which these Rhodians cast vpon vs the last time they were besieged ? Which was not so much done by their valour , as by the vnfortunat counsell of my great grandfather Mahomet , calling home Mesithes Paleologus his Generall in that warre , for one vnluckie assault . But admit that their valour gained them the victorie , will you therefore alwaies suffer these piraticall excursions vpon our maine and Islands ? the ransacking of our cities and countries ? the carrying away of your c●●tell and richest substance ? the captiuitie and slaughter of your wiues and children ? the slauerie of your neerest friends and kinsmen ? So helpe me great Mahomet , it shall not so bee : I vow ▪ in despight of Christ and Iohn , in short time to set vp mine ensignes with the Moone in the middle of the market place of the RHODES . Neither doe I seeke any thing vnto my selfe , more than the honour of the enterprise ; the profit I giue vnto you my fellow souldiors , their coine , plate , iewels ( which is reported to be great ) their riches and wealth is all yours , to carrie home with you vnto your wiues and children . Wherefore let vs now with all our forces and courage set forward to the besieging of the RHODES . Solymans purpose thus made knowne , and the same with one accord of all his captaines well liked : Pirrhus the eldest Bassa and of greatest authoritie , who at the first dissuaded the warre , standing vp in the middest of the rest , said : I cannot but much admire the great wisedome and rare vertues of our young emperour , who so wisely and aduisedly hath declared all the deepe counsels of a worthie cheefetaine in taking of warre in hand . Blessed be Mahomet , thrice and foure times blessed is this empire , blessed is our estate , and blessed are we with such a prince , which carrieth with him in his warres not onely men and habil●ments of warre , but most deepe wisedome and policie . Which wholsome manner of proceeding , if we had alwaies before our eies , and would follow , we should in short time bring vnder our subiection not the RHODES onely , but all the kingdomes of the Christians . Yet beside that which our emperour hath most carefully and consideratly deuised , mine age and experience would exhort you , by gifts , promises , rewards , and all other meanes whatsoeuer , to corrupt if it were possible the very cheefe and principall citizens of the RHODES , thereby to enter into their most secret deuices and counsels : which how it may be wrought , I will in few words giue you to vnderstand . I as a man indifferent , desirous of peace and quietnesse , will by messengers and letters induce the Great Master to send some honourable embassage to our dread Soueraigne , which if I can once bring him vnto , then let me alone with the rest . This counsell of the old Fox pleased all the hearers well , but aboue others the emperor himselfe , who gaue him in charge with all diligence and speed , to proue what he could doe : the other captaines he commaunded to prepare the greatest forces they could , both for land and sea seruice . Which preparation was so great both at CONSTANTINOPLE and other places , that it could not long be kept so secret , but that newes therof was brought to the RHODES the fourth day of Februarie : which newes daily increasing and still confirmed by more certaine reports , Villerius the Great master for more certaine intelligence , sent a Christian of EPIDAVRVS , who could perfectly speake the Turkish language , as a spie to CONSTANTINOPLE ; who by secret letters from thence gaue him knowledge , that the Turkes were preparing a great fleet , and raising a mightie armie , aduertising him also of a wonderfull proportion of artillerie prepared for batterie ; but against whom was not commonly knowne , some deeming it to be for the inuasion of ITALIE , some for the RHODES , others supposing it to be for CIPRVS or CORCIRA : which diuersitie of conjectures , made many ( whose conceits auerted from themselues the fortune of that warre ) to be more carelesse and secure . But whilest euerie man was of opinion , that it was made against any man rather than himselfe ; certaine aduertisement was giuen to the Rhodians from diuers places by letters from their friends and confederats , That the Turks did with extraordinarie diligence keepe straight watch and ward in all their ports therabouts alongst the sea coast , otherwise than they were before accustomed : which seemed to prognosticat some farther matter than the defence of their frontiers . Villerius carefull of his charge , as the marke whereat the enemie aimed , prouided with all possible diligence great store of victuall , armour , weapons , shot , pouder , and whatsoeuer els necessarie for the defence of the citie . The new wals of the citie , and AVERGNE fortresse , by Basilius enginer to the emperour Charles the fift ( a worke begun in the time of Fabritius Carectus late Graund master , but not yet finished ) was now with all diligent labour set vpon , euerie man putting his helping hand vnto so necessarie a worke . Whilest these things are with so great endeuour and labour a doing , a messenger came from CONSTANTINOPLE , sent from the old Bassa Pyrrhus , a sharpe witted and cunning fellow ; who with much filed speech in most ample manner doing his message , by the way , painted forth the great towardlinesse and courteous nature of the Turkish emperour Solyman , with the great commendation of Pyrrhus Bassa his master : deliuering from both of them letters vnto the Great master of this purport . Solyman by the grace of God King of Kings , Lord of Lords , &c. to the reuerend father Philippus Villerius Liladamus , Great master of the RHODES and legat of ASIA , greeting . I am certainly enformed that my letters are deliuered vnto thee ; which for that thou vnderstoodest them aright , I cannot expresse how much it pleased me . Trust to it , that I am not contented with the victorie I got at BELGRADE ; I hope for another , nay I assure my selfe thereof , which I will not hide from thee , whom I am alwaies mindfull of . Farewell from CONSTANTINOPLE . Pyrrhus great counsellor to the mightie emperour Solyman , to Philippus Villerius Liladamus , Great master of the RHODES and legat of ASIA , greeting . Your letters , greater in meaning than character , I haue deliuered vnto our most mightie emperour : but the bearer thereof I would not suffer to come to his presence , least he should be too much offended with so base a messenger . Vnto whom from henceforth send men of worth , commendable for their yeares and discretion , with whom his Maiestie may ( if he so please ) conferre and conclude of matters concerning the common good : which thing if you shall doe , it shall neither repent you of the doing thereof , nor me of my counsell . The messenger I send , bringeth letters vnto you also from our great emperour ; to whose diuine excellencie how you are to answere , you are alreadie admonished . Farewell from CONSTANTINOPLE . These letters being openly read , drew the minds of the Rhodians diuersly . Such as altogether wished for peace , measuring others after their owne plaine meaning and integritie , commended the counsell of Pyrrhus , saying , That he being an old man of great experience , was not so desirous of our quiet , as of the quiet of his prince and countrey : and therefore wished by wisdome to order that which the young prince sought for by war , fearing the vncertaintie of mans fragillitie , the common chance of warre , the violence of fortune , which hath oftentimes in a moment with a handfull of men ouerthrowne most mightie kings with their strong armies . The persuasion of these men tooke such effect , that one of the knights of the order called Raymund March , a Spaniard , a noble gentleman of great courage and verie eloquent , skilfull also in the Turkish tongue , and then moster-master , was appointed to haue beene sent embassadour vnto the Turkish emperour . Many there were of a contrarie opinion , which suspecting fraud and deceit , said it were good to beware of the enemies counsell : asking , to what end this embassage were ? for should we proclaime warre ( say they ) against the most mightie tyrant , not yet our professed enemie , who writeth all peace ? or should we intreat for peace , no warre as yet proclaimed ? that he which as yet is afraid himselfe , may now vnderstand that he is of vs feared . Besides that , with what securitie , with what face can our embassadours go , vnrequested of the Turkish emperour , without his safe conduct thorow those countries which we daily burne and spoile ? But they shall shew Pyrrhus the great Bassaes letters forsooth , his protection , his credit and authoritie shall defend them from all injurie and wrong ; as though the seruant should prescribe lawes vnto his master , and such a seruant as is most like vnto his master ( that is ) cruell , false of faith , a hater of all Christians , but especially of vs Rhodians : whom the mercilesse tyrant hauing in his power , with his nauie and armie in readinesse , shall with cruell torture enforce to discouer vnto him our prouision , the secrets of our citie and Order . This opinion of the wiser son , was greatly confirmed by the too much curiositie of the messenger which was sent , who with all diligence enquired of the state and situation of the citie , of the number and strength of the Order . Wherfore in conclusion he was sent backe againe , accompanied but with one priuat souldiour to carrie the Great masters letters vnto the Turkish tyrant : the tenure whereof was thus . Philippus Villerius Great master of the Rhodes , vnto the Turke greeting . That you are mindfull of me , grieueth me nothing : and I am also mindfull of you . You repeat your victorie in HVNGARIE , wherewith not being contented you hope for another : naie you promise and assure your selfe thereof , before you haue attempted the warre . Beware you deceiue not your selfe ; mens expectations neuer deceiue them more than in warres . Farewell from the RHODES . The other letters written to Pyrrhus , were to this effect . Philippus Villerius Liladamus Great master of the Rhodes , to Pyrrhus the Bassa . I haue aduisedly considered thy letters , with the behauiour and disposition of thy messenger . As I contemne not thy counsell , so will I not follow the same , whilest my men of warre doe spoile the countries and ports of thy lord and master ; which I beare withall , by reason of the iniuries they haue s●stained of the Turkish pirats . But I will call them home , and will send embassadours vnto thy great lord : so that thou before send me safe conduct vnder thy masters great seale , for their safe comming and returne . Farewell from the RHODES . But these letters were neuer deliuered vnto the great Turke , or the Bassa : for as soone as the Turkish messenger was come ouer into the maine , he presently tooke horse , which was there in readinesse for him , and posted towards CONSTANTINOPLE with as much speed as he could , leauing the Christian messenger his companion behind him ; who returning backe againe to the RHODES , and telling what he had heard and seene , gaue them all great occasion to dispaire of peace : whereupon Villerius sent into CRETE to hire certaine companies of Cretensian arche●● . In the meane time aduertisement was giuen vnto the Great master by letters from the island of NAXOS , That the Turkes were readie to put their fleet to sea with the first appearance of the new Moone : which thing they most superstitiously obserue in the beginning of all their great actions . The same newes was brought also by certaine merchants of the island of PAT●MOS , who came to the RHODES with a great ship laded with corne from EVBoeA ; vnder the colour of the sale whereof , they ( by the commaundement of the Turkes , to whom they were tributaries ) diligently noted all that was done in the citie , shortly to be besieged . The Great master with no lesse diligence , sent diuers of his small gallies amongst the islands and alongst the maine , to learne what might be of the enemies doings . Ioannes Lupus one of the knights of the order , and captaine of one of these gallies , meeting with a great ship of the Turkes laded with corne , tooke her and brought her home to the RHODES . But Alphonsus captaine of another of the gallies , lying in harbour in one of the islands , and suffering his men to straggle too farre into the land , was set vpon by a Turkish pirat and taken . About the same time the Turks by often fires made vpon the maine in the night season , gaue signe vnto the Rhodians , that they were desirous to haue some parley with them , as their manner was . Wherupon one Meneton a French man , one of the knights , by commandement of the rest of the order , was sent with a gallie well appointed to the maine to see what the matter might be ; and with him was joyned Iacobus Xaycus paymaster for the gallies , that he might of the inhabitants of the place , and his friends there dwelling , diligently enquire of all things concerning the intended warre : for this Xaycus , besides that he was a skilfull sea man and one that knew the coast well , had also good experience in ciuile affairs , and was wonderfully beloued and made of by the Turkish merchants , whose language hee had perfectly learned . Drawing neere the shoare , he found the Turkish merchants making merrie vpon the maine , with their carpets , cotten wooll , and such like merchandise about them as they vsed to exchange with the Rhodian merchants for woollen cloathes : vnto these merchants he gaue due salutations , gaging his faith for their safetie , and they likewise to him . But being requested to come ashoare to make merrie vntill one of his familiar and old acquaintance might be sent for , who as they said was not farre off ; he answered , that he could not so doe , except they would first deliuer a pledge for him a shipboord . The perfidious Turkes laughing as it were at his needlesse feare , willingly sent their merchandise , and a pledge aboord the gallies . Xaycus then going ashoare , and embracing the Turkish merchants which met him : vpon a signe giuen , was forthwith beset on euerie side and taken prisoner , and by post horses conuaied with all speed to CONSTANTINOPLE ; where he was with most exquisit torments that could be deuised for any man to endure , enforced to confesse whatsoeuer his cruell enemies could desire . After Xaycus was by treacherie thus lost , then began their prouident wisedome to be highly commended , which were the occasion , that the decree made for sending embassadours vnto the Turke , was againe reuoked . The hostage giuen for Xaycus , being brought to the RHODES and examined , was found to be a simple countrey fellow whom the Turkes had of purpose well apparelled to deceiue the Rhodians : who frankly and plainly according to his simple knowledge , answered to all things that were of him demaunded ; as that the Turkes were making great preparation for sea vpon the coasts of CARIA and LYCIA , and had taken vp many souldiours in the countries thereabouts to send vnto the frontiers of his dominions towards SYRIA , for defence of the same against the Persians . All which was true : For Solyman to put the Rhodians out of all suspition of inuasion ( whom hee knew carefully to obserue his doings ) sent those souldiours whom he had leuied in the countries neerest vnto the RHODES , farre away against the Persian , as if he had meant nothing against the RHODES , and so vpon the sudden to set vpon them with his armie brought out of EVROPE , before they were aware . But this his deuise serued to small purpose , for the Great Master perceiuing by many circumstances , but especially by that late calamitie of Xaycus , that the RHODES was the place the Turkish tyrant longed after ; and fearing that delay might bring farther danger , caused a cessation from all other businesse to be proclaimed , vntill all things necessarie for defence of the citie were accomplished : watch and ward was kept in euerie street , the great artillerie planted vpon the wals and bulwarks , companies appointed for the defence of euerie place , the publike armorie full of all warlike prouision was open , all the streets were full of men carrying weapons , some to one place , some to another . At which time a generall muster was taken by the chiefe men of the Order , where were found about 5000 free men able to beare armes , amongst whom were 600 knights of the Order , and 500 souldiours of CRETE ; the rest were for most part marriners , able bodies , who in the time of the siege did great seruice , encouraged by their sea captaines : the island people which repaired into the citie , serued to little other purpose but to dig and carrie earth vnto the rampiers : and the citizens ( except it were some few of the better sort ) were for the most part weake and of small courage , not able to endure any labour or paines , and yet hardly to be kept in order and gouerned , great speakers , but small doers , greater in shew than in deed . The Great Master hauing carefully prouided and ordered all things needfull for defence of the citie , and fearing nothing more than the faint hearts of the citisens , caused them all to bee called together ; for encouragement of whom , hee spake vnto them as followeth : Valiant gentlemen and worthie citisens , we heare that the Turke our mortall enemie is comming against vs , with a huge armie raised of diuers nations : from whose naturall crueltie and wonted periurie except we defend our selues by force , one and the selfe same danger is like to befall me , my knights , and you all . For wee haue with common consent and hand greeuously spoiled him both by sea and land , and you are by booties taken by strong hand out of his dominions , enriched : and at this day we keepe his people in greeuous seruitude , and he ours ; but he iniuriously , and we most iustly : For his ancestors ( wearie of the darke dennes and caues of the mountaine CAVCASVS , their naturall dwelling ) without right , title , or cause , incited onely with couetousnesse , ambition , and the hatred of our most sacred religion , haue driuen the Christians out of SYRIA : and afterwards , oppressed the Grecians in GRECIA ; where not contented to haue destroied the people , with one simple kind of death ( as barbarisme is euer cruell and mercilesse ) they haue with most exquisit and horrible torments butchered many thousands of that nation . All whom , this wicked proud youth ( whose mischeefe exceedeth his yeares ) a● euill neighbour to all men , not contented with the dominions of ARABIA , SYRIA , AEGIPT , the greatest part of ASIA , and of many other places moe , seeketh in tyrannie , murther , spoile , periurie , and hatred against Christ and Christians , farre to excell : and forceth himselfe to the vttermost of his power , to take from vs our Islands , and to subdue the Christian countries ; that so at length being lord of all , and commaunder of the World , he may at his pleasure ouerthrow the Christian cities ▪ kill the Christians , and vtterly root out the Christian name , which he so much hateth . For the repulsing of which intollerable iniurie , we haue especially chosen this Island of the RHODES for our dwelling place , because the same seemed more commodious than any other for the annoying of this barbarous nation . We haue done what in vs lay , holpen by you : we know by proofe your great valor and fidelitie , which we now haue not in any distrust . Wherefore I will not vse many words to persuade you to continue in your fidelitie and loyaltie , neither long circumstance to encourage you to play the men : sithence worthie minds are not with words either encouraged or dismaied . But concerning my selfe and my knights of the Order , I will speake a few words . I wi●● them , with whom ( as I hope ) the Christian princes and other my knights of the West will in good time ioine their forces , are most readie and prest to defend your selues , your children , your wiues , your goods , the monuments of your ancestours , and sacred temples dedicated to the seruice of our God. Which opinion that it may remaine firme and fix in your minds , if nothing els , my faithfulnesse in your warres , my bodie not yet altogether spent , but able enough to endure paines and trauell , the nobilitie of these worthie knights of the Order , their loue towards you , and their hatred towards your enemies , were sufficient to confirme : but beside this , the strength of this citie , which this noble Order hath with infinit charges so notably fortified with ditches , wals , towers , and bulwarkes against all the force and furie of artillerie , is such , that no citie may worthely be compared , much lesse preferred before the same . It is wonderfully stored with all kind of weapons and war like prouision : we haue laid vp plentie of wine , flesh , and corne , in vaults , so that neither wet weather nor wormes can attaint the same : of wood and wholesome water not to be taken from vs , things necessarie for men besieged , we haue plentie : and able men ynow for the defence of the citie . All which things promise vnto vs assured victorie , and such end of the warre as we wish for . Besides this , Necessitie , which giueth courage euen vnto cowards , will enforce vs to fight . Yet standeth on our side true religion , faith , conscience , deuotion , constancie , the loue of our countrey , the loue of our libertie , the loue of our parents , wiues , children , and whatsoeuer els we hold deare : Wheras they bring with them the proud commaund of their captaines , infidelitie , impietie , vnconstancie , a wicked desire of your bondage , of your bloud , and the bloud of your parents , wiues , and children . Out of doubt ( beloued citisens ) our good God will not suffer so many good vertues to be ouercome by their foule vices . Wherefore be you in minds quiet and secure , and trouble not your selues with forboding feare of your enemies ; onely continue in the fidelitie and loyaltie which you haue alwaies kept inuiolat and vnspotted toward this sacred and honourable fellowship , in most dangerous wars , and hardest chances of fortune : and if need shall so require , with courageous hand shew your valour against your enemies , and 〈◊〉 it knowne vnto the Spaniards , French , Italians , Hungarians , and English , That the Rhodians are of power to daunt the Turkish pride , and to auert their fleets and armies from ITALIE , which they ha●e so many yeares threatened with fire and sword : and will no doubt thither with all speed hasten and come , if ( that which my mind abhorreth to speake ) they should here preuaile . Neither will this ambitious youth , in courage , falshood , and crueltie exceeding Hanniball , imitate him in that , that hauing ouerthrowne the Romanes in the great battell at ●ANNAS , knew not to vse his victorie : but he will presently with more than Caesars●eleritie ●eleritie bring forth the treasures his father got in AEGIPT , and with great fleets and huge armies inuade APVLIA , CALABRIA , and SICILIA : from whence he will forthwith breake into FRANCE , and afterwards into SPAINE , and other Christian countries , raging through them with all kind of crueltie . But I am caried away further than I purposed , and than need is : For your fidelitie and valor ( most worthie citisens ) to endure the siege and repulse the enemie , is such , as needeth not my persuasion ; and of greater resolution , than that it can be shaken with the dangers incident to men besieged ▪ Yet the greatest and most forcible miseries of all , which is hunger and thirst , I assure you you shall neuer feele ; which pinching calamities for all that , some people ( in faithfulnesse , courage , and valour nothing comparable to you ) haue neuerthelesse most constantly endured . For they of PETELINVM , besieged by the Carthaginensians , for want of victuall , thrust their parents and children out of the citie , the longer to hold out the siege , and liued themselues with hides and leather sod or broiled , and leaues of trees , and manie other homely things , by the space of eleuen months ▪ and could not be ouercome vntill they wanted strength longer to stand vpon the wals ▪ and to hold their weapons in their hands . They of CASSILINVM besieged by Hanniball , held out vntill a poore mouse was sold for much monie . You must of necessitie keepe watch and ward in your Stations : if your houses chance to be beaten downe with the enemies artillerie , you must haue patience : for why , they shall bee repaired againe , and it is not a matter of such importance , that we should therfore yeeld vnto our enemies ▪ in whose courtesie and fidelitie no assurance is to be reposed . For besides that he is by nature cruell and vnfaithfull , he can by no meanes be gentle and faithfull towards vs , which haue done him so much harme : who onely ( as he himselfe saith ) haue oftentimes to his greefe interrupted the course of the victories of him the conquerour both of sea and land ; whom he hath so manie times assailed by open force with all his strength , wit , craft , deceit , and policie : yet alwaies hetherto in vaine , almightie God still protecting vs , whom aboue all things ( most deare citisens ) I wish you to serue and call vpon : For except he keepe and defend the citie , the watchmen doe but watch in vaine . This cheerefull speech wonderfully encouraged the hearets , especially the vulgar sort , easily carried away with pleasing words . But whilest they in their jolitie dreame of nothing but of triumph and victorie , the wiser sort possessed with care , ceased not to doe what in them lay , to procure , That the good commonly forewished , might in fine come to effect . Amongst others , Clement bishop of the Greekes , a man both for his place and deuout manner of liuing had in great reputation amongst them , laboured earnestly by dayly exhortations to persuade the Greekes his countreymen in that great and common danger with heart and hand to joine with the Latines in defence of the citie : for although the gouernment was altogether in the Great Master and his Knights , which were Latines ; yet the people both of the Island and citie were for most part Greekes , who liked not altogether so well of the Latine gouernment , but that they did many times repine thereat . Howbeit the matter was at that time so ordered by the good persuasion of the bishop , and good gouernment of the Great Master , that they all agreed as one man to spend their liues in defence of the citie ; and were so farre from feare of the comming of the barbarous enemie , that many of the vulgar people , in whom appeareth commonly more heat than wit , wished rather for his comming than otherwise . But looke what they had fondly wished , proued afterwards to their costs ouer true . For within a few nights after , the Turkes by fire made in the night time vpon the maine , gaue signe of parley vnto the Rhodians . Whereupon a gallie well appointed , with a long boat , was presently set forth to see what the matter was : which drawing neere vnto the shore , was hailed by a Turke , accompanied with a troupe of horsemen , desiring the captaine of the gallie to send some on shore , with whom they might more conueniently parley : which thing the captaine refusing , What , said the Turke , art thou afraid of Xaycus fortune ? To whom the captaine in threatening manner answered againe , Xaycus whom you haue contrarie to your faith and oath taken , troubleth me not ; neither am I afraid of you , whom I trust not : but if you haue any thing to say , let me heare it , or els get you further off , otherwise I will speake to you by the mouth of the cannon . Then one of the Turks comming to the water side , laid downe letters vpon a stone , saying , that in them was contained that they had in charge : which said , he presently set spurs to his horse , and departed with the rest of his companie . The captaine sending out his long boat for these letters , found them directed in this sort ▪ Solyman by the grace of God , King of Kings , Lord of Lords , most mightie Emperour of CONSTANTINOPLE and TRAPEZONDE , &c. vnto the reuerend father Philippus Villerius Lilladamus , Great Master of the RHODES , to his knights , and all his people in generall ▪ The purport of which letter was as followeth : The compassion I haue of my distressed subiects , and the great iniurie you doe me , hath moued ●e to wrath . Wherefore I commaund you without delay to yeeld vnto mee the Island and citie of the RHODES , willingly and charitably graunting you leaue safely to depart with all your riches ▪ or to tarrie if you 〈◊〉 please vnder my obeisance , your libertie and religion in no part infringed with an●e tribute or imposition . If you be wise , preferre friendship and peace before bloudie warre : for vnto them which are by force subdued , are reserued all extremities which the miserable vanquished vse to suffer of the angrie conquerour : from which neither your owne force , nor forraine aid , nor huge wals , which I will vtterly ouerthrow , shall be able to defend you , fare you well . All which shall assuredly be performed , if you shall make choice rather of my friendship than of my force : wherein you shall neither be deceiued nor circumuented ; I take to witnesse God the creator of heauen and earth , the foure writers of the Euangelicall historie , the fourscore thousand prophets descended from heauen , & amongst them out highest prophet Mahomet , the reuerend ghosts of my father and grandfather , and this my sacred and imperiall head . From our pallace at CONSTANTINOPLE . When these letters were openly read in the Counsell chamber at the RHODES , some were of opinion , That it was good to answere the Turkish tyrant roundly , thereby to giue him to vnderstand that they were not afraid of his threats : othersome thought it no wisedome with hard words to prouoke so great an enemie to further displeasure . Thus whilest euery man would haue framed an answere according to his owne disposition , in conclusion it was agreed vpon , to giue him no answere at all . The same day these letters came to the RHODES , which was the foureteenth day of Iune , one of the Turkes great commaunders at sea with thirtie gallies , the forerunners of the Turkish fleet , arriued at the Island of CHOS , famous in antient time for the birth of Hippocrates the great physition , and the wonderfull picture of Venus left there vnperfited by Apelles , which for the excellencie thereof neuer man durst afterward take in hand to perfect : which fruitfull and pleasant Island was then at the arriuall of the Turkes , part of the dominion of the RHODES . The Admirall of this fleet here landing his Turkes , began to burne the corne which was then almost ripe , with the countrey villages round about . With which injurie , Preianes gouernour of the Island ( a man of great courage and valour ) moued , with a chosen companie of footmen , and certaine troupes of horsemen , suddainely set vpon the Turkes , in diuers places disperced abroad far into the countrey , with such a terrible crie of the countrey people , and instruments of warre , that the Turkes being therewith amazed , ran away as if they had been mad , and were many of them slaine without resistance ; and had not the gallies lien neare the shore , to receiue them that were able to flie thither , there had not one of them which landed escaped the hands of the Island people . The Turkes hauing receiued this losse , left the Island , and put to sea againe . The Rhodians for the most part now assured and out of doubt of the comming of the Turks , by the persuasion of Gabriell Pomerolus vicemaster , and other men of great experience , pluck downe the suburbes of the citie , and laid them euen with the ground , their pleasant orchards also and gardens nee●e vnto the citie , they vtterly destroyed ; the Great Master for example sake beginning first with his owne , beeing a place of great delicacie , lying vnder the wals neere vnto the French bulwarke : and taking into the citie all such things as they thought needfull for the enduring of the siege , they vtterly destroyed all the rest , were it neuer so pleasant or commodious , within a mile of the towne , leauing all that space as euen and bare as they could possibly make it ; to the intent , that the enemie at his comming should find nothing neere the citie whereof to make vse . But whilest the pleasures and delights of the suburbes are thus in defacing , another more heauie and wofull sight presented vnto the eies of the citisens , filled the citie with greater mourning and pensiuenesse than did the comming of the enemie . The miserable multitude of the poore countrey people , some bringing wood , some corne , some cattell , some foules , and other such necessaries as they had , out of the countrie into the citie ( for so the Great master had commaunded ) after whom followed great numbers of women and children weeping , with dischiueled haire , scratching their faces and tearing themselues after the manner of the countrie ▪ wringing their hands and casting vp their eies to heauen , beseeching God with heauie countenance and flouds of teares to defend the noble citie of the RHODES and themselues from the furie of their enemies . Which multitude of countrie people with their prouision , being packt vp into narrow roomes in the houses of the citisens , and their cattell staruing for want of fodder , afterwards corrupted the aire ; whereof ensued rotten agues and the flix , during the time of the siege . But after the citie was giuen vp , such a plague and mortalitie followed , as destroied great numbers of the Turkes and poore Christians ; which knowing not whither to go , chose rather there to die than to forsake their natiue countrey . The Generall of the Turkish fleet which landed in the island of CHOS , and was of purpose sent by Solyman to prouoke the Rhodians to battell at sea ; before he with his whole power came to besiege the island , came daily with twentie gallies halfe those narrow seas ouer , betwixt LYCIA and the RHODES , leauing the rest of his fleet riding at anchor at the promontorie called GNIDVM ( not farre from the citie of the RHODES ) readie to aid him as need should require : this manner of brauerie he vsed many daies togither , hoping thereby to allure the Rhodians out of their hauen to giue him battell ; knowing , that if he should therein obtaine the victorie , it were at that time little lesse than the taking of the citie , or if he could by cruell fight but weaken the forces of the Rhodians , he should therein doe his master good seruice , and greatly further his victorie by diminishing the number of the defendants . When he had many daies without intermission in this proud manner come halfe seas ouer , and sometimes passing further came and lay at the mouth of the hauen , as it were daring them to fight : the Rhodians not wont to be so braued at their owne doores , moued with the intollerable insolencie of this proud Turke , by their continuall importunitie caused the Great Master to call a counsell , to consider whether they should fight with this fleet of the Turkes or not . The counsellors by the appointment of the Great Master assembled : the Chancelor , a man of great authoritie and spirit , famous for his noble acts both at home and abroad , and chiefe of them which were of opinion this fleet of the Turkes was to be fought withall , said : So great disgrace was not longer to be suffered , but presently reuenged : For ( said he ) the hugie fleet of the Turks , I do not sate at whose force & sight , but at whose verie name many men do tremble and quake ( which for all that is vnto vs no great noueltie , for euerie yeare we heare of the like ) is as a head to be ioined vnto these piraticall gallies , as members ; and then will it be most expedient ( which will be a most easie thing for vs to doe , hauing the better both for strength of shipping and number and valour of men ) to giue that great head such a blow and wound , by cutting off these limbes , that it shall euer after stagger and faint for want of strength : or else there is no other fleet at all prepared against vs to follow this , and then this discomfited we shall be at quiet . Which thing in my iudgement ( though others which feare their owne shadowes and the falling of heauen , say otherwise ) is most like to be true ▪ for the great Turke is not so sottish to come hither , the fittest time of the yeare being so far spent , in the latter end of Iune , to besiege this citie , and such a citie as he knoweth to be most strong , wanting nothing that is needfull , and thorowly manned with valiant souldiours , from whence his auncestors haue been with losse and shame repulsed : when as the remainder of the Sommer will be spent , before he can encampe himselfe and place his batteries ; and Winter time as you know is vnfit for anie siege , especially in this island , wherein they can find no hauen or harbour to rest in . Wherefore on Gods name let vs set vpon our proud enemies : and let vs not for a few threatning words sent vnto vs from a fearfull youth , vpon a finenesse and pollicie least we should follow the taile of his sleet bound for some other place , sit still like cowards within our wals with our hands in our bosomes , as men which for feare and dread durst not shew their heads . Which our cowardise and want of courage we ( forsooth ) call Fabius his pollicie : but I would to God we were like Fabius , but I feare we shall prooue more like Antiochus , the Aetholians , the Vitellians , all whose courage consisted in words , vainly hoping to gaine the victorie by sitting still and wishing well . But the helpe of God is not to be gotten by womens praiers and supplications or these faint-hearted pollicies , which cowards call aduised counsell : but victorie is gained by aduenturing and exposing our selues to danger and perill . With these and such like speeches he so moued the multitude , which commonly conceiueth most courage vpon the greatest vncertainties , that they desired that they might fight , saying . That they would wash away that foule disgrace with the bloud and slaughter of their enemies ; for why , they wanted not weapons , courage , or hands ( as they said ) to doe it withall . For all this , the grauer sort of the counsell ( without whose consent the master might in such cases doe nothing ) thought it not good in so dangerous a time to aduenture any great part of their forces , which they should afterwards want for the defence of their citie . The Turkish generall deceiued of his expectation , and perceiuing that the Rhodians would not be drawne forth to battell at sea , withdrew his fleet twelue miles off , vnto a place called VILLANOVA ; where casting anchor and landing his men , he burnt the corne all thereabouts which was now almost ripe , but forsaken of the people as a thing desperat : as for the people themselues , they were all fled , and had retired themselues either into the citie of the RHODES , or els into strong castles in other places of the island . At the same time , certaine troupes of horsemen sent forth to haue skirmished with the Turks that were burning of the corne , were by a messenger sent from the Great master , commanded to retire : For the prouident Generall sought by all meanes to reserue his soldiors for greater dangers , which he justly feared in the expected siege : during which time he shewed himselfe a most politike captaine and braue soldiour , he would many times by day eat his meat with his soldiors as one of them , and most part of the night keepe watch himselfe walking vp and downe , resting himselfe when he was wearie vpon some stone or piece of timber or other homly seat , as it chanced . In time of assault he was alwaies more forward and aduenturous than the graue counsellors wished , fearing neither shot nor enemie : yet did he alwaies more commend discreet counsell grounded vpon reason , than prosperous actions commended but by their euents . And that which a man would wonder at , amongst so many cares in middest of such diuers and dangerous chances , he carried alwaies such a grace and majestie in his cheerfull countenance , as made him to be of the beholders both reuerenced and loued . All the time he could spare from the necessarie cares of his waightie charge , from assaults , and the naturall refreshing of his bodie , he bestowed in prayer and seruing of God ; he did oftentimes spend the greatest part of the night in the church alone praying , his headpiece , gorget and gauntlets lying by him : so that it was commonly said , that his deuout praiers and carefulnesse would make the citie inuincible . The six and twentith day of Iune early in the morning , newes was brought into the citie from the watch-tower standing vpon S. Stephens hill about a mile from the citie , That a most hugie fleet was descried at sea , making thitherwa●ds all alongst the Westerne coast of LYCIA . This bad newes much troubled the citie , although it was not of most men vnexpected ; all places was filled with tumult and hurly burly , euerie man measured the greatnesse of the danger by the measure of his owne feare , and such a pitifull crie was in euerie place as is vsually in cities presently to be besieged . Hereupon publike praiers were made through all the citie , and euerie man with great deuotion besought the God of heauen , That as it was his pleasure that the Rhodians should at that time be the champions of the Christian religion ; so he would giue them strength and victorie against their enemies , and to turne the calamities of warre vpon the enemies of his name . Their deuotion ended , the gates of the citie were shut vp , and people from all places ran vnto the wals , great flocks of women , children , and aged men not able to stand without a staffe , going forth of their houses to gaze vpon that dreadfull fleet ( wherein was aboue 200 sailes as is reported ) filled the streets , the tops of the high towers and houses . The formost of the fleet was the Admirall of CALIPOLIS , to whom Solyman had committed the charge of all his name , and to assaile the citie by sea : The rear admirall was Cara Mahometes an arch pirat , who was afterwards slaine with a great shot out of the citie . The viceadmirall in the middle of the fleet with a great squadron of gallies , hauing a faire Westernly wind , strucke saile directly before the mouth of the hauen ( which was on both sides defended with two strong towers well furnished with great artillerie ) and began to row towards the citie : whereupon an alarum was raised , the trumpets sounded , and many hasted vnto the bulwarke which defended the left side of the hauen , which the enemie seemed to direct his course vnto ; and was indeed more subject to danger than the other . But the Turke seeing himselfe in danger to be sunke with shot from the bulwark , was glad to get himselfe farther off vnto the rest of the fleet : the Rhodians from the wals with lowd outcries scornfully deriding him for his foolish attempt . This great fleet in exceeding brauerie and triumph passing by the citie in sight of the Rhodians ( standing vpon their wals with ensignes displaied ) did not more terrifie them , than they were themselues terrified to behold the strength of the citie and cheerfulnesse of the defendants . But passing on , they came to the promontorie which the inhabitants call Bo , about three miles distant from the citie , Eastward : which small harbour being not able to receiue so great a fleet , many of the gallies were enforced to ride it out at sea , where they were by shot out of the citie oftentimes endangered and enforced to get them farther off . Whilest the enemie was there landing his great ordinance and other instruments of warre prepared for the siege , chusing a place for his campe , transporting his land souldiours from the maine into the island , viewing the strength and situation of the citie , and in what place he might with most ease assault the same : the Rhodians in the meane time were not idle , but sunke diuers deepe sounds in many places of the citie neere vnto the wals , to discouer the enemies mines ; and fortified their bulwarks with greater rampiers ▪ in which worke euerie man put to his helping hand without respect of age or calling . The Graund master about that time sent Lodouicus Andugus one of the knights of the Order , into SPAINE to Charles the emperour ; and Claudius Ducenuillus another of the Order also , to ROME to the Cardinals , and Italian knights of the Order ; and from thence into FRANCE vnto the French king with letters : crauing the aid of these Christian princes , for reliefe of the citie by sea and land besieged . But all in vaine , for they carried away with the endlesse grudge of one against another , or respecting only their owne estates , returned the embassadors with good words , without reliefe . At this time Preianes Gouernour of CHIOS ( of whom we haue before spoken ) a man comparable with any of the captaines of that age , an excellent souldiour both by sea and land , valiant and thereto fortunat , of an inuincible courage , brought vp in the wars from his childhood ; when he had by the space of two or three daies hid himselfe in the rocks at sea , for feare of the Turkes great fleet , came by night in a small pinnesse to the RHODES , hauing deceiued the Turks watch : at whose comming the Rhodians wonderfully rejoyced , for the souldiours reposed greater confidence in no man than in him : And if any great exploit were to be done , him the Master trusted aboue any other : he alwaies in armes during the siege , encouraged the souldiours , searched the watch , suruaied the bulwarks , repaired the breaches ; and such labours as others accounted extreame miseries , he cheerfully endured , as if they had been but his pleasures and recreation . At the same time also Gabriell Martiningus of BRIXIA , a most skilful enginer , came to the Rhodes out of CRETA ; by whose industrie and cunning , 55 mines which the Turks did with infinit labor and charge make ( by reason of the springing of the water , and hardnesse of the rockes ( during the siege , were all by countermines disappointed and defeated . The citie of the RHODES is scituat●on a plaine ground , on euerie side to be besieged , onely Northward it is defended with a goodly hauen , from whence it lieth all Westward : betwixt it and the hils round about it , lieth a stonie plaine ground , not verie broad but of greater length ; these hils are full of springs , and orchards planted with Oliues , Figtrees , Vines , and such other fruits as such drie and sandie ground will beare . But what by nature wanted , was by the hand and industrie of man supplied ; for it was compassed about with a most strong double wall and deepe trenches , threatning the enemie with thirteene stately towers : and sure against all assaults , with fiue mightie bulwarks : with diuers goodly faire gates : and that which was the greatest defence of all , within the citie was alwaies kept a most exact and straight forme of warlike discipline . The defence of the whole citie was thus proportioned : From the French tower ( which with the greatnesse and height thereof seemed to mate the skie ) stood the Frenchmen with the French Lillies in their ensignes , vnder their Commander Ioannes Abbinus a noble knight of the Order : from thence to S. Georges gate lay the stout Germains , with the Eagle in their ensignes : in the third station were placed the French Auergnois , with the Spaniards , for that the ditches in that place were neither so deepe nor broad as elsewhere in the fift place lay the English garrison , ouer whom the Graund master himselfe commaunded ▪ after them succeeded they of NAR●ONA : and last of all the Italians , in valour no● inferiour to any of the rest , vnder the leading of Petrus Ballnus and Gregorius Morgutas . In euerie one of these stations were diuers valiant knights of the Order , whose names ( worthie of eternall memorie ) for breuitie we passe ouer , all men of themselues sufficient to haue taken vpon them the whole charge . The enemie was not busier without the citie in placing his batterie , but traiterous minds were as busie within to haue betrayed the same . A Turkish woman , slaue to one of the rich citisens , had conspired with certaine other her complices , at such time as the Turkes should giue assault vnto the towne , at one instant to set on fire the houses wherein they dwelt in diuers places of the citie , that the defendants drawne from the wals to quench the fire , the Turks in the meane time might the more easily enter . But this treason was in good time reuealed , and the offenders worthily executed . The Turkes had not as yet placed their batterie , when as they tooke a certaine hill , whereon stood the church dedicated to Cosmus and Damianus , directly ouer against the English station : from thence ( as it seemed , rather for exercising of their souldiors than for any great harme they could doe so farre off ) they began with small battering peeces to shoot into the citie : and afterwards they began to dig mines , and to cast vp trenches : for the performance of which kind of worke , and for the filling vp of the towne ditches , they had brought with them fiftie thousand pioners , men better acquainted with countrey labour and keeping of cattell , than with warres ; which being enforced vnto their labour day and night , sometime with stripes , and somtime with death , did with incredible celeritie bring that to passe , which was before thought impossible . They cut wayes through the most hard stonie rockes , raising the plaines as high as mountaines , with earth brought two miles off , and laying the mountaines euen with the plaines , and yet they neuer wrought in safetie , but were miserably rent in sunder with the great ordinance out of the towne : and that which most of all troubled them , the Rhodians sallying out vpon these ouer-laboured people , hauing neither courage nor skill to defend themselues , but trusting onely to their heeles , slew great numbers of them , and not of them only , but of others also appointed for their defence , whom the Rhodians ( taking courage of their feare ) fiercely pursued & slew downright . And when many others issuing out of the campe in great companies , thought to haue releeued their fellowes , the great ordinance before of purpose placed to most aduantage ▪ so thundered from the wals amongst the thickest of them , that the ground lay couered with the bodies and weapons of the dead Turks . With which manner of fight , after the Rhodians had twice or thrice troubled the enemie , the Turkes for their more safetie wrought most vpon their mou●●s by night , keeping most strong watch for defence of their pioners , which for more assurance they doubled in the day time , and bent their artillerie against the places which the Rhodians vsed to sallie out at : which did not so much keepe them in , as the feare of weakening themselues by often sallies , knowing that one man was vnto them a greater losse , than vnto the enemie an hundred . Amongst others which in the beginning of this great siege forced the vttermost of their deuices to the destruction of the Turkes , were certaine marriners , who hauing the Turkish language perfectly , by leaue of the Grand Master ( disguising themselues in the habit of Turks ) departed by night out of the hauen in a small boat , loaded with apples , plums , peares , mellons , grapes , and such other fruits as the time of the yeare affoorded ; and in the darknesse came alongst the coast , vnto that part of the Island whereunto the passage was out of the maine . There as if they had been Turkes come from the maine , they landed their commodities , which the Turkish souldiors bought greedily . When they had thus sold their fruits , and in selling thereof diligently noted the speech and talke of the souldiors concerning the siege , and were now ready to depart ; certaine Turks which greatly disliked the hard beginning of this siege , seeing themselues if they did but stir , in danger to be fet off with shot out of the towne , earnestly requested the marriners to take them with them into the maine : which to doe , at the first the marriners dissembling , refused , as a thing dangerous : & besides that , their boat was too little to receiue so many as would willingly haue gone with them . Yet with much adoe they suffered themselues to be intreated to take in seuen or eight , such a number as they knew they could well master : who in hope of passing ouer into the maine , were ( contrarie to their expectation ) brought prisoners to the RHODES , where they were by Preianes brought vp to the top of the highest tower of S. Iohns church , from whence they might see all about the countrey , and well descrie all the manner of the Turks campe , which they simply discouered vnto the captaine , and whatsoeuer els they were demaunded : and amongst other things confessed , that the souldiours were greatly disconte●ted with the siege , hauing in the beginning thereof lost so many men , and that they were readie to rise in mutinie against their captaines , and would hardly by them be commaunded out of their trenches and cabbins , saying , that all they did was but lost labour : and that they should find it another peoce of worke to win the RHODES , than they had at BELGRADE : wherefore if they were wise , they should in time depart before they had receiued further harme both from the enemie , and for want of necessaries , wherewith the souldiors began alreadie to be pinched . All which was then supposed to haue been spoken by the captiues to please them in whose power they now were : yet it appeared afterwards to bee all true . For Pyrrhus Bassa considering the troubled state of the campe , and the generall discontentment of the souldiors , whom he was at that time gladder to please than to punish , writ vnto Solyman at CONSTANTINOPLE , That if he would the siege should goe forward , he should without delay come in person himselfe to the campe , for that the souldiors without regard of shame were readie to rise in mutinie and to abandon the siege , refusing to be commaunded by their captaines . In the meane time whilest Solyman prepareth himselfe to set forward , the Turkish captaines vnderstood by certaine fugitiues ( whereof in all warres some are to be found ) that the high steeple of S. Iohns church serued them of the towne for a watch tower : for which cause , and for despight of the Crosse standing vpon the top thereof , they laboured nothing more , than with continuall shot to beat downe that tower ; which whilest they were doing with great diligence , Solyman himselfe came into the campe the 28 day of August in the afternoone : where finding in his armie all the signes of cowardise and feare that could be spoken of or deuised , and nothing done according to the commaund of such as he had appointed for that charge , but all things out of order ; he tooke more greefe to see that great disorder , than he did pleasure and good hope of two hundred thousand souldiors ▪ which were in his armie . Yet for all that hee was inwardly chafed with the heat of youth and indignation , against his own people as well as the Rhodians , he moderated himselfe betwixt his owne rage and the offence of his souldiors , and calling them together , caused them to be disarmed , not leauing among them so much as a sword : and compassing them in with fifteene thousand harquebusiers whom he had brought with him well appointed , he stept vp into his royall seat , there set on high for the purpose ; where sitting downe , he paused a good while without any word speaking , as if hee had considered with himselfe , whether he should onely punish the authors of the mutinie , or els with the punishment of many to reuenge so foule a sedition , little differing from open rebellion . But following in himselfe , the milder resolution , he thought it sufficient to correct the multitude and common sort of souldiours with sharpe and bitter words : and after generall silence made , brake out into this chollericke speech . Slaues ( quoth he ) for I cannot find in my heart to call you souldiors , What kind of men are you now become ? are you Turkes ? men wont both to fight and ouercome ? verely I see the bodies , countenances , attire , and habit of my souldiors ; but the deeds , speeches , counsels and deuises of cowardly and vile traitors . Alas how hath my opinion deceiued me ? that Turkish force and courage is gone , the valour and strength both of bodies and minds , wherewith the Arabians , Persians , Sirians , Aegyptians , Serutans , Hungarians , Bulgarians , Epirotes , Macedonians and Thracians were subdued , is lost : forgetting your countrey , your oath , the commaund of your captaines , your obedience , and all other warlike discipline , you haue against the maiestie of my empire refused to fight , like cowards betaken your selues to flight , for vaine feare of death and danger , not beseeming men of warre . If any man should at home but haue named the RHODES in your feasts , amongst your pots , in your assemblies or great meetings , you could then with your tongues brag to pull it downe , you had much adoe to hold your hands : here when I would make proofe of your force and courage , it is nothing . But you thought perhaps , that the Rhodians so soone as they saw your ensignes before their gates , would straightway yeeld themselues and their citie into your power : Let all men cease so to say or thinke , and beleeue me that know the truth , This base and infamous denne ( which you see ) is full of most cruell beasts , whose madnesse you shall neuer tame without much labour and bloudshed . Yet shall we tame them ; for why nothing is so wild but it may at length be tamed : which except I bring to passe , I am fully resolued and haue vowed vnto my selfe , Either here to die or spend my daies : and if euer I doe or say otherwise , let this my head , my fleet , mine armie , and empire , be for euer accursed and vnfortunate . And so without further speech , desiring rather to be accounted of his souldiours gentle than seuere , he pardoned them all their former offences , and swore them all againe to his obed●ence . This mutinie so appeased , all things were afterwards done with better successe and greater care both of the souldious and commaunders . First they planted in diuers places twelue great bombards , wherewith they threw vp stones of hugie waight into the ayre , which falling downe into the citie , might breake downe the houses and whatsoeuer else they lighted vpon : with the fall of one of these , the Great master was like to haue been slaine . Howbeit this proued a deuise of more terror than danger , for with 200 such shot were but ten men slaine ; which thing amongst others , Apella a traiterous fugitiue declared vnto the enemie , with whom he had intelligence , as he himselfe confessed being taken vpon suspition and examined : for which his treason he was justly executed . The force of the batterie was more feared , wherein the Turkes had planted fortie great pieces of batterie , and amongst them twelue Basilisks ( so aptly named of the serpent Basilis●●● , who as Plinie writeth , killeth man or beast with his sight ) with these pieces the Turkes battered the wals continually ; but lying somewhat farre off , did no great harme . At the same time also Solyman caused batterie to be laid against the tower of Saint Nicholas , standing vpon a narrow piece of ground pointing farre into the sea , defending the hauen vpon the right hand , where sometime stood the great Colossus of the Sunne , accounted the greatest amongst the seauen wonders of the world . Which castle was both strongly and sumptuously built at the charges of the Dukes of BVRGVNDIE , as appeared by their armes there engrauen in many places in marble . This tower was valiantly defended by Guido a French man , who had the charge thereof , with 300 souldiours , amongst whom were 30 knights of the Order . The Turks artillerie planted against that tower , was by the skilfulnesse of the Christian canoniers in short time dismounted with shot from the tower , and many of the gunners slaine : so that they were glad to surcease any more to batter the tower by day , but lying still all the day they began to batter the same by night , wherein they preuailed no more than they had before done in the day time ; for the defendants warily obseruing such places as were likest for the enemie to place his batterie in , did so aptly place their ordinance against the same , and to so good purpose , that the Turkes swore , heir doings were by some meanes discouered vnto the enemies . So when they had in vaine bestowed 500 great shot , and made a small breach which they durst not once attempt to enter , they shamefully abandoned that place also . All this while Pyrrhus was busie in working of mines to vndermine the citie , two and thi●●ie of which mines the defendants frustrated with countermines ; in which kind of worke many were lost on both sides : yet for all the carefulnesse of the Christians , the English bulwarke was vnderminded by the enemie , and vpon the fourth day of September part therof blowne vp , with such violence , that vnto them in the citie it seemed at the first to be a generall earthquake ; and therewith diuers English men were there ouerwhelmed . The Turks attempting presently to enter , were by the Graund master and his followers with great slaughter repulsed . But Mustapha the Bassa comming on with fresh supplies , and crying out of the cowardise of them which retired , renewed the assault : where for a while was fought a most sharpe and cruell fight , the leaders cheerfully encouraging their souldiours , and they likewise doing what was possible for men to doe . All mens eares were filled with the thundring of the shot , noise of trumpets and drums , and crying of men . And vnto the Turkes it seemed that ouer their heads it rained deadly shot , stones , and fire : for the townesmen and women mingled with the souldiours cast downe vpon the Turkes , fire , stones , timber , and whatsoeuer else came to hand : so that they vnable longer to endure the courage and force of the Christians , turned their backs and ran away by heapes , not expecting any signe of retrait , euerie man seeking to saue one : amongst whom as they fled , the great ordinance shot off from the wals made a wonderfull slaughter . At this assault of the Turkes were slaine ( as some write ) almost 2000 , and amongst them the master of the Turkes ordinance , a man whom Solyman greatly loued : which victorie the Christians gained not without some losse ; for besides some few others that were slaine , fiftie knights of the Order ( men worthie of eternall memorie ) there ended their daies also . The fift day after ( which was the ninth day of September ) Solyman by the persuasion of M●stapha the great Bassa , commaunded a fresh assault to be giuen to the English bulwarke , which was attempted by the Turks with greater resolution than the first . Seauen ensignes of the Turks were broken in by the ruines of the bulwarke , and had enforced the defendants , oppressed with number to giue ground , when the Graund master comming in with the ensigne of the Order , guarded with a companie of most valiant knights , draue them out againe by force , and made good the place . Mustapha seeing his men retire , couragiously restored the battell by bringing on of new supplie , and other captaines with threats , strokes , and terror of death , enforced the souldiours ( who had before turned their backs ) now againe to fight . So that there began a more cruell fight than had before beene from the beginning of the siege ; which was vnto the Christians more dangerous , for that they were ouerwhelmed with the multitude of the Turkish shot . But in that extremitie no man regarded either danger , or life , onely this they remembred , That those were their barbarous enemies , whom they must either victoriously ouercome or die therefore : with which furie the assault was continued by the space of three houres , vntill at length Mustapha with his Turks discouraged , with the losse of 2000 of their fellowes , and of three great noble men whom Solyman especially fauoured , and sore beaten by the Spaniards out of their flankers , were enforced to retire . Few of the Christians in respect of so many enemies were slaine : yet had the ensigne of the Order been then lost , Ioachimus Cluys the ensigne bearer hauing both his eies shot out , had not Emericus Ruiaulx an Auernois and one of the knights of the Order , with incredible courage rescued the same . After this second assault , falling out so vnluckily to the Turkes , Mustapha the great Bassa began to grow in contempt with Solyman : and Pyrrhus to keepe his credit by doing something , with continuall batterie of 17 great pieces did batter the mount neere vnto the Italian bulwarke . At which time also Cassius , Gouernour of BITHYNIA , another of the Turkes great commaunders , laboured by vndermining to haue ouerthrowne the French bulwarke : so glad they were to attempt any thing to content their imperious great lord and master . But the endeuours of Cassius was by countermines through the carefull diligence of Gabriell Chierus , hauing charge of those works , frustrated : and Pyrrhus in the other place after he had by hoat assault slaine them which were appointed for the defence thereof , and gained the mount , and brought a great feare vpon the citie , was againe with great losse shamefully repulsed , and by the commaundement of Solyman caused to retire . At this assault the Gouernour of EVBOEA , Solyman his lieutenant generall , a man of great honor ( if any of the Turks slaues are so to be accounted ) was slaine , for whose death Solyman was exceeding pensiue and heauie . Mustapha the Bassa finding himselfe in disgrace with Solyman for the two vnfortunat assaults by him giuen at the English station , determined if it were possible by a third to recouer his lost credit : and for his better successe therin , agreed with Achimetes another great Commander , at the same time to assault the Spanish bulwarke : according to this resolution Achimetes hauing with a mine suddenly blowne vp a great part of the wall of the Spanish station , in the thicke of the dust and smoke , presently entred his men , who by the ruines of the wall recouered the top of the rampiers . Mustapha also at the same instant hardly charged the English , so that in both places was made a hard and doubtfull fight . Mustapha desiring nothing more than with better successe now to redeeme his former dishonour , did what he might to encourage his souldiours , calling vpon them by name , and putting them in remembrance of their former victories . The Rhodians on the other side mindfull of their former honour , with the greatnesse of the present danger , valiantly repulsed the enemie , and forced him with shame to retire . In this assault many English men were slaine , and Preianes also sore hurt , hauing before slaine many of the Turks . Mustapha beside the losse of his men , had also two of his ensignes taken by Christophorus Vualderick Comendatour of the Germain knights . Achimetes hauing woon the top of the wals , had there set vp the Turkish ensignes ; but by the valiantnesse of the defendants , and by meanes of certaine smal pieces of ordināce , by Martiningus aptly placed in the houses before the new made breach , and by force of shot out of the flankers on both sides of the breach , whereof none fell in vaine , he was againe enforced to forsake the wals and to retire . The three and twentith day of September the Turkish captaines hoping by meanes of a mine which they had made against the Auergne bulwarke , to enter and win the cittie ; approaching the wals with great multitudes of souldiours , readie to haue entred vpon the blowing vp of the mine , which being met with a countermine out of the citie , wrought not such effect as was by them expected : so that hauing receiued some harme , standing in a place of great disaduantage , and done nothing , they returned againe into the campe . Yet the expert captaines probably conjecturing that the wall might be inwardly shaken by the mine , although it were not by them outwardly perceiued , caused that part of the wall to be most violently battered all the rest of that day and night following : and by the furie of their artillerie , made a faire and large breach . All that night was heard in the Turkes campe an vnwonted clattering of weapons , and of men running too and fro , as if there had been some great matter a doing ; which the Rhodians conjectured ( as the truth was ) to be a signe of some great assault to be shortly giuen . Solyman resolued the next day with all his force to assault the new made breach , after he had by himselfe in a melancholy mood walked vp and downe in his tent a great part of the night , sent for the chiefe commanders of his armie , to whom he declared his mind as followeth : Your valour and wisedome ( worthie captaines ) needeth not any exhortation , yet the desperat madnesse of our enemies maketh me to speake vnto you these few words . Who whilest they yet doe , as from the beginning , as men without reason desperatly defend their citie rent with our artillerie , shake● with our mines , their churches and houses beaten downe about their eares , wearied and worne out with slaughter , labour , and wounds , which must needs befall men so often times assaulted : they w●rthely seeme vnto our souldiours men of inuincible force and courage ; which opinion to haue remoued , much concerneth the happie and wished successe of our assault . Wherefore I would haue you with effectuall persuasion & bountifull promises to harten on our men to the winning of this citie . Besides this , you shall open vnto them my purpose and intent , and that they should not thinke that they are brought hither to besiege one citie : but that in taking this one , they shall vpon the matter make a way into all the dominions of the Christians . Here be the kinsmen , aliance , and friends of all the kings , princes and potentats of Christendome : here is all our enemies treasure , the spoile whereof promised vnto our souldiors may serue to great purpose to encourage them forward : here is store of ordinance , armour , and other warlike prouision , which shall both furnish vs , and in time to come miserably confound the rest of the Christians . We shall beside this , enioy a most goodly and rich citie , with a hau●● of all other most commodious , from whence all things necessarie for warre may at all times as occasion shall require ▪ by land and sea be supplied : which as they shall be to vs things of great importance , so shall we despoile our enemies of farre greater . This is their castle , storehouse , treasurie and armorie : this is the verie receptacle & place of refuge for all such as trouble the Turkes by sea : from hence shal we haue free scope and passage into APVLIA , CALA●RIA , SICILIA , and many other Christian countries . But as for your selues valiant captaines , when as I consider how that you haue within these few moneths by your valour and wisedome subdued vnto my empire the strong citie of BELGRADE , which my great grandfather Mahomet that mightie emperour could not with all his power get ▪ I rest in great hope that these fierce and obstinat Christians shall not long be able to defend themselues in these their dens and lurking places . Hauing ended this speech , the captaines euerie one vnto his companie , made knowne what the great emperours will and pleasure was ; and open proclamation made thorow all the campe , wherein the spoile of that rich citie was all granted vnto the souldiours as a prey and reward for the paines they were to take . Solyman heauie with sleepe and care , laid himselfe downe vpon his pallet to take his rest . But the Great master ( to whom the vnaccustomed stirre of the enemie portended some great matter ) all that night in armes painfully viewed euerie part of the citie , cheerefully encouraging his souldiours to remember , That they did watch for the safetie of their countrey , their liues and libertie . It fortuned the same night , that a poore Christian seruing a Turke in the campe , calling secretly vnto the watchmen vpon the wals , gaue them warning that the Turkes ▪ prepared the next day to giue a generall assault vnto the citie . Which thing when the Great master vnderstood , because he would haue nothing done rashly or fearfully ( as it commonly happeneth in things done vpon the sudden ) called togither his knights , and spake vnto them as followeth . I am glad sacred companions and fellowes in armes , that the time is come when in one battell gr●ting vnto your selues great honour , and defending your countrey , you may be iustly acco●●●ed the worthie defenders and reuengers of the Christian commonweale and name . The people against whom we are to fight to morrow , assaileth vs onely presuming vpon their multitude : But if wee measure valour , not by number , but by courage and prowesse , vndoubtedly a few resolute men will easily ouercome a multitude of cowards . You know your enemie , and the manner of his fight ▪ you are to fight ( most worthie knights ) with them whom you haue alwaies vanquished at sea , and in iust battell sometimes ouercome by land , at such time as with their whole power they assaulted your wals : omitting in the meane time manie hot skirmishes , wherein you euer put them to the worst : Wherefore you and they in the assault to morrow shall haue such courage , as conquerours and men conquered vse to haue . Neither will they fight because they dare fight , but because the great tirant and violent commaund of their captaines enforceth them thereunto . Wherefore remembring what you are by birth , what opinion the Christian commonwealth hath conceiued of you , where you are , and what you haue taken vpon you ; take vp your armes with iust furie and indignation , and fight against them , following one franticke youth , as if you saw your slaues bearing armes against you : whereunto you are enforced , not onely by the indignitie of the wrong by them offered , but also by necessitie , which of it selfe is of power to make cowards valiant and hardie . For here we are in an Island from whence we cannot escape , and in a citie , whose rent and battered wals doe not so much protect and defend vs , as our weapons : wherfore to morrow we must here either vanquish them , or die therefore : to morrow shall giue vnto vs either ioyfull victorie , or a most honourable death . As he was yet thus speaking , news of the approch of the enemie caused him to make an end : and euery man hasted with speed vnto the place of his charge . The enemie comming fast on ▪ with a most horrible crie ( as their manner is ) fiercely assailed the citie in fiue places , where the English , Spanish , Italians , Narbonenses , and Auergnoys had their stations . To the assault of euery of which places , Solyman had appointed ten thousand Turkes . Mustapha the Bassa calling vpon the name of his great prophet Mahomet , and promising vnto the souldiours the rich spoile of the citie , fiercely assailed the English station , from whence he had been three times before shamefully repulsed . Pirrhus the other great Bassa with like furie assaulted the Italian station . In both places was maintained a cruell and deadly fight ; the Turkes fighting for the prey , and the Rhodians for their liues and libertie . Neither was there any , of what degree or order soeuer , which did not that day fight for defence of the citie . The priests and religious were not then exempted , but fought among the other souldiours ; women , children , and with them the aged fathers , beyond the strength of their bodies and courage of their minds , brought weapons vnto the defendants , some stones , which they had digged out of the streets , some burning pitch-barrels , some hoopes with wild fire , some scalding oyle , some boyling pitch : which being cast downe vpon the enemies , troubled them so , as nothing was more feared ; for vpon whomsoeuer it fell , it stucke fast , and so scalded their bodies , that they were glad to cast downe their weapons to teare off their clothes , wherewith many of them rent off the skin and flesh also . All which things fell so thicke vpon the Turkes , as if it had rained fire and stones : besides the deadly shot , which amongst such a multitude of enemies neuer fell in vaine . The Great Master hauing a carefull e●e ouer euery part of the citie , after he had well relieued the Italian station , which was at the first hardly distressed by Pyrrhus , left there Antonius Monterollus , one of the knights of the Order , with such companie as he thought conuenient for the safetie of that place , and went himselfe with the rest vnto the English station , which was then hardly laied to by the Bassa Mustapha . But whilest hee was there busied in repulsing the enemie , and had now well relieued the place , a suddaine crie ran alongst the wals , That the Spanish bulwarke was alreadie possessed by the enemie . With which heauie newes he was not a little troubled , but leauing there Emericus Gombaulus , one of the knights of the Order , with a chosen companie of souldiors for defence of that place ; he with his guard hasted vnto the Spanish station , which hee found by a wonderfull chance alreadie taken by the enemie . In the beginning of the assault , certaine Turkes to shun the danger of the shot , had for feare hidden themselues at the foot of this bulwarke amongst the stones , which had before been beaten downe with the batterie : in the meane time , other Turks of the same regiment , vnder the leading of the valiant captaine Achimetes , hotly charged the Spaniards on the right hand of the bulwarke , not medling with the bulwarke it selfe , as a thing of greatest strength : the valiant soldiors appointed for the defence of the bulwarke , seeing their fellowes and countreymen distressed fast by them on the right hand , could not endure to stand still as lookers on , but left the bulwarke , and went to the place so hardly assaulted . Where whilst they were valiantly encountering the enemie , the cowardly Turkes who had before hid themselues for feare , hearing all silent ouer their heads , and thereby guessing ( as the truth was ) that the defendants were drawne thence vnto some other place more distressed ; to colour their feare , and proue their good fortune , like tall fellowes , crept out of the holes wherein they had before for feare hidden themselues , and secretly crawling vp the battered wals of the bulwarke , got into it before they were discouered : where finding none but a few souldiors ( who busied in remoouing of a great piece vnto a place more conuenient for the annoying of the enemie , had laied downe their weapons ) they suddainely set vpon them , slew them , ouerthrew the Christian ensignes , and so became masters of that strong fort . The Turks without seeing that , wonderfully commended the valour of those men , and blaming themselues of cowardise , made great halt through the middest of the towne ditch to get vp into the bulwarke to helpe their fellowes . But in going through the ditch , they were so cut off with shot on both sides out of the flankiers , that few of them could get vp into the desired bulwarke . And the Great Master with a crew of valiant souldiors , nothing fearing the armed enemie , now in possession of the bulwarke ouer their heads , with great resolution scaled the same . In the meane time Hugo Caponus , a Spaniard , and Me●●tius a Frenchman , both knights of the Order , with a companie of Cretensian souldiours brake into the bulwarke by a gate which the Turks had not as yet boulted , and being once got in , they made of the Turkes a quicke dispatch ; for whom they slew not with the sword , they enforced to mischeefe themselues for hast backe againe ouer the wals . The bulwarke thus againe recouered , which had been two houres in possession of the enemie , and the citie deliuered of a wonderfull feare , the Great Master ( well worthie of that name ) leauing a sufficient number of souldiors fo● the keeping of that fort , went with the rest of his companie vnto the place where the Spaniards with the rest of the defendants sore charged by Achimetes , and now wearied and almost spent , had much adoe to hold out : who encouraged with the sight of the Great Master , as if victorie had attended vpon him , with great cries and signes of joy valiantly and with great slaughter repulsed their enemies , as if they had been fresh men . Long it were to recount the deadly fight and hard aduentures which befell at the assault of the other two stations of the Auergnoys and N●bornenses : but the Turkes were in euery place put to the worst , and lay by heapes slaine in the ditches and breaches of the towne . Solyman from his standing ( for that purpose made of high masts ) beholding the miserable slaughter of his men , and no hope of gaining the citie , caused a retreat to be sounded , a thing welcome both to the Rhodians and the Turkes . In this terrible assault , which endured by the space of six houres , diuers of the knights of the Order were slaine , especially of the French and Spanish nation , with a hundred and fiftie common souldiours , all worthie of eternall fame : and of the Turks ( as they which write most modestly report ) twentie thousand . The yong tyrant was so much offended with the shamefull repulse he had receiued at this last assault , that he fell into a rage against all them who had persuaded him to enter into that action , but especially against the great Bassa Mustapha , whom he accused as an vnfaithfull counsellour , and cheefe persuader of that vnluckie warre ; who flattering him in his vaine humour , by extolling his forces aboue measure , & falsely extenuating the power of the enemie , assuring him that vpon the first approch of his armie they would yeeld themselues without resistance , had drawne him into that dangerous expedition , like to sort to the great dishonour of himselfe and all the Othoman familie : for which doing he adjudged him worthie of death , and in a great furie commanded the executioner without further delay to put him to death in his presence . Which dreadfull doome so suddenly and vpon so light an occasion giuen vpon a man of so great marke and qualitie , strucke such a terrour into the minds of all there present , that none of them durst speake one word against the rigour of that sentence , or so much as fet a sigh in pitying of his case . The executioner now readie to giue the fatall stroke , Pirrhus the most antient of all the Bassaes , moued with compassion , and presuming of his great fauour with the tyrant , whom he had from his childhood had the charge and gouernment of , stept foorth , and appealing vnto his mercie , earnestly requested him to spare his life . Wherewith Solyman was so filled with wrath and indignation , that for his presumption , and for sending for him to CONSTANTINOPLE , to come to that dangerous siege , he commaunded him to be executed also . All the rest of the counsellors seeing the danger of these two great men , fell downe at the feet of the fuming tyrant , crauing pardon , saying , That the enemies ground had alreadie drunke too much of the Turkish bloud , and was not to be further moistened with the bloud of such two noble personages and worthie counsellors . Solyman moued with this generall intercession of his great men , pausing a little vpon the matter , the heat of his furie being something ouer , suffered himselfe to bee intreated , and graunted them their liues : vnto Pyrrhus for his great age and wisdome , and to Mustapha for his wiues sake , who was the tyrants naturall sister , sometime the wife of Bostanges . All the time of this siege , the Turkes great fleet , furnished with men and all manner of warlike prouision , lay before the entrance of the hauen without doing any thing at all : for the Admirall being no man of warre , seeing the mouth of the hauen chained , and the castles vpon the entrance full of ordinance , and strongly manned , durst not attempt either to enter the hauen , or besiege the castles : for which his cowardise , and for that he had negligently suffered prouision both of victuall and munition to be conueyed into the citie during the time of the siege , to the great releefe of the besieged , he was by Solyman adjudged to die a most cruell death : but by the mediation of Achimetes , one of his best men of warre , the seueritie of that sentence was changed into a punishment , vnto any noble mind more grieuous than death it selfe : For he was by Solymans commaundement openly set vpon the poupe of the admirall gallie , and there as a slaue receiued at the hands of the executioner a hundred stripes with a cudgell , and so with shame was thrust out of his office . After that Solyman had in so many places with all his power so long time in vaine besieged the RHODES , his haughtie courage began to quaile ; so that he was vpon point to haue raised his siege , and left the Island , yea the greefe he had conceiued , went so neere him , that he many times fainted and lay speechlesse , as if he had been a dead man. The remembrance of so many vnfortunat assaults , the death of so many worthie captaines , the losse of so many valiant souldiors ( sufficient to haue subdued a great kingdome ) so much grieued him , that a great while after he shunned the companie of men , and would not suffer himselfe to be spoken withall : vntill at length he was againe by Abraham his minion , a man in whom he tooke singular pleasure , recomforted , and persuaded to continue the siege ; for that Time ( as he said ) which worketh all things , would at length tame the fiercenesse of his enemies , whom the sword could not vpon the suddaine subdue . In the meane time Solyman for his pleasure , and to shew vnto the Rhodians , that he purposed not to depart , began to build a sumptuous castle vpon the top of the mount PHILERMVS in the eye of the citie . During which time diuers letters were shot into the citie with Turkish arrowes out of the campe , wherein many of Solymans most secret counsels were reuealed , and the reuolt of a great man promised , which the Rhodians by many circumstances gathered to haue been Mustapha , who could not easily forget the injurie so lately offered vnto him by Solyman : needs it must be some one of Solymans secret counsell , otherwise he could not haue reuealed so great secrets as it were out of the bosome of Solyman . But see the chance , at the very same time tidings came vnto Solyman , That Cayerbeius the gouernour of AEGIPT was dead : in whose place Solyman sent Mustapha to CAIRE , as gouernour of AEGIPT , by that honourable preferment again to please his discontented mind : after which time no more letters came into the citie . Now the Turkes began to make faire warres , their terrible batteries began to grow calme , and for certaine daies it seemed by the manner of their proceeding , that they purposed rather by long siege than by assault to take the towne . Neuerthelesse the enemies watching day and night in their trenches , vsed all the policie they could , sometimes offering vnto the souldiors vpon the wals great rewards , if they would yeeld vp the citie , and sometimes threatening them as fast : and to breed a dislike amongst the defendants , they would oftentimes say , that Solyman desired only to be reuenged vpon the Latines , without meaning any harme vnto the Greekes . It was now the beginning of October , and Winter began to grow fast on , great raine , with terrible thunder and lightening , and mightie tempests , heauens threats , then fell so abundantly , that the Turks before wearied in bodie with labour and wounds , were now also in mind discouraged . And that more encreased their feare , the sea was growne so rough , that the admirall was not able in that open and dangerous sea longer to ride it out with his gallies : but was enforced to slip his ankers , and as he might to run his gallies on ground . In these troubles wherewith both Solyman himselfe and all his armie were at furthest of their wits , and almost quite discouraged , Achimetes one of his most valiant and expert captaines came to comfort him , and promised if he would continue the siege , in short time to make him an open way into the citie : Vpon confidence whereof , Solyman to encourage his fainting souldiours , now scarce able for cold and lacke of courage to hold their weapons in their hands , caused them to be assembled before his pauillion , where from a high place he comforted them in this ●ort : I am not ignorant ( most valiant souldiours ) what great things you endure for mine honour , and the glorie of mine empire . This continuall threatnings of the heauens , this immoderat raine , this terrible thunder and lightning , the coldnesse of the weather , the want of necessaries , with the manifold miseries of this long siege , doe much persuade me , to giue you leaue to lay downe armes and to take your rest . But first let vs consider if vnto men of courage it be not a dishonour , for the tediousnesse of raine and tempest , to leaue vnto our enemies the victorie alreadie in our hands , and shamefully to forsake our trenches , forts , mounts , ouertopping not onely the wals of the citie but mating the heauens , with such other like worke made with my infinit charge and your great trauell , all for the taking of this citie . Truly this warre either should not haue beene taken in hand at all ; or being once begun , is to be ended for the honour of the Othoman empire . Which for so much as it could not be accomplished in Sommer ; the reputation of mine empire in common , and the regard of the commoditie of euerie one of you in priuat , enforceth me to performe it in Winter . For if we shall from hence depart with our armie , who doubts but the enemie , not onely for desire of reuenge , but also strained by necessitie , hauing lost all he had of his owne , will prey vpon your countries , houses , and goods , and will bring you , your wiues , and children , into a farre more miserable slauerie and bondage than that wherin he himselfe now is ? Wherefore I aduise you to continue the siege , and neuer to depart before you haue attained vnto the end of your desires . And admit there were no necessitie in the matter , yet the honour and fame of the action ought to impose vpon you a resolution both of bodie and mind to endure the siege : For the eies and countenances of all nations , especially the Christians , are fixed vpon you ; whom when they shall vnderstand not to be able to endure the field one Winter , they will of right call you Sommer birds , which so soone as any storme ariseth looke after your houses and places of repose . It is reported , that the Graecians for a strumpet besieged TROY ten yeares ; and shall not the Turkes , vexed and oppressed with slaughter , robberies , inuasions both by sea and land , and that more is with the seruitude of 214 yeares , endure one Winters siege ? They will say , that the terror of your name is but vaine , and that fame hath encreased the same ( as many other things mo ) which not seene , are more feared in farre countries amongst men of small experience : And that now euerie man may safely enough abide your force , which make your inuasions rather vpon a furie and brauerie than vpon any good resolution , which in all kind of warre ( but especially in besieging of cities ) is most necessarie : whereof many being by naturall situation and fortification impregnable , time hath with her handmaides , Famine and Thirst , ouercome and vanquished , as it shall doe this citie of the RHOD●S : against which beloued in armes there is a secret mischiefe prepared , which may not in this open audience be published ; for it is as necessarie that the vulgar sort should be ignorant of some things , as to know the same . Many thought , that this was spoken rather of pollicie than vpon any good ground : and although his hoat persuasion had little moued the cold courage of his despairing souldiours , yet the regard of duetie in that most loyall nation , with the greedie expectation of so great a secret , ouercame all other difficulties ; so that they departed ( at leastwise in shew ) contented to endure whatsoeuer should befall . Achimetes author of this great expectation , and the onely hope of Solymans successe , came oftentimes and assailed the Vaumures of the Auergne station , which although they were not verie high , yet were they alwaies valiantly defended by the Rhodians . It fortuned , that this warlike captaine daily attempting the Vaumures , in the end by force obtained the same : and so possessed of the place he so much desired , desperatly kept it vntill greater helpe came running in , who with wonderfull expedition ( with matter for that purpose before prepared ) clapt vp a strong and defensible couering in manner of a penthouse against the towne wall , betwixt the wall and the vaumure , vnder which they shrowded themselues from the defendants ; which was an easie matter for such a multitude to doe , the ditches of the towne in that place being now filled vp so high , that the defendants could not out of their flankers scoure the ditch , nor yet without manifest danger come to cast any thing downe vpon them from the top of the wals : for the Turkes harquebusiers which lying vpon their mounts , higher than the battered wals of the citie , suffered none to appeare vpon them without danger . So that the Rhodians who erst thought themselues at great quiet , were now ouertaken with a sudden and vnexpected mischiefe : which at the first filled the citie with feare and heauie silence , which straightwaies after brake out into pitifull outcries and lamentations . The Turkes lurking vnder their penthouse , laboured with mattocks and pickaxes to dig vp the foundation of the wall ; and Preianes forward and couragious to doe what might be done , threw downe vpon the Turkes , fire , scalding oyle , burning pitch , wilde-fire and such things . But when the miserable men which shruncke from the worke for feare of the fire , were againe beaten forward by their imperious commanders , and presently slaine if they made any delay , and fresh men still thrust on in steed of such as wete hurt or slaine : the fatall work begun the seuenth day of October , went apace forward , with the great & continuall labor of these wretched slaues . A great number of the common souldiors whom the Turks call Asapi was imployed in this worke : of whom Solyman in this siege of the RHODES , and other his expeditions , made not much more account but as of pioners to worke in mines and to cast vp trenches , and oftentimes with their bodies to fill towne ditches to make a way for the Ianizaries to passe ouer vpon : they by the constraint of Achimetes vndermined the wal , and as they wrought , shoared vp the same againe with timber , whereunto they afterwards set fire , hoping by that meanes to ouerthrow the wall : which falling not out according to their expectation , for that they had not farre enough vndermined it , they assaied with great hooks and strong ropes to haue pulled it downe . But the Rhodians with their great ordinance from the Auergne bulwarke ; quickly put them from that mad worke with great slaughter , and frustrated all their long labour . Achimetes thus disappointed of his purpose , stood in great doubt whether he should giue ouer the enterprise , for that he saw he laboured in vaine , or else in that dangerous place to expect some better hap , the onely meane to saue him from the tyrants heauie displeasure ; who as hee knew measured all things by the euent . Solyman vnderstanding by Achimetes that the wall ( although it was not ouerthrowne as was expected ) was yet sore shaken and weakned with vndermining , caused his batterie to be planted against that part of the wall so vndermined : which so many waies weakned , and now sore battered , fell downe daily more and more . For remedie whereof , the Rhodians laboured day and night to raise a new wall , in steed of that which was beaten downe . At the same time Solyman persuaded by the generall opinion of all his great captaines , that the citie was that day or neuer to be taken , determining to giue another generall assault , caused proclamation to be made thorow his campe : wherein he gaue the spoile of the citie vnto his soldiours , and the more to encourage them , spake vnto them in few words as followeth . Fortune at length valiant souldiours , hauing notably proued your courage and patience , now offereth vnto you the worthie rewards of your labour and paines . The victorie and wealth of your enemies which you haue so much desired , is now in your hands . Now is it the time to make an end of this mungrell people , of whom more are slaine than left aliue ; and they not men , but the shadowes and ghosts of men , feeble and spent with hunger , wounds , wants , and labour : who will I know resist you , not because they so dare , but because of necessitie they so must , enforced thereunto with all extremities . Wherfore now reuenge your selues of the falshood , crueltie , & villanies of these Christians , and make them a wofull example to all posteritie , that neuer man hereafter presume to offer iniurie to a Turke , in whatsoeuer state he be . The way is alreadie open into the citie , there is a faire breach made ▪ whereby thirtie horsemen may at once enter : nothing wanteth but courage in you to assaile the same . The souldiours encouraged with this speech of their emperour , made great shew of cheerfulnesse , and promised to doe their vttermost deuoire , threatning vnto the Christians most horrible death and miserable captiuitie . In the meane time the great shot flying continually thorow the breach , did beat downe many houses in the citie ; but the countermure new built against the breach standing vpon a lower ground , it seldome toucht , to the great good of the Rhodians . The ratling of the falling houses , the horrible noise of the enemie , with the thundring of the great artillerie , wonderfully terrified the miserable citisens : in euerie place was heard the lamentation of women and children , euerie thing shewed the heauinesse of the time , and seemed as altogither lost and forlorne . The day thus troublesomely spent , the night followed much more troublesome ; and after the night , the day of the assault of all other most dreadfull : for with the dawning therof , the glistering ensignes of the enemie were seene flying in the wind , and the Turkes cheerfull with the hope of spoile and victorie , hasted towards the breach with great outcries and songs , after their countrey manner : and there before one of the gates of the citie called S. Ambrose gate , set downe a great number of their ensignes deckt with garlands , in token of victorie . The Turks great fleet also at the same time sayling too and fro before the hauen , made shew as if it would haue assailed the citie on that side : who had seene the citie so beset , would haue said that it would at one instant haue been besieged both by sea and land ; and to most mens judgements , it seemed that the Rhodian state should that day haue taken end and been destroied . Yet for all these extremities , the Rhodians were nothing discouraged , but looking vpon their weapons as the onely remainders of their hopes , not regarding any danger , vpon the alarum giuen came running out of their houses by heaps vnto the wals , like desperat men opposing their bodies in steed of the battered wals against their enemies in defence of their countrey . There needed neither exhortation nor commaund of captaine , euerie man was vnto himselfe a persuader to fight valiantly in defence of the citie ; and one of them propounded vnto another the cruell death , the miserable seruitude , the mocks and taunts they should endure , if they should chance to come into the proud enemies hand : all which was to be auoided either by honourable victorie or death . The Turkes conducted by Achimetes , fiercely assailed the breach , which was by the Rhodians ( standing vpon the ruines of their wals ) valiantly defended . In the meane time , the dismaied matrons and maidens , some in their houses with heauie hearts expected the woful destruction of the citie and themselues , other ▪ some in the churches with flouds of teares and lamentable cries , poured forth their prayers to the Almightie , crauing his helpe in that their hard distresse , and to protect them against their barbarous enemies . The deadly fight at the breach , was on both sides with great courage and force maintained . The Turks were in good hope forthwith to win the citie , if they did but a little more straine themselues : and therefore to terrifie the Rhodians the more , oftentimes in their fighting gaue out most terrible outcries : and the Rhodians accounted the Turkes as good as vanquished , for that they being so many in number , and in a place of such indifferencie , had not yet preuailed : beside that , they were greatly encouraged with the greatnesse of the common danger , and the sight one of anothers valour : so that by their inuincible courage the Turks were enforced shamefully to retire . The Rhodians seeing their enemies turne their backs , gaue a great shout in derision of them : the Turks disdaining that they in number many ( and now victors , if they should with a little resolution maintaine the assault they had begun ) should be so derided of a handfull of men as good as alreadie vanquished ; with great indignation returned againe to the breach , and more furiously assailed the Rhodians than at the first . At which time the citie had vndoubtedly been taken , had not they which defended the ends of the wall , yet standing on both sides of the breach , out of their baricadoes with their shot ouerwhelmed the Turks thronging in at the breach ; and others with murthering shot out of the flankiers of the new built wall so 〈◊〉 them in sunder , that a greater slaughter for the time was hardly in any place seene . Achimetes beholding the wonderfull slaughter of his souldiours , and that he fought with great disaduantage and losse , against desperat men , who resoluing to die feared no danger , gaue ouer the assault , and againe retired : leauing behind him in the breach and towne ditch the carkases of fiue thousand of his dead Turkes , besides many more which afterwards died vpon the hurts there receiued . This assault was giuen vnto the towne the last day of Nouember , a day dedicated to S. Andrew : after which time the captaines of the Turkish armie , although they dispaired not of the victorie , yet terrified with so great slaughter of their men , resolued with one accord no more to attempt the citie with any notable assault ; but by sundrie great trenches to be made thorow the middest of the ruines of the wals , to get into the citie ; and with mattocks and pickaxes to ouerthrow the new made wall and another baricadoe which the defendants had made within the same : and in the meane time whilest this was in doing , to keepe the Rhodians still busied with continuall skirmishes and alarums . This deuise put in execution by the wonderfull labour of such a multitude of people , serued the enemie to greater purpose than all that he had before done : who daily ouerthrowing or destroying the new fortificatiōs which the Rhodians made in steed of them which were before ouerthrowne , and by little and little creeping on further , draue the defendants to that extremitie , that they were glad to pull downe many of their houses , therwith to make new fortifications , and to make their citie lesse , by casting vp of new trenches : so that in short time they were brought to that point , that they could not well tell which place to fortifie first , the enemie was now so farre crept within them : for the ground which the enemie had thus gained within the citie , was almost 200 paces in breadth , and 150 paces in length . Solyman , although he did now assure himselfe of the victorie , and was by nature cruell and desirous of reuenge ; yet persuaded by Achimetes and Cassius ( two of his most valiant captaines ) that for the enlarging of his empire , nothing was better than the fame of clemencie : commaunded Pyrrhus the old Bassa to proue if the Rhodians might by parley be drawne to yeeld their citie vpon reasonable conditions . Whereupon the Bassa sent one Hieronimus Monilia a Genoway , vnto the wals , who crauing of the defendants safe conduct , said hee had something to say tending to the common good of the distressed citie . All mens minds were presently filled with expectation of some great matter , and he commaunded to speake . Who answered , That hee might not deliuer his message openly , but would either by speech in secret , or by letters deliuer the same vnto one Matthias de Via his countrieman , one of the citisens of the RHODES . When Fra. Fornouius one of the knights of the Order , a French man of a cholericke disposition , whose great courage was well seene in all that siege ( hauing as is reported , with shot out of S. Georges tower himselfe slaine 500 Turks during the time of that siege ) being now present , and mooued with indignation to heare a motion made of priuat conference with the enemie ; bent his piece vpon the messenger , and caused him forthwith to depart without doing his message . Many who in time of the assault feared not any danger , but were become altogither desperat and carelesse of themselues , after that they vnderstood that the enemie had offered parley , and that they began to conceiue some hope of life : resorted vnto the Great master , requesting him , that hee would prouide for the safetie of his louing people ; whose warlike forces was with many assaults sore weakened , the citie beaten downe about their eares , and most of them which were left , either wounded or sicke . They had ( as they said ) now sufficiently proued both their force and fortune : wherefore he should doe well , to beware least while he were too long in consulting , the enemie should conceiue a further indignation in seeing his offers refused . With these and such speeches they enforced the Great master to send embassadours to Solyman . The men that were sent , were Anthonius Groleus a French man , ensigne bearer for the Order , a man of great reputation for his wisedome and experience ; and with him Robertus Barusius , a man of great grauitie and skilfull in the Greeke tongue : for whom were receiued as pledges , a kinsman of the great captaine Achimetes , and a certaine Epyrot which fled out of the citie vnto the Turks , because one of the Graecian captains had struck him with his open hand ; a man of a sharpe wit , and one that could perfectly speake the Greek , Turkish , and Italian tongues , as appeared to his great credit amongst the enemies , being had of them in great regard , although he was not knowne whilest he dwelt in the citie , that he was any such man. After that came also Solymans interpreter , for he himselfe could speake no other language more than his owne , accounting it a great disgrace , and against the Othoman empire to vse any other language . The embassadours admitted vnto Solymans presence , told him , That they were sent to know , for what cause he had sent to require parley ? Who in a flaming heat , as if he had knowne nothing thereof , said there was no such matter : and commaunding them presently to void his campe , sent them away with letters to the Great master and the citisens to this effect . If I had not compassion of humane infirmitie , which oftentimes tumbleth headlong mens ambitious and hautie minds , into most dangerous and vnnecessarie mischiefes , truely I would not haue directed vnto you these letters at this time ; but as you haue well deserued , persecute you with death and most miserable seruitude : which how easie a thing it were for me to doe , you your selues know . But hauing now sufficiently tried my force , if you be wise make proofe of my clemencie . You haue alreadie satisfied your owne furie , your owne mad humor : and now aduise your selues , lay your hand vpon your heart , and without delay yeeld your selues as I command ; your liues I giue , I giue you your wealth ; and more than that , your choise to tarrie there still , or to depart : Refuse not the grace frankly offered , which was of you to haue beene most heartily desired . It shall not alwaies be lawfull for you ( as at this present ) to make choise of both . From our campe . Vpon the returne of the embassadors , the poore of all sorts flocke togither to the Great master his house not farre from the breach : where after the multitude of the common people was dismissed , and the chiefe of the Burgers sent for , the imperious letter of the Turkish tyrant was openly read before the knights of the Order , and the better sort of the citisens . Whereunto the Great master accounting it both honour enough , and sufficient tearme of life honourably to die , answered in this sort . You heard ( sacred fellowes in armes , and valiant citizens of the RHODES ) these imperious and sorrowfull letters : whereunto how we are to answere , requireth no great deliberation : we must as resolute men either yeeld or die ; all hope of victorie is gone , except forraine aid come . Wherefore if y●● will follow my counsell , let vs with weapons in our hands , vntill the last gaspe and the spending of the last drop of our bloud , like valiant men defend our faith and nobilitie receiued from our auncestours , and the honour which we haue so long time gotten both at home and abroad : and let it neuer be said , that our honour died but with our selues . This speech of the Great Master seemed vnto many , heauier than the imperious commaundement of the Turkish tyrant : and a great while men stood silent , heauily looking one vpon another , many with changing of their countenance and outward gesture , more than by words , expressing what they thought in heart . At length a certaine Greeke priest , with great compassion of mind ( as it seemed ) and teares trickling downe his cheekes , brake forth into these words : And I would also hold my peace , if I were a priuat man ; and not first of all in so great and troubled an assemblie , broach mine owne opinion . But for as much as the regard of our common preseruation , can wring a word out of no mans mouth ; and all men know , that now is the time to speake and say what euery man thinketh best , which shall neither alwaies nor long be graunted vnto vs ▪ I will not let it now ouerpasse and slip away : Wherefore let vs suppose , that no commaund of a most mightie prince besieging vs , were come vnto vs , but that I were reasoning as a priuat man with his neighbor , or one friend with another by the fire side , or in our cups without care , without any great affection to either partie , as men indifferent , not liking or hating ( as men oftentimes doe of princes affairs which cencerne them nothing ) and then ( as I hope ) my speech shall be vnto you neither vnpleasant nor vnprofitable . We Greekes and Latines , with ioined armes haue now this six moneths withstood our deadly enemies , not onely abroad before our wals , but also in the very bowels of our citie , without any forraine helpe : which as we haue of long time all vainely looked for , so are we now euery one of vs out of hope thereof . And yet our enemie either moued with the secret goodnesse of God , or els ignorant of our strength and forces , spent with wounds , slaughter , sicknesse , and perpetuall labour , doth voluntarily offer that vnto vs , which was of vs to be most of all desired and earnestly sued for . Your publicke and priuat treasures , the bodies of your selues , your wiues and children he keepeth vnuiolated ; he taketh from vs only the citie , which he hath for most part alreadie beaten downe and taken . Worthie Great Master , and you most valiant Knights , I haue knowne your prowesse and valour in many battailes at sea , but especially in this siege ; whereof seeing there is no more vse in this our desperat estate , I doe appeale vnto your wisdome and discretion . Sithence all is now the conquerors , in that he leaueth vnto vs our liues and goods , is to be accounted gaines , and the yeelding vp of the citie and Island no losse , which the victorious enemie alreadie commaundeth : which although it be a heauie matter and gre●uous vnto the nobilitie , yet your fortune persuadeth you thereunto . Wherefore if you be to be mo●●d with any compassion , I account it better to yeeld , than to be slaine your selues , or to see your wiues and children by law of armes to be led away before your faces into miserable captiuitie and seruitude . If any Christian compassion remaine in your warlike minds , I beseech you seeke not the vtter destruction of this innocent people , who ( I may with modestie say ) hath not euill deserued of you , whom Christ Iesus , whom the enemie himselfe would haue preserued . That I say this which I speak vnto you for Christian charitie , and for no other cause , let this be a sufficient testimonie , That so long as you were able to resist by your owne power , or hoped for aid from forraine princes , I neuer spake word , or once thought of yeelding : but now seeing the fatall ruine of all things about vs , our common estate brought vnto the vttermost extremitie , our deadly enemie in the heart of our citie , no hope , and that the warre cannot longer be protracted ; I wish you to yeeld , and for my part had rather make choise of peace th●● warre , and to proue the enemies fauour than his furie . Most of them there present , were of the same mind with the priest . But as nothing can be so reasonably spoken as to content all men , so this speech was not of them all liked : some there were ( though not many ) which considering the harmes they had done vnto the Turkes , and doubting with what safetie they might yeeld themselues into the power of that faithlesse people , had rather to haue fought it out to the last man , and so to haue left vnto them a bloudie victorie . Amongst these , one bold spoken fellow stept forth , and in presence of them all dissuaded the yeelding vp of the citie in this sort : I haue not been with any thing more vnacquainted , than to deliuer my opinion before princes , or in such great and publicke assemblies ; being alwaies more desirous modestly to heare other mens opinions , than impudently to thrust forth mine owne . But now , seeing extreame necessitie will not longer suffer me to keepe my wonted course of silence , I will frankely speake my mind , and tell you what in my opinion is to be answered vnto the heauie message and imperious commaund of the most perfidious tyrant . This cruell enemie hath ouerthrowne our wall , and is entred three hundred foot and more within our cittie , and as a most troublesome guest liueth and conuerseth with vs as it were vnder the same roofe . Such as list not longer to endure such an vnwelcome guest and troublesome neighbour , persuade you because he is troublesome , to giue him all : But ( worthie and sacred knights ) I am of far different opinion ; neither doe I thinke a possession of 214 yeares is so lightly to be deliuered vp , and the ground forsaken : but rather that this troublesome intruder is in like manner to be himselfe troubled , and with deadly skirmishes continually vexed : whom after we had by force of armes and vndaunted courage , maugre his head , held out fiue moneths , at length he brake into our citie , not by any valour in himselfe , but holpen by time , which tameth all things : and since his first entrance it is now almost fortie daies , in which time for all his hast , he hath scarcely got forward 130 paces , hindered by the blockes we haue laied in his way , and will not cease continually to lay if we be wise men , and mindfull of our former valour . Destroy me you heauenly powers , before I see with these eies these sacred knights to yeeld vp this famous citie of the RHODES , the antient bulwarke of Christian religion , vnto our mercilesse enemies , polluted with the infamous superstition of Mahomet : who besides the insatiable thirst they haue of our bloud , how faithlesse and mischeeuous they are by nature , if we know not , we need not make example of our selues , but wee may take example by the calamitie of CONSTANTINOPLE , the late miserie of EVBoeA , and that which later was , of METHONE ; as also by the Mamalukes at CAIRE , miserably slaine contrarie to the league , contrarie to the faith and promise by the Turkish emperour himselfe before giuen . What ? doe you not remember how the death of the most noble captaines at BELGRADE was of late procured by the falshood , craft , and deceit of these same faithlesse miscreants ? Let vs then , being men of wit and vnderstanding , trust these mad beasts , let vs giue our selues into their power , which haue no regard of right or reason , of religion , or any thing els ; whose couetousnesse and crueltie it is hard to say which is greater ; which for these many years haue plotted and laboured nothing more than how by policie or force they may vtterly root out the very name of the Rhodians , which they so deadly hate . They keepe vs shut vp and besieged now the sixt moneth , feeling together with vs extreame dangers and endlesse labours , slaine by heapes before our wals and fortresses , and cannot be remoued hence with thunder , lightening , stormes , tempests , and all the calamities of Winter , a time which giueth intermission to all warres both by sea and land ; so desirous they are of reuenge , and greedie of our bloud : and that not altogether without cause , for we haue also shed theirs , and gladly would still so doe , if it lay in our power . But seeing it seemeth good vnto God otherwise , and that we are surprised with ineuitable necessitie : yet let vs whilest we are at libertie , and haue power ouer our selues , by honourable death amongst the Christian ensignes , eschew the torments and reproches which our cruell enemies hope to inflict vpon vs : so shall wee enioy eternall fame and glorie , prepared both in heauen and earth for such as honorably die in defence of their prince and countrey : Which honour it becommeth not them to enuie vnto thy most noble name and vertue , worthie Grand Master , which hauing for many yeares enioyed the commoditie and profit of peace , and greatly enriched by bountie of this sacred militarie Order , refuse now to beare this last burden of war. At these words an antient Greeke , for his wisedome and discretion of great reputation both with the Greekes and Latines , perceiuing his countreymen wrongfully touched , and the desperat holding out of the citie vainely persuaded , tooke hold , and interrupting this yong gallant , in answere of that he had said , spake as followeth : That greefe of mind and desparation can make men rather eloquent than wise , as you haue many times heard before this , so you might this day perceiue also , most valiant gentlemen : for aduised modestie neuer falleth into obloquie , neither confoundeth falshood with truth ; it desireth not the slaughter of the citisens , it persuadeth not furie , nor exhorteth men to madnesse : but it is by nature so engrafted in many , that when they cannot by their owne wisdome and policie deliuer themselues from their troubles , they yet seeke to draw others into the fellowship of the same danger : so greedie haue mallice ▪ and miserie alwaies been of companie ▪ But if you ( worthie Commaunder ) will giue me also leaue to speake , a man amongst his countreymen not of meanest place or authoritie , which thing both the present calamitie and vrgent necessitie might of you easily obtaine ; I would alledge such reasons , and lay down such matter , as should not only refell the copious and glorious words of this sharp witted Orator , scrapt together of purpose to flourish out the matter , but also such as might stir vp your mind to that which is ●onest , profitable , and necessarie ; expulsing hatred , feare , trouble , or despaire . This gentleman , whom we all know , not only to be a vehement Orator , but somtime a man most terrible , wheras for all his great words he is by nature mild , and so mild , that he neuer had the heart to kill , nay not so much as lightly to wound any one of them whom he calleth barbarous , mad , cruell , whose perfidious dealing he detesteth , whose cruelty he accuseth , whose maner of liuing he exclaimeth against , as altogether without law , without reason , without order , without regard : and now in time of truce , and whilest the showers of arrows , yro● bullets , fire and stones doth cease , creeping out of his caue , maketh much adoe , and keepeth a great stir ; and not knowing in what danger he is , doth now with glorious words call vpon death , whereof he hath hetherto shewed himselfe too much afraid , and all forsooth ( as he saith ) least he should be enforced to endure the mocking and scorning of the enemie . But this is meere pride , not Christian fortitude or humilitie . But our enemie neither threateneth nor purposeth any such matter , nothing so perfidious or cruell as he would make him , rubbing vp the slaughters at CAIRE , EV●oeA , METHONE , and CONSTANTINOPLE , cities taken either by force or warlike policie , and not yeelded vp by composition , vpon faith giuen betwixt the besieger and the besieged : who because he would spare vs , will not suffer vs to doe that wherby we should vndoubtedly perish . But wherof proceedeth this new found clemencie ? this vnwonted fauor towards the people of the RHODES ? I am not of the tyrants priuie counsell , neither euer curiously sought after the reason of another mans bountie , but am glad to receiue it when I need it . Yet for all that , I will not dissemble what I thinke in a matter so doubtfull : He is willing ( as I suppose ) in this siege and conquest of the RHODES , to shew vnto other nations whom he purposeth to inuade , both his power and his patience : least alwaies satisfying his cruell nature , he should make desolation in places he would raigne ouer , and so for euer alienating the minds of men , be enforced to fight with all men with fire and sword , by which rigour he hath not so much hurt his enemie as himselfe . For this cause ( as I suppose ) he leaueth vnto vs life & goods , least whilest he in going about to take them from vs by force , & we seeking to keep thē by desperatnes , we should both fall into great destruction , no lesse lamētable to the conqueror than to the vanquished . Besides that , if he should kill all here , truly he might then enter the breaches of the citie on the bodies of the dead , no man now left aliue to resist him . But LERVS is shut vp , ARANGIA is strongly fortified , LINDVS is by situation impregnable : here he knoweth are weapons , armour , and men , here he must begin a new war , except he will haue the remainder of your war , the fatall plague of his empire , to prey still vpon his subiects : all which strong places he shall haue without slaughter , without bloudshed ( as reason is ) if he shall let you and vs poore wretches depart in safetie with a little trash . Except these worldly considerations haue moued him to mercie and compassion : then out of doubt it is wrought by diuine power and the secret fauor of God towards vs , & of our Sauior Christ Iesus crucified . Whereunto if you be men well aduised , if religious , if mindfull of the dutie of Christians , it becommeth you not to oppose any obstacle , and with the ruin of your selues to destroy this miserable people , which for this halfe yeares siege hath scarcely had so much rest as might suffice the necessitie of nature , ●tanding for you in battell , enduring both wounds and death for your honour and victorie : by whose faithfull labour and diligence you haue beene alwaies holpen both at home and abroad ; whether you inuaded the Turke by land in MYTILENE , NAVPACTVS , METHONE , PATRAS , or other parts of P●LOPONESVS , or els by sea thrust him out of the possession of the Ionian or Egeum : whereby it may appeare euen vnto a blind man , how iniurious it is & far from truth , to obiect vnto vs , That enioying the fruits of peace , we refuse the charges of wars : nay we neuer refused wars . But now it is come to that point , that if we would neuer so faine make wars , we are not able so to do , the flower of our youth being slaine : and the small remainder that is left , not only weakened in bodie with wounds , sicknesse , watching , and restlesse labour ; but also in mind discouraged , whilest all things fall out prosperously to our enemies , and to vs aduerse : the greatest and best part of our great artillerie being broken with continuall vse , which if it were whole , we could haue thereof small vse or profit , for want of pouder , which not only this citie 〈◊〉 wanteth , but also your strong holds , LERVS , LINDVS , HALICARNASVS , ARANGIA . I was neuer desirous or curious to looke into other mens doings , much lesse into your manner of wars : but yet ( Great Master ) you cannot denie but it is so , who haue caused soldiors to be brought from thence hither openly , and gunpouder secretly : by which prouident foresight you haue withstood your forraine enemie these six months , and deceiued the trecherie of one or two domesticall traitors . But I gladly admit we haue all these things , I stand not vpon the truth , I say not what most men say , but I speake to please a few : and suppose we wanted neither armour nor courage , I would then aske you this , whether they would aduise you to vse them to your defence , or to your destruction ? for vnto both it cannot be , no more than at once to be a freeman and a slaue . To vse them to your destruction , that were madnesse and sencelesse pride , hatefull to God and man : you should therefore vse them to defence : But how shall we defend a citie ( I doe not say , as the truth is ) alreadie lost and possessed by the enemie , wherein he raigneth , rangeth , and turneth all vpside down ? but hauing the wals battered down , a great breach in the Spanish station , and another not like but euen now as good as made in the Italian station , how shall we be able to keepe this vnfortunat towne , battered and rent at the French , English , and Auergne stations , and the tower of S. Nicholas ? Which if it were not so battered and bared of all warlike prouision , but sound and thorowly furnished with munition and victuall , yet necessitie enforcing , and reason persuading , you ought to forsake it , for so much as all power of further resistance is taken from you . Doe you not see how easily and almost without any trouble the enemie ( by means of the castle he hath new built vpon the mount PHILERMO , not past two miles distant ) can take from you all manner of prouision both by sea and land , and restraine you from going out or in ? Truly notable gentlemen , honourable for your martiall prowesse , you see and haue long agoe foreseene these things better than I , altogether ignorant in martiall affaires , altogether busied in the trade of merchandise , and caring for my familie : yet suffer me to say the truth , All the powers wherby this kingdome stood , are departed and gone ; against the force of our enemies no policie or force of man remaineth ; and to expect armies of angels or soldiours from heauen , and other such like miracles , is in my iudgement more and more to prouoke God to anger , although in his anger he be vnto vs mercifull : Wherefore being destitute of all worldly helpe , let vs as we may , prouide for our safetie . I beseech thee ( worthie Great Master ) by these my aged teares , by the naturall pitie ingrafted in thy noble nature , expose not this miserable citie to the spoile of the enemie , our old and middle aged men to the sword , our wiues and daughters to be rauished , our boies and youths to the vnnaturall filthinesse of our barbarous enemies , and to be corrupted with the mad and grosse opinion of the vngodly Mahometane superstition . I would ( noble knights ) you had seene with what teares , with what mourning our heauie families and children crying about their mothers , sent vs hither , and what prayers they made for vs at our departing : I would you knew with what mind and how great hope they expect their safetie from your clemencie and aduised resolution . This speech of the aged Greeke might haue moued a heart of flint : but the Great master , who in his countenance shewed a greater courage than his present state required , commaunding euerie man to his charge : after the matter had beene thus most part of the night discoursed , gaue them no other answere , but , That he would be carefull of all their well doing . The next morning he sent for Preianes , Martiningus , and a few other of greatest judgement and experience ; by whom he was fully resolued , that the citie in so many places by the enemie laid open and shaken , was not possible to be long defended . Whereupon he caused a common counsell to bee called , of all the knights of the Order togither with the Burgesses of the citie : where after long debating , Whether they should fight it out to the last man , or yeeld vpon such conditions as was to be obtained ? it was by generall consent concluded , That the citie should be yeelded , and therupon a decree made , which was by the Great master pronounced . Whilest these things were thus in doing , a truce was taken with the enemie for foure daies , but full of feare and danger . During which time , diuers of the Turks presuming vpon the truce , came by great companies to behold the wals and rampiers of the citie : wherewith Fornouius the Frenchman ( of whom mention is before made ) being sore moued , in his choller without further commaund discharged a tire of great ordinance amongst the thickest of them , contrarie to the truce taken . At which time also , the Rhodians receiued into the citie secretly by night a ship loaded with wines out of CRETE , and in her Alphonsus a Spaniard , chiefe pilot of the Rhodian gallies , and with him one hundred voluntarie souldiours all Latines , all which went out of CRETE without the knowledge of the Venetian Senat : for at that time the Venetians were in league with Solyman . The Turkes justly offended with the breach of the truce , and the taking in of new supplies , which they supposed to haue beene farre greater than in truth they were ; without commaund of any captaine or ensigne displaied , in great numbers thrust in thorow the ruines of the breaches into the citie as farre as the rampiers and baricadoes new made , and furiously assailed the defendants : in which conflict many were slaine and wounded on both sides . But after the Turkes had to their cost againe made proofe of the courage of their enemies , as without commandement they began that skirmish , so of themselues they brake it off and retired . After the truce was thus broken , the captaine of the Turkes fencers , a bloudie cruell fellow , hauing taken three Christians prisoners , cut off their hands , eares , and noses , and sent them so dismembred into the citie with letters to the Great master , charging him with the vnjust breach of the truce , barbarously threatning within three or foure daies to make like example of him to all posteritie . Amongst other none was more troubled with this sudden and vnexpected breach of the truce , than Robertus Perusinus , Raymundus Marchet , and Raymundus Lupus , three knights of the Order , men of singular wisedome and grauitie , embassadours at that time in the Turks campe : whom the barbarous people in their furie had vndoubtedly slaine or put to torture , if they had not feared the like measure to haue beene shewed to their hostages in the citie . But after that Nicholaus Vergot●s , and Georgius Sandriticus , two of the Burgesses of the citie , were come into the campe with articles containing the conditions whereupon the Rhodians were contented to deliuer vp the citie , all their furie and rage was quickly appeased . Solyman for his greater majestie and the more terror of these messengers , beset round about with his great armie , and guarded about with his Ianizaries in their richest attire and glistring armour , gaue them audience : who admitted to his presence , with great humilitie offered vnto him in writing the conditions whereupon the Rhodians would yeeld vp vnto him the citie . The chiefe points whereof were , That the churches should remaine vnto the Christians inuiolated : that no children should be taken from their parents : that no Christian should be enforced to forsake his religion and turne Turke : that such Christians as would tarrie still in the citie , might so doe at libertie , without paying any tribute for the space of fiue yeares : that all they which would depart might go with bag and baggage , furnished with conuenient shipping and prouision as farre as CRETE , and to carrie with them so much great ordinance as they pleased ; and that the Christians should appoint a reasonable day for the time of their departure . All which articles Solyman condescended vnto , and solemnly swore faithfully to performe the same . But how they were indeed performed , the writers of that age doe much varrie : it should seeme they were neither altogither kept , nor broken , but so performed as pleased the conquerour : certaine it is , that many great outrages were through militarie insolencie committed by the proud Turkes vpon the poore Christians , contrarie to the mind of Solyman . Iaco●us Fontanus a Ciuilian , and at that time one of the judges of the citie ( out of whose writings this historie is for most part collected ) reporteth , That the Turks not expecting the departure of the Christians , brake into the citie vpon Christenmas day , by the gate called COSQVINIVM , polluted the temples , shamefully abused the Christians , and made hauocke of all things : and that he himselfe falling into their hands , after he had with such money as he had , redeemed himselfe , hauing not sufficient to content all their greedie desires , was by them hardly entreated and grieuously beaten . The Great master by the counsell of Achimetes , putting on such simple attire as best beseemed a vanquished man that was to humble himselfe before the conquerour , went out of the citie into the campe , attended vpon with a few knights of the Order : where after he had waited in the raine most part of the day , before Solymans tent , at last he had a rich gowne cast vpon him , and so brought into the proud tyrants presence . Where after they had a while at the first , with piercing eies one earnestly beholden the other ; the Great master humbling himselfe before him , was in token of grace admitted to kisse his hand , and welcomed by Solyman in this sort . Although ( said he ) I might worthely and iustly infringe the articles I haue prescribed concerning the yeelding of the citie , with thy most wicked crossed compieres , the people of the RHODES , and thee especially such a capitall enemie , from whose deserued punishment , neither faith nor oath ought to stay a most iust conquerour : yet I haue determined to be not onely gratious and mercifull vnto thee so great an offender , deseruing exemplarie punishment , but also liberall and bountifull : who if thou wilt by well doing amend the grieuous transgressions of thy former life , I promise vnto thee most honourable entertainment , great preferment , and the highest places in my empire , in my armie i● time of warre , and in counsell in time of peace . Not to refuse this my offer , both thy present estate persuadeth thee , and the Christians ( whose quarrell thou tookest vpon thee to defend against me , with better beginning than successe ) deserue at thy hands no better : for what should let thee , forsaken of all thy friends , a man as it were betraied and vanquished , to cast thy selfe into the perpetuall faith and protection of a most mightie and mercifull conquerour , of himselfe offering thee this vndeserued grace and fauour . Whereunto the Great master presently answered : Most mightie and gratious emperour , your offered fauours before your other worthie captaines , I deserue not ; neither is my present estate and desert towards you such , as that I dare or ought to refell the same : yet I will speake freely in the middest of your victorious armie , a man vanquished in presence of the conquerour , whose great mercie I neuer dispaired of , and whose faith I neuer doubted : I had rather now I haue lost my soueraigntie , forthwith to lose my priuat and vnfortunat life ; or else for euer hereafter to liue in obscuritie , than of my people to be accounted a fugitiue rather than a vanquished man : For to be vanquished is but chance of warre , and of so great a conquerour no shame to him that is conquered : but afterwards to forsake his owne people and to turne to the enemie , I account it shamefull cowardise and treacherie . Solyman maruelling at the courage and majestie of the hoarie old prince , in his so great extremitie , dismissed him , and sent him againe into the citie , guarded with his owne guard , vntill he was come into his pallace : and vnto euery one of the knights attending vpon the Great Master , was giuen a rich garment , in token of Solymans fauour . Within a few daies after Solyman comming into the citie , went to visit the Great Master also : whom he found busie in packing vp his things against his departure . Here when the Great master falling downe vpon his knees would haue worshipped him , he would in no case suffer him so to doe : but with his hand putting aside his vaile of majestie ( which manner of reuerence the Turkish emperours giue onely to God , and their great prophet Mahomet ) tooke him vp , and saluted him by the name of Father . To whom the Great master for his wisedome and discretion now to him no lesse admirable , than he was before in time of warre for his valour and courage , spake in this sort . If my fortune and successe had been answerable to my heart and courage , I should here be in this citie , rather as a victorious conquerour than a man conquered . But sithence the fatall destinies would needs ouerthrow the Rhodian estate , I am glad that you are the man before all other by fortune assigned , of whom I should receiue both force and grace . And vnto you , amongst many other your rare and worthie praises , this shall not be the least , That you vanquished the RHODES , and shewed mercie . By this meanes you haue ioyned vnto your dreadfull power , the fame of clemencie and curtesie ; an honour not of the highest to be despised , by which alone we come neerest vnto God. Wherefore I doubt not but you will keepe the conuentions of the late peace inuiolate , which your owne clemencie persuaded you to grant , and necessitie enforced vs to take . I shall now be an eternall example of the Turkish emperours clemencie and vertue , more than if I had by and by at the first yeelded my selfe ▪ my obstinat wilfulnesse hath made thy glorie and mercie now famous thorow the whole world , and vnto the worlds end . Whereunto Solyman by his interpreter , answered : It is to me a great pleasure , that God at length hath put into thy mind to make choise of peace before warre , which I would thou couldest haue liked of from the beginning : then truely thou shouldest at this time haue receiued of my great and mightie maiestie , more good than thou hast endured harme . Which that I haue done vnto thee , not for any hatred , but onely for desire of soueraigntie , thou maiest gather by this , That I suffer thee and thine to depart hence at libertie with all your wealth and substance : For I make not warre , thereby to heape vp wealth and riches ; but for honour , fame , immortalitie , and enlarging of mine empire . For it is the propertie of a king royally descended , by strong hand to take from others , and to inuade others ; not vpon a greedie and couetous mind , but for the honourable desire of rule and soueraigntie : which whilest my neighbour withstandeth , I count it enough by force of armes to remoue him . But the Tyrant ( as many supposed ) spake all this by way of dissimulation , hauing as it was commonly bruted , giuen order for the rigging vp of a great ship and certaine gallies , for the sudden transporting of the Great master and the knights of the Order to CONSTANTINOPLE ; which report seemeth to haue beene but faigned either of malice , or else by such as least knew Solymans mind : for if he had so purposed , who should haue let him , hauing them all in his power . Iouius in his little treatise rerum Turcicarum dedicated to Charles the fift , reporteth that hee himselfe heard Lilladamus the Great master say , That when Solyman entered into the RHODES attended vpon with thirtie thousand men , there was not any man heard to speake a word , but that the souldiours went as if they had beene obseruant friers : and that when he came to aske leaue of Solyman that he might depart , he was so courteously vsed of him , that turning himselfe to Abraim the Bassa , whom he aboue all men loued , said , Truely I cannot but grieue to see this vnfortunat old man , driuen out of his owne dwelling , to depart hence so heauily . The Great master embarking himselfe with his knights and such other as were willing to depart , in vessels and gallies prepared for that purpose , departed out of the island on Newyeares day at night : and after long and dangerous trauell by sea in that Winter weather , landed at last at MESSANA in SICILIA , from whence he afterwards sailed into ITALIE , and so trauelled to ROME where he was honourably receiued by Adrian the sixt of that name then bishop there , a Hollander borne , sometime schoolemaster to Charles the fift , and his Vicegerent in Spaine ; who if he had been as forward in the short time of his Papacie to haue relieued the RHODES , as he was to maintaine Charles his quarrell against the French king , it is not vnlike but that famous citie had beene relieued , and the island in possession of the Christians at this day . Thus Solyman , whilest the Christian princes were at discord amongst themselues , to his great glorie and no lesse griefe of all good Christians , entred the RHODES the fiue and twentith day of December , a day dedicated vnto the natiuitie of our Sauiour Christ , in the yeare 1522 , after it had beene by the knights of the Order valiantly kept and defended against the infidels by the space of 214 yeares , since the time they by force tooke it from the infidels in the yeare 1308 : and now being so long holden as was possible , against all the power of the Turkes , was yeelded vp when it had been six moneths besieged . At this siege Solyman lost a great part of his army ; for besides them that were slaine at the assaults , which were many , thirtie thousand died of the flix . Whilest Solyman thus lay at the siege of the RHODES , Ferhates Bassa Gouernour of the Marches of the Turkish empire , alongst the riuer of Euphrates , by the commaundement of Solyman went with a great armie against Alis-beg , whom the Turkes called Schach , Suar-ogli , that is to say , king Suar his sonne : which P. Iouius corrupting , calleth him by the name of Saxouaroglis . This Alis , after he had betraied his vncle Aladeules the mountaine king , vnto Sinan Bassa , was by Selymus left chiefe gouernour of that large and wild countrey alongst the borders of ARMENIA and CAPADOCIA , wanting nothing of the honour of a king but the name onely , as is before declared in the life of Selymus . Solyman jealous of his honor , and fearing least he should take vpon him the absolute gouernment of that countrey ( which indeed of right belonged vnto him , the children of Aladeules the late king being now all dead ) and so to make himselfe king , especially if he should joyne in friendship with the Persian king : after the manner of ambitious men , purposed by any meanes to haue him taken out of the way : and had therefore sent Ferhates to ease him of that care . The Bassa without making any shew of hostilitie , marching with his armie along the confines of his countrey , as if it had been but to looke to his charge , when he was come as neere as he could to Alis , without mistrust , thought good to assay if he could by pollicie bring that to passe which he was otherwise with great danger to attempt by force . Wherefore faining himselfe to be extreame sicke , he sent embassadours to Alis , requesting him as a friend to vouchsafe to come vnto him being at the point of death , vnto whom he had many things of importance from the great emperour to impart , and would if he should die , leaue with him all his charge vntill Solyman should otherwise dispose thereof . Alis , who from his youth had alwaies honoured the Turkish emperours and faithfully serued them , mistrusting no harme came to the Bassa , accompanied with his foure sonnes ; whom the faithlesse Bassa without regard of infamie , caused presently to be put to death with their father : and so reducing all that countrey into the manner of a prouince vnder Solymans obeisance , came to him with twentie thousand men , about the time that the citie of the RHODES was yeelded vp . This is the faithlesse dealing of the Turks , not with the Christians onely , but with them of their owne superstition also : vsing it as no small pollicie , vtterly to extinguish the nobilitie in all countries subject to their seruile tyrannie . Solyman after he had thus subdued the RHODES , and disposed of the Island as he liked best , returning to CONSTANTINOPLE , brake vp his armie , and for the space of three yeares after followed his pleasure , not doing any thing worthie of remembrance . During which time and many yeares after , the rich and flourishing countrey of ITALIE , sometime mistres of the world , was miserably afflicted and rent in peeces by Charles the fift , ( then emperour ) and Francis the French king , the one enuying vnto the other the glorie of the empire●punc ; and he not content therwith , seeking with immoderat ambition to make himselfe lord of all ITALIE : most of the other Christian princes and states being at the same time either by the one or by the other , drawn into the fellowship of that warre , to the great trouble and sore weakening of the Christian common-weale . Whereupon Solyman waiting all occasions that might serue for the enlarging of his empire , and annoying of the Christians , thought it now a fit time for him to set his foot into HVNGARIE , whereinto he had alreadie laied open a way by the taking of BELGRADE . He knew right well that Lewes then king of HVNGARIE was but yong , altogether vnacquainted with the warres , commaunding ouer his headstrong subjects ( especially his rich prelates and nobilitie ) no otherwise than pleased themselues , being himselfe rather by them altogether ouerruled ▪ Besides that , he was in good hope , that the other Christian princes neere vnto him , either carried away with regard of their owne estate , would not , or els before vnto himselfe by league fast bound , could not affoord vnto him any great aid or succour : The Germanes hee knew would make small hast vnto such warres as should yeeld them much danger , and but small pay : As for the princes of the house of AVSTRIA , Charles the emperour , and Ferdinand his brother , although they were joined vnto the young king with the neerest bonds of alliance ( Lewes hauing married Marie their youngest sister , and Ferdinand , Anne , king Lewes his sister ) yet was there as he thought small helpe to be expected from them ; Charles hauing his hands full in ITALIE , and Ferdinand altogether carefull of himselfe : And that Sigismund king of POLONIA would for the young kings sake breake the antient league he had with the Turkish emperors , he could hardly be persuaded : As for other Christian princes farther off , he stood not in any great doubt . Thus hauing with himselfe singled out this young prince the Hungarian king , whom he had in his greedie mind alreadie deuoured , he set forward from CONSTANTINOPLE , and was come on his way as far as SOPHIA in SERVIA with a mightie armie of two hundred thousand men , before that the Hungarians had any knowledge of his comming ( so blind & sencelesse was that state , which now sleeping in securitie , had long before lost those eyes which euer watcht , and neuer spared cost or paines to keepe the same in safetie ) in stead of whom were others come in place , sharpe of sight and too too prouident for that concerned their owne aduancement ; but blind as beetils in foreseeing this great and common danger ( wherewith they were shortly after all quite ouerwhelmed ) vntill it was now brought home vnto their owne dores . The yong king of himselfe but weake , by reason of his youthfull yeares , and nothing strengthened by them for whom he had most done , and should haue beene his greatest stay ; was wonderfully dismayed with the fame of the approch of so mightie an enemie : yet the better to withstand him , he sent embassadors with all speed vnto the Christian princes his neighbors , requesting their aid against the common enemie : but all in vaine . In the meane time , after the auntient manner of his countrey , he gaue out generall summons for the assembly of his counsell for the warres : whether his great stipendarie prelates ( of dutie bound to appeare ) came with their troupes of euill appointed horsemen , and not halfe full ; who also deliuered in lesse summes of money by farre , than of right they should haue done , towards the maintenance of the charge of that common war. And the temporall nobilitie , forgetting the warlike discipline of their famous ancestors , as fresh water souldiors which had neuer seene the Turkish emperour in his strength , and but little acquainted with some light skirmishes or small inuasions , in their vaine brauerie made light account of the Turkes , proudly vaunting , That although they were in number but few , yet they would easily ouerthrow the great numbers of them , if euer they came to hand●e strokes . But aboue all the rest one Paulus Tomoreus , archbishop of COLOSSA , sometimes a Minorite , who had before been in diuers light skirmishes against the Turks , with great insolencie did so confidently brag and boast of the victorie he vainely dreamed of , that in his sermons vnto the souldiours , and in open talke with the nobilitie ( if he could haue done so much as he vaunted of ) it should seeme that he himselfe had been ynough to haue ouerthrowne the Turks whole armie . But when all the kings armie was assembled , and a generall moster taken , there was hardly found fiue and twentie thousand men in all , horse and foot . So that the foolish hardinesse of Tomoreus , and others so forwards to giue the Turks battell , was of most wise men disliked . The old souldiors and men of great experience said plainely , That it was meere follie and madnesse with such a handfull of men to giue battell vnto the enemie , who would bring eight times so many moe into the field as they were . Wherefore some wished , that the young king should be withdrawne from the imminent danger : amongst whom Stephanus Verbetius , a noble captaine , of all the rest best acquainted with the Turkish warres , gaue counsell , that the person of the yong king should for the safetie of the common state , whatsoeuer should happen , be kept out of danger in the strong castle of BVDA . But the vnruly soldiors with open mouth impugned his wholesome counsell , and said plainely , That except the king himselfe did lead them , they would not at all fight . Of which opinion was also the rash prelate Tomoreus , persuading them with all speed to giue the enemie battell , and that the noble young king vnder the protection of Almightie God , should in person himselfe goe and giue the signall of battell against his enemies . The king ouerruled by this vnluckie counsell , vpon a brauerie without reason set forward with his armie , and came to a place called MOHATCHZ or MVGACE , which is a little countrey village not farre from Danubius , almost in the middle betweene BVDA and BELGRADE . And now Balybeus with twentie thousand horsemen ( the forerunners of the Turkish armie ) was at hand , at which time the commaunders and captaines of the kings armie , entred into counsell , Whether it were better to encampe their armie within their wagons alongst the riuer of Danubius , and so to expect the comming of Ioannes Sepusius , countie of CILIA , and Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA ; ( who was then said to be comming towards the king with his Transiluanian horsemen , of all other fittest to haue encountered the Turkes ) or els to march on forward , and presently to giue them battell ? But Tomoreus , who now commaunded all , knowing that vpon the comming of the Vayuod , he was to giue place , and himselfe to be commaunded ( which vnto so proud a man was no small greefe ) for the maintenance of his credit and reputation , and to carrie away the glorie of the victorie he so vainely hoped for , could not abide to heare of any delay ; but hasting headlong to his owne destruction , did with such vehemencie impugne the wholesome counsell of others , who would haue expected the comming of the Vayuod , that he by his franticke persuasions drew on the vnaduised young king into most apparent and manifest danger . For Balibeus deuided his horsemen into foure battels , which by turnes skirmished with the kings armie without intermission , and gaue the Hungarians no leisure to rest either day or night , but continually wheeling about , kept them in so straight , that no man could without great danger goe to water his horse at the side of Danubius , which was fast by , or once to stirre out of the campe , but were enforced to dig pits for water in places where they lay : with which necessitie Tomoreus was enforced to put the armie in order of battell , and there was now no remedie , but he must of necessitie fight for the honour of his prince and countrey . His battell was raunged all in length , and his horsemen not altogether ( as it was thought ) vnfitly placed here and there by troupes amongst his footmen ; least the Turks ( being in number eight to one ) should with their multitude compasse them round , and so enforce them to fight as it were in a ring : for now was Solyman come also with all his huge armie . The Hungarian tents defended with a small garrison , were left a little from the armie on the right hand , enclosed round about with waggons , one chained to another : neere vnto the which , Tomoreus Generall of this vnluckie battell , had not altogether vndiscreetly placed a troupe of chosen horsemen for defence of the kings person against all vncertaine euents of the battell . But this day ( vnluckie to the Hungarian name , but vnto the king himselfe most fatall and vnfortunat ) ouerthrew that his purpose , deuised too late for the safetie of the kings person : for at the first encounter the Hungarians , although they had receiued no harme by the Turkish artillerie ( being mounted too high , of purpose as it was thought , the gunners being for most part Christians ) were easily beaten downe and ouerthrowne , oppressed by the multitude of their enemies , especially Tomoreus with the rest of the prelates and nobilitie being almost all slaine together , and the Hungarian horsemen also either slaine or put to flight . All things going thus to wracke , a companie of Turks assailed the campe , which was hardly defended by the weake garrison . Which thing the troupe of the chosen horsemen appointed for defence of the kings person , beholding , could not be stayed , but that they would needs helpe them which defended the campe . The young king seeing all his armie discomfited , and himselfe forsaken of the horsemen which he was in hope should haue guarded him , betooke himselfe to flight . But as he was making shift for himselfe , thinking to haue passed ouer a fennie ditch , his horse in plunging out , fell backwards vpon him into the ditch ; where being heauie loded with armour not able to helpe himselfe , he was in the middest of that filthie ditch in the mud most miserably drowned . Some few horsemen escaped out of the battell , the rest were either slaine or taken prisoners . This wofull battell neuer sufficiently to be lamented , as the ground of the miseries of that worthy kingdome , was fought the 29. day of October in the yeare 1526. Solyman hauing obtained this victorie , marched on directly to BVDA the regall seat of the Hungarian kings , which was deliuered vnto him with the castle ; vpon condition , that he should not violate any man either in person or goods , and at his departure to leaue the same againe vnto the Hungarians : all which things he ( according vnto their request ) faithfully performed . Being entred into the castle , hee wonderfully commended the same , but lodged not therein , because it is by their auntient law forbidden the Turkish emperour to lodge within any walled place which is not his owne . Wherefore he returned and lodged in his campe alongst the riuer of Danubius . Whilest Solyman lay thus at BVDA , seauen bloudie heads of the bishops and greatest of the nobilitie ( slaine in the late battell at MOHATCHZ ) were presented to him , all set in order vpon a woodden step : whereat he smiled , to see his courtiers laying their right hands vpon their brests ▪ and bending their bodies as if they had done them great obeisance , to salute them by name , and in derision to welcome them by the names of valiant popes . But afterwards , when he had more particulerly enquired what euerie one of them was , it is reported that he most of all detested Ladislaus Salcanius the great bishop of STRIGONIVM , for his miserable couetousnesse , that being a man of infinit wealth , refused to spare part thereof vnto his soueraigne , requesting the same at his great need : Tomoreus he blamed of inconsiderat rashnesse , for that he being a cleargie man , would busie himselfe so farre in matters not belonging to his vocation : On the contrarie part , he commended Franciscus Perenus bishop of VERADIVM , a man honourably descended , for his wise counsell ( though it was not followed ) for that he had heard it reported , that he as a true prophet foretelling the common slaughter ensuing , had sharpely said in the counsell at such time as Tomoreus would needs fight with the Turks , and was not by any meanes to be remoued from that his fatall opinion , That he did foresee what that their frierlike Generall would the next day doe ; and that he would with so great an enterprise effect no more , but to make one holiday the more in the Christian kalenders , in remembrance of thirtie thousand Hungarian martyrs , most miserably slaine of the Turks in vnequall battell , for defence of the Christian faith and religion ( for at that time , they which willingly exposed themselues to death in defence of the Christian faith , were all accounted for Martyrs : ) Georgius Sepusius and the others he called rash fooles , that would aduenture with so small strength to encounter so strong an enemie . At such time as the counterfeits of king Lewes and Marie his wife were shewed vnto him , he honourably said , That he was sorie for the young king , that it was his euill hap to haue so vnaduised counsellors in a matter of so great importance , as to persuade him against all reason to fight at so great disaduantage : And that he came not into HVNGARIE to take his kingdome from him , but only to reuenge the wrongs done vnto him by the Hungarians : And that if he had escaped the danger of the battell , he would assuredly haue againe restored vnto him the kingdome of HVNGARIE , contenting himselfe with some small tribute : And that it should haue beene vnto him honour enough to haue saued the nephew of Sigismund king of POLONIA his confederat , so strongly allied with the honorable house of Austria . All which he commaunded to be told to Marie the queene , who was for feare fled from BVDA to POSSONIVM . Which might perhaps all seeme to haue been either dissemblingly spoken , or falsely reported of the equitie and courtesie of the barbarous king , if he had not shortly afterwards to the ample declaration of his bountie and liberalitie , without any desert , giuen the same kingdome of HVNGARIE to Ioannes Sepusius , not borne of any royall bloud , and then retaining the mind of a verie enemie . After that , he tooke away three goodly images of brasse of antient workmanship , which were placed in the entrance into the kings pallace , by that renowned king Mathias Coruinus the great fauourer of rare qualities and vertues : these images represented the formes of Hercules with his club , of Apollo with his harpe , and Diana with her bow and quiuer : all which he placed in the tiltyard at CONSTANTINOPLE , as a trophie of the Hungarian victorie . Howbeit these images were since taken downe by the persuasion of the Mufti , & molten ( as contrarie to their superstition ) and great ordinance made of them . He carried also away with him three pieces of artillerie of most excellent and curious workmanship ; and certaine brasen pillars of chamfred worke , which supported the Chapiters of the gates . He tarried at BVDA about twentie daies : In which time to satisfie the cruell nature and greedie desires of his souldiours , he sent out diuers troups of horsemen into the countrey thereabout , by whom all the countrey betwixt RAB and the riuer of Tibyscus was by that sudden and vnexpected incursion so destroied , that it is reported that aboue an hundreth and fiftie thousand people of all sorts were either slaine or led away into most miserable captiuitie . All which done , he returned againe by the same way he came , to CONSTANTINOPLE . About the same time Ioannes Sepusius Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA , with a great power came now too late into HVNGARIE to haue aided the king : but glad , as was thought , of his death , as tending to his owne aduancement ; for as much as he was now ( the king being dead without issue ) a man of greatest account amongst the nobilitie of HVNGARIE . Wherefore as one of a deepe and reaching wit , and in great hope to obtaine the kingdome , he began cunningly to labour diuers of the noble men one by one , and instantly to request them , that at the next parliament they would not betray the honour of their countrey , in suffering the royall dignitie of that auntient kingdome to be transferred vnto a stranger , of such a nation as happily loued them not : for why , the Hungarians ought well to remember what great calamities they had receiued in former times , in chusing forraine kings and strangers to raigne ouer them , and in following their vnfortunat ensignes against the Turkes ; which thing the wofull miseries of times past might notably proue : which either Sigismundus of BOHEMIA , or Ladislaus the first of POLONIA , by their vnfortunat battels , once at NICOPOLIS , againe at CVLVMBARIVM , and last of all at VARNA had brought vnto the Hungarians . But to speake , nay once to remember the harmes receiued by the long cowardise of Ladislaus , or this late rashnesse of his sonne king Lewes , would make any noble mind to blush and be ashamed : vnder whose gouernment all militarie discipline , and the glorie of HVNGARIE might well be thought to be vtterly lost . And yet he said there remained of the nobilitie of HVNGARIE , men honourably discended of most auntient houses , worthie of the kingdome , which bare noble minds , and were of sufficient courage , discretion , and power , in this time of common heauinesse to restore the honour of the estate , and worthily to defend the kingdome : Amongst whom ( said he ) I would not bee accounted so base minded , or heauie headed ( although there be many which for the honour of their houses and wealth may seeme to go before me ) that I will therefore confesse , that any of them is for valour , prowesse , or fortune better than my selfe , either for conducting of an armie , or gouernment of a kingdome : for I shall be a king of courage and valour sufficient , if by your fauourable good will I shall be thought worthie of your consent and suffrages . The Vayuod taking this course , by his earnest sute and labour had woon the good wils of many ; and so much the easier , for that Stephanus Bator ( a man of greatest nobilitie among the Hungarians ) was a little before gone into BOHEMIA vnto king Ferdinand , who was then greatly busied ( by reason of a parliament there summoned ) in procuring the fauour of the nobilitie and commons of that realme against the time of the parliament , wherein he was in good hope to be chosen king ; as he was in short time after . At that same time the Hungarians were with great solemnitie celebrating the funerall of their late king : whose dead bodie after the departure of Solyman from BVDA , was found whole , by the demonstration of one Cotriscus one of the squires of his bodie , who was present when he was drowned ; and so was brought out of the fens of MOHATCHZ to ALBA REGALIS , where it was with great pompe buried amongst the sepulchres of the other kings of HVNGARIE his predecessours . Which solemne funerall once ended , the generall militarie parliament ( by the authoritie and voice whereof the kings of HVNGARIE were by their auntient lawes and customes to be chosen ) was called : in the shutting vp wherof , Iohn the Vayuod hauing in that common heauinesse no competitour , nor any of the greatest nobilitie which durst stand against him , was with the great applause and consent of all there present chosen king . To whom forthwith Petrus Perenus came and presented the auntient crowne of the kingdome of HVNGARIE , which was in his keeping , made after an homely fashion of pure gold ; with which the lawfull kings of HVNGARIE vsed alwaies to be solemnly crowned . It is reported , that it was the crowne of Stephanus first king of HVNGARIE , and was by an auntient custome alwaies kept in the castle of VICEGRADE . And so Iohn the Vayuod was orderly crowned , and consecrated by the hands of Paulus bishop of STRIGONIVM , lately chosen in steed of Ladislaus Salcanius , slaine in the battell at MVGACE , and by the hands of Stephanus Brodaricus bishop of VACIA , whom he chose for his secretarie . And vnto Americus Cibachus he gaue the honor of the Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA , being but a little before chosen bishop of VERADIVM . In his preferment , he was greatly holpen vnto the kingdome by the nobilitie which followed him out of TRANSILVANIA , men of great account both in peace and warre ; amongst whom descended of the Hungarian bloud , were chiefe , Stephanus Verbetius , Paulus Antandrus , Gregorius Peschenius , Nicolaus Glessa , and Ianus Docia . But whilest this new king is in this sort busied in rewarding his friends and strengthening himselfe in his kingdome , he was aduertised , That Ferdinand his competitor of the Hungarian kingdome was chosen king of BOHEMIA : who out of the old controuersie betwixt Mathias Coruinus and Fredericus the emperours great grandfather , alleadged great claime vnto that kingdome , deriued from the time of Ladislaus , who was reported to haue beene poisoned at the time of the solemnization of his marriage , through the ambition and malice of Georgius Pogibracius ; who affecting the kingdome of BOHEMIA , shortly after obtained the same . And now it seemed that the time was come , wherein Ferdinand made greater with the kingdome of BOHEMIA , and strengthened with the power of his brother Charles the emperour , not forgetting his right , might vpon good ground lay claime vnto the kingdome of HVNGARIE , vnto him ( as he pretended ) of right belonging euer since the time of Albertus the emperour . Neither did Ferdinand beside the strength of AVSTRIA & BOHEMIA , want the furtherance of diuers of the princes of HVNGARIE ; hauing in his court many of vnquiet spirit , halfe fugitiues , desirous of change , which enuied at the Vayuods royall preferment ( as if it had been taken from themselues , more worthie thereof than he ) by the rash and tumultuous fauour of the vulgar people . For besides Bator , who in most mens judgement might most worthely haue required and obtained the kingdome , there were others also almost of like nobilitie and valour , as Valentinus Turaccus , Stephanus Maylatus , Ianus Scala , Gasper Seredius , Baltasar Pamphilus , and Ferentius Gnarius ; to whom also was joyned Paulus Bachitius borne in SERVIA , a valiant gentleman , who being entered into the Mahometane religion , to auoid the Turkish slauerie got away vnto the Christians , and hardly escaped from the battell of MOHATCHZ . By the persuasion of these noble men , Ferdinand of his owne disposition readie ynough to claime his right , especially a kingdome , and trusting vnto his strength in AVSTRIA , BOHEMIA , RHETIA , STIRIA , and CARYNTHIA , marched directly towards BVDA . With whose comming , Iohn the new king being wonderfully troubled , as a man beset with want of all things , hauing neither sufficient strength whereupon to rest in his new got kingdome , neither any great assurance of the fidelitie of his subjects , like ynough either for feare , or of their naturall inconstancie to fall from him , determined not to abide the comming of his enemie to BVDA : but exhorting his captaines to follow him , although he were glad to depart and giue place to his euill fortune for a time , with such power as he had brought with him out of TRANSILVANIA , & such other as he could otherwise leuie , he passed ouer the riuer to PESTVM : and not daring any where thereabouts to rest , by long marches passed ouer the riuer Tibiscus , and there encamped at TOCAI , which was a strong castle vpon the further side of the riuer . His departure being knowne , Ferdinand marching on , obtained BVDA without resistance : where he staied a while , and consulted with his captaines , Whether he should pursue his flying enemie , or not ? But it was quickly resolued , That the discouraged enemy was to be speedily pursued , before he should gather greater strength , or enter into greater policies . Wherefore Ferdinand committed all his armie vnto the nobilitie of HVNGARIE , his friends , whom we haue before named ; who marching with all speed possible , came to the riuer Tibiscus : where passing ouer vpon a bridge made of boats , which they brought with them in waggons for that purpose , they came with ensignes displayed vnto the castle of TOCAI , where the king lay with his armie in order of battell . But terrified with the suddaine comming of his enemies , and debating with his captaines of the greatnesse of the danger , took a course vnto himselfe rather safe than honorable : For his captains desiring nothing more than to joine battell , and in manner contemning their enemies , persuaded him to withdraw himselfe a little out of the battell , and to keepe him out of danger ; and if things fell out otherwise than well , to reserue himselfe vnto his better fortunes : as for themselues they would most resolutely fight against those traiterous fugitiues , for as much as it were great dishonour for them , being Hungarians , a warlike people by nature , to refuse battell being offered by the enemie . Amongst the cheefetaines in the kings armie , Ferentius Bodo , an old captaine of great experience and courage was cheefe , to whom the king deliuered his ensigne with his owne hands , and he with great skill ordered his battell , for the number of his souldiours : he himselfe stood in the maine battell with the Hungarians , placing the Transiluanians in the wings . In Ferdinands armie , Valentinus Turaccus led the maine battell with the Hungarians vnder Ferdinands ensigne , strengthened on the one side with troupes of horsemen out of STIRIA , and on the other with the horsemen of AVSTRIA . But Paulus Bachitius according to the manner of the Turkish warres ( wherewith he was well acquainted ) with a companie of light horsemen lay close in ambush in a conuenient place for that purpose , a good distance off , against the left wing of the enemies armie , readie as occasion should serue to take his most aduantage . It was not greatly needfull for the captaines to vse any persuasions to encourage their souldiours , readie ynough of themselues to fight . The great ordinance once discharged , the armies came fast on and joyned battell , where the wings of both battel 's fought with diuers fortune . The Stirian horsmen were not able to endure the force of the Transiluanians , but were put to the worse : and on the other side , the left wing of Bodo his armie , consisting for most part of raw and vnexpert souldiors , was by the horsemen of AVSTRIA ouerthrowne . At the same time both the maine battels ( being almost all Hungarians ) fought with equall courage , and that so eagerly , as seldome had been seene a more fierce or cruell battell . But by a fresh charge giuen by Ferdinands horsemen , who had now put to flight the right wing of Bodo his battell , all Bodo his armie fighting most valiantly , was disordered and put to flight : Bodo the Generall labouring to restore the battell , and to saue the ensigne to him before by the king deliuered , was by the comming in of Paulus Bachitius with his light horsemen , taken . The other captaines seeing all lost , and past hope of recouerie , betooke themselues to flight : all the kings artillerie and ensignes were taken by the enemie . The king seeing the ouerthrow of his armie , for safegard of his life fled into POLONIA . Ferdinand his captaines following the course of the victorie , entered into TRANSILVANIA , where the people yeelding themselues at the first , all the whole prouince submitted it selfe vnto the authoritie of Ferdinand . Bodo and the rest of the noble men that were taken prisoners , with the ensignes taken from the enemies , were sent to Ferdinand . But when Bodo hauing his libertie promised , could not be persuaded to renounce his oath giuen to king Iohn , and to beare armes against him , he was by Ferdinand his commaundement cast into a darke dungeon , where shortly after , consumed with sorrow and greefe , he miserably ended his life . Shortly after Ferdinand ( the Hungarians generally submitting themselues vnto him ) was by their common consent saluted king , and crowned with the same old crowne wherwith king Iohn had been crowned , which the same Perenus ( a man of little constancie ) brought vnto him ; and with him was also crowned Anne his wife , the only sister of the late king Lewes : all which solemne ceremonies were celebrated at ALBA REGALIS , the vsuall place for the coronation of the Hungarian kings . Ferdinand by rare felicitie thus possessed of two kingdomes , whereunto he was not borne , returned into BOHEMIA , and left his deputies for the gouernment of the kingdome of HVNGARIE . These were Stephanus Bator , whom hee appointed viceroy , with whom he joyned Paulus bishop of STRIGONIVM , who had also reuolted from king Iohn : and made Berethsaxius secretarie , and Alexius Tursonus a Morauian , treasurer . King Iohn thus miserably distressed , and thrust out of his kingdome ▪ by Ferdinand , fled to Hieronimus Lascus , a man for his honourable discent and learned vertue , of great fame and reputation amongst the Polonians : who glad of so honourable a guest , was more carefull of nothing , than with all possible kindnesse and courtesie how to comfort him , wrapt vp in so many calamities with the losse of his kingdome ▪ he frankely promised vnto him all his owne wealth ( which was not small ) for the recouerie of his former estate : and that which more was , for the reuiuing of his former felicitie , the vttermost of his wit and deuise , which in the compassing of all great matters was accounted wonderfull . That bountifull entertainement of this poore king by Lascus , was not altogether vnpleasant to Sigismund king of POLONIA , although because he would not offend Ferdinand , with whom he was joyned in friendship and aliance , he seemed to most men plainly to forget himselfe in shewing so small kindnesse vnto king Iohn , whose sister Barbara he had sometime married : which was the cause that Lascus forgot no point of courtesie in entertaining his guest , and yet the credit of Sigismund with king Ferdinand not toucht . But when they had spent almost a month in consultation and debating of matters too and fro , Lascus accustomed with his deepe wit sharply to reason and aduisedly to determine of most weightie causes , at last rested vpon this one point , That readie helpe in so hard and desperat a case , was onely to be hoped for of the Turkish emperour Solyman : being of opinion , that he being a most mightie prince , and of an honourable disposition , answereable to his greatnesse , would not reject the humble prayers of an oppressed and exiled king ; especially , if that being by his mercie and power restored , he could be content for so great a benefi● to hold his kingdome , as of the bountie of the Othoman kings . For Lascus saw , that Solyman ( so great and proud an emperour ) was not so desirous of kingdomes ( whereof he had so many as could not easily bee reckoned , then commaunding ouer a great part of the world ) as of glorie and renowne , wherewith he vnderstood him to be wonderfully delighted aboue all other kings of the East , naturally carried away with that windie vanitie . This counsell ( as in effect it prooued ) was vnto king Iohn wholesome and reasonable , if a man doe but respect the poore estate of a king , so greatly wronged , liuing in exile ; but respecting the Christian commonweale , it was vndoubtedly most dangerous and lamentable for one mans particular profit to bring the whole state into most dreadfull and horrible danger : but the sicke minds of worldly men , liuing in small hope of doing well , and at the point of desperation , refuse no worldly remedies , be they neuer so doubtfull or dangerous . And not long after , vpon this resolution with the king , Lascus desirous by noble actions to encrease the honour of his name , tooke the matter vpon him , and went as embassadour from the exiled king to Solyman to CONSTANTINOPLE . The report was , that Sigismund did not only not stay him , but secretly gaue him his safe conduct with letters of credence , wherein he commended him vnto the Bassaes and other great men in Solymans court , descended of the Polonian bloud , as his faithfull and louing subject sent thither vpon an extraordinarie and speciall embassage . Lascus as soone as he was come to CONSTANTINOPLE , with wonderfull dexteritie had in short time woon the fauour , not of the Bassaes only , but of the other courtiers also ; presenting them with such gifts as might for the finenesse and rarenesse thereof , rather than for the value ( as he thought ) be most acceptable and pleasing to their wiues : for amongst that barbarous and corrupted people nothing is better welcome than gifts , whether they proceed of simple good will , or other respect , is no great difference . Amongst the great Bassaes at that time of greatest power and authoritie , was Luftebeius , or rather Lutzis , who had married Solymans sister ; and Abraham borne at PARGA , a base village in ACARNANIA , brought vp in the court from his childhood with Solyman : he was then visier or cheefe of the Bassaes , and keeper of the emperors seale , and was by his office to subscribe all such graunts or letters as passed from the emperour : by which his great place , and the speciall fauour he had with Solyman , he in magnificence power and authoritie farre exceeded all the rest of the Bassaes , doing whatsoeuer pleased himselfe ; and that with such soueraignetie and the good liking of Solyman , that it was commonly said , he was the commaunder of his thoughts . Lascus thus insinuated into the court , and oftentimes talking with the Bassaes without an interpretour , for that hee could well speake the Sclauonian tongue , ( the familiar speech of the Turkish courtiers ) earnestly solicited the kings cause , wonderfully commending him : for at his first comming after he had saluted Solyman , and was about to haue declared the cause of his comming , he was after the manner of the Turkish court turned ouer to the Bassaes : for Solyman vsed not to admit any Christian to talke with him in his court . Lascus requested of Solyman , by the Bassaes , That king Iohn wrongfully thrust out of his kingdome by Ferdinand duke of AVSTRIA , and the treason of certaine of the Hungarians , might by the Turkish power be againe restored vnto the kingdome of HVNGARIE , which he would hold by homage of the Turkish emperour , as of right belonging vnto him , since the time that Solyman with victorious hand reuenging his wrongs and subduing his enemies , had by law of armes ( fortune so judging ) gained the same . Promising that king Iohn , who for his worthinesse was by the generall good liking of the Hungarians lawfully chosen to be their king , and so after the auntient manner of that kingdome crowned ; if he were now receiued into Solymans protection and by him restored , should neuer forget so great a benefit , but alwaies most faithfully and thankfully to honour the majestie of Solyman , paying him such yearly tribute as it should please him to impose , and to make it knowne to all men that he was his vassaile . Which thing if it would please him to grant , it should be no lesse honour and glorie to Solyman himselfe , than profitable and comfortable vnto the distressed king . For beside that heroicall kings are compared vnto gods , rather for giuing than receiuing : it was easie to be seene , how greatly it did concerne the profit of the Othoman kings to be neighboured with a weake and tributarie king , rather than with Ferdinand , a prince of great power , lately chosen king of BOHEMIA , supported by the strength of his brother Charles the emperour , commaunding ouer the warlike nation of the Germanes ; which was as much difference as was betwixt the maintenance of a continuall heauie warre vpon his borders , and the safe enjoying of a most assured peace . Beside that , it concerned the Turks to beware , that such things as they had got by the sword , they should also by the sword defend ; and not to suffer any one to grow greater than the rest in riches and power . For it might so fall out , that Charles , growne to be a prince of mightie power , might draw the rest of the Christian princes to joyne with him in the common cause of the Christian religion , and in that quarrell , as the Christian kings of EVROPE had in former time done , with vnited forces to seeke to recouer againe what they had before lost : whose force it would be hard to withstand . These things being sharpely deliuered , and by the Bassaes againe reported to Solyman , who standing at a secret window , had before heard them as they were by Lascus vnto the Bassaes declared ; it was no great labour to persuade the Turkish emperour , of himselfe desirous of glorie and soueraignetie , againe to vndertake the Hungarian warre , and to graunt king Iohn his request , promising according to the successe of the victorie , to giue him that he desired , so that he would faithfully performe what he had promised , and not shew himselfe therefore vnthankfull . In the meane time , Ferdinand vpon great reason thinking it necessarie by all meanes possible to confirme himselfe in possession of the kingdome of HVNGARIE ▪ and fearing no force but the Turks , determined to proue Solymans disposition , and to seeke for his friendship ; hoping by reasonable meanes to compasse it , by shewing vnto the barbarous prince ( not altogether abhorring from the commendation of justice ) his antient title and claime , and that he was by the antient lawes of the countrey right heire thereof : thinking that Solyman hauing obtained so many victories , and ruling ouer so many kingdomes , would now at length giue himselfe to peace , as a man contented with his glorie alreadie gotten . His desire was , to be receiued into his friendship , and to joine with him in league vpon the same conditions which Ladislaus and his son Lewes had for certaine yeares before obtained of the Othoman kings , and Sigismund king of POLONIA then also with like quietnesse enjoyed . Wherefore hauing found out a fit man , whom he might send vpon this embassage to CONSTANTINOPLE , one Ioannes Oberdanscus , a Hungarian , he furnished him accordingly , and gaue him gifts , such as hee thought good to bestow vpon the great Bassaes. But when Oberdanscus was come vnto CONSTANTINOPLE , he found Solyman harder to be entreated than he had before hoped , and the Bassaes altogether vnwilling to heare of any league : for although he was courteously receiued of Solyman , and most patiently heard , whilest he both eloquently and discreetly before the great Bassaes , deliuered his embassage ; yet in the shutting vp of all , he receiued no more but a proud and insolent answere : for Solyman said , it was farre from the manner of his auncestors , to receiue them into grace and fauour which had done injurie vnto the Othoman name : wherefore that Ferdinand had done impudently to inuade another mans kingdome , and to thinke to hold it to himselfe : for as much as his old title and claime which he stood so much vpon , was altogether extinguished and lost by law of arms , by his late victorie against king Lewes : for which causes hee adjudged him vnworthie of his friendship and fauour , purposing sharpely to reuenge the wrong he had receiued , and proclaiming warre to come againe into HVNGARIE with such a power as should be sufficient to inuade Ferdinand either in AVSTRIA or GERMANIE . Wherefore in stead of friendship and league , he denounced vnto him all the calamities of warre : and so commaunded the embassadour with speed to depart from CONSTANTINOPLE . But Oberdanscus when hee was come backe againe as farre as VIENNA , and had there told the kings lieutenants , of the threatening words of Solyman , and that he would shortly come thither with his armie , he was not of any of them beleeued , but reputed for a vaine man. Wherefore to shun the hatred of them which mistooke truth for falshood , he made hast to come vnto Ferdinand , who was then at SPIRES , labouring for voices to further his sute , for that at the next assemblie of the states of the empire , which was then at hand for the coronation of his brother Charles , he himselfe as he well hoped was to be chosen king of the Romanes . The newes brought by Oberdanscus , did not a little trouble king Ferdinand , foreseeing as it were what would happen : for that the Turkish tyrant vsed not lightly to breake such promises , but to performe them to the vttermost : and that more increased his care , he knew he should come in euill time to craue helpe of the Germaines , for the defence of his kingdome in HVNGARIE against so mightie an enemie , especially his brother Charles the emperour being busied in his warres in ITALIE , and he himselfe wanting money , the only meanes to raise an armie to withstand the Turke . The Spring now come , and all things fresh and greene ; Solyman altering nothing of his former determination , hauing leuied an armie of an hundred and fiftie thousand men , set forward from HADRIANOPLE , his Europeian horsemen going before him conducted by Abraham the great Bassa and Achomates , Michael-ogli Generall of the Acanzij or voluntarie horsemen : and his Asian souldiours led by Becrambeus Bassa following after him : he himselfe with his Ianizaries and souldiours of the court keeping in the middle . And marching on this sort came in fifteene daies to BELGRADE , where king Iohn accompanied with Lascus and such of the Hungarian nobilitie as tooke his part , came vnto him , of purpose to make himselfe knowne vnto him which was to protect him ; and doing him all the honour he possibly could , to request him to proceed to reuenge his quarrell . Solyman with graue and yet friendly countenance , raising himselfe a little from the cushion wheron he sat , gaue him his right hand , protesting , That nothing could happen vnto him better , or that he more desired of God , than to be able to relieue distressed princes , especially such as were wrongfully oppressed by his enemies : wherefore he willed him to be of good comfort , promising of his bountie frankly to bestow vpon him whatsoeuer he should in that warre win with the sword from the enemie . King Iohn obtained this rare fauour of Solyman by the earnest mediation of Abraham the commaunding Bassa ; whom he had before at CONSTANTINOPLE by his embassadour Lascus so woon with gifts and requests , that he thorowly tooke vpon him the defence of the kings cause : wherein Lascus was especially holpen by Aloysius Grittus the Duke of VENICE his sonne , who then followed the Turkes campe , and was for his fathers sake and the great sufficiencie he held himselfe , had in great reputation amongst the Turkes ; and in such fauor with Abraham who did all in all with Solyman , that he could persuade him to any thing he would . For this Aloysius Grittus , borne and brought vp in CONSTANTINOPLE , and wonderfull eloquent in the Turkish tongue , had by the honourable carriage of himselfe , and the great port he kept in his house , so thorowly possessed Abraham ( that all commanded ) that he would manie times bring Solyman himselfe ouer the hauen to PERA , to solace himselfe in Grittus his pleasant gardens and banquetting houses , which he had there most sumptuously made after the Italian manner : whereby to his great profit he obtained to be the chiefe man in receiuing of the Turkes customes . The fame of Solymans comming directly from BELGRADE to BVDA , so terrified the citisens of BVDA , that they almost all forsooke the citie and fled vnto other places further off , some to STRIGONIVM , some to ALBA REGALIS , some to POSSONIVM : so that at his first comming he entred the citie ( almost desolate ) without any resistance : the castle holden by a garrison of Germains , he commaunded to be besieged . The captaine of the castle was one Thomas Nadastus , a man of great account among the Hungarians , both for the honour of his house and his qualities answerable to the same , graced with singular learning : He perceiuing his souldiors dismaied with the sight of so great an armie and willing to surrender vp the castle , ( as beseemed a valiant captaine ) forbad his souldiours to haue any talke with the enemie , commanded the great artillerie to be bent and discharged vpon the Turkes : and seeing his souldiours slacke and timorous , reproued them of cowardise and treason , threatning them with shamefull death if they did not hold out the siege to the vttermost , and shew themselues valiant men , both for the honour of their countrey , and of king Ferdinand whose pay they receiued , and of whose bountie they were to expect rewards and preferments answerable to their deserts . But they misdoubting by the running too and fro of the Turks , that the castle was vndermined ; and smelling , or at least wise imagining themselues to smell the sent of the gunpouder , which they supposed to be in the mine , and doubting to be presently blowne vp ; were strucke with such a sudden feare , that neither the feare of future punishment , neither the shame of so foule a fact , nor the reuerence of so worthie a captaine could stay them , but that they would needs without further delay deliuer vp the castle : which when they could by no meanes persuade the resolute captaine to consent vnto , but that he still with sterne countenance exclaimed against their cowardise and treason , they laid hands vpon him , and bound him hand and foot , and so presently concluded with the enemie to yeeld vnto him the castle , so that they might in safetie depart thence with bag and baggage : which their request Solyman granted . But when the garrison souldiours ( in number about seauen hundred ) were about to depart with their baggage towards POSSONIVM , as was before agreed ; and the Ianizaries comming into the castle , hauing loosed the captaine , were about to let him go also : Solyman aduertised of the treacherie of the garrison souldiours , and of the fidelitie of the captain , changing his mind , judged such villanous minded men vnworthie of his mercie , and in detestation of their perfidious dealing with their captaine , gaue them all to his Ianizaries to be slaine : but to the captaine himselfe he offered honourable entertainment , which when he refused , Solyman courteously sent him away ; holpen therein by the commendation of king Iohn , although his sister was married to Stephanus Maylat his deadly enemie . Which bloudie execution done by the commaundement of the cruell tyrant , the Turkes said was not onely lawfully done , but also to the immortall glorie of his name in the execution of justice : which might peraduenture seeme reasonable , if the perpetuall hatred of that most barbarous nation against the Christians gaue not just occasion of suspect , that it proceeded rather of their auntient malice than of any regard of justice . For why should the Germans , who had offended to his great good , and therefore obtained his safe conduct , be thought worthie of so cruell death ? when as Solyman himselfe in punishing the perjurie of another , ran into wilfull perjurie himselfe ; peruerting the commendation of justice which he so much desired , by his most bloudie and vnjust sentence . BVDA the chiefe citie of HVNGARIE thus taken by Solyman , he resolued forthwith to besiege VIENNA the chiefe citie of AVSTRIA : in good hope , that by the carriage away of that , the other cities of lesse strength both of HVNGARIE and AVSTRIA would without any resistance be yeelded vnto him . Wherefore he sent before him Achomates with the voluntarie horsemen , who according to the manner of the Turkish warres , running thorow the heart of HVNGARIE , and entring with fire and sword into AVSTRIA , passed by VIENNA , miserably burning and destroying the countrey before him as farre as LYNTZ . The poore people not knowing where to hide themselues from the furie of their enemies , nor of whom to craue helpe , fled as men and women dismaied , carrying with them their beloued children , the vnfortunat pledges of their loue , and what else they could , as things saued out of the middest of the fire . For whatsoeuer fell into the enemies hand , was lost without recure : the old men were slaine , the young men led away into captiuitie , women rauished before their husbands faces , and afterwards slaine with their children , young infants were ript out of their mothers wombs , and others taken from their breasts were cut in pieces , or else thrust vpon sharpe stakes , yeelding vp againe that breath which they had but a little before receiued ; with many other incredible cruelties , which were then by the mercilesse enemie committed . Solyman himselfe shortly after followed these forerunners , and setting forward with all his armie from BVDA towards VIENNA , by the way tooke the castle of ALTENBVRGE , whether by force or composition , is diuersly reported : of the garrison souldiors there placed by king Ferdinand , he reserued three hundred Bohemians , whom he commaunded to follow his campe . He also assaulted the little citie of NEAPOLIS seauen times in one day , and was as often repulsed : but being loath to spend any longer time about a towne of so small importance , he forsooke that , and held on his way to VIENNA ▪ whither he came about the six and twentith day of September , and encamped in fiue places found about the citie , with such a world of people , that vnto them which viewed his campe from the highest tower in VIENNA , it seemed that the ground was for the space of eight miles all couered with the multitude of his tents and people . King Ferdinand , who from the time that he had by his embassador Oberdanscus receiued the hard answere from Solyman , alwaies stood in doubt of his comming ; had beside his owne forces ( which were not great to oppose against so mightie an enemie ) craued aid of the Christian princes his neighbours , especially of the princes of the empire : who graunting him aid against the common enemie , appointed Fredericke countie Palatine of RHENE and duke of BAVARIA , Generall of their forces . But whilest the Germans after their manner , slowly set forward , and made lesse hast than the greatnesse of the present danger required ; Solyman comming in the meane time , had so belaied the citie , that it was not possible for the duke Frederick by any meanes to get into it , but was glad to stay with his army at CHREMSE about twelue miles from VIENNA . A few daies before by good hap , vpon the report of the losse of BVDA , twentie thousand souldiors horsemen and foot out of diuers countries , were in good time come to VIENNA : amongst these , the cheefe commaunders was Philip the Paulsgraue , duke Fredericks nephew ( a young gentleman of great courage and hope , sent thither but a little before with a few companies of horsemen and footmen by Fredericke his vncle , who was comming after with a greater power himselfe , but was now shut out of the citie by Solyman ) Nicholaus countie of SALMA , the L. William Rogendorff , steward of the kings houshold , Ioannes Cazzianer , a noble man of CROATIA , and afterwards gouernour of VIENNA : and next vnto them Nicholaus Turrianus , Ioannes Hardecus , Leonardus Velsius , Hector Ramsack , men both for their birth and valour of great account amongst the Germanes . The citie of VIENNA as it was of some good strength toward the North , by reason of Danubius , so in other places it was at that time neither by art nor nature strong . The ditches , such as they were , were altogether drie , and easie to be passed ouer : the wals of bricke , built round without any flankers , and neither high nor thicke , but after the antient simple manner of fortification of cities : for before that time neither had king Ferdinand , fearing no enemie , neither they of VIENNA who had not of many yeares seene an enemie , had any care to fortifie the citie : but as men altogether buried in securitie , and nothing fearing the comming of so mightie an enemie ( although they were thereof before admonished by Oberdanscus ) had not so much as cast vp any rampier or bulwarke , more than at the gate of CARINTHIA , whereon they might conueniently place their great Ordinance : so that of a hundred great peeces , and three hundred others of lesse charge , which might haue wonderfully annoyed the enemie , a great part serued to no vse , for want of conuenient place to mount them vpon . Yet as the suddain comming of the enemie and the shortnesse of the time gaue leaue , such bulwarkes as they could vpon the suddaine , they cast vp , and planted their ordinance thereon . The citie was deuided into diuers quarters , and to euery part a strong garrison appointed for defence thereof , all the gates of the citie were mured vp , except such as were of purpose reserued to sallie out at . Now had Abraham the great Bassa encamped himselfe vpon a high hill , where stood a ruinous castle , from whence he might ouerlooke all the citie , yet so , as that he lay out of the danger of gunshot . Becrambeius , Solymans great commaunder in ASIA , lay at the gate called PVRGATORIA , neere the church of S. Vlderich . In the third campe towards the rising of the hils , lay Michael Ogli , towards the church of S. Vitus . At the Scottish gate towards Danubius , lay the Asapi , with diuers companies of the Ianizaries : which with shot out of their trenches , suffered no man to appeare vpon the wals in that quarter without most manifest danger , and powred such showers of arrowes ouer the wals into the citie , as if they had fallen out of the clouds ; that hardly could any man stirre in the citie vnarmed , but he was forthwith wounded . Solyman himselfe lay neere vnto S. Markes church , compassed about with the Ianizaries and other souldiours of the court , defended also with the bricke wals of the gardens thereabouts . Whilest the Turkes were thus encamping themselues , the Christian defendants oftentimes fortunatly sallied out vpon them , and slew many of them . In one of which sallies Wolfgangus Hagen a valiant captaine , with certaine old souldiours of the Spaniards was slaine , fighting most valiantly at the gates of the castle : and in another skirmish Christophorus Zetlitz a man of great courage , sallying out of the citie with fiue hundred horsemen , euen vnto the enemies trenches , was intercepted and taken with six others of his companie ; who were all compelled by the Turkes to carrie so many heads of their slaine fellowes vpon poles , and so presented vnto Solyman : of whom he enquired many things as well concerning Ferdinand himselfe , and where he was , as concerning the princes which had the charge of the citie , whether they were in hope to defend the same against his mightie power or not . Whereunto Christopherus aptly and wisely answered , although not altogether so truly , That king Ferdinand lay not farre off at the citie of LINTZ , expecting the assembly of a great armie : and that the princes of GERMANIE , BOHEMIA , MORAVIA , and of diuers other places were comming vnto him , with great aid ; so that if he would but stay a little vntill his forces were come together , he should then see whether of them were of greater strength and power : for as much as it would not be long before the king would come and giue him battell : As for the princes in the citie , he said he knew no more of their minds , but that both they and all the souldiours from the highest to the lowest , had solemnely sworne to defend the citie , and not to giue it ouer vnto the last man , reposing their hope not in the wals and fortresses thereof , but in their weapons and valour , being men of great resolution , and not easily to be vanquished or discouraged . With which answere although Solyman was a little moued , yet dissembling his present heat , said , he had hetherto made warre against diuers nations , and alwaies had the victorie , whereof he doubted not now also : But as for him , and the others taken with him , they knew they were in his power to saue or kill at his pleasure : Yet to make them know that he could shew mercie vnto his vanquished enemies , he frankely graunted them their liues and libertie : charging them , that after they were againe returned into the citie , they should in his name wish the defendants of themselues to yeeld vp the citie , which it was impossible for them long to defend against his mightie power , which neither the strong citie of BELGRADE , nor the famous citie of the RHODES were able to withstand ; and to accept of such reasonable conditions as he should graunt vnto them , promising , that amongst other things proceeding of his infinit bountie , hee would take order , that they should in safetie depart thence with bag and baggage : in which doing they should well prouide for the safetie of themselues and of their goods by flying vnto his mercie in time , before the furie of the warre was growne to further extremitie : all which it would be too late to expect after the victorie , when nothing was to be hoped for but cruell death , murder , and miserable destruction . Wherefore it were good for them well to consider of the matter ; and not foolishly to refuse that was now frankely offered them of mercie , which they should not afterwards obtaine with any prayers or teares : for why , he was resolutely set downe ( as he said ) not to depart thence before he had taken the citie . When he had thus schooled them , he gaue vnto euery one of them three Hungarian duckats , and so sent them away . They being receiued into the citie with great joy , made relation vnto the princes and great captaines of all the threatning and proud speeches of the Turkish tyrant : which they tooke in such disdaine , that they would not vouchsafe to returne him any answere . Solyman not a little displeased , that his great words were so lightly regarded , by way of derision sent word vnto the citie , That if they wanted helpe , he would send them the three hundred Bohemians , whom he tooke in the castle of ALTENBVRGE : to whom answere was returned by them of the citie , That they needed no helpe from him , wherefore he might dispose of his prisoners as he thought good . By this , Solyman perceiued , that VIENNA was not to be woon with words , nor the defendants to be discouraged with great lookes : wherfore he begun to vse his force , and with such ordinance as he had brought with him , to batter the wals : which because it was not great , but fitter for seruice in field than for batterie , did not much more harme than to beat downe the battlements and such little standings , made of timber and bourds in manner of galleries , hanging here and there ouer the wall , for the small shot to play out of , a simple deuise in stead of flankers . His great artillerie prouided for batterie was comming vp the riuer of Danubius , which he daily looked for : but by good hap , Wolfgangus Hoder , a forward captaine , hearing of the Turks comming vp the riuer , went out of POSSONIVM with certaine small vessels well appointed : and meeting with the Turkes , set vpon them with such courage and resolution that he slew many of them , and suncke diuers of their boats and pinnaces , amongst whom were they which were bringing vp Solymans great peeces for batterie to VIENNA : which was there all suncke in the riuer , with the boats that brought it . By this good seruice , Solyman was disappointed of his great artillerie , and the citie deliuered of a great danger . So Wolfgangus hauing made great spoile amongst the Turkes , and lost some few men , returned with victorie to POSSONIVM . Yet another part of the Turkes fleet comming vp to VIENNA , at the first comming brake downe all the bridges : for a little aboue the citie , the riuer of Danubius deuiding his channell , maketh diuers Islands , which by sundrie bridges are joyned together , ouer which lieth the way from AVSTRIA vnto the citie . This fleet so kept the passage , that no man could without danger either by water or by land goe in or out of the citie . Solyman hauing lost all his peeces for batterie , and seeing how little he preuailed with his field peeces , fell to vndermining of the citie , hoping by that meanes to ouerthrow the wals , and to make a way for his men to enter . This worke , as the Turkes cheefe hope , was with wonderfull labour and diligence attempted in fifteene sundrie places : which was not so secretly done , but that it was by drums laied vpon the ground , by basons filled with water , & sounds made into the earth , perceiued by the defendants ; and so with countermines met withall , that most part of those works were vtterly frustrated , and in them eight thousand of his Turkes either slaine or buried quicke . Solyman to busie the defendants that they should not so perfectly discouer his mines , diuided his armie into foure parts , appointing thē orderly to succeed one after another in giuing alaroms to the towne , that filling their eares with continuall noise , he might keepe them alwaies occupied . In the middest of which hurly burly his workes in the mines went forward with all speed possible , neither was he in that his expectation deceiued : for one of the mines brought to perfection vnperceiued by the defendants , and suddenly blowne vp , shooke and ouerthrew a great part of the wall neere vnto the gate which leadeth towards CARINTHIA ; whereat the Turkes gaue a great shout as if the citie had now been taken , and withall couragiously stepping forward pressed in on all sides , by the ruines of the wall to haue entered the breach , charging the defendants with their small shot and Turkie arrowes as thicke as haile . Who on the contrarie part like resolute men stood in the face of the breach , with more assurance than the wall it selfe , receiuing them with deadly shot and push of pike , in such furious manner , that the Turks for all their multitude , vnable longer to maintaine the assault , began to retire . Which thing Solyman perceiuing , sent in new supplies , and so renewed the assault before giuen ouer , but with no better successe than before : for hauing receiued a great ouerthrow , as men forgetting both duetie and martiall discipline , they retired , not expecting any signe of retrait . At this assault so many of the Turkes were slaine , that the ground neere vnto the towne lay coue●ed , and the ditches filled with their dead bodies . Not long after , the wall was blowne vp in two places more oueragainst S. Clares church ; by which breach being not verie great , the Turks seeking to haue entred , made a bloudie fight with the Germains which defended that place , which they sought so desperatly to haue entred , that without regard they thrust one another vpon the points of their enemies weapons : who glistering in good armor , readily receiued them being for most part naked men , and slew them without number , and so enforced them againe disorderly to retire , hauing before filled both the breaches with their dead carkases . Three daies after ensued a most cruell fight , when as another part of the wall ( neere vnto the gate of CARINTHIA , and not farre from the first breach ) was so suddenly ouerthrowne , that the Turkes thorow the new made breach seeing the Christians as they stood readie to come to the defence therof ; and likewise the Christians them , now approching ; for eagernesse and hast on both sides , threw away their pieces and bowes , and came to handie blowes in the middle of the breach ; the Turkes with their scimiters , and the Germaines with their long swords . At which times , as the Christian captaines encouraged their souldiours with cheerfull persuasions : so the Turkish Commaunders enforced forward their Turkes both with words and wounds . The assault began so terrible , that it was thought a more fierce and deadly fight was neuer seene from the beginning of the world : which was with greater resolution maintained by the Turkes , for that many of their most valiant horsemen forsaking their horses , thrust in with their targets and scimiters , or else with their launces amongst the Ianizaries and other footmen , and there fought most desperatly . At last , after this furious fight had endured by the space of three houres , and many of the Turkes best captaines and souldiours lay dead vpon the ground by heapes ; the Turkes seeing no hope to preuaile , gaue ouer the assault , and retired to their campe . Long and tedious it were to recount euerie assault giuen during the time of that dreadfull siege , with euerie particuler accident not vnworthie the remembrance , which for breuitie I wittingly passe ouer . Yet amongst the rest ( the most valiant leader , though afterwards vnfortunat ) the Lo. William Rogendorffe is not to be forgotten , who oftentimes perceiuing many of the Turkes stragling disorderly abroad in the countrey , one day vpon the sudden sallied out vpon them with certaine troupes of horsemen , with such violence , that at the first onset he ouerthrew them ; and hauing them in chase , did such speedie execution , that of 5300 , scarcely 140 escaped his hands : after which time his name became terrible vnto the Turks . Solyman was exceedingly grieued with the often and bloudie assaults by him in vaine giuen to the citie , but purposing now to proue the last and vttermost of all his forces , he called vnto him the chiefe commaunders of his armie , whom at the first he sharply reproued as men of no courage , which being many times as good as in possession of the victorie , had most cowardly contrarie to the manner of that victorious nation , turned their backes vpon their enemies , in the breaches alreadie halfe woon ▪ Wherefore he willed them to plucke vp their hearts , and to make all things readie for a new assault , wherein hee expected that they should with couragious forwardnesse and resolution , recompence their late cowardise : for why he accounted it a great dishonour to forsake the siege begun ; wherefore they should resolue the next day as victorious conquerors to take the citie , or else there as faint-hearted cowards to end their daies . The next day after this heauie charge giuen , which was the fifteenth of October , the great Commaunders of the Turkes armie with all their forces assailed the citie , thrusting their men into the breaches by heapes , as if they would , if no way else , yet with verie multitude ( if it had beene possible ) haue discouraged or ouerborne the Christians : they were come to handie blowes , and the fight was in euerie place most terrible , the Christian defendants stil repulsing thē with greater courage than they were able to assaile them . Be●●des that , to the great aduantage of the defendants , many pieces of their great ordinance skilfully mounted in places most conuenient , and continually discharged amongst the thickest of their enemies as they pressed on , made such slaughter amongst them , and so cut them off , that being thorowly discouraged , they shrunke backe , and could not by any threats or commaund of their captaines be thrust forward , chusing rather to be slaine of their owne captaines ( as some of them were ) than to be rent in sunder with the murthering shot of the Christians . So that the captaines seeing now no other remedie , gaue ouer the assault and retired , leauing behind them many thousands of their dead Turkes in the towne ditches . The next day after this assault , Solyman despairing to win the citie , and fearing the comming of king Ferdinand and the countie Palatine with a strong armie , as it had been to him reported , considering also that Winter was now comming fast on , determined to raise his siege : and to colour the dishonour thereof , he sent certaine of the chiefe prisoners which he had taken , richly apparelled with their purses full of money into the citie , to tell the captaines that he came not with purpose either to besiege or take the citie , but to reuenge the wrongs done vnto him by his enemie king Ferdinand , and to haue fought a battell with him for the kingdome of HVNGARIE : whom for as much as he could not draw vnto VIENNA , he would remoue thence to seeke for him , as his capitall enemie : Wherefore they should doe well to yeeld themselues , which if they would , he promised not to enter their citie , but to receiue both the citisens and souldiours into his protection , reseruing vnto them their liues and goods with perpetuall freedome . Which his offer the defendants scornfully refused as proceeding of meere desperation . The next night following Solyman with more than barbarous crueltie , caused all the prisoners in his armie to bee slaine , which pitifull outcries was of the souldiours heard into the citie , not knowing what the matter should be , vntill that the next day after the departure of the enemie they found the dead bodies of men , women , and children in all places of the campe wallowed in their one bloud , a most lamentable spectacle to behold . Solyman purposing to forsake the siege , caused Abraham the great Bassa to shew himselfe in order of battell , as if he would haue giuen a fresh assault : in the meane time he himselfe rose vpon the sudden with the rest of his armie , and returned towards BVDA in such hast , that he neither put any garrison into such places as he had taken , neither demaunded of them any tribute . After whom the Bassa followed , keeping himselfe a daies journey behind him : and so in fiue daies he arriued with all his armie at BVDA , 32 Germaine miles from VIENNA . This siege was giuen ouer by Solyman about the sixteenth of October , wherein he is reported to haue lost eightie thousand men , amongst whom was his great lieutenant of ASIA , with many other of his forward captaines and best souldiours . Of the defendants few or none of name were lost , but of the countrey people it is supposed that there was aboue sixtie thousand slaine , and carried away into captiuitie : all the ●ountrey about VIENNA was miserably spoiled , all their trees and vines being by the Turkes cut downe to the ground . Solyman according to his promise , restored BVDA vnto king Iohn , who by solemne writing acknowledged himselfe his vassaile , and to hold the kingdome of HVNGARIE of him as his lord and soueraigne . Vnto him Solyman joyned Aloysius Grittus as his legat , to helpe him to prouide such things as should be needfull for the defence of that kingdome . It happened one day whilest Solyman lay at BVDA , and had giuen king Iohn with diuers of the nobilitie of HVNGARIE accesse into his pauilion , that he fell earnestly in hand with king Iohn to pardon Paulus bishop of STRIGONIVM , and Petrus Perenus , who had taken part with king Ferdinand , and to receiue them into his former fauour : which men king Iohn could in no case like of , because that they as traitors vnto their prince and countrey , forgetting their faith and oath , had performed the like duetie vnto Ferdinand , as they had but a little before done vnto him at the time of his coronation : wherein he shewing himselfe vnwilling to be entreated , said ▪ That their mutable minds fraught with infidelitie , would neuer containe themselues within the bounds of loyaltie , but find occasion to commit some fowler treason than they had before : whereunto Solyman straining his voice a little as one somewhat moued , most honourably replied : Can any thing ( said he ) happen vnto thee in this life better or more honourable , than if by thy kindnesse thine enemies shall be of all men accounted ingratefull ; that is to say , men noted with eternall infamie : when as in thy selfe the commendation of a good and courteous prince shall for euer remaine ? And so not long after fearing the cold of Winter then approching , dangerous for his beasts for carriage , especially his camels bred and brought vp in the hoat countries of ASIA , he set forward to BELGRADE , and so trauelling through THRACIA returned to CONSTANTINOPLE . All this while that Solyman thus raged in HVNGARIE and AVSTRIA , Charles the emperour lately reconciled to Clement the seauenth of that name , then bishop of ROME , with a strong armie besieged FLORENCE , by his lieutenant Daualus ( who might haue done much against the Turkes , if he had been so well imploied ) labouring by all meanes to represse the libertie of the citisens , whereunto they had but a little before aspired ▪ and to bring them againe vnder the subjection of the family of Medices , wherof Clement was the chiefe . Which thing with much adoe he brought to passe , inuesting Alexander the bishops nephew in the dukedome of FLORENCE , and afterward giuing him his base daughter in marriage ; forgetting his brother Ferdinand in the meane time , thrust out of the kingdome of HVNGARIE by Solyman , and the dukedome of AVSTRIA wasted by the Turkes , with the citie of VIENNA in danger to haue been lost . Which common calamities might well haue moued both the emperour and the bishop , to haue had more regard of , than by oppressing the libertie of one free citie to seeke how to serue their owne priuat respects . The yeare following , which was 1530 , Solyman with great solemnitie and triumph , after the Turkish manner , circumcised three of his sonnes , Mustapha , Muhamet , and Selymus , at CONSTANTINOPLE . Solyman hardly disgesting the dishonour he had before receiued at VIENNA , and oftentimes solicited by king Iohn for aid against Ferdinand , who with greater stomacke than power ceased not continually to molest him : but most of all prickt forward with the insatiable desire of enlarging his empire , after the manner of the Othoman kings , accounting his neighbour princes alwaies his enemies , and their dominions the objects of his victories , and spoile for his souldiors ; raised such an armie as for the greatnesse thereof might worthely haue beene a terrour vnto the world : Not so much purposing the protection of king Iohn , which he in shew most pretended ; neither the siege of VIENNA , as was commonly bruted ; as the conquering of AVSTRIA , CARINTHIA , CROATIA , STIRIA and the rest of king Ferdinands dominions , and so afterwards of all GERMANIE . For the accomplishment whereof , he had in his immoderat desires prefined vnto himselfe the space of three yeares , which the great monarchs of ROME could not performe in more than so many hundreds . It was commonly reported that the proud tyrant would manie times say , That whatsoeuer belonged vnto the empire of ROME , was of right his , for as much as he was rightfully possessed both of the imperiall seat & scepter of Constantine the great Commaunder of the world , which his great grandfather Mahomet had by law of armes woon from Constantine the late Christian emperour , whom he slew at CONSTANTINOPLE . And therefore both in his common talke and writings , as oft as hee had occasion to make any mention of Charles the emperour , he would proudly and as it were in disdaine tearme him by the name of the king of Spaine , but neuer by the name of emperour . The discord of the Christian princes , and the great troubles euen then arising in GERMANIE about matters of religion , did not a little encourage the barbarous tyrant to take in hand this great expedition . King Ferdinand certainly aduertised that Solyman was in person himselfe setting forward with his huge armie , sent vnto him three embassadours ; whereof Leonardus Negarola a noble gentleman , well learned , and skilfull in diuers languages , was chiefe , with rich presents and reasonable offers to intreat with him for peace . Who meeting him vpon the borders of SERVIA , were by him courteously receiued , and patiently heard : yet obtained of him no other answere , but that they should follow his campe , and attend his further pleasure . The report wherof , brought a generall feare vpon all GERMANIE , but especially them of AVSTRIA , in whose fresh remembrance as yet remained the bleeding wounds of their countrey , their brethren and friends slaine , their wiues and children led away into captiuitie , their goods and cattell lost , their houses and fields burnt , and thousands of other grieuous calamities which they had endured in the late inuasion of the Turkes . Charles the emperour had in verie good time ( a little before ) for a while well appeased the discention then arising in GERMANIE about matters of religion , putting them in hope of a free and generall Counsell to be holden for the deciding of all such matters : and in a great assembly of the states of the empire holden at RATISBONE , shewing the greatnesse of the imminent danger , so puissant an enemie threatning vnto them all the calamities of warre , with the manifold mischeefes like to ensue , if they should in so vnfit time fall at variance amongst themselues : offering with great resolution to goe in person himselfe with all his old expert souldiours in defence of the common Christian cause , so much preuailed with the princes of the empire , and the embassadours of the free estates , that they highly commended his forwardnesse ; and all other matters for that time set apart , agreed all with one consent at a prefixed day to send vnto VIENNA such warlike forces as they had in any time before set forth , for the defence of the Christian religion , and the majestie of the empire . Whereupon he wrot vnto Alphonsus Vastius ( his lieutenant Generall in ITALIE , and one of the greatest captaines of that age ) that he should without delay call together the old captaines , and to leuie so many companies of harquebusiers as they possibly could ; and with them and the Spanish souldiors to repaire forthwith vnto him into AVSTRIA . He also enjoyned Andreas Auria , his admirall , that hee should with like diligence rig vp a strong fleet of gallies and marchants ships , and to goe against the Turkes nauie into GRaeCIA . At the same time he sent for his choise horsemen out of BVRGVNDIE and the low countries , and many noble gentlemen and old soldiours out of SPAINE : for the guard of his owne person he entertained twelue thousand Germanes , such as had longest serued in his warres in ITALIE , ouer whom commaunded Maximilian Herbersthene , and Tamisius , both famous captaines . At the same time Clement the seuenth then bishop of ROME , although his cofers were greatly emptied by the late Florentine warres , which had cost him ten hundred thousand duckats ; yet to make some shew of his deuotion in so dangerous a time , with the great good will he bare vnto the emperor , after he had with greeuous exaction extorted from the cleargie a great masse of money ( whereunto his rich cardinals contributed nothing , as if it had been a thing vtterly vnlawfull for them in so good a cause to haue abated any jot of their pontificall shew in the court of ROME , ) sent the young cardinall Hyppolytus Medices his nephew , being then about twentie yeares of age , a man indeed fitter for the warres than for the church , as his legate vnto the emperour , accompanied with mo good captaines than cleargie men , and his cofers well stuffed with treasure : whose comming to RATISBONE was vnto the emperour and the Germanes very welcome , for besides that hee was a young gentleman of very comely personage and exceeding bountifull , he entertained for those warres ( besides the companie he brought with him ) eight ●housand Hungarian horsemen , of all others best acquainted with the Turkish warres . King Iohn vnderstanding , that the formost of Solymans great armie were come as farre as SAMANDRIA in SERVIA , thought it now a fit time to wring from king Ferdinand such townes as he yet held in HVNGARIE , wherefore he sent Aloisius Grittus ( whom Solyman had left as a helper for his estate ) to besiege STRIGONIVM ; which is a citie of HVNGARIE , situat vpon the side of Danubius , about thirtie miles from BVDA , the castle whereof was at that time holden with a strong garrison of king Ferdinands : whereunto for all that Grittus laid such hard siege both by the riuer and by land , that the defendants doubting how they should bee able to hold out , especially if Solyman should take that in his way , as it was most like he would ; sent for releefe to Cazzianer , a warlike captaine , then gouernour of VIENNA , and generall of all king Ferdinand his forces : by whose appointment certaine small frigots , were sent downe the riuer of Danubius from POSSONIVM , well manned : who suddainely setting vpon the Turkes fleet ( which so kept the riuer that nothing could that way be possibly conueyed either in or out of the castle ) should by their vnexpected comming open that way : but Grittus hauing intelligence thereof by certaine Hungarians , which though they serued king Ferdinand , made no great account to flie sometime to the one part , sometime to the other , as best fitted their purpose ; presently resolued to send his fleet vp the riuer , and by his sudden comming to oppresse his enemies , in like sort as they had thought to haue done him . And the more to encourage his souldiours , hee promised great rewards to all such as should performe any extraordinarie peece of seruice in that action : and so hauing thorowly furnished all his fleet with good souldiours , but especially with Turkish archers , sent them vp the riuer to seeke their enemies : who fearing no such matter , as men surprised with the same mischeefe they had prepared for others , were at the first exceedingly dismayed , yet considering that they were reasonably well prouided for their comming ( although they yet wanted such helpe as Cazzianer had appointed to send them ) they thought it a great shame to flie , and therefore putting themselues in order of battell , came downe the riuer , and with great courage encountred their enemies . There began a sharpe and cruell fight , many being slaine and wounded on both sides : but at last they of POSSONIVM , not able longer to endure the deadly shot of their enemies , and especially of the Turkish archers , who with their arrowes sore gauled both the souldiours and the marriners , they turned their backes and fled : in which fight of sixtie frigots which came from POSSONIVM , onely thirteene escaped , with Corporanus the Generall , all the rest being either sunke in the fight , or els taken by the enemie , being run ashore and forsaken by the Possonians , trusting more vnto their legs by land than their oares by water . Besides this losse of the frigots , there was slaine of the Possonians almost fiue hundred . After this victorie , Grittus hoping that they in the castle of STRIGONIVM , despairing now of releefe , and fearing the comming of Solyman , would not long hold out ; left off to batter or vndermine the castle , wherewith he perceiued he little preuailed , purposing by lying still and keeping them in the castle from all releefe , to enforce them in time to forsake the place . Thus whilst the deuided Hungarians with their owne hands inconsideratly sought one anothers destruction , with the ruine of their countrey ; Solyman the great enemie of all Christians was readie at their backes to deuour both the one and the other , as in few yeares after he did . Much about this time the old Spanish souldiors in ITALIE , drawne together by Vastius , as the emperour had before commaunded , were come to the Alpes . In this campe , of one sort of men and other , was aboue twentie thousand , whereof almost the third part was not seruiceable : for the old souldiors , enriched with the long warres in ITALIE , and the spoile of the rich countrey of LVMBARDIE , wherein they had of late beene billited , brought with them all their old gotten spoiles and substance , not forgetting so much as their women , and whatsoeuer els serued their pleasure : for carriage whereof they drew after them a great multitude of carriages and vnnecessarie people , all which serued for no other vse but for the soldiors pleasure , and to consume victuals . Which their licentious wantonnesse Vastius desiring to reforme , gaue straight commaundement thorow all the campe , That they should leaue behind them all such vnnecessarie baggage , and appointed what carriages should suffice for euery companie : whereat the souldiors began at the first to murmure , and presently after to arise vp in mutinie : for many of the captains being rich , and disliking of that long and dangerous expedition , couertly incited the common souldiors to crie out vpon Vastius the Generall for their pay , alreadie due . Which thing once put into their heads , and the matter set on foot , quickly grew to that heat , that they all with one voice said flatly , That they would goe no foot further , before they had receiued their pay . Vastius although he well perceiued that tumult to be raised by some of his enemies , which sought thereby to lighten his credit , was glad for all that for the present to dissemble the matter , and yeelding to the necessitie of the time , to content the mutinous souldiors with one months pay , promising them their full contentment , at such time as they should come vnto the emperour : and so when he had with much adoe appeased that tumult , he set forward into GERMANIE . Immediatly after the Spaniards followed the Italians , who with such cheerefulnesse offered themselues to that seruice , that euery captaine brought with him twice so many in his companie as was expected : so that Vastius ( who before doubtfull of their forwardnesse in so dangerous a warre , especially in the aid of the Germanes , of whom they had in the late warres receiued great harmes , had by great and earnest persuasions induced diuers of the nobilitie , and others of the better sort , to enter into that honourable action , in hope that they would draw after them great numbers of their friends and tennants , as indeed they did ) was now glad to send backe again many of the common souldiors , by reason of the multitude ; and also to his great discredit , and the offence of many , full sore against his will to displace most part of those forward gentlemen whom he had but a little before made captaines , who to their no small charge had gallantly furnished themselues , according to their degrees and places : for the emperour had then appointed what number of Italians he should bring , and also giuen commaundement , That rejecting the rest , he should commit the leading of them onely to those old expert captaines of whose valour and discretion he had before had good experience . These were Martius Columna , Petrus Maria , Rubeus , Philippus Torniellus , Ioannes Baptista Castalius , Fabritius Maramaldus , Pyrrhus Stipicianus , and Camillus Columna , being all men of great worth and approoued faith towards the emperour . In these Italian companies were fourteene thousand select footmen , beside many other braue men who voluntarily resorted from diuers places to VIENNA . After these footmen followed Ferdinand Gonzaga with two thousand horsemen , and certaine troupes of Grecians and Spaniards , and with them came many noble gentlemen out of all parts of ITALIE , who had before beene great commaunders , but now serued as priuat gentlemen voluntarily without charge or pay ; accounting it a great shame to tarrie at home as cowards , and not to be present in that religious warre . The emperour also about the same time , hauing taken view of his horsemen come out of the low countries most excellently appointed , and shipping his great ordinance whereof hee had bought great store at NVRVMBERGE , departed downe the riuer from RATISBONE to LINTZ . The riuer of Danubius neuer carried so many vessels and souldiours since the time of the great Romane emperours , as it did at that present . And yet besides them which went downe the riuer by shipping , the pleasant bankes on both sides were filled with great companies of horsemen and footmen , passing all alongst the riuer vnder their colours , with their drums and trumpets sounding , which altogither made the most glorious shew that a man could well behold vpon earth . In the meane while Solyman in six and fiftie daies march come to BELGRADE , thrust ouer the great riuer Sauus by bridges made in diuers places , an infinit number of his horsemen into HVNGARIE : and leauing Danubius on the right hand , turning a little vpon the left , marched directly towards the rich countrey of STIRIA ( called in auntient time VALERIA , and now STIERMARKE . ) By the way as he went , he came to the little towne of GVNZA , which one Nicholas Iureschitz ( a man of an inuincible courage ) kept with a small garrison of his own . This towne standeth in a plaine , not farre from the citie of SABARIA , built square , and but of a small compasse , not verie strongly walled , a poore obscure thing , neuer famous till now by the great dishonour that the great Turkish emperour Solyman there receiued . Abraham the chiefe Bassa ( who so absolutly commaunded amongst the Turkes , as if Solyman had receiued him into the fellowship of the empire with himselfe ) was verie desirous to saue this captaine Nicholas , for that he knew him to be a man of great courage , and was familiarly acquainted with him at such time as he lay embassadour at CONSTANTINOPLE : wherefore he attempted first by gentle persuasions and large offers , and afterwards by most terrible threats , to induce him to yeeld the towne vnto Solyman . But finding him so resolutly set downe , that he was neither by faire nor foule meanes , but onely by force to be remoued out of his towne ; he enclosed the same round about with the hugie armie of the Turks , and by mines ouerthrew the wals in three places . Which sudden breach , whilest the garrison souldiours most valiantly defended against the furious assault of the Ianizaries , on the South side of the town ; the Bassa planting his field pieces vpon the hils on the North side , did from thence grieuously annoy the defendants : who fiercely assailed by their enemies before , and beaten with the great ordinance behind , were grieuously distressed . Wherewith the worthie Gouernour somewhat troubled , though not much discouraged , suddenly of timber and boords raised vp a curtaine twelue foot high , at the backs of his souldiours : wherwith they were so couered from the sight of their enemies , that they could not make any certaine shot at them , but onely shot at that curtaine at all aduentures , not doing any thing so great harme as before : and with desperat and restlesse labour ( in despight of all the Turkes great power ) repaired the breaches , in as strong manner as at the first . In the meane time two hundred of the Turks horsemen , stragling from the campe , and seeking after bootie into the country as farre as NEOSTAT , were by the Hungarian horsemen intercepted and all slaine or taken , whose heads the Hungarians brought to VIENNA ; and the more to encourage the souldiours which daily repaired thither , in token of good lucke set them vp vpon stakes vpon the wals of the citie . Then was it certainly knowne of the prisoners , that Solyman had in his campe fiue hundred thousand men , and three hundred field pieces , which were not of greater bignesse but that a camell might well carrie one of them , being taken from the carriage : for why , Solyman purposing by destroying the countrey before him , to draw the emperour vnto battell ; had ( as they said ) brought no greater pieces of batterie with him . Which report of the prisoners was also confirmed by the embassadours of king Ferdinand , whom Solyman gaue leaue to depart at GVNZA , giuing to euerie one of them a gowne of veluet and a piece of plate , with letters vnto the emperour and king Ferdinand his brother ; wherein proudly vsurping the titles of many kingdomes , he most insolently writ himselfe lord and soueraigne of almost all countries and nations . But the effect therof was , That he was come into HVNGARIE , to reuenge the wrongs which they had don vnto king Iohn his friend and vassall ; and would with fire and sword enter their countries , and by the power of God and his great prophet Mahomet , the fauourers of just quarrels , giue them battell , if they durst meet him : Wherefore if they would as valiant and couragious princes meet him in the field , he would in one battell end quarrell with them , and in reward of the victorie either win or lose the empire of the world . When Solyman had thus a great while laine at the siege of GVNZA , and thereto giuen diuers sharpe assaults , being still with great losse and dishonour repulsed , he in the space of foure daies cast vp neere vnto the towne ditch two great mounts of faggots and earth , as if they had beene two great mountaines , of such height , that they ouertopped not the wals onely , but euen the highest towers in the towne ( by which wonderfull worke the greatnesse of the Turkes armie might easily be conjectured : ) one of these great mounts he cast vp directly against the face of the towne , and the other at a corner of the same , to flanker alongst the wall ; from whence he did with his shot not onely beat them which appeared vpon the wals for the defence thereof , but them also which vpon occasion went too and fro in the streets . These mounts being with incredible celeritie brought to perfection , the towne ditch filled vp , and many of the defendants either slaine or wounded vpon the wals , the Turkes gaue a most furious assault at that place which was before shaken with the mine : against whom the valiant captaine as need was in that extreame danger , opposed all the strength he had left . But the Turks still pressing on with their infinit multitude , were got vp to the top of the wals with eight ensignes , from whence they had repulsed the defendants : which being all either wounded or wearied , shrowded themselues vnder the defence of their penthouses , being neither able nor of courage to make further resistance , so that the wals were now abandoned , and the towne there left without defendants : when suddenly such a great clamour was made by the loud outcries and lamentation of the women and children and other fearefull people , that the Turkes which had recouered the top of the wals , strucken with a sudden feare , thinking the towne to haue been full of souldiors , stood as men astonied and dismayed , whereupon the defendants began againe to take courage , and to shew themselues : at whose sight the Turkes possessed with a needlesse feare , forsooke the wals , and could not by any persuasions or threats of their captaines be brought on againe to the assault . The towne was that day in all mens judgements defended by the mightie power of God and not by the strength of man. It greeued the proud tyrant aboue measure , that so base a towne should so long hold out against all his power , so that oftentimes in his rage he would threaten to rase it downe to the ground , and not to leaue any signe thereof remaining : which he would vndoubtedly haue in time performed , had not Abraham the great Bassa ( by whose counsell he was altogether directed ) otherwise persuaded him : who waiting a fit time , when his choller was past , told him that it was not worth his name and greatnesse , to spend his time and forces vpon so small a towne of no importance , by rasing whereof he should neither get honour nor profit : for why , no man would meruaile , if he with so puissant an armie should take so small a thing , especially by long siege , whereby the strongest places are enforced to yeeld ; and when he had so taken it , yet it would bee accounted a greater honour for so little a towne to haue holden out so long , than for him to haue with so great forces in long time constrained it : but if it should otherwise fall out , as the chances of warre are vncertaine , that he should by any occasion bee constrained to leaue it , hee should thereby get no small dishonour : wherefore it were more wisedome to spare his souldiors labour in so small a matter , whereof he was not to expect either honour or profit , and forto reserue them for his greater designes , and not vainely to spend his forces & time in the besieging of so base a village , from whence he might now depart with lesse dishonor than hee could afterwards , when hee had proued the vttermost of his forces , and yet in the end glad peraduenture to forsake it : wherefore it were more for his honour to raise his siege , and calling the Gouernour of the towne vnto him , to giue him the towne as it were of bountie , than to spend so many good men as he must needs cast away in the winning of it by force . With these and like reasons the Bassa preuailed so much with Solyman , that Nicholas the worthie gouernor of the towne was by a herault at armes sent for to come vnto the great Bassa , Solyman disdaining ( as it should seeme ) to speake with him himselfe . The Gouernour being sent for , although he was greeuously wounded , and in small hope of life , yet stoutly refused to come to any parley , except he were first well assured both by safe conduct and good hostages for the safetie of his person , and that nothing should be exacted of him , not beseeming his religion and honor . Which stout answere caused Solyman and the Bassa to thinke , that his strength was not yet so weakened but that he was still able to hold out the siege : and thereupon , that he required for his safetie was forthwith graunted , and two men of great account sent for hostages for him into the citie with Solymans safe conduct . Which being receiued , the Gouernour went forth , and was by Abraham the great Bassa honourably receiued into the campe , and commanded to sit downe by him in his tent : where he was by him first by the way of courtesie demaunded , whether hee had recouered his old infirmitie wherewith he was troubled at such time as he was sent embassadour vnto Solyman at CONSTANTINOPLE ? After that , whether the wounds he had receiued in the last assault , were dangerous or not ? but last of all , and that which most concerned the matter , vpon what hope he alone had so long and so obstinately withstood the mightie Sultan Solyman ; when as all his neighbours round about him had so willingly submitted themselues ? saying further , That he maruelled much why he reposed any confidence in the lingering king Ferdinand . Whereunto the Gouernor modestly answered , That he was ( thankes be to God ) well deliuered of his old disease : and that his wounds were without danger : but as concerning his holding out , he said , that he for his great wisedome knew , that it was the dutie of a good souldior valiantly to withstand his enemies , & not to be troubled with any euill hap , or discouraged with any chance of warre : as for himselfe , he said , when mans helpe failed , he had reposed his full trust in God , by whose power he had beene hetherto preserued , which as he well hoped , should neuer faile him at his need : and that king Ferdinand was not so farre off , but that he would before it were long be there present with a great armie : wherefore hee did not greatly maruell , that he was not releeued before that time , for as much as many lets and occasions might chance which might hinder the kings purpose , considering that fortune alwaies by nature vnconstant , was in nothing more like vnto her selfe in her vnconstancie than in martiall affaires . The Bassa wondering at the inuincible courage of the Gouernour , said , That although the great emperour Solyman might now at his pleasure vtterly destroy the towne , with all that therein was ; yet being by nature of a most honourable and mild disposition , and a great louer of valiant and courageous men , had commaunded him in his name to giue him that towne , and the liues of all them that were in it , as a reward of his valour shewed in the defence thereof : yet so , that he should sweare obedience vnto him , and receiue some few Turkes into the towne , in token that he had yeelded the same . The politicke Gouernour knowing that of eight hundred valiant souldiours he had scarcely a third part left , and them also sore weakened with wounds and want of rest , thought it necessarie to make his peace in best sort he could : For what could haue happened vnto him more wishedly , than with his great honour to keepe the towne still , and with the losse of a few pleasing words to deliuer himselfe , with so many of his friends , from extreame feare and perill ? and so in all his talke shewing no signe of feare , and with great words setting forth the strength of his garrison ( which was indeed brought to an etreame weaknesse ) said he was readie at the first to haue yeelded vp the towne , for the old acquaintance he had with him at CONSTANTINOPLE , but was alwayes letted by the Germanes and Spaniards which were there in garrison , fierce and cruell souldiors , whose hard hearts were ( as he said ) hardly entreated to suffer him at that time to come out of the citie into the campe : Wherefore he could promise to be a friend to all such Turkes as should passe that way , and to releeue them with such things as his wasted country could affoord ; and further , in token of his submission , to set vp one of Solymans ensignes in the cheefe tower of the citie : but as for receiuing any Turkes into garrison , in token that hee had yeelded vp the towne , he was willing so to doe , but that he was greatly afraid they should be euill entreated by the Germanes and Spaniards , who deadly hated the Turks : whereof it was to be thought , that new warres would eftsoones arise . In conclusion , he so cunningly vsed the matter , that the great Bassa was contented with this small token of submission , That he should receiue in at one of the gates of the citie , one of Solymans captaines with ten Ianizaries : which being done accordingly , and they courteously for a while entertained and againe dismissed , the great Bassa held himselfe with that simple submission well contented : when as the Gouernour had neither Germane nor Spaniard as then in garrison . So when Solyman had with his great armie lien at the siege of GVNZA by the space of eight and twentie dayes , and in that time to his great losse assaulted the same thirteene times , he rise with his armie , glad of a little fained submission for the safegard of his honour : and leauing VIENNA on the right hand , whither most part of the Christian armie was assembled , tooke the way on the left into CARINTHIA , and so came to the riuer Mura , and from thence to the citie GRATIA . This turning of Solymans out of the way from VIENNA , where he knew his enemies lay , put all feare out of the minds of the Christians , which they had before not without cause conceaued , in so much , that he but a little before feared as a prince of great pride and power , shamefully repulsed at the little towne of GVNZA , and now shunning his enemies at VIENNA , began to grow into contempt as if he had been running away for feare . Which disgrace the Turkes sought by diuers excuses to couer , as that the strong citie of NEOSTAT lay betwixt him and VIENNA , which could neither without much difficultie be taken , nor danger left enemie behind him : Besides that , Winter began to approch , which caused him ( as the Turks gaue it out ) to content himselfe with the spoile of the rich countries betwixt the riuers Sauus and Dranus , and so in good time to returne againe to BELGRADE . But they which seemed to see farther into the matter , were of opinion , That Solyman vnderstanding by his espials , and secret aduertisement from his friends , that the princes of GERMANIE had with one consent joyned their forces with the emperours , brought out of ITALIE , SPAINE , and the low countries , which at his setting foorth he least feared ; and that the Christian armie in number great , consisted not of raw souldiours , but for the most part of such as had beene trained vp in warres , men both for courage and skill nothing inferiour to his Ianizaries and best men of war ; chose rather to take the spoile of the countrey , as he might with safetie , than to aduenture his person and state to the hazard of a most doubtfull and dangerous battell . Whilest these things were in doing , Michael-ogli by the commaundement of Solyman sent Cason with fifteene thousand of his voluntarie horsemen ( who in Solymans expedition against VIENNA , had run thorow the countrey of AVSTRIA as farre as LINTZ ) charging him without stay to spoile all the countrey farre and neere which lieth between Danubius and the Alpes , thereby to learne what he could of the state and strength of the emperours campe ; and by doing all the harmes he could possibly , to leaue a most lamentable remembrance of the Turkes being in AVSTRIA . Cason was of himselfe forward enough , and desirous of the spoile ; but so much the more , for that he was by the former road into that countrey become both famous and rich : Wherefore diuiding his horsemen into three companies not farre distant one from another , he suddenly oppressed an infinit multitude of all sorts of people in the fields and countrey villages as he went ; all which hee either slew without mercie , or carried away as miserable prisoners . Thousands of men and women tied togither in chaines and roapes , were by the cruell Turkes enforced to run as fast as their horses , the countrey villages were burnt downe to the ground and in them the poore children of the Christians , whose parents were either slaine or carried away captiues : so that all the countrey euerie way for the space almost of an hundred and fiftie miles , was couered with smoke and fire , within three miles of LINTZ ; where king Ferdinand then lying , was glad to get himselfe farther off to STRADINGA , where his brother Charles the emperor lay . This cruell Turke , according to his charge hauing with fire and sword without compassion wrought all the wo he could possible vpon the poore Christians , and now loded with the spoile of the coun●rey and multitude of prisoners , began to returne the same way he came , thinking to find Solyman either at the siege of GVNZA where he left him , or neerer hand at NEOSTAT comming towards VIENNA . But he as is before said , rising with small honour from GVNZA , and fearing the power of the Christians , was gone quite another way as farre as GRATIA , the metropoliticall citie of STIRIA , standing vpon the riuer of Mura ; which turned to the vtter destruction of Cason and all his followers . For as soone as it was perceiued by the burning of the countrey all about , that the Turkes were come neere vnto LINTZ , the Christian captaines with their companies went out of the campe , some one way , some another , as was thought most conuenient for the meeting with of these mischieuous Turks , which neuer rested in one place : wherin they vsed such diligence in taking the passages , that it was not possible they should escape vnfought withall . Foure companies of Spanish and Italian horsemen vnder the leading of Lewes Coue a valiant captaine , first lighting vpon them in a valley neere vnto NEOSTAT , and desperatly charging them , were by the Turkes for most part slaine : But Cason perceiuing how he was on euerie side laid for by the Christians in the vallies betwixt NEOSTAT , SABARIA , and VESPRINIVM , the night following with more than barbarous crueltie slew foure thousand of the Christians he had before taken prisoners , because he should not be hindred by them in his flight ; and diuiding his armie into two parts , about midnight began to set forward , vsing the benefit of the night to haue escaped from his enemies out of these vallies wherein he was enclosed . One part of this armie led by Ferises taking the way Southward , did with incredible labour cut a way thorow the thicke and ouergrowen woods ( a thing thought altogither impossible ) and so with little or no losse came to Solyman into S●●RIA . Cason with the other part of the armie breaking out of the valley of STORAMBERG , chanced vpon the Palatine ( Generall of the forces sent from the Germain princes ) who with ten thousand footmen and two thousand horsmen , and certaine field pieces brake the battell of the Turkes , and slew of them a great number : in which conflict Cason his chiefe ensigne was taken . He fighting most valiantly in the rearward to giue others time to escape , was himselfe there slaine ; whose gallant headpiece presented afterwards to the emperour , confirmed the report of his death . They which escaped from the Palatine , in their flight fell into the hands of Lewes and the Marquesse of BRANDENEVRG , by whom they were slaine like beasts . The Hungarian horsmen led by Valentinus Turacus , lighting vpon them which fled from Lewes and the Marquesse , had the killing of them for the space of seauen miles ; and of all others did vpon them the cruellest execution , following them hard at the heeles with their fresh horses , and fiercely insulting vpon them in their owne language . Those few dispersed Turkes which escaped the furie of the Hungarians , fell into the hands of the countrey people about VESPRINIVM and the lake of Balaton , which came out on euerie side in hope of spoile , who shewed them small fauour : so that of 8000 Turks which were with Cason , it was thought not one returned to Solyman . The emperour vnderstanding that Solyman was gone as farre as GRATIA in STIRIA , called his chiefe captaines togither into the castle of LINTZ , to know their opinions , whether it were best to follow the enemie into STIRIA or not . The cities of LINTZ , GRATIA , and VIENNA are scituat almost in forme of a triangle : but from LINTZ to GRATIA is three good daies journey of bad rough way by horse . Some said it was best to fight with the Turkes in that vneuen mountaine countrey , where the Turkes chiefe strength consisting in the multitude of his horsemen , should stand him in small steed , but should be enforced to trie the battell with his footmen , wherein he was inferiour to the Christians . This counsell although it had in it many difficulties , yet for that it proceeded from the most approued captaines , so moued the emperour , that he presently sent Apontius a Spaniard ( the most famous captaine Antonius Leua his lieutenant ) to take view of that passage : who shortly after returned againe to LINTZ , bringing word that all the countrey as hee went was desolat and for feare forsaken of the inhabitants : but concerning the place of the enemies abode , he could learne no certaintie . Whereupon it was by generall consent concluded , that they should all go to VIENNA , whither all the strength of the Germains was alreadie assembled , there to take a generall view of the armie , and to giue the enemie battell if he should againe returne . Some there were of great courage which openly disliked of that going to VIENNA , saying , That the emperour should rather in that distresse of the prouinces of STIRIA and CARINTHIA pursue his enemie , than turne out of the way to VIENNA . But others of greater judgement , whose opinion preuailed , said , It was one thing to inuade , and another thing to defend : so that the emperour might with honour enough encampe himselfe in the fields of VIENNA , and from thence to expect & deride the base expedition and vaine brags of his proud enemie , who a farre off chalenged him into the field , and then like a coward durst not come neere him . The emperour comming to VIENNA , and taking a generall view of the armie , found therin two hundred and sixtie thousand men , whereof nintie thousand footmen , and thirtie thousand horsemen were accounted old expert soldiors , and of them many whole companies and bands , of such as had before ben generals , captains , lieutenants , antients , or other officers & men of marke in other armies , and now were content to serue as priuat men . It was thought that so many worthie captaines and valiant souldiours , were neuer before in the memorie of man assembled togither into one campe : for the princes and free cities had not sent thither common souldiours , but their chosen and approued men ; striuing as it were amongst themselues , who should send the best . All the flowre and strength of GERMANIE from the riuer of Vistula to the Rhene , and from the Ocean to the Alpes , was by the princes of the empire and free cities either sent thither , or of themselues voluntarily came thither . A thing neuer before heard of , that all GERMANIE should as it were with one consent , be glad to take vp armes for their common safetie , in defence of their honour and libertie ; especially against people brought out of the furthest parts of ASIA , SYRIA , and AEGYPT . Beside the great number of Spaniards , Italians , and Burgundians ; the Bohemian campe lay not farre off , strengthened with them of SILESIA and MORAVIA . There were also some troupes of Polonian horsemen , not sent thither by publike authoritie ▪ but seruing as voluntarie men : king Sigismund winking thereat , who as he was carefull not rashly to breake the league he had made with Solyman ; so least he should seeme carelesse of the Christian common cause , by notable dissimulation left place for such of his subjects as would ( as if it had beene without his knowledge ) to shew their valour in the most honourable warre . The Christian armie readie to receiue the enemie , lay in a great field neere vnto VIENNA in this order : Three great squadrons of pikemen , standing one squadron a great way distant from another , were so placed against the enemie with like and equall front , that all the horsemen diuided into two parts , might well be receiued into the great spaces betwixt the three squadrons : for it was not thought conuenient to oppose so small a number of horsemen in open field without the footmen , against almost three hundred thousand of the Turks horsemen . The right wing of the horsemen was led by the emperour himselfe , and the left by king Ferdinand . Before and behind , and on euerie side of the three squadrons of pikes , sauing in those places which were left open for the horsemen , about thirtie paces off , were placed twentie thousand nimble harquebusiers ranged in length , and but fiue in a ranke ; so that whilest the first discharged , the second , and after them the third , and so the rest readily and orderly comming on , might without let deliuer their bullets vpon their enemies : neither was it thought any disaduantage to place them so thin , for that if they found themselues by the enemies oppressed , they might easily retire amongst the pikes , standing fast at hand . Before the harquebusiers was planted the great ordinance , whereof the emperor had such store and so well placed , that he could therwith ( as with a most sure trench ) haue compassed in his whole armie . Only the Hungarians , men well acquainted with the manner of the Turks fight , chose to lie in the open field in two great wings , vnder the leading of their two valiant captaines Valentinus and Paulus . Many noble gentlemen beholding this goodly armie , wept for joy , conceiuing a most assured hope of victorie , if the proud enemie durst with all his forces joyne in battell . But Solyman , who by all meanes sought with his great number of horsemen to keepe the wide and open fields , certainly aduertised both of the emperors strength and the manner of his lying , got him ouer the riuer of Mura , and at MARPVRGE by bridges which he made on the sudden , passed ouer the great riuer Dranus . And so he which that Sommer held almost all the world in suspence , with the doubtfull expectation of the successe of that war ; hauing with all that his huge power wherwith he threatned the world , done nothing at all worth the remembrance , but was in euerie place either ouercome or else shamefully repulsed ; left STIRIA & returned the same way he came , directly betwixt the riuers of Sauus and Dranus to BELGRADE , and so to CONSTANTINOPLE , leauing here and there some remembrance of his barbarous crueltie , and still looking behind him if the emperour were not at his heeles : at such time as a few Dalmatian and Croatian horsemen did still pursue the taile of his armie . It is reported that he carried away with him thirtie thousand Christians into captiuitie , besides many thousands of poore countrey people slaine by the mercilesse Turkes ; but especially by Cason and his followers : and so to his eternall infamie was twise in the space of a few years driuen out of GERMANIE . The emperour vnderstanding of Solymans departure , determined with all speed to returne into ITALIE , although king Ferdinand his brother most earnestly entreated him before his departure , in so fit a time to employ those great forces against king Iohn , who now as it were forsaken of Solyman , might easily with so puissant an armie haue beene thrust not onely out of BVDA , but also quite out of the kingdome of HVNGARIE , wherein he was by Solyman as his vassall placed . But the emperour , for that Winter began now to approach , and the plague was got into the campe , yea euen into his court , continued in his former purpose of departing into ITALIE : yet yeelding so farre vnto his brothers request , as to leaue behind him all the Italians , who joyned with king Ferdinands owne forces were thought sufficient for the accomplishment of the Hungarian warre . Ouer these Italians , one Fabritius Maramaldus was by the meanes of Alphonsus Victius appointed Generall : but no order taken for the paiment of their wages , whereby the souldiours might be the more encouraged to take in hand that warre , and also kept in obedience . Which thing at the first much offended the minds of the other captaines , thinking themselues disgraced by the preferment of Maramaldus , a man of no greater account than themselues : but as soone as it was knowne abroad , the vnder captaines and officers of the bands , led with the credit and fauour of their old captaines , said plainly , That they would not go into HVNGARIE , except either king Ferdinand would in person himselfe go , or else one of the great Commanders , Vastius or Le●a were appointed for their Generall : and the common souldiours said flatly , that they would aske leaue to depart , except they had three moneths pay , which they knew well they should neuer get of that poore king , alreadie brought vnto great wants . Vastius to appease this mutinie , trauelled greatly with his souldiours , persuading them to remember the faith of souldiours , and by their constant perseuerance to maintaine the honour they had got by their cheerfull comming : telling them , That valiant souldiours neuer wanted pay , furnishing themselues by their victories with all things necessarie from the enemie . And as for Maramaldus their Generall , they had no just cause to mislike him being an old captaine of great experience , for courage and pollicie not inferiour to any of the greatest Commanders , and placed by the emperor his owne appointment as a man most sufficient , whose judgement they ought not in any case to dislike . When Vastius had with these and such like reasons well appeased the tumultuous souldiours , and was gone out of the campe into VIENNA to take further order for the remedying of all difficulties ; night , the nurse of sedition came on , whose darkenesse excluding all modestie and feare , gaue further scope and place vnto the mutinous souldiors insolencie . By chance there was at that time brought out of the citie into the campe verie course , hoarie , moulded bread , which some of the souldiours hauing bought , and thrusting it vpon the points of their speares , shewed it vnto their fellowes in great choller , railing against king Ferdinand , which in his owne kingdome in the beginning of the warre had made no better prouision , but with such corrupt and pestilent bread to feed them being strangers , which were onely for his defence and quarrell to aduenture their liues . And but a little before , a certaine Spaniard being but a common souldiour comming into the Generals tent , and casting the like bread down at the feet of Vastius , bitterly cursing the emperour and king Ferdinand , had raised a wonderfull tumult : wherefore the Italian souldiours flocking togither out of their tents , gaue many hard speeches concerning their pay , their victuals , and the difficulties of the Hungarian warre . There one Titus Marconius of VOLATERRA a man of a troublesome spirit , but reasonably well spoken , was by the other souldiours set vp vpon a great heape of saddles , that he might be the better heard , and by diuers seditious captaines requested frankly to speake his mind , so farre as he thought concerned the safetie and welfare of them all . Where it is reported that he spake vnto them in this seditious manner as followeth : And shall the Spaniards ( said he ) beloued companions and fellowes in armes , as you haue heard , go into ITALIE ? and to our great hurt againe returne into their old Wintering places ? and that which I am ashamed to say , as notable guests lie with our wiues ? and we Italians as banished men fight this Winter with ice and snow in HVNGARIE ? and that forsooth for a most beggarly king , and him also to the Hungarians a foreuer and meere stranger , against a naturall borne prince , of his subiects well beloued , and strongly backt with the power and wealth of the Turkish emperour ? And that which might iustly grieue any couragious mind , vnder the conduct of Maramaldus , who oftentimes blinded with anger and hastie crueltie , hath so furiously thrust vs thorow with his sword , that he seemeth not more to desire the name of a captaine for any thing , than for the killing and murthering of vs now his souldiours . Neither can I beleeue that you , who haue oftentimes beene captaines and auntients your selues , will be so mad , as to serue vnder a common captaine , without hope of any pay , of any prouision , of victorie or returne . Truely it delighteth me not so much to haue come hither for the honour of the Italian name ( no more reckoned of than a rush ) although I haue eleuen times serued ; as it doth this day ashame me to see this shamefull end of the warre , ended before it was well begun . But in Regall dignitie is no shame , nor equitie in rewarding the souldiour : for kings now adaies make account of souldiours onely according to their necessitie ; this is it alone that giueth vs pay , this is that getteth vs loue , this is it maintaineth our reputation ; all which , peace once by victorie obtained , leese their grace . So fareth it with vs at this present ( fellow souldiours ) the emperour and his brother king Ferdinand , deliuered from the feare of a most dangerous warre , to ease themselues of this multitude of vs , seeke to thrust vs into HVNGARIE as beasts to the slaughter , by the spending of our bloud hoping to purchase vnto themselues victorie ; and by the losse of vs to take no harme themselues , though the Turkes and Hungarians should with sword and famine vtterly destroy vs , shut vp with the ice of Danubius and the snow of the Alpes . But peraduenture you vnderstand not these deuises , no more than you vnderstand what this terrible and bloudie * comet , shooting his beames towards ITALY , pretendeth . Verily it is not fatall either to Solyman or Caesar , but rather threatneth vnto vs death and destruction : for they with like counsell , full of safetie and discretion , would not open any way vnto their owne destinies , but warely withdrew themselues one from the other , and shunned all the dangers of the field : Wherefore if it were lawfull for them without any blemish of their Maiesties , so notably to prouide to keepe themselues out of danger , when as on each side halfe the world lay as a reward of the victorie ; shall not we looke to our selues that we he not thrust thither from whence appeareth no hope of returne , but with vtter destruction ? when as we may doe it without offence and by good right , especially seeing no pay is offered vs. Thus you see what a goodly end is made of this notable warre , wherein onely we the Italians in stead of commendation and reward reape iniurie and disgrace : and are peraduenture of purpose exiled into HVNGARIE , that this floure of chiualrie being drawne out of ITALIE and sent farre out of the way , colonies of Spaniards and Germanes may be placed in our steads . Truly it seemeth hard dealing to be sent out of the way into a barbarous countrey , where wee shall find all hostilitie , and no place of refuge to receiue vs , being distressed . Beside this , we shall also whether we will or no feele how heauie and intollerable it will be both to our bodies and minds to endure the miseries of this Winter and dangerous warre : and in the meane time with no small hearts greefe imagine what things our children , our brethren , our kinsmen , yea and our wiues , suffer at home of the Spaniards and Germanes . Wherefore worthie companions , it concerneth vs more at this time to haue a good foresight , than valiantly to fight . The occasion presented vnto vs far our safetie and welfare , standeth vpon a tickle point , it must be done without delay , and we must hie vs hence before that the Spaniards trusse vp their baggage ; and so preuenting the emperours formost companies , come first our selues into ITALIE : for if we shall stay but a little to consult vpon the matter , Vastius and our other proud commaunders will presently be here , the very betrayers of the Italian bloud , who for their owne gaine and our mischeefe haue brought vs into these straits ; who I know will most earnestly intreat vs , and with many subtilties seeke to seduce vs , by offering vs great pay and whatsoeuer els we shall require : which will all proue but words . But you , if you be men , refuse to talke with them as with your common enemies , or rather in reuenge of their old iniuries kill them . Here wanteth not in this assembly valiant men , for courage and integritie of life their betters farre , which can lead you forth , order your battell , and fortunately vse this your courage and forwardnesse . Wherefore if you be wise ; set forward resolutely , and good fortune no doubt will attend you in your hast , for the full accomplishment of your desire consisteth in your hast onely . Marconius had no sooner made an end of this mutinous speech , but the tumultuous souldiors in euery band began highly to commend and approue the same , and by and by such a confused noise was heard thorow all the assemblie , as vseth to rise amongst the discontented vulgar people , readie to rise in armes : but the drums presently striking vp a march , they made no longer stay , but without delay pluckt vp their ensignes , and forward they go directly towards NEOSTAT . In this tumult , in stead of their old captaines which either were not then present , or refused to goe with them , they chose others to bee their leaders : who once named by the seditious multitude , might in no case without danger refuse to take the charge vpon them , were they neuer so vnwilling . These were Montebellius , Nerius , Melcarius , Sanctius , and the two twins of MILLANE , called Glussani : who drew after them eight thousand souldiours , the rest partly for shame , and partly for feare , staied still with Maramaldus their new appointed Generall . When they were thus gone , Vastius and diuers other great captaines hearing thereof in the citie , posted after them six miles , and at length ouertaking them , requested them to stay , and not to dishonor themselues with so foule a fact , telling them , that their pay was readie for them , and omitting nothing wherwith they might haue ben moued to stay , mingled their praiers with grieuous threats : but they resolutely set downe , would neither heare , nor stay ; but as men enraged with furie , and their own guiltie conscience , with sterne lookes discharged some small shot vpon them . Whilest Vastius would there haue staied the companie , and did what hee possibly could by threatening and otherwise to haue terrified their leaders , and to haue brought them backe , he was oftentimes in danger to haue been slaine . In the end he was glad to forsake them , and to returne as he came . King Ferdinand by this sudden departure of the Italians , for that time disappointed of all his hope of recouering the kingdome of HVNGARIE from king Iohn , in great choller writ vnto his subjects of STIRIA and CARINTHIA , whereby the Italians were to passe , that they should shew them no manner of courtesie in their passage : whereupon ensued great hurt on both sides . Yet for all that these Italians in despight of what could bee done , at length recouered TILIAVENTVM in the borders of ITALIE , where they disbanded themselues , and returned euery man to his owne dwelling , leauing king Ferdinand vnto his owne forces . The emperour also breaking vp his armie at VIENNA , and purposing now as before to returne into ITALIE , appointed Ferdinand Gonzaga to goe formost with the light horsemen , with whom also he went himselfe : after him followed Vastius with the Spaniards ; two dayes after came the cardinall , whose traine was of all the greatest ; last of all followed the mercinarie Germanes : in which order he returned in safetie into ITALIE . This was the end of those wonderfull preparations made by the two great monarchs Solyman and Charles the fift , in the yeare 1532 , which held the world in great suspence with the fearefull expectation of some maruellous alteration , and so much the more , for that at the same time appeared a great blasing starre by the space of fifteene daies . All which for all that , God so appointing , sorted to farre lesse harme than was of most men feared . Now whilest Charles the emperour was thus in Armes against Solyman in AVSTRIA , Andreas Auria by his appointment with a fleet of 35 tall ships and 48 gallies , wherein he had embarked 25000 good souldiours well appointed , did in the meane time wonderfully annoy the Turkes in PELOPONESVS . With this fleet Auria departing from MESSANA in SICILIA : and passing alongst the coast of ITALIE into the Ionian , neere vnto the Isle of ZACYNTHVS , met with Vincentius Capellius the Venetian admirall with a fleet of sixtie gallies , set forth by the Venetians for defence of their territories ; who offered vnto Auria all possible kindnesse ▪ but excused himselfe , that he could not joine with him in that warre against the common enemie , by reason of an old league betwixt the Turkes and the Venetians , which Solyman had but a little before renewed . So that at that time the Venetians stood as men indifferent betwixt Charles the emperour and Solyman , offering like kindnesse to both , but taking part with neither , yet in readinesse to fall out with either , if they should by sea or land offer any injurie to their state : wherein they bare themselues so indifferent , that it was thought , that they at one and the selfesame instant aduertised Auria , That Himerales the Turks admirall lay with his fleet of sixtie gallies , euill appointed in the bay of AMBRACIA , where he might easily be surprised : and gaue likewise warning to him of the comming of Auria with a strong fleet , wishing him in time to prouide for his better safetie , by retiring his fleet into some other place of more assurance , which he presently did : for knowing himselfe too weak , he departed from AMBRACIA to the strong hauen of CALCIDE . Which thing with other like well considered , might giue just cause to any Christian heart to bewaile the state of that time , wherein the Christian princes being either in mortall warres among themselues , or entangled by Solyman with leagues of no assurance , omitted the fairest oportunitie that could haue beene wished for the abating of the Turkes greatnesse : for if the Venetians joyning their forces with Auria , had in time pursued the Turkish admirall , it was like , that not onely all Solymans power at sea had beene vtterly discomfited : but also most part of GRaeCIA , mindfull of their antient empire and libertie , and then readie to haue rebelled , and joyned hands with the Christians , might haue been recouered out of the Turkish thraldome ; yea and the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE greatly endangered , few or none being left for the defence thereof , beside yong Ianizaries , and effeminat eunuchs , the heartlesse keepers of the Turks concubines , Solyman himselfe being then far off in HVNGARIE , and hauing drawne with him the greatest strength of his empire . Auria taking his leaue of the Venetian admirall , with much honour done at sea on both sides , was shortly after aduer●ised ; that the Turkes admirall was fled to CALCIDE . Wherefore now out of hope to doe any good against him , he directed his course to CORONE , which is a strong citie vpon the coast of PELOPONESVS , about twelue miles distant from MODON , with purpose to besiege it : which when hee had well viewed , and considered of the strength thereof , he laid siege thereto both by sea and land , battering it most terribly , at one time with foureteene great peeces of artillerie by land , and a hundred and fiftie by sea , so that a more terrible batterie had not been lightly heard of : for all that , the Turks valiantly stood vpon their defence , and manfully repulsed the Italians , which vnder the leading of the countie of SARNE assaulted the citie by land . The Turkish garrisons lying about in the country of PELOPONESVS , did what they might to haue releeued the citie , who by the valour of the said countie were discomfited , and Zadares their cheefe leader slaine , whose head with others of the slaine Turks was set vp vpon stakes to the terrour of the defendants . At length the Turkes wearied with assaults , and terrified with the thundering shot which neuer ceased , and driuen also from their greatest strength towards sea by the desperate assault of certaine resolute Christians , whom they had now full sore against their wils receiued as it were into their bosomes , fearing also to want victuall and pouder ▪ if they should longer hold out without any hope of releefe ; yeelded the citie & castle to Auria , vpon condition , that they might in safetie depart thence with bag and baggage . CORONE thus taken , and a strong garrison of Spaniards there placed , and the Christian Greekes which dwelt in the citie sworne vnto them , Auria put to sea with his fleet , and sayling againe by ZACINTHVS , came to PATRAS , another antient citie of PELOPONESVS , which he easily tooke and ransacked : for the Turks distrusting the strength of the citie had strongly entrenched themselues neere vnto the castle , which place also together with the castle they in short time yeelded to Auria ; couenanting , that they and especially their wiues might with their garments onely depart in safetie into AETOLIA : which was by Auria so precisely performed , that when three thousand of them passed along thorow the armie of the Christians raunged on both sides , and some of the souldiours began rudely to handle some of the women , and to take from them some of their jewels , he caused them presently to the terrour of others to be hanged . Auria leauing his armie at PATRAS , with commaundement to follow him by land , sailed alongst the coast of PELOPONESVS , vntill he came to the strait of NAVPACTVM , now called LEPANTO , which is the entrance into the gulfe of CORINTH , parting PELOPONESVS from AETOLIA with a strait somewhat narrower than the strait of HELLESPONT : Vpon this strait stood two castles , the one called RHIVM vpon the coast of PELOPONESVS , and the other MOLYCREVM in AETOLIA , which Baiazet had wonderfully fortified and stored with ordinance for the keeping of that strait . Auria threatening all extremitie vnto the captaine of the castle on PELOPONESVS side , if he did enforce him to plant his batterie , so terrified him , that he without delay yeelded to him the castle , couenanting only , That he and his souldiours might in safetie depart thence : which graunted , and the Turkes departed ▪ Auria gaue the spoile of the castle vnto his souldiors which came with him by sea ; whereby he so offended the minds of the other souldiors which came by land from PATRAS , that they were about to haue forsaken him . The other castle vpon AETOLIA side was not so easily taken , being valiantly defended by a garrison of old Ianizaries , appointed for the keeping thereof . Yet in the end by furie of the ordinance a breach was made , wherby the Christians forcibly entring , slew three hundred of the old garrison souldiours , not taking any to mercie : the rest fled into a strong tower in the middest of the castle , where seeing no remedie but that they must needs fall into the hands of their enemies , they desperatly blew vp themselues and the tower with a great part of the castle with gunpouder , in such sort , that it seemed all the sea coast to haue been shaken with an earthquake , and the gallies which lay a bow shoot off were almost ouerwhelmed with stones blowne out so farre off . The great Ordinance taken in this castle , was valued at seuentie thousand duckats ; whereof certaine peeces of a wonderfull greatnesse , with Arabian letters written vpon them , were afterwards by Auria brought to GENVA , and in remembrance of the victorie mounted vpon the bulwarke at the mouth of the hauen . All these things thus happely a●chieued , Auria strongly fortified the citie of CORONE , storing it both with munition and plentie of victuall , committing the defence therof to Mendoza , a valiant Spaniard , with a strong garrison of Spaniards , promising of his owne charge to relieue him whensoeuer he should need , if the emperour should deferre to doe it . The strait of NAVPACTVM laid open , Salu●atus with the gallies of MALTA , scoured all alongst the gulfe of CORINTH , doing great harme vnto the Turkes which dwelt on both sides of the gulfe , spoyling and terrifying them euen as farre as CORINTH . Not long after Winter now approching , Auria receiuing letters from the emperour , of Solymans departure out of HVNGARIE , returned with his fleet loaded with the spoile of the Turkes to NAPLES , and so from thence home to GENVA . In the beginning of the Spring following ( which was in the yeare 1533 ) it was rifely reported , that the Turks were comming with a great fleet towards PELOPONESVS : and not long after , Mendoza Gouernour of CORONE by letters aduertised Peter of TOLEDO viceroy of NAPLES , that he was both by sea and land hardly besieged by the Turkes ; and that he would to the vttermost of his power valiantly defend the citie , so long as he had any prouision of victuall : Wherefore he most earnestly requested , that if the emperour would haue the towne kept , hee should in time send him reliefe , wherupon the oppressed Grecians taking heart were like enough to rebell , and to helpe to expulse the Turks quite out of PELOPONESVS . But aboue all things he forgot not to craue speedie helpe of Auria , and to put him in mind of the faithfull promise he had made to relieue him at his need . Vpon this newes , Charles the emperour commaunded Auria his Admirall to rig vp a conuenient fleet for that seruice , promising forthwith to send vnto him twelue gallies , which hee had new built in SPAINE . He also requested the knights of MALTA to aid him with their gallies against that common enemie . Wherefore Auria hauing with wonderfull celeritie rigged vp thirtie tall ships , and as many gallies , came to NAPLES to take in his souldiours : there the old garrisons of the Spaniards which for want of pay were risen in mutinie against the great Commaunder Vastius and the viceroy , and had rifeled the citie of AVERSA , and done no little harme all about in the countrey of CAMPANIA , were againe pacified by a pay giuen vnto them , and presently embarked for CORONE , vnder the commaund of Rodericus Macicaus their Generall ; at which time also Frederick of TOLEDO the viceroy his sonne , with a companie of braue gentlement went aboord , vowing vnto the sacred warre that their first seruice . The knights of MALTA came thither also with their gallies . But whilest these things were a doing , Auria to encourage them of CORONE , for feare least they dispairing of helpe should fall to some hard composition with the Turkes , sent Christopher Palauicine a resolute young gentleman of an inuincible courage , with a most swift gallie to CORONE ; who by daylight passing thorow the middest of the Turkes fleet , safely recouered the hauen , to the great joy of the besieged Christians : and shortly after , when he had well viewed all things he was sent for , with the strength and manner of the enemies lying , and filled the mindes of the defendants with assured hope of speedie rescue ; about noone time of the day he suddenly brake out againe thorow the middest of his enemies , and as it were miraculously escaped in safetie for all that they could doe , although they ceased not to giue him chase so long as they were in any hope to haue ouertaken him . Auria departing from NAPLES came to MESSANA , where he certainly enformed of the enemies force both by sea and land , with the number of their gallies , and seeing that the chiefe hope of relieuing of the citie consisted in celeritie , staied not for the gallies he expected out of SPAINE , but held on his course towards GRaeCIA : for it was told him that the enemies fleet daily encreased by the cōming in of the Turkish pirats ; and that Assem-beg otherwise called the Moore of ALEXANDRIA ( an arch pirat ) was still looked for , in whose good directions the Turkish captaines reposed the greatest hope of their victorie . When he was come as farre as ZACYNTHVS , he was enformed by the Venetians , That Luftibeius Bassa ( or rather Lutzis Bassa , the Turks great Admirall and Solyman his brother in law ) with Solyman of ACARNANIA , and the Moore ( men for their skill at sea of great fame and reputation ) lay before CORONE with eightie gallies , manned with diuers companies of the old Ianizaries ; so that it was thought a matter of exceeding perill for him to aduenture to relieue the town , except he tooke the aduantage of some prosperous gale of wind . Wherfore Auria to haue yet more certaine knowledge of the enemies fleet , sent before him Christopher Palauicine with one gallie , againe to view the manner of the enemies lying : who passing the promontorie of ACRITES , saw all the Turkes great fleet lying in verie good order before the citie : and so returned to AVRIA , confirming that the Venetians had before reported , and that the Turkes fleet was greatly encreased , and lay readie as it should seeme to giue him battell as soone as he should approach the citie . For all that , Auria nothing dismaied with the greatnesse of the Turkes fleet , made no stay but still kept on his course , and with a faire gale of wind passing the promontorie of ACRITES , came directly towards CORONE . Two great Gallions , of all the fleet the most wa●like ships , came formost ; whereof the one was Auria his owne which hee had built with a wonderfull charge , and the other was of SICILIA : These two great ships were appointed by Auria to turne a little vpon the left hand , and at such time as the enemie should set forward from the shoare to cast anchor betwixt both the fleets ; that as occasion should serue , they might as out of two strong castles beat the Turkes gallies with their great ordinance , wherewith they were for that purpose wonderfully stored . Next vnto these great Gallions followed the other warlike ships with full sailes : after whom came the gallies in three squadrons , whereof Saluiatus had the leading of the right wing , which consisted of the bishop of ROMES gallies , and them of MALTA : in the left wing and neere vnto the enemie commaunded Antonius Auria : and in the middle was Auria himselfe . At the first sight of the Hungarian fleet the Turkes moued not from the shoare , but discharged their ordinance at them a farre off , and then begun to set forward and to draw neerer ; especially the Moore , who with greater courage than the rest , assailed the side and reareward of the fleet : for the Christians keeping on their course right forth to CORONE , and turning nothing to the left hand as was before appointed , seemed as if they had fled ; and so much the more , for that the gallies in the right wing , for feare of the Turkes great ordinance did fet a great compasse farther off into the sea , and many of the middle squadron and of the left wing also , had disorderly thrust themselues in amongst the ships , although they had receiued little or no harme of the enemies great shot . In this confusion of the Christian Nauie , the Moore requested Lutzis the Admirall not to let slip so faire an occasion , wherein the Christian fleet might easily haue beene ouerthrowne : but whilest Lutzis doth slowly and consideratly set forward , Auria in the meane time had put his fleet againe in order , and with a faire wind was come to CORONE . Two of the ships by the way falling foule one on another , staied behind , being not able to keepe way with the rest : about which all the Turks gallies presently flockt , and tooke the lesser of them , killing all the Spaniards they found therein . Out of this they boorded the greater , and with a bloudie fight had woon the forecastle and waste of the ship : when Auria accounting it no small dishonour to haue his ships so surprised at his heeles , caused all his gallies to turne againe vpon the enemie to rescue those ships . The Turks seeing that , and with the Westernly wind by little and little fallen down so farre with the ships , that they were come within the danger of the shot of the towne , began with great stir to forsake the ships , and to betake themselues to their oares , and so in manner of flight withdrew themselues . Whom Auria pursued a good way to MODON , thundring in their poupes with his great shot , which hee liberally bestowed amongst them : whilest in the meane time Antonius Auria came to rescue the two distressed ships . There the Spaniards which but a little before had hardly maintained their close fights , began now as men reuiued to shew themselues , and couragiously to make resistance : and they which came with Antonius Auria to their rescue , entring with wonderfull celeritie on euerie side , slew and tooke three hundred Ianizaries , which with great courage had entred those ships , and were there left by the sudden departure of their fellowes . Amongst whom was taken one Iosuphius and old captaine of a thousand Ianizaries , to whom Auria after he was come to CORONE , gaue a faire sute of apparell and a chaine of gold , and so set him at libertie without any raunsome , thereby to prouoke the Turkes to the like kind of courteous dealing with the Christians . Assam-beg the pirat , and the other captaines of the Turkes fleet wonderfully blamed Lutzis the Admirall , for that he would not then fight with the Christians , when as he was thereto most earnestly requested both by the captaines and souldiours in generall , and had a faire opportunitie of victorie offered at such time as the Christian fleet was disordered : but he excused himselfe , saying , That it was giuen him in speciall charge from Solyman the emperour , that he should in any case respect the safetie of his nauie , and not to come to the hazard of a battell . The Turks which besieged the citie by land , vpon the approach of the Christian fleet forsooke their trenches & fled : at which time Mendoza the Gouernor sallying out , tooke great store of victuall and warlike prouision which the Turks had for hast left behind them . So Aurea to his great honour , hauing driuen the Turkes from CORONE both by sea and land , furnished the citie with store of corne , wine , victuall , pouder , and shot : and committed the defence thereof to Macicaus , and the companies of the mutinous Spaniards which he had brought from NAPLES : comforting the Greekes , and exhorting them patiently for a while to endure those calamities of warre , telling them that the emperour would the next Spring make warre against the Turkes both by sea and land in PELOPONESVS , and free them from the Turkish bondage . And so embarking the old garrison of Spaniards , departed from CORONE and came before METHON , where he lay as it were brauing the Turks Admirall , hoping thereby to draw him out of that strong harbour to battell . But when he saw that the enemie could by no meanes be allured out of his strength , or assailed as he lay , he departed thence to CORCYRA , and so backe againe to MESSANA in SICILIA . Within a few dayes after Assam-beg the Moore of ALEXANDRIA and most famous pyrat , lying in wait for the marchants ships of VENICE comming out of SIRIA with marchandise , by chance met with Hieronimus Canalis vpon the coast of CRETE : where in the night time was fought betwixt them a fierce and cruell battell , wherein of the Moores thirteene gallies foure were sunke , three taken , and the rest hauing lost most part of their rowers , fled to ALEXANDRIA . In this fight was slaine three hundred Ianizaries which were going to CAIRE , and a thousand other Turks : of all them that were taken there was scarcely one saued , but the Moore himselfe , who greeuously wounded in the face , for safegard of his life was glad to discouer himselfe : for the Venetians maintaining their state by trade and trafficke , doe of all other shew least fauour vnto pyrats . When the Moore had made himselfe known vnto Canallis , there was great care taken for the curing of his wounds , and either of them began with notable dissimulation to excuse the matter to other , saying , that they were both deceiued by the likenesse of the gallies , and mistaking of their friends for enemies : when as for all that they knew one another right well . For the Moore said , that he tooke those Venetian gallies for to haue beene part of Auria his fleet : and Canalis excused himselfe , by saying , that he mistooke him for Barbarussa , who a few yeares before had surprised three of the Venetian gallies . Yet the Venetians doubting how Solyman would take the matter , by their embassadour sought to excuse that was done , as a thing happening by errour and mischance : of which excuse Solyman excepted , and said moreouer , that Canalis had done well and soldior like , to repulse by force the wrong that was offered him . Three of the emperors gallies staying behind the rest of the fleet , were neere vnto the promontorie PALINVRVS , vpon the coast of APVLIA , intercepted and carried away by Sinam , surnamed the Iew , a notable pyrat of that time also . The Winter following , the Spaniards and Greekes in CORONE began to want victuals , especially wine and flesh : for the Turkes had so blocked vp the citie , that nothing was to be had out of the countrey ; wherefore the souldiors requested Macicaus their Gouernour and Generall to lead them forth to some peece of seruice against the enemie , for so much as they were not to hope for any releefe elsewhere before Aprill , wishing rather valiantly to die like men in fight against the Turkes , than to languish within those dead wals for want of victuall . But Macicaus mindfull of his charge , sought by many reasons to dissuade them from such purpose , shewing them what an offence it were rashly to depart out of the citie committed to their custodie , which might be vnto them dangerous , although they should speed neuer so well ; and that those wants which they rather feared than felt , would well enough be ouercome by sparing and patience : and therefore told them plainely , that hee was resolutely set downe to keepe the citie for the emperor , and to endure all hardnesse , rather than to incurre the infamie , That he had forsaken the citie , and betrayed his garrison . Yet for all this , the matter was so vrged by Didacus Touarres and Hermosilla , both great captaines , and by the generall importunitie of the souldiours , that Macicaus was enforced to yeeld to their desire , and to promise them to goe : yet earnestly protesting , that he did it altogether against his will , rather enforced than persuaded vnto that , wherof he had no great hope of successe . Amongst other that were so forward in this action , was one Barbatius , a most valiant Greeke , who could perfectly speake the Turkes language , and of all others best knew the bywayes and secret passages of the countrey : he vndertooke to be their guide , and by vnknowne wayes to bring them vnto the enemies vndiscouered in the dead time of the night , when as they feared no such matter . So Macicaus commending the custodie of the citie to Liscanius and Mendesius , with charge that they should suffer no man to goe out of the citie after his departure , for feare of giuing any knowledge vnto the enemie , set forward about ten a clocke in the night towards ANDRVSSA , Barbatius being his guide , who shunning the common beaten wayes , brought them by secret and vncouth pathes that night halfe the way to ANDRVSSA : but vpon the rising of the Sunne he brought them into a secret woodie valley , where they rested and refreshed themselues all that day , and setting forward againe at night , came to ANDRVSSA before day . In this towne , which was of no great strength , lay one Caranus , a warlike captaine , with three thousand footmen , whereof the one halfe was of the Ianizaries , and in the suburbes lay Acomates with a thousand chosen horsemen , with which garrison the Turkes kept all that side of PELOPONESVS in awe . Macicaus brought by his guide vnto the place where his enemies lay , went directly to the towne to haue surprised it : Hermosilla in the meane time standing still with certaine companies of Spaniards oueragainst the place where the horsemen lay . But this could not be done with so great silence , but that some of the horse boyes being awake , discouered them by the fire in their matches ; who first awaked the negligent watchmen , and afterwards raised an alarum in the suburbes : whereupon Hermosilla couragiously set vpon the horsemen , being altogether vnreadie , and slew many of them before they could arme themselues , and set fire also vpon the stables wherein the Turkes horses stood , with the rage whereof many of the Turkes perished , with their horses and armour . Great and terrible was the noise raised vpon the sudden in the suburbes , but especially of the horses , which burnt as they stood fast tied in the stables , or by chance breaking lose , ran vp and downe with their tailes and maines on a light fire : by occasion whereof , an alarum was raised in the towne , and the Turkes got to the wals before the Spaniards could enter . Macicaus himselfe labouring to breake in at a posterne , was shot in the head with a small shot , and slaine : diuers others neere vnto him were there slaine also . The Turkes perceiuing the small number of their enemies , sallied out vpon them , and enforced them to retire to Hermosilla , who had alreadie made great spoile amongst the horsemen , by whose skilfull direction the Spaniards retired in so good order , making many stands , with their harquebusiers all drawne into the reward , that such of the Turkes as were most forward to pursue them , did by their death cause the rest to make lesse hast . Acomates with such of his horsemen as had escaped the fire , hasted thither also , bringing with him two hundred harquebusiers , which he had caused his horsemen for hast to take vp behind them vpon their horses : but whilest he sought eagerly to be reuenged vpon his enemies , and with too much heat pressed on with the formost , he was shot into the bodie with a bullet and slain . So the horsemen which had before receiued a great losse as they lay in their lodgings , accounting it in their good haps that they were not there all slaine , and hauing now lost their captaine , ceased any further to pursue their enemies , but returned . The Spaniards and Greekes , although they were wearied both with their long march and euill successe , retired still as resolute men readie to fight , and so returned to CORONE . Presently after , the Turkish garrison remoued from ANDRVSSA to MEGALOPOLIS , now called LONDARIVM : after whose departure the Christian souldiours of CORONE came thither , and buried the dead bodies of their slaine fellowes ( which till then lay vnburied ) and brought backe with them the head of Macicaus their late Generall , which the Turks had there set vp vpon a long pole , which they honourably buried at CORONE . Not long after the plague began to grow hot in CORONE , so much the more grieuous , for that it came accompanied with many other hard difficulties . For which causes , the Spaniards as men at once enforced with many extremities , embarked themselues with all the great ordinance and such Greekes as would goe with them , in certaine ships which came with corne out of SICILIA , and so departed , leauing the towne emptie for the Turkes to come vnto . It was commonly reported , that the Spaniards left CORONE not without the secret consent of the emperour , which was the rather thought to be so , because that they which forsooke the place , receiued thereby no disgrace , and the emperour himselfe had offered to giue the towne to Clement bishop of ROME : the Venetians and the knights of MALTA , who all refused to receiue it , as loath to be at so great a charge in keeping a place seruing for no greater purpose ; the verie cause why the emperour was so willing to depart with it . Now Clement the great bishop had by meanes of Aloysius Grittus made a motion of a peace , to haue beene concluded for ten yeares betwixt Solyman and the Christian princes , and therupon the towne to haue been againe deliuered vnto the Turkes : which peace Solyman was not altogither vnwilling to grant , being then wholy bent to inuade the Persian king . Ferdinand was also in good hope that his brother Charles the emperor , would for the yeelding vp of that towne haue couenanted with the Turke some great matter for his benefit in HVNGARIE , which as was thought would also haue beene easily obtained . But whilest the emperour drawne diuersly with the consideration of his honor in keeping it , and of his profit in giuing it vp , stood too long in resoluing ; the towne in the meane time was by the Spaniards ( their necessitie daily increasing ) abandoned , and so left to the Turkes for nothing . Solyman now purposing to returne his forces against the Persians , of whom hee had in the frontiers of his dominions receiued great hurt , especially in COMAGENE ; renewed the league he had with the Venetians , and some other Christian princes : but of all other his affaires with the Christians , he was most carefull of the interest he had alreadie gotten in HVNGARIE . For it was reported , that king Iohn his vassale induced by the continuall solicitations of his subjects , was desirous of peace with king Ferdinand , vpon condition that hee might quietly enjoy the kingdome during his life : and after his decease it to remaine to king Ferdinand and his heires . Wherefore Solyman , that nothing should be there done in his absense without his knowledge , sent Aloysius Grittus the Duke of VENICE his sonne ( of whom we haue before spoken ) a man both for the honour of his house , the good carriage of himselfe , and the speciall commendation of Abraham the chiefe Bassa , in great credit with him : with commission as his Lieutenant to be assistant vnto king Iohn , in such magnificall sort , as that without him the king might conclude nothing in matters of state , concerning either peace or warres , with any other the Christian princes . With this proud commission from the Graund seignior , Grittus entred into TRANSILVANIA , then a part of the kingdome of HVNGARIE ( much about the same time that Solyman set forward from CONSTANTINOPLE against the Persian ) attended vpon with seauen thousand persons of one sort and other , amongst whom were Vrbanus Batianus , and Ianus Docia , two famous Hungarian captaines with their companies , and many of the Turkes Ianizaries also . At his first comming , to make his authoritie the more knowne , he sent out his proud commaund vnto the great men and Gouernours of the cities of that warlike prouince , charging them forthwith to repaire vnto him as great Solymans deputie , authorised by him to heare and determine all the controuersies and matters of state concerning the kingdome of HVNGARIE . At that time Americus Cihachus bishop of VERADIVM , a man of great nobilitie and power , withall singularly well qualitied , was Vayuod or gouernour of TRANSILVANIA , an honour next vnto the king : he vnderstanding that Grittus was come into his prouince , and making small hast to welcome him , as one not greatly moued with his comming , or much regarding the commandement of Solyman ; wonderfully offended Grittus , who desired nothing more than at his first entrance to haue confirmed the opinion of his authoritie in the minds of the vulgar people by the prest and readie attendance of the Vayuod . But it was commonly bruted , that the stout bishop vpon a Christian zeale detested the friendship of the Turkes , and could not well brooke that they should be too much acquainted in his prouince , for feare least that fruitfull countrey abounding with men and horses , should by one meanes or other fall into their hands . Grittus was come to BAXOVIA when he vnderstood by many messengers , that the Vayuod was comming with a great traine , and lay about ten miles off , encamped with diuers gallant troupes of horsemen in warlike manner appointed : for the bishops of HVNGARIE being wonderfull rich , were by old custome bound to keep great nūbers of horsmen , which as occasion serued they vsed to bring into the fields against the Turke ; accounting it great honour with their religious hands to defend the cause of religion . But then especially the nobilitie of the countrey well appointed , resorted on euerie side , of courtesie to honour and countenance their great bishop and Gouernour , at whose commaundement they were : in so much as the bishops retinue made shew of a good armie . Which thing moued Grittus exceedingly , that he should be enforced contrarie ●o his expectation to parley with the bishop in the open fields , as with an enemie in sight of all their followers . Hereof rise enuie , a deadly mischiefe alwaies repining at another mans honor ; when as the one swelling with Turkish pride could not then abide any equall , and the other jealous of his honour could by no meanes endure any superiour , in such place as he had the soueraigntie of . When these two great men had met togither in the open fields , and there dined more like enemies than friends , without any shew of friendship or good will : Grittus inwardly chafed at his bare entertainment , couertly threatened to bee reuenged vpon all such as should make so light account of his authoritie : and immediatly as he departed from the banket , taking his cap from his head ( which was after the Turkish manner made of a high fashion , of rich ●ables ) and opening it with both his hands , said , This cap will not hold two heads , and therefore it must be fitted to one , and so put it on againe . Ianus Docia one of the Hungarian captaines , his followers , who deadly hated the Vayuod ( for that he had long time before , for his malapert speech in a great assembly , giuen him a blow with his fist ) tooke hold of that speech of Grittus , as a fit occasion for him to worke his reuenge : and said , Your honour maketh a fit comparison , neither can this prouince containe two equall gouernours or commaunders , nor you euer enioy your power and authoritie , except you doe this day with speedie and manly resolution defend both Solymans credit and your owne . You know not this proud beast Americus , whose pride and insolencie if you but say the word , I will quickly put downe : for he hateth Solyman , he regardeth not the king , and of you he maketh no account at all , for why he aspireth vnto the maiestie of a king , and saith that the Vayuodship of TRANSILVANIA well beesemeth a king , for that in this countrey Decebaldus the Dacian sometime raigned , whom the warlike emperour Traian with all the force of the Roman empire hardly subdued . No man can more proudly or arrogantly set himselfe forth than he , neither more craftely or cunningly dissemble to serue his turne . Indeed he hath for fashion sake presented your honour with a few simple presents , and giuen you his hand also , better knowne for his falshood than his faith ; to the intent that when you are once past his countrey , he may scoffe and ieast at your decrees : verely he deadly enuieth at your honour and felicitie , and grudgeth in his heart , that you should set downe the lawes of peace and warre in HVNGARIE : and whereas he doth manifestly aspire vnto a kingdome , he feareth you aboue all others , least you should trouble his designes , abate his credit , and chastise his insolencie . Verely , he that thus maligneth your happinesse , and contemneth your authoritie , is not to be suffered , but by good reason to be taken away : thereby at this your first entrance to defend the credit of your commission and honour of your name . For nothing is more dangerous than a faithlesse companion and a secret enemy , especially when you shall leaue him at your backe behind you : for when he shall as occasion serues shew forth his hidden malice , he shall so much the more slily and desperatly indanger your person . Grittus enraged with his speech more than before , thought it best to make hast , & to vse his authoritie to the full ; he commended Docia , and promised him in short time to requite his good will towards him , especially if he would by some notable attempt abate the bishops pride . It is reported , that Grittus gaue him no other charge but to take the bishop , that so he might after the Turkish maner haue sent him in chaines to CONSTANTINOPLE , & bestowed the honor of the Vayuod vpon Hieronimus Lascus the Polonian , who in hope of that honourable preferment vnto him promised by king Iohn , had done him great and faithfull seruice , as his embassadour both vnto Solyman and also to the French king . But when king Iohn perceiued that he could not conueniently without manifest danger place him , being a Polonian ( who could scarcely speake the Hungarian language ) gouernour ouer such a warlike people ; he as it were enforced by necessitie , preferred this Americus the bishop of VERADIVM , a man of them both reuerenced and feared : Which so grieued Lascus , a man of great stomacke and experience , and thereunto excellently learned , that he would neuer admit any excuse of the kings , but alwaies after complained that he was by the king deluded . Yet for all that , he kept himselfe within the bounds of loyaltie , and enjoyed certaine lands and townes which the king had giuen him in the borders of POLONIA ; and estranged neuerthelesse from him in mind , was now become one of Grittus his followers , hoping of his better preferment by his meanes vnto Solyman ; and for that cause was not so forward to doe the king such seruice as he had in times past . Now by the commandement of Grittus , a strong companie of Turkish horsemen , and certaine troupes of Hungarians , were deliuered to Docia ; who secretly departing that night from BAXOVIA , came suddenly to the Vayuods campe , hauing a little before by his Hungarian spies learned that he lay in the open fields in his tent , by reason of the great heat , without any watch or guard , attended on only with his pages and houshold hold seruants , as a man without feare ; and that all the rest of his retinue lay dispersed in the countrey villages round about . All which serued so well for Docia his purpose , that the Vayuod ignorant of his death so nigh at hand , who rather contemned than feared his enemies , was suddenly oppressed by Docia his souldiours : so that whilest he was yet lying in his bed , and scarcely well awaked by his chamberlaines and the noise of the enemie ; Docia breaking into his tent , cut off his head as he lay . All they which lay neere , amazed with the suddennesse of the matter , fled away for feare , and left their horses and other things for a prey to the Turkes , and other of Docia his followers . Docia hauing done so great an outrage , returned to Grittus presenting vnto him the Vaiuods head , which he brought in his hand by the eare . Lascus was then present , but altogither ignorant of the murther , who as a man moued with a naturall compassion in so sudden and horrible a fact , and forgetting all former grudge ( as in like case it oftentimes chanceth ) stood as one dismaied , nothing rejoycing at the vnworthie death of his enemie . To whom Grittus turning himselfe said , Lascus , Doest thou not know this shauen pate , truely it is a great mans head , but of such a one as was verie ambitious , rebellious , and proud . To whom Lascus replied , Truely though I loued him not , yet I thought it not so whilest it stood vpon his shoulders : disallowing therein the crueltie of the fact . Which thing Grittus perceiuing , began to repent him of that was done , and said openly , That although he was worthily slaine , yet he could haue wished rather to haue had him taken prisoner . The report of this horrible murther once bruted abroad , the bishops kinsmen and friends , yea almost all the people of that prouince rise vp in armes against Grittus , to reuenge the death of the reuerend bishop , whom liuing they had both loued and feared . Neuer did any people in reuenge of a common wrong , enter into armes with greater desire , more heat , or quicker speed : so that in a few daies there were assembled togither fortie thousand horse and foot , vnder the leading of Stephanus Maylat a noble gentleman , who of all other most honored the bishop , and in that common griefe tooke vpon him as chiefe , the persecuting of the authors of such inhumane crueltie . Grittus perceiuing how grieuously the matter was taken , with the danger he was in , began to doubt with himselfe what course were best for him to take . To go forward , and to fall into the hands of the furious people , the same was present death ; and to returne and leaue the honourable deputation he had with so great expectation of all men taken vpon him , was vnto his aspiring mind no lesse torment than death it selfe . Thus perplexed , he with al speed got himselfe with his followers to the strong town of MEGE , in hope to shroud himselfe vntill such time as the rage of the countrey people were either of it selfe appeased ( as it oftentimes falleth out in such sudden tumults ) or else he might be relieued by king Iohn , or the Turkes Sanzacks which had the charge of the frontiers of the Turkish empire . The townesmen of MEGE seeing Grittus accompanied with so many Turkes , shut the gates against him : yet at length by the persuasion of the two Hungarian captaines Docia and Batianus , they gaue him leaue to enter into the base towne , hauing before retired themselues with all their substance vnto the higher towne , which in manner of a strong castle commanded the lower . Here whilest Grittus with all carefulnesse fortifieth the place , and dispatcheth the messengers vnto his friends abroad for aid ; his enemies with hideous noise & outcries approching the town , at their first comming attempted to haue scaled the wals and rampiers thereof : which thing whilest they disorderly did , with greater furie than discretion , they were easily repulsed and many of them slaine by the Turkes Ianizaries and harquebusiers . After which losse , by the direction of Maylat their Generall , they withdrew themselues out of the danger of the shot , and encamped on euerie side of the towne , hoping as the truth was , that their enemies vnprouided of victuall could not long hold the place , but must of necessitie either starue with famine or yeeld it vp . In the meane time Grittus resolutely enduring all the calamities of a man besieged , fell sicke , and so much the more for that he could heare nothing of any aid which he expected frō his friends : For king Iohn glad in his mind of the distresse of the ouerseer , or rather competitor of his kingdome ; and also knowing that he could not without great discontentment of his subjects oppose himselfe against such a multitude risen vpon so just a cause , yet for fashion sake sent certaine troupes of horsemen to his reliefe : who not altogither ignorant of the kings mind , made such hast , as men that purposed not to come in time to doe him good . As for the Turks Sanzacks of BELGRADE and SAMANDRIA , they enuying at his homage , flatly refused to depard from their charge to relieue him , without expresse commaund from Solyman himselfe : and Lascus ( before one of Grittus his chiefe followers , but now a beholder of his distresse ) when he had a little before departed from him to procure him some reliefe as he promised , did now in this extremitie forsake him also . The citisens in the vpper towne , who a great while had stood looking on from aboue as men indifferent ; perceiuing the full resolution of their countrie men to be reuenged , and the difficulties wherewith the Turkes were inclosed , assailed them also from the high towne . Grittus thus beset on euerie side , offered vnto the Transiluanians a great masse of money , to suffer him to passe forward into HVNGARIE : but their furious minds more desirous of reuenge than money , were not to be moued with any gold . In fine hee sent rich jewels vnto the Gouernour of MOLDAVIA his friend , to be readie at a certain houre when he would sallie out of the towne , to receiue him with certaine troupes of horsemen ; so if it were possible to saue himselfe and his children . Grittus ( whether it were vpon a doubtfull hope , or vrged by ineuitable destinie ) sallying out of the towne at the appointed time , with Solymans commission in his hand , and missing of the Moldauian , fell vpon Francis Schenden the late bishops nigh kinsman , and Maylat his familiar friend , who furiously running in vpon him with tumultuous speech , violently ●aught from his head his rich cap of Sables , and with his horsemen tooke him , being weake with sicknesse and making no resistance . His followers , especially the Turkes , enclosed on euerie side , were either slaine or taken . But Grittus himselfe being brought to the Generals tent , beset round with his armed enemies , and there examined , Why he had commaunded the Vayuod to be slaine ? earnestly protested , That he neuer commaunded any such thing , and that it was done without his knowledge . Which his answere serued not his turne , all the people crying out against him with one voice , that he should as a sacrifice be offered vnto the Vayuods ghost . Whereupon he was by Maylat deliuered againe to Francis Schenden to be executed , who without delay caused his head to be strucke off . The nobilitie and the Vayuods kinsmen ( after the manner of that people ) dipped some part of their garments in his bloud , the longer to keepe in mind the remembrance of the reuenge . This was the shamefull end of Aloysius Grittus the duke of VENICE his sonne , Solymans deputie in HVNGARIE , with whom he was in such credit as neuer was any Christian , abounding in wealth and world●y felicitie : but climing too fast vp the euill sta●ed ladder of ambition , suddenly 〈◊〉 and neuer rise more . The executioner stripping his dead bodie , found about him so many pretious stones and ●ewels as were valued at fortie millions of duckats . And not long after , La●cus sent for by the king to BVDA , was straightly examined vpon torture concerning Grittus h●s commission and purposes , and was in great danger of his life : but at last by the intercession of Sigismund king of POLONIA , he was set at libertie , and so fled out of HVNGARIE vnto Sigismund his 〈◊〉 in POLONIA : after hee had long time wearied himselfe and aduentured his life in the Hungarian state ▪ Docia the author of this Tragedie , was by the furious people afterwards rent in peeces , and so perished . The same time that Grittus went from CONSTANTINOPLE into HVNGARIE , Solyman the Turkish emperour dreading no danger out of EVROPE , tooke in hand two great expeditions both at one time , the one by land into ASIA against the Persians , and the other by sea into AFFRICKE against the Moores : promising vnto himselfe in his inordinate desires the monarchie of the whole world in short time , if he might subdue those two great nations whom he had alreadie in hope deuoured . But for as much as all cannot be told at once , which was at one time in diuers places so farre distant done ; omitting for a while the expedition made in person himselfe against the Persians , we will first declare what he did by his lieutenants against the Moores . Hariadenus surnamed of the Christians Barbarussa , who succeeding his elder brother Horruccius in the kingdome of ALGIERS in AFFRICKE , had by many victori●s so enlarged the kingdome before gotten by his brother , that his name and power was now become terrible both to the Christians and wild Moores , and his fame growne great in the Turkish court , was the cheefe author and persuader of Solyman to inuade AFFRICKE . But it shall not ( as I thinke ) be far from our purpose here breefely to rehearse by what meanes those two MYTILENE brethren , basely borne , crept out of a small galliot vnto the majestie of great kings , that herein they which come afterwards may also admire the wonderfull changes and chances of these worldly things , now vp , now downe , as if the life of man were not of much more certainetie than a stage play . These two brethren , Horru●cius and Hariadenus , borne at MYTILENE in the Island of LES●O , wearie of the poore and base estate they led at home with their father , a renegate Grecian : stealing a little galliot , committed themselues and all the hope of their good fortune to sea , where by chance they consorted themselues with Camales , a most famous pyrat of that time , vnder whom Horruccius the elder brother for his forwardnesse became a captain : and growing rich by many purchases , and also strong with gallies and slaues which he had at sundrie times taken , and at last consorting himselfe with Haidin , Sinam the Iew , Salec , and other lesse pyrates , which afterwards became men of great fame and account , ouer whom he commaunded as an arch pyrat , came seeking after purchase as far as MAVRITANIA . At which time Selymes king of IVLIA CaeSARIA , which now we call ALGIERS , was in armes against his brother Mechemetes , competitour of the kingdome : who aided by the Numidians , now commonly called Arabians , put his brother in great doubt of his estate . Selymus glad of the comming of Horruccius & the other pyrats his followers , with a great masse of money paid before hand , induced Horruccius and the rest to take vpon them the defence of him and his kingdome against his brother : Which thing Horruccius so happily performed , especially by the meanes of his harquebusiers , as then no small terrour to the wild Moores and Numidians , that in short time he repulsed that sauage people , and set Selymes at peace in his kingdome . Horruccius being a man of a sharpe wit , and by nature ambitious , noting in the time of his seruice the kings mild and simple disposition , void of all distrust ; and that the naked Moores were no souldiors , but a light and vnconstant people , alwayes at variance among themselues ; and that the wandering Numidians liuing barely , deuided into many factions , were easily by reward to be woon , or by force constrained : suddenly falsified his faith , and villanously slew Selymes the king , as he was bathing himselfe , mistrusting nothing lesse than the falshood of the pyrat ; and in the same hurle murthering such as he thought would withstand his desire , and with bountie and crueltie ouercomming the rest , so wrought the matter , that he was by generall consent chosen king of ALGIERS . Thus of a pirat become a king , he shortly after by policie surprised CIRCELLO , a famous citie ( about sixtie miles distant from ALG●ERS ) by his souldiors sent thither in the habite of marchants . After that , he by his brother Hariadenus ( no lesse valiant than himselfe ) troubled all the Medeterranian sea from ALGIERS with his gallies , & all his neighbors : himselfe by land with daily incursions , leauing nothing vntoucht which might by force or policie be had ▪ so that his power dayly encreased , men of seruice continually resorting vnto him , as the cheefe man in all those parts . Not thus contented , he to enlarge his kingdome , draue the Spaniards out of BVOEA , a citie famous both for the great trade thither , and for the Mahometane schoole sometime there kept : at the taking whereof he lost his right hand with a shot , and in stead thereof euer after vsed a hand of yron , wherewith hee obtained many worthie victories against his enemies : for neere to ALGIE●S he ouerthrew an armie of the Spaniards , with Diego de Vara their generall . And shortly after , at such time as Hugo Moncada returning out of ITALIE with the old Spanish souldiours , landed in his countrey , hee enforced him againe to sea ; where he with all his expert souldiours either perished by shipwracke , or driuen on shore , were slaine or taken prisoners by Horruccius , and thrust into his gallies . At last hauing in sundrie battels ouercome the king of TREMIS●A , Charles the emperour his confederat , and thrust him out of his kingdome , he stirred vp both the Christians and Numidians against him : so that comming to take ORA and PORTVS , two strong holds kept by ga●risons of Spaniards sent thither to aid the king of TREMISSA , he was by them and the Moores at the first repulsed , and afterwards quite ouerthrowne : where most part of his armie being slaine or taken prisoners , he with a few of his friends sought to saue themselues by flight ouer the desart sands ; and seeing himselfe hardly pursued by his enemies , scattered many peeces of gold ●pon the sands as he fled , thereby to haue staied their hastie pursute : but they more desirous of him than of his gold , followed so fast , that at the last they ouertooke him , and without further delay strucke off his head , which was afterwards sent into SPAINE , and carried vpon a launce thorow all the townes and cities alongst the sea coast , to the wonderfull rejoycing of the people , vnto whom he had in former time done great harme . After the death of Horruccius , Hariadenus inferiour to his brother neither in courage nor martiall prowesse , by the generall consent of the souldiours tooke vpon him the kingdome of ALGIERS . He , made he●re not onely of his brothers kingdome , but of his vertues and hautie thoughts , and of the surname also of Barbarussa , began forthwith to aspire vnto the empire of all that part of AFFRICKE , accounting what he had alreadie gotten , too little and too base to answere his desires . Wherefore he entred into armes , and became a terrour both to the Moores and Numidians , holding peace with some , and warres with others , as best serued his purpose : and with his gallies robbed and spoiled the coasts of SPAINE , SARDINIA , and the Islands BALEARES ; fortune so fauouring him in all his enterprises , that he became both famous and fearefull vnto his enemies . He slew Hamet , a great commander among the Numidians , & chased Benchades and Amida , two of their greatest princes , out of the country : and with like fortune at sea ouercame Hugo Moncada , a famous Spaniard , who sore wounded , had much adoe to saue himselfe by flight , when he had lost diuers of his gallies . He also in battell at sea ouerthrew Rodericus Portundus , admirall of SPAINE : in which fight the admirall with his sonne were both slaine , and seuen of his gallies taken : In token of which victorie , he sent part of the rich spoile there taken with the admirals ensigne , as a present vnto Solyman , whereby he became famous in the Turkes court ; but much more after he had repulsed Auria from CERCENNA , and taken two great Genoway ships which were comming to Auria loaded with men and munition , the losse whereof filled the citie of GENVA with much sorrow . All things sorting thus according to his desire , and his name become no lesse terrible in SPAINE , ITALIE , SICILIE , and the Islands of the Mediterranean , than it was in the greatest part of AFFRICKE ; Solyman grieued with the losse of CORONE , PATRAS , and the castles vpon the straits of LEPANTO , taken from him by Auria , Himerales his admirall being shamefully put to flight : by the counsell of his Bassaes , but especially of Abraham the cheefe Bassa , sent embassadours vnto him to ALGIERS , offering him the greatest honours of his court , and to make him admirall of all his fleet , if hee would forthwith repaire vnto CONSTANTINOPLE : for why he was the onely man in all mens judgements , who for his yeares and great experience at sea , as well as for his inuincible courage and glorie of his late atchieued kingdome , was to be compared with Auria , and to bee opposed against the Christian fleet . Sinas a great man in Solymans court , was with this embassage sent , and speedily transported to ALGIERS by Mangalis , a famous pyrat , then gouernour of the RHODES : who at his landing was honourably receiued by Barbarussa , and audience giuen him . Barbarussa vnderstanding the cause of his comming , was exceeding glad thereof , presently conceiuing no small hope of obtaining the Monarchie of AFFRICK , if he might once come to Solymans presence , and at large shew vnto him the state of AFFRICKE , and power of the Christians , with their continuall discord amongst themselues . Wherefore without further delay committing the protection of his sonne Asanes ( then about eighteene yeares old ) and the gouernment of his new gotten kingdome to Ramada and Agis , two of his nigh kinsmen and assured friends , of whose fidelitie he doubted not : he with fortie of his owne gallies , in most warlike manner appointed , set forward with Solymans embassadour towards CONSTANTINOPLE ; where by the way hee met with a fleet of Genoway ships bound for SICILIE for corne , which after a sharpe and cruell fight he tooke and burnt . After that , landing by night in the Island of EL●A , not farre from NAPLES , he suddenly surprised RHIVM , a rich citie ; where loading his gallies with the wealth thereof , and carying away with him all the inhabitants into captiuitie , he arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE in the yeare 1533 , where he was by the great courtiers brought to Solyman ▪ of whom he was joyfully receiued , if it were but for the presents which he gaue him : which were fair boyes and young maidens sumptuously apparrelled , eunuchs , and wild beasts of LYBIA , as Lyons , Leopards , and such like . But after he had certaine daies discoursed at large with the great Bassaes of the state of AFFRICKE , the strength of the Christians , and how the warres were to be managed , he was afterwards by them seldomer sent for , and offering himselfe into their companie , was hardly admitted : for enuie ( the inseparable companion of growing honour ) had quickly ouer , taken him in the court , so that many men letted not openly to say , That it had not beene the fashion of the Othoman kings to preferre pyrats ( the worst kind of theeues ) to the honour of their great Admirall ; and that there wanted not , neither euer would want men both vertuous and valiant in the Turkes court , which could with great honour maintaine and augment the glorie of the Turkish empire both by sea and land , whereas he had against all right and conscience , by shamefull treacherie intruded himselfe into another mans kingdome in AFFRICKE , and there persecuted the Mahometane princes and people , being of no religion himselfe , as one that was borne of a renegat Greeke , and had from his youth liued as a mercilesse pyrat , and common enemie of mankind . By which speeches , Barbarussa well perceiued in how euill time Abraham Bassa his best friend , and by whose meanes he was sent for , was absent from the court : who at that time was gone into COMAGENA , and wintered at ALEPPO , with purpose ( as Solymans forerunner ) with the first of the Spring to passe ouer Euphrates against the Persian . After long sute and much expectation , Solyman answered Barbarussa by A●ax and Cassimes , two of the great Bassaes , That all the matter concerning him should be referred to the discretion of Abraham the cheefe Bassa , for that hee was by his counsell especially sent for into AFFRICKE : wherefore if he did expect any thing , he should repaire vnto him into SIRIA , that according to his graue judgement all things might be ordered . Barbarussa thus rejected into SIRIA , although he well perceiued that it tended to his no small disgrace ; yet in hope by sufferance to obtaine another kingdome , seemed contented with the answere , and resolued forthwith to take vpon him that long and painefull journey , which the old king lustily performed : and so posting by land thorow ASIA the lesse , and trauelling ouer the mountaine AMANVS , then couered with deepe snowe , came in the dead time of Winter to ALEPPO in SIRIA , where hee was honourably receiued of the great Bassa , and heard at large , to his so good contentation and liking , that he deemed him of all others the fittest to commaund the Turks power at sea , and to that purpose writ commendatorie letters in his behalfe to Solyman ; wishing him for his sufficiencie to place him as the fourth with the other three Bassaes of his counsell . After Barbarussa was againe arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE with these letters , and that it was once knowne how effectually the cheefe Bassa had commended him to Solyman , it was a world to see , how vpon the sudden the face of the court was changed vpon him , euery man either for friendship or flatterie begun now to speake of his praises , and to extoll his worthinesse : who was now in all mens mouths but Barbarussa ? so great was the power & authoritie of the cheefe Bassa , that being absent , yet was his approbation of all men accounted sufficient to preferre whom he pleased ; & his letters lawes to the rest of the court , Barbarussa had brought with him from ALGIERS one Roscetes , the elder brother of Muleasses , king of TVNES , who wrongfully driuen into exile by his younger brother , had liued certaine yeares at ALGIERS ▪ but now by the persuasion of Barbarussa was come with him to CONSTANTINOPLE to craue aid of Solyman against the oppression of his brother . Him Barbarussa oftentimes shewed vnto the great Bassaes ▪ and in his discourses with them concerning the conquest of AFFRICK , set him out as a most fit instrument for subduing of the kingdome of TVN●S , as a man whom the people more affected than they did Muleasses the vsurper . After long deliberation and consultation had with the Bassaes , concerning the inuasion of AFFRICRE , Barbarussa now admitted vnto the presence of Solyman , in these or like words persuaded him to that warre , for the entrance whereinto we haue thus farre digressed . What thing the priests with lowd voice vse to pray for , at such time as the Othoman emperours enter into the temple to pray , the same thing doe I also wish vnto thee most mightie Solyman , which is , That thou shouldest remember , thy progenitors by iustice and religion to haue got for thee this empire , than which , more magnificent or richer the gods haue not giuen to any : for fortune hath neuer deceiued them that tread that way , and thou hetherto hast so traced their steps , that thou hast easily surmounted their fame and glorie , administring iustice to thy subiects ; and inflamed with the hope of eternall praise , making continuall warre against the enemies of our religion , the true office of a zealous prince . By this meanes is BELGRADE taken , RHODES woon , the king of HVNGARIE slaine in battell , GERMANIE twice harried and burnt : so that Charles , whom the Christians would make equall to thy selfe in power and valour , with the great aid almost of all the Christian nations , terrified with the noise of thy armie , shunned battell . But for as much as empires be they neuer so large , or victories be they neuer so glorious , can either satisfie the greatnesse of an heroicall mind , or glut the same with glorie : thou hast therefore sent before thee thy victorious ensigns against the Persians and Parthians , that those nations who haue wickedly fallen from our rites , purified as it were by thy sacred armes , may be againe reclaimed to the auntient rites of our religion . But be this vnto thy greatnesse most honourable to attempt , and glorious to performe : let it only be lawfull for me now growne an old man in the middest of armes and dangers , to declare what is expedient , and briefly to open such things as I haue by long experience learned to concerne the augmenting of thy fame and empire elsewhere . Neither would I haue you to take this as presumptuously spoken of me : for fortune hath enough , yea and more than enough fauoured my designes , whom from a poore cottage and bare hope , she hath promoted to glorious victories , great riches , yea vnto the title and maiestie of a king . But vnto these things the gods could giue me nothing better than to be called for of thee , and sent for , in counsell to discourse of matters of greatest importance : wherefore my aduise shall bee vnto thee faithfull , and with experience confirmed ; which although it be all that it seemeth old men can doe , yet in my sound bodie remaineth such strength , that I dare both promise and performe vnto thee my good seruice at all assaies both by sea and land . For vnto this onely course haue I bent my selfe day and night from my youth ( following the purpose & counsell of my valiant brother Horruccius , who to extend the bounds of our religion , persecuted the Christians both by sea and land ) desiring nothing more , than that thy fleet and power might once be ioined with my forces and direction , and so vnder thy good hap to be either a commaunder , or els commaunded : for as much as it grieueth me not to be commaunded by my betters : of which my desires if the gods shall make me partaker , the Spaniards shall shortly be driuen quite out of AFFRICKE , thou shalt heare that the Moores are gone ouer into SPAINE to repossesse the kingdome of GRANADO , that TVNES and NVMIDIA are at thy commaund , and not to speak of SARDINIA and CORSICA , that SICILIA is ours : which once taken , we shall starue vp ITALIE , and on euery side distresse it with our fleet , being now weake and brought low by the discord of the princes , and that part thereof both towards SICILIA and MACEDONIA readie to submit it selfe vpon any condition , so it might cast off the Spanish yoke . Thinke not that either that strength or vnitie is now in ITALIE , which was when thy great grandfather Mahomet hauing taken HYDRVNTVM , brought a great feare not vpon ITALIE onely , but vpon other the Christian nations also : For by the good successe of that warre , which all the Christian princes could hardly withstand , he had vndoubtedly taken the citie of ROME , and so according to right and reason againe vnited the empire of the East and of the West , as they were before in their auntient glorie : But hee suddainely left the world , rapt to heauen , that he might leaue to thee ( according to the appointment of the fatall destinies and reuolutions of the heauens ) this worke of absolute perfection . And yet my purpose is not by putting thee in hope of so great and rare a triumph , to interrupt or hinder thee for turning thy power into the East against thy old and irreligious enemies , deseruing all extremities : for thy nauie shall be sufficient for me , whereof thou shalt haue no need in thy warres so farre within land , that whilest thou art conquering ASIA , AFRICA the third part of the world may in the meane time be brought vnder thy subiection also . Where before all other things , Muleasses is to be driuen out of TVNES , a man of insatiable couetousnesse , vnstayed lust , horrible crueltie , hated both of God and man : who hauing by treacherie slaine eighteene of his brethren , or that which worse is , cruelly burnt out their eyes , doth so raigne alone , that he hath left him neither kinsman nor friend : For being as vnthankfull as perfidious , he hath murthered all his fathers friends , who with great trauell had preferred him to the kingdome , so to make short paiment for so great desert . With this beast we must haue to doe , whom whilest no man loueth , all men easily wish to perish . The Numidians trouble him with daily inuasions , whose iniuries the infamous coward endureth with such shame and reproach , that it should seeme he had rather to suffer them than reuenge them . And yet this effeminat distard holdeth in chaines many valiant Turkes , and acknowledgeth not your imperiall name , whereunto all men on euerie side sue for grace : and which is not to be suffered , exceedingly fauoureth the Spaniards at TRIPOLIS , to the intent that Agis and Moses , two valiant Turkish captaines , may be driuen out of the citie . This wild beast disarmed of his clawes and teeth , we shall easily destroy , if it be but for that we haue with vs Roscetes his brother , whom the Numidians wish and long for : him must we vse , if it be but for a shew , so shall the thing we desire be without bloud effected , as soone as we shall but present our selues before the gates of TVNES . Then shall it be at your pleasure to appoint whom you will haue to gouerne the Numidian kingdome : it shall be vnto me glorie enough , when the greatest part of AFFRICKE conquered , shall be peaceably deliuered into your hands at your returne with the triumphs of PERSIA . But by the way as I returne , I assure you vpon mine owne priuat so to vse the matter , that the Christians shall also haue good cause to bewaile their calamities : and if I hap to meet with Auria , he shall haue smal cause to reioyce of the mischiefe he hath done : for him alone I challenge to persecute as my proper and peculiar enemie , both for the remembrance of the harmes we haue receiued at his hands , and for the despight I haue at his fame ; who once taken out of the way , the seas shall be open onely to you and your fleets . And beleeue me , he that shall be able to commaund the seas , shall easily also subdue the kingdomes by land . But Solyman , who after the manner of wise princes vsed well to consider , and afterward with ripe judgement to resolue of such matters as he had with attentiue eare hearkened vnto ; commending Barbarussa for his forwardnesse in his seruice , for that time brake vp the counsell . Not long after a decree was made , according to Abraham the great Bassa his aduise , That Barbarussa should be joyned as fourth with the other three chiefe Bassaes of Solymans counsell , and be made great Admirall : so that all the islands , ports , and people all alongst the sea coast thorow out Solymans empire , should be at his commaund , and that it should be lawfull for him to take vp such marriners and souldiours for seruice at sea , as pleased him in what place soeuer . This being solemnly proclaimed , Solyman with his owne hand deliuered him a scepter and a sword , willing him by worthie deeds to performe what he had promised . After which Aiax and Cassimes the two great Bassaes , with the captaine of the Ianizaries , brought him with exceeding pompe from the court to the Nauie : at which time was carried before him all the tokens of his new obtained honour . And toward the maintenance of that warre at sea , he had deliuered vnto him out of Solymans treasures eight hundred thousand duckets , and eight hundred Ianizaries . But for as much , as much it was that he did in the seruice of Solyman , and more is of him hereafter to be spoken ; it shall not be amisse here to present vnto the view of the world the sterne , but liuely countenance of this so famous a man ( who liuing kept all the Mediterranean in feare ) as it is by Boisardus expressed , togither with the Elogium following . BARBARVSSA . Littora te Hesperiae timuere vtriusque , Lybesque Oppressi dextra succubuere tua . Nunquam te Lypare Corcyraue diliget , harum Cum sis immeritos depopulatus agros . The coasts of ITALY and SPAINE , of thee were sore afraid , And so the Moores did stoupe to thee , by thy right hand dismaid . LYPPAROS will thee neuer loue , ne yet CORCYRA strong : For that thou causelesse didst to them so great and open wrong . Barbarussa sped of that he desired , staied not long after at CONSTANTINOPLE , but departing out of HELESPONTVS with eightie gallies and certaine galliots , shaped his course towards ITALIE ; leauing Amurathes ( a sea captaine ) with twelue gallies to transport Solyman and his armie , readie to set forward against the Persian , ouer that narrow sea into ASIA . Who after hee had so done , ouertooke Barbarussa at METHONE , who holding on his course to AFFRICK , and sodainly passing the strait betwixt ITALIE and SICILIE , brought a great feare vpon both the countries ; but passing by the bay of HIPPONA alongst the coast of the lower CALABRIA , he set vpon the towne of S. Lucidius called in auntient time TEMPSA : which although it stood vpon a rocke , and was reasonable well walled ; yet such was the violence of the Turkes assault , that it could not be defended but was taken , with so much more hurt to the inhabitants , for that the Maior of the towne to keepe the people from flying away , had lockt vp the gates on the other side of the citie from the enemie . From thence he with rich spoile and many prisoners went to CITRARIVM , where he had learned of his prisoners , a fleet of gallies was in building . This towne forsaken of the inhabitants for feare , he tooke without resistance , ransaked and burnt it , where he also fired seauen gallies not yet altogither finished . But after he was come with his fleet as farre as the island CAPRI within the sight of NAPLES , such a terrour was strucke into the minds of all that dwelt alongst that coast , that it was thought if he had landed and gone directly to NAPLES , the Neapolitanes would for feare haue abandoned the citie . But holding on his course , he came to PROCHITA , which he tooke and rifled : so passing by the port of CAIETA , which he might easily haue taken , he came to SPELVNCA , a towne in the hithermost part of the kingdome of NAPLES . They of the towne dismaied with the sudden arriuall of so great a fleet , yeelded the same without resistance . The enemie entring the towne , tooke twelue hundred prisoners . Pelegrinus a chiefe man amongst them of SPELVNCA was fled into the castle ; him Barbarussa commaunded to yeeld , which if he would presently doe , he promised to let him go free ; but if he should stand vpon his defence , he threatned in short time to make him repent his foolish hardinesse with the vtter destruction both of himselfe and the towne . The fearefull gentleman without delay , came out of the castle , and fell downe at his feet ; who according to his promise gaue him his libertie , and with rare courtesie restored to him his wife ▪ his sonne , and niece , whom hee had taken prisoners , who receiued them with many teares falling from their eyes for joye . The same night also two thousand Turkes came from the fleet thorow the rough and bushie mountaines to the citie FVNDI , ten miles distant from SPELVNCA , in the vttermost borders of the kingdome of NAPLES , conducted as was thought by certaine Italians of that countrey ; who a few yeares before taken at sea , and ouerwearied with the heauie burthen of the Turkish slauerie , had reuolted to the Mahometane religion . But such was the suddennesse of their comming , and their celeritie in entring the citie , that Iulia Gonzaga the paragon of ITALIE , and the chiefe prise which they sought after , had scarce time to get to horse halfe naked , and so with much difficultie to escape into the mountaines . It is reported , that Barbarussa ( which thing he himselfe afterwards seemed not to denie ) moued with the same of her incomparable beautie and wonderfull perfection , desired exceedingly to haue taken her as a present for Solyman . The citisens were for most part either slaine or taken prisoners by the Turkes ; who loded with the spoile of the citie , returned againe to the fleet . Another part of Barbarussa his fleet came to TARRACINA , which the Turks tooke forsaken of the inhabitants , who for feare were all fled into the mountaines , except some which for age or sicknesse could not shift for themselues , whom the Turkes slew and spoiled the churches . Barbarussa thus scouring alongst the coast of ITALIE , and newes thereof daily brought to the citie of ROME , strucke such an exceeding terrour into the minds of the citisens , that it was verily thought if he had come but a little farther to OSTIA , they would generally haue forsaken the citie . But he hauing well performed his promise made to Solyman for vexing the Christians , and before resolued of a greater matter he had to doe ; when he had watered at PONTIA , passed ouer into AFFRICK with such celeritie , that he was arriued there before it was thought that he was departed from the coast of ITALY . For Barbarussa to deceiue Muleasses king of TVNES , and to take him vnprouided , had giuen it out that he would burne and spoile the coasts of the Christian countries , especially of ITALY , LIGVRIA , and SPAINE , in reuenge of the harme done by Auria at CORONE and PATRAS . Which thing Muleasses the rather beleeued , vnderstanding his proceedings vpon the coast of ITALY . The Venetians hauing also at the same time at great charges prepared a great fleet , did in some part lessen Muleasses feare , that Barbarussa would employ his forces for AFFRICKE : for then what should the Venetians haue needed to haue made so great and chargeable a preparation . But that which aboue all other things brought him into securitie , was for that he had by secret espials certainly learned , that his brother Roscetes was kept at CONSTANTINOPLE , as a prisoner at large , vnder safe keeping : which made him to thinke that Barbarussa his forces were not prepared against him , for he knew that he could not be impugned , or his state more endangered by any other meanes than by producing the competitour of his kingdome , to whom his guiltie conscience doubted , that both the citisens of TVNES and the Numidians were for most part well affected . This Muleasses of whom we now speake , and whom hereafter we shall by occasion often remember , was lineally discended of the auncient kings of Tunes ; who without interruption of discent or mixture of forraine bloud , had by the space of nine hundred fiftie and foure yeares mightily ruled the great kingdome of TVNES , from TRIPOLIS to BVGIA , almost eight hundred miles alongst the Mediterranean , and into the maine as farre as the mount ATLAS : and for the long continuance of their state , and largenesse of their kingdome , were worthely accounted the most reuerend and mightie amongst the Mahometane kings of AFFRICKE . His father Mahometes , when he had with much glorie and more pleasure raigned two and thirtie yeares , perceiuing the end of his life to approach , had purposed to haue appointed Maimo his eldest sonne ( whom for his hastie aspiring he then held in durance ) to succeed him in his kingdome . But ouercome with the importunitie of Lentigesia his wife , a woman of hautie spirit , who had by reward made a strong faction in the court for her sonne Muleasses , he altered his former purpose , and appointed him his successour : by whom ( as it was thought ) the small remainder of his owne old yeares was shortened ; Maimo the right heire of the kingdome in prison , presently murdred ; seuenteene of his other brethren vnmercifully executed ; and three other , Barcha , Beleth , and Saeth , with more than barbarous crueltie , with a hoat yron of their sight depriued : only Roscetes the second brother , and Abdemelech , escaping the hands of their vnnaturall brother , fled to Morhabitus a great prince amongst the Numidians ; whither also their brothers malice persecuted them , seeking sometime by practise , sometime by poison to haue taken them away , and at last for a great summe of money to haue had them deliuered into his hands : Which money they Numidian receiued , but suffered the distressed princes as if they had escaped against his will , to flie further to another Numidian prince a friend of his , called Bentieses : where Muleasses by like practises as before sought to haue destroied them , or to haue got them into his owne power . Thus chased by their brothers endlesse malice from prince to prince , and place to place , they for their more safetie fled at last to the citie of BISCARIS farre into the maine land : where Abdemelech as one wearie of the world , gaue ouer all and betooke himselfe to a solitarie life , and became a melancholy Mahometane monke . But Roscetes courteously entertained by Abdalla prince of that citie , found such fauour in his sight , that he gaue him his daughter in marriage , and long time honourably maintained him as his sonne in law , with such carefulnesse , that for feare of Muleasses practises , he was seldome permitted to eat any other meat but such as the prince or his wife had before tasted of . Muleasses thus raigning and raging , and yet not contented with the death of so many of his brethren , proceeded further , and murthered diuers of their children also . He caused also the Manifet and Mesuar , men of greatest authoritie in all the kingdome , his fathers graue counsellors and his cheefe friends , by whose meanes especially he had aspired vnto the kingdome , to be cruelly tortured to death ▪ fearing their greatnesse , or rather as some thought greeuing to see them liue to whom he was so much beholden , and therefore rewarded them with such sharpe payment . And by the instigation of Lentigesia his mother , caused diuers of his fathers other wiues and concubines to be shamefully murthered , inueighing oftentimes against his father , that as an effeminate prince with infinit charges had for his pleasure maintained two hundred wiues and concubines in his houses of delight , by whom he had begot so many sonnes competitours of the kingdome , that he had left him ( as he said ) a laborious and enuious peece of worke , to destroy so great a brood . Roscetes aided by his father in law and the other Numidian princes , to whom the name of Muleasses both for his crueltie against his owne bloud , and injurious dealing against his neighbours , was become odious , passing ouer the riuer Bragada , with a great armie , neere vnto TVNES met with Muleasses his armie , conducted by Dorax , a valiant captaine , brother to Lentigesia : where in a sharpe conflict he ouerthrew his brothers armie , and enforced Dorax with them that were escaped out of the battell for safegard of their liues to flie into TVNES . Roscetes pursuing the victorie , came and presented his armie before the gates of the citie , in hope that the citisens ( whom he knew for the most part to hate the vsurping tyrant ) would vpon the sight of him , in right their king , with so great an armie , raise some tumult in the citie , and let him in . There he lay by the space of twentie daies , still expecting some innouation ; in which time the more to alienate the minds of the people from Muleasses , and to shew how vnable he was to protect them , he burnt and destroyed all the oliue and fruit trees , which grew most plentifully and pleasantly all alongst the country , from the ruines of old CARTHAGE to the wals of TVNES : which was vnto the citisens , whose greatest possessions lay there , a most heauie and lamentable spectacle . But Muleasses had so attempered their minds with faire speeches and large promises of recompensing euery man to the full , for all such harme as they should sustaine by his brothers furie in the countrey : and beside that had the citie in such strong possession by reason of his souldiors , that the citisens either would not or could not reuolt to Roscetes . The Numidian princes wearie of that long and vaine expectation , according to the leuitie of that nation , accounting it no shame after victorie once gotten to depart , began one after another to shrinke away to their owne dwellings , persuading Roscetes also to prouide for himselfe whilest he had time , and to attend his better fortune . Wherefore he fearing to be betrayed by the Numidians , or circumuented by his cruell brother , fled to Barbarussa , then raigning at ALGIERS in great glorie , where he was honourably entertained ; and there remained vntill such time as by his persuasion he went with him as is aforesaid to CONSTANTINOPLE , to craue helpe of Solyman , by whom he was detained in safe custodie : although it was in policie giuen out by Barbarussa , that he was in the fleet , and that he should by Solymans power be restored to his fathers kingdome at TVNES . This was the state of the kingdome of TVNES , at such time as Barbarussa with Solymans great fleet , contrarie to all mens expectation , suddenly departing from the coast of ITALIE , landed in AFFRICKE at BISERTA , a famous port of the kingdome of TVNES . They of BISERTA wearie of the gouernment of Muleasses , and of themselues desirous of change ▪ as soone as they heard the name of Roscetes , forthwith draue out their Gouernour , and receiued the Turkes into the towne . For Barbarussa had before sent certaine of Roscetes his familiar friends ashore , which bare the people in hand , that he was in the fleet , but not able yet to come on shore , for that he was ( as they said ) seasicke and troubled with an ague . BISERTA thus possessed by Barbarussa , he presently departed thence : and sayling by VTICA , thirtie miles distant from BISERTA , and so keeping alongst the coast , and passing the promontorie of CARTHAGE , came before GVLETTA , a strong castle within the bay of TVNES , so placed vpon a strait , that it commaundeth all the passage by sea vnto the citie of TVNES . Before this castle , Barbarussa in token of friendship , discharged all his great ordinance , which they of the castle answered with like : but being required to deliuer it vp to Roscetes , they said it should be alwayes at his commaund that ruled in the citie of TVNES . The newes of Roscetes his supposed comming , flying swiftly by land from BISERTA to TVNES , and the great fleet once discouered , set all the citie on an vprore : for the citisens were in great expectation of their new king , both for the loue of Roscetes , who had alwayes shewed himselfe to be of a mild and bountifull nature ; and also for the hatred of Muleasses , whose tyrannous and couetous gouernment they thought they had too long endured . Neither was he ignorant what report ran of himselfe , and how he had lost the hearts of his subjects , which was euidently to be seene in the eyes and countenances of the cheefe men of the citie . And that which more encreased their hatred , was for that he had not according to his promise to them in time of his distresse , made them any recompence for their goodly houses and oliue gardens , destroyed in the countrey by Roscetes in the former warres : wherefore at such time as he came now out of the castle , and in the greatest assemblie of his people , began to persuade them to play the men , and to continue constant in their obedience , promising vnto them such reward as they knew he was neuer able to performe , they all departed , and left him alone : yea some of them vnder the colour of friendship , and amongst them Abdahar , then Mesuar , ( which was cheefe officer next vnto the king ) persuaded him to giue place to his hard fortune , & forthwith to flie , for by chance at the same instant it was in euery mans mouth , that the Turks were euen at hand : which thing caused Muleasses , forsaken of his subjects , of himselfe fearefull , and worthily doubting to be betrayed , to flie in such hast out of the citie , that he left behind him both his treasure and jewels , which afterwards came into the hands of his enemies . The first that reuolted was Abezes , a man of great authoritie ; and Fetuches , captaine of the castle ; both renegate Spaniards . Fetuches presently after the flight of Muleasses , brought out Roscetes wife and children , whom Muleasses had long time kept in prison , & to welcome their father , placed them in the kings royall seat . Abezes also forthwith aduertised Barbarussa of the departure of Muleasses , and with what longing the people expected their desired king , wishing him without delay to repaire vnto the citie : and for a present sent him a goodly Barbarian horse , richly furnished , and diuers others for his other cheefe captaines . Hereupon Barbarussa without longer stay set forward with fiue thousand Turks , which he had alreadie landed , and comming to the citie , was of the citisens joyfully receiued . But after long looking , when they could no where descrie Roscetes their supposed king , and heard nothing but the name of Solyman and Barbarussa , doubled and redoubled by the Turkes in their militarie acclamations , as they marched thorow the citie towards the castle ; they began to distrust , as the truth was , that in stead of their new king whom they so much desired , they had receiued the Turkish gouernement , which they vtterly detested . Which suspition once confirmed by certaine of Roscetes friends ( whom Barbarussa had brought with him of purpose to delude the people ) who grieued to see the ruine of their natiue countrey , spared not for feare of the present danger to tell their friends and acquaintance as they went , That they did in vaine looke for Roscetes , whom they had left in bonds at CONSTANTINOPLE : it was a wonder to see , how suddainely the minds of the people were changed , how speedily they ran to their weapons , and how furiously they assailed the Turkes , now fearing no such matter , and were not as yet all got into the castle . The cheefe leader of the citisens in this tumult , was Abdahar the Mesuar , who but a little before vpon the comming of the Turkes , by augmenting the danger , and the vnfaithfulnesse of his subjects , had persuaded Muleasses to flie ; but now perceiuing himselfe deceiued of his expectation for the comming of Roscetes , and repenting of that he had done , sought by all meanes to driue out the Turkes , and to recall Muleasses . And the more to animate the people , as he stood on high , from whence he might best be heard , he cried vnto them with a loud voice : We are most villanously betrayed ( worthie citizens ) for Roscetes , whom we expected for our lawfull king , lamenteth his miserie in chaines , in prison at CONSTANTINOPLE : and we , except we presently play the men , and valiantly fight for our libertie , shall for euer serue as slaues to these forraine and mercilesse pyrats . The present danger of our estate telleth vs , that we must presently and without delay take the occasion offered . Wherefore let all men that meane not to serue as slaues , and to be bought and sold as beasts , take vp armes against the faithlesse Turkes . I my selfe will be your leader : let vs therefore all with one consent with heart and hand reuenge this shamefull trecherie , defend our countrey and libertie with the antient honour of the Numidians . There was now no time to stay , euery man had betaken himselfe to his weapons ; Muleasses was againe sent for , who yet staied in the suburbes , expecting what should happen ; many of the Turkes were slaine before they were aware , or feared any thing ; all the citie was filled with outcries and clattering of weapons : the number of the citisens was such , as might easily haue expulsed the Turkes , had they beene but reasonably armed or well conducted , which in a matter so sudden , and with men altogether ignorant of seruice , was not possible . Yet they armed with furie , and encouraged with the multitude of themselues , swarmed vp as thicke as was possible one of the bulwarkes of the castle , which they knew was easiest to bee gained , where the Turkes had set vp one of their ensignes ; and with the multitude of their darts and arrowes so ouerwhelmed the Turkes , that they were glad to forsake the place , and to retire farther into the castle to a place of more strength : from whence and all alongst the curtaine of the wall , they without intermission discharged their great artillerie and small shot amongst the thickest of the naked Moores , making of them a wonderfull slaughter . Barbarussa although he was a man of an inuincible courage & great experience , all his life time well acquainted with desperat dangers ( the dreadfull steps of aspiring minds ) yet surprised with the suddennesse of the assault , shut vp in a place whereof he yet knew not the strength , and not prouided of victuall for three dayes , was with the due consideration of these difficulties , not a little troubled : which his care was by the disordered furie of his enemies , and knowne valour of his owne souldiours greatly deminished ; especially when hee saw his owne men still fighting , as men full of hope and courage , and the Moores as men halfe dismayed with the wounds and slaughter of their friends , readie to retire . Howbeit , by the comming in of Muleasses and Dorax , the assault twice before giuen ouer , was againe at both times renewed , with no lesse desperat furie than at the first , and the Turkes hardly charged . In this dangerous assault Halis of MALIGA , a renegate Spaniard , but a most expert souldior , turning himselfe to Barbarussa , said : If thou wilt saue thine honour , and hold this fort , we must sallie out vpon this enemie , which hauing neuer seene a set battell , but onely acquainted with light skirmishes , will not be able to endure our charge at hand , but shall in a moment know the price of their foolish hardinesse : who as braine-sicke men could neither endure the gouernment of their cruell king , ne yet thankefully receiue the authors of their deliuerance and libertie . This motion of the Spaniard , confirmed by the generall approbation of the cheefest captaines , Barbarussa commaunded Halis the author of that counsell , with certaine other captaines and their companions , at one instant to sallie out at two ports of the castle : which they so resolutely performed , that in short time a wonderfull number of the naked Moores lay dead vpon the ground . Abdahar the Mesuar himselfe , was there shot thorow with a bullet and slaine : whereupon the assault was quite giuen ouer , the Moores retyring by companies backe into the citie , and the Turkes still pursuing them : where , in the streets for certaine houres , was fought a most cruell and bloudie battell . At last the citisens ouercome , forsooke the open streets , and betooke them to the refuge of their houses ; not so carefull of their king , as of themselues , their wiues and children . And Holis with the rest , wearied with the slaughter of his enemies , and ouercome with labour , heat , and thirst , returned with victorie vnto the castle . It is reported that there was aboue three thousand of the citisens slaine that day , and thrise as many hurt . Muleasses thus discouraged , and vtterly despairing to recouer the citie ; hardly escaped his enemies hands , by the good helpe of his vncle Dorax , with whom he fled ouer the riuer Bagrada , and came in safetie to CONSTANTINA ( called of old time CYRTHA ) the antient seat of the Numidian kings , but then a part of Dorax his dominion ; where he was honorably maintained and protected vntill the comming of Charles the emperour into AFFRICKE . The night ensuing this battell , and the flight of the king ▪ was restlesse both to the citisens and the Turkes , each of them for feare of other standing vpon their strongest guard . The next day the citisens discouraged with the losse of so many of their kinsmen and friends , and hauing no king now for whom they should fight , craued pardon of Barbarussa for their rash attempt , excusing it by the name of loyaltie to their antient kings ; offering to submit themselues vnto him with all faithfulnesse . Which their offer he willingly accepted , knowing that he was not able to keepe that place with his souldiors three daies , for lacke of victuall : so that all his hope and victorie gotten , might easily be ouerthrowne and brought to nought , if the citisens moued either with desperation or desire of reuenge , should joyne with the other Numidian princes , and besiege him in the castle . Whereupon a generall peace was granted , and by solemne oath on both sides confirmed , whereby the citisens expresly bound themselues to the obedience of Solyman , and to Barbarussa as his lieutenant . All things thus set in order in the citie of TVNES , & new magistrates and officers by him made , he laboured by all meanes to win vnto him the Numidian princes : which when he had easily brought to passe by gifts and rewards with those needie princes , of themselues prone enough vpon light occasions to make or breake the bonds of friendship , he sent Asan-aga an eunuch , and Halis the Spaniard with the Ianizaries , & certaine pieces of great ordinance , to take in the other cities of the kingdome of TVNES : which they in short time performed , being in all places peaceably receiued , onely the citie of CARVENNA held out a while , yet afterwards for feare of further harme receiued the Turkes garrison . But to leaue Barbarussa king of ALGIERS and Solymans great Admirall , thus possessed of the kingdome of TVNES ; and Muleasses in exile at CONSTANTINA , vntill he be againe restored vnto his kingdome by Charles the emperour , as shall be hereafter declared : let vs againe returne to the wars at the selfesame time vndertaken by Solyman in person himselfe in PERSIA , persuaded therunto as we haue before said by Abraham the great Bassa . Of whom a few words , that they which shall hereafter liue , may in him as in others , see in what slipperie place they stand , and what small assurance they haue , which forsaking God , run headlong after these worldly vanities , and swelling with the fauours of great princes , are in a moment when they least feare any such fall , suddenly ouerthrowne , and become the miserable spectacles of mans fragilitie in the height of their supposed blisse . This great Bassa called of the Turkes Ibrahim , of vs Abraham , was borne in a poore countrey village neere vnto PERGA , a towne in that part of EPIRVS which was called BVTHROTIA : who in his childhood was taken from his Christian parents , by such as by authoritie did take vp the tribute children of the Christians for the Turkish emperour . A tribute of all tributes most grieuous . He was of countenance amiable , of feature comely , actiue of bodie , well spoken , pleasantly conceited , and sharpe of wit : so that he in shorter time than was thought possible , to the admiration of many , learned both to speake and write the Arabian tongue , and other languages vsed in the Turkes court , and could skilfully play vpon sundrie kinds of instruments . And being yet a boy , serued Scanderbassa , a man of great authoritie and power , in the time of Selymus the emperour , in whose seruice he was instructed in the Mahometane religion ; but giuing himselfe to all manner of curiositie and neatnesse , he was wonderfully fauoured by the great ladie his mistresse , and by her commended to her husband Scanderbassa , as a fit page to attemper his melancholy and wayward disposition , with his pleasant conceits and deuises . Wherein the Tetricall Bassa finding him to excell , gaue him as a rare gift to Solyman the sonne of Selymus , his grandfather Baiazet yet liuing : who tooke in him such pleasure , that the old emperour caused him to be brought vp in the court , in all princely qualities with Solyman ( who was of like yeares vnto him ) as his companion and playfellow . Where he so framed himselfe vnto the young prince his disposition in all points , that he was of him alwaies exceedingly beloued , and afterwards promoted to all the honours of the court , and made one of the Bassaes ; giuing vnto him in marriage the onely daughter and heire of Scanderbassa , his master then dead , with an exceeding great dowrie . And after that , made him Gouernour of CAIRE : where hee had not long remained , but he was againe sent for to the court , as the man which gaue thereunto life , without whose companie Solyman was as one halfe dead . At length he made him Vesier , which is the chiefe of all the Bassaes , and president of his counsell , the greatest honour in the Turkish empire next vnto the emperour himselfe . And to honour him yet more , he deliuered him his priuat signet , wherwith the Turkish emperour● neuer vsed to trust any but themselues : he might at his pleasure , grace , and disgrace whom 〈◊〉 would , in court or elsewhere . What he commaunded , was done : and whatsoeuer he did , 〈◊〉 ●aken for well done . He might without the emperours knowledge giue any office , yea the ●●●ernment of whole countries and prouinces , vnto his fauourites : his credit with the empero●●●as so great , that hee did what he list , and no man durst presume to aske any reason why . And 〈◊〉 say all at once , he wanted nothing of the majestie of an emperour , but the name onely ; in steed whereof he was commonly called the Great Commander of all the emperours forces . His house in CONSTANTINOPLE was of all other most stately , wherein was daily to be seene such a multitude of his gallant followers , and such a world of wealth and royall furniture , as that it might be worthely compared with the pallace of a great prince . Neither was he partaker of Solymans counsailes in his waightie matters of state onely , but of his secret delights and pleasures also ; if he were present all was well , if he were away nothing pleased : to be short , he so possessed this great emperour , that men commonly said , The soule of Solyman liued in Abraham . Whereat many of the great men of the court secretly repined ; but especially Solymans mother , and Roxalana his faire concubine , whom of all women hee held dearest . His liuely and majesticall countenance thou maiest here behold . ABRAHAM . Magnus es & Getici tibi gratia prona tynanni Seruit , at ex alto magna ruina venit : Te proceres odere , Parensque , & regia coniux Horum ne pereas proditione caue . Right great thou art , and doest commaund the fauour of thy king : But such great fauours oftentimes , a greater fall doe bring . The great kings mother , wife , and all the nobles hate thee sore : Beware that by their wily drifts thou perish not therefore . This great Commaunder , which might at all times be bolde to speake what he thought vnto Solyman , sought many times in his priuat discourses betwixt them two , to persuade him to forbeare to vse his forces any farther against the Christians , ouer whom he had sufficiently alreadie triumphed , and to turne them vpon the Persians by whom he was daily injured . Alleadging vnto him , that the Germans were a strong and warlike people ; who as they both in language and manners differed from the Hungarians , so were they alwaies at variance with them , and therefore much cared not though they were by him subdued : but if he should begin to inuade any part of their countrey , he should then soone see that inuincible nation with their vnited forces , vp in armes readie to make strong resistance . And to prouoke Charles the emperour ( of all the Christian princes the mightiest ) were not good , who of himselfe was able to bring into the field most puissant armies of valiant souldiours out of his owne dominions : beside the wonderfull concourse of most resolute men out of all parts of Christendome , which would not spare to lay downe their liues at his feet in that warre , which was of them accounted most religious . Yea what strength both of horse and foot might be raised and brought to the battell by the two brethren Charles and Ferdinand , onely might ( as he said ) euen then be plainely perceiued , when as they valiantly defended VIENNA , besieged by vs with great power . Neither did Charles afterward , as it seemed , and as the Christians commonly vaunt , feare to haue aduentured the fortune of a maine battell with you : who although I doubt not but he should haue beene ouercome by you so great a monarch with so puissant an armie , a thing peculiar to your good fortune ; yet I cannot denie , but that that victorie against such expert and resolute soldiors , so strongly armed as their manner is must haue been bought with a great deale of our bloud . These things in my opinion may reasonably persuade you to let the Christians alone , by ciuile warres to weaken one another , that so afterwards they may become a prey vnto vs without any danger of ours . So that in my iudgement the Persian warre is to be taken in hand , rather than the warres in GERMANIE , and especially for that you haue sufficiently enlarged the bounds of your empire Westward : which you haue extended euen vnto nations very far distant . So that it is now a great matter to defend so much as you haue alreadie gotten , and therefore partly for the difficultie of the defending thereof , and partly vpon an honourable contempt , according to the infinit bountie of your heroicall inclination , haue thought good to bestow whole kingdomes vpon strangers , yea halfe your enemies . Wherefore how much more glorious shall it be now vpon iust occasion to seeke for that which ioyneth vnto your owne confines ; and may therefore easily be vnited vnto your owne empire : if you according to the example of your grandfather and father shall force your selfe to driue that accursed and abhominable race of Ismaell out of ASIA . For it shall be a great glorie vnto the name of the Othoman kings for euer , if you shall after your wonted manner zealously respect the cause of religion ; a worke of an incomparable fame , if the authors of a most detestable superstition shall by you be chased quite out of ASIA . For what more iust or honourable cause can there be to make warre , than to professe your selfe the defendor of the deuine precepts of our great prophet Mahomet , against the wicked and irreligious impugners thereof ? And by the way to reuenge and vtterly to destroy the capitall enemies of your auncestours : which was the last prayer of your father Selymus . Can you endure them which rule so insolently , that they account euery one that is neere them their enemies and prey , and dare also with their pilfering inuasions prouoke your selfe , liuing contented within the bounds of your owne empire in peace both in EVROPE and ASIA ? and they ( forsooth ) such as haue by most horrible wrong crept into the royall seat of the most lawfull and noble kings descended of the bloud of Vsun-Cassanes ? who after their wonted manner still liue by rapine and robberie ? Beleeue me noble emperour , if you shall vpon a zeale to your religion with your victorious hand take away this staine and plague of ASIA , there shall vndoubtedly be erected vnto you so glorious and magnificent a trophie in the middest of PERSIA , as may be compared , yea preferred before the triumphs of your victorious father Selymus . For it is not so much to haue destroyed the Mamalukes ( by condition slaues ) and the proud Sultans of AEGIPT and SIRIA , as to haue subdued the Persians , famous in antient time for their martiall prowesse , who so oftentimes vanquished by Alexander of MACEDOM gaue vnto him the name of Great . Solyman prickt forward with many such discourses , dayly sounded in his eares by the Bassa , began to yeeld to his persuasion . Whereof Abraham in himselfe greatly rejoiced : for it was thought of many , that he did neuer in heart renounce the Christian religion , but was onely in outward shew a Turke , and in heart a Christian. Which was the rather conjectured , for that he maruellously fauoured and protected the Christian marchants , furthered by all meanes the leagues of the Christian princes with Solyman , and laboured alwaies to turne his forces from them vpon the Persians . And the more to whet him forward , the Bassa had cunningly insinuated into his acquaintance one Mulearabe of DAMASCO , a man at that time famous in CONSTANTINOPLE , for the opinion the people had generally conceiued of his holinesse and profound knowledge in the secret causes of things , and the art of Magicke ; vsing him as a prophet to fill the ambitious mind of Solyman , with assured hope of prosperous successe : which thing the hypocriticall wisard , after the manner of such deceiuers , slily performed , prophesieng vnto him all happinesse in so religious a warre , and so much ( as he said ) pleasing God. This the Bassaes purpose was much furthered also by Vlemas , a noble and valiant Persian , who hauing married the great Persian king Tamas his sister , was reuolted from him to Solyman , fearing to be called to account for the extorsion wherewith he had grieuously oppressed the countries whereof he had the gouernment and being wonderfully countenanced in Solymans court by the great Bassa , did after the manner of disloyall fugitiues persuade Solyman by all means he could to take that war in hand , discouering vnto him the power , strength , and state of the Persian kingdome ( which he could well doe ) and plotting vnto him the easiest way for the conquering thereof , offering also vnto him the vttermost of his deuoire . So Solyman filled with the vaine hope of the conquest of PERSIA , yeelded fully vnto the persuasions of the great Bassa , and ga●e out his commissions into all parts of his empire for the raising of a mightie armie for the performance of so great an enterprise , commaunding all his captaines and men of warre to be readie at the citie of NICE in BYTHINIA at a certaine day appointed ▪ Which his purpose , although it was mightily impugned by his mother , and faire Roxalana his best beloued , as that which altogether proceeded from the Bassa : the one alleadging with what euill successe his grandfather and father had before him attempted that same war ; the other assailing him with her passionat affections ▪ but both of them indeed repining at the credit of the Bassa and in their hearts disdaining that so great a monarch should at the pleasure of his seruant be led vp and down the world so farre from their companie : for which cause they did what in them lay to haue ouerthrowne the purpose of Abraham , and to haue altered Solymans former determination . But so strong was the Bassaes credit with his great lord and master , that all these great ladies deuises and prayers were as womens affectionat passions rejected , and the Bassaes counsell ( to their no small greefe ) in all things regarded . The time appointed being come , and all things in readinesse , Solyman sent Abraham the Bassa , and Vlemas the Persian before him into SYRIA with a strong armie , to be readie with the first of the Spring to inuade the Persian king . Which thing the Bassa gladly tooke vpon him , and comming into SIRIA , wintered with his armie at AL●PPO : whither Barbarussa came vnto him for his letters of credence to Solyman , as is before declared . The Spring now approching , Abraham sent Vlemas the fugitiue Persian prince before him with the light horsemen , the forerunners of his armie , into MESOPOTAMIA as his guide , because the countrey was vnto him best knowne ; following not farre after himselfe with all his armie . And marching still forward in that manner , came at length without resistance vnto the famous citie of TAVRIS in ARMENIA the greater ; called in auntient time ECBATHANA , as is probably by some conjectured : a great and rich citie , but vnwalled and of no strength ▪ where the Persian kings ( for the pleasantnesse of the place , and freshnesse of the ayre ) vsed commonly to be resiant in the heat of the yeare . From whence Tamas the Persian king was as then absent , busied in warres with Kezien-bassa , a prince of the Corasine Hircanians : so that the citisens of TAVRIS destitute of all helpe , yeelded themselues and the citie vnto the Bassa at his first comming . Tamas the Persian king vnderstanding what was happened at TAVRIS , drew neere with his power , warily expecting to haue taken the Turkes at some aduantage , and so by pollicie to haue defeated his enemies , whom hee was too weake to meet with in plaine battell . Which thing the warie Bassa well perceiuing , for more assurance , by speedie courrors aduertised Solyman of the taking of TAVRIS , and of the enemies purpose , requesting him with all speed to repaire with his armie to TAVRIS . Solyman was then come farre on his way with a strong armie , not by the way of ANCYRA , SEBASTIA , AMASIA , the borders of TRAPEZONDE , and so ouer Euphrates at ARSEN●A into ARMENIA , as his father Selymus had done before him , because that way was thought longer and more troublesome : but quite another way , on the right hand from NICE in BYTHINIA to ICONIVM , and by CaeSARIA to MALATHIA , where is the notable passage ouer the riuer Euphrates , bursting out by the vallies of the mountaine ANTITAVRVS , from whence the plaines of MESOPOTAMIA , then part of the Persian kingdome , begin to open themselues ; thorow which countrey Solyman marched peaceably with his armie , paying the poore countrey people for whatsoeuer he tooke and so in foure and fiftie dayes march came from NICE in BYTHINIA to the citie of COIM in ARMENIA the greater , which is supposed to be built in the ruines of the famous and antient citie ARTAXATA . But hearing such news as is aforesaid from the Bassa , he doubled his march , and so in short time after came and joyned his forces with the Bassa at TAVRIS . Tamas who yet dayly expected the comming of the Georgian light horsemen , vnderstanding that Solyman was comming against him with a world of men , thought it not good to abide the comming of so puissant an enemie , but with delay to wearie him out that drew such a multitude of people after him ; and by taking of him at all aduantages , to cut off his people spent with long trauell , wanting victuall , and falling into diuerse diseases ; as it commonly chanceth to populous armies in strange countries , where the change of the aire , with the ineuitable necessities alwaies attending vpon a great armie , most times causeth grieuous and contagious diseases . Wherefore Tamas to shun the comming of Solyman , retired further off into SVL●ANIA , about six daies journey from TAVRIS . Wherof Solyman hauing knowledge , departed from that rich citie without doing any harme therin , following after Tamas into SVLTANIA to joine battell with him if he could possible : leauing behind him for hast , a great part of his carriages and baggage , with fiue hundred Ianizaries , and three of his Sanzackes with their companies . The citie of SVLTANIA was in auntient time one of the royall seats of the Persian kings , but ruinated by the Scythian Tamerlane , retained no shew of the auntient majestie , but onely in the churches by him spared . Neere vnto this citie Solyman lay encamped many daies , expecting that the Persian king ( in reuenge of the injurie to him done , and for the safegard of his honor ) should at length come out of the mountaines , and shew himselfe in plaine field , and giue him battell : Which was a thing so farre from Tamas his resolution , vpon the due comparing of his owne strength with his enemies , that he retired in such sort , that Solyman could by no meanes learne what was become of him , or which way to follow him . The countrey neere vnto the citie of SVLTANIA wherein Solyman lay encamped at large , is on euerie side enuironed with hugie mountaines , whose tops are to be seene a farre off , alwaies couered with deepe snow : these mountaines were in auntient time called NYPHATES , CASPIVS , COATHRAS and ZAGRVS , taking their beginning no doubt of CAVCASVS the father of mountaines ; and joyning one to another , some one way , some another , doe diuide most large and wide countries . Whilest Solyman in those plaine fields most fit to fight a battell in , expected the comming of Tamas , such a horrible and cruell tempest ( as the like wherof the Persians had neuer before seene at that time of the yeare ) fell downe from those mountaines ; which was so much the more strange , for that it fell in the beginning of September : with such abundance of raine , which frose so eagerly as it fell , that it seemed the depth of Winter had euen then of a sudden been come in : for such was the rage of the blustring winds , striuing with themselues as if it h●d beene for victorie , that they swept the snow from off the tops of those high mountaines , and cast it downe into the plaines in such abundance , that the Turkes lay as men buried aliue in the deepe snow , most part of their tents being ouerthrowne and beaten downe to the ground with the violence of the tempest and waight of the snow , wherein a wonderfull number of sicke souldiours and others of the baser sort which followed the campe perished , and many others were so benummed , some their hands , some their feet , that they lost the vse of them for euer : most part of their beasts which they vsed for carriage , but especially their camels , were frozen to death . Yea Solyman himselfe was in great danger to haue beene ouerwhelmed in his tent , all the tents round about him being ouerthrowne with the violence of the tempest . Neither was there any remedie to be found for so great mischiefes , by reason of the hellish darknesse of that tempestuous night , most of their fires being put out by the extremitie of the storme : which did not a little terrifie the superstitious Turkes as a thing accounted of them ominous . And that which troubled them no lesse than the miseries of the tempest , was the fear of the enemie , whose sudden comming they deadly feared : vntill that after so tedious a night , the Sunne breaking out the next morning , with his cheerfull beames reuiued many before readie to giue vp the ghost for cold , and gaue comfort to them all in generall , by discouering the open fields cleare of their feared enemies . It was a dreadfull thing to haue seene what miserie that one night had brought into the Turkes campe : the ground lay almost couered with bodies of the dead ; and many liued , but so , as that they accounted the dead more happie than themselues . Many of the Turks vainly thought , that horrible tempest was brought vpon them by the charmes and enchantments of the Persian Magicians ; whereas it was vndoubtedly , by the hand of him which bringeth the proud deuises of princes to naught . Solyman troubled as well with the strangenesse of the accident , as the losse he had receiued , after he had a little refreshed his discouraged soldiors , rise with his armie and tooke his way on the left hand into ASSIRIA : Vlemas the Persian persuading him therunto for many causes , but especially by putting him in hope of the taking of BABYLON ; for that Mahometes a friend of his , was gouernour thereof . But he when the matter came to proofe , was not to be woon either by promise or reward to betray the citie . Wherefore Solyman resolued to take it by force , neither did his fortune faile him therein : for as soone as Mahometes vnderstood that Vlemas was at hand with the forerunners of the Turkes armie , and that Solyman with all his power was comming after , who as he thought would neuer haue come so farre ; he not prouided to withstand so mightie an enemie , and not beloued of the citisens , fled out of the citie . Solyman comming , in short time after was of the Babylonians receiued without resistance . This citie of BABYLON commonly called BAGDAT , rise out of the ruines of the old citie of BABYLON , so much spoken of in holy writ : from whence it is not farre distant , standing vpon the riuer Tygris , which not farre beneath falleth into the riuer Euphrates . In this famous city is the seat of the great Caliph , the chiefe Mahometane priest , whom all the Mahometane princes haue in great reuerence , & hath an old prerogatiue in the choise and confirmation of the kings of ASSIRIA ▪ and the Sultans of AEGYPT : of which Caliph , Solyman according to the old superstitious manner , receiued at his hands the ensignes and ornaments of the Assyrian kings , and with great bountie woon the hearts of the people : and thereupon resolued to spend that Winter there , billi●ing his armie in diuers places of that fertill countrey . The other cities of ASSIRIA and MESOPOTAMIA also , namely CARAEMIDA , MEREDINVM , ORSA , and ASANCESA , hearing that Solyman had without resistance taken BABYLON , yeelded themselues and receiued his garrisons . Yea the fame thereof was so great , that embassadours came vnto him as farre as ORMVS , a citie in the mouth of Euphrates , where it falleth into the Persian gulfe , famous for the great traffique out of INDIA thither , suing vnto him for peace . Thus the auntient citie of BABYLON with the great countries of ASSIRIA and MESOPOTAMIA , sometimes famous kingdomes of themselues ▪ and lately part of the Persian kingdome , fell into the hands of the Turkes , and became prouinces of the Turkish empire in the yeare 1534. Where Solyman after he had spent that Winter in great joy and triumph , according to the manner of the Turkish gouernment , placed a great Commander , which they by a proud name call the Beglerbeg ( which is as much as to say , the lord of lords ) and vnder him diuers others for the gouernment of these countries , by parts , which they call Sanzacks , who are euer at the commaund of the Beglerbeg . Whilest he thus wintered at BABYLON , he caused Ashender Zelibi ( which is to say ▪ Alexander the noble ) his great treasurer for the warres , to be hanged , for that he had vnfaithfully dealt in his office ; and confiscated all his goods . Tamas hearing that Solyman was gone to BABYLON , returned to TAVRIS : of whose speedy comming , the Ianizaries and other captaines there left by Solyman vnderstanding , fled in hast out of the citie , leauing all such things as were committed to their custodie , for a prey vnto the Persian souldiors . Solymans armie being mightily increased by the comming vnto him of the great Bassa of CAIRE , with the Sanzacks of ALEXANDRIA , IVDEA , SYRIA , and COMAGENE ; by the persuasion of Abraham , and Vlemas , the Spring now well come on , departed from BABYLON againe towards TAVRIS , with purpose either to draw Tamas to battell , or else to his eternall infamie before his face to sacke that his regall citie . But Tamas aduertised of his comming , and knowing himselfe too weake to giue him battell , forsooke the citie , and fled into the mountains of HIRCANIA : destroying all the countrey before him as he went , and carrying away the inhabitants , leauing nothing to relieue the Turkes , if they should pursue him . Solyman vnderstanding that Tamas was againe fled , sent Vlemas with all the choise horsemen of his armie to ouertake him if it were possible , and to fight with him . But when he had followed him two or three daies journey , and still found the countrey desolat as he went , yeelding neither forrage for his horses , nor reliefe for his men , and saw no hope to ouertake the king ; he began as a prouident Generall to forecast the extremities like to befall in his returne thorow those desolat countries , with the enemie at his heeles : and thereupon in time retired backe againe to Solyman , declaring vnto him what had happened . Who fretting in his mind , that the Persian king was not to b● drawne to battell , marched forthwith to TAVRIS , entred it without resistance , the citisens submitting themselues vnto him : whose liues spared , he gaue that rich citie for a prey vnto his soldiors , who left neither house nor corner thereof vnransacked , abusing the poore citisens with all manner of insolencie ▪ euerie common souldiour without controlment , fitting himselfe with whatsoeuer best pleased his greedie desire or filthie lust . Tamas had in this citie a most stately and royall pallace ▪ so had also most part of the nobilitie , their sumptuous and rich houses , which by the commaundement of Solyman were all rased downe to the ground , and the greatest part of the best citisens and beautifull personages of all sort and condition , at his departure thence carried away captiues . Solyman contenting himselfe to haue done the Persian king this disgrace in spoiling this his rich and royall citie , returned againe towards MESOPOTAMIA , destroying the countries all the way as he went , killing the verie beasts and cattell , thereby the more to impouerish the Persians , wishing to leaue nothing vnto them but penurie and miserie . He was scarcely past COIM and the Calderan fields , famous for his fathers victorie against Hysmaell , but that certaine troupes of the Persian horsemen were in the taile of his armie , and had taken away some of his baggage , and slaine diuers of the sicke and stragling souldiours ; and with their often skirmishes did not a little trouble his whole armie . Besides that , it was noised thorow all his campe , That Tamas himselfe was comming after him with a great power of horsemen , taken vp in HIBERIA , ALBANIA , PARTHIA , MEDIA , and ARMENIA , and would be at their backes before they could get out of ARMENIA : for which cause , hee appointed the two great Bassaes of CAIRE and SYRIA ( for so they were called ) and Vlemas the Persian with eighteene thousand good souldiours to follow him in the rearward of his armie , to receiue and represse the sudden assaults of the Persians , if need should require : and so still kept on his march , vntill he was come to AMIDA , now called CARAEMIDA , an antient citie of MESOPOTAMIA . In the meane time , Tamas the Persian king was returned to TAVRIS with a mightie armie , in hope there to haue suddenly surprised his enemie , surcharged with the pleasures of so rich a citie : but finding him gone , and beholding the miserable spoile and desolation he had made in the citie ; moued with indignation , he resolued to pursue him whither soeuer he were gone , and was now on his way as farre as COIM . Where vnderstanding that Solyman was gone so farre before , that he was hardly to be ouertaken ; and finding the noble gentlemen in his armie , vnwilling in their heauie armour to vndertake such a pursuit , as could not be performed without the wonderfull toile of themselues , and most assured losse of their goodly horses , alleadging that they were prouided to fight a battell , and not to trauell so long a journey ( all which Tamas now that his choller was ouer , knew to stand with good reason ) he changed his former determination , thinking it best there to stay , and not to follow the pursuit of his enemies any further : vntill that Delimenthes one of his noble men , alwaies more forward than the rest , offered with fiue thousand chosen horsemen to ouertake some part of the Turkes armie , and to doe on them some good seruice . Which his offer Tamas gladly accepted , commending him greatly for the same , promising him most honourable reward : and so in hast sent him away . He forthwith taking the well knowne and neerest way , vsed such expedition , that he was in hope to ouertake the rearward of the Turkes armie ( marching not farre now before him ) about the foot of the mountaine TAVRVS , as in deed it fell out , at a place called BETHLIS . This BETHLIS is a famous towne in the confines of the Persian kingdome , where it bordereth vpon MESOPOTAMIA , standing in a pleasant valley , by which runneth a little riuer falling out of the mountaine ANTITAVRVS ; and had a castle kept with a garrison of PERSIANS . In this valley , the two Bassaes of CAIRE and SYRIA conducted by Vlemas , thinking they had now beene past all danger of the enemies pursuit , staied with the rearward of the armie to refresh their wearied souldiours , vpon certaine knowledge , that Solyman with the rest of his armie was alreadie come in safetie to AMIDA in MESOPOTAMIA ; and therefore lay as men secure without any suspition of the comming of the Persians , whom they had not so much as heard any thing of in long time before . But Delimenthes vsing most faithfull and diligent espials of that countrey people , by that time he was come within one daies journey of BETHLIS , vnderstood certainly where the Turkes lay , wearie of their long trauell , as men without feare , keeping little or no watch in their campe : Whereupon he determined in the dead time of the night following , to assaile them in their campe : and by secret messengers gaue knowledge both of his comming , and of this his purpose to the captaine of the castle of BETHLIS , requesting him at an appointed houre vpon signe giuen , to be readie to sallie out with his garrison vpon that side of the Turkes campe which was towards the castle . Which his venturous designment was so furthered both by the darkenesse of the night , and the abundance of raine which fell at the fame time , as if it had beene wished for ; that he was got with all his resolute followers within the Turkes campe , before they were aware of his comming : where the Persian souldiors , as wolues amongst sheepe , did such speedie execution amongst the sleepie Turkes , that the two great Bassaes and Vlemas , had much adoe to get to horse and saue themselues by flight . And such was the furie of the Persians , and the greatnesse of the sudden feare encreased by the darkenesse of the night , that the Turkes not knowing which way to turne themselues , or what to doe , were slaine by thousands , some sleeping , some halfe waking , some making themselues readie to fight , and some to flie , few of all that great armie escaped the sword of the Persians . Of the fiue great Sanzackes which were in the armie , three were slaine , and one taken . Eight hundred Ianizaries seeing themselues forsaken of their cheefetaines , laid downe their harquebusiers and other weapons , and yeelded themselues vpon Delimenthes his word . The fierce mountaine people also , who in former time had suffered great injuries of the Turkes , after the death of Aladeules their king , had now joyned themselues to the Persians , and notably reuenged their wrongs ; to whose share all the baggage of the Turkes campe fell for a prey . It might then well haue beene said of the Turkes which the Poet speaketh of the night wherein TROY was sackt : Quis cladem illius noctis qui funera fando explicet ? — The slaughter of that night was such , as that it is of the Turkes vntill this day accounted amongst their greatest losses ; and the victorie so welcome to the Persians , that in memoriall thereof they kept that day ( which was the thireenth of October ) as one of their solemne holidaies for many yeares after . Delymenthes returning all bloudie with the slaughter of the Turks , and loaded with their spoiles , was of Tamas joyfully receiued and honouraly rewarded . This ouerthrow reported to Solyman by the two great Bassaes and Vlemas , as men that had hardly escaped shipwracke , so daunted his proud conceits , that he resolued in himselfe to returne home , and no further to prosecute that vnfortunat warre : the euill euent whereof his mother ( as hee said ) had more truly presaged , than had the cold prophet Mulearabe ; but secretly in mind displeased with Abraham the great Bassa , by whose persuasion he had taken in hand that dangerous expedition . By the way as he went he was met at ICONIVM by Barbarussa and Sinan Bassa , surnamed the Iew , a man for his skill at sea in reputation next vnto Barbarussa . These two great personages lately come from ALGIERS to CONSTANTINOPLE with the remainder of his fleet , met him so farre by land , to shew their joyfulnesse for the conquest hee had made of MESOPOTAMIA and ASSIRIA , and to excuse themselues for the losse of the kingdome of TVNES ; which woon by Barbarussa in the beginning of the Persian warre , was before the ending thereof againe wrong out of his hands by Charles the emperour , and restored to Muleasses , as shall be hereafter declared . They with great humilitie declared vnto him the whole processe of that warre , and with what successe they had endured the force of Charles the emperour himselfe in person : shewing plainely vnto him , that there wanted neither valour in the souldiors , nor direction in them the commaunders , but onely fortune , which as it mightily raigneth in all mens ; actions , so especially in matters of warre . Solyman gratiously accepted of their excuse , and courteously tooke them vp , prostrate at his feet , commending them for their valour in their euill haps , in a plot so well by them laid ▪ more than he did the victorie of others , got by good fortune , not grounded vpon any good reason : willing them to be of good cheare , saying , That he would in short time find occasion for them to recompence that disgrace , & againe to shew their approued valour . After long trauell he came to the strait of Bosphorus , where Abraham the Bassa going before him , had in signe of triumph caused the shore all alongst the place where he should go abourd the gallie prouided for his transportatiō , to be couered with Persian silke for him to tread vpon : from whence he passed with much triumph ouer to his pallace at CONSTANTINOPLE . Enuie , the fatall and cruell companion of princes immoderat fauours , had with her prying eyes quickly discouered in court Solymans changed countenance vpon the great Bassa , and began now to shew her gastly face . They which before were most readie to doe him all the honor possible , yea to haue laied their hands vnder his feet , sought now by all secret meanes to worke his disgrace and confusion . But of all others , the two great ladies , Solymans mother , and the faire Roxolana ceased not by dayly complaints to incense Solyman against him : the mother , for that he had by his persuasion , contrarie to her mind and her superstitious obseruations drawne her sonne into the dangers of the Persian war : and Roxolana , for that he most honoured and sought the preferment of Mustapha , Solymans eldest sonne by another woman ; whereas shee aboue all things laboured by all subtill meanes to preferre Baiazet her owne sonne to the empire , after the death of Solyman his father : Which her designement she perceiued to be much crossed by the credit which the Bassa had with her Solyman , and therefore did what shee might both to bring him out of fauour , and to worke his destruction . But that which most empaired his credit with Solyman , was the common report raised of him by his enemies , That he being in heart a Christian , did in all things fauour the Christians ( a thing most odious amongst the Turkes ) and had for that cause craftely persuaded Solyman to take in hand the vnfortunat Persian warre . And that which more encreased the suspition , was , That he about that time had caused one Marke Nicholas , a Venetian marchant ( who had not without the suspition of some oftentimes come vnto him with letters and secret messages whilest he lay at BABYLON ) to be taken in the night , and murdered at CONSTANTINOPLE , and cast into the sea , because hee should not discouer any thing that might be hurtfull vnto him . Abraham thus brought in disgrace with Solyman , was ( after the manner of the Turkish tyrannie ) bid to a solemne supper in the court about the foureteenth of March , after which time he was neuer more seene . It is reported , that after supper Solyman fell into a great rage with him , charging him bitterly , That he had misgouerned the state , inuerted his treasures to his owne priuat , and as a traitor , had secret intelligence with the Christian princes his enemies : for proofe whereof , Solyman with sterne countenance shewed him his owne letters , which had by chance been intercepted , oftentimes asking him in furious manner , If he knew not that hand , if he knew not that seale . All which the Bassa lying prostrate at his feet , humbly confessed , and with many teares craued of him pardon . But his hard heart was not by any prayers to be mooued : for the same night as he was slumbring vpon a pallet in the court , ouercome with heauinesse , an eunuch cut his throat with a crooked knife , which Solyman for that purpose had deliuered vnto him with his owne hand . He was murdered sleeping , because Solyman had in former time of his fauour solemnely sworne vnto him , That he would neuer kill him whilest he liued . By which oath the great Mahometane priest said , he was not so bound , but that he might kill him sleeping , for as much as men by sleepe depriued of sence , are for that time not to be accounted as liuing but as dead , mans life consisting altogether ( as he said ) in liuely actions . It is reported , that after Solyman had looked vpon the dead bodie , and bitterly cursed the same , he caused a great weight to be tied vnto it , and so cast into the sea . His treasure and goods , which were almost infinit , were the next day all ceised vpon for the emperour , and a small portion thereof appointed for his poore wife to liue vpon . His death was no sooner known , but that the vulgar people deuised of him infamous songs and slaunderous reports , as of a traitour most justly condemned : and in further despight , with stones and mire defaced the trophies of the Hungarian victorie , which hee had in most stately manner erected before his sumptuous house in CONSTANTINOPLE . This was the wofull end of Abraham the great Bassa , who whilest he stood in fauour with his prince , was of all others accounted most fortunat , wanting nothing but the name of the great Sultan : but after falling into disgrace , became the scorne of fortune , and the lamentable spectacle of mans fragilitie . He was murthered the 15 day of March in the yeare 1536. How the kingdome of TVNES was by Barbarussa ( the Turkes great admirall ) taken from Muleasses , we haue alreadie told : but how the same was againe taken from him by Charles the emperour a little before the returne of Solyman out of PERSIA , remaineth now to be declared . It was commonly reported , and not without just cause feared , that Barbarussa , possessed of the kingdome of TVNES , and supported by the power of Solyman , would the next Summer , not content himselfe with the spoile of the coasts of SPAINE , SARDINIA , and ITALIE , as he had in former time , but with all his forces inuade SICILIA , the garnerie and storehouse of ITALIE : and from thence attempt the conquest of the kingdome of NAPLES , which it was thought he in his immoderat desires had longed much after . To represse this his barbarous insolencie , and to worke the safetie of the frontiers of the Christian kingdomes ( much subject to the rapines of the Turkish pyrats ) Charles the emperour resolued in person himselfe with a puissant armie to passe ouer into AF●RICKE , whilest Solyman was yet busied in the Persian wars , and by force of armes to dispossesse the pyrat of his new gotten kingdome in TVNES . For the accomplishment wherof , he caused souldiours to be leuied in all parts of SPAINE , and came downe to BARCELONA with eight thousand footmen and seuen hundred horsemen , farre sooner than was by any man expected : amongst whom were many of the nobilitie of SPAINE , with their followers most gallantly appointed : but especially Ferdinand of TOLEDO , duke of ALBA , whose forwardnesse in that honorable action , with the desire he had to reuenge the death of his father Garzias , slaine before by the Moores at GIRAPOLIS , gaue great hope euen thē vnto his countrymen , That he would in time prooue a worthie chiefetaine , as indeed he afterward did . In the meane time Andrew Auria the great Admirall , vnto whom onely for his approoued fidelitie and long experience the emperour had fully communicated what he had with himselfe before purposed , had with wonderfull diligence and celeritie rigged vp a great fleet of ships and gallies , so furnished with all manner of warlike prouision , as might well haue suffised a great armie : whereunto he joyned also his owne fleet of seuenteene gallies and three galeasses , wherein he had embarked the flower of GENVA and LIGVRIA , who with exceeding cheerfulnesse had voluntarily offered themselues to follow him their old Generall in that sacred expedition . With this great preparation Auria came to the emperour at BARCELONA : Thether came also Lewes the king of Portingals brother ( whose sister Isabell , Charles the emperour had married ) with fiue and twentie Carauels , ships which the Portingals vsed in their Indian voyages , amongst whom was also one huge Galeon ; all ships well appointed and fit for seruice , wherein were embarked two thousand Portingals , beside marriners : There also arriued sixtie saile of tall ships sent out of FLANDERS and the low countries , wherein were a great number of condemned persons , whose liues was spared that they might serue in the gallies : Vnto this warre Paulus the third of that name , then bishop of ROME , sent ten gallies vnder the conduct of Virginius Visinus : the Great Master of MALTA sent thither his fleet also . At the same time that all this preparation was in making in other places , that worthie chiefetaine Alphonsus Daualus Vastius , whom the emperour had appointed Generall of all his forces at land , had by the emperours commaundement taken vp fiue thousand new souldiors in ITALIE , which were led by Hieronymus Tutauilla , countie of SARNE , Federicke , Caracte , and Augustina Spinula , all famous captaines . The old Spanish garrisons which lay in LOMBARDIE , the emperour commaunded to be straightly looked vnto , that none of them should leaue their places to goe in this new expedition , but to remaine there still vnder their Generall Antonius Leua : which worthie captaine although he would faine haue had him with him , as of all his greatest commaunders the best ; yet he thought it good to spare him , both for that he was much troubled with the gout , and also for that it was necessarie , as he thought , to leaue such a valiant captaine with his garrisons in that countrey , so neere vnto the French and Swissers , whom he durst not so well trust as to disfurnish that countrey either of so great a commaunder , or of the wonted garrisons . At the same time Maximilian Eberstein , an old commaunder , came to Vastius with eight thousand Germans , ouer the Tridentine Alpes to MILLAINE , and so to GENVA ; amongst whom were diuers noble gentlemen , who then as voluntarie men serued of their owne charges . With these Germanes and the fiue thousand Italians , Vastius embarked himselfe at the port called PORTVS VENERIS , in LIGVRIA : hauing before persuaded them with patience to endure the tediousnesse of the sea , and to comfort themselues with the hope of the victorie in AFFRICKE ; where they should fight in the quarrell of God , and for the emperour , who did neuer forget his religious and valiant souldiors . So sailing alongst the coast of ITALIE , he came to NAPLES , where the viceroy and diuers other of the nobilitie had of their owne charges , euery man according to his deuotion or abilitie , built or furnished some one gallie , some moe , for that seruice . It was a wonder to see with what cheerefulnesse the gallants and lustie youths of NAPLES , and all that part of ITALIE , came and offered themselues vnto Vastius , so that it seemed there was none left behind in NAPLES : for he had with singular courtesie so woon the hearts of the old soldiors and lustie youths of that kingdome , that both the one and the other thought it a most honourable thing to adorne , the one their before deserued pensions , and the other their first entrance into martiall affaires , with the participation of so notable a victorie . But whilest euery man was thus busied in setting forward , certaine mutinous souldiours ( wearie of the sea , and fearing the dangers of so long a voyage ) began to cast many perils , to find fault with their small wages , and to discourage the multitude , persuading them with seditious speeches to forsake their colours , & to run away : for redresse whereof , Vastius caused the authors of that mutinie to be taken and thrust into sacks , and in the sight of the whole fleet to be cast into the sea . So Vastius departing with his fleet from NAPLES , came in few dayes to PALERMO in SICILIE . The emperor also loosing from BARCELONA , came to the port of MAGO in the Island of MINORICA , and from thence to CARALIS in SARDINIA , whether Alphonsus Vastius was a little before come with all his fleet out of SICILIE . No● long after the emperour , now that all his forces were come together , passed ouer from SARDINIA into AFFRICKE , and with a faire Westerly wind put into the port of VTICA , which is of the seafaring men called FARINA . In the entring whereof the admirall gallie , wherein the emperour himselfe was , by great mischance strake vpon a sand , and there stucke fast : which so much more troubled the emperour , for that his father Philip had by like mishap beene like to haue beene cast away vpon the coast of ENGLAND , as he was sayling out of the low countries into SPAINE : howbeit by the good direction of Auria she was quickly got off the sand againe , and entred with the rest , to the great rejoycing of the whole fleet . So presently departing againe from VTICA , and sayling alongst the coast , he doubled the promontorie of CARTHAGE , yet famous for the ruines of that proud citie , and came to anker before a castle , which of a well beneath it , is called by the name of AQVARIA , or the Water castle . The Moores , who from the hils of VTICA and their watch towers had taken view of the Christian fleet and of the course it held , aduertised Barbarussa , That the Christians were comming against him with an innumerable fleet : for there was of one sort and other almost seuen hundred saile , whereof 82 were great gallies , which gallantly garnished with flags and streamers , made a shew of moe than indeed they were and wonderfully terrified the enemie . But that troubled Barbarussa most , that he was by messenger vpon messenger certainely enformed , That the most mightie Christian emperour Charles was in person himselfe in the fleet , with such a world of people that it should seeme he had left none in SPAINE and ITALIE that were able to beare armes . Which newes was brought by certaine Mahometane slaues , who getting loose in the gallies , had in the night swum ashore , and reported the certainetie of the emperours comming : for the proud Turke , a great contemner of the Christian forces , neuer thought that the emperor would haue aduentured his person vnto the dangers of the sea , and chaunces of warre , especially in an vnknowne barren and scorching countrey , but would rather haue attempted to doe something by his lieutenants ; or els by Auria his admirall seeke to surprise some base places alongst the sea coast , but not to come directly for the regall citie of TVNES : in which opinion he was chiefly confirmed by Aloysius Praesenda , a gentleman of GENVA , who tooken at sea , was kept as prisoner at large in TVNES : of whom Barbarussa had learned many things concerning the state of ITALIE , the manner of the Christians , and strength of the emperour ; craftily feeding him with the hope of libertie , if he would truly declare vnto him such things as he desired to know . Wherefore now in his rage he caused him to be brought before him , charging him bitterly , that he had craftily and perfidiously told him lies for truth , concerning the emperour , and therefore commaunded him to be forthwith executed . When he had thus with the vnworthie death of a guiltlesse Christian , somewhat mitigated the greefe of his light beleefe , hee forthwith began to cast with himselfe how he might best withstand his puissant enemie . And first of all calling to counsell his sea captaines , in whom for their approued valour he reposed most confidence , hee showed vnto them , that they as valiant men , acquainted with the dangers attending vpon honorable actions , were not to doubt of the victorie , for so much as he saw it as good as alreadie gained ; for the same reasons for which he had before persuaded himselfe , that the emperour ( if he had not beene halfe mad ) would not haue vndertaken so desperat and doubtfull a warre . For who is there ( said he ) that knoweth this countrey ( not to speake of our owne forces ) which would not reasonably thinke our enemies should in short time know the price of their ambitious desire and rash attempt ? which in a most vnseasonable time of the yeare , the dayes being now at the longest , and the Sunne in his greatest strength , are come to ●ight in a countrey scorched with heat , and altogether without water ; where the very sand which riseth with euery blast of wind , flying into their eyes and faces , shall no lesse trouble them than their enemies ? Shall we thinke that they , which as I heare for most part are fresh water souldiours , and surcharged with heauie armour , can easily march forward , or retire , or yet keepe their ground , as the diuers occasions of battell shall require : when as the deepe and hollow burning sand vp to the middle leg , will not suffer them to keepe any order of array ? How shall they be able by any meanes to abide the force of our Turkish footmen , or the often charging of the nimble Numidian horsemen ? And if they be so many of them as they say there is , where can they get victuall to feed such a multitude , if we doe but protract the warre ? Assuredly ( most valiant and courageous cheefetaines ) we shall erect a most rare and incomparable trophie in this countrie of AFFRICKE : when as Charles the rich and great emperour of the Christians shall either here be slaine in battell , or els fall into our hands as a most rich prey . For mine owne part , I will notably prouide , that you shall want neither weapons , victuall , nor aid , during the time of this warre : I will open the old armories , br●ach my store , and bring foorth my treasures . The Numidian princes now our● friends , I will without delay entertaine with great pay , and such presents as shall be to them most welcome . As for the citisens of TVNES , you know how easily they are to be kept in obedience , and brought on against the enemie for a small pay , and hope of reward . But this one thing is it that I most earnestly require of your approoued valor , That you most valiantly defend the strong castle of GVLETTA , as the most assured defence , not of this citie onely , but of the whole kingdome ; and especially of our nauie which there lieth in safe harbour : for that piece will our enemies with all their forces first assaile ▪ Wherefore , as worthie men neuer to be vanquished , keepe that for Solyman and me : so that it being vainly attempted by our enemies , and resolutely defended by you , the Christian emperour there failing of his purpose , and shamefully foiled , shall now begin to despaire , not of the taking of the citie of TVNES , but of his owne returne and safetie . When he had thus said , the sea captaines answered with one consent , That they would most willingly and cheerefully performe whatsoeuer it should please him to commaund : and in confirmation thereof , promised him not to doe any thing which beseemed not most valiant and resolute men . Amongst these sea captaines , Sinan of SMIRNA , a Iew , who had lost his right eie , was both for his age and long experience in militarie affaires , of greatest account : next vnto him was Haidinus of CILICIA , for his furiousnesse in fight surnamed of the Italians Cacciadiabolo , and Salec of IONIA ; which two had before in a great battell at sea , slaine Rodericus Portendus great Admirall of SPAINE , and taken his sonne Iohn prisoner , and seuen great gallies : after these was Tabacches of LAODICIA , and Giaffer a valiant captaine of the Ianizaries : all which were notable pirats and then men of great fame . The strong castle of GVLETTA standeth in the bottome of the bay of CARTHAGE , vpon a point of the land , where the sea by a narrow strait runneth on the East side of the castle into the lake of TVNES , which being in a manner round , is about twelue Italian miles ouer . But now that castle is parted from the maine on the West side also , by the sea that way let in ; which chargeable worke was by Barbarussa begun , but giuen ouer againe by him ; persuaded by some , That the sea comming in that way , would in short time fill vp the lake with sand : but was afterwards for all that , perfected by others . So that now it standeth in manner of an island , in the mouth of the lake , deuided from the firme land by two narrow straight passages , the one on the East , and the other on the West , yet so , that it commaundeth both . This castle Barbarussa had before strongly fortified both with men and munition , as the key of that kingdome : but now vpon the comming of the emperour , he put into it his most expert and resolute captaines before named : well foreseeing that in the defence therof , rested the safetie of his nauie which then lay within the lake , as in a most sure harbour ; and also the greatest hope he had for the holding of the citie of TVNES , whereon depended the whole state of that kingdome . The emperour lying at anchor with all his fleet neere vnto the shoare , gaue generell commaundement , that his soldiours should with as much speed as was possible be landed with the long boats : which was so orderly done , that the Moores terrified with the hideous crie of the souldiours , making toward land , and not able to abide the showres of small shot , were easily beaten from the shoare , whither they were come downe in great multitudes , and so suffered the Christian souldiours to land quietly . The first that landed were the Spanish companies , after them the Italians , and last of all the Germans , whom Vastius Generall of the armie caused presently to encampe themselues ; straightly commaunding , that no man should straggle from the campe farther into the land , vntill the horsemen and great artillerie were all landed . The emperour himselfe bearing victorie in the cheerfulnesse of his countenance , landed also . In the meane time certaine companies were sent out by the Generall , to view the places nigh hand , and to seeke out the cesterns and fountaines of fresh waters thereabout , which sometime serued the famous citie of CARTHAGE ; with whom the Moores , but especially the Numidian horsemen , a swift , subtill , and painfull kind of souldiours , oftentimes and in many places suddenly skirmished : and though they were but naked men , yet taking all the aduantages they could of the places to them well knowne , with their arrowes and darts furiously assailed them vnawares , and ouerloaded with armour ; sparing no mans life that fell into their hands . Amongst whom was Hieronimus Spinula a Ligurian captaine , who ouerthrowne by a Numidian horseman , had his head cut off , and carried away by the same nimble horseman , before he could be rescued . The like mishap befell Federicus Carectus a noble gentleman , who going with Vastius , to view the places thereabouts , was fast by his side suddenly slaine with a small shot . All which nimblenesse and fiercenesse of the enemie , could not for all that stay the emperour : but that hee would needs with a small troupe of horsemen , in person himselfe take view of the places thereabouts , euen in the sight of the Numidian horsemen , which were in euerie place to be seene pricking vp and downe the countrie in troupes ; although he was many times requested by his graue counsellors , to leaue that seruice for his inferiour captaines , and not to expose himselfe to so great danger both of his person and of the common safetie . Vastius had now brought on the armie neere vnto the castle of GVLETTA , still casting vp a rolling trench as he came neerer thereunto , thereby to keepe his men out of the danger of the enemies shot : which worke was not done only by the pioners and gally slaues , but by souldiors of all sorts ; yea many of the captaines themselues laid their hands to the spade and mattocke : for why , the emperour was there a continuall beholder , and cheerfull commender of euerie mans labour and forwardnesse , and the busie enemie was euer readie to take the aduantage , if any thing were by negligence omitted , oftentimes sallying out euen vnto the verie trenches of the Christians , there giuing vnto them proud words of defiance . When the armie was to be martialed , and euerie commaunder to be appointed to the place of his charge in this siege of GVLETTA : the countie of SARNE , a man famous both for the honour of his house , and for the good seruice he had lately done against the Turkes at CORONA , requested of Vastius the Generall , to haue the charge of the mount neerest vnto the castle ; which as it was a place of most danger , so was it also of greatest honour . Whereat the old Spaniards ( after the manner of their proud nature ) much repined . Vpon the top of this mount , the countie set vp his rich tent in the eye of the enemie , and there lay with the Italian companies , ouer whom he commaunded . He had not lien there long , but Salec one of the Turks famous pirats , with certaine companies of the garrison souldiors , sallied out of the castle directly vpon the mount whereon the countie lay ; and by making shew as if hee would desperatly haue assailed the same , raised a great alarum amongst the Italians : yet so , as after certaine vollies of shot discharged on both sides , he began to retire as if he had been thereto constrained . Which thing the countie perceiuing , being a man of greater courage than direction , in great rage with bitter words reproued certaine of the captaines , whom he perceiued not so forward in pursuit of the enemie as he would haue had them : and in his furie ran downe from the mount , the rest for shame following him , and ouertaking the enemies slew diuers of them . The craftie pirat now seeing the countie drawne out of his strength into the plaine ground , and perceiuing himselfe strong enough to encounter him , suddenly turning himselfe about , said vnto his souldiors : The aduantage you wished to haue of your enemies is now offered , they are now in your danger ; wherefore now shew your selues valiant men , and suffer not one of these proud fresh water souldiors to escape aliue or vnwounded . Which he had no sooner said , but they presently made a stand , and so hardly charged them whom they but euen now seemed to flie , that the Italians not able longer to endure the fight , betooke themselues to flight . The countie himselfe with Belingerius his kinsman , fighting valiantly in the formost of his companies , was slaine : many others endured the same fortune : others flying backe againe to the mount , were there slaine by the Turkes , who resolutely entred into the trenches with them so farre , that they carried away with them the plate and riches of the counties tent . Neither was there any of the Spaniards which lay neerest vnto them , and might easily haue rescued them , that would once stir out of their places to helpe them : for it is reported , that they were nothing sorie for the ouerthrow of the Italians , for as much as the countie had so arrogantly craued of the Generall the most honourable place , which he so euill held . His head and right hand was cut off ▪ and sent by Salec to Barbarussa . This ouerthrow much grieued the Italians whom Vastius comforted with cheerfull speeches , imputing all that losse , neither to the valour of the enemie , or cowardise of the Italians ; but only to the rashnesse of the countie , whom he said worthily to haue paid the price of his inconsiderat forwardnesse . But the Spaniards he sharply reproued as mercilesse men , which vpon so light an occasion had giuen cause for the Italians to haue them in distrust . The Turkes in the meane time by the often shooting off of their great ordinance , shewed the joy they conceiued of this victorie . It oftentimes so falleth out ▪ that whilest men laugh at their neighbours harmes , their owne is not farre off ; and so it chanced with the Spaniards : for Tabacches another of the piraticall captaines , shortly after sallying suddenly out of the castle in the dawning of the day , was got vp to the top of the trenches wherein the Spaniards lay , before they were aware of his comming , and there slew some as they were a sleepe , some idlie sitting fearing no harme , others as they were arming themselues ; and with their sudden crie , caused the rest which lay neere vnto that place shamefully for feare to flie out of their trenches : where the Turks taking such trash as they there found , and hauing slaine and wounded many , amongst whom was one Mendosa a captaine , and carrying away with them the ensigne of Sarmentus which stood vpon the top of the trench , returned with victorie . The alarum raised in the armie was such , as that the emperour himselfe came running to the place in his armour , seuerely reprouing them of cowardise which had forsaken the place , and grieuously offended with them which had kept such negligent watch , against such an enemie , as was not for wilinesse agilitie and courage , to be slightly regarded of the best and most expert souldiours . This disgrace of the Spaniards well comforted the Italians , to see the old souldiours no lesse ouertaken in their negligence , than they had been in their vnaduised forwardnesse . This tumult appeased , Vastius called into his tent the Colonels and chiefe captaines of the Spaniards , and spake vnto them in this manner : Friends ( said he ) elsewhere alwaies valiant , who togither with me , haue by your inuincible prowesse gained vnto our emperour many most glorius victories . You seeme vnto me at this time to haue need to be called vpon , and to be put in remembrance of your wonted and approued valour : for as farre as I can see , the remembrance of your auntient fame , is in you growne altogither cold ; your hands are become faint for feare ; and that which I am sorie and ashamed to say , you are growne I know not how , altogither out of order and heartlesse , shewing no courage for the subduing of these naked pirats . Yesterday ( as many say ) you smiled at the vnskilfull and vnfortunate forwardnesse of your friends , which they bought deere ; but to day they worthely laugh at your degenerat carelesse negligence : so that it concerneth you in honour , to blot out this so foule and publike a disgrace , by some notable and worthie exploit . Wherefore I exhort you , and I straightly charge and commaund you , that with all speed you prepare both your minds and weapons for the atchieuement of some new honour : so that if the proud enemie shall againe presume to come foorth and assaile your trenches , you shall forthwith breake out vpon him , and beat him backe againe euen to the gates of GVLETTA . Perhaps good fortune will so attend your valiant and resolute pursuit , that you may togither with their disordred men , enter some of their rampiers , wherein we see their whole hope consisteth : which if it shall otherwise fall out than is to be hoped for , yet shall you by this your notable deuoire wonderfully content the emperour your soueraigne , and me your Generall , and withall couer your late dishonour . Whereunto they all answered , That they would so beare themselues against the enemie , as that he should not desire greater courage or contempt of danger in men desirous of honour and commendation . It was not long , but that the Turks encouraged with their former successe , after their wonted manner sallied out againe , conducted by Giaffer captaine of the Ianizaries , a man of exceeding courage and strength of bodie : who with the Ianizaries and certaine companies of Moorish archers , about the noone time of the day issuing out of the castle , assailed the vttermost trenches , hoping in that broiling heat to find the Christians in their stations negligent and vnprepared . Wherein he was nothing deceiued , for the Spaniards that burning hoat time of the day , kept such negligent watch , that Giaffer with his Ianizaries and archers , was got vp to the top of the rampiers , and there discharged their shot and arrowes vpon the Christians in their trenches , before they were well aware of his comming . But vpon the striking vp of the drum , certaine companies of harquebusiers brake out vpon them in two places at one instant , as Vastius had before commaunded , whom he seconded with a companie of halbardiers , keeping in readinesse his squadrons to rescue his harquebusiers , if they should be enforced by the enemie to retire : and in that order expected the euent of the skirmish , which was most valiantly maintained on both sides . For the Ianizaries , although they were enforced to giue ground , yet ( as men not vsed to flie , and standing vpon the honour of their order ) withstood the Christians with no lesse resolution than they were by them charged ; vntill that Giaffer their leader desperatly fighting amongst the formost of the Ianizaries , was at once shot in with two bullets , and slaine : whose dead bodie the Ianizaries labouring to carie away , endured a most cruell fight , many being on both sides slaine vpon his dead carkasse : yet at length they were enforced to flie , and so f●●rcely followed by the Spaniards , that they of GVLETTA , when they had receiued in the formost , shut out almost a fourth part of their owne men , for feare the Christians should together with them haue entred the castle . Didacus Abila , one of the Spanish ensigne bearers , aduanced his ensigne vnto the top of one of the enemies rampiers , and was there slaine , but his ensigne saued by one of the souldiors of the same band . The Christians receiued more losse in their retreat than they had in all the fight , for the Turkes from their rampiers then discharged their shot as fast as they could vpon them , which they could not before doe , without the like danger to their owne men mingled amongst them . This dayes worke well abated the pride of the Turkes , and gaue good hope to the Christians , that the castle would without any great losse be gained : for being neere vnto it , they perceiued it not to be so strong as they had supposed . The emperour hauing spent a few dayes in consultation about his farther proceeding , and preparing of things for the siege , resolued without further delay with all his forces to assault the castle , persuaded thereunto by many reasons : first by the cheerefulnesse of his owne souldiours , and the courage of his enemies sore daunted in the last skirmish , which he was loth they should againe recouer by the comming of new supplies ; besides that , he was informed , that diuers companies of the Numidians were comming to TVNES , entertained by Barbarussa , whose strength was like dayly to encrease : but that which mooued him most to hasten the matter , was , for that his men began to grow sickly in his campe , being all the day time scorched as it were with the feruent heat of the Sunne , and well neere starued in the night with cold and exceeding dewes wherewith they were commonly wet to the skin ; neither was there either good water or fresh victuall by any meanes to be had in that sandie and barren soile for the releefe of the sicke , other than that was brought out of the fleet : for all the water thereabout was most vnpleasant and exceeding brackish , so that both sicke and whole were glad when they could get a crab to quench the extremitie of their thirst : although the emperour did what he might to remedie these extremities , and much releefe was in good time sent both from SICILIA and NAPLES : the bisket also in the ships , especially in the Spanish gallies , was growne hoarie and vnwholesome . Wherfore he began to place his batterie about the fifteenth of Iuly , which was defended all alongst with Gabions , and caske filled with sand , for that the countrey soile in that place yeelded neither earth nor turfe to doe it . Auria appointed to batter the castle by sea , deuided his gallies into three squadrons , which orderly succeeding one another , should by turns beat the same : his great ships rid at anker , and out of their forecastles thundered with their great ordinance . And Vastius at land had deuided the armie into three battels , Spaniards , Italians , and Germans , euery nation by themselues , in such sort , as that they might indifferently be partakers both of the danger of the assault , and of the glorie of the victorie . There was neuer strong place in the memorie of man , since guns , that fatall engine were first inuented for the destruction of mankind , assailed with greater force , greater preparation , or greater industrie . The great ordinance in manner of a great earthquake so terribly roared and thundered , that the earth seemed not onely to tremble and quake vnder mens feet , but euen by and by to rent in sunder and swallow them vp : and the sea which was euen now quiet and calme , began to rise aloft , and to rage and ●ome as if it had been in a great storme : at which time the aire became thicke , and the skie darkened with the smoke of the great artillerie : from the breake of the day vntill noone the roaring cannon and culuering neuer ceased : so that the Vamures were beaten downe , the castle made saultable , and the wals so shaken , that in many places the Turkes cannoniers , together with their cannons , lay buried in the ruines thereof . Which thing perceiued , they which were before appointed to giue the first assault , vpon signall giuen by the emperour , presently vpon the ceasing of the great artillerie assailed the breach , and others with their scaling ladders scaled the wals : which was done with such courage and resolution , that the Turkes when they had done what they possibly could for the defence of the place , by casting downe darts , wild fire , and such like things vpon the Christians as they were climing vp : at length as men despairing longer to hold the place , and ouercome with a greater fortune , turned their backes and fled . Sinan and the rest of the captaines by a woodden bridge , fled out at the farther side of the castle into the maine , and so alongst the left side of the lake by land to TVNES , not looking behind them for hast : which way most part of his men followed him also . The rest were either slaine or driuen into the lake , where seeking to saue their liues by swimming , they were either slaine in comming to land by the Spanish horsemen , or else in their swimming shot at pleasure by the harquebusiers , so that all the lake was as it were couered with the dead bodies of the Turkes and Moores . The emperour with small losse thus gained the castle of GVLETTA , with all the warlike prouision therin , and with it all Barbarussa his great fleet & strength at sea , which he for the more safetie had before put into the lake : which as it was vnto the emperour a thing most pleasing , so was it vnto Barbarussa and his pyrats the greatest greefe and losse possible , hauing at once lost all their power at sea , which but a little before was no small terrour to all the frontiers of the Christian countries and Islands in the Meditterranean . Barbarussa troubled and terrified with so great a losse , with a sterne and scornefull countenance receiued the Iew and the rest of the captains fled from GVLETTA , reuiling them bitterly in his rage , and calling them faint hearted cowards , which had in so short a time giuen ouer so strong a place . Whereunto Sinan answered for them all in this sort : Hairadin ( said he ) so long as we were to fight with armed men , we did as thou well knowest , and our enemies cannot denie , what well be seemed vs and thy magnificent fortune . But when we were to withstand the deuill and his infernall furies , which came against vs with flames of fire , and earthquakes , things of extreame terrour and danger : it ought not to seeme strange vnto thee if we sought to escape the vncouth furie of the immortall enemies of mankind , to doe thee seruice in thy better fortune , in defence of this thy citie and kingdome . Neither doe we account it any disgrace to haue escaped that danger , as men that mind againe to fight : out of which thou , a most antient and expert Commaunder ( if I may frankely speake vnto thee the truth ) if thou haddest beene there present , wouldest haue accounted it no dishonour , but very good discretion to haue escaped in safetie . Barbarussa repressing his furie , began in a more temperat manner to request them euery one particularly , as valiant and courageous men to stand fast vnto him in that warre against their enemies the Christians : telling them , that he well hoped , that after the great supplie of the Moorish footmen and Numidian horsemen were once come , which were now at hand , the enemie should not long rejoice of the taking of GVLETTA . After that , he forthwith conuerted all his studie and endeuour , to prepare such things as were needfull for the warre , bringing forth his treasures , and bountifully bestowing the same amongst the Moores and Numidians , thereby to confirme the friendship of such as well affected him , and with this new bountie to win the hearts of such as yet stood doubtfull . In the meane time Muleasses the exiled king , with a small retinue of his friends and followers came from the farthest part of NVMIDIA into the emperours campe : the emperour sitting in a royall seat in the middest of his pauillion , whereinto Muleasses was admitted , with a myter vpon his head , in a garment of greene and blew changeable silke : he was of a tall & manly stature , of colour tawnie , but so squint-eyed that he seemed spitefully to looke vpon them whom he beheld : who after he had kissed the emperours right hand , and had set himselfe downe , with his legs gathered close vnder him , vpon a carpet spread vpon the bare ground , after the manner of his countrey , he by an interpreter spake vnto the emperour as followeth : Thou art come in armes into this countrey , and art now almost conquerour of the same ( thrice mightie Emperour ) prouoked thereunto not by any desert of mine , for that our different religion so required : yet as I verely thinke , not without the appointment of the most high God , whom both thou and I doe with like deuotion worship , to take reuenge of the most perfidious and cruell tyrant and pyrat , the mortall enemie of mankind : whom I foresee as good as already vanquished , now that GVLETTA is taken , and his nauie surprised . So that I hope he shall in short time by thy reuenging hand , at once receiue the iust guerdon of all his former villanies : which shall be so much the more to my comfort , for that I hope the fruit of thy rare felicitie and glorious victorie will redound in great part to me , being restored by thee into my fathers kingdome : which I as a poore exiled prince most humbly request of thy iustice and bountie . For it shall be vnto thee a thing most honourable and profitable , if thou shalt receiue into thy protection me , a king royally descended , of a most auntient progenie , strengthened with the great alliance of the Numidians and Moores . Neither do I refuse either to pay thee tribute therefore , or to acknowledge my selfe vassale vnto thee the Christian emperour : Of which my fidelitie , there can be no greater assuance than the thankefull remembrance of so great a benefit receiued , which shall for euer remaine vnforgotten of me and my posteritie , euen for that especially , that I detest and abhorre the name of an vnthankefull man , and doe well by experience find , how much my state may be confirmed , and the minds of my people to me assured , by thy garrisons so neare at hand in SICILIA and SARDINIA . Whereunto the emperour answered , That hee was come ouer into AFFRICKE to bee reuenged of the injuries which Barbarussa had many times done vpon the frontiers of his dominions , and to root out the pyrats , of all others most mischieuous : which his good purpose had by the goodnesse of Christ his Sauiour taken so good effect , that he doubted not in short time by the taking of TVNES to obtaine a perfect victorie ; which once gained , hee would then kindly graunt him all things which should stand with the conuenience of his affaires , and the vse of his victorie : so that he would not falsifie his faith , which he might justly suspect , if he reposed not a speciall trust , that the remembrance of such a benefit would for euer remaine in his heroicall mind ; and was further assured , that the same power which should restore to him his kingdome of courtesie , could also take it from him againe , if his vnthankfulnesse should so deserue . Muleasses in presence of the emperour vsed such a grauitie and grace in his speech and gesture , as well declared , that he had nothing forgotten his former estate : but towards the Generall and the other great captaines hee vsed all manner of courtesie , so that hee rid vp and downe with them gallantly mounted , managing his horse , and charging and discharging his launce with such agilitie and skill , as shewed him to be a very good horseman , and of great actiuitie . At other vacant times he would subtilly reason with the learned men , after the manner of Auerrois , of the nature of things , of the motion of heauen , and power of the stars . By the emperors commaundement he had a tent appointed for him , and honourable allowance for his diet . Vastius and the rest of the cheefe commaunders of the armie vsed him with all honor , and at such time as he was desirous to see the campe , courteously brought him into all places of it , that he might himselfe see what mounts they had in short time cast , what abundance there was of great artillerie , what strong watch and ward was kept , what a number there was of braue and warlike souldiours of diuers nations , differing much one from another in language , countenance , and manner of furniture : and further demaunded , Whether that puissant armie which the emperour had brought ouer to his great good , were in his judgement sufficient to subdue the enemie ? Where aboue all things Muleasses wondered at the number and order of the great ordinance : and next vnto that , at the wonderfull plentie of things to be bought and sold in the market place , and at the modest quietnesse of the souldiors in buying the same . Not long after , the expert captaines by diligent inquirie learned of him many things well seruing for their better proceeding in that warre , especially of the disposition and strength of them of TVNES , of the situation of the citie , of the nature of the wals , and fortification of the castle , of the wels and cesternes in the suburbes , and what strength the Moores and Numidians were of , which Barbarussa had entertained . In conclusion he assured them ( as afterwards it fell out ) that Barbarussa would neuer trust to the strength of the wals , which would easily be ouerthrowne with the great artillerie , but would in a great brauerie with ensignes displaied bring all his forces into the field , of purpose to terrifie the Christians with the sight of the multitude of his rascall souldiours , and to breake their array with his Numidian horsemen ; who with hideous and terrible cries , after the manner of that nation , would not faile to assaile them : and yet for all that would neuer bring into the battell his Turkish footmen , in whom he reposed his greatest confidence , and whom hee desired most to spare , but would as a craftie and subtill Turke , by opposing of the Moores , whom he held in small regard , trie by their bloud what might be done without the danger of his owne men . But as he told them , nothing could be more strange vnto the Moores his countreymen , or that they were more afraid of , than in a set battell to fight with that enemie whose squadrons comming orderly on in glistering armour with long pikes , might scorne & easily ouerthrow the naked archers of the Moores , and the vnarmed Numidian horsemen : and that our men should find nothing more grieuous or troublesome than the scorching heat of the Sunne , and the thirst rising thereof ; which might easily be remedied by plentie of water , which by slaues and small boats might easily be brought in caskes and bottels from the fleet alongst the lake , and so distributed amongst the armie : although not farre from the wals of the citie , were certaine old conduit heads , which would yeeld them great plentie of water , if the malicious enemie did not to his owne hurt and others poyson the same . These things orderly reported to the emperour , confirmed the hope hee had before conceiued of the desired victorie : So that wholly bent thereupon , and carefully forecasting all things , hee resolued forthwith to depart from GVLETTA , and with all his power to besiege TVNES . But whilest he was preparing things necessarie , ordering his souldiours , and discouering the enemies purposes , his souldiors had daily diuers skirmishes with the Numidians ; so that once the skirmish was like to haue come to a just battell , which began in this sort . The Moores had planted certaine field pieces amongst the oliue gardens , wherewith they shot continually into the campe : for remouing whereof , the emperour leauing the Italians , with certaine companies of the old Germane and Spanish souldiours , for the keeping of his campe and trenches , went forth with his horsemen and the rest of his armie : sending before him Montegius , Generall of the Spanish horsemen , who for most part were but raw souldiors , such as were of the noblemens ordinarie seruants and followers , not before acquainted with the wars . These light hor●●men with diuers fortune skirmished a while with the enemie , but when they saw themselues to be hardly charged , and Montegius their Generall grieuously wounded , they turned their backs , and in the sight of the emperour shamefully fled to the men at armes which were comming after them . The manner of the enemies fight was , to giue at the first a fierce and desperat charge , and vpon the encounter giuen , of purpose to retire , auoiding thereby the sudden force of their enemies , and by and by to turne againe vpon them with a fresh charge . The emperour seeing the flight of his light horsemen , came on courageously with his men at armes , by whose comming in and valiant encounter the Turkes and Moores were put to flight , and their fieldpieces wherewith they had before annoyed the campe , taken . In this skirmish the emperour in person as hee stood formost in his armed troupes , gaue the signall of battell himselfe by crying with a loud voice , Saint Iames , Saint Iames , whom the Spaniards take for their patrone ; and so charging the enemie , performed the part not onely of a courageous cheefetaine , but of a resolute and valiant souldior also : rescuing with his owne hand Andreas Pontius , a noble gentleman of GRANADO , whom vnhorsed and sore wounded , the enemie was readie presently to haue slaine , had not the emperour by his comming in saued him ; deseruing thereby the Oken garland , which the Romans by the name of Ciuica Corona gaue as an honour to such as had in battell saued a citisen . About the same time it fortuned , that thirtie thousand Moores came vpon the suddaine to haue surprised a little tower , standing vpon a hill neere vnto the ruines of old CARTHAGE : wherein the emperour had placed certaine soldiors for the keeping thereof , because it was neere vnto his campe . Before these Moores went a Numidian priest , who bellowing out certaine superstitious charmes , cast diuers scrols of paper on each side the way , wherein he cursed and banned the Christians : and now they had with fire and smoake brought the Christians in that tower to great extremitie , when the emperour himselfe comming to their rescue with certaine companies of horsemen and footmen , slew the conjuring priest , with others , and put the rest to flight . The discomfiture of the Spanish horsemen caused many men to thinke , that if the emperour should come to a set battell with the enemie , he should find his horsemen too weak , both for that they were but few in number , and not to bee compared with the Numidians . For which cause and diuers others , certaine of the emperours graue counsellors , but none of the best souldiours , wished him not to proceed further in that dangerous warre , but with speed to returne out of AFFRICKE , for as much as he had woon honour enough by the taking of GVLETTA , and the surprising of the enemies fleet : whereby he had to his immortall praise , and the common good of Christendome , deliuered all the frontiers of the Christian countries in the Mediterranean from the danger and feare of those most cruell pyrats : besides that , the flix began to rage in his campe , whereof many of his souldiors fell sicke , and died dayly : whereas on the contrarie part , the mightie Numidian princes , such as were Muleasses old enemies , were reported to come in dayly to the aid of Barbarussa . These vnseasonable speeches the emperour thought good to represse betime ▪ reasoning against the authors thereof with great grauitie , as against men , who with more feare doubted of the successe of things , and the euent of the victorie , than beseemed them , whom for their constant resolution and good opinion conceiued of their discretion , hee had chosen to be of his most secret counsell . Saying ▪ that he desired not of them , that their needlesse and dishonourable labour , wherein they should shew themselues more carefull of his person than of his honour : for as much as those things which he now alleadged , should haue been said before the warre was taken in hand , now by good hap halfe ended ; before hee euer passed ouer into AFFRICKE . For he might ( as he said ) haue rested quietly in SPAINE , and haue easily neglected and reiected the iniuries done vpon the sea coasts , and the complaints of his subiects ; but he was ( as they well knew ) for most vrgent causes come thither : whereas hee was resolued to satisfie the expectation of the world with a notable victorie , or if God should otherwise appoint , there to end his daies with honour . Wherefore he willed them to cease farther to flatter him that was no way dismaid , or to possesse the minds of his valiant souldiours with a vaine forboding feare ; and with resolute minds , togither with him their chieftaine , against the next day , to expect what the fortune of the field should appoint for the full accomplishment of that war. For he was ( as he said ) set downe to giue the enemie battell , or if he refused the same , to batter the wals of TVNES , not doubting but that God would stand on his side in so good and so godly a quarrell . The emperour leauing a sufficient garrison in the castle of GVLETTA , commanded the breaches to be repaired , and the great ordinance there taken to be laid vpon carriages ; which before , after the old rude sea fashion , lay bound in great vnweldie pieces of timber , with yron rings fastned thereto , and could not handsomely be handled or remoued too or fro . After that , when he had caused the countrey to be well viewed all about , which betwixt the Oliue groues and the right side of the lake , giueth a direct passage vnto the citie of TVNES ; he set forward with his armie in so good order , that he still marched as readie to fight , for feare of the pollicies and sudden assaults of the enemie . On the left hand marched the Italians next vnto the lake , on the right hand the Spaniards neere vnto the Oliue groues , which in the manner of a great wood ran all alongst the countrey , from the ruines of CARTHAGE almost to the wals of TVNES : in the middest betwixt both marched the Germans ; next vnto them followed the great ordinance ; and after it , the carriages of all the armie . In the vauntgard was Vastius , whom the emperour had made Generall of the armie , and especially for that day : in the rearward was the duke of AL●A , with certaine troupes of chosen horsemen : in the middle of the maine battell was the emperour , and by his side Lewes his brother in law the king of PORTINGALES brother . The Italians were conducted by the prince of SALERN , the Spaniards by Alarco an auntient captaine , and the Germans by Maximilian Eberstein . But the emperour in his armour ceased not to ride from squadron to squadron , with cheerfull countenance and full of hope , recounting vnto them the former victories which they had gotten for him : and telling them , that he did that day expect of them a most honourable daies seruice , for as much as they were to fight against the naked enemies of the Christian religion : wherefore they should with resolute minds , set downe themselues to endure the waight of their armour , the painfulnesse of the march , the heat of the Sunne and sand , and the tediousnesse of the thirst arising therof ; vntill they might joine battell with their enemies , where they should vndoubtedly by the goodnesse of God ( in whose quarrell they fought ) obtaine the victorie : in the meane time they should with patience ouercome all difficulties , comforting themselues with the vndoubted hope of a most rich prey , which they were to expect of the spoile of a rich citie . Whereunto euerie squadron answered with a great shout , that he should not trouble himselfe with those matters which he had before rehearsed , but to assure himselfe that they his souldiours would most patiently endure all extremities , and not deceiue the expectation he had conceiued of their wonted valour , but by valiant fight to make him emperour , not of AFFRICKE , but of ASIA also . Now Vastius had withdrawne two companies of harquebusiers out of the Spanish squadron to skirmish with the Moores , who continually followed in the taile of the army ; whom by those harquebusiers and certaine troupes of horsemen deputed to that purpose , the duke of ALBA notably repulsed in the rearward . The armie was now come vnto the cesternes of fresh water , which Muleasses and others which well knew the countrey had before told them of ; which as soone as the soldiours almost fainting vnder the waight of their armour , with the scorching heat of the sunne and extremitie of thirst , descried a far off : they for desire they had to quench their thirst , forthwith forsooke their colours , and disorderly ran as fast as they could to those cesternes : Vastius the Generall , to the vttermost of his power labouring in vaine both by faire meanes and foule to haue staied them ; who saw by that disorderednesse of the soldiors , a great aduantage offred vnto the enemie , which then was not farre off . But when the Generall could neither with words or blowes preuaile any thing with them , the emperour himselfe was glad to hast thither , with his presence and authoritie to haue kept them in order : yet such was the force of their intollerable thirst , that neither the sight of the emperour , nor all that he could doe , could remedie the disorder ; some fainting in the sand for lacke of drinke , and some other for greedinesse readie to burst their bellies at the fountaines ; so that the emperour was faine with his truncheon to beat them away . Amongst the rest one Tullius Cicero of ARPINAS a famous captaine , died at the cesterne side with drinking too much . This extremitie for want of water seemed justly to haue happened vnto them , for as much as Vastius the day before , had by generall proclamation thorow the campe , commaunded that euerie souldiour should carrie with him a bottle of wine or water at his girdle : although he caused so much water as he conueniently could , to be carried in great caskes , for the common reliefe of the armie ; whereof the Germans had the greatest part . Some almost readie to giue ouer for thirst , were glad to get a draught of cold water of their fellowes which had it , for two duckats . This disorder being with as much speed as was possible reformed , and the armie againe brought into order , the emperour held on his march toward the enemie : for Barbarussa with a wonderfull multitude of horsemen and footmen , and a number of ensignes ( the instruments of vaine feare and foolish brauerie ) gallantly displaied after the manner of the Moores , was come about three miles from the citie , and with certaine field pieces ( as Muleasses had foretold ) went about to haue broken the battell of the Christians : which pieces although they were oftentimes discharged , yet did they little or no harme , by reason of the vnskilfulnesse of the canoniers . Vastius in like manner and for like purpose , had commaunded the great ordinance to be brought into the front of the battell : but perceiuing what toile and time it required to haue it done , for that it was drawne but by strength of men , and the wheeles of the carriages sunke deepe in the deuouring sand , and the shot and pouder which the marriners and gallyslaues carried altogither vpon their shoulders , came but softly on ; he suddenly changed his purpose , and told the emperour , That he thought it not best to stay for the great artillerie in that cheerfulnesse of his armie , when euerie man desired battell , but to commit all to the valour of his resolute men and his own good fortune , which euer fauoured his honourable attempts : least whilest we stay ( said he ) too long vpon our great ordinance , which doth not alwaies serue to great purpose in sudden battels , our enemies gather courage in the time of this our vnnecessarie delay ; and this exceeding cheerfulnesse of our souldiours , the most sure token of an vndoubted victorie , by deferring of time grow cold . Whereunto the emperour desirous of battell , and filled with good hope , cheerefully answered : Vastius if thou so thinke it good , which I also like well of , in Gods name giue the signall . That shall I by and by doe ( said he ) but first it is reason , that you which sway and commaund a great part of the world , learne at this time to obey him , whom to his great charge and shame , you laying aside the imperiall majestie of your selfe , haue for this day made Generall and Commaunder of so mightie an armie : Wherefore said Vastius , I will now vse mine authoritie , and commaund you ( sith I may not so request you ) to depart from this place , and to get you into the middle of the battell neere vnto the ensignes ; least by some vnluckie shot , the whole estate of the armie be brought into extreame perill by the danger of one mans life . Whereat the emperour smiling , willed him to feare no such thing , saying moreouer , That neuer emperour was yet slaine with a gun . For all that he departed out of the place as he was commaunded , and went into the middle of the battell . Whereupon the signall of battell was by the sounding of the trumpet and striking vp of the drum , presently giuen , and the enemie ( with more hast than the extreame heat of the day required ) furiously charged by the emperours horsemen , who to auoid the danger of the great artillerie , made all the hast they could to come to handie blowes . In the formost of these horsemen was Ferdinand Gonzaga , a most valiant noble man , who then serued the emperour without charge : he being somewhat before the rest at the first onset , slew with his launce a notable captaine of the Moores , and presently with his sword so troubled them that were next , that he opened a way for them that followed him , to breake into the enemies battell . The harquebusiers also discharged so fast vpon the enemie , that three hundred of them lay dead vpon the ground before the joyning of the battell : which the rest of the footmen seeing , forsook their great ordinance , and fled backe to Barbarussa . Who long endured not the force or sight of the Christians ; but grinding his teeth for sorrow and griefe of mind , turned his horse , and with his Turkes retired into TVNES . For now that his designes had in the beginning taken so euill successe , he thought it not best to aduenture all in one battell ; knowing right well that the emperours armie could not long endure the inconueniences of the intollerable heat , and want of manie things , especially of fresh water : which fed him with hope , that hee should out of these his enemies distresses picke some fit occasion of aduantage , if he could but a while defend the citie of TVNES . The Numidians and Moores , who in great troupes and companies had alwaies houered about the emperours armie , without doing any thing worth reporting , retired themselues also into the suburbs , gardens , and other places neere vnto the citie . The emperour glad of the flight of his enemies which were thought to haue been in number an hundred thousand , encamped with his armie that night in the same place where they before lay ; determining the next day to batter the wals of TVNES . In the meane time , Barbarussa surprised with an exceeding feare , and distracted with many cares , and now become more cruell than himselfe , had in his mind purposed a fact full of exceeding and inhumane crueltie ; which was at once to haue killed all the Christian captiues in the castle of TVNES : fully resolued to haue put the same in execution , had not Sinan the Iew dissuaded him from that most execrable fact , protesting such a practise to be vnseemely for a man of his valour , famous for his many victories , and carrying with him the majestie of a king : whereas he would shortly after wonderfully repent him for doing so shamefull a fact : The doing whereof , what was it else ( as the Iew said ) but a manifest demonstration of his extreame feare , and desperation ? which two things were most dangerous to him , that was to maintaine so doubtfull a warre , and would much deface the glorie of his former life ; wherefore he should doe well to beware , that by the fame of such a most horrible fact , he did not prouoke Solymans heauie displeasure against him : who deuoid of all humane crueltie , had vsed both to detest and reuenge such outrages . Wherefore he should suffer the Christian captiues to liue bound in their fatall chaines , so long as it were their fortunes ; who being well kept and vnarmed , might shortly after serue him to good purpose , and could no way without most certaine danger moue themselues , if they should vnaduisedly lust after their vnluckie libertie : for by them , the expected victorie could neither be giuen to the enemie , nor taken from him , or yet so much as hindred . At which speech the tyrant was ashamed , and so sparing the liues of the poore wretches , went out of the castle into the greatest church of TVNES , whither he had caused to be assembled all the chiefe men of the citie , to tell them what he would haue done for the defence of the citie , and now by persuasion to encourage them to fight : from whom as men by him holden in distrust , he had but a little before the comming of the Christians , taken all manner of armour and weapon . Whilest Barbarussa was thus busied , the most joyfull and happie day appeared to those miserable captiues ; by fortunes change no lesse black and dismall vnto the Turks and Moores . For that hainous purpose of the cruell tyrant , could not long be couered or kept secret : so that a constant report of a danger so imminent , was run thorow the whole castle , euen into the deepe dungeons ; by the compassion of certaine manumised slaues , who detesting the sauage crueltie of Barbarussa their master , and touched with deuotion , had in heart returned to their old and true Christian religion ; encouraging by secret speeches the chiefe of the captiues with whom they were acquainted , to lay hand now vpon their libertie . Amongst these well minded men was one Francis a Spaniard , whom Barbarussa had from his youth brought vp as his minion , hauing him alwaies in great esteeme by the name of Memis ; and another called Vincentius Catareus of DALMATIA an eunuch : These two aduenturing a most memorable and godly attempt , set open the prison doores , and gaue instruments vnto the poore prisoners , readie to take the occasion offred ; who boldly starting vp , breake off their chaines and giues , and so by the great goodnesse and mercie of God , about six thousand poore naked Christians , armed with that came first to hand , but especially with stones , brake forth suddenly vpon the Turkes that were in the castle . Ramadas a renegate Spaniard captaine of the castle , stirred vp with the vnexpected and terrible noise of so many prisoners breaking their irons , with a few souldiours whom he had suddenly called vnto him , ran to the castle gate , where one of the prisoners ( a lustie young man of SICILIA ) had with one of the bars of the gate strucke downe one or two of the warders , and hauing bolted the gate , was become master thereof : him Ramadas slew , and opening the gate , made way for himselfe and his few followers , with whom he went to Barbarussa to carrie him newes of that his hard mischance . But the Christians now losed from their bands , and hauing suddenly slaine diuers of the Turks , possessed themselues of all the castle , brake open the armorie , and so seizing vpon the kings treasure , armour , and prouision , from a high turret gaue signes of victorie to the Christian armie by smoake and false fires made with gunpouder ; and lastly , by displaying of Sarmentus his ensigne , which ( as we haue before declared ) was by Tabacches taken from the top of the trenches at the siege of GVLETTA . These signes , although the Christians in the armie could not well perceiue , as being too farre off : yet by the fugitiues which came oftentimes out of TVNES to the emperour and Muleasses , they were both persuaded , that some great tumult was risen amongst the enemies . Wherefore the emperour sent two of his captaines with their companies , who going as neere as they could to the citie and the castle , should discouer what the matter was . In the meane time , Barbarussa almost mad for anger , in his furie blaspheming his vaine gods , and bitterly cursing and banning the Iew , for dissuading him from killing the captiues , came to the castle gate , and with teares standing in his eyes pitifully requested the late Christian captiues ( which then stood vpon the top of the wals and the gate with weapons in their hands ) That they would forthwith let him in , faithfully promising them their libertie , with a generall and free pardon for all that they had done . But they mindfull both of their former and present fortune , and mooued with just hatred , cast stones at him , and with many opprobrious words rejected his request : so that hee enraged with sorrow and madnesse , shot at them with his owne hand , and seeing all past remedie , and the citie not possible now to bee kept , shamefully betooke himselfe to flight . After him followed the Turks , in number seuen thousand , with purpose to flie to the citie HIPPONA , now called BONA , famous with the bishopricke of that reuerend Father and great Diuine Augustine . For there ( as in a most sure harbour ) had Barbarussa left foureteene gallies in the lake neere vnto the citie , to serue his turne whatsoeuer mischance should happen : but the tacklings , sailes , oares , and ordinance , he had laid vp in the castle fast by , which was kept with a garrison of his owne . The emperour vnderstanding that Barbarussa with his Turkes was fled , came with all his armie vnto the gates of TVNES , where the magistrates of the citie were readie to submit themselues vnto him , and to deliuer him the keyes of the citie , only requesting of him that he would keepe his souldiors encamped without the citie , and not to seeke the vtter spoile and ruine thereof , promising that the souldiours should want nothing that was there to be had . Muleasses also carefull of the safetie thereof , earnestly intreated the emperour in the citisens behalfe . But he , although he was of his owne honourable disposition readie ynough to haue graunted what they requested ; Yet for that he did not without cause doubt of the Moores fidelitie , and that the paiment of the money which they of TVNES had by Muleasses promised for the payment of the soldiors wages , was by them craftily delayed , expecting still the vttermost deuoire of Barbarussa , he could not by any meanes be persuaded to promise them any certainetie of their safetie : mooued also so to doe by the discontented speeches of his soldiors , who spared not to say , That they should bee hardly and vnkindly dealt withall , if after so long trauell and so much paines taken both by sea and land , they should be defrauded of the reward of the victorie , sith nothing but only the hope of the present spoile did relieue and feed them , being poore and miserable , hauing scarce clothes to couer their nakednesse , and their bodies spent with long labour and thirst ; so that the Moores of TVNES , enemies of the Christian religion , and the perpetuall receiuers of most horrible pyrats , might worthily rejoice of the Christian victorie , and the conquerours themselues for euer bewaile their owne calamities and miseries . Whilest the emperour stood thus in doubt what to resolue vpon , Vastius with a small companie came to the castle gate , and was with wonderfull joy receiued in by the Christian captiues . But as he was viewing the wealth and prouision laid vp in the castle , a Ligurian captiue discouered vnto him where certaine treasure lay hidden : for Barbarussa had there cast into a well thirtie thousand duckats sowed vp in bags , which Vastius getting easily out , obtained them of the emperour of gift , as he whose good seruice had well deserued them . The castle thus woon by a most rare chance , and the captiues taking the spoile thereof , the souldiors could no longer be stayed , but that they entred into the citie by heapes , running after the spoile into euery part thereof , the citisens fearing no such matter , and calling in vaine vpon the faith of Muleasses . The souldiors at their first entrance slew many . The Spaniards and Italians sought most after the spoile . But the Germanes desiring more to glut themselues with the Mahometane bloud , filled all places with dead bodies , without regard of sex or age ; so that the prophane temples of their vaine prophet , swam with the bloud of them that were fled into them . Which furious execution continued vntill such time as the emperour moued with the pitifull request of Muleasses , caused proclamation to bee made , That no man should vpon paine of death hurt any citisen , or take any prisoners : yet for all that , it could not otherwise be , but that many yong men and women were by the marriners ( which were come to the spoile of the citie ) carried away to the fleet . Muleasses for a little money redeemed diuers which he knew , out of the hands of such as had them prisoners : amongst others , one of his wiues , whom he sometime held dearest , was ransomed for two duckats . The emperour entering into the castle , commended the captiues , who were the occasion of that speedie victorie : and giuing to euery one of them money , set them at libertie , promising vnto them shipping and prouision to bring them home euery man into his owne countrey . Vnto the two manumised seruants of Barbarussa , which were the authours of breaking the prison , he gaue money and apparrell , and afterward learned of them many things concerning Barbarussa his purposes and secret disposition . In the spoile of the castle , Muleasses lamented the losse of three things especially : first the antient Arabian bookes , containing the interpretation of the Mahometane law , and the acts of the kings his predecessors ; the losse whereof Muleasses ( in the hearing of P. Iouius , out of whom this hystorie is taken ) said ( as he reporteth ) that he would most gladly , if it had been possible , haue redeemed with the price of a citie : Then the precious oyntments and perfumes , with the wonderfull store of ambergrize , muske , and ciuet , worth much gold : all which Barbarussa as a rude and rough man had made no reckoning of : And last of all , the rare and rich colours for painting , which lying by heapes , were by the ignorant souldiors , seeking for that might yeeld them present money , foolishly neglected and troden vnderfoot , seruing no man to good . In this castle were found diuers headpieces & other armor of the Christians , namely of the French , who with Lewes their king had about three hundred yeares before besieged that castle : which armour had beene vntill that time there kept by the Moores , in remembrance of that victorie against the Christians . Barbarussa in the meane time was come to the riuer of Bagrada , which the Moores call Maiordech , which he easily passed ouer , though he was pursued by certain Numidian horsemen , whom Muleasses had raised of his old friends , and of the followers of his vncle Dorax , and sent them to pursue the Turks : but Barbarussa so marched with his harquebusiers and archers placed in the rereward , that the Numidian horsemen durst not come neere him , and so in safetie came to HIPPONA , as he had before purposed . Yet in passing the riuer Bagrada , he lost Haydin of SMIRNA , that famous pyrat : who being a fat man , and wearied with the heat of the Sunne and painefulnesse of the journey , dranke so much , that he presently died vpon the banke of the riuer . When Barbarussa was come to HIPPONA , he rested his men two dayes : then calling them together againe , he comforted them with good words , persuading them , that whatsoeuer mischance had happened , they should impute it not to the valour of the enemie , but to the trecherie of the slaues ; exhorting them as valiant m●n patiently to endure that frowne of fortune , and by some notable exploit to win againe her fauour : for he was determined to put to sea with the fleet he had , and to goe presently from thence to ALGIERS , where after he had with new supplies increased his power , and augmented his fleet , and better aduised himselfe , he would take an attempt in hand answereable to their desires , and not vnbeseeming his owne credit and estimation . It is reported , that neuer vanquished and beaten captaine was with a more cheerefull acclamation answered by his souldiors , than hee was at that present ; they all with one consent most willingly requesting him to commaund whatsoeuer pleased him , which they would neuer refuse to vndertake , were it neuer so heauie or dangerous , so that they might be brought to some notable exploit . Barbarussa vsing this exceeding cheerefulnesse and forwardnesse of his souldiors , did with wonderfull celeritie weigh vp the foureteene gallies which he had sunke in the lake , and forthwith rigged them vp , and furnished them for all assayes : and vpon the very brinke of the lake cast vp a mount of earth , whereon he placed certaine pieces of artillerie for defence of the harbour ; not vainely conjecturing , that the Christian fleet would in short time come thither to impeach his going out : pointing therein as it were at the purpose of the emperour and Auria his Admirall , who were of opinion , That by sending part of the fleet thither , those gallies might be drowned in the harbour with the great ordinance , before they could be rigged and made readie . Vnto this peece of seruice Auria appointed one Adam , a captaine of GENVA , a man of no great skill in matters at sea , but yet of great wealth & credit , and the Admirals nigh kinsman : he with certaine galiots and fourteene gallies , set forward towards HIPPONA , promising vnto himselfe a most certaine and easie victorie , hoping to purchase vnto himselfe great honour of the vnprouided enemie : for that he thought to haue taken Barbarussa busie in setting forth of his fleet . But after he was past BISERTA and come neere to HIPPONA , he was certainly aduertised , that Barbarussa had with incredible celeritie rigged vp his gallies , and fortified the harbour , by planting great ordinance vpon the mount he had there raised . With which newes he wonderfully troubled , changed his purpose , persuaded by the other captaines of the gallies , in no case to aduenture to fight with him , because the Spanish , Sicilian , and Neapolitan gallies were but weakly manned , many of the souldiors being for greedinesse of the spoile gone ashoare without leaue at TVNES : so that he should at great disaduantage fight with the Turkes , being mo in number and desperatly bent . Wherefore he vpon good aduise presently changed his former course , and returned to the fleet for more aid . Barbarussa ( as it was afterwards known ) stood a good while in doubt , whether he should in hope of victorie pursue those gallies , for as much as they were in number no more than his owne ; or else to persist in his former purpose of going to ALGIERS . Vnto which opinion all the vnder captaines enclined , being altogither ignorant of the weaknesse of the Christians : and so letting slip a faire occasion , leauing a small garrison of Turkes in the castle , he departed from HIPPONA and sailed alongst the coast to ALGIERS . When Adam was returned againe to the fleet , and had done nothing , many of the Christian princes were wonderfully offended , that by the negligence of some who were hardly to be commaunded , and by the vnrulinesse of others who without leaue were gone ashoare , so faire an occasion of the desired victorie , was neglected . For this thing onely wanted vnto the emperours rare felicitie in that warre : for if those few gallies had been taken from the cruell enemie , or sunke in the sea , there had been no meanes for him to haue escaped ; being verily thought , that the Numidians in number infinit and deadly enemies vnto the Turks , would with often skirmishes out of their knowne places of aduantage , haue so cut him off in his long and painfull trauell by land , that they would altogither haue made an end both of him and his followers before hee could haue come to ALGIERS . Auria angrie both with himselfe and those whom he had put in trust , and yet not out of hope to ouertake his enemie ; with his own gallies and some other of the best ships went to HIPPONA : but finding Barbarussa gone , he tooke the citie and ouerthrew the wals thereof : but in the castle which he by force tooke from the Turks , he placed Aluarus Gometius with a sufficient garrison , and so returned vnto the emperour . This Gometius , although he was a most valiant captaine , yet became so infamous for his auaritious dealing both with the enemie and his friends , that for feare how to answere such things as he knew would be laid to his charge , he became the infamous executioner of himselfe . The castle was afterwards by the commaundement of the emperour , rased downe to the ground , for that it was not without a maruellous charge to be kept . After that , a counsell was holden concerning Muleasses , whom the emperour placed againe in the kingdome of TVNES , there to raigne as his auncestors had done before him ; paying him yeerly by the name of a tribute , two faulcons and two Numidian coursers : With condition , that he should for euer honour the emperour , and be a friend vnto all Christians , and an vtter enemie vnto the Turkes : Besides that , that he should from time to time defray the charges of a thousand Spaniards and more , to be left in garrison in the castle of GVLETTA ; by holding whereof , the emperour kept as it were the keies of that kingdome at his girdle . The emperour hauing thus honourably driuen Barbarussa and the Turks , pirats , out of TVNES , taken from them their gallies , deliuered the Christians countries all alongst the sea coast in the Mediterranean of a great feare , and restored Muleasses againe to his kingdome ▪ sayled into SICILIA , where he was in great triumph receiued at PANORMVS and MES●ANA , from whence he passed ouer to RHEGIVM into ITALIE , & from thence by land to NAPLES . Thus was the kingdome of TVNES taken by Barbarussa and the Turkes ; and by Charles the emperor recouered againe out of their hands the selfesame time that Solyman was in person himselfe in wars against the Persian : whom Barbarussa accompanied with Sinan the Iew ▪ after this ouerthow met at ICONIVM in his returne out of PERSIA , well accepting of their excuse , as is before declared . Solyman as well of his owne ambitious disposition ; as following the manner of the Othoman kings , desirous by all meanes to increase the glorie of his name , and to enlarge his empire ; determined with himselfe to take away from the Portingales all their traffique into the East Indies . It grieued him to heare , that the Christian religion should begin to take root amongst those Pagan kings , which had not long before receiued the Mahometane religion : Besides that , he was credibly enformed , that the Portingales in these late wars he had against the Persians , had aided them with certaine harquebusiers , and also had sent them workmen to shew them both the making and vse of great artillerie : But that which moued him most of all , was for that the Portingales by their traffique into the Indies , had cut off all the trade of merchandise into the gulfe of ARABIA , whereby the riches of the East were woont to be transported vnto CAIRE , and so to ALEXANDRIA , from whence they were afterwards by the Venetian merchants and others dispersed into all parts of of EVROPE : but now were carried by the great Ocean into PORTINGALL , and from thence conuaied into all parts of Christendome , to the great hinderance of his tributes and customes of AEGYPT . For these causes , and at the instance of Solyman Bassa an eunuch borne in EPIRVS , and then Gouernour of AEGYPT , Solyman caused wonderfull preparation to be made , for the building of a great fleet in the Red sea to go against the Portingals ▪ All the timber whereof , was cut downe in the mountaines of CILICIA , and shipped in the bay of ATTALIA in the bottome of the Mediterranian , from whence it was by sea transported to PELVSIVM , and so vp the riuer of Nilus to CAIRE : where after it was framed and readie to be set togither , it was with infinit labour , and no lesse charge , carried by land with Camels thorow that hoat and sandie countrey , from CAIRE to SVETIA , a port of the Red sea , called in antient time ARSINOE . From which place eightie miles distant from CAIRE , the antient kings of AEGYPT seeking by vaine and wonderfull workes to eternise the memorie of themselues , had with incredible charge cut thorow all that maine land , so that vessels of good burthen might come vp the same from ARSINOE to CAIRE : which great cut or ditch , Sesostris the rich king of AEGYPT , and long after him Ptolomeus Philadelphus , purposed to haue made a great deale wider and deeper , and therby to haue let in the Red sea into the Mediterranean , for the readier transportation of the Indian merchandise to CAIRE and ALEXANDRIA . Which mad worke Sesostris preuented by death , could not performe : and Ptolomeus otherwise persuaded by skilfull men , in time gaue ouer ; for feare least by letting in the great South sea into the Mediterranean , he should thereby as it were with another generall deluge haue drowned the greatest part of GRaeCIA , and many other goodly countries in ASIA , and with exceeding charge , in steed of honour haue purchased himselfe eternall infamie . Yet by the singular industrie of Solyman the eunuch , who with seuere commaundement enforced all the people of the countries therabouts to the furtherance of the building of that fleet ; he had with wonderfull celeritie in short time new built eightie tall ships and gallies at ARSINOE , and furnished them with men , and all things else needfull for so long a voiage . At which time , he vpon a quarrell pickt without cause , but not without the good liking of Solyman , most injuriously confiscated the goods of the Venetian merchants at ALEXANDRIA and CAIRE , and thrust the marriners into his gallies as slaues . With which fleet in most warlike manner appointed , Solyman the Bassa accompanied with Assan-beg , commonly called the Moore of ALEXANDRIA , a most famous pirat and an excellent seaman , set forward against the Portingals : and sayling thorow the Red sea , and so Eastward by the gulfe of PERSIA , came at length as far as the great riuer Indus , where with all his power he assaulted DIVM a castle of the Portingals , scituate vpon the mouth of that great riuer : but in conclusion , after he had many daies besieged the castle both by sea & land , and tried the vttermost of his strength , he was so repulsed by the Portingals , that he was glad to forsake the siege , and leauing his great ordinance behind him for hast , returned backe againe to ADEN , a citie of great trade in ARABIA FELIX : Where discouraged with the euill successe he had against the Portingals , because he would be thought to haue done something , he allured the king of that rich citie to come vnto him , vpon his false faith before giuen for his safe returne : but as soone as he had him aboord , he like a perjured wretch hanged him vp at the yards arme of his Admirall galley , and so surprising the citie , enriched himselfe with the spoile thereof . The like barbarous crueltie he vsed at ZI●YTH , another famous port of ARABIA , where the pilgrims of the East doe commonly land when they after the manner of their superstition come to visit the temple of their false prophet at MECHA : The king of which place , togither with all his nobilitie he cruelly murthered , contrarie to his faith giuen : and so trauelling himselfe by land to MECHA , as if he had been some deuout pilgrim , sent backe his fleet by the Moore to SVETIA , hauing performed against the Portingals nothing at all . At the same time Solyman by the persuasion of Lutzis and Aiax ( the Bassaes of greatest authoritie about him , now that Abraham was dead ) turned all his forces from the Persians , as men agreeing with him in the cheefe points of his Mahometane superstition , with purpose to conuert the same vpon ITALIE : wherunto he was earnestly sollicited by Iohn Forrest the French kings embassadour , then lying at CONSTANTINOPLE , of purpose to incite Solyman against Charles the emperour , assuring him , that he was not of such power , as at one time to defend APVLIA against him , and the dukedome of MILLAINE against the French king : who ( as he said ) was determined that Summer to inuade that part of ITALIE . And to further the matter , about the same time one Troil●s Pignatellus , a noble gentleman , sometime commaunder in Charles the emperours armie , but then exiled out of NAPLES , fled vnto Solyman ; and for so much as hee was a man of name , and like to doe him great seruice in the inuasion of APVLIA , as one which knew the countrey well , and promised vnto him good successe in that warres , was by Solyman honourably entertained amongst his Mutfaracas : which is a certaine companie of horsemen for their approued valou● , chosen out of all nations , hauing the free exercise of their religion whatsoeuer without controulement , and are onely bound to attend vpon the person of the great Turke when he goeth to warres . The cause of his reuolt was , for that the viceroy of NAPLES had executed Andrew his brother , one of the knights of the RHODES . But being now grown into great fauour with Solyman and the Bassaes , and oftentimes called to counsell in the preparation of that warre , casting off all naturall loue of his countrey , ceased not by all meanes to persuade Solyman to inuade the same , assuring him , that the people of APVLIA and SALERNE oppressed with grieuous tribute and exactions by the emperours officers , would at the first reuolt , especially if they saw any of the French nation to cleaue vnto . And that which mooued him more than all the rest , the auntient Turkes told him into what a feare all ITALIE was strucken , at such time as Achmetes the Bassa hauing taken HYDRVNTVM , had vndoubtedly conquered not onely the kingdome of NAPLES , but the citie of ROME also , and all the rest of ITALIE , had not the vntimely death of Mahomet his great grandfather interrupted the course of that victorie . Which persuasions wrought such effect in Solyman , that he once fully resolued for the inuasion of ITALIE , made such expedition both by sea and land , that he himselfe in person was come with two hundred thousand men vnto AVLONA , the most conuenient port of MACEDONIA for the transporting of his armie , before it was thought in ITALIE that he was set forward from CONSTANTINOPLE : where he had not long stayed , but Lutzis Bassa his Admirall , accompanied with Barbarussa , sayling alongst the coast of PELOPONESVS and EPIRVS , and so passing by CORCYRA , where Hieronimus Pisaurius , Admirall of the Venetian fleet lay with his gallies ( after mutuall salutation done after the manner of sea , by shooting off their great pieces in token of friendship ) put into the hauen of AVLONA also . Solyman not purposing to lose any time , and hauing ITALIE now in his sight , commaunded Lutzis and Barbarussa to passe ouer with the fleet vnto OTRANTO , and to prooue the minds of the people ; that if the first enterprise fell out well , he might presently follow after with all his armie . With them went also Troilus Pignatellus , as forward to the destruction of his country , as any of the rest . He knowing that the great cities of HYDRVNTVM and BRVNDVSIVM were kept with strong garrisons of Charles the emperour , leauing HYDRVNTVM on the right hand , directed the Turks to a towne vpon the sea coast , eight miles off ▪ called CASTRVM , neere vnto which standeth a castle vpon a hill then belonging to Mercurinus Catinarius ▪ who being a man vnacquainted with warres , and terrified with the sudden comming of the Turkes , and persuaded by Troilus , yeelded vp his castle , vpon condition that the Turkes should offer no violence or injurie vnto him or his , either in bodie or goods . Vpon which condition the towne of CASTRVM was also deliuered vnto them . But the Turkes , especially the greedie marriners , being got into the castle and the towne , moued neither with the intreatie of Troilus , nor the commaundement of Lutzis and Barbarussa , rifled the towne and castle , and carried away with them Mercurinus himselfe , with all the floure of the people , to their gallies as prisoners . But Lutzis ashamed of such faithlesse dealing , presently set Mercurinus at libertie againe . At the same time also Solyman had by night sent ouer certaine troupes of light horsemen , in great palendars : which running all alongst the sea coast from TARENTVM to BRVNDVSIVM , carried away with them both the people and cattell , and whatsoeuer els came in their way by the space of fortie miles . So that all that covntrey of SALENTINVM , now called OTRANTO , was filled with feare and danger ; and had not , there stayed , but was like ynough to haue ouerwhelmed all ITALIE , by the comming ouer of Solyman w●●h his whole armie , had not the rashnesse of one Venetian captaine by vnexpected chance turned that tempest from the Italians vpon the Venetians themselues . Alexander Contarenus , a valiant captaine of the Venetians , meeting with certaine of the Turkes gallies , which would neither vaile their top sailes , nor in token of reuerence and friendship , discharge any of their great Ordinance , as of dutie they ought to haue done in those seas where the Venetians commaunded ; offended with their proud insolencie , fie●c●ly assailed ●●em , and in fight sunke two of them : wherein Vstamenes Gouernour of CALIPOLIS , a man of no small reputation amongst the Turks , was reported to haue perished . Which outrage done by Contarenus in a most vnfit time ( to the great hurt of the Venetian estate , as it appeared afterward ) was imputed to his owne priuat grudge which he bare against the Turks , for that they had intercepted a ship of his as she was comming out of the East countries laden with rich merchandise : so that it was thought , that he to please himselfe in reuenging of his owne priuat injurie , regarded not what might in that dangerous time ensue thereof to the common state . A little before the comming ouer of the Turks into ITALIE , Andreas Auria the emperors Admirall lying at MESSANA in SICILIA , vnderstanding that Solyman was come with his armie to AVLONA , and that his fleet was arriued there also , put to sea , directing his course towards the Islands of CEPHALENIA and ZACYNTHVS , hoping ( as indeed it fell out ) to meet with the taile of the Turkes fleet : for there according to his expectation he chanced vpon diuers of the Turks victuallers , whom he easily tooke . The marriners he chained in his owne gallies for slaues , and furnishing his fleet with the victuall which was not for him prouided , fired the ships . Whilest Auria was thus beating too and fro in the Ionian sea , it fortuned that Solyman sent Iunusbeius his cheefe interpreter , a man whom he made no small account of , with two gallies on a message to Lutzis his Admirall . This proud Turke comming neere CORCYRA , where the Venetian Admirall lay with his fleet , offered scornefully to passe by , without vailing : which his pride tending to the disgrace of the Venetians , certaine of the Venetian captaines not enduring , set vpon him with such furie , that the Turkes were enforced to run both their gallies on shore vpon the coast of EPIRVS , neere vnto the mountaines called ACROCERAVNII , where hauing escaped the danger at sea , they fell almost all into the hands of the cruell mountaine people , liuing for the most part by theft , and waiting for wrackes , as hawkes for their prey : by these shauers the Turkes were stript of all they had , and Iunusbeius with much adoe redeeming himselfe out of their hands , returned to Solyman . Auria sayling alongst the sea coast , chanced vpon these gallies , and finding them sore brused , set fire on them . For these vnkind parts , the Turks were wonderfully offended with the Venetians , and greeuously complained of them to Solyman : although the Venetian Admirall laboured by all means he could to appease Iunusbeius , and to excuse the matter , as a thing done by great ouersight on both sides . Vpon these small occasions , the Turkes sought to breake off the league with the Venetians ; which fell out so much the sooner , for that about the same time Auria sayling vp and downe in the Ionian sea , and diligently looking into euery harbour to intercept such as stragled from the Turkes fleet , happened by night to light vpon twelue of Solymans great gallies neere vnto CORCYRA , all filled with his Ianizaries and choice horsemen of the court , the best souldiors of the Turkes , who had by land sent their horses to the campe by their lackies , and were comming themselues with the Ianizaries by sea . Auria falling vpon these gallies , had with them a cruell and deadly fight : For they as resolute men , wishing rather to die than to yeeld vnto their enemies , with inuincible courage maintained a most bloudie fight against Auria with his thirtie gallies excellently appointed , vntill such time as most part of them were slaine , and the rest sore wounded ; who seeing no remedie , but that they must needs come into the hands of their enemies , threw their scimitars ouerbourd , because those choice weapons should not come into the hands of the Christians . In this conflict Auria lost also many of his best souldiors : yet hauing got the victorie , and possessed of the gallies , he ankered neere vnto CORCYRA , there to take view of his owne harmes and the enemies : but whilest he rid there at anker , he was aduertised , that Barbarussa was comming against him with fourescore gallies . Wherefore knowing himselfe too weake to encounter so strong an enemie , he departed thence , and returned againe to M●SSANA to repaire his fleet . Solyman thorowly chafed with the losse of his gallies and best souldiors , and with the double injurie done vnto him by the Venetians , fell into such a rage , that he cursed Barbarussa , as one who in those warres had done him no good seruice ; and thundered out greeuous threats against the Venetians , saying he was vnder the colour of an auntient league by them deceiued and greatly abused , and that they were secretly confederated with Charles his enemie , and had for that cause ( as they had alwaies ) holpen Auria with intelligence ; and all things necessarie , receiuing him into their harbours , and by their espials giuing him knowledge of the order of his fleet , that so he might at his most aduantage surprise his gallies , as he had alreadie done : vnto which fire , Iunusbeius his interpreter , Barbarussa and Aiax laid new coales , more and more incensing the tyrant , who was of himselfe sufficiently enflamed , persuading him by all meanes they could to breake the league with the Venetians : Wherein Iunusbeius sought to reuenge his owne priuate injuries ; and the other two after their greater profit and credit ▪ gaping after the spoile of the Islands neere hand , especially of CORCYRA ( now called CORFV ) ZACYNTHVS , and CEPHALENIA , all subject to the Venetian siegnorie , finding the warres in ITALIE more dangerous and difficult than they had before imagined . For the French king came not then into ITALIE , as was by them expected : and it was commonly reported , That Petrus Toletanus , viceroy of NAPLES , hauing put strong garrisons into the townes all alongst the sea coast , was comming himselfe with a great armie : beside that , the horsemen sent ouer from AVLONA , raunging about in the countrey of SALENTVM for spoile , were many times cut off by Scipio Sommeius , a noble gentleman , there Gouernour for the emperour . Wherefore Solyman changing his purpose for the inuasion of ITALIE , in his mad mood proclaimed warre against the Venetians : and so rising with his armie from AVLONA , and marching alongst the sea coast vntill he came oueragainst CORCYRA , he encamped neere vnto the mountaines called ACROCERAVNII , where the fierce and wild people inhabiting the high and rough mountaine of CHIMERA ( a part of the Acroceraunian mountaines ) by the instigation of one Damianus , a notable theefe , and very perfit in the blind and difficult passages amongst the rockes and woods in those desolate mountaines , conspired to attempt a most strange and desperat exploit , which was , by night to spoile Solyman in his owne pauilion . These beggerly wild rogues liuing most part by murther and robberie , altogether without law or any manner of religion , in hope of so great a prey , and to become famous by killing one of the greatest monarchs of the world in the middest of his strength , guarded with so many thousands of his souldiors , were not afraid of any danger how great soeuer , hoping in the dead time of the night to steale into the campe vndiscouered , and there so to oppresse Solyman sleeping in his tent : Which ( as was by many afterwards supposed ) they were like ynough to haue performed , to the astonishment of the world , had it not been by chance discouered : for when they had put all things in readinesse for their purpose , Damianus ringleader of these desperat sauage people , by secret wayes stealing downe the broken rockes of those huge mountaines , and comming very neere vnto the campe , to view the standing of Solymans pauilion , with the order of the Turkes watch , was by the cracking of a bough espied by the Ianizaries , where he stood in a tree prying all ouer the campe : and being there taken , and afterwards put to torture , and confessing what he had intended , was by the commaundement of Solyman torne in pieces . Whereupon he forthwith sent a great part of his armie vp into the mountaines , which hunting after these wild people , as if they had been wild beasts , slew many of them , and by Solymans appointment did what they possibly could to haue quite destroyed them , as an infamous people , enemie to all men . When Solyman had thus fully reuenged himselfe vpon this barbarous nation , he purposed to inuade the Island of CORCYRA , now called CORFV , part of the Venetian sieginorie : sending before Barbarussa with his great artillerie , whom he had but a little before called out of ITALIE with his forces . Pisaurius the Venetian Admirall in good time foreseeing the tyrants purpose , strengthened the garrisons in both the castles of CORFV , with new supplies of good souldiors sent out of the gallies : and knowing himselfe vnable to encounter with the Turkes great fleet at sea , withdrew himselfe farther off from the island into the gulfe of the Adriatique , to the entent to joyne his power with Ioannes Veturius , who kept that sea with another fleet of the Venetian gallies , and so with joyned forces to defend the Venetian coasts against the Turkes : whom he thought himselfe strong ynough for , with the helpe of Veturius and of Auria , whose comming was dayly expected . Solyman sending a great part of his armie out of the maine into the island , burnt and destroyed the countrey villages , leading away a wonderfull number of poore countrey people into most miserable captiuitie . Aiax the Bassa , and Barbarussa in two small pinnaces came as neere vnto the citie of CORFV as they possibly could , to see which way they might most conueniently lay siege vnto it : but perceiuing the great strength thereof , being wonderfully fortified , and thorowly manned , they aduertised Solyman , that it was a place inpregnable . Aloysius Ripa , and Symon Leonius , two Senators of VENICE were then gouernors of CORFV , who not without cause standing in doubt of the great strength of the Turkes both by sea and land , caused the suburbs of the citie ( which were verie great and sumptuously built ) to be pluckt downe , for feare that the Turkes shrowding themselues in them , should with more case besiege the towne . This was a wofull and lamentable thing to behold , when as at the same time a man might haue seene the magnificent houses of the Venetian merchants , built in time of long peace , both for profit and for pleasure in euerie place of the island , all set on fire by the Turkes : But the regard of the publike state in so great a danger , made all those goodly things which went so to wracke , to be lightly accounted of in comparison of their liues and libertie ; for as much as those lost things might with new charge be againe in short time recouered . The two Venetian gouernours aforesaid , fearing a long siege , and not prouided of victuall to suffice such a multitude as were got into the citie , for any long time ; vsed a heauie and sharpe remedie , by turning a great number of weake people and children vnable for seruice , out of the citie ; of whom many , especially children , died in the towne ditches in their mothers armes vnder the wals of the citie , not daring to go any further for feare of the enemie , who had fast by in places conuenient cast vp great mounts , and planted his ordinance against the citie : onely the castle called S. Augelo standing in the middle of the island , about fifteene miles from the citie of CORFV , being valiantly defended by the inhabitants against the assaults of the Turkes , happily saued aboue three thousand poore people which fled thither from the furie of the Turkes , who in all other places of the island had made all desolate . The Turkes the more to terrifie them of CORFV , taking a hill not farre from the citie , couered the same with their tents , and from the rocke called MARIPETRVS , shot with their great ordinance into the towne : some of them in the meane time standing close in the ruines of the suburbs , did with their harquebusiers kill or wound them which appeared vpon the wals . The gallies also did oftentimes out of their prows discharge their great pieces against the citie , to the greater terrour than hurt of the defendants . Solyman perceiuing that he did but lose his labour in besieging the citie , as he was told at the first by his great captaines , Lutzis , Aiax , and Barbarussa ; determined now to raise his siege , and to returne to CONSTANTINOPLE , greatly ashamed that he had no better sped neither in ITALIE , nor at the siege of CORFV . But when he was about to haue departed , it was told him how vnfaithfully some of his soldiors had dealt with them of CASTRVM in ITALIE ; who yeelding themselues vpon the Turks faith to them giuen for the safegard of their libertie and goods , were neuerthelesse most injuriously spoiled of all that they had , and caried away into bondage . Which fact as tending to the dishonour of his name , and the deterring of others from yeelding , Solyman tooke in so euill part , that for amending thereof , he caused the authors of that fact to be put to death , and the captiues of CASTRVM to be diligently sought out , and sent home againe into their countrey : well deseruing therein the commendation of a most just prince . The Turks left the siege of CORFV and departed out of the island about the twelfth of September , in the yeare 1537 : carrying away with them aboue sixteene thousand of the island people into perpetuall captiuitie . So Solyman rising with his armie , marching thorow ACARNANIA and AETOLIA , returned thorow MACEDONIA to CONSTANTINOPE : hauing in this his expedition done great harme both in ITALIE and CORCYRA , but yet nothing encreased his empire or honour . Before his departure , calling vnto him Lutzis his Admirall , he commaunded him also to returne with his fleet to HELESPONTVS : who passing by ZAZINTHVS , and landing some of his men in the night , tooke diuers of the countrey people prisoners . But vnderstanding that the citie it selfe was both strong and well manned , he departed thence to CYTHERA , where vnfortunatly attempting to haue taken the castle , and disappointed of his purpose , he made what spoile he could vpon that island , and with eight hundred prisoners returned into AEGEVM to AEGINA , a rich and famous island , and well peopled both with marriners and other inhabitants . Approching the island , he by his messengers sent before vnto the Gouernour of the citie , attempted first by faire meanes , and afterwards by threats to haue had the citie yeelded vnto him : and not so preuailing , but perceiuing them to stand vpon their defence , he landed his men and gaue the signall of battell . Which they of the island refused not , but manfully met him , and at the first encounter slew many of his men : wherewith the Admirall grieuously offended ; and still landing fresh men , euen with his multitude oppressed them of the island ▪ being but in number few , and wearie of long fight ; and so enforced them them to retire into the citie . To be reuenged of this injurie , the Bassa caused certaine pieces of great ordinance to be landed , and a batterie planted against the citie : by force whereof , he had in short time in diuers places opened the wals , and then with all his power assaulting the breaches , forthwith tooke the citie : which after he had rifled , he burnt it downe to the ground , rased the wals , and put the men euerie mothers sonne to the sword . As for the women , he gaue them without respect vnto the lust of his souldiors and marriners , whom afterwards togither with the boies and young children he shipped into the countrey neere vnto ATHENS , to be from thence conuaied to CONSTANTINOPLE into most miserable seruitude . AEGINA thus vtterly rased , he with much like force and crueltie raged vpon them of PAROS , and the other islands thereabouts , killing the old men and such as made resistance , and thrusting the rest into his gallies . Shortly after he came to the island of NAXOS , where all the island people were for feare of his comming , fled out of the country into the citie : there landing his men , he made hauocke of whatsoeuer came to his hand . And in the meane time sent a messenger vnto the duke , to will him to yeeld himselfe and his citie to the obedience of the Turkish emperour Solyman . Which messenger admitted into the citie , and brought before the duke , in blunt and plaine tearmes , without farther circumstance , deliuered his message as followeth : If thou wilt without more adoe , yeeld thy selfe , thy citie and territorie to the Constantinopolitane emperour , thou shalt deserue his fauour , and so saue thy selfe with that thou hast . But if thou otherwise aduised , shalt now refuse this grace , thou shalt neuer hereafter haue the like offer : but for euer vndoe thy selfe , thy wife and children , thy citisens and subiects in generall . Here is present a most mightie fleet with most valiant and victorious souldiours , furnished with all the habiliments of war requisite for battell or siege . Be warned by them of AEGINA , PAROS , and other thy neighbours , princes of the islands . Thy hap is good , if thou be not misaduised ; and warned by other mens harmes wilfully refuse to remedie thine owne ▪ and when thou mightest be safe , wilfully cast away thy selfe . This said , he was commaunded by the duke to stand aside , and a while to expect his answere : who with the chiefe of his subjects there present , but much troubled , and all full of heauinesse and sorrow , consulted what answere to make . But after they had according to the waightinesse of the cause and necessitie of the time fully debated the matter , it was with generall consent agreed , That for as much as they were not themselues of power to withstand so furious an enemie , neither to expect for helpe from others , they should therfore yeeld vnto the present necessitie , which otherwise threatned vnto them vtter destruction , and reserue themselues vnto better times . Whereupon answere was giuen vnto the messenger by the duke , That he was readie to yeeld himselfe vnto Solyman as his vassaile , and of him as of his soueraigne to hold his seignorie for the yearely tribute of fiue thousand duckats . Of which offer the Bassa accepted , receiuing in hand one yeares tribute . So was that notable island yeelded vnto the Turkish obeisance the 11 of Nouember this yeare 1537 : from whence Lutzis the proud Bassa laded with the rich spoile of the countries and islands he had passed by , returned to CONSTANTINOPLE with his fleet . Not long after , this great Bassa then in credit and authoritie next vnto Solyman himselfe , fell at ods with his wife , Solymans sister : for that he after the vnnaturall manner of those barbarous people kept in his house a most delicat youth , in whom he took more pleasure than in his wife . Which she being a woman of great spirit not able to endure , and knowing her husband by marrying of her to haue been from base degree aduanced vnto the highest honours that the emperour her brother could heape vpon him , in great rage reproued him with most bitter words , saying , That she had married him to be of him beloued , and vsed as his wife , and not contemptuously abused by his minions . Wherewith the Bassa moued , gaue her a blow on the eare , and caused her as a foolish and vnquiet woman to be shut vp in her chamber . But she not brooking such abuse , came weeping to Solyman her brother , and complaining of her husband , requested to be diuorsed from him , who made no better reckoning of her : And with her complaint so incensed Solyman , that he tooke from him his seale , and thrust him out of all his honorable promotions , and had vndoubtedly put him to death , had not the remembrance of his old loue and friendship staied his furie : Yet hauing vtterly disgraced him ; he banished him the court into MACEDONIA , where he spent the remainder of his loathed like as a poore priuat man : of whom Boisardus thus writeth . Quae tibi cum molli res est pollute Cynaedo : Cum cubet in Thalamis regia nympha tuis ? Ex humili fortuna loco te euexit in altum Ex alto maior saepe ruina venit . On daintie boies , thou filthie man , why doest thou fix thine eye : Whilest princely dame of roiall bloud , doth in thy chamber lie ? From base estate to honours height , blind fortune did thee call , And set thee vp with princes great , to worke thy greater fall . Solyman thus fallen out with the Venetians , as is aforesaid , to entangle them at once with war● in diuers places , commanded his lieutenants in euerie place bordering vpon any part of the Venetian seignorie , to vex and molest them with all hostilitie , which they did accordingly : In PELOPONESVS , Cassimes besieged NAVPLIVM and EPIDAVRVS , two strong cities of the Venetians : Barbarussa landing his men in DALMATIA , surprised the antient citie of BOTROTVS , belonging to the Venetians , carried away the citisens & rased the citie : OBROATIVM another citie of the Venetians in DALMATIA , called in auntient time ARGIRVTVM , with the castle of NADIN , were taken by Vstref , Solymans lieutenant in ILLYRIA . The Venetians thus inuaded on euerie side , requited them againe with the like : Pisaurius and Veturius ( the Venetian Admirals ) landing their men , besieged SCARDONA , a citie of the Turkes in the borders of DALMATIA , which they tooke by force , put the Turks to the sword , and ouerthrew the wals of the citie , because it should be no more a refuge vnto the Turks : They sent also one of their captaines called Gabriel Ribeus to besiege OBROATIVM ; who vpon the comming of Amurathes , one of Vstref his captaines , cowardly fled , and in flight lost most of his men ; for which his cowardise , Pisa●rius caused his head to be strucke off aboord the Admirall gally : And Camillus Vrsinus appointed by the Venetian state Gouernour of IADERA , a strong towne vpon the frontiers of their territorie in DALMATIA , tooke from the Turkes the towne of OSTROVIZZA , which he burnt downe to the ground : He recouered also OBROATIVM , which was a little before lost ; which by the commaundement of the Senat he vtterly rased , as a place not well to be kept against the enemie . The same Autumne that Solyman hauing wasted CORCYRA was returned to CONSTANTINOPLE , and the Venetians held warres with the Turkes for the townes and castles in DALMATIA : king Ferdinand receiued such an ouerthrow at EZEK by the Turkes , as a greater or more shamefull vnto the name of the Christians was hardly in that age seene ; if the losse of the choise souldiors and captaines of foure great nations , with the shamefull flight of the Generall be well considered . After the battell of MOHAHZ wherein king Lewes was lost ▪ the Turks hauing gotten the victorie , kept vnto themselues that part of HVNGARIE which is called POSS●GA , because thereby they had a fit passage from BELGRADE further into HVNGARIE . The two great riuers of Sauus and Dranus , running almost with equall distance from the West , taking with them diuers other smaller riuers , before they fall into the great riuer of Danubius Eastward , doe on both sides inclose this countrey of POSSEGA , being a rich and plentifull countrey , and wonderfull well peopled : It bordereth vpon the prouinces of CROATIA and COR●ANIA , which in times past were at continuall warres with the Turkes garrisons thereby in I●●YRIA and BOSNA . At that time one Mahometes a most valiant captaine of the Turks was Gouernour of BELGRADE , to whom for his approued valour and wisedome Solyman had committed the keeping of those frontiers , and the protection of the kingdome of HVNGARIE in the behalfe of king Iohn . He the yeare before had so vsed the matter , that what by force , what by pollicie , he had taken from the Christians aboue thirtie small castles in that country ( which was sometime part of the patrimonie of the Despot of RASCIA ) and had joyned them to the regiment of BOSNA ▪ One of these castles amongst the rest called EXEK , for the commodious situation thereof hee strongly fortified , as that which might giue him passage ouer the riuer Dranus into HVNGARIE : from whence he fet in infinit preyes out of king Ferdinands countrey neere vnto him . Yet was there at that time a certaine league betwixt Solyman and Ferdinand , which notwithstanding after the old custome of those countries for the exercise of the garrison souldiors , did beare with the taking of bootie , and light skirmishes without any breach thereof ; so that it were done without any great power or field pieces : which wrong named peace , Mathias and the auntient kings of HVNGARIE had of long time vsed with the Turks , doing them with their nimble light horsemen no lesse harme than they teceiued . But the Germans now vsing no such light horsemen , but seruing vpon great horses , and charged with heauie armour , receiued great hurt by those light skirmishes ; the Turkes with their light horses easily shunning their charge , and againe at their pleasure charging them afresh , when they saw the heauie German horses almost wearie and spent : by which meanes the German horsemen were oftentimes by the Turkes light horsemen ouerthrowne , and so either slaine or taken . King Ferdinand not well brooking these continuall injuries , and grieued in mind with the league which Solyman had to his profit made with him at his going into PERSIA , finding the same both vnprofitable and hurtfull to himselfe ; determined to take vp armes , with purpose , that if he could driue the Turks out of the countrey of POSSEGA , then forthwith to passe ouer Dranus , and to go directly to BVDA against king Iohn . It still stucke in his mind how that kingdome was taken from him by Solyman , and that more was ▪ as it were in disgrace of him and the house of AVSTRIA , bestowed vpon a stranger , which had neither right therto , nor was any way roially descended . Yet were there some which wished him not rashly to enter into armes against so mightie an enemie , as was not to be vanquished but by the vnited forces of all the Christian princes of EVROPE : For they foresaw that Solyman so prouoked , would not put it vp , but for the hatred he bare against the Christians , and for his owne honour seeke more cruell reuenge : as he had of late done against the Venetians , with whom vpon a light occasion he had broken a most auntient league , for sincking one or two of his gallies ; for which he would admit no excuse or satisfaction . All this Ferdinand knew to be true , yet all the people of his dominions lay so earnestly vpon him to take that warre in hand , that they said plainly , they would neuer beare armes more against the Turks , if he omitted that occasion . For they of CARINTHIA , STIRIA , CROATIA , and NORICVM , subject to the inuasion of the Turks , and daily receiuing great harmes , thought the Turks might easily be driuen out of POSSEGA , for as much as Mahometes had no great power nor like to haue any greater , Autumne being now almost spent . So , king Ferdinand with the wonderfull rejoycing of his subjects , caused souldiors to be taken vp in all parts of his kingdome , sending for most of his nobilitie and best captaines , as to a religious warre : and in a verie short space had raised a good armie ; yet supposed of greater strength than number , as consisting most of select men . The footmen were for most part Germans , to whom were ioyned as wings certaine companies of Italians , harquebusiers , whom Lewes Lodronius a valiant captaine and generall of the footmen had raised in RHETIA , and those parts of ITALIE which lie neere vnto the Alpes . The horsemen were of BOHEMIA , SILESIA , MORAVIA , STIRIA , CARINTHIA , and some also out of HVNGARIE , all conducted by their seuerall captaines : all these horsemen were in number eight thousand , but the footmen were sixteene thousand strong : with great store of artillerie of all sorts . This armie for the expertnesse and valour of the souldiours , was thought sufficient to haue met the greatest armie of the Turkes in field , if it had been conducted by a politick Generall , and ( as he had at other times been ) fortunat : which was one Iohn Cazzianer a noble man of CROATIA , whom as one of great experience and famous for the late defence of VIENNA , king Ferdinand had made Generall of his armie . For Ferdinand by the aduise of his best friends , neuer vsed to aduenture his person vnto the danger of any battell , especially against the Turkes , by whom many Christian kings had in former time been vanquished and slaine , but performed all his wars by his lieutenants : which he was thought to doe , not so much for want of courage , as moued with the fatall mishap of so many Christian kings Mahometes Gouernour of BELGRADE , vnderstanding of this preparation made against him , sent for diuers companies of the garrison souldiors , which lay vpon the borders neere hand ; he required aid of the gouernours of the Turkes prouince thereabouts ; and was especially holpen by Vsterf Gouernour of BOSNA , who of all Solymans lieutenants in EVROPE , was able to bring into the field most good horsemen : he sent him Amurathes a famous captain with a great companie of gallant horsemen , vnto whom were joyned certaine companies of footmen of the wild and mountaine people of DALMATIA , entertained for pay ; which rough and rude kind of people were gouerned and kept in order by certaine companies of Ianizaries , drawne out of the garrison townes as far as BELGRADE and SAMANDRIA : after them followed many out of SERVIA & RASCIA , some for pay , some for prey . The Turks receiuers liberally paying to such as were willing to serue , two months pay beforehand . Neither wanted he aid of the Hungarians from BVDA : so that the Turkish gouernours on euery side putting to their helping hands , Mahometes had in short time gathered such an armie , as for number and strength was not much inferior to king Ferdinands , and resolued to expect the comming of his enemies at EXEK . Cazzianer was now come as farre on his way as CAPRVNZA , a towne vpon the riuer Dranus ; hauing before well and conueniently prouided for the victualling of his armie , if they whom he put in trust and had taken the matter vpon them , had with like speed and diligence performed their charge : for they were the cheefe men of all the countrey , who all followed the direction of Simon , bishop of ZAGRABIA : who enflamed with zeale aboue measure , or els for want of judgement deceiued , had promised to serue the whole campe with plentie of victuals at a very low rare . Which thing the countrey people which were to bring in the victuall , some by waggon , some by boats alongst the riuers , many difficulties now arising , were not able to performe : which was not to be remedied , by reason of the neerenesse of the enemie , and also for that Mahometes with small gallies in both riuers , and his troupes of horsemen pricking vp and downe the countrey , did either stay the countrey people from bringing of victuall , or els allured them for a greater price to bring it to his owne campe : where they receiued for it readie money ▪ Cazzianer setting forward from CAPRVNZA , hardly came in ten daies to the castle of VERVCZA , which is about fortie miles distant from CAPRVNZA , being enforced to make short marches , by reason of the troublesome carriage of seuen great peeces of artillerie for batterie . The wiser sort began euen then to misdoubt the want of victuall both for the reasons before alledged , and for that such victuall as was looked for , came not , although they had marched very softly ; so that they were then enforced to spend such victuall as they had prouided , not for the beginning , but for the difficulties of a long protracted warre . Wherefore Cazzianer writ sharpely to the bishop , and the other which had taken vpon them the charge of prouiding victuall for the armie , commaunding them to vse all possible diligence and speed , and not to let the hope of a notable victorie to be lost through their negligence , for want of victuall rather than the valor of the enemie . In the meane time Cazzianer thought good there to stay , and to expect the comming of the victuall , sending before him Paulus Bachitius with a thousand Hungarian light horsemen , and certaine companies of Italian harquebusiers , as farre as the castle of ZOPIA , to the intent , that he might of such prisoners as he could take , learne something of the enemies purpose . The Turkes in the castle of ZOPIA descrying the comming of Bachitius , and thinking the whole armie of the Christians had beene there at hand , set fire on the castle , which they thought they could not keepe , and by boats fled downe the riuer Dranus . Yet for all their hast Bachitius took some of them in their flight : of whom Cazzianer learned that which hee before knew by his owne espials , how that Mahometes and the Turkes lay encamped at EXEK , with a full resolution to giue him battell . Cazzianer setting forward againe , still keeping alongst the riuer Dranus , came in eight dayes to the castle of WALPO : where by the way he was glad to stay seuen dayes at the riuer Crassus , which falleth into Dranus , vntill such time as a bridge was made for the transporting of his armie , for that the riuer was not to be waded ouer : in which time Cazzianer entred oftentimes into counsell with the other captaines , what course to hold for the better proceeding in that warre . Where diuers men were of diuers opinions , some said it were best to leaue ▪ EXEK , and to besiege a castle of the enemies thereby , called VILLACH : others more wearie than the rest , were of opinion , That it were better there to stay , vntill the rest of the aid and the victuall which they dayly expected , were come . But the greater number , which also preuailed , vrged the first determination of going directly to the enemie at EXEK , for that longer delay would but breed further danger : and there was in the campe ( as they said ) both strength and victuall sufficient for the obtaining of the victorie , if they would make an end of their needlesse consultations , and not protract the warre vntill Winter were come on ; whereby they did nothing els , but cause the souldiors to thinke that they were afraid to meet the enemie , and secretly to steale away backe againe into their countries : Whereas if they would like resolute men march on forward against the enemie , who at other times trusting most vnto his multitudes , and now hauing no great power , would neuer abide the sight of the Christian armie , bringing with it so much artillerie , but would forthwith forsake the place , and neuer shew his face : for as much as the Christian men at arms would ( as they said ) easily breake thorow and ouerthrow the naked Turkish horsemen , if they durst abide the field . The young soldiors , who as yet had neuer made proofe of the Turks manner of fight , did with such cheerefulnesse like of this resolution , that they thought two dayes staying a long delay of so readie and easie a victorie . Wherefore it was resolued vpon presently to set forward , and therupon the armie was mustered : where , vpon view taken , there was found to be ten thousand horsemen ( for diuers troupes of Germans were come to the campe , after the time of the first setting forward of the armie : ) a more gallant companie of horsemen , both for the strength of their horses , and goodly furniture of the men , had seldome been seene in an armie so suddenly raised . But the footmen , selected out of all the prouinces , was greatly deminished , being now in number scarce eight thousand strong : for many were sicke in the campe , others wearie of the long journy , lingering behind , were stolne away ; and generally all they which were left , moyled with dirt and myre , by reason of the deepenesse of the rotten way , wet thorow with raine , and almost statued with cold , and therto pincht with hunger , were thought scarce able to endure the hardnesse of the present war. After that , commaundement was giuen , That euery souldior should carrie with him three dayes victuall : and proclamation made ▪ That no man should vpon pain of death take any Turke prisoner , although he yeelded himselfe , or charge himselfe with any spoile before the battell were fully ended ; for as much as the captaines would afterwards deuide the spoile of the enemie amongst the souldiors . This proclamation thus made thorow the campe , they set forward towards EXEK : & the third day they came to a certaine valley , about three miles from EXEK , where they encamped . The next day a companie of Turkes shewed themselues , which was by the great ordinance repulsed . The day following the enemie sallied out of the towne and skirmished oftentimes with the Christians : in which skirmishes many were slaine on both sides , but moe wounded of the Christians , for that the Turkes had pollitickely mingled certaine Ianizaries harquebus●ers , and archers , with their horsemen ; who vsed to that manner of fight , sore gauled the Christian horsemen . For which cause the Generall forbad all such light skirmishes , as purposing to keepe his strength whole against the generall day of battell : commaunding his cannoniers so to place the great ordinance , as might most annoy the enemie , if he should shew himselfe by troupes within the danger of the shot : which was so well performed , that the Turkes sallying forth , receiued thereby great hurt , the deadly shot flying thorow the middest of their companies . The same day Symon bishop of ZAGRA●IA came into the campe with his horsemen , and a certaine prouision of victuall , whereby the feare of the want before conceiued , was well eased . Mahometes perceiuing that the Christians were not longer to be drawne to those harmefull skirmishes , but that he must bring his men in danger of the great shot : to annoy them by another meanes , sent many small boats , manned with harquebusiers and small pieces of ordinance , into the lake neere vnto the campe , so to keepe the Christians from watering there , and with those small pieces shot oftentimes into the campe . Neere vnto the valley where the Christians lay , was a hill , whereupon stood a village , wherein were placed certaine companies of Turks , to skirmish as occasion should serue with the Christians : for displacing of whom the whole armie was put in order of battell , and the great artillerie bent vpon them , that they should not with their light skirmishes , after the manner of the Turkish fight , trouble the order of the armie . Which thing the Turks perceiuing , and that they were not able to hold the place , set fire on the towne , and so retired to EXEK . The Christians keeping on their march , came to the top of the hill , from whence they might see EXEK stand about two miles off in a faire plaine , neere vnto the banke of Dranus : all which low ground betwixt the hill and EXEK , was so subject to the castle , that it was thought a matter too full of danger to attempt that way to batter the castle , and to expose the armie to the ineuitable furie of the enemies shot . Wherefore descrying a rising ground on the further side of the citie , equall with the top of the wals , they thought it best to remoue their campe thither , and on that side to plant their batterie against the citie . But to come to that place , was thought a matter of no small trouble ▪ for they must set a compasse three miles on the right hand thorow a forrest by a foule and troublesome way , before they could come to the place they desired : for the armie was not so great , as to besiege the citie round ; wherein were not ( as is reported ) aboue sixteen thousand men : neither was there such store of victuals in the campe , but that the armie was like soone to feele the want thereof , without a continuall supplie , whch would hardly be had , the enemie still besetting euery passage , and with their light horsemen scouring about all the countrey , of purpose to keepe them from victuall . For which cause , some were of opinion , That it were best for them there to stay where they were , vntill such time as both more aid and better store of victuals were come vnto them : but others of contrary mind , said the enemie was but barely stored with victuall himselfe , and therefore could not long hold out , which they said they vnderstood by certaine Christian fugitiues ; and that Mahometes had put his cheefe substance into certaine boats , to be conueyed downe the riuer , as purposing to flie , and would not hold out the siege aboue three dayes : As for the forrest , they thought it would well ynough be passed thorow , if they would couragiously set forward : Beside that , the time of the yeare suffered no delay , Winter comming so fast on , that except some notable thing were done quickly , they should be enforced by the very time of the yeare to returne with shame , without doing any thing . This opinion was best liked of , as more honourable and better beseeming men of valour , than to lie still in one place : whereupon the next day the armie remoued , and in good order marched thorow the forrest . Which thing Mahometes quickly perceiuing , presently sent forth a thousand light horsemen , and certaine companies of the Ianizaries , harquebusiers , to trouble the Christians in their passage : who by a neerer and well knowne way ouertaking the armie , suddenly charged the rereward , wherein the Italians and Bohemians marched . The Bohemians quickly fled , and the Italians with much adoe endured the charge : but being relieued by the Carinthian men at armes , they notably repulsed the Turks , and put them to flight . So the armie with small losse passed the forrest , and came to the place they desired : where after they had encamped themselues , and in good order placed all things needfull for the siege , they in seemely order offered vnto the enemie battell . But he keeping himselfe within the towne , shot at the Christians with his great ordinance : and they to requite him , with two great pieces which they had placed vpon the rising of a hill , shot thorow both the wals of the towne and the bulwarke also , to the great terrour of the defendants . The Christians in the meane time hauing stood almost all the day in order of battell in the sight of the enemie , vainely expecting when he should come forth to giue them battell , returned at night into their campe : For Mahometes vpon great consideration kept in his soldiors , although they were most desirous to fight , vnderstanding right well of the want of victuall in the Christian campe ; and beside that ( as the fugitiues reported ) being straightly commanded by letters from Solyman , that he should not vpon paine of a most shamefull death forsake the place , but to defend it to the last . Now the Christians desirous of battell , being thus delaied and deceiued of their expectation , had in a few dayes spent the small store of victuals they had , and began to feele a generall want : neither was there any apparent meanes how they should be releeued , so that euery man began to feare some generall mischeefe to ensue . When Balthasar Pamphilus , a noble Hungarian , and a captaine of great experience , sitting in counsell with the rest , entred into this speech . Captaines ( said he ) we doe all that we doe , vnaduisedly : for whilest we consult at large how wee may ouercome our enemies , the strength of our armie is in the meane time so weakened for want of victuall , that the souldiors are neither well able to stand on their legs , nor to hold their weapons in their feeble hands : and generally , euen they which are of greatest courage begin now to quaile , and despairing of battell , see that they must miserably and shamefully perish for want . Wherefore in my opinion , we ought first and aboue all things most speedily to prouide for this want , which so greeuously pincheth vs : and presently to remooue hence vnto the castle of HERMANDE , that with the prouision thereof , which is not like to be little , we may refresh our whole armie ; and so releeued , to proceed further as occasion shall require . This castle was about ten miles distant from EXEK , whereinto many of the Turks had conueyed their wiues and children , and cheefest substance , being kept with a small garrison of twentie Turks . Fast by the castle was a pretie little walled towne , without flankers , after the manner of the old fortifying : which towne and castle Balthazer said would easily be taken . This his counsell was well liked of all men , and he himselfe sent with certaine companies of souldiors to take the towne . Wherein fortune so fauoured him , that it was at his first comming surrendered vnto him : but when he had it , he ●ound not therin any such store of corne or victuall as he had hoped for : yet he tooke there certaine vessels of wine , to the great reliefe of the weake souldiors . Vpon the newes of the taking of this towne , the campe remoued from EXEK about ten a clocke in the night , but so disorderly , that the souldiors scarce knowing their owne ensignes ; seemed rather to haue fled for feare than marched for spoile : yet the Turkes for all that moued not out of EXEK , misdoubting some deceit , and loath to attempt any thing rashly in the night . When the armie was come to the towne , the captains tooke order , that the victuall there found , was equally deuided amongst the souldiors , and the next morning batterie laid against the castle ; which those few Turkes valiantly defended halfe a day , and then by composition yeelded it . But when the castle was taken , there was found in it but two barrels of meale , and other two of millet . Then might a man haue seene the captains themselues hanging their heads as men strucken with a sudden feare , who in steed of a great prey & victuall to haue serued many daies , found nothing but a few women and children , and scarce so much victuall both in the towne and castle , as would serue the army two daies . Yet they dissembled the matter , and fed the souldiors with hope of better store , after the bridge were once repaired , that they might passe the riuer of Bodrog , which ran by the town : which bridge the Turks had before ( for defence of themselues ) broken , by plucking vp of certaine piles , and taking away of the planks : wherefore the Carpenters being set on worke and euerie man putting to his helping hand , the bridge was with continuall labour in three daies repaired . The fourth day , the wagons and smaller pieces of ordinance passed ouer the bridge , and after them six of the great pieces for batterie : but the bridge ouercharged with the seuenth , which was of a wonderfull waight , and much greater than the rest , began to breake : so that the captaines were enforced to breake that faire piece of ordinance , and so by pieces to carrie it away , that the enemie should not get so great a spoile . All things being thus well passed ouer , the piles were againe cut downe , and the plancks strucke off , to the intent the enemie should not that way pursue them : and other way was there none , but to fetch a compasse about the great lake which was many miles about . Here the captaines began to consult , whether it were best to breake the great pieces of ordinance , that so they might more speedily march away , or not . Of which opinion was Cazzianer himselfe , promising of his owne charge to new cast them . As for the scaling ladders , and such other like things prouided for the siege , they burnt , because they should not come into the enemies hand , or trouble themselues in their march . But most of the captaines were opinion , that it was not best so dishonourably to breake those goodly pieces , the greatest ornament and defence of their countrey ; but to hold on their march thorow POSSEGA , vntill they came to IUVANCHA , where they should find great store both of corne and wine : which towne , with the castle of GARA fast by it , stored with all kind of prouision , they said would easily be taken before the Turkes could possibly come so far about the lake from EXEK : and that it were a great shame , so to returne without doing any thing . Cazzianer thus persuaded , set forward , and with great toile ( by reason of the deepnesse of the way and heauinesse of the great ordinance ) came by night to IUVANCHA , which was but three miles off : where the Turkes hauing with incredible celeritie passed a long journey , arriued at the same time also . Neere vnto this castle was a little towne , out of which all the Turkes were fled : the townesmen being Christians , opened the gates and receiued in the souldiors ; who there filled themselues abundantly with wine , and could hardly be driuen out thence by their captaines to the campe . The same night the Turkes burnt the same towne , and whatsoeuer the Christians had therein left . And euerie man betooke him to his armour in the campe , for the enemie was now at hand : and in the dawning of the day began hoatly to skirmish in diuers places with the Christians , but especially in that quarter of the campe where the Bohemians lay . Wherewith Petrus Raschinius Generall of the Bohemians being grieued , set vpon them with a troupe of his best horsemen , and enforced them to flie : But the Turkes after the manner of their fight , quickly returning againe , and relieued by the comming in of their fellowes , beset the Bohemians on euerie side , and slew many of them . Raschinius the Generall fighting most valiantly , was there slaine with his followers . The Christian captaines purposing to retire home , placed on each side of the armie foure rankes of wagons for defence on both sides : in the vauward were placed the weake and sicke men , yet so , that in the front of the armie were certaine companies of lustie tall souldiors : but in the rearward was placed the greatest strength both of horse and foot . The armie thus marching as it were on both sides intrenched , as it oftentimes met with wooddie hils which hindred their way , so did the same fitly serue the Christians , that the Turkes could not conueniently assaile them in their march , both before and behind . Which thing Mahometes perceiuing , sent before certaine companies of Ianizaries and nimble footmen , which knew the countrey and the passages well , with certaine faulconets and other small pieces to take the straits whereby the armie was to passe , and so to gaul them in their passage ; and when they could keepe the place no longer , to flie backe to another , and so from place to place : and in the open places he had his troupes of light horsemen , which were euer busie in one place or another of the armie . By which meanes the Christians in their march receiued much harme , which grieued them the more , for that no great power of the Turkes was any where to be seene togither , but stragling companies ; which as they were commaunded , sometime would come on with a fierce charge , and by and by retire againe , and with their arrowes and faulcon shot , from places of aduantage assaile them . At one of these straits somewhat bigger than the rest , Paulus Bachitius one of the Hungarian captaines , in whom the souldiors generally reposed their greatest trust , was slaine with a faulcon shot , with diuers other of the valiant Hungarians ; who seeing there a greater number of the Turks than they had seene in other places , thought to haue done some good seruice vpon them : His death brought a generall feare vpon the whole armie , for as much as both then and at other times , without him they neuer had any good successe against the Turkes . Yet in that skirmish , the Hungarians to reuenge the death of their captaine , did with such force repulse the enemie , that they caused him after he had lost many of his men , to run away and leaue his small field pieces behind him . But such was the weaknesse or cowardise of the Christian footmen , and the agilitie of the Turks , especially the Ianizaries , that they with their shot out of the woods , staied the Hungarian horsemen from the pursuit of their fellowes , and recouered their small field pieces before they could be carried away by the Christian footmen : wherewith they did againe forerun the armie , and still trouble it as before . The Chistians beset with these dangers , and almost spent for want of victuall , seeing no meanes to relieue their weake bodies , nor any small hope to comfort their fainting spirits , did generally feare some extreame calamitie to ensue : and so much the more , for that it was reported , that Mahometes still expected fresh supplies from BELGRADE , SAMANDRIA and NICOPOLIS : and many of the Hungarian light horsemen stole away from them , as carefull of their owne safetie : neither did they see any comfort in the dismaied captaines , who at other times were woont with cheerfull and couragious words to relieue the souldiors , if they saw them any thing discouraged . But when they were come into a faire open field neere vnto a towne called GARA , they were aduertised , That the enemie had in the woods before them whereby they were to passe , cut downe great trees crosse the waies , so that neither their great ordinance nor wagons , nor yet their horsemen could possibly passe that way but that they must needs breake their order . This once bruted thorow the armie , filled them all with heauinesse and desperation : and so much the more , for that Ladislaus Morcus , and others which knew the countrey well , said there was but two waies to escape : the one thorow the woods about ten miles space to WALPO , which by reason of the trees cut downe crosse the waies by the Turkes was not to be passed , but they must needs leaue behind them their great ordinance and carriages : the other towards the castle of ZENTHVERZEBETH , which was in Ladislaus Moreus his countrey , certaine miles distant from GARA : by taking of which way , the enemie by reason of the straightnesse of the passage , must of necessitie be enforced to giue ouer his pursuit . Yet for all that , it was in counsell resolued vpon , to take the way thorow the woods to WALPO , for that there was there victuall enough , and in the castle of WALPO was kept money sent from king Ferdinand , sufficient to pay the souldiors for all that Winter . And so leauing the great ordinance behind them , and burning the pouder and whatsoeuer else could not well be carried on horseback , to set forward with all speed : As for the trees , they said , they would be well enough remoued , and the way opened by the pioners and wagoners : wherefore euery captain was commanded to haue his soldiors in readinesse to set forward vpon the signe giuen ; which was by the sound of a shalme or hoboy , which when it should be giuen , was referred to the discretion of the Generall . There were many which wonderfully disliked of this resolution , and said openly , that the enemie was fewer in number than their horsemen , and pinched almost with like want of victuall : besides that , that the Turks durst neuer in just fight encounter with the Christian men at armes , but like theeues assaile them vpon a sudden at some aduantage , and by and by be gone againe : and that the towne of GARA where the enemie lay encamped , was not so strong but that it might be woon : wherefore all things were to be proued , and some great matter to be attempted of valiant men , p●●ched with wants : for that to run away , would be not onely a dishonour vnto the captaines themselues , who ought alwaies to preferre their honor before their liues ; but also dangerous to them , which respected nothing but life . And if they should set forward in the night , many would be lost in the woods ; and valour in the darke could not be knowne from cowardise : besides that , the Turkes ( as they said ) lay so nigh , that it was not possible to depart without their knowledge , especially if they should burne the powder , or breake the great ordinance . For which causes , they thought it better to fight a battell with them , and not to beleeue the false reports of new supplies come vnto them ; and that God would vndoubtedly giue them aid , which were readie to lay downe their liues for their religion and glorie of the Christian name . After all this , they began to consult what was now to be done with the sicke and wounded souldiors , which were before carried in wagons or amongst the other baggage of the armie : for it was like , that so great a multitude of sicke and wounded men , vnderstanding what was decreed concerning the departure of the armie , would as miserable forsaken men , fill the campe with lamentation and mourning ; which it was thought would be also increased by the weeping and wailing of them , which should neuer afterwards see their brethren , kinsmen , fellowes or friends , so miserably and shamefully left behind and forsaken : the noise whereof , must needs come to the eares of the Turkes , which lay within a small gun shot . Wherefore it was determined , that these sicke and wounded souldiors should be carried vpon the wagon and cart-horses ; and that such as were not able to stay themselues , should be holden vp by other of more strength riding behind them vpon the buttocks of the horse . In fiue to colour the matter , they which were so desirous to go , said that this their manner of departure grounded vpon good reason , was not to be accounted a shamefull flight ( as some would tearme it ) but a right honest and necessarie manner of retiring : for as much as they were stronger than their enemies in horsemen , and equall also ( if not stronger ) in footmen , although they were sore weakned with sicknesse . Whilest these things were in counsell diuersly discoursed , and the resolution set downe as is before said , the matter was brought to this passe , that euerie captaine with troubled judgement conceiued in himselfe secret cogitations , far from the common good , and without regard of shame and dishonour , bethought himselfe how he might betake himselfe to flight , the vncertaine hope of desired life . On the contrarie part , Mahometes ▪ vsing most certaine spies , and aduertised euerie houre of all the distresses of the Christians , and thereby presaging his future victorie ; did by most diligent watch and troupes of horsemen , besetting the passages farre and neere , most vigilantly attend euerie motion in the Christian campe : of purpose , that when the armie should rise and set forward , he after his wonted manner might in the straits ( fit for his purpose ) set vpon them being deuided and dispersed one from another , as they must needs in those troublesome passages : for he had so placed his horsemen and footmen in the knowne tracts of those woods , that he had shut vp the Christians as it were in a toile ▪ It was now almost midnight , and the armie taking no rest , so carefully expected the signe of setting forward , that euerie little delay seemed to most men both tedious and dangerous : so that many great captaines vpon a cowardly conceit would stay no longer , but hasted to depart , and to go before the rest , without any leaue of the Generall . The beginning of this mischieuous departure , is reported to haue been begun by the common Hungarian horsmen , which knowing the passages and waies thorow the woods , made most hast to WALPO . Ladislaus M●rcus dishonourably following their example , went the other way to his castle ZENTHVERZEBETH . After them followed in great hast the Stirian horsemen , without regard of shame , led by Iohn Hanganot their Generall , who was appointed to haue guarded the rearward . Symon bishop of ZA●HA●IA fled in like manner , knowne by his great lanterne wandring in the wood : yet with lesse shame than the rest , because he being a clergie man , thought it not to belong to his vocation to put on armes , or to go into battell . In the meane time it was fearefully told to Cazzian●r , That the Hungarian horsemen were fled , and that Ladislaus and Hunganot , with the S●irian troupes were gone also , and that all the rest of the armie not expecting the appointed signall , were in like manner vpon flying ▪ With which report , the cowardly and dismaied Generall wa● so ●●rrified , that he presently got to horse , quite forgetting the signall ▪ he should haue giuen ( for that he thought all the rest , as he afterwards said , to haue been gone before ) and as he was , vnarmed , betooke himselfe to flight , leauing behind him for hast his tent stored with plate and other rich furniture . In this tumult of them which so disorderly fled , Lodronius that famous captaine was called vp , and told by his seruants , that the Generall was fled and gone ▪ to whom he answered againe , without doubt it cannot be so , that I should be so shamefully and perfidiously betraied of him : and so as a man megred with long watching & painfull labour , laid himselfe downe againe to sleepe . Not long after , Mahometes hearing the stir that was in the campe , rise with his Turks to assaile his enemies : yet to be better assured what the enemie did , he thought it good to stay for day light , causing his men to stand still in order of battell , and with wonderfull silence to expect the signe of setting forward , which was giuen by the soft sound of a horsemans drum passing thorow euerie companie . For the old captaine acquainted with many battels against the Christians , doubting of their faigned flight , would not vnaduisedly be drawne into battell , but in a place commodious for his souldiours ; as one before ●ully set downe ( after his wonted manner ) to performe that seruice , not by the hazard of one set battell , but by dallying off the time with often skirmishes , when he could take the enemie at aduantage . The day appearing , Lodronius againe awaking , heard a certaine confused noise of the Turkes , and withall , saw himselfe forsaken of the greatest part of the horsemen : whereupon he complained in vaine , that he was betraied : yet for all that he was nothing discouraged , but cheered vp the footmen , exhorting them to remember their former valour , and to resolue with themselues only with courage to ouercome the danger , which hard fortune had at that time brought them into ; for that valiant men were rather to thinke of an honourable death than shamefull flight , whereby whether they should escape with life or not , was vncertaine : As for himselfe , who had been their happie Generall in many battels , he said he was resolutely set downe by repulsing the enemie to bring them into place of safetie , or else valiantly fighting togither with them to end his daies . As Lodronius was yet thus encouraging the footmen , the horsemen of CARINTHIA , SAXONIE , AVSTRIA and BOHEMIA , who mindfull of their duetie , had in vaine expected the appointed signall from the Generall , came to Lodronius as vnto the most valiant captaine , beseeching him , in steed of their treacherous Generall , to take vpon him the place : promising to doe whatsoeuer he commaunded , and to fight as men against those infidels for their religion and king , so long as they were able to hold vp their weapons . Lodronius would in no case accept of that honour so franckly offered , modestly protesting himselfe vnworthie thereof : Yet as a man of courage , and moued with the hard estate of such an armie , he with a solemne protestation promised to execute the place in the best manner he could , and so did as long as his fortune gaue him leaue . It is reported , that as Lodronius was encouraging the footmen , and earnestly inuaying against shamefull flight , an old German souldior was so bold , as bluntly , yet sharpely to say vnto him : Worthy Lodronius , thou canst neuer be thought to flie shamefully , with a horse of such a price vnder thee . Lodronius perceiuing the old souldiors meaning , alighted , and with his sword hoxed his horse : saying alowd , This day valiant souldiors , shall you haue me both your Generall and fellow souldior , fighting on foot as one of your selues : see now that you deceiue no● my expectation , but let vs either with glorious victorie or honourable death end this warre togither , yet so , as that we die not vnreuenged . All his other horses he gaue away vnto such sicke and wounded souldiors as he best knew , amongst whom was one Picenard of CREMONA , a captaine who was then in an extreame fit of an ague , and had hardly escaped the hands of the enemie . The first troupes of horsemen and bands of footmen , were scarcely out of the campe with their ensignes , but the Turkes comming on with a hideous crie , assailed them on euerie side , and many sharpe skirmishes were giuen vnto the horsemen as they marched , with such euent , that the Christians sometime valiantly receiuing the enemies charge ; and sometime charging them againe ▪ repulsed the proud enemie still busie with them . In these continuall skirmishes , Antius Mace● F●●hstat , Generall of the Carinthian horsemen , fighting valiantly was slaine , being for his braue ( armou● supposed by the Turkes to haue beene the Generall of the field . And by like mishap ●oure and twentie horsemen of great name were slaine also , and their guidon taken ; amongst these were three noblemen , Andreas Reschius , Christophorus Hernaus , and Georgius Himelberg●● . In another place was made a most cruell skirmish with the Saxon horsemen , and them of 〈◊〉 , THVRINGIA and FRANCONIA , who followed the Saxons ensigne : of these , fighting most valiantly , was slaine aboue 36 worthie captaines , lieutenants , or ancients ; and Chuenri●●● a principall captaine of the Saxons taken , who afterwards died in bonds ●mongst the Turks . Amongst them which were slaine , Sebastianus Methes●us , and Iacobus Scullemburgh were of greatest nobilitie . In like manner the horsemen of AVSTRIA couragiously resisting the enemie for a space , were in the end ouerthrowne : where amongst them was slaine two valiant noblemen , Fettaius and Hofchirchius , with diuers other men of great place and reputation both in their own countrey and abroad . But the greatest slaughter was made amongst the Bohemian horsemen , vpon whom ( being disordered by the Ianizaries harquebusiers ) the Turkish troupes of the old garrison souldiors breaking in with their scimitars and heauie yron mases , made a most bloudie execution . The battell of footmen being sore gauled , and almost disordered in their march by certaine companies of Ianizaries and archers of the Asapi , who from a woodie banke of a marrish discharged their shot and arrowes continually vpon them , yet neuer comming to handy blows , was on the other side so hardly charged by Amurathes with his troupes of horsemen of BOSNA , that being not able longer to keepe order , it was at last by him broken and cut in peeces : where the Turks with their swords and hatchets slew the poore Christians without mercie . Lodronius himselfe carried away with the breaking in and force of the horsemen , was driuen into a marrish : where after that he being sore wounded , and almost fast in the deepe mud , had done the vttermost of that his last endeuour ; he by the faire entreatie of the Turks persuading him rather to yeeld , than there to be slaine , so yeelded himselfe , that he with three companies which were with him , after they had laid downe their weapons , were all saued as valiant souldiors : for now the mercilesse Turkes embrued with the Christian bloud , were wearie of slaughter , and began greedily to seeke after the spoile , hunting after them , who flying dispersedly , thought themselues to haue escaped the enemies hands ; with such successe , that a great number of them was taken and led away for slaues : few of the footmen escaped , and almost all the rest which were not fled before the battell , were to be seene dead vpon the ground . This shamefull ouerthrow at EXEK was reported to haue exceeded the most grieuous ouerthrowes that the Christians had receiued in any former time : for the flower both of horse and foot there lost by the rashnesse and fault of an vnluckie Generall , rather than by the valor of the enemie , ruthfully perished ; so that many prouinces were filled with heauinesse and mourning . For it neuer chanced before , as was to be seene by the vnfortunat battels of Sigismund the emperour , and king Ladislaus , that the Turks got such a victorie without some losse : so that they which fell almost vnreuenged at EXEK , may seeme to haue augmented that losse by the great infamie thereof . Mahometes hauing thus almost without the bloud of his souldiors obtained so great a victorie , and taken the spoile of the Christian campe , pitched his tents in a little meddow , being cleansed of the dead bodies , and after he had merrily feasted with his captaines , commanded the cheefe prisoners , the goodly spoiles , and fairest ensignes to be brought vnto him : and openly commending the captaines who had that day done any good seruice , commaunding diuers bags of money to be brought vnto him by the receiuers , he with his owne hand rewarded the souldiors , some with gold , some with siluer , according to their deserts : And causing all the prisoners which were not common souldiors to be brought forth , he diligently viewed them , and presently caused euery one of their names , and the office they bare , to be enrolled by his clarkes : and vnto such as brought in the heads , eares , or hands of the Christians with rings vpon them , he forthwith caused one reward or other to be giuen . Lodronius , when as by reason of his deadly wounds he was thought vnable to endure trauell , or to be brought aliue with the other prisoners to CONSTANTINOPLE , was slaine by his keepers , and his head afterwards sent thither . For as many noble gentlemen , and amongst others Laurentius Streiperg and Dietmarus Losenstaine haue reported ( who raunsomed afterwards , returned home againe to their wiues and children ) amongst the prisoners which were together with the faire ensignes and other gallant warlike furniture ( especially gilt amour and headpeeces ) presented by Mahometes his messengers to Solyman , three of the greatest captaines heads were in a siluer bason there seene and knowne , which were the heads of Paulus Bachitius the valiant Hungarian captaine , Antius Macer Generall of the Carinthian horsemen , and Lodronius Generall of the footmen : which after the tyrant had looked asquint vpon , as abhorring that loathsome sight , hee with sterne countenance commaunded all the prisoners to be slaine . But vpon the intercession of the Ianizaries , who intreated for them , as valiant men , to whom they had at the time of their taking giuen their faith , and might afterwards doe him good seruice , he chaunged his countenance , and saued many of them . But Cazzianer flying to his owne castle , was of all men accused , as a wicked forsaker of his owne campe and ensignes , and commonly railed vpon , as the eternall infamie of his countrey , and author of the publike calamitie : so that it was reported , that he durst neither go abroad nor shew his face for shame . He was so generally hated , that infamous libels , made against him and the other captaines which had shamefully fled as he did , were commonly sung in the streets by boyes in all the cities of GERMANIE . Wherewith he was so much grieued , that he requested of king Ferdinand , that he might safely come to the court , to answere whatsoeuer could be laid against him : which his request the king easily graunted , and when he came to the court receiued him with doubtfull countenance . But when the hearing of his cause was by the king somewhat longer protracted than he would haue had it , and he in the meane time kept vnder safe custodie ; impatient of such delay , and halfe doubtfull whether he should be quitted or condemned , thought it better to flie than to abide the triall . So faigning himselfe sicke , and scraping vp by little and little with his knife a bricke pauement vnder his bed , and so in the night getting out first one bricke , and after that another , at length brake thorow the vault , and with his sheets letting himselfe downe , escaped , hauing post horses readie for him without the castle . Not long after , as he was a man of a hastie and vnconstant nature , despairing of his estate , he fled to the Turkes , Mahometes gladly receiuing him , and beside his great entertainement , promising him the gouernment of all CROATIA , in manner of a tributarie king , if he would faithfully serue Solyman , and helpe him in the subduing of the cities of AVSTRIA . After he had agreed vpon all the conditions of his reuolt , that he might returne to Mahometes with some more credit , he began boldly to deale with Nicholaus Sirenus , a noble man of CROATIA , and his deere friend as he supposed , to reuolt with him ; assuring him , that Solyman would deale as kindly with them both ; as he had before with king Iohn in the kingdome of HVNGARIE . Sirenus promised him he would , or at least made as if he promised to do what he desired , and so agreed as it were vpon the matter , promising to goe ouer with him to the Turke with a troupe of his best and most trustie horsemen . But Sirenus considering with himselfe the heinousnesse and impietie of so great an offence , changing his purpose , chose rather to deale trecherously with his old friend , fearing no such thing in his house , than to offend both against God and his prince . Wherefore after he had well feasted Cazzianer at his house , he as a most cruell hoast , caused him to be slaine , and sent his head to king Ferdinand : in reward whereof he receiued of the kings gift Cazzianer his castle , with all his substance . In the meane time the Venetians , prouoked by the Turks with diuers injuries both by sea and land ( when as Solyman but a little before hardly besieging CORCYRA , and with most barbarous crueltie wasting the island , had broken the league , and euen then by his lieutenant Cassimes Bassa besieged EPIDAVRVS and NAVPLIVM , two of their cities in PELOPONESVS ) resolued without delay to make warres likewise vpon him , who for a small trespas would admit no excuse or recompence . Wherunto they were also animated both by Charles the emperour , and Paulus the great Bishop : who warned by the late and dangerous attempts of Solyman and Barbarussa , thought it more for the safetie of their estates , by giuing aid to the Venetians to keepe the Turks busied farther off , than to suffer them to acquaint themselues too much with the ports of ITALIE or SICILIA . Wherefore all the Winter following they laboured by their embassadours to set downe what number and what manner of ships , what souldiours , what money , was to be prouided , and how to be according to their estates apportioned for the setting forth of a strong fleet , against the next Summer to be sent into GRaeCIA against the Turks . At last it was agreed amongst these confederat princes by their embassadours at ROME , That the emperour should furnish and set forth fourescore and two gallies , the Venetians the like number , and the bishop six and thirtie , to make vp the number of two hundred gallies ; that the Venetians should lend vnto the bishop so many gallies readie rigged as he should desire to be furnished by him with marriners and souldiors ; and that the emperour and the state of GENVA should find sufficient shipping for the transportation of the land forces and victuall . The Generals also of this great fleet to be set forth , were at the same time appointed . Andreas Auria for the emperour , Vincentius Capellus for the Venetians , and Marcus Grimmanus patriarch of AQVILBA , for the Bishop ; to whom was joyned Paulus Iustinianus , one of the cheefe Senators , a man of great experience in sea matters . It was also agreed , that Ferdinand Gonzaga viceroy of SICILIE should haue the commaunding of the land forces , and that whatsoeuer was got from the Turks in that expedition in GRaeCIA , the Islands , or DALMATIA , should be all faithfully deliuered to the Venetians , who had receiued so many injuries from the Turks . The emperour also of his liberalitie promised vnto the other confederats , that they should for reasonable price haue as much wheat as they would out of SICILIA , without paying any custome . Solyman vnderstanding of this confederation and preparation made against him by these Christian princes , commaunded Barbarussa his Admirall to make readie his fleet to goe against these enemies , and to doe all the harme he could vpon the Islands subject to the Venetian state . Which thing Barbarussa with great care and diligence in short time performed ▪ and so with a hundred and thirtie gallies in most warlike manner appointed , with the first of the Spring in the yeare 1538 departed from HELLESPONTVS directly to CRETE , where hauing passed the promontorie of GYAMVS , which at this day is called SPARTA , he vnaduisedly landed most part of his men , to haue surprised the citie CANEA , which was in auntient time called SYDONIA : For Grittus one of the Venetian Senatours then kept the citie with a strong garrison , who from the wals and bulwarkes thereof so plagued the Turkes with great and small shot , and the sallying out of two companies of Italians , that Barbarussa hauing lost many of his men , was faine to retire againe to his fleet in such hast , that he left behind him a thousand of his Turkes , which were gone further into the Island after bootie , who were afterwards all slain by them of CRETE . After that , he attempted to haue taken diuers places in the Island , and was euery where notably repulsed . With the citie of CANDIA , whereof the Island now taketh name , and was in anti●nt time called CYTHEVM , he durst not meddle : but sayling almost round about the Island , tooke onely CECILIA , a little towne before forsaken of the inhabitants , which he set on fire , and so departed from CRETE : for he was aduertised , that Vincentius Capellius the Venetian admirall , who was now come to CORCYRA , would in short time come to releeue them of CRETE . Auria Admirall of the emperours fleet , passing the strait of MESSANA , came to CORCYRA also , and there joyned with the Venetians . The Christian fleet was then so great , that it was thought the Turkes durst not meet it at sea , but by all meanes shun to giue battell . For Barbarussa then lay with the Turkes fleet in the bay of AMBRACIA , expecting when the Christians should enter the straight entrance thereof , where he had on both sides placed diuers peeces of great Ordinance , to haue sunke them in their comming in : for Grimanus the Patriarch a little before departing from CORCYRA , had with the great Bishops gallies begun to besiege PREVESA , a towne vpon the promontorie of ACTIVM fast by that strait ; and landing some of his soldiors , with three great peeces of artillerie , so battered the castle of PREVESA , that he was like ynough to haue taken it , had not the Turks from AETOLIA come to relieue it with a strong power both of horse and foot . Wherefore the Patriarch shipping againe his men and ordinance , returned to the fleet at CORCYRA , not repenting him of his journey , for that he had well viewed the straits of that bay , and all the enemies fleet riding at anker within it . Vpon the returne of the Patriarch , and relation made what he had both done and seene , the great commaunders of the Christian fleet entred into counsell , what course were best to take for their better proceeding in that great act on . Gonzaga the viceroy , Generall of the land forces , was of opinion , That it was best to land the souldiors and great ordinance , and with all their force to assault the castle of PREVESA : which once taken , and their ordinance there placed , the enemies fleet might in the bay be vtterly defeated , for that all pas●●g● to sea might easily be taken from them , by sinking of one of their great ships in the mouth of the strait , and by moaring there of three great galleons full of artillerie : so that if Barbarussa would desperatly aduenture to come out , he must needs bee sunke in the mouth of the bay . Whereunto Auria replied , That Gonzaga his counsell was in words and shew glorious , but to be put in execution most dangerous : for that first to land the souldiors and great artillerie , hee said was a thing too too full of hazard and perill : for it was to bee thought , that the Turks in AETOLIA would as they had before done , come with speed with their horsemen to relieue the besieged in the castle , whose force the Christian footmen could hardly abide : Besides that if the fleet should by force of weather be constrained to forsake that coast , as it well might , Autumne now comming fast on , after the souldiors were landed ; from whence should they then get any victuall in the enemies countrey , or what releefe should they hope for , if they should hap to be distressed , being on euery side beset with their enemies , and their friends by tempest driuen from them . Wherefore he thought it best , if the enemie could not be drawn out of the bay to battell , to goe directly into the bay of NAVPACTVM , & to take that towne which was not greatly fortified , and so to ransacke and spoile all the townes euen to the bottome of the bay of CORINTH ▪ which the Graecians in the fleet said might easily be done : By taking of which course it might so fall out , that Barbarussa moued with the danger of his friends , would for shame come out and joyne with them in battell . This counsell of Auria was best liked both of Capellius and the Patriarch , being farre more desirous to fight with their enemies at sea , than at land . Auria hauing put in order his fleet , came to PREVESA , and so to the strait of the bay of AM●RACIA , where he so placed the whole fleet , which was in number two hundred and fiftie saile , that it might easily of the enemie be numbred . Which sight ( as it was reported ) wonderfully troubled Barbarussa , who although he was of a courageous disposition , and such a man as greatly feared not either the valor or martiall discipline of the Christians , yet was he exceedingly moued with the sight of so great a fleet , so well appointed ; for a greater had not of long time been seene in the Ionian sea . So that an eunuch of Solymans court , sent by him as Barbarussa his companion , seeing him to delay the time , as a man halfe discouraged , did with most vnciuile and proud words take him vp , because he would not forthwith goe out of the bay and fight with the Christians which lay at the mouth thereof daring of them ; wherein he was not ( as he said ) to regard his owne safetie , who as a coward could not endure the sight of the enemie , but the honour of Solyman his soueraigne , who would not take it well , to haue the glorie of his name stained with so shamefull a delay : for if he were a valiant and martiall man , as he professed himselfe to be , he ought neuer to despaire of victorie : And if it should so fall out , that fortune should frowne vpon them , and not answere to their desires , yet should not Solyman therefore want captaines and souldiors better than they , if they were ouercome , & the woods of PONTVS would affoord him timber ynough to build twice so great and strong a fleet . And for a conclusion , the insolent Eunuch willed Barbarussa to beware , that whilest he feared a most honourable death , ( which was vncertaine , though the battell were lost ) he drew not vpon himselfe the certaine danger of a most shamefull death by the displeasure of Solyman . At which speech Barbarussa turning himselfe about to Salec , one of the arch pyrats , a famous sea man , said vnto him : Wee must for ought that I can see , most valiant and faithfull captaine , aduenture this battell , although it be at too much disaduantage , least happily we perish by the complaints of this barking demie man. And so presently commaunded all his fleet to weigh anker , at the same time that Auria had hoysed saile and was on his way toward the bay of NAVPACTVS , thinking that the enemie durst not for feare haue come out of the bay of AMBRACIA . Auria keeping on his course , was come to LEVCADE , when the enemies fleet was descried out of the top of Bondelmerius great Galleon to be come out of the bay , and to make towards them , keeping close by the shore : which manner of course the craftie Turke misdoubting his owne strength , held of purpose , that if he should chance to be ouermatched by the Christians , hee might turne the prow of his gallies vpon them , and running the poupes aground , so to land his men and great ordinance , and from land as he might to defend his fleet : accounting it a lesse losse ( if the worst should chance ) to lose the gallies than the men . Auria somewhat troubled with this sudden comming out of the enemie , as with a thing which he then least expected , yet notably staied himselfe , and commaunded all the fleet to prepare themselues to battell , and to follow his Admirall gallie . Now all the Turks fleet was come into the open sea in such order , that Barbarussa himselfe was in the middle battell , where his Admirall galley was to be seene with many purple flags and streamers flying gallantly in the wind : on his right hand was Tabaches , and Salec on the left , both men of great fame , euery one of them hauing almost like number of gallies , which were in all a hundred and fiftie : Vnto the middle battell were joyned the two wings , in such order , that which way soeuer the Admirall turned , they turning also , still represented the forme of a flying Eagle : so that ( as Auria himselfe afterwards confessed ) a more firme or orderly fleet could not haue been brought out by any expert captaine . Before the fleet , came about twentie nimble gallies , conducted by Drogut ( or Dragut ) an arch pyrat , famous afterwards for the great harme he did vnto the Christians . Capellius the Venetian Admirall came in his long boat to Auria , requesting him , That he with his gallies might giue the first charge vpon the enemie : to whom Auria gaue great thankes , and praising his forwardnesse , requested him to follow him , to whom he would in good time giue a sign what he would haue done . The formost of the Turks light gallies was now come to the great Galleon of Bondelmerius , which was the formost of the Christian fleet , whereunto were sent also certaine gallies from Salec , to helpe to assaile that tall ship ; which shooting a farre off , did no harme , neither Bondelmerius them : who would not suffer one peece to be discharged , for he being an expert sea man , and loth to shoot in vaine , expected that they should come neerer vnto him , and then vpon the sudden to discharge all his great ordinance vpon them . Neither was he deceiued in that his expectation , for the Turkes comming neere vnto him , were so ouerwhelmed with the great and small shot out of the Galleon , that they were glad to stay their course , and to retire . In the meane time Auria called backe againe the ships which were gone before , and caused his Galleon to be towed out ; and by boats of purpose sent out , charged the captaines of the gallies to make themselues readie to fight , vpon signall giuen by the sound of the trumpet and the displaying of the Admirals ensigne : yet was not Auria of mind to fight with his gallies , without his ships : which thing the craftie enemie well perceiued , and sought by all means to joyne battell with the gallies before the comming in of the tall ships , which were as castles in respect of the gallies : for it was then such a calme , that the ships were not able to keepe way with the gallies , and the smooth water seemed to offer a fit oportunitie for battell ; which so well pleased the Patriarch , that many heard him crying aloud to Auria , to giue the signall , and maruelled much why he deferred to giue battell . For he fetching a great compasse , and houering about his ships , with his gallies kept such a course , that many thought he would vpon the sudden haue done some strange and vnexpected exploit vpon the enemie : but Auria held that strange course , of purpose to haue drawne the enemies gallies within the danger of his great ships , who thundring amongst them with their great ordinance , might haue easily sore beaten and disordered them , and opened a way vnto his gallies to haue gotten a most certaine victorie . But the craftie old Turk doubting by the strangenesse of Auria his course , to be circumuented with some finenesse , stayed his course , and lay still with his owne squadron of gallies , warily expecting to what purpose that strange course of the enemie tended . In the meane time , both the wings of his fleet had a little before the going down of the Sunne begun in diuers places to encounter with the Christians : Some were in vaine still assailing Bondelmerius his great Galleon ; others with their great ordinance had so sore beaten two tall ships , wherein Buccanigra and Mongaia , two Spanish captaines , were imbarked with their companies , that they were giuen for lost , many of the souldiors and marriners being slaine : Two other ships loded with victuall , the one of VENICE , the other of DALMATIA , were burnt by the Turkes , and some few of the men saued by their ship boats , and by swimming to the ships neerest vnto them . In the shutting in of the euening , Sale● tooke two gallies stragling behind the rest of the fleet , whereof Mozenicus a Venetian , and Bebiena a Florentine , were captaines . After these gallies , was taken also the ship of Aloysius Figaroa a Spaniard , although his souldiours had for a time fought most valiantly . In this ship with Figaroa the father , was taken his sonne , a yong gentleman , and beautified with all the good gifts of nature ; who afterwards presented to Solyman , turned Turke : and growing in credit in Solymans chamber , after three yeares miserable imprisonment , obtained his poore fathers libertie , and sent him well rewarded home againe into SPAINE . Whilest both the fleets were thus expecting how they might to their most aduantage joyne battell , suddenly arose a great tempest of thunder , lightening , and raine , with a fresh gale of Easterly wind : whereupon the Christians seeing the Turks hoysing vp their small sailes , without delay hoysed vp both small and great to cleare themselues of the enemie ; and with that faire wind returned againe to CORCYRA ; so disorderedly and in such hast , sparing neither saile nor oate , that it seemed rather a shamefull flight than an orderly retreat . So that Auria , a man of so great fame at sea , as that he was called a second Neptune , was that day accounted no captaine . It is reported , that Barbarussa with the same wind pursued the Christians a while , and being not able longer to see what course they held , by reason of the darkenesse of the night , to haue stayed his course : for the Admirals had caused their lights , which they vsed to carrie in the poupes of their gallies , to be then put out . Whereat Barbarussa heartily laughing , said oftentimes in the Spanish tongue : Auria hath therefore put out his light , the better in the darke to hide his flight : noting in him such a feare , as that hee without regard of honour sought onely how by flight to escape . When they were come to CORCYRA , they were all generally of opinion , That by the benefit of that sudden storme they had auoided a great danger . The emperials , especially the Genowayes , to excuse Auria , imputed the cause of so shamefull a flight vnto the Venetians , who would not from the beginning receiue any Spanish souldiors into their gallies , the better to haue withstood the enemie ; and that Auria therefore doubting of the Venetians , refrained from joyning battell , and the rather , because that vpon the comming forth of the Turkes fleet , they had hoysed vp their sailes tied vp to the yardes with small lines , which they might at their pleasure easily cut , and set saile to flie which way they would . Shortly after came Barbarussa with all his fleet to the island of PAXVS , about foure leagues from CORCYRA Eastward , brauing the Christians as if he would haue fought with them , if they durst come out . Whereat Gonzaga the Viceroy fretting , went to euerie one of the three great commanders , requesting them for the honour of the Christians , to represse that prowd Turks insolencie . At last the matter was brought to that passe , that the Venetians hauing taken in certaine companies of Spaniards , the fleet should be deuided into foure squadrons , and so to giue battell : But this consultation was so long protracted , that Barbarussa fearing the tempestuous Autumn weather , hoysed saile , and about the seuenth of October returned againe into the bay of AMERACIA . After the departing of Barbarussa , the Generals of the Christian fleet directed their course into the bay called SINVS RIZONICVS , to besiege CASTRONOVUM or new Castle , a strong town of the Turks standing in that bay , and bordering vpon the Venetian seigniorie : the inhabitants were part Dalmatians , part Epirots , which had renounced the Christian religion , and some Turks , liuing most part by merchandise : Vnto this towne the Christians laid siege , and in short time woon it , where they had a great prey , and a wonderfull number of captiues of all sorts . Three daies after the taking of the towne , the castle was also yeelded by the Turks garrison , couenanting in vaine to depart with life and libertie . This towne taken by common force , ought of right by the couenants of the league to haue been deliuered to the Venetians ; yet was it for all that by Auria and Gonzaga reserued for the emperour , and Franciscus Sarmentus with foure thousand Spaniards all old souldiors , left there in garrison : Capellius the Venetian Admirall vrging in vaine the right of the Venetians . Which thing so much grieued the Senat , who euer had the ambitious Spaniard in suspect , and now assured of him as an euill neighbour to their towne of CATARVM ▪ that repenting themselues of the league with the emperour , they decreed to sue to Solyman for peace : which they afterwards easily obtained , for a short space , by Laurentius Grittus their dukes sonne , and by the helpe of Antonius Rincus the French kings embassadour ; who then lying at CONSTANTINOPLE , in good time told the great Bassaes , that the league the Venetians had made with the emperour , was made without the consent of the greatest part of the Senat , and that warre taken in hand against most of their wils . Whilest these things were in doing , Barbarussa put to sea againe to haue relieued CASTRONOVUM ; but being at sea , many of his gallies were by the violence of a sudden tempest driuen vpon the ACROCERAVNIAN rocks , and there cast away . It is reported , that he lost there twentie thousand men , which with the broken pieces of his gallies were found almost all alongst the coast of DALMATIA . This shipwracke being certainly known , Capellius would haue persuaded Auria to haue presently pursued Barbarussa so distressed : which motion Gonzaga well liked , as a man desirous by some notable exploit to recompence the disgrace before receiued at LEVCADE . But Auria for diuers causes not liking of the matter , was so set downe vpon his returne to ITALIE , that he presently hoised saile : leauing the Venetian Admirall in such a rage , that he detested himselfe for submitting himselfe to another mans power ; and wished the captaines there present , neuer to subject themselues to the commaund of a stranger , for as much as that Genoway , either vpon cowardise or malitious mind , as an old enemy to the Venetian state , would not prosecute so manifest a victorie , but put vp so shamefull a disgrace as he had before receiued . But of all this Auria made small reckoning , referring all that he both said and did , so far vnto the emperors commoditie , that Valerius Vrsinus a noble gentleman , then seruing in the Venetian pay , merily said , That Auria had done nothing but wisely and politickly , in setting the Venetians togither by the eares with the Turks , & opening a gate for a long war , whether the Venetians would or not , so as the emperour himselfe could not haue better wished , and that without the losse of one gallie . For it was thought by many , that the long wars betwixt the Turks and the Venetians , would sort to the great good of the emperour ; when as the Venetians worne out and spent with those long and chargeable warres against so mightie an enemie , should be stripped of their lands and territories , either by force , or some hard composition wrung from them by necessitie . CASTRONOVUM thus taken , and Sarmentus with a garrison of foure thousand Spaniards there placed as is aforesaid , and the Christian fleet dissolued , Solyman tooke the matter so grieuously , that hee determined to besiege it againe both by sea and land : and in his furie , caused NAVPLIVM and EPIDAVRVS , two of the Venetian cities in the country of PELOPON●SVS , to be straightly besieged . Yet tooke he singuler pleasure , that Barbarussa his Admirall ▪ in all respects worse furnished , had driuen out of the Sea the great fleet of the Christians , which he before that time had made too great account of . Wherefore in the beginning of the Spring , which was in the yeere 1539 , Barbarussa by his commaundement repaired againe his fleet , and notably furnished it with all manner of warlike prouision ; manning his gallies for the most part with Ianizaries and other such select souldiors . With this fleet Barbarussa ( Sommer now well come on ) departed out of the HELESPONTVS , and came to the bay RIZONICVS ; at which time also Vlames the Persian , then Gouernour of BOSNA , shewed himselfe with his forces vpon the mountaines as he had in charge from Solyman ▪ Barbarussa before he entred the straits of the bay ; sent before him Dragut and Corsetus , two notable pirats , with thirtie galliots , who landing their men neere vnto CASTRONOVUM ( as they were commaunded ) were valiantly encountred by Sarmentus with his Spaniards , and forced againe to their galliots , many of the Turks being slaine and taken prisoners . After that came Barbarussa , with ninetie gallies , and three tall ships which carried the artillerie for batterie and other necessarie prouision for the campe ; where he spent three daies in landing his great ordinance and casting vp trenches , which could not be done but by night , by reason of the continuall shot out of the towne : wherewith the Spaniards had in that three daies space slaine aboue a thousand Turkes ; amonst whom was Agis Hariadenus , who had made himselfe as it were a king at TAIOR●A , a citie neere TRIPOLIS in AFRICA ; whose death much grieued Barbarussa , as one of his most antient and best friends . At length Barbarussa hauing cast vp his trenches , landed foure and fiftie great pieces of artillerie for batterie ; wherof he gaue a fourth part to Vlames to batter the towne on the North side , whilest he in the mean time , in three diuers places battered the East side ; and Salec from Sea with ten gallies , did morning and euening batter another part of the wall . Whilest Sarmentus was thus in so many places assailed , and did what was possible to haue repaired the breaches ; the Turks by force tooke one of the towers , where after they had displaied their ensignes , they from thence with their shot sore troubled the Spaniards . At the same time also , Vlames had made a breach , and was readie on the other side of the citie to enter . In which extremities , Sarmentus seeing no meanes longer to defend the citie , commanded the hurt souldiors to get them into the castle below , and the rest with him to take the market place , there to die togither like men : where the Turks straightway breaking in on euerie side vpon them , made a most bloudie and cruell fight , wherein the Spaniards ouerwhelmed with shot , and the multitude of their enemies , were slaine almost euerie man. Sarmentus wounded in the face with three arrowes , and wearied with long fight , seeing Sancius Fria a captaine readie to flie , sharpely reproued him , and catching him by the hand , made him there to tarrie by it , vntill they were there both togither slaine . Many valiant captaines were there lost , whose names for breuitie I omit . Aloysius Arius , and certaine other captaines , who togither with the wounded souldiors were got into the castle , seeing no meanes to defend the place , yeelded themselues : whom Barbarussa according to his promise , took to mercie in sparing their liues , yet carried them away into captiuitie to CONSTANTINOPLE . The dead bodie of Sarmentus could not be knowne amongst so many heapes of the dead , although Barbarussa had caused most diligent search to be made for it , and offered great sums of money and libertie also , to who soeuer could discouer it ; being desirous to haue sent his head for a present to Solyman . Barbarussa proud of this victorie , began forthwith to gape after CATTARVS a citie of the Venetians in the bottome of the same bay : and thereupon writ threatning letters to Ioannes Bembus one of the Venetian Senators then Gouernour of the citie , presently to deliuer the citie ; which he would ( as he said ) otherwise assault by force . Whereunto Bembus answered againe by letters , That in so doing , he should violate the league lately made with Solyman , and that he should find him readie by force to repell his forces . Wherewith Barbadussa displeased , sent certaine gallies into the bottome of the bay ; who discharging certaine great pieces at the citie , made shew as if they had come to besiege it . At whom Bembus as a man of good courage , caused as many mo like pieces to be discharged , and shewed his men vpon the wals : Which thing Barbarussa perceiuing , staied his course , and calling backe his gallies , returned to CASTRONOVUM , from whence ( better appeased with presents afterwards sent from Bembus ) he departed out of that bay . The long warres betwixt Charles the emperour and Francis the French king , were now well pacified , and such friendship ( at leastwise in show ) now growne betwixt these two great princes , that most men thought that all other quarrels laid aside , they would now at length with vnited forces go against the great and dangerous enemie of Christendome : Which opinion no● altogether of the wiser sort beleeued , was yet at this time wonderfully confirmed by many extraordinarie and rare courtesies then passing betwixt them , which concerne not this historie ; as also , in that two of their most famous captaines , Alphonsus Vastius , and Hanibald , were as it were with one consent by them both sent embassadours to VENICE , to haue drawne the Venetians into the confederation of that warre against the Turke . Which two renowned captaines comming to VENICE , most gallantly accompanied , were by Landus the duke , and the whole State , with great magnificence receiued , the people after their wonted manner flocking together in euery place to behold them so noble captaines sent from such mightie princes ; but especially Vastius , whose fame hauing many times before filled their eares , made them now the more desirous to satisfie their eyes also with the beholding of his tall and comely person . Which two famous captaines admitted into the Senat , for that purpose fully assembled , and audience giuen : Vastius arising from the dukes side , in these or like words deliuered their embassage . It is come to passe ( as I suppose ) by the great prouidence of Almightie God , and of all the diuine powers ( most noble duke and honourable Senators ) that two of the most mightie kings of EVROPE , who of late had of long time made mortall wars one vpon another ; touched with the zeale of religion , are become great friends : Vndoubtedly to that purpose onely , that hauing made a firme peace , they may bring such a generall quietnesse to the long troubled and afflicted state of Christendome , as best beseemeth their greatnesse ; and taking in hand a sacred warre , to reuenge so many calamities receiued from the Infidell . That this might be made knowne vnto you ( most noble Venetians ) these mightie Monarchs haue sent vs hether in good time to kindle in you the like zeale , wherewith it is well knowne you haue alwayes for the honour of your State been enflamed : for you of all others , which are of such power and valour at sea , they wish for , as their fellowes and confederates in this sacred wore and hoped victorie , and thinke you worthie , which should enioy the especiall fruit of all that labour . For as much as the Christian forces once renewed , & so great and strong a fleet once assembled , euery man seeth that the Turkes must needs be too weake : although they brag , that they carried away the victorie of late at ACTIVM , when as they then escaped the victorious ●ands of our men , not by their own valour , but by the vnexpected hap of a sudden storme . For all the powers of heauen and earth , and of the sea also , will be propitious vnto vs , vniting so great forces , in the regard of our sacred religion ; and will so take away the hearts of the Infidels , that they shall learne to be ouercome . As for our land forces , we are to hope nothing but well , for as much as vnto those which the emperour of late brought into the field at VIENNA , and caused the Turkish emperour to flie , shall be ioyned not onely all the horsemen and infanterie of FRAVNCE , a wonderfull strength , but Sigismund also king of POLONIA will without delay bring forth his armies , wherewith he hath beene vsed in the quarrell of the Christian religion happily to fight against the Infidels : so that it is not to be doubted of a most certain and assured victorie . Wherefore the victorious emperour and most Christian king Francis most instantly request you to enter into the like godly cogitations , conceiued for the generall good of the Christian name , and religiously to embrace the hope of a most true & glorious victorie : and further exhort you , by a wholesome decree to auert your religious and courageous hearts from the friendship of the Infidels . For it may worthely seeme vnto your most honourable minds , a most foule and shamefull thing , to haue renewed your league , and to haue preferred an infamous and vncertaine peace before a most religious and iust warre . Neither doth it beseeme this most wealthie State to be terrified from that which is good and right , with any charges of war , ●e they neuer so great : for if we shall once ouercome , which is incident to this present and long wished occasion , we shall by the profit of one victorie , either by sea or land , to your incomparable praise recompence all the losses by vs in former times receiued . Whereunto the duke in the name of the whole State answered , That there neuer happened any thing at any time vnto the Venetian Senat more honourable , for the manner of the embassage , or for the publicke securitie of their estate , more to be desired than the hope of such a peace : after that two most mightie kings by two such famous captaines their embassadours , did certifie them of their attonement and assured peace , most glorious to themselues , to their eternall praise , wholesome also to the Venetian state , beset with so many dangers , and wonderfully to be wished for of all the other princes of Christendome , if they would sincerely & religiously with their forces by common consent vnited , resolue vpon that sacred war : for then would not the Venetians be wanting to themselues or the Christian commonweale , but end the league they had with the Turke , not with a dishonourable peace but with armes and victorie . Wherefore it was to be requested of Almightie God by prayer , That those puissant kings would with religious and happie euent speedily and seriously fulfill all that hope of peace , which they had by their mutuall discourses and embracings in shew promised vnto the world . In few dayes after certaine of the select Senatours sitting in counsell , after the manner of that State , called the embassadors vnto them and asked them , Whether they knew any thing of the articles and capitulations wherein that league and confederation was to be concluded ? and by the way , whether they thought the emperor in regard of that peace would giue vnto the French kings sonne the dukedome of MILLAN , as was reported ? Whereunto Hanebald the French embassador answering nothing , Vastius said , That he knew nothing more , but that the two great princes had agreed thereof betwixt themselues , and that the emperour had desired the peace , as one willing to helpe the afflicted and declining state of the Christian commonweale : which thing any man might see could not be effected or brought to passe , but that the emperour must in many things yeeld to the requests of the French king , and redeeme his good will : For the noble mind ( said he ) worthie Senatours , can easily make light of the greatest losse of his owne things , when it foreseeth a large way opened thereby to eternall fame and glorie . These words were very glorious and gracious to the hearers : but they , as men of great experience , could not let it sinke in their minds , that the emperour whom they had often deepely sounded , would euer depart with the dukedome of MILLAN , which only thing the French king required , and had for the recouering thereof vnfortunatly striuen almost twentie yeares , to the trouble and disquiet of a great part of the world . The nobilitie and authoritie of this embassage more mooued the Senat than did the other former embassadours , Didaco Mendoza , a Spaniard , and Guilielmus Pellicerius , a Frenchman , then both present : yet was it much suspected by the Venetians , because it contained no certaine resolution , but onely the bare hope of a future peace ; so that it was by many men supposed to be but a matter deuised to deceiue others and to serue the emperours turne to his greater profit . Yet all the cunning seemed to rest in this point , That the Venetians led on with the hope of this league , should neglect the renewing of the league they had the yeare before taken with Solyman , which was now almost expired . Vpon which vncertainetie of other mens resolutions , the graue Senatours thought too dangerous a matter to depend . Vpon this question of this new league and confederation to be made with these Christian princes against the Turke , the Senat was wonderfully deuided : some fauouring the emperours request , inueighed against the renewing of that shamefull league with the infidels , which they said was nothing els , but as much as in them lay to betray vnto them the other parts of Christendome , and especially ITALIE , destitute of their helpe , and yet not to be obtained without great charge ; and with many reasons vrged the honourable confederation with these Christian princes : others of a deeper reach , considering what infinit harmes they had from time to time receiued by falling out with the Turks , and suspecting also the emperours drift , and joyning thereunto the consideration of the great dearth then raigning in the citie , which was not to be relieued but out of MACEDONIA and GRaeCIA , the Turks countries ; the emperour hauing at that time as it were of purpose imposed so great a custome vpon all corne to be transported out of SICILIE , that the very custome came to as much as both the price of the corne and the fraight together : all which mischeefes they said were to be preuented by renewing the league with Solyman . This matter was with great heat debated in the Senat too and fro , either part hauing great faultours : so that the Senatours spent almost whole Winter nights in the court in discoursing and consulting what were best to be done . But whatsoeuer was there said or decreed , was forthwith by one of the factions or other made knowne , not onely to the embassadours present in the citie , but by letters also discouered into prouinces far off : a thing neuer before in that state knowne , which had euer vsed as it were with a religious silence to keepe secret whatsoeuer was there decreed . Which thing Marcus Foscarus , an old Senator and a man of great wisdome , perceiuing , said openly , That the state was betrayed by the multitude and corruption of voices , and must needs shortly perish , if it were not speedily committed to the graue and faithfull judgement of some few : for there was almost two hundred of them which gaue voices , reducing that multitude to the number of fiftie , who for their experience and loue toward their countrey , were holden for men of greatest grauitie and secrecie : so was the madnesse of many stayed by the discretion of a few . But Foscarus shortly after fell into such hatred of the multitude , grieued to be as light headed men without discretion , so excluded out of the counsell , that he was by the voices of the multitude first thrust out of the counsell himselfe , and by them kept a great while after from all the preferments and honours of the citie : being indeed one of the grauest Senatours , and a man of deepest judgement . Which disgrace turned afterward to his great honour and credit , as one that had foreseene much , after they were once found out and condemned which had traiterously reuealed the secrets of the State. But this long consultation concerning the confederation , came to this end , That the Senatours doubting the vnion of those two great princes , and yet willing to expect the euent ▪ decreed forthwith to send three embassadours ; whereof two should be sent to the emperour and the French king to discouer their designes , and the third , which was Aloysius Badoerius , a wise and well spoken man , was with all speed dispatched away to Solyman , to preuent the fame of the distrust to be conceiued of the agreement of those great Christian princes , and if he could by any meanes , to spare for no cost , to saue vnto the Venetians their cities of NAVPLIVM and EPIDAVRVS , which Solyman required of them before he would graunt them peace . Which if it could not be obtained of the proud and craftie tyrant , than to yeeld vnto necessitie , and to conclude a peace with him vpon any conditions : which course the Decemviri thought to be most expedient for the State : yet concerning the yeelding vp of the cities , they gaue him secret instructions and warrant , fearing forsooth the force and tumult of the headstrong multitude , who if they had knowne any such thing , would vndoubtedly thereupon haue taken occasion to haue crossed and ouerthrowne that most wholesome decree : for there was no doubt , that if they had delayed the matter , and sought for peace too late , but that Solyman would vpon another mans weakenesse and necessitie haue encreased his insatiable desire , and not graunted them peace , being brought low & forsaken , except they would deliuer vnto him the islands of CEPHALENIA , ZACINTHVS , and CORCYRA , a matter no lesse grieuous than the destruction of the very citie of VENICE it selfe . So that the great embassadours Vastius and Hanebald , who came of purpose to haue hindered the league with the Turke ; by their great diligence wrought nothing more effectually , than that the Venetians the better foreseeing the danger of their estate , should as they did , make hast to conclude the same : for it falleth out in mens purposes and actions , That a good and happie successe otherwise well hoped for , is oftentimes marred with too much diligence and ca●e . Neither was it any doubt , but that Hanebald was sent by the French king but for fashion sake , and secretly vnderhand by Pelliterius the old embassadour persuaded the Venetians to hasten the conclusion of peace with Solyman . Which as Badoerius their embassadour was carefully solliciting the matter at CONSTANTINOPLE , and being loth to yeeld the strong cities which Solyman required , offering vnto him in stead of them a great summe of money : Solyman tooke him vp with threatening words as a shamelesse dissembler , earnestly protesting ▪ That he would neuer graunt him peace , without the yeelding of those cities ; rehearsing vnto him the most secretest points of his embassage , and how that he was authorised from the Decemviri to yeeld them vnto him : which thing the embassadour little thought Solyman had knowne . Wherefore Badoerius so shamefully reprooued , and standing in doubt of his life , seeing the greatest secrets of his embassage reuealed to Solyman and his Bassaes , was glad to accept of peace , by yeelding vnto him NAVPLIVM and EPIDAVRVS , two cities in PELOPONESVS , and with them NADINVM and LABRANA , two castles of DALMATIA , to the great greefe of the whole Senate : for g●aunting whereof the common people ignorant of the secret decree of the Decemvi●i , and supposing that Badoerius had giuen away that which he had no authoritie to giue , were so enraged against him at his returne , that it was much adoe to saue the guiltlesse man from exile , and his goods from confiscation , although the traitors were then knowne which had discouered the secrets of the state vnto the Turkes . These were Mapheus Leonius a Senatour , and Constantinus Cobatius , secretarie to the colledge of the Decemviri , and Franciscus Valerius , one of the Senators base sonnes ; the traiterous disperser of the Turks money for the corruption of others : who with other his complices were for the same fact hanged in the market place , when as Leonius and Cobatius were a little before fled into FRAVNCE . About the same time which was in the yeare of our Lord 1540 , died Ioannes Sepusius king of HVNGARIE , Solymans tributarie ; after whose death ensued great warres in HVNGARIE , and the lamentable subuersion of that flourishing kingdome : for the better conceiuing whereof , it shall not be amisse with as much breuitie as the plainnesse of the historie will permit , to open the causes and grounds of the endlesse calamities which afterwards ensued , and neuer tooke end , vntill that warlike kingdome was to the great weakning of Christendome vtterly subuerted . King Ferdinand and this tributarie king Iohn , had with like desire of peace and quietnesse , made betweene them a league ; profitable to them both as their estates then stood , rather than honourable : yet most welcome to the Hungarians , who deuided into factions , and hauing followed some the one king and some the other , enjoyed neuerthelesse their lands and goods by the benefit of this peace ; the townes and castles being still kept by them in whose possession they then were at the making of the peace . In the capitulations of which peace , it was comprised , That Ferdinand should from thenceforth call Iohn by the name of a king , whereas before he had both in his common talke and letters called him by the name of the Vayuod onely : It was also expressely set downe in the same articles of peace , and subscribed with the hands of diuers of the nobilitie of HVNGARIE , That if king Iohn should die , king Ferdinand should succeed him in the whole kingdome of HVNGARIE : Which condition was suppressed and kept verie secret for feare of Solyman , who accounted of that kingdome as of his owne , gotten by law of armes , and bestowed vpon king Iohn as vpon his vassaile : neither was it to haue been thought , that if he should haue knowne thereof ( being of a hautie mind by nature , and not able to endure any injurie ) he would haue suffered that kingdome , got and defended with so great danger and cost , to be by the will of an vnthankfull man , transferred vnto his enemies . This matter of so great importance , was ( as it is reported ) by Hieronymus Lascus embassadour for king Ferdinand to CONSTANTINOPLE , reuealed vnto Solyman and the Bassaes , to bring king Iohn into hatred . So much did this noble gentleman , for his rare vertues otherwise greatly to haue been commended , yeeld vnto his griefe , and desire of reuenge : when after the death of Aloysius Grittus , he fell from the friendship of king Iohn , being ( as is before declared ) by him committed to prison , and hardly afterwards enlarged , at the request of king Sigismund . Whereupon Solyman being exceedingly angrie with king Iohn , called him vnthankfull churle , and turning himselfe about to Lutzis bassa his brother in law , said , How vnworthely doe these two Christian kings weare their crownes vpon their faithlesse heads ; who as shamefull deceiuers are not afraid , either for worldly shame or feare of God , for their profit to falsifie their faith ! But king Iohn vnderstanding thereof , and wonderfully fearing his owne estate , did by good friends and rich presents , pacifie Solyman againe , laying all the blame vpon king Ferdinand , as better able to beare it . Not long after , king Iohn hauing set his kingdome in good order , and strongly fortified the citie of BVDA : being now farre stricken in yeares , at the earnest request of most of the nobilitie of HVNGARIE and other his best friends , married Isabella the daughter of Sigismund king of POLONIA , a gratious ladie , and of great spirit : which king Sigismund had long before married Barbara king Iohn his sister , after whose death he married the ladie Bona Sfortia , the daughter of Ioannes Galeacius duke of MILLAIN , by whom he had this ladie Isabella whom king Iohn now married . Which marriage Solyman liked well of , hauing many times by way of talke before condemned the single life of the king : but king Ferdinand liked thereof nothing at all , plainly foreseeing , that the Hungarians ( if the king should chance to haue a sonne ) would forthwith looke vpon him as their naturall king , and reject himselfe as but a stranger . This young queene in short time ( as he had feared ) conceiued with child , and was now verie big : when king Iohn was enforced to make an expedition in person himselfe against Maylat ( famous for the death of Aloysius Grittus ) and Bala● , both Gouernours of TRANSILVANIA : whereof Maylat not contented with the name of Vayuod or Gouernour , sought to make himselfe king . But Solyman detesting the impudent arrogancie of the faithlesse man , and hating him for the death of Grittus , and the Turks slaine with him , aduertised king Iohn of all the matter , wishing him to be more circumspect whom he trusted with the gouernment of so great and rich a countrey . So Maylat shamefully rejected of Solyman , and out of hope of a kingdome , fearing also to be thrust quite out of his gouernment by king Iohn , thought it best for his owne safetie , to raise vp all the prouince into rebellion , and to take part with king Ferdinand : which thing Ferdinand by his diuers agents secretly furthered to the vttermost . For these two kings , although they were at peace the one with the other , and in words and shew made semblance of friendship ; yet in heart they enuied and hated each other , as if they should presently haue waged warre . At that same time king Iohn exacted of his subjects , and especially of them of TRANSILVANIA , a great summe of money , to pay the Turke his tribute , then two yeares behind : which thing serued Maylat and his complices , as a fit occasion to raise the people into rebellion ; persuading them , that there was no reason to pay vnto the Turke such a tribute , as would serue well to wage ten yeares honourable warre against him : so that by that and such like persuasion , all the prouince was in an vprore , little differing from manifest rebellion . To appease these dangerous troubles thus arising , king Iohn sent certaine of his chiefe nobilitie and best captaines with a great power into TRANSILVANIA , following after himselfe in his chariot , not yet well recouered of his late sicknesse : These noble men entring in two places into TRANSILVANIA , and scouring vp and downe the countrey , had in short time so vsed the matter , that what by force what by policie , the tumult was well pacified , and diuers of the chiefe offenders worthely executed . Maylat the ambitious author of this sedition , not able to hold the field against the king , and seeing himselfe beset on euerie side with his enemies , retired himselfe with all his wealth into a towne called FOGARAS , a place of great strength , which the kings power shortly after hardly besieged : the king himselfe then lying at SIBYNIVM , the chiefe citie of TRANSILVANIA , about a mile distant from FOGARAS , sicke of an ague , whereinto he was againe fallen through too much care and paines taken in trauelling in that hoat time of the yeare , the daies being then at the longest . Whilest he thus lay sicke at SIBYNIVM , and his armie fast by at the sige of FOGARAS , newes was brought vnto him from the court , That the queene his wife was deliuered of a faire young sonne : which was no sooner bruted abroad , but the Hungarians as men ouerjoyed , came flocking to the court where the king lay , discharging their pieces in triumph , with all other signes of joy and mirth they could possible deuise : the noble men came from the campe to rejoice with the king , and all the armie was filled with gladnesse . And for the greater solemnitie of this so common a joy , a royall feast was prepared , which the noble men would needs haue the king to honour with his presence , though he were thereto vnwilling , being as yet but a little recouered : Howbeit yeelding to their importunitie , hee suffered himselfe to be ouerruled and brought to the feast by them , which was vnto him the merriest and the last that euer he made : for willing to shew his inward joy , and to content his nobilitie there present , he forgot himselfe , and eat and dranke more liberally than was for the health of his weake bodie : whereby the feauer which had but a little before left him , was againe renewed , in such sort , as that he well perceiued he could not long endure . Wherefore feeling his end to draw fast on , he made his will , appointing his young sonne to be his heire , whom he committed to the tuition of George bishop of VERADIVM , and Peter Vicche a noble gentleman and his neere kinsman , vntill he came to age ; requesting the rest of the noble men to preferre his sonne in the succession of the kingdome , before a stranger , telling them , That Solyman would vndoubtedly take vpon him the protection both of the kingdome and of his sonne , if they would in time send embassadours vnto him with presents , and promise for his sonne , that he should raigne as his tributarie as he had done before : and so presently after died . This king was of a courteous and gentle nature , bountifull , and in all his doings just , of no fierce and rough disposition , as the Hungarians commonly are , but of a most ciuile behauiour , garnished with good letters , and thorowly schooled in the diuers chances of both fortunes , not measuring his actions by the strength of his power , but by the exact rule of discretion ; for in time of businesse no man was more circumspect or vigilant than he , nor in time of recreation any man more courteous or pleasant . He vsed oftentimes to say ▪ That the fauour and loue of valiant men gotten by bountie and courtesie , was the best treasures of a prince ; for that courteous and thankfull men , did oftentimes in some one worthie piece of seruice , plentifully repay whatsoeuer had been bestowed vpon them : as for such as were vnthankfull , they did to their shame beare the testimonie of another mans vertue . The kings death was kept secret vntill such time as the noble men had agreed with Maylat , that he should take an oath of his faithfull alleagance to the king ▪ and his sonne his lawfull heire , and so still to enjoy his former place and gouernment : which offer Maylat gladly accepted . Then calling togither the counsell , it was decreed to send the same embassage to Solyman , which was appointed the old king yet liuing . So were presently dispatched away two most honourable embassadours , Ioannes Exechius bishop of QVINQVE ECLESIE , and Stephanus Verbetius the Chancelor , a man of great yeares , carrying with them ten boles of pure gold curiously wrought , six hundred of siluer , gilt and engrauen ; fortie pieces of purple silke and cloth of gold for Turkes gownes , and fiftie pound of coined gold , to be paid in the name of two yeares tribute . Which embassadours passing directly from SIBYNIVM ouer Danubius into SERVIA , and so trauelling thorow THRACIA , came to CONSTANTINOPLE . In the meane time , the dead body of the king was with much heauinesse carried from SIBYNIVM to ALBA REGALIS , most part of the armie following it , and there with great solemnitie buried . After this the young child was christened and called Stephen , and there presently crowned with the antient crowne of king Stephen , who first erected that kingdome , & without which the Hungarians neuer accounted their kings lawfully crowned . Yet the royall dignitie was by the common consent of the nobilitie giuen vnto the queene , with condition , that in all publike writings the names of the sonne and of the mother should be joyned , and the kings money coined with the same inscription : but the chiefest authoritie rested in George the bishop , for he was treasurer , and had at his commaund the castles and strong holds : yet were the souldiors with their ensignes and furniture , at the deuotion of Valentinus Thuracus : In the middle between these two was placed Peter Vicche the kings kinsman , and by the old king appointed for one of the tutors to his young sonne , suspected of neither part , honoured with the name of high Constable . But because the name of this George the bishop was most famous in this wofull warre which we are about to write , I thought it worth the labour to speake something of his nature and disposition , that it may be knowne to all posteritie by what pollicie this war was managed , and how this flourishing kingdome by the madnesse of the Hungarians came into the hands of the Turkes . This George was borne in CROATIA , and brought vp from his youth in the house of king Iohn , where vertue and industrie neuer wanted reliefe ; when as he vnaduisedly before , had entred into the orders of a monasticall life , and wearie too late of the straightnesse thereof , had forsaken his profession . Wherefore being of a wonderfull pleasing nature , and still following king Iohn , driuen out of his kingdome and long liuing in exile , he woon such credit and commendation for his fidelitie , integritie , and readie counsell in the kings most doubtfull and dangerous affaires , that after Sibacchus that worthie bishop , was by the treacherie of Aloysius Grittus slaine at BAXOVIA , he obtained the great bishopricke of VERADIVM . After that , when he had strengthened his credit with great wealth , he alwaies as a faithfull counsellor swaied and happily ruled both the court and kingdome , to the profit of the king . But he was of such a diuers and pliant nature , that performing in all actions all the parts of a most readie and excellent man , he seemed to be made of contrarie qualities , and borne to doe any thing : For in saying of his princely seruice , and performing the other ceremonies of the Christian religion , he shewed , or at leastwise counterfeited such a contrition in his deuout countenance and speech , that a man would not haue thought it could possibly be the same man , who in the most waightie affaires both of warre and peace , did most stoutly shew the wonderfull force of a most pregnant and couragious wit : For he vsed to keepe whole companies of most excellent and ready horsemen , and would oftentimes come forth into the battell armed : he would with often banquets and rewards win the hearts of the souldiors ; and after the manner of great chieftaines , maintaine the honour and credit of his name , both with punishment and reward , as occasion required . Besides that , no man looked into the wealth of the kingdome more diligently than he , no man did to more profit let to farme the customes , gold mines , feedings , and saltpits ; no man could deuise finer meanes to raise money , of all others the readiest way to credit : insomuch , that king Iohn would confesse himselfe to raign by the especially industrie of that man : and king Ferdinand would many times say , That he enuied at K. Iohn for nothing he had , but for one hooded fellow which was better for the defence of a kingdome , than 10000 with helmets on their heads . Wherfore this bishop hauing taken vpon him the tuition of the young king , was still busied in all the waightie causes of the kingdome , both ciuile & martiall : he laboured with great care , that the Hungarians should agree togither in loue and vnitie , and did what he might , prouidently to foresee that no tumult or rebellion should any where arise , wherby the beginning of the kingdome , yet but weake , might any way be troubled . But king Ferdinand hearing of the death of king Iohn , thought it now a fit time for him to recouer againe the kingdome of HVNGARIE , which he had so long desired . Whereunto he was also the more prickt forward by the persuasion of Alexius Torso , Ferentius Gnarus , Petrus Bachit , Balthazar Pamphilus , Erancus Capoln●tes , Ianus Castellamphus , and Casparus Seredus ; all noblemen or gentlemen of great account in HVNGARIE , who in the former troubles following the part of king Perdinand against king Iohn , liued now in exile : these all with one consent told king Ferdinand , That now or neuer was the time when they might be againe restored vnto their countrey with honor ; and that the warre might that Autumn be dispatched , if he would make hast : for as much as Winter comming fast on would stay the comming of the Turks , and such noble men of HVNGARIE as tooke part with the queene , did not verie well agree togither , being vnwilling to be commaunded by George the Apostata monke , who ( as they said ) with great cunning and dissimulation seducing the queene , and possessing the treasure , enjoyed all alone the power of a king : and that they , which for taking part with the right had long liued as banished men , might now safely returne into their countrey , and be honourably preferred by the queene ; the Bishop ( which all commaunded ) assuring them thereof , if they would returne vnto the young kings court ▪ vnto their friends and auntient houses . But they had as they said , before giuen their faith vnto him as to a vertuous and faithfull prince , whom they had preferred before one that was an Hungarian borne : wherefore he should doe both vnaduisedly and vnkindly , if letting slip the occasion presented ▪ he should deferre to make warre . For what could be more dishonour to him so great a king , and also emperour elect , than by shamefull delay to forsake them , being noble and valiant gentlemen , which had followed his part , and were then readie with strong troupes of horsemen to doe him the best seruice they could ? The German captaines in like manner persuaded him to take the matter in hand , who as martiall men , expecting some one preferment , some another , in the armie , were desirous of honour , pay , and prey , the chiefe comforts of their trauell and perill . But Laschus the Polonian , who in matters concerning peace and warre saw more than all they ( as he that knew the disposition of many princes , and had seene the manners and fashions of diuers nations , hauing trauelled thorow a great part of the world , and oftentimes beene embassadour in the courts of the greatest princes ) was of a contrarie opinion , and told king Ferdinand plainly , That the kingdome of HVNGARIE was to be obtained rather by pollicie than by force , by crauing it at Solymans hand , to hold it of him by tribute as king Iohn did . For ( said he ) that may by petition and faire entreatance be easily obtained of that heroicall prince ( who in his vaine humor oftentimes fondly seeketh after honour ) which will neuer be got from him by force of armes . I thorowly know ( said he ) Solymans hautie mind , and the proud disposition of his Bassaes : he contemneth wealth , and is cloied with so many kingdomes : but they vpon their insatiable couetousnesse and exceeding pride , desire nothing , nor persuade him to nothing more than warre . Wherefore it is good to beware , that with the noise of this sudden warre you stir not vp the Turkes , which lie readie as it were expecting such an occasion , which cannot be withstood , but by the vnited forces of the Christian princes ; which might by their generall consent be done , but that their eyes blinded with fatall darknesse cannot see it , and the vnitie of the Christians now desperate , seemeth by God reserued to some better time : seeing that of late the Christian kings are fallen off , and cannot agree vpon the long expected peace . Is not ( said he ) the French king deceiued of his hope ? and as he would haue it thought , greatly dishonored with this late vnkindnesse ? which renewing his old wound , will reuiue in him an endlesse hatred . Away with all dissimulations , enemie vnto graue counsels , and let plaine truth , although vnpleasant vnto princes eares , preuent flatterie ▪ Vndoubtedly , he being a prince of no base courage ( as it oftentimes falleth out with men thorowly grieued ) will in his anger as an enemie powre forth his gold , whereof he hath good store , to crosse the emperours dessignes , to trouble the assemblies of the states of GERMANIE , to withdraw the minds of the princes , and with bountie to gaine them to himselfe : who mightily enuying the imperiall dignitie , woont to be indifferently giuen to them that best deserued the same , to be as it were inuested in the house of AVSTRIA ; which in this perpetuall succession of so many emperours , hath as it were got a right by long custome . Wherefore they will secretly conspire togither , and as notable lingerers by nature , will either giue no helpe at all , or else too late : at such time as the Turkes garrisons shall come flying to the succour of the young king . Neither is there any cause why any man should thinke that the gouernours of the Turks countries neere at hand , will for the approach of Winter be slacke in this cause : for they vndoubtedly making an honest and honourable shew will take vpon them the defence of the fatherlesse child and widdow ; of purpose , to make an entrance to the secret desire they haue to gaine the kingdome to themselues : for if you shall once ioyne with them in battell , if the best happen , and fortune fauour our first attempts , truly you shall haue war without end , with such an enemie , which will bring with him wealth that will neuer be spent , power not to be ouercome , and courageous souldiors sworne to our destruction : So will it come to passe , and I pray God I be a false prophet , that in seeking for the kingdome of HVNGARIE by warre , you shall at length be glad to fight for AVSTRIA it selfe and your owne kingdome also . This speech so moued king Ferdinand , that although he purposed to goe on with the warre , yet he thought it good by an honourable embassage to proue Solymans mind and purpose also ; which to doe no man was thought fitter than Laschus himselfe , author of that counsell , being vnto him very well knowne , and familiarly acquainted with all the great Bassaes of the court : which seruice Lascus refused not , but being furnished with all things needfull for such an embassage , departed from VIENNA towards CONSTANTINOPLE . Yet for all that , king Ferdinand persisting in his former purpose , made withall preparation for warres , trusting vpon the aid of the emperour his brother , and the comming ouer of the Hungarians , who euer thought it cause honest ynough for them to reuolt , if it so stood with their present profit . But before he would enter into open warres ; he sent Nicholas countie of SALMA to the queene , to shew her the instruments of the last league betwixt the king her late husband and him , & to exhort her to yeeld vp the kingdome , which by the late league was another mans right ; and not by delaying of the matter , to hurt both herselfe and her sonne : for king Ferdinand offered to giue vnto the child the prouince of SEPVSIA , as was before agreed betwixt the two kings expressely in the league , and to the queene a great reuenew , and whatsoeuer else she had in dowrie . But if she would forget that lawfull league , he threatened , that neither the emperour Charles his brother nor he wanted force wherewith to recouer by strong hand the kingdome , annexed to the house of AVSTRIA both by auntient right and the new consent of most of the Hungarian nobilitie . The countie SALMA being receiued at BVDA , hardly obtained to be admitted to the presence of the queene : for George the Bishop , and Vicche , mistrusting her womanlike courage , said , she was not to be spoken withall , by reason she was so full of heauinesse and sorrow ; and that they were of authoritie , as the kings tutors , and readie to giue him both audience and answere . Which opinion of her weakenesse , and want of judgement , the queene being a woman of an heroicall and royall spirit , tooke , as tending so much to her disgrace , that she said she would kill her selfe , if the embassadors were not permitted to come into her chamber ( which was a darke roome hanged with blacke , as the manner is : ) and she sitting vpon a low pallet negligently attired , as one that had no care of her selfe , wan and pale coloured , but as then shedding no teares , yet with voice and countenance so heauie , as might shew her teares to be rather dried vp with long mourning , than that her sorrow was any thing abated : for the desire of bearing rule had now so possessed her mind , that she contemned all the dangers of imminent warre , and for defence of her soueraignetie resolued with her selfe to call in the Turks . After the countie admitted to her presence , had with due reuerence and great protestation deliuered his message , she demurely answered , That such was the fortune of her sex and yeares , that being bereft of the king her husband , and perplexed with the dayly greefes both of bodie and mind , she could neither take nor giue counsell , but purposed in so weightie a cause to vse the aduice of Sigismund her father , whose integritie and justice was such , as king Ferdinand needed no other judge or arbitrator to end that controuersie : Wherefore she requested a conuenient time and space , wherein she might aske counsell of her father ; to whose just judgement she said she would stand , as she thought the nobilitie of HVNGARIE would also . Which small time of delay if it should be denied , and that they would needs forthwith make warre vpon her ; she said , that the emperor and king Ferdinand his brother should surely win no great honour , if they should come to oppugne her a widdow consumed with teares , and a young child yet crying in his cradle . The countie so sent away , when he was returned to king Ferdinand , told him , That the queene was altogether in the power of the Bishop , and could neither say nor doe any thing , but what she had before receiued from him : for he only ( as he said ) commaunded all : as for the rest of the nobilitie , they shared amongst them the honours and preferments of the realme , and as men desirous of credit and gaine , had rather be the gouernours of the young prince , than the seruants and waiters of a great and mightie forraine king : all which he said he had both heard and seene . Wherefore all the hope was in warre , wherein such speed was to be vsed , as that the queene with her sonne vnprouided , and expecting the euent of their embassage from CONSTANTINOPLE , might be driuen out of BVDA before they could take vp armes or well aduise themselues what to doe ; and that the queene sought delay but to make her selfe the stronger , and in the meane time to call in the Turke , and so to make a more dangerous warre . Wherefore if euer he purposed to reigne in HVNGARIE , he should forthwith cast off all other cogitations , and make readie his forces with all speed possible . Hereupon king Ferdinand furnished with money from Charles the emperour , without delay raised a great armie , which he sent downe the riuer Danubius to STRIGONIVM , which citie had all the reigne of king Iohn continued faithfull to king Ferdinand . The Generall of this armie was Leonardus Velsius , a nobleman of RHETIA : who for many causes thought it expedient first to open the way to BVDA , for almost in the middle of the way stood VICEGRADE , with a goodly castle vpon the top of an hill by the riuer side ; which towne ( but not the castle ) Velsius after nine dayes siege tooke , with the losse of about two hundred of his men , all the garrison souldiors therein being either slaine or taken prisoners , with Valentinus Litteratus their captaine . From VICEGRADE he passed ouer the riuer Danubius to PESTH , which he tooke , being forsaken of the enemie . With like successe he tooke the citie of VACIA , without losse : and remoouing thence , and crossing againe the riuer with his fleet , came and encamped before BVDA , so to terrifie the citisens , and to discouer as farre as he could the purpose of the queene . Where Perenus , Stephanus Rascaius , and Franciscus Francopanes bishop of AGRIA , all men of great nobilitie amongst the Hungarians , reuolted from the queene to king Ferdinand : the Bishop was reputed for a man of great integritie , and vpon meere conscience to haue gone ouer to Ferdinand ; yet was he by letters from George the kings tutor challenged to haue reuolted , in hope by meanes of Charles the emperour to be made a Cardinall . Velsius lay with his armie at the hot bathes about a mile and a halfe from the citie , as if he would rather besiege it , than assault it . The Germanes lying there , did fetch in bootie round about the country , which was taken in euill part by the Hungarians on their side ; who seeing their owne cattell or their friends driuen away , the villages burnt , and the poore husbandmen bound and taken prisoners , fell together by the eates oftentimes with the Germanes . On the other side they of BVDA sending out their troupes of horsemen , skirmished with the Germanes , if they did but stirre out of the campe , and well defended the villages from the injurie of the enemie : for Valentinus Thuraccus , Generall of the queenes power , had taken into the citie a wonderfull number of light horsemen . Whilest the armie lay thus encamped , it fortuned that Balthasar Pamphilus , a noble Hungarian , straying out of the campe euen to the gates of BVDA , desired the warders at the gate to giue him leaue to talke with Valentinus their Generall , for that he desired to see his old friend , and to conferre with him of certaine matters concerning the good of the common state . Which thing being graunted by the Generall , he was immediatly receiued into the citie with his troupe of horsemen . Shortly after returning againe into the campe , he reported how he had beene entertained by his old acquaintance in the citie : where viewing the garrison , the great artillerie and fortification of the citie , he perceiued it was not to be taken without a greater power , and in a more seasonable time of the yeare . Which thing so moued Velsius , by nature suspitious , and doubtfull of the fidelitie of a stranger , that he commaunded him in anger to void the campe , because he had without his leaue gone into the citie , and vpon his owne priuat insolencie had conference with the enemie , and by amplifying their strength , to haue discouraged the armie , by putting them out of hope of victorie . Wherefore Velsius neuer attempting to assault the citie , returned againe to VICEGRADE to besiege the higher castle ( wherein the auntient crowne of king Stephen , wherewith the Hungarian kings were euer after him crowned , was kept ) which castle he also tooke with something lesse losse than he had done the lower towne . Not long after he marched with his armie to ALBA REGALIS , the citie where the Hungarian kings were vsually crowned and buried , which by the meanes of Perenus was deliuered vnto him , and a garrison put into it for king Ferdinand . These things thus done , Velsius retired againe to STRIGONIVM , which he did the rather , because the Germanes and Hungarians , two rough nations , could by no meanes agree together , insomuch , as that Velsius the Generall in parting them was wounded in the thigh , and Perenus hurt with a stone ; besides that Winter was now come farre on , and the souldiors cried out for pay . For which causes Velsius ( being also sicke of the stone ) billitted his souldiours for that Winter about in the countrey . Yet before that he new fortified PESTH , and left therein a garrison , because it was reported , that the Turkes vpon their frontiers were making preparation to come to aid them of BVDA . At such time as king Ferdinand was leuying his forces for the inuasion of HVNGARIE ▪ the queene by the counsell of the Bishop , had in good time craued aid of the Turkes lieutenants in the countries bordering vpon HVNGARIE , especially of Vstref , gouernour of BOSNA ( a very aged man , and of great honour , who had married one of the daughters of Baiazet the old emperour ) as also of Mahomethes gouernour of BELGRADE , and Amurathes who had the charge of the frontiers of DALMATIA : from whom she receiued one answere , That they might in no case without expresse commaundement from Solyman depart from the places of their charge . Besides that , Mahometes was by rewards ouercome by Laschus , as he passed by BELGRADE to CONSTANTINOPLE , not to stirre or aid the queene . Wherefore she rejected by these great captaines , certified Solyman by her embassadours what danger her selfe , her sonne , and the kingdome was in , crauing his speedie aid . Laschus was not yet come to CONSTANTINOPLE , being fallen sicke by the way , but had sent before Ptolomeus his physition to the great Bassaes , and especially to Lutzis his old acquaintance , vpon whom he had bestowed great gifts , and was in hope by him to haue obtained what he desired : but all in vaine , for Solyman who thought it much for his honour to defend his owne right , and that he had before giuen vnto king Iohn ; thought also , that it would redound both to his great profit and glorie , if he should as it were vpon charitie take vpon him the protection of the widdow and fatherlesse child , in their so great distresse and danger . Wherefore calling vnto him the embassadours , the three great Bassaes standing by , he said , That he had of his meere bountie before giuen the kingdome of HVNGARIE vnto king Iohn , to descend to his posteritie , so long as they should retaine the kind remembrance of so great a benefit ; wherefore to declare his constancie , inseparable from his bountie , he said he would take such a course in the matter , as that the Germans his enemies should not long rejoice of the warres they had begun . And in token of friendship , and that he had taken vpon him the protection of the young king , he caused to be deliuered vnto the embassadours a royall robe of purple and gold , a buckler with the bosse most curiously wrought , a horsemans mase with a handle of gold , and a scimitar with the scabberd richly set with stones : and afterwards writ effectually to Vstref and Mahometes , his lieutenants , that they should without delay aid the queene , and not to make excuse , because it was Winter , threatening them , that if she tooke any harme through their default or negligence , it should cost them their heads . The queenes embassadours glad of their good dispatch , were scarce departed from the Turks court , when Laschus came to CONSTANTINOPLE ; and vnderstanding by his physition the successe of the Hungarian embassadours , proceeded for all that in his businesse , and deliuered his message , and vpon many reasonable conditions requested the kingdome for king Ferdinand . But when he in speaking had oftentimes made mention of Charles the emperour , as if he would with all the power of GERMANIE aid his brother ; Solyman was so mooued therewith , that he was presently taken away and committed to prison : the great Bassaes , but especially Rustan , Solymans sonne in law , a proud and furious young man , chiding him and shaking him vp as worthie of death , for offending with his liberall speech the majestie of so courteous a prince , and as it were mocking the king of kings , requiring friendship , when in the meane time his master most impudently made warres in HVNGARIE . Vstref and Mahometes , the Bassaes aforesaid , hauing receiued such straight commaundement from Solyman , assembled their dispersed souldiors , and by shipping brought them downe the riuers Sauus and Dranus into Danubius , ( for it is a hard matter to performe any great thing by warres in HVNGARIE , without the helpe of a great fleet , for conueying of the great ordinance , victuall , and other such necessaries of the armie , from one side of the great riuers to the other , as occasion requireth ) but as then being the middest of Winter , and the North wind blowing hard , Danubius was so frozen on both sides , that the middle of the riuer was scarce open : so that the Turkes not able to passe for the extremitie of the weather , nor daring to returne for the straight command of Solyman , were enforced in their tents there to abide the hardnesse of Winter , to shew their readinesse . It is almost incredible to be spoken , with what patience and resolution the souldiors endured all the extremities of the time , in so bare a place , their horses which of all other things they hold most deare , staruing for cold and want of meat . The Spring at length comming on , right welcome both to the Turkes and the queene ; Mahometes with his Turks and wild Illyrians , and Vstref with his souldiors of BOSNA , entred into HVNGARIE , with whom Valentinus Generall of the queens forces joyned also , with a strong power of Hungarians brought from BVDA . And the queene to further the matter , sent presents to the Turks Generals , victualed the campe , and furnished them with great ordinance , for the besieging of such cities as were holden by king Ferdinand her enemie . They passing ouer Danubius tooke the citie of VACIA , being but badly defended for king Ferdinand , and putting many to the sword ( after the manner of their barbarous crueltie ) burnt the citie . From thence they remoued to PESTH , which was so valiantly defended by Barcocius and Fotiscus , the one a Hungarian captaine , the other a German , that the Turkes despairing of the winning of the citie , and not well relieued with victuall by the queene , then fearing future want , passed againe ouer Danubius , and faithfully restoring the great ordinance without any more doing , returned againe into their owne countries : but in their retiring , the Hungarians by the leading of Ferentius Gnarus slew many of them , amongst whom was one Achomates , one of their best and valiantest captaines . King Ferdinand aduertised of the Turks departure , returned again to his old hope of recouering the kingdome : persuading the emperor his brother , not to giue ouer the war so fortunatly begun , especially now that the Turkes hauing forsaken the queene , were departed and gone . Wherefore the new forces lately before raised in AVSTRIA , BOHEMIA , SILESIA , and MORAVIA , for the supply of Velsius his armie , were presently sent into HVNGARIE vnder the leading of the Lo. William Rogendorff steward of the kings house , who was then gone as farre as POSSONIVM to haue relieued them of PESTH , vnto whom as a more auntient and honourable Generall Velsius gaue place . He , furnished with these new supplies , three moneths victuall , and great artillerie from VIENNA , joyning with the old armie , marched directly to BVDA , and laid siege vnto it . Ouer against the stately castle of BVDA wherein the queene lay , was a great hill called S. Gerrards mount , so high , that the middle thereof was equall with the highest place of the castle , and from the top thereof they might looke into the streets of the citie , betwixt which hill and the castle was a great valley and a deepe ditch : vpon this hill , Rogendorff to beat the castle and to terrifie the queene , planted his batterie , and so shooke a new built tower thereof , that it was thought it would haue suddenly fallen ; which if it had , yet was it supposed a dangerous matter to assault it , because it was walled about with a treble wall . But the sumptuous turrets and princely galleries of the kings pallace in the castle , which euerie man saw Rogendorff might haue beaten downe with his great ordinance , he spared : but whether of himselfe , or else commaunded by the king ( as loath to destroy so goodly buildings , as could not without great charges be in long time againe repaired ) was vncertaine . Wherfore by diuers heraulds sent vnto the queen , he wished her to breake in sunder those giues and fetters wherein the bishop vnder the colour of protection had fast bound her sonne and her , and to accept of king Ferdinands offer , who was readie to bestow vpon her a goodly seignorie , wherein she might most honourably liue at quiet , and bring vp her sonne in safetie : Which thing , if she as a simple woman , and ignorant of her owne danger , should refuse and obstinately contemne the perill wherein she stood , he would forthwith in most terrible manner beat downe the pallace about her eares . Whereunto the bishop in the queenes behalfe answered , That she was not such a foole as to exchange the kingdome of HVNGARIE for the principalitie of SEPVSIA : and that she thought Rogendorff a verie doting and mad old man , who being once before well beaten in those ditches , came now again like a foole to receiue his vtter destruction in full guerdon of his rash folly : Wherfore he should cease to terrifie valiant men , fighting with discretion for their naturall king and countrey against his drunken companie , for that they were nothing troubled with the noise of his great shot : But yet he said , that he would aboue all the rest by way of priuat courtesie , gently request Rogendorff to discharge his pieces with a little lesse noise , because he had a sow at home great with pigs , which terrified with the thundring of his guns , would farrow he doubted before her time , to the griefe of his guests . For the bishop was of a sharpe and taunting spirit , and such a contemner of the Germans , that when two of them were taken in the kings orchards burning certaine houses , he in derision caused two hogs to be hanged vpon the same gallowes with them . Not long after , Rogendorff remoued his campe from the mount of S. Gerrard to a more conuenient place for the battering of the citie , called the Iewes graues , neere vnto the gate called the Iewes gate . Which thing the bishop seeing , after his quipping manner requested of Rogendorff to pardon him , in that he had of late wrongfully called him a doting old man ; for that in remouing his campe into a more commodious place , he seemed to be a proper wise man and of good discretion , now that he had pitched his tents in a most fit place amongst the dead , both for himselfe being an old man and almost worne with vaine labour , and for his armie there condemned to die with him . Rogendorff thus encamped , begun in two places to batter the wals : Perenus and the Hungarians with the Bohemians neere vnto the gate called SABATINA in one place , and hee himselfe with the Germans betwixt the Iewes gate and the castle in another : which was done with such violence , that a great part of the wall was beaten downe , & another part therof ouercharged with earth , which the defendants had cast vp on the inner side for the strengthning therof , was at the same time born quite out and so fell downe , to the wonderfull dismaying of all that were in the citie . Which faire opportunitie to haue taken the citie Rogendorff let slip , either not well aware thereof by reason of the great smoke of the artillerie on both sides , and the dust arising with the fall of the wall which couered all ; or else according to his naturall disposition , doing all things leasurely and suspitiously ; so that a little delay bereft him of the present apprehension of so sudden a resolution : and the Germans , vsed more to standing battels than to assault , were not to be so easily brought on to assault the breach vpon the sudden , as were the Spaniards , Italians , or French. The wall was opened in that place almost two hundred paces in length , yet standing almost the height of a man , which might easily haue been scaled with short ladders ; but night was now comming fast on , wherein the Germans would not willingly attempt any dangerous matter : so that the assault was deferred vntill the next morning . Whereas they of BVDA in the meane time taking the aduantage of the enemies delay , with incredible diligence and labour in that night raised vp a new rampier in steed of the wall that was fallen , euerie man without exception putting his hand to the worke . In the morning the Germans comming to the breach , gaue such a fierce assault vnto the new made rampier , that Otho Fotiscus desperatly entered into a shattered house which joyned vnto the wall ; and certaine other companies , one souldiour helping vp another , had almost recouered the top of the rampier , and were there readie to haue set vp their ensignes . When they of BVDA with wonderfull constancie and resolution withstood the assailants , George the bishop encouraging them and fighting amongst them ; who hauing laid aside his hood , was now to be seene with his helmet on his head , running too and fro as need required all alongst the rampier . At length the Germans seeing themselues to striue in vaine against resolute men , were enforced to retire . In this assault Rogendorff lost aboue 800. men . Perenus was also in like manner , but with lesse losse , repulsed at the other breach he had made at the gate SABATINA . After that Rogendorff attempted by vndermining to haue taken the citie , but was by countermines disappointed of his purpose . Yet for all this , they in the citie began to feele the want of many things , so that it seemed they were not able to endure any longer siege ; the common people pinched with hunger crying openly out in mutinous sort , that it was time to yeeld and make an end of those common miseries : but such was the authoritie of the bishop with his prouident foresight of all vrgent euents , that once shewing himselfe in the market place as if he would haue preached , he could turne the peeuish minded people which way he pleased . After all this , it missed but a little , but that this citie which could not by enemies force bee woon , had by shamefull treason beene lost : there was at that time in BVDA one Bornemissa a lawyer , who had in former time beene maior of the citie : this Bornemissa exceedingly hated the bishop for taking part with a banckerout Iew against him , and being full of malice , and desirous of reuenge , promised to Reualius ( martiall in the enemies campe ) to deliuer vnto him a blind posterne in S. Maries churchyard , whereby he might enter the citie : which ga●e serued the citisens in time of peace to go thorow to the riuer . Rogendorff the Generall made acquainted with the matter , so liked thereof , that he in himselfe thought it not good , in a matter of so great importance , to vse at all the seruice of the Hungarians : Quite contrarie to that Bornemissa had requested of Reualius , who desirous to haue the matter brought to passe without the slaughter of so many guiltlesse people as was by him to be betraied , would haue had it altogither performed by the Hungarians , who he was in good hope would shew mercie vnto their countrey men and kinsmen , and vse their victorie with more moderation than the Germans , who prouoked with many despights , and comming in by night , were like enough to make great effusion of bloud . But Rogendorff after the manner of his nation , to be counted polliticke , vsing to keepe promise with no man , and hoping by excluding the Hungarians to haue all the glorie of the conceiued victorie wholy to himselfe ; made as if he would haue vsed onely the Hungaans , and glosed with Reualius , whose son for the more assurance he tooke as pledge ; For against the appointed houre , which was about midnight , hauing before giuen straight charge that no man should stir in the campe , he sent foure select companies of Germans with great silence vnto the posterne ; at which time his sonne Condi stood with a strong troupe of horsemen , readie to haue entred , at such time as the Germans ( receiued into the citie ) should breake open the great gate , as was before agreed . Neither did Bornemissa faile to performe what he had as a traitor promised : but opening the posterne wee spake of , had with great silence receiued in most part of those German companies . But when he still asked softly of them as they came in for Reualius , and heard them answere nothing but in the German language ; although hee was otherwise a man of a bold spirit , yet then surprised with a sudden feare ( as it oftentimes chanceth in such actions to men deceiued of their expectation ) he stood as a man amazed that knew not what to doe , & forgot to conduct the Germans : who altogither vnacquainted with the citie , knew not which way first to go ; and stealing on softly in the darke , went on with no great courage , for feare of treason , still asking of them that followed , for him that should direct them . The Germans could not go so closely , but that they were by the clattering of their armour and the light of their matches , descried by the watch ; who asking for the word , and they not giuing it , presently raised an alarum : but now all too late , the citie being as good as halfe taken , had the Germans well conducted resolutely gone on with the matter so well begun ; but they ignorant of the way , and now descried and chased with their owne feare , ran backe againe to the posterne , in such hast , that one of them miserably wrong another , in striuing who should get out first ; and their passage out much letted by the pikes and weapons which they which fled first had cast crosse the way to run the lighter into the campe . The first that set vpon the Germans was Bacianus , who had that night the charge of the watch ; and after him Vicche , who kept the court of guard in the market place , and hearing the alarum , came thither with a strong companie both of horsemen and footmen . Many of the most valiantest Germans , who comming in first , were in flight become last , were slaine or taken , and amongst them many of Bornemissa his familiars and friends ( as for himselfe , he was got out amongst the formost ) from whom the bishop by exquisite torture wrong out the whole plot of the treason , and afterwards caused them to be seuerally executed to the terrour of others . Reualius in the meane time complaining in the campe , That he was deceiued by the Generall : and Bornemissa wofully lamenting , That hauing worthely got the name of an infamous traitour , hee had thereby lost all his substance , and vndone his friends and kindred . The Generall Rogendorff ( condemned euen of the common souldiors , for his foolish arrogancie and pride ) was hardly spoken of thorow all the campe , as he that by too much insolencie had ouerthrowne the fairest occasion of a most goodly victorie : wherefore from that time he attempted no great matter , but set himselfe downe by long siege to tame his enemies , and so to win the citie . Solyman vnderstanding of the queenes distresse in HVNGARIE , and with what desire Ferdinand ( supported by the emperour his brother ) thirsted after that kingdome ; consulted with his Bassaes of the purposes and power of his enemies , both there and elsewhere : and politikely resolued at one time , with his deuided forces , to withstand their attempts in diuers places , and those farre distant one from another , wherby the greatnesse of his power is well to be perceiued . First he sent Solyman Bassa an eunuch to BABYLON , to defend the countrey of MESOPOTAMIA , and the frontiers of his empire alongst the riuer Tygris , against Tamas the Persian king . Mahometes another of his great Bassaes , he sent into HVNGARIE to relieue the besieged queene : And after him Vstref Bassa , which was the fourth of his chiefe Bassaes , with another army to stay at BELGRADE , in readinesse to aid the other Bassa sent before him as occasion should require , if he should find his enemies too strong . Vnto Barbarussa he committed his nauie , for the defence of GRECIA and EPYRVS against Auria , who but a little before aided by the gallies of SICILIA and NAPLES , had driuen the Turkes and Moores ( which tooke part with the Turks ) out of CLVPEA , NEAPOLIS , ADRVMENTVM , RVSPINA , TAPSVS , and all alongst that coast of AF●RICK which the Moores call MAHOMEDIA , except the citie of LEPTIS , and caused those cities to submit themselues to the gouernment of Muleasses king of TVNES . These cities are at this day called CALIBIA , SVSA , MAHOMETA , MONASTERIVM , SFAXIA and AFRICA . And because Solyman vnderstood , that Maylat the Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA tooke part with king Ferdinand , he sent against him Achomates gouernour of NICOPOLIS , and commaunded Peter of MOLDAVIA , prince of VALACAIA , to aid him : who afterwards accordingly came vnto him with thirtie thousand horsemen . He himselfe also doubting the purposes of the Christian princes , and especially of Charles the emperour , more than he had ●eed , came to HADRIANOPLE , and in the countries thereabouts raised a third armie , to aid the two Bassaes sent before into HVNGARIE ; keeping with him his son in law Rustan , whom he had made one of the foure great Bassaes of his counsell , hauing thrust out Luftibeius , whom the Turkes call Lutzis , his brother in law , and exiled him into MACEDONIA for euill entreating and striking his wife , which was Solymans sister , as is before said , but was at this time done . Mahometes the Bassa desirous to doe his great Master the best seruice he could , entred into HVNGARIE with his armie about the middle of Iune in the yeare 1541 , taking with him in his way the other Mahometes gouernour of BELGRADE , who gaue the shamefull ouerthrow vnto the Christians at EZEK ; joyning also with him the power of BOSNA , now commaunded by Vl●mas the Persian , for that Vstref the old Bassa was lately dead . The captaines of the Christian armie hearing of the comming of the Turks , entred into counsell , Whether they should continue the siege , or els goe and meet them by the way and giue them battell . But the period of the Hungarian kingdome drawing fast on , and the ineuitable destinie thereof so requiring , the opinion of Rogenderff preuailed against the rest for the continuing of the siege , he seeming more willing to die than to crosse ouer the riuer to PESTH , or to retire to VICEGRADE or STRIGONIVM , as diuers would haue persuaded him : wherefore he remoued from the place where he lay before , and encamped his armie on the further side of the citie at the foot of S. Gerards mount , where the hill lying betweene BVDA and the campe , and departing from the riuer leaueth a faire plaine toward the East ; of purpose , that the Turks which he knew would not goe far from the riuer and their fleet , should be enforced dangerously to passe by the mouth of his great ordinance , which he had aptly placed vpon the front of his trenches : for such was the nature of the place , that the campe lay defended on the right hand with the steepe hill , on the left hand with the riuer , and behind toward the citie with a strong bulwarke . Vpon the right hand , vpon a little rising ground he placed the lesser campe , wherein were the Hungarians which fauoured king Ferdinand , and then followed his ensignes . He made also a bridge from his campe into a little island which lay in the riuer , and with a fort well planted with ordinance commaunded both the riuer and the plaine , so to beat the enemies fleet comming vp the riuer , and themselues also as they should march alongst the plaine . He was about also to haue made a bridge of lighters and boats quite ouer the riuer , from his campe to PESTH , and in this order to expect the comming of new supplies from king Ferdinand , and to repell the enemie who was comming , and with long siege to wearie them in BVDA : for there was such store both of victuall and all other warlike prouision in PESTH , as would well haue sufficed his armie vntill Winter had beene spent . As soone as the Turks were come nigh the citie , Valentinus as an embassadour from the queene met them with two thousand horse , and fully instructed both the Mahomets what the Christians did , what strength they were of , and how they might most conueniently encampe their armie . Wherefore the Bassa marching on boldly forward , came within halfe a mile of the Christian campe , where he quickly entrenched himselfe round with a strong trench , filling a great part of the plaine with his tents . But the other Mahometes , gouernour of BELGRADE , a most polliticke captaine , tooke the higher ground towards the rising of the hill , neerer vnto the tents of the Hungarians than of the Germanes . Vnto these two armies thus encamped , belonged also two fleets , the Christian fleet consisted of foure and twentie galleots , about fourescore small pinnaces , and little lesse than a hundred ships of burden and other great boats : whereas the Turks fleet was not thought to be past halfe so great . Neere vnto the little island , joyned as we haue before said by a bridge to the Christian campe , beneath in the riuer had the Turkes taken another island called CEPELLIA , oueragainst their owne campe ; where casting vp a great bulwarke in the vppermost end thereof , and planting it with great ordinance , they from thence shot at the fort which the Christians held in the little island , and at their vessels passing too and fro in the riuer ; as the Christians did at them likewise . This island of CEPELLIA lieth somewhat more than fortie miles in length in the riuer Danubius , full of countrey villages , so commodiously , that if Rogendorff had at the first taken it and fortified it , before the comming of the Turkes , as the Hungarians persuaded him to haue done , the Turks could by no means haue encamped in the plaine , but must needs haue forsaken their fleet , fetching a great compasse about more toward the West , further off from the riuer : which would haue turned to the Turks great disaduantage . But no man is so wise as to foresee all things , when as the very euill successe , be the plot neuer so well laid , shall of it selfe , beside the losse , leaue vnto the vnfortunate man the note of the want of prouident foresight and discretion . But Rogendorff was not willing to deuide his forces , vntill he had some new supplie from king Ferdinand . Whilest the armies lay thus neere one to the other , there were some light skirmishes made euery day , either by the horsemen or the footmen , and sometime one braue man challenging forth another hand to hand , whom he thought by his armour or some other signe of his worth , to be like to himselfe : which was so pleasant a sight to behold , that both the armies vpon a militarie courtesie , as if it had been so agreed , would many times for certaine houres forbeare to shoot any shot , of purpose to see those gallants , with true prowesse to prooue their valour and manhood one vpon another with their speares and swords only . In which light skirmishes the Germane horsemen were oftentimes put to the worst ; who mounted vpon great heauie horses , fitter for a set battell , could neither so readily charge the enemie , nor pursue him in his flight ; as could the Turks with their nimble and readie light horses , so well acquainted with that manner of flying fight , that they would with wheeling about easily frustrate the first charge of the heauie horsemen , and by and by come vpon them againe with a fresh charge , & so often retire and come on again , vntill they had either wearied or ouerthrowne them . But the Hungarians acquainted with that manner of fight as well as they , and also better armed , did easily encounter the Turks , and foile them , although they were in number moe . There was amongst the Germane captaines a noble man called Eckius Rayschachius , whose son ( a valiant yong gentleman ) being got out of the armie without his fathers knowledge , bare himselfe so gallantly in fight against the enemie in the sight of his father and of the armie , that he was highly commended of all men , and especially of his father , who knew him not at all : yet before he could cleare himselfe , he was compassed in with the enemie , and valiantly fighting slaine . Rayschachius exceedingly mooued with the death of so braue a man , ignorant how neere it touched himselfe , turning about to the other captaines , said , This worthie gentleman , whatsoeuer he be , is worthie of eternall commendation , and to be most honourably buried by the whole armie . As the rest of the captaines were with like compassion approuing his speech , the dead bodie of the vnfortunat sonne rescued , was presented to the most miserable father ; which caused all them that were there present to shed teares : but such a suddaine and inward greefe surprised the aged father , and strucke so to his heart , that after he had stood a while speechlesse , with his eyes set in his head , he suddenly fell downe dead . From that time the Generall commaunded , That no man should vpon paine of death go out of the armie to skirmish with the enemie without leaue , wherein he was so seuere , that he hanged vp one or two which presumed to transgresse his commaundement : which thing much discouraged his own men , and so encouraged the enemie , that they would sometime braue the Christians vpon the top of their owne trenches . Many dayes had now passed since the comming of the Bassa , the Turkes and they of BVDA dayly encreasing both in strength and courage : when on the other side , faint courage , weake strength , troubled counsell , vncertain resolution , the ominous signs of an vndoubted ouerthrow , were easie to be seene ; and hope it selfe , the stay of all human actions , especially of martiall affairs , almost lost : the onely things that held their fainting hearts , was the often letters from king Ferdinand , and the firme opinion they had conceiued , That Charles the emperour would not in so great a danger faile to aid his brother , both with men and mony : and last of all , the firme resolution of the Generall , which farre passed all reason , the sooner to draw him to his end . The armies lying in this order , the Turkes from the higher ground , and out of CEPELLIA , perceiuing the Germanes in the little island as carelesse men to keepe but negligent watch , agreed amongst themselues at one instant out of both their campes , to assaile diuers of their forts : and so in the breake of the day landed with their fleet so closely and suddenly to the Island , that they had slaine almost six hundred of the Germanes , before they were thorowly awake or could well arme themselues : wherewith the rest were put in such a feare , that they fled to the campe in such hast , that many of them fell beside the bridge and were drowned in the riuer . All the campe was wonderfully troubled with the suddennesse of the matter , the Turks with their hideous cries raising the alarum in diuers places at once : yet for all that , certaine German companies in one of the forts neerest vnto the riuer , and the souldiors in the fleet , well declared their present resolution and valiant courage , in recouering againe of the island . For Herbestulfus the campe-master , persuading them not to suffer the Christian ensignes and great ordinance to be so shamefully carried away of the Turkes ; and Marius the Admirall at the same time landing diuers companies in the island with his pinnaces and great boats : they so couragiously charged the Turkes , then busied in the spoiling of the dead bodies and drawing away of the great ordinance , that they draue them againe to their boats ; leauing vnto them as victors , both the island and the ordinance , hauing before their departure , receiued no lesse losse themselues than had the Germans before . It was reported , that the Turkes fleet might that day haue beene quite ouerthrowne , if the Christians vsing the victorie , and holpen with the course of that swift riuer , had couragiously pursued them and landed with them . But many things after a matter is done are easily seene , which in the verie heat and hurle of the danger cannot well be foreseene ; for as much as sudden accidents attended with great perill , doe oftentimes dazle the minds of right wise and valiant captaines : yet foure of the Turks pinnaces were suncke , and thr●● taken , and many of the Turkes slaine or drowned in the riuer . Shortly after , the Turkes more and more encouraged with the multitude of themselues , and the fearefulnesse they perceiued in their enemies , did at sundrie times so insolently trouble and assaile the campe of the Christians on euerie side , that they left them almost no time of rest , one company still succeeding another ; so that they were almost in despaire , to be able long to defend their campe , the enemie still growing both in strength and courage . For the Bassa that lay at BELGRADE ▪ still taking vnto him the sicke and wounded souldiors , sent continually fresh men in their steed : and Valentinus taking vnto him a companie of the Turks Ianizaries harquebusiers , had driuen Perenus with the Hungarian horsemen out of the vpper campe . So that they in the nether campe were now hardly beset with their enemies on euerie side : yet were they well holpen by the great artillerie from PESTH , which much troubled Valentinus and his horsemen in assailing the campe on that side . Some report that Valentinus , not greatly angrie with the Hungarian banished men , but with the Germans , did by the way of priuat courtesie and friendship , by a faithfull souldior wish Perenus speedily to prouide for the safetie of himselfe and the Hungarians with him ; for that there was a great beast comming , which would at one morsell deuoure them all . For Solyman aduertised of the doings of the emperour and king Ferdinand , thinking that they would haue come downe to BVDA with a puissant armie , was resolued to be present himselfe at so notable a battell , and was therefore comming thither with his armie in all hast . Wherefore Perenus thus forewarned , said plainly to Rogendorff and the other captaines , That except they would presently rise with the armie and depart , he would now whiles he had yet time , make shift for himselfe and his countrey men . Their opinions diuersly deliuered , at last they all agreed that it was best the next night to passe ouer the riuer to PESTH : only the Generall vpon a fatall obstinacie said , He would not without king Ferdinands commaundement depart from BVDA : and therfore sent countie Salma with a swift pinnace vp the riuer to VIENNA to know his pleasure therein . In the meane time vrged with feare , Perenus fretting at their long stay , it was resolued vpon , that they should the next night after the Moone was downe , passe ouer the riuer in foure conuoies to PESTH : In the first , were to passe ouer the Hungarians , with the great ordinance : in the second , the German and the Bohemian horsemen : and in the other two , the footmen and the baggage of the armie . For it was not so easie a matter to make a bridge ouer Danubius , as they had at first supposed : for after they had begun it , and almost planked it , there rise such a wind and tempest , and the violent riuer became so rough , that the timber wherewith the bridge was fastened togither was broken , the joints vnlosed , and many of the boats whereof the bridge was framed , their cables being broken , were carried away with the force of the streame . The first and second conuoy fortune so well fauoured , that they passed well ouer : for although they of BVDA and the Turkes , seeing in the day time from their high places the fleet drawing togither into one place , might haue some suspition of the matter , some ghessing one thing and some another ; yet could they foresee nothing of the sudden departure of the enemie : But that multitude of ships and boats now passing too and fro , could not long deceiue the attentiue and vigilant enemie ; and so much the lesse , for that two fugitiue Hungarians euen then discouered vnto the bishop , the flight of the Germans ; who presently certified the Bassa and the other Mahometes thereof , which without farther delay came almost with all their power to assault the Christians in their camp : the great ordinance was brought forth , and after the Ianizaries & other footmen , followed the horsemen , dismounted frō their horses to do the better seruice , who all with a horrible crie assailed the trenches . Then began the Germans to quaile , their flight being now discouered ; yet did they with the Bohemians for a while notably resist the enemie . All the campe was filled with tumult and confusion , and especially at the riuer side , euerie man in that great feare striuing to get aboord , without regard of order or shame : for the dead time of the night then couered with darke and thicke clouds , made all things more terrible , euen vnto them which were of best courage : the authoritie of Rogendorff the Generall ( in the darknesse of the night , and so great damour both of his owne people and of the enemie , and the thundring of the ordinance ) was as nothing : He ( besides that he was then sicke in mind ) lay in his bed wounded , by a wonderfull and fatall chance : for as he was writing letters to the king , a faulcon shot out of the enemies campe falling in his tent , and striking in sunder a chest which stood there , wounded him grieuously in the left shoulder with a splinter of the same . The other captaines of the footmen , enuying that the horsemen were so well escaped , stood as men more carefull of themselues than of the common danger , faintly resisting the enemie . The vppermost tents wherein Perenus lay , were first taken by Mahometes of BELGRADE , and Valentinus ; and the German footmen chased all ouer S. Gerrards mount . They of BVDA also sallied out , and entred the campe on that side which was next vnto the citie , and with wild fire burnt the tents a little before forsaken by the Germans . And the bishop at the same time caused a great stacke of straw standing by the kings stables neere vnto the riuers side , to be set on fire ; which gaue such a light , that a man might haue seene all ouer Danubius vnto the wals of PESTH , as if it had been light day : whereby the great confusision of the Christian armie by land , as well as the shamefull flight by water , was of the Turkes plainly discouered . Then was the great artillerie from euerie place discharged vpon the flying fleet , as well from BVDA as the Turks campe . And to encrease the feare , Cason the Turkes Admirall rowing with his light boats against the streame , set vpon the ships crossing the riuer to PESTH , where he tooke certaine boats loded with souldiors , and with his great ordinance sunck diuers others : so that the riuer was filled with dead bodies , and the miserable companie of souldiors and mariners labouring to saue their liues by swimming : for at such time as the Ianizaries hauing slaine the first companies , were broken into the lower campe ; and the rest of the Germans flying ouer the bridge into the little island , were there slaine without mercie , by the Turkes pursuing them , many of them leapt into the riuer , and there perished . Three hundred saile of one sort of ships and other , were so confused and mingled togither , that Danubius seemed that night to haue beene couered ouer , as if it had beene with a great bridge . But the Christian fleet seeing all lost , cleered themselues so soone as they could of the Turks ; and so beating them backe with their great ordinance out of the poupes of their ships , got vp the riuer to COMO●A . The rest of the land forces endured the same fortune in the campe , of whom the Bohemians died most honourably , slaine by the enemie in fight . Many falling into the hands of them of BVDA were saued , or slaine , as was their fortune to fall into the power of a mercifull or mercilesse man. But the sunne rising , plainly discouered the slaughter of the Christians and the victorie of the Turkes , not so well before knowne . There was about 3000 men of one sort and oth●● who in warlike manner had taken a little hill by Saint Gerrards church , and there stood vpon their guard , vntill such time as more than two thousand of them were slaine ; the rest casting away their weapons yeelded in hope of life , and were reserued for a spectacle more grieuous than death it selfe . At the same time Cason with his victorious fleet comming to the shoare of PESTH , brought such a feare vpon them that were escaped thither , and might easily haue defended the wals ( only with the crie of his souldiors and the thundring of the artillerie ) that the horsemen for hast to get out , were like to ouerrun one another . The Germans had at that time so much forgot their wonted valour , and so trembled at the name of the Turks , that as soone as they saw their white caps in their ships , they ran away as men dismaied , vnarmed , leauing behind them their plate , their carriages , and whatsoeuer good thing they had else . Yet some of the Hungarian horsmen , more desirous of the spoile than afraid of death , staied behind rifling the merchants shops : for PESTH was become a notable rich mart towne for all kind of merchandise , merchants resorting thither from all other places of the troubled countrey , as to a strong and commodious citie , and of more safetie than the rest . But Cason now entering without resistance , slew some of those greedie Hungarians ▪ and ran thorow the towne with such barbarous crueltie and thirst of the Christian bloud , that he spared neither man , woman , nor child ▪ except some few such as either for their beautie or strength of bodie were reserued for the Turkes beastly lust or slauish labour : so that in this warre it is reported , more than twentie thousand Christians were one way and other by diuers chances slaine . There was taken at PESTH in the campe , and in the island , six and thirtie great pieces for batterie , of wonderfull beautie ; and of lesser field pieces a hundred and fiftie . As for shot , pouder , armour , weapons , and victuall prouided for Winter , such sto●e was found , that the Turks accounted it for the greatest part of their victorie . Rogendorff the vnfortunat Generall , at such time as the Turks hauing woon the trenches were fighting in the middest of the campe , desiring rather to be slaine in his tent , than to liue after so great an ouerthrow , was against his will by strong hand carried abourd a little pinnace by his physition and chamberlaine , which would not in any case forsake him as he lay , and was so conueied vp the riuer to the island of COMARA : where he shortly after , partly for the painefulnesse of his wound , but more for greefe of mind , died in a little countrey village called SAMARIVM , leauing vnto the Germans a wofull remembrance of his accursed obstinacie and pride . Solyman still doubting the comming of Charles the emperour and king Ferdinand to BVDA , was comming with his armie from HADRIANOPLE in such hast , that he caused the Ianizaries his best footmen , contrarie to their manner , to march as fast as his horsemen : but vnderstanding by the way of the late victorie obtained by his captaines , he tooke more leisure , and came with a great power to BVDA in August , and there encamped on the other side of the citie , to auoid the noisome sauour of the dead bodies , which lay yet vnburied . Where calling vnto him the other armie , and making one huge campe of both , he highly commended all his captaines , but especially the two Mahometes . And vnderstanding that the victorie was especially gotten by the meanes of Mahometes gouernor of BELGRADE , he made him generall of all his Europeian horsemen , one of the most honourable preferments of the Turkish empire : the other captaines he rewarded according as they had deserued , and withall augmented their pay . After that , he caused the prisoners , in number about eight hundred , to be brought out : who bound in long ropes , were in derision led all alongst the armie , raunged in order of battell , and afterward by his commaundement slaine by his young souldiors : saying with seuere countenance , that they were worthie of such death , which by embassadours dissemblingly entreating of peace , had in the meane time craftily waged warre . Amongst these prisoners was one souldior of BAVARIA , of an exceeding high stature , him in despight of the Germane nation he deliuered to a little dwarfe ( whom his sonnes made great account of ) to be slaine , whose head was scarce so high as the knees of the tall captiue , with that cruell despight to aggrauate the indignitie of his death : when as that goodly tall man , mangled about the legs a long time by that apish dwarfe with his little scimitar , as if it had beene in disport , fell downe , and was with many ●eeble blowes hardly at last slaine by that wretch , still heartened on by others , to satisfie the eyes of the princes , beholding it as their disport . This barbarous and cruell execution done , Solyman sent his embassadours with presents to the young king , which were three beautifull horses , with their bridles of gold , and their trappings richly set with pretious stones , and three royall robes of cloth of gold , and vnto the cheefe of the nobilitie he sent rich gownes and chaines of gold . The embassadours which brought these presents , in courteous manner requested of the queene to send the young king her sonne , attended with his nobilitie , into the campe , and without all feare to hope that all should goe well both with her and her sonne ▪ for that Solyman , who exceeded all other kings , not in power and fortune onely , but in vertue and vpright dealing also , was of such an heroicall disposition , that he would not onely defend the child , whom in the right of his father he had once thought worthie his protection and fauour , victorie confirming the same , but would also augment his estate , with the largest bounds of his auntient kingdome : Wherefore he was desirous to see the yong king , and to behold in him the representation of his father , and with his owne hand to deliuer him to be imbraced of his sonnes ; that of his protection renewed , so happily begun , might be grounded a firme and perpetuall friendship with the Othoman kings : and that he would alwayes account of her as of his daughter . But the cause why he came not to see her , which he did in courtesie desire , was , for that by auntient custome the Othoman kings were forbidden that point of courtesie , to visit other mens wiues in their houses . Besides that , Solyman ( they said ) was not so forgetfull of his modestie and honour , as to receiue into his pauillion the daughter of a king his friend and allie , and she the late wife of a king his friend and tributarie , and the faire young mother of a son , growing in the hope of like regall dignitie ; for feare he should draw into any suspition the inuiolate name of her chastitie , which in queenes was to be guarded with an especiall and wonderfull care . Whereunto the queene ( a manifest feare confounding the tender sences in her motherly affection ) answered very doubtfully : but the bishop persuading her , and instantly requesting her not to giue the Turks occasion to suspect that she had them in distrust , by her little and vnprofitable delay , sent her young sonne in princely swathing clothes , in a rich chariot , with his nurse and certaine great ladies in the campe , attended vpon with almost all the nobilitie to whom Solyman had sent presents . In his comming to the campe , he was for honours sake met vpon the way by certaine gallant troupes of the Turkes braue horsemen : and all the way as he passed in the campe , orderly stood the Ianizaries of Solymans guard . As soone as he was brought into the pauillion , Solyman courteously looked vpon him , and familiarly talked with the nurse , and commaunded his sonnes there present to take him in their armes , and to kisse him , in certaine token of the loue they would beare him , whom they were in time to haue their friend and tributarie , when he was growne to mans estate : these were Selymus and Baiazet , begotten of his faire concubine Roxalana , bearing the names the one of his grandfather , the other of his great grandfather . As for Mustapha his eldest sonne by his Circassian wife , he then liued in MAGNESIA , a great way off : who though he was a prince of so great hope , as neuer any of the Turkish kings had a sonne of greater , and was therefore exceedingly beloued of the men of warre ; yet was he not so well liked of his father , brought out of fauour with him by Roxalana , as if he had traiterously gone about to take the empire from him , yet liuing , as did Selymus his grandfather from Baiazet : for which cause Solyman secretly purposed to take him away , as afterwards he did , and to appoint Selymus for his successor , as hereafter shall appeare . But Solyman , at such time as the noblemen of HVNGARIE were dining merrily with the Bassaes , had commaunded certaine companies ( to whom he had before giuen instructions what he would haue done ) vnder the colour of seeing the citie , to take one of the gates called SABATINA , and the cheefe streets : which was done so quietly and cunningly , that a warie watchman standing there , and beholding the manner of the Turks comming and going too and fro , could hardly haue perceiued how the gate was taken , vntill it was too late . For many of the Turkes walking faire and softly by great companies into the citie , as if it had beene but for pleasure , to haue seene it : and othersome to colour the matter , walking likewise backe againe , as if they had sufficiently viewed the citie ; by that meanes they without any tumult or sturre quickly tooke the appointed gate , with the market place and cheefe streets of the citie . Which so finely done , the captaine of the Ianizaries caused proclamation to be made in all parts of the citie , That the citisens should without feare keepe themselues within their houses , and forthwith as they would haue their liues , libertie , and goods saued , to deliuer all their weapons : which they seeing no remedie , did : and hauing deliuered their armes , and taken the Turkes faith for their securitie , they receiued them into their houses , as their vnwelcome guests . But such was the quietnesse and modestie of the Turks , by reason of the seueritie of their martiall discipline , that no citisen which tooke them into their houses , was by them wronged by word or deed . Solyman vnderstanding that the citie was thus quietly and without resistance taken , sent the child backe againe vnto the queene , although it was now almost night ; but the cheefe noblemen he retained still with him : these was George the bishop and treasurer , Petrus Vi●che the yong kings nigh kinsman and one of his tutors , Valentinus Turaccus Generall of the queenes forces , Stephanus Verbetius chancellor , and Bacianus Vrbanus gouernour of the citie of BVDA . This sudden and vnexpected change exceedingly troubled all their minds , and so much the more , for that the great Bassaes with changed countenances began to picke quarrels with them , and as it were straightly and impudently to examine them , and to call them to account for all that they had done . The queene seeing the citie so craftily surprised , and the nobilitie injuriously detained in the campe , troubled with feare and greefe , by humble letters requested Solyman not to forget the faith he had long before giuen vnto her , and euen of late confirmed by his embassadours ; but mindfull both thereof and of his wonted clemencie , to send backe vnto her the noblemen , who for their fidelitie and valiant seruice had well deserued both of him and her : this she did by Rustemes Bassa , whom she had loded with gifts , and amongst other things of great price had sent him a faire coronet of her owne of orient pearle , and a goodly jewell set with rich stone to send vnto his wife ( Solymans daughter ) for a present . After that , Solyman consulted with his Bassaes foure dayes what order to take concerning the kingdome of HVNGARIE . In discourse whereof his great Bassaes were of diuers opinions , Mahometes aduised him to carrie away with him to CONSTANTINOPLE both the child and all the nobilitie , and to leaue such a gouernour in BVDA , as by his wise and moderat gouernment , rather than by rigour , might put the people out of feare of seruitude and bondage , by defending them from wrong , and yet by little & little lay vpon them the yoke of the Turkish gouernment . But Rustemes Bassa ( before corrupted , and a man in greater fauour than the rest , because he was Solymans sonne in law , and therefore farther from all suspition of flatterie ) stood altogether vpon tearmes of honour , saying , That nothing could be more dishonorable vnto so great and mightie a monarch , who neuer had at any time with any spot or staine blemished the glorie of his name , than after victorie against all right and reason to breake his faith at once with a weake woman and sillie infant , whom he had before taken vpon him to protect and defend . On the other side , Mahometes gouernour of BELGRADE ( an old mortall enemie of the Christians , of all the rest best acquainted with the state of HVNGARIE , and for his great experience and approued valour then extraordinarily admitted by Solyman into counsell amongst the great Bassaes ) disliked of both the former opinions , as too full of lenitie : and being asked his owne , deliuered it in mischieuous manner as followeth . I know ( said he ) most mightie Solyman , that he which in consultation of matters of so great consequence is to deliuer his opinion last , shall if he discent from the rest , be subiect to enuie and reprehension . And therefore it cannot be , but that I being of a quite contrarie opinion to them that haue before spoken , my speech must also be vnto your eares both vnpleasant and tedious . But I refuse not to be counted by my selfe , yea and presumptuous , if you will so haue it , rather than a smoother vp of other mens sayings , as one of no iudgement ; whilest I recount those things , which as the present case standeth , may wonderfully profit your designes & the imperiall state : for of right I may desire you to yeeld a little to my yeares , and ( if I may by your good fauour so say ) to that I haue alreadie done : when as I now growne an old man in warres against these Hungarians , haue by experience learned those things of the state and strength of this kingdome , and the disposition of the people ; which being here laid downe , may much auaile for your better determination of this so waightie a cause as amitteth no repentance , if you shall now be ouerseene therein . You haue now within the space of these twentie yeares come in armes your selfe in person fiue times into this countrey , when I as no obscure captaine or souldior , was in all those warres and battels euer present , of purpose as I suppose to reuenge your iniuries , to enlarge your empire ▪ and in breefe to assure you of a good peace , which could neuer be but by force of armes and victorie . And therefore you valiantly woon BELGRADE , the infamous dwelling place and receptacle of most outrageous theeues and robbers , and in former time famous for the vnfortunat attempts of your auncestors : when as from thence the Hungarians in time of peace had at their pleasure , whilest your father was then occupied in the Persian warre , spoiled the borders of SERVIA and ILLYRIA ▪ The same Hungarians about fiue yeares after , for that they had in cruell manner slaine your embassadours , you ouerthrew in battell , and slew their king : and possessed of BVDA , to manifest and make knowne by a notable demonstration the magnificence of your heroicall mind , euen vnto the remotest enemies of our name , did chuse out of the reliques of that vanquished nation , one whom you might grace with the honour of the regall crowne ; although not borne of royall bloud , or vnto you knowne for any other desert , than that he was a little before both your priuat and publike enemie , and comming against you with a strong power out of TRANSILVANIA , he had in the meane time lost his brother , a better man than himselfe , slaine with our sword . After that , rise vp the Austrian king , a new enemie , to expulse this Hungarian , raigning by your courtesie , & so you tooke in hand the third warre against the Germanes , which you so effectually prosecuted , that hauing forthwith restored the king , you carried the terror of your selfe not onely to the wals of VIENNA , but into the very heart of GERMANIE . But two yeares yet scarcely past , the same king ( neuer long contented with peace or warres ) supported by the power of his brother Charles , and in vaine besieging BVDA , defended by your garrisons , stirred you vp againe to reuenge the iniurie , slaughter , and spoile by his souldiours done : for that you thought it to stand with your honour to protect him with your power , whom you had of your rare bountie made a king , and then desired aboue all things to fight a noble battell with the two brethren for the empire of the West . But they at such time as you with fire and sword ran thorow their auntient kingdomes , endured not the noise of your comming . After that ensued a peace between the Hungarian and the Germane , your Maiestie permitting and approouing it , at such time as you made hast to goe against the Persians : but the Germane king so broke that peace , that had not I in good time reuenged his trecherie by the ouerthrow of a great armie of his at EZEK , you must of necessitie haue beene sent for from BABILON your selfe , as but now you were glad to come in hast by long and painfull iournies from CONSTANTINOPLE , to aid vs in time , and as I verely hope , to make an end for all ; that all things set in firme order in HVNGARIE , the inconueniences of so many labours and so great charge , fiue times vndertaken for another mans profit , might now at length take end : except ( as I see some wish ) you be in mind neuer to giue ouer the protection of the child & widdow , a matter full of infinit labor & perill , not to be counteruailed with that glorious shew of honor , which by these ( in my opinion ) too too wisemen is pretended to your haughtie mind , euer desirous of honor and fame . But I as a blunt man vnderstand not this high point of wisedome , abounding with glorie , which in the very course thereof cutteth in sunder the sinewes of victorie , and is neuer by polliticke Generals admitted into their campes . In which doing , as I wish you more fortunat than your auncestours , who haue vnited eighteene kingdomes to this your empire , so would I not haue you more wise than they : for what can be a more vnwise part , than alwayes to play the vnwise man ? that is to say , alwayes to be carefull of other mens affaires , and in meane time oftentimes to endanger his owne estate , his health , his wealth , his honour . You haue satisfied ( and that in my opinion ) plentifully the duties both of charitie , fidelitie , and if it must needs be so , of honour and glorie also ; if it be to be gotten rather by courtesie , clemencie , and lenitie , than by the inuincible strength of wise policie , and the constant resolution of a martiall mind : for by these instruments , and none other , hath worthie vertue alwayes promoted and supported the Othoman kings . Wherefore let those vaine showes ( as seemeth vnto me ) of counterfeit honour delight the minds of idle and slouthfull kings : assuredly , they neuer pleased your armed auncestors , but after the enemie was quite ouerthrowne , the triumph made , and the trophees of victorie erected . But let this be as best pleaseth your high wisedome and iudgement , whereunto the greatest wits giue place . Truly I ( if I well foresee the chances of war , and the assured euents of things ) will not follow that manner of counsell which the pleasure of my mind persuadeth me vnto ; when as necessitie , which ruleth all things , presently forceth me and sheweth me a farre better course . The Hungarians aboue all other things notably warne vs not to trust them , who infamous for their vnconstancie , often reuolt , and trecherie , are still at variance amongst themselues ; and their banished men are continually setting on the Germanes to inuade the countrey ; and the weake power of the queene and the child is not such as may withstand so neere and so mightie an enemie : so that another mans kingdome must of necessitie be defended by our helpe , which may not be lesse than a strong armie , without our great perill . To be breefe , euery yeere to take in hand so long an expedition of so great labour and trauell , with an armie furnished with horsemen , footmen , artillerie , and a fleet of ships for defence of another man , as commonly we doe , seemeth to me meere madnesse : Neither doe I thinke it to stand with the maiestie of the Othoman emperours , thus to be mooued euery yeare at the request of a puling woman , crying for helpe : except you thinke it more profitable and honourable to maintaine a defensiue than an inuasiue warre . Wherefore ( in my opinion ) it is best to turne this kingdome ( so often conquered and defended by law of Armes ) after the manner of your auncestors , into the forme of a Prouince : the queene I would haue sent to her father , and the boy her sonne brought vp in your Court at CONSTANTINOPLE , and there instructed in our religion : the nobilitie of the countrey I wish to be slaine , and their castles rased , and the notable families which bare the brauest minds , to be carried away out of all parts of the countrey into ASIA : as for the base multitude , I would haue kept vnder with good garrisons , to till the ground , and inhabit the cities . By this onely meanes ( mightie Solyman ) shall both the Hungarians perceiue themselues conquered , and the Germanes glad to forbeare comming into HVNGARIE , vnlesse they will rashly and vnfortunately hazard both STYRIA and AVSTRIA . But Solyman thinking it good to doe sacrifice before he would resolutely determine of so great a matter , entred into BVDA with his two sons , Selymus and Baiazet , the thirtith day of August in the yeare 1541 : and there in the Cathedrall church dedicated to the virgin Marie ( being before by his priests purified after the manner of their superstition ) sacrificed the first Mahometane sacrifice in BVDA . Shortly after , he as it were moderating the opinions of his great counsellors , prouided out of them all , both for his owne securitie and honour , and published a decree the fatall doome of that flourishing kingdome , where vnder it yet groneth at this day ; That BVDA should from that day be kept with a garrison of Turks , and the kingdome conuerted into a prouince of the Turkish empire ; and that the queene with her young sonne should presently depart the citie , and liue in LIPPA in a fertile and quiet countrey beyond the riuer of Tibiseus , which something to comfort her , was neere vnto the borders of her father Sigismund his kingdome , to be safely conducted thither with all hir wealth and jewels by his Ianizaries . Wherefore the queene and her sonne according to this decree , with teares and mourning ; detesting in her heart the tyrants perfidious dealing ( which necessitie enforced her then to dissemble ) departed from BVDA , constrained by the Turkes to leaue behind her all the ordinance in the castle and citie , with all other the warlike prouision & store of victuall . The noblemen went with her also , who although they went sorrowfull for this wofull and vnexpected change of things , yet were they verie glad of their libertie and safetie , whereof they had for the space of three daies despaired . Only Valentinus was kept in safe custodie in the campe , because he was a martiall man , of greatest power amongst the Hungarians ; and besides that , much hated of the Turkes for the hard pursuit of Cason , and his horsemen , slaine at STORAMBERG in AVSTRIA . Thus the roiall citie of BVDA fell into the possession of the Turkes , whereupon not long after ensued the finall ruine of that great kingdome , sometime the strong bulwarke of Christendome , but lost to the great weakning of the Christian common-weale ; which may justly be imputed to the pride , ambition , and discention of the Hungarians amongst themselues , and the calling in of the common enemie : the due consideration of whose onely comming , might well haue sufficed to haue set them agreed . Whilest these things were doing at BVDA , king Ferdinand expecting the euent of this war at VIENNA , and hearing of the shamefull ouerthrow of his armie , and that the Generall deadly wounded was fled to COMARA , and that Solyman ( fame encreasing the euill newes ) was comming towards VIENNA ; sent Leonardus Velsius ( who neuer liked of the siege of BVDA ) to COMARA to stay the further flight of the souldiors , and to gather togither so well as hee could the dispersed reliques of the scattered armie , and to comfort againe the discouraged men with the hope of new supplies , & of a pay . And somewhat to stay Solyman , who as it was thought would suddenly come to VIENNA , he sent countie Salma and Sigismund Lithestaine , a noble and graue counsellor , his embassadours , with presents and new conditions of peace to Solyman . The presents was a high standing cup of gold after the German fashion , curiously set with rich stones ; and a wonderfull globe of siluer of most rare and curious deuise , daily expressing the hourely passing of the time , the motions of the planets , the change and full of the moone , the motion of the superiour orbes , euer mouing by certaine wheeles and waights curiously conuaied within the same , and exactly keeping due time and motion ; liuely expressing the wonderfull motions and conuersions of the celestiall frame . A most curious and strange piece of worke , deuised and perfected by the most cunning Astronomers for Maximilian the emperour , whose noble mind neuer spared for any cost to obtaine things of rare and strange deuise . These embassadours passing downe the riuer of Danubius , were at their landing , first receiued by Cason the Admirall of Solymans fleet , and by him brought into a rich tent , the ground vnder their feet being all couered with rich carpets : to whom Rustan Bassa sent such good cheere as the campe affoorded , but especially most excellent wine , no lesse forbidden the Turks by their law , than desired of the Germans . The next day after , the great Bassaes feasted the embassadours , Solyman himselfe dining not farre off in his pauilion : at which feast the Bassaes for the more courtesie , dined with the embassadors , not sitting with their legs gathered vnder them flat vpon the ground , as their manner was , but sitting in chaires at a high table , after the manner of the Christians : only Mahometes Gouernour of BELGRADE , for his age and valour an extraordinarie guest , sat downe vpon a cushion beneath the Bassaes. Their cheere was onely rice and mutton , and that so plainely and sparingly dressed , as if they had thereby noted our gourmandise and excesse ; who measure not our cheere by that which nature requireth , but that which greedie appetite desireth , as if therein consisted the greatest nobilitie : And the drinke for the great Bassaes themselues , right easie to be had , was faire water out of the riuer Danubius . After dinner the embassadours were brought in vnto Solyman , each of them lead betwixt two Bassaes holding them fast by the armes , as if it had been for honour sake , and so brought to kisse his hand . For the Turks suffer no stranger otherwise to come vnto the presence of their superstitious emperour , but first they search him that he haue no weapon about him , and so clasping him by the armes vnder the colour of doing him honour , dissemblingly bereaue him of the vse of his hands , least he should offer him any violence : yet hath he alwaies as he sitteth in his throane lying at hand readie by him ; a targuet , a scimiter , an yron mase , with bow and arrowes . The great globe was also brought in by twelue of the embassadours seruants , which with the strangenesse thereof filled the mind of Solyman , and the eyes of his Bassaes with admiration : for Solyman was of so sharpe a wit ; that he was not learned onely in such books as contained the lawes and rites of the Mahometane superstition , but had also curiously studied Astronomie , and especially Cosmographie ; in which profitable and pleasant studies , he much recreated himselfe as his leisure serued . The embassadours desired , that he would giue the kingdome of HVNGARIE to king Ferdinand , almost vpon the same conditions that Lascus had before required it for him at CONSTANTINOPLE , paying him such yearly tribute as king Iohn had vsually paid , and promising farther to draw Charles the emperour his brother into the same league ; so that Solyman deliuered of all feare that way , might at his pleasure turne his forces vpon the Persian , which it was thought he most desired ▪ Besides that , they said he should deale neither honorably nor indifferently , if he should preferre the young child before king Ferdinand , who beside his auntient right vnto that kingdome ( which they were not now to vrge , as oppressed by his happie victories , but might in time be reuiued ) had also a late interest by a league betwixt him and king Iohn , wherein he had expressely couenanted by the solemne consent of the greatest part of his nobilitie , that king Ferdinand should succeed him in the kingdome . Whereby they excused him of the late warre , as justly taken in hand against the queene and her sonne vsurping vpon his right ; which king Iohn knowing to be good , and mooued with conscience , had by his solemne act acknowledged , though to the great offence and prejudice of Solyman his setter vp and defender , as also to the touching of himselfe in honour , to haue so vnthankfully and fraudulently dealt with his patrone , to whom hee was by the oath of obedience bound . Wherefore they requested , That sith he being a prince of all others most mightie and magnificent , standing vpon his vpright dealing both in peace and warre , had so lightly regarded the slie dealing of so ingratefull a man : he would rather accept of king Ferdinand so many waies injured , as his friend and tributarie , than to haue him his perpetuall enemie . Concluding , that nothing could be vnto him for the good report of his justice more commendable , or for the assurance of a perpetuall peace more profitable , or to the immortall praise of his bountie more honourable , than to call a king of a most auntient dissent , famous for his vertue and fidelitie , chosen for a king by the Bohemians , desired for a king by the Hungarians , emperour elect of the Roman empire by the Germans , and the naturall brother of the great emperour , his tributarie king of HVNGARIE . Solyman with cheerefull countenance accepting and commending of the presents , answered them two daies after by Rustan the Bassa his sonne in law , that this was his resolute condition of peace and friendship : If king Ferdinand would forthwith restore all the cities towns & castles which were before belonging to K. Lewes , and for euer after abstaine from HVNGARIE : and whereas he had beene so often prouoked by him to warre , and had therein bestowed so great charges , and taken so much trauell , he could for that be content with an easie paine ( which should be for his greater honour ) to impose an easie tribute vpon AVSTRIA : vpon which conditions he was content to enter into league with them : but if so be that those conditions seemed vnto them too heauie , and that they would rather make choise of warre than peace , hee would bring to passe by continuall warre , that such things as they had taken from the kingdome of HVNGARIE , should be requited with the destruction of AVSTRIA . But the embassadours , although they were much moued at the proud demaund of tribute for AVSTRIA , as that wherein the two brethren of mightie power , Charles the emperour and king Ferdinand were disdainfully abused : to keepe the best course of their negotiation , and to win some time in so hard estate of things ; required a truce , vntill such time as king Ferdinand and the emperor his brother might be made acquainted with the matter . Which their request ( the Turke perceiuing their drift and purpose ) would in no case grant , for Winter was now fast comming on . It was lawfull for the embassadours , all the time they were in the Turks campe , to view euerie part thereof , Rustan Bassa conducting them from place to place : where aboue all things , they most wondred at the perpetuall and dumbe silence of so great a multitude , the souldiors being so readie and attentiue , that they were no otherwise commanded but by the beckning of the hand , or a nod of their commaunders : They maruelled also at the exquisite order and sweetnesse of the Turkes campe , finding therein nothing disordered or noisome ; so that it seemed not the campe of such a rude and barbarous nation , but rather of them which were the authors of martiall discipline . The embassadours being rewarded and so sent away , Solyman commaunded the old Gouernour of BELGRADE to spoile the borders of AVSTRIA all alongst Danubius : Cason also Generall of the voluntarie horsemen , he sent into MORAVIA for like purpose ; who neither of them did any great harme , by reason of the sudden rising of the great riuers , with the aboundance of raine then falling in Autumne . After that , Solyman appointed one Solyman an Hungarian ( who taken prisoner in his youth by the Turkes , had from that time followed the Mahometane superstition ) gouernour of BVDA : who by the vpright administration of justice , and courteous vsing of the people , with Verbetius the old chancellor ▪ should doe what was possible to put the people in hope of long peace and tranquilitie ▪ Which things done , after he had staied about twentie daies at BVDA , hee determined to returne againe into THRACIA , because the raine of Autumne , and the cold of Winter was now come in : and was also in doubt to be shut in with the rising of the great riuers , wherwith the countrey of HVNGARIE is in euerie place so watered , and on euerie side so compassed , that it is a hard matter to passe . By the way he set Lascus king Ferdinands embassadour againe at libertie , whom he had left in prison at BELGRADE : but he long enjoyed not that benefit , for shortly after returning into POLONIA , he died of the flix ; which caused many to suppose , that he was poisoned by the Turkes . A man for his vertue and learning famous , worthie of a longer life , whose death the king himselfe much lamented . As Solyman was returning into THRACIA , and was come to the riuer Dranus , it was told him , that Stephen Maylat Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA , who tooke king Ferdinand his part , a professed enemie of the Turks , was taken , by the cunning of Peter of MOLDAVIA , and prince of VALACHIA ; and that all the country of TRANSILVANIA was well pacified and yeelded to his obedience . Of which newes Solyman was passing glad , for he exceedingly hated Maylat : a martiall man of a froward nature , desirous of rule , and readie vpon any occasion to reuolt ; forasmuch as he remembred Grittus his legat , and the Turks by him slaine ; and knew also , that the Transiluanians , an inuincible people , borne to trouble , and more delighting in vncertaine warre than assured peace , was by him stirred vp ; whom he wished rather by gentlenesse to appease , than by force of armes and strong hand to subdue ▪ But because we haue oftentimes before made mention of this Maylat , of whose taking Solyman so much rejoyced , it shall not be amisse in few words to declare by what finenesse he fell into the hands of this treacherous and bloudie man , Peter of MOLDAVIA . This Moldauian by the commaundement of Solyman ( as is aforesaid ) had joyned his forces with Achomates Gouernour of NICOPOLIS , against Maylat ; which being vnited , were in number fiftie thousand horsemen , beside footmen , which after the manner of those countries were not many , euerie man almost in the countrey be he neuer so poore , keeping a horse to serue vpon . Maylat beset with the multitude of his enemies , and finding himselfe too weake to encounter them , despairing also of aid from king Ferdinand , whom he knew to be busied in a greater warre ; forsooke the field , and fled againe into the strong towne of FOGARAS , as he had done the yeare before , when he was ouercharged by king Iohn his power : for there as in a most strong place both by nature and fortification , he had laid vp his greatest substance and prouision for the wars , but especially the rich spoile he had long before taken from Grittus . Achomates comming th●●her with his power , and perceiuing the place was not to be battered or taken by force , but with much labour and long time : thought it best , to assay if he could ouercome him by craft and deceit . Wherefore he sent a messenger vnto Maylat , to persuade him to yeeld himselfe vnto Solyman , and to make choise rather to be called of him his friend , than to be judged his enemie ; of whom he might well hope of all goodnesse , which had giuen whole kingdomes vnto his enemies : promising , that he would vse the vttermost of his credit , which was not small , and labour for him as his friend , that he might feele the fruit of his clemencie and bountie ▪ and still enjoy the gouernment of TRANSILVANIA , paying him some small yearely tribute , as he had before requested : for as much as he could take no course better , being beset with so many enemies , than to make his peace vpon reasonable conditions , and that with as much speed as were possible : in which doing , besides that he should well prouide for his owne safetie , he should also saue both his wealth and honour ; for Solyman was comming ( as he said ) with his victorious armie , who would with assured death reuenge his vaine hope of holding out the siege , if he should vpon a stubborne and obstinate mind then refuse to obay his commaund . Whereunto Maylat , who foresaw that it was better for him to make a certaine peace , than to endure an vncertaine warre , answered , That he could be content to conclude a peace , so that it were not vpon any hard conditions ; and would not greatly refuse Solymans commaund , which was wont to be both reasonable and just : wherefore vpon sufficient pledges he would come into the campe , in presence to agree vpon the conditions of the peace , and demaunded to haue Achomates his sonne , a valiant young gentleman , deliuered in hostage . Which thing Achomates denied , for that he had ( as he said ) before giuen him to Solyman , as the manner was , and therefore had ouer him no more power : but he promised for him , that was but one , to giue foure of his best captaines . Which offer Maylat ( misdoubting no deceit ) accepted , and with a great and gallant retinue attended vpon , came into the enemies campe , where he was courteously and honourably receiued . But the parley , as it could not be conueniently begun immediatly after their first salutation , so could it by no meanes be then ended , but was deferred vntill the next day : to the intent , that the treacherous Moldauian might take his well acquainted and well knowne guest , whom he had against that time inuited to a solemne banquet . By that meanes , the next day about the middest of dinner , fortune so fauouring the intended treacherie , Maylat who was of so proud and cholericke a nature that he could not well brooke the least indignitie , was by occasion of some insolent speech of purpose ministred by the Moldauian guests , put into such a fret , that laying his hand vpon his sword , he in a rage flung from the table : at which time all the other guests starting vp also , laid hands vpon him and tooke him , fuming , and in vaine crying out , that he was shamefully betraied . His followers were all forthwith stript of all their brauerie by the needie Moldauians , and their horses and armour taken from them . Whilest Maylat was yet furiously exclaiming of this treason , in came Achomates , who to seeme guiltlesse of the matter , with deepe dissimulation sharpely reproued the false Moldauian , that he had in doing so foule a fact shamefully violated the lawes of hospitalitie , reuerenced of all nations , falsified the faith which he had giuen him for his safetie , and betraied the liues of such notable captaines as lay in hostage for him . Whereunto the Moldauian ( as if it had been in contempt ) scornfully answered , That he had vpon good cause taken Maylat prisoner , and so would in safetie keepe him for Solyman , vnto whom it onely belonged to judge , whether he had justly or vnjustly detained him . Not long after , the strong towne of FOGARIS was deliuered , with the hostages ; but whether by feare or by corruption of Maylats lieutenant , is vncertaine . So Valentinus Turaccus , and Maylat , two of the greatest noble men of HVNGARIE , sufficient of themselues to haue restored the Hungarian kingdome ( first rent in sunder with ciuile discord , and afterward with the inuasion of the Turkes ) fell into the hands of the enemie , not vanquished in battell , but deceiued by treason . The towne being thus surrendred , almost all the countrey of TRANSILVANIA , was by Solymans consent deliuered to the young king , vnto whom all the people most willingly submitted themselues , and tooke the oath of obedience , remembring that his father had almost for thirtie yeares space with great justice and quietnesse gouerned that prouince ; and with manie presents honoured the young king lying in LIPPA , with the queene his mother , and his two tutors , the bishop , and Vicche . At the same time , Charles the emperour at the importunat sute of his subjects of SPAINE , had prepared a great force both by sea and land for the conquering of ALGIERS : from whence the Turkish pirats did so infest all that coast of the countrey , from GADES to the mountaines PYRENEI , that the Spaniards ( all trade of merchandise being set apart ) were glad to keepe continuall watch and ward all alongst that coast for defence of the countrey . Wherefore although he well knew of the comming of the Turks to BVDA , and how hardly he was by the Lantgraue and others spoken of , for leauing his brother so hardly bestead , to go against a sort of pirats in AFFRICKE ; yet persisting in his former determination , he departed out of GERMANIE into ITALIE , where by the way hee was met by Octauius Farnesius his sonne in law , Alphonsus Vastius his lieutenant , by the Venetian embassadours , neere to VERONA , and so brought to MILLAINE , where he was with great solemnitie joyfully receiued of the citisens , and vnder a canopie of gold brought vnto the pallace : he himselfe going in a plaine blacke cloake , and a homely cap in mourning wise ; when as the women and vulgar people , vpon a curious simplicitie , expected to haue seene so great an emperour in his royall robes , glistering with gold and pretious stone , and the imperiall crowne vpon his head . His heauie countenance answerable also to his attire was much noted , as presaging the wofull ouerthrow which was the day before r●receiued at BVDA , but not yet knowne in ITALIE . From MILLAINE he departed to GENVA , where he was aduertised by letters from his brother king Ferdinand , of the ouerthrow of the Germans , of the victorie of the Turkes , and the comming of Solyman . Vpon which newes , Vastius and Auria , his two chiefe commaunders , the one at land , the other at sea , would haue persuaded him to haue deferred his intended expedition for AFRICA vntill the next Spring : and with such power as he had alreadie raised in ITALIE , & brought with him out of GERMANIE , to stay still in ITALIE , so to make shew vnto the Turks as if he would haue returned and holpen his brother : and in the meane time to assure himselfe of his state in ITALIE against the French , who ( as it was thought ) would be readie to take all occasion of aduantage , if any mishap should befall him , either by the force of the enemie , or violence of tempest . But he constant in his former resolution , answered them as they sate in counsell , that they had persuaded him for great reasons to stay in ITALIE ; but that he was for farre greater to passe into AFFRICKE : for if he should then stay in ITALIE , it would be thought , that he was for feare of the Turkes fled out of GERMANIE : which disgrace could no otherwise be preuented , but by the present prosecuting of his former determination for ALGIERS , and satisfying the expectation of his subjects of SPAINE ; and so by sea valiantly to proue their better fortune , which had of late not so euill fauoured them at land , in hope that ALGIERS might be woon before the seas should grow rough and dangerous with Winter tempests : which if it should fall out according to his mind , hee would not , as he said , greatly care what the French could doe . Yet was it thought , that the dissembling friendship betwixt the French king and him , would not long endure : and the rather , for that there was a new grudge risen betwixt them about the death of Antonius Rinco , who for certaine yeares had lien embassadour for the French king at CONSTANTINOPLE to Solyman , and was a few moneths before sent backe againe by him into FRANCE to the king : but returning back againe with new instructions from his master , for the confirmation of a further league betwixt the Turkish Sultan and him , he was by certain Spaniards of the emperors old souldiors , who had knowledge of his comming , belaid vpon the riuer Padus as he was going down to VENICE , so to haue passed into EPYRVS , and slaine , togither with Caesar Fregosius : or as the common report went , first taken and tortured , to get from him the secrets of his negotiation , and afterwards slaine . Which report so much touched Vastius in credit , that in purgation of himselfe , he offered the combat to any man of like qualitie to himselfe , that durst charge him with the truth thereof . But many were of opinion , that he was well and worthely taken away , for vndertaking so odious a charge , as to stirre vp the Turkes against the Christians , and to shew vnto them such opportunities as might best serue their purpose , by discouering vnto them the emperours desseigns , to the great hurt of the Christian commonweale . But were it well , or were it euill ; as Paulus the third of that name then bishop of ROME , meeting the emperour at LVCA as he came from GENVA , could not , or would not determine ; sure it serued as no small occasion to set those two great princes againe at ods , whereby the wished vnitie of the Christian state was sore shaken , and a way opened for the Turke . The emperour at his comming to LVCA , was honourably receiued by the cardinals and bishops , and lodged in the court : the great bishop was before placed in the bishops pallace , whither the emperour came thrise to talke with him , and the bishop to him once . But the bishop hauing nothing at all preuailed with the emperour and the French embassadour , for the appeasing of the troubles euen then like to arise betwixt him and the French king : did what he might to persuade him to employ such forces as he was about to passe ouer with into AFFRICKE , against the Turkes in defence of his brother Ferdinand , and of the countrey of AVSTRIA , if Solyman should happely pursue his late obtained victorie at BVDA . But hee still resolute in that fatall determination of inuading of AFFRICKE , rejected that the bishops request also . So the great bishop hauing mooued much , and preuailed little , in the greatest matters which most concerned the common good , taking his leaue of the emperour , returned by easie journies to ROME . The emperor in the meane time with certain bands of Italians , vnder the leading of Camillus Columna and Augustinus Spinula , and six thousand Germanes , came from LVCA to the po●t LVNE , and there embarking his souldiours in certaine marchant ships prouided for the purpose , and fiue and thirtie gallies , departed thence , commaunding the masters of the ships to direct their course to the islands of BALEARES : but after they had put to sea , they were by force of tempest suddenly arising , brought within sight of CORSICA : where after they had beene tossed too and fro two dayes in the rough seas , and put out of their course , the wind something falling , they put into the hauen of SYRACVSA , now called BONIFACIVM . The dispersed fleet once come together into the port of SYRACVSA , and the rage of the sea well appeased , he put to sea againe for the islands BALEARES , now called MAIORCA and MINORCA : where in his course he met with a tempest from the West , more terrible and dreadfull than the first : wherein diuers of the gallies hauing lost their mastes and sailes , were glad with extreame labour and perill in striuing against the wrought sea to get into a harbor of the lesser island , taking name of Barchinus Mago the famous Carthaginensian , whose name it retaineth vntill this day . From hence the emperour with all his fleet passed ouer to the greater island , being wonderfull glad that Ferdinand Gonzaga his viceroy in SICILIA was in good time come with the Sicilian gallies and ships of ITALIE , in number a hundred and fiftie saile , wherein he had brought such store of bisket and victuall , as might haue sufficed for a long warre . Mendoza was also expected to haue come thither with his fleet from SPAINE , but he by reason of contrarie winds being not able to hold that course , altered his purpose according to the tempest , and so happily cut ouer directly to ALGIERS . So the emperour nothing misdoubting the carefull diligence of Mendoza , and thinking that which was indeed alreadie chanced , and the wind now seruing faire , by the persuasion of Auria his Admirall hoysed saile , and in two dayes came before ALGIERS , and there in goodly order came to anker before the citie in the sight of the enemie . Whilest the fleet thus lay , two of the pyrats which had beene abroad at sea seeking for prize , returning to ALGIERS , not knowing any thing of the fleet , fell into the bay amongst them before they were aware : the bigger whereof Viscontes Cicada stemmed with his gallie and sunke him , the other with wonderfull celeritie got into the hauen . In the meane time Mendoza with his gallies had passed the promontorie of Apollo , now called the cape of CASSINEVS , and in token of honour saluting the emperour after the manner at sea , with all his great Ordinance , gaue him knowledge that the Spanish fleet was not farre behind . In this fleet was aboue a hundred tall ships of BISCAY and the low countries , and of other smaller vessels a farre greater number . In these ships besides the footmen was embarked a great number of braue horsemen out of all parts of SPAINE : for many noble gentlemen had voluntarily of their own charge gallantly furnished themselues with braue armour and courageous horses , to serue their prince and countrey against the Infidels . Ouer these choice men commaunded Ferdinand of TOLEDO , duke of ALBA , for his approoued valour then accounted a famous captaine . These ships going altogether with sailes , were not yet able to double the cape , as did Mendoza with his gallies , for now it was a dead calme : howbeit the billow of the sea went yet high , by reason of the rage of the late tempest , and did so beat against the plaine shore , that it was not possible to land the souldiors , but that they must needs be washed vp to the middle : which thing the emperour thought it not good to put them vnto , and so to oppose them seasicke and thorow wet against the sudden and desperat assaults of their fierce enemies . He also stayed for the comming of the Spanish ships for two causes : first , that he might with his vnited power more strongly assault the citie , and terrifie the enemie ; then , to communicat the whole glorie of the action with the Spaniards , at whose request and forwardnesse and greatest charge he had vndertaken that warre . Which fatall delay of two dayes , although it was grounded vpon good reason , did not onely disturbe an assured victorie , but to the notable hurt of the whole armie , opened a way to all the calamities which afterwards ensued . In the meane while the emperour sent a conuenient messenger to Asanagas , otherwise and more truly called Assan-Aga , or Assan the eunuch ; who with a little flag of truce in his hand making signe of parley , and answered by the Moores with like , as their manners is , went on shore , and was of them courteously receiued and brought to Assan . This Assan was an eunuch , borne in SARDINIA , brought vp from his youth in the Mahometane superstition by Barbarussa , a man both politicke and valiant , and by him left for the keeping of his kingdome of ALGIERS in his absence with Solyman . This messenger brought into his presence , required him forthwith to deliuer the citie ( first surprised by force and trecherie by Horruccius , and afterwards to the destruction of mankind , fortified by Hariadenus Barbarussa his brother ) to Charles the mightie emperour , come in person himselfe to be reuenged on those horrible pyrats : which if he would doe , it should be lawfull for the Turks to depart whether they would , and for the naturall Moores to abide still , with their goods and religion wholly reserued vnto them vntouched , as in former time : and for himselfe , he should receiue of the emperour great rewards both in time of peace and warres , so that he would remember himselfe , that he was born in SARDINIA , and was once a Christian ; and accept of the fairest occasion which could possibly be offered for him to returne againe to the worshipping of the true God , and to enjoy the fauour and bountie of the most mightie emperour , and withall to reuenge himselfe of the cruell tyrant Barbarussa , for the vnnaturall villanie done vnto his person . But if he would needs dallie on the time , and make proofe of the strength of so great a preparation , he should vndoubtedly with the rest of his followers receiue the same reward of his obstinacie , which they had to the example of others receiued at TVNES . Wherunto the vngratious eunuch answered , That he thought him altogether mad , that would follow his enemies counsell : and with a grinning countenance asked him , Vpon what hope the emperour trusted to be able to win the citie ? the messenger pointing with his finger directly to the fleet , told him , That which you see , with his great artillerie , and valour of his souldiors , both horse and foot : Whereat the eunuch scornefully laughing , replied , And we with like force and valour will defend this citie , and make this place , alreadie famous for your ouerthrowes here twice , now the third time of all others most famous by the emperours discomfiture . It is reported , that there was in ALGIERS an old witch , famous for her predictions , who had ( as it was said ) foretold the shipwrackes and miserie of Didaco Verra and Hugo Moncada to them of ALGIERS ; and also prefixed a time when as the Christian emperour aduenturing to besiege that citie , should there receiue great losse both by sea and land : The fame of which blind prophecie seruing fitly to confirme the hope of good successe in the minds of the vulgar multitude , Assan so fed and augmented ( although hee himselfe being a craftie wise fellow , beleeued no such vanitie ) that he did therewith not only encourage his owne souldiors , but also strucke a terror into the minds of the weaker sort of his enemies , seeing themselues cast vpon so dangerous a coast vpon the approch of Winter . There was in garrison in the citie but eight hundred Turkes , and most of them horsemen , but such , as whose valour and resolution farre exceeded their number . For Assan had lost many of his best men , some in fight against Mendoza ; and othersome at sea , slaine or taken by Auria in CORSICA ; and in other places by the Rhodian , Neapolitane , and Sicilian gallies ; but many moe were by his leaue gone to aid the Moores against the Portingals : the other multitude did scarce make vp the number of fiue thousand ; which were partly naturall Moores borne in that countrey , and partly such as were born in GRANADO ; to whom was joyned many fugitiues out of the islands of MAIORCA and MINORCA , who in former time hauing entred into rebellion , and fearing condigne punishment , were fled to ALGIERS , and there reuolted to the Mahometane superstition . But the captaines of the wild Numidians made vp a great number both of horse and foot : which lying stragling without the citie in the open fields , should night and day vex and molest the Christians . This brutish people , naturally enemies vnto the Christians , had Assan with rewards and hope of a rich spoile , allured out of the countries thereabout to aid him : neither was it lawfull for any man to carrie his wife or children out of the citie into places of more safetie farther off , or to shew any small token of feare , paine of death being by the imperious eunuch proposed to whosoeuer should but looke heauily for feare of danger , or speake a word sauouring of cowardise . The emperour by Auria making choise of a most conuenient place for landing his men , laid his gallies so close vnto his tall ships , that his armed souldiours might with ease come out of the high built ships into them , and so out of them into the long boats , to be forthwith set on shore . And such was the speedie diligence of them that had the charge of that matter , and the plentie of boats still readie to receiue the souldiours as fast as they could come out of the gallies , that the footmen were in a very short time all landed . The emperour hauing a little rested and refreshed his souldiors , deuided his armie into three equall battels , which was in number about twentie thousand footmen , besides horsemen , and others who of their owne voluntarie will then followed the emperours fortune . Vnto euery battell he appointed three field pieces , to terrifie the Numidian horsemen , which were still pricking vp and downe about them , readie to charge , if they could take them at any aduantage . And so setting forward a few furlongs , encamped in a strong and conuenient place , neere vnto the citie betweene two deepe ditches , which the water falling from the mountaines had naturally worne so deepe , that neither horseman no● footman could well passe ouer , but by bridge : and fast by vpon the left hand was a hill , from the top whereof it seemed the citie might with great ordinance well be battered . The citie of ALGIERS , sometime the royall seat of the great king Iuba , called of the Romans IVLIA CaeSAREA , is in forme of a triangle , scituat fast by the sea towards the North , hauing a hauen , but neither great , neither safe from the North wind . The houses farther off from the sea , stand in seemly order vpon the rising of a steepe hill , as it were vpon degrees , in such sort , that the windowes of one row still ouerlooke the tops of the next beneath it , into the sea , most beautifull to behold . The emperour hauing deuided his campe into three parts , euerie nation by themselues , lying on the East side of the towne , was in great hope to win it ; and the rather , for that whilest he assaulted it on that side , his ships and gallies from the North side , might in time of the assault with their great ordinance beat the enemie all alongst the wall : which still rising higher and higher according to the rising of the steepe hill , could not conueniently be defended with one bulwarke , as we see it may in plaine ground . Neerest vnto the rising of the hils , lay the Spaniards ; in the middest , the Germans with the emperour ; and in the plaine neerest vnto the sea , the Italians . In the meane time whilest the great ordinance was landing and the horses vnshipping , the Numidians with a hideous outcrie shewed themselues vpon the tops of the mountaines aboue the Spaniards , and from thence easily gauled them with their darts and shot : for they nimbly running too and fro in the knowne paths of the rough mountaines , would suddenly and fiercely assaile them , but after the manner of their nation skirmishing a far off , rather than neere at hand . In which manner of light skirmishes , all that day was spent vntill night with small danger , but much trouble to the Spaniards . And when night was come , these wild people , one companie still succeeding another in the place they had before taken , neuer left shooting ; for wheresoeuer they saw any fire in the Spanish campe , thither came arrowes , darts , and stones flying as thicke as haile : for remedie whereof , the Spaniards were glad to put out their fires , and with silence to expect the day , that they might come neerer vnto them . Wherefore as soone as the sunne was vp , the Spaniards by the persuasion of Aluares Sandes , master of the campe , valiantly climing vp the high mountaines , repulsed and put to flight the Numidians , and tooke the top of the hils , and there lay as it were incamped in the poore shepheards cottages . But the same day such a multitude of the wild people was flockt about them , that they were compassed in round , and glad to fight on euerie side in a ring . Yet this fiercenesse of this barbarous people , was by the valour of the Sicilian companies quickly repressed , whose pikemen glistering in their bright armour , made small account of the Numidians arrowes and darts , but orderly stepping forwards with their pikes , and the harquebusiers close by their sides , easily repulsed their naked enemies . The Numidian footmen are for most part youths halfe naked , with long haire not vnlike the Irish , vsing no other weapons but darts : they fight mingled with their horsemen , trusting the one to the other , and are of a wonderfull swiftnesse and agilitie of bodie . Their horsemen vse long speares , armed at both ends , which they with a maruellous dexteritie vse to the endangering of their enemie pursuing them : they vse also long and light targuets made of leather , wherewith they so cunningly defend themselues and their horses , both in their charge and retrait , that for a small trifle , in respect of the danger , they will giue a man leaue to cast seauen darts at one of them , which they will all most surely auoid , either with their speare , or receiue them without harme in their targuet . In the mean time , whilest this wild people thus skirmished all the day , at night a sudden mischance ouerthrew all the emperors hope : for as he stood beholding the vnshipping of his great ordinance , his horses , victuall , and other necessaries of the armie , a storme of wind and raine began about six a clocke in the afternoone , holding on all the night without intermission , with such rage , as if heauen and earth should haue gone togither : wherewith the whole armie at land was wonderfully troubled , and a great part of the fleet at sea by force of tempest driuen aground , perished . That night three companies of the Italians , by the appointment of their Generall , lay without the trenches against the sudden assault of so vncertaine an enemie , who when they had all the night endured the vehement raine and extreame cold , were so ouercome with the extreamitie of the weather , that neither was their minds able to relieue their weake bodies , neither their feeble bodies their discouraged minds : for they could neither conueniently stand nor lie downe , all the ground being so mirie , that at euerie step they sunke vp to the calfe of the legge . Vpon these staruen companies , the Turkish horsemen and Moores footmen , who diligently obserued the watch of the Christians , perceiuing their distresse , suddenly sallied out in the dawning of the day ; and so fiercely charged them , their match land pouder being now so wet that they could not vse their pieces , that they all fled , except a few pikemen , who made a stand , and were all quickly slaine by the Turkes : who so desperatly pursued the rest in chase , that they followed them ouer the trench into the campe . This alarum being heard , Camillus Columna the Italian Generall came presently thither , being sent by the emperor , who with certaine companies issued out ouer the bridge against the enemy : who now in shew discouraged with the comming out of this new supply , did in deed , or at leastwise made as if they did disorderly retire for feare . At which time Ferdinand Gonzaga , viceroy of SICILIA , a man of greatest account in the armie next vnto the emperour , comming in also , and angrie with them which had before fled ; persuaded them as valiant men , to recompence their shamefull flight with a fresh charge , by driuing the enemie home to his owne doore : which thing Columna said could not be done without great perill : But Gonzaga being a man of noble courage , desired to haue the disgrace which the Italians had receiued , salued some way , although it were with neuer so great danger ; thinking also that it might happely fall out , that the enemie being put to flight , and hastily pursued , they might togither with them enter the citie , without danger of the artillerie . So without farther delay , the rest of the Italian companies were fled forth of their trenches with great cheerefulnesse by Augustine Spinula , who so valiantly charged the enemies that they put them to flight , and pursued them so hard , that they came with them to the verie gates of the citie : where many shut out for feare of letting in the Italians togither with them , escaped by knowne waies , some to another gate , and some into the mountaines . But then these barbarous people , with darts and shot from the wals , began to ouerwhelme the Italians which were vnaduisedly come within their danger , and with terrible outcries to terrifie them : and they which before were fled without the wals , returned againe to fight . They also which had shut the gate , sallied out againe , and hardly charged the Italians , who alreadie galled with shot from the wals , and rent in sunder with the great ordinance , fled most disorderly ; for why , they were but raw souldiors taken vp in hast , little or nothing acquainted with the wars . At which time Asan also sallying out , who was easily knowne by his countenance and rich attire , pursued the chase with his troups of Turks and Moores footmen . Only certaine knights of the RHODES fought valiantly , and retired orderly : and Spinula with some other gentlemen making a stand at a little woodden bridge , somewhat staied the enemie and saued the liues of many . So the Italians which first charged most valiantly , being in the flight become hindermost , the enemie striking them downe as they fled , couered the fields with their dead bodies by the space of halfe a mile , especially they which fled towards the sea : for there they were circumuented and slaine by the mercilesse Numidians , who beholding the shipwracke , were come downe to the sea side for prey . But the formost companies of the Italians which first fled into the campe , fled in so much hast and so great feare , that none of the leaders in so great and sudden a perplexitie , remembred either the common safetie , or performed the duetie of an aduised captaine ; so that all s●●med at once lost , both by sea and land . Only the emperour , armed with an inuincible courage against all the chances of fortune , and not to be dismaied with any mishap , was both vnto himselfe and others that day the greatest captaine ; for when as all was almost lost , he in good time staied the matter by comming on with the squadron of Germans , whereof he sent before three ensignes to stay the flight , and with them as a sure and fresh supply to guard his campe beyond the bridge which was ouer the ditch , seruing his armie for a trench as we haue before said . But such a feare had possessed the minds of the flying Italians , and such was the fierce pursuit of the enemie , that those Germans ( not before woont to turne their backs ) as if they had been afraid of the Turkes white caps , or not able to abide their sight , or to hold vp weapon against them ; by and by turned their backs , and shamefully fled for companie with the Italians . Then the emperour galloping forth with his horse , and his sword in his hand drawne , reprouing them of cowardise that fled , set forward with the German squadron , and with a stout and manly courage spake to them these few words in their owne language : When will you ( fellow souldiors ) shew your faces to your proud enemies ; if now when you should fight for the honour of the Christian name , for the glorie of the German nation , for the safegard of your owne liues , in the presence of your emperour , you feare a few disordered and naked Barbarians ? Immediatly when he had thus said , the Germans touched with shame , and disdaining that it should be thought they needed any exhortation to performe the parts of valiant souldiors , issued out against the enemie : who moued with their comming ▪ and seeing the Italian battell againe restored by the valour and trauell of certaine valiant and expert captaines , stood still a while , and began to retire ; whether it were because they feared the great artillerie & assault of the Germans , or that they thought they had done enough for that sally : when as for the full accōplishment of the victorie they saw the Christian fleet ouercome with a most horrible tempest , miserably to perish before their faces ; and many of their men , especially the Moores hasted to the sea side in hope of a more certaine prey , whereas was no enemie to be feared . For the blustring winds blowing from diuers quarters , as if they had conspired to raise a most horrible tempest , had made such a wrought sea , and the hugie billowes went so high , that the ships by the violence of the weather , and rage of the sea , put from their anchors , fell foule one of another , and were so lost ; or else driuen vpon the maine , were there beaten in pieces in the sight of the armie : so that all the sea coast Westward , from ALGIERS to CERCELLO , layfull of dead men and horses , and the ribs of broken ships . The Numidians beholding this miserable wracke , came downe by great companies from the mountaines , and without mercie slew all that came aliue to land . In the space of a few houres was lost about an hundred and fortie ships , and all the small boats and caruels , which were in number many . Some of the gallies , when they had from midnight to the next day at noone , by the painfull labour of the marriners and skilfulnesse of the masters , rid it out ; being no longer able to endure the rage of the tempest , and fearing to be eaten vp with the sea , with sailes and oares ran a ground : but the souldiors and marriners swimming to land in hope to saue their liues , and thinking that the greatest danger had been now past , were by the Numidian horsemen which ran vp and downe the sea side , slaine . There might a man haue seene free men of all sorts , with teares commending their liues and libertie to their owne gally-slaues ; that by the speech and intreatie of them , which by the sudden change of fortune had but euen now shaken off their yrons , and with merrie hearts swam out to their libertie , they might be saued from the cruelly of the fierce Numidians . It was a most grieuous and wofull sight for diuers hard extremities ; when as euerie man according to the disposition of his mind and skill in swimming , standing doubtfull in most assured death , which to receiue or refuse , was by fatall destinie drawne to his end , and either drowned in the sea , or thrust thorow with the enemies launce : yet most made choise to abide the danger of the sea , and to expect the euent of the tempest , rather than to hasten their end by the enemies mercilesse hand . By that meanes it came to passe , that that barbarous crueltie of the enemie ( as a thing most feared of the marriners and souldiors ) saued many gallies , which by the appointment of the fearefull marriners and passengers should otherwise haue been run on ground . But after that , a notable gally wherein Iannettin Auria went , was seene to come neere vnto the shoare , and to be driuen vpon the sands by force of weather and the beating of other gallies . The emperour not enduring to see so valiant a young gentleman , captaine of many gallies , slaine without helpe by the Moores in the sight of Auria his vncle ; sent by and by one of his captaines called Antonius of ARAGON , with three bands of Italians to the sea side : by whose comming the Moores were put to flight , and he with the rest in the gally saued ; but so , that the sauing of him was the losse of diuers other gallies . For many deliuered of the feare of the Numidians , and trusting to the rescue of the souldiors come downe to the sea side , desiring to saue themselues from the rage of the sea , ran their gallies on ground ; and had not some bold captaines ( grieued to see so great a losse ) run vp and downe the bankes with their drawne swords in their hands , and by threatning death vnto the gally-slaues and marriners , staied their rowing , most part of the gallies had by the example of the other perished . Auria , not so angrie at himselfe as at the emperour ( who , contrarie to the obseruation of skilfull seamen , could not be dissuaded from taking in hand that great expedition in so suspitious a time of the yeare ) with an inuincible courage striue against the violence of the tempest , and rage of the sea : insomuch , that being requested by some of his friends , to saue himselfe whatsoeuer became of the gally ; he was so angrie thereat , that he commaunded them to be bestowed vnder the hatches . Foure gallies also of Virginius Vrsinus , earle of ANGVILLARIA , and as many of the Rhodians , after his example rid it out , the reputation of their honour exceeding the feare of death . Certaine gallies also of SICILIA , NAPLES , and SPAIN , happily endured all the rage of the tempest : yet was there fifteene great gallies cast away ; with the losse whereof , besides the losse of so many ships , the tempest still enduring , so great sorrow and desperation in the wofull expectation of the wracke of all , possessed the whole armie , that not onely the young souldiors regarding onely their owne liues , but euen the most valiant captaines , carefull of the common estate , were vtterly discouraged : for neuer was armie in any memorie , ouerwhelmed with a greater concourse of calamities , when as all their victuals being lost in three daies , nothing was left to relieue them withall , and they wanted tents wherein to shroud and rest the souldiors spent with labour , hunger , cold , and wounds , in such perpetuall raine and so dutie a countrie . In which so great miseries , a wonderfull care heauier than the former fear exceedingly troubled the minds of all men , to thinke vpon that horrible wracke ; when as hauing lost so many ships , & they poore men landed in AFFRICK , were in doubt how euer to return again into their natiue countries . Yet the notable courage of the emperour still kept the distressed men in hope , which neuer altogether forsaketh wretched men in the midst of their calamities : for he with a courageous heart & cheerfull countenance performed all the parts of a prouident & courteous Generall . For when he had againe made sure his campe against the assaults of the Barbarians , he commanded the wearied captains , especially the duke of ALBA ( wonderfully wearied in the late skirmish ) and dung wet , to spare themselues , and take their rest : he comforted the wounded men , and caused them to be carried and cherished in the tents which by chance yet stood ( for the tempestuous wind had almost ouerthrowne them all ) and so not sparing himselfe for any paines , being in his armour and thorow wet , woon the hearts of all his souldiors the more . In this conflict he lost about three thousand men , amongst whom was fiue of his forward captaines , and three knights of the RHODES : but many moe were hurt . The greatest losse was thought to be in losse of the ships and of the marriners , which was also encreased by the losse of a wonderfull deale of great ordinance , reckoned so much the greater , for that it would come into the hands of the Moores , to the common harme of the Christians , so soone as the sea would giue them leaue to diue for it . Shortly after , Auria ( as he was to foresee a tempest , a wonderfull obseruer of the sea , of the heauens , and of the clouds ) mistrusting that place , departed with the remainder of the fleet to the cape called META●VSIVM ; because it was a place of safer riding for his gallies , and better for the taking in of the souldiors : aduising the emperour to march thither by land . Which his counsell the emperour liking well of , to relieue the hunger of his souldiors , commanded first all the draught horses which were first vnshipped for the drawing of the great Ordinance , and after them the horses for seruice , to be killed , and deuided for meat amongst the souldiors : As for wood to make fire of , they had plentie of the plankes and ribs of the broken ships , fortune as it were with that one poore benefit recompensing so many calamities . The next day the emperor departed from ALGIERS , with his armie deuided into three battels , the sicke and wounded men being receiued into the middle : and when he had marched seuen miles ( the enemies horsemen still houering about him ) he came to a headie brooke , which the Moores call ALCARAZ : which was growne so high with the abundant raine and the checke of the wind and of the sea , that being but a shallow thing before , it was not now to be passed ouer by a good horseman . Wherefore the emperour of necessitie there encamped , in such sort , that lying with his armie in forme of a triangle , two sides of his armie was defended with the sea and the brooke , and the other with a strong guard of armed men , for he thought it not good to depart from the sea , a sure defence for his armie on the left hand , to seeke a fourd further of : many aduenturing to swim ouer , were by the violence of the streame carried away and drowned . Wherefore the emperour caused a bridge to be made ouer it , of the masts and saile yards of the broken ships , which were by chance there taken vp , and so passed ouer the Italians and Germanes . The Spaniards marching higher vp the brooke , found a fourd whereby they passed ouer . After which time the Turkes pursued them no further , being called backe againe by Assan their gouernour : as for the Moores and Numidians which still followed at hand , alwayes readie to skirmish , they were easily repulsed by the harquebusiers , and field pieces appointed to euery nation : but vpon such sicke and wounded men as were not able to keepe way with the armie , they exercised all manner of crueltie : for there was none which in that small hope , possessed with feare of their owne safetie , was greatly moued with the compassion of their fellowes miserie . The next day passing ouer another little riuer , which the souldiors waded ouer vp to the breasts , they came in three dayes march to the rode where the fleet lay , and encamped in the ruines of the old citie TIPASA , neere vnto the sea side , which serued them in stead of a fortresse against the Barbarians . The sea was now calme , the wind laied , and the weather so faire that all men thought the souldiours might now well be embarked and transported into EVROPE ; wherefore the emperour to the great joy of the whole armie commaunded euery man to make himselfe readie to goe abourd , in such sort , that first the Italians , next the Germanes , and last of all the Spaniards should be embarked : but so many ships and gallies as is before said , being lost by shipwracke , it was thought that those which were left were not able to receiue the whole armie , although it were crouded together as close as were possible . Wherefore the emperour commanded the masters and owners of the ships to cast all the horses ouerbourd into the sea , reputing it an vnmercifull part to preferre the safegard of those horses , although they were of great worth , before the life of the basest common souldiour or horseboy in his campe ; which thing much grieued the minds of the noblemen and owners of those goodly beasts , not only for that they were ( not without extreame necessitie ) for the present depriued of such an inestimable treasure , but should for euer , as they said , lose the most notable race of horses in SPAINE : there , with greefe and vaine compassion , was to be seene goodly horses of seruice , bearing high their proud heads , swimming all about the sea vnto the ships neerest vnto them for safegard , as if it had beene to the shore , and in the end wearied with long swimming to be there drowned . But scarce halfe the souldiors were yet embarked , when the East and Northeast wind , and straightwaies after , diuers contrarie winds almost as great as the first , rose : whereupon the ships which had alreadie taken in the souldiours , not expecting any commaund , for feare of being driuen vpon the rockes , directed their course according as the wind carried them with full sailes alongst the coast : They were quickly out of sight and dispersed with the tempest , some into one countrey , some into another , carrying the fame of that shipwrack , and the report that all was lost , into all the Islands of the Mediteranean and ports of ITALIE . The force of this tempest was so great , and the billow went so high , that some of the ships were in the sight of their fellowes swallowed vp of the sea . But amongst the rest two Spanish ships full of souldiors were by wonderfull mishap by contrarie winds driuen againe to ALGIERS , and there set fast vpon that fatall shore , where the Numidian horsemen with a multitude of Moores following them , came running downe to the sea side , to kill them as they should come to shore : for the barbarous people thirsting after Christian bloud , would not receiue them to mercie , although they were readie to yeeld themselues , and couenanted nothing but the safegard of their liues . At which their crueltie the Spaniards disdaining , with their weapons in their hands got to shore , and standing close together as desperat men , withstood them who had with their multitude quickly compassed them in round : yet in despight of what that barbarous multitude ( without regard of humanitie or law of armes ) could doe , they made way thorow the midst of them , from the place where they were cast on shore , vnto the very gates of the citie . But seeing the Turkes sallie out , they called vnto them , offering to yeeld themselues prisoners to Assan , without further resistance , if they would assure them their liues , which they were in good hope of , for that he was borne of Christian parents in SARDINIA , and was attended vpon with many renegate Spaniards . So Assan comming forth of the citie , gaue them his faith for their safetie , and beating away the Moores and Numidians , courteously saued them all , wisely making great account of so great a gaine as would redound vnto him by so many prisoners , joined with no small commendation of his clemencie in sauing them . Of the Germans the third part neuer returned home , but were either lost with shipwracke , or els dead of the sicknesse ensuing so great miseries . The emperour persuaded ( or rather ouerruled ) by Auria to auoid the violence of the tempest , sailed alongst the coast of AFFRICKE Eastward to BVZIA , the castle whereof was kept with a small garrison of Spaniards : where the emperour landing , found some fresh victuall , though not much , yet such as did both him and the other noblemen no small pleasure . Whilest the emperour lay at BVZIA expecting fairer weather , a great ship of GENVA , laded with victuall , chanced to come into the bay , to the great rejoycing of the hungrie souldiours : but such was the violence of the tempest , that her ankers came home , and she driuen vpon the flats , was cast away ; yet so , as that part of the victuall driuen to shore , and halfe spoiled with the salt water , well relieued the encreasing want . In the meane time the emperour when he had long looked for the assuaging of the tempest , and was now out of hope of any new supplie of victuall , sent away Gonzaga with the Sicilian and Rhodian gallies : for the wind before at North was now come to Northwest , and put them in hope to aduenture againe to sea , rather than to stay there longer . So although with a troublesome yet a prosperous course they came in short time into the port of VTICA , now called FAR●NAS : where Muleasses king of TVNES bountifully releeued Gonzaga and his fleet with all kind of victuall and other necessaries . From whence they afterward departed , and landed all in safetie at DREPANVM in SICILIA . The blustering winds were now at length wearie of blowing , and the raging sea became calme , so that the skilfull sea men for feare of new dangers , and wearie of those that were past , thought it best to aduenture againe to sea . Almost euery houre they were reasoning in counsell , What course they were for most safetie best to take : when some were of opinion , that it was best to beare for SARDINIA or CORSICA : and othersome would haue had them to haue kept alongst the coast of AFFRICA , and so directly for SICILIA . But the wind comming faire at East , the emperour directed his course to the islands BALEARES , and from thence at length arriued at the port of new CARTHAGE in SPAINE , greatly commended euen of his enemies for his wonderfull courage and constancie in passing thorow so many extremities , in such sort , as if he had triūphed ouer the malice of fortune . About this time the dissembled friendship betwixt Charles the emperour and Francis the French king brake out into open hatred . The king first thinking himselfe deluded by the emperour , who had long time fed him with the vaine hope of the restitution of the dukedome of MILLAN , when as he meant nothing lesse ; and of late abused by the death of Rinco his embassadour , slaine by the Spaniards in passing downe the riuer Padus , as is before declared . In reuenge whereof he raised a great power in FRANCE , and at such time as most men thought he would haue inuaded ITALIE , sent Charles his sonne with the one part of his forces into the low countries , which were then gouerned by Marie queene of HVNGARIE , the emperours sister ; and Henrie his other sonne with the other part of his forces to inuade SPAINE , both yong princes of great hope . And not so contented ▪ but desirous by all meanes to trouble and molest the emperor , as he did in the low countries by setting on the duke of CLEVE : so by Antonius Polinus his embassadour , a man of great discretion , he earnestly sollicited Solyman the great Turke , with whom he was then in league , to spoile the borders of SPAINE with his gallies , at the same that Henrie his sonne was besieging PERPENNA in SPAINE . For which practise he was of most men discommended , as too much fauoring his owne greefe ; and especially by such as affected the emperour . But how this matter , which drew vpon the French king no small enuie , was carried in the Turks co●rt , shall not ( as I hope ) be vnto this historie impertinent to declare . After the death of Rinco slain by the Spaniards ▪ Francis the French king sent Antonius Polinus , a man of great dexteritie , his embassadour to Solyman : who passing by many by-wayes to VENICE , and so ouer the gulfe to SIBINICVM , crossing ouer ILLYRIA , met with Solyman in MISIA , as he was comming from BVDA : and there first offered vnto him the present sent from the king his master ( for with emptie hands no man might presume to come to those barbarous kings of the East ) which present was a cupbord of plate , curiously wrought , in weight 600 pounds ; and 300 rich garments of all sorts of silke and scarlet to be bestowed vpon the Bassaes and other great courtiers . Solyman after he had read the French kings letters , and heard what he had further to say , seemed to be greatly moued with the death of Rinco , and promised Polinus not to be wanting vnto the French king , by sea or land to giue him aid in his just warres against Charles his enemie , for breaking of the league : but for as much as nothing could be well determined of such matters in his journey of so great hast , he told him , that as soon as he was come to CONSTANTINOPLE , he should then haue answer by his Bassaes of all his demaunds . The embassador aboue all things desired , That he would send Hariadenus Barbarussa with his fleet against the next Summer into PROVINCE , there to be receiued into the French harbors , & to be emploied against the emperor as occasion should require : and further , That he would request the Venetians , with whom he was able to doe much , to joine in league with the king his master against Charles the emperor , whose power began now to be dreadfull to their estate . Polinus was not slacke in his businesse , but all the way as he went ●ought to win the fauour of the Bassaes , still giuing them one present or other , & filling their minds with the hope of greater . But when they were come to CONSTANTINOPLE , in the latter end of December , Solyman promising what he had before said , aduised Polinus to returne into FRANCE with his letters , & to bring him certaine word back againe from the king of the determinat time and full resolution of taking those wars in hand : & that he would in the mean● time send I●nusbeius his embassador to VENICE , who had been there diuers times before , & would prouide to haue such a fleet in readinesse , as he desired . Polinus exceeding glad of that answer , with wonderfull speed returned back again to the king , bringing with him as presents from Solyman two goodly Turkish horses , and a sword richly set with stones of great price . The French king hauing by his embassadour receiued Solymans letters and presents , and three dayes together discoursed with him at large of the manner of his proceeding in the Turkes court , in short time after sent him backe againe to Solyman with full instructions both of the time and places , and other circumstances of the intended warre . Polinus comming to VENICE , found not Iunusbeius there , as he had well hoped : yet to lose no time in expecting his comming , he with Pellicerius embassadour Legier for the French king , and other of the French faction , laboured the Senatours in the behalfe of the king . For it was thought likely ynough , that the Venetians still measuring all their counsels by their profit , would easily consent to that league , especially being requested thereunto by Solyman , and put in hope to haue the port towne MARANVS deliuered vnto them in reward thereof ; which otherwise the French , in whose possession it was , threatened to deliuer to the Turkes , and to make them their euill neighbours , rather than to haue it taken from them by the Germanes . Wherefore Polinus hauing audience giuen him in the Senat , notably pleaded the French kings cause , grieuously lamented the death of the embassadour slaine by the Spaniards , and bitterly enueighed against the ambition of the emperour , who as he said aspi●ed to the whole monarchie of all ITALIE , not by true vertue and valour , but by meere craft and deceit , encroching still vpon the liberties of the free states , and by little and little imposing vpon them the yoke of bondage : In confirmation whereof , hee produced many examples , to them well knowne , requesting them , as antient friends and confederats of the French , to joyne their forces with the kings , in which doing , they should assure themselues of such rewards of the vndoubted victorie , as they could not desire greater . Wheras if they should refuse so to doe , and would rather sit still and looke on as neuters , they should vndoubtedly , fortune hauing decided the quarrell , grieuously offend both , and might worthely expect of the vanquished , hatred ; and of the conqueror , injurie : Besides that , in taking vp of armes they should highly gratifie Solyman , who prouoked with late injuries , had determined with a puissant armie to inuade HVNGARIE , and at the same time to send Barbarussa with a great fleet against the Spaniards their common enemies : for the imparting of which his designes , he would shortly send vnto them Iunusbeius his embassadour : As for the euent of the warre , they needed not to doubt , when as they of themselues were strong ynough quickly to thrust the emperour out of the dukedome of MILLAN , being generally hated of the people , feeding his souldiors with the spoile of the countrey , and on euery side beset both by sea and land by two of the greatest monarchs of the world . Whereunto the Senat delaying the time for certaine dayes , that Iunusbeius might in the meane time come thither , grauely answered , That the amitie they held with king Francis , ought to be vnto them an ornament , but no burthen : the like also they held with the emperour , whom they would in no case seeme to cast off , although they had beene by him ouer-raught : Wherefore the Senators and all the citisens generally were of opinion to preserue their peace , as they which in the hard times of war had endured great extremities , which would hardly be recouered with long peace : But if they did once see the ensignes displayed , and the wars begun , they would then take further aduice , Whether it were good for them to thrust themselues into those warres or not , when as they were in league and friendship with three of the greatest princes of the world . In the meane time Iunusbeius arriued at VENICE , and was there honourably receiued . He requested , that the league before made at CONSTANTINOPLE by Badoerius their embassador , might by the authoritie of the Senat be confirmed : & so cōmended the French kings cause to the Senat , that he requested no more , but that vnto that amitie which they alreadie held with the French , they would joine further courtesies , the rather for that Solyman had accounted him for his brother , and had vndertaken to aid him against Charles king of SPAINE : but as to joine in league with him , or in his quarrell to take vp armes , he requested nothing . Which was quite beside the expectation of Polinus and Pellicerius , who by vrging of the matter , and by telling of all , had thought easily to haue persuaded the Senat to haue graunted what they requested , and therefore thought the Turke who had so coldly spoken in the cause , to be some way corrupted . But as it afterward appeared , there was such equitie and modestie in Solymans letters , who was otherwise of a proud and insolent nature , that he would not as then exact any thing of them , which should not stand with the good of their estate . Wherfore Polinus , hauing in vaine staied certaine daies at VENICE , was in one of their publike gallies transported to RAGVSIVM , and from thence trauelled by land to CONSTANTINOPLE , where he found all things more difficult than euer he dreamed of . For the great Bassaes said , There could no fleet be set out that yeare , by reason that he was come too late to sue for such a matter , the Spring of the yeare being now past , of all other times most fit for to take in hand so long a voyage . So that Polinus was aboue measure vexed with care and griefe , that he had so euill sped , and was come so out of season both to VENICE and CONSTANTINOPLE . Dixius also , one of the masters of the Rhodian gallies , was come to CONSTANTINOPLE , to carie newes into FRANCE of the comming of the Turks fleet : who told Polinus , That the kings sonnes were with strong power far entred into the low countries , and had alreadie inuaded SPAINE , expecting nothing more than the comming of the Turks gallies . Wherefore Polinus ( as it easily chanceth to men deceiued by trust reposed in any other mens promises , and bewailing the euill successe of their vaine trauell ) wonderfully tormented himselfe , cursed the froward and vnconstant manners of the Bassaes , called vpon the faith of Solyman ; and besought the great Bassaes one by one , that they would not contrarie to their promise , forsake the king , who vpon the hope of the comming of the Turks fleet , had now inuaded both the low countries and the kingdome of SPAINE : for as much as by that delay , which was vnto them neither honourable nor profitable , was ( as he said ) betraied the majestie of his king , and a most assured victorie now as good as gotten , quite marred . In which his obtestations , he was so importunat and tedious , that he became vnto those proud Bassaes rather loathsome than gratious ; insomuch that to end his sute , they thought it best sharply to take him vp , and so for that time to shake him off . And therefore sending for him and the other French gentlemen which followed him to the court , the great Bassaes then sitting in counsell , and Barbarussa with them for the honour of his place : as soone as they were come into the counsell chamber , Solyman Bassa the eunuch , turning himselfe about , spake vnto them in this sort . Frenchmen ( said he ) this place for d●spatch of most waightie affaires , appointed by the graue iudgment of our most mightie emperor to vs his faithfull seruants , doth ( as it best beseemeth ) receiue vs , daily comming vnto it , void of loue and hatred : and withall doth notably put vs in remembrance , to speake our minds freely . Neither would I , that this franknesse of speech ( the messenger of truth , and therefore the faithfull keeper of friendship ) should be vnto your eares vnpleasing or troublesome : for sithence your king hath beene called the friend and fellow of the Othoman name , we may not now either forget the duties of loue , or loath your friendship : seeing that our emperour doth maruellously affect you , and is not a little desirous to strengthen you with his power , and by ouercomming your enemies to increase your power and honour . But in your demaunds is no equitie , no modestie , so that wee tearme you vnmodest and importunat : and others which fauour you not so well , call you plainly by your right names , vnreasonable and shamelesse men ; who as too too forgetfull of your dueties , doe most fondly trouble the lawes of amitie and friendship . For leagues are confirmed by like profit , by making euen the charge and mutuall dangers : but if neglecting your friends kindnesse and courtesie , you will make no requitall , they will quickly grow wearie of you . So happeneth it vnto you Frenchmen , who euer forgetfull and negligent in our dangers , but in your owne alwaies mindfull and diligent , haue shewed your selues friends vnto vs when need was , not in deeds and certaine aid , but onely in bare let●ers and embassages . Tell me I pray you , where euer you shewed any signe or token of your good will or aid ? whereby the minds of our enemies might at the least wise haue but beene kept in suspence of some doubtfull feare , when as Charles with all the power of the West came into HVNGARIE ; and CORONE and PATRAS were in the meane time shaken in GRaeCE with the enemies fleet ; and last of all TVNES taken with so great a fleet ? But all this we pardon you : yet this it is which is hardly to be endured , that you did not so much as once grieue at our so great iniuries , as you ought to haue done ; but sent your gratulatorie embassadours vnto the bloudie common enemie , who had but euen then slaine so many of our people . At length our emperour came to AVLONA to your great profit , about to passe ouer into ITALIE : but neither then in the arriuall of your fleet appeared the good wils of the Apulians towards you , which were of you so vainly promised , neither did you so much as once moue to inuade the vpper part of ITALIE : so neither seruing our turne , nor well fitting your owne , you haue alwaies lost the occasion of the good successe of your affaires . But neither then , neither at any time afterwards needed we your counsell or vnited forces : for the Venetians to their paine felt both our forces and our faith : as for the rest , warre , the notable reuenger of our wrongs , most happily brought to passe , at such time as you of your owne voluntarie made peace with the common enemie , to inuade vs ; and did as vnkindly as impudently as it were blow wind in his sailes . But we , without your helpe , haue notably repressed so great assaults of our enemies : when as this same Hariaden Barbarussa put to flight their fleet at AMERACIA , and happily slew the spanish pirats of CASTRVM , and hauing againe recouered our owne cities , tooke also from them some of theirs : wherefore we are bound vnto you for no desert , but we had rather forget these vnkindnesses , than to faile you whom we haue once receiued into our friendship . For we performe our fidelitie in deeds : but it is his part to regard the time , to way the danger , to wait occasion ; which will not rashly commit his actions to the hazard of fortune . You are come later than you should haue done for the setting forth of our fleet : for Sommer now well spent , followeth the pestilent time of Autumne , so that marriners cannot in conuenient time be taken vp , or safely thrust into the gallies : for in long sailing , who would not thinke , but that such a companie of saylers vsually sicke at the change of an vnacquainted ayre , would be in danger of their liues ? who would not feare shipwracke in their returne , when as this same Hariaden so great a master at sea , driuen vpon the Acroceraunian rockes in the moneth of August , lost so many gallies ? A fleet would be rigged in Winter , furnished and set forward in the Spring ; in Sommer is safe sailing and making warre . Which that it may be so done , we will for the common wealth sake persuade the emperour : for the nauie once lost , cannot vpon the sudden be againe restored for much gold , whereof the Othoman emperour wanteth no store , heaped vp by many ages . If thou be wise take these things in good part as friendly spoken : but whether the emperor will pardon thy boldnesse or not , let himselfe consider , truly we haue satisfied both him and our selues in speaking to thee so plainly . These things seuerely spoken by the eunuch Bassa , did so much the more trouble Polinus , for that they seemed to haue been sent from the mouth of Solyman himselfe , who was thought to haue heard all that was said . For behind the Bassaes as they sate in counsell , was a window with a brasen grate , and a curten drawne before it , that the emperour when he pleased , might vnperceiued heare the complaints and sutes of all nations , and note the manners of his great counsellors ; whose care for the administration of justice was so much the greater , for feare of his presence . Yet did not Polinus for this repulse , detesting the double dealing of the Bassaes , so giue ouer his sute ; but winning by gifts the fauour of the Capiaga or chiefe porter , a man euer of great authoritie in the Turks court , laboured by him to be brought to the speech of Solyman himselfe : who faithfully performed what he had vndertaken . So the French embassadour brought by him into the secretest place of the court , which few Christians had euer been , and so vnto the presence of Solyman , recounted vnto him how all matters had before passed , and most earnestly besought him not to faile the kings expectation of the fleet he had before promised , who at that present was inuading his enemies in three places . Whereunto Solyman courteously and expressely answered , That the opportunitie of sending out of his fleet was past ; not by his will , which was alwaies immutable and firme , but by his late comming , and the time of the yeare halfe spent : but promised , the next Spring without doubt to send vnto the king his friend and brother , twise so great a fleet as he had desired against Charles their enemie . With which answere , the embassadour dispatched away Dixius into FRANCE , vpon whose arriuall , king Francis called backe againe Henrie his eldest sonne with his armie , from the siege of PER●ENNA in SPAINE . The princes and States of GERMANIE , at the request of king Ferdinand and the nobilitie of HVNGARIE , about this time decreed with one consent , to take vp armes against the Turks , for the recouering againe of BVDA , and other the lost parts of HVNGARIE . For besides the dishonour done to their nation at EXEK vnder the leading of Cazzianer , and againe at BVDA vnder the leading of the Lo. Rogendorff ; they well saw , that if they did not speedily relieue the Hungarians ouerwhelmed with the calamities of the Turks forces , they shovld in short time be enforced to fight for their religion , children , wiues , and liues against the same mightie enemie , at their owne doores . For preuenting whereof ▪ the princes and free cities of GERMANIE , set out thirtie thousand footmen , and seauen thousand horsemen ▪ amongst whom was Mauritius , afterwards duke of SAXONIE , then a young gentleman about twentie yeares old ▪ But the Generall of these German forces , was Ioachimus Marquesse of BRANDENBVRG , a man more for the honour of his house than the valour of himselfe preferred to that place : yet so , that vnto him was joyned eight others , men of great yeares and experience ; by whose counsell he was to be directed . When they were come to VIENNA , king Ferdinands power met them : where beside such as were taken vp in AVSTRIA , Huganot Gouernour of STIRJA came in with ten thousand horsemen . Vnto these the noble men of HVNGARIE , Gasper Seredius , Andreas Bathor , and Petrus Perenus , a man of the greatest authoritie power and experience amongst the Hungarians , joyned themselues , with fifteene thousand horsemen ; whither also Paulus the third of that name then bishop of ROME , sent three thousand chosen footmen out of ITALIE , conducted to VIENNA by Alexander Vitellius , a most famous captaine . The Marquesse with this great army marched from VIENNA alongst the riuer Danubius , but so softly , that the Hungarian and Italian captaines said plainly , That the best part of the Sommer , and fittest time for warres , was passed ouer in loitering and dallying out the time to no purpose : especially Iacobus Medices , who had long before persuaded the king , to be readie to set forward his forces with the first of the Spring , before the Turks could either augment their garrisons , or put in any new forces ; for that by such resolute and speedie inuasion , it was like enough hee might recouer both PESTH and BVDA . Which politike and wholsome counsell so well giuen , king Ferdinand too much crediting the great men of his court ( liking nothing but what proceeded of themselues ) rejected , expecting the full assembly of all his forces , before the setting forth of his armie . At length the Marquesse was by soft marches come to STRIGONIVM ( king Ferdinand himselfe staying behind at VIENNA ) where it was commonly reported , That Solyman fearing to lose BVDA , was either in person himselfe comming into HVNGARIE , or else sending downe the Generall of his Europeian horsemen , who might neuer set foot forward to warre without sixtie thousand horsemen . Which newes so troubled the Germans , that they made no great hast forward , doubting how they should returne againe if they chanced not to get the victorie : Beside that , it was thought , that the Marquesse neuer purposed to fight a battell , or endanger himselfe or his armie for the kingdome of HVNGARIE , but only to defend the bounds of AVSTRIA , and by shewing the strength of GERMANIE , to terrifie ( if he could ) the Turks , if they not contented with HVNGARIE , should also prouoke the Germans . But after it was by certaine esp●als from SAMANDRIA , knowne that all that report of the comming of the Turks great armie was but vaine , and that there was scarce a thousand Ianizaries and twise so many horsemen come to BVDA , and that the Turks fleet was both for number and strength farre inferiour to the kings , they set forward againe with more cheerfulnesse , much encouraged by the forwardnesse of the Hungarians , especially of Perenus ; assuring them , that if they would without delay march on , and spend no more time in vaine , they should not find at BVDA any such number of Turks as was worth the name of an armie : for that Solyman vsing but euerie second yeare to make war , did that yeare take his rest , and was not like to vndertake any great expedition . For these reasons all men being readie cheerfully to set forward , the Marquesse appointed to passe ouer Danubius : which this Perenus , Huganot and Medices , all expert captaines , liked not of ; wishing him rather to hold on his way directly still on that side the riuer to BVDA , the chiefe citie of the kingdome . But it was the mind of the Generall and all his counsellors , first to besiege PESTH , which might be done with lesse labour and danger , and there hauing made proofe of the enemies strength and purpose , to come to the siege of BVDA : for then would the souldiors with much more courage and cheerfulnesse endure the siege of BVDA , if they had by good fortune first beaten them out of PESTH : Which counsell was both best liked and followed , and the armie by two bridges with great and painfull labour made ouer Danubius ( which was in that place deuided into two parts ) transported . At the same time Medices an Italian captaine , Admirall of the kings fleet , came downe the riuer , and in despight of the Turks tooke the island of Saint Margaret , lying in the riuer a little aboue BVDA , and by force repulsed the Turkes fleet vnto the suburbs of the citie . The Marquesse to auoid the danger of the great shot from BVDA , after he was passed the riuer , fet a great compasse about , and so came to the North side of PESTH ▪ for on the South it was defended with the riuer Danubius , running betwixt it and BVDA ▪ and on the East and West the great ordinance on the one side from the castle of BVDA , and on the other from mount S. Gerrard , did so scoure all alongst the wals , that no man could without most manifest danger there abide . For BVDA standing vpon the hill , and deuided from PESTH onely with the riuer , so ouerlooketh and commaundeth all the plaine countrey about PESTH , that without perill no man can stir on any side of the citie , but Northward towards AGRIA ▪ couered by the citie from the shot out of BVDA . As the Marquesse was comming thither , he was told by certaine fugitiues , that Balis Gouernour of BVDA ( who in that place succeeded Solyman the Hungarian renegate , lately before dead of the plague ) had in garrison in BVDA two thousand horsemen : and that Vlames the Persian Gouernour of BOSNA , was come vnto him with three thousand mo : whereunto Amurathes had also joyned another thousand which he brought out of DALMATIA : and that Segemenes was come thither also with a thousand Ianizaries from CONSTANTINOPLE : as for the rest of the footmen , that they were but wild countrey people , fitter for labour than for seruice in warres . They told him also , that the enemies fleet consisted of sixtie small pinnaces , ten gallies , and a few other great boates : and that Solyman had commaunded his captaines in any case to defend BVDA and PESTH to the last man , without regard of any other place . And had proposed vnto the valiant , great rewards ; and to the cowardly , extreame punishment : charging them further , that if need were , they should in time send for Achomates the Generall of his Europeian horsemen to SOPHIA , to aid them . The Turks vpon the approach of the Christians , issued out at one of the gates of the citie , and skirmished with the Hungarians : but after they had sufficiently proued one anothers strength , and some few were on both sides slaine , they retired into the citie , and the Hungarians to the campe . The next day after , Vitellius going out of the campe neere the citie with fiue companies , to chuse a place for planting the batterie ; the Turks at one instant sallying out at two gates of the citie , gaue him a hoat skirmish , where at the first , the fight was begun with like courage and force : but the Turkes still sending forth new supplies both of horse and foot , first the Christian footmen , and after that the horsemen , not able longer to endure the force of the Ianizaries , were constrained disorderly to retire , hauing lost in that retrait foure of their captaines and two ensignes : and had not Vitellius with one companie of horsemen serred togither , valiantly repulsed the insolent Ianizaries , the losse had beene much greater . Vitellius exceedingly grieued with this losse , and perceiuing the manner of the enemies fight , encouraged his souldiors , purposing if he could to be fully reuenged : and aboue all others , requested Perenus to be readie to joine with him as occasion should require . Vitellius lay encamped in the kings orchards , walled about as it were a mile , equally distant both from the great campe and from the citie ; out of these orchards he went with twelue companies vnder their ensignes , commaunding the rest to stand still within the wals , in readinesse at all assaies : and so fetching a great compasse about , marched alongst the riuer side towards the citie : Neither did the proud enemie ( brag of the former daies victorie ) make any delay , but brauely sallied out at the east side of the citie , and couragiously charged them . But Vitellius warned of his former harme , and seeing his enemies come on as he desired , couered his shot with his pikes , and standing close , receiued the enemies charge : his shot still playing vnder the pikes , oftentimes vpon their knees : many of the Turkes were there laid on ground , whilest they desperatly sought to haue broken the order of the Christians . In the meane time , when many of the Turks horsemen and Ianizaries comming out of the gates , and diuers others beholding the fight were come ouer the riuer from BVDA , to be partakers of the victorie , had filled the hithermost banke ; Vitellius in good time , of purpose by little and little retired , as if he had been ouercharged : Then began the enemie to giue a great shout , and more fiercely to assaile the Christians : their horsemen also clapt behind them , to haue there charged them . Which thing Perenus diligently noting , and that the Turks in following of Vitellius were drawne a great way from the gates , he suddenly with his light horsemen clapt in betwixt the citie and the Turks at their backs , after whom followed also Mauritius ( afterwards duke of SAXONIE ) with a strong troupe of German horsemen , of purpose to haue shut them in for retiring backe againe into the citie . But then the Turks perceiuing the danger , and finding themselues shut in , stood as men more than halfe dismaied , bethinking themselues which way to take , and so began to retire . When Vitellius comming on couragiously with his pikemen and his harquebusiers , deuided into two wings , charged them fiercely ; and the Hungarian and German horsemen breaking in amongst them on the other side , made great slaughter of them , and strucke such a feare amongst the flying Turkes , that many of them in running to the gate , thrust one another thorow with their pikes : diuers other were also by the horsemen driuen into the riuer , and there drowned . That day Segemenes lost aboue an hundred of his Ianizaries , and foure hundred others . The chiefest commendation for this piece of seruice was giuen to Vitellius , who had so well and so quickly reuenged himselfe of the Turkes : and next him to Perenus , who as a skilfull captaine had so well awaited the time to entrap the enemie : neither is Mauritius the young Saxon prince vnworthie his due praise , who valiantly charging the Turkes , and hauing his horse slaine vnder him , was in danger to haue beene there lost himselfe , had not Nicholas Ribische one of his followers , couered him with his owne bodie , vntill such time as that hee was rescued by others , Ribische himselfe presently dying of his wounds . This little victorie so encouraged the Germanes , that the Marquesse commaunded the great ordinance to be presently brought forth , and the batterie planted , which was at the first placed so farre off , that it did little harme , although the wall were both old and thin , not aboue fiue foot thicke : and the ordinance laied either a little too low , or mounted too high , either shot short , or quite ouer the citie into BVDA : which fault once perceiued , the batterie was remooued neerer , and a faire breach soone made in the wall , with the continuall beating of fortie great pieces of artillerie . Vitellius was the first that offered to assault the breach , so that the Germanes would presently second him , which thing they all by holding vp of their hands promised courageously , but cowardly about by and by to breake that promise : for oftentimes it chanceth , That they which before the danger are readiest to promise their helpe , are in the very danger it selfe of all others most slacke . The Hungarians also for their parts promised not to be behind . The silence of the enemie at the breach and in the citie , was wonderfull , so that many thought he had beene fled backe ouer the riuer to BVDA : for Segemenes captaine of the Ianizaries , an old beaten souldior , ordered all things with as little stir as was possible : He had receiued new supplies from Vlamas , and had cast a deepe countermure within the wall against the breach , and on the inner side of the same had made a strong barricado , with gabions and wine vessels filled with sand and earth : behind which stood the Ianizaries , & next vnto them the Turkish archers , and last of all the horsemen who had left their horses to serue on foot . The signall for the assault once giuen , foure Italian captaines ran desperatly with their companies by the ruines of the wall to the breach : but whilest they there set vp their ensignes , and wondering at the enemies fortification , were readie betwixt hope and feare to leape downe , they were suddenly ouerwhelmed with a shoure of arrowes and bullets . Yet Vitellius still encouraging them , brought them still on , who did what they might to haue entred : but the Germane footmen with their Generall stood still vnder the wals , looking on , as men nothing moued either with the hope of victorie or danger of their friends : and the Hungarians not so much as once looking vpon the enemie , retired : two of the Italian captaines , Rufus and ●●olla were there slaine , and Carolus , Vitellius his nephew , shot in the shoulder . The Turks with shot and stones still repulsed and beat downe the Italians , whereof the Germanes also standing still , felt part , and were more gauled than a man would haue thought men could haue beene , that did nothing : for there they still stood for shame , least if they should haue also first retired , they should haue incurred a second infamie as bad as the first . Which thing Vitellius perceiuing , would in no case depart from the breach , but wished rather to lose his men by whole companies , than to leaue the least colour of excuse to the Germanes , or that they should say they stayed longest , of whom he with greater anger than greefe complained , that he was forsaken and cowardly betrayed . In time of this assault one of the Turks was heard to speake aloud in the Italian tongue , Why doe not you valiant Italians spare your selues , and giue place to those lasie Germanes . We all wish to spare you , and to beat the drunkennesse out of their most cowardly heads , that they should no more hereafter prouoke vs. At length the Germanes wearie of their hot standing and nought doing , got them farther off , after whom the Italians forthwith retired : but so disorderly , to be quickly out of the danger of the enemies shot , that if the Turks had at the same time sallied out at all the gates , it was thought that the whole campe had beene greatly endangered . In this attempt rather than assault , seuen hundred Christians were slaine outright , and many moe hurt , who died afterwards of their wounds . All this while the Marquesse and Hugonot the great commaunders of the armie , kept themselues so farre from gunshot , that they were no where to be seene , vntill that Torniellus and Fotiscu , two valiant captaines , finding them out , wished them for shame to shew themselues for the comforting of the armie . A little before night they consulted with the other captaines , Whether they should forsake the siege , or continue it still : whereof most of the Germanes best liked to be gone , as the safest way : though Vitellius & some others spake earnestly to the contrarie . At which time a spie comming in , brought newes that Achomates , Solymans lieutenant of the Europeian horsemen , had passed ouer the riuer Sauus at BELGRADE , and was comming to Dranus : whose comming either cunningly fained , or vainly beleeued , caused the Germanes to make a short conclusion , and to resolue flatly to returne to VIENNA , fearing that if they should longer continue the siege , they should be stayed against their wils by Achomates . Which thing made many of the old Germane souldiors to hang their heads for shame , and the Hungarians to curse both the Germanes and the hard fortune of their nation , vainely wishing for a Generall in courage answerable to the strength of that great armie . Segemenes perceiuing how much the Christian armie was discouraged by the last dayes euill successe , early in the morning courageously sent out all the horsemen , and after them certaine companies of footmen , to relieue them in their retire ; who in many places skirmished with the Hungarians , being nothing inferiour vnto them either in courage or skill : and the matter was brought to that passe , as if it had beene so agreed vpon , that many of the most notable and expert souldiours on either side encountered together hand to hand in the sight of the Italians and Germanes , the Hungarians mixt with the Turks , and the Turkes with the Hungarians , with such fidelitie , that they regarded no other enemie but him whom euery one had singled out for himselfe , as if it had beene in a triumph for exercise hand to hand . It happened , that a notable captaine of the Turks , desired to see Vitellius , who being shewed vnto him ( for he was easie to be knowne by his armour ) the Turke ran vnto him to embrace him for his honour , and so departed . About fiue hundred horsemen so encountered one another hand to hand that day , of whom many were slaine or hurt . The night following the batterie was remoued , and the armie marched towards the riuer to the fleet . The Turks perceiuing the Christians to be departed , sallied out of the citie on all hands , and with a great crie vpbraiding them of cowardise , hardly pursued the rereward of the armie . Vlamas was come ouer himselfe from BVDA , and so eagerly followed the armie , that it could hardly haue escaped without great danger , had not Vitellius with his Italians made a stand , and requested the Hungarian & German horsemen to turne backe vpon the enemie : which they at his request did , and not onely repulsed the enemie , but also put him to flight , and in the chase slew many . After which time the armie passed on quietly ; yet seuen hundred Germanes which were sicke and stragled behind the armie , were by the Turks horsemen miserably slaine in the sight of their fellowes . The Germans thrice foiled by the Turks , first at EXEK , then at BVDA , and now at PESTH , returned full of heauinesse and greefe , as they which were now to forget the subduing of HVNGARIE , and to become carefull of GERMANIE it selfe . The armie comming to VIENNA , was there broken vp , and the Italians sent home into their countrey , who for most part died by the way , of infection taken in the campe in strange aire , and a most queasie time of the yeare . But to couer the shame of this vnfortunat expedition , and to turne mens talke another way by some notable accident : Petrus Perenus the noble Hungarian was the man pickt out for the purpose to fill mens mouthes . He , belayed with the enuie of the court , was for suspition of aspiring to the kingdome of HVNGARIE , by the commaundement of king Ferdinand apprehended by Liscanus , a Spanish captaine , in the castle of STRIGONIVM as a traitor , and presently deliuered to Medices the Admirall , to be conueyed vp the riuer to VIENNA . Liscanus at the time of his apprehension most couetously and vncourteously tooke from him his chaine , and a rich cloke lined with sables : which indignitie done to so noble a gentleman , so much offended the minds of the rest of the Hungarians , that aboue twelue thousand of them thereupon presently returned home to their owne dwellings , cursing the Germanes to the diuell . This Perenus was one of the greatest peeres of HVNGARIE , but of a most haughtie and magnificent mind , so that hee would sometime haue almost an hundred goodly spare horses fit for seruice led before him without their riders ; & would sometime speake too liberally against the barenesse of king Ferdinands court , who polled by his courtiers , hardly maintained his state : which his surpassing magnificence and princely port was cause ynough for the other great courtiers to enuie at his estate , and to seeke his ouerthrow ; who as men ouercharged with the burthen of another mans vertue , wherof they neuer bore the least part , and alwayes gaining by the deprauing of other mens perfection , conspired together his ouerthrow , and oftentimes pointing at him with their fingers , would say , That he sauoured of a crowne . This notable man , as he had many worthie vertues , so was he not without cause noted of ambition and vnconstancie : For after that king Lewes was lost ; he disdaining the preferment of Iohn the Vayuod to the kingdome of HVNGARIE , tooke part with king Ferdinand against him , in hope as it was thought to be next in honour vnto himselfe : but after he saw king Iohn againe restored , and his state strongly supported by Solyman , and that all things stood doubtfull and tickle with Ferdinand , he with like leuitie sought meanes by Abraham the great Bassa to be reconciled to king Iohn ; which was hardly obtained of him by the intercession of Solyman himselfe ( as is before declared ) to whom he gaue his sonne as pledge of his fidelitie . After which time he liued in great honour and loyaltie all the raigne of king Iohn : but after he was dead , and saw George the bishop the kings tutor , doing what he list to raigne like a king , he disdained his gouernment ; and sollicited by king Ferdinand , reuolted again vnto him , and furthered him in what he could for the obtaining of the kingdome . But now falling into the enuie of the court , mallice found out matter ynough to worke his confusion . First it was giuen out , That his sonne , who had many yeares beene detained in Solymans court , as pledge of his fathers faith , was euen then vnder the colour of a faigned escape come into TRANSILVANIA ; when as he had secretly agreed with Solyman , that his father being a man much fauoured of the people , should by promising them all possible freedome , allure them to the Turkish subjection : in reward of which good seruice he should be made gouernor of the kingdome of HVNGARIE , and put in hope also to be made the tributarie king thereof , if it should fortune the yong king to die : Besides that , it was accounted a thing very suspitious , that hee had the Winter before vsed great kindnesse and friendship toward the Turkish captaines ; by sending them great presents , and receiuing the like againe : And last of all , his letters directed to certaine Hungarian captaines were produced , wherein he seemed to promise them , as his friends and followers , greater entertainment than agreed with his present estate : All which things king Ferdinand ( of his owne disposition , not easily to be persuaded to conceiue euill of the Germanes his countreymen , were it neuer so apparant or true , but of strangers any thing ) quickly beleeued , and therefore caused him ( as is beforesaid ) to be apprehended . But Perenus as he was brought by Medices the Admirall to VIENNA , when he was come neere vnto the gate of the citie , and heard that Phillippus Torniellus , with certaine other braue captaines of his acquaintance , were come to meet the Admirall ; he requested that the close coach wherein he rid might be opened , and that he might haue leaue to speake to those noble and valiant gentlemen . Which thing was easily graunted , for that the nobilitie and approoued valour of the man seemed vnto them which had the charge of him , vnworthie of such restraint of libertie or imprisonment , yea or of the least suspition thereof . So he turning himselfe towards them , spake vnto them in this sort . Wretched I , noble gentlemen ( said he ) whom despightfull enuie hath circumuented guiltlesse : but much more miserable king Ferdinand , whom domesticall theeues bereaues of substance , friends , and honour all at once . For so it commeth to passe , that by this inconsider at wrong done vnto me , he shall vtterly lose the loue and fidelitie of the Hungarian nation , and may therefore for euer not without cause despaire for the obtaining of the kingdome of HVNGARIE , sithence that it is not lawfull for me ( inferiour to none of my nation in birth , and hauing for my good and faithfull seruice well deserued reward of a iust king ) so much as to reioice for the deliuerance of my sonne from the captiuitie of the Turks , but that by my sinister fortune , dreadfull death in stead of incomparable ioy must be presented to mine eyes . For will these malicious pick-thanks , guiltie of their owne cowardise , the wicked contriuers and witnesses of my wrongfull accusation , spare me , being laid fast and in durance , which neuer spared the kings honour ? For euerie man of what nobilitie soeuer , be he neuer so guiltlesse , when he is once in hold , must be content to endure , not what he hath deserued , but what his hard fortune assigneth . Yet my vpright mind and cleare cons●ience , which onely thing God the most iust iudge leaueth as a comfort to men in miserie wrongfully accused , deliuereth me of this care : and so will the Marquesse our Generall , to whom I before vpon a mistrust foretold , that such a danger would shortly befall me , and that I had rather be slaine guiltlesse ▪ than to withdraw my selfe from triall ▪ which thing I told him at such time as I was so guarded with mine owne strength , that I feared no mans force . I beseech you , doe me this honourable fauor , as to request king Ferdinand in my behalfe quickly and honourably to proceed to the triall of my cause , and according to his owne princely disposition , and not the will of others , to discerne betwixt his faithfull friends and faigned flatterers . Truly wee are too too vnfortunat captaines , if for a little euill successe we shall be so adiudged as men that had ouerthrowne their fortune . Cazzianer peraduenture receiued the iust punishment hee had deserued for the shamefull forsaking and losing of the armie at EXEK , when as he possessed with an vncouth feare forgot the dutie of a Generall , more afraid of death than dishonour : for when he had voluntarily committed himselfe to safe custodie , be was so generally condemned of cowardise , that despairing to defend his cause , he brake prison , and as wickedly as vnfortunatly reuolted to the Turkes : But neither was I of late the Generall , neither were we vanquished , although we preuailed not , but honourably retiring , valiantly repressed the insolencie of the pursuing enemie . As for the kingdome of HVNGARIE , I might then well haue affected the same , and easily haue deserued it at Solymans hands , when as king Ferdinand , after the death of king Iohn , was making his preparation for that warre : at which time my friends and followers at my deuotion , with the loue of the Hungarians towards me , seeming of no small importance for the obtaining of the victorie , might haue ministred no vnreasonable or vnseasonable hope to haue drawne a man into courses not altogither beseeming a Christian . Wherefore I haue , and will so long as I liue , fight against the Turkes , if king Ferdinand shall shew himselfe an indifferent iudge in this accusation , falsely surmised against me by the malice of mine enemies . When he had made an end of speaking , the Admirall courteously persuaded him to haue good hope in the clemencie of the most just king ; and shortly after performed his request : for he and Torniellus taking the king as he was hunting , entreated him to deale fauourably with Perenus . For all that , Perenus could not obtaine that his cause might be openly heard ; but was committed to safe keeping , there to remaine in perpetuall prison : but whether it was for the misprission of new treason , or for reuenge of his old inconstancie , is vncertaine . Thus , three the only great princes left of the Hungarian bloud , equally worthie of the kingdome , Valentine , Maylat , and Perenus , snarled almost in like snares of enuie , cut off all hope of raising a king to their seditious and therefore miserable countreymen : when as Perenus lay too late bewailing his vnconstancie in perpetuall prison ; and the other two fast in chaines neere vnto the Euxine sea , expected death the end of their miseries . This end had the wars , taken in hand against the Turks by the generall consent of the Germans in the yeare 1542 ; which many thought , might worthily be compared with the greatest losses of those times : When as king Ferdinand , hauing in vaine spent a great masse of treasure , the fittest stay for the imminent warre ; and lost the opinion before conceiued of the strength of GERMANIE ; had now as a weake prince , and subject to injurie , prouoked against him the Turkes , bold enough otherwise , but as then insolent for their late victories . Polinus the French kings embassadour still following the Turkes court , ceased not by all meanes to solicite Solyman , with his gallies to aid the king his master in the inuasion of the dominions of Charles the emperour , in ITALIE , SICILIE , and SPAINE . In which sute , he was so crossed by Solyman the eunuch Bassa , then Vesier , that he was almost in despaire of speed : for the malitious eunuch , being himselfe a great sea man , and enuying the honor of Barbarussa ( who was to be imploied in that seruice ) sought by keeping him out of all honourable actions , to diminish his former glorie ; and concerning the present , protested openly as he sat in counsell , that he saw no other cause why the Turkish emperour should to his great charge and the common danger , send out such a fleet , but to serue Barbarussa his own turne . But Solyman hauing diligently heard , and deeply considered of that the Bassaes had said ; rejected their opinions , who would not he should haue giuen the French king aid ▪ and honorably decreed , according to his promise , whatsoeuer should ensue thereof , to send his fleet vnto the king by Barbarussa . Two daies after , the French embassadour before in dispaire , but now reuiued with that decree , was solemnly feasted by Rustan Bassa , Solymans sonne in law , and by Solyman the eunuch Bassa : for so it was their Great masters pleasure , both of them joying of him for the friendship confirmed betwixt the two princes by sending this fleet . After which , diuers gifts were bestowed vpon the embassadour and his chiefe followers ; and at such time as he was to take his leaue , Solyman gaue him great charge of his nauie , that it might be safely kept , and so after the seruice done , againe returned : and withall , deliuered him letters vnto king Francis , wherin after the glorious rehearsall of his proud titles , he writ vnto him as followeth : We haue vpon a brotherly bountie , granted vnto Polinus your embassadour , such and so great a fleet as you haue desired , thorowly furnished for all assaies : whose direction we haue commaunded Hariaden our Admirall to follow , and by your appointment to proceed against the enemie . But you shall doe well and friendly , the wars once happily ended , to send backe againe my fleet to CONSTANTINOPLE . All things shall vndoubtedly fall out according to your owne desire and mine , if you shall carefully take heed , that Charles the Spanish king , your perpetuall enemie , doe not againe deceiue you with the motion of a deceitfull peace . For then shall you bring him to a most indifferent peace , when you haue before brought vpon his countries all the calamities of warre . Polinus taking his leaue of Solyman then lying at HADRIANOPLE , returned to CONSTANTINOPLE , where he found Barbarussa with an hundred and ten gallies , and fortie galliots readie to put to sea , which he had with incredible celeritie rigged vp and furnished . And so setting forward the eight and twentith of Aprill , in the yeare 1543 , and passing the straits of HELESPONTVS , he arriued first at CARISTIVS in EV●oeA ; and from thence to MALEA , where he was by contrarie winds cast into the bay of LACEDEMON , and there staied nine daies before he could double the cape of METAPANIVM , called in auntient time TENARVS : After that he came to METHON , and from thence crossing the Ionian , came to the strait of MESSANA ; where the Turkish pirats being come with their galliots within the sight of RHEGIVM , began to land their men . They of RHEGIVM seeing so great a fleet , and the Turkes alreadie landing , fled out of the citie for feare : but the castle was still kept by Didacus Gaietanus a Spaniard , who refused to haue any parley with Polinus the French embassadour , and with shot out of the castle slew certaine of the Turks : wherewith the rest being enraged , brake into the citie , and finding it desolat , set it on fire ; sore against the will of Polinus and Barbarussa , who sought to haue found out the authors thereof , and to haue punished them accordingly . After that , certaine pieces of great ordinance were landed and planted against the castle , which with a few shot so terrified the captaine , alreadie troubled with the crying out of his wife , that he without any more adoe yeelded himselfe and the castle with all therein , into the hands of the enemie : vnto whom with his wife and children , Barbarussa at the request of the French embassadour , granted both life and libertie : the rest he shut vp in a church , and gaue the spoile of the castle to his souldiors . There was in the garrison of the castle about seauentie Spaniards , but many mo citisens , which were all carried away prisoners . One of the captaines daughters , a young gentlewoman of exceeding beautie , had with her good grace so warmed the withered affection of the old pirat Barbarussa , that he now fitter for the graue than for marriage , became amorous of her person : so that taking her from her father , and entring her into the Mahometane superstition , he made of her as of his wife : Insomuch , that certaine moneths after , he welcomed and bountifully entertained the captaine as his father in law , comming to see his daughter at the port called PORTVS HERCVLIS in TVSCANIE , where the Turks fleet then lay . Barbarussa sayling alongst the coast of ITALIE , came to OSTIA , in the mouth of the riuer Tibur , and brought such a feare vpon the citie of ROME , that the citisens were readie generally to haue forsaken the citie ; had not Polinus by his letters to Rodolphus the cardinall , then the great bishop Paulus his legat in the citie , in part staied the sudden tumult . The bishop himselfe was then at BVXETVM , a towne betwixt CREMONA and PLACENTIA , trauelling ( in shew ) with the emperour , to haue made a peace betwixt him and the French king : but labouring in secret to haue bought of him the dukedome of MILLAN , for Octauius his kinsman , the emperours sonne in law . Polinus his letters written to the cardinall at ROME , and sent by the Gouernour of TARRACINA , were to this effect . The fleet which is by Solyman sent for the defence of FRANCE by Barbarussa his Admirall , is by his ●ppointment at my commaund : so that it is not to hurt any but our enemies . Wherefore make it knowne to the Romans , and others dwelling alongst the coast of the Popes territorie , that they feare of vs no hostilitie . For the Turkes will neuer violat the faith of their emperour solemnly giuen vnto me : and you know most assuredly , that the French king desireth nothing more , than that the estate of ROME might not only be kept in safetie , but also flourish most gloriously , and be therefore preserued from all iniurie . Fare you well . In like manner he also comforted vp them of NEPTVNIANVM and OSTIA , so that they brought vnto the Turks all manner of victuall ; and sometimes for foure sheepe or a couple of oxen , redeemed a good prisoner taken in some place of the kingdome of NAPLES . Yet for all this , the Romans did not so much credit the embassadours promise in the behalfe of the Turkes good dealing , but that many of the weaker sort fled out of the citie into the countrey by night , although the chiefe magistrates did what they might to haue staied them . When Barbarussa had thus lie● three daies in the mouth of the riuer of Tiber , and there watered , he passed alongst the coast of ETRVRIA and LIGVRIA , without doing any harme ; and so sailed directly to MAR●●ILL●S . Where leauing him with his fleet for a while , expecting the French kings farther pleasure ; we will againe returne vnto Solyman , who at the same time that Barbarussa was spoiling the frontiers of the emperours dominions in ITALIE , came with a great armie into HVNGARIE , for the more assured possession of that kingdome , whereafter he saw king Ferdinand so much longed . And because he would make all sure before him , he sent Amurathes Gouernour of DALMATIA , and Vlamas the Persian gouernour of BOSNA , to besiege WALPO ; a strong town scitua● vpon the riuer Dranus , not far from EXEK , famous for the ouerthrow of the Christian armie vnder Cazzianer : after whom followed also Achomates the great commaunder of his Europeian horsemen . This towne ( part of Perenus his possessions ) was against all these forces kept and worthily defended by Perenus his wife ( her husband then lying in prison at VIENNA ) and her friends , by the space of three months : but was at last by the trecherous souldiors deliuered to the enemie , togither with their Generall ; whom when they could by no means persuade to consent to the yeelding vp thereof , but that he would needs hold it out to the last , they tooke him perforce , and so deliuered him with the towne to the Turkes : who receiued him with all courtesie , and vsed him honourably : but those traiterous souldiors , whether it were in detestation of their treacherie , or for the spoile of them , were all put to the sword ; the just reward of their treason . The rest of the citisens were by the Turks taken to mercie , and well vsed . The bishop and chiefe men of QVINQVE ECLESIE , a famous citie not far off on the other side of Dranus , hearing of the losse of WALPO , and terrified with the greatnesse of the Turkes armie , fled for feare , leauing none but the meaner sort of the people in the citie , who willingly yeelded the same vnto the Turks . The next towne of any strength was SOCTOSIA , belonging also to Perenus , which for a while held out against the Turks , for that diuers gentlemen of the countrey which were fled into the citie , encouraged the citisens to stand vpon their defence . But after much harme done on both sides , when they were no longer able to hold out , they retired into the castle in hope to haue so saued their liues and libertie by yeelding : but Amurathes was so offended with them , that he would come to no reasonable composition , or promise them any thing more than that they should at their pleasure come forth : and so as they came out at the gate , slew them euerie mothers sonne , thereby to terrifie others from making like resistance . Solyman vnderstanding all these things , gaue those townes which were taken , to Amurathes the Generall : and hauing put all things in readinesse , departed from BVDA with all his armie to besiege STRIGONIVM ; which was then kept by Liscanus and Salamanca , two proud couetous Spaniards , with a garrison of thirteene hundred souldiors , whereof some few were Spaniards and Italians , and the rest Germans . Paulus bishop of STRIGONIVM , got himselfe out of the citie betimes , despairing of all mercie if he should haue fallen into the power of Solyman , by whose intermission he had been once before reconciled to king Iohn , and had againe reuolte● from him to king Ferdinand . The castle of STRIGONIVM was scituat vpon a high hill , ouerlooking Danubius running vnderneath it , the wals were built euen without any flankers , after the old manner of building before the inuention of guns : For which cause , Vitellius and T●●niellus , two expert captaines ( the yeare before sent from the king to view the place , and the manner of the fortification ) were of opinion , that the citie could hardly be defended , if it were be sieged by any strong enemie : being subject also vnto a hill not far from the gates of the citie . ●gainst which inconueniences , the old garrison souldiors which wintered in STRIGONIVM , cast vp new bulwarks and fortifications , and after the manner of windie headed men , making great boast before the danger , what they would do , seemed to wish for the comming of Solyman . But after that the barbarous enemie had with his tents couered the fields and mountains round about the citie , and withall brought a gallant fleet vp the riuer , all those brags were laid in the dust , & euery man began to grow doubtfull of his owne safetie : for that they being but few ( although men of good worth ) were to withstand the infinit number of such enemies , as oftentimes vsed ●●ost desperatly to expose their liues to all maner of dangers . This their feare was also increased by the comming of certaine messengers from Solyman , who vnderstanding of what nations the garrison consisted , sent vnto the citie three of his owne guard , one a Spaniard , another an Italian , and the third a German , all renegate Christians ; that euerie one of them might without an interpretor , speake vnto their countreymen in their owne language : These men admitted into the citie , offered great rewards and large entertainment in the name of Solyman , to such as would in time yeeld ; denouncing all torture and extremities vnto them which should endure the summons of the cannon . Whereunto it was answered by the captaines , That those faithfull and valiant souldiors , who had reposed their last hope in their armes , were neither to be woon by gifts , nor terrified with threats . With which answere the messenger returned , and the same day the Turkes great ordinance was planted vpon the hill before the gate of the citie , and the weakest parts of the wals round about the citie , so well pickt out by the Turks to be assaulted ; as that they could not more skilfully or commodiously haue been chosen out of them which had within most diligently viewed euerie thing : so that it is to be thought , that the Christians wanted not onely fortune against the Turks , but also faith amongst themselues . Salamanca distrusting the fortifications of the suburbs , retired into the citie , contrarie to that he had before vainly boasted . Achomates Generall of the Europeian horsemen , laid siege to that part of the wall which was next to the bishops gardens : Vlamas the Persian besieged the towre neere vnto the gate towards BVDA : The Asapi or common souldiors were by their captaines brought on to dig trenches and cast vp mounts , as was thought most conuenient . It is incredible to be spoken with what furie the great ordinance was discharged , without ceasing ; insomuch that the towre with a great part of the wall neere vnto it , shaken with continuall batterie , fell downe with such violence , as if all had been shaken with a most terrible earthquake : neither was any man able to stand vpon the wals , but that the Ianizaries with their harquebusiers out of their trenches and from their mounts , would most certainly fetch him off : and many which stood within farther off , were with the Turkes arrowes falling from high , as if it had beene out of the ayre , grieuously wounded . But that which most troubled the defendants , and did them greatest harme , was the stones , which beaten in sunder with the great shot , and not to be auoided , did with their pieces kill or maime the souldiors neere hand : With which dangers they were enforced to forsake the vttermost wall , and to cast vp new fortifications within , that they might with lesse danger defend the place . Neither in the enemy wanted courage to assaile the breach : thrise they desperatly attempted to haue entered , and were alwaies with losse repulsed . In which assaults amongst others , Bultaces Sanzacke of SELYMBRIA , a man of great account among the Turkes , was lost . Whilest the defendants were thus busied , many of the souldiors and marriners which came vp the riuer , with all things necessarie for the armie from BVDA , went on shoare and lay in the suburbs of the citie , in such securitie , as if there had been no enemie nigh : which thing they in the citie perceiuing , suddenly sallied out vpon them fearing no such matter , and slew many of them before they could arme themselues , and draue the rest to their fleet : so that betwixt fighting and flying there was about two hundred of them slaine . Zymar a Persian , Admirall of the fleet , in rescuing of them which to saue their liues fled vnto the riuer , was shot thorow with a small shot , and slaine . Whilest these things were in doing , and the Turkes hauing in many places sore shaken the wall , did with greater force daily assaile the citie , and the defendants with their continuall losses and out of hope of all reliefe were more and more discouraged : an old Calabrian enginer , which had long time serued king Ferdinand , fled out of the citie to the Turkes , who being courteously entertained by Solyman , and examined by the Bassaes of many things concerning the strength and state of the citie , satisfied them in all that they desired ; and farther , directed them in planting their batteries in places most conuenient for the speedie taking of the towne . In the meane time , whilest the Turkes were with restlesse labour battering the wals , and working in their mines , it fortuned that a gilt brasen crosse which stood vpon the top of the steeple of the Cathedrall church , was by the continuall shooting of the Turkes thereat , at length beaten downe : at the sight whereof , it is reported that Solyman after the superstitious manner of that nation , taking the chance as a token of his good lucke , cried out presently , STRIGONIVM is woon . Liscanus and Salamanca fearefully consulting of the euent of the siege , and secretly conferring together , resolued to saue themselues , and to giue vp the towne . Liscanus was no great souldior , and yet by continuall spoile growne exceeding rich , and therefore thought it but follie to buy the name of a resolute captaine at too deare a price , with the losse of his life and wealth . The like feeling was also in Salamanca , who preferred the safetie of himselfe and of that which he had got in long seruice , before all credit and honour , were it neuer so great . This their purpose was not kept so secret , but that it was noised abroad amongst the common souldiours , of whom almost the third part was now either slaine , or with wounds or sicknesse growne weake : yet were they all of opinion generally , That they were still strong ynough to defend the towne . But the vnder captaines and auntients vsing to flatter their Generals , liked well of the motion , to yeeld vnto Solyman vpon reasonable conditions , rather than to expose themselues to most certaine death , which should nothing better king Ferdinands cause . Not long after , an Auntient was by night let downe ouer the wall : and hauing by an interpreter receiued the Turks faith , called forth Salamanca , that he might vpon better conditions goe thorow with them for the yeelding vp of the towne . Who without further delay comming out , went to Achomates ; commaunding before he went them which defended the water tower next vnto the riuer side , a place of great danger , for safegard of their liues to get themselues into the citie : who terrified with that newes , and hastily retiring , were by the vigilant Turks which lay at the siege thereof , perceiued , who suddenly breaking in , slew such as were not yet gone , & possessed the castle . But Salamanca being brought before the great Bassaes , when he had stood vpon many nice tearmes , and required many things to haue beene graunted him , obtained no more , but that they should without delay yeeld vp the citie , and put themselues wholly to the mercie of Solyman . So the Spaniard being there stayed , himselfe writ to Liscanus , how he had sped ; willing him forthwith , if he loued his owne safetie , to yeeld the citie , without standing vpon further tearmes . Liscanus vpon receit of these letters comming forth to the souldiors , declared vnto them the necessitie of yeelding vp of the towne , and what hope there was to escape with life and libertie . But whilest the souldiors filled with indignation , stood as men in doubt what to doe , Halis commaunder of the Ianizaries came vnto the gate , and with cheerefull rather than sterne countenance required to haue it opened vnto him according to the agreement made by Salamanca in the campe ; which was forthwith opened by Liscanus , and the keyes deliuered vnto him : the Ianizaries entring peaceably into the citie , possessed themselues of the wals and fortresses round about , commaunding the Christian souldiors to giue place , out of whom they chose all the beardlesse youths , and commaunded the rest to cast downe their harquebusiers and other weapons in a place appointed , which they all for feare did , expecting nothing but some cruell execution to be done vpon them by the barbarous enemie . Which their feare was the more encreased by a strange accident , then vnluckily chancing : For whilest the souldiors did as they were commaunded , with their harquebusiers cast their flask●s full of pouder also , one of them suddenly tooke fire of a match , which was by chance cast in amongst them with fire in it , which firing the rest , blew abroad all that heape of weapons amongst the Turks , which so filled them with anger and feare of some sudden trecherie , that they fell vpon the Christians , & slew diuers of them : vntill such time as Halis persuaded that it was a thing happened rather by chance than mallice , commaunded his Ianizaries to stay their furie . This tumult appeased , Halis caused proclamation to be made , That all such Christian soldiors as would serue Solyman in his warres , should haue such place in his armie as their qualitie required , with bountifull entertainement : yet of all the Christian souldiors were found onely seuentie , which carefull of their liues , accepted the offer ; fearing that the Turkes would vpon such as refused exercise their wonted crueltie . Halis entertaining them courteously , sent them away with the other youths whom he had before culled out , downe the riuer to BVDA : the other souldiors he tooke into his protection , and vsed their labour to helpe the Turks to make cleane the castle . But Liscanus , who to saue his gold , had made shipwrack of his honour and reputation , was glad to giue vnto Halis the faire chaine of gold , which he had most couetously and insolently before taken from Perenus ; when as Halis , who would otherwise haue taken it from him by force , by way of militarie courtesie , now craued it of him , as a strange kind of ornament amongst the Turks : with which gift he was in hope to haue saued the rest of his coine . But fortune fauoured not so much the couetous coward : For when he was about to depart away with his horses of seruice , which he kept very good , and had cunningly stuffed the saddles full of gold , thinking so slyly to haue conueyed it ; the Turke laughing at him , tooke from him his horses furnished as they were , saying , That he which was to goe by water , needed no horses . So was the couetous wretch at once quit of the great wealth which he had in long time euill gotten . The captaines , with the rest of the souldiors dispoiled of their armes , were conueyed ouer the riuer of Danubius , and so trauelled on foot to POSSONIVM : where the countie Salme by the commaundement of the king apprehended Liscanus , Salamanca , and some other of the captaines for suspition of treason , and committed them to safe custodie , there to answere for their cowardly yeelding vp of the citie . Solyman entred into STRIGONIVM the tenth of August in the yeare 1543 , and there conuerting the Christian churches into temples for the Mahometane superstition , first sacrificed for his victorie , as he had before done in BVDA : and after with all speed so strongly fortified the citie , as if he would thereby for euer haue taken from the Christians all hope of recouering the same againe ; deriding the slouthfull negligence of the Germans , who possessed of it foureteene years , had neglected all that time to fortifie it . Not long after , Solyman leauing Ossainus a valiant captaine gouernour of STRIGONIVM , and sending his Tartarian horsemen to spoile the countrey on the left hand , as farre as ALBA REGALIS ; went himselfe to besiege the castle of TATTA , called in auntient time THEODATA . The garrison souldiours terrified with the losse of STRIGONIVM , and the sight of the Turkes armie , vpon the first summons yeelded the castle without resistance , and were so suffered quietly to depart . That castle after the manner of the Turkish discipline ( who with few and those very strong holds keepe their prouinces in subjection ) was by Solymans commaundement presently rased downe to the ground . Torniellus Generall of the Italians , caused Hanniball , captaine of the castle , to haue his head strucke off for his cowardly yeelding vp of the peece he had taken charge of : thereby to admonish others , which had the charge of strong places , not to refuse an honourable death in defence of their countrey , for feare of an ignominious death attending their cowardise . TATTA thus layd in the dust , Solyman marched with his armie towards ALBA , surnamed REGALIS , for that the kings of HVNGARIE by an auntient custome vsed to be there crowned , and also buried . BVDA , STRIGONIVM , and ALBA REGALIS , three principall cities of the kingdome of HVNGARIE stand in manner of a triangle , almost equally distant one from another , about a hundred miles in compasse . BVDA and STRIGONIVM are si●●at vpon the riuer of Danubius : but ALBA standeth more into the land , strongly seated in the midst of a great lake , but not so wholesomely , especially in the Summer time , the Winter waters then decreasing , and grosse vapours arising with the heat of the Sunne . From the citie thorow the marrish or lake vnto the firme land , lie three broad and high causeyes ( in manner of the strakes of a cart wheele ) well built with faire houses and gardens on either side , and a broad way in the middle whereby men passe in and out of the citie . At the end of euery causey towards the land were cast vp strong bulwarkes , which the citisens vsed not to watch but in dangerous times of warre : so that by these bulwarkes , the houses of the suburbs standing vpon these causies , were safe from the danger of the enemie , the lake filling vp all the spaces betwixt the causies : which , what for the depth , what for mud , flaggs , and bulrushes growing in it , was not by horse or man to be passed thorow . And the citie it selfe standing in the middest of the lake , compassed round about with a strong wall , and a deepe ditch alwayes full of water , was hardly to be besieged : for which causes a great number of the countrey people vpon the comming of Solyman , fled into it with their cattell , as vnto a most sure hold . In the citie lay in garrison two companies of Germans , and two hundred horsemen , vnto whom were joyned fiue hundred Hungarian horsemen , such as in time of peace liued by robbing , and are by an infamous name called Vsarous : vnto these , the Italian countie Torniellus , who with his Italians was come as farre as IAVARINVM , or RAB , sent foure captaines with their companies , such as were most forward in that seruice : after whom followed Barcocius , captaine of the kings guard , with a companie of horsemen , appointed by the king for Generall . Who was no sooner come into the citie , but news was brought of Solymans approch . Whereupon he in hast called together the other captaines , with Birrous then maior of the citie , and other the cheefe citisens , to consult with them , What was best to be done for the defence of the citie , but especially , Whether the suburbes of the citie , standing vpon those three broad causies , were to be destroyed or not ? that so the citie standing in the middest of the great marrish , might both with lesse labour and danger be defended . This question was seriously debated , and great reasons alleadged on both sides : at last the citisens cried out with one voice against the matter , and said , That they would neuer suffer those goodly suburbs , wherein were so many churches and faire buildings as might compare with the citie it selfe , to be so shamefully destroied , to the vtter vndoing of so many rich citisens : for what could be ( said they ) more dishonourable or lamentable , than to the encouraging of the barbarous enemie , to shew such a token of extreame feare ; and with their owne hands to burne and destroy those stately buildings , which might by strong hand be well enough defended against the enemie , if they did not play the shamefull cowards . Of which opinion with the citisens was also Octauianus Serosactus an Italian captaine , alleadging that both the citie and the suburbs might both with like danger be defended : forasmuch as they were equally fortified with the benefit of the marrish ; and if the worst should happen , the defendants might yet safely enough retire into the citie . At last standing vp as one thrust forward , both with the publicke hard fortune and his owne , said , Valiant gentlemen , what shew will you giue of your valour , or what honour shall you haue of your seruice ? If you shall defend so famous a citie , by deforming of it your selues , and cutting off the suburbes , as it were the armes thereof , before the danger , vpon too hastie desperation ? Verily you shall doe nothing , either in the seruice of the king or the honour of your selues , except this citie ( if God so please ) be of you whole and sound valiantly defended . Vpon this speech they all arise , the wiser sort and of greatest experience giuing place to the importunitie of the ignorant and simple . Barcotius himselfe full of care , and ouercome with the vaine opinion of the greater part , yeelded also vnto that fatall resolution of sauing the suburbes . For it often falleth out , that they who wisely weighing dangers in the ballance of reason , and doe therefore fearefully resolue of the euent of things , and doe thereupon oftentimes giue more hard and resolute iudgement of things than men of greater courage ; yeeld neuerthelesse to be partakers of other mens follies , yea euen to most assured death , rather than by maintaining their fearfull opinion to be deemed cowards . So fell it out with Barcotius the Generall , who setting a good countenance on the matter which nothing liked him , went out to the souldiours , declaring vnto them the reasons why the suburbes were to be defended : exhorting them with like valor on their parts to answere that honourable resolution , promising to prouide whatsoeuer should be necessarie for the obtaining of the victorie ; assuring them of great rewards and preferment , which should by their good seruice deserue the same . Hereupon the suburbes were by the common labour of the souldiors and the citisens quickly fortified , the great ordinance in places conuenient orderly planted , and watch and ward kept by the captaines and their companies by their turnes day and night . But the Turks drawing neere to the citie , bent their forces onely against the suburbes of the gate leading towards BVDA : for that they perceiued the marrish was in that place drier than in the other , and the sandie ground more vnfit for the making of bulwarkes and other fortifications for the safetie of the defendants , than in the other places where the ground yeelded better turfe . Barcotius perceiuing the enemies purpose , drew all the Italians and Germanes from the other gates into the suburbes of the gate of BVDA , leauing the countrey people which were fled into the citie , and the citisens , in their places . At the first comming of the Turkes , the Hungarian and Germane horsemen , with the Italian footmen , sallied out of the suburbes , and after certaine light skirmishes retired . Which manner of fight was continued by the space of three daies without any great harme done on either side : for the captaines had warily commaunded , That the souldiors should not aduenture out too farre . But after that Solyman himselfe was come , and had with the multitude of his tents beset the citie farre and neere , to the terrour of the beholders ; the Christians shut vp all the gates , and sallied out no more . Which thing caused the wild Hungarian Vsarous , vsed to open skirmishes , to prouide for themselues in time , and not to suffer themselues to be coupt vp ( as they tearmed ) within the wals of the citie : So for fashion sake , asking leaue to be gone ( who were not against their wils to be stayed ) they by night departed , being not to bee entreated by the Generall or citisens to stay , and by knowne wayes escaped thorow the woods from the enemie . In the meane time the Turkes were come with their winding trenches within shot , and with their arrowes and small shot so scoured the top of the bulwarke , that no man could there possibly appeare but he was straight wounded : and such was the furie of the great artillerie , that it had in short time battered in sunder the plankes and timber which kept in the sandie mould , whereof the fortresse was made , more for shew than for strength ; in such sort , that the great shot flying quite thorow all , slew and wounded many that were a far off : in which distresse of the defendants , the Turkes Asapi with small danger filled vp the ditches of the bulwarke , and diuers places of the marrish with earth and wood , which they brought continually from a wood thereby with six hundred waggons , so that in the space of twelue dayes they had made a firme way for them to passe ouer vpon , both to the bulwarke and the suburbes ; a worke before thought impossible to haue been performed . The ditches thus filled vp , the Turkes valiantly came on , seeking by plaine force to enter the bulwarke . First came on the Asapi , whom as men of least worth the Turks captaines vse to thrust to the first danger : After whom followed the horsemen , now on foot , with swords and targuets , or else their horsemens staues , couering the Ianizaries , who vpon their knees with their harquebusiers sore gauled the defendants . This hot fight endured aboue three houres with equall hope and courage : but the Turkes still relieued with fresh souldiors , repulsed the Christians , and gained the vttermost bulwarke : neuerthelesse , the Italian fort was that day valiantly defended , the very women and religious helping to defend it : in which assault a tall Hungarian woman , whose courage farre exceeded the weakenesse of her sex , thrusting in amongst the souldiours vpon the top of the fort , with a great sythe in her hand , at one blow strucke off two of the Turks heads , as they were climing vp the rampier . This assault was giuen the nine and twentieth of August , on which day the Turkes had before taken B●LGRADE , and also slaine king Lewes at the battell of MOHACHZ ; and were therefore after their superstitious manner in obseruation of their fortunat and vnfortunat dayes , in good hope to haue then taken the citie : wherein they were much deceiued , being not able at that time further to enter , but enforced againe to retire . Wherewith Solyman offended , sent for Abraham , Achomates , and Halis ( the cheefe captaines in that assault ) into his tent , and reprooued them sharpely , for that the bulwarke being so valiantly and fortunatly woon , they had not with more courage prosecuted the victorie , but cowardly ( as he thought ) giuen it ouer , being in a manner alreadie woon : and therefore with sterne countenance commaunded them to prepare all things readie within three dayes for a fresh assault , and neuer to returne vnto him , except they did win the citie . Whereunto the captaines answered no more ( for were they neuer so guiltlesse , they might not before him stand to excuse themselues ) but that they would in short time accomplish his desire . Wherefore hauing made all readie , and encouraged the souldiors to this last assault , they terribly assailed the rampiers , and brought a great feare vpon the defendants : for taking the benefit of a thick mist ( as it oftentimes chanceth in marrish grounds ) they were with great silence ( contrarie to their manner ) got vp to the top of the rampiers , and come to handy blows , before they were well discouered . The fight was for the time fierce and terrible : but the Ianizaries preuailing , at length put the Germanes to flight , and after them the Italians also , so that now well was he that could run fastest towards the citie . But that their hastie flight little auailed , when as they were to passe out by a little narrow gate in manner of a wicket : and they in the citie , without regard of them that fled , had plucked vp the draw bridge ouer the ditch . For naturally it commeth oftentimes to passe , that the feare of the present danger , without blushing excuseth our foule dealing . So the barbarous and fierce enemie pursuing the flying Christians at the heeles all the length of those suburbes with most cruell execution , many notable men , some fighting , some flying , were there slaine : amongst whom was Octauianus Serosactus , author of the euill counsell whereof ensued that calamitie . Barcotius the Generall flying on horsebacke to the little gate ▪ which was not to be passed thorow , and crying in vaine to them that fled , to haue the great gate opened , was by the comming in of Ianizaries slaine : whose head and right hand full of rich rings ▪ was by the barbarous enemie carried about in derision vpon a launce . The rest of the flying multitude finding the little gate shut vp with the bodies of the dead , and the bridge maliciously drawne vp , desperatly threw themselues into the deepe ditch ; where some of them labouring to swim out , were caught by the legs and armes by other that could not swim , and both together drowned . Some hardly crauling ouer , were shot in the head or backe with the Turkes arrowes : othersome sticking fast in the mud , were as if it had beene in sport shot to death by the Turkes : some few there was which got ouer , and were saued . There was yet left in the citie the Generall of the German horsemen , and Vscasades of CR●MONA , an Italian captaine ; these two gathering the remainder of the souldiors which were left , placed them vpon the wals : but the citisens were strucke with such a feare , that they could not tell which way to turne themselues . For now Birrous the maior , with the aldermen and other chiefe citisens , seeing the slaughter of the Italians and Germans , were so ouercome with despaire , that they thought no hope of their well doing was to be reposed in making of any farther resistance , but onely in the mercie of Solyman . Wherefore Birrous spake vnto the Turks from the wall , That he might safely send embassadours to Solyman , to intreat with him vpon reasonable conditions , for the yeelding vp of the citie : which thing Achomates easily granted . With these embassadours for the citisens , went also the generals of the German horsemen , and Carolus Rufus an Italian captaine ( who of all others had borne himselfe most valiantly in all the assaults , to the great admiration of the Turks ) to intreat for the safetie and libertie of the souldiors . The embassadours being brought before the great Bassaes , requested , That yeelding the citie , the citisens might enjoy their liues and libertie : whereunto they were so answered , as that it seemed they should not all be pardoned ; yet was the generall feare well diminished , for that the punishment respected but some few . Rufus was courteously entertained ▪ and easily obtained , that the Italians might in safetie depart with bag and baggage to VIENNA : the like grace also obtained the Generall of the Germans for his soldiors . Solyman the eunuch Bassa , offered vnto Rufus honourable entertainment , if he would haue serued Solyman : which when he refused as bound to king Ferdinand by oath , in honour of his valour he gaue him a rich cloake wrought with flowers of gold . The embassadours returning into the citie , and telling how they had sped , deliuered the citisens of a great feare . Shortly after the citie being yeelded , Achomates by open proclamation in the market place , commaunded the Italians and Germans to make themselues readie against the next day to depart , and to take good heed that no Hungarian went with them : hee also straightly charged the citisens to keepe their houses , vntill the strange souldiors were departed . At the time appointed , the Italians and Germans set forward , conducted by Homares with a companie of the Turks horsemen , who faithfully defended them against the Tartares , running vp and downe the countrey after spoile : neither was any thing taken from them but their dags , which the German horsemen after a new fashion carried at their saddle bowes ; these the Turks greatly desired , delighted with the noueltie of the inuention , to see them shot off with a firelocke without a match . But after the departure of Homares , they were in their trauell set vpon by the Hungarians , with whom they had many hoat skirmishes , and had hardly escaped vnspoiled , had they not been rescued by the kings souldiors lying in garrison in the castles as they passed alongst the countrey . The few which remained , after many troubles came at last to VIENNA , more like ghoasts than men . Solyman entring quietly into the citie , first visited the sepulchers of the Hungarian kings , and gaue out proclamation , That the Hungarians should feare of him no harme ; for that he was not come to conquer them , but to deliuer them from the bondage of the Germans , and so to restore againe that entire kingdome vnto Stephen the right heire of king Iohn . But within three or foure daies after , he called out the chiefe citisens into a field not farre off , wherein the bodies of condemned men were woont to be buried , as if he would haue there taken an oath of them for their fidelitie : whither , after they were all assembled in the best manner they could , as to some solemn feast , the cruell tyrant ( without regard of his faith or promise ) caused them all to be slaine . Howbeit some report , that he caused them onely to be put to death which bare office in the citie , at such time as they reuolted from the obedience of the queene and the infant king , vnto Ferdinand , and had then brought in German souldiors ; and that he sent the rest into exile to BVDA and BELGRADE . So Solyman leauing Ba●ibeius gouernour of ALBA REGALIS ; and Mahometes sometime gouernour of BELGRADE , his lieutenant generall for the whole gouernment of that kingdome , returned againe toward CONSTANTINOPLE , Winter now beginning to approach : after he had that Sommer woon S●IGONIVM and ALBA REGALIS , two of the chiefest cities of HVNGARIE . All this while king Ferdinand had raised no power worth the speaking of , to withstand so mightie an enemie ; onely at VIENNA lay seauen thousand Germans and foure thousand Italians , at such time as Solyman departed from ALBA REGALIS , which were shortly after discharged . Whilest Solyman thus lay at the siege of ALBA REGALIS , he sent his Tartarian horsemen which serued him to small purpose in the siege , to spoile the countrey round about : these sauage people doing much harme , were in diuers places circumuented by the Hungarians , and about three thousand of them slaine : one of them being taken prisoner , had found in his knapsacke halfe a child , of about two yeares old , the loathsome remainder of his barbarous feeding . Barbarussa all this while lying with his fleet ( as we haue before said ) at MARSEIL●ES fretted exceedingly , that he had to his dishonour vndertaken so long a voyage by sea , to pleasure him which was not able ( as he said ) to direct his owne dessignes to any certaine resolution ▪ but shamefully suffered the best time of the yeare for seruice , negligently to passe away without any thing doing ▪ the blame wherof would ( as he said ) be imputed to him at CONSTANTINOPLE : and that Solyman , who desired to aid the king his friend and confederat , and by all ●eanes to annoy his enemies , would take in euill part to haue it reported , that he had with so great charge set out so great a fleet , and so far off , to helpe his friend hardly beset with his enemies , and 〈◊〉 done nothing : besides that , he tooke on like a Turke , that he , who in time of seruice , neuer vsed negligently to let slip the least opportunitie , should now blemish his former credit and esti●ation , by lying still all that Sommer in the harbour of MARSEILLES , where his souldiors grew lazie with doing nothing . Wherefore Polinus going to the king , told him of the proud Turkes great discontentment for lacke of imploimen● and returning to Barbarussa , brought o●der from the king , that he should lay siege to NICE a citie of PROVINCE , then holden by the Duke of SAVOY . This citie standing vpon the sea , was by one of the French kings for a great sum of money pawned vnto the duke : which money king Francis had many times offered to haue repaid , but could neuer get the citie out of the dukes hands . Vnto which seruice , the French king sent also his fleet of two and twentie gallies and eighteene ships , wherein were embarked eight thousand footmen , and victuall for many daies . This fleet departing from MARSEILLIS , keeping close by the shoare , came to the port called MONOC ; whither two daies after came Barbarussa also with an hundred and fiftie gallies . From thence Polinus by commandement from the king , writ vnto the State of GENVA , That they should not feare of that great fleet any hostilitie , which was not to hurt any but them of NICE , and not them neither if they would yeeld themselues . For more assurance whereof , he obtained of the Turks diuers GENVA captiues , which had long time been chained in their gallies , and courteously set them at libertie , and sent them home without raunsome . After that , he friendly exhorted the citisens of NICE , to yeeld themselues againe vnto their auntient and lawfull prince , renowned for his bountie and power ; rather than to aduenture their state to all extremities for that poore and distressed duke , who betweene the emperor and the French king , despoiled of the greatest part of his dominions , saw no other end of his miseries , but to leaue that little which yet remained , as a prey to the one or the other that should first lay hand thereon . Whereunto the magistrates of the towne answered , That they knew no other prince or soueraigne , but Charles their duke : wherefore he should desist farther to solicite them by letters or messengers , whom they would make no other account of but as of their enemies . Wherefore the Frenchmen and Turks landing their forces , laid siege to the towne in three places . The citisens had but a little before newly fortified their wals , by the direction of Paulus Simeon , captaine of the castle , and one of the knights of the RHODES , a man of great experience ; who long before taken at sea by pirats , had sometime serued Barbarussa , and therefore persuaded the citisens as resolute men to withstand the Turks . Which , that they should more constantly performe , he tooke their wiues and children , and weaker sort of the people into the castle ; and from thence furnished the citisens with all things necessarie for their defence . The citie was at once in diuers places battered by the Turks and French , both by sea and land : so that at last the Turks had beaten downe one of the new built bulwarks , and made so faire a breach , that with their ensignes displaied , they attempted to haue entred : whose forwardnes Leo Strozza ( then seruing the French king with a band of Italians ) imitating , sought to haue entred also : but the citisens standing valiantly vpon their defence , manfully repulsed both the Turkes and Italians , and caused them with losse to retire . In this assault were slaine about an hundred Turkes ; and of Strozza his souldiors two and twentie . Presently after , Barbarussa with all his force began a fresh batterie , in such terrible manner , that the citisens seeing their wals in diuers places opened , and the few souldiors they had , sore wounded , and no hope to be in conuenient time relieued ; began to parley with the French Generall from the wall , concerning the yeelding vp of the citie ; vpon condition , that they might in all respects liue vnder the French king as they had done vnder the duke : for performance whereof , the Generall gaue them his faith . But Polinus fearing least the Turks should violate this composition , and for greefe of the losse of their fellowes , or for hope of the spoile breake into the citie , entreated Barbarussa to recall his souldiours , and to cause them to goe abourd his gallies . For which cause not long after , the Ianizaries , as men deceiued of their hoped prey , were about to haue slaine both Polinus and Strozza , as they came from talking with Barbarussa . The citie thus yeelded , they began to consult for the taking of the castle : the performance whereof consisted first in the assailing of the castle it selfe , and then in defending of the citie from the sudden sallies of them in the castle ; and likewise in defending of them which besieged the castle , so that no enemie should come to raise the siege : of which two things , Barbarussa put the French to choice which they would take , shewing himselfe readie either to besiege the castle , or to keepe the field . The French standing in doubt of which to make choice , the proud old Turk scorning their slow resolution , and them also , as men vnfit for the readie accomplishment of any martiall exploit ; caused seuen pieces of batterie , whereof two were of wonderfull greatnesse , to be placed in a trice in place most conuenient , and the same quickly entrenched and fortified , to the great admiration of the French : with which pieces he had quickly beaten downe the battlements of the wals , and centenell houses , so that no man was able to shew himselfe vpon the wals . The Frenchmen likewise on the other side did with their great ordinance continually batter the castle : but with long shooting they came to such want of shot and pouder , that Polinus was glad to request , that he might either borrow or buy some of Barbarussa : whereat the Turke fretted and fumed exceedingly , That they should in their owne countrey stand in need of his prouision , who at MARSEILLES had better fraughted their ships with wine , than with necessaries for the warres . For the rough and seuere old Turke could not forbeare to taunt them , and oftentimes complained , that he was deluded with the hope of great matters which Polinus had promised at CONSTANTINOPLE ; and that in such a rage , that he would threaten to lay hands vpon Polinus , who had brought him from CONSTANTINOPLE thither , whereas he must either lose his honour , or hauing spent his shot and pouder , expose himselfe and his fleet to all dangers . Wherefore being exceeding angrie with the French , he suddenly called a counsell of his captaines & other cheefe officers , giuing it out , That he would presently return toward CONSTANTINOPLE , seeing that among these cowardly and vnskilfull men ( as it pleased him to tearme them ) he found nothing readie or according to promise . Yet for all that , when he had chafed his fill , by the faire entreatance and large promises of the French Generall and Polinus together , the wayward old man was persuaded to change his mind , and to continue the siege . But he was yet scarcely well pacified , and his mind set againe vpon the siege , but letters were intercepted from the great captaine Alphon sus Vastius , to Paulus captaine of the castle , wherein he requested him to hold out a while against the enemie , vntill that he , who had alreadie sent before his light horsmen , might come also himselfe with his men at armes , who were vpon the way alongst the Alps by the sea side , and would in two dayes with the slaughter of the Turkes put him and his castle out of all feare and danger . Which thing once bruted in the campe , such a great and sudden feare came vpon the Turks and Frenchmen , the night following ( the more to terrifie them ) prouing by chance very rainie and tempestuous ; that they all forsooke their trenches and great ordinance , and laying downe their weapons , by narrow pathes climing ouer the top of the high mountaine , came downe headlong to the sea side to the fleet . But the day appearing , and no enemie to be seene , they were ashamed of that they had done , and came againe to the siege . Not long after , when as the castle in all mens judgement was hardly to be battered , and standing vpon a firme rocke , was not but in long time with hard labour and doubtfull successe to be vndermined , it was generally thought good to raise the siege . The Turkes vpon their departure brake into the citie , and when they had taken the spoile thereof , set it on fire . Barbarussa retiring with his fleet to ANTIPOLIS , came to anker at the Island L●RINA , called of the marriners MARGARITA ; at which time Vastius and the duke of SAVOY , with Auria his fleet arriued at VILLA FRANCA : in the entrance of which hauen , the gallie wherein Vastius went , was like to haue beene lost . Foure other gallies by force of sudden tempest were driuen vpon the rockes , and so suddenly beaten in peeces with the surge of the sea , that the gally-slaues had not leisure to strike off their yrons , but were there all drowned , and all the ordinance lost . Polinus vnderstanding this distresse of the enemie , sent one Petrus Angelus to Barbarussa , to shew him the occasion offered , and to persuade him with all speed to hast thither with his fleet , as to a most assured victorie . Barbarussa seemed to like well of the motion , and promised to goe , yet he mooued not , letted as it was thought with the contrarie wind , which then blew hard at East , and with the roughnesse of the sea . But the wind being fallen , and the sea become calme , and he contrarie to his wonted manner making no hast , set slowly forward , and being a little on his way , came againe to an anker , and went no further ; the Sanzackes and other captaines first maruelling , and afterward laughing thereat , scoffingly said , That Barbarussa did but reason to deale kindly with Auria , as his brother and friend of his owne profession , for that he had some yeares before receiued the like friendship at his hands , in letting him escape at HIPPONA , which he now honestly paid him againe . Whereunto Barbarussa both then and afterwards at CONSTANTINOPLE answered no otherwise , but , That he being an old commander , and halfe blind , saw more in the matter than all those greene captaines with their sharpe sight . Not long after , he returned againe towards MARSEILLES , and put into the hauen of TOLON , called in antient time TAVRENTA . Vastius and the duke comming to NICE , commended the captaine of the castle , and wondering at the cunning manner of the Turks fortifications , preferred them in that point before the Christians . Barbarussa lying with his fleet at TOLON , and by the kings officers entertained with all possible courtesie , deliuered fiue and twentie gallies to Salec the famous pyrat , and Assanes his nigh kinsman , who passing the bay of NAR●ONA , rifled certaine townes in SPAINE , standing vpon the sea coast , and about the promontorie of Venus , called of the marriners CREVM , tooke great prize , and in the hauen of PALAMOS tooke one marchant ship and a gallie : with which prey they passed ouer to ALGIERS , as they were commaunded , there to winter , and with the first of the Spring to returne againe to Barbarussa in PROVINCE . That Winter Barbarussa repairing his fleet ; was furnished with many necessaries by the Genowayes , and especially by Auria himselfe , who vnder the colour of redeeming of prisoners , willingly furnished the Turke with such things as he wanted : for although he professed himselfe one of the emperours captaines , yet would he not shew an enemies mind by the vnseasonable deniall of a little sea furniture , least in so doing he should haue hurt his natiue country of GENVA ▪ which he saw then subject to the injurie of so great a fleet so nigh at hand . But leaue we now Barbarussa to Winter in PROVINCE , and with the course of time turne a little out of the way , to see in Muleasses king of TVNES the small assurance the greatest haue in highest place of worldly honour . This Mahometane king once before thrust out of his kingdome by Barbarussa , and restored againe by Charles the emperour ( as is before declared ) hearing of his comming with this great fleet , and imagining nothing lesse than that he should come to the aid of the most Christian king , doubted ( not without cause ) least it was prepared against himselfe . Besides that , diuers great cities of his kingdome , namely CONSTANTINA , MAHEMEDIA , and MAHOMETA ( called in auntient time CYRTHA ) LEPTIS , and ADRVMENTVM , were then holden by the Turkes ; Barbarussa his fauourits : wherefore fearing the worst , about the same time that Barbarussa : was sayling alongst the coast of ITALIE , he passed ouer into SICILIE , to haue met the emperour at GENVA , and to haue obtained of him greater aid against the Turks . At his departure out of AFFRICK● , hee committed the tuition of his kingdome to such valiant men as hee supposed would haue beene vnto him most faithfull : First he appointed Mahometes , then Maniphaet , to gouerne the citie ; and Corsus otherwise called Fares , his old seruant , to keepe the castle ; leauing Mahometes his brother and Fares his sonne , with Touarres a Spaniard ( captaine of the castle of GVLETTA ) as pledges , the one of his brothers , the other of his fathers faith : but vnto Amida ( his sonne ) he committed the leading of his men of war for the defence of his kingdome against the Turks and Numidians . As hee was passing out of SICILIA to haue met the emperour at GENVA , he was by contrarie winds driuen first to CAIETA , and afterwards to NAPLES , where he was by the viceroy honourably entertained , and a house appointed for him richly furnished . The Neapolitanes wondering at the strange attire of the people , with the manner of their feeding , and curious plentie of all manner of sweet perfumes : for into euery dish they put in odors of exceeding price ; so that it was well knowne , that a peacocke and two feisants , dressed after the manner of the kings kitchin , cost aboue an hundred duckats : so that not onely the dining chamber , when they were carued vp , but all the house was so filled with the strange and fragrant smell , that all they that dwelt neere thereabouts , were partakers of the pleasure of that vnusuall and delicat perfume . From NAPLES he was about to haue trauelled by land to the emperour , being then in conference with the Pope at BVXETVM ( fearing to aduenture the sea , possessed by his enemies fleet ) had not the emperour by his letters willed him to stay still where hee was ▪ But whilest he made his abode at NAPLES , and carefully attended what course Barbarussa would take , who furnished with so great a fleet was departed from NICE , disappointed of his purpose , he was by certaine messengers aduertised out of AFFRICKE , That Amida his sonne was risen vp against him , and possessing himselfe of the kingdome , had slaine his captaines , polluted his wiues , and taken the castle of TVNES . With which newes he being exceedingly troubled , determined without delay to passe ouer into AFFRICKE , and though late , yet as he might to remedie his domesticall troubles , in hope to oppresse that rebellion in the beginning , and his sonne also , before he could gather any strength to rest vpon . Wherefore he with all the hast hee could opened his cofers , and entertained souldiors , the viceroy giuing leaue to all such banished men as would to come and giue their names , to passe ouer as souldiors into AFFRICKE : vpon report whereof , such a number of malefactors & condemned persons came flocking to NAPLES , that it was thought a sufficient armie might haue beene made of such kind of men ; euery one of them chusing rather to enter into pay , and blot out the infamie of banishment , and proue the fortune of warres , than to liue wandering vp and downe in the woods , and in danger euery houre to be hanged . Of these infamous men , one Ioannes Baptista Lofredius ( a man well borne , but of a fierce and couetous disposition ) vndertooke the leading : he couenanting with Muleasses to haue three moneths pay before hand , leuied eighteene hundred men , which he presently shipped ; and keeping the greatest part of their pay to himselfe , passed ouer with the king into AFFRICKE , and landed at GVLETTA . But how Amida rise vp against his father , and what was the end of that bloudie rebellion , shall not be amisse briefely to rehearse . There were certaine noble men of great authoritie about Amida when Muleasses departed , which at their pleasure ruled the young prince , who easily harkened vnto their counsell , and followed the same : the chiefe of these was one Mahometes , sonne of Bohamer , who in the raigne of Mahometes , Muleasses his father , was Maniphet , whom Muleasses ( possessed of the kingdome ) put shamefully to death by cutting off his priuities , because he had by hastie marriage deceiued him of Rhahamana , a maiden of incomparable beautie , the daughter of Abderomen captaine of the castle , whom he most passionatly loued : for which cruell fact , Mahometes his sonne had of long time conceiued a deadly hatred against Muleasses , which he had many yeares dissembled , that he might as occasion serued be the more cruelly reuenged . Next vnto him was another Mahometes surnamed Adulzes , whom Muleasses was wont commonly to call his worst seruant . These two with a few others conspiring togither , gaue it out , that Muleasses was dead at NAPLES , and before his death had most irreligiously ( as they accounted it ) reuolted to the Christian religion . With which report they perceiuing Amida moued , came vnto him and persuaded him quickly to enter into his fathers seat , least Mahometes his younger brother then lying in hostage with the Christians at GVLETTA , should by the fauour and helpe of Touarres , whose garrison was euer readie , be preferred before him . For Mahometes was eighteene yeares old , resembling his grandfather in name , fauour , and disposition , and therefore of the citisens of TVNES best beloued : wherefore Amida came in post hast out of the campe to TVNES , to lay first hand vpon his fathers kingdome . The people which as yet had heard nothing of the kings death , receiued him with doubtfull countenance : and as many stood maruelling that he was so rashly come into the citie without his fathers commaundement , Mahometes ( appointed by Muleasses to gouerne the citie ) came out and sharpely reproued him as guiltie of high treason , persuading him to returne againe vnto the campe : and seeing him stay , by force of the multitude thrust him out of the citie . Amida deceiued of his expectation , got him out of the way into the pleasant country of MARTIA , betweene VTICA and the ruins of old CARTHAGE . But Mahometes Gouernour of the citie , after he had repulsed Amida , got him with all speed by water to Touarres at GVLETTA , to know of him more assuredly , if any such euill newes were brought from SICILIE of the death of the king ; and to complaine of the rashnesse and intollerable presumption of Amida . Where staying somewhat long in discoursing with the captaine , and afterwards returning to the citie , he was suspected to haue practised with the captaine , to make Mahometes ( the pledge in GVLETTA ) king in his fathers steed ; for so the common voice went. The Moores are by nature a faithlesse people , vnconstant , hastie , suspitious , desirous of newes , which true or false , they for the time interpret as serueth best their factions , whereunto they are exceedingly giuen : So at the first there rise in the citie a doubtfull rumour of the making of a new king ; the suspition wherof more and more encreasing , set all the citie on an vprore . By occasion whereof , certaine of the citisens to whom the verie name of Muleasses was odious , speedily certified Amida ( then in the gardens of MARTIA , sighing and grieuing at his hard fortune ) how all stood , and that now was the time to doe himselfe good . He reuiued with that vnexpected newes , and encouraged by the persuasion of Bohamar and Adulzes , and other his followers ; resolued to take hold vpon that good offer of fortune which would not alwaies frowne , and to follow his good hap . So in hast returning to TVNES , and entring in at the gate which he then found open , ran presently to the gouernours house ; and finding him not at home , cruelly slew all his houshold , and with his bloudie companie went presently to the castle : where Fares the captaine seeking to haue kept him out , and boldly laying hands vpon his horses bridle to haue thrust him backe , was by a desperat Ethiopian , one of Amida his followers , thrust thorow with a sword and slaine : ouer whose bodie yet sprawling , Amida forcing his horse , brake into the castle with his friends ; and finding Mahometes gouernour of the citie , presently slew him also . And so by this meanes Amida in the space of an houre ( a little before , a man in despaire ) obtained the citie , the castle , and the kingdome togither . After that , he murthered his younger brethren ; and embrued with bloud , without shame polluted his fathers concubines . Muleasses landed ( as we haue before said ) at GVLETTA , with such forces as he had brought with him out of ITALIE , was aduised by Touarres the Spaniard , not to aduenture with such a handfull of men to go to TVNES , before he were well assured of the good disposition of the citisens towards him . And was the more earnest with Lofredius not to go , because the Viceroy had expressely written , that he should in no case go any further than GVLETTA , except the king according to his promise , had a good strength of Numidians to joyne with him . But certaine of the noble men amongst the Moores , which vnder the colour of friendship were fled out of the citie , and had after the solemne manner of their nation put their swords vnto their throats , and sworne to be faithfull vnto him ; wonderfully prickt forward both the king and Lofredius , too hastie of themselues to their owne destinie , bearing them in hand , That Amida vpon the first sight of his father , would forsake the citie , and betake himselfe to flight : so without more staying , Muleasses with ensigne displaied set forward towards TVNES , Lofredius cheerfully following him , Touarres requesting them in vaine to beware of the Moores treacherie . Muleasses marching still forward , was come so nigh the citie , that they might from the wals descrie him : when suddenly a strong troupe of Moores sallied out of the gate with a terrible crie , and fiercely assailed him , whom the kings horsemen valiantly receiued : many falling on both sides . Muleasses in this hoat skirmish , fighting couragiously against his enemies , was wounded in the face and bled exceedingly ; which discouraged them about him , that they doubting of his life , turned their backes and fled : when presently a wonderfull number of horse and foot , suddenly issuing out of the oliue gardens , had beset Lofredius and his souldiors round : vpon whom the Italians discharged certaine field pieces , but after they had once discharged them , they had no leisure to charge againe ; for the barbarous enemie came on so thicke and so fast , that the Italians seeing themselues too weake , and compassed in round , let fall their weapons as men discouraged , and cast themselues into the lake , so by swimming and taking hold of the little boats to saue themselues from the enemies sword : which boats stood those distressed men in great steed , for being furnished with small pieces , they did beat backe the Moores , who eagerly pursued them euen into the lake with their horses . Lofredius as a man amased with the sudden comming of the enemie , tooke the lake with his horse , and was there vnhorsed by the enemie and slaine , as were diuers with him . Some few there were that fought couragiously , chusing rather honourably to die in the middest of their enemies , than shamefully to be strangled in the stincking lake . Muleasses soiled with his owne bloud and with the dust , flying amongst the rest , was knowne and taken : nothing more bewraying him than his odoriferous perfumes . In this conflict thirteene hundred Italians were lost ; the rest which escaped Touarres relieued , and shortly after shipped them ouer into SICILIE , from whence they trauelled home to NAPLES , but so poore , as well shewed the miserie of their fortune . Amida hauing thus obtained the victorie , was more carefull of nothing than to make his father vnfit for gouernment , which he did by cutting the sight of both his eyes with a hoat penknife : the like crueltie he vsed vpon Nahasar and Abdallas his brethren , then taken with his father . After that , he certified Touarres captaine of GVLETTA , That he had taken a few youths prisoners , which he would deliuer vnto him ; and that he had bereft his father of his sight , who had deserued a worse punishment , as he that had long before done the like to his brethren ; but had yet left him his life , as an example to other tirants , and to shew that he dealt not altogither vnmercifully with so perfidious a father : Last of all , he confirmed ( vpon certaine conditions ) the same league which his father had with him : which he well saw was to great purpose , especially in that newnesse of his kingdome . Neither did Touarres refuse the same , as standing with his present profit : for vpon this agreement , Amida was to giue him certaine money to pay his souldiors , and to deliuer him the prisoners he had taken , with the ensignes and bodie of Lofredius : For more assurance wherof , he gaue Sehites his sonne , then nine yeares old in hostage ; yet vpon condition , that if an assured peace could not be agreed vpon , but that they must needs enter into warre , then Touarres should forthwith restore him his sonne Schites in safetie . These capitulations , although they seemed not vnreasonable , and were of them well liked ; yet Touarres thought it not altogither agreeing with the honour of the emperour , that he should enjoy the kingdome who by most ho●rible treason and detestable villanie had thrust himselfe thereinto without the emperours leaue . Wherefore he entred into a new deuise , to call in the rightfull heire , who might at the emperours pleasure ( offended with the injurie done by Amida ) raigne in TVNES . There was in exile amongst the Numidians one Abdamaelech , euer since the time that Roscetes fled to Barbarussa . Him , because he was Muleasses naturall brother , Touarres sent for , putting him in hope of the kingdome , supported by Anemseha , a great prince amongst the Numidians , who had all that long time courteously entertained him . Neither was Abdamaelech slow to accept the occasion presented , especially encouraged thereunto by the Numidian prince his good friend , and the predictions of the Astrologers , who had foretold him , That he should die king of TVNES . Which vaine kind of diuination hauing in it no manner of assurance , yet causeth great minds oftentimes to vndertake great attempts beyond reason , which falling out with more hap than they were with reason foretold , giueth some credit to that vanitie , and causeth those cold prophets to be of some accounted as great wisards . And to worke this feat , such a time was offered , as a better could not be wished : for Amida hauing set all things in order as he pleased in the citie , and casting no perill , was gone to BISERTA , to take order for his customes , which was there great vpon fishing . Wherefore ▪ Touarres to keepe his promise , sent backe S●hites , Amida his sonne , in a boat to TVNES , and receiued Abdamaelech : who trauelling most part by night , was secretly come to GVLETTA , and there resting himselfe and his horses a few houres ; to preuent the fame of his comming , posted in hast with a troupe of his Numidian followers to TVNES , and passing thorow the citie , went directly to the castle , which he entred without resistance of the warders , supposing him to haue beene Amida come from BISERTA : for Abdamaelech had after the manner of the Moores couered his face with a scarfe , as if it had beene to haue kept him from the Sunne and the dust , and by that happie sleight got into the castle , before it was knowne who he was . The warders perceiuing their ●rror , began as men amased now too late to betake themselues to their weapons , for in making resistance , they were quickly slaine by the Numidians which came in with Abdamaelech : who thus possessed of the castle ( the cheefe strength of that kingdome ) let in his friends , which were many in the citie , by whom he was presently saluted king , the rest of the citisens either well liking of the matter , or at least not daring for feare to stirre . But as in these worldly things , for which men so vainely toyle , is no assurance : so this new king shortly after fell sicke and died , when he had raigned but six and thirtie dayes , and was afterwards royally enterred . After whose death , his mightie friends , with the cheefe of the citisens ( persuaded and encouraged by Touarres the Spaniard ) chose Mahometes his son , a child scarse twelue yeares old , to reigne in his fathers place : appointing Abdalages Maniphaet ( brother to him whom Amida slew ) Abdelchirinus Mesuar , Schyriffus ( a great man in their Mahometane superstition ) & Perellus a Christian knight , to be his directers and gouernours : which foure swayed all at their pleasure . But Abdelchirinus tendering the welfare of his countrey , and deuising out of season how to set vp one of the royall bloud , that were of himselfe able to gouerne the kingdome , saying , That it was not for the common good to be ruled by a child : was for his labor by his other three fellowes suddenly slaine , with all his kindred and knowne friends . After whose death the other three erected a manner of Triumvirat gouernment , euery one of them laying hand vpon one part of the state or other , as liked him best . Amida thus shut out of TVNES , and hauing lost his kingdome , wandered vp and downe to LEPTIS , CYRAPOLIS , and many other places , crauing aid of euery man to recouer his kingdome , miserably rent in sunder ( as he said ) by most wicked men , who insolently triumphed ouer the boy king . Which they of TVNES knew well to be true , and daily complained of the death of Abdelchirinus , whom they called the faithfull counsellor and father of his country . Whilest Amida is thus trudging vp and down , crauing helpe of this and that prince , proouing his friends , and sounding his subjects affection towards him ; Muleasses growne miserable with long imprisonment and the calamitie of his disaster fortune , obtained of the young king his nephew so much fauour , as that hee might sometime goe out of the castle to the church : vnder colour whereof hee tooke sanctuarie , a place in TVNES holden in such reuerence amongst the Moores , as that it was a most inuiolate refuge to all such as fled thereunto . Not long after , at such time as Bernardinus Mendoza , the Admirall of SPAIN , came to GVLETTA with the Spanish fleet , Muleasses at the request of Touarres was conueyed out of the Sanctuarie to the lake , and so by water to GVLETTA , there to be present at the consultation there holden for the vtter subuersion of Amida , and the driuing out of the Turks out of such cities as they yet held alongst the sea coast in AFFRICA . Muleasses had hardly before escaped the hands of certaine of his enemies in TVNES , who sought after his life , preserued by an old woman , who mooued with pitie , hid him from their furie vnder a great heape of garlike : and had he not now in good time escaped to GVLETTA , he had againe fallen into the hands of his mercilesse sonne Amida , who shortly after recouered againe his kingdome , and would not as he said himselfe haue spared him for the reuerence of any sanctuarie . For the citisens of TVNES , wearie of the euill gouernment of such as were in authoritie about the yong king , and not a little offended with the king himselfe , for espousing Melucca his cousin , one of Muleasses his daughters , secretly encouraged Amida by letters to repaire to the citie , promising to aid him in recouering his kingdome . Whereupon he came in such hast , that the young king had scarce time to get out of the citie : and Amida entring without resistance , and holpen by his friends , easily obtained againe the kingdome , and exercised most exquisit crueltie vpon his enemies : of whom he caused some to be torne in peeces , and deuoured of fierce mastiues , kept hungrie for that purpose . Perellus he caused to be tortured , his secrets to be cut off , and himselfe afterwards burnt to ashes in the market place . But Muleasses stayed not long at GVLETTA , offended with the couetousnesse of Touarres , who ( as he said ) had not faithfully restored such things as he had before put him in trust withall , but had auaritiously in his miserie deceiued him of part of his rich houshold stuffe , with certaine notable pretious stones , & some of his treasure : wherof the blind king so greeuously complained to Charles the emperour , that for deciding the matter , they were both commaunded to repaire vnto him into GERMANIE : where in conclusion to end the strife , Touarres was discharged of his gouernment , and Muleasses sent into SICILIE there to be kept of the common charge of that rich island . Muleasses by the way comming to ROME , was honourably feasted by Cardinall Fernesius : at which time he shewed himselfe both in his apparrell and behauiour not forgetfull of his better fortune : and being brought vnto the presence of Paulus the great bishop , would doe him no greater honour but to kisse his knee , accounting it too great an indignitie to haue kissed his foot . He was of stature tall , and of a princely disposition , vnworthie of so hard a fortune , had he not in like manner before vnmercifully dealt with his owne brethren . Barbarussa wearie of his long lying to so small purpose in PROVINCE , requested the French king either thorowly to employ him , or els to giue him leaue to depart : offering if he so pleased , to spoile all alongst the coast of SPAINE , from the mountain PYRaeNEI to CADIZ . But he not ignorant what hard speeches ran of him alreadie in all parts of Christendome , for bringing in the Turkes , was loth to leaue vnto the memorie of all posteritie the foule remembrance of so wofull a slaughter : besides that , he was aduised to disburden his countrey of such troublesome guests , who rouing about , did much harme in the prouince where they lay , and as it was reported , now and then snatcht vp one countrey peisant or other , and chained them for slaues in their gallies . Wherefore in supplie of the Turkes that were dead , the king gaue vnto Barbarussa all the Mahometane slaues in his gallies , to the number of about foure hundred , and furnishing him with all kind of prouision , and bestowing great gifts vpon him and his captaines , sent him away : and with him Strozza with certaine gallies , his embassadour to Solyman . So the Turkes departing out of PROVINCE , kept alongst the coast , vntill they came neere vnto SAVONA , whither the Germanes sent diuers presents and fresh victuals to Barbarussa , which he tooke so thankfully , that he protested not to hurt any of their territorie . From thence he kept a right course to the island of ELBA , belonging to the duke of FLORENCE , oueragainst POPVLONA ; where vnderstanding that one of the sonnes of Sinan his old friend was there kept prisoner , he writ vnto Appianus gouernour of the island for his deliuerance to this effect . I know , that a young man a Turke serueth thee , the sonne of Sinan surnamed the Iew , a famous captaine , taken of late at TVNES : him I would haue thee friendly to restore : which gift I will make thee vnderstand to be vnto me most acceptable ; for this our great fleet in passing by you , shall faithfully forbeare to vse any hostilitie . But if thou shalt in this so small a matter refuse to gratifie me , expect vpon the coast of thy countrey all the harmes which an angrie enemie can doe . Whereunto Appianus shewing his men vpon the wals , in token that he was not afraid , answered , That the young man was become a Christian , and therefore might not in any case bee deliuered to the Turkes : but that he would in any other thing gratifie him in what he could , and for his sake vse the young man as his sonne . And to mollifie the vnkindnesse of his answere , he sent him fresh victuall with other presents . But Barbarussa offended with the answere , landed his men round about the island , and commanded them to make what spoile they could : which they performed accordingly , hunting the island people vp and downe the rockes and mountains like Hares , vntill that Appianus not without cause doubting the vtter spoile of the island , redeemed his peace by deliuering the young man to Salec the pyrat , who brought him to Barbarussa gallantly apparrelled after the Italian manner , of whom he was joyfully receiued , as the sonne of a most valiant captaine , his old friend : and thereupon Barbarussa stayed his souldiors from doing any further harme vpon the island , and gaue Appianus great thanks for him . This young man Barbarussa honoured with the commaund of seuen gallies , and afterwards sent him to his father then lying at SVETIA , a port of the red sea , Admirall for Solyman against the Portingals , who greatly troubled those seas . But the old Iew , ouerjoyed with the sudden and vnexpected returne of his sonne , whom he had for many yeares before giuen as lost , in embracing of him fainted , and so presently for joy died . This man for valour was accounted little inferiour to Barbarussa , but for discretion and just dealing farre beyond him , nothing of so furious and wayward a disposition as was he . Barbarussa departing from ELBA , came into the bay of TELAMON in TVSCVNIE , and in short time took the citie , which he spoiled and burnt , but especially the house of Bartholomeus Telamonius ; whose dead bodie but a little before buried , he caused to be pluckt out of the graue , & his bones to be scattered abroad , because he being Admirall of the bishop of ROME his gallies , had in the island of LESBOS wasted Barbarussa his fathers poore possession : and marching by night eight miles further into the land , surprised MONTENVM , and carried almost all the inhabitants away with him into captiuitie . The like mischeefe he did at the port called PORTVS HERCVLIS , but purposing to haue taken ORHATELLO , and there to haue fortified , he was by Luna and Vitellius ( two valiant captaines before sent thither , the one by the State of SIENA , and the other by the duke of FLORENCE ) repulsed . So though disappointed of his purpose , yet hauing done great harme , and put the whole countrey of TVSCANIE in exceeding feare , he departed thence and landed againe at IGILIVM , now called GIGIO , an island about twelue miles distant from PORTVS HERCVLIS , where he quickly battered the towne , and caried a wonderfull number of all sorts into miserable captiuitie : keeping on his course , he passing the cape LINAR , & comming oueragainst CANTVMCELLE , had burnt that citie for the same reason he did TELAMON , had he not been otherwise persuaded by Strozza the French embassador , fearing to draw the French king into further obliquie . From thence he came with a direct course to the island of ISCHIA ; where landing in the night , he intercepted most part of the inhabitants of the island , as they were flying into the mountaines : and in reuenge of the hatred he had conceiued against Vastius at the siege of NICE , he burnt FORINO , PANSA , and VARRANIVM , three cheefe townes of that island : but PITHACVSA , the dwelling place of Vastius , standing vpon a broken rocke , somewhat distant from the sea , he durst not aduenture vpon . Then scraping along the island PROCHITA with lesse hurt , because most part of the inhabitants were before fled to PITHACVSA , he put into the bay of PVTEOLI , and sent Salec the pyrat with part of his fleet to make proofe if the citie of PVTEOLI , might from sea be battered . Salec drawing neere the citie , shot into it with his great ordinance , and by chance slew one Saiauedra , a valiant Spaniard , vpon the wals , and put the citisens in a great feare least the whole fleet should haue landed , they themselues as then vnprouided : but the viceroy came presently with a power both of horse and foot from NAPLES , which Barbarussa discouering from sea as they came downe the mountaines , called backe Salec : and leauing the Island of CAPRI , and passing by the promontorie ATHENEVM , was about to haue seised vpon SALERNVM , when a tempest suddenly arising , dispersed his fleet , and driue him beyond the promontorie PALINVRVS vpon the coast of CALABRIA , where he did exceeding much harme , especially at CARREATO . From thence he departed to the island of LIPARI , betwixt ITALIE and SICILIE , which island he miserably spoyled , and with fortie great pieces so battered the citie , that the citisens were constrained for feare to yeeld , whom he carried away all prisoners about the number of seuen thousand , of one sort of people and other , and burnt the citie . So loaded with the rich spoile of ITALIE and the islands vpon the coast , he returned towards CONSTANTINOPLE with such a multitude of poore Christian captiues , shut vp so close vnder hatches amongst the excrements of Nature , that all the way as he went almost euery houre some of them were cast dead ouer boord : euery man detesting the endlesse hatred betwixt the emperour and the French king , the very ground of all this and many thousand other most wofull and vndeserued calamities of their poore subjects . With this rich prey and an infinit number of captiues , Barbarussa arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE in the beginning of Autumne , in the yeare 1544 : where he was honourably receiued of Solyman , and highly commended for his good seruice both by sea and land . Solyman triumphing at CONSTANTINOPLE of the good successe he had in HVNGARIE , in the middest of all his glorie , was aduertised of the death of Mahomet his eldest sonne , whom of all his children he held deerest : whose dead bodie was shortly after brought from MAGNESIA , and with wonderfull solemnitie , and no lesse mourning , buried at CONSTANTINOPLE . How entirely Solyman loued this his sonne , well appeared by the great sorrow he conceiued of his death ; and not contented to haue built him a stately tombe , erected also in memoriall of him a Mahometane church , called the church of Mahomet the lesser : for the difference of Mahomet the great , who woon CONSTANTINOPLE . Whereunto he also annexed a monasterie and a colledge , with many things mo after the grosse manner of their superstition , for the health of his soule , as he vainly supposed . After that , Solyman according to his wonted manner , which was but euery second or third yeare to take in hand some notable expedition , ceased from warres by the space of two yeares : in which time many of the great princes and worthie men of that age died ; amongst whom was Francis the French king . Hariadenus Barbarussa that famous Turke of whom we haue so often spoken , who being of great yeares and no lesse fame , left this life in the yeare 1547 , and was buried at a house of his owne called Besictas , neere vnto BOSPHORVS THRACIVS on EVROPE side , not farre from the mouth of Euxinum , about foure miles from PERA , where he had but few yeares before at one time sold about sixteene thousand Christian captiues , taken out of CORCYRA : and to make famous that place appointed for his buriall , he of his owne cost built there a Mahometane temple , there yet with his sepulchre to be seene : that place was in auntient time called IASONIVM . About which time also , died of conceit that famous captaine Alphonsus Daualus Vastius , taken away by vntimely death when he had liued but fortie fiue yeares . At which time , Charles the emperour by his embassadour Gerardus Veltunich , concluded a peace with Solyman for fiue years , wherein king Ferdinand was also included : which peace was afterwards before the expiration thereof , by Solyman ( at the request of Henrie the French king ) broken . Solyman had now almost three yeares taken his rest , when it fortuned that Ercases Imirza king of SIRVAN , moued with the often injuries of Tamas his brother the great Persian king , fled to Solyman at CONSTANTINOPLE , to craue aid of him against his brother . Solyman glad of such an occasion to worke vpon , entertained him with all courtesie , and promised to take vpon him his quarrell , and to protect him against his vnnaturall brother . And when he had made all things readie for so great an expedition , passed ouer into ASIA ; and after long and painefull trauell entred at last with a puissant armie into ARMENIA , and there in the borders of the Persian kingdome , first besieged the citie of VAN , which after ten daies siege was yeelded vnto him , vpon condition , that the Persian souldiors there in garrison , might with life and libertie depart with their armes as souldiors : which was at the first by Solyman granted , and so the citie surrendred . From thence Solyman sent his chiefe commanders with a great part of his armie , to burne and spoile the enemies countrey , which they for a time cheerfully performed ; and running farre into the countrey , striue as it were amongst themselues who should doe most harme : where Imirza amongst the rest , for whose sake Solyman had vndertaken this warre , was as forward as the best to wast and spoile his brothers kingdome , sparing nothing that came to hand ; the best and richest things he got , he presented to Solyman , to draw him on still in that warre . But that serued not his turne to recouer againe his kingdome of SIRVAN : for Tamas , without shewing any power to withstand the Turks , had after his wonted manner , caused his people to withdraw themselues far into the mountaine country , leauing nothing behind them in that wast countrey to relieue them , but the bare ground : so that the farther the Turks went , the more they wanted , without hope of better successe than such as they had before to their losse made proofe of , in their former expeditions into that great kingdome . The conceit whereof so much pierced not the common souldiors onely , but euen the captaines themselues ; that to make an end of that long and vnprofitable warre , taken in hand for another mans good , they consulted amongst themselues , either to kill Imirza , or else to disgrace him with Solyman : Which they so cunningly wrought ; some suggesting false suspitions of his treacherous dealing in the proceeding of that warre ; and others with like craft , vnder colour of friendship giuing him warning in secret of the danger he was in : the one filling Solymans head with distrust , and the other Imirzas with feare : briefly to shut the matter vp in their owne tearmes , They persuaded the hare to flie , and the hounds to follow . Imirza doubting some sudden mischiefe , fled for succour to an old acquaintance of his , one of the princes of CHALDEA , who most treacherously sent him in bonds to Tamas his brother , his most cruell enemie , who glad to haue the author of all his troubles with the Turks , deliuered into his hands , cast him in prison : and that Solyman nor any other should in his behalfe further prosecute the warre , or by his meanes hope for victorie , caused him to be in prison murthered . In this expedition against the Persian king , Solyman was occupied a yeare and nine moneths ; all which time the Turks endured great troubles , and were oftentimes hardly distressed by the Persians : vntill at last Solyman himselfe wearie of that tedious warre , wherein he had got neither honour nor profit , thought it best so to make an end ; and thereupon returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE in the yeare 1549. In the meane time it fortuned , that one Dragut Raises a notable pirat of the Turks , had craftily surprised the citie of AFRICA in the kingdome of TVNES ( called in auntient time APHRODISEVM ) and also LEPTIS PARVA ( and now of the Moores called MAHAMEDIA ) and there setling himselfe , as in a place both commodious and of good assurance , exceedingly troubled the Christians both by sea and land , especially such as traded in the Mediterranean . So that the emperour , moued as well with the manifold injuries done by that arch-pirat vpon the frontiers of his dominions , as by the daily complaint of his poore subjects , commaunded the Viceroy of SICILIE , and Auria his Admirall , to leauie a sufficient power in time to represse that pirat , before he grew to farther strength . Whereupon , they with a strong fleet well manned and thorowly appointed for that purpose , and aided by the knights of MALTA , passed ouer into AFFRICKE ; and landing their forces , by the space of three moneths besieged the citie before possessed by the pirat , which with continuall batterie they had at length made saultable . And hearing that Dragut was comming with a new supply to relieue it , they with all sceleritie assailed it both by sea and land , and in the space of a few houres tooke it by force the tenth day of September in the yeare 1550 : in which assault many of the enemies were slaine , and the rest taken . Auria hauing thus dispossessed the pirat , and aduisedly considering that the citie was not without an infinit charge to be holden by the Christians , among so many of the infidels , rased it downe to the ground , carrying away with him seauen thousand captiues and all the spoile of the citie . And not so contented , did all the harme he could with fire and sword all alongst that coast of AFRICA , to the intent that the Turks should there find no reliefe ; and tooke 12 prisoners out of MONASTERIVM , a towne not far from the citie of AFRICA : and so hauing done that he came for , returned againe into SICILIE . Dragut thus at once thrust out of all he had , with a few of his friends fled to Solyman at CONSTANTINOPLE , and so incensed him with the grieuous complaint of the wrong done vnto him by the Christians ; that in reuenge therof , he resolued to make warre both vpon the emperour and king Ferdinand , notwithstanding that the fiue yeares league he had before taken with him at his going into PERSIA , was not yet expired . So with cheerfull words and courteous entertainment comforting vp the desperat pirat , the Spring following ( which was in the yeare 1551 ) he furnished him with a great fleet in most warlike manner appointed , to reuenge the injurie done to him by Auria in AFFRICKE . With this fleet in number one hundred and fortie saile , Sinan one of the Turks great Bassaes , accompanied with Dragut the pirat , by the appointment of Solyman , departed from CONSTANTINOPLE : and cutting thorow the seas , arriued at length in SICILIE , where they suddenly surprised the towne and castle of AVGVSTA , which they presently sacked . Departing thence , they came to the island of MALTA , and there landed their men in the port of MARZA , otherwise called MOXET , neere vnto the castle , which they battered with certaine pieces of great ordinance , but so as was to no great purpose . At which time diuers companies of the Turkes running farther into the island , made hauocke of whatsoeuer came in their way . After they had thus few daies in vaine battered the castle , and saw themselues both there valiantly repulsed , and in other places by ambushes and such like meanes cut off by the souldiors and inhabitants of the island , they remoued thence to the road of S. Paul , where they landed their ordinance , with purpose to haue besieged the citie : but perceiuing by a little , what small hope there was to preuaile , and seeing diuers of their men dying thorow the extreamitie of the heat , they forsooke the island and went to GAVLES now called GOZA , a little island about thirtie miles in compasse , fiue miles distant from MALTA Westward , subject vnto the knights of the religion : and there landing their men , miserably spoiled the island and whatsoeuer they light vpon , and carried away with them of one sort of people and other six thousand and three hundred captiues into most wofull bondage . With which bootie they put againe to sea , and sailed directly to TRIPOLIS in BAR●A●IE , called of old LEPTIS MAGNA : which citie Charles the emperour had before giuen to the knights of MALTA , and was at that time by them kept . This citie was the marke whereat the Bassa and the pirat shot ; for taking whereof they landed their forces , and by long and winding trenches approched as neere the same as they could : which they did not without great losse of their people ; for they of the castle hauing good store of great ordinance , and most expert canoniers did with continuall shot so annoy the Turks , that they were oftentimes enforced to retire ; yet with much troublesome labour and no lesse perill they came at last within eight hundred paces of the wals : where the Bassa caused his gabions made of thicke plankes , to be placed in the night , and his batterie planted . And the next day ( which was the eighth of August ) the cannon began to play , which was againe answered from the castle with like , and euerie houre some of the Turks slaine , the great shot still flying into their trenches , so as that day foure of the best canoniers in the armie were slaine , with certaine other men of good account also : and the clearke generall of the armie , a man of great estimation and welbeloued of the Bassa , had his hand shot off , and many other of the Ianizaries and common souldiors either slaine or hurt ▪ moreouer they brake one of their best pieces , and dismounted foure others , which for that day made them to leaue the batterie . The next night the Turkes approached yet neerer vnto the castle , vpon whom the Christians in the breake of the day sallied out euen vnto their verie trenches , and afterwards retired . With the rising of the sunne ( which the Turkes haue in great reuerence ) they renued their batterie with greater force than before ; yet with such euill successe , that the Bassa was almost mad for anger : for about the euening the fire by mischance got into their pouder , wherewith thirtie of the Turkes were burnt , many hurt , and one piece broken . At length the Turks were come so neere , that they had planted their batterie within an hundred and fiftie paces of the wall ; which they continued with such furie , that they had made a faire breach euen with the ditch : but what was beaten downe in the day time , the defendants repaired againe by night , in such sort , as that it was not to be assaulted . Yet in conclusion , a traiterous souldior of PROVINCE , before corrupted by the Turkes , found meanes to flie out of the castle into the campe , where he declared vnto the Bassa the weakest places of the castle , by which it might be most conueniently battered and soonest taken : and especially one place aboue the rest which was against the gouernors lodging , which standing towards the ditch , and hauing vnderneath it sellars to retire the munition into , could not if it were once battered well be repaired againe or fortified . Which the Bassa vnderstanding , caused the batterie there to be planted , laying the pieces so low , that they did easily beat the sellars and vaults in such sort , that in short time the wals were so shaken , that the rampiers aboue thorow the continuall batterie , began greatly to sinke : which so amased the soldiors , seeing no conuenient meanes to repaire the same , that setting all honour aside , they requested the Gouernour , That sithence the matter began now to grow desperat , and that the place was not longer to be holden , he would in time take some good order with the enemie for their safetie , before the wals were farther endamaged . With which motion , Vallter the Gouernour ( an antient knight of DAVLPHINIE , and one of the order ) was exceedingly troubled : which Peisieu another of the knights perceiuing , he as a man of great courage , and of all others there present most antient , in the name of the other knights declared vnto them , That the breach was neither so great nor so profitable for the enemie , but that it was defensible enough , if they would as men of courage repaire the same ; saying , That it was more honourable for worthie knights and lustie souldiors , to die valiantly with their weapons in their hands , fighting against the infidels for the maintenance of their law and Christian religion , than so cowardly to yeeld themselues to the mercie of those , at whose hands nothing was to be looked for but most miserable seruitude , with all kind of crueltie : and therefore persuaded the Gouernour to hold it out to the last . For all that , he ouercome with the importunitie of such as would needs yeeld , who with all vehemencie vrged the imminent danger wherewith they were all like to be ouerwhelmed , and finding himselfe bereft both of heart and fortune , and forsaken of his souldiors ; without farther consideration , consented that a white ensigne should be displaied vpon the wals , in token that they desired parley : when a Turke presenting himselfe , they requested him to vnderstand of the Bassa , if he could be contented that some of them might come to intr●●t with him of some good order to be taken for the yeelding vp of the castle . Whereunto the Bassa willingly consenting , two of the knights were forthwith sent out , to offer vnto him the castle with the artillerie and munition , so as he would furnish them with ships to bring them with bag and baggage safely to MALTA . Wherunto the Bassa briefly answered , That ( forasmuch as they had as yet deserued no grace , presuming to keepe so small a place against the army of the greatest prince on earth ) if they would pay the whole charges of the armie , he would condiscend to their request ; or if they would not thereunto consent , that for recompence all they within the castle should continue his slaues and prisoners : notwithstanding if they incontinently and without delay did surrender the place , he would exempt out of them two hundred . Whereupon the messengers returning in dispaire , were staied by Dragut and Salla Rais , with flattering words and faire promises , That they would so much as lay in them , persuade the Bassa to condiscend to a more gratious composition : fearing indeed that the besieged through dispaire would resolue ( as their extreame refuge ) to defend the place euen to the last man. Wherfore they went presently to the Bassa , to declare vnto him his ouersight in refusing them who voluntarily would haue put themselues into his hands , whom reason would he should with all courtesie haue receiued : for that after he had the castle and the men in his power , he might dispose of them as he should think good . The Bassa liking well of his counsell , caused the messengers to be called againe , and with fained and dissembling words told them , That at the instance of Dragut and Salla Rais there present , he did discharge them of all the costs and charges of the armie , swearing vnto them ( the better to deceiue them ) by the head of his lord and his owne , inuiolably to obserue all that he had promised vnto them : which they ( too easily ) beleeued , and forthwith went to declare the same vnto the Gouernour and others within the castle . The Bassa , the better to come to the effect of his desire , after these messengers sent a craftie Turke , whom he charged expressely to persuade the Gouernour to come with him into the campe , for the full conclusion of the giuing vp of the castle , and for the appointing of such vessels as should be needfull for their safe conduct to MALTA ; and that if he made any doubt to come , he should make shew as if he would there remain in hostage for him : but aboue all things , to consider of the strength and assurance of the besieged , and of the disposition of all things there . Which the subtile Turke so finely handled , that the Gouernour by the counsell of those who had persuaded him to yeeld , notwithstanding the reasons of warres and dutie of his office forbad him in such manner to abandon the place of his charge , resolued vpon so small an assurance of the Bassa , and gaue eare to the miserable end of his fortune . So taking with him a knight of his houshold ( to send backe vnto those of the castle , to declare vnto them how he sped in the campe ) vnder the conduct of the Turke that was come to fetch him , he went straight to the tent of the Bassa : who by the Turke that went first in , was aduertised of the small courage of the defendants , which he assured him to be no better , but that if he thought it good , he might bring them to such order and agreement as he would himselfe . Vpon whose persuasion calling in the Gouernour Vallter , after he had rigorously reproued his rashnesse , said vnto him , That forasmuch as he had once giuen his word , if he would pay the charges of the armie , he was content to let them go with bag and baggage , otherwise he would discharge but two hundred . Whereat the Gouernour greatly moued , answered , That that was not according to his last promise vnto the knights before sent . But when he saw it would be no better , he requested him that he might againe returne to the castle to know the minds of the rest : which the false Bassa would by no meanes grant , but only permitted him to send backe the knight that he had brought with him , to make report of these hard newes to the besieged : as for the Gouernour , he was sent to the gallies with yrons on his heeles . When they of the castle vnderstood what had passed betwixt the Bassa and the Gouernour , they began exceedingly to feare the mischiefe then at hand : yet tooke no other resolution , but to returne the said knight to the Bassa , to know whether they should expect from him no better answere . Who as soone as he was come before him , the captaine of the castle was brought in , of whom the Bassa asked , Which of the two he would chuse , either to pay the expences of the armie , or else both he and all the rest to remaine his prisoners ? Whereunto the Gouernour answered , That a slaue had no other authoritie than that which by his master was giuen him ; and that hauing lost ( besides his libertie ) the power to command , if any thing were yet reserued in him , could not counsell him to command others to agree vnto any thing , but that which was concluded with them which were before sent . Which thing the Bassa hearing , for feare that such a resolute answere should come to the knowledge of the besieged , and cause them to become desperat ; hauing taken counsell with his other captaines , hee tooke the Gouernour by the hand , and with a smiling and dissembling countenance told him , That he would without any doubt let them depart as he had promised ; and that therefore without fearing any thing , hee should cause them all to come out of the castle . But the Gouernour , because he had beene before deceiued , would not trust to his word , but said vnto him , That he might commaund him that was come from the castle , for that he knew they would now doe neuer a whit the more for him . So the Bassa turning towards the other knight , commaunded him forthwith to goe vnto them in the castle , and to cause them to come forth , swearing againe as before , by the head of his great lord , and his owne , That they should all be deliuered and set at libertie , according to the conuentions first agreed vpon . Which the knight beleeuing , went to report to them this good newes : which they receiued with such joy , that without further care or consideration of their mishap so neere , they ran in prease with their wiues children and best mooueables , striuing who should first get out . But they were no sooner issued , but they were by the enemies spoyled of all they had , and taken prisoners ; part of the knights were sent to the gallies , and the rest to the Bassa . Who being by the Gouernour put in remembrance of his faith twice giuen , answered , That there was no faith to be kept with dogs , and that they had first violated their oath with his great lord , vnto whom at the giuing ouer of the RHODES , they had ( as he said ) sworne neuer more to beare armes against the Turkes . The castle was forthwith taken and spoiled , and about two hundred Moores of that countrey that had serued the knights , cut in peeces , and thereupon a great peale of ordinance discharged , with great cries and shouts in signe of their victorie . Thus the strong castle and auntient citie of TRIPOLIS in BARBARIE was deliuered to the Turkes the fifteenth day of August , in the yeare 1551. Whilst the Bassa lay at this siege , the lord of ARRAMONT , who had many yeares lien embassador from Francis the French king at CONSTANTINOPLE , and was now sent againe by Henrie the second , came to the Turks campe , being requested so to doe by the Great Master of the RHODES , to haue dissuaded the Bassa from that siege : wherein he nothing preuailed . Yet now greeued to see how the faithlesse Turke , contrarie to his oath , most villanously entreated the Gouernour and the other knights , lying at his feet as men halfe desperat , was so bold as to put him in mind of his promise , confirmed by his oath ; which if he would not keepe , that yet at the least according to his own voluntarie offer , he would release two hundred of them : but he excused himselfe as before , saying , That no faith was to be kept with dogs , which had first broken their owne faith . Yet afterwards he condiscended , that two hundred of the eldest and such as were most vnfit for seruice ( amongst whom was comprehended the Gouernour and certaine other old knights ) should be set at libertie , who were forthwith sent aboord the French embassadours gallies , and by him transported to MALTA : where they were but hardly welcome , for that they had so cowardly surrendered a place , which they might much longer haue defended . The next day after the castle was deliuered , which was the 16 of August , the proud Bassa for joy of this victorie made a solemne dinner , wherunto he inuited the French embassadour , and Vallier the late Gouernour : which they refused not to come vnto , in hope to recouer some moe prisoners . This great feast for the more magnificence was kept in the castle ditch against the breach , where were set vp two stately pauillions , the one for the Bassa , and the other for the embassadour and his companie , where he was honourably feasted with wonderfull plentie both of flesh and fish and good wines , which they had found in the castle ; which seruice was done with musicke of diuers sorts , and officers in number aboue a hundred , apparelled for most part in long gowns of fine cloth of gold , tuffed or fringed ; and the other of velue● or damaske . The Bassa was no sooner set downe , but all the ordinance of the fleet was discharged with such a noise and thundering , that it seemed the heauens and skies did shake . The table being taken vp , the embassadour and the late Gouernour Vallier , entred into the pauillion of the Bassa , and beside the two hundred men which he had promised , obtained twentie moe ▪ vpon the embassadors promise , That he should for them cause to be released thirtie Turks taken at MALTA , at the landing of the armie there . The Turkes hauing in their hands an antient gunner of the castle , called Iohn de Chabas borne in DAVLPHINE ( to the end that this triumphant feast should not be vnfurnished of some cruell sacrifice of the Christian blood ) for that he had in time of the siege shot off the hand of the clarke generall of the armie , brought him into the towne , and when they had cut off his hands and his nose , put him quicke into the ground to the wast , and there for their pleasure shot at him with their arrowes , and afterward to make an end of him cut his throat . The Bassa shortly after departing out of BARBARIE , left Dragut the pyrat Gouernour of TRIPOLIS , honouring him with the title of the Sanzacke of that place : from whence he many yeares after grieuously molested the Moores neere vnto him by land , and the Christians by sea . The same yeare 1551 , Solyman notwithstanding the fiue yeares peace before taken with king Ferdinand at his going into PERSIA , sent Achomates his lieutenant in EVROPE with a great power into HVNGARIE , who with Haly the Bassa of BVDA inuaded the vpper part of HVNGARIE , and first tooke the citie of TEMESVVARE , and contrarie to their faith giuen , slew the garrison souldiours : after that they tooke also the castle of ZOLNOK , forsaken by the Christians , and certaine other small castles . But laying siege to ERSAM , they were partly by the valiantnesse of the defendants , and partly by the comming on of Winter enforced to forsake the siege , and to get themselues into their wintering places . Queene Isabell , king Iohn his widdow , seeing the Turkes dayly encroching vpon that little they had left her , and that she was not able by any meanes to defend TRANSILVANIA against them ; by the aduise of George bishop of VERADIVM her old counsellor , agreed with king Ferdinand to deliuer vnto him the gouernment of the countrey , with all the royall dignitie of HVNGARIE , for which she was to haue of him CASSOVIA , and a yearely pension of an hundred thousand duckats . Which agreement made and thorowly concluded by Baptista Castallius ( an Italian , whom Charles the emperour had but a little before sent to aid king Ferdinand ) the queen returned into POLONIA , her natiue countrey : and so king Ferdinand by that meanes obtained almost all the prouince of TRANSILVANIA , and what els the queene had in HVNGARIE . But the bishop , a little before made a cardinall , being suspected by Baptista the Italian , that he fauoured the Turks faction more than king Ferdinand , and by that meanes sought to get the gouernment to himselfe , was by the Italians deuice suddenly murthered in his owne house at VERADIVM : an end good ynough for so troublesome a prelat . Haly the Bassa of BVDA proud of the good successe he had the yeare before , vnderstanding that diuers of the cheefe Hungarians had withdrawne themselues into the castle of AGRIA , purposed in himselfe with all his power to besiege it , and there to take them . So aided by Achomates , Chasan , and other of the Turks Sanzackes and captaines by Solymans appointment readie at his call , he came with an armie of fiue and thirtie thousand Turkes , and the 10 of September in the yeare 1552 , encamped round about the castle : where after he had placed his artillerie , he began a most furious batterie . But doubting to preuaile that way , he attempted also to vndermine the castle , omitting nothing that could be deuised for the taking thereof : but all in vaine , for the Hungarians by the good direction of Stephanus Dobus their captaine , couragiously endured the siege , and very manfully repulsed the enemie . At length , the nine and twentieth of September the enemie with eight and twentie ensignes of select souldiours gaue a fresh assault to the castle , and were by the defendants enforced shamefully to retire : at which time foure and twentie barrels of gunpouder by mischance caught fire , and besides that it blew vp diuers captains and souldiours , did much harme in the castle , to the great dismaying of the defendants . After that , the Turkes with incredible pertinacie the twelfth of October fiercely assaulted the castle from morning vntill night , and for desire of reuenge and hope of spoile left nothing vnattempted for the gaining of the place ; but were by the greater valour of the Hungarians beaten backe , and with great losse enforced at last to giue ouer the assault . Thus the Bassa nothing preuailing by force , attempted by great promises and large offers to haue bought them out : which he vnderstanding to be nothing regarded , and his letters scornefully burnt , brought on his souldiors again , and gaue vnto them in the castle a most furious assault , but with no better successe than before : for hauing lost many of his best souldiors , he was enforced to retire . So after he had in vaine six weekes besieged the castle , he was glad to raise his siege , and to retire to PESTVM . After whose departure there was found twelue thousand great shot , wherewith he had battered the wall . In this siege six thousand Turkes were slaine , and of the Hungarians but three hundred . King Ferdinand glad of this victorie , made Stephanus the worthie captaine , Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA , and bountifully rewarded the other captaines and souldiors as they had well deserued . Henrie the French king , who together with his kingdome had as it seemed receiued the hereditarie quarrels of Francis his father against Charles the emperour , had by his embassadour the lord of ARAMONT so wrought the matter with Solyman , that the more to trouble the emperour , he sent a great fleet into the Tyrrhenum or Tuscane sea , which in the yeare 1553 and the yeare following , did great harme vpon the coasts of CALA●RIA , SICILIA , SARDINIA , as also in the islands of ELBA , CORSICA , GERBE , and MAIORCA , and such like places on the frontiers of the emperours dominions : yet were the Turkes in most places notably againe repulsed by the people of those countries . The same yeare Solyman seduced by Roxolana ( sometime his faire concubine , but then his imperious wife ) and Rustan Bassa his sonne in law , most vnnaturally murdered his eldest sonne Mustapha , the mirrour of the Othoman familie : Which tragicall fact , the like whereof both for the trecherous contriuing and in human execution hath seldome times beene heard of , I haue thought good here in due time to set downe , in such sort as it is by most credible writers of that time reported . Solyman after the manner of the Othoman kings , who to auoid the participation of their soueraignetie , vse not oftentimes to marrie ( but otherwise to satisfie their pleasure with such beautifull concubines as it pleaseth them to make choise of , out of the fairest captiues of all nations , most daintily brought vp for that purpose in the court ) had by a Circassian bondwoman , a sonne called Mustapha ; who for his wonderfull towardlinesse and rare perfection was amongst the Turks had in such expectation and admiration , as that they in nothing accounted themselues more happie , than in the hope laid vp in him : whose noble carriage was such , as that thereby he so possessed the minds of all men in generall , but especially of the men of warre , that he was reputed the glorie of the court , the floure of chiualrie , the hope of the souldiors , and joy of the people . Whilest he thus grew , encreasing both in yeares and fauour : it fortuned with Solyman as it doth with men delighting in change , that he became amorous of Roxolana , of some called Rosa ( but more truly Hazathya ) by condition a captiue , but so graced with beautie and courtly behauiour , that in short time she became mistresse of his thoughts , and commaundresse of him that all commaunded : And that which more established her in possession of his loue , she had in time made him father of foure faire sonnes , Mahomet , Selymus , Baiazet , and Tzihanger , and one daughter called Chameria married to Rustan or Rustemes the great Bassa . In this height of worldly blisse nothing troubled her more than the exceeding credit of Mustapha , Solymans eldest sonne by the Circassian woman ; who honoured of the greatest , and beloued of the rest , stood onely in her light , embarring her and hers ( as she thought ) of the hope of the empire , which shee now aboue all things sought to bring to one of her owne sonnes : which the better to compasse , she vnder the colour of great good will and loue , procured that Mustapha the young prince and his mother should as it were for their greater honour and state with a princely allowance be sent into CARAMANIA to gouerne that great country , far from the court . Which was no great matter for her to bring to passe : for that the Turkish emperors vsually send their sonnes after they come to any yeares of discretion vnto such prouinces as are farre from the court , attended vpon with one great Bassa and some graue doctor of their law , so to acquaint them with the manner of gouernment ; the Bassa instructing them in matters of ciuile policie , and the doctor in matters concerning their superstition : and yet by sending them a farre off , to keepe them from aspiring to the empire by the fauour of the court ( a thing by the Turkish emperors not vnworthely feared , euen in their own and beloued children . ) Roxolana hauing at once thus cunningly rid the court of the great competitours both of her loue and of the empire ( things of all others enduring no par●eners ) rested not so , but began straightway to plot in her malitious head the vtter destruction of him , to whom all others wished all happinesse . This she saw was not to be brought to passe without some complices : wherefore after she had in her secret conceit discarded many , of whom at first she had reasonable good liking ; at last she made choice of Rustan Bassa her sonne in law , vpon whom she would set vp her rest . This Rustan was a man basely borne in EPIRVS , altogether composed of dissimulation and flatterie , euer seruing his owne turne , were it neuer so much to the hurt or greeuance of others ; by which meanes he , although none of the best souldiors , was yet by many degrees growne vp to be the greatest man in the court , and Solymans sonne in law : him she probably thought to wish the succession of the empire to one of her owne sonnes , his wiues full brethren , rather than to Mustapha her halfe brother . Beside that , she was not ignorant how that Rustan as one carefull of the emperors profit , the readiest way to preferment , had abridged the pensions and fees of the officers and seruitours in court : which he perceiuing to please the emperour , proceeded so farre therein , that he attempted to haue cut off , if it had beene possible , some part of Mustapha his princely allowance : for which doing , she knew how odious he was to all the courtiers ( whereof he made small reckoning ) but especially to Mustapha , insomuch that it was thought he would not forget so notorious an injurie , if euer he should obtaine the empire . Hereupon she brake with Rustan vpon the matter , whom she found readie ynough of himselfe , to doe what in him lay to further her mischieuous desire . To begin this intended tragedie , she vpon the sudden became very deuout , and being by the fauour of Solyman growne exceeding rich , pretended as if it had beene vpon a deuout zeale , for the health of her soule , after the manner of the Turkish superstition to build an Abbey with an Hospitall and a Church : which so godly a purpose she imparted to the Muphti or cheefe Mahometane priest , demaunding of him , If such workes of charitie were not acceptable vnto God , and auaileable for her soules health . Whereunto the Muphti answered , That those works were no doubt gracious in the sight of God , but nothing at all meritorious for her soules health , being a bondwoman ; yet very profitable for the soule of the great emperour Solyman , vnto whom as vnto her lord both she and all she had appertained . With which answere of the great priest she seemed to be exceedingly troubled , and thereupon became wonderfull pensiue and melancholie , her cheerefull countenance was replete with sadnesse , and her faire eyes flowed with teares , her mirth was mourning , and her joy heauinesse . Which thing Solyman perceiuing , and sorrie to see his loue vpon conceit so to languish , sent her word to be of good cheere , and to comfort her selfe , promising in short time to take such a course as should ease her of all her greefes : which he forthwith did , solemnely manumising her from her bond estate . So great a fauour obtained , Roxolana with great cheerefulnesse began those meritorious workes by her before intended , as if she had thought of nothing but heauen , whereas indeed her thoughts were in the depth of hell . When she had thus a good while busied her selfe in pauing the way to heauen , as was supposed , Solyman not able longer to forbeare the companie of her , in whom his soule liued , after his wonted manner sent for her by one of his eunuchs , who should haue brought her to his bed chamber : to whom she with her eyes cast vp to heauen , demurely answered , That her life and whatsoeuer els she had , was at her dread soueraignes commaund , but againe to yeeld her bodie vnto his appetite , she might not in any case do , without the great offence of the high God , and manifest breach of his sacred lawes , which permitted her not now voluntarily to yeeld him that , being free , which he before without offence might commaund of his bondwoman : and because she would not seeme to vse this as an excuse , she referred her selfe in all things to the graue judgement of the learned and reuerend Muphti , with whom she had before at full conferred . This she did , presuming of the soueraignetie she had ouer that great Monarch , whom she right well knew she had so fast bound in the pleasing fetters of his affection towards her , as that she was sure ynough of him without a keeper . Solyman rauished with her loue , and well the more for her deniall , sent for the Muphti , requiring his judgement in the matter ; who before instructed in all points , agreed with that Roxolana had said , agrauating the heinousnesse of the fact , if he should proceed to enforce her as his slaue , whom being now free , he might not without great offence touch vnmarried . Whereupon Solyman more and more burning in his desires , became a fresh suter to her for mariage , whom he had so often before commaunded : which his sute easily obtained ( as the marke she had all this while aimed at ) he with all speed to the great admiration of all men , and contrarie to the manner of the Mahometane emperors , solemnely married her ; appointing for her yearly dowrie fiue thousand Sultanyns . But here before we proceed any farther , stay a while and take the view of that faire face whereon this great Monarch so much doted , as it is by the skilfull workemans hand most liuely expressed . ROXOLANA , Solyman his best beloued wife . Frontis nulla fides , nulla est fiducia formae : Pectore dum saeuo dira venena latent . Philtra viro miscet fallax , miserumque coegit Sanguine natorum commaculare manus . RICH. KNOLLEVS . To fairest lookes trust not too farre , nor yet to beautie braue : For hatefull thoughts so finely maskt , their deadly poisons haue . Loues charmed cups , the subtile dame doth to her husband fill : And causeth him with cruell hand , his childrens bloud to spill . This woman of late a slaue , but now become the greatest empresse of the East , flowing in all worldly felicitie , attended vpon with all the pleasures her heart could desire , wanted nothing she could wish , but how to find means that the Turkish empire might after the death of Solyman , be brought to some one of her owne sons . This was it that had ( as we haue before said ) long troubled her aspiring mind ; and in the middest of all her blisse , suffered her yet to take no rest . Noble Mustapha , Solymans eldest sonne , and heire apparant of the empire , although farre absent , was yet still before her eies present ; his credit , his valour , his vertues , his perfections were all bars to her desires : he was the onely cloud that kept the sunne from shining on her ; if 〈◊〉 any meanes might be taken away , then wanted nothing that she desired . Which to bring to passe , the wicked woman laboured cunningly by little and little to breed in Solymans head no small suspition of Mustapha , That he being a young man of a hautie spirit , desirous of soueraigntie , generally beloued , and swelling with the immoderat fauor of the men of warre , which were all at his deuotion , left nothing else to be expected of him , but when he should ( as did his grandfather Selymus ) lay hand vpon the empire , and worke his aged fathers destruction . This mischieuous plot by her deuised , was not a little furthered by Rustan the great Bassa , by whom passed all great matters : who nothing omitted , that could be slily deuised for the disgrace or confusion of the young prince . For he , as a great secret , craftily told all them that were sent gouernours into SYRIA , that Mustapha was secretly suspected by his father of aspiring to the kingdome ; and therefore charged them particularly , carefully to obserue all his actions , with the manner of his life and gouernment , and by their letters diligently to aduertise him of whatsoeuer they should see or heare ; bearing them in hand , that the more suspitiously or odiously they should write of him , the more gratious and acceptable it would be vnto the great Sultan . Wherfore he by these men , oftentimes certified of the princely disposition , courage , wisedome , valour , and bountie of Mustapha , whereby he had woon all mens hearts ; saw plainly , that he would at length be vndoubtedly preferred to the empire : yet durst he not for all that , aduenture to temper with Solyman about that detestable conspiracie against the inocent prince , but still deliuering the letters to the malitious woman , left the rest by her vngratious head to be wrought . And she still as occasion best serued her purpose , ceased not with pleasing allurements and flatterie ( wherein she was most excellent ) to infect Solymans mind , that whensoeuer he should chance to haue any speech of Mustapha , she might take the fitter occasion to bring forth those letters . Neither was she in her drift deceiued , but hauing found a fit opportunitie , with teares trickling downe her cheekes ( which to serue their turns subtile women seldome want ) she told the emperour in what danger he stood , recounting amongst other things , how Selymus his father had by such meanes depriued Baiazet his grandfather , both of his life and empire togither : and therefore most instantly besought him , as if it had altogither proceeded of a carefull loue ▪ by that example warned to looke to himselfe . But these light arguments of suspition , seemed as they were indeed vnto Solyman scarce probable ; so that she little preuailed thereby . Which thing she well perceiuing , and inwardly grieued thereat , conuerted her cruell mind to other mischieuous deuises , and sought by all meanes how to poyson the young prince : neither wanted there wicked men ( as it were vowed to all kind of mischiefe and villanie ) readie to haue performed what she desired , had not Gods prouidence withstood so horrible a practise . For whereas certaine rich apparell was by her sent vnto him in his fathers name , he fearing the worst , would not touch it before he had caused it to be worne by one of his seruants ; by which curious warinesse ( as it was thought ) he for that time preuented the treason of his wicked stepdame , and made her malitious practise manifest to the world . Yet rested she not so , but was still plotting new deuises tending all to one purpose : for being growen to that height of honour and power as neuer was woman in the Othoman court , and by the meanes of Trongilla a Iew ( as it was thought ) hauing bewitched the mind of the Turkish emperour , she still grew more and more in fauour , and obtained that her sonnes might by turnes be still present in the court : of purpose , that by their daily presence and continuall flatterie , they should more and more procure their fathers loue ; and if by chance Mustapha should come thither , she might haue the better meanes to dispatch him : if not , to expect some other fit time , when she might by some one or other meane take him away . But Mustapha neuer comming ( for why , the emperors sons vse not without their fathers leaue to go out of the prouinces assigned vnto them , or to come to CONSTANTINOPLE , but after the death of their father to receiue the empire , attended vpon with a number of souldiors ) she easily deuised another practise : that her sonnes should wait vpon their father , not in the citie only , but in the prouinces also ; so that Tzihanger surnamed Cro●chbacke , alwaies followed his father in the campe . Certaine yeares thus spent , and she still hammering her mischieuous deuises ▪ at length fortune fauouring her wicked desire , got from the Bassa which had the gouernment of Mustapha and the prouince of AMASIA ( for as we haue said euerie one of the kings sons hath with him one Bassa , which is as it were his lieutenant in administration of justice and martiall affaires ) certaine suspitious letters ; wherein was contained , that there was a speech of a marriage to be made 〈◊〉 Mustapha and the Persian kings daughter : which thing he thought good to giue knowledge of to the Counsell , that if any harme should ensue thereof , he might be out of all suspition . These letters being brought to Rustan , he thought he had now as good as halfe brought to end the long desired ruine of Mustapha : so making no stay , he opened the matted to Roxolana , and afterwards both togither went to the court , and declared all the matter to the emperour ; in doing whereof , they forced both their vngratious wits to fill his head , yet doubtfull with suspition , and to possesse his mind with the feare of his owne most dutifull sonne : saying , That he as a proud and ambitious young man , rauished with the desire of so glorious an empire , sought against the lawes both of God and nature , to take his father out of the way , that so he might with more speed satisfie his aspiring mind . And to giue the more credit to this their most false suggestion , they warned him of the alliance by him purposed with the Persian king , the auntient enemie of the Othoman emperours ; wishing him to beware , least Mustapha supported by the strength of PERSIA , and the fauour of the Sanzacks and Ianizaries , whose loue he had by bountie purchased , should in short time when he feared least , togither depriue him both of his life and empire . With these and such like accusations , they so preuailed with the aged man whom they neuer suffered to rest in quiet , that he at length resolued to worke his safetie ( as he supposed ) by the death of his owne sonne , in this sort . In the yeare 1552 he caused proclamation to be made almost in all the prouinces of his empire , That for as much as the Persians without resistance with a great armie inuaded SIRIA , burning and destroying the countrey before them , he to represse that their outragious insolence , was enforced to send thither Rustan Bassa with an armie : which according to his appointment was in short time raised . Now when all things were in readinesse , as if it had beene for such a warre as was pretended , he commaunded Rustan , with as much secrecie and as little tumult as was possible , to lay hands vpon Mustapha , and to bring him bound to CONSTANTINOPLE : which if hee could not conueniently effect , then , by any other meanes to take him out of the way . With this wicked and cruell charge Rustan with a strong armie marched towards SIRIA . Mustapha vnderstanding of his comming , without delay with 7000 of the best horsemen in all Turkie made towards SIRIA also : whereof Rustan hearing , and perceiuing that he could not ( as he desired ) conueniently execute the cruell commaund of the vnnaturall father , forthwith turned his backe , and treading the same steps he came , returned with his armie to CONSTANTINOPLE with such speed , that he endured not to behold the very dust raised by Mustapha his horsemen , much lesse his presence : giuing it out , That he certainely vnderstood , that the prouince was in quiet ( as indeed it was ) and that he thereupon returned . But vnto Solyman he told another tale in secret , which he maliciously had deuised , That he by most apparent signes and manifest presumptions had perceiued the whole armie so enclined towards Mustapha , that if hee should haue attempted any thing against him by plaine force , hee should haue beene vtterly forsaken , and had therefore in so dangerous a case left the matter as it was to his graue further direction . This tale suspitiously told , raised in the wicked and vnnaturall father ( nothing degenerating from the naturall crueltie of his auncestors ) new and great suspitions , whereof to disburden his disquieted mind , he conceiued with himselfe a most horrible deuice . Wherefore the yeare following , which was the yeare 1553 , he raised a great armie , giuing it out , That the Persians had with greater power than before inuaded SIRIA , and that therefore he for the loue of his countrey and defence of his empire was determined to goe thither with his armie , and in person himselfe to represse the attempts of his enemies . Wherfore the armie being assembled , and all things necessarie orderly prouided , he commaunded to set forward , and in few dayes after followed himselfe : who comming at length into SIRIA , presently by trustie messengers commaunded Mustapha to come vnto him at ALEPPO , for there he lay encamped . And yet for all these shaddowes , the matter was not so closely by Solyman conueied ( although he was exceeding carefull thereof ) but that his mortall and deadly hatred against his sonne was perceiued by the Bassaes and other great men about him : insomuch , that Achmat Bassa by a secret and trustie messenger gaue him warning thereof , that so he might in time the better prouide for the safegard of his life . Neither could Mustapha himselfe but maruell , that his aged father without any apparent reason should come so far with so great an armie : yet trusting to his owne innocencie , though wonderfully troubled and perplexed in mind , he resolued ( although it were with the extreame danger of his life ) to obey and yeeld to his fathers commaund : for he thought it more commendable and honourable to incurre the danger of death , than liuing , to fall into the foule suspition of disloyaltie . In so great a perplexitie of mind , after he had with himselfe much discoursed too and fro what course hee were best to take , at length he boldly and resolutely asked the doctor whom ( as we haue before said ) he had alwaies with him in his court , Whether the empire of the world or a blessed life were of man more to be desired ? to whom the doctor frankely answered , That the empire of the world , to him that would enter into the due consideration thereof , brought with it no felicitie , more than a vain shew and vtter apparance of good , nothing being more fraile or vncertaine than worldly honour , bringing with it feare , vexation of mind , tribulation , suspition , murder , wrong , wickednesse , spoile , ruine and captiuitie , with infinit mischeefes of like nature not to be desired of him that would attaine to true felicitie , by which meanes the blessed life was to be lost and not gained : But they vnto whom God had giuen the grace , rightly to consider and weigh the fragilitie and shortnesse of this our estate ( which the common sort deemeth to be the onely life ) and to striue against the vanities of this world , and to embrace and follow an vpright kind of life , had vndoubtedly a place assigned for them in heauen , and prepared by the great God where they should at length enjoy life and blisse eternall . This answere of the great doctor wonderfully satisfied the troubled mind of the young prince , foreseeing as it were the approch of his owne end : and so staying not any longer discourse , forthwith set forward towards his father , and making great hast , came at length to his fathers campe , and not farre off pitched his tents in the open field . But this his so hastie comming the more encreased the suspition in the mind of his wicked father : neither spared Rustan in the meane time with his craftie and subtile deuices to augment the same : for by a signe giuen he caused the Ianizaries and cheefe men in the armie to goe as if it had beene for honours sake to meet Mustapha ; which they all without delay presently did at his commaund , and so all together set forward . In the meane time , he the most craftie varlet with troubled countenance ( for he could notably dissemble ) as a man halfe dismayed came in hast into Solymans pauillion , and falsely told him , That the Ianizaries and almost all the best souldiors of the armie were of themselues without leaue gone to meet Mustapha , and that he feared what would ensue thereof . Which newes so troubled the old tyrant , that he became pale for feare , and going out of his tent , and finding them gone , easily beleeued all to be true that the false Bassa had told him . Neither wanted Mustapha strange warning of his end so neere at hand , for the third day before his setting forwards towards his father , falling asleepe in the euening , he thought he saw his prophet Mahomet in bright apparrell to take him by the hand and lead him into a most pleasant place , beautified with most glorious and stately pallaces , and most delicate and pleasant gardens ; and pointing to euery thing with his finger , to say thus vnto him , Here rest they for euer , which in this world haue led an vpright and godly life , following vertue and detesting vice : and after that turning his face to the other side , to haue shewed him two great and swift riuers , whereof the one boyled with water blacker than pitch , and in them appeared ( as he thought ) numbers of men wallowing and tumbling some vp , some downe , crying horribly for mercie ; And there ( said he ) are punished all such as in this fraile life haue been the malicious workers of iniquitie , the cheefe of whom ( as he said ) were emperours , kings , princes , and other great men of the world . Mustapha awaking , and troubled with this melancholie dreame , called vnto him his doctor : and hauing told him all the matter , asked him what the same might signifie ? who standing a great while in a muse ( for the Mahometanes are exceeding superstitious , attributing much vnto dreames ) full of sorrow and greefe , at length answered , That this vision ( for so it pleased him to tearme it ) was vndoubtedly to be feared , as presaging vnto him the extreame perill of his life , and therefore requested him to haue great care both of his life and honour . But Mustapha as he was of a notable spirit and courage , regarding nothing that answer , stoutly replied : What , shall I suffer my selfe to be terrified and ouercome with childish and vaine feare ? why rather hast I not courageously and resolutely to my father ? and so much the more boldly , because I know assuredly I haue alwayes ( as reason was ) reuerenced his majestie , that against his will I neuer turned mine eyes or foot against his most royall seat , much lesse affected his empire , except the most high God had called him to a better life , neither then without the generall good liking & choise of the whole armie , that so I might at length without murder , without bloud , without tyrannie , well and justly reigne , and in loue and peace inuiolate liue with my brethren : for I haue set down with my selfe , and chosen , if it be my fathers pleasure so , rather to die in his obedience , than reigning many yeares , to be reputed of all men , especially my competitours , a rebell or traitor . Hauing thus said , he came vnto his fathers campe , and pitching his tents ( as we haue before said ) suted himselfe all in white , in token of his innocencie , and writing certaine letters ( which the Turkes when they are about to go to any place of danger , vse to write , and alwaies to carrie with them , for they are wonderfull foolish in their superstition ) and putting them in his bosome , attended vpon with a few of his most trustie followers , came with great reuerence towards the tent of his father , fully resoluing to haue kissed his hand , as their vsuall manner is . But when he was come to the entrance of the tent , remembring that he had yet his dagger girt to him , hee entered not vntill he had put it off ; because he would not come into his fathers sight with any weapon , if happily so hee might cleere himselfe of his fathers needlesse suspition . So when he was come into the more inward roomes of the tent , he was with such honour as belonged to his state cheerfully receiued by his fathers eunuchs . But seeing nothing else prouided but one seat whereon to sit himselfe alone , he perplexed in mind stood still a while musing , at length asked where the emperour his father was ? Whereunto they answered , That he should by and by see him : and with that casting his eye aside , he saw seauen Muts ( these are strong men , bereft of their speech , whom the Turkish tyrants haue alwaies in readinesse , the more secretly to execute their bloudie butcherie ) comming from the other side of the tent towards him : at whose sight strucken with a sudden terrour , said no more , but Lo my death ; and with that , arising , was about to haue fled : but in vaine , for he was caught hold on by the eunuch and Muts , and by force drawne to the place appointed for his death : where without further stay the Muts cast a bow string about his necke , he poore wretch still striuing , and requesting that he might speake but two words to his father before he died . All which the murtherer ( for no addition is sufficient significantly to expresse his vnnaturall villanie ) both heard and saw by a trauers from the other side of the tent : but was so farre from being moued with compassion , that thinking it long till he were dispatched , with a most terrible and cruell voice he rated the villaines enured to bloud , saying , Will you neuer dispatch that I bid you ? will you neuer make an end of this traitor , for whom I haue not rested one night these ten yeares in quiet ? Which horrible commaunding speeches yet thundring in their eares , those butcherly Muts threw the poore innocent prince vpon the ground , and with the helpe of the eunuchs forcibly drawing the knotted bow string both waies , by the commaundement of a most wicked father strangled him . With like barbarous crueltie , he shortly after caused Mahomet his nephew ( Mustapha his sonne ) to bee strangled also . This vnnaturall and strange murther committed , he presently commaunded the Bassa of AMASIA Mustaphaes lieutenant to be apprehended , and his head in his owne presence to bee strucke off . Which done , he sent for Tzihanger the crooked , yet ignorant of all that was happened ; and in sporting wise , as if he had done a thing worth commendations , bid him go meet his brother Mustapha : which thing Tzihanger with a merrie and cheerfull countenance hasted to doe , as one glad of his brothers comming . But as soone as he came vnto the place where he saw his brother lying dead vpon the ground strangled , it is not to be spoken how he was in mind tormented . He was scarcely come to the place where this detestable murther was committed , when his father sent vnto him certaine of his seruants to offer vnto him all Mustaphaes treasure , horses , seruants , jewels , tents , and withall the gouernment of the prouince of AMASIA : but Tzihanger filled with extreame heauinesse for the vnmercifull death of his welbeloued brother , spake vnto them in this sort . Ah wicked and vngodly Cain , traitor ( I may not say father ) take thou now the treasures , the horses , the seruants , the iewels and the prouince of Mustapha . How came it into thy wicked , cruell and sauage breast , so vngratiously and contrarie to all humanitie , I will not say the reuerence of thine owne bloud , to kill thy worthie , warlike and noble sonne , the mirror of courtesie , and prince of greatest hope , the like of whom , the Othoman family neuer yet had , nor neuer shall ? I will therefore my selfe prouide that thou , nor none for thee shall euer hereafter in such sort shamefully triumph ouer a poore crooked wretch . And hauing thus much said , stabd himselfe with his owne dagger into the bodie , whereof he in short time died : which so soone as it came to the old Tygers eares , it is hard to say how much he grieued . His dead bodie was by his fathers commaundement carried from ALEPPO in SYRIA to CONSTANTINOPLE , and afterwards honourably buried on the other side of the hauen at PERA . For all this bloudie tragedie , his couetous mind was not so troubled but that he could forthwith command all Mustaphaes treasures and riches to be brought to his tent : which his souldiors in hope to haue the same giuen them for a prey , willingly hasted to performe . In the meane time , the souldiors which were in Mustaphaes campe , not knowing what was become of their master , seeing such a multitude of souldiors thrusting into their campe without all order ; to represse their tumultuous insolencie , stept out in their armour , and notably repulsed them , not without much bloudshed . At length , the noise of this stirre was heard by the rest of the kings souldiors , who seeing the tumult to increase more and more , ran in to helpe their fellowes ; so that in short time there began a hoat skirmish and cruell fight on both sides , insomuch that two thousand were slaine and mo wounded : neither had the broile so ended , had not Achomat bassa a graue captaine , and for his long experience of no small authoritie amongst the souldiors , kept backe the Ianizaries and staied their furie ; and turning likewise to Mustaphaes souldiors , by gentle and mild words and courteous persuasions , in this manner appeased their rage . What my brethren ( said he ) will you now ( degenerating from your auntient loyaltie , for which you haue bin for so many ages commended ) impugne the commaund of the great Sultan our dread soueraigne ? Truely I cannot sufficiently maruell what thing should moue you , whom I haue hitherto proued to haue been most worthy and valiant souldiors , in this ciuile conflict to draw those weapons against your fellowes and brethren , which you haue most fortunatly vsed against the enemies of the Othoman kings : except you meane thereby to make your selues a ioyfull spectacle vnto your enemies , who grieuing to see themselues ouercome by your victorious weapons , may yet reioice among themselues to see you turne the same one vpon another . Wherefore my sonnes , for your auntient honours sake , be carefull that you doe not by this your insolencie lose the reputation of your wisedome loyaltie and valour , for which you haue hitherto been aboue all others commended : reserue these your weapons which you haue now too too much vsed amongst your fellowes , against your enemies , of whom you may get more praise and honour . This speech of the old Bassa , so mollified the stout souldiors , that they freely permitted all that was in Mustaphaes tents to be carried to Solymans : but as soone as the death of Mustapha was blowne into the eares of the Ianizaries and the rest of the armie in Solymans campe , another tumult rise among them worse than the first . They were quickly all vp in armes againe , and with a great noise confused with teares and lamentation , as they were in rage and furie , brake violently into Solymans pauillion with their drawne swords : which strucke the tyrant into such a feare , that destitute of all counsell in himselfe , he was about with the extreame perill of his life to haue fled : but being holden of his friends , and making a vertue of necessitie , vpon the sudden aduentured to doe that which at better leisure he would scarcely haue thought vpon : for going forth out of his tent , but with a pale and wan countenance he spake vnto the enraged souldiors thus . What broile is this ? what sturre ? what so great insolencie ? what meane your inflamed , fierce and angrie lookes ? know you not your soueraigne ? and him that hath power ▪ to commaund you ? Haue you so resolued to s●aine the antient and inuincible honour of your selues and your ancestors , with the bloud of your lord and emperour ? Whilest he was yet thus speaking , the souldiors boldly answered , That they denied not , but that he was the man whom they many yeares before had chosen for their emperour : but in that they had by their owne valour got for him a large and mightie empire , and in like manner preserued it ; that was therefore of them done , that he should for the same gouerne them vertuously and justly , and not to lay his bloudie hands without discretion vpon euerie just man , and most wickedly embrue himselfe with innocent bloud : and that they came thither armed , they did it ( as they said ) moued with just cause , to reuenge the vnworthie death of guiltlesse Mustapha ; and that for that matter , he had no just cause to be angrie with them . Wherefore they required , that they might publikely cleere themselues of the treason whereof they were accused by Mustaphaes enemies , and that the accuser might be brought forth to justifie his accusation : protesting , that they would neuer lay downe their weapons , vntill the accuser made his appearance in judgement , and commenced his accusation judicially , vpon paine to endure the like punishment if he failed in proofe . Whilest these things were in doing , the hainousnesse of the late committed fact caused euerie man to shed teares , so that Solyman himselfe seemed to be sorie for the murther so lately by himselfe committed : wherfore he promised vnto the souldiors whatsoeuer they required , and did what he could to appease their angrie minds . For all that , they in the meane time , least he should craftily slip away and deceiue them of that he had promised , and of the expectation of such things as they had required , witha maruellous care and diligence all kept watch and ward . Solyman to appease this furie of the Ianizaries , depriued Rustan Bassa of all his honours , and tooke from him his seale whereof he had the keeping , and deliuered it to Achomates bassa : But Rustan worthely strucken with feare and horrour , seeing himselfe now in no safetie in his owne tents , fled secretly to Achomates , asking his counsell what were best for him to doe , and what course to take in so doubtfull and dangerous a case ? To whom the Bassa answered , That it were best for him to vse the great emperours aduise , and to doe what he commaunded . Which answere well satisfied Rustan : and so he which of late gaue other men accesse vnto the emperour at his pleasure , was now glad by his old acquaintance and friends to preferre this poore sute , To know his pleasure what he would haue him to doe . From whom he receiued this answere , That he should incontinently without farther delay get him out of his sight , and out of the campe : which the Bassa said he could not conueniently doe , being by his displeasure and the souldiors rage disfurnished of all things necessarie for his departure . Whereunto Solyman sent him answere againe , That he could giue him neither longer time nor delay , and that it were best for him without more adoe to be gone for feare of farther harme . Whereupon Rustan , guiltie in conscience of most horrible villanie & treacherie , accompanied but with eight of his most faithfull friends in steed of his late world of followers ; posted in hast to CONSTANTINOPLE , and there ( not without danger of his head ) with Roxolana and other the complices and contriuers of the treason against Mustapha , in great feare expected the euent of his fortune . This young prince Mustapha thus shamefully murthered by his owne father , was for his rare vertues generally beloued of the Turkes ; but of the souldiors most for his martiall disposition , and readinesse for the effusion of Christian bloud . The opinion they had conceiued of him was such , and their loue so great , that they neuer thought there was any in the Othoman family , of whom they expected so much for the enlarging of their empire : insomuch , that euer since , when in their priuat or publike actions they faile of any great hope , they vse this prouerb euen at this day taken frō him , Gietti Sultan Mustapha ; Sultan Mustapha is dead : as who should say , our hope is all lost . Achomates bassa the great champion of the Turks , a man of exceeding courage , not ignorant of the small assurance of the great honors of that state , at such time as he receiued the seale from Solyman , boldly told him , That as he did then franckly bestow it vpon him , so he would at one time or other to his no lesse disgrace take it from him : to whom Solyman solemnly promised with an oath not to displace him so long as he liued . For all that , he had not long enjoyed that honour , but that Solyman falling in dislike with him , and willing againe to promote Rustan bassa to that great honour , greater than which there is none in the Turkes court , which by reason of his oath he could not doe so long as Achomates liued : To saue his oath , and to preferre his sonne in law ( whom he had indeed displaced onely to please the tumultuous Ianizaries ) resolued to haue Achomates put to death . Of which his purpose Achomates altogither ignorant , and one morning after his wonted manner comming into the Diuano in all his honour , vpon the sudden receiued word from Solyman , that he must presently die , and forthwith was the hangman readie to haue strangled him , as was giuen him in charge : whom the stout Bassa thrust from him with his hand , with countenance and cheere in shew no more troubled than if the matter had nothing concerned him . And looking a good while round about him , espied at last an honest man whom he had before many times pleasured , whom he most earnestly requested for all the kindnesse shewed vnto him , to do him that last fauour as to strangle him with his own hand , which should be vnto him the greatest good turne that he could possibly deuise , detesting nothing more than to die with the hand of the executioner . Which thing when he after much intreatie had vndertaken to performe , Achomates willed him , that he should not at one twitch strangle him outright , but letting the bow string slake againe , giue him leaue once to breath , and then to dispatch him : which his request was by his friend accordingly performed , and he in that sort strangled : wherein it seemeth that he was desirous , first to tast of death , and not to die all at once . Immediatly after whose death , Rustan bas●a was againe restored to his place of chiefe Visier , and had the great seale deliuered vnto him : which honour he enjoyed about six years after , and so at last died of the dropsie . This was the end of these two great Bassaes Achomates and Rustan , who in that time swaied that great empire vnder Solyman , and of whom we haue so much spoken ▪ It is reported , that Solyman hauing appointed Achomates to die , should say , It is better for his great heart once to die , than to die a thousand times , in seeing his honour taken from him and bestowed vpon another . The Turkes gallies by the sollicitation of the French before brought down into the Tuscane sea , did much harme vpon the coasts of CALABRIA and SICILIA in this yeare 1554 , as they had the yeare before , and so did diuers yeares after . At which time also Pandulphus Contarenus the Venetian Admirall scouring alongst the seas , carefully looking to the frontiers of the Venetian estate , chanced to meet with the Bassa of CALIPOLIS ( who the yeare before had rifled certaine Venetian marchants ) in reuenge of which injurie he set vpon him , and after a great spoyle made both of the Turkes and their gallies , he ransacked DIRRACHIVM , then one of the Turks port townes in DALMATIA . The next yeare 1555 the same Bassa recouered his strength , but not daring to be too busie with the Venetians , surprised the Islands of PLVMBIS and ELBA , subject to the duke of FLORENCE , and withall sent letters to Solyman , to persuade him to take vp armes against the Venetians , as they which had broken the league . At the same time Haly the Bassa of BVDA by policie surprised the strong castle of BABOZA in HVNGARIE : and was in good hope by the like finenesse to haue taken the towne and castle of ZIGETH , a place of great importance : but failing of his purpose , he came the next yeare 1556 with a great armie , and the 13 day of Iune encamped before the towne , wherein was Gouernour Marcus Horwath a valiant captaine , with a garrison of notable souldiors . Shortly after he began a most terrible batterie : during which time the Christians sallying diuers times out , slew many of his men , who for all that vsed such diligence , that the twentieth of Iune they woon the vttermost wall , and after fiue hot assaults were in hope at the sixt to haue woon the castle also : but the Christians perceiuing the danger , resolutely sallied out , and hauing slaine eight hundred of them , draue the rest againe from the wall : yet the Turkes gaue it not so ouer , but with a great number of ca●ts laboured to haue filled vp the marrish and ditches about the towne : which their attempt was by the industrie of the defendants also defeated . The Bassa perceiuing how hardly the towne would be woon by force , attempted to haue persuaded them to haue yeelded it vp by composition : but fayling therein of his purpose , began againe the twelfth of Iulie to assault the citie , which assault he maintained fiue dayes together without intermission , still sending in fresh men in stead of them that were wearied or slaine : yet was the citie for all that by the valour of the Christians notably defended . So when he had in vaine proued the vttermost of his forces , he raised his siege the one and twentieth day of Iuly , and departed : but within six dayes after he returned againe from the citie QVINQVE-ECLESIae , and assaulted the citie afresh , but was at length glad to giue ouer the siege and be gone , when he had lost of his best souldiors aboue two thousand , and of the defendants slaine but a hundred and twentie . After his departure there was ten thousand great shot found , wherewith he had battered the towne and the castle , which was for this time thus worthely defended . The Turks in the meane time after their wonted manner ceased not to doe what harme they could in the Tuscane sea , and had againe miserably spoyled the Island of CORSICA : for withstanding of whom , the bishop of ROME exacted of his peopled a great subsidie , and finely stript the Iewes of their money , and seized vpon their rich marchants goods in his territorie : at whose earnest sute Solyman in their behalfe writ vnto the bishop as followeth . Sultan Solyman most mightie Emperour of Emperours , the sonne of Selym , Emperour of Emperours , to whom God giue eternall victorie : to Pope Paulus the fourth , greeting . Most excellent and most mightie Lord of the professors of the Messias Iesu , and lord of ROME , the Almightie keepe thee . At such time as thou shalt receiue our ●eale , thou shalt vnderstand by our letters , that certaine Hebrewes haue come vnto vs , complaining that they are oppressed of thee with too greeuous exactions , when they come to trafficke at ANCONA ▪ This burden I request thee to take from them , and to restore againe vnto them their goods , that thereby they may be able to pay vnto vs our tribute : which if thou ( as I hope thou wilt ) shall doe , thou shalt feele our fauour ▪ Farewell from CONSTANTINOPLE the last of the blessed moneth * Rambeluch , in the yeare of our great Prophet Mahomet nine hundred threescore and foure . Haly Bassa greeued with the late repulse he had receiued at ZIGETH , came againe the next yeare , and besieged it , at which time king Ferdinand sent Nicholaus Polwiler and the countie Serinus with a power raised in SVEVIA and AVSTRIA , to recouer BABOZA , a castle betwixt ZIGETH and STIRIA , before surprised by the Turks : of whose comming the Bassa hauing intelligence , rise with his armie and departed from ZIGETH , which he had for certaine moneths hardly besieged , and not farre from BABOZA met with Polwiler and Serinus ; who joining battell with him , after a hard and sharpe fight ouerthrew him and put him to flight . This victorie with the comming downe of yong Ferdinand , king Ferdinands sonne , Archduke of AVSTRIA with new supplies , so terrified the Turkes in that part of HVNGARIE alongst the riuer Dranus , that they for feare forsooke BABOZA , SAMMARTIN , SAN-LAVRENCE , and diuers other small castles which they had before taken , and fled to QVINQVE ECLESIae . The Gouernour of ZIGETH encouraged herewith , sallying out with his garrison , slew many of the Turkes in their flight towards QVINQVE ECLESIae , and meeting by chance with a troupe of horsemen which were bringing the Turkes pay , ouerthrew them , tooke the mony , and so with an exceeding rich prey returned to his castle . At which time also Adam the Gouernour of RAB , otherwise called FAVRINVM , hauing burnt the suburbes of ALBA REGALIS , and driuen away many thousands of cattell , at a towne called SIAN ouerthrew fiue hundred Turkes , and as many fugitiue Christians , and so with a great prey and little or no losse at all of his men returned . Henrie the French king at the same time in warres with Philip king of SPAINE , and troubled with the losse of his armie ouerthrowne not farre from S. QVINTAINS ( at which time the duke Montmorencie constable of FRANCE and Generall of the armie with his sonne and diuers other of the nobilitie of FRANCE were taken prisoners ) by his embassadour Michaell Condignac sollicited Solyman to haue by sea inuaded NAPLES and SICILIA , so to haue withdrawne the Spanish forces out of FRANCE , to defend their owne frontiers . Which thing Solyman , offended with the insolencie of the embassadour , refused to doe : yet neuerthelesse commaunded his aduenturers all alongst the coast of AFFRICKE , to infest those seas , and to doe what harme they could vpon the coast of ITALIE and SICILIA ; which they so diligently performed , that the viceroy of SICILIA was faine for defence of those countries to lie in readinesse with his gallies in the ports of CAIETA and NAPLES . In the meane time the Guise , lord Grand Prior of the knights of S. Iohns in FRAVNCE ( and brother of Francis the duke of Guise , Generall of the French kings armie in ITALIE , who vpon the ouerthrow receiued at S. QVINTINS , called out of ITALIE , shortly after tooke CALLIS ) Admirall of the gallies of MALTA , went out toward the East with foure gallies well appointed to lie in wait for the Turkes , and by fortune met with two great ships laded with the Turks marchandise , which he tooke ; and by and by after light vpon foure of the Turks gallies , with whom he had a great fight : yet at length hauing sunke one of them and burnt another , he tooke the other two . After which victorie returning towards MALTA to haue repaired his gallies and cured his wounded men , he was met with foure other great gallies of the Turks : who desirous to reuenge the losse of their fellowes , set vpon him , and he seeing now no remedie , but that hee must needs fight courageously , encountered them . But for as much as he had in the two fights before lost some of his men , and 72 of the knights in the gallies lay sore wounded , hee by the counsell of the captaines retired towards MALTA : but by the way one of his gallies was taken by the Turks , with 52 knights of the Order : yet with the rest and the prizes before taken , he recouered the island of MALTA , where he stayed that Winter , and the next Spring sayled into FRAVNCE to be partaker of those troubles , which beginning shortly after , haue but of late taken end . The immoderat fortune of the great Sultan Solyman , was not in any thing more contrarie to his desire , than in the proofe of those his children , of whom the world held the greatest expectation . Mustapha his eldest sonne , the mirrour of courtesie and rare hope of the whole Turkish nation , the suspitious tyrant had most vnnaturally caused to be murdered in his owne presence , to the greefe of all his subjects in generall , as is before declared : poore Tzihanger was dead for sorrow : and Mahometes his eldest sonne by his best beloued the faire Roxolana , was departed this life also . So that now remained vnto him onely Selymus , the vnworthie heire of so great an empire , and Baiazet his yonger brother , the liuely image of his father , both men grown , and the sonnes of the same Roxolana : but so farre differing the one from the other both in feature of bodie and disposition of mind , as if they had not beene of the same kindred and line . Selymus the elder brother most like vnto his mother , was in the secret determination of the aged emperour his father appointed heire of that most mightie empire . Baiazet much resembling his father , was on the other side strongly supported by the care and entire loue of his mother : which whether it proceeded of a secret commiseration of his ineuitable destinie , or that he had by loyaltie or other meanes so woon her fauour , is not knowne ; but euery man saw , that if it had lien in her power , she would vndoubtedly haue preferred him before his elder brother Selymus , and haue placed him in the empire : but she must needs giue way to her old husbands will , firmely and irremouably set downe , that the destinies so permitting , none should raigne after him but his eldest sonne Selymus . Of which his purpose and resolution Baiazet being not ignorant , began most circumspectly to looke about him , if he could by any meanes frustrate that forcible necessitie , and exchange his certaine destruction with an empire : in which his deepe and dangerous cogitations he was not a little comforted by the fauour and loue of Roxolana his mother , and of Rustan the great Bassa his brother in law , who together had in any other matter been able to haue ouerruled the aged emperour . Whereupon he resolutely set downe himselfe , rather to end his dayes by making proofe of his good or bad fortune , than vpon the death of his father ( which by course of nature could not now be farre off ) to be as a sacrifice basely butchered by some vile hangman of his brothers . Baiazet so resolued , and now alreadie fallen out with his brother Selymus , tooke occasion vpon the generall discontentment of the people and others , for the vnworthie death of Mustapha their late joy to begin those stirres which he had before with himselfe plotted , and so to make a head , whereunto he might afterward joyne the bodie also : for why that worthie Mustapha had left behind him so great a desire of himselfe , that now it wearied many to liue after him , they had so placed all the hope of their good fortune in him ; vnto whom nothing was more desired than to reuenge the wrong done vnto him , or els to run the same hard fortune with him : Othersome guiltie of the immoderat affection they had borne vnto him yet liuing , and fearing to be called to giue an account thereof , thought any state better & more assured than that wherin they presently stood , and therefore sought all occasions of new stirres , and how to set all on a hurly burly : onely a captaine was wanting , Mustapha could not be againe reuiued , yet might he be strongly supposed to liue . This deuice pleased Baiazet , as best fitting his purpose , being not ignorant of this disposition of the people . Wherefore by certaine of his most faithfull and trustie followers he found out a certaine obscure fellow of a notable audacitie which should take vpon him the name and person of Mustapha , whose stature also and countenance and proportion of bodie differed not much from Mustapha himselfe : He , as if he had by chance escaped , first began to shew himselfe in that part of THRACIA which is aboue CONSTANTINOPLE , and lieth toward Danubius , not farre from the countries of MOLDAVIA and VALACHIA , and was for that cause both fittest for rebellion , and also best stored with horsemen , who of all others most honoured Mustapha . Hither he comes as if it had beene from a long journey , slenderly accompanied , and as if he had beene desirous at the first not to haue beene knowne : his followers being demaunded ( as it chanced ) who he was , did rather fearfully giue them that asked occasion to ghesse , than plainely to tell them , that it was Mustapha : neither did he himselfe much denie it : wherby the people became more and more desirous to know him . Which beginning thus layd , he afterward began to rejoice of his fortunate comming thither , and to giue God thanks for his safe arriuall there amongst his friends : he tels them , That at such time as hee was sent for by his father , he durst not come into his sight , or commit himselfe vnto him in his furie , but by the counsell of his friends to haue with great promises persuaded one that was maruellous like vnto himselfe , to goe in his stead ; by whose danger hee might make proofe of his fathers mind towards him : who before he was admitted to the speech of his father , was without hearing miserably strangled , and so cast out before his pauillion : at which time there was many ( as he said ) which perceiued the deceit , but the greater part remained in errour , deceiued with the lineaments and countenance of the miserable dead man , who was much altered with the terrible paines of death , and supposing it to haue beene him indeed that was slaine . Which thing as soone as he vnderstood , he thought it not good longer to stay , but presently to flie and to prouide for his owne safetie : and so flying with a few of his owne followers , thereby the more secretly and safely to escape ; and hauing passed aboue PONTVS by the people of BOSPHORVS , was now come thither , where as he was in good hope to find much helpe and comfort forth in the fidelitie of his friends , whom he requested not now to forsake him , or to make lesse account of him disgraced by the malice of his stepmother , than they had before in time of his prosperitie . For that he was aminded to reuenge the injurie done vnto him , and by force of armes to defend himselfe : for what else had he now left ? being by no other means preserued but by the death of another man : that he had sufficiently proued how his father stood affected towards him , and that he now liued by his mistaking , not by his kindnesse . The cause of all which his troubles was his stepdame , who ( as he said ) with her mischantments led the silly old man ( now almost doating for age and mad for loue ) whither she would at her pleasure , and by her agent Rustan bassa forced him forward headlong into all kind of mischiefe : but that God be thanked he wanted not his friends , by whose help he would find a way out of these miseries , and take reuenge of his enemies : for why , he had as yet couragious hearts , and the Ianizaries , with the greater part of his fathers family on his side , & that great multitudes of people would flock vnto him vpon the brute of his name : so that they which did now mourne for him as dead ( in number many ) would by heapes run to help him being aliue : so that they there present would only courteously receiue him as a guest , and protect him now distressed , vntill such time as his wel-willers & friends might repaire vnto him . And this at last he gaue out , not in secret , but openly vnto all men whersoeuer he came . The same things did they also report , whom he made the people to beleeue to haue been the companions of his flight : which was also confirmed by diuers of good account and authoritie , whom Baiazet had before delt withall to that purpose . So a great number of men altogether vnknowne to Baiazet , were by that meanes seduced : for this matter was so cunningly wrought , that many euen of them that had knowne Mustapha aliue , and seene him laid dead before his fathers pauillion ; yet listed not greatly to beleeue that which they knew , but easily suffered themselues to be persuaded , that this was the true Mustapha . But the companions and followers of Mustapha , in whose minds the liuely countenance and remembrance of him was thorowly engrauen , nothing could deceiue : yet blinded partly with feare , partly with griefe and desire of reuenge , and wishing rather to aduenture any thing , than longer to liue without Mustapha , were the first men that came to offer their seruice to this counterfeit Mustapha : and would not suffer other men to doubt but that this was the verie Mustapha , which it was falsely reported to haue been slaine . As for the deceiuer himselfe , he either kept with him , or entertained them that came , some with faire promises , some with courteous speeches , and many also with money and rewards , which he made them to beleeue he had reserued of the reliques of his better fortune : for Baiazet had before notably prouided , that nothing should in this behalfe be wanting vnto him for the countenancing of his credit . So within the space of a few daies , such a multitude of men was resorted vnto him , as might almost haue made a whole armie . When Solyman vpon the sudden was aduertised by the fearfull messengers and letters of the Sanzacks thereabouts , what a danger was like to ensue by the concourse of so great a multitude of people vnto this counterfeit Mustapha : he presently suspecting ( as the truth was ) that this was not done without the priuitie of one of his sonnes , thought it not a thing to be neglected : and therefore by his letters reproued the Sanzacks there by , that they had suffered the matter to run so farre , and had not in the beginning as their duetie was suppressed the same ; grieuously threatning them , if they did not with all speed send vnto him in bonds that counterfeit companion with the rest of his complices . Which that it might be the easilier by them performed ; he promised to send one of the chiefe Bassaes , namely Partau Bassa ( who had married the widdow of Mahometes the eldest sonne of Roxolana of whom we haue before remembred ) and with him a strong power of the soldiors of the court : but if they would haue themselues excused , that they should of themselues dispatch the matter before the comming of that aid . This Partau lead after him certaine squadrons of souldiors , not so many in number , as notable for their fidelitie : for Solyman had caused the most faithfull of his colonels , captaines , and corporals to be called out ; wisely doubting least his souldiors , either led with affection , or corrupted with reward , might take part with him against whom they were sent . For the common sort of the Ianizaries , standing in suspence at the fame of Mustapha , and the expectation of some great noueltie , fauoured that broile , and wished all on a hurly burly : neither was the matter in deed without danger . The Sanzacks after they had receiued this straight charge from Solyman , considering how much it stood them vpon to make a speedie dispatch , began now now to encourage one another to bestirre themselues , to make all the speed possible , and with all their power on euerie side to oppose themselues against the attempts of this new found Mustapha : labouring to stay such as were comming vnto him , and to disperse such as were readie come , by shewing vnto them the greatnesse of the danger , and threatning them with all extreamities . In the meane time Partan Bassa came on with his armie , and was not now far off : when ( as in like case it oftentimes falleth out in things not yet sufficiently confirmed , and by celeritie pretended ) the souldiors of the counterfeit Mustapha seeing themselues beset on euerie side , began to feare , and at first some few to slip away ; but afterwards , all , without regard of shame or of their promise to forsake their captaine , and flie euerie man whither he thought best . The captaine seeking likewise to haue made shift for himselfe , was with the chiefe of his counsellors and followers taken by the Sanzacks and deliuered to the Bassa , who with a strong guard sent them all in bonds to CONSTANTINOPLE : where Solyman by most exquisite torments drew from them all the secret deuises of his young sonne Baiazet , and that he had purposed after such a head made by this supposed Mustapha as he thought conuenient , to haue vpon the sudden joyned himselfe with a great power , and so as should best serue for his purpose , to haue gone directly to CONSTANTINOPLE , or els against his brother Selymus . But whilest hee goeth somewhat too slowly about his businesse , his vnripe counsels were by his fathers celeritie oppressed . Of all which matter Solyman now thorowly assured , caused the supposed Mustapha and his companions at midnight to be drowned in the sea ; thinking it not good to haue these things commonly knowne , and to haue his domesticall wounds yet bleeding , laid open to the view of his neighbour princes . Neuerthelesse being mightily offended with Baiazet for so great an insolencie , he ceased not to cast in his mind how to be reuenged vpon him ; which his wife Roxolana a woman of great wisedome was not ignorant of . Who after a few daies , at such time as the old mans furie was ouerpast , falling of purpose into talke with him about the matter , she laid togither in her sons behalfe , and alleadged the vndiscreetnesse of youth , the necessitie of the fact , and the example of his auncestors in like case , that it was so prouided for by nature , that euerie man should be carefull of himselfe and his , and that all men did indifferently shun death , that young men were by euill counsell easily seduced and made to forget their dutie . That it were reason he should forgiue him this first fault ; which if he amended , then was it a great gaine for the father to haue saued his sonne : but if he should againe fall into relapse , there would not want time to punish him sufficiently for both faults . And that if so be he would not pardon him for his owne sake : yet he would vouchsafe to pardon him for hers , entreating now for him for whom she had before groaned , and not to be cruell vpon him one of the pledges of their loue , in whom rested the bloud of them both : for in what wofull case should she be , if of those two sons ( all that God had left her ) the fathers seueritie should bereaue her of the one ? Wherfore she requested him to moderat his anger , and to preferre his clemencie before his just indignation : forasmuch as God himselfe of all power and might , did not alwaies deale with sinners in seueritie , but for most part in mercie ; whereas otherwise all mankind would not suffice his wrath . And would mercie in any place be more fitting , than in the father towards his child ? She promised further , that Baiazet should from thenceforth remaine in most dutifull obedience towards his majestie ; and vpon his so great clemencie , to conuert the feare wherein he now liued into a world of dutie and deuotion . Honourable minds ( she said ) were retained with nothing more than with kindnesse and courtesie , that the remembrance of that his fatherly forgiuenesse , should be a stay vnto him for euer doing the like againe : at last that she would promise for him , and take vpon her , that he should euer afterwards satisfie his fatherly expectation in all kind of dutie and loyaltie . Which words mingled with teares and other womanly gestures , so wrought with Solyman , being otherwise too much in her power , that he resolued to forgiue the fault ; yet so , that he should come and submit himselfe , and receiue from him his charge . This carefull mother foreslowes no time , but by letters secretly aduertised Baiazet , not to feare to come vnto his father at such time as he should be sent for : assuring him that there was no danger , for that his father was by her meanes appeased , and he againe brought into his father . With which good newes Baiazet well comforted , resolued to go at such time as he was sent for : yet full of feare , and oftentimes looking backe vnto his brother Mustapha , whose dreadfull example sufficiently warned him what a danger he aduentured himselfe vnto . Yet he came to the place appointed for the parley , which was in a common Inne at a place called CARESTRAN , a few miles from CONSTANTINOPLE : for such is the suspitious maner of the Turkish tyrants of these times , not to suffer any of their sonnes that be men growne , to set their foot within the gates of CONSTANTINOPLE , as dangerous for soliciting the souldiors of the court , and so consequently for the altering of the state . Baiazet was no sooner lighted from his horse , but his fathers guard were presently readie to receiue him , commaunding him to lay aside his sword and dagger : which thing although it be an vsuall matter in others that are admitted to the presence of the Turkish emperour ; yet might it then in the mind of his guiltie sonne raise a great feare . But his kind mother ( who had before foreseene in what feare and perplexitie he would come ) had conuaied her selfe into a chamber fast by the entrie of the same house as Baiazet was to passe , where out at at a little casement couered with a thin linnen cloth ▪ she called vnto him in passing by in these few words : Corcoma oglan Corcoma ( which is as much as to say ) feare not my sonne , feare not : with which short speech Baiazet was not a little both comforted and encouraged : But as soone as he was come into his fathers presence and had done his dutie , Solyman commaunded him to sit downe by him : then began the grim ●ire grieuously to reproue him of rashnesse and want of discretion in taking vp armes , which he could not otherwise conceiue of , but as taken vp against himselfe ▪ And admit they were as he would haue it , and the best that he could make of it , taken vp against his elder brother ; yet was it neuerthelesse a great presumption and most wicked fact . Neither was there any want in him , but that the whole state of the Mahometane religion ( which at this day resteth vpon the Othoman family ) had by his domesticall discord beene sore shaken , and brought in perill of vtter ruine , to the great injurie reproach and contempt of his majestie , a most destable and horrible crime , which could not with condigne punishment be reuenged . Yet for all that , he had determined to pardon him , and to shew himselfe rather a kind father than a seuere judge ; so that he would from thenceforth leaue the care of future things to God : forasmuch as none of these things are done by our appointment , but that kingdomes and monarchies are bestowed as pleaseth him : So that if it were his destinie to enjoy the empire after his death , he should be most sure thereof as of a thing that would of it selfe come vnto him , and was not by any mans power to be kept from him , as that which was by God ordained for him : but if it were otherwise appointed by God , then were it a mad thing for him to labour in vaine to striue against the will of God , and as it were to fight with God. Wherefore he should now as one well warned , cease to rage and storme , and not to molest his quiet brother , or trouble him his aged father : for that if he should againe fall , and raise new stirs , it would assuredly fall vpon his owne head , neither would any place of mercie be found for his second offence , and that hee should then find him not as now his gentle father , but a most seuere and reuenging judge . Which when he had said , and Baiazet had thereunto briefly answered as the time would permit , rather crauing pardon for his trespasse than excusing that was not to be excused , and promising from thenceforth to liue most loyally at his commaund : Solyman according to the manner of that nation called for drinke , which he commaunded to be giuen to Baiazet , who not daring to refuse it although he had rather haue so done , dranke thereof what he thought good , doubting least that should haue beene his last : of which feare his father forthwith deliuered him by drinking a good draught of the same cup. So Baiazet though guiltie , hauing with better successe spoken with his father than had his brother Mustapha , returned againe to the former place of his charge . This happened in the yeare 1555 , from which time Baiazet so long as Roxolana his mother liued , behaued himselfe with all dutifull and brotherly kindnesse both towards his father and his brother ; and that rather for to keepe her fauour , and not to cut off the hope which he had only in her affection towards him , than for any confidence he had in his fathers kindnesse , or for any loue he bare to his brother ; the regard of her being the onely thing that kept his fierce nature in quiet . But she dead about two yeares after , he as a man bereft of all hope of long life , and discharged of all bonds of dutie , fell to his former course , and began more grieuously than before to reuiue the old grudges betwixt him and his brother , sometime seeking by secret practises to haue him made away , and othersome times by open force entering into his prouince which was not farre off , there euill entreated such of his brothers followers as he light vpon , for their masters sake , omitting nothing which he thought might tend to the disgrace of him whom of all other he wished dead . He had also certaine of his fauourites at CONSTANTINOPLE , by whom he cunningly wrought by all meanes to gaine the loue of the soldiors of the court , and doubted not as occasion serued to passe ouer thither himselfe , and there to lu●ke in secret with such as were of his faction , and priuie to his designements . Of all which things Solyman had knowledge , but especially by letters from Selymus , wherein he was also aduised to haue care of his owne safetie ; for that he was farre deceiued , if he perceiued not , that these preambles of Baiazet his wicked intentions , would at last turne vpon his head , who regarded neither God nor man , so that he might alone raigne : vnto whose vnruly desires his fathers welfare was no lesse a barre than was his brothers , and that therefore through his sides was his life shot at : which treason ●nd ( as he said ) beene of long time plotted , and now occasion sought to haue the same performed : wherefore he should take heed that he were not by such trecherie ouerwhelmed before he were aware therof : That for himselfe he could easily beare with the injuries of his brother Baiazet , yet could not chuse but be moued with the greatnesse of his fathers dangers . By which meanes Solymans hatred against Baiazet was still more and more encreased . Wherefore he by letters put him in remembrance of his dutie , how courteously he had vsed him , and againe what he had on his part promised ; that there would not alwayes be place for forgiuenesse ; that he should therefore cease to wrong his brother and trouble his father ; that he had but a short time to liue ; and that after his death God would assigne vnto each of them their fortunes . But all this was to no purpose with Baiazet , fully set downe to hazard whatsoeuer , rather than as a beast to haue his throat cut by his brother : which thing he as plainely saw would betide him in the raigne of Selymus , as if it had beene euen then in execution . Yet he answered to his fathers commaunds not impertinently , but his deeds agreed not with his sayings ; neither did he alter any thing of his intended purpose . Which thing as soone as Solyman perceiued , he thought it best to take another course , and to remoue his sonnes both further from himselfe , and also further the one from the other . Wherefore he gaue them to vnderstand , That it was his pleasure , that both of them within a certaine prefixed time should depart out of their gouernments ( Baiazet being then Gouernour of CVTAI , and Selymus of MAGNESIA ) and that now Baiazet should remoue to AMASIA , and Selymus to ICONIVM . Selymus was without imputation and altogether in fauour with his father : yet because no occasion should be giuen Baiazet to fall into extremities , if he should haue beene remoued alone , Solyman to seeme indifferent , commaunded them both to remoue : vnto which commaund it was adjoyned , that the farther they were off one from another , they should be so much the neerer in mind and brotherly loue : for as much as neernesse of dwelling of the Great , did many times hinder their good agreement , whilest by frowardnesse of officers and seruants many things are on both sides done to the grieuing of their masters : and that they should in any case doe as they were commaunded , and that he which stayed longest , should not be free from the suspition of contempt . Selymus made no long stay , as he that knew a great part of all this to be done for his sake : but Baiazet hung backe , and being gone a little on his way , stayed , complaining the vnluckie prouince of AMASIA , stained with the bloud of his late brother the noble Mustapha , to be assigned vnto him as ominous , and that he could be better contented with any prouince whatsoeuer than that , where the deadly remembrance of the miserable end of the neerest to him in bloud , should be euer before his eyes , to the wounding of his heart : Wherfore he requested , that he might at least Winter in those places , or els there from whence his brother was now departed : but Solyman would in no wise hearken vnto him . Now Selymus gone before certaine dayes journies with such troupes as his father had sent him beside his owne , for feare of Baiazet , who yet stayed loitering and trifling on the time , suddenly returning and fetching a compasse about , shewed himselfe at his brothers backe , marching towards PRVSA in BITHINIA , the auntient seat of the Turkish kings ; which he did not without the priuitie of his father , who liked not of the lingering of Baiazet : for what if he hauing gained the good will of the Ianizaries , should haue gone either to PRVSA , or directly to CONSTANTINOPLE ? what a danger might haue growne thereby to Selymus , yea vnto the whole state in generall ? In this common feare Solyman thought it best for Selymus there to stay , from whence they might most conueniently helpe one another , if Baiazet should ( as was feared ) turn himselfe vpon either of them . Yet was not Selymus so strong as to aduenture to joyne battell with his brother , whom he knew readie to put all to the hazard of one day . But whē Baiazet ( contrarie to his expectation ) saw Selymus behind him , and that he had got nothing by his long delay , but that his brother should be the vndoubted heire of the empire , if his father should die , which was then by reason of his sickly constitution of bodie daily more and more feared : he writ vnto his father , accusing his brother that he could not more manifestly in any thing declare how maliciously he was affected towards him , than by taking that indirect course , to no other purpose but to aspire vnto the empire , and to haue a short cut ouer to CONSTANTINOPLE , if he should haue any newes of his fathers death , which he still gaped after : which his longing , if his fathers longer life should delay , then by the secret ministers of his treason to dispatch him , and by the murdering of him to possesse himselfe of the empire ; and yet neuerthelesse , this man as a most dutifull and obedient sonne , to be of him much made of , and as it were put in his bosome : Wheras he on the contrarie part meaning well , into whose conceit neuer any such thought came ; but was euer at commaund , was not had in any regard , but cast off and contemned , whose greatest request was but to shun an vnfortunat ominous prouince . After that , he conuerted his stile to prayers , requesting againe of his father to gratifie him with some other prouince , if it were but that from which his brother was departed , or with any other whatsoeuer , so that it were more luckie than that of AMASIA : for answere whereof he said he would stay where he was , to the end that finding fauour in his request , he should not haue need further to retire : but if he should not obtaine his request , that then he was readie to goe whether soeuer his father should command . It was not altogether for nought that Baiazet found fault with AMASIA ; being the manner of the Turks , of the smallest things of all to diuine vpon the greatest . But Solyman vnderstood the matter otherwise : who not ignorant of his sonnes teares , knew right well , that he in them sought for nothing els but a more commodious place for him to raise new stirres in , than was AMASIA , so farre distant from CONSTANTINOPLE . So Baiazet by many delayes did what he could to frustate his fathers appointment , ceasing not in the meane time to augment his strength with new souldiors , to prouide armour , money , and whatsoeuer els , seruing for defence of himselfe and the impugning of his brother . Which Solyman tooke in no other part , than as intended against his owne person : yet would he seeme as not to haue any such vnderstanding of the matter : for why the warie old sire would not by taking knowledge thereof , driue headlong his sonne , who was alreadie running too fast of himselfe . Besides that , he was not ignorant that the eyes of all nations were bent vpon this discord of his two sonnes : and therefore he desired by all meanes , that these grudges might bee with as little stirre as was possible appeased . Wherefore he answered Baiazet courteously , That concerning his gouernment of AMASIA , he could not alter it , as resolutely set downe as well for his brother as himselfe , and that therefore they should doe well to go● both to their appointed places , as he had before commaunded . As for the rest , they should be of good comfort , for that he would take such order , as that neither of them should haue just cause to complaine . Partau Bassa the fourth of the great Bassaes of the court was appointed to goe with this message to Baiazet , and Mehemet third of the same great Bassaes with like charge to Selymus , because the matter should seeme to be done with all indifferencie : and both of these great men commaunded not to depart from them they were sent vnto , before they were both come vnto the places of their gouernment , whereunto they were assigned . Which Solyman wisely did , to keepe them both within the compasse of dutie by the presence of such two graue counsellors . Which thing Selymus tooke in good part , but Baiazet not so : who hauing resolued with himselfe to set all on a hurly burly , thought nothing more vnfit for his designes , than to haue one of his fathers greatest counsellors still at his elbow as Censor of all his speeches and doings : wherefore hauing courteously entertained him & rewarded him according to his abilitie , he dismissed him ( though vnwilling to depart ) making this excuse , That he would vse him as his patrone and defendour with his father , for as much as he had no other in court to defend his cause , promising not to be vnto him an vnworthie or vnthankefull client : and to carrie word backe againe vnto his father , That he would aboue all things haue care of his commaund , if he might so doe for his brother Selymus , whose injuries and trecheries he had much adoe to brooke . Partau the great Bassa so sent away , assured Solyman what the very mind and purpose of his younger sonne was . And albeit , that Baiazet to make it seeme as if something had beene done by that embassage , made shew as if he would haue presently gone towards AMASIA : yet Solyman neuerthelesse fearing the worst , made all the preparation he could against him , commaunding the Beglerbeg of GREECE , although then sicke of the gout , to make hast and with his horsemen to passe ouer with all speed to aid Selymus : and Mehemet Bassa but lately returned , he sent forthwith backe againe for the same purpose to Selymus , with certaine of the most trustie companies of the Ianizaries : and the old man in readinesse made semblant as if he would himselfe in person haue gone ouer also . But the Ianizaries and other souldiors of the court came with euill will together , detesting that warre betweene the brethren , as altogether abhominable : for against whom should they draw their swords ? was it not against the emperours sonne , and happily the heire of the empire ? Wherefore this warre might ( as they said ) well ynough be let alone , as altogether vnnecessarie , and not they to be enforced to embrue their hands one in anothers bloud , and to pollute themselues with such impietie : as for that which Baiazet did , was to be holden excused , as proceeding from necessitie . Which speeches of the Ianizaries being brought to Solymans eares , he forthwith declared them to the Muphti ( whom in all matters of doubt they flie vnto , as vnto a most sacred Oracle ) demaunding of him , How he was to be entreated who of himselfe presumed whiles he yet liued , to leuie souldiors , raise an armie , ransacke townes , and trouble the state of the whole empire ? and what also he deemed of them that were his followers and tooke part with him ? and last of all of them also that refused to beare armes against him , and said that he had in so doing nothing offended ? Whereunto the Muphti answered , That both the man and his part-takers were all worthie of death ; and that such as refused to take vp arms against him , were as prophane and irreligious men , to be accounted intestable . Which the great priests answere , was published vnto the people : and by the cheefe Chiaus sent to Baiazet , to see if he might be therewith moued . Within a few dayes after there came to CONSTANTINOPLE one of the Chiaus ( whom Baiazet had intercepted , being sent from Solyman to Selymus ) by whom Baiazet gaue his father to vnderstand , That he was in all dutie his , and that he had not taken vp armes against him , neither refused to be vnto him in all things obedient : but that he had onely to doe with his brother and with him to fight for his life , by whose sword he must needs die , or els he by his , for that a mischeefe was to be by one of them performed ; which quarrell he was resolued to trie whiles he yet liued , and that therefore he should doe best not to meddle in their quarrell , or giue aid to either : But if so be he would needs ( as the report was ) passe ouer the sea to aid Selymus , he should not thinke easily to get him into his hands , for that he knew right well , if the worst came , how to escape and saue himselfe ; and would ( before he could get ouer into ASIA ) make such spoile with fire and sword , as neuer had Tamerlane or other the cruellest enemie of the Turks that euer was . Which message did not a little trouble Solyman . And withall it was reported , that the towne of AXVAR , where one of Selymus his sonnes ruled as Sanzacke , was alreadie taken by Baiazet , and shamefully sacked . But Selymus hearing that his brother was gone toward AMASIA , and now on his way as farre as ANCYRA , being out of all suspition of danger which he feared vpon the way , so long as his brother was yet lingering in those quarters , hasted now towards ICONIVM , which was with a strong garrison kept for him : for amongst other cares wherewith Solyman was vexed , it was not the least , That Baiazet intercepting ICONIVM , should get into SIRIA , and from thence into AEGIPT , an open countrey , and not yet throughly established vnder the Turkish gouernment , neither forgetfull of the old gouernment of the Mamalukes , and therefore desirous of change ; from whence it would haue beene an hard matter to haue driuen Baiazet , especially the Arabians being alwayes readie and at hand at euery light stirre , where any hope of prey was : out of which prouince also in case of extremitie he might easily transport himselfe into any of the Christian kingdomes . Solyman therefore tooke great care , that this passage , which might seeme the last refuge of Baiazet his deuices , might be stopped : and concerning the same had giuen commandement vnto most of his commanders in ASIA to be alwayes in readinesse to aid Selymus whensoeuer he should call . With them Selymus lay encamped vnder the wals of ICONIVM , attending euerie stirring of Baiazet , resolued there to expect farther aid from his father , and not by vntimely fight to commit his safetie to the hazard of one doubtfull battell . But Baiazet on the other side , not vnmindfull what a matter he had taken in hand , slept not thereupon , but first entertained a valiant sort of horsemen which the Turks call Chiurts , and are supposed to be of that people which were sometimes called Gordij , men for their knowne valour famous . He yet lay in the plaine and open fields by ANCYRA , of the commodities of which citie ( which were indeed great ) he made great vse : In the castle thereof he bestowed his concubines and children ; of the rich marchants he tooke vp money , to be repaid with the vse vpon the good successe of the warre ; and from thence he tooke whatsoeuer was needfull for the arming and furnishing of his men . Besides his owne familie , which was very great , and those Chiurts which we spoke of , many repaired vnto him , which had beene in former time beholden to his mother , his sister , and Rustan the great Bassa ; many also of the reliques of the valiant Mustapha , and Achomates the great Bassa , valiant men and expert souldiours , who desired to reuenge the vnworthie death of their lords and masters , euen with their owne . Neither was there wanting an exceeding rablement of such as wearie of the present state , desired some new innouation and change . The commiseration also of the state of the vnfortunat Baiazet , easily drew many to take part with him , whose whole trust was in his valour : they fauoured the young prince , liuely resembling his father : when as in Selymus appeared no likenesse of himselfe , but the expresse lineaments of his mothers face and bodie , a woman whilest she liued generally hated of all the people : he went heauily as ouercharged with his greasie paunch , blub cheeked , and exceeding red faced ; so that the souldiors in sport would say , he was fed with greene mault : he was altogither giuen to his ease , and spent his time in drunkennesse and sleepe , neither was he courteous of speech , nor willing to deserue well of any man ; for he would not ( as he said ) offend his father by being popular , so was he onely of his father beloued , and of all other men hated : of all kind of men , he most misliked of them that set all their hope in a bountifull and couragious prince . The same souldiors were also wont to call Baiazet , Softie ( that is to say ) a man giuen to quietnesse and studie : but after that they saw him take vp armes , and for the safegard of himselfe and his children readie to aduenture any thing , they began to admire him as a man of valour and courage : and to aske among themselues , Why his father should reject him of such worth , the expresse image of himselfe , and preferre before him that gorbellied sluggard in whom no sparke of his fathers valour was to be seene ? That his entring into armes was no fault , being thereunto by necessitie enforced , for , had not Selymus their grandfather done the like ? where of no better example could be found ; whom the force of necessitie constrained not only to take vp armes against his brother , but also to hasten the death of his father ; and by so doing , purchased vnto himselfe and his posteritie the empire : which so gotten , if Solyman did not vnjustly possesse , why might not his son vse the same course ? why should he so rigorously reuenge that in his sonne , that was so lawfull in the grandfather ? Although there was ( as they said ) great difference betweene that Selymus and this Baiazet ; for that this man intended no harme against his father , but wished him long to liue ; neither yet against his brother , if he might by his leaue but liue , if he would but once cease to doe him wrong : that it was alwaies accounted lawfull to repell force by force , and to shun present death , if the destinies would so permit . By such affections and motiues , Baiazet his power increased daily : which being now growne a●most to the greatnesse of a full armie , hee thought it not best to vse longer delay , but to march forthwith against his brother to fight with him one battell for his life , state , and empire : accounting it some commendation ( although in vaine ) to haue attempted so great an enterprise . His purpose was ( as Solyman feared ) to get into SYRIA , which if he could bring to passe , he then doubted not of the rest . Selymus strengthened with his fathers power , lay waiting for his comming before ICONIVM , well appointed of all warlike prouision : his armie was exceeding strong , and in it many notable commaunders , martiall men of great experience , whom his father had joyned vnto him ; who all lay couered with their great ordinance planted in places most conuenient . But Baiazet nothing terrified therewith , as soone as he came within sight of his brothers armie , exhorted his souldiors in few words to play the men , for that now was come the time they wished for , and place for them to shew their valour in : wherefore they should shew themselues couragious and valiant , and he would make them all rich and fortunat : He told them , that their fortune was now in their owne hands , to frame it euerie man as he would himselfe ; so that if any of them were wearie of their present state , there was the field wherein they might exchange it with better , and therein lay downe the miseries of their former liues : that of him they should if they ouercame , expect riches , promotions , honours , and whatsoeuer else , the rewards of valiant men : That with the victorie of one battell , all their desires should be satisfied , were they neuer so great : which victorie was by the valour which rested in them to be gotten , and his brothers armie , the heartlesse followers of a heartlesse captaine , ouerthrowne ; for as for his fathers souldiors that were with his brother , they were in bodie present , but in mind altogither on his side : That it was onely Selymus that withstood his welfare and their felicitie , whom they should therefore valiantly seeke for in field as their common enemie ; and not to be afraid of his multitude , forasmuch as victorie was to be gained , not by number but by valour : and the most mightie God of heauen and earth was still present , not with the most , but with the best : Besides that , he willed them to remember with what a cruell enemie they were to fight , who thirsted after nothing more than their bloud : And to conclude , he willed them all , not to looke vpon his words but his deeds ; and said , If as you shall see me fighting for your profit , you shall likewise fight for mine honour , I dare then assure you of the victorie . Which said , he with great courage charged the enemie , and fighting himselfe long time amongst the formost , and there performing all the parts of a valiant souldior and worthy captaine , was for his notable valour no lesse commended of his enemies than of his owne souldiors . The battell was bloudie and terrible , and many fell on both sides . But after that they with wonderfull obstinacie had a great while fought with doubtfull victorie , so that fortie thousand Turkes lay there dead vpon the ground ; at length the victorie began to encline to that side whereon stood the greater strength , the juster cause , and better counsell . Many of the enemies being slaine , and many of his owne people also lost , Baiazet was enforced to retire ; which he did so leisurely , and without shew of any feare , that it seemed to the beholders , he had well neere as well gained as lost the field : neither durst Selymus pursue him , but stood still fast in the same place , neuer more glad of any thing than to see his brothers backe . But Baiazet after he had in contempt of his fathers commaund thus run his owne course , and satisfied his owne desire , though disappointed of his purpose , and not able to performe the journey by him intended into SYRIA ; turned now his course , and began in good earnest to go to AMASIA his appointed prouince . Solyman speedily aduertised of the euent of this battell , forthwith passed ouer into ASIA : for as the great Bassaes his counsellors thought it not conuenient for him to go ouer the strait before the victorie : so after it was certainly knowne , they thought it not good longer to stay , least the ouerthrow of Baiazet might giue occasion to such as secretly fauoured his quarrell to shew themselues and so to raise greater troubles . Besides that , the fame of his passage ouer , would ( as they said ) much auaile both to the discouragement of Baiazet , and the terrifying of his friends : and therefore it was by them thought good , hastely to pursue him , now ouerthrowne , and not to suffer him to gather courage by the example of his grandfather Selymus , Solymans father ; who had been more terribly vanquished then when he stood in his whole strength , and might seeme by that meanes to haue especially preuailed , for that he was at first vnfortunatly ouerthrowne . Neither were these things without reason foreseene : for it is almost incredible what admiration and loue , this battell ( although vnfortunat ) did get to Baiazet ; men wondred that he durst with so small a power , and as it were but a handfull of men , encounter with his brother farre better appointed , and also supported by his fathers strength : not fearing either the disaduantage of the place , or the furie of the great artillerie ; and to haue behaued himselfe in the battell not like a young souldior , but like an old and expert commaunder . Selymus might at his pleasure boast of himselfe as they said ( to his father ) for the victorie : but Baiazet was the man that deserued to haue ouercome : and that Selymus might to any thing ascribe the victorie , rather than to his owne valour . These and such like speeches , as they made Baiazet gratious amongst the people generally ; so doubled they his fathers cares , and encreased his hatred , to wish him the rather dead . For why , he was resolutly set downe , not to leaue any other heire of his empire than Selymus his eldest son , alwaies loyall and obedient vnto him : whereas the other he abhorred as stubborne and rebellious , gaping after the empire whilest he yet liued ; of whom he was therfore so much the more to stand in dread , by how much he was reputed to be of more valour ; and for the aid he had now so openly giuen to Selymus . For these causes he passed ouer the strait into ASIA , with purpose not to go far from the sea coast , but as it were a far off with his fauourable aspect to countenance Selymus his proceedings : doubting by comming too neere with his armie , to endanger himselfe by the sudden reuolt of the Ianizaries , which he aboue all things feared . I my selfe ( saith the author of this historie ) saw him departing out of CONSTANTINOPLE the first of Iune in the yeare 1559 , when as within a few dayes after I my selfe was also sent for thither : for the Bassaes thought it not amisse to haue me in the campe , and to vse me courteously as their friend , for which cause I was assigned to lodge in an Inne in a village neere vnto the campe , where I lay very well . The Turkes lay in the fields round about : but lying there three moneths , I had good leisure and opportunitie to see the manner of their campe , and in part to know the order of their martiall discipline . So I attiring my selfe in such apparrell as the Christians commonly vse in those places , went vp and downe with one or two companions at my pleasure vnknowne . First I saw the soldiors of all sorts most orderly placed , and that , which he would scarce beleeue that knoweth the manner of our warres , there was in euery place great silence , and as a man may say , dumbe quietnesse , no brawling , no insolencie , no not so much as a word or laughter passing in sport or drunkennesse . Besides that wonderfull cleanelinesse , no dunghils , no excrements that might offend either the eyes or nose , for all such things the Turkes doe either burie or carrie them farre out of sight . They themselues so often as they are enforced to discharge the bu●then of nature , dig an hole with a spade and burie it , so is all their campe without filth . There was not to be seene any drinking or feasting , no dicing ( the great shame of our wars ) the losse of money or time at cards or dice , the Turks know not . I met onely with a rough Hungarian and his companions , a souldior , who heauie himselfe , to the Lute rather houled than sung a dolefull dittie , containing the last words of a fellow of his , dying of his wounds vpon the greene banke of Danubius , wherein he requesteth the riuer , because it ran to the place where hee was borne , to carrie newes to his friends and countrymen , that he died an honourable death and not vnreuenged , for the encrease of his religion , and honour of his countrey : whereunto his fellows sighing bare a foot : O happie and thrice happie wight , would fortune with thee change wee might . For the Turks are of opinion , That no mens soules goe more speedily to heauen , than of such valiant men as die in battell , for whose welfare their maidens dayly make prayers and vowes . I would also needs goe through their butcherie , where their beasts were killed , to see what flesh was to be sold ; where I saw but foure , or at most fiue weathers hanging readie dressed , and that was the butcherie for the Ianizaries , which I deemed to be in that campe not fewer than foure thousand . I maruelled that so little flesh should suffice so many men : but I was answered , That few of them did eat flesh , for that most part of them had their victuals transported from CONSTANTINOPLE . Then I demaunding what it was , they shewed me a Ianizarie sitting by , who in an earthen dish had killed a turnep , an onion , a head of garlike , a parsenep , and a coucumber , all sauced with salt and vineger , or more truly to say with hunger , whereon he fed as sauorly , as if they had beene feisants or partridges : his drinke was the common drinke of all liuing creatures , euen ●aire water . By which frugall kind of diet they prouide both for the health of their bodies , and the sparing of their purse : and that I maruelled the more at , it was the time that their great fast , or to speake after our fashion , their Lent was at hand : at which time with vs Christians , euen in well ordered cities , much more in campes , all rings with playing , dauncing , singing , crying , quaffing , carousing , and in breefe , with madding and phrensie . So that it is not vainely reported , That a Turke sent about that time embassadour into GERMANIE , comming home , reported , That the Christians on certaine dayes did riot and became mad , vntill they , besprinckled with a certaine kind of ashes in the church , came to themselues againe , and so recouered ; and that it was a wonderfull thing to see , how much they were changed by the efficacie of that remedie , that they seemed not to be the same men : meaning indeed the disordered manners of the Christians at Shrouetide , and the ceremonies vsed on Ashwednesday : which thing they to whom it was told , so much the more maruelled at , for that the Turkes haue many medicines which cause madnesse , but few or none which presently easeth the same . And they vpon those dayes that goe before their great fasts , change nothing of their wonted manner of life to the worse : but rather contrariwise prepare themselues to abstinence , by taking somewhat from their vsuall fare , the better to endure the sudden change of their fast : which they so precisely obserue , that vpon their fasting dayes they will not so much as tast a cup of water , or wash their mouthes with water all the day long , before the starres appeare in the skie : which maketh their fasts , especially in Summer when the dayes be long and hot , to be vnto them very tedious . Whiles I thus lay in the campe , there came vnto me one Albertus a learned man with certaine presents from the emperour to Solyman , which were , certaine gilt plate ; and a most curious clocke , which was carried vpon an Eliphant like a castle ; and some crownes to be dispersed a-among the Bassaes : which Solyman would needs haue presented vnto him in the campe in the sight of the whole armie , to make it the better knowne what friendship was betweene him and the emperour , and that he needed not to feare any danger from the Christian princes . But to returne againe to Baiazet , from whom we haue a while digressed : he after the battell at ICONIVM had retired himselfe to AMASIA , the place of his gouernment , as though he would haue now there quietly liued , if his father would so giue him leaue . He had now satisfied his youthfull desires and greefe , and seemed willing from thenceforth to satisfie his fathers better expectation : and therefore ceased not by letters and fit men to proue his fathers mind . Neither did Solyman shew himselfe strange from such a reconciliation : at first he easily gaue the messengers audience , read his sons letters , and courteously returned answere ; so that it was commonly reported in the campe , that the father and the sonne would agree , and that the old man would pardon the youthfull pranke alreadie past , so that he would from thenceforth remaine dutifull . But all this way by the counsell of the Bassaes nothing but deepe dissimulation in the craftie old sire , vntill he had shut vp Baiazet , and so got him aliue into his hand : for it was feared , least he despairing of pardon , should with such a power breake into the borders of PERSIA ▪ ( now the onely place left for his refuge ) as might preuent the watchfull diligence of his lieutenan●● vpon those frontiers : whom Solyman charged by continuall letters so to stop all the passages 〈◊〉 PERSIA , as that there should not be any cra●ie for Baiazet to flie out by . In the mean time , if any came within his reach that were suspected to haue taken part with Baiazet , or fauored his proceedings , those he caused to be tortured and secretly made away , and amongst them some whom Baiazet had of purpose sent to excuse themselues . For Solyman fearing least Tamas the Persian king ( more mindfull of his old quarrels than of the late enforced peace ) should hardly with much ado suffer his sonne to be got out of his hands if he should flie thither , and so againe raise along and dangerous warre ; did therefore what he possibly might to oppresse him before he should come thither . Which his purpose although it was couered with all secrecie , yet was it not hidden from some of Baiazet his friends , by whom he was oftentimes warned not to trust his father , but to beware of treason , and in any case speedily to prouide for his owne safetie . But Solyman thinking he had now so prouided as that he could by no meanes escape , and happily the more to deceiue his sonne , appointed to returne with his armie to CONSTANTINOPLE the day after their Easter day . But Baiazet vpon the very feast day hauing performed the solemnities thereof , commaunded all his things to be trussed vp at AMASIA , and so set forward vpon his vnfortunat journey towards PERSIA , knowing right well , that he went to the auntient enemie of the Othoman familie , but yet fully resolued to make proofe of any mans mercie , rather than to fall into the hands of his angrie father . Now were they all set forward , except such weake soules as were not thought able to endure the labour of so long a journey , amongst whom was left Solyman , Baiazet his youngest sonne , but then newly borne : which guiltlesse babe , with his mother , Baiazet thought better to leaue vnto the mercie of his grandfather , than to take him with him , a poore companion of his wofull and miserable flight : whom Solyman as yet vncertaine of his fathers fortune , commaunded to be nursed at PRVSA . Baiazet so gone from AMASIA , vsed such celeritie in his trauell , that almost in euery place he preuented the fame of his comming , and light vpon many that were appointed to haue stayed his passage , before they were readie or aware of his comming . The Bassa of SEBASTIA he thus deceiued : There was two wayes , whereof the one of them being intercepted , would greatly hinder his journey , and that the Bassa had alreadie taken : wherefore he sent certaine , as if they had beene fugitiues , to tell the Bassa that he was alreadie gone the other way . Which the Bassa beleeuing , left the place he had before taken , and rising with all his power to pursue him the other way , whereby it was told him he was gone , left that way free and open for him to passe by . The Bassa of ERZIRVM he deceiued also by another not much vnlike shift : from whom when he was not farre distant , and knowing that in passing through his countrey , he was to endure great danger , he set vpon him with a wile , sending vnto him certaine of his followers with commendations : who afterwards lamentably complaining of the young princes calamitie , to moue the Bassa to pitie , at last requested that he would giue him leaue to shoo his horses in his territorie , telling him , That he came vnprouided of all things , and therefore desirous in that fruitfull countrey to refresh his horses a day or two , and to new shoo them . Whereunto the Bassa courteously answered , That he would not let him to take whatsoeuer he needed . But whether it was for the compassion he had vpon the state of Baiazet , or for the secret loue he bare him , or that he thought by that meanes the easilier to entrap him , is doubtfull , and happily preuented by Baiazet his quicke speed , had not as yet sufficient time to draw together his souldiors . He sent also vnto Baiazet certaine small presents , seeming to be glad of his welfare and comming : who neuerthelesse kept on his way , resting no part of the day ; and but a little of the night . The Bassa of ERZIRVM vnderstanding that Baiazet came still on , made what hast he could also , and joyned his power to the rest of the Bassaes which followed after : for many Bassaes and Sanzackes hearing that Baiazet was fled from AMASIA , pursued fast after him , being charged by Solyman vpon paine of their heads to bring him backe either aliue or dead : but all in vaine , by reason of his speedie departure , and for that he made more hast to flie than they did to follow . Yet it cost no man deerer than this Bassa of ERZIRVM , of whom we haue now spoken , whom Solyman for this cause displaced : and Selymus afterwards slew with two of his sonnes , young striplings whom hee had before in despight shamefully abused against nature . Yea Selymus himselfe and Mehemet the great Bassa , with the Berglerbeg of GRECIA , followed also after Baiazet , though it were a far off . This his departure grieued Solyman aboue measure , assuring himselfe ( as the truth was ) that he was fled into PERSIA : wherewith he was so much moued , that he could scarcely containe himselfe , but would needs haue gone with all his power in all hast against the Persian , to haue terrified him at hand from relieuing his rebellious sonne . But these his raging fits his graue counsellors moderated , by declaring vnto him what danger he should aduenture himselfe vnto , by reason of the doubtfull faith of his best souldiors . And what if Baiazet ( as he was a desperat and sudden man ) should in the meane time turne about aboue PONTVS and the fens of MoeOTIS , and so fetching a compasse come to CONSTANTINOPLE , and proclaiming a generall libertie in his absence , possesse himselfe of the empire . By which wholsome persuasion Solyman staied his so hastie a journey : but Baiazet all the way as he went writ vpon the gates and doores , That he would giue double pay to all such as should follow him : which caused Solymans captaines to haue their owne souldiors in distrust , and the more for that they might oftentimes heare amongst them , speeches of great good will and loue towards Baiazet . After long flying , he was at length come to the riuer Araxis , which separated the Turkes kingdome from the Persian ; which hauing passed ouer , and yet not so in safetie , he left certaine of his followers vpon the banke of the riuer to keepe the Sanzacks , who still eagerly pursued him from passing ouer : whom the Sanzacks easily repulsed , & so passing the riuer , entred a great way into the Persian kingdome , vntill such time as that they were met withall by certaine of the nobilitie of PERSIA with great troupes of horsemen ; who demanding of them what they meant , and what they sought for in another mans kingdome , were answered by the Turkes , That they pursued their kings fugitiue sonne . To whom the Persians replied , That they did not well , contrarie to the league with their lord and master , to come in armes beyond the bounds of their owne kingdome ; and that there was a strong league betweene king Tamas and Solyman , which it behoued them to regard : as for Baiazet , their king would consider what was conuenient for him to doe , and not in that point forget himselfe : in the meane time they should doe well to get them out of that countrey wherein they had nothing to doe . Whereupon the Turks forthwith left this pursuit and retired . But by and by came messengers from the Persian king to Baiazet to salute him , and to demaund the cause of his comming , and also to see what strength he brought with him ; which as some account was about twentie thousand . To whom Baiazet declared , That he by his brothers injurie and fathers hard dealing driuen out of his countrey , was fled vnto the sacred majestie of the Persian king , as his most assured refuge ; who as he well hoped , in compassion of mans instabilitie , would not reject him so distressed , and otherwise destitute of all helpe . Wherunto the Persian replied , That he had done verie vnwisely to come vnto him that was in league and amitie with his father , whereof one condition was , That they should account the enemies of the one the enemies of the other , and the friends of the one the friends of the other . Which law to breake , he accounted a thing vtterly vnlawfull : neuerthelesse seeing the matter was so fallen out , he was welcome as vnto his friend , who in his behalfe would leaue nothing vnattempted to reconcile him to his father , which he despaired not to bring to passe . So Baiazet meeteth with the Persian king , but in an euill houre , although at their first meeting there was great welcome , friendly countenance , cheerfull lookes , mutuall kindnesse , often conference , and great feasting one of another ; things whereby the secret thoughts of hollow hearts are best concealed : there was also a motion made of a straighter bond of alliance , and one of the Persian kings daughters promised to Orchanes one of Baiazet his sonnes ; and he put in hope that the Persian king would neuer rest in quiet , vntill Solyman had made him Gouernour either of MESOPOTAMIA , BABYLON , or ERZIRVM ( which gouernments were by the Persians greatly extolled ) and that he might there liue without feare of his brother , farre from him and his father also ; where if any thing should fall out otherwise than well , he might haue his brother the Persian king a sure refuge to retire vnto , and so safe from all danger . Which speeches were happily giuen out , of purpuse to auert Baiazet his thought from the feeling of the present danger ; who seemed vnto himselfe so assured of the loue and friendship of Tamas the Persian king , that at such time as he sent his embassadours to CONSTANTINOPLE , for a reconciliation to be made betweene Solyman and him ( as was commonly supposed ) he willed the same embassadour to tell his father , that he had lost a father at CONSTANTINOPLE , and found another in PERSIA . But whether the Persian delt sincerely in this behalfe for Baiazet by his embassadours , which were many , may well be doubted . Like it is , that there was more faigned shew of double diligence , than of true meaning therein ; and rather to feele the mind of Solyman , than to doe any good to the poore distressed prince : and the rather , for that in the meane time all things were seriously plotted that might tend to his destruction . Which were no sooner growne to their full ripenesse , but there was of purpose a motion made , That such a multitude as followed this young prince lay too close togither , that there was not in one place victuall sufficient for them , and that it was therefore more conuenient to haue them billeted in the countrey thereabouts ; which would be more commodious , as well for the better victualing of them , as for diuers other purposes also . Truth was , that Tamas the Persian king , farre vnlike his noble father Ismaell , stood in doubt least hee brought vp a Serpent in his bosome : Yet there were many which thought , that it was not the Persians mind at first to haue destroied Baiazet , but to haue beene thereunto enforced by the practise of some of his familiars and followers ; who not regarding the courtesie of the Persian king , nor the lawes of hospitalitie , persuaded Baiazet to thrust him out of his kingdome : whereof there was many euident tokens . And among other things it was told king Tamas , that one of Baiazets chiefe captaines should say , What meane we ? why stay we to kill this hereticall king , and to possesse his kingdome ? for we shall no doubt by his treacherie all come to destruction . And that vpon such occasion the king was constrained to condiscend to a deuise more necessarie than honourable . Baiazet had no great power , but most of them were valiant men , and souldiors of great experience , readie to aduenture vpon any thing : of whom the Persian not without cause stood in some feare . He knew his kingdome to be neither auntient not yet well assured , as gotten by his father by the counterfeit show of a reformed religion : And who could assure him , but that amongst so many nations ouer whom he lorded , but that there were many wearie of the present state , and so desirous of nouelties ? vnto whom nothing could chance more fitting , than the comming of Baiazet , a noble and valiant young gentleman ; and that more was , desperatly set : that as yet he himselfe might of right rather seeme in the power of his guest , than he in his : And that therefore he was to alter the matter , and not longer to entertaine him as his guest , but to coupe him vp as a most dangerous wild beast . Which to doe , the easiest way was to disperse his power , and so to take him vnawares : for that he could not without much bloudshed be openly taken in the middest of his strength , especially by the daintie Persian of long time not vsed to warre , and as yet not come togither ; against Baiazets souldiors , men of great actiuitie and experience . So was the matter cunningly imparted vnto him for the dispersing of his forces , and all the commodities to ensue thereof alleadged : which Baiazet might not well gainsay , although many of his wise followers ( men of great reach ) did shrewdly suspect the sequell . But what could he refuse , vpon whom necessitie lay so heauie ? where no other hope was left ? where he liued as it pleased another man ? and that againe to , where once to doubt of the fidelitie of his hoast , might be imputed to him for the greatest treacherie ? So these most valiant souldiors , the poore princes faithfull followers , neuer againe to see one another , are dispersed into diuers countrey villages , and bestowed where the Persians thought good . Not many daies after , at a time pickt out for the purpose , they in number few , and dispersed in a strange countrey , were inclosed by many and slaine : their horses , armour , apparell , and whatsoeuer else , became a prey vnto the murtherers . At the same instant was Baiazet and his sonnes cast in bonds also , and that to his greater griefe as many report , taken as he was sitting merrily at dinner at the kings table . The Persian king seemed to haue foreseene much in this his hard dealing with Baiazet : as if that he , being a valiant and couragious young prince , and much better souldior than his brother , should haue succeeded his father in his empire , much trouble and perill might haue growen thereby , both to himselfe and his kingdome : And that it stood farre better with the safetie of his estate , that Selymus ( a man wholy giuen to voluptuousnesse and ease ) should raigne ouer the Turkes ; in whose time he might as it were promise vnto himselfe all peace and securitie : and therefore it was thought that he would neuer let Baiazet go aliue out of his hand , but rather make him away in prison , as if he had there died for melancholy and griefe . Well he was assured ; that after he had slaine his followers , and imprisoned himselfe and his sonnes , hee would neuer be friends with him that had so notably wronged him . Baiazet thus shamefully imprisoned , messengers ran continually too and fro betwixt the two old princes , Solyman and Tamas . Amongst the rest , the Persian king sent a solemne embassadour vnto the Turke with presents , namely curious tents , costly carpets , an Alcoran containing the mysteries of their superstition , and certaine strange beasts . The cause of his comming was pretended to be , for a reconciliation to be made betweene Solyman and his sonne ; which embassadour was honourably entertained and feasted by the great Bassaes. Now was poore Baiazet in small hope of life , his cruell father still crauing to haue him deliuered into his hands to bee slaine : and the Persian yet denying to deliuer him , and seeming to defend him , but not ( as was thought ) altogither faithfully . Solyman left no meanes vnattempted to haue wrung him from the Persian ; sometimes he spake him faire , putting him in mind of his league , wherein it was agreed , That they should both haue the same friends and the same enemies ; otherwhile he terrified him with great words , and denouncing of warre , except he would deliuer him his sonne : he furnished with strong garrisons all the frontiers of his dominion towards PERSIA : he filled all MESOPOTAMIA and the bankes of the riuer Euphrates with souldiors , especially with them of his owne guard , and such as he had before vsed in the battell against Baiazet ; ouer whom commaunded Mehemet Bassa the third of the Visier Bassaes , and the Beglerbeg of GRECE ( for Selymus was soone wearie of the field , and so betime returned home : ) he also incited the Georgian people to take vp armes against the Persians , who wisely answered , That they had not such confidence in their owne strength , as to prouoke king Tamas ; but let Solyman himselfe come with his armie , and when they saw him present in the field , then they knew what they had to doe , and that he should then well see , that they wanted neither discretion nor valour . And because he would leaue nothing vnproued , he made shew as if he would in person himselfe haue gone to ALEPPO in SYRIA , and so haue on that side inuaded the Persian ▪ neither was the Persian king altogither out of feare , hauing to his cost many times proued what Solyman was able to doe . But the vnwillingnesse of the souldiors , and their minds altogither estranged from that warre , easily staied the raging Turke : they detested that warre and forsboke their ensignes , a great number of whom ( especially horsmen ) without leaue of their captaines returned to CONSTANTINOPLE ; and being commanded againe to the campe , went indeed , but with such countenance and cheere , as well declared how they were affected , and what they would doe if occasion serued for them to reuolt . For which cause , after that Solyman perceiued that Baiazet could not aliue be got from the Persian ( excusing himselfe by feare of reuenge by him whom he had so grieuously offended , if he should by any meanes escape : ) he thought it best to follow that which was next , and to haue him there slaine , which he was in good hope to compasse ; and the rather , for that the Persian had but lately written vnto him , That he could not but much maruell , to see him deale so slenderly in a matter of so great importance ; That he on his part had sent him diuers embassadours , and that he on the other side had sent him nothing but common messengers with papers , which caused him to thinke that he made no great account of the matter : wherefore he should doe well , to send vnto him men of account and place , which whom he might conferre and conclude also according to the waightinesse and exigence of the cause : besides that ( he was as he said ) not a little in his debt , for that Baiazet and his followers had beene vnto him no small charge , before hee could get him into his power : all which it were good reason that he should haue consideration of . Whereby Solyman perceiued , that money was the thing the Persian king sought after ▪ and therefore rather than he would in an vnfit time of his life entangle himselfe in a dangerous and vnnecessarie wa●●e , he determined by the counsell of his Bassaes , rather with money than with the sword to fight with the Persian king . Hereupon was Hassan Aga ( one of the chiefe gentlemen of his chamber ) appointed embassadour into PERSIA , with whom was joyned the Bassa of MARAS , a man both for his age and place , reuerend : who departing with a large commission almost in the depth of Winter , with great speed and wonderfull toile , by those long and difficult waies , arriued at last at CASBIN the seat of the Persian king , hauing by the way lost diuers of their seruants and followers . Being come to the court , the first thing they desired , was to see Baiazet ; whom they found shut vp in a close prison , pale and wan● as a man forlorne , with his haire and beard so long and ouergrowne , as that he was not to be knowne before he was new trimmed ▪ which done , then appeared the liuely resemblance of his wonted countenance and fauour , so that Hassan verily knew it to be him : for he had been brought vp with him of a child in the court , and for that cause especially had Solyman sent him thither to be assured that it was he . At length after long discourse and conference betweene the king and the embassadours , it was agreed vpon , that the king should receiue from Solyman , full recompence of all the charges he had been at , and of the harmes by him sustained since the comming of Baiazet into PERSIA , with such farther reward as so great a good turne deserued : which things performed , that then it should be in Solymans power to haue Baiazet made away . With this newes Hassan posteth to his master at CONSTANTINOPLE , who forthwith caused the promised reward , togither with such charges as the Persian king demaunded , to be made readie , and with a safe conuoy to be sent vnto the borders of PERSIA , where they were of the Persians receiued . Presently after , returneth Hassan the appointed executioner of the vnfortunat Baiazet : for so Solyman had straightly charged him , to strangle him with his owne hands . Which thing this new made hangman accordingly performed , and with a bowstring strangled the vnfortunat prince ; who is reported to haue requested of the executioner , but that he might see his children before he died , & take of them his last farewell : which poore request could not be granted , but he forthwith commanded to die . This was the wofull end of the vnluckie attempts of Baiazet , a prince of far more worth than was Selymus his brother , who in seeking to shun the death he feared , hasted the same before his time . Such as was the fathers end , was also the end of his foure sonnes , Omer , Amurat , Selym , and Muhamet : of whom the three eldest were strangled at CASBIN with their father , whose dead bodies togither with his , were solemnly brought to SEBASTIA and there buried . The youngest but new borne left at AMASIA , and sent by his grandfather to PRVSA ( as is before said ) to be there nursed ; was now vpon the death of his father , commaunded by his said grandfather to be strangled also . The eunuch sent by Solyman to haue done the deed , and loth to doe it himselfe , tooke with him one of the porters of the court , a desperat , and otherwise a hard hearted ruffian , a man thought fit to haue performed any villanie : he comming into the chamber where the child lay , and fitting the bowstring to the childs necke to haue strangled it , the innocent babe smiled vpon him , and lifting it selfe vp as well as it could , with open armes offered to haue embraced the villaine about the necke and kissed him . Which guiltlesse simplicitie so wounded the stonie hearted man , that he was not able to performe the intended butcherie of the poore and simple child , but fell downe in a swo●ne , and there lay for dead . The eunuch standing without the doore , maruelling at his long stay , goes in , and finding the ruffian lying along vpon the ground , with cruell hand performed that the other could not find in his heart to do ; and so strangled the guiltlesse child as had been giuen him in charge . Whereby it euidently appeared , that it was not the mercie or compassion of Solyman , that so long caused the guiltlesse infant to be spared ; but rather the opinion generally receiued amongst the Turks , who measuring all things by the good or bad successe , referre all things that fall out well vnto God as the authour thereof , be they neuer so vngratiously begun : and therefore so long as it was yet vncertaine what successe the attempts of Baiazet would haue , Solyman spared the infant , least vpon his fathers good hap , he might seeme to haue striuen against the will of God. But now that his father was dead , and his quarrell by the euill successe thereof condemned as it were by the sentence of the Almightie , he thought it not good longer to suffer him to liue , least of an euill bird might come an euill chicke . I had sometime ( saith the reporter of this historie ) great reasoning with my Chiaus about this matter : for falling into talke with him of Baiazet , he began bitterly to inuay against him for taking vp armes against his brother . Whereunto ( saith this authour ) I replied , That in mine opinion he was worthie both to be pitied and pardoned , forasmuch as he was of necessitie enforced either to take vp armes , or else shortly after to yeeld himselfe to the slaughter . But he still exclaiming against him , I said vnto him , You blame poore Baiazet of great wickednesse , for bearing armes against his brother : but Selymus Solymans father you blame not , who vpon like occasion tooke vp armes both against his father and his brethren ; yet he therein did nothing amisse , nor in your judgement blame worthie . And rightly , saith the Chiaus , for the euent of the matter sheweth sufficiently , that that which he did , was done by the appointment of God , and that he was from heauen predestinate thereunto : whereas in Baiazet the euent sheweth the cleane contrarie . So that which falleth out well , be it by neuer so wicked meanes compassed or brought to passe , they take it as done according to the will of God ; but if it fall out otherwise , they judge it as a thing condemned by God himselfe : depending wholy vpon the good or bad euent of things , and thereby judging them to be well done or otherwise . This yeare 1558 Charles the fift that noble emperour ( of whom we haue in the course of this historie so often spoken ) who wearie of the world had two yeares before deliuered all his hereditarie kingdomes and principalities to his sonne Philip , did now the 24 of Februarie , on which day he was borne , by his embassadours solemnely sent for that purpose , resigne the empire with all the honors and titles thereof vnto his brother king Ferdinand , requesting the princes electors to confirme the same vnto him , which they did the 13 of March next following . So liuing as a priuat gentleman in that solitarie life whereunto he had to the wonder of the world certain years before retired himselfe from all worldly affaires , the 21 day of September following died of a feauer , when he had liued 58 yeares , and thereof reigned 39 : a man no doubt to be worthily accounted amongst the greatest Christian emperours that liued before him . About which time also died his two sisters , Marie the queene of HVNGARIE , and Elenor the French queene , both ladies of great honour . The knights of MALTA , who of long had been suters to the great Bishop and the king of SPAINE for the recouerie of TRIPOLIS in BARBARIE , about nine yeares before taken from them by the Turkes ; at which time they also surprised the Island of ZER●I , vpon the coast of BARBARIE betwixt TRIPOLIS and TVNES , from whence they much troubled the Christians , trauelling by those seas : had now at length so much preuailed , that the king commaunded a great fleet to be now forthwith made readie in September in the yeare 1559 to meet together in SICILIA , and from thence to go directly against the enemie by MALTA : Vnto which fleet , the great bishop , the duke of FLORENCE , and the knights of MALTA , with many other valiant men out of diuers parts of Christendome , joyned their forces also ; so that at length there was a hundred gallies and ships met together vnder the conduct of Andreas Gonzaga their Generall . But whilest this fleet from diuers places was long in comming thither , the duke of MEDINA CoeLI , came before with part of the fleet to MALTA , and in the hauen of MARZA MOX●T expected the comming of the rest , who about the end of the yeare came thither . But whilest they there wintered , expecting the Spring , many of the souldiours fell sicke and died . At length the time of the yeare fit for their setting forward , being come , the captaines consulted among themselues , Whether they should first set vpon TRIPOLIS , or the Island of ZER●I , otherwise called MENING . The knights of MALTA being of opinion , That it were better first to besiege TRIPOLIS , and that with all speed , before Dragut should come thither to furnish it with souldiors and prouision . Others thought it better first to inuade the Island of ZERBI , where the armie might be relieued with plentie of all things necessarie , and from whence they might at all times of danger in safetie retire ; and from thence afterwards as time should serue to go to TRIPOLIS . Which vnfortunat counsell was by the greater part agreed vpon . Wherefore in Februarie the yeare following they departed from MALTA , and sayled directly to ZERBI . In the meane time Dragut the most famous pyrat of that time amongst the Turks , and Gouernor of TRIPOLIS , was come thither with eight hundred of the Turks Ianizaries , and had notably strengthened the citie with men , victuall , and new fortifications ; and presently sent messengers to Solyman at CONSTANTINOPLE , to certifie him of the arriuall of the Christian fleet in AFFRICK . But the Christians comming to the Island of ZERBI , were at their first landing encountered by the Moores , whom they repulsed , and so at pleasure landed . This Island is not farre from the maine , here and there full of boggs and marishes , other riuer hath it none , and in the middest is somewhat hillie . It was inhabited with about thirtie thousand men , which dwelt in low cottages , simply apparrelled : yet is the island reasonable fertile , yeelding dates , oliues , barley , mill , and such like . When the Christians were there landed , they sent for Carauanus , a poore king amongst the Moores ( from whom Dragut had before taken that Island ) to vse his counsell for their better proceeding in that warre . In the meane time they agreed , with eight thousand men to besiege the strongest castle in the Island : in going whereunto the Spaniards went formost , the Germans next , and last of all the Italians . By the way as they went they light vpon ten thousand Moores , which lay in ambush in a wood to haue vpon the sudden set vpon them vnawares ; but being discouered , and seuen hundred of them slaine in skirmish by the Spaniards , the rest fled . So comming to the castle , they planted their batterie , and laid hard siege vnto it . The captaine of the castle finding himselfe too weake long to hold out , fled secretly with his Turkes , leauing the castle for the Moores to defend ; who vpon condition that they might in safetie depart , yeelded the castle to the Spaniards : for keeping whereof , Varona and Cerda , two Spanish captaines , were there left with their companies . Whilest these things were in doing , Car●●●nus the Moore king came to the campe of the Christians and there talked with the Generall , in whose hoarie countenance rested a reuerend majestie , his apparrell was after the Moores fashion of white linnen , with him came also the king of TVNES his sonne . In talking with the Generall , his manner was to 〈◊〉 vpon the ground , and wisely discoursed how the Turkes were to be remooued out of AFFRICKE . But in the middest of these discourses , when such a thing was least feared , suddenly a pinna●e brought newes from sea , That Piall Bassa the Turkes great Admirall was comming thither with a great fleet of 85 gallies , and that moe were dayly repairing vnto him on euery side , which was indeed true . For Solyman vnderstanding from Dragut the arch pyra● , that Island to be by the Christians now possessed and fortified , thought it not ( in his so great power and flourishing estate ) to stand with his honour to suffer , but rather to giue aid vnto the Moores of that Island , a people agreeing in religion with himselfe : and therefore commanded Piall Bassa his Admirall to take in hand that expedition . Who thereupon rigged vp a great fleet well appointed and strongly manned , with a number of the Turkes best and most approued soldiors ; as well Ianizaries as others : yet all both doubtfull and fearefull of the long journey , as also of the fame of the enemies with whom they were to encounter : for why the Turks had conceiued a great opinion of the valour of the Spaniards , as knowing great warres both of auntient and later times to haue beene by that nation ( to the immortall praise thereof ) most happily performed : they remembred well Charles the fift , and dayly heard much of king Philip , the heire both of his fathers vertues and kingdomes ▪ which made them so carefull , that many of them before their setting forth ( as in time of greatest danger ) made their wils , and so departed from CONSTANTINOPLE , taking their leaue of their friends ▪ as if they should neuer haue thither returned againe . So that all the citie was in a confused feare : neither was there any man whether he went or stayed , that hung not in suspence with the doubtfull expectation of the euent of that warre . Howbeit , Piall with this great fleet with long sayling and a prosperous wind was at length come well neere as farre as MALTA , and knowledge thereof ( as is aforesaid ) giuen vnto the Christian fleet at ZERBI . With which vnexpected newes the Christians there were not a little troubled : neuerthelesse they fortified the castle with new fortifications and bulwarkes , and fell to agreement with the principall man amongst the Moores of the Island ( who commaunded the rest , and had before pluckt downe the ensignes of Dragut , and set vp the king of SPAINES ) That he should yearely pay vnto the king of SPAINE ( as he had defore vnto Dragut ) six thousand crownes , one cammell , foure ostriches , foure sparrow hawkes , and foure blew faulcons : a tribute fit for such an Island . But shortly after , viz. the ninth of May , the Great Master of MALTA by another pinnace gaue the Christians at ZERBI againe to vnderstand , That the Turks fleet was euen now at hand , and alreadie departed from the Island of GOZO , well appointed and strongly manned : and that therefore he aduised them with speed to hoise saile , and to get them to some place of more safetie , or els to come to him to MALTA , for feare of being by so great a power of the Turks suddenly oppressed . Whereupon Iohn Andreas Auria the Admirall sent vnto the Generall , requesting him presently to come aboord , that so they might before the comming of the Turks fleet retire themselues to some place of more assurance . But he for all that stayed still at the castle , where the Christians had built foure strong bulwarkes : whereof they had named one Auriaes , another Gonzagaes , the third the Viceroyes , and the fourth the Knights , not yet all perfectly finished : as for the castle it selfe , they called it Philip-Alcazer , by the name of the king . But whilest the Generall is thus busie , and vainely hopeth to keepe both the castle and his ships , he the next day descrying from farre the comming of the Turkes great fleet , hasted with the Admirall to be gone : and putting twice to sea , was both times by a contrary wind driuen againe into the hauen , so that he and the Admirall had much adoe in time to get themselues into the castle : for the wind was so fauourable for the Turks , and brought them so fast on , that the Christians dismayed with their suddaine comming , knew not now well what to doe or which way to turne themselues . But by good hap the greater part of the ships and foureteene gallies were got out and gone the night before , and the Great Master had in Aprill called home his gallies , wherewith and ten others of his owne he afterwards defended the frontiers of his Island . As for the rest of the fleet that stayed for the Generall and the Admirall , some few gallies escaped by flight , othersome ran themselues aground , ten of which were presently taken by the Turkes , as were the rest also that were left , although they for a while did what they might to haue saued themselues . The night following the Viceroy and the Admirall secretly stole out of the castle , and so by good fortune in two small frigots fled to MALTA . Carauanus also the Moore king , with the prince of TVNES , got them away into the maine . Gonzaga the Viceroy departing from MALTA into SICILIA , prouided as he might for the safetie of that countrey . Auria in the meane time gathered together the remainder of the dispersed fleet , hauing lost in this vnfortunat expedition seuenteene gallies , with a great part of the ships . Now in the castle was left as Generall Don Aluarus de Sandes , a valiant gentleman of great spirit and long experience , with fiue thousand footmen , some Germanes , some Italians , but for the most part Spaniards ; besides a thousand other that were no souldiors . So that the Turks beginning to besiege the same the seuenteenth of May , were by them many times notably encountered , and in their assaults repulsed . Vnto this siege at length came Dragut the pyrat , who with fifteene great pieces which he brought with him from TRIPOLIS , encreased the furie of the Turks batterie . Neither were the Christians in the meane time wanting vnto themselues , hauing in the castle fortie great pieces of artillerie , wherewith they slew a number of the Turkes and Moores : and sometimes sallying out , fought with them hand to hand ; and hauing slaine and wounded many , retired againe into the castle . In this manner the siege continued three months with many an hot and desperat skirmish : during which time , nothing more troubled the defendants than thirst in that hot and drie climat and intemperat time of the yeare : for why in the castle there was but one great cesterne , which although it yeelded some good store of water , yet was it not ynough to suffice so great a multitude , but was by measure still sparingly giuen out vnto the souldiors so farre as it would serue , no man hauing more allowed him than would suffice to keepe him aliue : the quantitie whereof some augmented by distilling of the sea water , and mingling it with their allowance , and so well eased their thirst , vntill such time as hauing spent all their wood , they wanted that poore helpe also . There might a man haue seen many poore soules lying vpon the ground halfe dead , gaping and still crying out nothing but water , water ; into whose drie mouths , if any man vpon compassion vouchsafed to poure a little water , they as men reuiued therewith would presently sit vp , vntill that for thirst they fell downe againe , and so at length as men rosted gaue vp the ghost . Thus many died daily , beside them whom the chance of warre and other diseases without helpe consumed in so great a distresse . Don Aluarus the Gouernour considering the great extremitie they were now brought vnto , attempted with Don Sanchius de Leyua Admirall of the Neapolitane gallies , Bellingerius de Requesenes Admirall of the Sicilian gallies , and some others by night to haue escaped away into a gallie which lay vnder the castle , but in doing thereof were perceiued by the Turks , and so all taken . Whereupon such soldiours as sicknesse and the enemies sword had yet left aliue , pinched with extreame necessitie , forsaken of their best captaines , and out of all hope of releefe also , couenanting their liues only with the enemie , yeelded themselues into most miserable captiuitie . In this vnfortunat expedition perished about eighteene thousand Christians , some with sicknesse , some drowned , but most slaine , beside the losse of a great part of the fleet also . Of this victorie Piall sent newes by one of his gallies to CONSTANTINOPLE , which for the more manifesting thereof , dragged at the poupe thereof a great ensigne of the Christians , with the picture of Christ crucified therein . Which was no sooner come into the hauen , but that the rumour of the ouerthrow of the Christians was forthwith blowne through the whole citie , the Turks exceedingly rejoycing one with another for the newes of so great a victorie : yea many of them not so contented , came by heapes to the gate of the house where the emperour Ferdinands embassadour lay , and there meeting with his seruants , by way of derision asked them , if they had any brethren , kinsmen , or friends in the Spanish fleet at ZERBI , for if you haue ( said they ) you shall shortly see them here . Besides that , they with many words most insolently bragged of their owne valour , and scorned the cowardise of the Christians , asking who were able to withstand them , now that the Spaniards was also ouercome . All which with much more the embassadours men with great greefe were enforced to heare , but there was no remedie , seeing God had so appointed it . Shortly after , in September the victorious fleet returned to CONSTANTINOPLE , dragging with it the prisoners , spoiles , and gallies of the Christians , a sight no lesse pleasant vnto the Turks , than heauie vnto the Christians : and that night it lay at anker neere vnto the rocks in the face of the citie , with the greater pompe and glorie to come the next day into the hauen . At which time Solyman himselfe was come downe into a gallerie neere vnto the hauens mouth , adjoyning vnto his garden , the better to see the comming in of the fleet , and the Christian captains set there to shew vpon the poupe of the Admirall gallie , namely , Don Aluarus de Sandes , Don Sanchius de Leyua , and Don Bellingerus de Requesenes , all of late great commaunders : as for the Christian gallies all disarmed and vnrigged , so to seeme the more contemptible in comparison of the Turks , they were towed at the taile of the Turks gallies . They which then saw Solymans countenance , perceiued not in him any signe at all of any insolent joy . I my selfe ( sayth Busbequius , then the emperour Ferdinands embassadour there ) saw him two dayes after going to the church with the same countenance he had alwayes , with the same seueritie and grauitie , as if this victorie had nothing concerned him , nor any thing chanced strange or vnexpected : so capable was the great heart of that old sire of any fortune , were it neuer so great , and his mind so setled , as to receiue so great applause and rejoycing without mouing . Within a few dayes after the Christian captiues ( before almost starued with hunger ) were brought to the Court : many of whom could scarce stand vpon their legs , some others for weakenesse fell downe and fainted , and othersome died outright : they were all scornfully led in triumph , with their Armes disordered & scornfully put vpon them : the Turkes in the meane time insulting round about them , promising vnto themselues the empire of the whole world : and vainely asking , What enemie they were to feare , now that the Spaniard was ouercome . Aluarus Sandes , as cheefe of all the prisoners , being brought into the Diuano before the Visier Bassaes , and demaunded by Rustan Bassa , What his master meant , being not able to defend his owne , to inuade other mens ? answered , That it beseemed not him to judge thereon ; and himselfe to haue done but his dutie , with such faithfulnesse as was meet to put in execution what he was commaunded by his lord , although he , had no good fortune therein . After that , he besought the Bassaes vpon his knee , to speak for him vnto Solyman , for that he had at home a poore wife , with certaine small children , for whom he requested him to spare him . Wherunto Rustan Bassa ( contrarie to his manner ) courteously answered , his Soueraigne to be of a mild and gentle nature , and that he was in good hope his pardon might bee of him obtained : so was he commaunded away vnto Caradines his castle , towards the blacke sea . But he was not gone farre , but that he was called backe againe ; for that the Great Chamberlain , a man in great credit with Solyman , had not as yet seene him : for which cause hee was sent for backe againe ; wherewith he was not a little troubled , fearing least the Bassaes hauing changed their minds , would haue put him to death . The rest of the captiues of the better sort were committed to the castle of PERA , and amongst them Don Sanchius de Leyua , with his two base sons , and also Don Bellingerus Requesenes : which two great men , with Don Aluarus de Sandes , were neuerthelesse afterwards with much adoe and almost beyond all hope , at the request of the emperour , and by the dexteritie of his embassadour , by Solyman set at libertie ; although he had before denied them vnto Saluiat the French kings embassadour , who had beene an earnest intercessour for them . Yet before they were deliuered out of prison , the Muphti or Turkes great priest was asked his opinion , Whether it were lawfull for a greater number of Turkes to exchange a few Christian captiues ( for the embassadour beside the rewards he had promised vnto the Bassaes , to further the matter , had also vndertaken , that fortie common prisoners of the Turkes should be set at libertie for them ) whereunto the Muphti answered , That the doctors of their law were of diuers opinions concerning that question , some saying that it was lawfull , and some not ; howbeit as then it was by him resolued vpon vnto the more fauourable part , and the exchange allowed . There were among the prisoners taken at ZERBI , besides these noble men of whom we haue before spoken , two other noble gentlemen right honourably borne , Don Iohn of CARDONA Don Bellinger his sonne in law , and Don Gasto the duke of MEDINA his sonne , to whom yet but a youth his father neuerthelesse had giuen an honourable place in the armie . Of these two Don Iohn had wisely taken order for a great summe of money to be left in the island of CHIO , by the way as the Turkes fleet went to CONSTANTINOPLE , from whence he afterwards in safetie got into SPAINE . But Gasto was by Piall Bassa ( vpon hope of a great raunsome ) purposely hid out of the way , which had like to haue wrought his destruction : for Solyman hauing gotten an inckling thereof by the instigation of Rustan , laboured for nothing more than to haue Gasto found out , so to haue a more just occasion for the putting of Piall to death , being taken tardie in so manifest a fault . But all that labour was spent in vaine , Gasto being by death taken away , but whether by the plague ( as some reported ) or by Piall his meanes ( as it was more like ) least the truth should be found out , is vncertaine . But certaine it was , that being with great care sought for by the duke his fathers seruants , he could neuer be heard of more : So that it was thought Piall for the safegard of his owne life , not to haue spared Gasto his prisoners life . Who neuerthelesse for a long time liued in great feare , and not daring to come to CONSTANTINOPLE , took occasion with a few gallies to wander about amongst the islands of AEGEVM , as if he had there something to doe ; but indeed so shunning the sight of his angrie lord , for feare he should haue been compelled in bonds to haue answered the matter . Vntill at length he appeased at the request of Suleiman Bassa ( the eunuch and Solymans great chamberlaine ) and of Selymus , Solymans son , granted him his pardon in these words well worth the marking out of the mouth of an infidell prince : Well haue he from me pardon and forgiuenesse for so great an offence : but let God the most iust reuenger of villanies take of him due punishment after this life . So fully he seemed to be persuaded that no euill deed ought to remaine without punishment , either in this life or in the life to come . There was in this expedition a Colonell of the Turks well acquainted with Busbequius the emperours embassadour , then lying at CONSTANTINOPLE : into whose hands ( in that discomfiture of the Christians ) by chance was come the imperiall ensigne of the gallies of NAPLES ; wherein within the compasse of an Eagle , were contained the armes of all the prouinces belonging to the kingdome of SPAINE . Which faire ensigne the embassadour vnderstanding him to purpose to giue for a present vnto Solyman , thought good to preuent the matter , and to get it from him : which he easily obtained , by sending him two sutes of silke ( such as the Turkes make reckoning of ) for it : so prouiding that one of the imperiall ensignes of Charles the fift , should not to the eternall remembrance of that ouerthrow , remaine still with the enemies of the Christian religion . This so miserable a calamitie receuied by the Christians at ZERBI , made that island , before little or nothing spoken of , to be euer since famous . About this time to end this vnfortunat yeare withall , the fiue and twentith day of Nouember died Andreas Auria ( that second Neptune ) being ninetie foure yeares old : a man in his time of great fame , and of the greatest princes of that age had in no small reputation , but especially of Charles the fift , in whose seruice he did much for the benefit of the Christian common weale , being for most part imploied in his greatest warres against the Turks and Moores . Yet amongst all the notable things done to his immortall glorie , the kindnesse by him shewed vnto his natiue countrey was greatest ; which oppressed by the French , he set at libertie : and when he might haue taken vpon him the sole gouernment thereof ( as had diuers others before him ) moderating his desires , and respecting the onely good thereof , appeased the great dissention that had of long raigned therein ; and established such a forme of gouernment , confirmed with so good and wholsome lawes and orders ( no mans libertie infringed ) as that it hath euer since to his eternall praise in great wealth , state , and libertie , thereby flourished . Vnto whose remembrance ( for that we haue before of him much spoken in the course of this historie ) I thought it not amisse to joyne the liuely counterfeit of his reuerend aged countenance , by nature framed answerable vnto his noble vertues . ANDREAS AVRIA . Genua quem genuit , genui quam deinde vicissim , Auria qui merui Carolo sub Caesare quinto , Turcarum terror , Piratarumque Subactor , Barbara quem sensit tellus , & capta Thunissa , Arx & Aphrodisium , Moreaeque vrbs celsa Corone , Mors rapuit Lustris decies prope quinque peractis . As Genua me begat , so I preseru'd the same : And seruing vnder Charles the fift , exalted haue my name . A terrour to the Turkes I was , I brought the pyrats low : And spoiling their Barbarian coast , made them by force to know Faire TVNES and strong APHRODISE , both by my helpe were woon : And CORONE in MOREA , by me was ouerrun . So hauing spent ninetie foure yeares in treading honours trace : Full fraught with honour and with yeares , I ended haue my race . The Turkes the yeare following , with their gallies robbed and spoiled diuers places vpon the coasts of ITALIE , SICILIE , and MALTA : against whom Phillip king of SPAINE sending forth his gallies by force of tempest lost twentie fiue of them , the eighteenth day of Nouember , togither with Mendoza admirall of that fleet . Ferdinand the emperour , hauing with long sute and much entreating obtained peace of Solyman , and being now well stricken in yeares , and carefull both of the state of the empire and of the aduancement of his posteritie , began to deale with the princes Electors for a choice to bee made of a king of the Romans ; who after his death might without the trouble of GERMANI● succeed him in the empire : commending vnto them his sonne Maximilian , a prince of great hope , then king of BOHEMIA . Whereupon an assemblie of the princes Electours was appo●●●ted to bee holden at FRANKFORD : who there meeting at the appointed time ▪ with generall consent the 24 day of Nouember in the yeare 1562 , chose Maximilian the emperours some king of the Romans , and with all the accustomed solemnities crowned him : who also the yeare after was at PRESEVRO the eight of September with much solemnitie crowned king of HVNGARIE . Vnto this solemne assemblie of the empire at FRAN●FORD , Solyman the Turkish emperour sent Ibrahim Bassa , otherwise called Abraham Strotzza ( a Polonian borne of whom we haue before spoken ) his embassadour with presents and letters to Ferdinand the emperour , to confirme the peace for eight yeares betwixt them before concluded ; who the seuenteenth day of Nouember in presence of the emperour ; the king of the Romans , and all the princes Elect●●● ; had audience : where , after much glorious speech in setting forth his masters greatnesse , with his loue towards the emperour and his sonne the new chosen king , as wishing vnto them all happinesse , he deliuered his letters of credence vnto the emperor : the copie wherof I haue not thought amisse here to set downe , for that therein is notably to be seene the most insolent pride of that barbarous prince , and miserable estate of the ●ent kingdome of HVNGARIE , deuided as it were at his pleasure betwixt him and the emperour . I the lord of lords , ruler of the East and of the West , who am of power to doe and not to doe whatsoeuer pleaseth me , lord of all GRaeCIA , PERSIA , and ARABIA , commaunder of all things which can be subiect to king and commaund , the great worthie of these times , and strong champion of the most wide world , lord of all the white and blacke sea , and of the holy citie of MECHA shining with the brightnesse of God , and of the citie of MEDINA and of the holy and chast citie of IERVSALEM , king of the most noble kingdome of AEGIPT , lord of IONIA and of the citie of ATHENS , SENAV , of the sacred temple of God , ZABILON and BASSIO , RETHSAN and MA●ODIM , the seat and throne of the great king Nashin Rettam , and lord of the island of ALGIERS , prince of the kingdomes of TARTARIE , MESOPOTAMIA , MEDIA , of the Georgians , MOREA , ANATOLIA , ASIA , ARMENIA , WALACHIA , MOLDAVIA , and of all HVNGARIE , and of many other kingdomes and territories , whereof I am emperour ; the most mightie Monarch Sultan Solyman ; sonne of the great emperour Sultan Selym , who haue power from God to rule all people with a bridle ; and strength to breake open the gates and bars of all cities and strong places : into whose mightie hand are deliuered all the ends of the world , none excepted . I the ruler of the East , from the Island of TSEIN vnto the farthest bounds of AFFRICA , whom God hath appointed a mightie warriour in the edge of the sword : amongst whose most mightie kingdomes the impregnable castle of CESARae is reputed for the least , and in whose hereditarie dominions the kingdome or empire of Alexander the Great is accounted as a trifle : with me is the strength of the whole world and vertue of the firmam●nt . For as much as thou king Ferdinand , which art the mightie lord of Christendome , and the chosen vessell of the mightie Christian faith , created and elected emperour of the Romane people , of BOHEMIA , VANDALIA , CRABATIA , and many other countries king and lord &c. Not long since sent vnto our court ( which is the refuge of all kings , the protection and sanctuarie of all that flie thereunto , and the throne of grace for all princes of these times which repaire vnto it ) one Augerius Busbeck , thy faithfull counsellour and embassadour , with letters of confederation , to renew with vs a peace , and to enter into a further league and bond of amitie : which letters beare date the yeare from the prophet Iesu ( vpon whom and our prophet Mahomet rest the brightnesse and peace of God ) 1562 , the first day of Iune , requesting of vs , That graunting you peace for eight yeares , we would not with any hostilitie hereafter molest your cities , castles , countries , or subiects , but to suffer them to liue in secure peace and tranquilitie , &c. Vnto which your petition we answere you , That from henceforth for the whole space of eight yeares shall be betwixt vs on both parts to be continued a new , true , and firme league : of which agreement , peace , and confederation , these shall be the conditions . First , That you our beloued shall be bound to send yearely to our court as a pledge of this league thirtie thousand Hungarian duckats , with that remainder which you owe vnto vs for the two yeares last past : for which wee promise vnto you , that we from henceforth during this eight yeares league , will take no part either by way of hostilitie or friendship with king Iohns sonne , for as much as belongeth to his hereditarie countries , whether they be in the hether part of HVNGARIE , or on the further side of TEISSE : all which for all that , by law of armes belong vnto vs. And the same king Iohns sonne in time of this eight yeares league shall be also bound in such sort to performe vnto vs his obedience , as that from henceforth it shall not be lawfull for him to vse any warre or hostilitie against you , neither to trouble your subiects with fire or sword , nor to surprise your cities , castles , or townes , or by violence to take away or exact of your people or subiects , their sheepe , their cattell , their goods , money , or reuenewes . We also our selues shall haue no right , nor take occasion to driue away your people , to burne your countries , or carrie away any captiues : but rather in this eight yeares space religiously keepe peace and concord with you . And vnder these conditions of peace shall also be comprehended Michaell Balaschus , Nicholas Batho● , with all their goods and territories , and diuers other such like , which shall be subiect vnto you and king Iohns sonne . To be breefe , if happily any of yours or king Iohns sonnes subiects shall haue now before in time of warre thrust one another out of his goods , lands , or possessions , whereof new quarrels or discord may arise ; we will and decree , That all such controuersies , quarrels and claimes shall be deferred vntill this definit time of the league be expired . Beside , if by chance any dissention shall hereafter arise betwixt vs about our iurisdiction , which can by no means be composed and ordered ; we will that yours shall in the mean time remain as yours , and ours as ours , all contention & enmitie set apart : also many townes situat here and there by Danubius and Tatta , shall bee suffered to vse the same law which they did in former time ; so that the soldiors which are yet in garrison in the castle of Tatta , shall haue no right to infest or vex those townes situate neere vnto Danubius . Furthermore , if after this peace concluded , any of your noble men or gentlemen shall fortune to haue any of our noblemen by reuolt or other occasion whatsoeuer , captiues , they shall dismisse them and set them at libertie , to returne vnto their friends freely without hurt or ransome ; that so the concord and peace begun betwixt vs , may be the more firmely kept , and our subiects liue in more securitie . All and euery one of these things wee graunt and promise to be of vs from henceforth vntill the end of the aforesaid eight yeares , without all fraud or guile religiously obserued and kept ; and for that purpose haue caused these our letters of this peace and confederation to be published from our royall pallace : and moreouer , haue not only prouided , that the copie of the same should together with our edict be proclaimed to all and euery the generals , captaines , lieutenants of our armies both by sea and land in all parts of our empire , and to all our mercinarie souldiors , but haue also straightly commanded , that it shall be firmely and sincerely kept . We will also , that this agreement of peace and amitie shall comprehend and concerne our two cheefe Gouernors or Vayuods of WALACHIA and MOLDAVIA , so that none of your people of HVNGARIE , CRAEATIA , SCLAVONIA , or other your countries or islands whatsoeuer , shall in any sort be molested or greeued by our subiects . And if it shall fortune that some shall on your part out of their castles set vpon our subiects , or by force take away their goods , the same men shall in any case be bound to make thereof restitution . Also if any shall flie from vs and carrie away with them the mony or goods of their masters whom they serued , or if the like shall be done by any of yours flying to vs , then the same goods on both parts are to be of right demaunded and recouered againe , and the fugitiues to the example of others to be corrected and punished : for as much as fugitiues goods of right appertain vnto their lords and masters . Furthermore it shall be lawfull for your captaines and commaunders to fortifie or build castles , cities or townes in the borders of HVNGARIE , and to put into the same victuall , armor , & such like , but so that they do none of these things out of their owne limits . And during the time of this league it shall not be lawfull to take or carrie away any of your subiects prisoners either in HVNGARIE or other place of your iurisdiction : which for all that , if it shall by any chance happen , that then such captiues without delay be suffred safely to returne home againe . Furthermore , whatsoeuer Christian shall haue any businesse to do in our magnificent Court or any part of our dominions , as are embassadors , officers , seruants , and such others : vnto all these we not onely graunt and permit , that they may come and go about their businesse , and so againe depart from our court or prouinces ; but also haue willed and commaunded , them to be well and courteously entreated by our subiects , and furthered with the interpretation of our language . And if it shall fortune any contention or discord to arise betwixt our subiects on either side , about the bounds and limits of lands , or other such like causes : such controuersies we will to be decided and determined by discreet and indifferent men on both parts ; and the authors of such discord and variance , to be punished as suspected persons and breakers of the league . We also prohibit those skirmishes or combats , which were wont to be sometimes on both sides made vpon the borders . And desire , that the forme of this league and peace , and euerie article thereof , may be publikely read and set vp in sundrie places of your dominions ; and commaundement giuen , that they may with due obedience and reuerence be obserued and kept . Which we likewise haue now before promised faithfully , and assuredly to performe : and your embassadour whom a few moneths agone you sent vnto vs , in your name requested the same thing of vs , and hath with earnest praiers moued vs by imperiall oath and these letters of credence , to witnesse , that we did ratifie and confirme the same ; as if we our selues should speake to you in presence . Wherefore we haue giuen to him these our letters of pacification to you directed , that your generals , souldiors , and subiects , may be bound also to obserue and keepe all these things : wherefore , so long as nothing contrarie to this league shall be done on your part ; so long in like manner , all these articles of peace shall be of me accepted and assured . For witnesse and confirmation whereof , I sweare this oath : By the true and liuing creator of heauen and earth , by the true signes of our great and reuerend prophet , by my imperiall power , and by my true faith ; that nothing contrarie or repugning vnto the aforesaid articles , conditions , and promises of the eight years league agreed vpon betwixt vs , shall be attempted or done by any our Gouernours , Generals , Vayuods , &c. Commaunding moreouer , all our sworne gouernours of our most mightie empire , in WALACHIA , and MOLDDAVIA , and king Stephen himselfe , and others which haue the gouernment of our empire confining vpon you , That they all and euerie of them as well as our selues , shall iustly , faithfully , and religiously , accept , reuerence , and keepe these conditions of peace , towards your subiects , cities , castles , townes , and other things appertaining to you ; and in the least thing , not to hurt , iniurie , or wrong any your subiects . In briefe , we shall as farre as our part concerneth vs giue vnto this most mightie and great new made loue and friendship , so great honour , reuerence , and authoritie , that that which may euen in the least things be had , shall not on our part be wanting . In token whereof , we haue suffered certaine Christian captiues , whom by your embassadour you requested to haue set at libertie , franckly to returne vnto you without raunsome ; out of which captiuitie they could neuer haue been redeemed , if in regard of this our amitie and friendship we had not granted them libertie : trusting that you will in like sort set at libertie such of ours as you haue captiues . Giuen at our imperiall pallace and seat in the most mightie citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , the first day of September , in the yeare of our great and reuerend prophet 969. The same embassadour , after he had deliuered these letters , presented vnto the emperour the gifts he had brought from his Great master : which was two great cups of naturall christall , curiously wrought , and set with stones of great price : a couragious Turkie horse , with a saddle and trappings wrought with gold , and set with pretious stones , and garnished with chaines of pure gold : and foure of the fairest camels that were to be got in all CONSTANTINOPLE . In deliuering of which presents , the Bassa made his excuse , that the horse and camels had lost their beautie , being with foure moneths trauell from CONSTANTINOPLE , growne somewhat leane and wearie . This peace thus concluded betwixt the emperour Ferdinand and Solyman , held firme vntill the death of Ferdinand , who about two yeares after in the yeare 1564 vpon S. Iames his day died , being sixtie yeares old : whereof hee raigned as emperour not full seauen yeares . In whose place succeeded Maximilian his sonne , before chosen king of the Romans . But immediatly after the death of Ferdinand , the captaines on the frontiers of that part of HVNGARIE which was holden for the emperour on the one side , and the Turkes captaines with the Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA on the other side , wearie of their ease , began contrarie to the forme of the league to surprise strong holds and townes one in another confines , wherof ensued much trouble : The authour whereof was Melchior Balas , the emperours lieutenant in that part of HVNGARIE which bordereth vpon TRANSILVANIA , who first surprised certaine townes vpon the frontiers thereabouts : in reuenge whereof , the Vayuod suddenly set vpon SAC●MAN , a town in the emperours territorie which he tooke , and therein Balas his wife and children . In despight whereof , Balas ransacked and burnt DEBREZIN , a great towne of the Vayuods . But not long after , the Vayuod Solymans vassall , and aided by him with foure thousand Turkes and three thousand Moldauians , did much harme vpon the frontiers of that part of HVNGARIE which belonged to the emperour , and first tooke HADAD , and afterwards besieged VNGAR . In requitall whereof , Maximilian the emperour sent Lazarus Suendi , a valiant captaine , who with an armie of eight thousand , besieged the strong castle of TOKAY , which he tooke the fift of Februarie , in the yeare 1565 ; and after that , tooke the rich towne of ERDEN . In the meane time Solyman , who had in himselfe fully purposed to be reuenged of all these injuries ( as well appeared by that he did the yeare following ) to stay the emperour from proceeding farther , vntill such time as he were at better leisure to be reuenged ( for as then he was making great preparation for MALTA ) sent Marcus Lilinesius a renegat Transiluanian of CIBINIVM , his embassadour to Maximilian , to put him in remembrance of the league made with his father , and to wish him to haue regard how he further proceeded to the breach thereof . Whereupon the emperour , because he would not seeme vnwillng to hearken to peace , commaunded his lieutenants and captaines no more to inuade TRANSILVANIA , or that part of HVNGARIE which the Turkes held . Howbeit that , whilest this embassadour was thus intreating of peace at VIENNA , the Bassa of TEMESVVAR in the borders of TRANSILVANIA , made diuers incursions into the borders of HVNGARIE , and with six thousand souldiors besieged the strong castle of IVLA , and the Turkes in great number came daily into TRANSILVANIA . At which time also , Suendi Generall of Maximilian his forces vpon the frontiers , by messengers sent for that purpose , wished him not to giue any credit vnto the Turks embassadour , who meaning nothing but warre , vnder the colour of peace sought nothing else but to take him vpon the sudden vnprouided . Neither ceased these troubles thus , but daily grew from euill to worse : for in Iune the Transiluanians besieged ERDEN , before taken by the imperials , and after two moneths siege had it yeelded vnto them . In the meane time , Chernouich the emperours embassadour to Solyman returned from CONSTANTINOPLE , assuring him , that the great Turk for all his faire shewes of peace , ment in deed nothing but wars , for which he was ( as he said ) making great preparation both by sea and land . Wherupon the emperour began to raise more forces : which thing diuers noble men , both of GERMANIE and other places hearing of , came vnto him with their followers ; and amongst others , Romerus one of the knights of MALTA , and diuers others of his brethren , with fiue companies of souldiors well appointed , sent thither by George Hochenheime , graund prior of that Order in GERMANIE , and then confirmed one of the princes of the empire . At the same time also , the Turks being busie upon the borders of STIRIA and the places thereabouts , were many times cut off by Charles the archduke ; who taking them at an aduantage , slew at one time three thousand of them . Yet for all this , the Turkes embassadour was still at VIENNA intreating for peace , and so cunningly handled the matter , that whereas Eccius Salma , a noble and valiant captaine , had corrupted the chiefe judge with certaine others of ALBA REGALIS , to haue betraied the citie vnto him ; for performance whereof , they had deliuered their wiues and children as hostages , and he was now vpon his way from RAB , which is but eight miles off , in an assured hope to haue surprised the citie : he was suddenly by letters in post from the emperour called backe againe , for corrupting the hope conceiued of peace : and so was that notable dessignment vnfortunatly disappointed ; of which practise the Turks hauing knowledge , afterwards most cruelly executed fortie of the conspirators , impaling some of them vpon sharpe stakes , and hanging others vpon yron hooks by the jawes vntill they were dead . Shortly after the Turks tooke NEOSTAT , which was not long after againe recouered by the emperour . At the same time one of the Turks spies was taken at ZIGETH , who but thirteene daies before was sent from CONSTANTINOPLE , of purpose to view the strength and situation of that place : hee being brought before Charles the archduke and examined , said , That Solyman would assuredly the next Spring come in person himselfe into HVNGARIE , to besiege the strong castles of ZIGETH and IVLA . At which time also , countie Serinus tooke certaine other of the Turkes spies , by whom he was certainly aduertised of Solymans comming the next yeare ; and amongst others Scaphir Vayda , the Bassa of BVDA his chiefe counsellor . Beside this , the countrey men ( contributors both to the imperials and the Turks ) were now straightly commanded by the Turks , to pay no more contribution money vnto the imperials : whereupon it was easily gathered , that all that talke of peace , was as Suendi had oftentimes written , nothing else but to delay the time , and to put them in securitie . Beside that , the Turkes made incursions daily into one place or other of the emperours territories , shewing their auntient hate , and sowing by those light skirmishes , as it were , the seed of a greater warre against the next Spring ▪ which the emperour now out of doubt of ( being also warned thereof by many letters from his friends ) put strong garrisons into his frontier towns , especially into RAB and ZIGETH . But knowing that to be but a poore helpe against so puissant an enemie , he resolued as his father and vncle had done before , to rest vpon the strength of the empire , and against the next yeare to call a generall assembly of the princes of the empire at AVOVSTA , for the better withstanding of the common enemie . The warres thus beginning againe in HVNGARIE , Solyman at the same time in reuenge of the manifold harmes done vnto his subjects by the knights of MALTA , whose hand he found euer against him in all his dealings with the other Christian princes , made great preparation both by sea and land : purposing ( as seemed by the manner thereof ) to haue rased the memoriall of those worthie men from off the earth . Whereunto , beside the naturall hatred which he bare against all Christians in generall , and them aboue the rest in particuler , he was much incited by Cassanes , Barbarussa his sonne king of ALGIERS , and Dragut gouernour of TRIPOLIS : by whose persuasions he caused a strong fleet to be rigged vp , commaunding the lieutenants and gouernours of his ports and hauens all alongst the sea coast , to put to their helping hands , and to be readie against the next Spring . And not long after , vnderstanding partly of his owne certaine knowledge , and partly by the relation of others , in what good forwardnesse things were : he calling togither a great assembly of his greatest princes and men of warre , deliuered vnto him his mind as followeth . What thing I haue this fortie yeares alwaies wished , which was to haue so much leisure from other warres , as to plucke out of their nests and vtterly to root out these Crossed pirats , which vaunt themselues to be the bulwarke of Christendome : that same , me thinke I haue by the fauour of God and Muhamed his prophet , at this time obtained . For we haue so repressed the attempts of the Persians , that they cannot let vs : and in HVNGARIE , from whence certaine dreadfull motions were reported , we our selues will shortly doe those things which shall enforce our enemies to hide their heads in the heart of GERMANIE , and to sue to vs for peace . You your selues daily heare the pitifull complaints of our subiects and merchants , whom these Maltaeses , I say not souldiors , but pirats , if they but looke into those seas , spoile and make prize of : whose iniuries to reuenge , all lawes both of God and man require . Neither can any thing happen vnto me more pleasing or more honourable , than if I may before I die , accomplish those things , that is , to win MALTA , and to leaue all things in order in HVNGARIE and POLONIA : except perhaps some man thinke it a harder matter for vs to thrust these Crossed companions from the rocks of MALTA , than for our auncestors to haue driuen them from IERVSALEM , and so quite out of SYRIA , and for our selues to haue forced them out of the strong island of the RHODES . But this some will say , is neerer vnto ITALIE from whence aid may easily be sent , and the place defended by a fleet . Beleeue me , they will neuer aduenture to fight with vs at sea , who remember themselues to haue been there so often by vs ouerthrowne : beside that , so little a place cannot containe any great garrison ; neither if it could , could it long feed them . Wherefore vnto this expedition , we haue determined with the first of the Spring , to send a most strong fleet : and euen now we haue alreadie commaunded all our sea captaines and aduenturers which acknowledge our commaund , to be there present with their ships . The king of ALGIERS will be there , the garrisons of ALEXANDRIA are in readinesse , so is also Dragut with his appointed fleet ; as for our owne , it is by mine owne direction rigged vp : vnto which fleet I doubt not , but that all the strength of the West will giue place : Which thing ( worthie captaines ) we speake , trusting vpon the helpe of almightie God , and Muhamed his great phrophet , with your knowne and approued Valour . Now remaineth onely , that euerie one of you thinke with vs , how this warre may best be managed , and so to referre your deuises vnto vs : which that you may the better doe , Loe , I here deliuer vnto you the situation of the whole island , and proiect of all their fortifications , which wee haue receiued of most expert and skilfull men . Solymans purpose thus made knowne , and the matter well considered , after that they which best knew the strong places and manners of the Malteses , had declared their opinions what they thought to bee most expedient , it was decreed , that they should with all speed set forward : wherefore victuall , and other things necessarie for such an expedition , being with wonderfull celeritie prepared , they expected but wind . Of these things , Io. Valetta a Frenchman , Graund master of MALTA and of the knights of the Order ; being both by letters and messengers aduertised ( for he had alwaies fit men his intelligencers at CONSTANTINOPLE , who warily noted the purposes and actions of Solyman ) was not afraid , but knowing that of God depended the victorie , and that men were to watch , labour , and foresee : he assembled a counsell of his knights , and in few words spake vnto them in this sort . What Solyman prepareth ( most noble and valiant knights ) and what a great warre he prouideth against vs , you with me of late right well vnderstand , wherefore it is needlesse for me to vse any long speech with you concerning that matter . The enemie is knowne , his insatiable ambition is knowne , his strength is knowne , and his mortall hate against vs and the Christian name , is sufficiently knowne . Wherefore let vs all as one first reconcile our selues to God , and then prouide all such things as shall be needfull for the warre . In breefe noble knights , to reconcile our selues vnto God , and to appease his displeasure , two things are of vs to be performed : whereof the one consisteth in amendment of life , with a holy conuersation : the other in the religious worshipping of him , with a firme and constant trust in his helpe , with prayer , which is called godlinesse . By these meanes our auncestors obtained many victories against the Indels in the East . Neither is it to be doubted , but if we shall in these things ioyne together , we shall also frustrat all the force and furie of this proud tyrant . But for as much as God vsually helpeth them which labour and take paines , and not the negligent and slouthfull , we must of necessitie ioyne vnto them those helpes , which both our profession and the course of war requireth : which partly consisteth in our selues , and partly in the other Christian princes . For victuall , armour , money , and other such things as in warres are requisit , we will so prouide , that no man shall iustly complaine , that we spared either cost or paines . I will poure out all my store , neither will I for desire of life refuse any danger . As for the Christian princes , I cannot persuade my selfe , that they will lie still in so fit an oportunitie , and in so great a danger , not of our estate onely , but much more of their owne . Verely I will not spare to exhort euery one of them both by letters and by messengers , which in part we haue alreadie done : and I doubt not but wee shall haue aid ynough from the Pope , the Emperour , and the king of Spaine ( such is their Christian zeale ) and they I hope shall moue the rest . As for you , the princes and very light of this sacred Order , and the rest of our brethren , most valiant knights , I am well assured you will so fight for the most holy Christian religion , for your liues and goods , and for the glorie of the Latine name , against a most cruell tyrant , the rooter out of all true religion , of all ciuilitie and good learning , the plague of the world , hated of God and man ; as that hee shall feele the sting of the crosse which he so much contemneth , euen in the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , yea in his houses of pleasure . For we shall not haue now to doe with him in the Island of the RHODES , far from the helpe of our friends , from ASIA , from EVROPE , from AEGIPT , inclosed with our enemies both by sea and land ; but in the eyes of ITALIE and SPAINE , in places strongly fortified , from whence the enemie may easily be circumuented : which that it may so fall out , let vs not cease to pray vnto Almightie God , and to craue his readie helpe . When the Graund Master had thus said , all that were present promised with one assent rather to lose their liues , than in any part to faile the common cause , or to come into the power of Solyman . After that , publicke prayer and supplication was made in euery church through the Isle , and three colonels chosen out of all the knights : one an Italian surnamed Imperator , another Borneas a Frenchman , and Quatrius a Spaniard the third , all aduised men and most expert souldiors , who should with all diligence prouide all things necessarie for the warre . By whose appointment the suburbes and trees which might any way be hurtfull to the fortified places , were ouerthrowne , the fortifications were thorowly viewed , the garrisons strengthened , and all manner of prouision most plentifully destributed : and letters from the Great Master sent vnto the Great Bishop and other Christian princes , requesting their aid against the common enemie . Messengers were also dismissed into diuers places , to certifie both the knights of the Order and others , of the Turkes preparation . Solymans fleet departing from CONSTANTINOPLE the two and twentith day of March in the yeare 1565 kept a direct course towards PELOPONESVS , and so came to METHON : where Mustapha Bassa one of the Turkes greatest captaines , a man of 75 yeares , and Generall of the land forces , mustered the armie , wherein were numbred seuen thousand horsmen of them which are of the Turkes called Spahi : out of the lesser ASIA , conducted by the Gouernour of that countrey , and two lieutenants of CILICIA , fiue hundred : and of the Island of LESDOS , now callled METYLENE , foure hundred : he had of the Ianizaries foure thousand and fiue hundred , led by two colonels , appointed by Solyman ; for that the cheefe captaine of the Ianizaries , which they call the Aga , neuer departeth from the citie but when the Sultan goeth himselfe . Besides these , was a certaine kind of men amongst the Turkes , who liue of the reuenewes of the church ; of them there was in the armie thirteene thousand , who had at CONSTANTINOPLE vowed their liues for their superstition . Out of THRACIA and PELOPONESVS were come two colonels and one lieutenant , with twelue hundred horsemen , and three thousand fiue hundred voluntaries out of diuers countries . There also Piall Bassa , Solymans Admirall , tooke view of the fleet , wherein were found a hundred and thirtie gallies , two and twentie ships for burthen , some greater , some lesser ; besides one that was cast away neere vnto METHONE , wherein was los● six thousand barrels of pouder , thirteene thousand great shot , and foure hundred Spa●●●● besides these , there were ten gallies from the RHODES commaunded by Halyport , a man of seuentie yeares ; two gallies of MITYLENE , and about seuenteene galliots , and other small pyrats ships . With this strong fleet the Turks departing from METHONE the thirteenth of May , arriued at MALTA the eighteene of the same moneth , and put into a hauen in the Northeast part of the isle , which the inhabitants call MARZASIROC : but perceiuing themselues not to bee there in safetie , they remoued to another port called MAIOR . The island of MALTA lying betwixt AFFRICA and SICILIA , might be doubted whether it were to be accounted in AFFRICKE or EVROPE , but that the auntient Cosmographers , and the Moores language , which the Maltases haue alwayes vsed , challenge it for AFFRICKE . It is in length from the Northeast to the Southwest twentie miles ▪ and in the broadest place twelue . It regardeth AFFRICKE Southward , ouer against LEFTIS PARVA ; and SICILIA towards the North , but more towards PACHINVM than LILYBEVM : and is in circuit about threescore miles . It seemeth to haue taken the name of MELITA of Mel or honey , wherof it yeeldeth plentie . The trees there beare fruit twice a yeare , and they haue oftentimes twice haruest , especially of barley and cotten wooll ; yet is the isle in some places stonie , grauellie , and bare of wood : neuerthelesse it beareth figs , apples , almonds , grapes , and other fruit trees , planted by the industrie of man , date trees also , but not fruitfull ; it beareth thistl●s of such bignesse , that the inhabitants vse them for wood : fresh water is there wonderfull scarce , and such wels as they haue are filled with raine in Winter , for in Summer they are either cleane drie , or els the water becommeth brachie . The inhabitants are so burnt with the Sunne , that they differ little in colour from the Aethyopians : they are of a wholesome constitution of bodie , spare of diet , industrious , rather painefull than warlike , dying more for age than of sicknesse : their buildings , except it bee in the citie , which is in the middest of the island , and in the suburbes , are long and low ( like vnto the Moores ) couered with turfe or reed . It is commonly supposed , that S. Paule was by shipwracke cast vpon this island : but it is with greater reason to be thought , that it was the other MELITA in the Adriaticke betwixt CORCYRA and ILLYRIA , and better agreeth with that which Luke writeth of the Apostles trouble and shipwracke in the Adriaticke , out of which sea it is not to be gathered of the text , that Paule with the rest were driuen . But againe to our purpose . That side of MALTA which respecteth SICILIA , hath in it many good harbours and commodious hauens , fit for shipping ; where beside the port MARZASIROO towards the East , where the Turkes fleet first landed , and the port of S. THOMAS , with another called SCALA , not farre off , it hath two other notable hauens , the one called MAIOR , and the other MARZAMOXET , deuided the one from the other by a narrow peece of ground : which with a ridge runneth in length from the South to the North , almost in manner of an island , hauing the hauen MAIOR on the East , and MARZA MOXET on the West . Vpon the head of this high ridge standeth the castle of S. ELMO , of great strength both by nature and art . As a man entreth into the hauen MAIOR , vpon the left hand are foure promontories , pointing farre into the hauen on that side , almost in manner of islands , making so many bayes : Vpon the first standeth the gallowes , whereof also it taketh name : vpon the very point of the second , on a rough and high rocke standeth a most strong castle , called the castle of S. ANGELO , whereunto adjoyneth the towne , seperated from the castle onely with a wall and a ditch , and is placed in a hollownesse cut out of the maine rocke , strengthened also with the sea and the industrie of man ; and is of some called the Burg , of others the new citie ( in this castle resideth the Grand master , and the souldiors in the Burg : ) vpon the third promontorie standeth another strong castle , which they call also the Burg of S. MICHAEL : the fourth promontorie is not inhabited , from whence the sea runneth alongst the winding bankes almost into the midst of the island , vnto a place called AQVA MARSIA . Againe , after the port MARZA MOXET , Westward is the harbour S. GEORGE ; and after that another called BENORRAT : then followeth the port of S. PAVLE , no lesse than the port MARZASIROC : after which commeth the port called SALINARVM SINVS : but on that side of the island towards AFFRICK , is only one port called MILLIARIA ▪ neere vnto the island of MALTA lie certaine other little islands , as GAVLOS now GOZO : two other called CVMINIA , and another called PIPER , all subject to the Malteses . Thus much I haue thought good to set downe concerning the Turkes fleet , and for the description of those places wherein this great action was performed , the brute whereof then filled the world . Now shall it not be amisse , in like manner to declare vpon what strength , next vnto God , Valetta the Graund master stood against so mightie and puissant an enemie . First there was in the island thirteene hundred mercinaries , some Spaniards , some French , some Florentines , and the rest of NAPLES : there was also a thousand seamen of the knights fleet , and fiue hundred in the towne of S. Angelo : and of the countrey people which were fled into the strong places , fiue thousand , men not altogether vnskilfull of the wars : there was also fiue hundred knights of the Order , besides priests and squires ; for of these three sorts of men , are they which are called brethren of the Order . This was the number of them which defended the castles & towns of S. Elmo , S. Angelo , and S. Michaell , wherunto they were proportionably diuided : and in the citie it selfe , which is called MELITA , being in the middle of the island , was two hundred souldiors , and as many citisens , with three hundred of the countrey people all horsemen , commanded by Io. Vagno a valiant captaine . Besides this , euerie place was furnished with plentie of victuall , armour , weapons , artillerie , and whatsoeuer else was needfull for the enduring of a long siege , and a warre that should want many things : and that which passed all the rest , minds armed with inuincible courage against whatsoeuer should chance , which oftentimes maketh of the vanquished , victors . All these things being in readinesse , and orderly disposed , as soone as they vnderstood that seauen and twentie of the Turks gallies had put into the hauen MARZASIROCK , and were there landing their men : Gyon , Admirall for the Order , a valiant and couragious knight , marched thither with fiue hundred harquebusiers , to haue skirmished with them ; but as soone as the Turks saw them comming , they retired againe to their gallies . On the other part where the great fleet lay , two hundred of the Turkes going on shoare , met by chance with Riuerius a Frenchman , and eight knights moe ; who hauing his horse killed vnder him , and one of his companions slaine , fell with the rest into the hands of the enemie . Whilest these things were in doing , a certaine Christian marriner fled out from the Turkes to the citie of MELITA , who discouered the enemies purpose , telling them , That the Turks by the appointment of Mustapha , had determined to haue landed the greatest part of their forces , presently to haue besieged some strong place , had not Piall Bassa the Admirall exclaimed against it , doubting to be left too weake at sea : saying plainly , That he would attempt nothing before the comming of Dragut , who was euerie houre expected . For Solyman had expressely commanded , that they should doe nothing without his counsell ; so great an opinion had he of his pollicie and valour . But whether this his report was true or otherwise , the Turks for all that , returning with their fleet to the port MARZASIROCK , landed twentie thousand souldiors , and fiue field pieces , and so entrenched themselues . This done , Piall Bassa with seauen thousand , went to view the castle of S. Michaell ; but for feare of the great shot , durst not come nie it . Neuerthelesse , they of the towne ●allying out , couragiously skirmished with the Turks ; in which conflict , Curfelinus surnamed Parda , accompanied but with one Spaniard , so furiously assailed the enemie , that he tooke from his one ensigne , and slew one of the Sanzacks a great commaunder , with diuers others . When Piall was come againe into the campe , the Generall began to consult with the other captaines , whether it were better to lay siege to the castle of S. Elmo , or to the towne of S. Michaell : in conclusion it was agreed vpon , that they should with all their forces besiege the castle of S. Elmo . And going vp the hill to view the castle , they were encountred by the garrison souldiors ; in which fight some few were lost on both sides . Thus by degrees , things growing hoater and hoater , the Graund master thought it good to certifie Garzias of TOLEDO , viceroy of SICILIE , how things stood , that he might the sooner rig vp his fleet to come to their rescue . Wherefore he commaunded one gallie to put out of the hauen by night , and to passe ouer into SICILIE with Saluagus one of the knights sent thither on message . In the meane time , the Turkes cast vp a mount to haue battered the castle of S. Elmo , and beaten the gallies in the hauen MAIOR , and so to haue opened a way for their fleet to haue entred : but they were not able long to keepe that mount , for they had scarcely well ended the worke , but it was forthwith by the continuall thundring shot out of the castle , beaten downe againe , which thing greatly abated the Turkes courage . About that time , Ochial came to the fleet with six ships , drawne out of them which were left for the defence of ALEXANDRIA , and in them nine hundred souldiors . The Turks beaten from their first mount , cast vp another on a higher ground , whereon they placed three great pieces of ordinance , wherewith they annoied not only the hauen wherein the fleet of MALTA ●id , but the castle of S. Angelo also , the Great masters seat , and with a rowling trench drew neerer and neerer vnto the castle of S. Elmo : which although they had at first in v●ine attempted , hindred by them which were in the castle , yet at last with much labour and trauell they brought it to perfection ( for the Turkes in that kind of worke , still performed by their multitude ; are accounted to excell others : ) wherfore in short time , they planted their great ordinance in such sort , as that they might batter both the castles of S. Elmo and S. Michaell . There was in the Turkes campe a gentleman of SPAINE , but then a slaue vnto a Turke , who vnderstanding the enemies purpose for the besieging of the castle of S. Elmo , by a Christian fugitiue aduertised the Great master thereof : whereupon he forthwith sent Cerda and Miranda , with two companies of Spaniards into the castle , who were afterwards a great strength vnto the castle , and hinderance vnto the enemie . At length came Dragut Gouernour of LEPTIS , long looked for of the Turkes , with thirteene gallies , and in them 1600 souldiors : after whom followed ten galliots from BONA , and in them two companies . In the meane time , Saluagus the worthie knight ( sent before into SICILIA ) came to MESSANA , and hauing certified the viceroy , of the state of MALTA ; was by him commaunded to returne to MALTA in a galliot , conducted by two gallies of the Great masters ; which hauing brought him neere vnto the island , returned againe into SICILIA : but he with his galliot ( not without most manifest danger ) in the third watch of the night brake into the towne thorow the middest of the enemies fleet , with the losse of but one of his followers . Where hauing deliuered vnto the Great master , what he had in charge from the viceroy , he was the same night sent backe againe by the Great master into SICILIA , to certifie the viceroy , That he had need of more aid , requesting him with all speed to send him some supply , whereby he might the better hold out against the force of so great an enemie . Saluagus discouraged neither with the labour nor the danger , presently committed himselfe againe to sea , and in short time arriued in the port of SIRACVSA , where finding the two gallies we before spake of , he sent them to MALTA , as he had in charge with foure hundred souldiors , amongst whom were diuers of the knights of the Order , and certaine skilfull canoniers : willing them to shun the West part of the island , where as they must needs come into the enemies sight , and to passe by the East end thereof , which was farther about , but safer ; and turning Southward , to land in the port MILIARE , and from thence by the low places of the island to conuay the souldiors by night to the citie MELITA , which was but foure miles off ; from whence they might easily passe vnto the castle of S. Michaell . This order taken , he went to MESSANA , and there declared to the viceroy the danger of the warre , with the small number of the defendants , requesting of him a thousand footmen , which with those alreadie sent , he thought would suffice to hold out the siege , vntill he with his whole fleet might come to releeue them . But whilest these things were slowly prouided , which with much difficulties and delay could hardly be brought to passe , the Christian princes as it were sleeping in so great a danger : the Turkes vpon the sudden the third of Iune , assaulted the castle of S. Elmo , in hope with short scaling ladders to get ouer that part of the rampiers which was neerest vnto the bulwarke of the castle . But the defendands , in the ditch which before had no flanker to scoure the same , had of earth & fagots made a large strong flanker , from whence the castle also helping them , they valiantly resisted the enemie , and filled the ditches with the dead bodies of the Turks . Who for all that , trusting to their multitude ( wherewith rather than with true valour they obtaine so many victories ) thrust still on , vntill they had by obstinat force ( although long first ) gained the flanker : whereby they commanded all that part of the ditch , towards the port MARZA MOXET . In which place they with wonderfull celeritie so fortified themselues , that they could not be hurt by the defendants : wherein they were much holpen by their owne great ordinance , planted on the other side the hauen MARZA ; for with it they draue the defendants from the place , beat downe the corner of the rampier , and battered the front of the bulwarke , whose height and greatnesse troubled the enemie , but was not so commodious for the defendants , for that it was made without flankers . But night comming on , fiue thousand of the nine thousand Turkes which gaue the assault , tarried there : wherfore the Christians constrained to forsake the place , retired themselues into the castle . The Turkes in the meane time couered with the darkenesse of the night , with sackes filled with tow and earth , filled vp the ditch which was vnder the bulwarke , but neither of any great widenesse or depth : which done , they gaue a fresh assault , wherein aboue eight hundred of them were slaine , part Ianizaries , and part Spachi , and besides them many wounded , of whom the most part remained halfe dead in the ditch , where they perished , and could not be relieued . Of the Christians was lost fiue and fortie : amongst whom were fiue knights of the order , Guardampes an Auergnois , Masius a colonell of NARBONA , Contilia a Spaniard ; Somaia a Florentine , and Neinec a Germane . The same night the Great master thinking , as reason was , that they in the castle of S. ELMO might want helpe , sent two hundred of his knights and as many other souldiors into the castle ; who if they had beene moe , together with the foure hundred which were before in the castle , might happily haue driuen the Turkes both from the rampiers and the flanker , and also kept the place longer . But for as much as the Great master wanted souldiors , and had therefore sent Saluagus into SICILIA for new supplies , as we haue before said , hee in the meane time couragiously expected their comming , refusing no labour or paine : yet bewayling sometime with himselfe the vnfortunatenesse of the Christian princes , by whose negligence so fit an occasion for the ouerthrow of the barbarous enemie was let slip : But aboue all things he maruelled exceedingly that no helpe yet came , especially those two gallies which ( as we haue said ) were in all hast sent by Saluagus : but they by the masters default kept not the appointed course ; for first whereas they should haue shunned the West part of the isle , and haue turned towards the East , they shaped their course Westward to the island of GAVLOS , the master vainely affirming , that he saw certaine of the Turks galliots lying before port MILIARE : which was afterwards well knowne not to haue beene so ; for the truth was , that he for ●eare ( whereby notable designes are many times frustrated ) durst not goe forward . Whereby it came to passe , that the Great master was disappointed of so necessarie a supplie : which thing much greeued both the viceroy and others , but especially Saluagus . For he saw it would come to passe , that if the Turkes should take the castle of S. ELMO , the most assured bulwarke and defence of the island of MALTA , the other places must of necessitie be brought into extreame danger , all the way to relieue them being thereby shut vp . And that it might be taken , seemed not to him impossible , the enemie hauing alreadie taken one fort , and laying hard siege almost on euery side of that little pile . The due consideration of these and such like things grieued the minds of skilfull men , especially seeing such slacke preparation in a case requiring such present releefe . Yet in the meane time souldiors were taken vp at ROME by the commaundement of Pius Quartus then Bishop , to be sent to MALTA : and by his example to stirre vp other princes to send aid vnto this sacred warre , he gaue a hundred pound of gold to Cambianus legat for the Order , and commanded gunpouder and other necessaries for that warre to be taken out of his castle S. ANGELO , that so he might seeme to be wanting in nothing that was in him to performe . Ouer these souldiors , in number six hundred , he appointed Pompeius Columna Generall , and commaunded Camillus Medices his legat to accompanie him . With these went many voluntarie men , of purpose to lay downe their liues for the eternising of their names in so religious a warre , and that with such an ardent desire , as that euery little delay seemed vnto them a yeare . Wherefore comming to NAPLES , they there found Iohn Andreas Auria with eleuen ships , the prince of POPVLONIA with nine , Lanicius with three , and three others , set foorth by other priuat gentlemen . In these ships were embarked all those footmen which came from ROME , and so transported to MESSANA , where the kings fleet was prouiding . But whilest the Christians make slow preparation , considering the greatnesse of the danger , the Turkes not ignorant thereof , resolued to proue the vttermost before the strength of the Christians were readie or drawne together . For the castle of S. ELMO once taken , they assured themselues with more ease to carrie the rest : for that thereby they should first haue the hauen MARZA MOXET in their power , where their fleet might in safetie ride so long as they pleased : and the rising ridge betwixt the two hauens was commodious for them both to batter the towne of S. MICHAEL , and to keepe the hauen MAIOR , so that none could without their leaue passe in or out thereat . Wherefore vpon these and other such like considerations they began againe to batter the castle of S. ELMO , as if it had been with thunder : which furious batterie they continued for the space of foure dayes together without intermission . The night following they suddenly with great force gaue an assault , and with their scaling ladders had almost gained the top of the wall , when the Christians desirous of nothing more than to come to handie blowes , draue them downe againe with such violence that neuer after they durst set ladder to the wall , vntill the very last conflict . Whilest things were thus hot at the castle of S. ELMO , Dragut his souldiors vpon a brauerie , as if they had been the only men , went to a place called MARTIA SCALA , which is betwixt the gallowes and S. Thomas roade , as if they would haue done more than the rest : Which the Christians beholding out of the towne of S. ANGELO , to represse their insolencie , sallied foorth vpon them , and so welcommed them , that they were glad after they had receiued a great losse , foorthwith to retire to the place from whence they came . Of the Christians was slaine Bonnemius a Frenchman , one of the knights , and seuen others . The same time Monferratus was by the Great master sent into the castle of S. Elmo , to commaund there as Gouernour in stead of Brolia : for that he with watching and paines taken in defence thereof , was fallen sicke . The same Brolia had many times before written to the Great master , that the castle was so well fortified and furnished of all things needfull , as that he thought it impossible to be woon by the enemie : and had with cheerfull speech and braue behauiour , so encouraged the kinghts and other the defendants , that they fought against their enemies with more than mens strength , and greater courage than is to be beleeued . Neither were the Turks for that discouraged , although they were with great losse still repulsed : but for certaine daies battered the castle with greater furie than before , and immediatly gaue an assault ; for they had made a bridge ouer the ditch , of masts and saile yards , of such a breadth , that ten men might go thereon in ranke : and had placed about the ditch foure thousand harquebusiers , and brought all their fleet vnto S. Georges shoare , not far from the castle . And when they had by the space of eighteen daies sore shaken it , and torne the wals with thirteene thousand great shot , and were now in hope euen presently to win the castle : see , Baragamus a Biscane , one of the knights , and Medranus a Spanish captaine , with certaine other valiant men , ran to the bridge , and to the great admiration of the beholders , opposed themselues against the multitude of the miscreants . The fight hand to hand was on both sides both fierce and terrible : and now one of the Turkes had aduanced a Turkish ensigne vpon the bulwarke , which whilest Medranus laieth hand vpon , and the Turke on the other side struggleth to cleare himselfe from him , in striuing togither , they fell downe both dead , shot thorow with one bullet by one of the Turks . At which time the foure hundred which we said were but a little before sent thither by the Grand master , stood in good steed : for seeing all brought to so great a danger , some of them ( whilest other some fought with the enemie ) thrust barrels of gunpouder vnder the bridge , some cast downe wild fire , stones , and whatsoeuer else came to hand vpon the enemie , and others farther off with their harquebusiers sore galled the Turks ; so in short time the bridge was burnt and blowne vp , which in the fall thereof , ouerwhelmed eight hundred Turks : the rest ( as they might ) retired , few whole , but most part wounded . In this conflict the Christians pluckt downe two ensignes , the one Mustaphaes , the other Draguts , which the Turkes had set vp vpon the verie battlements of the wals . On the other part toward the Southwest , a band of the Turks had got to the top of the highest rampier ; which as soone as they in the castle of S. Angelo perceiued , thinking to haue beaten them off with a great shot , slew by mischance seauen of the defendants vpon the same rampier , as they were going too and fro : but to recompence that errour , at the next shot they rent in sunder foure of the Turks captaines , with twelue other of their most forward souldiors . Whilest they were here fighting , other Turks in the meane time had cast vp a trench on that side of the castle toward S. Angelo ; out of which they were quickly driuen with fire , stones , and other such like things throwne downe vpon them by the defendants . The Turks valiantly on euerie side repulsed , retired into the campe , when they had in this assault lost two thousand of their best souldiors , and of the Christians slaine almost a hundred , and wounded as many moe . The same day , Valeta the Grand master , perceiuing the port MARZA MOXET not to be verie straightly kept by the Turks ; commaunded a light Brigandine to be carried out of the hauen , ouerland to the place called MARTIA SCALA , that from thence he might send into SICILIA : for he ( as reason was ) considering in what danger the castle of S. Elmo stood , by letters certified the Viceroy and the bishop of ROME thereof , and of such things as were there done ; requesting them of speedie reliefe . The coppie of the letters sent to the Viceroy , I haue here set downe : as for those which were sent to the great bishop , because they were almost of the same purport , I haue purposely omitted . To Garzias of Toledo , Viceroy of Sicilia , and Admirall of the fleet , greeting . Since the time that I sent Saluagus , I haue sent vnto you two letters , which I caused to be sent by MELITA into GAVLOS ; which I pray God be come to your hands . After that , when as neither messengers nor letters came vnto vs from you , I commaunded a man with instructions to hast to MESSANA , who when he had certaine nights attempted to go out , and was at last got out , he was scarcely gone two miles , but he saw the Turks with might and maine making after him ; whom to escape , he was glad to run his pinnace on ground : and casting his letters into the sea , to forsake his boat , and by flight to saue himselfe . Now the Turkes hauing remoued their fleet out of the port VULTV●NVS ▪ I considering how much it concerneth to certifie you of those things which are here done , commaunded a Brigandine to be carried to MARTIA SCALA ; for seeing that the Turkes fleet is gone to another part of the island , I hope my letters will without let in short time come vnto you . And the things I would haue you to know , are these : The fifteenth of this moneth , all the enemies fleet ( a little before night ) passed by this port ; the comming on of the night letted , that we could not well perceiue the weaknesse thereof ; whilest the gallies almost vnarmed , were with much difficultie towed forth : want of water caused them chiefly to depart out of the port VULTVRNVS , and peraduenture feare of your fleet . For , as I haue heard , they haue intelligence , that an hundred and fiftie saile li● at road in the port of MESSANA ; for which cause also , they haue not put themselues into the port of S. Paul , but haue placed their fleet aboue the port MARZA MOXET ; yet a good part of their gallies lie at the port S. George , so to be neerer vnto their land forces : yet is not the neerenesse such , but that if your fleet come vpon the sudden , they will with the same feare retire to their fleet , that they would if they were farther off . No man is now to be seene at VULTVRNVS , for they haue left their first campe at Saint Katherins and Saint Iohns , hauing burnt all the countrey villages , and now lie with their fleet as I haue said : and with their armie at the castle S. Elmo , which God hath as yet kept , and as I hope will : which thing is euen for this to be hoped for , which was but yesterday done ; when as our most valiant souldiors ( by the helpe of God ) for the space of foure houres couragiously endured a most terrible assault . The Turks hauing also made a bridge Westward toward the port MARZA MOXET , we haue foure times repulsed them to their great losse ; yet not without some losse also on our part , amonst whom Medranus a worthie captaine was to my great griefe slaine . With this victorie our men are so encouraged , that I am in hope the castle may be defended vntill your comming , especially the enemies batterie not so furiously now as before maintained ▪ If I were relieued with certaine companies of fresh souldiors , or at least with those our two gallies , I would neuer thinke that this castle could be taken from vs : in defence whereof , whilest we euerie houre looke for helpe , we haue spent both our men , and whatsoeuer warlike prouision we had else . We are resolued although it cost vs all our liues , to go thither , relying vpon you : who as we hope for your deuotion and noble courage , will not be vnmindfull of our health and welfare ; but knowing the danger wherinto we must needs fall , if you shall deferre to aid vs , will send vs out of hand certaine bands of men , especially when they may so easily be sent : for now that the Turkes are departed from the East part of the island , our soulidiors may be landed at the BLACK ROCKS . Our liues lie in your hands , on whom ( next vnto God ) resteth all our hope : wherefore we most instantly request you not to forsake vs : committing our selues , and all that ours is , to your compassion and protection . Fare you well from MALTA the 17 of Iune . These letters receiued , and the distresse of the besieged castle perceiued , the Viceroy was ( as of right he ought ) greatly moued , and made semblance as if he had been desirous to haue brought foorth his whole fleet against the Turkes . But forasmuch as the supply of ships from GENVA and SPAINE was not yet come , and that without them he thought it not good to aduenture the fortune of a battell ; he forthwith sent Io. Cardona with foure gallies , whereof two were of MALTA : and with Cardona joyned one Robles campe-master , with a select companie of Spaniards ; with whom went also about eightie knights of MALTA , who staied at MESSANA awaiting some fit occasion to passe ouer : Amongst whom were these chiefe men of the Order , Parisot the Great masters nephew , Vicentius Caraffa , Boninscana and Maldonatus , both Spaniards , Centius of AQVITANIA , and some others : who although letted by tempest and other occasions , they came too late to MALTA , as shall be hereafter declared , yet serued they in great stead ; and had they come in time , before the castle S. Elmo was lost , happily it might haue been still kept . The Turks making no more account of so great a slaughter of their men , than of so many sheepe , desperatly renewed the fight , as men resolued to endure all extremities . And first they most horribly thundred day & night with their great ordinance vpon the castle : afterwards they assaulted the breaches with such a multitude and force , that if true valour and hope of immortalitie had not excluded all feare out of the hearts of the defendants , the terrour of the assault had enforced them either to haue fled or yeelded . Dreadfull was the fight , and had they not been obstinatly set downe on both sides , the one to win the castle , the other to defend it , that day had ended the quarrell . Fiue houres endured that most terrible assault , at length the Turks repulsed by the valour of the Christians , retired : yet did they not for all that passe the night following in quiet , but with their great ordinance did so beat the defendants , that they had much adoe to keepe the Turks from scaling the wals ; which , that they should not then dare to attempt , was with exceeding endeuour prouided for by the Christians : of whom in this assault was lost two hundred , and of the Turks an infinit number . And Dragut himselfe , whilest he there performed the dutie both of a Generall , and most valiant souldior , got a blow on the head with a stone , whereof he in two daies after died : his dead bodie was afterwards carried to TRIPOLIS , and there honourably buried . The commaunders of the Turks armie , still more and more enraged with this valour of the Christians , and the slaughter of their men , gathering all their fleet togither , commaunded them to compasse about the castle , of purpose to giue thereunto their last assault , with all their forces both by sea and land ; and to send new supplies of fresh souldiors one after another , vntill they had taken the castle . And therefore , they with great industrie prepared bridges , ladders , engines , armour , weapons , shot , and whatsoeuer things else was needfull for the assault . Which Valetta perceiuing out of his castle S. Angelo , and fearing ( as meet was ) least they in the castle should not be able longer to endure so great a furie ; called togither in counsell his knights , two daies before the Turkes gaue their last assault : and told them , That they all as well as he , saw in what danger they which defended the castle S. Elmo were ; and that he doubted not , but that euerie one of them ( vpon a godly zeale and compassion ) was no lesse mooued with the slaughter and danger of their fellowes and other their Christian souldiors , than with their owne : Wherefore he requested them , to declare what they thought best to be done for their safetie ; yet so , as that they should not hastily determine any thing , that agreed not with the auntient valour and honor of their sacred militarie profession . Which motion once made , and their opinions in briefe deliuered , a decree was made , That forasmuch as the castle could not longer be holden , regard should be had for the safegard of them that were therein : for which purpose it was agreed , that twelue pinnaces should be sent to fetch them away . But before , three knights were chosen , who should in hast the night following go thither , and tell them what was in the counsell agreed vpon , and carefully to consider in what state the castle was : which if the defendants thought was to be abandoned , they should poison the water , & cloy the great ordidance , that it might not afterwards stand the Turks in stead . The three knights sent thither , was Medina a Spaniard , Rocca a Frenchman , and Constantinus Castriot an Italian ; who not without danger of their liues ( being oftentimes shot at by the Turks ) got into the castle , and declared vnto them that were there in garrison , how carefull the Great master and the rest were of them . And they on their side , first of all gaue thankes to the Graund master and the rest , for the regard they had of them : and afterward concerning the castle , said , That if they considered the straightnesse of the place , the small number of the defendants , and multitude of the enemie , they should well perceiue in what danger they were , if the Turkes should often with such obstinacie renew the assault : yet forasmuch as they had euer hitherto felt the helpe of God so present , who had still mercifully defended them against the rage of the enemie , and wanted nothing needfull for the defence of the place ; the keeping whereof they had requested of the Grand master as an honour , although they knew right well it could not without most manifest danger of their liues be holden : yet they would for all that , keep it to the last man. For that perhaps the like honourable occasion for them to shew thēselues in , should neuer again be offred : wherfore they had ( as they said ) resolued in that place , to spend their liues for the glorie of God and the Christian religion . The course of this life ( they said ) was but short , but that honour and fame was for euer : and whereas death is to all men prefined , it were to be wished , that the life which is to nature due , should rather seeme to be by vs franckly giuen to God and our countrey , than reserued as natures debt : Which if it should so happen , they would so vse the matter , as that the barbarous enemie should haue neither pleasure nor joy , which should not cost him much bloud euen of his best souldiors . This they willed the knights to tell the Great master , and to request him not to bee too carefull of them , but to promise vnto himselfe those things of them which best beseemed resolute men , especially of them who had vowed themselues to that sacred warre . This answere of greater resolution than fortune , receiued ; the three knights , when they had diligently viewed the castle , returned to the Grand master ▪ who calling to counsell his knights , and hauing heard the answere of the besieged , would needs heare also what opinion the three knights themselues were of concerning the keeping of the castle : of whom Castriot was of opinion , That the place was still to be defended , and that if he were there to commaund , he would vndertake to performe it ; and there rather to lose his life than to forsake it , after he had once taken vpon him the charge thereof . But Roces the French knight was farre of another mind , and said plainely , that the place could not possibly be holden against so strong an enemie ; and that if Iulius Caesar himselfe were aliue , and saw to what straight the place was brought ( especially all the rampiers being either beaten downe or ●ore shaken , & such a power of obstinat enemies lying round about it ) he would neuer suffer so many valiant souldiors to be lost , but quit the place , and reserue his men to further seruice : for why it was the part of valiant men to performe so much as was of men to be performed ; but to striue to do more , was no manhood at all : Wherefore he thought it best to doe that which men vse with members mortified , whose recouerie is desperat ; in which case we doubt not to make a seperation , so to saue the rest of the bodie with life . The Spanish knight in most part agreeing with Castriot , said , That he thought it not good , that the place should so easily be forsaken ; first , for that the ditches and bulwarkes were yet defencible ; and then , because he saw so great a consent amongst the defendants , and such a cheerefulnesse to withstand the enemie , which thing ( as hee said ) presaged victorie . These opinions of the knights thorowly in counsell debated , and euery particular well wayed , it seemed good to the greater part , that they which were in the castle should for certain daies yet hold it out ; especially because it was not the manner of the knights of the Order easily to abandon their strong holds , but rather to keepe them to the last , that euen therein the barbarous enemie might perceiue with whom he had to doe , and so see his pride abated . For if they should haue forsaken the place , they might haue beene thought to haue done it for feare : whereby the enemies insolencie might haue beene encreased , and the honourable Order of those sacred knights disgraced . But the Turkes intentiue to that they had before determined , the three and twentith day of Iune assembling all their forces both by sea and land round about the castle , in the dead time of the night on euery side set vp scaling ladders , made bridges , wrought mines , and with two and thirtie great pieces of artillerie battered the rest of the wals yet standing , and presently gaue a most terrible assault . The defendants on the other side beat downe some , repulsed others , slew many , euer more carefull how to wound the enemie , than to saue themselues : and where he pressed fastest on , there to shew their greatest valour . Great were the outcries made on both sides , mixt with exhortation , mirth , and mourning ; the face of the whole fight was diuers , vncertaine , cruell , and dreadfull : and now it was the third houre of the day , when still the victorie stood doubtfull ; and had not the furie of the great ordinance beene so terrible , that it had now beaten downe all the wals vnto the very rocke whereon the castle stood , the defendants might for some longer time haue endured the enemies force . But the very rocke bared both of wals and defendants , and more than foure hundred slaine , a man could scarcely now shew himselfe , but hee was presently strucke in pieces . Monserratus Gouernour of the castle , and Garas of EV●oeA , men of equall valour , integritie , and honour , were both slaine with one shot ; for a short and transitorie life made partakers of immortalitie together . Yet the rest which stood in defence of the castle , nothing terrified with so great a losse and slaughter of their fellowes , but augmented rather as it were with new courage from aboue , fought with greater force than before , ouerthrew the Turks ensignes now set vp in the castle , slew the ensigne-bearers , captaines , and colonels ; now respecting nothing more , but honourably to lay downe their liues for their religion and the obtaining of immortall fame . By this time the Sunne was mounted to the middle of heauen , great was the heat , and men exceeding wearie ; the murdering shot neuer ceased , and such was the multitude of the enemie , that he still sent in fresh men in stead of them that were wearied or wounded . On the other side , the small number of the Christians , and those weakened with labor , watching , thirst , and wounds , did what men might ; yet at length were ouercome by a greater force , and so the castle by the Turks woon , but with such slaughter of their men , that it was a wonder that so many should be slaine of so few . The defendants were all slaine , euery man , in valiant fight . Here may I not in silence passe ouer the inhumane and more than barbarous crueltie of the Turks against the dead bodies of the slaine knights , that thereby may appeare , that crueltie neuer wanteth whereon to shew it selfe mercilesse , yea euen after death . The Turks after they had taken the castle , finding certaine of the knights yet breathing , and but halfe dead , first cut their hearts out of their breasts , and then their heads from their bodies ; after that they hanged them vp by the heeles in their red cloakes with white crosses ( which manner of attire they after an auntient custome vse in time of war , as they doe blacke in time of peace ) in the sight of the castles S. ANGELO and S. MICHAELL . And yet Mustapha the Turks Generall not so contented , commaunded them afterwards to be fast bound together , and so cast into the sea , whose dead bodies were in few dayes after by the surge of the sea cast vp in the hauen MAIOR , and knowne by their friends , were by the commandement of the sorrowfull Great master honourably buried . With which the enemies most barbarous crueltie he was so mooued , that he commaunded that no Turke should from that time be taken prisoner , but to be presently slaine . And thereupon all that were before taken , were foorthwith put to the sword , and their heads cast ouer the wals on that side towards the enemie . From the beginning of the siege to the taking of the castle , of the Christians were slaine a thousand three hundred , amongst whom were a hundred and thirtie of the sacred knights of the Order , all worthie to be registred in the booke of euerlasting fame . The castle S. ELMO thus lost , Valetta although his mind ( as he had good cause ) was inwardly attainted with exceeding greefe , yet made semblant otherwise , because he would not daunt the minds of his souldiors : telling them , that nothing was happened vnprouided for or vnforeseene . This was ( as he said ) the will of God , and the chance of warre , that sometimes one sometimes another should be ouercome : and that cowardise , not such valour as was in them that were gone , gaue occasion to their liuing friends to lament : yet that the enemie was not for that to be feared , who had also receiued such a losse , as he might thereby rather seeme conquered than a victorious conqueror : wheras the losse of his knights was recompenced with honour and immortalitie , things of themselues sufficient to enflame all noble minds to behaue themselues valiantly . As for himselfe ( he said ) that trusting not in his owne strength , but in the helpe of Almightie God , he had not yet cast off the hope of victorie ouer the reliques of the discomfited enemie ; and that he well hoped , they were all of the same mind , wherein he most earnestly requested them to persist vnto the end . When he had thus said , he being a man armed against all fortunes , withdrew himselfe a little aside : where casting many things in his troubled mind , he determined to send letters to Petrus Mesquita , Gouernour of the citie of MELITA , to certifie him and the knights of the Order that were at MESSANA , and the Viceroy , of the lost of S. Elmo : the copie whereof , because that in them euidently appeareth the Christian mind of him the Great master , I haue thoght good here to set down as followeth : Whilest these knights are setting forward , in the meane time chanced the miserable misfortune of the castle S. Elmo : which although it brought vnto vs that greefe you may easily imagine , wee for all that , as if it had happened by some secret appointment of God , haue taken it in that part , that he as a most mercifull father purposeth thereby to warne vs , but not vtterly to destroy vs. Neither doe I thinke it lawfull to doubt of his mercie and power . Yet for all that , I may neuerthelesse complain , that we are of them forsaken of whom it least beseemed . So that in the space of seuen and thirtie dayes , wherein our most valiant souldiors endured all the force of the enemie ( which truly was done rather by the power of God than of man ) we were holpen of our own ( which owe so much vnto vs ) not so much as with the least helpe , which they might oftentimes haue sent vs. But I list to ascribe it whatsoeuer it is , to God , of whom alone as we haue hitherto receiued so many good things , so rest we in hope hereafter to receiue also . For , for any thing that I can see , we must not now trust to mans helpe : for as much as we could by no letters , no diligence , no prayers , no admonitions , and to bee breefe , by no commaunds moue them , who of all others ought most to haue obeyed it . The shortnesse of the time suffereth vs not to write to the Viceroy of these things , it shall be your part to certifie both him and other our friends thereof : who if they had obeyed our commaund , or aided vs with neuer so small a supplie of soldiors , happily we had not lost the castle S. Elmo : in defence whereof we haue spent the best part of our souldiors . Wherefore except the Viceroy make hast to deliuer vs from this siege , I feare that he cannot in time come : but especially if we be here besieged before the comming of those our small helpes which we as in a dreame haue promised vnto our selues , and which we now scarce hope will be in time present . For all that , we doe not distrust of God his loue and prouidence : by whose diuine inspiration the rare courage of the Viceroy being in short time stirred vp , will hasten hither to relieue vs. For all our welfare consisteth in celeritie . Our enemies hauing drawne all their fleet into the hauen MA●●A MOXET are busied in cleansing the castle , and repairing the breaches , that they may afterward the better vse them against vs. Wherefore vpon the sight of these our letters send vnto vs the captaines Catherine , Belcacar , Belmest , and Zoricius , with their companies , that we may vse their faithfull and valiant seruice . God of his mercie send vs aid from some place , and keepe you . Fare you well from our castle S. Angelo , the 24 of Iune , 1565. Mesquita hauing receiued these letters , commaunded a galliot foorthwith to be launched , and therein embarked Masius Codonellus , one of the knights ; to whom he deliuered both the letters of the Grand master to him , and others of his owne , almost of the same purport , directed to the knights of the Order which lay at MESSANA , requesting him with all speed possible to passe ouer with them into SICILIA . In the meane time Mustapha the Turkes Generall sent a messenger to Valetta , and with him an old Spanish captiue , with promise of libertie if he would goe with his messenger to the towne to talke with Valetta concerning the yeelding vp thereof , and to trie if he would by any meanes come to agreement : who comming to the towne , the Turke still waiting at the gate , the Christian was let in and brought to the Great master , to whom he declared what he had in charge from the Bassa . But as soone as Valetta heard of the name of composition and yeelding , he was so filled with indignation , that had he not been a Christian , he would presently haue commaunded him to haue been hanged . Wherefore he gaue him choice either to tarrie still in the towne , if he thought so good , or els forthwith to returne and tell his companion , that if he got him not packing quickly , he would send him farther off with a great shot . With this short answere the Turke suddenly returned into the campe . Whereupon Mustapha fell into such a rage , that he openly protested , neuer from that time to forbeare any kind of crueltie against the Christians . There was then with Mustapha one Philip of the most noble Graecian familie of Lascaris , who of a boy taken prisoner by the Christians in PATRAS , a citie of ACHAIA , and by them honestly and courteously vsed , was therefore euer after well affected toward the Christians : He priuie to many of Mustaphaes designes , by a certaine diuine motion thought he should not a little profit the Christians by reuolting vnto them : wherefore he resolued to flie vnto the castle of S. Michaell . Which thing when he had oftentimes attempted , at length the first of Iuly he cast himselfe into the sea ( for by land he could no way escape ) and swum to the castle , not without danger of his life : for discouered by the Turks , he was many times shot at both with their arrowes and small shot . He , brought to the Great master , reuealed vnto him many of the enemies secrets , and also aduised him what was to be done at the point of S. Michaels , to frustrate the enemies purpose for the assailing of that place ; with many other things , which were vnto the defendants no small helpe : and afterwards as often as need was , during the siege , fought valiantly against the Turkes . Whilest these things were in doing , Codonellus sent as we haue before said into SICILIA , came in safetie to MESSANA , where he found the Christian fleet not yet readie to relieue the distressed Maltaeses ; for the Spanish ships were not yet come , and Iohn Andreas Auria with eight and twentie ships was readie to returne to take in foure thousand footmen , taken vp in ETRV●IA by Capinus Vitellius . Which backwardnesse the knights of the Order considering , and what danger was in delay , after they had well debated the matter amongst themselues , they resolued by the power of God by all meanes possible to helpe their brethren . And for this expedition chose two most fit Generals of their owne fellowes , the Commendors of MESSANA and BAROLI , who forthwith went to Garzias the Viceroy , declaring vnto him what things the sacred knights of their Order had done , not for the king of SPAINE onely , but for the Christian commonweale , and also what great charge they had beene at the yeare before in the Pinionian expedition , wherein they had neither spared ships , victuall , nor munition , neither their owne liues , to profit the king and the Christian commonweale . Besides this , they besought him well to consider , that the losse of MALTA concerned not the sacred knights only , but all ITALIE , and especially SICILIA , for the neerenesse of so troublesome and puissant an enemie . For these and other like reasons , which the shortnesse of the time suffred them not to rehearse , they requested of him foure thousand footmen , with whom all the knights of the Order which were there , and many other noble and voluntarie men would make all possible speed to relieue the besieged , which they had before in vaine attemped with which strength they were in good hope , if not to repulse the enemie , or to recouer that was alreadie lost , yet at least to stop and stay his farther proceeding , vntill such time as he hauing rigged vp and brought foorth all his fleet , might set vpon the Turks , and ( as was to be hoped ) vanquish & disperse them . But whilest the Viceroy hauing heard their request , considereth what answere to make , a messenger came vnto him from SPAINE , but with what commaund from the king ( although men ghessed diuersly ) could not be knowne . But vpon his comming , the Viceroy gaue the knights this cold answere , That he could not graunt what they requested , for that in so doing he should disfurnish his fleet , and not be able afterwards to relieue them as he desired : but if it pleased them to transport the knights with part of the bishops souldiors into the island , they might so doe with their owne two gallies they had alreadie , whereunto he would also joyne another of his owne . The knights when they could obtaine no more , accepted of that which was offered . Whilest these gallies are setting forward , those foure gallies ( wherof we haue before spoken ) wherein were embarked fourescore knights and six hundred other souldiors , hauing at sea suffered many troubles by the space of twentie daies , could not as yet arriue at MALTA : and because the Viceroy had commaunded , That they should not land , except they first knew whether the castle S. ELMO were still holden by the Christians , they sent out a frigot to land , promising that day and the next to tarrie in the sea for her returne . In the meane time a great tempest suddenly arising , it so fell out , that the frigot could not at the appointed time returne ; wherefore the gallies which expected her comming , fearing least she had beene either by tempest lost , or by the enemie intercepted , retired to POZALO , a port vpon the coast of SICILIA neerest to MALTA , there to expect some good newes : where as soone as they had put in , they vnderstood that S. ELMO was yet defended : whereupon they put to sea againe , with purpose to haue arriued at MALTA . But when they were within two leagues of the place where they thought to haue landed , they saw a fire there , which caused them to mistrust that the place was possessed of the enemie , and that he lay thereabout to intercept them : wherefore they returned again to POZALO ; where now vnderstanding of the French knight , come from MALTA , that that fire was made by his commaundement , as a signe , that they might without feare haue come forward ; they with all speed made againe for the same place , and at the length the nine and twentieth day of Iune about midnight landed at the Blacke Rockes on the South side of the island toward AFFRICKE , and vnseene of any , got in hast to the citie MELITA , where they were joyfully receiued , and there stayed to expect what the Great master should commaund . In the meane time it fortuned , a great foggie mist ( which seldome times there chanceth ) to arise so thicke , that a man could hardly see for it : at which time a boy of about twelue yeares old looking by chance out of a window in the castle of MELITA , suddenly as one afraid , cried out , That he saw a Turke going from the citie to the castle of S. MICHAEL . Which thing some of the knights hearing , ran presently out that way , and found a Greeke of the citie of MELITA , who brought backe and examined ( for that without the Gouernours passe it was not lawfull for any man to go out of the citie ) confessed , That his purpose was to haue aduertised the Turks of the comming of those souldiors , that so they might haue intercepted them as they should haue come from MELITA to the Grand master : for which treason he was as he had well deserued cut in foure peeces . Three dayes after , this new supplie come from SICILIA , in the first watch of the night came all in safetie from MELITA to the Great master , except two or three boyes , who charged with armour and other baggage , were not able to keepe way with the rest . It is not to be told how much the besieged rejoyced at the comming of these their friends , and especially Valetta , who seeing the floure of his knights and other souldiors , as it were by diuine prouidence come vnto him ; with teares trickling downe his cheekes , and his eies cast vp to heauen , said : I thanke thee ( O heauenly Father ) which hearest my prayers , and forsakest not this thy little flocke , beset round with most rauening Wolues : These are the works of thine euerlasting goodnesse , mercie and prouidence . These new come souldiors , requested of the Great master as a reward of their paines , that they might be put in garrison into the towne S. Michaell , a place now most laid vnto by the Turks : which thing ( he commending their forwardnesse ) easily granted : yet for all that remoued not the old garrison . These fresh and couragious souldiors , desirous of nothing more than to fight with the enemie , the next day sallied out , and hauing slaine two hundred of the Turkes , and wounded as many more , without losse of a man returned , euerie mans sword imbrued with the bloud of his enemy . Which thing Mustapha the Turkes Generall hearing , knew it was they which lately came into the towne ; and therupon fell in rage with his captaines , as that they had by their negligence entred . But the suspition grew most vpon them which were appointed for the keeping of the vttermost part of the island : which was the more increased , for that three galliots of ALGIERS had withdrawne themselues away ; so that he neither trusted them nor the renegate Christians , who as occasion serued , fled daily from him . For which cause , he gaue out proclamation , That none of them should lie by night out of the gallies , & that such as did otherwise , should therefore be burnt or impaled vpon stakes : and so changing his warders , appointed Salec with his galliots , whom he thought to be more faithfull for the keeping of the island . And that neither they nor the Christians should be able to attempt any thing , he chained togither diuers gallies in the entrance of the hauen MARZA MOXET , and caused the rest of the fleet to ride neerer togither than before . But because exceeding many were at that time sicke in the Turkes campe , of the flix and other diseases , three places were assigned for them ; one for the wounded men neere vnto AQVA MARTIA , guarded with two thousand Turks ; another in the poupes of their ships and gallies for the Turks voluntaries ; and the third amongst the banks , where the enforced Christians were cured . At the same time , Mustapha appointed Ochiall Bassa Gouernor of TRIPOLIS , instead of Dragut before slaine : who going thither with fiue gallies , and hauing set all things in order there , returned againe vnto the campe . With him the Bassa had sent two ships loaded with corne to TRIPOLIS , there to make bread , whereof they began to feele some want in the campe . He also sent Zaloch , one of his Colonels to Solyman , to certifie him of the winning of the castle S. Elmo , and to deliuer vnto him the description of the isle of MALTA , as they found it at their arriuall : and farther , to declace vnto him , That he found the Malteses stronger , and better prouided , than was at his setting forth supposed : Wherefore if it were his pleasure longer to continue the siege , he should send a new supplie of men , victuall , and other warlike prouision : which if he did , he would then be in hope to take the other strong places of the island also , though not so soone as was at the first supposed : and that in the meane time , whilest he expected answere , he would not faile to doe what he possibly might . And because he would not seeme to haue written an vntruth , he began his batterie in fourteene places , with seauentie great pieces of artillerie , amongst which was three most huge basilisks : for from the Gallowes promontorie to AQVA MARTIA , and from thence to the castle S. Elmo , wherin he had placed three hundred Ianizaries , the Turkes had enclosed all that compasse with sundrie bulwarks , trenches , and mounts , from whence they with their thundring shot , day and night incessantly battered the townes and castles of S. Michaell and S. Angelo , ouerthrew the wals , beat downe the bulwarks , and brake downe the houses in such terrible manner , that scarce any could be safe therein : which of all others most troubled the fearfull women and children . But the Turks in their trenches rested in farre more safetie : yet so , that they durst not stray farre out of the campe , but trusting vpon their multitude ; and not that many times without their losse , being cut off by the horsemen of the garrison of MELITA , who were euer readie at their heeles . When the losse of the castle S. Elmo was knowne at ROME , the citie was filled with mourning and heauinesse ; some were sorie for the dishonour , othersome feared least the calamities of the Malteses should redound vnto themselues . There was also amongst others , a certaine enuious and foule mouthed kind of men , altogither ignorant and vnacquainted with martiall affaires , who shamed not to lay the blame of the losse of S. Elmo vpon the Grand master : whom both his owne valour , with the worthie testimonie of so many famous and valiant men as were there present with him ; as also this historie , gathered out of the true light of things then done , shall both for the time present , and for all posteritie sufficiently acquite of so false a slander . But he will easily blemish another mans name , that spareth not his owne : neither can ignorance rightly iudge of the counsels of the skilfull , or cowardise of valiant deeds . But to returne againe to our purpose : we said before , that three gallies were made readie at MESSANA ; in setting forth whereof , they which had the charge vsed such diligence , that the seauenth of Iuly , they departed out of harbour . In them ( besides the knights of the order ) was embarked six hundred Spaniards , and three hundred of the great bishops souldiors , conducted by Pompeius Columna ; the mariners were part hired , part slaues , to whom libertie was promised if they would lustily doe their endeuour to get into the hauen , and to be accounted of as the rest of the souldiors were . And because they would relieue the besieged , not with men onely , but with victuall also , they put into the same gallies fiue hundred bushels of wheat , beside gunpowder , ●altpeter , and lead for shot . And although it was thought a most hard matter , by the hauen it selfe to enter the island , the Turks possessing both it and all the places thereabouts ; neuerlesse , there was in the knights such an earnest desire to relieue their brethren , that they promised both to themselues and others , all things easie and safe : but when they began to approach the island , they sent a scout before to vnderstand by signes from the castle S. Angelo , whether they were to proceed forward or not : who comming so farre that they might discouer the signe , perceiued thereby that they should retire . Which thing the Turks perceiuing also , presently with the smoake of their great ordinance and other things , they so obscured the ayre as with a thicke cloud , in such sort , as that those signes were no more to be discerned ; but all in vaine , for why , our men had alreadie descried them : so those three gallies returned again into SICILIA . For Valetta that good prince , thoght it not meet to bring so many of the sacred knights , so many noble gentlemen and valiant souldiors , into a most manifest danger : for he saw certaine of the Turkes gallies to lie by night in the mouth of the hauen MARZA MOXET , at a place called the Little sands , to impeach the going in or out of the hauen MAIOR . About the same time , they which lay in garrison in the citie of MELITA , hearing of the notable sally made by the souldiors lately come ; and taking heart thereupon , at such time as the Turkes were fetching in a certaine bootie of cattell , the horsemen pursued them ; and hauing slaine diuers of them , recouered the prey : and yet not so contented , chased them euen to their campe . But the other Turks seeing their fellowes flying in such hast towards them , raised an alarum , ran to the Generals tent , and for that time ceased their batterie . The Great master probably conjecturing , that the Turkes would in short time assault both the towne and castle of S. Michaell , thought good by his presence to encourage and strengthen the garrison ; and therefore was about to haue gone thither by a bridge made of boats from the one point of the land to the other , betweene S. Michaels and S. Angelo : but quickly vnderstanding the certaintie thereof , returned againe into his castle . Some there be that thinke , For him to haue so done , had been a venturous part and full of danger , and therefore to haue been discommended ; for that great things are performed , not so much by strength of bodie as of mind , by pollitike counsell and direction , wherewith a Generall ( although absent ) may yet with his forces be alwaies present : but the Generall once lost ( which may easily happen , if he will present his person to the danger ) we see most commonly all fall togither with him , no otherwise than doth all parts of the bodie when the soule departeth : But othersome are of contrarie opinion , That the Generals presence , especially in great dangers , is both praise worthie and most necessarie ; for that he as the soule , cannot prouide for or rule the bodie , except it be present , yea placed therein : and that Valetta in so doing , followed the examples of the greatest kings and most famous Generals ; as of Alezander the great , Iulius Caesar , Themistocles , Marius and others : whose words vnto their souldiors were these , I my selfe will be your conducter in the field , in the battell partaker of the danger with you , you shall be in all things as my selfe . Besides that , who knoweth not , that as in other things , so most of all in martiall affaires , all things are better , more orderly and more easily done when the master is present ? neither was the learned Poet his meaning any thing else , when in the warres betwixt the Latines and the Rutilians , he saith , Vrget praesentia Turn● ? whereupon they concluded , that the Great master in going , had done both valiantly , wisely , and according to his dutie . But this we leaue for martiall men to determine . At the same time the king of ALGIERS came to aid the Turkes with seauen gallies and ten galliots , and in them 2200 souldiors : who sorie that he was not there at the beginning , and desirous to doe some notable act , and withall to make proofe of the valour of his souldiours , requested the great Bassa to bestow vpon him the first place in the besieging the castle S. Michael : which he not onely graunted , but joyned vnto his forces two thousand of his owne best souldiors . These things obtained , he commaunded ninetie small vessels by deuices to be carried ouer land out of the port MARZA MOXET to AQVA MARSIA , for that he purposed on that side to besiege the castle by water . But Valetta perceiuing the enemies purpose , both by seeing that was done , and also aduertised thereof before by a Christian fugitiue ; presently called vnto him two faithfull and skilfull shipmasters of MALTA , and imparting the matter vnto them , demaunded what they thought best to be done to keepe the Turks from landing , as it seemed they purposed at the wals foot . They quickly conceiuing the matter , answered , That in their opinion , if a chaine were made of masts and saile-yards or sparres joyned together with yron rings , and so drawne all alongst from the corner of the castle of S. Angelo to that place where the enemie thought to land , their purpose might be so defeated . This their deuice so pleased the Great master , that the night following such a chaine was made , and fast mored in the appointed place . The Turkes as soone as it was day perceiuing this barre , stood as men doubtfull , not knowing how by any meanes to land their men , as they had before purposed . Whilest they stood so abashed , a Christian fugitiue , a most desperat villaine ( in which kind of men foolish hardinesse is accounted a vertue , and desperation constancie ) came to the king , and promised him to breake the chaine , and so with a hatcher in his hand cast himselfe into the sea , after whom followed two or three moe to helpe him : who swimming to the chaine , got vp vpon it , and began to hew apace with their hatchets . Which the Christians beholding , suddenly fiue or six of the Maltases swam thither with their drawne swords in their hands ; & hauing slaine two of them , caused the other to flie : after which time none of the Turks was so hardie as to attempt the same . The barbarous king for all that gaue not ouer his purpose so , but with wonderfull diligence prepared for the siege , which the fifteenth day of Iuly began both by sea and land . But the defendants turning their great ordinance vpon that place from whence the galliots came , with the furie thereof ( in the space of three houres , which the assault endured ) slew two thousand Turks and sunke twelue of the galliots : the rest comming as farre as the chaine , when they could get no farther nor land their men , turned their prows vpon the corner of the castle , but were glad at last to retire and leaue that they came for vndone . The assault by land also endured fiue houres , wherein many of the Turkes were slaine , and of the defendants two hundred : amongst whom was Federicus the Viceroy of SICILIA his sonne , strucke in sunder with a great shot , Gordius a Frenchman , Franciscus Sanoghera , and his nephew Iohn , Spaniards ; all knights of the Order . Medina was also wounded , whereof he afterward died . But Valetta considering into what danger the state of MALTA was like to fall , if he should be constrained to fight many such fights , where his souldiors wearied day and night without rest , were still to encounter with fresh men , & heard nothing of any aid or new supplie : the seuenteenth day of Iuly he sent a messenger into SICILIA , who swam from the castle to the farthest part of the bay to AQVA MARSIA , and from thence escaped vnknowne thorow the middest of the enemies vnto the citie of MELITA , and so in a little frigot came to MESSANA ; by him the Great master sent letters to the Viceroy , requesting him to send him his owne two gallies , with those knights which were at MESSANA , and such other souldiors as might in them be transported : willing them , that as soon as they came to the island , they should houer off aloofe before the hauen , readie vpon a signe giuen to thrust in . The same time that this messenger arriued at MESSANA , came thither also the fleet from SPAINE , wherein were many of the knights of the Order from diuers nations . The Viceroy desirous to send those two gallies to Valetta , sent letters before vnto him in secret caracters by two frigots wherein he certified him that he would send the gallies , requiring to haue from him some signe , wherby they might at their comming know whether they should enter or retire : which frigots taking diuers courses , one of them laded with medicines , as was afterwards knowne , was intercepted by the enemie : the other although she came in safetie to MELITA , yet for as much as all the passages betwixt the castle of S. Michaell and the citie of MELITA were certaine dayes before by the diligence of the enemie shut vp , and three which had vsed to passe too and fro , intercepted and most cruelly executed , and besides that the hauen straightly kept ; the knights of MESSANA could haue no further direction from the Great master for the safe sending of the two gallies : yet neuerthelesse , because he had requested them , and they themselues were of the same opinion ( as he had before written ) that where all is in question , the aduenture of a little part is lesse to be feared ; they thought it good to aduenture them : yet with this regard , not to expose all those knights to so great a danger , but of them all to send onely fortie , with a conuenient number of other souldiors , and with them Salazar a Spanish captaine was sent by the Viceroy to be landed in the island of GAVLOS , who should afterwards from thence in a boat ( for that purpose towed along by the gallies ) passe ouer into the island of MALTA as a spie , to take view both of the citie and enemies campe . In the meane time the Turks mindfull of the losse receiued in the assault of the castle S. Michael , and desirous of reuenge , did so violently batter the castle with their great ordinance , that what the defendants repaired by night , that they still beat downe againe by day : and in time of the batterie made a bridge , which the twentith day of Iuly before the Sunne rising they laid ouer the ditch , that they might as if it had been vpon euen ground come to fight hand to hand with the Christians . Which seene and quickly perceiued what danger it might bring , by and by Parisot the Great masters nephew , and Agleria , both knights , with certaine mercinarie souldiors sallied out to haue burnt the bridge , but were so receiued of the Turks , that they were almost all slaine together with Parisot and Agleria , and yet the exploit vnperformed . The Turks without ceasing continued their furious batterie vntill the eight and twentie of Iuly , which day in the afternoone they in diuers places assaulted the castle , thrice they with fresh and new supplies relieued their repulsed and wearied souldiours , and so fiercely maintained the assault , that they made no doubt but that day to win the castle . But the defendants with no lesse resolution withstood them , repulsing them with their weapons , with shot , fire , and force , and at length enforced them with no small losse of their men to retire from their wals . This victorie so encouraged the besieged , that now they made small reckoning of the enemie : but for as much as our men alwayes spared their great ordinance but in time of fight , and sallied not out as they were wont , the Turks thought that the garrison was but weake , and that shot and pouder grew scarce in the castle . Yet deceiued in both , for that it was rather of purpose than for want so commaunded by the Great master : who hearing nothing of the comming of any aid , and seeing the enemie to giue dayly more fierce assaults , would not vainely spend his most necessarie helpes . The Turkes perceiuing what little good they had done with their often assaults , determined now to prooue what might be done by vndermining the castle ; and had almost brought one of their mines to perfection , before it was by the Christians discouered : and to the intent they should the lesse marke it , they caused two gallies to come as neere as they could to the wals , and to batter that place , in hope that whilest our men gazed vpon that was done openly , they should the lesse regard what they were working in secret , that so they might in the meane time more easily get into the castle . But the besieged carefull of all that was to be cared for perceiuing their purpose , with a countermine defeated their mine , and by the couragiousnesse of certaine of their soldiors , but especially of one auntient , draue out the enemie , who hauing cast certaine pots of wild fire before him into the mine , and following presently after with a peece of fireworke in his hand , forced them out . For which good seruice he was by the Great master rewarded with a chaine of gold of fiue pound weight : and because of vertue springeth vertue , which still resteth vpon difficulties , the next day , which was the first of August , the bridge which we said the enemie had made ouer the ditch , was by a sallie made by the defendants burnt downe with fire and gunpouder cast vpon it : which was in good time done , for the next day , the Sunne now declining , the Turkes againe assayling that part of the castle where Carolus Rufus had the charge , were by our men valiantly repulsed . This assault endured three houres , in which time three hundred of the Turks were there slaine ▪ and of the knights Rufus himselfe and Baresus with certaine mercinarie souldiors . At this time the Christians were by the enemie so shut in with the multitude of great ordinance , that they could not so much as looke into the ditch or shew themselues , much lesse sallie out , but they were by and by set off . Yet did they not for all that make spare of their liues , when occasion was giuen them to performe any notable exploit : as appeared by Calderonius a Spaniard , who seeing some viewing that part of the wall , which the enemie had most battered and shaken at the castle bulwarke , doubted not to sallie out , but was presently taken with a bullet and slaine , which mischance when it might seeme of right to haue terrified the rest from attempting the like , did indeed the more incense them ; so that when they saw the enemie exceeding busie in filling the ditch , they resolutely set downe to offer themselues to most assured death rather than to fall into the hands of the mercilesse enemie , agreed to sallie out by night , and to meet with his designes . Whereupon an hundred , part knights , part other souldiors , sallying forth , caused the enemie to forsake the ditch and betake himselfe to flight , of whom they slew about fourescore , and lost of their owne ten men : amongst whom were Ioannes and Macrinus , two knights , whose heads the Turks the next day set vp vpon two speares vpon their trenches , that they might be seene by the Christians . The same day they of the citie of MELITA at night made at one instant a number of fires ; and as if it were in triumph discharged great vollies of small shot , with many other tokens of joy : which as well the besieged as the Turks thought verely to haue beene done vpon the discouerie of the Christian fleet , or els the landing of such forces as were come to remoue the siege ; whereas indeed it was neither , but done onely to shew their cheerefulnesse , and to keepe the Turkes in suspence with the noueltie of the matter : who for all that were not slacke in their businesse , but with earth filled vp the ditch at the castle bulwarke : whereby it came to passe , that they could not be hurt by the flankers , made in that place to scoure the ditch , but might thereby as vpon plaine ground , without stay passe vnto the wall , now opened and ouerthrowne with their continuall batterie , and with two great pieces ( which they had planted vpon a high mount , which they had newly cast vp on the right hand the bulwarke SAVIORE ) they begun to play vpon the castle , and at the first shot , shot into the loupe where Franciscus Castilia commaunded . Ioannes Bernardus Godinetius , a Spanish knight , was there slaine with a small shot . The same day Franciscus Aquilates , a Spaniard , one of the garrison souldiors , persuaded by feare and hope ( in dangers two euill counsellors ) fled out of the towne S. Michael to the enemie ; persuading the Turks colonels to giue a fresh assault , assuring them that they should without doubt win the towne , because there was but foure hundred souldiors left aliue in it , and they ( as he said ) almost spent with labour and wounds , all the rest being dead . Which the Turkes hearing , and seeing faire breaches both in the wals of the new citie and of the castle S. Michael , wide ynough for carts to goe thorow , they determined with all their forces to assault both places at once , and to prooue if there were yet so much strength left in those holds , as againe to repulse them : so the seuenth day of August at one instant they assaulted the new citie at the castle bulwarke , and the castle S. Michael at the breach , with such a multitude , that all the earth seemed to be couered with men round about . The thundering of the great ordinance , the noise of the small shot , with the clattering of armour , and noise of trumpets , drums , and other warlike instruments , with the crie of men on both sides , was so confused and great , as if heauen and earth should haue beene confounded together . Which when the knights in the citie MELITA heard , and saw the heauens obscured with smoake , fearing that the Turks ( as at the castle S. Elmo ) would neuer giue ouer the assault , vntill they had woon both the towne and the castle ; presently all the garrison horsemen issued out of the citie , and to auert the Turkes from the assault , set vpon those Turks which lay at AQVA MARTIA : who all surprised with a sudden feare , fled , the Christian horsemen hardly pursuing them with bloudie execution , and they in their fight piteously crying vnto their fellows for help . Whereby it came to passe , that they which were assailing the citie and castle , to rescue their discomfited fellowes , were glad to giue ouer the assault : so with great slaughter foiled on both sides by the Christians , they returned to their trenches , when they had lost aboue fifteene hundred at the assault , beside them which were slaine in the chase by the horsemen of MELITA . Of the defendants of both places were lost aboue a hundred , and almost as many wounded . This fight endured aboue fiue houres . Valetta deliuered of so great a danger , that day and certaine others caused publick prayers to be made , & went himselfe with the multitude of the citisens to the church , to giue thankes to Almightie God for that victorie . Whilest these things were in doing , Garzias the Viceroy was aduertised from CALABRIA , that certaine ships laded with men , victuall , and other prouision necessarie for the warres , were comming from CONSTANTINOPLE to MALTA , wherefore he forthwith sent Altamira and Gildandrada , two noble men , with fiue gallies to meet them : who being come within thirtie miles of MALTA , met with no such ships , but only one frigot and a galliot ; the frigot they took , but the galliot escaped to the enemies fleet at MALTA . Mustapha the Turkes Generall now thinking no man so strong which might not with continuall labour and watching be wearied and ouercome , resolued not to giue vnto the besieged any time of rest , but commaunded his souldiors againe to assault the breach at the castle of Saint Michael ; where they were by the valour of the defendants , with no small slaughter quickly repulsed : Neither did the Bassa giue so many assaults , for the hope he had to win those places ; but rather to performe the dutie of a valiant Generall , and to satisfie Solymans pleasure , who had expressely commaunded , either to win that island , or there all to lose their liues . He also sent a galliot in hast with letters to Solyman ; wherein he shewed him the state of the fleet , with what difficulties the armie was distressed , what small hope there was of winning the places besieged , how well the Christians were prouided , with many other such things . In the meane time those two gallies of MALTA ( which we haue before spoken of ) departing from MESSANA , came to SIRACVSA , where they staied a day . The next day after , in going out of the hauen , they met with one of MALTA in a small boat comming from POZALO sore wounded : he being demaunded how he was so hurt , told them , That landing by night with his boat and one companion , he was requested by two Sicilians which dwelt there , to rest there that night , which they doing , about midnight fiue Turks brake into the house vpon them , killed his companion , carried away the Sicilians , and he wounded as he was , hardly escaped by the benefit of the night : moreouer he said , That the Sicilians had told the Turks , that two gallies were come into that port , with souldiors and other warlike prouision bound for MALTA . Whereby the knights perceiued , that their comming would be discouered vnto the enemie , and that it was a most dangerous thing , or rather impossible to get into the hauen of MALTA , as they had before purposed : neuerthelesse , to conduct Salazar with his little boat , they kept on their course . But as they were sayling , they descried two gallies and one galliot going before them , who seeing the gallies comming after them , made with all speed to MALTA : and were no doubt those gallies , from whence those fiue Turks came , which had done those things which the wounded Maltese reported . For all that , these gallies kept on their course as farre as POZALO , from whence they certified the Viceroy by letters , all that had happened : and not daring to put to sea , the South wind blowing with a stiffe gale against them , they returned backe againe to SIRACVSA , expecting there farther direction from the Viceroy . For which cause , they forthwith sent one of the knights to him to MESSANA ; by whom they receiued answere , That they should go no farther , but to stay for the comming of the whole fleet , readie in short time to passe ouer to MALTA . But Salazar brought by the gallies to POZALO , resolued with his little boat to go on : and although the day he departed thence , the aire was troubled with great wind , thunder and raine , yet the daies following prouing more calme , he in short time arriued in the island of MALTA , and came in safetie to the citie MELITA ; and there disguised himselfe in Turkish apparell , and taking with him one companion who could also speake the Turkish language , by night got into the enemies camp : where diligently marking all things , they perceiued that there was in all the Turkes armie of land soldiors scarce fourteene thousand , and of them many wounded and sicke ; and that the rest was but an vnseruiceable and feeble multitude , for that the course of wars had ( as commonly it doth ) consumed their best souldiors . When they had thus viewed the campe , they returned againe to the citie ; from whence Salazar with one Petrus-Paccius a Spaniard , a venturous and valiant man , went to a certaine place neere vnto the watch towre of MALECA : which when they had curiously viewed , Paccius was there left , that obseruing the signes from the island of GAVLOS and the citie of MELITA ; he might giue knowledge of all things to the Viceroy at his approach , as he was by Salazar instructed . As for Salazar himselfe , he in his little boat ( which at his comming into the islle he had there left ) happily returned to MESSANA , and there declared vnto the Viceroy all that he had seene : constantly affirming amongst other things , That the Turks fleet was but weake , lame , and disfurnished both of men and munition , farre vnable to encounter with 10000 Christians . About which time also , one of the two frigots which were before sent to MALTA , returned with another Spaniard , and a fugitiue from the Turks campe : and foure gallies before gone from MESSANA , were also come in with foureteene Turks , taken about the island of MALTA , who all confirmed the same that was by Salazar reported : which was , That the Turks armie was with often assaults wonderfully weakened , both in number and strength ; so that they could not with stripes be enforced to the assault , for which the Bassa had with his owne hands slaine diuers of them : and that which more increased their feare , they saw none of their men wounded , but that they died thereof : Besides that , they saw the Christians with inuincible courage to defend their strong places , and not to spend one shot in vaine : wherefore they were sorie , and repented that they euer tooke in hand that expedition ; they detested such a war , shrinking as much as they could from the assault , and as they might stealing quite away , which many of them did , especially such as had before abjured the Christian faith . For which cause diligent watch and ward was kept , and commandement giuen by the great Bassa , that they should resolue with themselues either to win the towne , or there all to lay vp their bones ; for that the great Sultan Solyman had so commaunded , whom to gainsay was in it selfe death . These and such like persuasions , caused the Viceroy somewhat the sooner to thinke of the bringing foorth of his fleet : the besieged in the meane time did what men might for defence of the place and themselues . There was in the castle one Franciscus Giuara captaine of the vauntguard , a noble and valiant gentleman , of a great conceit ; he about ten foot from the towne wall which the enemie had with their great ordinance beaten downe , caused a curtaine to be drawne fiftie foot long , and fiue foot thicke , with flankers at both ends ; which in two nights was brought to perfection , and was afterwards a great helpe to the besieged . The enemie in the meane time began a mine vnder the corner of the towne ditch , where Boninsegna a Spaniard and a most valiant knight had the charge : which the besieged perceiuing , by a countermine defeated the same . It happened in the meane time , that as a fugitiue was swimming to the towne , he was taken by the enemy ; which much grieued the besieged , desirous to haue vnderstood something of the state of the enemies campe , and of their purposes . Now when the former mine had taken so euill successe , part of the Turkes assailed the castle S. Michael , and part with gunpouder thought to haue blowne vp the castle bulwarke : but by the carefulnesse and courage of the defendants , all their attempts were disappointed ; for many of the Turkes were in both places slaine , and certaine bags of pouder taken from them in the mine . With these and other such difficulties , Mustapha and Piall the Turkes Generals disappointed of their hope , consulted with the other great captaines of the armie , Whether they should there still continue that desperat siege , or depart ? where most were cleere of opinion , That it was best betime to depart . Yet for all that , the old Bassa said , He would there stay , vntill the galliot ( which he had before sent to CONSTANTINOPLE ) were returned with answere from Solyman , and in the meane time both by force and pollicie to seeke after victorie : which thing he oftner did , than stood with the broken estate of his armie , or of the besieged ; neither resting himselfe nor suffering others to take rest : for one while he battered the wals , another while he wrought mines or else made bridges ; sometime he cast vp mounts , and then againe filled the ditches ; and euer and anon gaue one assault or another . In all which doing he vsed such industrie , that whatsoeuer he tooke in hand , was in short time brought to such perfection as might haue carried a stronger place , had not the valour of the defendants far exceeded all his strong and pollitike deuises . It fortuned , that as Robles the camp-master and Gouernour of the castle S. Michael , was by night viewing the ruines of the wall , he was strucke in the head with a small shot , and slaine ; leauing behind him to his fellowes , the great desire of himselfe : for why , he was a man for many his good parts ( wherewith he had many times stood the defendants in great stead ) worthily beloued . In whose stead the Great master sent one of the Colonels that was with himselfe , a most expert and resolute captaine , to take charge of S. Michaels castle ; who by his vigilant care and prouidence so well discharged the charge committed vnto him , that as often as the Turkes attempted the place , so often they were with losse repulsed . The two gallies with the galliot , descried by the gallies of MALTA ( as we haue before said ) told Piall Bassa the Admirall , that the Christian fleet was readie to come forth : wherefore he fearing the sudden comming thereof , caused seauentie gallies to be in readinesse ; besides which , fortie others lay in the hauen MARZA MOXET vnseruiceable , as wanting both men and other equipage , for that was spent in making bridges , mines , and other such things necessarie for the siege : as for the men , they were part with sicknesse , and part with often assaults consumed . Wherefore Piall for certaine daies kept himselfe by day in the port MAIOR neere the shoare , and by night put forth to sea , expecting the comming of the fleet . But after long looking , when he saw no man appeare , he againe landed his souldiors : and because at land the Bassa began to want pouder , of euerie thirtie barrels of pouder in euerie gallie , he tooke out twentie , and of some twentie fiue , or according to that proportion . After which time , the Turkes began with greater furie than at any time before , to batter the wals of both townes , especially with those great pieces which they call basilisks , whose shot of two hundred pound waight was seauen hands about ; whereby the wals of the castle of S. Michael were beaten flat . And at the same time , the Bassa at the castle S. Angelo , had with continuall batterie so shaken the castle bulwarke , that it was almost fallen quite downe . These breaches thus made , when the Turkes saw both townes bared of wals and other defendants ; and laid so open , that nothing seemed now to let them to looke vpon their enemies , they made no longer stay , but the eighteenth day of August ( the sunne being now at the highest ) with all their power fiercely assaulted both the townes . Thrise they were repulsed , and still came on a fresh ; yet at length beaten downe on euerie side with great slaughter , they were glad shamefully to giue ouer the assault , and againe to retire to their trenches . In this most cruell fight ( which endured fiue houres ) the inuincible courage of the Great master notably appeared , who armed with a pike in his hand , and dreadfull to behold , was still valiantly fighting in the face of the breach , whose presence encouraged not the souldiors only , but euen boies and women to fight : For so it is , that men are more moued with example than with words . Yet of the great number of the Turks , part stood still in the towne ditch ; and to saue themselues from the shot of the castle bulwarke , had with wonderfull celeritie cast vp a defence of earth , fagots , and other like matter , which they did of purpose to approach and to vndermine the wals , and had therefore inclosed the space of fifteene el●es : which when the besieged perceiued , they bent certaine pieces of artillerie vpon it , and slew many of them , and with fire consumed what was left . The next day the assault was at the same places by the enemie renewed , who by reason of his number of souldiors might easily send fresh men in stead of them which were wounded or wearie : and first , after their wonted manner , they battered both the townes all that day vntill night ; afterwards , the moone arising , about midnight with a horrible crie they began a most terrible assault , which at the first much troubled the Christians , who yet still mindfull of their woonted valour , did so much with their weapons and fire-works , that the enemie euill intreated , was glad after three houres fight to retire to his trenches . The same day a mine was by the defendants perceiued , at the castle bulwarke , wherein a hundred Turkes there found , were almost all slaine , and the mine destroied . Yet for all this did not the enemie rest at all , but the next day seauen times assaulted the same breaches , vsing now not weapons only , but fire-works also ; wherewith Boninsegna had his face so burnt , that he lost one of his eies . At the same time also , the Turks at a place called the SPVR , laboured mightily to haue gotten into the castle : where Centius a knight of an inuincible courage , got vp vpon the rampier , and with a pike couragiously thrust them downe that were climing vp , and thrusting thorow one , discouraged the rest ; but was himselfe wounded in the arme with a small shot : Yet when he had a little withdrawne himselfe to haue his wound bound vp , he came againe to the rampier , and neuer departed from the fight vntill he had ( as a valiant conquerour ) preserued the place . So the Turks with great slaughter on euerie side repulsed , left the victorie to the Christians , of whom were slaine almost a hundred , and most of them ( as at other times ) with shot : amongst whom were these most valiant knights , at the castle Angelo , Fragus , at the castle of S. Michael , Scipio Piatus , Io. Baptista Soderinus , Paulus Bomportus , Marius Fagianus , Ruffinus , and certaine others , men worthie of longer life . The Turks had also at the same time wrought a mine at the castle S. Michael , which was at once both discouered and destroied . With these so many and so great assaults , certaine of the knights ( and those not of the meanest sort ) fearing least that which was so often attempted by the enemie , should at length be effected ; told the Great master , That they thought it conuenient and necessarie , to remooue all the records , all the pictures and reliques of the Saints , and other their religious things into the castle S. Angelo , there to be kept as in a place of more strength and assurance . The Great master , although he well knew that they which thus said , spake it of a good mind , was for all that with that speech exceedingly moued : wherefore he shortly answered them , That so to doe , were nothing else but to appaule and discourage the minds , not of the Malteses onely , who had hitherto valiantly behaued themselues , and done more than any man could haue hoped for ; but also of the mercinarie souldiors , if they should perceiue it : wherefore he was resolued , either togither to keep all , or lose all ; and because none should from thenceforth repose any hope in the strength of the castle S. Angelo , he said he would bring all the garrison out of the castle into the towne , that there they might togither with others withstand the enemie ; and that he would leaue in the castle none but gunners , who should as need required shoot at the enemie . An answere truly well beseeming a man of his place , and to be to all posteritie commended : for how can the souldior hope , which seeth his captain dispaire ? or aduenture , where the chieftaine seemeth to be strucken with feare ? Whilest the Grand master with this answere doth both ashame them and also encourage their quailing minds ; the Turks ( that this day as the other three before should not passe without assault ) with the dawning of the day assailed the very same places with the greatest furie possible , especially at the ruines of the castle : where San Romanus an Auergnois , which had the charge of that place , lost this short and transitorie life , winning thereby immortall fame : and at S. Michaels , Adurnius one of the knights , and Pagio , with certaine others , were greeuously wounded : for the enemie suddenly retiring from the assault , presently so thundred into the breaches with their great and small shot , that all the island seemed to tremble , the heauens to burne , and the aire to be darkened with smoake . In the meane time Valetta thorowly wearied with the mornings fight , had withdrawne himselfe a little to breath himselfe : when suddenly a Spanish priest , with his hands cast vp to heauen , came running to him , roaring and crying out , That all was lost and forlorne , and that three or foure ensignes of the enemies were by the castle breach broken into the towne . Which the Great master hearing , suddenly clapt his helmet vpon his head , and with a pike in his hand said vnto them that were about him : Loe fellow souldiors , the houre is come wherein you may shew your selues the most valiant champions of the Christian religion , if it be so , that you now also retaine the same valor which you haue in other battel 's shewed . There is no cause wherefore you should doubt of this last , for the enemie is the same ; and the same God which hath hetherto preserued vs , will not now forsake vs : wherefore follow me valiant hearts . This said , he hasted to the place where most danger was , and with him all the souldiors , all the citisens , men and women , old and yong , yea the very children , all against the common enemy . There was fought a most dreadfull and dangerous battell : some kept the enemie from entring , some set vpon that were alreadie entred , whom they wounded , chased , and slew , although they notably resisted . Within , without , all was couered with darts , weapons , dead bodies , and bloud . The Great master was carefull of all , & in euery place present , commending , exhorting , directing , as occasion required , performing at once all the duties of a most valiant souldior and worthie Generall . At length the Turkes with the setting of the Sunne retired , and so the assault ceased . Thus was the Great master the vndoubted victor , but not without much bloud of his people , considering his small number : for in this fight he lost aboue 200 men , wheras of the enemies , beside them which were entred , whereof not one escaped , were slaine aboue 2000. These are those foure terrible assaults , presently giuen one after another vnto the besieged . Garzias the Viceroy in the meane time taried for nothing els to transport his armie to MALTA , but for the comming of Io. Cardona , who with twelue gallies was gone to PANORMO , to conduct thence foure ships laded with prouision : but when he saw him stay long , he sent to him in post , That if he could not with such speed as was required tow foorth those ships , he should spend no longer time , but take out the prouision into his gallies , and with speed to come away . So the Viceroy with a fleet of threescore and twelue gallies the twentith day of August set forward from MESSANA to SIRACVSA , wherein he caried ten thousand select souldiors , amongst whom were aboue two hundred knights of the Order of S. Iohn , and about fortie of the Order of S. Stephen , which is an Order of knights instituted by Cosmus Medices , duke of FLORENCE , to the imitation of the knights of MALTA in the yeare 1561 , and haue their residence at COSMOPOLIS , a new built citie in the island of ELBA in the Tuscane sea , oueragainst PIOMBINO . Besides these knights in this fleet were diuers noble and valiant gentlemen of ITALIE , SICILIE , and other countries . The fleet being arriued at SIRACVSA , the Viceroy sent Auria with one gallie and a boat to MALTA , to land a man , to know of Paccius ( left , as we haue before said , for a watch in the island at MALECA ) what newes , or what he had seene . By whom it was vnderstood , That no ship was seene at sea , but one galliot , which the one and twentith day of August in the morning made towards GAVLOS , and the same day towards night as he was informed by the watchmen of MALECA , sixteene gallies came to water at SALINE , but what became of them afterwards , by reason of the comming on of the night could not be descried . In this while the besieged had notably repaired the breach at the castle bulwarke , and had in sundry places aptly placed certaine great pieces to flanker the ditches and to beat the mount cast vp by the enemie at the bulwarke of BONINSEGNA , that they might from thence annoy all the plaine of the castle with their small shot . But the Turkes hauing determined with all their forces at once to assault both the townes as before , brought an engine made of spars and boords , able to couer thirtie men , vnder the breach at S. Michaels : whereby it came to passe , that none of the defendants could without danger shew themselues in the breach : which when they could by no meanes endure , they suddenly sallied out , and putting them to flight which were there couered ▪ set fire on the engine and burnt it . In like manner , they which besieged the new citie , were repulsed at the castle breach , and another like engine burnt . The next night certaine of the watch of the castle issued out , and hauing destroyed the Turkes engines prepared for the assayling of that place , and slaine them that were set for the keeping thereof , returned in safetie into the castle . But when the enemies both that day and others following rested not , but repairing their mines , mounts , and engines , laboured in both places to haue beaten the Christians from the wals ; all their endeuour and labour was by the industrie and valor of the defendants made frustrate . The besieged had at the castle breach made a mine , and laid in it eight barrels of pouder , that if the enemie should again assault that place , he might there be blowne vp : but whilest the Turks were for like purpose working a mine in the same place , they chanced vpon the mine before made , which they spoyled , and carried away all the pouder . Thus whilest they labour both on the one side and the other , Mustapha the Generall , a most expert and famous commaunder , considering that Summer now so farre spent , he was not to vse longer delay ; and withall , that resolute perseuerance oftentimes in warre findeth out a way to victorie ; determined with all his power once againe to assault the castle S. Michael . Wherfore displaying the stately standerd of the Turkish emperour , vpon the point whereof was fastened a globe of gold , he commaunded his souldiors to enter the breach ; who now like desperat men attempted to haue performed his command , and were by the Christians valiantly encountred ▪ so that in the breach was made a most terrible and doubtfull fight . But when the Turkes had now beene twice rejected and beaten downe , Mustapha perceiuing his souldiors as men halfe discouraged but faintly to maintaine the assault , came himselfe to the places , praying and exhorting them not to be discouraged , but that day to confirme their former labours and victories , and not to suffer their vanquished enemies to triumph ouer them : he told them that the enemie had now no defence left wherewith to couer himselfe , that all was beaten downe flat , and that there remained onely a few wearie and maimed bodies , which were not able long to endure the edge of their swords ; that with such resolution they had before woon the castle of S. Elmo : last of all he by promising to some mony , to some honour and preferment , threatening some , and requesting others , encouraged some one way , some another , euery one according to his qualitie and disposition : who mooued either with their Generals presence , promises , or threats , gaue a fresh and fierce assault . The fight was on both sides terrible , yet at length the Turkes were againe enforced to retire : for the defendants had cast vp a rampier , whereon they had fitly placed two field pieces , wherewith they sore troubled the enemie , and at the first shot strucke in sunder one of those woodden engines , which the enemie had made stronger than the rest , couered with raw hides to keepe it from burning , and rent in pieces fortie souldiors which were vnder it : and the same night they which were in the other town and the castle bulwarke , sallying couragiously out , destroyed all the enemies defences , & draue them from a mount , which they had made vpon the fortifications of the Christians : whereby they perceiued plainely , what small courage the Turks had to fight , for vpon that mount they were almost three hundred , whereas of our men was but fiue and twentie , with which small number for all that they had no mind to deale . The defendants had for like purpose as before made another mine at the castle bulwarke , but perceiuing that it was in danger to be found by the enemie in repairing his fortifications without , they suddenly put fire vnto it , by force whereof threescore Turks which were within the danger of the place , were blowne vp and slaine . Garzias the Viceroy , in the meane while that these things were in doing , departing with his fleet from SIRACVSA , with a prosperous wind kept on his course toward PACHYNVM , where they descried a tall ship at sea , driuen thither ( as was afterwards knowne ) by tempest : she out of the island MENIN● was carrying a great supplie of shot and pouder vnto the Turkes campe at MALTA ; but now ouertaken by the Christian fleet , easily yeelded , and was by the Viceroy sent by other marriners to SIRACVSA . And now the Christian fleet caried with a faire gale towards MALTA , suddenly arose such a tempest from the East , that they were driuen to the island AEGVSA , two hundred and twentie miles West of MALTA , from whence the first of September letters were brought from the Viceroy to the Great master , certifying him , That he would in short time come with his fleet and relieue him . The same day also a Christian fled out of the Turkes gallies , wherein he was captiue , to the citie S. Angelo ; who reported , That in the Turkes campe were few men able to fight , most of the armie being with wounds , famine , sicknesse , and other miseries brought to extreame weakenesse : and besides that , that infinit numbers of them died dayly : yet for all that he said moreouer , that they were determined to besiege the citie of MELITA , and had alreadie for that purpose mounted fiue great pieces of artillerie for batterie ; and that they had but a few dayes before taken twelue , and the last day of all foureteene horsemen of the garrison souldiors of that citie . In the meane while the fleet which was driuen ( as we said ) to AEGVSA , the rage of the sea being now well appeased , came to D●●PANVM , and from thence toward GAVLOS , as was before intended : where by the way the two gallies of MALTA light vpon two of the Turkes galliots , and tooke them . The fift day of September the Christian fleet came to GAVLOS , where the Viceroy perceiuing not the appointed signes from MALTA , whereby he might safely land , returned forthwith backe againe to POZALO , whether Auria immediatly following him , told him , That hee had seene the signes , and assured him of safe landing in the island of MALTA : wherewith the Viceroy encouraged , the next day towards night returned againe to GAVLOS . The same day a Christian captiue fled from the Turks to S. Angelo , and told the Great master , That he was come to bring him good newes , how that the Turks had determined to proue their last fortune in assaulting the castle S. Michael , which they would doe the next day ▪ where if the successe were answerable to their desire , they would then tarrie , but if not , then forthwith be gone : and that Mustapha the more to encourage his souldiors , had promised fiue talents of gold to the ensigne bearers , that should first aduance their ensignes vpon the wals , and farther to promote them to greater places of honor ; as for the rest , he would reward euery one of them according to their desert , either with money or preferment . Valetta thinking all these things to be by Gods appointment discouered vnto him by such men , as they had from time to time beene : first gaue thankes vnto Almightie God , and after that with all diligence prepared such things as he thought most necessarie for the repulsing of the enemie . But the Turks all that day with their great ordinance battered the new citie , and the shipping in the hauen , in such sort that one of the great ships was there sunke . In the morning Garzias the Viceroy with his fleet arriued at the island of MALTA , and there quickly and quietly landed his forces , and whilest his gallies watered at GAVLOS , went forward with the armie about halfe a mile , instructing the Generals and Colonels what hee thought needfull to be done , commaunding all proclamations and commaunds to be made in the name of the king of SPAINE , vntill they came to the Great master , and then in all things to obey him as their Soueraigne : and charged Ascanius Cornia the Generall in all his actions to follow the counsell of the greater part . So in few words exhorting them to play the men , he left them marching towards MELITA . About noone he retired to his gallies , and sayling Eastward , came with all his fleet within the sight of the citie of MELITA , about three miles distant from the South shore . They of the citie vpon sight of the fleet , in token of joy discharged all the great artillerie , which was answered from the fleet , by discharging all their great ordinance twice . After that he returned as he had before determined into SICILIA , to take into his gallies the duke of VR●INS companies which were come to MESSANA , and certain bands of Spaniards at SYRACVSA , and so forthwith to returne to MALTA to attend the departing of the Turks fleet , being now euill appointed , and alreadie as good as halfe ouerthrowne . The Turkes , who ( as is before said ) had purposed to prooue their last fortune vpon the towne of S. Michael , had now certaine dayes before the comming of the fleet begun to trusse vp their baggage : but as soone as they heard that the fleet was come , and the armie landed , there suddenly arose a wonderfull tumultuous confusion amongst them , some cried arme , arme , and othersome as fast to be gone : and being generally all afraid , euery one according to his disposition , betooke himselfe to his weapons or to his heeles ; the greatest number thrust together into their trenches , as neere as they could vnto their great ordinance : and so burning the engines and fortifications , with all the speed they could embarked their great ordinance and baggage . Which they in the towne S. Angelo perceiuing , not expecting the commandement of the Great master , in so sudden an opportunitie couragiously sallied out to BVRMOLA , where certaine Turks kept a huge great peece of ordinance ; who now hauing no mind to fight , betooke themselues to flight , and forsooke the peece , which they of the towne presently drew within their wals . And if the newcome forces had that day charged the enemie as they disorderly ran to their gallies , happily they had either found an occasion of victorie , or at leastwise taken from them the greatest part of their artillerie . But it may be , that they followed the old militarie saying , That vnto the flying enemie a man should make a bridge of siluer . Besides that , they thinking it not conuenient to depart from the prouision and things which they had brought for the releefe of the besieged ; which for the roughnesse of the way and want of horses were hardly caried , would not prouoke the enemie with any skirmish : whereby it came to passe , that the Turkes without let embarked their great ordinance , their baggage , and most part of their armie . The eleuenth of September , whilest the Turks fleet was brought out of the hauen MARZA MOXET , a fugitiue of GENVA came in hast to the Great master , and told him that ten thousand Turks were marching towards MELITA , to meet with the Christians vpon the way . Which thing the Great master hearing , presently sent a sufficient number of good souldiours to the castle Saint Elmo , there to set vp one of the ensignes of the sacred Order : who comming thither , found there foure and twentie great peeces , some for batterie , some for the field , which they could not in so great hast remooue thence . The Turkes fleet departing out of the hauen MARZA MOXET to the port S. Paule , there landed seuen thousand men , with Mustapha their Generall , who was falsely informed , That the Christians were not aboue three thousand strong : and from thence , encouraged with the small number of the enemie ( as they supposed ) they marched directly toward MELITA . The Christians also marching orderly and readie to giue battell , held on their way to meet them : and at the rising of an hill both armies meeting together , they gaue a great shout , and withall the formost began the battell , where some few were at the first slaine on both sides . But the Christians still growing vpon them both in number and strength , the Turkes finding themselues ouercharged , fled , the Christians pursuing them and killing them vntill they came to their gallies ; where in striuing who should get in first , about foure hundred of them were drowned in the sea , besides eighteene hundred slaine in the battell at land : and had the Christian souldiors well knowne the countrey , they had slaine them euery mothers sonne . The Turks thus driuen to their gallies , lay there in the hauen all the next day , and most part of the night following : but a little before day vpon the shooting off of a great peece , the signe of their departure , they all hoised saile for GRECIA , leauing the island of MALTA sore impouerished and wasted . In this siege the Turkes lost about foure and twentie thousand , whereof most part were of their best souldiours : and of the Christians were slaine about fiue thousand , besides two hundred and fortie knights of the Order , men of diuers nations , but all worthie eternall fame , whose dead bodies the Great master caused to be honourably buried . The Turkes in their batterie during the siege , spent as is accounted threescore and eighteene thousand great shot . If a man doe well consider the difficulties and dangers the besieged passed thorow in this fiue moneths siege , the manifold labours and perils they endured in so many and so terrible assaults , the small releefe to them sent in so great distresse , with the desperat obstinacie of so puis●ant an enemie ; he shall hardly find any place these many yeares more mightily impugned , or with greater valour and resolution desended . The la●e besieged , and now victorious prince , honourably acquitted of so great an enemie , first commaunded publicke prayers with thanksgiuing to be made vnto the giuer of all victorie : after that , hee rewarded the valiant , commended the rest , and gaue thankes to all , he charitably relieued the sicke and wounded , bewailed the spoile of the island , and carefully prouided for the repairing of the breaches and places battered : and yet in all this doing , diligently enquired after the enemies course and purpose , & was not in any thing remisse or secure , as in victorie most men are . But because so great harms could not without great helpes in short time be repaired , and the returne of the prowd enemie , not without cause the next yeare feared : he by letters to diuers great princes , and especially to the graund priors of the Order , in diuers countries , requested helpe ; amongst whom George , graund prior of GERMANIE , and founder of the castle of S. Elmo , was one of the chiefest . The coppie of which letters , because they briefly containe what we haue before in this historie at large written , I haue thought good here to set downe , that the same may in such order be read , as it was by the Great master himselfe reported . Brother Valetta , Master of the hospitall of Ierusalem , to the reuerend and religious our welbeloued brother in Christ , George of Hohenheim , called Bombast , prior of our priorie in Almanie , greeting . Although we doubt not but that by the letters and relation of many , you alreadie vnderstand of the comming of the Turkes to inuade these islands , or rather vtterly to subuert our societie : and the happie and heauenly victorie by vs obtained of it : Yet if the same things shall by our letters also bee brought vnto you , we haue thought the same will be vnto you a thing much more pleasing . For seeing that we are certainely persuaded , that you in this no lesse happie than wholesome successe will giue most heartie thankes to Almightie God , and that the fruit of this good shall most of all redound vnto you , for the honour which you beare in our Order ; we haue willingly determined to participate this our ioy with you , and plainely and openly to protest , That we attribute this so notable and wonderfull a victorie to our Lord Christ Iesus , the greatest king of all kings , and author of all good things . Which that you may the more worthely and willingly doe , wee will declare the whole matter , not at large ( for that were to write an historie ) but breefely and in few words . Sultan Solyman the most mortall enemie of the Christian name , and especially of our societie , not contented to haue spoiled vs of the most famous island of the RHODES , the castle of TRIPOLIS , and almost whatsoeuer we had els , commaunded a great and strong fleet to be made readie against vs , which departing from CONSTANTINOPLE the one and twentith day of March , arriued here the eighteenth day of May : which fleet consisted of almost two hundred and fiftie gallies , galliots and other ships . The number of the enemie that beare armes according to the truth , was about fortie thousand , more or lesse : Generall of the land forces , was Mustapha Bassa ; and of the fleet Pial Bassa was Admirall : who hauing spent a few daies in landing their forces , viewing the places , pitching their tents , and setting things in order ( as the manner of warre is ) they began first to assaile the castle of S. Elmo ( scituat in the mouth of the hauen ) with great force , and a most furious batterie . Which when they had many daies done without intermission , and had opened a great part of the wall , and with all kind of weapons assaulted the breach : yet was it by the valour and prowesse of our knights and other worthie souldiors kept and defended by the space of thirtie fiue daies , with the great losse and slaughter of the enemie : although the castle it selfe , in the iudgement of many , seemed not possible to be but a few daies defended against so great a force . At length the foure and twentith day of Iune , when our men could no longer indure the multitude and furie of the enemie , enuironed and shut vp both by sea and land , and destitute of all helpe , the castle was taken by the Turkes ; those few of our men which were left , being all slaine . Of which victorie they being proud , began to besiege the castle and towne of S. Michael , and this new citie , especially at the castle and Portingall bulwarke : and ( as their manner is ) with great diligence and greater force and number of great artillerie and warlike engines , they began in diuers places at once to batter and beat downe the wals . Which siege the dreadfull armie of the Turkes , both by sea and land , made to be most fearfull and terrible , with such huge great ordinance as the like for bignesse and force was in no place to be seene ; day and night thundring out their yron and stone shot , fiue , and seauen hands about ; wherewith not the thickest wals , but euen the verie mountaines themselues might haue been beaten downe and ouerthrowne : by furie whereof , the wals in many places were so battered , that a man might easily haue entred as on plaine ground . Where , when the barbarous enemies had with wonderfull force and hideous outcries oftentimes attempted to enter , so often were they with great slaughter and dishonour repulsed and beaten ba●ke , many of their men being slaine or wounded . Their Generals , as well at sea as land , after that they had in so many places , with all their forces in almost foure moneths siege and assault , with exceeding furie in vaine attempted the breaches , and lost the greatest part of their old souldiors , especially winter now comming on , wherein all wars by law of nations ought to cease ; thought of nothing else but of departure , or rather of flight : which the comming of Garzias of TOLEDO , Viceroy of SICILIA and Admirall of the king of SPAINE his fleet , with ten thousand select souldiors ( amongst whom was at the least two hundred and fourteene of our knights , and many other noble and valiant gentlemen ; which onely with a Christian zeale , voluntarily met togither from diuers parts of the world to helpe and relieue vs ) caused them to hasten . So haue you summarily and in few words , the proceedings and flight of the Turkes fleet , and the victorie by vs ( by the power of God ) thereof obtained . It shall be your part to consider and coniecture , in what state our Order and this island now standeth , into what poore estate we are brought , how many things we want ; wherein except we be relieued by the helpe and aid of our brethren , especially such as you are , as we well hope and assuredly beleeue we shall , our state will quickly take end . Fare you well from MALTA the ninth of October 1565. The Great master thus deliuered of so great a siege , and bountifully relieued by the Christian princes , and the great commenders of his Order ; speedily repaired the breaches and places battered , and with new fortifications strengthened such places as he had by the late passed dangers perceiued to be most subject to the enemies force . After the returne of the Turkes fleet to CONSTANTINOPLE , Solyman being exceeding angrie with the Gouernour of the island of CHIOS his tributarie , as well for that he had during the late siege of MALTA , had intelligence with the Great master , and reuealed vnto him many of the Turkes desseigns ; as also for detaining of two yeares tribute , which was yearely ten thousand duckats ; and had also neglected to send his wonted presents to the great Bassaes , who therefore the more incensed , the tyrant commaunded Pial Bassa his Admirall to make readie his fleet , and by force or pollicie , to take that fruitfull and pleasant island wholly into his owne hand . Who without delay , with a fleet of eightie gallies , the fifteenth day of Aprill in the yeare 1566 , being then Easterday , arriued at CHIOS . The chiefe men of the island , vpon sight of the fleet , forthwith sent embassadours to the Bassa with presents , courteously offering vnto him the hauen , and whatsoeuer else he should require . Pial with great kindnesse accepted their offer , and presently possessed himselfe of the hauen in three places : and afterward landing , sent for the Gouernor of the citie , & twelue of the chiefe citisens to come vnto him , as if he had had some speciall matter to conferre with him about from the great Sultan , before his departure thence for MALTA or ITALIE . Who hauing a little conferred togither , went to him with great feare ; and that not without cause , for as soone as they were come before him , he commaunded them to be laid hold vpon and cast fast into yrons : which done , the souldiors forthwith tooke the towne hall , and without resistance pulling downe the townes ensigne ( wherein was the picture of S. George with a red crosse ) in stead thereof set vp one of the Turkes : the like whereof was done with the great rejoicing of the Turkes , thorow the whole island . After that , they rifled the Churches , and againe consecrated them after their Mahometane manner . The Gouernour of the citie and the Senatours with their families , the Bassa sent in fiue ships to CONSTANTINOPLE : as for the vulgar people , they were at choise , either there to tarrie still , or depart , as best stood with their liking . And so the Bassa , when he had there placed a new Gouernour , one of the Turks , with a strong garrison , and set vp the Mahometane superstition in that most fertile island , departed thence for ITALIE : where sayling alongst the coast of APVLIA , he did exceeding much harme in burning and destroying the countrey villages , and carrying away of the poore people into captiuitie ; and so returned . At this time , the kingdome of HVNGARIE was most miserably rent in pieces by the lieutenants and captaines of Solyman , and Maximilian the emperour , and Iohn the Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA , Solymans vassall : who grieued with the harmes done vnto him by the emperours captaines , whereof himselfe was the cause , and vainely hoping to haue obtained at Solymans hands the greatest part of the kingdome of HVNGARIE , as had sometime king Iohn ; ceased not continually to solicite him to come himselfe in person to make a full conquest of the reliques of HVNGARIE , yet holden by the emperour and some of the Hungarian nobilitie : And flattering himselfe in that vaine hope , called himselfe the king of HVNGARIE , and increasing his strength by letters vnto the nobilitie and burgesses of the cities of HVNGARIE , summoned them , as if it had bin by the appointment of Solyman his great patron , That they should all the ninth of March meet togither at THORDA , to determine with him of matters concerning their common good . Which thing , as soone as Lazarus Suendi the emperours lieutenant vnderstood , he forthwith by other letters countermanded those of the Vayuods ; persuading the Hungarians , not to listen to the charmes of the Vayuod and the Turke , tending to their destruction , but rather to yeeld their obedience to Maximilian the Christian emperour , whose purpose was by the aid of the Christian princes , to protect and preserue them in peace . And hereby it came to passe , that the remainders of this sore shaken kingdome , deuided into factions , and diuersly carried , according to their affection , some to the one side , some to the other , began afresh to worke one anothers confusion , which fitly serued the Turks to encroach more and more vpon them : Who at the same time surprised the towne of AINATSCH ( the captaine thereof with certaine of the garrison souldiors being gone about their businesse to AGRIA ) and put to the sword all them that they found in the towne . They thought also to haue taken the strong towne of SIGETH , but were by the valiant countie Nicholaus Serinus Gouernour thereof , couragiously encountred ; and after foure houres hard fight , ouerthrowne and put to flight . Not long after , they ranged vp and downe the countrey , and set in booties as farre as IVLA and RAB , and did the countrey people much harme . For which cause , Maximilian the emperour about the latter end of May brake vp the assembly of the empire then holden at AVGVSTA , and began carefully to prouide things needfull for the warre : appointing his captaines for the raising of such forces in GERMANIE , as were but a little before granted vnto him by the princes and states of the empire , in their late assembly ; but went himselfe to VIENNA . For it was told him ( as the truth was ) That Solyman now in his extreame age , was with a mightie armie set forward from CONSTANTINOPLE , and marching thorow BVLGARIA and SERVIA , was come directly to BELGRADE : where Iohn the Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA met him , and kissing his hand , had commended himselfe and all his state vnto his protection . At which time , Suendi the emperours lieutenant , laid hard siege to the towne of HVSTH in the borders of TRANSILVANIA . The Bassa of BVDA at the same time on the other side , by commandement of Solyman , with eight thousand Turkes and fiue and twentie pieces of great ordinance besieging PALOTTA , a strong towne about eight miles from RAB ; had with continuall batterie by the space of eight daies , brought the same into great danger , although it was valiantly defended by George Thuriger . But hearing of the approach of George , countie of Helffenstein , sent by the emperour with certaine companies of Germans to relieue the same , he rise in such hast from the siege , that he left certaine of his great ordinance and a great part of his baggage behind him , and retired towards ALBA REGALIS . The countie hauing relieued the towne , caused the breaches to be forthwith repaired , and with a new supply strengthened the old garrison . Thus was a most lamentable warre at once begun in diuers places of HVNGARIE . After that , the countie of Helffenstein , strengthened by the comming of countie Salma with certaine companies from RAB , departed from PALOTTA , and came to VESPRINIVM , a citie about two miles off , then holden by the Turks : which citie he tooke by force the last of Iune , and left not a Turke aliue therein , because that they a few daies before , had cruelly slaine certaine Christians whom they had taken prisoners : so leauing strong garrisons both in VESPRINIVM and PALOTTA , they returned to RAB . Shortly after , the countie Salma laid siege to TATTA a strong towne , otherwise called DOTIS , betwixt RAB and COMARA , which at length he tooke by assault the eight and twentith day of Iuly , and slew all the Turkes , except fiftie , which flying into one of the towers of the castle , yeelded vpon composition ; amongst whom was the late Gouernour of VESPRINIVM , and the Gouernour of this place , with the Bassa of BVDA his nigh kinsman , who were all presently sent prisoners to VIENNA . So the countie following the course of his victorie ( the terrour of his former good fortune running before him into the Turks strongest holds ) was on his way to haue besieged GESTES , a towne neere to PALOTTA : when the Turks there in garrison , vpon the first sight of his armie , left all , and fled out at the farther side of the town to STRIGONIVM . After whose example , other of the Turks garrisons in Witha , Tschokiku , & Sambok , castles thereabouts , set fire on that they could not carrie , and followed their fellowes to STRIGONIVM also . The emperour vnderstanding of the good successe of his captaines , caused publike praiers with thanksgiuing to almightie God to be made thorow all the churches thereabouts . Countie Serinus , Gouernour of the strong towne of SIGETH and the countrey thereabout , certainly aduertised of the comming of Solyman , sent Casparus Alapianus and Nicholas Cobach , two of his captaines , with a thousand foot and fiue hundred horse , to lie in wait for the forerunners of the Turkes armie : who drawing neere vnto the place where these Turkes lay , not farre from QVINQVE ECLESIE , suddenly in the shutting in of the next day , set vpon them , doubting no such matter , and put them in such a feare that they disorderedly fled some one way , some another , and were most of them slaine or wounded by the Hungarians in their flight . Halibeg , one of the Turkes great Sanzackes , and leader of that companie , sore wounded , and seeking to saue himselfe by flight in the marishes , there perished : his sonne , and many other notable men amongst the Turkes , were there taken , and carried prisoners to SIGETH . The spoile the Hungarians there tooke , was exceeding great : for beside plate and coine , whereof they found good store , they tooke eight camels , threescore horses , fiue mules , and six carts laden with all manner of rich spoile , and many garments of great price ; wherein the gentlemen attired , returned to SIGETH in great brauerie , with two faire red ensignes of the enemies . Maximilian the emperour , long before aduertised of Solymans purpose for the conquest of the remainder of HVNGARIE ; to withstand so mightie an enemie , had beside the forces raised in his owne dominions , procured great aid both of the states of the empire and other Christian princes , which about this time met togither at RAB . First there repaired thither foure legions of German footmen , and vpwards of twentie thousand horsemen , with foure thousand Hungarians : The duke of SAVOY sent thither foure hundred Argoleteirs : and many noble gentlemen out of diuers parts of EVROPE resorted thither , to serue the emperour in those wars of their owne charge , especially the knights of MALTA : and out of ITALIE , Prosper Columna , and Angelus Caesius : out of FRANCE , Guise the graund prior , Brissack and Lansack ; who but a little before were going to MALTA , of purpose to haue serued there if the Turks fleet had come thither againe , as it was reported it would ; but vnderstanding that it came not , returned directly into HVNGARIE , with certaine other knights of the Order . Many also of the princes and free cities of ITALIE , declared their good will toward the emperour in this warre ; some sending him men , as did Cosmus Medices duke of FLORENCE , who sent thither of his owne charge three thousand footmen ; some money , as MANTVA , GENVA , and LVCA . Thither came also Alphonsus duke of FERARA , with a gallant companie of noble gentlemen , and others his followers . Beside which land forces , the emperour had also prouided vpon the riuer of Danubius twelue gallies , and thirtie other ships for burthen , so made , as that the men could not be hurt with the Turkes arrowes : wherein were embarked three thousand souldiors , most part Italians , vnder the conduct of Philippus Flachius a German , and one of the knights of MALTA , who was afterward receiued into the number of the princes of the empire . Solyman comming to the riuer Drauus , commaunded a bridge to be made ouer that great riuer , and the deepe fens on the farther side of the riuer towards SIGETH , for the transporting of his great armie ; a worke of such difficultie , that being thrice vnfortunatly begun , it was againe giuen ouer , as a thing almost impossible : wherewith Solyman was so moued , that in his rage he swore to hang vp the great Bassa that had the charge of that worke , if he did not with as much speed as were possible , bring it to perfection . Whereupon the worke was againe begun , all the boats that were to be found in the riuer taken vp , and timber for the purpose brought from farre , for the making of that bridge . In this worke were imploied , not the vulgar people onely of the countrey which was tributarie to the Turkes , but the gentlemen themselues also , were by the imperious Turke ( now commaunding for his life ) enforced to lay their fingers to worke day and night without ceasing , vntill the bridge ( which before was thought scarce possible to haue beene made ) was by the restlesse industrie and labour of such a multitude of men , in the space of ten daies brought to perfection . Wherein the seueritie the barbarous tyrant vseth towards his subjects , is worth the noting , whereby he extorteth from them , more than is almost possible for men to performe : so that it is not to be maruelled , that he hath so good successe in whatsoeuer he taketh in hand . Ouer this bridge ( a mile in length ) passed Solyman , and encamped at a place called MVHATCHZ , where he staied certaine daies , vntill his hugie armie was all come ouer . The last of Iuly , ninetie thousand Turkes ( the vauntguard of Solymans armie ) came before SIGETH , and encamped within a mile of the towne : after whom shortly after followed an hundred thousand mo out of Solymans campe , of whom manie in approaching the towne , were slaine with great shot out of the castle ; the rest for all that encamped themselues as neere vnto the towne as they could , and began the siege . The towne of SIGETH is strongly scituat in a Marish , on the North side of Drauus vpon the frontiers of DALMATIA , commaunding all the countrey round about it , which of it taketh name ; and was at that time a strong bulwarke against the Turkes , for entring farther into the countrey that way toward STIRIA . In this towne was Gouernour Nicholaus Serinus , commonly called the Countie , a valiant man , and a mortall enemy of the Turks , with a garrison of 2300 good souldiors : who seeing the hugie armie of the Turks , called togither into the castle the captaines of the garrison and the chiefe of the citisens ; where standing in the midst of them , he spake vnto them as followeth . You see ( said he ) how we are on euery side beset with the multitude of our enemies , wherein resteth their cheefe hope : But let not vs be therefore afraid or discouraged ; for that victorie dependeth not of a confused multitude of heartlesse men , but of the power of our God , who hath by a few at his pleasure many times ouerthrowne the mightie armies of the proud ; and will not in the middest of these dangers now forsake vs , if wee putting our trust and confidence in him , doe what beseemeth valiant and couragious men . Besides that our iust cause , with the strength of the place we hold , our owne valor , and the helpe of our friends , who I assure my selfe will not faile vs at our need , counteruaileth their confused multitude , forced together by their imperious commaunders out of far countries , and whatsoeuer els the proud tyrant hath brought with him into the field . Wherefore let vs all as becommeth valiant men , for the truth of our religion , and for the honour of our prince and countrey , liue and die together , knowing whatsoeuer befall , That to a life so lost , beside neuer dying fame , belongeth a most assured hope of endlesse ioy and felicitie . As for my selfe , I am resolued , and so ( I hope ) are you also , that as I am a Christian , and free borne , so will I ( by the grace of God ) in the same faith and freedome end my dayes . Neither shall the proud Turke , so long as I am able to hold vp this hand , haue euer power to commaund ouer me or the ground whereon I stand . This said , he first tooke himselfe a solemne oath , to performe what he had promised , and persuaded the rest to take the like : which done , euery man returned to the place of his charge . The fift of August Solyman encamped within a mile of the towne , and the next day after came himselfe into the campe , at whose comming the great ordinance and small shot so thundered out of the Turks campe , as if heauen and earth should haue gone together , the Turkes after their wonted manner crying aloud their Alla , Alla , Alla , and the Christians answering them with the name of Iesus . The seuenth of August the Turkes cast vp a great mount , and thereon planted certaine great peeces of ordinance . The next day following they began most terribly to batter the new towne in three places , and with incredible labour cast vp a mount in the middest of the marrish , as it were in the towne ditch , from whence they the next day with certaine peeces of great artillerie day and night battered the inner castle of the towne without any intermission , and did great harme both to the castle and the defendants . The countie perceiuing the new citie to be now so laid open with the furie of the Turks batterie , as that it was not possible to be defended ; caused his souldiors to set it all on fire , and so retired into the old . The tenth of August the Turks furiously battered the old town in three places , and brought their ordinance into the new towne : and with timber , earth , and rubbidge , made a bridge , the more commodiously to go ouer the marrish . For the speedier accomplishment whereof , all the Turkes were compelled to lay to their hands , and to carrie wood , fagots , earth , and such like things without ceasing . There might a man haue seene all the fields full of cammels , horses , and of the Turks themselues , like e●mets , carrying wood , earth , stones , or one thing or other to fill vp the marrish : so was there with wonderfull labour two plaine wayes made thorow the deepe fenne , from the towne to the castle : where the Ianizaries , defended from the great shot with sacks of wooll and such like things , did with the multitude of their small shot so ouerwhelme the defendants , that they could not against those places without most manifest danger shew themselues vpon the wals . So that what by their vigilant industrie , and the furie of the great artillerie , the Turks ( though not without great losse ) by force entred the old towne the nineteenth of August , vsing in their victorie such celeritie , that they slew many of the most valiant defendants before they were able to recouer the safegard of the castle . Both the townes thus lost , and so many worthie men slaine , not without cause brought great heauinesse vpon the rest which were in the castle with the countie . The Turks possessed of the old towne , the next day planted their batterie against the castle in foure places , and with faggots , rubbidge , and earth , made two plaine wayes vnto it , still filling vp the marrish : and hauing with continuall batterie made it saultable , the nine and twentie day of August they began fiercely to assaile the breaches : but when they had lost many of their men , and done what they could , they were enforced with shame to retire . In this assault amongst many other of their best souldiors was lost one of their great Bassaes also . Whilest these things were in doing , Solyman farre spent with yeares , and distempered with his long trauell , fell sicke of a loosenesse of his bellie , and for the better recouerie of his health retired himselfe ( the siege yet continuing ) to QVINQVE ECLESIae , a citie neare to SIGET , where shortly after he died of the bloudie flix , the fourth day of September , in the yeare of our Lord 1566 , when he had liued 76 yeares , and raigned thereof 46. He was of stature tall , of feature slender , long necked , his colour pale and wan , his nose long and hooked , of nature ambitious and bountifull , more faithfull of his word and promise than were for most part the Mahometan kings his progenitors ; wanting nothing worthie of so great an empire , but that wherein all happinesse is contained , faith in Christ Iesus . Muhamet the Visier Bassa ( who all commaunded in Solymans absence ) fearing the insolencie of the Ianizaries , and least some tumult should arise in the campe , if his death should be knowne , concealed it by all meanes : and to be sure of them that were of all others best able to make certaine report thereof , caused his physitions and apothecaries to be secretly strangled , and by a trustie messenger , sent in post , certified Selymus ( Solymans onely sonne , and his father in law , then lying in MAGNESIA ) of the death of his father , willing him in hast to repaire to CONSTANTINOPLE to take possession of the empire ; and that done , forthwith to come to the armie in HVNGARIE . But this could not be so secretly done , but that the Ianizaries began to mistrust the matter : Which Muhamet Bassa quickly perceiuing , caused the dead bodie of Solyman in his wonted apparrell to be brought into his tent sitting vpright in his horselitter , as if he had beene sicke of the gout , his wonted disease ; and so shewing him to the Ianizaries , both deceiued and contented them , and so went forward with the siege . The Ianizaries hauing in the last assault lost many of their fellowes , began now to vndermine the greatest bulwarke of the castle , from which the defendants with their great ordinance did most annoy them : wherein they vsed such diligence , that the fifth of September they with gunpouder and other light matter prouided for that purpose , had set all the bulwarke on a light fire ; and by that meanes possessed thereof , with all their force assailed the bulwarke next vnto the castle gate , from whence they were with great slaughter twice repulsed by the countie . But the raging fire still encreasing , he was enforced with those which were yet left aliue , to retire into the inner castle , wherein was but two great pieces , and foureteene others of small force . Thus the Turks still preuailing , and taking one place after another , the seuenth of September they furiously assaulted the little castle , whereinto they cast such abundance of fire , that in short time it caught hold on the buildings , and set all on fire . The countie thus assailed by the enemie without , and worse distressed with the fire within , which still encreasing , left no place for him in safetie to retire vnto , went into his chamber , where putting on a rich new sute of apparrell , came presently out againe with his sword and targuet in his hand ; and finding his souldiors with cheerefull countenance and their weapons in their hands , attending his comming , spake vnto them these few his last words . The hard fortune of this sinfull kingdome hath together with our owne ouertaken vs : but let vs ( noble hearts ) with patience endure what is to vs by God assigned . You know what wee haue before promised , which hitherto God be thanked we haue accordingly performed , and now let vs with like resolution performe this last . The place you see is not longer to be kept , the deuouring fire groweth so still vpon vs , and we in number are but few : Wherefore let vs as becommeth valiant men breake out into the vtter castle , there to die in the middest of our enemies , to liue afterwards with God for euer , I will be the first that will goe out , follow you me like men . This said , with his sword and targuet in his hand , without any other armour , calling thrice vpon the name of Iesus , he issued out at the castle gate , with the rest following him : where valiantly fighting with the Ianizaries vpon the bridge ; and hauing slaine some of them , he was first wounded in two places of his bodie with small shot , and at last strucke in the head with an vnluckie shot , fell downe dead ; the Turks for joy crying out their wonted word Alla. The rest of the souldiors in flying backe againe into the castle , were all slaine by the Turks , except some few , whom some of the Ianizaries in regard of their valour , by putting their caps vpon their heads , saued from the furie of the rest . In this siege , the Turks ( as they themselues reported ) lost seauen thousand Ianizaries , and twentie eight thousand other souldiors , beside many voluntarie men not enrolled in their muster-books , and three of their great Bassaes. Serinus his head was presently cut off , and the next day ( with the heads of the other slaine Christians ) set vpon a pole , for all the armie to gaze vpon . After that , it was taken downe , and by Muhamet the great Bassa sent to Mustapha the Bassa of BVDA his kinsman ; who by two countrey men , sent it wrapped in a red scarfe couered with a faire linnen doth , to countie Salma in the emperours campe at RAB , with this taunting letter thus directed . Muhamet Bassa to Eccius Salma , greeting . In token of my loue , behold , here I send thee the head of a most resolute and valiant captaine thy friend , the remainder of his bodie I haue honestly buried , as became such a man. SIGETH biddeth thee farewell for euer . The death of this noble and valiant captaine was much lamented of all the Christian armie , and his head with many teares by his sonne Balthasar honourably buried amongst his ancestors in TSCHACATVRNA , his owne castle . Solyman at his comming with this mightie armie into HVNGARIE , had purposed before his returne , if he had not beene by death preuented , to haue conquered both the remainder of the kingdome of HVNGARIE , and to haue againe attempted the winning of VIENNA . For the accomplishing of which his designes , he at his first comming sent Parthauus Bassa with fortie thousand Turkes to helpe the Bassa of TEMESVVARE and the Tartars , in the behalfe of the Vayuod , to besiege the strong towne of GYVLA , situat vpon the lake ZARKAD in the confines of TRANSILVANIA ; not farre from whence Suendi had but in August before ouerthrowne the Tartars , called in by Solyman for the aid of the Vayuod , and slain of them ten thousand . And at the same time he sent Mustapha Bassa of BOSNA , and Carambeus , with a great power to ALBA REGALIS ; who joyning with the Bassa of BVDA , should keepe the emperour Maximilian busie , whilest he in the meane time besieged SIGETH , as is before declared . Parthauus Bassa comming to GYVLA , and laying hard siege to the towne , was still notably repulsed by Nicholas Keretschen , Gouernour of the towne : insomuch , that in a sallie he had certaine pieces of his great ordinance taken from him by the defendants , and the rest cloyed . But this braue captaine , not to haue beene constrained by all that the Bassa could doe , was at last persuaded by his kinsman George Bebicus ( from whom Suendi had a little before taken certain castles , for reuolting from the emperour to the Vayuod ) for a great summe of money to deliuer vp the towne to the Bassa : which he did , couenanting beside his reward , That the souldiors should with bag and baggage in safetie depart ; all which was franckly graunted : who were not gone past a mile out of the towne , but they were set vpon by the Turks , and all slaine , except some few which crept into the reeds growing in the marrish fast by , and so escaped . The traitor himselfe expecting his reward , was carried in bonds to CONSTANTINOPLE : where afterward , vpon complaint made how hardly he had vsed certaine Turks , whom he had sometime taken prisoners , he was by the commaundement of Selymus , who succeeded Solyman , thrust into a hogshead strucke full of nailes with the points inward , with this inscription vpon it : Here receiue the reward of thy auarice and treason , GYVLA , thou soldest for gold : if thou be not faithfull to Maximilian thy lord , neither wilt thou be to me : and so the hogshead closed fast vp , he was therein rolled vp and downe vntill he therein miserably died . The emperours campe then lying at RAB , and the Bassa of BVDA and BOSNA with thirtie thousand Turkes not farre off at ALBA REGALIS , and many hot skirmishes passing betweene them : it fortuned that the fift of September the Turks in hope to haue done some great peece of seruice vpon the Christians , came forth of their campe in great number , and by chance light vpon a few forragers of the armie , of whom they slew some , the rest flying , raised an alarum in the campe : whereupon the Hungarians and Burgundians with some others issuing out , pursuing the Turks , slew diuers of them : in which pursute George Thuriger , descrying the Gouernor of ALEA REGALIS , a man in great account , and very inward with Solyman whilest he liued , fiercely pursued him in the middest of the flying enemies , and neuer left him vntill he had taken him prisoner : and at his returne presenting him to the emperour , was for that good seruice knighted , and rewarded with a chaine of gold . There was by chance then present a Spaniard , who had heard him say openly at CONSTANTINOPLE , That he alone with his owne power was able to vanquish the Germane king ( by which name the Turkes commonly tearme the emperour : ) With which words when that the Spaniard hardly charged him in the presence of the emperour , still vrging him as it were to say something for himselfe , the Turke answered him in these few words following : Such is the chance of warre , thou seest me now a prisoner , and able to doe nothing . All these troubles , with many moe like in short time to haue ensued , were by the death of Solyman within a while after well appeased . Muhamet Bassa after he had repaired the breaches , and placed a Turke Gouernour of SIGETH , with a strong garrison for the defence of the place and commaunding of the countrey , called backe the dispersed forces ; and rising with the armie , retired toward BELGRADE , carrying Solymans dead bodie all the way sitting vpright right in his horselitter carried by mules , giuing it out that hee was sicke of the gout : which thing the Ianizaries easily beleeued , knowing that hee had beene many yeares so carried : yet still wishing his presence , as vnto them alwayes fortunate , although that he were able for to doe nothing . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Solyman . Emperors of Germanie Charles the fift . 1519. 39. Ferdinand . 1558. 7. Maximilian the second . 1565. 12. Kings Of England Henrie the eight . 1509. 38. Edward the sixt . 1546. 6. Queene Marie . 1553. 6. Queene Elizabeth . 1558. 45. Of Fraunce Francis the first . 1514. 32. Henry the second . 1547. 12. Francis the second . 1559. 1. Charles the ninth . 1560. 14. Of Scotland Iames the fifth . 1514. 29. Queene Mary . 1543. Bishops of Rome Leo the X. 1513. 8. Hadrian the VI. 1522. 1. Clement the VII . 1523. 10. Paulus the III. 1534. 15. Iulius the III. 1550. 5. Marcellus the II. 1555. 22 daies . Paulus the IIII. 1555. 4. Pius the IIII. 1560. 5. Pius the V. 1566. 6. SELYMVS . SELYMVS SECVNDVS TVRCARVM IMPERATOR QVINTVS FLORVIT AN o 1566 Dissimilis patri , Selymus regalia Sceptra , Corripit : & dira concutit arma manu . Foedus cum venetis frangit . Quid foedera prosunt ? Armataque manu Cypria regna rapit Instrauit tumidum numerosis classibus Aequor : Vt Naupactiacas nobilitaret aquas . Moldauum foeda mulctauit morte Dynasten Et magni fines prorogat imperij Obruit Hispanos multa vi : Punica regna Destruit : & regnis adijcit illa suis. Sed nimis in venerem pronus , vinoque sepultus , Extremum properat praecipitare diem . R. KNOLL . Vnlike his father , Selymus the royall Scepter takes : And shaking armes with cruell hand , exceeding stirs he makes . With VENICE state his league he breaks ( with Turks what league can stand ) And CYPRVS kingdome takes from them , by force of mightie hand . He couered the swelling seas with hugie fleets to see : That vanquished , vnto those seas he might an honour be . The Vayuod of MOLDAVIA he brought to wofull end , The borders of his kingdome great that so he might extend . In GVLET he the Spaniards ouerwhelmd with mightie power : And thereby TVNES kingdome did the selfesame time deuour . But wholy giuen to venerie , vnto excesse and play , He posteth on before his time to hast his fatall day . R. K. THE LIFE OF SELYMVS , THE SECOND OF THAT NAME , FIFT EMPEROVR OF THE TVRKES . SElymus , the only sonne of Solyman then left aliue , by letters from Muhamet Bassa vnderstanding of the death of his father , hasted from CVTAI , a citie of GALATIA not farre from ANCYRA , towards CONSTANTINOPLE ; and comming to SCVTARIE , was from thence by Bostanges Bassa of the court , conducted ouer the strait to CONSTANTINOPLE : where , by him and Scander Bassa ( Selymus his sonne in law , and then Solymans Vicegerent ) he was conuaied into the imperiall pallace the three and twentith of September , in the yeare 1566 ; and there possessed of his fathers seat , was by the Ianizaries there present , saluted emperour . He was about the age of fortie two yeares when he began to raigne , a man of an vnconstant and hastie disposition , wholy giuen to wantonnesse and excesse : so that he neuer went to wars himselfe , but performed them altogether by his lieutenants , contrarie to the charge of Selymus his grandfather , giuen by him to his father Solyman , whereof he was neuer vnmindfull . The next day he came abroad , and shewed himselfe in his majestie ; and in the temple of SOPHIA , after the manner of the Turkish superstition , caused solemne praiers and sacrifices to be made for his father : which done , he gaue vnto the Ianizaries a largious of 100000 Sultanines , with promise to augment their wages . And all things being now in readinesse for his intended journey , he with a goodly retinue set forward from CONSTANTINOPLE the seauen and twentith of September : and the twentith of October a little from BELGRADE met the armie comming from SIGETH , gallantly marching vnder their ensignes , with the dead bodie of Solyman , whom the souldiors generally supposed to haue been yet liuing , but troubled with the gout , to haue kept his horse-litter as his manner was to trauell . Selymus alighting , came in his mourning attire to the horse-litter , looked vpon the dead bodie of his father , kissed it , and wept ouer it , as did all the other great Bassaes also . And that the death of Solyman might then be made knowne to all men , the ensigns were presently let fall , and trailed vpon the ground , a dead march sounded , and heauie silence commaunded to be kept through all the campe . Shortly after , Selymus was with the great applause of the whole armie proclaimed emperour , his ensignes aduaunced , and euerie one of the great commaunders of the armie , in their degree admitted to kisse his hand . So marching forward , he returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE the two and twentith of Nouember : but thinking to haue entred his pallace ( which they commonly call the SERAGLIO ) he was by the discontented Ianizaries but now come from the wars , prohibited so to do ; they with great insolencie demaunding of him a greater donatiue , togither with the confirmation both of their auntient and new priuiledges , before they would suffer him to enter . Against which their so great presumption , the Visier Bassaes , togither with the Aga , opposing themselues , and seeking by all means to appease them , were by them fowly intreated and well rapped about the pates with the stocks of their calliuars ; but especially the two great Bassaes , Muhamet and Pertau , as the chiefe authors that their lord had dealt no more liberally with them . With which so sudden and vnexpected a mutinie of his best souldiors , Selymus not a little troubled , and calling vnto him the Aga ( or captaine of the Ianizaries ) demaunded of him the cause thereof : who with teares trickling downe his cheekes for griefe , told him , That it was for money . Which by Selymus now promised vnto them , togither with the confirmation of their liberties ; and the Aga with faire words and heauie countenance most earnestly entreating them , not to blemish the antient reputation of their wonted loyaltie with so foule a disorder , nor to expose the life of him their louing captaine , vnto the heauie displeasure of their angrie Sultan ; and farther assuring them , that he would not faile them in the least of his promises , but content them to the full of their desires ; the mutinie was at length appeased , the insolent Ianizaries againe quieted , and Selymus into the SERAGLIO receiued . Howbeit Muhamet , chiefe of the Visier Bassaes , for certaine daies after went not out of his pallace , neither came ( as he was woont ) into the DIVANO , but kept himselfe cose , for feare of some greater mischiefe from them . This tumult thus ouerpassed , and all againe well quieted , Selymus with all royall solemnitie buried his father in a chappell which he after the manner of the Mahometane kings , had in his life time most stately built , with a colledge and an hospitall . Where fast by his side is to be seene the tombe of Roxolana his best beloued wife , and of certaine others his murthered children : and by him hangeth his scimitar , in token that he died in wars ; an honour not otherwise granted to the Mahometane princes . The reuenues arising of the countrey about SIGETH of late woon from the Christians , at the time of his death , were giuen to the maintenance of the houses by him built of deuotion ; which for the magnificence thereof , exceed all the rest before built by the Mahometane kings and emperours , except those which were the buildings of Mahomet the great , and Baiazet the second . It was by many thought , that Solyman was in good time by death cut off , as purposing that yeare to haue wintered in HVNGARIE , and the yeare following to haue done great matters against the Christians , both by sea and land . The great armie of the Turks thus drawne out of HVNGARIE by the death of Solyman , in some part assuaged , but altogither appeased not the endlesse troubles of that vnfortunate kingdome . Maximilian the emperour on the one side , and Iohn the Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA with the Turks captaines on the other , renting it in pieces , as if they had sworne the destruction thereof . The Vayuod desiring to recouer the strong castle of TOCKAY , in the frontiers of his countrey , but lately taken from him by Suendi the emperours lieutenant , laid hard siege vnto it , and had brought it to great extremitie , although it was notably defended by Iames Raminger the captaine thereof : when suddenly newes was brought vnto him , That the Tartars ( whom he had called into his countrey to haue aided him against the emperour ) did with all hostilitie after their barbarous manner , burne and destroy his countrey before them , making hauocke of all things ; so that the countrey people were glad in defence of themselues , to take vp armes against them . Wherupon he forthwith left the siege , and went to aid his distressed subjects against the Tartars , with whom he had many an hoat skirmish ; and after much bloudshed , at last ouercame them , and with much adoe rid himselfe of such bad guests . Now in the meane time , Suendi strengthened with new supplies sent vnto him from the emperor , had taken the castle of ZACKMAR in the borders of TRANSILVANIA , and with like good fortune had the castle of MVNCATZ yeelded vnto him , and after that besieged the towne of HVSTH : so that the Vayuod was glad to craue aid of the Turkish emperour Selymus , vnder whose protection he was : who presently commaunded Partau one of his cheefe Bassaes , & then his great lieutenant in ROMANIA , to goe with his forces into TRANSILVANIA , to relieue him . But hearing that embassadours were comming from Maximilian the emperour , he called him backe againe , vntill he had heard the effect of that embassage . At which time also the Bassa of BVDA enclining vnto peace , sent presents to the emperour , requesting him to remooue certaine Hungarian captaines from off the frontiers , least happily they should interrupt the treatie of peace , then on both sides purposed ; promising for his part to punish with death all such Turkes as should make any further inuasion , or raise any new troubles . He writ letters also to countie Salma , That he could not but maruell , to what end Maximilian the emperour was about to entreat with his lord & master of peace , whilst Suendi in the meane time was raging in TRANSILVANIA , then vnder the Turkes protection ; which if he proceeded still to doe , Selymus would thereof take occasion ( as he said ) to turne all his forces that way : wherefore he requested him to persuade the emperour to take some more easie course in that behalfe , promising also , that he would for his part effectually trauell with his master , to haue better liking of peace than of warres , wishing him also to doe the like . Which thing as soone as the emperour vnderstood , he commaunded Suendi to giue ouer the siege of HVSTH , and to keepe himselfe quiet , vntill he might by his embassadours vnderstand what the great Turke purposed , and how he was affected towards peace . Now in deed these two great princes , Maximilian and Selymus ( although they notably dissembled the matter ) were both of them in heart desirous of peace , and that for diuers great and vrgent considerations : Maximilian for want of money , saw it not possible for him to send into the field such an armie the next yeare , as he had the yeare before . And Selymus , beside his other troubles , was to take order for the appeasing of a great and dangerous rebellion , in the farthest part of his dominions in ARABIA FoeLIX ; where the people rising vp in armes , and hauing slaine the Bassaes and Sanzacks their Gouernours , were readie to haue cast off the Turkish obedience : neither was he out of feare of the Persians , readie ( as was reported ) to make warre vpon him . For which causes he wished rather for peace with the emperor Maximilian , than wars : and so much the more , for that it was impossible for him to send an armie of any puissance into HVNGARIE , for want of many necessarie prouisions for the maintenance thereof , in a countrey so much impouerished by reason of the late wars ; wherein no victuals were to be found for the reliefe of such a multitude of men as he was to send , if he would doe any good there . And truth it was ( as the Turkes themselues afterward reported ) that Maximilian with halfe the power he had in field the last yeare , might haue easily recouered the greatest part of that kingdome before lost : but well knowing his owne wants , and ignorant of theirs , he altogither enclining to peace ; and by countie Salma aduertised from the Bassa of BVDA , That if he would send embassadors to CONSTANTINOPLE with the tribute woont to be there paid for HVNGARIE , a peace vpon reasonable conditions might be easily obtained ; he resolued vpon that point . And so certaine messengers being sent vp and downe to CONSTANTINOPLE to the same effect , it was concluded , That if the emperour would send embassadours to CONSTANTINOPLE with the tribute yet behind , and a large commission for the treatie of peace , Selymus should giue them his safe conduct , with libertie at their pleasure to returne in case either of peace or warre . Which agreed vpon , and faithfully promised on both sides , Selymus set at libertie the lord Albert de Vuis , who six yeares Lieger in CONSTANTINOPLE , first for the emperor Ferdinand , and after for Maximilian , had now been straightly imprisoned in his owne house by the space of two and twentie moneths , in such sort that neither he nor any of his houshold could goe abroad , watch and ward being kept both night and day about his house , and his windowes also boorded vp , to the end he should not so much as looke out into the citie or any whither else more than the court of his house onely . So the emperour Maximilian now resolued to send embassadors to CONSTANTINOPLE with the tribute money , and diuers other rich gifts and presents , as well to the great Turke himselfe as the Visier Bassaes his counsellors : and considering with himselfe , whom to be most fit with wisedome and honour to bring this so waightie a matter about , hauing to doe with so barbarous , couetous , and mightie a people ; made choise of the lord Anthonius Verantius of AGRIA ( of his counsell for the kingdome of HVNGARIE ) a prelat of great estimation , who being a man of threescore and three yeares old , beside his great learning , had the experience of seauen and twentie embassages ; wherein he alwaies so discreetly bare himselfe , as well contented his prince , and purchased vnto himselfe the reputation of a most graue and wise man : and about ten yeares before this embassage , being by the emperour Ferdinand sent embassadour to Solyman , and now by Maximilian to Selymus at CONSTANTINOPLE , returning thence with good successe , was by the emperour created a prince of the empire , and bishop of AGRIA . Vnto which so honourable a personage , hauing the charge of this so waightie a matter , the emperour the more to ennoble this embassage , as also to purchase the greater credit to his embassadour , joyned vnto him a most honourable Baron , called the lord Christopher Teufenbatch of STIRIA , one of his counsellours also for the wars ; who with full instructions both taking their leaue of the emperour ( then holding a parliament at PRESEVR● ) departed : and being attended vpon with a great and honourable retinue , set forward the first of Iuly 1567 , and so came to COMARA a strong towne in HVNGARIE , not past a league from the Turkes frontiers . In which place the embassadours staying vntill the seauenth of Iuly ; in the meane time gaue knowledge of their comming vnto the Gouernor of STRIGONIVM , demanding for their securitie in the enemies countrey , to be met and receiued by some of his garrison : which granted , they tooke their barkes brought from VIENNA and POSSONIVM , sufficient for their greatnesse to haue carried them downe the riuer to BELGRADE , with horse and wagon and their whole furniture : and so entring vpon the Turks dominion about a league or a little more from COMARA , being so farre wafted by the souldiors and gallies of COMARA , they were met by an Aga of the Turkes with a Chiaus called Becram ( sent by the Bassa of BVDA ) in certaine gallies armed with Turkish souldiors . To whom the embassadour at his landing deliuered his mind , and afterward his person , giuing them to vnderstand , that they were with all safetie to conduct both him and all his to the Bassa of BVDA ; which they answered , they were readie to accomplish : and so courteously inuited by the embassadours , they came aboord their barke , and there dined all togither . Here they that were sent with them , leauing them in the hands of the Turkes ( hauing licence to depart ) returned to COMARA : and they that day after fiue leagues sailing arriued at STRIGONIVM , where they were by the Gouernour of the citie denied landing : for which so dishonourable a part , he was afterward sharply rebuked by the Bassa of BVDA . Yet as they lay that night vpon the water , certaine Turkish minstrels , to doe them honour and to get a largesse , with their barbarous bawling instruments plaied them vp many an homely fit of mirth : and diuers others with sundrie sorts of vauting and tumbling , sometime leaping one vpon anothers shoulders , and sometime doing their tricks on the earth , all the euening shewed them great sport and pastime . From STRIGONIVM they with fiue leagues sayling came to BVDA , leauing behind them the castle of VICEGRADE , two leagues distant from STRIGONIVM . In this citie of BVDA lieth the great Bassa , by whom all HVNGARIE , with the prouinces thereto belonging ( in the Turkes power ) is gouerned . This citie , sometime the regall seat of the Hungarian kings , is situat vpon a little hill on the Southside of Danubius , hauing in the South point thereof a castle , much higher than the citie , and of a most braue prospect : in which castle lieth a captaine with a garrison of fiue hundred souldiors ( as the Turkes say ) howbeit it is thought that they are not altogither so many : it is the losse of his head to stir out of his charge ; and beside , he hath commission to denie the Bassa himselfe entrance , vnlesse he come verie sleightly accompanied● so jealous are the Turkes of that castle , as if the state of HVNGARIE depended thereon . Herein standeth the kings pallace , which taketh vp most part of the place , greatly beautified by king Mathias , and shewing outwardly to haue been a verie stately thing : for there are in it both large hals and faire galleries , and chambers built in most royall manner ; where amongst other roomes , the embassadours found a decaied librarie full of pictures and Latine titles of bookes : all which things , when they present themselues vnto the eies of the Christian beholders , offer a just consideration of noble and reuerend antiquitie , and withall , strike into their hearts a certaine compassion joyned with horror , to see the renowmed glorie of so many great kings , all wasted and brought to nothing . The next morning , the embassadours went to speake with the Bassa : whose house was reasonable faire ( considering their guise and custome , not much delighting in the beautie of their priuat buildings ) scituat vpon the riuers side , at the bottome of the hill whereon the citie standeth . Vnto this Bassa the embassadors presented two faire gilt cups , a clocke all curiously wrought in gold , and a thousand dollars : which present the Bassa receiued in his Diuano ( being a large hall ) where he sat with his counsellours , officers , and other Turkes in their places and order ; some on his right hand , and others on his left , all richly attired in garments of silke of diuers colours and fashions , reaching downe to their ancles after their manner ; their heads couered with their passing white and well made Turbants : in which assembly , nothing being to be seene but goodly order and graue silence , they seemed to the strange beholders , so many counsellours of exceeding grauitie and reputation . Round about the hall wherein the embassadours had audience , were many seats couered with Turkie carpets ; the rest of the roome being all vacant . The Bassa in a place more apparant than the rest , sitting in great majestie : before whom were set two little chaires , on which ( after he had stood vp a while and embraced the embassadors ) he caused them both to sit downe . Whose speech deliuered in the Italian tongue ( after they had discharged themselues of the emperours letters and greetings ) was to this effect , viz : That his imperiall majestie ( for the common benefit of their subjects in HVNGARIE ) requested him to continue in his good purpose and dealing for peace : and further , to giue safe conduct vnto them his embassadours with their retinue , vntill they were come vnto the Turkes court , where they were to entreat and conclude a peace , to the ending of all troubles , and the publike benefit of their subjects in generall . Which speech , with cheerfull and friendly countenance ended , many of the embassadours followers were admitted to kisse the Bassaes hand , accounted no small fauor amongst those Barbarians . The interpretour of these things was a Iew of PADVA , who declared all that was spoken , in the Turkish language vnto the Bassa , and in the Italian vnto the embassadors . And although ( if it had been their pleasure ) they might haue told their mind each to other in the Sclauonian tongue , without an interpretour : yet the Bassa standing more vpon his reputation , and for some other respects beside , would haue the matter propounded , and likewise answered in the Turkish . In which sort they also conferred continually afterward with the Bassaes at CONSTANTINOPLE , vnlesse it were in some particular and priuat talke of small importance , or else in some point beside the matter ; for then the interpretours spake in the Crouatian or Sclauonian tongue , which is familiar to most of the Turks , but especially to the men of warre . Before this hall where the embassadours were entertained by the Bassa ; in the base court stood all the Ianizaries in goodly array , and his slaues with their red zarcull on their heads , and other souldiours with high and long plumes of feathers standing vpright : all which made a beautifull shew , and gaue all great grace to the Bassaes court : these men stirre not one foot in their standings , and if the consultation doe last foure houres long , so long are they to continue standing without moouing . The embassadours hauing staied two daies at BVDA , were by the Bassa dismissed , sending with them his Checai ( the Steward or gouernour of his house ) a man of great reputation , and Becram the Chiaus ( the same that came to meet them at COMARA ) with a sufficient guard , and certaine Ianizaries , sent for their more safe trauelling , and to prouide for them from place to place of all things necessarie for their diet , as also for their horses , at the Turkes charges . And thus accompanied , they embarked the tenth day of the aforesaid moneth , towed vp by the Turkes gallies , which holpen by the swiftnesse of the riuer , carried them down in eight daies to BELGRADE , where they arriued the eighteenth of Iuly . So hauing staied at BELGRADE , and there leauing their boats , and taking their coaches , they set forward by land the twentith of the said moneth , and with great paines trauelling through RASCIA , BVLGARIA , and THRACIA , and passing a part of the great mountaine SCARDVS , and after that the mountaine RHODOPE , so by the way of PHILIPPOPOLIS and HADRIANOPLE , the two and twentith of August gathered fast vpon CONSTANTINOPLE : where many of the Spahies and Chiausais of the court , with a number of the Ianizaries and other souldiors , for their greater honor came to meet them a great way without the citie . By whom the embassadours honourably mounted on horsebacke , were by them conducted to their lodging appointed for them about the middest of the citie : where the lord Albert de Vuis the emperours embassadour Lieger ( not long before enlarged ) hauing long looked for their comming , now most joyfully receiued them . It was then Friday the Turks Sabaoth , and a day of them aboue all other daies in the weeke regarded , and about ten of the clocke two houres before noone ; at which time the embassadours were no sooner alighted , but that Selymus going to heare the ceremonies of his religion , in the Moschie of his father Solyman ( as his manner was sometime to doe ) passed along before the gate where the embassadours lay , with the whole traine of his court ; and peraduenture somewhat more than ordinarie , to shew the magnificence of his power and state , to the end that the embassadours ( aboue the former opinion by them conceiued ) might hold him in the reputation of a most puissant and mightie monarch . He passing by , vouchsafed not once to giue them a regard , or so much as to cast his eye aside vpon them , although they were strangers , and but euen then arriued : but with a countenance , as if he had knowne not so much as nothing of their comming , held on his way as it say . But Muhamet the chiefe Visier Bassa , with the other Bassaes and great courtiers , in most gratious manner as they passed by , cast their eies vpon them ; all the courtesie they could then shew them . Six daies after , being the eight and twentith of August , the embassadours all three went to visit and salute Muhamet ( or as the Turks call him Mehemet ) the chiefe Visier Bassa , as the manner was , presenting him from the emperour with foure cups of siluer all guilt , of most faire and cutious workmanship ; of which , two of them being greater than the other , were three spans high , the other two being not so high by a span , but hauing in them two thousand duckats of gold ▪ beside which , they gaue him also a clocke , being a most curious piece of worke , and all ouer double guilt . After which greetings and presents deliuered , beside the contents of his majesties letters , they declared vnto him in generall points , the cause of their comming , and the mind of the emperour well disposed to a peace ; and what great benefit would arise thereby to both parties : and lastly turning ouer the blame of the late warres , and laying the fault thereof to the charge of others , sweetned thereby the sower of their former dealings . Neither was the Bassa likewise for his part to seeke of good words , but answered them in Turkish by the mouth of Hibraim the cheefe Dragoman , who deliuered his mind to them in Latin or Italian , accordingly as the embassadours had before vttered theirs : which parle so ended , certaine of the cheefe of the embassadours followers were admitted into the Diuano to kisse the proud Bassaes hand . The same day the embassadours also saluted Partau the second Bassa , and Ferat the third in order and authoritie . To Partau they presented two cups of siluer all guilt , beside a clock of the same making with the abouenamed , and two thousand dollers : and the like to Ferat . The next day they went to visit the other three Bassaes , Acomat , Piall , and Muhamet , presenting euery one of them with two faire cups , and a thousand dollars : These were the six Visier Bassaes to Selymus , then lying at Court with him , men that for wealth and authoritie went before all other in the Turkish empire , as in the course of this historie may appeare . And so hauing visited them in generall , the embassadours to set their affaires on foot , the fourth of September closed with Muhamet , to whom the ordering of state-matters was especially committed . Yet after this first conference , because it was necessarie before so weightie affaires were broached , first to doe the Great Turke reuerence , and to deliuer the presents , with the emperours letters to him written ; for some few dayes there was not any point at all of the embassadours businesse handled . Selymus not long after the embassadours were arriued , went out for his disport and pleasure on hunting : so that in the meane time ( after the presents were giuen to the Bassaes ) matters stood still altogether vnaduanced , vntill the one and twentieth of September : and that day ( Selymus being now returned from his disport ) it was appointed that the embassadors should haue audience at the Court. Whereupon they made choice out of their followers of those that should attend vpon them , which were not in all aboue twelue persons : For they to whom this charge was committed , said it was neither the manner nor yet meet that any great traine should come before so great a prince , and that they might not bring with them aboue that number : whereupon they appointed but six a peece to attend them : and of fifteene cups all of siluer and guilt , being most curiously and cunningly engrauen , one of the fairest among the rest was giuen to each of those twelue to carrie , and they ordered to goe by two and two before the rest that came after in order with the rest of the present : which was two exceeding pretious Clockes , like in bignesse to them before giuen to the Bassaes , but far aboue them in value ; and fiue and fortie thousand Dollars for the tribute behind and yet vnpayed . The greatest of those cups was six spans and an halfe , and the least two spans in height : some of them being double cups after the high Dutch manner . The embassadours ( whose comming a great multitude of the Ianizaries attended below at the gate of their lodging : beside many of the Spahies and Chiausis , and others of good sort , which were come to honour them with their presence to the pallace ) putting themselues in readinesse betimes in the morning , and taking horse , set forward toward the Court. The formost were they that did beare the present in their hands , the people of the citie in euery street flocking together in exceeding multitudes to behold them as they passed : and verily there had been seldome times seene the like embassage in those parts . For besides the fame that was blowne abroad in euery quarter , That they were men sent from one of the greatest princes of Christendome ; the diuersitie of their attire ( so few as they were ) more than any thing beside , did represent the majestie of the Christian emperour to them that gased vpon his embassadours and their traine , the people conceiuing thereby that he was lord and ruler of many prouinces and countries . For they that were Hungarians belonging to the bishop of AGRIA ( the cheefe embassadour ) being attired in long and sober garments of very fine purple cloth , hauing their shooes pieced ouer the soles with yron plates , and halfe of their heads shauen , seemed to differ from them but little . But on the other side the high Dutch attired in blacke , with their veluet caps , and short cloakes layed with siluer lace , and long breeches little lesse than Rutter wise , and chaines of gold about their neckes , appeared very strange and vncouth to the Turkish people : and so accompanied in this honourable wise , the embassadours entred the first gate of the Great Turks pallace . This gate is built of marble in most sumptuous manner , and of a stately height , with certaine words of their language in the front thereof engrauen and guilt in marble . So passing through the base Court , which hath on the right side very faire gardens , and on the left side diuers buildings seruing for other offices , with a little Moschie ; they came to the second gate , where all such as come in riding , must of necessitie alight . Here so soon as they were entred in at this second gate , they came into a very large square Court , with buildings and galleries round about it , the kitchins standing on the right hand , with other lodgings for such as belonged to the Court , and on the left hand likewise roomes deputed to like seruices . There are moreouer many hals and other roomes for resort , where they sit in counsell handling and executing the publike affaires either of the Court or of the Empire , with other matters , where the Bassaes and other officers assemble together . Entring in at this second gate , in one part of the Court , which seemed rather some large street , they saw the whole companie of the Solaches set in a goodly ranke , which are archers keeping alwayes neere vnto the person of the Great Turke , and seruing as his footmen when he rideth : they vse high plumes of feathers , which are set bolt vpright ouer their foreheads . In another place there stood the Capitzi in like array , with blacke staues of Indian canes in their hands : they are the porters and warders at the gates of the pallace , not much differing in their attire from the Ianizaries ; who stood in ranke likewise in another quarter . And beside all those , with many more that were out of order , as well of the Court as of the common people , those knights of the Court which accompanied the embassadours thither , with other great ones also of like degree , were marshalled all in their seuerall companies . And among the rest , the Mutfarachas , men of all nations and all religions ( for their valour the onely freemen which liue at their owne libertie in the Turkish empire ) stood there apparrelled in damaske , veluet , and cloth of gold , and garments of silke of sundrie kinds and colours : their pompe was great , and the greater , for the turbants that they wore vpon their heads , being as white as whitenesse it selfe , made a most braue and goodly shew well worth the beholding . In breefe , whether they were to be considered all at once , or in particular , as well for the order that they kept , as for their sumptuous presence , altogether without noise or rumour ; they made the embassadours and the rest of their followers there present , eye witnesses both of their obedience , and of the great state and royaltie of the Othoman Court. Passing through them , the embassadours were led into the hall , where the Bassaes and other great men of the Court were all readie to giue them entertainement : they of their traine being at the same time brought into a roome that stood a part vnder one of the aforesaid lodgings all hung with Turkie carpets . Soone after ( as their vse and manner is ) they brought in their dinner , couering the ground with table clothes of a great length , spred vpon carpets ; and afterward scattering vpon them a maruellous number of woodden spoons , with so great store of bread , as if they had beene to feed three hundred persons : then they set on meat in order , which was serued in two and fortie great platters of earth , full of rice pottage of three or foure kinds , differing one from another ; some of them seasoned with hony , and of the colour of hony ; some with soure milke , and white of colour ; & some with sugar : they had fritters also which were made of like batter ; and mutton beside , or rather a daintie and toothsome morsell of an old sodden Ewe . The table ( if there had any such beene ) thus furnished , the guests without any ceremonie of washing sat downe on the ground ( for stooles there was none ) and fell to their victuall , and dranke out of great earthen dishes , water prepared with sugar , which kind of drinke they call Zerbet . But so hauing made a short repast , they were no sooner risen , but certaine young men whom they call Giamoglans , with others that stood round about them , snatcht it hastily vp as their fees , and like greedie Harpies rauened it downe in a moment . The embassadours in the meane time dined in the hall with the Bassaes. And after dinner certaine of the Capitzies were sent for the twelue of the embassadours followers , before appointed to do the great Sultan reuerence : by whom ( their presents being alreadie conueied away ) they were remooued out of the place where they dined , and brought on into an vnder roome , from whence there was an ascent into the hall , where the Bassaes were staying for the embassadours : who soone after came foorth , and for their ease sat them downe vpon the benches , whiles the Bassaes went in to Selymus ; who before this time had made an end of dinner , and was remooued in all his royaltie into one of his chambers , expecting the comming of the embassadours . All things now in readinesse , and the embassadors sent for , they set forward with their traine , and came to the third gate which leadeth into the priuie pallace of the Turkish emperour , where none but himselfe , his eunuchs , and the young pages his minions , being in the eunuchs custodie , hath continuall abiding : into which inward part of the pallace none entreth but the Capitzi-Bassa ( who hath the keeping of this third gate ) & the Cesigniers ( that serue in the Great Turks meat ) with the Bassaes and some few other great men ▪ and that onely when they haue occasion so to doe by reason of some great businesse , or sent for by the Sultan . Being entered in at this gate , which is of a stately and royall building , the Capitzi by whom they were conducted , suddenly caused them to stay , and set them one from another about fiue paces ; in a little roome , which neuerthelesse was passing delicate , all curiously painted ouer with diuers colours , and stood betweene the gate and the more inner lodgings . On both sides of which roome , when all things els were whist and in a deepe silence , certaine little birds onely were heard to warble out their sweet notes , and to flicker vp and downe the greene trees of the gardens ( which all along cast a pleasant shaddow from them ) as if they alone had obtained licence to make a noise . Selymus himselfe was in great majestie set in an vnder chamber , parted only with a wall from the roome wherin the embassadours followers attended , wherinto he might looke through a little window , the portall of his said chamber standing in counterpoint with the third gate aboue mentioned . The embassadours entering in , were led single and one after another , to make their reuerence vnto the Great Turke . And in the meane time certaine of the Capitzi with the presents in their hands fetching a compasse about before the window , mustered them in his sight . All this while not the least sound in the world being raised , but a sacred silence kept in euery corner , as if men had been going to visit the holiest place in HIERVSALEM , Yet for all that the embassadours followers placed one from another ( as is aforesaid ) were not aware that the great Sultan was so neere , looking still when they should haue beene led on forwards all together : howbeit , they were set in one after another : neither did they that were so set out , returne againe into the roome ; but hauing seuerally done their reuerence , were all ( except the embassadours , that still stayed in the chamber ) by one and one sent out another way into the Court : neither could he that came after see his fellow that went before him , after he was once taken in to doe his reuerence : but suddenly as the former was let out , the next was aduaunced forward to the dore , where Isman the Capitzi-Bassa & the Odda-Bassa taking him by both arms and by the necke , the one at his right hand , and the other at his left , and so leading him apace , by the way softly felt his wrests with their hands , least peraduenture he might haue some short weapon in his ●leeue . Yet were they not all thus groped , as Marc Antonio Pigafetta , the reporter of this negotiation , sayth of himselfe and some others also . Howbeit this hath been ( and yet is ) the manner of giuing of accesse vnto the person of the Great Turke , euer since that Amurath the first was after the battell of CASSOVA murthered by one of Lazarus the Despots men , who admitted to his presence ( in reuenge of the wrong done vnto his master ) with a short poynard that he had closely hidden about him , so stabbed him in the bellie that he presently died . And thus like men rather carried to prison by sergeants , than to the presence of so mightie a Monarch , they were presented vnto his majestie : he sitting vpon a pallet , which the Turkes call Mastabe , vsed by them in their chambers to sleepe and to feed vpon , couered with carpets of silke , as was the whole floore of the chamber also . The chamber it selfe being not very great , was but darke , altogether without windowes , excepting that one whereof we haue before spoken : and hauing the wals painted and set out in most fresh and liuely colours by great cunning , and with a most delicat grace : yet vse they neither pictures nor the image of any thing in their painting . The six Visier Bassaes ( before mentioned ) were standing on the left hand as they entred in at the chamber dore one by another in one side of the chamber , and the embassadours on the right hand on the other side , standing likewise , and vncouered . The Dragomans were in another part of the chamber , neere the place where the Sultan sat gorgiously attired in a robe of cloth of gold , all embrodered with jewels : when as the embassadours followers by one and one brought before him ( as is aforesaid ) and kneeling on the ground , a Turke standing on his right side , with all reuerence taking vp the hemme of his garment , gaue it them in their hands to kisse . Selymus himselfe all this while sitting like an image without moouing , and with great state and majestie keeping his countenance , dained not to giue them one of his lookes . This done , they were led backe againe , neuer turning their backes towards him , but going still backwards , vntill they were out of his presence . So after they had all thus made their reuerence , and were departed out of the chamber , the embassadours deliuered vnto Selymus the emperours letters , and briefely declared vnto him their message : whom he answering in foure words , as , That they were to conferre with his Bassaes : presently they were dismissed . And so comming out of the two inner gates , they mounted on horsebacke , and tooke the way leading towards their lodging , being at their returne accompanied with the whole order of the Ianizaries , with their Aga , and other captaines : among whom were certaine of their religious men called Haagi ( which vse to follow the Ianizaries ) who continually turning about , and in their going , singing or rather howling out certain Psalmes and praiers for the welfare of their Great Sultan , gaue the embassadours and their followers occasion to wonder , that they either left not for wearinesse , or fell not downe like noddies for giddinesse . All these were sent , the more honourably to accompanie the embassadours to their lodging : and beside these , many more on horsebacke than attended them at their foorth comming : in regard whereof , the embassadors when they were come to their lodging , to requite their greedie courtesie , frankely distributed amongst them aboue foure thousand dollars , and yet well contented them not . The embassadours after this entertainement at Court , had diuers times conference with the great Bassaes concerning peace , as Selymus had commaunded : wherein by reason of the Turkes vnreasonable demaunds ( as their manner is at their first meetings ) nothing could be as then concluded : so ●●at Selymus himselfe being shortly after to depart for HADRIANOPLE , where he was to continue for some moneth ( but rather as it was thought for that they could not agree vpon a point of great consequence ) the treatie for peace was intermitted , vntill such time as a messenger dispatched in post , might returne vnto the Turks Court with some resolute answere concerning that matter . So it was , that during the reigne of the late emperour Ferdinand , that the Turke his subjects in HVNGARIE payed all their taxes and tributes vnto their old lords and masters , abiding and liuing in the emperours jurisdiction , as did the subjects of Ferdinand to their lords that dwelt in the Turks dominion and territories : Now in this treatie for peace , the Turks ( amongst other their vnreasonable requests ) demanded to haue their subjects freed , and yet the subjects of the emperour to pay as they were before accustomed . Which as it was a request nothing indifferent , so was it no lesse prejudiciall and hurtfull vnto the emperour his subjects in HVNGARIE : for which cause the embassadours would not by any meanes consent thereunto , before they knew the emperours farther pleasure concerning the same . Whereupon they dispatched one Sig. Odoardo a gentleman of MANTVA , very skilfull in the Turkish language and in such like affaires , by reason that as well about this businesse as at diuers times before about other the like , he had beene employed from VIENNA to CONSTANTINOPLE in the emperours seruice . So Selymus shortly after , viz. the twentieth of October , departing from CONSTANTINOPLE , in great magnificence passed by the gate where the embassadours lay , with his whole Court in armes , and in the same order that is vsually kept when he goeth to warre or taketh any great journey . After whose departure the embassadours hauing sufficiently viewed the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , and then at good leisure , to passe the time and to see the countries they had so often both heard and read of , together with the ports and hauens on both sides that narrow sea which deuideth EVROPE from ASIA , embarking themselues , and crossing the mouth of the hauen betwixt CONSTANTINOPLE and PERA , passed all alongst the coast on EVROPE side vnto the Euxine or blacke sea , and so backe againe by the other side of that straight sea : curiously noting the great ruines of the antient cities of BITHYNIA , with some others alongst the Asian shore , together with the pleasant situation they in former times had , whilest they yet flourished in their glorie , but now for most part ( or rather altogether ) laied in the dust & brought to nought : and so returned againe to CONSTANTINOPLE . But whilest they thus deceiued the time , and lay long expecting the returne , as well of their owne messenger sent vnto the emperor , as of Selymus himselfe ; they were aduertised in all hast to repaire vnto him to HADRIANOPLE , whether the aforesaid messenger was now come with full instructions of all things concerning the treatie for peace . For which cause they with great speed making themselues ready , and taking their leaue of Piall Bassa ( who for that he was Selymus his great Admirall , then lay at CONSTANTINOPLE ) set forward the first of Ianuarie in the yeare 1568 : and so after nine dayes trauell at length arriued at HADRIANOPLE about an hundred fiftie three Italian miles distant from CONSTANTINOPLE . Here they stayed vntill the peace was concluded , which was the seuenteenth of Februarie : the cheefe capitulations whereof were , That either of those great princes should still hold what they had got each from the other in the late warres , That the emperour should yearely pay thirtie thousand ducka●s to the Turkish Sultan , as a tribute for HVNGARIE , the tribute to begin in the beginning of Ianuarie last past this yeare 1568 , That the subjects of the Turke should pay nothing to the subjects of the emperour , neither the emperours any thing to the Turks , but to be both of those paiments free . And that vpon these conditions there should be a firme & sure peace betwixt these two great Monarchs for eight years next following : wherin the Vayuod of TRANSILVANIA was ( as the Turkes tributarie ) to be also comprehended . Neuerthelesse , all things at this time thus agreed vpon , the Turkes after their subtile manner finding sundry cauillations , and raising many doubts about the aforesaid capitulations , did what they might to haue in some part altered what they had before agreed vpon , to the bettering of themselues and the hurt of the Christians : and so with many their vnreasonable demaunds stayed the departure of the embassadours vntill the twentith of March following . At which time hauing their dispatch , and taking their leaue of the Great Turke and the Bassaes , accompanied with Hebraim-Beg ( Selymus his embassadour vnto the emperour ) they by land returned towards VIENNA ; where they with the joyfull newes of peace the tenth of May arriued , being there two daies after at the Court most honourably receiued . And fiue daies after , audience was giuen vnto the Turks embassadour ; who well heard , and better rewarded , shortly after returned with a full conclusion of peace from the emperour to CONSTANTINOPLE . But whilest this peace was thus in concluding , and the embassadours yet resident at HADRIANOPLE , the sixteenth of Februarie came an honourable embassage from Shach Tamas the Persian king vnto the Great Sultan Selymus , to entreat a peace betwixt them , or rather to conclude the same , being before agreed vpon the controuersies , for which they afterwards fell to open war. Which embassage for that it is no lesse truly than plainely set downe in a letter sent from ERZIRVM ( a citie then in the confines of the Turkes dominions towards the Persians ) written by a Chiaus to Muhamet cheefe of the Visier Bassaes ; which Chiaus was of purpose sent from CONSTANTINOPLE , to meet the said Persian embassadour : I thought it not amisse for the better vnderstanding thereof , to set downe the effect of the same letter as it was translated out of the Turkish into the Italian by the emperours embassadours interpreter . The effect of the letter written to Muhamet Bassa , the cheefe Visier , by a Chiaus sent of purpose to meet the Persian Embassadour . After due salutations , this is the effect of that which we thought good to make knowne vnto your lordship . Now at this present ( to wit in the beginning of the month Giuma Sulacchir ) is in good health arriued the embassadour of Persia , the kings cheefe counsellour , called * Schach Culi Soltan , attended vpon with a hundred and twentie gentlemen , with guilt turbants on their heads , & well furnished with spare horses led in mens hands . Besides whom he was accompanied also with two hundred knights all apparrelled in cloth of gold , with foure hundred Persian marchants , in all aboue seuen hundred persons ; with a thousand nine hundred beasts , cammels , mules , and horses ; fiue couple of drums , euery couple being placed vpon a seuerall cammell , fiue Nacars , three trumpets , fiue flutes , and other instruments , in all about thirtie musitions , playing vpon these instruments : There were also two queristers or chaunters of the Alcoran , one Organist , one playing vpon a Turkish instrument like a Lute , two players vpon Sagbuts , with two other musitions , eight in all . There were also foure bondwomen seruing in the embassadours owne chamber . Who when he was with all this magnificent pompe come within one dayes iourney of ERZIRVM , the * Sayms and Spahies assembling themselues together to the number of eight thousand men , went to meet him : amongst whom were an hundred and more , all apparrelled in cloth of gold and sattin : two thousand men with guilt morrions on their heads : in which brauerie we marching forward , the Persian embassadour amazed to see so great maiestie and pompe , said that all the armie of CONSTANTINOPLE was come to meet him : and so being come into the citie , caused all the instruments to be played vpon , euen from morning vntill night . The next morning the embassadour inuited the Bassa with all the lords and officers , who being come , he entreated them to heare his musicke : and in like manner the lord Bassa inuited the Persians . But as the embassadour was going to the banquet , came another Sultan of the kings , who brought to the same embassadour a guilt Turbant , and a rich gowne wrought with gold , which he caused him to put on by the way . By this embassadour the Persian king hath sent all the armour of Sultan Baiazet , with all his cammels and other wealth . The causes of the long stay of this embassadour were specially two : the one for that the Persian king had caused to be made two pauilions of one peece , the curtains being interlaced with gold , and the supporters imbrodered with the same : Besides this , he sent two bookes of histories , and two pearles , which in weight weighed ten * Mescali : one Balasso as big as a little pearle , fourescore and two times an hundred * Tumenlich of stuffe , amounting to fourescore and two summes of Aspers , and fortie Falcons : all which the Persian king hath sent vnto the Great Sultan , as to the onely Monarch and Patrone of the world . This Schach Culi is the next in authoritie to the king , and so was in the time of the great king Hysmaell . These two Persian Sultans are the kings cheefe Sultans and courtiers , and therefore set themselues forth with all the pompe they can . Yet notwithstanding all their brauerie , being come to ERZIRVM within the view of our armie , the Persians were amazed to behold the goodly order of the Othomans . One part of these Persians are returned againe into PERSIA . And if it please God at the comming of my messenger vnto you , your lordship shall vnderstand of what condition and state these two princes and Sultans are . They haue each of them yearely six Tumoni : which maketh after the computation of the Othomans , six thousand Aspers . Your lor●●ship after this account may iudge of the rest . The other cause of the long stay of this embassadour , was for that in SIRVAN the people were vp in rebellion , wherein many of them were slaine : to the appeasing of which sedition , this Schach Culi was sent , and now at last is come . From ERZIRVM in the beginning of the moneth of * Giuma Sulacchir , in the yeare of the Prophet Mahomet 975. This the Persian embassadour was with the greatest pompe that might be entertained by the Turks at his first comming to HADRIANOPLE , all the braue Courtiers with the Ianizaries and other souldiors of the Court going forth in most seemely order to meet him . Who now entred the citie , and come before the house where the emperours embassadours then lay , and seeing certaine of their retinue before the dore , asked of Isnam the Capitzi Bassa , what people they were ? who told him that they were the followers of an embassadour that there lay , sent from one of the greatest princes of the Christians , namely the emperour , who was desirous to make peace with the Great Sultan his master . Whereunto the embassadour replied , That he would willingly salute them : which Isnam hearing , straightway turned his horse towards the place where they stood . Now the emperours embassadour being secret within a lattise , and seeing him come towards them , went forth and stood vpon the dore threshold , and so with signes and words saluted one another . Amongst the others the Persian embassadour said vnto the emperours , That he would gladly talke with them , if it might so please the Grand Signior : Hebraim the Dragoman who then was with the emperours embassadours , being interpreter . So hauing courteously saluted one the other , they departed , but neuer after came together . Two dayes after the Persian embassadours ( according to the manner of those barbarous nations , who with emptie hands salute not one another ) by his Checaia or steward of his houshold , presented all the Visier Bassaes with diuers rich gifts and presents , euery one of them according to their degrees and places . And the day after went himselfe to visit them : where by the way fell out a strange matter , like ynough to haue cost him his life . For a Giamoglan ( as the embassadour was going to visit Muhamet the cheefe of the Visier Bassaes for the first ) meeting him , shot at him with an harquebush , with purpose to haue slaine him ; but as God would , missed him , and hurt but one of his cheefe followers in the arme . Wherewith the embassadour not a little dismayed , as supposing himselfe to haue beene betrayed , turning his horse , was about to haue gone to his lodging : but the great Bassa in the meane time hauing knowledge thereof , presently sent our men to guard him , and to excuse himselfe of the fact . Whereof the embassadour being assured , held on his way . In the meane space the fellow who shot the harquebush , being apprehended , was brought before the embassadour and the Bassa : who asking him for what cause he discharged the shot against the embassadour ? he without change of countenance boldly answered , That he did it for no other cause but for that the embassador was an hereticke , and sent from an hereticall king , and an enemie to their religion : and therefore that it was not conuenient he should come to entreat of peace with his lord , adding further , that he was not worthie of any peace . Which the Bassa hearing , adjudged the desperat villaine the next day to be drawne at an horse taile through the citie , & then to haue his right hand cut off , and afterward his head , which was accordingly put in execution . After this the Persian embassadour the two and twentieth of the same moneth went to deliuer the presents sent from his master vnto the Grand Signior , and to kisse his hand : sending first before him the presents vpon foure and fortie cammels , whereof foure and thirtie were the kings of PERSIA , and the other ten his owne . The kings present was an Alcoran , with the authoritie of Al● , as they hold . For this is their custome , alwayes to present one such Alcoran vnto the princes to whom they send their embassadours . It was couered with gold , and garnished with most pretious stones : He presented also a booke of histories , couered as the other : hee gaue also a box , wherein was a very faire pretious stone called Balasso , and two pearles of a wonderfull greatnesse , with two purses of an handfull long , full of jewels . Besides these , he presented also eight Firuari or Porcellane dishes ( which we call China dishes ) made of most pure earth , kept aboue fiftie yeares buried vnder the ground , to the end so to be fined and purified , which ( as some say ) will melt and dissolue if any poison be put into them . He gaue also two most stately pauillions , twentie great carpets of silke , and many other lesser of silke and gold ; also nine faire canapies to hang ouer the ports of their pauillions , things not vsed among the Christians . He gaue also nine very faire carpets of Camels haire , nine saddles set with stone after the Persian fashion , seuen staues of siluer , seuen scimitars with red scaberts , seuen bowes with arrowes and quiuers , all wrought with gold and pretious stone ; he presented also many other carpets called Testich , made of the finest lawne , and so large , that seuen men could scarcely carrie one of them . All the Faulcons were dead by the way . The presents which the embassadour gaue vnto the great Turke in his owne name , were also these : an Alcoran , a pauilion faire and large , certaine scimitars , bowes and arrowes richly garnished , with certaine carpets of silke , and camels haire . After which presents so deliuered , and reuerence done vnto the great Sultan by the embassadour , and thirtie of his followers all in cloth of gold ; he returned to his lodging , verie honourably accompanied , as well by the Turkes as them of his owne retinue . First besides many others , there were a great companie of the Spahies and Chiausies , and other courtiers mounted vpon goodly horses , well furnished and in decent order : here might a man haue seene store of cloth of gold , veluet , damaske , and other kinds of silke . After these there followed about three hundred Persian horsemen , apparelled after their manner , some with gowns made of diuers litle pieces of taffata of sundry colours , representing the pictures of men , women , horses , and other beasts ; and some of them imbrodered with flowres and fruits of sundrie sorts ; some had also gownes of cloth of gold , but not so faire as the Turks ; and some of veluet , but verie few of cloth : for that the Persians haue no great plentie either of veluet or yet of cloth , except such as they haue from the Portingals that trauell into those Easterne countries ; yet of silke and wool it appeareth they haue great plentie , most part of their gownes being of wool quilted with bombast . After these horsemen followed many Persian footmen , peraduenture all seruants ; after whom came the Turkish horsemen : and last of all came a horse of the embassadours led by a Persian ; after which horse followed two hundred Ianizaries : and in the rearward of all came the embassadour alone , gorgeously attired both himselfe and his horse . He himselfe was inuested with crimosin veluet , mingled with some other colours : his saddle and bridle were all bedeckt with jewels : the caparison of his horse , was all imbrodered with Turquoies and other pretious stones : the horne vpon the top of his Turbant ( which the Turks call Me●euenchia ) was altogither wrought with gold , and set with pretious stones : in briefe , vpon euerie part of his bodie hanged jewels of great price . After the embassadour , followed about an hundred and fortie Persian horsemen , and others of his court apparelled as before , some well , some ill , according to their abilitie . Now although the Persians ( as is to bee thought ) shewed all their pompe , yet they made nothing so faire a shew as did the Turkes : neither are they so faire men of complexion , being for the most part of a swart and browne colour , and rather little men than otherwise , not much vnlike to the Spaniards . The embassadour being departed , the presents were all brought and shewed to Selymus ; who allowed for their ordinarie charges fiue hundred ducats a day , for that in deed their number was great , and their beasts many . These expences bestowed vpon the embassadours , doe presently begin as soone as any of them enter into his dominions ; and end , so soone as the businesse for which they come is finished . But long it was not , but that this embassadour hauing concluded a peace betwixt the two great princes , Tamas and Selymus , and dispatched such matters as he came for , returned home againe into PERSIA . The Venetians also now at this same time , by their embassadours sought to renew the league they had made with the great Turke , now expired : which , as it was easily obtained , so was it of small assurance ; Selymus the next yeare quarrelling with them , and raising new wars , to the great hurt and disturbance of that state , as shall forthwith appeare . Selymus now at peace with all the world ( a thing of the Turkes not much desired ) began to thinke of workes of charitie : and purposing to build a magnificent temple at HADRIANOPLE for his owne sepulture , with a monasterie , a colledge , and an almes-house ( as had his father , and other his auncestours before him at PRVSA and CONSTANTINOPLE , led therunto with a vaine and superstitious deuotion ) was troubled with nothing more , than how to endue the same with lands and reuenues sufficient for the maintenance of so great a charge : For that the Mahometane kings , are by their superstition prohibited to conuert any lands or possessions to such holy vses , other than such as they haue with their owne sword woon from the enemies of their religion , which they may ( as they are persuaded ) as a most acceptable sacrifice , offer to their great prophet : which diuelish persuasion , serueth as a spurre to pricke forward euerie of those ambitious princes to adde something to their empire . This his deuout purpose once knowne , wanted not the furtherance of many ripe heads , deuising some one thing , some another , as they thought best fitted his humor . But amongst many things to him presented , none pleased him so well , as the plot laid for the taking of the rich island of CYPRVS from the Venetians : a conquest of it selfe sufficient , both for the eternizing of his name , and performance of his owne charitable works entended ; with a large ouerplus , for the supplying of whatsoeuer wanted in his fathers like deuout workes at CONSTANTINOPLE . But that which moued him most of all , was the glorie of such a conquest , which as his flatterers bare him in hand , might make him equall with any his predecessours ; who in the beginning of their raigne , had vsually done or attempted some notable thing against the Christians . Hereupon the matter was by Selymus propounded to the great Bassaes to be considered of ; without whose aduise and counsell , the Turkish emperors seldome or neuer take any great wars in hand . Amongst these graue counsellours , Muhamet the chiefe Visier Bassa , a man of greatest authoritie ( vnto whom Selymus was beholden , that he had so quietly obtained the empire ) and a secret friend vnto the Venetians , seemed much to dislike of that motion , persuading Selymus not to yeeld thereunto : alleadging , beside the danger and vncertaintie of the expedition , that his father Solyman at the time of his death had charged him straightly , that the league with the Venetians should be religiously kept ; and that he could not with his honour , without just cause so quickly breake that league , which he himselfe had but a little before most solemnly confirmed . But Mustapha the second Bassa , sometime Selymus his tutor , and therefore of him much honoured , with Piall Bassa the Admirall ( both enuying at the great honour of the Visier Bassa ) so mightily impugned that he had before said , and so importuned Selymus with the shew both of honour and profit attending that action , as also with the easinesse thereof ( a great part of the Venetian Arsenall being but a little before burnt , and their forces much weakned ) that he rejected the counsell of Muhamet , calling him in his choller , Christian ( which among the Mahometanes is a word of no small disgrace : ) and yeelding wholy to the persuasion of Mustapha and Piall , presently commanded preparation to be made both by sea and land , for the performance of that his resolution . Which was not so couertly carried in the Turkes court , but that it was discouered by M. Antonius Barbarus the Venetian embassadour ; and not without cause suspected by the Venetian merchants , whom the barbarous Turks began now to cut short in their trafficke , looking big vpon them , as men suddenly changed , and euill entreating them with hard speeches , the vndoubted signes of greater troubles to ensue . The Venetian embassadour now out of doubt of the Turkes purpose for the inuasion of CYPRVS , came vnto Muhamet the chiefe Bassa , complaining of the breach of the league : and putting him in mind of the fidelitie of the Venetian state towards the Turkish emperour , requested him , that Selymus might not make too much hast to begin that warre , which would set all EVROPE on a broile ; but rather by his embassadours first to declare his mind vnto the Senat , for that so it might happily come to passe , that all might be quieted , to the good of both parties without warre . Which the politike embassador requested not of the Bassa for any hope he had to auert the warre , for which the Turke had now all things in readinesse , but onely by such an hope of composition , to hinder the Turkes endeuours , and to win time , vntill that the State ( being fully certified of all these matters ) might make readie their fleet and forces , and so in armes be readie to answere their armed foes : neither did he euer leaue the Bassa , vntill he had by his meanes procured , That one Cubates should be sent embassadour to VENICE to proue the minds of the Senatours , whether they would willingly deliuer the island , or aduenture to haue it taken from them by force . These things and such like as were then done at CONSTANTINOPLE , being by letters sent in post from the embassadour , made knowne at VENICE , brought a generall heauinesse vpon the citie : for why , that vnderstanding and prouident State , warned by their former harmes , of all others most dread the Turks forces . Cubates the embassadour accompanied with Aloysius Barbarus the embassadours sonne , and Bonricius his secretarie , departing from CONSTANTINOPLE , came by long journies to RAGVSIVM , where Angelus Surianus sent from VENICE to meet him , was readie to receiue him , who being taken into his gallie , brought him to VENICE . In the meane time the Senatours sitting oftentimes in counsell , were deuided in opinions concerning the chiefe matter they consulted vpon : some there were , that thought it not good to wage warre against such an inuincible enemie , nor to trust vpon a vaine and idle hope , neither to commit all vnto the hazard of such fortune as was vnto them in that warre by the enemie propounded : they alleadged , that they had alwaies vnfortunatly taken vp armes against the Turks , and that therefore they should set before their eies , what harmes they had suffered , and how that beside the losses alreadie sustained they had alwaies in the winding vp of the warres lost something more : that it were better to depart with CYPRVS , so that they might quietly enjoy the rest , rather than to enter into armes : Time they said , would at length giue them some one fit occasion or other to recouer that they had lost , and to restore their state vnto the former honour ; which for the present , was aboue their power to maintaine : To put their trust in their confederates ( they said ) was but to deceiue themselues : they should remember how often euen small causes of false suspition , or hope of profit , or feare of harme , had vtterly frustrated and broken in sunder the most solemne capitulations of the strongest leagues : how often destruction had come thence from whence aid was to haue beene hoped for , they needed not to seeke farther for examples than from their owne domesticall affaires . Others were of a contrarie opinion , as that the island was by force of armes to be defended : saying , That nothing could be more dishonourable , than without fight to depart with so notable a part of their seigniorie : neither any thing more commendable , than to proue all things for defence of their honour : Neither would the prowd Turkes , with whom no assured league could be made ( as they said ) hold themselues content with this yeelding vp of the island , but by intreating of them and giuing them way , become more insolent : and when they had taken CYPRVS from them , would also seeke after CRETE and CORCYRA , and so yeelding them one thing after another , spoile themselues of all togither : Ambitious and greedie princes ( they said ) grew more bold and insolent by other mens feare : and that no great or notable matter was to be done without danger : that hard beginnings had oftentimes merrie endings : that the fauour and good will of that insatiable and greedie nation , was not to be gained but with so great losse and charge as that such a costly peace would be much more hurtfull than warre it selfe : beside that , it much concerned other Christian princes to haue the Venetian state preserued , and that therefore it was to be hoped , that they would to the vttermost of their power giue them aid . The matter thus debated too and fro , it was in the end resolued vpon , to take vp armes in defence of their honour , and by plain force to withstand the Turke . So when Cubates the Turkes embassadour came from VENICE , neither did any man of courtesie meet him , neither was any honour done vnto him , or so much as common courtesie shewed vnto him : but being afterward admitted into the Senat house with his two interpretors onely , he deliuered Selymus his letters , enclosed in a little bag wrought with silke and gold ; and so whilest the same letters were in breaking vp , and translating out of the Turkish language into Italian , deliuered also his message by word of mouth as followeth . What great account the mightie Sultan my dread Soueraigne hath alwaies made of your most honourable friendship , is therein right well declared ; That in the verie entrance of himselfe into his empire , he forthwith and without any hard or new conditions renewed his league with you : which he hath on his part alwaies kept most faithfully and vnuiolat , worthely grieuing the like kindnesse not to be shewed on your behalfe , neither the like care of keeping your faith to appeare in you ; who by harbouring of pyrats in your hauens , and murthering of his subiects , haue oftentimes broken the league . Which iniuries , although they were by war to haue beene reuenged , yet hath he , so mightie a monarch , hitherto beene alwaies more mindfull of your honor and friendship , than of his owne maiestie and profit . But for so much as there is no end of these iniuries and wrongs , and that it is now come to that point , That longer to forbeare , might be imputed vnto him rather for cowardise than courtesie , as also that it much more concerneth your State than him , and that therefore you ought no lesse than he to desire that all causes of vnkindnesse might be cut off , and order taken , that in so great and mutuall good-will , there should be no falling out by new quarrels daily arising : the onely remedie thereof is , if you shall deliuer vnto him the island of CYPRVS , the cause of all these grieuances . Now it beseemeth you for your great wisedome , to make small reckoning of so small a matter , in comparison of the fauour of so great a prince ; which if you shall willingly of your selues yeeld vnto him , you shall right wisely prouide for your affaires , and haue him so great a monarch alwaies your friend and confederat : wher as if you shall shew your selues obstinat , and not to yeeld to this his so small a request , his purpose is by strong hand not onely to take from you the island , the cause of the warre , but also to prosecute you with most cruell warre both by sea and land . And thereupon I take God to witnesse , all the blame of the calamities to ensue of so mortall a warre , to be imputed vnto your selues , as the worthie reward of your wilfulnesse and breach of faith . Which said , hee in the name of Muhamet the Visier Bassa told the Senatours , that hee was right sorie that this breach was fallen out betwixt the emperour Selymus and them : and that although he doubted not , but that they would right wisely consider of all things ; yet he could not for the good will he bare vnto them , but admonish them of such things , as he deemed for them both profitable and wholsome : and therefore did most instantly request them , and withall aduise them , not to enter into armes against so mightie a prince , neither wilfully to plunge themselues into such dangers , as they could hardly or neuer find the way out ; for that their strength was nothing answerable vnto his , and that the euent of that warre was like to be vnto them deadly , and that therfore he tooke God , and the loue he bare vnto them to witnesse , that he had in friendly sort forewarned them of their harmes , and aduised them for their good . Giuing them farther to vnderstand , that Selymus did nothing but thunder out most cruell threats against their State : which his indignation was raised of the manifold complaints brought against them to his court at CONSTANTINOPLE . Selymus his letters answerable to his embassadors speech , were also full of false surmised grieuances : he complained , That the Venetians had in warlike manner entred into the frontiers of his empire in DALMATIA , and there had done great harme ; that they had put to death certaine Turkish pirats whom they had taken aliue ? that their island of CYPRVS was an harbour for the pirats of the West , and that from thence they robbed his peaceable countries , and surprised his subjects trauelling that way for deuotion vnto the temple of MECHA , or otherwise about their affaires . And that therefore those causes of discord might be taken away , and the hinderance of traffique remoued , he required them to yeeld vnto him the island of CYPRVS : which if they refused to doe , he would by force of armes take it from them ; and by force and strong hand cause them to doe that which they might better haue done franckly and of their owne accord ; and farther , to make them to vnderstand how farre the Turkes did excell all other men in martiall prowesse . As for the league before made betwixt his father and them , he said he had renewed the same , not because he had any liking thereunto , but because he had as then set downe with himselfe , for a while in the beginning of his empire , peaceably to endure all things . The Venetians , for that they knew the embassadours errand before his comming , hauing now read his letters , gaue him such answere as they had before resolued vpon : which was , That the Venetians had at all times inuiolably kept their leagues with the Othoman emperours , and had in regard thereof let slip many opportunities and fit occasions for them to haue augmented their dominions in : That they could without any danger to themselues , haue destroied the Turkes fleet both at the RHODES and MALTA , and other places also ; but that they more regarded their honour , and alwaies thought that nothing better became great and magnificent princes , than to performe their faith once giuen , and in all their actions to be like themselues . And therefore had dissembled , and put vp many grieuous and bitter indignities , least they might be thought to haue first broken the league : That they had neuer passed their owne bounds , or inuaded the Turkes : onely to haue taken order , that no pirats should at their pleasure roame vp and downe the seas . Now whereas all duties being on their part sincerely and most religiously kept , Selymus complained himselfe to be wronged , whereas he himselfe had done the wrong , and had contrarie to the league denounced warre against them , expecting nothing lesse : sithence that they could not by the power of the league , they would by force of armes defend that kingdome , which they by auntient and lawfull right possessed , deliuered vnto them by their auncestors : That God in whose helpe they trusted would weigh in indifferent ballance , all mens words and deeds , whom they tooke to witnesse , that they were the authours of peace , and Selymus the cause of warre : and that the same God would be now present vnto their just complaints , and forthwith after with his power to take reuenge on them , which falsifying their faith and promise giuen , and violating the sacred league , had enforced them to take vp most just and necessarie armes , which they would with the same courage manage that they had taken them in hand . With this answere the embassadour departed , let out by a secret posterne , for feare of the people ; who hauing got knowledge of the matter , were in great number assembled to the Court gate , muttering among themselues , that it were well done to rend in pieces that accursed Turke , the messenger of his faithlesse master . Which outrage it was thought they would in their furie haue performed , had not such as by the commaundement of the magistrates guarded him , better assured him of his safetie , than either regard of dutie or the law of nations ; he by the way as he went still storming and swearing by his Mahomet to be of that so great an indignitie reuenged . This answere of the Senat vnto the Turkes embassadour concerning warre , was of some well liked and highly commended , as full of honour and valour . Others deemed it too sharpe , liking of nothing that was said or done , to the further incensing of the Turkish emperour : being of opinion , that they might haue of him obtained a more indifferent peace by courtesie than by rigour . As for the decreed warre they vtterly disliked , for as much as all warres were wofull , but especially those which were to be maintained against them that are too strong for vs. In such diuersitie of opinions it appeared , That the Senat should of that so honourable a decree reape such commendation , as the euent thereof should affoord ( than which nothing is more vnreasonable : ) if things fell out well , then was it wisely and worthely done ; if otherwise , then was it like to be reputed a foolish , a rash , and wofull resolution . The greater the danger was now feared from the angrie Turke , the more carefull were the Venetians of their state . Wherefore they forthwith sent messengers with letters vnto the Gouernours of CYPRVS , charging them with all carefulnesse and diligence to make themselues readie to withstand the Turke , and to raise what power they were able in the island , not omitting any thing that might concerne the good of the state : and at the same time made choice of their most valiant and expert captaines both by sea and land , vnto whom they committed the defence of their dispersed Seignorie , with the leading of their forces . Hieronimus Zanius was appointed Admirall , Lucas Michael was sent into CRETE , Franciscus Barbarus into DALMATIA , Sebastianus Venerius into CORCYRA , all men of great honour , experience , and valour . Other meaner captaines were sent also with lesse charge into the aforesaid places , as Eugenius Singliticus , a noble gentleman , with a thousand footmen into CYPRVS , who had also the leading of all the horsemen in the island : after whom countie Martinengus promised to follow with two thousand footmen moe . The strong cities were now by the Venetians in all places new fortified , armour , ordinance , and victuall prouided , and whatsoeuer els they thought needfull for defence of their state . And for as much as they well knew they had to doe with too mightie an enemie , they by their embassadours sent for that purpose , earnestly sollicited most of the Christian princes to joine with them in league , and to giue them aid against the common enemie , who as he was too strong for any one of them , so were he not able to stand against their vnited forces . But the emperour Maximilian excused himselfe by the league he had not long before made with the Turke for eight yeares , which ( he said ) he might not breake : yet had he before his eyes a most pregnant example , what small reckoning the Turke maketh of his faith or league , which he without any just cause had broken with the Venetians . The like excuse vsed also Charles the French king , and Sigismund king of POLONIA , who both seemed to be very sorrie for that the Venetians were fallen out with the Turke , but could not helpe them , for that they were in league with the Turkish emperour . Neuerthelesse the French king did them the courtesie , to offer himselfe to be a mediator , if they so pleased , betwixt them and Selymus . The young king of PORTINGAL Don Sebastian pretended also for his excuse the great plague which had but a little before raged in his kingdome , and much deminished his people ; as also that he was to maintaine wars by sea against the Turks in the East Indies , to the no lesse benefit of the Christian commonweale than if he should aid the Venetians in the Mediterranean . Onely Pius Quintus then Pope , and Philip king of SPAINE , with certaine of the princes of ITALIE ; namely Philibert duke of SAVOY , Guido Vdebaldus duke of VRBIN , Cosmus Medices duke of FLORENCE , and the knights of MALTA , promised them aid , which they afterward most honourably performed . Selymus of himselfe angrie with the Venetians , and firme in his resolution for the conquest of CYPRVS , was vpon the report of Cubates his embassadours bad entertainment at VENICE , farther enraged . He deemed the majestie of the Turkish empire contemned , and himselfe in the person of his embassadour disgraced : seeing that they whom he had thought would haue yeelded vnto any thing , rather than the league should haue beene broken , had sent him such a short answere , and so contemptuously vsed his embassadour , vnto whom they had not affoorded so much as common courtesie . It did not a little mooue him also , that the Venetians had in their letters sent by his embassadour , omitted the glorious titles vsually giuen the Turkish emperours . Wherefore in some part to ●atisfie his angrie mood , he caused Marcus Anthonius Barbarus , the Venetian embassadour , and all the Christian marchants of the West throughout his empire , to be clapt vp in prison , and their ships stayed vnder an arrest . And setting all other things apart , set himselfe wholly for the preparing of such things as should be needfull for the intended warre . But for as much as the island of CYPRVS was the prey whereafter the greedie tyrant so much gaped , and for which the bloudie warres betwixt the Turke and the Venetians , with their Christian confederats , presently ensued ; it shall not be from our purpose to spend a few words in the describing thereof , as the stage whereon the bloudie tragedie following was as it were acted : as also how it came first into the hands of the Venetians , and by what right of them so long possessed ( although it be in some part before declared ) vntill it was now by Selymus the great Turke against all right injuriously demaunded , and at length by strong hand by him wrested from them . This island lieth in the farthest of the Cilician sea : it hath on the East SIRIA , on the West PAMPHILIA , Southward it regardeth AEGIPT , and Northward CILICIA , now called CARAMANNIA . It is worthely accounted amongst the gre●test islands of the Mediterranean , containing in circuit 427 miles , and is in length ( after the description of Strabo ) 175 miles , and in bredth not aboue 65. It aboundeth with corne , wine , oyle , cotton wooll , saffron , honey , rosin , turpentine , sugar canes , and whatsoeuer els is needfull for the sustentation of man , whereof it sendeth forth great abundance to other countries , of whom it craueth no helpe againe . It was in antient time called Macaria , that is to say , Blessed . The people therein generally liued so at ease and pleasure , that thereof the island was dedicated to Venus , who was there especially worshipped , and thereof called CYPRIA . Marcellinus to shew the fertilitie thereof , sayth , That CYPRVS aboundeth with such plentie of all things , that without the helpe of any other forraine countrey it is of it selfe able to build a tall ship , from the keele to the top saile , and so put it to sea furnished of all things needfull . And Sextus Rufus writing thereof , sayth : Cyprus famosa diuitijs , paupertatem populi Romani , vt occuparetur solicitauit , ita vt ius eius insulae auarius magis quam iustius simus assec●ti . vz. CYPRVS famous for wealth , allured the pouertie of the people of ROME to lay hold vpon it , so that we haue rather couetously than justly got the rule thereof . In the heart of the island standeth NICOSIA , sometime the regall and late metropoliticall citie thereof . And in the East end thereof FAMAGVSTA , sometime called TAMASSVS , a famous rich citie , the cheefe and onely port of all that most pleasant island . Other faire cities there be also , as PAPHOS , AMATHVS ( now called LIMISSO ) and CYRENE . This island of it selfe long time maintained the majestie of a kingdome , as then when Richard the first king of ENGLAND passing that way with his fleet for the releefe of the Christians then distressed in the Holy land about the yeare 1191 , was prohibited there to land ; and certaine of his people by force of tempest there cast on shore , were by the Cypriots either cruelly slaine or taken prisoners : which barbarous violence king Richard tooke in so euill part , that he there by force landed his armie , and rested not vntill he had taken Isaak the king prisoner , and subdued the island . The king he sent in chaines of siluer to TRIPOLIS , there to be kept in close prison ; the kingdome he kept a while in his owne hand , which not long after he gaue , or as some say , exchanged with Guido the titular king of HIERVSALEM : for which cause the kings of ENGLAND for a certaine time afterwards were honoured with the title of the kings of HIERVSALEM . This kingdome by many descents came at length to Ianus son of king Peter , who in the yeare 1423 was by Melechella Sultan of AEGIPT taken prisoner , but afterwards for the ransome of an hundred and fifteene thousand Sultanins , was set at libertie and restored to his kingdome , paying vnto the Sultan and his successours a yearely tribute of fortie thousand crownes . This Ianus left a sonne called Iohn , who after the death of his father married the daughter of the Marques of MONT-FERRAT : after whose death he married one Helena , of the most noble house of the Paleologi in GRaeCIA , by whom he had one onely daughter called Carlotte , but by another woman a base sonne named Iames. This king Iohn was a man of no courage , altogether giuen to pleasure , and according to the manner of his effeminate education , shewed himselfe in all things more like a woman than a man : which Helena his wife , a woman of a great spirit , quickly perceiuing , tooke vpon her the soueraignetie and whole gouernment of the realme , gracing and disgracing whom she pleased , and promoting to the ecclesiasticall dignities such as she best liked , abolishing the Latine ceremonies , and bringing in them of the Greeks , and tooke such further order as pleased her selfe in matters of state concerning both peace and warre , her husband in the meane time regarding nothing but his vaine pleasure : whereby it came to passe , that all was brought into the power of the Greekes , the queenes friends ▪ Now the queene her selfe was much ruled by the counsell of her nurse , and the nurse by her daughter : so that the people commonly said , The daughter ruled the nurse , the nurse the queene , & the queene the king . The nobilitie ashamed and wearie of this manner of gouernment , by generall consent of the people sent for Iohn the king of PORTINGALS cousin Germane ( whom some call the king of PORTINGALL ) to whom they gaue Carlotte the kings daughter in marriage , with full power to supplie that want of gouernment which was in king Iohn his father in law . He taking the authoritie into his hands , quickly reformed the disordered kingdome , as well in matters concerning religion as ciuile policie . The Latine ceremonies were againe restored , and the gouernement of the daughter , the nurse , and the queene brought to an end . But the mischieuous daughter doubting the countenance of the new king , persuaded her mother , as she tendered her owne life , to poyson the king . Which thing the wretched woman , by the consent of the queene mother ( as was reported ) in shorttime performed , and so brought that noble prince , well worthie longer life , vnto his vntimely end : whereby the gouernment was againe restored to the Greeke queene , who in the name of her weake husband commaunded againe at her pleasure . But aboue all , the nurse and her daughter insulted vpon the young queene Carlotte : which shee not well brooking , grieuously complained thereof to Iames her base brother , requiring his helpe for redresse therof : who not long after slew the nurses daughter , not so much in reuenge of the wrong by her done vnto his sister , as to prepare a way for himselfe for the obtaining of the kingdome : grieuing inwardly , that shee or her husband whosoeuer , should bee preferred before himselfe . Which thing Helena the queene quickly perceiuing , persuaded the king her husband to cause his base sonne to enter into the orders of priesthood ; and so to become a church man , thereby to cut off all his hope of aspiring vnto the kingdome : which the king at her instance did , and made him archbishop of NICOSIA . In the meane time Carlotte by the persuasion of her mother and the nobilitie of the countrey , married Lewes sonne to the duke of SAVOY : who being for that purpose sent for , came with all speed to CYPRVS . After that the queene mother and the old nurse ( desi●ing nothing more than to reuenge the death of the nurses daughter vpon Iames , now archbishop ) deuised first how to thrust him out of all his spirituall promotions , which were great , and afterward quite banish him the kingdome . Hereupon the queene wrote letters against him to the Pope , to haue him disgraded , for that he being a man base borne , with his hands embrued with guiltlesse blood , was vnworthie of holy orders . Which letters by chance came to Iames his hands : who enraged therewith , accompanied with a number of his friends and fauorits , suddenly entred the Court , slew such of his enemies as he found there , deuided their goods amongst his followers , and as king possessed himselfe of the regall citie . In this broile the Greeke queene Helena died , and shortly after her husband also . All things being thus in a hurle and out of order , certaine of the nobilitie for redresse thereof sent for Lewes the husband of Carlotte , as for him to whom that kingdome in the right of his wife most justly belonged : who vpon his arriuall was of all sorts of men joifully receiued and welcommed as their king . Iames the vsurper vnderstanding before of the comming of Lewes , and perceiuing the inclination of the people towards him , fled with diuers of his friends to ALEXANDRIA , to craue aid of the Aegyptian Sultan : in whose Court he found such fauour , as that he was by the Sultans commaundement royally apparrelled and honoured with the title of the king of CYPRVS , which he promised for euer to hold of the Sultans of AEGIPT as their vassale and tributarie . At which time the Sultan also by his embassadours commaunded Lewes to depart the isle : who by all meanes sought to haue pacified the Sultan , declaring vnto him his rightfull title , yet offering to pay vnto him the wonted tribute , and to allow vnto Iames a yearely pension of ten thousand duckats , during his life . But all in vaine , for Iames still present in the Sultans court , and wisely following his own sute , at last concluded with the great Sultan ( who thought it more honour to make a king than to confirme a king ) and receiuing of him a great armie , returned into CYPRVS , where in short time he so distressed Lewes , that he was glad to forsake the island , with his wife , and to returne into his countrey ; leauing the kingdome of CYPRVS againe to Iames : who now by the supportation of the Aegyptian Sultan possessed thereof , yet liued not without care of Carlotte and her husband Lewes , whom he knew the Cypriots wonderfully affected . Wherefore for the more assurance of his estate , he thought it best to joyne in league and friendship with the Venetians , whom he knew to be of great power at sea ▪ and of all other fittest to crosse whatsoeuer Lewes should in the right of his wife attempt against him . Which league he afterwards made , & the better to confirme the same tooke to wife Catherine Cornelia , the daughter of Marcus Cornelius a magnifico of VENICE , being before adopted by the Senat , and euen after , their reputed daughter . Not long after this mariage , Iames died in the yeare 1470 , leauing the queene great with child , who in due time was deliuered of a faire sonne , vnto whom with the mother the Venetian state became tutors , as their adoptiue fathers , and in their behalfe tooke vpon them the gouernment of the realme . This child shortly after died also , not without some suspition of poyson , after whose death great troubles arose in the kingdome , insomuch that Andreas Cornelius the queenes vncle ; a most graue counsellour , and Gouernour of the realme vnder the queene , was by the conspiracie of certaine noble men slaine , and all the island readie to reuolt from the queene . For appeasing of which troubles , the Venetians were glad oftentimes to send their Admirals with their gallies into CYPRVS , to take order in the matter , and to aid the queene : who at length persuaded by George Cornelius her brother ( whilest it was yet in her power ) as a louing daughter to yeeld vp the kingdome vnto her adoptiue fathers , which she destitute both of counsell and power , could not long hold so farre from her friends , beset on the one side with the great Turke , and on the other with the mightie Sultan of AEGIPT . She I say thus persuaded by her brother , came to VENICE , where she was with the greatest honour that could be deuised , receiued by the duke and the whole State at sea in their great and goodly ship the Bucentaure , and so with all royall triumph brought through the middest of the citie vnto the place most richly for the time appointed for the receiuing of her : where shortly after , attired in all her royall habiliments , she came in great majestie into the Senat house , and there before the Tribunall seat of Augustinus Barbadicus , then duke of VENICE , layed downe her crowne and scepter , and as a most louing daughter resigned vp her kingdome , to the great honour and profit of her countrey . Thus the kingdome of CYPRVS was deliuered into the hands of the Venetians in the yeare 1473 ; which they peaceably held from that time , paying vnto the Sultans of AEGIPT such tribute as they had the late king Iames : which yearely tribute they in like manner payed vnto the Turkish emperours , after that the kingdome of AEGIPT was by Selymus the first conquered in the yeare 1517 , as due vnto them by law of armes : with which yearely tribute both Selymus himselfe , and Solyman after him , held themselues well contented . But now this Turkish emperour Selymus the second , of whom we speake , desirous both of the honour of such a conquest , and of so rich a prey , made no account of the accustomed tribute , but of the fruitfull island it selfe : whereof he as is before declared , hath by his embassadour made a proud demaund , but is thereof denied by the Senat. Selymus throughly furnished with all things necessarie for the inuasion of CYPRVS , in the beginning of Februarie sent a great power both of horse and foot into EPIRVS and the frontiers of DALMATIA , to forrage the Venetian territorie , especially about IADERA ; of purpose by that warre so neere at home to withdraw them from the defence of CYPRVS so farre off . About the middle of Aprill following he sent Piall Bassa with fourescore gallies and thirtie galliots to keepe the Venetians from sending aid into CYPRVS . This Piall was an Hungarian , borne of base parents , but turning Turke , and giuing himselfe to armes , was first preferred for his valour shewed against the Christians at ZER●I , and afterward by many degrees rise to the honour of one of the greatest Bassaes. He departing from CONSTANTINOPLE , and cutting through PROPONTIS and HEL●ESPONTVS , came to EV●oeA , and there for certaine dayes lay in such order , as if he should haue presently giuen the enemie battell : but vnderstanding by his espials , that the Venetians greeuously visited with the plague , and slowly releeued by their friends , were not like in hast to come out , he tooke his course to TENOS , an island of the Venetians , to haue taken it from them . This island is one of the Cyclades , and was by nature strong , but stronger by the industrie of the defendants ; who lying far from the Christian countries , and compassed about with such cruell and warlike enemies as people farre distant stood in dread of , could neuer for any fear or danger be remooued from the Christian religion , or induced to submit themselues to the Turkes gouernement , as most of the other islands had . Piall here landing his forces , sought both by faire means and foule to haue persuaded the inhabitants to haue yeelded vp their towne ; but when he could get nothing of them but foule words againe , he began by force to assault the same . Two daies the towne was valiantly both assaulted and defended , but at length the Turkes perceiuing how little they preuailed , and that the defendants were resolutely set downe for the defence of themselues and their countrey ; shamefully gaue ouer the assault , and abandoning the island , directed their course toward CYPRVS . For Mustapha , author of that expedition ( for his auntient hatred against the Christians , made Generall by Selymus ) had before appointed Piall Bassa at a time prefixed , to meet him at the RHODES , and that he that came first should tarrie for the other , that so they might togither saile into CYPRVS . Mustapha hauing before sent a great part of his armie by land into PAMPHILIA , embarked the rest with Haly Bassa Generall of the forces at sea , who yet staied for him with the rest of the fleet at CONSTANTINOPLE . This Haly was one of the chiefe Bassaes , a man of great account , and sometime an especiall and noted follower of Muhamet Bassa : but now ( as it is oftentimes elsewhere seene , that men together with the change of fortune , change their minds and affections also ) was become a great fauourit of Mustapha . Now to colour so manifest a wrong and breach of the Turkes faith , Mustapha the Generall , according to the Turkish manner , a little before his arriuall in CYPRVS , gaue the Venetians there to vnderstand by letters of his comming , as also of his purpose for the taking of that island from them : for that without some such slender denouncing of warre vnto them against whom it is intended , the Turkes generally account their expeditions not to be altogither so lawfull or fortunat as otherwise : and therefore writ vnto them in this sort . Mustapha Bassa vnto the Venetians . That the kingdome of CYPRVS by auntient right belongeth vnto the kingdome of AEGYPT , you are not ignorant ; which being conquered by the Turks , is togither with it become of right apart also of the Othoman empire : that island we come to challenge , leading after vs two hundred thousand valiant souldiors , vnto which power , and the wealth of the Othoman kingdomes ( all which the most mightie emperour is about ( if need shall be ) to send thither , and to bend his whole strength theron ) all the vnited forces of the Christian kings are not comparable ; much lesse the Venetians ( so small a part of EVROPE ) forsaken of their friends , can suffice . Wherefore , we will and exhort you , for the auntient amitie which hath been betwixt your State and the glorious Othoman family , to yeeld this kingdome vnto the most puissant emperour , whose verie name is become dreadfull vnto all the nations of the world : and quietly , and without resistance to leaue the island , with the loue and friendship of so great a monarch to be for euer inuiolatly kept betwixt him and you . Whereas if you shall before such wholsome counsell fondly preferre your vaine hopes , you are to expect all the calamities of warre , with such dreadfull examples as the angrie conquerours vse to make of their vanquicted enemies . For resolution whereof , wee yet giue you halfe a moneths space to bethinke your selues in : and so fare you well . All this being now in readinesse , and a most royall gallie of wonderfull greatnesse and beautie by the appointment of Selymus prepared for the great Bassa the Generall : he togither with Haly Bassa and the rest of the fleet , departed from CONSTANTINOPLE the six and twentith of May , and at the RHODES met with Piall as he had before appointed . The whole fleet at that time consisted of two hundred gallies , amongst whom were diuers galliots , and small men of warre , with diuers other vessels prepared for the transportation of horses : with this fleet Mustapha kept on his course for CYPRVS . They of the island in the meane time carefully attending the enemies comming , from their watch towers first discouered the fleet at the West end of the island not farre from PAPHOS : from whence the Turkes turning vpon the right hand , and passing the promontorie CVRIO , now called DEL LE GATE , landed diuers of their men , who burnt and spoiled certaine villages , and with such spoile and prisoners as they had taken returned againe vnto the fleet : which holding on the former course , came at length to a place called SALINae ( of the abundance of salt there made ) where they knew was best landing : and there in an open road came to an anchor , where the Bassaes without any resistance vpon a plaine shoare landed their armie . Now all the hope of the Christians , was to haue kept the Turkes from landing , which they should with all their strength and power haue done ; neither was it a matter of any great difficultie , for had the defendants but kept the shoare , and from the drie and firme land valiantly repulsed their enemies , they might vndoubtedly with their shot and weapons haue kept them from landing , or else haue done them greater harme : knowing in the meane time , that in all the island was no good harbour for them to put into , and that riding in an open road subject to all wind and weather , they could not long without danger of shipwracke ride it out : But they , either terrified with the greatnesse of the fleet , or preuented by the celeritie of the enemie , to their great hurt omitted so faire an opportunitie , as the wofull sequell of the matter declared . It exceedingly encouraged the Turks that they had so easily footed the island , which they thought they should not haue done without a bloudie fight . The Bassa now landed , presently entrenched his armie , and forthwith sent the fleet to transport the rest of his forces out of PAMPHILIA into the island . And at the same time sent out certaine scouts to take some prisoners , of whom they might learne the situation of the countrey , the best waies to passe them with his armie , the strength of his enemies , and what they did , and many other such like things which it concerned him to know . But the greatest question amongst the Turkes themselues was , Whether they should first set vpon FAMAGVSTA or NICOSIA ? FAMAGVSTA standeth low , altogether subject to the scorching heat , which was then great , according as the time of the yeare and nature of the countrey required : wherefore the Bassa for feare of diseases to arise in his armie of the immoderat heat and vnwholesome situation of the place , thought it better to begin his warres with the siege of NICOSIA , and to make that citie the seat of the warre , for the conquest of the rest of the island . So hauing put all things in order , and well viewed the countrey , and finding nothing he needed to stand in doubt of , he set forward with his armie toward NICOSIA , which was about thirtie miles distant , being the cheefe and richest citie of all the island . Which way soeuer the armie marched , it spread a great deale of ground ; and the neerer it came , the greater was the slaughter of the countrey people , and the number of prisoners taken of all sorts . But when newes of the enemies approach was brought into the citie , a generall feare presaging future miserie possessed the hearts of all men . There was not in the citie any valiant or renowmed captaine , who as the danger of the time required , should haue taken vpon him the charge : neither any strong armie in the island to oppose against the enemie . The Gouernour of the citie was one Nicholaus Dandulus , a man too weake for so great a burthen ; who alwaies brought vp in ciuile affaires , was to seeke how to defend a siege . Of the citisens and countrey people he had taken vp foure thousand footmen , and a thousand horsemen , all raw souldiors , commaunded by the gentleman of the countrey , men of all others most courteous : but as well the captaines as the souldiors , as men brought vp in a plentifull countrey , fitter for pleasure than for warre . The greatest hope and strength of the citie , was reposed in twelue hundred Italian footmen , and six hundred horsemen . The whole number of the souldiors in garrison for defence of the citie , was deemed about eight thousand horse and foot : too weake a companie against so fierce and strong an enemie ; and the more , for that the Bassa an old and most expert Generall was there in person himselfe present , a most seuere and absolute commaunder , whom it would haue been a hard matter to haue withstood with equall power . The Venetians had euer had great care of the island of CYPRVS , as lying farre from them , in the middest of the sworne enemies of the Christian religion , and had therefore oftentimes determined to haue fortified the same : yet fearing thereby to seeme to distrust or dread the Turks , and so to giue them occasion of offence , left it still vndone . This citie of NICOSIA standeth in the middest of the island , in a plaine and champaine countrey , compassed round with a wall , as if it had bin drawne with a compasse , and is in circuit about fiue miles : for the manner of the situation , & magnificent buildings as well publike as priuat , many haue compared it vnto the beautifull citie of FLORENCE in ITALIE : and was for the wholsome and commodious situation thereof notably peopled . This citie had the Venetians of late fortified with new wals , thicke rampiers , and eleuen strong bulwarkes , according to the manner of the fortification of our time ; and had raised three great fortresses for defence of the wall , which they furnished with a strong garrison , great store of artillerie , and other warlike prouision . Neuerthelesse , they found by experience in this warre , That fortifications are strengthened by the defendants , rather than the defendants by the fortifications . The two and twentith of Iuly , the Bassa with his armie encamped within a mile and a halfe of the citie , when presently the Turks by troupes issuing out of the campe , rid contemptuously before the wals and gates of the citie , and with often and lowd outcries vpbraided the defendants : which by them being answered with silence , was taken as a token of their feare . And Mustapha himselfe comming as neere as he might without danger , tooke full view of the wals and situation of the citie . Shortly after , the enemie drew neerer vnto the citie into a more open plaine , and with their tents filled the lower part of the hill , which they called MANDIA : but the Bassaes tent they set aloft vpon the hill , to the terrour of the defendants and encouragement of the Turkes . The campe being fortified , the Turks with incredible labour and celeritie brought their trenches from farre , and at the first cast vp some few forts , but afterwards , as their armie increased , many mo ; which they raised so high , that they ouertopped the wals of the citie , and made the place more dangerous for the Christians to defend . There hauing placed seauentie great pieces of batterie , they began to batter the citie both day and night without intermission ; with such an horrible thundring , that the earth trembled , the houses shooke as if they would haue fallen downe : at which time many were slaine , both with the deadly shot , and the broken pieces of stones beaten out of the wals : neuer was such a feare as then within the citie of NICOSIA : euerie day the enemie brought his trenches neerer and neerer , and rested not vntill he had with restlesse labour brought them vnto the verie brim of the towne ditch , which the citisens before the comming of the Turks had not well scoured . Being come so nigh , they first skirmished a far off with their small pieces : but afterwards , they not onely battered the wals with their great artillerie , but with small shot , arrowes , and stones , ouerwhelmed the defendants , as if it had been a shower of haile ; so to haue driuen them from off the wall and rampiers . In few daies , not only all the curtaines betwixt three of the bulwarks , was by the furie of the great ordinance beaten downe , but all places thereabout lay full of the dead bodies of the assailants and defendants . For although the Christians fought at great disaduantage , both for the number of men and indifferencie of the place : yet desperation joyned with extreame necessitie , of all other the greatest weapon , gaue them such courage , as with shot , stones , timber , and such like , to keepe downe their enemies , and defend their wals ; and oftentimes to make great slaughter of them , with their artillerie and muthering pieces bent vpon them as at a certaine marke , who the thicker they stood , the greater was their harme . They also oftentimes dismounted many of the great pieces and made them vnseruiceable ; and with featherbeds and sacks of cotten wooll , made vp their breaches : which the Turks laboured againe to burne with pitch barrels , and earthen pots full of wild fire . After long fight the Turks entring the ditch , made themselues two waies to the wals , which they fortified on both sides with fagots and earth , in such sort , as that they were safe from the loupes of the bulwarks which flankered the ditch . All this quickly performed , some presently set vp scaling ladders : others filled the ditches with brushwood , fagots , and earth ; and others in the meane time with mattocks and leauers were digging downe the foundations of the bulwarks CONSTANCE and PODOCATERA , taking name of them that had the chiefe charge in the building thereof . The Christians right valiantly endured the first assault of the enemie , and strucke downe dead into the ditches many of them that were climing vp the ladders : and had in short time slaine mo than they were themselues in number , and enforced the rest to giue ouer the assault . These things were done in the beginning of the siege , whilest yet both parties were strong : in which hard conflicts a great number of souldiors were lost , and most of the canoniers slaine . After this assault , both parties for a while busied themselues and spent the time in their ingenious deuises : wherein it appeared , that the Turks were much cunninger in deuising of meanes to take cities , than were those Christians in defending the same . Now had the Venetians in the first motions of these wars , praied aid of diuers Christian princes , from most part of whom they receiued but cold comfort , as is before declared : yet now at length ( though somewhat late ) they had drawne into the confederation of this warre , the Pope and the king of SPAINE : by whose example some other princes of ITALIE moued , put to also their helping hands . The Venetians , as they whom the matter most concerned , had in good time put their fleet to sea ; but knowing themselues too weake to encounter the Turks , they lay still vpon the coast of DALMATIA , about IADERA , expecting the comming of the Spanish admirall with his gallies . Two moneths ( wherein much might haue been done ) were now past in this expedition , and yet no newes of his comming : so that what the speed and industrie of the Venetians had well prepared , was by the delay and lingering of the Spaniard , marred . Besides that , the plague began to arise in the fleet , lying so long in one place ; which at length grew so hoat , that many of the gallies had neither marriner nor souldiour left in them : neither did this mortalitie so sease , vntill there were twentie thousand dead thereof ; amongst whom were many noble gentlemen of great account , which might haue done their countrey good seruice , had they been in time imploied . Sommer now almost halfe spent , and the plague well ceased , the Venetian Admirall wearie of expecting of the comming of Auria the Spanish Admirall ; gathering togither his fleet which he had before dispersed , to auoid the infection sailed to CORCYRA , where he met with Venerius another of the Venetian commaunders , who there staied for him , hauing but a little before taken from the Turks CESTRIA , now called SVPPOTO , a town vpon the sea coast ouer against CORCYRA . The whole fleet of the Venetians being assembled togither was an hundred and seauenteene saile ▪ amongst which were twelue great g●leasses ; but all too weake to giue battell to the Turkes , as being themselues stronger in shipping than in men . Neuerthelesse , the Admirall sorie and wearie to see the spoile of the Venetian territorie , and moued with the distresse of the besieged in NICOSIA , rather than for any hope he had with that strength to doe any good against the Turkes fleet , departed from CORCYRA towards CRETE , and the twelfth of August landed at SVDA , a port of that island . In the latter end of this moneth Columnius the Popes Admirall , and Auria Admirall for the king of SPAINE , arriued there also , whom the Venetian Admirall welcomed with great joy and triumph . The whole fleet of the confedera● princes now at length met togither , consisted of an hundred ninetie two gallies , and twelue galeasses , beside victualers and other small vessels , laded with munition and other necessarie prouision for the fleet . Of these gallies the Pope had set forth twelue , the king of SPAINE fortie two , the rest with the galeasses were the Venetians . In this fleet were embarked thirteene thousand six hundred threescore souldiors : of whom the Pope sent eleuen hundred , the king of SPAINE three thousand nine hundred , and the Venetians eight thousand six hundred and sixtie . These three great commaunders entring into counsell , what course to take in their proceedings in this warre ; after long discourse too and fro , at length by the persuasion of Zanius the Venetian Admirall , resolued to go directly for CYPRVS , and to giue the Turkes battell , in hope thereby to raise them from the siege of NICOSIA . About the middest of September , this great fleet furnished with all things needfull for such an expedition , loosed from CRETE , and with a faire gale of wind set forward for CYPRVS ; in all their course keeping such order , as if they should presently haue met with the enemie . In the middest of these troubles died Petrus Loredanus duke of VENICE , leauing the rest of the care of that warre to Aloysius Mocenicus , who succeeded him in the dukedome . Whilest the Christians thus slowly proceed in their so waightie affaires , Mustapha in the meane time laied hard siege to NICOSIA : and diuiding his armie into foure parts , assaulted foure of the bulwarks of the citie , with greater force than at any time before from the beginning of the siege . The assault was both long and terrible : furie , and the verie sight of the warlike Generall , who was there a present witnesse , and beholder of euerie mans forwardnesse or cowarddise ( a matter of great moment ) besides their naturall fiercenesse , carried the Turkes headlong without any perill or danger . And on the other side , the greatnesse of the danger , the feare to loose both life and libertie , with the hope of reliefe , encouraged the defendants to dare any thing : so that the Turks could not approach the wals , or mount the scaling ladders , but they were presently slaine , or togither with the ladders throwne to the ground . Many of the Turkes were there slain , but especially such as were most forward : and of the defendants were also more lost than stood with the safetie of so small a number : and for as much as few or none escaped out of that fight vnwounded , the poore defendants were brought vnto a small number . Many skilfull men were of opinion , that the citie might haue been that day taken , if the assault had by the Bassa been longer maintained , by bringing still on fresh men : but such was his losse , as that he was glad for that time to giue ouer the assault , and so with dishonour to retire . After this assault , it was by some of the captaines thought good , that they should ( whilest they were yet of some reasonable strength in the citie ) sallie forth vpon the enemie : so to make shew , that they had yet some good hope in themselues , and withall by so sudden an eruption to performe something vpon the secure enemie . Of which motion , Dandulus the Gouernour in no case liked , as loath by such a dangerous peece of seruice to deminish the number of the defendants , and so to giue the enemie an easier meanes to take the citie . Yet seeing all the captaines generally of another mind , he yeelded vnto their desire . So in the hotest time of the day , when as the Turkes least thought that the Christians would haue sallied out , certaine Italian companies vnder the conduct of Caesar Plouianus of VICENTIA , and Albertus Scotus , issued out by the gate that leadeth to FAMAGVSTA , and vpon the sudden brake into the enemies trenches where they found the Turks some playing , some sleeping , but fearing nothing lesse than that the Christians , whom they daily braued , durst to haue aduentured to come forth . At the first entrance the Italians preuailed , and brought a great feare vpon that quarter of the Turks armie , and slew many . But when the Turks awaked with the alarum , came running in on euery side , the Italians oppressed with the multitude , were glad to retire : in which retreat diuers of them were slaine , and amongst them their two leaders Caesar and Albertus : so that this sallie serued to no other purpose , than to weaken the defendants themselues , and to cause the Turkes to keepe better watch and ward afterward against such sudden eruptions . All hope of long defending the citie now almost lost , and that the defendants could hardly stand vpon the wals or shew their heads without present danger , they for want of better counsell rather than for any hope of good successe , sent out certaine scouts , men skilfull of the wayes and passages of the countrey ( whom they had for great reward enduced to vndertake the matter ) to craue aid of the countrey people , that were in great multitude fled into th● safetie of the mountaines : and to tell them , that if they came not in time to their releefe , their wiues and children , whom they had before sent into the citie , must needs in short time fall into the enemies hand , or perish with hunger : but these messengers were by the vigilant enemie intercepted , and in the sight of the besieged tortured to death . About the same time diuers letters were shot with arrows into the citie , to persuade the besieged Christians to yeeld themselues ; for that in so doing they should find the Bassa a mild & mercifull conquerour : whereas otherwise if they should by wilfull holding out delay his victorie , they were sure to endure whatsoeuer could be endured or suffered . But when Mustapha had thus in vaine with hope and feare tried the minds of the defendants , he called forth to parley certaine soldiors that were standing vpon the bulwarke called CONSTANTIVS , of whom some were by the consent of the Gouernor sent forth vnto him : vnto whom Mustapha by his interpretor complained , That no answere was giuen vnto his letters ; he set forth vnto them the glorie , power , and greatnesse of the Turkish empire ; and debased the strength of the Venetians : then he persuaded them to yeeld , propounding vnto them the miseries that would fall vpon them , if the citie should by force be taken ; which he threatened would be farre greater than the danger the Turks were to vndertake for the winning thereof : and that therefore it concerned none so much as themselues , whether the citie were giuen vp by composition , or els woon by strong hand : He shewed vnto them the profit that should arise vnto them by yeelding of it vp , and offred vnto them large entertainement , if they would serue him : and to conclude , told them , that they should neuer afterwards find at his hands so much grace as was at that instant offered them . The craftie Bassa did what he might to hasten the winning of the citie , both for that he doubted the comming of the Christian fleet , and that his great armie was exceedingly troubled with contagious and grieuous diseases , arising of the immoderat heat and drought in that so hot a countrey . But the souldiours thinking any thing more assured than the Turkish faith , answered him , That they did not as yet doubt their owne strength , and that they were readie to endure any thing that could happen , rather than to preferre the vncertaine friendship of an vnknowne prince before the gratious fauour of such worthie princes as they had so good experience of . This answere cut off all the Bassaes hope for taking of the citie by composition : wherewith being both grieued and enraged , he commanded all things to be made readie for the assault : and the more to encourage his souldiors , promised vnto them great rewards and honors that should first or second mount the wals . After that he gaue a generall assault vnto the citie with all his power : wherein both he as a most worthie captaine and his souldiours fought most fiercely . You haue to doe ( said he ) with the small and last remainders of your enemies , which are scarce able to stand or hold their weapons in their hands , rather than with enemies indeed : shall you not then easily ouercome them , being both few and feeble , that haue vanquished them when they were many and lustie ? The end of all your labours is at hand , your hoped rewards approch ; onely play you the men , and faint not in this assault ; the spoile of this rich citie shall be the worthie reward of your labours ; the fruit of all your trauell consisteth in this one moment . Whilest he thus encourageth some and reprooueth others , they mindfull of his promises , and these of the disgrace , altogether with their thicke shot suffer no man to stand in safetie vpon the wals , and out of their forts also with their great ordinance greatly annoyed the defendants . This done , they attempted by the ruines of the wall and in other places by scaling ladders to haue entred the citie . Which terrible assault was by the cruell enemie maintained , not for some few houres , but for diuers dayes together without any intermission , fresh men still comming on in stead of them that were wounded or slaine . Yet did the defendants valiantly endure all that storme , and in such weake case as they were , worthily performed what was possible for so few to do : yet still in hope ( the poore comfort of men in miserie ) that releefe might come by the approch of the Christian fleet . At length , when the matter was brought to this point , that the Turkes were in great hope to haue gained the wals , & Mustapha himselfe probably guessed , That the Christians were now wearie of the long assault , and sore weakened with wounds and other infinit miseries , not to seek in a citie so hardly distressed , and was in that his opinion also confirmed by certain fugitiue Christians : he neuerthelesse vpon the sudden caused a retreat to be sounded , and so retiring into his trenches , lay still all the next day without any thing doing . The defendants thinking that he had giuen ouer the assault , because of some aid that was comming to their releefe , became more carelesse of the enemie , and vpon the vaine hope of such aid , with lesse diligence repaired their breaches and prouided for the repulsing of their enemies . But the Bassa in the meane time had chosen out of his whole armie about two hundred of his best captaines and souldiors , all men of approued valour and agilitie of bodie , whom the next day after hee sent early in the morning , to make proofe if they could with scaling ladders secretly and without any noise set vp , get into the foure bulwarkes which he had before sore shaken with his great ordinance . These resolute men leading the way , got first vp , after whom followed diuers others , and so tooke the aforesaid bulwarkes : when presently after other companies of their fellowes which stood readie for the purpose , comming on forward , did with their scaling ladders in diuers places recouer the top of the wals for now the matter was not done by secret surprise ▪ but by open force . In euery one of these bulwarkes were seuentie Italians and as many Epirots , who there kept watch and ward ; these men part asleepe , as fearing no such danger , and part lying lasily vpon the ground , were there surprised on the sudden and slaine : othersome of them awaked with the strange and vncouth noise , betooke not themselues lustily to their weapons , but forsaking their stations leapt downe out of the bulwarkes at such places as were next vnto them ; some for feare ran vnawares into the middest of their enemies . Vpon this alarum some of the Christian captaines came speedily to the wals with their companies , as did Eugenius , who whilest he in vaine crieth out to such fearefull souldiors as he met , that they should not so cowardly flie , & stayeth others that were flying , was himselfe shot thorow with a small shot and slaine . Other captaines in other places likewise laboured in vaine to haue stayed the flying souldiors , whose persuasions , requests , and authoritie in so generall a feare , nothing at that time preuailed . The defendants thus beaten from the wals and bulwarkes , gathered themselues into the market place : but the citisens stealing home to their owne houses , there stood in the entrances of the same , fearefully expecting the destruction of their countrey , together with their owne . In the meane time the Gouernour of ALEPPO with his regiment scoured the wals of the citie round about , as he had in charge from the Generall : and without respect put to sword all that he met , armed or vnarmed . At the bulwarke called BAR●ARVS , it fortuned him to light vpon a companie of Italians , who for a while fought desperatly , but were in the end ouerthrown and slaine . When he had thus cleared the wals , and left such companies as he thought good in places conuenient for the keeping of them , he came downe into the more open places of the citie : and seeing them that were gathered together into the market place to haue cast themselues into a ring , and to fight as men altogether desperat , he caused certaine murthering pieces to be bent vpon them : which they perceiuing , layed downe their weapons , and yeelded themselues vnto the mercie of the enemie ▪ By and by all the gates of the citie were strongly guarded by the enemie , to the intent that no man should goe in or out . Dandulus the Gouernour , and Contarenus bishop of PAPHOS , with the rest of the nobilitie and better sort of the citisens , had got themselues into the towne hall , and there stood vpon their guard : vnto whom Mustapha●ent ●ent word , that hee would take them all to mercie , if they would without further resistance yeeld themselues . But whiles messengers run too and fro , the Turks violently brake in vpon them , and there slew them euery man. After the death of these noblemen the cruell enemie spared none : and hauing slaine such as they found abroad in the streets , brake into the houses , where they made hauocke of all things : yong babes were violently taken out of the armes of their mothers , virgins were shamefully rauished , and honest matrones before their husbands faces dispightfully abused , churches were spoyled ▪ and all places filled with mourning and dead bodies : the streets were in all places stained with bloud , for in the citie was slaine that day foureteene thousand eight hundred threescore and six persons . Neither was there any end of the spoile , vntill the greedie enemie had carried away all the wealth that long peace had heaped vp . It is reported , that the prey there taken amounted to twentie hundred thousand millions of duckats : two hundred of the most goodly and beautifull youths were chosen out of purpose to be sent vnto CONSTANTINOPLE for a present for Selymus . In the citie were taken also two hundred and fiftie pieces of great ordinance : whereof some were by the enemie carried away , and the rest left for defence of the citie . Thus the famous citie of NICOSIA , sometime the regall seat of the kings of CYPRVS , fell into the hands of the Turks , the ninth day of September in the yeare 1570 , in whose power it still remaineth . Mustapha hauing as he thought best disposed of all things in NICOSIA , with the very terror of his name , rather than by any force , brought most part of the rest of the townes in the island vnder his obeisance ; and by faire entreatie and promise of good vsage , brought backe againe vnto their wonted dwellings the rude countrey people , who vpon the comming of the Turks were fled with all that they had into the mountaines : them as men not to be feared , he commaunded to till and sow their land as they were wont . The citie of CYRENE is strongly situated , not farre from the sea , and was then well furnished of all things needfull for the enduring of a long siege . Hither the Bassa sent one of his Sanzackes to summon the citie , more to prooue the courage of the defendants , than for any hope he had to haue the citie deliuered vnto him . But Alphonsus Palacius then Gouernour of the citie , terrified with the losse of NICOSIA , no sooner saw the enemie , but that without any further deliberation or force vsed against him , he deliuered vp the towne vnto the Sanzacke ; couenanting only in reward of his cowardise , That he might in safetie depart from thence with all his garrison souldiours : which was easily graunted , and the citie surrendered . Not long after Mustapha leauing a thousand horsemen and three thousand foot in garrison in NICOSIA , marched with the rest of his armie to besiege FAMAGVSTA . And the more to terrifie them of the citie , he by a poore countrey fellow , whom he had for that purpose set at libertie , sent vnto them in a basket the head of Nicholaus Dandulus , late Gouernor of NICOSIA : and at the same time sent before him diuers horsemen , who vpon their horsemens staues carried the heads of many of the noblemen slaine at NICOSIA , wherwith they rid as in triumph about the wals of the citie . Which thing he did , in hope that they of FAMAGVSTA terrified with such a spectacle , and the late ouerthrow of NICOSIA , would for feare of like miserie yeeld themselues . But deceiued in this his expectation , he encamped his armie about three miles from the citie . Afterwards hauing taken view of the citie , and well considered of the situation thereof , he with wonderfull celeritie cast vp diuers mounts against the same , and at the same time caused batterie to be layed against the great tower which defended the hauen : he himselfe also in the mean while battering the gate that leadeth to AMATHVS . But perceiuing by the desperat sallies of the defendants their great courage , and that he was like to haue much more to doe in this siege than he had in the winning of NICOSIA , and Winter also now drawing fast on ( being about the later end of September ) he thought it best betime to prouide , that by lying there he hazarded not the honour he had with so much labour and danger before gained : and the rather , for that it was commonly reported , that the Christian fleet was at hand : wherefore he rise with his armie , and retired himselfe further off into the countrey , where he shortly after billitted his souldiors in the villages round about for that Winter . The Bassaes at sea , Haly and Piall , lying before FAMAGVSTA , doubting the comming of the Christian fleet , which then lay at CRETE , sent out six galliots to discouer the doings of the Christians : who returning with certaine prisoners taken in the Island of CRETE , declared vnto the Bassaes what they had learned concerning the Christian fleet , and that it was alreadie vpon the way for CYPRVS . Vpon which intelligence the Bassaes put their fleet in order of battell , and set forward towards LIMISSO , to haue met with the Christians : who with a prosperous wind were comming betwixt the islands of CARPATHOS and the RHODES : but there vnderstanding by their espials , that NICOSIA was lost , and that the Turks were come to besiege FAMAGVSTA , they called a counsell of all the cheefe commaunders in the fleet , to consult what were best to doe in so dangerous a case . Columnius the Popes Admirall , and then cheefe commander in the fleet , with Zanius the Venetian Admirall , were of opinion , That it were best to hold on their course for CYPRVS , and to relieue FAMAGVSTA : for that it was like that the Turks proud of their late victorie , were for desire of prey for most part gone ashore into the island , and so left their fleet but slenderly manned . Beside that they alleadged , That the Venetian Senat had expressely decreed , that they should giue the Turks battell . But Auria the Spanish Admirall thinking it , as indeed it was , to be a matter of great difficultie and danger , was quite of another mind , saying , That he could not but maruell , how the Venetian Senatours sitting at their ease in counsell , could before they knew their owne strength , and power of the enemie , the nature of the countrey , and purpose of their foes , determine what were fit for martiall men to doe : vnto whose actions no certaine rule could bee prescribed : All the shores ( he said ) were kept with the enemies garrisons : so that what need soeuer they should haue , they could neither come by water or wood , or put into any harbour . Besides that , the enemie would giue them battell at his owne pleasure , and not at theirs : for that they were not of such power as to enforce him to fight . And that if the Senate , which vsed to doe all things warily , and with great aduisement , did but see the weakenesse of their gallies , wanting both souldiours and marriners , they would be of another mind . He alledged further , that they were to wage warre in the enemies countrey , where there was no port to receiue their fleet , no peaceable place , no confederat citie , nor king to friend : whereas the time of the yeare grew euery day worse and worse , when as they had neither harbour to put into , neither were able to abide the sea . And now that NICOSIA was lost , for the releefe whereof they were come so farre , there was no reason for them longer to stay , the enemie so strongly possessing the island with his great armie , as that there was not any hope to doe any good against him . And that to keepe him from victuall , and so to distresse him , was not possible , lying in a most fertile island , and in the middest of his owne dominions : whereas they , who were to be still relieued from farre , should sooner feele the want than the enemie . He was victualled ( as he said when he came from home ) but for three moneths , in hope to haue made a short dispatch , and had now two thousand miles home . He said moreouer , That he had expresse commaundement from the king , to returne to MESSANA before Winter ; and that therefore so soone as the month was out , he would depart . The Venetian Admirall desiring nothing more , than by battell at sea to ouerthrow the Turks , and so to relieue the distressed Cypriots , vrged the Spanish Admirall to proceed in the voyage , saying , That so great aid was not sent from the Pope and the king onely for the reliefe of NICOSIA , but to deliuer the whole island from the danger of the Turke . Of the same opinion with the Spanish Admirall were diuers other great captains in the fleet , namely Sfortia ; who said , That nothing was to be so done ▪ as might rashly expose vnto casualtie or power of the enemie , the publike fortune and majestie of the Christian commonweale , which was in that fleet greatly hazarded : That longer stay might bring further danger : That in that fleet consisted the whole welfare of the commonweale ; wherein more might be lost , if any mishap should chance thereunto , than was good to be gained by the relieuing of FAMAGVSTA . The great commaunders thus differing in opinions , the counsell was in a heat dissolued , and nothing concluded . Vpon which so foule a disagreement the fleet began now to returne backe againe , but so , as that it was not now as before one , but three fleets , euery Admirall by himselfe drawing after him his fleet . Auria the Spanish Admirall , who first returned , after he had beene two dayes wonderfully with tempest tossed at sea , came at last to CARPATHOS , and departing thence , with much adoe arriued with his fleet in the island of CRETE : from whence hee by a messenger sent of purpose , requested leaue of Columnius the Popes Admirall , that he might with his good will presently returne home : whereunto Columnius answered , That he would giue him no such leaue : but rather charged him in the dutie he ought to the good of the Christian commonweale not to depart , but to keepe companie with the rest of the fleet , vntill it were past ZACYNTHVS ; that so with their vnited forces they might more safely passe by their enemies countries : Wheras otherwise , if any thing should by his hastie departure fall out otherwise than well , it should be imputed to the dishonour of him that had forsaken his friends , and not of them that were so by him forsaken . But vnto this Auria answered , That the welfare of the kingdomes of SICILIE and NAPLES , consisted in the safetie of this fleet : and that therefore hauing hast home , he could not stay to keepe companie with their heauie galeasses and other ships of burthen , which must oftentimes be towed forward : This he openly pretended for his departure , yet secretly sought ( as it was deemed ) to find an occasion whereby to withdraw himselfe ( being as he accounted the better man at sea ) from the command of Columnius , whereunto he was full sore against his will subject . After they had thus a while spent the time with reasoning the matter too and fro , Auria of himselfe without farther leaue hoised saile , and so at length came to MESSANA in SICILIE : neither did Columnius and Zanius stay in those quarters long after him , but hauing endured much trouble at sea , arriued at last , Columnius in ITALIE , and Zanius at CORCYRA . Thus this mightie fleet , which had all this Sommer filled the Mediterranean with all the countries thereabout with the expectation of some great matter , was by the discord of the Generals dissolued , hauing done nothing at all worth the remembrance . In this idle expedition many thousands of right valiant men lost their liues , being dead of diuers diseases proceeding of change of diet , and vnseasonablenesse of the weather in that hoat climat ; amongst whom was the valiant countie Hieronimus Marteningus sent by the Senat with three thousand souldiors , for the defence of FAMA●VSTA ; who also most of them perished in that voiage . The Venetian fleet was no sooner arriued at CORCYRA , but Augustinus Barbadicus was sent from the Senat to discharge Zanius the Admirall of his office , and to send him prisoner to VENICE : in whose roome was placed Sebastianus Venerius Gouernour of that island . The Turks Bassaes at sea , certainly aduertised of the departure of the Christian fleet , were not a little prowd thereof ; as by the confession of their enemies , their betters . Yet for as much as the seas began then to grow rough , and no enemie appeared , they thought it to no purpose to keepe the seas with so great a fleet , and therefore resolued to leaue Mustapha with his armie in CYPRVS , the next yeare to make an end of his conquest so happily begun ; and seauen gallies at sea before FAMAGVSTA , that no reliefe should that way be brought into the citie , and so to depart themselues with the rest of the fleet to Winter in more safer harbours : Piall with the greater part of the fleet to CONSTANTINOPLE , and Haly with the rest to the RHODES . And because they would for their greater credit prepare some worthie present for their great lord and master Selymus , they fraughted a great gallion of Muhamets the chiefe Bassaes , and two other tall ships , with the richest of the spoile of NICOSIA , and the choise of the prisoners there taken . But when they were now readie to hoise saile and depart , as they were carrying out of the gallion certaine barrels of gunpouder which Mustapha the Generall had commaunded for his better prouision to be landed , a noble gentlewoman captiue in the gallion , wishing rather to die with honour than to liue dishonoured , secretly fiered the pouder : by force whereof , the same gallion with the other two ships were suddenly rent in pieces , and all that was therein blowne vp into the ayre . Of all that were in those three vessels , none escaped with life but the master of the gallion and two Christian captiues , but there perished togither with the rich spoile . But the Bassaes following their former resolution departed from CYPRVS , and afterwards in safetie arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE : where both then and all the Winter following , such preparation was in making , as if Selymus had the next yeare purposed some farre greater matter than the conquest of CYPRVS . Whilest Sebastianus Venerius ( now the Venetian Admirall ) yet lay at CORCYRA , the rude Acroceraunian people , more famous for nothing than for their theft , and want of all things , by trustie messengers promised to deliuer into his power the strong castle of CHYMERA , kept by a garrison of three hundred Turks , if he himselfe with a few gallies and a conuenient number of footmen would come into the bay of AMERACIA ; offering him good hostages for the better assurance of their promise . Of which their offer he gladly accepted , and forthwith went to the appointed place with a companie of horsemen , three thousand footmen , and certaine gallies ; who were no sooner landed , but that presently a thousand of those rough mountaine people came vnto them : with which power taking the hill , and repulsing the Turks garrison ; comming to the reliefe of the castle , he so discouraged them that were in the hold , that the next night they let themselues downe with ropes into the valley below ; but being descried , were there all either taken or slaine . And so in a verie short time was that strong castle taken by the Admirall , and a strong garrison of Christians put into it in stead of the Turkes . Not long after , Quirinus the Viceadmirall , a man of great courage , landed with foure and twentie gallies in PELOPONESVS neere the bay of MAINE , and there vpon the sudden both by sea and land besieged a strong castle , which the Turks but two yeares before had built to trouble the Christians passing that way . Which castle he tooke in fiue houres , and put to the sword fiue hundred Turkes which lay there in garrison , and rasing it downe to the ground carried away with him foure and twentie great pieces of artillerie into the island of ZACYNTHVS . At such time as Mustapha before lay at the siege of FAMAGVSTA , Bragadinus Gouernour of the towne , with Baleonius a most expert captaine , from out of the high places of the citie beholding the great armie of the Turkes ( which couered the ground almost as farre as they could see ) with their cunning manner of their fortification , were therewith much moued : and therefore thought it good betime to giue the Senat knowledge thereof , and in so great a danger to craue their aid . And that their request might be of more waight and haue the better hearing , they entreated Hieronimus Ragazonius bishop of the citie , a reuerend and deuout man , to take vpon him that charge , vnto whom they joyned Nicholas Donatus , a noble gentleman of CYPRVS . The bishop at the first was verie vnwilling to go , as loath in so great danger to leaue his flocke : but at length ouercome with the entreatie of the Gouernour , and teares of the besieged , suffered himselfe to be entreated . And embarked in a gallie about the going downe of the Sunne , loosing out of the hauen , and hoising saile , with a faire gale of wind passed through the Turkes fleet , which then lay at anchor before the citie ; and by the comming on of the night , and by the great way he made , got him quickly out of sight . After foure daies sayling he came to CRETE , and so at length to VENICE : where , as he had before vnto the Admirall , so there vnto the Senat he declared the dangerous estate of the citie , the strength of the enemie , the weaknesse of the defendants against so great a multitude , and the want of many things needfull for the holding out of the siege : and to be briefe , that except they sent speedie reliefe , the citie could not be kept . Zanius at that time Admirall , carefull for the besieged , caused foure tall ships to be laded with all manner of victuall , and a great quantitie of gunpouder , and put into them seauenteene hundred select souldiors : all which he sent from CRETE to the reliefe of them of FAMAGVSTA , appointing M. Antonius Quirinus with twelue of the best gallies in all the fleet , to conduct the same thither . This Quirinus was a most valiant and expert captaine , meanly discended , but by seruice growne to be a man both of great reputaton and wealth : and therefore Zanius at his departure to VENICE , although he knew the matter required hast , yet presuming vpon his wisedome and carefulnesse , left it to his discretion , when , and how to performe that peece of seruice ▪ Quirinus ( not without cause ) doubting to set forward , the seas as then full of the Turkes gallies , staied vntill Winter was well spent , and then setting forward the seauenteenth of Ianuarie , kept aloofe from the ships , which with a prosperous wind came directly before FAMAGVSTA : in hope , that the Turkes gallies which lay in the mouth of the hauen , might so be drawne farther into the sea , in hope of some good bootie , he himselfe staying with his gallies in place conuenient out of sight . Neither had the euent deceiued his expectation , had not his fierce nature hindred the same : for the Turkes vpon the dawning of the day descrying the ships , made hastily toward them . But Quirinus not able longer to stay himselfe , and before desirous to fight with them , shewed himselfe too soone in the open sea before the enemie was come neere the ships : whom as soone as the Turks had seene , and that there was no hope to withstand him , they staied their oares , and with all speed retired . But Quirinus following faster vpon them , they were glad for safegard of their liues , with all the power they could , to run three of their gallies aground , and to run to shoare themselues : which three gallies , Quirinus did with his great ordinance beat all to pieces , and sore gauled the other foure . The hauen thus cleared , he returned againe vnto the ships , and brought them with the supplie in safetie to FAMAGVSTA ; vpon whose arriuall was great rejoicing , both amongst the garrison soldiors & the citisens : for the Turks thought nothing lesse than that the Christian gallies durst at that time of the yeare haue put into those dangerous seas : which Quirinus well knowing , came foorth againe with his gallies , and roaming vp and downe at his pleasure , tooke two of the enemies ships richly laded comming vnto the camp , with which bootie he enriched his souldiors : and farther incited by occasion , landed his men in diuers places alongst the sea coast in PAMPHILIA , and there did great harme . So hauing filled the countrey with the terrour and fame of his name , he returned againe to FAMAGVSTA , where he notably encouraged the garrison souldiors , persuading them to remember their woonted valour : and filling them with hope , that the Christian fleet would be with them in the beginning of the next Sommer , to deliuer them from their enemies , and to raise the siege . So hauing in twentie daies dispatched that he came for , and done what good seruice else he could , he departed from FAMAGVSTA , and within fiue daies after arriued at CRETE . It was not long , but Selymus had knowledge of this late supply put into FAMAGVSTA , and of the harmes done by Quirinus ; wherewith he was so highly displeased , that he commaunded the Gouernour of CHIOS his head to be strucke off , and the Gouernour of the RHODES to be disgraced , whose charge it was to haue kept those seas so that nothing should haue been conuaied into FAMAGVSTA . Neither spared he Pial Bassa , but depriued him of his Admiraltie , and placed Pertau Bassa Admirall in his stead : for that he had not the yeare before discomfited the Christian fleet at the island of CRETE , as it was supposed he might haue done . From the beginning of this warre , the Venetians , with Pius Quintus then Pope who greatly fauoured their cause , had most earnestly from time to time solicited Philip king of SPAINE , to enter with them into the participation and fellowship of this warre ; which their request standing in deed with the good of his state , he seemed easily to yeeld vnto : and therefore sent Auria his Admirall the last yeare with his fleet to aid them , but with such successe as is before declared . As for to joyne with them in a perpetuall league and confederation ( as it was tearmed ) against the common enemie , that he referred vnto the discreet consideration of the two Cardinals , Granuellan and Pace , and Io. Zunica his embassadour , sent for that purpose to ROME : promising to performe whatsoeuer they should on his behalfe agree vpon or consent vnto . At the same time , and for the same purpose lay also Surianus the Venetian embassadour at ROME : vnto whom the Pope joyned Cardinall Morone , Aldobrandinus , and Rusticucius , with certaine other of the chiefe Cardinals , as men indifferent to both parties , to moderat and compose such differences and difficulties as should arise betwixt the aforesaid commissioners for the king , and the Venetians , concerning the intended league . But these graue men , sent from so great princes about so great a matter ( as well there could not be a greater ) were no sooner met togither and set in consultation , but that forthwith they began to jarre about the capitulations of the league . Necessarie it was thought , that a league should be agreed vpon against so puissant and dangerous an enemie , but to find the way how the same might be concluded to the contentment of all parties , seemed a matter almost impossible . Oftentimes these commissioners sat , but the oftener the farther off : if one difficultie were by the discretion of some appeased , in stead thereof at the next meeting arise three others . The chiefe commaund of the armie to be raised , the proportion of the forces , the maner of the war , with many other such like circumstances incident to so great actions , made great differences among them : but most of all , the indifferent proportioning of the charge , the Spanish commissioners seeking to turne the greatest part therof vpon the Venetians , and the Venetians vpon them : which was done with such earnestnesse and studie of euerie man towards his owne part , as if they had all there met for the bettering of the particular state from which they were sent , rather than for the common good : For the Spaniard , who in former time was glad to keepe the frontiers of his large dominions in ITALIE , SICILIE , SARDINIA , CORSICA , MAIORCA , MINORCA , yea and of SPAINE it selfe , with strong garrisons for feare of the Turke : now that the warre was risen betwixt the Venetians and him , and the danger thereof translated farre off into other mens territories ; enjoyed now in his owne an vnwonted quietnesse , to the great content of his subjects , & easing of his owne charge in maintaining of so many garrisons as before : whereof many were now thought needlesse . Besides that , he by the indulgence of the Pope , raised such great summes of money vpon his cleargie , as was thought by many sufficient to discharge the charge of the warre : For which causes he cared not for entring into any farther league with the Venetians , but as it were of courtesie to send them a yearely aid to maintain a defensiue lingering war , and so to keepe the Turke busied vpon the Venetian a far off from his owne territories . But the Venetians , in whose dominions the fierce enemie daily raged , as well in DALMATIA as in CYPRVS , were euen for the same reasons moued to hasten and shorten the war , that the Spaniard was to protract it : for beside the neerenesse of the danger , and the infinit calamities by the sustained , their yearly reuenues arising for most part of their customes , were greatly empaired , and their traffique ( the maintenance of their State ) almost quite cut off ; which caused them more earnestly to confederat themselues with the Spaniard . But hard it was to joyne in one , States so farre differing , in respect of their particular profit , and almost by nature contrarie . Thus was all the last yeare , and a great part of this also , spent by the aforesaid commissioners in turbulent and fruitlesse conferences , but nothing as yet concluded concerning the league : which troubled the Venetians not a little , being of themselues too weake for so mightie an enemie as was Selymus , and yet no other certaine strength from their friends to rest vpon . But whiles they stood thus doubtfull of the league with SPAINE , and quite out of hope of any attonement with Selymus ; vpon the sudden when they least expected , it was by good fortune laid as it were in their laps , to make choise whether they would ( as they had before most earnestly desired ) joyne in league with the Pope and the king of SPAINE , or else fall to agreement with Selymus : and that by this meanes . Muhamet the chiefe Bassa , a secret friend vnto the Venetians of whom he had been of long time honoured , had no great liking of the prosperous successe of Mustapha in CYPRVS , and therefore deuised night and day how to crosse the rising of him , the competitour of his honour ; and withall , to help the Venetians vnto whom he was much beholden . He by secret messengers had before oftentimes sounded the mind of the Venetian embassadour , and put him in hope that if sute were made vnto Selymus for peace , it would vndoubtedly be granted ; and farther promised , to be himselfe an helper and intercessour for the same . But finding the embassadour to cast many perils , and to giue small credit vnto their talke , who had before by trusting them deceiued him : he did not so giue ouer the matter , but referring the farther tempering with him vnto a more fitter time , for the present he tooke opportunitie to enter into discourse with Selymus himselfe concerning the Venetians , and told him that it was reported , That they wearie of the long altercation they had had with the Spaniards concerning the league , and now destitute of all hope and aid , would now happily of their owne accord grant him that which they had before to him denied . And perceiuing him not vnwillingly to heare so of them , he proceeded farther in the matter , to know his pleasure what he would haue done therein : cunningly by the way of good counsell persuading him vnto that which he most wished himselfe to be done . Immediatly after he secretly aduertiseth M. Antonius the Venetian embassadour , That there was great hope of peace , and that therefore the Senat should vnder the colour of exchanging of prisoners , and redeeming of merchants goods , send some fit man to CONSTANTINOPLE , with whom he would in secret conferre of all such matters as might further the pacification . This vnexpected newes from the embassador brought to VENICE , was well heard of the Senat : for they thought it much to concerne their State , to haue a way opened whereby vpon tollerable conditions to make peace with the mightie tyrant , if that the league betwixt them and the king of SPAINE could not be concluded . Hereupon they made choise of one Iacobus Ragazonius to go about this matter to CONSTANTINOPLE . This Ragazonius was a man of great spirit and dexteritie of wit to take any matter in hand , and of a great reach and deepe judgement in the managing thereof ; and withall exceeding rich , and of so good a carriage of himselfe , as that he was therfore famous : all which things were thought of great moment , to win the fauour of that couetous and barbarous nation . The Senat , although they had not yet made proofe what men thought of the matter , yet doubted they not , but that vpon the report of the sending of this notable man , men would thereof diuersly diuine euerie man according to his owne fantasie : and that many of the wiser sort would indeed surmise , as the truth was , that he was sent for to intreat of peace , although the exchange of prisoners , and redemption of merchants goods , were the onely things were openly pretended : and the Senat , although they thought it not amisse to haue it so vnderstood , because such a suspition was like enough to stirre vp both the Pope and the Spaniard to accept of such conditions of the desired league , as they had before rejected ; yet least the hope of the league ( which they for many causes thought good to cherish ) therby cut off , might cause the Pope and the Spaniard both to be cold in the matter , they certified both them and other Christian princes , of the sending of Ragazonius ; yet of purpose concealing the secret drift of his going . Ragazonius throughly instructed by the Senat , was in a gallie conducted to RAGVSIVM ; which Gassan-beg ( the great Bassa Muhamets sonne , Gouernor of LIBVRNIA ) vnderstanding , met him vpon the frontiers , and told him , That he was sent by his father both to meet him and safe conduct him : which the martiall man , contrarie to the manner of the Turkes courteously performed , honourably entertaining him , and afterward sending him with a safe conuoy vntill hee was out of all danger . Ragazonius comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , was there by night secretly receiued into the citie , and at first brought into a little base Inne , and a guard set ouer him that he should speake with no man. But after three dayes he was remooued to a much better place , and presented with diuers kinds of daintie dishes of sundrie kinds of meats . The effect of his message was , to trie the Turks minds , and after conference had with the embassadour to entreat of peace . At length hauing accesse vnto the great Bassa Muhamet , after he dad deliuered vnto him ( as he had in charge ) his message concerning the exchange of prisoners and marchants goods ; Muhamet asked him , if he had nothing in charge from the Senat concerning a pacification to be made ? Whereunto he answered , that he had , but that he must first speake with the embassadour , without whose aduice and counsell he was not of himselfe to doe any thing . At that first encounter the Bassa to terrifie the messenger , declared vnto him the innumerable multitude of the Turks horsemen and footmen , which no nation ( as he vainely boasted ) was able by force or policie to withstand : also his great and inuincible fleets at sea , with whom all the power of the Christians vnited together , was not able to encounter ; and much other such like strength and wealth of his : and that the Venetians were now no more able to withstand Selymus , than they were in times past to resist his father and his auncestors . Yet he discoursed of this matter in such sort , as not thereby to cut off the hope of the pacification : but said , That the Venetians should best haue prouided for the safetie of their state , if at the first they had listened vnto him , friendly and faithfully aduising them not to haue entred into armes , in which doing they shewed more courage than power : and that yet , as the case now stood , and that Selymus was in a most assured hope , in short time to become lord and master of the whole island ; it should bee to their great good to preferre the fauour and good will of the Turks before warre , and by the voluntarie yeelding vp of CYPRVS gaine vnto themselues perpetuall peace and tranquilitie . As for the island it selfe , it was not now worth the hazarding of so many dangers , being destitute of inhabitants , which were almost all either slaine or fled , the cattell driuen away , the towns ransackt and burnt , and the whole countrey , of late most pleasant and beautifull , now so spoyled and vnpeopled , that it could not of long time yeeld vnto him that should haue it , any profit or commoditie . Ragazonius being a coole and aduised man , and withall perceiuing that the Bassa was not to be contraried in his talke , so tempered his answere , as that he shewed no token of feare , neither let any word fall that might offend his eares , saying , That he was right glad , that he had found so much fauour in his sight , as to haue accesse and leaue to talke with so great a prince , who for wisedome and grauitie excelled all the rest of the princes of the great emperours court : who so farre as he might , with his loyaltie towards his soueraigne , had alwayes most graciously fauoured the Venetian state : who also not ignorant of the vncertainetie of worldly things , knew of all others best , that on both sides were both men and armes , and that most mightie princes had oftentimes with small forces beene ouerthrowne , the euent of things neuer deceiuing men more than in matters of warre ; no power vpon earth being sure , which could not within some bounds containe the strength of it selfe : and that therefore he was in good hope , That he so worthie a man knowing best what belonged both to peace and warre , would deuise some such course as might sort to the good and quiet both of the Venetian state and Turkish empire : in which doing hee should find sufficient matter for his eternall praise and glorie , if by his discreet wisedome a pacification might be made . Such talke hauing passed at their first meeting , Ragazonius had leaue to speake with the embassadour , who then lay at PERA vnder safe keeping . In passing ouer to PERA , Ragazonius might see a fleet of Turkish gallies one encountering with another , in manner of a fight at sea , which the Turks had of purpose prouided , to shew vnto him as a strange sight . Whereat Ragazonius smiling , said vnto the Turks that were present with him , That it was a pretie childish sport for him that had neuer seene the like before : but not to the Venetians , who were acquainted with these matters in earnest ; as the Turkes should well know , whensoeuer they had a mind to make proofe what they were able to doe at sea . Ragazonius comming to the embassdour , had conference with him at large , and resolued with him what to do in his negotiation . And so returning to Muhamet , easily dispatched with him for the exchange of prisoners & marchants goods : but when they came to talke of the capitulations of a pacification to be made , at the first they were so farre off , as if they would neuer haue met : but after much and often conference , sometime the one yeelding , and sometime the other , the matter was brought to some conformitie , so that there was no such great difference betwixt them , but that they were like ynough to haue agreed . Pius the Pope , and Philip the king of SPAINE aduertised of the sending of Ragazonius to CONSTANTINOPLE , began to imagine as the truth was , that he was sent about some treatie of peace , what colour soeuer the Senat pretended to couer the same . And therefore doubting least the Turkish emperour hauing once made peace with the Venetians , should turne his great forces alreadie prepared , vpon the one or both of them , they thought it good for troubling of that peace , now with all speed to hasten the league , which they had so long before delayed . For which purpose the Pope sent the noble Columnius to VENICE : who admitted into the Senat , declared at large how matters had passed at ROME concerning the league : and afterwards what profit might arise of such a league concluded , and what harmes might ensue of the same , neglected . And to hasten the matter , set as it were before their eyes , how much it concerned the common good , but them especially , to haue the same with speed confirmed . As for to giue any trust vnto the Turks , was ( as he said ) not beseeming their deepe wisedome and judgement , seeing they so often had beene by them rather deceiued than vanquished . In conclusion , he requested them , That for his Holinesse sake , moderating in some part their hard demaunds , they would with speed joyne with him and the king in a most firme and Christian league . Although this speech of Columnius had much moued the minds of the Venetians , so that many enclined to the league , yet were there many doubtfull thereof , and could not be resolued whether it were better to embrace peace with the Turke , or the league with the Pope and the king . Peace pleased them , neither did the league displease them : it seemed a matter most difficult whether to resolue vpon . They were fearefull of the league either receiued , or rejected : the hope of victorie , the inconstancie of the Turkes , their owne strength at sea , the large promises of the Christian princes , the certaine hope of the league , and vncertainetie of the peace , persuaded them to embrace the league ▪ On the other side , the bad successe of the yeare before , their forces shaken , and almost spent in CYPRVS , the suspected and doubtfull faith of their confederates , with the vncertainetie of the successe , induced them to preferre the hoped peace before the league . So the Venetians in suspence betwixt both , gaue the embassadour dayly more doubtfull answers than other : neither by promise binding themselues , neither by flat deniall cutting off the hope of the league , by examples & arguments rather refelling what was by others alledged , than any way declaring what they themselues thought . Sometime they alleadged such things as might make a man beleeue , that they were willing to joyne in league , and by and by againe they would seeme neither to reject nor accept of the same . In which doubtfulnesse many dayes passed . At length the matter being propounded in the Senate , there found not vnlike disposition of minds that it had amongst the meaner sort : for some of the Senatours enclined to the league , whose reasons were grounded not vpon profit only , but vpon credit and honour also , which they wished to be cheefely regarded : declaring also what great securitie , honour , and glorie should redound vnto them , by entering into such an honourable league . But the remembrance of former losses , the strength of the Turke possessing a great part of the world , compared vnto their owne , the terrour of the enemies name , the feare of euill successe , the small hope of preuailing , induced others to like better of peace : whose opinion was also confirmed by this , That the confederation with those Christians , was of no more assurance or continuance than the Turks peace : Besides that , they alledged , That leagues were therefore of lesse assurance , for that confederations and amities were seldome or neuer sincerely and faithfully kept on both sides , euery man commonly seruing his own turn , without care of other men . They also set as it were before their eyes what great occasions , euen small suspitions might giue princes to breake their leagues , what strange effects the feare of the losse of goods or some part of their territorie might worke . After this so weightie a matter had beene thus with great contention throughly debated on both sides in the Senat , it was at last put to voices : and so by the consent of the greater part the league was as more honorable receiued , and the Turks peace rejected : and a decree of the Senat to that effect made . Ragazonius by secret letters from the Senat vnderstanding of all these matters , began to deale more warily with Muhamet the great Bassa in matter concerning the pacification , and more hardly to yeeld to his demaunds ; and propounding many difficulties of purpose deuised , requested of him , That hee might by his good leaue returne to VENICE , to be resolued of many things by the Senat , wherof he was not able himselfe to judge , and so to returne to him againe with more certaine instructions : assuring him , that the Senat would vpon knowledge of the conditions of the peace doe and deuise many things for the furtherance of the same : which could not so well bee done by letters , as if he were there himselfe present to resolue them vpon euery particular . This his request obtained , he with great speed got him out of CONSTANTINOPLE ▪ but was scarcely got out of the gates , when report of the league which the Venetians had made with the Pope and the king of SPAINE , was brought vnto the Court , and had in short time filled the citie ; Which made all the way as he trauelled more troublesome , and frustrated that also which was before concluded concerning the exchange of prisoners and marchants goods . Ragazonius being come to VENICE , declared at large in the Senat the drift and purpose of the Turke ; and what conference he had had with the great Bassa , and in what forwardnesse the peace was : for which his discreet carriage of the matter , his wisedome was highly by the whole Senat commended , and he himselfe afterward honourably rewarded . In the meane time the commissioners at ROME after long consultation concluded a league , which they would haue to bee perpetuall , as well for inuasiue as defensiue warres against the Turke : and was by solemne oath confirmed by the Pope , the king of SPAINE , and the Venetian Senat the foure and twentith day of May , in the yeare 1571. For the execution of which league it was agreed vpon , That the sea & land forces should consist of two hundred gallies , an hundred ships , fiftie thousand footmen , and foure thousand fiue hundred horsemen ; with a proportionat quantitie of great artillerie , victuals , & other things necessarie , to be euery yeare ready in March , or at farthest in Aprill , to meet together at such place in the East , as should be vnto them for that purpose appointed ; to be employed as the Admirals saw cause , and as the present state of things should require . For maintenance of which charge it was agreed , That the king of SPAINE should defray the one halfe , and the other halfe to be deuided into three equall parts ; whereof the Venetians should beare two parts , and the Pope the third ; which if it should be too heauie for him , then that remained by him vndischarged , to be deuided into fiue parts , whereof the king was to discharge three , and the Venetians two . The charge thus proportioned , they tooke order also for the prouision of victuals , to be at a reasonable price taken vp in any the confederats dominions , where the armie or fleet should chance to stay : yet so , that it should bee at the king of SPAINE his discretion , out of his kingdomes of NAPLES and SICILIE , first to take his prouision for the victualling of GVLETTA , MALTA , and his owne nauie . It was also agreed , That if the king of SPAINE should at any time , when as the confederats had no common war , inuade ARGIERS , TRIPOLIS , or TVNES , that then the Venetians should of their own charge and him with fiftie gallies well appointed : As also , that the king should in like manner and with like forces aid them , as oft as they should by the Turkes be inuaded . But if it should fortune the Romane territorie to be inuaded , that then the aforesaid princes should be bound with all their forces , to the vttermost of their power , to defend those places , and the person of the Pope . And that in managing of the confederate warre , the three Admirals should conferre together of all matters , and whatsoeuer the greater part should agree vpon , that to be reputed as agreed vpon by them all : That Don Iohn of AVSTRIA , Charles the fifth his naturall sonne , and brother to the king , should haue the cheefe commaund of the forces both at sea and land : but not to display his owne ensigne , but the common ensigne of the confederates : Also , that such places as should bee gained from the Turke by the confederat armie , should be deuided amongst the confederat princes , excepting TVNES , ARGIERS , and TRIPOLIS , which should remaine onely to the king of SPAINE ▪ That all controuersies arising amongst the Generals should be decided by the Pope , vnto whom the Venetians should lend twelue gallies , furnished of all things sauing men and victuals , which the Pope should of his owne charge supplie : which gallies at the end of the warre hee should againe deliuer , in such case as they then were : That an honourable place should be left for Maximilian the emperour , the French king , the king of POLONIA , and the king of PORTINGALL to enter into this league , whom with the rest of the Christian princes it should beseeme the Pope to stir vp in so good a quarrell : And that it should not be lawfull for any the aforesaid confederat princes to entreat of peace , or enter into league , without the knowledge and consent of the other confederates . And for the better proceeding of all things , it was agreed , That euer in Autumne the confederat princes should by their embassadours at ROME consult of the next yeares warres , and according as the time and occurrents should require , to determine , whether their forces were to be encreased or deminished . This league thus at length with much adoe concluded , was not long after in Iune with great pompe and triumph openly proclaimed in ROME , VENICE , and SPAINE , to the great joy of the greatest part of Christendome . Whilest these things were in doing , the Venetians the more to entangle the Turke , thought it good to make proofe , if they might by any meanes stirre vp Tamas the Persian king to take vp armes against him : who as hee was a prince of great power , so did hee exceedingly hate the Turks , as well for the difference betwixt the Persians and them about matters of their vaine superstition , as for the manifold injuries he had oftentimes sustained . There was one Vincent Alexander , one of the Secretaries for the State ; who hauing escaped out of prison at CONSTANTINOPLE , was but a little before come to VENICE , a warie wise man , and of great experience , who for his dexteritie of wit and skilfulnesse in the Turkish language ▪ was thought of all others most fit to take in hand so great a matter . He hauing receiued letters and instructions from the Senat , and furnished with all things necessarie , trauelling through GERMANIE , POLONIA , and the forrests of MoeSIA , in Turkish attire , came to MONCASTRON , a port towne vpon the side of the Euxine or Blacke sea , at the mouth of the great riuer Boristhenes : where hee embarked himselfe for TRAPEZOND , but was by a contrarie wind driuen to SINOPE , a citie of great trafficke ; from whence he trauelled by rough and broken wayes to CVTAY , keeping still vpon the left hand , because he would not fall vpon any part of the Turks armie ( which was then marching towards CYPRVS through all those countries ) neuerthelesse he fell vpon a part thereof ; from which he with great danger rid himselfe , being taken for a Turke , and by blind and troublesome wayes , through rockes and forrests arriued at length at ERZIRVM , a strong citie of the Turks , then vpon the frontiers of the Turks dominions toward the Georgians . This journey of Alexanders was not kept so secret , but that it was vented at CONSTANTINOPLE by a spie ▪ who vnder the colour of friendship haunting the Venetian embassadours house at PERA , had got certaine knowledge of the going of Alexander into PERSIA . Whereupon certaine courrours were sent out with all speed to beset the three straight passages into PERSIA , whereby it was supposed he must of necessitie passe , with certaine notes also of the fauour of the man , of his stature , and other markes , whereby he was best to be knowne . But he in so dangerous a countrie doubting all things , and fearing such a matter , leauing his companie behind him , with incredible celeritie posted from ERZIRVM to TAVRIS , and was a great way gone before the Turks currours came into those quarters : who yet hearing of him , followed after as farre as they durst , but could not ouertake him . Alexander comming to TAVRIS , vnderstood that the court lay at CASEIN , about twelue dayes journey further vp into the countrey ; comming thither the foureteenth of August of this yeare 1571 , he chanced to meet with certaine English marchants , with whom he had beene before acquainted : by whose helpe he not onely got to speake with Ayder Tamas the kings third sonne , but learned of them also the manners and fashions of the Persian Court , and how to beare himselfe therein . The Persians by reason of the intollerable heat doe most of their businesse at that time of the yeare by night . Wherefore Alexander about midnight brought in to Aider , declared vnto him the cause of his comming : and the next night admitted vnto the speech of his aged father , deliuered his letters of credence , and in the name of the Senat declared vnto him , with what perfidious dealing Selymus the Turkish emperor was about to take away CYPRVS from the Venetians , with what greedinesse and pride he had set vpon the Christians , and that discharged of that warre , he would of all likelyhood set vpon the Persians ; hauing the selfesame quarrell vnto the Persians that he had vnto the Venetians , that is , an ardent and insatiable desire of soueraignetie : a sufficient cause for the greedie Turke to repute euery king the richer that he was , the more his enemie . After that , setting foorth to the full the prowesse of the Christians , the wonderfull preparation they had made both at sea and land , he persuaded the king with all his power to inuade the Turke , now altogether busied in the warres of CYPRVS ; and to recouer againe such parts of his kingdome as Solyman the father of Selymus had taken from him . Warres he said were more happily managed abroad than at home : that sithence he alone ( the Christian princes all then at quiet ) had withstood the Turks whole force and power , he needed not now to doubt of his most prosperous successe , the Christian princes now joyning with him : That he was much vnmindfull of his former losses and wrongs , if he thought he enjoyed an assured peace ; which he should find to be nothing els but a deferring of war vnto more cruell times : and that the Turke if he should ouerrun CYPRVS , would forthwith turne his victorious armes vpon him : The end of one warre was ( as he said ) but the beginning of another ; and that the Turkish empire could neuer stay in one state ; and that he would obserue not the Turkes words , but his deeds ; and how that the Othoman emperours according to the oportunitie of the times , vsed by turnes , sometime force , sometime deceit , as best serued their purposes . That no princes had at all times by dissembled peace and vncertaine leagues more deluded some , vntill they had oppressed others . He wished also , that at length this his cunning dealing might appeare vnto the world : and that princes would thinke , that being combined together , they might more easily ouercome the Turke , than being seperated , defend their owne : That in former times sometime will , sometime occasion , was wanting to them to vnite their forces : and that therefore they should now combine themselues for their common good against the common enemie : That it concerned no lesse the Persians than the Christians , to haue the power of the Turke abated : and that this taking vp of armes , should be for the good of the Persian king howsoeuer things should fall out ; if well , he should then recouer what he had before lost , with much more that was the Turkes : if otherwise , yet by voluntarie entring into armes to countenance himselfe , and to giue the Turks occasion to thinke that he feared him not : which was ( as he said ) the onely way to preserue their common safetie , which would be vnto all the confederat princes easie enough , if they themselues made it not more difficult than the power of the enemie . The speech of the embassadour was willingly heard : whereunto the king answered , that he would consider therupon what he had to doe : and in the meane while , a faire house was appointed for the embassadour and his followers , and bountifull allowance appointed for the kings charge . He was also many times sumptuously feasted by the noblemen , whom he still requested to be mediatours vnto the king , to take that honourable warre in hand . The king had at that time a sonne called Ismael , a man of a great spirit , whom he then kept in durance , for that he with too much insolencie made roades into the frontiers of the Turkes dominions , to the disturbance of the league his father had before made with the late Turkish emperor Solyman : vnto him Alexander hauing accesse , was of him courteously heard ; who fretting and languishing for verie griefe of reuenge vpon the Turkes , wished , that either the king his father had his mind , or he himselfe the power of a king ▪ and said , That if euer it were his good fortune to obtaine the kingdome , he would in deed shew what he then in mind thought . But of him more shall be said hereafter . Whilest this matter went more slowly forward in the Persian court than the embassadour would haue had it , newes was brought vnto the court , of the great victorie which the Christians had much about that time obtained of the Turkes at sea : vpon which occasion the embassadour solicited the king more earnestly than before , to make himselfe partaker of the victorie of the Christians , by entring into confederation with them , and by taking vp of armes ; rather than to hold vncertain friendship with the Turkes in their miseries , by whom he had been so often wronged . This he said was the onely time for the Persian king to recouer his former glorie , the like offer whereof would neither often chance , neither long stay : and that if he suffered so fit an opportunitie to slip away , he should afterwards in vaine wish for the same , when it were too late . This so wholsome counsell was well heard , but preuailed nothing to stir vp the aged king : who then troubled with rebellion in MEDIA , or wearie of the former warres he had had with the Turke , and glad of such peace , as he had then with him , answered the embassadour , That for as much as the Christian princes had made a perpetuall league amongst themselues , he would for two yeares expect the euent , and afterward as occasion serued , so to resolue vpon peace and warre . This improuident resolution of the king , brought afterward vnprofitable and too late repentance vnto the whole Persian kingdome ; when as within a few yeares after , all the calamities which the Senat had by their embassadour ( as true prophets ) foretold , redounded vnto the great shaking thereof . For the Cyprian warre once ended , and peace concluded with the Venetians ▪ Amurath the sonne of Selymus succeeding his father in the Turkish empire , inuading the Persian king , tooke from him the great countrey of MEDIA , now called SILVAN , with a great part of ARMENIA the great , and the regall citie of TAVRIS , as shall be hereafter in due place declared . At which time the Persian , who now refused to take vp armes , or joine in league with the Christian princes , repented that he had not before hearkened vnto the wholsome counsell of the Venetians : and taught by his owne harmes , wished in vaine , that the Christian princes would againe take vp armes and joyne with him against the Turke . Mustapha the great Bassa and Generall of the Turks armie , furnished of all things that could be desired for the maintenance of his siege ; and souldiors in great number daily repairing vnto him out of CILICIA , SYRIA , the Lesser ASIA , and the countries thereabout , beside great supplies brought vnto him by Haly Bassa from CONSTANTINOPLE ; insomuch , that it was thought he had in his armie two thousand men : began now that Winter was past , in the latter end of Aprill , to draw neerer vnto FAMAGVSTA , and with incredible labour to cast vp ●●enches and mounts against the citie , of such height , that the defendants from the highest places of the citie could scarcely see the points of the Turks speares , or top of their tents , as they lay encamped : which was no great matter for the Bassa to performe , hauing in his campe fortie thousand pioners alwaies readie at his commaund . The citie of FAMAGVSTA is scituat in the East end of the island , in a plaine and low ground betwixt two promontories , the one called S. Andrewes head , and the other the head of GRaeCIA . It is in circuit two miles , and in forme fouresquare ; but that the side toward the East , longer and more winding than the rest , doth much deforme the exact figure of a quadrant : it is almost on two parts beaten vpon with the sea , the other parts towards the land are defended with a ditch not aboue fifteene foot broad , a stone wall , and certaine bulwarks and parapets . Vpon the gate that leadeth to AMATHVS standeth a six cornered tower : other towers stand out also in the wall , euerie of them scarce able to containe six pieces of artillerie . It hath a hauen opening toward the Southeast , defended from the injurie of the weather by two great rockes , betwixt which the sea commeth in by a narrow passage about fortie paces ouer ; but after opening wider giueth a conuenient harbour to ships , whereof it cannot containe any great number , and was now shut vp with a strong chaine . Neere vnto the hauen standeth an old castle with foure towers , after the auntient manner of building . There was in the citie one strong bulwarke , built after the manner of the fortifications of our time , with palisadoes , curtaines , casamets , and such like , in such manner , as that it seemed almost impregnable . All which , although they made shew of a strong and well fortified citie , yet for that there wanted many things , it was thought too weake long to hold out against the great power of the Turke : but what wanted by reason of the situation and weake fortification , that the Gouernour and other noble captaines supplied in best sort they might , with a strong garrison of most valiant souldiours , the surest defence of strong places . There was in the citie two thousand and fiue hundred Italians , two hundred Albanoies horsemen , before entertained by the Gouernour ; and of the Cypriots themselues were mustered two thousand and fiue hundred mo , all men resolutly set downe to spend their liues in defence of their countrey . Mustapha with wonderfull celeritie hauing brought to perfection his fortifications , planted his batterie of sixtie foure great pieces ; amongst which were foure great basilisks of exceeding bignesse , wherewith he continually without intermission battered the wals of the citie in fiue places , but especially that part of the wall that was betweene the hauen and the gate that leadeth to AMATHVS . And with great morter pieces cast vp huge stones , which from high falling into the citie , with their waight brake downe the houses they light vpon , and fell often times through their vaults , euen into the bottome of their sellars , to the great terrour of the besieged . The wals in diuers places sore shaken and the houses beaten downe , he began to assault the citie : which the defendants ( their forces yet whole ) valiantly repulsed , and not onely defended their wals and draue the Turkes from the breaches , but furiously sallied out vpon them , and hauing slaine and wounded many , wonderfully disturbed their fortifications , and abated their courage : neither did the enemy with greater furie maintaine the batterie or assault , than did the Christians the defence of the citie , still sending their deadly shot into the thickest of that great multitude ; insomuch that in few daies the Bassa had lost thirtie thousand of his men : and the captains themselues wondering at the valour of the defendants , as if they had not now to doe with such Christians as they had before so oftentimes ouerthrowne , but with some other strange people , began to dispaire of the winning of the citie . The Turkes thus doubting , and almost at a stand , the Christians in the meane time made vp their breaches with earth , baskets , wool-sacks , and such like , not sparing their verie beds and bedclothes , chests , carpets , and whatsoeuer else might serue to fill vp the breach . Amongst many wants they feared , the greatest was the want of pouder , which with continuall shooting began greatly to be diminished : wherefore to reserue some part thereof against all extremities , they thought it best whilest yet some store was left , to vse the same more sparingly , and to shoot more seldome . But the Turks still drawing neerer and neerer the citie , and casting vp mounts higher than the wals of the citie , with earth and fagots filled vp the ditch ▪ which done , they of the broken stones made wals on either side , to saue themselues from the flankering shot of the Christians : then giuing a fresh assault , they vsed not onely their shot and other missiue weapons , but came foot to foot , and notably fought in the breach hand to hand . Which manner of fight ( as if it had been so agreed vpon ) they euerie day maintained for the space of six houres . And although the Turkes by reason of their multitude were diuided into many parts , and fresh men still succeeded them that were wearie ; yet such was the courage of the defendants , that euerie man requested to haue the places of most danger , and from thence with couragious hand repulsed the Turkes with exceeding great slaughter . But for all that , the furious enemie maintaining the assault not onely by day , but by often alarums in the night also , kept the Christians continually in doubtfull suspence and readinesse , as if they should haue receiued a present assault : and as soone as it was day , with fresh men that had slept their fill , desperatly assailed the Christians almost spent and maigre for lacke of sleepe and rest . Force not preuailing , the restlesse enemie leauing nothing attempted , by a queint deuise was like to haue taken one of the gates of the citie : There was growing in the island great plentie of a kind of wood much of the nature of the firre or pitch tree , easie to be set on fire , but hardly to be quenched ; but differing in this , that in burning it gaue foorth such a noysome smell as was not by any man well to be endured : of this kind of wood the Turkes brought a wonderfull quantitie to one of the gates called LIMOSINA , which once set on fire , could not by the defendants by any meanes be quenched , although they cast whole pipes and tuns of water at once into it ; but most terribly burning close vnto the gate by the space of foure daies , with the vehemencie of the heat and loathsomnesse of the smell , so troubled the defendants , that scarce any of them could endure to stand vpon the wall , but forsaking the same , were euer and anone like to haue giuen the enemy leaue to enter . Bragadinus the Gouernour , more carefull of the common safetie than of his owne danger , ceased not still to be going about from one place to another , telling the Italians , That now was giuen the fittest occasion they could desire for them to shew their valour in , and to gaine great honor of their barbarous enemies : that it would be to their eternall glorie , if by their only means without any other helpe , the citie so farre off from the reliefe of the Christians might be defended , and the great power of the Turke defeated : This ( he said ) was the onely time wherein it stood them most vpon to play the men ; for if they could keepe that little was left , the rest of the island would be easily recouered : and although the Turkes army exceeded farre in number , yet did they excell them in prowesse and valour ; whereby a few , and as it were but an handfull of men , had oftentimes preuailed against most infinit multitudes : Now all the eyes of the world , as well friends as foes to be fixed vpon them , so that if they held out against so great a power , both their enemies would admire their valour , and all Christendome extoll their inuincible courage and prowesse ; and that they themselues should thereby reape , both great profit and honour : Neither that any thing could be alleadged , why they should not be compared with the worthie knights of MALTA , who to their eternall fame had deliuered themselues out of the mouth of the Turke , and left vnto the world a most faire example for men valiantly to stand in so good a quarrell vpon their owne defence : NICOSIA ( he said ) was lost rather by the cowardise of the defendants , than by the valour of the enemie . He also praised the fidelitie and courage of the Graecians , who for any feare or danger could neuer be remoued from the Venetians , or induced to submit themselues vnto the Turkes gouernment : and persuaded them , with the same resolution to defend their owne citie that they saw in the Venetian souldiors , fighting for them ; and for their owne honour to striue with the Italians , in defence of their State , their countrey , their wiues and children , against the tyrannie of the Turkes ; for as much as aid would in short time come , and set them free from all danger . The Senat also in like manner had sent letters to FAMAGVSTA , willing them to be of good cheere , and yet a while to hold out the siege , and that they should be in short time relieued . Baleonius also Generall of the garrison souldiors , himselfe in armes was present at euerie skirmish , carefully foreseeing what was in euerie place and at all times to be done ; and by encouraging of his souldiors and aduenturing of his person shewed himselfe to be both a worthie commaunder and valiant souldior . Neither did the souldiors alone , but euen the women also what they might , striuing aboue the power of the strength both of their minds and bodies ; some bringing meat , some weapons vnto the defendants , and others stones , beds , chests , & such like stuffe to make vp the breaches . But victuals beginning now to wax scant , 8000 of the vulgar sort of the people were turned out of the citie , who all in safetie were suffered to passe thorow the midst of the Turks army , to seeke their liuing in the countrey . Thus whilest open force preuailed not according to the Turkes desire , they began in foure places to vndermine the citie , in hope so to haue found entrance . But the defendants doubting such a matter , by diligent listening , and great vessels set full of water neere vnto the wals , and drums laid vpon the ground , by the mouing thereof discouered their workes , and with countermines frustrated those of the enemies : yet in so great a stirre and hurly burly , all things were not possibly to be discouered . Whereby it came to passe , that whilest the defendants were altogither busied in defending the wals ; a mine not perceiued , was suddenly blowne vp neere vnto the tower standing vpon the hauen : by force whereof , a great part of the wall thereabout was in a moment with a most horrible noise ouerthrowne . With the fall whereof , the Turks thinking the citie as good as taken , with an horrible shout and outcrie mounted the wall , and in the breach set vp their ensignes ; Countie Peter , who had the charge of that part of the wall , being not now able to defend the same , so suddenly ouerthrown : which Nestor Martinengus quickly perceiuing , came speedily from his owne station , to repulse the enemie now readie to haue entred . The fight became there most fierce and terrible : on the one side , hope ; on the other , desperation enraged their minds : the Turks were in hope , that if they forced themselues but a little , they should forthwith win the citie ; and the defendants propounding nothing vnto themselues , but shamefull death and torture , fought as men altogither desperat . The Turks trusted to their multitude , and the Christians to their valour . In the meane time , Andreas Bragadinus with certaine great pieces aptly placed , out of the castle slew a number of the Turks , as they were comming to the breach . Baleonius hearing of the danger , came in hast with a companie of couragious souldiors to relieue them that were fighting at the breach , and chearing vp his followers , thrust himselfe with the formost into the face of the breach : and there not only appointed what was to be done , and with cheerfull speeches encouraged his souldiors , but with his owne hand hauing slaine manie , tooke one of the Turks ensignes ( when as he had before slaine the bearer thereof ) and tumbled him headlong into the ditch . With the sight whereof , others encouraged , both on the right hand and on the left , made there a notable battell , as men fighting for their last hope . In fine the Turks were glad to retire , leauing behind them foure thousand carkases of their slaine fellowes in the towne ditch , with fourteene of their ensignes , which were brought into the citie . Neither was this victorie gained without some losse of the Christians : about an hundred were slaine , among whom were Robertus Maluetius , Dauid Nocius , Celsus Feto , Erasmus Firmo , all captaines . For all this they in the citie tooke small rest , the Turks great shot still thundring in amongst them ; and that in such furious sort , as that in one day ( which was the eighth of Iune ) were numbred about fiue thousand great shot , shot into the citie . With which continuall batterie , one of the round bulwarks of the towne was so shaken , as that a part of the front thereof was fallen downe into the ditch , and another part stood leaning readie to fall ; in such sort , as that it was not longer to be defended : which the Christians perceiuing , presently vndermined the same bulwarke , and in the mine placed certaine barrels of gunpouder . The Turkes comming to assault the place they had so sore battered , the defendants after some small resistance faigned themselues to retire for feare , so to draw the enemie the faster on ; who was no sooner come to the place desired , but that fire being put to the mine , blew vp the bulwarke with all them that stood thereon : of whom , some were ouerwhelmed with the earth it selfe , othersome were blowne vp into the aire , and falling downe againe miserably perished ; and othersome , shot as it were out of a gun , fell downe a great way off , and so were rent in pieces : which was vnto the defendants a most pleasant sight . About six hundred of the Turkes perished at this assault , amongst whom were Mustapha Generall of the voluntarie souldiours , and Feregates , a man of great marke amongst the Turks . But by the hastie fiering of the mine , there perished also about an hundred of the Christians , ouertaken in their owne deuise , amongst whom were also some of great account . The Turkes enflamed with their losses , were more enraged with the speeches and persuasions of Mustapha their Generall ; who most earnestly exhorted them with one consent to assaile their enemies , now driuen into a corner of the island , spoiled of their countrey , trusting more vnto the strength of the place than of themselues , entreating for nothing more than with their liues to depart thence . But what place ( said he ) is there impregnable for the Turks ? NICOSIA , ZIGETH , and such other strong townes woon , what are they but the monuments and testimonies of the cowardise of the Christians , and the prowesse of the Turks ? This day ( said he ) will confirme all your former labours and victories ; which you before vndertooke for honour , but here shall you haue honour mixt with gold , and a prey sufficient to make you all rich . The Turks encouraged with this speech of their Generall , as men forgetfull of all dangers , began a more terrible siege than euer before : and hauing with incredible labour made three great mines , and blowing them vp , ouerthrew a great part of the wall with the castle , the notable defence of the hauen : which done , they with all their force oftentimes assailed the citie , as if it should haue been their last labour ; neither ceased they so to doe night or day . At which time also , that part of the citie which is beaten vpon with the sea , was assaulted by them in the gallies also . The poore Christians spent with deadly wounds , continuall labour , perpetuall watching both night and day , and now brought to a small number ; hardly withstood the furious enemie , assailing them in so many places at once , and held out that tempest rather with courage than strength . In the meane time the enemies armie encreased daily , the Turks in hope of the like spoile they had at NICOSIA , continually repairing out of the countries round about vnto the campe . The Christian captaines seeing their men with continuall assaults sore spent ; insomuch , that how many soeuer they seemed to be , there was not aboue three hundred sound men left , but seauen barrels of pouder remaining , want of all things daily increasing , hope of aid still decreasing , and the Venetians ( their only comfort ) so farre from them ; the captaines ( I say ) themselues , began to quaile in courage : and the rather , for that such reliefe as was sent from VENICE , could not possibly be brought vnto them , but staid at CRETE , the Turkes gallies still lying before FAMAGVSTA ; so that nothing could in safetie be brought thither . This feare of the captaines themselues , could not long be hid or dissembled , but that it was by the citisens perceiued : who hauing neither power to hold out the siege , neither place left to flie vnto , ouercome with necessitie , came flocking to the Gouernour , crauing of him aid and comfort , and with abundance of teares besought him in this common desperation , to take compassion on them , their wiues and children , a people that had alwaies so well deserued of the Venetian State. Their wals ( they said ) were beaten downe , their bulwarks ouerthrowne , the few souldiors that remained , spent with wounds , watching , and famine ; the enemies strength encreasing daily , so that they must needs in short time all perish with the sword , if the citie were by force taken : wherefore they besought him , that yeelding to necessitie , which no power was euer able to withstand , he would at last while time yet serued , prouide for the safetie of so faithfull and kind a people , and not to refuse any conditions , how hard soeuer . The requests and teares of the citisens of FAMAGVSTA , with the due consideration of the desperat state of the citie , moued Bragadinus to compassion ; who comforting them in best sort he could , persuaded them to be of good cheere , for that he had care both of them and their state ; and would so prouide for them , as that they should neuer repent themselues of their fidelitie and loyaltie to the Venetian State. He in the meane time considering the greatnesse of the danger which presently hung ouer all their heads , propounded the matter in a generall counsell called togither for the same purpose : wherein after a little debating of the matter , they all agreed to yeeld ; onely Baleonius at the first dissenting , as doubtfull of the Turkes faith , but afterwards yeelding vnto the opinion of the rest . So an herauld being sent vnto the Bassa , a truce was taken for certaine daies to parley in , and hostages on both sides giuen : during which time , not so much as a dart was throwne or an arrow shot from either side . After a few daies parley the conditions were agreed vpon , whereupon the citie should be yeelded into the power of the Bassa , which were these : First , that the inhabitants of the citie yet left aliue , should in safetie enjoy their liues , libertie , and goods , with the free exercise of the Christian religion : That the Gouernour with the rest of the captaines and souldiors might in safetie depart with bag and baggage , and at their departure to take with them fiue great pieces of ordinance , and three horses , which soeuer it should please them to make choise of : and that the Turkes should safely conduct them into CRETE , finding them both victuall and shipping : all which things were with more kindnesse promised , than with fidelitie performed . Yet all these matters agreed vpon , and conceiued into writing , as also by solemne oath on both sides confirmed : the Gouernour sending a messenger before , requested that he might haue leaue to come to see the Bassa , and to deliuer vnto him the keyes of the citie . Leaue being granted , Bragadinus the Gouernour , Baleonius , Andreas Bragadinus , Laurentius Theupolus earle of PAPHOS , Io. Anthonius Quirinus , Aloysius Martinengus , with a great sort of other captaines came into the campe : but before they entred into the Bassaes pauillion , they were commaunded to deliuer their weapons , which they all did . At the first meeting Mustapha entertained them courteously , and with many glorious words , as if it had beene in admiration , extolled their worthie valour and courage : saying , that he was glad now to know them by face , whose valiant minds he had before knowne by their most valiant deeds . Now prowesse and valour seemed not onely in safetie , but also honoured euen of the enemie : when after a long discourse the false Bassa reuolued vnto the mischeefe and trecherie he had before resolued vpon : complaining that certaine of his men taken at the siege , had beene afterward against all reason and order slaine . Which the Gouernour and the rest vtterly denying , he start vp as in a rage , and with high words and sterne countenance vrging the fact ; commaunded them all to be forthwith cast in bonds : and so bringing them out of his pauillion , in the sight of the armie , contrarie to his oath and promise , caused them all to be slaine . At which time Bragadinus and Theupulus were oftentimes commaunded to lay downe their heads , to haue had them strucke off : yet was their execution deferred ▪ and their liues reserued , not to saue them , but with more exquisit punishment and torture to satisfie the barbarous crueltie of the faithlesse and vnmercifull tyrant . The next day after , Bragadinus hauing his eares before cut off in despight , was brought forth to be wondered at , and tortured with the most extreamest kind of torture that tyrannie it selfe could haue deuised : for despoyled of his jewels and attire ▪ and a basket layed vpon his shoulders , filled with earth , he was enforced oftentimes to carrie the same to repaire the rampiers that were ouerthrowne ; and euer as he passed by , the proud Bassa insulting vpon him to fall downe and to kisse the ground at his feet : and so buffeted with the Turks fists , and spurned as a dog with their feet , was in great derision and despight asked , Whither he hoped that Christ his God would come to helpe him or not ? Which indignitie of it selfe bitter and miserable , the dignitie of the man made much more miserable : whose comely and stately countenance , with his long and reuerend beard , euen in that extreame miserie , added vnto him a certaine majestie and grace . In this so foule a sight of vertue troden vnderfoot , the poore Christians could neither well stay their teares , nor let them fall , for feare of the displeasure of the Turks . But the forsworne Bassa , not onely forgetfull of all humanitie , but enraged rather with extreame crueltie , caused that noble and woorthie Bragadinus to be fet in a chaire , and his skin to be flaine off from him quicke : a punishment vnworthie of him that suffered it , but most worthie him that inflicted the same . Yet in so great and horrible a torture he was not heard to let fall any word , not beseeming a faithfull Christian and the honour of his countrey : onely he called vpon God for mercie , and detested the Turks perfidious trecherie , and so breathed out his life . But the tyrant worthie eternall infamie , not satisfied with the torture of the liuing man , caused the head to be cut from the dead bodie , and vpon the point of a speare to be set vp on an high place for all men to looke vpon . His skin also stuffed with chaffe , he caused to be hanged vp at the yards arme , and so to bee carried about : not so true a trophie of his victorie , as a testimonie of his perf●lious and Turkish crueltie . Two dayes after , countie Theupolus , after he had beene most shamefully entreated , full of the markes of the Turks crueltie , was ( to make an end withall ) shamefully hanged in the market place . With what crueltie the Bassa had tyrannized vpon the nobilitie , with the same he also raged vpon the meaner sort of the citisens , of whom some he slew , some he chained in the gallies , and carried away the rest into bondage . Three hundred Christians , some souldiors , some citisens , which came forth with the Gouernour to see the Turkes campe , were there also all slaine , Nestor Martinengus , a famous captaine , escaped the tyrants hands , being hidden by one of the Bassaes eunuchs , who by the helpe of a Greeke fisherman got to LEPTIS , and from thence to CRETE , and so afterwards to VENICE , where he faithfully reported to Aloysius Moceni●us the duke , the whole processe of that warre , with the losse of the citie ; and that in the space of threescore and ten daies there was aboue an hundred and fortie thousand great shot discharged against the citie . Such noblemen and gentlemen as escaped out of this so generall a slaughter , banished their countrey , and in miserie , dispersed without hope of returne , led afterward a miserable and vagrant life , though some of them euen at this day ( as I haue beene credibly enformed ) are by the Venetian state right well maintained . The countrey people and artificers were generally by the Turks spared , for the peopling of the countrey . This was the fatall ruine of CYPRVS , one of the most fruitfull and beautifull islands of the Mediterranean : the losse wherof not without cause grieued many Christian princes , as sometime a kingdome of it selfe , and now a prouince of the Turkish empire : our sinnes , or the euill agreement of Christian princes , or both , the cause thereof I know not , neither if I did , durst I so say . Whilest Mustapha yet lay at the siege of FAMAGVSTA , the other two great Bassaes Parta●● and Haly , the one the Admirall , and the other Generall of the souldiors ( appointed by Selymus for the keeping of the sea , that no releefe should be sent by the Venetians to FAMAGVSTA , and further as occasion serued to infest their dominions ) about the middest of May arriued in EVBoeA with two hundred and thirtie gallies ; whether Vluzalis viceroy of ALGIERS , with diuers other the Turks notable pyrats , resorted vnto them with their gallies . With this fleet departing from EVBoeA , and sayling alongst the coast of MYSIA , IONIA , CARIA , and so directly toward the RHODES , they were met with thirtie gallies moe of the Turkes aduenturers . After that , hauing left certaine gallies for to lie before FAMAGVSTA , they directed their course for the island of CRETE , and the thirteenth of Iune put into the bay of AMPHIMALEA , now called SVDA , and there landed twelue thousand men . This island of CRETE , now called CANDIA , is greater than CYPRVS , but lesser than SICILIA or SARDINIA : but for fertilitie comparable with any of the islands of the Mediterranean . It was in auntient time famous for many things , but especially for an hundred cities which therein stood , as witnesseth amongst others Seneca : Vrbibus centum spaciosa Cretae , but at this day it hath onely three : CANDIA , a colonie of the Venetians , whereof the island now taketh name , CANEA , and RHETIMO . The circuit of the island is fiue hundred and twentie miles : full of hils : for which cause the people of the countrey are much delighted in hunting . In it is no nauigable riuer or venomous beast . It is now most famous through a great part of the world , for the good Malmesey which there groweth , and is from thence in great abundance sent into many farre countries . Therein also groweth great plentie of Cypresse trees , seruing for the vse of shipping . It is at this day subject to the Venetians . The Turkes being landed , and raunging vp and downe the countrey , did what harme they possibly could , burning and spoiling all as they went : vntill that at last they were vpon the sudden encountered by Franciscus Iustinianus , who but a little before their landing was come into the island with a thousand souldiors ; and now joyning with the island people , notably charged them , being altogether dispersed and seeking after prey : and hauing slaine many of them , enforced the rest to retire to their gallies . The next day the Turkes landing againe in greater number , burnt diuers townes , and ransacked SETIA and RHETIMO , where they tooke a rich prey , and carried away many prisoners : but loded with their bootie , dispersed , and fearing nothing lesse than to be at that time set vpon , they were assailed by Lucas Michael a valiant captaine , two thousand of them slaine , and with the losse of their bootie and prisoners glad to retire vnto their gallies . Thus repulsed from CRETE , they tooke their course to CYTHERA , ZACYNTHVS , and CEPHALENIA , islands subject to the Venetians : where beside other harmes by them done , they carried away with them six thousand poore Christians into most miserable captiuitie . Departing thence , and sayling alongst the coast of EPIRVS , they came to SVPPOLO , an hauen towne in EPIRVS , which Venerius in the beginning of these warres had taken from the Turks , but was now againe by them recouered . After that , they came to DVLCIGNO , which the Turkes had but a little before besieged by land , for that the Gouernour thereof and of ANTIVARI ( another towne of the Venetians vpon the frontiers of DALMATIA ) had compacted with three hundred Epirots , to stirre vp the countrey to rebellion , and to reuolt to the Venetians : for the effecting whereof the Epirots requested of the Venetians six thousand souldiours to make head , which the Venetians promised to send them . Whereupon the aforesaid Epirots forthwith tooke vp armes , and raised most part of EPIRVS into rebellion : vnto whom was sent at the first one captaine with an hundred Italians from CATARO . But when the Epirots vainly expecting the promised aid , saw themselues on euery side hardly beset with their enemies ; despairing of any good successe , they yeelded themselues vnto the mercie of Achmetes Bassa , Selymus his great lieutenant in GRaeCIA ( who to represse that so dangerous a rebellion , was come thither with an armie of fourescore thousand Turks : ) so was a most faire occasion lost , when as the rest of the Epirots , enflamed with the hope of libertie , were readie to haue come vnto their friends , alreadie in armes , and by their example like ynough to haue raised all GRaeCIA into rebellion . But now deceiued of their expectation , bewayled their miserie , that trusting to the promises of the Venetians , they had cast themselues and all theirs into most manifest danger . They of DVLCIONO seeing themselues hardly beset both by sea and land , sent to Partau Bassa , and couenanting with him , that they might in safetie depart , deliuered vnto him the towne : and so Sara Martinengus , Gouernor of the towne , with the garrison souldiors , were in foure ships conueyed in safetie to RAGVSIVM : as for the citisens , promise was kept with them after the Turkish manner . In the same hurle the Turkes tooke also the townes of ANTIVARI and BVDVA . ANTIVARI was both by situation and fortification strong , and furnished with a good garrison : neuerthelesse , Alexander Donatus Gouernour thereof , a man of no experience in martiall affaires , ouercome with the present feare , and despairing to be able to hold the towne , towardly yeelded the same vnto the enemie . Which his beastly cowardise the Senat suffered not vnpunished , but confiscating his goods , and remoouing him from the Senat ; cast him into exile . From ANTIVARI the Turks following their good fortune , departed with their fleet into the bay called RIZONICVS , but now the bay of CATHARO , and both by sea and land laied hard siege vnto the strong towne of CATHARO , called in auntient time ASCRIVIVM ; against which they cast vp two great bulwarkes , and planted thereon nine great pieces of artillerie , wherewith to haue battered the towne and the castle : but the defendants as resolute men sallying out , put them from their ordinance , and enforced them againe vnto their gallies . Whilest these things were in doing , Vluzalis and Caracossa ▪ both men of great account and name amongst the Turkes , got leaue for ten dayes of the Admirall , with threescore gallies to spoyle the islands neere thereabouts , subject to the Venetians . Who comming to the island of CVRZOLA , about fourscore miles Eastward from RAGVSIVM landed their men , with purpose to assault the towne of CVRZOLA , of the same name with the island . Which Anthonius Contarenus the Gouernour thereof perceiuing , in the dead time of the night fled for feare out of the towne into the rockes and places of more safetie , after whom the townesmen followed also : so that in the towne were not left aboue 20 men , and about 80 women ; who with weapons in their hands , after the rest were fled , came to the wals , as wishing rather there to die , than to fall into the hands of the barbarous enemie . But at such time as the Turks began to approch the towne , & the women with stones , fire , and such weapons as they had , were beating them off , and with greater courage defending the place than was to haue beene in their sex expected , by the goodnesse of God a great tempest suddenly arose out of the North , which so outragiously tossed the gallies , that Vluzalis and Caracossa were glad to giue ouer the assault , and to get them thence into a place of more safetie . Sayling alongst the coast , they by the way spoiled LYSNA , BRACIA , and LISSA , little islands vpon the coast of DALMATIA , out of which they caried away with them 1600 poore Christians into captiuitie . These arch pyrats at their pleasure roming vp and downe the sea , fortuned to light vpon a ship of the Christians bound from MESSANA to CORCYRA ; which they tooke ; and in rifling thereof found certaine letters directed to the Gouernour of CORCYRA , certifying him of the league , then but lately concluded amongst the Christian princes : which letters they sent in post to Selymus to giue him knowledge thereof , who therupon writ to his Admirals , with all hostilitie to infest any of the dominions of the Christian confederats . The Turks fleet thus raging and raigning in the Adriaticke , brought a great feare not only vpon the coasts of DALMATIA , ISTRIA , and the islands thereabouts , which were by them most afflicted ; but also vpon the sea coasts of APVLIA , and all alongst that side of ITALIE , yea & vpon the citie of VENICE it selfe : insomuch that they were glad to fortifie as well the citie as the frontiers of their dominions , with new fortifications and garrisons ▪ as did also the king ▪ and the Pope in ITALIE : for why no ship or gallie could now looke out of any port , but it was presently surprised and taken by the Turks : which with the sundry calamities before receiued , so confounded the Venetians , that they in their assemblies and consultations seemed rather to quake for feare , than after their wonted maner grauely to consult how the enemy was to be repulsed . Yet for the more safetie of their citie , and for feare least the Turks fleet should forcibly breake in vpon them , they strongly fortified the passages through the rocke or banke which defendeth the citie from the sea , and kept continually 12000 men in readinesse in the citie for the more assurance thereof . All the Turks fleet being againe met together , Partau and Haly departed from AVLONA the 26 of August , and sayled directly to CORCYRA , which little island seemed to bee compassed in round with the great enemies fleet . Partau Bassa at his first arriuall there , landed eight hundred horsemen and a thousand foot , who ranging vp and down the island did great hurt , and burnt the very suburbs of the citie : at which time the garrison soldiors sallying out vpon them with a thousand horsemen and fiue hundred foot , slew a great number of them , and amongst the rest one Paphus Rays , a man of great name . Thus the Turks fleet hauing done wonderfull harme in the Venetian territorie , as well in the islands , as vpon the frontiers of DALMATIA , enriched with the spoyle of those countries , and carrying away with them fifteene thousand most miserable captiues ; departing from CORCYRA , arriued all in the bay of CORINTH , now called the gulfe of LEPANTO , where we will for a while leaue them to ride in safetie . At such time as this great fleet ( the terrour of that part of Christendome ) first put into the Adriaticke , Venerius the Venetian Admirall then lying with fiftie gallies at CORCYRA , and fearing if he stayed there longer , to be enforced with so small a power to fight against so strong an enemie , or els so to be shut vp that hee could not joyne his forces with the Spanish fleet , which was dayly expected : vpon the comming of the fleet departed thence to MESSANA , there more commodiously and more safely to attend the comming of Don Iohn of AVSTRIA , Generall of the Spanish forces . At his comming , Columnius met him with twelue gallies ( which the great duke of FLORENCE had sent in the aid of the confederats ) and three gallies of MALTA , who onely were yet come thither , and with great honour receiued him . Not long after , M. Antonius Quirinus and Antonius Canalis came thither also with threeescore and two gallies , before appointed by the Venetians for the releefe of FAMAGVSTA , but now called backe againe to joyne with the rest of the fleet : and in short time the gallies of SICILIE arriued there also . At last after long expectation , in the latter end of August came Don Iohn with the Spanish fleet , a man then about foure and twentie yeares old , in whom wanted no honorable parts , his mothers blemish onely excepted : who although he was most deere vnto his father Charles the fifth , yet left he him nothing by his will , but onely at his death commended him vnto his sonne Philip , as his brother . The Venetian and the Popes Admirals hearing of his comming , went to meet him , and that with such triumph and joy , that all the former heauinesse before conceiued of his long staying , was turned into gladnesse , with most assured hope of triumphant victorie : their doubled forces , and two great fleets joyned in one , encouraged them aboue measure , filling all the West with the expectation of some great matter . The Venetian fleet consisted of an hundred and eight gallies , six galleases , two tall ships , and a great number of small galliots . Vnto them were joyned twelue gallies of the Popes , of whom Columnius was Admirall . And with Don Iohn , the Generall , and Auria the Spanish Admirall came fourescore and one gallies , of whom three were from the knights of MALTA . In this fleet , beside marriners , were reckoned to be twentie thousand fighting men : an armie not onely beautifull for shew , as consisting of most choice bodies ; but indeed most strong and puissant , old beaten souldiours almost throughout it , in euery place intermixed with others of lesse skill : many knowne to be men of great experience , rich and lustie bodies , were by name called forth to this so honourable seruice ; and diuers other of great nobilitie , as well old men as yong and lustie gallants , for the naturall hatred they bare vnto the common enemie , came and as voluntarie men cheerefully thrust themselues into that religious war : euery of which noble gentlemen , as they were greater by birth or power , so had they drawne after them a greater number of their fauourits and followers , strong and able bodies , of their owne charge brauely armed ; who sought after no other pay for their paines and danger , but by some notable victorie to eternise their names , or honourably to spend their liues in so just a quarrell , as for the defence of the Christian faith and religion . Amongst these most honourable and resolute men , were three of greatest marke , Alexander Farnesius prince of PARMA , in time to be the honour and glorie of ITALIE his natiue countrey , whose vntimely death in the low countries euen his honourable enemies lamented ; and being dead , is not without cause and worthie desert accounted amongst the most politicke and famous leaders of our age . The second was Franciscus Maria prince of VRBIN , a yong man both honourably descended and of an inuincible courage : and the third Pau. Iordanus Vrsinus , an honorable gentleman of the family of the Vrsini in ROME . All the power of the confederat princes thus met togither at MESSANA , and all things now in readinesse ; a counsell was called by the Generall , to resolue what course to take in those most dangerous wars , against so puissant an enemy : vnto which counsell were admitted only Don Iohn the Generall himselfe : and Aloysius Rechezenes , of some called Requisenius , great commendor of CASTILE , the Generals lieutenant , or rather director of his actions : Sebastianus Venerius the Venetian Admirall : and Augustinus Barbadicus Generall proueditour , of equall authoritie and reputation with the Admirall : and one secretrie : Marcus Anthonius Columna the Popes Admirall , with Pompeius Colonna his kinsman . The chiefe point whereon these great commanders were to resolue was , Whether they should aduenture the generall fortune of a battel against so strong an enemie , or onely seeke to defend the frontiers of their owne dominions ? Which question ( as all other of like sort ) was of diuers diuersly phantasied ; euerie man pleasing himselfe with his owne reasons . Requisenius ( Don Iohn his chiefe counsellor , without whom he willingly did nothing , and vndoubtedly a man of great valour and experience ) speaking first , said , That the enemies force was nececessarily to be known , before they committed all to the fortune of a battell : and that therfore delay was to be vsed , least improuident hast ouerthrew all . Matters of warre that were to be descided by the sword , were ( as he said ) with great and sound aduise to be administred ; for that the errours of battell , whereby all was to be put in hazard , were not to be againe amended . He highly commended the aduise of Scipio Africanus , who counselled great commaunders , not to fight with the enemie but vpon some great Aduantage ; or else therunto forced by Necessitie . But as things now stood , what opportunitie could be ministred or aduantage taken ; the enemie keeping himselfe close within the bay of CORINTH , and no apparant meanes how to draw him out from thence ? Neither that he for his part was of so great a spirit , as within the harbour in place of disaduantage , without hope , to set vpon an enemie in common estimation stronger than himselfe : for what dishonour should they incurre , if hauing receiued some notable losse , they should be enforced with shame to giue ouer the enterprise begun ? And to besiege ORICVS , DIRRHACHIVM , or CASTRVM NOVUM , frontier townes of the Turks , so to draw them out to battell ; what were this other than to shew a certaine feare and distrust in themselues , and to discourage the minds of the souldiors ? for as well the enemie as the common souldior , would forthwith deeme such a poore attempt to proceed of a meere feare , as to make a vaine shew of something doing , when as they durst not encounter the enemie in his full strength . As for the other reason drawne from Necessitie : what necessitie had they so desperatly to set vpon the enemie ? who vpon the approach of Winter must needs in short time lay vp his gallies : and being alreadie in safe harbour , would neuer be drawne to the hazard of a battell , especially like hope , like strength , and like danger appearing on both sides . Wherefore , it were best ( in his opinion ) onely to make a great show of their forces , so to terrifie the barbarous enemie : but in no case to hazard the hope of the whole Christian common-weale , vpon the fortune of a battell . He farther also propounded vnto them , the vncertaine euents of things , the common chance of warre , the strength of the enemie , as well by sea as by land ; with whom they themselues were not ( as he said ) in deed comparable : then , what an infinit heape of miseries was like to ouerwhelme the Christian common-weale , if they should in any thing miscarrie : And that therefore , safe aduise was in this case to be preferred before that which was attended vpon with greater danger . On the other side , the Venetians , who thought all delay both infamous and dangerous to their State , were farre of another opinion . Wherefore Venerius and Barbadicus not only vehemently persuaded but most instantly requested the Generall and the rest of the great commaunders , that so soone as oportunitie serued , they would commit the matter to the triall of a battell , and not to make that counsell , which their couragious minds might make most glorious and fortunat , by declining of battell to become dishonourable or frustrate . If desire of honour ( said they ) mooue vs no● , shall neither these things mooue vs ? the losse of so great and chargeable a preparation , the spoyling of our frontiers , and the insolencie of our enemies , which we encrease by delay ? We defend our selues and ours , we inuade not them : wee goe not about to driue the Turke out of his empire ; but that we our selues be not by him driuen out of our owne countries . Wherefore we ought so much the more readily and speedily to thinke of battell , by how much the necessitie of him is greater that repulseth a danger , than of him that offereth the same ▪ What , are our weapons blunt , or our hands benummed ? shall the Turkes so often prouoke vs , and we still be vnreuenged ? shall we alwaies shew our weapons ; and neuer fight ? One fortunat battell is able to blot out the infamie of former time , and to fill vs with the hope of future happinesse : if nothing else , let the verie indignitie of the matter stirre vs vp to battell . And what doubt is there , but that the enemie swelling with pride , will come forth with his fleet and giue vs battell ? Thinke you that a small discredit will ensue to our honour and reputation , if contented with a vaine brag , hauing not once skirmished with the enemie , or so much as seene him , we shall returne home , to the generall shame of all Christendome ? See how many pestilent inconueniences will ensue , if we shall take this course . This manner of proceeding , will fill all mens minds with dispaire : the people will murmure , That they are to no purpose oppressed with exactions and tributs : the confederat princes ( carefull of this warre ) will say , that they haue in vaine wearied themselues with often embassages and care thereof : the prowd enemie will account our departure , or declining of battell , for a manifest victorie . The next yeare we may looke for him againe with a greater and a stronger fleet , which shall not onely make a more heauie warre , but destroy and beare downe all before it : at which time , who can assure vs that the Christians shall haue the like preparation , if we shall now delay to fight ? what labour is to be taken , what cost to be bestowed , to set forth againe so great a fleet ? Vnto these causes which impose vpon vs a necessitie and force to fight , is adjoyned not onely a singular regard of our honour , but a most notable opportunitie also offered : we neuer had a greater fleet , not better furnished with men , munition , and all things else to be required for the gaining of a notable victorie : and who knoweth not , that the Christian gallies are farre stronger than the Turkes ? besides that , the greatest part of their best souldiors are in hope of prey gone into CYPRVS , who there seeking after the spoile , and forgetfull of the enemie , without controlment glut themselues with the pleasures of that rich island ; whereby their fleet is so much the weaker . All which things , as they promise no hard victorie , so doe they propound vnto vs , honour , glorie , fame , and most honourable rewards ; and open vnto vs the way both for the defence of the present , and recouerie of that hath been before lost . What then stand we still looking for ? or why do we not in Gods name joine that battell , which is vnto vs not only necessarie , but profitable also . Thus much said , they began to intreat and beseech the Generall and the rest , not longer to suffer the Christian common-weale to receiue losse vpon losse , but to repose their only hope in the good successe of one worthie battell : and neuer to looke for the like opportunitie , if they let slip the present . This matter of so great consequence , thus throughly debated amongst the greatest commaunders , they thought it good to heare also the opinions of other notable captaines , of no lesse experience than themselues ( then in the fleet ) before they would conclude any thing . Amongst the rest , Anthonius Cornea , and Gabriel Serbellio , both Spaniards , and for their great wisedome and valour had in generall reputation of all men ; being demaunded their opinions , with most substantiall reasons declared the necessitie of giuing battell , and that it was not so dangerous , as to be therefore shunned or delaied : For so much as that violent enemie was far easier to be dealt withall at sea than by land ; where he must fight without his huge multitude of men , the Turks chiefe hope and only meanes whereby they haue obtained so many victories against the Christians . And so concluded their opinions , with an effectuall persuasion to set forward to CORCYRA , and without delay as occasion serued to giue the enemie battell . Which their opinion being generally well liked , was shortly after by the Generall and the rest approued , and a resolution set downe for the giuing of battell : which was no sooner knowne , but there was a generall rejoycing through the armie , euerie man cheerfully preparing himselfe to lay downe his life in the publike defence of the Christian common-weale : and that with such an earnest desire of battell , that euerie day seemed now nothing else , but a delay of a most assured victorie . Yet before they should come into the sight of the enemie , the three Admirals thought it good to bring forth the fleet into the sea , and there to martiall the same , in such sort , as if they should euen then presently haue joyned battell : to the intent , that by such orderly disposing of their fleet , and by appointing vnto euerie man his place he was to keepe , they might so acquaint them with the order of the battell , as that they should when time serued ( of themselues without farther direction ) martiall themselues , and so more readily enter into battell . The next day the Admirals brought foorth their fleets into the open sea : in the right wing ( which consisted of three and fiftie gallies ) was Auria placed : in the left wing was Augustinus Barbadicus with the like number of gallies also : and in the middle battell stood the Generall with seauentie gallies : on the right hand of the Generall stood Columnius , and on the left Venerius , his associats . Thus with equall front the fleet set forward , as if they should euen presently haue joyned battell . Betwixt the wings and the middle battell , was left no more space but for three gallies to row : in the rearward behind the Generall , followed Requisenius the great Commendor of CASTILE , with his gallies : after Columnius followed the Admirall gallie of GENVA , wherein was Alexander Farnesius prince of PARMA : and behind Venerius came the Admirall gallie of SAVOY , and in her the prince of VRBIN : in the space betwixt the middle battell and the left wing , was placed Paulus Iordanus : and betwixt the middle battell and the right wing , was Petrus Iustinianus with the gallies of MALTA : vpon the left wing attended Anthonius Canalis : and Quirinus on the right . About halfe a mile behind all the rest , followed Aluarus Bacianus Marquesse of SANCRACE , and Admirall of the Neapolitane fleet , with thirtie gallies ; a man of great experience in matters at sea ; and now so placed , to be at all times readie to relieue this or that part of the fleet , as the fortune of the battell , or impression of the enemie should require . The Christians had reposed great hope in six galeasses , which furnished with great store of ordinance and certaine select companies of most resolute souldiors , seemed rather like castles than ships . These galeasses conducted by Franciscus Dodus , a most expert captaine , were placed about a mile before the fleet ; two of them before each wing , and the other two before the middle battell : so far distant one from another , as that with equall space they answered the whole breadth of the front of the fleet , which was almost the space of fiue miles , and serued the same in stead of most strong bulwarks . The gallies throughout the fleet kept not close togither , but such a conuenient distance one from another , as might serue for them at libertie to discharge their ordinance when time should require . In the wings , as also in the maine battell , were the Popes , the kings , and the Venetian gallies indifferently intermixed ; that by the equalitie of the danger they should haue more care to relieue one another than if they had serued apart . Ioannes Cardonius , a most valiant captaine , with eight gallies of SICILIE and two galiots , was appointed to go ten miles before the fleet to descrie what he might of the enemies doings , and in his returne to joine the one halfe of his gallies to the one wing , and the other halfe to the other . In this sort they departed from MESSANA , with purpose to seeke out the enemie : and not long after came to PAXO , where ( of a small broile ) at the first was like to haue risen a great mischiefe : for the next day , whilest Don Iohn staied there to take a view of the Venetian gallies , and how they were furnished both of men and munition ; he finding them but weakly manned for supplying of that want , appointed foure thousand Spaniards and a thousand Italians to be put aboord into the Venetian gallies , where most need was . Amongst these souldiors was one companie vnder the commaund of Mutius Tortona their captaine , a man of an vnquiet and furious nature : who going aboord the gallie of Andreas Calergus , first fell to words with the captaine of the gallie , and after much stirre into plaine fight ; so that in a trice they were altogither by the eares , as well the souldiours as the captaines : of all which stirre Mutius was the onely author . Venerius being not farre off , and hearing of the matter , sent the captaine of his owne gallie to appease the tumult : who thrusting himselfe into the middest of the furious multitude , was by Mutius in his furie fouly intreated , and diuers of them that came with him shrewdly beaten . Which thing Venerius ( himselfe also of an hoat nature ) taking as done in disgrace of the Venetians , and therewith exceedingly moued ; to the terrour of others , caused Mutius and his ensign-bearer to be hanged vp at the yards arme of the same gallie , to the great offence of all the Spaniards . The Generall also taking this execution in euill part , full of choler and indignation , grieuously complained , That he himselfe as Generall , was therein not a little wronged ; and that it became euerie commaunder to know what belonged to his place , and not to encroach vpon his betters : so should the conditions of the league be the better kept , if euerie commaunder could keepe himselfe within the bounds of his owne authoritie . Venerius he said , whose authoritie was inferiour vnto his , could not of right without his command determine any thing against Mutius a Spanish captaine : And that therein his honour was empaired : for which , if he had not a publike and honourable amends , he threatned by force of arms to redresse his wrong , and the league being broken , to carrie away with him the kings gallies . Neither wanted there some who fauouring Don Iohn his quarrell , and angrie with the Venetians , laid still more coles on the fire that was alreadie too great . Hereunto Venerius sent word vnto the Generall , That he should do well to moderat his anger , and at leisure to aduise himselfe , and better to vnderstand the matter , so should he plainly see , that there was neuer more just or wholsome execution done vpon any , than vpon those mutinous persons : But if he , carried away with the heat of youth , should attempt any more violent course than stood with the common quiet , it were not to be maruelled if hee afterward repented . He ( as he said ) was also in armes , and readie to shew himselfe a man. The matter was growne to that heat , that it was not onely not farre from the breaking off of the league ; but euen at the point to haue set all on a broile , and to haue put the whole fleet in danger : had not Columnius the Popes Admirall , against this tempest opposed himselfe : He with all his power laboured to cure the wounded mind of the Generall , and to appease his anger : telling him , That the common enemie would hardly be withstood by them all , being at vnitie and concord amongst themselues ; but if vnto the forrain danger were also joyned domesticall discord , then were the Christian commonwealth vndone . But if he would moderat his anger , and more regard the honour and credit of the Venetian Admirall , than the punishment of a seditious man , euen they which were vnto him friends , and enemies vnto the Venetians , would highly commend his moderation and stayednesse : yea , that howsoeuer the matter was done , it could not now be vndone . But whatsoeuer Venerius had done , was in his opinion justly done , That it was alwayes so accounted and obserued , that when many princes joyned their forces together in matters that concerned the common managing of the warre , nothing was to be done without the commaund of the Generall : but in matters belonging to the priuat gouernment of euery mans regiment , euery Generall had power of life and death ouer them that were vnder his commaund : which to be so , was as he said hereby to be vnderstood ; King Philip was king of many kingdomes , and that hee might long so bee , hee heartily wished : Now if any Millanoies had committed any capitall crime worthie death in the kingdome of NAPLES , should the judgement of that crime be of right to be referred vnto the king himselfe , as the cheefe soueraigne ? or vnto the Gouernour of MILLAINE , where the offendour was borne ? or rather to the ciuile magistrate of NAPLES , in whose jurisdiction the fault was committed , and so of right there to be executed ? What difference was there then , but that Mutius might rightly seeme to haue beene justly punished by Venerius , who although he were a Spanish captaine , had yet raised a mutinie in a Venetian galley , which was vnder the command of the Venetian Admirall . Beside that , the discipline of warre sometime required a seuere and exemplare kind of punishment : For which cause it was both notably and truly said of Clearchus , That a Generall ought to be more feared of his souldiours than the enemie : and that amongst the auntient Romanes it had beene the custome euen for priuat men with more seuere punishment to restraine the factious citisen than the most cruell enemie : That the fact was not so much to be regarded , as the intention of him that did it : That it was the dutie of commaunders to withstand the madnesse of the mutinous . The author of sedition and tumult hee said had suffered but condigne punishment to his fact : who if hee had escaped vnpunished , would but haue beene the more disordered , but now by his exemplarie punishment would deter●e others from the like insolencie . Besides that , the externall danger was such , as ought to reconcile them , were they neuer so much enemies : That such men as they were should aboue all things regard what might profit or hurt the common cause , in contemplation whereof all priuat injuries were to be remitted : and the rather , for that the honour and dishonour of the good or bad successe of such important an action should redound vnto themselues , but especially vnto the Generall . His owne dutie he had as he said discharged , in dealing so plainely and faithfully with him , and could no more but pray vnto God , with mercifull eye to behold the troubled Christian commonweale in such a most dangerous time . Thus was the mutinie at PAXO by the great labour of Columnius hardly appeased : neuerthelesse Don Iohn could not afterwards endure to participate vnto Venerius his counsels , or so much as to come in his companie : all was done by Barbadicus the Venetian Proueditor . This Barbadicus was not inferiour to Venerius in courage and valour , but farre beyond him in discretion ; a tall and goodly and personage , well coloured , his beard grizie , though not for age , for why he was not aboue fiftie yeares old : besides that , in his eyes and countenance appeared a viuacitie or liuelinesse of spirit ; in his very gate and comely motion of his bodie , he carried a certaine grace and majestie : his talke and speech was alwayes calme and temperate , his counsell graue and sound , so that he was both greatly honoured and beloued of all men : his cheefe endeauour also was , to further the hope of attonement betwixt the Spaniards and the Venetians , so well begun by Columnius . And so all things brought into some reasonable tearmes , they departed from PAXO , and came to CORCYRA ; the spoyle whereof well declared the enemies late being there . From thence they departed to CEPHALENIA : where they by letters from Pau. Contarenus , Gouernour of ZACYNTHVS , were aduertised , That the Turkes fleet of three hundred and three and thirtie sayle , of one sort and other , lay in the gulfe of CORINTH , now called the gulfe of LEPANTO . Whereupon they shortly after remooued , with purpose to haue gone to PETALA , an hauen opposit oueragainst the islands ( or rather rockes called ECHINADES , but now CORZVLARES , and so to the bay of CORINTH , to draw the enemie forth to battell : but stayed with contrarie winds , they put backe againe into the valley of ALEXANDRIA , another port in the island of CEPHALENIA : from whence they afterward departed to the islands CORZVLARES , where by the way they vnderstood by letters out of CRETE , That FAMAGVSTA was lost : with which bad newes they were no whit discouraged , but rather enflamed with the desire of reuenge . From the islands they went to GALANGA , a good harbour , where they stayed one night , purposing the next day to haue gone to the mouth of the gulfe of LEPANTO , there to dare the Turks battell . The Turkes Bassaes Partau and Haly , who then lay in good safetie within the gulfe , hearing of the approch of the Christian fleet , began to consult with the rest of their most expert captaines , Whether to giue the Christians battell , or to keepe themselues still within their safe harbour : vpon which doubt they were amongst themselues of diuers opinions . Amongst the rest Chiroche a man of great yeares and authoritie , and withall a most noble captaine , exhorted the Bassaes , in no case , when no need was , vpon a vaine glorie to aduenture all to the fortune of an vncertaine battell : it was ( as he said ) the part of wise and worthie commanders , to moderat with reason their happie fortunes , for that therunto were incident many accidents whereby their former felicitie might be disgraced : They had alreadie run alongst the enemies coasts , spoyled the frontiers of his countries , and were with much honour and greater spoyle in safetie returned , hauing encreased the Turkish empire with many strong townes of the enemies : The island of CYPRVS was with wonderfull good fortune brought vnder the Turks obeisance , the enemies great prouision at sea frustrated , in such sort , as that hauing lost diuers of their gallies , they were neuer yet able to draw their swords : They had with their fleet at their pleasure romed vp and down the Adriaticke , and displayed their victorious ensigns almost vnto the very citie of VENICE . What could they then deuise or wish for more honourable or glorious , than with the safetie of their fleet , yea without any losse at all , to haue performed so great matters ? Now the three generall commaunders of the enemies fleet to be so at discord amongst themselues , as that they were readie to fall in sunder of themselues ; who now vpon the approch of Winter , and for want of victuall , must needs in few dayes returne home with their fleet , neuer after to meet againe with the like strength at sea : and therefore to what purpose were it , by force of armes and vncertaine battell , with danger to seeke for the soueraignetie and commaund of the sea , which would forthwith of it selfe without any danger fall vnto them ? Neither should they by the doubtfull victorie so much encrease their honour , as by the vncertaine euent of a battell blemish the same , if any thing should fall out otherwise than well . And that therefore they should doe well to take heed , that in seeking to augment their former victories , they hazarded not their honour alreadie gained ; but wholesomely delay the warre , and keepe themselues in safetie with their fleet within the gulfe , and not to goe out at the enemies pleasure , but when they should see good themselues , at such time as the enemie was not so well prouided : so should they ( as he said ) without any great labour or danger attaine to the full of their owne desires . Partau Bassa was of opinion , That the Christians would not at all offer him battell : which opinion the Christians had also of him : and in this question , for giuing or not giuing of battell , seemed neither to approue nor dislike that Chiroche had so grauely spoken , but as a man indifferent and loath to incurre any blame , shewed himselfe readie either to stay or to set forward , as should be thought best by the greater part . But Haly Bassa , a man of an hoter spirit , and the great champion of the Turks , could not endure to heare of any delay , but of present battell . The pleasure of Selymus , the hope of victorie , the remembrance of the displeasure Piall Bassa had the last yeare incurred , for not giuing the Christians battell , induced him now in no case to refuse battell , but forthwith to goe out of the gulfe , and to accept thereof , if it were offered . In which his opinion he was the more confirmed by the relation of Caracoza a famous pyrat , and of great account amongst the Turks : who in a swift galliot taking view of the Christian fleet , had reported it to be much lesse than indeed it was : deceiued as was afterward thought , by not taking full view thereof , by reason of his posting hast ; or els blinded by the island , which lying behind the fleet , suffered him not perfectly to descrie the same . Vpon which report there was great rejoycing amongst the Turkes , who now after their accustomed manner dreamed of nothing but victorie and spoyle . So that Haly vainely persuaded that his fleet was both the greater and stronger , would now needs fight , in hope that the Christians vpon the first sight of the Turks fleet would either retire and saue themselues by shamefull flight : or els in aduenturing battell at so great ods , by their foolish hardinesse receiue a notable ouerthrow . This opinion of the Bassa was also not a little confirmed by the persuasion of Cassanes , Barbarussa his sonne , Vluzales , and Chais-Beg , Gouernour of SMYRNA , all men of great marke and experience , especially in matters at sea . And although Partau the other Bassa stood wauering , as a man in doubt , and Chiroche Gouernour of ALEXANDRIA , with Carabuzes Gouernor of CILICIA , and Mechmet Gouernor of EVBoeA , men of no lesse worth than the other , vpon better consideration , were of a quite contrarie mind , for not giuing the Christians battell : yet such was the authoritie of Haly , or rather his importunitie , forced to his owne destinie , that his opinion preuailed ; so that now out they needs must , and fight . Albeit that two other espials sent out after Caracoza , & hauing more perfectly viewed the fleet , returning with speed , told the Bassaes , as truth was , That the Christians , very strong and well appointed , were comming with ensignes displayed of purpose to fight : and that their fleet was in number much greater than was before supposed . With which newes so farre contrarie to their expectation , the Bassaes were exceedingly troubled : and demaunding whether the formost gallies were all Venetians or not : and being answered , that they were intermixt , some Venetians , some Spanish , and of the other Westerne countries : they began to doubt the worst , and became exceeding pensiue . Neuerthelesse knowing themselues to bee of all things well furnished , hauing new victualled in the bay of CORINTH , and there also taken in twelue thousand Ianizaries and Spahies , drawne out of the garrisons of AETOLIA , ACARNANIA , PELOPONESVS , and the other countries thereby , all resolute men , and foure thousand other common souldiors ; and that they could not now with their honor shrinke backe , they held it still for the best , to hold on their former resolution for the giuing of the Christians battell . Yet before their setting forward , calling together the captaines and cheefe commaunders of the fleet , Partau the more to encourage them , spake vnto them as followeth : We are to fight ( said he ) fellowes in armes , with that kind of men whom our ancestors haue driuen out of EVBoeA , the RHODES , MYTILENE , PELOPONESVS , and TRIPOLIS , and wee our selues but yesterday out of the famous island of CYPRVS : whose cities and strong townes , in number infinit , our emperour hath , as the rewards of his warres ▪ whom we haue alwayes vanquished , as well by sea as by land : and shall it then now repent you , that you in this warre embrued in the Christian blood , haue sunke or taken many of their ships and gallies ? That you haue caried away great and rich spoils ? That you haue taken whole islands and cities at the first assault ? That we haue by proofe shewed vnto the world what force is in the Turke to subdue strong cities and townes ? and what little power is in the Christians to defend the same ? What direction brought vs victorie before , the same shall also at this present giue vs the like . Not to speake of that , that we farre excell them both in number of men and gallies , this is more to be reckoned of , that we excell them in valour and prowesse : for you being old expert souldiors , from your infancie trained vp in the warres , hardened in infinit battels , and full of courage and strength , shall fight against weake , fresh water , and effeminat souldiors ; who entertained for pay ( of the refuse of all nations ) know nothing belonging to the warres ; or forcibly pressed out of cities , serue not because they would , but because they must neither will nor chuse . But not to speake more of the manner of the Christian souldiors , who are nothing els than the perpetuall exercise of your renowne and prowesse : and to come vnto him , vnder whose fortune and conduct they serue . What should I say ? should I compare either of vs ( who haue spent our liues in victories and triumphs : who borne and brought vp amongst armes , haue with our right hands gained vnto our selues honour and fame ) with this stripling and halfe moneths captaine , who neuer saw battels but these ? who in a lesse matter neuer shewed proofe of himselfe , why should he be accounted of in a greater ? who in so weightie a cause needeth a tutor : and such a one , as indeed beareth the name of a Generall , more for his honour , than for any worth in himselfe . Besides , amongst the enemies is such dissention , that euerie man regardeth his owne priuat , serueth as pleaseth himselfe , contemneth , and is contemned : Whereas with vs is such consent , that it cannot be deuised , how the souldiors in generall should more trust their commaunders , or the commaunders their souldiours . What things were by the discipline of warre or carefulnesse of a Generall to be prepared , all those you haue abundantly and plentifully in readinesse : onely this last warlike labour remaineth ; which once dispatched , our enemies shall be discomfited euen in that wherein their greatest confidence resteth . They shall be despoiled of their honour and trafficke at sea : and that * citie once subdued , which is alone the glorie of the sea , there shall be no hope left for the Christians neither by sea nor land : and ( that we haue alwaies wished ) ITALIE , faire ITALIE ( wherein these matters are plotted against vs ) shall be in our hand and power : wherefore let vs with such courage assaile our enemies as beseemeth most victorious conquerours , men so many times conquered : And so set forward , as if you saw our emperour himselfe encouraging you , and giuing you the signall of battell ; of his bountie , and the present victorie , expecting all felicitie and blisse . This comfortable speech with great grauitie deliuered by the Bassa , so encouraged the Turks , as that they all with one voice and mind , seemed to desire nothing more than battell : for they still possessed with the first report of Caracoza , and encouraged by the Bassaes speech , were in god hope to haue fought the battell vpon great aduantage , and therefore thought vpon nothing but present victorie . Whereupon setting forward with great cheerfulnesse , they came out of the gulfe , and shaped their course for the islands ECHINADES , about midway betwixt LEPANTO and PATRAS ; before little islands or rather obscure rocks , scarcely appearing in the sea , but now to be made famous throughout the world , by the most notable battell that euer was fought in those seas . The Christians also comming still on towards the enemie , the seauenth of October in the afternoon , vnderstood by their espials , that the Turkes fleet was comming , and euen now at hand : whereupon the Generall commaunded the great ensigne of the confederats ( the appointed signall of battell ) to be forthwith displaied , and a great warning piece to be shot off out of his Admirall gallie . And himselfe glistering all in bright armour , with Cardona Admirall of SICILIA , and Soto his secretarie , in a long boat went to all the squadrons of the fleet one after another , exhorting them with cheerfull countenance to follow their leaders , and to play the men : remembring , that they that day carried in their hands , the wealth , honour , glorie , and libertie of their countries ; yea and the verie religion of their forefathers ; and that that daies victorie would bring vnto them and theirs perpetuall felicitie : whereas otherwise , if they should as cowards suffer themselues to be ouercome and vanquished , it would be vnto them the beginning of all manner of most wofull calamities . To which and other his like speeches , the captaines and souldiors ( before of themselues cheerfull enough ) in euerie place where he came gaue such applause with the joyfull crie of Victorie , Victorie , so often and so cheerfully in all places resounded , as that it was taken as a luckie aboadment of the glorious victorie shortly after ensuing . In like manner Auria in the right wing , and Barbadicus in the left ( for the fleet kept the same order that they had appointed before at MESSANA ) ceased not by all comfortable speeches to encourage their followers : shewing vnto them , That now the time was come they had so long wished for , wherein they not oppressed with multitude , might at length shew their true valour against the false and faithlesse enemies : who being in deed nothing else but base and contemptible slaues , borne to bondage , and hauing lost their owne libertie , came to impugne the libertie of others ; bringing with them a greater terrour of their name ; than valour of their persons : and that therefore , if euer , they would now shew themselues valiant and couragious , and that day wherein of all others true force was to be seene , to abate the pride of the barbarous and cruell enemie ; and to make their rejoycing for the conquest of CYPRVS short , before they had well tasted the pleasure thereof . At which time also the captaines generally throughout the fleet , with cheerfull countenances and couragious speech , encouraged their souldiors : leauing nothing vnsaid , that might harten them on ; or vndone , that might further the victorie . Neither were the Turks wanting to themselues ( although it was fallen out much contrarie to their expectation , to see the Christians , who they before thought durst not haue shewed themselues , now readie to dare them battell ) but encouraged with their former victories , and furthered with a faire gale of wind , came on prowdly with their fleet , orderly and gallantly set after their wonted manner in forme of a Croisant or halfe Moone , their fortunat ensigne : neuerthelesse in their comming on they were much troubled with the brightnesse of the Sun , which then shining full in their faces with his bright beames , so dazled their eies , that they could not well see how to their most aduantage to direct their gallies . In this fleet of the Turkes were two hundred and fiftie gallies , fiftie galiots , and twentie brigandines and other small vessels : all which a farre off shewed like a thicke wood , but comming neere hand , presented ( as we said ) the forme of a Croisant . The middle battell in number much like the Christians , was conducted by the great Bassaes Haly and Pertau , attended vpon with Agan master of the Turkes Arsenall : Mastapha Zelibi , the treasurer : Achmat Bey , with Mahomet his younger brother , the sonnes of Haly : Achmat Aga , Gouernour of TEVTHRANIA : Assis Caiga , Gouernour of CALIPOLIS : Caracoza : Cassanes , the sonne of Barbarussa : Malamur , Gouernour of MITYLENE : Deli Solyman : Gider , captaine of CHIOS : Cassambeius , Gouernour of the RHODES : Proui Aga , captaine of NAVPLIVM : Giapar Zelibi , president of CALABA : Dordagnan : Dondomeni , and many others , whose barbarous names I purposely omit : all men of great account and place , and for their experience at sea , the chiefe strength of the Turkish empire . The right wing was by the appointment of the Bassaes , commaunded by Mahomet Bey with fiftie six gallies , with whom were also many worthie captaines : and in the left wing was Vluzales the old Archpirat , but now the Viceroy of ALGIERS with nintie fiue gallies , accompanied with Caraiolo and Arabey his two sons , with a multitude of pirats , men of his owne profession , but most valiant and expert souldiours . In the rearward came Amurates Dragut with thirtie gallies , and diuers other small vessels . Now was the day well spent , when both the fleets were readie to giue battell . The enemie still comming on , almost in the same order that the Christians did : for their middle battell came directly against our middle battell , and their wings against ours . So the signall of battell on both sides giuen by the shooting off of certaine great pieces : the Turks , after their manner comming on with an hideous crie , first light vpon the six galeasses , which lying at anchor almost a mile before the fleet as most strong bulwarks , out of their forecastles powred out their murthering shot vpon the Turkes , now come within their danger ; and in their passing by , so plagued them by discharging their whole broad sides , first the one , and eftsoons the other vpon them , that hauing receiued great losse , and diuers of their gallies sunke , they were enforced to breake their order , and to fall farther off . Which so much the more troubled the Turkes , for that they had before supposed , those great carts and vnseruiceable ships ( as they accounted of them ) to haue carried little or no great ordinance on their sides , after the manner of their gallies : for the vse of the galeasses was not vnto the Turkes knowne , vntill now that they had receiued from them most notable harme : which as it was the beginning of their miserie , so was it vnto the Christians of greatest importance , for the gaining of the victorie . At which time also the wind , which all that day had much fauoured the Turkes , was now ( God no doubt fighting his owne battell ) come about to the West , and with a pleasant gale in the time of the fight , carried the smoake of the great ordinance vpon the Turks , to their no small disaduantage . Yet for all this losse and disorder in their fleet , the fierce enemie with wonderfull pertinacie passing by these galeasses , quickly repared againe to their places , and made good their disordered squadrons , and with all their force assailed the Christian fleet . The trumpets , drums , and other instruments of warre , had scarcely well sounded , when all shooke with confused cries , flames of fire , thundring of artillerie , and other noise of the marriners and seamen : wherewith many were so astonied , as if they had been both deafe and blind , hauing vpon the sudden almost lost the vse both of their sight and hearing . At which verie instant , a man might haue seene whole showers as it were of arrowes and darts mixt with the deadly shot , flying from the one fleet to the other ; the masts broken , the saile yards strucke downe , the tackles rent , and all confused with horrour and feare . Haly beholding the Admirall gallie ( which was easie to be knowne by the flag ) and vsing the surpassing cheerfulnesse of his marriners and rowers , ran vpon her with such violence , as if he would haue presently stemmed her : but being with like force encountred by the Admirall , they met togither with such violence , that both their beakes were with the feaze broken off , and so fell into the sea . There began a most cruell fight betwixt those two great commanders , who had before drawn vnto them the strongest gallies in their fleets , and the choisest men in their armies . In the Admirall gallie of the Christians , were foure hundred select men picked out of the whole armie , most of them captaines and auntients , men of approued valour : who not only valiantly repulsed the furious enemies , but with greater courage enforced them to shrinke backe , and pressing hard vpon them entred the gallie euen to the maine mast ; where the enemie strengthned with new supply , fought couragiously , repulsed the Spaniards , and cleared againe their gallie . Many were there wounded on both sides , and many slaine . Don Iohn seeing his men giue way , sent in new supplie ; wherwith the other encouraged , bestirred themselues more lustily than before , and hardly charge the Turkes : who with like hope and like courage encounter them . The battell was like vnto the ebbing and flowing of the sea : Thrise the Turkes were driuen euen vnto the maine mast , and thrise strengthened with new supplies , they with great slaughter repulsed the Christians backe againe . Venerius perceiuing the danger of the Generall , was about to haue assailed the poupe of Haly his gallie , so to haue endangered her being set vpon both before and abathe : but in comming thither he was encountred by Pertau the other Bassa , who with a companie of gallies opposed himselfe against him , and that with such celeritie , that hauing made shew as if he would haue charged him afront , he by and by set vpon his side . Which vnexpected manner of fight so suddenly fashioned , at the first much troubled the Christians , who afterward gathering courage , notably defended themselues . Venerius vpon whose valour the Venetian state rested , gallantly armed , not only encouraged his men , one while with intreating , another while with threatning , but was himselfe in the midst of them fighting : whose great honor much moued the minds of his souldiors , but his reuerend yeares more ; to see him ( being aboue threescore and seauenteene yeares old ) to performe all the parts of a braue youthfull commaunder , in the verie face of the greatest danger . The fierce enemie hauing slaine many of the Christians , pressed on more furiously , and fighting close togither , entred the prow of Venerius his gallie now bared of defendants , and with their multitude rather than true valour oppressed the Venetians ; who had there no doubt been ouercome , had not Ioannes Lauretanus , and Catherinus Malipetra , two valiant captaines , and lying not farre off , speedily come to their reliefe . By whose comming in , the fight was in the turning of an hand quite altered : so that they which a little before fiercely assailed led the Venetian gallies , were now glad to defend their owne : so for a space the fight stood indifferent , but in processe of the battell , those two worthie captaines , whilest they also performe the parts of most resolute souldiors , were both slaine ; shot through with small shot . The fall of these notable men , did rather enrage than discourage the minds of their souldiors ; so that blinded as it were with furie , and suddenly become other men , they desperatly pressed in vpon the Turks . So that whilest they on the one side kill and wound them , and Venerius more hardly chargeth them on the other ; the terrour of the battell was turned from them that were euen at the point to haue beene vanquished , vpon the victors . And our men after great slaughter of the Turkes , tooke two of their gallies : Pertau the Bassa in a long boat escaped the danger , and so got him out of the battell . Not farre off thence , Columnius the Popes Admirall , as a valiant chieftaine hardly assailed other of the Turkes gallies , and made amongst them great slaughter : one singled from the rest , he tooke , and disordered the other . Lignius the Admirall of GENVA , with like courage thrust himselfe into the thickest of the enemies , & there made a notable fight . Many an enemie fell about the prince of PARMA , Rueres , Vrsinus , Cornea and Iustinianus ; who for their present honour and future fame , fought most couragiously . At the same time Chiroche or Sirocke ( of some called Mahomet Bey ) with his right wing with great confidence came forward against the left wing of the Christian fleet ; but falling before he was aware into the danger of the galeasses , was from out of them miserably beaten with the great ordinance , hauing many of his men slaine , and diuers of his gallies sunke and torne , few of the hugie and deadly shot falling in vaine into the sea , by reason of the thicke standing of the Turkes gallies : where also diuers of the enemies were burnt with pots of wild fire , cast into their gallies out of the tops of the galeasses . Chiroche to auoid the danger of the galeasses , and to shun the dangerous shelfes betwixt him and the maine ( which the riuer Achelous running betweene the borders of ACHARNANIA and AETOLIA , and there falling into the sea , maketh ) sent a great part of his gallies vnder the conduct of one Alis , a notable renegat of GENVA , to cast about aloofe vpon the right hand , and so to come vpon the backe of Barbadicus the leader of the left wing of the Christian fleet : Which he perceiuing , forthwith turned his gallies , and with their prows receiued the first onset . The great ordinance first on both sides discharged ; diuers of the gallies grapled fast togither , in such sort , as that they encountred one another , not with their missiue weapons onely ( as with their small shot , arrowes , and darts ) but with their drawn swords foot to foot . Amongst the rest , the fight of two of the Christian gallies was most notable , in the one was Barbadicus himselfe , in the other Marcus Ciconia , vpon whom fell six of the enemies gallies , and vpon Barbadicus fiue : who although they were on euerie side distressed with a most doubtfull and dangerous fight , yet did they most valiantly with worthie resolution endure the same . In the furie of this battell , Barbadicus encouraging his souldiors , and fighting himselfe euen there where most danger was , was hit in the left eye with an arrow , and so strucke into the braine almost through the head : wherewith falling presently downe , he was taken vp for dead ; howbeit he died not thereof vntill three daies after . The supposed death of this worthie man much troubled the Christians , and both the armies felt his fall ( such force there is in the valour of one worthie man ) for the Turks now as conquerors lustily boorded the gallie , troubled with the losse of the captaine , and the Venetians as men discouraged , gaue way : the gallie had there vndoubtedly beene lost , had not Federicus Nanius and Syluius Porcia with their gallies speedily come to her releefe : by whose comming in , such an alteration was made , as that the gallie before halfe taken , was not onely cleared , but diuers of the Turks gallies also bourded , and some of them taken , not without the great slaughter of the Turks . In this so hard and mortall a conflict , Syluius was grieuously wounded in the thigh , and in his right side . It is reported of Barbadicus , That lying that euening at the point of death , the battell then ended , he like another Epaminondas asked which part had got the victorie : and being told that the Christians had got it , and that the Turks fleet was most part taken , and the rest sunke or burnt : he with his eyes cast vp vnto heauen , gaue vnto God immortall thankes therefore , and not long after joyfully departed this life , to liue in blisse for euer . Ciconia in the meane time hardly beset with six of the enemies gallies ( as we haue before said ) was himselfe sore burnt with wild fire , and hurt in the face : and hauing endured a long and terrible fight , was now euen at the point to haue beene lost ; when sudden releefe comming in , he was now contrarie to all hope saued , and therewith so much encouraged , that with his wearie and wounded souldiors , as men from death reuiued , he afresh charged the enemie , and tooke one of his principall gallies , with one of the Turks fairest ensignes , which in the Venetian Armorie is yet there to be seene : of his worthie valour , his honest wounds in his face and the forepart of his bodie , were most certaine and vndoubted witnesses . Not farre off , in the same wing , Ioannes Contarenus , an honourable and valiant gentleman , did with his great shot exceeding great harme amongst the Turks gallies : Which Chiroche perceiuing , and therewith enraged , ran so fiercely vpon the side of Contarenus his gallie , that with his beake he had well neere stemmed her ; & presently grapling fast with her , was like to haue bourded her : whom neuerthelesse the Christians notably repulsed , with greater slaughter than was thought possible for so small a number to haue made : neither did the enemies fall vnreuenged ; but all embrued with the bloud of the Christians . Seldome hath beene seene a more cruell fight , or more resolute captaines to encounter hand to hand . But after the battell had of long time stood doubtfull , the hope of the Christians encreased vpon two causes , for which the courage of the enemie quailed : first for that many of the Turks being slain or wounded , they were brought to a small number ; then for that both parties saw Chiroche himselfe slaine : from which time the enemie , as well destitute of a leader to direct them , as of fresh supplies to relieue them , began to be cut downe right , or taken . Which their danger was the more encreased , because the gallie , bulged with the great shot , was now leake , and in danger to sinke : wherefore the Turkes in that wing ouercome with despaire , began to thinke rather how to saue themselues by flight than by fight , reposing their trust in nothing more than in the neerenesse of the maine . But as they were turning about toward the shore , they were preuented by the Christians : who entring the gallie , and hauing slaine or driuen ouer boord almost all that were left , tooke Chiroche , yet breathing , but halfe dead ; and seeing small hope of his life , with fresh wounds made an end of him . Diuers and doubtfull was the whole face of the battell : as fortune offered vnto euery man his enemie , so he fought ; according as euery mans disposition put into him courage or feare , or as he met with moe or fewer enemies , so was there here and there sometime victorie , and sometime losse . Many fights were in sundrie places seene mingled together . Some gallies whiles they run to stemme others , are themselues by others stemmed . Some , which you would thinke were flying away , falling by fortune vpon one victorious gallie or other , suddenly take them . Othersome as if they had beene of neither part , row vp and downe betwixt the battels . The chance of warre in one place lifteth vp the vanquished , and in another ouerthroweth the victorious . All was full of terrour , errour , sorrow , and confusion . And albeit that fortune had not yet determined which way to encline , yet the Christians at length began to appeare much superior both in courage and strength : and the Turkes seemed now rather to defend themselues , than to assaile their enemies . Bacianus in the rereward intentiuely marked all the whole fight , and euer as need required sent in present aid , without respect whether they were the Popes gallies , the king of SPAINES , or the Venetians , that were distressed . In this long and terrible fight it chanced , that the Turkes seeing the Christian Generals gallie hardly charged on the prow by Haly Bassa , to bee almost bared of defendants in the poupe , all the soldiors hauing their hands full before , were about to haue bourded her abath , and to that purpose were fetching a compasse about her : Which Bacianus quickly perceiuing , glistering in bright armour , came speedily in with certaine gallies , and by opposing of himselfe against them , stayed their course . In all the battell was not seene a more cruell fight : for hauing discharged many volleyes of shot , and arrowes and darts without number , they grapled at length together , and came to the sword , where with the formost Bacianus not onely with words but with his presence and valour wonderfully encouraged his souldiours , hauing receiued in his targuet of proofe two small shot . Many were on both sides slaine : the Spaniards attempting sundrie times to haue entered the Turkes gallies , were with great losse repulsed : but not giuing it so ouer , neither giuing the enemie leaue to breath , or so much as to looke behind him , valour was vanquished by pertinacie : and the Spaniards hauing ouerthrowne and slaine their enemies , enjoyed their gallies . Now had Don Iohn with like courage and strength , but with doubtfull victorie , fought three houres and more with Haly Bassa : when after so dreadfull and dangerous a fight , and many a deadly wound on both parts giuen and receiued , our men began to faint , and brought to the vttermost of their deuoire , were in danger to haue beene ouercome , had not Don Iohn betaken himselfe vnto his onely and last refuge . He had ( as is beforesaid ) reserued vnder the hatches foure hundred of his best and select souldiours , for their valour chosen out of the whole armie against all the euents of so long and dangerous a battell : these men attentiuely attending euery becke of Don Iohn , vpon signe giuen , as was before appointed , suddenly start out , and with a terrible crie and desperat onset assailed the enemie , before almost spent with labour and wounds . This fresh and vnexpected companie so suddenly growne vp , first astonied , and afterwards confounded , and with a great slaughter vanquished the Turkes , and possessed the galley . The Bassa deadly wounded in the head with a shot , and all embrued with bloud , was taken , and as a joyfull spectacle brought to Don Iohn : who seeing him readie to breath his last , commaunded him to be despoyled of his armour , and his head strucke off . Which presently set vpon the point of a speare , hee for a space held vp aloft with his owne hand , as a trophey of his victorie , as also with the sight thereof to strike a terrour into the minds of the other Turkes , who in the other gallies fast by fought yet right valiantly : neither was he therein deceiued , for the Turks beholding the knowne countenance of the Bassa , their late Generall , and a flag of the crosse set vp in the top of his gallie , and the noise of the Christians ( crying victorie ) running through the armie ; were therewith so discouraged , that confounded with feare , they turned their gallies and with might and maine made toward the land , which was not much more than a mile off . Which Canalis and Quirinus yet breathing with the late slaughter of the Turkes , perceiuing , with their gallies hardly pursued the flying enemie , and sunke and tooke diuers of their gallies . Partau his sonne by the staying of the rest got time to run his gallie on ground , and so forsaking her , saued himselfe and his men by running ashore : so did also diners others run themselues aground and forsake their gallies , which presently became a prey vnto the Christians . In this hot conflict was Caracoza the famous pyrat ( who abjuring the Christian religion , had turned Turke , and of long time done exceeding much mischeefe vpon the coasts of the Christian countries ) valiantly fighting , slaine by Buzzacharinus of PADVA , by whose death many were deliuered of a great feare . Haly Bassa had brought forth with him his two sonnes Achmat and Mahomet , the one three and twentie yeares old , and the other thirteene , the nephewes of the great emperour Selymus , by his sister married to Haly ; them their father had placed in a great gallie , with a strong guard of the Ianizaries : who seeing the discomfiture of the maine battell , and the danger now drawing neere vnto themselues , were exceedingly afraid ; and therefore to saue themselues , though it best with all speed to make toward the maine . But in so doing , they were preuented by Requisenius the great Commendour , who with his furious Spaniards bourding the Turkes , alreadie dismayed and running away , slew of them a great number ; and after a great fight and much cruell execution done , tooke the gallie , and that which pleased him more , the two sonnes of Haly both aliue : in the time of which fight , the poore Christians , who fast chained in the gallie , had as slaues long serued in great miserie : now perceiuing the Christians to preuaile , brake off their giues , loosed one another , and with such weapons as first came to hand lustily laid about them , and notably furthered the victorie . Notwithstanding all this good successe , the fortune of the battell stood yet doubtfull in the right wing . There stood in either battell two of the most noble cheefetains , one against another : on the Christian part Iohn Andreas Auria , the Spanish Admirall ; and for the Turks Vluzales : both most valiant and expert commaunders , well knowne the one to the other , for that they had of long vsed the same seas , equall for their militarie discipline , as also for their noble acts , but farre vnequall for number of their gallies : for the Turkes had of one sort and other almost twice so many . Auria , whether it were for that he would in the beginning of the battell warily decline the danger , and not hazard his gallies , wherein his cheefe honour would be also endangered ; or els afraid least the enemie , who farre exceeded him in number of gallies , should extend his wing at large , and enclose the Christian fleet behind ; vpon the signall of battell giuen , shrunke further off from the rest of the battell : but whether vpon policie , that it might be at his choice either to fight , if the rest of the armie preuailed , or to retire , if they should be ouercome ; or that he vpon martiall policie declined the force of too strong an enemie ; diuers men diuersly glosed : but what the cause was indeed , the wisest could not surely tell . Howsoeuer the matter stood , it seemed his purpose was by policie to counteruaile what he wanted in strength . This his falling off seemed vnto the Turks most strange , vnto whom his quicke departure seemed at the first in manner of a flight . Neither was Auria content with that space he had first seperated himselfe from the armie : but the second time fell off further , and there staying and houering aloofe off , seemed to await some good oportunitie , to take the enemie at some aduantage : hauing in the meane time one of the galeases of PISA lying before him , as it were in stead of a bulwarke , which with often shot much troubled the enemie . Vluzales also extending his wing , tooke such a space , as that he seemed able to haue compassed in and enclosed Auria ; yet offered not battell , but rather lay as expecting if any aduantage should be giuen him by the Christians , than rashly or vnaduisedly to offer himselfe or his gallies to any desperat danger . He had not long so lien , but that according to his desire twelue of the Venetian gallies , which had withdrawne themselues from Auria ( and without any order or direction romed too and fro ) fell into his danger : these gallies cut off from the rest , Vluzales with wonderfull celeritie enclosed ; and with the multitude of his gallies bourding them one by one , flew the defendants , and tooke the gallies . In this fight many of the knights of the Order of S. Stephen most valiantly fighting , were slaine . Benedictus Superantius , a noble Venetian , seeing most part of his men slaine , himselfe mortally wounded , and his gallie now almost taken , resoluting rather presently to die , than to fall into the hands of his enemies ; desperatly put fire to the store of pouder he had in the gallie , and so blew vp himselfe , his souldiors that were left , with a great number of the enemies together . The report of the great ordinance , and noise of the battell in that part of the fleet being heard , they which had now in the middle battell got the victorie , together turned their gallies thitherwards to aid Auria , but not in one squadron together , but comming along one after another , as euery man had sooner or later cleared himselfe of his enemie : amongst the rest Petrus Iustinianus ( Admirall of the gallies of MALTA ) comming formost , was encountered with three of the Turkes gallies , with whom he with his knights had a great and most terrible fight . Which Vluzales beholding , and aboue all others hating the knights of the Order , speedily sent in other three gallies to helpe their fellows . So Iustinian hardly beset with six gallies , and oppressed with the multitude of his enemies , had lost fiftie of his most valiant knights , with one of his ensignes , and with much adoe hardly defended himselfe . But being now brought to the last cast , and the gallie in the judgement of all men giuen for lost , loe two of the other gallies of MALTA , who had so valiantly fought with other three of the enemies gallies that they were now vpon point to haue taken them all , seeing the danger of their Admirall , forsooke their vanquished enemies , and with all speed came to rescue him : where they found him yet aliue , but shot in with three arrowes , and still fighting couragiously at the decke of his gallie , with those few he had yet left , beset round with their enemies : but by the comming in of these two gallies , as if it had beene by helpe sent from heauen , the Turks were notably repulsed , and the Admirall with his gallie rescued , as a prey out of the mouth of the greedie lyon . Vluzales vnderstanding that the maine battell and right wing of the fleet was ouerthrown by the Christians , for feare gaue ouer the fight ; and leauing the gallies he had taken , and hoising saile , was the first in that wing that fled . Which Cardonius perceiuing , who was come in before the rest , suddenly shewed himselfe at his backe ▪ and by assailing the hindermost gallies , did what he might to stay their flight vntill the rest of the victorious gallies were come in . But whilest he so eagerly pursueth the flying enemie , fifteene of the Turkes captaines enraged with such an vnwonted disgrace , and mindfull of their wonted prowesse , staied their flight , and contrarie to the expectation of the Christians , turned themselues and renewed the battell : What minds they bare , the euent shewed , for in a trice almost all Cardonius his souldiors and marriners were slaine : nothing letted the taking of the gallie , but that Vluzales seeing Don Iohn , Columnius , and Venerius neere at hand , and making towards him , and Auria also comming fast on , was afraid longer to stay , and therefore giuing ouer the fight , fled as fast as he could : yet carrying away with him one gallie of CYPRVS , and one ensigne of the knights of MALTA , as testimonies of his owne valour when he should appeare before Selymus . The Christians , although wearie of the long fight which they had almost by the space of fiue houres endured , yet so long as they were in any hope to ouertake any of their flying enemies , hardly pursued them in chase : but when they perceiued it preuailed not to follow farther , and that it was more than time to see to their wearie and wounded souldiors and marriners , they staied from farther pursuit ; for why the night came now fast on , vnder the couert whereof the craftie old pyrat flying for life with sailes and oares , escaped with thirtie ( or as some write , fortie ) gallies againe into the bay of LEPANTO . It was a right horrible spectacle to see , how in this battell the sea stained with bloud , and couered with dead bodies , weapons , and the fragments of the broken gallies : besides the great number of them that were slaine , and beaten into the sea ; many of the Turks blinded with feare , casting away their weapons , to escape the furie of the enemie threw themselues headlong into the sea : but finding no hope to recouer the land , laboured againe to come to the gallies ; or else fainting by the way , were miserably drowned . Others , either halfe dead , weake , and vnskilfull of swimming , or ouercharged with their armour , the sea also deuoured : yea many that could well swim , wearied and wounded , sunke for feare . Others vpon plankes and the pieces of the broken gallies , sought to saue themselues , and not knowing what to follow or what to shun , wofully perished . Othersome swimming and pitifully entreating their enemies , rather to take them prisoners than to kill them , were ( as it oftentimes chanceth where things are done vpon choller rather than vpon discretion ) without compassion slaine : in which doing , the Christians thought they did rather reuenge former injuries to them done , than to doe them any wrong : with some mercie more preuailed than wrath , who remembring the common chance of warre , chose rather to take the Turkes prisoners , wofully crauing nothing but their liues , than without mercie to kill them . The number of the Turks lost in this most famous battell , could hardly be known , by reason that many of them were drowned . Antonius Guarnerius writing the historie of this warre , reporteth two and thirtie thousand to haue perished : but they which write more sparingly thereof , report not past halfe so many to haue beene slaine : of whom these were of greatest name ; Haly Bassa the Generall , Mahomet Bey ( otherwise called Chiroche or Sirocus ) Gouernour of ALEXANDRIA , Cassanes the sonne of Barbarussa , with his sonne Malamur Gouernour of MITILENE , Gider Gouernour of CHIOS , Cassambeius Gouernour of the RHODES , Proui Aga captaine of NAVPLIVM , Mustapha Zelibi the great treasurer , Caracoza the famous pyrat , with many others whom but to name were tedious . The chiefe prisoners there taken , were Achmat and Mahomet the sonnes of Haly Bassa , both afterwards sent as presents to the Pope ▪ of whom the eldest died by the way at NAPLES ; the younge presented vnto the Pope by Columnius at ROME , was there honourably kept prisoner : and Mechmet Bey Gouernour of EVEoeA : and about three thousand fiue hundred others were in that battell taken also . The chiefe of them that escaped by flight were Partau Bassa , who seeing all go to wracke , fled in time in a long boat to land : and Vluzales , who ( as it was afterwards certainly known ) but with fiue and twentie gallies and ten galliots fled to LEPANTO . Of the enemies gallies were taken an hundred threescore and one , fortie sunke or burnt : and of galliots and other small vessels were taken about sixtie . The Admirall gallie then taken amongst the rest , was so goodly and beautifull a vessell , that for beautie and richnesse scarce any in the whole Ocean was comparable vnto her . The deck of this gallie was on both sides thrise as great as any of the others , and made all of blacke Walnut-tree like vnto Ebonie , checkered , & wrought maruellous fair with diuers liuely colours and varietie of histories . There were also in her diuers liuely counterfeits , engrauen and wrought with gold , with so cunning hand , that for the magnificence thereof it might well haue been compared vnto some princes pallace . The cabbin glistered in euerie place with rich hangings wrought with gold twist , and set with diuers sorts of pretious stones , with certaine small counterfeits most cunningly wrought . Besides this , there was also found in her great store of the Bassaes rich apparrell , wrought with the needle , so curiously and richly embossed with siluer and gold , that his great lord and master Selymus himselfe could hardly put on more royall or rich attire . His casket there also found with six thousand duckats in it , with a yearely pention of three hundred duckats , was giuen in reward to a Greeke , borne in MACEDONIA , which slew the Bassa ; and was therefore also knighted by Don Iohn : who had also giuen vnto him the Burrell of the Turkes standerd , which at his returne to VENICE ( where he had of long time before dwelt , and serued in the Arsenall ) he sold vnto a goldsmith : Whereof the Senat hauing intelligence , redeemed it of the goldsmith , paying for euery ounce a duckat , and layed it vp amongst the trophies of that most famous victorie . It was all of massiue siluer , guilt and engrauen round about with Turkish letters . On the one side was written : God doth conduct and adorne the faithfull in worthie enterprises : God doth fauour Mahomet . On the other side , God hath no other God , and Mahomet is his Prophet . This notable victorie thus happily obtained , Don Iohn the Generall , with Venerius and Columna , the other two Admirals , came together ; whom the Generall friendly embraced , but especially Venerius , calling him father , and attributing vnto him the greatest part of the victorie . Afterwards , all together with their hands and eyes cast vp towards heauen , they vpon their knees gaue immortall thankes to Almightie God. So did also the rest of the captaines and masters , commending one anothers valour and good seruice : but especially theirs , who for their religion and countrey had there most honourably spent their liues ; which were in number about 7566. Amongst whom , the cheefe men that were slaine , were Io. and Bernardinus , of the honourable familie of Cardona in SPAINE , Horatius Caraffa , and Ferantes Bisballus . Virginius and Horatius , noble Romanes , of the honourable familie of the Vrsini . Of the Venetian nobilitie , Augustinus Barbadicus , Benedictus Superantius , Vincentius Quirinus , Ioannes Lauretanus , Marinus Contarenus , Catherinus Malipetra , Georgius and Andreas Barbadicus , Marcus Antonius Landus , Franciscus Bonus , Hieronimus Contarenus , Antonius Paschaligus , Hieronimus Venerius , all of the order of the Senatours . Besides diuers other honourable gentlemen , who well deserued to be enrolled in the eternall monuments of fame . Of the knights of MALTA were also many slaine , amongst whom of the Germane nation these were cheefe : Ioachim Spart , Commendour of MOGVNTIA and FRANCFORT , Ro. of Hamberke , Commendour of HEMMENDORF , and Fra. Drost . Of them that were wounded , these were of greatest name : Don Iohn the Generall , Venerius the Venetian Admirall shot through the foot , Paulus Iordanus , Troilus Sauell , and Mar. Molinus , with diuers others of lesse fame , to the number of almost seuen thousand . Great was the joy conceiued of this victorie , but to none more welcome than to the poore Christians fast chained in the Turkes gallies , of whom twelue thousand were thereby deliuered from most miserable thraldome , and contrarie to all hope restored to their auntient libertie . Two dayes after this victorie , Venerius sent Humfredus Iustinianus with newes thereof vnto the Senate at VENICE : who comming in at the Adriaticke port about noone the nineteenth of October , by shooting off of certaine great pieces , gaue warning vnto the citie of his comming , which at that time hung in great suspence betwixt hope and feare . The citi●●ns generally awaked with the report of the great ordinance , came flocking by heapes to 〈◊〉 port , euery man longing to heare the first newes . There they might see Iustinian comming afarre off with his gallie , but when he was come neerer , they might perceiue all the marriners attired like Turkes , and foure of the Turkes ensignes hanging behind at the poupe of the gallie , which filled their minds with the hope of good newes , deeming it to be ( as indeed it was ) part of the spoyle of the enemie . But after that Iustinian was landed ( which he had much to doe for the prease ) and was gone to the Court , with a world of people following after him , crying out for newes ; and had there deliuered his letters , and at large discoursed of all the successe of the battaile ; which was forthwith blowne into the citie ; and the marriners also after his departure had reported the victorie ; and that the enemie was in a great battaile ouerthrowne : good God , how the people as men ouerjoyed , ran vp and downe the streets , doubling and redoubling the joyfull name of victorie . The Senatours also rejoycing together , gaue thankes to God with publicke prayers and joyfull hymnes in euery church : and afterwards by ringing of bels , peales of ordinance , bone-fires , and other such like things , shewed all the tokens of joy possible . And to make this joy the more generall , all prisoners were set at libertie , and all debts that exceeded not the summe of fiue and twentie crownes , payed out of the common treasurie ; which was generally done through all the Venetian seigniorie : and a decree made , That that day whereon the victorie was gotten , which was the seuenth of October , dedicated to the memoriall of Iustina , should for euer be kept holyday : and for the perpetuall remembrance thereof , a great masse of money was coyned , with the impression of Iustina vpon it , and an inscription declaring the victorie . Many also their neighbour princes sent their embassadours gratulatorie to VENICE , namely , the dukes of SAVOY , FLORENCE , FERRARA , PARMA , MANTVA , and VRBIN , and the knights of MALTA . In which so publicke joy no man was seene to put on any mourning garments , or to shew any token of heauinesse , although many had lost their dearest friends and neerest kinsmen ; whose liues they reckoned not lost , but giuen vnto the Christian commonweale . The like rejoycing was also made in ROME , in SPAINE , NAPLES , SICILIA , and MALTA , especially at such times as embassadours from their neighbour princes , came to joy them of this victorie : yea and afterwards in other countries further off was like rejoysing and signes of joy , as with vs here in ENGLAND . This is that notable battell , commonly called the battell of LEPANTO , fought neere vnto the islands CVRZOLARI , the seuenth day of October , in the yeare 1571 , the like whereof was neuer fought at sea against the Turke , wherein he lost his cheefe strength at sea , with most of his best sea captaines : and might thereby well perceiue what he and his successours were to feare , if the Christian princes at vnitie amongst themselues , all discord set apart , should in zeale of their religion joyne their inuincible forces against them . In the middest of all this joy , generally conceiued of the late victorie , one of the cheefe prisoners of the Turks , hearing it compared with the losse of CYPRVS ( for that Selymus had therin lost his fleet , his best men of warre , with great store of ordinance ) by a fit comparison shewed it not to be so , saying , That the battell lost , was vnto Selymus as if a man should shaue his beard , which would ere long grow againe ; but that the losse of CYPRVS was vnto the Venetians , as the losse of an arme , which once cut off , could neuer be againe recouered . Declaring therby the great inequalitie of the losse . The rich spoyle taken from the enemie in this most glorious victorie , was thus deuided amongst the princes confederat . Vnto the Pope were allotted nineteene gallies , two galliots , nine great pieces of ordinance , two and fortie lesser pieces , and fourscore and one prisoners . Vnto the king of SPAINE eight and fiftie gallies and an halfe , six galliots and an halfe , eight and fiftie great pieces and an halfe , eight great murthering pieces and an halfe , an hundred twentie eight lesser pieces , and a thousand seuen hundred and thirteene prisoners . Vnto the Venetians were assigned for their share , nine and thirtie gallies and an halfe , four galliots and a halfe , nine and thirtie great pieces and a halfe , fiue great murthering pieces and a halfe , fourscore and six lesser pieces , and a thousand one hundred threescore and two prisoners . The rest were bestowed vpon such other princes as had giuen aid aid , or otherwise well deserued in that seruice . The joy conceiued of this victorie was not so great amongst the Christians , but that the sorrow thereof was amongst the Turks farre greater . Selymus himselfe was then at HADRIANOPLE , where eight dayes after the battell , newes was brought vnto him , That his fleet was ouerthrowne and almost all taken or sunke by the Christians . Which so soone as he heard , he was strucken with exceeding greefe : and ouercome with melancholie , would not that day suffer any man to speake with him . And the rumor of the ouerthrow still encreasing , had in short time filled all places with feare , teares , mourning , and heauinesse : some bewayling their parents , some their children , some their husbands , some their friends or kinsmen there lost . But that which most grieued the Turkish emperour , was the losse of so many worthie and expert captaines , of so many skilfull masters and notable souldiors ; who brought vp all their liues at sea , were not thought inferiour to any then liuing : besides the perpetuall ignominie and vnwonted disgrace , thereby inflicted vnto him and his posteritie for euer . Wherefore full of wrath and indignation , he was about to haue commaunded all the Christians in his dominions ( in number infinit ) to be put to death . Doubting indeed nothing more , than that they wearie of the Turkish thraldome , and desirous of innouation , should with weapons put into their hands , rise vp against him , and take part with the other Christians his enemies . But whilest the other Bassaes ( as men dismaied with the crueltie of the commaund ) stood all silent , Muhamet Bassa for his former deserts in great fauour with the tyrant , thought it good to make proofe if his furie might by reasonable persuasion be mitigated , and some better course taken , both for the honour of Selymus himselfe , and the common good of the State : Yet well knowing how full of danger it was , in that tyrannicall gouernment , openly to speake any thing contrarie to the good liking of the wilfull emperour , he durst not apertly contradict him : but leaning as it were to his opinion and pleasure , by little and little to draw him from himselfe ; and so before he were aware to lead him into his owne deuise , and by delay to moderat the rigour of his former furie . To which purpose , he cunningly set vpon him in this sort . Your anger ( said he ) most magnificent and inuincible emperour , against the Christians , is most iust : and in this my desire exceedeth all others , That they should endure and suffer such punishment as they haue of right deserued . Yet it behooueth vs so to satisfie our wrath , as men better regarding their owne good , than the hot desire of reuenge . And for as much as I am for your many and vnderserued fauours , in all loyaltie bounden vnto your highnesse aboue others ; I reckon it in part of my dutie , so much the more frankly to deliuer my opinion , such as it is , in matters of so great importance . Neither will I attemper my speech in any respect to the comforting of your grieued mind : for how can it be that you , who following the worthie examples of your noble progenitors , haue alwaies heretofore shewed your most heroicall and couragious mind , contemning all the chances of fortune ; should not for euer after shew your selfe to be rather dreaded of all men , than dreadfull of any ? Let others , whose kingdomes built vpon vncertaintie are subiect to the reuolution of time and change of fortune , yeeld vnto their euill haps : as for you , whose empire is founded by the mightie hand of the most highest , and compassed about with an impregnable defence , and are your selfe by the power of God appointed king and commaunder of nations and people in number infinit , fortune may well a little pricke you , but neuer ouerthrow you . As for this late mischance , if it must needs so fall out , as proceeding from some immutable and eternall cause ; must it be therefore alwaies fix and permanent ? Onely those miseries and mischiefes which the cowardise or foolishnesse of men bring vnto themselues , haue their firme and certaine calamities : other common euents comming from other causes , haue also their common and sudden changes : But how this late mishap at sea may be amended , and your former glorie there againe recouered , is hereafter to be considered . Now for the present ( in mine opinion ) this one thing , as of all others most necessarie is to be prouided ; That the weake and worst fortified places of your empire , most subiect to danger , may be presently strengthened with strong garrisons ; and that by your present repaire to the imperiall citie , you cheere vp the minds of your heauie and dismaied subiects : which done , what shall let but that you may at your pleasure be reuenged to the full of the Christians ? For there is no cause why we should feare the Christians , six hundred times and more before ouerthrowne : both our enemies and we are the same men we haue beene for many ages , we beare the same minds , the same bodies , the same strength , the same weapons , wherewith we haue gotten infinit victories both of them and others . And although such be the state of man , as that he cannot otherwise but sometime or other tast of the worse tun ; yet I thinke this present misfortune to be rather imputed vnto some fatall cause to vs vnknown , than to the valor of the Christians . Besides that , we may well enough oppose one small ouerthrow against our so many and infinit victories : yea we are to giue immortall thanks vnto almightie God , that we haue by force of armes subdued the rich and famous island of CYPRVS , and that your high dessignes haue in that point sorted to your hearts desire . And hard it is in mine opinion to iudge , whether this late vnfortunat battell shall more hurt vs , or the Christians : for besides that the multitude of the Turkes hath no feeling of so small a losse , they will not as men discouraged , giue themselues to mourning and vaine lamentations , but with greater courage and furie come forth againe into battell , and reuenge this losse with the infinit calamities of the Christians : who after this their good hap , will according to their wonted manner giue themselues to excesse , pleasure , carefulnesse and ease , vnto their owne farther confusion . Thus haue I in briefe faithfully declared mine opinion : yet with that submissiue loyaltie , as that whatsoeuer shall proceed from the mouth of your imperiall Maiestie , shall be of me deemed most wisely and magnificently considered of . The Bassa was in such grace and authoritie with Selymus , that his opinion in counsell preuailed , and the tyrants wrath by his persuasion was well assuaged . But by the comming of Vluzales to court , the remainder of his former griefe and melancholie was fully quieted : who after he had excused himselfe of the late ouerthrow , and declared what he had himselfe done in the battell , and in testimonie thereof , presented him with one of the ensigns of the knights of MALTA , told him also how that he had left the Christian fleet so rent and torne as that it could not possibly be made seruiceable against the next yeare : which newes was both of Selymus and the rest gladly heard . In the meane time Selymus placed this Vluzales in the stead of Haly Bassa that was slaine : and straightly commaunded the great officers which had the charge of his nauie , to build new shipping night and day : and farther enjoyned euerie Gouernour out of his prouince he had in charge , to haue in readinesse one gallie or two against the next Spring , as well for the defence of his owne dominions , as to reuenge the losse he had so lately sustained : whereunto also many of his great men put to their helping hands , and cheerfully furthered his desire . New supplies of souldiors were also presently raised and put into his frontier towns , great store of new ordinance cast , weapons and armour prouided , and whatsoeuer else the necessitie of the present time required . So with the Turkes stood reason and industrie , rather than with the Christians , who ( as some note ) rather wanted discretion how to vse the victorie , than valour to gaine the same : which whether it chanced for that prosperitie begetteth negligence , or that men joying in their present blisse regard little the time to come , I leaue it to the judgement of the wiser to determine . After this so memorable a victorie , the three great commaunders of the fleet sat in counsell to consult , what farther course they were best to take . But for as much as Winter began now to approach , and that they could not much doe vntill their fleet were new furnished and manned , they all resolued for that time to dissolue the fleet , and the next Spring in the beginning of Aprill , to meet togither againe at CORCYRA . Wherupon Don Iohn and Columnius returned to MESSANA , where they in safetie arriued in Nouember ; and departing thence , and taking their leaue the one of the other , arriued , Don Iohn at NAPLES , and Columnius at ROME : where they were in both places with great joy and triumph receiued . The Venetians for all that grieued with the losse of CYPRVS , gaue not so ouer , but repairing their nauie with thirtie gallies , wherein were embarked six thousand souldiors , woon a castle in EPIRVS called MARGARITA : and also recouered the towne of SVPPOTO , which the Turkes had that Sommer before taken from them ; but now hearing of this ouerthrow , did vpon the approach of the Venetian fleet , againe forsake it . The gallies also of CRETE conducted by Canalis , intercepted many of the Turkes vessels laded with captiues and the spoiles of FAMAGVSTA , as they were passing thence to CONSTANTINOPLE . Although vpon the late obtained victorie , a certaine reconciliation had beene made betwixt Don Iohn and Venerius , yet of the former dissention remained an inward heart-burning of one of them against the other : for which cause , the Spaniards requested the Venetians to appoint an other Admirall in his place . Venerius was now indeed a man of great yeares , and his strength far spent ; yet for that in his aged bodie rested great wisedome and courage , and that they thought him for his great deserts worthie all honour , they were wonderfull loath and vnwilling therein to gratifie the Spaniard : for why , they well knew there was no other cause of the Spaniards prowd hatred , but that he had stood against them vpon the honour of the Venetians : and farther , they liked not that the Spaniard should so presumptuously prescribe vnto them , whom they should place or displace in or out of their honourable offices . Neuerthelesse , not forgetting what commoditie came by concord , and what euils of discord , and that they might not against so mightie an enemie well spare the helpe of the Spaniard ; they resolued to make choise of some other ; who succeeding Venerius , might with one consent manage their wars togither with Don Iohn and Columnius . There was then one Iacobus ●uscarinus their chiefe Gouernour in DAL●ATLA , who but a little before had notably fortified IADERA and the other frontier towns , and for the space of fourteene moneths had notably repressed the furious incursions of the Turkes : of him then absent and not desirous of the place ( as of a man of worthie desert ) the whole State by generall consent made choise for their Admirall and Generall by sea against the Turke : which most honourable place he receiued not with all the solemne ceremonies thereto belonging , at VENICE , as the manner was , but at IADERA ; from whence he in the Admirall gallie sent for that purpose by Aloysius Grimanus his successour in IADERA , sailed ouer to CORCYRA : where he found the old Admirall Venerius , with no lesse care prouiding for all things , than if he should himselfe haue still continued the warre . Of which great care Fuscarinus at his comming eased him by taking it wholy vpon himselfe . Whilest Fuscarinus thus lay making his preparation against the next Spring at CORCYRA , Sara Martinengus who had the charge of the Adriaticke ( by the counsell of Venerius , who was now returned to VENICE ) vpon the sudden landed his men , and besieged CASTRO NOVUM , a strong towne of the Turks in the borders of ISTRIA ; where at his first comming he tooke the suburbs , and had in short time brought the towne to great extremitie . But in the height of his hope to haue woon the towne , hearing that the Beglerbeg of GRECE was with great power comming thither , he was glad to raise his siege , and with all speed to get him againe to sea . The Turkes in like manner , to distresse the strong towne of CATARO holden by the Venetians in the borders of DALMATIA , built a great and strong fort vpon the passage from sea to the town , wherein they placed great store both of men and artillerie : in hope by keeping them of the towne from all reliefe by sea , at length to gaine the towne which they had many times in vaine attempted by force ; for by land it was alreadie enuironed with the cruell enemie , possessing the countrey round about it . Iacobus Superantius the great Prouidetour , then lying at CORCYRA with the Admirall , vnderstanding how CATARO a towne of no small importance , was thus both by sea and land by the enemie distressed : with twentie gallies manned with the most choise souldiors could be pickt out of the whole fleet , tooke vpon him the rasing of the fort , and relieuing of the towne . Superantius with this select companie , and certaine other gallies which met him by the way , came by night before the mouth of the bay of CATARO , and there diuiding his fleet , left the one part thereof at anchor before the fort , and with the other himselfe couragiously passed by the fort , further into the bay : at whom the Turkes out of the fort made diuers shot , but ( by reason it was darke ) to small purpose . In passing by , Superantius tooke such view as he could of the fort , and by and by began on that side to batter the same ; as did also the other gallies on the other side : and withall , landed their men on both sides ; who vpon signall giuen , ran resolutly to the fort , and by plaine force entring the same , preuailed vpon the fearefull Turks , and put them to the sword euerie mothers sonne ; so that of all that great garrison , was not one left aliue to carrie newes of the slaughter . This fort was in length fiue hundred paces , but not strong towards land , from whence no such feare was doubted . In it was taken seauenteene great pieces of ordinance , with much faire armour , and great abundance of victuals : and seauen galliots which lay at anchor vnder the fort . CATARO thus relieued , Superantius with victorie returned againe to CORCYRA . Fuscarinus the Venetian Admirall with all things in readinesse , hauing long lien at CORCYRA expecting the comming of the confederats , as was before appointed ; sent Superantius the Prouidetour with fiue and twentie gallies to MESSANA , to hasten the comming of Don Iohn , and to attend vpon him by the way . But comming thither , and thinking to haue found a great fleet and a strong power in good forwardnesse to haue set forward ; he found such small preparation , as well shewed the Spaniards small care for repressing of the Turke , and that they would not be verie forward in the seruice intended . Which filling him with griefe and indignation , caused him to complaine vnto himselfe of their vnfaithfulnesse , and to bewaile the state of his countrey , with the whole Christian common-weale : for Don Iohn had before solemnly promised vnto the Venetian embassadour , that all things should be in readinesse against the appointed time : but now a great part of Sommer was past , when scarce some few companies and about fiftie gallies were met togither at MESSANA ; and when Auria would come with the rest , no man could tell . So that the carefull Prouidetour stood now no lesse in doubt of the Spaniards delay , than of the Turks furie . Selymus , after the great ouerthrow he had receiued at the islands CVRZOLARES , for feare he should be driuen quite out of the sea ; was aboue all things carefull for the renewing of his nauie : And hauing partly new built , partly repaired two hundred gallies , commended them to the conduct of Vluzales , with expresse charge , That by how much things had fallen out worse the last yeare , he should with so much the more care now beware the like danger ; and not to go out of the bounds of the ARCHIPELAGO , or to aduenture battell but vpon aduantage , or at leastwise vpon an euen hand . This Vluzales ( otherwise called Occhiall ) was an Italian borne in CALABRIA , who in his youth taken at sea by the Turks and chained in the gallie , and afterwards renouncing his faith , by many degrees grew vnto the highest preferments amongst the Turkes , and so became an exceeding plague , as well to his owne countrey as to all other of the Christians bordering vpon the Mediterranean . He now Admirall for the Turke , after the manner of the prowd Barbarians , threatned with fire and sword to be reuenged vpon the Venetians : which knowne at VENICE , much troubled them , as well acquainted with the furie of the old Archpyrat . Beside that , Ant. Barbarus their embassadour , all the time of this warre kept in safe custodie at CONSTANTINOPLE , had by letters certified them , what a great fleet , and what a strong armie Selymus had prouided against them : and that he himselfe told two hundred and fiftie saile of gallies when they set forward from CONSTANTINOPLE , beside some other that were to meet with them at GALIPOLIS : and that therefore they should beware how they encountred with the Turkes fleet , but vpon equall strength . It was also at the same time commonly reported , that king Phillip chiefe of the confederats , carelesse of the warres against the Turke in the East , was about to turne his forces vpon the kingdomes of TVNES or ALGIERS , neerer vnto him ( as in deed he did the yeare following . ) The Venetians entangled with so many difficulties , were euen at their wits end , and day by day the Senat sat from the rising of the Sunne vnto the going downe of the same , consulting how all these mischiefes were to be remedied . But for as much as the greatest danger was to be feared frō the Turks fleet , as then houering euen ouer their heads , they by letters commanded Fuscarinus their Admirall , That whether the confederats came vnto him or not , he should forthwith take his course towards the East ; and there according to the enemies dessignes , and his owne discretion and valour , to doe what he should thinke best to be done for the common good of his countrey : and not to refuse to joyne with the enemie in battell , if he saw any good hope of victorie . Neither ceased they at the same time ( both by their embassadours and letters ) earnestly to call both vpon the Pope and the king , to hasten their forces to encounter the enemie before he should come out of his owne seas ; and to carrie the terrour of the warre home to his owne doores , rather than to receiue it at their owne . The like message was also done to Don Iohn , putting him in mind what his place , what the time , and what the danger of the time required : entreating him ( if it were possible ) of himselfe to adde something vnto that hast which the necessitie of so important a cause required . Who neuerthelesse for all the messages and letters to him sent ( which were many ) went still on faire & softly , delaying from day to day ; telling , that he would by and by come , and that the Spaniards would alwaies be so good as their word . Which was so far from his thought , that afterwards finding one excuse after another , he not only staied his comming , but called back again Requisenius also , whom he had sent before with 20 gallies to CORCYRA . Now were two months ( fittest for the wars ) vainly spent ; when Superantius grieued to see time to no purpose so slip away , & fearing least the rest of the Sommer should to as small effect in like manner passe also , with great instance importuned him to hasten his journey . Then at length Don Iohn answered , that the Venetians requested but reason , neither that he wished for any thing more than to satisfie their desires : but that a greater care hindred the lesse , which was first to be preuented : He was aduertised ( as he said ) that the French king pretending the suppressing of certain pyrats , had assembled a great fleet at ROCHEL , with purpose indeed to inuade SPAINE , now that the king was busied in these wars against the Turk : & that therfore they must pardon him , if he preferred the regard of SPAINE before others , being expressely commanded from the king not to depart from MESSANA , vntill he had other commaundement from him . But whether this his excuse by FRANCE , proceeded of a true feare or otherwise , the Venetians much doubted ; and the rather , for that the French king vnderstanding therof by the Venetians , was therewith ( as reason was ) exceedingly offended : protesting , that he was euer so farre from that purpose of hindering any the confederat princes in that their religious warre , that if the troubles of his owne countrey would haue so permitted , he would gladly haue giuen them aid therein . Many there were also , that thought , Enuie the auntient enemie of vertue and valour , to haue had a great power in this delay : doubting whether the Spaniards would more rejoyce of the victorie well hoped for , if they should joyne with the Venetians , or grieue if the same should by the Venetians be obtained without them . Superantius wearie of discourses and long expectation , and almost out of hope of any helpe in time from the Spaniard ; how vntowardly soeuer things went , thought better yet warily to moderat his griefe , than in so dangerous a time to giue any occasion for the Spaniard to fall quite off . Yet spake he not fauningly or flatteringly of the matter , but with a certaine modest grauitie declared , That he had thought heauen would sooner haue fallen , than that Don Iohn would not at the appointed time haue come to CORCYRA . And withall besought him , and wished him to beware , that he brought not the common State into some great danger : if they had to doe with such an enemie as might be delaied with , then he said he could easily abide delay ; but now for that the warre and the enemie was such ; as wherein , or with whom neuer any Generall had dalied without losse , to what end did he longer deferre or trifle out the time ? or what other fleet did he expect ? If they should diuide their forces , then were they all too weake ; but vnited togither , strong enough to defend the common cause : The neerer the enemie came , the more hast were to be made to joyne with the Venetian fleet . And what could be ( as he told him ) more honourable or glorious , than for him a noble yong gentleman roially descended , of whom the world had conceiued a great hope , that he would in martiall honour exceed the glorie of his most famous auncestours , againe to vanquish the prowd Turke , the greatest and most mightie monarch of the world ; to fight the battell of the highest , to assure the Christian common-weale against so puissant an enemie , and to purchase vnto himselfe immortall glorie and renowne . As for the French , there was no such thing to be feared as was pretended , who with such slender preparation not worth the name of a fleet , was not so vnaduised as to set vpon a kingdome of such strength and power as SPAINE . Furthermore ( he said ) that it concerned not the Venetians more than the king himselfe , to haue the Turke repressed whose kingdomes of NAPLES , SICILIA , and SPAINE , were no lesse than their territorie , exposed to danger by sea . The good successe of their affaires in the East , would open the way for the conquest of AFFRICKE : but if the Turke should preuaile , then were they to despaire , not of AFFRICKE , but of all ITALIE , SICILIE , yea and of SPAINE it selfe . The time ( he said ) and necessitie of the warre , with the extremitie of the danger of the whole and common State , required that he should with all his power and speed possible , take vpon him the defence of the common cause , or to say more truely of the Christian common-weale , then so dangerously impugned . These reasons drawn from the common good and the truth it selfe , much moued the Generall : but the kings pleasure was to be preferred before all reasons or dangers that could be alleaged . But hearing afterward what resolute commaund the Venetian Senat had sent vnto their Admirall , he became exceeding carefull : for he feared least if the Admirall should without his helpe fight the battell and gaine the victorie , he would conuert all the glorie thereof vnto himselfe ; but if he should chance to be ouerthrowne , it would turne to his vtter reproach and perpetuall infamie , that in so necessarie a time he had withdrawn himselfe from the common cause . Wherefore as a man perplexed , and in doubt what to doe , he stood for a while as one at his wits end : yet at last , he vpon deliberation resolued to take a middle course , and so neither without the commaund of the king ( by whose prescript order , all was to be done ) to depart with the fleet from MESSANA ; neither altogither to frustrat the confederats of the expected aid . And to that purpose sent two and twentie gallies vnder the conduct of one Lilly of ANDRADA ( a noble gentleman ) to the Venetian Admirall at CORCYRA ; with whom went also Columnius with the Popes fleet . Now was Pius Quintus the late Pope dead , and Vgo Boncompanius by the name of Gregorius Decimus Tertius , Pope in his stead , who vpon the same conditions with his predecessour , had entred into the league ; and liking verie well of Columnius , kept him still for his Admirall . Long had Fuscarinus expected the comming of the confederats , and albeit that the yeare was farre spent , August being then come , and no such aid sent as he had expected ; yet desiring to doe something worth the remembrance and beseeming their honour , he earnestly persuaded Columnius and Lilly to set forward with him toward the East , and with their vnited forces to giue the enemie battell : telling them , That if they were all of like courage , they should go not only to the glorie of the present battell , but to the great honour and aduancement of the whole Christian common-weale . After that he extenuated the power of the enemie , saying , That he could not but maruell , from whence such a number of gallies as was reported , could so suddenly be gathered ; or whereupon so great confidence and boldnesse was growne vnto them , so lately ouerthrowne and put to flight : The enemies fleet ( he said ) was the yeare before ouercome and dispersed , the captaines and marriners slaine ; and that therefore it was not credible , that so many gallies could with such celeritie be built , and such a number of mariners and masters as was needfull , in so short time prouided : That the prouision of the enemie was by flying fame made farre greater than indeed it was , or possibly could be ; for why , they might easily guesse what the enemie was able to doe , by the Christians themselues , who could not without much adoe and great labour build their fleets , and traine vp their marriners and masters : and that therefore letting fame flie , which commonly maketh things greater and more dreadfull than they are , he was verily persuaded , that the enemie was glad to vse most vnskilfull and ignorant as well marriners masters as souldiors ; who suddenly taken vp in the inland countries , and put into the gallies , knew not so much as the very names of the ropes and tacklings , and other equippage : and then those gallies which they had , were like ynough to be but weake , as of them which were the last yeare rent and brused , and now againe botched vp ; or in hast built of greene timber , could not be nimble or greatly seruiceable . Wherefore he exhorted them , as valiant men , to set forward against the enemie ; and that with the greater courage , for that the last yeares victorie had opened vnto them the way for the gaining of another . Which if it should so fall out , as good hope there was , they should thereby take from the proud enemie both power and hope ( but in long time ) to be able to recouer his strength at sea : so that they in the meane time without feare might at their pleasure take the rich islands in the ARCHIPELAGO . Now if the Turks declining battell , should retire themselues into the HELLESPONT , then might they with fire and sword spoyle all the frontiers of their dominions on this side the straits , and open a way vnto the Christians to doe great matters . Hardly were Columnius and Lilly persuaded by the Admirall : neither did they thereunto giue their consent , vntill it was decreed , That they should not in any case joyne battell with the enemie , but with their galleons and galleasses first placed in the front of the battaile , in whom consisted the greatest hope of the victorie . So setting forward toward the enemie , and come to COMMENTITIA , letters were brought vnto them from Don Iohn , certifying them , That he was now by letters from the king commaunded to come towards the East , and to joyne his forces with the confederats ; but yet that for certaine dayes he could not come , vntill he were better prouided of all things necessarie : and that therefore they should in the meane time carefully looke vnto all things , promising so soone as he possibly could to come vnto them . Vpon these letters Columnius and Lilly began to doubt , Whether to goe on further , or to expect the comming of the Generall : yet for as much as he had not expressely written any thing concerning their staying , and Fuscarinus vrged them forwards , on they went , with the fleet deuided into three battels . The whole fleet consisted of an hundred fiftie fiue gallies , six galleasses , and twentie tall ships : in the right wing was Superantius : in the left wing Canalius : and in the middle battaile Columnius , Fuscarinus , and Lilly : and in the rereward followed Quirinus . Before each battell went two of the galleasses , still in readinesse for present battaile . In this order they came first to ZACYNTHVS ( commonly called ZANTO ) and so to CERIGO : the next day after to COLVERARIA ( commonly called DRAGONARIA , oueragainst CERIGO : ) Here Angelus Surianus , a valiant gentleman , sent before to discouer the enemie and what strength he was of , returning vnto the fleet , declared vnto the Admirall , That the Turkes fleet , consisting of an hundred and threescore gallies , threescore galliots , and foure great ships , lay about MALVASIA , in the entrance of the bay called SINVS ARGOLICVS , vpon the borders of PELOPONESVS , about fiftie miles off from the Christian fleet . Shortly after the same fleet was againe discouered , making for MALEA : whereupon the Christians before resolued to fight wheresoeuer they should meet the enemie , forthwith put themselues in order of battaile , and so with their galleasses in the front , made with what speed they could toward him . These two fleets were thought for many respects almost equall : the enemie was in number moe , but inferiour in strength . The Christian fleet by reason of the heauinesse of the galleasses , made but small way ; and the enemie afraid of the great store of ordinance the galleasses carried , durst not come neere them . The Turks fleet was rather nimble than strong ; but ours more firme and forward . Looke wherin each exceeded the other , therwith they endeuoured to helpe themselues and annoy the enemie . The Christians fearing to be circumuented by the multitude of their enemies , opposed their ships and galleasses before them as a most sure fortresse : and the Turke , by how much he had had the worse successe the yeare before , was so much the more carefull to beware how he endangered himselfe within the ●each of the galleasses . The Christians desired nothing more than to fight , & to come to handy blows : but the Turke , who thought it sufficient for the present not to be ouercome , sometime made away as fast as he could , and by and by stayed againe , if happily he might haue taken the gallies seperated from the gallies , neuer seeming willing to aduenture further than reason and discretion were . The enemie seeing the Christian fleet comming still on , and readie to giue battaile , first seemed as if he would haue done the like , but afterwards turned his course vpon the right hand , and kept aloofe alongst the coast of MALEA : At which time the Christians , although they were very desirous to haue followed them , yet the Turks with their nimble fleet were quickly too farre gone for the Christian fleet to ouertake them , especially with their heauie ships . That day almost spent as it were in the chase of the enemie , towards the going downe of the Sunne the enemie put into the current of the sea betwixt CERIGO and the Harts island , in breadth about ten miles ; and there deuiding their fleet into three parts , lay in good order , as expecting the comming of the Christians , with the prows of their gallies turned , as if vpon the confidence of the place , which they had filled ouerthwart , they had purposed nothing more than to fight . Yet both fleets seemed resolued ; the one not to fight without the galleasses , & the other not to come neare those hot ships , from whom they had but the yeare before receiued so great harme . And although the enemie , as was afterwards knowne , purposed nothing lesse than to fight , but vpon great aduantage : yet fearing by open flight to dishonour his lord and master , and by graunting as it were of victorie , to encrease the fame of the Christians , the craftie pyrat made a great shew of that he least indeed purposed . For pretending a great desire to fight , he indeed deluded the Christians hope : who although the wind had failed them , yet in hope the enemie would abide them battell , with much labour and rowing came so neere him , that the great shot began to flie too and fro on both sides : but when the matter should haue come to haue been tried by dint of sword , then it plainely appeared what the enemie had indeed purposed ; for still keeping the prows of his gallies vpon the Christians , hee by little and little shrunke backe : and beside that the shaddow of the night began then to approch , he caused all his great ordinance , charged only with pouder , to be shot off , and so in the thicke of the smoke retired vnseene ; colouring his subtile departure also by certaine lights left in their cocke-boats , making shew as if the whole fleet had still there stayed . By this meanes the Turks with great celeritie escaped , being also holpen in this , that the Christians hindered by the heauinesse of the galleasses , could not but faire and softly pursue them : for these galleasses , as they are vessels of great seruice , so are they also heauie and vnweldie , and not fit for chase . The departure of the enemie at length known , the Christians also vnwilling to fight by night , returned to CERIGO . Two dayes after the Turks stayed in the bay of TENARVS , now called METAPAN , and the Christians at CERIGO ; contented in that , that the enemie was the cause that the battell was not fought , and reckoning his warie and couert declining of battell , as a secret confession of the victorie . The third day after , the Christians desirous of nothing more than to joyne in battell with the enemie , in their former order set forward from CERIGO , and sayling all the night , were in the breake of the day descried from land by the Turkes : whereupon Vluzales by shooting off of certaine warning pieces , commanded all his men to goe abourd , and to put themselues in readinesse for battell . And now the Christians were not farre off , when as the Turkes ( least declining of battell might reprooue them of feare ) came out of the hauen , with their fleet deuided into three battels : whereof the left wing was extended a great way into the sea , the right wing still keeping neere vnto the maine , and in the middle battell was Vluzales himselfe : who came all on no faster than the tide draue them , staying their course oft times of purpose , to haue drawne the gallies of the Christians from the galeasses and ships . Vluzales seeing his fleet thus in order , and fearing nothing more than the galeasses , commaunded both the wings of his fleet ( hauing in each of them fourescore gallies ) to fetch a great compasse about , the one on the right hand , and the other on the left , aloofe off from the galleasses , and so to assaile the wings of the Christians on the sides or behind : in hope so to haue disordered their battell , and without danger to haue drawne the gallies from the galleasses and the other heauie ships . Which their intent the Christians perceiuing , in their wings turned about their gallies also , in manner of the new Moone , their maine battell still facing the middle battell of the Turks . The wings of the Turks fleet thus farre seperated from the middle battell , seemed to present vnto the Christians a great aduantage : which Fuscarinus ( intentiue to all the offers of good fortune ) quickly perceiuing , and calling vnto Columnius and Lilly , and shewing them the enemies maine battell at hand , and the wings gone a great way off , requested and persuaded them , That not staying for the heauie ships and galleasses , they would with him vpon the sudden assaile the enemies middle battell , now destitute of the wings : not doubting , but so to ouerthrow the enemies greatest strength there , before the wings could , now they were so farre gone , joyne themselues to the battell againe . What could as he said haue happened more wishedly , than to haue their battell deuided ? So that they might at more aduantage fight against euery part therof , now seperated , than against all three parts at once . If they had thought themselues not onely equall , but too strong for the whole enemies fleet vnited , should they not the better ouercome them apart and dispersed ? The oportunitie he said was but short , and therefore to be forthwith resolued vpon . If they would take the present occasion of victorie then offered , and as resolute men charge their enemies , little fearing any such thing , they should by their celeritie and valour teach the Turks , what the Christian discipline of warre and power was able to doe : but if they would therein vse delay , they should ere long in vaine wish for the like occasion they had let slip , when as their battell was againe strengthened with the wings . This the Admirals speech was of most that heard it joyfully receiued , and his counsell well liked ; and that with such a generall cheerefulnesse of the souldiors , as shewed in them no want of courage to haue giuen the enemie present battell . But Columnius and Lilly being of the same mind they had beene alwaies , said it were dangerous so to doe , for feare of drawing the whole three battels of the enemie at once vpon them , against which they should be too weake , without the helpe of the galleasses and heauie ships ▪ and therefore said flatly , That without those vessels , so much feared of their enemies , they would not in any case hazard the fortune of a battell . But whether Columnius and Lilly were of that opinion , for that they so thought , or were so charged by Don Iohn ( of whom they altogether depended ) not to fight in his absence , many doubted . The wings of the Christians in turning about to confront the wings of the enemie , were a little disordered : which the Turks perceiuing , and taking the present oportunitie , with fifteene of their gallies were about to haue charged the stragling gallies . Which Superantius perceiuing , to stay their course , went out couragiously against them with foure gallies , and made with them a great fight : in the heat whereof , Superantius seeing fortie moe of the enemies gallies making towards him , and doubting to be enclosed , with all speed sent for releefe , which came presently in , namely , twentie gallies ; with two of the galleasses : which forthwith sent their thundering shot so thicke and furiously amongst their enemies , that in a little time eighteene of their gallies were by them all rent and torne ; and the Turkes therewith dismayed , were glad in such hast to returne , as if they had rather fled than retired . Superantius hauing in that fight but one of his gallies shot through , returned againe vnto his place . Of this light fight many deemed what would haue been the euent of the whole battell , if the opinion of Fuscarinus had preuailed . Both the fleets falling againe into their order , although the Christians could not so fast follow , as the Turks went before them ; yet came they so neere them , that oftentimes they changed bullets , as well with their small shot as their great . And yet for all that , it was by many signes gathered , that neither the Turks would abide present battell , neither the Christians longer delay , if by their enemies they so might . The Christians had agreed ( as is before said ) not to joyne in battell without their galleasses and tall ships : which Vluzales well vnderstood both by the fugitiues and his owne espials , as also by their manner of sayling . And he himselfe although he had no great desire to fight : yet to be the better able to frustrate the endeuours of the Christians , who with great labour drew with them the galleasses and other heauie ships , sent his chargeable great ships to MALVASIA , there to be vnrigged ; whereby he discharged himselfe of a great burthen , and made himselfe able at his own choice and pleasure to leaue or take , to fight or not : and also with such souldiors and other necessaries as were in the same great ships , supplied the wants of his whole fleet . By which policie the matter was brought to that passe , that if the Christians would needs draw the enemie to battell , they must of necessitie forsake their galleasses , their most assured strength : or if they would not leaue them , then they could not by any meanes enforce the readie enemie to fight . The day now declining , the enemie supposing himselfe to haue done ynough for that time , both for the abating of the heat of the Christians , and encouraging of his owne people , in seemely order , as one not afraid , sayled with his fleet to CORONA . The Christians in like manner retiring themselues to CERIGO . Whilest things thus went , Don Iohn by a frigot sent of purpose gaue knowledge to the fleet , that he was come to CORCYRA , sharpely blaming the great commaunders for their departure , and that they stayed not for his comming : and further commaunded them as their Generall , all other things set apart , foorthwith to meet him at ZACYNTHVS , there to resolue of all matters . Columnius wholly deuoted to the Spaniards , and preferring the fauour of Don Iohn before the rest , hearing this message , was in such hast to haue returned , that he would haue persuaded Fuscarinus to haue left the heauie vessels and other weake gallies at CERIGO , and with an hundred of the best gallies with all speed to haue returned to the Generall . Of which opinion was also Lilly. But Fuscarinus more carefull than the rest , as he whom the danger more concerned , would not yeeld to that persuasion : for that in so doing they should ( as he said ) leaue the ships and galleasses , the cheefe part of their strength , in danger to be spoyled by the enemie ; whom they now kept at a bay , without the helpe of the Generall ; and should , as he well hoped , by often prouoking of him , at one time or other draw him to battell , and haue ouer him a notable victorie . And therefore requested them for the loue of God , and the zeale they bare vnto the common good of all Christendome , not to depart further off , nor to suffer the enemie to escape out of their hands , neither by their departure to leaue the islands of the Venetians subject to the furie of the enemie : whereas the Generall might at his pleasure and without danger come vnto them , they lying betwixt the enemie and him . But Columnius and Lilly resolutely set downe , hap what hap should , to do what Don Iohn had commaunded , would not listen vnto the reasonable persuasions of the Venetian Admirall , but told him flatly , That if he would not in that they had said yeeld vnto them , they would forthwith leaue him vnto himselfe , and with their gallies presently return to ZACYNTHVS , as the Generall had commaunded . Whilest they were yet thus discoursing , newes was brought , That the enemie was come with his fleet into the fret of CERIGO : which caused them all with one consent to resolue in such order to passe by the enemie , as if they should haue giuen him present battell : whereas before , they were determined by the persuasion of ●uscarinus , to haue gone to CRETE , and there leauing the ships and galleasses in safetie , to haue afterwards returned to the Generall . In such order the Christians passed by the enemies fleet , which lay still in the fret of the sea without moouing , standing as it were rather vpon the guard of themselues , than resolued for battell . In three daies sailing they came to ZACYNTHVS , where they found not Don Iohn , but two of his gallies , and commandement , that they should there leaue their heauie ships , and with their gallies come to CEPHALENIA , where they should not faile to meet him . Hereupon the Venetians were exceedingly grieued , and muttered through the whole fleet , That the Spaniards bearing themselues vpon their wealth , were too proud , and in comparison of themselues regarded neither the conditions of the league , neither any other mans credit , but trode all men vnderfoot ; and would now vse the Venetians not as their friends and confederats , but as their slaues and vassales , feeding them in the meane time but with vaine hope . Yet for as much as the time and necessitie so required , they were content to be ouerruled : and so leauing their ships and galleasses at ZACYNTHVS , went with the rest of the fleet to CEPHALENIA : whither Don Iohn was not yet come , but had sent word thither , That if they had any desire to joyne their forces with his , they should yet come further backe vnto him to CORCYRA . This message , which they had rather feared than expected , much troubled the Venetians : who readier to suspect euery mischeefe , than to hope for any good , began to fret and complaine , That the Spaniards could very well tell the Venetians what they had to doe , and forget in the meane time what was on their owne part to be performed . A hard thing it was to say ( and yet to be said ) that now they had more to doe with those their dallying friends and confederats , than with their enemies : for with their enemies they were to fight but in time of battell , but with them they were to wrestle and striue at all times and in all places . They were by them ( as they said ) drawne from the sight of their enemies , when as they might haue beene ouerthrowne : not to the intent that with their vnited forces they might more safely fight against them , or vnder the conduct of Don Iohn gaine the victorie ; but rather least any thing should haue beene done , which might be to the honour or profit of the Venetians : and that time which was to haue beene bestowed in the managing of the warre , spent in lingering and delaying , and vaine going forward and backward to no purpose . One onely way there was ( as they said ) to haue dispatched with the Turke , which was , by ouercomming him in another notable battell , and so to haue vtterly broken his strength at sea : which course the confederats made no lesse difficult by their ofwardnesse and delaies , than the enemie by declining of battell : That they had long ago by many secret signes probably conjectured , that the Spaniards had more care to hinder and crosse other mens doings , than to doe any thing of themselues : That their indeuours were , to frustrat those great hopes which promised vnto the Christian common-weale the greatest felicitie and happinesse , togither with immortall glorie : and , That the Turkes , of late discouraged with the fortunat proceedings of the Christians , might again rejoice at their mishaps . The Venetians , notwithstanding all these their murmuring speeches , loath to fall off from the Spaniard , kept still on with the rest vntill they came to Don Iohn at CORCYRA , who then lay with three and fiftie gallies and eighteene ships at SPILCA , in the vttermost end of the island . At their first meeting , Don Iohn shewed himselfe not a little offended , that they had not with more dutie before attended his comming : and they againe not a little complained of his long stay , with many other their grieuances , which were tedious here to rehearse . The fleet now all with much adoe at length met togither , which consisted of two hundred gallies , nine galeasses , and thirtie six tall ships : it was by generall consent agreed , that they should againe set forward toward the enemie . They were not yet vnder saile , when two of their espials brought them newes , that the enemies fleet ( weakly furnished both of marriners and souldiors ) was come to NAVARINVM : which filled them all with good hope , that the Turkes fleet so euill prouided , might in that place vpon the sudden be easily oppressed ; and the rather , if they came vpon them vnexpected . Wherefore , because they would not be descried , they kept not their course on right foorth , but sayling by night , kept aloofe vpon the right hand : and hauing passed ZACYNTHVS , came with great silence vnto the STROPHADES , where they lay at anchor all that day . In the euening they loosed thence , so casting their course , that the more to terrifie the enemie they might before day fall vpon him ; and be seene in the mouth of the hauen where he lay , before there could be any report made of their comming thither . But this course so well set , the time was so euill cast , that it was faire day long before they could come to the appointed place ; when the Turkes out of their watch towers discouering a farre off the comming of the Christian fleet , gaue warning thereof vnto their fellowes : whereupon an alarum was presently raised in the towne , and all men in armes ran headlong to the wals and to the hauen . But the Turks out of hope with their euill rigged fleet to be able to withstand the Christians , and not daring to trust to that weake harbour , and all now in a great hurly burly , ran confusedly hand ouer head , souldiors and marriners aboord : and whilest they had yet time , got them in hast out of that harbour , and as men chased by their enemies got them into safe harbour at MODON , a strong town of PELOPONESVS about six miles off . Columnius was sent before the rest of the fleet to haue pursued them : but they were got so farre before him , that they had recouered the harbour before he could ouertake any of them . The Christian fleet comming before the harbour , and leauing a space as it were of purpose for the enemie to come out into , there lay in the face of the towne , daring the Turkes battell . But when they had so lien almost all that day , and no man durst come out ; and now toward the euening certaine signes of tempest appeared , the Christians fearing to be by force of weather driuen on ground , put farther off againe to sea . Then at length Vluzales sent out certaine light gallies to follow in the taile of the fleet , when the confederats suddenly staying their course , and turning their prows vpon them , draue them headlong againe into the harbour : and afterwards retired themselues with the whole fleet into the islands OENVSae , now called SAPIENTIA , right opposite against MODON . The next day wanting fresh water , they remoued vnto the bay of MESSENA , there to water in the mouth of the riuer Pamisus , which there falleth into the sea : where in passing by CORONE , they were oftentimes shot at out of the towne ; and landing their men to water , were encountred by certaine troupes of horsemen , sent for that purpose by Vluzales . There was water deerly bought with the liues of many there slaine on both sides : in the end , the Christians preuailing , watered , and so againe returned vnto the OENVSae from whence they came . METHONE or MODON ( for it is by both names knowne ) standeth almost in an island stretching farre into the sea , where toward the West runneth out a long point of the land a great way into the sea ; in the vttermost part whereof , standeth a great round tower . The towne it selfe is on the one side enclosed with the sea , and toward the land so strongly fortified , as that it seemeth almost impregnable . Towards the South commeth in a faire bay about three miles wide , safe from all winds except the Northerly wind only : and shut vp by a little island in the mouth of the bay , maketh a safe and quiet harbour , with two entrances thereinto on either side of the island . Within this bay lay the Turks fleet , with the sternes of their gallies toward the land , and their prows towards the sea . At the Southerly comming in of the bay standeth an hill , which the inhabitants call ALBVS ; on the top whereof , the enemie had placed six great pieces of ordinance , wherewith to keepe the Christians from entring that way . So had they also vpon that point of the maine , which ( as we said ) runneth out from the towne , and vpon S. Bernards rocke , planted other great pieces of ordinance to defend that passage also . The Christians comming vnto the mouth of the bay , there lay with their fleet diuided into foure parts , but yet doubtfull what to doe : for beside that the entrances of the bay were but narrow , they were also farre more dangerous to be entred , by reason of the great ordinance planted vpon them . Neuerthelesse , the Venetian Admirall in hope of good successe , and loth to let the fearefull enemie so to escape out of their hands , would faine haue persuaded the Generall , with his whole fleet to haue entred the bay , and there in the harbour to haue oppressed the enemie : which he shewed to be no 〈◊〉 to doe , for that the enemie was too weake in strength , and could not be from land relieued . In which doing , they should indeed ouerthrow but one fleet ; but in the ouerthrowing of that one ▪ cut in sunder all the sinewes of the Turkish empire by sea : and raising a tumult in the bay , and filling all with a generall feare , should vndoubtedly at the first onset put the enemie to flight ▪ Which done , what should let , but that carrying about with them the terrour of the victorie , they should with their victorious fleet , ●ake from the Turke all the islands of the AEG●●● ▪ That truly and wisely it was said of Themistocles , That whosoeuer had the commaund of the sea , must needs also preuaile in the rest , and at length carrie away the victorie by land also . It was ( as he said ) the part of good chieftains , not to be wanting vnto themselues when occasion was offered : besides that , they were the same Turkes whom they had but the yeare before vanquished ; and what had that one yeare either taken from them , or giuen vn●● the Turks ? or what should they feare six pieces of ordinance mounted vpon an hill , who if they ●hould vndertake the battell , were not to feare the great store of ordinance in two hundred and threescore of the enemies gallies and galliots ? I my selfe ( said he ) will be the guide and leader , in whatsoeuer shall seeme most difficult and dangerous : and will in person my selfe be the first that shall enter the harbour , and aduenture the first danger . Great victories ( he said ) were not to be gained but with great aduentures ; and that therefore the matter were to be hasted , before more aid should be sent vnto the Turkes . Wherefore they should as resolute men attempt that , the Turks thought the Christians durst not to haue attempted ; and with the same courage breake into the bay , wherwith they had but the yeare before broken the strength of the same enemy ; and by the power of God , carrie away another notable triumph of the vanguished Turks : who ouercome in a second battell at sea , must needs depart with all their maritime territories . With euill liking of the Spaniards was the Venetian Admirall heard . And Don Iohn the Generall , deeming both the time and place vnfit for the attempting of so great an exploit ; rehearsed on the one side , the strength of the enemie , the disaduantage of the place , the difficultie of the battell , with the manifold and great calamities receiued by the ouerhastie and rash attempts of their enemies : That the enemies strength was not to be so much deemed by the eye , or by report , as by reason ; and that many in seeking to increase their former glorie , had in so doing ouerthrowne the same : That the Christians in entring and aduenturing the harbour , should on the one side be beaten with the artillerie from the hill ; and on the other with the artillerie out of the castle of MODON : And that it was not like , that Vluzales should if need were , lacke aid from land , who but the other day had sent great troupes of horsemen to haue kept the Christians from watering : That a matter of so great importance , was ( by Fuscarinus his leaue ) not rashly to be taken in hand , vpon an heat and hautinesse of stomacke , but vpon graue and mature deliberation : for if they should in a place of so great disaduantage , hazard the fortune of a generall battell , it should seeme that either he knew not that kind of fight , and force of the enemie , or else would make the bay of MODON more famous by the ouerthrow of the Christians , than was the CVRZVLARI by the slaughter of the Turks . Then what a shame would it be , if they which were about to oppresse the enemies fleet , should themselues be ouerthrowne , and that in their owne deuise . He had rather ( as he said ) preserue his owne fleet , than to take six hundred of the enemies gallies ; and to account the same for a greater honour . Which he determined not , for that he would not haue any thing done , but that vnripe occasions should not be too much hastened , and as it were thrust headlong forward : whereas time would giue opportunitie for the ouerthrow of the Turks fleet , so that they ran not blindly on headlong : and that in future time , the Venetians would rejoice that they had so moderated their desires . The Christians ( he said ) had sufficiently preuailed , if those things should fall out well , which were warily and aduisedly considered and resolued vpon . The matter thus on both sides debated , and nothing done , they returned with the fleet into the port of NAVARINVM . This proceeding , as it diuersly mooued the Spaniards and the Venetians , so brought it foorth diuers speeches , euerie man speaking in fauour of his owne nation . The Spaniard openly vaunted , that he had most prouidently resolued ; for that how deere the counsell of the Venetian Admirall would haue cost if it had beene followed , the thing it selfe ( as he said ) shewed , by the extreame danger thereof presented , not in the doubtfull opinion of men , but laied open before their eies . The Venetians on the other side more desirous of battell , the neerer they had seene the opportunitie to haue preuailed vpon the enemie , the more impatiently they endured so assured a victorie to haue beene let slip out of their hands : and thereof spake accordingly . The Christians lying at NAVARINVM , consulted of many things what they were best to take in hand : and resoluing at last by sea and land to besiege the castle of MODON , which kept the passage into the bay , and defended the Turks fleet ; they returned againe thither , and landed seauen thousand of their best souldiors to besiege the castle . And at the same time , appointed the galeasses with certaine gallies to batter it also from sea : which the more commodiously to doe , they joyned two of their greatest gallies togither side to side , which they made fast with masts and strong ropes , and so bourded them cleane ouer , whereon as on a platforme , they placed gabions all afront , filled with earth , and great ordinance betwixt to haue battered the castle . But when this engine ( in manner of a floating fort ) should haue performed the seruice for which it was deuised , it prooued vnseruiceable , after it had with much adoe been brought thither , being readie to sinke with the waight of the great ordinance and other things wherewith it was ouercharged . For which cause , and for that they vnderstood a great number of horsemen to be come into the towne , they gaue ouer the siege vainly begun , and put againe with their fleet to sea . It fortuned at the same time , that a tall ship of VENICE departing from ZACYNTHVS , and comming alongst the coast of PELOPONESVS with prouision for the fleet , was descried by the enemie ; who thinking to doe the Christians a great dishonour , if they could almost in the sight of their fleet surprise her , they sent out certaine light gallies to haue taken her ; Vluzales in the mean time with the rest of his fleet , lying in the verie mouth of the bay , readie to come out if the Christian fleet should once stirre to relieue her . Which the Christians perceiuing , and well hoping that so the enemie would be drawne to battell , sent out Columnius with his gallies to rescue the ship ; and others also which lying aloofe , might get in betwixt the Turks gallies and the bay : Don Iohn and the Venetian Admirall , lying readie to haue giuen battell , if Vluzales should haue come foorth . But the Christians comming on with a small gale , the enemie being afraid , by shooting off of certaine warning pieces within the bay , in time called backe the gallies that were alreadie gone out of the bay : who all forthwith came in , excepting Mahomet the nephew of Barbarussa , a most famous captaine amongst the Turkes , who as one of great courage , and desirous of honour , staied a little without the bay , with greater courage than discretion , expecting who should assaile him . Him the Marques S. Crucis set vpon , and had with him a great and terrible fight : but in the end , the Marques preuailing , slew Mahomet with all his Turks , and with honour carried away the gallie . So the dishonor which Vluzales would haue done the Christians , fell vpon himselfe , hauing in his owne sight lost one of his best captaines with his gallie . The next day , because the yeare should not passe without something done , nor the hope of so great a preparation come to nothing , the Christians determined to besiege the castle of NAVARINVM ( which was in auntient time called PYLVS ) more famous for nothing , than for that it was the natiue place of old Nestor . The citie of NAVARINVM standeth vpon a rising ground , stretching somewhat into the sea ; whereinto it hath a large prospect , and a faire large hauen , but subject to the Northwind . It is defended with a point of the maine running compasse into the sea , whereon standeth an old castle . Some sent before to view the situation of the place , brought word backe , that the castle might in three daies be woon . The performance of which exploit , was committed to Alexander Farnesius prince of PARMA , whom the Venetians furnished with munition and victuall . He landing with two thousand Italians , a thousand Spaniards , and fiue hundred Germans , began with twelue great pieces to batter the castle . And albeit that the batterie was planted so farre off , as that it did the enemie no great harme ; yet happily the enterprise had taken effect , if by taking the straight and troublesome passages through a rough and thicke forrest , the citie had been kept from reliefe : but for as much as those passages were left free , the enemie cunningly opposed policie against force , for sallying out of the citie , they gaue the Christians an hot skirmish : and in the meane time whilest the Christians were so busied , by a port toward the forrest on the other side of the citie , receiued in great number both of horse and foot . The report of this new come aid caused the prince to raise his siege , and to goe againe aboord . And now rested all the hope of the gaining of the towne in the strength of the fleet : and that not small , for that the Turkes not relieued with victuals by land , were by the confederates kept from them also by sea : for at that time the Turks were troubled with two great mischeefes , the plague , and famine . For no prouision had there beene made , as in a thing not feared ; and that little being spent that was in the towne , they were enforced to seeke for victuals further off : which comming but sparingly , as in time of dearth , was oftentimes by the way intercepted by the souldiors that lay about in the countrey villages , wanting victuals no lesse than they in the citie . And the moe men the Beglerbeg of GREECE brought down for defence of the sea towns , so much the more the wants of all things dayly encreased . So that no man doubted , but that in short time all would be brought to extreame penurie . What a death the mortalitie had made , the want of men in the gallies well declared : for many of the gallies for lacke of marriners and souldiors were sent away into EVBoeA , or left at MALVASIA , or carried away to CONSTANTINOPLE . Those which stayed in the bay of MODON , were scarce an hundred gallies , and fortie galliots : and they so slenderly manned , that the greatest gallies had scarcely an hundred and twentie men left in them , and they so meigre and faint , as that they could scarcely hold vp their weapons . The Christians vnderstanding of these things , were in good hope , that by continuing the siege , they should without danger gaine a notable victorie : For which cause Fuscarinus persuaded the Spaniards , of whose constancie he doubted , to hold it out , as men of resolution ; shewing them , that in the euent of this action rested for them for euer to be feared or contemned of the Turks : who except they should be changed into fishes or into birds , could not ( as he said ) without a notable ouerthrow escape their hands out of the Bay. But vnto this his hope and counsell the euent was not correspondent : For the Spaniards , whether it were for the tediousnesse of the siege , or for want of victuals , or for the approch of Winter , or els moued with some other reasons , began to thinke of the matter diuersly : and at the first a report was raised , That the Christians giuing ouer the siege , would shortly returne home : and the reason was , for that they wanted bisket , and had scarcely victuals left for fifteene dayes , which was to be reserued for their long journey home : Besides that , the approch of Winter did call them from the action : and that hauing done what they might , they could neuer draw the enemie forth to battell ; and that therefore hauing sufficiently and as farre as was possible alreadie discharged their duties , they were now also to regard their safetie , and to foresee that their fleet , wherein the welfare of them all was reposed , were not too farre endangered . At the first these speeches were divulged by the common souldiours and marriners of small credit or reputation ; but afterwards by moe , and they also men of better place and sort : Yea Don Iohn himselfe , whether it were to some other purpose , or that he so spake in good earnest , began to lay the fault vpon others , why that hee , so lately come from MESSANA , should in so short time want victuals and all things els necessarie . With these vnexpected reports , and so farre different from the confederation , the Venetian Admirall with the rest of the Venetian commaunders were exceedingly troubled and grieued aboue measure : for it seemed not credible , that they which but a little before were come from the most fertile and plentifull countrey of SICILIA , in all ages the most faithfull and abundant granarie and storehouse of ITALIE , both in peace and warre , could so soone want victuals . Could eighteene tall ships ( which ought by the capitulations of the league to haue come loaded with bisket , victuals , and other warlike and necessarie prouision ) become emptie ? or but to haue brought so much as might but suffice for a month onely ? If this were done without the knowledge of Don Iohn , where was then the care of a Generall ? If he winking thereat , where was his zeale to the confederation ? or to what purpose came he to CORCYRA ? was it to auert the Christian fleet ( hauing once or twice met with the enemie ) from doing any good vpon him ? Could it come into any mans head ( besides that in so doing he was therein to extinguish the glorie of a most certaine victorie , like to worke the Turks confusion ) by the infamie of a voluntarie returne to encrease the glorie and renowne of his enemie , and bring a perpetuall ignominie and disgrace vnto the honour of the Christians ? verely the Spaniards , therein to shew themselues not so willing to haue the power of the Turks abated , as the strength of the Venetians not encreased . These things Fuscarinus and the Venetians sometimes fretted at amongst themselues ; and otherwhiles the Admirall himselfe expostulated the same with Don Iohn and Columnius : and in the presence of the greatest counsellours shewed , not onely how profitable but also how necessarie perseuerance was in all martiall affaires : That it was an old and vsuall matter for men in besieging of their enemies to suffer many difficulties : if they should , hauing performed nothing , returne with the fleet , who would doubt but that both their labour and charge was againe the next yeare to be renewed ? And what could this delay be els , but a prorogation of their further calamities ? That therefore it much concerned the Christian commonweale , although they had not all things in abundance , yet resolutely and with patience to endure the scarcitie of victuals . If want of bisket were feared , the Generall might easily remedie that matter , by speedily sending for those ships which lay laded with victuals good store at TARENTVM ; which thing might in short time be performed . In the meane time he promised to supplie the Spaniards wants with part of his own store : and that he had rather his men should liue with roots , than to let the enemies fleet coupt vp , so to escape his hands : That the desire to protect the honour of the Christians , would ouercome all difficulties . Besides that , the matter would be but short , if it were done at once , in one continued course ; and would vndoubtedly be by them performed , if they gaue not ouer the thing they had so well begun , vntill they had accomplished it . They ( as he said ) might in good safetie lie with their fleet in the ports of NAVARINVM , SAPIENTIA , and CAPRARIA : whereas the enemie , lying shut vp in the bay of MODON , should haue but a bad and dangerous Winter harbour ; and October being now begun , should in short time be in danger to perish with blustering stormes and rage of the sea , familiar vnto that time of the yeare ; or els enforced with the extremitie of the weather , and with want , to aduenture into the open sea and with their weake forces to joyne battell . What should therfore let , why they should not for ten or for fifteene daies continue the siege , as best beseemed the honour of themselues , the valour of their souldiors , and worthinesse of the Christian name ? What a terrour it would be vnto the enemie , to see the Christians readie to endure all extremities and wants to gaine the victorie ouer the Turks ? Againe , what dishonour and discredit would it be vnto themselues , if they should suffer the enemie ( shut vp and not daring to fight ) to escape : especially , when as they might sitting still , end the warre ? The Senat of VENICE he said most rested vpon the valour and courage of Don Iohn , and therefore he requested him not to deceiue the great hope they had of him conceiued : For how much should he himselfe blemish his owne honour , if when he had before relieued the afflicted state of the commonweale , he should now , when it was most of all to be holpen , forsake the same ? Which should not be much vnlike , as if a man should with great labour purchase great store of pretious pearles , and vpon an humourous passion cast them all into th● sea : That men generally held a great opinion of him the Generall , an honourable remembrance of his victorie , and regard of his valour ; all which , how much the more pregnant and honourable should they be , by the second vanquishing and subduing the most mightie monarch of the world : And that if the action well begun should be effectually prosecuted by the goodnesse of God , the direction of the commaunders , and the resolution of the souldiors , in short time the Christians should carrie the victorie from the Turkes , and make him their Generall equall not onely with the great cheefetaines of the present time , but euen with the most famous commanders of all former ages . Whereunto Don Iohn replied , That the action then in hand no lesse concerned the Spaniards than the Venetians : and that he had in his life desired nothing more , than to stand the Christian commonweale in stead : That he pointed at the same marke with Fuscarinus , and in zeale to doe good vnto the Christian commonweale , gaue place to no man ; but indeed to performe it , was a thing much more difficult than to say it : Lesser things he said were to be ouerpassed , to reserue themselues for the performance of greater : and therefore maruelled that Fuscarinus alone could not see things most manifest before his eyes , who otherwise could with his piercing wit see through the deepest matters : Could he thinke by any other meanes to abate the power of the Turke , than if they kept their fleet whole ? That it was euer the manner of the greatest and most worthie commaunders , rather to shun the present dangers , than to encrease their territories : That nothing was so well purposed , which might not be of some wrongfully suspected : but his faithfull meaning to be pure and without spot ; and albeit that the oportunitie serued not for him to shew it , yet was his desire and endeuour nothing the lesse : And that Fuscarinus should doe well more intentiuely to consider , what the cause , the matter , and the time required : That the manner of warre at land and at sea , were much different : And that although warres of both sorts were to giue place vnto the most vnseasonable time of the yeare , vnfit for any kind of warre ; yet might men at land , better endure the winter stormes in their tents and cabins than at sea in their gallies , where oftentimes , will , skill , wisedome , nor valour helpe not : but that ( except it be so prouided and foreseene , that the seasonable time of the yeare , and commodious for sayling may be taken ) all must togither perish by shipwracke . What , would hee haue them to striue aboue their power with the winter stormes , and famine , the greatest extremities of nature ? Besides that , he was verily persuaded , that the Turks enjoying the commodities of a good harbour , and of a rich citie , would there in safetie winter ; the countrey of PELOPONESYS relieuing them with all necessaries : When as the Christians in the meane time , except they in time returned home , should lie exposed to the rage of the sea , standing as it were in a continuall watch , not laying away their weapons in the depth of winter and dead time of the yeare , which in reason ought to giue rest to all men . And that therefore euerie man ought for the present to beare his owne grieuances , and not by the harmes of his friends and confederats , to seeke his owne auaile . And that he , bearing himselfe vpon the inward integritie of his good will toward the Venetians , would this say , howsoeuer Fuscarinus should vnderstand it , That if the kings fleet should by long staying there perish , it would no lesse concerne the Venetians than the king himselfe : and taking God to witnesse , would solemnly promise , Nothing to be vnto him more leifer or religious , than to be prest so soone as the time of the yeare would giue leaue , and by his endeuour to make all men to know , that he had no lesse care of the Venetian State than of the kings affaires ; neither desired any thing more , than to be accounted , and in deed to be , a most constant vpholder of that most Christian league ; and that beyond all expectation , euen in the judgement of the Venetians themselues : but for the present they must pardon him , if he gaue place vnto the necessitie of the time . As for the offer of the communicating of their victuals , that would not be any helpe , but the destruction of both the fleets ; for so they should both sooner feele the want : wherefore it were much better to preserue the fleet which they might vse in the next yeares warres , than wilfully to cast away the same by famine , and the rage of the sea . In briefe , what an indignitie should the Christians sustaine , if they themselues should by the same meanes be ouerthrowne , whereby they had thought to haue ouerthrowne others . Now the Spaniards were so resolutely set downe for their departure , that not only without the consent of the Venetians , but euen without their priuitie , their departing was resolued vpon , and secret commandement giuen vnto the masters of the gallies , with all the hast that might be , to depart thence to MESSANA . Which the Venetian Admirall vnderstanding , and therewith troubled as with an vnexpected matter , came aboord the Generall , and greatly complained of his purpose , for so sudden a departure : requesting him a while to stay , vntill the two gallies made fast togither in the harbour of NAVARINVM ( as is before said ) with the ordinance vpon them , might be put in good safetie ; and neither they , or any thing else left for a prey vnto the enemie . With much adoe , Fuscarinus persuaded him to stay that night , that those gallies might bee brought out of the harbour , and all things put in order for their departure . The rest of the night was spent in debating of the matter too and fro : where Don Iohn would needs haue it conceiued into a publike instrument in writing , That the fleet by the generall consent of the three Admirals , returned for lacke of victuals : whereunto the Venetian Admirall hardly consented . But when the instrument should haue been made and confirmed , Don Iohn better aduised by one of his secretaries , That the same would redound vnto the great dishonour both of the king and himselfe , that the fleet comming out of the fruitfull countrey of SICILIA , should in a moneths space want victuals ; changed his mind for the writing , and onely requested the Venetian Admirall to credit him and Columnius , in that they had said concerning the want of victuals : promising him , that if vpon the way he should meet with the victuals that were sent for , he would forthwith returne and giue him aid , as the time and occurrents should require : but in the meane time to proceed by common consent , to doe that which was most needfull . Hereupon they returned : and comming to CORCYRA , they met the expected ship laded with victuals . Now is not Fuscarinus vnmindfull of his dutie , but comming to Don Iohn , put him in remembrance of his promise ; telling him , That it was not vnlike , but that the enemie so soone as he vnderstood of their departure , would come out of the bay , and returne with his fleet towards CONSTANTINOPLE ; and being but weakly man●●d , and worse furnished of marriners , might easily be ouertaken vpon the way , and ouerthrowne . But Don Iohn was not by any meanes to be thereunto persuaded , pretending , that he was by the king commaunded forthwith to returne . So the expectation of great matters to haue been this yeare done , came to nought but vanished into smoake : and nothing performed worth so long a discourse , more than to see with what difficultie great actions are managed , wherein the hands of many great ones are required ; who jealous of their owne honour , or enuying at others , corrupt with delaies the fairest opportunities , and by their crosse dealing , no lesse than the enemie , hinder the common good whereat they would all fainest seeme to aime . From CORCYRA Don Iohn departed to MESSSANA , and Columnius vnto ROME . Fuscarinus with greater honour than successe , returned to VENICE ; where he was with great joy receiued , both of the Senat and the citisens in generall : and so ( no lesse famous for his patience and moderation towards the other confederats , than for his pollicie and valour ) with the good liking of all men gaue vp his charge , in few yeares after to receiue a greater . About this time , Amida king of TVNES ( of whom much is before spoken in the life of Solyman ) being but a little before driuen out of his kingdome by the Turkes ( who had of long by little and little encroached vpon him ) and as a priuat man liued in exile with his two sonnes at GVLETTA with Franciscus Touares Gouernour thereof : hearing of the great ouerthrow of the Turkes at LEPANTO , and of the good successe of the Christians , sent embassadours to Don Iohn Generall of the confederat princes then lying in SICILIA , humbly requesting his aid for the recouerie of his kingdome , promising to defray the whole charges of the warre , and for euer to hold his kingdome of the king of SPAINE , as his vassaile and tributarie . Which his request well considered of , and the matter thought of no small consequence , for the safetie of the Christian countries lying ouer against that part of AFFRICKE , to haue so dangerous an enemie remoued : Don Iohn the yeare following ( in the beginning of October ) by the commaundement of the king of SPAINE his brother , departing from DREPANVM in SICILIA with an hundred and fiue gallies and fortie ships , arriued the next day about noone at GVLETTA , where the gallies of MALTA came vnto him ; and shortly after , Io. Andreas Auria the Admirall with nineteene mo ; and Columnius the Popes Admirall with fourteene mo , all well appointed . At his arriuall at GVLETTA , he vnderstood by Amida and the Gouernour , the whole estate both of the citie , and of the kingdome of TVNES : and that the Turkes and Moores , terrified with so great a fleet , were about to forsake the citie . Wherefore hauing well viewed the place , he the next day after landed his forces about foure miles from the citie , and sent 2500 footmen before the rest of the armie to the citie ; who found it all desolat , the Turks and Moors being before for feare fled , some to CARAVANA , some to BISERTA : who entring without resistance , came to the castle , wherein they found two hundred Moores , who said , they kept it for Amida their king ; but yet would by no meanes suffer the Christians to enter . All which was forthwith made knowne to Don Iohn , who then because it was almost night would not moue , but early the next morning set forward with his whole armie : and entring the citie before abandoned by the inhabitants , and so comming to the castle , found nothing therein , but great store of oyle , butter , and wooll . Amida the late king , by the commaundement of Don Iohn , all this while staied at GVLETTA . But whilest Don Iohn was yet at TVNES , newes was brought vnto him the thirteenth of October , That the Turks garrison before fled out of TVNES , with diuers Moores , comming to BISERTA , were there kept out by the citisens and not suffered to enter : For which cause they began to burne and spoile the countrey thereabout . Whereupon the Generall sent Touares the captaine of GVLETTA thither with part of the armie ; who encountring with those Turks , ouerthrew them , and had the citie by the citisens peaceably deliuered vnto him . The kingdome of TVNES thus easily once againe recouered from the Turkes , Don Iohn throughly enforced of the faithlesse and cruell dealing of Amida the late king , and that in detestation of the Christians and their religion , he had alreadie had intelligence with the Turkes , and procured the death of some of the Christians : gaue this definitiue sentence vpon him , being yet in the castle of GVLETTA : That for as much as he had of long time been the authour of great discord , and endlesse troubles in that kingdome , and had most vnnaturally depriued Muleasses his father , first of his kingdome , and afterward of his sight ; and in like manner tyrannized ouer his naturall brethren , the rightfull heires of that kingdome , whereby the Turks had taken occasion both to inuade and possesse the same : he should therefore by the commaundement of the king of SPAINE , be carried prisoner with his two sonnes into SICILIA , there to remaine for euer . Which heauie doome hee taking most grieuously , and yet crying out for mercie , was forthwith thrust into a gallie , and with his wife and children transported into SICILIA , there to liue in perpetuall exile : the just reward of his mercilesse and vnnaturall dealing with his father and brethren , God no doubt requiting him with the like measure he had before measured vnto them . After that ( the king of SPAINE so commaunding ) Mahomet , Amida his elder brother , and right heire of that kingdome , was appointed king in his place : who departing from GVLETTA to TVNES , was receiued as king , and there by solemne oath promised for euer to be the king of SPAINE his vassaile , and to doe whatsoeuer he should commaund . There was before departed out of TVNES fortie thousand Moores , who now came and offered their supplication to Don Iohn , that they might againe returne and liue with their new king : which their request being easily granted , they in great numbers euerie day returned into the citie . Shortly after , fifteene hundred Turks , with three thousand of those wild people which some call Arabians , some Alarbes , sore troubled all the passages about the citie ; who were at last by the Christians ouerthrowne , and an hundred and fiftie Christians whom they had taken prisoners , rescued . After that , Don Iohn by the aduise of his most expert and skilfull captaines , commaunded a strong castle to be built in the middle way betwixt GVLETTA and TVNES : and for the performing thereof , lest Gabriell Serbellio with two thousand Italians , and Salazar a Spaniard with other two thousand at GVLETTA . And so hauing performed that he came for , and disposed of all things as he thought best , returned againe into SICILIA . A griefe of griefes it is , and sorrow almost vnconsolable , when worthie actions most happily begun , sort not to such happie end as was in reason hoped for . The greatest and the most famous victorie of all ages gained against the Turke , seemed to haue lightened the Christian common-weale : and great hope there was , that the Christians falling into vnitie among themselues , would by an happie exchange make the Turkish empire the seat of their warres ; and to turne into the Turkes dominions , the terrour , slaughter , and other calamities of warre , which had so many yeares afflicted the Christian common-weale . But by how much the more the joy was amidst such daily calamities and teares ; so much greater was the sorrow , so great an hope to be come to nought , and men to be so blinded with the darknesse of enuie and disdaine , that they could not so much as thinke with what dishonour and danger of the common state , they should shrinke from so just , so honourable , and so needfull a seruice , including in it selfe the generall good of all Christendome . When posteritie shall consider what things might then haue beene done , and the deuises whereby the common cause was ouerthrowne ; it will worthily blame , and greatly lament so notable a victorie and fit opportunitie , sent as it were from heauen , for the effecting of great matters , to haue been let slip and passed ouer so lightly regarded . This made , that they who before had reposed all their hope in armes , had now no other confidence or hope of their welfare , but in concluding of peace . Truly the Venetians both spoke and thought honourably of king Phillip , as of a most faithfull , just , deuout , and honourable prince : yet greatly blaming his officers , and others of great authoritie about him , as men more regarding their owne priuat , than the good of the Christian common-weale . In these perplexities of the Venetians , king Phillip promised them to set forth a greater and stronger fleet against the next yere , and to be sooner in readinesse with all his forces and warlike prouision , and so to help them in all he might : who for all that , gaue small credit vnto those promises , for that with the like they had been oftentimes before deceiued . And therefore as trusting most vnto their owne strength , they with all carefulnesse and expedition entertained mo souldiors ; of whom , some they put into their fleet , the rest they placed in their garrisons , in CRETE , in DALMATIA , and their frontier townes in EPIRVS . Neither were the Turkes then idle , as the report went ; yet were they thought to manage that warre with greater fame than strength : for they had of purpose giuen it out , That they would the next Spring with diuers armies , inuade the Venetian territories in CRETE , in DALMATIA , in EPIRVS , yea and in ITALIE it selfe ; and with their innumerable multitude both of horse and foot , so ouerwhelme the Venetians , that they should not be able possibly to hold out . This & more too they brauely vaunted of : but in deed Vluzales comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , had brought his fleet so shaken and so weake , as that it seemed not possible , but in long time to be againe repaired , and furnished with souldiors and marriners , in stead of them that had been lost , some in fight , but moe by the contagiousnesse of the infection . But howsoeuer the matter stood , the Venetians carefull with the expectation of great matters , and in small hope of good successe , comparing their owne strength with the strength of the enemie : yet were they no lesse discouraged with the delayes and crosse dealing of the confederats , than with all the prouision of the enemie . It stucke in their minds , how that the Spaniards at such time as CYPRVS might haue beene defended , delayed their comming so long , that NICOSIA . ●●●ng lost , it was time to returne : Neither could they forget that lingering delay to haue beene the cause of the great mortalitie amongst their men , lying in the fleet at IADERA : They remembred also , that the commodities , which of so notable a victorie were most plentifully to haue beene reaped , were by the slender prosecuting of the same , so sparingly taken , that the former dangers still remained : And that Don Iohn , who ought by appointment to haue beene at CORCYRA in the beginning of Summer , was scarcely come thither in the latter end of August : and that he in the third yeare of this warre , at such time as their fleet was with great labour and charge againe repaired , would not or listed not to aduenture to haue againe ouerthrowne the enemies fleet , but in the very action to haue alwayes trifled away the greatest part of Summer , before his Spaniards could set forward : and when hee might safely haue come to CERI●O , to haue called backe Fuscarinus and the rest , then facing of the enemie , and euen readie to haue giuen him battell : It was then secretly suspected , the Spaniards to haue stayed of purpose , and to haue dallied on the time , that the Venetians hauing spent their forces might be the more exposed and subject to their injuries : It stucke fast not in their minds onely , but euen almost in their eyes , what things had happened of former times in their confederations with that nation : They were grieued in the space of three yeares an hundred times , twentie hundred thousand duckats to haue beene to little or small purpose spent in that warre : Besides that , they doubted least the Flemmings with their confederates should so entangle the king of SPAINE in defending of his owne territories , as that he should not be at leisure to send any aid into the East : in which case , what hope or helpe were they to looke for ? How should they then defend the rest of their Seigniorie in the East ? How should their emptie cofers suffice to maintaine so great armies both by sea and land , as might withstand so puissant an enemie ? Long were the discourses , and effectuall the persuasions , that the Venetians had amongst themselues , to induce one another , and all in generall more circumspectly to consider , not onely what had alreadie passed , or was presently in hand ; but also right warily to foresee , what would be the course and what the euent of a matter so important : and betime to breake off the confederation , which they had alwayes found to haue stood them in small stead . In reuoluing of these things , onely one remedie seemed most effectuall for the curing of their afflicted state : which was , By desisting from warre , to conclude a peace with the Turke , howsoeuer : which they were the rather in good hope to obtaine , for that diuers speeches concerning the same had passed at CONSTANTINOPLE , and were from thence againe reported at VENICE . All men thus enclining to peace , the Senat referred the proceeding therein vnto M. Antonius Barbarus their embassadour ( who all the time of these wars had lien in safe custodie at CONSTANTINOPLE ) willing him therein to vse the helpe of the French embassadour , who had alwayes beene a persuader of peace . Selymus hauing got the island of CYPRVS and diuers other places from the Venetians , and yet well wearied with the harmes and losses he had himselfe receiued both by sea and land , was also desirous ynough of peace . So that the French embassadour might , as it was thought , haue got a reasonable and indifferent peace , if he had but expected the opportunitie of time : But he , ( whether mooued with the common harmes , or some other secret causes to him best knowne ) in making too much hast , and seeming too desirous of peace , much hurt the common cause of the Venetians , which he most desired to haue furthered . Selymus hauing found him , resolued with Muhamet the great Bassa , what he would haue done : who at such time as the same embassador came vnto him about the matter , told him , That he had himselfe many times mooued , yea and so farre forth as he might importuned his great lord and master for peace , but could neuer find him willing to heare thereof , vntill that now at length ouercome and wearied with the continuall sollicitation of such as might doe most with him , he had yeelded thereunto . So the thing that Selymus himselfe vndoubtedly desired , that the craftie Bassa seemed him with much difficultie to graunt , rather vpon the instance and contemplation of them that laboured for the same , than for any desire he had thereunto of himselfe . For certaine dayes at the first the French embassadour was most courteously heard , and the Bassa with faire and cunning speech promised that the matter of pacification should easily and in short time be composed : and so at their first conferences things passed rather in generall tearmes , than that any conditions of peace were particularly agreed vpon : onely this was on both parties consented vnto , That the Venetians should send their embassadour of purpose , for the full concluding and confirming of the desired peace . Which charg●●as by the Senat committed to Iacobus Superantius , in whose wisdome and valour they had reposed great hope and confidence . He was no sooner come to CONSTANTINOPLE , and the Turks deliuered of the feare of the Christian sword by the dissolution of the confederation , but that all things were changed ; and the Venetians glad perforce to endure the proud lookes of the Turkes , their disdainefull eares , their despightfull speeches , their long and insolent attendance , with many other shamefull indignities : Yea the Bassa was so shamelesse , as proudly to aske them , How they durst be so bold , as to impugne the great emperour Selymus his fleet at sea ? Whereunto the embassadour answered , That the Venetians had alwayes honoured the majestie of the Turkish emperours , neither had at any time taken vp armes against them , but in their owne reasonable defence , when force was by force to be repulsed ; a thing lawfull euen for the wild beasts in the wide wildernesse to doe . At the first entreatie of the peace , the Bassa seemed to put the Venetian embassadour in good hope , that the Venetians according to his request should enjoy their territories in DALMATIA in as ample manner as in former times , and bounded with the same bounds , whereof they had in these warres lost some part about IADERA . But when the matter should haue come to the shutting vp , the Turke began to shrinke from that he had before promised , refusing not onely the restitution of the territorie they had indeed by treason got ; but by cautelous expositions of his meaning , framing the conclusion of the present peace vnto the forme of their former leagues , required , That as the Turks had then yeelded vnto them MALVASIA and NAVPLIVS , so now they should redeliuer vnto them other two places of like worth and importance : As for not restoring the territorie they had taken about IADERA , to colour their deceit , they pretended , That they might not by their law restore vnto the Christians any towne or place , wherein were any church or temple dedicated or conuerted vnto the Mahometane religion , as was there ; and further , That the same territorie was alreadie giuen by Selymus in reward to his souldiours , men of desert , from whom without great injurie it might not be againe taken . Hereupon the French embassadour complained , That promises were not performed : & the Venetians so fietted , that they were euen about to haue returned , as men shamefully deluded , without concluding of any thing . Yet when no better could be obtained , the Turke still standing vpon so hard tearmes , the embassadours by the appointment of the Senat concluded a peace with the Turke , whereof these were the cheefe capitulations : first , That the Venetians should giue vnto Selymus three hundred thousand duckats ; one hundred to be presently payed , and the other two hundred by equall portions in two years next following : then , That the marchants goods should be indifferently on both sides restored : and lastly , That such places of the Venetians as the Turke was alreadie possessed of , should still remaine vnto the Turkes ; but that such townes or places as the Venetians had taken in the Turkes dominion , should be againe forthwith restored . For the first payment of the money , the Turke was earnest , thereby as by a fine for an offence committed , to make this league vnto him more honourable . This peace at CONSTANTINOPLE concluded the eleuenth day of Februarie , in the yeare 1574 , was by the decree of the Senat confirmed : and afterwards the thirteenth of Aprill following solemnely proclaimed in VENICE , to the great wonder of the other confederates . For the better satisfying of whom , the Popes Nuntio , with the embassadour of SPAINE , were sent for into the Senat house . And although there were many things that grieued the Venetians , yet did they forbeare all hard speeches , and of that their moderation receiued so much the more honour , as it is more difficultie for an angrie man to ouercome himselfe , than others . The duke with calme and temperate speech , framed to the purpose , declared vnto them , That anger and hope , two euill counsellors , being set apart , he had concluded a peace with the Turke : not for that he was desirous of the Turkes friendship , which what account it was to be made of , he right well knew ; but for the loue he bare to the State , which was not only with losse , but euen with death it selfe , to be maintained . How he had beene spoyled of the kingdome of CYPRVS , he further declared : and that the Venetian state grew euery day weaker and weaker by the continuall war : and that therefore , before it were by losse vpon losse come to the vttermost of extremitie , they not able to maintaine so heauie a warre , were to take some better course for the preseruation of that which was yet alreadie left of their Seigniorie : for that the safetie of the Venetian state should at all times be a sure fortresse and defence for the Christian commonweale against all the furious attempts of the enemie , and vncertaine euents of time . The fame of this sudden and vnexpected peace was for the just and common hatred of the Christians against the Turkes , generally euill taken : and the Venetians for the concluding thereof hardly spoken of , as if they had betrayed the whole Christian commonweale , or at leastwise their confederats . For men were for the most part of opinion , That the Turkes peace would be but fained and deceitfull ; and that hauing gained time to set things in order , according to his desire , he would for the naturall grudge he bare vnto the Christians , come to his old course , and as he had alwayes done , breake the league , and take vp armes . Some said , That the Venetians , forsaken of their friends and confederats , would in their owne deuices perish ; yet so , as that their destruction should turne to the generall harme of all Christendome : and these men were of opinion , That in that case , and against that enemie , a dangerous warre was to be preferred before an vncertaine and dishonourable peace . Neuerthelesse the Venetians , besides that they for the present eased themselues of many an heauie burthen , so haue they thereby enjoyed the fruits of a long and happie peace , and found the same vnto their state both wholesome and profitable euen vntill this day . It was thought by the sequell of matters , that Selymus was the more willing to haue peace with the Venetians , that he might the better recouer the kingdome of TVNES , and the strong castle of GVLETTA from the Spaniards : who with the knights of MALTA now gaped more after TRIPOLIS and the other port townes holden by the Turkes vpon the coast of BARBARIE , than how to defend the Venetians their confederates . Thus with the losse of CYPRVS , and some part of the Venetian territorie in DALMATIA , ended the mortall and bloudie warre betwixt Selymus and the Venetians . In the course whereof is well to be seene , what great matters the vnited forces of the Christian princes were able to doe against this most mightie enemie , if all discord and contention set apart , they would in the quarrell of the Christian religion joyne with heart and hand against him , and fight the battell of Christ Iesus . Selymus now at peace with them who before most troubled him : to keepe his men of warre busied , shortly after conuerted his forces against Iohn , Vayuod of VALACHIA , and so at length joyned all that prouince to his empire . This countrey of VALACHIA was in auntient time called DACIA : it hath on the East the Euxine ( now called the Blacke Sea ) on the South the famous riuer Danubius , on the West TRANSYLVANIA , and on the North RVSSIA . It is deuided into two parts , the one called TRANSALPINA , and the other MOLDAVIA ( of the riuer Moldanus running through the middest thereof ) but farre passing the other both in greatnesse and abundance of pasture . That part called TRANSALPINA , Mahomet ( surnamed the Great , which woon CONSTANTINOPLE ) made subject to the Turkish empire ; but vpon MOLDAVIA , the other part , he only imposed a yearely tribute of two thousand duckats . After which time the Vayuods of that country , aided sometime by the Hungarians , and sometime by the Polonians , rise vp oftentimes against the Turks , and refused to do their homage . It chanced , that Bogdanus , Vayuod of that countrey , fauouring the Polonians , and joyning in league with them , liued much in RVSSIA , as purposing from thence also to haue taken his wife . Which Selymus suspecting , with a great power chased him into exile , and placed in his stead one Iohn ( called of his countrymen Iwan , and of some Iuonia ) the supposed son of Stephanus , sometime Vayuod of that country : who with Ieremias Czarnieuieczius ( a Moldauian , who afterward notably betraied him ) hauing of long time liued amongst the Turks , to be the more gratious amongst them , renounced his faith , and being circumcised , turned Turke : and following the trade of merchandise , became among them a marchant of such fame , that he became very familiar & well acquainted with the great Bassaes of the Court , and at length with Selymus himselfe . Hee vnderstanding by his friends neere about the Turkish emperor of his purpose for the remouing of Bogdanus , corrupted with rewards the great Bassaes , to be mediators for him to Selymus , that commended by them , he might be preferred to be Vayuod of MOLDAVIA ; still encreasing the suspition Selymus had conceiued of Bogdanus , and telling him , That he supported by the Polonians , was like ynough in short time to reject his obedience to his imperiall majestie . Selymus at the instance of the Bassaes nominated this Iohn to bee Vayuod : who with a great power of the Turkes horsemen entring into MOLDAVIA , easily possessed himselfe of the countrey , Bogdanus being then absent in RVSSIA , and as then suspecting no such matter : who yet afterwards attempted in vaine by the helpe of the Polonians to haue againe recouered his countrey , but finding no possibilitie so to doe , fled afterwards into MVSCOVIA , where he long time after liued . Iohn now quietly possessed of MOLDAVIA , for some few years held the same with the good liking of the Turke , paying him his wonted tribute : but afterwards repenting himselfe of his wicked reuolt from the Christian faith , and now eftsoones againe embracing the same , and ( ignorant of his owne fortune ) persecuting with too much seueritie those which withstood his comming into the countrey , especially such great men as tooke part with Bogdanus ; and now after his returne vnto the Christian faith , not fauouring the Turkes as he was wont , but crossing them in many matters , became suspitious both vnto Selymus and the Bassaes his old friends . Which the Vayuod of the lesser VALACHIA ( commonly called VALACHIA TRANSALPINA ) vnderstanding , he became a suter vnto the great Bassaes of the Court for his brother Peter , and earnestly trauelled with them , That as Iohn supported by Selymus , had driuen Bogdanus out of MOLDAVIA , so Peter his brother might in like manner by his helpe driue Iohn out also . In which his sute he spared for no cost , neither ceased by malicious suggestions to encrease the suspition alreadie conceiued of Iohn the Vayuod : who hauing rejected the Mahometane religion , and againe embraced the Christian faith , would ( as he said ) in short time , as had Bogdanus , joyne hands with the Polonians , and cast off his obedience towards the great Sultan , by whom he had beene so highly promoted . Beside that , this malicious man offered , That his brother Peter for such his preferment should pay yearely vnto Selymus twice so much more as did Iohn , namely an hundred and twentie thousand duckats by the name of a tribute . The Bassaes before corrupted and mooued with the greatnesse of the tribute , persuaded Selymus , by an embassadour to send for Iohn the Vayuod , to come vnto him himselfe in person , and to commaund him to giue place to such a man as he should send thither in his stead : which if he should refuse to doe , then to denounce vnto him open warre . Hereunto Selymus , who had euen then much emptied his cofers with the losse of his fleet in the battell of LEPANTO , & the chargeable warres against the Venetians , was easily induced : and to that purpose sent his embassadour to the Vayuod ; who hauing audience the one and twentieth of Februarie , at the same time that Henry Valois , afterward the French king was crowned at CRACOVIA , deliuered his message as followeth : Selymus the great emperour of the Turkes sendeth me vnto thee Iohn , Vayuod of VALACHIA his tributarie , with this commaund ( whereunto his pleasure is , that thou shouldest without delay send him answere : ) first hee chargeth thee to send him not such a tribute as hee was wont , but twice so much more , to wit , an hundred and twentie thousand duckats . If thou shalt refuse so to doe , there is another readie to giue it , both for himselfe and his posteritie . But Selymus mindfull of thy constancie , fidelitie , and valour , will not be troublesome to thee in thy gouernment , if thou foorthwith send the aforesaid tribute . Which if thou shalt refuse to doe , then his will is , that thou shouldest giue place to another , and thy selfe returne with me to CONSTANTINOPLE , there to answere the matter : otherwise I am in his name to denounce all hostilitie , and the calamities of warre both vnto thee and thy countrey . This proud message of the embassador strucke further into the mind of the Vayuod than any would haue thought : yet dissembling his greefe , he commanded him to be brought to the lodging appointed for him , telling him , That in a matter of so great importance , and so much concerning the whole state of his countrey , he could not giue him so present answer as he required ; but that vpon mature deliberation had with his nobilitie and counsell , he would in short time answere him accordingly . The embassadour being gone to his lodging , the Vayuod forthwith began deepely to consider of Selymus his demaunds ; and that in the Turkes faith was no assurance , which he kept or brake with the Christian princes , as best fitted his owne turne : and besides that , that if he should graunt to pay that so great and heauie a tribute , in so great pouertie of his kingdome , sore wasted with ciuile warre , Selymus would not be therewith long contented , so long as any man would giue him more , but happily would the next yeare exact a greater , and in the end such an one as he with all his subjects should not be able to pay ; which it should not be safe for him at any time to refuse , so long as any man would giue it . Wherefore calling togither the nobilitie and states of his countrey , he brake with them in this sort . If euer you were to consult and deliberat of a most important and difficult matter , this verily is that time : for Selymus the Turkish emperour , enflamed with insatiable auarice , and I know not by whose persuasion , not contented with his wonted tribute , exacteth of vs twise so much more . If you shall grant it , it shall not much concerne me , as not to be paied by me your soueraigne , but by your selues and your posteritie : if we denie it , forthwith he denounceth vnto vs fire and sword , with all the calamities of warre . And in this barenesse of our kingdome , almost spoiled by ciuile warres , how shall we be able to pay it him ? wherefore declare your mindes . Verily I foresee , that if you shall in this yeeld vnto Selymus , and grant him so great a tribute , he will not therewith long hold himselfe contented , but euerie yeare extort a greater , vntill he haue altogither eaten vs vp . Wherefore it were better for vs ( in mine opinion ) to lose our liues togither with our wiues and children , than to suffer so great an indignitie : neither is it mine owne estate that troubleth me , for why it is you that are to pay it , and not I. Wherefore if you list not to endure this so dishonourable and base a seruitude , let me forthwith so vnderstand from you : and I will for my part so prouide , as that I will not onely not pay vnto the barbarous tyrant the new and heauie tribute he demaundeth , but not so much as any tribute at all ; so that you be not wanting both to your selues and me . I know right well ( beloued and fellowes in armes ) what I owe both vnto you and the common-weale , for whose good and welfare I am alwaies readie to lay downe my life . He had no sooner thus said , but that a secret sorrow and vnwonted silence , had as it were oppressed the whole assembly . At length , as men awaked out of an heauie and dead sleepe , they murmured among themselues , that the Turkish emperour should so without reason oppresse them , with doubling and redoubling of his tribute : and were generally of opinion , That the Vayuod had not so plainely as truly spoken of the intollerablenesse thereof : and that therefore they had rather die , than to endure so great dishonour , joyned with so foule a slauerie . And thereupon offered vnto the Vayuod to serue vpon their owne charge , and with him vpon the banke of Danubius to meet the proud enemie , and there in defence of their liues and libertie , to fight it out vnto the last man. The Vayuod in few words commending their fidelitie , and taking of them an oath for the faithfull performance of that they had so resolutely promised , sent for the Turks embassadour , and gaue him this short answere . I , for the auntient fidelitie and allegeance which I owe vnto my lord and dread soueraigne , the mightie emperour Selymus , would willingly yeeld vnto him the tribute he requireth , were it not that I know the minds of my people to abhorre the same : wishing rather to endure all calamities , hap whatsoeuer hap may , than to yeeld vnto so dishonourable and shamefull slauerie . Wherefore sithence I cannot by any meanes extort the same from my subiects , tell my lord Selymus , That I most humbly request him , not to take the same in euill part ; whose amitie I wish to be vnto me , rather an ornament and refuge , than disgrace or hinderance . And that vpon that good hope I both asked , and for my singular fidelitie obtained of him the Vayuodship of MOLDAVIA : which my good hope I most heartily beseech him may not deceiue me . With this answere he dismissed the embassador vnrewarded , and with a safe conuoy brought him vnto the banke of Danubius : which his homely vsage of the embassadour , caused him not a little to be suspected , to be in mind changed from Selymus . The embassadour sent away , the Vayuod not ignorant of the sudden inuasions of the Turkes , forthwith began to raise his army : and at the same time , sent embassadours vnto Henrie king of POLONIA his neerest neighbour , certifying him of the dangerous state of MOLDAVIA , the surest bulwarke of the Polonian kingdome , which once ouerthrowne , opened a faire and easie way for the common enemie into POLONIA : and therefore requested him , that as the kings of POLONIA had of auntient time , euen for the safetie of their owne state , protected that countrey ; so it would please him now in like manner in so dangerous a time , to giue him aid ; or at leastwise to giue leaue vnto such of his subjects as were willing to serue for entertainment , to come vnto him , whom he would with all honour and bountie vse according to their place and qualitie . Whereunto the king answered , that for as much as he and his predecessours the kings of POLONIA , had for the space of more than an hundred yeares beene in league with the Turkish kings and emperours , he could not either send him aid , or yet giue leaue vnto any of his subjects to serue against the Turke as he desired . With this answere the Vayuod was much troubled , as there deceiued where he most hoped for reliefe : yet hearing of certaine companies of the Polonian Cossacks , which hauing long lien in hope of prey vpon the side of the great riuer Borysthenes , were returning emptie home , he by fit messengers sent of purpose , offered them great entertainment to serue him in his warres against the Turke ; of which his offer , they ( as men liuing for most part by seruice ) gladly accepted ; and so without the knowledge of the king went vnto him , to the number of twelue hundred , with their captaines , men of great courage and valour , of whom Suierceuius was chiefe : who were by the Vayuod honourably entertained , and did him in these wars right worthy seruice . These Cossacks are light horsemen , lying most commonly vpon the borders of the Polonian kingdome towards the Tartars : an hardie and valiant kind of men , whose best liuing , is the spoile they take from the enemie ; and their best lands , their horse and launce . For albeit that the Turkes and Tartars are most commonly in league with the Polonians , and seeme neuer so desirous of peace ; yet doe they oftentimes in great numbers , vpon the sudden breake into the countries of PODOLIA and RVSSIA , part of the Polonian kingdome , and there doe great harme , if they be not in time repressed or cut off by the aforesaid light horsemen , who for that purpose lie alwaies in wait for them , as doth the hawke for the prey . Selymus vnderstanding the answere of Iohn the Vayuod , was therewith exceedingly enraged , and the more by the bitter complaint of the embassadour , who angrie with the Vayuod that he was of him no better regarded nor rewarded , spared not to the vttermost of his power , to incense the angrie emperour against him , as if his honor had been in the person of himselfe contemned and violated . Wherfore without delay , he sent thirtie thousand Turks , and two thousand Hungarians vnto the Palatine of VALACHIA TRANSALPINA , that joyning those forces to his owne , he might take Iohn the Vayuod , and sending him in bonds to CONSTANTINOPLE , to place Peter his brother , Vayuod in his place . The Palatine glad of this commaund , and hauing raised his owne power , togither with the Turks and the Hungarians , swam ouer the riuer Moldauus , hauing in his armie about an hundred and two thousand fighting men : a power , not onely sufficient to haue driuen the Vayuod out of MOLDAVIA , but also to haue shaken a right puissant king in his kingdome . The Palatine in the middest of so great a strength , little fearing , and lesse regarding the sudden comming of the Vayuod , suffered his men with their horses to lie disorderedly here and there , dispersed in the large medowes and pastures all alongst the faire riuers side ; so the better to refresh themselues , wearie of their long trauell . In the meane time certaine scouts came to the Vayuod then at dinner , certifying him , that the enemie with an huge armie , the certaine number wherof they could not well descrie , was come ouer the riuer : and now resting themselues , had turned off their horses into the rich medowes thereabout , in such disordered and carelesse manner , as that they might with a small power be easily ouerthrowne . The Vayuod glad of this newes , forthwith sent before Suierceuius with his Cossacks , and fiue thousand other light horsemen , more certainly to descrie what the enemie did , with the manner of his lying ; and he himselfe with the rest of his armie , followed faire and softly after . Suierceuius with great silence approaching the enemies campe , suddenly light vpon the enemies scouts , in number about fiue hundred ; who enclosed before they were aware , were taken euerie man by the Cossacks , and by them straightly examined of the state of their armie and campe . Who for safegard of their liues now in their enemies power , frankly confessed , how that the Palatine lay securely there by , resting his armie , not so much for the refreshing thereof after his trauell , as with greater strength to set vpon the Vayuod with his fresh souldiours : and that in the armie were about seauentie thousand Valachians , thirtie thousand Turks , and three thousand Hungarians ; who now dispersed , and sleeping in securitie , might easily be ouerthrowne . Of all these things Suierceuius aduertiseth the Vayuod , requesting him with all possible speed to hasten his comming , for the obtaining of a most notable and assured victorie : he in the meane time lying close with his men not farre from the enemie . The Vayuod certified of all these things , came without delay , and forthwith commaunded Suierceuius with his men to giue the onset vpon the enemie : purposing himselfe with the rest of his armie on the other side , to charge the disordered campe in three places . Suierceuius according as he had in charge , with a great and terrible outcrie , suddenly set vpon the secure enemies : who dismaied with the suddennesse of the vnexpected danger , stood as men astonied , not knowing which way to flie , or how to make resistance . But whiles Suierceuius with his light horsemen thus on the one side filleth the campe with tumult , terrour , slaughter , and feare ; behold , euen as a sudden tempest commeth the Vayuod , bearing all the disordered campe downe before him : neither had the enemies any meanes to flie , hauing put their horses a great way off from them into the rich pastures ; but there taken vnarmed , were miserably slain . In all the campe was lamentation and mourning , death raging in euerie place , with such furie , that of so great an armie as of late passed the riuer , few or none escaped , more than the Palatine , with Peter his brother ; who by great chance with much adoe getting horses , swam ouer the riuer , and so came to the castle of BRAILOVIA in VALACHIA ; all the rest were slaine and left to be of the beasts of the field and birds of the aire deuoured . It was a most horrible spectacle to see the ground couered with the bodies of the dead ▪ all stained with gore bloud , and their weapons of all sorts lying by them . In the campe were found great riches , all which the Vayuod gaue vnto his souldiors , and there staied foure daies to refresh his wearied men . After that , he with his victorious armie entred into VALACHIA , the Palatines countrey , where he tooke manie castles and townes , and put to the sword all that came in his way , men , women , and children , without respect of age or sex : and burnt all the countrey townes and villages before him as he went ; so that all that part of the countrey of VALACHIA TRANSALPINA , was couered with smoke and fire , to the terrour of the beholders . The aged fathers were in euerie place drawne forth to slaughter , the young babes were cut in pieces , the matrons and virgins defiled , and afterwards slaine ; and in briefe , all the crueltie that could be deuised , performed : in the bloudie execution whereof , the Vayuod commended his men , persuading them in like manner still to prosecute the victorie , and that the rest of their labours was all but for prey and bootie , for the enriching of themselues . In this hauocke of all things , it was told him , that the Palatine with his brother Peter , the men whom he most sought after were in the castle of BRAILOVIA not farre off : whereupon he forthwith marched thither with his armie . The citie of BRAILOVIA standeth vpon the riuer Danubius , and had in it a castle of some good strength , defended both by the nature of the place , and a strong garrison of the Turks which Selymus had appointed for the keeping thereof , as the key of the countrey : not farre from this citie the Vayuod encamping his armie , writ vnto the captaine of the castle , forthwith to deliuer vnto him the Palatine , with Peter his brother , his mortall enemies ; who neuer wronged by him , had inuaded his countrey , and sought after his life , and being ouerthrowne in battell , were fled vnto him : which if he should refuse to doe , he threatned neuer to depart thence , vntill he had to his farther harme , constrained him by force to yeeld them . These letters he sent by two Valachian captiues , to be deliuered vnto the captaine of the castle : whereunto he returned answere by foure Turkes , two of the citie , and two of his owne seruants , by whom he also sent ten great shot , and as many small , with two Turkish arrowes , and this message . For that I know thee to be the seruant of my dread soueraigne Selymus , I regard thee : and will not denie the same men to be with me , whom thou so much requirest . But for as much as I vnderstand , that thou of late hast slaine a great number of the seruants of the great emperour , who by his commaundement were bringing Peter the brother of the Palatine into MOLDAVIA : I therefore tell thee , that except thou betime raise thy siege , I will feed thee and thy followers , with such dishes as these ; whereupon thou and thine armie gorged to the full , shall all afterwards dangerously surfeit and cast . Farewell . This rough answere so much mooued the Vayuod , that he commaunded hands to be laid vpon the aforesaid foure messengers : and their noses , lips , and eares being cut off , both their feet to be with great nailes fast nailed vnto a long piece of timber , and so with their hands hanging downward , to be set vp before the citie , and so left for the captaine and the citisens to gaze vpon . Signifying withall vnto the captaine that sent them , that he himselfe with the other fugitiues his guests , should in like manner be serued , if they fell into his hands . Immediatly after he assaulted the citie , and vsing the cheerfulnesse of his souldiors , by plaine force tooke the same , the defendants being not able to hold them out . There was made great slaughter of the Turkes , whereas no man was taken to mercie ; the very babes were slain , together with their mothers , and bloud ran like riuers into the Danubius . For the space of foure dayes this bloudie execution endured ▪ no place serued for refuge , euen the most secret and obscure places were searched , and the poore creatures there found , drawne forth and slaine . The furie was so great , that no liuing thing , no not so much as the very dogs , were spared . Much gold , siluer , plate , jewels , and other rich spoyle was there found , all which became a prey vnto the greedie souldiours : for that citie was of all others in those quarters the richest , as a place much frequented , & enjoying long peace , as after such time the Turkes were fully possessed of GRaeCIA , not being troubled with any warres , vntill now , that it was by the Vayuod first ransackt , and afterwards rased downe to the ground , and nothing thereof left standing , more than the bare castle it selfe : which the Vayuod durst not aduenture vpon , for that it was well fortified , and furnished with so strong a garrison , as that it could not without his great losse be taken . Whiles the Vayuod was thus busied in the spoile of BRAILOVIA , newes was brought vnto him of the comming of fifteene thousand Turkes to the reliefe of the castle : against whom hee forthwith sent Suierceuius with his Cossackes , and other eight thousand Moldauian horsemen ; who suddenly comming vpon the Turks , disordered and fearing no such matter , slew almost fourteene thousand of them , and chased the rest vnto the castle of TEINA . Of this victory Suierceuius in all hast certified the Vayuod ; and withall , that there was another great power of the Turkes comming , which might easily be also ouerthrowne , if he leauing the siege of the castle of BRAILOVIA , would without delay come and joyne his forces with his . He glad of that news , and well perceiuing how difficult and dangerous that siege would be vnto him , rise forthwith with his armie , and went to Suierceuius : and afterwards vpon conference had with him , laid siege to TEINA : which citie taken without much labour , he put to sword all the people found therein , not leauing one aliue : and by the seruice of Suierceuius ouerthrew the Turks comming towards BRAILOVA . Selymus in the meane time much troubled with the proceedings of the Vayuod , and doubting to be quite thrust out of VALACHIA TRANSALPINA ( which he was like ynough to haue beene , had not the treason of Czarnieuiche hindered the matter ) prepared new forces for that seruice , and after the manner of the Turks , in time of their greatest distresse appointed generall supplications and prayers to be made vnto his prophet Mahomet , for the better successe of his wars , the vndoubted signe of his feare . The Vayuod after so many victories against the Turkes , purposing for a while to breake vp his great armie , called vnto him his old friend Ieremias Czarnieuiche , vnto whom , as vnto the man he of all others most trusted , he had resolued to commit the charge , with part of his armie , to keepe the Turks from passing againe ouer the riuer Danubius into his countrey : and in deliuering to him his charge , spake vnto him as followeth : Sith fortune hath hitherto answered our desires ( worthie Czarnieuiche ) with most rare and perpetuall successe against the Turkes , our most cruell enemies , we are thankefully to take the same , and to render most humble and heartie thankes vnto Almightie God , that it hath pleased him , the author of all victorie , so to haue prospered our endeuours against these fierce and deuouring enemies . Now what remaineth for the present , but to disband mine armie , wearied with labour and trauell , and to giue my soldiors leaue to depart home to rest themselues , that so I may as occasion shall require againe vse their fresh forces for our better seruice : you in the meane time with thirteene thousand of my select souldiors , shall lie vpon the side of Danubius , to keepe the Turkes from passing the riuer . Haue good regard I pray you vnto this your charge , which I vpon an especiall trust , grounded vpon your antient loue and fidelitie , haue at this time imposed vpon you . And let me from time to time with all expedition vnderstand from you of euery motion of the enemie , that so we may in due time prouide for him accordingly . And so in token of his greater fauour , taking his leaue of him with a kisse ( as the manner of those people is ) gaue leaue vnto the greatest part of his souldiors to depart home , yet with this charge , to be alwayes in readinesse whensoeuer they should be called vpon . Czarnieuiche hauing receiued his charge , and promising vnto the Vayuod the vttermost of his faithfull deuoire , went towards Danubius , and there most carefully kept the passages with continuall watch and ward . It was not long but that great numbers of the Turkes were come downe to the other side of the riuer , and moe were still comming , yet none of them was so hardie as to aduenture the great riuer ; Czarnieuiche with his horsemen lying in the faces of them , readie to receiue them on the other side . Which the Bassa whom Selymus had sent with his armie , perceiuing , sent certaine men pickt out for the purpose , to Czarnieuiche , to sound him , if he might by any meanes be drawne to come ouer , in secret to talke with him : and the more to mooue him , beside his conduct for his safetie , sent him by the same messengers thirtie thousand Hungarian duckats for a present . With which so faire a bait Czarnieuiche allured , receiued the money , and faithfully promised to come . And so shortly after , secretly passing ouer the riuer , had conference with Peter the Palatines brother , who then lay on the further side of Danubius , with a great power of the Turkes . In this conference , Peter declared vnto him in how great danger the Vayuod stood ; and how highly Selymus was offended with him , That he his tributarie and vassale should worke the destruction of his so great armies : which his heauie displeasure he could no otherwise satisfie but with his head : and that therfore he should no longer rule in MOLDAVIA , for that gouernment was by the great emperour giuen vnto him . Wherefore ( said he ) if thou be wise , whilest it is yet in thy power , gaine the good will of Selymus by some good desert : for an easie matter it is to begin any warre , but an hard matter to end the same . For as much as it is not alwayes in the same mans power to begin warres , and at his pleasure to make an end . Euery foole may when he list enter into armes , but must lay the same downe when it pleaseth the conquerour . Now you haue a faire oportunitie , and it is in your owne power to procure his friendship for euer , better standing with your affaires than war. And albeit you may hope well of the power of the Vayuod , yet wisedome would not , that you should preferre vncertaineties before things certaine : you haue now receiued thirtie thousand duckats , the earnest of your further deserts ; which shall hereafter haue also their due rewards in most full and bountifull measure . Wherfore if you will doe your selfe good , and prouide both for your safetie and preferment , confound not your owne good fortune , with the broken and desperat state of the Vayuod , but suffer the Turks to passe as friends ouer the riuer of Danubius . For I am come ( said he ) with a great and puissant armie from the mightie Selymus , to take vpon me the gouernment of MOLDAVIA , and to send the Vayuod in bonds to CONSTANTINOPLE : and of me , being once Vayuod , what is it that for so great desert thou and thine may not aske and obtaine ? Wherefore I pray thee conceale the comming of the Turks , and withdraw thy selfe from the riuer : so shall we , passing ouer the riuer with our populous armie , easily oppresse the Vayuod with all his power , and at once reuenge all the former injuries and disgraces done both vnto Selymus and vs. With greedie men what will not the foule desire of gold worke ? Czarnieuiche ouercome with the golden promises of Peter , and forgetfull of his faith before giuen vnto the Vayuod , yeelded vnto all he requested : and drawing his forces further off from the riuer , as if it had been for his more safetie , gaue the Turks free passage . There was then in the Turks armie two hundred thousand men , well appointed , and furnished with great ordinance and all other things necessarie both for the field and for siege , who by the sufferance of the false traitour passed quietly ouer the riuer . Czarnieuiche forthwith posting to the Vayuod , certified him , how that the Turks trusting to their multitude , had passed the riuer of Danubius , against whom he was not able ( as he said ) to make head : and that therefore he should doe well , without delay to goe against them with such forces as he had then in readinesse ; which joyned vnto his , might easily ouerthrow them . Glad was the Vayuod of this newes , and filled with the hope of good successe , demaunded of him what strength the enemie might be of ? They are ( said he ) not much aboue twelue thousand that be already come ouer , but are still comming more and more , and will before your comming thither be aboue fifteene thousand . The Vayuod lay then at the siege of the castle of TEINA ( hauing before taken the citie ) but hearing this newes , raised his siege , and so in foure dayes came and encamped within three miles of the enemie : and forthwith sent forth Suierceuius with his Cossackes , and Veremias Generall of the horsemen , with six thousand horse , to take view of the enemies campe , and to vnderstand what might be of their designes . These two captaines marching together , chanced to fall vpon the Turkes scouts , in number about six thousand horsemen , with whom they had a light skirmish , and in a short time put them to flight . Of these scouts they tooke one , and him grieuously wounded : who being examined of the strength of the enemie , and feeling himselfe wounded to death , told them dissemblingly , that the Turks were not in number many . But the Cossackes doubting of the truth of that report , and probably conjecturing by so great a number of scouts , that the enemie was of farre greater strength than was supposed or reported ; quickly certified the Vayuod thereof , wishing him in time to prouide for the safetie of himselfe and his armie , and not too much to trust Czarnieuiche , whom they had a good while before suspected . But the Vayuod nothing doubting of the faith of him whom he had of long time found most faithfull in the time of his hardest distresse , and vsed as a most trustie companion in all his trauels , answered nothing , but that he knew whom he trusted ; and that it was not now time to stand in doubt , or to be afraid ; and that he would ere long come and take a view of the enemies campe himselfe : for that he was not come so farre to flie , but to fight in defence of his countrey and subjects , euen to the last gaspe . And so fortifying his campe neere vnto a lake that runneth out of Danubius ( for the more conuenient watering of his armie ) he set forward with all his power against the enemie . Neere vnto the enemies campe was an high hill , from whence the Vayuod had thought to haue descried the number of them , with the manner of their lying : but comming thither , he could descrie nothing but foure companies of scouts afarre off , one companie from another ; who also vpon the sight of the Moldauians withdrew themselues of purpose out of sight vnto the armie , which then lay in a low valley behind an hill , not to be discouered vntill a man were almost vpon it . The Vayuod suspecting the enemie to be at hand , deuided his horsemen , in number thirtie thousand , into thirtie companies , and placing before euery companie certaine field pieces , so marched readie to giue battell . His footmen , in number many , a rude and homely kind of people , but vnto him of all others most faithfull , and armed with such countrey weapons as they had , he placed by themselues . So marching on , he came to another hill , from whence he might not farre off easily descrie the huge armie of the enemie , and how he had been by the treason of Czarnieuiche deceiued : whereupon he presently sent for him ; who sent him word backe againe , That he could not now come , the enemie being so nigh at hand , but that he should forthwith see him in the field as forward as the forwardest against the enemie . Czarnieuiche had then vnder his commaund thirteene thousand of the most choice souldiors in the armie : who vpon the signall of battell on both sides giuen ( for the Turkes were now also readie ) first according to his promise set forward , as if it had beene to haue giuen the onset : but being come neere vnto the enemie , forthwith ( as he had before agreed ) caused his ensigne to be let fall , and his men with their caps vpon the points of their speares and swords , in token of their voluntarie yeelding and submission , to bow downe their heads and bodies ; whom the Turkes with their speares and launces holden vp on high , joyfully receiued as their friends , or rather as men taken to mercie . The rest of the armie almost discouraged with this so sudden a reuolt of so great a man , retired in hast to the Vayuod , crying out vnto him , that all was lost . But he nothing discouraged therewith ( as a most resolute man in the most sudden dangers ) with comfortable words cheared them vp , willing them as couragious men to follow him against the enemie , whom they in all things exceeded , excepting number , which alwayes gaue not the victorie . The Turkes perceiuing the Moldauians lately reuolted vpon the joyning of the battell ( as men in conscience wounded ) to shrinke backe , thrust them perforce into the head of their battell , making of them no more account , but to blunt the enemies swords ; and such as hung backe , they themselues slew : vpon whom as false traitors the Vayuod caused his field pieces to be most furiously discharged ; so that most part of these trecherous men there slaine , some by the Turkes , some by their owne friends , receiued the just reward of their infidelitie and treason , accompanied with perpetuall infamie . Ouer the dead bodies of these traitors the Turkes comming on , were at the first notably encountered by the Moldauians ; and after a most cruell fight , as if they had beene discouraged , began to retire , but indeed of purpose to haue drawn the Christians before they were aware , within the danger of their great ordinance , and ambushes , which they had before aptly and couertly placed for that purpose . Which Suierceuius well acquainted with the Turkes finenesse , perceiuing , with much adoe staied their further pursute , and so auoided the danger prepared for them . The Turks deceiued of their expectation , came on againe afresh , with no lesse furie than at the first : whom the Christians right valiantly receiued , and made with them a most cruell and mortall battell ; wherein many both of the Turkes and Christians fell , and neuer rise againe . But what was so small a power against such a world of men ? After long fight , the Moldauians oppressed with the multitude of their enemies , began to giue ground : and seeing no other remedie , but either to flie or to die , betooke themselues to flight , wherein most part of them were slaine , the furious enemie still hardly pursuing them at the heeles : of the Cossackes were left onely two hundred and fiftie . The horsemen ( the chiefest strength of the Vayuod ) thus by the treason of Charniauiche ouerthrowne , the Vayuod with twentie thousand footmen , and such horsemen as had now after the battell joyned themselues vnto the footmen , retired vnto a towne not farre off , which he but a little before had rased ; but was now glad in the ruines thereof to fortifie himselfe against the sudden and furious assaults of the Turks : who the same night so beset the Vayuods campe with such a multitude of men , that no man could go in or out of the campe ; or the vttermost part of that hugie armie be from any place descried . The next day ( which was the eleuenth of Iune ) the Turkes shot diuers great shot into the Vayuods campe , but to small purpose , for the Christians had ( for so short a time ) notably fortified themselues within the ruines of the old towne . Which the Turks well perceiuing , and withall considering how hard and dangerous a matter it would be to assault the Vayuod in his strength : they sent messengers vnto him , to persuade him without delay to yeeld himselfe , and to repose more trust in the mercie of the Turks , than in his owne broken forces ; especially in his so hard distresse , being so beset , as that he could not possibly escape , and out of hope of all reliefe ; and therefore should by such voluntarie yeelding , seeke for grace of his enemies , rather than by a desperat obstinacie to cast himselfe into a most certaine destruction , where no mercie was to be expected . Whereunto the Vayuod answered , That he was not ignorant into what danger he was brought , rather by the treason of Charniauiche and his followers , than by the valour of the enemie ; yet had left with him a strong power of most valiant and resolute men , who would in his quarrell and defence of themselues , sell their liues verie deare vnto the Turks : neuerthelesse , that to auoid the farther effusion of bloud , he could for his part be content to yeeld vnto his hard fortude , so that the great commaunders of the Turks armie would condiscend vnto such reasonable conditions as he should propound , and for the performance thereof giue him their faith , not once or twise , but seauen times by solemne oath to be taken . Of this his offer the Turks accepted , willing him to set downe the conditions : which were , first that the Polonian Cossackes might in safetie depart into their countrey , with their horses and armour : then , that they should without any violence offered to his person , send him aliue and in good safetie vnto the great emperour Selymus , before him to answere his owne cause : as for the Moldauians , he said he needed not to couenant any thing , for that the injurie offered vnto them tended also to the hurt of the emperor himselfe , and of him whom he should appoint Vayuod , whose subjects they were . These conditions ( as reasonable ) were well liked of the Turkes , and so according to his desire , confirmed seauen times by the solemne oath of euerie captaine and commaunder in the armie , both for themselues and their followers . Vpon this agreement , the Vayuod brought all his armie out of the trenches wherein they had lien strongly encamped , and there with heauie heart tooke his last leaue of his souldiors , to the generall griefe of them all : amongst whom he diuided such money and jewels as he had , as a remembrance of his kindnesse . And there in the sight of them all disarming himselfe , accompanied onely with Osmolius a Polonian , went in manner of a suppliant vnto the Turks campe , where he had full foure houres talke with the great commanders of the armie ; vntill that at last Capucius Bassa ( either offended with his speech , or vnmindfull of his faith before giuen ) with his scimitar vpon the sudden strucke him a great blow ouerthwart the face , and an other crosse the bellie : whom so wounded , and as yet but halfe dead , the Ianizaries tooke and cut off his head , which was forthwith set vp vpon a launce , for all men to behold . His dead bodie they bound by the feet vnto two camels , and so shamefully tore it in pieces : and happie was he that could get any little piece thereof , or embrue his sword with the least drop of his bloud . This was the lamentable & wofull end of Iohn the Vayuod of MOLDAVIA , a right valiant and worthie man , shamefully murthered by the perfidious Turkes , who had he beene more constant in the Christian faith , had not happily fallen into so great miserie . Whose wofull fall may serue as a most notable example of the vncertaintie of these worldly things : for as no man for a time had of the Turkes moe or more glorious victories , so in the end , and as it were in demonstration of mans fragilitie , no man perished more miserably . The Vayuod thus perfidiously murthered , the Turkes with like treacherie forthwith set vpon the Moldauians , and slew them downeright as beasts appointed for the slaughter . Which the Cossackes beholding , and hoping for no better measure , thrust themselues into the thickest of their enemies , and there valiantly fighting were all slaine , except some few of the better sort reserued for raunsome , amongst whom was Suierceuius with some other captaines ; who were afterwards for great sums redeemed , when as they could by no meanes be persuaded to forsake their religion and turne Turke . After this victorie and shamefull murther of the Vayuod , the Turkes ouerran all MOLDAVIA , and put to sword all the nobilitie of that countrey , with many of the countrey people : of whom they also as their manner is in countries new conquered , sent great numbers in Colonies into the farther parts of the Turkish empire : and for the more assured possession thereof , placed strong garrisons in euerie towne and castle , as they thought it most conuenient . Thus all VALACHIA ( both the higher and the lower ) fell into the Turkes hands in the yeare 1574 , and was by Selymus joyned vnto the Turkish empire , none of the least things by him done : For beside the gaining of so great a countrey ( the most assured bulwarke of POLONIA ) he hath therby opened a faire and easie way for his successours , at their pleasure to enter into PODOLIA , or RVSSIA , parts of the Polonian kingdome , yea and into POLONIA it selfe : which they will vndoubtedly in time doe , if God in mercie bridle not their immoderat desires , and with his mightie hand protect the dangerous state of that kingdome . Selymus at the same time , not a little grieued with the losse of the kingdome of TVNES , and that Don Iohn had there done the yere before ; began forthwith to cast in his mind , how he might againe recouer the same , and withall , thrust the Spaniards out of the strong castle of GVLETTA ; which they had now almost fortie yeares kept , euer since that it was by Charles the fift taken from Barbarussa in the yeare 1535 : for hee well saw it to be a matter of no small moment , to whom that strong fortresse ( standing so commodiously in the frontiers of AFFRICKE ) belonged . There was ( and still is ) vpon that coast diuers of the Turkes aduenturers , which liuing altogither vpon spoile , had to that place safe recourse , as to a most assured refuge : and if no bootie were to be met with thereabout , then would they run out towards MALTA , SARDINIA , SICILIA , and the other islands thereabouts ; yea oftentimes into ITALIE and SPAINE , and from thence carrie away with them great booties both of men and cattell , and whatsoeuer thing else came in their way : for which cause , many of the Turkes men of warre resorted thither in hope of purchase . But after that GVLETTA was possessed by the Spaniards , they were not onely depriued of that so commodious an harbour , but many times intercepted euen by them of that place , and by the gallies of MALTA : which two places serued as two most sure bulwarks against the Turkes and Moores aduenturers , by whose meanes they many times came short home . For which cause the Turkes , especially these pyrats ( of whom the Turke maketh great account , as not his least strength at sea ) wonderfully desired to haue both those strong places gotten out of the hands of the Christians . In the castle of GVLETTA was continually a strong garrison of a thousand Spaniards , who kept them of TVNES in great subjection , and oftentimes cut short these pyrats and rouers , who much troubled those seas . Wherefore the Turkish emperour Selymus , hauing made great preparation both for sea and land seruice , commaunded Sinan , Piall , and Vluzales , his chiefe Bassaes , and men of great experience , with all speed to passe ouer with his fleet into AFFRICKE , to besiege TVNES and GVLETTA . Who when they had put all things in readinesse according as they had in charge , set forward , and with three hundred saile of gallies came before GVLETTA the thirteenth day of Iuly : whither also resorted vnto them other the Turkes men of warre , from ALEXANDRIA , ALGIERS , and other places , in such number , as that all that coast seemed to be couered with shipping . The Turkes at their first arriuall laied siege to the water tower , wherein were eight hundred sou●diors well prouided of all things needfull for defence , who most valiantly maintained the place , vntill such time as that most of them being by the often assaults of the enemie slaine : the rest by the commaundement of the captaine retired to him into the castle . In taking of this tower the Turkes lost 3000 of their men . After that , they began to besiege the castle of GVLETTA , against which they cast vp diuers mounts , and from thence most terribly battered the castle : from whence the deadly shot was sent againe amongst them not sparingly ; so that in one day two hundred great shot were reckoned to haue been shot out of the castle amongst the thickest of the enemies . But after manie furious assaults , too tedious to report , and much harme done on both sides , the Turkes to their great aduantage tooke the chanell of the lake of TVNES ; and fearing least some reliefe should be sent to the besieged , maintained their assault day and night without intermission . Neuerthelesse , certaine companies of Spaniards sent from the new castle by Serbellio , got into GVLETTA ; after which , they in the besieged castle sallied out , and the twentith of August repulsed the Turkes , with an exceeding great slaughter . But the Bassaes fully resolued vpon the winning of the place to gage their whole forces , and without ceasing still bringing on fresh souldiors , after they had all the day continued a most terrible assault , at length about two houres after Sun set , they tooke the castle the three and twentith day of August , when there was now scarcely two hundred soldiors left aliue to defend the same ; who altogither with the other weak people in the castle were without mercie cut in pieces . What wealth the Turkes found in this castle , is hard to say ; but certaine it is , that they had therein great store of victuals , armour , shot , and pouder , and foure hundred great pieces of artillerie . GVLETTA thus taken , the Turkes forthwith laid siege to the new castle , appointed by Don Iohn the yeare before to haue beene built betwixt GVLETTA and TVNES , which was not yet altogither finished : wherein the two auntient and valiant captaines , Serbellio and Salazar ( left there of purpose for the building thereof by Don Iohn ) lay with a garrison of four thousand good souldiors . The Bassaes when they gaue the first summons to the castle , the foure and twentith of August , required to haue it forthwith deliuered vnto them : to whom Serbellio stoutly answered , That he had promised the king his master , to giue him a better account of the place ; and being now also verie old , could not endure the Turkes heauie yoake , but would therefore hold it out vnto the last man : which both he and Salazar truly performed , not omitting any thing that was by men to be done for defence of the place ; and sallying out , sometimes the one , and sometimes the other , made great slaughter of the Turkes , giuing them also repulse vpon repulse when they came to the assault . But the great Bassaes , little feeling , and lesse regarding the losse of men , so that thereby they might gaine the place ; after many most terrible and desperat assaults , at length ( namely the thirteenth day of September ) when they had with all their force for the space of six houres , furiously assaulted the castle and slaine most of the defendants , at last tooke it . Serbellio shot in with two bullets , and wishing rather to die than to fall into the hand of the enemie , thrust himselfe into the middest of the Turkes , there to haue perished : but by the hastie comming in of Piall Bassa , both he and Salazar were taken aliue ; as for all the rest that followed them , they were put to the sword . The Bassa in his rage strucke Serbellio , and the more to grieue him , caused his sonne to be cruelly murthered before his face . Neither was this victorie by the Turkes obtained without bloud , hauing in lesse than three moneths space that the siege endured , lost aboue thirtie thousand men . These strong holds ( the greatest strength of that kingdome ) thus taken , the Turks marched to TVNES , which they easily tooke , and afterwards ouerthrew the fortifications therof , because it should no more rebell . Mahomet the young king , but the yeare before placed in that kingdome by Don Iohn , was there taken , and in bonds sent aboord to be carried with Carr●ra captaine of GVLETTA , prisoners to CONSTANTINOPLE . And thus the kingdome of TVNES , with the strong castle of GVLETTA , fell againe into the possession of the Turkes , to the farther trouble of the Christian countries lying ouer against it . The prowd Bassaes hauing ( as they thought ) best disposed of all things at TVNES and GVLETTA , departed thence , and with their fleet of 400 saile , came the fourth of October within sight of MALTA . But vnderstanding that they of MALTA were prouided for their comming , and remembring what dishonor their most magnificent emperor Solyman had not many years before there sustained , wherof diuers of them had been eye-witnesses , they turned thence , and sailed directly to CONSTANTINOPLE . Shortly after , this great emperour Selymus spent with wine and women , vnto whom he had giuen his greatest strength , died , the ninth of December , in the yeare of our Lord 1574 ; when he had liued one and fiftie yeares , and thereof raigned eight , and lieth buried at HADRIANOPLLE . He was but of a meane stature , & of an heauie disposition ; his face rather swollen than fat , much resembling a drunkard . Of all the Othoman kings and emperours he was of least valour , & therfore least regarded , altogither giuen to sensualitie and pleasure : and so dying , left his empire vnto Amurath his eldest sonne , a man of more temperance , but not much greater courage ; who neuerthelesse by his valiant Bassaes and men of warre did great matters , especially against the Persians , the mortall and dangerous enemies of the Turkes , as shall be hereafter in his Historie declared . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Selymus the second . Emperors of Germanie Maximilian the second . 1565. 12. Kings Of England Queene Elizabeth . 1558. 45. Of Fraunce Charles the ninth . 1560. 14. Of Scotland Queene Mary . 1543. 20. Iames the sixt , that now raigneth . 1567. Bishops of Rome Pius the V. 1566. 6. Iulius the XIII . 1572. 12. AMVRATH . AMVRATHES TERTIVS TVRCARVM IMPERATOR SEXTVS : FLORVIT AN o 1574 Non ego fortis eram : Q●is tanto nomine dignus ? Ni fortem faciat mens generosa virum . Me tumidum fortuna tumens euexit in altum , Et par fortunae , mens mea semper erat . Sic quamuis tenero mihi nil nisi molle placeret : Nominis augendi raptus amore fui . Emisique meos ad fortia facta ministros : Per quos sublatum est , nomen in astra meum . Mustapha , Ferrhates , Sinan , & ter maximus Osman : Terrores orbis succubuere mihi Armenios domui fortes Medosque feroces : Et mihi paruerat Regia Taurisij . Sed mihi quid prodest tantorum parta labore Gloria ? Si subito maxima queque ruant ? Et nihil est tanti , quod non breuis auferet hora Sic mea cum multis gloria victa iacet . RICH. KNOLLEVS . In English thus . The Worthies praise I challenge not : for who deserues the same ? Except the noble Worthies minde , deserue the Worthies fame . Prowd fortune set me prowd aloft , in honours highest grace : And still my hautie thoughts they were equall vnto my place . So that although naught pleasd but that best fitted my desire : Yet to increase my fame , I still ▪ did more and more aspire . And sent my mightie Worthies out , to mannage my great warres : By whose knowne valour my prowd name , is mounted to the starres . Prowd Sinan , Ferrat , Mustapha , all men of high degree : The terrours of the world so wide , were vassales vnto me . Th'Armenians stout I vanquished , and fild the Medes with feare : And Regall TAVRIS stately towers , at my commandment were . But what auailes my glorie great , got with such Worthies paine ▪ If in the twinckling of an eye , it come to nought againe ? And nothing is of so great State , which Time shall not cast downe : Euen so with many others moe , must perish my renowne . R. Knolls . THE LIFE OF AMVRATH , THE THIRD OF THAT NAME , SIXT EMPEROVR OF THE TVRKES . THe death of the late emperour Selymus was for feare of the insolent Ianizaries notably concealed by the great Bassaes , vntill such time as Amurath his eldest sonne , then in ASIA , by speedie messengers aduertised thereof about twelue dayes after , arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE : and there receiued into the Seraglio , tooke possession of the empire , the fiue and twentith day of September , solemne amongst vs Christians for the natiuitie of our Sauiour Christ Iesus . He was about thirtie , or ( as some write ) seuen and twentie yeares old , when he began to reigne : of a manly stature , but pale and corpulent , wearing his beard thin and long : in his countenance appeared not the fierce nature of the Othoman princes , being indeed himselfe of a peaceable disposition , a louer of justice , and in the manner of his superstition very zealous . The roiot and excesse growne amongst the Turks by his fathers euill example , he reformed , by his owne temperance , and the seuere punishment of notorious drunkards : yet is it reported , that he would oftentimes himselfe drinke plentifully of wormewood wine : he was much subject to the falling sicknesse , and sore troubled with the stone : more spare handed than was for the greatnesse of his state : and yeelding more to the counsell of his mother , his wife , and sister , than of his great Bassaes ; which was of many imputed to him for simplicitie . At his first comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , to appease the murmuring of the Ianizaries ( grieued to see themselues so disappointed of the spoyle of the Christians and Iewes , which they were wont to take in the vacancie of the empire ) he beside the vsuall largesse which the Turkish emperours at their first entrance into the empire bestow vpon them , augmented also their dayly wages , and graunted them this priuiledge , That their sonnes as soone as they came to be twentie yeares old , should be enrolled amongst the number of the younger Ianizaries , and be partakers also of their immunities ; wherby he woon their fauors exceedingly . And immediatly to rid himselfe of all competitours , he after the vnnaturall manner of the Turkish policie , caused his fiue brethren , Mustapha , Solyman , Abdulla , Osman , and Tzihanger , to be all strangled in his owne presence . The mother of Solyman pierced through with the cruell death of her young sonne , as a woman ouercome with sorrow , desperatly strucke her selfe to the heart with a dagger , and so died . At which so tragicall a sight it is reported that Amurath let some teares fall , as not delighting in such barbarous crueltie , but that the state and manner of his gouernment so required . In the beginning of his reigne he established diuers wholesome lawes , altered the coyne , and bountifully relieued the poore . And albeit that he was of a mild and peaceable nature , yet because he would not seeme to degenerate from the Othoman princes his progenitors , he prosecuted his fathers warres , and by the Tartars ( called Praecopenses ) in the moneth of October , in the yeare 1575 entred into RVSSIA , part of the Polonian kingdome , where he burnt and destroyed two hundred noblemens houses , besides an infinit number of townes and villages , made great slaughter of the poore countrey people , and carried away great numbers of cattell and prisoners bound in thongs made of raw hides . But whilest they were deuiding the spoyle with Peter the new Vayuod of VALACHIA , who had before solemnely promised to giue the Tartars no passage that way , the Polonian Cossackes , who had lien waiting for their returne vpon the riuer Borysthenes , brake into the Tartars countrey , and there requited them with like harme , and brought backe with them a number of old captiues , who little expected that their so sudden deliuerance . The Polonians at this time were at variance among themselues about the election of their new king ( Henry Valois their late king being the last yeare , after the death of Charles his brother the French king , secretly stolne from them into FRAVNCE , to take vpon him that kingdome : after whose departure some of the Polonian nobilitie made choice of Maximilian the emperour : othersome no lesse enclining vnto the choice of the great duke of MOSCOVIE , and some vnto others also . ) Whereof Amurath vnderstanding , and loth that either of those two great princes his enemies should be inuested or strengthened with that so great a kingdome , and so neere vnto him : to hinder that their election , and to bring in another of lesse power , and so lesse dangerous vnto himselfe , euen in the beginning of his reigne wrote vnto the Polonians to that purpose , commending vnto them Stephen Battor the Vayuod of TRANSYLVANIA , for their king , in manner as followeth : Amurath God of the earth , Gouernour of the whole World , the messenger of God , and faithfull seruant of the Great Prophet : vnto the most honourable Nobilitie and Counsellors of the kingdome of POLONIA , greeting . It is not vnto the world vnknowne ( most honourable and mightie Senatours ) our noble progenitours to haue of long time and for many yeares holden good friendship and religious leagues with the kingdome of POLONIA : For which cause it hath seemed good and reasonable vnto vs , to put you in remembrance of this so auntient a league and bond of friendship ; for that we vnderstand your kingdome to be of late become destitute of a king , by the departure of the noble king Henry , your crowned king ( descended of the royall race of the French kings ) our friend : who for the small regard you had of him ( so great and worthie a prince ) and for your disloyaltie , is departed out of your kingdome , without purpose of returning any more into POLONIA . Whereupon , as it is reported vnto vs ( but how truly we know not ) you passing ouer your said crowned king Henry , are about to make choice of a n●w king , and especially of Maximilian the emperour , or of the duke of MOSCOVIE , both men of running wits , and of vs greatly hated : for why , you may well know they will bee troublesome and grieuous not vnto euery one of you onely , but euen vnto vs also . Wherefore be you ware that you be not deceiued ; and take heed least your confederations and leagues cannot long by their valour and prowesse be established ; and withall consider well the great dangers and losses which you may thereby fall into , whereof we haue thought good to giue you a tast : wherefore beware that heauier things befall not your State. We know there are right noble and wise men amongst you , which know better than they how to rule and gouerne : and if so be it please you not to make choice of any of your owne nation ; there is not farre from you one Stephen Battor , prince of TRANSYLVANIA , a man of great honour and valour , by whose labour and dexteritie you may easily procure the peace and quiet of your kingdome . Whereas if you shall doe otherwise , we take to witnesse your God , and his seruant our Great Prophet , to destroy all your wealth and goods , which together with you selues ; your wiues and children , shall be giuen for a prey vnto our souldiors ; with the cheefe men of your cities of CRACOVIA and LEPERIS : which for all that we say not , as any thing at all doubting of your fidelitie and constancie towards vs. As for the rest which it pleased vs by word of mouth to haue told vnto you , we haue giuen charge vnto this our embassadour and counsellour , vnto whom our desire is that you should giue full credence . From CONSTANTINOPLE the last of September in the yeare of our Prophet Mahomet 983 , and first of our reigne . This the great Sultans commendations so much preuailed with the Polonians , that notwithstanding that Maximilian the emperour was by the Archbishop of GNESNA and some others chosen king , yet was that his election by the greater part of the Nobilitie reuoked , and both he and the great duke of MVSCOVIE being passed ouer , the noble princesse Anne ( of the most honourable Iagellonian house ) chosen queene of POLONIA , yet with this condition , That she should marrie Stephen the Vayuod of TRANSYLVANIA , to them by Amurath commended . Who afterward elected king , all the time of his life right worthily gouerned that noble kingdome , not onely defending the same in such state as he found it , but also notably extending the bounds thereof , enlarging it with such territories as he by force of armes got from his neighbours , especially the Muscouite . Of this election Amurath would oftentimes afterwards boast and say , That he had giuen the Polonians their king . But of him and of the league by him made with Amurath , more shall be said hereafter . The yeare following great troubles arose in PERSIA , whereby the flourishing state of that most mightie kingdome was sore shaken , and opportunitie giuen for the Turkish emperour to inuade the same ; which he laying hold vpon , entered into that bloudie warre , which to the great quiet of the Christian commonweale , for long time after exercised the forces of those most puissant princes one vpon the other . For the better vnderstanding wherof , it shall not be amisse compendiously to set down the same troubles of the Persian kingdome , the very ground of the long and mortall warre betweene those two most mightie Monarchs . Old Tamas the Persian king , sonne to the noble Hismaell , who with great glorie had more than fiftie yeares worthily gouerned that large kingdome , and mightily withstood the often inuasions of the Turkish emperours , now spent with yeares , died the eleuenth of May in the yeare 1576 , leauing behind him eleuen sonnes , namely , Mahomet the eldest , of an infirmitie in his eies surnamed Codabanda , a man of a peaceable and quiet disposition , more delighted with the sweet pleasures of a contented life than the carefull honors of so great a kingdome : Ismahel the second sonne , of a more fierce and troublesome nature , so much abhorring quietnesse , that not regarding the league hardly concluded betwixt his aged father and the Turkish emperours Solyman and Selymus , he would now and then without his fathers knowledge vpon a youthfull heat breake out into the frontiers of the Turkes dominions , and there make great spoyle ; for which doing although he was both of his father and the people the more regarded , yet was he by his fathers commaundement ( who in outward shew seemed to mislike of those his youthfull prankes , tending to the breach of the league ) restrained of his libertie , and sent to the castle of CAHACA , betwixt TAVRIS and CASBIN ; where he remained at the time of his Fathers death : Aidere the third sonne , no lesse ambitious than was his brother Ismahel , but not of like valour , kept by Zalchan , Piry Mahamet , and other his kinsfolkes , all men of great power and authoritie : The other eight were , Mamut , Solyman , Mustapha , Emanguli , Alichan , Amet , Abrahin , and Ismahel the younger . The old king before his death had by his last will and testament solemnely appointed Ismahel his second sonne to succeed him in the kingdome ; as of all his sonnes most ●it to take vpon him so great a charge . Which thing Mahomet his elder brother seemed not much to dislike , contenting himselfe with such honours as his father had before bestowed vpon him . Tamas thus dead , Ismahel was by the Sultans sent for to CAHACA , to take vpon him his fathers kingdome at CASBIN ; when in the meane time there arose a great tumult in the citie , yea euen in the kings pallace : for Aidere the third brother , who in the time of his fathers greatest sicknesse had entered the chamber where he lay drawing towards his end , and in his sight most presumptuously set the royall crowne vpon his head , to the manifesting of his ambitious desires , for which he was then worthily reproued : now after the death of his aged father , carried headlong with the same aspiring humour , and supported by Zalchan , and other his mightie fauourits , had so effectually dealt with the great ladie Periaconcona , his eldest sister , and the other Sultans counsellours of estate , put in trust to see the will of the dead king put in execution , as that the succession could not be any longer kept from him , and preserued for Ismahel , but by the helpe of some fine and secret deceit . This ladie Periaconcona ( elder than all the young princes the sonnes of Tamas , her brethren , a woman of great spirit and deepe conceit ) left in great trust by her father , seeing the proceeding of her brother Aidere , durst neither openly to mooue any thing vnto the Sultans , prejudiciall to his designes ; neither could she in her heart endure so great an injurie to be done to her brother Ismahel , appointed by his father to succeed him . Wherfore in this perplexitie she cast in her wily head , how to satisfie her ambitious brother present , how to saue the right of Ismahel absent , the honour of her dead fathers will and testament , and the safetie of the kingdome . For hauing throughly debated the matter with the Sultans , she resolued , That Aidere inuested in royall apparrell , and setled in the great gallerie , should attend the acclamation of the people , and be there openly enthronised , as the very elected king . With which vaine shew the vnwise youth ( blinded with ambition ) suffered himselfe to be led : and being set in his majestie , verely persuaded himselfe , that he should now be honoured both of his friends and foes as king . But vnto these his so hastie and prosperous designes , the successe that sprung from the subtiltie of those counsellours and his dissembling sister , were nothing conformable : for that she by their aduise tooke order for the gates of the pallace to be presently locked , leauing at euery passage a sure guard , and onely one wicket open , safely warded with a companie of most faithfull and valourous captaines and souldiours , wholly deuoted to Tamas and Ismael : with streight charge , to suffer euery man to enter in , sauing onely the knowne friends of Aidere . In this sort did she thinke to haue entertained the young man , vntill such time as Ismahel should arriue from CAHACA , and so put in execution what he thought best for the honour of himselfe and the generall quiet of the kingdome . Who joyeth now but Aidere ? in conceit a king , replenished with vnwonted joyes , receiuing honour from all men , sauing from his best friends . By meanes wherof perceiuing now the prohibition of them , and moued also with the great stirre of Zalchan his greatest fauourit ( who discouering the deceit , and crying vpon king Aider , threatened the ladie , the Sultans , and the rest that waited vpon the faigned succession , indeed ordained but for the scorne and despight of the ambitious man ) strucken with an exceeding feare , and full of sorrow , he withdrew himselfe closely amongst certaine women of the Court , hoping so to find some way to escape with life . In the meane time so greatly encreased the cries and threatenings of the friends and fauourits of Aidere ( who now had all of them prepared themselues for some dangerous and pernitious attempt ) that the counsellors with consent of the ladie his sister , were enforced to take order , That to bereaue this tumultuous & seditious people of all their hope and courage , Aidere should be depriued of his life . Whereupon Sahamal the Georgian , vncle to Aidere by the mothers side , by the appointment of the ladie Periaconcona and the Sultans , after long search made for him , at last found him hidden amongst the women , and without further delay taking him by the lockes , strucke his head from his shoulders ; and in the place where Zalchan and the rest of his vn●ortunat fauourites stood crying and threatening , amongst the thickest prease of the proud conspiratours flung the head all bloudie , and as it were yet breathing for heat , crying aloud vnto them : Behold there your king , enioy him at your pleasure . At which sudden and horrible spectacle euery man burned in rage and anger : neither for the present wanted there many a rash head , that vainely threatened most cruell reuenge . But in the end , when they perceiued the neere succession of Ismahel ineuitable , and the death of Aidere irreuocable , euery man betooke himselfe to his owne priuat affaires , and so at last deuided themselues one from another , and so departing from the pallace , scattered themselues some one way some another euery man as hee thought best for his owne safetie . Shortly after Ismahel the desired king arriued at CASBIN , where he was of his sister and the Sultans joyfully receiued , as their lawfull and vndoubted soueraigne , and with the great acclamation of the people saluted king : who as soone as he saw himselfe possessed of the royall seat , and his power now answerable to his desires , he ( after the manner of the Turkish pollicie ) most vnnaturally caused the heads of his eight yonger brethren to be strucken off : and withall vsed such further diligence , that not onely all those which were neere vnto them in bloud or affinitie , were bereaued of their liues , but also all the fauourits of his late slaine brother Aidere , were destroied in that publicke slaughter : so that all the streets of CASBIN were defiled with bloud , and all the citie resounded with mourning and complaints . Which vnexpected crueltie , altogether vnworthie so worthie a thought king , so altered the minds of his subjects in generall , that all their former hopes were now conuerted into new feares , and their joy into mourning . But much greater and farre more lamentable did the miseries grow , as soone as it was giuen out , That hee would change the religion of the Persians ( who with great deuotion honor their foolish Prophet Aly ) into the superstition of the Turks ( who with no lesse impietie obserue and maintaine the wicked rites of Ebubekir , Haumer , Osman , and others , by them supposed to be the most true successours of their great Prophet Mahomet . ) For by meanes of this vncouth noueltie and vnexpected change , and by force of an edict concerning that matter , published by this new king , many of his prophane priests , many of the gouernours of his friendly and subject cities ( too much deuored to their former superstition ) were driuen some into exile , some clapt into prison , some had their eyes pluckt out ( among whom was the Caliph of CASBIN ) and not a few others in sundrie sorts depriued of their liues . Yea many ladies ( joyned in bloud with Ismahel himselfe , and diuers others of his kinsfolks , to whom neither sex , nor age , nor innocencie could be a sufficient defence ) endured sundrie torments and strange calamities : so that in PERSIA was neuer felt greater troubles , or a more dangerous change . In this so great an innouation , and among these tumults , there went abroad withall a generall rumour , not in the cities of PERSIA onely , but in the regions of the Turks also , euen as farre as CONSTANTINOPLE , That Ismahel with a puissant army of such as fauored this new proclaimed vanitie , was determined in person himselfe to go to BABYLON , now called BAGDAT , there to receiue the crowne of the empire , at the hands of him that he should find to be the successour of their great Caliph , and in the chiefest place among their vncleane priests : as had sometime Solyman the great emperour of the Turkes , and the Persian kings of auntient times . In this world of troubles , when as the feare of farther miseries increased , rather than any hope of auntient quietnesse ; he was when he least feared , by the helpe of the aforenamed ladie Periaconcona suddenly bereft of his life : but whether ouertaken in some of his owne amorous practises , or poisoned by his said sister ; or that she ( as some probably affirme ) hauing secretly conspired with Calil Chan , Emir Chan , Pyry Mahamet , Curchi● Bassi ( being all at that time men of great account , and as it were presidents of the kingdome ) who disguised in womens apparell and brought in by her , strangled him at such time as he had priuatly withdrawne himselfe amongst his parmours , is vncertaine . Howsoeuer it was , sufficeth it , that he by the helpe of the said ladie Periaconcona , was by vnnaturall death taken out of this world the foure and twentith day of Nouember , in the yeare of grace 1577 ; to the exceeding joy of all those nations , who by his death thought themselues now freed of many great and dangerous troubles : when he had raigned one yeare , seauen moneths , and six daies . Ismahel thus taken out of the way , the ladie began forthwith to persuade with the great Sultans ( the ministers of Ismahels death ) that as they had for the generall good of PERSIA contriued the death of the late king : so now that they would take vpon them the protection of that great kingdome , with the preseruation of the majestie and libertie thereof , vntill such time as it were knowne who should worthily succeed in that crowne , which now remained in their hands . There was at that time many of the greatest princes and Gouernors of that kingdome assembled at CASBIN , there gaping after such mutations of those troublesome times , as might best serue their priuat dessignes . Emir Chan burning in ambitious desires , was in hope by means of a match to be made with a sister of Periaconcona ( who was alreadie greatly enclining vnto him ) to be exalted to the soueraigntie of all PERSIA . Mirize Salmas the chiefe Sultan , hoped on the other side to aduance into the estate , either Mahamet Codabanda the eldest brother of the dead king , or else Hamze the eldest sonne of the said Mahamet ; and by bestowing vpon him his daughter in marriage ( as afterwards he did ) so to encrease the glorie of his house . Others there were , that thought they should be able to draw Abas Mirize ( the middlemost sonne of Mahamet ) out of HERI , and to make him king . Neither wanted the infant Tamas his aspiring friends , whose tutour waited likewise for some opportunitie to settle him in the kingdome , and so by meanes of his greatnesse , to make himselfe greatest amongst his fellowes . A number of others there were that secretly waited vpon euerie occasion that time should present for their preferment . Howbeit in this so great varietie of thoughts , the Sultans answered the ladie with one consent , and promised her in most liberall tearmes , all the protection that their forces could affoord , or their weapons procure : and yet did euerie one of them , both in action and word , clearkly dissemble their seuerall imaginations , whereunto their minds were as prone and readie , as their hearts were cunning closely to conceale them . Amurat the Turkish emperours now wakened , first at the death of the old renowmed Tamas , and then at the rumour of the desire Ismahel had to passe with an armie to BABYLON , as also at the fresh report of the Turkish superstition newly published in PERSIA ; and withall throughly instructed what harme this late king had done in PERSIA , what dissentions he had raised , and how hardly the prouinces of that empire had endured those calamities : began forthwith to thinke hereby a faire occasion to be ministred vnto him , to take vp armes against the Persians , and matter sufficient suggested for him to put in execution the great desire he had of some new conquest . For it is an antient custome , which is grown to be as it were a law amongst the Othoman kings , That they may not challenge their due honours in their life time , nor their prowd monuments after their death , vnlesse they attempt some great and ambitious actions and enterprises , and performe some exploit conformable to their majestie . Amurath therefore bent vpon these great stirs in PERSIA , would not direct his mind any other way , or take any other war in hand , vntill he might first see what issue these maruellous innouations in PERSIA would bring forth : which in the person of Mahamet the succeeding king , seemed to be more pregnant than euer before , and ministred vnto Amurath new occasions of victorious and strange hopes . For as soone as Ismahel was dead , the aforenamed Mirize Salmas ( in dignitie chiefe man among the Sultans , though in bloud and nobilitie inferiour to them all ) after many letters dispatched to and fro , at last assured Mahamet Codabanda , how with all quietnesse of mind and securitie of person , he might come and possesse himselfe of the kingdome . He was also aduertised by the said Salmas , of the whole conspiracie plotted against his brother to bring him to his end : and likewise made acquainted , how the fraudulent ladie ( with the Sultans ) had capitally consulted against himselfe ; and how she fauouring Emir Chan , and Abas Mirize of HARI ( her nephew and his sonne ) more than became her , did little regard the due and rightfull succession of him being the eldest brother . So Mahamet bearing himselfe vpon the faith and diligence of Mirize Salmas , and desirous withall to see his eldest sonne Hamze Mirize aduanced to some such soueraign dignitie , as he saw was due to the liuely hope euerie man perceiued to be in him , in regard of his vertue and prudence for mannaging the common-wealth , and matters of warre ( wherein also he shewed himselfe vnto his father jealous and suspitious , least some other man should vsurpe vpon him , that honour and authoritie which so properly appertained vnto him ) resolued in the end not to leaue the kingdome in the hands of priuat persons , nor the lightnesse of an vnconstant woman of suspected modestie , and a rebellious conspiratour against her owne bloud , wherwith she had without any pittie or remorse of conscience , now twise defiled her selfe . And therefore he wrote backe againe , That he was minded to take the rightfull succession vpon him , and that for the same purpose he was putting himselfe vpon his journey : with straight charge notwithstanding , that Mirize Salmas should before his entrance within the gates of CASBIN , present him with the mischieuous head of Periaconcona ; a woman ( in respect of the scorne exercised against her brother Aidere , and of the treacherous death of her other brother Ismahel , and of the peruerse imaginations which she had conceiued to cause the succession to fall into other mens hands , and of the prodigall familiaritie which she had with some of the Sultans ) well worthie of a thousand deaths . Secretly did Mirize Salmas put in execution whatsoeuer Mahamet had priuatly enjoined him , so that by his means he was presently and solemnly proclaimed king of PERSIA . And afterwards hauing gathered togither many squadrons of men , wholy deuoted to the bloud and name of Mahamet , the same Mirize Salmas met him on the way , carrying the head of that manlike Virago Periaconcona vpon the point of a launce , with her haire dispersed , and some other vncouth sights to the terrour of the beholders . From which nouelties ( one mischiefe as it were hudling vpon the necke of another ) there sprung vp diuers inward hatreds , sundrie tumultuous seditions , and much ciuile warres : this new king by the instigation of Mirize Salmas , seeking on the one side to be reuenged on the Sultans for his brothers death ; and they on the other side opposing themselues with all their power against him , the state of PERSIA began to fall into great inconueniences , and of these nouelties to reape new losses . Sah●mal the Georgian fled into his mountaine of BRVS , fearing the wrath of this new lord : Leuent ogli likewise an other of the lords of GEORGIA , vnderstanding of the flight of Sahamal his neighbour , estranged himselfe so farre from his old loue and auntient deuotion towards the Persian kings , that he seemed now to desire some new innouation . The nations also that were neighbours to the Turkes , and the people of MEDIA ATROPATIA , now called SIRVAN , disliked of this new king ; and in the end it appeared , that PERSIA vnder this king through many mutations was in short time fallen into most notable miserie , and the state thereof more weakned than it had been of long time before . Of all these things had Amurath from diuers places intelligence , but more particularly from Vstreff of VAN , a citie of ARMENIA the greater , situat vpon the lake Actamar ; who sent him most perfect information of all the stirs in PERSIA : Discoursing vnto him of the death of Ismahel , the consultations of the Sultans , the trecheries and death of Periaconcona , the broiles betweene the king and the Sultans , the nature of the new king ( being diseased in his eyes , little esteemed of his subjects , besotted in affection towards his sonnes ) the facilitie to ouerrule the cheefe Gouernours of the Georgians , and the people of SERVAN , euill affected towards the new king : and to be breefe , whatsoeuer had in truth succeeded in PERSIA , and might enflame the mind of the ambitious Sultan , to conuert his forces against an enemie of small counsell , and much confusion : adding thereunto , that neuer was there greater opportunitie to ouercome that king than now was offered ; and therefore wished him , not in any case to let slip so faire an occasion , as the Othoman kings had neuer before , for the obtaining of so certaine and so glorious victories . Amurath of long time wholly bent to marke the euent of the troubles in PERSIA , now stirred vp with these aduertisements from Vstref , setled himselfe more deepely in his former conceits to proue his forces in subduing the Persian king , the auntient enemie of the Othoman emperors , and his onely cor●iuall and odious competitour in the East . But no one thing did more enflame him thereunto , than to thinke , how he should haue to his enemie a king not acquainted with deeds of armes , doting vpon his children , and weakened with the dissention of his subjects : and on the other side entering into the consideration of his owne forces , of the infinit number of his men , both horse and foot , of the meanes he had to find money , of his artillerie and engines of warre , wherein he farre surpassed the Persians ; he did more and more resolue with himselfe , to take the occasion that was now offered him to begin th● warre . For the compassing of which his purpose he was greatly fauoured by the present state of Christendome , at that time being wholly in league and amitie with him . So not finding any thing contrarie to his designements , he resolued at last to conferre with the cheefe Bassaes , which had the gouernement of his empire , Whether it were better vpon this occasion to begin the prepensed warre ; or if they thought not this opportunitie to be so fit , then to lay it aside , and to conuert his forces and counsell against the commonwealth of Christendome . For such is the barbarous pollicie ▪ whereby this empire is mannaged , That it is lawfull for them to breake any league , be it by neuer so many promises or solemne oathes confirmed , whensoeuer any enterprise is to be attempted for the aduauncing thereof . So that although this warre could not be moued either against the Persians or Christians , without breach of their promised faith : yet among the manifold consultations that passed among the great Bassaes , there was not any man found that made any account of that defect , but all with one accord , without further respect sought to set forward the ambitious desire of their proud lord and master . At last after long consultation and large discourses it was agreed vpon by the great Bassaes Mahomet , Sinan , and Mustapha , That it would be better and lesse danger to attempt warre against the Persians , than against the Christian princes . Mustapha among the rest preferring the valour of the Latines ( whereof he had made good triall especially at FAMAGVSTA ) before the armies and forces of the Georgians and Persians . Whereby it is apparent to the world , that neither the zeale of their religion , nor any injurie receiued from the Persian king , but onely the ambitious desire of Amurath ( to subdue a kingdome , both in his owne conceit and other mens relations , euill gouerned , by an effeminate and sottish king , and through ciuile dissention brought into great danger ) was the first prouocation of making this warre . Vpon this resolution there arose new consultations touching the manner thereof , and vpon what coast they should begin their journey , for the more honourable successe thereof . Which point Amurath greatly vrged , protesting before his cheefe counsellours , That he would not enter into that war , except he were in great hope to beare away the victorie . Some thought it most conuenient to send the armie to BABYLON , and from thence to SYRAS , called in old time PERSEPOLIS , the cheefe citie of the countrey of PERSIA : others there were that gaue aduise , That the armie should be directly sent to TAVRIS , there to erect strong fortresses , and to take possession of all the country round about it : and there wanted not some ( as it is reported ) that thought it better to send two seuerall armies for both the forenamed places ; and so by bringing the enemie into a straight , to enforce him to yeeld to whatsoeuer should be of him required . But Amurath durst not repose such confidence in his forces , as to thinke , that with his battels deuided and so weakened he should be able to conquer that enemie , who had alwayes most valiantly fought against the monstrous and puissant armies of his auncestours . And therefore firmely resolued with himselfe , to send one onely armie , and so with his vnited forces to seeke the ouerthrow of the enemie . And so preferring the strong hope he had conceiued to conquer the countrey of SIRVAN , and the cheefe cities of MEDIA the great , before the difficultie of making warre vpon the coast of SCYRAS , reposing also great hope in the notable help that was promised him by the Tartars called Praecopenses , he confirmed the great Bassaes his counsellours in the same opinion : and withall discouered vnto them a matter , which to all of them , but especially to Sinan , seemed most strange ; namely , that he was determined not to goe himselfe in person with his army , but to send one of his worthiest captaines in his stead . The causes why he so did , were many , but especially , for that he was troubled with the falling sicknesse , and feared greatly ( and that not without good cause ) least his sonne Mahomet ( being much fauoured of the people ) might peraduenture in his absence be vntimely aduaunced to the empire ; beside the dangers that he suspected at the hands of the Christian potentates : and withall persuaded it to be vnto himselfe a great honour to performe those things by his seruants , which had in those countries beene vnfortunatly attempted by his most noble predecessours in their owne persons . While they were thus consulting about this expedition , and the great Bassaes , Sinan , Mustapha , and others , made meanes to be sent as the soueraigne ministers of their lords designement ; he dispatched away sundrie postes and light horsemen with order to the Bassaes and Gouernors of VAN , BABILON , and ERZIRVM , in the frontiers of his dominions , That they should by often inrodes spoyle the townes and castles of the Persians , and by all meanes to doe them what harme they could . Which they were not slacke to put in execution , and especially Vstref ( or rather Husreue ) Bassa of VAN : who with often incursions did much mischeefe , as well in the countries tributarie , as subject to the Persian king . A forcible preparatiue for greater troubles to ensue . Now in these great preparations for the Persian warre ( which for many yeares after notably exercised the greatest part of the Turks forces , to the great quiet of the Christian commonweale ) Stephen Bathor the late Vayuod of TRANSYLVANIA , but now by the commendation of Am●rath become king of POLONIA , in the beginning of his reigne by his embassador the great lord Iohn of SYENNA , entered into a strong league and confederation with the great Turkish Sultan Amurath at CONSTANTINOPLE . Which for that it sheweth in what tearmes that famous kingdome then and yet standeth with the Turkes great empire , and withall containeth matter well worth the Christian consideration , it shall not be impertinent to our purpose ( omitting the long and glorious stile of that barbarous Monarch , seruing to no other end but to shew the greatnesse of his power ) plainely to set it downe as it was on his part at the same time by him confirmed . The League betwixt the most puissant and mightie Princes , Sultan Amurath the Turkish emperour , and Stephen king of POLONIA , agreed vpon and concluded at CONSTANTINOPLE , in the yeare of our Sauiour Christ Iesu 1577 , and of the Prophet Mahomet 985. I Sultan Amurath the sonne of Selym Chan , the sonne of Solyman Chan , the sonne of Selym Chan , the sonne of Baiazet Chan , the sonne of the Great Emperour Mahomet Chan , &c. Prince of these present times , the onely Monarch of this age , of power able to confound the power of the whole world , the shaddow of diuine clemencie and grace , Great Emperour of many kingdomes , countries , prouinces , cities , and townes , lord of MECHA , that is to say , of the house of the glorie of God , of the resplendent citie of MEDINA , and of the most blessed citie of IERVSALEM , prince of the most fruitfull countrey of AEGIPT , IMEN , ZENAN , ADEN , and many other such like : in most louing manner declare , That the most glorious and renowmed Stephen king of POLONIA , great duke of LITHYANIA , RVSSIA , PRVSIA , MASOVIA , SAMOGITIA , KIOVIA , LIVONIA , and many other countries moe , prince of the couragious followers of Iesus , Gouernour of all the affaires of the people and familie of the Nazarets , the welcommest cloud of raine , and most sweet fountaine of glorie and vertue , eternall lord and heire of the felicitie and honour of the aforesaid noble kingdome of POLONIA , vnto whom all the distressed repaire for refuge , wishing a most happie successe and blessed end to all his actions : offering vnto vs many religious vowes and eternall praises worthie our perpetuall loue and most holy league , and with great deuotion performing these and other like honours , as for the dispatch of his letters to our most glorious court , for the new confirming of the most sacred league and confederation with vs , sending the honourable lord Iohn of SYENNA ( his most faithfull counsellour ) his embassadour to our imperiall court ; declaring his loue and integritie , and purging himselfe of all the suspition of hostilitie , hath requested the league and confederation to be renewed . At whose instance we haue giuen these our letters confirming the said league of peace and confederation : wherein we commaund , that none of our Counsellors , Beglerbegs , Sanzacks , Generals of our armies , Captaines or seruants , shall doe , or on my behalfe presume to doe any hurt vnto the kingdome , countries , cities , castles , townes , islands , or whatsoeuer else to the kingdome of POLONIA belonging . And in like manner , that none of the Nobilitie , Generals , Captaines , or others whosoeuer belonging vnto the king of POLONIA , shall dare to doe any harme vnto my kingdomes , cities , castles , or towns confining vnto the kingdome of POLONIA . In briefe my will is , that he being a mortall enemie vnto mine enemies , and a fast friend vnto my friends , shall doe no grieuance or harme vnto any my subiects , or things whatsoeuer vnto my iurisdiction belonging . So in like manner communding also , that no hurt by any meanes , or for any occasion be done by our people vnto the subiects , or whatsoeuer else vnto the iurisdiction of the king of POLONIA appertaining . The creatures , embassadours , messengers , and men of whatsoeuer condition else , shall on both sides freely without let or trouble come and go without any harme receiuing , either in their persons or goods . It shall be lawfull also for the king of POLONIA his subiects , to seeke throughout out empire for any the Polonian captiues taken before the time of this league ; and the same so found ( if they haue not receiued the Turkish religion , but still remaine Christians ) to redeeme , without the contradiction of any man. And that whatsoeuer shall be taken and carried away after the confirmation of this league , shall be all againe freely and without any thing paying , deliuered and restored . That the merchants on both parts may freely traffique with all kind of merchandise in the blacke and white sea , as also vpon the maine ; and so paying their vsuall and lawfull custome , to be in nothing wronged or molested . If any of the Polonian merchants shall die in our dominion , the goods of him so dead shall not be embeseled , but kept in safetie vntill his brethren or other his friends shall come with the king of POLONIA his letters : vpon the shewing whereof , hauing also our letters mandatorie , the goods shall be forthwith restored vnto the dead mans heires . In which sort also my merchants shall be dealt withall , if any of them shall chance to die in the kingdome of POLONIA . If any wrong be done within the limits of mine empire , vnto any belonging vnto the kingdome of POLONIA , after the date of these letters confirming the league ; the dooer of the wrong shall by my commaundement be sought out , and being found shall be punished , and the wrong done , without any delay or contradiction , forthwith recompenced . And the like iustice to be also on the behalfe of the king of POLONIA administred . If any debtor shall depart out of mine empire into the Polonian territorie , wheresoeuer he shall chance to be found by his creditor , he shall be brought to the iudge of that place to be examined , and whatsoeuer it shall be proued him of right to owe , the iudge of that place shall according to the equitie of the cause make the creditor to be satisfied . But if the debtor cannot himselfe personally be found , no other man shall by reason of an other mans debt be taken , detained , or molested : neither shall the innocent be troubled for the guiltie , in either or both our kingdomes . In briefe , vpon whatsoeuer conditions and capitulations the league of peace and confederation was in the time of my father , my grandfather , or great grandfather of famous memorie , made with the kings of POLONIA , vpon the same conditions and capitulations be it now made also . Whatsoeuer hurt hath hitherto been done to either part by reason of the disagreement of the Gouernors and captaines , shall all be on both parties neglected and forgotten . Also after the time of these letters confirming the league and confederation , Whereas the king of POLONIA shall in time 〈◊〉 a certaine summe of money vsed to be paied vnto the Tartars ; the Tartar Chan and his sonne Mirzeleby their princes , shall restore the same againe , and not to dare to suffer his armies by any meanes to hurt the Polonian territories . So that on the part of the Tartars and their armies , no harme shall be done vnto the kingdome of POLONIA : neither on the part of the Polonians to the territories of the Tartars . And if any harme shall by the Tartars be done in the king of POLONIA his territories , it shall by my commaundement be againe restored . And so likewise on the part of the Palatine of MOLDAVIA , or the inhabitants of the kingdome of MOLDAVIA , no harme shall be done vnto the countries subiect vnto the king of POLONIA : but if any be done and certainly knowne , to be by my commaundement againe recompenced . On the part also of the king of POLONIA and his subiects , whatsoeuer harme shall be done vnto the territorie or subiects of the Moldauian Palatine , or Tartars ; the harme so done to be recompenced , and the dooers thereof punished . Also that all such fugitiues as hauing done any notorious felonies or other villanies in MOLDAVIA , and so are fled into POLONIA , shall at my request , or at the request of the Palatine of MOLDAVIA , be restored , and in no case denied . That all the Polonian captiues within my dominions , yet professing the Christian religion , may by the king of POLONIA his subiects be redeemed , not paying any more for them than their lords and masters paid : euerie such master of the slaue taking his oath that he cost him so much . But such captiues as haue receiued the Turkish faith , to be forthwith set at libertie : and so the Turkes slaues in the kingdome of POLONIA to be likewise manumised . That our embassadours on both sides ( so long as we are in league and amitie ) may freely come and go , and not be staied in any place ; and being willing to meet together , may at their pleasure so doe . And being entred into the confines of either part , to be forthwith by some good and faithfull guide appointed vnto them , conducted vnto the place they are to go vnto . And this to be on both sides kept . No man to dare to hurt , or stay any Merchant , hauing paied his thirtith part , or lawfull custome . If any of our subiects shall haue any suit with any of the king of POLONIA his subiects , the iudges shall without delay be bound to administer iustice . All theeues and robbers shall be diligently sought out ; and being found , to be seuerely punished : and the goods taken away , without impeachment to be restored vnto the right owners , their heires , or to the king . The Sanzacks of SILISTRIA and BOLOGRAVE , the Customers and water-baylifs shall not suffer any man but merchants and such as are sent in our seruise , to passe ouer the riuer Nyester ; who passing ouer , if they shall bring with them any slaue or bondman out of POLONIA , he shall be sent backe againe . The shepheards , if they will transport their sheepe into the iurisdiction of the king of POLONIA , shall not so doe without the leaue of the Polonian Gouernours , before whom they shall also number their sheepe : of whom if any shall be lost , the Gouernours shall cause them to be sought for , and to be restored vnto the shepheards , as also to pay for their hey . The Zauzij , Ianizaries , or Posts , shall not dare in time of peace or war , to take any horses from the Polonian merchants , or other the kings subiects comming into our kingdome . The Palatines of MOLDAVIA , in whatsoeuer condition they haue been towards the former kings of POLONIA , they shall now also still so be hereafter . The thirtiths and customes of both parts , shall continue in their old manner , and not be increased . The Polonian kings subiects and merchants , as well Armenians as of any other nation , whensoeuer they shall enter into MOLDAVIA , or any other part of our empire , shall not trauell by vncertaine and vnknowne , but by the common and high waies : wherein if they shall suffer any losse or harme , either in their goods or persons , the dooers of such wrongs shall be sought for , and seuerely punished . Which merchans shall be suffered without any molestation quietly to come and go , hauing paied their thirtiths : and no merchant to be troubled for anothers debt . If any the Polonian kings merchants or subiects , be willing for readie money to redeeme and carr●e away any slaues taken out of the Polonian kingdome , and yet professing the Christian religion ; the iudges shall in no case withstand them , neither presume to take them from them , or againe to redeeme them . But if any of such slaues haue receiued the Turkish religion , they shall not be againe demanded by the king of POLONIA . Such slaues as haue not receiued the Turkish religion , if after a certaine space they shall be set at libertie by their masters , and in the letters testimoniall of their libertie , it shall be declared that they haue receiued the Turkish religion ; yet shall they not by the iudges be therefore detained . In the citie of BVRVSA , the Polonian merchants hauing paied their vsuall thirtiths , shall not be farther pressed with any other vnusuall payment . My will is also , that the territories at this present in the possession of the king of POLONIA , 〈◊〉 hereafter to be by him taken from the Muscouite or any other the Christian princes , to be comprised within this league , and so to be royally by him possessed . And for the confirmation of the articles and conditions in these our letters of confederation contained , I sweare by the power of the most mightie God , and of his most holy prophet ; and by the most cleane and pure spirits of all the prophets ; that for all the daies of my life , and so long as nothing shall on the behalfe of the king of POLONIA be done contrarie to the peace and league , nothing shall also on my part be done contrarie vnto the same . Witnesse the Almightie , the vpright iudge and decerner of mens actions . From CONSTANTINOPLE the yeare of the holy prophet Mahomet 985 , the 14 of the moneth Cziemassi Eumel , and of Christ 1577. This league betwixt these two mightie princes Amurath and king Stephen ▪ thus concluded , and after the death of Stephen by Sigismund the third ( which now raigneth ) renewed ; as it hath been euer since vnto the Polonian kingdome for the time commodious , so hath it as with an Adamantine band so bound that most famous kingdome , as that in the hardest distresses of the Christian common-weale , and most in deed concerning it selfe , it hath affoorded no more helpe than hath the members farther off , which is ( I rue to say it ) none at all . As in these late and present warres betwixt the Christian emperour and the two last Turkish Sultans , is too plainely to be seene : wherein had it in due time giuen but such reasonable helpes as it might well haue spared , much no doubt might haue been done for the repressing of the common enemie , and the recouerie of the greatest part of that is lost of HVNGARIE : But thus bound , standeth as a dead member , seruing to no vse more than to the more speedie destruction of it selfe , togither with the rest of the sicke bodie . For what assurance it can haue in this long ( I must needs say ) but euill assured peace , is well to be seene in that in the great consultation of this great Sultan Amurath with his Bassaes after the Persian warre , for the inuading of Chistendome ; the Polonians for all this league so solemnly constrained , were nothing the more regarded , but laied in the same ballance with the rest , and preserued onely by the Prouidence that all gouerneth : which leading the Turke against the Christian emperour their neighbour , hath giuen them that peace they were otherwise hardly to haue looked for . Vnto whom for all that , hauing to his endlesse praise maintained a long and most chargeable warre , they haue not lent any great helpe or friendly hand ; yet lying themselues still in the lyons mouth , and like enough to be the next ( God grant I be therein deceiued ) that is to be of him deuoured . But leauing these the heauie conceits of a melancholy mind , and ominous forbodings of that I wish not , to returne againe toward PERSIA , Amurath his greatest care . Amongst many the ambitious competitours for the mannaging of these Turkish so great desseigns , was the great Bassa Mustapha ( euen he , who in the raigne of the late emperour Selymus conquered CYPRVS , carrying thence togither with his victorie perpetuall infamie , for his faithlesse and cruell dealing with Bragadine the worthie and renowmed Gouernour of FAMAGVSTA ) appointed Generall of the Turkes armie into PERSIA : and authoritie giuen him , to prouide whatsoeuer hee should thinke needfull for so great a warre . And commaundement giuen vnto the Bassaes , and other commaunders of the greatest part of the Turkish empire Eastward , that they should themselues with their souldiors of all sorts , bound by their perpetuall annuities to go to the warre , in the beginning of the Spring this yeare 1578 , repaire to ERZIRVM , a citie of CAPADOCIA bordering vpon ARMENIA , there to attend the commaund of their new Generall . Who hauing his dispatch from CONSTANTINOPLE , and for fashion sake conducted by most of the court ouer the strait to SCVTARI , and from thence passing through the countries of AMASIA and SIVAS , in the verie beginning of Sommer arriued at ERZIRVM ; and there staied vntill such time as his people , victuals , artillerie , and other his necessarie prouision was come thither . From whence he departed for SIRVAN , hauing first taken a diligent surueigh of his whole armie , mustering the souldiors of euerie nation by themselues : namely , of the Mesopotamians twelue thousand , of the Assyrians and Babylonians fourteene thousand , of the Syrians two thousand , of them of the lesser ASIA ( now comprehended vnder the name of NATOLIA ) ten thousand , of the Iewes and Philistims one thousand , and of the Cilicians foure thousand . After whom followed the soldiors of GRaeCIA , the glorie and hope of all the campe , valiant men to the number of ten thousand : and after them the familiar and faithfull guard of the Generall , ten thousand Ianizaries of CONSTANTINOPLE with harquebusiers on their shoulders , and scimitars by their sides : of the citie also of ERZIRVM , and the jurisdiction thereof , appeared foure thousand vnder the ensigne of Beyran Bassa their Generall . All these were stipendaries to the Turkish emperour : vnto whom other voluntarie aduenturers joyned themselues , in number not inferiour to the rest , but better furnished , and of greater courage . So that in this generall suruey of the armie were found about an hundred and ten thousand men , most part horsemen : yet was there not any stirred out of ARABIA , AEGIPT , AFRICA , or HVNGARIE , or other places alongst the sea coasts : neither were the prouinces from whence these souldiours were drawne , left destitute or vnfurnished of their ordinarie garrisons . Besides this multitude of men , Mustapha brought with him fiue hundred small pieces of artillerie , with many loads of mony for his souldiors pay , with further order for the taking vp of more at ALEPPO , and other places , if his occasions should so require . He caused also great quantitie of corne to be transported by the Great sea called in antient time Pontus Euxinus , to TRAPEZONDE , so to be conueyed to ERZIRVM , being but foure dayes journy distant thence . To be short , hauing taken order for all things he thought necessarie for the warre , he in seemely array departed from ERZIRVM , and in eight dayes arriued at the ruins of CHARS , and in the fruitfull countrey thereabout rested himselfe : but was there surprised with such a violent tempest of wind and raine , as rent in sunder his tents and did great harme , by meanes wherof many fell sicke and were constrained to forsake the armie . Hauing stayed three dayes at CHARS , the bounder of the Turkish and Persian empires , he departed thence with his armie , and that euening lodged vnder the mountaines of CH●ILDER , supposed to be part of the hils PERIARDO : where hearing the Persians to be in armes , he thought it best for the securitie of his armie , so to pitch his tents as that he might well discouer the comming of the enemie , and not to be assaulted at vnawares . And therefore planting himselfe in the plaine , he gaue order that Beyran , Bassa of ERZIRVM , should take possession of a certaine hill on the right hand ; and Deruis the Bassa of CARAEMIT should keepe another hill that stood on the left hand ; and with them Osman Bassa , Mahamet Bassa , Mustafsade Bassa , aduenturers , with many others as well stipendarie as voluntarie men , should likewise pitch their tents vpon the same hils , in such sort , as that they making as it were two wings to the campe , might discouer the comming of euery man , and yet he himselfe being shaddowed with the two hils , might lie vnperceiued of any . Mahamet the new king of PERSIA , as yet scarcely setled in his kingdome , stirred vp by the fame of these motions , resolued in himselfe to stand vpon the defence of his state , and for a time to dissemble the conceiued hatred which he bare to some of the Sultans of PERSIA , and princes of GEORGIA , and to make some apparent shew that he was reconciled to them ; for that without them he could not promise vnto himselfe any forme of an armie , or defence : wherein ( notwithstanding all the troubled state of his kingdome ) he wrought so cunningly , that almost all the great men of account tooke vpon them the protection of his state and kingdome . And so Tocomac a Sultan , the Chan and Gouernour of REIVAN , a famous man , well knowne vnto the Turkes , and of great reputation amongst the Persians , was chosen Generall of this expedition ; with charge , That gathering together the greatest number of men he could out of ATROPATIA , out of MEDIA the greater , and other places neere vnto the Turks , he should by all meanes possible stop their passage into GEORGIA and MEDIA ATROPATIA . And thereupon precepts were sent out into all parts of the kingdome , That all the Chans , Sultans , and souldiours whatsoeuer should come readie prest to attend vpon their new Generall . Many obedient to the kings proclamation came , but many there were that would not stirre a foot , for their obstinacie in the broiles begun , and for the suspition they had of vnlooked for mischeefes : at whose disobedience the king much grieued ; but now there was no remedie but to make the best of the matter , and for the safegard of his honour to make the best resistance they could . So with those few which for the loue of their prince and countrey were met together in those parts , being in number not aboue twentie thousand , Tocomac was dispatched about his businesse , if happily he might with these small forces oppresse the enemy in some straight or troublesome passage , where the great multitude should rather serue to the confusion of themselues than to the helpe of one another . These twentie thousand were all horsemen , armed with scimitar and bow , with some harquebusies among , and furnished with very fine and well tempered armour ; but aboue all , couragious they were and resolute , and well the more for the valour and prowesse of their Generall . So prouided of all things necessarie , they set forward , and keeping the way of TAVRIS and GENGE , they came to the turning of CHARS , where they were aduertised that the enemies armie was alreadie passed . They were now come within a dayes journey of CHIELDER , when they sent quicke and faithfull scouts to bring them certaine newes of the condition and number of the Turks armie ; who came thither euen at the very time that Mustapha was encamping his armie betweene the two hils , whereupon the two Bassaes Beyran and Deruis with their people had alreadie pitched their tents . These scouts discouering the Turkish hoast aloft , persuaded themselues that there was not any other battell than those which they saw vpon the hils ; whereof with all speed they could they returned newes to Tocomac , who at ease had followed these his scouts afarre off . Tocomac thus misenformed by his scouts of the number of his enemies , held on his way boldly , with purpose to assault them : and hauing discouered their tents vpon the hils , was throughly confirmed in the opinion he had before conceiued of the number of his enemies and the scouts relation , and with so much the more confidence set forward to assaile them . But Beyran and Deruis , who quickly from the hils perceiued the Persians comming in the plaine , although they knew them to be men of great courage , yet reposing an assu●ed confidence in their Generals battell , with all speed mounted vpon their horses and ran to meet them . So in the aforesaid plaines vnder CHIELDER , within one houre after noone was joyned a most bloudie battell , wherein at last were slaine seuen of the Turkes Sanzackes , with a very great number of souldiours , without any apparent losse at all among the Persians ; who fighting close together in great hea● , and all be-bloudied , vrged their happie and fortunat victorie . But Mustapha who perceiued all that had passed , and stayed waiting till the fight was at the hotest , and the medley at the thickest , that so the flight of the enemies , might breed their greater disorder : and now seeing that his people could no longer endure the furie of the enemies rage ( euen as if it had lightened and thundered , and as though the earth had shaken ) with such cries and exclamations as the Turks vse in their assaults , for the more terrour of the enemies , exciting his armie , ran as it were headlong vpon his aduersaries , and so renewed a most terrible battell . The Persians with wonderfull courage endured this vnexpected and dreadfull assault , and with incredible signes of valour , in that little time of daylight that was left ( for the night began now to approch ) continued their manifold slaughters , and at last being fauoured by the darkenesse of the night , withdrew themselues with as little losse as possibly they might . Neither durst Mustapha any longer pursue them , but was glad by night to returne to his campe . Of the successe of this battell the Persians certified their king : as also of the greatnesse of the Turkish armie , with their further purpose for the annoying thereof . And by the Turkes also were presented to Mustapha ( who had alreadie sent away postes with newes to Amurath ) fiue thousand heads , which by their colour , countenance , and beards , bewraied themselues to be Persians , and three thousand Persians aliue . Of this victorie Mustapha greatly rejoyced , and to make it seeme the greater seeking by all meanes to conceale his owne losses , and to raise a greater terrour by the fame thereof among his enemies ) caused the heads of those three thousand that were brought before him aliue to be presently cut from their shoulders , and gaue order , that of those heads there should be framed a bulwarke in those fields for a most horrible and vncouth spectacle . The same day that Mustapha employed himselfe about this barbarous and cruell work , there came vnto him certaine messengers from Manucchiar , the younger sonne of the Georgian widdow Dedesmit ( a great prince in that countrey ) who told him , That with his good fauour and leaue Manucchiar their lord and master was comming to salute him , and to offer himselfe vnto him as his obedient and deuoted seruant . At which newes Mustapha redoubling his joy , gaue commaundement , That all the Bassaes and captaines of the armie with all solemne pompe , with trumpets , drums , peales of ordinance , and all other signes of munificall and joyfull entertainment should goe forth to meet the said Manucchiar , and to accompanie him to his presence . Which they did accordingly , and so encountering him with all signes of honour , conducted him to the great pauillion of Mustapha , who there caused him to be againe saluted with like triumph . Manucchiar dismounted from his horse , and against his will beholding the strange and vncouth pile of heads , all pale and filthie to behold , and indeed imagining what the matter meant : yet notwithstanding , before all other things hauing done his due reuerence to the great Bassa , and according to his degree placed himselfe next to his side , after he had presented him with such gifts as his countrey yeelded , he gaue him to vnderstand , That for the honour and estimation which he bare to the Turkish valour , he was alwayes deuoted to the house of the Othomans ; and as he had oftentimes desired to spend his goods and life in their seruice , so at this present time , moued by his auntient desire , allured by the strange fame of this victorious and wonderfull armie , and stirred vp by a particular phantasie , to learne the painefull and hard precepts of the art militarie , vnder such a Generall , commaunder of other commaunders ; he offered him all deuotion and seruice , more than euer he had done to any heretofore , and himselfe hauing nothing in the world more deere vnto him , consecrated his owne life to his commaundements ; desiring that the same might be employed in the conflicts of warre vnder his banners , among warriours and souldiors of fame and renowne : and therefore besought him to accept of him in the name of Amurath , whose obedient vassale he vowed himselfe to remaine for euer . Graciously did Mustapha receiue all this discourse from Manucchiar , and hauing shewed him againe the pile of heads , together with his battels , armour , and prouision of war , told him , That as all these forces are the gift of God , who alwayes fauoured the righteous counsels of the Othoman emperours , in such sort , that they Lord it ouer all the world , euen to the astonishment of all that liue in the world at this day : so had he for his particular chosen the better part , in comming now to yeeld himselfe , and to submit his obedience to his lord , although it had beene better if he had done it before . And as concerning the desire he had to be his companion and fellow in these warlike affaires , he did very friendly accept of his comming , and promised him all good entertainement and assured safetie . And so in exchange of the presents which he brought him , he apparrelled him in cloth of gold , honoured him with a battle axe and targuet , wrought with gold and ammell , and neuer permitted him to go from his pauillion without a traine of his slaues following him . This Georgian prince thus solemnly entertained , the Generall gaue order through his camp , That they should the next morning remoue from those mountaines : and now euery man was putting himselfe in readinesse , when as there rise a most terrible tempest of wind and raine , mixt with thunder and lightening ; which continued with such violence by the space of foure dayes together , as if the heauens had beene dissolued into waters . Whereby it came to passe , that out of the dead carkasses and heads before mentioned , issued a most horrible stinke : so that thereby , and by the foulenesse of the weather , with the other annoyances alwaies attending vpon so great a campe , the whole armie was exceedingly troubled , and diuers diseases arose among the Turks . But at the last the weather breaking vp , Mustapha rise with his campe , and set forward toward TEFLIS : and being not able by reason of the foulenesse of the way to passe any further , that day stayed in the plaines , where the lake CHIELDER GIOL standeth , and there refreshed his sicke and wounded souldiors : remoouing thence , the next day about noone he came to the castle of ARCHICHELEC , sometime a castle of the Georgians , but taken from them by Solyman in his warres against Tamas , and euer since holden by the Turkes . Here Mustapha surueyed his armie , and by diligent account taken , found himselfe to want fortie thousand of his souldiours : whereof some were slaine in the battell , some were dead of sicknesse , and many wearie of so long and perillous a journey were by night stolne out of the campe and returned to take their ease at home . From thence the armie remoued , and lodged at night neere the marish , called of the Turks PERVANA GIOL , or lake of slaues , and the next day came to TRIALA : where at this day are to be seene the ruines of a great citie , and of many churches ; whereof some are yet repaired and maintained by deuout Christians , the reliques of those happie and religious forces , that with so great and faithfull zeale passed the seas and mountaines through those barbarous nations into the holy land , men worthie of eternall praise . The next day the Turkes ascended the high and craggie mountaine that standeth vpon TEFLIS : from the top whereof descending the day following , they seized vpon a castle of the Georgians , called by the Turks GIVRGI CHALA . Departing thence , and lodging in certaine plaines , the next day they came neere to the riuer that runneth by TEFLIS . But in these foure dayes march from ARCHICHELEC , where Mustapha tooke view of his armie , many of the Turks , who in seeking for victuals for themselues and their horses , had stragled from the armie , were cut off by the Georgian captaines ; who with a number of their owne countrey souldiors secretly followed the Turks armie , and well acquainted with all the waies of the country , lay in ambush vpon such places as the victuallers were to passe through , and so suddenly setting vpon them , spoyled them at once both of their goods and liues . Mustapha comming to TEFLIS , found that castle emptie , for that Daut Chan lord therof , hearing of the comming of the Turkes , forsooke the same , and betooke himselfe to the fields : prouiding better for himselfe in so doing , than by staying still in the castle , to haue been there taken prisoner . This castle for the conuenient situation thereof Mustapha caused to be repaired and fortified , and planted therein an hundred pieces of artillerie , and appointed Mahamet Bassa Generall Gouernour of that place , with a garrison of six thousand souldiors : which done , he departed for SIRVAN . At which very time those of SORIA which had brought a thousand loads of rent corne to the campe from ALEPPO , being themselues in number a thousand persons , with fiue hundred others of OMPS ( in antient time called HVS , the citie of the patient Iob ) and other places of SORIA , men neither of dutie bound , nor of themselues willing to follow the campe , returned homewards towards their owne countrey : but vpon the way they were set vpon by Alessandro , Ginsuf , and Dauid ( three of the Georgian lords ) and all slaine , except some few , who by the swiftnesse of their horses escaped with Nassardin their captaine . Now after that Mustapha had passed the discent of the s●eepe mountaines of TEFLIS , the next day he encamped in certaine low plaines : where the embassadours of Alessandro surnamed the Great , sonne of Leuent a Georgian prince , came vnto him and told him , That their lord was readie , if it so pleased him to come vnto him to doe him reuerence , and by word of mouth to promise him that deuotion he had alwayes in mind borne to the Othoman emperours . With a glad heart and cheerefull countenance did Mustapha receiue these embassadours : and presently sent them backe to will their lord to come , and to tell him , That his friendship should be vnto him most deare and acceptable . And after their departure tooke order with all the commanders of his armie to receiue him with all the signes of joy that might be ; which at his comming was accordingly by them performed . Who after he had presented vnto the Generall the rich gifts he had brought with him , he offered his obedience to the Bassa with most liuely speeches he could possibly deuise , calling Amurath his lord : seeming to take it in euill part , that he passed not through his territorie , where he should ( as he said ) haue had plentie of all things for the releefe of his armie ; yet hoping , that in his returne from SIRVAN , he would take it in his way , where as he should find him most readie to bestow all that he had in the seruice of his lord : telling him moreouer , That although he could not for many vrgent respects goe with him into SIRVAN , yet he would alwayes accompanie him in mind , and continually pray vnto the Creator of all things for his prosperitie and most happie successe . Courteously did Mustapha receiue both his presents and submission , and in exchange thereof bestowed vpon him certain gifts after the Turkish manner , and in magnificall tearmes gaue him answere , promising him in his returne to passe through his countrey : and so dismissed the Christian duke with like honour , wherewith he was entertained at his comming . Mustapha holding on his journey toward SIRVAN , through moorish and troublesome wayes , in twelue dayes after he departed from TEFLIS came into the confines of SIRVAN , neere to the riuer of Canac , and there rested on this side the riuer one day . At which time they of the citie of S●CHI bordering vpon the Siruanians and Georgians , foure dayes journy from SVMACHIA , came to offer themselues to Mustapha , as subjects to the Turkes . Of whose submission the Generall gratiously accepted , promising to them his assured protection . The Turkes armie ouerwearied with the continuall trauell of twelue dayes march , but yet farre more afflicted with hunger , not finding in those parts so much as one wild beast to assuage their greedie desire of meat , sought by all meanes euery man for himselfe to get something , especially when they vnderstood their Generall would passe the riuer into a countrey vnto them all vnknowne , where they were altogether vncertain what to find for their releefe . So whilest they were enquiring among themselues , who were able to conduct them to some such place as where they might supplie their wants , behold certaine Persians were taken ; who being straightly examined on that point , after much resistance at last told them , That not far off , after they had passed certaine marishes , where Canac dischargeth it selfe into Araxis , they should find many fields full of Ryse and corne in the blade , and a little further certain fat heards of cattell , sufficient to relieue the whole armie . Of this newes was the Generall certified : who although he greatly doubted the subtilties of his enemie ; yet to gratifie his souldiors , and to make them more willing to follow him into SIRVAN , he licensed euery man that had a desire thereunto to goe and prouide themselues of victuals , and so suffered all that would to goe freely . Whereupon there went of themselues , and were sent by their captaines about ten thousand seruile persons , with cammels , horses , and mules , to fetch away this prouision of corne and cattell : but the euent answered not to their desires . For Tocomac with the other Persian captaines , and the rest of the souldiors that were escaped from the ouerthrow giuen them in the plaines of CHIELDER , hauing gathered togither the remainder of the armie , and recouered such places as they thought safe and friendly for them , carefully attended the marching and passing of the Turkish armie . And being certainly enformed by them of REIVAN and GEORGIA what way they kept , and that of necessitie they must arriue at the banks of Canac ; they began to deuise how they might in some measure be reuenged of their former losse , and empeach their enemies entrance into SIRVAN . But wanting rather strength than courage to assaile the whole armie , they thought it best to stay in ambush in some fit place , vntill some part of the Turkish armie ( allured with the prey of the corne and cattell ) should for the reliefe of their common necessities descend into those fields . And the rather to draw them on , sent out diuers men , who as if they had gone about their owne businesse , and by chance at vnawares had lighted vpon the Turkes campe , reuealed vnto them as a great secret , what a good prey was hard by them . And so withdrawing themselues out of sight priuily , awaited the comming of the Turks : when as within the space of three daies it so fell out , that the aforesaid ten thousand forragers arriued at the wished place ; where they had no sooner begun to charge themselues with the prey , but they were surprised by the Persians , and all slaine , sauing a few who by hastie flight saued themselues . The noise of this hoat skirmish being heard into the Turkish hoast , caused Mustapha to imagine that the matter was fallen out euen as in deed it was : and therefore rising with his whole armie , hasted with all possible speed to haue succoured the poore people , who were now all slaine . And albeit he came not in so good time as to yeeld them reliefe , yet came he verie fitly to reuenge their death vpon the Persians , staying too long to load themselues with the spoile of their enemies . The place from whence the Turks were to haue had the aforesaid bootie , was almost in manner of an island , enclosed with the riuers of Araxis and Canac : whereinto Mustapha entred with his whole power , Deruis Bassa leading the one wing as did Beyran Bassa the other , and he himselfe comming on in the middle with the maine battell . The Persians seeing Mustapha with all his forces hasting towards them , and withall remembring the late ouerthrow by them receiued in the plaines of CHIELDER ; began to bethinke themselues , how much better it had beene for them to haue contented themselues with the late slaughter of the forragers , and with speed to haue got them away out of that strait , than by staying longer to be enclosed with the multitude of their enemies , as that they could now no way escape without most manifest perill . In this perplexitie , discoursing among themselues whether it were better for them to flie , or with so great disaduantage to joyne battell , and so rather to die with honour than to liue with reproach : at last they resolued to reserue themselues to the farther seruice of their prince and countrey ; deeming it rather a point of wisedome than of dishonour , Not to aduenture vnto most desperat and assured death , so many worthie men as might in future time stand their countrey in great stead : yet did they not see how by flight well to escape , for that they were in such sort s●rained within the riuers , as that there was no ground left for them to escape by , than that which contrarie to their expectation was by the Turkes alreadie possessed . In these difficulties euerie man began to betake himselfe to his owne priuat conceit and fortune . Tocomac with Emir Chan , and other the great commaunders of the armie were the first that turned their backes , and by the helpe of their couragious horses , got ouer the riuer of Canac : whose example moued many others to attempt the like , though not with like fortune ; for that their horses being not of such courage , and out of breath , lay many of them drowned in the riuer . Wherwith others being amazed , as perceiuing ineuitable death in flying present before their eies , and reposing all their hope euen in despaire , ran as it were headlong in a rage and furie vpon their enemies , and in fighting shewed vnspeakable valour : but what was one against an hundred ? for there they were also all slain , though worthie of immortall fame . Thus was the Persian armie quite discomfited in this demy island , being first stained with the bloud of the enemie , and afterward with the slaughter of the neighbour and proper inhabitant : and so became the perpetuall sepulcher of a most couragious and warlike people . The Turkes in this last conflict , lost not aboue three thousand men , beside the slaughter of the ten thousand forragers : although Tocomac to make his losse to seeme the more tollerable , made report to the king of a greater slaughter made . The Persian captaines full of sorrow for this vnexpected ouerthrow , with the licence of their Generall departed , euerie man to his seuerall gouernment : as Emanguli Chan to GENGE , Serap Chan to NASSIVAN , Tocomac himselfe to REIVAN , and all the rest to other cities , to the gouernment whereof they were before by the king appointed , and so remained expecting his farther pleasure from CASBIN . Mustapha was now come to the riuer of Canac , which he was to passe ouer into SIRVAN , and therefore made straight proclamation through his whole armie , That euerie man should be in readinesse against the next day to passe the riuer . At which proclamation all his people suddenly arose in a tumult , and with injurious tearmes euen to his face reproued his folly and inhumanitie , propounding vtter danger vnto himselfe , and an vniuersall con●usion vnto the whole armie : and therfore praied him to surcease from proceeding any farther , vnlesse he were minded to cast them all away . But his resolute mind was not by their threats or entreaties to be remoued , neither gaue he them other answere than this : That so had Amurath commaunded : and that if all the rest should shew themselues vnwilling to obey their Soueraigne , hee himselfe would not nor could not , but would be the first man to attempt and performe that , which they all so abhorred and reproued . Valiant souldiors ( he said ) were discouered and knowne , not in idlenesse and ease , but in great paines taking , and difficult enterprises : who neuer ought to be afraid to change this momentarie life for euerlasting honour , or to shun death , if the seruice of their prince so required . And for mine owne part ( said he ) I most earnestly request you , that after I haue attempted the passage of the riuer , if any thing happen vnto me otherwise than well , yet carrie my dead bodie to the other side of the riuer : to the end , that if I cannot whilest I yet liue execute the commaundement of my soueraigne , I may yet at least performe the same when I am but a speechlesse and liuelesse carkasse ; for as much as the desire of my lord is not in any sort to be frustrated , for making too great account of mine owne life . Diuers and sundrie murmurings and whisperings followed vpon this speech of the Generall , who notwithstanding the next morning did first of all wade ouer the deepe and swift riuer himselfe : after whom presently followed the Bassaes with all their slaues , by whose example the rest also were induced at last to doe the like , and so continued vntill the darknesse of the night interrupted their passage ; by which occasion more than halfe the armie could not then get ouer . In this passage , being with great tumult and disorder attempted , it came to passe that about eight thousand persons carried away with the violence of the riuer , were miserably drowned , with the great outcrie of all the hoast . The like happened also to many mules , camels , and sumpter horses , vpon whose backes diuers persons being mounted , in hope to haue passed drie ouer the riuer , were likewise headlong ouerwhelmed therein . With great complaints and blasphemous cursings was the whole night spent , by them that were yet on this side the riuer ; whose feares were not a little increased , by the example of their vnfortunate fellowes before drowned . And like enough it was , some pestilent sedition to haue ensued thereupon , had there not a shallow foord by great chance been discouered , which gaue safe passage to those that were left . For in the passage which the people made that followed Mustapha , the grauell of the bottome of the riuer being raised and remoued by the heauie hooues of the cattell , was driuen downe the riuer to a place , where by great good hap there was also a foord : and there gathered togither in an heape , had in such sort raised the depth of the channell , that it made as it were a shelfe for their commodious passage , so that the remnant of the armie , carriages , and artillerie passing ouer the same , there was not so much as one man that perished . So hauing with much difficultie at last got ouer the riuer of Canac , they rested themselues that day and the next , and there staied vntill the whole armie was mustered , and againe put in order . Remouing thence , the day following they encamped in certaine barren Champaines , where was neither corne nor cattell : neither could they perceiue or learne , that in those quarters were any villages at all . By meanes whereof the hunger of their beasts increasing , they were enforced to giue their horses and mules , leaues , and stalkes of verie drie and withered reeds , and such other like things of little or no sustenance at all : and the men themselues were faine to satisfie their hunger with those vttermost reliques , which they were faine to picke out of such poore victuals , as now by corruption were become loathsome to mans nature : and that which worse was , they saw no end of these miseries they were so entred into . Notwithstanding there was now no looking backe , but needs on they must , and follow the fortune of their leaders : among whom Mustapha before all the rest set forward on his determined journey . He had not long marched , but there was discouered good store of sundrie plants , and shortly after a verie large plaine countrey all greene and flourishing , and garnished with many trees : by the onely sight whereof , euerie man was refreshed with the hope of reliefe ; and with more than ordinarie paces , hasted vntill they were entered into those Champaines , abounding with all kind of corne and fruits that could be of an hungrie man desired . In this place did euerie man satisfie his appetite , and forgot in part the forepassed calamities . Through this fruitfull and pleasant countrey Mustapha leading his armie , at last ariued at ERE 's , the chiefe citie in that coast of SIRVAN as you trauell from GEORGIA . This citie of ERE 's was forsaken of a number of her inhabitants , as soone as it was knowne that the Turkes were come to Canac ; who all followed their Gouernour Samir Chan : who with Ares Chan Gouernour of SVMACHIA , and other the Gouernours of SECHI and other places of SIRVAN , forsooke the cities , and altogither withdrew themselues into the mountains , as places of more suretie , attending the euent of these so great motions . So that as the Turkes entred the citie vndisturbed , so were they with the prey they found therein , nothing enriched : for that in this common danger , euerie man had carried away with him the best things he had . Here staied Mustapha two and twentie daies , during which time he erected a fortresse in the said citie : whereupon he placed two hundred small pieces of artillerie , and for the keeping thereof appointed Caitas Bassa , with a garrison of fiue thousand souldiours . In the meane time also he commaunded Osman Bassa ( one of the voluntarie captaines ) with ten thousand men to possesse SVMACHIA , sometime the Metropoliticall citie of that prouince , with the title of Visier and Gouernour Generall of SIRVAN . Giuing him farther in charge , that in any case he should cleare the passage to DERBENT , and giue present aduertisements to the Tartarians of his arriuall there : whom he supposed by that time to be come into those quarters , for that they had before so faithfully promised to Amurath ▪ Osman comming to SVMACHIA , presently seazed vpon the citie , and was friendly entertained of those that remained there : whom he likewise courteously entreated , without doing or suffering any outrage to be done vpon them . Of which his courteous vsage they of DERBENT vnderstanding , sent presently to offer their citie vnto him , beseeching him to receiue them into his protection , and to defend them from the Persians : vnder whom , although they had long liued in subjection , yet differed they from them in the ceremonies of their Mahometane superstition , wherein they better agreed with the Turkes . Mustapha hauing thus brought the countrey of SIRVAN into the Turkish subjection , and finished his fortresse at ERE 's , and put all things in such order as he thought best : importuned by the Ianizaries and the people of GRaeCIA , and somewhat enforced by the season of the yeare which was now farre spent ; departed from ERE 's , and turned his course homeward toward the countrey of Alexander surnamed the Great , as he had promised in his late passage into SIRVA . And hauing trauelled a long journey , he sent before him certaine engines and pioners to make a bridge ouer Canac , so without danger to passe ouer his armie . Hauing passed the riuer , he gaue notice to Sahamall ( one of the lords of GEORGIA ) of his arriuall , who presently came and yeelded himselfe as vassall to the Turkes : and being entertained of the Bassa with great pompe , and rewarded after the Turkish manner , tooke his leaue , and so returned into his mountaine of BRVS . Mustapha setting againe forward , and trauelling by night because he would not lose the opportunitie of the faire weather ; by the errour of his guides lost his way , and so fell into rough and difficult passages , whereby he was enforced to stay and wait for day light : which arising , did manifest vnto them , that they were now entred into the countries of his friend Alexander . And therefore he gaue forthwith proclamation through all his armie , That no man vpon paine of death should be so hardie as to molest or disquiet any of the subjects of Alexander , but to haue good respect vnto them , and to entreat them with all courtesie . The day following he still trauelled on in the same countrey , when there arriued from ZAGHEN certaine embassadours of Alexanders , with great aboundance of cattell , corne , fruits , and other reliefe sent for a present to the Generall , with a solemne excuse , that he came not himselfe , because the infirmitie of his bodie would not suffer him . Wherewithall Mustapha rested satisfied , and leauing the citie of ZAGHEN on the right hand , caused the messengers of Alexander to guide him the way to TEFLIS : which they so directly did , that within the space of three daies they conducted him thither with his armie , without the feeling of any annoiance ; from whence they returned , being well rewarded for their paines by the Generall . Who now come to TEFLIS , found the garrison he had there left for the keeping thereof , so hardly pinched with famine , that they were glad to eat cats , dogs , sheepskins , and such like vnwonted food : for neither durst they for feare of the enemie go out of the castle to prouide for themselues ; nether if they had so done had it any thing auailed , such was the carefulnesse of the enemie in keeping of his things : but now by the comming of the Generall they were relieued with meat , money , and plentie of all things . Hauing staied there two daies , he put himselfe againe vpon his way , and with fire and sword destroied whatsoeuer came in his way in the Champaines subject to the said citie : onely the sepulchers of Simons progenitors ( lord of that countrey ) were left vntouched by the Turkes furie . The next day they trauelled ouer rough and ragged mountains , full of a thousand difficulties , which were the more encreased by wonderfull great snowes that were fallen : by reason whereof , many souldiors , horses , camels , and mules perished . In which distresse the armie continued two daies ; during which time the souldiors were fallen into such a disorder , that forgetting the feare of the enemies countrey wherein they were , euerie man without regard tooke vp his seuerall lodging apart , some here , some there , where they might find either some thicke bush or some small cottage , or some quiet valley to shelter themselues in from the wind , the snow , and the stormes . Of which disorder certaine Georgian lords vnderstanding by the scouts which from time to time waited vpon the Turkes armie , joyned themselues together and in the night secretly approached vnto it , expecting the opportunitie of performing some notable exploit : and hauing obserued , that Hosaine Bey had withdrawne himselfe with his regiment from the rest of the army vnder certaine mountaines , to defend himselfe from the storme and wind ; they tooke the occasion presented , and so assailing him , slew his slaues and all his squadrons ; tooke a great bootie of many loads of money and apparell ; lead away with them all his horses , and whatsoeuer else they could find , and scarce gaue him leisure to saue himselfe , by flying into the tents of Beyran Bassa . The next morning the Turkes remoued , and in the euening came to a castle called CHIVRCHALA , where they staied a whole day to make prouision of victuall : which was attempted by sending abroad many of their slaues into the fields , conducted by them of the castle ; who were all miserably cut in pieces by the Georgians . From this place the Turkes armie departed in great hunger , ouer diuers rough places of the Georgians , where they were faine oftentimes to rest themselues : and at last came to the confines of Dedesmit , of her called the widowes countrey . In the entrance whereof , they must needs passe through a narrow strait , betweene certaine mountaines , where the riuer Araxis windeth it selfe with a thousand turnings in the low vallies : a dangerous place , and so narrow , that no more but one man alone could at once passe through it . Betweene this strait and a verie thicke and hilly wood , they lodged vpon the banke of the said riuer : and from thence they remoued the next morning , and trauelled ouer verie steep mountaines and rough forrests , ouer yse and snow more harder than marble , and ouer other hanging rocks ▪ in such miserable sort , that many camels , mules , and horses , tumbling downe headlong into the riuer , there miserably perished . Through these ruinous crags and diuers other miseries , they marched all the next day , and after that another day also , as miserable to the armie as the former . And so at last being sore afflicted with hunger , spoiled of the enemie , tormented with the hard season of the yeare , and situation of the place , they arriued in the territories that lay vnder ALTVNCHALA , or Golden castle , the princely widowes pallace , where they had all manner of reliefe , for all the miseries they had endured since their departure from CHIVRCHALA , by the space of six daies : which if it had been a faire common trauelled way , might haue been performed in one onely daies journey . The widow , with Alexander her eldest sonne , came downe from her castle , and went vnto the pauillion of Mustapha ; offering him diuers presents , and promising vnto him all faithfull obedience . Whom Mustapha courteously receiued , declaring vnto her , what honourable entertainment he had giuen to Manucchiar her yonger sonne there present , who had been with him in all the expedition into SIRVAN . And for the present , dissembling the priuie displeasure he bare against Alexander ( whom he thought to haue been one of them that spoiled the Sorians in their returne from the campe ) he embraced him courteously , and praied her to be content to leaue him also there with him : giuing her farther to vnderstand , that he would send both her sons to CONSTANTINOPLE to Amurath , with letters of credence for their yeelded obedience , for their fauour shewed to his armie , in giuing it so secure passage , and so many helpes : and lastly , that for their good deserts , they might be of the said great Sultan both honourably entertained and rewarded . The aged ladie , although her mind was herewithall sore troubled , yet outwardly in her countenance shewed her selfe pleased ; and seemed courteously to yeeld , what she was of necessitie constrained to grant : as well for that he was alreadie possessed of one of her sonnes , as also for that both her selfe and her whole state were now in his power , and as it were at his deuotion . And therefore leauing both her sonnes behind her , she returned her selfe heauie to her castle . In this place Mustapha hauing refreshed his armie two daies , departed thence toward CHARS , and after many dayes trauell at last arriued at ERZIRVM , to the great rejoycing of the whole armie , which was there presently discharged by the Generall , without any mustering at all , & leaue giuen for euery man to returne into his countrey . Mustapha setling himselfe in ERZIRVM , dispatched postes with letters of plentifull aduertisements to his great lord and master , of all things that had passed ▪ not forgetting to magnifie his owne exploits aboue measure . He certified him of the battels he had had with the Persians , the obedience he had receiued of the Georgians and Siruanians , the mutinie of his owne souldiors , the fortresse he had built at ERE 's , the garrisons left in that citie with Caitas Bassa , and in SVMACHIA with Osman Bassa : and in breefe , whatsoeuer els had passed ; and whatsoeuer he had taken from the enemie . Neither did he faile to propound vnto Amurath , what he thought conuenient to be attempted the next yeare , for the strengthening of those places he had alreadie conquered , and for preparing the way for new enterprises . And principally he put him in mind of a fortification to be made at CHARS , a place very fit for any passage into GEORGIA or ARMENIA , by situation fruitfull and commodious both for men and cattell . And withall he sent vnto him the widdowes two sonnes , Alexander and Manucchiar , the Georgian princes , certifying him of their submission , and that he had receiued in their country all good entertainment and friendly welcome : and withall declaring his opinion , That Manucchiar was the meeter man for gouernment than his brother Alexander , and the readier to doe him seruice . Greatly did Amurath commend the valour and diligence of Mustapha , and highly pleased himselfe with this conceit , That of these beginnings might grow mightie conquests , to the enlargement of his empire , and that by this meanes he should be able to surpasse the glorie of his predecessours . And the more his ambitious thoughts were occupied about these wars , the lesse he troubled himselfe with thinking how to annoy EVROPE with his forces . It was not long after the departure of Mustapha from ERE 's , but that the Tartarians hauing left the fennes of MEOTIS , and the vnmountable shores of the Blacke sea , and hauing passed ouer the rockes vpon CHOLCHIS , and surueyed the frosen crags of the mountaine CAVCASVS , were now arriued vpon the confines of SIRVAN , and there attended the commaundement of the Turkes . These Tartarians being of them that are called Praecopenses , to the number of thirtie thousand , conducted by their lord and captaine Abdilcherai , a young man of great valour and fame , and of a comely personage , were come according to the faithfull promise of Tatar Chan , with a full resolution to attempt whatsoeuer should be commaunded them in the name of Amurath . Now Osman Bassa vnderstanding of their approch , according to the charge before giuen him by Mustapha the Generall , enuited them to enter into SIRVAN , and by encreasing of the Turkes forces to further these beginnings of Amurath his glorie , and these his conquests ( or more truly to say , these magnificall & famous tearms of victorie . ) All which was most diligently put in execution by Abdilcherai : who hauing entred the yron gates where DERBENT standeth ( which by the Turks at this day is called Demir Capi , and signifieth the gates of yron ) and so from thence passing into the countrey of SIRVAN , there stayed , and thereof gaue aduertisement to Osman , as was by him appointed . Ares Chan late gouernour of SVMACHIA , who for feare of the great armie of the Turkes had abandoned the citie the cheefe place of his charge , and betaken himselfe to the safegard of the mountaines , hearing of the departure of the Turkish Generall , resolued with the other Gouernours of ERE 's and SECHI ( who following his example , had in like manner fled ) now to returne againe to their forsaken countrey , and to make proofe if he could by any meanes take reuenge of the injurie done vnto him by the Turkes . So passing vnder SVMACHIA , and hauing put to the sword certaine of Osmans stragling victuallers that were gone out of the citie , he encamped with all his people a little from SVMACHIA , and by good fortune surprised certaine messengers sent from Abdilcherai the Tartar , to certifie Osman Bassa of his arriuall , and to know his pleasure what he should put in execution . These Tartarians brought before Ares , after much torture disclosed the letters they carried : which the Persian captaine read , and considering the great number of the Tartarians that were come ( for the letters made mention of thirtie thousand ) he resolued not to stay any longer in those quarters , but presently raised his campe , and retired towards Canac , meaning from thence to certifie the king of these nouelties , and vpon the bankes of the said riuer to attend the kings answere . The Tartarian captain comming to SVMACHIA , was appointed by the Bassa to passe ouer the riuer of Canac into GENGE , the countrey of Emanguli Chan , with the spoyle thereof to enrich himselfe , and by all meanes to make his arriuall vnto the Persians most terrible . With this charge the Barbarian departed , thirsting now for nothing more than for the bloud and spoyle of the enemie : and with posting journies came to Canac , where Ares Chan was yet encamped : whom he vpon the sudden most ●uriously assaulted , and like a deuouring flame discomfited all his hoast . And taking him aliue , sent him to SVMACHIA to Osman , who forthwith caused him to be hanged by the necke out of a lodging in the same Statehouse where he had not long before sat as Gouernour . The Tartarian after that , swimming ouer the riuer , and coursing a little aboue GENGE , found Emanguli Chan with his wife , and all his familie , and a great part of the nobilitie of GENGE in a valley hunting the wild Bore ; and assayling him , put him to flight , tooke from him his wife , all the ladies , and many slaues , and slew many of the rest that were come thither to see the sport : and after that rode on to GENGE , which he tooke , and yeelded it wholly to the furie and lust of his barbarous souldiors , who left no manner of inhumane crueltie vnattempted , in satisfying their immoderat and barbarous affections . And so being loaded with the spoyles , and wearie with the slaughter of their enemies , they returned merrily toward SIRVAN : and passing againe ouer Canac , came to the hither side of ERE 's into certaine low champaigns , enuironned about with hils , and there hauing pitched their tents , without any feare setled themselues to sleepe and to rest their wearie bodies . In the meane time , and long before these actions , were newes come to the Persian Court of all the Turks proceedings : whereupon the Persian king hauing gathered new forces , had dispatched Emir Hamze Mirize his eldest sonne with twelue thousand soldiors to passe into SIRVAN , to see what hurt the enemie had done , and to attempt the reuenge of the forepassed injuries ; but aboue all things to punish the villanie of them of SECHI ▪ and the other cities of SIRVAN , that not induced with any necessitie , had so voluntarily yeelded themselues to follow the obedience and religion of the Turkes . The Persian prince departing from CAS●IN , accompanied with his mother Begum , who would needs follow her beloued sonne , was on his way towards SIRVAN , vnder the guiding and gouernment of Mirize Salmas , cheefe of the Sultans ; and had now left behind them the countries of ARDOVIL and CARACACH , when he was certified by the aduertisements come from Ares Chan , of the arriuall of Abdilcherai , with his great number of Tartarians ; and was thereby at the first strucken into a great quandarie ▪ and almost out of comfort : yet prickt forward with an honourable desire of glorie and reuenge , he prosecuted his entended enterprise for SIRVAN , and hastening his journey , came to ERE 's long before the king his father thought he could haue so done . This his notable celeritie serued him to great purpose , for that Caitas Bassa was boldly gone out of the fortresse , and went spoyling the countrey , carrying away with him whatsoeuer he met withall , and committing such insolencies as hungrie souldiours beyond all honestie vse to doe in strange and fruitfull countries . But when he was in the middest of these spoyles , and least feared the enemie , he was suddenly assailed by the prince ; and hauing no meanes to escape his furie in this extremitie , after a fierce and bloudie battell ( wherein the Turks although in number few , yet shewed many effects of valor ) he was there slaine with all his souldiors , leauing the fortresse , the spoyles , and the countrey committed to his custodie , free to the pleasure of the victor : which the Persian prince hauing once againe gotten into his possession , tooke away the two hundred pieces of artillerie that were left in the fort by Mustapha , and presently sent them to CASBIN to his father . The prince encouraged with so happie a beginning , leauing his mother at ERE 's , followed on his journey toward SVMACHIA , but by the way descending the hils , he discouered where the Tartarians lay encamped . Whereupon he stood in great doubt , whether to aduenture vpon so mightie an enemie , or to content himselfe with the victorie he had alreadie gotten , and so to returne into PERSIA : to returne he thought it too great a shame , and chose rather to aduenture himselfe to most manifest perill . And therfore descending the hill , and drawing nigh the enemie , he perceiued that the armie was all laid downe to rest , and that their horses were some couched , some standing , but all vnsadled : whereupon without any stay setting spurs to his horse , he pricked forward with all his hoast , and most terribly assaulted the Tartarians , now buried in their spoyles and sleepe ; & hauing slaine their first and second watch , although with some losse , among the tumultuarie souldiors he made an vniuersall confusion and slaughter , putting some to flight , killing others , and taking diuers of them captiues . Among whom was their Generall Abdilch●rai , who was taken aliue , and sent to the king in CASBIN . After these victories the Persian prince scoured to SVMACHIA , and compassed the citie round about , wherein the Turkish Bassa Osman sat as Gouernour , to the reproch of PERSIA : and there encamping himselfe , sent word to Osman , That if he would yeeld himselfe , he would let him depart with life and goods : otherwise , if he would obstinately hold it out , and not yeeld the citie , which he so vnjustly possessed , he should be constrained to surrender it by force , and his life withall . Osman who as then knew nothing of the Tartarians ouerthrow , but still hoped of their returne , thought it best to entertaine the prince with faire words vntill their comming , and therefore gaue him courteous answere , that he was very readie to yeeld vp the citie : but withall entreated him , that he would stay but for three dayes , and graunt him time to put all things in readinesse , that so he might freely depart , as it had pleased him in courtesie to offer . The prince glad of such an answere , supposing it to haue proceeded of a sincere meaning , expected of the Turke the performance thereof . But Osman meaning nothing lesse , than to commit himselfe to the faith of his enemie , and seeing that the Tartarians , whom he looked for , appeared not , he resolued to saue himselfe by secret flight ; doubting , as he had good reason , that if he should longer stay , to be betrayed by the inhabitants of the citie themselues : and therefore somewhat before the assigned tearme of the three dayes appointed for the surrendering of the citie , he by the helpe of a darke night , and the couert of the high and rough crags , with great silence withdrew himselfe out of SVMACHIA , carrying away with him all his substance , and so in safetie arriued at DERBENT . The next morning the inhabitants of SVMACHIA opened the gates of the citie to the prince : who seeing their infidelitie , first by giuing of entertainement to Osman , and now by helping him to escape , without giuing him any knowledge therof , did put in execution the effect of his wrath and indignation , which euen in CASBIN he had conceiued in his mind against them ; and with great crueltie did punish the miserable and vnfortunat citisens , laying their houses euen with the ground , rasing both the old and new wals of that citie , of late so desired a receit for the Turkes . But when he was to depart thence , he stood in doubt , Whether to goe on to DERBENT , or to returne to PERSIA : the strength of that citie , the appproch of Winter , and the long journey he was to take homeward , persuaded him to lay aside the enterprise for DERBENT , whereupon he resolued to returne to CASBIN : yet first to make his returne by them of ERE 's and SECHI , and vpon them as vpon rebels to inflict well deserued punishment . So making his present repaire thither , spared neither sex nor age , nor any condition of persons , but vpon them all poured forth his furious indignation , without exception . Which done , he with his aforesaid mother Begum , and his armie , though somewhat deminished , yet victorious and triumphant , returned to CASBIN . Yong Abdilcherai the Tartarian was kept safe in the kings pallace at CASBIN , but with such easie imprisonment as was agreeable to his calling : which was day by day so enlarged , as that he seemed not to liue as a prisoner , but rather as a companion of those of the Court , and as it were in apparent libertie . By which occasion hauing insinuated himselfe into the loue of Begum the kings wife , he spent his time in courting of her , and she againe in entertaining of him in all secret and couert manner . Yet these their mutuall affections and interchangeable fauours passed not so secretly , but that in the Court and all ouer the citie it was a rife report , That the shamelesse ladie , prodigall of her honour , had participated both her bed and her selfe with the Tartarian prisoner . Howbeit neither the king nor the prince knew any thing of it . But the king perceiuing the yong gentleman to be generally commended , valiant , courteous , and of a comely feature , and withall nobly borne ( for he gaue it out that he was the brother of Tatar Chan ) persuaded himselfe , that it would stand with the great good of his state , of a captiue to make him his sonne in law , by giuing him his daughter in marriage : whereby he was in good hope there might grow such an amitie and vnion betweene the Tartarian Praecopenses and himselfe , as that they would from thenceforth not onely refuse to fauour Amurath in those warres , but also become enemies vnto him , and in the fauour of PERSIA turne their armes and affections against him . Which his deepe and considerat purpose so displeased the Sultans of CASBIN , that they sought by all meanes they could possibly deuise to auert the king from that so strange a policie : but all in vaine , for the king being fully resolued , and now vpon the point to make a conclusion of the marriage ; the Sultans entering into the pallace with their followers , and finding there the vnfortunat Tartarian , ran him through the bodie , and cutting off his priuie members , flapped them vpon his mouth after a most barbarous and filthie manner . It is reported , that the queene was then also murdered by them : certaine it is , that the poore ladie neuer after that day saw the light of the Sunne : but whether it was put in execution by the appointment of the king her husband , or that the Sultans did it for the publicke interest , is not certainely knowne . Vpon these murders sprung vp many troubles , and much ciuile dissention , threatning the vtter confusion of the Persian kingdome , to the singular benefit of Amurath . All which tumultuous disorders the king by brideling his owne affections , and the motions of his sonne Emir Hamze Mirize , well appeased , procuring at last a perfect vnitie , as then most necessarie for the defence of his kingdome . Osman Bassa being in DERBENT ( the onely place of refuge now left for the Turkes in SIRVAN ) ceased not with all carefulnesse to deuise what he possibly could , for the assuring of that countrey ( of late woon , and now againe almost lost ) vnder the gouernment of Amurath . For the better establishing whereof , together with his owne safetie , he thought it good to enter into friendship with old Sahamal the Georgian , lord of the mountaine of BRVS . With this man did Osman practise many tokens of good will , and he again interchangeably towards Osman : whereupon there arose great friendship betweene them , at leastwise in outward appearance : whereunto in short time there was added a straight knot of alliance : for that Osman took to wife a daughter of the said Sahamals , the greatest signe of his sincere loue towards him . Neuerthelesse shortly after Osman vpon some reasonable conjectures began to suspect ( as indeed the truth was ) that Sahamal for all the faire shew of friendship he made towards him , might for all that receiue some secret order from the Persian king , to betray him , and to free the citie from the Turks , and so to reduce all that prouince vnto the auntient deuotion : in which jealous suspition he was fully confirmed by the speeches of his wife , the daughter of Sahamal ; who rauished with the honour , valour , and riches of her husband , could not conceale any thing that she knew deuised against him , but frankely told him , That her father being secretly reconciled to the Persian king , held friendship with him , and that letters went betweene them of great matters , and particularly of the affaires of SIRVAN . Hereupon the Bassa persuaded himselfe , that all the friendship of Sahamal was but deepe dissimulation , and the marriage of his daughter nothing but a meane to procure his death . Neuerthelesse he made shew vnto his wife , as if he had made no such reckoning of it as indeed he did , but kept it in store to his owne safetie and the destruction of Sahamal , whom for all that he still entertained with all honour and kindnesse due vnto a most louing father in law . But to preuent the malitious purpose of Sahamal , hauing enuited him according to the custome to a certaine solemne feast , he acquainted certain companies of his most trustie and valiant souldiors with his determination , enjoyning them , that as soone as Sahamal was entered into his Court , euen in the very dismounting from his horse they should all fall vpon him , cut off his head , and put all his retinue to the sword . Which his cruell commaund was by him accordingly at Sahamals comming put in execution , he in lighting from his horse being slaine , and all his followers murdered , when forthwith were sent forth by Osman two thousand horsemen to spoyle and sacke all the country of the said Georgian lord , to the great maruell and astonishment both of farre and neere . The Persian king hearing of these newes , tooke the matter grieuously , as foreseeing that the recouerie of that countrey and prouince of SIRVAN would proue a matter of great difficultie , and fearing greatly that it would still remaine ( as indeed it doth ) in the possession of the Turkes . This was the end of the Turkes attempts against the Persians in SIRVAN this yeare 1578 , wherein they lost aboue seuentie thousand men , deuoured partly with the sword , and partly with famine , and the other miseries of warre . And so Winter comming on very sharpely , euery man withdrew himselfe from the field , wholly attending the keeping of that they had alreadie gotten , vntill the comming on of the next Spring . Amurath aduertised by letters from Mustapha of all that had happened in the late expedition against the Persians , vpon these prosperous successes ( which the Bassa had for the aduancing of his owne credit described to be farre greater than indeed they were ) began to cast many deuices in his head touching such matters as were to be attempted the next year . And first he thought it necessarie to send his forces againe into SIRVAN , to recouer such places as were first conquered by Mustapha , but afterward againe subdued by the Persian , so to establish his gouernment in that countrey . But vpon better consideration he ceased further to thinke of that matter , for the great hope he had conceiued of the aid that was promised him by Tatar Chan , who had faithfully assured hoth him and Osman , that he would ouerrun that prouince anew , and do great matters in furtherance of the Turkes desseignes : all which for all that fell out to be but windie words : yet in respect of this hope he layed SIRVAN aside , and committed the defence thereof to the false promises of the Tartarian , and the valour of Osman . And pleasing his ambitious desires with more haughtie thoughts , he began to deuise with himselfe , for sending his armie directly to TAVRIS , there to erect a fortresse ; which being strongly fortified and furnished with a garrison of most valiant souldiors , should neuer be againe subdued by all the power of PERSIA ; and by this meanes to keepe in subjection all those great countries betweene TAVRIS and ERZIRVM . Which his conceit being of great weight and importance , was much encreased by the persuasion of others , very inward with him ; euery man being almost of opinion , That it was an easie matter for so great an hoast in few dayes to performe that seruice , and to pierce not onely into TAVRIS , but further to passe whether soeuer he would desire . Yet after he had more deeply considered of an enterprise of so great importance , and with more indifferent judgement compared his owne forces with his enemies , he began to find many difficulties and dangers , which in the heat of his ambitious desires he at the first saw not : For beside the length and tediousnesse of the journey , he doubted that in sending his armie for TAVRIS , it might be on the one side assailed by the Georgians ( of whose obedience he had as yet no great assurance ) and on the other side by the Persians , and so brought into great danger ; which he was alwayes to feare , whensoeuer he should haue occasion to send new supplies vnto the fortresse by him entended at TAVRIS . Whereupon laying aside all his former conceits , as too eagre and perillous , he resolutely concluded with himselfe , first to make sure his owne borders , and afterwards by little and little to enter into the enemies countrey , still fortifying in conuenient places as he went , and so surely , although but slowly , to triumph ouer his enemies ; rather than by thrusting his armie headlong vpon vncertaineties into places strongly fenced both by nature and the power of most mightie enemies , to be enforced with shame to abandon the enterprise so hastily begun . Of this his resolution he aduertised Mustapha by writing , giuing him in charge , against the next Spring to prouide all such things as should be necessarie for the building of certaine forts vpon the way that leadeth from ERZIRVM into GEORGIA : that hauing made those wayes safe , and brought the people vnder his obedience , he might afterwards attempt greater matters . Whereupon Mustapha presently directed forth precepts to the cities of ALEPPO , of DAMASCO , CARAEMIT , and other places of SORIA and MESOPOTAMIA , for the taking vp of cunning workemen , of pioners , and such like , to the number of twentie thousand : and likewise wrot to all the countries , out of which he had raised his armie the last yeare , That all their souldiors ( yea and in greater number also ) should be in readinesse against the next Spring , to returne to the wars . The rumor whereof he caused to be spread euen as far as AEGIPT . He commaunded also the taxes and tenths of those countries to be collected , and further vsed the chambers of ALEPPO , and other places , for such masses of mony as he thought necessarie for these purposes . In this while the two Georgian brethren , Alexander and Manucchiar , sent ( as we haue before said ) by Mustapha to Amurath at CONSTANTINOPLE , in doubtfull hope , expecting the end for which they were sent vnto the Court , were both examined , and exhorted to embrace the Mahometane religion : whereunto Manucchiar easily yeelded . Whereas on the other side Alexander his elder brother could by no allurements or meanes bee induced to consent to so infamous and damnable a change of his religion ; although he knew he should therefore be depriued of his state : but protesting his obedience at all times to Amurath , and his loue to his brother , requested onely , That he might but as a priuat man goe and liue in his countrey , there to be buried amongst his auncestours . Which his request the Turkish emperour referred to the discretion of Manucchiar , to doe therein as he saw good : who consented thereunto . Hereupon Manucchiar was circumcised , and the name of Mustaffa giuen him , with the title of the Bassa and Gouernour of ALTVNCHALA , and of all his mothers and brothers countries : and being thus created a Turke , had his brother Alexander a Christian committed vnto him , and so both returned into their owne countries . Now in the Persian court at CASBIN , were many consultations had for the repressing of the inuasions of the Turks . And among others carefull of those matters , Emanguli Chan Gouernor of GENGE , doubting to loose his honourable gouernment , by reason of the late sacke of his citie , and spoile of his countrey by the Tartarian ; by those plots that were daily in contriuing for the sending of men into SIRVAN , to impeach the dessignments of Osman Bassa , and ( if it were possible ) to driue him out of DERBENT ; tooke occasion to offer vnto the king , vpon paine of his head to defend SIRVAN , and not to suffer Osman the Turke to attempt any new fortifications or further conquests in that prouince . Of which his offer the king accepted , and thereupon the gouernment of GENGE , and guarding of the countrey of SIRVAN against the forces of Osman , was frankly committed vnto him . And commandement giuen to the Gouernours of TAVRIS , REIVAN , and NASSIVAN , and to diuers other captaines that were neerest , to be readie at all times with their power to assist Emanguli Chan , if it should fortune either the Tartarians , or Turks , with any great power to enter into SIRVAN : which order so taken , was thought sufficient for the securitie of that prouince . But how to protect the Georgian countrey , was thought to be a matter of greater importance , euerie man being almost of opinion , That some great power of the Turkes should be sent thither , for the more assurance of the conquest thereof alreadie begun ; and for the succour of the fortresse at TEFLIS , which must needs otherwise fall againe into the hands of the Georgians . This matter so troubled the Persian king , as that he seemed to haue bent his whole counsels and thoughts thereupon : when Simon a Georgian , a famous captaine ( sometime prisoner with Ismahel the late king , at CAHACA , and by the familiaritie he had with him , seduced from the Christian faith ; for defence whereof he had in the time of king Tamas chosen to liue depriued of his libertie and state ) thinking it now a fit time to obtaine at the kings hand such helpe as he had long desired , for the recouerie of his dominion vsurped by Dauid , otherwise called Daut Chan his yonger brother ( who for the obtaining thereof of king Tamas , had voluntarily renounced his Christian religion ) offered now vnto the king his faithfull seruice , for the defence of that part of the Georgian countrey , wherein TEFLIS stood ( being in right , part of his owne inheritance ) against the Turkes : reprouing by way of disgrace , his yonger brother of cowardise , and promising the performance of great matters in himselfe , both for the defence of that euill defended countrey , and further annoying of the enemie . With great contentment did the Persian king consent to the request of Simon , and named him Chan of all that kingdome , which he possessed before whilest he was a Christian : and sent with him Aliculi Chan into GEORGIA , with fiue thousand horsemen and certaine pieces of artillerie taken at ERE 's , when Caitas Bassa was slaine . Simon afterwards comming to GEORGIA , was joifully receiued of his countreymen , and there pressed about three thousand souldiors of his own and of his neighbours ; excusing himselfe that he was become a Persian , not because he preferred the Mahometane superstition before the Christian religion , but only so to be deliuered from his long imprisonment , & by that means to maintaine his estate . And in this order were the affaires of GEORGIA assured , and strengthned in best manner that might then be . Now began the Spring to approach , and euerie man prepared himselfe to the discontinued trauels of the wars begun : and now were met togither at ERZIRVM , out of all the wonted prouinces , all the Turkes forces , with all things necessarie for the intended warre . With this armie in all things equall with the first , Mustapha set forward , and in twelue daies came to CHARS , not perceiuing in his souldiors any signe of discontentment at all . And for as much as here they were to stay , and to fortifie both with wals and ditches that ruinated citie , and that with as great speed as was possible ; there was no remedie , but that beside the pioners & enginers that were brought for that purpose , many of the Spaoglani , yea and of the Ianizaries also must be set to worke . Whereupon they all suddenly in a tumult , began with bitter protestations to tell the Generall , That their stipends wherewith it pleased the Sultan to fauour them , were not bestowed vpon them to employ their forces and vertues in such seruile workes ; but onely with their swords and other weapons to exercise that force and hardinesse for which they were esteemed worthie of that honour . Whereunto the Generall answered in most haughtie tearmes ; and not yeelding one jot to their inciuilitie , but vsing all meanes of authoritie and terror , brought them to worke so much as he desired . So that within the space of twentie three daies , the towers and wals were erected , the ditches digged , the artillerie orderly planted vpon the wals , and the water brought round about it . Many inconueniences happened in the armie while they were busie in this worke ; and namely vpon the 25 day of August , when they had almost euen finished the whole building , the souldiors endured a most sudden cold , by reason of the snow that then fell in great aboundance . CHARS thus fortified , the Generall resolued to send succours into GEORGIA to TEFLIS ; without which it was most certaine , that that fortresse would be yeelded to the Georgians : but in what sort to relieue it , he remained doubtfull . To send part of his armie with some valiant captaine , seemed dangerous : and to go himselfe with all his forces , would sound ( as he thought ) to his discredit with his great lord and master ; whom he had alreadie made beleeue , that he had subdued all the Georgians , and brought all that prouince to his obedience and deuotion . In this ambiguitie , the desire he had to preserue his credit with Amurath preuailed : and so he made choise of Hassan Bassa of DAMASCO , sonne to Muhamet principall Visier of the court , a gallant gentleman and of great valour , to whom he deliuered betweene eighteene and twentie thousand souldiors ; joining vnto him one Resuan captaine of certaine aduenturers , that voluntarily offered themselues to follow the forces of Hassan ; assigning vnto him likewise fortie thousand duckats , and many loads of meale , rise , and barley , with other things necessarie both for diet and war , and so sent him away for TEFLIS . Hassan with this charge set forward , fully resolued to put these succours into TEFLIS , or to lose all : and at length came to the famous strait of TOMANIS , where the ouergrowne woods on the one side , with the deepe vallies and craggie rocks on the other , would astonish a right constant beholder . When vpon the sudden , the Persians and the Georgians ( vnder the conduct of Aliculi Chan and Simon ) at vnawares set vpon the Turkes , and joyned battell with them . For these two valiant captaines remaining for the most part in the borders of TEFLIS and TOMANIS with eight thousand souldiors , waiting for some opportunitie to annoy either them of the fort of TEFLIS , or else such as should come to their succours ; vnderstanding by their espials of the comming of Hassan with this aid , had scattered themselues all alongst the said strait , in hope there to assaile the Turks ; and holpen by the aduantage of the place , to driue them headlong into the deepe valley , and at once to bereaue them both of their goods and life . But Hassan carefull of nothing more than how to auoid that danger , chose rather to make his journey through the thicke woods , and so as he might to escape the ambush that the enemie might lay for him vpon that straight passage . And so entring with his armie into the wood , which he was to haue left vpon his left hand , to discouer what might be plotted against him , he was hardly charged by the enemie , and constrained to fight with a thousand windings and turnings in and out , through a thousand crooked paths and doubtfull cranks , in a most confused medley , with great slaughter of his men : who not accustomed to this kind of fight , nor acquainted with the situation of the place , were in the skirmish driuen so farre , that downe they fell , and being not able to recouer themselues , were presently slaine . And thus with much adoe , he at length passed the strait of TOMANIS . Hassan deeming himselfe much disgraced by suffering his enemies in number so farre inferiour , to haue done him so much harme , and so to haue escaped his hands : and farther , considering that in such places , sleights and stratagems more auaile than open forces ; burning with desire of reuenge , would needs stay neere vnto those straights , as if it had been to refresh his wearied armie ; but in deed to trie if the Persians would aduenture againe to trouble him , or no : and appointed Resuan Bassa with certaine bands of the souldiors of GRECE , and of his owne aduenturers , to lie in ambush within the couerts of the strait , attentiue to euerie stirre of the enemie . Two daies the Turks armie lay thus diuided , and were now resolued the third day to remoue thence towards TEFLIS : when as the Persian captaines , Aliculi Chan and Simon , vainly imagining that this stay of the Turks was for feare of the Persians , foolishly returned , and gaue a fresh onset vpon the flanke of Hassans squadrons . Who forthwith raising all his souldiors , and giuing a signe to Resuan , with all speed compassed in his enemies , and straightning them on both sides , tooke some of them aliue , cut in pieces othersome , and put the rest all to flight . Among others that were taken aliue , was Aliculi Chan the Persian captaine , who ouer rashly charging vpon the face of Hassan , fell into his hands . The next day following ( being the eleuenth day after Hassans departure from CHARS ) he joifully arriued at TEFLIS , where he found among the poore besieged Turkes , many miseries ; whereof some were alreadie dead , and some yet sicke : for they were so plagued with famine , that they not onely deuoured their horses , but euen the verie skins of the same horses , of sheepe and of dogs , and in such most miserable wants had passed the time : whom Hassan at his arriuall comforted with gifts and good words , exhorting them to persist constant in the seruice of their king , whose honour ( as he said ) was neuer more than there to be respected . And for as much as the souldiors of the fort did with one voice request Hassan to appoint them a new Gouernour , because they did all mislike Mahamet Bassa , who the last yeare was left by the Generall in that fort ; Hassan remoued the said Mahamet , and put Amet Bassa in his place : and so after he had filled vp the places of the dead souldiors with a new supply , and set all things in good order , he tooke his leaue , recommending the charge and custodie of that fortresse to their trust and valour . Hassan returning from TEFLIS , and being without any trouble come to the strait of TOMANIS , was aduertised by his scouts , that it was so strongly possessed by the enemie , and so shut vp with artillerie , as that it was not to be passed through : for Simon thinking ( as in deed it fell out ) that Hassan would returne that way , had so belaid that strait , as that the Turkes could not without most assured losse passe the same : which thing much troubled the Bassa , and filled his head with many conceits , how he might make his journey some other way , and decline the danger prepared for him . Thus perplexed , and altogither doubtfull what to doe , or which way to turne himselfe : Aliculi Chan the Persian , ( who to purchase his libertie could haue been content to haue done any thing ) offered Hassan to shew him a short and safe cut , whereby he might without danger passe with his armie ou● of that troublesome countrey ; yet couenanting before , that he should promise him to set him at libertie for his so good seruice . Which his request the Bassa pid not sticke in large manner to promise , although he afterwards to his great dishonour performed not the same : so bending his journey on the right hand , he was guided by Aliculi through strange and vncouth waies out of those woods and dangers , not meeting so much as with any one of his enemies . But when the Persian duke well hoping for his libertie put the Turke in mind of his promise ; he with deepe and faigned sighs protested , That he was right sorie that he could not performe what he had promised to doe for him , for as much as it lay not in his power to set any man at libertie , that was taken in battell by the souldiors of his great lord and soueraigne : yet gaue him his faith , that so farre as his intreaties and fauours with the Generall Mustapha could preuaile , he would vse all the most earnest meanes he could to procure his libertie and returne to his owne countrey . Simon the Georgian perceiuing that the Turks were remoued , imagined forthwith , that they had taken this new way . But being afterward certified by his faithfull spies , that it was so indeed , he ran all headlong and as it were desperat to meet with this so happie an army . And all enflamed with rage for this great fortune of the Turkes , he fell vpon the taile of the Turkish hoast : which with vnmeasurable furie he wholly destroyed , leading away with him all the people , all the horses , and all the treasure of Mahomet Bassa , which he brought from TEFLIS , and all the treasure of Hassan Bassa likewise . As for Aliculi Chan , whom Simon most greedily sought for , he was sent away in the front of the armie , and so not to bee rescued . Hassan holding on his way came to CHARS in the space of eight dayes after his departure from TEFLIS , and there presented vnto Mustapha the Generall the Persian captaine Aliculi , recounting vnto him the dangers he had endured , and whatsoeuer else had happened in that expedition . Aliculi the vnfortunat Persian was by the commaundement of Mustapha carried to ERZIRVM , and there in the castle committed to prison . Not long after Mustapha returned himselfe also to the said citie of ERZIRVM , with his armie sore weakened and discontented , which was there presently by him discharged . About the same time that these things were in doing , Amurath to make a safer and more easie passage for his forces into GEORGIA , sent Vluzales his Admirall with a great fleet into the Euxine sea to MENGRELIA , called in auntient time CHOLCHIS , who entering the famous riuer of Phasis ( now Fassa ) there fortified , and layed such a beginning , that it is now one of the Turks proud Beglerbegships , although those fortifications shortly after the departure of the Admirall , were for the present againe by the Mengrelians demolished . And this was the end of the stirres of this yeare 1579. Of all these successes Mustapha afterwards sent aduertisements to the Court to Amurath , recounting vnto him the fortifying of CHARS , the deserts of Hassan , as well for the succouring of TEFLIS , as for the taking of Aliculi the Persian . And because the said Generall had the yeare before persuaded Amurath , That the country of GEORGIA and the people therof were brought vnder his obedience , to the end he should not maruell at so many losses and so many battels , and thereby doubt of some false informations , he declared vnto him , That all these troubles were not raised by the naturall and homebred Georgians , but by two certaine captaines Aliculi and Simon sent out of PERSIA , who had made all these stirres : of which one of them now remained with him in prison , for him to determine of at his pleasure . With great delight did the Turkish emperour read all that Mustapha had written , and by two of his gentlemen vshiers sent to Hassan a battle ax all guilt , and set full of stones , a targuet of gold and pearle , and a rich garment of cloth of gold , in reward of his good seruice for which hee greatly commended him : and withall gaue order , That Aliculi should be kept where he was in the castle of ERZIRVM , in diligent and safe custodie . These inuasions of the Turkes much troubled the Persian king in his court at CASBIN , considering that now they had both throughly acquainted themselues with all the passages into GEORGIA ( in the difficultie and roughnesse whereof consisted the chiefe defence of that prouince ) as also that diuers of the Georgian princes were more than inclining vnto the Turkes seruice : so that he could not but justly feare , that his enemies would in time begin to pierce into the noble cities of MEDIA the Greater , yea and peraduenture euen vnto TAVRIS before any of the rest : which his care of forreine inuasion was doubled with domesticall feares : Mirize Salmas his chiefe Visier , and vpon whom he most rested , still filling his head with a jealous suspition , That Abas Mirize his sonne ( made Gouernour of HERI by Tamas his grandfather ) was about ( in these troubles with the Turke ) to proclaime himselfe king of PERSIA , to the great ignominie of his father , and prejudice of Emir Hamze his eldest brother , the worthie and vndoubted heire of that great kingdome . This Mirize Salmas ( according to his longing desire ) had married a daughter of his to the said Emir Hamze with the consent of the king his father : but yet not content with that great honour , ceased not continually with ambitious deuises , to seeke out meanes how to bring to passe that the Persian estate might wholy remaine to his sonne in law , vndeuided and entire from the participation of his brethren : and therefore little regarding the perils that might happen from the Turkes , and blinded with the desire of his owne greatnesse , he went about to turne the king ( being a man very credulous and inconsiderat ) against Abas Mirize ; either to take him and commit him to prison , or at least to bereaue him of all authoritie and commaund . And the better to persuade the king thereunto , he discoursed vnto him how little Abas Mirize his sonne had respected him in diuers occasions ; and that in these late wars , he had not so much as sent forth one man against the Turkes , but had forbidden such as were of his jurisdiction of HERI to come to CASBIN , at such time as they were summoned both by letters and commaundement to haue passed with Emir Hamze into SIRVAN ; by reason whereof not one of them would stirre a foot , answering , That they were enjoyned so to doe by Abas Mirize their lord : who had not onely caused himselfe to be called king of HERI , but had giuen it out , that he meant to claime the succession in the whole kingdome . These complaints much preuailed with the king , both in respect of the loue he bare to Emir Hamze his eldest sonne , and also of the credit he gaue to his Visier : especially being accompanied with the craftie packing of the said Visier ; who as he was verie cunning in such practises of himselfe , so did he make them much more effectuall with the effeminat king by the meanes of diuers great ladies , and other deuises that were to him verie familiar and vsuall . Insomuch , that the king carried away with light beleefe , did continually bethinke himselfe how to find opportunitie to represse the boldnesse of his disobedient son : not forgetting for all that to make such preparation against the Turks , as should be sufficient to stay their passage to TAVRIS , if they had any purpose so to doe . But leauing the Persian king to his troubled cogitations for a while , let vs againe returne vnto the Turkes Generall , the great Bassa Mustapha . He now lying at ERZIRVM ( after many troubles abroad ) was surprised and almost ouerwhelmed with vnexpected quarrels at home , many grieuous complaints being made of him to Amurath , whereby he was induced afterwards to take from him his Generalship , and to call him to the court to giue account of his actions . Which seemed not to be done without cause , he hauing before raised a great discontentment in the mind of Amurath , by sending such a strong power to the succours of TEFLIS , whereby he conjectured , that the affaires of GEORGIA , were not in such securitie as Mustapha had alreadie enformed him they were ; and also generally offended the minds of the souldiors of his armie , who all in an vprore accused him of improuidencie and prodigalitie , for that now this second yeare he had with so much ado gathered togither such a number of souldiors , to the trouble of the whole empire , and infinit charge of their lord , & yet performed nothing worthy the glorie of Amurath , or answerable to so great a charge . Which complaints , although they were of some moment , yet would the Turkish emperour for the great fauors he bare vnto him his antient tutor , neuer haue construed them so hardly against him , as for the same to haue been induced to haue depriued him of his place , if the inueterat enuie of Sinan Bassa had not ministred strength and force to these hard accusations , and set ( as it were ) an edge vpon Amurath to doe what he afterwards did . But forasmuch as the course of time and processe of the present historie , bringeth now forth these two mightie champions of the Turkes togither ; the enuious competitours the one of the others honours ; who liuing many yeares togither , haue left the wofull remembrance of their greatnesse and valour vnto the world , but especially vnto the afflicted state of Christendome , the large wounds by them made , as it were , yet bleeding : stay with me a while , and without griefe if thou canst behold the liuely counterfeits of two so great enemies ( who both liued within these few yeares , and the latter of them died but the other day ) as they are by the skilfull hand of the cunning workeman most perfectly described , and thus to be seene . MVSTAPHA . Quid Cyprum tactas ? Quid Medos marte subactos ? Quid fusos Persas ? Quid tua facta refers ? Dum te perfidiae damnet Bragadinus : & ipse Theupulus indigna morte peremptus erit . RICH. KNOLLEVS . What dost thou boast of CYPRVS woon ? or of the Medes orethrowne ? What of the Persians put to flight ? or of thy deeds so knowne ? Whilst Bragadinus thee condemnes of extreame perjurie , And Theupulus to thy disgrace , a sham●●ull death did die . SINAN . Mitte Sinane tuos nimium iactare triumphos : Et rigido vultu verba superba loqui . Vltar namque aderit mox Transyluanius heros : Qui tumidum coget te dare terga fugae . RICH. KNOLLEVS . Proud Sinan cease to vaunt too much of thy great triumphs woon , Or with sterne looke for to extoll the deeds by thee erst done : For why the Transyluanian prince will take reuenge of thee , And swelling in thy greatest pride , enforce thee for to flee . R. Knolls . This Sinan was a most auntient enemie to Mustapha , and in all things thought himselfe his match : For if Mustapha had subdued CYPRVS , so had he conquered TRIPOLIS , GVLETTA , with the kingdome of TVNES in AFFRICKE : and if Mustapha were a man of great courage , and reuerend for his yeares , Sinan would be his equall both in the one and the other : yea and did not sticke to thinke himselfe his better too , for that in the enterprise of GIAMEN in ARA●IA , he performed such an exploit as Mustapha neither durst nor yet knew how to put in execution , so carrying away the glorie of that famous conquest : for which euer after there was betweene them a continuall heart burning , one of them enuying at the others glorie , and both in word and deed , as occasions fell out , in all things opposing themselues one against the other . At last happens this opportunitie for Sinan : who taking the occasion of the complaints of so many against Mustapha , caused a great number of them to frame their supplications to Amurath ( which he for his part did in most malignant manner enforce and exaggerat against his old aduersarie ) accusing him that this second yeare he had most manifestly shewed himselfe to haue gone vnto the warres not as a worthie Generall desirous of noble and honourable enterprises , but as a man that would make marchandise of bloud , and of his souldiors payes ; employing the most liberall prouision of corne and money not as rewards of well deseruing men , nor to the erecting of such fabrickes as were needfull , and might haue beene built therewithall , but onely to his own proper gaine ; so to enrich himselfe with his peoples losses , to the great shame of his lord , and consuming of the publicke treasure : adding hereunto , that if the things done by Mustapha were well searched , it would be found , that he had neglected many good oportunities , attempted many things in vaine , and not done any good either to the emperour or his souldiors , but onely to himselfe : whom rather than they would follow againe , as their Generall , all his people in an vprore shewed themselues readie and willing to aduenture themselues in any other farre greater labour that by their lord and soueraigne should be commaunded them . These and such like complaints , with the hard opinion alreadie conceiued against him by Amurath , were the occasion why he resolued to put him from his place . Beside that , he thought it a thing dangerous to his state , to suffer one and the selfesame Generall any long time to commaund ouer so great armies , deeming it not so much for his honour still to employ one man , as to shew that he had varietie and choice of subjects , worthie of so great a charge . And therfore being desirous to find out the truth of that was reported to him concerning Mustapha , he sent the cheefe of his gentlemen porters with fifteene others to bring him to the Court , with his Chancellor and Treasurer , to shew the accounts of such monies as he had receiued , and to giue vp an account of their whole office . Vnto this messenger had Amurath deliuered three diuers letters , which he should warily shew as occasion serued : one of them was so written of purpose , that Mustapha in the receiuing therof might by the same messengers be strangled : in the second was the emperours warrant for the doing of that was to them commanded : and in the third was contained , that Mustapha should forthwith send his chauncellor and treasurer to the Court by those messengers . Mustapha in the meane time by diuers meanes , but especially by the guilt of his owne conscience , venting the displeasure of the emperour towards him , and suspecting ( as the truth was ) his life to be by those messengers sought after , at such time as the captaine porter came to his campe , found many delayes to put him off , and would not in any case be spoken withall . But when the messenger would endure no longer delay , he was at length admitted to his presence , hauing a circle appointed for him , out of which he and his companions might not stirre or approch neerer vnto him , the Bassaes guard standing in armes round about him . The messenger perceiuing the Bassaes warinesse , wilely pluckt forth the third letters , concerning the sending of his Chancellor and Treasurer to the Court. Then began the craftie old Bassa to find many excuses to haue delayed the matter : but being hardly pressed by the messenger , and seeing no other remedie , he with much difficultie deliuered them both , couenanting before with the messenger to haue both their liues spared : who comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , were forthwith clapt fast into the tower called IADICVLA , as there to haue beene seuerely examined of all the doings of the Bassa . But Mustapha after long delay comming at length to CONSTANTINOPLE the ninth of Aprill in the Spring following , and vsing the mightie and potent mediation of diuers great ladies and other his gratious friends in Court , preuailed so much in that corrupt gouernment , as that he was againe at length receiued into the fauour of Amurath ▪ without any further proceeding against him , his chancellor , or treasurer , who by his meanes were afterwards also enlarged and set at libertie : yet was he neuer after admitted to those honours , which he persuaded himselfe were of right due vnto him , for his good and faithfull seruice of long time done to the Othoman emperours . In this time that Mustapha was Generall at ERZIRVM , Muhamet the Visier Bassa was treacherously slaine at CONSTANTINOPLE : after whom shortly after died also Achmet Bassa , who succeeded in his place : so that the said soueraigne dignitie , in honour next vnto the Turkish emperour , was by rightfull succession due to Mustapha the next Bassa ; but that hee was not thought worthie of it by him that might and of right ought to haue gratified him therewith , as shall be a little hereafter declared , when we haue briefely set downe the sudden and strange death of the said Muhamet the Visier , worthie in all histories to be registred , as a mirrour for all such as administer justice in so great place , to looke vpon . This Bassa , a man of as great fame as euer was any that had gouernment in the Othoman empire , in the time that he all commaunded , had for some light causes depriued a certaine souldior of CONSTANTINOPLE of his yearely pension , which with many labours and dangers he had gotten to maintaine himselfe , which pension the Bassa bestowed vpon another souldior , so that the other poore soule remained in miserie , altogether vnprouided for . Vnto which miserable estate seeing himselfe now brought , and not guiltie to himselfe of any fault worthie so great punishment , he determined with himselfe to reuenge the injurie with the bloud of that great Bassa , and to bereaue him of life that had bereft him of liuing : which because he could not by any fit meanes put in execution ( by reason of the guard of slaues that keepe the person of the Visier , so that no man can come neere him that holdeth that high place ) except he could by some meanes acquaint himselfe in the Visiers house , and so insinuate himselfe into his acquaintance ; he resolued to take vpon him the rude habit of those religious which the Turkes call Deruislars , and after their manner to present himselfe euery morning before the Visier to aske his almes : and so hee did , counterfeiting withall a certaine kind of follie and lightnesse of mind , as doe those Deruislars , to make the people beleeue , that they contemne all worldly things , as men rauished onely with heauenly cogitations , which yet was by some that knew him thought to haue happened in him , through the greefe he had conceiued for the losse of his stipend . Muhamet not onely the first time , but also at all other times that this counterfeit hypocrite came before him , caused him to be comforted with his almes , and as it were with a kind of priuat stipend , enjoyned him euery morning to come vnto him into the Diuano , and there together with others appointed for the same purpose , to say his deuout prayers , and in singing praises to their wicked Prophet , to entreat God for his saluation : for it is a custome of all the noblemen , that at ordinarie houres of prayers all their priests assemble themselues in the Diuano , which is made readie for them , and there all together the infidell wretches doe with their vncleane mouthes mumble vp their superstitious prayers or rather most abhominable blasphemies . By this meanes did this dissembling companion so insinuate himselfe into the Visiers acquaintance , that the counterfeit foole went in and out of the Diuano at his pleasure , no man gainesaying either his going in or comming out , but dayly sat in the presence of the Visier , and so hauing said his prayers , and taken his almes , with all reuerence quietly departed . At last when the craftie hypocrit thought that the time was come wherein he might most fitly execute his purpose , hauing vtterly resolued with himselfe to die , so that he might satisfie the desire he had of reuenge , so long couertly fostered in his heart ; hauing conueyed a very sharpe dagger secretly into one of his sleeues , he went according to his custome , to require his almes , with an assured resolution ( when he had said his prayers , and reached out his hands to receiue his wonted almes ) speedily to charge vpon the Visier , and with the dagger to strike him to the heart . According to the accustomed manner was the counterfeit hypocrit ( for who would euer haue suspected so long and so traiterous a designement ) admitted into the Diuano , where Muhamet the Visier sat in his house , to giue publike audience , and after the vsuall manner , before any of the suters that attended for answeres and dispatch of their businesse suspected any such deceit , he was admitted neere vnto the Visier , and sitting right against him , according to his old wont poured out those vaine deuotions which those hypocriticall Barbarians vse to mumble vp in their prayers : which being finished , whilest the Visier simply reacheth vnto him his wonted almes , the traiterous villaine in receiuing it suddenly drew out his dagger , and once or twice stabbed it into the Visiers breast , out of which so deadly wounds gushed out his bloud and life together . Whereupon the standers by astonied with the strangenesse of the fact , ran in , but loe the old hoarie Visier lay all soyled in his owne bloud , deadly pale , and breathing forth his last gaspe . The mischieuous murtherer they presently laied hands vpon , and bound him fast : but the rumour of the strange fact did by and by flie vnto the emperours eares : who suspecting that some of the other great Bassaes desiring to mount into that high dignitie , had prouoked the traitor to doe this detestable act , would needs vnderstand of the traiterous murderer , What occasion had mooued him so trecherously to kill his Visier . Who resolutely answered him , That he did it to deliuer the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE from the tyrannie of him , by whom he was vndeseruedly depriued of his pension . But when he could get no other answere of him , he deliuered him into the hands of the slaues of the dead Visier , who with most exquisit torments put him to death . Muhamet thus dead , after him succeeded Achmetes the ne●t Bassa , who ( as is before said ) shortly after died also ; so that it was now Mustapha his course to s●cceed in that chiefe roome , for that he was the third in the order of the Bassaes. But when he had vsed all the meanes that he possibly could , to haue obtained that so honourable a place by order due vnto him ; yet could he not find so much grace in the sight of Amurath his great lord , as to haue it granted him vnder seale , although in effect he made him sit as Visier , and all matters of state were brought vnto him as chiefe Visier : but in his stead the seale was sent to Sinan Bassa , who was now made Generall for the Persian wars . Which disgrace not a little discontented Mustapha , fearing least some other strange accident should in short time light vpon him . After that Mustapha was thus displaced from his Generalship , Amurath nominated Sinan Bassa to be Generall in his stead for this expedition against the Persians , and for the preseruation of CHARS and TEFLIS ; giuing him soueraigne authoritie to commaund , and to set in order all such preparations as he should thinke necessarie for such enterprises as he should thinke good to attempt in his first yeare : who although by reason of his great fauour he grew haughtie and glorious , yet did he not foreslow to discourse throughly with himselfe vpon all his dessignments : and namely , beside the succouring of TEFLIS , he determined to build a fort at TOMANIS , to assure the passage thither from CHARS ; and withall to attempt all the meanes he could to induce the Persian king to send embassadours for peace , with such conditions as should be acceptable to Amurath . With these and such like discourses did he busie himselfe whilest he was yet making preparation to set forwards towards ERZIRVM . Of all these changes and alterations was the Persian king aduertised , as also that this new Turkish Generall Sinan was carefull , how this long warre might by some meanes be appeased and a good peace concluded . Vpon which occasion , and by the persuasion of Leuent ogli the Georgian , and of Mirize Salmas his Visier , he was induced to send embassadors to CONSTANTINOPLE , to demaund peace of Amurath . Vpon which resolution he dispatched Maxut Chan , ( of some called Maxudes ) his embassador , with direction that he should go to Sinan , and of him to receiue guides to conduct him to CONSTANTINOPLE with letters to Amurath , and as much as lay in him to labour for the pacifying of all these troubles : and in any case to conclude vpon it , so that he would be content with CHARS and TEFLIS . With these instructions the embassador departed , and at length arriued at CHARS , and so came to ERZIRVM , and was from thence conducted towards AMASIA . But when he came to SIVAS , he found Sinan the Generall there encamped , gathering togither his armie for the execution of his dessignments : for Sinan vpon the arriuall of Mustapha , departing from CONSTANTINOPLE the fiue and twentith day of Aprill , was now come so farre on his way . Of the comming of this embassadour , the Turks receiued great joy , and newes thereof was in post sent by Cicala Bassa to the court . The Persian embassadour enformed Sinan of all that he had to treat with Amurath on the behalfe of king Mahamet ; and laboured earnestly to persuade him , of the equitie of the cause , and of his request : declaring vnto him , that for as much as both the nations were conjoyned vnder the law of Mahomet their common prophet ( though there seemed some small difference not worth those troubles ) it were a verie inconuenient thing for them to contend among themselues , and to seeke the ouerthrow or vtter destruction of one another : and that therefore he was in good hope to obtaine of Amurat this desired peace , if he had no other cause wherewith he found himselfe agrieued , as in truth he had not . Wherefore he besought the Generall , that he would with safe conuoy conduct him to Amurath , to the end that if it were possible these bloudie wars might take end ; at the verie report whereof the rest of the world rejoiced , and stood attentiuely waiting to see what would be the issue thereof . This embassadour , Sinan entertained after the best manner the rudenesse of his nature would afford : and thinking that the verie fame of his valour , had wrought in the minds of his enemies this resolution to come to demaund peace , granted vnto the embassadour a sure conuoy to conduct him to CONSTANTINOPLE ; and wrote to Amurath in his letters , all that he thought was fit to be demanded , representing vnto him what great and important matters ( he hoped ) might now be obtained . But before he dismissed the said embassadour , he aduised him not to go to Amurath , without resolution to offer vnto him some great good conditions , and to yeeld vnto him all that countrey which he by force of armes had before conquered : for he knew the mind of Amurath verie well , that hee was resolued in himselfe , not to yeeld so much as one hand breadth of that ground which he had woon with the sword . Which motion of the prowd Bassa so troubled the embassadour , that fearing he should not be able to conclude any thing , he stood in doubt whether to proceed on his journey to CONSTANTINOPLE , or to returne back againe into PERSIA : but considering better what belonged to his duetie in so waightie a businesse , and hoping to receiue more reasonable conditions from the mouth of Amurath himselfe ; he gaue large words to Sinan , and so with a safe conuoy departed from SIVAS , and by long journies came to SCVTARI , and so passing ouer that little strait , the fourth of August arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE . The Persian king in the meane time , stirred vp with the report of the Turks preparations ; to cause it to be noised , that he likewise intended some important matters , commaunded all the Chans and Gouernours of his kingdome , to meet togither with all their forces at TAVRIS , where he himselfe with the prince Emir Hamze his sonne met them . And after many consultations there had for the repressing of the Turkish inuasion ( for as yet it was not certainly knowne what Sinan meant to attempt ) he resolued to send souldiors into GEORGIA towards TEFLIS , whither of necessitie succours must be sent by the Turkes to them of the fort : and withall , determined also to go himselfe with all his armie from TAVRIS to CARACACH , a place verie commodious and neere to guard both TAVRIS and SIRVAN , being situat euen in the middest betweene the one and the other ; and there to expect the remouing of Sinan , whose ambitious nature the king knowing , doubted that he to surmount Mustapha , would attempt some great enterprise , yea peraduenture to run euen vpon TAVRIS . But when it came to the point that hee should send some of his captaines into GEORGIA , he made choise of such as had best experience of those countries , and were neerest vnto them : with whom he sent Tocomac also , and the rest whose seruice he had before vsed against the Turkes ; commaunding them to joine their forces with Simon the Georgian , and by all meanes possible to annoy the enemie : whom if they should perceiue to bend for TAVRIS , they should not faile to follow him ; to the end they might joine togither with him , and so encounter the enemies armie . All those captaines were resolute men , and led with them ten thousand souldiors ; which being joyned with them of GEORGIA , amounted to the number of thirteene thousand : who arriuing at GENGE , gaue knowledge to Simon of their comming , and that in his behalfe they were readie to doe great matters . Now was the Persian embassadour with all due honour receiued at CONSTANTINOPLE , where he was honourably entertained by the great Bassaes of the court , but especially by Mustapha , who within two daies after suddenly died ; of a surfeit taken of eating too much of muske M●lons , and immoderat drinking of Zerbet ( a kind of pleasant drinke which the Turkes vse , made of water and sugar : ) but most men thought him to haue poisoned himselfe , as fearing the former indignation of Amurath to be againe enflamed by the new complaints of the Persian embassadour against him , for that he in the time of his Generalship had dishonourably suppressed certaine embassages sent from the Persian king ; which he now fearing to be called in question for , the former stormes as yet scarce well appeased , made himselfe now away . After his death it was commonly reported , that if he had longer liued he should haue been vndoubtedly strangled : which to preuent , he became the worthie executioner of himselfe , that had most vnjustly caused others to be most shamefully murthered . Which was the more like to be true , and the rather beleeued , for that the infinit wealth he had of long time scraped togither , was immediatly after his death taken into the kings treasures , some small portion thereof being left vnto his nephews : a most certaine token of Amuraths indignation against him . The Persian embassadour hauing audience the seauenth of August , with many liuely reasons and much eloquence , persuaded the Turkish emperour to desist from the warre begun , as contrarie to the will and pleasure of their common Prophet Mahomet : as also to the peace , which was so roially , and with so many capitulations , not long before concluded betweene Tamas and Solyman his grandfather ; and was not to haue been broken and warres raised , but vpon some great quarrell or injurie done ; which the Persians had not at any time offered , but had alwaies wished vnto him all happinesse ; as they had manifestly declared , by sending vnto him an embassage to that purpose by Sultan Tocomac : whereby he might plainly perceiue , the good mind and zeale the Persian king had for the maintenance of the peace . And although in the short raigne of Ismahel , there was some rumor raised that he meant to go vnto BABYLONIA , and some such like newes : yet that was but a youthfull part , and an effect of that heat which is commonly proper to such as being kept long in straight prison cannot vse their libertie with moderation , and had therefore receiued due punishment for it , by sudden and vnexpected death . But as for the king that now is , he did aboue all others embrace amitie with his majestie ; and therefore did most earnestly desire , that it would please him to temper his anger conceiued , which had incensed him to take vp armes against a king so much his friend ▪ being of the same religion , and better affected towards him than all the rest of the nations in the world . This embassadour the Turkish emperour dismissed without any resolution at all ; but onely gaue order , that whatsoeuer he had to say touching this peace , he should communicat it with his Visier . Many were the discourses that happened ; for that the Turke required all those cities and countries , which till that time he had conquered with the sword , or ( as their prowd manner of phrase is ) whereon his Generals horse had trod , to be yeelded again vnto him : and the embassadour on the other side , had no warrant from his king to yeeld any more than that part of GEORGIA which is on this side the riuer of Araxis . Whereupon the said embassadour began to feare , least he should be suspected for a spie , and so be euill intreated : wherewithall he did find himselfe too manifestly charged by the hard speech that the Visier vsed towards him . Being thus doubtfull whereupon to resolue , perceiuing himselfe strained to the grant of these demaunds , and receiuing also some threatnings withall , he determined with himselfe to enlarge his speeches with the Visier in diuers and sundrie particularities , and to giue him good hope that he should be able to persuade with his king , the yeelding vp of so much as Amurath had and did demaund . Hereupon was Maxut Chan the embassadour in friendly manner and without any outrage sent from CONSTANTINOPLE to CHARS , and commission giuen to Sinan ( then at CHARS ) that without delay , and with all fidelitie , he should cause the embassadour to be conducted to VAN , and from thence into PERSIA , wheresoeuer he did desire : all which was faithfully performed . But to returne againe to Sinan the Generall , who from SIVAS had sent the said embassadour to CONSTANTINOPLE ( as is before declared : ) and being departed thence , arriued at ERZIRVM , where he tooke a suruey of his armie , and other prouision necessarie for this expedition : and so from thence was now come to CHARS , from whence he dispatched the Persian embassadour , much discontented that no other conclusion for peace could be wrought . Maxut Chan at last arriuing at the Persian Court , reported vnto the king all that had happened in this his embassage : the summe whereof was , That Amurath would not condiscend to any condition of peace , vnlesse the whole countrey of SIRVAN might be yeelded vnto him , for that he had once ( as he said ) conquered the same . Neither did the same embassadour forbeare to tell the king , the suspition Amurath : had conceiued of him , to haue been a spie rather than an embassadour ; and of the large promises he was faine to make to the Turke , to auoid the manifest danger of imprisonment or death : all which for all that , now lay in his majesties power to performe or not . The king for the present remained well satisfied with that Maxut had done , and in reward of his great trauell and expences , gaue him the charge of the chamber at TAVRIS , naming him the chamberlaine of that rich and great citie . Of which new office ( though verie honourable and of great importance ) he tooke small pleasure , for that one Emir Chan his auntient enemie was chiefe Gouernour of that citie , from whom he feared some dangerous treacherie : wherefore he appointed his deputie for the execution of the office , and withdrew himselfe from TAVRIS to CASSANGICH , a place of his owne , there to passe away the time vntill it should please the king otherwise to dispose of him . But Emir Chan , who still nourished in his mind the auntient hatred he had conceiued against him , tooke this as a most fit occasion to bring him into disgrace with the king : certifying him , That Maxut not contented with the great preferment it had pleased him to bestow vpon him , had in contempt of his rewards abandoned TAVRIS , and subsisted in his place a most base person to represent the kings majestie and to mannage his treasure : and that he absented himselfe farre from that citie and the court there , hauing withdrawne himselfe into the confines of TVRKIE , no doubt for some mischieuous intent , either to yeeld himselfe vnto them , or els to haue intelligence with them , and was like ynough to be guiltie to himselfe of the great errour he had alreadie committed , by offering SIRVAN vnto the Turkish king ; and making promise of so large conditions , whereby he had obtained such a sure and sa●e conuoy to conduct him ; when as he had before discouered himselfe to be a fauorer of the Turks , and a traitor to his owne king : and that therefore it were good to make triall of his inclination ▪ and so peraduenture to decline some great mischeefe , tending to the danger of the Persian state . This malitious accusation slily contriued , so wrought in the mind of the suspitious king , that he commaunded Emir Chan secretly to apprehend Maxut , and to bring him to the Court , and ( if he could not by other meanes ) then by torture to wrest from him the truth of all those matters . Glad was Emir to haue his enemie thus put into his hands , and thought it long 〈◊〉 he had brought this shame vpon Maxut : who hauing alreadie heard some i●ckling thereof , resolued with himselfe to doe any thing , rather than to fall into the power of his hatefull enemie . And therfore at such time as fifteene tall fellows were for that purpose sent vnto him from Emir Chan , who in the kings name summoned him to the Court , he without making any shew that he took the matter otherwise than well , entertained them courteously , and made them great cheere : but when he perceiued them to be ouercome with sleepe , which crept vpon them by reason of the excesse wherewith they had ouercharged themselues , he caused them to be straightly bound , and with long cords hanged them downe into a deepe well , and there shut them vp , secretly couered . Then gathering together the most precious things he had in his house , and setting his wiues , his children , his brethren , and nephewes on horsebacke , fled with all his familie in the euening , and the next day arriued at SALMAS , and was there friendly entertained by the Turkish Bassa , and from thence conueyed to VAN , where he was also courteously welcommed by Cicala Bassa , and honourably accompanied , sent to Sinan the Generall , who very glad of his comming , sent him with all diligence to CONSTANTINOPLE to Amurath . And this was in effect the end of the first enterparlance of peace betwixt the Persians and the Turkes . Sinan remained at CHARS eight dayes , and there againe surueyed his armie and prouision , and afterwards set forward towards TOMANIS , with resolution there to build a fort . But being come thither , he could by no meanes put that his designement in execution , by reason of the immoderat raine , which continually by the space of eight dayes fell in such abundance , as that neither did the Sunne appeare , or the skie cleare . Beside that , Sinan greatly feared least the enemie taking the opportunitie of this raine , of the straight , and of the building , should assault his armie , and finding it in euill plight and out of order , greatly endomage it : Wherefore casting off his former determination for fortifying at TOMANIS , he remooued thence , to carrie succours to TEFLIS . But as soone as he was risen with his armie , and past the strait , Tal-Ogli captaine of the Ianizaries of DAMASCO , and Homar Sanzack of SAFFETO , hauing receiued secret intelligence that hard by a little out of the way , was good store both of corne and cattell , resolued with themselues to goe thither to fetch in that bootie : and so with two thousand souldiors greedie of prey they set forward . Now Simon the Georgian and the Persians , following the Turkes armie afarre off , had deuided his souldiors into all such places as where there was either corne , or water , or any such thing as might allure the Turkes to scatter themselues from the campe : and perceiuing these hungrie Turkes carelesly to run headlong to lay hold on this desired bootie , he suddenly fell vpon them , and cut them in pieces , being disordered , so that of those two thousand escaped but Tal-Ogli the captaine of the Ianizaries onely , Homar the Sanzacke , and all the rest being left dead vpon the ground . Sinan holding on his way , in two dayes came to TEFLIS , where presently he called a counsell of all the cheefe men of his armie , taking order , That euery man vpon his oath should depose the truth touching the greatnesse of TEFLIS : which he did onely in reproch of Mustapha the great Bassa , who most vntruly had enformed Amurath , That it was as great and populous as DAMASCO ; whereas in truth it was not in any respect to be compared vnto that so famous a citie . After that he deuided the treasure and succours he had brought , amongst the souldiours of the fortresse , chearing them vp with good words and promises of great matters . And because the souldiors there in garrison complained greatly against the Bassa their captaine , he caused a bill of complaint to be framed against him , and finding him guiltie that he had conuerted the soldiors pay to his owne vse , he condemned him to the restitution thereof , and so immediately discharging him of his office , placed in his roome Giusuf Bey , a lord of GEORGIA , who for the antient enmitie betweene him and Simon , had yeelded himselfe to the Turkes , and was of them so welcommed , that Sinan trusted him with the custodie of that fort , which with so many dangers had beene maintained and defended till that day . All things thus set in order at TEFLIS , Sinan with his armie departed thence , and hauing againe passed the strait of TOMANIS , there came vnto him Mustafsad Bassa , afterwards gouernour of ALEPPO , declaring vnto him , That not farre off was great store of corne and cattell , and no bodie but only a few Georgians to keepe the same , and therfore wished him to send forth some to fetch it in : whereof ( though it had beene much more ) his armie then stood in great need . Sinan was well affected vnto this Mustafsad , and therefore the easilier enduced by him to send for the aforesaid bootie : but moued with the fresh remembrance of that which had happened to Tal-Ogli and Homar , he gaue order , That to fetch in this corne and cattell there should go● out ten thousand horsemen and their seruants , among whom was also the same Mustafsad as their Generall . Now stood Tocomac , Simon , and the other Persian captaines in secret ambush , waiting when any of the Turkes should come to fetch in this bootie . Whereupon the aforesaid souldiors being now come , as they desired , and hauing almost charged all their mules and horses with that which best pleased them to make choice of : the hidden Persians all on a sudden issued out of their lurking places amongst them , and with great slaughter put them to flight , and with such furie pursued the victorie , that they slew of them seuen thousand , carried away many prisoners aliue , and the mules and horses laden with the stolne bootie . Mustafsad was the first that fled , and the first that brought the vnhappie news of that ouerthrow to Sinan : which was forthwith confirmed by the report of such as had by speedie flight escaped the furie of the enemie . Wherupon Sinan dispatched away the Bassa of CARAMANIA with a great power , charging him wheresoeuer he should find the enemie , to set vpon him : and presently rising himselfe with his whole campe , followed the said Bassa . But all too late , for the Persians after the aforesaid victory without staying had withdrawne themselues into their strong places , knowne onely to such as were well acquainted with the difficult passages of GEORGIA : and hauing there disposed of their prey , were now returning to await some fresh occasion of new slaughter . But when they descried the whole armie of the Turks vpon the rising of a certaine hill , they were afraid to meet them , yea and stood in some doubt also , least Sinan should descend from the hill , and so assault them : for which cause they retired themselues againe into the strength of the mountaines : yet not with such speed , but that the Turkes ouertooke some few of them , and slew about fiftie or threescore of them , whose heads in signe of triumph they carried a good part of their way vpon the points of their speares : and tooke prisoners about threescore and ten moe . At last Sinan with all his armie hauing passed these dangerous places of GEORGIA , arriued at TRIALA , where it was told him , That the Persian king in person himselfe being alreadie departed from TAVRIS , with an exceeding great army was comming to bid him battell . At which news he caused proclamation to be presently made through all his armie , That euery man should put himselfe in readinesse for the voyage to TAVRIS , whether he himselfe meant to go to meet with the king his enemie . In the meane time ( as is reported ) he dispatched certaine posts to the Persian king , then at CARACACH , to entreat him to send another embassadour to Amurath for peace , thinking by that meanes ( as some doe conjecture ) to remoue the king from the resolution of comming to assaile him , if he had any such meaning . After this proclamation made , he descended into the open and large plains of CHEILDER , where presently he mustered his whole armie , and gaue it out , That before he would set forward toward TAVRIS , he would make triall of the readinesse and nimblenesse of his souldiors , in such sort , as if they should presently joyne battell with the enemie : which without further delay he put in execution the next morning , formally raunging his whole armie in order of battell ; and then sending out some few others , to shew themselues vpon the top of certaine hils , as if they had been enemies that came to seize vpon his armie ; he caused all his artillerie to be discharged , and commanded euery man to skirmish and bestirre himselfe , altogether after the same manner as if the enemie had beene there present before them : where the thundering of the great and small shot , the thicke stormes of arrowes , with the brightnesse of the armour and weapons , yeelding forth lightenings as if it had beene fierie beames , and the noise of drums and trumpets and other instruments of warre , with the ensignes of blew and yellow flying in the wind , made such a medley of all things , as if it had been the turmoile of a very battell indeed . In the end he caused the retreat to be sounded : and then setting all his armie in order againe , made the like shew the second time , and so the third time also : which was indeed performed with the great scorn and derision of his souldiors , who deemed it rather childrens play , than any commendation to the proud Bassa . These counterfeit shews of warre thus finished , yet did he not set forward toward TAVRIS , as he had giuen it out , but loytered eight dayes in those plaines of CHIELDER . At which time there arriued out of PERSIA one Aider the Aga , as an embassadour from the king , who was by Sinan with great joy entertained . Diuers were the things by this embassadour propounded , such as had Maxut Chan before : but the conclusion of all was , that the Persian king would be content voluntarily to relinquish CHARS and TEFLIS , and so remaine ( as he did before ) in amitie with Amurath , and so desired Sinan to conclude a peace with his master if it might be : as for himselfe , this message done , he was presently to returne into PERSIA . For this peace Sinan promised to deale with Amurath , so that the Persian king would send another embassadour to CONSTANTINOPLE . Vpon which conclusion the said Aider returned into PERSIA , and at TAVRIS declared to his king what he had seene , what promises he had receiued of Sinan , and withall exhorted him to send a new embassadour vnto the Turkish Court. After this , when the publike rumour of the comming of the Persian king , was found to be false , Sinan in stead of going to TAVRIS returned to CHARS , where he idelly stayed a whole month with the generall maruelling and murmuring of all his armie , astonished to see themselues ( to the great charges of their king , and the disturbance of his whole kingdome ) brought forth not for any honourable conquest , but as it were only of purpose to make a vaine shew of warre . At last he departed from CHARS , for that now Winter was come on , and the frosts and snows did his armie great harme : and so comming to ERZIRVM , there presently dismissed euery man to goe and winter in his owne countrey , but remained still himselfe in the same citie : from whence he by speedie posts diligently enformed Amurath of the succours he had left at TEFLIS , of the losses he had receiued from the enemie , of all that which was by Mustapha misreported , of the comming of the Persian embassadour to him , of the promise made vnto him touching a new embassadour ; and to be short , of all his whole actions . Besides all this , he aduertised Amurath , That the enterprise of PERSIA was a very hard , long , and difficult matter , and such a one as needed another manner of preparation than had beene as yet appointed for it : and that if he desired to subdue PERSIA , it were then very necessarie that he should speake with him at large , and discourse vpon many particularities , which could not so well without exceeding tediousnesse be declared dy writing . After that he sent other messengers also to sollicit Amurath for his returne to CONSTANTINOPLE , continually telling him , That it was not possible for him to signifie by writing , what he purposed to report to him by word of mouth , for the better accomplishing of the enterprise begun . Nothing in the world did Sinan abhorre more than this warre , hauing his mind altogether bent against the affaires of the Christians in EVROPE , and therefore sought by all meanes possible for the diuerting of those warres from the East into some other quarters . At last he wrought so much , he entreated so much , he writ so many letters , and sollicited the matter so earnestly , that Amurath was persuaded to send for him to CONSTANTINOPLE , as soone as euer he was certified of the arriuall of the new embassadour from PERSIA , of whom Sinan had before aduertised him : for he was resolued either to grow to a peace with the said embassadour , if he came with honourable conditions ; or if he came not , or that after his comming they could not agree vpon the peace , then to put in execution those his conceits wherof he must needs in particular talke with Sinan by word of mouth . At length the promised embassadour called Ebraim Chan , a man of great eloquence , and highly honoured in PERSIA , came to Sinan ; whereof Sinan gaue present intelligence to Amurath , beseeching him againe to permit him to come to CONSTANTINOPLE : which his request Amurath then graunted . Wherupon Sinan forthwith returned to the Court , where he attended the vniuersall gouernment of the whole empire . At his first comming to the presence of Amurath ( wherein hee discoursed not with him of any thing , but of the comming of the Persian embassadour ) the conditions were set downe which they were to require for the reducing of the capitulations of this peace to a good end . After which agreement the embassador ( being now come , and most magnificently receiued in CONSTANTINOPLE ) had audience : at which time he with much glorious speech laboured to persuade Amurath , That his king had a most ardent desire to be reconciled vnto him , and to joyne his forces with his against the enemies of the Mahometane religion , and that for that purpose he was now especially come thither : which his good purpose , if it were answered with like zeale on his part , there would thereof ensue the greatest vnitie and friendship that euer was betweene any Mahometane princes . Whereunto Amurath gaue him no other answere , but that he should thereof talke with his Visier , and with him en●●eat of all matters concerning the peace : and so he was by Amurath entertained and dismissed , both at one time . Now had Amurath called to CONSTANTINOPLE his eldest sonne Mahomet ( who afterward succeeded him in the empire ) being then about sixteene yeares old , to circumcise him according to the custome of the Turkes ; following therein the inueterat law of the Hebrewes . Vnto which solemnitie , many Christian princes were solemnly inuited ; who accordingly sent thither their embassadours with great gifts and presents , in token of peace and confederacie , namely , Rudolphus the emperour , Henrie the third the French king , Stephen king of POLONIA : the State of VENICE , the king of PERSIA , the Moore kings of MAROCCO and FES , the princes of MOLDAVIA , VALACHIA , and others . With all triumph and joy was the circumcision of this young prince solemnised , by the space of fortie daies & fortie nights , in the great market place of CONSTANTINOPLE , where all the embassadours aforesaid had their scaffolds prepared and furnished according to their degrees and states , and receiued such entertainment as might be shewed at such a kind of barbarous spectacle : Only the Persian embassadour , who had also his scaffold seuerall to himselfe , but not regarded as the rest , rejoyced not at these feasts and triumphs : for among sundrie other wrongs and scornes done by the commaundement of Amurath vnto the Persian nation ( as by hanging vp of certaine counterfeit pictures of Persians made of laths and sticks , and then burning them , and in many scornfull sorts abusing them ) the Turke , for the great displeasure he had conceiued for the harme done to Osman Bassa and the Turkes in SIRVAN much about that time , and for the disdaine he had taken against Ebrain Chan ( as one not condiscending to the conditions of peace which he expected , nor yeelding to any more than the other embassadour had done before , seemed to haue come as a spie to marke the Turkish affaires , or to mocke Amurath , rather than to put in execution any good matter to pacifie the minds of the two mightie princes ) commaunded the standing before appointed for him , in disgrace of him to be cast downe , and himselfe with all his followers to be shut vp as close prisoners in the house of Mahamet Bassa at CONSTANTINOPLE : where he was so straightly kept , that though an hundred of his followers there died of the plague , which shortly after began to wax hoat in the citie , yet could he not obtaine so much fauour as to be remoued to some other place , but there was enforced to tarrie it out , vntill that afterward order was taken , he should be carried thence as prisoner to ERZIRVM . To end these solemnities , Mahomet the young prince was circumcised , not publikely , but in his fathers chamber , by Mechmet one of the inferiour Bassaes , sometime the emperour Solymans barber . Now whilest Sinan as great Visier sat commaunding in CONSTANTINOPLE , the garrisons in CHARS and TEFLIS ( kept in by the enemie , and hauing receiued none other reliefe than a little which Sinan before his departure from ERZIRVM had by good hap caused to be secretly conuaied vnto them ) were thought to be driuen to great wants . Which thing Sinan right well knew , and fearing least those two places which had with so much adoe beene both gained and maintained , should for want of new succours fall againe into the hand of the enemie : hee both boldly and freely counselled Amurath , to send a new garrison to VAN for the safetie of the countrey thereabouts ; and then vnder the conduct of some valiant captaine , to send succours to TEFLIS . Vpon which point Amurath asked Sinan his opinion , and willed him to bethinke himselfe of some fit man. Hereupon Sinan propounded diuers vnto him , but none of them pleased him ; for why , he was before resolued , in despight of Sinan and of his counsell , to bestow this charge vpon Mahamet Bassa , nephew to Mustapha the late Bassa , and for his sake hated of Sinan . This Bassa Mahamet he sent to ERZIRVM , with the title of the Bassa of that prouince ; honouring him withall with the name of Generall of the armie for TEFLIS . And presently gaue commaundement to Hassan the Bassa of CARAEMIT , to Mustapha sometime called Manu●chiar the Georgian , to all the Sanzacks , the Curdi , and the souldiors of ERZIRVM , that they should resort to the standerd of Mahamet their Generall , and so to follow him to TEFLIS . Whereupon there assembled togither out of all the said places about fiue and twentie thousand souldiors , with all things necessarie for the reliefe of the distressed garrison in TEFLIS . Commandement was also giuen to the Bassaes of ALEPPO and MARAS , to repaire to VAN with all their souldiors , and there to abide till Winter : which they accordingly did , not molested nor troubled by any enemie . In the end of August Mahamet Bassa departed from ERZIRVM , with the Bassa of CARAEMIT and all his armie , carrying with him money , corne , and all other things needfull for the reliefe of TEFLIS : and in eight daies came to CHARS , and from thence to ARCHELECH , not troubled by any . At ARCHELECH he found Mustapha ( otherwise called Manucchiar the Georgian ) with all his souldiors , whom the Generall most joyfully entertained and honoured with gifts : and withall admonished him to continue in his obedience to Amurath , and to conduct him with his armie the shortest and safest way to TEFLIS : for that some were of opinion , that it were best to go by TOMANIS , and some other by the way of Mustaffa his countrey : wherin Mustaffa did readily resolue him , that the easiest and shortest way lay through his owne countrey , being also in his opinion the safest . This counsell of Mustaffa pleased Mahamet greatly , so that he made choise of him to be the guide of his armie , reposing himselfe wholly vpon his good direction : and so departed thence towards TEFLIS , passing through ALTVNCHALA , and CARACHALA , both belonging to the said Georgian , abounding with all things necessarie for the sustenance of man , neither were they euer disturbed by any enemie . Hauing passed Mustaffa his countrey , they came to a friendly castle called GORI , from whence they discouered in certaine fields a great armie of the Georgians , mingled with Persians , but apparelled after the manner of GEORGIA : these were those captaines of PERSIA , sent from the Persian king ( as in other yeares before ) to aid the Georgians ; who secretly conjoyned with Simon Chan the Georgian , had changed their apparell , because the treatie of peace should not be disturbed , and their king accounted vnjust of his word ; who vnder the colour of a treatie of peace , whiles Amurath attended nothing else but to succour and defend his conquered countries , without purpose to annoy any other places , went about to procure the destruction of the Turkes . These then as soone as they saw the Turkish armie , and perceiued that they also themselues were by them descried , sent Heraulds vnto them with haughtie words of defiance , and to offer them battell . With great griefe of mind did the Bassa receiue this prowd defiance ; but hauing no other purpose but onely to bring his succours safe to TEFLIS , he dismissed the Heraulds , and studied by all meanes he could to shun battell . That euening he was fauoured in his purpose by the great and continuall raine which then fell , ●●d serued for a reasonable excuse of his delay : but the next day prouing faire , and the Sunne shining bright , both the armies marched in sight the one of the other all day , vntill about foure houres and an halfe before night ; at what time the Turkes arriued neere to a riuer that separated the one armie from the other . There the Bassa fell in consultation with Mustaffa , whither they should passe ouer the riuer before night , or stay on that side they were vntill the next morning . In which case Mustaffa aduised him to stay , as fearing least the enemie should set vpon the armie disordered in passing the riuer , and so annoy them . Notwithstanding the Generall disliked this aduise of Mustapha , hauing taken a strong conceit , euen vpon the first discouerie of the enemie , that there was some intelligence and compact betweene Mustaffa and the Persians , and that to that end he had malitiously persuaded him to come that way , and not by the way of TOMANIS : & therfore the Bassa thinking , that if there were any such plot laied between Mustaffa and the enemie , to set it in some confusion , would not in any case follow the counsell of the suspected Georgian , to stay that night ; but commanded , that with the greatest speed that might be , all his souldiors with their treasure & corne should passe ouer the riuer ; to the end that before night he might on the other side of the riuer encampe his armie in some good place , to the scorne and derision of his enemies . Mahamet his lieutenant , a bold yong man and an hardie , was the first that ventured ouer , and after him the carriages of money and of corne , and then the whole armie , with such speed , that some of the confused multitude were drowned in the passage , being rather troden downe with the horses and camels , than brought to their deaths either by the depth of the channell or swiftnesse of the riuer . As soone as the Georgians perceiued that the Turks had passed the riuer , without any staying vntill they might settle themselues in any good order , they in great hast and furie ran vpon them , and presently assailed them whiles they were yet all in confusion and out of order : by reason whereof , the Turkes , although they turned their faces vpon their enemies , and made some good resistance , yet in short time you might haue seene the bankes of the riuer in many places stained with the Turkish bloud , and many carkases of the Turkes here and there scattered , without any apparant losse among the Georgians and Persians . Amongst them that fell in this slaughter , were a number of Sanzackes , of the Curdi , and Mesopotamians ; which the rest perceiuing , and by the ouerthrow of their owne conjecturing the losse of others , turned their backes and fled : the like did the remnant of the Mesopotamians , and after them at last the whole armie : whom the Georgians pressed so sore in their flight , that many of the Turkes seeing no other way to escape , cast themselues into the riuer , and so ( though hardly ) escaped with their liues . Great was the shame , great was the confusion , but greatest was the losse they receiued , for that in the heat of the battell the kings money and corne was taken by the Georgians and Persians , euery man sauing onely so much for himselfe as he could secretly hide vpon his owne bodie , or conuey by the meanes of some trustie slaue , which by the helpe of their swift horses was preserued rather by fortune than by valour . The Turkes thus discomfited and spoyled of their reliefe ; the next morning gathered themselues together againe , one with another cursing the heauens , their king , and their aduerse fortune : some of them also threatening the Georgian renegate Mustaffa , as though all this mischiefe had happened through his treacherie and secret intelligence with the enemie . Notwithstanding , when they found that they had still remaining so much money and other easements as might suffice to comfort the afflicted minds of the souldiors , besieged in the fort , they resolued to hold on their way towards TEFLIS , and in their journey vsed such speed , that the day following they arriued there in the euening . But when they of the fort saw their friends , whom they had so long expected , arriued in such bad sort , and so euill furnished , they were astonied , and wonderfully grieued at this common losse , and all in a confusion protested to Mahamet , That they would abandon the place , if they had not forthwith necessarie prouision made for them . But the Generall after he had with large promises mitigated their first furies and insolencies , presently in the morning caused a Diuano or counsell to be called in the castle , where hauing gathered together all the cheefe men in his armie , he spake vnto them in this manner : For as much as it hath pleased God , that so great and important an occasion of victorie , which was offered vnto vs for the honour and glorie of euery one of vs , is now fallen out so vnfortunately , that it hath not only not ministred vnto vs any matter of triumphing ouer our enemies , as we should haue done , but rather hath made them ( I know not how ) to carrie away from vs both the triumph , and also our armour , our horses , our slaues , and our spoiles ; yea and ( the remembrance whereof doth most grieuously trouble and afflict me ) our Sultans money , and our publicke munition and forces solemnely deliuered to our conduct , is now become a bootie and prey vnto them ; that the honour which might haue made euery one of vs famous among noble and valourous souldiors , is now fallen from our foreheads , and to our great detriment doth adorne the heads of strangers , or rather of our enemies ; and that notwithstanding all this , we are now come to those courageous souldiors , which with their great valour haue defended this fort , euen in the middest of their enemies weapons and trecheries ; and to whom we should yeeld that aid and releefe , which the vertue of euery one of their minds doth deserue , and which king Amurath had put into our hands to bring hither vnto them : there is now no remedie , but to resolue vpon some good meanes , that we fall not wholly into the vtter disgrace of our lord and king , and that is , To maintaine these souldiors in the custodie and defence of this sort : and though it be with all our owne wants and all our owne dishonors , to comfort these that haue so long time looked for vs , and so well deserued all manner of releefe . We cannot excuse our selues , that our enemies were better than we either in number or instruments of warre , for both in the one and the other we were farre beyond them ; neither yet can we say , that they set vpon vs by night , or at vnawares : for when we saw their number , their weapons , their horses , and finally their approch , and their manner of assault , yet wee would needs passe ouer the riuer , and ioyne battell with them : which we now know hath fallen out very lamentable to vs , because we were more readie to take our flight than to endure the fight , and to vse our feet than to occupie our hands . And therefore it is very requisit , as well to satisfie the rigor of iustice , as to performe the dutie of souldiors , that we suffer not our lord and king to loose his mony , which he trusted into our hands , and which we haue lost , not by greater strength , nor by any trecherous stratageme of our enemies , but by our owne too too important feare , and too base a regard of our liues , before which it was the dutie of euery one of vs , to haue preferred the care of honour . For if by fighting and courageous sustaining the assaults of our enemies , though they had beene stronger and better armed than we , this misfortune had happened vnto vs , and that we could in any sort haue represented to the king and the world an honourable and bloudie battell , we should not now haue had any need to seeke meanes how to repay this losse , and to restore the thing that violently was taken from vs by such as were more mightie than our selues , and these honourable souldiors also should more easily haue disgested with vs this lamentable calamitie . But we haue lost that money , and in very deed hauing as it were willingly bestowed it vpon the Georgians and Persians to redeeme our liues and to saue vs from their furie , are bound to repay it , or els for euer hereafter to be challenged as lawfull debtors to the king for it . And therefore my good friends and companions , if you will take a good course , let euery one of vs , without any further consultation put his hand into his priuat purse ( if he haue not foolishly cast that also into the hands of the rauenous enemie ) and with our owne money let vs succour the necessitie of these men , and haue regard to the honour of our king . So shall wee make our flight lesse blame worthie , we shall iustifie our actions more honestly ( and that which is of greatest importance ) we shall the better pacifie the wrath of Amurath , which he might most iustly conceiue against vs. I my selfe before you all am most readie to disburse foure thousand duckats towards it : if it shall please you all to follow me accordingly , we shall deliuer these souldiors from their great necessitie , and acquite our s●lues from the intricat bonds of most troublesome displeasures . There might a man haue seene a thousand countenances changed a thousand manner of wayes ; for one softly whispered many a curse and shame vpon the king , vpon Mahomet , yea and vpon God himselfe , another denied to disburse any thing , another determined priuily to steale away , and some said one thing , and some another ; but in the end euery man was induced to follow the example of Mahamet : and thereupon hauing made a purse according to euery mans abilitie , there was collected thirtie thousand duckats among them . And presently after , word was sent to Leuent Ogli at ZAGHEN , to send thither graine , muttons , and other necessarie prouisions that they might the better continue the defence of the fort . Two dayes onely stayed Mahamet in TEFLIS , and hauing changed such souldiors as desired to be dismissed , and also appointed Homar Bassa Gouernour of TEFLIS in stead of Giusuf , that there gouerned before , he departed . But before his departure consultation was had , Whether they should keepe the way of TOMANIS , or the way they came through the countrey of Mustaffa the Georgian : and in the end they resolued to keepe the way of TOMANIS , and therupon order was taken , that they should all passe the riuer . The Curdi were the first that went ouer , and had alreadie pitched their tents vpon the further side of the water ; when the Generall began to reuoke his former order , and sent them word , That they should returne , because he was now determined to goe backe the same way he came . At which message all the Sanzackes were in a rage , and in plaine tearmes sent him answere , That these mutabilities beseemed not them , being men accustomed to warre , but to be rather childrens play than manly resolution , and that for their parts they were not minded to change their journey , but would goe on the same way they had begun : and so forwards they went ( say the Generall what he could ) and by the way of TOMANIS arriued at CHARS long before Mahamet , who was much grieued at this their so great disobedience : but seeing no other remedie , he with the Bassa of CARAEMIT , and Mustaffa the Georgian , put themselues on their journey euen by the same way they came to TEFLIS . At last Mahamet arriued at ALTVNCHALA , the cheefe castle of Mustaffa the Georgian , and burning with the desire of reuenge of those losses which he thought himselfe to haue receiued by the trecherie of Mustaffa ; or ( as some thought ) seeking by this meanes to make Amurath beleeue , that in truth all the forepassed mischeefes had happened not through their cowardise , but through the trecherous and malitious deuices of the Georgian , and so to make their receiued losses seeme more pardonable ; he deuised with himselfe , how to find out such a plot , as that Mustaffa might vpon the sudden be taken away , as guiltie of so foule a treason : and that he had deuised was in this sort . To call a counsell into his owne pauillion , as if he had receiued some commaundement from the Court , and hauing caused Mustaffa to come into that roome , whiles the said counterfeit commaundement should be in reading , to cause his lieutenant with those cheefe of his band that stood about him , to fall vpon him , and presently to cut off his head . This pretended counsell was accordingly called , wherein sat the Bassa himselfe , and with him the Bassa of CARAEMIT , certaine Sanzackes subject to the jurisdiction of ERZIRVM , the Capigi Bassa or cheefe gentleman vshier , and the Generals lieutenant ; with whom he had vpon their solemne oathes for secrecie communicated his entended deceit . The Georgian Mustaffa was also called accordingly : who both because he was beloued of moe than one , and had also vsed all diligent circumspection , but especially hauing heard in the armie some priuie whisperings of such a matter , knew full well of all that was deuised against him , and therefore prouided also for his owne defence . But as touching his going to the counsell , he thought he might not denie so to doe , least by his absence he might seeme guiltie of the fault whereof he was ( peraduenture not without cause ) suspected ; and thereby to leaue his cities for a prey to their enemies , now in the heart of his countrey . And therefore resoluing to goe , he deuised how so to doe with most safetie ; and so ; as if need should be , he might be able to turne the mischiefe entended against him vpon the head of the Generall himselfe . And therefore hauing chosen out fiftie of his most faithfull and resolute souldiors , he commaunded them to follow him to the counsell appointed in the Generals pauillion : and being come thither , to stay there readie and attentiue at his first and one onely call , suddenly and forcibly to rush into the pauillion with their weapons , & rather than any wrong should be done vnto him , to shew their valour against the Turkes , without exception of any person whatsoeuer . These men by nature enemies vnto the Turks , vnderstanding well his meaning , setled themselues vpon the execution : and taking vnto them some other also of their faithfull and trustie friends ; followed him euen to the pauillion of Mahamet : where Mustaffa entring into the place of counsell , desired of the Generall to know what his pleasure was ; who presently caused the counterfeit commaundement to be read , whereunto Mustaffa gaue an attentiue eare . But when the other Bassaes and Sanzackes began to sit downe ( contrarie to the manner of the Turkes , who whensoeuer any commaundement of the emperours is in reading , vse alwayes to stand vp , and not to sit down vntill it be full read ) the Georgian tooke his leaue , promising to be euer readie to performe not onely that order of the kings , but also whatsoeuer els he should commaund . And so being about to depart , the Capigi Bassi ( or great vsher ) of Mahamet came vnto him , and plucking him by the sleeue , would haue forced him to sit downe . Then Mustaffa crying out aloud , drew his sword , wherewith he strucke Mahamets lieutenant , that was right against him , and with his left hand hauing raught the roll from his pate , with his right hand suddenly ( to the great astonishment of all that were present ) at one onely blow parted his head , his necke , and his breast i● twaine , euen to his very stomacke ; so that he died ( a strange spectacle to behold ) being thus cut in sunder , with his cleft head and two shoulders hanging downe vpon their seuerall sides . After this first , he redoubled his second stroke , aiming at the head of the Bassa of CARAEMIT : but it being defended with the wrythen rolls of the turbant , it slipped downe by his eare ; yet so , that with a peece of the said turbant it carried his eare quite away , with a little also of the flesh of his cheeke : and all enraged , eagerly assailed Mahamet Bassa the Generall ( who now all in confusion was risen vp in the tumult ) and wounded him with fiue mortall wounds ; which were yet afterwards by cunning hand healed , when they had brought him euen to deaths dore . At the crie of this Georgian all his people rushed in together : vpon whose confused tumult , and the feare that Mustaffa through his furie had strucke into the Turks , the campe was presently raised : and euery man with all speed departing thence , put himselfe on his way towards CHARS , whether also were brought the two wounded Bassaes and the rest that were ill handled and greatly scared with these sudden and vncouth stirres . Of all this treacherie entended against him , Mustaffa sent present information to the Turkish emperour , finding himselfe greatly grieued at the false suspition that Mahamet had wrongfully conceiued against him , to his great dishonour : and wrought so cunningly , that Amurath in token of his good liking and contentment sent him both cloth of gold and a battleax all gilt . Mahamet on the other side entermedling here and there with all the art that possibly he could deuise , all hatefull and injurious tearmes , sent large aduertisements of all the misfortunes that had happened , and aggrauated to the king both the treacheries of Mustaffa , and also the slender securitie of those wayes and countries . As soone as Amurath vnderstood the calamities of his souldiors , the losse of his money , the great dishonour of his people , and the apparant danger wherein the fort of TEFLIS stood , when it was like to be abandoned : all inflamed with rage and anger , he called vnto him the Bassaes of his court ( among whom sat as chiefe the prowd and haughtie Sinan ) and rated them all exceedingly , reprouing their lewd counsell , and recounting the losses that he had from time to time receiued , as if they had happened through their defaults , and especially Sinan , as the principall occasion of all these mischiefes : Who like an improuident foole ( as he said ) would needs relinquish the charge of his armie , and like a king sit idle at CONSTANTINOPLE , standing ( as it were ) at some publike triumph to behold and heare the miseries and misfortunes of others : hauing before in the time that Mustapha was General , most vainly boasted , with the like power that he had to fetch the Persian king out of CASBIN , and to deliuer him in bonds to Amurath , but had in deed performed nothing worth the remembrance . Sinan could doe no lesse but make answere to the wrathfull king , yet not with such mildnesse and modestie as in such a case hee should peraduenture haue done , but in prowd and peremptorie manner , without any reuerence or regard , told him plainly : That as the last yeare a little before his returne to CONSTANTINOPLE , succours had been conuaied to TEFLIS without any losse or trouble ( as in truth they were ) euen so had they been this yeare also , if he had put his aduise in execution as much as hee despised and contemned it : for he did then giue him to vnderstand , that Mahamet Bassa could not be a fit man for so great a charge , and that it was necessarie to haue chosen in his roome some other captaine of valour and discretion ; but seeing he would needs make choise of the same vnfit man , he was not now to blame any other for this errour , but onely himselfe . As for his comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , it was a thing long before thought most needfull , not onely for his aduise how the matter of peace might be brought to some good passe ; but also because if that treatie came not to the desired issue , then he had to talke with him how he might compasse the ouerthrow of his enemy : which thing as yet he had no fit time to declare vnto him , but was now readie to reueale it , if it were so his pleasure . Wonderfully was Amurath grieued with this sullen answere , when he considered that a slaue of his owne , should so arrogantly and manifestly reproue him of folly and improuidence . Notwithstanding , being desirous to know of him what that secret and important matter was , which he had to reueale vnto him for the easie compassing of his commenced enterprise , he dissembled his discontentment conceiued against him , and commaunded him to disclose those his deuises which he had to vtter . Sinan in briefe , of all his aduises , propounded these two things : first his counsell was , not to proceed in this warre as they had hitherto done , by seeking with forts and fortresses to hold and keepe the enemies countries ; for that their treasures were not able to yeeld such store of money , as was sufficient for the maintenance of so many and so great garrisons : contrarie to the opinion of Mustapha ( of late dead ) who with great pertinacie had persuaded that dangerous , chargeable , and difficult manner of warre . His second aduise was , that the true meanes to bring this warre to wished end , consisted especially in the resolution of Amurath himselfe ; who if he would go in person himselfe , and against so mightie a king oppose the person of a king , then might he most assuredly promise vnto himselfe all speedie and honourable victorie : for that at the onely name of his comming , the Persians would easily come to any agreement ; or if not , he might then proceed in his wars , and so obtaine most glorious conquests . This his aduise so little pleased the effeminat king , that in stead of the great opinion he before held of him , he now conceiued an enuious affection against him : and a further suspition ( fostred by the great ladies of the court , especially Amuraths mother ) That Sinan had thus counselled the king himselfe to go in person , not for any good could come therof , but onely that so he might find meanes for the prince his sonne to make himselfe king , and to driue out his father . Which suspition was in such sort nourished in the mind of Amurath , especially being assured of the great affection which the prince carried towards Sinan , and he likewise towards him , that he resolued to rid him out of his sight ; and so depriuing him of all charge , presently banished him the court , and out of CONSTANTINOPLE to DEMOTICA ( a citie of THRACE ) from whence afterwards he by most humble supplication obtained to be remoued to MARMARA , a little beyond SELYMBRIA . And into his place of Visiership was preferred Sciaus Bassa ( who had married Amurath his sister ) an Hungarian borne , a goodly personage , and of honorable judgement : but aboue all men a seller of justice and preferments , and yet a great friend to the peace with the Christian princes , which Sinan had alwaies most wickedly maligned . The Persian captaines in the meane time , with their spoiles and diuers of their enemies ensignes , were with great joy receiued at home in PERSIA : but when the discord that fell out betweene Mahamet Bassa and Mustaffa the Georgian was also reported , the former joy was redoubled ; euerie man being of opinion , that these discords might bee great impediments vnto the Turkes further attempts into PERSIA , which it was feared they would the next yeare attempt , to the great danger of NASSIVAN and TAVRIS . Vpon which occasions , the Persian king perceiuing that he could not haue a fitter opportunitie to employ himselfe against Abas Mirize his sonne ( then with him it disgrace ) determined with himselfe , to leaue the matters on this side of his kingdome in their present state , and to march toward HERI : whereunto he was earnestly solicited by his elder sonne Emir Hamze Mirize , but especially by Mirize Salmas his Visier . Vpon which resolution , committing the defence of REIVAN , NASSIVAN , and that side of his kingdome , to Emir Chan Gouernour of TAVRIS ; he set forward himselfe with his army towards CASBIN , and so marching through diuers prouinces , arriued at length at SASVAR , being on that side the chiefe of all the cities subject to the jurisdiction of HERI : which citie he tooke by force , and without delay caused the Gouernour thereof to be beheaded , although he alleadged a thousand excuses for himselfe , and objected a thousand accusations moe against the seditious Visier . The king after this departing thence ▪ and hauing also put to death certaine captaines and Sultans , that were accused by the Visier to be confederats in the rebellion of his sonne , he arriued at last at the desired citie of HERI . Verie strong is this citie , by situation compassed about with a good wall , and watered with deep channels of running springs , conuaied into it by Tamerlane their founder , or restorer : besides that , there was in it many valiant captaines , enemies to Mirize Salmas , readie to lay downe their liues in defence of themselues and of Abas their lord ; so that the winning thereof , could not but proue both long and difficult . As soone as the king approched the citie , he felt in himselfe many troubled passions arising of griefe and pietie , it grieued him to thinke that hee should beget so gracelesse a sonne , who in stead of maintaining his state and honour , should seeke his ruine and destruction : it grieued him also to remember the bloud of his subjects , before spilt vpon so strange an occasion ; and scarcely durst he enter into the cogitation , thenceforward to shed any more of the bloud of his people . Neuerthelesse , being still more and more solicited by his Visier , he attempted to vnderstand the mind of his sonne , and ( if it might be possible ) to get him into his hands . But whiles the king trauelling with these thoughts lay with his armie before HERI , Abas Mirize in the meane time , writ diuers letters to his father and to his brother , wherein he besought them , That they would make knowne vnto him the occasion of this their stirre : For if desire of rule had moued them to seeke the depriuation of him , being their sonne and brother , from the honour hee lawfully possessed , and which his father himselfe had procured for him of his grandfather Tamas ; they ought to abandon that imagination , for that he was alwaies readie to spend his wealth and his bloud togither with his estate in their seruice , and acknowledged his father to be his good father and king : But if they were not induced hereunto for this cause , but by a desire to reuenge some trespasse that he had committed to the prejudice of the crowne of PERSIA , or his fathers honour ; he was most readie to submit himselfe to any amends , and with all reason to yeeld vnto them the kingdome , yea the whole world , and euen his owne life , the rather to satisfie their minds with a more full contentation . With twise and thrise reading ouer , were these affectionat letters considered and disgested : and at last both the father and the brother perceiuing in them such liberalitie of words , and ouercome with pitie , or if not with pitie yet with great admiration and contentment , they determined to put the matter in practise , and moderating their desire of reuenge , to attempt the reducing of the yong mans mind to some good passe . Whereupon they wrote backe vnto him , That no greedie desire to vsurpe his gouernment , had induced them to make so great a voyage , to trouble so much people , and to shed such aboundance of bloud ; but onely his disobedience and presumption , in that he had caused himselfe to be called the king of PERSIA ; and had not sent so much as one captaine to aid them in the late warres against the Turkes . Glad was Abas the yong prince , when he vnderstood the accusations that were laied against him , hoping to make it manifest before all men , how the king and his brother were misinformed in these particularities : and therefore incontinently did write backe vnto them , That if they would faithfully promise him , honourably , and without any outrage to receiue his embassadours , he would send vnto them such euident matter , and so cleare information touching those his accusations , as that they should not onely clearely perceiue that there was neuer any such kind of though in him , but also that he had alwaies desired & laboured the contrarie : and would moreouer open vnto them such matter , as in respect of other men , and not of himselfe , might cause their comming to proue profitable and commodious to all the kingdome of PERSIA . Which his request they both solemnly promised faithfully to performe , being verie desirous to vnderstand what those strange nouelties should be . Whereupon Abas Mirize sent vnto them two of his chiefe counsellors , men of great account and reuerence both for their yeares and wisedome , with full instructions : Who after many speeches , in the end swearing ( according to their custome ) by the Creator that spread out the ayre , that founded the earth vpon the deepes , that adorned the heauen with stars , that powred abroad the water , that made the fire , and briefly , of nothing brought forth all things ; swearing by the head of Ali , and by the religion of their prophet Mahomet , that such peruerse thoughts neuer entred into the head of Abas Mirize : they alleadged many testimonies and manifest proofes , that most loially in all due time , as well when he was aduanced to the kingdome of PERSIA , as also in his battels against the Turks , his sonne had alwaies caused deuout prayers and supplications to be made to God for his prosperitie , neither euer desired to heare any other but happie and fortunat successe of him . They brought with them a thousand and a thousand precepts and royall letters , which the young man had caused to be written , as occasions required to the Gouernours that were his subjects , for the gouernment of the State , wherein he neuer named himselfe king of PERSIA , but onely , Your king and Gouernour of HERI . They prayed the king also , to cause a diligent processe to be framed against his sonne , and if there should be found in him any signe or shadow of so wicked a suspition , then to take from him his estate and libertie ; offering themselues to remaine as hostages for him . But when all this should be done , and Abas found altogither free from these vnjust accusations , then ( falling euen to the earth and kissing it ) they besought him , and as it were conjured him , not to leaue the matter thus imperfect , to the prejudice of his bloud , but returning to his counsellor , to take information likewise vpon what mind and consideration he had aduised the king to take vpon him this vnorderly and dangerous voyage ; where no doubt he should find nothing in him , but malignant , ambitious , and wicked affections ; and such as euen deserued , that with his bloud there should be reuenged all the bloud of those which till that houre had been brought to their vnworthie and vndeserued deaths . And for as much as nothing remained , whereof the Visier had enformed the king against his sonne , but the commaundement that was giuen by Abas Mirize to the Gouernors vnder him , That they should not go to the wars against the Turkes : they confessed in truth that such an order was taken , but not to that wicked and traiterous end and purpose as was reported to the king by his great counsellour , but onely in respect of an inuasion justly feared in those quarters by the Tartarian Iesselbas ; who by diuers inroads had alreadie done great harme in the countrey about HERI , and put young Abas and his counsellors in such a feare , that they durst not disfurnish their cities of their guards and forces : and therfore had commaunded the said Gouernours , not to go to warre against the Turkes , but to stay and expect further direction . And that all this was by writing signified vnto the Visier himselfe : which he of a malicious mind had concealed , onely to trie , if in these common troubles he could bring to passe , that Abas Mirize and the king might be taken away , and Emir Hamze succeed in his place ; and so he himselfe remaine the Superintendent of his sonne in law , and Moderator of that most famous kingdome . Of which so treacherous a purpose they ( for all that ) thought Emir Hamze the young prince altogither ignorant ( knowing his honourable disposition and loue towards his owne kindred ) but imputed it only to the immoderat and ambitious desire of the wicked traitour Mirize Salmas . Of these graue speeches of the embassadours , Mahamet the father ( by nature credulous ) began to make great construction ; and deeply to consider of their so earnest and important requests , which seemed vnto him so vpright and equall , as that he could not chuse but hearken vnto the same . And therefore calling vnto him the Gouernours , the captaines , the judges , and treasurers of all the cities that were subject to to HERI : he demanded of them , how and in what sort they esteemed of Abas Mirize , and in what degree of honour he desired to be esteemed of them : and of them all receiued one answere , That they held him for their lord as lieutenant to the king of CAS●IN , and that he himselfe had alwaies desired to be so taken and thought of : for proofe whereof , euerie one of them brought in diuers letters , precepts , and orders , wherein hee neuer caused himselfe to be honoured with any other title , but onely , Your king of HERI . He demaunded further , whether any such warres were attempted by the Tartarian Iesselbas or no : whereof he receiued a large and solemne information , that so it was , to the great detriment of all those territories . And thus the king was throughly persuaded of the innocencie of his sonne ; who before was noted vnto him by his Visier , to be an obstinat rebell . Vpon which occasion only , although he might justly haue put him to death , as author of so great troubles and bloudshed ; yet because he would be better enformed of the truth of the accusations laid against him by the embassadours , he resolued to make a curious and diligent inquisition thereof : and therefore first of all , in great secresie he examined Emir Hamze his eldest sonne , wherefore he had aduised this journey against his brother Abas , whom he had found guiltlesse of all those crimes that were objected against him ? whereunto the prince answered , That he had no other certainetie of the pretended euill behauiour of his brother , but onely that which proceeded from the great credit that he alwaies gaue to his father in law Mirize Salmas , to whom as to a chiefe counsellor , his father in law , and protector of the kingdome , he had alwaies yeelded assured credence : and so discharged the whole tempests of all those mischiefes vpon the Visier . Touching whom the king made diligent inquisition , as well among those of the court as of the armie ; and thereby found him guiltie of all that the embassadours of HERI had accused him : and that being alwaies acquainted with the true occasions which restrained the Gouernours of HERI ( subject to Abas Mirize ) from going to the warre against the Turkes , he had most maliciously concealed the same , of purpose to hatch such a strange and dangerous discontentment , as had wrought the vnworthie death of many great men , and almost defiled the hands of the father with the innocent bloud of his guiltlesse sonne . For which so foule a treason the false Visier was worthely condemned to die , and his wily head by the commaundement of the king strucke from his carkasse . Iustly rewarded , with the same punishment which he vnjustly sought to haue conuerted vpon others ; and with his owne destruction pacified the dissentions and hatreds that were risen betweene the two princes . And so the two brethren being reconciled togither , and the sonne to the father ; after that Abas had againe promised his wished obedience ( which he afterwards most dutifully performed ) king Mahamet returned with the prince towards CASBIN : where by reason of new and vnexpected motions of the Turkes , he had now beene long looked for and desired . Amurath through the rough speeches of Sinan , was more and more setled in his purpose for the continuing of the Persian warre ; accounting it so much the more to his owne glorie , as it should in happie successe fall out contrarie to the opinion of many : and thereupon began to bethinke himselfe whom he might chuse for his Generall , to whom he might commit so great a charge . Among the Bassaes of the court there was one Ferat , a man of ripe yeares , but yet fierce of courage , tough in opinion , in counsell as hardie as might beseeme his age , readie for all sudden and strange aduentures , but aboue all a vassall most deuoted to the king : Of this man , at last he was resolued to make choise to haue the leading of his armie : and therfore calling him apart , declared vnto him what he had in himselfe purposed , encouraging him to take the charge vpon him , with a firme resolution to performe all things answerable to so worthie an enterprise , with the opinion he had conceiued of his valour . Verie willingly did Ferat accept of this new office , and thought himselfe ( as indeed he was ) highly fauoured by the king : and thereupon made him a large promise , to employ his strength , his wit , and vttermost deuoire , to put in execution whatsoeuer should be offered vnto him , either by occasion , or by his royall commandement . At first Amurath had no other purpose to imploy him any further , but only to assure the passage to TEFLIS , and so into all GEORGIA ; and to haue destroied the country of Mustaffa the Georgian , who had so audaciously injured the lieutenant of Amurath , and put his whole army in confusion : but being certainly aduertised of the troubles in PERSIA betweene the king and his sonne , he changed his purpose , and commaunded Ferat to employ all his forces to erect a fortresse at REIVAN , a place belonging to Tocomac , and to assure the passage from CHARS to REIVAN ; for so they should be reuenged of many harmes they had receiued by him , and lay open the way to the citie of TAVRIS , to the great glorie of Amurath . As for Mustaffa the Georgian , although he had well deserued to be chastised for his rash attempt against Mahamet Bassa , being then his Generall , yet he willed Ferat to dissemble his euill opinion of him , and ( if it were possible ) so to worke , as to vse him as an instrument to conuay treasure and succours to TEFLIS : for by this meanes the passage , being made safe , all GEORGIA would without any mo fortresses be subdued , and then the next yeare they might attempt the enterprise for TAVRIS . Highly did Ferat commend the deuises of Amurath his lord , and shewed himselfe readie for any attempt . And so the time being come wherein it behooued them to set on foot their important dessignments , in the beginning of the yeare 1583 , commandements were sent out to all the cities of the empire , which were wont to make their appearance at these warres , That vpon fresh summons , they should be readie to returne against the Persians , and to put in execution that should be enjoyned them by their new Generall . The fame whereof flew as farre as SORIA , IVRIE , PALESTINE , MESOPOTAMIA , BABYLONIA , to BALSARA , to SIVAS , to MARAS , to all BITHYNIA , CAPADOCIA , CILICIA , ARMENIA , yea and beyond CONSTANTINOPLE to the borders of HVNGARIE and GRECE , and in briefe to all the regions that were wont to come to this warre : all which sent their captaines and souldiors accordingly . And so at the last Generall Ferat departing from CONSTANTINOPLE , and passing ouer to SCVTARI by the way of AMASIA and of SIVAS , came to ERZIRVM , where he tooke a view of all his armie and prouision : and from thence in eight daies arriued at CHARS , conducted by the Persian fugitiue Maxut Chan : and from CHARS set himselfe on his way towards REIVAN . Three daies before he came to REIVAN , of certaine ruines of an old castle which the Turkes call AGGIA CHALASI ( or the Castle of strangers ) he erected a new fortresse , and left in it a garrison of foure hundred souldiors , with a Sanzacke , and certaine pieces of ordinance , and then went to REIVAN . This countrey is distant from TAVRIS eight or nine daies journey ; betweene which two places are situat NASSIVAN , CHIVL●A● , MARANT , and SOFIAN , all enriched with goodly gardens and pleasant greenes : but in the way are many craggie mountaines to be climed , and sundrie hard passages either for armie or traueller . Here then did Ferat encampe himselfe with his armie , and taking aduise of his chiefe captains where he should build the fort , they all with one consent aduised him , to seaze vpon the houses and gardens of Tocomac , and there to fortifie . Which he accordingly did , enclosing the gardens with strong wals and deepe ditches round about , whereinto he conuaied water from a certaine riuer , that comming downe from the mountaines , ran into Araxis . Which worke was performed with such expedition ▪ that within the space of fifteene daies the fortresse was finished , being in circuit seauen hundred and fiftie yards . It grieued Tocomac exceedingly thus to lose his countrey and dwelling , and so much the more , because it happened so suddenly , and as it were vnlooked for . He himselfe as soone as he vnderstood that the Turkish armie was comming to that coast , hauing withdrawne himselfe and his men of warre out of the citie hee could not keepe , sought by all meanes to be reuenged , if not altogither , yet in some part of this so great an injurie . And therefore he wrote vnto the king at CORAZAN , to Emir Chan at TAVRIS , to Simon in GEORGIA , he gathered soldiors out of the villages , and vsed all his possible endeuour to enable himselfe to annoy the enemies armie : But from none of these places could he receiue any helpe , the king being so farre off in wars against his sonne , the Georgian being busied by hindering any reliefe to be brought to the besieged in TEFLIS ; as for Emir Chan ( who by solemne promise vnto the king before his departure to HERI , had vndertaken the defence of that side of the kingdome against the Turkes ) he either would not , or could not stirre ; neither sent so much as one souldior , hauing as some supposed secret intelligence with Generall Ferat , not to disturbe him in this his worke . So Tocamac destitute of all other helpe , and not able of himselfe to doe much against so mightie an enemie ; yet ceased not to lay such priuie ambushes for the Turkes as hee could , killing of them sometimes 100 , sometime 150 , and sometimes mo , as they fell into his danger . And to ease his stomacke against Emir Chan ( who sitting still at TAVRIS as it were to behold his miserie , would not so much as shake a sword against these spoiling Turkes ) he spared not to dispatch certaine horsemen in hast to the king at CORAZAN , and by eloquent letters to amplifie the cowardise of Emir Chan ; intermedling withall some causes of suspition , that he had some intelligence with the Turkish Generall . Ferat hauing thus built this new fort at REIVAN , as Amurath had commanded , and furnished it with artillerie , and all other things needfull for the defence thereof ; appointed Sinan Bassa ( the sonne of Cicala a renegat of GENVA , and by Selymus the late emperor , in the flowre of his youth created Aga or captaine of the Ianizaries ) with a garrison of eight thousand souldiors to keepe the same . And so departing thence , by the way of AGIA CHALASI , in ten daies arriued with his armie at CHARS . Ferat had not long stayed at CHARS , but strange news were brought thither , That Mustaffa the Georgian ( to whom Amurath had sent thirtie thousand duckats , by two of his Capigi and two of his Chiaus , to haue by him beene conueyed to TEFLIS for the releefe of them in the fort ) was reuolted from the Turkish obedience , and being now become a rebell , had left that fortresse in manifest danger to yeeld , if by some other meanes it were not relieued . Which strange nouelties exceedingly troubled the Generall : who to know the certainetie thereof , called before him all such as were the messengers of this misfortune : by whom he was certainely enformed , That Mustaffa , the two Capigi , and the Chiaus , hauing put themselues vpon their way towards TEFLIS with the treasure , guarded with a conuoy of fiue hundred of his souldiors , in the mid way had met with his cousin Simon the Georgian , by whom he was persuaded to returne againe to his antient faith and religion , which he had to the great perill of his soule so prophanely abandoned , and to shake off the seruice of Amurath , which would yeeld him no other recompence than an hard and infamous captiuitie , and in the end some fraudulent and trecherous death : and that his persuasion had so preuailed with Mustaffa , that he caused the two Capigi and the Chiaus to be apprehended and presently beheaded ; and deuiding the treasure , with his said cousin had with him and his other kinsmen vowed a solemne and perpetuall confederacie : and so hauing withdrawne themselues to their wonted passages , lay there in wait for such succours as should by the Turkes be brought to TEFLIS . When Ferat vnderstood these and such other particularities , he all in a furie swore that he would not returne to ERZIRVM vntill he had put all the country of Mustaffa to fire and sword : yet first he thought it needfull to relieue TEFLIS , which would otherwise bee in danger to bee yeelded to the enemie : and for that purpose made choice of Hassan Bassa , who in the last yeare of the Generalship of Mustapha had most couragiously conueyed the like succours , and taken Aliculi Chan. Vnto him therefore did the Generall assigne fortie thousand duckats , with other prouision necessarie for that seruice , and for the more suretie appointed him fifteene thousand of the most choice and valiant souldiours in all the armie to conduct the same . In ten dayes space Hassan Bassa went and came from TEFLIS , hauing in his journey too and fro had many skirmishes with the Georgians , wherein he lost some few men , without any other losse worth the remembrance . After this the Generall sent one Resuan Bassa with six thousand souldiors to spoyle the countrey of Mustaffa the Georgian the late renegate , but now become a rebell to the Turkes : which Resuan , without any long stay ouerran all his territorie , burnt his townes , and committed most vncouth outrages , which extended euen vnto the poore insensible trees , and carried away with him many captiue soules , with much corne and cattell , like a raging tempest destroying whatsoeuer came in his way . Now was the Generall also retired to ARDACHAN , whether came Resuan to meet him with his foresaid bootie . But because they had now performed what they had before entended , and the approch of Winter persuaded their returne , they remoued from ARDACHAN , and by the way of OLTI retired to ERZIRVM , from whence all the souldiors were licensed to depart to their seuerall places of abode , and a memoriall sent vnto Amurath of all the actions had beene performed ; and especially of the good seruice done by Hassan Bassa , who for the same was now once againe honoured by the king with cloth of gold , a battleaxe and targuet all gilt . About this time one Podolouius a gentleman of POLONIA , sent by Stephen king of POLONIA to CONSTANTINOPLE , by the leaue of Amurath to buy certaine horses in ANATOLIA ; returning homewards with foure and twentie goodly horses which he had bought , was notwithstanding the great Turks Passe , by his commaundement stayed vpon the way , all his men ( in number foure and thirtie ) slaine , excepting one boy , who getting into a wood escaped , and Podolouius his head strucke off . The horses brought backe to CONSTANTINOPLE , were by the appointment of Amurath some bestowed into his owne stable , and the rest giuen among the Bassaes , oftentimes pointed at with the fingers of the Turkes in derision of the Polonian king . This Amurath commaunded to be done in reuenge of an outrage done by the Polonian Cossackes against the Turkes , whereof newes was but euen then brought to the Court. The nine and twentith day of Nouember of this present yeare 1583 , died Hama Cadum , the widdow of the late emperour Selymus the second , and mother of this Amurath , and lieth buried by her husband Selymus and his fiue sonnes , strangled by their brother Amurath . All the rest of this yeare 1583 Ferat spent at ERZIRVM , and afterwards sent out his ordinarie commaundements to all the accustomed cities , to summon the souldiors against the next Spring in the yeare 1584 , gathering together a greater number of pioners and enginers than euer had beene gathered in these warres heretofore : and withall gaue it out , That he would goe to NASSIVAN , and there doe great matters . At which report the Persians were much mooued , and began to cast many things in their heads about it : but aboue all others the king , who vnderstanding at CASEIN of all that had before happened at REIVAN , and of the new preparations of the Turkes , began to feare that they would this yeare passe to TAVRIS , or at least as was reported to NASSIVAN , and in those places build new fortresses , to the great danger of the Persian empire : and therefore retaining still such forces as he brought with him from HERI , and commanding as many moe as he could out of all the cities that were subject vnto him , to follow him to TAVRIS , he arriued there with his armie not long after the arriuall of Ferat Bassa at ERZIRVM . This vnexpected comming of the Persian king with so great an armie to TAVRIS , filled the world with expectation of great matters to haue beene done by him against the Turkes : insomuch that Ferat the Generall , before he would proceed any further , thought it good to ad●ertise Amurath of the matter : declaring vnto him , That his desire was to goe to NASSIVAN , and there to build a fortresse , according to his commaundement , so to lay open the passage to TAVRIS ; but hauing receiued certain intelligence , That the Persian king was come to TAVRIS with an huge armie , and full resolution to encounter him , he thought it his dutie not to put in execution his aforesaid determination , without his expresse commaundement . Vnto whom Amurath presently wrote backe , That the matter so standing , he should not goe to NASSIVAN , but onely employ his forces to assure the passage of TOMANIS and LORI , that so the fort of TEFLIS might the yeare following be relieued by some small band , without sending of any great armie for the conueying of succours thither . This new commaundement of his lord , Ferat kept secret to himselfe , causing the rumour of his going to NASSIVAN to be more and more encreased , of purpose to feed the opinion that the Persians had before conceiued of his comming thither ; and so deluding them , with lesse danger to build the forts he had entended , for the quieting of those most dangerous passages of LORI and TOMANIS . Vpon this resolution Ferat hauing gathered together his people , with all things necessarie for his purpose , remoued with his armie from ERZIRVM toward CHARS , where he stayed ten dayes , to take a new suruey both of his souldiors and prouision . And so departing thence , set forward toward LORI , sending before him Hassan Bassa with fiue thousand light horsemen to scoure the countrey euen to TOMANIS , and to learne what he possibly could of the enemies purposes , and the state of GEORGIA . Which thing Hassan dutifully performed , speedily scouring ouer all the woods , and disclosing all the passages from thence to LORI , and so to TOMANIS , without meeting with any vpon whom to assay his valour , more than certaine robbers vpon the high way , whom he caused to be slaine ( as men altogether ignorant of the Georgian and Persian affaires ) and their heads to be set on the tops of their launces , and so returned againe to LORI : where hauing stayed one day , he met with the Generall , to whom he recounted all that had happened in that his excursion . Ferat being come to LORI , there encamped his armie . This place did sometime belong to Simon the Georgian , well strengthened with an high castle , compassed about with very deepe ditches and a thick wall , almost a mile in circuit , but was then somewhat weakened with time : it is distant from TEFLIS about two daies journey , of a cariers pace . Vpon this castle Ferat seized , and hauing repaired the wals and strengthened the breaches , he placed therein Ali Bassa of GREECE with seuen thousand souldiours for the defence thereof , and planted vpon the wals two hundred small pieces of ordinance . And so when he had set all things there in good order , departed thence with his armie towards TOMANIS ; hauing before commaunded Ali Bassa at some conuenient time to fortifie SAITAN CHALASI , a castle about ten miles distant from LORI , and therein to place a conuenient garrison of souldiors and artillerie . Foure dayes were they going from LORI to TOMANIS , being ordinarily but one dayes worke from the one place to the other : but now the Generall would needs so make it , to take the spoile of those rich fields , abounding with corne , cattell , and fruit , and to leaue vnto the countrey people a lamentable remembrance of his being there . At last being come to TOMANIS ( in times past a castle of Simons , but by reason of these warres , by him then abandoned ) he began to consult with the other captaines , how and where the fortresse should be erected , for the assurance of that countrey . But after many discourses , it was at last concluded not to fortifie in that castle , as being too farre from the strait , to make that dangerous passage safe and secure ; but to goe a little further , and to build a fortresse vpon the very mouth of the strait . So the armie marching forward a few miles , at the very entrance of the narrow passage found the ruines of another castle , and neere thereunto stayed themselues . This steepe headlong castle was so compassed round about with a thicke wood , which hindered all discouerie a farre off , that it was not conuenient to found such a castle there , from whence their ordinance could neither auaile them to whom the defence therof should be committed , neither endomage those that should come to offend it . And therefore the Generall commanded , that euery man with all his endeuour should lay to his hand for the cutting downe of that thicke wood , and making way through thicke and thin to lay it for an open champaigne , that was before the receptacle of a thousand dangerous treacheries . In very short space were the trees layed along on the ground , the place made lightsome and open , and a very commodious situation prepared for the foundation of a castle . The plot of the old ruined castle was compassed about with a wall of a thousand and seuen hundred yards , and in the middest thereof was erected a strong keepe , sundrie lodgings and chambers builded , and two hundred pieces of Ordinance destributed vpon the new wals . After that , the Generall sent Resuan Bassa and the Bassa of CARAEMIT with twentie thousand of his most choice souldiors , to conuey succours to TEFLIS : who marching closely together in the direct way , in one day arriued at the said fort ; wherein they bestowed their supplies , and changing the Gouernour thereof , substituted in his roume one Bagli , being then vpon this occasion onely called a Bassa . Whilest Resuan yet lay thus encamped vnder TEFLIS , Daut Chan the brother of Simon , who in the beginning of these warres , at the comming of Mustapha the Turkes Generall into GEORGIA , had fled out of TEFLIS , came now with all his familie , offering himselfe as a subject and deuoted vassale to the Turkish emperour ; whom Resuan entertained with great promises and large assurances of all good successe , according to his desire . In the meane while newes were brought to Simon , That Generall Ferat staying at the straits of TOMANIS with his armie , had sent Resuan Bassa with a farre lesse number than indeed he had , to succour TEFLIS : Vpon which report he tooke courage to encounter Resuan , and to giue him battell . Vpon which resolution without further delay being accompanied but with foure thousand Georgians , partly subjects of his owne , and partly of Manucchiars , he with all speed possible went against Resuan . But whilest Simon was going thitherwards , Generall Ferat fearing the worst , had alreadie by chance dispatched away the two Bassaes of CARAMANIA and MARAS , with ten thousand souldiors , to the end that joining themselues with the souldiors of Resuan , they should at all aduentures be so much the stronger . Now Simon going resolutely on , found Resuan encamped with six thousand souldiors onely at the foot of an hill , on the back side whereof lay all the rest of his armie , and presently gaue a charge vpon him , when the souldiors behind the hill being aware of his approch , were readie all at once with their weapons to receiue him . Who now perceiuing his errour , repented himselfe to haue so rashly assaulted his enemies , seeing now no other remedie but to be vtterly vndone . But seeing that he had now so farre engaged himselfe , as that he could not by flight but encrease his griefe and make the issue more lamentable , with those few souldiours which he had he endured the furie of the great armie of Resuan , so that on both sides there was joyned a most cruell battell : wherein the strange and vnusuall valour of those few Christians was much to be wondered at . Yet in the end the huge number of the Turkish swords and speares so preuailed vpon that small number of the Georgians , as that they were brought to great extremitie : yea Simon himselfe hauing his horse slaine vnder him , fell downe headlong to the ground , and in his fall was very neere to haue beene taken prisoner , as was his lieutenant and many other his followers , had he not beene relieued by an vnexpected and maruellous chance : for whiles the battell was euen at the greatest heat betweene them , Resuan discouered the two Bassaes of CARAMANIA and MARAS , who ( as is before said ) were newly sent by Generall Ferat to succour him , but both by the said Resuan and also by the rest of his armie were indeed thought to be Persians ; whereupon they were incontinently surprised with a sudden feare , insomuch that they now became very doubtfull of the victorie , wherof they thought themselues before assured . In this suspence and doubtfulnesse of mind the battell was also intermitted , and the victorie by the sight of those their friends disturbed : whereby the Georgians , and especially Simon , whose state was almost desperat , tooke the opportunitie to escape and saue themselues , leauing behind them most sure signes of their valour among the Turkes ; of whom many remained there slaine , many wounded , and many filled with great maruell and vnexpected feare . Thus escaped poore Simon with the remainder of his followers into his knowne places of refuge , there to bewaile the death and captiuitie of his subjects . But Resuan after he had discouered the Bassaes approching towards him , to be his knowne friends and well-willers , fretted in himselfe exceedingly , that Simon had so escaped his hands : yet holding on his way to TOMANIS , he arriued there in great triumph , drawing the standerds of Simon all along the ground , and causing many of the heads of the Georgians to be carried vpon his souldiours launces , to the great joy of Generall Ferat ; to whom he deliuered all the prisoners taken in the battell , and wicked Daut Chan , who hauing in times past renounced his first faith , was become a Persian , and now againe despising the vaine superstition of the Persians , had yeelded himselfe to the vanitie of the Turkes , and made himselfe a voluntarie slaue to Amurath . Now was the yeare so farre spent , that euery man began to feare the Winters approch , and therefore the Generall determined to remoue thence , and to withdraw himselfe into places of more safetie . And so hauing set all things in order in the new fort , he appointed Hassan to be the Bassa of TOMANIS , and left with him eight thousand select souldiours , chosen out of all the armie for the defence of that fort , and the countrey thereabout . Deepely had Ferat layed vp the outrage committed by Mustaffa the Georgian ( being now returned to his old name of Manucchiar ) in taking away the kings treasure , and killing the two Capigi and the Chiaus : and therefore he resolued with himselfe not to returne to CHARS or ERZIRVM , vnlesse he had first passed into the countrey of the said Georgian , and in most cruell manner reuenged those notable injuries before receiued . In three daies he arriued at TRIALA , and there encamped . But lying there such an vnwonted dearth and scarcitie of all things rise in the armie , but especially of victuals , that euery fiue bushels and an halfe of Wheat was sold for fiue hundred duckats , to the vniuersall calamitie of the whole armie . From this place the Generall was minded to goe on forwards towards the countrey of Manucchiar , but whiles he was vpon the raising of his tents , one Veis Bassa of ALEPPO , came vnto him and told him , That it was not good now to spend the time in wandering about those countries , for that there were three very great enemies confederat together , to make this enterprise very difficult , and almost impossible and desperat : one was the season of the yeare , being now full of snowes , frosts , and tempests ; another was , the want and scarcitie of all things necessarie , especially of victuall ; the third was , the people of GEORGIA , who by a common vniting of themselues together , and peraduenture aided by the Persians , might worke some notable mischeefe against the armie . This speech of Veis so much offended the Generall , that he most sharpely rebuked him , and with bitter tearmes reproued him , telling him flatly , That he well perceiued he was brought vp among mountaines and villages , and of a villaine ( as he was ) vpon some superfluitie of grace , or foolish importunitie , aduanced to the honour of a Bassa ; and that therefore he should not haue presumed so much as to think it lawfull for him , so impudently and malapertly to come and giue him such aduertisements ; whereas it had beene his dutie rather to haue held his peace , and to haue hearkened vnto the commaundements of his betters and superiors , yeelding himselfe obedient and deuoted with all his power to performe the same . With this rebuke the Generall passed on to ARCHELECH , burning and in a manner destroying the country before him , though indeed it was in amitie and confederacie with the Turkes . But the inhabitants of ARCHELECH vpon the comming of the Turkes had abandoned the citie , and for feare withdrawne themselues into the mountaines . In ARCHELECH Ferat encamped , & staied the space of foure daies among the rockie crags and in a barren soyle , yeelding necessarie sustenance neither for man nor beast ; so that euery man there endured vnspeakeable miseries : yet for the space of foure dayes the souldiours with patience endured this so great a calamitie . But in the end the fall of an huge snow being added to these extremities , did so greatly encrease their greefes , that all the Ianizaries and Spaoglans of CONSTANTINOPLE arose in a tumult , and comming before Ferat , in despightfull and contemptuous manner with very haughtie and resolute tearmes said vnto him : And how long shall we endure this thy tedious and insolent gouernment ? Where is the due commiseration that thou oughtest to beare towards the vassales of thy Soueraigne , thou rusticall and vnreasonable captaine ? Doest thou thinke happily , that we keepe our harlots as thou doest vnder thy sumptuous pauillions , all fat and in goodplight , with delicat viands , whilest others liue in miserie ? Doest thou beleeue that we haue , as thou hast , our daintie sugars , spices , and conserues , whereby to restore vs , in the common calamitie of others ? And that we haue at commaund meat and pretious wines , which thou minglest with thy cleare and pleasant waters , partly prouided for thee by the art of the cunning doctors , and partly brought to thee from farre places ? From this day forward it will be no longer endured , that so much people should continue in this famine , afflicted with nakednesse , and many other inconueniencies : and therefore get thy selfe vp , and returne toward ERZIRVM , otherwise we shall be enforced to doe that which will breed more displeasure vnto thee , than to any man aliue . The Generall in a great agonie presently called a counsell , wherein it was concluded , That they should all send their strong sumpter horses to ARDACHAN , and the rest to follow him into Manucchiars countrey , whither he had appointed to go , onely to make an inrode , and with the spoile and bootie of that countrey to refresh the minds of his souldiors afflicted with the miseries both past and present . This commandement of the Generals they all readily obeied , as well because he promised them a speedie voyage , as also for that euerie man desired the sacke of ALTVNCHALA , and other the territories of Manucchiar . So Ferat holding on his journey through certaine low vallies betweene the high and craggie mountaines , continually accompanied with great famine and scarsitie , at length brought his armie to CLISCA , a place belonging to Manucchiar , but as then for feare of the Turks quite abandoned and forsaken by the inhabitants ; who with their wiues and children and all the best stuffe they had , were fled into remote and safe places , vntill the furie of the enemie were ouerpassed . In the fields neere vnto this place ( abounding with corne and cattell & plentie of fruit ) the Generall refreshed his whole armie , and hoping that all the souldiors would like it well to stay a while in such good ease , determined with himselfe to erect a fort in that place . And with this resolution gaue commaundement to Resuan Bassa to go vp to the tower , and in the top thereof to set vp an ensigne with a proclamation and publike report , That he would in the name of Amurath there erect a fort , and fortifie it as he had the othe● forts before . Resuan accompanied with Amurath the Bassa of CARAMANIA , according to the commaundement of the Generall , in the top of the tower set vp an ensigne or two : which as soone as the souldiors had espied , the forenamed Ianizaries and Spaoglans , thinking themselues too much abused by their Generall , arising againe all in an vprore , replenished with furie and indignation , ran vp in a rage to take downe the ensignes that were set vp vpon the tower , and taking them in their hands , rapt the said Resuan once or twise about the pate , discharging withall a thousand injurious and despightfull words vpon him , and sharply rebuked him . And then returning to the Generall ( who was now come thither himselfe to countenance the action of Resuan ) with gestures full of despight , contempt , and disdaine , reuiling him with many shamefull and scornfull tearmes , they protested vnto him : That they were not come to the warres to exercise the occupation of masons and dawbers , and to be employed in such vile and dishonourable offices , but onely to mannage their weapons , and thereby to demerit their ordinarie wages , and to purchase to themselues glorie and renowne at the kings hands . And therefore if he loued his head , and would not see those armes turned against himselfe which hitherto had beene the reuengers of the enemies iniuries , he should resolue with himselfe to leaue these new buildings and these vnseasonable designments ; and giuing place to the contrarie season of the yeare , to haue due care of their common desires and necessitie . Whiles they were yet thus expostulating the matter with him , one more bold than the rest , and more forgetfull of his duetie , did not sticke to assault the Generall , and to threaten him to wreake his furie vpon him : which in that tumult had happily beene done , had not the Bassa of CARAMANIA lent the Generall his owne horse , and so conducted him to his pauilion . Yet was he neuerthelesse still pursued by the tumultuous souldiors , and againe sharply accused for the stay that he made there , and for not resoluing presently to remoue thence : and at last after many reproachfull speeches told expressely , That if he did not the next morning remooue out of those quarters , without all faile he should loose his life for it . For all that , Ferat disdaining to yeeld to them that should of dutie haue been readie and obedient at euerie becke of his , and seeking by all meanes ( notwithstanding all this stirre ) to stay there so long time as should be sufficient to build a fort , that would so much offend Manucchiar , answered them againe . That he made no account of their threatning him with his life , which he had alwaies offered to lay downe for any seruice of his king . But if they had no care to serue their soueraigne in this new building , they might go their waies ; as for himselfe , he was resolutely minded to obey his lord in whatsoeuer he had commaunded him , for the honour of whom , euerie one of them ought to thinke their liues verie well bestowed . Vpon this answere there followed diuers railings and cursings against the king , against the Generall , and against them all ; and in this confused tumult euerie man betooke himselfe to his weapons : in euerie corner was heard grumlings and whisperings , full of wrath and indignation : so that there was a great feare of some dangerous euent , but greater was the suspition of the Generals life . And now euerie man had withdrawne himselfe to the guarding of such things as he esteemed most ; when suddenly and in a trice you might haue seen the pauilions of all the Bassaes and captaines fall downe flat to the ground , all the cords therof being cut in sunder by the wrathfull souldiors : and as it were in a moment , all the muttons and other cattell which the Generall and Bassaes led with them for their ordinarie vse , were seized vpon by the same souldiors , and guarded with all diligence possible . And so farre was it off that any man durst challenge or reuenge this their insolencie , that they themselues turning afresh vpon their Generall ( being now in a maze and deadly feare ) began now the third time to threaten him , That if he did not forthwith remoue from those countries , and turne his journey towards ERZIRVM , those vallies and fields should without all faile become the sepulchers of the Bassaes , and those hils retaine the eternall memorie of so bloudie a day . With a little liberalitie might the Generall haue done with this people whatsoeuer he had listed , but being loth to gratifie them with any thing , he was enforced to performe their prowd and arrogant demaunds , and to his great shame to obey them whom with right vsage he might haue made obedient to himselfe : and therefore to auoid their despightfull threats , to his exceeding great reproach , he was glad euen as they had commanded to remoue out of those quarters . The first day he arriued at ARDACHAN , with the great trouble of all his souldiors : for whereas the journey was wont to be two waies worke ordinarily , as well in respect of the length of the way as the difficultie of the passage , the Generall would now needs haue it done in one , the rather thereby to grieue his souldiors . But of this his wilfulnesse , he receiued euen the same day the just reward ; for that the chariots wherein his women rode , were conuaied away , togither with the eunuchs that were their keepers : some say by the Georgians , that lay in wait for such a prey ; some others say by the Ianizaries , who the more to dishonour their Generall wrought him this injurie . Great was the reproach that Ferat receiued in the armie , but farre greater at CONSTANTINOPLE , when these newes were there knowne : but there was no remedie , he must now perforce endure it , and discontented as he was , keepe on his way towards ERZIRVM . In ARDACHAN he tooke a surueigh of his armie , and there gaue his souldiors leaue to depart : himselfe afterwards arriuing at ERZIRVM , hated of all his souldiors , enuied by his captaines , derided for the losse of his women , and fallen into the disgrace of euerie man. No lesse than the rest was the Turkish emperour discontented with him also : first for that he had done nothing worth the speaking of in reuenge of the shamefull injurie done by Manucchiar the Georgian , and yet so mightily discontented his souldiors : and secondly , for that without any care he had suffered Aliculi Chan the Persian prisoner to escape away ; about whose flight it was thought he could not chuse but haue some intelligence . For Ferat , after he was by new order from the court to diuert his journey from NASSIVAN to the straits & narrow passages of GEORGIA , being desirous to be throughly enformed of those dangerous waies ; in this second yeare when he remoued from ERZIRVM , tooke Aliculi Chan out of prison , of purpose to vse him as his guide in those dangerous straits , and therefore carried him vnder a guard ( whatsoeuer it was afterwards ) of his most faithfull vassals , still intreating him well , and taking such order as that he wanted nothing : at last being come to the straits of TOMANIS in GEORGIA , where the Castle ( as we haue before said ) was erected , he from thence secretly escaped into PERSIA . The manner of his escape is diuersly reported : some say that Ferat in discharge of his promise , for his good direction had gratified him with his libertie : others say , that Ferat corrupted with money , gaue him opportunitie to escape : some others ( with more probabilitie ) that this escape was made , neither for money nor discharge of promise , but by the onely vigilancie of Aliculi himselfe , and the sleepinesse of his keepers ; and that watching the opportunitie of the night ( a friend to all escapes ) he started away . Howsoeuer it was , in fine hee was deliuered from his long captiuitie to the discredit of Ferat , and returned into PERSIA , to performe such enterprises against the Turkes ▪ as shall bee hereafter declared . Generall Ferat ( before his departure out of GEORGIA ) had commaunded Aly the Bassa of GRaeCIA ( whom he left , as is before declared , in the new castle of LOR● ) to fortifie a certaine castle called SAITAN CHASI ( in our language , the Castle of the Diuell ) which he with great diligence performed , and left therein fiftie pieces of ar●illerie , and a thousand souldiors vnder the charge of a Sanzacke : and so quieted the passages from fort to fort , as that all the waies from REIVAN to CHARS , and from CHARS to TEFLIS , were made easie and safe , and all the means taken away whereby the enemie might be able to plot any new treacherie vpon those passages : which was no small piece of good seruice . The Persian king in the meane time lying at TAVRIS with his armie , vnderstanding that the Turkes had changed their purpose from NASSIVAN to GEORGIA , so that there was no further need to employ his armie against them for the defence of TAVRIS or NASSIVAN : at last resolued with himselfe to licence his souldiors to depart , and to apply himselfe to more priuat reuenges . For calling Emir Chan vnto him , whom he had left Gouernor of TAVRIS , and Generall for that part of his kingdome ; he required of him the occasion , why he had not performed the great promises which he had made to him before his departure to HERI , nor done his endeuour to hinder the Turks Fabrik at REIVAN : and why he went not ou● with other souldiors appointed for that purpose , and namely with the Turcomans ( as he had promised ) to reuenge so great an injurie , and in best manner he could to haue endomaged the Turkish forces ? Sundrie excuses did Emir Chan alleadge for the colouring of his manifest default , but none sufficient to cleare him of the crimes objected against him by the king and the Sultans : wherefore he was by the king adjudged to haue his eies burnt out with an hoat yron ; and so depriued of his sight , to be despoiled of all his goods and shut vp in close prison . Which heauie doome was without further delay accordingly put in execution : whereof within the space of a few moneths , the wicked Chan ( but yet a famous souldior ) miserably died in prison . Whose death so highly offended the Turcoman nation ( who had him alwaies in great estimation ) that they absolutely denied their defences for the crowne of PERSIA : and the more , when they heard that the king had bestowed the roume of Emir Chan vpon Aliculi ; who although he had in many respects deserued all preferment , yet for that he was an auntient enemie to certaine Turcoman captaines , they would not in any wise endure that he should be exalted to so great an honour . And therefore they waxed more disdainfull and ill affected towards the king , whereby the Persian forces became the more weakened and diuided . The Turkes notwithstanding the league yet in force betweene Amurath and Rodolph the Christian emperour that now is , did many times make incursions into the vpper part of HVNGARIE , burning the countrey villages , and carrying away the people into captiuitie : but in their returne , they were oftentimes cut off by the emperours souldiors , and slaine . Which being reported at CONSTANTINOPLE much moued the Turkish tyrant : but when he vnderstood that his men had without any cause made those inrodes into the territorie of the Christians , and so receiued the foresaid losses , he was againe appeased , and in the beginning of this yeare 1584 , renewed the league betwixt him and the emperour for eight yeares more . Ferat from ERZIRVM aduertised Amurath of all that had happened in his late expedition , desiring him to commaund what he would haue taken in hand the next Spring . But besides this information from him , there wanted not many others which did the like also , although in another manner : declaring vnto the king ( and that in an odious sort ) the whole proceedings of Ferat , the escape of Aliculi Chan , the shamefull losse of his women , his quarrels with the Ianizaries ▪ his falling out with Vies Bassa , a man well regarded of Amurath himselfe , the disorders of his whole campe for his want of discretion ; and to be short , the particularities of all such actions as had not altogither so honourably been by him performed that yeare : causes of themselues sufficient to induce the king to remoue the said Ferat from his Generalship . To which occasions , were also added sundrie other secret respects : for euer since the last departure of Ferat from ERZIRVM , Amurath had still in his head , the next yeare following to attempt the enterprise of TAVRIS , and thereby to stirre vp through the world a famous report of his conquests correspondent to his greatnesse . Now among the captaines whom he esteemed to be worthie men , to whom he might with trust commit this so great an enterprise , he bethought himselfe of Osman Bassa , left at SVMACHIA in SIRVAN by Generall Mustapha in the first yeare of this warre : who hauing in that prouince remained euer since , had without any helpe of the Tartarians , by his owne industrie and valour , to the great contentment of Amurath , brought that large countrey into a reasonable obedience of the Turkish empire : and that which most of all pleased the Turkish emperour , had in a countrey so farre distant maintained his armie , wherewith he had done all this without any expences at all to his king ; hauing now a good while leuied his souldiors stipends vpon the lands and territories of that region ; and still exercised a kind of gouernment and soueraigntie ouer those places . Of all which his good proceedings , he had caused intelligence from time to time to be sent vnto the court : by which meanes , and other fauourers which he had about the king , there was fostered in the mind of Amurath a wonderfull good opinion of him ; so that now without delay he resolued to send for him to CONSTANTINOPLE , and for that purpose , before Ferat was arriued at ERZIRVM , he had dispatched certaine Capigi and Chiaus to call this famous warriour vnto him : yet wanted there not some ( and those not of the meanest sort ) that went about to hinder both his comming to the court , and also these designments of so great importance . For Sciaus the chie●e Visier ( who rather for the comelinesse of his person and alliance with the king , than for any other his vertues , was mounted to that high roome ) did greatly feare least Osman , whose course it was to sit next vnto him in the order of the greatest Bassaes , partly for his experience in matters of warre , and partly for the good affection the king did beare vnto him , should at his comming to CONSTANTINOPLE persuade the king to what he listed , and so peraduenture take from him the chiefest office , and get into his hands the whole gouernment of the empire , whereby so great wealth was to be gained . Wherefore to rid himselfe of these feares , he cast about by all meanes to keepe him from comming to the Court : but because that to attempt the same openly , might proue a matter both difficult and dangerous , he thought it better to make triall of a more commodious and secret meanes . This Sciaus in consideration of many gifts bestowed vpon him by Mahomet the Cuman Tartar king , had many times excused him to Amurath of diuers accusations which Osman by his letters had laid to his charge , For not aiding him in the subduing of SIRVAN , as he was both by promise and dutie bound : and for all his ouersights alleadged such reasons in his behalfe , as if they did not altogither persuade Amurath to be kind vnto him , yet at the least not to carrie a mind of reuenge against him : and had so far proceeded in countenancing this Tartarian king , that there was betwixt them confirmed an interchangeable amitie and mutuall confederacie . Him Sciaus imagined to find willing and readie by all meanes possible , to hinder the comming of Osman his enemie to the Court , if he were but made acquainted with the matter . And therefore Sciaus , as soone as he vnderstood the certaine resolution of Amurath to call Osman to the Court , secretly wrote to the Tartar king , who lay encamped neere to the hauen of CAFFA vpon the Fens of MEOTIS , certifying him , That Osman was to come to the Court , and that therfore it were good for him to call to mind , how great an enemie he had been to him , and how much he had endeuoured by letters to Amurath , to turne all his hatred and displeasure against him : and withall , That if he was able to doe so much by letters , as if Sciaus had not defended him with verie reasonable excuses , the king had executed his wrathfull indignation vpon him to his great danger ; he should then imagine with himselfe , what Osman should be able to doe when he should come in person to the presence of Amurath , and without any mediator , betweene themselues determine of all matters what they should thinke conuenient . These , and peraduenture worse letters which Sciaus wrote to the Tartar , ministred matter enough vnto him to resolue to doe what he might , not to suffer so pernicious an enemie of his to arriue at CONSTANTINOPLE : and especially perceiuing that Sciaus , in whose breast he reposed all his hope and all his protection , did so greatly feare his comming . Wherefore to rid himselfe of that feare , he commaunded twelue thousand souldiors , that changing their weapons and appparell , they should go and lie in wait for Osman in the borders betweene COLCHIS and I●ERIA , towards the Tartarian Nomades , by which way he was to come ; and so making an assault vpon him , to bereaue him of his life . Hoping that such an outrage once done could not , or would not be imputed to his procurement , but rather to the Tartar Nomades , or to the Mengrellians , or to the Georgians , or to the Moscouites , or to the robbers by the high way ; and to be short , rather to any bodie else than to him . This commaundement of the Tartar king , was accordingly by the souldiors put in practise : who without further stay joyned themselues together , and so rode towards the place appointed . And now were the messengers sent from Amurath , come to Osman , who readily put himselfe on his way towards CONSTANTINOPLE , hauing left behind him at DERBENT and SVMACHIA two Bassaes , thought to be the most sufficient men in SIRVANIA : hauing also appointed very good orders in the same , and an assured establishment of all those countries and places which Mustapha first had subdued , and he himselfe had afterwards maintained vnder the obedience of Amurath . He had also prouided for the safetie of his own person , in passing those troublesome and dangerous passages through which he was to trauell , by chusing out foure thousand souldiors which he had tried in diuers battels , and brought vp vnder his own discipline ; through whose valour he doubted not safely to passe through the treacheries of the Albanians , and the populous squadrons as well of the Tartarians as of the Mengrellians . Thus departed he from DERBENT , and coasting along the rockes of CAVCASVS ( that at all times of the yeare are all white and hoarie with continuall snowes ) leauing on his left hand MEDIA , IBERIA , and CHOLCHIS , and on the right hand the famous riuers of Tanais and Volga , euen at his first entrance vnto the shores of the Euxine sea , he was by the abouenamed twelue thousand Tartarians , being apparrelled like theeues that lie vpon those wayes , suddenly assailed and fought withall . But like as an huge rocke lying open to tempests and waues , standing fast and vnmoueable in it selfe , resisteth the thunderings and rushings of the great and fearefull billowes : so stood Osman fast and firme , and couragiously sustained this trecherous assault , turning the bold countenances of his resolute souldiors against the rebellious multitude of those traiterous squadrons : who as is their manner in the beginning vsed great force , but finding so stout resistance in those few , whom they had thought with their onely lookes and shoutings to haue put to flight , they began at length to quaile . Which Osman quickly perceiuing , couragiously forced vpon them , and in a very short space and with a very small losse of his owne , put those Tartarians to flight , killing a number of them , and also taking many of them prisoners : by whom Osman was afterwards informed ( as the truth was ) that their king for feare that he had conceiued , least when he came to CONSTANTINOPLE he would procure his destruction from Amurath , had sent this armie to seeke his death . Of which treason Osman caused a perfect processe to be made , together with the depositions of the Tartarian prisoners , which he sent the shortest way he could deuise to Amurath at CONSTANTINOPLE ; with letters declaring all that had passed , enflaming him to reuenge so grieuous an injurie and so wicked a practise . Amurath receiuing these aduertisements from Osman , according to the necessitie of the matter tooke order that Vluzales his Admirall with certaine gallies well appointed , should passe ouer to CAFFA to fetch Osman ; and withall to carrie with him Islan , a brother of the Tartar kings , commaunding Osman by letters , that he should ( to the terrour of others ) put to death the treacherous king , and place his brother in his roume . This Tartar king was one of those mightie princes , who basely yeelding to the Othoman power , led vnder them a most vile and troublesome life , as their tributaries and vassals , alwayes at commaund : whose yonger brother Islan ( presuming of the sufficiencie of himselfe and the fauour of the people ) going to CONSTANTINOPLE , became a suter vnto the Turkish emperor , to haue his eldest brother thrust out of his kingdome , as a man for his euill gouernment hated of his subjects , and to be placed himselfe in his roume . Which his sute was so crossed by the embassadours of the king his brother , who spared for no cost in the behalfe of their master , that the ambitious youth was sent from the Turks Court to ICONIVM , and there clapt fast vp in prison : where apparrelled like an Eremit , he led his life altogether conformable to his miserie , with such a kind of externall innocencie , as if he had beene void of all hope or ambitious desire of a kingdome , but rather like a forlorne and vnhappie wretch with vaine affliction and impious deuotion to prepare himselfe to a laudable and honourable death . But whilest he thus liued , sequestred from all worldly cogitations , vpon the discouerie of the king his brothers rebellion he was in more than post hast sent for to CONSTANTINOPLE , and put into the gallies bound for CAFFA , with letters to Osman of the tenor aforesaid . Now in the meane time Osman had by cunning meanes got into his hands this Tartar king , being as is reported betrayed by his owne counsellours , corrupted with the Turkes gold : whom with his two sonnes Osman vpon the receit of the aforesaid letters from Amurath , caused to be presently strangled with a bowstring , and Islan his younger brother to be saluted king in his place , yet as vassale to Amurath . This shamefull death , the vsuall reward of the Turkish friendship , was thought justly to haue happened vnto this Tartar king , for that he not long before , supported by Amurath , had most vnnaturally deposed his aged father from that kingdome , just vengeance now prosecuting his so great disloyaltie . Osman embarking himselfe in the forenamed gallies at the port of CAFFA , passing ouer the Euxine sea , and entering into the Thracian Bosphorus , arriued at CONSTANTINOPLE , where he was receiued with great pompe and singular significations of good loue . But with most euident and expresse kinds of joy was he saluted by Amurath himselfe , when by his owne speech and presence he declared vnto him euery particularitie of the matters that had happened in his long and important voiage , and in liuely manner represented vnto him the perils and trauels that he had passed , and the conquests that he had made in SIRVAN . After all which discourses Amurath who longed after nothing more than to see the Persian king somewhat brideled , and the famous citie of TAVRIS brought vnder his own subjection , began to enter into conference with Osman about that enterprise , and in the end would needs throughly know of him , what issue he could promise him of this his desire ▪ and in what sort by his aduice and counsell the forces should be employed , and the armies disposed for the subduing of that citie , which ouerall the nations of the world was so famous and so great an honour to the Persian kingdome . To all which demaunds his answere and resolution was , That for so much as the matters of GEORGIA were now well setled , the trecherous passages by the new built forts assured , and the prouince of SIRVAN vnder his obedience established , there was now no cause why he should any longer foreslow so famous an enterprise , but by the conquest of TAVRIS , & erecting of a fort in that proud citie , to bring a terrour vpon all PERSIA , and to raise a glorious renowne of so mightie a conquest among the nations of EVROPE : for the accomplishment whereof he thought that either the same armie , or at the most a very little greater would suffice , so that it were raised of the best and choisest souldiors . By reason of one of the letters which Sciaus Bassa had written to the late Tartar king , and by the instigation of the young Sultan Mahomets mother ( jealous of the neere alliance of the great Bassa with her husband , as prejudiciall and dangerous to her sonne ) Amurath had in the open Diuano depriued the said Sciaus from the office of the cheefe Visier , and hardly pardoning him his life , at the intercession of his wife , being his sister , had banished him the Court , so that he liued afterwards about CALCEDON , vpon the borders of ASIA , not far from CONSTANTINOPLE , in a close pallace he had there built for his owne pleasure : in whose roume he appointed Osman to be cheefe Visier ; and to honour him the more , nominated him the Generall of his armie against the Persians . Such power hath vertue , that euen from the very scum of the rascall sort , and out of the rusticall rout of mountaine peasants ( which notwithstanding cannot be truly justified of this Osman , his father being Beglerbeg of DAMASCO , and his mother the daughter of the Beglerbeg of BABILON ) it doth oftentimes in the course of this variable world draw diuers men into princes Courts , and aduance them to the highest dignities . Truth it is , that from a priuat souldiour , though well borne , he by sundrie degrees grew vp to the highest honours of that so great an empire , and was at one instant created the cheefe Counsellor and Generall of the Othoman forces . Great was the joy that Osman conceiued hereat , and great was the desire hee had to make himselfe worthie of so honourable fauours ; and the greater confidence he perceiued that Amurath had reposed in him , the more eagerly was hee spurred on to doe any thing possible whereby he might shew himselfe to haue deserued the same . And therefore aduising with himselfe , that for as much as the greatnesse of the enterprise required a greater armie than was leuied in former yeares , so it was necessarie also for him the sooner to send out his aduertisements into all his subject prouinces , and by his owne example to stirre vp the other captaines and souldiours euen in the Winter ( though it were as yet somewhat troublesome ) to passe ouer to SCVTARI , and from thence to ANGORI , to AMASIA , to SIVAS , and there in those territories to driue out the time , vntill his soldiors which were summoned were all gathered together . And because vpon this his great speed it might peraduenture fall out , that the enemie misdoubting his purpose for TAVRIS , might prouide a greater armie than they would otherwise , he caused it to be giuen out , That he must goe for NASSIVAN ; to the end , that the Persians so beguiled , should not regard the gathering of so mightie an armie as they would haue done if they should haue heard of the Turkes comming to TAVRIS : and so the generall cousening rumor flew , not only through all the cities subject to the Turkes , but into the countries of the Persian also : who notwithstanding being very jealous of the citie of TAVRIS , and fearing that the matter would fall out , as indeed afterwards it did , ceased not to make most curious and diligent enquirie about it ▪ And although the disgrace offered to his embassadour at CONSTANTINOPLE , dissuaded him from sending any other for treatie of peace : yet to spie out the secrets of the Turkes , and to vnderstand the certainetie of their purpose for NASSIVAN or TAVRIS , he sent diuers messengers to Osman , as if he had meant to feele his mind touching a peace , but in very deed for nothing els but to sound his designements : which for all that he could not with all the cunning he could vse , possibly discouer , but still remained doubtfull as at the first , the fame still running for NASSIVAN . In the beginning of this yeare , now growing towards an end , Amurath sent one Mustapha , one of the meanest of his Chiaus , vnto Stephen king of POLONIA , to excuse the death of Podolouius ( so shamefully murthered as is before declared ) as if the same had happened by the insolencie of certaine souldiors , and not by his commaundement : who the better to colour the matter , had brought with him two base fellowes , as authors of that outrage , for the king to take reuenge vpon ; but were indeed no such men as they were pretended to be , but rather ( as it was thought ) men before condemned for some other fact worthie of death , and now sent thither to serue this purpose : for whom the Chiaus ( in proud and threatening manner in the name of his master ) required to haue present restitution made of all such goods as the Polonian Cossackes had not long before taken from the Turks , and the captaine of the said Cossackes to be deliuered also vnto him , to be carried to Amurath : and so hardly vrged the matter , that ( notwithstanding the vnworthie death of Podolouius and his followers , and the taking away of his horses ) all the goods taken by the Cossackes , were forthwith restored : which the Chiaus almost in triumphant manner presented vnto Amurath at CONSTANTINOPLE . This Summer also Amurath disporting himselfe with his Muts , was almost dead . These Muts are lustie strong fellowes , depriued of their speech ; who neuerthelesse by certain signes can both aptly expresse their owne conceits , and vnderstand the meaning of others : these men for their secrecie are the cruell ministers of the Turkish tyrants most horrible commaunds , and therefore of them had in great regard . With these Muts mounted vpon faire and fat but heauie and vnreadie horses ; was Amurath , vpon a light and readie horse , sporting himselfe ( as the manner of the Turkish emperours is ) riding sometime about one , sometime about another , and striking now the horse now the man at his pleasure ; when suddenly he was taken with a fit of the falling sicknesse , his old disease , and so falling from his horse , was taken vp for dead : insomuch , that the Ianizaries supposing him to haue beene indeed dead , after their wonted manner fell to the spoyling of the Christians and Iewes , and were proceeding to further outrages , had not their Aga or captaine to restraine their insolencie , to the terror of the rest hanged vp one of them taken in the manner , and certaine others in the habit of Ianizaries . Neuerthelesse , Amurath shortly after recouered againe , and to appease that rumour of his death ( openly vpon their Sabboth , which is the friday ) rid from his pallace to the temple of Sophia ; where I with many others saw him ( saith Leunclauius ) his countenance yet all pale and discoloured . This yeare also happened such a chance as had like to haue raised new warres betwixt the Turks and the Venetians : which for as much as it is worth the reporting , I thought it not good in silence to passe ouer . The widow of Ramadan Bassa , late Gouernour of TRIPOLIS in BARBARIE , with her sonne , her familie , and a great number of slaues of both sorts , being about to depart from TRIPOLIS to CONSTANTINOPLE , had rigged vp a faire gallie for the transporting of her selfe and her substance , reported to be worth eight hundred thousand duckats : vnto which gallie for her more safetie she had joyned two others , as consorts . Thus embarked , she came to the mouth of the Adriaticke , where sayling by CORFV , she was by force of tempest driuen into the gulfe of the Adriaticke . At which time one Petrus Emus , one of the Venetian Senatours , with certaine gallies had the charge for the keeping of that sea agaist pyrats and all other enemies whosoeuer . He hearing of the Turkes comming into the gulfe , without delay set vpon them , and being too strong for them , tooke them all : and hauing them now in his power , exercised most barbarous crueltie , as well vpon the women as the men : for hauing slaine the men , in number two hundred and fiftie , and the sonne of Ramadan in his mothers lap , he caused the women , being before rauished , to haue their breasts cut off , and afterwards to be cast ouerbourd into the sea , being in number about fortie . The brother of Emus chancing vpon a beautifull virgine , was by her most earnestly entreated to haue spared her honour ; and the rather for that ( as she said ) she was a Christian , taken prisoner about twelue yeares before in CYPRVS , since which time she had liued in most miserable captiuitie among the Turks , and being now fallen by good hap into the hands of a noble Venetian , was in good hope to be set at libertie inuiolated : which she most humbly besought him for the loue of God to doe , and not to embrue his hands with her guiltlesse bloud , or to dishonour himselfe by forcing of her . But all she could say preuailed nothing with the cruell and vnbrideled youth , who after he had at his pleasure abused her , cast her with the rest into the sea . It is thought that Emus suffered this so great an outrage ( and so farre vnbeseeming the honor of the Venetians ) to be done , to the intent that none should be left aliue to bewray the greatnesse of the bootie , or of the villanie there committed : which was neuerthelesse ( God so appointing it ) reuealed by one of the Turkes , who saued by a surgion of CRETE , which knew him , and afterwards comming to CONSTANTINOPLE , openly declared the same . With the odious report whereof the Turkes were so enraged , that in euery corner of the citie a man might haue heard them threatening vnto the Venetians most cruell reuenge : yea they had much adoe to hold their hands from the Bailo or Gouernour of the Venetian marchants in CONSTANTINOPLE , and to forbeare to spit in his face , as he went in the streets . At that time was one Io. Franciscus Maurocenus ( or as they commonly called him , Moresin ) Bailo at CONSTANTINOPLE : who vnderstanding that Amurath in his rage was about to send one of the great gentlemen of his Court , whom the Turkes call Zausij ( the great Turkes vsuall embassadours ) to VENICE about that matter , found meanes to haue him stayed at CONSTANTINOPLE , and another of lesse authoritie sent to expostulat the matter with the Senat , and in the name of Amurath to require to haue the offendour punished , and the gallies with the slaues and goods restored : so should the league betwixt him and them continue firme , whereas otherwise he should be constrained by force of armes to reuenge the wrongs done to his subjects . This message being by the said messenger deliuered at VENICE , the Senatours after diligent examination of the matter , returned this answere : That the widdow of Ramadan with her familie comming to ZACYNTHVS , an island of theirs , was there honourably entertained , and presented with certaine courteous presents ; but departing thence , and comming to CEPHALENIA , another of their islands , her people running on land , contrarie to the conditions of the league , made spoyle of whatsoeuer they could light vpon , sparing neither man nor beast : Of which their insolencie their Proueditor vnderstanding , and making after them , found them in armes within the gulfe ; and comming neere vnto them , was neither by them saluted , as the manner at sea is , neither was any top saile strucke , in token that the commaund of that sea belonged vnto the Venetians , all which they ought by the league to haue done : for which their outrages and proud contempt their Proueditor had taken so sharpe a reuenge : neuerthelesse , they promised in that case to doe what beseemed them in reason and justice to doe , for the satisfying of his desire . With which so reasonable an answere Amurath seemed to be well contented , but being indeed loth to entangle himselfe with warres against that mightie State at sea , his warres against the Persians being not yet finished : yet shortly after Emus was for his dishonourable and cruell dealing with the ladie and her familie worthily condemned and beheaded , and the gallies with all the goods and slaues restored . This great woman had in those gallies foure hundred Christian slaues , all which vpon the taking of the gallies were ( as the manner is ) set at libertie , for whom the Venetians made restitution of as many others of the Turks . Ramadan Bassa , the husband of the aforesaid great ladie , was Gouernour of TRIPOLIS in BARBARIE and of the countrey thereabouts : who hauing warres with one of the barbarous kings of the Moores , went out against him with all his forces , wherein were certaine companies of Ianizaries , sent by Amurath from CONSTANTINOPLE . Now in this countrey , as in many other places of AFFRICKE , are great and de●art sands , ouer which whosoeuer is to passe , must prouide himselfe both of victuals and skilfull guides , without which they are not without danger to be passed : Ramadan with his armie vnprouided both of the one and the other , hauing entered these deserts , was at length brought to that case , that he could neither goe forward , neither without losse of his men returne . Yet at length he retired , and got home , but not without the losse of some of his people , and the manifest danger of his whole armie : for which his improuidence the Ianizaries fell into such a rage , that not respecting the honour of the man , or regarding the displeasure of their soueraigne , they fell vpon him and slew him . At which their insolencie , if Amurath did winke and passe it ouer vnpunished , let no man maruell : for why , the auntient obedience of those martiall men is not now as it was in former times , when they were with a more seuere discipline gouerned ; but now growne proud and insolent ( as the manner of men is , liuing in continuall pay ) with weapons in their hands doubt not to do whatsoeuer seemeth vnto themselues best , be it neuer so foule or vnreasonable . Which although it be in many places of this Historie to be seene ; yet for the more manifestation thereof I thought it not amisse here briefly to set downe an example or two of their notorious insolencie . Not many yeares before , the Ianizaries in CYPRVS with like insolencie slew Achmetes Bassa Gouernor of that island : pretending for the colour of so foule a fact , That he had defrauded them of their pay , and oppressed them of the countrey with intollerable exactions . Amurath highly offended with this their disloialtie in killing their Generall , whom they had neuer before complained of ; thought it much to concerne the majestie of himselfe , and the repressing of the like insolencie in others , not to suffer it to go vnpunished : and for that purpose sent another new Gouernour into CYPRVS , with ten gallies furnished as well with other necessarie prouision , as with such a conuenient number of souldiors as might suffice to chastice the insolencie of the chiefe offendours . This new Gouernour arriued in CYPRVS , dissembling the secret commandement he had for the executing of the transgressours , by certaine trustie men gaue it out among the Ianizaries , That Amurath was so farre from being angrie with the death of Achmetes , as that he thought him worthily slaine by the Ianizaries for defrauding them of their wages , and oppressing of his other subjects : which report the new Gouernour had of purpose giuen out , to put them in securitie , and without farther trouble to bring them into his danger . Hereupon the Ianizaries cheerfully and with all due reuerence receiued their new Gouernor : but shortly after to be sure , they by an vnexpected guile when as nothing was lesse feared , compassed in all the new come souldiors , and slew them euerie mothers sonne ; and not so contented , seized also vpon the gallies that brought them . Which second outrage , though Amurath tooke in euill part as seeing his majestie therein contemned , yet was he content to passe it ouer , being loth to adde domesticall troubles to the great wars he had in hand with the Persian . But to end this matter with the opinion of one of their own greatest Bassaes concerning these maisterfull men : It fortuned , that whilest Busbequius embassadour for Ferdinand the emperour vnto Solyman , lay in the Turkes campe ( at such time as Solyman in person himselfe was gone ouer the strait into ASIA , to countenance his eldest sonne Selymus against his younger brother Baiazet ) that vpon a light quarrell ( though heauily taken ) betweene the followers of the said embassadour , and certaine Ianizaries washing themselues at the sea side ; the embassadour for the quieting thereof , was glad to vse the helpe of Rustan the great Bassa , Solyman his sonne in law ; who vnderstanding the matter ( by a messenger sent of purpose ) aduised the embassadour to cut off all occasion of contention with those most naughtie fellowes : asking him farther , if he knew not that it was now the time of warre , in which time they so raigned , as that Solyman himselfe was not able to rule them , but stood in feare of them . Which speech fell not rashly from Rustan , a man right well acquainted with his lord & masters griefe : for that most notable prince feared nothing more , than least some secret & dangerous treason should lie hidden among the Ianizaries , which breaking out vpon the sudden , might worke his finall destruction ; whereof hee needed not to seeke for any farther example , than to his grandfather Baiazet . For , as true it is , That great are the commodities of a perpetuall armie of a princes owne ; so are the incommodities also not small , if they be not carefully met withall : but especially for that the prince is euer in doubt of rebellion ; and that it is still in the power of those armed souldiors , at their pleasure to translate the kingdome to whom they list . Whereof there haue been many great examples , although there are many waies for the remedying of the same . But now that we haue by occasion of the occurrents of that time a little stept out of the way , let vs returne againe vnto the wars of PERSIA , the chiefe object of Amuraths hautie desires . Now according to the commandements gone out through all the cities of the empire , the souldiors of all sorts began to flock togither : and all those that were either desirous to be established in their former charges and gouernments , or ambitiously sought to be now promoted , repaired to Osman as vnto a king , and the soueraigne moderator of the Turkish empire , presenting him verie large and liberall gifts , whereby he gathered togither a huge heape of infinit treasure : and so entertaining them with all affable courtesie , and promising both rewards and honours to such as would follow him in his purposed expedition , he leuied a wonderfull great number , both of men and monies . And now was the time come that called him away to go towards ERZIRVM , where he was greatly expected of his huge armie there assembled togither . And notwithstanding the great dearth of victuall that commonly raigneth in those quarters , yet thither he must , where he arriued about the latter end of the moneth of Iuly in the yeare 1585 : and there taking a view of his whole armie , and of all the prouision necessarie for so important and famous an enterprice , he daily laboured to hasten his departure ▪ In this citie of ERZIRVM were met togither all the souldiors of the prouinces that were wont to send helpe , but yet in a greater number than euer was gathered by any Generall before : for that euerie man forsooke his owne priuat businesse , and vpon assured hopes of new rewards and vnwonted honours , were all induced to follow the fame of this their new Visier and Generall ▪ onely the people of AEGYPT and DAMASCO were busied with other more priuat quarrels at home , whereof because they were both of great importance , and also fell out at this verie instant ( leauing Osman with his armie for a while at ERZIRVM ) I will in as few words as I may make a briefe rehearsall . Amurath had heretofore taken Hassan Bassa the Eunuch out of the Serraglio , from the charge he had there to serue in the queens Court , and at her instance sent him as Bassa to CAIRE the great citie of AEGYPT . Which great office , beside the honour belonging vnto it , is also beneficiall to them whose good hap it is to be aduanced thereunto : the riches the multitude of people inhabiting therein being so great , that it seemeth not to be one citie , but rather to containe within the large circuit thereof many cities . This man being exceeding couetous , and therefore desirous to handle the matter in such sort as that he should little need to seeke for any more such grants at the kings hands , sought by all manner of meanes to oppresse the whole nation , and by all importunities to wring and extort from them rewards and bribes , without regard of honestie or reason . By which his sinister and corrupt dealing , he had now made himselfe so odious and intollerable to the people in generall , that they in great number , and many times , began to go to CONSTANTINOPLE , and with humble petitions to request the king to take from them such a cruell and vnjust Gouernour ; so that generally in the Court there was no talke but of the villanies and mischiefes that were reported of the couetous Eunuch . At last Amurath seeing that these publike exclamations went daily so farre , as that he could not for shame let them go any further without due punishment , he resolued with himselfe to call him to the Court ; and hauing sent vnto him certaine messengers , admonished him sundrie times to returne home . But the Eunuch loth to leaue so fit an occasion to enrich himselfe , did still delay his returne , alleadging diuers faigned excuses for his longer stay . Which thing when Amurath vnderstood , thinking himselfe thereby deluded , he determined to prouide for so great a disorder , and by punishing of the mischieuous Eunuch , to satisfie in some part the discontented minds of his oppressed subjects in CAIRE . There sat at that time among the chiefe Bassaes of the Court one Ebrain ( or as most call him Ibrahim ) by nation a Sclauonian , a young man of the age of two and thirtie years or therabouts , of verie faire conditions , and of a reasonable judgement : vpon whom Amurath himselfe had determined to bestow his owne daughter to wife , and so to make him his sonne in law . And therefore being now minded to remoue the Eunuch from his office , and to satisfie the citie ; and being also willing withall to giue meanes to his said sonne in law to enrich himselfe : he resolued to send him as generall Syndic , and soueraigne judge into AEGYPT , giuing him in particular charge , to remember how wickedly his predecessour had dealt before him . And so this new Bassa tooke his journey towards AEGYPT , although there ran before him a great rumour of his comming , and of the great authoritie wherewith he was sent . At which report , as the Aegyptians rested content and joyfull , so the Eunuch waxed verie sad and sorrowfull : persuading himselfe , that this alteration could not but engender some strange issue and effect against him . Whereupon aduising himselfe , to prouide better for his owne affaires and the safetie of his life , he resolued not to stay the comming of the new Gouernour : but departing out of AEGYPT , with great care and circumspection for feare of meeting with Ebrain , he trauelled towards CONSTANTINOPLE in hope to appease the kings wrath , or at least by mediation of bribes , and by the intercession of the queene to find him more fauourable than he should find Ebrain ; who without doubt would not haue spared any extremitie or crueltie , to haue bereft him both of his goods and life togither . Amurath aduertised from Ebrain of the sudden flight of the Eunuch Bassa out of AEGYPT , and hearing withall that he kept not the high way from CAIRE to CONSTANTINOPLE , began to feare least when he came into SORIA he should flie into PERSIA to the king , and so worke him double and treble domage ; as one that had alreadie gathered a huge treasure , and hauing long liued in the Court , knew the most secret affaires thereof , and had learned all the priuie deuises and fashions of the Serraglio . Whereupon he with all diligence dispatched his Imbrahur Bassi ( whom we may call Master of his horse ) with fortie of his Capigi ( all gentlemen Vshers , and officers of most secret & neerest roomes about him ) with charge and commaundement , that if they met him they should bring him to the Court ; vsing all the aid and assistance of his people that might be requisit : and for that purpose deliuered vnto him verie effectuall and large letters , after the best manner of the Court. This messenger with his appointed traine departed , and without any extraordinarie enquirie found the Eunuch in SORIA , encamped in the plaines neere vnto the citie now called AMAN , but in times past APAMEA ; the principall citie of that countrey . As soone as the Eunuch vnderstood of the comming of the Imbrahur himselfe , he gaue order to his guard of slaues , which in great number with speares and arcubuses did ordinarily keepe his pauilion , that they should not grant entrance into his ten● to any , but onely vnto the Imbrahur himselfe , and if need were , by force to keepe the rest of the Capigi from comming in . Which order was in verie good time giuen ; for as soone as the kings officer had discouered the tents of the fugitiue Bassa , in all hast he ran towards the same , and seeking out the greatest among them , went presently thither to haue entred with all his followers : but the slaues being in armour opposed themselues against them , and permitting onely the Imbrahur to enter in , entertained the rest of his traine without . The Imbrahur being come in , read vnto him the commaundement which he had from the king to bring him to the Court , and most instantly moued him , that without any further resistance he would quietly go with him . To whom the warie Eunuch answered : Behold , how without any calling of the king , or conducting by you , I come of my selfe , well assured to find not onely pardon and pitie , but also fauour and grace in the sight of my lord ; whose vpright and mild nature , the wicked treacheries of my false accusers cannot abuse , to the preiudice of me an innocent . And so without more adoe they went all to CONSTANTINOPLE : the Eunuch yet still standing vpon his guard . The polliticke and craftie Eunuch had in this meane time dispatched diuers postes with letters to the Sultan ladies , certifying them of his comming , and principally beseeching the queene to protect him , and to appease the kings wrathfull indignation , that happily he might haue conceiued against him ; and so at length they arriued at SCVTARI . As soone as Amurath vnderstood of his comming thither , he caused all the treasure which he had gathered to be taken from him , with all the rest of his priuat substance , and the wretch himselfe to be clapt vp in prison in the Iadicula or seauen towers . Where after he had languished many daies , still fearing some deadly blow , he at length receiued from the queene , an vnexpected , but most welcome aduertisement , That he should be of good cheere and quiet himselfe , for that his wealth had alreadie saued his life , and that she hoped in short time to procure him also his libertie : Which in deed she brought to passe ; for she her selfe made earnest petition to Amurath her husband , that for as much as he had bereft her Eunuch of all his goods , he would yet at least deliuer him out of prison , and restore him vnto her againe . Which request of the queenes was granted accordingly , and the Eunuch enlarged : but the treasure that he had so vnjustly scraped togither in AEGYPT , that remained still among the gold and other jewels of the kings . But Ebrain Bassa with his new commission now arriued in AEGYPT , had in short space by far more sinister deuises than had the Eunuch before him , scrapt togither such an infinit heape of riches , as was able onely of it selfe to make him worthie of his promised wife , and therefore he was called home to the Court to accomplish the intended marriage . With this commaundement to return to CONSTANTINOPLE , he receiued also in charge , to make his journey through the people of DRVSIA ; and such as he should find loyall , to confirme them in their due obedience , and to make them pay their antient duties ; but such as he should find stubborne and disobedient , he should quite root them out and destroy them . This commaundement Ebrain presently put in execution , and hauing packt vp togither all the riches he had gathered in the time of his gouernment , and raised good store of souldiors in that prouince , he tooke with him thirteene Sanzackes , that were ordinarily accustomed to sit as assistants vnder the gouernment of the Bassa in the ruling of the populous territories of CAIRE : and so set forwards towards GAZA , passing ouer those vast and huge wildernesses of sand that lie betweene CAIRE and GAZA . From GAZA , joyning the Sanzacke thereof with him , he went to IERVSALEM : & from thence causing the Sanzacke there also to follow his traine , he turned by SAFFETTO , by LEZIVM , by NAPLOS ( called in times past SAMARIA ) still taking with him the Sanzackes of all those places , and at last turned himselfe towards DAMASCO : so that before he joyned with the band of DAMASCO , he had gotten together eighteene Sanzackes , with all their squadrons of souldiours and slaues . Besides these , hee had also his owne priuat Court , which was wonderfull populous , and two hundred Ianizaries of CONSTANTINOPLE , whom Amurath would needs haue him to take with him at his departure from the Court , so that he had in his armie almost twelue thousand horsemen . From DAMASCO , Vies the Bassa was come as farre as IERVSALEM to meet him , with all the souldiors vnder his gouernment , in number about two thousand persons . Besides that , there came vnto him by the way of SIDON the Aga of the Ianizaries of CYPRVS , with all the band of that desolat and destroyed island : which captaine with his souldiors was transported ouer into the maine in those gallies that by the kings appointment were sent to fetch E●rain : who now strengthened with all these souldiors , had purposed the vtter ruine of the disobedient Drusians , and the raising of his owne glorie , by triumphing ouer them . These Drusians , against whom these great preparations were now made by this new captaine , and of whom the Turkish emperour is so suspitious and doubtfull , are supposed to be by descent , Frenchmen , the reliques of those that with great deuotion did in times past fight those memorable and Christian battels in IVRIE , and recouered the holy citie : but being afterwards brought low , partly by the plague , and partly by the furie of the Barbarians , mingled their seed with the circumcised nation , and so together with their authoritie and commaund lost also their first faith and religion : yet so , that they grew into an hatred of the Turkish superstition , and abhorring the circumcision of the Iewes , betooke themselues to a new prophet of their owne called Isman , whose doctrine they follow . The right Drusians liue vncircumcised , neither doe they forbeare wine as doe the Turks : they make it lawfull among them ( most vnlawfully ) to marrie with their owne daughters : the Turkish gouernment they haue sought by all meanes to eschue , and notwithstanding all the endeuours and attempts of the Turkish tyrants , but especially of Selymus the second , yet haue they alwayes beene subject to their owne naturall princes , and would neuer admit any captaine or gouernour of the Turks within the countries which they possessed . They are a people very warlike , stout , resolute , and religious obseruers of their owne superstition : in battell they vse the arcubuse and scimitar , yet some of them at this day do serue with launces and darts : they are apparrelled after the manner of the Easterne people , with a turbant on their heads , and breeches they neuer weare , but in stead thereof they couer those parts with their coat , which reacheth downe to their knees , buttoning it vp before . Their feeding is grosse , and of mountaine meats . They inhabit all the countrey that is enuironned within the confines of IOPPA , aboue CaeSAREA and PALESTINA , and within the riuers of Orontes and Iordan , stretching it selfe euen to the plaine of DAMASCO , neere to the hils that compasse it about vpon the coast of mount Libanus . They were all in times past good friends and confederats , so that they were greatly esteemed : but now being at variance , through greedinesse and couetousnesse , they were deuided among themselues , one seeking the destruction of another . At this time they were gouerned by fiue chiefe captaines or gouernours : one of them was called Ebne-man , and of the Turkes Man-Ogli ; another Serafadin ; the third Mahamet Ebne-mansur ; the fourth Ebne-frec ; and the fift Ali-Ebne-Carfus , by the Turkes called Ali-Carfus-Ogli . Vnder these , who indeed carrie the title and authoritie of an Emir ( that is to say , King or Chiefe ) there are diuers their lieutenants or deputies , whom they call their Macademi or agents . Ebne-man or Man-Ogli inhabited the mountaines and fields that are contained vnder the jurisdictions of CaeSAREA , of PTOLEMAIDA , of TIRVS , and of SIDON , and had his residence for most part vpon the hill , in a towne called ANDERA : he was very mightie in men and armour , and since the time that by treacherie his father was murthered by Mustapha then Bassa of DAMASCO , alwayes a deadly enemie to the name of the Turkes . Ebne-frec , Ebne-carfus , and Ebne-mansur , were alwayes great friends , but now especially at the comming of Ebrain Bassa they shewed themselues more straightly confederated together . Serafadin and Man-Ogli were euer opposit against them : so that the one side procuring the ouerthrow of the other , they lost their strength , and left no means to defend themselues against the Turkes , who had long lien in wait for their libertie . Now as soone as the news came among them , That Ebrain being departed from CAIRE , was comming into SORIA to subdue them ; the three confederates aboue named resolued among themselues to goe and meet this great Bassa , and to submit themselues vnto him , of purpose to turne all the intended mischiefe vpon Serafadin and Man-Ogli their enemies . And so hauing packed vp great store of money , cloth of silke , cloth of woollen , and cloth of gold , with many loades of silkes , and other things of exceeding value , euery of the three being accompanied one with some two thousand , another with some three thousand men , they put themselues vpon their journey towards Ebrain , and met him at IERVSALEM , where he was alreadie arriued . This their comming Ebrain tooke in wonderfull good part , and courteously accepted those their rich and great presents which they brought him ; and by the offers of their fidelitie , and the grieuous accusations they made against the other two Drusian lords their enemies , began to conceiue great hope of his entended enterprise : for why , he saw that nothing could more easily compasse their ouerthrow than this their discord . Being thus accompanied , he came by the way of DAMASCO to the champaigne of BOCCA , and there encamped . This was in the moneth of Iuly this yeare 1585. The whole army that was with Ebrain , reckoning also the souldiors of the three Drusian lords , was about the number of twentie thousand horsemen strong . In this place there came people out of all quarters thereabouts with presents to honour the Bassa , to whom he likewise yeelded such small fauours as his couetous nature could affourd them . From this place also Ebrain presently sent letters to Serafadin and Ebneman , whereby he enuited them to come vnto him , to acknowledge their obedience vnto the Sultan : for that otherwise they might assure themselues to be in short time depriued both of their estates and liues . For all that , Man-Ogli would not by any meanes come in . But Serafadin being poore both in wealth and forces , resolued to come , in hope by rich presents to purchase his attonement with the great Bassa . And therefore hauing packed vp together diuers loades of silkes , great store of money , and many clothes of good value and beautie , and also attended vpon with diuers of his subjects , he arriued at last at the pauillion of Ebrain with these his rich presents ; which were there readily receiued , and he himselfe with great attention heard : whose speech in effect tended to no other end , but onely to persuade the Bassa , That he had alwayes beene a deuoted vassale vnto Amurath , and that he had carried a continuall desire to be employed in any his seruice : and that now being led by the same affection , and assured of his fauour , by the friendly and courteous offers made him in his letters , he was come to shew himselfe vnto him to be the same man , and so profered him whatsoeuer lay in his slender power to performe . Wherunto Ebrain made no answer at all , but onely asked him the cause why he liued continually in discord and brawles with the three Emirs ( who also sat at that time in the same pauillion . ) Whereunto Serafadin answered , That it was not long of him , who as one desirous of peace , had not at any time taken vp armes but in the just defence of himselfe , against the injuries of those his enemies ; who because they were more mightie than he , sought continually to oppresse him . Hereat the three conspirators arose , and with their grim lookes bewraying their inward hatred , falsely charged him to haue beene euer the author of those brawles : adding moreouer , That his insolencie was at that time growne so great , as that no strange vessell durst for feare of him arriue at the ports of SIDON , TIRVS , or BERITO , nor any marchant or marchandise passe ouer the plaines : but that those countries , as though they were a prey and spoyle to the theeues of ARABIA , were generally shunned of all trauellers both by sea and land , to the great hinderance of the Sultans customes . Serafadin would hereunto haue gladly replied , but preuented by Ebrain , and surcharged with many injurious words , was committed to the custodie of the two hundred Ianizaries of CONSTANTINOPLE . And so being by them brought into a rotten tent that was appointed for him , was euery night from thence forward put in the stockes fast chained , and continually guarded with a trustie guard of the same Ianizaries . In the meane time came the answere of Man-Ogli , who wrote backe vnto the great Bassa Ebrain as followeth : To the Lord of Lords , Soueraigne aboue the great ones , the mightie , the noble captaine , cousin to the graund Lord , and the worthiest among the elect of the Prophet Mahomet , the noble and famous lord Ebrain Bassa , God giue good successe to his haughtie enterprises , and prosperitie in all his honour . I wish ( euen as thou doest louingly inuite and exhort me ) that I might come before thee , and follow thee , and serue thee alwaies in any occasion that it may happen thee to stand in need of my helpe : For I know that thou wouldest rest assured of the reuerence that I beare towards thy lord , and of the most feruent desire wherein I liue to serue him , and to employ both my substance and my life in his seruice : whereof I haue also giuen some testimonie , though but small , in the managing of his customes that I haue receiued : wherein I haue alwaies so carried my selfe , as that I am not his debtor of one Asp●e ▪ a thing 〈◊〉 that Ebne-Mansur ( who is now with thee ) hath not done . For although by his comming to meet thee euen as farre as IERVSALEM he would make a shew of his fidelitie , yet doth he vsurpe more than two hundred thousand duckats of the kings , which he doth most vniustly detaine from him of his customes . But my hard fortune will not graunt me the fauour that I may come vnto thee : for there are at this present with thee three of mine enemies , who ( I know well ) being not contented to haue alwaies disquieted and troubled my estate , doe now seeke to bring me into so great hatred with thy heart , that if thou haddest me in thy hands , thou wouldest without any consideration bereaue me of my life . And I am assured , that this sending for me importeth no other thing , but onely a desire thou hast to imprison me , and so to kill me . For I know how much thou art giuen to great enterprises . Besides this , my comming is also hindered by mine auntient oath that I tooke : when being as yet but a child , I saw mine owne father so villanously betrayed by the murthering sword of Mustapha , being at that time the Bassa of DAMASCO : who vnder the colour of vnfeigned friendship got him into his hands , and traiterously strucke off his head . For in truth I carrie the image of my fathers reuerend head , all pale , and yet as it were breathing , imprinted in my mind , which oftentimes presenteth it selfe vnto me , as well sleeping in the darkenesse of the night , as also waking in the light of the day , and talking with me , calleth to my remembrance the infidelitie of the murthering tyrant , and exhorteth me to keepe my selfe aloofe from the hands of the mightie . And therefore I neither can nor may obey thy requests , and in that respect it grieueth me , that I shall seeme disobedient vnto thee , being in any other action and in all my cogitations wholly addicted to doe any seruice not onely to thee , who art most worthie to be reuerenced of farre greater persons than I am , but also to euery the least vassale of Amuraths . Thou wilt pardon me I hope , and thou shalt well perceiue , that if there be any thing neere me that may be acceptable to thee , all that I haue whatsoeuer , though in respect of thy selfe it may seeme vile and base , yet is it thine , and is now reserued wholly for thee , and not for me . Farewell , and commaund me , and hold me excused vpon these iust causes which thou hearest , for my being so backward in comming to honour thee , as my dutie requireth . The poore and the least among the slaues of the graund Lord , The Sonne of Man. Ebrain perceiuing by this letter the resolution of Man-ogli , resolued also in himselfe to goe vpon him with all his armie , and either by force or sleight to get him into his hands , or at least to draw from him so many arcubuses , and as great gifts and tributes as possibly he might : and therfore rising with his campe , and turning himselfe toward the countrey of Man-ogli , he burnt and destroyed foure and twentie of his townes ; and so mounting vp certaine rocks of LIBANVS , vpon the top of a large hill ( that standeth ouer ANDARA and other places belonging to Man-ogli ) he encamped himselfe . But whiles the armie was thus marching forward , Veis Bassa of DAMASCO with a great part of his people , and his sonne the Sanzacke of IERVSALEM , with his souldiors likewise , to the number of fifteene hundred persons , hauing separated themselues from the rest of the armie , in manner of a rereward ; as they were busie in raising their tents , vpon the sudden were furiously assaulted by a great band of Drusians , of the faction of Man-ogli , and discomfited . Which victorie the Drusians so prosecuted , that they became lords of the pauillions , the wealth and armour of the Turks : and leading away with them their horses and their carriages , put to the sword fiue hundred persons , and scarce gaue any leasure to escape either to the Bassa the father , or the Sanzacke his sonne , who fled straight to IERVSALEM , and neuer returned againe to Ebrain ; but Veis his father still followed the armie with those few which he had left , and was thought worthie of all men to be pitied . Vpon the hill aforesaid Ebrain continued foure and twentie daies togither , with aboundance of all things necessarie for victuall : during which time he attended nothing else , but to trie all deuises how he might draw money and presents from Man-ogli , or how he might traine him into his hands . For the compassing whereof , he dispatched one Gomeda ( Ebne-Mansurs Agent ) to Man-ogli , being in ANDERA ; to tell him , That for as much as he would not giue credit to the promise which was made him , nor aduenture himselfe into the hand of his friend , he should send vnto him all the arcubuses he had : for that the Sultans pleasure was , that his people that went not to the wars in his seruice , should not be furnished with so great store of weapons , to the danger of their neighbours , and of the subjects themselues . With great griefe of mind did Man-ogli behold the messenger , as the man whom he well knew to be the Agent of his deadly enemie ; yet in regard of him that sent him , he forbare to doe him injurie , or to giue him any reproach ; telling him , That all his people and weapons were dispersed abroad ouer his territorie , so that he could not tell what arcubuses to send him : with which cold answere Gomeda returned . Which thing when Aly Bassa of ALEPPO vnderstood , he offered himselfe to the Generall , that hee would go vnto him , and that to some better purpose . Many reasons did Aly Bassa vse to persuade the warie Drusian to come and yeeld his obedience to Ebrain , swearing that no harme should be done vnto him : and withall promising him great and honourable fauours . But neuer could he remoue the resolute and prouident mind of Man-ogli , or win him to yeeld himselfe into the hands of a man , whom he thought to be so murtherous : yet at last with much adoe he preuailed so much with the Drusian lord , that in signe of the reuerence he did beare towards the Generall , and of his obedience towards Amurath , he was content to send a present to Ebrain . And thereupon gaue him three hundred and twentie arcubuses , twentie packs of Andarine silks , and fiftie thousand duckats to carrie to the Bassa for a gift , and to reconcile him vnto him . For the better effecting whereof , he sent his owne mother to the great Bassa , who in the behalfe of her sonne performed a verie worthie message , excusing him as well in respect of his enemies that sat there so neere vnto him , as also in regard of his oath which he had solemnly sworne , That for the treacherie of Mustapha he would neuer commit himselfe into the hands of a Turke : and therefore besought him to accept of the gifts that were sent him , and withall , a mind and heart most readie to serue and obey the king in all occasions ; and that he would hold him excused , for that his excuses were both just and reasonable . Wherunto the Turke replied , That although she had found so foule a fault in Mustapha , who vnder the assurance of his promise and fidelitie had betraied her husband : yet for all that she ought not to feare any such wicked or infamous act at his hands , who stood vpon his honour and the word of a souldior : And so by oath protesting all faithfull and constant friendship towards him , in token of his sincere meaning he cast a white vaile about her necke , and put another vpon himselfe , and the third he gaue her in her hands : willing her to report to her sonne the oaths he had made , and to carrie him that vaile and bring him with her , protesting no otherwise to intreat him , but as a friend and a brother . The peaceable old woman went her way accordingly , but she neither could nor would go about to alter the purpose of her sonne , but returned to Ebrain such answere as did not greatly please him . After which time , he sought more than euer he did before , to get the warie Drusian into his hands , or at least without regard of shame to draw from him mo presents and weapons . And therefore once againe he sent the craftie Gomeda , to exhort him vpon the faith and promise giuen , to come vnto him : but for all the craft and lying speeches that the treacherous messenger could cunningly vse , he could obtaine nothing of the Drusian lord , but good words onely . Yet at last after much finenesse he preuailed so much , as that Man-ogli was contented by him to send another present to Ebrain , with an expresse condition notwithstanding , that he should cause Ebrain to depart out of those quarters , and that he should not himselfe returne any more to request any thing farther of him . Which he verie largely promised , only desiring him to send a good number of arcubuses , thereby to content the Bassa fully : so he gaue him fiftie thousand duckats more , and foure hundred and foursescore arcubuses , with a thousand Goats , an hundred and fiftie Camels , an hundred and fiftie Buffes , a thousand Oxen , and two hundred Weathers . With this rich present came Gomeda to Ebrain , declaring vnto him that this he had got from him , vpon promise that he should not molest the Drusian any more . For which promise so made , Ebrain sharply reproued Gomeda , and threatned to make him know what it was to take vpon him so dangerous a libertie : and for the greater despight both to the one and to the other , Ebrain would needs haue Gomeda himselfe to returne againe with like message to trouble the Drusian . Wherunto although he went in great feare of some mischiefe by the hands of Man-ogli , yet was there no remedie but needs he must follow the commaund of him , in whose power it was to take from him both his honour and life ; and therefore on he went. But as soone as Man-ogli saw Gomeda ( thinking as truth was , that he came againe about his wonted requests ) he was with the verie sight of him so farre moued , as that he was euen at the point to haue throwne a dart at him , and so to haue dispatched him , had not the regard of more dangerous effects staied his furie ; yet spared he not with ignominious words and deadly threats to disburden his choller . Notwithstanding Gomeda could doe no lesse but accomplish the effect of his fraudulent requests , and so wrought with him , that he drew from him foure burdens more of arcubuses , ten swords and ten guilt daggers , certaine siluer belts , ten packs of silke , and some few pence : causing him withall to protest vnto him , neuer to suffer himselfe to be persuaded to come againe vnto him ; for if he did , he threatned to kill him , happen afterward what might of it . With exceeding joy and triumph did Ebrain receiue this present , and thinking now with himselfe that he had gotten a sufficient bootie from him , he determined to rise with his armie , and to sacke all the rest of Man-oglies countrey . Which he performed accordingly , and being conducted by Emir Ebne-frec , burnt ANDERA the place of Man-ogli his residence , and in two daies burnt and destroied nineteene other of his townes , with vnspeakable crueltie committing all things to fire and sword . After all this sacking and rasing , Ebrain sent diuers messengers to Man-ogli , to trie whether hee would yet be persuaded to come vnto him , but nothing could moue the resolute Drusian to commit himselfe into his hands , but rather encreased his constancie to auoid a most certaine death . Now the great Bassa still thirsting after bloud and reuenge , vnderstanding by a spie , that the captaine of ANDERA ( being one of the Factors of Man-ogli ) with three hundred and fiftie souldiors was got vp to a certaine hill , into a place of great securitie , he sent Emir Ebne-frec to entice him , and to tell him , That seeing his lord Man-ogli would not come and yeeld himselfe , he should come vnto him ; which if he would doe , he would assuredly in despight of Man-ogli make him a Sanzacke of some of those places which he most desired . The ambitious and vnheedie Macademo suffered himselfe to be easily persuaded , and being accompanied with his three hundred and fiftie followers , went with the said Ebne-frec , and came at last to the pauillion of Ebrain , hauing first caused his aforesaid men to stay behind in a valley two or three miles off . But Ebrain would not so much as see the Macademo , although both in respect of the nimblenesse of his person , and also the fiercenesse of his lookes he was worthie to be looked vpon : but commaunded him to be kept in a seuerall place from Serafadin , and in the meane time deuised how he might with least losse of his owne men , put to death those three hundred and fiftie the Macademoes followers : which was by training them , by means of the said Ebne-frec , into a certain vineyard , and so hauing brought them into a strait , suddenly to set vpon them and kill them . Which was accordingly performed : for being by the treacherous Emir brought into the place appointed for their slaughter , fearing nothing lesse , they were suddenly enclosed by the Turkes Sanzackes and Ianizaries , and slaine euerie mothers sonne . This massacre thus finished , Ebrain commaunded the Macademo to be brought before him , and without delay to be stripped and flaid quicke : who being come , stoutly vpbraided Ebrain with his promise and his oath ; and amongst other speeches which he vttered whiles they stripped him , said : Cut me off my members , and first putting them into the priuities of that infamous Ebrains wife , put them afterwards into the mouth of himselfe : for so ( I trow ) he will be contented and satisfied with my flesh . And to them that were the executioners of his painfull death , he said : It is your great good fortune in deed , that with such violence and needlesse deformitie , ye are now able to spill my bloud and to take my life from me : whereas none of you all had been able , or once durst man to man to haue drawne one drop of it from me , no nor to haue endured my countenance . But go to , proceed in your wicked and vnsatiable desire of my bloud , and fulfill the cruell commaund of your Visier : for in the end there will also light vpon you the iust reward of this so villanous a fact . With these and other such like speeches the miserable wretch was stripped , and three great slashes made on his backe , where they began to flea him ; he in the meane time not ceasing to blaspheme their religion , & to curse their king , and their false prophet also . But the barbarous souldiors proceeding in their cruell action , made other like gashes vpon his breast and stomacke ; and so drawing the skin downward , could not bring it to his nauell before he was with the extremitie of the paine dead . After this , Ebrain caused the followers of Serafadin ( in number about 150 ) to be cruelly slaine , and all his countrey to be most miserably wasted : he himselfe still remaining in chaines . Whilest the fire and sword thus raged in the Drusian countrey , Ebrain by speedie posts sent to SIDON , where his gallies lay at rode , commaunded , That disbarking foure thousand souldiors , they should sacke all those countries alongst the sea coast euen as far as CaeSAREA in PALESTINE , sparing neither age nor sex , nor any person of condition whatsoeuer . Which his cruell command was presently put in execution , and three thousand soules brought away captiues , great booties made of much rich merchandise , many townes burnt , sundrie castles rased and laid euen with the ground , and to be short , all the whole countrey of Serafadin and Man-ogli laid vtterly wast and desolat . Ebrain was now in readinesse to depart for CONSTANTINOPLE , where he was by Amurath expected , as well for his gold as the accomplishment of the marriage . But bethinking himselfe , that whatsoeuer hitherto he had done would be accounted either little or nothing , vnlesse he prouided in some sort for the quieting of those people vnder the Turkish obedience , he determined to nominat one of the three Drusian Emirs that came to him to IERVSALEM , to be Bassa of all those regions . And because Emir Aly Ebne-carfus was the richest and most obedient of them all , he thought good to commit that charge vnto him , and honoured him with that dignitie ; yet not without a bribe , but for the price of an hundred thousand duckats . Wherefore he apparelled him in cloth of gold , gaue him a horsemans mase , and a sword all guilt , and deliuered vnto him the kings commission , causing him withall to sweare faith and obedience to Amurath . And so hauing ( at least to shew ) set in order the affaires of those mountaines , which an hundred of the Turkes great captaines had in former time vainely attempted , he returned to DAMASCO , where he staied twelue daies , by shamefull shifts extorting money from diuers persons . At last hauing no more to doe in those parts , he turned himselfe towards GAZIR and BARVTO , places vnder the gouernment of Ebne-mansur , where he arriued with all his armie , and found the gallies which he had left in the port of SIDON , now in the hauen of BARVTO as he had before commaunded . Now vpon a certaine hill aboue BARVTO neere vnto the sea , Ebrain had pitched his owne tent only and none other ; and hauing sent all the rest of his best and goodly things which he meant to carrie with him to CONSTANTINOPLE aboord the gallies , shrowded himselfe only vnder that narrow and base tent . Thither he called Ebne-mansur , and in pleasant manner told him , That now it was time for him to make payment of the debt of an hundred and threescore thousand duckats , which he ought the king his lord for the custome of TRIPOLI and BARVTO : for that he could not longer stay in those quarters , but was to returne to CONSTANTINOPLE , which he knew not how to doe vnlesse he carried with him the discharge of that debt . Whereunto Ebne-mansur made answere , That it would not be long before his Macademoes would come with his monies , and that then he would without farther delay make payment . Which thing Ebrain well knew to be but an excuse , and therefore determined with himselfe to thrust him into the gallies ; and because he could not carrie the money vnto the king , yet at the least to bring him his debtor . But for as much as he doubted to put this his determination openly in execution , for feare of some insurrection amongst the people , as well for that he was within the territories of the said Ebne-mansur , as for that he saw him greatly beloued and fauoured of the other two Drusian lords , Ebne-frec and Ebne-car●us : he therefore thought it better pollicie by concealing this his purpose , to shew him in his outward actions all good countenance , and by secret and subtile meanes to take him prisoner . Whereupon he deceitfully told him , That for as much as he was to stay there for his businesse that night , and was resolued the next day to make a road into the countrey of Man-ogli , he therefore praied him to doe him the fauour to be his guide : and for that purpose , when he should send for him at midnight , that he would come vnto him verie secretly , because he was minded to depart without any stirre , onely with fiue hundred men in his companie . The Drusian lord verily beleeued the matter that so it was , and withall was in good hope by that means to find some way to escape his hands . Wherupon being called vp at midnight , he readily went to the tent of Ebrain , who presently charging him ( whom all men thought he had especially affected ) with many abhominable and foule tearmes , caused a chaine to be cast about his necke and his armes , and so fast bound to be carried into the gallies . And yet not so contented , tooke the spoile of all his countrey , whereby there was leuied such a prey as was maruellous to behold : for besides money ( wherof there was a verie huge summe ) the store of clothes of silke and gold was such and so great , as might better beseeme some great prince , than such a mountaine rusticall lord as he was . When the Bassa had conueied all this into his gallies he sailed to TRIPOLI , where he found Serafadin in the custodie of Veis Bassa and Ali Bassa : and hauing stayed there some few dayes , wherein he committed sundrie villanous and abhominable robberies , he caused the said Serafadin to be put into the gallies , with all his silkes and other wealth , and so departed for CONSTANTINOPLE : where at such time as he entered into the channell of the citie , accompanied with foure and twentie gallies , hee was encountered and receiued by a wonderfull number of his friends and fauourits , and saluted with an honourable peale of artillerie out of the Seraglio . Iohn Thomas Minadoi the best reporter of this historie , as also of the late warres betwixt the Turkes and the Persians , being then at CONSTANTINOPLE , and hauing ( as he reporteth of himselfe ) good meanes to see the bountifull and beautifull presents which the spoyling and rauenous Bassa gaue the Turkish king , reporteth the summe thereof to haue beene a million of gold , besides the yearely reuenue of CAIRE amounting to six hundred thousand duckats , with threescore horses most richly garnished , of singular beautie , but especially of the Arabian race , a liue Elephant , and a liue Giraff●e ( which is a beast like a Cammell and a Panther ) two great Crocodiles dead , a chaire of massie gold richly set with pretious stones , a casket also beset with pretious stones and gold , many packs of most fine clothes , woollen and silkes , certain other clothes with fringe of gold and siluer and the Barbarian cutworke , most fine linnen of ALEXANDRIA , and all the arcubuses taken from the Drusians : besides sundrie rich presents giuen by the prowd Bassa to the great ladies of the Court , reported by Leunclauius to haue beene worth two hundred thousand Sultanines . But now for as much as we haue before made mention of the Sanzacke of IERVSALEM , and his flight , it shall not be altogether impertinent to our historie ( though somewhat out of time ) in few words to declare what passed between him and the Arabians of PALESTINE , a little before the comming of Ebrain the great Bassa into those quarters : by which little , the desirous Reader may easily perceiue the wofull and troublesome state of that sometime most blessed and fruitfull but now most miserable and barren land of IVRIE , and of those places in holy Writ so much renowned . In the confines of SODOME , and in the places that lie not only betweene the lake ASPHALTITES and DAMASCO , but also in the plaines and in the vallies of IERICHO , and of SAMARIA , and in other places about BETHLEHEM , EMAVS , BETHANIE , BETHFAGE , CAPHARNAVM , NAZARETH , LEVIR , BETHSAIDA , NAPLOS , and other townes of name thereabouts , there doe haunt and liue sundrie Arabian captaines ; who spreading themselues euen as far as RAMA and IOPPA , ouerrun at their pleasure all the countries there round about , and continually commit grieuous outrages as well against the said cities as also vpon the goods and wealth not onely of the inhabitants there , but also of strangers : yea and their insolencie oftentimes groweth so great , that they dare to assault the fenced cities , beside the spoiling of trauellers , that by reason of their businesse haue occasion to passe from one citie to another . They are good horsemen , but vse no armour : their horses are very swift to run , and spare of diet , and are themselues bold and aduenturous theeues . These Arabians hauing had intelligence , that the aforesaid ambitious youth , appointed Sanzacke of IERVSALEM , was in mind to raise all the Sanzackes thereabout ; and joyning himselfe with them , and his father the Bassa of DAMASCO , to restraine their insolent libertie , and to worke their destruction ; resolued with themselues not to stay vntill he and his confederats were readie , but rather by sundrie inuasions vpon him , euen vnto the gates of IERVSALEM , to prouoke him to come out into the field . And the rather to induce him so to do , they compacted with a certaine Subbassi of BETHLEHEM , their friend , to encourage and animate the Sanzacke thereunto , by promising vnto him good successe and prosperous euents . The ambitious young man , seduced with the glorious persuasions of the false Subbassi , of whom he made good reckoning , and prouoked by their insolencies , resolued ( as they had wished ) to issue out of the citie into the open field : and thereupon hauing armed an hundred of his vassales , and raised all the horsemen that were vnder his gouernment , to the number of six hundred , he made a rode towards IERICHO , sending before defiance vnto them : against whom the Arabians came accordingly , and with their arrows and Indian canes ouerwhelming his arcubuses , as if it had been a raging floud , wrought him great woe : when in the very nicke the battell yet being at the hotest , the traiterous Subbassi fled towards BETHLEHEM , and left the souldiors of IERVSALEM in the hands of the Arabians , who put most part of them to the edge of the sword , and scarcely gaue libertie to the Sanzacke to saue himselfe by flight . The Sanzacke certainely enformed of this fraud of the dissembling Subbassi , to be reuenged vpon him , began also in like manner to dissemble with him , faigning that he would once more trie his forces against the same Arabians ; and so vsed the matter , that the Subbassi arming himselfe , came vnto him , without any suspition of the mischeefe intended against him . But as soone as he was come , the Sanzacke tooke him aliue ▪ and presently caused him in most cruell manner to be flaine quicke . Thus hauing passed ouer the troubles that staied the people of AEGYPT and DAMASCO and the countries thereabouts , from resorting to Osman the Turkes great Generall at ERZIRVM : let vs againe returne thither where we left him , taking a view of the preparations against the Persian ; and prosecute those affaires , which of all others most exercised the forces of the two mightiest Mahometane monarchs , and with the expectation thereof filled the world from the East to the West . The straight commaundement from Amurath , together with the fame and reputation of Osman the Generall , had drawne together such a world of people of all sorts to ERZIRVM ▪ as that it seemed not the power of one king alone , but rather the vnited forces of many kings . Wherefore Osman perceiuing that he had gathered together too great a number of people and too huge an armie , and that it might so fall out that he might want victuall for so great a multitude ; neither so greatly fearing his enemies forces , as that he needed to lead so populous an armie against them ; determined to discharge a great number of such as he thought most weake , and least able to endure trauell : so that out of this great multitude hee drew out about fortie thousand persons , who liberally according to euery mans abilitie redeeming the ordinarie perils of the warres , returned home to their owne dwellings . And so in Osmans armie remained the number of an hundred and fourescore thousand persons or thereabouts . With this multitude the Generall departed from ERZIRVM ( about the eleuenth of August this yeare 1585 ) towards TAVRIS , continuing for all that the speech for NASSIVAN . But he had scarce marched two dayes , when diuers souldiors of GRaeCIA and CONSTANTINOPLE presented themselues before him , vpbraiding him with great improuidencie , and telling him that they began alreadie to feele the want of victuall , by wanting the same day their ordinarie allowance of corne for their horses : so that if in the beginning , and as it were in the enterance of so long a journey they felt such want , they could not tell with what judgement or discretion hee meant to lead so great a companie so farre as NASSIVAN , nor by what cunning conceit he had presumed to sustaine so great an armie in the seruice of their lord . Osman quietly heard their complaints , and presently prouided for them , by causing such store of barley to be destributed among them , as they desired ; and seuerely punished the officers that had the charge for the allowance of corne , who most couetously began to make marchandise of the common prouision , by conuerting it to their owne priuat vses . And hauing thus quieted their troubled minds , he proceeded on his journey , and by the way of HASSAN CHALASSI and of CHARS arriued vpon the Calderan plaines , famous for the memorable battels there fought betweene Selymus and Hysmaell . In these plaines hee tooke a generall review of his armie , wherein there wanted a number , that by reason of sicknesse being not able to continue the journey were enforced to stay behind , some in one place , some in another . Remouing thence , he tooke the way not to NASSIVAN , as he had still hitherto giuen it out he would , but now directly to TAVRIS . Which so sudden an alteration of the journey , as soone as the souldiours of GREECE and CONSTANTINOPLE heard , they fell into a great rage , and comming againe before the Generall , reuelled with him in this sort to his face . And what are we thou villaine , thou Turke , thou dolt , whom thou handlest in this sort ? We are neither oxen nor sheepe of the mountaines , for the leading of whom thou thinkest thou art come out : neither can we brooke these thy lies and deceits . If thou hast publickly professed to lead vs to NASSIVAN , and by that speech hast trained vs from the furthest bounds of GRaeCIA , to what end now after thou hast wearied vs so much , doest thou deceiue vs with such vanities , and prolong our iourney , and set before vs such strange and important dangers as our minds neuer once thought on ? But if this was thy first purpose and intent , and that now not foolishly or by chaunce , but vpon premeditation and good aduice thou changest thine opinion , why diddest thou dismisse so many souldiours , as might haue made the armie more terrible and stronger for the enterprise of TAVRIS ? Doest thou thinke that by suffering others to redeeme their liberties , and so to encrease thy riches , thou shalt set our liues to sale , and to make vs slaues to the Persians ? At these arrogant speeches the Generall was exceedingly troubled , seeing his good meaning , and the earnest desire he had to aduance the majestie and glorie of his king , taken in so euill part , and those his best souldiours so highly offended . And although he could indeed haue readily vsed the sharpest and hardest prouisions and remedies for it , that in such occasions are ordinarily applied : yet vpon good aduice he forbare so to doe , and in stead of rigour and punishment resolued to worke by more easie meanes . Whereupon causing many of the captaines and chiefe men amongst those seditious souldiors to come before him , he first persuaded them : That the former speech for NASSIVAN was not raised at all by him , nor that he was minded at that time to goe for TAVRIS : but all that was done , he had done to fulfill the commaundement of the Sultan , who had charged him so to doe , to the end to lessen the Persian preparations ; which they would vndoubtedly haue made farre greater , if the speech had beene giuen out at the first for TAVRIS . Which his princely care of their safetie they for their parts ought willingly to further , for that in so doing they should still preserue that great opinion , which both the king and the world had conceiued of their valour and fidelitie . Neither needed they to feare , that the souldiors which were dismissed might weaken the armie , for that they themselues were not onely sufficient to pierce into TAVRIS , and to open the way vpon the enemies , but to daunt them euen with their lookes : and that those which were discharged , had but purged the hoast of all cowardise , and left nothing in it but vertue and courage . By this mild answere of the Generall the tumultuous souldiours were sufficiently pacified , but much better apayed and contented they were , as soone as he put his hand to the common purse , and bestowed among them all a small quantitie of monies : for by this his kind vsage all their stomackes were ouercome , and they themselues became so willing and so couragious , that now they durst venture not to TAVRIS only , but to CASBIN , yea euen to the furthest parts of all the Persian kingdome . These important outrages thus appeased , the Generall turned himselfe with all his armie towards COY , a citie situat beyond VAN , in the middest betweene TAVRIS and the Martian Meere , where he refreshed his armie with all things he could desire . From COY he passed to MARANT , a citie subject to the Persians , plentifull also of all things needfull for man or beast . From thence he leaned downe towards SOFFIAN , a fruitfull place , subject also to the Persians ; from whence he began to discouer TAVRIS . Great was the joy of the whole campe , and now the mutinous souldiors of GREECE and CONSTANTINOPLE could highly commend the aduice of the Generall , or rather of Amurath himselfe , in giuing out the rumour of NASSIVAN for TAVRIS , as the onely meanes whereby they were in quiet come so farre , the Persians being wholly occupied ( as they supposed ) about NASSIVAN : insomuch that euery man being waxen couragious , and replenished with joy , without any feare at all began prowdly to plot vnto themselues nothing but sackings , pillings , taking of prisoners , rauishments , robberies , and all those insolent and outragious actions that vse rashly to proceed from the greedie affections of those barbarous victors ; especially they of the vauward , who being desirous of bootie , and to discouer the enemies countrey , descended downe toward certaine pleasant gardens full of all sorts of trees , springs , and fruits : where hauing satisfied their appetites , they withdrew themselues to a certaine little riuer neere to a bridge called The Bridge of salt water , and there stayed at pleasure attending the comming of the armie . But euen whiles they were thus enjoying the water , the fruits , the shade , the greene grasse , and other delights of the place , the Persian prince Emir Hamze , king Mahamets eldest sonne , who with ten thousand good souldiors had closely couched himselfe , watching still when some of the enemies bands should come downe to those resting places , suddenly set vpon them with such speed , courage , and furie , that as if it had beene a lightening and in a manner without any resistance he ouerran all those Turkes , and dispersed them , putting to the sword about seuen thousand of them . And so leading away with him many prisoners , horses , slaues , with sundrie ensignes and Turkish drums , he withdrew himselfe backe towards his blind father , who lay then encamped about twelue miles from TAVRIS with fiftie thousand souldiors or thereabouts ; Aliculi Chan Gouernour of TAVRIS being left in the citie with foure thousand souldiors onely . A greater armie than this , not exceeding the number of threescore and foure thousand men , was not the Persian king able to leuie ; the principall occasion whereof was the death of Emir Chan , for which the Turcoman nation being waxen rebellious and disobedient , would not by any meanes be brought to defend that citie , whereof Aliculi Chan their capitall enemie was now Gouernour : and from GHEILAN and HERI there came not so much as one souldior to relieue the necessities of PERSIA . So that with these small forces in comparison of the enemies , the Persian king had no stomacke to meet the Turkish armie in plaine battell , but sought how he might with as little losse to himselfe as possibly he could , make triall of his forces , and by all politike meanes to weaken and annoy his strong enemie . Osman vnderstanding of this discomfiture of his vauward , forthwith dispatched Sinan Bassa the sonne of Cicala , and Mahamet the Bassa of CARAEMIT , with fourteene thousand souldiors to pursue the victorious prince : who in their pursuit vsed such expedition , that at length they ouertooke him in the way towards his fathers campe . But as soone as the prince saw the Turkes so neere him , that without a shamefull and dangerous flight he could not auoid the battell , couragiously he turned his face , and joyned with them a most bloudie conflict : which being begun two houres before night , was most fiercely maintained , vntill that the darknesse of the night bereauing them of the vse of their weapons , enforced both the one side and the other to retire . Which was done with the notable losse of the Turkes , who in this second conflict ( as it was commonly reported ) lost six thousand men : and had ( as it was thought ) suffered a generall slaughter , had not the night interrupted so vncouth an action , well worthie of a thousand daylights . So that hitherto the Turkes sustained the losse of more than ten thousand souldiors , and yet had scarce discouered or seene the citie which they so greedily longed after . The next morning the Turkes campe remoued and came within two miles of TAVRIS , where they encamped . But whiles they were setting vp their tents , Aliculi Chan issuing out of the citie with all his garrison , and such of the citisens as were fit to beare armes , set vpon the face of the vauward being now renewed , and with many cunning turnings and windings so charged them , that with great losse he forced them to retire euen vnto the maine battell : where after he had espied the great artillerie , he without hurt withdrew himselfe againe to the citie . The confusion of the Turkes in this skirmish was notable , for in a verie small time the vauward was disordered , and almost three thousand slaine . But Aliculi not so contented , in the shutting in of the euening sallied out of the citie the second time , and swiftly running along that side of the armie that lay towards TAVRIS , slew the Bassa of MARAS , and did great hurt in that quarter : which done , without any stay he fled to the kings campe , and forsooke the defence of that sorrowfull citie which he could not hold . Neuerthelesse the Taurisians ( as many of them as remained in the citie ) gathered themselues togither to the gates of the citie , well armed , prepared to make a bloudie entrance for the Turkes whensoeuer they should come . All the night was spent in watching without rest on either side , and yet nothing attempted : but vpon the breake of the day , a great multitude of the seruile sort of the Turkes , and of the common rascall rout , without any order from their captaines , armed with corselets , speares , and swords , went to the citie with resolution to haue sacked it , and so to haue enriched themselues with the spoile and pillage of that wealthie citie . But when they came to the guarded gates of the citie , they found there contrarie to their expectation , a terrible rescue , and were enforced there to joyne an hard and mortall battell ; so that the wals , the entrance , yea all the ground thereabouts was bathed with bloud , and as it were couered with weapons and dead carkases . And yet for all that , though the Persians stood fast and firme at the arriuall of this seruile rout ; at the last they were constrained to yeeld the entrance , being ouercome by the multitude of them that out of the campe flowed in vpon them like a floud ; and retiring into the citie , now astonied and amazed on euerie side , they fortified themselues in their houses vnder the ground , and in the corners and winding turnings of the streets : from whence with their arrowes and some few arcubuses , they did the Turks that entred great harme . Yet were they not able to kill and destroy so many of their enemies , but that at the last they were too mightie for them , and wrought many grieuous mischiefes in that wofull citie . And so a great number of this rascall people that remained ali●e , returned to the Turkish campe , carrying away with them too manifest tokens of the poore oppressed citie : wherein the miserable women and impotent soules stood embracing and straining the doores and poasts of their houses , and kissing their natiue soile , with prayers , mournings , and complaints , bewailing their present miserie , and yet fearing worse to come . Osman the Turks Generall now made acquainted with these calamities , caused proclamation to be published , That no man should be so hardie as to molest the Taurisians , & in the meane time went himselfe about the citie , viewing throughly the situation of it , and surueying the place wherein he might both encampe himselfe safely , and with better foundation and greater securitie erect a castle or fort , for the more assurance of that conquered countrey . The citie of TAVRIS is seated at the foot of the hill ORONTES , about eight daies journey from the Caspian sea , and is subject to winds , cold , and snow : yet of a verie wholesome ayre , abounding with all things necessarie for mans life : and wonderfull rich , with perpetuall concourse of merchandise brought thither out of the East , to be conuayed vnto the West ; and also of others brought out of these Westerne parts , to be dispersed into the East . It is verie populous , so that it feedeth almost two hundred thousand persons : but yet open to the furie of euerie armie , without wals , and vnfortified . The buildings ( after the manner of those of the East ) are of burnt clay , and rather low than high . For all things it carrieth the name , and was the place of the Persian kings residence , vntill such time as that the late king Tamas remoued his seat from thence farther into his kingdome to CASBIN : neuerthelesse both before and since , although it had been sundrie times molested by the inrodes and furie of the Turkish emperors , yet was it still in great estimation and renowme . Of this citie Osman Bassa hauing taken diligent view , caused his tents to be pitched on the South side thereof , where was a spatious garden all flourishing and beautifull , replenished with sundrie kind of trees and sweet smelling plants ; and a thousand fountaines and brookes deriued from a pretie riuer , which with his pleasant streame diuided the garden from the citie of TAVRIS : and was of so great beautie , that for the delicacie thereof , it was by the countrey inhabitants called Sechis Genet ( that is to say ) the eight Paradises : and was in times past the standing house of their kings , while they kept their residence in this citie , and after they had withdrawne their seat from thence to CASBIN , became the habitation and place of aboad for the Gouernors of TAVRIS . Of these gardens and places Osman made choise to build his castle in ; whereof he gaue the modell himselfe , and commaunded that all the whole circuit of those pleasant greenes should be enuironed with wals , and trenches digged round about them to conuay the water from the foresaid riuer . Which was accordingly begun with the greatest care that possibly might be : the foundation of the embatteled wals laid , the ditches digged fourteen foot broad , & a mans height in depth ; and in the space of six and thirtie daies the whole worke finished and brought to an end : great store of artillerie mounted vpon the walles , and diuers bathes , lodgings , and such other houses necessarie for the Turkish vses built within the castle . The first day of this building Osman fell sicke of a feauer with a bloudie flix , which happily was the cause both of the slownesse of the building , and of many other losses that afterwards happened , as shall be hereafter declared . Fiue daies after the building of the castle was begun , newes was brought into the Turkish camp , That eight Ianizaries and diuers Spaoglans were seene strangled in a bath within the citie of TAVRIS . Whereupon the Zaini , Spahini , and Ianizaries came presently vnto the Generall , declaring vnto him , That although he had with too much clemencie giuen order that no man should hurt or molest the Taurisians , and that according to his pleasure euerie man had vsed modestie towards them and obedience to him : yet the Taurisians themselues had most audatiously strangled in one of their baines eight Ianizaries and certaine Spaoglans , which injurie and insolencie ( they said ) in their judgement was not to be suffered . This outrage so moued the Generall , that without any farther delay he commaunded the citie to be sacked , leauing it wholly to the pleasure of his souldiors : who forthwith so vsed the matter , not as if they would haue reuenged an injurie , but rather at once haue brought an vtter destruction vpon the whole citie . Euerie place was filled with slaughter , rauishment , rapine and murther ; virgins were deflowred , men-children defiled with horrible and vnspeakable sins ; younglings snatched out of their parents armes , houses laid euen with the ground and burnt , riches and money carried away ; and in briefe , all things ruinated and wasted . Neither were these mischiefes committed once onely , but the second followed worse than the first , and the third vpon that worse than the second : so that it was a miserie almost inexplicable , to behold that citie so populous , so rich , sometimes the court and pallace of the Persian kings , and honour of that empire , now subject to the furie of the Turkes , plunged in calamitie and vtter destruction . The wofull aduertisement hereof sore troubled the Persian king , but the young prince his sonne much more ; who moued with the passions of most inward griefe , disdaine , and dispaire , and desiring nothing more than reuenge , resolued to attempt any thing whereby to require so great a wrong . In which resolution hauing confirmed his armie , he commaunded fiue hundred of his horsemen to present themselues euen to the verie sight of their enemies tents , and as it were to dare them to battell : which thing they performed accordingly , and made a gallant show of themselues . At the discouerie whereof , the Turks imagining that the Persians were come in great number to assaile the armie , order was giuen by the sicke Generall , that Cicala Bassa , and Mahamet the Bassa of CARAEMIT , with the people of GRaeCIA , and all their owne forces should go to encounter the enemie : who presently with their ensignes displaied vnder which there stood about foure and thirtie thousand strong , besides a number of seruile people , yet men exercised in labours and perils , in all well neere fortie thousand , set forward . Now the fiue hundred Persians , with a maruellous cunning kind of skirmishing dallied with the Turkish souldiors , and drew them forward for the space of eight miles and more : and being brought so farre on , and now forewearied with the skirmish , were lustily assailed by the Persian prince , who with part of his armie ( to the number of about twentie thousand persons ) couragiously set vpon the two Bassaes , and joyned with them the deadliest and cruellest battell that euer was written of . Wherein the Persians hauing giuen a most perilous onset and done great harme , it was thought that they would haue contented themselues with so luckie an encounter , and so retired ▪ which the Turks minding to preuent , and not to returne without a notable victorie , hardly pressed vpon them , hoping in the end to put them to flight , and so to giue them a bloudie and deadly ouerthrow . But the Persians hauing quietly and with great assurance for a reasonable space endured their charge , at last as if they had been fresh men , made head vpon them afresh , and began a most terrible battell anew : wherein the Bassa of CARAEMIT ( aboue named ) was put to flight , and being wholly dismaied and discomfited , fled backe againe to the campe , carrying with him the most manifest tokens of the vnhappie issue of the battell . Cicala the other Bassa notwithstanding valiantly and with great cunning still sustained the furie of the Persians , labouring by all meanes to encourage his souldiours , and to haue restored the battell : but when he had done what he could , ouercome at last by greater valour , he was enforced to betake himselfe to flight also ; and so altogither discomfited , came to the campe without any ensigne , hauing left behind him 8000 of his souldiors dead vpon the ground . The Persian prince encouraged with this so fortunat a victorie , by speedie heraulds sent to the sicke Visier ( whom he thought notwithstanding to haue been in health ) and gaue him to vnderstand , that if he were willing to fight he was readie for him , and in what sort soeuer it pleased him to accept of battell , to make him good account of his valour ; and to cause him to know , not only that Amurath his master had most vnjustly raised this warre , but also that it had been good for himselfe not to haue taken the same in hand . Of this offer Osman accepted , but being not able himselfe to go and answere the prince in person hand to hand , by reason of his sicknesse which euerie houre mortally encreased , hee sent out all his captaines with his armie to dare him battell . The prince lay ten miles or thereabouts distant from the campe of Osman , towards whom the Turkes set forward in this manner : The maine battell was guided by the Bassa of CARAEMIT and Sinan Cicala , with all the souldiors of ASSIRIA and BABYLON : the left wing was led by the Bassa of NATOLIA , with the band of GRaeCIA ; and the right wing was conducted by Amurath Bassa of CARAMANIA , with the people of SORIA to the number of threescore thousand : beside such as were left behind at TAVRIS , with the trustie guard of the Ianizaries , and the artillerie , for the safegard of the sicke Visier . In this order they confronted the Persian prince , who was himselfe in the middest of his armie , with all his people in verie good order : hauing on the one side the souldiors of PERSIA and HIRCANIA , and on the other them of PARTHIA and ATROPATIA , in all to the number of fortie thousand . The Turkes feared nothing more , than that the Persians fetching a great compasse about , should with all celeritie and furie set vpon their tents , and the riches they had laied vp togither in their pauillions : and therefore at euerie motion of theirs , they continually feared this sudden outroad ; whereof they had such especiall care , that retiring themselues as much as they might , and faigning as if they had giuen place to the Persians , it wanted not much but that they had brought them euen within the just leuell and marke of the artillerie . Which the Persians perceiuing , without any further dallying hardly began to assaile the maine bodie of the battell . The prince himselfe being entred amongst the ●ouldiors of the Bassa of CARAEMIT ( who as Generall sustained the place of Osman ) and pressing into the middest of the battell , dispatched euerie man that came in his way ; and hauing singled out the Bassa from the rest , smote off his head , and gaue it to one of his followers to carrie vpon the top of his launce . Which being openly descried , brought a great terrour vpon the Turkes , and exceedingly encouraged the Persians ; who embrued with the bloud of their enemies , and intermingling themselues more and more among them , made of them a most confused and generall slaughter : wherein beside the Bassa before named , there died also the Bassa of TRABIZONDA , the Sanzacke of BVRSIA , with fiue other Sanzackes , and as it was commonly reported twentie thousand Turkes moe . It fell also to the lot of Amurath Bassa of CARAMANIA to be there taken prisoner , with diuers other common souldiours . But night comming now on , and the Persians being come somewhat too nigh the Turkish artillerie , they gaue ouer the fight , and withdrew themselues backe to the place where their king lay encamped with the rest of his armie . But now were diuers dayes spent wherein the new fortresse at TAVRIS ( as we haue before said ) was fully finished , when the souldiors of GRaeCIA and CONSTANTINOPLE wearied to see their friends and fellowes thus slaine before their faces , and hauing also safely layed vp in their owne custodie such preyes and booties as they had gotten in the sacke of the citie , resolued with themselues to procure their owne departure , and so much the rather , for that Winter was now fast comming on . And for as much as the Generall was through the immoderat flux of bloud brought weake , and in despaire of life , and quite abandoned of all hope by his phisitions , and therefore not to be spoke withall ; they were faine by the mouth of such as were their trustie friends about him , to represent vnto him the necessitie of their returne , and withall after many reuerent entreaties caused it also to be signified vnto him , That if he stood obstinate , and would needs stay dallying out the time in those dangerous places where no such need was , they should be enforced to withdraw themselues and to forsake him . Osman , who had now nothing els to doe in those countries but onely to leaue some conuenient garrison in the new fortresse at TAVRIS , liberally promised to satisfie their requests by departing thence the next morning . So calling vnto him Giaffer the Eunuch Bassa of TRIPOLIS , a man of a craftie and cruell nature , made him gouernour and keeper of the new built fortresse at TAVRIS . And the more to encourage him to take that charge vpon him , he gaue him freely for the space of three whole yeares not onely the office and authoritie , but also the rents and reuenewes of a Bassa of CARAEMIT , lately slaine by the Persian prince , and withall honoured him with the title of the Bassa of the Court : so that hauing finished his three yeares office of CARAEMIT , he was then to goe and sit among the soueraigne seats of the Bassaes of the Porta . The Bassa seeing so faire and so high a way for him to mount to those high honours ( greater than which there is none in the Turkish empire ) readily accepted the offer , and dispatching his lieutenant for CARAEMIT to the gouernment of those countries in his absence , with an hundred of his owne followers ; setled himselfe in the said fort with a garrison of twelue thousand souldiors , furnished with all necessarie prouision vntill the next Spring . The Generall hauing thus set all things in order , and carefully prouided for the safetie of the fortresse , departed according to his promise , and the same morning , which was the fourscore and seuenth day after his departure from ERZIRVM , came to a place called SANCAZAN , seuen miles distant from TAVRIS . The Turkes were now vpon the point of their encamping in a confused disorder and hurly-burly , when those that were hindermost in the armie heard the neighing of horses , and the noise of drums and trumpets , as if it had beene the comming of an armie . Which when the whole campe vnderstood , they ran all headlong , and disordered as they were to the rescue , on that side where the noise of the horses and warlike instruments was heard . But whilest the Turkes were thus intentiuely busied on that side to expect the comming of the enemie , the Persian prince without any signe or token of battell , with eight and twentie thousand horsemen was readie vpon them on the other side : who hauing discouered the cammels and other carriages whereupon their booties , their spoiles , and their riches were laden , which they had taken in TAVRIS , beside much of their prouision for victuals for the sustenance of the armie , he turned vpon them , and with a prouident and safe conuoy had taken for a prey eighteene thousand of the cammels and mules , well loden with the same booties and victuals ; which the prince sent presently away with six thousand of his souldiors , and he himselfe with his two and twentie thousand Persians entered into the Turks armie , who now to withstand his assault , had on that side also made head against him . A gallant thing it was , and terrible withall , to see what a mortall battell was made , what singular prowesse shewed euen presently in the forefront of the battell ; for in a moment you might haue seene the tents and pauillions turned vpside downe , and their encamping lodgings replenished with dead carkasses and bloud , victorious death raunging and raigning in euery corner . The Turkes themselues were astonished and maruelled to see their enemies ( so few in number , and intermingled among so populous an armie of warlike people ) more like fatall ministers of death , than mortall men , to brandish their swords ouer them , as if it had lightened , and to make so generall a slaughter ; and doe to this day with great admiration recount the valour and prowesse of the Persians . But they all now doubting least the enemie in this furie should forcibly haue entered the very lodgings of the sicke Visier , it was commaunded not by himselfe ( for he lay now at the last gaspe ) but by him who at that time commaunded in his name , That without delay the artillerie should be vnbarred , and discharged : which in that medley and confusion of both armies , without any exception or distinction of persons , ouerthrew both friends and foes , and did perhaps more harme among the Turkes themselues than among the Persians : for at the first thundering noise thereof the prince with all speed retired , after whom presently followed all the rest ; so that the Turkes which remained behind were more annoyed with the deadly shot than were the Persians , who flying away could not feele the dammage , but that the Turkes must first be well payed for their labour . The Turkes pursuing the flying Persians , made shew as if they would gladly haue ouertaken them : but night comming on , they feared to proceed any further than they might without danger returne . In this battell of SANCAZAN were slaine twentie thousand Turks , without any notable losse of the Persians . Among the rest in the same place died the Visier Osman , Generall of the late dreadfull but now desolate armie ; not by the hand of the enemie , but consumed by the vehemencie of an ague and a flux of bloud . Whose death notwithstanding was kept secret from the whole army , euery man verily thinking , that it was but onely the continuance of his sicknesse , because the chariots wherin he lay were still kept close : and in his name Cicala Bassa ( for so he had appointed in his will ) gaue out answeres and commaundements to the whole armie . Neuerthelesse it was disclosed to the Persians , by meanes of three young men , who in the life of Osman hauing charge of his jewels and treasure , were with the best thereof and the fairest of his horses fled to the Persian king , to whom they reuealed the death of the Generall . The Persians who before had thought it not possible for so great cowardise , and dishonourable kind of fighting and ordering of an armie to haue proceeded from the vertue and valour of Osman , of whose worth they had too manifest a triall and experience in times past ; now vnderstanding of his death , were thereby encouraged to attempt the vtter ouerthrow of the Turkish remnant , and so to giue them an honourable farewell . Whereupon the Persian prince with foureteene thousand men followed the Turkes , who had now raised their campe , and were remooued to a certaine riuer of salt water , not farre from SANCAZAN ; where the prince caused a few tents to be pitched , about foure or fiue miles distant from the Turkish campe , the aforesaid brooke running in the middest betweene the two armies . Now the prince had purposed to haue assailed the Turkes in the morning , whiles they were loading their carriages , hoping in that confusion to haue wrought them some notable mischiefe : which his designement was reuealed vnto the Turks by one of his spies whom they had caught . And therefore they did neither rise so early in the morning as their manner was , nor load their stuffe vntill such time as they were all armed , and on horsebacke readie to receiue their enemies . By which their warie and vnusuall manner of rising , the Persians perceiued that their purpose was by some meanes discouered . And yet considering that if they should loose this occasion , they should find no other good oportunitie to annoy them before the next Spring , they vtterly resolued to aduenture the assault : and hauing obserued that the enemies artillerie was on the right side of the armie , they in the sight of euery man began to enter on the left . But the Turkes presently so vncouered and vnbarred their artillerie against the assailants , as was to their great losse and danger . Howbeit they were so nimble and so quicke to shrowd themselues vnder the enemies armie , and to auoid the mischieuous tempest , that being come now very neere the Turkes squadrons , they must needs joyne battell with them . The Persians had purposed before as soone as they saw the Turkes begin to stirre , to retire , and so to draw them on into a very filthie and deepe marish ; which being then drie , was not feared or doubted of any , but onely by those that were acquainted withall , or borne thereabouts . Which their policie the rebell Maxut Chan , and with him Daut Chan ( as being well acquainted with those places ) perceiuing , gaue notice thereof to Cicala Bassa : who presently caused a great compassing wing to be made , commaunding them to set vpon the Persians , and to charge them home : which was forthwith put in execution , so that their forefront opened it selfe with very large and spacious cornets vpon the prince : who no sooner saw this their vnwonted order of comming on , but by and by he perceiued that his purpose was discouered . And thereupon without any stay he began to retire , calling his people after him : which could not so readily be done , but that three thousand of them remained behind , all miserably stifled , ouertroden in the mire , with very little losse to the Turkes : and this onely battell of fiue that were fought vnder TAVRIS and in those quarters , was lesse hurtfull to the Turks than to the Persians . The prince returned to the king his fathers campe , recounting vnto him the whole action , together with the departure of the enemie . And so the Turkes came to SALMAS , where the death of the Generall was published : from SALMAS they went afterwards to VAN , where they tooke a suruey of their armie , and found wanting therein about fourescore and fiue thousand persons , or as some say more . At VAN all the souldiors were dismissed : and Cicala from thence gaue notice to Amurath at CONSTANTINOPLE of all that had happened . Where first was published the death of Osman the Generall ; for whom were made many signes of great sorrow : and together with his death were blazed the bloudie and mortall actions that were in that expedition performed : so that the whole citie seemed to be greatly discomforted , and in many places were heard much secret railing vpon the king , many curses of this warre , and insolent maledictions of these manifold mischiefes . After that , was dispersed the great fame of the new fortresse erected at TAVRIS , of the sacking of the citie , and of all the losse that had happened therein : and a generall edict published in the kings name , That through all the cities of his empire they should make solemne feasts , with other expresse tokens of joy and rejoycing : which was accordingly done both in CONSTANTINOPLE and other places . There was also word sent to the embassadours of HVNGARIE , of FRANCE , of VENICE , and of other countries , that they should doe the like : but they all with one accord answered , That it was neuer the custome of embassadours to make any such signe of rejoysing , but onely when the king himselfe in person returned from the like victories . In the meane time consultation was held at VAN for the sending of succours to TEFLIS in GEORGIA : vnto which important seruice , Daut Chan to deserue some reward at Amuraths hand , offered himselfe : vnto whom Cicala Bassa deliuered thirtie thousand Cecchini to be conueyed to the fort at TEFLIS . Which piece of seruice the renegate performed , and without trouble relieued the souldiors in the fort : which was so well accepted of Amurath , that he for the same good seruice honoured him with the dignitie of the Bassa of MARAS . Maxut Chan also the other Persian rebell , that guided the Turkish armie to Reiuan , and afterwards to TAVRIS , was in like manner by the same Amurath honoured with the great rich office of the Bassa of ALEPPO . The miseries the Turkish armie endured in this expedition for TAVRIS , beside the losses before rehearsed , were wonderfull : for as the Sanzacke of AMAN , a citie of SORIA ( called in antient time APAMEA ) present in all this action , reporteth in a letter which he wrote to Ali Bassa of ALEPPO , there was such a dearth in the Turks armie , that they were enforced to giue their cammels bisket and rice , and when that failed , they gaue them their pack-saddles to eat , and after that pieces of wood beaten into pouder , and at last the very earth : which dearth endured vntill they arriued at VAN. And at TAVRIS whiles the fortresse was in building , they were of necessitie constrained to giue their horses their dung in very drie pouder . By reason whereof there followed a grieuous mortalitie of horses , cammels , mules , and men , and the stinke which grew of this mortalitie became so great , that euery man was faine to carie a piece of a strong smelling oynion still vnder his nose , to auoid the heauinesse thereof . The fort so lately built in the royall citie of TAVRIS exceedingly grieued the Persians in generall , but especially the king and the prince his sonne : to let it alone , they reckoned it too great a shame , and how to demolish it they well knew not , finding themselues not onely destitute of artillerie , but also of such sufficient strength as was requisit for the performance of so great an enterprise : yet prickt on with desire of glorie and the necessitie of the cause , they determined euen in the sharpenesse of Winter to gather new forces , and with trenches of earth to approch the ditch , and to trie if they could aduance a countermure as high as their wals , and so to attaine to the conquest thereof . But in the gathering of their men they discouered new difficulties ; for , to hire any souldiors either from HERI or GHEILAN , was denied them by Abas and Amet Chan : and the Turcoman nation , which might haue been the readiest and the neerest at such a need , for the late death of Emir Chan , and for the succession of Aliculi , were growne verie contumatious : so that neither the king , nor the prince , nor the presidents and gouernours of the kingdome , could tell which way to turne themselues . At last for the common safetie they determined to draw the Turcomans to a reconciliation ; hoping that by promising them any honest satisfaction for the wrong wherwith they challenged themselues grieued for the death of their captaine ▪ they would become more tractable to doe them seruice in their common necessities . Whereupon the king sent kind letters to the heads and captaines of those nations , and principally to Mahamet Chan , and to Calife the Sultan , declaring plainly vnto them the perill of his state , and of the libertie of the whole kingdome , with the confidence he had in their valour : and that therfore forgetting all that was past , as done not in shame or scorne of their nation , but onely for zeale and loue to the kingdome , they would demaund such satisfaction as they desired , and that he would be readie to agree to any just request they should make . To which letters they readily answered , That they would come vnto him , to put in execution whatsoeuer he should for the common necessitie or the honour of his State commaund . Now they had craftily among themselues alreadie concluded , not to suffer any other to sit in the roume of Emir Chan their late Gouernour , but onely young Tamas the kings third sonne . Which conclusion they had plotted to themselues , with a resolution in the end to cause him to be accepted for king at CASBIN , in despight of the king himselfe and of the prince Hamze : nothing regarding , that by this action farre greater troubles would arise in PERSIA than euer were yet heard of , but onely being wholy bent to reuenge the death of one onely Emir Chan. With this malitious and fraudulent resolution , they to the number of ten thousand ( vnder the conduct of two captaines , Mahamet and Calife ) went to the king , in all reuerence offering themselues with all readinesse to be imploied in the enterprise whereunto they were called . The old credulous king , not suspecting any mischiefe plotted by these secret rebels , was greatly comforted at their comming : and although by some of his Sultans that had felt some inkling of this conspiracie , he was aduised to deale circumspectly and warily with them , and not commit any matter of importance to their trust , yet did he thinke euerie houre a thousand vntill he had offered them satisfaction : promising them , that what captaine soeuer they would desire in the roume of Emir Chan , if it were possible they should haue him . Whereunto the dissembling Mahamet Chan made answere , That their desire aboue all things , was to doe him pleasure and seruice ; not doubting but he would appoint them such a chieftaine ▪ as should be valorous , noble , and acceptable vnto them . The king could stay no longer , but frankly declared vnto them , That to assure them of his good will , and to giue them an hostage in pawne thereof , he had made choise of young Tamas his sonne to succeed in the roume of Emir Chan their late Gouernour . As soone as Mahamet Chan heard this resolution of the king ; who beside all expectation voluntarily of himselfe yeelded them the meanes to put in execution , what they had malitiously before contriued against the peace and libertie of the kingdome : he became more jocund than he was wont to be , and outwardly shewed himselfe readie for whatsoeuer the king would command him : and in the names of the rest yeelded also large promises of fidelitie and obedience , so that the matter might be performed for which he had now giuen his word . The king , who desired nothing more than to see the fort of TAVRIS rased ( which could hardly be done without the helpe of those Turcomans ) contrarie to the aduise of the wisest of the Sultans , and of the prince , secretly and as it were by stealth gaue his young sonne Tamas into the hands of Mahamet , as chiefe of all the Turcomans . Who to nourish the good opinion and credulitie of the king , and to secure the prince and the Sultans , gaue a lustie beginning by the helpe of his followers , with trenches and rampiers to approach the fort . Neither was there any great time spent therein ; for they had now almost made their trenches and mounts euen with the enemies wall , and the ditch it selfe was almost filled vp with earth , so that there wanted but little more labour to begin the desired assault : when contrarie to all mens expectation , the false and wicked traitour Mahamet Chan with all his Turcomans , leading away with them the child Tamas , departed in the night time and vpon a sudden , from so noble and honourable an enterprise . And blinded with desire to put in execution his ill hatched purpose , couertly and without any noise remoued from the besieged wals , and put himselfe on his way towards CASBIN : still tearming Tamas by the name of the king of PERSIA , and sundrie waies abusing and mocking the poore old king and the prince . This so sudden and so dangerous a rebellion , whereby not onely so honourable and so necessarie an enterprise was to be abandoned , but the whole state of the kingdome like to be endangered , exceedingly grieued all good men , but most of all the old king and the prince his sonne : who no lesse carefull of his rightfull succession , than was the aged king of his present estate , both now hazarded by this rebellion ; wholly incensed with griefe and anguish of mind , began to cast a thousand deuises in his troubled head , what course to take , and what to resolue vpon . To abandon the siege it grieued him aboue measure , and to suffer so pernitious a rebellion to go forward , seemed too dangerous for the state of PERSIA : and to prouide for both these mischiefes at once , was altogither impossible . In these huge waues of contrarie thoughts , he resolued at last to turne himselfe against the Turcomans , and to suppresse that rebellion as most dangerous to the State. And so with twelue thousand souldiors , and a part also of the kings ordinarie guard , all couragious and hardie men , he followed after the rebellious Turcomans ; and marching directly toward CASBIN , he ouertooke them at a place called CALISTEZA , a daies journey on this side CASBIN , and there joyned battell with them . Wherein many of them being sorie for that they had done , would not so much as draw their swords against the prince : many others fled also away for feare , so that he easily obtained a wished victorie ouer them . The seditious Mahamet Chan was taken prisoner , and by the princes commaundement presently beheaded : so was also Calife the Sultan , and diuers other captaines of this pestilent conspiracie . Young Tamas was also taken , and by the direction of the prince sent to the castle of CAHACA . Fiue thousand Turcomans of the late followers of the rebell Mahamet , fled out of the battell towards BABYLON by the way of SIRAS , and yeelded themselues to Solyman Bassa of that citie ; who afterwards repenting themselues of their folly , sought to returne againe into the fauour of their king , but all in vaine : so that being become rebels to the one , and suspected to the other , they did at one time loose their countrey , their libertie , their honour , and the fauour of all men as well friends as foes . The prince after this victorie held on his way to CASBIN , and there staying , laboured to gather the dispersed Turcomans , especially those that moued with the honestie of the cause , would not beare armes in so vnjust an action ; intending afterwards to returne to TAVRIS , to attend the besieging and conquest of the fort . This was the end of this dangerous rebellion , the chiefe cause that TAVRIS was not againe recouered out of the hands of the Turks , to the great weakning of the Persian kingdome . Now Giaffer the Eunuch Bassa Gouernour of the castle of TAVRIS , fearing least the Persian prince would with a greater armie againe returne to the siege : perceiuing himselfe to wax euerie day weaker and weaker , by reason that many of his men secretly fled from him , beside them that perished with sicknesse , and others slaine in aduenturing too boldly to go abroad to seeke for victuals ; sent aduertisement thereof to Cicala Bassa at VAN , signifying farther vnto him by writing , That if the prince should againe returne to assault the fort , he should of necessitie be enforced to yeeld it : and that therefore as he tendered the honour of his Sultan , he would be carefull to send him succour , whereby he might be able to maintaine the fort : adding moreouer , That now it was most easily to be done , because there was no forces of the enemies in those quarters , sauing onely a few which remained about the king , lying twelue miles off from TAVRIS . Cicala moued with the importance of the enterprise propounded , and withall desirous to gaine some credit of glorie and renowme with his king , entertained the aduises of Giaffer , and getting him to horse with a traine of three thousand harquebusiers and good store of munition , set forward toward TAVRIS . The Persian king aduertised thereof , sent out spies to learne what way they held , meaning to meet them and to set vpon them : but these spies comming neere to SALMAS were apprehended by the forerunners of Cicala , and being put to torture , reuealed at last how that their king was in armes , and on his way towards SANCAZAN . At which newes Cicala was greatly astonied , as well for the danger whereinto the forces and munition which he had with him were likely to fall , as also for that by any losse which his troupes should sustaine in this expedition , the citie of VAN ( being indeed the greatest and most noble frontier towne in all those countries ) must needs be in hazard to be lost , hauing left in it but his lieutenant with a verie few souldiors . Whereupon he determined to relinquish this dangerous enterprise , and to withdraw himselfe backe to the defence and preseruation of the citie committed to his trust and gouernment . But although these expected and desired succours were not conuaied to TAVRIS as was intended , yet had Giaffer as good fortune as he could wish : for the preparations of the prince were so long and so troublesome , and his returne so much prolonged , that there was time enough yeelded vnto the Turkes great Generall now newly chosen ( as by and by shall be decla●ed ) to go with a strong armie into those quarters ; and so to preserue all that which the only expedition and celeritie of the enemie might haue put in great hazard , and almost haue brought to a desperat case . In the meane time , Amurath the Turkish emperour was greatly troubled at CONSTANTINOPLE in making choise of a new Generall : on the one side Osman Bassa hauing by his last will left Sinan Cicala to be his successour , as a man of approued valour ; and the many dangers he had run through in the late seruice about TAVRIS , with the great fauours he had in the Court , did not a little encline the king to his election : on the other side , he heard of a publike rumour spread amongst the souldiors , that they could by no meanes endure to be commaunded by so young a captaine , and that some in plaine tearmes should say , That they would not obay him : which caused Amurath to doubt , that some dangerous discord might thereof ensue in the armie , if he should proceed to make choise of him . Then there was also Ferat Bassa , the same man which had alreadie sustained that charge before Osman ; who now verie ambitiously sought againe for this honour , hauing of late performed some good seruice to the good liking of the king . Of any other to make better choise he had none , so that he stood in great doubt what to doe . In the end , because he was in good time to prouide for his affaires , he made choise of Ferat Bassa , the same man whom he had before made proofe of : a man of great fidelitie , of an honourable carriage , and alreadie experienced in the leading and commaunding of such an armie , to whom hee granted the ordinarie authoritie , to mannage at his pleasure such affaires of the empire as concerned his journey . Vpon this resolution generall precepts were sent out to all cities within the kingdome , to the Bassaes and other Gouernours with speciall commaundement , That all their souldiors , togither with their taxes , tenths , munitions , victuals , armour , artificers , and to bee short , all their necessarie furniture and prouision should be readie and in order , vpon the first warning should be sent them the next Spring . Great prouision of money was made , and in SORIA ( besides the ordinarie summe that is bestowed vpon the yearly pay of souldiors in REIVAN , ERZIRVM , LORI , TOMANIS , TEFLIS and CHARS , which swallow vp all the reuenue of that countrey , and of the citie of TRIPOLI , amounting to the summe of six hundred thousand duckats ) there was taken vp in prest of priuat merchants in the citie of ALEPPO only , the summe of threescore thousand Cecchini , to be repaied vnto them with the first monies that should be receiued by the officers of his custome houses . A matter that moued an extraordinarie grudging among the people , for that it seemed to euerie man a verie strange and intollerable exaction , beside so many grieuances laid vpon them , for corne , for carriages , for pioners , and for workmen , to endure this burthen also of lending their money without hope of restitution thereof : yea and in deed euerie man did greatly wonder how they were thus ill aduised , to make it knowne to the Christian princes what scarcitie and want of money they had . The Generall had also with him foure hundred pieces of artillerie , and did beside so worke the matter , as that Maxut Chan ( who was appointed Bassa of ALEPPO ) was granted vnto him to be the guide of his armie , as hee had been of Osmans ; and that Cicala Bassa of VAN ( scarce his good friend ) was remoued from thence , and sent farther off out of his way as Bassa to BABYLON . And thus hauing put all things in readinesse , he departed from CONSTANTINOPLE in the moneth of Aprill , in the yeare 1586 ; and passing ouer the strait into ASIA , came to SIVAS something later than he should haue done , being hindred partly by the plague which then raged exceedingly in CONSTANTINOPLE , and partly by other occasions incident to such actions . At SIVAS he staied so long for the comming togither of his armie , and in mustering men , that it was the latter end of Iuly before he departed thence ; staying in deed the longer at SIVAS , by reason of the exceeding dearth and want of victuals at ERZIRVM : which dearth was also so great in ALEPPO , that a VENICE bushell of wheat was sold for twelue Cecchini . Ferat yet making his aboad at SIVAS , but readie to depart , was aduertised by certaine postes sent from Giaffer the Bassa of TAVRIS , how that the Persian prince was hourely expected with a great armie , and that if he did foreslow to send succours , and to preuent the comming of the prince , and so to giue him time and leisure to assault the castle , he doubted greatly how he should be able to hold the same . Vpon which aduertisement Ferat presently remoued , and so hasted his journey , that about the beginning of August he was at ERZIRVM : and still hearing more and more of the princes comming , stayed not there , but hasted to VAN : where hauing gathered together all his souldiors , and taken a new suruey of his armie , he departed thence ; and being presently come into the open and large champaines , to make proofe of the readinesse of his souldiors , he marshalled them in such sort as if he should forthwith haue joined battell with the enemie , and so in seemely order marched on . The Turkish Generall continually feared least the Persians should come vpon him with some sudden assault : besides that , the constant report of the princes comming to TAVRIS with his armie , much encreased his troubled thoughts . But on the other side , he reposed great confidence in the conspiracie that was now plotted against the life of the prince , with the priuitie of Aliculi Chan the protectour and champion of Abas Mirize of HERI : who vnder colour of accompanying the prince to assist his forces , had resolutely concluded with himselfe , and absolutely promised Abas ( hauing also giuen intelligence thereof to the Turkish Generall ) to rid the prince Hamze of his life ; or at least ( which he thought might more easily be brought to passe ) in the sundrie reuolutions and variable chances of the battell at some time or other to make him fall into the hands of Ferat , and so to settle his lord and master Abas in his estate . Vpon these treacheries Ferat grounding himselfe , began with greater confidence to dispose his designments , and somewhat lesse to feare the fame of the huge preparations of PERSIA against him . Which preparations in truth as by most wicked deuices and malicious conspiracies they were turned quite contrarie from that end whereunto the prince Hamze had continually appointed them : so if they had beene employed with such faith and fidelitie as so righteous a cause required , without all doubt the writers of our time should haue had matter ynough in this fourscore and sixt yeare to shew and represent vnto the world such accidents as should be nothing inferior to those of the yeare before going . But for as much as rebellion and discord , the two infernall ministers of the diuell , haue for the vtter vndoing and ouerthrow of the glorie of PERSIA continually fauoured the Turkes armies , no maruell it is that the Persian nation cannot vaunt of any reuenge taken for the indignities offered them by their enemies ; and that our writers cannot chuse but write of the true and vndoubted victories of the Turkes , and the bare shaddowes of the Persian exploits ; which notwithstanding many Christians vainly beleeue , because they most earnestly desire them to be true , although they doe see to the contrarie the manifest prospering and euident conquests which the Turkes haue in diuers their states and countries . The Persian prince about the latter end of Iuly arriued at TAVRIS with the greatest part of his armie , where he ( contrarie to the opinion of all men ) stayed not , for what cause is vncertaine . But vnderstanding that Zeinel Bassa of SALMAS , by nation a Curdo , lay encamped before the citie , who of a Persian was become a Turke , and had done great harme against the state of PERSIA ; he determined suddenly to set vpon him , and to chastise him for his rebellion . According to which resolution , being accompanied with twelue thousand souldiors , he rode to SALMAS , where finding Zeinell with all his people encamped as he had beene before enformed , he gaue him the assault . Zeinell more readie to flie than to fight , and his souldiors as readie as he , fled presently , and fell before the Persians , so that the Bassa himselfe with a few others had much adoe to escape and saue themselues in the closest corners thereabouts , leauing the citie committed to his charge , for a prey vnto the angrie enemie : who entering into the same , sacked and spoyled it , exercising thereon all such cruelties , as partly the naturall desires of souldiors vse to practise , and partly such as the Turkes themselues shewed vpon them in that miserable and most lamentable sacking of TAVRIS the last yeare . The like spoyles did the Persian armie in all those quarters round about , and so would haue peraduenture returned to TAVRIS , but that certaine spies arriued vpon them , with aduertisement , That the Bassa of REIVAN being issued out of his fortresse with fifteene hundred harquebusiers , had committed the like outrages in the villages and fields thereabouts , as the prince had done about SALMAS . With which newes the prince was greatly mooued ; and immediatly rising with his armie , and marching towards REIVAN , not farre from the citie encountered the Bassa : who discouering the enemies forces afarre off , began in great disorder to flie and retire into his fort , leauing the greatest part of his souldiors ( making not so much speed in flight as himselfe ) to the furie of the prince , who put them all to the sword , and did what harme he possibly could in all the places thereabouts . At the very same time great troubles arose in the Drusian countrey for Man-ogli the valiant Drusian ( of whom we haue before spoken ) in reuenge of the injuries done vnto him and his people by Ebrain Bassa , and by a violent kind of restitution to recompence himselfe of all those bribes and presents which by so many shifts and subtilties were by the couetous Bassa wrung from him ( as is before declared ) had now taken vp armes , and hauing wasted and sacked all the territorie of Ebne-mansur and of his other enemies who had yeelded their obedience vnto the Turkes , without let forced all that countrey with sudden inuasions and inrodes , euen very neere vnto the cities of BALBECKE and TRIPOLI , and did there exceeding harme . For redresse whereof , Amurath was glad to dispatch away from the Court Ali Bassa borne at ALEPPO , with the title of the Bassa of DAMASCO , and with authoritie to muster fresh souldiors , and so wholly to attend the vtter subuersion of Man-ogli . But comming thither , he found all againe quiet , so that his presence in that countrey serued rather for a reconciliation and peace making amongst them , than for the prosecuting of any further warre ; which at that time was most necessarie for the Turkes to be auoided , as well for want of money in the common treasurie , as for the exceeding scarcitie of victuals . Now the Persian prince hauing made an end of the outrodes and spoyles before mentioned , retired himselfe to TAVRIS , and so towards his fathers campe , where the rest of his armie was now arriued , to the number of about fortie thousand : of whom the prince dispatched away the souldiors of HERI to the number of eight thousand , vnder the conduct of the traiterous Aliculi Chan their Generall ; and part also of the Turcomans , vnder the leading of Emanguli Chan ; with speciall charge , That they should by the way in places of most aduantage meet and receiue the enemies armie , and in those narrow and troublesome passages to doe them what mischiefe they possibly could . Which the prince thus appointed , thinking by this meanes to weaken the enemies forces , and so at their arriuall at TAVRIS to come vpon them with all his power , and so vtterly to destroy them . Both these captaines departed accordingly , making shew that they would with all affection accomplish the commaundement of their prince : yet neuer was there heard any seruice of moment put in execution by them : For Aliculi full of treason , after their departure began to alleage many forced reasons and excuses , Why they should surcease from meeting with the Turks : and Emanguli as yet vtterly ignorant of the wicked purposes and mischieuous treacherie of Aliculi , suffered himselfe to be misse-led by him also . By the delayes and negligence of these two Persian captaines , the Turkish Generall tooke leisure without any losse or hinderance at all to arriue at TAVRIS , and to put the desired succours into the fort : at what time the Persian prince by good hap had got knowledge of the treacherie of Aliculi , and of the designements which many of the Sultans had lately contriued , for the betraying of him aliue into the hands of the Turkish Generall . Of which suspition he being greatly afraid , durst not onely not trust himselfe to performe those battels that he had before determined to haue performed ; but quite abandoning this noble and honourable enterprise , wholly employed all his care and studie for the safetie of his own person , and so left the triumph of the matter in the power of the Turkes . And thus those great hopes and expectations which the Persians had conceiued of great exploits to haue beene done against the enemie , did not onely prooue vaine and come to no good issue , but contrariwise by this discouerie were conuerted into most strange disturbances , and all PERSIA thereby endured sundrie alterations and reuolutions of most important consequences . For both Aliculi Chan and his complices were pursued by the prince , as rebels and traitours : and also Abas Mirize of HERI was manifestly discouered for a wicked and treacherous contriuer of his brothers death : whereby the common mischiefes were encreased more than euer they were before , and the publicke calamities yeelded greater hopes vnto the Turkes than they had euer before conceiued in all the course of these warres . When Ferat had thus relieued them in the castle of TAVRIS , leauing for the custodie therof Giaffer the Bassa with his former companies , he returned towards ERZIRVM : hauing first caused a fort to be erected at CVRCHIVE TAVRIS , a place neere vnto TAVRIS , another at COY , and the third at CVM : in euery one of which forts he left a conuenient number of souldiors , with all things necessarie and sufficient for their maintenance , and defence of the places they were to keepe . He sent also succours to the fort at TE●LIS in GEORGIA , which they had long expected , and now most joyfully receiued . But the Persian prince hauing hunted Aliculi Chan out of the quarters of TAVRIS , thought himselfe now wholly deliuered from the great feare of treason and rebellion , wherein he of late liued : and therfore in as great hast as he could , put himselfe on his journey towards GENGE : in which place hauing gathered together a good number of souldiors , he determined to remoue thence , to intercept the succours that were by the Turkes to be brought to TEFLIS . Now he had alwayes found Emanguli Chan to be both faithfull and wise , and in him he reposed an assured confidence for performing any enterprise that he had in hand , and communicated with him euery deuice that he had conceiued in these wars . And therefore he made head and joyned with him ; and lodging most familiarly in his citie , he stayed there for the setting in order and disposing of his foresaid designement , being very desirous not to let such an oportunitie to ouerslip , without signification vnto the world of some notable noueltie , which might be correspondent to the fame that of matters passed and performed the yeare before , was now spread and published abroad ouer all the world . But when he was euen at the very fairest to haue put this his desire in execution , and least of all feared any treacherie or treason , vpon a sudden in the night time as he slept vpon a pallet he was miserably strucken through the bodie , by an Eunuch of his that attended vpon him : and so the most resplendent and bright lustre that euer shined in PERSIA , was vtterly extinguished . What was the occasion thereof , and who procured his death , diuers and sundrie are the opinions of men . Some thinke , that his brother Abas Mirize of HERI , who had before conspired to haue had him betrayed into the hands of the Turkish Generall , had now by force of money and gifts enduced the wicked Eunuch thereunto . Others deemed it not to haue beene done without the priuitie of his father , as more desirous to preferre Abas Mirize his other sonne vnto the kingdome . Diuers others doe diuersly reason of the matter ; so that to affirme of a certainetie , that thus or thus the death of so worthie a prince was procured , were great rashnesse : and therefore we leaue it , with the further processe of the Persian state , vnto the further discouerie of Time , the auntient mother of truth . Notwithstanding the league betwixt the Christian emperour Rodolph the second and Amurath the Great Turke , many sharpe skirmishes oftentimes fell out betwixt the Christians and the Turkes vpon the frontiers of their territories and dominions , especially in HVNGARIE , CROATIA , and STIRIA : as now in the latter end of this yeare 1586 in the month of December , the Turkes after their insolent manner making an inrode into the borders of CROATIA , receiued a notable ouerthrow by the Christians , being in number much fewer : where amongst others the Bassa of BOSNA with his brother was slaine ; whose head with certaine prisoners was sent to VIENNA to Ernestus Archduke of AVSTRIA , the emperours brother . This Bassa of BOSNA and his brother , slaine in this conflict ( as we haue said ) are reported to haue beene the sonnes of Muhamet the late great Visier , by one of the daughters of Selymus the second , Amurath his sister . For diuers yeares following Amurath did no great matter worth the remembrance , contenting himselfe ( as it should seeme ) with that he had alreadie got from the Persians : and holding his league in some reasonable sort with the Christians : yet not so , but that many a bloudie broile tending at last euen to the breach of the league passed betwixt the Turkes and the Christians , which for the continuation of the historie we will briefely set downe , as they are vnto vs by the writers of our time reported . In Februarie the yeare following , which was the yeare 1587 , the Christians prouoked by the often outrages of the Turkes , setting vpon the castle of KOPPAN , not farre from the lake of BALATON , being then frozen , by good fortune surprised it . There was at that time in the castle three of the Turkes Sanzackes , and about a thousand Turkes , of whom an hundred and ninetie of the better sort , with seuentie women , besides diuers of the meaner sort , fell into the hands of the Christians ; the rest sauing themselues by flight , or by creeping into secret corners . An hundred horses for seruice were there taken also , and so much bootie as was esteemed to be worth fortie thousand duckats . Of the three Sanzackes that were there present , Alis Sanzacke of KOPPAN was taken , and brought first to VIENNA , and afterward presented to the emperour : Another of them standing vpon his defence in a vault vnder ground , was there smothered : The third escaped by flight , but was afterwards the same yeare taken , with diuers others , as shall be forthwith declared . The eight of August following , foure of the Turks great commaunders in HVNGARIE , viz. the Bassa of ZIGET , the Sanzackes of MOHAS , of QVINQVE ECCLESIae , and the new Sanzacke of KOPPAN , with fiue thousand souldiors brake into the borders of the Christians , and in most cruell manner destroied seuenteen countrey villages about LIMBACH : carrying away with them all the miserable countrey people , with the spoile of the countrey . Whereof George Countie Serinus ( sonne to that most valiant Countie Nicholas Serinus slaine at ZIGET ) commaunder of the garrison of CANISIA vnderstanding , with as much speed as was possible raised such forces as he was able out of his territorie betwixt the riuers of Drau●s and Mura : and calling vnto his aid the Countie Nadasti ▪ the Lo. Bathianius , and some other valiant captaines that had the charge of those frontiers , with such diligence tooke the straits and passages whereby the Turkes must needs returne amongst the marishes , that the Turkes comming backe againe that way with a verie rich prey and many prisoners , being in the breake of the day hardly charged by those most expert and resolute souldiors , in those straight and troublesome passages about a mile from CANISIA , were at length discomfited and put to flight ; with such a miserable slaughter , that many of them yeelded vp their scimitars , pitifully crying for mercie ; othersome fled backe into the woods and forrests , and many running headlong into the marishes there perished , or sticking fast in the deepe mud , cried togither for mercie and helpe of their enemies . In this conflict Muhamet the Sanzacke of QVINQVE ECCLESIae ( sonne to Hali Bassa slaine in the battell of LEPANTO ) was taken prisoner . Sinan Beg Sanzacke of MOHAS , thinking to escape thorow the marish , stucke fast with his horse , and was shot through the head with a small shot , and there died . The Bassa of ZIGET with Chasan the new Sanzacke of KOPPAN , seeing all desperat and lost , fled betimes out of the battell : but he of KOPPAN , wandring vp and downe in the woods , was the next night after the battell , with others taken : the Bassa of ZIGET almost spent with hunger and griefe of mind , escaped on foot seauen daies after to BRESENZA . There were taken of the Turkes a thousand three hundred , of whom manie died afterwards of their wounds . In this battell there was slaine of the Turks , with them that perished in the marishes and woods , about two thousand : and of the Turkes horses were taken aboue fifteene hundred . All the prey before taken by the Turkes with the miserable captiues , was againe recouered . The number of them that performed this notable seruice , was in all but fifteene hundred foot and fiue hundred horse : of whom there was but eleuen slaine , but most of the rest wounded . Foure hundred heads of the slaine Turkes were ( after the manner of those bordering souldiors ) carried for shew to CANISIA , with fiue hundred prisoners . The Christian souldiors with the helpe of the countrey people , ceased not for certaine daies to hunt after the Turkes that were fled into the woods , as after wild beasts ; of whom they found a great number : diuers others also seeing no means to escape , came forth of their lurking places and yeelded themselues . Amurath vnderstanding of all these troubles that had so happened , commaunded Aly the Bassa of BVDA to be strangled , for that he had broken the league , and not restrained the insolencie of his Sanzackes , whom he might haue commaunded : And in his stead placed Sinan Bassa , whom before in disgrace , he had now at the request of his wife againe receiued into fauour and restored to his former dignitie . About this time also , Sigismund ( the king of SVVEDEN his sonne ) now after the death of king Stephen chosen king of POLONIA , and Maximilian the emperours brother rejected : euen in the beginning of his raigne sought to renew the league , which Stephen his predecessour and other the Polonian kings had before made with Amurath and his predecessours the Turkish Sultans . And to that purpose writ vnto him as followeth . Sigismund the third , king of Polonia ; vnto Amurath the third , emperour of the Turkes , sendeth greeting . The Almightie long keepe and preserue your maiestie in health and honour . Most mightie prince , our best beloued friend and neighbour , after that we by the grace and goodnesse of God were chosen to gouerne the kingdome of POLONIA , and the embassadours of that kingdome had signified so much vnto vs : we prouiding vs of necessaries , came to DANSKE the 18 day of October , from whence we send Iohn Zamogil our Secretarie to giue your maiestie to vnderstand of this our comming . For being told by the Polonian embassadours , that we were chosen vnto the gouernment of that kingdome vpon condition , That according vnto the custome of our predecessours the Polonian kings , we should keepe loue and friendship with the most excellent * Mussulman emperours : we promise vnto your soueraigne maiestie , that we are willing with the like or greater zeale and deuotion , to continue that amitie and friendship with your most excellent maiestie , and the Othoman emperours your successours . For confirmation whereof , so soone as we shall come vnto CRACOVIA , the regall citie of POLONIA , and there be crowned ; we will forthwith send our great embassadour vnto your maiestie . In the meane time we most earnestly request your maiestie , that our kingdome may on your maiesties behalfe rest in safetie and peace : which we persuade our selues you will easily grant . So wishing vnto you all health and happinesse , we bid you farewell , from DANSKE the 18 of October , in the yeare 1587 , and of our raigne the first . Vnto which the kings request and letters , Amurath not long after returned this answere in writing . Amurath the third , emperour of the Turkes , vnto Sigismund king of POLONIA greeting . I take it well , and as a token of your loue , that your embassadour Iohn Zamogil came with your letters vnto our most high and glorious Court , the refuge of distressed princes : wherein you haue giuen vs to vnderstand , how that in stead of the most excellent and famous king Stephen of worthie memorie late king of POLONIA ; you , descended of the same noble stocke and race of the Polonian kings , are by the free election of the whole State of the famous kingdome of POLONIA , and the great kingdome of LITHVANIA , chosen king of POLONIA : and being sent for by lawfull embassadours , by the fauour and goodnesse of God to be come vnto the citie of DANSKE , and from thence to be about to go vnto CRACOVIA the chiefe citie of the kingdome of POLONIA . And when you are there arriued , to send your great embassadour vnto our most high and glorious Court , to confirme , preserue , and establish the league and amitie commodious and necessarie for both our kingdomes , honoured and kept by your auntient predecessours , with our grandfathers and great grandfathers ; yea and that with greater zeale and deuotion than any your noble auncestours . And therefore your embassadour in your name requesteth , That no inuasion on our behalfe be made into the borders of the kingdome of POLONIA , or any harme there done : and that the most noble Tartar prince Isbam Gerai ( whom God blesse ) should be warned and restrained , that he neither make nor suffer any incursion to be made into the confines of the kingdome of POLONIA . All which things in your letters contained , with the rest which your embassadour hath by word of mouth deliuered , are with speed orderly by vs conceiued . Know you therefore our most stately and magnificent Court to be alwaies open vnto such as resort thereunto , and that from thence neuer man had repulse , neither shall hereafter haue : wherefore it beseemeth you , as soone as these our letters shall be brought vnto you , to open your eies , and to beware that nothing be on your part done against the maiestie of our Court , and the league ; and that our peace and amitie be neither in much or little disturbed , but as best beseemeth , well and sincerely kept : and so persuade your selfe it shall on our part also be most inuiolatly obserued . Our letters are also directed vnto the most excellent Tartar prince Isbam Gerai , whom God blesse , straightly charging and commaunding him , not to make or suffer any incursion to be made into the borders of POLONIA . In briefe , the league and amitie shall on our part be religiously kept : and whosoeuer shall presume to doe any harme vnto the kingdome or confines of POLONIA , shall therfore without faile receiue from vs due punishment . So on your part also it is requisit that the same be done , and that in declaration of your loue you forget not oftentimes to intimate vnto our most high and glorious Court , such certaine occurents and newes as shall happen in those parts ; which shall be vnto vs a signe of your sincere loue and friendship . So know you , and giue credit vnto this our seale from CONSTANTINOPLE . Neither was king Sigismund vnmindfull of this his promise before made for the sending of his embassadour : but being possessed of the Polonian kingdome , sent Christopher Dziercius ( his Secretarie ) embassador vnto Amurath for the confirming of the league : which he hath euer since so firmely kept with the Turke , as that he could neuer by any intreatie of the emperour , or of the princes electors , or others , or in respect of the common danger , be drawne into the fellowship of this long and religious warre , so hardly maintained by the emperour , and some few other Christian princes his confederats ; first against Amurath whilest he liued , and euer since against Mahomet his sonne , which now raigneth : the issue whereof , God grant it proue not as well vnto the Polonians as others farther off , in fine lamentable . The yeare following , Ferat ( yet the Turkes Generall in PERSIA ) tooke the citie of GENGE , being before for feare of the Turkes quite abandoned and forsaken by the inhabitants ; who yet vpon his faith giuen for their safetie returned againe , yeelding to pay vnto the Turke a yearely tribute of fiue thousand duckats . But when he would haue gone farther into the enemies countrie , hauing part of his armie cut off by the way , he was by his mutinous souldiors fouly intreated , wounded , and enforced to retire . Cicala Bassa also passing ouer the riuer Euphrates , had in those quarters diuers bloudie skirmishes with the Persians , sometime carrying away the better and sometime the worse , as the fortune of the field serued . Vntill at length Amurath himselfe , no lesse wearie than his people of that long and chargeable warre , and the Persian king also enclining to peace ; hee by the persuasion of Sinan Bassa ( but lately before receiued into fauour ) was now contented to be entreated to hearken vnto the same : moued thereunto as well by reason of new troubles then in other places arising , as for the great famine and plague then raging in CONSTANTINOPLE . And considering withall what a great territorie he had woon from the Persians , and how necessarie it was for him by peace to confirme himselfe in those his new conquests , and by the building of certaine strong forts for the succour of one another , and by the placing of his Timariots therein to assure the same vnto him : all which without peace he could not possibly doe , as the old Bassa right wisely told him . For which reasons he yeelded to peace ; and so embassadours passing too and fro , a peace was at length agreed vpon betwixt these two great Mahometane princes : the Turke couenanting to keepe vnto himselfe the places he had alreadie gained , namely TAVRIS , GENGE , SIRVAN , and CHARS , with all the profits thereof arising , for the maintenance of his garrisons and Timariots there . Whereof it was thought new stirres would eftsoones arise ; the Turkes growne insolent of their late victories , being not able to content themselues with the conditions of the league ; and the Persians not willing to liue in continuall feare of the Turkes , especially seeing themselues to be daily by them more and more oppressed ; and withall doubting least the Turks after they had taken fast footing in those new conquered countries , and so growne strong , and gotten better knowledge of the passages , should ( after their ambitious manner ) seeke to possesse themselues of the rest ; not keeping the couenants agreed vpon betwixt them , nor at all regarding the capitulations of the league . Which was neuerthelesse ( as we said ) on both sides for the space of ten yeares orderly confirmed , with all due circumstances and ceremonies in like occurrents by the great potentats of the world vsed : and for the more assurance thereof , one of the Persian kings sonnes ( or as some others say , one of his nephewes ) giuen vnto the Turks in hostage , as Amurath required . These long warres thus ended , shortly after a great sedition was raised at CONSTANTINOPLE by the souldiors of the Court , which returning out of PERSIA , with great insolencie demaunded their pay . For the satisfying of whom , by the consent of the great Sultan himselfe , the valew of the coine was enhaunsed ; and a new kind of subsidie for leuying of money imposed vpon the subjects in generall , none excepted : who standing vpon their auntient liberties and priuiledges , refused to pay it , especially the Ianizaries and other souldiors of the Court. Wherefore their Aga ( or captaine ) was commaunded to appease them , and to persuade them to pay the demaunded tribute : in attempting whereof he was in danger to haue been slaine by the insolent Ianizaries , and yet neuerthelesse for preuailing no more with them , was in displeasure thrust out of his office , and another placed in his roume , that should haue married Amuraths daughter ; of whom for all that the Ianizaries would not accept in any case , but threw stones at him , and threatned to kill him . The next night a great fire arose in the citie , for the quenching whereof , the Ianizaries were commaunded ( as their dutie was ) to put to their helping hands : which they not only most obstinatly refused to do , but also kept backe others that brought water for the quenching therof , and togither with the other souldiors of the court did what they might to make it burne the faster . With the rage of this fire were consumed seauen of their temples , fiue and twentie great Innes , fifteene thousand houses , with many warehouses and shops . To appease this dangerous stirre , and to preuent farther mischiefe , commaundement was giuen to the Beglerbeg of GRaeCIA , and Dauid Passy a Iew , the first authors of this new imposition , that they should either gather the aforesaid tribute by them deuised , and pay the souldiors , or by some other meanes to giue them contentment . But here began the priests publikely to dissuade the people from payment of this new tribute , or any other such like ; persuading them in any case to defend their auntient liberties and customes : whereupon the churches were by the priests shut vp , publike prayers for the health of the Sultan intermitted , the Bassaes houses assaulted , and all the citie on a new hurly burly . For the appeasing whereof , Amurath was glad to yeeld vnto the Ianizaries , to pay the souldiors out of his owne treasurie , to reuoke his mandates giuen out for the exaction of the new tribute , and to deliuer the two persuaders thereof to the pleasure of the Ianizaries ; who drew them vp and downe the streets at horses tailes , and afterwards cutting off their heads , in scorne tossed them from hand to hand one to another , as if they had beene tennise balls . About the latter end of September Sinan Bassa of BVDA hauing with the assistance of the Sanzacks about FILLE , raised an armie of eleuen thousand soldiors , with purpose to haue spoiled all the vpper part of HVNGARIE , came the sixt of October before the castle of PVTNOC , and gaue thereunto summons : but finding them in the castle better prouided and more resolute than he had before supposed , he departed thence , and passing the riuer Schayo , came to SIXO , a towne of about fiue hundred houses , which after a sore batterie he tooke , and burnt it downe to the ground . In the meane while Claudius Russell , Generall for the warres in that part of HVNGARIE , hauing assembled his forces , came vpon him , and after an hard fight put him to the worse , when he had slaine of his Turkes about two thousand fiue hundred , besides three hundred other drowned in the riuer Schayo . Shortly after , the Christians in like manner breaking into the frontiers of the Turkes , tooke from them the castles of BLAVENSTIEN , GESTES , with some other small forts thereabouts in the vpper part of HVNGARIE . Sinan for that he had contrarie to the league , and without commaundement from Amurath , so vnfortunately attempted warre in HVNGARIE , was the next yeare in great displeasure sent for to CONSTANTINOPLE , and Ferat Bassa of BOSNA ( late Generall of the Turkes armie against the Persians , and now but newly come home ) placed in his roume at BVDA . Amurath before not ignorant of the great preparation that Philip the king of SPAINE had made , and of the inuincible Armado ( as it was tearmed ) by him set forth for the inuasion of ENGLAND ( the fame whereof had long before filled a great part of the world ; ) as also of the euill successe thereof the last yeare , viz. 1588 ; and of the purpose her Majestie of ENGLAND had for the troubling of his rich trade , especially into the West Indies , and for the relieuing of Don Anthonio , by him driuen out of PORTINGALL : writ vnto her about this time concerning those and such like matters as he had beene moued of by her Agent as followeth . Amurath the third , Emperour of the Turkes , vnto Elizabeth , Queene of ENGLAND , FRANCE , and IRELAND , greeting . Most honourable Matrone of the Christian religion , mirror of chastitie , adorned with the brightnesse of soueraignetie and power amongst the most chast women of the people which serue Iesu , mistris of great kingdomes , reputed of greatest ma●estie and praise among the Nazarets , Elizabeth queene of ENGLAND , to whom we wish a most happie and prosperous raigne . You shall vnderstand by our high and imperiall letters directed vnto you , how that your Orator resiant in our stately and magnificent Court , hath presented vnto the throne of our Maiestie a certaine writing , wherein he hath certified vs , how that about foure yeares agoe you haue made war vpon the king of SPAINE , for the abating and breaking of his forces , wherewith he threateneth all other Christian princes , and purposeth to make himselfe the sole Monarch both of them and all the world beside : as also how that the same king of SPAINE hath by force taken from Don Anthonio , lawfully created king of PORTINGALL , his kingdome : and that your intention is , that his ships which go and come into the Indies , may from henceforth be embarred and stayed from that nauigation : wherein are yearely brought into SPAINE pretious stones , spices , gold , and siluer , esteemed worth many millions , wherewith the aforesaid king as with a great treasure enriched , hath meanes to molest and trouble all other Christian princes : which if he shall still proceed to doe , he will make himselfe dayly stronger and stronger , and such an one as may not easily be weakened . After that , your aforesaid Oratour requested our Highnesse in the beginning of the next Spring to send out our imperiall fleet against him , being assured that the king of SPAINE could not be able easily to withstand it , for that he had now alreadie receiued a great ouerthrow by your fleet : and being scarce able to withstand you alone , if he should be on diuers parts inuaded , must needs be ouercome , to the great benefit of all the Christian princes , as also of our imperiall state . Besides this , that whereas the aforesaid Don Anthonio is by force driuen out and depriued of his kingdome , that we ( to the imitation of our noble progenitors of happie memorie , whose graues the Almightie lighten ) should also giue the aid and succour of our magnificent state , as did they vnto all such as had recourse vnto their high Courts and pallaces for reliefe . In briefe , all these things , with many others , which your aforesaid Oratour hath at large declared vnto our imperiall throne , we haue well vnderstood , and layed them vp in our deepe remembrance . But for as much as we for many yeares past haue made warres in PERSIA , with a full resolution and intent vtterly to conquer and subdue the kingdome of that accursed Persian hereticke , and to ioyne the same vnto our auntient dominions ; and by the grace of God and helpe of our Great Prophet , are now vpon the point for the satisfying of our desire : that once done , due prouision shall be assigned vnto all such things as you haue of vs requested or desired . Wherefore if you shall sincerely and purely continue the bond of amitie and friendship with our high Court , you shall find no more secure refuge or safer harbour of good will or loue . So at length all things shall goe well and according to your hearts desire in your warres with SPAINE , vnder the shaddow of our happie throne . And for as much as the king of SPAINE hath by fraud and deceit got whatsoeuer he holdeth , without doubt these deceitfull deceiuers shall by the power of God in short time be dispatched and taken out of the way . In the meane time we exhort you not to loose any opportunitie or time , but to be alwayes vigilant , and according to the conuentions betwixt vs , fauourable vnto our friends , and vnto our enemies a foe . And giue notice here to our high Court of all the new wars which you shall vnderstand of concerning the said king of SPAINE , for the behoofe both of your selfe and vs. To be briefe , your embassadour after he had with all care and diligence dispatched his embassage , and here left in his place one Edward Bardon his Deputie and Agent , now by our leaue maketh his returne towards your kingdome , being for the good and faithfull seruice he here did , worthie to be of you esteemed , honoured , and before others promoted : who when he hath obtained of you all those his deserued honours and preferments , let him or some other principall embassadour without delay be appointed to our imperiall Court , to continue this office of legation . This we thought good to haue you certified of vnder our most honourable Seale , whereunto you may giue vndoubted credence . From our imperiall pallace at CONSTANTINOPLE the 15 of the blessed moneth * Ramazan 1589. Yet for all these faire shewes it may seeme vnto him that looketh more neere into the state of the Turkish affaires at those times , and that which hath ensued since , that Amurath glad of the discord of these two so great Christian princes , and not yet well assured of his new conquests in PERSIA , had no great mind to the inuasion of SPAINE , as too farre from the strength of his empire , an enterprise not to be so easily managed by sea , as were the wars he shortly after vndertooke against the Christian emperour Rodolph by land : wherewith for all that ( God be thanked ) he found his hands full all the remainder of his life , as hath his sonne Mahomet that now raigneth after him , euen vnto this day . About this time also the Polonian borderers ( whom they call Cossackes ) a rough and warlike kind of people , after their wonted manner making an inrode vpon the Turkes and Tartarians , vpon the sudden surprised KOSLAVV , a port town within a daies journey of CAPPA , where they had the spoile of many rich warehouses of the Turkes marchants , and the rifling of certain ships lying there in harbour ; and hauing taken their pleasure , burnt the rest , and so with a great bootie returned to their lurking places . With which injurie the Tartars prouoked , and set on by the Turkes , to the number of fortie thousand brake into PODOLIA and the prouinces neere vnto POLONIA , and resting in no place , but burning the countrey before them , slew the poore countrey people without mercie ; and making hauocke of all that they light vpon , beside the spoile , carried away with them many thousands of most miserable captiues : the greatest part whereof for all that , the Polonians rescued , with the notable slaughter of the enemie , surprised in his returne . Whereupon such vnkindnesse rise between the Turkish emperour and Sigismund the Polonian king , that it was thought it , would haue broken out into open warres , had not the Polonian by his embassadours and the mediation of the queene of ENGLAND wisely appeased the angrie Turke , and so againe renewed his league . Amurath now at peace with the world , from which he by nature abhorred not , and sitting idle and melancholie at home , was persuaded by the Bassaes his counsellors to take some new warre in hand . For that great empires ( as they said ) could not without the continuall vse of armes long stand or continue : as appeared by the Romane state , which so long as it was at wars with CARTHAGE ▪ or their great captaines and commaunders occupied in armes against their neighbour princes , still remained triumphant , and commaunded ouer a great part of the world ; but giuing it selfe to ●ase and pleasure , and the martiall men not after their wonted manner employed , it in short time by ciuile discord fell , and of the mistresse of the world became it selfe a prey euen vnto the basest nations . Which old Cato in his great wisdome foreseeing , cried out in the Senat , That the souldiors and men of warre were to be kept still busied in armes farre from home ; for that in so doing all should goe well with the state , and the glorie thereof encrease . Wherunto the Othoman emperours , his noble progenitors , hauing respect , propounded not peace as the end of their warres ( as do other weake princes , hauing their owne forces in distrust ) but as inuincible conquerours still sowed warres vpon warres , making one victorie the beginning of another : whereby they not onely brought that their empire vnto that greatnesse it was now of , but by such continuall employment made their souldiors more couragious and readie , and also kept them from rebellions and tumults : whereunto , in time of peace and liuing at ease , these martiall men are most commonly enclined , learning ( as all others doe being doing nothing ) to doe that is euill and nought . Euery thing ( as they said ) was by the same meanes to be maintained , whereby it was at the first encreased : and that therefore great empires as they were by warres begun and augmented , so were they by continuall wars also to be from time to time established ; whereas otherwise the souldiors liuing in peace , and forgetting their martiall prowesse , would for most part grow cowardly , as giuing themselues ouer to the loue of their owne dwellings , of their wiues , and of their children , and other pleasures ; or els conuerting their studies vnto marchandise or other profitable trades , would in time forget the vse of armes , and be thereunto againe hardly drawne : vnto the great weakening of his strength both by sea and land , and the deminishing of the number of his great commaunders and expert captaines , not to be had without the continuall vse of warre . With these and such like reasons , the great Bassaes of the Court persuaded Amurath , That he must of necessitie take some new expedition in hand , and not to suffer his valiant souldiours , but now lately returned out of PERSIA , to grow lasie or insolent for lacke of employment . Which they did not so much for the loue of their prince , or zeale vnto the State , as for their own particular profit , especially the two old Bassaes Sinan and Ferrat , the enuious competitours the one of the others honour : who although they both much and almost all commaunded both in peace and warre , yet was their honours greater , and their profit farre more in commaunding of the Turkes great armies abroad , than in sitting in the Diuano at home : vnto which no lesse honourable than profitable preferment they both with like ambition aspired , accompanied with the hot desires of their great and many fauourites both at home and elsewhere . These persuasions well pleased Amurath , who although he were himselfe no souldior , yet was he desirous of new conquests , and to encrease his name : accounting it no lesse honour vnto himselfe by his seruants at his appointment to performe great things , than it was vnto his auncestours to doe that they did themselues in person . But in this so serious a matter , and of so great consequence , Amurath at the first could not tell what best to resolue vpon ; not for that he was not desirous of warres , but because he as yet certainely knew not against whom he might with greatest profit and lesse difficultie and danger conuert his forces : vpon which point his counsellors agreed not , but for diuers reasons were of diuers opinions . Which for as much as they containe matters of greatest importance of all things then in the world done , but especially concerning the profit of the Christian commonweale , I shall not thinke it vnworth my labour to set them downe in such order as I find them credibly reported : hauing moreouer in them many secrets and most weightie matters not yet come to all mens knowledge : as also opening the deuices of the Turkish tyrant against the Christian princes ; a motiue not onely for them to joyne in counsell together how to withstand him , but for the common Christian commonweales sake to forget & forgiue all their priuat displeasures , and with their vnited forces and power honorably and couragiously to make warre vpon him , and so at length by the mercie of God to ouerthrow him , together with his tyrannicall empire , the greatest terrour of our time . The great Bassaes concerning the intended warre were of eight sundrie opinions : whereof the first was , That the warres against the Persian should be renewed : the second , for the inuasion of the king of MOROCCO and FES : the third , for warre to be taken in hand against the king of SPAINE : the fourth , for the besieging againe of MALTA : the fifth , was to set vpon the Venetians : the sixt , for the inuading of some part of ITALIE : the seuenth , for the king of POLONIA : the eight and last was , for warre to be made vpon the emperour and the kingdome of HVNGARIE . With all the which aforesaid princes , except the Spaniard , although the Turke were then in league , and could not with all or any of them make warre , without the notable breach of his faith and honour : yet was that neuer made question or scruple of , but only , Which might best stand with the profit of his state for him to set vpon : his barbarous law allowing him that libertie , for the more assuring of his state or inlarging of his empire , to breake all faith and promise especially with the Christians ; not more in any thing to be pitied , than in reposing any credit or confidence in the faith of such a miscreant . The reasons the great Bassaes alleadged for the renewing of the Persian warre , were , For that the Persian king was of himselfe like to breake the league so lately with him concluded , so soone as he should know the Turkes entangled in any other warre ; moued thereunto , as well for the recouerie of his countrey to his great dishonour lost , as also in reuenge of so many and so great injuries to him of late done by the Turkish emperours . Beside that , the Christian princes would persuade him and pricke him forward thereunto : especially the Spaniard , who for the neerenesse of INDIA might without his great charge procure him so to doe , and also conueniently furnish him with great ordinance and canoniers , which it was well knowne he of late did . The countries also but lately conquered , were not yet ( as they said ) in quietnesse or safetie , and the fortresses therein but of late built , togither with the garrisons therein , to be in great danger , being for the length of the way and difficultie of the passage , not to be still speedily relieued : insomuch , that if the Persians did them no other harme , but onely to forrage and wast the countrey about them , they should bring the inhabitants into such distresse , as that those new conquered countries were againe by the defendants to be forsaken , or else they must themselues with hunger perish . True glorie ( they said ) consisted not so much in conquering , as in the vse of the conquest , and the prosecution of the happie victorie : and that therefore Amurath should take heed , that he prouoked not the wrath and indignation of the Great prophet Mahomet against him ; who hauing by his good fauour and guide obtained mo victories than any of his predecessours against the enemies of his religion , ought as a religious and deuout prince seuerely to reuenge the wrong by them done both to God and man. Vnto which religious warre Vsbeg Han the Tartar king , as also the prince of G●ILAN offered their readie helpe : as for the euent of the victorie now as good as in his hand , he was to judge by the successe of his former warres . Neither that he need to feare the Persian horsemen , although they vsed Arabian horses , being by his men many times shamefully put to flight : or yet to doubt least the Georgians in fauour of the Persians should take vp armes , for that many of them were alreadie vnder his obeisance , and subject vnto the Bassa of TEFLIS and other his commaunders ; the rest were his vassals , or else such as following the fortune of their princes , Simon and Alexander , sought after no greater matter , but contenting themselues with their own countrey , although but small , thought themselues well if they might keepe and defend the same ; by nature and situation so strong , as that there is scarce any way into it , by reason of the high and broken mountaines , the thicke woods , and strait passages . The second opinion which was deliuered , was for the transportation of his warres into AFFRICKE against the king of MOROCCO , commonly called the Seriphe : and that for these causes most , It would be a great shame and reproach ( as they said ) vnto the Othoman empire , that it was not yet able to subdue these Moores and people of AFFRICKE , in number but few : neither was it lesse shame or dishonour vnto the Othoman emperours , to haue so small a territorie in AFRICA , being the third part of the world , which by reason of the neerenesse vnto ITALIE , had long time held wars with the Romans . Beside that , ALGIERS and TVNES could neuer be safely kept by the Turkes ; neither that the subjects and pyrats which inhabited those cities would euer be content or at quiet , vntill they had againe got that kingdome into their hands . The promontorie of AGVERO and port of LARACE ( two ports without the straits ) were ( as they said ) to be taken , as places verie commodious for the Turks friends , seeking in those seas after bootie , and for the securing of their trade . And although the Seriphe were himselfe a Mahometane , and held his kingdome as a tributarie vnto the Othoman empire ; yet had he secret intelligence with the Spaniard and the knights of MALTA , whereby they not long since had vpon the sudden almost surprised TRIPOLIS , he in the meane time as it were winking thereat . And that although the Spaniard possessed in AFFRICKE , MARASCHEBIR , ORAN , PEGNON , TANGER , A●ZILLA , MAZAGA , CEVTE or SEPTA , places whereby he might helpe and assist the Moores ; yet might his force and attempts by a strong fleet be easily hindred , and SPAINE it selfe infested . Beside that , the Spaniards had yet in such fresh remembrance the losse of TVNES and GVLETTA ( places by them thought inexpugnable , and yet by Sinan Bassa to his immortall praise taken ) as that they would not for the Moores sake easily seeme to attempt any thing against the Turkes . The third opinion was concerning the war to be made against them of MALTA , which was by a strong fleet to be performed : for that the gallies of MALTA did daily great hurt , as well vnto the Turkes merchants , as vnto such as for deuotion sake trauelled by sea vnto MECHA . And that therefore the warre was thither to be transferred , not onely for religions sake and to assecure the passage thither from the incursions of the Malteses , but also in reuenge of the old and late injuries by them done ; and especially to blot out the infamie and disgrace which the Great Sultan Solyman had incurred , at such time as he had in vaine besieged that island , and to requi●e the losse by him there sustained . Beside that , they also alleadged the common complaints of the subjects : for that there were many which pitiously lamented the miserie and calamitie , some of their friends , some their kinsfolke , whom they knew to liue in most wofull seruitude with those knights , and whom they most earnestly desired to haue now set at libertie : complaining , his subjects to haue been so farre from suffering of any such things from those knights in the time of his auncestors , as that contrariwise they themselues were by them driuen out of the island of the RHODEES , the strongest bulwarke of the Christian common-weale toward the East . Being moreouer worthie also to be chastised , for that they had holpen the rebellious Moores with all kind of munition , and had themselues attempted to haue surprised MODON . In the fourth place were they which were of opinion , that it were best for him to make war vpon the king of SPAINE . These men alleadged it to be impossible for the Turkish empire to aspire vnto the Monarchie of the whole world ( whereunto all the Turkes actions and deuises were alwaies as at a certaine marke directed ) except the Spaniard his great strength and power were first weakened , wherein he seemed to surpasse all other the Christian kings and princes : and that there was no feare least he should besiege ALGIERS , which he knew to be now much better fortified than it was in the time of the emperour Charles the fifth . And that although the Spaniards without ceasing besought their king for the vndertaking of that expedition , by reason of the new losses and harmes which they daily receiued from the pyrats of AFRICA ; yet would he not hearken vnto their request , for feare of the danger imminent both to himselfe and his subjects from the enemies fleet , which he should in so doing draw into the Spanish seas : neither would the Spanish gallies easily come into the Turkes countries in the East , for being too farre from their owne countrey , which for the most part stood in need of their helpe . And that the king of SPAINE was with the multitude of his businesse , or other his vrgent affaires still so hindred , as that he could not suddenly put in execution what his counsell for the wars should decree . As also how much it was to be gathered by that which happened not long since at PREVEZA and NAVARINVM , That the Spaniards shunned the Othoman forces : as also how warily the king delt in all his affaires , least at length against his will he should be enforced to enter into warres with the Turke , was most manifest ; as was to be seene when as of late about the end of the Persian warre , he refused to giue aid vnto the Persian king whom he might haue holpen , and was so before wont to doe . And in case that he would stand vpon his guard , and by force seeke to repell force ; yet should he scarce haue so much strength as ( beside those wars which he now maketh in diuers places ) to be able to vndertake also a new warre , and to find so many souldiors , with so much coine and other things necessarie for so great a war. It stood him in hand ( as they said ) to defend the low countries , and to recouer againe the prouinces there lost , which of themselues wonderfull strong , both by reason of the sea and the multitude of the riuers , were also with wonderfull courage and pertinacie defended by the inhabitants , for their libertie and religions sake . Whereunto the English ( at deadly hatred with the Spaniard ) might many waies giue great helpe , if they should inuade PORTINGAL , or with their ships lie in wait for his Indian fleet , or make incursions into other his kingdomes , as they did not long since at the GROINE and CADEZ ; places most fit to trouble SPAINE , and to hinder his traffique into the Indies or other places . Beside that , he was at that time so entangled with his warres in FRANCE , as that he could scarce find how to dispatch himselfe thereof , without the losse of his honour and credit . And admit he should make peace with the aforesaid princes , in such sort as that he should not frō thenceforth from them receiue any harme ; yet were other means to be sought and taken in hand for his farther disturbance ; as by troubling his rich trade for spices and other merchandise , whereof he receiueth great profit ; as also if need were , by driuing his ships out of the Persian gulfe , by the helpe of those gallies which still lie at road at POSSIDIVM , which we now call SVEZ . And that the fortresses and strong holds he there possesseth , were to be set vpon ▪ and if it might be taken from him ; as was once attempted against the Portingals at DIV and ORMVZ : the like whereof Alfonsus Albuquercius ( the king of PORTINGAL his viceroy in INDIA ) attempted , when as with his light horsemen running through that countrey , he thought vpon the sudden to haue spoyled MECHA , and to haue robbed the Sepulchre of Mahomet ( as had happened vnder the empire of the Sultans ) and as Traian the emperour had long since in like manner attempted to rage and spoile . Those places which he possessed in AFFRICKE were ( as they said ) to be set vpon , and the coast of SPAINE towards the Mediterranean to be infested ▪ so at length to gratifie the Moores his subjects , who still instantly requested the same , that so they might more safely traffique and trauell , and that so the Moores might at length be deliuered from the imperious commaund of the Spaniards : of which exploit Sultan Selymus lately before dead , was in his life time well persuaded ; but might now at this time be much more commodiously done , for that th● Moorish nation was now greatly increased , and much oppressed by the Spaniards ; and hauing got great wealth by the trade of merchandise , euen by nature and religion had conceiued a mortall hatred against the Spaniards : whereunto might not a little auaile the por●● in AFFRICKE ▪ whereinto the Turkes fleet might at all times in safetie retire . And in briefe , that which was of greatest importance to the better successe of this war , the French king and the queene of ENGLAND , had of their owne accord promised the continuation of their warres , and that the French king should inuade NAVARRE , and by force of armes recouer the right he pretended vnto that kingdome ; whilest in the meane time , the queene of ENGLAND should not only trouble him in the West Indies , and other places of the Ocean towards the North and the West , but might also stirre vp new broiles in the kingdome of PORTINGAL , where most part of the people with great impatiencie beare the prowd commaund of the Spaniard : as persuaded ( and that truly ) all their prosperitie and quietnesse to haue been lost , togither with their last king their true and lawfull soueraigne . For he at peace with the kings of FRANCE and ENGLAND , exceedingly thereby enriched his subjects by traffique : whereas since they fell into the hands of the Spaniard , they daily complaine of their new losses and dangers by reason of his perpetuall wars . Moreouer , that there was to be found great store of exiled Spaniards dispersed here and there , which being malecontent and wearie of the Spanish gouernment , were fled not only out of PORTINGAL , but euen out of ARAGON & other parts of his kingdome : which now liuing in FRANCE , ENGLAND , and CONSTANTINOPLE , both secretly and openly liberally offered great helpes : the like whereof many of the Moores also promised . All which togither seemed to promise a most easie expedition and certaine victorie , if any should vpon the sudden inuade SPAINE ; for that there was almost no vse of armes , the inhabitants at home seldome times exercising themselues therein ; neither in places needfull hauing any ordinarie garrisons , and but few horses fit for seruice . And that in fine it was to be considered , SPAINE to be greatly bared of men which knew how valiantly and couragiously to mannage armes , for the often choise they make of them , which are almost daily transported into the Indies , ITALIE , and the Low countries , whereby the strength of his countrey must needs be exceedingly impaired : so that if they should be inuaded with any strong and mightie armie , they might seeme hardly able to be holpen or defended by their owne people , but should need of the aid and helpe of the other neere prouinces subject vnto this kingdome : which if they should be either letted or stay to come in good time , they should leaue so much the more easie victorie vnto their enemies . In the fift place were they which went about to persuade Amurath to breake his league with the Venetians , vsing reasons rather probable than true ; although they might seeme vnto the Turkes lesse doubtfull , for that men easily and willingly beleeue such things as they themselues desire . These men went about to proue no expedition to be of lesse difficultie than this , as judging of things present by the euent of former warres passed ; wherein the Turks had alwaies taken something from the Venetians : who to redeeme their peace , were diuers waies enforced to satisfie the Turks . That the Venetian common-weale was affraid of the Turkes and abhorred warre , was manifest they said in that , that in all actions it had propounded vnto it selfe peace , as the end thereof ; and after the manner of their auncestors , neuer entred into warres ; but enforced thereunto : and would happily vpon the first denouncing of warres , willingly depart with certaine places forfeare of greater harme , or to be vtterly ouercome , as it appeared they did in the yeelding vp of CYPRVS . The power and force whereof was not so great , as that it could alone stand against the great Sultan : and to confederat it selfe with others , would require no small delay , for the great and many difficulties which commonly vsed to arise in making of leagues ; not being now so conjoyned with the Spaniard as in times past , of whose aid it being of late destitute , was constrained to make an hard peace with Selymus . And if so be the Spaniard would needs joyne himselfe vnto the Venetians against the Turkes , yet that he could by no meanes affourd vnto them such aid and supplies as were of necessitie to be required vnto so great a war , he himselfe being in his warres otherwise so entangled : as for all other confederation they could make without him , to be but weake and to no purpose . That which the Pope could do herein to be but little : for albeit he should according to his dutie exhort other Christian princes to giue aid , and to stirre them vp vnto this warre , yet that beside some little supplie of mony hardly drawne out of his owne cofers and the ecclesiasticall reuenues , he could scarcely performe any thing more ; or when he had done his vttermost deuoire , could but joyne fiue gallies of his owne vnto the Venetian fleet : which with the gallies of the duke of SAVOY , of the knights of MALTA , and of the Florentines , could but make a fleet of some twentie gallies , which was but a small matter . Besides that the Turkes were persuaded , that betwixt the Venetian state and the other Christian princes was no such friendship and good agreement , as the greatnesse of the imminent danger of that warre , and as the necessitie of the cause would require : and that hitherto their treasures had beene so exhausted in paying the debt they were run into in the last warre , and in building of fortresses , that happily they were not now so furnished with coyne , as was requisit for the defraying of so great a warre . And vnto this warre against the Venetians , consented almost all the Visier Bassaes , differing only in this , Where or against what place of the Venetian territorie this warre were to be first begun : some naming one place , and some another ( for diuers reasons them therunto leading ) which for breuitie we passe ouer . Othersome of the Bassaes in the sixt place , rejecting all the former opinions concerning the warre to be taken in hand , would haue had all the forces of the Othoman empire , as well by land as sea , to haue beene conuerted against ITALIE : for that otherwise the Turkes should neuer come vnto the Monarchie of the whole world ( whereunto as at a marke they had directed all their actions ) except they did first subdue ITALIE . For that this countrey , as the centre of the whole world , was wont to giue both counsell and aid vnto the rest of the limbes , whereby the deuices of others were crossed : and that the Romanes had at length commaunded ouer all the world , especially for that they held in possession this countrey . Hereat did the Hunnes , the Alani and Gothes , the Vandales , the Frenchmen , Spaniards , and Sara●ins , direct all their thoughts and cogitations . In fine they concluded , That no expedition could be taken in hand more honourable or profitable than this : for that ITALIE was as a queene amongst other prouinces , for commodious situation , the wholesomenesse of the aire , the plentie of all things necessarie for mans life , for great , faire , and most rich cities , for the auntient glorie and majestie of the Romane empire , and many other causes also . Neither that this expedition was to be deemed of much difficultie , for that ITALIE was vnder the rule of diuers princes , vnto whose commaund most of their subjects vnwillingly obeyed : as also for that the inhabitants of that countrey had now for many yeares liued in continuall peace , and were therefore the more effeminat and fearefull , and so vnfit for the warres : and that if that expedition were in one or diuers places taken in hand before the corne were full ripe , the Turkes in that so fruitfull a countrey could neuer want necessaries for them to liue vpon ; whereas the inhabitants in great number wanting the same , and shut vp within the wals and fortifications of their cities and strong townes , should be brought into extreame wants : which was the more euidently to bee seene , for that at this time wherein they were at peace , they had not corne sufficient in the countrey for such a multitude of people to liue vpon , but were glad to haue it brought vnto them from other places , especially from PELOPONESVS , CONSTANTINOPLE , and the cities vpon the coast of the great Ocean . Furthermore , that it was to be considered , That most part of the Italians liued by no other meanes than by their handie labour , or the trade of marchandise ; of which meanes if they were depriued , they should in short time be brought to that point , as to be glad to accept of such conditions as the victor should propound vnto them , or as tributaries to submit themselues vnto the Othoman gouernment . Neither that the souldiors would vnwillingly be drawne vnto that war ; for that they were not to passe through barren regions of the enemie , frosen with yse , or desolate , either by rough woods or inaccessible mountains ; but were all the way thither to trauell throgh their owne country , and as it were in the sight of their own houses : and if the Turks could oftentimes enter so farre , when as they had their confines more remote , and their passages more difficult , that the same might now much more easily be effected , when as they had a far greater opportunitie , and their enemies so neere at hand . The seuenth opinion was theirs , which thought it best to haue the war transferred into POLONIA , and from thence into HVNGARIE and GERMANIE : for which they alleadged these reasons . First , for that they thought it a disgrace vnto the majestie and reputation of the Othoman empire , That the king of POLONIA had somtime refused to pay his tribute due ( for so the Turks account of all such presents as are vnto their Sultan vsually sent by their neighbour princes , of courtesie ) and that therefore he was by force of armes to be compelled thereunto . Which they thought would the more easily be obtained , for that there was much secret hatred and heart-burning amongst the Polonian nobilitie . Neither that it would be any difficult or dangerous warre to bee taken in hand : for as much as POLONIA was confined with MOLDAVIA , the Tartars , and the Sanzacks of ACHERMAN , BENDERA , and VOSIA : and moreouer , for that the Turkes could neuer haue any assured or full possession of MOLDAVIA or VALACHIA , except the insolencie of the Polonians were repressed ; the Vayuods of which countries , when they had enriched themselues with much wealth , vsed still to flie into the kingdome of POLONIA . Besides that , they should thereby reuenge themselues for the injuries done them by the Cossackes , and haue more free and safe trafficke into MVSCOVIE , and bring a terrour vpon the duke of MVSCOVIE , by reason of the nighnesse of the country : which great duke was an impediment vnto the Othoman emperour , that he conquered not the whole kingdome of PERSIA . And when they had by this meanes by little and little drawne neere vnto GERMANIE , happily it might so come to passe , as that the Christian emperor should thereby receiue some notable losse , his empire being still more and more exposed and enuironed with the Turks forces & garrisons . POLONIA they said to be a plaine and open countrey , neither to haue any strong places for to withstand them , and the inhabitants to haue small skill in martiall affaires , for that they had now long liued in peace . For as for the war that they had with Maximilian the Archduke of AVSTRIA , it continued not long : and king Stephen in the late wars he had with the Muscouite , vsed for most part the Hungarian souldiors , and ended those wars rather by besieging than fighting . They which in the eight and last place deliuered their opinions concerning the intended war ; persuaded , to haue it conuerted vpon the Christian emperour ; whom the Turks call the king of VIENNA . The causes they alledged for the beginning of this warre was , For that the Vscocchi were growne so insolent as to make good prise of the Turkes both by sea and land ; in such sort ; as that not onely for the harmes which they did , but euen for the majestie and honour of the Othoman empire , their insolencie was not longer to be suffered . By whose injuries it was especially brought to passe , that the marchants to their great hinderance in priuat , and the Sultans great losse in common , hauing left the towne of NARENTA or NARONA in the Turkes dominion , had remoued their mart to SALONA ( now called SPALATO ) a towne of the Venetians : and that yet for all that was not so sufficiently prouided for the securitie of the said marchants , although there were peace betwixt the emperour and the Venetians : for that these vnruly men for most part liuing vpon the spoyle , troubled all both by sea and land with their robberies , driuing away mens cattell , burning the villages , and taking away the young babes out of the mothers armes and laps . Whereby it was easily to be seene , what mind they were of : and that it was not to be doubted , but that if occasion should serue for them to surprise any of the Turkes strong holds vpon the frontiers , they would with all their power attempt the same : which what a dishonour and infamie ( not to speake of the losse ) it would be vnto the whole Othoman empire , euery man might easily ghesse . Neither that it was vnknowne how little the Christian emperor had esteemed of the Turke , at such time as he was in warres with the Persian , paying his tribute too late at his pleasure ; an euident signe rather of violating tha● of establishing the league . And that the good successe of this warre was not to be deemed either difficult or doubtfull : for that the attempt might be giuen both by CROATIA , HVNGARIE , and AVSTRIA , countries abounding with all things necessarie for the maintenance of a great armie ; as also for that they were almost to trauell all the way in the Turkes owne territorie . Beside that , the chiefe fortresses of HVNGARIE , namely BELGRADE , BVDA , and ALBA REGALIS , with many other strong places , were alreadie holden by the Turkes garrisons , whither their armies might in all cases of extremitie in safetie retire , or out of the same garrisons repaire their losses , if any should be . The Romane empire ( as they said ) was more desirous of peace than war ; and the princes , of nothing more carefull than how to heape vp and preserue their treasures : and the people of GERMANIE for that of long they had had no warres , to be lesse fit now to beare armes , and worse to be commaunded by their captaines ; alwayes hauing in distrust the Hungarians , the Italians , and Spaniards , for that those nations are not beloued , but rather hated of the Germans , being not at vnitie among themselues , but deuided , especially about matters of religion . Neither that it was to bee feared , least forraine princes should giue aid vnto the emperour in this warre . The Polonian and Transyluanian to liue now in peace with the Turke , and therfore would by no meanes turne the heat of this warre into their owne bosomes : as also for that the Polonians were afraid , least in so doing they should be driuen out of their countrey , and enforced to remoue themselues toward the frosen sea : and the Transyluanian hauing receiued his soueraignetie from the Turke , no lesse in feare ( if he should so doe ) to be of him againe stript and spoyled of the same ▪ As for the king of SPAINE , although he were of such power , as might affourd vnto the house of AVSTRIA great aid , yet that he was in other places now too much busied : and that the bishop of ROME could not in all places be readie to serue his turne : the princes of ITALIE would not spend their subjects and treasures to pleasure another man : and that the Venetian State would not rashly stirre vp the Turkes armes against themselues , but rather at ease expect the euent of the warre than to entangle themselues with other mens dangers . These were the chiefe opinions of the great Bassaes concerning the warre to be taken in hand , not so much proceeding from any ripe or sound aduice ( as commonly they doe ) but rather from a certaine barbarous insolencie and contempt of others , wherewith they moued , doe oftentimes vainely persuade them of the easie performance of diuers expeditions : which in proofe they find to be not onely most difficult , but vnto themselues also most pernitious . In this so great diuersitie of opinions stood Amurath , of long in doubt what to resolue vpon : desirous he was in all places to shew his power , and ( if it were possible ) to exceed the glorie of his predecessours , as he thought himselfe to haue alreadie done in PERSIA ; hauing as he boasted , by his seruants there performed more than they could themselues in person with their mightie armies . Wherefore contenting himselfe with that he had alreadie done in the East , hee resolued now to turne his forces against the Christian emperour towards the West , and that for diuers respects . First , it grieued him to see the honour of the house of AVSTRIA , and that it durst to make head against him : besides that , to make warre vpon a countrey confining vpon his owne , would be a thing of farre lesse difficultie than was the Persian war , where his armies were now still to be led through his owne peaceable countries , from whence they were to bee at all times plentifully relieued with victuals and whatsoeuer els they needed . In which opinion he was also confirmed by Sinan Bassa ; who hauing in vaine persuaded him to haue made warre against the Venetians , furthered now this warre , in hope thereby to recouer his credit and reputation , ( before greatly empaired abroad by the litle he did in PERSIA ; as also at CONSTANTINOPLE , by the discord betwixt him and Ferat Bassa , commonly called the Blacke Serpent ) as also to encrease his wealth and riches : which shortly after sorted to his desire , being by the great Sultan Amurath appointed Generall for those wars . But aboue all others , Hassan Bassa of BOSNA furthered this matter , in hope thereby to haue gained great riches ( as the Turkes manner is ) together with the greatest honours of the field , as hee was most vainely persuaded by his cold prophets , to whom he gaue no small credit . He therefore daily certified Amurath of the harmes which the Vscocchi and other the Archduke his seruants and subjects did vpon the frontiers of his territories : telling him of their burnings , spoylings , and robbings , inciting him to begin his warre in CROATIA , and so to continue the same either against the emperour , or the Venetians , or els vpon the sudden that way to breake into ITALIE , as had sometime the like beene done in the time of Mahomet , Baiazet ▪ and Solyman , his noble progenitours : whereby to bring a great terrour vpon all the princes of ITALIE , and to enrich his souldiors with rich spoyles . By which his importunitie he ( as a most mortall enemie not onely vnto the house of AVSTRIA , but vnto all Christendome ) got leaue to begin those stirres in the frontiers of the empire , which were first fatall vnto himselfe , and haue euer since euen vntill this day notably exercised the armes of these two last Othoman emperours Amurath and Mahomet ; as also the Christian emperour , with others his friends and confederats . Yet vnto this leaue granted vnto the Bassa , was this condition at the first annexed , That he should not seeme to doe it by the commaundement of Amurath , but of himselfe , vnder colour to restraine the Vscocchi ; who as well by land as by sea ( as he pretended ) spoiled both the Christians and Turks , by the great libertie of the princes of AVSTRIA , hauing small care to chasten them . Now was it no great matter for Hassan Bassa to doe what Amurath his great lord and master had commaunded , for the disturbing of the peace betwixt him and the Christian emperour : the Turkes leagues with their neighbour princes being seldome so religiously kept , but that as well their souldiors in garrison vpon their frontiers by land , as their aduenturers by sea , might to keepe themselues doing , vpon a militarie insolencie ( as the Turkes tearme it ) now and then at their pleasures make incursions for bootie both by sea and land : which answered with the like from their neighbours so molested , there neuer wanted new grieuances and just causes of complaint , to the stirring vp of greater troubles , euen amongst the greatest princes . The Venetians thus wronged at sea , and their merchants robbed ; by their embassadours complained at CONSTANTINOPLE of the injuries done them by the Turkes pyrats , requiring to haue them called home , and justice done vpon them . In like manner the emperour also , seeing many things both this yeare and the next attempted by Hassan Bassa in CROATIA , and the other Turkes in HVNGARIE , contrarie to the league , to the great disturbance of his subjects in both those countries , by his embassadour then lying at CONSTANTINOPLE , complained of these outrages , desiring to know whether they were done by the consent and knowledge of Amurath or not ; and if not , then to require that order might be taken for the restraining thereof : which was accordingly done , and those incursions for a while staied , and the former peace continued . Amurath still making shew as if he were willing that the league agreed vpon for eight yeares , should not be in any wise on his part infringed . At which time the Persian kings sonne ( the league not long before concluded ) died in the Turkes Court , where he lay in hostage : whose dead bodie Amurath caused to be honorably sent home to his father into PERSIA : with an Apologie in defence of himselfe , against the suspition conceiued by some , that he should haue beene the cause of the vntimely death of that young prince ; still vrging withall the confirmation of the league , which by the death of the prince was like enough to haue been broken . Whereof Amurath was the more desirous , for that persuaded by his Bassaes ( as is aforesaid ) to make warres with the emperour ( although he notably dissembled the same ) he was in hope thereby to adde vnto his empire the reliques of HVNGARIE , with some good part of the territories of the house of AVSTRIA also , and so to open himselfe a way into the heart of GERMANIE . For which purposes he now caused very great preparation to be made , and a strong armie to be raised : and at the same time put a great fleet of gallies into the Archipelago for the safetie of his islands in that sea . According to these designments , the Bassa of BOSNA , by the commandement of Amurath , with an armie of fiftie thousand entred into CROATIA , and without resistance burnt and destroied the countrey before him , sparing nothing that came in his way ▪ And not so contented , laid siege to the citie of WIHITZ , being the metropoliticall citie of that countrey , strongly situat as it were in an island , compassed about with the riuer Yna : Which citie , after he had sore battered , and twise assaulted , was by the distressed defendants ( now despairing of reliefe , and vnable longer to hold it out ) yeelded vnto the Bassa vpon composition , That the Germain souldiors there in garrison , might in safetie with bagge and baggage depart ; and that such of the Christian citisens as would , might there still remain without hurt from the Turks , either in bodie or goods . Which conditions the Bassa faithfully performed to the garrison souldiors , whom in number but foure hundred , he sent with safe conuoy into their owne territorie : but afterwards contrarie to his faith and promise , exercised all manner of Turkish tyrannie vpon the poore citisens . The emperour troubled with this vnexpected inuasion of the Turkes , sent the lord Petzen ( whom he had many times employed in embassages to the Turke ) to pray aid of the Germain princes against the common enemie : who according to the greatnesse of the danger , in large tearmes promised their helpe . The first that made head , was Ernestus archduke of AVSTRIA , the emperours brother ; who with fiue thousand souldiors came from VIENNA to SAVARIA , commonly called GREIS , the Metropolis of STIRIA : to whom repaired daily more strength out of CARINTHIA . In the meane time , the Turkes armie daily encreasing in CROATIA , enclosed six thousand footmen , and fiue hundred horsemen of the Christians , who had taken the mountaines , woods , and strait passages , and so straitly beset them , that of all that number few escaped with life : amongst whom many valiant souldiors and expert captaines were slaine ; namely , Iames Prants , George Plesbach , and Iohn Weluerdurff . The Bassa after the barbarous manner of the Turkes , to make his victorie more famous , laded six wagons with the heads of the slaine Christians . The Turkes thus raging in CROATIA , brought a generall feare vpon all HVNGARIE , BAVARIA , BOHEMIA , STIRIA , CARINTHIA , SILESIA , and the rest of the prouinces thereabouts . Whereupon the emperour calling togither the States of SILESIA and MORAVIA , declared vnto them the imminent danger ; persuading them to joyne their forces with the rest , for the repulsing of so dangerous an enemie , and so imminent a danger . After long delay , Ernestus the archduke ( the tenth of August ) came to the emperour his brother , with the embassadour of HVNGARIE ; and the seauenth day after were called togither the embassadours of the kingdomes and prouinces of the empire , where it was throughly debated , how the Turkes were to be resisted , and their attempts infringed ; as also from whence ; forces ▪ money , and other warlike prouision was to be raised . For now it was manifestly seene , that longer to delay the matter was dangerous : and the rather , for that the Beglerbeg ( or great commaunder ) of GRaeCIA , with threescore thousand select souldiors both horse and foot , of long time exercised in the Persian warres , was ere long expected ; who joyning with the rest of the Turkes armie , might doe great matters both in HVNGARIE and the places adjoyning . For preuenting of which so great and manifest dangers , they sat daily in counsell at PRAGE , yea oftentimes euen from morning vntill night : for the Hungarians , and especially the lord Nadasti , a most noble & valiant gentleman amongst them , instantly vrged to haue succours sent into HVNGARIE ; for as much as the Turkish emperour , if he should get into his hands the rest of the townes and castles yet holden by the Christians in HVNGARIE , it was to be feared least he should in short time after endanger the whole State of GERMANIE : the strength whereof the Turke feared not so much , as hee did those poore reliques of HVNGARIE . Others were no lesse carefull of the dangers of CROATIA and STIRIA , as more proper to themselues , the enemie now there raging . In these so great dangers , the Hungarians with the rest of the distressed , cried vpon the emperour for helpe ; and he likewise called vpon the princes of the empire . Diuers assemblies were made in BOHEMIA , HVNGARIE , MORAVIA , SILESIA , and the other prouinces of the emperours , and embassadours sent from almost all the Germane princes to the emperour : all was full of consultation , but as for helpe , that came in verie slowly ; yet such as was to be had , was forthwith sent into CROATIA , to defend the fortresses there against the farther attempts and proceedings of the furious enemie . The eighteenth of September , the Turkes with all warlike prouision , vpon the sudden by night assaulted the strong castle of TOCCAY in the vpper HVNGARIE , in hope to haue surprised it : but finding it a matter of more difficultie than they had before imagined , they departed thence , and attempted the lesser COMARA , which standing in a marrish ground , was also easily defended . At which time also the Bassa of BVDA , with his power entred into the frontiers of the Christians , but hauing well viewed the cities , townes , castles , and forts vpon those borders , and finding nothing for his purpose , he without any thing doing returned againe to BVDA . The six and twentith day of September , Hassan the Bassa of BOSNA encamped with his army betwixt the riuers of Kulp and Sauus , and in the darknesse of the night passing ouer part of his armie into TVROPOLIS , with fire and sword most miserably spoiled all that pleasant and fertile island ; the lord Bonny to whom the keeping thereof was committed , labouring in vaine to defend the same . About the end of this moneth , the Bassa of ZIGET , with the Sanzackes of MOHAS , KOPPAN , and QVINQVE ECCLESIae , and other Turkes of great name , came with a strong armie , and encamped betweene ZIGET and RODESTO . And shortly after newes was brought to the emperours Court , that KANYSIA a citie of STIRIA ( not farre from the riuer Zala ) was hardly besieged by the enemie , and that the Turks in comming thither had taken many Christians captiues , whom they had sent to be sold at CONSTANTINOPLE ; and that there was in the Turks armie about an hundred & threescore thousand men . But for as much as the Christian armie daily encreased also , and was now grown to the number of threescore thousand , men began to hope well , that the enemies rage would be staied from any farther proceeding . About the same time Ernestus the archduke appointed Generall of the armie , with the Marquesse ( sonne to Ferdinand the archduke ) his lieutenant , came both vnto the armie . In these preparations , about the beginning of October heauie newes was brought vnto the emperours Court , how that seauen thousand men whom he but a little before had sent into CROATIA , vnder the conduct of Thomas Artelius Beane , George Gleichspacher , and Dionysius Denke , to hinder the course of the Turks proceedings , being encamped betwixt WIHITZ and CAROLSTAT ; and hauing the twelfth of September discouered from an high hill certaine companies of the Turks ( which were in deed of purpose come thither to view the armie of the Christians ) sent out fiftie horsemen to discouer the Turkes armie where it lay , and what it attempted . Who finding no mo of the Turkes than those whom they had before seene from the mountaine , returned againe vnto the armie with such simple intelligence : whereunto the Christians giuing credit , became secure in their tents , as men out of feare of the enemie , and so kept but negligent watch . But in this their so great securitie , the enemie on a sudden came vpon them ; and with an hundred thousand men brake into their trenches : where the Christian footmen for all that , for the space of foure houres , maintained a notable fight , wherein many were on both sides slaine . But the poore Christians being beset round , and oppressed with the multitude of their enemies , were there slaine almost all : yet the captaines seeing the danger , by speedie flight saued their liues ; for which their cowardise and carelesse negligence , they were afterwards apprehended and beheaded . Almost all the common souldiors were there slaine : yea such as fell aliue into the hand of the enemie , were most cruelly cut in pieces . The spoile also of the tents of the Christians , fell vnto the enemie : wherein beside aboundance of other things , they found sixtie thousand dollers , brought but two daies before from LINTZ for the souldiors pay . The Turkes after their barbarous manner , in ostentation of their victorie , laded fourteene wagons with the heads of the slaine Christians , which they sent vnto diuers of their places thereabouts . This was indeed a great victorie , but gained by the Turks with much bloud : for the Christians fighting as men desperat , slew of their enemies aboue twelue thousand , and died themselues as men rather with number oppressed , than with true valour vanquished . The night following , the Turks vpon the sudden in the dead time of the night , surprised the castle of S. George , and without respect of age or sex cruelly put to the sword all them that were therein , except an hundred and fiftie persons whom they carried away captiues ; and so setting the castle on fire , departed . At the same time , diuers companies of the Turkes were seene about SISEG , who led away with them about six hundred Christians into most miserable captiuitie . And that nothing might be wanting vnto the calamities of this so miserable a wasted countrey : three hundred wagons charged with all manner of prouision sent out of the prouinces thereby for the reliefe of the garrison souldiors in CROATIA , were all intercepted by the Turkes , and so carried away . The emperour considering these proceedings of the Turkes , and that their strength daily encreased , gaue notice by writing to all the princes and states of the empire , what incursions the Turkes had of late made into CROATIA and the frontiers of HVNGARIE , with other places neere vnto them : and that the Beglerbeg of GRaeCIA , with the Bassaes of BOSNA , BVDA , and TEMESVVAR , without regard of the league yet in force , had taken diuers cities , townes , castles , and strong places , and so extended the bounds of their dominion aboue fortie Germane miles , hauing slaine or carried away into captiuitie the poore inhabitants of those countries ; and now to be growne to that height of pride , that except their farther proceedings were with like forces repressed , they would in short time set foot into GERMANIE it selfe , and possessing themselues of STIRIA and CARINTHIA , would from thence daily more and more encroach vpon the empire ; which to hinder was not in his power onely , but required their helpe in generall : wherefore he requested them now at length , in so publike a danger to open their cofers , and to send out their forces against the common enemie . Which request of the emperors , with the due consideration of so great a danger , moued not only the princes and states of the empire , but others also farther off , to yeeld liberall contribution vnto so necessarie and generall a cause . The Turkes now hearing of the great preparation of the Christian princes , beside the armie which was alreadie in the field ; and that they had made a strong bridge ouer the riuer of Drauus , which they had also fortified , thereby in safetie at their pleasure to transport their armie : without further delay furnished such places as they had gotten with strong garrisons , and so withdrew themselues into their owne territorie : which they did the rather , for that the plague then raged sore in CONSTANTINOPLE , insomuch that there died a thousand a day . Which contagion had also taken hold of the Turkish armie : so that the Christians for feare of infection forthwith slew what Turke soeuer fell into their hands . And thus ended the troubles of this year , being but as it were an introduction for greater to ensue the yeare following . The Turks together with the beginning of the new yeare began also their wonted incursions into the frontiers of the Christians . They of the garrison of PETRINIA ( a strong for t but lately and contrarie to the league built by the Turkes vpon the riuer Colapis or Kulp , for the further inuasion of CROATIA ) made dayly excursions out of that new fort , and entering into the island TVROPOLIS , spoyled and burnt the towne and castle of B●CK VOCHOBINAM , and hauing made a great slaughter , carried away with them foure hundred prisoners . And in HVNGARIE , the Turkish garrisons to supplie their wants , made diuers rodes vpon the Christians ; and did exceeding much harme ; of which aduenturers six hundred in passing ouer the frosen lake , were all drowned in the midst thereof . In another place three thousand of them neere vnto NVHVSE , deuided themselues into two companies , whereof the one shewed it selfe in the sight of the townesmen , the other still lying close in ambush : They of the towne vpon the sight of these Turkes sallied out , and causing them to retire , followed them so far , that they were past the place where the rest of the Turkes lay : who presently starting vp , ran with all speed toward the towne in hope to haue surprised it , and wanted not much of that they desired : for there was scarce an hundred of the Germanes there in garrison left in the towne , who had scarce so much time as to draw vp the bridges : which done , they with the great ordinance from the wals enforced the Turkes to retire and forsake the towne . About the same time also the Turkes in garrison at PETRINIA sallying out vpon the sudden , tooke the towne of MARTENIZE , which they spoyled ; and hauing slaine and taken about seuen hundred persons , set fire on the towne , and so returned , hauing lost in this exploit not past an hundred and fiftie of their owne men . Not long after , the same garrison souldiours of PETRINIA tooke another castle , three miles distant from the riuer of Kulp , whereinto the Christians dwelling round about , had for feare of the enemie conueyed all their wealth with great store of victuals : all which the Turkes tooke , and hauing slaine six hundred men in the castle , returned with an exceeding rich bootie to PETRINIA : which they bought , with the liues of fiue hundred of their fellowes , slaine in taking of the castle . With like insolencie did also the other garrisons of the Turkes rage in all the other part of HVNGARIE . About CASSOVIA , in the vpper HVNGARIE , they carried away about three hundred Christian captiues : and in the nether part of HVNGARIE they tooke the strong castle of S. Hedwig vpon the lake of Balaton , which they spoyled and burnt : and so likewise the castle of ISNA : but attempting the lesser COMARA , they were by the garrison souldiors valiantly repulsed . They also fortified the castle of STOCKE , which they had but a little before taken , that so it might serue for a safe refuge for their aduenturers . Which their manifold outrages , contrarie to the league , euidently declared the desire they had to begin that bloudie warre which presently after ensued : and was indeed the more suspected , for that at the same time the emperours embassadour Fredericke Crocowitts was by the commaundement of Amurath shut vp close in his house at CONSTANTINOPLE , and not suffered to speake with any man , neither to write or to send any messenger to the emperour : which caused him the more to suspect some great matter to be by the Turke entended , and therfore began to raise new forces . The Hungarians and Bohemians also seeing their townes and castles thus taken , their prouinces spoyled , infinit numbers of people led away into captiuitie , and the enemie dayly encreasing in strength : at length agreed , vpon their owne charges to maintaine a certaine number both of horse and foot , for the repressing of these the Turkish incursions . Now although the emperour knew right well all these outrages of the Turkes , contrarie vnto the league , could not be done without the knowledge and good liking also of Amurath ; as before enformed thereof by his embassadour from CONSTANTINOPLE : yet to shew himselfe willing to haue the league on his behalfe kept , as also to make a further proofe of Amurath his resolution for peace or warre , he wrote vnto him as followeth : Rodolph the second , Emperour of the Romanes ; vnto Amurath king of the Turkes . Whereas nothing is hitherto on our behalfe omitted , for the preseruation and continuance of the league and amitie betwixt your most excellent maiestie and vs , by the renewed capitulations of peace ; and that we haue with all sinceritie and loue performed , and are hereafter readie to performe whatsoeuer is on our part to be performed and done ; and as we haue hitherto , so for euer hereafter also make offer of the same : we most assuredly promise vnto our selues on your maiesties behalfe , that you in like manner will not suffer any thing on your part to be wanting ; but gladly and willingly to doe all things which shall be meet and needfull for the preseruation and keeping of this our mutuall loue and friendship . Vpon which good hope grounding our selues , to declare our plaine meaning and sinceritie indeed , we will cause our honourable Present ( which is now readie ) to be brought vnto your most royall maiestie , at such time as shall bee agreed vpon betwixt our embassadour and you : vnto whom in all such matters as he by our commaundement shall haue to deale with your most excellent maiestie , your visiers or seruants , we request you to giue full credence . In the meane time your excellencie shall doe well to prouide , that as we haue now seuerely commaunded our subiects to keepe the peace vpon our frontiers , so that your souldiors also make no incursions as enemies into our territories , nor doe in them any harme , but to endeuour themselues also to peace and quietnesse : and especially , that all such things as contrarie to the capitulations of the league haue beene there of late taken from our people , or otherwise vniustly possessed , may be againe restored , the losses recompensed , the new fort of PETRINIA demolished , and the Bassa of BOSNA and others the authors of breaking of the league punished and displaced : whereby we shall gather your royall maiesties most noble and kind affection towards vs and our State : which as it shall be a thing most iust , so shall it be a singular confirmation of our league . But concerning these matters , and others to the same belonging , our embassadour is to declare our mind more at large , that so our prest desire for the continuance of our league and friendship with your maiestie , may more plainely be knowne . So wish we all health and prosperitie vnto your most royall maiestie . From PRAGE the eight of March , 1593. The emperour also at the same time and to the same purpose writ to Sinan Bassa in this sort . Rodolph the second , Emperour of the Romanes ; to Sinan Bassa the chiefe Visier , greeting . We write at this present vnto your most excellent Emperour , our most honoured friend and neighbour , concerning such matters as we thought fit for the preseruation of the peace and league betwixt vs , least happily otherwise we might seeme to haue forgotten our dutie . Now it shall well beseeme your vprightnesse and good will , which we haue at other times prooued , for the high place and authoritie which you hold ( and which we reioice to be againe restored vnto you ) to giue vnto these things such easie passage before his maiestie , as that we may acknowledge your kindnesse and fauour , and haue occasion therefore to shew our selues vnto you thankefull . First we offer our selues most readie to continue the peace , & to performe whatsoeuer is according to the conuentions of the renewed peace on our part to be performed : as also to send the honourable Present ( which is not as yet by vs sent ) when as our embassadour shall haue with you appointed any certaine time wherein it may be sent . And we also assuredly hope so to preuaile with your Emperour , that on your part the places within our territories , by your people forcibly possessed , together with all such things as haue beene wrongfully taken away , may be againe restored , and the fort of PETRINIA rased . The Bassa of BOSNA also ( who we think would haue beene kept within the compasse of dutie , if you had at that time held the place of the chiefe Visier ) and whosoeuer els , guiltie of the wicked breach of the league , to be worthily according to their deserts punished and displaced , and your soldiors seuerely charged not to make any further incursions , nor to do any thing that may tend to the breach of the league : as we likewise shall with new and straight commaunds most carefully restraine our garrison souldiors vpon our frontiers from all such excursions and enemies actions . But of these things our embassadour is more fully and at large to entreat with you : vnto whose speech we desire such credence to be giuen , as vnto our owne ; and we will so prouide , that you shall haue good proofe of our great good will towards you . From PRAGE the eight of March 1593. Vnto which the emperours letters Sinan returned answere as followeth . Sinan Bassa , cheefe Visier to Amurath the third , Emperour of the Turkes ; vnto Rodolph the second , Emperour of the Romanes , greeting . By these we giue your Maiestie to vnderstand , That two of your Maiesties letters were brought hither before wee were chosen and confirmed cheefe Visier in this most royall Court ; wherein your Maiestie excuse your selfe , and shew the causes why the sending of the wonted Presents hath beene so long deferred , by laying the fault vpon the insolencie of our garrison souldiors in BOSNA , and the breach of the publicke peace . Which your letters being by vs read before our most mightie emperour , his Highnesse in great choller burst out into these words : And thy sonne the Beglerbeg of BVDA hath still hitherto writ and giuen vs to vnderstand , that the vsuall Presents would certainely come : and that the king of VIENNA would not in any case consent vnto the breach of the league , or of the amitie betwixt vs and him ; and yet for all that the presents are not hitherto come : wherefore thy sonnes writings and relations are not true . But now the Bassa of BOSNA hath sent word vnto the Court , that your Maiestie will not send them , and all your doings to be but meere deceit and fraud . For which cause our most mightie Emperour hath remooued my sonne from his place in BVDA , and rewarded the Bassa of BOSNA with honorable garments , wheras my sonne is for your Maiesties sake displaced . Now on our behalfe nothing is done against the peace , but our souldiors as with a bridle kept in : whereas on your Maiesties part , excursions and harmes into the territories of our emperor neuer cease ; especially into BOSNA , whereinto your souldiors haue of late in warlike manner broken , although they were by our garrisons ouercome , their great ordinance taken , and brought hither vnto the Court. Wherefore seeing the case so standeth , your Maiestie is to resolue vs vpon two points , whereof the first is , Whether you be minded to keepe friendship with vs as beseemeth ; and to send hither the two last yeares Presents or not ? and the second , Whether you will set at libertie our captiue Sanzacks or no ? Now if your Maiestie shall be content to keepe the league , and within these two months next to send the two yeares Presents , as also to dismisse our Sanzackes ; the league shall on our part be likewise vndoubtedly kept , your territories shall be in no case molested , such Christian captiues as your Maiestie shall require , be enlarged , and a most firme and sure friendship by vs continued . Whereas if you shall vpon any cause or excuse longer delay the sending of those honourable Presents , and vnto these our demaunds send vs nothing but certaine vaine and windie answeres , let God on high be therefore for euer praised : for now our most mightie and victorious emperour , who wanteth neither abilitie nor power , hath commaunded , That we our selfe should in person goe in this warre , and putting our confidence in the highest , with the armie of the right beleeuing Turkes to come into those parts : And therefore assure your Maiestie , that we will not faile there to encounter you : at which time shall appeare vnto the world what is by God our Creator ( whose holy name be for euer blessed ) in his deepe wisedome preordained and set downe for vs. Wherefore seeing that all which concerneth the league , together with the safetie and quiet of our people on both sides , is vnto your Maiestie thus declared ; you are to consider the end , and to follow our good aduice : whereas if otherwise you shall be the cause of the breach of this so wholesome a peace and vnitie ( which we hitherto haue so sincerely and firmely kept ) the excuse thereof both in this world and in the world to come shall lie vpon your selfe . Now we request of you no more , but forthwith to send vs answere of these our letters . As for the rest , well may he speed that taketh the right way . From CONSTANTINOPLE the last of the month * Giuma Zuleuel , in the yeare of our holy Prophet Mahomet 1001. Yet for all these faire offers of peace thus made by Sinan Bassa in his letters , was his purpose nothing lesse than to haue performed the same , seeking onely to haue drawne the two yeares Presents from the emperour , amounting to a great summe of money , and so neuerthelesse to haue prosecuted the intended warre , the emperour being the onely man , of whom Amurath his great master had amongst all the Christian princes made choice of to exercise his force vpon . Of all which things the emperour was not ignorant , being thereof ( as we said ) fully before by his embassadour aduertised from CONSTANTINOPLE . These troubles of the Spring thus past , ensued the Sommer much more troublesome , for Hassan Bassa of BOSNA , chiefe authour and deuiser of all these broiles , ceased not for the encrease of his credit , to worke what mischiefe he could against the Christians that bordered vpon him . This great Bassa mortally hated the Gouernour , or as some call him the Abbot of SISE● , a strong castle situat vpon the borders of that part of CROATIA , yet holden by the Christians , where the riuer Kulp falleth into the famous riuer of Sauus or Saw ( and was in deed the verie bulwarke of that countrey ) the cause of which his hatred is reported to haue beene this : The yeare before , the Bassa had sent a messenger to this Abbot , to require him to deliuer the castle or monasterie vnto him : which messenger for certaine daies the Abbot entertained with many honourable speeches , learning in the meane time of him so much as he possibly could of the Bassaes intention , with what power , in what place , and with what engines he had determined to besiege the castle . In the meane time it was discouered , that his steward had long before plotted with the Turke to haue betraied the castle , and had for certaine yeares past receiued of him a yearely pension . Vpon which occasion , the Abbot caused both the messenger and his owne steward to be apprehended , and so fast bound hand and foot , to be cast out at a window of the castle into the riuer of Saw. The Bassa seeing his messenger not to returne , sent another to the Abbot , grieuously threatning him , if he did not send him backe againe his messenger : wherunto the Abbot answered , That he had dismissed him certaine daies before , and therefore maruelled if he were not as yet returned : neuerthelesse concerning his demaund , that he was resolued to yeeld the monasterie vnto the Bassa , against whose forces he saw himselfe vnable to hold it ▪ requesting only , that it would please him to send some men of account to receiue it at his hand , for that it would be no small dishonour vnto him to deliuer it vp vnto common souldiors . The Bassa glad of this message , sent forthwith certaine principall men of great account , hoping now without any losse to haue that strong place yeelded vnto him , which had so long time stood in his way . Three daies after certaine troupes of horsemen sent from the Bassa , came to the monasterie as was appointed , and finding the gates open entred , first the noblemen , and after them fiue hundred others or thereabouts : who were no sooner within the gates , but that the portculleis was let fall , and certaine murthering pieces ( secretly placed in the court for that purpose ) discharged : with the violence whereof , the Turkes that were alreadie entred , were most miserably rent in pieces , their heads , armes , and legs flying in the ayre ; when presently the garrison souldiors starting out of their lurking places , made a quicke dispatch of all them that had escaped the furie of the great artillerie . The rest of the Turks shut out , hearing the noise and crie of them within , turning their horses , betooke themselues to speedie flight . The great Bassa hearing of this slaughter of his men , and how he had been deceiued , swore in great rage by his Mahomet , to rase this monasterie downe to the ground , and to plucke the Abbots skin ouer his eares : and so by threatning letters gaue him to vnderstand as followeth . Hassan Bassa of Bosna , vnto the Abbot of Siseg . It is not to thee vnknowne , how often we haue sent vnto thee our messengers with letters , declaring vnto thee our loue and good will ; requesting thee in friendly ●ort , and without farther resistance to yeeld vp vnto vs thy fortresse of SISEG , not longer to be by thee holden . Vnto which our request thou hast hitherto most wilfully at thy pleasure opposed thy selfe , not without the slaughter of our men ; and in so doing , hast giuen cause vnto the great Sultan to ouerthrow and rase that thy fortresse , wherof thou for the emperour wilt needs be the chiefe . Thinkest thou it will be for thy good , or yet well taken , that thou hast so shamefully and perfidiously circumuented and slaine our embassadours and seruants sent vnto thee ? Nay assure thy selfe , that if Mahomet grant vs life , we will neuer giue ouer the siege of that thy fort wherein thou so much trustest , vntill I haue before thy face ouerthrowne it , and ( if thy God shall giue thee aliue into my hands ) haue pluckt thy skin ouer thine eares , to the great reproach and shame of the Christians : for I am fully resolued , not to depart from this place , but to continue the siege thereof vntill I haue it . Let a little time yet passe , and thou shalt see thy selfe on euerie side besieged , thy fort with mo and greater pieces of artillerie than euer , battered ; and our power strong enough to constraine thee . Thou hast hitherto put thy greatest hope & comfort in the * Banne Erodius , for whom by the helpe of Mahomet we are much too strong . In briefe we are of nothing more carefull than how to get thee into our power : which if we doe , looke not for any mercie at our hands . Neither was the Bassa vnmindfull of his promise , or of the losse he had receiued , but now in the beginning of Iune with an armie of thirtie thousand horse and foot , came and besieged the fortresse of TRENSCHIIN , which with continuall batterie and often assaults he at length tooke , sacked the towne , slew most part of the inhabitants , except eight hundred or thereabouts of the younger sort , whom he carried away with him into captiuitie . And being prowd of this victorie , remoued thence by a bridge which he had made , passed ouer the riuer , and so the twelfth of Iune came and encamped before the monasterie of SISEG : and after vaine summons giuen to the same , the next day caused his great ordinance to be planted , and with great furie thundring against the wals , in short time ouerthrew the new tower , in the fall whereof two of the Christian canoniers perished . This furious batterie he maintained by the space of ten daies without intermission , giuing no time of rest vnto the besieged ; so that it seemed not possible for the monasterie to be any long time defended , if it were not with speed relieued . The bishop of ZAGRABIA , and Rupertus Eggenberg Generall of the emperours forces that then were at ZAGRABIA , gaue knowledge thereof to Andrew lord Auersberg Gouernour of CAROLSTAT , crauing his aid and counsell : who calling togither his owne forces , raised a good number both of horse and foot , and called also vnto him the bordering horsemen of KARNIA and CRAINIA ; who the seuenteenth day of Iune met all togither not far from INSTAVVITZ , and there taried that night . The next day passing ouer the riuer Sauus neere vnto ZAGRABIA , they joyned themselues with the emperours forces , and marched the nineteenth day in good order to SCELINE , where they expected the comming of Countie Serinus . The twentith day Peter Herdelius with his Hussars , and the lord Stephen Graswein came into the campe , with many of those light horsemen whom the Hunga●ians call Vscocchi . The one and twentith day they lodged at GRADIVM , still expecting the comming of the Countie Serinus , who otherwise busied , could not come . The next day after , a souldior sent out from the besieged , came into the campe , who gaue the captaines to vnderstand , that except they made hast that day to relieue the distressed monasterie , it would vndoubtedly be lost : for that the enemie had made it saultable , and would that night giue the assault ; and the defendants , doubting how they should be able to maintaine the place , began before his departure thence to thinke of composition with the enemie . Vpon which newes the captaines forthwith began to consult among themselues , what course to take in so doubtfull and dangerous a case : where Auersberg was of opinion , That it were best to march on , & to giue the enemie battell ; with whom also agreed the lord Rederen : The rest of the captains being of a contrarie mind , for that the strength of the Christians compared to the Turkes , was too weake ; and therefore they thought it better in time to retire whiles they yet might , than to hazard vnto most manifest perill the liues of so many valiant men , at so great ods . At which counsell Auersberg was at the first much moued , but afterwards ( as he was a man of great eloquence ) plainly set before them the necessitie of the cause , and with liuely reasons cheered vp the fearefull Croatians ; notably persuading them all in generall , to put their whole trust and confidence in God , to whom it was as easie to giue victorie by few as by many : and to fight like valiant men , for their religion , their countrey , their liues , their wiues , their children and friends , and whatsoeuer else they held deare ; against that cowardly enemie , whose valour neuer brought him into the field , but onely the vaine trust he had in his multitude ; and would therfore no doubt easily be put to flight , if he should contrarie to his expectation find himselfe but a little hardly laid vnto . With these and other like reasons hee preuailed so much , that they all yeelded vnto his opinion , and with one consent resolued to go against the enemie , and to doe what they might to relieue their besieged friends . So vpon a signe giuen , the whole armie ( in number not aboue foure thousand ) forthwith remoued , and with great speed hasted towards the enemie ; and being come within a mile of the campe , put themselues in order of battell . The Turks by their espials vnderstanding of the approach of the Christians , brought all their horsemen ouer the riuer of Kulp , by a bridge which they had made , and hauing put themselues in order , came on to joyne battell with the Christians : who had in their vauntgard placed the Croatians and Hussars ; in the left wing them of CAROLSTAT , and the harquebusiers of KARNIA ; in the right wing the borderers of CRAINIA , all horsemen ; in the maine battell the rest of the souldiors , with the horsemen of SILESIA , vnder the conduct of Sigismund Paradise ; the rearward was enclosed with three companies of the emperours souldiors . The Croatians and Hussars in the vauntgard gaue the first charge vpon the enemie : but hauing for a good space made a great fight , they were about to haue retired , and discouraged with the multitude of the enemies , were euen vpon the point to haue fled : when Auersberg ( Generall of the Christian armie ) came on with his squadron , and not onely restored the battell , but so resolutely charged the maine battell of the Turkes , that the Bassa was constrained at the first to retire , and afterwards to flie , after whom all the rest of the armie followed . The Christians still keeping their array , pursued them with great speed , and comming to the new made bridge before them , tooke from them that passage , to the great discomfiture of the Turks , who seeing the miserable slaughter of themselues , and no way to escape , ran headlong some into the riuer Odera , some into Kulp , and were there for most part drowned ; the rest were all slaine by the Christians , before determined not to take any prisoners . In the meane time , the Turkes that remained at the siege , vnderstanding of the ouerthrow of their fellowes , set fire on their pouder and other prouision , and so in great feare betooke themselues to flight . Whose tents the Christians immediatly after tooke , and in them nine great pieces of artillerie , and good store of great shot of 44 and 45 pound waight a piece , with the sumptuous pauillion of the Bassa , and much other rich spoile , which was all carried into the monasterie of SISEG . The number of the Turkes slaine in this battell , and drowned in the riuers , is of diuers diuersly reported , but most agree vpon eighteene thousand . And amongst them was Hassan Bassa himselfe , found in the riuer neere vnto the bridge , knowne by his most rich and sumptuous apparell ; and neere vnto him Mahomet-Beg , and Achmet-Beg . In other places were also found the dead bodies of Saffer-Beg the Bassaes brother , of Meni-beg , Haramatan-Beg , Curti-Beg , Oper●-Beg , and Goschus , the Bassaes chiefe counsellour and master of his houshold . But of all others , the vntimely death of Sinan-Beg Amurath his nephew , his sisters onely sonne , sent thither to haue learned the feats of armes vnder Hassan the great Bassa , was of the Turkes most lamented . Of twentie thousand Turkes that came ouer the riuer Kulp , scarcely two thousand escaped . This so great a victorie obtained , all the armie of the Christians went thrise about the monasterie , and euerie time falling all downe vpon their knees , gaue vnto God most heartie thanks for the same , as by him miraculously giuen , and not by themselues woon ; and afterwards made all the shew of joy and gladnesse they could possibly deuise . SISEG thus deliuered , and the Turkes armie ouerthrowne , the Christians with all speed laid siege to PETRINIA the strong new fort of the Turkes , which they for the space of fiue daies most furiously battered : but hearing that the great Gouernour of GRaeCIA ( whom the Turkes call the Beglerbeg of ROMANIA ) was with a great power comming to the reliefe of the fort , they raised their siege , brake vp their armie , and returned euerie man to his wonted charge . Whilest these things were in doing at PETRINIA , a post came from CONSTANTINOPLE to BVDA , who brought thither the first newes of the ouerthrow of SISEG ; for the report therof was not as yet come to BVDA . Wherefore the Bassa called vnto him the messenger , author of so bad newes , and diligently examined him of the truth thereof : who told him , That at his departure from CONSTANTINOPLE , nothing was there knowne of that losse , but that vpon the way as he came he met with diuers horsemen but lately escaped from the slaughter , who told him of a certaintie , that the Bassa was slaine and his armie destroied . Whereunto the Bassa of BVDA replied , That he was happie in his death , for that if he had by chance escaped , he should for his indiscretion vndoubtedly haue suffered some other more shamefull death at the Court. When newes of the aforesaid victorie was brought to the emperour at PRAGE , he commanded publike prayers , with thankesgiuing to almightie God to be made in all churches : and sent a messenger with letters to Amurath , to know of him how he vnderstood these insolent proceedings of his souldiors , and especially this late expedition of the Bassa of BOSNA and his complices , contrarie to the league yet in force betwixt them . After which messenger he sent also the lord Popelius , with the yearely Present ( or rather tribute ) he vsed to send vnto the Turkish empeperour at CONSTANTINOPLE ; yet with this charge , that when he was come as farre as COMARA in the borders of HVNGARIE , he should there stay vntill the returne of the aforesaid messenger : who if he brought tidings of peace from Amurath , then to proceed on his journey to the Turkes Court ; otherwise , to returne againe with his present : as he afterwards did . For Amurath enraged with the notable losse receiued at SISEG , and prickt forward with the teares and prayers of his sister ( desirous of nothing more than to be reuenged for the death of her sonne ) the seauenth of August caused open war to be proclaimed against the Christian emperour , both at CONSTANTINOPLE and BVDA . The mannaging whereof he committed to Sinan Bassa the old enemie of the Christians , his lieutenant generall , and persuader of this warre : who departing from CONSTANTINOPLE with an armie of fortie thousand , wherein were 5600 Ianizaries , was by Amurath himselfe and the great men of the Court brought a mile on his way : hauing in charge from the great Sultan , by the assistance of the Beglerbeg of GREECE , the Bassaes of BVDA and TEMESVVARE , and other his Sanzackes and commaunders in that part of his empire , to reuenge the death of his nephew , and the dishonour receiued at SISEG . This warre Amurath with great pride denounced vnto the Christian Emperour and the rest of the princes his confederats in this sort . Amurath the third , by the grace of the great God in heauen , the onely Monarch of the World , a great and mightie God on earth , an inuincible Caesar , King of all Kings from the East vnto the West , Sultan of BABILON , Soueraigne of the most noble families of PERSIA and ARMENIA , triumphant victor of HIERVSALEM , Lord possessour of the Sepulchre of the crucified God , subuerter and sworne enemie of the Christians , and of all them that call vpon the name of Christ. We denounce vnto thee Rodolph the Emperour , and to all the Germane nation taking part with thee , vnto the great Bishop also , all the Cardinals and Bishops , to all your sonnes and subiects : wee earnestly ( I say ) by our crowne and empire denounce vnto you open warre . And giue you to vnderstand , that our purpose is , with the power of thirteene kingdomes , and certaine hundred thousands of men , horse and foot , with our Turkes and Turkish armes , yea with all our strength and power ( such as neither thou nor any of thine hath euer yet seene or heard of , much lesse had any proofe of ) to besiege you in your cheefe and metropoliticall cities , and with fire and sword to persecute you and all yours , and whosoeuer shall giue you helpe , to burne , destroy , and kill , and with most exquisit torments we can deuise to torture vnto death and slay such Christian captiues as shall fall into our hands , or els to keepe them as dogs , captiues in perpetuall miserie ; to empaile vpon stakes your fairest sonnes and daughters : and to the further shame and reproch of you and yours , to kill like dogs your women great with child , and the children in their bellies : for now we are fully resolued to bring into our subiection you which rule but in a small countrey , and by strong hand and force of armes to take from you your kingdome , as also to oppresse , root vp and destroy the keyes and See of ROME , together with the golden scepter thereof : and we will prooue whether your crucified Iesus will helpe you and doe for you as yours persuade you . Beleeue him still , and trust in him , and see how he hath holpen his messengers which haue put their confidence in him : for we neither beleeue , neither can we endure to heare such incomprehensible things , that he can helpe , which is dead so many worlds of yeares agoe , which could not helpe himselfe , nor deliuer his owne countrey and inheritance from our power , ouer which we haue so long time raigned . These things ô yee poore and miserable of the world , we thought good to signifie vnto you , that you with your princes and confederats may know what you haue to doe and to looke for . Giuen in our most mightie and imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , which our auncestours by force of armes tooke from yours , and hauing slaine or taken prisoners all their citisens , reserued such of their wiues and children as they pleased vnto their lust , to your perpetuall infamie and shame . Sinan with his armie thus s●tting forward , kept still on his way towards BVDA , but the Beglerbeg of GRaeCIA with a farre greater power marched towards CROATIA , as well to relieue the forts distressed by the Christians , as againe to besiege the strong castle or monasterie of SISEg : which he with his huge armie at his first arriuall compassed about without resistance , and with continuall batterie ouerthrew the wals thereof , giuing no time of rest vnto the defendants . Which breaches they for all that valiantly defended , and with restlesse labour notably repaired , the very fearefull women bringing tables , stooles , and whatsoeuer els came to hand , that might any wise helpe to keepe the enemie out , of whom a great number was in the breaches slaine . But what was that handfull against such a multitude ? At length the third day of September the Turks by maine force entered the Monasterie , and put to sword all the soldiors therin : amongst whom were two hundred Germanes , of whom the Turks cut some in pieces , and the rest they threw into the riuer Kulp . One religious man there found among the rest , they did flea quicke in detestation of his profession , and afterward cutting him in small pieces , burnt them to ashes . So taking the spoyle of all that was there to bee had ; and leauing a strong garrison for the keeping of the place , they passed ouer Sauus , burning the countrey before them , and carried away with them about a thousand poore Christians into perpetuall captiuitie . These inuasions of the Turks caused the Emperour to craue aid both of the states of the empire , and other forraine princes farther off , which was by some easily graunted , but not so speedily performed . About this time Peter surnamed le Hussar ( for that hee commaunded ouer those horsemen whom the Hungarians call Hussars ) captaine of PAPPA , by the appointment of Ferdinand countie Hardeck gouernour of RAB , lay in wait for the Turks Treasurer in HVNGARIE , who had the commaund of fiue thousand Turkes : him this Hungarian tooke at aduantage , as he was mustering and paying certaine companies of his souldiors , mistrusting no such danger , and desperatly charging him , slew him with diuers of his men ▪ and put the rest to flight , and so with the spoyle and some few prisoners he returned againe to his castle , carrying with him the Treasurer . Now Sinan the Generall being come with his armie to BVDA , resolued with himselfe to begin his warres in that part of HVNGARIE , with the siege of VESPRINIVM . This episcopall citie was by Solyman the great Turke taken from the Christians in the yeare 1552 , and againe by them recouered about foureteene yeares after , about the yeare 1566 , since which time vntill now it had remained in the hands of the Christians . Sinan without delay marching with his armie to VESPRINIVM , compassed the citie round , and encamping as he saw good , planted his batterie wherewith he continually thundered against the citie . The Christians there in garison easily perceiuing that the citie was not long to be holden against so great a power , placed diuers barrels of gunpouder in certaine mines they had made vnder the wals and bulwarkes of the towne , with traines that should at a certaine time take fire . Which done , they departed secretly out of the citie in the dead time of the night , hoping so in the darke to haue escaped the hands of the enemie : which they did not so secretly , but that they were by the Turks descried , and most of them slaine . Ferdinand Samaria Gouernor of the citie , after he had for a space valiantly defended himselfe , fell at last into the enemies hand , and so was taken aliue , together with one Hofkirke a Germane captaine . The Turkes entered the citie the sixt of October , striuing who should get first in , for greedinesse of the prey , when suddenly the pouder in the mines tooke fire , and blowing vp the very foundations of the wals and bulwarkes , slew a number of the Turks that were within the danger thereof , and wonderfully defaced the citie . From VESPRINIVM the Bassa remoued with his armie to PALOTTA , and gaue summons to the castle : but receiuing such answere as pleased him not , hee layed siege vnto it with all his power . Which at the first Peter Ornand captaine of the castle chearefully receiued : but being afterward without any great cause discouraged ( the castle as yet being but little shaken , and but one man slaine , and the rest of the souldiors readie to spend their liues in defence thereof ) he sent vnto the Bassa , offering to yeeld the castle vnto him , so that he with his souldiors might with bag and baggage in safetie depart . Of which his offer the Bassa accepted , and graunted his request . But he was no sooner come out of the castle with his souldiors , and readie to depart , but the faithlesse Turke contrarie to his oath and promise caused them all to be cruelly slaine , except only the captaine and two other . After that the Bassa without any great labour tooke in all the country thereabouts neere vnto the lake of Balaton . Now at last , though long first , about the middle of October the Christians began to muster their armie , in number about eighteene thousand , all good and expert souldiours : with which power they shortly after passing ouer Danubius , at the first encounter with the Turkes put them to the worse , slew a great number of them , and rescued a number of poore Christian captiues . In the latter end of this moneth countie Hardeck Gouernour of RAB , and Generall of the Christian armie in that part of HVNGARIE , departing from KOMARA with all his power , came and layed siege to the strong citie of ALBA REGALIS , which by the force of his artillerie hee in short time made saultable ; but in assaulting the breaches , was by the Turkes there in garrison notably repulsed . So hauing made sufficient proofe both of the strength and courage of the defendants , and perceiuing no good could be done without a long siege , for which hee was not as then prouided ; after consultation had with the rest of the captaines , he resolued to raise his siege : which he did the second of Nouember , remouing that day but halfe a mile from the citie , because he would be sure of all his armie . But as he was about the next day to remoue , news was brought him by his espials , that the enemies power was at hand , and euen now almost in sight , which proued to be so indeed . For the Bassa of BVDA by the commaundement of Sinan Bassa the Generall , was come forth with thirteene Sanzackes and twentie thousand souldiors , thirtie field pieces , and fiue hundred wagons laded with victuall and other warlike prouision , to raise the siege , and to relieue the citie ; and was now euen at hand , comming directly vpon the Christians : wherupon the countie , assisted by the countie Serinus , the lord Palfi , the lord Nadasti , Peter le Hussar , and other valiant captaines of great experience , with wonderfull celeritie put his armie in order of battell , and so couragiously set forward to encounter the enemie . The Bassa seeing the Christians marching towards him , tooke the aduantage of the higher ground , and from thence discharged his field pieces vpon them ; which mounted too high , by good hap did them little or no hurt at all . The Christians for all that desirous of battell , and nothing regarding the disaduantage of the ground , but calling vpon the name of the Almightie , mounted the hill , and joyning battell with the Turkes , by plaine force constrained them to flie . In this armie of the Turkes , being for most part horsemen , were about fiue thousand foot , and many of them Ianizaries , who in flying , oftentimes made stands , and wounded many , and yet neuerthelesse were almost all there slaine , with many others : amongst whom were three great men , the Sanzacks of STRIGONIVM , SETCHINE , and NOVIGRAD ; seuen Chiaus , and many other men of marke , the most valiant captaines of the Turkes borderers . The lord Nadasti with some others taking view of the Turkes that were slaine and lost in this battell , deemed them to haue beene at the least in number eight thousand : few prisoners were saued , all being put to the sword , which caused Sinan to sweare by his Mahomet neuer more to spare any Christian. All the Turks artillerie , wagons , and prouision became a prey vnto the Christians : many ensignes were there found , and weapons of great value . It is hard to be beleeued , how much this victorie encouraged the Christians , & daunted the Turkes . Whereupon the countie with great joy brought backe his armie to ALBA REGALIS , and encamped neere the bulwarke called STOPASCH , where the Turks most feared to be assaulted . Palfi , Nadasti , and some others , earnestly persuaded with the countie , not to depart from the citie before he had woon it : But he considering the hard time of the yeare , the strength of the citie ( which was now full of souldiours , by reason of them that were fled in thither from the late ouerthrow ) with the want of things necessarie in his armie to maintaine a longer siege ; and fearing also after long lying to be enforced with dishonour to forsake it , would not hearken to their persuasions , but calling a counsell , resolued to raise his siege , and to content himselfe with the victorie he had alreadie gotten , which was afterward imputed vnto him for more than an ouersight . So setting fire vpon the suburbes of the citie , he rise with his armie , and departed thence the fift of Nouember , and returned to RAB . Not long after , Christopher lord Teuffenbach , the Emperours lieutenant in the vpper part of HVNGARIE , who lay encamped at CASSOVIA with his armie of foureteene thousand souldiors , remooued thence , and marching along the countrey two dayes , came and layed siege to SABATZKA , one of the Turkes strongest castles in those quarters , out of which they vsually did much harme among the Christians . This castle Teuffenbach battered in three places ; and hauing at length made it saultable , tooke it by force the nineteenth of Nouember , and put to the sword all the Turkes there in garrison , in number about two hundred and fiftie , and instead of them left a strong garrison of his owne : whereby all the countrey thereabouts was restored to great quietnesse . SABATZKA thus taken , the Christian Generall remoued with all speed to FILEK , a strong citie of the higher HVNGARIE , which Solyman the Turkish emperour tooke from the Christians in the yeare 1560 , and placed therein a Sanzacke , vnder the commaund of the Bassa of BVDA . The Generall encamping before this citie , the next day after planted his batterie , and in most terrible manner without intermission thundered against the wals and gates of the citie . The Sanzacke Gouernour thereof , considering the power of the Christians , got out secretly by night with a few souldiors , to acquaint the other Turkish Sanzackes his neighbours with the comming of the Christians , and the number of their armie ; and further to consult with them how the citie might bee relieued . The Bassa of TEMESVVARE , with the Sanzackes of GIVLA , HADVVAN , SCANTTZAG , and SCIRME , vndertooke the matter : and therupon the Bassa sent for eight hundred Ianizaries , of late left by Sinan Bassa in garrison at BVDA and ALBA REGALIS ; who all flatly refused to goe to this seruice , saying , That they would not be led as beasts to the slaughter , as were their fellowes but a little before at ALBA REGALIS : neuerthelesse they enforced the Armenians , whom Sinan and his sonne had brought thither , to goe ; but of BVDA , ALBA REGALIS , and SCAMBOTH , were sent onely fifteene hundred common souldiors . For all that , the Bassa with the Sanzacks his followers , firme in their former resolution for the reliefe of the distressed citie , hauing made great preparation , and raised an armie of eighteene thousand strong , with many field pieces , by night drew neere vnto FILEK , and staied within two miles of the citie . But the Generall of the Christians , with Stephen Bathor and the other captaines , vnderstanding of their comming , with seauen thousand good souldiours chosen out of the whole armie , went out presently against them ; and the one and twentith of Nouember suddenly assailing them in their tents , ouerthrew them and put them all to flight ; whom the Christians fiercely pursued with a most terrible execution . In this fight and flight there was slaine six thousand Turks , and but few or none taken . The Bassa himselfe , with the Sanzacke of FILEK and many others of great name , were found amongst the bodies of the slaine Turks . This victorie gained with little or no losse , yeelded vnto the Christians a rich prey , many gorgious tents , and faire ensignes , much cattell , and nine and twentie field pieces , with two hundred wagons laded with victuall and other prouision ; all which they carried into the campe of FILEK , and so more straightly besieged the citie than before . The same day the lord Palfi and Martin Lasla came to the campe with six thousand souldiors : and forthwith three trumpeters were sent to tell them of the citie , That if without farther resistance they would forthwith yeeld the citie , they should haue leaue in safetie to depart with life and goods , although the Turkes had of late in like case broken their faith with the Christians at PALOTTA : but if they refused his grace , and would needs hold it out to the vttermost , then to denounce vnto them all extremities . For all this , the Turks nothing dismaied , refused to yeeld : wherupon the batterie began afresh , and in more terrible manner than before : so that though the citie was most strongly fortified both with wals and rampiers , yet had the Christians in three daies space , with continuall batterie made a faire breach into it , whereby they in despight of the enemie entred without any notable losse the foure and twentith of Nouember , ransacked the citie , and burnt a great part thereof . The same day they also tooke the vttermost castle , wherein the Sanzackes pallace stood : this castle standeth vpon a verie high hill , strengthned both by art and nature , and had in it a strong garrison of valiant souldiors , who spared not lustily to bestow their shot amongst their enemies , of whom they slew a great number . Neuerthelesse , the Christians after they had for the space of two daies and two nights with a most furious batterie shaken the wals , by plaine force entred the castle the six and twentith of Nouember , and put to sword all the garrison souldiors ; except such as had in good time forsaken this castle , and retired themselues into another more inward . Who being in number eight hundred , with their wiues and children , without hope of reliefe , and seeing the cannon now bent vpon them , set out a white ensigne in token of parley : which granted , it was agreed that they should depart with life , and so much of their goods as euerie one of them could carrie . Vpon which agreement , the castle was yeelded the eight and twentith day of Nouember , and the Turks with a safe conuoy brought vnto the place they desired . In this castle was found a great bootie , many pieces of artillerie , with much other warlike prouision , but of victuals small store . The Generall with the rest of the captaines entring the castle , fell downe vpon their knees , and with their hearts and hands cast vp towards heauen , thanked God for their victorie , and for the recouerie of that strong citie ; but especially for the deliuerie of so many Christians out of the Turkish ●hraldome : For it is reported , that there are aboue eight hundred countrey villages subject to the jurisdiction of FILEK , the poore inhabitants whereof were now all freed from the Turkish seruitude , by the taking of this only citie . The Christians forthwith repaired the wals , bulwarks , and trenches , and strongly fortified euerie place against the enemie : and so leauing a sufficient garrison in the citie and castles , departed with their armie , now in number about twentie thousand , towards SODOCH , six miles from FILEK . But as they were vpon the way , newes was brought vnto the Generall , how that the Turks had for feare abandoned the castles of D●IVVIN and SOMOSKE : whereupon he sent out certaine companies of souldiors to take in both those places ; who comming thither , found them in deed forsaken of the enemie , but yet many pieces of artillerie and other warlike prouision there still left . In the latter end of Nouember the Generall marched with his armie towards SETSCHINE , a strong towne in the diocesse of AGRIA , but the Turkes in that place had two or three daies before prepared themselues to flie , and sent their wiues , their children , and the best of their substance , some to HATVVAN , some to BVDA : and now hearing of the approach of the Christian armie , set fire on the towne and fled . The Christians immediatly entring , did what they could to quench the fire , and saued a great part of the towne : so leauing there a conuenient garrison , he hasted with speed to BLAVENSTEIN , which the Turkes did also set on fire , and betooke themselues to flight . The Christians comming thither the next day after , namely the fourth of December , ●ound a great part of the towne yet vnburnt , wherein they left a strong garrison : and from thence marched to SALLEK , which towne they also tooke being forsaken by the enemie , and put thereinto a good garrison . The Generall was of nothing more desirous , than to haue prosecuted this so happie a course of victorie : but such was the foulenesse of the winter weather , that he could not trauell with his great artillerie , without which no great matter was to be done against the enemie , still keeping himselfe in his strong holds . And his armie in that wasted and forsaken countrey , began now to feele the want of victuals ; so that many had withdrawne themselues out of the armie vnto their owne dwelling places . At the same time also , the lord Palfi going to DREGEL and PALANKA , and finding them forsaken by the enemie , furnished both places with garrisons of his owne men . Certaine other strong places were also this moneth recouered from the Turkes , as AINACKE , SOLLOCKE , WETSKE , and others , and so much territorie gained by the Christians , as was in circuit thought equall with the lower AVSTRIA . The joyfull newes of the aforesaid victories , with the recouerie of so much of the countrey , and so many strong townes and castles , made great rejoycing both at VIENNA and PRAGE : for which cause publike praiers with thankesgiuing to almightie God were made in both places , with many other tokens of joy and triumph , both there and in diuers other places of the empire . Yet were not the dead bodies of the Turkes slaine at ALBA REGALIS buried ; whereof rise such a loathsome and noysome smell thereabout , that no man could abide to come nigh the place , to the great trouble of the inhabitants round about . At length certaine Turks out of BVDA and ALBA REGALIS , to the number of 350 met togither to haue buried those loathsome carkases : vpon whom it chanced a captaine of the Hussars to light with his horsemen , who fiercely assailing them , left most of them there dead for others to burie , and carried away the rest prisoners . The Bassa of BVDA had caused Murat Sanzacke of PALOTTA to be strangled , for that he suspected him to haue had intelligence with the Christians : in whose roume he placed another , who comming with 600 Turkes to take possession of his preferment , was by the way set vpon by Peter le Hussar , with the garrison souldiors of PAPPA and THVRN , and slaine with most part of his followers . Fiue and thirtie of them were taken aliue , with all the Sanzackes rich furniture . To end this yeare withall , the Turks in garrison at PETRINIA , SISEG , CASTROVVITZ , and other places thereabours , met togither in number about 300 , who the 19 of December passing ouer the riuer Sauus , began to spoile the frontiers of those countries . But before they were gone farre , they were so encountred by the lord Graswin and the borderers thereabout , that 500 of them were left dead vpon the ground , diuers of good account taken prisoners , and almost all the rest drowned in the riuer ; so that of all them that came ouer , few escaped with life . In the latter end of this moneth great numbers of souldiors were taken vp in SAXONIE , and other places of GERMANIE ; whereof some were sent to PRAGE , and some to VIENNA in AVSTRIA : and in HVNGARIE the Christians encreased their strength with new supplies . In AVSTRIA also a new armie was raised , and two and twentie great pieces of artillerie sent downe the riuer of Danubius to COMARA , and new preparation made in euerie place for the next yeares wars . Amurath the Turkish emperour , going out of the citie to CONSTANTINOPLE the 11 of Ianuarie , to muster the armie he had prepared against the Christians for this yeare , was suddenly ouertaken with such a tempest of wind and raine , that it ouerthrew his tents , his chariots , yea his horses and men had much adoe to withstand it . Wherewith he being ( as with an ominous prodigie ) exceedingly troubled , returned with his armie into the citie , and oppressed with melancholy , cast himselfe downe vpon his bed as a man halfe sicke . Where falling asleepe , hee dreamed that he saw a man of an exceeding stature , standing with one of his feet vpon the tower of CONSTANTINOPLE , and the other ouer the strait in ASIA ; who stretching out his armes , held the Sunne in one of his armes , and the Moone in the other : whom whiles he wondred at , the monster with his foot strucke the tower , which forthwith fell downe , and in falling ouerthrew the great temple with the imperiall pallace . Amurath awaked ( as he thought ) with the noise , and much troubled with the dreame ( for the Turks are in such vanities verie superstitious ) sent for all his wisards and interpreters of dreames , to know the meaning of this his so strange or rather so melancholy a dreame . Who hypocritically answered him , That forasmuch as he had not with all his force as a tempest impugned the Christians , their great Prophet Mahomet threatned by that dreame , to ouerthrow the tower , the temple , and the imperiall pallace ; that is to say , the religion and empire of the Turks . Which vaine and fained interpretation so much moued the superstitious tyrant , that he swore from thenceforth to turne all his forces vpon the Christians , and not to giue ouer warre vntill he had done what he might to subdue them . This the Turks dreame , with the interpretation thereof , and the solemne vow he had made for the destruction of the Christians , was publikely read in the Churches of TRANSYLVANIA , and many godly exhortations made vnto the people , to moue them by prayer and all other good meanes , to auert that so threatned thraldome . Of the rich spoile taken from the Turks in the late victorie neere vnto ALBA REGALIS , the Christian captaines made a present for the emperour and the archduke Matthias his brother , which they sent by the lords Gall and Brun : and was by them presented vnto the emperour and his brother the 11 of Ianuarie at VIENNA , in order as followeth . First went the master of the ordinance of RAB , on both sides attended vpon with the other officers of the artillerie : after them were drawne thirtie great pieces of ordinance , taken in that battell . After these pieces followed three Turkish horses , with rich saddles , and furniture studded with gold , the stirrups and bridles being of siluer , guilt and most curiously wrought : after them were carried two and twentie of the Turkes ensignes , three of them verie rich , and the other right faire . Then followed the two embassadours aforesaid , with each of them a guilt mase in his hand , such as the Turkes Bassaes vse to carrie : after them were brought many instruments of war , guilt scimitars , gleaues , bowes and arrowes , targets , and ten of the Ianizaries drums . Two of the aforesaid horses were presented to the emperour , and the third to the archduke . The field pieces brought to the castle gate , and orderly placed vpon the plaine , were all ( at such time as the rest of the Present entred the castle ) forthwith by the cannoniers discharged : and there for certaine daies left vpon the plaine for the people to feed their eies vpon . The embassadours discharged of their Present , and rewarded by the emperour with chaines of gold and other gifts , returned againe vnto the campe . Notwithstanding that it was now deepe Winter , yet many sharpe skirmishes daily passed vpon the borders , betwixt the Turkes and the Christians . The fifteenth of this present moneth , two thousand of the Turks assembled togither , were making an inroad into the countrey about FILEK : whereof the lord Teuffenbach hauing intelligence , lay in wait for them , and setting vpon them , fearing no such danger , slew and tooke of them fifteene hundred . Matthias archduke of AVSTRIA , now Gouernor of STIRIA , CARINTHIA , and the countries thereabout ( by the departure of Ernestus his brother , but a little before by Phillip king of SPAINE made Gouernour of the low countries ) was now also by the emperour appointed Generall of the Christian armie against the Turkes : who to be nearer vnto the enemie , and to farther the new warre , departed the six and twentith day of Februarie from VIENNA to RAB , after whom daily followed the forces newly raised in SILESIA , MORAVIA , and HVNGARIE , with others also sent from PRAGE and VIENNA . He considering to what small purpose it would be to haue the last yeare taken so many strong townes and castles , except the same were also well manned and furnished with all needfull prouision ; by the persuasion of the lord Teuffenbach , sent Countie Schlicke with a thousand horse to FILEK , for the more safetie of that place , and the countrey thereabout so lately gained from the Turkes . It fortuned that about this time , a souldior of the Turks taken not farre from DREGEL , and brought into the campe ; among other things wherof he was examined , confessed that in NOVIGRAD , a strong towne and of great importance ( but one mile distant from VACIA , and three from BVDA ) was left but a weake garrison of about eight hundred souldiors , who there liued in great feare to be besieged , and that the Turks doubting such a matter , had brought thither much prouision for the better fortifying of the towne . Vpon which intelligence the Christians began to remoue with their armie , and being come betwixt DREGEL and NOVIGRAD , vnderstood by the countrey people , that it was true that the Turke had reported : wherefore they resolued that night to lay siege vnto the towne . So forthwith some were sent to DREGEL , to fetch thence certaine pieces of artillerie , whom certaine troupes of Germane horsemen went to meet : who vsed such diligence , that the eight of March a little before the rising of the Sunne , the whole armie with the great ordinance was come before NOVIGRAD . That day the Christians spent in pitching their tents , and encamping themselues : yet before night they had planted certaine great pieces vpon an high hill , from whence they might see into the castle ; whereof the master of the ordinance caused three of the greatest ( about the going downe of the Sunne ) to be discharged against the castle , to giue the Turke to vnderstand that they wanted nothing for the siege . The same night also the Christians cast vp a great mount in the valley , from whence they presently sent six great shot into the castle : but early in the morning the Sunne being yet scarce vp , and all things now in readinesse , they began to batter the castle , and that day out of ten great pieces discharged three hundred great shot against the castle ; but to small purpose , for the castle was built vpon a most strong rocke , fortified with high and thicke wals , and a deepe ditch hewen out of the maine rocke , which compassed the castle round ; and for the more strength thereof was so fortified with pallisadoes made of strong timber , as that there was no accesse vnto the wals : yet by the commaundement of the Generall , certaine companies of the Christians prepared themselues to assault the breach , such as it was ; who besides their weapons , carrying with them drie faggots , and setting them on fire , burnt the pallisado in diuers places , and so opened the way vnto the wals ; and encouraged with the successe , approched neerer , and slew diuers of the Turkes vpon their rampiers : who discouraged with their owne weakenesse and the forwardnesse of the enemie , faintly defended themselues , and yet slew diuers of them , beating them downe from the wals with stones , timber , fire-workes , and such like . This assault giuen in the night , was continued vntill foure a clocke in the morning , and so giuen ouer . Shortly after came the Archduke with a thousand horse into the campe , and caused the batterie to be againe renewed : whereby it chanced , that the chiefe canonier in the castle being a renegate Germane , was taken with a great shot , and slaine ; whose death so dismayed the rest of the defendants , that they presently set forth three white ensignes in signe of parle : which for all that the Christians seemed not to regard , but still continued their batterie . The Turks then pitifully crying out , named two captaines , whom they desired to haue sent vnto them , with whom they might fall to some reasonable composition . So for a while the batterie ceased , and those captaines being sent into the towne , brought nine of the best of the Turkes in the citie with them vnto the Archduke : who by their interpreter declared , That they well considering the force of the Christians , and seeing no reliefe to come from the Bassa of BVDA , as he had promised , thought themselues to haue alreadie discharged the parts of good souldiours , and seeing no other remedie , were contented to yeeld the castle , yet so , as that with bag and baggage they might in safetie depart . Whereunto the lord Palfi taking vpon him the person of the Archduke ( for that he himselfe would not be knowne ) answered , That for as much as they had not yeelded at the first summons , but holden it out to the losse of many of his mens liues , and his great charge , they were vnworthie any fauour , yet of his owne clemencie he would receiue them , if they would absolutely without any further condition yeeld themselues to his mercie . This answere being reported to the Sanzacke , gouernour of the towne , pleased him not , and therefore said he would still stand vpon his defence . Whereupon the Christians were about to haue begun a fresh assault . But after a new parley it was at last agreed , That the Turkes yeelding the towne vnto the Archduke , should in safetie depart with their apparrell and scimitars onely . With which agreement two of the Turkes were sent backe into the castle , and the rest detained . Foure houres the Turkes in the castle delayed the time , as men doubtfull what to doe : but being earnestly called vpon by the lord Palfi for a resolute answere , and seeing the Christians readie again to assault them , they for feare yeelded : and so foure hundred and fiftie of them came forth , amongst whom was the Sanzacke gouernour of the towne , with his wife and daughter , the Sanzacke of SELENDRE , sent thither to haue aided him , and one Chiaus lately come from the Court. These great men brauely mounted , were commaunded to alight from their gallant horses , and had in their steads other bad jades giuen them to ride vpon : and as they passed by , as wel the women as the men were searched , that they carried with them nothing more than their clothes : if any thing els were found , it fell vnto the souldiors share for good bootie . This strong towne of NOVIGRAD , had continued in the possession of the Turkes about threescore yeares , and serued as it were for a bulwarke to PESTH and BVDA , which now recouered out of their hands , opened a way vnto their further harmes . The keeping of this towne was by the Archduke committed to the lord Rebei , a noble man of HVNGARIE , and kinsman to Palfi , with a strong garrison and certaine troupes of Hussars . The Sanzacke of NOVIGRAD , after he had lost the towne , comming to BVDA , was presently apprehehended by the Bassa , and layed in prison : who although he excused himselfe , by alleadging that the towne was not possibly to bee holden with so small a garrison against so great a power ; and that if any fault were , it was to be imputed to them of BVDA , for not sending reliefe in time ; and therefore appealed vnto the further hearing of Amurath himselfe : yet all serued him not , but was by the Bassaes commandement in the night hanged vpon a tree neere vnto the gate of the citie , and afterwards cut in pieces . Whilest these things were in doing , the Emperour sent his embassadours to the great duke of MVSCOVIA , the king of POLONIA , and the prince of TRANSYLVANIA , to proue how they stood affected towards those his warres against the Turke , and what aid he might procure from them . Into MVSCOVIE was sent one Warkutsch a gentleman of SILESIA , who comming to MVSCO , found in that Court the embassadours of the Tartar , the Turke , the Persian , the Polonian , and the Dane . Of all these , the embassadours of the Tartar and the Turke could haue no audience , but were with contumelious words rejected , as miscreants . The emperours embassadour was honourably entertained , and after the manner of that countrey , a large proportion of wine , mede , aquauita , flesh , fish , and foule of sundrie sorts allowed him dayly all the time of his abode . At length hauing audience , he declared vnto the great duke the cause of his comming , and in the name of his master requested his aid against the Turke . Whereunto the duke answered , That he would giue the emperour towards the maintenance of his warres against the common enemie , fiue hundred thousand duckats , and allow him yearely foure hundred thousand , during the time of that warre ; requesting him not to make any peace with the Turke , and promising to send him aid also of men in this warre , if he should so need . The Persian embassadour also honorably feasted the emperours embassadour , and had with him great conference concerning the warres of the Christians with the Turks , and in his masters name promised the continuation of his wars against the Turke , so that the emperour would likewise promise not to haue any league with him , so to giue him leisure to turne all his forces againe into PERSIA . This embassadour after he had almost foure moneths tarried in MVSCOVIA , returned to the emperour . At which time doctor Wacker , the emperours embassadour into POLONIA , returned also with joyfull newes , how that the Polonians with an armie of eight and twentie thousand had stopped the passage of an hundred thousand Tartars , whom the Turke had sent for against the emperour ; and that if he needed , he should be aided with the Polonian Cossackes : But vnto the rest of his requests he could haue no answere of the states of that kingdome , for that the king was then absent in SVVEDEN , and was therefore referred to be further answered at his returne . At the same time countie Serinus with three hundred harquebusiers and certaine troupes of horsemen , and the footmen of STIRIA and the countries thereabout assembled , to the number of ten thousand , departed from CANISIA , to besiege BRESENZA , a castle of the Turkes : but they vnderstanding before of his comming , conueyed away the best of their substance , and setting the castle on fire , departed the three and twentith of March. The earle comming thither , tooke the forsaken castle , and put thereinto a garrison of his owne souldiors . In like manner he tooke also SIGESTA , forsaken by the Turkes , where he also placed a garrison of the Christians . And so going on to BABOTSCHA , besieged it : which castle although it was strongly situated in a marish , and could not easily haue beene woon , was for all that for feare abandoned by the Turkes , and so taken by the countie : by recouerie of which places there was a safe and easie way layed open euen to ZIGET , the Bassa whereof stood in no small doubt to haue beene euen then besieged . Amurath intending by all meanes he could to vex the Emperour , had determined to send his fleet into the Adriaticke , to besiege ZEGNA , a citie of the Emperours , situat vpon the sea coast in the bay QVERNERO , called in auntient time FLANATICVS SINVS . Which the better to effect , he sent one of his Chiaus embassadour to the Venetians , to request them , That his fleet might by their leaue passe alongst the Adriaticke , and haue the vse of their ports and harbours , as need should require . Which his request the Venetians hearing , refused in any case to yeeld thereunto : fearing ( and not without cause ) the vnfaithfulnesse and trecherie of the Turkes , whose oathes and promises are no longer strong , or by them regarded , than standeth with their owne good and profit : neuerthelesse , they most honourably vsed the embassadour , and so sent him away , without obtaining of that he was especially sent for . In the vpper part of HVNGARIE Christopher lord Teuffenbach the Archdukes lieutenant hauing gathered an armie of twentie thousand souldiors , the sixteenth of Aprill laid siege to HATVVAN , a strong towne , six miles from BVDA , fortified with a triple ditch , and bulwarkes of exceeding strength . Against which although the Christians could not doe much either by mines or mounts , by reason it was so enuironed with water : yet they so shut vp all the passages thereunto , that nothing could be brought or caried in or out of the towne . They of the town s●eing themselues thus blockt vp , by secret messengers certified the Bassa of BVDA in what case they stood , praying him of aid : who with ten thousand chosen souldiours , which he had then in readinesse , and the Sanzackes of SERNAH , GIVLA , LIPPA , LERVVOGE , and TSCHAN●RAD , with fiue thousand moe , forthwith set forward toward HATVVAN to raise the siege : and the last of Aprill being come within sight of the Christian armie , about one of the clocke in the afternoone encamped on the side of the riuer Sagijwa : but when he could not or els durst not for the deepenesse of the way , the abundance of the water , and neerenesse of the enemie , aduenture to passe the riuer , he retired backe againe , to passe ouer at Iasperin ( otherwise called Iasbrin ) where the riuer was joyned with a bridge , and not farre off a good fourd also to passe ouer at ; thinking so to haue come vpon the backes of the Christians , and with more safetie to haue relieued the besieged towne . But Teuffenbach perceiuing his purpose , forthwith after his departure passed the riuer with much difficultie , and ouertaking him with his armie the next day , being the first of May , about one of the clocke in the afternoone , between ZARCHA and FVCASALVA , with his great ordinance disordered the rereward of the enemies battell ; and comming on couragiously with his whole armie , began a most cruell fight : which the Turkes a great while endured with wonderfull resolution : but now destitute of their wonted multitude ( their greatest confidence ) and hardly layed vnto by the Christians , they in the end turned their backes and fled ; whom six thousand Hungarians and Germanes fiercely pursued , and had the killing of them almost to BVDA . In this battell the Christians tooke all the enemies great ordinance , with seuenteene ensigns , and also the castle of Iasperin , which the Turkes had for feare abandoned ; wherein was found good store of victuals , certaine great pieces , with much other warlike prouision . Of this so notable a victorie Teuffenbach by letters presently aduertised the Archduke , after he was againe returned to the siege of HATVVAN . Which letters because they containe many particularities and circumstances of this battell , I haue thought it not amisse here to insert . Although ( sayth he ) I haue by a speedie messenger vpon the very kalends of May certified your excellencie of the notable victorie , which God of his great goodnesse gaue vnto vs the same day ouer our hereditarie enemie : yet afterward vpon diligent inquisition we vnderstood many particularities , as well of the captiues themselues , as of the inhabitants about ZOLNOCK , PESTH , and BVDA , whereof I thought good to aduertise you . The captiues themselues confesse , That the Bassa of BVDA , with the Sanzackes of ZOLNOC , ZARVVACE , GIVLA , and TSCHANGRAD , CIPPAIO , GENN● , and others , had with great celeritie raised an armie of thirteene thousand souldiours , amongst whom were many Tartars , with purpose to haue relieued the besieged towne of HATVVAN , and vpon the sudden to haue oppressed vs in our tents : Filled with which hope , they in great hast came with all their power the last of Aprill towards HATVVAN : but for as much as they could not passe ouer the riuer Zagijwa , by reason of the height of the water , they were the next day , being the first of May , conducted by the captaine of Iasparin to a more commodious passage , so to come the neerer vnto vs , and the next day in the morning to haue surprised vs in our tents . But our most mercifull God hath auerted this so great a mischiefe from vs , and turned it vpon their owne heads . For as it is most constantly reported from ZOLNOC , PESTH , and BVDA , and confirmed by the inhabitants of the same places , there are two thousand fiue hundred of the Turkes slaine , and as many wounded , of whom many perished , and are found dead vpon the high wayes leading to PESTH and ZOLNOC : of these wee haue sent a thousand heads to CASSOVIA , and caused many of the Turkes to be buried for feare of infection in this so great heat . Verely it was a bloudie battell , so that the old souldiours say , they haue not remembred or seene the Turkes ( no moe in number ) to haue stood so long in battell , and to haue so fought it out without flying . Many men of great name & place there perished and fell , amongst whom are reckoned the Sanzacks of PESTH , NOVIGRAD , & TEMESKE : GENNE , ALAVUS , BOGSTE , ALVSTAFA , MARIELAVS , and certain Chiaus lately sent from the Court , with the Bassa his guard , wherin were eight hundred right valiant soldiors , of whom few escaped with life . Many fell that would haue yeelded great ransome ; but it was agreed vpon betweene the Germanes and the Hungarians , not to spare any of the enemies , but to put them all to sword ; and that whosoeuer did otherwise , it should be imputed vnto him for dishonour . So that more than sixteene common souldiors , none were taken prisoners , of whom we might learne how things went amongst the Turkes , with other circumstances of the battell . We tooke thirteene field pieces , whereof foure were greater than the rest ; which they called organes , and foure and twentie of the enemies ensignes . The Bassa of BVDA ( beside other three wounds by him receiued ) was grieuously wounded in the side . Of our men were lost about an hundred , and many of them most expert souldiors : and about six hundred others grieuously wounded , of whom there is small hope , many of them being alreadie dead . Neither is the losse small we haue receiued in our horses and armour , for there be few amongst the Germane horsemen , which haue not lost one , two , or three of their horses or seruants , whereby our horsemen are wonderfully weakned : yet was the victorie great , to God be the praise , to him be the glorie and thankes therefore . Let vs in the meane time prosecute the siege begun . The last night I commaunded the water to be drawne another way , so that now our trenches may be aduaunced many paces , and bulwarks raised within two hundred paces of the wall . We haue alreadie planted fiue great pieces of artillerie in one bulwarke , and hope the next night to place fiue moe vpon amount fast by , and will doe what shall bee needfull for a straight siege : and when time shall serue , vndertake the towne with all our power , God graunt vs therein good successe and victorie . The Turkes in garrison at ZA●OLA , a fort thereby , discouraged with the ouerthrow of their friends , forsooke the ●ort ; which for strength and greatnesse was comparable with TOCAY or ERLA . Which strong place the Christians without any losse now recouered . Whilest this valiant captaine the lord Teuffenbach thus lay at the siege of HATVVAN , Matthias the archduke Generall of the Christian armie in HVNGARIE , encouraged with the good successe he had at NOVIGRAD , came with his armie ( being 44000 strong ) before STRIGONIVM ( sometime the Metropoliticall citie of HVNGARIE , but now of long a sure receptacle of the Turkes ) and the sixt of May encamped his armie about a quarter of a mile from the castle in a most pleasant medow , from whence both the citie and the castle were plainely to be seene . Vpon whom the Tur●es out of the castle , and three gallies that lay vpon the riuer , discharged certaine great pieces without any great harme doing : but after that the Christian fleet was a little before night come downe the riuer , and with their great ordinance began to answere them againe , the enemie ceased shooting , and lay still that night . In the meane time it fortuned , that a Turkish youth taken in a garden thereby , and brought into the campe and examined ; confessed that there was no garrison in the citie , more than foure hundred Ianizaries , and that a new supply was daily expected from BVDA . The Christians labouring that night , were by the breaking of the day , come with their trenches to a hill ouer against the castle , where they placed their batterie , and forthwith began to batter the citie . The same day ( being the seauenth of May ) two and twentie Turkes heads were presented to the archduke , and foure men taken aliue , newly sent out of the citie to haue viewed the Christian campe . About night certaine bals of wild fire were shot into the citie , whereof one fell vpon the tower called S. Adelbert , and set it on fire ; wherewith first the church , and afterward a great part of the towne fell on fire . The Sanzackes house , with all his horses and armour , and a great quantitie of pouder was then burnt , and inestimable hurt done in the citie . The next day , the Christians had with continuall batterie made a breach in the castle wall : but adjoyning vnto the wall was an high and broad sandie rampier , which could hardly be battered ; for all that the Germanes gaue a fierce assault vnto the breach , hoping to haue entred by the ruines of the wall , but being not able to get ouer the sandie rampier , were enforced with losse to retire . The day following they began againe the batterie with eighteene great pieces ; when about eight a clocke in the morning , the Rascians that were in the old citie gaue the Generall to vnderstand , That if he would at a place by them appointed , assault the greater citie to draw the Turks thither , they would in the meane time deliuer vnto the Christians certaine little posternes , and receiue them into the old citie ; vpon condition , that no violence should be done vnto them or theirs . Which being so agreed vpon , the Christians accordingly gaue the assault the eleuenth of May in the euening , and by the helpe of the Rascians tooke the citie ; who according to promise were all taken to mercie , and the Turkes slaine , except such as by their good hap recouered the new towne . The keeping of this citie was committed to the charge of two companies of Germane footmen , and six hundred Hungarians , with three hundred Rascians and other townesmen . Thus was the old citie of STRIGONIVM gained by the Christians , the suburbs whereof they presently burnt ; neuerthelesse the new towne with the castle was still holden by the Turkes . Wherefore the Christians hauing cast vp certaine trenches and mounts , and placed their artillerie as they thought most conuenient , began againe to batter the castle , and after they had by the furie of the cannon made it saultable , with great courage assailed the breach , which the Turkes valiantly defended : so that the Christians were glad to retire , leauing behind them about an hundred and thirtie of their fellowes slaine in the breach . The Turkes a little before the comming of the Christians , had fortified an hill , wherunto the castle was something subject , called of the Christians S. Nicholas his hill ; this hill so fortified , the Christians with continuall batterie and assault gained the 17 of May , and put all the Turkes left aliue therein to the sword ; and turning the ordinance , from thence also battered the castle . The two and twentith of May a little before the going downe of the Sunne , certaine ensignes of footmen were drawne out of the campe , to haue the next day assaulted the lower towne ; who taking the benefit of the night , attempting to haue entred the towne in the dead time of the night , were notably encountred by the Turkes sallying out of the towne vpon them . The Christians for all that hauing enforced them to retire , prosecuted their former resolution , and with much adoe got ouer the vttermost wall : but finding there , contrarie to their expectation , such a deepe and broad countermure as was not possible to be passed , they stood as men dismaied : neither could they in the darknesse of the night , well see how to get back againe ouer the towne ditch , but disorderly retiring , stucke fast many of them in the deepe mud , and there perished . In this assault there were about a thousand of the Christians wounded and slaine : and albeit that they twise or thrise renewed the assault , yet preuailed they nothing , but were still repulsed with losse . Many also of the Turkish garrison were likewise slaine ; yea the Sanzacke himselfe hurt with a great shot , with many other wounded men sent downe the riuer to BVDA , brought thither true newes of the aforesaid assaults , and of the state of the besieged . In the meane time newes was brought to the campe , That Sinan Bassa the old enemie of the Christians , and the Turkes great lieutenant , comming towards HVNGARIE with a great armie , and hauing by boats conuaied ouer part thereof , was set vpon by ●he Rascians ( these are poore oppressed Christians dwelling on both sides of Danubius , who weary of the Turkish thraldome , and desirous of their auntient libertie , haue oftentimes taken vp armes against the Turkes , as they now did , encouraged by the good successe of the Christians on the other side of HVNGARIE ) and that after diuers skirmishes , they had taken thirteene of the Turkes vessels , wherein beside victuals and certaine great pieces of artillerie , they found about 2400 waight of pouder , 447 hundred of lead , 46454 bundles of match , 1200 great shot , whereof 1005 were of 66 pound waight , and of small shot for harquebusiers 48500 , with much other warlike prouision : a great part whereof was brought into the campe at STRIGONIVM , and the rest reserued to future vses . This losse so troubled the great Bassa , that he altered his purpose before entended for CASSOVIA . The fourth of Iune , about fiue hundred Turkes sent vp the riuer from BVDA , conducted by two Sanzackes vnder two red and white ensignes , landed neere to GOKARA on the farther side of Danubius , ouer against STRIGONIVM : where after they had a while refreshed themselues , and left some few for the more assurance of the place , all the rest were conuaied ouer the riuer into STRIGONIVM , where they had been long looked for , the old garrison being now sore weakned by the former assaults . Foure daies after , the Turkes encouraged with this supply , sallied out vpon a sudden , and had entred one of the forts of the Christians ; but were forthwith againe repulsed , hauing lost six and twentie of their men , and two of their ensignes : not farre off lay a troupe of horsemen , who if they had in time come in , not one of the Turks had escaped . Long it were to tell , how often and in what manner the Christians assaulted this citie , but were by the Turkes so receiued , that in fiue assaults they lost fiue thousand of their men , amongst whom were diuers captaines , lieutenants , auntients , and others of good account : three and twentie canoniers were also slaine , and ten great pieces of artillerie so spoiled , as that they were no more seruiceable . The garrison of this citie consisted for most part of the Ianizaries ( the Turkes best souldiors ) whose notable valour in holding out of this siege , was both of their owne people and their enemies much commended : whatsoeuer was beaten downe by day , that they againe repaired by night ; and still relieued with victuall and things necessarie from BVDA , did what was possible to be done for defence of the citie . About the same time certaine Turkes chancing vpon a troupe of Germane horsemen , in fight slew about fiftie of them , and put the rest to flight ▪ whereupon an alarum being raised in the campe , many ran out to the rescue of their fellowes , taking with them certaine small field pieces . Which the Turkes perceiuing , began to flie : whom the Christians eagerly pursuing , were suddenly assailed by other Turkes , sallying out of a fort fast by , and enforced shamefully to retire , and to leaue their field pieces behind them . Which the Turkes ceizing vpon , cloyed them , brake their carriages , and made them altogether vnseruiceable . All this while the lord Teuffenbach lying at the siege of HATVVAN , about this time requested aid of the Archduke , for that his power was with often conflicts , hunger , and other difficulties alwayes attending long sieges , so much weakened , as that he had scarcely six thousand sound men in his campe , to whom the Archduke forthwith sent twelue hundred footmen , being loth to spare any moe , for too much weakening of his owne armie . Amurath disdaining to see the frontiers of his empire in so many places impugned by the Christians , and dayly to receiue from them so great harmes , sought by all meanes to bee reuenged : wherefore beside the great power of his owne , which he was now about to send with Sinan Bassa into HVNGARIE , he had also procured from the great Tartar a wonderfull number of those rough and sauage people , to be sent into HVNGARIE , there to joyne with his armie . These wild people to the number of seuentie thousand , according to direction giuen , breaking into PODOLIA , WALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , gathered together an incredible number of oxen and kine ; to this end and purpose , that driuing them before them , they might both be assured of victuals , and the safer trauell through a part of POLONIA . But when they were come vnto the borders of that countrey , and there found the power of Samoschie the great Chancellour and the Polonian Cossackes in armes , they easily perceiued that they could not that way passe without great losse . Wherefore they placed the aforesaid heards of cattell , some before , some behind , and some on each side of the armie , and so enclosed round about with those cattell as with a trench , marched on . But when they were come neere vnto the Polonians , this rude deuice serued them to no other purpose than the ouerthrow of themselues : for the Polonians discharging their great ordinance , so terrified the cattell , that they turned vpon the Tartars , and ouerthrowing whomsoeuer came in their way , did exceeding much harme : whom the Polonians immediatly following , and hardly charging the confused armie , armed onely with bow and arrowes , after some small fight put them at last to flight , and obtained of them a notable victorie , with an exceeding rich prey . Of the Polonians were lost about eighteene hundred , but of the Tartars were slaine thirtie thousand . The rest retiring into PODOLIA , and passing the riuer Nester by the way of TRANSYLVANIA , where they did exceeding much harme , came to TEMESVVARE , and so afterwards further into HVNGARIE : vnto whom the Turkes sent seuen hundred horsemen , to conduct them to the armie . But to returne againe to the siege of STRIGONIVM . The fourteenth day of Iune the Christians betweene eight and nine of the clocke in the morning with great furie assaulted the towne in three places : which assault they most notably maintained , vntill it was almost three a clocke in the afternoone . Neuerthelesse , the Turks so valiantly defended themselues , that at last the Christians were glad to giue ouer the assault , and with losse to retire . The Archduke from an high place beholding the assault , had one of his footmen slaine fast by him with a small shot . Many of the Turks were also slaine in this assault , and amongst them one of the three Sanzackes that defended the citie . The night following there arose a most horrible tempest , with such raging wind , and abundance of raine , that many thought they should neuer haue seene day : with the violence whereof the Archdukes tent was ouerthrowne , and diuers others blowne downe or rent in sunder , were in the aire carried from place to place . About the same time the lord Palsi within the sight of the castle cast vp a notable fort , with high mounts and strong trenches ( euen in the selfesame place where Solyman lay about fiftie yeares before , when he besieged and woon STRIGONIVM ) by which fort so built , the enemie was embarred to conuey any thing vp the riuer for reliefe of the citie , to the great discomfiture of the besieged : for to haue hindered the which worke , the enemie oftentimes sallied out , but to no purpose . This fort being brought to perfection , the Christians tooke also another fort in an island on the further side of the riuer , which the Turkes had but a few dayes before taken from the Christians , and cloyed the great pieces therein : which fort the Christians now againe repaired , furnishing it with a sufficient garrison and other great ordinance . These things thus done , the castle and the lower towne were in fiue diuers places out of the new built for t , the old towne , and the island , so battered with continuall shot , that a man would haue said , that one stone would not haue beene left vpon another , but that all should haue beene beaten downe and layed euen with the ground . The seuenteenth of Iune one of the Christian canoniers so dismounted one of the great pieces in the castle , that the piece together with the Turkish canonier that had charge thereof fell downe out of the castle into the ditch . And the same day a mason that fled out of the castle into the campe , amongst other things reported , That many of the Turks were slaine with this continuall batterie and often assaults , and that not past an houre before fortie of them were slaine in one chamber , and now acknowledged themselues to be indeed besieged : and to haue resolued , that when they were brought to the last cast , then desperatly to sallie out vpon the Christians , and so either to returne with victorie , or to make shift euery man for himselfe as he might . Which his report seemed not altogether faigned : for about midnight a thousand of the Turkes sallying out of the castle vpon the fort newly built vpon the riuer , in hope to haue surprised it , were by the Christians therein notably repulsed and enforced to retire : in which conflict fiftie of the Turkes were slaine , and many moe wounded and taken prisoners . And the same day toward euening eight Turkes of good sort being taken and brought into the campe , confessed , That but six dayes before , they had seene seuen boats full of wounded and dead men sent downe the riuer from STRIGONIVM to BVDA . Whereby it was easily to be gathered how bloudie a siege this was vnto the Turkes , for as much as all those bodies were the bodies of men of good account and place ; for the bodies of such common soldiors as were slaine , they still threw into the riuer running by . The fort newly built vpon the banke of Danubius , much troubled the besieged Turkes in STRIGONIVM , because nothing could without danger of it be sent vp the riuer for their reliefe . Wherefore they by fit messengers sent word out of the castle vnto the Admirall of the Turkes gallies lying below in the riuer , That he should at an appointed time come vp the riuer with his gallies as high as the fort , and on that side at leastwise to make shew as if he would assault it : at which time they of the towne would be likewise readie to sallie out , and to assaile it indeed on the other side by land . The Admirall accordingly came vp the riuer with his gallies , and by discharging of certaine great pieces , made shew as if he would on that side haue battered the fort : but was so welcommed thereout of , that he was glad with his rent gallies quickly to fall downe the riuer againe further off out of danger . But whiles the thundering shot was thus flying too and fro towards the riuer , they of the towne sallying out , assaulted the fort on the other side toward the land , and that with such desperat resolution , that some of them were got vp to the top of the rampiers , and there for the space of two houres maintained a most cruell fight : wherein many of them were slaine and wounded , and the rest enforced with shame to retire . The Christians thus still lying at the siege , and intentiue to all occasions , partly by their espials , and partly by such as they had taken prisoners , vnderstood , that a new supplie both of men and victuals was shortly to be put into STRIGONIVM : and therefore sent out certaine companies of souldiors , who lying in two conuenient places , the one vpon the riuer , the other by land , might intercept the said supply . Both which places were before by the prouident enemie possessed : who suddenly assayling the Christians comming thither , and fearing no such matter , slew some of them , and put the rest to flight : who neuerthelesse in their retreat , brake the bridge which the Turkes had made of boats vnder the castle of STRIGONIVM ouer Danubius . Of which boats some were carried away with the violence of the streame , and of the rest thirtie fell into the hands of the Christians , without losse of any man more than fiue , who making too much hast out of a little boat , fell into the riuer , & so perished . In this time , Fame the forerunner of all great attempts had brought newes into the Christian campe , That Sinan Bassa the Turks great Generall was comming to the reliefe of STRIGONIVM : of whose power , diuers diuersly reported . But the greater part doubting the worst , and wearie of the long siege and of the calamities incident thereunto , added still something to the last report , to make the danger of longer stay to seeme the greater : certaine it is , that the newes of the comming of so great and puissant an enemie , raised many a troubled thought in the minds of so great a multitude . Now were the besieged Turks in great wants in STRIGONIVM , as appeared by letters intercepted from the Sanzacke to the Bassa of BVDA , declaring vnto him the hard estate of the besieged , and humbly crauing his promised helpe , without which the citie could not for want of victuals possibly be defended by the fainting souldiors aboue three dayes . Which letters being read in the campe , caused great preparation to be made for the continuing of the siege and the withstanding of the enemie , whose comming was euery houre expected . All this while the great ordinance neuer ceased on either side : wherby many were slaine , as well of the Christians as of the Turks ; and amongst others many of the cannoniers . But for as much as the rife fame of Sinan Bassaes comming encreased dayly , and the Christian campe possessed with a generall feare , gaue vnto the wise just suspition of some great mischiefe likely to ensue : Matthias the Generall entered into counsell with countie Ferdinand Hardeck , the lord Palfi , the lord Vngenade president of the counsell for the warres , and Erasmus Eraun gouernor of COMORA , What were best to be done in so dangerous a time ? who with generall consent agreed betimes ( before the comming of Sinan ) to raise the siege , and to remoue with the armie into some place of more safetie . Which their determinat resolution , the day following , being the six and twentith of Iune , they made knowne to the other princes and great commanders in the armie : who wonderfully discontented therewith , especially the Germans , both openly by word , and solemnely by writing , protested against the same , as most dishonourable , and altogether made without their knowledge or good liking . To whom the president of the counsell for their further satisfaction , declared , That the enemie was comming with a very great armie , and euen now at hand , whose strength encreased dayly , and with what power hee had purposed to assaile them in their tents , was vncertaine : besides that , it was manifestly knowne vnto the world , how that in the former assaults they had lost many of their best souldiors , beside others that died in the campe : and that the place wherein they lay encamped , was subject to many dangers : For which so vrgent causes the Generall had resolued to raise his siege , and before the comming of so strong an enemie , to remoue his armie into a place of more safetie . Which reasons for all that did not so well satisfie the Germane princes and commaunders , but that they still vrged their former protestation , requesting his excellencie to haue them excused before God and the world , if they yeelding to his commaund , as to their Generall , did that which they thought not altogether best , and which they would not haue otherwise done . For the more euidence whereof , the said Germane princes and great commaunders caused their said protestation to be solemnely conceiued in writing , which they firmed with their seales , and subscribed with their owne hands in order as followeth : Francis duke of SAXONIE , Augustus duke of BRVNSWICK , Sebastian Schlick , countie Wigand Maltzan , Ernestus of ALSTAN , Henry Phlugk , Iohn Nicholas Ruswormb , Henry Curwigger Heerrath , Iohn of OBERHAVSEN , Henry Rottcirch , Melchior of NOTHVVITH . But the Archduke with the rest constant in their former resolution , first sent away the great ordinance , and raising the siege the eight and twentith of Iune , followed after with the whole armie , passing ouer Danubius not farre from KOKARA , doubtfully expecting what course Sinan the great Bassa ( who was then reported to be euen at hand ) would take . Yet before their departure they set the old towne on fire , and rased the fort S. Nicholas , before taken from the enemie , which they had once purposed to haue kept . This vnexpected departure of the Christians much gladded the besieged Turkes : who for want of victuals had not beene able long to haue holden out . Yet lay the lord Teuffenbach still at the siege of HATVVAN , labouring by all meanes to take from the besieged Turkes their water , and with earth and faggots to fill vp their ditches ; which worke he had now happily brought to some good perfection . Whereof they in the towne by letters aduertised the Bassa of BVDA , and that except they were within the space of three daies relieued , they should be enforced to yeeld the towne . Which their distresse the Bassa considering , with speed assembled all his forces , and so set forward to relieue them , hoping to haue come vpon the Christians before they were aware of his comming . But Teuffenbach vnderstanding thereof , with fiue thousand chosen horsemen went out of the campe to meet him , & suddenly comming vpon him , fearing no such thing , slew fiue thousand of the Turkes , put the Bassa to flight , and together with the victorie obtained an exceeding rich prey . Now was there no lesse expectation and hope of the winning or yeelding vp of HATWAN , than was before of STRIGONIVM : but according to the chance of warre it fell out otherwise . For Teuffenbach hauing with continuall batterie layed the breaches faire open , and made choice of such souldiors as he thought meetest for the assault , was in the performing thereof so notably repulsed by the Turkes , that he was glad to retire with the losse of his best and most resolute souldiors : which put him out of all hope of taking the towne by force . For beside the losse of these good men , he had scarce so many sound men left , as might suffice to furnish his garrisons for defence of those frontiers : by reason that the Hungarians were almost all shrunke home , and of the Germanes were left scarce two thousand . Besides that he had oftentimes craued new supplies of the archduke , but all in vaine : for which causes he was glad to abandon two strong forts he had built before HATVVAN , and to leaue the towne now brought to great extremitie . Thus two notable cities , which were now as it were in the hands of the Christians , and by the recouerie whereof the broken state of the afflicted Christians in HVNGARIE had been much strengthened , were as it were againe restored vnto the barbarous and cruell enemie . Whilest the Christians thus lay at the siege of STRIGONIVM and HATVVAN , the Rascians ( of whom we haue before spoken ) striuing still more and more to rid themselues from the Turkish thraldome , gathered themselues togither to the number of fifteene thousand , betweene BVDA and BELGRADE , vnder a Generall of their owne chusing . For feare of whom , the Bassa of TEMESVVAR with an armie of foureteene thousand , went to fortifie and victuall LIPPA , doubting least it should by them be surprised : but hauing done that he went for , in his returne he was met with by the same Rascians , and twise fought withall in one day , and both times put to the worse , with the losse of the greatest part of his armie . After which victorie the Rascians tooke BECZKEREK a strong towne , standing in a marish foure miles from BELGRADE , and slew all the Turks they found therein . After that they tooke a castle called OTTADT , and dealt with the Turks in like manner . From thence they went and besieged BECHE , a castle standing vpon the riuer Tibiscus or Teise , where the towne adjoyning vnto it yeelded presently ; but they in the castle standing a while vpon their guard , offered at last to yeeld also vpon certaine conditions . But the Rascians knowing that the Turkes thereabouts had conuaied into that castle the best part of their wealth , and withall that it was but weakely manned , would accept of no conditions , but needs haue it absolutely deliuered vp to their pleasure . In the meane time the old Bassa of TEMESVVAR and his sonne , knowing it to tend to their dishonour to suffer this base people so to rage at their pleasure about them , gathered togither 11000 Turkes , and so in great hast came to relieue the besieged castle . Vpon whom the Rascians turned themselues , and in plaine battell ouerthrew the Bassa , and so pursued the victorie , that of those 11000 Turks scarcely escaped 1000 : the Bassa himselfe being there slaine , and with him three Sanzacks , his sonne escaped by flight . In this battell the Rascians tooke 18 great pieces of artillerie : and not long after tooke also WERSETZA and LVTZ , two strong places . After which so happie successe , they sent vnto the archduke Matthias for aid , but especially for canoniers , professing themselues now vtter enemies vnto the Turkes . The Rascians also about TEMESVVAR sent word vnto the other in the campe , that they would come and joyne with them . And they which inhabite the countrey betweene the riuers Danubius and Tibiscus , by messengers sent of purpose vnto the lord Teuffenbach ( the archdukes lieutenant in the vpper part of HVNGARIE ) offered in short time to send him ten or twelue thousand men , so that he would receiue them and their countrey into the emperours protection ; which he easily granted them , and thereof assured them by writing . And to the archduke himselfe they sent also their trustie messengers , requesting him to send them a Generall to lead them , promising vnto him all obedience : which messengers departing from them the fourteenth of Iune , shortly after returned with such answere as was thought most conuenient for their present state . Thus against the comming of Sinan , was HVNGARIE almost all on a broile . The emperour long before distrusting the Turkes purpose for warre , and well considering what a difficultie it would be for him with his owne forces only to withstand so puissant an enemie as was Amurath ; had by his embassadours praied aid of diuers Christian princes , but especially of them of the empire , as those whom this warre concerned most . Wherfore he after the auntient and wonted manner of his state in so common and imminent a danger , appointed a generall assembly of the Princes and States of the empire , to be holden at RATIS●ONE , in the latter end of Februarie : which for sundrie vrgent causes was put off vntill March , and againe vntill Aprill , and so afterward vntill May. At which time the emperour in person himselfe , with the Princes Electors , and other the great States of the empire , being met togither with great pompe at RATISBONE , and solemnly assembled into the bishops pallace , began there to sit in counsell the 2 of Iune . Vnto the which Princes and States so assembled , after that the emperour had first by the mouth of Phillip Countie Palatine of RHENE , giuen great thanks for their so readie apparance , & briefly declared the cause of their assembly ; he himselfe after some complaint made of the Turkish infidelitie , in expresse words declared vnto them , how that he by his embassadour then lying at CONSTANTINOPLE , had in the yeare 1591 made a league for eight years , with the present Turkish Sultan Amurath : which league Amurath himselfe had approued and confirmed , and thereof sent him publike and solemne instruments : wherein it was prouided , That no hostilitie should be on either side during that time attempted . And yet notwithstanding that he , contrarie to his faith giuen , as an hereditarie enemie of the Christians , had violated this league , and by sundrie incursions barbarously spoiled and wasted , not HVNGARIE onely , but other of his imperiall prouinces also : But especially by Hassan Bassa of BOSNA , who first with a strong armie besieged , battered , and tooke REPITZ , an antient frontier castle , and after that WIHITZ , DRESNIK , CRASSOVVITZ , with other places of name : And had in his dominion and territorie built PETRINIA a most strong fort , hurtfull to all that countrey , out of which he had done incredible mischiefe in CROATIA , WINDISMARCH , and the most fruitfull island TVROPOLIE ; and had out of those places carried away aboue fiue and thirtie thousand Christians into most miserable captiuitie . Of which shamefull injuries and breach of faith , he had many times by his embassadours complained vnto the Turkish Sultan at CONSTANTINOPLE , and requested , that all hostilitie set apart , due restitution might haue been made , but to haue therein preuailed nothing : and that the same Bassa in stead of condigne punishment , had been for the doing thereof honoured by the Great Sultan his lord with honourable gifts , the sure tokens of his fauour : Whereby he was so confirmed in his barbarous proceedings , that he began to make open warre , and hauing raised a full armie , and strengthened also with certaine companies of Ianizaries sent from the Court , had passed ouer the riuer of Kulp , and besieged the castle of SISEG : but by the just judgement of God the reuenger of wrongs , had there receiued the reward of his faithlesse and cruell dealing , being there slaine , and almost all his armie vtterly destroied by his small forces , raised in hast for his owne lawfull defence . Neuerthelesse the faithlesse Turke ( as if he had beene highly wronged himselfe ) to haue made this his breach both of league and faith forthwith knowne to all the world , by commanding open warre to be solemnly proclaimed against the kingdome of HVNGARIE , both in CONSTANTINOPLE and BVDA : and by the Beglerbeg of GRaeCE , to haue againe besieged and taken the strong fortresse of SISEG . Whereas on the other side ( because nothing should on his part be wanting , which might make his desire of peace more knowne ) he had againe , and oftentimes by his embassadour put the Turke in remembrance of his league made , and confirmed by his faith : who for all that had changed nothing of his purpose , but sent his great Visier Sinan Bassa with the Beglerbeg of GRaeCIA , and many inferiour Bassaes and Sanzacks into HVNGARIE , who with fire and sword enforced the inhabitants and countrey people ( such as they left aliue ) to sweare vnto the Turke obedience , and to become his subjects : and at the same time tooke VESPRINIVM and PALOTTA , two famous fortresses of that kingdome . And that the same Bassa by commandement from his lord and master , had contrarie to the law of nations imprisoned Frederik Kreckowitz his embassadour , first at CONSTANTINOPLE , and caused the greater part of his followers to be thrust into the gallies ; and afterwards to haue sent him with a few of his seruants to BELGRADE , and there to haue kept him so long in prison , that he there miserably died . In reuenge of which so great and open wrong , and for the defence and comfort of his afflicted subjects so neere the enemie , he had raised a good strength both of horse and foot , by whose helpe and the assistance of almightie God , the Bassa of BOSNA had reaped the fruit of his perfidious dealing : as had also the Bassa of BVDA , with many thousands of their great souldiors ; ouerthrowne neere vnto ALBA REGALIS ; besides many of their castles and townes taken or rased . Yet for all that was it easie to be seene , these so great victories by the goodnesse of God had and obtained against so mightie and cruell an enemie , not to suffice ; but that there was still need of a perseuerant and continuall supply for the maintenance of a perpetuall warre : and that it was daily to be expected , or rather euen now presently to be descried , That the Turke in his quarrell which he deemeth alwaies just against the Christians , and in reuenge of these ouerthrowes , would draw forth all his forces , and aduenture his whole strength . For which causes he had by the knowledge and consent of the Princes electors of the sacred empire , appointed that present Diet of the empire ; and not for the aforesaid causes only , but for diuers others both necessarie and waightie also : as the generall peace of the empire , the pacification of the Low countries , the reformation of justice , and amendment of the coine : but especially and aboue all other things , to make it knowne vnto the world , how much it concerned to haue the Turkes pride betime abated , and some effectuall defence for HVNGARIE ( now in danger ) at length prouided ; being the most sure defence and strongest bulwarke of that part of Christendome . And that whereas his owne hereditarie prouinces were not of themselues alone sufficient to maintaine so chargeable a warre , he therefore requested the Electors , Princes , and States both present and absent , not to grudge to be present with their helpe , their counsell , and whatsoeuer else should be needfull against so puissant and dangerous an enemie . So ending his speech , he caused all his demaunds before conceiued into writing to be read , and so deliuered vnto them . For answering whereunto , the Princes electors and others there present required time ; which granted , after many sittings & long consultations , they at last with one consent answered , That it was a hard matter by reason of the late dearth , and other like occasions , for them to grant such helpe and aid as the emperour had in writing required : yet hauing before their eies the great and imminent danger wherin the Christian common weale then stood , they not regarding their owne proper and neere difficulties , had in regard of his sacred and imperiall majestie , for the comfort and defence of the endangered Christians , and for the repressing of the Turkish furie , of their owne free will and meere compassion , granted beside their accustomed contribution , such farther reliefe for the space of six yeares , as they thought sufficient for the maintenance of a defensiue warre , both for the present and the time to come . What was by them farther decreed concerning the emperours other demaunds , as not pertinent to our purpose , we willingly passe ouer . Of all these things , as also whatsoeuer else had happened at STRIGONIVM , HATVVAN , or other places of HVNGARIE , was not Sinan Bassa ignorant : who now euen vpon the departure of the Christians from STRIGONIVM , was come with an huge armie betweene BVDA and ALBA REGALIS : vnto whom also fortie thousand Tartars , that by force had made themselues way through PODOLIA and the vpper part of HVNGARIE , had now joyned themselues : so that in his armie were reckoned aboue an hundred and fiftie thousand fighting men ; to the great terrour , not onely of HVNGARIE , AVSTRIA , STIRIA , CROATIA , BOHEMIA , and the prouinces therabout , but also of the whole State of GERMANIE . With this great armie the old Bassa had purposed to haue ouerwhelmed the Christians in their campe at STRIGONIVM : but now that they were before his comming departed ouer the riuer towards KOMARA , he resolued to keepe on his way , and to besiege the strong citie IAVRINVM , now called RAB . And to make all sure before him , he thought it best to take in his way DOTIS , a strong towne of the Christians , in the mid way betweene STRIGONIVM and RAB , about fiue Hungarian miles short of RAB . The Christian armie but newly passed ouer Danubius , in marching towards KOMARA , might see the mountaines and fields on the other side the riuer all couered with the multitude of the Turks armie : who though they were in deed many , yet marching dispersedly , made show of moe than in truth they were . So both armies marching in sight the one of the other , and seperated onely with the riuer , held on their way : the Christians to KOMARA , where they encamped vnder the verie wals of the citie , yet in such sort , as that they might a farre off well descrie one another ; and the Turkes towards DOTIS , where the Bassa with all his armie encamped the 21 day of Iuly . The night following , hauing planted his batterie , he began in furious manner to batter the castle , the chiefe strength of the towne ; the Christian armie looking on , but not daring at so great ods to relieue their distressed friends . So whiles the Bassa granteth no breathing time vnto the besieged , but tireth them out with continuall batterie and alarums , they of the towne dispairing of their owne strength , and to be able for any long time to hold out against so mightie an enemie , within three daies after yeelded the towne , being in that short time sore battered , and also in diuers places vndermined : yet with this condition , That it should be lawfull for the garrison souldiors and townesmen , with their wiues and children in safetie to depart . Which was vnto them by the Bassa frankly granted , but not so faithfully performed : for at their departure many of their wiues and children were staied by the Turkes , and the lord Baxi Gouernour of the towne fouly entreated . Immediatly after , the Bassa without much adoe tooke S. Martins castle also , not far from DOTIS , being by the captaine yeelded vnto him . In the meane time the countrey villages round about forsaken of the poore Christians , were by the Turks most miserably burnt , and all the countrey laied wast . Yea some of the forerunners of the Turks armie passing ouer the riuer Rabnitz , ran into the countrey as farre as ALTENBVRG , within fiue miles of VIENNA , burning the countrey villages as they went , and killing the poore people , or that worse was , carrying them away into perpetuall captiuitie : yet not without some losse , foure hundred of these roaming forragers being cut off by the lord Nadasti . Palfi also , and Brun Gouernour of KOMARA following in the taile of the Turks armie , set vpon them that had the charge of the victuals ; of whom they slew a great number , tooke 120 of them prisoners , and 150 camels and 30 mules laded with meale and rice , which they carried away with them to KOMARA . DOTIS and S. Martins thus taken , Sinan Bassa constant in his former determination , set forward againe towards RAB , and being come within a mile of the citie , there encamped ; the Christian armie then lying not far off on the other side of the riuer . This citie of RAB is a strong and populous citie , honoured with a bishops See , and was worthily accounted the strongest bulwarke of VIENNA , from whence it is distant about twelue Germane miles , standing vpon the South side of Danubius , where the riuer diuiding it selfe , maketh a most fertile island called SCHVT ; in the East point whereof standeth the strong citie of KOMARA . The defence of this citie of RAB was committed to Countie Hardeck , a man of greater courage than fidelitie , with a garrison of twelue hundred choise souldiors , vnto whom a little before the comming of the Bassa were certaine companies of Italians joyned , who togither with the citisens made vp the number of fiue thousand able men : a strength in all mens judgement sufficient for the long defence of that place . The last of Iuly ( Matthias the archduke about the going downe of the Sunne departing out of the citie of RAB , ouer the riuer into the island ouer against it ) came Sinan Bassa with his huge armie and beset it round , casting vp trenches and mounts , whereon he skilfully placed his gabions and great artillerie , and whatsoeuer else was necessarie for so great a siege : and that with such celeritie , as was to the beholders thought most strange . The second of August , he with great furie battered the citie , and brought his trenches within musket shot of the wals . At which time foure thousand Tartarian horsemen swam ouer the Danubius between RAB and KOMARA ; after whom followed six thousand Turkes , who being with much adoe got ouer to the farther side , suddenly surprised a fort of the Christians next vnto the riuer ; and forthwith turning fiue great pieces of ordinance which they found therein , discharged them vpon the campe of the Christians : who terrified with the sudden accident , rise vp all in armes , and hardly charging those desperat aduenturers , slew many of them ; especially such as seeking after bootie had dispersed themselues from their fellowes , and forced the rest againe to take the riuer , wherein most of them perished . About fiue daies after , the Tartarians ( liuing for most part vpon prey ) swam againe ouer the riuer , and vpon the sudden burnt a village in the island , and slew certaine Christians in their tents , but being quickly encountred by the Christian-horsemen , they were easily ouerthrowne , and many of them slain : the rest casting away their weapons and forsaking their horses , ran headlong into the riuer , trusting more to their swimming than to their fighting ; whom the Christians hardly pursuing , in the verie riuer slew about two thousand of them : and by this victorie obtained many of the Tartarian swift horses , with their scimitars , their bowes and arrowes , and such ensignes as they had . All this while Sinan Bassa without intermission , lay thundring with threescore great pieces of batterie against the citie : but to little or small purpose , for as yet he had made no breach whereby to enter , but the harme that was done was vpon the towers or high built houses , or in the campe , by such randon shot as flying ouer the towne fell by chance among the tents of the Christians . And the Ianizaries intentiue to all opportunities , in a great raine furiously and with a most horrible crie ( as their manner is ) assaulted an vtter bulwarke of the Christians , which they for feare forsooke , and retired themselues into the citie ; vpon which bulwarke so taken , the Ianizaries had set vp three of their ensignes : When the Christians ashamed of that they had done , and better aduised , taking courage vnto them , forthwith sallied out againe , and couragiously charging the Ianizaries but now entred , slew many of them , and recouered againe the bulwarke . Sinan Bassa leauing nothing vnattempted that might further his desire for the winning of the citie , was now casting vp a great mount against the citie : which whilest he dayly surueyed , he chanced to fall sicke , and therefore appointed one of the Bassaes in his owne stead to ouersee the worke ; who whilest he was walking too and fro , hastening the worke , and commaunding this and that thing to be done , he was taken with a shot out of the towne and slaine . The fifteenth of August certaine Turkes before the rising of the Sunne getting ouer Danubius in boats , assailed a fort of the Christians : which the souldiours that had the keeping of it , presently forsooke , and left it to the enemie . Which Iohn de Medices , lately come into the campe with two thousand Italians , perceiuing , forthwith came to the rescue of the fort , draue out the Turks , and hauing slaine diuers of them , forced the rest into the riuer , where they were all drowned . At which time fiue thousand Tartars in another place , passing ouer the riuer into the island , were encountered by the lord Palfi and the Hussars his followers , and without any great resistance put to flight , wherein many of them were slaine : the rest taking the riuer , were in good hope to haue got ouer , and so to haue saued themselues . But other Turks meeting them in the riuer , would with their weapons haue beaten them backe , and stayed their flight : against whom the Tartars opposing themselues , made with them in the very riuer a most cruell fight , but with such losse vnto the Tartars , that of the fiue thousand which aduentured ouer , few returned to carrie newes vnto their fellowes how they had sped . Now began great scarcitie of victuals in the Turks campe , so that the souldiors were faine to feed vpon vnripe fruit and such other vnwholesome things : whereof ensued the bloudie flix , with many other dangerous diseases : which raging amongst them , did wonderfully consume the Bassaes armie . Beside that , they of the citie with continuall shot had slain many , and among them a sonne in law of the great Bassaes , whose death he is reported to haue taken so vnpatiently , that he fell sicke for griefe , but in short time after passed it ouer , and recouered againe . The Tartars not yet warned by their often losses , but passing againe ouer the riuer into the island the nineteenth of this moneth , were there three thousand of them slaine . In the mean time certaine companies also of the Turks hauing secretly passed the riuer , in another quarter assayled the Christians in their campe : in which hurly burly other of the Tartars got ouer the riuer not farre from KOMARA , hoping now at length to performe some great matter , which they had before so often to their cost vainely attempted . But finding the Turkes ouerthrowne before their comming , and the Christians ( contrarie to their expectation ) in armes readie to receiue them , they were easily discomfited , and two thousand of them slaine . In this conflict the Sanzacke of STRIGONIVM , with two others , and many moe of great account among the Turkes perished . Shortly after the Christians sallying out of the citie , slew a great number of the Turkes , and so retired with small losse . Thus was the Turkes armie dayly deminished , besides that the want of victuals with the bloudie flix so encreased , that many persuaded the Bassa to haue raised his siege , and to haue remooued with his armie to some other more wholesome place , and of greater plentie : but he resolutely set downe not to depart before he had either woon the towne , or enforced them therein to yeeld , would not hearken to any persuasions to the contrarie . Whilest Sinan thus lay at the siege of RAB , Maximilian the emperours brother tooke Crastowitz , a fortresse of the Turks vpon the borders of CROATIA , and put to sword all the Turks there in garrison . After that he layed siege to PETRINIA , a strong fortresse of the Turks , which they but a few yeares before had contrarie to the league built in the emperours territorie , for the annoying of CROATIA , and for the exceeding strength thereof was thought almost impregnable . Yet such was the industrie of Maximilian and his souldiors , that what with continuall batterie and mines they so terrified the Turks there in garrison , that they for feare set fire on the fort , and flying away by night , made shift euery man for himselfe , as he might . Which they in the castle of SISEG hearing , set fire also vpon it , and so left it to the Christians : whose example they also of GARA followed : by which so prosperous and happie successe of Maximilians , not the frontiers only , but euen the whole countrey of CROATIA was for that time deliuered of a wonderfull trouble and no lesse danger . The eight and twentith day of August twentie thousand of the Christians passing ouer the riuer by a bridge out of the island , and joyning with them of the towne , sallied out vpon the Turks campe . The Hungarian Heidons in the foreward at the first onset tooke two of the Turks bulwarkes ; and hauing beaten out the enemies , cloyed certaine of their great pieces : but the Turks returning with greater power , enforced the Christians to retire , and recouered again their lost bulwarkes . In this conflict many were slaine , as well Christians as Turkes . In the meane while Thonhause a great captaine of the Christians , and Geitzhofler , countie Hardecke his lieutenant , with fifteene hundred Hungarian and Germane footmen came in great boats to haue holpen their fellowes , but landing somewhat too late , they were by the enemie beaten backe , and enforced with such speed to retire , that many of them being not able to recouer the boats , were drowned in the riuer , amongst whom Geitzhofler himselfe perished , and Thonhause was deadly wounded in his breast . Yet the Christians not discouraged with this losse , but gathering themselues together vnder the very wals of the citie , gaue a second assault vnto the enemie . In the foreward were the footmen , who were by the enemies horsemen easily repulsed : but by the comming in of the lord Rinsberg ( who was at the first onset slaine ) the Turks were enforced into their trenches , except some few , which deuided from the rest hid themselues in the vineyards , but being found out by the Christians , were there all slaine . In this skirmish the lord Palfi was grieuously wounded in his thigh . Of the Christians were slaine foure hundred , and of the Turks about two thousand . These conflicts endured from seuen a clock in the morning vntill twelue , at which time the Christians returning into the citie , and so into the campe , amongst other spoyles carried away with them seuenteene of the enemies ensignes . No day now passing without some skirmish , at length the ninth of September ten thousand Turkes , some in boates , some by other meanes , hauing got ouer the riuer of Danubius into the island of SCHVT , suddenly set vpon the Christians , all sleeping in securitie , and little fearing any such danger : of whom they slew about two thousand , and after some small fight put the rest to most shamefull flight , in such sort , that Matthias the Archduke himselfe with the other noblemen and captaines had much adoe by flight to escape . Thus whilest euery man surprised with feare , made what shift he could for himselfe ; the enemie in the meane time entered the trenches , tooke their tents , the great ordinance , the shot and pouder , and all the money which but a little before was brought for the souldiors pay ; besides about a thousand waggons , and two hundred boats well loaded with prouision for the campe , and ten gallies , wherein were an hundred and twentie pieces of great ordinance . The losse receiued this day was valued at fiue hundred thousand duckats . And albeit that this victorie cost the Turkes two thousand and fiue hundred of their liues , yet thereby they gained the masterie both vpon the riuer and the land , so that now roming farre and neere without resistance , they spoyled the countrey all about , and burnt certain countrey villages not farre from VIENNA : so that for many miles space from countrey townes were for feare of the enemie forsaken by the inhabitants ; of whom some were taken and slaine , some carried into captiuitie , and some others ( reserued to a better fortune ) with such things as they had , got themselues farther off into places of more securitie . And the more to encrease these calamities , the Tartars shortly after passing ouer Danubius neere vnto ALTENEVRO , first sacked WEISENBVRG , and after burnt it , with certaine townes thereabout : but aduenturing to haue gone further into the countrey , they were with losse enforced to returne . Whilest the Turks thus preuaile in HVNGARIE , Cicala Bassa the Turkes Admirall then at sea with a fleet of gallies , landing his men in diuers places of ITALIE , did exceeding much harme but especially in CALABRIA , where he vpon the sudden surprised RHEGIVM , ri●led the towne , and afterwards burnt it . From thence taking his course towards SICILIA , he in the sight of MESSANA landed certaine of his men ; who aduenturing too farre ashore , were by the countrey people ouerthrowne and put to flight . So the Turks returning againe to RHEGIVM , vtterly rased what they had before left of that towne . In the meane time not farre from MESSANA , euen in the sight of the garrison of the towne , they tooke a certaine ship comming out of the East countries , and three other comming from APVLIA . Afterward chancing vpon certaine gallies of the East , they changed some few shot with them , but to no great purpose . And so turning their course , and sailing alongst the coast of CALABRIA , they oftentimes landed certaine companies , which skirmishing with the Calabrians , had sometime the better and sometime the worse , and so with such fortune as befell them , were againe receiued into the gallies . They of MESSANA , vnto whose eyes these dangers were dayly presented both by letters and speedie messengers , gaue the Viceroy knowledge thereof ( who then for his pleasure lay at PALERMO ) requesting his present aid : but he dallying of the time , they for the more safegard of the citie and of the sea coast , of themselues raised fiue hundred horsemen , whom they committed to the leading of Philip Cicala , the renegate Turkish Admirals brother ; and beside stored the citie with all such things as they thought necessarie for the enduring of a siege , if it should chance the Turke to haue any such purpose : of all which they certified the king of SPAINE , as also of the negligence of the Viceroy , requesting his speedie aid against these terrours of the Turks . In the meane while the Neapolitanes for safegard of their coast put to sea thirtie gallies : vnto whom the Pope , the duke of FLORENCE , the Genowayes , and the knights of MALTA , joyned also theirs , in all to the number of about fourescore gallies , vnder the conduct of Auria . The prouident Venetians also although they were as then in league with the Turke ; yet for the more safetie of their state , put to sea a fleet of about an hundred saile , some ships , some gallies , vnder the leading of Poscarin their Admirall . Which two fleets sayling vp and downe those seas , deliuered ITALIE , SICILIE , DALMATIA , with many other prouinces and islands of the Christians of a great feare . Sinan Bassa hauing before encouraged his soldiors with great hope and large promises , commaunded an assault to be giuen to the citie of RAB : which was accordingly by them begun the three and twentith day of September , the Sunne being as yet scarce vp , and furiously maintained all that day from morning vntill night . But they of the towne so valiantly defended themselues , that at last the Turks were glad to giue ouer the assault , and with losse to retire . Neuerthelesse the next day the assault was again renewed , and most desperatly continued by the space of two daies : wherein aboue twelue thousand of the Turks there lost their liues , the other with shame retiring themselues into their trenches . In few dayes after , the Turks by a mine blew vp one of the bulwarkes of the towne , with the fall whereof the towne ditch was in that place somewhat filled : whereby the Turks with all their power attempted thrice the next day to haue entered , but were by the valour of the defendants still notably with losse repulsed . Yet notwithstanding all this chearefulnesse and couragiousnesse of them in the towne , the puissant enemie ceased not with continuall batterie and furious assaults to attempt the citie , vntill that at length he had gained two of the bulwarkes , from whence he might to his great aduantage , by the rubbish and earth fallen out of the battered bulwarkes and rampiers , haue accesse vnto the towne , to the great terrour of the defendants . Whereupon countie Hardeck the Gouernor ( who corrupted by the Turke , had of purpose many times before said that the towne could not possibly be long defended ) now tooke occasion to enter into counsell with the other captaines of the towne ( diuers of whom he had alreadie framed to his purpose ) what course were best to take for the yeelding of it vp . And so after a little consultation , holden more for fashion sake , than for that he doubted what to doe ; resolued to send a messenger vnto the Bassa , for a truce to be graunted for a while , to see if happily in the meane time some reasonable composition might be agreed vpon . Yet the Gouernour considering vnto what scorne and danger he should expose himselfe , by yeelding vp of so strong a towne ; to colour the matter , and to excuse his doings vnto the rest of the nobilitie and garrisons of HVNGARIE , caused a publicke instrument to be in his and all the rest of the captaines names conceiued in writing , wherein they solemnely protested vnto the world , That for as much as it was impossible ( by reason of the weakenesse of the garrison ) for them longer to defend the towne against so mightie an enemy , without new supplies in stead of them that were slain , which they had oftentimes in vaine requested , they were therefore of necessitie enforced to come to composition with the enemie . Which protestation so made , the Gouernour with the chiefe captaines confirmed with their hands and seales . So after a truce granted , and pledges giuen on both sides , at length it was agreed vpon , That all the garrison souldiors , together with the countie and other captaines should in armes with ensignes displayed with bag and baggage depart in safetie ; and with a safe conuoy be brought to ALTENBVRG . Which agreement though by oath confirmed , was not on the Turks part altogether performed : for when the countie had the 29 day of September , at ten a clock in the forenoone deliuered vp the citie vnto the Bassa , and the Christian garrison was all come out , the countie himselfe with a few of his friends was with a conuoy of Turks brought in safetie to the appointed place : but the Italians and other garrison souldiors that came behind , and ought to haue beene by the Gouernour protected , were contrary to the Turks promise spoyled of all that they had , and hardly escaping with life , came that night to HOCHSTRATE , and the next day to ALTENBVRG . Thus was RAB , one of the strongest bulwarkes of Christendome , traiterously deliuered vnto the most mortall enemie of the Christian religion ; being euen then when it was giuen vp , victualled for a yeare , and sufficiently furnished with all things necessarie for defence : all which prouision together with the citie fell into the hands of the faithlesse enemie . A losse neuer to haue beene sufficiently lamented , had it not beene about foure yeares after , euen as it were miraculously againe recouered , to the great rejoysing of all that side of Christendome , as in the processe of this Historie shall appeare . Sinan glad of this victorie , as of the greatest trophey of his masters glorie ouer the Christians , gaue him speedie knowledge thereof , both by letters and messengers . Of whom he was for that good seruice highly commended , and afterward bountifully rewarded : for now had Amurath alreadie in hope deuoured all AVSTRIA , with the prouinces thereabout . The great Bassa , because he would not with too long stay hinder the course of his victorie , without delay repaired the rent citie , new fortified the battered bulwarkes , enlarged the ditches , and filled the cathedrall church with earth , in manner of a strong bulwarke , where vpon he planted great store of great ordinance : and with exceeding speed dispatched all things necessarie for the holding of the place . In the meane time he sent certaine Tartars to summon the towne and castle of PAPPA ; which castle and little towne subject thereunto , the Christians the night following set on fire , because it should not stand the enemie in any stead for the farther troubling of the countrey , and so fled . The Bassa hauing at his pleasure disposed of all things in RAB , and leauing there foure thousand Ianizaries , and two thousand horsemen in garrison , departed thence with his armie and laid siege to KOMARA , a strong towne of that most fertile island , which the Hungarians call SCHVT ; which situated in the verie point thereof about foure miles from RAB , is on the East , South , and North enclosed with the two armes of Danubius . All these waies Sinan with his fleet ( which he had there notably well appointed ) laid hard siege vnto the towne , and gaue thereunto diuers assaults : and by land , the Beglerbeg of GRaeCE ceased not both by continuall batterie and mines , to shake the wals and bulwarks thereof . Thus was the citie on all sides both by water and by land hardly laid vnto . But the Christians within , with no lesse courage defended themselues and the citie , than did the Turkes assaile them ; shewing indeed , that the libertie of their religion and countrey , was vnto them dearer than their liues . Matthias the archduke in the meane time , not ignorant how much it concerned the emperour his brother to haue this citie defended , hauing after his late ouerthrow gathered togither a good armie of Germanes , Bohemians , and Hungarians , resolued to go and raise the siege : and so marching forward with his armie , came and encamped the 28 day of October at NITRIA , about fiue miles from KOMARA . Now were the Tartars a little before departed from the came , with purpose to returne home : yea the Turkes themselues wearie of the siege , and wanting victuall both for themselues and their horses , began also as men discouraged to shrinke away . Which the Bassa well considering , thought it not best with his heartlesse souldiors and armie now sore weakened , to abide the comming of the Christians : and therefore vpon their approach he forthwith forsooke the citie , which he had by the space of three weekes hardly besieged , and by a bridge made of boats transported his armie and artillerie ouer Danubius to DOTIS , where the next day after he brake vp his armie . Immediatly after the Turkes were thus departed , the Archduke arriued at KOMARA , where he with great diligence caused the breaches to be repaired , the mines to be filled vp , and new bulwarkes and rampiers to be made in diuers places for the more strength of the citie , leauing the charge thereof still vnto the lord Braun the old Gouernour , who in the defence thereof had receiued a grieuous wound in his right knee : of whom also this notable fact is reported . The Bassa in time of the late siege of KOMARA , vnder the colour of a parley , had sent fiue Turks into the citie to the Gouernour , but in deed to proue if he were by any meanes to be woon to yeeld vp the citie , and not to hold it out to the last : The faithfull Gouernour , hauing giuen them the hearing vntill they had discharged their whole treacherie , presently caused foure of their heads to he strucken off , and to be set vpon long pikes vpon one of the bulwarkes for the Bassa to looke vpon ; but the fift ( the beholder of this tragedie ) he sent backe vnto the Bassa , to tell him , That although he had found one in RAB to serue his turne , he was much deceiued if in him he thought to find Countie Hardeck ; and that he wished rather to die the emperours faithfull seruant in the bloud of the Turkes , than to betray the citie committed to his charge . Countie Hardeck late Gouernour of RAB , generally before suspected to haue treacherously betraied that strong towne vnto the Bassa , was therefore sent for to VIENNA , and there by the emperours commaundement committed to prison . Where among many things laid to his charge , as that he should in the beginning of the siege negligently haue suffered many things to be done by the enemie , which afterwards turned to the great danger of the towne : and that in the time of the siege , he had caused some of the canoniers to discharge certain great pieces against the enemie , with pouder onely without shot : and that seeing one piece among the rest to do the enemie much harme , he had caused the same to be remooued , and so placed , as that it serued to little or no vse : beside that , he ( as it should seeme ) making small reckoning of the towne , should oftentimes say , That if the Turkes should win it , he should be but one towne the richer : with diuers other such things , giuing just cause of suspition . The thing that lay most heauie vpon him , was the testimonie of one of Sinan Bassa his chamber , who being taken young by the Turkes , and seruing in the Bassaes chamber , was now fled from the Turks , and comming to the Archduke in the time of his siege , declared vnto him , that there was treason in his campe : and that he but three daies before by the commaundement of his master , had deliuered two bags full of duckats vnto two Christians , of whom the one had a notable scarre in his face , and was afterwards known to haue bin one of the Counties seruants . Vpon this and such like proofs , the Countie was after many daies hearing , in open court by the judgement of seauen and fortie noblemen and captaines of name , condemned of treason , and adjudged to be hanged , his dead bodie to remaine vpon the gallowes by the space of three daies , and all his lands and goods to bee confiscat : The rigour of which sentence was afterward by the emperour mitigated , and the traitour by him adjudged to haue his right hand ( by him before giuen to the emperour , in pawne of his faith ) and his head strucke off vpon a scaffold at VIENNA , and so buried . Which seuere sentence was afterwards accordingly put in execution : for the tenth of Iune following , the traitour being brought to the scaffold built of purpose in the hie street of VIENNA , after the sentence of his condemnation there solemnly read , commending himselfe vpon his knees to the mercie of God , with his eies couered , & his right hand laid vpon a blocke couered with blacke , had both his hand and head so suddenly strucke off by the executioners , as that the beholders could hardly judge which of them was first off . His dead bodie with his head and hand , was presently by his seruant wrapped in a blacke cloth and laid in his coach , which stood there by of purpose couered with blacke , and was afterwards buried amongst his auncestors . The Tartars but lately●before departed from Sinans campe , passing ouer Danubius at STRIGONIVM , had purposed through the vpper part of HVNGARIE , and by the borders of TRANSYLVANIA and MOLDAVIA , to haue againe returned into their countrey : of whom two companies falling into the hands of the lord Palfi , were by him cut off and vtterly defeated : the rest comming vnto the borders of TRANSYLVANIA , and finding the passages so beset by the Prince and the Vayoud of VALACHIA , as that they could not without most manifest danger passe that way , returned againe the same way they came : and hauing rifled and burnt certaine towns and villages in the vpper HVNGARIE about TOCKAIE , passed the riuer againe at STRIGONIVM , and wintering at VESPRINIVM , PALOTTA , and other places in the countrey about RAB , liued vpon the spoile of the poore Christians , vpon the frontiers of AVSTRIA , euen as far as MEINERSDORF . These Tartars ( of whom we haue so often spoken ) at their first comming to the aid of Sinan , by direction from the Turkish Sultan , staied vpon the frontiers of TRANSYLVANIA , of purpose to haue surprised that countrey , and either to haue thrust Sigismund Bator the young prince out of the gouernment thereof , or else to haue sent him in bonds to CONSTANTINOPLE : For it was commonly reported , That he wearie of the heauie tribute which he yearely paied vnto the Turke , and had now after their greedie manner been diuers times enhaunsed : had purposed to reuolt from the Turkish Sultan , and to enter into confederation with the Christian emperour . Which innouation and change , certaine of the nobilitie and chiefe States of TRANSYLVANIA , sought by all meanes to hinder : and acquainting Amurath with the matter , and entring into conspiracie with the Tartars , vndertooke to deliuer the whole countrey into their hands , and to send the Prince prisoner to HVST , where the Tartars then lay vpon the borders encamped . Wherefore dissembling this their purpose , they cunningly persuaded the Prince , that Samosche the great Chancellor of POLONIA , in the confines of his countrey lay with a great power expecting his comming , to consult with him of matters of great importance . And the better to colour this their treacherie , they had counterfeited letters to that effect from the Chancelor to the Prince , and had wrought so effectually , that the Prince not suspecting any such treason , gaue credit to their persuasions , and so put himselfe vpon his way towards the Chancellor ( as he supposed : ) but by the way , he was aduised by some of his friends which had got some suspition of the matter , not to go any farther , for that his comming was not attended by the Polonians his friends ( as he was persuaded ) but by the Tartars his enemies , who lay in wait for him at HVST , to bereaue him of his life and gouernment . The Prince astonied with the noueltie of the matter , listned vnto their persuasion , and retired with his traine to the strong fort of KEHWERE ; where he staied fourteene daies , as if it had been onely for feare of the Tartars . In the meane time , hee gaue notice to the nobilitie and gouernours of the countrey ; his friends , of the imminent and common danger ; who forthwith repaired vnto him in armes . But the traitors proceeding in their purpose , ceased not to persuade Bornemissa , who had the leading of the princes armie , that to fight with the Tartars was a matter of no small danger : and that therefore if he wished well to his countrey , he should not haue to doe with them , but onely shew himselfe neere vnto them , and that he was not vnprouided for them : which was accordingly done , and the Transyluanian army brought so nigh vnto the Tartars , as that they might heare the noise of their drums and trumpets . Whereby the Tartars as by the watchword , perceiuing themselues discouered , and nothing to fall out according to their expectation , & as had been vnto them promised for the betraying of the prince : they remoued thence , and by another way breaking through the middest of TRANSYLVANIA , and so into HVNGARIE , rifled and burnt fiue hundred villages , slew all the males that were aboue twelue yeares of age , and carried away the rest vnto the Turkish army then lying at the siege of RAB . In the meane time the traitours ( when as this first plot serued them not ) conspired to set vp one Balthazar Bator , the young princes nigh kinsman , and with the good fauour of Amurath to preferre him to the soueraigne gouernment of their countrey . Which their purpose the Prince perceiuing , and doubting altogither to trust vnto the fidelitie of his owne subjects ; writ to his neighbours the Rascians , and other his confederats , praying their aid in this his so dangerous and doubtfull estate . Which after he had receiued , he appointed a generall assembly of all his States to be holden at CLAVSENBVRG , and that vpon a great paine to be inflicted vpon all such as should not there personally appeare : so at the prefixed day all came , except the Cardinall Bator and Stephen his brother , who guiltie of so foule a treason against their owne bloud , were now before fled into POLONIA . Being all thus met togither , the Prince commaunded the gates of the citie to be shut , and diligent watch and ward to be kept , forbidding by open proclamation , that any man vpon paine of death should so much as speake of any imagined treason . And at the same time politikely caused to be published in writing , how that the Germanes , had in the farther side of HVNGARIE got a notable victorie ouer the Turks ; for joy whereof he commanded bonefiers to be made , and the great ordinance to be in triumph shot off , with many other signes of joy and gladnesse : and withall caused a notable banquet to be prepared , whereunto togither with others , were inuited also all the chiefe of the conspirators : Of whom , euen as they were at dinner & least feared any such matter , he commanded fourteene to be apprehended and committed to prison : and the next morning caused fiue of them to be executed in the open market place . The principall of whom , who had vndertaken to haue himselfe slaine the Prince , after three or foure light cuts in the necke , he caused to be drawne in pieces with foure horses : the other foure , namely Alexander , and Gabriell Gendi , Gregorie Diaco , and Ladislaus Sallentz were beheaded , and their dead bodies all that day left in the market place for the people to behold : the rest were also afterwards worthely executed ; and Balthazar Bator , whom the conspiratours had intended to haue exalted , strangled . Hauing thus reuenged himselfe vpon his enemies , he by a publike edict divulged through all his dominion , gaue leaue to all his subjects in generall , of their owne charge to take vp armes against the Turkes , and whatsoeuer they could take from them , to haue it to themselues , as good prize gotten from their lawfull enemies . By which vnwonted libertie , the Transyluanians encouraged as with a great bountie , armed themselues on all hands to the number of fortie thousand , who being mustered and sworn to hold togither against the Turkes , made their first expedition towards Danubius ; where at their first arriuall , by good hap they light vpon certaine of the Turkes ships laded with prouision for the campe , and merchandise of all sorts , and much treasure : of which rich ships , they at the first onset tooke seuen , but the eighth ( being in deed the Admirall ) escaped their hands . In these ships they tooke an exceeding rich bootie , slew many of the Turkes , and in token of the victorie , carried backe vnto the Prince seaen of the Turkish ensignes . This victorie caused great joy in TRANSYLVANIA , euerie man of so prosperous a beginning , conceiuing good hope of most happie successe . It is reported , that Sinan Bassa hearing of this losse , should say , That if this prouision had come to him in safetie , he could with that treasure more easily haue bought VIENNA in AVSTRIA , than he had RAB in HVNGARIE . After this victorie the Prince laied siege to TEMESVVAR , but hearing of the returne of the Tartars from the Turks campe , and that they were comming toward TRANSYLVANIA ( as is beforesaid ) he left TEMESVVAR , to look to the defence of his owne countrey . Not long after , about the two and twentith of December a tumult rise among the Ianizaries of the Court at CONSTANTINOPLE , which grew to such an height , that in the heat thereof one of the Bassaes was by them slaine , with some others of good account , and one of Amuraths sonnes sore wounded , and with much adoe saued . Vpon conceit whereof , Amurath for anger and griefe fell into a fit of the falling sicknesse ( whereunto he was much subject ) and was therwith for the space of three dayes and three nights so grieuously vexed , as if he should haue presently giuen vp the ghost : so that the citie was filled with heauinesse and feare , and the great men of the Court were euen readie to thinke vpon a new lord . This tumult of the insolent Ianizaries many supposed to haue beene the cause of Amurath his death , which shortly after ensued : his griefe and maladie encreasing dayly by the euill newes still brought vnto him both by messengers and letters , especially out of TRANSYLVANIA , where the prince waiting vpon euery occasion , was still at hand with the Turkes , cutting them short in euery place ; and in sundrie rodes which he made vpon them this moneth , tooke many of their castles and forts from them . He had at that time in the field in diuers places three armies : one vnder the conduct of Gesty Ferens , in the countrey of LVGAZ neere vnto TEMESVVARE : another vnder the leading of Michaell Horwat , on the side of Danubius , to intercept the Turkes comming to BVDA : and the third commaunded by Caspar Cornoyse in the country neere to GIVLA , vnto whom came shortly after fifteene hundred horsemen out of the vpper HVNGARIE . The Transyluanian prince Sigismund Bator thus lately reuolted from the Turk , for the strengthening of his state thought it best betime to enter into confederation with his neighbors of VALACHIA and MOLDAVIA ( who moued by his example , shortly after in like manner also cast off the seruile yoke of the Turke ) but especially with the Christian emperour Rodolph . For which purpose he sent his embassadours honourably accompanied : who comming to COSSOVIA in HVNGARIE the foureteenth of December , arriued at PRAGE the twelfth of Ianuarie , with twentie waggons , and an hundred and fiftie horse , where they were by the emperours appointment most honourably receiued and royally entertained : and after a few dayes hauing deliuered vnto the emperour the summe of their embassage , which was for a confederation to be made betweene the emperour and the prince : after much graue consultation and serious discourse it was fully concluded and agreed vpon : the chiefe points whereof I thought it not amisse here in briefe to set downe , for the satisfying of such as desire to know in what tearmes that worthie prince next neighbour vnto the Turke then stood with the Christian emperour . First it was agreed vpon , That the emperour for himselfe and for the states of HVNGARIE should promise to proceed in his wars begun against the common enemie , and not to conclude any peace with him , without the knowledge and good liking of the prince . And that in all conclusions of peace to be made betwixt him and the Turke , the countries of TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , should be alwayes comprised : in regard whereof , the prince likewise promised for himselfe and the states of TRANSYLVANIA , to prosecute the commenced warre , and not to enter into any league with the Turke , without the knowledge and consent of the emperour and the nobilitie of HVNGARIE , and this to be confirmed by solemne oath on both sides . Secondly , that the prouince of TRANSYLVANIA with all the parts and confines thereof hitherto possessed by the prince in HVNGARIE , should remaine vnto the said prince Sigismund and his heires male , with all the profits arising thereof , in such sort as they had done in the time of Iohn , Stephen , and Christopher , his predecessors , to haue therein a most free and absolute authoritie : yet so , as that they should acknowledge his imperiall majestie and his lawfull successors for their lawfull soueraignes ; vnto whom they should alwayes sweare their fealtie , but without any homage doing : and that to be performed by his successours at the time of the change , but by the prince himselfe , presently after the confirming of this league . But that for lacke of heires male , the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA with all the territories thereunto annexed , should discend vnto his sacred majestie and his successours , the kings of HVNGARIE , as a true and inseparable member thereof : whereunto the prince and all the states of TRANSYLVANIA should bind themselues by solemne oath . But yet that at such time as the heires male should faile in the line of the present prince , and that the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA should according to these present conditions be deuolued to the crowne of HVNGARIE ; as well his present imperiall and royall majestie as his successours , should keepe inuiolate the auntient lawes , priuiledges , and customes of that countrey , and alwayes appoint one of the nobilitie of TRANSYLVANIA to be Gouernour or Vayuod of the same , and no other stranger . Thirdly , that his majestie should acknowledge the prince of TRANSYLVANIA for an absolute prince , and by speciall charter confirme vnto him the title of Most excellent . Fourthly , that his imperiall majestie should procure one of the daughters of the late Archduke Charles his vncle , for a wife for the prince , that as they were now to be joyned in league , so they might be joyned in affinitie also . Fiftly , that the emperour should procure him to bee made one of the order of the Golden Fleece . Sixtly , that the prince might with more cheerefulnesse and securitie make warre against the common enemie , his imperiall and royall majestie should not at any time , howsoeuer things fell out , forsake the said prince or any of the countries subject vnto him : and euen now presently to aid him according as the present occasion required , and afterward ( if greater need should be ) with greater helpe , whether it were by his Generall of CASSOVIA , or others : and this giuing of aid to be on both sides mutuall and reciprocall , according as the necessitie of the one or other part should require : and that where most need was , thither should most helpe be conuerted . Seuenthly , that the sacred Romane empire should take vpon it the protection and defence of the prince and his territories . And that his imperiall majestie should create the said prince and the princes his successours , princes of the empire : yet so , as that they should haue neither voice nor place among the said princes . Eightly , that whatsoeuer castles , towns , cities , or other places of strength should by their common forces be taken or recouered from the common enemie , at such time as his imperiall majestie should send into the field a full armie , should be all his majesties : But such places as the prince should by his owne forces or policie gaine from the enemie , should remaine vnto the prince himselfe . Yet that what places soeuer the prince should recouer , which at any time before belonged to the kingdome of HVNGARIE , before it was taken by the Turke , those he should forthwith deliuer to his majestie , as soone as reasonable recompence were by him therefore made vnto the prince . Ninthly , his sacred majestie should promise of his owne bountie to giue vnto his excellencie sufficient aid for the fortifying and defence of such places as should be thought necessarie for the behoofe of the Christians : as again the said prince should likewise promise not to spare his own cofers or forces , that the same places should be throughly fortified and defended , for the behoofe of his majestie and the common good of the Christian commonweale . Lastly , that for as much as the euents of warre are vncertaine , and many things suddenly happen contrarie to mens expectation , if such necessitie should chance vnto his excellencie or his successours ( which mishap God forbid ) that hauing spent themselues , they should not be able longer to defend their state and countrey , but that the mightie enemie preuailing , they should at last be enforced to forsake the same ▪ in this their extremitie , his imperiall & royall majestie should promise both for himselfe and his successors , within the space of one moneth to assigne some certaine place in some other of his dominions , where the said prince and his successours might honourably liue . And the like regard to be had also of other such principall men , as should together with the prince aduenture their liues and liuings in defence of the Christian commonweale . Which articles of confederation agreed vpon , and solemnly confirmed , the same embassadors were with all kindnesse , bountie , and magnificence dismissed and sent back again vnto the prince : who was not himselfe in the meane time idle , but labouring by all the meanes he could to draw vnto him Michael the Vayuod of VALACHIA , a man of no lesse worth than himselfe , and Aaron the Palatine of MOLDAVIA , both of them then the Turkes tributaries ; and by them to alienate from the Turke both those countries , that so with their combined forces they might the better defend their libertie , and withstand their common enemie : wherein he did so much , and preuailed so farre with them both , that casting off the Turks obeisance , they shortly after to the great benefit of the Christian commonweale , and no lesse hinderance of the Turkes proceedings in HVNGARIE , joined hands both together with him for the recouerie of their lost liberty . Which reuolt of these bordering princes , for that it so much concerned the common good , as that the safegard of AVSTRIA , and of the remnants of HVNGARIE , with some good part of GERMANIE also , is euen by them that in those matters saw much , not without cause suppose● to haue rested therein ; and that this noble Vayuod ( of whom much is to be said hereafter ) was the second actor herein , it shall not be from our purpose to see the manner of his reuolt also from the Turke , as we haue alreadie the Transyluanians . For the more euidence whereof , as for the honour of the man ( whilest he liued , a most worthie member of the Christian commonweale ) we will a little step backe to see how he obtained of the Great Turke this so honourable a preferment as was the Vayuodship of VALACHIA , not without his reuolt long now to be holden . Alexander the late Vayuod of VALACHIA , a Moldauian borne , and by Amurath himselfe promoted to that dignitie , proud aboue measure of this his so great a preferment , as also of his owne nobilitie , and the deceitfull fauour of fortune still fawning vpon him ; not onely oppressed his people himselfe with intollerable impositions , but to be in farther fauour with the Turkes , brought into that countrey ( too much before exhausted ) such a companie of them , as that they seemed now almost wholly to haue possessed the same , oppressing the poore Christians ( the naturall inhabitants ) with new exactions , and more than tyrannicall injuries , euen such as were not elsewhere by the Turkes themselues vsed ; not onely breaking at their pleasure into their houses , and despoyling them of their goods , but taking tythe also of their children , as if it had beene of their cattell , a thing neuer before there seene : and for the satisfying of their beastly lust , rauishing their wiues and daughters , euen in the sight of their husbands & parents , with diuers other such outragious villanies , not with modestie to be rehearsed . So that by this meanes he had violently taken from his Christian subjects all hope of recouerie of their auntient libertie , had it not as sometime it falleth out in these worldly things both vnto men and commonweales , which brought vnto the last cast , & euen as it were to the bottome of dispaire , by the goodnesse of God contrarie to all hope find sometime such vnexpected helpe and reliefe , as that thereby they , beyond their hope , euen to the astonishment of the world , mount vp againe vnto a greater lustre of their state than was that from which they before fell : it had euen so by the singula● mercy of God now happened vnto the Valachians , not knowing which way to turne themselues . There was at CRAILOVVA , a citie in the confines of VALACHIA towards the confines of the Hungarians and Turks ( where the gouernour of these borders is for the defence thereof with a strong garrison alwayes resiant ) a noble gentleman called * Ion Michael , sonne to Peter the Palatine of that countrey , the aforesaid Alexander his predecessour : who as he was vnto the people for the honour of his father , the prerogatiue of his birth , the comelinesse of his person , and talnesse of his stature , well knowne : so was he for his zeale towards the Christian religion , his loue towards his countrey , his kindnesse towards his equals , his courtesie towards his inferiours , his vpright dealing , his constancie and bountie vnto them , no lesse gracious ; and for other the noble vertues of his heroicall mind and naturall disposition for the performance of great matters , his deepe wisdome and quicke foresight , his sweet and pleasing speech , void of all affectation , vnto all good men most deare : whose fame , both for the honour of his house , and of his owne vertues , still more and more encreasing , and rife in the eares of Alexander the Vayuod , was the cause that he commaunded him as the readie or rather naturall competitour of his state and honour to be secretly apprehended , and so taken out of the way : whereof he by good fortune hauing intelligence , and carefull of his owne health , for safegard of himselfe fled first into HVNGARIE , and there not staying long ( God so directing him ) went to CONSTANTINOPLE in the yeare 1591 , to sue for the Vayuod his place , all the nobilitie of his countrey and the prouinces thereunto adjoyning , secretly rejoysing thereat . About which time the chiefe and most graue of the Valachian nobilitie and counsellours prostrating themselues at the feet of Amurath , most grieuously complained vnto him of the manifold and intollerable injuries they had alreadie sustained , and were still like to endure , without hope of redresse , from Alexander their Vayuod , and the followers of his Court ; the Turks garrisons and marchants with plentifull teares orderly declaring many his most foule and detestable facts , and afterward highly commending Ion Michael for his rare vertues , as the true heire of their prouince ; most humbly requested Amurath either to haue him appointed the lawfull Gouernour of their countrey , or els some other place by him assigned for them to dwell in , wishing any where to liue , rather than vnder the heauie commaund of so mercilesse a man as was Alexander . For the furthering of which their sute , Michael his vncle by the mothers side , a Greek● borne , and a man for his exceeding wealth in great fauor in the Turks Court , spared for no cost . So Michael by the goodnesse of God was by Amurath with great solemnitie created Vayuod of VALACHIA , and the oppressed and almost forlorne state of that sometime most flourishing countrey by little and little well relieued ( although not altogither without most sharpe and violent remedies , such as extremities oft require ) began now againe to lift vp the head , and to aspire vnto the auntient libertie and honour thereof . At the beginning of whose happie soueraigntie , Alexander his predecessour in his owne conscience guiltie of his euill and shamefull gouernment of that so notable and great a prouince ; and now in feare to be called to account , secretly fled . But certaine yeares after remouing to CONSTANTINOPLE with his wife , and there attempting diuers euill meanes for the obtaining of the Palatinat of MOLDAVIA , and for those his vnlawfull practises accused by the Palatines Agent : he was by the commandement of Amurath taken in his owne house , and there in his princely apparell most miserably strangled vpon Palme sunday , in the yeare 1597 , about six yeares after his departure out of VALACHIA . Michael thus made Vayuod of VALACHIA , long it was not but that it fortuned the reuerend father Cornelius de Nona , sent from Pope Clement the Eight , vnto the Great duke of MVSCOVIE , in his returne conferring with Sigismund the Transyluanian Prince , and Aaron the Palatine of MOLDAVIA , enformed them of the great consent of diuers zealous Christian princes , for the maintenance of the warre against the dangerous and common enemie ; with many graue and effectuall reasons persuading them ( but especially for that they were themselues Christians ) in that Christian quarrell to joyne vnto them their forces also , raised in those their countries neere vnto the great riuers Danubius and Nester : but vnto Michael the Vayuod of VALACHIA , he could not for diuers his other important businesses then come ; whom for all that , the aforesaid ▪ Transyluanian prince Sigismund his neighbour , desirously sought to draw into the fellowship of that warre , euen for the same reasons almost wherewith he had been himselfe mooued . First by diuers great reasons remouing such doubts as might justly seeme to hinder him from giuing therunto his consent ; and then , by declaring the Turkish insolencie daily increasing , with the infinit grieuances by them deuised against the miserable Valachians : when as the incursions of the Turks or Tartars , or their passages that way ( no lesse troublesome than their inroads ) was almost euerie moneth to be feared , their armies as friends to be in Winter and Sommer receiued , their souldiors to their great charges relieued , and their commaunders and captaines rewarded . VALACHIA thus impouerished , was not able ( as he said ) to pay the great sums it did alreadie owe , neither was to expect any releasement of the euils it was wrapped in ; much lesse was it able to suffice vnto the grieuous exactions to be thereunto by them afterwards imposed . None of his predecessours ( as he told him , and as truth was ) had for many yeares now past , for any long time or with any securitie held their state or gouernment : but that either by the calumniation of the enuious , or bribes of their ambitious competitours , brought into suspition with the Sultan , they were violently thrust out , or most cruelly put to death . In briefe , he said , it was a wise mans part , not without most manifest & waightie reasons , to promise vnto himselfe better fortune or more assurance of his state , than had his vnfortunat predecessours before him ; but warned by their harmes , betimes to prouide for his owne safetie . By which persuasion he so preuailed , that the Vayuod ( whose name , whose fame , whose wealth and life togither with his subjects was all thereby endangered ) although he would not ( for the waightinesse of the matter ) at the first yeeld thereunto ; yet assuredly promised , with his friends and the rest of the nobilitie of his countrey , to consider thereupon . Hauing it by the prince plainly laid downe before him , how a sufficient number of souldiors might at all times be raised , their pay prouided , and aid still sent him as need should be from the Germane emperor , or himselfe out of TRANSYLVANIA : as also that Aaron the Palatine of MOLDAVIA , would at all times be readie to combine himselfe vnto them ; that so with their vnited forces , they might vpon the bankes of Danubius and Nester , easily represse the incursions both of the Turkes and Tartars their enemies : the Christian emperour in the meane time , with lesse trouble proceeding in his warres against the Turke in the other side of HVNGARIE . Now whilest this plot was thus in laying , and matters too and fro in debating , not altogither without the Turkes suspition ; Sinan Bassa comming with a great armie into HVNGARIE , had taken the strong towne of RA● , as is before declared : with which mischance so much concerning the poore remainders of HVNGARIE , the Vayuod not a little mooued , began more deeply to consider of his owne estate . And as he was a man of a great spirit and no lesse zeale towards his countrey , grieuing to see his subjects committed to his charge , to be so daily by the insolent Turkes still more and more oppressed : he ( as he had before promised to the Transyluanian ) called an assembly of all the States of VALACHIA , to consult with them what were best to be done for the remedie of so great euils , as also for the preuenting of greater , not without cause then to be feared . Where by the generall consent of them all it was agreed , rather to joyne with the emperor and the other Christian princes in confederation ( as they had been oftentimes by them requested ) than longer to endure that heauie yoake of the Turkish thraldome and slauerie . Whereupon the Vayuod taking vnto him two thousand of the Hungarian garrison souldiors , now before for that purpose secretly laid vpon the frontiers of his countrey ; and calling vpon the name of Christ Iesus , in one day to begin withall , slew about two thousand of the Ianizaries ( who without his leaue had in that countrey prowdly seated themselues ) with all the rest of the Turks ( in the middest of their insolencie ) togither with the traiterous Iewes , not leauing one of them that he could come by , aliue in all the open countrey . And purposing to driue them out of their strong holds also , and so to make a cleane riddance of them , he within foureteene daies after set vpon DZIVRDZOVVA , a great towne of the Turks vpon the banke of Danubius , which he burnt all sauing the castle : and hauing there made a great slaughter , and loded with the spoile of the Turks , returned to BVCARESTA the chiefe seat of his Palatinat . But long it was not after this his so great presumption , but that he perceiued the Turkes in reuenge thereof to seeke after his life : although he yet seemed to yeeld his obedience vnto Amurath , and to haue done that he did , as enforced thereunto by the insolencie of the Turks , and for the necessarie reliefe both of himselfe and his subjects . For the same moneth , RAB being ( as is aforesaid ) taken by Sinan : one of the Turks * Emirs , discended of the great family and stocke of Mahomet their false Prophet , and then Cadilescher ( a man of great account and place amongst the Turkes ) accompanied with two thousand chosen souldiors , fiftie of the great Sultans chamber , and many of the Zausij and Spahi , vpon the sudden came to BVCARESTA vnder the colour of refreshing themselues after their long trauell , but in deed with purpose to haue taken the Vayuod ; where they without controlement committed all kind of outragious villanie : and taking vp all the chiefe houses in the citie , imperiously demaunded of the Vayuod ( who then lay at his pallace neere vnto the new monasterie without the citie , built without any castle or defence vpon the riuer Dembowiza ) ten thousand Florens for a present , with victuals and other necessarie prouision for his followers . And presently after , being certainly enformed that he lay there but slenderly accompanied , and almost himselfe alone , the Emir himselfe on foot with a thousand of his souldiors , went out of the citie as if it had been but for his pleasure , and in curtesie to haue seene him . Of which so suspitious a guests comming the Vayuod vnderstanding , got him betimes away into the campe of his Hungarian mercinaries , which then lay but fast by : when the Turke thus deceiued of the hope he had before conceiued for the taking of him , craftily sent certaine of his followers , to know of him , to what end he in time of peace did entertaine such a number of Hungarian souldiors ? Whereunto the Vayuod cunningly answered , That they were at the first entertained for the taking of Peter the sonne of Alexander , sometime Palatine of MOLDAVIA ; who although he were now before apprehended , and openly hanged vpon an hooke at CONSTANTINOPLE , yet that those souldiors were for their readie seruice , of necessitie still to be billited in the countrey , vntill such time as their pay might be prouided . Which the Turke hearing , commaunded the Vayuod forthwith to discharge them as men vnnecessarie , and to his subjects troublesome , promising the next day to lend him a tunne of gold to pay them their wages . Which faigned promise the Vayuod seemed thankfully to take ; yet neuerthelesse commaunded the Hungarians forthwith in armes to stand in readinesse in the campe , for the intercepting of the Turkes , if happily by him distressed they should betake themselues to flight : whilest he in the meane time with his courtiers and other souldiors , secretly assembled into a valley thereby , came suddenly vpon the Turkes ( not as then dreaming of any such thing ) compassed about the Innes wherein they lay , and setting fire vpon them in fiue places , notably forced them both with fire and the sword , the two greatest extremities of war ; seeking now for nothing more , than the just reuenge of his spoiled citie , his forced virgins , and wronged subjects . Howbeit the Turkes for a space right valiantly defended themselues , and by plaine force ( although in vaine ) sought to haue broken through the middest of their enemies , and so to haue fled . Yea many of them by force of the fire driuen out of their lodgings , and tearing off their burning cloathes , fought starke naked : but most of them which could , fled vnto the pallace where their great Emir lay , there with him readie to die or liue . All which their last endeuours of desperation , the Vayuod easily frustrated , with two great pieces of artillerie opening a way for his souldiors vnto them . So that the prowd Emir now in despaire ( like the hunted Castor ) threw downe out of a window a great chest full of gold and pretious stones , and other jewels of great valour , if happily he might haue so appeased the Vayuods wrath : humbly now requesting no more , but to haue his life spared ; fearfully promising a large raunsome for himselfe , and those few which were yet left aliue with him . Howbeit the Vayuod mindfull of the manifold injuries by them done vnto him and his subjects , and nothing mitigated or moued with the rich spoiles thrust vpon him , or the large promises the Turkes had made him ; commaunded all those his enemies now in his power , to be slaine euerie mothers sonne : of whom his souldiors had a wonderfull rich spoile , although much more was lost in the fire : and so giuing thankes vnto God for the victorie , rested with his people a while at quiet . Yet within lesse than a moneth after , he sent Albertus Kirall his lieutenant with an armie to PHLOCZ ( a great open vnwalled towne on the farther side of Danubius , equally distant from VROSCZVK and NICOPOLIS ) from whence the Turkes oftentimes passing ouer that frozen riuer into VALACHIA , had there done great harme : which towne , not inferiour vnto a good citie , he suddenly surprised , and sacking it , put to the sword all the inhabitants thereof , except such as were before his comming sled . And shortly after ( the more to annoy the Turkes , marching againe ouer the frozen riuer to haue surprised HERSOVVA a walled citie , but one daies journey from BRAILOVA , he was by the way vpon the I se encountred by the Turks , whom he there in a great conflict ouerthrew ; and hauing slaine many of them and put the rest to flight , holding on his intended journey , tooke that rich citie , which he rifled and burnt downe to the ground , all except the castle , which was yet by the Turkes valiantly defended : and so with the spoile of the citie returned againe ouer the riuer , there to refresh his souldiors , wearied with labour and the extremitie of the Winter weather . And yet not so contented , within six daies after passing againe ouer the riuer , and hauing vpon the side thereof in a great battell ouerthrowne the Turkes garrisons , tooke SILISTRA a great citie of MACEDONIA , built by Constantine the Great ( being the seat of one of the Turkes Sanzacks , and well inhabited with rich merchants ) which faire citie he ransacked , and hauing slaine most part of the inhabitants , burnt it downe to the ground as he had the other , no lesse terror than griefe vnto the Turkes . But whilest the aforesaid confederation betwixt the emperour and the Transyluanian Prince was yet in hand , and the troubles in VALACHIA thus arising ; Amurath the great Sultan grieuously vexed with the stoan , and attainted with the falling sicknesse , his wonted disease ; and inwardly also tormented with the late insolencie of the Ianizaries , and reuolt of the countries of TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , no small hinderance to the proceeding of his warres in HVNGARIE : as a man both in bodie and soule tormented with great impatiencie and agonie of mind , departed this life the eighteenth day of Ianuarie , in the yeare of our Lord 1595 : when he had liued one and fiftie , or as some say two and fiftie yeares , and thereof raigned nineteene . At the time of his death arise such a sudden and terrible tempest at CONSTANTINOPLE , that many thought the world should euen presently haue been dissolued . His dead bodie was not long after with great pompe and solemnitie buried by Mahomet his eldest sonne ( which now raigneth ) in a Moschie which hee himselfe yet liuing had before built at CONSTANTINOPLE . FINIS . Christian princes of the same time with Amurath the third . Emperors of Germanie Maximilian the second . 1565.12 . Rodolph the second . 1577. Kings Of England Queene Elizabeth . 1558.45 . Of Fraunce Charles the ninth . 1560.14 . Henry the third . 1574.14 . Henry the fourth , which now raigneth . 1589. Of Scotland Iames the sixt , that now raigneth . 1567. Bishops of Rome Gregorie the XIII . 1572.12 . Xistus the V. 1585.5 . Vrban the VII . 1590.12 dayes . Gregorie the XIIII . 1590.10 months 10 dayes . Innocent the IX . 1543.2 months and one day . Clement the VIII . 1592. MAHOMET . MAHOMETHES III TVRCARVM IMPERATOR SEPTIMVS QVI , NVNC REGNAT AN o 1603 Si quid in humanis , magnum te reddere possit : Quid prohibet magnis nomen inesse tuum ? Qui subiecta vides , tot dissona regna , tot vrbes : Et nulli cedens , sceptra superba geris . Cum tamen ignores , quid sit sapientia Christi , Omnia quae iactas , sunt Mahomete nihil . RICH. KNOLLEVS . In English thus . If ought there be might make thee great , that on the earth is found : What then should let , thy name amongst the greatest for to sound ? That sees thy kingdomes and thy townes , so many and so great : And giuing place thy selfe to none , doest sit on royall seat . Yet sith thou knowest not aright , for grace by Christ to call : All that thou boasts , O Mahomet , is nothing worth at all . R. K. MAHOMET THE THIRD OF THAT NAME , SEVENTH EMPEROR OF THE TVRKS , HE THAT NOW SWAYETH THAT MIGHTIE EMPIRE . THe death of the late great Sultan Amurath was not forthwith made knowne in the Court , but with wonderfull secrecie concealed , not onely for feare of the Ianizaries , who in time of the vacancie of the empire alwayes doe whatsoeuer pleaseth themselues : but also for that the people hauing in distrust the fierce nature of Mahomet , Amurath his eldest sonne , were generally better affected to Amurath the younger brother , a prince of a more mild spirit and courteous disposition , vnto whom they in heart wished those stately honours , which could by no meanes without the great wrong and prejudice of his elder brother , and danger of the whole state be giuen vnto him . Ten dayes after came Mahomet in post from AMASIA to CONSTANTINOPLE ▪ and was there by the great Bassaes and other his mightie fauourits saluted Emperour : which done , he presently after caused all his brethren to be inuited to a solemne feast in the Court : wherunto they yet ignorant of the death of their father , came chearefully as men fearing no harme , but being come , were there all by his commandement most miserably strangled : and at once to rid himselfe of the feare of all competitours ( the greatest torment of the mightie ) he the same day ( as is reported ) caused ten of his fathers wiues and concubines , such as by whom any issue was to be feared , to be all drowned in the sea . The Ianizaries and other souldiours of the Court not before acquainted with the death of Amurath , either with the choice that the great Bassaes had without their priuitie made of Mahomet , and not a little offended to see themselues so disappointed of such spoyles as they reckon due vnto them in the vacancie of the empire , as men discontented rise vp in a rage , and made such hauocke and spoyle in the imperiall citie , as greater they could not well haue made , had there beene as yet no emperour chosen at all ; and not so contented , were now euen vpon the point to haue rifled their new emperours Court , and to haue laied violent hands vpon the person of himselfe , in reuenge of the tyrannie by him executed vpon his brethren and fathers wiues ( which inhumane crueltie the Turkish emperours easily excuse by the name of , The policie of their state . ) For the appeasing of which so dangerous a tumult , Mahomet called vnto him certaine of the chiefe men among these seditious , such as were thought to be able to do most with them , whom he sought by faire persuasions and large promises to win vnto him , and by them to pacifie the rest : Which serued him to little or no purpose , vntill such time as the great Bassaes themselues came out with their followers , who with many faire persuasions , mixt with most grieuous threats and firme promise of a generall pardon , with much adoe appeased the tumult : yet for the more safetie kept all the chiefe streets of the citie with strong watch and ward . This broile thus ouerblowne , a new tent was by the commaundement of the new emperour set vp before the temple of Sophia : wherein on the right hand was placed the dead bodie of the late Sultan Amurath , his father , and on the left hand the bodies of his nineteene strangled brethren , layed forth of purpose , as an heauie spectacle for the people to behold : who all not long after were together with their father with great solemnitie after the Turkish manner buried , and Mahomet himselfe ( being about nine and twentie yeares old ) now openly proclaimed great emperour of the Turks , and lord of all , from the rising of the Sunne to the going downe of the same . After that returning to his pallace , he made vnto his Bassaes and other great men a sumptuous and royall feast , as the manner was : but whilest they were in the middest of their mirth , vpon the sudden all the citie was againe in an vprore , and the people in armes , in such sort , as that it was thought scarce one man would haue escaped aliue from that banket , had not the chiefe Bassa with his grauitie and wisdome and wonderfull labour in good time appeased their furie , and withall to their greater terrour caused all the great ordinance in the citie to be brought forth into the streets , readie charged , to be shot off amongst them . Whilest these troubles thus passed at CONSTANTINOPLE , vpon the late confederation made betweene the emperour , the Transyluanian prince , the Valachians and Moldauians , diuers fortunate inrodes and skirmishes were by them made in the frontiers of the Turkes dominions , many strong places were surprised , many rich booties taken , and notable exploits done , which we will but briefely passe ouer , as the precedents of a greater warre . The citie of WELTZE , before taken by the Turks , was now againe in the beginning of this yeare recouered : and the Christians about SCVTHIA , in number about foure thousand , breaking into the Turks frontiers , carried away an exceeding rich prey , with diuers notable captiues . The like did also the Christians of VIVARIA : at which time also the garrison souldiors of ALTENBVRG making a rode into the countrey about RAB , encountered with foure thousand Turks , of whom they slew two hundred , tooke certaine prisoners , whom they sent some to PRESBVRG , some to ALTENBVRG : and Sinan Bassa the late Generall returning towards CONSTANTINOPLE with much treasure ▪ which he had greedily scraped together in the late wars in HVNGARIE , was by the Valachians set vpon by the way not farre from BELGRADE , and stript of all that he had , hauing much adoe to escape himselfe with some few of his followers . The same Valachians , together with the Transyluanians , vnder the conduct of their valiant captaine Gestius Ferens , entering further vpon the Turkes , tooke from them diuers of their townes and castles , as PONDESIE , NICOPLISE , KILLA , and REBNICHI , and meeting with twelue thousand Tartars , slew a great number of them , and put the rest to flight . With this insolencie of the Valachians his late tributaries , but now his enemies , the Turkish emperour was highly offended : and therefore sent one Bogdanus a Valachian borne , descended of the Palatines house , with a great power to expulse the old Vayuod , and to possesse himselfe of that honour , as his tributarie ; promising vnto him all fauour and kindnesse . Bogdanus thus supported and furnished , came with his power into VALACHIA , yet thought it best before he attempted any great matter , to expect the comming of the Tartars left the last yeare in HVNGARIE by Sinan : of whose comming the Valachians and Transyluanians hauing vnderstanding , met them by the way , and joyning battell with them , slew eight thousand of them , put the rest to flight , and so returned : vnto whom presently after this victorie the Transyluanian prince sent foureteene thousand souldiours moe to aid them against the Turkes . But Bogdanus vnderstanding both of the ouerthrow of the Tartars and the comming of this new supplie , durst not proceed any farther in his enterprise , but kept himselfe still in his trenches . Not long after by the commaundement of the Turkish emperour , Han the Crim Tartar with a great power of his Tartarian horsemen entred into MOLDAVIA , with purpose to haue by fire and sword reduced that countrey againe vnto the Turks obeisance : of whose comming Aaron Vayuod of MOLDAVIA hauing knowledge , and aided by his neighbour Michael Vayuod of VALACHIA , so belayed the Tartars , that he in three diuers battels ouerthrew them , and hauing slaine twelue thousand of them , enforced the rest to retire againe out of his countrey : and following the course of this victorie , presently after tooke BENDAR , SCHINITZ , TIGNA , MEC●NIS , with some other castles and fortresses of the Turkes neere vnto the riuer of Danubius , all which he furnished with his owne garrisons ; and withall tooke in the rich countrey of BO●RAGA , the inhabitants thereof willingly submitting themselues vnto him , as men wearie of the Turkish thraldome . With like good fortune , aided by the Polonian Cossackes , he ouerthrew Ianicula the sonne of Bogdanus , sometime Vayuod of MOLDAVIA , now sent by Mahomet with a great power , as a most fit instrument to trouble the Vayuod and to recouer againe that countrey : with whom Aaron couragiously encountering at SCARPETRA , a mile from Danubius , ouerthrew him in plaine battell , and hauing slaine eight thousand of his Turkes , put him to flight , and tooke the spoile of his whole campe . Neither yet so contented , marched presently to NESTER ALBA , where he put the Turkes in a great feare , and afterwards burnt the suburbs of the citie , and so retired . How Amurath the late Sultan in the beginning of these troubles , had at CONSTANTINOPLE shut vp in prison Frederick Krecowitz the emperours embassadour , is before declared . This embassadour , Sinan Bassa brought with him the last yeare when he came into HVNGARIE , who after many indignities by him suffered both vpon the way and at BELGRADE , there died : fiue of whose seruants the false Bassa caused to be kept in straight prison , as guiltie of their masters death , so to auert the infamie thereof from himselfe . But now lying himselfe at BELGRADE for the better mannaging of this yeares wars , vpon the comming of a new treasurer from the Court , he caused these fiue poore prisoners to be brought before him , and most impudently charged them with the death of their master : saying , that they should answere for the same vnto God and their emperour ; and that his purpose in bringing of him from CONSTANTINOPLE , was to no other end but to haue vsed his helpe in concluding a peace betwixt the Great Sultan and the emperour , and so to haue set him with all his at libertie : but now that he was dead , he would send them his treacherous seruants to the emperour to be by him examined : and withall to tell him , That he was sent from the Great Sultan , ( whose power was not by any but God onely to be withstood ) to besiege VIENNA , which he could ( as he said ) the last yeare haue taken with lesse labour than he had done RAB : and that therefore it were best for him betime to seeke for peace , before so great a power had taken the field : And that for farther instructions , he would referre them to his sonne the Bassa of BVDA , to whom he sent them from BELGRADE , togither with the new come treasurer . Being come to BVDA , they were forthwith brought before the Bassa , and amongst them the late embassadours secretarie , vnto whom after he had said somewhat of the hard dealing with the embassadour and his followers , he declared that he had alwaies disliked of that manner of proceeding , and oftentimes entreated his father for their libertie ; and now at last to haue obtained , that the embassadour being dead , his seruants might be set free : and so put them in good hope , that they should in short time be restored to their wonted libertie . In the meane time , that one of them should go vnto the emperours Court , and there speak with one of his Secretaries ▪ whom he had before aduised to bethinke himselfe of peace : vnto whom also hee afterwards writ , vpon what conditions he thought peace might be at the Sultans hand obtained . Which were , if all the castles and strong holds taken by the emperours forces in these warres , as FILEK , SETCHINE , and NOVIGRAD , with their territories , should be restored , SISEG in CROATIA surrendred ; if the emperour should from thenceforth refuse to aid or protect the Transyluanians , Moldauians , and Valachians , and leaue them to the Great Sultan to be chastised as rebels ; if finally the emperour would at once send vnto the Turkes Court his wonted tribute for the yeares past , and so yearly afterwards : so he could be content by the mediation of his father , to attempt to appease the fierce and inueterat displeasure of the Sultan , and to farther the treatie of peace . This he commaunded the Secretarie to write , and to send it by the young lord Perling , and to require thereof answere : yet that he should go with this condition , That if the said Perling within the space of fiue and twentie daies returned not with answere , all the rest should for his default lose their heads . A subtile deuise and full of deceit , wherein the craftie Bassaes , both the father and the sonne sought for nothing else but to see what confidence the Christians had in themselues , and to breake the confederation made betweene the emperour , the Transyluanians , Moldauians , and Valachians : and that other princes , whom God had stirred vp in defence of so just a cause , hearing of a rumour of peace , might grow cold , and deferre to send their promised aid . For now the Turkes had found by experience , how hurtfull and dangerous the reuolt of the three countries of TRANSYLVANIA , MOLDAVIA , and VALACHIA was vnto them , as they which brought ten hundred thousand duckats yearly into the Great Sultans treasurie : besides that , those people now become their enemies , were of all other fittest to intercept all manner of prouision to be brought by land either to or from CONSTANTINOPLE , were it victuall or other warlike prouision . Notwithstanding this motion of peace made by the two Bassaes , Sinan the old Bassa in the meane time , with great diligence at BELGRADE prepared all things necessarie for warre , and caused three bridges to be made , whereby he might in diuers places as he thought best , transport his armie ouer Danubius ; and at the same time sent for the garrisons round about , and other souldiors before billited in the countrey , and put in readinesse all things necessarie for a most mortall warre . Within the appointed time came Perling from the emperours Court with answere to the letters written by the embassadours Secretarie , at the commaundement of the Bassa ; the effect whereof was , That he had receiued his letters by Perling , and did thereby vnderstand what had passed betweene the captiue seruants of the late embassadour , and Sinan Bassa at BELGRADE , and also betweene them and Sinan Bassa his sonne at BVDA ; and that the emperours mind was neuer other , but that a firme peace might haue been made betweene him and the Sultan ; and that the emperour had done nothing else by his embassadour at CONSTANTINOPLE , or by others in other places , but that such reasonable conditions might haue been found out , as might haue ended those warres , and haue on both sides deliuered their innocent subjects from their great and daily calamities ; which might easily haue been done , if Sinan the authour and fautor of this warre , had with like desire furthered the peace . But that it was manifest vnto the whole world , that all complaints of infinit grieuances , being by the embassadour , yea and by the emperour himselfe , by his letters laid open vnto the Sultan and his chiefe Bassaes , had not onely nothing preuailed , but also to haue been with great contempt rejected , and the treatie of peace once begun , to haue by the insolencie of the Bassa of BOSNA been interrupted : That the emperour , because the matter should not breake out into open warre , had sent his double tribute into the confines of HVNGARIE , which was a great while laid vp at KOMARA vntill the Sultans mind were knowne . But when all his dessignes tended to warre , and the Christian prouinces were by his robbers on euerie side spoiled , the inhabitants led away into most miserable captiuitie , the townes and villages burnt , yea whole countries left desolat , and all manner of outrages were vpon a meere pride and contempt as it were of the whole world exercised : then the emperour to haue taken his refuge vnto the defence of his just cause , and to haue vsed such remedies as are both before God and the world to be allowed , and so by lawfull war to haue repulsed warre . And that although all had not the last yeare prospered in his hand , but that he had receiued some losse : yet that Sinan Bassa himselfe , and the Bassa of BVDA his sonne , with other of the wiser sort of the Turkes must needs confesse , that to haue chanced , not by their wisedome pollicie or power , but by the sufferance of God by a rare misfortune , through the inexcusable negligence and treason of such as he had put in trust with the confines of his empire , worthie most seuere chastisement . And that no man could denie , but that great powers of the Turkes , had not once , but oftentimes been ouerthrowne and discomfited , by small handfuls of the Christians : therefore their power not to be so inuincible , as they vainly vaunted of . But whereas it is written , that the great Visier Sinan and the Bassa his sonne are of opinion , that the emperour is brought to so low an ebbe , that he must be glad to accept of most hard and dishonourable conditions of peace propounded by them : therein they erre much and deceiue themselues farre , for by the power of God they should shortly by experience know , that his imperiall majestie wanteth neither power nor wealth , to repaire the losse receiued through the treason of them he trusted , yea and to recouer whatsoeuer he had lost else : and that it should in short time be witnessed vnto the whole world , by the helpe of God and the defence of a most just cause , that the emperour was not so poore and weake as they supposed him to be . Yet as he of his owne naturall goodnesse and clemencie , with his own incomparable losse and harme , had alwaies sought for the quiet and profit of his subjects , and to the vttermost of his power staied the effusion of innocent bloud ; so now also forgetting all injuries , he could happily be content to thinke of an honourable peace : whereunto he was more enclined than to protract the warre with the vnspeakable harmes of the subjects on both sides . Yet aboue all things it behooued Sinan to know , that he was to restore all such castles and townes as haue in this warre been taken by the Turks , beginning at WIHITZ in CROATIA euen to the last innocent subject by them carried away into captiuitie . And that the Transyluanians , Moldauians , and Valachians ( people many ages joyned and vnited as inseperable members to the kingdome of HVNGARIE , as vnto the true bodie , and now of late by the practise and treacherie of certaine rebellious persons seperated from the same ) were from henceforth to be left vnder the protection and gouernment of his imperiall majestie , and neuer more to be impugned by the Turkes . If these things were done , and order taken that the injurie and disgrace done vnto the emperours late embassadour ( a fact that all the princes of the world cried shame of ) might not remaine vnpunished : and that his seruants in durance at BVDA and CONSTANTINOPLE , might be restored vnto their wonted libertie , then some good forme of peace , and bounding of their territories might happily be agreed vpon : without which conditions , all talke of peace was but vaine ; for that God the just and mightie protectour of such as put their trust in him , would not faile to helpe his imperiall majestie , with the rest of the confederat princes , in their so just a quarrell , and abate the pride of such as trust in their owne strength and power . This answere the captiues at BVDA were commaunded to giue vnto the Bassa , either by writing or by word of mouth : and withall earnestly to request him both for their owne libertie and their fellowes , wrongfully detained at CONSTANTINOPLE . Which if it could not be obtained , yet to comfort themselues with that , that they should in bounteous manner receiue from the emperour such allowance , as should suffice to prouide them all things necessarie : as he had granted to Perling , whom he might haue justly detained and not sent him backe againe , but for his oaths sake , being no lawfull prisoner . Thus were the vnreasonable conditions of peace craftily by the Bassa propounded , by others answered : but by whom he knew not , no mans name being set thereunto . The emperour not ignorant with what an enemie he had to doe , and of nothing more carefull than of the kingdome ( or more truely to say , of the reliques of the kingdome ) of HVNGARIE , lying now as it were in the lyons mouth , ceased not to pray aid , not of the princes electors onely , but of others also farther off ; yea euen as farre as ITALIE and SPAINE , but especially of the king of POLONIA , as his neere alliance and neighbour . Vnto whom both he and the States of HVNGARIE sent their embassadours , at such time as he moued with the daily incursions of the Turkes and Tartars into the countries adjoyning vpon his , had for the safetie of his owne kingdome , called a parliament of all his States in Februarie last , at CRACOVIA . Whereof Mahomet the Great Turke hearing , sent also two of his chiefe Chiaus , his vsuall embassadours vnto the king and his States so assembled , to craue his aid in his warres in HVNGARIE : which if the king should not refuse , then to promise him to want no coine to pay his souldiors ; and that Mahomet mindfull of so great a courtesie , would at all times be readie to requite him with like , when his occasions should require . These embassadours , hauing obtained safe conduct from Michael the Vayuod of VALACHIA for their passage through his countrey , comming thither , were by the Vayuod himselfe honourably entertained and welcomed , and so brought into a faire lodging , where they discoursed with him of many matters . But the Vayuods followers , grieued to see so great honour done to these their sworne and mortall enemies ▪ with weapons in their hands brake into the roume where the embassadours were , and without more adoe slew them both : and in the same furie setting vpon the rest of the Turkes their followers , cut them all in pieces , so that of them none came into POLONIA to do their Great masters message , either yet returned to CONSTANTINOPLE to carrie newes of the rest , but there altogither perished . Of which outrage Mahomet yet vnderstanding , was therewith wonderfully enraged , threatning all euils both to the Moldauians and Valachians , and forthwith sent out other embassadours to the same purpose , who with better fortune afterwards in safetie arriued in POLONIA . The Tartars in many places ( as is before declared ) ouerthrowne , and many strong castles and forts taken from the Turkes by the Transyluanians , Valachians , and Moldauians , the Turkish affaires going to wracke in those quarters , and sore shaken on that side of HVNGARIE ; Mahomet the Turkish emperour called home to the Court Sinan Bassa his Generall in HVNGARIE , to conferre with him ( as it was thought ) of some great matters . In whose place hee sent Ferat Bassa , he who sometime had the leading of Amuraths great armies against the Persians : who now departing from CONSTANTINOPLE , came to BELGRADE in Aprill , and there tooke the charge vppon him . Where at his first comming in the night time , all the ropes and cordes of the tents were suddenly cut in sunder , and so his tent let fall about his eares : which some supposed to haue been done to his disgrace , by the procurement of Cicala Bassa before by him wronged ; or as others thought , by the insolent Ianizaries , who disliking of him , did it in despight , wishing rather to haue been led by Mahomet himselfe . Now at his comming , the famine which the last yeare began amongst the Turkes , was growne exceeding great , not at BVDA and BELGRADE onely , but euen generally in most places of HVNGARIE possessed by the Turkes : insomuch , that the Tartar women that followed the campe , were faine to roast their owne children and eat them . This famine was also accompanied with a most terrible plague , whereof great numbers of the Turks and Tartars died dayly : so that of fourescore fiue thousand Tartars which came the last yeare into HVNGARIE , now remained scarce eight thousand , the rest being all deuoured with the sword , famine , and the pestilence . Great were the harmes the Turkes still daily receiued from the late reuolted countries of TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , the Christians of those places seeking by all meanes to annoy them . Michael Vaiuod of VALACHIA , not contended with that he had alreadie done , but entring into the Turks frontiers , surprised SCHIMELE , together with the castle , wherein he found 14 field pieces , amongst which were two which had vpon them the armes of the emperour Ferdinand , and other two hauing vpon them the armes of Huniades : which pieces he afterwards sent as a present to the Transyluanian prince . After that he tooke OROSIGE , a famous port towne , the dwelling place of the Turks great purueyor for butter , cheese , and hony , and such other prouision for the Court ; wherein he found such store of the aforesaid prouision , as might well haue sufficed eight thousand men for a whole yeare : and still prosecuting his good fortune , tooke from the Turkes KILEC and GALEMPE , with the strong castle of S. George , commonly called GRIGIO , and at length besieged LAGANOC . With the beginning of the Spring came Matthias the Archduke and Generall of the Christian armie , from the assembly of the nobilitie of HVNGARIE at PRESBVRG , to VIENNA , and so from thence to the emperour his brother at PRAGE ; who appointed him Generall of the lower HVNGARIE , and Maximilian his brother Generall of the vpper countrey : giuing them for their lieutenants , vnto Maximilian the lord Teuffenbach , and to Matthias the countie Charles Mansfelt , by him sent for out of FLANDERS , and after created one of the princes of the empire . Iohn de Medices , who was yet in HVNGARIE , he made master of the great ordinance , with charge to fortifie KOMARA : which he so well performed , as that it was thought nothing in strength inferior to RAB . All this while the emperor ceased not both by his embassadors and letters to sollicite the Christian princes , for the repressing of the common enemie to put to their helping hands : and so much preuailed with them , that out of his owne hereditarie prouinces , and from other princes his friends , he had this Spring raised a right puissant and strong armie for the defence of HVNGARIE : which how it was raised , and from whom , it shall not be much from our purpose briefely to remember , as the chiefe strength vnder God , wherby the Christian commonweale was this yeare most notably defended . Out of the higher SAXONIE came a thousand two hundred horsemen , and out of the lower SAXONIE six hundred : from FRANCONIA a thousand horsemen : from SVEVIA foure thousand footmen : out of the countie of TIROL as many : from BAVARIA three thousand : out of BOHEMIA two thousand men at armes , six hundred light horsemen , and six thousand footmen : from SILESIA a thousand fiue hundred horsemen : from LVSATIA fiue hundred horse and a thousand foot : from MORAVIA a thousand horse , and two thousand foot : out of AVSTRIA two thousand horse and six thousand foot : from HVNGARIE fiue hundred horsemen and a thousand foot : from the nobilitie of SVEVIA and FRANCONIA foure thousand foot : from the king of SPAINE out of the low countries vnder the conduct of Charles countie Mansfelt , two thousand horsemen and six thousand foot . Vnto these the bishop of ROME added two thousand horsemen and eight thousand foot : the great duke of FLORENCE sent fiue hundred horse and three thousand foot : the duke of FERRARA a thousand fiue hundred footmen : the duke of MANTVA a thousand foot : and duke Venturee fiue hundred horse . All which being put together , fill vp the number of fifteene thousand nine hundred horsemen , and fiftie thousand fiue hundred foot . Which notable armie , raised from the power of diuers Christian princes , and conducted by worthie chiefetaines , had by the goodnesse of God much better successe this Summer against the auntient enemies of Christendome , than had the like armie the yeare before , as in the processe of this Historie shall appeare . Among the worthie commaunders that were in this puissant armie , Charles countie Mansfelt the sonne of Peter Ernestus the old countie , from his youth brought vp in armes , was by the king of SPAINE at the request of the emperour sent with the aforesaid forces of two thousand horse and six thousand foot out of the Low countries , as a man for his approued valour and direction , fit to manage these dangerous warres against the Turke vnder Matthias the Archduke , as his lieutenant Generall : who hauing raised the appointed forces , for most part Wallons , departed from BRVXELLES about the midst of Februarie , and by the way taking his leaue of his aged father at LVXENBVRG , and trauelling through GERMANIE , came in March to PRAGE , where he was by the Emperour and the Archduke his brother most honorably entertained , and shortly after with great solemnitie created one of the Princes of the empire . His forces following after him were by the way staied , partly by the inundation of waters , the riuers they were to passe ouer ( at that time rising to an vnwonted height , ) partly by the jealousie of some of the Germane princes , who denied them passage through their territories , vntill such time as that the emperour by his letters had opened vnto him the way : which princes for all that stood vpon their guard , and so gaue them passage . Now ran great rumours of the wonderfull preparations of the Turkes , as also of the Christians ; Fame after her wonted manner , encreasing the report of all things aboue measure : which caused the Turks with exceeding care to looke to the fortification of their frontier townes , especially of RAB and STRIGONIVM , as did the Christians to the fortification of KOMARA and ALTENBVRG . In the meane time many hoat skirmishes passed betweene the Christians and the Turkes , especially in the late reuolted countries of TRANSYLVANIA and VALACHIA , wherein the Turkes were still put to the worse , to the great discontentment of their emperour . Neere vnto TEMESVVAR the Bassa of BVDA was ouerthrowne , by the valiant captaine Gestius Ferentz , and the Transyluanians . And in VALACHIA the Turks Generall , entring with a great armie was there also by the lord Nadasti and the Valachians aided with the Transyluanians , in a great battell discomfited and ouerthrowne . Eight thousand of the Turkes heads in token of this victorie the lord Nadasti sent to ALBA IVLIA to the Transyluanian prince , and certaine ensignes , amongst which one was most richly garnished with pretious stones and pearle , thought to be worth thirtie thousand dollars ; which the prince afterward restored againe to Nadasti , offering him great possessions in TRANSYLVANIA , if he could haue beene content there to haue seated himselfe . All this Spring the Turkes countenanced their warres with greater boasts and threats than true force , giuing it out , That they would in short time worke wonders both by sea and land . For the more credit whereof , Murat Rays , a notable pyrat , was sent out with twelue gallies ; who landing here and there vpon the coasts of ITALIE , did much harme , causing it to be reported in euery place where he landed , That this was but the beginning of a greater war , and that a wonderfull fleet was to follow him : which raised a great feare , as well in other places as in ITALIE . Howbeit , no such fleet afterwards appeared : for why the Turkish emperor , much troubled with the reuolt of TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , and the great mortalitie then raging both among his souldiors and their horses , was not at leisure to looke into the sea , hauing his hands full ynough with the troubles of HVNGARIE , where his men of warre enjoyed little rest in the frontiers of his territories . Sigismund the Transyluanian prince , had vpon some just causes of late suspected Aaron the Vayuod of MOLDAVIA , to haue intelligence not onely with the Polonians , but also with the Cardinall Bator and other his mortall enemies , and secretly to haue beene about to make his peace with Mahomet , and so againe to fall off from him vnto the Turke : Which vehement suspition growing dayly more and more , was about this time manifestly confirmed by certaine letters intercepted concerning that matter . For the preuenting whereof , the prince caused Aaron to bee apprehended , and with his wife and sonne to be sent as prisoners to PRAGE : in whose roume he by the consent of the nobilitie of the countrey , placed one Stephen Rozwan , a wise and discreet man amongst them , and such an one as had been vnto him alwaies faithfull . So as much as in him was , prouiding that that countrey should not be rent from him , and the vnion of the other . But against the secret practises of the Polonians , he protested openly by letters vnto the emperour , by the power of God , and aid of his faithfull subjects to redresse those so great injuries himselfe by the sword . In the middest of these troubles came three Chiaus , embassadours from the Turkish Sultan vnto the prince , to persuade him againe to put himselfe into his protection , and to giue him passage through his countrey , as in former time into HVNGARIE , promising him , that all the injuries by him or his people done , should bee for euer forgotten and forgiuen : and that hee should haue those three countries of TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , as his owne free inheritance , without paying any tribute , and so to be accounted as the Turkes most louing friend and vassale . What the prince answered thereunto , was not knowne , but by his doings afterwards it was easily to be gathered , that he hearkened not vnto the deceitfull charmes of the faithlesse tyrant , trusting more vnto the league he had with the Christian Emperour . These embassadours were scarce gone , but that a secret messenger came with letters from the chiefe of the Christians in BVLGARIA to the prince , declaring vnto him , That if he did with any good successe prosecute his warres , they would be readie to follow his fortune , and to joyne hands with him against the cruell tyrant , and to shut vp all the passages that way into VALACHIA , MOLDAVIA , and HVNGARIE . Whilest these troublesome times thus passed in TRANSYLVANIA and HVNGARIE , one of the old Ianizaries , called Wasuode Giezi , an old souldior , but a confident bold spoken fellow , mooued as should seeme with the discontentments of the time , came vnto Mahomet the great Sultan at CONSTANTINOPLE , and there openly set vpon him with this rough abrupt speech . How long at last most mightie Emperour , wilt thou endure thy selfe to be seduced and blinded by the great Bassaes of thy Court , and commaunders of thine armies ? How long wilt thou suffer thy selfe to be deceiued , to the great danger of thy selfe and hurt of thy subiects ? Seest thou not how ouerthwartly , fraudulently , and cunningly , they mooued onely with their owne couetous and ambitious humor , haue hitherto dealt with thee and thy father ? especially in that , that persuaded by them , thou hast dishonourably broken thy league , and taken vp armes against the Christian emperour . At length open thine eyes , and see their deceit , and how much they abuse thy power . Sinan Bassa , who must haue himselfe honoured and exalted aboue all others , hath not by strong hand honourably woon RAB , as hath beene the manner of thine auncestors , but hath craftily bought it with thy money , and thereby cast thee into a most dangerous warre and infinit troubles . O RAB , RAB , now the cause of great triumph and reioycing , as if thereby all Christendome should in short time bee subdued to thy scepter . But thou art therein much deceiued , thy barnes , thy store-houses , as are TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , MOLDAVIA , BVLGARIA , and other prouinces adioyning , from whence this thy imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , with the countrey about it , thy Court , yea thy selfe , art to be relieued , are by this warre shut vp ; so that downe the riuer of Danubius out of the West , or by the Euxine out of the East , thou art not to looke for any prouision . From whence then ò mightie Emperour , wilt thou maintaine thy selfe , thy Court , this populous citie , and the countrey hereabout ? Not to speake in the meane time of thy mightie armie now in HVNGARIE , flesh , fish , corne , all manner of victuall are now at such a price , that the common souldior cannot buy them . In this extreame dearth of all things not men onely , but euen the very beasts and cattell starue for hunger . Thy horses goe fat perhaps into HVNGARIE , but neither thou nor thy select souldiors can liue by grasse and weeds , all that is left in that countrey . This miserie and calamitie of thy people thou seest daily , and yet thou wilt not with sound iudgement lift vp thine eyes , to see from whence these harmes come , and how that they by thee put in greatest trust , studie not for thy profit or the profit of the commonweale , but onely how by all meanes to enrich themselues . Mahomet much moued with this confident speech of the old Ianizarie , commaunded him to be forthwith committed to ward , and by faire meanes to bee examined , by whose setting on , and for what cause he had so boldly vttered this rude speech vnto his Soueraigne , and what further thing he had intended : but the rest of the Ianizaries hearing thereof , rise presently in a tumult , and by strong hand tooke him out of prison , and by solemne oath combined themselues to defend him , euen to the spending of their owne bloud , whereat Mahomet was glad to winke . The greatest part of the aid promised by the Christian princes for the maintenance of this yeares warres against the Turke being now come to VIENNA in AVSTRIA , countie Mansfelt , lieutenant Generall vnder the Archduke , forthwith called a counsell of the colonels , captaines , and other great commaunders of the armie , to consult with them what course to take for the beginning of this great warre : as whether they should presently lay siege to some towne of the enemies , or els to expect him in the plaine field and to giue him battell . All things well considered , and that resolued vpon which was thought most expedient ; he remoued from VIENNA to ALTENBVRG , where he mustered his whole armie : and departing thence with some few of his followers , came to WALKENBVRG , a village vpon the side of Danubius , where he made choise of a place to encampe his armie in : which after he had marked out , he returned again with speed to ALTENBVRG , and by open proclamation through the campe , gaue straight commaundement , That against a certaine houre euery man should be in readinesse to remoue and to set forward toward the enemie . But diuers of the souldiors , and especially the Germanes , began forthwith after their wonted manner to crie out for their pay before they would stirre any farther : so that the countie was glad by a second proclamation to commaund them to rise , promising them their pay within eight dayes . But they still standing vpon their former resolution for their pay , refused any further to follow their captaines , and sent six of the best sort among those mutinous souldiors to the countie , in the name of all the rest to demaund their pay ; whom he forthwith commaunded to be all hanged : but three of them hauing reasonably excused themselues , he let them goe , and causing the other three to cast lots for their liues , hanged vp two of them . Which seuere execution so terrified the rest , that vpon the signe giuen they all rise , and with the rest of the armie followed the Countie . The whole armie being come to WALKENBVRG vnto the place where they were to encampe ; the Countie himselfe with others of the nobilitie , began with spades and shouels to dig and cast vp the trenches , and so wrought vntill they sweat againe : with whose example all the rest of the armie , of what degree soeuer , being moued to labour , had in short time cast vp a verie great trench from Danubius vnto the marishes , large enough for four score thousand men to encampe in ; the great worke with restlesse labour going forward both night and day , vntill it was fully finished . The Countie lying thus entrenched with his armie , was still carefull by his espials to vnderstand where the enemie lay , and what he did . He was readie still to heare all , but to beleeue that which seemed to be most like to be true : what he purposed , he kept most secret ; so that the enemie could neuer discouer any of his dessignes ( wherein the Generals of late yeares before him had much erred ▪ ) and commonly his most certaine resolutions were shadowed vnder the open shew of some other matter nothing meant : securitie he much abhorred , as neuer free from danger : and although it was by diuers messengers brought vnto him , That the enemie was but of small strength , vnable to meet him , disorderedly encamped , and in great distresse for want of victuals ; yet would he giue little credit therunto , as knowing such reports to haue oftentimes been of purpose giuen out by the Turkes to lull the Christians in securitie , the more easily to oppresse them . The Christian armie thus strongly entrenched , and the trenches planted with great ordinance , the Countie himselfe with certaine troupes of horsemen would oftentimes shew himselfe before RAB , and sometime before DOTIS , viewing sometime the one place and sometime the other , as if he had verily purposed to haue besieged the one of them : and to giue the greater shew that he had so determined , he caused the ground to be marked out for his armie most conueniently to encampe in , and for the casting vp of his mounts . Which caused the Turkes of STRIGONIVM , VESPRINIVM , PALOTTA , and other places farther off , to send part as well of their warlike prouision as of their garrison souldiors , some to RAB , some to DOTIS for the defence of those places neerest ( as they thought ) vnto danger . The Countie in the meane time hauing now put all things in readinesse , came with his armie and sat before DOTIS , demaunding to haue it yeelded vnto him . And the more to confirme the Turkes that he would assuredly besiege that place , he began to cast vp his trenches , and to raise his mounts as seemed most conuenient , straitly commaunding euerie man of what condition soeuer , to put his hand in some measure to the furtherance of those workes : and the more by his owne example to encourage others , would oftentimes himselfe carrie a fagot or some other thing before him vpon his horse , for the raising of the mount . For all that certaine Hungarian gentlemen , disdaining such base labour ( as they deemed it ) refused to doe any thing therein : which the Countie perceiuing , straitly charged one of them by his example , to carrie a fagot to the mount , which the Hungarian gentleman refusing , the Countie therwith much moued , laid the fagot he was carrying himselfe , before the Hungarian vpon his horse , charging him to see that he caried it to the appointed place : the Hungarian disdainfully taking it , caried it vntill he thought he was out of the Counties sight , and then in scorne threw it downe : which the Countie ( hauing still an eye after him ) perceiuing , commanded him to be taken , and all armed as he rid , to be presently hanged vpon the next tree for his obstinacie . Which wholsome seueritie both then and afterwards , caused others more diligently to doe what they were commanded by their superiors . It happened about this time , that three Turkes being taken prisoners , were brought into the campe : whom the Countie straitly examined of many matters . But the first of the three could neither by faire or foule meanes be induced to answere to any thing that he was asked : and was therefore by the commaundement of the Countie in the sight of the other two , cut into small pieces . Who terrified with his dismembring , confessed many things whereof they were asked : and among others , that the Turkish Sultan had determined to turne his greatest forces into TRANSYLVANIA , MOLDAVIA , and the vpper part of HVNGARIE : and therefore would this Sommer send small forces , or else none at all into those quarters . Now was DOTIS so belaid by the Countie , as that no man doubted , but that he had theron purposed to haue gaged his whole forces , when suddenly the last of Iune , commaundement was giuen through the campe , that euerie man vpon signe giuen , should be in readinesse to follow his leaders , for that the Countie had determined forthwith to remoue : yet w●ither the armie was to be remoued , few or none knew , more than certaine of the chiefe commaunders . As for to go to STRIGONIVM , few there were that so much as dreamed thereof , all was kept so secret : yet was it the Counties purpose , euen from the beginning to attempt the winning of that citie , which the Archduke had in vaine the last yeare besieged . The next night being both darke and foule , the Countie rise with all his armie , and the next day being the first of Iuly , came to STRIGONIVM , they of the citie not hearing of his comming before they saw him vnder their walles ▪ Whererefore the Turkes in the suburbs called the Rascian citie , and they in the fort vnder Saint Thomas hill , despairing of the keeping of those places , setting fire on the houses , and defacing the fort so much as in that sudden feare they possibly could , fled into the lower towne . The next day the Countie with resistance tooke the aforesaid places forsaken by the Turkes , which hee manned with certaine companies of Wallons , and made a bridge of boats ouer Danubius , cast vp certaine mounts , and did many other things for the furtherance of the siege . In three daies he had againe repaired the fort vnder Saint Thomas hill abandoned by the Turkes , and therein placed foure great pieces of artillerie , wherewith he began to batter the lower towne , and in other places to strait the besieged more than they had been the yeare before . The Bassa of BVDA , not ignorant of the want both of men and munition in the besieged citie ( and the rather for that they had but a little before sent part of their garrison with shot and pouder to RAB and DOTIS ) attempted thrise ( as he did many times after during the time of the siege ) to haue by the riuer put new supplies both of men and munition into the citie : but was still by the diligence of the Christians excluded , and enforced with losse to returne . In short time the Lower towne which they call WASSERSTAT , or the Water towne , was with continuall batterie sore beaten , so that scarcely any house or building was left whole ; and a counterscarfe made the last yeare , beaten downe . Whereunto certaine Wallons were sent , only to haue viewed the breadth and manner of the ditches , after whom certaine companies of the Hungarian Heidons presently followed , without any commaund from their captaines , who with great courage got to the top of another high counterscarfe , & there set vp some of their ensignes . Which the Turks beholding , and comming on close togither , by plaine force enforced them with losse to retire . Among these Hungarians were diuers also of the Wallons slaine , with some others of good name and place , to the great griefe of the Countie , being not a little offended with that disordered seruice : yet day and night the batterie ceased not , and the Christians out of their trenches with their musket shot , slew many of the Turks vpon the wals , receiuing little hurt againe , the Turkes still shooting but sparingly , for feare of wanting shot and pouder at their greater need ; yet that they spent they bestowed so well , that amongst others they had slaine foure of the Christian canoniers ▪ and one Wallon captaine . About the middest of Iuly , the Countie with continuall batterie had made the Water towne ( as he thought ) saultable : and therefore sent certaine companies to begin the assault , who hauing passed the counterscarfe , found the ditch full of deepe mud , and but newly cut broader certaine paces by the Turks , so that it was thought scarce possible to be passed without a bridge ; behind which ditch was an high wall , with strong bulwarkes ; and within all this was another new cast ditch , and vpon the very brinke thereof a thicke and high parapit : all which for all that , certaine companies of the Wallons with great labour and danger aduentured to passe : but such was the valour of the defendants , and the small number of them that came on to the assault , with the disaduantage of the place wherein they stood , that at length they were glad to retire , with the losse of many of their fellowes . The Christians in the beginning of this siege had taken a little island in the riuer before the citie , which was kept with some few companies of the lord Palfi his Heidons ; whereof the Turks hauing intelligence at BVDA , with three gallies and certain other vessels , landed in the island 3000 soldiors , which slew the Heidons , vnto whom no succour could be suddenly sent , and so recouered againe the island : wherein they left a sufficient garrison for the keeping thereof , furnished with all things necessarie , and so departed . About three dayes after the former assault , the Christians in hope of better successe the second time assaulted the Water towne : in which assault the chiefe leaders were the lord Greis , and Anthonie Zinne , a famous captaine , had he not stained his honor with countie Hardeck at RA● ; but being pardoned by the Emperour , did now together with the rest appointed to that seruice , most couragiously assault the breach ; but were againe by the Turks notably repulsed , and enforced at last to giue ouer the assault , and so to retire with the losse of an hundred and fiftie men : amongst whom Zinne himselfe was slaine , with one captaine Ruger , and some of the counties owne guard : the lord Greis was wounded in the head , and the yonger lord Schuendi with diuers other captaines grieuously hurt . The next day after , six hundred of the mountaine people came into the campe vnto the countie with supplications to request him , Not to giue ouer the siege vntill he had woon the citie , promising in the name of those towns and villages from whence they were sent , of their owne charges to repaire for him what harme soeuer he should doe in the citie for the taking therof , yea though he should lay it euen with the ground : for why the harmes they daily receiued from the garrison of that citie , were wonderfull . At the same time also he was aduertised by his espials ( of whom he maintained many for the discouerie of the enemies doings ) that Mahomet the Turkish Sultan had writ vnto the Bassa of BVDA , carefully to prouide , that his beloued citie of STRIGONIVM tooke no harme , and not to spare either for men or money betime to relieue it : and therein to do nothing without the aduice and good liking of his old and faithfull seruant Alis Beg , who of long time had gouerned and also defended that citie : and to the intent that nothing should be wanting for the performance hereof , that he had sent Alexander Aga of the Ianizaries from the Court ( whose seruice he might euill haue spared ) whose approued counsell and helpe he might also vse in all things : for that he had rather loose some other whole kingdome than that one citie : And that therefore he should beware that it were not by the enemie woon , or by any composition yielded : wherein if he failed , he threatned vnto him his heauie displeasure , not to be appeased without the price of his head . Which so seuere a commaundement of the great Sultans , the Bassa sent to them of STRIGONIVM , with most grieuous threats from himselfe , if they , terrified with any batterie , vndermining , or assault , should yield the citie , and not hold it out as became valiant souldiors vnto the last man , swearing to empaile them all vpon stakes , that should consent to the yielding vp thereof . The old Gouernour Alis hauing receiued this so straight a commaund from him that was both able and like ynough to performe what he had threatened , vtterly to deterre the souldiors from once thinking of yielding , caused diligent enquirie to be made throughout the garrison , if any of them had at any time made any motion of yielding vp the citie , or otherwise murmured against their captaines or commaunders , appointing them to any seruice : and such as he found to haue so done , he to the terror of others caused to be presently executed : and after that went down himselfe into the lower towne , to see that nothing were there wanting or amisse where most danger was . But when he would haue againe returned into the vpper towne , he was stayed by the Ianizaries , who told him , That seeing he was of so valiant and couragious a mind , and their Gouernour , he should there stay with them , and take such part as they did , were it better or worse : and so would he or would he not , there needs stay he must . Now the Bassaes of BVDA and TEMESVVAR , with diuers Sanzackes as well of those parts of HVNGARIE which the Turks possessed , as other places , were assembling their forces for the reliefe of the besieged in STRIGONIVM : Whereof the Transyluanian prince hearing , made shew as if he would forthwith haue besieged TEMESVVAR , so that the Bassa thereof leauing the intended expedition for STRIGONIVM , was glad to returne for the defence of his own charge . They also of STIRIA , CARINTHIA & CROATIA , with the troupes of countie Serinus , had so stopped all the passages , that twelue thousand Turks which were comming from ZIGETH and the places thereabout , could by no meanes come to joyne themselues with their fellowes for the reliefe of the distressed citie . The countie leauing nothing vnattempted or vndone that might helpe for the gaining of STRIGONIVM , had made a notable fort vpon S. Thomas hill , and therein placed fiue great culuerines , wherewith he furiously battered the higher citie , and did therein great harme : and thereby also brought to passe , that no man could goe vp or downe the hill , betwixt the vpper towne and the lower , but he was in danger to be set off with those pieces , or the musketiers ; who defended by those great pieces , lay vpon the side of the hill in caues and bushes , awaiting for such as should goe vp or downe betwixt the two townes . Thus the Christians at one time battered the vpper towne , the lower towne , and the strong towne and fort of GOKARA , standing on the farther side of Danubius oueragainst STRIGONIVM , besieged by the lord Palfi . But of all these places , GOKARA was with the furie of the great ordinance most shaken : which the countie perceiuing , caused the batterie to be encreased , and so continued , vntill he had beaten downe the counterscarfe , and made certaine faire breaches in the wall . Whereunto the Morauians ( vnto whose lot it fell ) the one and twentith of Iuly gaue an assault in fiue diuers places , whom the lord Palfi seconded with his Hungarians , of whom certaine were of purpose appointed beside their armes to bring things with them for the firing of the towne , which they in the time of the assault found meanes so well to bestow , that in a while the towne was all on a light fire . The Turkes at first made notable resistance , but finding themselues ouerpressed , and seeing the towne now on a fire about their eares , which with the force of the wind so encreased , that it caught hold of the lower towne on the other side of the riuer , they retired to the riuers side , where some of them by boats got ouer to STRIGONIVM , othersome perished in the riuer , the rest falling into the hands of the Christians , were by them all put to the sword . GOKARA thus taken , and the fire quenched , the Christians repaired the breaches , and storing it with all warlike prouision , left in it a strong garrison . Within a night or two after were two hundred of the Turks horsemen descried in a field fast by , which caused an alarum to be raised in the campe , as if the whole armie of the Turks had beene at hand : howbeit those horsemen retiring , and no other appearing , it was afterwards knowne , that they were onely scouts sent out by the Turkes to take view of the armie of the Christians and in what sort they lay encamped . The latter end of this moneth it fortuned that a young countrey fellow , secretly sent out of the citie by the Gouernour , and falling into the hands of Palfi , was by him sent to the countie , by whom he was in friendly manner demanded , From whence he came , whether he was going , and whereabouts ? Whereunto the youth frankely answered , That he was sent from the Gouernour with letters to the Bassa of BVDA , which he presently drew out of his bosome , and deliuered them vnto the countie ; who after he had read them , caused them to be closed vp againe , and so deliuered them to the young man , with some few crownes , commaunding him to carrie them to the Bassa , as he was about , and in his returne to bring him the Bassaes answere , promising for his so doing to reward him bountifully : which the young man vndertooke to doe , and so departed . Now the purport of the Gouernours letters was , That if the Bassa did not within six or seauen dayes send him aid and relieue him , he should for want of victuals and other things necessarie for the holding out of the siege , be enforced either to abandon the citie , or to yield it vp into the enemies hands . Whereunto the Bassa returned answere by the aforesaid messenger , That he would within the appointed time bee with him , willing him in the meane while to be mindfull of his wonted valour , and not to be with any thing discouraged : appointing him the day , the houre , the way , the meane , with all the other circumstances how he would relieue him . Which letters the young man according to his promise deliuered vnto the countie : who thereupon prouided accordingly for the welcomming of the Bassa . Within a day after also , one of the Turkes canoniers considering the danger the citie lay in , and feating that it would be lost , fled out of it into the campe : who besides that he aptly declared the state of the citie , and the wants the besieged were in , did also afterwards good seruice during the time of the siege . The Turkes had in this while many times sallied out , to their great losse : yet now vpon hope of better successe they aduentured the nine and twentith of this moneth to sallie out againe , but with like fortune as before , leauing fourescore of their men behind them , hauing slaine but fiue of the Christians . Now had the Turks in great wants by the space of a moneth right worthily defended STRIGONIVM , expecting still for reliefe . At length newes was brought into the campe , That the Bassa of BVDA with twentie thousand men was comming to raise the siege : who the second of August came accordingly , and with his armie encamped within foure miles of the Christians : lying so nigh , certaine of the Turkes horsemen seeking after bootie , came very neere vnto the campe of the Christians , and out of the pastures , euen vnder their noses , carried away some few horses : against these desperat aduenturerers certaine troupes of the Hungarian and Germane horsemen issuing out , had with them an hot skirmish : but the Turkes of purpose retiring as men ouercharged , and the Christians still following on , had at length drawne them vnto the place where diuers other troupes of the Turkes lay in ambush for them , who now starting forth on euery side , hardly charged them . The Hungarian light horsemen well acquainted with such skirmishes , seeing the danger , presently fled and left the Germanes to themselues ; who for a while valiantly encountered their enemies , but oppressed with multitude , were glad at last to flie also . In this skirmish of the Christians were lost and grieuously wounded about an hundred . The Turkes encouraged with this so prosperous a beginning , came on the next day with all their armie , being before resolued by plaine force to open themselues a way into the citie , and so to relieue the besieged . Of all these things was not the Countie ignorant , as thereof forewarned by the Bassaes letters before deliuered vnto him , and had therefore with his armie strongly belayed all the wayes vnto the citie : neuerthelesse the enemie came still on betweene the hils S. Thomas and S. George , and neere vnto the suburbes called the Rascian citie , put themselues in order of battell , as did also the Christians , giuing the enemie leaue to come euen to their trenches . In the meane time the lord Palfi with his Hungarian horsemen , fetching a compasse about the hill on the one side , and the lord Swartzenburg with his horsemen on the other , had so enclosed the Turkes behind , as that they could not without great danger retire . Both armies orderly raunged , and the signall of battell giuen , the Turkes hauing before without any great harme done discharged seuenteene field pieces , came on after their wonted manner with a most hideous crie , and at the first onset with their Turkie arrowes , as with a thicke shower , darkened the skie : when on the other side the Germane and Wallon horsemen with their petronels sent their deadly shot as thicke as haile amongst them againe ; and the men at armes after them taught the Turks to their cost , how vnfit their light and halfe naked horsemen were in a set battell to meet with men so well appointed : in a trice but not without great slaughter the battell was brought to the sword , and to be tried by true valour : There was to be heard a crie heauens high , the thundering artillerie both great and small , the clattering armour , the glistering weapons , the neighing of the horses , the crying of the wounded , the heauie gronings of the dying , with the noise of the trumpets drums and other warlike instruments , made deafe the eares of the hearers , presenting vnto them nothing but horror and euen present death . It was a most miserable sight to see so many men in so short time slaine : for the battell had yet scarcely endured halfe an houre , when many thousands of the Turks lay dead vpon the ground , and the rest seeing the victorie encline to the Christians , betooke themselues to flight , leauing behind them their great ordinance and whatsoeuer els they brought for the reliefe of the besieged : whom so flying , the lord Palfi and Swartzenburg ( who had before taken the straits whereby they were to passe betweene the mountaines ) so receiued with their fresh horsemen , that of them that came that way , few escaped . The Bassa himselfe , who stood vpon the hill , seeing the discomfiture of his armie , fled also himselfe : the Bassa of NATOLIA with about an hundred Turkes moe by good fortune got into STRIGONIVM . The number of the Turks slaine in this battell was great , and is of diuers diuersly reported , some saying that there was slaine fourteene thousand ; and some , fewer . Besides them that were slain , many were also taken , and some of them men of great name and place . There were also taken seuen and twentie ensignes , with a multitude of cammels , asses , and mules , laded with mony , shot , pouder , and other necessarie prouision : all which , brought thither for the reliefe of the besieged , became a prey vnto the Christians . In the heat of this battell they of the citie sallying out , had entred a fort of the Christians vpon the riuers side ▪ but were againe presently driuen out , and with losse enforced againe to retire . After this victorie the countie sent certaine companies of the Hungarian and Germane horsemen with fiue hundred waggons to the enemies campe , not farre off in the mountaines ; who comming thither , found it vtterly forsaken by the enemie , but well stored with all manner of necessarie prouision , which they carried all away , together with six hundred tents , many whereof were lined with damaske , sattin , and other silke , richly embrodered or layed with gold lace or twist . The Bassaes rich tent taken by the colonell of the horsemen , was afterwards by him giuen vnto the Countie , as was also the plate and money there found , all which he deuided among the souldiors according to their deserts . In the Turks campe were also found certaine heads of the Christians , with the dead bodie of the lord Brandensteine , slaine in the conflict but the day before ; which the Christians caried away with them into the campe , and there honourably buried them . Those that remained of the Turks armie , hid themselues in the mountaines and woods , and so holpen by the darkenesse of the night , made best shift for themselues that they could . The Bassa himselfe accompanied but with twentie horse , came to BVDA about midnight , and by his comming filled the citie with great heauinesse , euery man lamenting his lost friends . The Hungarian Heidons best acquainted with the countrey , pricking vp and downe the mountaines and by waies , for certaine daies after the battell , brought in daily into the campe such prisoners as they tooke , or else the heads of such Turkes as they slew . Of this so notable a victorie , the Countie by a speedie messenger certified the Archduke at VIENNA , who rewarded him for his good newes with a chaine worth fiue hundred duckars ▪ and presently ●aused the song of thankesgiuing to be sung in the Church of the Augustine Friers , and afterward in all the churches of the citie . The Countie also to gratifie the emperour , sent him by the lord Chalon his nephew vnto PRAGE , two of the chiefe prisoners taken in the late battell , with foure horsemens Guidons cunningly made of horse haires , such as are commonly carried before the greatest commanders of the Turks armies , and fourteene other ensignes of the Turks , with fourteene most goodly horses of the Turks for a present . The next day after this battell , the Countie sent the lord Pal●i with an interpre●or vnto the citie , to demaund it to be yeelded : who hauing audience , declared vnto the Turkes in what danger they were , that the helpe they looked for was now quite ouerthrowne , new reliefe could not but in long time be sent vnto them ; and that therefore it should be good for them , whilest yet they might , to be well aduised , and betime to bethinke themselues of yeelding vp the citie , least , happily when they would , it then would not be accepted : promising to intreat with the Generall , that they might in safetie depart , and with sure conuoy be brought vnto such place of safetie as were conuenient . Whereunto the besieged Turkes answered , That the Christians had now fiue weekes lien at the siege , and must yet lie three weekes longer : and that whereas ▪ of late some few of their friends came to haue relieued them , and had failed therein ; there was yet an hundred thousand moe to come after them , who if they should not be able to performe that they came for , yet that they would not for that deliuer or forsake the citie , before they were readie to be drawne out of it by the heeles , and that yet they would then take three daies to resolue thereupon . Now had the Christians with long and continuall batterie sore beaten both the vpper and the lower towne , which batterie they now maintained with greater furie than at any time from the beginning of the siege ; and within the citie their wants increased daily , hauing nothing left to liue vpon but a little wheat and barley , with some horseflesh : vnto whom thus distressed , the lord Palfi by the commandement of the Countie ( to trie what confidence they yet had in themselues ) the ninth of August , sent two Gentlemen to the citie , to doe a message from him to the Gouernour . Who aduertised thereof , being a verie aged and courteous man , accompanied with the Aga of the Ianizaries , came to the wals to heare what they had to say ; where one of the said gentlemen in few words deliuered him this short message . My most gratious Lord the lord Palfi , most worthie Gouernour greeteth thee well , and knowing thee to be a captaine both valiant and wise , and one that hath alwaies courteously vsed such as haue fallen into thy hands , hath compassion of thy desperat obstinacie : and therefore , whereas thou art to looke or hope for nothing else but present death and destruction , he as thy neighbour and a louer of thy vertues , aduiseth and exhorteth thee , if thou wilt saue thy selfe and thine from most vndoubted and imminent death and vtter confusion , without delay to deliuer vp this citie , which thou canst not longer hold . Vnto whom the old Gouernour thus without stay courteously answered . Thy speech my friend , and thy masters aduise are vnto me both vaine . Tell the lord Palfi in my name , that I cannot pleasure him with the least stone in this citie . One foot I haue alreadie in the graue , and will with honour carrie these my graie haires into the same : and am yet comforted with a most certaine and vndoubted hope , that my most dread and mightie soueraigne , and my lord Sinan Bassa will not forsake me : yea and that if they should write vnto me , that they could find no meanes or way to relieue me ( which I am sure they can ) yet would I well , and at leisure consider , whether it were fit for me to deliuer vp this citie or not ; seeing that of the defence thereof , dependeth all mine honour and credit . Besides that , what reward they haue on both sides , that so easily deliuer ouer the cities they haue in charge , all the world doth see . With this answere he sent them away . All this while the Aga of the Ianizaries standing by , spoke not one word , but sighing in silence and grinding his teeth , declared by his countenance his indignation and inward griefe . In the mid way betwixt BVDA and STRIGONIVM , in the middest of the riuer of Danubius lieth a little island called VIZZE , wherein many rich clothiers dwelt : this island the Hungarian Heidons spoiled , and in returning thence , met with foure and twentie wagons laded with corne , going to BVDA , which they tooke , with eight and twentie prisoners which they brought into the campe . The lower towne being with long and continuall batterie made saultable , was by the Christians the thirteenth of August , in three diuers places at once assaulted . The Bauarians were by lot to giue the first charge , who in the performing thereof , beginning to faint ( for that they were notably repulsed by the Turks ) but seconded by them of REITNAW and SVEVIA , pluckt downe a great palisado , filled the ditches , remoued whatsoeuer stood in their way , and so long fought with the Turks in the breaches , that by the comming in of the Marquesse of BVRGAVVE with six ensignes of fresh men , they preuailed vpon the enemie , and so altogither brake into the towne . In the middest of this dangerous fight was the Marquesse himselfe , who both with his presence and cheerfull speech so encouraged his souldiors , that they as men fearing no perill , ran headlong into all danger vntill they had entred the towne : There might a man haue heard a most miserable crie , especially of women and children throughout the citie ; when as the Christians breaking in on euerie side slew whosoeuer came in their way , without respect of age or sex , sparing neither women great with child , neither the little children hanging at their mothers breasts . Yet did not all that were entred , so much attend the present execution , as some of them did the spoile and prey ; and especially the Hungarians , vnto whom all was good bootie , euen the verie hinges of the doores and windowes : whereby many escaped into the castle and vpper towne with the Bassa and Alis-Beg the old Gouernour . The Christians had not many houres possessed the towne , but that diuers fires began to breake out in diuers places , but by what meanes was not at the first knowne . At last it was found out , that the Turks doubting the losse of the towne , had before where they thought best left gunpouder , which taking fire by matches left burning for that purpose , should at a certaine time set all on fire : by which meanes many most horrible fires were raised in the towne , which consumed many goodly buildings and other things which might haue stood the Christians in great stead , and could hardly be in a day or two quenched . This so joyfull a victorie saw not he , by whose good direction next vnder God it was gained , the worthy Countie : for he a few daies before being fallen sicke of a feauer , taken by drinking too much cold drinke in his heat , with immoderat paines taking in the late battell , and so afterwards falling into a great flix with a feauer , was by the counsell of his physitions ( for the better recouering of his health ) remoued to KOMARA , as a place of more quietnesse : hauing before his departure sent for the Archduke to come vnto the campe , and for Blankemier into BAVARIA to supply his owne roume . But his disease still encreasing , became at last desperat , so that the physitions themselues now dispaired of his health . Yet lying thus drawing towards his end , he almost euerie houre enquired how the armie did , and whether the citie were yet taken , or what hope there was of the taking thereof . But when it was told him a little before his death , that the lower towne was woon , he thereat greatly rejoyced , and the next day being the fourteenth of August towards night quietly departed this world , to the great losse of the Christian common-weale , and the exceeding griefe of the whole armie . A man euen from his childhood brought vp in armes , of stature great , but of courage greater , and painfull aboue measure , not the least cause of his vntimely death . All the time of this siege he tooke little rest either by day or night , scarce so much as to lie downe vpon his bed in two or three nights togither . The little meat he did eat , he most part eat it standing or walking , yea and sometimes on horsebacke : he was a most seuere obseruer of martiall discipline , which caused him to be of his souldiors both beloued and feared . His bowels were with due solemnitie buried at KOMARA where he died , but his bodie was brought backe againe to LVXENBVRG , there to be honourably enterred with his auncestours . About this time Theodore the Great duke of MVSCOVIA , hearing of the warres betwixt the emperour and the Turke , sent two embassadours with letters and presents to the emperour : which embassadours comming to PRAGE the sixteenth of August , accompanied with two hundred and fiftie horse , were there by the emperours appointment , honourably receiued and entertained . And afterward hauing audience , first deliuered the letters of credence from the Great duke , reported to haue been of this purport . Your Maiestie hath sent vnto vs your embassadour Nicholas Warkotsie , requesting our brotherly aid against the hereditarie enemie of all Christianitie , the Turkish Sultan . Wherefore we also desiring to liue with you our deare and welbeloued brother in all perpetuall amitie and friendship , send vnto you by our faithfull counsellor and seruant Michael Iwanowitze and Iohn Sohnie ▪ aid out of our treasurie against the said enemie : vnto whom we haue also giuen other things in charge to be propounded to your Maiestie , requesting you to giue vnto them in all things full credit . Giuen in the great Court of our power at MVSCO , in the yeare of the world 7103 , and from the natiuitie of Christ 1595 , in the moneth of Aprill . What things in particular these embassadours were sent for , was not commonly knowne , but among others it is said , That the Muscouite requested the emperour to send an embassadour vnto the Persian king , to draw him also into the league with them against the Turke : which embassadour should first come into MVSCOVIA , and that way to passe into PERSIA . The presents which the Great duke sent vnto the emperour were , an hundred and fiftie thousand Florens of gold , great store of most rich furs , and pretious perfumes deemed to be of exceeding valour , two white faulcons , and three leopards aliue . And Iwanowitze the embassadour himselfe , presented vnto the emperour of himselfe , certaine rich Turkie , Persi●●● and Babylonian hangings and carpets , certaine timbers of Sables , with other rich furs no lesse pretious than Sables , so many as eight porters could hardly carrie . These embassadours tarried at PRAGE vntill the seuen and twentith day of December , and then taking their leaue , returned with the emperours answere to the duke . But to returne againe vnto SRIGONIVM . The Christians now possessed of the lower towne , bent their whole batterie vpon the higher towne , where it fortuned the fourteenth of August that the old Gouernour Alis-Beg , whilest he was carefully walking from place to place to see where most danger was , had his arme strucke off with a great shot , of which hurt he presently died . He was a man of great grauitie , about the age of eight and twentie yeares , and had of long time notably both gouerned and defended that famous citie , the losse whereof was like enough to haue been vnto him greater griefe than was the losse of his life there . Much about the same time also died the Aga of the Ianizaries , being before mortally wounded . Both the chiefe commaunders thus slaine , the Ianizaries with the other souldiors and citisens made choise of the Bassa of NATOLIA ( who as is aforesaid escaped out of the late battell into the citie ) for their Gouernour , who with heauie cheere tooke vpon him that forlorne charge . The Christians not ignorant of the death of these two worthie men , in whose great and approued valour they supposed the chiefe defence of the citie to haue rested , were in good hope that now the rest would the more readily hearken to some good composition ; and therefore sent a messenger to demand if they would yet whilest there were some mercie left , yeeld the citie . Who though they had lost their chiefe commaunders with the greatest part of the garrison , and were in great wants both of victuals and all things else necessarie for their defence ; yet their answere was in few words , That they would hold it out euen to the last man. The greatest cause of which their obstinat resolution , was the strait charge the Bassa of BVDA had giuen them for the defence thereof : besides that , they accounted their citie holy , as woon by their magnificent emperour Solyman , whom the Turkes generally yet haue in a deuout remembrance ; and therefore thought it a great impietie to deliuer it vp vnto the Christians . The next day after came Matthias the archduke into the campe ; who after he had well viewed the whole armie and the manner of the siege , he called togither into his tent the chiefe commaunders , namely the Marquesse of BVRGAVV his cousin , Iohn de Medices the Florentine , and the lord Pal●i the Hungarian , to consult with them what were farther to be done for the winning of the citie . Shortly after he commanded the citie to be at once in two places assaulted , which was by the Wallons and Germanes couragiously performed : but such was the valour of the defendants , that when the Christians had done what they could , they were glad at last to giue ouer the assault , and with losse to retire . About this time came the duke of MANTVA , with the three Counties his brethren to the siege : and now the Turkes began againe to draw togither neere vnto BVDA , there to make head for the reliefe of STRIGONIVM , and to be reuenged of the losse they had there before receiued . Whereof the Archduke hauing intelligence , sent out against them eight thousand chosen souldiors out of the campe , who suddenly setting vpon the Turkes in their campe , before the rising of the Sunne made a great slaughter amongst them , and tooke certaine prisoners , of whom the Sanzacke of COPAN was one : and so with victorie returned to the siege . The besieged Turkes in STRIGONIVM vnderstanding of this ouerthrow of their friends , from whom they expected most speedie reliefe , and beside the terrour of the continuall batterie and still feared assaults , pinched also with extreame wants of all things , began now to faint . Wherefore the Bassa with the other captaines , ouercome with the aforesaid difficulties , and the generall outcrie of the fearfull people , resolued with one consent to come now to parley , and vpon reasonable conditions to yeeld vp the citie : whereupon a flag of truce was set vp , and parley craued . Which granted , the Archduke after the going downe of the Sunne came into the lower towne , where nine of the Turks attended his comming : who entring into parley , required that they might vnder safe conuoy with bag and baggage depart , and so leaue him the citie : which the Archduke would not by any meanes agree vnto . At length with much entreatie , they obtained that they might vpon the same conditions depart that the Christians did at RAB ; with their scimitars by their sides , and so much of their goods as they could carrie vpon their backes , vnto such ships as were to be appointed for the carriage of them to BVDA . For the performance whereof , hostages were on both sides giuen : and so the next day ( being the second of September ) they began to come out of the citie , moe in number than either the prisoners taken in the time of the siege had confessed , o● the Christians had thought . Thirtie ships were appointed for the conuaying of them downe the riuer to BVDA , which not suffising , many of them tarried in the citie vntill the next day , at which time the Bassa with the sicke and wounded sayled to BVDA , the prisoners and pledges on both sides being before faithfully deliuered . Thus by the goodnesse of God and the good conduct of a few valiants Christians , was STRIGONIVM the Metropoliticall citie of HVNGARIE , after it had 52 yeares groaned vnder the miserable yoake of the Turkish seruitude , againe restored vnto the Christian common-weale : which the Christians forthwith repaired and new fortified , as was thought best for the defence thereof against the enemie . All which being done , about the middest of this moneth the Archduke sent eighteene thousand to besiege VICEGRADE , otherwise called PLINDENBVRG , a strong castle of the Turks vpon the riuer betweene STRIGONIVM and BVDA , which castle they tooke . Which when they of BVDA vnderstood , they were strucken with such a feare , that many of the better sort were readie to forsake the citie , insomuch , that the Bassa to stay their flight , was glad to commaund the gates of the citie to be shut vpon them , and no man suffered to passe out . This good successe of the Christians in these wars , caused great rejoycing to be made in most parts of Christendome . All this while the Christians were thus busied at the siege of STRIGONIVM , the Transyluanian prince was not idle , but in diuers places did the Turks exceeding much harme ; so that now his name began to be dreadfull vnto them . It fortuned that the same day that the Countie Mansfelt departed at KOMARA , that the prince at ALBA IVLIA with great solemnitie married Maria Christina , the daughter of the late Archduke Charles the sonne of the emperour Ferdinand , her other sister Anna being before married vnto Sigismund , now king of POLONIA : for so it was agreed for the more assurance of the league betweene the emperour and him , that he should take his wife out of the house of AVSTRIA , which he now did . Of this solemnitie the Turks ( his euill neighbors ) hauing intelligence , assembling to the number of 30000 or more , thought as vnwelcome guests to haue come vnbidden or vnlooked for thereunto : but the vigilant prince vnderstanding of their comming , prouided for their entertainment accordingly , and setting his pleasures for a while apart , and comming vpon them when they least looked for him , in a great battell ouerthrew them , and slew most part of them , carrying away with him as a triumphant victour , the whole spoile of his enemies . About the same time the Transyluanians also besieged FAGIAT , a towne holden by the Turkes , not farre from TEMESVVAR ; where after they had lien twelue daies , they of the towne dispairing to be able long to hold out , came to parley , and couenanting to depart with bag and baggage , began to go out of the towne . But in their departure , vnderstanding that the Bassa of TEMESVVAR with the Sanzacks of LIPPA and IENNE were comming to their reliefe , they that were yet in the towne began to find delaies , and they that were alreadie gone out began to returne . Wherewith the Transyluanians much moued , by plaine force entred the towne , and put them all to the sword : and afterward turning vpon the Bassa , who with ten thousand Turks and certaine field pieces was comming to haue relieued the town , had with them a cruell battell ; wherein most part of the Turks fell with small losse of the Transyluanians : who so eagerly pursued the victorie , that the Bassa himselfe had much adoe with fiue hundred others to escape . The two Sanzackes , with diuers others of good place , were taken and sent prisoners to the prince . Not long after , about the latter end of August the Transyluanians also besieged LIPPA , a famous citie of HVNGARIE , standing vpon the riuer Maracz , not farre from TEMESVVAR , which the Turkes being notable longer to hold , fled into the castle : where finding themselues in no great safetie , after three dayes siege they came to parle , and so yielded , vpon condition that they might in safetie depart with so much of their goods as they could themselues carrie . About which time also the Bassa of BOSNA with ten thousand Turks and Tartars went forth to haue againe recouered BABOTSCA , a frontier towne , before taken by the Christians : which the Stirians and the rest of the Christians dwelling thereabouts , betweene the two riuers of Sauus and Drauus , vnderstanding , conducted by the lords Herbenstein , Lewcowitz , and Eckenberg , that had the charge of those frontiers , ouertooke the said Turks and Tartars neere vnto BABOTSCA , fought with them , and in the plaine field ouerthrew them . Mahomet not a little grieued with the good successe of the Christians in euery part of HVNGARIE , and aboue measure offended with Ferat Bassa his Generall , through whose negligence all or at leastwise most part of this had happened ( as he was by the enuie of Sinan Bassa persuaded ) sent for Ferat home , and in his place sent out Sinan . Of which the great Sultans displeasure Ferat was not ignorant , as forewarned thereof by her that best knew , euen the Sultans mother , and aduised not to come in sight vntill his peace were made . Who neuerthelesse trusting to his own innocencie ( the comfortable , but most dangerous and weake stay of the great ) and doubting not to answere whatsoeuer Sinan should be able to charge him with , came to the Court : where he was by the commandement of Mahomet shortly after strangled , and his goods to the value of fiue hundred thousand duckats confiscated . Among all the dangerous enemies of the Christian common-weale , was none at this time more cruell than was Sinan , an Epirot borne , a fishers sonne , of a rough and vnciuile disposition , now about fourescore and three yeares old , euen from his youth brought vp in the warres : and yet ( as his mott was ) breathing nothing but , Bloud and Warre . He had many times fortunately led the huge armies of the Turkish Emperours , Solyman , Selymus , and Amurath , and is now sent by the great Sultan Mahomet , as the fittest man to reduce the late reuolted countries of TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , to their former thraldome ; which he before promised vnto Mahomet , vpon perill of his head to doe . He hauing raised a right puissant armie , by a bridge made of boats ( after a moneths labour spent therein ) passed ouer the great riuer of Danubius into VALACHIA : of whose comming the Transyluanians , with the Valachians and Moldauians , hauing knowledge , had before so shut vp the passages of the countrey , as that he could not without much danger haue farre entered ; and were also readie with their vnited forces euen at his first enterance to giue him battell . Which hee not refusing , there began a most mortall and cruell fight , with much bloudshead on both sides . Thrice were the Transyluanians enforced to retire , but still relieued with new supplies , and knowing that they then carried in their armes the welfare of their whole countrey , came on afresh againe , and as hardly charged the Turkes , as they had beene by them charged . Thus with doubtfull fortune and great slaughter was the battell maintained , from the morning vntill night , victorie with doubtfull wings houering now ouer the one side , now ouer the other : vntill that at length , the Turkes ouercome by true valour , their battailes being quite disordered and broken , were now glad to seeke to saue themselues by flight . In this battaile , being fought the eleuenth of September , besides many thousands of the common souldiours , were slaine also diuers of great account amongst the Turkes : and amongst the rest Haidar Bassa , a man of them much regarded , was found dead euen in the same place where the battaile was fought . Sinan himselfe , in making too much hast to get ouer the bridge , fell into the deepe mud , and in that generall confusion of his armie , was like ynough there to haue perished : but as the common prouerbe goeth , Seldome lieth the diuell dead in a dike , the old Velliarde was with much adoe drawne out by them of his guard , and so saued to further mischiefe . Neuerthelesse , the danger was so great , that for certaine daies it was commonly reported , that he was there drowned , most of his owne people not as yet certainely knowing what was become of him . All the spoyle of the Turks became a prey vnto the Christians , as did also their great ordinance , and many of their ensignes ; amongst which was one greene one , which they accounted religious , as sacred to their prophet Mahomet , whereunto they in time of their greatest distresse flie as vnto their last refuge : there was taken also all their tents , with great aboundance of victuals and other warlike prouision . The old Bassa thus ouerthrowne , full of griefe , and euen mad for despight , posted himselfe in all hast to the Court , thinking it better himselfe to make the best of that which was indeed nought , than to haue it made worse than nought by the enuious report of others : and withall to fill the mind of the great Sultan with desire of reuenge , which no man so much longed after , as himselfe : wherein he so discreetly vsed the matter , as that the late losse was easily passed ouer , as receiued by the common chance of warre , or any other occasion els whatsoeuer rather than by any default of his ; and new commission giuen him for the raising of another armie for the subduing of the late reuolted countries . In the meane time , to shew his hatred vnto the Christians , and to please the eyes of them of the Court with the noueltie of the sight , he caused an hundred and twelue Christian captiues whom he had in prison at BELGRADE , to be brought in chaines like beasts to CONSTANTINOPLE ; and so being led through the principall streets of the citie , to the vaine contentment of the citisens , to bee brought to the Court gate for the Sultan to looke vpon and the Courtiers to deride : from whence they were after many vnspeakeable indignities conueyed to most miserable and loathsome prisons , there to be fed with the bread of tribulation . About this time the Turks vnder the commaund of the Bassa of BOSNA , to the number of almost twentie thousand , made a rode into CROATIA , where they were by the Christians vnder the leading of the lord Eckenberg and Leucowitz ouerthrowne and almost all slaine : the Christians following the chase euen into the Turks frontiers , burnt fifteene of their villages , and tooke the castle of VARVINAR : immediately after , their forces encreasing by the comming in of the lord Herbensteine , Gouernour of VALERIA and WINDISMARCHE , and certain other troupes of horsemen out of CARINTHIA and the countries thereabouts , they returned the thirteenth of September to besiege PETRINIA , otherwise called PETROVVINA ; which because they were in hope to take by assault , they euen at their first comming couragiously assailed . But after two houres hard fight , finding both greater resistance and more difficultie than they had before supposed to haue found , and that without great ordinance ( which could not in short time bee got ouer the mountaines ) there was no good to be done , they were glad to giue ouer the assault , and with such losse as they had receiued to returne to SISEG , there to consult further of the matter . But the same night a fugitiue horseman fled from the enemie , came to the campe and told the Christians , That Rustan Beg Gouernour of PETRINIA was in the late assault wounded in the breast with a small shot , and dead : and that the Turkes in the towne discouraged with his death and the late ouerthrow of their friends in CROATIA , would vpon the first sight of them abandon the towne , if they would but againe returne to besiege it . Vpon which good hope the Christians presently rise , and set forward againe towards PETRINIA : which the Turkes hearing of their comming , had before ( as the soldior reported ) for feare abandoned . So the Christians without resistance entering the towne , found therein some pillage , but better store of shot and pouder : and presently sending forth certaine troupes of horsemen to pursue the flying Turks , tooke diuers of them , and among the rest the late Gouernours lieutenant , whom they brought backe againe into the towne . Thus was PETRINIA againe recouered from the Turkes , to the great quiet and safetie of all that side of the countrey . Sigismund the Transyluanian prince not ignorant with what an enemie he had to doe , either of the mallice of old Sinan , who he knew would not be long before he returned , or yet of the secret practise of the Polonians for the withdrawing of the countrey of MOLDAVIA from him , sought now by all means ( as it stood him vpon ) to make himselfe so strong as he could against so many stormes arising . It fortuned that euen at the same time the Zaculians ( better known by the name of Siculi ) in former time a free people , but as then tributaries vnto the Turkes , bordering vpon the Northeast part of TRANSYLVANIA , now wearie of the Turkish thraldome , and seeing the good successe of the prince , and the late reuolted countries their neighbours , offered vnto the prince their seruice ; promising of their own charge to maintaine fortie thousand men in the field during his warres with the Turke , and yearely to pay him of euery house a dollar , with a certaine measure of wheat , oates , and barley , after the manner of their owne countrey : and further , That if God should blesse him with a sonne to succeed him in his gouernment , euery housholder should giue vnto him a good fat oxe . For all which seruice they craued no more , but that they might as his subjects liue vnder his protection : yet so , as to be gouerned by their owne auntient lawes and customes . Of which their offer the prince accepting , it was forthwith by them proclaimed in their campe , and all the people sworne to the performance of the aforesaid agreements . And hauing at that present but fiue and twentie thousand in the field ; they without delay sent out their officers to presse out fifteene thousand moe , for the filling vp of the promised number of fortie thousand , wherewith they came vnto the prince , who taking a view of his armie , found himselfe to be now fourescore thousand men strong , to welcome the Bassa withall when he should come againe into his countrey . Now had Sinan with great speed raised an armie of seauentie thousand choice souldiours , amongst whom were many whole bands of the Ianizaries , the strength of the Turkish empire . With which power joyned vnto the reliques of his other broken forces , he thought himselfe strong ynough for the subduing of the prince : vnto whom came also afterwards Hassan Bassa , the sonne of the great Bassa Muhamet , one of the Turkes most renowned men of warre , and Bogdanus the late expulsed Vayuod of VALACHIA , with many others of great name . With this armie the old Bassa by a bridge , which he with exceeding charge had made of boats , passed ouer the great riuer of Danubius at a towne called ZORZA or GIORGO ( with vs S. George ) in VALACHIA , a great way beneath that place where sometime the emperour Traian built his famous bridge of stone , worthily accounted amongst the rare and wonderfull buildings of the world . From ZORZA he marched with his armie to TERGOVISTA ( sometime the Vayuod his chiefe citie , but then in the power of the Turks ) where is a notable monasterie , which he conuerted into a castle , fortifying it with deepe trenches and strong bulwarks , and good store of great ordinance , purposing to make that the seat of his warre , vntill he had againe restored those late reuolted countries vnto the Turkish empire , which hee vpon paine of his head had vndertaken to performe . The prince both by messengers and letters vnderstanding of the Bassaes arriuall there , and hauing his armie in good readinesse , set forward to meet him and to giue him battell . But being come into VALACHIA , and there encamped , it is reported , that a great Eagle descending from an high rocke thereby , called , The Kings rocke , and houering ouer the Christian armie , flew about the princes tent , and there lighting , was taken and presented to the prince , who commaunded her to bee kept as the presage of his good fortune ; holding on still his way , and the fifteenth of October being come within halfe a dayes march of TERGOVISTA , he vnderstood by two Christians lately escaped from the Turks , That two dayes before the Turks hearing of his comming , were strucken with such a generall and sudden feare , that Sinan had much adoe either by faire meanes or by foule to stay the Ianizaries from flight ; and that when he had done what he could , yet that certaine companies of them were quite fled and gone . But the truth was , that Sinan seeing the generall feare of his armie , and he himselfe no lesse fearefull than the rest , vpon the princes approch fled with all his armie , leauing behind him for hast his tents , his great ordinance , with much victuals , and other warlike prouision , carrying with him onely such things as were of most value . As for the citie of TERGOVISTA , with the castle which he had made of the monasterie , he committed it to the keeping of Hassan Bassa ; and Bogdanus the late Vayuod , now become a renegate Turke , with a garrison of foure thousand chosen souldiors , promising within a few daies , if need should be , to relieue them , but fled himselfe in all hast with his armie to BVCARESTA , a daies journey from TERGOVISTA . From whence he presently writ backe againe to Hassan Bassa , willing him if he could to defend the castle : but if he should thinke it not possible to be kept against the power of the prince , then be time to forsake it and to shift for himselfe . But these letters being intercepted by the Christians , neuer came to the Bassaes hands . Not long after the departing of Sinan , the prince comming to TERGOVISTA , entred the forsaken campe , where he found many tents , with some ordinance , and great store of victuals : & without further delay summoned both the citie and the castle , which for all that were both denied him . But the next day after , Hassan considering the flight of Sinan , the power of the prince , and withall doubting if need should be to be relieued by Sinan , whom he not without cause suspected not to loue him , was about vpon some reasonable composition to haue yielded vp both the citie and the castle : wherunto the garrison souldiors ( being most part of them Ianizaries ) would not in any case giue their consent , but stood vpon the defence of the place . Whereupon the prince began furiously to batter both the citie and the castle , and after some few houres batterie by assault tooke both , and put to sword the whole garrison : onely Hassan Bassa , as taken with his owne hand , he spared , and two other Sanzackes . Bogdanus the renegate was there slaine among the rest . The Christians had there a rich prey , besides 42 great pieces of ordinance , and good store of all manner of warlike prouision . Hassan thus taken , grieuously complained that Sinan had of a malitious purpose exposed him to so manifest danger , for the grudge he bare vnto his dead father the Visier Muhamet , vpon whom because he could neuer be reuenged , he now by sinister meanes had cunningly performed it vpon his sonne ; yet he craued of the prince to bee well vsed , offering for his ransome 100000 Hungarian duckats . Whilest the prince yet thus lay at TERGOVISTA , came thither 4000 Turks , whom Sinan had before his departure thence sent forth to spoyle the countrey and to seeke after prey , thinking to haue there found him still : who now falling into the hands of the Christians , were there all slaine , and 60000 head of cattell recouered , which these Turkes had taken out of VALACHIA and MOLDAVIA , and should by Sinans appointment haue been sent to CONSTANTINOPLE . For VALACHIA and MOLDAVIA doe so abound with corne and cattell , that they plentifully serue the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE not onely with come and flesh , but also yearely send at the least 150 ships thither by the black sea , laded with other kind of victuals . Of which so great commodities the Turkes were now depriued by the reuolt of the aforesaid countries . The prince leauing a strong garrison in TERGOVISTA , set forward with his armie towards BVCARESTA , hoping there to haue found Sinan . But he hearing of the losse of TERGOVISTA , and thinking himselfe in no good safetie at BVCARESTA , fled thence also to ZORZA . The prince comming to BVCARESTA , found it abandoned by the Turks , and so tooke it without resistance , yet had therein certaine field pieces , with good store of shot and pouder left there by Sinan . Hauing there stayed a while for the manning of the place , he set forwards againe towards ZORZA , and that with such speed , that he ouertooke great numbers of the Turks , whom he put all to the sword : so that the fields betwixt BVCARESTA and ZORZA , were in many places couered with the dead bodies of the Turkes . Neuerthelesse , he could not make so great hast , marching still in good order , but that the fearefull Bassa disorderly hasting , was about some six houres or more before come to the bridge he had with great charge made ouer the riuer of Danubius , the forme whereof you may here see . The picture of the Bridge made ouer Danubius by Sinan Bassa , Anno 1595. Ouer the hithermost part of which bridge ( being in length about a mile ) was Sinan with the greatest part of his armie ( before the comming of the prince ) got ouer into an island in the middest of the riuer , wherein he had at his comming ouer , encamped : but doubting now there to stay , with all the speed he could got him ouer the other part of the bridge also vnto the farther side of the riuer , with so many of his men as in so short time possibly could . Where to stay the farther pursuit of the prince , he brake the bridge on that side , and set fire vpon it : and thereby cut off also many of his owne men that were not as yet come ouer . Whom the prince enclosing , forced many of them into the riuer , where they perished : the rest flying into the island ▪ were by the Christians fiercely pursuing of them , either there slaine , or seeking by the other part of the bridge to haue got ouer ( whereof the farther end before broken downe by Sinan , and the hither end toward the island now cut off by the Christians ) were togither with the bridge carried away by the violence of the riuer , and so altogither perished . Othersome of the Christians in the meane time tooke the bridge that leadeth vnto the castle of ZORZA , which standeth compassed about with an arme of Danubius , and being not verie great , was kept by a garrison of seuen hundred select souldiors . Vnto which castle the prince presently laid siege ( the resolute souldiors being not by any meanes to be persuaded to yeeld it vp , but to hold it out euen vnto the last man ) and after he had sore battered it , by plaine force tooke it , and put to the sword all the garrison souldiors he could lay hands vpon . About an hundred of these Turkes seeing they must needs fall into the power of their enemies , desperatly leapt from the top of the castle into the riuer ▪ where not one of them escaped , being all either drowned or slaine with small shot . In the winning of this castle , two hundred and fiftie of the Christians were lost , and many wounded : but of the Turkes and Tartars , betwixt the eighteenth and the last of October perished aboue six and twentie thousand . In this castle were taken thirtie nine great pieces , with such store of armour and other warlike prouision , as might haue serued for an whole kingdome : and foure thousand Christians beside women and children , whom Sinan had taken out of VALACHIA , restored to their former libertie . With whom the prince after hee had set all things in order , returned in great triumph to TERGOVISTA , and so afterwards to his pallace at ALBA IVLIA , where , as also at CLAVDIOPOLIS and other cities through his dominions , he caused publike prayers with thankesgiuing to almightie God , to be deuoutly made for so great a victorie : as did also Michael the Vayuod in VALACHIA , who in all these great warres against the Turkes was nothing inferiour vnto the Transyluanian himselfe . A greater losse than this the Turkish emperour receiued not at land in many yeares before , being by this so happie and victorious a prince , and the reuolt of these three countries , depriued of so much territorie , as they had not from the Christians of long time gained . It was by some of them of the better sort of the Turks that were taken , reported , that Sinan Bassa should oftentimes say , That this young Transyluanian prince had bereft him of all the honour and renowme he had with great trauell got in the course of his long life : and that although he had escaped his hands , yet that he feared he would be the cause for him in these his great yeares , euen in the winding vp of all , to loose his life togither with his goods and honour . Now was the Transyluanian princes name ( after the ouerthrow of this great Bassa ) become dreadfull vnto the Turkes , and also famous through all Christendome : Which as it hath filled the eares of many with admiration , so happily may the liuely representation of his feature by cunning hand set forth , feed the longing eies of some with delight , and serue in better stead than the rude description of his person . SIGISMVND , Prince of Transyluania , Valachia , and Moldauia . Miles er as Christi , nulli pietate secundus Et solus patriae gloria magna tuae Inclita si virtus , quae te super aethera vexit : Tàm stabili cursu continuata foret . R. Knoll . Of Christ thou wast a souldior true , inferiour vnto none : Thy countries joy and glorie great , vnto the world well knowne . If worthie vertue , that thee raisd aboue the starrie skie , With stedfast pace had run the race so well begun by thee . Whilest this worthie Prince was thus busied in this expedition against Sinan , he caused the castle of IENNA ( standing vpon the hie way betweene TEMESVVAR and GIVLA ) to be besieged by certaine of his captaines appointed to that seruice : in which castle lay one of the Turks Sanzackes with a garrison of seuen hundred Turkes , who much troubled such as passed that way . They now brought to some extremitie , and terrified with the successe of the prince , offered to giue vp the castle , so that as souldiors with their scimitars by their sides they might in safetie be brought to PANODA . Which their offer being accepted of , and they now vpon their way , the Hungarian light horsemen that should haue conducted them ( enformed that these Turkes now vnder their charge , had secret intelligence with the Turkes in garrison at GIVLA and TEMESVVAR , that they should lie in ambush for them ne●●e PANODA , and so cut them off by the way ) set vpon these Turkes whom they should haue conducted , and cut the throats of foure hundred of them : and yet still holding on their way , met with these Turkes that lay in ambush for them , whom they after a sharpe skirmish ouerthrew , and hauing slaine a great many of them , put the rest to flight . By the taking of IENNA the waies thereabout were quieted , especially for them of WARADEN . The Sanzacke of IENNA reported , that Mahomet had a little before sent word vnto his Bassaes and Sanzackes in HVNGARIE , that such castles and townes as they thought were not to be defended against the Christians , they should betimes as occasion serued yeeld them vp , or forsake them , so to spare the needlesse losse of his good souldiors : of whom he had with so many townes and strong holds lost no small number this yeare in HVNGARIE . IENNA thus taken , diuers of the richer sort in TEMESVVAR fearing to be euen presently besieged , sent their wiues and children with their treasure and such other things as they made most reckoning of , out of the citie in wagons to be conuaied vnto places of more safetie : of which wagons , seuentie were by the Christians ( lying thereabout in garrison ) intercepted , and in them an exceeding rich bootie . Mahomet hauing this yeare fully purposed the vtter ruine of the Transyluanian prince , and the reducing of the countries of TRANSYLVANIA , MOLDAVIA , and VALACHIA , vnto his obeisance by the great Bassa Sinan : had for the better effecting therof , before prouided that the Crim Tartar ( readie still at his call ) should with his own people ( wherof he hath great store ) and certaine bands of the Turkes , at the same time inuade MOLDAVIA ; and possessing himselfe of his countrey , to place one Sidriake Vayuod in stead of Stephen placed by the prince , and to people the countrey with his Tartars in reward of his good seruice ( as he said ) but indeed to haue them alwaies neere at hand to doe his commaunds in HVNGARIE , POLONIA , TRANSYLVANIA , or the other countries of the Christians thereunto adjoyning . The Tartar according to his appointment came with seuentie thousand Tartars , accompanied with their wiues and children , to haue planted themselues in the countrey , at the verie same time that Sinan came to TERGOVISTA : but being come vpon the frontiers of MOLDAVIA , to haue put in execution what he was by Mahomet commaunded , he found there Zamoschie the great Chancelor of POLONIA , readie with a strong armie to oppose himselfe against him , and to stay his farther passage . Wherupon some light skirmishes passed betweene the Tartars and Polonians : where the Tartars were still put to the worse , with the losse of three thousand of their men . The Tartar Cham with Sidriake the Vayuod appointed by the Turke , finding themselues , though in number moe , yet in strength inferiour vnto the Polonian , and that without his good leaue they could not passe ; sent vnto the Chancelor to excuse that was alreadie past , as done without their consent by the insolencie of their souldiors , and to tell him , That their comming was not to fight with him , as hauing expresse commaundement from the great Sultan Mahomet , in no case to disturbe the league betwixt him and the Polonians ; but quietly to passe by their frontiers into MOLDAVIA , and there to place Sidriake Vayuod his tributarie in stead of Stephen that now vsurped the place , by the appointment of the Transyluanian : which that they might doe , they craued his leaue as friends to passe . Whereunto the Chancelor answered , That he was come thither by the commaundement of the king , to defend those countries from the inuasion of such as had in them no right : and that there had of long time been an auntient league betwixt the Polonian kings and the Turkish emperours , vpon certaine conditions which he would for his part keepe inuiolat , with the fauor of the Turkish emperour ; yet so , as that the kingdome of POLONIA tooke no harme thereby , and that they might quietly liue by him as their good neighbour : which league he protested not to haue been by him , but by them infringed : as for to giue them passage , he said he could not . Messengers passing thus too and fro , and some parley had , at last certaine articles were agreed vpon , to the reasonable contentment both of the Tartar and of the Chancelor ( though not of Sidriake , disappointed thereby of his Vayuodship ) as also of the Turkish Sultan , whose pleasure they both seemed to haue in speciall regard : Hereupon the Tartar with his multitude presently returned , leauing the Chancelor to his owne designes . Now was it commonly thought , that the Chancelor had done the Transyluanian prince great seruice by keeping out of the Tartars , and much honour was by many that saw least spoke of him therefore : But farre was it from his thought to doe the Transyluanian therin any such good , at whose glorie he enuied , and had with the Cardinall and his brother , the princes vncles ( but most deadly enemies ) secretly conspired so much as in them was , his vtter ruine and ouerthrow : wishing those countries rather in the subjection of the Turke , than to see them so honourably at libertie , gouerned by the prince : such is the force of malitious enuie , the inseperable companion of worthie vertue . Which the Chancelour ( otherwise a man of great fame and honour ) began now openly to poure forth : for presently after the departure of the Tartars , he with all his power passing ouer the riuer Nijeste● or Tyros into MOLDAVIA , euen at such time as the prince was going against Sinan at TERGOVISTA , first seized vpon the castle of Chotijm , which he furnished with his owne souldiors and from thence marching to ZOZONA , the metropoliticall citie of that prouince , & seat of the Vayuod ▪ had it yielded vnto him : and so proceeding on , had in short time almost the whole countrey deliuered vnto him ; Stephen the Vayuod placed by the prince , flying from place to place before him from whom he least feared any such thing , hauing made account of no other enemies but of the Turks and Tartars . Stephen the Vayuod thus driuen out , and the Chancelour possessed of the countrey , he presently placed one Hieremias Vayuod in stead of Stephen , to hold that honour of the Polonian king as his soueraigne . Yet neuerthelesse , to satisfie the Turke , he sent a messenger to Sinan Bassa , then but newly come to TERGOVISTA , requesting him not to take it in euill part that he had entred into MOLDAVIA , and there placed a new Vayuod , but in the name of the great Sultan Mahomet , to confirme this his doing , and the Vayuod by him placed ; promising the countrey of MOLDAVIA to remaine triburarie still vnto the Sultan , and that this new Vayuod should forthwith pay vnto him what tribute was behind , and from thenceforth a farre greater tribute yearely than had the countrey of MOLDAVIA before . Whereunto the hautie Bassa ( then fearing nothing lesse than that which immediatly after happened , to be driuen out of those countries by the prince ) proudly answered , That it was not the great Sultan mind , that the Polonians should at all inuade MOLDAVIA : for that beside hee could without their helpe reduce those countries to his obedience , he had giuen that countrey vnto the Tartar , in reward of his good seruice alreadie done in HVNGARIE and other places ; whose subjects the Tartars would ere long be readie with their wiues and children to take possession thereof . Neuerthelesse the Chancelor proceeded to defend the new Vayuod by him placed : which was no great matter for him to do , Sinan the Turks champion ( as is before declared ) being presently after ouerthrowne , and driuen quite out of those countries by the prince . Who if he had not then gained the victory , the Chancelour had not now holden MOLDAVIA , but the Turke ; whose quarrell he seemed rather to fauour , than the princes . The Chancelour to colour this his inuasion , pretended , That the countrey of MOLDAVIA did of auntient right belong vnto the kingdome of POLONIA : which the Transyluanians tooke to be no other but meere and open wrong . This supposed title , such as it was , the Chancelor had so fashioned out vnto the king and the states of that kingdome , that they referred it to his discretion to inuade the countrey , and remoouing the Vayuod placed by the prince , to place another in his stead : and the rather to persuade them , laboured by many forced reasons to shew the power of the Transyluanian prince to be so far inferiour vnto the Turks , that it was to be feared he should at length be thrust out of all his dominions , and so they together with MOLDAVIA become subject to the Turke . Which if it should so come to passe , then should the Polonians haue an vntrustie and troublesome neighbour . And that therefore it were better that MOLDAVIA were possessed by them that were better able to defend it than was he , that so the Turke might be kept farther off from POLONIA . Which occasion he said was not longer to be delaied , but now betime to be laid hold vpon : persuading himselfe to find such grace and fauor with the Turkish emperor , as that he should be therewith right well contented : which was like ynough for a time to be , for that the Transyluanian should thereby be much weakened . By these and such like reasons , framed to serue his owne turne , the Chancelour so preuailed with the king and the states of the kingdome , that he receiued from them ( as I said ) full authoritie to proceed in the matter , as he did , and as is before declared , to the great trouble of the prince , and benefit of the Turke : the late chosen Vayuod not long after opening a way in three places for the Tartars into TRANSYLVANIA , one by the countrey of SICVLI , another by the way that leadeth to ALBA IVLIA , and the third by VALACHIA . The Transyluanian prince seeing the countrey of MOLDAVIA by the practise of the Chancellour thus taken from him , and disseuered from the other vnited prouinces , to the great weakening of his state , after the flight of Sinan sent certaine companies both of horse and foot to Stephen the late Vayuod , but now driuen out by the Polonians , to prooue if happily he could by that meanes driue out the Polonians againe , and recouer his former dignitie . With this aid sent from the prince and others that fauoured his quarrell , he joyned a bloudie battell with the Polonians : but being therein by them ouercome and taken , and for a space kept ( as the prince feared , to haue beene deliuered vnto the Turke ) he was by them ( as is reported ) cruelly afterwards put to death . This foule dealing of the Polonian in MOLDAVIA much grieued many good Christians , as tending to the generall hurt of the Christian commonweale . For which cause the Emperour by his embassadours sent for that purpose vnto the Polonian king , sought to persuade him to desist from such inuasion of the Transyluanian prince by his Chancellour , as nothing standing with his honour ; and that some good reconciliation might be made betweene the prince and the Cardinall Bator and his brother , the princes vncles , authors of all these troubles . To which purpose also the Pope sent a messenger with like instructions and letters vnto the king , persuading him , not so to prosecute his warres against the prince , but to turne his thoughts vnto a more peaceable and Christianlike course , especially with him with whom he was so neere linked in mariage . To the like effect he writ also vnto the Cardinall Bator , and after many graue admonitions peremptorily cited him to ROME . But for as much as the proceedings of the Polonian against the prince are more plainely to be gathered by the Popes letters vnto the king , it shall not I hope be mistaken , if I here set them downe thus as I find them by others reported . Pope Clement the eight to our best beloued sonne in Christ , Sigismund , by the grace of God king of POLONIA , with the benediction Apostolicall sendeth greeting . By how much greater affection of fatherly loue we embrace your maiestie in the Lord , so much the more feruently we wish all your actions to be adorned with the greatest commendation of true godlinesse and wisedome , both before God and men : Whereof it proceedeth , that we are so much the more vehemently and grieuously moued , if we heare any such thing of you , as may seeme not agreeable to your vertue and approued zeale toward the Catholike religion , or tending to the obscuring of the glorie of your name , as is now brought vnto vs concerning the affaires of MOLDAVIA ; whereof not without great griefe we write vnto you . And to rehearse things a little before past : With what earnestnesse and feruencie dealt I with you , that for Gods cause , and the defence of the health and libertie of the Christian commonweale against the tyrannie of the Turkes , you would combine your selfe with our most dearely beloued sonne Rodolph the Emperour , and diuers other Christian princes ? and that you should not let slip so notable an occasion , so worthily to deserue of God , of the Catholike faith , and of the Christian commonweale in generall ? And albeit we then thought , as well for many your owne priuat respects , as also of your kingdomes , That you were to be borne withall and excused if you did not now openly descend into this confederation of the Christian princes against the most mortall and common enemie , neither apertly ioyne your forces or giue aid for the repressing of his insolencie ; yet we alwayes assured our selues , that no let should in any case proceed from you , whereby either the Emperour or the other Christian princes should be the rather hindered , iustly to prosecute their iniuries , or to cast off from their necks the heauie yoke of the most cruell tyrant : whose desire of soueraignetie is not comprised within the compasse of any bounds . But that you should in fauour of the Turkes impugne the Catholike princes and defendors of the Christian faith , and so ioyne hands with the enemies of the Crosse of Christ , as that by your helpe their force and furie should be encreased , and ours not only weakened , but in the very course of victorie hindered , and cast into most grieuous perils ; this we haue not onely not thought of you , but not so much as once suspected : yea and can now scarce be persuaded to beleeue those things to bee done by you , which are reported vnto vs as most true and vndoubted . For the report goeth , That you hauing intelligence with the Turkes and Tartars , haue with them conspired , and namely against our welbeloued sonne Sigismund , prince of TRANSYLVANIA , who with inuincible courage fighteth the battels of the Lord : and least he should be able to abate the force and attempts of the most proud enemie ( which by the singular mercie of God he hath hitherto aboue his owne power performed ) but rather be enforced much to feare his owne estate , a new Vayuod and Prince as it were by a triumuirat authoritie and compact to be placed in MOLDAVIA , and him by the Turkes , you , and the Tartars together , to be made gouernour of that countrey . Which vnto vs seemed so new and so strange , and contrarie to the good opinion we had alwayes conceiued of you , yea and so vnbeseeming your zeale and wisedome , that for griefe and admiration I had almost cried out with the Prophet , You heauens be amased at this , & you gates thereof be you exceedingly heauie . For what could be suspected or imagined farther from the expectation of vs and all good men , or more incredible , than that Sigismund the most religious king of POLONIA and SWEDEN , who had alwaies professed himselfe a most earnest defendor of the Catholike religion , who was readie euen with his owne bloud to redeeme the victorie of the Christians , and glorie of the Crosse , against the most wicked enemies of the same , to be vpon the sudden become so vnlike vnto himselfe ? and ( so much as in him was ) to cut off the hope and happie successe of that religious warre , and to doe harme to a Christian and Catholike prince , not to refuse to ioyne in league and friendship , euen with the most barbarous nations and the Tartars , the perpetuall enemies of himselfe , and of the kingdome of POLONIA . For which causes our mind is tormented with such bitternesse of griefe , that we could not but by speedie messenger write vnto you concerning this matter , that hereby you might the sooner see the greatnesse of our griefe : and wee also without delay might signifie vnto you , what our fatherly loue towards you requesteth in so important a matter . For happely wee will send one euen of purpose to you concerning this cause , the care whereof grieueth vs more than can well be expressed . Wherefore most dearely beloued sonne , we exhort you , and in the most effectuall manner we can , aduise you , and beseech you in the Lord more attentiuely to consider what great displeasure both of God and man this your action and resolution may incurre , what a staine it may bring vnto your crowne and dignitie . For beleeue vs , that are to you in stead of a father in Christ , who loue you not fainedly , but faithfully , and in deed ; who wish for your glorie in this world , and your eternall felicitie in the world to come : beleeue vs ( I say ) this doth much blemish your fame with all Christian kings and princes ; all men take it in euill part , and detest it as a thing monstrous , that it should by your meanes be wrought , that the Christian affaires should not prosper , that an heroicall prince , who hath vowed himselfe for Christ and his countrey , should not haue prosperous successe in this so religious and necessarie a war against the Infidels , Turkes , and Tartars , no lesse yours , or peraduenture also more yours , and other Christian princes enemies , than his . But what do we say , you to hinder the proceedings of the Transyluanian prince , this were happely but a small matter : nay verely , by this means not only a Christian and Catholike prince , and valiant champion of the Christian faith ( a vertue both admirable and amiable in the very enemie ) but your owne brother in law , bound vnto you with so many bonds of affinitie , whose children shall be as it were your childrens brethren , is by this meanes brought into great danger , and exposed vnto the furie of the most mercilesse Turks . What do you then my most dearely beloued sonne ? Beware that all men , both now liuing , and hereafter to come , condemne you not of the greatest inhumanitie : But beware yet more , that you seeme not ingratefull not onely to your owne nigh kinsman , but to God himselfe , who hath bountifully blessed you with two great kingdomes , and so many good things : and that you prouoke not him to wrath against your selfe , that reiecteth and confoundeth all euill and wicked deuices : and that this mischiefe that you haue brought vpon your brother , by the iust iudgement of God redound not to the greatest destruction of you and your kingdome , which he in mercie forbid . Doe you thinke , that the Transyluanian being ouercome , you shall in safetie liue from the trecherie of the Turke ? Do you not know him to be a faithlesse man , which measureth all things by his owne profit , which keepeth faith with none , but as standeth with his owne commoditie , who with an vnsatiable desire gapeth after euery kingdome , nay thirsteth after the destruction of all Christendome ? Thinke also my sonne what wrong you shall doe vnto the Emperour your cousin , out of whose imperiall bloud you haue begotten sonnes and heires , and by the grace of God shall moe , but also our dignitie , and the dignitie of this Apostolicall seat , which you haue alwaies so deuoutly honoured , is thereby hurt , and your most deare mother ( which we know you of all other least would ) the Romane Church is offended , which for the maintenance of this sacred warre is at great and wonderfull charges : and our forces , which by you ought to haue beene relieued and encreased , being in so vnfit a time by these stirres in MOLDAVIA disseuered and deminished , and the enemies on the contrarie part encreased and strengthened , into what danger and distresse may both our armie of the Church and the Emperours fall ? And withall , how greatly all the manner and managing of this whole warre is thereby confounded , there is no man that seeth not . Yea and this moreouer , which no little concerneth the dignitie of vs and of this holy See , we haue vndertaken and certainely promised to our most dearly beloued sonnes Rodolph and Sigismund , that your royall maiestie should not in any thing hinder or hurt their affaires : neither did we hereof assure them vpon a light occasion , but moued with great reason , not onely for that we deseruedly ought so to promise of you in so iust a cause , but also for that it was so vnto vs plainely and expressely written by the reuerend father , the Bishop of S. Seuerus , our Apostolicall Nuntio with you , whom we know to be both vnto vs faithfull , and to you dutifull : neither can we by any meanes doubt thereof , because he hath writ vnto vs concerning so weightie a matter , that he receiued it euen from your owne mouth . Which things so standing , seeing you of your selfe see the manifold absurdities of this fact on euerie side , not to speake of the haynousnesse thereof : we request you againe , yea and oftentimes , forthwith to apply the necessarie remedies to these hurts . The Transyluanian prince your brother in law , deuoted to your selfe , and desirous of your fauour , either protect with your defence , or at leastwise hurt him not : yea hurt not the whole state of the Christian common-weale , and relieue not by any meanes the quarrell of the enemies of Christ. If you haue any controuersie with the prince Sigismund , or desire of him any thing , referre it vnto vs , that is to say , vnto your most louing father : you know your affaires to be of vs fauoured , and we hope by the power of God that it may easily come to passe that some conuenient meanes may be found whereby peace and quietnesse may be confirmed betwixt you , and good vnitie grow betwixt you two brethren our sons , and so all the root of bitternesse and displeasure to be vtterly pluckt out of your minds . This haue I writ vnto you my sonne , frankly and from a sincere heart , though truely much grieued , because we loue you , and are much carefull of your honour and good : Shew you againe in deed that you take it so , as written from your father ; and that you altogither preferre our fatherly and wholsome exhortations before the sinister persuasions of others . Farther concerning these matters , you shall vnderstand by the same bishop our Nunti● now with you , to whom you may ( as you haue done ) giue credit in all things as to our selfe . These letters dated from ROME the 8 day of Nouember , were deliuered to the king in December , with others to the Cardinall and Chancelor , whom he Pope sharply reproued as the authors and contriuers of all these mischiefes . The Tartar C ham before stirred vp by the Turkish emperour Mahomet , for the inuasion of MOLDAVIA ( as is alreadie before declared ) about this time sent his embassadour also vnto the Polonian king , for the confirmation of such articles as he had before agreed vpon with the Chancelor : which because they manifestly declare the ground and purpose of his intended expedition into MOLDAVIA , with the foule collusion of the Chancelor with the Turks and Tartars against the Transyluanian prince , I thought it not amisse or from our purpose ( for the more manifestation of that which is alreadie said ) here to set them downe , as they are translated out of the Tartar language . C ham Kazikiery vnto the king of POLONIA and SVVEDEN our brother , one of the great lords among the Christians , humbly boweth his head . First we signifie vnto you , that Aaron Palatine of MOLDAVIA was a forsworne traitour ; who hauing gathered a power of the Valachians , and ioyning vnto him the Polonian Cossackes , spoiled the territories of the great Sultan . But afterward dissention arising among them , the Hungarian Cossackes liuing in VALACHIA , sent Aaron in bonds vnto the king of VIENNA : after him followed another traitour called Rozwan , who also hauing raised certaine companies of souldiors , began in like manner to forrage the countries of the Turkish emperor thereabout : which as soone as he had knowledge of , he writ vnto me his brother , That I should with all possible speed go into VALACHIA to chastice these rebels , to burne their houses and towns ; and hauing with the edge of the sword slaine their men , to carrie away with me their wiues and children into captiuitie . Hauing this in charge , I the great Cham of the great territorie of the great Horde Karyktery , with my brother Letikerry Galga , and other my brethren and counsellors , warlike and valiant captaines and Murzis ; mounting my horse , came with mine armie into VALACHIA vnto the riuer Prut where it meeteth with another riuer called Cocoza : here we chanced vpon a faithfull seruitour of yours , our brother the Chancelor , who was also come a little before vs into VALACHIA , with whom after some light contention when we began to be more tractable , he declaeed vnto vs , that he was of purpose come into VALACHIA to place there a new Vayuod , which ( as he said ) of antient right belonged vnto the Polonians ; without any wrong or preiudice therein to be done to the couenants and league they had with the emperour of the Turkes ; and farther that his desire was , that one Hieremias whom he had appointed Vayuod , might haue the commaund of that prouince ; and that the auntient amitie , such as was in the time of Sultan Solyman and Cham Dawlethgerd , might be faithfully kept . Which when I had for my part faithfully sworne to doe , and he likewise had caused the same to be done by such of his as he had therefore sent vnto me , we decreed togither , that the Cossackes on the farther side of Nijester ( disordered and rebellious men ) should be vtterly rooted out , that they should not hereafter doe any harme in the territories of the great Sultan : and that the presents vsually sent vnto vs of long , euen since the time of Sultan Solyman , should no more be detained , nor any harmes be hereafter done in any part of our dominions . And therefore when the Chancellor had promised vnto vs , that hee would take order that these Cossackes should be vtterly destroied , I also consented , that according to the pleasure of the royall maiestie of you my brother , Hieremias should hold the Vay●odship of VALACHIA : which I forthwith by letters signified vnto the Turkish emperour . Now if it be so , that your maiestie shall giue your consent vnto those things which we haue here agreed vpon with your Chancellor , you shall then for euer find brotherly friendship with me , my brother and all other our captaines and Murzis : but if you shall not destroy these Cossackes , you shall not then performe the oath and couenants made . These things we haue commaunded to be declared vnto you by our embassadour our brother Gianach Metagra , whom we request your maiestie courteously to entertaine , and by him to send the presents vnto vs : for we will not now this yeare send any other . Giuen at at the riuer Prut in the yeare of Mahomet 1004. After the Tartar embassadour had deliuered these letters vnto the king , with a speech in effect to the same purpose , he in the name of the Cham gaue vnto him an horse and an arrow for a present : and afterward being brought to a lodging appointed for him , was commaunded there to expect his answere . At length his dispatch was giuen him in letters sealed vp , which he tooke much against his will , requesting the king to send an embassadour vnto the Cham : and farther by word of mouth , to tell him what to answere vnto his lord . But other answere could he get none , than was alreadie deliuered him in writing : and so rewarded with a gowne furred with Sables , was dismissed without the present requested by the Cham , or any embassadour to accompanie him . Thus the Transyluanian prince , on the one side mightily impugned by the Turke , and on the other by the setting on of the Turke readie to haue been no lesse endangered by the inuasion of the Tartar , receiued greater harme from the Polonians being Christians than from both those great Mahometane princes : The Polonian in some sort performing for the Turke , what hee had plotted to haue been done by the Tartar : and so by the taking away of MOLDAVIA from the prince , not onely weakened his strength , but also opened a way for the barbarous enemies into his countrey . Howbeit much it is that the Polonians alleadge for the excuse of themselues , and the defence of that which was by the great Chancelor then done in MOLDAVIA : which for that it cannot be better told than by the great Chancelor himselfe , let vs heare how he by his letters answereth the matter , euen vnto Clement the Pope himselfe that now is . Iohn Zamoschie vnto Clement the Eight the great Bishop . Most holy and blessed father in Christ , and most gratious lord , after the kissing of your most blessed feet , and my most humble commendations ; I haue by your Holinesse lettters directed both vnto the kings maiestie and my selfe , vnderstood as well his royall maiestie and my most gratious lord and master , as also my selfe as his seruant to be both accused vnto your Holinesse : as if by those things by vs done in MOLDAVIA , the endeuours of the Christians had been hindered , and the power of the enemie confirmed . Whereof I am not with many words to purge my selfe vnto your Holinesse , forasmuch as I assure my selfe your Holinesse to haue alreadie fully vnderstood both what the things were that were done in MOLDAVIA , and how they were done : partly by the kings maiesties letters , and partly by his principall secretarie , for that cause especially sent vnto your Holinesse . Yet doubt I not to request this one thing of your Holinesse , that if it hath knowne me for a man , I will not say of any capacitie or wit , but euen of the least experience in the world , or of any religion at all ; so to persuade it selfe of me , nothing to haue been done , especially in this matter , either rashly , or to the hinderance of the Christian common-weale . I will not now repeat what mine opinion was concerning the league and confederation to be made with the rest of the Christian princes , for the combining of their forces against the common enemie , especially his sacred maiesties : as also what mine owne labour and endeuour was in the last assembly of the States in the high court of parliament . Which thing after it was euen by them whom it most concerned , either delaied or neglected , or vtterly cast aside : and yet his maiestie had still a great desire to doe the Christian common-weale some great good , I also to the vttermost of my power laboured to that end ; that by the common decree of the kingdome , an expedition might be made into TARTARIA , not so much in reuenge of the iniuries done by that enemie in these late yeares past , as so in the meane time to turne him from the necks of the Christians , as that he should not ioyne his forces with the Turks : or if it so pleased God to blesse those our endeuors , vtterly at length to root out that so great a mischiefe . But how it came to passe that this expedition , so much by the king desired ( yet scarcely begun or taken in hand ) tooke not effect , it is not needfull for me to declare , for that I suppose your Holinesse hath by others , especially your Nuntio , vnderstood the same , In the mean time , by others and often messengers newes was brought , That Sinan Bassa with a great armie was alreadie come ouer Danubius ; and I by letters from the Vayuod of the further VALACHIA was aduertised , now that he not able to encounter him , had forsaken that prouince ; which at the first impression taken and almost vtterly wasted by Sinan , he was now come fast vpon TRANSYLVANIA : and in MOLDAVIA the Tartar was still expected , insomuch that Roswan ( who hauing taken prisoner Aaron the Palatine whom he serued , in his house , and so himselfe inuaded the Palatina● ) began now also to quake for feare , and to craue helpe of me , or rather to seeke how he might flie away ( as not long after he did ) neither hauing any great strength about him , or expecting any greater from the people of that countrey : for why that prouince was brought so low by the miseries of the former yeares , but especially by such as had euill gouerned the same , that at such time as I entred into MOLDAVIA , I assure your Holinesse there were not in it of housholders aboue 15000 , and those also for the most part poore countrey people of the basest sort , in whom there could neither be any great helpe , neither if they had bin able to haue done any thing , durst Roswan haue trusted himselfe with them , vpon whom he had with all kind of crueltie tyranised . Chotijm a castle in the very confines of this kingdome , was kept with no greater garison than 200 Hungarians , who perceiuing themselues neither of sufficient strength to hold the place , nor to withstand the enemie , they also by and by followed after Roswan . All the rest of the prouince was not only vnarmed , but altogether poore & naked , without any certain gouernment , without counsell , without strength , and without any defence at all , two castles only excepted ▪ which standing vpon the confines of POLONIA , might haue serued better for the enemy , out of them to haue infested vs , than for the defence of MOLDAVIA against them : so that had the enemie once set foot into that prouince , neither could it without a great power haue bin recouered , neither being recouered , could easily haue bin defended against so puissant an enemy : and that which worse was , was not it selfe alone to haue bin consumed with that fire , but like ynough to haue caried away with it PODOLIA also , bordering vpon it , with a great part of RVSCIA . Wherefore in this state of things , when as both that prouince was in greatest danger to haue bin lost , & so many enemies houered not more ouer the heads of all Christendome than ouer this kingdome , what was of vs to be done ? I know to whom I speake these things , euen vnto him , not only whose diuine wisdome but singular loue also towards my natiue countrey is to me most knowne . Verely I entred into MOLDAVIA with no great armie , yet such an one as happily ( as in like case it often chanceth ) fame had made amongst the enemies a very great one : so that Sinan fearing if he should thrust himselfe with his army into the straits whereby he was to breake into TRANSYLVANIA , to be shut in by our armie , stayed his iourny : and the Tartar the more earnestly he was called vpon by Sinan ( by reason of the fame of this our armie ) resolued to make himselfe so much the stronger . So that whilst he assembleth the Nogaian Tartars and others further off , and so from all parts raiseth the greatest power he could , the matter was delaied almost vnto the end of Nouember : at which time he with a most huge armie , accompanied with Sendziak Iehiuense , and a great power of the Turkes raised out of their prouinces thereby , came directly vpon me in the fields of COROCE . Sendziak the Tartar Cham his sisters sonne , now called himselfe the Bassa of MOLDAVIA , as did the Tartars eldest sonne name himselfe prince of another part of that prouince also : for so that countrey was to haue beene deuided betwixt them , that that part which was next vnto the Tartars dominions should be allotted vnto the Tartar , and the other part confining vpon this kingdome , to be gouerned by Sendziak , as Bassa thereof , and so to make it the seat of a perpetuall war , from whence PODOLIA , RVSCIA , and the lesser POLONIA might be with continuall incursions wasted euen before our faces ; concerning which matter they now dispersed their letters , wherein they published the power and authoritie giuen them from the grand signior , exhorting the people of that country to receiue the same . A whole day we fought with this multitude , our men alwaies by the goodnesse of God hauing not onely the vpper hand , but without any notable losse also ; yet not without great slaughter of theirs : and would to God I had had such strength , as that not onely the conditions of peace , but euen the enemies themselues might haue beene in my power . But when we were oftentimes come to parle ( they still requiring the same ) and so at length vnto conditions of peace ; if such were giuen them , as whereby this onely kingdome had without the wrong of any other beene deliuered from so great and sudden a danger , what reasonable man could find fault therewith , if we should haue preferred the health and welfare of our country ( whereunto all good men owe all they haue ) before other mens profits ? But now these things were so done , as that it was no lesse prouided for the good of the neighbour Christians , yea and happily not the least for theirs , who for the same slander this kingdome vnto your Holinesse : the furie of Sinan Bassa was by this meanes ●●pressed , who whilest he feared to be shut vpon the straits by our armie now come into MOLDAVIA , and expected the Tartars comming spent almost all the rest of the Summer idely and without any thing doing . The Tartar himselfe was not onely turned from the bowels of Christendome , whereinto hee had purposed ( as the yeare before ) to haue entered , we hauing with our owne breasts receiued his force and furie : but being brought vnto conditions , was expressely enioyned in a most short prefined time , and without any more harme doing to returne againe into his country by the selfesame way he came , and by no other : whereby it is come to passe , that vntill this day Christendome hath not this yeare yet felt the Tartars weapons . But vnto TRANSYLVANIA and HVNGARIE , what a space and power was giuen for them to gather their strength and forces together , and out of the same places to oppose them against the enemie , when as our armie kept them safe at their backes , and eased not onely MOLDAVIA , but VALACHIA and TRANSYLVANIA also of that care ? Whereas if this cause of delay had not been obiected vnto the Turks first , and after vnto the Tartars ; not to say anything of the Turkes , the Tartars at the very selfesame time that the T●●●syluanian armie was gone into VALACHIA against Sinan , might haue broken into TRANSYLVANIA before it could haue returned home , or els marching directly towards that armie , might haue met with it out of TRANSYLVANIA . As for MOLDAVIA , which together with the memorie of the Christian name , yet left in it , had vtterly perished , was most manifestly preserued by the comming of our armie . Which what end it would haue had , if the enemie might at his pleasure haue raged as he did in the farther VALACHIA , those most bitter remembrances in it yet at this day smoking , doe well declare : out of which it is well known moe thousands of Christian captiues to haue beene carried away into most wofull captiuitie , than almost out of any other prouince in all the time of these miserable warres . Which although it bee thus , yet boast we not thereof , neither send we any triumphant letters vnto your Holinesse , nor brag we of our good seruice done for the Christian commonweale , contenting our selues with the conscience of the thing it selfe . In the meane time we are accused vnto your Holinesse : but for what cause ? If any man complaine for the taking of MOLDAVIA , I will not say it was by them before willingly forsaken , whilest I was yet in the frontiers thereof ; but that this kingdome hath a most auntient right vnto it , and such a right , as that when our kings being busied in their warres against the Muscouite , the Cruciat Teuron●o brethren , or others ; some others also troubling the state thereof , it for a time became a prey vnto the Turkish tyrants ; yet in all the leagues made or renewed betwixt this kingdome and them , was still excepted , That all such things as the Palatine of MOLDAVIA was of dutie to performe vnto the king , should by him still be performed . Which kings of POLONIA , and namely Augustus himselfe , the last of the Iagellonian race , appointed diuers of those Palatines themselues . Which although they be things most manifest , yet hauing more regard vnto the welfare of that prouince , as a Christian countrey , than of our right , we restored the same into the same state wherein it hath beene for many yeares before these * wars . Wherefore if any man thinke any thing done , whereby the enemies of the crosse of Christ might be eased or strengthened , or the defendors of the faith hindered , it is so farre from any such thing to be done , that rather ( as is before declared ) the enemies force is repressed and auerted , and greater meanes giuen to the Christians afront to impugne them , the enemie being at their backes by vs shut from them . But I feare that they haue not fully enformed your Holinesse how these things were done , who haue reported vnto your said Holinesse not onely the name of the Turkes to haue beene proclaimed together with the Polonians in MOLDAVIA , but also the name of the Tartars the proper enemies of the Polonians , and by the power and decrees of them three , as it were confederat together , things to haue beene ordered in MOLDAVIA . Which their complaint if it tend to that end , as if a confederation were made with them , I frankely confesse certain conditions to haue been giuen them , but such as whereby is prouided not only for the quiet and securitie of this kingdome , but no lesse also for the whole Christian commonweale , as is before declared . All which things for all that although they were done for the good of this kingdome , and all Christendome in generall , yet were they so done , that they were all by me referred vnto the kings maiestie and the states of the kingdome : so that at this present the kingdome is at free libertie either to ioyne in confederation with the rest of the Christian princes ; or if that cannot vpon certaine and indifferent conditions be agreed vpon , yet with no mans iniurie or hurt to ratifie this , ioyned with the health and good of a great part of the Christian commonweale : onely God graunt that the Christian princes may seriously thinke both of this so Christian a confederation against the common enemie , and striue also all together against the enemie with their weapons , and not with misreports and slanders one against another . They are not to assaile the enemies feet , but his throat : neither is the seat of the warre to be placed in the borders of POLONIA , where it concerneth themselues much to haue all things rather penceable behind them : but let the war be vndertaken with no lesse charge and preparation , than if the enemies royall seat were to be assailed ; which standing in an open and plaine countrey shall alwaies without much adoe be his that being strongest can take it . This haue I written at large as my purpose was , all which I most humbly beseech your Holinesse with your diuine wisedome to consider of , and with your wonted clemencie to accept the same : and so prostrate at your Holinesse feet , I most humbly commend me to your clemencie . From Zamoschie the tenth of Ianuarie 1596. This much the great Chancelour in defence of himselfe and of that he had done in MOLDAVTA : which howsoeuer it contented the Pope , well I wote it nothing pleased the Emperour , and much lesse the Transyluanian prince , now not a little weakened by the taking away of the countrey of MOLDAVIA from him . To end this troublesome yeare withall , many sharpe and bloudie skirmishes yet daily passed in diuers places of those frontier countries , the Turkes almost in euery place still going to the worse . In the beginning of Nouember , Leucouits gouernour of CAROLSTAT , the second time surprised WIHITZ in the frontiers of CROATIA , where these wars first begun : but being not able to take the castle , contented himselfe as before with the spoile of the citie , and afterward setting it on fire , departed . Maximilian also attempted ZOLNOCI : and the Christians in garrison at STRIGONIVM and PLINDENBVRG now become neere neighbours vnto the Turkes at BVDA , did with continuall ●n●odes not a little molest them both all the latter end of this yeare and the beginning of the next . And the Turkes in BRAILA in VALACHIA , vpon the side of Danubius , fearing after the flight of Sinan to be besieged by the Vayuod , forsooke the citie , and in ●uen hast passed the riuer , that in that tumultuous passage three hundred of them perished . Sinan Bassa , by the Transyluanian prince of late driuen out of VALACHIA , was not long after sent for to CONSTANTINOPLE , but the craftie old fox not ignorant of the fierce nature of the great Sultan , and warned by the late miserie of Ferat , found occasions to delay the time so long , vntill that he was sent for againe , and after that , the third time also . In the meane while he had so wrought by his mightie friends in Court , & by rich rewards , mightier than they , that at his comming to the Court he was there honourably receiued , as the chiefest of the Bassaes : and being afterwards offered to bee discharged of the warres , as a man of aboue fourescore yeares old , he refused so to be , saying , That he was borne and brought vp amongst souldiors and martiall men , and so wished amongst them to die : as not long after he did ; dying as was thought of conceit of the euill successe he had in his warres against the Transyluanian . Mahomet the Turkish Emperour exceedingly grieued with the losse of so many his cities and strong places this yeare lost , as namely STRIGONIVM , VICEGRADE , SISEG , PETRINIA , LIPPA , IENNA , TERGOVISTA , BVCARESTA , ZORZA , and many others of lesse name : and both by letters and messengers vnderstanding daily of the slaughter of his people , and wasting of his frontiers , commaunded great preparation to be made against the next Spring , giuing it out , That he would then in person himselfe come down into HVNGARIE with such a power as neuer had any his predecessours the Othoman kings and emperours , and there take most sharpe reuenge of all his former wrongs . Neuerthelesse , these his so hastie designes were by the plague and famine , ( which then both raged extreamely in most part of his empire ) and by other great occurrents of the same time so crossed , that by that time the Spring came , he scarcely well knew which way to turne himselfe first . For beside these troubles of the West , of themselues ynough to haue filled his hands , the Georgians in the East , a warlike people , moued with the good successe of the Christians in VALACHIA and HVNGARIE , had taken vp arms against him : and the old Persian king but a little before dead , had left that great kingdome to his sonne , a man of greater spirit than was like to endure the manifold injuries before done vnto his father by the Turks , to the great dishonour of that kingdome , and prejudice of himselfe . Of which things the Bassa of TAVRIS gaue him ample intelligence , wishing him betimes to prouide for such stormes : which joyned to the rest , filled his head with many troubled thoughts , wherunto we leaue him vntill the next Spring . The Transyluanian prince carefull of his estate , and not a little troubled with the disseuering of MOLDAVIA : thought it not vnfit for his affaires , now after the flight of Sinan and discomfiture of the Turkes , to go in person himselfe vnto the emperour , to declare vnto him the wrong done him by the Polonian ; and farther to conferre with him , concerning the mannaging of the warres against the common enemie . So hauing put all things in readinesse for his journey , he set forward in Ianuarie 1596 , and by the way of CASSOVIA the fourth of Februarie , arriued at PRAGE in BOHEMIA , where he was by the emperours appointment most honourably entertained . But immediatly after his comming thither he fell sicke of an ague , which grieuously vexed him for the space of three weekes . In the latter end of Februarie hauing somewhat recouered his health , he went to the church : where after his deuotions done , he was by the Deane of the Cathedrall church welcomed with a most eloquent oration , setting forth his worthie praises , and farther animating him vnto the like exploits against the common enemie of all Christianitie : Whereunto he forthwith answered in Latin , so eloquently and so readily , that all men maruelled that heard him : protesting in his speech , That as he and his subjects had not hitherto spared their liues or goods in defence of the common cause ; so would they not afterwards spare the same , but aduenture all for the benefit of the Christian common-weale ; well hoping that the emperour and the other Christian princes would not as occasion should require , be wanting vnto him with their forces , or the cleargie with their prayers : which done , he doubted not ( as he said ) by the power of God , but to obtaine more notable victories than he had yet against the Turkes the enemies of God. Whilest he yet thus lay at the emperours Court , it fortuned that the people called Siculi , offended to haue their liberties in some part infringed in the late assembly of the States holden in TRANSYLVANIA in December last : rise now vp in armes in diuers places , refusing to yeeld their former obedience vnto the prince . A matter like enough to haue wrought him much trouble , and supposed not to haue been done without the priuitie of the Cardinall his vncle : but by the wisedome and courage of such as he had in his absence put in trust with the gouernment of his countrey , diuers of the ringleaders of this rebellion were apprehended , and in diuers sorts executed : and three hundred of their complices to the terrour of their fellowes , had their noses and eares cut off . By which wholsome seueritie , all those troubles were appeased , and the countrey againe quieted . At the same time also the Transyluanians obtained of the Turks a notable victory , with an exceeding rich bootie . Mahomet the Turkish Sultan had about this time sent a new Bassa for the gouernment of TEMESVVAR : against whose comming the old Bassa before Gouernour , had in seuentie fiue wagons trussed vp a wonderfull deale of wealth , which he had there gotten in the time of his former gouernment , to haue been togither with himselfe with a strong conuoy conducted to BELGRADE . Of this his purpose , the Hungarian Heidons lying at LIPPA and IENNA hauing intelligence , lay in wait for him vpon the way , and in his passing by set vpon him : where in a sharpe conflict they ouerthrew the conuoy , and slew the Bassa , whose head they sent for a present to the princesse at ALBA IVLIA : and tooke the spoile of the Bassaes carriages , wherein was taken a wonderfull wealth , for in one of those wagons is reported to haue beene found twentie thousand Hungarian duckats . In this absence also of the prince , ten thousand of the Rascians reuolting from the Turke , came and offered their seruice vnto the princesse , whereof she by letters with great speed certified the prince her husband ; who thereupon hasted to dispatch with the emperour : and hauing procured both from him and the Pope the promise of some aid to be afterward sent him , tooke of him his leaue , and being honourably accompanied , departed from PRAGE to VIENNA : where he arriued the eleuenth of March , sitting in a princely chariot , drawn with six most beautifull horses , the gift of the emperour . At his comming thither he was met by the nobilititie of the countrey , and by Aldobrandinus the Popes nephew , who presented him with three goodly horses for seruice , most richly furnished . Him the prince tooke into his chariot , and so accompanied entered the citie , where he was with all due honour receiued and joyfully entertained , and so brought vnto the emperours pallace , where by the learned students of that Vniuersitie , was for his pleasure acted before him the notable historie of Iosua . Hauing staied there three daies , and purposing to haue in his returne visited his mother in law at GREICZ in CROATIA : newes was brought him , that the Turks and Tartars by the setting on of Stephen Bator his vncle , were about to breake into TRANSYLVANIA . Wherefore changing his purpose , he departed thence to PRESBVRG , and so with all speed kept on his way towards TRANSYLVANIA : where he to the great joy and comfort of his subjects in generall arriued in safetie in the beginning of Aprill . In this while many hoat skirmishes passed betwixt the Christians and the Turkes in the frontiers of their territories : and now the plague and famine , which had of long raged in CONSTANTINOPLE and other places of the Turkes dominious , began to asswage . Of which so great calamities as had deuoured many thousands of his people , the Turkish emperour finding himselfe somewhat eased , forthwith caused the continuation of his warres against the emperour and the Transyluanian prince , to be three daies togither proclaimed in CONSTANTINOPLE , and a great armie to be raised to be sent into TRANSYLVANIA and HVNGARIE : giuing it out , that he would with that so puissant an armie in person himselfe come into HVNGARIE : At which time it was also reported , that he had alreadie sent his tents and other his necessarie prouision before to HADRIANOPLE : for now was nothing more odious in the Turkes court , than the name of the Transyluanian prince . Of all these things was not the emperour ignorant , as fully thereof certified both by letters and espials , as also by the vniforme confession of such Turks as were daily taken prisouers . For which cause , he also with as much speed and care as he could , prouided for the raising of his armie , as he had the yeare before ; as also for the leuying of mony , and prouision of all things necessarie , that the enemie at his comming might not find him vnprouided . Neither spared he to pray aid of the other Christian princes his neighbours , especially of the Polonian , whom he had diuers times sought after to haue drawn him into the confederation with the other Christian princes against the Turke . To which purpose he now also sent vnto him the bishop of PRESLAVV and the lord Poppelius his embassadours : as did the Pope also send vnto him the Cardinall Caietane his legat , and the princes electors also their embassadours : vnto whom the Polonian gaue good hearing and good words , but would not by any meanes be persuaded to breake his league with the Turke , or to affoord any aid vnto the Christians ; although the Cardinall with many pregnant reasons shewed him what small assurance there was in the Turkes leagues , and how dangerous it might be to his State if the Turke making peace with the emperour should turne his force vpon him , which it was like enough he would , as knowing no man longer for friend than stood with his profit ; beside the immortall blemish of his honour by disseuering himselfe from the vnion of the Christian princes , to hold friendship with the Turkes and infidels . But all this and much more to no purpose , so resolutly was the Polonian set downe for the keeping of the Turks fauour ; so that of all the Christian princes so neere vnto the deuouring enemie , none stood the Christian common-weale in lesse stead than he . Which for all that , most men imputed not so much vnto the king as to others about him , especially to Zamoschie the great Chancelor , by whom that state was most swaied , who was not onely supposed but openly reported to haue secret intelligence both with the Turke and the Tartar. All this while the lord Palfi Gouernor of STRIGONIVM , ceased not with continuall inroads to vex the Turks euen to the gates of BVDA , as did also the other Christian captains in other places of the Turkes frontiers in HVNGARIE . Neere vnto BVDA were two great countrey villages , for most part inhabited by Christians , who hauing giuen their oath of obedience vnto the Turke , liued a miserable life for the payment of an excessiue tribute yearly . These poore Christians , wearie of the Turkish thraldome and the continuall spoile of their labors by them of STRIGONIVM , by secret messengers requested of the lord Palfi , of mercie to carrie them with their goods and cattell away into some other place of the Christian territorie , that so they might yet liue amongst Christians , as he had but a little before done for them of old BVDA . Vnto which their so reasonable a request , the Christian Gouernor charitably harkened ; willing them against a certaine appointed time , to put themselues with all their things in readinesse . There was of these Christians about 755 families , who with their wiues and children , and such trash as they had , packt vp into eightie wagons drawne with fourteene and sixteene oxen apiece , at the appointed time about midnight committed themselues with all that they had vnto the conduct of them of STRIGONIVM , sent out of purpose for them ; by whom they were in safetie brought to STRIGONIVM . Amongst them were many rich men , who brought with them good store of coine , with an exceeding great number of cattell . Vnto these newcome guests , Palfi assigned certaine fields betwixt STRIGONIVM and VIVARIA , on the North side of Danubius ; where they so commodiously liued , as was possible in so troubled an estate of a countrey : Shortly after , six hundred garrison souldiors of LIPPA seeking after bootie , and aduenturing too farre into the enemies territorie , were discouered by the Turkes scouts : and so beset by the Turkes and Tartars billeted in the countrey about TEMESWAR , that there was no way left for them to escape . Which they well perceiuing , resolued among themselues ( as became valiant men , to fight it out euen vnto the last man ; and with no lesse resolution performed what they had before determined : for being on euerie side beset and hardly charged by their enemies , they as men before resolued to die , although scarce one to twentie , fought most desperatly , seeking for nothing else but to sell their liues as deare as they could vnto their enemies : and so fighting were all slaine , except some few which by great fortune escaped , leauing vnto the enemie a right bloudie victorie . Yet by this losse of so great a partie , was the garrison of LIPPA greatly weakened , which the enemie knew right well , and thereupon began forthwith to prepare to besiege the towne . Which Barbelus the Gouernour ( a most valiant man ) wisely foreseeing , sent in post vnto the Transyluanian prince , to request him with all speed to send him foure or fiue thousand good souldiors , with which power he doubted not by the helpe of God , to be able to defend the towne against all the forces the enemie was at that time able to bring against it . Vnto whom the prince without delay sent eight thousand , who all in safetie in good time arriued at LIPPA : for shortly after their arriuall , fortie thousand of the Turkes and Tartars came and sat downe before the towne , enclosing it on euerie side , and so lay for certaine daies without any thing doing worth the speaking of ; they of the towne in the meane time doing them all the harme they could with their great shot , which they sent amongst them not sparingly . But they had not thus long lien , but that newes was brought into the campe , that the Transyluanian prince was with a great power comming thither to relieue the towne : whereupon they presently rise , and retired to the place where they had before encamped , about two miles from LIPPA ; where certainly vnderstanding that the prince neither was neither could in short time be in such readinesse as was before reported , they forthwith returned , and more straitly besieged the towne than before . They had now brought with them seuenteene pieces of batterie , eight wagons laded with shot and pouder , and fortie six others laded with scaling ladders and other warlike prouision : thus appointed they began to batter the towne , and afterwards gaue therunto diuers desperat assaults ; which the Christians valiantly receiued , and still with great slaughter repulsed their enemies . For that strong towne was with towers and bulwarkes flanking one another so fortified , that out of them the Christians with their murthering pieces made great spoile of their enemies , and still enforced them with losse to retire , no bullet almost flying in vaine . In the heat of one of these assaults , the Gouernour caused one of the gates of the towne to be set open , hauing before within in the towne placed sixteene great pieces , at the verie entrance of the same gate , charged with all kind of murthering shot : vnto which gate , as of meere desperation set open by the defendants , the Turkes and Tartars desirous of reuenge , came thronging as thicke as might be , thinking to haue thereby entred : when suddenly , and as it were in the turning of an hand , they were with the aforesaid murthering pieces cut downe as with a sithe , and so againe , and the third and fourth time , before they could cleare themselues of the danger thereof , their heads , armes , legges , and other rent limbes , flying in the ayre most miserably to behold . Neuerthelesse the siege was by them continued , and the often assaults so resolutly maintained , as if they had thereon purposed to haue gaged all their liues . But this so obstinat a resolution , was by an vnexpected accident when they least thought , conuerted into such a desperat feare and astonishment , that they vpon the sudden ( no man forcing them ) forsooke their trenches wherein they lay encamped , and leauing behind them their tents , their great ordinance , and whatsoeuer else they had , they betooke themselues to a most disordered flight . The Transyluanians , who by chance were euen then comming thither , pursuing them , slew diuers of them , and tooke some others of them prisoners . At this siege the Bassa of TEMESVVAR himselfe was mortally wounded , and Hamat Sanzacke of GIVLA with diuers others of good place slaine , and foure thousand of the common souldiors . The cause of the Turks so great and sudden feare was this : Whilest the Bassa of TEMESVVAR lay at the siege of LIPPA , as is aforesaid , they that were left in the citie fearing no harme , liued in great securitie ; in the meane time the Gouernour of LVGAZ sent out six thousand souldiors towards TEMESVVAR , now in the absence of the Bassa to seeke after bootie ; who comming to TEMESVVAR , with great speed rifled the suburbs of the citie , slew all the Turks they could light vpon , and set at libertie a thousand captiues : and so hauing trussed vp their bootie , set on fire all the suburbes , and departed . Which fire grew so great and so terrible , that it was plainly seene into the campe at LIPPA , making a shew as if the whole citie had beene on a light fire . Which so daunted the hearts of the Turkes at the siege , that they presently fled ( as is before said ) leauing all that they had behind them . The Transyluanian all this while busied in raising of his armie , and prouiding of things necessarie for the maintenance of his warres , was come into the confines of HVNGARIE , towards TEMESVVAR , euen as the Turkes fled from LIPPA . At which time certaine Hungarian Heidons that serued him , getting ouer Danubius , not farre from NICOPOLIS tooke PLENIA , a little towne of the Turkes , which they ransacked and burnt , and hauing slaine in the countrey thereabout aboue three thousand of the Turks , returned with a rich prey vnto the prince . Not long before the Christians had surprised CLISSA , a strong frontier towne of the Turks in DALMATIA , not far from SPALATO : which towne the Bassa of BOSNA sought now againe to recouer , and thereto layed hard siege : for the reliefe wherof , Leucowitz gouernour of STI●●● and the other prouinces thereabouts belonging to the house of AVSTRIA , and the gouern●●● of ZENG , with a fleet of two and fortie ships , wherein they had embarked foure thousand so●●●diors well appointed , with all things necessarie set forward toward CLISSA : and by the way lighting vpon a gallie of the Venetians , bound with certain warlike prouision towards the Turks campe , tooke her as good prize , and rifled her . This fleet with a faire wind arriued at SIRET , neere vnto TRAV , where the gouernour landing his men , marched that night part of his way toward CLISSA , and all the next day lay close . The night following they set forward againe , and hauing marched fifteene miles , came vnto the enemies campe before day : where setting vpon the Turkes in their trenches , fearing no such perill , they brought such a generall feare vpon the whole campe , that the Turks as men amased fled some one way , some another , euery man ( as in such sudden feare it commonly happeneth ) making shift for himselfe , leauing whatsoeuer they had in their trenches behind them . The Christians contented so to haue put their enemies to flight , fell presently to the spoile , as more desirous thereof , than by the hastie pursute of their enemies to put themselues in possession of an assured victory . Which the Turks quickly perceiuing , and from the hils with the dawning of the day discouering the small number of the Christians , and how they were disordered , they gathered themselues againe together , and comming downe , enclosed on euery side the disordered Christians ( greedily hunting after the spoile ) and slew them downeright . Leucowitz himselfe with the gouernor of ZENG and some others got into CLISSA : where hauing staied two daies , and doubting to be able to keepe the towne , they secretly by night issued out with six hundred men , in hope to haue recouered their fleet : but the Turkes suspecting such a matter , had so beset the passages , that of all that companie Leucowitz had much adoe himselfe with three others to escape . The enemie now againe possessed of his trenches , laid straighter siege to the towne than before : which they of the garrison perceiuing , and now out of hope of reliefe , agreed with the Bassa , that they might with bag and baggage depart ; and so yeelded vp the towne . Thus CLISSA , one of the strongest townes of DALMATIA , through the greedie couetousnesse of the disordered souldiors , fell againe into the hands of the Turks . About the same time , Pal●i gouernour of STRIGONIVM vnderstanding of the meeting together of certaine notable aduenturers of the Turks at SOMDOCK , a castle almost in the mid way betwixt ALBA REGALIS and BVDA , raised the greatest strength he could , and so with certain pieces of artillerie , and other things necessarie for an assault , set forward from STRIGONIVM the two and twentith of May before the rising of the Sunne , and about three a clocke in the afternoone came to the aforesaid castle , whereunto he presently gaue a most terrible assault ; which he neuer gaue ouer vntill he had taken it : For after that he had by the space of three houres together with great danger maintained a most desperate assault , at length hee with much difficultie preuailed , and put to the sword all the Turkes he found therein , man , woman , and child ; and with the rest , fiftie Ianizaries but that day come thither . This castle was of great beautie , and most pleasantly situated , whereunto the Bassa of BVDA oftentimes for his pleasure repaired : for which cause Palfi was very desirous to haue taken it without spoyling : but the fire hee had therein alreadie raised , so preuailed , that it burnt downe all the goodly buildings thereof , with great store of victuals and other prouision , nothing remaining , but what the Christians had saued for themselues . The Transyluanian prince hauing raised a great armie for the reliefe of LIPPA , being by great chance a little before his comming relieued , came and layed siege to the citie of TEMESVVAR : where he had not long lien , but that the Turkes and Tartars fearing to loose that so famous a citie , assembled together from all places thereabouts , to the number of fortie thousand , and so came to raise th● siege . Of whose comming the prince hearing , rise with his armie , and went to meet them , and had with them a great and terrible battell , the victorie for a great while standing very doubtfull , yet seeming to encline rather to the Turkes and Tartars , than to the Christians : but at length the Turke● disordered with the great artillerie , and the Transyluanians charging them afresh , began to giue ground , and so at last to betake themselues to plaine flight . In this battell were slaine of the Turkes and Tartars fiue thousand , and of the Christians fifteene hundred . It was for a time reported , that the prince himselfe was in this battell slaine , which was not so , being reserued to the further plague of the Turkes , and comfort of his afflicted countrey . After this victorie he returned againe to the siege , which he more straightly continued than before , lea●●●g nothing vnattempted that he could possibly deuise for the winning of the citie . Where w●●lest he yet thus lay battering the citie both night and day , newes was brought him , That G●●ffar Bassa and the Tartars were comming with a great armie to the reliefe of the besieged : whereupon hee considering his owne strength and the power of his enemies , and that the aid promised him both from the Emperour and out of HVNGARIE , was not yet readie , with great griefe of mind raised his siege , and retired with his armie to LIPPA , there expecting new supplies as well of his owne as from his friends . Whilest he yet there lay , he was certainely aduertised , That the Bassa of NATOLIA , the forerunner of the great Sultan Mahomet , was come to BELGRADE with foureteene thousand horse and foure thousand Ianizaries to joyne with the Bassa of BVDA for the relieuing of TEMESVVAR ; whose forces joyned together , were in number about threescore thousand : and that Mahomet himselfe , of whose comming rise report had been all this yeare , was now comming after with a farre greater power . Wherupon he departed from LIPPA , leauing therein a strong garrison , and so returning to ALBA IVLIA , called there an assembly of all his states , for the repressing of so puissant an enemie . Mahomet for the better successe of his warres in HVNGARIE had drawne forth the Tartar with a mightie power : who although he was at the first so vnwilling to that seruice ( considering the great losses he had therein before receiued ) that he would not as he said send so much as one Asse thereunto : yet ouercome with great gifts , and the respect he had of the Turkish Sultan , was now ready with a strong armie vpon the frontiers of MOLDAVIA to meet him in HVNGARIE : vnto whom the late chosen Vayuod sent certaine presents with such store of victuals as he could possibly prouide for him . Yet for as much as he was not that way to passe without the leaue of the Polonian , Mahomet had both by letters and diuers his embassadours entreated with the Polonian king for his passage : as also for the confirmation of the auntient league hee and the Polonian kings his predecessours had to their good of long time had with the Othoman emperors ; from which he well knew the Christian Emperour , with diuers other Christian princes to seeke by all meanes to withdraw him . Mahomet also not ignorant how hurtfull and dangerous the confederation betwixt Michael the Vayuod of VALACHIA and the Transyluanian was vnto him and his designes , sent vnto him an embassador , by the shew of great dangers to deterre him from the Transyluanian , and by many glorious promises to allure him to submit himselfe againe vnto his protection , and in token of his fidelitie to deliuer vnto the Sultan two of his frontier townes , such as he should require : in regard whereof he should together with the Sultans fauour receiue golden mountaines . Whereunto the Vayuod answered , That as yet he was not wearie of the friendship he held with the prince : and for the townes he required , that they were not in his power to giue , as belonging to the prince ; vnto whom he said he would write , and stay the embassadour in the meane time vntill he had from him answere . The Emperour on the other side had with all carefulnesse so farre as in him was , prouided that his armie might be readie to take the field with the beginning of the Spring : but as it commonly chanceth , the speedie proceedings of great actions ( wherein the hands of many mightie is required ) to be much hindered by delaies , sometimes of one , and sometimes of another ; so fell it out with him now : for albeit that his owne forces were in some good time readie , yet was the Spring , yea and a good part of Summer also farre past , before the aid promised from other princes met together . At length after long expectance , when some conuenient number for an armie was from diuers places come togither at VIENNA : they were by the lord SwartZenburg and their other commaunders brought forth into the field , and not farre from ALTENBVR● encamped , within the selfesame trenches that were the last yeare cast vp by countie Mansfeld for the safetie of his armie ; there to expect the comming downe of the great ordinance and other prouision by the riuer from VIENNA , as also the rest of the Christian forces daily looked for . From ALTENBVRG the Christian armie remoued to KOMARA , and not staying there long , the foure and twentith of Iuly marched towards VACIA , otherwise called WOCZEN : but before it came thither , the Turks hearing of the approach of the Christians , forsooke the towne , and with their cattell and best part of their substance fled to PESTH , carying also away with them the great ordinance ; the greatest whereof they buried by the way , which was neuer●helesse afterwards found out by the Christians . And although the Turkes at their departure had set fire both vpon the towne and the castle , yet the Christians left therin did what they might to quench the same : by whose diligence and the helpe of two thousand footmen , and certaine troupes of horsemen sent thither by SwartZenburg , a great part both of the towne and the castle was preserued : the whole armie of the Christians following after , encamped in the open field , and with their horsemen braued the Turkes euen to the gates of PESTH . This so sudden a comming of the Christians , brought a great feare both vpon them of PESTH and BVDA ; insomuch , that they sent their wiues and children , with the chiefest of their substance downe the riuer vnto places of more safetie , and farther off from danger : which was done so disorderedly ( as it happeneth in such common feares ) that many of them for hast thrust one another into the riuer , and so perished . Hitherto in the former warres against the Turke , had Matthias been Generall of the Christian armies : but now of late , Ferdinand the emperours vncle Countie of TIROL being dead , Matthias was by the emperour his brother preferred to the gouernment of that rich countrey and the prouinces thereabouts , not inferiour to some kingdomes ; and Maximilian his yonger brother appointed Generall in his stead : who departing from VIENNA in the latter end of Iuly , came into the campe the fourth of August , where he was by the lord SwartZenburg his lieutenant , and the lord Palfi , honourably and with great triumph receiued . Now were the Christians threescore thousand strong , and hauing fortified VACIA , and therein placed a conuenient garrison , resolued by common consent to besiege HATVVAN , a strong towne of the Turkes in the vpper HVNGARIE . And thereupon rising with their armie from VACIA the thirteenth of August , came the fifteenth of the same moneth about noone and sat downe before the towne ; and that with such speed , that they were before seene of the Turkes in the towne , than that they heard any thing of their comming : insomuch , that at the first shew of them , they of the towne tooke them to haue been some come out to seeke after bootie ; and therefore sallying out vpon them , skirmished with them a while , vntill they perceiued the whole battell comming . The Christians approaching the town , encamped themselues as they thought most conuenient , and began in three places to batter the counterscarfe . This frontier towne of the Turkes , beside that it was kept with a strong garrison , was also strengthned with a broad ditch , and fortified with a broad counterscarfe and strong palisadoes . Whilest the Christians thus lay at the siege , the Turkes sallying out of the towne brake into their trenches , and there did great harme , and like enough they were to haue done more , had not the horsemen in good time come in vpon them and enforced them to retire . In this sally , amongst others was one Greis a notable captaine slaine , being shamefully forsaked of his owne men ; who for that their cowardise , were all in the sight of the whole armie disarmed , and so turned out of the campe as men vnworthie any longer to beare armes . One morning also as the Christians were at their deuotions in their trenches , a Turkish priest from out of an high tower not farre off , railed most bitterly vpon them , cursing and deriding them : wherewith one of the Christian canoniers much moued , made a shot at the tower , which he so well bestowed , that therewith he strucke downe the tower together with the idolatrous priest , as he was yet rayling and blaspheming . At length the Christians had with exceeding labour and continuall batterie made the towne saultable ; wherewith the Turkes discouraged , offered ( but all too late ) to yeeld vp the towne vpon the same conditions , that they of STRIGONIVM had : whereunto they receiued no answere , yea commaundement was giuen throughout the campe , that no man vpon paine of death , should haue any parley with them . Shortly after all things being now in readinesse for the assault , the Christians one day about fiue a clocke in the afternoone , assaulted the towne in foure places ; and after three houres hard fight , by strong hand tooke it , with the great scriching and lamenting of the women and children , and other fearefull people , who now gaue themselues all lost and forlome . Foure houres execution was done vpon all that came to hand , without respect of age , sex , or condition : women were slaine great with child , and yong children hanging at their mothers breasts , it booted not to crie for mercie , the bloudie sword deuouring all . The furie of the Wallons here exceeded , who ript the children out of their mothers wombs , and made thongs and points of the skins of men and women , whom they had flaine quicke . Which their crueltie they afterwards excused when they were therefore reproued , by pretending that thereby they did teach the Turkes hereafter not so wickedly to blaspheme against Christ , or with such their wonted and barbarous crueltie to torment the Christians that fell into their hands , for feare of like themselues . In this assault and furie perished of the Turkes about foure thousand , and of the Christians not past three hundred . In this towne beside that which the fire deuoured , was found a verie rich prey . The first that entred the towne was one Terskie , a notable captaine with his companie : after whom followed Ruswurme , who each of them were thought in their entrance at the breach , to haue slaine with their owne hand eight or ten Turkes . Now in the meane time Mahomet the great Sultan being come to BELGRADE , remoued thence to come downe into the heart of HVNGARIE , sending Cicala Bassa before him : and at length after long looking for , the second of September arriued at BVDA , hauing in his armie about two hundred thousand men , and three hundred field pieces . From thence he presently sent fortie thousand to TEMESVVAR ; but staied there himselfe with the rest of his armie . The Christians yet lying at HATVVAN , and doubting least the Sultan suddenly passing the riuer should come vpon them not yet readie for battell ; departing thence , and retiring backe againe , came and encamped not farre from VACIA . And albeit that the Archduke before his departure from HATVVAN , had left a conuenient garrison for the keeping of the towne ; yet such was the terrour of the Turkes approach , that the next day after , they that were there left in garrison forsooke the towne , and setting it on fire , followed themselues after the campe . This comming of the Turkish Sultan to BVDA , brought also a great feare vpon them at VIENNA , as much doubting least he should that way haue turned his forces , which caused them both day and night to labour for the better fortification of the citie , and for the prouision of all things , as if it had been for a present siege . But Mahomet not prouided for the vndertaking of so strong a place , and not ignorant of the disgrace his great grandfather the victorious Solyman had sometime receiued vnder the walles thereof ; had no purpose thereto , as hauing bent his thoughts quite another way . In the vpper part of HVNGARIE is an auntient famous citie , well fortified and honoured with a bishops See called AGRIA , not farre from HATVVAN : Vpon this citie , as the chiefe fortresse of the Christians in those quatters , had Mahomet at his comming into HVNGARIE cast his eyes , and began now that way to make head ; with purpose by taking of that citie , and placing there of a strong garrison , to hinder the vniting of the emperours forces with the Transyluanians , for the mutuall strengthening of the one the other by the way of the vpper HVNGARIE . Which the Archduke perceiuing , sent thither forthwith the valiant Colonell Terskie with a notable companie of Italians and Germanes , and a thousand other harquebusiers , who all arriued there in safetie . At which time also the lord Teusfenbach sent into the citie three thousand footmen , vnder the conduct of countie Turn , with good store of warlike prouision needfull for the defence thereof . The one and twentith of September , Mahomet attended vpon by the great Bassaes , Ibrahim , Giaffar , Hassan , and Cicala , for old Sinan was now dead , with his armie of an hundred and fiftie thousand men , came and encamped betweene the two riuers of Danubius and Tibiscus , couering a great part of the countrey with his tents . Approaching the citie , he with wonderfull celeritie cast vp fiue great mounts , and from them with such furie battered the wals , that the Christians were glad night and day to stand in armes for the defence thereof . And although that the wals were so great , and in many places so weakly fortified as that they were not but by a greater garrison to be defended against so puissant an enemie ; and that therefore the defendants with their honour lawfully might euen the first day haue set the citie on fire , and retired themselues into the castle , which was both faire and strong , and the onely place to be trusted vnto ; yet for the space of six daies they worthily defended the whole citie against the furie of the enemies , and out of it did them great harme . But seeing the danger daily encreasing , and that the citie was not longer to be holden , they set it on fire ; hauing before conua●ed all the best of their substance with themselues into the castle : which the Turkes quickly perceiuing , brake so suddenly into the citie , as if they would togither with the Christians haue entred ●he castle also ; but in the attempting therof they were notably repulsed and many of them slaine . Adjoyning to the castle was a great and strong bulwarke , against which the Turks for certaine daies furiously thundred with their great ordinance , and that without intermission : and hauing in diuers places sore shaken it , in the space of two daies assaulted it twelue times , but not without the wonderfull losse of their men : and yet gaue it not so ouer , but as men with their losse more enraged , came on againe with 〈◊〉 furie than before , and so at last by plaine force tooke i● : and there put to the sword all them they found therein , except such as by good hap got betimes into the castle . This bulwarke thus lost ▪ the Christians the next day sallying out , againe recouered ; wherein they sl●w a great numbe● of the Turkes , with the losse of some thirtie men , and as many moe wounded . The besieged now diuers times both by letters and messengers craued aid of Maximilian the Generall , giuing him to vnderstand , that they could not long hold out for want of shot and po●der , if they were not betimes relieued ( whereof the enemie also was not ignorant ) yet were they resolued to hold it out euen to the last man ; although the great Sultan had oftentimes by messengers sent of purpose , willed them to yeeld it vp , with promise that they should in safetie with life and good depart , otherwise threatning vnto them greater extremities than was of late shewed vnto the Turks at HATVVAN , if they should as obstinat men hold it out vnto the last . Whereunto they neuer answered him any thing : for Terskie had forbid them all parl●y with the enemie ; and in the middest of the market place had caused a paire of gallowes to be set vp , threatning to hang him thereon , whosoeuer he were that should once make motion of yeelding vp the citie . Whilest the besieged thus liue in hope of reliefe , the Archduke vpon the comming o●er of the Sultan towards AGRIA , hauing retired with his armie to STRIGONIVM , and there staied somewhat too long expecting the comming of more aid : began now at length to set forward ▪ and to make some shew as if he had indeed purposed to haue relieued his distressed friends so hardly beset at AGRIA . But such was the foulenesse of the weather , hindering the passage of his great ordinance ( not to speake of any thing else ) that in foureteene daies he marched scarcely twelue miles forward . Whereby the enemie tooke occasion to preuaile as he did in his siege : who now hearing of the comming of the Christians , and seeing to how little purpose he had so long battered the castle , conuerted all his endeuours to the filling vp of the ditch of the old castle , with fagots , earth , and such like matter : for the hastening of which worke , Mahomet himselfe spared not to ride vp and downe in all places of his armie , with his presence and cheerefull speech encouraging his men in that desperat worke . But whilest the Turkes are thus busie in fulfilling his commaund , the Christians sallying out vpon them made great slaughter of them , and put to flight Ibrahim the great Bassa with such as were about him : after whom they so eagerly followed , that he in the flight lost his tulipant for hast , and was there verie like to haue been taken . Neuerthelesse the worke went still forward , and was now at length with the restlesse labour of so great a multitude brought to such perfection , that the Turkes thought it now no great matter by assault to enter the castle : and therupon the tenth of October gaue vnto it foure desperat assaults one vpon another , being still with great slaughter of his men repulsed . But comming on againe the fift time with fresh supplies , and greater furie than at the first , they preuailed ; and so entring , put to the sword all they found in the castle , in number about eight hundred : four hundred of whose heads , one of the Turkes captaines caused to be carried vnto Mahomet in the campe , in the beholding whereof he is said to haue taken great pleasure , as in the vndoubted signes of his victorie . The old castle thus taken , nothing remained but the new castle , against which the Turks conuerted their whole forces , wherein they reposed not so much hope , although their batterie were verie terrible and their power great , as in the secret mines wherewith they had in foureteene places vndermined the castle , and were now almost readie to be blowne vp . Which the besieged perceiuing , and withall considering the state wherein they stood , and not hearing any thing of reliefe ; resolued amongst themselues ( without the consent of their chiefe commaunders ) no longer to hold out , but to yeeld . And thereupon altogither as if it had been but one man , rise vp in a mutinie against their two Gouernours , Paul Niari and Terskie ; who at the first by all the reasons they could deuise , dissuaded them from such cowardise , putting them in mind of the oath they had taken : which not preuailing , they afterwards vpon their knees requested them as men to hold it out yet a while , in hope of speedie reliefe : yea Terskie with his hands cast vp entreated them , that if they would no longer hold it out but needs yeeld , they they should first kill him with their owne hands , that he might not liue to see so great a dishonour ▪ But what ●uaileth persuasion with men possessed with so great feare ? And in the meane time two hundred and fiftie of the common souldiors , amongst whom were many Italians , secretly escaping out of the castle fled into the campe , of whom diuers became renegats and turned Turke ; which added to the former feare , so much discouraged the minds of the rest ▪ that they forthwith required to come to parley with the enemie , and so agreed , That they might with bag and baggage & their swords by their sides in safetie depart : the great Sultan giuing his faith for the performance thereof , with hostages deliuered on either side . So the thirteenth of October about noone , the gar●ison souldiors came out of the castle in number about two thousand : but they were not gone farre , but that they were in a great plaine set vpon by the Turkes and Tartars , and there cut in pieces ; some of them were flaine quicke , and some other of them otherwise shamefully dismembred ; the Turkes in the meane time vpbraiding them , and saying , That faith was not to be kept with them that had so cruelly before dealt with them of HATVVAN . This perfidious dealing much offended diuers of the better sort of the Turkes , insomuch , that some of them complained thereof vnto the Sultan ; who ( as is reported ) caused some of the chiefe authors thereof to be put to death : and afterward by open proclamation commaunded , that if any of the Turkes or Tartars had taken any of them prisoners , they should forthwith set them at libertie . Thus is the famous citie of AGRIA , of long time a Christian bishops seat , now become a sure receptacle for the Turkes and Infidels . Whilest Mahomet thus lay at the siege of AGRIA , the Bassa of BOSNA with certaine other of the Sanzacks thereabouts , hauing raised a great armie , came and besieged PETRINIA in the borders of CROATIA : which he at his first comming so furiously battered by the space of seauen daies , that it was of many thought not possible for it to hold out two daies longer . In the meane time the lord Herbenstein and Leukowitz , with all the power they could make out of CROATIA and WINDISMARCH , came towards PETRINIA : but hauing no meanes in so great hast to make a bridge ouer the riuer of Kulp , they retired towards SISEG there to passe ouer . The Turkes hearing of their retire , and supposing them to haue fled for feare , put six thousand horsemen ouer the riuer to pursue them : vpon whom the Christians turning , and charging them home , ouerthrew them ; and hauing slaine many of them , draue the rest headlong into the riuer , where most of them perished . The Christians neuerthelesse keeping on their way to SISEG , there the next day by a bridge passed ouer the riuer , and so marching towards PET●INIA , and being come neere vnto the towne , were encountred by eight thousand Turkes , whom they also put to flight ; and by certaine prisoners there taken , vnderstood that the Bassa the day before was risen from before the towne and gone : which they at the first beleeued not , but comming thither found it so , to their owne good contentment , and the great joy of the late besieged . Maximilian the Generall marching on faire and softly from STRIGONIVM , at length the seuenteenth of October came to CASSOVIA , foure daies after that AGRIA was lost ; and there met with the Transyluanian prince , who was come thither with eighteene thousand men , and fortie field pieces to aid him : of whom eight thousand were mercinarie horsemen , fifteene hundred were of the nobilitie of his countrey , and the rest footmen . The next day after they setting forward from CASSOVIA , joyned themselues with the rest of the armie led by the lord Teuffenbach and Palsi , and so of all their vnited forces made one armie , consisting now of two and thirtie thousand horsemen and eight and twentie thousand foot : who drew with them an hundred and twentie field pieces , and twentie thousand wagons , wherewith they euerie night enclosed their armie as with a most sure trench . So orderly marching , they kept on their way towards AGRIA , with a full resolution to giue the Turkes battell , whereof the whole armie seemed to be verie desirous . By the way at length they came to a faire heath two miles long and foure broad , where they were to passe ouer a certaine riuer , the passage whereof Giaffar Bassa had before taken with twentie thousand Turkes and Tartars , the rest of the Turkes armie lying still not farre from AGRIA . Now the purpose of the Bassa was , to haue enlarged the passage of the riuer , and so to haue made way for the whole armie , to haue afterwards passed vnto the other side , as most commodious for many purposes , especially for water , whereof they so might themselues haue had plentie , and yet kept the Christians from it . But of this his purpose , by the comming of the Christians he was quite disappointed : for the next day being the three and twentith of October ; they skirmished with him in diuers places , especially at the passage of the riuer , where at the first encounter he lost three hundred of his men , & in the end seeing himselfe too weake to withstand the whole power comming on , fled to the Sultan , hauing lost two of his ensigns and twentie field pieces , but of his men not many , both for that he fled betime , and the approch of the night hindered the pursute of the Christians , who were now become masters both of the passage of the riuer , and of the place where the Bassa lay : which they finding not so commodious for them as they had at the first supposed ( especially for lacke of wood , the weather then being extream cold , as also hearing of the approch of the Sultan with his whole armie ) they forthwith forsooke the same , and retired again ouer the riuer vnto the place where they lay before , enclosing themselues with their waggons , as if it had beene a citie strongly enclosed with wooden wals . The next day , which was the foure and twentith of October , towards night , Mahomet with all his army shewed himselfe vnto the view of the Christians , and sent three thousand Tartars to passe the riuer : of whom the Christians slew a great number with their great shot , and put the rest to flight . Both the armies were populous and strong , and couered a great deale of ground , a most goodly sight to behold : both drunke of the same riuer , as well the men as their horses , and therefore kept continuall watch all that night on both sides of the riuer , especially at the passage . In the morning betwixt six and seuen a clocke , Mahomet with his armie raunged in order of battell , came within sight of the Christians , his squadrons as it were couering all the countrey on that side of the riuer as farre as the Christians could well see ; and now againe sent part of his armie ouer the riuer : with whom the Christians skirmished from morning till night , both the armies parted but by the riuer , all this while standing fast , and as it were facing the one the other . But being at length on both sides well wearied , and many slaine , the Turks retired againe ouer the riuer to the campe : in the meane time ( as if it had beene by consent ) they resolued on both sides the next day to trie the fortune of a battell , and so commaundement was giuen through both the armies , for euery man against a certaine appointed time to make himselfe readie . So the next day , being the six and twentith of October , Mahomet brought forth his armie againe out of his campe , which was not farre from the Christians ; and began now to draw downe towards the riuer . Neere vnto this place were the ruines of an old church , where Mahomet placed certaine companies of Ianizaries , and foure and twentie field pieces , and commaunded ten thousand of his select souldiors to passe the riuer , which they readily did . The Christians also readie for battell , and now thinking it time vpon the comming ouer of the enemie to begin ; with part of their armie thereunto appointed , so fiercely charged the Turkes that were alreadie come ouer , that they quickly ouerthrew them , and not them onely , but certaine companies of Tartars also that were in another place come ouer the riuer : and not so contented , but following them they had in chase , put to flight them also that stood on the further side of the riuer , of whom they slew a great number , and by the comming on of the rest of the armie tooke from them an hundred and ninetie great pieces of artillerie : whereof so great a feare rise in the enemies campe , that Mahomet with Ibrahim the great Bassa seeing the discomfiture of the armie , fled in all hast towards AGRIA , shedding some teares by the way as he went , and wiping his eyes with a peece of Mahomets garment , which he for reuerence carried about him as a relique . It drew now towards night , and the Archduke was about to haue caused a retreat to be sounded , and that day to haue done no more . But the Transyluanian prince , the lord Palfi , and the rest , persuaded him in that so great feare of the enemie to prosecute the victorie ; and the rather , for that the Turks began againe to make head , and to repaire their disordered battels . Wherefore the Christians still keeping their array , charged afresh the front of their enemies restored battell , consisting of fortie thousand men , and that with such violence , as that they in short time had slaine the most part of them , and put the rest to flight : and with the like good fortune charging the bodie of the maine battell , forced the discouraged Turkes with great slaughter into their owne campe . Now commaundement was before giuen throughout the Christian armie , that no man vpon paine of death should in seeking after spoile breake his arra● ▪ or forsake his place , before the victorie were assuredly gotten . But they in this hot pursute breaking together with the Turks into their tents , & there killing a great number of them , and seeing in euery place great store of rich spoile , contrarie to the aforesaid commandement , left the pursute of the enemie , and disorderly fell to the spoile of the tents , vntill they came to the very tent of the great Sultan . But here began all the mischiefe , with a most sudden change of fortune . For here these greedie disordered men , not now worth the name of souldiors , light vpon a strong squadron of resolute men , with good store of great ordinance readie charged , which they discharged amongst the thickest of their enemies , and rent in sunder a number of them , and after that came on resolutely themselues : when in the meane time Cicala Bassa with his horsemen yet vntouched , brake in vpon them also , and with the terrour of his comming brought such a feare vpon them , that they began amaine to flie , especially the Hungarians and Germanes , most busied in the spoile . Neither could they in that feare , by any threats or entreatie of their commaunders be persuaded to make a stand , or so much as once to looke backe , or to shew any token of true valour : which their hastie flight was the ouerthrow not of themselues onely , but of others also that would haue fought : for whilest they fled headlong vpon the spur , and could not be stayed , they ouerran their owne footmen , and so furthered the enemies victorie . Thus for want of good order , through the greedie couetousnesse of a sort of disordered men the most notable victorie that euer the Christians were like to haue had ouer the Tu●ks , was let slip out of their hands . Many noble gentlemen and commaunders , in seeking to stay the flight of their owne men , were here slaine : and although the enemie followed the chase scarce halfe a mile , yet were the Christians possessed with such a feare , that they fled amaine all ouer the countrey with greater shame than losse , no man pursuing them . The Archduke himselfe seeing all desperat , fled to CASSOVIA . The Transyluanian of all others most orderly retired himselfe towards TOCAII , hauing not lost in this battell aboue two hundred men , and of them neuer a man of name . All this losse he imputed to the couetousnesse of the Hungarians , and cowardise of the Germane horsemen . The lord Bernstein hauing charge of the great artillerie , fled also , and made shift for himselfe , as did Palfi , and in fine all the rest . Neither was the feare lesse amongst the Turkes ( a wonderfull thing to be spoken ) than it was amongst the Christians : for the night following they for feare of the returne of the Christians , trussing vp the best of their things , fled also towards AGRIA . And it was afterwards knowne , that the Turks great ordinance , tents , and baggage stood three daies in their trenches , either altogether vnguarded , or so slenderly guarded , as that they might haue beene easily taken by the Christians , if they would but haue made head againe . Yea Mahomet himselfe is reported oftentimes to haue confessed the danger and feare he was then in to haue beene taken , and all his armie destroied , if the Christians had ( as they should ) pursued the victory , and not so basely run after the spoile : by which danger he then warned , hath euer since shunned to aduenture his person to the like perill in the field . In this battell of KARESTA ( for so it is of a place thereby called ) and at the siege of AGRIA were lost of the Christians about twentie thousand , and of the Turks threescore thousand . Mahomet after this victorie fortified AGRIA , and for the keeping therof left in it 10000 soldiors , and so returned to BELGRADE . The Bassa of BVDA persuading himselfe that the Christians after so great an ouerthrow could not this yeare to any purpose recouer their strength , came with all the power he was able to make , and the fourth of Nouember besieged VACIA , in hope to haue easily carried it : but finding there greater resistance than he had before imagined , and hearing that the dispersed Christians in the vpper part of HVNGARIE were making head for to come to the reliefe of the towne , he more afraid than hurt , brake vp his siege , and so returned to BVDA : for indeed the dispersed reliques of the late armie of the Christians were drawing together , but vnarmed and vnseruiceable , as hauing in the late flight shamefully cast away their armes , and therefore could haue done the Bassa small harme if he had continued the siege . Mahomet thinking it honour ynough for him to haue thus woon AGRIA , and driuen the Christians out of the field , deuided his armie into two parts at BELGRADE : whereof the one he billetted in the countrey thereabout , to be readie for all euents ; and with the other he returned to CONSTANTINOPLE : but by the way he was set vpon by Barbelius Ianuschi the Transyluanian princes lieutenant , and the Vayuod of VALACHIA , who with a great power both of horse and foot being got ouer the Danubius , and secretly fauoured by the countrey people , lay in ambush for him in places of aduantage , and still following in the taile of his army , cut off 7000 of his men before he could be rid of them : and so with much trouble arriued at length at CONSTANTINOPLE , where we will for this yeare leaue him , vntill we heare of him more . Maximilian with a small retinue arriued at VIENNA in the latter end of Nouember , where he found the Vicount of BVRGAVV , SwartZenburg , with some other of the commaunders of his late armie ; most of the rest , especially the Italians , being slaine . The small remainder of this vnfortunate yeare was spent with often skirmishes and inrodes one into anothers frontiers , as the manner of warre is , without any other great thing done worth the remembrance ▪ Rodolph the Christian Emperour , notwithstanding the late discom●iture of his armie not farre from AGRIA , made choice againe of his brother Maximilian the Archduke , for the managing of his forces for his next yeares wars against the Turke . Wherunto the Pope by his legate Fran. Aldobrandino promised of his owne charge to send ten thousand Italians , vnder the conduct of the duke of MANTVA : as did also the Germane princes their wonted aid , with some others : All which slowly at length meeting together neere vnto POSSONIVM and ALTENBVR● , in the moneths of Iuly and August , departing thence , marched to PAPPA ; which after eight daies hard siege they tooke , and so againe retired to ALTENBVRG , where they tooke a generall muster of the armie : and afterwards in the beginning of September shewed themselues before the strong towne of RAB : where the lord Bernsteine approching too neere the wals , was with a shot slaine . Neuerthelesse the rest there staied , vntill that hearing of the comming of Mahomet Bassa the Turks Generall with a great armie , they left the siege , and the foure and twentith day of September passing ouer the riuer Danubius into the island SCHVT towards KOMARA , there on the North side of the riuer encamped . Where they had not lien past eight daies , but that the castle of DOTIS , standing vpon the South side of Danubius , was by the Bassa before their faces and as it were euen vnder their noses besieged and taken ; the whole armie of the Christians in the meane time as idle beholders looking on , but not daring to relieue their distressed friends : but afterwards arising , marched to VACIA , where hearing of the Turks comming against them from PESTH , they set fire on the castle , and so retired alongst the North side of the riuer , vntill they came oueragainst VICEGRADE , a castle of their owne on the other side of Danubius : where by the good direction of the lord George Basta a most expert captain , and lieutenant Generall of the armie , they encamped so strongly , as that the Turkes after many braue attempts giuen to haue forced them in their trenches , were glad with some losse to depart . Neither went things this yeare better forward with the Christians in other places than in this side of HVNGARIE . For Sigismund the Transyluanian prince by his Chancelour besieging the strong citie of TEMESVVAR in October , was by the valour of the defendants and the vnseasonablenesse of the weather enforced to raise his siege , and with dishonor to depart . Michael also the Vayuod of VALACHIA , who mooued with the example and persuasions of the Transyluanian prince , had reuolted from the Turkes , and done them great harme ( as is in part before declared ) now wearied with their often inuasions and the spoile of his countrey , almost brought to vtter desolation , many thousands of his subjects being by the Turks and Tartars caried away captiues , and his townes and castles for the most part rased , to giue his people a time of breathing , submitted himselfe againe vnto the Turkish obeisance , solemnely receiuing at the hands of one of the Turks Chiaus ( for that purpose sent from CONSTANTINOPLE ) an ensigne in token of his submission vnto the Turkish Emperour , as also of his fauour towards him . Which the more to assure him of , he by another honourable messenger shortly after receiued from Mahomet the Turkish emperour more kind letters than at any time before , with the confirmation of the Vayuodship of VALACHIA , by the graund signior his solemne oath vnto Michael the Vayuod and his sonne Peter , then about thirteene yeares old , for the tearme of both their liues , without disturbance , paying but the halfe of the old yearely tribute by the Turks before demaunded : so glad they were vpon any conditions to haue reduced that martiall man with his countrey vnto their obeisance : and in token of further grace together with these letters , hee receiued also a goodly horse , most richly furnished , with a faire scimitar and an horsemans mase , in signe of the martiall power and gouernment committed vnto him by the great Sultan Mahomet . All which goodly gifts and honours the Vayuod seemed thankfully to accept ▪ neuerthelesse not daring too farre to trust vnto the Turkish faith , of the small assurance whereof he had before had sufficient experience , he still kept strong garrisons vpon the frontiers of his countrey , with such other forces also as he was wont , excusing the same to be done for feare of the Tartars ; by whom he also excused himselfe , for not going with the Turkes Generall this yeare into HVNGARIE , as he was by speciall messengers from the grand signior himselfe requested , telling them that he might not in any case so doe for feare of the Tartars most horrible incursions , and the spoiles of his countrey : yet knew he right well how that they were by the great Sultan his expresse commaundement charged not to do any harme either in MOLDAVIA or VALACHIA , as they went into HVNGARIE . But this warie Vaiuod not greatly trusting either the Sultan or them , as also loth himselfe a Christian to go against the Christians his friends and late confederates , excused himselfe by the necessarie care he had of his subjects and country , and so requested that his reasonable excuse to be in good part of the great Sultan accepted : but of him more is to be said hereafter . Thus passed this yeare without any great thing done more than is before declared , both these great princes , the emperor and the Turkish Sultan , being well warned by the last years worke what it was to put all to the fortune of a battell : and therefore now contenting themselues to haue shewed their forces , as not afraid one of the other , countenanced this yeares wars with greater shewes than deeds . What great things might by the Christian princes at vnitie amongst themselues be done against the Turks , is by the considerat right easily to be gathered : but especially by the notable victorie of the famous Transyluanian prince Sigismund , who confederated but with his poore oppressed neighbours the Valachians and Moldauians , and strengthened with some small aid from the Emperour and the Hungarians , not onely deliuered those three countries from the heauie burthen of the Turkish thraldome , but vanquished also their most renowned captaines , ouerthrew their mightie armies , burnt and spoiled their countries , rased their townes and cities , which as it hath beene in part before declared , so if it should be all particularly set downe , beside that it would be tedious , so also might it happily seeme almost incredible . Beside which calamities of war ( commonly more felt of the subjects than of the prince ) the great Sultan himselfe found no small wants , as well in his cofers , as other his necessarie supplies for the maintenance of his wars , especially in HVNGARIE ; the onely countrey of MOLDAVIA ( before these troubles ) yeelding vnto him yearely a tunne of gold , two thousand horses for seruice , ten thousand great measures of wheat , with as much barley , and a wonderfull proportion of butter , honie , and other victuals ; the other two prouinces paying also the like or more , as a yearely tribute : whereof he had of late to his great discontentment by the generall reuolt of these three countries bin quite disappointed . But this so wholesome a confederation , to the great hurt of the Christian commonweale and benefit of the Turks , now broken , and MOLDAVIA by the Polonians disseuered from the rest , and againe made tributarie vnto the Turke ( as is before declared ) and now VALACHIA also in a sort acknowledging the Turks obeisance , the noble Transyluanian prince , who hitherto with great cheerefulnesse and courage had fought the most Christian battels against the Turke , now left as it were all alone , and doubting how with his own small forces to be able long to defend his countrey against the Turke and the Polonian , whom he feared not much lesse than him ; least the same should together with himselfe fall into the hands of the Turkes , or some other his enemies , by a wonderfull change voluntarily resigned this his country of TRANSYLVANIA vnto Rodolph the Christian emperour and his heires for euer : and so leauing his wife in TRANSYLVANIA , went himselfe into SILESIA , there to take possession of the dukedomes of OPPELL and RATIEOR , which together with the yearely pention of 50000 Ioachims , or the reuenues of the bishopricke of VRATISLAVIA , he had in lieu thereof receiued of the emperour : wherupon the possession of TRANSYLVANIA , by the generall consent of all the states of that country , was in the beginning of this yeare 1598 deliuered vnto the Archbishop of VACIA , the Countie Nadasti , and Doctor Petzi , the emperors commissioners ; and a solemne oath of obedience and loialtie taken of them all in generall : albeit that the aforesaid commissioners as also the emperour himselfe would haue persuaded the prince either not at all or at leastwise not so suddenly to haue forsaken his country , but to haue still kept the gouernment therof himselfe yet for a yeare or two ; well foreseeing that the same could not so conueniently bee gouerned by any other as by himselfe , a naturall prince therein borne , and exceedingly beloued of his subjects . The same commissioners also in Iune following going into VALACHIA , there tooke the like oath of obedience of Michael the Vayuod and his people : who loathing the Turkish soueraigntie , all willingly yeelded themselues into the emperours protection . These commissioners also at the same time came to agreement with the Tartars embassadors , offering vnto the emperour peace and aid for the yearely pension of 40000 duckats , and as many sheepe-skin gownes , their vsuall manner of apparrell . All this while continued the Diet of the empire , begun in December last past at RATISBONE , Matthias the emperours brother being there his deputie , and in his majesties name demanding a greater aid for the mainten●nce of his warres against the Turke the common enemie , than was by the princes and states of the empire offered ▪ where after great and long deliberation , a large proportion was by them all agreed vpon for the defraying of the charges of those wars and defence of the Christian commonweale , to be paied in three yeares next , and so thereupon was the assembly dissolued . But as they were returning home , behold contrarie to all hope RAB one of the strongest fortresses of Christendome , three yeares before betrayed vnto the Turks by countie Hardeck , was now by the wisedome and valour of Adolphus Baron of Swartzenburg , the Emperours lieutenant in the lower HVNGARIE , againe recouered ; to the great griefe of the Turks , and wonderfull rejoycing of the Christians , in sort as followeth . This noble gentleman the lord Swartzenburg of no lesse courage than experience , then lying at KOMARA , and still in doubt least the Turks so neere vnto him at RAB , should attempt something against him and his charge , prouided for his own defence all that winter time with a strong garrison , keeping continuall watch and ward , although it were as then no time for the enemie with any armie to keepe the field . So Winter passing and the Spring approaching , it fortuned that the two and twentith day of March about seauen a clocke in the night , the gates being shut , were heard neere vnto the wals of the towne two men , who by their speech seemed to be Italians : with great instance requesting , for the safegard of their liues to be let in , for feare of the enemies pursuit . Which by one of the Sentinels was forthwith reported vnto the Gouernor ; who doubting it to be some subtile practise of the enemie , commaunded them there to take their fortune vntill the morning : at which time they were receiued into the citie , and being brought before the Gouernour , prostrating themselues forthwith at his feet , piti●ully requested him to haue compassion of their miserie ▪ and to comfort them with his charitable reliefe , that so they might at length returne againe into their countrey : who at the first asked them , what countrey men they were ? and from whence they came at that time of the night ? Whereunto they answered , That they were Italians , and that they had but euen then escaped out of the cruell hands of the Turkes at RAB . But desiring to know of them some newes , they after their manner humbled themselues , shewing by their gesture not to know any ; yet would he needs vnderstand of them the particularities , when and how they were taken by the Turkes , and the meanes they had vsed to escape out of that cruell seruitude , all in order as it had befallen them . Where the yonger of them beginning , told him , That now almost two yeares ago , at such time as the Christians were ouerthrowne by the Turkes vnder AGRIA , and euerie man in that confusion then seeking the best and neerest way to saue themselues ; they hauing by flight now escaped the greatest danger of the enemie , and so trauelling ouer the countrey towards VIENNA , were to their great misfortune ( by an hundred Turkes come out of RAB to scoure the countrey , and to seeke after prey ) taken prisoners , and as slaues committed to the chaine , where they had almost two yeares vntill now , with great patience serued . These two fugitiues by their outward appearance , seemed to be men of good spirit and valour , which caused the Gouernor to be the more desirous to know of them the meanes they had vsed for their escape . So the yonger proceeding in his tale , gaue him to vnderstand of the whole matter , telling him , That they had been three moneths before still carefully deuising how to recouer their lost libertie , which now seemed to make some offer of it selfe vnto them : For that since the time that the emperours armie rise the last yeare from before the towne , they were not kept so strait or looked vnto as before , but lay as men by the Turkes not much regarded : which caused them the more cheerfully to take the offer of the time , and to resolue either the sooner to die , or to set themselues at libertie . And that so one day as they were carrying certaine munition from the pallace of Giaffer Bassa for the souldiors , they secretly conuaied three pieces of coard of some reasonable bignesse , therwith by night to let themselues downe from the wall , and so as they might to escape : which stolne coard that it should not be seene , and so their purpose suspected , they buried in the ground . But the night being come for them to effect in what they had so long desired , and they roaming vp and down in the darke , and still finding one let or other , they were enforced for that time to stay , and to deferre it vntill the night following : which being come , and choise made of a most conuenient place , they made fast the coard aboue , and so thereby slid downe , first the elder , and then the yonger ; who not knowing how to swim , was yet by the good direction and helpe of his fellow conducted ouer vnto the farther side of the broad and deepe ditch : and that so , in the night ( so darke as that one of them could hardly see the other ) they were come by chance to KOMARA , thinking to haue taken the way to VIENNA . The Gouernour thus fully instructed of their escape , demaunded of them farther , how the strong towne of RAB was by the Turks gouerned and guarded : who told him , verie euill , and with small care , especially since the departure of the emperours campe : and also , that foure gates of the towne were filled vp with earth , which if they were broken open , would all f●ll into the towne ditch , and so farther them that would attempt to enter : with diuers other particularities . Whereof the Gouernour hauing well considered , thought with himselfe , that if by some ingenious deuise he might by night with some good strength vpon the sudden enter the towne , it might happily be so againe recouered . Vpon which so great a dessignment he thought good to consult farther with the lord Palfi , whom he requested in all hast and with as much secresie as was possible , with 1600 foot and as many horse as he could make , to come vnto him to KOMARA . Who vpon the aduertisement so giuen sta●ed not , but presently giuing order vnto his men , set forward by night , and the six and twentith day of March before day with 1400 foot and 120 horse arriued at KOMARA ; where they were all joyfully receiued , and the gates after they were entred , againe fast shut , and so kept for feare of the enemies secret spies , of whom no man can be too war●e , be he neuer so wise . Now whilest these soldiors were refreshing themselues , in the mean time the Gouernour with the lord Palfi discoursed to the full concerning the entended enterprise : which resolued vpon , they found themselues vpon the view of their men to haue two thousand six hundred foot of the garrison souldiors , and three hundred horse ▪ all good and couragious men , and well appointed for the entended seruice : who there staying two daies after their comming , and many of them in the meane time ( after the manner of their religion ) confessing themselues , and receiuing the sacrament , were become so couragious , as that they doubted not in the quarrell of the Christian Religion to encounter a farre greater number of the Turks than themselues . And the more to stirre them vp , the lord Palfi at the same time deliuered vnto them a notable speech : not for all that telling them whither they were to go , but that they were his Christian soldiors and brethren , vnder his leading both of long and late time ; who neuer by him deceiued of their wonted pay at such time as it was due , would not now as he hoped forsake him . And albeit that he well knew them to haue deserued at his hands a greater contentment : neuerthelesse being himselfe depriued of his reuenue by these late warres , and his possessions euerie houre subject vnto the incursions of the Turks , could not therefore according to his desire and their deserts , shew vnto them the great good will he bare them : Yet that now , and euen presently was come the time wherein they might not only aboundandly enrich themselues , but also adorne their heads with an immortall crowne of glorie , and make themselues for euer famous , by performing the most happie and glorious exploit that euer was by valorous souldiors attempted or atchieued in that part of the world . And to the intent that they all might know how deerely he accounted of the life and honour of euerie one of them , he would therefore himselfe with the lord Swartzenburg ( of whom proceeded all that faire deuise and new stratageme ) be present with them in the action : and that therefore they were not to thinke , that they were led forth to any priuat danger , farther than their commaunders themselues ▪ whose folly were to be accounted great , if rashly and vpon no good ground they should aduenture their liues and honours togither : wherof they ought not now to doubt , hauing by a thousand proofs knowne , how much they had been of them alwaies regarded . And that therefore it behoued them so much the more to shew their valour in this peece of seruice vndertaken for the great benefit of the Christian common weale , and the honour of Christ Iesu : vnto whom they were with one accord to make their prayers , with his mightie hand to strengthen their hearts , and with glorious victorie to bring to happie end the intended exploit against his enemies , to the honour of his name , and the aduancement of the Christian religion and faith . At the end of which speech all the souldiors cried aloud , That they were most readie to do any their commaunds , and to follow them whither soeuer . So order was taken , that within three houres they should euerie man be prest and readie with their armes according to their places : and so hauing well refreshed themselues , about eleuen a clocke the seuen and twentith day of March , they in good order began to set forwards toward RAB . But for that the multitude of souldiors oftentimes giueth the enemie warning of that is intended against him , Palfi gaue order to one Iohn Stroine his Sergiant maior , to follow faire and softly after him with 1700 horse and foot , which he well performed . And so vpon the breake of the day they began to draw towards RAB , and there lay close in ambush all that day vntill night , about seuen miles short of the towne : refreshing themselues in the meane time with plentie of victuals , which they had brought with them from KOMARA . Night ( the fauourer of deceit ) being come , in two houres march they began to draw neere to RAB , and there staied about fiue houres : from whence they sent before them a French enginer , a man of great judgement , with thirteene others ( before rewarded with 1500 duckats ) hauing with them foure Petardes ( engines of force to blow vp into the ayre any thing whereunto they be fastened , be it neuer so great or waightie ; ) where by good chance they found the draw-bridge down , and the portculleis vp : for that the Turkes then casting no perill , expected euerie houre for certaine wagons with prouision from ALBA REGALIS . By which good hap the Christians vnperceiued comming to the gate , and therunto fastening their Petardes , in good order gaue fire to the same , which presently tooke not hold : yet were they not farre gone , but that they were by a Sentinell descried , who demaunding what they were , was presently answered by the violent engines , which in a trice tore in sunder the gate , with some part of the wall and of the fortifications neere vnto it . When now the watch ( but all too late ) began to giue the alarum , and the Christians in the foreward thrusting presently in , tooke the gate , none of the Turkes yet comming to the defence thereof , or to hinder them from entring . The first that appeared were two hundred Turkes , which with their wonted crie , Alla , Alla , in such hideous manner as if they would therewith haue rent the heauens , would haue staied the Christians from farther entring , but were themselues ouercharged by three hundred which were alreadie entred . At which time also the Bassa came on , with more than a thousand following him , and that with such courage and furie , as was neuer greater to be seene in any Turke : where after a most terrible fight maintained by the space of two houres , the Bassa himselfe being slaine , the Turks began a little to retire ; whereby a thousand Christians mo had leisure to enter : when strait waies after came Giaffar the great Bassa , with aboue a thousand tall souldiors following him , all the inhabitants also of RAB running after him , and that with such force , that they constrained the Christians to retire vnto the gate wherby they entred . Who ( resolued rather honorably to die within the towne , than with dishonour to be forced out ) there with incredible courage sustained the greatest impression of the furious enemie : where was to be seene the true Christian valour , for the performance of so great an exploit , well worthie of eternall memorie . But this Bassa also ( the other being dead of a wound in his necke ) encountred by the lord Swartzenburg , after he had in that sharpe conflict shewed great tokens of his valour , was there at length slaine also : both whose heads strucke off , were for a present afterwards sent to the emperour at PRAGE , with all the particularities of the whole action . But now the Turkes perceiuing that all their chiefe commaunders were slaine , retired most part of them into the citie : some three hundred of them crept vnderneath one of the bulwarkes , where stood certaine barrels of gunpouder , which they desperately set on fire , and so together with themselues blew vp 300 Christians that were aboue vpon the bulwarke , the greatest losse the Christians had in all that victorie , who were otherwise supposed not to haue lost therein aboue 200 of their men . Thus the Turkes discomfited and altogither full of feare , loosing both their force and courage , fled in euerie place before the Christians , they in euerie corner making of them a most horrible slaughter . The Turkish women all this while out of their windowes and other high places , ceased not to cast downe stones , timber , and such like things vpon the heads of the Christians , whom they sought by all meanes to annoy , and to helpe the Turks . The bloudie execution continued all that day vntill night , the Christians still finding one or other hidden in the most secret places of the citie , vpon whom to exercise their wrath : who ransacking also euerie corner thereof , were by the wealth therein found greatly enriched . But comming to the pallace of Giaffer the great Bassa , they found such great store of rich furniture , as better beseemed some great prince than a Turkish slaue . There they found also letters written in caracters of gold from the Bassa of BVDA to this Bassa , greeting him and promising him in his behalfe to deale with the grand signior against the next Spring , with the first that his armie should take the field , That he might therein haue some honourable place of commaund , to the end he might in the field shew his greater valour , and no longer lie idly in that strong towne . So found they there also many things written from the great Sultan himselfe vnto this Bassa , with great store of coine , which all fell to the souldiors share ; insomuch that by this so notable an exploit , so well performed , the publicke state , together with the souldiors priuat , was not a little bettered . There amongst other things were recouered threescore and six pieces of artillerie , which were knowne to haue beene sometime the Emperours , and foure and twentie others , which the Bassa had caused to be brought from BVDA with great store of shot and pouder and other small pieces , and meale sufficient to haue serued foure thousand men for a yeare and a halfe , but of wine ( little vsed of the Turkes ) onely foure vessels . In the Bassaes pallace was also found of armour and weapons of all sorts , great store , with abundance of cloth and apparrell , which was all giuen in spoile to the souldiors . Thus RAB , one of the strongest fortresses of Christendome , not full foure yeares before besieged by Sinan Bassa with 150 thousand men , by the space of almost three moneths , and then at length by the treason of the Gouernour to him betraied ; was now in one night , by the valour and pollicie of a few resolute men to their immortall glorie againe restored to the Christian common-weale , the nineteenth day of March in the yeare 1598. Of which so notable a victorie , the Christians rejoyced not a little both in HVNGARIE and elsewhere : the great Sultan with the Turkes in the meane time no lesse grieuing and storming , as well for the losse of the towne before got with no small charge , as for the death of his people there slaine , to the number of about six thousand and moe , with the losse of scarce six hundred Christians . Yet for all this Mahomet the great Sultan ceased not to make great prouision for his wars in HVNGARIE , and that greater than before ; and so with greater furie also , to prosecute his wrathfull indignation , to be reuenged vpon the Christians . Whereunto order was giuen vnto Ibrahim Bassa his brother in law , and Generall of his armie , with all conuenient speed to take the field : which for all that fell out farre otherwise , for that now thinking to haue had all things in good forwardnesse , a great dissention rise betwixt the Ianizaries and the Spahi : the Ianizaries being the best footmen , and the Spahi the best horsemen of the Turkish empire ; both the faithfull keepers of the person of their prince , and the greatest strength of his state : whereby it commeth to passe , that in setting forward towards the wars , these two sorts of valiant souldiors , the one standing vpon their strength , and the other vpon their honour , and both jealous of their reputation and credit , haue no good liking of one the other , but oftentimes , and especially of late in this corruption of their martiall discipline vnder their degenerat emperours , fall at ods among themselues , as now they did , to the great hinderance of their affaires , and trouble of their Generall . Insomuch that to appease this tumult , he was glad to put to death certaine of the insolent Ianizaries , refusing to set forward as they were by their Aga commaunded . But proceeding farther , and thinking to haue executed some others of them also , to the farther terrour of the rest ; he was by them and their adherents put in such feare of his life , that to auoid the present danger , he was glad to excuse himselfe by his lieutenant , laying all the blame vpon him as the cause therof : who was therefore as a sacrifice deliuered vnto the furie of the Ianizaries , by whom he was presently slaine , with some others of the Bassa his followers . So these broiles with much adoe ouerpast , Ibrahim hauing taken a generall reuiew of his armie at SOPHIA , there staied , expecting order from the great Sultan where to begin his wars , in HVNGARIE o● in TRANSYLVANIA ( for as yet that was in question : ) which could not well be before the beginning of Iuly , by reason of the scarcitie of victuals euen then arising in the campe : for the supplying whereof Mahomet himselfe had no small care . But this long delay was the cause that a great number of the Ianizaries comming from HADRIANOPLE , and hearing by the way that the Generall would not as yet set forward , not knowing the cause of his stay , and doubting to be deceiued of their promised entertainment , were about to haue returned backe againe : which knowne at the Court , commandement was presently sent thence vnto the Generall , without longer stay to set forward towards HVNGARIE , which the more hastened his departure with his armie . In this the Turks so long delay , the Christians had good leisure to prepare their new forces , being now the latter end of Sommer : for well they might thinke that the enemie slept not , knowing what prouision hee had made as well in CONSTANTINOPLE as in other places . Wherefore reasonably doubting , that Sommer well spent and August now at hand , he would not so late turne his forces into the lower HVNGARIE , they thought it best to prouide for the safetie of the vpper countrey : And to the end that the enemie approaching those frontiers might there find forces readie to encounter him , the lord George Basta , a man of great experience and valour , was appointed lieutenant Generall for that countrey ; to the great contentment of the souldiors in generall , all shewing themselues most readie at his commaund . The lord Swartzenburg in the meane time remaining in the lower HVNGARIE at RAB , with eight thousand good souldiors : and the Archduke Matthias at VIENNA for the dispatch of George Basta , and the hasting of him foeward : for that the vpper HVNGARIE to the great hurt thereof began now to feele the incursions of the Turkes and Tartars : besides that , he was afterwards to returne himselfe to speake with the emperour his brother , still expecting a Chiaus of the Turkes by the appointment of the Grand signior , sent by the way of POLONIA for PRAGE , to intreat with the emperour concerning a peace . They of BVDA in the meane while seeing the delay of the Turks , of whom not one band yet appeared in those quarters ; and on the other side perceiuing the great preparation of the Imperials , and the great garrison at RAB so neere at hand ; began now to doubt some new resolution of the Christians : wherein they were no whit deceiued ; for no armie of the Turks being then in field in the lower HVNGARIE , and the countrey plaine and open , the lord Pal●i with a conuenient power and certaine pieces of batterie set forward to attempt the enterprise , and the sixteenth of October with sixteene pieces of artillerie began to batter the citie of BVDA , to the great feare and discomfiture of them within : hauing first taken the fort S. Gerarde , with hope to haue gained the rest also . For which cause , the men , the women , and all that dwelt in the citie , most instantly besought the Bassa , not to endure the destruction of the same , with the inhabitants and wealth thereof altogither ; but being not able long to hold out against so furious a batterie , in time to hearken vnto some reasonable composition , that so they might yet euerie man at least with life depart . Whereunto the Bassa for all that would not hearken , but put them still in hope that they should be presently relieued . Howbeit the batterie still continuing , and they not able longer to endure the force of the Imperials ; nor any reliefe yet comming , they were glad at length to abandon the citie with the losse of two thousand of the Ianizaries , and but three hundred of the Christians slaine , and eight hundred hurt : the rest of the Turkes at the same time retiring themselues into the castle , where they might for a space deeme themselues safe . So the lord Palfi possessed of the citie , with all his forces laid siege vnto the castle , which although it were in some places shaken with the continuall furie of the cannon , yet were the defendants still readie to make good the same : insomuch , that Palfi vpon good hope of successe giuing thereunto a generall assault , was by their valour enforced to retire ; they within in the meane time with great labour and industrie repairing the breaches and gaules made by the artillerie . So that Palfi considering the difficultie of the assault , thought it better by vndermining to shake the rock whereon the castle stood , than by a new assault to expose so many worthie men vnto so manifest a danger : which his purpose by the enemie discouered , was by them also by countermining disappointed : yet for all that were the Christians still in good hope by an other mine not yet by the enemie perceiued , to sort to the full of their desire : and the more , for that they saw not so much brauerie or shew of courage in the defendants as before . Who now kept themselues silent and quiet , as if they had been consulting about the yeelding vp of the castle , as men bereft of all hope of reliefe and succour : the Christians being now possessed of a strong abbey and fortresse fast by , and hauing broken downe all the bridges ouer the Danubius , in such sort , as that the besieged could not receiue any reliefe either by land or water . But forasmuch as the time of the yeare began now to grow tedious , and the winter weather sharpe , the Christians thought it not best there long to protract the time ; and therefore resolued to present vnto the castle another generall assault , and at the same instant to blow vp the mine : but in giuing this assault , they were againe repulsed with the losse of two hundred men . At which time also a number of the Turks ●allying out of the castle , couragiously encountred the Christians , but not with successe answerable to their valour , being there almost all cut in pieces : neither did the mine take the desired effect , but being blowne vp did little or no harme at all . So that the Christians wearie of their long suffering of the extremitie of the weather , and withall considering the great courage of the defendants , were euen vpon the point to haue risen : yet willing to giue a fresh attempt by the mine , they began againe to worke in the same , and in hope to preuaile began to parley with the defendants about the giuing vp of the castle , but all to little or no purpose ; for that the mine hauing taken no effect , the souldiors could hardly be drawne on through the deepe and muddie ditches , to giue a new assault . In fine , seeing no hope to preuaile , and hearing also of the comming of a great armie of the Turkes for the reliefe of the besieged , they raised their siege , and at their departure burnt their suburbs , carrying away with them a great bootie : and so retiring towards STRIGONIVM , expected farther direction where to winter . Where shortly after order was taken , that the forces disbanded should be dispersed , some into the garrisons , and some into the countrey thereabout ; to the intent they might so be in the more readinesse with the first of the next Spring to take the field , or as occasion should serue to be otherwise imploied . But Sigismund the Transyluanian prince in the mean time repenting himselfe of the vnequall exchange he had made with the emperour , in disguised apparell hasting in post out of SILESIA came to CLAVSENBVRG in TRANSYLVANIA : and there joyfully receiued of his subjects , and taking of them a new oath of obedience , by messengers sent of purpose certified Maximilian the Archduke ( appointed by the emperour for the gouernment of TRANSYLVANIA , and now vpon his way as farre CASSOVIA ) of the causes of his returne , persuading him rather to conuert his forces against the Turkes for the recouerie of AGRIA , than to trouble himselfe to come any farther for TRANSYLVANIA , now againe by him to the great contentment of his subjects repossessed : as did also the princesse his wife ( Maximilian his cousin german ) wishing him to consider what hurt and dishonour he should doe vnto the Emperour his majestie , himselfe , the Roman empire , and the whole Christian common-weale in generall , if in so dangerous a time hee should attempt any thing against the prince her husband , and vnto him by her so neerely allied . Now the Turkes great armie being come into the vpper HVNGARIE , lay encamped vnder the wals of the strong citie of VERADINVM , where that worthie captaine George Basta was lieutenant Generall for the emperour : but not hauing such strength , as without farther helpe to go against so mightie an enemie , or to relieue the besieged citie , not as then furnished with a sufficient garrison , he gaue knowledge thereof vnto Maximilian the Archduke , who ( as is aforesaid ) with a conuenient power was but a little before come to CASSOVIA , to haue gone into TRANSYLVANIA , had he not there by the way been staied by embassadours from the prince Sigismund but lately before returned out of SILESTA ; and hauing againe taken vpon him the gouernment , by these his embassadors requested him no farther to trouble himselfe with that journey , offering to giue him aid against the Turkes whensoeuer he should require it . The besieged neuerthelesse in the meane time notably defended themselues , and with certaine braue sallies did the enemie great harme ; still expecting , that Basta the lieutenant , or the Transyluanian prince , or Maximilian the Archduke , or they all with their vnited forces should send them reliefe : vnto whom they gaue knowledge the nineteenth of October , how that the Turkes with all the force and furie they had vsed , had as yet little preuayled , being by their valour still repulsed , and with many sharpe sallies to their great losse encountred , and some of their great ordinance cloyed , in such sort , as that they were in good hope to protract the time vntill they might by them their friends be relieued : yet not doubting , but that the Turkes according to their wonted manner , would doe what they might to subdue them . According to whose expectation , the Transyluanian prince with a great power taking the field to haue relieued them , was letted so to doe by the Tartars , to that purpose stirred vp by the Turks : so that he could by no meanes joyne his forces with Maximilians , for looking to the safetie of his owne people and countrey . Yet in token of forwardnesse , he sent certaine companies of braue souldiors vnto the lieutenant Basta : who vnderstanding that of two thousand good souldiors in garrison in the citie at the beginning of the siege , there were scarce seauen hundred left aliue , all the rest being with continuall assaults slaine or mortally wounded , vsed a notable stratageme to delude the enemie withall : for hauing put his men in good order , and comming brauely on , as if he would euen presently haue joyned battell ( a thing which the Turkes most desired ) whilest they likewise with great stirre were putting themselues in order of battell , and wholly busied therein , he by an other way ( of the Turks least suspected ) cunningly thrust into the citie eight hundred good souldiors ; and that done , presently retired againe into his trenches , wherein he strongly encamped feared not all the Turkes forces : who thinking euen then to haue come to a day of battell , and still in vaine expecting the same , returned deceiued by this finenesse . And so shortly after ( enforced by continuall foule weather ) raised their siege , not withou● great difficultie and danger ( reliefe lying so neere at hand , and the defendants strengthned with new supplies ) to haue beene longer maintained . So passed the troubles of this yeare , with no gaine but great losse of the Turkes : who at their departure enforced by the vnseasonablenesse of the weather and feare togither , left behind them in their trenches many tents , with some great pieces of artillerie , being not able to conuay the same by water to BVDA : and withall fearing greatly to be encountred by the forces of Basta , strengthned with new supplies euen then sent vnto him from the emperour . The Archduke Matthias , Swartzenburg , and the other commaunders of the armie in the lower HVNGARIE , being twelue thousand strong , with the garrison souldiors of RAB , STRIGONIVM , and KOMARA , in the meane time because they would not stand idle , togither with the Hungarian horsemen , ouerran all the countrey thereabout euen vnto the gates of BVDA : in good hope also to haue met with 8000 Turks ( as they were by their espials aduertised ) comming towards PESTH with victuals for the reliefe of the castle of BVDA . Whilest things thus passed in HVNGARIE , Mahomet to shew his greatnesse , as also the more to keepe the Christian princes in suspence , sent Cicala ( or as the Turkes call him Cigala ) Bassa his Admirall with a great fleet to sea : wherewith being come vpon the coast of SICI●IA , he requested the Viceroy of that kingdome , to send him abourd his fleet the ladie Lucretia his mother , which dwelt in MESSINA , for that he greatly desired to see her and to doe her honour ; promising so quietly to depart without any harme doing . And the Viceroy againe considering how that the angrie renegat for the like courtesie to him at an other time before denied , had in his rage done great harme all alongst the sea coast ; couenanting with him to send her in safetie backe againe , sent her honourably accompanied abourd the Admirall gally : whom Cicala her sonne receiued with great joy and triumph , and hauing kept her with him one day with all the honour that might be , according to his promise sent her backe againe to MESSINA ; and so without any harme done for her sake to any part of Christendome , peaceably returned ba●ke againe with his fleet . Now in the meane time Michael the Vayuod of VALACHIA with good forces of his owne , because he would be doing something also , resolued to giue an attempt vpon NICOPOLIS , a citie of the Turkes in BVLGARIA : and so giuing order to his people , caused a bridge to be made ouer Danubius to passe that great riuer by . Whereof the Bassaes of SILISTRIA and BADOVA vnderstanding , thought good with all their power to disturbe him in that worke : and so comming , as the said bridge was by the Vayuod his souldiors laid ouer the riuer vpon boats , without farther stay attempted to haue broken the same , to the intent that the Vayuod should not that way passe . Who hasting thither with his armie , rescued his worke , and enforced the Bassaes to forsake the exploit by them begun : where betwixt them for a space was fought a most hard conflict , vntill at length the Turks were with a great slaughter ouerthrowne ; and so glad , some here , some there , by flight as they might to saue their liues . After which victorie , he without let passing ouer the riuer with his whole forces , came & encamped vnder the wals of NICOPOLIS : where they of the citie vnderstanding of the late slaughter of the Turks , and finding themselues not able to hold out against the force and valour of the Valachies , and now out of hope of any helpe or reliefe in time to come from the Turkes , without farther resistance yeelded themselues into the power of the Vayuod . Who hauing sacked the citie and set it on fire , caried thence a great spoile and bootie , with a number of the Bulgarians : chusing out the best and most able bodies amongst them to serue him in his wars , and appointing the rest to inhabit & manure the wasted places of VALACHIA . The report of this ouerthrow giuen vnto the Turks by the Valachian , with the sacking of NICOPOLIS , running abroad , brought a generall feare vpon the Turkes euen in the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE . For the staying whereof Mahomet commaunded the chiefe of his Bassaes , with a great power of tumultuarie soldiors taken vp in hast to go forthwith against the Vayuod , to stay the course of his farther proceedings , to the dismaying of his people , himselfe thundring out most horrible threats against him : who encouraged with his late victorie , and well acquainted with the Turks manners , little regarded the same , as knowing that he was not with words but with armes to be vanquished . Now Mahomet the Turkish emperour oppressed with melancholie to see himselfe at once assailed with the plague then raging in CONSTANTINOPLE , the bloudie wars in HVNGARIE , and the horrible mortalitie and losse of his people in both places ; and withall not ignorant of the e●ill successe of his armie at VERADINVM , & of the great harme done at NICOPOLIS by the Valachian : yet for all that ceased not in what he might to prouide for so many euils , but gaue order to Taut Bassa with all speed to set forward ( as we haue said ) from CONSTANTINOPLE toward VALACHIA ; as from whence he feared the greatest danger : who without delay to make the Vayuod to vnderstand how highly the great Sultan was displeased with him , put hims●●fe vpon the way with six hundred Ianizaries towards HADRIANOPLE , with purpose there to Winter vntill the Spring , and so to expect the comming of the rest of the armie , that so with the same , vnited vnto the forces of Mehemet Satergi ( who the last yeare besieged VERADINVM ) he might in the field appeare more terrible vnto his enemies . The Christian Emperour also at the same time rested much discontented , that his people in so faire a way for the winning of the castle of BVDA , had yet failed thereof : the Wallons laying the fault vpon the lords Swartzenburg , Palfi , and the rest of the commaunders , that it was not woon ; for that when they as valiant men offered to haue done therein the vttermost of their deuoir , their leaders had made choise by the spade and mattocke rather than by the sword to performe the same . But Michael the Vayuod seeing the Turkes not a little dismayed with the sacking of NICOPOLIS , began afresh to their greater terrour and hurt to make new inrodes vpon them , in such sort , as that he was entred an hundred miles into their territorie : against whom Mehemet Satergi ( as yet the Turkes generall in HVNGARIE ) comming with his forces , he againe retired , carrying away with him the spoile of the countrey by him wasted . They of BVDA in the meane time fearing some sudden assault to bee giuen vpon them , and suffering within great want of victuals , expected long to be relieued both with victuals and other necessaries : vnderstanding yet withall , that the Grand signior had caused it to bee giuen out in CONSTANTINOPLE , that he was raising a great power of his best and most expert souldiors , and had therefore sent for vnto the Court all his old men of warre , such as had serued in the wars of PERSIA , to be now againe employed in HVNGARIE . Where the Turks in the meane time prouiding to relieue the distressed citie of BVDA both with men and many other necessaries ; certaine resolute Hungarians vnderstanding by their espials , that one of the Turkes Bassaes with three thousand souldiors was comming thither to encrease the garrison , laied themselues close in ambush in a place whereby the Turkes were to passe : where they had not long stayed , but that the Turks as men without feare disorderedly passing by , were by them with such force and furie assailed , that in a moment , when they least thought , they were ouerthrowne and put to flight , with the losse of many of their horses , much money and jewels , and many captaines there taken prisoners , the Bassa himselfe with much adoe hardly escaping into the citie . But shortly after foure hundred Christians scouring the countrey about BVDA , and hauing taken a good bootie of cattell and other pillage , returning loaded with the prey , were by the way assaulted by the Turks , and enforced to forsake the same , and to fight for their liues : whom for all that they notably repulsed , with the slaughter of diuers of them , and so againe recouering their bootie , returned with victorie . And about this time or not long after in the vpper HVNGARIE , a great power of the Turkes and Tartars hauing forraged a great part of that countrey , and done the Christians great harme , came before CASSOVIA , making shew as if they would euen presently haue besieged that citie : which put the inhabitants in such a feare , that many of them without further deliberation fled forthwith as fast as they could into the mountaines , thinking themselues more safe there than in the citie . Neuerthelesse , by the persuasion of George Basta , the emperours lieutenant in those parts , two thousand valiant and expert souldiors staied there with him , expecting what the Turks would doe : who approching the wals , demaunded of them of the citie a great summe of money , by way of contribution , threatening otherwise the vtter ruine and destruction thereof . Which their proud demaund was by Basta stoutly rejected , and they with the losse of a great many of their liues enforced to get them further off . Wherefore seeing themselues not able to preuaile against a citie so well prouided , they for feare by night rise , and departed quite another way than that whereby they came , doing great harme still as they went. The free Haiduckes of VALACHIA also , a warlike kind of people , liuing for the most part vpon prey , and willing to shew some token of their hatred toward the Turkes , by certaine bridges passing ouer the Danubius , encountered with the Bassa of NATOLIA with a great power , whom they ouerthrew with much slaughter of his people , and the losse of his brother there slaine also : and so afterwards ouerrunning the countrey , did there exceeding harme , and tooke the same Bassa his sonne prisoner . Thus passed the Winter with many light skirmishes and incursions in diuers parts of HVNGARIE and other the frontier countries , which had done great harme had it not beene before hand well prouided for by the Imperials ; who in most places strengthened with new supplies , stayed the furie of their barbarous enemies . Maximilian the Archduke in the meane time comming from PRAGE to VIENNA , found himselfe there to haue in his campe but foure and twentie thousand foot and ten thousand horse , readie against the next Spring ( diuers of the Germane princes this yeare not sending thither any aid at all , by reason of their troubles neerer home , with the Spaniards in the lower side of GERMANIE ) which made him the more to dread the enemies comming , who he knew after his accustomed manner would that Summer appeare in the field with a farre greater number . But to haue holpen this want , the great duke of MVSCOVI● about this time , by his embassadours amongst other things requested leaue of the Polonian , for fortie thousand horsemen to passe through his countrey , which horsemen he had determined ( as hee said ) to send in aid of the emperour against the Turke . Which his request the Polonian would by no meanes graunt , as dangerous to his estate . Wherefore the Muscouite offended with the Polonian , sent other his embassadours vnto the emperour by sea : who embarked in an English ship in the port of S. Nicholas , and sayling about the kingdomes of SVVEDEN , NORVVAY , and DENMARKE , after long trouble at sea , at length arriued at STOAD , and so from thence by land trauelling to HAM●OROVV , LVEECKE , and MAIDEN●OROVV , and in euery place honourably entertained , came at last vnto the emperour into BOHEMIA , then lying at PLISENA , for that the plague was then hot at PRAGE : where they hauing with great state deliuered their presents and letters of credence vnto the emperour , had audience , and were by him most honourably vsed . Yet the Polonian hauing thus denied the Muscouite passage , suffered the Turkes embassadour , who called himselfe Gabriel a Iew , to passe through his countrey vnto the emperour , to entreat with him of a peace to be made betwixt him and the Turke . Which Gabriel comming to PRAGE as embassador from the great Turke , and hauing no letters of credence to shew for his negotiation ( for that they were , as he said , vpon the way taken from him by the Polonian Cossackes , and certaine of his retinue slaine ) was there taken for a spie , and so sent to VIENNA : where at his first arriuall he was well vsed in a common Iune : but the night following being taken in his chamber by the Martiall , was so clapt fast in prison , with as many yrons vpon him as hee could beare , and all his followers with gyues vpon their legs compelled as slaues daily to worke in the towne ditch . About this time also Sigismund the Transyluanian prince ( whom hitherto all men admired as a man euen sent from heauen , for the benefit of his country and of the Christian commonweale ) by a wonderfull change gaue a most manifest token of a diuers and vnconstant nature , to the great wonder of the world : For hauing broken the agreement made with the emperour the last yeare , and being secretly in post returned out of SILESIA into TRANSYLVANIA , and againe taken vpon him the gouernment ( as is before declared ) and hauing withall requested himselfe and the Transyluanians his countreymen to be discharged of the oath of obedience and loyaltie by them before giuen vnto the emperour , and the citie of VERADINVM , with the country therabout , to be againe restored vnto him ; and the emperour pausing thereupon : did now ( doubting of his owne abilitie for the keeping of that countrey ) in the beginning of this yeare 1599 , by his embassadours the Bishop of AL●A IVLIA , and Stephen Paschai his Chancellour , sent of purpose vnto the emperour , request him to haue the first agreements againe renewed , and the principalitie of TRE●NITZ in MORAVIA , to be added vnto the two dukedomes of OPPELL and RATIBOR in SILESIA , with fiftie thousand duckats to be yearely paied vnto him out of the chamber of the empire ; and a generall pardon to be giuen vnto all the Transyluanians , that following him had of late reuolted from the emperour , and their auntient liberties to be againe vnto euery one of them confirmed . With all which conditions obtained at the emperours hands ( as of him that saw how needfull it was for him by any meanes to keepe that strong countrey in his power ) the same embassadours with their dispatch returned from PRAG● the nineteenth of Aprill . But Sigismund in the meane time at home , was entred into new conceits with certaine of the Polonian● nobilitie , farre differing from his former agreement with the emperour : and hauing sent for one of the Turkes Chiaus from CONSTANTINOPLE , and for his cousin Andrew Bathor the ●●oud Cardinall out of BORVSIA , and so meeting with them in an obscure village in the confines of TRANSYLVANIA , towards POLONIA , accompanied with certain of the chiefest of the states of his countrey : there in the presence of the Polonians and of the Turkish embassadour ▪ resigned all the right and title he had in the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA vnto the Cardinall his cousin , commaunding all the States there present to sweare vnto him their obedience and fidelitie who shortly after together with the Polonian embassador sent one of his especiall fauourits to CONSTANTINOPLE , to desire safe conduct for his embassadours to bee sent thither to conclude of all matters with the Turke . Which messenger so sent , together with the Polonian embassadour , were both courteously receiued in the Turks Court , and as with an especiall fauour rewarded with right sumptuous garments , and charge giuen them , That the Cardinall within three moneths next should send thither a solemne embassadour , with the old accustomed tribute by the Turke demaunded . Thus through the inconstancie of the prince , the ambition of the proud Cardinall , and the foule collusion of the Polonian , the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA ( one of the strongest fortresses of that side of Christendome ) falling from the obedience of the emperour , and so in sort bereft from the Christian commonweale , became againe tributarie vnto the Turke ; most good men detesting the lightnesse of the one , the ambition of the other , and the slinesse of the third . Now the Turkes in BVDA not able longer to endure the great famine therein , had most earnestly requested reliefe from the other Turkes their friends in HVNGARIE , who on all hands ran to haue relieued them : but comming neere thereunto , could not put thereinto such prouision as they had brought for the reliefe of the same , being letted so to doe by the Imperials ; who about a league off diligently attended euery motion of the enemie : from whence the lord Swartzenburg in the night secretly approching one of the gates with his followers , thought with a Petard to haue broken it open , and so to haue entred . Which his deuice taking not effect , as did that at RAB , the gate being within strongly fortified by the enemie , he was enforced to depart , being also discouered by the Turkes from the wall . Now shortly after the Bassa of BVDA with six hundred horse issuing out of the citie to haue met with victuals that were comming thither , fell into an ambush of the Haiduckes , who after their manner fiercely encountered him , and putting him to flight , tooke him prisoner , his horse in the chase falling vnder him : whom his souldiours seeking to rescue , there began a new skirmish , encreasing their former ouerthrow with the losse of the greatest part of them that were left : amongst whom the Bassa his sonne , with the Aga of the Ianizaries , there lost their liues also . Which conflict thus ended , the Bassa was with safe conduct brought to the campe , and there with great threats enforced to reueale the state of his citie , with other the secret designes of the Turkes . Whereupon the Haiduckes returned againe towards BVDA , seeking by all meanes to stop the comming of victuals thither , so in hope at length to haue gained the distressed citie . But whilest they thus lay vpon the passages , behold newes was brought vnto them , how that the Bassa of BOSNA , with the Sanzackes of SIGETH , QVINQVE ECCLESIae , and COPPAN , with ten thousand Turkes were comming to oppresse them , and to open the passages by them holden . But they knowing their owne strength , and nothing fearing so small a force , stayed not for their comming but went to meet them ; and in a place of good aduantage waiting for them , vpon their first appearance with great assurance and courage charged them , brake their array , and slew the greatest part of them , together with the Bassa himselfe : yet with so much adoe , as that had not the lord Palfi in good time sent in vnto their aid certain companies of fresh men , it was not without cause doubted but that the Haiduckes had been put to the worse , aboue three hundred of them hauing there alreadie lost their liues . The Tartars yet neuerthelesse in good number held on their way towards BVDA , with purpose to haue ouerrun the countrey , and so to haue withdrawne the Imperials from the citie : but for as much as that base nation was knowne to be good for nothing but to rob and spoile , the lord Swartzenburg his regiment only going against them , and encountering them , ouerthrew them , in such sort , that part of them being there slaine in fight , and part for feare driuen into the Danubie , the greatest number of them there most miserably perished . Basta the emperours lieutenant in the vpper HVNGARIE at the same time lay at CASSOVIA with eighteene thousand men , doubting least the enemies armie , which he heard to bee at hand , should come to besiege that citie . In the meane time Ibrahim Bassa Generall of the Turkes forces , came to SOLNOCH with an armie of fiftie thousand strong , amongst whom were ten thousand Ianizaries : but for all that , vnderstanding that Basta nothing dismayed awaited his comming at CASSOVIA , not thinking it good to goe any further ( his souldiors being alreadie wearie with long trauell ) neither yet safe there to stay so neere vnto his strong enemie , retired backe againe to BELGRADE , a place of more strength and securitie ; expecting a great fleet of ships , which charged vpon the Danubius , were to bring victuals for the armie , as also for the reliefe of BVDA , ALBA REGALIS , and other such distressed places , with diuers great pieces for batterie , and other lesse artillerie vpon carriages , with a number of ladders and other instruments of war , declaring their purpose for the performance of some notable exploit ; all guarded with fiue thousand Turkes , which conducted it vp the riuer . Of all which the Imperials vnderstanding , the lord Palfi dispatched his lieutenant with a conuenient power , and the captaine of the Hussars with his followers , all good and valiant souldiors , to cut off this conuoy : Who to make the matter short , suddenly assailing them , and so comming to handy blowes , cut in peeces the conuoy , and rifled the ships , of whom the greater part were there sunke in the deepe riuer ; and so tooke an exceeding great bootie , deemed to be worth a million of gold : where amongst other things of great value , there was found abourd an hundred thousand dollars , which were all deuided amongst the souldiors as a reward of their trauell . This great ouerthrow once knowne at BVDA , ALBA REGALIS , and the cities thereabouts , brought vpon them a great feare : yea the armie of Ibrahim grew thereby much discontented , as being at once disappointed both of their victuals and their pay . Besides that , the Imperials ouerran all the countrey thereabout , ransacking , sacking , and destroying the countrey villages and castles without mercie , although the poore inhabitants offered them large contribution to haue staied their furie , which would not bee accepted . Vpon this notable ouerthrow also the lord Swartzenburg was determined with all his forces to come againe to the siege of BVDA , in hope in so great a discomfiture and want of victuals to haue had it deliuered vnto him ; and for that purpose sent for certaine great pieces of artillerie to VIENNA . But whilest things went thus well in the lower HVNGARIE , colonell Rodoler of S. Andrewes in the vpper countrey , tooke occasion also vpon this ouerthrow of the Turkes with fiue hundred horse and six hundred foot , to shew himselfe with this small companie before AGRIA , hauing yet left the greatest part of his forces a little off in secret ambush : Which small companie the Bassa of AGRIA beholding , presently put himselfe in arms , and so sallying out , began an hot and braue skirmish : when suddenly the other souldiors left in ambush starting out and couragiously assailing their enemies , brake their order , & put them to flight , pursuing them at the heeles euen to the gates of the citie : and had there beene a greater force of footmen , it was verely thought , that the Turks ( dismaied with the flight , and altogether confounded ) had abandoned the defence of the place , and the Christians euen then become masters of the citie , which had beene the cause of their notable ouerthrow in the yeare 1596. Neuerthelesse they with great brauerie and small losse retired , hauing slaine a great number of the Turkes , and carrying away with them an hundred prisoners , with a bootie of fiue hundred horse , and much other cattell . The free Haiduckes also strengthened with new supplies , had done great harme in the countrey about BVDA , scouring freely all ouer it , finding none to oppose themselues against them : for which cause the poore Christians , which yet dwelt in that country , rise vp against the Turks , promising their obedience vnto the emperour : and moreouer , to the intent they might bee no more molested by the Imperials , offered to take vp armes themselues against the enemie , and to the vttermost of their power to hinder his passage both by land and water . These same Haiduckes also had broken downe all the bridges which the Turkes had made betwixt BVDA and ALBA REGALIS , to the end they should not that way commodiously bring either victuals or munition from the one place to the other . And the lord Palfi and Nadasti vnderstanding by their espials , That the Tartars deuided into three companies , had ouerrun a great part of the country , and with a great bootie were retiring towards BVDA , presently went out against them and enforced them to fight ▪ which barbarous people , better inured to filtch than to fight , there lost all their liues , together with that they had before stolne . After which victorie , these valiant men turning their forces against certaine other places of the Turkes there by , tooke two of their castles with much rich spoile : which castles they sacked and burnt , together with the great towne of ZOINA , breaking downe also the bridge vpon the riuer Traua . Now at this time the Turkes at BVDA held themselues male content within the citie , hauing no Gouernour ; their Bassa being before taken by the Haiduckes , and they themselues pinched also with great want of victuals T Wherefore doubting some sudden attempt of the Christians , as men dismaied , they for their more safetie , retired themselues into the castle , a place of great strength , lea●ing the citie vnto the Imperials then readie to haue besieged it but doubting of the Turkes great armie , which as they heard was marching thitherwards , the auauntguard thereof being come to MOA●●ESH , where Sar●es Bassa was also looked for ; the report being giuen out , that the Turkes hauing relieued BVDA , would go to besiege CANISIA or else S●●I●ONIVM they staied to go any farther , as men in doubt what to resolue vpon . So were sent certaine colonels ●nd other captaines with their souldiors , to fortifie certaine passages whereby the Turkes armie was to passe . The rest in the meane time retiring , for that the puissant enemie began now to approch ; as also for that they knew the great desire that Ibrahim Bassa had to recouer again STRIGONIVM , and had therefore sent a great number of Tartars to forrage and wast the countrey , and so suddenly hauing relieued BVDA and AGRIA , there to resolue whether to turne his forces . The Imperials in the meane time encamping neere vnto HATWAN and ZOLNOK , to hinder the Turkes from victualling of BVDA , as they desired , cut off fiue hundred of them at their first arriuall , who to that purpose were going towards BVDA ; and tooke also one of the Turkes Chiaus prisoner : who sent from Ibrahim the Generall , was going to AGRIA , to put them in hope of their speedie reliefe . They also at the same time attempted to haue surprised ZOLNOK : where a good number of them with certaine Petardes approching the gates , in hope so to haue broken them open , being discouered by the watch , were inforced to retire , leauing fortie behind them slaine , and carrying away with them many moe of their fellowes wounded : in reuenge whereof , the rest shewed their furie vpon the countrey thereabout , destroying the villages , and intercepting a great deale of munition , which together with other victuals they met by the way as it was going to BVDA and AGRIA . Summer now almost spent , Ibrahim the great Bassa in the beginning of September came to BVDA with an armie of an hundred and thirtie thousand strong , and from thence in the name of his great lord and master gaue the emperour to vnderstand at PRAGE , That for the sauing of further effusion of innocent bloud , and not for any feare or distrust of his owne strength and power , hee could bee content to hearken vnto some reasonable conditions or treatie of peace . Whereunto both these great princes ( hauing well wearied themselues with these long warres , and exhausted their treasures ) seemed not now vnwilling , expecting ( as was thought ) nothing more than for the honour to be the first entreated : and the rather , for that the old Sultannesse , Mahomet his mother ( whom by the weakenesse of her sonnes gouernment , such as neuer was in any the Othoman kings or emperours before , beareth the greatest sway in his affaires ) seemed in what she might to further the same . Wherefore in the latter end of September a place was agreed vpon for a parley for peace , which was in an island in the riuer of Danubie beneath STRIGONIVM : whither the lords Swartzenburg , Nadasti , Palfi , and the bishop of VACCIA , being come for the emperour ▪ and Amurath the Bassa of BVDA , with the lieutenant Generall of the Tartars , and some others for the Grand signior : the Turkes at the first ( after their vnreasonable manner ) demaunded to haue RA● , STRIGONIVM , FILEK , SETCHIN , with all the rest of the townes and castles in fiue yeares before taken from them by the Christians , to bee now againe surrendered vnto them , with a certaine yearely tribute by the emperour to be paied vnto the great Sultan at CONSTANTINOPLE ; as also there to haue his embassadour leiger continually attending vpon the Turkes Court : for which they offered to deliuer againe vnto the emperour the citie of AGRIA onely . All which their proud and vnreasonable demaunds being by the aforesaid commissioners on the emperours behalfe rejected , they were contented to come to some more reasonable talke , offering to leaue vnto the emperour RAE and AGRIA ( whereof RAE was his owne alreadie ) onely for STRIGONIVM , exchanging as it were STRIGONIVM for AGRIA . Which when it could neither bee obtained , the parley was so broken off , and nothing concluded , and so the warres againe continued , without any memorable thing more this yeare betwixt them done , either on the one side or the other : the Christians contenting themselues to haue distressed the chiefe cities the Turkes held in HVNGARIE , and the Turks no lesse apaied to haue relieued the same . But whilest things thus passed betwixt the Christians and the Turks in HVNGARIE , Michael the Vayuod of VALACHIA , yet the emperours friend and confederat , and vnder his protection , certainely enformed his life to be sought after in the Turkes Court by the ambitious Cardinall Bathor his enuious neighbour , but lately become the prince of TRANSYLVANIA ( as is before declared : ) by commaundement from the emperour , and to be reuenged of so great a wrong , as also betimes to prouide for his owne safetie , with an armie of threescore thousand strong suddenly entered into TRANSYLVANIA , in most horrible manner burning the countrey and killing the people before him as he went. Where whilest the Cardinall ( who was thought to haue purposed to haue serued him in like sort , had he not beene by him preuented ) was making head against him , 〈◊〉 the mean time had the citie of 〈◊〉 ( commonly called BRASSO ) with the strong castle of Fogaras , yeelded vnto him : from whence he marching towards ALBA IVLIA , the six and twentith of October with all his armie , before deuided into three parts , but now againe vnited , came into the plains neere TEMISON , about three leagues from HERMENSTAT : where vnderstanding that his lieutenant corrupted by Ibrahim Bassa , had promised to kill him ; and now well assured thereof , to rid himselfe of that danger , with his owne hands presently cut his throat , and so dispatched him . When by and by after came vnto him the Popes Nuntio , sent by a finenesse from the Cardinall , accompanied with another embassadour , the better to countenance out the matter , telling him , that the same embassadour had commission from the emperor , to will him forthwith to desist from armes , and without further delay to depart out of TRANSYLVANIA . Which thing seeming vnto the Vayuod very strange and almost impossible , hee desired to see the said commission . Whereunto the Nuntio before instructed , answered , that he had left it with the Cardinall himselfe : but I ( said the Vayuod ) haue one here present from the emperour of another purport , which I purpose fully to put in execution : yet was he for that day entreated by the Nuntio to stay his armie . And so in the meane time lying both still , and in great suspence , the Vayuod desired to know of the Nuntio the cause why the Cardinall forgetting himselfe , so troubled that countrey , by intruding himselfe thereinto , to the great prejudice of them vnto whom it of better right belonged , not attending vnto the gouernment of the Church , better beseeming his calling than the managing of arms , to the disturbance of the Christian peace . Whereunto he receiued no answere . So the eight and twentith of October , a day dedicated to the commemoration of the Apostles Simon and Iude , these messengers were sent backe againe vnto the Cardinall : who presently returned them back vnto the Vayuod with new instructions ( being then busie with his young sonne , in setting his men in order of battell , presently to goe against the Cardinall : ) of whom they could get no other answer , but that he was resolued forthwith to come vnto the triall of a battell with him . So the two armies lying encamped not past a quarter of a league the one from the other , and the same day meeting together , joyned a most terrible and cruell battell , which for the space of fiue houres was with such desperat obstinacie fought , as if they had euery man vowed to haue carried away the victorie ouer his enemie , or there to haue left themselues dead vpon the ground ; vntill the Cardinals people at length ouercome in a long and bloudie fight , were there vtterly ouerthrowne : amongst whom were thirtie thousand Turkes and Tartars , sent vnto him from Ibrahim Bassa the Turks Generall . The Cardinall himselfe seeing the discomfiture of his armie , was by some reported to haue saued himselfe by flight : but by some others was said to haue beene drowned in passing a riuer , as hee fled from the Valachians that had him in chase . But the truth was , that the Vayuod now master of the field sent out certaine troupes of horsemen diuers waies still to pursue him : and himselfe with the rest of his armie prosecuting the victorie , came to the Cardinals campe , now by the Transyluanians and Turkes quite forsaken , wherein he found fiue and fortie pieces of artillerie , with great store of coine and wealth , beside a number of tents and horses , all which became vnto him a prey . From thence he marched vnto ALBA IVLIA , where he was with great joy receiued of his friends and confederats there : for though the greater part of the Transyluanians , especially the nobilitie , had together with the Cardinall submitted themselues vnto the Turkes protection , and followed his ensignes : yet were there diuers others also , who still fauoured the emperour , and therefore rejoyced not a little of this victorie . The Vayuod after that sent his lieutenant to CLAVDIOPOLIS , to see if they would yeeld also : which they willingly did , with many other cities and castles in diuers parts of that countrey , which hauing none to rest vpon , now yeelded also : in such sort , that shortly after all TRANSYLVANIA submitted it selfe againe vnto the emperours obeisance , and swore vnto him obedience : most of the nobilitie of that countrey being either slaine in the battell , or afterwards put to death by the Vayuod : amongst whom were fiue , which corrupted by the Cardinall , had before vndertaken to kill him . Now the foureteenth of Nouember , after diuers reports of the Cardinals escape , his vngratious head was for all that presented vnto the Vayuod , which to the terrour of others , being for a while set vp in ALBA IVLIA ( where he but a little before had commaunded as a prince ) was afterwards taken downe , and sent for a present from the Vayuod vnto the Emperour and the Archdukes his brethren ; his headlesse bodie being afterward by the commaundement of the Vayuod honourably buried in a monasterie at ALBA IVLIA , in the same tombe he had before made for his brother , beheaded by his cousin Sigismund Bathor . The Cardinals treasure also fell into his hands , which was said to haue beene three millions of gold . Thus the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA , lately before by the Cardinall yeelded vnto the obeisance of the Turke , was againe by this worthie Vayuod recouered , and restored vnto the Christian empire ; the proud Cardinall cast out and brought to confusion , hauing not yet possessed these his new honours full eight moneths . His cousin Sigismund the late Transyluanian prince , who almost all this while had stayed at BORVSIA , and in disguised apparrell seene DANSKE , and diuers other the free cities thereabouts , now hearing newes of the Cardinals ouerthrow , secretly got him away from thence into POLONIA to seeke againe his new fortunes . The lord Swartzenburg at the same time vniting his forces in the lower HVNGARIE with them of STIRIA , and now twentie thousand strong , sought by all meanes to reduce so many places vpon those frontiers as he could vnto the emperours obeisance , and so tooke in aboue two hundred villages . But afterward thinking to haue surprised the strong castle of CAPISVAR , and by night secretly approching one of the gates with a Petarde , which tooke not the expected effect , he was discouered by the watch , and so by the garrison souldiors ( now raised with the alarum ) repulsed , and enforced to retire with the losse of about an hundred men , and diuers others wounded , all men of good account : in reuenge whereof Swartzenburg afterwards sent out diuers troupes of horsemen , which scouring all ouer the countrey as farre as SIGETH , burnt it also , and so returning , carried away with them a great bootie . Ibrahim Bassa hearing of this ouerthrow of the Cardinall , with all the forces he had sent him , much troubled therewith , sent newes thereof in post to CONSTANTINOPLE : the brute wherof brought a generall feare vpon the whole citie also , insomuch that commission was forthwith sent vnto him from the great Sultan , giuing him power ( if it might be ) to come to some honourable peace with the Emperour , and to bring it with him to CONSTANTINOPLE : whither he was shortly to returne , being now no longer time to keepe the field with his armie , which beside the cold season of the yeare suffered great want of bread , the plague also then raging therein with the death of many his best souldiors both horse and foot , beside the wonderfull mortalitie of their cattell also : in such sort , that the souldiors not able longer to endure the famine and wants increasing , fell to robbing of one another , and so at length into mutinie ; wherein diuers of them being slaine and cut in pieces by their fellowes , the rest for the most part brake in sunder of themselues , and so by diuers waies returned home , not well trusting one another . So that nothing more was now done with the great preparation of the Turkes , their armie being discomfited with wants and the euill successe of their affaires , as well in HVNGARIE as in TRANSYLVANIA . Neither did Ibrahim the great Bassa for the reliefe of those euils , at his returne bring any conclusion of peace vnto his great lord and master , as was commonly expected . Now beside these troubles of TRANSYLVANIA and the other reuolted countries , Cusahin ( or as some call him Cassan ) the sonne of one of the Sultanesses , brought vp in the Seraglio according to the manner thereof , and hauing long serued in the wars of PERSIA and in HVNGARIE , and so at length made Bassa of CARAMANIA , a man of great spirit , and not able to endure the imperfections he daily saw in the Othoman empire , and the cowardise of the grand signior ; vpon the report of the euill successe of the affaires of HVNGARIE on the one side , and the desire he saw in the Persians to recouer their lost fortresses on the other , and grieued also with more particular wrongs concerning himselfe ; as a man altogither discontented , resolued to take vp armes : and calling vnto him his souldiors , and ( as he was a well spoken man ) laying before them the deformities of the present state , gallantly persuaded them with the promise of honour , soueraigntie , and rich rewards , what an easie thing it were to chase the grand signior out of ASIA , and to set themselues with all that part of the empire at libertie . And so euen at the first hauing woon vnto him three thousand harquebusiers , and fiue thousand horsemen , tooke the field to the great hurt of the Turkes , and trouble of the state . A strange matter in that tyrannicall empire . The newes whereof comming in post to the Court , commission was forthwith directed vnto foure of the Sanzackes of ASIA neerest vnto him , for the speedie suppressing of that rebellion but euen then arising . Whereof Cusahin vnderstanding , and that they with ten thousand horse and foot were comming to oppresse him : without farther stay went couragiously to meet them , and so encountring of them , ouerthrew them with a great slaughter , and tooke from them their baggage with six pieces of great ordinance . And after with his people seized vpon all the castles thereabouts , giuing whatsoeuer he found therein for a prey vnto his souldiors : who also much enriched themselues with the spoile of the Iewes , as the people whom they most hated , and neuer rested vntill he had made almost all the countrey of CARAMANIA his owne . After that he laid siege to COGNA , a citie in the confines of NATOLIA , which was forthwith yeelded vnto him . And yet not so contented , gaue it out by open proclamation , that for the reformation of the disordered state , he would ere long go to besiege the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE : and that therfore all such as would follow him , should of him be intreated as his friends and companions , threatning vnto the rest most cruell death and destruction . Of which his proceedings Mahomet ( as then disporting himselfe at his gardens of pleasure in the countrey , all alongst the side of PROPONTIS ) vnderstanding , and fearing to be there surprised , or that some sudden innouation might be raised in the citie : hasted with all speed to CONSTANTINOPLE , and from thence in all hast dispatched Mehemet one of the Visier Bassaes the sonne of Sinan , with all the forces he could make to go against him . Who passing ouer into ASIA with a great power , and yet fearing to come to the triall of a battell with him whom he knew to be a man of himselfe desperatly set , and not a little fauoured also euen of his owne souldiors : so secretly wrought by large promises , that Cusahin his footmen were euen vpon the point to haue forsaken him . Which he quickly perceiuing , fled forthwith through SIRIA into ARABIA with his horsemen , and the horsemen of Simon the Georgian : purposing the next Spring by the helpe of Arabians and Persians to appeare in the field with greater forces than before . After whom Mehemet the great Bassa following , came with his armie to ALEPPO , there to Winter , and to expect the returne of the rebell together with the Spring . This so dangerous a rebellion , with the troubles of TRANSYLVANIA and VALACHIA , were the cause that the grand signior seeing himselfe in so many places forsaken of his subjects , was the readier to encline vnto peace with the emperour ; whereunto for all that the emperour was not hastie to hearken , but vpon honourable conditions : as knowing that the Turke required the same , not for any desire he had to liue in quiet , but for that his troubled affaires both at home and elswhere abroad so required ; his Ianizaries and other men of warre in this his so weake gouernment being growne so insolent , as that they were hardly to bee by him commaunded ; openly threatening in their discontented humors not only the deposing of the principall officers about him , but of himselfe also , and of the banishment of the Sultanesse his mother , saying , that she had bewitched him , to the end she might her selfe rule , which she indeed doth in all his greatest affaires . But the rebell Cusahin the next yeare growne againe very strong , was now come into the field , and euen readie to haue giuen the Bassa battell : who as hee was a man of great wisedome and experience , well considering with what a desperat enemie hee had to doe , thought it best againe to proue , if his rebellious followers might by faire meanes bee drawne from him : and so comming neere vnto him , by open proclamation promised a free and generall pardon to all such as had followed the rebell in those wars , if forsaking him , they should forthwith returne home to their dwellings , and so to the obedience of their just and lawfull prince and soueraigne . Which generall pardon so proclaimed , was the ruine of Cusahin , for that the greatest part of his followers now enriched with the great booties they had gotten , and now also hauing free pardon offered them , returned home into their owne countries , there at ease to liue of their euill gotten goods , leauing their captaine with some few others which staied with him , with little hope to be saued . So that within a few daies after Cusahin thus forsaken of his followers , was himselfe taken and brought prisoner to CONSTANTINOPLE , where shortly after hee was with most exquisit torments tortured to death . The troubles of this yeare thus past , Rodolph the Christian emperour with the beginning of the next ( whilest the ground yet couered with snow , and the vnseasonablenesse of the weather would not suffer the souldiors to keepe the field ) caused a Diet of the princes of the empire to be called , to consider with him of such helpes as were by them to be giuen against the Spring , for the maintenance of the warres which yet he had against the Turke : who all promised to send their souldiors with their pay , and such further contribution as might serue for the maintenance of that defensiue warre against the common enemie . Whereunto also Clement now bishop of ROME ( this yeare of Iubilie ) put to his helping hand , as he had diuers times before , by sending thither such aid both of men and money as hee had before promised : so that by this meanes great preparation was made by the Christians for the taking of the field with the first of the Spring . At which time the Turkes also began to stirre : who although Ibrahim Bassa their Generall by the appointment of his great lord was then in some speech with the emperour about a peace , yet ceased not they in the meane time that this treatie was from day to day prolonged , with their companies scattering here and there , to doe what harme they could vpon the frontiers of the emperours territories , the cause why he with more speed called vpon his friends for their promised aid . And for the better managing of this yeares warres against the Turke , he appointed duke Mercurie ( who had drawne a great number of Frenchmen both horse and foot out of FRANCE ) Generall of all his forces , sending Ferrant Gonzaga surnamed the Lame ( whom for his approued valour and experience in martiall affaires , he had sent for to MANTVA ) gouernour into the vpper HVNGARIE . So the souldiors now day by day by companies resorting from diuers parts into AVSTRIA , were from thence sent vnto such places as were by the Turkes most molested , so to represse their often incursions , as in many places they did . For eight thousand of the Turkes going out vpon the sudden to haue surprised PAPPA , were by the garrison souldiours of that place encountered and ouerthrowne . And on the other side , whilest Ferdinand the Archduke was assembling his people in CROATIA , for the defence of that countrey against the incursions of the enemie , six thousand Turks without resistance entring the same as farre as BVCCARI , and burning the countrey villages as they went , had taken many prisoners , with a great bootie of cattell ; and so ( merrie and out of feare ) being about to haue returned , were suddenly set vpon by the Countie Serinus in certaine straight and troublesome passages , where they least feared any such matter , and ouercharged also with their prey , were ( I say ) easily by him for the most part ouerthrowne , and the rest put to flight , and so the prisoners with all the rest of the bootie againe recouered . At which time also one of the imperiall colonels with fifteene hundred horse making an inrode into the countrey about ALBA REGALIS , and meeting with the Turkes and Tartars thereabouts , slew six hundred of them , and tooke diuers of their captaines prisoners . Six thousand other Tartars also at this time returning out of HVNGARIE home towards their owne countrey , were by the Cossackes neere vnto the Blacke sea set vpon with such force , that many of them being slaine , the rest for feare ran into the sea , leauing all the prey they had got in HVNGARIE vnto their enemies . In the heat of these broiles the noble lord Palfi gouernour of STRIGONIVM , a man that all his life long had done great seruice for his prince and country , & whom we haue so often in this historie remembred , died the three and twentith of March in his castle at BI●ERSPVRG , to the great griefe of many , especially the Hungarians his countreymen . And for that STRIGONIVM ( so neere vnto the enemie ) required in his stead to haue a right valiant and couragious gouernour , the emperour appointed the lord Swartzenburg to that charge : the same still running , that Ibrahim Bassa would come thither with the great armie he was in prouiding , if the peace went not forward , which was now still lesse and lesse hoped for , by reason of his prowd and insolent demaunds . But whilest these troubles with such others too long to rehearse , thus passed in diuers pa●ts of this miserable countrey of HVNGARIE : twelue hundred Frenchmen and Wallons in garrison at PAPPA ( a strong frontier towne of the emperours in the lower HVNGARIE ) for want of pay began to mutinie . For which cause it was thought good to the chiefe commanders to haue them thence remooued , and others placed in their roume . Which they perceiuing , and withall knowing themselues too strong for the rest of the garrison , all Hungarians or Almaines , not partakers of their conspiracie ; they first resolued to thrust their owne captaines out of the towne , as lets vnto their desires : and then laying hands vpon Michael Marotti the paymaster , and other the Hungarian and Dutch commaunders , with their souldiors , tooke from them their weapons , and ca●● the said Marotti with the other captaines and some of the better sort of their souldiors into yrons , exacting of the rest as well Hungarians as Dutch , in number about a thousand persons , a thousand duckats ; threatening otherwise to deliuer them into the hands of the Turkes : and albeit that Marotti offered for his libertie eighteene hundred duckats ; yet would they not bee so contented , but spoyling both him and the rest of all that they had , with their apparrell and weapons furnished such Turkes as were there prisoners , and so sent them away to ALBA REGALIS ; and afterwards rifling euery mans house , as if they had beene enemies , tooke from them whatsoeuer pleased themselues : and that which worse was , to encrease these outrages , compacted with the Turkes of ALBA REGALIS and BVDA , for the pay which ( they said ) the emperour ought them , to deliuer them the towne : certifying them withall , how that the lord Swartzenburg within two daies was comming with money to giue them contentment ; promising if hee came into the towne , to deliuer him with the same into their hands : or to bee the more sure of him , they might if they so pleased intercept him at the passage ZESNEGKH , whereby he must needs come . For the more credit of which their wicked purpose , they sent an ensigne of the emperours , as a token vnto the Turkes at ALBA REGALIS : who for all that altogether belieued them not , yet willing farther to trie them , sent them for hostages two Chians ; for whom the rebels sent also two others of the better sort of them to ALBA REGALIS ; with conclusion , that the fiue and twentith of Iune at the furthest the money should be paied , and the towne deliuered . For the receiuing whereof , and for feare of some hidden treason , the Turkes and Tartars began to make themselues strong : the Imperials also doing what they might for the appeasing of so dangerous a tumult . So the tenth of Iune the lord Swartzenburg with two thousand horse and foot came within two miles of the towne , and from thence sent foure and twentie horsemen to dissuade the rebels from yeelding the towne vnto the Turks , and to tell them that they should shortly receiue their pay : who shamefully deriding them , sent them backe againe as wise as they came : so that Swartzenburg perceiuing himselfe with so small forces to be able to doe nothing against them , neither yet by faire meanes to persuade them , retired againe to RAB , vntill some greater strength were come vnto him . Immediatly after , doctor Petzen , Councellour for the warres , a man of great authoritie , grauitie and wisedome , was by Matthias the Archduke with foure hundred horse conducted to PAPPA , to see if he by his discretion could haue dissuaded them from their so vngodly a purpose , for the yeelding of the towne vnto the enemie : whom they not onely refused to heare , although he spake vnto them most kindly , but also bent their muskets and harquebusies vpon him , threatning to kill him if he did not forthwith depart . When shortly after , twentie of the Hungarians imprisoned in a cellar in the towne , brake out , and comming to RAB , brought newes thither , That the Frenchmen and Wallons in PAPPA were at variance among themselues about the yeelding vp of the towne vnto the Turkes ( some better minded than the rest , not willing to consent thereunto ) insomuch , that they in the castle shot at them in the towne , and they againe at them in the castle : and that they had alreadie receiued from the Turks twentie thousand duckats , with some prouision of victuals , & were shortly after to receiue from them the rest of the money promised them , and so to deliuer the towne . For preuenting whereof , the lord Swartzenburg the two and twentith of Iune sent the lord Sharpfenstein with a French colonell , three thousand souldiors , certaine Petardes , and a number of scaling ladders towards PAPPA : whom the false rebels suffered peaceably to enter the towne the foure and twentith of Iune , still encouraging them to come on , calling them their countreymen and brethren , and in token of friendship shaking them by the hands , telling them , that hauing assurance of their pay , they desired no more : But hauing now receiued in so many of them as they thought good , and as they knew they were well able to deale with , shutting the rest out , they cut them all in peeces , and afterwards in derision called vpon the high Dutches to come on in like manner . Three hundred of these rebels at the same time had laied themselues in ambush by a mill fast without the towne , who by the Wallons and Haiduckes without discouered , were also by them charged : vpon whom for all that , by reason of the shot out of the towne , they could doe no good ; but hauing lost three hundred men , and amongst them Hanniball Kralzs , the lord Sharpfensteine his lieutenant generall , and one Del la Margose the chiefe enginer , they retired : Which losse the desperat rebels ( if it had beene in their choice ) had wished rather to haue happened vnto the Dutches than to the Wallons or Hungarians . About three daies after , three of these rebels being by chance taken prisoners by the Imperials , and brought to RAE , were not only apparrelled but also trimmed after the Turkish fashion , as men not desiring longer to be accounted Christians , the rest of their fellowes in the towne also all imitating the Turkes fashions , as well in their apparrell as in their manner of seruice : yet for all that would not these metamorphosed monsters yeeld the towne vnto the Turks , before they had the full summe by them agreed vpon , the Bassa of BOSNA being commaunded from the Grand signior in all hast to prouide it for them , and so to receiue of them the towne . Neuerthelesse , for their more strength and their more credit with the Turkes , they receiued into the towne one ensigne of the Turks , with certain waggons of victuals , brought thither with so strong a conuoy as that the Imperials durst not meddle therwith : in which waggons ( being discharged ) they sent in bonds six hundred Hungarians and Dutch , men , women , and children , prisoners to ALBA REGALIS ; being all of them glad to be so sent away , in hope to find more fauour and courtesie at the hands of their enemies , than they had found with these renegat Christians . So shortly after , these rebels sent out certaine messengers vnto the gouernour of AL●A REGALIS , to know his full resolution ; which messengers ( conducted by certaine Turkes of great account ) were vpon the way by the free Haiduckes all intercepted , and the messengers taken , with an hundred Turkes moe . In the meane while Michael Marotti , before imprisoned by the rebels in PAPPA , by letters secretly aduertised the lord Swartzenburg of a certaine place , whereby he might ( as he said ) easily enter the towne , and the rather , for that the rebels were at variance amongst themselues . Who thereupon the twelfth of Iuly came to PAPP● with nine thousand horse and foot , but disappointed of his purpose for entering the towne , hardly neuerthelesse belayed the same : vpon whom the mutiniers many times desperatly sallied out , & right valiantly encountered them , albeit that they were still , without any notable losse , by their enemies ( too strong for them ) beaten backe againe into the towne . In one of which sallies it fortuned one of their captaines to be taken , who to the terrour of the rest was presently flaine quicke , and his head and skin vpon a pike set vp before the towne , for his fellowes to behold . But the lord Swartzenburg still more and more preuailing vpon them , they sent secretly for aid to the Turks : whereof he for all that getting intelligence , sent also for three regiments of souldiours moe to come vnto him to the siege ; by whose comming he well strengthened , and bringing his approches neerer the towne , tooke from the rebels the mill , a strength which they very vnwillingly lost , as in hope thereby to haue the more easily receiued aid from the Turkes ; who hauing made preparation to haue relieued them , were letted so to doe by the rising of the water , which had spoiled all the prouision for their reliefe at the bridge of ESSEG , as also hindered them for marching forward . At length the Imperials were come with their trenches euen to the towne ditches , out of which they had let out all the water : where some of the townesmen e●caping out of the towne , declared , how that the mutinous souldiors within laboured both day and night to fortifie the towne , but to be in their worke much letted by the continuall assaults of the Imperials : as also that they now had neither bread nor wine , nor other victuals left , more than a little salt , and threescore horse , of which they had alreadie begun to eat : and that although they were not altogether so valiant , yet that they had resolued to die by the hands of the souldiors , as men expecting no other mercie . Yet shortly after , viz. the nine and twentith of Iuly , they desperatly fell out vpon the trenches of Marspurgisch , a Dutch captaine ; of whose souldiors they slew many , being drunke , and driuing the rest out of their trenches , raised a great alarum . Which the lord Swartzenburg hearing , hasted thither to the rescue ; where with an vnluckie musket shot hee was strucke in the head and slaine . Whereof the rebels got knowledge the same euening , and Del la Mota their Generall in reward of that seruice gaue vnto them that had made that sallie a thousand dollars to be deuided amongst them . The dead bodie of that so worthie a man , as had done great seruice for the Christian commonweale , was afterwards with great solemnitie brought to RAB , and there honourably enterred . The like desperate sallie they made againe the next day , and slew of the Imperials an hundred and thirtie , and tooke certaine prisoners : and in retiring backe againe into the towne , cried aloud , That when they lacked meat , rather than they would yeeld the towne , they would eat Christians , whereof Marotti should bee the first . The lord Swartzenburg thus slaine , the gouernment of the armie was by Matthias the archduke committed to the lord Redern , a noble man both valiant and learned , who although hee were verie sickly came vnto the camp before PAPPA the eight of August ; where vnderstanding that the rebels now brought vnto extremitie , had a purpose by night to flie away and so be gon , he caused a more vigilant and strong watch to be kept ; when lo according to his expectation the next night after about two houres before day they began to issue out : whereof the watch giuing knowledge vnto the Generall , they were indeed suffered to go out as vnperceiued , but presently after at their heels were sent out the lord Nadasti and the earle of Thurn with two hundred Hussars , and after them the chiefe colonell and countie Solmes with part of their horsemen also , who in three diuers places ouertaking them neere vnto a great wood called Packem , slew most part of them : Del la Mota their chiefe captaine or ringleader being slaine by the chiefe colonell , because he would not yeeld , and his head afterwards by him presented vnto the Generall in the campe . Two hundred Wallons the Hussars vnder the leading of the lord Nadasti , countie Solmes , and countie Thurn , found out in the wood ; who albeit that they for a space made great resistance , yet in the end were enforced to yeeld , and so with their two ensignes were brought into the campe . The Hussars also vpon another passage light vpon other two hundred mo of these rebellious Wallons , who because they stood strongly vpon their guard , and were more desperatly set than the rest , the Generall sent out other two hundred of the colonels horsemen vpon them , by whom and the Hussars they were almost all slaine : diuers others of them also were slaine in comming out of the towne , and in the marishes therabouts . Their Generals lieutenant with such other of their principall commaunders as were taken , were by the lord Rederns commandement deliuered ●nto the Prouost martiall ; the rest of the rebellious traitours he at the request of the souldiors deuided into diuers parts of the armie , there to the terrour of others to be executed , from whom the souldiours could hardly be persuaded euen for the present to hold their hands . But afterwards hauing brought them to RAB , and leaue giuen them to doe with them their pleasure , they as farre exceeded in the cruell manner of their execution , as had they before in their outragious dealings , especially the Hungarians and Wallons , notwithstanding most of them were of the Wallon countries . Some of them they empailed , some they brake vpon the wheele ; some of their skins they cut off their bodies as it were into thongs , and so poured into the wounds , vinegar , salt , and pepper ; from some others they cut off their priuities ; some they roasted , and some they put vnto the Tenalia ; vpon some they dropped molten pitch , and then casting gunpouder vpon them , so burnt them to death ; othersome they hanged vpon yron hookes ; and some they set in the ground vp to the chin , and for their disport with yron bullets bowled at their heads . In all which torments no signe of compassion was to be seene , the tormentours to make their paine the greater doing nothing but deride them : the miserable wretches in the meane time confessing the hainousnesse of their offence , and crauing for death as a fauour . A most horrible thing it was to see , how whilest some were thus tortured , others were brought to see the same miserie they themselues were by and by to endure . Amongst the rest of these exquisit torments , one Peter Orsy caused one of the mutiners to be sowed vp in the belly of a mare , with his head hanging out , and so to be roasted ; in which miserable torment he liued three houres , and then died : after which he caused the loathsome bodie so roasted , to be giuen to them that lay staruing vpon the wheele to eat . Thus was the dangerous mutinie at PAPPA with much adoe ended , and that strong towne like to haue been lost , preserued : the rebels themselues being become a dreadfull example to all posteritie , for all them to looke vpon that shall attempt the like villanie . Now at this same time also , though neither the Christians nor the Turkes had as then any great armie in the field , yet many an hoat and bloudie skirmish passed daily betwixt them in one place or other of HVNGARIE : all which to recount as it would be much tedious , so in silence to passe them all ouer , were greatly to wrong those worthie personages by whom they were not without their great aduenture done . Among the rest one Nicholas Horbath countie Serinus his lieutenant , with an hundred and fiftie souldiors , and Andrew Thussi an other great commaunder , going forth to seeke for bootie ; Thussi hearing that the Turkes were abroad for the surprising of certaine Haiduckes then gone out , st●ied fast in a secret place ●ntill he might heare farther newes , Horbath another way still going on . Now it happened that the Bassa of SIGETH hauing been abroad , in returning home by chance met with Horbath , and encountring with him ouerthrew him , and slew most of his men , Horbath himselfe by flight hardly escaping . But Thussi hearing this skirmish , as lying close not farre off , and now hasting thither to haue been partaker thereof , found the Bassa yet in the field on foot ▪ viewing the bodies of the slaine : vpon whom he came so suddenly and with such force , as that the Bassa with his disordered men had much adoe to take horse , and so without any great resistance to betake himselfe to flight : after whom the Hungarians fiercely following slew many of the Turks , and amongst the rest the Bassa himselfe , whose head presently cut off , Horbath sent to the countie Serinus , who shortly after by Thussi himselfe sent it to Matthias the archduke , This Bassa was a man of great strength and courage , a most exp●rt and aduenturous captaine , about thirtie six yeares old , and for his valour of a common souldior created a Bassa by the great Sultan . His head being brought to VIENNA , and there sh●wed to the Bassa of Buda then there prisoner , and he demaunded whether h● knew it or not , sighing answered , that he knew it well , and that it was the head of the Bassa of SIGETH , a brauer man than whom the Sultan had none in all his empire , earnestly withall desiring to know how he wa● slaine . And not long after the aduentu●ers out of COMO●A , STRIGONIVM and other places thereabout hauing made a great partie , and taken a great bootie from the Turks at a faire at GOMBAR , and by TRA and ESSEG , thinking to haue passed Danubius in hope of a greater bootie , seuen hundred of them being passed the riuer , were by the new Bassa of SIGETH and others with fiue thousand Turkes in an hoat skirmish ouerthrowne ▪ yet not without their great losse also : the Bassa himselfe with two other Sanzackes and fiue hundred Turkes being there slaine , and but fiftie of the Christian aduenturers left dead in the place , the rest disorderedly retiring to their boats , being for most part drowned in the Danubie . The free Haiduckes also surprised IVLA and set it on fire , in which confusion the Turkes flying into the castle , for hast thrust one another from the bridge into the castle ditch ; wherein so many of them were drowned , that a man might haue gone drie foot ouer vpon the bodies of the dead . They tooke there also six hundred prisoners with much other bootie , and deliuered two hundred Christians which were there captiues . And albeit that these Haiduckes after this exploit done were hardly pursued by the Turkes from other places , yet they in safetie retired with such bootie as they had alreadie gotten . But now to leaue these the troubles of HVNGARIE for a while , as the forerunners of greater ere long to ensue ; let vs againe looke backe into TRANSYLVANIA and VALACHIA , to see how Michaell the Vayuod now in the meane time behaued himselfe there . The Cardinall Bathor ouerthrowne and slaine , and the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA againe brought vnder the emperours obedience ; the Vayuod by his embassadours gaue him forthwith to vnderstand of all his proceedings , with the whole successe thereof , as also of a purpose he had to inuade MOLDAVIA : for that it was commonly reported , and also beleeued , that Sigismund the late prince ( not a little moued with the death of the Cardinall his cousin , and the reuolt of his countrey ) aided by the Turkes , the Tartars , the Polonians , and Moldauians , would now attempt some great matter for the recouerie of TRANSYLVANIA : All which was shortly after the rather thought to be true , for that diuers of his spies being taken , some at CLAVSENBVRG , some at NESSEN , beside the letters that were found about them from him vnto the nobilitie and states of TRANSYLVANIA ( persuading them to reuolt from the Vayuod vnto him , and that his meaning was shortly to come with a great armie out of POLONIA for the repulsing of him ) they also of themselues confessed , how that Sigismund in disguised apparell had himselfe beene in TRANSYLVANIA , to conferre with diuers his secret friends concerning that matter . Which his embassadours the emperour honourably entertained , and by them confirmed vnto the Vayuod the gouernment of TRANSYLVANIA , sending also vnto him diuers honourable presents ; forbidding him neuerthelesse to inuade MOLDAVIA , for feare of raising a new and dangerous warre against the Polonians also , vnder whose protection and the Turkes the Palatine thereof then rested . According vnto which commaund the Vayuod staied his intended expedition ; yet sending some good part of his forces vnto the frontiers of MOLDAVIA , for feare of Sigismund whom he heard to be hatching some mischiefe in POLONIA , and euen then to lie vpon the frontiers of that countrey . Some few moneths thus passing , Husraim Aga ( a graue reuerend old man , and much employed by the Turkish Sultan ) with fiue other Turkes of good account , embassadours from the great Sultan , and a great retinue following him , came to CRONSTAT in TRANSYLVANIA where the Vayuod then lay . Of whose comming the Vayuod hearing , with foure thousand horsmen most brauely mounted , went halfe a mile out of the citie to meet them : the footmen in the meane time on both sides of the street standing in good order , from the gate of the citie whereby they were to enter , euen vnto the Vayuods lodging ; where stood also his guard all in red and white silke . So meeting in the field , they both alighted from their horses , with great reuerence saluting the one the other : when presently the embassadour embracing the Vayuod , vngirt his scimitar , and in the name of the great Sultan put another about him , so richly garnished with gold and precious stones , as that no part of the scaberd was therefore to bee seene : Besides this , he presented him with a faire plume of blacke Hearnes feathers mixed with some white ( a right goodly ornament , in forme of a great bush ) which the Vayuod would not in the field put vpon his head , although he were thereunto by the embassadour most earnestly requested , but caused it to be carried before him : He also presented him with two verie faire red ensignes , in token of the Turkes fauour and protection ; the one for himselfe , and the other for his sonne Petrasco : moreouer , hee gaue vnto him two exceeding faire horses richly furnished , with foure others , and a most faire faulcon . The Vayuod himselfe was most brauely mounted , and ( after the maner of his country ) had ten verie faire spare horses led before him . At whose enterance into the towne , all the great ordinance was discharged , with great vollies of small shot . And so the embassador still riding on the left hand of the Vayuod , being brought to his lodging , had six of his chiefe followers euerie one of them presented with a rich robe of cloth of gold ; in requitall whereof the embassadour rewarded an hundred of the Vayuod his followers euerie one of them with a good sute of apparell : with this embassadour of the Turkes was also the Polonian embassadour , whom the Vayuod in like manner honourably entertained . These embassadours ( as was thought ) did what they might to haue drawne this worthie and renowmed man , togither with the countries of TRANSYLVANIA and VALACHIA , from the emperour vnto the Turkes obeisance : howbeit he seldome or neuer spake with them , but that either before or after he had conference with the lords Vngnad and Zeckell ( the emperors commissioners ) concerning their requests ; alwaies protesting vnto them , not to yeeld to any thing without the emperours consent and good liking . Wherof Mahomet aduertised , and that he was not by any thing yet said or done to be remoued from the emperour , gaue him by the same embassadours to vnderstand , How that he was in some speech with the emperour concerning peace ( as indeed he then was by messengers from the Bassaes at PRES●VRO ) which if it sorted to effect , that then all should be well ; but if not , that then it should be good for him whilest he had yet time , wisely to consider of his owne estate , and to submit himselfe vnto his protection who was able to defend him , rather than for the vaine praise of a certaine foolish constancie , to aduenture himselfe with all that he had vnto most certaine danger and destruction : promising him in recompence of that his loyaltie , to giue vnto him for euer the countries of TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , and at his need to furnish him both with men and money ; offering moreouer to make him a great commaunder in his armie in HVNGARIE , and the Bassa of T●MESVVAR as his friend to be at all times readie with fiftie thousand horse and foot ( as need should be ) to assist him against the emperour , reseruing vnto himselfe whatsoeuer he should more win from him : for all which bountie and kindnesse , requiring onely to haue him vnto him loyall . All which his large offers the Vayuod little regarding , declared the same vnto the emperours commissioners ; yet still protesting neuer to start , but to stand fast for the Christian emperour . Notwithstanding as a man desirous to better his estate , he tooke hereupon occasion to request of the emperour the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA , by him so lately taken in , vnto him and his sonne in inheritance for euer , with such frontier townes as in former time belonged vnto TRANSYLVANIA : and that whatsoeuer he should win from the Turkes , might be his and his sonnes : He also requested , that all the preferments and dignities in former time granted by his Imperiall majestie vnto Sigismund the late prince , might now be bestowed vpon himselfe ; and for his seruice done , to be furnished with money for the payment of his souldiors : And that the emperor with the other princes of the empire should assure him , That if he were taken by the Turke , they should raunsome him : but in case he were by the great power of the Turke driuen out of those countries , then by the emperours appointment to haue some conuenient place allotted vnto him in the vpper HVNGARIE to liue in , with the yearly pension of an hundred thousand dollars . All which his requests if it would please him to grant , he promised this yeare to doe so much against the Turke , as had not in an hundred yeares been done before : with vaunt , that if he had had the imployment of the money which was spent in the time of this war , he would not haue doubted but to haue brought all the countries from the Euxine ( or Blacke sea ) to BVDA , ALBA REGALIS , and SOLNOCK , vnder the emperors obeysance . A large promise indeed , but hardly to haue been performed by a farre greater prince than he . Thus whilest things stood in discourse after the Cardinals death , Sigismund the late prince in the meane time supported by the Polonians , with the aid of the Turkes , the Tartars , and the Moldauians , was readie to haue inuaded TRANSYLVANIA : yea the Tartars ( as the forerunners of his greater power ) were alreadie entred the countrey , and had out of the frontiers thereof carried away some bootie . Whereof the Vayuod vnderstanding , in great hast assembled his forces out of all places , which in short time was growne to some good head , the countrey people togither with the free Haiduckes ( an aduenturous and resolute kind of souldiors ) in great number daily resorting vnto him . So being now eight thousand strong , and most of them braue and lustie men , he with them and twentie pieces of artillerie remoued to CRONSTAT the foure and twentith day of Aprill , sending part of his armie ( which euerie day more and more encreased ) before him to NESSEN : where all his forces being assembled to the number of almost fiftie thousand horse and foot , hee with great sceleritie passed the rough and high mountaines into MOLDAVIA without resistance , but yet not without some trouble , his souldiors by the way being glad sometimes to eat the leaues of trees , the enemie hauing of purpose before carried away whatsoeuer he could that might haue yeelded him reliefe . Of whose speedie comming and great strength , Sigismund and Ieremias the Vayuod of MOLDAVIA hearing , and vpon the reasonable estimate of their owne forces finding themselues too weake to encounter him , retired themselues out of MOLDAVIA into the frontiers of POLONIA , there to gather greater strength , and so to meet him : for as yet Ieremias the Vayuod had not receiued from the Turke such forces as were vnto him promised , and as he still expected . Michael the Vayuod in the meane time ( his enemies thus fled ) with fire and sword entering into MOLDAVIA , tooke in the greatest part thereof , the fearefull countrey people still yeelding vnto him as he went : and the rather , for that Ieremias their Vayuod ( placed by the Polonian , but tributarie vnto the Turke ) had laied vpon them a most grieuous imposition , as vpon euerie man a duckat a moneth , for which they exceedingly hated him . But here in MOLDAVIA , Michael the Vayuod ( hauing still in his companie one of the emperours commissioners in TRANSYLVANIA most trustie seruants , who might faithfully report vnto them the whole manner of their proceedings ) after the departure of Sigismund and Ieremias his enemies , staied not long ; but hearing that they were retired towards the confines of POLONIA , without longer delay made towards them , and the eighteenth of May found them by the castle OTHVNE neere vnto the riuer Nester , being thirtie thousand strong , Polonians , Moldauians , Turkes , and Tartars : with whom he joyned a most fierce and cruell battell , which begun about ten a clocke before noone , was with great courage but greater obstinacie on both sides maintained vntill the euening . At which time the fortune of the Valachian preuayling , his enemies at last betooke themselues to flight , of whom were there slaine eight thousand , beside many others of them drowned in the riuer Nester : where of the Valachians were lost two thousand onely . Concerning Sigismund and Ieremias , diuers reports were after this ouerthow giuen out , some saying that they were slaine , and some that they were in flying drowned : howbeit the truth was , that they both by flight escaped , to the greater trouble of themselues as of their afflicted countries also . Michael after this so notable a victorie , taking in the rest of MOLDAVIA , caused the people to sweare their obedience vnto the emperour , himselfe , and his sonne , to the great offence of the Polonians , not a little ( as they tooke it ) wronged therein ; but especially of the great Chancellor , an old enemie vnto the house of AVSTRIA . Whereof ensued greater troubles in those frontier countries than before , to the further effusion of more Christian bloud , much better to haue been emploied against the fatall enemie in defence of the Christian common-weale . Yet thus the three warlike and frontier countries of TRANSYLVANIA , VALACHIA , and MOLDAVIA , the surest bulwarkes of that side of Christendome , and most exposed vnto the furie of the common enemie , were now once againe vnited vnder the obeysance of the emperour , to the great benefit ( no doubt ) of the Christian common-weale , and hurt of the Turkes ; if they might haue so continued , as God wot they did not long . Now the Vayuod notwithstanding this so great a victorie , well considering that he of himselfe could hardly keepe this new gained prouince of MOLDAVIA against the power of the Turke , pretending that to him it belonged as his own to giue to whom he pleased : as also against the Polonians ( not more desirous to restore Ieremias againe into MOLDAVIA , than the prince Sigismund into TRANSYLVANIA ) without the help of some other more mightie prince whom he might rest vpon : by his embassadours ( sent for that purpose ) offered the soueraigntie of all those three countries vnto the emperour , with condition , that he should appoint him perpetuall Gouernour of the same vnder him . The emperour also vnderstood how that Mahomet the great Turke had not long before againe sent vnto him another of his Chiaus , commaunding him without delay to restore the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA vnto the prince Sigismund ( vnto whom he was by the mediation of the king of POLONIA now before reconciled ) threatning otherwise with fire and sword to destroy VALACHIA , and by force of armes to depriue him both of TRANSYLVANIA and his life togither . Wherefore the emperour doubting least the Vayuod either for feare , or for the better assuring of his owne estate , should to his prejudice fall to some agreement with the Turke , yeelded to all that his embassadours had of him requested ; with condition , that he should be bound as need should require to serue with his people against the Turke ; and that in TRANSYLVANIA neere vnto his owne person should be alwaies resident one of the emperours counsellors , as Superintendent ouer the whole countrey . Wherewith the Vayuod being contented , the Emperour sent thither doctor Petzen with six thousand souldiors , and a great summe of money to pay the Vayuods souldiors , as he had before requested ; and so to take of them an oath , That they should from thenceforth become his majesties faithfull seruants . Which Superintendent so by the emperor sent , the Vayuod receiued with great honour , as vnto him of all others most welcome . Neuerthelesse being againe returned into TRANSYLVANIA , it was not long , but that ( without regard of him ) he begā with new exactions to oppresse the people of that countrey , and in some sort to tyrannize ouer them ; vsing great seueritie against diuers of the Nobilitie also , especially such as he knew to haue taken part before with the Cardinall , or now of late with Sigismund his cousin , or any way to haue fauoured his quarrell . All which he did without the consent or good liking of Petzen , contrarie to his promise made , No more to embrue his hands in the bloud of the nobilitie of TRANSYLVANIA , without the knowledge or consent of his Imperiall majestie , or the Superintendent by him appointed : which for all that had he not done , he could not possibly haue kept them ( disdaining to be gouerned by him ) vnder his obeisa●●e . Neuerthelesse the Transyluanians taking it in euill part to be so oppressed , and the nobilitie almost extinguished , yea and indeed to be at all ruled by him ; by generall consent as if it had been but one man , rise all vp in armes against him : insomuch , that he finding himselfe with his Valachians and other his fauourits too weake for them , retired with all such as would follow him into the mountaines , and from thence sent presently for aid vnto the lord George Basta ( a worthy captaine and then the emperours lieutenant in the vpper HVNGARIE ) for the subduing of these rebellious people , and the reducing of them to their former obedience . Who by letters from Matthias the Archducke at the instance of the Vayuod commaunded so to doe , with about six thousand horse and foot , and eight field pieces , remoued from CASSOVIA in the vpper HVNGARIE the fourth of September : Where by the way came vnto him embassadours also from the people of TRANSYLVANIA now vp in armes , and confederat also against the Vayuod : who in like manner also requested his aid , pretending themselues to be the emperours most loyall subjects , but not vnder the gouernment of such a tyrant as was the Vayuod : alleadging and exaggerating many his most cruell actions , and clearely protesting , That for the present want of a good Gouernour they were enforced for the safegard of their owne liues to band themselues togither : which if happily it might be in any thing prejudiciall vnto the emperour his claime and interest , which he with so great toyle and cost had procured in that prouince , it was against their wils , as enforced by necessitie to doe that they did in defence of themselues . Which embassadours so sent from the people , Basta with all speed dispatched away backe again , comforting them without farther stir to expect his arriuall in TRANSYLVANIA : yet couenanting withall , That they should before conceiue into writing the oath of their fidelitie and alleagiance vnto his Imperiall majestie . Now might many and important considerations trouble the mind of Basta in so doubtfull a case . To giue aid vnto the Vayuod against the people , was the expresse order from Matthias the Archduke the emperours lieutenant Generall : but to aid the people confederat against him as they had requested , seemed now both more profitable and honest , especially hauing most certaine tokens of the small and doubtfull faith of the Vayuod ; who onely by deputation interessed in that prouidence , was not so carefull of an other mans ; neither seeming to haue regard of Petzen , or of his owne word giuen , for not farther embruing his hands in the bloud of the nobilitie of TRANSYLVANIA , without the emperors knowledge and leaue : vpon which promise was also grounded the Archdukes order for giuing of him aid . So that such breach of his faith , and contempt of Petzen had hastened the conspiracie of the people against him , dispairing of all other health than that which by force of armes they could procure vnto themselues . To stand doubtfull himselfe , or to hold others in suspence , vntill that by courrors in this new case he might receiue new instructions from the emperour or the archduke , had in it too much danger , as giuing leisure to each partie to make sides , and to encrease the slander of the last yeare , That he might so easily ( and especially from the Valachian ) haue assured that prouince to his majestie , had he not beene an heartlesse man of no resolution , euen such an one as durst not looke vpon a cat ( as some had said : ) all which might not a little pricke an honourable mind . To take part with the people confederat against the Vayuod , if it should not happily fall out at the first encounter ; might betwixt the two contendants giue an entrance vnto the third , either the Turke or the Polonian in the fauour of Bathor : but if it should sort to the quite contrarie , and so himselfe to loose the day ; then he saw himselfe void of all defence against the malicious , especially in that the world commonly measureth the wisedome vsed in any action , according to the successe thereof , than which nothing can be more vnreasonable , but aboue all others in matters of warre . In this so troubled a tempest of contrarie winds , of power to haue driuen a right good marriner out of his course , Basta laid hand vpon the helme of good meaning , and spread the sayles of such discretion as taught him , in matters of warre to be lawfull for a Generall to depart euen from the instructions of his prince , not concerning the end , but the meanes leading to that end : especially when the present occasion so requireth , which the prince could not with reason before comprehend ; as depending of the most mightie fortune of war , which suffereth not so much delay as to expect counsell from farre . So in this ambiguitie , Basta resolued to joyne himselfe vnto the confederats , most in his judgement concerning his Imperiall majestie , as being the vttermost scope of his so great cost and charge , to keepe the country of TRANSYLVANIA at his deuotion , which consisted in the people , and not in the woods or mountains : the matter being not great by what means soeuer it were done , so that it were honourable and honest . Vpon this desire Basta set forward , and the 14 day arriued at TORDA ●nd there joyned himselfe vnto the confederats ( to the great wonder of the Vayuod in whose helpe he was sent : ) where reposing himselfe one day consulting and considering of their forces , about twelue thousand strong , with foure field pieces , besides eight of his owne , with the six thousand souldiors hee brought with him , in all about eighteene thousand : he determined not to giue leysure vnto the Vayuod to call vnto him farther helpe , hauing now with him about twentie thousand foot and twelue thousand horse , with seuen and twentie field pieces ; amongst whom were diuers of the Siculi , in hope of their auntient libertie , men of good account and sort , with a mixture of the Cossackes , Valachians , Rascians , and Seruians , people of prey seruing onely to spoile : whom Basta knew to be farre inferiour in courage to his twelue thousand foot and six thousand horse ; not onely for the valour of his owne men accustomed vnto the frontire seruice , but also for the confederats : who engaged with their goods , liues , and honour , and desirous to be reuenged of the Vayuod , were like enough to stand well by it . Wherefore he set forward the sixteenth day , and in two daies march came within sight of the Vayuod : who hauing sent out certaine great troupes of horsemen to take view of the enemie , and seeing them repulsed , set fire on MIRISLO , a village fast by , out of which they had before drawne certaine small field pieces into the campe . MIRISLO is a village two leagues on this side of ALBA IVLIA , directly vpon the high way , stretching from the side of Maracz , a nauigable riuer , vnto the foot of an hill ; alongst which the riuer running , sometimes neerer , and sometimes further off , together with the rising of the hill , maketh an vnequall list of ground , in some places halfe a mile broad and more , and in some other shut vp as it were into a narrow throat , as in the selfesame place where the aforesaid village standeth , and where the Vayuod lay encamped in a place of great aduantage , behind a great trench drawne from the riuer crosse that little space of ground betwixt the mountaine and the riuer . On this side , which frō MIRISLO the further a man goeth the further the plaine enlargeth , Basta encamping close vnto the village , opposed against the comming of the enemie three great corps du guard , two of them Hungarians , towards the hill fauoured with a church , and the third towards the riuer , of the Almaine footmen , vnder the charge of countie Tomaso Caurioli of BRESCIA , Sergeant Major of the field , with all the artillerie : who as in a place neer and very open vnto the enemy there entrenched himselfe , still approching neerer and neerer both on the one side and the other . Towards the euening of the selfesame seuenteenth day came to Basta one Peter Armenio with letters from the Vayuod , containing , That hauing vnderstood of his arriuall in the campe of the conspirators , he now further desired to know whether it were by the consent and commaundement of the emperour , or not ; and how it came to passe , that he would so doe , considering the diuers chances of warre , the sword hanging as it were euen ouer his head , if hee should chance to lose the battell ? Whereunto Basta answered , That the morrow following he would shew him the authoritie he had from the emperour ( alluding to the imperiall standerd he carried with him : ) and that as concerning the fortune and danger to ensue , he referred that vnto the will and pleasure of the Almightie , the just judge of all controuersies . But in the meane time hee exhorted him to leaue that prouince he had so euill gouerned , vnto his imperiall majestie , as he was in dutie bound ; promising him free passage into VALACHIA , and giuing him time to consider thereupon vntill eight a clock the next morning ; after which time it should be free for euery man to doe for himselfe what he could . Which answere the Vayuod hauing red , enflamed with disdaine , with many proud words full of threats and disgrace , although it was then night , presently caused by the sound of the drum and trumpet the battell to bee proclaimed against the next day . On the other side , Basta after he had assured his campe , hauing not onely sent , but gone himselfe to haue the counsell of his owne eyes , for his better vnderstanding how the enemie lay : and finding no reasonable meanes for him there to attempt any exploit by , as well for the strength of the trench before the front , and in part along the side of the enemies campe , as also for the danger of a rising ground on the left hand , whereunto all the plaine betwixt the enemies campe and the village was subject : thought it best to remoue , and to make a short retreat about the space of an Italian mile , according to the commodiousnesse of the place ; thinking it no hard matter , of so proud an enemie and not altogether so well acquainted with martiall stratagemes , to gaine a notable victorie . This his purpose propounded in counsell , was greatly disliked of the captaines of the confederates : vnto whom it seemed more safetie to assault the Vayuod , yet lying in his strength , than to retire before the face of an enemie , so strong and aduenturous : for that such a retreat according to the manner of that countrey , would be deemed no other than a plain flight ; and to breake his order and arise , was ( as they said ) but to discourage his owne people , and to encourage his enemies . But Basta the better to persuade them , promised therein to shew vnto them a more cunning kind of fight than was yet vnto them knowne ; and declared the assurance that he in his own person , with the Almaines in the rereward would giue them in that retreat , in such sort , as that they should not loose so much as a man , much lesse they needed to feare to fall into any disorder in so short a space , his purpose being only to giue the plaine vnto the enemie , wherin to shew himselfe in the open field . So the retreat being agreed vpon , the morning following being the eight and twentith of September , the three corps du guard ( before spoken of ) were betimes called backe , and the baggage sent away : after which followed the Transyluanians and Hungarians , the Almaines in the rereward enclosing the great ordinance . The Vayuod aware of their departure , sent forthwith a great troupe of horsemen , especially of the Cossackes , to take view of them , and to skirmish with them ; which were so farre kept off by a companie of musketiers in the rereward , as that they could not come so nigh as to doe any harme , although that all the way they went they were by them still charged , to the great contentment of Basta , to see so good a beginning of his designes as might bring them all to their wished effect . But when he saw the great artillerie vpon the carriages to come out of the village , a certaine signe that the enemie set forward with all his forces , he marched faire and softly to giue him hope to ouertake him : and so retired as farre as he thought good from the village , hauing before thought of a conuenient place wherein his people might with roume ynough vpon aduantage stay : when as about halfe a mile from him , and as farre from the village , he might see the enemie march with his people in order of battell , then began he to march towards him also : and perceiuing the enemie to come on in one onely thicke front , by reason of the straightnesse of the place , hauing on the right hand towards the riuer placed as it were all his horsemen , and towards the mountaine his footmen alone , and fiue hundred foot placed aloft without any artillerie , as it seemed he would haue done , hauing planted some below at the foot of the hill in the way , and in the middest , euen before the front of the battell , where the horsemen came after the footmen : he also placed his squadron in one front onely , to the entent not to be enclosed by the enemie on the flanke of his armie . The bodie of his maine battell consisted of one great squadron of about three thousand Almaine footmen , flanked on each side with a hundred & fiftie Rutters of SILESIA : before the squadron toward the right hand he had set a loose wing of three hundred musketiers : in the right wing towards the hill he placed a companie of launces , with two squadrons of the countrey footmen : and in the left wing toward the riuer one squadron of Transyluanian footmen , and two of launces , for that the enemie was at that time very strong in horsemen : the Cossackes , archers , and harquebusiers he placed in the reward : of his great artillerie he would make no vse , for that hauing not much , he would not stand vpon the defence thereof , but desired rather with all speed to come to the sword with the enemie , vnacquainted with such close fight , foot to foot ; and well the lesse fit , by reason of their light armour . And therfore he thought it best first to set forward his squadron of Almaines to giue the charge , bending towards the right hand , amongst the thickest of the footmen towards the artillerie at the foot of the hill , as there whereas was the strength of the enemies infanterie . And doubting in the performing hereof , to be charged on the left side with a great squadron of about three thousand launces , which seemed to stand vpon that wing to giue the first charge ; hee gaue order vnto Rodouiz his lieutenant and colonell of the Rutters , which had the leading of the left wing , that he should at a certaine signe giuen , set forwards towards the left hand , for the charging of that great squadron . So his people being set in order , and the manner of proceeding set downe , hee putting on his helmet , with cheerefull countenance said , That at that time he trusted hee should shew vnto the Vayuod , that his trunchion could doe more than his scimitare : And himselfe setting forward betwixt the squadron of the Almaine footmen and the wing of the musketiers , about two houres after noone , marched faire and softly towards the enemie : who without moouing expected the discharging of their artillerie ; whereunto the neerer that the enemie came vnto it , the lesse harme it did him , by shooting either ouer or short in the field , which easily ascended . The wing of musketiers went directly to giue a charge vnto the artillerie ; and the squadron towards the foot of the hill , where Basta desired forcibly to charge , that thereby they might bee enforced to spend their first vollies , and with some discouragement or disorder to retire , presently came in all afront just vpon the signe giuen ; and so with his Almaine footmen and the Rutters on the right hand , enclosed and compassed in behind the greatest part of the enemies footmen . At which very instant , the Rutters on the left hand also so couragiously charged vpon the three thousand launces , that better could not haue beene desired of any band of most old and expert souldiours . The launces retiring without any hurt , and the first volley discharged , forced the infanterie , and so disordered the rest . Whereupon the wings charging , there ensued presently a great slaughter and ouerthrow , onely fortie of Basta his men being slaine , and as many hurt ; where of the enemies were lost in the battell ten thousand : and greater had the slaughter beene , if the village and approach of the night had not couered many of them that fled , and stayed the pursuite of the victors that followed them . Which putteth me in remembrance of the great victorie that Scipio Asiaticus had against Antiochus , wherein were slaine of the Romanes but three hundred ( although that in the fight one of the wings stood for a time doubtfull ) there being lost of the enemies aboue fiftie thousand . Howbeit there were a●terwards found in all ( as was by the peasants of the countrey reported ) twentie thousand slaine in this battell . By this victorie Basta recouered many ensignes and much armour , before sent by the emperour vnto the Vayuod , together with all his tents and baggage . And presently after the ouerthrow there were many troupes of horsemen sent out euery way with proclamation , To spare the liues of such of the Siculi as should lay downe their armes : of whom many were sent prisoners vnto diuers places , especially to FOGARAS , a strong towne toward VALACHIA . As for the Va●uod himselfe , hee with certaine Cossackes escaped by flight . The morrow following , Basta dispatched away the Countie Cauriòli , to enforme the emperour of all the particularities of the successe of that expedition : who seemed to bee therewith pleased , yet neither gaue reward vnto the Countie , neither commended Basta in that he had done , ( foreseeing perhaps what was to ensue thereof ) although hee had in writing before approoued his resolution and motion made in fauour of the Confederates . Staying that day in that quarter , Basta gaue order vnto the Chiaki , to send out a thousand horsemen to pursue the flying Vayuod : who in stead of so doing , joyning themselues with other their consorts , setled themselues to ransacke ALBA IVLIA , vnder the colour , that there was the Vayuods wealth and substance ; yet ( as the manner of such men is ) sparing neither marchant nor citisen : which worthely seemed vnto Basta a great wrong for to see the innocent punished , and the guiltie to escape free . And albeit that he made what hast he might thitherwards with all his campe , and so stayed one day not farre from thence , to haue giuen some redresse vnto the spoile that had happened : yet was all that his labour lost , for that so many of the greater sort and chiefest amongst them had their hands therein , with whom he thought it more wisedome as then to dissemble , than to fall into any tearmes of seueritie , without hope of doing any good . So he resolued in all hast to march towards FOGA●AS ( whither he heard say the Vayuod was come with new forces out of VALACHIA and MOLDAVIA ) and in six daies march came to CIBINIVM , where he receiued certaine newes , That the Great Chancellour of POLONIA , and Sigismund ( sometime the Transyluanian prince ) were with a strong armie vpon the frontiers of MOLDAVI● ; hauing sent before them Moises the Siculian , with about eight thousand of the Siculi ( his souldiours ) to what purpose was easie to bee seene . Which aduertisement interrupted the course of Basta his victorie , for that it seemed not reasonable to pursue the enemie , and to leaue behind him a doubt of so great importance : and especially , for that he thought he could not assure himselfe of the aid of the countrey people , in case that Sigismund their old prince were once seene in TRANSYLVANIA . Wherefore he thought good to stay where he was , to prouide for all euents as need should be ; and so resolued to send the Chiaki and one Ladislaus Pithi to parley with Moses , who made a shew of no great moment of his good will towards the confederats . In the meane time came two messengers from the Vayuod , offering in his name , that he should doe whatsoeuer were in the behalfe of the emperour to bee imposed vpon him : vnto whom these conditions were by Basta and the rest of the counsell propounded : First , that hee should for euer resigne all the claime hee had or might haue into the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA ; then , that he together with his armie should giue his oath of fidelitie vnto his imperiall majestie ; also , that he should forthwith through VALACHIA go with his armie vnto the frontiers of MOLDAVIA , to stay the Polonians from further entrance ; and moreouer , to giue his wife and little sonne in hostage for the performance of these things . With which messengers was sent one Sebastian Techelli , to receiue the oath and promised hostages : vnto whom was appointed for the place of their safe keeping , the bishops castle in ALBA IVLIA , the Vaiuod hauing before requested , that they might be so kept in TRANSYLVANIA : although Basta thought it much better to haue had them kept in the vpper HVNGARIE . This agreement being made , Basta kept on his way towards Fogaras , which he found alreadie possessed by the Chiaki , and so from thence to CORONA . After which the Vayuod distrusting of the articles agreed vpon , went directly into VALACHIA , but not at all into MOLDAVIA ; not so much discomfited with the forces of the Polonians whom he went against ( not doubting to giue them a great ouerthrow ) as for the distrust he had of Moses the Siculian , who in the battell might shew himselfe his enemie behind him . Now whether it were for the distrust he had in his owne followers , or onely for feare of treason by the Polonians plotted , being not likely that they with so small forces were come to fight , without some greater secret deceit ; he not knowing whom to trust or to feare , of his owne accord tooke his flight into the strength of the mountaines , without any great losse of his people , hauing left his baggage behind him , which was assailed and taken by the Haiduckes and such other sharkers enured to prey , and alwaies readie in like occasion to helpe to spoile and chase them that are alreadie running : although that afterwards in diuers skirmishes with the Turkes ( who to cause him the rather to turne his backe vnto the Polonians , had presumptuously scoured vp and downe the countrey ) he lost many . In fiue , giuing MOLDAVIA lost , he was now out of hope how to be able to hold only VALACHIA , his old gouernment . Euen he which but a little before commaunded aboue an hundred thousand souldiors in field : he ( which in despight of who said nay ) was able to commaund VALACHIA and MOLDAVIA , and happily the other countries also neere vnto him ; as hauing receiued the commaund of TRANSYLVANIA , as gouernour for the emperour : he that made CONSTANTINOPLE to tremble , and found no empire equall to his designes . But it fareth oftentimes with the great , as with birds of prey , who greedily seeking to prey vpon others , become themselues a prey vnto other , greater than themselues : for they neuer contented , and attributing onely vnto their owne valour and wisedome , their owne prosperous proceedings , are the true shoares of the vnstable wheele of fortune : or what say I of fortune ? being rather the very children of follie . So commonly falleth it out with princes ( especially the new ) which in the garboiles of warre betwixt their mightie neighbours , not gouerned by their owne wisedome , rest themselues only vpon the aduice of their counsellours , are by them led they wote not whither , for the great interest they haue in them . For had the Vayuod had but the least in sight into politicall gouernment , he might well haue vnderstood , that amongst so many mightie princes , he could not much grow , or yet well root himselfe , without the assured stay of some one or other of them . He should also haue knowne within what compasse a new prince ought to haue vsed seueritie and rigour ; and that he ought to abstaine from all offence in goods , or otherwise , which might any way procure vnto him the displeasure or hatred of his subjects . Whereas his counsellours not so much respecting his profit as their owne , had not the power or not the will to persuade him so by good meanes to plant himselfe sure in TRANSYLVANIA ; but so both cast him headlong from his high estate , and at the same time furthered the losse of CANISIA , a matter of important consequence . Now lay Basta encamped in the field in TRANSYLVANIA , when a messenger came vnto him from the great Chancellor of POLONIA , to declare vnto him , That it was not his purpose to trouble TRANSYLVANIA , hauing no such order from his king : albeit that he would aduise the Transyluanians if they wished to liue in quiet , to make choice of a prince of their owne nation , and such an one as the Turke should well like of , whereas otherwise they should but seeke their owne destruction , together with their neighbours . Which his counsell was well marked of them all , albeit that it was thought by many of the wiser sort not so much to proceed of any good meaning he had towards the Transyluanians , as of an old grudge and inueterat hatred hee had alwaies borne against the house of AVSTRIA : as also that he euen then countenanced the prince Sigismund with his armie , to no other end , but by him to raise vp new stirres in that prouince , and so to draw it from the emperours obeisance , although thereby it became againe tributarie vnto the Turke , who in all these matters had a great hand . Yea some sticked not to say , That he couertly aimed at that principalitie for his sonne , howsoeuer he masked the same vnder the shew of Sigismund the late prince . But vnto him answere was giuen by the Transyluanians in generall ( with thankes for his good will ) that in all their consultations they would haue a principall regard of their owne welfare , together with the common . Which answere he hauing receiued , forthwith placed one Simon ( the brother of Hieremias the Moldauian ) Vayuod of VALACHIA in stead of Michael by him driuen out , and so leauing a conuenient number of souldiors with him , returned himselfe towards POLONIA . Vnto which election so made by the Polonian , the Turkes craftily gaue place , knowing well to play the foxes where they could not play the lyons , wisely for a time comporting the injurie : and the old Chancellor as craftie as they , hauing a secret purpose by occasion of these present troubles , to preferre his sonne at length vnto the principalitie of TRANSYLVANIA , and thereunto also to joyne the countries of MOLDAVIA and VALACHIA , had therein of purpose placed the aforesaid Simon , a man of no valour , and of a small apprehension , whom he might again at his pleasure displace , and joyne those prouinces vnto his new purchase ; which he could not so well doe , if he should haue there placed a man of greater reach and courage . So worke the heads of the great , and so trauell the braines of the ambitious aspiring . Basta vnderstanding of the retiring of the Polonians , entred into consultation with the Chiaki and other the principall men of that prouince ( which lodged with the armie in the countrey villages thereabout ) for calling together the states and people , to make choice of some such men as they thought meetest to be sent vnto the emperour , to know his pleasure for the gouernment of that prouince . But now in the meane time , whilest there was no suspition of the forraine enemie , began to worke certaine Malecontents , which thinking with greater libertie to liue vnder a weake prince than vnder one of greater power , with one voice cried out , That Sigismund with a great power was entered into the confines of TRANSYLVANIA ; one whiles towards VALACHIA , another while by the way of MOLDAVIA ; and that the strength of the countrey and others therby still resorted vnto him : with other such like inuentions , of purpose deuised to haue made Basta suddenly departed , or at leastwise to haue troubled the Diet or assembly called , and the consultation also . But he well aduised of their purpose , moued not out of his quarter , but there lay very priuatly , to declare thereby the great confidence he had in the thankefulnesse of the nobilitie of the countrey , as by him deliuered from the oppression of the Vayuod : as also to make them to vnderstand , That the gouernment to be appointed , was not to be setled in the sole power of a tyrant , but in the fidelitie of the subjects protected vnder a most gentle , royall , and most fatherlike gouernment , not ambitiously sought after , but most voluntarily of themselues offered , and ( for the common good ) by the emperour accepted . Beside that , he knew right well how that Castaldo ( in like case before in the yeare 1551 sent into TRANSYLVANIA with eight thousand Almaines ) left behind him his armie , and without any precedent courtesie went priuatly to ALBA IVLIA , where queene Isabel had for her defence assembled a Diet of all the states , and there by well handling of the matter got to Ferdinand the emperour that kingdome , which hee could not by the fear of his forces haue gained : for which doing , Writers attribute vnto him the name of great wisedome ; notwithstanding that the yeare following he was enforced to abandon his conquest , but yet not through any default in himselfe . But it is truly said , That men pleasured , according to the occasion change their manners , as doth the Chamelion his colour according to the place : nothing being by nature so short , nothing of lesse life than the remembrance of a benefit with the vnthankfull , which the greater it is , the more it is repaied with vngratitude ; either by making it to haue been of little worth , or to haue proceeded not of courtesie , but from some other more priuat and proper considerations of the giuer . The Diet ( aforesaid ) being assembled , diuers broiles were there raised by the malecontents , as vsually it commeth to passe where the people haue to doe with the gouernment ; apt to be moued with euerie rumour , alwaies readie to change their opinion as streight glutted therewith , headstrong , faithlesse , all in words to no end ▪ Some of them in that assembly cried out , that the Almaines might be paied , discharged , and thanked for the paines they had taken for them as their neighbours , with offering to doe them the like pleasure as their occasions should require : othersome cried to haue them all put to the sword , so much they were deuoid of reason : others cried out as fast , that they were not by any meanes to endure the gouernment of Maximilian the Archduke , but by some nominated vnto them would needs haue a prince of their owne countrey , and such an one as the great Turke should well like of , as the Chancellor had persuaded them . Basta for all that not dismaied with so vnexpected an encounter ( albeit that he began to suspect that he had lost all his labour , if he were not in short time with greater forces relieued ) at such time as the Chiaki with other the chiefe men amongst the people , came as their manner was euerie other day to visit him : with couragious speech and vnappauled countenance told them plainly , That he well perceiued their drift and purpose ; and yet doubted not either of their oath of obedience giuen vnto his Imperiall majestie , either of the fresh remembrance of the great benefit they had from him so lately receiued ; and in case it might happen them little to esteeme of those things ( greater than which could not happen amongst men ) that yet they should well know , that he was not a man to be feared with words , but fully resolued not to stirre one foot thence with his forces but rather to lose his life , which he would for all that sell as deere as he could . Wherunto answere was giuen with much courteous speech , That he should not giue eare vnto any the speeches of the light vulgar people ; but to content himselfe that the Nobilitie in whose hands the chiefe power of that prouince was , had not done any thing not beseeming thēselues . So after much dispute , were appointed three persons according to the three estates ( the Nobilitie , the Commons , and the State in generall ) to go vnto the Emperour , to request of him Maximilian the Archduke for their Gouernour : with speciall request also , that it would please him not to ouercharge with forrein soldiors that prouince alreadie sore impouerished ; especially hauing in it selfe people sufficient for the defence thereof , and more nimble to encounter with the Turkes , than the heauie and slow Almaines and they also of double charge . These difficulties with much adoe thus appeased by such as stood fast for the emperour , Basta thought it not good againe to call any such assembly , hoping that time and the emperors great wisedome , would for all these matters find conuenient remedie . Yet saw he plainly the mind of the people was to resolue to remaine for euer free , if they should haue come to a second consultation ; and in them a princely desire to commaund rather than to be commaunded : Yea in that selfesame Diet the Chiaki was declared Gouernour on the behalfe of the people , with authoritie in many things of himselfe to determine without calling togither of any assembly of the rest of the States : which they said they did only vntill they were by his Imperiall majestie prouided of a Gouernour . Neuerthelesse Basta well perceiued more than a Tribunitiall power to be now joyned by the people vnto the emperours commissioners , knowing that this Chiaki was in great hope to haue beene proclaimed prince of the confederats , in case they had not beene presently relieued against the Vayuod : and hauing in him yet noted still his great ambition , for that marching from TORDA toward the Vayuod , he caused to be carried before him a speare with an Hungarian cap , and a plume of feathers vpon a launce , in token of his chiefe commaund ; albeit that afterwards at the complaint of Basta , pretending therein a wrong to be done vnto his regiment marching vnder the Imperiall standard , he tooke it downe : neither was he then a little suspected to haue suffered his souldiors to haue sacked ALBA IVLIA , as also to haue surprised FOGARAS , and to haue vsed diuers other meanes all tending vnto popularitie and ambitious aspiring : wherein he deemed it yet better to dissemble than to proceed farther , and then to doe it in deed when he had power sufficient . The next day following came all the Counsell of that prouince , with the Deputies ( appointed to haue gone vnto the emperour ) and the people vnto the house of Basta , requesting him ( although such their manner of comming might seeme to exceed the bounds of request ) that hee would send his Germanes out of the countrey , and so after so many troubles to giue it leaue a little to breath : as for himselfe , that he might stay at ALBA IVLIA , vntill the men deputed to that purpose might go vnto his majestie with their requests . Basta not a little troubled with such an imperious request , and now ( but not before ) perceiuing the occasion of this great discontentment ; saw himselfe much deceiued in a most materiall point and the ground of all this action , by trusting too much vnto his owne too small forces , too weake for the defence of his owne person , much lesse to keepe vnder so populous a prouince , such as before in the yeare 1552 vnder the leading of Castaldo , had of it selfe sent out 70 thousand fighting men for the besieging of LIPPA , and now vpon the sudden twelue thousand with a few noble men in the face of a mightie and armed enemie ; where they now held an armed consultation with him , the Nobilitie meeting togither with their great retinues ; and so much the greater , by how much the suspition was the more by them feared , for them to be enforced to resolue vpon any thing contrarie to their good liking : whereas he contenting himselfe onely with their oath without any other hostages , and so giuing aid vnto the confederats , had put himselfe vpon their faith , togither with all his people , into the middest of TRANSYLVANIA ; a matter of far greater importance than any pledge they were able to haue giuen him . Besides that , of the six thousand men which he had brought with him into that countrey , three thousand fiue hundred of SILESIA now brought to two thousand , could not be persuaded longer to stay without their pay before hand , the pay of their countrey being alreadie spent : and the rest drawn out of the garrisons of the vpper HVNGARIE , or else there pressed , were at a certaine time to returne . Yet neuerthelesse he attempted in some sort to satisfie their request , for not grieuing of the countrey , by requesting of them to deliuer vnto him some strong place , whereinto he putting his men in garrison , they might so lie without any farther charge or trouble to the countrey , liuing vpon their owne wages . Which when he could not obtaine , and withall considering that if those few of his people which yet remained could be contented to stay with him , the retaining of them might giue occasion vnto the desirous of new stirs vpon euerie the least disorder of the souldiors , to alter the matter at their pleasure ; as had happened vnto the eight thousand Almaines of Castaldo , driuen sometimes out of that countrey vnder the colour of some insolencie by them committed , although others had been the chiefe doers thereof , namely about some twentie Polonians : he resolued of all these things to giue notice to the Court , and so faire and softly to march with his souldiors vnto the confines of that countrey ; and to saue his eight pieces of artillerie with his other munition in Samos Viu●● castle , a strong fortresse a good way within the confines , which togither with the strong castle of KVIVAR , Aga Leche an Albanoise and Generall of the Vaiuods horsemen deliuered to Zakel captaine of ZACCOMAR , one of his majesties commissioners ; who there prouided for the Gouernor Basta his familiar fauourit : although that the Transyluanians had with great promises sought to haue crossed such deliuerie of the aforesaid castles , and to haue had them in their owne power . Wherfore Basta not deceiued , but by necessitie enforced , yeelded that he could not hold , and gaue that he could not sell , making a vertue of necessitie ; deceiued in the euent of the matter which he had propounded vnto himselfe from the beginning , for the assurance of that countrey vnto the emperor , by an excusable error , if it be true that some wise men say , Nothing to be more vnreasonable than by the euent of matters to judge of their wisedome by whom they were mannaged ; which consisteth not in diuining before of the certaintie of the euent , but in the reasonable conjecture thereof , by the meanes leading thereunto , than which nothing is more deceitfull , as not depending from our owne actions onely , but from other mens also more grosse and vnreasonable : none knowing better how much the wisedome of man deceiueth it selfe , than those which are vnto themselues true witnesses of the euent of their owne consultations . Neuerthelesse the matter was afterward so well handled by Basta , Petzen , and others the emperours great fauourits in TRANSYLVANIA , that in a Diet holden by the Transyluanians , he was with a conuenient guard againe by them receiued as the Emperours lieutenant , vntill further order were by him taken for the gouernment and assurance of that countrey : the Chiaki and his complices faintly consenting thereunto , as not greatly pleased therewith . Neither had Basta much cause to be prowd of such his gouernment , hauing thereof no longer assurance than pleased that fickle people to afford him : yet sith no better could be had , he must take it as he might , deeming it better in some sort for the present to hold it for the emperour , than not at all : with which his weake state amongst moe enemies than friends , we will for a while leaue him . But whilest things thus passed ( as we haue said ) in TRANSYLVANIA and HVNGARIE ( the treatie for peace betwixt the Emperour and the Turke being vanished into smoake ; ) Ibrahim Bassa the Turkes Generall in HVNGARIE , hauing all the last winter made great preparation for the inuasion of the emperours territories , and the doing of some notable enterprise for the recouerie of his reputation somewhat impaired by the euill successe of the last yeares warres ; and euen in these his greatest preparations of this yeare , not a little troubled by the mutinie of the Ianizaries and Spahi for want of their pay at CONSTANTINOPLE , as also with the rebellion in CARAMANIA : now at length in the latter end of August ( by order from the Grand signior his great lord and master ) began to set forward with his armie from BELGRADE , supposed to be aboue two hundred thousand men strong . And comming to BABOTSCA , a strong fortresse of the Christians in the nether HVNGARIE , sat downe before it , and hauing planted his artillerie , furiously battered it , with purpose to haue the next day assaulted it : but the captaine of the castle considering the weakenesse of his garrison to withstand so puissant an enemie , and that the wals to be alreadie sore shaken with the furie of the great ordinance , came to a reasonable composition with the Bassa , and so deliuered vnto him the place . Which exploit done and the castle to him surrendred , he marched from thence to CANISIA , a strong towne in the frontiers of STIRIA , of most men before supposed a place impregnable ; for that it was situat in a very deepe ma●ish , and furnished with a strong garrison of valiant soldiors , part Hungarians and part Almaines : after this strong towne Ibrahim the great Bassa especially longed , so to free those frontiers of the Turkes from the often incursions that the garrison souldiors of that place made thereinto ; as also by the taking of that so strong a fortresse from the Christians , to open a more free and safe passage for the Turkes into AVSTRIA , to the endangering of other places of the empire also farther off . Wherefore encamping his great armie on the side of the marish which compassed the Isle round whereon the towne stood , he began with fagots and earth to fill vp the marish , so to passe ouer his armie ; they in the towne in the meane time not ceasing with their thundring shot to disturbe them , and to doe them what harme they might : who for all that proceeding in their worke , had brought it now almost close vnto the island , where whilest they were about to haue landed , they were by the souldiors of the garrison so encountred , that hauing lost a number of their men as well Ianizaries as others , with two of their best captaines also , they were by plaine valour enforced to retire . But preparing themselues against the next day with a greater force to haue again returned vnto the assault of the Isle , they saw the Imperiall armie now at their backs , and come so neere them , that with their artillerie they did them great harme ; which put them in no small feare , seeing themselues enclosed betwixt the towne and the campe , and both out of the one and the other to receiue no small hurt , as well with the small shot as the great : besides that out of the campe diuers whole bands sometimes sallied , discharging great vollies of shot euen into their trenches . In the Imperiall armie were about two and fortie thousand horse and foot , men of diuers nations , vnder the leading of duke Mercurie , now Generall of the Emperors forces in HVNGARIE ; with whom were also the lords Nadasti , Esdrin , Bacchian , and the Gouernour of CROATIA , with diuers other famous captaines , come thither for the reliefe of CANISIA , a place of so great importance for the defence of that side of the countrey , and to helpe that it fell not into the power of the barbarous enemie . But Ibrahim Bassa vnderstanding by his espials the small number of the Christians ; and well knowing how much he was too strong for them by reason of his great multitude , went out against them , and finding them as readie as himselfe , joyned battell with them , with great slaughter of men both on the one side and the other : which bloudie fight ( the victorie yet standing doubtfull , but in all mens judgement more enclining vnto the Christians than to the Turkes ) was at length by the comming on of the night broken off . At which time the Christians retiring themselues into their trenches , the Turkes stood all the night in the field with their weapons in their hands , as fearing to haue been againe in the night by their enemies assailed ▪ Meane while the Christian captaines in the campe at variance amongst themselues , and so not now to be commaunded by duke Mercurie their Generall ( at such time as the Turkes presuming on their multitude dared them to battell the next day ) could by no meanes be persuaded to go out against them , or once to stirre out of their trenches . Insomuch that the Generall of the Tartars thereupon taking courage , made an inroad into the countrey thereby , and meeting with two hundred wagons laded with victuals going vnto the Christian campe , slew the conuoy that guarded them , and so carried them quite away . Whereby such want arose in the Christian campe , that hauing not what to eat , and out of hope of any new supply of reliefe in time to come , they were glad by night to dislodge and retire ; which could not so secretly be done , but that it was by the Turkes perceiued , who presently following after them in the taile of the armie , cut off about three thousand of them , with certaine pieces of great ordinance , and most part of the baggage ; the rest of the armie in the meane time retiring farther off into places of more safetie . From this victorie the Turkes returned againe to the siege of CANISIA , where after a few daies , the garrison souldiors now out of hope to be in good time relieued , suddenly fell into mutinie , refusing any longer to defend the towne now hardly laied vnto by the Turks ; and the rather , for that diuers of the Hungarians were alreadie fled out of the towne vnto the Bassa , hauing ( as it was thought ) reuealed vnto him the whole estate of the besieged : so that now there was no remedie but that the towne must be deliuered vnto the enemie , although Paradiser with some other of the captaines did what they might ( as they said afterwards ) to haue persuaded the contrarie . Whereupon they came to parley with the Bassa , and couenanting with him that they might with bag and baggage depart , and with a safe conuoy be brought ouer the riuer Mur , promised to yeeld vnto him the towne : all which the Bassa granted , fearing how to haue been able to haue kept the field , if they should for any long time haue holden out , Winter now so fast approaching . So the two and twentith of October the towne was vnto the Bassa right cowardly deliuered , and the garrison souldiors with their baggage in an hundred wagons lent them by the Turks , safely conducted ouer the Mur as was vnto them promised . After the agreement made for the yeelding vp of the towne , the Bassa in courtesie sent vnto Paradiser the Gouernour a verie rich gowne of cloth of gold ; which albeit that he refused , yet was it afterwards laid to his charge as a presumption of some treacherous collusion betwixt him and the Bassa for the betraying of the towne , which it was thought he might much longer haue kept . Ibrahim now thus possessed of the towne he so much desired , fortified it more strongly than euer it was before ; and for the more assurance thereof , put into it a strong garrison of foure thousand foot and fiue hundred horse , all old expert souldiors . And immediatly after without resistance , forraged the countrey round about CANISIA , burning all before him as he went ; the poore Christian inhabitants still flying as fast as they could for safegard of their liues . But hauing thus with the spoile of the countrey well pleased his souldiors , he desirous to haue the same againe in time repeopled , as thereby to yeeld vnto the Turks the more profit , staied their farther outrage , vpon great paine forbidding the same ; by open proclamations in euerie place set vp , inuiting the Christians without feare of farther harme to returne againe into the countrey , where submitting them vnto the great Sultans obeysance , they should vnder his protection safely dwell , without any tribute to be of them exacted for the space of three yeares next following . Which proclamations were in his name thus published . Ibrahim Bassa to the Inhabitans of the countrey about CANISIA , greeting . We Ibrahim Bassa by the grace of God , Visier , and Cousin vnto the most puissant and inuincible Sultan Mahomet , Emperour of the Turkes , vnto all the Inhabitants of the marches about CANISIA , and the rest of the countrey of STEIRMARCK , from the greatest to the least , greeting . Whereas we haue willingly heard that some of you willing to submit your selues vnto the great Sultan , and to sweare vnto him fealtie , are againe returned vnto your old dwellings : We promise and assure you vpon the faith of the said Emperour , that whosoeuer shall be found neere vnto the fortresse of CANISIA now belonging vnto the great Sultan , with all reuerence submitting himselfe as his subiect vnder his gouernment , acknowledging him for his Soueraigne ; shall enioy moe priuiledges than euer he did before , and also be protected in the same . And for that we know that your houses are for the most part destroied , as also your posteritie ; you shall therefore for these three yeares next following be exempted and free from all tributes and charges whatsoeuer , to the intent you may the better recouer your selues . Of which grace if you shall willingly accept , we promise you , that neither you , your wiues , or children , shall be in any thing wronged , or your goods in any part impaired , but so much as in vs possibly is to be defended : so that so many of you as please , may in safetie returne vnto your owne old dwellings , giuing before knowledge thereof vnto the Gouernour of this our fortresse . Giuen in our campe after the conquest of CANISIA . Many of these poore countrey people before fled for feare of the Turkes , and not knowing where to bestow themselues , now vpon this proclamation returned againe to their antient dwelling places , there to begin the world againe vnder the Turkish obeisance . But for that Countie Serinus was the man whom of all others in that countrey the great Bassa sought after , as him whom hee most feared after his departure to trouble this his new conquest , and to seeke to bee reuenged ; hauing in this so generall a calamitie of STIRIA his countrey , lost twentie villages of his owne , quite burnt by the Turkes , and the people most slaine or els taken prisoners : the Bassa hauing many times before sought to haue persuaded him to haue yeelded his obedience vnto the Turkish Sultan , and now in hope after so great a losse to bring him in , before he were come vnto the vtter ruine of all his fortunes ( now by the losse of CANISIA , and the entrance of the Turkes into STIRIA , not a little endangered ) writ vnto him as followeth : We Ibrahim Bassa , chiefe of the Visier Bassaes , and cousin vnto the most puissant Sultan Mahomet , to the Countie Serinus sendeth greeting . We haue oftentimes heretofore written vnto thee concerning the matter thou knowest of : but what the cause is that we receiued no answere , we cannot tell . Yet could I not but write to thee againe , that if yet thou canst be content to begin the matter aright , and to submit thy selfe vnto our protection , we will be readie to receiue thee . Thou seest , that what we foretold thee , is now more than fulfilled both vpon thee and thine , which thou wouldest neuer beleeue . Neuerthelesse , for the staying of the further effusion of the blood as well of thy subiects as ours , and to come to some good attonement , it is high time for thee to lay thine hand vpon thine heart , and to consider how much more it concerneth thee than vs , and that the benefit thereof redoundeth more vnto thine than ours . What our affection is towards thee , Hierome the Vayuod can tell thee . Fare thou well from our campe after the conquest of CANISIA the seuenth of Nouember , 1600. But these letters being also as the rest answered with silence , the great Bassa hauing disposed of all as he thought best at CANISIA and in the countrey thereabout , returned with his armie to BELGRADE , there to Winter : hauing before fully certified the great Sultan of all his proceedings , and the successe of this war , vaunting after his vaine manner , the next Spring to besiege VIENNA also , if it should please him so to commaund . Of all which things Mahomet vnderstanding , and not a little therwith pleased , caused great triumphs to be made by the space of foure daies at CONSTANTINOPLE , and in token of his loue and fauour sent a rich robe of cloth of gold , with a leading staffe , all set with pearle and pretious stones , vnto the Bassa , yet lying at BELGRADE . This losse of CANISIA much troubled all that side of Christendome , especially them of the territories belonging vnto the house of AVSTRIA , in a sort dismaied to see the Turkes so easily possessed of a towne , before thought almost impregnable , and the strongest defence of all that countrey against the furious impressions of the Turks , to whom it was now become a most safe and sure receptacle , all men with one voice blaming the discord of the captaines in the imperiall armie for so retiring without any good doing : but aboue all detesting the cowardise of Paradiser ; who knowne to haue in the towne a strong garrison , with good store of munition and victuals ( as was supposed ) had so basely deliuered the same vnto the enemie , not doing the vttermost of his deuoir as had beseemed him for the defence thereof : whereas if he had so done , happily in the meane time the cold and vnseasonablenesse of the weather ( though no other reliefe had beene ) Winter being now come , might haue enforced the Turkes to haue raised their siege . Whereupon he was for this so foule a fact by the emperours commaundement apprehended and cast in prison at VIENNA , where after he had long line , and his cause oftentimes examined , he was the next yeare following condemned of fellonie and cowardise , and so the fifteenth day of October executed , hauing first his hand at foure strokes of the executioner struck off , and after that his head : with him was also in like manner executed his Ensigne-bearer : and after them his lieutenant , with the maior of the town , who both bound fast to a stake , had first their tongues cut out , and afterwards their heads chopt off also . Now the rebellion before raised in CARAMANIA by Cussahin Bassa ( as is aforesaid ) was not with his death altogether appeased . Also ORFA , a great citie of that countrey ( which hauing tasted the sweetnesse of libertie in the time of Cussahin ) yet still holding out against Mehemet the great Bassa , the Sultans lieutenant Generall there . At which time also a companion of Cussahin the late rebell , called the Scriuano , and one of his greatest fauourits ; seeing how hardly not onely Cussahin himselfe , but the rest of his followers had beene handled by the Turkes , began to make head , and to call vnto him all such as loued their libertie : vnto the sweet name whereof , so many were in short time come about him , as that out of them he formed such an armie , as made him now dreadfull vnto the Turkes his enemies . Against whom , Mehemet Bassa going with all his power to haue oppressed him , found him with those his rebellious followers so couragious ( for the desire they all had to breake out of the Othoman slauerie , and to liue in such libertie as was promised them by their captaine and Generall ) that joyning battell with them , he receiued of them a notable ouerthrow , insomuch that fearing to haue lost his whole armie , he was glad to retire , and to send out commissions for the raising of greater forces . Sultan Mahomet in the meane time , whether it were for feare of this new rebellion , or for that he vnderstood of the embassadours sent from the Persian vnto the Christian princes , began to suspect least that king should breake the league he had with him , and so to his farther trouble take vp armes also against him . Wherefore vpon a Turkish pride he sent an embassadour into PERSIA , to giue the king to vnderstand , That for the more assurance of the league betwixt them , he demaunded to haue one of his sonnes sent vnto him in hostage , as a pledge of his fathers faith . Which so proud a demaund the Persian king tooke in such disdaine , that he commaunded in his rage the embassador to be forthwith slaine : but that his furie being by his graue counsellours somewhat appeased , he remitted the seueritie of that his rigorous commaund , and sparing his life , was contented , that in despight and contempt of him that had sent him , he should be put to the Bastonado onely : and so grieuously threatened , sent backe againe vnto his master . Who hauing receiued this shamefull answere , and in doubt of some further matter from that angrie king , commaunded new and strong garrisons to be put into all his strong holds confining vpon the Persian kingdome . This troublesome yeare of Iubilie thus past , the emperour much troubled with the losse of CANISIA , and in doubt of worse to come ( albeit that Ibrahim Bassa , whom for all that he trusted not , did afresh entreat with him concerning peace ) and seeing also the great need hee had of greater aid to withstand the mightie power of the Turke , with great instancie requested aid of the Pope and of the other princes of ITALIE : who considering also how much it concerned the rest of the Christian commonweale , to haue the frontiers of HVNGARIE defended , condiscended vnto the emperours request : and so the Pope with the beginning of the Spring sent him eight thousand souldiours in pay , vnder the leading of Io. Francesco Aldobrandino his nephew their Generall , who with the like charge had now serued euer since the yeare 1599 : King Philip also at the instance of the emperour gaue order vnto the Countie Fuentes to send into CROATIA certain bands of Dutches ; who by direction from him , were forthwith conducted to MILLAINE : The great duke of FLORENCE also sent vnto him two thousand souldiours , vnder the leading of Francesco del Monte ; with whom also by his appointment went the lord Io. de Medices , whom Ferdinand the Archduke forthwith requested for to be master of his campe : Thither came also the duke of MANTVA with an honourable companie both of horse and foot , being forthwith by the Archduke made his lieutenant generall . And so whilest these people assembled together into CROATIA , the emperor sent also another good armie into HVNGARIE , drawne for most part out of GERMANIE , which vnder the leading of the Archduke Matthias his brother , and the duke Mercurie his lieutenant generall , went into those parts to withstand the Turke . A third armie he also made of the Imperials : which strengthened with the forces of Don Ferrant Gonzaga , Gouernour of the vpper HVNGARIE , joyned themselues with Basta , for the recouerie of TRANSYLVANIA ; out of which he had been of late driuen , as shall hereafter be declared . And so whilest these armies were in preparing , many hot skirmishes passed in HVNGARIE betwixt the Christians and the Turks , the losse falling sometime to the one side and sometime to the other . But the time now come that souldiors might well take the field , Ibrahim Bassa being now before dead at BELGRADE , whilest he was yet entreating of a dissembled peace , and Hassan one of the Visier Bassaes by Mahomet appointed Generall in HVNGARIE in his place : yet delaying his comming , the parley for peace laied aside ( as neuer indeed by the Turkes intended , but onely by them entertained to dallie off the time to their owne more aduantage ) duke Mercurie Generall of the emperours forces taking the offer of so fit an opportunitie , came with his armie from COMARA ( where he had lien expecting the euent of the parley ) and laied siege to ALBA REGALIS , one of the chiefe and strongest cities of HVNGARIE : which seated in the middest of a marish , was thought almost impregnable , being hardly to be approached but by the suburbes ▪ which strongly fortified and defended by the marish , serued the citie in stead of three most sure bulwarkes , within which stood also the citie it selfe , well defended with a good wall and a ditch . This citie the duke for certaine daies continually battered , as if he had purposed at length to haue taken it by assault : but in the meane time certainely enformed by a fugitiue ( but lately fled out of the citie ) that the broad lake on the other side of the citie ouer against the place where he lay , was not so deepe , but that it was to be passed ( contrarie to the opinion both of the Turkes captiues and of the naturall inhabitants , whom he had vpon that point examined ) and that the Turkes presuming vpon the strength therof , and thinking themselues on that side safe , had turned almost all their care and forces vnto that side of the citie which was now by him battered , without regard of any great perill to be from the other side feared : he appointed the lord Russwurm with his souldiors to make proofe if the SIGETH suburbes ( for so they were called ) on the aforesaid side of the citie so little regarded by the Turkes , were not to be surprised : for that these suburbes being taken , the citie could not long hold out . For the vndertaking of which enterprise , Russwurm was both by the captiue Turkes and countrey people thereby dwelling , much discouraged , they all with one consent affirming , That albeit he should find no other difficulties in the attempting thereof , yet the lake it selfe was not possible to be passed : who neuerthelesse not altogether trusting them , sent certaine of his men secretly to trie the matter : who hauing so done , brought him word , That the lake was vndoubtedly though with much difficultie to be passed : Whereupon he with a thousand select souldiours with euery one of them a good faggot on his backe beside his armes , to fill vp the deepest of the marish , by night entered the same ; wherein he had not gone farre , but that he almost 〈◊〉 the danger of his life found it much deeper and more troublesome than the spies had vnto him before reported : but caried with an inuincible courage himselfe , and his souldiors moued by his example , he still went on , they also following of him . It is almost a thing incredible to tell what these aduenturous men endured , plunged in the deepe mud amongst the flags and bulrushes , going still vp in water and mud vnto the wast euen where the marish was the shallowest ; where also if one missed but a step , he was by and by ouer head and eares , and in danger to be drowned , if he were not by his fellowes presently holpen : yet at length by God his helpe hauing with the losse but of six or seauen men a little before day got ouer , the duke by an appointed signe aduertised thereof , with greater stirre and tumult than at any time before assailed that side of the citie where he lay , as if euen then and there he had onely meant to haue engaged his whole forces for the winning thereof . When in the meane time the lord Russwurm on the other side with his resolute souldiours , with ladders prouided for the purpose scaled the wals of the suburbe , and almost vnperceiued , recouered the top thereof ( the Turkes being at the same time wholly bent for the defence of the other side of the citie , where most stirre and apparent danger was ) and so being got into the suburbes , with a great and terrible crie assailed the Turkes ; who surprised with an exceeding feare , and not well knowing which way to turne themselues , without any great resistance fled into the citie , the Christians following them at the heeles , and making of them a great slaughter . In which so great a confusion , euen where was least feared , the duke by other his souldiors tooke the rest of the suburbes as he had before determined , the Turkes there also for feare forsaking them , and retiring with all the hast they could vnto their fellowes in the citie , there to liue or die together . The Christians in these suburbes , beside much other rich prey , tooke also foureteene great pieces of artillerie , with good store of shot and pouder . The suburbes ( the greatest strength of the citie ) thus happily taken , the duke againe summoned the citie , requiring to haue it deliuered vnto him : whereunto the Turkes gaue no other answere but by their pieces , which they discharged vpon the Christians so persuading them to yeeld . Wherewith the duke much displeased , sent them word , That he would send them other manner of messengers to morrow , and by Gods helpe sup with them in the citie , although he were not vnto them welcome . Neither failed hee of that his promise : for the next day hauing out of the suburbes by the furie of his artillerie made two faire breaches into the citie , he by the ruines thereof with great slaughter of the enemie entered the citie , albeit that the Turkes did what they might to haue defended the same , by casting downe vpon the Christians as they entered , darts , wild fire , and such like things , vsually prouided for such purpose . But seeing now no remedie , but that they must needs giue place vnto the fortune of their enemies , they fled amaine into their houses , there to defend themselues , or els to die : many of which houses they had before of purpose so vndermined , as that they could easily ouerthrow them , and so ouerwhelme as many as should come within the danger of them : which so strange a resolution was by many of them as desperatly performed , insomuch that the goodly church , the pallace , with many other sumptuous buildings , were left vnto the Christians all rent and torne , not much better than rude heapes of rubbidge and stones . Howbeit the Bassa vpon promise of life yeelded himselfe , and was by the duke presently sent vnto the campe , the rest of the souldiors being ( as in such case it commonly happeneth ) all or most of them put to the sword . The greatest part of the prey fell vnto the Wallons ; who by heapes breaking into the richest houses , not onely tooke what themselues light vpon , but stript the Germans also of such things as they had by chance gotten , to their great heart-burning and griefe : yea these rauenous and irreligious men not so contented , opened the tombes of the Hungarian kings , there long before buried , to spoile euen the dead of such things as had for honours sake beene long before enterred with them ( if happily any such thing were there to be found ) shewing themselues therein more barbarous than the Turks , who by the space of threescore yeares hauing had the citie in their possession , had yet spared those reuerend monuments , and suffered the reliques of those worthie princes to rest in peace . Of this taking of ALBA REGALIS , the Bassa of BVDA long before taken prisoner , and then lying at VIENNA , hearing , abstained from meat with his two seruants a whole day prostrate vpon his face , praying vnto his prophet Mahomet , who had ( as he said ) all this yeare ben angrie with the Turks . Which had the siege of CANISIA taken the like effect , had then vndoubtedly been vnto them most vnfortunat : but God in his wisdome still tempereth the sweet with the soure . Now in the meane while was Assan the Visier Bassa and Generall of the Turkes armie with such souldiors as were alreadie assembled at BELGRADE , comming t● haue relieued ALBA REGALIS : and albeit that he vnderstood by the way as he marched , that the citie was by the Christians woon , yet held he on his entended journey : and so taking with him the Bassa of BVDA , with the other Sanzackes and commaunders of the townes and castles thereabout , had formed an armie of about threescore thousand strong , but for most part raw and vnexpert souldiours : with which power he still held on his way towards ALBA REGALIS , as well thereby to giue some contentment vnto the angrie Sultan his master , as in hope also to ouerthrow the Christian armie , or at leastwise to find the citie as yet vnrepaired , and so to regaine it . But vaine was that his designement , especially for the recouerie of the citie : for that the duke had no sooner taken it , but that he forthwith caused the breaches to be repaired , and for the more assurance of it , put into it a strong garrison of old expert souldiours : and being himselfe about twentie thousand strong , and hearing of the Bassaes comming , set forward to meet him , and being come neere vnto him , began an hot and bloudie skirmish with him . Yet the Bassa to prosecute his entended purpose for the recouerie of ALBA REGALIS , the next day sent away part of 〈◊〉 ●rmie , to make proofe if happily the citie might yet be againe recouered , and himselfe in the meane time with the rest of his armie offered battell vnto the Christians , so to busie them , that they should not be able to trouble them whom he had sent to ALBA REGALIS , or to relieue the citie , if it should chance to bee by them distressed . When as the duke , before enformed of the basenesse of the souldiors in the Bassaes armie , and that although he were for number of men farre aboue him , yet that for old , hardie , and expert souldiors he was strong ynough for him , valiantly went out and encountered him : and so euen at the first onset by plaine valour disordering the formost squadrons of the Turkes battell , enforced them to retire with the losse of six thousand men ; amongst whom were the Bassa of BVDA , six Sanzackes , with diuers other captaines and commaunders of good place and marke . At which time he also tooke from them diuers pieces of great artillerie , and had vndoubtedly with a notable slaughter ouerthrowne all the rest of the Bassaes armie , had not a great squadron of the Tartars euen at that instant shewed themselues at the backes of the Christians , and so staying them , giuen leisure vnto the Bassa againe to restore his disordered battaile . Whereupon the duke contenting himselfe with the victorie he had alreadie gotten , in good order retired againe into his trenches , hauing in this conflict not lost aboue three hundred of his people . But whilest both armies thus lay , and new supplies still repairing vnto them , expecting but when they should come to a generall day of battaile ; the Ianizaries still murmuring , that it was now no time of the yeare longer to keepe the field , by their importunitie enforced the Bassa to retire to BVDA , and there to disband his armie . In which his retreat many were by the Christians cut off in the tayle of his armie , and a number of prisoners taken , and amongst the rest fiftie of the French mutiners of PAPPA , whom the archduke Matthias at the instance of duke Mercurie afterwards pardoned . Neither sped they much better that were sent by the Bassa to haue attempted the taking of ALBA REGALIS ; for being come neere thereunto , they were so welcomed with great shot out of the citie , and charged with often sallies by the strong garrison , that seeing no hope to preuaile , they were glad to rise and to returne againe vnto the Bassa that sent them . About the same time that the duke began to besiege ALBA REGALIS , Ferdinand the archduke hauing receiued great aid from the Pope , with the other princes of ITALIE and the king of SPAINE , and so now thirtie thousand strong , by the aduise of the duke of MANTVA his lieutenant Generall , resolued to besiege CANISIA ; which to haue again recouered out of the hands of the Turkes concerned much , not them of STIRIA and AVSTRIA onely , but the other prouinces adjoyning , yea and ITALIE it selfe also : whereupon hee with his armie in good order came the tenth of September and encamped before it ; the duke of MANTVA and Don Iohn di Medices with two thousand harquebusiers and two cornets of horse , being come the day before to take view of the towne , at whom the Turkes made diuers shot , but without any harme doing . And albeit that the Turks there in garrison in number not past a thousand ( accounting amongst them three hundred of the Wallons sometime of the garrison of PAPPA ) with their often and gallant sallies greatly troubled the Christians , and that great bands of other Turkes came many times out of the strong towne and fortresses thereby , to skirmish with them , and to see if they could put any moe souldiors into the towne for the more assurance thereof : yet such was the carefulnesse of the Christian commaunders , and valour of their souldiors , that the Turkes both in the one place and the other , were to their cost still repulsed and put to flight , with the losse also of some of their small castles and forts thereabout . To approach this strong towne and to plant a batterie against it , seemed to be a matter of great difficultie , for that it was ( as we haue elsewhere said ) enuironed round with a marish : yet meanes was found to drie it a little , and to fill it vp on the one side , and to come so neere the towne , that hauing planted three tyre of artillerie against it , the Christians began furiously to batter it , beating downe both the wals , the houses , and other buildings therein . Yea at length they had brought their approaches so neere , that they were come with their trenches euen close vnto the towne ditch , persuading the Turks now whilest they might vpon good conditions to surrender the towne , and so to saue their liues . Wherunto their fierce and enraged minds were so farre from hearkening , that brauing the Christians , they said , That they would in despight of all their forces keepe the place for their Sultan doe what they could . Whereupon the Archduke and the duke of MANTVA , by the aduise of Medices and the rest of the principall captaines and commaunders in the armie , resolued to giue a generall assault vnto the towne . In the meane time newes was brought into the campe , of the winning of ALBA REGALIS , which there made great rejoycing , in signe whereof the Christians ( as the manner is ) in triumph many times discharged their great ordinance : and by fit men persuaded the garrison souldiors in CANISIA to yeeld , and not to cast themselues into such danger as had their fellowes at ALBA REGALIS , for that in so doing they should not onely saue their liues , but easily also obtaine such other good conditions as they could reasonably desire ; whereas otherwise they should to their cost find the Christians strong enough to constraine them , which must needs bring with it their vtter ruine and and destruction . Whereunto the garrison souldiors ( amongst whom the renegat Wallons were the chiefe ) contemptuously answered , That they little feared such weake assaylants : and with great crie and scorne commaunding the messengers to depart , in token of their confidence as also not to seeme inferiour vnto the Christians , oftentimes to small purpose discharged their great ordinance , as had the Christians the day before . Now though the wals of the towne were with continuall batterie sore shaken , and the breaches almost laid open ; yet was the intended assault for a while delaid , vntill the bridges might be made that were to be laid ouer the towne ditch , for the Christians to passe ouer vpon . But all things ( as was thought ) now in a readinesse , and the Florentines with some other of the Italians ( whose lot it was to giue the first assault ) being come forward , the bridge whereby they were to passe the towne ditch was found both too short and too weake for them to get ouer vnto the other side by : so that sincking vnder them , not the souldiors onely but euen the commaunders themselues and namely Herberstein , were in great danger to haue been lost . By which meanes they hindred , and the enemies murthering pieces continually flanking them , and their musketiers still playing vpon them afront , they were enforced to retire , leauing behind them three hundred of their men slaine . Yet were not the Christian commaunders any thing therewith discouraged , but being generally resolued not to giue ouer that they had taken in hand vntill they had brought it to effect , began to make such prouision as they knew to be needfull to preserue their armie vnder , against the violence of the winter weather ; as also to hinder that no victuals might be brought vnto the towne , so by famine at length to enforce the Turkes and Wallons to yeeld : who although they were alreadie pinched with wants , insomuch that hors-flesh was daintie cheere with them ; yet for all that they nothing abated of their wonted fiercenesse , but being againe required to yeeld , vouchsafed not to answere them one word , but in stead thereof shooke their naked swords a farre off at them , in token of their vndaunted courage . But yet for all this resolution of the commaunders for the continuance of the siege , Aldobrandino Generall of the Italians being now a little before dead ( of an old infirmitie he had ) the Italians began at the first some few of them secretly to withdraw themselues out of their quarter : but afterward by greater numbers to depart , and so to returne againe into their countrey ; alleadging for their excuse , want both of pay and victuals . But the rest better minded , vnderstanding that the Turkes were risen from before ALBA REGALIS , and the rest of their armie disbanded , began to enter into new hope by some deuise or other to passe the ditch , and so by force to take the towne : and the rather , for that they were by a French fugitiue enformed both of the weaknesse and wants of the besieged . Whereupon they began afresh to make new engines for the approaching of the wals , without danger of the enemies ordinance any more to flanke them . At which time also ( viz. the fourth of Nouember ) the lord Russworm came vnto the campe , sent thither from duke Mercurie with eight thousand souldiors ( after that Hassan Bassa had broke vp his armie ) by whose comming they were also the more encouraged to prosecute that they had taken in hand : neither fayled the Turks in the meane time with often fallies to trouble the Christians , attempting aboue all things to haue fiered their tents ; for that so lying open in that so cold a season of the yeare , they must thereby of necessitie be enforced to raise their siege and be gone . But the successe of these their so great dessignes was not answerable to their hopes , being still to their losse beaten backe into the towne by the Christians : whom it behooued to looke well about them , for that the besieged desperatly set , and all resolued rather to die than to yeeld , aduentured themselues to all dangers , neuer ceasing to doe what they might to put the Christians out of hope for winning the towne . But whilest the Turkes with doubtfull and as it were desperat hope so defend the place , and the Christians grown stronger by the comming of their friends lay in hope to win the same : lo , in the latter end of Nouember the North wind accompanied with a deepe snow , so furiously raged , that it ouerthrew the greatest part of the tents and pauillions of the Christians , and as it were buried their whole armie in the snow and I se ; in such wise , as that in Ferdinand the archdukes campe ( being reasonably well prouided for ) were a thousand fiue hundred men , with three hundred horses , starued and frozen to death . At which time the state of them that came with the lord Russworm was most miserable , who wearied with the siege of ALBA REGALIS , and as it were spent with the dirtie trauell of the deep way , had not brought with them their tents or other prouision , and were therefore enforced to lie abroad in so cold and vnreasonable a time : with whose miseries , although their good Generall was much grieued , yet to doe the Christian common-weale seruice , he with them right patiently endured . In which so great an extreamitie , the Archduke with the rest of the commaunders vpon view taken , well considering what small hope there was in good time to take the towne , the vnreasonablenesse of the winter weather still more and more increasing ; thought it better in time to rise , than longer to expose their armie vnto most certaine destruction , either of the enemie or the cold . Which was done with such hast and confused tumult , as that their rising seemed rather an hastie flight than honourable departure ; leauing behind them for hast their great ordinance , with their tents and baggage ; a common voice still running , That they were well if they might but saue themselues : so that the souldiors euery man mindfull but of himselfe , and in feare to be pursued by the enemy , no man chasing them , fled , but still accompanied with such furious windes , snow , and extreame cold , that with all the labour they could take they could get them no heat , but fell downe to the earth many of them frozen , and so once falling neuer rose more , being vnable for want of heat to helpe themselues : in which case they were not to expect for helpe from others , euerie man hauing ynough to doe to looke vnto himselfe : so that vpon the way whereby the armie went thus dispersed with the weather , lay aboue fiue hundred dead of cold ; beside foure hundred others left sicke in the forsaken trenches , who forthwith after the departure of the armie were thought to haue beene all put to the sword by them of the garrison of CANISIA . But hauing thus passed through these troubles of HVNGARIE , it is time now also to looke backe againe into the frontier countries of TRANSYLVANIA and VALACHIA ; which to haue kept in the emperours obeisance , and so preserued as a liuely member of the Christian common-weale , no lesse concerned him , than the keeping of any other his frontier territories , which are many . Michael the Vayuod of VALACHIA , the last yeare for his crueltie first driuen out of TRANSYLVANIA by Basta , and afterwards out of VALACHIA by the Great Chancellour of POLONIA ( as is aforesaid ) and another placed in his stead , as a man forsaken euen of his owne better fortunes , and not well knowing which way to turne himselfe : thought it best now at last to submit himselfe vnto the emperour , if so happily by his meanes he might in some sort repaire his broken estate , and so at leastwise recouer his gouernment in VALACHIA . So resolued , he set forward , and in the beginning of this yeare , viz. the three and twentith of Ianuarie , with fiue and thirtie of his followers and six coaches arriued at PRAGE , where he was by the emperours appointment honourably receiued , and his cost at the emperours charge defrayed . Vnto whom he excused himselfe of the seueritie by him vsed in TRANSYLVANIA ( the cause of those late troubles in that countrey ) as enforced thereunto by the stubbornenesse of the Transyluanians themselues , whom he found still enclined to rebellion , and vnwilling to be commaunded by any but by themseues . Which his excuse ( as true ) was well admitted , and he with all kindnesse vsed . Now at this same time Basta lying also in TRANSYLVANIA , as Gouernour for the emperour , right slenderly accompanied , ( as is before also declared ) the parliament at CLAVSENBVRG being ended , and all controuersies ( as was thought ) well composed , now without feare one night the watch being set , went to bed to take his rest ; where he had not long lien , but that certaine of the Transyluanian lords , among whom the Chiaki was chiefe , came with their followers , and surprising the watch , and entering the pallace , brake into the chamber where he lay , tooke him out of his bed , and so kept him prisoner all that night . And the next morning going forth , about twelue miles off met with Sigismund Bathor their late prince , before secretly by them called in , whom they honourably conducted to CLAVSENBVRG , and there deliuered vnto him Basta , the late gouernour for the emperour , whom he commaunded to be cast into yrons : and so going to the pallace , gaue like order for the apprehending and safe keeping of the rest of the nobilitie also , such as had taken part with Basta in the behalfe of the emperour . For now the Transyluanians were deuided into three parts : whereof the one stood for the emperour ; the second for Istuan Bathor ( pretending , that vnto him belonged the soueraignetie of that prouince ) but the third and farre the greatest , for Sigismund their antient lord and leader , who now by means of the king of POLONIA reconciled vnto the great Turke , and in this troublesome time by his fauourites called againe into his countrey , was by them joyfully receiued at AL●A IVLIA , CLAVSENBVRG , and the rest of the chiefe cities of TRANSYLVANIA . Who now thereof againe possessed , for the better assuring of his estate forthwith writ vnto the emperour what had happened , requesting him to content himselfe , that he was desirous of his loue and fauour , promising to be alwaies his good friend and neighbor , and for euer to keepe good amitie with him : giuing Basta also ( whom he had now at the intercession of certaine great friends againe enlarged ) to vnderstand , That hee was forthwith to depart from all the places belonging vnto his principalitie , as also to cease from further molesting of his people that were now voluntarily againe returned vnto his obedience . Which his request was neither of the one nor of the other much regarded or hearkened vnto : for the emperour vpon the first aduertisement of this so great an alteration in TRANSYLVANIA , calling vnto him Michael the Vayuod ( not so much troubled with the strangenesse of the matter , as for that his wife and sonne , whom he had left as hostages with Basta , were now come into the hands of the Transyluanians his mortall enemies ) and satisfying him in many things that hee had before requested , tooke order with him , That with all conuenient speed returning home againe into VALACHIA , where hee was now much longed for ( the people generally disliking of the simple Vayuod , by the great Chancellour set ouer them ) and gathering together such power as he could , he should joyne himselfe with Basta his lieutenant generall , vnto whom he had alreadie sent great companies both of horse and foot for the expulsing of Sigismund out of TRANSYLVANIA , and the reducing againe of that prouince vnder his obeysance . Whereupon the Vayuod forthwith returning into VALACHIA , and assembling about ten thousand of his friends , all good and expert souldiors , went to seeke for Basta as he had with the emperour agreed ; whom he found readie in the field with about twentie thousand foot and eight thousand horse , but newly departed from VERADINVM : where mustering their armie , they with their vnited forces entered into TRANSYLVANIA , there to put in execution what the emperor had commanded . Where the Vayuod in disdaine of the people which loued him not , with fire & sword wasted all the country before him as he went : not without the great discontentment of Basta , to whom it seemed not good to make desolat that countrey which he was in good hope should in short time be his lord and masters the emperours . But Sigismund vnderstanding both of the comming of his enemies and of the harme they did in his countrey , rise from SOLNOCK where he lay encamped with his armie , and so to hinder their further proceeding went to meet them : howbeit being come so neere vnto them as that he might well discouer them , he would not come to the triall of a battell with them , which was by them offered ; but fortified himselfe in his trenches , so seeking but to delay the time vntill the comming of the Tartars , which were to haue come vnto him from the Chancellor of POLONIA , as also of six thousand Turkes to haue been sent him from the Bassa of BELGRADE . Where hauing afterward vnderstood that the passage of the Tartars to haue been sent him , was staied by Don Ferrante Gonzaga the emperours lieutenant in the vpper HVNGARIE ; and that the Turks staying at GIVLA would come no farther except they had their pay before hand : finding himselfe too weake with his owne power to encounter with his enemies , he rise with his armie , with purpose to haue retired a little backe , and to haue taken certaine straight passages whereby the enemie must needs passe , so by the aduantage of the place to haue holpen his owne weake strength . But Basta and the Vayuod perceiuing his rising ( whereunto they were still attentiue ) followed him with such speed , that they ouertooke him before he could get thither , and so hardly pressed him , that needs he must turne his face and joyne battell , or else suffer his people altogither like beasts to be slaine . In which doing , albeit that neither he nor his failed to doe what was by men to be done for the obtaining of a notable victorie , yet such was the valour of the souldiors of Basta and the Vayuod , that in a great fight hauing disordered his footmen , they put them to flight , and so cut them all in pieces . Which the prince beholding , and not able to remedie the matter , betime fled with his horsemen from the furie of his enemies , and so retired to the vttermost confines of TRANSYLVANIA , hauing in this battell lost ten thousand of his faithfull souldiors . Whereupon CLAVDIOPOLIS with diuers other cities and townes of that countrey , returned againe vnto the emperours obeysance . In the prosecuting of this victorie , the Vayuod to satisfie the hatred he had of long borne against the Transyluanians , did what spoile he could , vtterly wasting all the places whereby he pas●ed : which Basta not liking , requested him to vse his victorie with more modestie , and to haue more respect to what he did , especially vnto such places or persons as of themselues returned vnto the emperours obeysance . Whereunto he prowdly answered , That he would doe what he thought good without his appointment or the emperors either , especially in that countrey which he had now with his owne sword twise conquered : and that therefore Basta might commaund them that were by him to be commaunded , as for himselfe he acknowledged no soueraigntie that either Basta or the emperour had ouer him . Vnto which his so presumptuous a speech Basta replied not , but yet much therewith discontented , began to enter into a great suspition from what ground those his haughtie conceits ( easily by his words to be gathered ) might grow . And so from that time better obseruing his proceedings , perceiued him to haue intelligence with the Turkes , with purpose to joyne hands with them , that so by their helpe chasing the Imperials out of TRANSYLVANIA , he might hold it to himselfe as tributarie to the Othoman emperour , of all others best able to defend him . Which to be true ( beside diuers other strong presumptions ) he certainly vnderstood by certaine letters of his written to that purpose , intercepted by his souldiors and brought vnto him : whereupon he became verie pensiue and heauie , for the great power the Vayuod was of in those countries , as also for the great strength he had euen then present about him , and wherewith he was as it were then guarded . So consulting with certaine of his Colonels and chiefe commaunders of his armie , what were best to be done in that so dangerous a case , whereof so much depended ? a Wallon captaine offered himselfe to go into the Vayuod his campe , and there in his owne tent to kill him as a traitour . Which his offer well liked of , and he as readie to performe as he was to promise , going into the Vayuods campe accompanied with some threescore men , and finding him in his tent , boldly stepping to him , willed him to yeeld himselfe the emperours prisoner : Wherat he being about to lay his hand vpon his scimitar , the Wallon captain with an holbard thrust him into the breast , at which verie instant another with a sword at one blow claue his head downe to the shoulders . An vnworthie death for so worthie a captaine , had not ambition the torment of great spirits carried him too high with the wings of immoderat desire , beyond the bounds of loyaltie and reason . But there he lieth now dead among his friends , whom the great Turke sometime more feared euen in his pallace at CONSTANTINOPLE , than he did all the rest of the emperors commaunders . Presently vpon his death a great tumult and hurly burly was raised by the souldiors in his campe : but Basta forthwith shewing himselfe with all his souldiors in armes , and withall producing the letters declaring the treason by the Vayuod contriued with the Bassa of T●MESV●AR against the emperour , all was againe appeased : but especially for that his souldiours now saw themselues without an head , and too weake also for the Imperials there present and alreadie in armes . In the Vayuods tent were also other letters found , so plainly declaring his secret collusion with the Turke , and treason against the Emperour , that the Walachians who at the first were wonderfully mooued with his death , and hearing the same read , rested not now onely contented , but said moreouer that he was worthely slaine , and that if they had knowne him to haue had any such traiterous purpose , they would themselues long before haue taken of him deserued punishment . Now vnto his souldiors Basta offered , at their choise , either to depart whither they would without danger ; or else taking the oath of obedience vnto the emperour to enter into his pay , which most part of them did . The tumult appeased , the dead bodie of the Vayuod was laid out a whole day for the souldiors to gaze vpon , and so afterward buried . So lieth he , that but of late and many times before , had so fortunatly ouerthrowne his enemies ; vnhappie man himselfe now ouerthrowne by his owne ambition and vnconstancie . Basta now deliuered of the great feare he had before of the Vayuod , what by force , what by agreement , in short time tooke in most part of the country : for that the Transyluanians seeing the small power of Sigismund , and well comforted with the death of Michael the Vayuod so much of them hated ; as also to auoid the dangers euen presently hanging ouer their heads from the Imperials , if they should in any thing shew themselues obstinat against them , submitted themselues wholly to the courtesie of Basta , so that the places were but few that yet held out for the prince Sigismund : who in the meane time was doing what he might for the raising of a new armie ( hauing not altogither with this late ouerthrow forthwith also lost his hope ) by the helpe of the Turkes , Tartars , and Polonians , to recouer againe the possession of his state , and by force of armes to chase out the Imperials . But he being brought to so low an ebbe , and almost the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA possessed by Basta ; who would not haue thought but that now after so long trauels it would haue remained wholly at the emperours deuotion ? and so many that thought themselues to see much , said assuredly it would . But see the change , and what small assurance euen the greatest haue of the constancie of the vaine multitude : neuer more like themselues , than in disliking to morrow what they best liked to day , foolish , sencelesse , improuident , rash , headstrong , violent , and aboue all things mutable and vnconstant . So now for all that Basta had done for the assurance of this countrey vnto the emperour ( being so much as most men thought to haue been sufficient , and indeed as much as was possible for him to doe ) euen in the winding vp of this yeare 1601 , the Transyluanians vnderstanding that Sigismund with a great armie of Polonians , Turkes , and Tartars , was now comming against the Imperials , most part of them presently tooke vp armes in his fauour , saying , That their first oath voluntarily giuen vnto him as their naturall prince and Gouernour , was more to be respected than any other afterwards by force extorted from them by a forrein prince . Insomuch , that Basta perceiuing with what a tempest he was like euen presently to be ouerwhelmed ; to saue himselfe and his people from the rage thereof , withdrew himselfe with his followers vnto a strong towne in a corner of that countrey : from whence he with all speed sent vnto the emperour for greater aid , as well for the defence of the place he yet held , as for the subduing againe of that rebellious people . After whose departure , Sigismund without resistance entring the countrey , was of the people in generall joyfully receiued as their most lawfull prince and soueraigne , and all the honour done vnto him that was by them possible : in which his so princely , but dangerous estate , now twise in lesse than the space of one yeare by him regained , and yet thereof no whit assured , we will for a while leaue him to joy therein with his subjects . But whilest the state thus turneth vpside downe in TRANSYLVANIA , the Bassa of AGRIA going out with ten thousand Turkes in hope to haue surprised TOCCAIB ( a strong hold of the Christians in the vpper HVNGARIE ) was encountred by Ferrant Gonzaga the emperours lieutenant there , and by him ouerthrowne , and with great slaughter of his Turks chased to the gates of AGRIA . Now was Mahomet the Turkish emperour this yeare also , no lesse troubled with the proceedings of the Scriuano in CARAMANIA and NATOLIA , than with the euill successe of his affaires in TRANSYLVANIA and HVNGARIE . For the Scriuano by his last yeares victorie growne into great credit with the common people , and still by them more and more followed ; to maintaine the reputation of his credit , came now againe this yeare with a great power into the field , to meet with Mahomet the great Bassa and Generall of the Turkes armie ▪ who with fiftie thousand good souldiors ( a power thought sufficient to haue repressed him ) was readie to encounter him . With whom the Scriuano joyning battell , in a great fight ●ut in sunder a great part of the Bassaes armie , and so became master of the field , forraged all the countries adjoyning almost as farre as ALEPPO , still calling the people vnto libertie ; and causing himselfe to be proclaimed the true defender of the Mahometane faith , and of the liberties of those co●●tries with him combined : in such sort , as that it now stood the great Turke vpon to send an other great armie to the aid of Mahomet the discomfited Bassa . With whom also the Scriuano ( presuming of his former fortune ) comming to a day of battell , and ouercharged with the multitude of his enemies , was at the first encounter with his people put to the worse : but forthwith by his good direction hauing repaired his disordered battell , and thereby giuen as it were new courage to his fainting souldiors , he with a great slaughter disordered also the Bassaes armie . Yet hauing not any other firme state or stay to rest vpon , more than the fauour and reputation he held with these his rebellious followers , of whom he had now lost a great many , he thought it not best to aduenture too far ( not knowing how presently to repaire his losses ) but contenting himselfe with that he had alreadie done , retired with his armie into the strength of the mountaines , there that Winter to liue vpon the spoile of the countries adjoining , and the next yeare to do more harme than euer he had done before . Beside all which former troubles , the plague also this yeare sore raged both in CONSTANTINOPLE and many other places of the Turkish empire , At which time also the Ianizaries at CONSTANTINOPLE hauing receiued some disgrace by some of the great Sultans fauourits , and with great insolencie requiring to haue their heads , caused their Aga well accompanied presumptuously to enter into the Seraglio to preferre this their request : Whom Mahomet to the terrour of the rest , caused for his presumption to be taken into the middest of the Spahi , and so by them to be cut in pieces ; which was not done without the great slaughter of the Spahi themselues also , slaine by the Ianizaries . Whereupon the other Ianizaries arising vp in armes also , and euen now readie to haue reuenged the death of their captaine , were yet by the wisedome of Cicala Bassa bestowing amongst them a great summe of money , againe appeased without farther harme doing . Which their so great insolencie Mahomet imputing vnto their excessiue drinking of wine , contrarie to the law of their great Prophet ; by the persuasion of the Muftie , commaunded all such as had any wine in their houses in CONSTANTINOPLE or PERA , vpon paine of death to bring it out and to staue it , except the embassadours of the Queene of ENGLAND , the French king , and of the State of VENICE : so that ( as some report ) wine for a space ran down the channels of the streets in CONSTANTINOPLE , as if it had been water after a great shower of raine . Sigismund the Transyluanian prince now of late againe possessed of TRANSYLVANIA ( as is before declared ) could not yet well assure himselfe of the keeping thereof : for that he with the Transyluanians of his faction alone , was not able to withstand the force of Basta ; who still strengthened with new supplies both of men and all things else necessarie for the warres from the Emperour , was now with a great power alreadie entred into TRANSYLVANIA : the Polonians busied in the warres of SUEVIA , and the Turkes with their other greater affaires , neither of them sending him their promised aid , the greatest hope and stay of himselfe in that newnesse of his state . Wherefore seeing himselfe euerie day to loose one place or other ; and fearing also least his souldiors for want of pay should in short time quite forsake him and go ouer to Basta : he thought it best betimes and whilest he had yet something left , and was not yet altogither become desperat , otherwise to prouide for his estate , especially hauing small trust in the Turkes , to whom he had before been so great an enemie . Wherefore he dealt with Basta for a truce or cessation from armes , vntill embassadours might be sent vnto the emperour , to entreat with him for some good attonement . Wherewith Basta being content , and the embassadours sent , the matter was so handled with the Emperour , that Sigismund to make an end of all these troubles , was contented to the behoofe of his Imperiall majestie , to resigne vnto Basta his lieutenant all such places as he yet held in TRANSYLVANIA , vpon much like conditions he had about three yeares before made with him : and so in all and for all , to submit himselfe vnto his majestie . Which intended surrender of the princes being bruted in TRANSYLVANIA , Zachell Moises his lieutenant ( and now in field with the princes forces ) not able to endure or to heare that that noble prouince should againe fall into the hands of the Germanes ; encouraging his souldiors , went vpon the sudden to assaile Basta , in hope to haue found him vnprouided , and so discomfiting his armie , to haue driuen the Imperials quite out of TRANSYLVANIA : But he an old and expert commaunder , perceiuing euen the first mouing of the Transyluanians , with great sceleritie put his armie in good order , and so joyned battell with them : wherein hee with the losse of some fiue hundred men ouerthrew Moises , with his armie of Transyluanians , Turkes , and Tartars , hauing slaine aboue three thousand of them , and put the rest to flight : Moises himselfe with some few others being now glad to take their refuge into the frontiers of the Turkes territories towards TEMESVVAR . But when Sigismund vnderstood what his lieutenant had without his knowledge done , he in token of his owne innocencie went himselfe vnto the Imperiall campe , accompanied only with certaine of his Gentlemen , and there vnto Basta excused himselfe of that which was by his lieutenant against his will , and without his priuitie done ; frankly offering to performe whatsoeuer was on his part to be performed , according to the agreement made betwixt the Emperour and him . And so presently calling his garrisons out of all such strong places as were yet for him holden , he surrendered them to Basta ; and so forthwith honourably accompanied , put himselfe vpon his way towards the emperour . After whose departure out of TRANSYLVANIA , all that prouince voluntarily and without more adoe yeelded to Basta as to the emperours lieutenant : who presently called an assembly of all the Nobilitie of the countrey , taking of them an oath for their obedience and loyaltie vnto the emperor . Thus by the wisedome and prowesse of this worthy commaunder , is the countrey of TRANSYLVANIA once againe brought vnder the emperours obeysance ; a matter of far greater importance , than to haue woon the strongest citie the Turke holdeth in HVNGARIE . But whilest things thus passed in TRANSYLVANIA , great troubles arise also in VALACHIA ( the country next adjoyning ) for that the people of that prouince not able longer to endure the great insolencie of the Turks ( who after the death of Michaell had by their power made one Hieremias Vayuod there ) by a generall consent tooke vp armes , and proclaiming one Radol ( a fauourit of the Emperours ) Vayuod , chased Hieremias ( before placed by the Turkes ) quite out of the countrey ▪ who flying vnto Simon Palatine of MOLDAVIA , his friend , by his meanes and the helpe of the Turkes returning into VALACHIA , draue out thence Radol againe : who being now at this present with Basta , with about ten thousand Valachians his followers , earnestly requested of him ( now that hee was so quietly possessed of TRANSYLVANIA ) to helpe him with his forces for the recouerie of VALACHIA . And Basta well considering how much it concerned the quiet and sure keeping of the possession of TRANSYLVANIA for the Emperour , to haue that so neere a prouince to friend , easily yeelded to his request ; and gaue him a great regiment of his old approoued souldiors , and so sent him away to recouer his estate : with whom ( at his entrance into VALACHIA ) the Moldauian meeting with a great power both of his owne and of the Turkes , come thither in the fauour of Hieremias , there was fought betwixt them a most terrible and bloudie battell , the glorie whereof fell vnto Radol , he carrying away the victorie . In which battell two of the Turkes Bassaes were there slaine , with a great numbers of others both of the Moldauians and Turkes . After which victorie Radol recouered againe the soueraigntie of VALACHIA , for which he was beholden to Basta : and shortly after with the same aid cut in peeces a great power of the Tartars , that were comming to haue aided the Moldauian . Now in the meane time in HVNGARIE also passed many an hot skirmish betwixt the Christians and the Turkes , whose garrisons at BVDA and other places in the lower HVNGARIE , attempting to haue surprised ALBA REGALIS , and discouered by the Christians , were with great slaughter enforced to retire . At which time also , Countie Serinus vnderstanding by his espials , that the Turkes with two hundred waggons with munition and victuals were going to CANISIA ; vpon the sudden set vpon them , and hauing slaine and put to flight the conuoy that guarded them , carried the waggons with all that was in them away with him . And shortly after the free Haiduckes of COMARA in a great partie going out towards BVDA to seeke after bootie , and hauing taken threescore Turkes prisoners , and so with them about to haue returned home ; vnderstanding by the way , that Ali sometime the Bassa of BVDA , and now gouernour of PESTH , was with a small retinue about to come downe the riuer Danubius from BVDA towards BELGRADE , there to meet the Visier Bassa , but then comming into HVNGARIE , they slew all their prisoners ; and hauing got two small boats , about fifteene miles beneath BVDA lay in wait for the Bassa : who according to their expectation comming downe the riuer , was by these aduenturers fiercely assailed , and of his thirtie followers hauing foureteene slaine , being himselfe also shot in two places of his bodie , was there with a great bootie taken , and so brought to COMARA , and shortly after presented vnto Matthias the archduke at VIENNA : who amongst other things certainely enformed him , that Hassan Bassa was with a great armie by the commaundement of the great Sultan Mahomet comming to besiege ALBA REGALIS , and that he was now vpon his way as farre as BELGRADE ; presently sent thither the Countie Isolan gouernour thereof , who with much adoe got into the citie , the Turkes hauing alreadie taken all the passages , to haue hindered the Christians from putting either men or munition , more than was therein alreadie . Howbeit the Countie now got in there , and being no lesse good enginer than a valiant commaunder , caused all them in the citie to labour vpon the rampiers : so that beside the naturall situation thereof , which was very strong , hee had in short time so fortified it , as that in most mens judgement it seemed a place almost impregnable . This Ali Bassa was sometime the Great Turkes butler , but after the taking of AGRIA made Bassa of BVDA ; which great place he held but three moneths , being by the enuie and ambition of some , but especially of Amurath Bassa , remoued thence , and made gouernour of PESTH : from whence now going downe the riuer to BELGRADE , it was his fortune to be thus taken by the Haiduckes , vnto whom hee offered for his ransome three hundred thousand Sultanines ; and had with him when he was taken seuentie thousand duckats . Mahomet the great Sultan not a little troubled with the losse of ALBA REGALIS ( taken from him by the Christians the last yeare ) and now resolued for the recouerie of the same to engage if need should be a great part of his forces ; had caused an armie of aboue an hundred thousand strong to meet together at HADRIANOPLE , for that purpose , vnder the leading of Mahomet Bassa ( otherwise called Sardar Bassa , an Albanois , and one of the chiefe Visiers ) to bee sent into HVNGARIE . Who by the way of BELGRADE comming to BVDA , and from thence to ALBA REGALIS , there the twelfth of August encamped ( as he had oftentimes before threatened ) with the multitude of his tents couering all the countrey round about , as if it had beene a white snow : where hauing well entrenched himselfe , and planted his artillerie , he began a most terrible and furious batterie , in such sort as if he had not meant to haue made a breach onely , but to haue beaten the citie euen from the face of the earth , which seemed now to tremble vnder his feet , and the clouds to rent with the thundering of his great ordinance : and for that the marish and deepe ditches were a great let vnto his men for to come vnto the assault , he caused them with the number of his pioners to be filled vp , a worke thought almost impossible , and so brought on his men to assault the counterscarfe , which the gouernour had caused to be made before the citie for the better defence thereof : which assault cost him much bloud , by reason of the wonderfull valour of the defendants : yet in the end the great number of the Turkes preuailing , the Christians were enforced to forsake it and to retire into the citie . But shortly after sallying out againe , they with such force assailed the Turkes now got within the counterscarfe , that hauing slaine most part of them that were entered , they forced the other out againe : at the brute whereof , an alarum being raised throughout the campe , infinit numbers of the barbarous enemies came running thither with such beastly furie , that without regard of their liues they as desperat men pressing still on , fell twice as many as before : insomuch that the Christians wearie of that long and bloudie fight , and on euery side charged or rather ouerwhelmed with the enemies shot , were glad againe , but not without great losse , to abandon the place . With which skirmishes and diuers others that they had , the number of the defendants was greatly deminished : yet was not the courage of the valiant Gouernour any whit therewith abated , but by his letters gaue the Archduke Matthias to vnderstand in what case things stood with them in the citie , requesting him with all speed to send them reliefe , for that otherwise the citie would be in danger to be lost ; as well for that many of the garrison souldiors were alreadie slaine in the defence thereof , as also that diuers of the Hungarians forsaking the wals , daily fled vnto the Turks campe : promising yet neuerthelesse himselfe to doe the vttermost of his deuoire . Vpon the receit of which letters , the Archduke gaue order vnto the lord Russworm ( master of his campe ) to goe forthwith to COMARA , and there with such forces as were from diuers places come thither , to go forth and to proue if by any meanes the weake garrison of ALBA REGALIS might so be relieued , by putting in some good supplie of fresh souldiors . According vnto which commaund , Russworm comming thither , without delay tooke the field with twelue thousand men which he found there , to see if he might with them put into the citie the desired reliefe . But whilest the matter was in the performance thereof too long delaied , by discord arising betwixt him and the other colonels , about the commaund , the Bassa had time to effect his purpose : who the eight and twentith of the same moneth of August , after a long and terrible batterie , caused a generall assault to be giuen vnto the citie : which the Turkes from time to time renewing , continued all that day and the next night , with some part of the day following also , without intermission : so that the defendants now brought to a small number , and they also so wearied or wounded , as that they were not well able to make any longer resistance ( and the Countie himselfe , who gaue as it were life vnto them all , being now also carried away , dangerously hurt in the thigh with a musket shot ) gaue vnto the enemie a signe of their yeelding . Whereupon the furie of the assault being staied , whilest they were yet talking with the enemie from the wall about the conditions of their yeelding , a renegate Christian which knew the citie well , in the meane time conducted a great squadron of the Turkes vnto a place but weakely defended ; who forcing the wals , entered the citie , and with a great crie gaue signes of their enterance vnto the rest of the armie on the other side : who thereupon breaking off the parley , presently renewed the assault , and by force gained the wals : where the few Christians that were left , now both before and behind enclosed with their fierce enemies , were there valiantly fighting for the most part slaine , the Countie onely with some few others found wounded in their lodgings ( the furie ouerpast ) being taken prisoners and spared . So the Bassa hauing in eighteene daies taken ALBA REGALIS ( now being eleuen moneths possessed by the Christians ) caused the breaches he had made to bee againe repaired , and the citie well prouided for both of victuals and munition , leauing therein a strong garrison of six thousand good souldiours : and with his people hauing ouerrun all the countrey as farre as STRIGONIVM , rise with his armie , and retired againe to BVDA : where as he was making a bridge of boats ouer the Danubius betwixt BVDA and PESTH , for the more easie transporting of victuall , and better relieuing of the one the other as need should require ; and hauing brought that worke to passe , and was about to haue gone to the siege of STRIGONIVM , commaundement came from the great Sultan , That he should with all speed returne to CONSTANTINOPLE ; for that Mahomet accounting of him as of a most valiant man , was now minded to employ him in his warres against his rebels in NATOLIA , where things now went not well ( as shall hereafter be declared . ) Vpon which commaundement the Bassa gaue leaue to all such in his armie as had charge of any place , forthwith to returne to their seuerall places of gouernment : appointing some others with thirtie thousand souldiors in the companie of Zachael Moises ( but of late prince Sigismund his lieutenant ) to goe with him into TRANSYLVANIA ; who after the ouerthrow he had there receiued by Basta , was come vnto this great Bassa , offering vnto him ( with such an aid as was now appointed for him , and the helpe of such other his friends as he had in TRANSYLVANIA ) to chase Basta with his Germanes from out thence , and to reduce that prouince againe vnto the deuotion of the Othoman emperours , as it had in former time beene . And so by the way of BELGRADE hasted himselfe with the rest of his armie towards CONSTANTINOPLE : which hee was thought the more willingly to doe , for that the great Sultan before his setting forth had put him in good hope to marrie one of his aunts , a woman of great wealth and honour , if by the winning againe of ALBA REGALIS he should make himselfe worthie so honourable a match , after which he now longed . But long it was not after his departure , but that the Imperials now at last assembled together at COMARA , to the number of about thirtie thousand men , with twelue Nassadies and two gallies , some by water , some by land , marched downe alongst the riuer to STRIGONIVM ; where were also twentie other ships readie to receiue them , and so all embarked , were by the lord Russworm and other the imperiall captaines conducted to BVDA , there with some notable enterprise to redeeme the disgrace by them before receiued in not relieuing of ALBA REGALIS . Whose comming was so sudden and so vnlooked for of the Turkes there , as that they had no time to take in any greater helpe or prouision , than was alreadie in the citie . And for as much as the Christians knew the good successe of this their enterprise taken in hand , not so much to depend of their strength , as of their politicke proceeding and speedie dispatch of the matter begun , they thought it not good to vse any long delay , or to spare for any labour , but so soone as they might by taking of the Water citie ( or as some call it the Iewes suburbes ) so to cut off the passage of them of BVDA to PESTH : as also from thence to trouble them in the castle and the vpper citie of BVDA . Which their entended exploit they happily attempted and brought to passe in this sort : The citie of PESTH standing right ouer against BVDA , is ( as we haue oftentimes beforesaid ) deuided from the same with the great and swift riuer of Danubius : ouer which the Turkes vpon boats had with great labour and cost of late built a most easie and commodious bridge , for passage or carriage of things from the one citie to the other : this bridge the Imperials thought necessarie first to breake , the more easily to besiege either the one or other citie ; and for that purpose had by a strange deuice built a ship , which by the force of the streame carried downe the riuer , and resting vpon the bridge , should by a wonderfull power breake the same . Which ship the Turks seeing comming downe the riuer with the rest of the fleet after her , they ran by heapes especially out of the Water citie to the bridge , for the defence thereof : where whilest they were thus busied , Countie Sultze on the other side by land with a Petarde blew vp one of the gates of the citie , and so entering , and killing all such as he light vpon , came vnlooked for vpon the backes of the Turkes at the bridge , of whom some he slew , some he draue into the riuer , who there perished ; the rest in number not many , by speedie flight retiring themselues into the citie : whereupon he had now brought such a generall feare , that they all as well the souldiors as the citisens , with the Christians at their heeles , with as much hast as they could tooke their refuge into the vpper citie of BVDA , much stronger and better fortified than was the lower citie . At which time the bridge was by them vpon the riuer broken also , so that now the one citie could no more thereby relieue the other as before . The Water citie thus woon , and the bridge broken , the next was for the Imperials to besiege either the one or the other citie . But for that they of PESTH might with their great ordinance much annoy them in the besieging of the castle and the vpper citie of BVDA , they thought best to begin with it first : which they did in much like sort as they had before done at the lower citie of BVDA , the same deuice againe well prospering in their hand . For the lord Russworm with the fleet vpon the riuer making a great shew , as if hee would euen presently on that side haue entered , had with the stirre by him raised , drawne downe most part of the garrison souldiors vnto that side of the citie where most shew of danger was : whilest in the meane while Countie Sultze with the gouernour of ALTHEM ( before vndiscouered ) vpon the sudden by land scaled the other side of the citie , and gained the wals , the Turkes yet dreaming of no such matter . But hereupon began a great outcrie , the Turkes standing as men astonied , especially now feeling the Christians weapons in their bodies before they knew they were got into the citie . In this so great an amasement , such of them as could , fled into the strongest towers , the rest hid themselues in cellars and other the most secret corners they could find , out of which they were afterwards by the Christians drawne and slaine . They which were retired also into the towers and other stronger places of the citie seeing the great ordinance in euery place bent vpon them , and now out of all hope of reliefe , offered to yeeld , requesting onely , that they might with their wiues and children with life depart ; promising for that fauour so shewed them , to persuade them of BVDA also in like manner to yeeld : Vpon which promise , that their poore request was graunted , and the lord Nadasti with certaine other captaines sent with some of these citisens of PESTH with their wiues and children to BVDA : who comming thither , according to their promise most earnestly requested them of BVDA to yeeld , for that they were not now to expect any further helpe , and that by their foolish obstinacie they should bee the cause of the death of them , their friends , their wiues , and children . Vnto whom also , to mooue them the more , the lord Nadasti promised in the name of the Generall , That they should all , excepting some few of their chiefe commaunders , in safetie depart : howbeit , they of BVDA would not hearken thereunto , but stood still vpon their guard . In this citie of PESTH , well inhabited with Turkish marchants , the Christians found great store of wealth , which all became a prey vnto the souldiors , with a thousand horses for seruice , many great pieces of artillerie , and much other warlike prouision . PESTH thus woon , and a strong garrison left therein , they returned againe ouer the riuer to besiege the castle and vpper citie of BVDA : which they attempted by vndermining the same , as also by batterie ; hauing placed some of their great ordinance so high , that they could at their pleasure shoot into the middest of the streets of the citie , wherewith they much troubled the Turkes , not a little before discouraged with the losse of PESTH ; thundering also at the same time with their other batteries in diuers places at the wals both of the castle and of the citie . Where vnderstanding , that the Turkes garrisons of the frontier townes and castles thereabouts ( hearing of the siege ) were comming to the reliefe of their distressed friends , they sent out their horsemen with some part of their footmen against them : who meeting with them , gaue them a great ouerthrow , and so with victorie returned againe vnto the rest of the armie lying at the siege , being still in hope either by force or composition to become masters of the citie . But whilest they lay in this hope , and hauing the twelfth of October brought their approaches neerer vnto the wals , had there planted certaine notable pieces of batterie , with purpose the next day with all their power to haue assaulted the citie : behold , the Visier Bassa hearing ( by the way as he was going to BELGRADE , and so to CONSTANTINOPLE ) that PESTH was woon , and BVDA besieged ; changing his mind , returned in hast with such forces as hee had yet left , and so vnlooked for , came and sat downe before PESTH , being not then aboue fiue and twentie thousand strong , but those all or for the most part old and expert souldiors . But whilest the Bassa thus lay at the siege of PESTH on the one side of the riuer , and the Imperials at the siege of BVDA on the other , diuers braue attempts were in both places giuen both on the one side and the other . The Christians besieged by the Turkes in PESTH , hauing amongst them diuers braue captaines , and desirous of honour , one day vnder their conduct sallied out of the citie to skirmish with the Turkes ; and comming with them to the sword , by plaine valour disordered them , and enforced them to flie ; and so allured with the sweetnesse of the victorie , pursued them euen to their trenches : from whence a great squadron of the Turks horsemen and harquebusiers at the same instant issuing out , and with their multitude ouercharging the Imperials , constrained them of force to retire : in which retreat , Countie Maximilian Martinengo ( one of these aduenturers ) doing what hee might both with his valour and direction to haue stayed the disordered retreat of the Christians , was with many others slaine : wherewith the rest discouraged , tooke their refuge towards the citie . Which they of the garrison beholding , sent out certaine companies to relieue them ; by whose comming out , the furie of the Turkes was not onely repressed , but they also euen vnto their trenches againe repulsed . Shortly after which hot skirmishes , the lord Russworm with the other Christian captaines on the other side of the riuer , hauing with continuall batterie made such a breach into the castle as that the same seemed to be now saultable , in good order came on with certaine companies of their footmen appointed for that seruice , and so couragiously assailed the breach : where the Turkes , who before had expected this assault , hauing in best sort they could repaired the breach and on both sides thereof placed diuers murthering pieces , with great store of dangerous fire-workes , at such time as the first companies of the Christians sought couragiously to haue entered the breach , ouerwhelmed them with that deadly fire , and so rent them with their murthering shot , that they no faster entered , but that they were forthwith cut off and slaine : with the sight whereof , they which were appointed to second them , nothing discouraged , but seeking desperatly to haue entered , and with the taking of the castle and slaughter of the Turkes to haue required the death of their fellowes , were themselues in like sort welcommed . So that now a thousand of them being lost , the captaines considering how much the losse of so many braue souldiors concerned the whole enterprise taken in hand , and that the breach could not be gained without the losse of the greatest part of them , they caused a retreat to be sounded , and so the assault for that time to be giuen ouer . But long it was not that the Visier Bassa ( thus retired as aforesaid ) had lien before PESTH , but that by reason of his so sudden returne , great wants began to arise in his campe ; his souldiors for want of food being glad to eat their dead horses , a pound of bread being sold for two Hungarian duckats , and a bushell of oates for fiue , and yet hardly so to bee gotten : which wants in that so wasted a countrey still more and more encreasing , and many of his souldiours secretly stealing away from him , he had much adoe by all the meanes he could vse , to persuade them there to stay eight dayes longer . Which time expired , and nothing more done , than some few weake attempts giuen , and some light skirmishes made , rather for fashions sake than for any hope of preuailing , and the want of all things still encreasing ; he with the rest of the commaunders fearing some sudden mischiefe to bee done them by the hungrie and discontented souldiours , the second of Nouember causing his baggage to bee trussed vp in the dead time of the darke and silent night , rise with his armie , and so in hast retired directly to BELGRADE , leauing behind him in his campe three hundred dead horses , not yet eaten by his hunger-starued souldiors . Immediately after whose departure , the lord Nadasti and some other of the commaunders in the armie , with fiue thousand souldiors and certaine great pieces of artillerie , some by land , some by water , went downe alongst the riuer to ADOM , a faire well built towne vpon the banke of Danubius , about foure Hungarian miles from BVDA , and seruing as it were for a store-house for the garrison there : which towne Nadasti summoned by his Hussars sent before , requiring to haue it deliuered vnto him . Which they of the towne at the first refused to doe : but afterwards seeing a farre greater power come , prouided of great ordinance and all things els requisit for a siege , they with the sight thereof discouraged , without more adoe offered to yeeld the towne , so that they might with bag and baggage in safetie depart : which they did , the Christians conducting them as farre as FELDVVAR , which castle was also at the first summons , by the persuasion of them of ADOM deliuered vnto them : for they of the castle , by them enformed of the great strength of the Christians , and of the store of great ordinance they had brought with them , and that they staied therewith but fast by , were easily persuaded to hearken to their friends , and so yeelded . Which done , the free Haiduckes the same night surprised also the castle of Pax : from whence the Christians still marching on alongst the riuer , tooke in also the citie of TOLNA . But whilest Nadasti with the rest were thus busied in taking these castles and townes alongst the South side of Danubius , they in the campe at BVDA were aduertised of the new designes of the Turkes lieutenants and captaines thereabouts , for the reliefe of the besieged : as that the Bassa of BOSNA , with the Gouernours of CANISIA , SIGETH , and others , had assembled an armie of thirtie thousand for the raising of the siege . Wherefore the Christians doubting as they lay at the siege dispersed , to be by them oppressed ; leauing their tents in their trenches , gathered themselues together into the Water citie : which the Turkes out of the vpper citie quickly perceiuing , as feeling themselues now at some more libertie , presently sallying out , tooke both the trenches and the tents so left , with no small slaughter of such as were left for the keeping of them : and so possessed of the trenches and tents , held them by the space of two houres , vntill they were by strong hand by the Christians beaten out , and so with some losse enforced againe to retire into the citie . The lord Nadasti also , with the rest that had taken the aforesaid castles and townes vpon the side of Danubius , making a rode towards ALBA REGALIS , in their returne within a mile of BVDA light vpon a thousand Turkes there gathered together , most part of whom they slew , and hauing put the rest to flight , tooke some fiftie of them prisoners . At which time also another of the Imperiall colonels meeting with certaine other companies of the Turkes comming to the reliefe of the besieged , not farre from BVDA , slew most part of them , tooke an hundred and threescore of them prisoners , with a number of horses and much other rich bootie , all which he brought into the campe . Neither were they at the siege in the meane time idle , their great artillerie still thundering against the wals both of the castle and the citie : so that by the furie of the cannon hauing beaten downe a strong towne next vnto the Danubius , not farre from the kings stable , they were a little before night about to haue there entered , when suddenly such a tempest of wind and raine arise , as that they could not possibly vse their pieces , or well any other weapon : so that the heauens as it were then fighting for the enemie , they were enforced for that time to giue ouer the assault begun . Which storme was no sooner ended , but that two thousand of the Turkes both horse and foot , to keepe the Christians otherwise busied , suddenly issuing out of the citie , charged vpon the Stirian horsemen ; who presently relieued by the men at armes , so welcommed them , that hauing lost an hundred and threescore of their men , they were glad with more speed to retire than they came out . But seeing some of the Christians that so hardly pursued them , some slaine and some hurt from the wals , taking heart againe , the next day ( being the eleuenth of Nouember ) they sallied out againe ; where albeit that a great number of them were slaine , yet fell they out againe the third day also , and were againe by the Countie Thurn with great losse of their men beaten backe into the citie : where in pursuing of them , the Christians were by certaine Ianizaries ( laid close for that purpose ) suddenly assailed and dangerously gauled , the Countie himselfe being hurt in his left arme , and some other captaines slaine . In all which sallies , although the Turkes were still put to the worse , yet thereby they gained time in some good sort to repaire againe their breaches . Shortly after , the Imperials thus lying at the siege , certainly enformed that a world of the fierce and rude Tartars by the incitement of the Turke ( hauing made themselues way through VALACHIA ) were comming as farre as TEMESWAR to relieue BVDA ; thought it not best ( especially now that Winter was come ) to abide the comming of that so great a Northern tempest , but betimes whilest they had yet space , to raise their siege and be gone : Which they did the sixteenth of Nouember , leauing the Water-citie , with all that they had got about BVDA againe vnto the enemie : onely PESTH they furnished with victuals and all things else necessarie , leauing therein almost ten thousand souldiors in garrison , for the defence thereof against the Barbarous enemie . As for ADOM , it was strengthened with a garrison of Hungarians only , with their wages offered to be paid before hand ; which for all that they refused to accept , alleadging that for the great danger this place was exposed vnto aboue others , they could not safely take their oath for the defence thereof : yet offering withall to vndertake the charge , and to doe what beseemed valiant souldiors , in such sort , as that all men should well vnderstand , that nothing euill should happen thereunto through their default or negligence . The siege of BVDA for feare of the Tartars thus giuen ouer , and the Imperials departed and gone , the Turkes forthwith came downe out of the higher citie into the lower , declaring their joy for the recouerie thereof , by the often thundring of their great ordinance , with diuers other signes of triumph . But whilest in their jollitie they spared not by the mouth of the cannon to send commendations to them of PESTH , they from them againe receiued the like ; but in such rude manner , that the Turkes wearie of such greetings , requested them to spare their shot and powder , and quietly to liue by them as became neighbours for that Winter vntill the next Spring , at which time it was to be thought that this strife should be ended by their Emperours , the weaker yeelding vnto the stronger either the one or the other citie . Yet for all this their great joy , their cheere in BVDA was not great , victuals by this siege being become so scarce , that it was by the Turks feared , That if the Christians had there longer lien , they should for verie want haue been enforced to haue yeelded the citie . Of which their need their friends not ignorant , and hauing made what prouision they were able for their reliefe , were with a great conuoy bringing the same towards BVDA : whereof the garrisons of COMARA and STRIGONIVM hauing intelligence , went presently out , and meeting with the Turkes in the midway betwixt ALBA REGALIS and BVDA , ouerthrew the conuoy , and carried away all that prouision of victuall , like vnbidden guests making themselues merrie with that which was neuer prouided for them . These doubtfull warres of HVNGARIE with the generall reuolt of TRANSYLVANIA , much troubled Mahomet the great Sultan , but nothing like vnto the wrrres he had in ASIA against the Scriuano and the rebels his followers : the euill successe whereof ( as most dangerous to his state ) so much tormented his haughtie mind , as that it would scarce suffer him to thinke of any thing else . For the rebell encouraged with the successe of the late yeares warres , and still growing stronger and stronger ( by reason of the great number which allured with the sweet name of Libertie , hope of prey , or the good entertainment by him giuen , daily more and more resorted vnto his campe ) had this yeare ouerrun a great part of the Turkes dominions in ASIA , putting all to fire and sword that stood in his way , ransacking also diuers walled and fenced citties by the way as he went : Which hee might the more easily doe , for that the Ianizaries of ALEPPO and DAMASCO , with many other their partakers and fauourits which might greatly haue hindered his proceedings , were at the same time also vp in armes and togither by the eares amongst themselues , to the great benefit of the Scriuano : who in the middest of the course of these his desired fortunes , fell sicke of a naturall disease and so died . By whose death the rebellion was no whit appeased ( as commonly in like case it falleth out , and as was then of many expected ) but in short time grew to be both farre greater and more dangerous than before : for the Scriuano was no sooner dead , but that a yonger brother of his , no lesse warlike and couragious than himselfe ( to the great contentment of the rebellious ) stept vp in his place , fiercely prosecuting the warres his brother had before him taken in hand . Against whom Hassan Bassa by commaundement from the Grand signior with a great armie setting forward , with hope in that newnesse of his commaund to haue oppressed him , and so to haue quenched that so spreading a fire : at length met with him that was easie enough to be found , and joyning battell with him , was by him in a great and bloudie fight ouerthrowne and slaine togither with his whole armie , except such as by speedie flight saued themselues from the furie of their fierce enemies . So that Mahomet the great Sultan now enforced to employ his best commaunders and souldiors into those parts for the subduing of him , hath for that cause called Mahomet the Visier Bassa out of HVNGARIE , to serue against this new rebell : but with what successe , I leaue it to be hereafter told by my selfe , if God giue life , or by some other that better can , as time shall reueale the same . The rebell in the meane time following the course of his victorie , made hauocke of all as he went , taking vnto his owne vse all such tribute as was in those countries and others also further off , due vnto the great Sultan ; hauing of late exacted onely of the citie of ANCYRA and the countrey thereabout , three hundred thousand duckats : so by exacting of great summes of money from the country people ( such as be his enemies ) heaping vp great treasures for the maintenance of his warres . Now though Mahomet the Turkish emperour had called home Mahomet the Visier Bassa out of HVNGARIE to goe against the rebels into ASIA ( as is aforesaid ) yet had hee before prouided , that for the better assurance of his townes and territories in HVNGARIE , the Tartar Han with a great power of his Crim Tartars should euen against that time come downe into that countrey . Which rough and needie people ( dwelling neere vnto the fennes of MEOTIS ) for pay or prey , alwaies readie to doe the Othoman emperours seruice , setting forward vnder the leading of their great Han himselfe , and of his two sonnes ; and by plaine force breaking through VALACHIA , though not without great losse of their men ( being fought with by the Valachians and free Haiduckes a whole day ) were now in the latter end of December with their huge companies come into HVNGARIE ; the Han himselfe with fortie thousand to QVINQVE ECCLESIae , and his sonnes with twentie thousand moe into POSSEGA ( a fertile countrey lying betweene the great riuers Sauus and Drauus : ) where they spoiled as well the Turkes as the other poore Christians , pretending all that frontier countrey with the whole commaund thereof to be giuen vnto them by the Turkish emperour in reward of their seruice . But long they lay not there quiet , but that to shew for what they came , they enforced the Christians thereabout to victuall CANISIA for the Turkes : and so breaking into STIRIA , not farre from CORAMANT , the neerest fortresse of the Christians towards CANISIA , carried away aboue two thousand Christians captiues : and shortly after surprising KETSCHEMET , a great and populous towne , slew most part of the inhabitants , and carried away the rest prisoners . Othersome of them also at the same time making an inrode to SHARVAR , and hauing burnt twentie countrey villages downe to the ground , carried away thence about a thousand soules into most miserable captiuitie and thraldome . They also at their first comming relieued them of BVDA , the lord Nadasti with his Hussars , who before kept them from victuals , not being able ( for the great number of them ) now longer so to doe . By them also the Turkes encouraged , tooke and burnt certaine places possessed by the Christians neere vnto BVDA , putting them all to the sword that they sound therein . So that the poore countrey of HVNGARIE ( neuer to be sufficiently pitied ) with the rest of the countries and prouinces belonging vnto the house of AVSTRIA , and confining vpon the Turke , were not so much eased by the calling home of the Visier Bassa with his armie , as they were now annoyed by the comming of these roagish Tartars , a people wholly euen from their infancie giuen to the spoile . Against whom for all that , the Christians besides their ordinarie garrisons began now euen in the depth of Winter to oppose some other of their forces also : the Palatine of R●ENE sending ten companies of horsemen to POSSONIVM from thence to be sent to SHARVAR , for the defence of STIRIA : and Collonitz ( but lately knighted by the emperour ) for his part raising foure hundred horse , a thousand Hussares , and three thousand of the free Haiduckes , for the repressing of those Tartars : the duke of BRVNSVVICKE also at that time for the same seruice sending thither a thousand horse , with two thousand foot , against those sworne enemies of the Christian Religion . The troubles of this yeare thus ouerpast , ALBA REGALIS being by the Christians lost , PESTH with some other places woon , TRANSYLVANIA recouered , BVDA besieged , the Visier Bassa returned , and the Tartars come into HVNGARIE : Ianuarie with a sharpe frost began to open the next yeare ( euen this which now is , viz. 1603 ) by force whereof the riuers in many places , but especially in those more Easterly countries , were not onely frosen ouer , but seemed rather wholly turned into yse , Danubius that great riuer ( for all his swift course ) being then also ( as it is often ) so hard frosen , that men and carts might safely passe too and fro thereupon . In which so hard a season , the Turkes in garrison at BVDA hauing once vpon the frosen riuer braued the Christians in PESTH , and the two and twentith of Ianuarie comming out the second time in like brauerie , were by two hundred of the Christian souldiors of PESTH put to flight : vpon whom the Turkes in greater number returning , chased them likewise backe againe euen to the bridge whereby they were to haue passed the ditch into the citie ; which now drawne vp , for feare of greater harme from such a number of the Turkes as were now co●e out , the poore souldiors so shut out , and too weake for so great a power of their enemies , were there all euery man slaine , the Turkes themselues with little harme returning to BVDA , But within a few daies after , one Lehner ( a captaine of the Christian garrison ) grieued more than the rest with this so great a dishonour , and certainly vnderstanding that certaine of the chiefe of the Turkes of BVDA , with two captaines and a great traine of gallant gentlewomen were for their pleasure gone to the hoat bathes neere vnto BVDA ; taking with him threescore muskitiers , went in hast ouer the riuer vpon the I se to salute them in their bath , and to wish it might be vnto them wholesome : who comming suddenly vpon them , as they were merrie and bathing of themselues , and not dreaming of any such danger , slew all the men except one boy ; the gentlewomen in the time of the conflict naked as they were , running as fast as they could vnto the citie , feare hauing in them ouercome the modestie of their sex . Which exploit done , the captaine leauing the Turkes slaine in the bath , now become red with their bloud , returned with his souldiors the same way he came to PESTH : after whom they of BVDA ( stirred vp with the crie of the fearefull women ) sent out certaine of their garrison after them , but to no purpose , for why they were in safetie before got home . By continuance of this frost , by reason that victual● could not be sent downe the riuer , the souldiours in garrison at PESTH were driuen to such wants , as that dogs and cats were accounted good meat amongst them . About this time also , the Ianizaries and Spahi , the Turkes best souldiours , perceiuing the warres against the rebels in ASIA not to haue beene so well managed as they could haue wished , and as in truth they might haue beene , many of their captaines and commaunders ( as it was thought ) secretly fauouring and furthering the rebels proceedings , whereby much of their bloud had beene spilt , and many a good man through their carelesnesse lost , to the small good of their Sultan ; rise now vp in a tumult , and so as men enraged , beset the house of the chiefe of the Visier Bassaes. Who much dismaied therewith , and vnderstanding the cause of their discontentment , went in hast vnto Mahomet , requesting him for the speedie appeasing of so dangerous a sedition to haue the hearing of the matter himselfe , and with exemplare punishment to chastise such as were by those his worthie souldiors suspected . Who forthwith called ( as they were by them named ) were without more adoe in their presence beheaded , and others placed in their stead : who with what fortune they haue for these fiue moneths last past managed the aforesaid warre , Time ( which all reuealeth ) shall in short time make knowne . The Tartars also , beside the great harme by them before done , this moneth breaking into the lesser WARDINIA , ransackt and spoiled fiue and twentie countrey villages , carrying away with them a great bootie both of men and cattell , no man resisting of them . At which time al●o another companie of them at diuers inrodes by them made into Countie Serinus his island , and so to RACKENSPVRGE , carried away ten thousand men prisoners . For remedie of which mischiefes , Collonitz hauing gathered an armie of ten thousand strong , came at length into the frontiers of HVNGARIE , to haue a sight of these Tartars , and to welcome them : who not willing to come to any set battell with him , would in no place abide his comming , but went still pricking vp and downe the countrey , as the manner of their seruice is , alwaies fitter to spoile than to fight . The dead time of this yeare ( vnfit for great armies to keepe the field ) thus passing , Pogranius ( one of the emperours great commaunders ) hauing before sent out diuers spi●s to BELGRADE , TEMESVVAR , and such other places , to take view of the Tartars forces , was by one of them ( which was sent to TEMESVVAR , and had serued the Tartar three yeare ) in March certainely enformed , That the Tartar Han had with him aboue fiue and fortie thousand Tartars , beside others which lay here and there dispersed vpon the frontiers : and that Zachell Moises hauing requested of him fifteene thousand horsemen for the forraging of TRANSYLVANIA , could obtaine of him but ten thousand onely , the Han himselfe purposing with the rest as occasion should serue to make an inrode into AVSTRIA , expecting still for the comming of a new supplie of threescore thousand Tartars moe , which he daily looked for . This moneth also they of BVDA making shew as if they would haue made an expedition towards ADOM , vnder the colour thereof , receiued into their citie a conuoy of fiue hundred waggons laden with victuals and munition . And thereupon in great jollitie with their thundering shot saluted their ouerthwart neighbours at PESTH : in which doing , fire by chance falling into their pouder , did themselues much more harme , than had they with their shooting done their enemies . And shortly after , the same garrison souldiours of BVDA going forth , thought to haue vpon the sudden surprised PALOTTA ; but being in good time discouered , were deceiued of their hope , and with great losse enforced to retire : vnto whom the captaine of the castle , by a countrey peasant before sworne to doe the errand , sent a saucer full of salt , and a bottle of wine , willing them in derision with that salt to salt the flesh they had gotten at his castle , to keepe it from putrifying , and of that bottle of wine in kindnesse to drinke an health vnto him . Collonitz also much about the same time , viz. the one and twentith of March , going betimes in a morning with his armie towards CANISIA , lay close in a wood about a mile from the towne with his scouts , conueniently placed halfe a mile neerer ; vpon whom fiue of the Turkes comming out of the towne by chance lighting , were three of them slaine , the fourth taken , the fift by good hap escaping through the marishes backe againe into the towne : Who telling there what had happened , told withall , That they were but certaine stragling Haiduckes that lay there in the wood in hope of some bootie : for the oppressing of whom , foure hundred of the Turkes there in garrison , going out , and entering into the wood , fell before they were aware , into the danger of Collonitz his armie , and were there two hundred of them slaine , and an hundred and thirtie of them moe taken , the rest by speedie flight sauing themselues . THus with many sharpe skirmishes ( the common exercises of the Turks , and those warlike people in HVNGARIE and the other frontier countries ) passed the dead time of the yeare , with a good part of this last Spring also ; no great armie either of the Christians or of the Turkes ( more than the roaming Tartars , and such small forces as the Christians had , as is aforesaid , opposed against them ) yet appearing in the field . Since which time what hath happened , especially in these two or three moneths last past ; or what is euen at this present in doing ( being the time of the yeare that the Turkes vse commonly to set forth with their great armies , and to vndertake their greatest exploits in ) is not as yet come to my knowledge . So that hauing farre beyond my hope and the strength of my weake and sickly bodie , by the power of the Almightie passed through the Historie of this the greatest Monarchie now on earth , I must now here needs make an end : beseeching his omnipotent majestie , for his onely Sonne our Sauiour Christ his sake , in mercie to turne the hearts of this mightie and froward people vnto the knowledge of his Sonne crucified , and the loue of his truth : or otherwise in his justice ( for the more manifesting of his glorie ) to root out their most bloud-thirstie and wicked empire , with all the rest of the blasphemous Mahometanes ; so by proofe to confirme the truth of that hath long agoe been foretold , and for many ages beleeued ; as also by the Turkes themselues not a little feared , That the Mahometane superstition , by the sword begun , and by the sword maintained , shall at length by the Christian sword also be destroied : in such sort , as that the name of Gog and Magog be no more heard of vnder heauen , but that all may be one blessed flocke vnder one great shepheard Christ Iesus : At the greatnesse of which worke all the world wondering , may with joy sing Vnto him in Trinitie , and Trinitie in Vnitie , be all honour and glorie world without end . A briefe discourse of the greatnesse of the Turkish empire : as also wherein the greatest strength thereof consisteth , and of what power the bordering princes , as well Mahometanes as Christians are in comparison of it . THe Historie of the Turkes ( being indeed nothing els but the true record of the wofull ruines of the greater part of the Christian commonweale ) thus as before passed through , and at length brought to end ; and their empire ( of all others now vpon earth farre the greatest ) as a proud champion still standing vp as it were in defiance of the whole world : I thought it good for the conclusion of this my labour , to propose vnto the view of the zealous Christian , the greatnesse thereof ; and so neere as I could to set downe the bounds and limits within the which it is ( by the goodnesse of God ) as yet contained , together with the strength and power thereof , as also in what regard it hath the neighbour princes bordering or confining vpon it , with some other particularities tending vnto the same purpose . All or most part whereof , although it be by the considerat well to be gathered out of the whole course of the Historie before going , yet shall it more plainely here together in the full thereof appeare , than by the long and particular consideration of the rising and encrease thereof be perceiued : not much vnlike the ouergrowne tree , at the greatnesse whereof euery man wondereth , no man in the meane time either perceiuing or marking how by little and little in tract of time it grew vp to that bignesse , as now to ouertop all the rest of the wood . The imperiall seat of this so great and dreadfull an empire , is the most famous citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , sometime the glorie of the Greeke empire , but now the place where Mahomet the third of that name , and thirteenth of the Othoman emperours , acknowledging no man like vnto himselfe , triumpheth ouer many nations : a citie fatally founded to commaund , and by the great conquerour Tamerlan of all others thought to be the best seated for the empire of the world . In which citie ( taken from the Christians by Mahomet the second , by the Turkes surnamed the Great , and the Greeke empire by him subuerted ) as the Othoman emperours haue euer since seated themselues , so haue they wonderfully euen to the astonishment of the world , out of the ruines of that so glorious a State encreased both their strength and empire , almost altogether fixed euen in the selfesame kingdomes , countries , and regions , as was sometimes that ; though not as yet ( God be thanked ) able to attaine to the vttermost bounds that that empire sometimes had , especially in EVROPE ; albeit that it haue oftentimes in pride thereof most mightily swolne , and in some few places thereof somewhat also exceeded the same . Amongst the rest of the Othoman emperours , this great Monarch of whom we speake ( namely Mahomet the third , which now raigneth in that most stately and imperiall citie ) hath at this present vnder his commaund and empire , the chiefe and most fruitfull parts of the three first knowne parts of the world : onely AMERICA remaining free from him , not more happie with the rich mines thereof , than in that it is so farre from out of his reach . For in EVROPE he hath all the sea coast from the confines of EPIDAVRVS ( the vttermost bound of his empire in EVROPE Westward ) vnto the mouth of the riuer Tanais , now called Don , with whatsoeuer lieth betwixt BVDA in HVNGARIE , and the imperiall citie of CONSTANTINOPLE : in which space is comprehended the better part of HVNGARIE , all BOSNA , SERVIA , BVLGARIA , with a great part of DALMATIA , EPIRVS , MACEDONIA , GRaeCIA , PELOPONESVS , THRACIA , the ARCHIPELAGO , with the rich islands contained therein . In AFRICA he possesseth all the sea coast from VELEZ ( or as some call it BELIS ) DE GOMERA , or more truly to say , from the riuer Muluia ( the bounder of the kingdome of FEZ ) euen vnto the Arabian gulfe or red sea Eastward , except some few places vpon the riuage of the sea holden by the king of SPAINE , viz. MERSALCABIR , MELILLA , ORAN , and PENNON : and from ALEXANDRIA Northward vnto the citie of ASNA , called of old SIENE , Southward : in which space are contained the famous kingdomes of TREMIZEN , ALGIERS , TVNES , and AEGIPT , with diuers other great cities and prouinces . In ASIA all is his from the straits of Hellespontus Westward , vnto the great citie of TAVRIS Eastward : and from DERBENT neere vnto the Caspian sea Northward , vnto ADENA vpon the gulfe of ARABIA Southward . The greatnesse of this his empire may the better be conceiued by the greatnesse of some parts thereof : the meere of MEOTIS , which is all at the Turkish emperours command , being in compasse a thousand miles ; and the Euxine or Blacke sea in circuit two thousand and seuen hundred ; and the Mediterranean coast which is subject vnto him , containing in compasse about eight thousand miles . But to speake of his whole territorie together , he goeth in his owne dominion from TAVRIS to BVDA , about three thousand two hundred miles . The like distance is from DER●ENT vnto ADENA . From BALSERA vpon the Persian gulfe vnto TREMISENA in BARBARIE , are accounted little lesse than foure thousand miles . He hath also in the sea the most noble islands of CYPRVS , EVBoeA , RHODVS , SAMOS , CHIOS , LESBOS , and others of the ARCHIPELAGO . In this so large and spacious an empire are contained many great and large countries , sometime most famous kingdomes , abounding with all manner of worldly blessings and natures store : For what kingdome or countrey is more fruitfull than AEGYPT , SYRIA , and a great part of ASIA ? What countrey more wealthie or more plentifull of all good things than was sometime HVNGARIA , GRaeCIA , & THRACIA ? In which countries he hath also many rich and famous cities , but especially foure , which be of greatest wealth and trade : namely CONSTANTINOPLE , CAIRE , ALEPPO , and TAVRIS . CONSTANTINOPLE for multitude of people exceedeth all the cities of EVROPE ; wherin are deemed to be aboue seuen hundred thousand men : which if it be so , is almost equall to two such cities as PARIS in FRANCE . ALEPPO is the greatest citie of SYRIA , and as it were the centre whereunto all the marchandise of ASIA repaire . TAVRIS of late the royall seat of the Persian kings , and one of the greatest cities of that kingdome , from whom it was in this our age taken by Amurath the third , hath in it aboue two hundred thousand men . CAIRE amongst all the cities of AFRICA is the chiefe , leauing all others farre behind it ( although that some make the citie CANO equall vnto it in greatnesse ) being as it were the store-house not of AEGYPT onely and of a great part of AFRICA , but of INDIA also ; the riches whereof being brought by the red sea to SUES , and from thence vpon cammels to CAIRE , and so downe the riuer Nilus to ALEXANDRIA , are thence dispersed into all these Westerne parts : albeit that this rich trade hath of late time beene much empaired , and so like more to be , the Christians ( especially the Portingals ) trafficquing into the East Indies , and by the vast Ocean transporting the rich commodities of those Easterne countries into the West , to the great hinderance of the Grand signior his customes in CAIRE . The Othoman gouerment in this his so great an empire is altogether like the gouernment of the master ouer his slaue , and indeed meere tyrannicall : for the great Sultan is so absolute a lord of all things within the compasse of his empire , that all his subjects and people be they neuer so great , doe call themselues his slaues and not his subjects : neither hath any man power ouer himselfe , much lesse is he lord of the house wherein he dwelleth , or of the land which he tilleth , except some few families in CONSTANTINOPLE , vnto whom some few such things were by way of reward and vpon speciall fauour giuen by Mahomet the second , at such time as he woon the same . Neither is any man in that empire so great or yet so farre in fauour with the great Sultan , as that he can assure himselfe of his life , much lesse of his present fortune or state , longer than it pleaseth the Grand signior . In which so absolute a soueraignetie ( by any free borne people not to be endured ) the tyrant preserueth himselfe by two most especiall meanes : first by taking of all arms from his naturall subjects ; and then by putting the same and all things els concerning the state and the gouernment thereof into the hands of the Apostata or renegate Christians , whom for most part euery third , fourth , or fift year ( or oftener if his need so require ) he taketh in their childhood from their miserable parents , as his tenths or tribute children . Whereby he gaineth two great commodities : first , for that in so doing he spoileth the prouinces hee most feareth of the flower , sinewes , and strength of the people , choice being still made of the strongest youths and fittest for warre : then , for that with these as with his owne creatures he armeth himselfe , and by them assureth his state : for they in their childhood taken from their parents laps , and deliuered in charge to one or other appointed to that purpose , quickly and before they be aware become Mahometanes ; and so no more acknowledging father or mother , depend wholly of the great Sultan , who to make vse of them , both feeds them and fosters them , at whose hands only they looke for all things , and whom alone they thanke for all . Of which frie so taken from their Christian parents ( the onely seminarie of his warres ) some become horsemen , some footmen , and so in time the greatest commaunders of his state and empire next vnto himselfe , the naturall Turkes in the meane time giuing themselues wholly vnto the trade of marchandise and other their mechanicall occupations : or els vnto the feeding of cattell , their most auntient and naturall vocation , not intermedling at all with matters of gouernment or state . So that if vnto these his souldiors , all of the Christian race , you joine also his fleet and money , you haue as it were the whole strength of his empire : for in these four● , his horsemen , footmen , his fleet , and money , especially consisteth his great force and power : whereof to speake more particularly , and first concerning his money , it is commonly thought that his ordinarie reuenue exceedeth not eight millions of gold . And albeit that it might seeme , that he might of so large an empire receiue a farre greater reuenue , yet doth he not , for that both he and his men of warre ( in whose power all things are ) haue their greatest and almost onely care vpon armes , fitter by nature to wast and destroy countries than to preserue and enrich them : insomuch , that for the preseruation of their armies , and furtherance of their expeditions ( euery yeare to doe ) they most grieuously spoile euen their own people and prouinces whereby they passe , scarce leauing them necessaries wherewith to liue ; so that the subjects despairing to enjoy the fruits of the earth , much lesse the riches which by their industrie and labour they might get vnto themselues , doe now no further endeuour themselues either to husbandrie or traffique than they must needs , yea then very necessitie it selfe enforceth them : For to what end auaileth it to sow that another man must reape ? or to reape that which another man is readie to deuour ? Whereupon it commeth , that in the territories of the Othoman empire , yea euen in the most fruitfull countries of MACEDONIA and GREECE are seene great forrests , all euery where wast , few cities well peopled , and the greatest part of those countries lying desolate and desert : so that husbandrie ( in all well ordered commonweales the princes greatest store ) decaying , the earth neither yeeldeth her encrease vnto the painefull husbandman , neither he matter vnto the artificer , neither the artificer wares to furnish the marchant with , all together with the plough running into ruine and decay . As for the trade of marchandise , it is almost all in the hands of the Iewes , or the Christians of EVROPE , viz. the Ragusians , Venetians , Genowaies , French , or English ; the naturall Turkes hauing therein the least to doe , holding in that their so large an empire no other famous cities for trade , more than the foure abouenamed , viz. CONSTANTINOPLE , TAVRIS , ALEPPO , and CAIRE : whereunto may be added CAFFA and THESSALONICA in EVROPE , DAMASCVS , TRIPOLIS , and ADEN in ASIA : ALEXANDRIA and ALGIERS in AFRICKE . In our countries here in this West part of EVROPE , of the abundance of people oftentimes ariseth dearth ; but in many parts of the Turkes dominions , for want of men to manure the ground : most part of the poore countrey people drawne from their owne dwellings , being enforced with victuals and other necessaries to follow their great armies in their long expeditions , of whom scarcely one of ten euer returne home to their dwellings againe , there by the way perishing , if not by the enemies sword , yet by wants , the intemperatnesse of the aire , or immoderat paines taking . But to come neerer vnto our purpose , although the great Turkes ordinarie reuenewes be no greater than is aforesaid , yet are his extraordinarie escheats to be greatly accounted of , especially his confiscations , forfeitures , fines , amercements ( which are right many ) his tributes , customes , tithes and tenths of all preyes taken by sea or land , with diuers other such like , far exceeding his standing and certaine reuenew : his Bassaes and other his great officers like rauening Harpies as it were sucking out the bloud of his poore subjects , and heaping vp inestimable treasures , which for the most part fall againe into the Grand signior his coffers . Ibrahim the Visier Bassa ( who died but the last yeare ) is supposed to haue brought with him from CAIRE to the value of six millions : and Mahomet another of the Visiers was thought to haue had a farre greater summe . His presents also amount vnto a great matter : for no embassadour can come before him without gifts , no man is to hope for any commodious office or preferment without money , no man may with emptie hands come vnto the presence of him so great a prince , either from the prouince he had the charge of , or from any great expedition he was sent vpon ; neither vnto so great and mightie a prince are trifles presented . The Vayuods of MOLDAVIA , WALACHIA , and TRANSYLVANIA ( before their late reuolt ) by gifts preserued themselues in their principalities , being almost daily changed , especially in WALACHIA and MOLDAVIA : for those honours were by the Grand signior still giuen to them that would giue most ; who to performe what they had offered , miserably oppressed the people , and brought their prouinces into great pouertie . In briefe , an easie thing it is for the great tyrant to find occasion for him at his pleasure to take away any mans life , together with his wealth , be it neuer so great : so that he cannot well be said to lacke money , so long as any of his subjects hath it . Neuerthelesse , the late Persian warre so emptied the most couetous Sultan Amurath his offers , and exhausted his treasures , that all ouer his empire the value of his gold was beyond all credit enhaunsed , insomuch that a Checcine was twice so much worth as before : beside that , the mettall whereof his gold and siluer was made , was so embased , that it gaue occasion vnto the Ianizaries to set fire vpon the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE , to the great terrour not of the vulgar sort onely , but of the Grand signior himselfe also . And in the citie of ALEPPO onely were in the name of the great Sultan threescore thousand Checcines taken vp in prest of the marchants there , which how well they were repayed , we leaue for them to report . Now albeit that the Turks reuenewes be not so great as the largenesse of his empire and the fruitfulnesse of his countries might seeme to affourd , all the soile being his owne ; yet hath he in his dominion a commoditie of greater value and vse than are the reuenewes themselues : which is the multitude of the Timariots or pentioners , which are all horsemen , so called of Timaro , that is , a stipend which they haue of the great Sultan , viz. the possession of certaine villages and townes , which they hold during their life , and for which they stand bound for euery threescore duckats they haue of yearely reuenew to maintaine one horseman , either with bow and arrowes , or els with targuet and launce ; and that as well in time of peace as warre : for the Othoman emperours take vnto themselues all such lands as they by the sword win from their enemies , as well Mahometanes as Christians , all which they deuide into Timars , or as we may call them Commendams , which they giue vnto their souldiors of good desert for tearme of life , vpon condition , that they shall ( as is aforesaid ) according to the proportion thereof keepe certaine men and horses fit for seruice alwaies readie whensoeuer they shall be called vpon . Wherein consisteth the greatest pollicie of the Turks , and the surest meane for the preseruation of their empire . For if by this meanes the care of manuring the ground were not committed vnto the souldiors , for the profit they hope thereof , but left in the hand of the plaine painefull husbandman , all would in that so warlike an empire lie wast and desolate ; the Turks themselues commonly saying , That wheresoeuer the Grand signior his horse setteth his foot , the grasse will there no more grow : meaning , the destruction that their great armies bring in all places where they come . The institution of these Timariots , and the taking vp of the Azamoglans ( for so they call those children which are taken vp from their Christian parents to be brought vp for Ianizaries ) are the two chiefe pillars of the Turkes empire , and the strength of their warres : both which seeme to be deuised vnto the imitation of the Romanes , as are diuers things moe in the Turkish gouernment ; for the Romane emperours vsed their owne subjects in their warres , and of them consisted the Praetorian armie , which neuer departed from the emperours side , but were still to guard his person as doe the Ianizaries the great Turke . And in the Romane empire lands were giuen vnto souldiors of good desert for them to take the profit of during their liues , in reward of their good seruice and valour , which were called Beneficia , and they which had them , Beneficiarij , or as wee tearme them , Benefices , and Beneficed men . Alexander Seuerus graunted vnto such souldiors heires that they might enjoy those lands and commendams , vpon condition also , that they themselues should serue as had their fathers , otherwise not . Constantine also the great gaue vnto his captaines that had well deserued of him , certaine lands for them to liue vpon during the tearme of their life . The like fees in FRAVNCE which they called Fe●da , were of temporaries made perpetuities by these their late kings . These Timariot horsemen i● the Turkish empire serue to two great and most notable purposes : whereof the first is , that by them the Grand signior as with a bridle keepeth the rest of his subjects in euery part of his great empire in awe , so that they cannot so soone moue , but that they shall haue these his Timariots as faulcons in their neckes ; for to that purpose they are dispersed all ouer his dominions and empire : The other vse of them ( and no lesse profitable than the former ) is for that out of them he is alwaies able at his pleasure to draw into the field an hundred and fiftie thousand horsemen well furnished , readie to goe whether soeuer he shall commaund them : with all whom he is not at one farthing charge . Which so great a power of horsemen cannot be continually maintained for lesse than fourteene millions of duckats yearely . Wherefore it is to be maruelled , that some comparing the Turkes reuenewes with the Christians , make no mention of this so great a part of the Othoman emperours wealth and strength , seruing him first for the suppressing of all such tumults as might arise in his empire , and then as a most principall strength of his continuall warres , alwaies readie to serue him in his greatest expeditions . The number of these Timariot horsemen is now growne very great , taking encrease together with the Turkes empire . It is reported that Amurath the third , father to this Mahomet that now raigneth , in his late warres against the Persian , subdued vnto himselfe so much territorie as serued him to erect therein fortie thousand Timariots : and appointed at TAVRIS a new receit , which was yearly worth vnto him a million of gold . These Timariots are in all accounted to bee seuen hundred and nineteene thousand fighting men : of whom two hundred fiftie seuen thousand haue their abode and dwelling in EVROPE ; and foure hundred sixtie two thousand in ASIA and AFRICKE . Beside these Timariots , the Grand signior hath a great number of other horsemen also vnto whom he giueth pay , which are his Spahi , Vlufagi , and Carapici of his Court , being indeed the nurseries and seminaries of the great officers and gouernours of his empire : for from among them are ordinarily chosen the Sanzacks , which afterwards through their good deserts or the Sultans great fauour , become Visiers , Beglerbegs , and Bassaes , the chiefe rulers of that so mightie a Monarchie . He hath also still in his armies a great multitude of other horsemen called Acanzij , being indeed but rurall clownes , yet for certaine priuiledges which they haue are bound to goe vnto the warres , being euen of the Turkes themselues accounted of small worth or value in comparison of the Timariots . He receiueth great aid also from the Tartars in his warres , as also from the Valachians and Moldauians ( vntill that now of late by the example of the Transyluanians they haue to the great benefit of the rest of the Christian commonweale reuolted from him : ) all which are to be accounted as the Romanes Auxiliarij , that is to say , such as come to aid and assist him . And thus much for his horsemen . Another great part of his strength consisteth in his footmen , and especially in his Ianizaries : in whom two things are to be considered , their Nation , and Dexteritie in arms . Concerning their Nation , such of the Azamoglans as are borne in ASIA , are not ordinarily enrolled in the number of the Ianizaries , but such as are borne in EVROPE : for they of ASIA are accounted more effeminate , as they haue beene alwaies , more readie to flie than to fight : whereas the people of EVROPE haue euen in the East beene accounted for better and more valiant souldiours , hauing there to their immortall glorie set vp the notable trophees of their most glorious victories . The souldiors of ASIA be called Turkes after the name of their nation , and not of their countrey ( no countrey being indeed so properly called ) and they of EVROPE Rumi , that is to say , Romani or Romanes , as the country especially about CONSTANTINOPLE , is called by the name of RVM-ILI , that is to say , the Romane countrey , as it was in auntient time of the notable Romane colonies therein , knowne by the name of ROMANIA . Now as concerning their Dexteritie , such male children are culled out from the Christians , as in whom appeareth the greatest signes of strength , actiuitie , and courage : for these three qualities are in a souldior especially required . This choice is made euery third yeare , except necessitie enforce it to be made sooner , as it happened in the late Persian warre : wherein not onely oftener choice was made , but they were glad to vse the Azamoglans also , a thing neuer before by them done . For those youths , the children of Christian parents , being by them that haue taken them vp brought to CONSTANTINOPLE , are taken view of by the Aga of the Ianizaries , who causeth to be registred the name of the youth , with the name of his father and countrey wherein he was borne : which done , part of them are sent into the lesser ASIA ( now called NATOLIA ) and other prouinces , where learning the Turkish language and law , they are also infected with the vices and maners of them with whom they liue , and so in short time become right Mahometanes . Another part of them , and those of the most towardliest , is deuided into cloisters which the Grand signior hath at CONSTANTINOPLE and PERA , of whom the fairest and most handsome are appointed for the Serraglio of the great Sultan himselfe . All the time that these youths thus sent abroad , liue in the lesser ASIA or other the Turkes prouinces , they are not appointed to any certaine exercises , but still kept busied some at husbandrie , some in gardening , some in building , some in other domesticall seruices , neuer suffered to be idle , but alwaies occupied in painefull labour ; where after certaine yeares they haue beene thus e●ured to labour and paines taking , they are called thence into the cloysters of the Azamoglans ( for so they are called all the time vntill they bee enrolled into the number of the Ianizaries ) and are there deliuered vnto certaine speciall gouernours appointed to take charge of them : who keepe them still exercised in painefull worke and labour , entreating them euill ynough , as well in their diet , as in their apparell and lodging : they sleepe together in large roumes like vnto the religious Dormitories , wherein are lampes still burning , and tutors attending , without whose leaue they may not stirre out of their places . There they learne to shoot both in the Bow and Peece , the vse of the Scimitar , with many feats of actiuitie : and being well trained in those exercises , are enrolled amongst the Ianizaries or Spahi : of whom , the Ianizaries receiue not lesse than fiue aspers , nor more than eight for their daily pay , and the Spahi ten . Being recorded among the Ianizaries , they are either sent away into the warres , or into some garrison , or els attend at the Court. These last haue for their dwelling three great places like vnto three monasteries in the citie of CONSTANTINOPLE : there they liue vnder their gouernours , to whom they are deputed , the younger with great obedience and silence seruing the elder in buying of things for them , in dressing of their meat , and such like seruices . They that be of one seat or calling , liue together at one table , and sleepe in long walkes . If any of them vpon occasion chance to lie all night abroad without leaue , the next euening hee is notably beaten , with such nurture and discipline , that after his beating he like an Ape kisseth his gouernors hands that so corrected him . These Ianizaries haue many large priuiledges , are honoured , although they be most insolent , and are feared of all men , yea euen of the great Sultan himselfe , who is still glad to make faire weather with them . In their expeditions or trauell they rob the poore Christians cottages and houses , who must not say one word to the contrarie . When they buy any thing , they giue for it but what they list themselues . They can be judged by none but by their Aga : neither can they be executed without danger of an insurrection , and therefore such execution is seldome done , and that very secretly . They haue a thousand royalties : some of them are appointed to the keeping of embassadours sent from forraine princes : othersome of them are assigned to accompanie strangers , trauellers , especially them that be men of the better sort , to the intent they may safely passe in the Turkes dominions , for which seruice they are commonly well rewarded . They haue made choice of their prince , namely of Selymus the first , his father Baiaze● yet liuing ; neither can any the Turkes Sultans account themselues fully inuested in their imperiall dignitie , or assured of their estate , vntill they be by them approued and proclaimed . Euery one of their Sultans at his first comming to the empire doth giue them some great largesse ; and sometime the better to please them , encreaseth also their pay . In euery great expedition some of them goeth forth with their Aga or his lieutenant , and are the last of all that fight . There is no office among the Turkes that moe enuie at , than at the office of the Aga of the Ianizaries , for the greatnesse of his authoritie and commaund : onely he and the Beglerbeg of GRaeCIA chuse not their owne lieutenants , but haue them nominated vnto them by the Grand signior . Vnto this great man the Aga of the Ianizaries , nothing can portend a more certaine destruction , than to be of them beloued , for then is he of the great Sultan straightway feared or mistrusted , and so occasion sought for to take him out of the way . The number of the Ianizaries of the Court is betwixt ten and foureteene thousand . This warlike order of souldiors is in these our daies much embased : for now naturall Turkes are taken in for Ianizaries , as are also the people of ASIA ; whereas in former times none were admitted into that order , but the Christians of EVROPE onely : beside that , they marrie wiues also , contrarie to their antient custome , which is not now forbidden them . And because of their long lying still at CONSTANTINOPLE ( a citie abounding with all manner of pleasure ) they are become much more effeminate and slouthfull , but withall most insolent , or more truly to say intollerable . It is commonly reported the strength of the Turkish empire to consist in this order of the Ianizaries , which is not altogether so , for albeit that they be indeed the Turks best footmen and surest guard of the great Sultans person , yet vndoubtedly the greatest strength of his state and empire resteth nothing so much in them , as in the great multitude of his horsemen , especially his Timariots . Beside these Ianizaries , the Turkish emperour hath a wonderfull number of base footmen , whom the Turkes call Asapi , better acquainted with the spade than with the sword , seruing rather to the wearying of their enemies with their multitude , than the vanquishing of them with their valour : with whose dead bodies the Ianizaries vse to fill vp the ditches of townes besieged , or to serue them for ladders to climbe ouer the enemies wals vpon . But as the Romanes had both their old Legionarie , and other vntrained souldiors , which they called Tirones ; of whom the first were the chiefe strength of their warres , and the other but as it were an aid or supplie : euen so the Turke accounteth his Timariot horsemen the strength of his armie , and the Acanzij ( which is another sort of base and common horsemen ) but as an accessorie : and so amongst his footmen he esteemeth of his Ianizaries , as did the Romanes of their Praetorian legions , but of his Asapi as of shaddowes . The Ianizaries are by none to be commaunded , more than by the great Sultan himselfe , and their Aga ; as for the Bassaes , they much regard them not , but in their rage oftentimes foule entreat euen the greatest of them . The Asapi as they are but base and common souldiours , so haue they also their ordinarie captaines and commaunders , men of no great place or marke . The whole state of the great empire of the Turkes is commaunded by the great Sultan , by the graue aduice and counsell of his Visier Bassaes , which were not wont to be in number aboue foure , so prouiding for the secrecie of his high designes or important resolutions , hardly by a greater multitude to be concealed : howbeit that the Sultans of later times haue had sometimes moe , sometimes fewer , as their pleasure was . These men are of all others in that empire the greatest , and for their high places most honoured : vnto them euen the greatest princes that haue any thing to doe in the Turkes Court , sue and send their honourable presents . By their aduice the great Sultan taketh his warres in hand , neither without them concludeth he any peace . They giue audience vnto the embassadours of forraine princes , and from them receiue their dispatch . The greatest honours and preferments ( which are many in that so great and large an empire ) are all by their meanes to be obtained : which maketh them of all others to be sought vnto . Some one or other of them are still Generals ouer the great armies of the Turkes , especially in these their late wars , their three last emperours neuer themselues going forth into the field ( excepting once that this Mahomet which now raigneth for the maintenance of his credit with his men of warre , came downe into HVNGARIE , and there woon the citie of AGRIA : ) which leading of such mightie armies is still with great emulation and ambition of the Visier Bassaes amongst themselues sought after , as well for the great profit thereby vnto them arising , as for the honour therof , which is of all other the greatest . But leauing these great ones , the chiefe counsellours for his state : the whole bodie of his so large and mightie an empire ( all in the hands of martiall men ) is gouerned by other great Bassaes , whom they by a most proud barbarous name call Beglerbegs , that is to say , Lords of Lords , euery one of them hauing vnder him certaine Begs or Sanzackes , who are lords and rulers also ouer some particular cities and countries , with the Timariots therein ; yet all still at the commaund and becke of their Beglerbeg . In auntient time there was wont to be but two of these proud Beglerbegs in all the Turkes empire : the one commaunding ouer all the prouinces the Turke had in EVROPE : and the other ouer all that he had in the lesser ASIA , now of the Turkes called NATOLIA . But the Turkish empire greatly augmented in ASIA by Selymus the first , and also afterwards much enlarged both in EVROPE and ASIA by Solyman his sonne , the number of the Beglerbegs were by him encreased , and in some part also changed : who although that they be all Beglerbegs , and that one of them ( especially in time of peace ) in the managing of his souldiors and affaires of his countrey , is not subject to any other , but is onely at the commaund of the great Turke ; yet notwithstanding in time of warre , where the Beglerbeg of ROMANIA is , all are obedient vnto him , as the chiefest of the rest : insomuch that none of them but onely he and the Bassa of NATOLIA are called by the stately name of Beglerbegs , the others being then onely called the Bassaes of such and such places , as of BVDA , ALEPPO , and such like , although indeed they are in nature Beglerbegs , and so written in their records . For the more manifesting of which their gouernment , as also that they which come hereafter , may by comparing of that which is here written , with the state that then shall be , see how much this great empire in the mean time encreaseth or deminisheth : I haue thought good here briefely to set downe all the said Beglerbegs with their Sanzackes and Timariots , and as neere as I could ( either by reading or the credible relation of others well trauelled in those countries ) together , and as it were at one shew set forth the whole strength and power of this so mightie an empire , as also in what countries and prouinces the same is especially placed . The Beglerbegs or great Commaunders of the Turkes Empire in EVROPE . 1 The first and chiefest of all the Beglerbegs in the Turkish empire , is the Beglerbeg of ROMANIA or GRaeCIA , called of the Turkes RVM-ILI ( or as wee say , the Romane countrey ) the principall residence of whose Beglerbegship , is at SOPHIA , a citie of BVLGARIA ; so appointed for the commodious situation thereof , for the better commaund of the rest of the prouinces of EVROPE : howbeit that he for the most part or rather altogether abideth at the Court , which the other Beglerbegs cannot doe , for that they are bound not to depart from the gouernment of their prouinces : in which charge they ordinarily continue but three yeares only , the great Sultan still changing and altering them at his pleasure . This Beglerbeg hath vnder his owne ensigne and commaund fortie thousand Timariots alwaies readie at his call , vnder the conduct of these one and twentie Sanzackes following , namely , the Sanzacke of 1 Sophia in Bulgaria . 2 Nicopolis . 3 Clisse , or Quadraginta Ecclaesiae . 4 Vyza in Thracia . 5 Kirmen all in Macedonia . 6 Silistria all in Macedonia . 7 Giustandill all in Macedonia . 8 Bender , neere vnto the Euxine . 9 A●herman , in the confines of Moldauia . 10 Vscopia . 11 Prisrem all in Thessalia . 12 Salonichi all in Thessalia . 13 Trichala all in Thessalia . 14 Misitra , of old called Sparta , in Morea . 15 Paloeopatra , in the same prouince . 16 Ioannina in Aetolia . 17 Deluina both in Achaia . 18 Elbassan both in Achaia . 19 Auelona or Aulona in Albania . 20 Ducagin in Epirus . 21 Iscodra or Scodra in Albania . 2 The Beglerbeg of BVDA , who there resideth in the frontiers of the Turkish empire , hauing vnder his charge eight thousand Timariots , beside twelue thousand other soldiors , which in continuall pay lie still readie in garrison in the confines of HVNGARIE , CROATIA , STIRIA , and other places bordering vpon the Christians , but especially the territories belonging to the house of AVSTRIA . He had of late vnder his ensigne and commaund these fifteene Sanzacks , viz. the Sanzacke of 1 Nouigrad . 2 Filek . 3 Zetschen . 4 Zolnock . 5 Gran or Strigonium . 6 Segedin . 7 Alba Regalis . 8 Sexard . 9 Simontorna . 10 Copan . 11 Muhatz . 12 Zigeth or Saswar . 13 Petscheu or Quinque Ecclaesiae . 14 Sirmium . 15 Semendria . Of which , FILEK , ZETSCHEN , and STRIOONIVM are in these late warres woon from the Turkes by the Imperials , and so yet by them holden : as was also ALBA REGALIS , which but the last yeare was by the Turkes againe recouered . The Beglerbeg of TEMESVVAR in HVNGARIE , 3 who there hath his abode , hauing vnder his commaund seuen thousand Timariots , with these eight Sanzacks , the Sanzacke of 1 Temeswar . 2 Mudaua . 3 Vilaoswar . 4 Tschianad . 5 Wtschitirni . 6 Iswornick . 7 Vidin . 8 Lipa . The Beglerbeg of BOSNA , 4 who lieth at BAGNIALVCA , hath vnder him these Sanzacks , the Sanzacke of 1 Bagnialuca . 2 Poschega . 3 Clissa . 4 Hertzegouina . 5 Lika . 6 Sazeschna . 7 Giula . 8 Brisrem . 9 Allatschia chissar . The Beglerbeg of COFFE or CAPHA , who there resideth in TAVRICA CHERSONESVS , and beside the countrey thereabout , 5 commaundeth ouer all the Sanzacks neere vnto the great riuer Tanais , and the fennes of Moeotis . It was at first but a Sanzackeship , subject to the Beglerbeg of GRaeCIA , and is in truth rather a Beglerbegs place in name than in strength and power . The Beglerbegs or great Commaunders of the Turkes Empire in ASIA . The Beglerbeg of 1 Anatolia , who hath his resiance in Cutaie , the metropoliticall citie of the greater Phrigia ( called of auntient time Catyai ) and hath vnder his ensigne and commaund thirtie thousand of the Timariot horsemen , with twelue Sanzacks . 2 Caramania who hath his abode at Caisaria ( in auntient time called Caesaria ) a citie of Cilicia , and hath vnder him seuen Sanzackes , with twentie thousand Timariots . 3 Siuas , who hath his abiding at Sebastia , a citie of the lesser Armenia , and hath vnder his gouernment ten thousand Timariots . 4 Tocatun , who resideth at Amasia , the metropolis of Capadocia , and hath vnder him fiue Sanzackes . 5 Dulgadir , sometime part of the kingdome of Aladeules , and commandeth ouer foure Sanzackes . 6 Halep commonly called Aleppo , a citie of Syria , and one of the most famous marts of the East , who hath vnder his regiment fiue and twentie thousand Timariots . 7 Sham , otherwise called Damasco , a most famous citie of Syria , who commandeth ouer fortie thousand Timariots . 8 Tarapolos or Trapolos , commonly called Tripolis , another famous citie of Syria . 9 Maras , a citie vpon the great riuer Euphrates , betwixt Aleppo and Mesopotamia , who hath vnder his commaund ten thousand Timariots . 10 Diarbekir , otherwise called Mesopotamia , who maketh his abode at the citie of Amida , or as the Turkes call it , Cara-hemid ; who commaundeth ouer twelue Sanzackes , and thirtie thousand Timariots . 11 Bagdat ( or new Babylon ) where he resideth , not farre from the ruines of old Babylon , who hath vnder him fortie thousand Timariots . 12 Balsara , not farre from Bagdat vpon the Persian gulfe , who hath vnder his rule or gouernment fifteene thousand Timariots . 13 Laxa , towards Ormus , and neere vnto the Persian , hath vnder his regiment ten thousand Timariots . 14 Gemen and Aden , two famous cities in Arabia Foelix , vpon the coast of the red sea , who hath vnder him thirtie thousand Timariots . 15 Chebetz or Zebet vpon the coast of the Arabian gulfe , neere vnto the kingdome of the great Aethyopian king Preianes , commonly ( but corruptly ) called Presbiter Iohn . 16 Cyprus , who lieth at Nicosia or Famagusta , commaunding ouer all that great island , sometime of it selfe a kingdome . 17 Scheherezul in Assyria , bordering vpon the Persian , who hath vnder his gouernment ten thousand Timariots . 18 Wan , a citie in the confines of the greater Armenia towards Media , who hath vnder him twelue thousand Timariots . 19 Artzerum or Erzerum , in the borders of Armenia towards Capadocia , about foure daies journey from Trapezonde , who commaundeth ouer twentie thousand Timariots . 20 Tiflis , neere vnto the Georgians , erected by Mustapha Bassa , Generall of Amurath the third his armie against the Persian , in the yeare 1578. 21 Siruan or Media , erected by the same Mustapha , and at the same time , commaundeth ouer all that great countrey , sometime a famous kingdome . 22 Temir-Capi or Derbent , neere vnto the Caspian sea , taken by Osman Bassa the same yeare 1578 , who hauing slaine Schehemet Chan his father in law , reduced that countrey into the forme of a Beglerbegship . 23 Cars , a citie of Armenia the greater , distant from Artzerum foure daies journey , by Mustapha Bassa made a Beglerbegship in the yeare 1579. 24 Tschilder or Tzilder in the confines of the Georgians , erected by the same Generall Mustapha the same yeare 1579. 25 Fassa or Phasis in Mengrelia , neere vnto the Georgians , erected by Vluzales the Turkes Admirall the same yeare 1579. 26 Sochum , in the borders of the Georgians , erected by the great Bassa Sinan in the yeare 1580. 27 Batin , there erected also by the same Sinan Bassa . 28 Reiuan , erected by Ferat Bassa , Generall of the Turkes armie , taken from Tocomac Chan the Persian in the yeare 1582 , whereof Cicala Bassa was the first Beglerbeg . 29 Somachia , in the countrey of Media , erected by Osman Bassa in the yeare 1583. 30 Tauris , a most famous citie of Armenia the greater , sometime the regall seat of the Persian kings , but of late taken from them by Osman Bassa , and conuerted into a Beglerbegship in the same yeare 1583 , as it is by them yet holden . But these late erected honours , namely the Beglerbegships of TIFLIS , SIRVAN , TEMIRCAPI , CARS , TSCHILDER , FASSA , and the rest gained by Amurath from the Persians and the Georgians , although they containe a great territorie , are not of themselues any of them worthie of those proud titles , or yet able to maintaine the same , SIRVAN , REIVAN , and TAVRIS onely excepted : but were by the great Bassaes , Mustapha , Sinan , Ferat , and Osman , Amurath his lieutenants , for their owne greater honour , and the encouraging of them which were to defend those their new conquests , erected ; being indeed nothing either in power or strength comparable with the other more auntient Beglerbegs either in EVROPE or ASIA . But hauing thus passed through the great kingdomes and prouinces by the Turkes holden in EVROPE and ASIA , with their proud honours therein , let vs goe forward toward the South , to see what great kingdomes and territories they at this present hold in AFRICKE also . The Beglerbegs or great Commaunders of the Turkes Empire in AFRICKE . The Beglerbeg of 1 Missir , who still making his abode at the great citie of Caire , hath vnder his commaund all the kingdome of Aegipt , with sixteene Sanzackes , and an hundred thousand Timariots . 2 Cesair ( in auntient time called Iulia Caesaria ) but now commonly Algiers , where the Beglerbeg still residing , commaundeth ouer all that kingdome , wherein are fortie thousand Timariots . 3 Tunis , where he still remaining as a Viceroy commaundeth all that great and large kingdome . 4 Tripolis , the seat of his Beglerbegship , by Sinan Bassa taken from the knights of Malta in the yeare 1551. There are beside these other two kingdomes in AFRICKE enrolled in the Turkes records as their owne , although they be not as yet by them brought into the forme of Beglerbegships : namely the kingdomes of FES and MAROCO , but are as yet holden by them as their tributaries and vassales . But hauing thus as it were taken view of the greatnesse and forces of this so mightie a monarchs Empire by land , and so in some sort bounded it out : let vs consider also his power by sea . With the great Ocean he much medleth not , more than a little in the gulfes of PERSIA and ARABIA : most of his territories lying vpon the Mediterranean & Euxine seas , or els more inwardly into the heart of ASIA , neere vnto no sea . Now for these seas , no prince in the world hath greater or better meanes to set forth his fleets than hath he : for the ouergrowne woods of EPIRVS and CILICIA ; and more than they , those of NICOMEDIA and TRAPEZONDE , are so great and so thicke , and so full of tall trees fit for the building of ships and gallies of all sorts , as is almost incredible . Neither wanteth he store of shipwrights and other carpenters for the framing of that so great store of timber , large pay drawing euen the Christian skilfull carpenters and workemen into his Arsenals at CONSTANTINOPLE , SINOPE , CALLIPOLIS , and others . For proofe whereof it is worth the noting , that Selymus the second in our fresh remembrance , the next yeare after that notable ouerthrow by him receiued at the ECHINADES ( commonly called the battell of LEPANTO ) rigged vp a fleet wherwith Vluzales his Admirall was not afraid to face the whole power of the confederat Christian princes at CERIGO . Neither hath the Turke euer wanted good store of expert seamen , after the manner of those seas : for beside those he hath in store at CALLIPOLIS and SINOPE , out of his gallies which he hath alwaies in readinesse in LESBOS , CHIOS , RHODVS , CYPRVS , and ALEXANDRIA , and from the pyrats which he continually receiueth into the ports of TVNIS , BVGIA , TRIPOLIS , and ALGIERS , he can and doth from them when need is chuse captaines , marriners and rowers sufficient for the manning and storing of his fleet . What he is able to do in those seas , was well seene in our time , by those fleets which he had at MALTA , CYPRVS , the ECHINADES , and GVLETTA . He hath beside of all necessarie and warlike prouision abundant store , and of great ordinance to furnish himselfe withall both by sea and land an infinit quantitie . Out of HVNGARIE he hath caried away aboue fiue thousand great pieces , out of CYPRVS fiue hundred , and few lesse from GVLETTA , not to speake what he hath more got from the Christians in diuers other places also . What store he hath of shot and pouder , he shewed at MALTA , where he discharged aboue 60000 great shot ; at FAMA●VSTA , where he bestowed 118000 ; and at GVLETTA , where in the space of 39 daies he by the furie of his great ordinance ouerthrew the fortifications which the Christians had been 40 years in building . So that to returne againe vnto our purpose , the great Turke so well prouided of men , mony , shipping , and great ordinance , and hauing done so great matters at sea as is before rehearsed , is not in reason otherwise to be accounted of than as of a most mightie and puissant prince , as well by sea as land : which to be so , 6 the greatnesse of his Denizi Beglerbeg or great Admirall ( commonly called Capitan Bassa , of whom we haue not yet spoken ) well declareth . This great man hauing charge of all the Grand signior his strength at sea , is alwaies one of the Visier Bassaes , not bound still to follow the Court , as the other Visier Bassaes be , but alwaies or for most part resiant at CONSTANTINOPLE or CALLIPOLIS , so to be the neerer vnto his charge . He that now hath this honorable place , is called of the Turks Cigala Bassa , descended of an honorable familie of that name in GENVA : who commonly residing at CONSTANTINOPLE or CALLIPOLIS , hath vnder him fourteene Sanzacks , all of them great commaunders and men of great place , namely , the Sanzacke of 1 Gallipolis , or Callipolis . 2 Galata , or Pera. 3 Nicomedia . 4 Limnos , or Lemnus . 5 Mitylene , or Lesbos . 6 Chios , or Sio . 7 Nexia , or Naxus . 8 Negropont , or Euboea . 9 Rhodus . 10 Cauala in the frontiers of Macedonia . 11 Napolidi Romania . 12 Lepanto , or Naupactus . 13 S. Maura . 14 Alexandria . The greatnesse , wealth , and strength of this so mightie an Empire , as well by sea as land , thus in some sort declared : let vs now see vpon what princes it also confineth , and of what power euery one of them is in comparison of it , so great and ouergrowne a State. The Turkes toward the East border vpon the Persians , according to a right line , drawne by imagination from TAVRIS to BALSARA : vpon the Portingals at the Persian gulfe , and so there likewise toward the South : at the red sea , vpon the great Aethyopian king Preianes , commonly called Prester Iohn : towards the West , in AFRICKE vpon the king of MAROCO : and in EVROPE vpon the kingdome of NAPLES , with some part of the Venetian signorie : towards the North vpon the Polonians , and the territories of the house of AVSTRIA . Now to begin with the Persian , the great Turke no doubt is in field too strong for him , as by proofe hath beene oftentimes seene : For Mahomet the Great in plaine battell ouercame the valiant Vsun-Cassanes : Selymus the first , and after him Solyman his sonne , put to flight the noble Hysmaell and Tamas , the two great and famous Persian kings : and now of late in our time Amurath the third by his lieutenants hath taken from the Persians all MEDIA , with the greater ARMENIA , both sometimes famous kingdomes , together with the regall citie of TAVRIS . That the Turke so preuaileth , is by reason of his footmen , which the Persian wanteth ; and of his great ordinance , whereof the Persian hath neither store nor vse : and although the Persians by valour of their horsemen hath sometime in open field foiled the Turke , yet haue they still lost some part of their countrey , Solyman taking from them MESOPOTAMIA ; and Amurath MEDIA and ARMENIA . Neither did the Persians alone feele that harme , and loose their owne , but vndid their confederats also : Selymus the first spoiling the Mamalukes of AEGYPT and SYRIA , and vtterly rooting them from off the face of the earth ; and Amurath by his lieutenants hauing brought to a low ebbe the warlike Georgians , both of them the Persian kings friends and confederats . Now is not the Turke so much too strong at land for the Persian , but that hee is as much too weake at sea for the Portingals : in those seas I meane where their forces haue more than once to the Turkes cost met together in the East Indies . The Portingals hauing in those rich but remote countries many sure harbours and ports , yea faire countries and territories abounding with victuals and all prouision necessarie for shipping , with some also of those great Easterne princes their allies and confederats : whereas the Turke on the other side hath nothing in the Persian gulfe strong , beside BALSARA ; the sea-coast of ARABIA , which might stand him in best stead , hauing no more but foure townes , and those but weake and of small worth . So that there , as also in the red sea , it is a matter of exceeding charge and difficultie for him to set out any great fleet into those seas : for that those countries are vtterly destitute of wood fit to make ships of . For which cause , those few times that he prepared his fleets in the red sea ( to haue cut off the Portingals trade into the East Indies ) being not able to performe the same in the Persian gulfe , he was enforced to bring the timber for the building of his gallies out of the ports of BITHYNIA and CILICIA ( out of another world as it were ) vp the Nile vnto CAIRE , and from thence vpon cammels by land to SVES , where he hath his Arsenall , a thing almost incredible . And yet hauing done what he could , as oft as he hath made any expedition against them , he neuer gained any thing but losse and dishonour : as in the yeare 1538 at the citie of DIVM ; and in the yeare 1552 at the island of ARMVZ ; and after that at MOMBAZA , where foure of the Turkes gallies with one galliot which by the fauour of the king of MOMBAZA had thought to haue staied in those seas , were by the Portingals taken : who still haue an especiall regard and care that the Turkes settle not themselues in those seas , but as soone as they perceiue them to prepare any fleet , they forthwith set vpon them , and to that end oftentimes without resistance enter into the red sea . Prester Iohn of whom although men speake much , yet is he nothing in strength to be compared vnto the Turke , but farre inferiour vnto him both for commaunders and souldiors , as also for weapons and munition : for that great prince hath a great kingdome without fortification , and a multitude of souldiors without armes : as appeared by the ouerthrow of Barnagasso his lieutenant towards the red sea ; who hauing lost all that sea-coast vnto the Turkes , was brought to that extremitie , that to haue peace with them , he yeelded to pay vnto them a yearely tribute of a thousand ounces of gold . In AFRICKE the Turke hath moe territories than hath the king of MAROCO , otherwise called the Xerife : For he possesseth all that there lieth betwixt the red sea and the kingdome of FES ; but the Xerife hath the better part , the richer , stronger , and more vnited : yet dare neither of them well make war vpon the other , for the neerenesse of the king of SPAINE , enemie vnto them both . Now then there remaineth the rest of the Christian princes bordering vpon the Turke : and 〈◊〉 the king of POLONIA . What these two princes can doe the one against the other , hath beene seene 〈◊〉 some former expeditions , wherein the Polonian had still the worse ▪ Yet it should seeme that of 〈◊〉 time the Turke hath not beene greatly desirous to moue the Polonian too farre : For that being prouoked by diuers occasions ( namely in the raigne of Henry the third , in the warres that Iohn the Vayuod of VALACHIA had with the Turkes , many Polonian horsemen serued the said Vayuod , though not indeed sent from the king : and in the time of Sigismund the third , which now raigneth , the Polonian Cossackes haue with diuers incursions not a little troubled them : beside the late motions of Iohn Zamoschi the great Chancellour and Generall of the Polonian forces , for the staying of the Tartars by the Turke sent for ) he hath been content to comport the same , and not with his wonted pride sought to be thereof reuenged , as hee hath for farre lesse vpon some other princes ▪ And on the other side the Polonians since the vnfortunat expedition of king Ladislaus , neuer tooke vpon them any warres against the Turkes : n●●ther gaue such aid as they should vnto the Valachians their confederats , but suffered to bee taken from themselues , whatsoeuer they had towards the Euxine or Blacke sea : a thing imputed rather vnto the want of courage in their kings , than in the nobilitie of that kingdome . Sigismund the first being by Pope Leo the tenth inuited to the warres against the Turkes , answered him in these few words : Set you the Christian prince● at vnitie amongst themselues , and I for my part will not be wanting . Sigismund the second so abhorred the warres , that he not onely declined the Turkes , but prouoked by the Muscouites , neuer sought to reuenge the same . King Stephen ( by the commendation of Amurath chosen king of POLONIA ) an indifferent esteemer both of his enemies forces and his owne , thought it a most dangerous thing to joine battell with the Turke : and yet in priuat talke with his friends would oftentimes say , That with thirtie thousand foot joyned vnto his Polonian horsemen , he durst well to vndertake an expedition against the Turke : which hee was supposed oftentimes to haue thought vpon . The Emperour with the rest of the princes of the house of AVSTRIA , are by a longer tract of ground joyned vnto this great Empire of the Turkes , than any one other prince of the world , and bestow in fortifications and the maintenance of their garrisons ( wherein they haue continually aboue twentie thousand horse and foot ) the greatest part of their reuenewes euen in the time of peace , much more in these their long warres : and with the Germane forces joyned vnto their owne , are more carefull how to defend that they yet haue left , than how to recouer that they haue alreadie lost , or to enlarge their Empire . The Emperour Ferdinand with greater force than successe vndertooke the vnfortunate expeditions of BVDA and POSSEOA : which so euill fell out , not for that his forces were not sufficient or strong ynough ; but for that they wanted agilitie and dexteritie . The truth is , those his armies were strong ynough , and sufficiently furnished with all things necessarie , but consisted for the most part of Germanes and Bohemians , slow and heauie people , vnfit to encounter with the Turkes , a more readie and nimble kind of souldiors . The Venetians also confrontier the Turkes by many hundred miles both by sea and land , and defend themselues rather by peaceable policie than by force of armes : notably fortifying their strong holds vpon their frontiers , declining by all meanes the dangers and charges of warre , by embassages and rich presents ; leauing nothing vnattempted ( their libertie and State preserued ) rather than to fall to warres . To say the truth of them , although they had both coyne and warlike prouision sufficient , yet want they men and victuals answereable to so great a warre against so puissant an enemie . There remaineth onely the king of SPAINE of all other the great princes either Christians or Mahometanes ( bordering vpon him ) the best able to deale with him ; his yearely reuenewes so farre exceeding those of the Turkes , as that they are also probably thought to counteruaile the greatest part of his Timariots : and his great dominions in SPAINE , PORTINGALL , NAPLES , SICILIA , MILLAINE , SARDINIA , and the Low Countries ( if they were with him at vnitie ) able to affourd vnto him so great and powerfull a strength both by sea and land , as might make him dreadfull euen vnto the Great Turke when he swelleth in his greatest pride : But considering how his forces are distracted for the maintenance of his warres at once in diuers places ; as also for the necessarie defence and keeping of his so large and dispersed territories , not all the best of themselues affected to the Spanish gouernment , he is not to be thought of himselfe strong ynough against the vnited forces of the great Turke , whensoeuer they should chance to be emploied vpon him . So that by this we haue alreadie said is easily to be gathered how much the Turke is too strong for any one the neighbour princes , either Mahometanes or Christians , bordering vpon him , and therefore to be of them the more feared . Yet least some mistaking me , might thinke , What , is then the Turke inuincible ? Farre be that thought from me , to thinke any enemie of Christ Iesu ( be his arme neuer so strong ) to be able to withstand his power , either quite to deuour his little flocke , rage he neuer so much about it . As for the Turke , the most dangerous and professed enemie of the Christian commonweale , be his strength so great , yea and happily greater too than is before declared ( the greatnesse of his dominions and empire considered ) yet is he not to be thought therefore either inuincible , or his power indeed so great as it in shew seemeth for to be : his Timariot horsemen ( his greatest strength ) dispersed ouer his whole Empire , being neuer possibly the one halfe of them by him to be gathered into the bodie of one armie : neither if they so were , possible in such a multitude long to be kept together , liuing vpon no pay of his , but vpon such store and prouision only as they bring with them from their Timari , neuer sufficient long to maintaine them . Besides that , the policie of his state hardly or neuer suffereth him to draw aboue a third part of his Timariots out of his countries where they dwell , for feare least the rest of the people by them still kept vnder , should in their absence take vp armes against him in defence of themselues and their auntient libertie : whereafter the greatest part of those poore oppressed soules , as well Mahometanes as Christians in euery prouince of his Empire awaiting but the opportunitie , most desirously longeth : so that more than two parts of them being alwaies to bee left at home for the necessarie defence of the spacious borders of his so large an Empire , as also for the keeping in obedience of so many discontented nations ; it is a great matter , if hee euen in his greatest warres draw together of these kind of souldiors the full number of an hundred and fiftie thousand strong , making vp the rest of his huge multitude with his Acanzij , liuing of no pay of his , but vpon the spoile of the enemie only , the fift part whereof they pay vnto him also . All which put together , what manner of men they be , and of what valour , not onely the small armies of the Christians vnder the leading of their worthie chiefetaines Huniades , Scanderbeg , king Matthias , and others , haue to their immortall glorie in former times made good proofe : but euen in this our age , and that as it were but the other day , the Transyluanian prince with diuers other valiant captaines and commaunders yet liuing , haue done the like also : as well witnesseth the late battell of AGRIA , wherein the Christians , in number not halfe so many as the Turkes , by plaine valour draue the great Sultan Mahomet himselfe ( with Ibrahim Bassa his lieutenant Generall ) out of the field , and had of him had the most glorious victorie that euer was got against that enemie , had they not by too much carelesnesse and vntimely desire of spoile , themselues shamefully interrupted the same . But thus to let his horsemen passe , the chiefe strength of his footmen are his Ianizaries , neuer in number exceeding twelue or foureteene thousand , yea seldome times halfe so many euen in his greatest armies , except he himselfe be there in person present in the middest of them : who beside the small number of them , in the time of these their late voluptuous and effeminate emperours corrupted with the pleasures of CONSTANTINOPLE , and for want of their wonted discipline , haue together with their auntient obedience and patience lost also a great part of their former reputation and valour : all the rest of his footmen filling vp the great bodie of his populous armie , being his Asapi , rather pioners than souldiors , men of small worth , and so accounted of both of the Turkes and their enemies also . So that all things well considered , his best souldiors being the least part of his greatest armies , and they also farre vnlike their predecessours , the sterne followers of the former Othoman kings and emperours , but men now giuen to pleasure and delight : it is not otherwise to be thought , but that he bringeth into the field farre moe men than good souldiours , more brauerie than true valour , more shew than worth , his multitude being his chiefest strength , his supposed greatnesse the terrour of his neighbour princes , and both together the very majestie of his Empire . Which although it be indeed very strong ( for the reasons before alleadged ) yet is it by many probably thought to bee now vpon the declining hand , their late emperours in their owne persons farre degenerating from their warlike progenitors , their souldiors generally giuing themselues to vnwonted pleasures , their auntient discipline of warre neglected , their superstition not with so much zeale as of old regarded , and rebellions in diuers parts of his Empire of late strangely raised , and mightily supported : all the signes of a declining state . Which were they not at all to be seene , as indeed they be very pregnant , yet the greatnesse of this Empire being such ▪ as that it laboureth with nothing more than the weightinesse of it selfe , it must needs ( after the manner of wordly things ) of it selfe fall , and againe come to nought , no man knowing when or how so great a worke shall be brought to passe , but he in whose deepe counsels all these great reuolutions of empires and kingdomes are from eternitie shut vp : who at his pleasure shall in due time by such meanes as he seeth best accomplish the same , to the vnspeakeable comfort of his poore afflicted flocke , in one place or other still in danger to bee by this roaring lyon deuoured . Which worke of so great wonder , he for his sonne our Sauiour Christ his sake , the glorie of his name , and comfort of many thousand oppressed Christians fed with the bread of carefulnesse amidst the furnace of tribulation , in mercie hasten , that we with them , and they with vs , all as members of one bodie , may continually sing , Vnto him be all honour and praise world without end . FINIS . A TABLE OR INDEX , POINTING . vnto all the most notable things in the Historie of the Turkes before written , wherein such directorie letters as are set without numbers , are to be still referred to the next number of the page precedent . AAron , Vayuod of Moldauia , suspected by the Transyluanian prince to haue intelligence with the Turke , with his wife and sonne sent prisoners vnto Prage . 1062 l Abas Mirize by the practise of Mirize Salmas brought into suspition with Mahomet his father the Persian king . 946 i. by his embassadours purgeth himselfe of the supposed treason . 964 g Abdilcheraie with his Tartars commeth into Siruan . 838 k. taketh Ares Chan. 939 a. spoileth Genge , is himselfe ouerthrowne and taken prisoner by the Persian prince . 940 g. beloued of the Persian queene . k. slaine in the Court. 941 a Abedin Bassa with a great armie sent by Amurath to reuenge the death of Mesites spoileth Valachia , and so entereth into Transyluania . 271 a. encourageth his Turkes . 273 b. in a great and mortall battell ouerthrowne by Huniades at Vascape . 274 l Abraham , otherwise called Pyramet , last king of Caramania slaine by Baiazet . 447 b Abraham Bassa his description 645 f. his bringing vp in Court 646 g. his great credit with Solyman . i. he persuadeth him to make warre vpon the Persians . 647. ● . maligned by Solymans mother and Roxolana . 649 b. sent before by Solyman with an armie into Syria . c. hath the citie of Tauris yeelded vnto him . d. in disgrace with Solyman . 653 f. shamefully murthered in the Court by the commaundement of Solyman . 654 h Abydus surprised by the Turks . 183 a Acanzij what they be . 415 b Achmetes Bassa , Gouernour of Cyprus , slaine by the Ianizaries . 979 b Achmetes the great Bassa his notable speech to Mahomet , to dissuade him from any more assaulting of Scodra . 423● . landeth with his armie in Apulia . 432 i. by Baiazet made Generall of his armie against his brother Z●●es . 438. l. his death contriued by Isaack Bassa . 443. b. in danger to haue beene put to death , deliuered by the Ianizaries . 444. h. suddenly slaine . k. Achmetes Bassa with his armie ouerthrowne by the Mamalukes , taken , and sent prisoner vnto Cayt●eius at Caire . 448 i Achomates polliticke and valiant , but too much giuen to pleasure . 478 k. discontented , 487● . threateneeh the Cadelescher sent vnto him by his father . 488 g. entereth with his sonnes into rebellion . h. killeth his fathers embassador , proclaimed traitor . 489 f secretly fauoured by diuers great men in Selymus his armie , 503● . ouerthrowne in battell , taken , and by the commaundement of his brother Selymus strangled . 504 i Achomates the great Bassa appeaseth the souldiors , vp in armes for the vnworthie death of Mustapha . 764 h. his miserable end . 765. c. Agria in vaine besieged by the Turkes . 756 k. yeelded vnto Mahomet the third . 1096 h Aladin , the sonne of Kei-Husreu , of the Selzuccian familie , driuen out of Persia , ceis●th vpon Cilicia . 76 l Aladin his modestie about the deuision of his father Othomans inheritance and goods with his brother Orchanes . 179 d. Aladin the Caramanian king hanged . 208 m. Aladin , Amurath his eldest sonne , slaine with a fall from his horse . 289 d Alba Regalis yeelded to king Ferdinand . 700 l. besieged by Solyman . 740 i. the lake and ditches with incredible labour filled vp by the Tarkes . l. the suburbes woon . 741 c. the miserable slaughter of the Christians in their flight . d. yeelded vnto Solyman . 742 g besieged by duke Mercurie . 1134 l the suburbes of the citie surprised by lord Rusworm . 1135 d. the citie taken by the Christians . 1136 g. besieged by the Turkes . 1144 l. terribly assaulted . 1145. woon by the Turkes . d. Aladeules his kingdome . 519 a. the battell betwixt him and Selymus . ● . he flieth into the mountaines . 520 g. taken by Sinan Bassa , and brought to Selymus , is put to death . l. his head sent to Venice for a present , and his kingdome brought into the forme of a prouince . m. Albuchomar discouereth vnto Selymus the power of Tomombeius , and the treason intended by them of Caire . 547● . Aleppo in Syria betrayed and taken from the Christians by Saladin , Sultan of Damasco . 61 a. by the Tartars taken from the Turkes , and by them sacked and rased . 113 d. by Cayerbeius the traitour deliuered to Selymus . 530 l Alessandro the Georgian submitteth himselfe vnto Mustapha . 933 c Alexius the great president of Constantinople committed to prison . 45 f. his eyes put out by the commaundement of Andronicus . 46● Alexius Comnenus , otherwise called Porphyrogenitus , succeedeth his father Emanuel in the Empire . 43 b. by the practise of Andronicus is depriued of the Empire , and strangled . 50 b Alexius the young prince craueth aid of Philip the Emperour and the Latine princes against his vncle the vsurper . 77 a. commeth to the armie of the Christian princes going towards the holy land . 78 g. arriueth with a great fleet of the Latines before Constantinople . l. taketh land , and after an hot skirmish forceth the old tirant Alexius to flie out of the citie . 79 c. seeketh to bring the Latines again into the citie . 80 k. is betrayed and strangled by Murzufle . l. Alexius Philanthropenus by Andronicus the Emperour made Gouernour of the frontiers of his empire in Asia against the Turkes . 147 e. aspireth . 148 i. betrayed , hath his eyes put out . 149 a Alexius Strategopulus with a smal power sent into Grecia by the Emperour Michaell Palaeologus , by the treason of two Greekes taketh the citie of Constantinople from the Latines . 115 d Algiers described . 720 g. in vaine besieged by Charles the Emperour . h. Aliculi Chan taken . 944 l. in hope of libertie conducteth Hassan Bassa through the straight passages of Georgia . 945 b. cast in prison at Erzirum . d. escapeth from Ferrat . 972 m. by the Persian king ( to the great discontentment of the Turcomans ) made Gouernour of Tauris . 937 c. killeth the Bassa of Maras , doth the Turkes great harme , and so flieth from Tauris . 991 c. conspireth with Abas Mirize against the Persian prince . 1000 h. being by the prince sent against the Turkes , performeth nothing . 1001 c Alis Bassa with a great armie ouerthrowne by Scanderbeg . 288 k Alis Bassa sent by Baiazet with an armie out of Europe against Techellis , slain . 474 l. Alis Beg and his foure sonnes trecherously slaine by Ferrat Bassa . 600 l Alis Bassa of Buda by the commaundement of Amurath strangled . 1003 d Alis Beg Gouernour of Strigonium comming downe into the lower town , there staied by the Ianizaries . 1066 k. his resolute answer vnto the message sent him from the lord Palfi . 1009 e. slain with a great shot . 1071 c Almericus Earle of Ioppa after the death of his brother Baldwin chosen sixt king of Ierusalem . 53 d. with a puissant armie entereth Aegipt , and in plaine battell ouerthroweth Dargan the Sultan . e. aideth Sanar the Sultan against Saracon , Noradins Generall , whom he ouerthroweth in Aegipt . 56 i taketh Alexandria . l. winneth Pelusium . 57. dieth . 58 k Aloysius Grittus the duke of Venice his sonne sent by Solyman as his lieutenant into Hungarie , to ouersee king Iohn . 631 f. contemned by Americus , causeth him to be murthered . 633 d. besieged by the Transyluanians . 634 h. taken and beheaded . l. the great riches found about him . 635 a Alphonsus king of Naples sendeth aid vnto Scanderbeg . 369 f. with Alexander the Bishop of Rome craueth aid of Baiazet the Turke against Charles the French king . 551 a Alphonsus resigneth his kingdome of Naples vnto his sonne Ferdinand . 453 e Alphonsus Daualus Vastius , lieutenant Generall of the Emperours land forces in his expedition for Tunes . 655 b. his speech vnto the Spanish captaines . 659 b. commaundeth the Emperour . 665 d. with Hannibaldus sent embassadours from the Emperor and the French king to the state of Venice , for a confederation betwixt that State & them to be made against Solyman . 992 g. his Oration in the Venetian Senate . h. the answere of the duke . m. the Senators diuersly affected towards the confederation . 693 d Alteration of Religion in the Greeke Church the cause of great trouble . 144 m. Amesa with his Turkes ouerthrowne and taken prisoner by Scanderbeg . 366 g Amesa emploied by his vncle Scanderbeg for the recouerie of Croia out of the hands of Turkes . 284 h. corrupted , flieth to Mahomet the Turke . 375 b. his first speech to Mahomet . c. honourably entertained . 376 i. by Isaack Bassa created king of Epirus . 378 d. taken prisoner by Scanderbeg . 381 d. sent prisoner into Italie . 382 h. enlarged , returneth to Constantinople , and there dieth . ●83 b Amurath the first succeedeth his father Orchanes in the Turkish kingdome . 189 c. inuadeth Europe . d. taketh Hadrianople . f. maketh his roiall seat in Europe . 191 b. beginneth the order of the Ianizaries . e. returneth into Asia . 192 g. marrieth his son Baiazet vnto Hatune , the daughter of the prince Germean , with a great dowrie . 193 c. purchaseth the principalitie of Amisum , of Chusen Beg. d. inuadeth Seruia , and taketh Nissa , the metropoliticall citie thereof . e. imposeth a yearely tribute vpon the countrey of Seruia . f. in a great battel ouerthroweth Aladin the king of Caramania his sonne in law with the other Mahometane prin●● his confederates . 196 g. by his captaines winneth and spoileth a great part of Bulgaria . 199 a. in a great & mortall battell ouerthroweth Lazarus the Despot of Seruia , with his confederats in the plaines of Cossoua . 200 i. slaine . k. buried at Prusa . 201 b. Amurath the second placed in his fathers seat . 255 c. afraid to goe against the rebell Mustapha . 256 h. in vaine besieged Constantinople . 258 g. strangleth his brother Mustapha . l. winneth Thessalonica . 260 g. taketh vnto himselfe the greatest part of Aetolia . i. enforceth the princes of Athens , Phocis , and Beotia to become his tributaries . h. falsifieth his faith with Iohn Castriot prince of Epirus , and poysoneth his three eldest sonnes his hostages . l. oppresseth the Mahometane princes in Asia . 261 c. spoileth Hungarie . d. contrarie to his saith inuadeth Seruia , and subdueth it . 262 g. putteth out the eyes of the Despots sons , his wiues brethren . g. besiegeth Belgrade . 263 c. dealeth subtilly with the embassadors of king Vladislaus . 264 g. notably encourageth his souldiors to the assault of Belgrade . h. shamefully repulsed . 266 h. his sullen answere vnto the embassadours of king Vladisl●us . i. sendeth Mesites Bassa to inuade Transyluania . 267 f. grieued with the losse of Mesites and his armie , sendeth Abedin Bassa to reuenge his death . 270 l. in despaire about to haue slain himselfe . 289 a. by the mediation of the Despot of Seruia obtaineth peace of king Vladislaus for ten yeares . b. inuadeth Caramania . d. wearie of the world , committeth the gouernment of his kingdome to his sonne Mahomet , and retireth himselfe vnto a monasticall life . c. at the report of those preparations of the Hungarians , and request of his Bassaes , forsaketh his solitarie life , and raiseth a great armie in Asia . 296 k. by the Genowaies transported with his armie into Europe . l. ioyneth battell with K. Vladislaus at Varna . 297 b. about to haue sled , reproued of cowardise by a common souldiour . c. prayeth vnto Christ. e. in danger to haue beene slaine . 298 h. wisheth not many times so to ouercome as he did at the battell of Varna . m. to performe his vow , resigneth his kingdome to his sonne Mahomet , which he shortly after resumeth againe . 299 b. his craftie letters to Scanderbeg . 300 g. his passionate speech in his rage against Scanderbeg . 302 i. breaketh through the Hexamylum , & imposeth a yearly tribute vpon them of Peloponnesus . 304 h. after three daies hard fight with great slaughter of his men ouercommeth Huniades in the plaines of Cassoua . 309 b. inuadeth the Despot . 310 k. his graue letters of aduice to Mustapha , concerning his inuading of Epirus . 311 e. commeth with a great armie to Sfetigrade . 316 l. in vaine with great ●urie giueth many a desperat assault vnto the citie . 319 b. in one assault looseth seuen thousand of his Turks . 320 i. by great promises seeketh to corrupt the garrison of Sfetigrade . l. by the practise of one man hath the citie of Sfetigrade yeelded vnto him . 321 e. hauing lost thirtie thousand of his Turks at the siege of Sfetigrade , returneth to Hadrianople . 322 h. with a great armie commeth againe into Epirus , and besiegeth Croia . 323 c. in two assaults looseth eight thousand of his souldiors . 326 k. content to buy the life of one Christian with the losse of twentie of his Turks . 327 a. seeketh by great gifts to corrupt Vranacontes the Gouernour of Croia . 328 i. ouercome with melancholie tormenteth himselfe . 330 g. by his embassadours offereth Scanderbeg peace . h. his last speech vnto his sonne Mahomet concerning such things as at his death grieued him most . k. dieth . 331. b. buried at Prusa . 332 g Amurath the sonne of Achomates flieth vnto Hysmael the Persian king . 504 k marrieth his daughter . 505 a. spoileth Cappadocia , and for feare of his vncle Selymus retireth . d. Amurath the third taketh vpon him the Turkish Empire . 919 c. pacifieth the Ianizaries , and augmenteth their priuiledges . d. strangleth his fiue brethren . e. his letters vnto the nobilitie of Polonia in the behalfe of Stephen Bathor Vayuod of Transyluania . 920 i. attentiue to the slirs in Persia. 923 f. enformed thereof by Vstref Bassa of Van. 924 m. resolueth to take the Persian warre in hand . 925 d. by Mustapha aduertised of the successe of the Persian warres . 938 g. consulteth of his proceeding therein . 941 e. dischargeth Mustapha of his Generall ship , and calleth him home to Constantinople . 946 l. appointeth Sinan Generall for the Persian warres . 951 b. in despight of Sinan appointeth Mahamet Bassa Generall for those wars in his stead . 957 e. circumciseth his eldest sonne Mahomet . 957 a. displaceth Sinan Bassa , and casteth him into exile . 962 l. appointeth Ferrat Generall for his warres in Persia. 665 d. sende●h for Osman Bassa into Siruan . 974 h. maketh him chiefe Visier and Generall of his armie into Persia. 976 k. in disporting himselfe with his Muts , takē with a fit of the falling sicknesse . 977 d. causeth great triumph to be made throughout his Em●pire for the winning of Tauris . 996 h maketh choice againe of Ferrat Bassa to succeed Osman Bassa , dead in the Persian warres . 999 b. concludeth a peace with the Persian king . 1005 b. his answere to the letters of Sigismund the third king of Polonia . 1004 h. glad himselfe to yeeld to the insolencie of the Ianizaries . 1005 f. his letters to Elizabeth Queene of England . 1006 k. persuaded by his Visier Bassaes to take some new warre in hand . 1007 c. in doubt whom first to begin withall . 1008 k. resolueth to make warre vpon the Emperour , with the reasons leading him thereunto . 1014 k giueth leaue to Hassan Bassa of Bosna as it were without his knowledge to picke quarrels with the Emperour , and so to disturbe the peace . m. sendeth home the bodie of the Persian hostage dead in his Court. 1015 c. proclaimeth warre against the Emperour . 1023 f. the proud and blasphemous manner of his denuntiation of warre . 1024 h. he dreameth . 1028 l. sick of the falling sicknesse . 1048 h. dieth . 1053 d Andrew king of Hungarie maketh an expedition into the Holy land . 88 k. bathing himselfe in the riuer Iordan , returneth with all his power . l. Andronicus aspireth to the Empire . 43 d. ouerthroweth Angelus sent against him with a great power by Alexius the great President . 44 l. encampeth ouer against Constantinople . 45 a. taketh vpon him the gouernment , and tyranniseth . 47 b. causeth Mary the daughter of Emanuell the Emperour with her husband Caesar to be poysoned . e. causeth Xene the faire Empresse to be vniustly condemned and strangled . 48 k. by his fauourits and flatterers ioyned in the fellowship of the Empire with Alexius the young Emperour . 49 c. depriueth Alexius of the Empire , and causeth him to be strangled . 50 h. destroieth the Nobilitie , to establish his estate . i. seeketh in vaine to appease the people , in a tumult risen vp against him . 52 h. forsaken of his flattering fauourits , flieth , is taken , and brought backe in chaines to Angelus . 53 c. committed to the furie of the people , who with extreame crueltie put him to most shamefull death . 54. Andronicus Palaeologus 〈◊〉 younger exceedingly beloued by 〈◊〉 Andronicus his grandfather . 158 h. by the persuasion of Syrgiannes conspireth against his aged grandfather . 159 f. being sent for , commeth vnto him secretly armed , with purpose to haue slaine him . 160 k. secretly flieth out of Constantinople . 161 b. proclaimed traitour , and proscribed . c. stirreth vp the people of Thracia to rebellion . d. reconciled to his grandfather . 164 i. crowned fellow in the Empire with his grandfather . m. againe conspireth against his grandfather . 165 b. his craftie speech vnto his grandfathers embassadours . 167 c. seeketh in vaine by night to haue beene receiued into Constantinople . 169 e. is receiued into Thessalonica . 170 g. taketh in the greatest part of Macedonia and Thracia . m. by treason entereth into the citie of Constantinople . 171 e. forbiddeth his captaines and souldiors to violate the maiestie of the old Emperour or any about him . 172 i. humbleth himselfe vnto his grandfather . 173 a. euill persuaded , committeth him to straight keeping . 174 g. wounded in the battell with Orchanes at Philocrene . 180 m. by his owne departure from his campe discomfiteth his whole armie . 181 a Andronicus Palaeologus the old Emperour in restoring againe the Greeke ceremonies , by his father before altered , falleth into great troubles . 146 h. sparing to maintaine his nauie , weakeneth his Empire . k. suspitious of his brother Constantine . l. by taking him away , leaueth the East side of his Empire to be spoiled by the Turks . 147 e. reposing more trust in forraine aid than in his owne subiects , greatly burteth his state . 149 b. immoderatly fauoureth his nephew Andronicus . 158 h. setteth Syrgiannes to obserue his doings . 159 a. sendeth embassadours vnto him . 161 d. in his trouble as of an heauenly Oracle asketh counsell of the Psalter , and so maketh peace with his nephew . 164 h. enformed of the euill meaning of his nephew forbiddeth him to come into the citie . 166 g. his notable speech vnto the Patriarch and the rest of the bishops and Nobilitie concerning the young Emperour his nephew . 168 k. forsaken of the Patriarch and some others of the Bishops . 169 b. reposeth his whole trust in God. 172 i. his pitifull request vnto the young Emperour his nephue . l. by him depriued of his imperiall dignitie . 174 g. falleth blind . h. against his will made a Monke , and called Anthonie . k. his notable answere vnto the catching question of the proud Patriarch . l. enforced to sweare , neuer againe to resume vnto himselfe the Empire . 175 d dieth . 176 g. his death by many prodigies foreshowne . h. Antioche described 18 h. by the Patriarch betraied to Saladin . 65 a Apulia spoiled by the Turks . 671 f Ares Chan hanged . 939 a Artillerie of exceeding greatnesse made by Mahomet at the siege of Scodra . 418 g. Asam-Beg with his armie ouerthrowne & taken prisoner by Scanderbeg . 383 f Asmehemedi iustly rewarded for his trecherie . 478 k Assan Aga derideth the messengers sent vnto him from Charles the Emperour . 719 b. taketh the Spaniards to mercie 724 k. Auria with his fleet doth the Turkes great harme in Peloponnesus . 626 h. besiegeth Corone , and hath it yeelded vnto him . 627 a. taketh and ransacketh Patras , with the castles of Rhium and Molycreum . c. returneth to Genua . e. troubleth the Turks fleet , and taketh twelue of their gallies full of Ianizaries and of Solymans other best souldiors . 672 l. braueth Barbarussa in the bay of Ambracia . 688 g. shamefully flieth with his fleet . 689 e. dieth . 787 c Austria spoiled by the Turke . 616 i. Altenburg taken . k. Austria sore wasted by Cason . 621. Axalla ● Christian in great fauour with Tamerlan , and his lieutenant Generall in his warres against the Turke . 214 h. taketh Baiazet the great Turke prisoner . 219 d. without resistance taketh Prusa . 221 b. ouerthroweth one of the Turks Bassaes with the slaughter of thirtie thousand Turks . 235 d B BAbylon taken and sacked by the Tartars . 113 b. with the countries of Mesopotamia and Assyria yeelded to Solyman . 651 a Baiazet the first why surnamed Gilderun or lightning . 195 f. succeedeth his father Amurath in the Turkish kingdome . 203 b. inuadeth Seruia . c. by Ferises his lieutenant spoileth Valachia . f. oppresseth most of the Mahometane princes , the successors of Sultan Aladin in the lesser Asia . 204 k. inuadeth Valachia , ouerthroweth the Vayuod , and causeth him to become his tributarie . 205 a. besiegeth Constantinople eight yeares . c. in a great battell at Nicopolis ouerthroweth Sigismund king of Hungarie with his confederats . 206 g. returneth againe to the siege of Constantinople . k. marrieth Despina , the faire daughter of Lazarus the Despot . 207 a. pretily reprooued by his ieaster . d. in battell ouercommeth Aladin the Caramanian king , and deliuereth him prisoner to Temurtases his lieutenant . 208 m. subdueth the Caramanian kingdome . 209 a. hath the great cities of Amasia and Sebastia yeelded vnto him . a. oppresseth the Mahometane princes of the lesser Asia . d. vnciuilely entertaineth the embassadours of Tamerlan sent vnto him in the behalfe of the poore princes by him oppressed . 211. accounteth a shepheard more happie than himselfe . 216 k. ioyneth a great and mortall battell with Tamerlan . 219 b. forsaken of his owne souldiors . c. ouerthrowne and taken prisoner by Axalla . d. brought to Tamerlan . 220. shut vp in an yron cage like a wild beast . m. dieth miserably . 227 b. his issue , as also his immediat successour vncertaine . 231 c. his true posteritie . 232 g Baiazet the second excluded from the succession in the Turkish Empire by his sonne Corcutus , commeth to Constantinople . 437 e. by the mediation of the great Bassaes obtaineth the kingdome of Corcutus . 438 g. goeth against his brother Zemes , vp in rebellion against him . i. in doubt to haue been betraied by his souldiors . 441 c. reuiled by the Ianizaries . 444 h. putteth some of them to death . 445 a. purposeth their vtter destruction . b. glad to dissemble his purpose , and to reconcile himselfe vnto them . f. sendeth Dautius his embassadour to Alexander bishop of Rome . 451 d. glad to heare that diuers of the Christian princes had combined themselues against the French king . 456 i. in danger to haue been slaine by a Deruislar or Turkish Monke . 463 c. Baiazet by nature peaceable . d. his children . 476 k. sendeth embassadours with presents vnto his sonne Selymus . 480 i. seeking to preferre Achomates his eldest sonne to the empire , himself yet liuing , is mightily withstood by the souldiors of the Court , before corrupted by Selymus . 481 b. he forbiddeth Selymus to come vnto him , and threateneth him . 482● fearing to loose Constantinople , departeth from Hadrianople . i. his resolute speech vnto the Ianizaries and other souldiors of the Court. 484 l. in plaine battell ouercommeth his son Selymus at Tzurulum . 485 d. willing the second time to haue resigned his Empire vnto Achomates , is againe withstood by his men of warre . 487 b. his resolute answer vnto Mustapha and the other traiterous Bassaes , after that Selymus was by their practise by the souldiors of the Court saluted Emperour . 494 k. poysoned by Hamon his phisition a Iew. 495 f. dieth . 496 g. Baiazet Solyman his younger sonne seeketh to aspire vnto the Empire , his father yet liuing . 768 h. setteth vp a counterfet Mustapha to make an head to his intended rebellion . k. the subtile and craftie dealing of the supposed Mustapha to deceiue the people . l. forsaken of his followers , is taken and brought to Solyman at Constantinople . 770 g. secretly with his complices drowned . h. Baiazet sent for by his father , goeth vnto him in feare . l. in few words comforted by his mother . 771 a. sharply for his disloyaltie reprooued by his father , and so by him pardoned . b. returneth againe to his charge . d. after the death of Roxolana , his mother , raiseth new stirs . e. admonished of ●his dutie by his father . 772 h. vnwilling to go to Amasia , the prouince appointed him by his father , seeketh delaies . 773 k. by a Chiaus requesteth his father not to intermeddle betwixt his brother and him . 774 h. making shew as if he would go to Amasia , stayeth at An●yra , and there raiseth his forces . l. his quarrell generally fau●ured of the souldiors . 775 b. his purpose . d. he goeth against his brother towards Iconium . e. fighteth a bloudie battell with his brother Selymus , wherein were fortie thousand Turks slaine . 776 g. put to the worse , retireth , and so goeth to Amasia . h. more commended by the souldiours in his ouerthrow , than was his brother in his victorie . i. seeketh againe for his fathers ●auour . 777 f. dispairing thereof , flieth into Persia , deceiuing by the way the Bassaes of Sebastia and Erzirum . 778 k. at the first well entertained by the Persian king . 779 e. his followers by the cunning of the fearefull Persian dispersed and slaine . 780 k. he himselfe with his sonnes imprisoned . l. his miserable estate in prison . 781 f. with his foure sonnes at the instance of his father by the Persian strangled . 782 h Baiazet Bassa sent by Amurath against Mustapha the rebell , forsaken of his souldiors yeeldeth . 255 e. vpon a false surmise executed . f. Baldwin Countie of Edessa , and brother to Godfrey second king of Ierusalem . 25 a. winneth Casaria from the Infidels . b. ouerthroweth the Turks hard by Rama . c. besiegeth Ptolemais , and in retiring thence is mortally wounded . e. besiegeth it againe , & hath it by composition yeelded vnto him . e. after many sharp assaults winneth Berythus . 26 h. taketh Sidon by composition , and in vaine besiegeth Tire . i. maketh an expedition into Aegipt , and neere vnto Laris dieth . m. Baldwin , surnamed Brugensis , countie of Edissa , besiegeth Carras , and there taken prisoner , after fiue years captiuitie redeemeth himselfe . 25 d. after the death of Baldwin the first chosen king of Ierusalem , and called Baldwin the second . 27 a. ouerthroweth the Turks and ioyneth the principalitie of Antioch to his owne kingdome . d. by Balac the Persian Sultan ouerthrowne and taken prisoner : after eighteene months captiuitie for the ransome of an hundred thousand duckats set at libertie . 28 l. in three notable battels ouerthroweth the king of Damasco . 29 a. dieth . h. Baldwin the third of that name crowned king of Ierusalem . 31 a. hardly distressed by Noradin the Turke . b. he fortifieth Gaza , and taketh Ascalon by composition . 34 i. in a set battell ouer throweth Noradin the king of Damasco at the castle of Sueta . 35 f. falleth sicke and dieth . 36 h Baldwin the fourth of that name , seuenth king of Ierusalem . 58 l. with a great slaughter ouerthroweth Saladin inuading his kingdome . 59 d. putteth him with his great armie againe to flight . 60 k. resigneth the gouernment of his kingdome to Guy Lusignan , countie of Ioppa and Ascalon . 61 b. sendeth embassadours vnto the Christian princes of the West , and immediately after dieth . 62 i Baldwin the ●i●t of that name , yet but a boy , was crowned eight king of Ierusalem , and within seuen months after dieth . 62 i Baldwin countie of Flaunders and Hai●nault , chosen by the Latins Emperour of Constantinople , and so solemnely crowned . 83● . subdueth Thracia , and besiegeth Hadrianople . 85 a. ouerthrowne in battell by the Scythians , and taken prisoner , is by the commandement of their barbarous king most cruelly put to death . d. Baldwin the second of that name , ●i●t and last Emperour of the Latines in Constantinople . 97 a. pawneth his sonne vnto the Bruges marchants for money . 112 m. slieth out of the citie of Constantinople , being surprised by Alexius Strategopulus sent from Michaell Palaeologus the Greeke Emperour . 114 m Ballahanus sent by Mahomet against Scanderbeg . 395 b. put to flight , taketh diuers of Scanderbegs best captaines prisoners at Alchria . 396 g. with his armie ouerthrowne at Oronycheum . l. the third time ouerthrown in the battell at Sfetigrade . 397 b. ouerthrowne by Scanderbeg the fourth time in the battell at Valcha . 389 a. left by Mahomet to continue the siege of Croia . 400 l. slaine . c. Barbarussa succeedeth his brother Horruccius in the kingdome of Algiers . 636 i. his wonderfull successe . k. sent for by Solyman . l. enuied in the Turks Court. 637 b. by Solyman himselfe reiected to Abraham the great Bassa . d. trauelleth by land vnto him into Syria , and by him commended to Solyman . e. his speech to Solyman , to persuade him to inuade the kingdome of Tunes . 638 g. he is made Solymans great Admirall . 639 d. spoileth the coasts of Italie . 640 m. passeth ouer into Affricke , and hath Bisert a yeelded vnto him . 643 b. commeth to Guletta , deceiueth the citisens , and is receiued into Tunes . s. discomfiteth the citisens risen vp against him . b. hath the citie of Tunes yeelded vnto him . 645 c. is much discouraged with the comming of Charles the Emperour into Affricke . 656 h. in his rage executeth Aloysius Presenda . i. encourageth his souldiors . l. his chiefe captaines . 657 b. the countie of Sarne his head and right hand by Salec sent vnto him for a present . 658 l. his fleet taken by Charles the Emperour at Guletta . 661 a. he rageth . b. calmed by Sinan the Iew. ● . in field with his army against Charles the Emperour . 665 e. flieth to Tunes . 666 g. dissuaded by Sinan the Iew from killing the Christian captiues , who shortly after breaking prison , driue the Turks out of the castle of Tunes . 666 l. flieth to Hippona , and there comforteth his souldiors . 668 k. escapeth to Algiers . 669 b. sent by Solymā against the Venetians . 687 a. repulsed in Crete . b. reproued of cowardise by one of the Turks Eunuchs . 688 h. icasleth at the flight of Auria . 689 e. braueth the Christians at Corcyra . 690 g. suffreth shipwrack vpon the Acroceraunian rocks . k. with a great fleet sent by Solyman to aid the French king against Charles the Emperour . 735 a. burneth Rhegium , and taketh the castle . b. becommeth amorous of the captaine of Rhegium his daughter . c. maketh them afraid in Rome . d. commeth to Marseiles . f. for lacke of imploiment groweth discontented . 742 l. with the French besiegeth Nice in Prouence . 743 c. rageth against the French , and threateneth Polinus . 784 h. giueth ouer the siege of the castle of Nice , and setteth fire on the citie . i. derided by the Turks captaines , sharpely answereth their taunts . 744 l. rewarded and discharged by the French king , departeth out of Prouince . 749 d. requesteth of Appianus Gouernour of Elba to haue a sonne of Sinan the Iewes there prisoner , deliuered vnto him . e. spoileth the island , and hath the yong man deliuered vnto him . 750 g. in his return to Constantinople doth much harme vpon the coast of Italy an ▪ dieth . 751 c Barbadicus the Venetian Prouiditour a notable man. 874 l slaine in the battell of Lepanto . 680 g Barbarous crueltie . 909 e the Barbarou● manner of the Turkish Sultans , to murther their brethren in the beginning of their raigne , when and by whom first begun . 201 a Bare shift for mony . 345 e the Bassa of Bosna and his brother slain . 1002 i. the Bassa of Temeswar ouerthrowne by the Rascians and slaine . 1138 k the Bassa of Buda taken prisoner . 1110 i the Bassa of Bosna slaine . 1110 k. the Bassa of Natolia taken prisoner by the prince of Sarcan . 217 c. his stout answer to Tamerlan . d. by Tamerlanset at libertie , and rewarded . e. the Bassa of Buda slaine . 1136 l the Bassa of Agria with ten thousand Turks ouerthrown by Ferrant Gonzaga , and chased to the gates of his citie . 1141 g. Basilicus a faithfull man vnto his prince . 170 h. Battels . A cruell Battell fought betwixt Solyman the Turke and the Christian princes going towards the Holy land . 16 l. an hundred thousand Turks slaine in the battell neare vnto Antioch , betwixt Corbanas the Persian Sultans lieutenant and the Christian princes . 20 h. an hundred thousand Turks and Sarasins slain in the great battell not farre from Ascalon fought betwixt Godfrey of Buillon and the Turks and Sarasins . 24 l. the great battell betwixt Amurath the first and Lazarus the Despot fought in the plaines of Cossoua . 200 i. the battell of Nicopolis betwixt Baiazet the first and Sigismund king of Hungarie . 206 g. the great and mortall battell betwixt Baiazet and the great Tamerlan . 219 b. the battell of Vascape betwixt Huniades and Abedin Bassa . 273● . the wofull battell of Varna betwixt king Vladislaus and Amurath the second . 297 b. the great battell of Cossoua sought three daies together betwixt Amurath & Huniades . 307 d. the battell betwixt Vsun-Cassanes the Persian king and Mahomet the great . 410 l. the battell of Tzurulum betwixt Baiazet and his sonne Selymus . 485 d. the great battell betweene Selymus and Hysmael . 510 m. the battell of Singa betwixt Selymus and Campson . 529 e. the battell betwixt Sinan Bassa and Gazelles . 535 e. the great battell of Rhodania betwixt Selymus and Tomombeius . 539 e. the great & dreadfull battell of Caire fought two daies together betwixt the Mamalukes and the Turks . 545 e. the battell of Mohatchz , betwixt Solyman and king Lewis . 602 k. the battell of Toccaie betwixt the armies of king Iohn and king Ferdinand . 606 h. the memorable battell of Lepanto betwixt Haly Bassa and Don Iohn . 878 h. the battell of Sancazan betwixt the Persian prince and the Turks , Osman their Generall then lying sicke . 994 m. the battell of Alba Regalis betwixt the Imperials and the Turks . 126 h. the battell of Strigonium . 1068 h. the battell of Agria betwixt Mahomet the third and Maximilian the Archduke the Emperours brother . 1097 d Bedredin the counterfeit prophet hanged . 251 d Begum the Persian queene made away . 941 a. Belgrade besieged by Amurath the second . 263 c. notably defended by the Christians . 266 g. againe besieged by Mahomet the Great . 357 b. woon by Solyman . 569 b Belgrade in the confines of Epirus besieged by Scanderbeg . 370 h Bloudie precepts left by Selymus vnto his sonne Solyman . 563 b Bodo constant to king Iohn . 606 k Bosna of a kingdome conuerted to a prouince of the Turks Empire . 365 b Bosna with some part of Seruia taken from the Turks by Matthias king of Hungarie . 404 k Bragadinus gouernour of Famagusta encourageth his souldiors . 864 i. yeeldeth vnto the request of the citisens of Famagusta , in time to deliuer vp the citie , not now longer to be defended . 866 k. entreth into parley with the Turks . I. comming to the false Bassa Mustapha vpon his faith for his safetie before giuen , is by him most shamefully and horribly murthered . 867 a Buda besieged by the lord Rogendorff , king Ferdinand his lieutenant . 702 i. surprised by Solyman . 710 k. besieged , and the lower citie taken by the lord Palsi . 1105 c. the castle by him battered , vndermined , and in vaine assaulted . 1105 c. the lower citie of Buda againe taken by the Christians . 1146 i. the vpper citie and castle besieged . 1147. b. in vaine assaulted . f. the siege for feare of the Tartars giuen ouer by the Christians . 1149 c C CAffa with the country of Taurica Chersonesus subdued by the Turks . 412 l Caire described . 542 m. taken by Sely●mus . 546 i Calo Ioannes after the death of Alexius his father succeedeth him in the Empire . 27 c. he taketh Tarsus in C●licia , besiegeth Antioch , and vpon composition raiseth his siege . 30 g. wounded with a poysoned arrow dieth . k. Calcis the chiefe citie of Euboea besieged by the Turks . 405 d. taken by the Turks . 406 h Callipolis taken by the Turks . 186 g Caly Bassa dissuadeth Mahomet from the siege of Constantinople . 344 l. Caly Bassa cruelly executed . 350 g Calybeus Bassa and Cherseogles after a long and mortall battell taken by Vsbeg , and sent prisoners to Caytbeius . 450 h. Campson Gaurus with what causes mooued to fall out with Selymus . 522 g. his moderat and happie gouernment . 524 l. his answer vnto the embassadours of Selymus . 525 a. perplexed . 527 b. slaine . 530 i. his dead bodie laid out to be seene of all men . 531 a Canalis the Venetian Admirall doth the Turks great harme . 405 a. with his whole familie exiled . 406 l Canisia besieged by the Turks . 1131 c. cowardly yeelded . 1132 h. besieged by Ferdinand the Archduke . 1137 b. the siege by reason of tempest and extremitie of weather giuen ouer . 1138 k Capcapus Gouernour of Damasco reuolteth from the Tartars to the Turks . 126 i. Carasina yeelded vnto Orchanes . 184 h. Caragusa a Turke offereth a challenge vnto any of the souldiors in Scanderbegs army . 312 h Caragoses Bassa Beglerbeg of Asia , in a great battell ouerthrown by Techellis . 472 b. taken prisoner . 473 a. horribly empaled by the high waies side . 474 g Caramania by Baiazet vnited to the Othoman Empire . 447 e Caracoza the famous pyrat slaine . 881 e Carazies Bassa slaine . 357 d Cardinall Bathor taketh vpon him the principalitie of Transyluania . 1109 s in a great battell ouerthrown by Michaell the Vayuod . 1113 c. his head sent for a present vnto the Emperour . e. Cassan Bassa slaine . 510 m the Castle of Buda by the garrison souldiors without the consent of their captaine yeelded to Solyman . 610 g Cassanes the Tartar inuadeth Syria . 125 c. in a great battell ouerthroweth Melcenaser the Aegiptian Sultans lieutenant . d. repaireth Ierusalem , and giueth it to the Christians , hath Damasco yeelded vnto him . e. Castronouum taken from the Turks , and by the Imperials vniustly detained from the Venetians . 690 g. recouered againe by Barbarussa . 691 d the Catalonians entertained by Andronicus the Emperour , for want of pay spoile his subiects . 151 a. take the spoile of Callipolis , and there fortifying themselues , doe great harme both by sea & land . d. aided by the Turks , ouerthrow Michaell the Emperour in plaine battell . 152 k. spoile a great part of Thracia . 153 a. seat themselues in the cities of Athens and Thebes . 154 i Caytbeius the Aegiptian Sultan sendeth embassadors to Baiazet in the behalfe of Zemes. 440 l. dieth . 450 i Cayerbeius Gouernor of Comagena bearing a grudge to Campson , hath intelligence with Selymus . 528 k. plaieth the cunning traitor . 529 d. by Selymus made Gouernour of Caire and Aegipt . 554 b Cazianer Generall of king Ferdinands army against the Turks . 677● . besiegeth Exek . 680 i. to retire with more hast , would haue broken his great ordinance . 681 c. a generall feare in his campe . 682 i. his dishonorable flight . 683 e. generally hated . 685 s. breaketh prison . 686 h. shamefully murthered , and his head sent to king Ferdinand . i. Cephalenia taken from the Turks by the Venetians . 460 k Chamuzes Bassa and Catabolinus the Turks secretarie hanged by Wladus . 361 d Charles the French king inuadeth the kingdome of Naples . 453 d. receiued into the citie of Naples . 455 d. Charles the Emperour his great preparation against Solyman . 616 h. his power at Vienna . 622 l. after the departure of Solyman returneth into Italie . 626 g. his great preparation for the inuasion of Tunes . 654 m ▪ be passeth ouer into Affricke . 656 g. landeth his armie at Guletta . 657 e. deserueth the Oken garland . 663 c. he marcheth towards Tunes . 664 i. content to be commanded by his lieutenant . 665 d. putteth Barbarussa to flight . f. hath Tunes yeelded vnto him . 667 c. restoreth it to Muleasses , now become his tributarie . 669 d. returneth to Italie . e. with the Venetians and the bishop of Rome entereth into a confederation against Solyman . 686 l. inuadeth Algiers . 718 i. sendeth a messenger to Assan Aga Gouernour of Algiers for Barbarussa . m. his messenger and message scorned by Assan Aga the eunuch . 719 b. his notable courage in staying the flight of his armie . 721 e. most part of his fleet lost by tempest . 722 h. the miserie of his armie . 723 a. horses good meat in his campe . c. raiseth his siege and departeth from Algiers . d. drowneth his horses of great price , to make roume for his common soldiors . 724 h. after many troubles arriueth at length at new Carthage in Spaine . 725 a. resigneth his Empire vnto his brother Ferdinand , and shortly after dieth . 783 a. Charles countie Mansfelt sent by the king of Spaine out of the Low countries with two thousand horse and six thousand foot to aid the Emperour in his warres against the Turke . 1061 e. by the Emperour appointed lieutenant Generall of his armie in the lower Hungarie vnder Matthias the Archduke , and created one of the princes of the Empire . 1061 c. with seueritie appeaseth the mutinous Germanes . 1064 g. remooueth suddenly with his armie from Dotis to Strigonium . 1065 ban a great battell ouerthroweth the Bassa of Buda comming to the reliefe of Strigonium . 1068 i. dieth at Komara . 107 k Chars in three and twentie daies fortified by the Turks . 943 f Chasan Chelise and Schach-Culi , two hypocriticall Persians , authors of the sect of the Cuselbassas or Red heads among the Turks . 465 e. stirre vp a great rebellion . 469 e. Chasan Chelife slaine . 474 i Chendemus Bassa by many graue reasons dissuadeth Selymus from inuading the Persian . 506 h. he is by the commaundement of Selymus vnworthily slaine . 507 b Ch●rseogles Bassa what he was , and why he turned Turke . 484 g. a sauorer of learning . i. the onely great man faithfull to Baiazet , persuadeth him to giue battell vnto his rebellious sonne Selymus . 483 d Chios taken by the Turks . 819 c Chiroche dissuadeth the Bassaes Partau and Haly from giuing battell vnto the Christians at Lepanto . 875 b. encountreth with Contarenus . 880 i. slaine , and his gallie taken . l. Christians fight against Christians , to the confusion of themselues , and benefit of the Turke . 340 k. in seeking too greedily after the spoile , ouerthrowne and discomfited in the battell at Karesta . 1098 g. Cicala Bassa by the appointment of Osman the Visier Bassa commaundeth the Turks great armie after his death in the returne thereof from Tauris . 995 c. dischargeth the armie at Van. 996 h. afraid to giue aid to Giaffer Bassa at Tauris . 998 l. restoreth the battell before lost at Karesta . 1098. with a great fleet commeth to see his mother the ladie Lucretia at Messina . 1107 b. Columnius the Popes Admirall interposeth himselfe as a mediatour betwixt Don Iohn and Venerius the Venetian Admirall , and so well appeaseth the matter . 874 g Comparison betwixt Baiazet and Tamerlan . 227 c Confederation hard to trust vpon . 840 h Conrade Marques of Montferrat slaine by two desperat ruffians . 71 d Conrade the third Emperour of Germanie taketh vpon him an expedition into the Holy land . 31 c. cannot be suffered to enter into Constantinople , but is treacherously dealt withall by the Greeke Emperour . 32. with a notable speech encourageth his souldiours to aduenture the riuer Meander . 33 a. with a great slaughter ouerthroweth the Turks . 34 g. besiegeth Iconium , and so returneth . h. Constantine prince of Bulgaria with the Tartars inuade the territories of Palaeologus the Greeke Emperour , and spoileth Thracia . 117 b Constantine the Despot sent by the old Emperour Andronicus his brother against young Andronicus his nephew . 163 a. taken prisoner at Thessalonica , and miserably vsed . f. Constantine the Greeke Emperour in vain craueth aid of the other Christian princes . 340 h. at the winning of Constantinople by the Turks , troden to death . 347 b Constantinople built by Pausanias , destroied by Seuerus , reedified by Constantine the Great . 341 a. how seated . 340 a. taken and spoiled by the Latines . 83 a. recouered from the Latines by Alexius Strategopulus . 115 d betraied vnto the young Emperour Andronicus . 171 d. in vaine besieged by Amurath the second . 257 f. again besieged by Mahomet the great . 340 k. assaulted by the Turks . 346 k. woon . 347 c Contarenus the Venetian Admirall slain . 413 e. Corcutus saluted Emperour before his father Baiazet . 437 d. kindly resigneth the Empire to his father . 438 g. giuen to the studie of Philosophie , and therefore not beloued of the Ianizaries . 478 k. commeth to Constantinople . 491 d. his notable speech vnto his father , to persuade him to resigne vnto him the Empire before the comming of his brother Selymus . 491● . comforted by his father , and put in hope of the Empire . 492 m. flieth to Magnesia . 495 a. sought after by Selymus , hideth himselfe in a caue . 501 f. is found and taken . 522 g. by the commaundement of Selymus strangled . h. Cortug-Ogli the pyrat persuadeth Solyman to besiege the Rhodes . 570 g Corone , Pylus , and Crisseum , cities of Peloponesus belonging to the Venetians , yeelded vnto the Turke . 460 h Corone besieged by the Turks . 627 f. relieued by Auria . 629 d. abandoned and forsaken by the Spaniards . 631 c. Corn●a and Serbellio two auntient Spanish captaines persuade the giuing of battell vnto the Turkes at Lepanto . 872 i. Costly dishes . 745 d Cowardise punished . 1093 e Crete described . 868 h Croia besieged by Amurath the second . 323 b. in vaine assaulted . 324 k. besieged by Mahomet the great . 400 i relieued . 401 c. againe besieged by Mahomet . 402 h. the third time besieged . 413 d. yeelded to the Turks . 417 a. Cubates Selymus his embassadour commeth to Venice . 839 f. but homely entertained there . 840 f. his speech in the Senat of Venice . k. for feare of the people secretly conueied away . 842 g Curzola forsaken by the men , defended by women . 869 c Cusahin Bassa of Caramania riseth vp in rebellion against Mahomet the third . 1114 k. ouerthroweth the Sanzackes sent to haue oppressed him . l. at the comming of Mehemet the Visier Bassa sent against him , flieth . 1115 b. forsaken of his followers , is taken and tortured to death at Constantinople . d. the Cuselbassas , when and how they begun amongst the Turks . 465 f Cyprus described . 843 b. how that kingdome came to the Venetians . e. taken from them by Selymus the second . 867 f. Cyrene yeelded vnto the Turks . 852 i Czarnieuiche corrupted , giueth the Turks passage ouer the Danubius into Valachia . 911 d. reuolteth vnto the Turks . 912 k D DAmasco betraied to Saladin Sultan of Aegipt . 58 m. taken and sacked by the Tartars . 113● . yeelded to Selymus . 532 m Damiata , and the description therof . 89 a. taken by the Christians , being before vnpeopled by the plague . 92 m Dandulus Admirall of the Venetian fleet . 85 a. Dauid and Alexius Comneni , nephewes to Andronicus the Emperour , erect vnto themselues a new Empire in Trapezonde . 84 l Dauid the last Emperour of Trapezonde put to death by Mahomet the Great , and that Empire subuerted . 36 m Daut Chan for his good seruice rewarded by Amurath the third . 996 i Dearth in the Turks armie at Triala . 970 h. Debreas slaine , and his armie ouerthrown by Scanderbeg . 367 c Dedesinit the Georgian widdow with her sonne Alexander submit themselues to Mustapha the great Bassa . 937 e Delimenthes with fiue thousand Persians pursueth the Turks armie . 652 k. assaileth their campe by night , and maketh of them a great slaughter . m. Demetrius submitteth himselfe vnto Mahomet the Great . 355 b Demetrius the Rhodian traitour slaine . 329 a. Desdrot Gouernour of Stellusa to the terrour of the Turks in Sfetigrade before their faces executed . 287 a Didymotichum yeelded vnto the Turks . 189 c. Diogenes the Emperour discomfiteth the Turks . 8 h. himselfe by the treason of Iohn Ducas by them againe ouerthrowne . 9 c. taken prisoner . 10 g. honourably vsed by the Turks Sultan . h. ouerthrowne and taken prisoner by Andronicus , hath his eyes put out , whereof he dieth . m. Dissention among the Turks about the succession , after the death of Mahomet the Great . 437 b Dissention betwixt Don Iohn and Venerius the Venetian Admirall . 873 e Dium a castle of the Venetians in the East Indies in vaine assaulted by the Turks . 670 l Doganes Aga of the Ianizaries whipt and displaced . 339 b Dotis taken by the Turks . 1099 c Dragut a most famous pyrat of the Turks , by Auria driuen out of the citie of Africa in the kingdome of Tunes . 752 i. commeth to the siege of Malta . 797 b. his souldiors enforced shamefully to retire . 799 a. slaine . 801 h. Dracula Vayuod of Valachia dissuadeth king Vladislaus from farther proceeding in his wars against Amurath . 205● . aideth him with his sonne and foure thousand horse . 296 h. his last farwell vnto the king . i. the Drusian people what they are . 982 i. Dulcign● , Antiuari , and Budua , strong towns of the Venetians vpon the coasts of Epirus and Dalmatia yelded to the Turke . 869 a the duke of Muscouie his letters and presents sent vnto the Emperor . 1071 a. Duke Mercurie Generall of the Emperors forces in the lower Hungarie , commeth in vaine to relieue Canisia . 1131● . in retiring looseth three thousand of his men with certaine pieces of great ordinance and his baggage . 1132 g. besiegeth Alba Regalis . 1134 m. winneth it . 1135 f. enforceth Assan the Turks Generall with the losse of six thousand of his Turks to retire . 1136 l. Dyrrhachium now called Durazo taken by the Turks . 461 c E EArthquake most terrible in Constantinople . 476 h Edward , eldest sonne to Henry the third king of England , taketh vpon him an expedition into the Holy land , and arriueth at Tunes . 119 c. arriueth at Ptolemais . 120 g. taketh Nazareth , and putteth the Turks to flight . h. by a desperat Sarasin dangerously wounded with an enuenomed knife . k. cured of his wound , maketh peace with the Sultan and returneth into England . 121 a. the Aegiptians diuersly affected towards the Mamalukes . 542 i Eiuases Bassa hath his eyes burnt out . 258 m. Elpis the Aegiptian Sultan besiegeth Tripolis and taketh it by force . 122 l. winneth Sidon and Berythus , and raseth them , taketh Tyre by composition , and winneth all the strong holds in Syria and Palestine , from the Christians , except onely the strong citie of Ptolemais . 122 m. maketh peace with the remainder of the Christians . m. Emanuell the Greeke Emperour with a great power inuadeth the dominions of the Sultan of Iconium . 38 h. looseth a great part of his armie . 39 c. in danger to haue been taken , notably defendeth himselfe . 40 l. in his greatest distresse hath peace offered him by the Sultan , which he gladly accepteth . 42 i. he vanquisheth Atapack the Sultans Generall . m. falleth sick and dieth . 43 a Emanuell the Greeke Emperour vpon hard conditions obtaineth peace of Baiazet the Great Turke , and becommeth his tributarie . 206 l. by his embassadours offereth his Empire vnto Tamerlan , & so to become his vassale . 221 d. commeth himselfe vnto him at Prusa . 222 h. honourably entertaineth him comming in priuat ouer to Constantinople . i. Embassadours sent from Tamas the Persian king to Selymus . 836 h. honorably entertained by the Turks at Hadrianople . 837 b. the Persian embassadour in going to visit Muhamet the Visier Bassa , in danger to haue been slaine . d. the rich presents by him giuen to Selymus . 838 g Emir Hamze the Persian prince commeth into Siruan . 939 c. killeth Caitas Bassa and recouereth Ere 's . d. ouerthroweth the Tartars , and taketh Abdilcheray . 940 g. recouereth Sumachia . i. returneth to Casbin . k. ouerthroweth the vauward of the Turks armie . 990 l. in a great battell ouerthroweth Cicala Bassa and the Bassa of Caraemit . 993 b. dareth Osman the Turks Generall battell . c. with his owne hand killeth the Bassa of Caraemit . f. killeth also the Bassa of Trapezond , with twentie thousand Turks moe . 994 g. ouerthroweth twentie thousand of the Turks in the battell of Sancazan . 995 b. ouercommeth the rebellious Turcomans , and executeth their leaders . 998 h. sacketh Salmas . 1000 k. putteth the Bassa of Reiuan to flight . l. slaine by one of his Eunuchs . 1002 h Emir Chan hauing his eyes put out , dieth miserably in prison . 973 c the Emperour , the French king , and the king of Polonia entangled in their leagues with the Turke , refuse to giue aid vnto the Venetians against him . 842 k. the Empire of Trapezond ouerthrown and subuerted by Mahomet the Great . 361 a. Ertogrul with his brother Dunder and foure hundred families of the Turks stay in their returne toward Persia. 133 f. by his good seruice obtaineth of Sultan Aladin a place at Suguta for himselfe and his Turks to dwell in . 434 k. taketh the castle of Cara-Chisar from the Christians . 135 a Euboea taken from the Venetians by Mahomet the Great . 406 k Eurenoses his rich present vnto Amurath at the marriage of his sonne Baiazet . 193 b Eudocia the Empresse contrarie to her oath desirous to marrie , dealeth cunningly with the Patriarch to dispence with her oath . 7 d. marrieth Diogenes Romanus , a prisoner condemned to die , and maketh him Emperour . f. she is deposed by the traitours , Iohn Ducas , Psellus , and others , and thrust into a Monasterie . 10 i Eustace Gouernour of the kingdome of Ierusalem , discomfiteth the Sarasins in a great battell neere vnto Ascalon , and not long after dieth . 28 i F FAmagusta besieged by the Turks . 852 k. hath a new supply put into it by Quirinus . 855 c. described . 863 b. the number of the defendants in it . c. twice assaulted and notably defended by the Christians . d. ● . vndermined . 865 a. furiously by the Turks assaulted , and valiantly by the Christians defended . b. a great part of the wall blowne vp , and the citie againe assaulted . 866 g. yeelded vp to the Turks . m. Famine in Scodra . 426 g Faulconers and Huntsmen in great number in the Turks Court. 338 k Ferat Bassa sent by Solyman against Alis Beg the mountaine prince . 600 i. treacherously murthereth him and his foure sonnes . l. Ferat Bassa by Amurath chosen Generall of his armie against the Persians in stead of Sinan . 965 d. in the space of fifteene dayes buildeth a fort at Reiuan , as he was by Amurath commaunded . 966 i. breaketh vp his armie at Erzirum . 967 d. raiseth a new armie . f. fortifieth Lori . 968 k. buildeth a fort vpon the strait of Tomanis . 969 a. reprooueth Veis Bassa of Aleppo . 970 k. is himselfe reuiled by the Ianizaries and Spahi . l. by them disobeied and threatened . 971 d. his stout answer to his mutinous souldiors . f. his tents ouerthrowne and he againe threatened . 972 g. disgraced , breaketh vp his armie at Ardachan . k. grieuously complained of to Amurath . 973 e. by Amurath againe made Generall against the Persians . 999 b. commeth to Van. 1000 g. putteth succours into Tauris . 1001 d. taketh Genge . 1004 m. sent by Mahomet Generall of his armie into Hungarie . 1060 l. disgraced at his first comming to the armie . m. ouerthrowne in Valachia . 1062 h. sent for to Constantinople , and there strangled . 1073 b. Ferdinand king of Bohemia laieth claime to the kingdome of Hungarie . 605 b. taketh Buda . e. crowned king of Hungarie . 606 k. seeketh for the fauour of Solyman . 608. is by him reiected and threatened . k. persuaded by the Hungarian fugitiues to inuade Hungarie . 698 g. dissuaded by Lascus . k. sendeth Lascus to Solyman and other embassadours to the queene of Hungarie to demaund of her that kingdome . 699 b. he inuadeth Hungarie . 700 g. taketh Pesth and Vacia , and besiegeth Buda . h. dieth . 791 d. Filek taken by the Christians . 1027 c Foscarus a graue Senatour . 693 f. vnworthily disgraced by the multitude . 694 g. Foureteene wagons loaded with the heads of the slaine Christians . 1017 c Francis the French king the more to trouble the Emperour , solliciteth Solyman to inuade his territories . 725 c Francus Acciauoll duke of Thebes by the commaundement of Mahomet murthered . 354 l Fredericke the Emperour taketh vpon him an expedition into the Holy land . 66 b Fredericke duke of Sueuia the Emperours sonne , in his fathers stead chosen Generall of the Christians armie . 66 m. hath Antioch deliuered vnto him . 67 d dieth of the plague , and is buried by his father in the Cathedrall Church at Tire . 68 g Fredericke the Germane Emperour vndertaketh an expedition into the Holy land . 98 l. crowned king of Ierusalem , which is by him repaired . 99 e the Frenchmen and Wallons in mutinie at Pappa . 1116 k. compact with the Turks to deliuer to them the towne . 1117 a. seeking secretly to haue fled , are most of them slaine , and the rest that were taken , put to most horrible tortures . 1119 b Friuli part of the Venetian territorie miserably spoiled by the Turks . 414 l. againe spoiled by Scander Bassa and the Turks . 458 h the Frontiers of the Emperours territories grieuously spoiled by the Ta●tars . 1150 k. the Frugalitie of the Turks . 713 f Fulke Countie of Thurin , Mayne , and Aniou , taketh vpon him an expedition into the Holy land . 29 b. dieth of a fall off his horse in hunting , and is buried at Ierusalem . 30 m Fuscarinus in his absence by the generall consent of the Venetian Senat chosen Admirall . 887 f. encourageth the confederats to giue the Turks battell . 890 l. in vaine persuadeth the confederats to take the aduantage of the Turks dispersed fleet . 893 a. earnestly dissuadeth Don Iohn and the Spaniards from returning without giuing the Turks battell . 899 a G GAlliley spoiled , and the castle of Burie taken by the Turks . 60 i Garzias of Toledo , Viceroy of Silicia , after long delay at last setteth forward with his fleet to relieue the besieged at Malta . 814 k. by tempest driuen into the island Aegusa . 815● . arriueth at Malta , and landeth his men . 816 i Gazelles his wholesome counsell vnto Campson , for protracting the war against Selymus . 527 c. comming to haue oppressed Sinan Bassa at Gaza , is by him himselfe ouerthrown . 534 i. his notable speech in submitting himselfe to Selymus . 546 m. by Selymus made Gouernour of Syria . 560 l. rebelleth against Solymā . 568 h. slain . ● Gaza yeelded vnto Sinan Bassa . 534 g George the Despot of Seruia a man of no religion . 356 i. driuen out of his kingdome by Amurath . 262 g. restored by king Vladislaus . 289 b. denieth passage vnto Scanderbeg through his country . 295 b. glad to craue aid of Huniades , whom he had before euill entreated . 310. his death . 356 i George bishop of Veradium a notable man 697 c. murthered in his owne house . 756 i. Geordiron the phisition notably deludeth the Ianizaries and Spahi of the Court. 252 k. George Basta by the Emperour appointed lieutenant Generall for his warres in the vpper Hungarie . 1104 m. commaunded by Matthias the Archduke to giue aid vnto Michaell the Vayuod against the Transyluanians , aideth them against him . 1124 h. in a great battell ouerthroweth the Vay●od . 1126 h. his slout speech to the Chiaki and the rest of the nobilitie of Transyluania . 1129 b. his error . 1130 g. receiued by the Transyluanians as the Emperours lieutenant , vntill further order were by him taken for the gouernment of that prouince . l. suddenly taken prisoner by the Transyluanians . 1139 c. set at libertie and aided by Michaell the Vayuod , with a great slaughter ouerthroweth Sigismund the Transyluanian prince , and driueth him out of his country . 1140 i. conspireth the death of Michaell the Vayuod . 1141 a. taketh in most part of the countrey of Transyluania for the Emperor . c. for feare of Sigismund and the Transyluanians flieth . f. in battell ouerthroweth Zachell Moises the Transyluanian princes lieutenant , and bringeth that countrey againe vnder the Emperors obeisance . 1143 c Geruaise Rogers an Englishman commended for his good seruice at the siege of the Rhodes . 430 k Gerasimus the Patriarch dealeth vnfaithfully with the old Emperour Andronicus . 161 b Giaffer captaine of the Ianizaries slaine . 659 f. Giaffer the Eunuch Bassa of Tripolis by Osman Bassa with a garrison of twelue thousand souldiors left Gouernour of Tauris . 994 i. besieged by the Persian prince . 997 e. prayeth aid of Cicala Bassa . 998 k. put to flight . 197 a. Godfrey duke of Lorraine with other the Christian princes with an armie of three hundred thousand fighting men vndertaketh the first expedition into the Holy land . 14 i. concludeth a league with Alexius the Greeke Emperour . 15 a. besiegeth Nice and taketh it . 16 g. in a great battell ouerthroweth Sultan Solyman with his Turks , ●aketh Antiochia in Pisidia , Iconium , and Heraclea , winneth Cilicia , Armenia , and Capadocia . 17 a. c. putteth the Turks to flight at the riuer Orontes . 18 g. after long siege taketh Antioche in Syria . 20 m. winneth Ierusalem by assault . 22 d. is chosen king of Ierusalem . 23. his letters to Bohemund king of Antioche . 24 i. in a great & mortall battell ouerthroweth the Turks at Ascalon . 24 l. crowned king of Ierusalem , and dieth of the plague . m. the Gouernour of Alba Regalis taken . 824 k. his sharpe answere vnto a Spaniard . l. Great treasure found by the Turks at the winning of Constantinople . 347 e a Greeke priest his notable speech persuading the Great Master of the Rhodes to yeeld vp the citie . 594 h. with the most resolute answere of a common soldior to the contrarie . 595 a. and that his speech notably refelled by a Greek , and the yeelding of the citie vrged . e. the Greeke Church by Michaell Palaeologus the Emperour subiected to the Church of Rome , and why . 144 l the Greekes carelesse of the Turks first small footing in Chersonesus , ieast thereat . 185 f the Guise , Lord Grand Prior of the knights of S. Iohns in Fraunce , Admirall of Malta , taketh certaine of the Turks gallies . 767 d Guletta how situated . 657 c. besieged by Charles the Emperour . 658 g. furiously battered . 660 k. assaulted and woon . 661 a. besieged by the Turks . 914 l. taken from the Christians . 915 a. Guy Countie of Ioppa and Ascalon , the ninth and last king of Ierusalem . 62 l. in battell ouerthrowne and taken prisoner by Saladin . 63 e. set at libertie , besiegeth Ptolemais , and fighteth a great battell with Saladin . 65 f H HAalon , brother to Mango the great Cham of Tartaria with a great armie inuadeth the Turks . 113 a. his great victories against the Turks . c. d. Hadrianople yeelded vnto the Turks . 189 f. by Amurath the first made the royall seat of his kingdome in Europe . 191 b Haider marrieth Martha the daughter of the great king Vsun-Cassanes by Despina , and hath by her Hysmaell , afterwards king of Persia. 464 l Haider murthered by Iacup the Persian king . 485 a Haly Bassa slaine . 881 c. his two sonnes taken in the battell of Lepanto . f. the Greeke that slew him honourably rewarded . 884 g Hamon the Iew for his trecherie iustly rewarded by Selymus . 496 i Hardeck Gouernour of Rab corrupted , yeeldeth the citie vnto the Turkes . 1044 l. executed at Vienna . 1046 h Hassan Bassa relieueth the distressed Turks in garrison at Teflis . 944 l. breaketh promise with Aliculi Chan. 945 c. rewarded for his good seruice . 946 g. sent by Ferrat Bassa to the reliefe of Teflis . 967 a. againe rewarded by Amurath . b. left by Ferat with a garrison of eight thousand souldiors in the new fort at Tomanis . 970 h. Generall of Sultan Mahomets armie in Hungarie , commeth out of season to relieue Alba Regalis . 1136 i Hassan Bassa the queenes Eunuch sent Gouernour to Caire . 980 h. cast in prison at Constantinople , and his euil● gotten goods confiscated . 981 d. his life spared at the intercession of the queene , and he set at libertie . ● . Hassan Bassa of Bosna inciteth Amurath to make warre vpon the Emperour . 1014 l. taketh Wihitz , the metropoliticall citie of Croatia . 1015. lodeth six waggons with the heads of the slaine Christians . 1016 g. spoyleth Turopolis . l. deceiued by the Abbot of Siseg . 1021 c. his threatening letters vnto the Abbot . d. besiegeth Siseg . 1022 g. in a great battell ouerthrowne . 1023 a. drowned . b. Hatwan besieged by the Christians . 1093 d. taken by assault . 1094 g. againe forsaken by the Christians . i. Henry brother to Baldwin chosen second Emperour of the Latines in Constantinople . 85 f Henry duke of Saxonie with a great armie sent into the Holy land by Henry the sixt Emperour of Germanie , goeth accompanied with many great princes . 73● . falling sicke of a feuer , dieth . 74 h Henry the French king by his embassadour solliciteth Solyman to inuade the king of Spaine his territories . 767 c Heraclius the Greeke Emperour by the helpe of the Arabians recouereth Siria and the holy citie from Chosroe the Persian king . 22 g Hoccata the Tartar by his captaines subdueth Armenia the greater , Cholchis , and Iberia . 76 i. succeeding his father Zingis , inuadeth the East and West part of A●ia , subdueth the East Indies , and buildeth Cambalu . 75● . driueth the Turks out of Persia , and subdueth many countries . 76 g Horruccius and Hariadenus how they of base pyrats aspired to the kingdome of Algiers . 635 c. Horruccius his successe . f. slaine , and his head in triumph carried about in Spaine . 636 h Hungarie deuided into two factions vpon the choice of Vladislaus king of Polonia . 163 a. againe deuided vpon the dissention betwixt king Ferdinand and king Iohn . 605 c. becommeth a prey vnto Solyman , and by him conuerted into the forme of a prouince of the Turkish Empire . 713 a Huniades by king Vladislaus made Vayuod of Transyluania . 266 l. in a great battell ouerthroweth Isa Beg Amurath his lieutenant in Seruia . 267 d. ouerthroweth Mesites Bassa , and killeth him with twentie thousand Turks moe . 269 e. of the spoile of the Turks sendeth a present vnto king Vladislaus and the Despot of Seruia . 270 g. his most Christian speech to encourage his souldiours against the Turks . 271 d. in a great and mortall battell ouerthroweth Abedin Bassa with his armie at Vascape . 274 l. with ten thousand horsemen ouerthroweth a great armie of the Turks by night . 277 f. eight times repulseth the Turks pursuing him in his retreat downe the mountaine Hemus . 279 d. with a great slaughter discomfiteth Carambey the Bassa of Romania , and taketh him prisoner . 280 k. flying out of the battell of Varna , taken prisoner by Dracula Vayuod of Valachia . 298 i. by generall consent chosen Gouernour of Hungarie in the minoritie of king Ladislaus . 304 l. goeth against the Turke . 305 b. with a notable speech encourageth his souldiours against the Turkes . 306 i. fighteth three daies together with Amurath in the plaines of Cossoua . 307 d. ouercome , flieth . 309 b. falleth into the hands of two notable theeues . e. in doubt of a shepheard , is by him relieued . 310 g. taken prisoner by the false Despot . g. set at libertie , reuengeth himselfe vpon him . i. requested , giueth him and against the Turks . 311 a. his most Christianlike death . 358 l. Hysmaell after the death of his father Haider flieth to his fathers friend Pyrchales . 465 b. his behauiour in the time of his exile . 466 g. recouereth his inheritance . k. taketh Sumachia . l. obtaineth Tauris . 467 b. ouercommeth Eluan the Persian king and killeth him . 468 g. peaceably receiued into S●yras . h. preacheth his fathers doctrine . i. putteth Moratchamus to ●light , and obtaineth the kingdome of Persia. 469 b. the inscription of his coyne . d. commeth to his army at Coy . 508 m. sendeth an herauld vnto Selymus . 509 b. with thirtie thousand Persians giueth battell to Selymus with three hundred thousand Turks . 510 i. wounded , retireth . 512 g. the cause why he came with so small an armie against Selymus . 517 d. his large territories . 518 h. the reason why he inuaded not Selymus , wholly busied in the Aegiptian wars . 560 h. I IAcup Arnaut slaine , and his army discomfited by Scanderbeg . 399 d the Ianizaries first instituted by Amurath the first . 191 e. stand vpon their guard , and reuiling Baiazet their Emperour , refuse to receiue him amongst them . 445 f. in mutinie against Selymus . 512 m. vp in armes against Solyman for the vnworthie death of the noble Mustapha . 764 i. vnwilling to goe in the quarrell of Selymus against his brother Baiazet . 773 f. their insolent and threatening speech vnto Ferat Bassa their Generall . 970 l. in a tumult at Constantinople . 1005 d. in an vprore with the Spahi . 1104 b. threaten the deposing of their Emperor . 1115 c. in mutinie at Constantinople . 1142 k Iathatines Sultan of Iconium succeedeth his father Aladin . 86 i. besieging Antiochia , is slaine by Theodorus Lascaris the Greeke Emperour . 87 c Iathatines the second of that name Sultan of Iconium , maketh great preparations against the Tartars . 109 b. ouerthrowne , flieth to the Greeke Emperour Theodorus for aid . e. maketh peace with the Tartars , and yeeldeth them a yearely tribute . 109 f. againe by them oppressed , flieth to Palaeologus the Emperour at Nice . 114 l. dieth in exile . 117 c Ibrahim Bassa by Amurath made Gouernour of Caire . 980 l. oppresseth the people , and enricheth himselfe . 981 e. goeth against the Drusians . 982 g. spoileth the country of Man-Ogli the Drusian lord . 986 h. with fire and sword destroyeth the countrey of Seraphadin . 987 a. createth Aly Ebnecarfus Bassa of the Drusians . b. the rich presents by him giuen to Amurath and the ladies of the Court. 988 h. in danger to haue been taken . 1095 d. flieth out of the battell of Agria . 1097● . sent againe Generall into Hungarie . 1104 l. commeth to Buda . 1112 h. purposing war , entreateth of peace . i. with a great armie besiegeth Canisia . 1131 b. hath the towne yeelded vnto him . 1132 b. his letters vnto Countie Serinus . 1133 b. returneth with his army to Belgrade . c dieth . 1134 l Imailer what men they be among the Turks . 477 b Imirza stirreth vp Solyman against his brother Tamas the Persian king . 751 d betrayed to his brother Tamas , and by him murthered in prison . 752 g Innocencie of great force . 782 i Iohn Batazes made Emperour of the Greeks in Asia . 97 d. taketh in many islands of the Aegeum , and for●ageth the countrey of Thracia euen to the gates of Constantinople , being very aged dieth . 108 g Iohn Countie de Brenne by Innocentius the Pope appointed king of Ierusalem . 87● . in derision called , Roy ●ans ville . 88 g. Iohn Castriot prince of Epirus for feare giueth his foure sonnes in hostage vnto Amurath . 260 l Iohn Sepusius Vayuod of Transyluania chosen and crowned king of Hungarie . 605 a. after the battell of Toccay flieth into Polonia . 606 i. by Lascus his embassadour craueth aid of Solyman . 607● . commeth to Solyman at Belgrade . 609 b. by him restored to the kingdome of Hungarie . 614 l. in his old yeares marrieth Isabella the daughter of king Sigismund . 695 d. dieth . 696 k Don Iohn of Austria Generall of the con●ederat princes forces . 860 k. in a terrible fight encountreth with Haly Bassa in the battell of Lepanto . 881 b killeth him . c. delaieth the Venetians . 889 d. in doubt whether to send them aid or not . 890 k. sendeth word vnto the confederats to meet him at Zacynthus . 893 f. faileth them . 894 i. meeteth them at Corcyra . 895 a. offereth the Turks battell . d. refuseth to follow the counsell of the Venetian Admirall . 896 k. breaketh promise with him , and returneth to Messana . 901 a Iohn the Vayuod of Moldauia falleth into suspition with the Turks . 906 g. his notable speech vnto his nobilitie and subiects concerning the Turks demaund . 907 a. in vaine craueth aid of the king of Polonia . 908 g. with a great slaughter ouerthroweth the Palatine and the Turks . 909 a. giueth the Turks a second ouerthrow . 910 b. betrayed by Czarnieuiche . 911. ouerthrowne by the Turks . 912 m. shamefully and perfidiously by them murthered . 913 e Ionima , Ballabanus his brother and Hedar his sonne taken prisoners by Scanderbeg . 401 b Ionuses Bassa sent against Techellis , putteth him to flight . 475 e. hurt at the winning of Caire . 545 f. enuieth at the vnworthie preferment of Cayerbeius . 554 l. is himselfe secretly hated of Selymus . 555 b. put to death . 556 i Irene the faire Greeke beheaded by Mahomet the Great . 153 d Isa after the captiuitie of his father Baiazet seizeth vpō the citie of Prusa . 232 b●punc ; ouerthrowne in battell by his brother Mahomet . 238 i. with a great armie sent by his brother Solyman against Mahomet . 240 i. burneth Prusa . l. dieth in obscuritie . 241 c Ismaell last of the Isfendiars yeeldeth his principalitie of Castamona and Sinope to Mahomet the Great . 359 f Ishender Bassa ouerthrowne by Alaedeules , taken , and sent prisoner to Caytbeius to Caire . 383 f Islan of a prisoner made a King. 975 e Ismaell the sonne of King Tamas saluted King of Persia. 922 l. murthereth eight of his younger brethren , altereth the Persian religion , & tyranniseth . m. by the deuice of his sister Periaconcona himselfe murthered . 921 b the Italians left by the Emperour for the aid of King Ferdinand in his wars in Hungarie arise in mutinie . 623 f. eight thousand of them forsake their captaines and returne into Italie . 625 d. Iulia Gonzaga a faire ladie of Italie put in great feare by Barbarussa . 641 c Iulian the Cardinall sent by Pope Viban to appease the dissention in Hungarie , and to stirre vp the Hungarians against the Turks . 275 d. his effectuall speech in parliament to persuade the warre . e. cunningly persuadeth King Vladislaus to breake the honourable and solemn league he had before made with Amurath . 290 k. disanulleth the league , absoluing the King and the rest from their oath before giuen to Amurath . 291 i. himselfe sl●ine . 298 k K the KIngdome of Hungarie by Solyman conuerted into a prouince of the Turkish Empire . 713 a the Knights of Malta craue aid of Garzias the Viceroy of Sicilia . 805 a. his cold answere . b. Komara besieged by Sinan Bassa . 1045 b. Koppan surprised by the Christians . 1002 l. L LAdislaus a child crowned King of Hungarie at Alba Regalis . 263. a Lazarus Despot of Seruia becommeth tributarie vnto Amurath the first . 193 e. purposing to make war against Amurath , craueth aid of the King of Bosna 197 c. in a mortall battell ouerthrowne in the plaines of Cossoua and slaine . 200 i Lepanto yeelded to the Turks . 459 c Lewis the eight of that name , the French King , making an expedition into the Holy land , is by the mallice of Emanuell the Greeke Emperour therein much hindered . 34 m. he besiegeth Damasco , where by the enuie of the other Christian princes he was enforced to raise his siege , and so to returne home into his countrey . 35 b Lewis the ninth the French King making an expedition towards the Holy land arriueth at Damiata . 102 m. taketh the citie forsaken by the Turks . 113 h with his whole armie ouerthrowne , and himselfe taken prisoner . 115 e. vndertaketh a second expedition toward the Holy land with his sons and most of his nobilitie 118 k. ouerthroweth the Moores , and besiegeth Tunes . 119 a. falleth sicke of the bloudie flix , and dieth . b. Lewis the eleuenth the French King giueth aid vnto the Venetians against the Turks . 461 c Lewis King of Hungarie with an armie of fiue and twentie thousand fondly goeth against Solyman , being two hundred and sixtie thousand strong . 602 h. ouerthrown , in his flight drowned in a ditch . 603 a Liscanus the couetous Spaniard dealeth vncou●teously with Perenus . 732 k. is himselfe in like sort serued and meerely stripped of his wealth by Halis captaine of the Ianizaries . 738 l Lissa taken by the Turks , and the bones of Scanderbeg digged vp , and by them worne foriewels . 425● Lodronius encourageth his soldiors . 684. h ieasted at by an old souldior . k. slaine and his head with the heads of two other captaines in a siluer bason presented to Solyman at Constantinople . 685● . M MAhomet the first sendeth spies into Tamerlan his campe . 232 l. becommeth famous in Tamerlans Court. 234 i. in battell ouerthroweth his brother Isa. 238 i. honourably burieth the bodie of his father Baiazet at Prusa . l. againe ouerthroweth his brother Isa , supported by his brother Solyman . 240 m. giueth him a third ouerthrow , together with the other Mahometane princes his confederats . 241 c. besieged by his brother Solyman in Amasia . 242 i. vpon report of his brother Musa his euill gouernment , goeth against him into Europe . 246 k. ouerthrowne , flieth backe againe into Asia . 247 a. commeth againe into Europe . 248 g. besiegeth Hadrianople . h. ouerthroweth his brother Musa in battell , and causeth him being taken prisoner to be strangled . 249 c. wholly possesseth the Othoman kingdome both in Europe and Asia . d. oppresseth Orchanes his brother Solymans sonne , and putteth out his eyes . 250 h. taketh the Caramanian King and his sonne prisoners . k. enforceth the Valachian prince to become his tributarie . l. dieth at Hadrianople . 251 f. his death cunningly concealed by the three great Bassaes. 252 g. he worthily accounted the restorer of the Othoman kingdome , almost quite ouerthrowne by Tamerlan . l. Mahomet the second , surnamed the Great , an Atheist , of no religion . 337 d murthereth his brethren . 338 g. reformeth the Turks commonweale . i. subdueth Mentesia . 339 b. winneth Constantinople . 347 b. solemniseth his feasts in Constantinople with the bloud of the Grecian nobilitie . 348 k. notably dissembleth his hatred against Cali Bassa . 349 d. first Emperour of the Turks . 350 i. amorous of the faire Greeke Irene . l. with his owne hand striketh off her head . 353 d. besiegeth Belgrade . 357 b. wounded and caried away for dead . 358 i. falsifieth his faith with Dauid the Emperour of Trapezon●● ▪ 〈◊〉 i. seeketh to entrap Wladus 〈◊〉 of Valachia . 361 b. in danger to haue beene slaine by Wladus Dracula his Ganymede . 363 b. his letters to Scanderbeg . 384 k. sueth to Scanderbeg to haue the league renewed betwixt them . 390 h. commeth himselfe in person to the siege of Croia . 400 i. forsaketh the siege of Croia . 402 i. breaketh his faith with Paulus Ericus Gouernour of Chalcis . 406 i. he is no lesse troublesome vnto the Mahometane princes than to the Christians . 408 i. commeth himselfe to the siege of Scodra . 417 c. notably encourageth his captaines and souldiors to a generall assault . 418 m. melancholie for the repulse of his men . 420 l blasphemeth . 423 d. curseth Epirus , and so returneth to Constantinople . 425● . by Mesites Palaelogus , one of his great Bassaes , besiegeth the Rhodes . 429 b. inuadeth Itali● , and by Achmetes his great captain taketh Otranto . 432 i. going against the Caramanian King , dieth by the way at Geiuisen in Bythinia , not without suspition of poyson , and lieth buried at Conssantinople . 433 a Mahometes one of the Visier Bassaes by the mutinous Ianizaries slaine . 437 c. Mahomethes the sonne of Caytbeius with foure Sultans moe one after another slaine by the Mamalukes . 450 l Mahometes Solymans sonne , disguised goeth to see his brother Achomates . 477 c as a sea-faring man commeth disguised to Constantinople , and so into his fathers Court. e. by the commaundement of his suspitious father poysoned , dieth . 478 i Mahometes Gouernour of Belgrade aided by the other Sanzackes , maketh head against Cazzianer , Generall of King Ferdinands armie . 677 f. wisely refuseth battell offered him by Cazzianer , and by temporising , distresseth the armie of the Christians . 680 k. troubleth the Christians in their retreat . 682 g. giueth them a great ouerthrow . 684 l. commeth to the reliefe of Belgrade . 705 e. his vehement Oration vnto Solyman , to persuade him to take the kingdome of Hungarie into his owne hands , and so to vnite it vnto his own Empire . 711 c Mahomet the Tartar King with his two sons strangled by Osman Bassa . 975 f Mahamet Bassa in despight of Sinan sent Generall of his armie for the reliefe of his garrisons in Chars & Teflis . 957● discomfited by the Georgians , and his prouision of money and victuals taken from him . 959 a. with 〈◊〉 discomfited armie arriueth at 〈◊〉 . b. his heauie Oration in the castle of Teflis . c. maketh a purse for the reliefe of the distressed garrison . 960. plotteth the death of Manucchiar the Georgian . m. himselfe in danger to haue been by the Georgian slaine . 961 d Mahomet the third saluted Emperour of the Turks . 1056 i. murthereth his brethren , and causeth certaine of his fathers wiues and concubines to be drowned . k. with much adoe appeaseth the mutinous Ianizaries . l. sendeth embassadours vnto the Transyluanian prince . 1062. carefull of Strigonium , besieged by the Christians . 1066 h. perplexed . 1087 e. causeth the continuation of his wars against the Emperour and the Transyluanian to be proclaimed in Constantinople . 1089 a. commeth to Buda with an armie of two hundred thousand men . 1094 h. besiegeth Agria . l. furiously assaulteth it . 1095 a. hath it yeelded vnto him . 1096 h. with Ibrahim the great Bassa flieth out of the battell of Karesta . 1097 e. by the Transyluanians and Valachians troubled in his returne to Constantinople . 1098 m. his embassador euill intreated by the Persian King. 1134 h the Mahometane princes of the lesser Asia oppressed by Baiazet , disguised , flie vnto Tamerlan for reliefe . 210 h Malta described . 795 b. inuaded by the Turks . 796 k Mamalukes the beginning of their kingdome in Aegipt . 524 g. their imperious gouernment in Aegipt , Iudea , and Syria . 523 c. their kingdome vtterly subuerted by Selymus . 554 h. the Mamalukes in prison at Alexandria , by the commaundement of Selymus murthered . 553 f Manto cruelly slaine by her iealous husband Ionuses . 557 d Man-Ogli his letters to Ibrahim Bassa . 983 f. sendeth him prisoner . 985 b Manucchiar his speech to Mustapha the Visier Bassa . 931 f. with his brother Alexander by Mustapha sent to Amurath . 938 h. turneth Turke , and hath his elder brothers principalitie giuen him . 941 l. in danger to haue been betraied by Mahamet Bassa . 960 l. notably reuengeth himselfe of the trecherie by the Bassa intended against him . 961 c. reuolteth from the Turks , and doth them great harme . 667 a. Marquesse S. Crucis taketh one of the Turks gallies in sight of their whole fleet . 897 d the Massage●s entertained by Andronicus against the Turks , spoile his countries in Asia . 149 e. in their returne homeward , themselues spoiled by the Catalonians and Turcopuli . 152 l Masut the Sultan of Iconium deuideth his kingdome amongst his three sons . 36 k Matthias the Archduke , the Emperours lieutenant taketh Nouigrad from the Turks . 1030 l. besiegeth Strigonium . 1033 c. raiseth his siege . 1037 d. shamefully put to flight by the Turks . 1043 b. Matthias Coruinus of a prisoner chosen K. of Hungarie . 394 k. at the request of the Senat taketh a great part of the Venetian territorie into his protection against the Turks . 394 m. relieueth the Vayuod of Transyluania . 426 m. no lesse dreadfull vnto the Turks than was his father Huniades . 404 l Maximilian chosen King of the Romans , and after crowned King of Hungarie . 789 a. he and Solyman both desirous of peace . 829 a. he sendeth embassadors to Solyman . f. presents giuen by the embassadours vnto the Bassa of Buda . 830 k. his embassadours honorably receiued by the Turks at Constantinople . 831 c. presents giuen by the embassadours vnto the great Bassaes . e. presents sent to Selymus . 832 i a homely feast giuen to the embassadours followers in the Turks Court. 833 c. the embassadours brought in vnto Selymus , with the manner of the entertainement of them and their followers . 834 g. a peace concluded betwixt Maximilian and Selymus . 835 c. Maximilian the Archduke by the Emperour his brother appointed Generall of his armie in Hungarie . 1093 c. marcheth but slowly to the reliefe of Agria . 1095 c. flieth out of the battell of Karesta . 1098 i Maylat trecherously taken prisoner by Peter the Moldauian . 716 i Meligalus a notable traitour persuadeth Mahomet to besiege the Rhodes . 427 c his worthie death . ● . Meledin Sultan of Aegipt , and Corradin Sultan of Damasco , send embassadors for peace to the Christian princes at the siege of Damiata . 90 m. recouereth Damiata , before taken by the Christians . 95 e. ouerthroweth the Christians and raseth Ierusalem . 101. dieth . 103 c Melechsala Sultan of Aegipt ouerthroweth Robert Earle of Arthoise the French kings brother . 104 l. taketh Lewis the French King prisoner , and ouerthroweth his armie . 105 e. maketh peace with the French King , and is suddenly slain by two Mamalukes . 106. Melech the Aegiptian Sultan inuadeth Syria , and winneth Damasco from the Tartars . 114 Melechsares the Aegiptian Sultan determining to root out all the Christians in Syria and the land of Palestine , is by sudden death taken away . 122 k Melechsala , Sultan of Damasco , by the treason of his nobilitie dispossessed of his kingdome . 58 m Mesites Bassa sent by Amurath to inuade Transyluania . 267 f. he with twentie thousand Turks moe slaine by Huniades . 269 e Michaell Ducas the Greeke Emperour by Nicephorus Botoniates deposed of his Empire , after he had raigned six years and six months . 11● Michaell Palaeologus flieth to the Sultan of Iconium . 109 a. called home again by the Emperour Theodorus , and made great Constable . f. aspireth , and by common consent made tutor vnto the young Emperour . 111 e. himselfe proclaimed Emperour and crowned . 112 b by Alexius Caesar his lieutenant surpriseth Constantinople . 115 e. repaireth the decaied citie . 116 h. causeth the young Emperours eyes to be put out . 117 a. his armie ouerthrowne by a homely feast giuen to the embassadours followers in the Turks Court. 833 c. the embassadours brought in vnto Selymus , with the manner of the entertainement of them and their followers . 834 g. a peace concluded betwixt Maximilian and Selymus . 835 c. Maximilian the Archduke by the Emperour his brother appointed Generall of his armie in Hungarie . 1093 c. marcheth but slowly to the reliefe of Agria . 1095 c. flieth out of the battell of Karesta . 1098 i. Maylat trecherously taken prisoner by Peter the Moldauian . 716 i Meligalus a notable traitour persuadeth Mahomet to besiege the Rhodes . 427 c his worthie death . e. Meledin Sultan of Aegipt , and Corradin Sultan of Damasco , send embassadors for peace to the Christian princes at the siege of Damiata . 90 m. recouereth Damiata , before taken by the Christians . 95 e. ouerthroweth the Christians and raseth Ierusalem . 101. dieth . 103 c Melechsala Sultan of Aegipt ouerthroweth Robert Earle of Arthoise the French kings brother . 104 l. taketh Lewis the French King prisoner , and ouerthroweth his armie . 105 e. maketh peace with the French King , and is suddenly slain by two Mamalukes . 106. Melech the Aegiptian Sultan inuadeth Syria , and winn●th Damasco from the Tartars . 114 Melechsares the Aegiptian Sultan determining to root out all the Christians in Syria and the land of Palestine , is by sudden death taken away . 122 k Melechsala , Sultan of Damasco , by the treason of his nobilitie dispossessed of his kingdome . 58 m Mesites Bassa sent by Amurath to inuade Transyluania . 267 f. he with twentie thousand Turks moe slaine by Huniades . 269 e Michaell Ducas the Greeke Emperour by Nicephorus Botoniates deposed of his Empire , after he had raigned six years and six months . 11 c Mi●haell Palaeologus flieth to the Sultan of Iconium . 109 a. called home again by the Emperour Theodorus , and made great Constable . f. aspireth , and by common consent made tutor vnto the young Emperour . 111● . himselfe proclaimed Emperour and crowned . 112 h by Alexius Caesar his lieutenant surpriseth Constantinople . 115 c. repaireth the decaied citie . 116 h. causeth the young Emperours eyes to be put out . 117 a. his armie ouerthrowne by the Turks in Paphlagonia . 118 g. submitteth the Greeke church vnto the Latine , and for what cause . 144 l. persuadeth his subiects to accept of the alteration of their religion and ceremonies . 145 a. raiseth persecution in the Greeke Church . c. hindered by domesticall troubles , hath no leisure to attend vnto the danger arising from the Turks in Asia . d. obscurely buried . e. Michaell Cossi by Othoman taken prisoner , by him again set at liberty . 136 m father of the honourable familie of the Michaell-Oglies among the Turks . 137 a. discouereth vnto Osman the treason intended against him . 140 l. enforced rather than persuaded by Othoman , turneth Turke . 144 b Michaell the yong Emperour ouerthrown by the Catalonians and Turks , in danger to haue been taken . 152 k. againe ouerthrowne by the Turks at Chersonesus . 155● Michaell Horwat by Amurath created Vayuod of ●alachia . 1051 a. persuaded by the Transyluanian prince , reuolteth from the Turke , and killeth all the Turks and Iewes in his countrey . 1052 h. killeth one of the Turks proud Emirs with all his followers . 1053 b. doth the Turks great harme . c. suffereth the Turks embassadours vnto the King of Polonia by his subiects to be slaine . 1060 k. spoileth the Turks frontiers . 1061 a. yeeldeth his obeisance againe vnto the Turke , yet refuseth to aid him against the Christians . 1099 d. wearie of the Turk , submitteth himselfe with his people to the Emperours protection . 1100 l. sacketh Nicopolis . 1107 d. with a great armie entreth into Transyluania . 1112 l in a great battell ouerthroweth the Cardinall Bathor . 1113 c. sendeth his head for a present to the Emperour . s. hath the gouernment of Transyluania by the Emperour confirmed vnto him . 1120 i. receiueth presents from the Turke . l. in a great battell ouerthroweth Sigismund the late Transyluanian prince , with the Vayuod of Moldauia . 1122 i. tyranniseth in Transyluania . 1123 a. enforced by the Transyluanians to flie , craueth aid of George Basta the Emperors lieutenant in the vpper Hungarie . b. by Basta and the Transyluanians in a great battell ouerthrowne at Mirislo . 1126 h. reconcileth himselfe to Basta . 1127 a. for feare of being betraied vnto the Polonians , taketh his flight into the mountains . d. by Zamoschie the great Chancelour driuen out of Valachia , and another Vayuod there placed in his stead . 1128 h. submitteth himselfe vnto the Emperor . 1139 b. returning into Valachia , giueth aid vnto Bassa against Sigismund the Transyluanian . 1140 g. hauing with Bas●a driuē the prince out of Transyluania , with great insolencie vseth his victorie . k. his presumptuous speech to Bas●a . l. suddenly slaine in his owne tent . 1141 a. the Miserie of the captiue Constantinopolitanes . 348 h Mitylene yeelded vnto the Turke . 364 g Modon taken by the Turks . 460 g Moses Golemus corrupted , reuolteth vnto the Turke . 372 h. with an armie of the Turks by Mahomet sent into Epirus against Scanderbeg . k. ouercome & put to ●light by Scanderbeg . 374 g contemned of the Turks , flieth from Constantinople , & againe submitteth himselfe to Scanderbeg . m. he with diuers others of Scanderbegs best captaines by Ballabanus taken prisoners , and by Mahomet slaine quicke . 396 i Muhamet and Partan , two of the Visier Bassaes , by the insolent Ianizaries ●oulely entreated . 823 f. Muhamet for feare of them for a time refraineth to come into the Diu●no . 824 g. dissuadeth Selymus from the inuading of Cyprus . 839 b. as a secret friend vnto the Venetians putteth them in hope of peace . 857 b. cunningly dissuadeth Selymus from the massacring of the Christians , filling his head with more necessarie considerations . 886 h. strangely murthered . 950 l Mu●easses King of Tunes cruell and vnthankefull . 642 g. for feare of Barbarussa slieth out of Tunes . 643 c. sumptuous in his fare . 745 d. commeth to Charles the Emperour . 661 d his speech vnto the Emperour . c. his behauiour . 662 h. his opinion concerning the present warre . l. three things by him especially lamented , in the spoile made by the Christians in the castle of Tunes . 668 h. fearing the comming of Barbarussa , departeth from Tunes into Italie , to craue aid of Charles the Emperour . 745 c. shut out of his kingdome in the meane time by his sonne Amida . e. returneth into ●ffricke to Guletta . 746 g. going to Tunes , is by the way ouerthrown , takē prisoner , and hath his eyes put out by his vnnaturall son . 747 d. at the request of Touares is sent to Guletta . 748 l. by Charles the Emperour sent into Sicilie , there to be kept of the common charge . 749 b. refuseth to kisse the Popes soot . c. Mustapha Bassa persuadeth Solyman to the besieging of the Rhodes . 569 c. vpon the euill successe of the siege falleth into disgrace with Solyman . 585 c. in danger with Pyrrhus Bassa to haue beene executed . 588 k. made Gouernour of Caire . 589 d. by Solyman sent as Generall of his armie to Malta . 794 l. landeth at the port Marza Siroc in the isle of Malta . 796 k. besiegeth the castle S. Elmo . 797 a. assaulteth the castle . e. in vain giueth a second assault . 798 g. with losse assaulteth it the third time . m. in most furious manner battereth it by the space of eighteene dayes , and assaulteth it the fourth time . 799 c. with great furie giueth the fift and most terrible assault vnto the castle . 801 a. with all his power giueth the sixt and last assault . 802 i. winneth the castle . 803 a. exerciseth most barbarous crueltie vpon the bodies of the slaine knights . b. in vaine assaulteth the castle S. Michael . 809 c. at one time assaulteth the new citie and the castle S. Michael . 810 i. he by messengers certifieth Solyman of the successe of the siege . 811 a. leaueth nothing vnattempted . 812 i. at once assaulteth the townes S. Angelo and S. Michael , and in both places notably repulsed . 813 a. giueth a fresh assault and ent●reth the new citie . 814 g. with a great slaughter driuen out againe . i. desperately assaulteth the towne of S. Michaell . 815 c. repulsed , raiseth his siege . 817 a. put to flight by the Christians . c. hauing lost about foure and twentie thousand of his Turkes at the siege , departeth from Malta . d. he with Piall Bassa impugneth the counsell of Muhamet , the chiefe of the Visie● Bassaes , and persuadeth Selymus to inuade Cyprus . 839 c. for his hatred against the Christians made Generall of his armie for the inuasion of Cyprus . 846 g. his letters vnto the Venetians in the isle of Cyprus . i. he landeth his armie in Cyprus . m. besiegeth Nicosia . 848 c. in vaine persuadeth them of Nicosia to yeeld . 850 k. he encourageth his souldiors , and giueth a most terrible assault . 851 a. winneth the citie . e. besiegeth Famagusta . 852. raiseth his siege . b. returneth againe to the siege . 862 m. after many assaults hath the citie by composition yeelded vnto him . 866 m. shamefully and contrarie to his faith before giuen murthereth the valiant Gouernor Bragadinus . 867 b tyranniseth vpon his dead bodie . d. by Amurath made Generall of his army against the Persians . 929 d. commeth to Erzirum . e. mustereth his armie , in number an hundred and ten thousand strong . 930 g. relieueth his souldiors distressed by the Persians . 931 c. maketh a bulwarke of the heads of the slaine Persians . d. he surueyeth his armie at Archichelec , and lacketh fortie thousand of his men . 932 k. forti●ieth Teflis . 933 a. looseth ten thousand of his forragers . 934 h. reuengeth their death . l. his notable answere vnto his mutinous souldiours . 935 b. looseth eight thousand of his men in passing the riuer Cannac . c. famine in his hoast . e. he fortifieth Ere 's . 936 g. sendeth Osman Bassa to take in Sumachia and Derbent . h. relieueth his distressed garrison at Teflis . m. his armie in great miserie in passing the straits of Georgia . 937 c. commeth to Erzirum , and dischargeth his armie . 938 g. maketh preparation for the next yeares warres . 942 k. assembleth his armie at Erzirum . 943 d. in three and twentie daies fortifieth Chars . f. sendeth succours to Teflis . 944 c. returneth to Erzirum , & there dischargeth his armie . 945 d. discharged of his Generallship , and called home to Constantinople . 946 l. maligned by Sinan . 949 a. dealeth warily with the messengers sent of purpose to haue strangled him . d. appeaseth the displeasure of Amurath . e. dieth suddenly . 952 k Mustapha , Solyman his eldest sonne , in great estimatiō with the people . 757 b sent Gouernour into Caramania . d. maligned by Roxolana . e. in danger to haue been poysoned . 760 k. sent for by his father , & warned of his present danger . e. conferreth with his doctor . 762 g. troubled with his melancholie dreame . k. commeth to his fathers tent . 763 a. in the sight of his father most cruelly strangled . c. his son Mahomet strangled also . d. a prouerbe taken from his death . 765 c Mutius Tortona a Spanish captaine raiseth a mutinie in the Christian fleet at Paxo . 873 c. Tortona and his Ancient hanged . d. Muzalo by Theodorus the Emperour appointed Gouernour to his young sonne Iohn . 100 g. enuied by the nobilitie , is traiterously murthered in the Church . 111 a N NAupactum , otherwise called Lepanto , in vaine besieged by the Turks . 413 b. yeelded to Baiazet . 459 c. Neapolis the first regall citie of the Othoman kings . 143 b Negligence seuerely punished . 856 g Neocastron built by Mahomet the Great . 339 d. Neritos , now called S. Maura , taken by the Venetians . 462 k Nice taken by the Turks . 142 k. recouered by the Christians . 180 g. againe surprised by the Turks . 181 c. by Orchanes made the regall seat of his kingdome . 183 e Nicholaus Catalusius prince of Mitylene turneth Turke , and is executed . 364 k Nicholas Keretschen corrupted , betrayeth Giula to the Turks . 824 i. the traitor iustly rewarded . k. Nicephorus Botoniates displaceth his master the Emperor Michaell Ducas , and taketh vpon him the Empire . 11 e Nicomedia yeelded vnto the Turks . 183 c Nouigrade yeelded vnto the Christians . 1030 l. O OThoman of greater courage and spirit than his other brethren , the sonnes of old Ertogrul . 135 d. amorous of Malhatun a countrey maid . f. in danger for his loue . 136 k. by generall consent chosen Gouernour of the Oguzian Turks . 137 d. surpriseth the castle of Calce . 138 h. fighteth a battell with the Christians at Opsicium . k. winneth the castle of Cara-Chisar , and killeth the captaine . m. setteth in order his little commonweale . 139 c. killeth the captaine of Cupri-Chisar . e. his death contriued by the captaine of Bilezuga . 140 i. turneth the trecherie deuised against himselfe vpon the head of the captaine that deuised it , whom he killeth , and surpriseth his castle . 141 e. surpriseth the castle of Iar-Chisar . e. taketh the castle of Einegioll , and cruelly executeth the captaine . 142 g. by the good administration of iustice strengthneth his gouernment . h. taketh the citie of Nice . k. taketh vpon him the honour of a King or Sultan . 143 a. maketh Neapolis his regall seat . b. in a great battell ouerthroweth the Christians . 143 c. besiegeth Prusa . d. whilest the Greekes are at discord among themselues , layeth the foundation of the great Othoman empire that now is . 162 g. 166 k. dieth , and lieth buried at Prusa . 177 a. the wealth he left vnto his sons Orchanes and Aladin . 179 c Orchanes , his father Othoman yet liuing , manageth the Turks kingdome . 179● . surpriseth the castle of Tzupri-Chisar . 180 g. fighteth a doubtfull battell with Andronicus the Greeke Emperour at Philocrene . m. surpriseth Nice . 181 e. hath Nicomedia yeelded vnto him . 183 c. committeth the gouernement thereof vnto his son Solyman . c. first of the Turks that built monasteries . e. subdueth the countrey of Carasina . 184 h. dieth . 187 b Orchanes & Mahometes two of Baiazet his nephewes ouerthrowne by Chelife and Techellis the rebels . 471 c Osman Bassa by Mustapha made Gouernour of Siruan , taketh Sumachia . 936 h. hath Derbent yeelded vnto him . i. by the Persian prince driuen out of Sumachia , flieth to Derbent . 940 h. killeth Sahamall his father in law . 941 d. is by Amurath sent for into Siruan . 974 h. laid in wait for by Mahomet the Tartar king . 975 b. ouercommeth the Tartars lying in wait for him . c. by Amurath made chiefe Visier and Generall of his wars against the Persians . 976 k. raiseth a great armie . 989 c. wisely appeaseth his mutinous souldiors , vnwilling to goe for Tauris . 990 g. commeth to Tauris . 991 b. taketh the citie . e. in thirtie daies buildeth there a strong castle . 992 i. giueth the citie to be spoiled by his souldiors . k. leaueth Giaffer the Eunuch Bassa of Tripolis with a garrison of twelue thousand souldiors gouernour of Tauris . 994 i. dieth . 995 c. much lamented for at Constantinople . 996 h P PAlaeapolis by Sultan Aladin giuen to Othoman . 138 l Palotta yeelded to the Turks . 1025 d Pantogles with the Turks fleet commeth to the siege of Constantinople . 342 l. displaced . 344 k Paphlagonia and Pontus , with a great part of Cappadocia woon by Mahomet the Great . 360 l Partan the Visier Bassa sent by Solyman against the supposed Mustapha , bringeth him to Constantinople . 769 e. sent by Solyman to haue brought Baiazet to Amasia , is by him with good words sent backe againe . 773● . standeth indifferent for giuing or not giuing of battell vnto the Christians at Lepanto . 875● . encourageth his souldiors . 876 i. flieth himselfe out of the battell . 879 c Paradiser executed for yeelding vp of Canisia vnto the Turks . 1133 e Peace concluded betwixt king Vladislaus and Amurath the second . 289 b. by the persuasion of Iulian the Cardinall vnfortunately broken by Vladislaus . 295 d. Peace concluded betwixt Mahomet and Scanderbeg . 386 i. betwixt Baiazet and Caytheius . 450 i. betwixt Baiazet and the Venetians . 463 a. betwixt the Venetians and Solyman . 694 l. betwixt the Venetians and Selymus the second . 904 k. betwixt Amurath the third and Mahomet the Persian king . 1005 b Pelopon●sus described . 353 e. made tributarie to the Turke . 354 h. subdued by the Turks . 355 e Pera yeelded vnto the Turks . 349 c Perenus the noble Hungarian vpon the suspition of aspiring , apprehended . 732 k. matters surmised against him . 733 a. he , Valentinus , and Maylat , three of the chiefe of the Hungarian nobilitie vnworthily kept in perpetuall prison . 734 b Persecution in the Greeke church for matters of Religion . 145 c Persians better horsemen than the Turks . 517 b. Pe●th taken by Cason Admirall of the Turks fleet vpō the Danubius . 709 a. besieged by the marquesse of Brandenburg . 729 e. in vaine assaulted . 731 c. the siege giuen ouer . 732 h. taken by the Christians . 1146 e Peter a French Hermit going on pilgrimage to Ierusalem , obserueth the miserie of the Christians vnder the Turks and Sarasins . 12 l. in the counsell of Claremont deliuereth his message in the behalfe of the poore oppressed Christians . 14 g. he with Gualter Sensauier the first that set forward in the great expedition of the Christians into the Holy land . 14 k. looseth greatest part of his armie . 15 d. discouraged , about to haue stolne home , brought back , and enforced to take anew oath for his fidelitie and perseuerance in the warre . 18 k Peter Damboyse Grand Master of the Rhodes a carefull Gouernour . 427 e. his cheerefull speech vnto the rest of his knights and souldiors . 428 h Peter Emus for his barbarous crueltie beheaded at Venice . 978 l Petralba yeelded to Scanderbeg . 285 d Petrella yeelded . 285 c Petrinia taken by the Christians . 1074 k Philaretus the Greeke Emperours lieutenant put to flight by the Turks . 8 l Philadelphia taken by Baiazet . 204 b Philes a deuout man , but no souldior , vndertaketh the de●●nce of the Greeke Empire against the Turks . 156 i. in plaine battell ouerthroweth them . 157 c. Philip the second of that name the French king in going towards the Holy land , suffereth shipwracke vpon the coast of Sicilia . 68 i. arriueth at Ptolemais . m. his speech vnto Richard king of England and the other Christian princes in his sickenesse . 70 i. he sweareth vnto King Richard , not to inuade his territories in France , and so returneth home . k. Phocas by killing of Mauritius the Emperour with his children , possesseth himselfe of the Greeke Empire . 22 g. slaine afterwards by them of his owne guard . g. Piall Bassa Solymans Admirall sent to remooue the Christians out of Zerbi . 784 h. in disgrace with Solyman , shunneth to come to Constantinople . 787 a. by Selymus the second sent against the Venetians . 845 e. in vaine attempteth the island of Tenos . 846 g. Pisaurius the Venetian Admirall doth very great harme vnto the Turkes . 460 l. Plague and famine among the Turks . 1060 m. Plague in the Venetian fleet . 849 a Polinus the French embassadour with presents from Francis the French king , meeteth Solyman comming from Buda . 725 d. his request to Solyman . e. returneth into Fraunce . 726 g. sent backe againe to Solyman , by the way solliciteth the Venetians to take vp armes against Charles the Emperor . h. grieued , not to find the Turke so readie to send his fleet in the aid of the King his master as he had before hoped . m. is sharply shaken vp by Solyman Bassa . 727 c. brought to the speech of Solyman himselfe . 728 i. by him reiected vntill the next Spring . k. setteth forward with Barbarussa and the Turks fleet . 735 a. by his letters from Ostia comforteth the Popes Legat in Rome . d. Podolia and Ruscia inuaded by the Turks . 457 a the Pope and the King of Spaine fearing least the Venetians should make peace with the Turke , hasten their confederation with that State , long before by them delaied . 859 a. a perpetuall league concluded betwixt the Pope , the King of Spaine , and the Venetians . 860 h. the league proclaimed . m. the Popes letters vnto the king of Polonia , to dissuade him from inuading of Moldauia , to the trouble of the Transyluanian prince . 1081 b Preianes commeth to the Rhodes . 581 c Presents of great valour sent by the Persian king vnto Selymus . 837 f Prince Ciarcan slaine . 219 b Princes of Germanie ioyne their forces with king Ferdinand against the Turke in Hungarie . 728 l Prusa yeelded vnto the Turks . 176 l. burnt by Isa. 240 l. repaired by Mahomet . 241 a. againe burnt by the Caramanian king . 249 f Q QVeene Isabella with child . 695 e. deliuered of a sonne . 696 i. that sonne by the name of Stephen crowned king of Hungarie . 697 a. her answer vnto the embassadour of king Ferdinand , demanding of her the kingdome of Hungarie . 699 d. inuaded by king Ferdinand , craueth aid of Solyman . 701 b. by the commaundement of Solyman departeth with her young sonne out of Buda . 713 e. yeeldeth vp to king Ferdinand all the right she had in Transyluania & Hungaria . 756 h Quinque Ecclaesiae yeelded vnto the Turks 736 h. Qumsay in the prouince of Mangi , of all the cities in the world the greatest . 75 f R RAb besieged by Sinan Bassa . 1041 b. battered and assaulted . 1044 h. by treason yeelded vnto the Bassa . l. notably againe surprised by the Christians . 1103 b Rama forsaken of the Turks . 21 l Ramadan Bassa slaine by the insolent Ianizaries . 978 m Rayschachius for sorrow of his sonne slain by the Turks , suddenly dieth . 760 k Rhodes by the knights hospitalers recouered from the Turks in the year 1308.162 h. besieged by Mesites Palaeologus . 428 l. for feare of the Turks the Rhodians destroy their suburbes and places of pleasure without the citie . 578 l. the Rhodes described . 581 d. besieged by Solyman . 584 g. in fiue places at once by the Turks assaulted . 587 b. the distressed estate of the Rhodians , and their resolution therein . 592 g. the Rhodes yeelded vnto Solyman . 600 i Richard the first , king of England , setteth forward toward the Holy land . 68 h. reuengeth the iniuries done to him by the Cypriots , & taketh prisoner Isaack Comnenus their king . 69 a. arriueth at Ptolemais . c. causeth all the Turks his prisoners in the sight of Saladins armie to be executed . 71 a. giueth Cyprus to Guy in exchange for the titular kingdome of Ierusalem . f. with great slaughter ouerthroweth Saladin in plaine battell . 72 h. returning homeward , taken prisoner by Leopold duke of Austria . 73 b Rodolp the Emperour prayeth aid of the Germane princes against the Turks . 1017 c. his embassadour shut vp close in his house at Constantinople . 1018 l. his letters to Amurath . 1019 a. his letters to Sinan Bassa . d. presented with the spoile of the Turks ouerthrow at Alba Regalis . 1029 b. requesteth aid of the great ▪ duke of Muscouia , the king of Polonia , and of the prince of Transyluania . 1031 b. holdeth a Diet of the Empire at Ratisbone for the withstanding of the Turks . 1038 m. receiueth aid from the Pope , the king of Spaine , and the princes of Italie . 1134 k Robert duke of Normandie by generall cōsent chosen king of Ierusalem , which honour he refuseth . 22 f Robert sonne of Peter fourth Emperour of the Latines in Constantinople . 96 l goeth to Rome , and in his return dieth in Achaia . 97 a Rogendorff his name terrible vnto the Turks . 613 e. with king Ferdinands armie entereth into Hungarie , and besiegeth Buda . 702 i. threateneth the queene . k. derided by the bishop . l. in vaine assaulteth Buda . 703 d. in raising of his siege by night receiueth a great ouerthrow . 708 k. conueyed vp the riuer to Komara , there dieth . 709 b. Ronzerius , sometime a notable pyrat , entertained by Andronicus the Emperour against the Turks . 150 k. relieueth Philadelphia . l. for lacke of pay spoileth the Emperours territories in Asia . 151 a. suddenly slaine . c. Roscetes riseth against his brother Muleasses king of Tunes . 642 l. flieth to Barbarussa , and by him carried to Constantinople . 643 a Rouerius robbeth Dautius , Baiazet the great Turks embassadour to Pope Alexander . 451 e Roxolana conspireth with Rustan Bassa against the noble Mustapha , and faineth her selfe religious . 758 g. sent for by Solyman , refuseth to come . i. plotteth the confusion of Mustapha . 759 f bringeth him into suspition with his father . 760 g. she with Rustan put Solyman in feare of his life and Empire by his sonne Mustapha . 761 a. loueth her younger sonne Baiazet better than her eldest sonne Selymus . 768 g entreateth Solyman for Baiazet , and obtaineth his pardon . 770 i. comforteth him going in feare vnto his father . 771 a Rustan Bassa a man of a mischieuous nature . 757 e. furthereth the deuices of Roxolana for the destruction of the noble Mustapha . 760 g. sent by Solyman with an armie into Asia , to haue taken or slaine Mustapha . 761 c. returneth in hast , and with false suggestions stirreth vp Solyman himselfe against his sonne . d. his exceeding trecherie at the comming of Mustapha to his fathers campe . 762 i. disgraced by Solyman , flieth to Roxolana at Constantinople . 765 a. by her meanes restored againe vnto his former honours , dieth afterwards of a dropsie . 765 e. S SAhib after the death of Sultan Aladin his master taking vpon him the gouernment , is by the nobilitie thrust out , and the Tinks kingdome in Asia rent in sunder amongst them . 127 c Sahamall the Georgian cutteth off the head of Aider . 922 i. submitteth himselfe to Mustapha the great Bassa . 936 k. slaine by Osman Bassa his sonne in law . 941 d Saladin the Turke chosen Sultan of Aegipt killeth the Caliph● and all his posteritie . 57 e. inuadeth the kingdome of Ierusalem , & by Baldwin suddenly sallying out of Ascalon ouerthrowne . 59 d. besiegeth Beritus both by sea and land , taketh Edessa and Carras . 60 l. spoileth the holy land at his pleasure . 61 c. in vaine besiegeth Ptolemais . 63. b. besiegeth Tiberias , and by the treason of the countie of Tripolis ouerthroweth G●y the king , comming to the reliefe thereof , and taketh him prisoner . 63 e. winneth Ierusalem with all the other cities and townes in the holy land , except Tripolis , Tire , and Antioch . 64 g. besiegeth Tire , and with the losse of his best souldiors and of his tents retireth . l. taketh Antioch , with all the prouinces and townes thereunto belonging . 65 a. putteth to death the Christian captiues . 71 a. dieth , and forbiddeth any funerall pompe to be vsed at his buriall . 73 c Saluagus a worthie knight . 797 c Salazar a Spanish captaine goeth as a spie into the Turks campe at the siege of Malta . 811 d Sanguin the Turke ouerthroweth king Fulke , comming to the reliefe of the castle of Mont Ferand , and hath the castle yeelded vnto him . 30 h. taketh Edessa , and there vseth all manner of crueltie against the Christians . 31 a. besieging Cologenbar , is there stabbed by one of his own friends , and slain . b. Sarmentus slaine . 691 d Sarugatin Osmans brother slain , and accounted of the Turks for a saint . 138 k Scanderbeg with his brethren by their father Iohn Castriot giuen in hostage vnto Amurath . 260 l. wisely dissembleth his desire for the deliuerie of himselfe and his countrey . 283 d. by great pollicie recouereth the citie of Croia out of the hands of the Turks . 284 i. hath the strong cities of Epirus yeelded vnto him . 285 c. spoyleth Macedonia . 287 c. in a great battell ouerthroweth Alis Bassa with two and twentie thousand of his Turks . 288 l. going to the aid of king Vladislaus , is by the faithlesse Despot denied passage through Seruia . 295 b. spoileth the Despots countrey , and so returneth into Epirus . 299 c. his resolute answere vnto Amurath his melancholie letters . 301 d. putteth Ferises to flight . 302 l. ouerthroweth Mustapha the second time , and taketh him prisoner . 313 b. carefully setteth all things in order against the comming of Amurath . 314 g. his effectuall speech vnto the souldiours and citisens of Sfetigrade to encourage them against the comming of the Turke . 315 b. cunningly entrappeth some of the forerunners of Amuraths armie . 316 l. troubleth his great campe . 319 a. with his owne hand killeth Feri Bassa . 320 g. troubleth Amurath his great armie at the siege of Croia . 324 l. in danger to haue been slaine or taken . m. deceiueth Mahomet the young prince in his own deuice . 326 h. flieth by night into Epirus . 371 c. his answer by letters vnto the letters of Mahomet . 385 c. his answer vnto Mahomets letters concerning the r●n●ing of the league . 391 a. in danger . 398 h. Scanderbeg dieth . 402 m. buried at Lissa . 403 a. his bones digged vp by the Turks , and of them greatly honoured . 404 h Scodra besieged by Solyman Bassa . 411 e. relieued by Matthias king of Hungarie . 412 h. a yearely fee appointed by Mahomet to one , to put him daily in mind of the siege of Scodra . i. Scodra the second time besieged by Mahomet the great . 415 e. sore battered . 418 i. the fourth time assaulted . 419 e. twelue thousand Turks slaine in this last assault . 420 m. most furiously the fift time assaulted by the Turks . 421. by composition yeelded vnto the Turk . 426 k. the Scriuano rebelleth against the Turke in Caramania , and giueth Mehemet Bassa a notable ouerthrow . 1134 g. in a great battell ouerthroweth him againe the next yeare with an armie of fiftie thousand Turks . 1142 h. hauing ouerrun a great part of the Turks dominions in Asia , dieth . 1150 g. his younger brother steppeth vp in his stead , and in a great battell ouerthroweth Hassan Bassa , and killeth him . 1150 h Selymus ambitious and of a turbulent spirit , and therefore of the Ianizaries and men of warre better beloued than his other brethren . 478 l. aided by Mahometes the Tartar king , riseth against his aged father . 479 b. coloureth his rebellious purpose with the inuasion of Hungarie . 480 g. marcheth with his armie towards Had●ianople . 481 e. in a great battell ouerthrowne and put to flight by his father Baiazet at Tzurulum . 486 h. by the persuasion of the Bassaes by his father sent for home . 491 c. chosen Generall by his father to go against his rebellious brother Achomates , is by and by after by the Ianizaries saluted Emperour . 494 g. causeth his father to be poysoned . 495 d. putteth three of his fathers pages to death , for mourning for their master . 496 h. bountifully rewardeth the souldiours of the Court. 499 c. murthereth fiue of his brothers sonnes . 500 g. causeth Corcutus his brother to be strangled . 502 h. treason intended against him , discouered . 503 a. craueth aid of Aladeules and the other mountaine princes against the Persians . 507 c. Selymus perplex ed. 508 i. receiueth great losse in passing the riuer Euphrates . 513 c. he and Hysmaell compared together . 515 d. Selymus with a great armie entereth into Armenia , and taketh Ciamassum a city of the Persian kings 518 k. vanquisheth Aladeules the mountaine king , putteth him to death , and conuerteth his kingdome into the forme of a prouince . 520 l. inuadeth Hungarie . 521 b. sendeth his embassadours with presents to Campson the Aegiptian Sultan . 525 f. encourageth his souldiors to go against the Mamalukes . 526 h. passeth the mountaine Amanus , and commeth into Comagena . l. in the battell of Sing a ouerthroweth the Mamalukes . 530 g. in doubt least Sinan Bassa had been lost , becommeth exceeding melancholie . 536 k. meeteth with Sinan Bassa at Gaza . 537 c. passeth the sandie desarts , and meeteth with Tomombeius at Rhodanus . 538 c. giueth him battell and putteth him to flight . 540 m. encourageth his souldiors to the winning of Caire . 544 l. fighteth a great and mortall battell with the Mamalukes in the citie of Caire . 545 b. causeth the citie to be set on fire . e. putteth Tomombeius and the Mamalukes to flight , and so taketh the citie . 546 i. his embassadors sent to Tomombeius slain by the Mamalukes . 548 k. ouerthroweth Tomombeius againe at the riuer of Nilus . 550 h. causeth him being taken to be tortured and put to death . l. cunningly reduceth the Arabians to his obedience . 553 b. purposing to turne his forces vpon the Christians , is strucke in the backe with a canker . 561 a. his death concealed by Ferat Bassa . 567 c Selymus the second by the Ianizaries saluted Emperour . 827 c. appeaseth the tumultuous Ianizaries . 828 g. sendeth Cubates his embassadour to Venice to demaund Cyprus of the Senat. 841 c. rageth to haue it denied him . 842 m. be inuadeth the Venetians . 845 e. in his rage about to haue put to death all the Christians in his dominious . 885 f. sendeth out Vluzales his Admirall with two hundred gallies against the Christians . 888 l. desirous of peace , concludeth the same with the Venetians . 904 k. by his Bassaes taketh Guletta from the Spaniards , and the citie of Tunes . 915 d. dieth . c. Serinus Gouernour of Sigeth . 821 e. his comfortable and resolute speech vnto his souldiours . 822 g. burneth the new towne , not now to be longer defended , and retireth into the old . i. his last speech vnto his souldiors . 823 d. slaine , and his head sent to Countie Salma . f. the Seruians in mutinie amongst themselues , are with a great slaughter ouerthrowne by the Turks . 192 i Seruia becommeth tributarie vnto the Turks . 192. wholly yeelded vnto the Turks . 356 Ssetigrade besieged by Amurath . 316 l. in vaine diuers times by the Turks assaulted . 319 b. by the working of a traitor Amurath hath the strong citie yeelded vp vnto him . 321 f Sigismund King of Hungarie with the Christian princes his confederats with a great armie inuadeth the Turks dominions . 205 b. his proud speech vpon the greatnesse of his armie . d. in a great battell ouerthrowne by Baiazet at Nicopolis . 206 h. hardly escapeth himselfe by flight . i. Sigismund prince of Transyluania in danger by his owne subiects to haue beene betrayed vnto the Tartars . 1046 l. the conspirators apprehended and executed . 1047 d. giueth his subiects leaue to spoile the Turkes . c. entereth into a confederation with the Emperour . 1048 k. persuadeth Michaell the Vayuod of Valachia , and Aaron the Palatine of Moldauia to reuolt from the Turk . 1049 e. sendeth Aaron the Palatine with his wife and sonne prisoners to Prage . 1062 l. marrieth Maria Christina the late Archduke Charles his daughter . 1072 k. ouerthroweth thirtie thousand Turks comming as vnbidden guests to his marriage . l. in a great battell ouerthroweth Sinan Bassa with his Turks . 1073 e. receiueth the Zaculians into his protection , and hath from them great aid . 1074 m. putteth Sinan Bassa to slight . 1075 d. by force ta●keth Tergouista from the Turks . f. taketh also Bucaresta . 1076 i. goeth vnto the Emperour at Prage . 1088 g. besiegeth Tem●swar . 1092 g. with eighteene thousand men commeth to the aid of Maximilian the Archduke going to haue relieued Agria . 1096 l. doubting the power of the Turke , resigneth his principalitie of Transyluania vnto the Emperour . 1100 k. repenting himselfe , returneth again into Transyluania and taketh vpon him the gouernment . 1106 g. by his embassadours offereth againe his principalitie vnto the Emperour . 1109 d. in a great battell ouerthrowne together with the Moldauian by Michaell the Vayuod of Valachia . 1122 h. by the fauour of the Nobilitie recouereth his state again in Transyluania . 1139 d. in battell ouerthrowne by Basta and Michaell the Vayuod , flieth out of Transyluania . 1140 i. by the fauor of his subiects and countenance of the Polonians recouereth againe his state . 1142 g. doubting how to be able to hold it against the Imperials , yeeldeth it by composition vnto Bassa the Emperours lieutenant , and goeth himselfe vnto the Emperour . 1143 c Sigismund King of Polonia his letters vnto Amurath . 1003 c Simon Countie of Montfort sent by Philip the French King into the Holy land , represseth the furie of the Turks , and so concludeth a peace with them for ten yeares . 74 k Sinan Bassa the Eunuch ouerthrowne by Achomates . 503 c. restoreth Selymus his battell against Campson , before almost lost . 530 g. by Selymus sent before into Iudea . 533 c. hath Gaza yeelded vnto him . 534 g. discomfiteth Gazelles , comming to haue oppressed him at Gaza . 535 c. slaine in the battell at Rhodania . 540 g Sinan the Iew his short answere to Barbarussa . 661 b Sinan Bassa by Amurath chosen Generall for the Persian warres . 951 b. relieueth Tef●is . 954 l. looseth seuen thousand of his souldiors . 955 b. derided of his own souldiors . 956 g. his proud answere to Amurath . 962 h. displaced , and cast into exile . l. againe receiued into fauour . 1003 d. ouerthrowne in the vpper Hungarie . 1006 h. his letters vnto the Emperor . 1020 g. sent Generall of the Turks armie against the Emperour . 1023 f. taketh Vesprinium . 1025 c. hath Palotta yeelded vnto him . d. with an armie of an hundred and fiftie thousand men commeth againe into Hungarie . 1040 i. taketh Dotis & S. Martins . l. besiegeth Rab. 1041 b. in assaulting thereof looseth twelue thousand of his men . 1044 h. by corrupting of the Gouernour hath the citie yeelded vnto him . l. besiegeth Komara . 1045 b. raiseth his siege , and breaketh vp his armie . d. cra●tily seeketh to trie the Emperours mind concerning peace . 1058 l. sent for home to the Court. 1060 l. by Sultan Mahomet appointed Generall of the warres against the Emperour . 1073 b. inuadeth Valachia . d. in a great battell ouerthrown by the prince of Transyluania . e. in flying , in danger to haue beene drowned . f. with a great armie commeth againe into Valachia . 1075 b. seeing the generall feare of his armie vpon the comming of the Transyluanians , flieth . d. for feare delayeth his comming to Constantinople , vntill his peace were made , and there shortly after dieth . 1087 d Siseg by the Turks besieged . 1022 g. notably relieued . 1023 a. againe besieged and taken by the Turks . 1024 l Solyman , Orchanes his sonne , by his father made Gouernour of Nicomedia . 183 c. taketh the castle of Zemb●nic in Europe . 185 b. he the first that brought the Turks ouer into Europe , with purpose there to conquer and inhabit . d. taketh the castle of Maditus . c. winneth Callipolis . 186 g. dieth . 187 a Solyman the vnfortunat , Baiazet his eldest sonne , by the great Bassaes set vp in his fathers slead at Hadrianople . 221 b. goeth ouer with a great armie against his brother Mahomet . 241 e. by pollicie taketh the castle of Prusa . 242 i. besiegeth his brother in Amasia . i. returneth into Europe to appease the stirres there raised by his brother Musa , and recouereth Hadrianople . 244 b. in his excesse regardeth not the approch of his brother Musa●k forsaken of his souldiors flieth . l. taken prisoner , is by the commaundement of his brother Musa strangled . 245 a. Solyman the Eunuch Bassa dealeth treacherously with the Kings of Arabia . 670 m. Solyman hardly persuaded that his father was dead . 567 d. saluted Emperour by the Ianizaries . f. his letters to Valerius Great Master of the Rhodes . 571 b. his Oration to his men of war declaring his purpose for the besieging of the Rhodes . e. he maketh great preparation for the siege . 573 a. his threatening letters vnto them of the Rhodes . 578 h. commeth himselfe in person to the siege . 583 b. his chollericke Oration to his souldiors . d. displaceth his Admirall , and punisheth him like a slaue . 589 a. about to haue forsaken the siege . b. comforteth his discouraged soldiors , persuading them with patience to continue the siege . f. his letters to the Great Master and the Rhodians , sent by their owne embassadours . 593 d. his speech vnto the Great Master at his comming to yeeld vp the citie . 598 l. he entreth into the Rhodes vpon Christmasse day in the yeare 1522. 600 i. Solyman vpon the discord of the Christian princes and disordered state of Hungarie , taketh occasion to inuade that kingdome . 601 b. commeth into Hungarie against King Lewes with an armie of two hundred thousand men . c ouerthroweth him in battell at Mohaiz . 602 k. commeth to Buda . 603 a Solyman in the quarrell of King Iohn against King Ferdinand , cōmeth into Hungarie with an armie of an hundred and fiftie thousand men . 609 a. without resistance entreth into Buda , and besiegeth the castle . 609 d. laieth siege to Vienna . 610 k. without ransome releaseth certaine Christian prisoners . 612 g. looseth his great ordinance vpon the Danubius . k. burieth eight thousand of his Turks in the mines . l. hauing lost fourescore thousand of his Turks , raiseth his siege , and returneth to Buda . 614 i. he restoreth the kingdome of Hungarie vnto King Iohn . k. returneth himselfe to Constantinople . 615 a. maketh great preparations for the subduing of the territories belonging to the house of Austria , as also for the conquest of Germanie , with the short time he prefined vnto himself for the performance thereof . 615 c. Solyman with a mightie armie commeth againe into Hungarie . 618 e. besiegeth Gunza . i. his proud letters vnto Charles the Emperour and his brother King Ferdinand m. shunneth to meet with Charles the Emperour at Vienna , and so turneth out of the way into Carinthia . 621 a. the causes mouing him so to doe . b. returneth towards Constantinople . 623 d. Solyman persuaded by Abraham Bassa , resolueth to goe against the Persians . 649 a. commeth with his armie to Tauris . f. followeth Tamas the Persian King into Sultania . 650 g. his armie strangely distressed by tempest . k. hath Babylon with the countries of Mesopotamia and Assyria yeelded vnto him . 651 a. he ransacketh Tauris . f. discouraged by the harme done him by Delymenthes , giueth ouer his warres in Persia , and returneth to Constantinople . 653 c. he with a wonderfull charge prepareth a great fleet at Suetia aga●nst the Portingals in the East Indies . 670 b. Solyman by the French embassador incited to inuade Italie with an armie of two hundred thousand men , commeth to Aulona . 671 c. sendeth Lutzis Bassa and Barbarussa with his fleet before him into Italie . d. conuerteth his forces prepared for Italie against the Venetians . 673 b. in danger to haue beene slaine in his tent in the middest of his armie . 173 d. inuadeth Corcyra . ● . carrieth away aboue sixteene thousand prisoners , and doth good iustice vpon such Turks as had violated their faith at Castrum . 674 k. Solyman angrie with the secret confederation betwixt King Ferdinand and King Iohn . 695 c. promiseth to protect the queene and her sonne . 701 c. with a great armie commeth to Buda . 709 b. sendeth for the young King into his campe . e. courteously receiueth him . 710 h. craftily surpriseth the citie of Buda . i. detaineth the Nobilitie of Hungarie . l. diuersly persuaded by his Bassaes for the disposing of that kingdome . 711 b. he sacrificeth after the Mahometane manner in Buda . 712 m. pronounceth the doome of Hungarie , and conuerteth it from a kingdome into a prouince of his Empire . 713 a. his proud answer vnto King Ferdinand his embassadours . 714 k. he returneth to Constantinople . 715 b. sendeth his fleet by Barbarussa his Admirall to aid the French King against the Emperour . 734 k. Solyman with a great armie commeth againe into Hungarie . 736 g. taketh Strigonium . 738. entereth into the citie , and there setteth vp the Mahometane superstition . m. winneth Alba Regalis . 742 h. returneth to Constantinople . k. by the instigation of Dragut the pyrat sendeth out Sinan Bassa with a great fleet to reuenge the wrong done vnto him by Auria . 752 l. Solyman amorous of Rozolana . 757 c. manumiseth her . 758 h. marrieth her . l. by her persuaded , resolueth to put to death his eldest sonne , the noble Mustapha . 761 d. goeth himselfe with a great armie into Asia to kill his sonne . e. sendeth for Mustapha , who comming , is cruelly strangled in his sight . 763 c. his stout speech vnto the Ianizaries , vp in arms for the vnworthie death of Mustapha . 764 k. he glad to yeeld vnto the Ianizaries . m. Solyman desirous with as little stirre as might be to appease the grudges betwixt his two sonnes Selymus and Baiazet , sendeth Partau and Mehemet two of his Visier Bassaes to bring them to the prouinces by him appointed for them . 773 d. maketh preparation against Baiazet , and sendeth aid to Selymus . e. for countenancing of Selymus , goeth himselfe in person with his armie ouer into Asia . 776 l. dissembleth with Baiazet . 778 g. seeketh to stop his flight into Persia , deceiued of his purpose , procureth to haue him and his foure sonnes strangled in prison in Persia. 791 d. Solyman by his embassadour Abraham Stroiza confirmeth his league with Ferdinand the Emperor for eight yeares . 789 b. his proud letters vnto the Emperour Ferdinand . c. his presents sent vnto the Emperour . 791 d. he maketh preparation against the knights of Malta . 793 a. his Oration vnto his captaines for the inuasion of Malta . b. his fleet arriueth at Malta . 795 a. with shame returneth . 817 c. Solyman purposing now the seuenth time himselfe in person to inuade Hungarie , causeth a bridge of a mile long with incredible labor to be made ouer the great riuer Sauus and the deepe fennes toward Sigeth . 821. besiegeth Sigeth . e. commeth himselfe with a great power into the campe . 822 h. winneth the old towne . l. falleth sicke and dieth of the bloudie flix at Quinque Ecclaesiae . 822 m. his death by Muhamet Bassa concealed , and the siege continued . 813 a. his bodie with great solemnitie by his sonne Selymus buried at Constantinople . 828 h the Spaniards reioycing at the ouerthrow of the Italians by Salec , are themselues foyled by Tabacces . 658 m Stellusa with Desdrot the Gouernor therof deliuered to Scanderbeg . 285 f Stephen Rozwan in stead of Aaron by the Transyluanian prince placed Vayuod of Moldania . 1062 l. thrust out by Zamoschie Chancelour of Polonia . 1080 g. taken prisoner and put to death . 1081 a Stephen Vayuod of Transyluania vpon the commendation of Amurath chosen King of Polonia . 921 a Stiria forraged by the Turks . 1132 Strigonium in vaine besieged by King Iohn . 616 k. besieged by Solyman . 736 i. diuers times by the Turks in vaine assaulted . c. the strength therof by a fugitiue Christian discouered . d. yeelded vnto the Turke . 738 h. besieged by the Christians . 1033 c. fiue times in vain assaulted , with the losse of fiue thousand men ▪ 1034 l. the siege by Matthias the Archduke giuen ouer . 1037 d. besieged by countie Mansfelt . 1065 b. twice in vaine assaulted . e. the lower towne taken . 1070 g. yeelded vnto the Archduke Matthias . 1072 h Suguta by Sultan Aladin giuen to Ertogrul . 134 k Sumachia taken by Osman Bassa . 936 b recouered by the Persian prince . 940 i Swartzenburg by two Italian prisoners flying out of Rab , is informed of the state of the towne . 1102 g. consulteth with the lord Palsi . h. surpriseth that strong town . 1103 b. in vain attempteth to haue surprised Buda . 1110● commeth to Pappa to appease the French and Wallons there in mutinie . 1117 a. besiegeth the towne . 1118. slaine . i. Syrgiannes appointed by Andronicus the Emperor to obserue the doings of yong Andronicus his nephew , trecherously discouereth the same vnto him . 159 c. cunningly coloureth his treason . 160 b contemned of the yonger Andronicus , reuolteth again vnto his grandfather . 162 l. apprehended , imprisoned , and his house rased . 164 l T TAmas the Persian King hearing of the comming of Solyman to Tauris , flieth into Hircania . 651 d. in feare of Baiazet , killeth his followers , and imprisoneth him with his sonnes . 780 l. sendeth embassadors with presents to Solyman . 781 a. the cause why he would not by any meanes let Baiazet goe out of his hands . d. his answere vnto the Venetian embassadour , persuading him to take vp armes against the Turke . 862 k Tamerlan his reasonable and modest answer vnto the other Mahometane princes , crauing his aid against Baiazet . 210 k. in their behalfe sendeth embassadours with presents to Baiazet . l. prouoked by the proud answer of Baiazet , the sollicitation of the oppressed princes , and the persuasion of Axalla resolueth to make war vpō him . 211 b his honourable parentage and auncestours . 212 i. the causes why some report him to haue beene a shepheard or heardsman . k. he himselfe not delighted in bloud . m. marrieth the daughter and heire of the Great Cham of Tartarie , the ground of his greatnes . 213 a. setteth forward against Baiazet . 214 k. his great campe still like vnto a well gouerned citie . 215 b. the number of his great armie . ● . he taketh Sebastia , and burieth all the people quicke . 216 h. staieth the comming of Baiazet . 217 a. disposeth of the order of his battell . 218 k fighteth a great and mortall battell with Baiazet . 219 b. taking him prisoner , causeth him like a wild beast to be shut vp in an yron cage . 220 m. refuseth the Empire of Constantinople , offered him by Emanuell the Emperors embassadors . 221 e. goeth priuatly himselfe to Constantinople . 222 i. much delighted with the situation and pleasures of that citie . k. spoileth the Turks dominions in Asia . l. restoreth vnto the poore Mahometa●e princes oppressed by Baiazet all their auntient inheritances . 223 b. in a great battell ouerthroweth the Sultan of Aegipt neere vnto Aleppo . c. winneth Damasco . d. commeth to Ierusalem . f. taketh Damiata . 224 h. assaulteth Cair● . 225 a driueth the Sultan out of Caire . d. pursueth him to Alexandria . 226 g. chaseth him into Lybia . h ▪ leaueth Calibes to gouerne the countries of Aegipt and Syria . l. conquereth Mesopotamia and Babylon , with the kingdome of Persia. 227 a. returneth to Samarcand . b. the great power he continually kept . 235 c. his death e. Tangrolipix the Turke sent to aid the Persian Sultan . 4 g. by consent of the souldiours chosen Sultan of Persia. l. first Sultan of the Turks . m. hauing slaine Pisasiris Caliph of Babylon in battell ioyneth his dominions vnto his owne . 5 b. inuadeth the Greeke Emperours dominions . f. putteth to death his brother Habramie . 6 i Tancred created prince of Galliley , winneth Apamea and Laodicea . 25 c. after the death of young Bohemund created King of Antioch . 26 i Tarsus in Cilicia yeelded vnto Baiazet . 446 m. Tartar Han his letters vnto the King of Polonia . 1083 c Tauris yeelded to Selymus . 512 c. who contrarie to his promise exacteth a great summe of money from the Taurisians , and so departeth . 513 a. sacked by Solyman . 651 f. taken by the Turks . 991 d. hath a new castle therin built by the Turks in six and thirtie daies . 992 i. miserably spoiled . l. Taurica Che●sonesu● , with the Tartars Precopenses and D●ste●ces subdued by the Turks . 412 m Techellis inuadeth the Turks dominions . 469 c. ouerthroweth Orchanes and Mahometes , Baiazet his nephewes . 471. discomfiteth Caragoses the Viceroy of Natolia . 472 i. killeth Alis Bassa . 474 l. flieth into Armenia . 475● . robbeth a Carauan of marchants , and therefore burnt at Tauris . 476 h. Temeswar taken by the Turks . 756 g Temurtases , Baiazet his lieutenant in Asia , taken prisoner by Aladin the young King of Caramania . 208 k. againe set at libertie , hangeth the Caramanian King. m. Teufenbach taketh Sabatska . 1026 k. winneth Filek . 1027 c. besiegeth Hatwan . 1032 g. ouerthroweth the Bassa of Buda . h. giueth the same Bassa a second ouerthrow . 1037 f Theobald King of Nauarre maketh an vnfortunat expedition into the Holy land . 99 f. with Lewis the French King goeth against the Moores . 118 k. in his returne dieth of the plague in Sicilia . l. Theodorus Lascaris flieth into Bythinia , and possessing himselfe of many countries , taketh vpon him the name of the Greeke Emperour at Nice . 84 l. he killeth Iat●atines the Turkish Sultā . 87 c Theodorus Lascaris , son to Iohn Batases , chosen Emperour . 108 m. aideth the Sultan of Iconium . 109. c. falleth sicke and dieth . 110 g Theupulus Earle of Paphos vnworthily hanged by the faithlesse Bassa Mustapha . 867 d Thracia spoiled by the Turks . 156 g Tomombeius by the generall consent of the Mamalukes chosen Sultan of Aegipt . 533 d. maketh great preparation against the Turks , and seeketh to entrap them . 538 g. his deuices discouered . i. he fighteth a great battell with Selymus , and is put to the worse . 540 m. raiseth new forces at Caire . 541 c. fortifieth Caire . 542 k. fighteth a great battell in the citie . 545 b. ouercome , flieth . 546 h. driuen out of Caire , raiseth new forces in Segesta . 547 d. distresseth the Turks in passing the bridge made ouer Nilus . 549 b. giueth anotable attempt to haue gained the bridge . f. repulsed and put to flight . 550 i. taken and brought to Selymus . l. tortured , and shamefully put to death . m. Trapezond yeelded to Mahomet the Great . 360 k. Transyluania giuen by Solyman to the child King Iohn his sonne . 716 l Tripolis in Barbarie besieged by Sinan Bassa . 753 a. battered . b. the weakest places thereof and ●ittest to be battered , by a fugitiue Christian discouered to the Turks . d. vpon hard conditions yeelded to the proud and faithlesse Bassa . 755 d Tunes besieged by Lewis the French king . 119 a. yeelded to Charles the Emperour . 667 c. by him vpon an easie tribute againe restored to Mulcasses . 669 d. againe yeelded to the Turks . 915 d. Turks their originall beginning diuersly reported . 1 c. discended from the Scythians . 2 b. the causes why they left their auntient and naturall seats in Scythia , to seeke for other in countries more Southerly . 2 l. where they first seated themselues in Asia , after their departure out of Scythia . 3 b. their first kingdome erected in Persia by Tangrolipix their first Sultan . 4 l. the Turks first called into Europe by the Catalonians . 152 g. they differ not from the Persian about the interpretation of their law , but about the true successor of their false prophet Mahomet only . 462 i. Turqueminus chosen Sultan of Aegipt . 106 h. Tzihanger refuseth the noble Mustapha his brothers wealth & treasure offered him by his father Solyman , and for sorrow killeth himselfe . 763 e V VAlachia , when first spoiled by the Turks . 204 g. inuaded by Mahomet the Great . 362 g. oppressed by the Turks . 1050 h. in great troubles . 1143 d Valmes fortified by Mahomet the Great . 402 g. Valetta the Grand master of Malta aduertised of Solymans purpose for the inuasion of him & his knights . 793 f. his effectuall speech vnto his knights . 794 g. his great preparation against the Turks comming . k. his whole strength . 796 g. he certifieth Garzias of Toledo , Viceroy of Sicilia , of his estate . l. sendeth a new supplie into the castle S. Elmo , twice before assaulted by the Turks . 798 g. disappointed of a supplie to haue beene brought him by his owne gallies . h. his letters to Garzias the Viceroy of Sicilia . 800 g. he sendeth three of his knights to know the state of them in the castle S. Elmo . 801 e. encourageth his souldiors after the losse of the castle . 803 c. his Christianlike letters to the Gouernor of the citie of Melita . ● . his resolute answere to the messengers sent vnto him from the great Bassa . 804 i. he receiueth a small supply from Sicilia . 805 f. maketh hard shift to send newes of his distresse to the Viceroy of Sicilia . 808 l. his comfortable speech vnto his souldiors , at such time as the Turks were entered the new citie . 814 h. his great carefulnesse . 817 e. his letters to the Grand Prior of Almaine concerning the manner of the Turks proceedings in the siege of Malta . 818 g Venerius the Venetian Admirall and Barbadicus their prouiditor persuade the rest of the Christian confederats to giue battell vnto the Turks at Lepanto . 871 d. comming to the reliefe of Don Iohn , is encountered by Partau Bassa . 879 a. in danger . b. at the request of the Spaniards displaced , but not disgraced . 887 e the Venetians with a great fleet spoile the coasts of Lycia , Pamphilia , and Cilicia . 19 a. in the deuision of the Greeke Empire amongst the Latines had for their share all the rich islands of the Aegeum and Ionian , with the famous island of Candie or Crete . 84 h. enter into confederation with other Christian princes against the Turke . 389 e. they with their confederates doe the Turks great harme . 407 d. receiue a great ouerthrow from the Turks at the riuer of Sontium . 414 k. their marchants in Syria imprisoned by Campson Gauru● the Aegiptian Sultan . 471 b. their Senatours diuersly affected towards the confederation with the Emperour and the French King against Solyman . 693 d. they refuse to yeeld vp Cyprus vnto Selymus , demanding the same . 841 e. make great preparation for their own defence , and craue aid of the other Christian princes . 842 k. what princes promised them aid . l. wearie of the delaies and crosse dealing of the Spaniards their confederats , conclude a peace with Selymus without their knowledge . 904 k. Veradinum besieged by the Turks . 1106 h relieued by the lord Basta . l. Vesprinium taken by the Turks . 1025 c Vfegi Bassa taken prisoner . 500 l. put to death . 501 b Vicegr●de taken by the Christians . 1072 i Victor Capella with a notable speech persuadeth the Venetians to take vp arms against Mahomet the Great . 387 a Vienna by Solyman besieged . 610 k. badly fortified . 611 a the wals blown vp . 612 m. thrice assaulted . f. worthily defended . 614 g. Solyman glad to forsake the siege . i. Villerius chosen Great Master of the Rhodes . 569 d. his letters to Solyman . 571 d. his carefull prouision for defence of his citie . 573 b. 575 e. his notable speech vnto the Rhodians . 576 g. his worthie commendation . 581. in vain craueth aid of the Christian princes . b. recouereth the Spanish bulwarke taken by the Turks . 588 g. his resolute opinion concerning Solymans demaund for the yeelding vp of the Rhodes . 594 g. his answere vnto Solyman , offering vnto him most honourable entertainement . 599 b. he departeth from the Rhodes with his knights vpon New yeares day . 600 g Vladislaus King of Polonia chosen also King of Hungarie . 262 i. sendeth embassadours vnto Amurath lying at the siege of Belgrade . 263 e. goeth himselfe in person against the Turks . 277 b. taketh Sophia . c. spoileth Bulgaria . d. highly commendeth Huniades for his good seruice . 278 i. en●orced with the difficultie of the passage of the mountaine Hemus , retireth with his army . 279 b. by the persuasion of Huniades and others retireth , and in vaine seeketh to haue opened the mountaine passage . 281 d. in his retreat much troubled with the Turks . 282 b. in great triumph returneth to Buda . m. vpon most honourable conditions concludeth a peace with Amurath for ten yeares . 289 b. by solemne oath confirmeth the league he had made with Amurath . c. absolued of that his oath by Iulian the Cardinall of S. Angell , resolueth for the prosecution of his wars against the Turke . 292 i. by his embassadours and letters craueth aid of Scanderbeg . 293 a. setteth forward against the Turks . 295 e. fighteth the great and vnfortunat battell at Varna . 297 b. it there himselfe slaine . 298 h Vl●zales in the battell of Lepanto taketh twelue of the Venetian gallies . 882 i. seeing the rest of the Turks fleet discomfited , flieth himselfe . m. is by Selymus the next yeare sent out with two hundred gallies against the Venetians and their confederats . 888 l. meaning nothing lesse , maketh shew of battell . 892 h. cunningly retireth . i. flieth from Nauarinum into the bay of Modon . 895 c. returneth with his weake fleet to Constantinople . 902 m Vranacontes by Scanderbeg appointed Gouernour of Croia against the comming of Amurath . 322 l. with chearfull speech encourageth his souldiors . e. reiecteth Amurath his presents , and threateneth the Bassa by whom they were sent . 329 d Vstres Bassa of Van inciteth Amurath to make warre against the Persians . 925 a. by Amurath commaunded to begin the warre , which he readily performeth . 926 h Vsun-Cassanes the Persian King sendeth embassadours with presents to Mahomet the Great . 359 b. marieth Despina , the daughter of Calo Ioannes , Emperour of Trapezond . 409 b. in a great battell ouerthroweth Zenza the Persian king , and killeth Cariasuphus his sonne , the last of the posteritie of the mightie Tamerlan . 409 g. in a great battell ouerthrowne by Mahomet the Great . 410 l. his death . 411 a W WAlpo trecherously yeelded vnto the Turks , and the traitours iustly rewarded . 736 h Warres by Amurath the third proclaimed against the Emperour Rodolph . 123 f Waswood , an old Ianizarie , his presumptuous speech vnto Mahomet the great Sultan . 1063 b. taken out of prison by the rest of the Ianizaries . e. Water deare sold. 665 b W●hitz the metropoliticall citie of Croatia taken by the Turks . 1015 e William King of Sicilia inuadeth the tyrant Andronicus his dominions , taketh the citie of Dyrrhachium , passeth through Macedonia , and spoileth the countrey , meeteth with his fleet at Thessalonica , which be also taketh by force and spoileth . 51 b William Long-Espie Earle of Sarisburie with a band of tall souldiours goeth into the Holy land . 102 l. his stout answere vnto Earle Robert the French Kings brother . 104 k. valiantly fighting , is slaine . 105 a Wladus prince of Valachia putteth Mahomet the Great in feare . 362 k. Wladus cruell . m. dieth in battell against the Turks . 363 e Wine for a space running down the streets of Constantinople , as if it had beene water after a shower of raine . 1142 l Wolfgangus Hoder vpon the Danubius doth good seruice against the Turks . 612 k. X XAycu● , paymaster of the Rhodes entrapped by the Turks , and sent prisoner to be tortured at Constantinople . 575 c Xene the faire Empresse , the young Emperour Alexius his mother maliciously accused of treason , and so wrongfully condemned . 407 f. by the commaundement of Andronicus strangled in prison , and so poorely buried . 48 k. Xiphilinus by Alexius sent ouer to Andronicus , dealeth vnfaithfully in his message . 45 c Y YOland daughter to king Iohn crowned queene of Ierusalem , and after by her father giuen in marriage to Fredericke the Emperour . 96 g Z ZAcharias Groppa fighteth a combat with Ahemaze a Turke . 373 a Zachell Moises the Transyluanian princes lieutenant in battell ouerthrowne by Basta . 1143 c. flieth vnto the Turks . 1145 e. Zacynthus , Neritus , and Cephalenia taken by Achmetes Bassa . 426 l Zamoschie the great Chancellor of Polonia staieth the Tartars from the inuading of Moldauia . 1079 c. inuadeth Moldauia himselfe . 1080 g. his letters vnto Clement the Pope that now is , in defence of himselfe and of that he had done in Moldauia . 1084 k. driueth Michaell the Vayuod out of Valachia , & placeth another in his stead . 1128 b Zanius the Venetian Admirall with a fleet of an hundred and seuenteene saile commeth to Corcyra . 849 b. he with the confederats setteth forwards towards Cyprus . d. vpon the foule disagreement of the great commaunders returneth . 853 e. discharged of his office and sent in bonds to Venice . 854 b Zembenic castle the place where the Turks first began to settle themselues in Europe . 185 b Zemes riseth in rebellion against his elder brother Baiaze● . 438 h. ouerthrowne in battell by his brother , flieth to Cay●beius the Sultā of Aegipt . 439 b. he with the Caramanian King goeth against his brother Baiazet . 441 b. flieth to sea . 442 g. deliuered vnto Pope Innocent the eight . 446 h. by Pope Alexander deliuered to Charles the French King. 452 h. dieth within three daies after being before by the Pope poysoned , as is supposed . i. his dead bodie sent to Constantinople , and honorably afterwards buried at Prusa . 452 k. Zenza the Persian king in a great battell ouerthrowne and slaine by Vsun-Cassanes . 409 e Zerbi island inuaded by the Christian fleet set forth for the recouerie of the citie of Tripolis in Barbarie . 783 e. the castle of Zerb● yeelded vnto the Spaniards . f. a great part of the Christian fleet oppressed at Zerbi by the sudden comming of Piall Bassa the Turks Admirall . 784 m. the castle of Zerbi besieged by the Turke . 785 b. yeelded vnto the Turks . d. the Turks in triumph returne with victorie to Constantinople . 786 g Zingis passing ouer the mountaines Caucasus and Taurus conquereth the Turks dominions . 75 c Zoganus Bassa by the deuice of a wicked Christian bringeth seuentie of the Turks gallies eight miles ouerland into the hauen of Constantinople . 343 f. persuadeth Mahomet to continue his siege . 345 a Zolnock a strong fortresse of the Christians in the vpper Hungarie taken by the Turks . 756 g FINIS . The Errata . PAge 132. line 32. for and , read , or . page 133. line 46. for Turconians , read , Turcomans . page 133. line 54. for A●terum , read , Artzerum . 136.28 . Iburn , r. Itburn . 166.12 . citie , r. cities . 173.41 . they , r. he . 484.51 . great , r. dread . 192.36 . ouer Callipolis , r. ouer to Callipolis . 208.15 . there , r. other . 214.30 . O●aza , r. Ozara . 233.1 . Lysia , r. Lycia . 244.32 . do not trouble , r. trouble . 248.53 . father , r brother 269.28 . in , r. into . 270.12 . this , r. his . 286.23 . diuers , r. aduerse . 286.26 . prescribe , r. prescribed . 301.39 . to be able , r not to be able . 302 42. Mouea , r. Mocrea . 346.11 . eight . r. eighteene . 364.36 . the , r. their . 388.23 manner , r. manners . 405.14 . Nigrophonte , r. Nigropont 407.4 . Alymbeius , r. Asymbeius . 412.16 . portion . ● . pen●io● . 468.18 . this , r. the. 479.16 . part● ▪ r. ports . 487.51 . his , r. hie . 421.52 . his g●eat Mahometane , r ▪ his great knowledge in the Mahometane . 322.5 . ea●● and , r. to ease . 525.39 . citie Euphrates , r. riuer Euphrates . 536.17 . drawne , r. driuen . 568.48 e●uying , r. enuaying . 619.3 . end quarrell , r. end that quarrell . 628.54 . Hungarian fleet , r. Christian fleet . 629.27 Iosuphius and old captaine , read , Iosuphus an old captaine . 630.12 . excepted , r. accepted . 631.45 . returne , r. turne . 634.28 . homage . r. honour . 655.16 . Visinus , r. Vrsinus . 656.25 . tooken , r. taken . 664.2 . he , r. they . 710.11 . i● , r. vnto . 714.3 . superstitious , read , suspitious 717 , 15. not so euill , r. not so well . 721.19 . were fled ▪ r. were led . 736.30 . Soctosia , r. Soclosia . 750 14. Tuscunie , r. Tuscanie . 766.37 . peopled , r. people . 767.15 . Faurinum , r. Iauarin●m . 769.7 . mischantments , r. inchantments . 770.2 . readie , r. alreadie come . 770.5 . pretended , r. preuented . 770.49 . father , r. fauour . 788.42 . A● Genua me begat , r. As Genua did me beget . 788.45 . by force , r. my force . 793.13 . him , r them . 840.3 . from Venice , r. to Venice . 862.17 . for , r. of . 863 1. two thousand , r. two hundred thousand . 886. ●2 . carefulnesse , r. carelesnesse . 892.1 . gallies , r. galeasses . 903.9 lying , r. dying . 909.50 . hands , r. heads . 911.49 . Veremias , r. Ieremias . 919.23 . September , r. December 924.16 . Hari , r. Heri . 933.8 . Ginsuf , r. Gi●suf , 936.31 . Sirua , r. Siruan 945.16 pid , r. did . 953 . ●3 subsisted , r. substituted . 994.27 a Bassa , r. the Ba●●a 1008.10 . being doing , r. ●e doing . 1008.35 . lesse , r. least . 1015.41 . Yna , r. Vna . 1018.32 part , r. part● . 1045.27 . from the came , r. from the campe . 1064.36 . sat before , sat downe before . 1065.17 . with resistance ▪ r. without resistance . 1074.23 . Varuinar , r. Varuiuar . 1079.19 . his , r. this . 1089.25 . ●earing , r. hearing . 1094.18 . heart , r. Hart. 1122.13 . their , r. his . 1148.54 . towne , r. tower . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A04911-e240 Lament . Hieremiae , cap. secundo . Granado in Spaine was recouered from the Sarasins by king Ferdinand in the year 1491 . V●●g . 〈◊〉 sexia . The order of the Authors proceeding in the writing of this Historie . Notes for div A04911-e1400 Diuers opinions concerning the beginning of the Turk● . 2. King. cap. 17. 4. Esdr. cap. 13. Io. Leunclauius Pa●dect . cap. 22. Sebast. Munsterus vniuersalis Cosmographiae lib. 3. Scythia the natiue countrey of the Turks . Pompon . Mela . lib. 1. cap. vlt. Plinius Secundus lib. 6. cap 7. The 〈◊〉 agreement betwixt the Turks and Scythians . When and for what causes the Turks left their antient and naturall seats in Scythia , to seeke others in the countries more Southerly . 755 844 Sabellicus Ennead . 9. lib. 2. Armenia ( now called Turcomania ) the first 〈◊〉 of the Turks after their first comming out of Scythia . Togra , otherwise called Tangrolipix sent to aid the Persian Sultan . Mahomet the Persian Sultan goeth himselfe with an armie against Tangroli●ix . Tangrolipix by consent of the souldier● , m●le Sultan of Persia . Tangrolipix first Sultan of the Turks . When the Turks first receiued the Mahometane superstition . Cutlu Muses sent by Tangrolipix against the Arabians . Cutlu Muses rebelleth against Tangrolipix . The Turks embassadour contemned of the emperour . Tangrolipix inuadeth the empero●rs dominions . Dissen●ion betw●xt Tangrolipix , and his brother Habramie A●●m . Cutlu Muses flie●● into Arabia . Couetousnes and lacke of Reward the deca● of the Constantinopolitane empire . Ludocia the empresse contrarie to her oath desirou● to ●●●rie . Diogenes Roma●nus of a prisone●● by the empresse made general● of her armie . Eudocia marrieth Diogenes Romanus and proclaimeth him emperour . The prouinces of the empire spoiled by the Turks . The Turks discomfited by Diogenes the emperour . Diogenes 〈◊〉 with a great armie agains● the Turks . Axan the Sultan sendeth embassadours vnto Diogenes for peace . Iohn Ducas a notable Traitor , cause of the flight of the emperours armie . Diogenes the emperour taken by the Turks . Eudocia the empresse deposed by the traitour Iohn Duca● ▪ Psellu● ▪ and others . Diogenes the emperour taken prisoner by Andronicus . The miserable death of Diogenes the emperor . Axan the Sultan seeketh to reuenge the death of Diogenes . Cutlu-Muses with his sonnes and kinsmen take vp armes against Axan the Sultan . A most hurtfull order for the Christian common weale . The ground of the error of diuers writers about the successours of Tangrollpix , otherwise of them called Sadoch . Peter a French herm●t goeth on pilgrimage to Ierusalem . The description of Peter the Heremit . The letters of Simon Patriarch of Ierusalem , and of the Grand-master of the Hospitaler● vnto the Pope and other Christian prince● , in the behalfe of the oppressed Christians in Ierusalem . Rome , and Constantinople , which was also called Noua Roma , or new Rome . The Councell at Claremont in France . An expedition agreed vpon by the Cou●sell , ●or the release of the Christ●ans oppressed in the H●ly land . The 〈◊〉 command●●s of t●e ●hristians in 〈…〉 to the Holy l●●d . Godfrey duke of Buillion an● the other Christian princes meet together at Constantinople . Nice besieged by the Christian● . 1097 A cruell battell ●ought betwixt the Turks and the Christians . Solyman slieth . Antioch in Pis●lia taken by the Christians . Heraclea yeelded . Sultan Solyman his letters vnto the Persian Sultan Axan . The Christians bind themselues by oath , neuer to returne vntill they had wonne the Holy citie . Antioch in Siria besieged by the Christians . The description of the famous citie of Antioch . Antioch betraied vnto the Christians . Cassianus gouernour of Antioch in flying slaine . 1098 The letters of Bohemund prince of Tarentum , to his brother Roger prince of Apuli● , concerning the winning of Antioch . Edessa in vaine besieged by the Turk● . Corbanas the Sultane lieutenant , with a great armie commeth to recouer againe the citie of Antioch . Bohemund chosen prince of Antioch . The plague in the Christian armie . Discord arising vpon emulation betwixt Bohemund and Raimund . The exceeding joy of the Christians vpon the first descrying of the Holy citie . Ierusalem reedified by the great emperour Aelius Adrianus . A briefe discourse of the state & fortune of the Holy citie of Ierusalem , from the destruction thereof , vnder Vespatianus the emperor and Titus his sonne , vntill it was now againe recouered out of the hands of the Infidels by Godfrey of Buillion and the other Christian princes of the West . Ierusalem besieged by the Christians . The Genowa●e● come to the siege . A most cruell and bloodie sight betwixt the Christians and the Turks , euen in the Temple of Ierusalem . 1099 Godfrey duke of Buillon by the generall consent of the Christian armie chosen first king of Ierusalem . An hundred thousand Turks and Sarasins slaine . Godfrey of Buillon first Christian king of Ierusalem , dieth of t●e pl●g●● . 1100 Baldwin count●● of Edessa , and brother to Godfrey second king of Ierusalem . 1101 King Baldwin mortally wounded . Ptolomais woon by king Baldwin . Bohemund dieth at Antioch . 1111 Sidon woon . 1118 Baldwin Br●gensis chosen king of Ierusalem . 1118 1120 1122 I●ppa besieged b● the Sarasins . T●re b●si●●ed by the Christians . 1124 Damasco in vai●e besieged by the Christians . The death of Baldwin the second , the third king of Ierusalem . 1131 Ca●o Ioannes 〈◊〉 Greeke empe●●u● se●keth 〈…〉 . T●e death of 〈…〉 the Greeke emperour . The miserab●● 〈…〉 of Ierusalem . Baldwin the third of that name , fift king of Ierusalem . 1142 Conrade third emperor of Germanie taketh vpon him an expedition into the Holy land . Conrade the emperour not suffred to enter into Constantinople . The Turke with 〈…〉 . A notable speech of Conrade the emperour to encourage his soldiers to aduenture the riuer Meander . The Turks ouerthrowen by the Christians with a woonderfull slaughter . Nicetas Choniates Annali primo rerum à Manuele Comoeno Imperatore gestar . fol. 139. Iconium in vaine besieged by the Christian● 1146 The honourable expedition of Lewis the French king , by the malice of the Greeks , and 〈◊〉 of other Christian princes of Syria frustrated and brought to naught . Damasco in vaine besieged by Lewis the French king . 1147 Paneade taken and sacked by the Turks . Paneade ●gaine repaired by the Christians . The death of king Bald●in lamented by his ●●●mies . 1163 D●scord amongst the T●●k● in the lesser ●sia . Mas●t the Sultan deuideth his kingd●m amōgst 〈◊〉 three s●nnes . Another foolish Icarus . Nicetas Choniates re●um ab imperat . Manuele Comnen● gestar . lib. 3. fol. 143. Vnkindnesse betwixt the emperour and the Sultan . . Baldwin slain● ▪ The miserie of the Christians by the Turks inclosed in the straits . The emperour in great perpl●●itie . The desperat resolution of the emperour . A mo●● miserab●e spectacle . The emperour in danger to haue been tak●n ▪ notably defendeth himselfe . The malapert speech of an insol●nt soldiour to the emperour . The great patience of the emperour ▪ The ●earfull resolution of the emperour . A sharpe reprehension of a common soldior vnto the emperour . The emperour returneth . The emperour a●together 〈◊〉 not what he h●d 〈◊〉 to the Sultan . . Andronicus aspireth . Ambition couered with the zeale of the commonweale . Andronicus departeth from Oenum towards Constantinople . Androni●us encampeth in sight ouer against Constantinople . Xiphilinus sen● ouer to Andronicus , dealeth ●●faithfully in d●●ng his messag● . The proud answer of Andronicus . Contostephanus reuolteth to Andronicus . Alexius in despaire . Alexius and his friends apprehended . A strange alteration . Alexius broght to Andronicus , hath his eyes put out . The meeting of the Patriarch & Andronicus . Andronicus passeth ouer the stra●● . Andronicus taketh vpo● him the gouernment . Andronicus tyrannizeth . A miserable state of a commonweale . Mary the daughter of Emanuell with her husband Caesar , poysoned by Andronicus . Xene the empresse accused of treason , and condemned . Dangerous to speake the truth to a tyrant . A wicked counsell . The miserable death of the empresse . The slie practise o● Andronicus in aspiring to the empire . Alexius depriued of the empire Alexius cōdemned to die . Alexius the emperour cruelly strang●●d . An vnequall mariage . Androni●us seeketh 〈◊〉 ●●●annie to establish his estate . Exceeding crueltie . Isaack Angelus taketh sa●ctuary The people in a tumult ●e●ort vnto Angelus . Andronicus in vaine seeketh to appease the tumultuous people . Isaack Angelus by the people in a 〈◊〉 saluted emperour . Andronicus forsaken of his flattering fauourits . A strange chāge . Andronicus the emperour taken and brought in bonds to Angelus . Andronicus the emperor hanged vp by the heeles . Nicetas Chomates Annal. l●b 1. fol. 161. col . 4. Isaack Angelus the em●e●our 〈…〉 . Isaack the emperour 〈◊〉 frō the empire ▪ and 〈◊〉 of his 〈…〉 brother 〈◊〉 . Cazast●lan the Turk● Sultan 〈…〉 vpon the 〈◊〉 empire in the ●●sser Asia . . The sonnes of Clizas●lan at variance among themselues . Almericus 〈◊〉 king of Hierusalem . Noradin the Turke discomfited by the Christians . . A●●●andria yee●ded to A●me●icus . 1167 Pelusium take●● by Almericus . The Sultan of Aegypt vnder the colour of friendship slain● by Saracon . How the kingdome of Aegypt first fell into the hands of the Sarasins , with the notable alterations thereof . 1170 1171 1173 Baldwin the fourth of that name seuenth king of Hierusalem . Saladin ouerthrowne by king Baldwin . 1177 The Christians deuiding the spoil , ouerthrown by the Turks . Saladin goeth 〈◊〉 of Aegypt to Damasco . Galiley spo●led , and the castle of Bu●● taken by the Turks . Berytus in vain besieged by the Turks . Saladin inuading Mesopotamia , i● himselfe inuaded by the king of Hierusalem . Aleppo betraied vnto the Turks . Petra in vaine besieged by the Turks . Discord in the court of Hierusalem . King 〈◊〉 sendeth embassadours vnto the Christian princes of the West for aid . 1185 〈…〉 of Hierusalem . Saladin vpō the discord of the Christians , taketh occasion to inuade the Holy land . Ptolemais besieged by Saladin . 1187 Guy king of Hierusalem taken prisoner . Hierusalem besieged . Hierusalem taken by Saladin . . The famous city of Antioch betrayed vnto the Turkes . 1160 Fredericke the emperour setteth forward towards the Holy land . Fredericke the emperours sonne 〈◊〉 generall of the Christian armie . A great battell betwixt the Turks and the Christians . Ptolemais assaulted by the Christians . An old grudge betwixt Philip the French king and Richard king of England King Richard reuengeth the iniurie done vnto his people by the Cipriots . King Richard arriueth at Ptolemais . 1191 The French king s●ea●●th vnto king Ri●hard , in 〈◊〉 absence not to inuade his territories in France . King Richard marcheth with his army towards Hierusalem . A notable battel fought betwixt king Richard & Saladin . King Richard purposing to haue besieged Hierusalem ▪ ●s by the ba●kward●es of the French enforced to retire . King Richard 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 a pea●e with Saladin . King Richard returning out of the Holy land taken prisoner by Leopold duke of Austria . 1197 The Turks ouerthrown by the Christians . Ioppe repaired by the Christians The Germaine princes returne home . 1199 Kingdomes after the manner of other things haue but their time to flourish in , and so againe decay . The Turks driuē out of Persia by the Tartars . 1202 The beginning of the Aladinian kingdome in the lesser Asia , as Sebastia and Iconium . Alexius the yong prince cra●eth aid of Philip the emperour and the Latine princes against his vncle the vsurper . Great preparation made by the Christians for an expedition into the Holy land . Alexius cōmeth vnto the armie . A great ●leet of the Latine● before Constantinople . The Latines by force enter the hauen of Constantinople . A hot skirmish betwixt the Greekes and the Latines at their landing . Isaack the old emperour taken out of prison , and againe saluted emperour , together with young Alexius his son . 〈◊〉 seeketh 〈◊〉 bring the Latines 〈…〉 citie . The 〈…〉 in an vpro●e . Murzu●●e attempteth to burne the Venetian fleet . Murzufle encourageth his souldiers . Constantinople hardly besieged . Constantinople set on fire . Nicetas Choniates , annal●um . fol. 180. 1204 The Greeke empire diuided amongst the Latines . The beginning of the empire of 〈◊〉 by the Comneni . Hadrianople besieged by the Emperour Baldwin . 1206 Henry second emperour of the Latines in Constantinople● Antioch besieged by Iathatines . Iathatines the Sultan slaine by Theodorus Lascaris the Greeke emperour . Iohn Brenne by Innocentius the Pope appointed king of Hierusalem . 1209 Corradin and Meledin deuide their fathers kingdome betwixt them . The situation of Damiata in Aegypt . A desperat act of a Christian. Damiata in vain assaulted . A faire offer euill refused . Succours sent vnto the besieged . D●●●ata without resistance 〈◊〉 by the Ch●●stians . D●ama●a 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 . 1221 1222 Pelagius the Legat persuadeth the prince● of the Christian armie to proceed for the conquest of Aegypt . The miserie of the Christians in the drowned land . The death of ●enry emperour ●● Constantinople . Peter emperour . Robert emperor of Cōstantinople . An horrible ●utrage committed vpon the person of an empresse . Baldwin the las● emperour of the Latines in Constantinople . Iohn Batazes made empe●or of the Greekes in Asia . Plentie ensuing of peace . An imperiall ●●owne bought with egge mony . 1227 1228 1229 Fredericke the emperor crowned king of Hierusalem . 1230 The vnfortunat expedition of the king of Nauarr● into the Holy land . The Christians by persuasion of the 〈…〉 their le●gue with the Turke● ▪ 1234 Hierusalem taken and rased by the Turks . 1248 King Lewis setteth forward toward the Holy land . 1249 The citizens of Damiata set fire vpon the citie ▪ and ran away by the light . A faire 〈◊〉 sondly refused . Earle Robert in flying , drowned ▪ The earle of Salisburie valiātly sighting , sla●●● . The gouernor of Caire apprehended . The beginning of the Mamalukes and their kingdome . The ruine of the Turk● kingdome in Aegypt . The emperour in 〈◊〉 with Marcesina . Marcesina the emper●●r 〈…〉 of the church . Th●odorus Las●●●● chosen empero●r . The death of Theodorus the Greeke emperor . Enuie in Cou●● . Muzalo trait●●rously murdered in the church . Michael Paleologus aspireth . Michaell Paleologus crowned emperor by Arsenius the Patriarch . 1260 Haalon the Tartar sent with a great armie against the Turks . Aleppo rased by the Tartars . Damasco woon ▪ The Aegyptian Sultan inuadeth Siria . Antioch taken from the Christians . 1261 Paleologus the G●e●ke emperor taketh possession o● the citie of Constantinople● Paleologus ●ealous of his estate . Paleologus causeth the yong emperours eyes to be put out . Iathatines dieth in exile . 1270 Carthage besieged by K. Lewis . Ca●thage woon . The Christian princes returning from Tunes suffer shipwracke vpon the coast of Sicilia . 1271 Prince Edward 〈…〉 . Prince Edward wounded . 1273 Rodolph the emperour taketh vpon him the Crosse. Henry the prince taken prisoner & sent to Caire . 1289 Tripolis won and rased by Elpis the Aegyptian Sultan . Sydon and Berythus rased . Tyre yeelded . The miserable estate of a citie about to perish . 1291 Ptolemais bes●eged . Ptolemais in vaine assaulted by the Sultan . Cassanes the Tartar int●adeth Syria . Hierusalem takē and repaired by Cassanes . The description of Cassa●es . The citie of Hierusalem with all Syria againe recouered by the Aegyptian Sultan . 1300 The death of Mesoot and Cei-Cubades . The Turks kingdome rent in sunder by themselues . The Turks Anarchie . Caramania . Saruchania . Carasia . Aidinia . Bolli . Mendesia . Othoman 〈…〉 familie . Notes for div A04911-e35390 Phi. Lonicerus hist. Turc . lib. 1. All worldly things subiect to change . The greatest kingdomes haue in time taken end , and so come to naught . Solyman , Sultan of Machan forsaketh his kingdome for ●●are of the Tartars . Romania Asiatica . The sonnes of Solyman , and their first aduentures . The Christians of Cara-Chisar fall ou● with the Turks . Small things in time of trouble yeeld vnto the wise great content . Othoman ●●●orous of Malhatun a countrey maid . A ●olly common vnto ●●uers . No friendship in ●oue . Othoman besieged & in danger for his loue . The Oguzian Turks in doubt of whom to mak● choice for their Gouernour . The castle of Chal●e surprised by 〈◊〉 ▪ The Christians 〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉 Othom●n consulteth with his brother 〈◊〉 what 〈◊〉 to take for the oppresing of the Christians 〈◊〉 neighbours . Othoman 〈◊〉 in order his 〈◊〉 commonweale . Michael Cossi inuiteth Othoman to the ma●●age of his daughter . The captaine of Belizuga ●●●acherously seeking the death of Othoman , is by him , himselfe slaine . Othoman by admini●●ration of iustice strengtheneth his gouernment . The ●ity of Nice besi●ged by Othoman . 1300 Neapolis the first regall citi● of the Othoman king● . Prusa bes●●ge● by Othoman . Michael Cossi turneth Turke . Alteration of Religion in the Greeke Church . Persecution in the Greeke Church for matters of Religion . Immoderat bountie in great men dangerous . Alexi●s Philanthropenus aspireth . Libadarius opposeth himselfe against the proce●●i●g● of Philanthropenus . Andronicus the Greeke emperor reposing mo●e ●ust 〈…〉 his owne subiects , greatly hurteth his state . Ronzerius what he was . 〈◊〉 for want o● pay spoileth the emperors subiects . Ronzerius 〈◊〉 . The Turks first called into Europe by the Catalonians . The Turcopuli . The vnfortunat battell of Michael the emperour against the Catalonians and Turks . Cassand●●● . The Catalonians shut out of Macedonia . . The Turks 〈…〉 two fa●t●●ns . The vnfortu●at battell of the emperour Michael Paleologus with the Turks in Chersones●●s . Thracia spoiled by the Turks . Philes Paleologus requesteth of the emperour , that he might goe against the Turks . The battell betwixt Philes and the Turks . The Turks ouerthrowne . The causes of the decay of the Greeke empire . Syrgiannes his cra●tie sedi●iou● speech vnto yoong Andronicus . 〈◊〉 Andronicus commeth secret●y armed vnto his grandfat●●r . Thracia reuol●eth vnto Andronicus . Articles of agreemēt betwixt the old emperour and his nephew . The Greeke empire in Europe deuided . Whilest the Greekes are at discord among th●selues , Othoman layeth the foundation of the Turks empire , and the other Turks encroch vpon them also . The Island of the Rhodes was by the knights Hospitalers recouered from the Turks in the yeare 1308. Andronicus the old emperor seeketh for counsell of the Psalter , as of an heauenly Oracle , and so seeketh to make peace with his nephew . Psal. 68. vers . 14. A treacherous meeting . The yong emperour sendeth embassadours vnto his grandfather . The speech of the yong emperor vnto his grandfathers embassadors . The speech of the old emperor ●nto the Pat●●ar●h and the rest of the bish●ps & 〈…〉 the young emperour his ●ephew . The Patriarch with diuers of the bishops conspire against the old emperour . Thessalonica yeelded vnto the yong emperour . Constantinople betraied vnto the young emperour . The pitifull supplication of the old emperour vnto his nephew . Niphon incenseth the yoong emperor against his grandfather . The old emperor be●●meth blind . Andronicus the old emperour against h●● will m●de a Monke , and called Anthonie . The notable answere of the old emperour to the catching question of the proud Patriarch . The death of the o●d emperour . The Turks kingdome founded by Othoman in Asia , at such time as the Greeke emperors were as variance betwixt themselues in Europe . Prusa yeelded vnto the Turks . The death of Othoman . Othoman 〈◊〉 at Prusa . Notes for div A04911-e44420 The wealth that Othoman left vnto his two sonnes , Orchanes , and Aladin . When that barbarous manner of murthering their breth●e● , first began among the Turkish Sultans . The city of Nice with diuers other castles recouered from the Turks after the death of Othoman . The emperour wounded . The city of Nice surprised by the Turks . Abydus besieged by the Turks . Nicomedia yeelded vnto Orchanes . Orchanes remoueth his court to Nice . Orchanes inuadeth the country of Carasi●a . The countrey of Carasina yeelded vnto Orchanes . The castle of Maditus taken by the Turks . Calipolis taken by the Turkes . The death of Solyman Bassa , Orchanes his eldest sonne ▪ The death of Orchanes . Notes for div A04911-e47070 * Lazarum Seruiae principe● . Lazar●● ▪ Despot of 〈◊〉 . Amurath succeedeth his father Orchanes in the Turkish kingdome . Didymotichum yeelded vnto the Turks . Hadrianople yeelded vnto the Turks . Rh●destum sur●●ised by the Turks . Hadrianople the royall sea● of the Turkish kings in Europe . Boga taken by Amurath , and recouered again and rased by the Christians . Boga new bu●●● by ●he Turks . Amurath in●●deth Seruia . Nissa taken by the Turks . Appolonia woon by the Turks . Amurath and Aladin prepare themselues for wa●●e . The death of Chairadin Bassa . The great battaile in the plaines of Caramania betwixt Amurath and Aladin . Aladin flyeth to Iconium . Iconium besieged by Amurath . Lazarus the Despot by his embassadour craueth ayd of the king of Bozna . Amurath maried the emperour of Constantinople his daughter . The castle of Sarkiu● with the citie ioining vnto it , taken by the Christians , and rased . Lazarus slaine . Amurath slain . Amurath bur●●ed at Prusa . Notes for div A04911-e52480 Phi. Lonicer . Hist. Tur. li. 1. Baiazet i●●adeth Seruia . Seruia the second time inuaded by Baiazet . ●●●ladel●hia 〈◊〉 by Baiazet . Thessa●●a in●●ded by Baia●et . Constantinople eight yeares besieged by Baiaze● Constantinople the second time besieged by Baiazet . Baiazet 〈◊〉 Despina the faire daughter of Lazarus the Despot . Temurtase● , Baiazet his great 〈◊〉 ●enant in Asia taken prisoner by Ala●●● the young 〈◊〉 of Ca●amani● Amasia yeelded vnto Baiazet . Sebastia deliuered to Baiazet . Baiazet inuadeth Isfendiar ▪ prince of Castamona . The Mahometan princes of Asia oppressed by Baiazet , disgu●sed flye vnto Tamerlane for aid . Tamerlane his opinion concerning the diuersitie of religions . The base opinion some haue , concerning the birth and rising of Tamerlane . Tamerlane honorably d●scēded . The cause why some haue reported him to haue been a shepheard or heardsman . Tamerlane marrieth the daughter and heire of the great Chae●● of Tartari● . Prince Axalla in great credit with Tamerlane . The number of Tamerlane his great armie . Sebastia besieged by Tamerlane . Sebastia yeelded to Tamerlane . A shepheard more happie than Baiazet . The prince of Ciarcan dealeth politickly with the forerunners of the Turks armie . The great and mortall battaile betwixt Baiazet and Tamerlane . The prince of Ciarcan s●a●ne . The Turks ouerthrowne . Baiazet and his sonne Musa taken prisoners . Baiazet brought before Tamerlane with his pride . Baiazet like a beast shut vp in an iron cage . Solyman set ●p in his fathers s●ead . Prusa taken by Axalla . Tamerlane goeth to Constantinople . Tamerlan much de●ighted with the p●easures of Constantinople . A great battell fought betwixt the Sultan of Aegypt and Tamberlane . Damasco woon by Tamerlane . Tamerlane commeth to Ierusalem . Damiata taken by Axalla . Tamerlane march●th towards Ca●er . Caler b●sieged by Tamerlane . Caier assaulted by Tamerlane . The Sultan flieth from Alexandria . Tamerlane desirous to returne into his country . The mis●rabl● death o● Baiazet . A comparison betwixt Baiazet and Tamerlane . Baiazet in his poste●●●ie more f●rtunat than Tamerlane . Notes for div A04911-e60640 Phil. Lonicer . Hist. Turc . lib. 1. Diuers opinions concerning the successours of Baiazet . The true poster●tie of Baiazet . Mahomet Gouernor of Amasia . Mahomet sendeth spies into Tamerlane his campe . Cara Dulet slaine . Mahomet his letters to Inall Ogli the Tartar pince . Inall Ogli his answere to Mahomet . Inall Ogli ouerthrowne by Mahomet . Mahomet his speech to Tamerlans embassador . The great power Tamerlane continually kept . The death of Tamerlane . The discription of Tamerlane . Paulus Iouius Illust. virorum , Elog. lib. 1. pag. 97. Mahomet goeth against his brother Isa. The answ●re of Isa to Mahomet his o●●ers . The bodie of Baiazet honourab●y 〈◊〉 at Prusa . Good counsell . Isa with a great armie sent by his brother Solyman into Asia against Mahomet . Prusa burnt by Isa. Isa ●lieth into Caramania ; and there dieth in obscuritie . The castle of ●rusa besieged 〈◊〉 Solyman . Musa marieth the prince of Valachia his daughter . Musa in the absence of Solyman recei●ed at Hadrianople as king Musa goeth against So●yman . Solyman flyeth . Solyman strangled by his brother Musa . This Solyman is that same whom some call Celebinus , and other-some Calepinus , and reckon him for the fift king of the Turks . The battaile betwixt the two brethren , Mahomet and Musa . Mahomet his letters vnto the prince Dulgader Ogli , his father in law . The answere of prince D●lgader Ogli to Mahomet . Hadrianople besieged by Mahomet . Musa his cheefe captaines reuolt to Mahomet . Musa taken . Musa strangled . 1415. Prusa burnt by the Caramanian king . 1416 Mahomet inuadeth the Caramanian king . 1417 Valachia tributarie to the Turke . Burgluzes slain . Bedredin hanged Mahomet dieth at Hadrianople . The death of Mahomet cunningly concealed from the Ianizaries , by the t●ree great Bassaes. Notes for div A04911-e70610 Phil. Lonicer . Hist. Turc lib. 1. Murat is the same that we ca●● Desiderius . Mustapha the supposed sonne of Baiazet raiseth rebellion against Amurath . Mustapha ●lyet● . Mustapha h●●ged . Two Asapi sold by a Ianizarie for a sheepes head . Constantinople in vain besieged by Amurath . Mustapha betraied & strangled . Eiuases-Bassa 〈◊〉 put out . The king of Caramania slaine . Thessalonica besieged . Thessalonica takē by Amurath . Plague among the Turks . Hungarie spoiled by Amurath . Amurath contrary to his faith inuadeth Seruia and subdueth it . Vladislaus accepteth of the kingdome offered . Belgrade besieged of the Turk● . Belgrade in vain assaulted . The notable speech of Amurath●●●ncourage 〈◊〉 souldiors to the assault of Belgrade . Belgrade notably defended by the Christians . Amurath his answer● to the embassadours . 1440 Transiluania inuaded and spoiled by Mesites Bassa . Huniades flieth . Huniades & the bishop of Alba-Iula entrapped by the Turks . A great battell betwixt Mesites and Huniades . Great reioicing for the victorie . The speech of an old Turke , in deliuering the present vnto the king . Valachia grieuousl● spoiled by the Turks . The most Christian speech of Huniades to encourage his souldiours against the Turks . A cruell barrell betwixt Huniades and Abedin Bassa . The Turks ●lie . The effectuall speech of Iulian the Popes legate in the parl●ment to persuade the warre . The pitifull com●●●●● of the Des●ot , of t●e cruelti● of the Turks , persuad●●● the Hun●●●ians to take the warre against them in hand . Sophia taken . Huniades with ten thousand horsemen assa●leth the Turks by night . The meeting of Vladislaus and Huniades after the victorie . The Hungarian● inforced with the diff●cultie of the passage of the mountaine Hemus , retire . A great battell betwixt Huniades & the Bassa Carambey . The Turks ouerthrowne , and Carambry taken prisoner . Scanderbeg reu●lteth from the Turks . Vladislaus se●keth in value to open the passage of the mountain● Hemus . The Hungarians much troubled in passi●g a thicke ●ood . Vladislaus honorably receiued at Buda . Scanderbeg wisely dissembleth his desire for the deliuerse of himselfe and his countrey . Scanderbeg commeth with his arm●● to Petrel●a . Petrella yeelded vnto Scanderbeg . Petra-Alba yeelded . Stellusa yeelded by the garrison . A notable speech of a common soldior to the rest of his f●llowes for the holding out of the citie against Scanderbeg . Scanderbeg his short answere to the souldiors speech . Desdrot gouernour of Stellusa , executed . Macedonia spot●ed by Scanderbeg . Alis Bassa with an armie of forty thousand sent against Scanderbeg . The battell betwixt Alis Bassa and Scanderbeg . A great slaughter of the Turks . Amurath in disp●●e . Amurath by th● persuasion of Cali Bassa seeketh for peace of king Vladislaus . The capitulat●ons of the ten yeares peace concluded betwixt Vladislaus and Amurath . Amurath inu●deth Caramania . The ●unning speech wherwith Iulian the Cardinal per●●adeth 〈◊〉 Vladislaus to breake the leagu●●e had before made with Amurath . Iulian the Cardinall absolueth king Vladislaus and the ●ect from their oath before giuen to Amurath . The letters of king Vladislaus to Scanderbeg . Scanderbeg his answere by letters vnto king Vladislaus . King Vladislaus setteth forward against the Turks . Dracula a●●eth V●ad●slaus with his sonne and 4000 horse . His last farewell vnto the king . The great battell of Varna fought betweene king Vladislaus and Amurath . Amurath prayeth vnto Christ. A cruell fight . Amurath in danger . King Vladislaus slaine . Huniades flyeth . Amurath to perform his vow resigneth his kingdome to his sonne Mahomet ; which he in short time after taketh again vpon him ▪ The comparison betwixt Huniades and Scanderbeg . The sullen and craftie letters of Amurath to Scanderbeg . The resolute answere of Scanderbeg to Amurath his letters . Amurath 〈…〉 S●anderbeg . Scanderbeg his valiant resolution for the assaulting of Mustapha in his camp . Peloponnesus made tributarie vnto the Turke . 1446 Baiazet borne . Huniades in the minoritie of the king , chosen Gouernor of all the kingdome of Hungarie . 1448 Huniades goeth against the Turks . The false Despot giueth Amurath knowledge both of Huniades his comming , and of his strength . The omynous speech of an old woman . The notable speech of Huniad●s to 〈…〉 against the Tu●ks . The great ba●●aile of Cosso●● fought betwixt Amurath and Huniades three daies together ▪ The battaile begun againe the second day . Huniades encourageth his souldiors . The battaile againe beg●n the third day . Huniades flieth . The number of the Turks and Christians slain in the battaile of Cossoua . Huniades taken pris●ner no● by the D●spot . 1449 The Despot inuaded by Amurath , craueth aid of Huniades . Amurath his graue letters of aduertisement to Mustapha , concerning his going againe into Epirus . The s●eech of Caragusa the Tu●ke , to Manessi . Manessi his stout answere to Caragusa . The battaile betwixt Scanderbeg and Mustapha . Mustapha ran●somed . Th● lamentable 〈◊〉 of the ●●●ke ci●izen● out of Croia . Scanderbeg commeth to Sfetigrade . The effectuall speech of Scanderbeg vnto the souldiors and citizens of Sfetigrade , to encourage thē against the comming of Amurath . A notable ●tratageme of Scanderbeg for the intrapping of his enemies . 1449 Amurath commeth to Sfetigrade with his armie . The resolute answere of Perlat the Gouernor , vnto the Bassa . Sfetigrade assaulted . The Turkes 〈…〉 . The Ianizaries desperatly attempt to surprise the citie . The Ianizaries repulsed . Scanderbeg commeth to trouble the assault , and 〈◊〉 met with by Feri-Bassa ▪ Amurath by gre●● p●●mise● seeketh to corrupt the garrison of Sfetigrade . A traitor ●orrupted with Amurath his L●●ge p●omises , conspireth to betray the citie . The carkas of a dead dog cast by the traitor into the common 〈◊〉 that serued the citie . The Gouernor in vaine seeketh to pe●sua●e the garrison s●uldiors to drin●e of the water of the well ▪ A traito●●orth●ly rewarded according to his treason . 1450 Amurath assembleth againe his army at Hadrianople . Croia ba●●red . The cheerefull speech of Vranacontes the Gouernour to encourage his soldiours . Croia assaulted . Scanderbeg in danger . Mahomet thinking to deceiue Scanderbeg , is himselfe by him deceiued . . The Turkes retire . Amurath seeketh to vndermine Croia . The craftie speech of the Bassa sent from Amurath to corrupt the Gouernour , and to persuade the ●●●hers to yeeld vp the cittie . Vranacontes reiecteth Amurath his presents , and threaten●th the Bassa . Croia againe in vaine assaulte●● ▪ The last speech and admonition of Amurath vnto his sonne Mahomet vpon his death bed . Amurath his death . Amurath an example of the va●itie of worldly honour . Amurath buried at Prusa . A great poli●●● ▪ Amurath his disposition . The sonnes of Amura●h . Notes for div A04911-e89060 Paulus Iouius Illust ▪ virorum , Elog. lib. 3. 1450 Mahomet of no religion . Mahomet murdereth his brethren . A cruell reuenge of an angrie woman . Mahomet reformeth the Turkish cōmonweale . 1451 Mahomet goeth against the king of Caramania . Mentesia subdued by the Turks . 1452 Mahomet maketh preparation for the besieging of Constantinople . Constantinus the emperor in vaine craueth aid of the Christian princes . 1453 Vide ●●onardi Ch●ensis Archiepiscopi Mi●●len hist. d● captiuitate Con lantinopolitana . Mahomet encam●eth before Constantinople . The situation of Constantinople . Constantinople built by Pausan●as , destroyed by Seuerus , reedified by Constantine the Great , and now taken by Mahomet the Turke . The magnificent temple of S. Sophia . The frugalitie of the Turkes in their p●iuat build●●g● . The Turks fl●et . Constantinople vndermined by the Turks . Seuentie of the Turks galliots brought eight miles ouerland ( by the deuice of a Christian ) into the hauen of Constantinople . A wonderfull bridge made by the Turks ouer the hauen of Constantinople . A notable fight betweene four of the Christians ships , and the Turks fl●et . The citizens of Constantinople without cause murmure against the emperour . A bare shift for money . Constantinople assaulted by the Turks . Mahomet renueth the assault . The Christians forsake the 〈◊〉 . Constantinople woon by the Turkes . Mahomet solemniseth his feast● in Constantinople with the blo●d of the Grecian nobilitie . Pera yeelded to the Turke . Mahomet notably dissembleth his hatred against Caly Bassa . Mahomet placeth his imperiall seat at Constantinople , and is worthely accounted first Emperor of the Turks . 1454 Thomas and Demetrius rebell against Mahomet , and are by him spoiled of part of their dominion . Mahomet commeth againe into Pe●●ponesus . Demetrius submitteth himselfe to Mahomet . Peloponesus subdued by the Turks . The death of George , Despot of Seruia . Ser●ia yeelded to the Turke . Belgrade besieged . The Turks fleet ouerthrown by the Christians . Carazies Bassa slaine . Belgrade assaulted by the Turks . The Turks notably repulsed . . The death of the most famous captaine Huniades . 1461 Vsun Cassan the Persian king sendeth embassadours with presents to Mahomet . Mahomet inuadeth Ismael , prince of Sinope . Trapezond besieged by Mahomet . Trapezond yeelded vnto the Turks . The ruine of the empire of Trapezond . 1462 Mahomet seeketh to entrap Wladus prince of Valachia . Chamuzes Bassa and the Turkes secretarie hāged . Mahomet himselfe in person inuadeth Valachia A most horrible spectacle . Two thousand of the Valachies slaine . The death of Wladus . 1462 Mitylene besieged . Mitylene yeelded to the Turk● . 1464 The great 〈◊〉 betwixt M●hom●t and Scanderbeg , are at large written by Marinus Barletius , in 13 books , De vita & gestis Scanderbegi , from whence this Historie is taken : and w●re done betwixt the yeares 1450 and 1467. Vide Marinum Bar●etium lib. de vita & gestis Scanderbegi . Debreas sent with 14000 horsemen t● inuade Epirus . A skirmish betwixt the Christians and the Turks . The battell betwixt Scanderbeg & Debreas . Debreas slain by Scanderbeg , and his armie ouerthrowne . A pleasant contention betwixt Musachius and a Turke for his ransome . The craftie proc●eding of the Tur●● messenger Moses corrupte● . Scanderbeg cr●ueth aid of Alphonsus king of Naples . Alphonsus sendeth aid vnto Scanderbeg . Scanderbeg besiegeth and ●istresseth Belgrad . Musachius slain and the Epirots put to ●●ight . Scanderbeg seeth his men slain ▪ and is not able to releeue them . Scanderbeg flieth by night into Epirus . Mahomet sendeth Moses with fifteene thousand sei●ct men to inuade Epirus . A combat betwixt a Turke and a Christian● The battell betwixt Scanderbeg and Moses . Moses contemned of the Turk● Moses flieth from Constantinople . Amesa his first speech vnto Mahomet . Amesa honourabl● entertained by Mahomet . A notable speech of Scanderbeg vnto his captain● , how the Turks were to be withstood a● their comming into Ep●u● . The E●iro●s remo●e all their 〈◊〉 ●ut of the 〈◊〉 into the 〈…〉 Turks . Amesa is by the Bassa created king of Epirus . The Turks camp 〈…〉 . Scanderbeg suddenly assaileth the Turkes . A notable victorie of the Christians . The s●ee●h of Am●sa to Scanderbeg . The answere of Scanderbeg to Amesa . The death of Amesa . A peace for a yeare concluded betwixt Mahomet and Scanderbeg . The letters of Scanderbeg to Mahomet . The answere of Scanderbeg to the former letters of Mahomet . The letters of Mahomet to Scanderbeg for the concluding of a perpetuall peace betwixt them . A peace c●●clud●d betwixt Ma●omet and Scan●erbeg . The notable speech of Victor Capella , to persuade the Venetians to take vp armes against Mahomet . The Venetians take vp armes against the Turk . The Venetians enter into confederation with other Christian princes against the Turke . The letters of Mahomet to Scanderbeg . Scanderbeg his answere to the letters of Mahomet . Ten thousand Turkes slai●● . The Venetian● attempting to win Patras , receiue great losse . 〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉 ●hos●n king of Hunga●●e . Mahomet sendeth Balabanus to inuade Epirus Balabanus goeth against Scanderbeg . The battell bet●ixt Balabanus and Scanderbeg . Moses and other 〈◊〉 captaines cruell● ex●cuted by Mah●met . The battell of Sfetigrade betwixt Balabanus and Scanderbeg . Scanderbeg his 〈◊〉 trai●●●●●ly fl●e to Balabanus . Iacup slaine by Scanderbeg , and his armie discomfited . 1463 Mahomet commeth to the siege of Croia . Scanderbeg surpriseth Ionima the brother of Balabanus , and Hedar his sonne . 1466 Scan●erbeg falleth si●ke . The death of Scanderbeg . Scanderbeg buried at Lyssa . The bodie of Scanderbeg digged vp by the Turkes , and of them greatly honoured . Mathias king of 〈…〉 ●ingdome of 〈◊〉 from the Turke . 1470 Chalcis the chi●fe citie of Euboea besieged by the Turk● . Treason in the citie . Chalcis taken by the Turkes . The fruitfull island of Euboea ta●en by the Turkes . 1471 1472 The Venetian● aided by king Ferdinand , the bishop of Rome , and the great master of the Rhodes , doe the Turks great harme all alongst the coast of the lesser Asia . 1473 Mahomet no 〈◊〉 troublesome vnto the Mahometa●e princes than to the Christian . Vsun-Cassanes in a great battell ouerthroweth the Persian king . 1474 Two huge armies of the Turk● and Persians in 〈◊〉 together . The death of the noble Mustapha , Mahomet his eldest sonn● . 1475 Sol●man Bassa besiegeth Scodra with an armie of eightie thousand men . Matt●ias ●ing of Hu●ga●ie 〈◊〉 the Turks to ●orsake the si●ge of Scodra . 1476 1477 Croia besieged by the Turke . Contarenus the Venetian Generall slaine . The Turk● sh●w themselues at the riuer of Sontium The countrey of Friuli spoiled by the Turkes . 1478 1479 Vide Marinum Barletium de expug Scodrensi . The poore countrey people flie for feare of the Turks . Two o● the Turk● attempting to touch the wals of 〈◊〉 ▪ are both sl●ine , and one of their heads set vp vpon the wal . Mahomet in person himselfe commeth vnto the siege of Scodra . The order of Mahomets campe . Mahomet purposing to giue a generall assault , encourageth his captaines and soldiors therunto . The cittie of Scodra assaulted by the Turks the fourth time . A most terrible assault . Twelue thousand Turkes slaine in the last assault . The Turk● superstitiously reuerence the new Moone . Scodra againe most furiously assaulted by the Turkes . The assault fiercely againe renued by the Turks . A wofull sight . A doubtfull fight . A notable speech of the great Bassa Achmetes . Lyssa taken by the Turks , and the bones of Scanderbeg d●gged vp by them , and had in great reuerence . A hard choice . Scodra yeelded vnto the Turks . 1480 Mahomet longeth after the Rhodes . A death right worthy such a traitour . The oration of the Great Master to the rest of the knights and souldiors , to encourage them valiantly to with s●and the Turks . Eight hundred Turks slaine . Treason against the great Master d●sc●●ered , and the traitours executed . Two thousand fiue hundred Turks slaine in the assault . The resolute answer of the great Master . A faire bre●●h made by force of the Turkes batterie . The Bassa raiseth his siege . Achmetes land●th his army in Apulia neere to Otranto , and spoileth the countrey . Otranto taken by the Turkes . 1481 Mahomet dieth at Geiuisen in Bythinia , not without suspition of poyson . He is buried a● Constantinople . The description of Mahomet . The sonnes of Mahomet , Mustapha , Baiazet , and Zemes. Otranto yeelded vp by the Turks vpon composition Notes for div A04911-e113090 Phil. Lo●icer . Turc , Hist. lib. 1. Dissention amōg the Turks about the succes●ion . Baiazet commeth to Constantinople ▪ Zemes riseth against his brother Baiazet . B●iazet g●eth aga●●s● Zemes. Achmetes made Generall of Baiazet his armie . Zemes flieth into Syria . 1482 Zemes his speech vnto Caytbeius ▪ Sultan of Aegypt Caytbeius the Aegiptian Sultan sendeth embassadors to Baiazet . 1483 The king of Caramania sollici●e●h Zemes to●● take vp armès against Baiazet . Zemes flieth t● sea . Zemes his letters to his brother Baiazet . Zemes flieth to the Rhodes . The description of Zemes. 1484 Achmetes his death contriued . Achmetes his son stirreth vp the Ianizaries to help his father . Baiazet for feare deliuereth Achme●es to the Ianiza●ies . Achmetes slaine . 1485 Baiazet purposeth to destroy the Ianizaries . Baiazet inuadeth Moldauia . Many great princes sue to the Master of the Rhodes for Zemes. 1486 Baiazet inuadeth Caramania . Tarsus in Cilicia yeelded to Baiazet . A long and terrible battell betwixt Baiazet and the king of Caraman●a . 1487 1488 Achmetes Bassa discom●i●ed and taken prisoner and sent to Cai●e . 1489 A long and terrible battell betweene t●e Turks and the Mamalukes . The Turks flie away by nigh● . 1492 A peace concluded betwixt Baiazet and Caitbeius . Alphonsus king of Naples , and Alexander Bishop of Rome craue a●d of Baiazet against Charles the French king . Baiazet sendeth Dautius his embassadour to Alexander bishop of Rome . Io. Rouereus robbeth the Turkes embassadour . 1495 Zemes dieth , poisoned by Alexander bishop of Rome . The euill life of Caesar Borgia . The death of Caesar Borgia . The French king inuadeth Naples . Ferdinand departeth from Cap●a to pacifie an vprore at Naples . A most resolute fact of king Ferdinand . Charles the French king receiued into Naples . A great league made by d●u●rs Christian prince● agai●st the French king . Ferdinand recouereth his kingdome of Naples from the French , and dieth . The death of Charles the French king . 1496 1497 The Turkes inuade Podolia & Russia , and in their returne are for most part lost ▪ 1498 1499 Friuly part of the Venetian territorie spoiled by the Turkes . Fight at sea betwixt the Turk● and the Venetians . Lepanto yeelded to the Turks . 1500 Methone besieged both by sea and land by Baiazet . Methone taken by the Turks . Corone , Pylus , and Crisseum yeel●ed to the Turks . 1501 Cephalenia taken by the Venetian● . Pylos taken from the Turks , and againe yeelded vnto them . Dyrrachium taken by the Turk● Mytil●ne besi●ged . The siege of Mytilene broken vp . 1502 N●ritos taken by the Venetians . 1503 A peace concluded betwixt Baiazet and the Venetians . Baiazet in danger to haue beene slaine by a Deruislar or Turkish monke . Baiazet by nature peaceable ▪ The Turks and Persians differ not about the interpretation of their 〈◊〉 , but about the true successor of their great prophet Mahomet . Haider marrieth Ma●tha the da●ghter of the great king Vsun-Cassanes . Haider Erdebil s●cretly murdred . The beginning of the Cuselbassas . Hysmaell his behauiour in the time of his exile . Hysmaell returneth i●to Armenia , and recouereth his inheritance . Suma●hia taken by Hysmaell . Hysmaell commeth to Tauris . Hysmaell taketh the citie of Tauris , and defaceth the tombe of his vncle Iacup . Hysmaell goeth against the Persian king . Eluan the Persian king slaine . Hysmaell goeth against Moratch●mus . Hysmaell exceedingly beloued and honoured of his subiects . 1508 Chasan Chelife and Techellis inuade the Turke● dominions . ●●smaell sendeth ●mbassadors vnto the Venetian● , to ●oyne in league with them against Baiazet . Orchanes and Mahometes two of Baiazet his nephewes ouerthrowne by Techellis . The battell betweene Caragoses and Techell●s . Techellis besiegeth Caragoses the Viceroy in the citie of Cu●aie . Caragoses the viceroy with his wiues and children taken by Techellis in the citie of Cutaie . Baiazet sendeth Alis Bassa against Techellis , out of Europe . The battell betwixt Alis Bassa and Techellis . Chasan Chelife slaine . Alis Bassa slain . Ionuses Bassa sent by Baiazet ▪ Generall of his armie against Techellis . Techellis burnt at Tauris . 1509 A great earthquake at Constantinople . The children of Baiazet . Mahometes disguised as a seafaring man , commeth to Constantinople , and so to the court . Mahometes poisoned by Asmehemedi . Asmehemedi iu●●ly rewarded for his treacherie 1511 Selymus aided by Mahometes his father in law , riseth against his father Baiazet sendeth embassadours to Selymus . Presents giuen to Selymus by his fathers embassadours . Baiazet would appoint his successour whilest he yet liued . Baiazet seeketh to pre●er Achomates to the ●mpire . Selymus marcheth with his armie towards Hadrianople . Selymus his dissembling embassage vnto his father . Selymu● ouertaketh his father . The cheefe men about Baiazet secretly fauour Selymus , and dissuade him from giuing him battaile . Cherseogles Bassa the only great man faithfull to Baiazet , persuadeth him to giue battel to Selymus The speech of Baiazet to the Ianizaries and souldiours of the court . The common sort of the Ianizaries faithfull to Baiazet desire battell . The battell betwixt Baiazet and Selymus . Selymus his armie put to flight . The estimation Selymus had of his horse wheron he escaped from his father . Baiazet willing to pre●er Achomates to the empire . Achomates inciteth his two sons 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 to take part with him against their grandfather 〈◊〉 . 1512 Baiazet sende●h embassadors to Achomates . Achomates ki●leth his fathers embassadours . Achomates proclaimed traitor ▪ The craftie orati●n of the great B●ssa Mustapha to Baiazet , for the bringing home of Selymus Corcutus comm●th to Constantinople . Corcutus his Oration vnto his father Baiazet . Baiazet com●●●●eth Corcutus , and promis●th to re●igne to him the empire , af●er that Selymus a as passed euer into Asia . The craftie speech of Baiazet vnto his sonne Selymus . The craftie dissimulation of Selymus . The blunt speech of Mustapha to ●a●azet , persuading ●im to resigne the empire to Selymus . The resolute answere of old Baiazet to Mustapha and the other B●ssaes . Corcutus 〈◊〉 Selymus practiseth with Hamo● a Iew , Baiazet his phisition , to poyson him . Baiazet poysoned by the I●● . The death of Baiazet . Selymus causeth 〈◊〉 of his fathers pages to bee put to death for mourning for their master . Hamo● the Iew ●●stly rewarded for his trecherie . Paulus Iouius Illust , virorum , Elog. lib. 4. Notes for div A04911-e132100 Phil. Lo●icer . Tur● , Hist. lib. 1. 1512 Selymus goeth into Asia against his brother Achomates . Selymus m●rthereth fiue of his brothers sonis 1513 Selymus seeketh a●●●r the liues of Amurat and Aladin , the sons of Achomates his brother . Vfegi Bassa taken prisoner . Mustapha Bassa shamefully murthered . Vfegi Bassa p●● to death . Selymus taketh the spoile of his brother Corcutus taken . The lamentable death of 〈◊〉 . Treason against Selymus discouered . Sinan Bassa d●●comfited by Achomates . Selymus with his armie passeth o●er the riuer . Achomates Evangled . Amurat and Aladin , the son● of Achomates , ●lie the one into Persia , an● the other into Aegipt 1514 Amurat spoileth Capadocia . Selymus resolueth to inuade the Persian . C●●●demus Bassa 〈…〉 from going ●●ther against the Persians . Chendemus Bassa by the commaundement of Selym●● slaine . Selymus sendeth out his scouts , who returne with bad newes . Selymus passeth 〈◊〉 Araxes . Hysmael sendeth an herauld to Selymus . Selymus his answere vnto Hysmael . The order of Selymus his battell . Hysmaell with thirtie thousand Persians giueth battell to Selymus with three hundred thousand Turkes . The great and mortall battaile between Selymus and Hysmaell . Vsta-ogli slain● . The terrour of the battell betweene Selymus and Hysmaell . The Persian tents taken by the Turkes . The Ianizaries in mutinie aga●●●t Selymus . Selymus in passing the riuer Euphrates , receiueth great losse . Selymus c●●●meth to Am●sia . The former historie as it is reported by Io. Ant. Maenauinus a Genoway , present at the doing thereof . Selymus and Hysmaell compared togither . Hysmaell maiesticall . Selymus tyrannicall . H●smaell courteou● . Selymus Chu●lish . The Persians better horsemen than the Turk● . The cause why Hysmaell came with so small an armie against Selymus . The countries sub●ect to Hysmaell . 1515 Selymus with a new armie en●●eth into Armenia . Aladeule● hi● kingdome . Selymus assaileth Al●d●ul●s . Alad●ules flieth into the mountaines . Alad●ules taken and in oug●t 〈…〉 , t● put to death . Selymus inuad●th Hungar●● . 1516 Selymus goeth to Iconium . The causes moo●ing Campson to fall out with Selymus . The Order of the Mamalukes . The imperio●s gouernment of the Mamalukes in Aegypt , Iudea , and Syria . The beginning of the Gouernment of the Mamalukes in Aegypt . The moderat and happie gouernment of Campson . Campson his answere to the imbassadours of Selymus . Selymus conuerteth his forces from the Persians against Campson . Selymus encourageth his souldiours to go against the Mamalukes . The wholsome counsell of Gazelles for protracting the warre . A secre● grudge betweene Campson and Cayerbeius gouernour of Comagena . The Mamalukes notable souldiors . The order of Campsons ba●t●ll The order of Selymus his battell . The death of Campson . Aleppo deliuered to Selymus by Cayerbeius the traitor . The dead bodie of Campson laid out for all men to view . Paulus Iouius li. 4 Elog. vítorum , Illust . Selymus commeth to Damasco . Notable discipline in Selymus his armie . Tomombeius by the generall consent of the Mamalukes chosen Sultan of Aegypt . Gaza yeelded to Sinan . Sinan aduertised of the comming of Gaz●lles , goe●● se●retly to me●● him . The battell betweene Sinan Bassa and Gazelles . Selymus doubting Sinan Bassa to haue been lost , becommeth melancholie . Ne●e● of Sinans 〈◊〉 comfor●eth Selymus . 1517 Sinan Bassa goeth to meet Selymu● a● he wa● comming to Gaza . Tom●mb●ius seek●th to entrap the Turkes . The comming of 〈◊〉 by an ●nexpected way , maketh great confusion in Tomombeiu● camp . Christian canoniers serue the Turkes against the Aegyptians . The order of Selymus his armie . Sinan Bassa Generall of the field Sinan ●●ssa with ●ost of his foll●●ers slaine by ●idon . Mustapha with his A●●●n souldi●rs ouerthrowe●h the left ●ing of the Sulta●● armie . Selymus causeth the Diadare and the valiant captaine Bidon to be slaine . The purpose of Tomombeius discouered to Selymus . The Aegyptians diuersly affected 〈◊〉 the Mamalukes . The description of the great citie of Caire . The pyramides of Aegypt . Selymus encourageth his souldiors to the winning of Caire . A most mor●all battell fought in Caire . A long and terrible battell . 〈◊〉 tak●n by 〈◊〉 . Gazelles his speech to Selymus . Albuchomar discouereth to Selymus the power of Tomombeius , and the trecherie of th●m of Cair● . The causes mouing Selymus to send embassadors to Tomombeius . Selymus his embassadou●● slaine by the Mamalukes . Tomombeius distresseth the Turk● in passing the bridge made ouer Nilu● . The Mamalukes giue a fresh charge vpon the Turkes . The Mamalukes put to flight . Tomombeius taken and brought to Selymus . Tomombeius tortured . The miserable end of Tomombeius , last Sultan of Aegypt . P●ulus Ioui●● Illust. virorum , Elog. lib. 4. The Aegyptians in doubt of their estate bewaile the death of Tomombeius . Selymus c●nningly reduc●●● the Arabians 〈◊〉 his obedience . Of this Cortug-Ogli see more in the life of Solyman . Cayerbeius the 〈◊〉 made gouernour of Caire & Aegypt . Ionuses enuieth at the preferment of Cayerbeius . Selymus commaundeth the wages of his soldiors to be left in garrison at Caire to be augmented● Selymus calleth for Ionuses Bassa to answere the matter . The answere of Ionuses Bassa . The death of Io●uses the great Bassa . Ionuses Bassa ●ealous of his faire wife 〈◊〉 . The faire ladie Manto cruelly slaine by her iealous husband . The causes why Hysmaell inuaded not Selymus , wholly busied in the Aegyptian ●●●res . 1518 1519 Selymus purposing to inuade the Christian●●● strucke in the reynes of his backe with a canker . 1520 The death of Selymus . The iust iudgement of God. Phi. Lonicerus Turcicae Historiae , Tomo primo , lib. primo . Selymus before his death cōmendeth the ●●ition of his sonne Solyman to Pyrrhus Bassa . The bloudie and tirannicall precepts left by Selymus to his son Solyman , which he afterwards most assuredly kept , as is to be seene in his lif● following . Notes for div A04911-e150070 Phil. Lonicer . Hist. Turc . lib. 1. Solyman hardly persuaded that his father was dead . Gazelles gouernour of Syria rebelleth against Solyman . Gazelles slaine . Belgrade 〈◊〉 by Solyman . 1522 Philippus Villerius chosen Great master of the Rhodes . Cortug-Ogli the pirat persuadeth Solyman to besiege the Rhodes . Solymans letter to Villerius , Great Master of the Rhodes . The answere of Villerius to Solymans letters . Solymans Oration to his men of warre declaring his purpose of besieging the Rhodes . Solyman maketh preparation against the Rhodes . Villerius prepareth to make resistance against the Turks . Solymans letter to Villericus . Pyr●hus Bassa his letters to Villerius . Villerius his ans●●re to S●lymans letters . Villerius his answere to Pyrrhus the Bassa his letters . Villerius aduertised o● the comming of the Turks fleet . The carefulness● of the Graund master . Vill●rius his Oration vnto the Rhodia●● . Solymans threatening letters to the Rhodians . The Rhodians for feare of the Turks destroy their suburb● & places of pleasure without the citie . The ●eare of the countrey people . The Chancellor his speech , persuading the Rhodians to fight with the Turke● gallies . The worthie cōmendation of the Great master . The Turks ●leet descried at sea troubleth the Rhodians . The order of the Turkes fle●● . The Great master by his embassadours craueth aid of the Christian prin●e● . The commendation of Prelan●● . The description of the Rhodes . A Turkish woman slaue , conspireth to fire the citie . The painfulnesse of the Turkes pioners . The Turkes deceiued by the Christian marriners . Selymus commeth into the campe . Solymans chollericke Oration to his souldior●s . Apella , a tra●●or . The Turkes bat●●rie . The English bulwarke blowne vp . The Turkes assault the English bulwarke the second time , and are againe repulsed . Mustapha Bassa falleth into disgrace with Solyman . The English bulwarke assaulted the third time by Mustapha . The Turkes ensignes aduanced to the top of the wals are againe cast downe . Another breach made in the wals . The Great master his oration vnto his knights . The Turkes assaul● the citie in fiue places at once . The Rhodians valiantly de●end the citie . The Spanish bulwarke taken by the Turk● ▪ The Spanish bulwarke againe recouered . The Turks giue ouer the assault . Solyman in his furie commaundeth the two great Bassaes , Mustapha and Pyrrhus to be put to death . The Bassaes spared at the intercession of the other counsellors . Solyman displaceth his Admirall , & punisheth him as a slaue . Solyman exceedingly greeued with the repulse and losse recei●●ed at the siege of th● Rhodes , was vpō point to haue left the same . Achimetes promiseth to make a way for Solyman into the citie . Solyman comforteth his souldiors and persuadeth them with patience to endure the siege . Achimetes winneth the Vaumures of the Auergne bulwarke , raiseth a strong penthouse against the wall , and so vndermineth the same . The miserable state of the common souldiors of the Turkes ▪ and the small account is made of them . Solyman encourageth his souldiours to afr●sh assault . The distressed estate of the Rhonians , and their cour●gious resolution therein . The Turks trouble the Rhodians with continuall alarums , and by casting vp of trenches get into the citie . Parley o●●ered by the Turkes t● the Rhodians . Secret Parley reiected . The Great master at the instance of his pe●people sendeth embassadours to Solyman . Solymans letters sent to the Great master and the Rhodians by their embassadours . The Great Master his opinion concerning that Solyman demanded by his letters . A notable speech of a Greek priest , persuading the Great Master to yeeld . A most reso●●●● speech of a common souldior , dissuading the yeelding vp of the Rhodes . The former speech notably answered by a Greeke ▪ and the yeelding of the citie vrged . The Great Master r●solued that the citie was not to bee defended , calleth a common counsell of all his knight● , and the bu●●esses of the citie . A truce taken with the ●urkes for foure dai●● . A barbarous ●act . Solyman his speech vnto the Great master . The resolute answere of the great Master to Solyman . Solyman commeth into the citie vnto the Great master . The speech of the Great mas●●● to Solyman . The notable answere of Solyman to the great Master . Solyman entre●h into the Rhodes on Christenma● day , in the yeare 1522. Solyman sendeth Ferhates Bassa against Alis beg the mountaine prince . Alis and his foure sons treacherously slaine . Solyman returneth to Constantinople . Solyman vpon the discord of the Christian princes and disordered state of Hungarie , taketh occasion to inuade that kingdome . 1526 Solyman commeth against Lewes king of Hungarie . The vanitie of Tomoreus . Wholsome counsell not followed . The battell of M●hatchz . Tomoreus slaine King Lewis drowned in a ditch . The heads of slaine Christian bishops and captaines presented to Solyman . The bishop of Veradium too ●rue a prophet . The honourable speech of Solyman concerning his comming into Hungarie . Ioannes Sepusius , Vaiuod of Transiluania , aspireth to the kingdome of Hungarie . King Lewes buried . Iohn Sepusius the Vaiuod chosen and crowned king of Hungarie . Ferdinand king of Bohemia laieth claime ●o the kingdome of Hungarie . King Ferdinand taketh Buda . The battell of Tocai betweene the armies of king Iohn and king Ferdinand . King Iohn ●lieth i●to Polonia . Ferdinand crowned king of Hungarie at Alba Regalis . Lascus counselleth king Iohn to ●raue and of Solyman . Lascus goeth embassadour for king Iohn to Solyman . Abraham Bassa . Lascus his request of Solyman in the behalf of king Iohn Solyman graunteth Lascus his request . Ferdinand sendeth an embassador to Solyman . Solyman● answer to Ferdinands embassadour . 1529 Solyman cōmeth into Hungarie with a great armie . King Iohn commeth to Solyman a● Belgrade . Solyman entreth Buda without resistance and besiegeth the castle . Solyman contrarie to his promise ca●seth the garrison souldiours af●er they had deliuered the castle to be slai● . Austria spoiled by the Turk● . Altenburge taken . Solyman commeth to Vienna . Vienna badly fortified . Solyman releaseth the Christian princes without ransome . Eight thousand Turkes lost in the mines . The wals of Vienna blowne vp . The Turkes repulsed from the breach . A most terrible assault . The Turkes the third time repulsed . The Lo. William Rogendorffe . Vienna againe assaulted . The Turks repulsed . Solyman raiseth his siege . 80000 Turks lost at the siege of Vienna . Solyman restoreth the kindome of Hungarie to king Iohn . The honourable saying of Solyman to K. Iohn . 1530 Solyman circumciseth his three sonnes . King Ferdinand sendeth embassadors to Solyman ▪ The preparation of Charles the emperour against Solyman . Strigo●ium besieged by king Iohn . Mutinie amongst the Spanish souldiours . 1532 Solyman cōmeth into Hungarie . Gunza besieged by the Turkes . The huge army of Solyman . Solyman proud 〈◊〉 to Charles the emperour and king Ferdinand . Abraham Bassa persuadeth Solyman to leaue the siege of Gunza . The Gouernour commeth to the Bassa . His answere to the Bassa . Solyman departeth from the si●ge of Gunza . Cason sent with 15000 horsemen to spoile 〈◊〉 ▪ . 4000 Christian captiues murdred by Cason . Cason discomfi●●d by the Palatine and slaine . The slaughter of the Turkes . Charles the emperour his power at Vienna . The order of the Christian armie . Solyman returneth . The Italians left for the aid of king Ferdinand , arise in mutinie . The seditious or 〈◊〉 of Titus Marconius , to the mutinous Italians . * At this verie time a great blazing starre was seene in the s●●mament at Vienna . Eight thousand of the Italian in mutinie forsake their captaines and returne to Italie . Charles the emperour returneth into Italie . Auria goeth against the Turks . Auria besiegeth Corone in Peloponesus . Corone yeelded to A●●ia by the Turkes . Patras taken and ransacked by Auria . Auria returneth to Italie . 1533 The Turkes besiege Corone . Auria sent by the emperour to relieue Corone . The order of Auria his fleet before Corone . The Christian fleet disordered . Auria arriueth at Corone . The Turkes ●●ee● flieth to Modon . Corone relieued by Auria . Auria returneth and before Modon braueth the Turks fleet . The Moore of Alexandria well beaten and taken by Canal●s the Venetian● ▪ The garrison sold●ors of Corone desire of their generall to bee brought to some seruice . Macicaus gouernour of Corone goeth out to surprise And●ussa . Macicaus slai● Corone forsaken by the Spaniards 1534 Aloysius Grittus the duke of Venice his sonne . Solymans lieutenant in Hungarie , to ouerse● king Iohn . Americus bishop of Veradium and Va●od of Transiluania , contemneth Grittus . Ianus Docia incenseth Grittus against the Vay●od . The cause why Lascus the Polonian ●ell from king Iohn . The Vayuod murdred in his tent by Docia , and his head presented to Grittus The Transiluanians rise vp in armes against Grittus , to reuenge the death of the Vayuod . Grittus b●sieged by the Transiluanians . Grittus taken and b●●ug●t to Maylat . Grittus beheaded . The riches foun● about Grittus ▪ Solyman a● one time purposeth to inuade Persia and Affrick● . The ●●ore beginning of Horruccius and Hariadenus , who of base pyrats aspired to the kingdome of Algiers . Horruccius his successe . Horruccius slain and his head caried about in Spaine . Hariadenus surnamed Barbarussa , succeedeth his brother Horruccius in the kingdome of Algiers . His wonderfull successe . Solyman sendeth for Barbarussa . Barbarussa commeth to Constantinople . Barbarussa enuied in the Turk● court . Barbarussa rei●ct●d to Abraham the great Bassa . He trauelleth into Siria to the Bassa , and is by him commended to Solyman . His returne to Constantinople . Roscetes . Barbarussa his speech to Solyman to persuade him to inuade Tune● . Barbarussa made Solymans great Admirall . He spoileth the coast of Italie . Iulia Gonzagá ● faire lady hardly distressed by Barbarussa . The Romans afraid of Barbarussa . Muleas●e● king of Tunes . The ingratitude of Muleasses . Roscetes riseth against his brother Muleasses . Forsaken of the Numidian princes , he flieth to Barbarussa . Barbarussa landeth at Biserta . Biserta yeelded . Barbarussa commeth to Guletta . Muleasses flieth out of Tunes . Barbarussa entreth into Tunes . The citisens de●●iued of their expectation , ●ise against the Turkes . Muleasses returneth into the citie . The citis●ns of Tu●e● discomfi●ed by the Turks . Muleasses flieth . The citisens of ●unes yeeld thēselues to Barbarussa . The description of Abraham the great Bassa . His bringing vp in the court . His great credit with Solyman . Abraham Bassa persuadeth Solyman to make war vpon the Persians . Solyman resolueth to goe against the Persians . Abrahams credi● maligned by Solymans mother and Rox●lana . Abraham Bassa sent before with an armie into Siria . The citie of Tauris yeelded to the Bassa . Solyman commeth to Tauri● . Solyman followeth Tama● the Persian king into Sultania . Solymans armie d●s●●●ssed with tempest . Babylon yeelded to Solyman . The countries of As●iria and Mesopotamia possessed by the Turks ▪ Tamas commeth to Tauris . 1535 Tamas hearing of the comming of Solyman to Tauri● , flie●h into Hircania . So 〈◊〉 ●ansa●●●keth Tauris ▪ Delim●nthes with 5000 Persian● 〈◊〉 the ●urkes . Delimenthes assa●●eth the Turks campe by night , and maketh a great slaughter . Solyman discouraged . Abraham the great Bassa in disgrace with Solyman . Abraham Bassa murthered in the court by the commaundement of Solyman . The causes which moued Charles the emperour to inuade T●●es . The emperours great preparations for the inuasion of ●●nes . Andrew A●ria the emperours Admirall . Alphonsus Da●●lus Vastius Generall of the land forces . The emperour passeth ouer into Affricke . Barbarussa aduertised the comming of the emperour is much discouraged . I● hi●●age he executeth Aloysius Praesenda . Barbarussa encourageth his souldiors . Barbarussa hi● chiefe captaines . The scituation of Guletta . The Christian army landeth 〈◊〉 Guletta . Salec ●all●eth 〈◊〉 ●pon the count●e and the 〈◊〉 . The countie 〈…〉 right hand sent to Barbarussa . The Spaniards reioicing at the ●uerthrow of the Ita●ian●● are 〈…〉 by Tabacches . Vastius hi● spe●ch to the Spanish captaines . The Turks ●ally againe 〈◊〉 of Guletta . Giaf●er cap●●ine of the Ianizaries slaine . Guletta furiously battered . Guletta assaulted by the Christ●ans . Guletta ●oon ▪ and Barbarussa his flee● taken . Barbarussa ●●geth . The short answere of Sinan the Iew to Barbarussa . Muleasses commeth to the emperour . The Oration of Muleasses to Charles the emperour . The emperours answere to Muleasse● . The behauior of Muleasses . His opinion and counsell concerning the present warre . The Spanish light horsemen put to flight . The emperour restoreth the battell , and with his owne hand rescueth Andreas Po●tius of Granad● . The emperour aduised by his counsellours to returne home . The resolute answere of the emperour . The emperour marcheth toward Tunes . The souldiors for greedinesse of water disorder their march . A draught of water sold for two duckats . Barbarussa in field against the emperour . Vastius commandeth the emperour . Barbarussa flieth to Tunes . Barbarussa in mind to kill all the Christian captiues i● dissuaded by Sinan the Iew. The Christian captiues breake prison , and driue the Turk● out of the ca●●le of Tunes . Tunes yeelded to the emperour . Tunes spoiled by the Christians . Three things especially lamented by Muleasses in the spoile of the castle of Tunes . Barbarussa ●lieth to Hippona , and there comforteth his souldiors . Auria sendeth certaine gallies to intercept Barbarussa . Barbarussa ●scapeth to Algiers . The kingdome of Tunes is by the emperour restored to Muleasses . The emperour returneth with victorie into Italie . 1537 The Aegyptian kings about to let in the red sea into the Mediterranean . Dium a castle of the Portingals in the East Indies in vaine assaulted by the Turkes . The ●●●cherous dealing of Solyman the eunuch Bassa with the kings of Arabia . Solyman inc●ted by the French embassadours to inuade Italie . Solyman with an armie of two hundred thousand men commeth to Aulon● . Solyman sendeth Lutzis and Barbarussa with his fleet to inuade Italie . Castrum in Ap●lia yeelded to the Turkes , and by them contrarie to their faith spoiled . The Turkes spoile Ap●●ia . Iunu●beius with two gallies driue by the Venetians vpon the Acroceraunian rocks . Auria taketh twelue of the Turkes gallies full of Ianizaries and Solymans other best souldiors . Iunusbeius Barbarussa , & Aiax ▪ incense Solyman against the Venetians . Solyman conuerteth his forces from the Italians against the Venetians . Solyman in danger to haue been slaine in his ●en● in the middest of his armie . Solyman inuadeth the Island of Corcyra . Good iustice done by Solyman . The Turks depart from Corfu , and carrie away with them aboue sixteen thousand Christians into captiuitie . Aegina with th● other islands of the Aeg●um spoiled . The blunt speech of a Turke sent by Lutzis Bassa vnto the duke of Naxo● . Naxos becommeth tribu●● i● vnto the Turk● . 〈◊〉 Bassa 〈◊〉 by Solyman 〈◊〉 exiled . The Turks spoile the Ve●etians , and the Venetians ●hem likewise . Mahometes Gouernour of Belgrane . An euill assure● peace . King Ferdinand breaketh his league with the Turkes . Cazzianer Generall of king Ferdinand● armie . Mahometes Gouernour of Belgrade , aided by the other Turk● captaines . A slow march . Cazzianer commeth to Walpo . The Turk● ski●●mish with the Christians . The Christians come within the sight of Exek . The Turks skirmish with the Christians in passing the forrest . Mahometes wisely refuseth to fight with the Christians , offering him battell . Balthasar Pamphilus his counsell for releefe of the armie . Balthasar taketh the towne of Hermande . The castle of Hermande yeeld●d to the Christians . Cazzianer to retire with more host , would haue broken his grea● ordinance . The Turkes ●ore 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 in their retire . A generall feare in the Christians campe . The ●earefull resolution of the Christians to get from the Turks . The vigilancie of Mahome●●● . The Christian captaines shamefully flie , some one way , some another , in the night . The dishonourable flight of Cazzianer . Lodronius encourageth the footmen . An old German souldior iesteth at Lodronius . The horsemen discom●ited by the Turkes . The Christian footmen ouerthrowne . Lodronius slain . Three of the great captaines heads presented to Solyman as Constantinople . Cazzianer generally ●a●ed . Cazzianer imprisoned , breaketh prison . Cazzianer shamefully murthered , and his h●ad sent to king ●●r●inand . The emperour , the Venetians , and the Bishop of Rome enter into a confederation against the Turkes . 1538 Solyman sendeth Barbar●ssa against the Venetians . Barbarussa landing in Crete , is repulsed with losse . The confedera● princes fleetes me●● as Corcyra . Gonzaga his opinion . Auria of ano●ther opinion . Auria braueth Barbarussa lying in the bay of Ambracia . Barbarussa reproued of cowardise by one of the Turkes eunuchs . Barbarussa his answere to Salec concerning the eunuchs speech . Barbarussa putteth out of the bay of Ambracia , and followeth Auria . The order of the Turk● flee● . Auria his po●●ticke course . The Christian flee● shamefully ●li●th . Barbarussa ●●●●leth at Auria . Barbarussa braueth the Christians . Castronouum taken by the Christians . Auria neglecting to pursue Barbarussa , returneth into Italie , to the griefe of the Venetian Admirall . 1539 Barbarussa sent by Solyman to besiege Castrono●um . Castronouum hardly besieged by Barbarussa . Castronouum taken . Sarmentus slaine . Alphonsus Vastius and Hanibaldus sent embassadours from the emperor and the French king to the State of Venice . Vastius his Oration to the Venetian Senat. The answere of the duke to Vastius . Vastius his ans●ere to the demaund of the Venetian Senatours . The Venetian Senator● diuersly affected towards the confederation with the emperour and the French king , against Solyman . Foscarus a 〈◊〉 Senatour . Fosca●us disgraced by the multitude . The Venetians send Aloysius Badoerius their embassadour to Solyman , to conclude a peace . The most se●ret decree of the Venetian Senate made knowne to Solyman . 1540 A peace concluded betwixt the Vene●ians and Solyman . The traitors which reuealed the secrets of the Venetian state to Solyman , executed . The secret confederation betwixt king Ferdinand and king Iohn reuealed . King Iohn in his old yeares marieth Isabella king Sigismund his daughter . The Queene with child . Queene Isabella deliuered of a sonne . The death of king Iohn . The honourable saying of king Iohn . Embassadours sent out of Hungar●e to Solyman A young child crowned king of Hungarie . George bishop of Veradium one of the kings tutors ▪ a notable man ▪ The ●ugitiue Hungarian● persuade king Ferdi●and to inuade Hungarie . Laschus d●ssuade●● king Ferdinand from see●in● for the ki●●dome of Hu●garie by 〈◊〉 persuading him rather to requisi●● of cour●esie of Solyman . Laschus sent embassadour from king Ferdinand to Solyman . King Ferdinand sendeth an embassadour to the queen to demand of her the king●dome of Hungarie . The queenes answere to the embassadour . King Ferdinand inuadeth Hungarie . Vicegrade taken . Pesth and Vacia taken . Bu●a besieged . King Ferdinands armie departeth from Buda . Alba Regalis yeelded to king ●erdinand . The queene craueth aid of Solyman against Ferdinand . Solyman promiseth to protect the queene and her sonne against Ferdinand , and sendeth presents to the yong king . Laschus king Ferdinand his embassador imprisoned by Solyman . 1541 The queene ioyneth her forces with the Turks , and burneth Vacia . Pesth in vai●e besieged by the Turkes . King Ferdinand sendeth the Lo. William Rogendorff with an armie into Hungarie . Buda besieged . Rogendorff threatneth the queene . The bishop scornfully answereth Rogendorff . A great breach in the wals of Buda . The German● assaulting the breach , are with losse repulsed . Bornemissa practiseth to be●ray the citie of Buda . Bornemissa receiueth in the Germans by a posterne , supposing them to haue beene Hungarians . The Germans not conducted , are discouered and discom●ited . Solyman at one time maintaineth wars in di●ers places of the world farre distant . Mahometes Bassa commeth with the Turks armie to relieue Buda . The order of king Ferdinands armie . The Bassa entrencheth his armie within halfe a mile of the kings armie . Skirmishes betwixt the Christians and the Turkes . Rayschachius for sorrow of his sonne slaine by the Turks , suddenly dieth . The Turks suddenly assaile the Christians in the Island . Valentinus Generall for the queene in Buda certifieth Perenus of the comming of Solyman . The Christian armie departeth by night from Buda . The Turkes assaile the Christians in their camp at their departure . A mischieuous practise of the bishop . Great slaughter of the Christians . Pesth taken by Cason admirall of the Turkes fleet . Rogendorff against his will caried away by his physition and chamberlaine to Comara , there dieth . Solyman commeth to Buda . Turkish crueltie Solyman sendeth for the yong king into the campe . The queene sendeth the young king her sonne to Solyman in the campe attended with the nobility . Solyman courteously receiueth the yong king . Solyman craf●●ly ta●eth the citie of Buda . Solyman detaineth the noblemen of Hungarie in his campe . The great Bassaes of diuers opinions for the disposing of the kingdome of Hungarie . The Oration of Mahometes of Belgrade to Solyman , concerning the disposing of the kingdome of Hungarie . Mischi●uous counsell . Solyman entreth Buda the 30 of August 1541 , and there first sacrificeth after the Mahometane manner . The doome of Hungarie . The queene departeth out of Buda with he● sonne . King Ferdinand sendeth embassadours and presents to Solyman . The frugall cheere of the Turkes . The request of the embassadors in the behalfe of king Ferdinand . Solymans proud answere to king Ferdinands embassadours . The Turkes campe well ordered . Solyman returneth towards Constantinople . Lascus set at libertie by Solyman , shortly after d●●th . Maylat the Vayuod not able to keepe the field against Achomates , & the prince of Moldauia , flieth to Fogaras . Mailat commeth into the Turkes campe . Maylat treache●ousl● taken prisoner by the Moldauian . Transiluania giuen by Solyman to the young king . Charles the emperour returneth out of Germanie to inuade Algiers . The French kings embassador slaine by the ●mperial● . The emperour and the bishop of Rome meet a● Luca. The emperour driuen by tempest into Sicilia . The emperour comm●th to Algiers . The emperours fleet out of Spain and the low countries . The duke of Alba . Delay in great actions hurtfull . The emperour sendeth a messenger to Asan aga gouernour of Algiers for Barbarussa . The scornefull answer of Assan the eunuch to the emperours messenger . The emperour landeth his armie as Algiers . The description of Algiers . The Numidians skirmish with the Spaniards . The Spaniards put the Numidians to flight , and game the hils . The description of the Numidian footmen and horsemen . A maruellous tempest . The Moores 〈◊〉 to flight by the Italians . The Italians di●com●ited by the Moores flie , and endanger the whole campe . The notable courage of the emperour in slaying the ●light of his armie . An horrible tempest . The Christian fleet perisheth by shipwracke . A hard choise . Many gallies lost by sauing of one man. The miserie of the Christian armie . The chearefulnesse of the emperour comforteth the whole distressed armi● . Horses good mea● in the emperours armie . The emperour departeth from Algiers . He embarketh his armie . Horses of great price drowned by the emperou● a commaund to in the roome for the common souldiors . Two Spanish ships f●ll of souldiors driuen by tem●●st to Algiers . Assan taketh the Spaniards to mercie . The emperour commeth to ●●zia . The emperour arriueth in Spaine . 1542 The French king the m●re to trouble the emper●r ▪ solliciteth Solyman to inuade his countries . Polinus the French embassadour meeteth Solyman cōming from Buda , and offreth vnto him presents from the French king . The request of the French embassadour to Solyman . Polinus returneth into France . Polinus sent backe againe to Solyman , cōmeth to Venice , and notably solliciteth the Venetians to take vp armes with the French king against the emperour . The craftie answere of the Ven●tians to the French kings embassadour . Solymans embassadours commeth to Venice . Polinus comming to Constantinople , findeth not the Turke so rea●●e to send his fleet to aid the French king , a● he had hoped . The sharpe or●tion of Solyman the eunu●h bassa to Polinus the French embassadour . Polinus by the meanes of the Capiaga it 〈…〉 to the 〈◊〉 of Solyman himselfe . Solymans answer to Polinus . The Princes of Germanie ioine their forces with king Ferdinand against the Turk in Hungarie . The Marquesse of Brandenburg commeth to Pesth , with hi● armie . The Turks sally out of Pes●h , and put the Christians to the worse . The Turks sallying out againe are dis●omfited by Vitell●us and Perenus . Mauritius in danger to be slaine . A breach made in the wals of Pes●h . The breach assaulted by the Italians . The Germanes stand still as lookers on , whilst the Italians giue the assault . The con●umelious speech of a Turke against the Germanes . The Germanes and the Italians retire with losse . A notable skirmish betwixt the Turke● and the Hungarians . The Christians remoouing from Pesth , are assailed by the Turks . The Christian armie broken vp at V●●nna . P●●enu● the noble H●ngarian apprehended vpon suspition of treason . The vncourtesie of Liscanus the Spaniard in the apprehension of Perenus . Matters surmised against Perenus . The lamentable speech of Perenus to Torniellus and the other captaines , concerning his apprehension . Perenu● his request of the Admirall and the rest of the captaines . Perenus , Valentinus , and Maylat , three of the greatest nobilitie in Hungarie kept in perpetutuall prison . 1543 Solyman granteth to send his fleet by Barbarussa to aid the French king against the emperour● Solymans letters to the French king . Barbarussa amorous of the captaine of Rhegium his daughter . The French embassadours letters to comfort Rodolph the cardinall , the Popes legat in Rome . Solyman commeth with a great army into Hungarie . The castle of Wa●po treacherously yeelded , & the traitors iustly rewarded . Solyman commeth with his army to Strigonium . The s●●ut answer of the captaines . The terrible batterie of the Turks at S●rigonium . The Turks repulsed thrise at the assault of th● breach . A fugitiu● Christian discouereth the strength and state of the citi● to the Turks . ●alamanca goeth 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 parley with the Turks about the yeelding vp of the same . Strigonium yeelded to the Turks by Liscanus the Spaniard . Liscanus the couetous Spaniard merrily stript of all his wealth by Halis , captaine of the Ianizaries . Solyman entreth into Strigonium , and there setteth vp the Mahometane superstition . A cowardly captaine worth●ly rewarded . Solyman goeth to Alba Regali● . The description of Alba Regal●● ▪ The citisens of Alba will not suffer the citie 〈◊〉 be destroyed . The Turks with incredible labour fill vp the ditches and lake , and by plaine force assault the bulwarke of the sub●rbes towards 〈◊〉 . A notable act of an Hung●●ia● woman . The suburbes of Alba Regal●● w●on by the Turkes . The miserable slaughter of the flying Christian● ▪ Embassadour● sen● to Solyman , to entreat vpon conditions for the yeelding of the citie . Solyman entreth into Alba Regalis . Solyman causeth the chiefe citisens of Alba Regalis to be slaine . Solyman returneth to Constantinople . Nice in Prouinc● besieged by the French and the Turkes . The citisens craue parley , and a●ter yeeld the citie . The castle besieged . Barbarussa in his rage threateneth to lay hand● on Polinus , and to returne forthwith to Constantinople . The Turkes and French giue ouer the sieg● of the castle of Nice , and set ●ire on the citie . Barbarussa derided by the Turks captaines . His answere to their ●aun●s . Muleasses fearing the cōming of Barbarussa , departeth from Tunes into Italy to craue aid of Charles the emperour . Costly dishes . Amida riseth against Muleasses his father , and vsurpeth the kingdome of Tunes . Muleasses returneth into Affrick to Guletta . Amida thru●● out of Tunes . Amida returneth , and possesseth the kingdome . Muleasses going to Tune● , by the way ouerthrowne Lofredius slaine . Muleasses taken . Amida put out his fathers and brethrens eies . Touarres sen●●●h for Abdam●●●ch , Amida his elder brother . Abdamelech by policie obtaineth the kingdome of Tunes . Abdamelech dieth , and Mahometes his sonne is chosen king in his place . Muleasses at the request of Touarr●● is sent to Guletta . Amida recouereth the kingdome of Tunes , and taketh sharp reuenge vpon his enemies . Muleasses disdaineth to kisse the Popes foot . 1544 Barbarussa his letters to Apolanus , Gouernour of Elba . Appianus glad to deliuer the captiue whom Barbarussa required . Sinan the Iew dieth for ioy . Barbarussa in his returne toward Constantinople , d●th much harm vpon the coast of Italie . Barbarussa arriueth at Constantinople . Mahomet Solymans eldest son dieth . The death of th● famous pira● Barbarussa . Vastius dieth . 1548 1549 Van yeelded to the Turkes . Imirza murthered in prison . Solyman returneth to Constantinople . 1550 Dragut a famous pirat of the Turk● , possesseth certaine cities in Affricke . 1551 Malta attempted by the Turks . The Turks fleet arriueth at Tripolis in Barbaris . Tripolis battered by the Turks . Hard conditions offered by the Bassa in the besieged . More easie conditions offered by the Bassa , which he consumeth by hi●oath . The warie ans●●re of the Gouernour to the Bassa . The castle yeelded . The shamelesse answere of the faithlesse Bassa to the French embassadour . The Turks triumph for the winning of Tripolis . A shamefull cru●●●ie of the Turks . Temesware and Zolnok taken by the Turks . George bishop of Veradium murdered in his owne house . 1552 Agria besieged by the Turks . The Turks giue ouer the siege of Agria . 1553 Mustapha , Solyman eldest son●e in great estimation with the people . Solyman becommeth amorous of Roxolana . Mustaph● sent to gouerne Caramania . The mallice of Roxolana against Mustapha . Roxolana conspireth with Rustan Bassa her sonne in law against Mustapha . Roxolana ●aineth her selfe religious . Solyman manumiseth Roxolana Solyman sendeth for Roxolana . She excuseth her selfe , and refuseth to come . Solyman marrieth Roxolana . Roxolana plotteth the confusion of Mustapha . Rustan the great Bassa furthereth the deuises of Roxolana . Mustapha in danger to haue been poisoned by Roxolana . Roxolana and Rustan together put Solyman in feare of his sonne Mustapha . Solyman sendeth Rustan Bassa with an armie to take Mustapha . The malicious deuice of Rustan . Solyman goeth himselfe with an armie to kill his sonne . He sendeth for Mustapha . Mustapha perplexed in mind . His talke with his doctor . Mustapha commeth to his fathers campe . The exceeding t●●cherie of Rustan against Mustapha The mel●ncholie dreame of Musta●ha in comming to his father . Mustapha commeth to his fathers tent . Mustapha most cr●elly strangled in his fathers sight . Mahomet Mustaphaes sonne strangled also . Solyman offereth to Tzihanger all Mustaphaes treasure and wealth . Tzihanger for sorrow killeth himselfe . A bloudie tumult betwixt the souldiors of Solyman and Mustapha . The tumult appeased by Achomat bassa . The Ianizaries vp in a●m●● against Sol●man , ●or the vnworthy death of Mustapha . The s●out speech of Solyman to the Ianizaries . The f●●rce answer● of the Ianizaries to Solyman . Solyman yeeldeth vnto the Ianizaries . Rustan disgraced by Solyman , flieth to Constantinople . The miserable end of Achomates the great Bassa . 1554 1555 1556 Zigeth besieged by the Bassa of Buda . A terrible assault . 〈◊〉 notably ●efended . Solyman● letter to the Pope , in behalfe of the Iews marchants . * The ninth of Mar●h ▪ An. 1556 Haly Bassa besiegeth Zigeth againe . Haly Bassa ouerthrowne . Henry the French king solliciteth Solyman to inuade the king of Spaine his territories . The Guise , lord Grand Prior in France , admirall of Malta , taketh certaine of the Turkes gallies . Solyman in nothing more vnfortunat than in the proofe of his children . Baiazet Solyman● younger sonne seeketh to aspire vnto the empire . A counterseit Mustapha set vp to make a head of rebellion . The craftie dealing of the supposed Mustapha to deceiue the people . Solyman angrie with the Sanzackes for not suppressing the supposed Mustapha , sendeth Partau the great Bassa against him . Mustapha and his companions drowned by night . Roxolana intrea●eth Solyman for Baiazet her yonger sonne , and obtaineth his pardon . Baiazet goeth to his father in feare . Roxolana comforteth her sonne Baiazet . Solyman reproueth Baiazet of disloialtie ▪ and afterward par●●neth him . Baiazet returneth to his charge . Solyman admonisheth Baiazet of his dutie . Solyman remooueth his two sons further asunder . Baiazet vnwilling to goe to Amasia , seeketh delayes . Solyman to be sure that his two sonnes should go to their appointed prouinces , sendeth Partau and Mehemet , two of the Visi●● Bassa●s to see them brought thither . Baiaze● sendeth Partau Bassa backe againe to his father . Solyman maketh preparation against Baiazes ; and sendeth aid to Selymus . The Ianizaries vnwilling to go● against Baiazet . Baiazet his message to his father requesting him not to intermedle betwixt him and his brother . Selym●● departeth toward Iconium . Baiazet s●aieth at Ancyra , and there raiseth his forces . The description of Selymus . Baiazet and his quarrell generally fauoured of the souldiors . Baiazet hi● purpose . Baiazet goeth against his brother . The battell betweene Baiazet and Selymus . Fortie thousand Turkes slaine . Baiazet goeth to Amasia . Augerius Busbequius epist. 3. legationis Tur●●●ae . The order of the Turkes campe . The opinion ●he Turkes haue of them that di● in their warres . The spare dies of the Ianizaries . The precise manner of the Turkes in their fas●● . Presents sent frō the emperor Ferdinand to Solyman . Baiazet goeth t● Amasia , and seeketh for his fathers fauor . Solyman dissembleth with Baiazet . Baiazet departeth from Amasia , with purpose to flie into Persia. Baiazet deceiueth the Bassa of Sebastia . The Bassa of Erzirum deceiued by Baiazet . Solyman much grieued with the flight of his son . The eager p●●suit of the ●assa●● and S●●zack● . Baiazet well entertained by th● Persian king . Tamas the Persian king in feare of Baiazet . Baiazet his followers dispersed and slaine . Baiazet imprisoned . The Persian king s●ndeth embassadours with presents to Solyman . The cause why the Persian king would by no meanes let Baiazet go out of his hands . The miserable estate of Baiazet . The agreement betweene the Persian king & Solyman for the destruction of Baiazet . Baiazet and his foure sonnes strangled . The rare force of innocencie . 1558 Charles the emperour resigneth the empire to his brother Ferdinand , & shortly after dieth . 1559 The Christian princes set out a fleet for the recouerie of Tripolis in Barbarie . 1560 The Christian fleet arriueth at the Island of Zerbi . The castle of Zerbi taken by the Christians . Piall Bassa Solyman● Admirall sent to remoue the Christians out of Zerbi . Part of the Christian fleet oppressed at Zerbi by the sudden comming of the Turks . The castle of Zerbi besieged by the Turks . Don Aluerus with the rest of the chee●e commanders taken prisoners . The castle of Zerbi yeelded vnto the Turks . The Turks with victorie returne to Cōstantinople . Augerius Busbequius legationis Turcicae . epist. 4. The miserie of the Christian captiues . Piall in disgrace with Solyman , shunneth to come to Constantinople . One of the imperiall ensignes of Charles the fif● redeemed from the Turk● . The death of the noble Andreas Auria . 1561 A great shipwracke . 1562 Maximilian chosen king of the Romans , and after crowned king of Hungarie . Solyman by his embassadour confirmeth a peace with Ferdinand the emperour for eight yeares . Solymans pro●● letters to the emperor Ferdinand . Present● from Solyman to the emperour Ferdinand . 1564 The death of the emperour Ferdinand . New troubles in Hungarie . 1565 The Turks purposing warre , craftily sue for peace . Solyman maketh preparation against the knights of Malta . Solymans Oration to his captains for the inuasion of Malta . Valetta the Grand master aduertised of Solymans purpose . Valetta his Oration vnto his knights . The knights make preparation for the Turks comming . Solymans fleet departeth from Constantinople . The Turks fleet arriueth at Malta . The description of Malta . Acts 27 & 28. Riuerius with other knights , taken of the Turks . The Turks land . They of the castle of S. Michael skirmish with the Turks . The Turks besiege the castle of S. Elmo . Dragut commeth to aid the Turks . The Turks assault the castle S. Elmo . S. Elmo againe assaulted . New supplie sem into the castle S. Elmo . The Great master disappointed of a supplie by the searefulnesse of the shipmaster . S. Elmo againe assaulted . The Turkes repulsed . The Turks make a bridge ouer the castle ditch . A terrible batterie . Medranus a valiant captaine . Eight hundred Turks slain ●ith the fall of the bridge . The Turks retire The Great masters letters to Garzias Viceroy of Sicilia . Foure gallies sent to the Great master for the reliefe of Malta . A most terrible assault . Dragut slaine . Three knights sent to view the state of the castle S. Elmo . The resolute an●swere to them in the castle to the knights . The three knights of diuers opinions concerning the keeping of the castle S. Elmo . The Turks ●uriously assault the citie . The castle of S. Elmo taken by the Turks . Barbarous crueltie exercised by the Turkes vpon the dead bodies of the knights . Valetta encourageth his souldiors after the losse of the castle S. Elmo . Valetta his letters to the Gouernour of M●lita . Mustapha Bassa sendeth messengers to the Great master . The answere of the Great master to the Turkes messengers . Philip Lascaris flieth from the Turks to the castle S. Michaell . The knights of Malta craue aid of the Viceroy . The cold answere of the Viceroy to the knights . A traitor taken and executed a● Melita . The souldiors new come out of Sicilia , come to the Great master . The praier of Valetta . Ochiall Bassa made Gouernour of Tripolis . A terrible batterie . Three gallies depart from Messana with aid towards Malta . The gallies vpon a signe giuen returne backe . The king of Algiers commeth 〈◊〉 aid the Turks . A desperat fugitiue . The king of Algiers notably repulsed both by sea and land . A hard shift to carrie newes . A bridge made ouer the castle ditch by the Turks . The Turks repulsed . A mine of the Turks defeated . The bridge made by the Turke●● burnt . Aquilates a Spaniard flieth to the Turks . The Turkes at one time assault the new citie and the castle S. Michaell . The garrison soldiours of Melita salying out , cause the Turkes to giue ouer the assault at S. Michaels . Mustapha sendeth a messenger to Solyman . Salazer a Spanish captaine as a spie entreth the Turkes campe . 〈◊〉 Turks mines 〈◊〉 by the ●●●●stians . Robles Gouernor of the castle of S. Michael , slaine . The Turk● at once assault the townes S. Angelo and S. Michael ▪ and are at both places repulsed . Another assault . The resolute answere of the great Master . The Turkes assault both the town● the fourth time . The Turks enter the new citie . The comfortable speech of the Great master , when the Turkes were entred . The Turks with great slaughter againe repulsed . A mine of the Christians found by the Turks . The Turks desperatly assault the towne of S. Michael . The Turks enforced to retire . The Christian fleet driuen by tempest to the Island Aegus● . The Christian fleet commeth to Gaulos . A fugitiue discouereth the enemies purpose to the Great master . The Viceroy arriueth at Malta , and landeth his forces . The Turks forsake the siege . The Turks ouerthrowne by the Christians , flie to their gallies . The Turks depart from Malta . The carefulnesse of the Great Master . The letters of the Great master to the graund prior of Almanie , concerning the manner of the Turks proceedings in the siege of Malta . 1566 The island of Chios taken by the Turks . The Turks surprise townes in Hungarie . Great troubles in Hungarie . The good successe of the emperours captains . A great p●ey . The Turks wi●h much labour make a bridge ouer the great riuer of Drauus . The Turks encampe before Sigeth . Countie Serinus his comfortable and resolute speech to his soldiors . Solyman commeth into the campe at Sigeth . The defendants burne the new towne . The Turks win the old towne . Solyman dieth of the blo●die flix . Muhamet Bassa concealeth the death of Solyman . The great bulwarke vndermined & set on fire by the Ianizaries . The little castle set on fire . The last speech of countie Serinus to his souldiors . Serinus slaine . Serinus his head sent to countie Salma . The Bassa● quipping little to countie Sa●●● Nicholaus Keretschen corrupted for money , be●●ayeth Gyula to the Turks . A trai●or well rewarded . The Gouernor of Alba Regalis taken . The Turks sharp answere to the Spaniard . The Turks armie ret●●neth with the bodie of Solyman to Belgrade . Notes for div A04911-e228240 Selymus saluted emperour of the Turkes in the yeare 1566. Solyman buried . 1567 Troubles in Hungarie . The Bassa of Buda desirous to further the peace . Maximilian and Selymus both desirous of peace . Maximilian the emperor sendeth embassadours to Selymus . The embassadors come to Buda . Presents giuen by the emperours embassadours vnto the Bassa of Buda . The emperours embassadours honourably receiued by the Turks at Constantinople . Presents giuen by the emperours embassadours to the great Bassa●● Presents sent vnto Selymus by the emperour . The emperours embassadors honourably conducted by the Turks vnto the Court. The first Gate of the Great Turks pallace . The second Gate A homely feast giuen to the embassadors followers in the Turkes Court. The third Ga●e ▪ The embassadors brought in vnto Selymus , with the manner of the entertainment of them and their followers . Itinerario Di Marc Antonio Pigafetta . ca. 5. The principall point whereupon the embassadours differed from the Turkes in the treatie of peace . 1568 The cheefe capitulation wheron a peace was concluded betwixt Maximilian the emperour and Selymus . Embassadours sent from Tamas the Persian king to Selymus . * Schach Culi Soltan was not the proper name of this embassadour , but a title of honour , and signifieth as much as a prince seruant to the king . * Sayms are soldiors of greater honour than the Spahi , hauing for their stipend yearely 2000 Aspers at the least , out of the reuenues of certaine townes and villages . * A Mescali is foure 〈◊〉 . * Tumenlich is in va●●e as much a● the Turkes Asper . * December . The Persian embassadours honorably entertained by the Turkes a● Hadrianople . The Persian embassador in going to visit Muhamet the V●sier Bassa , indange● to haue beene slaine . The rich present sent by the Persian king vnto Selymus . The embassadors present to S●lymus . An honourable allowance . 1569 Muhamet Bassa dissuadeth Selymus from the inuading of Cyprus . Selymus sendeth Cubates his embassadour to Venice . Hard to trust vpon confederations . The Turks embassadour homely entertained at Venice . Cubates the Turks embassadours speech in the Senat at Venice . The effect of Selymus his letters to the Venetians . The answere of the Venetian● to the Turks demaunds . The Turkes embassadour sent away in secret to Venice . The resolution of the Senat for war diuersly liked , & disliked of others . The Emperour , the French king , and the king of Polonia entangled with their leagues , refuse to aid the Venetians against the Turks . What Christian princes promised to and the Venetians . The description of Cyprus . King Richard in Cyprus . How the kingdome of Cyprus came to the Venetians . Sabellic . E●nead . 10. lib. 8. 1570 Selymus inuadeth the Venetians . Piall Bassa sent against the Venetians . Mustapha Bassa his letters vnto the Venetians . Mustapha Bassa goeth for Cyprus . The Turkes fleet descried in Cyprus . The Turks land in Cyprus . Mustapha Bassae marcheth towards Nicosia . Nicholaus Dandulus Gouernour of Nicosia . The description of Nicosia . The Turks be●ore Nicosia . Nicosia battered and assaulted , and by the Christians valiantly defended . The Venetian flee● of an h●ndred and seauenteene saile a● Corcyra . The Christian fleet setteth forward toward Cyp●us . The Christian●●allie out of the citie vpon the Turkes . Scouts sent out of the citie , taken by the Turks , and executed . Letters shot into the citie . Mustapha Bassa in vaine persuadeth them of Nicosia to yeeld . Mustapha encourageth his souldiors . Nicosia most terribly assaulted by the Turks . The Turks gain● the bulwarks & wals of Nicosia . Nicosia taken by the Turks . A great slaughter . Cyrene yeelded vnto the Turkes . Famagusta besieged . Mustapha raiseth his siege . The Turks at sea aduertised of the comming of the Christian fleet , prepare thēselues for battell . The commaunders of the Christian fleet of d●uers opi●ions for giuing of the T●rks battell . The Christian fleet returneth vpon the foule disagreement of the commander● . Zanius the Venetian Admirall discharged of his office , and sent in bonds to Venice . A desperat fact of a woman . The strong castle of Chymera taken by Venerius . Quirinus taketh a castle of the Turkes in Peloponesus . Quirinus a valiant gentleman . 1571 Negligence seuerely punished by Selymus . Muhamet Bassa a secret friend vnto the Vene●●ans , putteth them in hope of peace . The Venetian● send an embassadour to Selymu● to entreat with him of peace . Ragazonius the Venetian embassadour commeth to Cōstantinople . The conference betwixt Muhamet the great Bassa , and Ragazonius . The Pope and the king of Spain fea●ing least the Venetians should make peace with the Turke , hasten the confederation The Venetians resolue to accept of the league with the Pope and the king . A perpetuall league concluded betwixt the Pope , the K of Spaine , and the Venetians . The proportioning of the charge of the warres against the Turke● and the other capitulations of the l●ague . The league proclaimed . The Venetians the more to trouble the Turke , seeke to stirre vp Tamas the Persian king to take vp armes against him . Alexander the Venetian embassadour hath audience with the Persian king . The answere of Tama● the Persian king vnto the Venetian ambassadour . Mustapha Bassa returneth to the siege of Famagusta . The description of Famagusta . The number of the defendants of Famagusta . Famagusta assaulted , and notably defended by the Christians . Famagusta againe assaulted by the Turks . Bragadinus encourageth the defendants . Baleonius a valiant captaine . The Turks seeke to vndermine the citie . The breaches notably defended . They of Famagusta blow vp one of ●he●● owne battered bulwarkes , with six hundred Turkes thereon . Famagusta hardly assaulted . The citisens of Famagusta request the Gouernour in time to yeeld vp the citie A parley betwixt them of Famagusta and the Turks . Bragadinus shamefully and horribly murthered by the faithlesse Bassa . The forsworne B●ssa tyranniseth vpon the dead bodie of Bragadinus . Theupolus hanged . Nestor Martinengus by good fortune escapeth . Cyprus lost . The Turkes arriue in Crete with a great fleet . The description of Crete . The Turks driuen out of Crete . A faire occasion let slip . Dulcigno , Antiuari , and Bud●a ▪ strong tow●es of the Venetians vpon the coasts of Epirus and Dalmatia , yeelded to the Turke . Cowardise punished . Curzola forsaketh by the men , is defended by the women . Selymus ad●ertised of the league lately concluded betwixt the Christian princes . The Turkes put into the bay of Lepanto . The forces of the confederat princes meet together at Messana . Don Iohn of Austria . Alexander Farnesius prince of Parma . The Venetians vrge battell . Cornea and Serbellio persuade the giuing of battell . The confederats put their fleet in order of battell . Six galeasses . The Christian fleet departeth from Messana to giue the Turk● battell . Mutius Tortona a Spaniard , raiseth a mutinie in the fleet at Paxo . Tortona and his antient hanged . Discention betwixt Don Iohn and Venerius the Venetian Admirall . Don Iohn still beareth a grudge against Venerius Barbadicus the Venetian Prouiditor , a notable man. The Christian fl●et at Cephalenia . Chiroche dissuadeth the Bassaes from giuing battell vnto the Christian● . Partau Bassa standeth indifferent for giuing or not giuing battell . The Turkes resolue to giue the Christians battell Partau Bassa encourageth the Turks . * vz. Venice . The Turkes fleet commeth out of the gulfe of Lepanto . The islands Echinades or Corzulares . The number and order of the Turks fleet . The great and notable battell betwixt the Turks and the Christian● , commonly called the battell of Lepanto . A terrible onset . A dreadfull and doubtfull sight betwixt the two Admiral gallies . Venerius comming to the relie●e of Don Iohn is encountred by Pertau Bassa . Venerius in danger . Lauretanus and Malipetra slaine The right wing of the Turks fleet sore gauled by the galeasses . A terrible fight betwixt Chiroche and Barbadicus . The death of Barbadicus . Ciconia hardly beset , and in danger to haue been lost , is relieued . An hard fight betwixt Io. Contarenus and Chiroche . Chiroche slaine , and his gallie taken . An hard and doubtfull battell A terrible fight betwixt Haly Bassa and Don Iohn . Haly Bassa slain . The Turks middle ba●tell discomfited . Caracoza the famous pyrat slain . The doubtfull ●ying of Iohn Andreas Auria with the right wing of the Christian fleet . Twelue of the Venetian gallies taken by Vluzales . A notable fight of the knights of Malta . Vluzales ●●ieth . The Christians hardly pursue the flying enemie . The number of the Turks slaine in the battell of Lepanto , diuersly reported . The surpassing beautie of the Admirall gallie . The Greek● that slew the Bassa , honorably rewarded The number of the Christians slaine in the battell of Lepanto . A generall reioysing , especially in Venice , for the victorie . A wittie and fit comparison 〈◊〉 by a Turks , to shew that the losse of Cyprus was greater than the losse of the battell a● Lepanto . The spoile of the enemie deuided amongst the confederats . Muhamet Bassa cunningly dissuadeth Selymus from so rigorous a resolution , by filling his head with most necessarie consideration● . Selymus repaireth his ra●●e with all diligence possible . The Christian fleet dissolued . Suppoto againe recouered by the Ven●tians . Castronouum in vaine attempted by the Venetians . Superantius relieueth Cataro , and taketh a great fort of the Turks . 1572 Selymus sendeth out Vluzales with two hundred gallies . Vluzales a ren●gate Christian , and now the Turks Admiral . Superantius hasteneth Don Iohn Don Iohn in doubt whether ●● send aid to the Venetians , or not . He sendeth Lilly of Andrada with 22 gallies . The number and order of the Christian fleet . The Christian fleet and the Turkes almost equall . The Turke war●ly declineth battell . Vluzales meaning nothing lesse , yet maketh shew of battell . The Turks politickly retire . The Christians desirous of battell , goe against the Turks . The Turks fleet at Corona , and the Christians at Cerigo . Don Iohn sendeth word to the fleet to meet him at Zacynthu● . Don Iohn sendeth for the fleet to Cephalenia , where he also faileth to meet thē . Don Iohn commaundeth the fleet to repaire vnto him to Corcyra . The Christian fleet altogether at Corcyra , setteth forward againe towards the enemie . The Christians offer the Turks battell . The description of the bay of Modon . Don Iohn refuseth to follow the counsell of the Admirall . The Castle of Modon in vain● b●sieged by the Christians . Mahomet slaine . The prince of Parma in vaine besiegeth Nauarinum . The weakenesse of the Turkes fleet . The Venetians murmure against the Spaniards . The Venetian Admirall persu●deth the Spaniards in no case to returne from the enemie . Don Iohn replieth vpon the Venetian Admirall The Spaniards about to returne without the knowledge of the Venetians . Am●da the exiled king of Tu●●● craueth aid of Don Iohn . 1573 The iust iudgement of God vpon Amyda the late K. of Tunes . Mahomet , Amyda his brother , made king of Tunes , and vassale to the king of Spaine . The Venetians wearie of the delaye● , and crosse dealing of the Spaniard , resolue to sue vnto the Turke for peace . Sel●mus himselfe desirous of peace ▪ M●hamet Bassa dealeth cunningly with the Frēch embassadour , solliciting the peace in the behalfe of the Venetians . The Venetians s●nd their embassador of purpose to Constantinople , to intreat a peace . A peace concluded betwixt Selymus and the Venetians . 1574 The peace proclaimed at Venice . The peace by experience found profitable vnto the Venetians . Selymus chaseth Bogdanus out of Moldauia , and placeth Iohn Vayuod in his s●ead . Iohn the Vayuod falleth into suspition with Selymus and the Bassaes of the Court. The commaunding speech of the Turks embassador to Iohn the Vayuod . The speech of the Vayuod vnto his nobilitie and subiect● . The answere of the Vayuod vnto the Turkes embassadour . The Vayuod entertaineth the Polonian Cossackes . Selymus sendeth his forces against the Vayuod . The Palatine with the Turks ouerthrowne by the Vayuod . The blunt answere of the captaine to the Vayuod . Barbarous crueltie . The city of Brailouia taken by the Vayuod and rased downe to the ground . The Turks again ouerthrowne by the Vayuod . Selymus in doubt to haue beene thrust out of Valachia by the Vayuod . The kind speech of the Vayuod to Czarnieuiche . Czarnieuiche hath secret conference with Peter the Palatines brother , who cunningly persuadeth him to giue the Turks passage . Czarnieuiche corrupted ▪ giueth the Turkes leaue quietly to passe ouer the riuer of Danubius . Czarnieuiche reuolteth vnto the Turks . Traitours iustly rewarded . The battell betwixt the Turkes and the Moldauians . The Moldauians ouerthrowne . The Vayuod hauing fortified himselfe within the ruines of an old towne , is besieged by the Tur●●● . The Vayuod shamefully and perfidiously murthered by the Turkes . All Vala●hia made subiect to the Turkes . The losse of Moldauia dangerous to Polania . Guletta besieged by the Turks . Guletta taken by the Turkes . The new castle besieged . The notable answere of Serbellio . The new castle taken . Tunes yeelded to the Turke . Selymus diet● . Notes for div A04911-e250830 Amurath taketh vpon him the Turkish empire the 25 day of December , in th● yeare 1574. The description of Amurath . He pacifieth the Ianizaries , and augm●nteth their priuiledg●● He strangl●th fiue of his brethren . A disperat woman . 1575 Russia inuaded by the Turks . Leon. Gorecius de Bello I●oniae . Amurath his letters vnto the Nobilitie of Polonia . Stephen Vayuod of Transyluania vpon the commendation of Amurath chosen king of Polon●● . 1576 The eleuen sons of Tamas the Persian king . Ismahel appointed by his father to succeed him in the kingdome . Aidere aspireth to the kingdome of Persia. Aidere slain , and his head cast amongst his fauori●s . Ismahel saluted king . He murdereth eight of his yonger brethren . Ismahel suddenly murthred by the deuise of his sister Periaconcona . 1577 Amurat a●●en●iue to the 〈◊〉 in Persia. Mahamet resolueth to take vpon him the kingdome of Persia. Mahomet proclaimed king of Persia. The head of Periaconcona presented to Mahamet on a launce . No assurance in the Turkes leagues . Ambi●ion the cause of the Persian warre . A consultation holden amongst the Bassaes about the manner of the inuasion of Persia. Vstref Bassa beginneth the wars in Persia. The League betwixt Amurath the Turkes Sultan , and Stephen king of Polonia . Musta●ha Bassa made Generall of the Turks armie . 1578 Mustapha commeth to Erzir●m and there mustereth his armie . Mustapha at Chars . Mustapha cunningly encampeth his armie at Cheilder . Tocomac Generall of the Persians . Mustapha commeth with his battell to relieue his distressed people . A bulwark made of the heads of the slaine Persians . The speech of Manucchiar to Mustapha . The answere of Mustapha . A terrible raine and tempest . Mustapha surueyeth his armie at Archichelec , and lacketh fortie thousand of his men . The Turkes victuallers cut off by the Georgians . Alessandro the Georgian sende●h embassadors to Mustapha . Alessandro court●ously entertained by Mustapha . The Turks army afflicted with hunger . Ten thousand of the Turks forragers slaine . The Persians ●lie , and in flying are many of them drowned in Canac . The resolute answere of Mustapha to his tumultuous souldiors . Eight thousand Turks drowned in passing the riuer . Famine in the Turks hoast . The Turks army refreshed . Mustapha returneth out of Siruan . Mustapha relieueth his distressed garrison at Teflis . The miseri● of the Turks armi● in passing the strai●● of Georgia . The Georgian widow submitteth her selfe , with her sonne Alexander to Mustapha . Mustapha commeth to Erzirum , and dischargeth his armie . Mustapha magnifieth his owne exploits to Amurath . Ares Chan hanged at Sumachia Emanguli Chan taken , & Genge sacked by the Tartarians . Ere 's recouered by the Persians . Sumachia besieged by the Persian prince . Sumachia yeelded vnto the prince . Abdilcherai beloued of the Persian queene . Abdilchera● slaine in the Court. The Tersian queene 〈◊〉 away . Sahamal slaine by Osman . The consultations of Amurath . Mustapha caref●ll to put ●n exc●tion Amura●h his commaund . Manucchiar ●urneth Turke . Alexander constant in his religion . Emanguli Chan taketh vpon him the defence of Siruan . Simon with Aliculi Chan sent for the defence of Georgia . 1579 The meeting together of the Turks armie at Erzirum . Chars fortified in 23 daies space . Snowes at Chars in August . Hassan Bassa sent with 20 thousand to the succouring of Tefli● . The Persians assaile the Turks , and make of them a great slaughter . The Persians ouerthrowne , and Aliculi C●an taken . The miserie of the Turks in garrison at Teflis . Simon destroied the rearward of Hassan● armie , and taketh from him his treasure . Mustapha returneth to Erzirum , and there dischargeth his armie . Hassan Bassa for his good seruice rewarded by Amurath . Mustapha discharged of his Generalship , and called home to Constantinople . A comparison b●twixt Sinan Bassa and Mustapha , two antient enemies both to themselues and the Christian common ●eale . Sinan accuseth Mustapha to Amurath . Io. Leuncla . in supplement . Annal. Turcicorum , pag. 79. Mustapha by the mediation of certaine great ladies appeaseth the displeasure of Amurath . The strange death of the great Visier Bassa Muhamet . 1580 Sinan Bassa chosen Generall for the Persian war. The Persian king sendeth Maxut Chan his embassadour to Amurath . The admo●i●ion of Sinan to the Persian embassadour . The preparations of the Persian king against the Turkes . Sinan mustereth his armie at Erzirum . Maxu● Chan reporteth vnto the king what he hath done , and is for his good seruice by him rewarded . Maxut Chan fl●e●h vnto the Turkes . Sinan commeth to Tellis . Sinan departeth from Teflis . Seuen thousand Turkes slaine by the Georgian● and Persians . Sinan de●id●d of his souldiors . Sinan commeth to Erzirum , and there breaketh vp his armie . 1581 Amurath circumciseth his eldest sonne Mahomet . Io. Leuncl . suppl . Annal. Tur● . pag. 82. Mahamet Bass● refuseth battell offered by the Georgians and and Persians . The Turkes discomfited , and the treasure and corne taken by the Georgians and Persians . Mahamet with his discomfited armie commeth to Teflis . The Oration of Mahamet Bass● in the castle of Teflis . The Turkes among themselues make a purse of 30000 duckats , for the releefe of the garrison of Teflis . Mahamet deuiseth how to betray Mustaffa the Georgian . Mustaffa notably reuengeth himselfe of the tre●herie intended against h●m by Maham●t the Generall . The proud answere of Sinan to Amurath . Sciaus Bassa made Visier in Sina● place . 1582 Mahamet the Persian king resolueth to go to Heri against his sonne Abas Mirize . Mahamet commeth to Her● . Abas Mirize by his embassadours purged of treason . The embassadors of Abas accuse Mirize Salmas the Visier . Mirize Salmas the Visier found guiltie of treason and beheaded . Ferat Bassa chosen Generall of the armie in Sinans place . 1583 Generall Ferat d●parteth from Constantinople . He commeth to Reiuan . Ferat in the space of fifteene daies buildeth a ●or● at Reiuan 750 ya●d● ab●ut . Ferat commeth to Erzirum , and there breaketh vp his armie . The death of Hama Cadum , Amurath his mother . 1584 Ferat raiseth a new armie . The Persian king with a great armie commeth to Tauris . For at cutteth downe a thicke wood at Tomanis , and biuldeth a fort vpon the strait . The compas●● of the castle bui●t a● Tomanis by Ferat . Simon in danger to haue been taken , escapeth by a strange chance . A wonderfull dearth in the Turks army at Triala . The insolent speech of the mutinous souldiors against Ferat their Generall . The mutinous souldiors again● threaten their Generall . The stout answere of Ferat . The souldiours ouerthrow the Generals tents , and threaten to kill him . Ferat at Ardachan breaketh vp his armie . The dangerous passage from Reinan to Te●li● secured vnto the Turkes . Emir Chan hauing his eies pu● ou● , dieth miserably in prison . Amurath sendeth for Osman into Shuan . The Tartar king sendeth twelue thousand Tartars to lie in wait for to kill Osman Osman assaulted by twelue thousand Tartars . Osman ouercommeth the Tartar● Osman strangleth Mahomet the Tartar king , with his two son● , and placeth Islan his brother in his s●ead . Amurath demaundeth Osmans opinion concerning the enterprise of Tauris . Osmans resolution . Osman Bassa made cheefe Visier and Generall of the armie . Io. Leunel . sup . Annal. Turcicorum , pag. 91. A most barbarous outrage comitted by Petrus Emus a Venetian . The villanie discouered . Amurath sende●h a messenger to Venice , to ●xpostulat the ini●●ie done vnto his sub●●ct● . Petrus Emus beheaded . Io. Leunel . sup . Ann●l . Turcicorum , pag. 92. Ramadan Bassa slai●e by th● ins●le●● Ianizaries Achmetes Bassa Gouernou● of Ciprus slaine by the Ianizaries . Another insolencie of the Ianizaries . Busbequius legationis Turcicae , epist. 3. 1585 Hassan Bassa the queenes Eunuch sent to Caire to gouerne there . Ebrain Bassa in speech to marrie Amuraths daughter . The warinesse of the craftie Eunuch . The Eunuch cast in prison a● Constantinople , and his euill gotten goods confiscated . The Drusian people what they are . The countrey which the Drusians inhabit . Fiue chiefe rulers or gouernors among the Drusians . Three of the Drusian lords meet Ebrain a● Ierusalem with rich presents and a great 〈◊〉 of men . Serafadin co●meth with presents to Ebrain . A letter of Man Oglies ●o Ebrain Bassa . Ebraim burneth 24 townes of Man-oglies . Veis Bassa and his sonne discomfited by the D●usians . Ebrain sendeth for a●cubuses to Man-ogli . The notable dissimulation of Ebrain Bassa . Emir Ebne-frec antiseth Man-ogli his Macademo or lieutenant to come to Ebrain . The Macademo by the commandement of Ebrain ●laine quicke . Ebrain notably dissembleth with Ebne-mansur . Ebne-mansur in chaines sent to the gallies . The rich presents giuen to Amurath by Ebrain . Io. Leuncl . sup . Annal. Turcicorum , pag. 95. The land of Iurie much troubled with the Arabian theeues and robbers . The Subbas●i of Bethlehem flaine quicke . The number of Osmans armie . The most insolen● speech of the souldiors of Constantinople and Greece vnto Osman their Generall . Osman wis●ly appeaseth his mutinous souldiors . The Turkes re●oi●e vpon the discouerie of Tauris . The Persian prince ouerrunneth the vauward of the Turkes armie . Osman sendeth two Bassaes with 14000 souldiors to ouertake the Persian prince . A great slaughter in the gates of Tauris . The description of Tauris . The castle of Ta●●ris built in 36 daies . Eight Ia●izaries with certaine S●●●gla●s ●ound s●●angled in a bath at Tauris . The miserie of the Taurisians . Eight thousand Turks slaine . The Bassa of Caraemit slaine by the Persian prince , and his head cut off . Giaffer Bassa of Tripolis an Eunuch made Gouernor of Tauris . Osm●● th● Generall departeth from Ta●●is , and commeth to Sancazan . The battell of Sancazan . Twentie thousand Turks slain . Osman the Visier and Generall dieth a● Sancazan The Turkes armie discharged at Van. The miserie the Turks armie endured at Tauris . Ten thousand Turcomans off●r their seruice vnto the Persian king . The Turcomans forsake the siege and fall into rebellion . The Turcomans discomfited , and Mahamet Chan and Calife the Sultan beheaded . Gi●ffer Bassa s●ndeth to Cical● Bassa for aid The reuenue of Soria six hundred thousand duckats . 1586 Ferat departed from Constantinople and commeth to Siuas . The glorie of the Persian kingdome ouerthrown by rebellion and discord . Aliculi and Emanguli Chan performe nothing against the Turk● , as was by the prince expected . Fera● putteth succours into the ●ort a● Tauris . The Persian prince ●laine by one of his Eunuchs . 1587 The castle of Koppan in Hungarie surprised by the Christians . Aly Bassa of Buda strangled by the commandement of Amurath . Sinan Bassa againe receiued into sauour . Sigismund the Polonian king his letter vnto Amurath . * The Turks desire to be called Mussu●man , which in their language signifieth a right beleeuer . Amurath his answere vnto the letters of Sigismund . 1588 Genge taken by Ferat . The Ianizarie● in a tumul● at Constantinople . Great harme done by fire in Constantinople ▪ Sinan Bassa of Buda inuadeth the vpper part of Hungarie . Sinan ouerthrowne . 1589 Nicholaus Reusnerus epist. Turci● . lib. 12. pag. 42. Amurath his letters vnto the queene of England . * September . The Polonian Cossack● inuade the Tartarians and Turkes . 1590 The reasons wherewith the Visi●r Bassa●s persuade Amurath to make warre . The causes why Amurath would not suddenly res●●●e vpon war. Eight seuerall opinion of the Vis●er Bassaes concerning the warre to be taken in hand . The first opinion and reasons of them that would haue the war● renewed in Persia. The second op●nion for making of war vpon the king of Fez and Morocco , & the reasons thereof . The third opinion concerning the conquest of Malta . The fourth opinion for warre to be made against the K. of Spaine , and the reasons thereof . The fift opinion for the inuasion of the Venetians , and the reasons why . The sixt opinion for the attempting of Italie , and the reason● thereof . The seuenth opinion for war ●o b● made against the Polonian , & the reasons thereof . The eight opinion for warre to be made against the Emperor , and the reasons thereof . Amurath reselueth to make w●rre vpon the emperour , with the reasons 〈◊〉 him there●nto . 1591 The Persian hostage dieth in the Turkes Cou●● . 1592 Wihitz the Metropoliticall cit●e of Croatia ●eelded to the Turks . Certaine ●aine attempts of the Turkes . Turopolis spoiled by the Turks . The castle Saint George surprised by the Turkes . The emperour prayeth aid againe of the Germane princes . 1593 Diuers incursion● of the Turkes into the frontiers of the Christians in Croatia and Hungarie . The Emperours letters vnto Amurath . The Emperours letters vnto Sinan Bassa . Sinan Bassa his letters to the emperour . * Which is the 16 of March in the yeare of Christ. 1593. The threatening letters of Hassan Bassa of Bosna vnto the Abbot of Siseg . * The Hungarian Bannes are noble men , in power much like vnto the Turkes Bassaes . Hassan Bassa inuadeth Croatia . Siseg besieged by Hassan Bassa . A great battell betwixt the Turkes and the Christians . Siseg relieued . Eigh●●●ne tho●sand Turkes slaine . Newes of the ouerthrow of the Turks at Siseg ▪ brought to Bud● . The proud and blasphemous denuntiation of warre giuen out by Amurath against Rodolph the Christian ●mperour . Siseg taken by the Turkes . Sinan Bassa besiegeth Vesprinium . Palotta yeelded vnto the Turks . Alba Regalis besieged by the Christians . Sabatzka taken by the lord Teuffenbach . Filek besieged by the Christians . Filek taken by the Christians . Setschine , Blauenstein , and Sallek abandoned by the Turk● The Turks in b●rying their dead , slaine by the Christians . 1594 A great tempest at Constantinople . Amurath dreameth . A faire present of the spoile of the Turkes , sent vnto the emperour . Nouigrad besieged by the Christians . Nouigrad yeelded vnto the archduke . The Sanza●ke of Nouigrad hanged a● Buda . Certaine castles of the Turks vpon the borders of Stir●a taken by the countie Serinus . Ha●●an besieged by the Christians The copie of the letter● of the lord Teuffenb●ch to Matthias the Archduke , Generall of the emperours armie against the Turk● . S●rigonium besieged by the Christians . The old citie deliuered by the Rascians vnto the Christians . The castle assaulted . The Rascian● rise vp against the Turks . Fiue thousand Christian● lost at the siege of Strigon●um . The Archduke send●th aid to the siege of Hatwan . Strigonium assaulted . Strigonium sore battered . The new built ●ort hardly assau●ted by the Turkes . The Archduke raiseth his siege , and with his armie passeth the riuer . Fiue thousand Turks slaine . Hatwan in vain assaulted by the Christians . Teuff●nbach giueth ouer the siege of Hatwan . A Dice of the empire holden at Ratisbone for the withstanding of the Turke . The emperour grieuously complaineth vnto the Princes Electors ▪ and States of the empire , of the infidelitie of the Turke , and craueth their aid . Sinan Bassa with an armie of 250 thousand betw●ene Buda and Alba Regalis . Dotis and Saint Martins yeelded to the Turkes . Rab. The Turks and Tartars passing ouer the riuer , ouerthrowne . The Tartarians the second time ouerthrowne . Rab battered . A Bassa slaine . A sight in the riuer betwixt the Turkes and the Tartars . A great skirmish betwixt the Turkes and the Christians . Two tho●sand Turks slaine , and 17 of their ensignes taken . A great spoile taken by the Turks . Rhegium rased by the Turks . Rab assaulted by the Turks . Twelue thousand Turks slaine . Countie Hardeck corrupted by the Turke , yeeldeth the strong towne of Rab vnto Sinan Bassa . Rab repaired by the Turks . Komara besieged by Sinan Bassa . Sinan Bassa rais●th his siege . Countie Hardeck condemned and executed for betraying of Rab. Great harme ●rn● in Transyl●ania by the Tartars . The conspirators against the prince , appreh●nded and executed . The Ianizaries in a tumult at Constantinople . Amurath sicke . 1595 The ●●●itulations of the league betwixt the emperour and the Transyluanian Prince . Valachia oppressed by the Turk● . * Ion sig●ifieth with the Va●achian● as much as Christian , which some mis●aking , call this Mi●hael also by the name of Iohn Michael by Amura●h created Vayuod of Valachia . Alexander strangled a● Constantinople . Michael the Vayuod of Valachia reuolteth from the Turkes . * The Turk● call all them that are dis●e●ded of the slocke of their Prophet Mahomet by the name of Emirs or Lord● . The Cadel●sher with all the Turke his followers slaine . Phlocz spoiled by the Vay●od . Hersow● taken . Silistria 〈◊〉 . Amurath di●t● . Notes for div A04911-e288180 1595 Mahomet salut●● Emperour of the Turks . He murthereth his brethren . The Ianizaries in a tumult . The tumult appeased . The Ianizaries againe in an vpro●e . Diuer● fortunate rode● made by the Christians vpon the Turk● . The emperours ●mbassado●r dieth in prison at Belgrade . The Bassa●s subtill demaund● answered with like . The Turkes embassadours sent vnto the Polonian king slaine in Valachia . The plague and famine among the Turkes . Michael Vaiuod of Valachia doth the Turkes great harme . The notable armie of the Christians and from whence i● was raised . Ferat Bassa ouerthrowne in Valachia . Mahomet sendeth embassadors to the prince of Transylvania . The presumptuous speech of one Waswood an old Ianizarie to Mahomet the great Sultan . The armie of the Christians ●●●stered a● Altenburg . The vigilant carefulnesse of Countie Mansfeld . Dotis besieged by the Christians . An obstina● Turke . Countie Mansfeld remoueth with the armie from Dotis to Strigonium . The Christians repulsed . Mahomet carefull of Strigonium . The higher citie of Strigonium battered by the Christians . Gokara taken by the Christians . A skirmish betwixt the Turks and the Christians . A cruell battell betwixt the Chris●●ans and the Turkes before Strigonium . The Turks ouerthrowne . The message sent by the lord Palfi to the Gouernor of Strigonium . The resolute answere of the old Gouernor to the message sent him by Pa●●i . The loxer towne 〈◊〉 by the C●ristians . Countie Mansfeld d●eth at Komara . The coppie of the great dukes letters vnto the emperour . Alis-Beg the old Gouernour of S●●igonium slain with a great shot Strigonium yeelded vnto the Christians . The castle of Vicegrade taken by the Christians . Lippa taken by the Transyluanians . Ferat Bassa sent for to Constantinople , and there strangled . Sinan Bassa sent in Ferats st●ad . A mo●tall battell betwixt Sinan and the Trans●luanian prince . The Turks ouerthrowne . Sinan in flying like to be drowned . The Turks ouerthrowne in Croatia . Petrinia taken by the Christians The prince taketh a view of his armie . Sinan Bassa by a bridge made of boats passeth ouer Danubius into Valachia . Hassan Bassa taken . The ●ruitfulnesse of Valachia and Moldau●a . Bucaresta taken by the prince . Sinan fli●●● ouer Danubi●● . The Prince returneth with victorie to Alba Iulia. The opinion Sinan Bassa had of the Transyluanian . Ienna yeelded to the Transyluanians . Mahomet calleth in the Tartars ●o inuade Moldauia . The reasons pretended by the Chancelour for the inuasion of Moldauia . The late chosen Vayuod openeth thre● waies vnto the Turkes and Tartars into Transyluania . The Popes letters vnto the king of Polonia , to dissuade him from inuading the prince . The coppie of the letters of the Tartar vnto the king of Polonia . The Presents of●ered by the Tartar embassadour to the king of Polonia . Zamoschie the great Chancelor his letters vnto Clement the Pope that no● is . * viz to become tributarie vnto the Turks . Sinan Bassa sent for to Constantinople . His death . Mahomet perplexed . 1596 The Siculi rebell against the prince . The Bassa of ●emeswar slaine , and a great boo●ie taken . Warres proclaimed in Constantinople against the emperour & the Transyluanian prince . Six hundred of the garrison souldiors of Lipp● slaine by the Turkes . Lippa besieged by the Turkes and Tartars . Plenia a towne of the Turkes sacked by the Christians . Clissa lately surprised by the Christians , lost againe to the Turkes . Sombock taken by the lord Pal●i . Temeswar besieged by the Transyluanian prince . The prince raiseth his siege . Vacia ab●●doned of the Turkes , is taken by the Christians . Hatwan besieged by the Christians Cowardise punished . Hatwan woon by the Christians . Extreame cruchi● . Mahome● the grea● Sultan cōmeth to Buda with an armie of two hundred thousand . Agria . Agria besieged by Mahome● . A bulwarke twelue times assaulted in 〈◊〉 daies . The old castle taken . Agria yeelded vnto the Turkes . Petrinia besieged by the Turkes . Petrinia relieued . A great and long skirmish betwixt the Turks and the Christians . Ten ●housand Turks passe the riuer , and are ●oge●her with the Tar●ars put ●o flight . The Christians i● seeking too greedily after the ●potle , o●erthrowne and discomfited . Twentie thousand Christians slaine , and threescore thousand Turks . Vacia besieged by the Bassa of Buda . Pappa taken by the Christians . Dotis taken by the Turks . Michael the Vayuod yeeldeth his obeisance vnto the Turke , and yet refuseth to aid him against the Christians . 1598 A great tribute . The prince of Transyluania ●esigneth his countrey vnto the Emperour . Michael the Vaiuod submitteth himselfe with his people vnto the Emperours protection . Two Italian prisoners flying out of Rab discouer the state of the towne to the lord Swartzenburg . The notable speech of the lord Palfi vnto his souldi●rs . Rab surprised by the Christians . Two of the Turk● Bassa●s slaine . A great bootle . A great tumult betweene the Ianizaries and the Spahi . Buda besieged by the Christians . The Christians depart from the siege of Buda . Veradinum besieged by the Turks . A new supply put into Veradi 〈◊〉 by ●●sta . Nicopoli● sacked and burn● by th● Vayuod . 1599 The Turkes againe spoiled by the Vayuod . Buda distressed . The Turks embassadour taken for a spie , and imprisoned as Vienna . Sigismund yeeldeth his countrey of Transyluania vnto the Cardinall Bath●r hi● cousin . The Bassa of Buda taken prisoner . The Turks ouerthrowne , and the Bassa of Bosna slaine . The Turkes r●cei●e a notable ouerthrow vpon the riuer of Danubius . The Turkes 〈◊〉 feare forsake the citie 〈◊〉 Buda , and flie into th● castle . The Christians vpon the approach of the Turkes great armie retire . A parley for peace . Michael the Vay●od with a gr●at armie entreth into Tran●y●uania . A te●rible battell b●twixt the Va●uod and th● Cardinall . The Cardinals head sent for a present vnto the emperour . The Turks great armie of it selfe d●ssol●ed . Cusahin Bassa of C●ramania riseth ●p in rebellion against the great Sultan . Mehemet one of the Visier Bassaes sent agains● the r●bell . Cusahin the rebell taken and tortured to death at Cōstantinople . 1600 The emperour maketh prouision against the Turk● . The death of t●e lord Palfi . The Frenchmen and Wallons mutinie in Pappa . Pappa offe●ed vnto the Turkes by the mutiners . A most wicked fact . The lord Swartze●burg slaine . Pappa abandoned by the mutiniers . An horrible ex●●cution . Two Bassaes of Sigeth slaine one after another . I●la surprised and burn● by the free Haiduckes . The gouernment of Transyluania by the emperour confirmed vnto Michael the Vayuod . Michael the Vayuod goeth against Sigismund Bathor and the Vayuo● of Moldauia . Sigismund and the Moldauian ouerthrowne by Michael the Vayuod . Moldauia subdued by Michael . Michael t●rannizeth in Transylvania ▪ The Transyluanians rebell . Basta taketh part with the Transyluanians against the Vayuod in whose aid he was sent . The battell of Mirislo betwi●● Michael the Vayuod and Basta the emperor● lieutenant . Michael the Vayuod ouerthrowne . Thi● Chiaki was the chiefe man , and ●s it w●re the ringleader of the Transyluanians into r●bellion . A reconciliation made betwixt Michael the Vayuod & Basta . Micha●l for feare of being betrayed vnto the Polonian● , taketh his flight into the mountaines . The Chancelour placeth a new Vayuod in Valachia in stead of Michael , by him driuen out . False rumours raised ●o haue terrified B●sta . The ●●out speech of Basta , vnto the Chiaki and the rest of the nobilitie of Trans●luania . The errour of B●sta . The discre●ion of the doer is not alwaies to be deemed by the euent of the thing done . Canisia besieged by the Turk● . The battell bet●ixt the Christians and the Turks before Canisia . Canisia yeelded vnto the Turks . S●●●ia ●orraged by the Turks . Ibrahim Bassa his proclamation Ibrahim Bassa his letters vnto the Countie Serinus . Ibrahim Bas●a returneth with his armie to B●lgrade . Paradiser executed for the yeelding vp of Canisia to the Turkes . The Turkes embassadour euill entreated by the king of Persia. 1601 The aid sent out of Italie vnto the emperour . Ibrahim Bassa d●eth at Belgrade Alba Regalis besieged by duke Mercurie . The suburbes of Alba Regalis surprised by the lord Russwurm . Alba Regal●● taken by the Christians . Assan B●ssa commeth out of season to haue relieued Alba Regalis . The victorie of the Christians ouer the Turkes . The Bassa of Buda slaine . Canisia besieged by Ferdinand the Archduke . The Christians by tempest and extreamitie of weather enforced to giue ouer the siege of Canisia . Michael the Vayod submitteth himselfe vnto the emperour . Basta taken prisoner by the Transyluanians . Sigismund recouereth his state in Transyluania ▪ Sigismund ouerthrowne by Ba●●a and the Vayuod , s●●●●h o●t of T●an●yluania . Michaell the Vay●od slaine . The Transyluanians submit themselues vnto Basta . The Transyluanians re●el● againe vnto Sigismund their old prince . Basta flie●h . The Ianizaries in mutinie at Constantinople . The Bassa of Agria ouerthrowne by Ferrant Gonzaga . 1602 Zachell Moises ouerthrowne by Basta . Great troubles in Valachia . Troubles in Hungarie . Ali Bassa taken prisoner . A great ransome offered by Ali Bassa . Al●a Regalis besi●ged by the Turks . A long and terrible assault . Alba Regalis by the Turks woon . These Nassadies a●e a certaine kind of boats which the Hungarians vse vpon the riuer of Da●ubius . The lower citie of Buda taken by the Christians . The city of Pes●h t●k●n by the Christians . The vpper citie and castle of B●da besieged by the Christians . A notable ●ki●mish betwixt the Christians and the Turk● . The Visier Bassa raiseth his siege . The siege of B●da for feare of the Tartars g●uen ouer by the Christians . Mahomet much troubled with the Scriuano . The death of the Scriuano . The Scriuano his younger brother taketh vpon him the leading of the rebels in his brothers stead . Hassan Bassa slaine , and his armie ouerthrowne by the rebels . Diuer● incu●sions of the Tartar● into the frontiers of the empe●our●●erri●ories ▪ and much h●●me by them there done . 1603 A great 〈◊〉 . The Ianizari●● and Spahi raising a sedition in Constantinople , againe appeased . Great har●es done by the Tartars in the frontiers of the Christians . Buda victualled . Foure hundred of the Turkes gar●ison in Canisia intercepted by the Christians . The Conclusion . Notes for div A04911-e309420 Constantinople the seat of the Turks Empire . The bounds of the Turks Empire in Europe , Africa , & Asia . The greatnesse of the Turkes Empire . The foure chiefe cities for trade in the Turkish Empire . The Othoman gouernment meere tyrannicall . The meanes wherby the Turkish Emperours preserue themselues in so absolute a soueraigntie . Foure things wherein the greatest strength of the Othoman empire consisteth . The Turks ordinarie reuenewes , and why they are ●o greater . The Turks casualties more than his ordinarie reuenewes . The Turkes Timariot● of greater value than his reu●new●s . The two chiefe p●llars of the Othoman empire The great vse of the Timariot horsemen in the Turks Empire . The number of the Timariots . The Spahi , Vlufagi and Carapici , seminaries of the great offices in the Turkes Empire . The Acanzij . The Ianizaries the second strength of the Turkes Empire . What manner of children are taken vp to make Ianizaries of . The Azamoglans are such vntrained youth as are taken vp to become Ianizaries , but yet are not of their order . The manner of their bringing vp . The daily pay of the Ianizaries and Spahi . The Ianizaries insolent . Their great priuiledges and royalties . The order of the Ianizaries in our time much embased . The Turkes Asapi in what small regard they a●e ●ad . The great commaunders of the Turks empire . The great authoritie of the Visier Bassaes. The great authoritie of the Beglerbegs . 1 The Beglerbeg of Romania chiefe of the Beglerbegs of the Turkes Empire in Europe . 2 The Beglerbeg of Buda . 3 The Beglerbeg of Temeswar . 4 The Beglerbeg of Bosna ▪ 5 The Beglerbeg of Coffe or Capha . The Beglerbegs of the Turks empire in Asia . The great power of the Turke in the Mediteranean and Euxine seas . From whence he hath his chiefe sea-men . 6 The Denizi Beglerbeg , the Turks great Admirall , to be accounted sixe of the Beglerbegs in Europe . The princes as well Mahometanes as Christians , vpon whom the great Empire of the Turke confineth , and of what power they be in comparison of the Turke . The Persian too weake for the great Turke . The Portingals too strong for the Turk in the East Indies . Prester Iohn too weake for the great Turke . The king of Maroco and the Turke both in doubt of the king of Spaine . The king ●f Polo●ia 〈…〉 the Turke , 〈…〉 Turke 〈…〉 . The Emperour with the rest of the princes of the ●●use of Au●●●ia , together with the aid of the Germanes haue much adoe to defend themselues against the Turke . The Venetians by policie rather than by force maintaine their state against the Turke . The king of Spain of all other princes that border vpon the Turke best able to wage war with him . Why the Turke is not to bee thought inuinci●ble , neither his power so strong , as it in shew seemeth ●o be . The signes of the declining of the Turks Empire .